Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan-starrer "Shaadi Ke Side Effects" didn’t create fireworks on the opening day but showed good growth over the weekend, say trade experts.

Co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Pritish Nandy Communications, the film is about the relationship of a young and urban married couple. Made at a budget of about Rs.50 crore, it hit approximately 1,500 screens Feb 28.

“‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ has collected about Rs.23 crore in India in four days. Expectations were higher due to the star cast. It didn't have a good opening but picked up on the weekend,” Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines told IANS.

Trade analyst Komal Nahta was disappointed with the film's story.

"’Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ is funny upto a point but then it loses the plot completely,” he tweeted.

Though the trade pundits aren't very thrilled, Farhan was content with the weekend box office collection and tweeted: “Weekend's side effects for our film ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ have been good. Thank you all for your love and please keep the feedback coming. Big hug.”

Vir Das, who also features in the romantic comedy directed by Saket Chaudhary, is overjoyed with the film’s response.

“Did ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ to goof around and have a laugh with fun folks. Never ever expected this explosion of kindness. Thank you so much,” he posted on Twitter.

Actor Purab Kohli will be the showstopper for designer Lalit Sengar's show at the Lakme Fashion Week summer-resort 2014, which begins here March 12.

The collection draws inspiration from the art nouveau era.

Sengar believes the "Jal" actor is capable of carrying off the look with utmost style and elegance.

“Taking a cue from the detailed architecture, mega structures, motifs, art installations, home decor and other natural objects, the line is infused with a powerfully rhythmic and whip like force,” the designer said in a statement.

LFW, a five-day fashion extravaganza, will be held at the Grand Hyatt hotel here.

Priyanka Chopra's cousin Saurabh is getting married in Delhi, and the actress, currently busy shooting for "Mary Kom", is waiting to join her family for the wedding.

"Missing mere (my) brother Saurabh ki shaadi (wedding) celebrations in delhi. The whole family is there. Can't wait to go. Full Chopra style gaana shaana," Priyanka tweeted Monday.

"Miss you family. (I'll) Be there soon," she later posted.

Actor Randeep Hooda, who proved his mettle with "Highway" once again, says whenever he approached people for work it didn't work.

"Approaching people for work has not worked for me. People who came to me with work has worked," Randeep told reporters during a group interview.

However, Randeep, who started acting with internationally acclaimed film "Monsoon Wedding", has been appreciated for his work in "D", "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai", "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster" and "Jannat 2".

He has won appreciation for playing a rustic yet affable villain in Imtiaz Ali directed "Highway". The 37-year-old considers himself lucky to be part of the road movie in which he is paired with Alia Bhatt.

"I think the film chose me and I am lucky to be part of the film. Imtiaz is a great director. I don't think you can become a star with one movie because you have to keep churning out good work. But, yes I am certainly lucky to be part of the film," said Randeep.

Actress-turned-producer Divya Khosla believes that if a filmmaker's product is good, he or she will succeed.

Divya, who started her career in Bollywood as an actor with 2004 "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo", believes that everything in life comes to you when the time is right.

She made her directorial debut with "Yaariyan". Even with a new cast and modest budget, she did a decent job.

"I worked hard to be here. I trained for two years, directed successful music videos, honed my skills, worked on my script, casting, locations, music and then 'Yaariyan' was born. If the product is right, you can make your mark," Divya told IANS in an email interaction.

She said the cast was apt for the script. "The story is always the heart of the film. Then comes the power of good storytelling. The cast needs to suit the film and not vice versa."

The romantic-comedy featured Himansh Kohli, Serah Singh and Rakul Preet Singh and it released alongside Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Dedh Ishqiya" Jan 10.

If required, she is open to work with stars.

"The film drew bigger initial response... My confidence rests with my product. If stars are required, they will be there," she said.

Divya, who is married to T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar, feels that she is a creative person and that is why she delved into movie-making business.

"Creativity has always been my forte. As the creative director of T-series, I have worked on all products. But between production and direction, I enjoy direction more," she said.

