Actress Sunny Leone enjoyed shooting action sequences for the climax of her forthcoming film "Ragini MMS 2", and says she feels getting bruised during the shoot was "worth it".

"I love action and it was definitely not easy. Towards the end I shot some action scenes. I worked the hardest for those scenes," Sunny told IANS.

"It was physically very demanding with bruises and scratches all over the body, but it was worth it," she added.

Known for her bold image, the Indo-Canadian porn star says that she is open to performing explicit scenes only if a role requires it.

"I believe in a role and whatever is required in it that's what I need to do. If the role requires it, then I will do it," she added.

Directed by Bhushan Patel, "Ragini MMS 2", will hit screens March 21. It also stars Divya Dutta, Parvin Dabas and Sandhya Mridul.

National Award and Padma Shri awardee Vidya Balan, who has proved her versatility in film after film, is happy with the kind of films and roles she has been getting and says as long as she will get good films, an Oscar is not too far from her.

The actress was present at a press meet for Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2014 here, and when asked about winning an Oscar in the future, she said: "I have never thought of winning an Oscar. I had not even thought of winning Padma Shri some day."

"And as long as I am assured of good films, then an Oscar is also not too far away," she added.

However, the 36-year-old is content with the film opportunities she has been getting.

"I think life has been very very kind. I am just happy with all the love and appreciation coming my way," Vidya, known for her power-packed performances in the films, "Paa", "Ishqiya", "The Dirty Picture" and "Kahaani", said.

Meanwhile, Vidya is happy with the response to her latest release "Shaadi Ke Side Effects". Soon, she will be seen in another film "Bobby Jasoos".

The Delhi High Court Wednesday stayed the release of forthcoming Hindi movie "Gulaab Gang", reportedly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal, who formed Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari clad women vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva stayed the release of the film, starring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, saying that if it is allowed to be released it will cause irreparable damage to the reputation of Sampat Pal. The film was set for release March 7.

"Reputation once lost is lost forever and can not come back and even can't be compensated with monetary terms," the court said.

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, which shows her in bad light.

She alleged that the lead actress playing her character was shown in bad light in the promos of the film, which will thus affect her reputation.

The movie is directed by debutant Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday stayed the release of forthcoming Hindi movie "Gulaab Gang", reportedly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal, who formed Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari clad women vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva stayed the release of the film, starring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, saying that if it is allowed to be released it will cause irreparable damage to the reputation of Sampat Pal. The film was set for release March 7.

"Reputation once lost is lost forever and can not come back and even can't be compensated with monetary terms," the court said.

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, which shows her in bad light.

She alleged that the lead actress playing her character was shown in bad light in the promos of the film, which will thus affect her reputation.

The movie is directed by debutant Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha

Actor Aamir Khan has left people at Bihar's Gehlaur village upset as they were under impression that the second season of his show "Satyamev Jayate" would begin with an episode on 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi. However, Star India's CEO Uday Shankar says there was never any such plan.

Aamir's show on social reform started on a high note, but an uproar of protest has broken out in Gehlaur village where once lived Dashrath Manjhi, who hand-chiseled a road through a rocky hill to connect his inacessible village to the nearest town.

Manjhi's family and the villagers claim they had a different impression about the show, following Aamir's recent visit to the village.

"Aamir Khan visited us on Feb 25 and told us that the first episode of his serial was dedicated to Dashrath Manjhi. We were all glued to the television in the community hall in our village at 10 a.m.," said a villager.

"We were sorely disappointed when the episode aired was about something else. Why did he visit us with the promise that the episode would be about our village hero?" he said.

When confronted with the villagers' protests, Uday Shankar, CEO Of Star India, said: "There was never any plan of an episode on Dashrath Manjhi this season. We ended season one of 'Satyamev Jayate' with an episode on Manjhi. And before we commenced the new season, we felt it would be a good idea to pay a tribute to his memory and the triumph of the human spirit that he signifies. Hence, Aamir's trip to Gelhaur."

Meanwhile, Manjhi's fellow villagers have more reason to feel disappointed. The film on Manjhi's life "The Mountain Man", directed by Ketan Mehta, lies unsold and unreleased many months after completion with no indication or hope of a release in the near future.

Mehta had wangled the privilege of shooting a film on Manjhi's inspirational tale from two other filmmakers, Neerraj Pathak and Manish Jha after fighting arduous legal battles with Pathak and Manjhi's family members.

With much fanfare, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui was signed to play Manjhi. The actor spent months in Manjhi's native village in Gaya living out Manjhi's heroic endeavour.

