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SRK reminisces 'Koyla' days

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It's been 17 years since Rakesh Roshan's "Koyla" hit the screens, and its lead actor Shah Rukh Khan has only fond memories of the action-thriller.

The film, which also stars Madhuri Dixit, might have been one of his biggest flops, but he still cherishes it.

“‘Koyla’ 17 years. Wow. Thanks Rakeshji, Madhuri, Sambo Duggu, Anurag and the late Puri sahib and Jack Gaud. I remember the hills, the music, the choppers,” Shah Rukh tweeted Monday.

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'Bombay Velvet’ shoot ends, Anushka emotional

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Actress-producer Anushka Sharma was moved on the last day of filming Anurag Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet".

She plays a jazz singer in the period drama.

As she completed the shoot of “Bombay Velvet” Monday, the entire unit got together and organised a bottle of champagne, a bunch of flowers and a cake with a message that read: “Thank you Rosie. All the best to our singing star”, said a statement.

The 25-year-old even took to Twitter to express herself.

“Wrapped ‘Bombay Velvet’ last night (Monday). Highly emotional moment saying bye to the best crew and cast. This is a very special film for me,” she tweeted Tuesday.

The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor.

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Alia Bhatt travels to her favourite city

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Actress Alia Bhatt, who is on a multi-city tour to promote her forthcoming film “2 States”, is excited to be in Kolkata.

“Hello Kolkata... One of my favourite cities in India. ‘2 States’ in West Bengal today (Tuesday). Lots of exciting things to do,” she tweeted Tuesday.

Alia will be seen as a Tamil girl in the film, which also stars Arjun Kapoor. It is directed by Abhishek Varman.

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Alia Bhatt explains her KWK comment on Ranbir Kapoor

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Actress Alia Bhatt, who recently shocked many by confessing on a chat show that she wants to marry actor Ranbir Kapoor, says she didn't literally mean it and is just his fan.

She and actress Parineeti Chopra recently appeared on the final episode of "Koffee With Karan 4", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

"Firstly, being in this industry if I want to marry someone, I will never say it on the national television, especially on 'Koffee With Karan'. So, I just said it in jest, I am a fan girl at the end of the day," the 21-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the new cover of the book "2 States".

"When I say 'I want to marry Ranbir Kapoor', it's not like I literally want to marry him. It's just like a fan girl who wants to take a boy home to meet her parents," she added.

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Bhagat considering sequel to his book '2 States'

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Chetan Bhagat's novel "2 States" has been adapted into a film and the author now has plans to come out with a sequel to his story about the romantic journey of a culturally opposite couple.

"I really consider doing a sequel to '2 States' but I am not doing it right now. I have never done a sequel to any of my books but I thought this one could make it," the 39-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the new cover of "2 States."

"I have the tagline for it 'Getting married was the easy part'," he added.

Bhagat wants to take out more pages of his life for his future books.

"I think I like to now do things out of my life. As a writer develops, it's better to do other fictional stories. But I haven't done anything on my banking days, I haven't done anything on my Bollywood days... fatherhood. So, there is a lot left," the author said.

"But I think it is difficult because you have to get used to the idea that your own life has been used to create a story which is now going to turn into a movie. It takes a lot out of you and it is not easy," he added.

The author's "The 3 Mistakes Of My Life" was also adapted into a film titled "Kai Po Che!".

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Now newcomers don't need support, says Akshay

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Actor-producer Akshay Kumar, who joined Bollywood in the early 1990s, feels the current young generation of stars is so talented that they don't need help from anyone in the film industry.

He was present at the trailer launch of his production "Fugly", which features fresh faces like Mohit Marwah and Kiara Advani.

When Akshay was asked about supporting the newcomers and providing a platform to them, he said: "I don't think today newcomers need our support. When we came in the industry as newcomers, we used to need the support but they don't need it, they are so fit, so good."

The 46-year-old is amazed at the immense amount of talent the youngsters have.

"They are mentally so balanced. I think, professionally they are much better than all of us," said the actor, who made his debut with the 1991 film "Saugandh".

"They are technology savy. They know what they want and what not. They don't need to be taught. They have immense knowledge. Hence, I don't think they need anybody's support," he added.