However, the director does not take the husband's position for granted and that is why it took her so long to direct her first film.

"If you want to make your mark, put in your best. Your family can back you, but you alone are responsible for your failure or success," she said.

Actor Anupam Kher, who will be seen in a supporting role in David Dhawan's "Main Tera Hero", has finished dubbing for the movie and says he enjoyed working in the film.

"Dubbing for David Dhawan's 'Main Tera Hero' finished. Enjoyed the journey," Anupam tweeted Monday.

The actor will also be seen in movies like "Daawat-e-Ishq", "Total Siyappa", "O Teri" and "Gangs Of Ghosts" this year.

Vir starts dubbing for 'Santa Banta'

Actor and standup comedian Vir Das started dubbing for his upcoming movie "Santa Banta" Monday.

"Dubbing begins today for 'Santa Banta - The Film'. Now where did I put that thick punjabi accent?" Vir posted on microblogging website Twitter.

"Santa Banta" also stars Neha Dhupia and Boman Irani.

FRAMES 2014, starting March 12, will discuss issues from reforms and regulatory mechanisms to implementation of policies for social impact with requisite standards. Uday Shankar, chairman, FICCI M&E committee, says this is the best time for everyone to revisit their policies.

At FICCI FRAMES 2014, starting March 12, reforms, regulatory mechanisms and implementation of policies will be discussed.

"FICCI FRAMES 2014 will be an iconic and important because of the political backdrop ... elections are going to take place and there are chances that new political dispersion may come to power," Uday Shankar, also the CEO of Star India, told reporters Tuesday at the press meet.

"It's the election year and a great opportunity for everyone to revisit their policies. What can be a better year to bring different things to spotlight during electios," he said.

Big names from various fields will support the event.

"We are fortunate that we are getting support from top talents from different fields. This business is part of content and storytelling and stars are the faces of these content... we are extremely fortunate to have them," he said.

This edition is described as the landmark edition of the covention as it marks fifteen years of its inception with Australia as the partner country.

Filmmaker and co-chair of FICCI Ramesh Sippy says they will analyse the growth in the media and entertainment industry.

"Despite setting new records in the industry, the growth is not really seen on papers and we need to find out why. Why the result is not as much as it has to be? The potential is there, but we are way behind American films," said Sippy.

Malayalam actress Navya Nair will step into the shoes of southern actress Meena in the Kannada remake of recent Malayalam blockbuster "Drishyam".

The remake is set to go on floors March 11.

Meena, who was supposed to do the remake, is currently busy shooting for the Telugu remake of the same film.

"Navya Nair has been confirmed for the role originally played by Meena, who couldn't be signed because she has already started shooting for the Telugu version. Navya fits the role of a mother and a middle-aged wife perfectly," the film's director P. Vasu told IANS.

"Regular shooting starts from March 11 in Coorg," he added.

While Mohanlal played the lead in the original, Kannada superstar Ravichandran will reprise his role in the remake.

"Drishyam", which happens to be biggest Malayalam blockbuster, is the story of a man's plight to cover up a murder committed by his family.

Besides Kannada, "Drishyam" is also being remade in Telugu and Tamil. While Daggubati Venkatesh plays the lead in its Telugu version, Kamal Haasan will feature in the Tamil version.

Activist Sampat Pal Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court for blocking the release of forthcoming Hindi movie "Gulaab Gang", which is reportedly based on her life.

Sampat Pal formed Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari clad women vigilantes from Uttar Pradesh.

The film, starring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla as leads, is set for release March 7.

Sampat Pal moved the high court seeking a restraining order on the release of "Gulaab Gang", saying the filmmakers did not take her permission before making the movie.

She also sought financial compensation, saying there are certain scenes in movie which will effect her reputation.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, hearing the plea, questioned Pal for the delay in filing the plea.

"Why you approached the court last minute when movie is going to release? Why didn't you come earlier?" asked court, while passing over the case to hear it later in the day and asking Pal's counsel to show judgments related to the case.

