Sonakshi Sinha who is known to have lended her voice for Rio 2,the hindi version of Hollywood's sequel of 2011's hit animation film 'Rio' is all excited to show the film to her few friends before the release

And Sona’s special friends are none other than the kids from an NGO which she supports.

Yes, Sonakshi Sinha who is extremely close to the kids from an NGO which supports underprivileged kids, will be specially keeping a private screening of the fun animation flick for them! She will organize a special fun evening with an exclusive screening of the cute animation flick and interact with them sometime before the release!

A source close to the team confirmed, ‘Sonakshi is all geared up, she has enjoyed dubbing for Rio 2 so much that she thought it would be great to show the kids this film as they would also absolutely love it and enjoy the film’

Well, Sonakshi going that extra way for the kids is surely commendable!!

Actor Arjun Kapoor was almost 140 kg before he forayed into acting, but leading a "balanced" lifestyle helped him lose excess weight. He laments how fitness has become more about the number of pack of abs that one has.

"It's unfortunate that now fitness has become about how many abs you have. But health is equally important," the 28-year-old said here at Body Power Expo.

"You don't need to have abs to be healthy. You need to lead a very balanced life. You can't be just saying 'I have abs so I am healthy'. Your lifestyle has to be balanced and that is what leads to healthier, longer life," he added.

Arjun, son of producer Boney Kapoor, made his Bollywood debut with the 2011 film "Ishaqzaade". He shed about 50 kg to perfect his shape and look for the film.

The actor even sweated out for his looks and body in his last release "Gunday" and was applauded for his fit frame.

Now he follows a strict, balanced diet.

Recyclewala Labs, the makers of critically acclaimed and successful independent film "Ship of Theseus", have announced the title of their new documentary as "Proposition for a Revolution".

The film's poster was also unveiled Monday along with the title.

Anand Gandhi, who directed "Ship of Theseus", heads Recyclewala Labs, an offshoot of his production house Recyclewala Films.

"First poster for our new documentary feature 'Proposition for a Revolution'. Directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla, the film seeks active community participation," posted Anand Gandhi on his Facebook page Monday.

The makers have sought for public funding to complete and release the documentary.

Actor Anupam Kher, whose better half Kirron Kher is currently campaigning for the Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh, is doing everything he can to ensure her electioneering turns out just right. He has cancelled all his film shootings to be by her side next month.

Anupam was also seen with Kirron when she filed her nomination papers in Chandigarh earlier this month.

"Kirron is coping very well in Chandigarh. She has a terrific infrastructure to help her. I'd just like to be with her for sometime, more for my own sake than hers," he said.

Anupam is hugely kicked by his wife's energy level.

Taking a dig at Gul Panag's swipe about Kirron's age, Anupam said: "Those who think Kirron is not young enough to cope with the stress of politics should see how much energy she is putting into her campaigning.

"Her zest and enthusiasm put 30-year olds to shame. I am very inspired by her dedication. My grandfather has taught me one thing - If you are already wet you cannot fear the rain. Both Kirron and I are warriors. We don't fear adversity," he added.

She has been demure, submissive; bold, beautiful; sexy, flirtatious; and daring. She has also been holier-than-thou and sometimes, also a vamp -- Bollywood, in it's over 100 years of existence, has been a canvas of the several shades of a woman. But here's a new colour -- the Kangana Ranaut of "Queen" and the Alia Bhatt of 'Highway' -- free-spirited and living life on their terms, much like young contemporary Indian women today.

I'm loving it!

The attitude -- vociferous, uninhibited, opinionated, free-willed and independent -- is so easy to embrace and fall in love with. It's almost as if the country's umpteen women, subjugated by social conformity, men, family and environment, have found a part of themselves hidden in some corner of these characters who recognise their path, create it, follow it and then emerge with flying colours.

Take a dekko at Kangana's Rani of "Queen" -- she leads a simple, protected life like any other middle-class girl in Delhi's Rajouri Garden, or largely, across India; dates a man who doesn't let her dance her heart out even if she loves to, and isn't comfortable with the idea of having a working woman as his wife.

