Singer-actress Monica Dogra, who has featured in a saucy and aesthetically shot cover for a men's magazine, believes featuring thus is akin to an honour.

"I think magazine covers are an honour of sorts... How important they are or not, I'm not too sure of. I do know, that it is an honor to be considered cover 'worthy' so to speak," Monica told IANS.

She features on the cover of the March issue of men's magazine FHM wearing a black jacket and her bare essentials to match the overall look, which is bold and powerful.

Monica, who was seen in "Dhobi Ghat" and "David", says the shoot was challenging.

"This shoot, as most bikini/men's magazine shoots are in India, was challenging merely because of how much of a stigma there is in India toward them. You have to ensure that shoots like these are tastefully done," she said.

However, she was "really pleased with the shoot" in the end.

"I still had a touch of worry inside me about how it'd be perceived. But that's all art really, right? You create something as best as you can and then you have to let it go and people will think of it what they will," added the talented artist, who is a popular independent artist and has sung songs like "Dooriyan bhi hai zaroori" from the film "Break Ke Baad".

As a person who is inclined towards music, Monica loves to catch up on music magazines.

"I'm a fan of Platform magazine, Motherland, and Rolling Stone India is nice because it's a magazine that covers a scene I'm intimately involved in," she said.

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who plays Sonam Kapoor's father in debutant director Nupur Asthana's "Bewakoofiyaan" says he isn't likely to be seen in any "stereotypical" fatherly roles as he finds them "too unexciting".

"If you notice, I didn't play my own son's (Ranbir) father in 'Besharam'. It is not vanity, just sanity. I can't do the stereotypical father's role. They don't challenge me as an actor at all. So I avoid doing father's roles. It's just too unexciting," said the 61-year-old.

"To my good fortune I am getting roles that do not require me to be the so-called father," he added.

"Bewakoofiyaan", he says, offered him a rare chance to further a father's role.

"In 'Bewakoofiyaan', there are only three main characters - Sonam's, Ayushmann's (Ayushmann Khurrana" and mine. The film gave me a chance to do something more than what we generally see fathers do in our films. Not that there is anything revolutionary or path-breaking about a father frowning over a daughter getting married," he said.

However, the versatile actor sees "Bewakoofiyaan" as a sign of the changing times.

"When I did the roles of the loverboy, parental approval for my choice of soul-mate was very important. And if the loverboy of yesteryears didn't get the father's blessings, he had to elope with the girl.

"If you remember, in 'Bobby' (1973) I had to flee on the mobike with Dimple Kapadia. Now in 'Bewakoofiyaan', my daughter says, 'This is the guy for me. You better accept it.'"

Rishi finds his transition from the rebellious lover-on-the-run in "Bobby" to the disapproving father in "Bewakoofiyaan" interesting.

"Today in 'Bewakoofiyaan', I am in the position that Pran-ji as my father occupied in 'Bobby'. I've been working for the last 42 years. And look at how much has changed. In 'Bobby', the parents tried to bully the lovers. One can't do that anymore.

"In 'Bewakoofiyaan', the father has to accept the fact that his daughter is an adult and can take her own decisions on her own life, however concerned the father may be about his daughter's lifestyle.

"Couples today work together towards achieving a common goal, whether it's a house, or holidays abroad or whatever. The parents have little say in their children's life," he said.

Rishi doesn't interfere in his own children's life in his real life. He has two children - daughter Riddhima and son Ranbir.

"They are independent individuals with minds of their own. If today I was to behave like Pran saab in 'Bobby', my kids would laugh in my face. Today parental intervention is permissible only to the point where the kids respect your opinion," he said.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who recently wrapped up shooting for his new film "Bhoothnath Returns", has lent a helping hand to the underprivileged.

Early Thursday morning, he visited Raigad (a district in Maharashtra) to collect funds for former Disney UTV managing director Ronnie Screwvala's foundation Swades, which works towards empowering rural inhabitants.

"Having finished very late last night (Wednesday) at Lonavala and the 'Party with the Bhoothnath’, getting to bed almost at 5 a.m. to be up again at 6 a.m. to leave for Raigad (district in Maharashtra), by helicopter an hour away, to visit at my insistence, the work that the Swades Foundation does for the rural inhabitants,” Amitabh posted on srbachchan.tumblr.com Thursday.