The movie, slated for release Friday, is directed by debutant Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha.

Once upon a time actresses like Devika Rani and Zubeidaa ruled Indian cinema. Are actresses today getting equal opportunities in the over $2 billion film industry?

March 8 is International Women's Day, an appropriate time to take a look at the role of women in Indian cinema over the last 100 years.

When Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, released his "Raja Harischandra" in 1913, women used to shun movies and it was left to male artists to play female characters.

Times changed by the 1930s. Devika Rani, Zubeidaa, Mehtab, Shobhana Samarth - all women from affluent families -- entered the movie business and changed the face of Indian cinema by redefining the importance of women in films. They were followed by Suraiya, Meena Kumari, Madhubala and Waheeda Rehman, stars who brought about a sea change in attitudes as leading ladies.

"Achhut Kanya", "Jeevan Prabhat", "Nirmala", "Alam Ara", "Zarina", "Chitralekha", "Parineeta", among others, are some of the movies with woman-centric themes of that era.

In terms of remuneration, status and roles, the leading ladies of that time were on par with their male counterparts.

But are women enjoying the same status in the 21st century?

Listen to the leading ladies of modern-day cinema to get an insight into their status -- on and off the screen.

Kareena Kapoor: "In Bollywood it's always between three or four Khans and a couple of other actors. I guess female actors are there for just dancing with them. We have to stand behind Shah Rukh and Salman (Khan) and say, 'Hey! I'm here too, give me something to do.' And the pay cheques, what Salman gets and what I get... let's not even go into that"

Kangana Ranaut: "Forget the credit, they (male actors) take all the money as well. We don't get paid even one-third of what male actors take home. It's not so much about the money, but it's about (being a) woman."

The situation seems to be same down south. Sample this:

* At a panel discussion, actors Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Gauthami, Nadia and Lissy Priyadarshan said south Indian cinema had several woman-centric themes, but over the past decade or so there has been a marked decline in portraying strong woman characters.

* Tamil cinema of the 1970s and 80s produced several woman-oriented films that were critically and commercially acclaimed. But we don't see such films any more.

* Actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan raised the question at a panel discussion on 'Evolution of women in film'. "I can understand my own movies being oriented towards the male lead," he said, in a bid to indemnify himself. "I am the star and I bring in finances for my films. What I don't get is why other filmmakers are not making woman-centric movies."

Certainly, not an ideal situation!

When beautiful and free-willed Devika Rani, Zubeidaa, Mehtab, and Shobhana Samarth paved the way for women in films, no one would have thought that there would be a time when actresses would merely become showpieces in films.

It was not easy to find a strong foothold in a male-dominated and patriarchal society, but they achieved that feat.

Devika Rani, co-founder of Bombay Talkies studio, was one of the most powerful actresses of her time and gave Hindi cinema's first kiss -- and perhaps its longest one at that.

Zubeida, daughter of Fatima Begum and the daughter of an affluent Nawab, shot to fame with "Alam Ara" and commanded a high wage.

Cut to the present.

At a time when women are breaking free of taboos and stereotypes, filmdom doesn't seem to reflect the changing social trend.

In terms of women entering films, the number has gone up manifold, but in terms of screen space, their roles have shrunk.

From the storyline to end credits -- most of the time their male counterparts get preference over them.

Filmmakers occasionally come up with stories about the empowerment of women, and actresses like Tabu and Vidya Balan get a rare chance to carry them on their shoulders. But such opportunities are few and far between.

If made well, women-centric films can dig gold at the box office. "Kahaani" and "No One Killed Jessica" are cases in point.

Today, when an actress poses in a bikini in a film or for the cover of a magazine, it sets tongues wagging. But it's not new -- Mehtab did a topless bathtub sequence in Kidar Sharma's "Chitralekha" in 1942.

In fact, in terms of bold scenes and relationships, those women were not bound by any taboo or stereotype.

It's time to get inspired by the past and ensure actresses are judged by their abilities and achievements, and not labelled or stereotyped by their gender and relationships.