When asked about the status of "The Mountain Man", Nawazuddin said: "I am not sure about what is happening with the film. We've completed the shooting. You will have to have ask Ketan Mehta when the film is releasing."

While Ketan Mehta refused to respond to the release query, he lauded Aamir for visiting Manjhi's family.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday stayed the release of forthcoming Hindi movie "Gulaab Gang", reportedly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal, who formed Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari-clad women vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva stayed the release of the film, starring Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, saying that if it is allowed to be released, it will cause irreparable damage to Sampat Pal's reputation. The film was set for release March 7.

"Reputation once lost is lost forever and cannot come back and even can't be compensated in monetary terms," the court said.

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, which shows her in bad light.

She alleged that the lead actress playing her character was shown in bad light in the promos of the film, which will thus affect her reputation. She further contended that promos of the film depicts her as an anti-social element of the society contrary to her real life.

The movie is directed by debutant Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha.

The court accepted the contentions of Pal that movie "Gulaab Gang" is the adaptation of her life. The lawyer representing Pal told the court that name of the film is identical to the organisation "Gulaabi Gang" started by her.

The court also noted that movie has similarity with the life of Pal.

"The plaintiff (Pal) has certainly a prima facie case. It clearly indicates that the movie is based on her and her organisation. There is similarity in name, the character played by lead actress, women wearing pink saris and carrying lathis depicts that film 'Gulaab Gang' is adaptation of her life," said the court.

"In case interim injunction (stay on release of film) is not granted and (producers) allowed to release the film, plaintiff (Pal) would suffer irreparable loss to her reputation. In my view, plaintiff has made a case of an interim injunction. The defendant (production house) is restrained from promoting/releasing the film 'Gulaab Gang' in Delhi and India," said the court.

The court was earlier reluctant to stay the release of movie saying Pal approached the court at the last minute and she should have sought the relief earlier.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the production house suggested that they will run a scroll that the movie is not based on Sampat Pal, but Pal's counsel refused to accept the compromise.

The movie makers maintain that the film is not based on Sampat Pal's life.

Actress Sunny Leone, who will be seen as the host of horror TV show "Haunted Weekends with Sunny Leone", says she is open to other offers on the small screen as long as they are "interesting".

"If an interesting offer (on TV) comes, I don't mind taking it up. I don't believe in limiting myself. If something fits well, like this show ('Haunted Weekends...'), I will do it," Sunny told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

The show will go on air Saturday on MTV India.

The show is being launched in collaboration with her upcoming film "Ragini MMS 2" and the actress believes that it will help generate buzz for the movie.

"Haunted Weekends..." revolves around the concept of fear and paranormal activities.

Each episode will see three girls being sent to spooky and haunted locations across the country for a night where they have to survive a ghostly experience. The locations have a history and, often, a chilling story to tell.

"It is a scary show where contestants will have to do different tasks. It will help the movie and people will enjoy the show too. I am happy with it," she said.

Sunny, who is known for her bold image in the industry thanks to movies like "Jackpot" and "Jism 2", says a film must have a story and not just bold scenes.

"'Ragini MMS 2' has a portion which sees me in a very non-glamorous image. I don't look good at all. There is a story in the film as well," she said.

The actress says that she loves the horror genre.

"I love watching horror movies. My husband does not like them so much, so I generally watch them alone," she said.

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced that renowned actor Kevin Spacey will be leading an acting workshop during the 15th Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend in Tampa Bay, Florida. The IIFA Acting Workshop is one of the myriad sub-events that takes place during the main Weekend where keen participants attempt to delve into the minds of masters from world’s most flourishing and prolific entertainment industries; Hollywood and Indian Film Industry.

Kevin Spacey has a rich history in the theater world and has been the Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theater Company in London for the last decade. He has also starred in the Broadway and West End productions of “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” opposite his mentor Jack Lemmon.

For the workshop, he will join other dignitaries from both film fraternities who will share their profound insights and valuable opinions on a variety of subjects relating to cinema.

Film actress Moon Moon Sen says she would be able to change people's lives in a small way if they support her in the Lok Sabha polls.

Nominated for the Bankura seat by the Trinamool Congress, the former Bollywood heroine said Wednesday that in her new role she would be able to share the "joys, pains and sufferings" of the common people "more intimately".

"Well. Actually I have done lot of films and jatras (folk theatres) in that part (Bankura) of the state. I have travelled a lot. I used to break into songs when I saw the red soil of the region," she said, reacting to her nomination.

"People have clapped, appreciated my performances. But it's true that it is a new life. I will ger to know more intimately about people's joy's, sorrows, pains. If people are with me, I hope to do my lot in my small way to change their lives," said Sen, daughter of legendary Bengali cine actress Suchitra Sen.

