With heroine-centric films like "Gulaab Gang" and "Queen" getting a good response at the box office, actress Prachi Desai says it's a great time for all female actors as they are free to choose the kind of films and roles they wish to do.

Prachi was last seen in box office dud "Policegiri".

"For all the female actors, it's a very good phase because today you don't have to worry about a project that you really like," the actress told reporters here at the unveiling of clothing brand Central's spring summer collection Sunday.

"Maybe at any other point and time, the girls would have thought twice before taking up a project, but today I guess you can do just what you like," she added.

Prachi, who rose to fame with her small screen stint, made her Bollywood debut in 2008 with "Rock On!!".

The festival of colours brings with itself joy, togetherness and a chance to flaunt your beautiful self. Spruce up your face with the right make-up before you step out to play Holi.

Aakriti Kochar, beauty and makeup expert, Oriflame India, has shared her tips on the significance of various colours and how to use them for Holi, said a statement.

* Red is the colour of confidence and also happiness. Swipe your favourite bright red lipstick out of your vanity this Holi. When wearing a red lipstick, wear a thin layer of foundation so that the focus is drawn to lips and they stand out. The layer of foundation also ensures that the Holi colours don’t get in touch with your skin directly.

Always remember to outline your red lips with a red lip pencil to avoid colour bleeding. When wearing a red lipstick, keep your eyes nude or sport a crisp black eye liner with lots of mascara.

* Silver-Gold with Fuchsia is the best combination when it comes to a fun and colourful make-up. One can sport a bright fuchsia lipstick to be in style even when you’re playing Holi. If you plan to play Holi with greasy colours, the colours will further blend in with your look and enhance the fuschia colour on the lips.

* As Holi is all about colours, one can use different shades to make a dramatic appearance. Play around with yellow, pink and green eyeshadows or eye liners to create a rainbow effect. Use matte eye shadows to get maximum colour impact on the eyes. Apply the colours vertically on the eyelids next to each other and add kajal and lots of mascara. Complete the look with a soft peach blush.

* If you do not like too much of a bright make-up, then teal is another choice of colour that you can go for. It’s warmer than other colours but still goes with the festivity. Apply teal eye-shadow and compliment it with a black liquid eye liner extending it outwards.

* If you want to leave bare face for Holi, highlight your nails and wear bright nail paints like bright red, orange or yellow to add drama. One can also apply a tinted gloss on lips to make it simple yet colourful.

* Turquoise is one shade that never goes out of vogue. Wear turquoise eye liner or mascara and team with pink or peach blush and lip colour of the same family.

Actor-producer Atul Agnihotri, who has roped in his star brother-in-law Salman Khan for a cameo in his film "O Teri", says the actor is "adding a lot" to the film.

"'O Teri' is being well-pushed by Salman Khan. He is adding a lot to the film and his song, which he shot recently for the film, will be out in the next two days," Agnihotri said here.

"The song has turned out really well... it is fabulous. I am thankful to Salman Khan," he added.

Agnihotri is married to Salman's sister Alvira.

Talking about his relationship with Salman, whom he calls "Bhai", Aghnihotri said: "I work with family and I share a great bonding with Bhai. I don't know about my next project as I am completely involved with this film at the moment."

Actor Ali Fazal will sizzle on the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) ramp as a showstopper for designer Digvijay Singh at the forthcoming summer-resort 2014 edition of the fashion gala.

The event begins here Wednesday.

Singh feels Ali is the right fit for being the showstopper as the collection is playful and vibrant. He believes he will pull it off with his charisma and style, said a statement.

The collection will pay an ode to classic games like Snakes and Ladders and Ludo, which now seem lost in the deluge of digitalization.

The line is a reflection of the games in garments and ensembles, not just superficially but in character. It offers quirkiness, novelty and a slice of childhood.

On the movie front, Ali will be seen in the lead role opposite Vidya Balan in the yet to release “Bobby Jasoos”.

Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar finds it a "shame" that certain people have abused actor-filmmaker and "Satyamev Jayate 2" host Aamir Khan and doubted his intentions of amassing donations via the social issue-based TV show.

"Shame! Instead of appreciating Aamir, the great grandson (great grand nephew) of Maulana Azad for highlighting the real issues, some sick people are abusing him," Akhtar posted on his Twitter page Monday.

Aamir made his TV debut with "Satyamev Jayate" (SMJ) in May 2012 and the show, dealing with sensitive social issues like female foeticide, domestic violence and child abuse, received a warm welcome from TV viewers after it went on air on Star Plus.

Some of the episodes dealing with female foeticide and malpractices in the medical field recorded the highest ratings.

The show's second season went on air on STAR India channels March 2. Its first episode dealt with the issue of rape, and the second episode, beamed Sunday, talked about police force.

A defamatory campaign against Aamir began on a social networking site(https://www.facebook.com/AwakIND/posts/10151964856603531?stream_ref=10), alleging that when at the end of the show, Aamir asks for donations for Humanity Trust, the money is used for masjid construction assistance and placement assistance for Muslim youth.

In reaction to it, Aamir registered a complaint with the Mumbai police and clarified that the "malicious messages are wrong and baseless".

The Election Commission is likely to appoint Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and cricketer Virat Kohli as "national icons" who would encourage more and more people to vote in the general elections.

Aamir and Kohli are expected to join the league of four other "national icons" - cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, boxer M.C. Mary Kom, badminton ace Saina Nehwal and former president A.P.J Abdul Kalam.

Sources said the national icons will reach out to people through programmes such as systematic voter education and electoral participation (SVEEP), which aims at increasing voter turnout as also quality of electoral participation in terms of informed and ethical voting.

They said the poll panel has approached Aamir and Kohli and is likely to make an announcement about their inclusion as national icons in the coming days.

Officials said there are several state-level icons, also referred to as brand ambassadors.

"It is for the first time that there would be six national icons to boost voter participation," an official, who did not wish to be identified, told IANS.

He said the national icons were not only well-known people but had an appeal cutting across age groups.

"Over two crore (20 million) first-time voters will be eligible to exercise their right to franchise in this election. The number of young voters will also be large. The national icons have a special appeal among the youth," the official said.

Aamir, who has been pitching for better voter participation in his individual capacity, is now expected to do so on behalf of the poll panel.

During the launch of a TV show last month, Aamir said he has been approached by the poll panel to spread the message about the significance of voting.

Kohli was part of an awareness campaign for the Delhi assembly elections last year.

The sources said the national icons would also feature in print and electronic advertisements released by the Election Commission.

Over 814 million people will be eligible to vote in the 2014 elections, making it the biggest Lok Sabha polls -- and the biggest democratic parliamentary elections anywhere in the world.

Award winning textile and fashion designer Gaurang Shah will unveil his "Chandbali" collection of classical Indian weaves fashion innovation at Lakme Fashion Week, beginning in Mumbai Wednesday.

This time his experiments are Indian Banarasi weaves. His collection is revival of antique Odhnas archived from Akbarnama with the Khadi fabric, said a statement here.

The collection will reflect the poetry of the Mughal culture and heritage romancing with the rich textiles and jewellery of the dynasty.

Participating in the sixth season at LFW, Gaurang will unveil his Chandbali on March 14.

"The embroidery on khadi is a renaissance of antique zardosi. Blooming the era of eternal love and majesty; the collection is a timeless heirloom befitting a brides' trousseau trunk," said Gaurang.

He believes his collection is designed to strike chord with every age group, as every piece is "inspired by people who are passionate about wearing heritage weaves on every big or small occasion".

Arshad Warsi seems to have really pushed the envelope for his next "The Legend of Michael Mishra". Produced by Eye Candy Films, directed by Manish Jha, Arshad plays the title character in the film and is believed to have eaten 47 chillies for a prime scene in the film.