TV czarina and film producer Ekta Kapoor misses "masti" (fun) in her life. So, she decided to visit the set of entertaining show "Comedy Nights with Kapil" with her "Ragini MMS 2" lead actress Sunny Leone.

"It's such a popular show, it is apparently always giving my 'Jodha Akbar' competition. I have come here because I have heard and seen also a bit that a lot of masti happens on the show and masti is missing from my life," Ekta, 38, said here Tuesday before the shoot of the show.

"I have come to enjoy and have a stress-relieving moment," she added.

Earlier, there were reports that Kapil Sharma, the host of "Comedy Nights with Kapil", was not keen on having Sunny, a porn star, on his family show when she was promoting "Jackpot".

However, that seems to be a thing of the past now.

Meanwhile, Ekta is all praise for Sunny and when told by a mediaperson that she has probably presented Sunny in the best manner as compared to her earlier films, Ekta was all smiles.

"I am so glad you said that. But Sunny is a good actress and I am honoured to have worked with such a good actor. As a good producer, I have tried to present my actor in the best possible way and I hope she is happy," Ekta said.

Directed by Bhushan Patel, "Ragini MMS 2" also stars Divya Dutta, Sandhya Mridul, Parvin Dabas. It hits theatres March 21.

Yesteryears actress and TV host Simi Garewal says she would love to return to her first love, acting, provided she gets something interesting.

"I would love to act on big screen again," Simi told reporters here Tuesday at the press meet for Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2014.

"It has been my first love. It brought me to the film industry. If the role is suitable, I would love to act again," she added.

The 66-year-old made her acting debut in 1962 with "Tarzan Goes to India" and later gave some remarkable performances in films like "Do Badan", "Saathi", "Karz" and "Mera Naam Joker", among others.

Besides acting in films, the actress also tried her hands at writing and directing TV series. She has also hosted popular talk shows, "Simi Selects India's Most Desirable" and "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal"

Simi said she has come across many offers but nothing has tempted her so far.

"Although I have received offers right through the years but nothing has tempted me so far to give up my television world or put my energy into it," the actress said.

"It needs to be something enough to captivate my aim," she added.

Comedian Kapil Sharma, who is ready to embark on his movie career, is also set to work with the talented Shruti Haasan on a number to be composed by Sukhwinder Singh.

The track would be produced by Coke Studios.

Kapil loves music and says he would be pursuing his singing career as seriously as acting.

“We are planning something. I met Shruti on a flight. I am a huge fan of her father Kamal Haasan-ji. And as luck would have it, I was sitting right next to Shruti on a flight. We got chatting and discovered our mutual love for music and singing. We decided we’d do a song together," he said.

From an air-borne idea, the song is now heading towards a ground reality.

“I’ve always said I’d have been a professional singer if I was not entertaining audiences from the stage. Being on stage gives me a chance to do both acting and singing. I am now looking at seriously pursuing acting and singing. The two go hand-in-hand in our films," he said.

Kapil, known for TV show "Comedy Nights With Kapil", will make a film debut with Yash Raj Films' (YRF) "Bank-Chor".

Actor Saif Ali Khan, who will be seen in a triple role in Sajid Khan’s "Humshakals", will also feature in three different looks and personalities in his next release, his home production "Happy Ending".

A source close to the project confirmed the news, but said: “It isn’t like a triple role. It’s three different interpretations of the same character’s personality."

"Audiences will get to see Saif sporting three different looks in 'Happy Ending'. Technically, it may not be a triple role. But it’s actually three different emotional and physical avatars for Saif,” the source added.

Economic and social empowerment of women is one of the most talked about issues in India and filmmakers have not lagged behind - they are reinforcing the concepts with their stories on celluloid, with the movies being a mirror of society.

Remember Nargis Dutt playing a strong female role model who had the courage to kill her son in the 1957 film "Mother India"? Cut to the present - Madhuri Dixit will be seen as a leader of a female vigilante group in her forthcoming film "Gulaab Gang", based on a real life story.