Sen said she was banking on Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who has handpicked her for the seat.

"It would be great if Mamatadi campaigns for me. Also I am lucky to have a husband who is very much aware of current events. I hope to get his help."

Sen, who has acted in 60 Bengali, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi and Kannada films, besides performing in 40 television series, said she was yet to think how she will go about her new job.

"I have not given a thought to it so far. We all want to support her (Banerjee). Let's see how it all goes," she added.

Springing a big surprise, the CPI-M in Kerala seems to have roped in hugely popular comedy and character artiste Innocent to contest the Chalakudy Lok Sabha seat in Thrissur district for the party.

"Yes, (CPI-M) leaders have been in touch with me," said Innocent, the president of film actors' body AMMA, Wednesday.

Communist Party of India-Marxist sources told IANS that the final decision will be made very soon. With the actor also giving the nod and Chalakudy being Innocent's home town also, the CPI-M feels that he would be a good bet in Chalakudy considered a strong Congress constituency.

The 65-year-old Innocent, who has acted in more than 500 films, began his career as a producer in the early 1970s and then went on to act but it was only in the mid-1980s did he click in this role. Since then he has not looked back.

It was only last year that Innocent resumed his acting career after a short break following treatment for a serious malady.

Another person who has been shortlisted by the CPI-M is Christie Fernandes, a former Gujarat cadre IAS official and secretary to former president Prathiba Patil. If selected, he will contest the Ernakulam seat against Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K.V.Thomas.

The CPI-M is expected to finalise the candidates for 16 seats, which is their share in the total 20 in the state, in the coming few days, said the party sources.

Pakistan’s most celebrated super star Ali Zafar is all set to release his latest film venture Total Siyappa is all set for its big release in Karachi today and in Lahore tomorrow. In collaboration with International Multi Group of Companies(IMGC) Total Siyappa premieres today in Karachi amongst the entertainment industry’s biggest stars.

Celebrating the release of his 5th movie in Pakistan, Ali Zafar is flying down to Karachi for the very first time to attend the first red carpet premiere of his film in Pakistan. This in itself is a special occasion for the actor to be able to attend the premiere of his movie in Pakistan amongst his friends from the entertainment industry. The film is highly anticipated amongst Indian and Pakistani audiences alike. The actor was quoted as saying, “People in Pakistan loved the promo of Total Siyappa, and they have been eagerly waiting for its release. I’m extremely excited to attend my first movie premiere in Pakistan and I can’t wait to see the Pakistani audiences enjoy this comical ride.” With a script that takes a comical stance on the relationship between the two countries, you see Zafar, Yami Gautum and Kiron Kher at their comical best. The premiere is scheduled to take place at Nueplex Cinema in Karachi today and at Super Cinema, Vouge Towers in Lahore. The press and publicity of the film is being handled by Encyclomedia PR.

Imran Khan had been absent from scene since the release of his last film "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein" and the actor says he was on an extended vacation before his wife delivers their first child.

At a Vespa scooter launch event Wednesday, Imran revealed that he and his wife Avantika were away for a long "babymoon."

"I was on a holiday. From Christmas till two weeks back, I have been on a very, very long extended vacation. So, it's the last vacation before the baby is born. You obviously know that my wife is pregnant. So, we went on what is called a 'babymoon'," the 31-year-old said here.

"After marriage you go on a honeymoon and before a baby is born you go on a babymoon, it's the last holiday before you have a child. It was very relaxing," he added.

Avantika is reportedly expecting their first child in June.

Imran is revelling in the joys of becoming a father soon and is going through everything he needs to know about having a baby.

"It's madness. Suddenly I am doing all these things online, I am researching baby car seats, best crib, all of these new things have come into my life now, that is how my days are spent. It's fun, I am thinking about things I never used to," Imran said.

Imran and Avantika dated for almost nine years before tying the knot in 2011.

Actress Sunny Leone is so happy with the final cut of "Ragini MMS 2" that she believes producer Ekta Kapoor has really raised the bar for horror films in India with this one.

"Horror is a niche market but what Balaji (the production house) has done is they have created something really scary. I watched the climax the other day and I loved it," the 33-year-old said here on the sets of TV show "Fear Files".

"I don't think there has been something that has been shot like this ever in Bollywood. But I think Balaji and Ekta have raised the bar of scariness and horror," she added.

Sunny was here to shoot a special promotional episode for Zee TV's show.

The actress is all praise for the way Balaji production named Balaji Motion Pictures market their films. She had recently also shot for "Comedy Nights with Kapil."