The foundation is jointly run by Ronnie and his wife Zarine Screwvala. It focuses on empowering rural India through health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education and more.

For the 71-year-old thespian, "it has been a most humbling experience to be in the midst of the villagers and their life and expectations and what they build so diligently and passionately".

"I shall be joining them (Ronnie and Zarine) in this exercise to collect funds for the many activities and facilities they provide to the underprivileged,” Big B further posted.

“We tend to forget and put aside the comforts we in the city enjoy...he daily essential needs - common and of the most basic nature. It is almost embarrassing to be in the privilege we are in," he added.

He is "astonished that the most elementary needs are missing among them. Yet they smile, exist and work continuously to better their condition".

"Remarkable," he commented.

Amid reports that ace comedian and character artist Jagadish would likely be fielded by the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls, the actor has said none has approached him so far.

"My association with the Congress party began almost four decades ago when I was a student and whenever I contested, it was only under the Congress banner and I always won. So, if the party wishes that I contest, I will not say no," said Jagadish to IANS.

During the 2011 Kerala assembly polls, Jagadish was the most sought after campaigner of the Congress-led United Democratic Front candidates and he managed to reach out to maximum people.

"I have come to know from reliable sources that the party is considering fielding me. If I get a call, I will certainly accept it and there is no going back on it," said Jagadish, who has acted in over 350 films and also is a popular TV actor.

Starting his career as a Commerce lecturer in late 1980s and after doubling up as a teacher as well as actor, he took leave from the college and turned full-time to acting. His wife is a professor at a state-run medical college.

Since 1984 when he acted in "My Dear Kuttichathan", he has played the lead role in 40 films and scripted a dozen films, including "Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu" and "Minda Poochakku Kalyanam".

His popular films include "Vandanam", "Mukhachitram", "In Harihar Nagar", "Godfather" and "Hitler" to name a few.

Imtiaz Ali, one of the successful filmmakers of Bollywood, says Subhash Ghai made a huge contribution to his growth in the field of filmmaking.

"I am here to congratulate Subhash Ghai and his entire team of 'Kaanchi'," said Ali, who Thursday attended the trailer launch of "Kaanchi".

"I don't think there is any director as successful as him. I have seen 'Hero' 25 times. You can see influence of Subhash Ghai's films in my films. Subhash Ghai contributed a lot to my growth and movie-making," added the director of hits like "Jab We Met", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Highway".

Designer Manish Malhotra will showcase his version of summer affair through flowing fabrics, bold prints and more at the opening of forthcoming Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) summer-resort 2014.

The premier five-day fashion event will begin March 12, but Malhotra’s collection titled A Summer Affair will be showcased on March 11 night at the Grand Hyatt here.

“A Summer Affair is influenced by the romanticism that exists in today's day and age... where layers and boundaries are surpassed... the young in love are distracted and are expressing their individuality,” Malhotra said in a statement.

Sheer and lightweight fabrics such as organza, georgette and tulle make the ensembles in hues of pink, powder blue and beige summer-friendly.

The men’s collection has outfits with print on print and different textures in contemporary Indian jackets. Kurtas also get a makeover as shirt kurtas.

Also consisting of summer skirt lehengas with pockets, bolero jackets with kurtas and easy slim pants, the range will also be available at his new stores here and in New Delhi.

"Brick Mansions", a crime-action drama starring the late actor Paul Walker as a fearless officer, will hit the Indian screens April 25 and the distributor says it will be an "absolute treat" for his fans.

Being released in India by PVR Pictures, the film allows Walker's fans to see him in complete action.

"Paul Walker has a humongous fan base in India, and after the unfortunate incident last year, we believe this last film will be an absolute treat for his fans who love seeing him in character," Deepak Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, PVR Pictures Ltd, said in a statement.

"Along with Paul's presence on screen fighting crime, the action sequences choreographed for the film is very new-age and fundamentally different which will keep the audiences intrigued. We hope they thoroughly enjoy this film and his last performance," he added.

"Brick Mansions" revolves around an undercover cop who tries to take down a ruthless crime lord with access to a neutron bomb by infiltrating his gang in a place called Brick Mansions.

Indo-Canadian adult film star-turned-actress Sunny Leone, who is in her life's "best phase", says she would love to experience motherhood but right now, she is focussed on Bollywood.