Says a source from the set, "The film was one of the prime scenes in the film. Arshad was meant to eat a few carrots for the scene. Arshad suggested to Manish and his producer Kishor Arora that they should consider using chillies instead to add an extra "spice" to the scene. For the scene, Arshad ended up quickly eating as many as 47 chillies in the spur of the moment cos he wanted to give a perfect shot in just one go. After the scene was done, Arshad of course was spewing heat and was very uncomfortable. Kishor ordered for cold milk on set for Arshad and he gulped down 1.5 litre of milk to douse the fire - so to speak in his system"

Actor Harman Baweja is set to return to the screen with "Dishkiyaaon". He says he is reinventing himself with the project.

"This is a very special film for me. I am reiventinng myself with this fim," Harman said here.

After delivering box office duds like "What's Your Raashee?", "Victory" and "Love Story 2050", Harman is hopeful that his acting career is resurrected with "Dishkiyaoon", which is Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty's debut home production.

Harman has also donned a new look - more muscular and powerful, for the movie.

"I was away from Bollywood and had taken a backseat as I wanted to do something different from what I have not done in the past. This film means a lot to me," he said.

The film, slated to release March 28, also features Sunny Deol.

While he is busy promoting the movie, Harman says he will be busy with his friends and family on the Holi festival March 17.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was in the midst of the music launch of "Kochadaiyaan" in Chennai when he heard of Bobby Chawla's demise. He was shaken, yet he stayed put at the event and later rushed to be at his friend's funeral in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh was in Chennai Sunday as the music and trailer launch of the new Rajinikanth-starrer "Kochadaiyaan" was to be launched in the presence of the megastar himself. SRK flew into Chennai by a chartered flight as special guest, and he was accompanied by Rajinikanth's co-star Deepika Padukone.

However, just when the music launch started, Shah Rukh heard of his former Red Chillies' CEO Bobby Chawla's death.

Bobby, who was Juhi Chawla's only sibling, had been in coma since 2010. He was not just Shah Rukh's associate, but also his close friend.

On hearing of his death, Shah Rukh was deeply shaken.

"He wanted to fly back immediately. But out of respect for Rajini sir, he stayed back till the end of the event and then rushed back in time for Sanjeev's (Bobby) funeral at 4 p.m. on Sunday," said a source from Chennai.

Paris-based Indian designer Parul Bhargava is set to make her debut on Indian runway with the forthcoming edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer-Resort 2014, which begins here Wednesday.

She will showcase her collection under her label Mirage. It is a luxury French Label with Indian roots and inspired from the concept of Serenity, said a statement.

Bhargava will be debuting her collection in India.

Her USP, she says, is the use of hand embroidery.

"Mirage believes in simplicity and purity of design. Reinterpreting classic designs under contemporary and elegant subjects, questioning and requestioning what is contemporary in today’s context,” Bhargava said in a statement.

After training with Ecole Lesage, who handles all embroidery for Chanel, Bhargava decided to start her own label. The main aim of her label is to create a bridge between beautiful traditional Indian craftsmanship and sophisticated French design aesthetics.

Tarun Tahiliani has been named the opening designer of the forthcoming edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Autumn-Winter 2014, to be held here starting March 26.

The five-day fashion event will be held at Pragati Maidan here.

“It is always wonderful to open a week with all the resultant expectation," Tahiliani said in a statement.

"WIFW held under the auspices of the FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India) is the premier trade platform for the ready-to-wear in India. It is here we will debut the new autumn-winter collection, a celebration of colour, drape, jewels and a true synthesis of modernity overlaying tradition,” he added.

WIFW, a bi-annual event organised by the FDCI, has not only seen many established designers showcasing their collection, but it is also a springboard for upcoming designers, who get an opportunity to showcase their work to discerning audiences.