"We have a lot of things that are planned by Balaji, everything that has got to do with this movie right down to the tagline 'do mein zyada mazaa hai.' Balaji is really creative at how they market, that's something they are really good at and known for," said Sunny.

"Ragini MMS 2" is a sequel to Ekta's film "Ragini MMS" that released in 2011. The film hits theatres March 21.

Rajat Kapoor, who has seen many highs and lows in his film career so far, is not deterred by failure. He feels that an actor or a director is "as good" as his or her "last film".

"My wife says failures are important for me to be grounded. One can go mad with success, so failure is important...an actor or director is as good as his last film," Rajat told IANS.

He forayed into acting as the dashing uncle in Farhan Akhtar's 2001 directorial debut "Dil Chahta Hai", also starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Preity Zinta. After that, he left an impression with his roles in films including "Corporate", "Monsoon Wedding", "Bheja Fry" and "Dasvidaniya".

"In 2009, I was at the top of the world...I was on cloud nine...I thought I could do anything post the success of 'Mithya' and 'Bheja Fry'. But failure taught me many things," he said.

Rajat has also witnessed many failures in his career with his directorial "Fatso" getting mixed reviews. Other films featuring him, like "10 ml Love" and "Agent Vinod", also didn't manage to garner much appreciation at the box office.

"I have faced a lot of difficulties to get producers and get things rolling after a few duds," he said.

He is currently busy promoting his directorial "Aankhon Dekhi" and says he hopes to recover all the money that has been invested in the film.

"The film has been made on a budget of Rs.5 crore...and I hope we will recover all the money. So far, the response has been positive and we hope everyone likes the film," he said.

"Aankhon Dekhi" is slated to release March 21.

Film: "Queen"; Cast: Kangna Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Hayden; Director: Vikas Bahl; Rating: ****1/2

There are some films that you simply don't want to end. And when they do, you want to spring out of your seat and give the darned thing a standing ovation. "Queen", directed by Vikas Bahl is that rarity. Its thematic elegance and narrative wisdom surpasses anything that you might have come to expect from the frothy ebullient trailers.

Frothy and ebullient, "Queen" certainly is. But it's a lot more. At the end you are left so close to the characters and their life-defining milieu that the late Bobby Singh's camera lenses dissolve and merge into the very fabric of the narrative.

And to think that the film begins with another big fat Punjabi wedding! Before we know it, the narrative takes wings, much like its protagonist Rani played by Kangna Ranaut.

In "Queen", Kangna is so in-sync with her character that you wonder if the story was written according to the emotions that the actress had stored away in her heart.

There is stark honesty about Kangna's portrayal of the Delhi girl who is deserted by her husband-to-be days before the wedding. Familiar, no? Bahl turns the oft-repeated tale of betrayal and self-realization into an ode to womanhood. The naked yearning in Rani's eyes when she pleads with the selfish idiot not to destroy her life is so real it leaves you shaken.

You know immediately that this girl means business. And so, let me tell you, does the director. Bahl possesses a keen eye for physical and emotional detail. He makes astounding use of a wide spectrum of topography from Delhi to Paris to Amsterdam to give specificity to the protagonist's obvious weaknesses and inner strengths.

Here is that rare director who knows how to articulate his characters' feelings through the spaces that they occupy. Kangna's face and body-language do the rest.

There is something magical about the way Bahl uses Kangna's artless vulnerability to express the character's hurt and desire, sometimes both in the same breath. At the end we're left with a female character who is naive and yet worldly-wise, who thinks sex happens only after marriage and yet kisses an aggressive Italian stranger just because she finds him as hot as Salman Khan.

Rani naively lectures a stripper in Amsterdam from ultra-conservative Pakistan (a curious anomaly, this) on how she must find a better job for herself, and yet thinks nothing of getting drunk in a Parisian bar with her bindaas half-French half-Indian girl pal (Lisa Hayden) to the pounding sounds of Asha Bhosle's "Hungama ho gaya".

But then Bollywood music does that to anyone. It liberates the spirit. And Kangna's Rani is on the look-out for just that. The silken-smooth plot can be roughly divided into the 'Parisian' and the 'Amsterdam' half, though neither of two cities come across as touristic spots.

But then "Queen" is that kind of a film. I came away so much richer, spirit awash with thoughts of hope life and sunshine. Every character from Rani's parents, to her Parisian friend Vijay-Laxmi(who ironically has the same first-name as her cad of a fiance) to her three male room-mates in Amsterdam make a space in your heart forever.