"I would love to have babies but I don't know when. This is one moment which I can't replace ever in my life. This is the best phase of my life and my focus is on Bollyood."

"If I have a baby, then 'great', but I can't predict the future," she added.

Sunny, who is married to Daniel Weber, says the choice of working post motherhood depends on an individual.

"I am married now and may be I will have kids and continue with my work even after that. We are in 2014. It's an individual experience, individual decision (to work after having a baby)," she added.

Most actresses build a career in filmdom before marriage, but Sunny says her life has been in reverse gear.

"My life has gone backwards. I think I am an entertainer and it shouldn't matter whether I am married or have kids or whatever. But I have to say I have a very supportive husband and family."

"He is not going to hold me back from doing a role. If the role is sexy, we work through it as a couple," said the 32-year-old, who married Weber in 2011.

Sunny, whose tryst with the Indian entertainment industry started with the reality show "Bigg Boss 5". It was during her stint on the show that she received her first Bollywood offer - the 2012 film "Jism 2".

She says making a place here has been tough.

"It is difficult because the industry is new for me. It's difficult because you don't know what is right and what is wrong. Are they the right people? Or are they going to take advantage of you? All these questions are always there, but you have to believe that your decision is the right one," Sunny said.

"I feel business and entertainment are similar no matter wherever you work," said the actress, who will soon be seen in horror film "Ragini MMS 2"

Actress Sunny Leone has been working hard to make her space in the Hindi film industry, and she was over the moon when she received a compliment for her performance in "Ragini MMS" from the movie's producer, Ekta Kapoor.

"She (Ekta) just called me recently and said that she saw the climax scene and she loved it. She felt my performance was great and it's a proud moment for me to get a compliment from Ekta," Sunny told IANS.

There was reportedly a clash between Sunny and Ekta, but the Indo-Canadian adult film actress said: "I have no issues at all with Ekta. These are just rumors and silliness. There is nothing like that."

In fact, the duo has been going all out to promote the movie on ground and via reality shows.

Sunny believes that being part of this film was a "great decision".

"It has been difficult at times. My fans have supported me a lot, had they not supported me, I would not have been here. I'm grateful to my fans," added the actress, who made her Bollywood debut with "Jism 2".

"Ragini MMS 2", directed by Bhushan Patel, is a horror film, and it is based in a haunted house.

Animated adventure movie "Tarzan 3D" is all set to release in India April 18.

Being released by PVR Pictures, it features "Twilight" heart-throb Kellan Lutz as Tarzan and actress Spencer Locke as Jane.

The latest adaptation of Edgar Rice Burrough’s classic book "Tarzan of the Apes", it is expected to be a visual delight as the movie will include special effects in 3D technology, said a statement.

Directed and produced by German filmmaker Reinhard Klooss, the story begins with John Greystoke and his wife getting killed in a helicopter crash in the remote African jungle, while investigating a mysterious meteorite site.

Their son J.J., nicknamed Tarzan, survives. A group of gorillas discovers the boy in the wreckage and takes him in as their own. Tarzan grows up learning the harsh laws of the jungle for nearly a decade until he encounters another human being - the courageous and beautiful young Jane Porter.

“The story’s universal appeal coupled with state of the art special effects will undoubtedly win over Indian fans. We feel privileged to maintain our endeavour to bring the best of international titles to India”, says PVR president Kamal Gianchandani.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who recently wrapped up shooting for "Bhoothnath Returns", says he will now join Ronnie Screwvala in his "exercise to collect funds" for Swades Foundation.

The 71-year-old is travelling to villages where Swades Foundation, run by former Disney UTV managing director Ronnie Screwvala and his wife Zarina, has been working for social welfare of the villagers. He is assisting Screwvala's foundation.

Early Thursday morning, he visited Raigad district in Maharashtra to help raise funds for the foundation, which works towards empowering rural inhabitants.

"Having finished very late last night (Wednesday) at Lonavala and the 'Party with the Bhoothnath’, getting to bed almost at 5 a.m. to be up again at 6 a.m. to leave for Raigad (district in Maharashtra), by helicopter an hour away, to visit at my insistence, the work that the Swades Foundation does for the rural inhabitants,” Amitabh posted on srbachchan.tumblr.com Thursday.