Rani adjusts -- something that most 'bharatiya naaris' would do. But she comes into her own when her fiance calls off the wedding, and she announces to her parents that she wouldn't grieve and would instead embark on her honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam -- alone. She survives, enjoys herself, and finds out how there is more to life than having to settle down with a man who doesn't care about your dreams and desires.

Ditto with "Highway". But unlike Kangana's Rani, Alia's character Veera is rich and well-travelled. Yet, she feels something amiss and a ride on a highway brings joy to her life.

Her fiance, scared, tries to curb her desire, but here's Bollywood's new 'I'll do what I want' and 'I'll make you do what I want' type of heroine, who chooses to follow her dreams.

When she gets kidnapped, what follows is a journey of self-realisation for Veera, who happens to understand that 'travelling' is not about going up and down in the lift of a hotel, that life is not about glittering social gatherings and she soaks in the joys of being in touch with nature and reality.

Examples of "free-spirited" women in Bollywood cinema may still be few and intermittent, but the trend is here to stay.

Katrina Kaif of "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", Deepika Padukone of "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" and "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela", Sonam Kapoor of "Raanjhanaa", Parineeti Chopra of "Shuddh Desi Romance" and "Hasee Toh Phasee", Sridevi of "English Vinglish" and the girls in "Chak De! India" -- they all reflect the new age women who know what they want from life.

Deepika's "Yeh Jawaani" character gave voice to the desire of a young college-goer to move out of the comfort of her house and chuck her fat books to explore life and see how her personality improves when she steps out of her mental stereotypes. Sridevi's comeback role as a middle-aged housewife in "English Vinglish" proved that once a woman decides to do something, she does it successfully and age poses no bar.

Even Katrina's "Zindagi Na" character believes in seizing the moment and making the most of life instead of running after the conventional.

Parineeti, as the slightly eccentric character in "Hasee Toh Phasee", does what she wants -- irrespective of whether or not it fits into her family's traditional scheme of things.

These women expressed the grit, determination and indomitable will to live life their way.

It's a joy watching such pleasing and honest portrayals of women on screen. These characters show that if let loose, women can move so much beyond society's 'acceptable' limits.

In the real world, women are gradually reaping the benefits of making their own choices -- be it about career, marriage, relationships, family or vocation.

So do us a favour dear people around us -- let your daughter, sister, wife and mother have a life of their own. Let them loose!

Hindi cinestar Amitabh Bachchan finds Rajinikanth-starrer "Kochadaiiyan", said to be the country's first motion capture photo-realistic 3D animated movie directed by the southern matinee idol's daughter Soundarya Ashwin, as a mark of women empowerment "at its best".

Big B launched the Hindi trailer of the forthcoming Tamil period drama here Sunday night, following which he took to his blog to sing the praises of Soundarya.

"Women Empowerment! At its best tonight as I inaugurate the latest Rajinikanth film directed by his daughter, Soundarya...a film made on the technology of Motion Picture Capture...truly amazing effort and a first for India.

"A proud moment for society where a girl takes on the challenge of a technology for the first time in the country, and makes it happen. A daughter pays tribute to her haloed father, in an affection that transcends all the cynicism that society still throws up.

"A father who entrusts his daughter with confidence and support to undertake this huge enterprise. Unlike some of the twisted norms being still practised in the country," added the thespian, who is a United Nations ambassador for Girl Child.

"Kochadaiiyan" also features Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, R. Sarath Kumar, Shobana, Aadi Pinisetty, Nasser and Rukmini in important roles.

Known for her sophisticated and ornate taste in expensive saris and jewellery, Kirron Kher disregards the advice that she must dress simply during her rallies as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh. She believes she doesn't need to "act" like a politician and that she'd rather be "real" to win votes.

An anonymous person made the suggestion to her.

"Yesterday someone said that I should wear simple clothes during rallies. But I don't want to do the acting of a politician. I want to be real," the 58-year-old posted on her Twitter page.