The last few years saw quite a few narratives with strong female characters. On the occasion of Women's Day March 8, IANS lists women-centric Hindi films that were commercially viable and critically acclaimed:

"Kahaani" (2012): In Sujoy Ghosh's directorial venture, actress Vidya Balan pretended to be pregnant and tricked the police department to avenge her husband's death. Her performance was lauded by moviegoers across the country. Even actress-social activist Shabana Azmi, who has been a part of women-centric movies like "Godmother" and "Fire", was bowled over by her performance in the thriller.

"English Vinglish" (2012): The movie, directed by Gauri Shinde, was "Chandni" star Sridevi's comeback film, focussing on a housewife and her struggle with the English language in the US. The actress, known for delivering livewire performances in movies like "Mr India" and "Chandramukhi", got under the skin of a housewife who masters the English language after being mocked at by her husband and daughter. If her character mirrored the woes of women who are not fluent in English, it also showed their determination to succeed.

"No One Killed Jessica" (2011): Based on model Jessica Lall's murder, the film initially saw Vidya Balan as coy and introvert who later musters the courage to fight to get justice for her dead sister. Her performance was complemented by Rani Mukerji's as a journalist. The Rajkumar Gupta directorial showed that if they want, women can take on anyone.

"Lajja" (2001): Although Rajkumar Santoshi's "Lajja" was not commercially viable, the critically acclaimed film was about women's empowerment. The male-bashing movie artistically highlighted various crimes against women. Starring Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha and Mahima Chaudhary in strong roles, their characters were seen fighting abusive husbands, dowry and the like.

"Chandni Bar (2001): Madhur Bhandarkar's "Chandni Bar" was about a bar dancer played by Tabu. The hard-hitting film showed how she breaks free to give her children a better life.

This is not it...In the coming months, filmmaker Subhash Ghai will treat his fans to a film titled "Kaanchi" based on a girl who dares to fight against corruption.

Indo-Canadian director Keshav Panneiry, who recently made headlines for showing actress Mallika Sherawat the door, is also working on a film titled "A Little Heaven In Me". It focusses on the fighting spirit of Indian women.

Superstar Salman Khan has finally managed to take some time out of his busy schedule to shoot the title track of "O Teri", says his brother-in-law, filmmaker Atul Agnihotri.

"Bhai (Salman) has been very busy and finally we managed to take some time from him. Today (Wednesday) we are shooting for the title track of our film with Bhai and the other two leads. It's a hip-hop dance number and we will wind up the song with Bhai today itself," Agnihotri, the film's producer, told IANS.

The hip-hop song will be used as the title song of the film. It is being shot at Mehboob Studio here.

Directed by Umesh Bist, "O Teri" features Pulkit Samrat, Bilal Amrohi and Sarah Jane Dias.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani says Christmas is the perfect time to release "Peekay" as most Aamir Khan-starrers released around the festival have performed well at the box office.

Earlier, the film was slated to release June 6 this year. However, now it will hit the screens this Christmas Dec 25.

"There was no particular reason to delay the release of the film ('Peekay'). Most of Aamir's films release during Christmas and they have done well," Hirani told reporters here Tuesday at the press meet for Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2014.

"Actually I needed a month more. Though we wanted to release the film in June but then we thought Christmas is perfect to release the film," he added.

According to the 51-year-old, the festive season was also the reason to shift the release date to Christmas as more people would be able to watch the film.

"It is festive and holiday times and more people tend to watch films during this period," said the National Award winning filmmaker.

"Moreover every filmmaker wants more people to watch his film. So keeping the festive season in mind, we are releasing the film on Christmas," he added.

"Peekay", a political satire also features actor Sanjay Dutt in a key role. Sanjay was sent to jail last year to serve his five year sentence for his role in the March 1993 Mumbai serial explosions. Currently, the actor is out on parole.

Meanwhile, on being asked whether Sanjay had shot for the film or not, Hirani said: "Sanjay Dutt had shot for his part before going to jail, otherwise I would have been shooting with him now".