"CityLights", the official remake of award winning British-Filipino film "Metro Manila", will release in the country May 1.

Fox Star Studios and Vishesh Films, who have jointly given successful commercial films in the past, are yet again prepared to give a path-breaking movie experience with "CityLights".

The film is directed by Hansal Mehta and features actor Rajkummar Rao, who recently wowed the audience and walked away with awards for his outstanding performance in "Shahid".

The actor is paired with actress Patralekha, who will be make her debut with this film.

The movie is based on the life of a farmer in Rajasthan who comes to the city of Mumbai with his wife and daughter in hope of a better life. Their encounter with the big city and the way they tackle the rising challenges nurtured by the power of their love is what the movie is all about.

The British movie "Metro Manila" had received critical acclaim and was lauded at British Independent Film Awards, Amazonas Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Hamburg Film Festival. It was also Britain's entry for the best foreign language film category at the 86th Academy Awards.

In a film career spanning a decade, Vivek Oberoi has essayed diverse roles and tasted both successes and failures on the big screen, but he says the joy of social work and supporting charitable causes for others' happiness is far more fulfilling an award or reward for him.

"Acting in movies is my passion, but the kind of human satisfaction and meaningfulness that comes into my life by helping others, wiping away tears and trying to bring a smile to someone else's face is exceptional...that joy is more fulfilling that any award or reward I have ever got," the 37-year-old told IANS in an interview.

Over the years, Vivek has involved himself in several philanthropic causes, leveraging his celebrity status for social uplift, a la Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan.

Vivek helped rebuild a village, which was hit severely by the 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu. In fact, he was in Chennai when the disaster struck and he assembled six truckloads of relief supplies. Later, he also adopted a tsunami-ravaged village in the state's Cuddalore district.

The actor also runs a school at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Named Project Devi, the facility caters to underprivileged girls abandoned by their families. He often goes there to check on their progress.

Son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek thanks his family for sensitizing him to the idea of "helping others" and supporting charity.

"My family has always been associated with social cause. My mother has worked for over three decades for cancer patients. My father has always been inclined towards education of slum children.

"So, I was inspired by these initiatives of my parents. I think that's the culture at home that I imbibed and with their blessing, I am taking it to the next level," he said.

The actor recently added another feather to his cap by lending a helping hand to S.H.E. - Support Her Education - a campaign launched by beauty brand The Body Shop.

The campaign, also backed by Food for Life Vrindavan (FFLV), aims to educate 100 girls in need, and a part of the sales proceeds from The Body Shop products will contribute towards it.

Vivek, who is father to a 13-month-old boy, believes "it's a great idea".

"I feel that women want to do a lot of stuff for the empowerment and development of underprivileged women, but they don't find the right channel and opportunities. So this association brings the best of that," he said.

Vivek made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma's "Company" in 2002, which went on to earn rave reviews for him. He also impressed everyone as a lover boy in "Saathiya".

Since then, he has tried to maintain his variety with movies like "Shootout At Lokhandwala", "Omkara", "Kurbaan" and "Grand Masti". His portrayal as a villain in "Krrish 3" won him a lot of appreciation.

One wonders if he is looking forward to more such negative roles.

But Vivek retorted: "I don't look at film roles as negative and positive. I look at roles as exciting or boring."

"If a role excites me, I will do it...no matter if it is positive, negative or neutral," said the actor, who now wants to focus more on Vivaan Veer Oberoi, his baby with wife Priyanka Alva.

"I want to spend quality time with my family and son who barely got time to spend with me last year because of my heavy schedule," he added.

Actress Soha Ali Khan is awaiting the start of shooting schedule of her next project, which is based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"My next film is on 1984 Sikh riots and we will start shooting quite soon," Soha said here Monday at an event held to announce the winner of Classmate Spell Bee 2014 championship.

"National Award winner Shivaji Patil will be directing it and I am looking forward to it," she added.