Kirron, wife of actor Anupam Kher, wore a sari simpler than her usual taste when she filed her nomination papers in Chandigarh earlier this month.

Meanwhile, she is trying her best to be active on the online platform to connect with people in Chandigarh.

"Good morning Chandigarh! I want to keep on thanking you for the love and support that is pouring in. I promise to fulfill my duties sincerely," she posted Monday morning.

She has even urged her followers on Twitter to "please tweet me your suggestions/advice".

"It may not be possible for me to meet all individually, but my heart is full of warmth for you," she added.

Sonakshi Sinha has a soft corner for children of an NGO that she supports and she plans to treat them with a special screening of the Hindi version of Hollywood film "Rio 2", for which she has lent her voice.

Sonakshi will organise a fun evening with an exclusive screening of the movie for the underprivileged children that the NGO supports, and she will also interact with them for sometime before the film's screening.

A source said: "Sonakshi is all geared up, she has enjoyed dubbing for 'Rio 2' so much that she thought it would be great to show the kids this film as they would also absolutely love it and enjoy it."

The movie is a sequel to the 2011 hit animation film "Rio". "Rio 2", an adventure comedy set in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, is releasing in 3D here in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu April 11.

The shooting of Arbaaz Khan's new production "Dolly Ki Doli", featuring Sonam Kapoor, began Monday on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, a New Year festival celebrated in Maharashtra.

"'Dolly Ki Doli' starts shooting today on the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa. Best wishes to all," Arbaaz tweeted Monday about the movie, directed by Abhishek Dogra.

Meanwhile, several celebrities like Asha Bhosle, Sunidhi Chauhan, Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty, Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher and Arshad Warsi also took to Twitter to share good wishes for Gudi Padwa.

Filmmaker Karan Johar's Monday tweet suggests he may be overworked!

"When you are overworked...you reach a point when you lose your sense of protocol...can't return messages...or address missed calls," he posted on the microblogging site.

He is currently busy hosting his celebrity chat show "Koffee With Karan", and his next co-production "2 States", starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, is ready to release April 18.

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who had teamed up with Salman Khan in her debut movie “Saawariya”, will work with him once again in Sooraj Barjatya's next directorial. She praised the superstar as “hot” and said the film will be “double dhamaal”.

Sonam told IANS: "He is hot. It's double 'dhamaal' with Salman since he is in double role. I am super excited to work with him. I am not allowed to talk about it. You will see. He is looking good in the film."

The film will be directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

Meanwhile, the actress is trying something different with her next film "Dolly Ki Doli" as well.

She said: "It's interesting...I hope people can digest it because we are trying to do something different. Doing things different is always scary."

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been captured in a suave and intense look for the cover of men's fashion magazine GQ India, in which he has spoken about life, childhood hijinks and his inkings.

After hitting the fastest-ever debut Test century at Mohali last year, batsman Dhawan grew big.

"God had plans for me. That innings changed my life," he has said in the magazine.

The 28-year-old, who already has a few tattoos, has said: "I may get my children's names on my back, but then that's it, I'll be done."

The Punjabi boy has also spoken about how he used to "rip up people's letters and put them down the sewer" and how "on Diwali, I'd put firecrackers in mailboxes and blow them up".

His mother used to get angry, but then he would "enjoy my beatings".

"It never used to hurt me, I would smile and she would get more frustrated," he added.

His interview will be available in the April issue of GQ India, which will hit the stands Tuesday.

Neha Sharma, who started her career with southern films, has done a couple of Hindi movies but she still feels like an outsider in Bollywood and says "no one is your friend here".

She was seen in the films "Crook", "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum" and the recently released "Youngistaan".

"I don't think I've found wide acceptance. I don't even think the big banners know about me. But I am still trying to find my bearings around here," said the 26-year-old Bihari girl.