"It has been a most humbling experience to be in the midst of the villagers and their life and expectations and what they build so diligently and passionately. The Foundation is run by Ronnie and Zarine Screwala and I shall be joining them in this exercise to collect funds for the many activities and facilities they provide to the underprivileged."

“We tend to forget and put aside the comforts we in the city enjoy...the daily essential needs - common and of the most basic nature. It is almost embarrassing to be in the privilege we are in," Big B posted.

He is "astonished that the most elementary needs are missing among them. Yet they smile, exist and work continuously to better their condition".

"Remarkable," he commented.

Fashion designer Ritu Beri has created a special 'Women Solidarity Scarf' on the occasion of International Women's Day, which falls Saturday.

The scarf was jointly released by ASSOCHAM Ladies League (ALL) and JW Marriott here Friday.

"The aim of this Solidarity Scarf is to become a visible public symbol of self-esteem, sisterhood and strength among women of all ages of all countries," Beri said in a statement.

"The Solidarity Scarf is launched to mark the celebration of International Women's Day and show love, respect and appreciation towards women and their achievements in economic, political and social spheres," she added.

Harbeen Arora, ALL global chairperson, congratulated everyone associated with the initiative and said that ALL will promote this public symbol of Solidarity Scarf globally "so that a billion women's voices can be amplified and heard across borders".

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai has topped the list of 20 most searched successful Indian women on Google followed by Vidya Balan and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, an official statement said.

Former Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi also features among the top ten, revealed a Google search trend result Friday.

The list was revealed after a two-month analysis between Jan-Feb 2014.

"On the occasion of Women's Day, Google search trends reveal who are the most searched 20 successful Indian women. Kiran Bedi is still among the top 10 most searched Indian women," a statement said.

"Two sportswomen (Saina Nehwal and boxer M.C. Mary Kom), two authors (Arundhati Roy and Shobhaa De) and four politicians (J. Jayalalithaa, Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj), also made it to the top 20," the statement added.

The other names include Nita Ambani, designer Ritu Kumar, actress Shabana Azmi, designer Neeta Lulla, filmmaker Meera Nair, producer Ekta Kapoor, PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav.

Rekha Bhardwaj, a powerhouse of musical talent, will perform at the She Rocks concert, organised here to salute the spirit of women on International Women's Day Saturday.

Rekha's mellifluous melodies are expected to add to the fervor and celebration with a live performance. She will pay a musical ode to women at St. Andrew's Auditorium in Bandra here, and she feels honoured.

"I am sure that the music and celebrations we offer on this special day will bring women from all parts of society closer," the singer, known for numbers like "Namak ishq ka" and "Ghagra", said in a statement.

She Rocks is an annual property of the Radio Mirchi Intellectual Properties Division. In its second year, the concert aims to give women an experience that makes them feel truly special.

Kirron Kher says that instead of goody-goody roles, she enjoys seeing her husband and actor Anupam Kher essay negative roles.

"I personally like Anupam doing negative roles. It's not easy to pull off negative characters and Anupam has managed to do it really well. I like him in negative roles like 'The Wednesday' and 'Dushmani'," said the actress who shared screen space with Anupam for the first time in the just released "Total Siyappa".

And who can forget Anupam as Dr. Dang in "Karma" - he sent chills down the viewers' spine.

An acclaimed actress herself, Kirron has played a variety of roles in parallel cinema such as "Sardari Begum" and "Khamosh Pani" as well as commercial hits like "Hum Tum", "Dostana" and "Om Shanti Om".

Also active in theatre, Kirron finds the medium very satisfying.

She said: "Theatre is very satisfying at the end of the day... but it is very frightening because in front of a live audience you might forget your lines. I personally enjoy theatre a lot."

Manjeet Singh, former vocalist of Britain-based band Rhythm Dhol Bass (RDB), will launch his first Bollywood single with Sajid Nadiadwala's much anticipated film "Heropanti".

Manjeet, who split from RDB earlier this year, will release the song under his banner MANJ Musik.

"Manjeet has composed the promotional track of the film which will be a peppy dance number that will be featured in the club and is called 'Whistle Baja'," read a statement.

"The track will be additionally featuring Manj's better half Nindy Kaur and former Mafia Mundeer member Raftaar on the rap."