'Peekay" also features Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

Actress Sonam Kapoor's career has never before been in a better space. Proof of her escalating equity lies in her latest acquisition - Sooraj Barjatya's next film.

The actress has put an end to months of speculation regarding who would play the lead with Salman Khan in the latest Barjatya saga.

"I was in negotiations with Sooraj-ji for the last four months. We've finally worked out all the modalities. And, yes I am doing the film. I'll be getting into the film as soon as I finish shooting Arbaaz Khan's 'Dolly Ki Doli'," Sonam said.

With Sonam stepping into Barjatya's film, the project finally seems to have found its bearings. One hears Sonam would be presented in the film as a typical Barjatya heroine a la Bhagyashree in "Maine Pyar Kiya", Madhuri Dixit in "Hum Aapke Hain...Koun", Karisma Kapoor in "Hum Saath Saath Hain", Kareena Kapoor in "Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon" and Amrita Rao in "Vivaah".

After delivering an impressive performance in Aanand Rai's "Raanjhanaa" last year, Sonam says she is excited about the new challenge.

"I've grown up watching Sooraj-ji's films. To be actually working in his film is a very exciting prospect for me. It's double exciting as I'll get to star with Salman Khan for the second time," said the 28-year-old.

Sonam started her career with Salman in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Saawariya". She recalls the association with much fondness.

"People seem to remember that I was paired with Ranbir Kapoor in 'Saawariya'. They forget my character was actually in love with Salman's character. In fact, my character chose to go with Salman rather than Ranbir in the end. Salman and I had shot together for 'Saawariya' for 31 days," she said.

Reigning Bengali matinee idol Dev, film personalities Moon Moon Sen and Satabdi Roy, and former Indian soccer skipper Bhaichung Bhutia figure in the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the April-May Lok Sabha polls, party chief Mamata Banerjee announced Wednesday.

Bhutia will contest the election from Darjeeling, and Dev from Ghatal in West Midnapore district, as per the list which includes a number of renowned cultural personalities and non-political people.

Moon Moon, daughter of legendary Bengali heroine Suchitra Sen and herself a film actress, will be in fray from Bankura.

Sugata Bose, a grandson of great revolutionary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and professor at Harvard University, has been named the party nominee from Jadavpur. Bose's mother Krishna had won the polls from the same constituency thrice consecutively in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

Soumitra Roy, a lead singer of popular Bengali band Bhoomi, is being fielded from Malda North constituency in Malda district.

Theatre personality Arpita Ghosh has bagged the Trinamool ticket from Balurghat in South Dinajpur district.

In Midnapore, the Trinamool candidate is veteran Bengali actress Sandhya Roy.

Eminent singer Indranil Sen would try his luck from Berhampore in Murshidabad district, from where the Congress is likely to again field its state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Banerjee also announced that Bengali matinee idols and sitting MPs Satabdi Roy and Tapas Pal have been renominated from Birbhum and Krishnanagar constituencies respectively.

Former Indian soccer captain Prasun Banerjee, who won the Howrah Lok Sabha seat in a bypoll last year, has got the renomination from the same seat.

Banerjee's nephew and Trinamool Yuva president Abhishek Bandopadhyay would fight the elections from Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas. In the previous election (2009), veteran leader Somen Mitra had won the seat on Trinamool ticket, but switched over to the Congress recently.

In Raiganj of North Dinapur district, ailing Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi's brother Satyaranjan Dasmunshi would be pitted as a Trinamool candidate. Raiganj is now represented by P R Dasmunshi's wife Deepa, regarded as a staunch critic of the Trinamool chief.

Trinamool, which had won 19 of the 42 seats from the state in the 2009 elections, has fielded 11 women candidates this time.

"Of the 42 seats in Bengal, we are fielding 11 women candidates which perhaps is the highest. Seven candidates are from the minority community," said Banerjee at a crowded media meet at the her residence in south Kolkata's Kalighat.