"It isn't easy since I am very conservative at heart. Back home in Bhagalpur, we were a very non-filmy family. We didn't know much about movies except Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. And we knew about Sanjeev Kumar because he was my mother's favourite actor. My three siblings were all into academics. And two of them are now settled in Chicago," she added.

Neha is hoping "Youngistaan" would bring her the kind of recognition that she is working towards.

"I did get my first film easily," said the actress who debuted with director Puri Jagganath's Telugu movie "Chirutha" in 2007.

"But since then it hasn't been an easy journey for me. Once I did a couple of Telugu films, I wanted to move to Bollywood. That's where the struggle began. Though I bagged 'Crook' with a big banner (Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt) and with a top leading man Emraan Hashmi, the film didn't do well."

"Though 'Crook' didn't work, I think it was a good film. 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum' received a lot of flak. But it was a commercial success. That's what counts in the film industry," she said.

Though Neha loves Mumbai, she is still wary of Bollywood.

"No one is your friend here. Everyone is here to do her work. I am still searching for a meaning to this industry beyond the box office. Luckily, I got 'Youngistaan' just in time. I am hoping it would be a turning point for me," she said.

It wasn't as if Neha sought a movie career.

"'Chirutha' just fell into my lap. Like thousands of other small town girls I was just another aspirant from Bhagalpur hoping to make something out of my life. I came to Delhi to do a course in fashion designing. While studying I did a bit of modelling. That's how Puri Jagannath saw my pictures and called me. I was game for a movie career," she said.

"Chirutha" gave her the chance to travel abroad. "It was shot in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. That was incentive enough for me to do the film," she added.

But to start her movie career with a negative character was tantamount to professional suicide.

"Every well-wisher advised me against it. No actress in Telugu cinema who has played a negative role at the start of her career has been accepted as a goody-goody heroine. I took the risk, and it worked.

"I became the first Telugu debutant to get mass acceptance in a negative role. In comparison, my character Anwita Chauhan in 'Youngistaan' was a piece of cake. Or should I say... a gulaab jamum?"

A court here Monday imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty after he failed to appear before it in a defamation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Savitri allowed the actor's plea seeking exemption from personal appearance but directed him to pay a fine of Rs. 20,000 for his failure to appear in the court.

The court also told the actor to appear on the next date without any fail.

The court was hearing a defamation case filed in October 2013 against Shetty by Delhi-based stuntman Puran Chauhan, who has alleged that they had made false statements before the Delhi High Court.

Chauhan alleged that Shetty had told the high court that in March 2011, his lawyer was beaten by the complainant inside a washroom in the court building.

He claimed that with the help of his false statement, Shetty had managed to obtain a stay from the high court on summons issued for him to appear in a case in which the actor was accused of not paying him nearly Rs.1 crore.

The exemption plea was opposed by advocate Ravinder Kumar, appearing for Chauhan.

Varun Dhawan took his film's co-producer Ekta Kapoor for a bike ride to promote their film "Main Tera Hero" Monday. But thanks to her fear of two-wheelers, she found the experience tough.

Her fear has to do with an incidence in her childhood days.

"It was very tough because I have not even sat on a cycle in my life...I did twice as a child and it (the cycle) fell on both the occasions. My father used to hold the cycle and balance it. The moment he left the cycle, the cycle fell and I fell too," the 38-year-old said here after riding pillion.

"I rode the bike for the first time and I can't tell you the hate mail I have got from various women for riding on a bike with Varun," she added.

Apparently, Varun coerced Ekta to agree to a bike ride and Ekta says she finds Varun too cute to refuse him for anything.

"I have not met a cuter guy that Varun. He can sell ice cream to an Eskimo. Forget riding the bike, if he tells me to go to the moon with him, I will. He is so cute," Ekta said.

Varun said if it was not for Ekta and his father David Dhawan, he couldn't have thought of doing all the things that he was for the film.

"For this film, I have been pushed by two people - one is my father and the other is Ekta. Both of them share one thing in common, which is passion for films. Honestly, most of the things I have done today, nobody would have let me do them or orchestrated them if Ekta wasn't there," the 26-year-old actor said.