"Heropanti" marks the cinematic debut of Tiger Shroff, son of actor Jackie Shroff.

National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut, who is receiving rave reviews for her performance in "Queen", says she prefers appreciation from the audience over trophies.

"I am not interested in awards. I have already won a lot of awards... the audience's appreciation is important for me," she said.

"I am getting good reviews for my film. Many people are appreciating the film on social networking website. We all are very happy about that," added the actress.

Directed by Vikas Bahl, "Queen" features Kangna as a Delhi girl who goes for honeymoon without her partner.

Known for playing serious roles in films like "Woh Lamhe" and "Fashion", Kangana enjoyed her tryst with comedy in "Queen".

"Yes, comedy is fun and I enjoyed doing this film," said the actress who was also appreciated in the light-hearted romantic drama "Tanu Weds Manu".

Leading microphones and headphones brand Sennheiser will popularise actor-singer Farhan Akhtar's social campaign MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination).

It will redesign Farhan's Sennheiser-SKM 2000 microphone to embody his cause with the 'MARD moustache' design.

Akhtar conceived MARD after an incident in August 2012 where a Mumbai lawyer was sexually assaulted and then killed by her watchman. Akhtar launched his campaign in March 2013. The campaign has been supported by Bollywood celebrities and women's right activists across India.

"The tools I use to connect with my audience are important means to spread the message about MARD. In a society where a moustache is associated with masculinity, I wanted a microphone that embodies that message and also strongly supports our campaign towards spreading awareness of gender equality," Farhan said in a statement:

"I have been performing with the Sennheiser SKM 2000 series microphone and feel very comfortable with it. I was pleasantly surprised when Sennheiser offered to support the MARD cause with the new design on my microphone. It sounds beautiful and looks even better now," he added.

Set to launch the second season of his TV show "Satyamev Jayate", leading Bollywood actor Aamir Khan Friday said he is not interested in joining politics, and does not consider himself a social activist either.

"I don't belong to the field of politics, won't be able to do well in politics. Why does one enter politics, to contribute to the society... I can contribute to the society from where I am. This is why I would not join politics," said Aamir while interacting with women journalists at Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC).

The actor, whose "Satyamev Jayate" has raised several social issues, also said he did not consider himself a social activist.

"I don't see myself as a social activist. An activist is one who takes up a cause close to his heart and lives with that. I an an entertainer and a creative person..." he said.

He said as an entertainer, his responsibility includes bringing grace to society and building a moral fabric.

Asked if he supports any political party, the actor said: "I don't see any such party which I feel would change a lot of things if it comes to a majority."

He however said that he liked the idea of "swaraj" given by Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.

"I agree with their concept of 'swaraj'. This is the only party which says they people would be a part of deciding how they rule... but the reason I don't support any party is that even AAP has to be tested. I am not in a rush to support any party. Don't want to have a knee jerk reaction," said Aamir who had supported the Anna Hazare movement.

"And elections should be free and fair, who am I to influence the people," he added.

On a question on the violence against north Indians by Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Aamir said he was against any violence or forceful shutdowns.

"Any political party which uses power and muscle in the country is wrong. Earlier during the struggle for independence, Gandhiji would say people to boycott something and they would do it voluntarily," he said, questioning use of force to stop people from leaving their houses.

"They burn buses, use violence. It just indicates hooliganism. You are just a goon. It's not got any ground support," he said.

Bollywood actresses Deepika Padukone will attend the audio launch of superstar Rajnikanth's Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiiyaan" here Sunday.

Deepika essays the role of princess Vadhana in the film, which is directed by Rajnikanth's daughter Soundarya Rajnikanth Ashwin.

"(I'm) very happy (that) Deepika Padukone, our princess Vadhana, will be in Chennai for the audio launch," posted Soundarya on her Twitter page.

Besides Deepika, Shah Rukh Khan will be present at the event.

"Kochadaiiyaan", which is supposedly India's first motion capture photo-realistic animated film, features Deepika, Jackie Shroff, R. Sarath Kumar, Aadi Pinisetty and Shobana in important roles.

Touted to be made along the lines of Hollywood films "Avatar" and "Tin Tin", the film is jointly produced by Eros International and Media One Global Entertainment.

The film is slated to release in cinemas April 11