Soha was recently seen in comedy "Mr Joe B. Carvalho". Currently, she is busy with another film "Chaarfutiya Chhokare".

Kangana Ranaut seems to have swept the entire Hindi film fraternity off its feet with her performance in "Queen". Actor-director Arbaaz Khan is the latest celebrity to be floored by the actress' performance in the movie.

He has called her an extremely gifted actor.

"I am going to personally talk to her (Kangana) and congratulate her. She is fabulous in the film, she is so natural, she is so gifted and talented. In this film you can see her come into her own, she is so endearing, watchable and this film is beautiful," the 46-year-old said here Monday following a special screening of "Queen".

Arbaaz further praised the film, saying that it is one of the best he has seen in recent times.

"It is an outstanding and a terrific film. Kangana has done such brilliant work and it is a very well-written and beautiful film. One of the best films that I have seen in recent times and I think it will do really well," Arbaaz said.

Directed by Vikas Bahl, "Queen" is receiving a wonderful response at the box office. It is the story of a woman who goes on her honeymoon alone and enjoys her journey of self-realisation.

Hardy Amies, a British fashion house specializing in men’s luxury wear, is set to debut in India through an exclusive partnership with The Collective, a Madura Fashion and Lifestyle retail chain.

Originally located at London's Savile Row, the brand will now introduce the season’s collection for men through its made-to-measure experience for its patrons in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, a statement said.

With Hardy Amies, the retail chain aims to present the made-to-measure concept to the Indian customers, who may join distinguished patrons such as Lord Nelson, Napoleon III, Winston Churchill, Prince Charles and Jude Law.

Hardy Amies offers men the building blocks of a sharp-fitted wardrobe.

The Collective, one of the premium retail destinations, has partnered with several global design houses and brands in the past.

Actress Richa Chadda will flaunt a creation by designer Sounia Gohil as her showstopper at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) summer-resort 2014, which begins here Wednesday.

The designer feels the "Gangs Of Wasseypur" actress fits the bill perfectly as she can carry the look with utmost ease and add glamour to the same, said a statement.

Taking inspiration from interiors and architectures of Europe, Gohil has adapted a classy yet luxurious look transforming the designs into fresh edgy prints.

To give her designs an international feel, the designer has kept her silhouettes straight and clean with sheer fabrics ruling the assortment, amidst others.

Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who is in Landour near Mussoorie to conduct a special coaching workshop, met Ruskin Bond at his residence and invited the celebrated author to relaunch his book.

On Monday, Anupam met Bond for breakfast in Landour, where the author stays.

"My life is made. Met one of the most amazing writers, the legendary Mr. Ruskin Bond. Jai Ho," the actor posted on his Twitter page Monday.

In a series of posts thereafter, Anupam posted a few photographs of himself with the writer, and a candid picture of Bond beside a window, "where he stands for hours and conceives his books," wrote the actor.

"Invited Mr. Ruskin Bond for breakfast and requested him to relaunch my book. He obliged.:) #gratitude," Anupam added.

Like an excited fan, the actor even got the author's autograph on the book "Maharani".

Supermodel-actress Dipannita Sharma Atwal, who was awarded for her contribution to modelling, acting as well as being a businesswoman at the Woman Achievers award here recently, says it feels special to be chosen for the honour.

She was honoured by the Young Environmentalist Programme held in Mumbai recently. It recognises women who have made an outstanding difference in the community and stood out as enigmatic leaders.

"Receiving my very first award towards making a mark in modelling and acting is a very special feeling. I was honoured to be amongst women who are the epitome of strength, determination and inspiration," Dipannita said in a statement.

" I'd like to thank the young environmentalists organisation who organise the woman achiever's awards every year and recognise talent from various fields and work towards the recognition and empowerment of women who have carved their own niche," she added.

On the big screen, Dipannita has featured in entertainers like "16 December", "Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl" and "Jodi Breakers".