Varun's father David Dhawan has directed "Main Tera Hero", which also features actresses Nargis Fakhri, Ileana D'Cruz and Evelyn Sharma. The film hits theatres April 4.

Actress Ileana D' Cruz, who has grooved with Varun Dhawan in "Main Tera Hero", says dancing on screen makes her feel "traumatised".

"I get traumatized dancing on screen...I get so self-conscious as I am not a dancer. I get very nervous, but I can dance well the minute I am not stressed," Ileana said here in an interaction.

She says Varun made her feel "very comfortable" throughout the shooting of the film, which is directed by Varun's father David Dhawan.

Ileana, an established name in the southern film industry, made her Bollywood foray with "Barfi!", in which she shared screen space with Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

She says Priyanka is the "biggest workaholic" she has ever met.

"She works so much...almost 24X7. It's not that actresses can't be friends, it's just that we all are busy with our own work. I had a great time with Nargis (Fakhri) as well."

Ileana says she doesn't have any wish list or plans about her upcoming films.

"I don't look for stuff and I don't have a plan in place. All I can say is that I don't want to do anything insignificant."

"It's a director's perception...I even asked Anurag Basu why he chose me for 'Barfi!'. I loved the character that I played but I had a glamorous image down south. I think it's a director's perception and I got my chance with 'Barfi!."

The actress is currently busy promoting "Main Tera Hero".

Actress Meera Chopra, seen in "Gang Of Ghosts", is not ready to shoot intimate scenes for the screen and she says she has restrained herself from taking up any film offers which require her to go beyond her comfort zone.

"I am not comfortable doing intimate scenes. I am not comfortable wearing very skimpy clothes, or wearing a bikini...so I have restrained myself from taking offers which have intimate scenes, and I hope I can stick to that," Meera said here.

Her cousin Priyanka Chopra has gone beyond being an actor and has explored her love for singing professionally. Even Meera has similar plans, but she hopes to open a fashion house in New York.

"It's my dream to open a fashion house in New York. I have been in New York, so I know how things work there. So apart from acting, if I do something, it definitely has to do with business," she said.

Post "Gang Of Ghosts", Meera says she is looking forward to read some interesting scripts.

"I hope I will come across some good scripts. I'm just waiting for the right one. Besides that, I am also doing a film '1920 London', which is very unusual," she said.

Bollywood's legendary comedian Mehmood's "Bombay to Goa" is set to re-release on his 10th death anniversary as a tribute to him. However, the release date is yet to be decided, his brother Anwar Ali said.

Mehmood died in 2004.

"It's a tribute to Mehmood bhai on his 10th death anniversary. 'Bombay To Goa' is an evergreen comedy and everyone can relate to the film so, we thought we must re-release it," Anwar told IANS.

Released in 1972, S. Ramanathan directed "Bombay to Goa" was an adventure-comedy, which saw Mehmood teaming up with Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha and Aruna Irani in the cast.

"As far as the re-release date is concerned, we are still figuring that out. We will either release it before the IPL (Indian Premier League, which starts April 16) or after the IPL as we want to do complete justice to the film."

One of the star comedians of the late 1960s and 1970s, Mehmood is known for his rib-tickling performances in "Padosan", "Love in Tokyo", "Aankhen", and "Johar-Mehmood in Goa". He also directed films like "Kunwara Baap".

Talking about his brother's work, Anwar said: "While comedy is being explored really well today, but during his time he alone explored comedy."

On April 12 Anwar plans to organise a special screening of the film.

"Amitabh Bachchan will be attending the special screening of 'Bombay To Goa' on April 12. Besides Amitabh Bachchan, many other people have agreed to attend the special screening," said Anwar who was seen in films such as "Sadhu Aur Shaitaan" and "Saat Hindustani".

Accomplished actor Irrfan Khan will spend the rest of this year living out of a suitcase as he will be shooting for two films - "Jurassic World" and "Piku".