The brilliantly transitional screenplay has no jagged edges. Every component somehow slips into place. As Bahl tells his story we become one with Rani's journey. The desperate optimism of her marriage-less honeymoon directs her to inner reserves of strength and will-power that she didn't know existed. By the time Rani's journey ends, you are supremely attached to her soul.

Kangna's performance holds the film together even as Rajkummar Rao as the selfish fiance and Lisa Haydon as Rani's bohemian Parisian pal lend added colour to the bewitching canvas. The smallest of the roles are performed with unconditional conviction.

If you miss "Queen", you may never get a chance to know how Rani journeyed into self-actualization. And that would be your loss entirely.

The makers of Hindi movie "Gulaab Gang" Thursday moved the Delhi High Court against suspension of the release of the movie, reportedly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal, who formed Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari clad women vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh.

The filmmakers of "Gulaab Gang", set for release Friday, approached the division bench of Acting Chief Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Siddharth Mridul, who agreed to hear the plea later in the day.

The high court Wednesday blocked the release of the film, which stars Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, saying that if the release of "Gulaab Gang" is allowed, it will cause irreparable damage to the reputation of Sampat Pal.

"Reputation once lost is lost forever and cannot come back and can't be compensated in monetary terms," the court observed.

Directed by debutant Soumik Sen, the film has been produced by Anubhav Sinha.

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, which shows her in bad light.

She alleged that the actress playing her character was shown in a bad light in the promos of the film, which will thus affect her reputation.

She also contended that promos of the film depict her as an anti-social element contrary to her real life image.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has finished shooting for his new film "Bhoothnath Returns" and he is satisfied with the final outcome.

"Finished and wrapped for 'Bhoothnath Returns' including the credit song with Yo Yo (Honey Singh). Me thinks we did alright," Amitabh tweeted Thursday.

"Bhoothnath Returns" has been directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by T-Series.

The film will hit the screens April 11.

Filmmaker Karan Johar says he had fun while watching Vikas Bahl’s new film “Queen” and its actresses - Kangana Ranaut and Lisa Haydon were “brilliant”.

“‘Queen’ is the most fun I have had at the movies in a very long time! Vikas Bahl is a star and Kangna is beyond brilliance! Loved it,” Karan tweeted Wednesday.

“Special mention to the ensemble cast of ‘Queen’ especially Lisa Haydon who is brilliantly cast and essays her part to pitch perfection,” he further posted.

"Queen", which focuses on a girl named Rani, her journey of growing up as an individual, and how she rediscovers her identity while on a honeymoon alone, will release Friday.

Actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor, who recently made their presence felt on the sets of dance reality show “Boogie Woogie”, were in awe of the show’s contestants.

The episode, dedicated to famous personalities of Bollywood like Raj Kapoor and Sanjeev Kumar, saw one of the contestants named Sagar performing as Thakur from “Sholay”. Another participant acted as joker from the film “Mera Naam Joker”

The performances were immensely appreciated by the audience and the judges - Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Behl and Naved Jafri - gave a standing ovation, said a statement.

Amazed by one of the participant's stunt filled performance, Sonam said,“‘Boogie Woogie’ has the best standard amongst all shows.”

The episode will be aired Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television.

Bollywood diva Sonam Kapoor, who has shot for a forthcoming episode for television show "Comedy Nights with Kapil" wearing a hand-woven Anarkali lehenga by fashion designer Gaurang Shah, says his creations are eternal and creative.

Sonam's khadi Anarkali with Kanjeevaram border and matching Kanjeevaram dupatta was inspired by 16th century temple art.

"For me, wearing Gaurang's clothes celebrate what I love most about fashion. Taking the traditional and making it your own. His clothes are inventive, unpredictable but at the same time rooted, everything that he creates has a timeless and relevant signature," Sonam said in a statement.

This is the second time in recent months that Sonam Kapoor opted to wear a Gaurang label for a big event. For her last film's promotions Sonam wore Gaurang's Gulbadan ethnic ensemble.

Gaurang feels encouraged when a star endorses Indian heritage fashion.

"It is indeed an encouragement that Indian heritage fashion is endorsed by style ambassadors like Sonam Kapoor. It will help bolster innovation in hand-woven fashion as well as build high level of confidence about wearing them at each and every occasion," Gaurang said.

"When she came up to me and said that she wanted to wear something that is very distinctive and ethnic with a touch of modernity for the show, my first thought was to craft a beautiful blue Anarkali and she loved it," he added.

Gaurang will unveil a collection of 18 Chandbali, a unique collection of hand-woven Banarasi sarees and dresses, at the Lakme India fashion week summer fest 2014.