This week he leaves for the US to begin shooting for Colin Trevorrow-directed fourth part of the phenomenal "Jurassic Park" franchise. The film is to be shot in Hawaai and New Orleans.

“It’s a brief schedule to begin with, though my role is anything but brief. At the moment all I can tell you on record is that it’s a pivotal role. I am very excited about the project. It’s the second American global franchise after 'Spiderman' that I am part of,” said Irrfan, adding that he did not share the Indian audience’s disappointment over the length of his role in "Spiderman".

He said: "It isn’t as if my role was reduced for ulterior reasons. Sometimes a particular character’s footage suffers for factors like the film’s length, etc. I was very happy to be part of 'Spiderman'.

"Come to think of it, there have been very few projects that I’ve regretted doing. And those were taken up because I needed the money. Over a period of time I’ve realized I don’t need too much money to keep body and soul alive. However, now my sons have other goals and priorities. They do ask for things, which I never needed or coveted. I never say no to their demands. My movies pay me well enough to keep my family happy.”

The remaining part of this year would see Irrfan shuttling between two projects in two continents.

“After the first brief first schedule of 'Jurassic World', I’ll be back in India to shoot for Shoojit Sircar’s 'Piku'. I’ll complete one long schedule of 'Piku' and then return to the US for a long schedule of 'Jurassic World'. So it’d continue for the rest of the remaining part of the year.”

The actor says he is exceptionally excited about working with Amitabh Bachchan in "Piku".

"You keep asking why we've never worked together before. It's not as if I didn't get the opportunity earlier. I was offered Mehul Kumar's 'Kohram' with Bachchan saab. But I wanted to wait for the right film that would do justice to our presence."

Irrran reveals he has some amazing moments to share with the Big B and Deepika Padukone in Sircar's film.

"'Piku' boasts of some unique writing. It's one of the best scripts I've been offered. Bachchan saab gets to do a completely new character. I've most of my scenes with him. It's a very mellow down-to-earth slice-of-life drama like 'The Lunchbox'," said Irrfan, who will begin work on Sujoy Ghosh’s film with Kangana Ranaut at the end of the year.

Irrfan bagged the best actor award for his performance in "The Lunchbox" at the Macau Film festival. He’s impressed by the competition that he faced to bag the award.

“At any festival the competition that you are up against always matters. Here I was pitched against a formidable actor Toni Chiu Wai Leung whom I’ve always admired. I also met one of my all-time favourite filmmakers Johnny To. I consider him the master of storytelling.

"During the shooting of 'Life Of Pi', Ang Lee and I had lengthy discussions on his amazing mastery over the language of cinema. In Macau, I got a chance to talk to him. I guess I am blessed,” he said.

Irrfan is proud of his journey in filmdom.

“When I started with Govind Nihalani’s 'Drishti', I had a chance to work with Dimple Kapadia. I had no clue of how glorious that moment was. I wish I got to work with her later in life. Fortunately, I keep getting the chance to re-invent myself each year. I am very lucky to get roles like 'The Lunchbox' and 'Piku'.”

Model-actress Dipannita Sharma is likely to co-write a movie script on the fashion industry. She hopes the project changes the "perception" of people about the "one dimensional angle" of the industry.

"Modelling is what I owe my career to. And I feel the perception and portrayal of the industry of fashion as a whole has many a time been misrepresented or has been one dimensional in movies," Dipannita, a former Miss India contestant, told IANS.

"I have always toyed with the idea to write a script on this subject and I may soon be putting this into reality. I have a producer friend of mine who seeded this thought into my head and I am considering it," added the model-actress who featured in films like "Jodi Breakers" and "Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl".

In the past, acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion" has explored the dark side of the fashion world.

Dipannita's film is likely to be based on her experiences, her learning and what she calls is the real side of the fashion industry.

The idea, according to a source close to the actress, stemmed when a renowned publishing house approached Dipannita to pen a book on her life as a model. While the book is definitely a prospect Dipannita is pursuing, the movie, the source says, will be her first priority.