Akshay, known for action movies like "Khiladi" and "Mohra", also likes the work done by younger actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.

He feels they are "the next superstars".

"Among the newcomers, there is Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and others who are doing their best at their level. I think, in my eyes, they are the next superstars and they are superstars, actually," said the "Boss" star.

While, Ranbir carved a niche for himself with his performances in films like "Raajneeti", "Rockstar" and "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani", among others, Ranveer was lauded for his role in the 2013 release "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela".

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Dolby Atmos extends footprint to Kerala

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Dolby Laboratories, one of the leading pioneers in sound, Tuesday announced the entry of its latest cinematic sound technology Dolby Atmos in Kerala. EVM Group's Jawahar Cinema will be the first movie hall in the state to offer the new technology to the cinema lovers.

Dolby Atmos unleashes the potential of sound in storytelling by giving filmmakers the creative freedom to easily place or move sounds anywhere in the movie theatre to create a lifelike, virtual reality of sound and the most powerful cinema experience ever.

"We are proud to be the first ones to bring Dolby Atmos, the revolutionary audio technology, to the cinema watching audiences in Kerala. Dolby Atmos is a major differentiator, providing greater definition and dimension to movies," Jose Mathew, managing director, Jawahar Cinema, said in a statement.

"With this achievement, we reinforce our mission to bring the best entertainment experiences to our audiences by offering state-of-the-art technology and exceptional facilities, providing them with the best innovations for an exciting, enhanced, and convenient movie-watching experience," he added.

Introduced in 2012, Dolby Atmos has become an intrinsic part of sound in cinema. Some popular Hollywood films released in this technology include "Life of Pi", "Man of Steel", "Brave" and "Mama".

In Tamil, films such as "Sivaji 3D", "Pizza 2: Villa" and "Thalaivaa" have been released in Dolby Atmos.

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Sonakshi Sinha fond of animation films

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Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has dubbed for the Hindi version of Hollywood animation film "Rio 2", says such works have always caught her fancy.

"I have not grown up on movies. I didn't watch much films in my childhood but I was fond of animation films," Sonakshi told reporters here Monday at the screening of "Rio 2" that she had organised for underprivileged children of Smile foundation.

"Till today I am fond of such films. You can see I am a part of 'Rio 2'. I am very excited. In fact, I have come along with my team to watch this film," she added.

Sonakshi has dubbed for the character Jewel in "Rio 2", while actor Imran Khan did it for Blu.

"Rio 2", a sequel to the 2011 hit animation film "Rio", is an adventure comedy set in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

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Sonakshi wants to work with Tom Cruise

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Actress Sonakshi Sinha says if given a chance, she would like to act with Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

The Bollywood actress recently dubbed for the character of Jewel in Hollywood film "Rio 2", a sequel to the 2011 hit animation film.

"I am very happy working here. If I get an opportunity to work in Hollywood, I would love to work with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise," Sonakshi told reporters here Monday at the screening of "Rio 2" that she had organised for underprivileged children of Smile Foundation.

The "R... Rajkumar" star will next be seen in "Holiday" with Akshay Kumar. She is currently shooting for "Tevar".

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Sri Devi campaigns for Amar Singh

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Bollywood actress Sri Devi and her husband Bonney Kapoor Tuesday campaigned for Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Amar Singh in Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh.

Huge crowds turned up to see Sri Devi, causing traffic jams on the national highway, witnesses said. Amar Singh's RLD has an alliance with the Congress.

He is pitted against Samajwadi Party's Pakshlika Singh and BJP's Choudhary Babu Lal. The Aam Admi Party has fielded Laxmi Choudhary.

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'Conversations With Waheeda Rehman' : The endearing story of a remarkable actress

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Book: Conversations With Waheeda Rehman; Author: Nasreen Munni Kabir; Publisher: Penguin-Viking; Pages: 227; Price: Rs 499.

She has done some of the most unconventional roles in Indian cinema - a prostitute, a gangster's moll, a tawaif, a woman who walks out of a marriage and so on - but with such art and innate grace that Waheeda Rehman has always remained a byword for refined sensibility in the Bollywood universe.

The sentiment is well brought out by Nasreen Munni Kabir's "Conversations With Waheeda Rehman", in which the veteran actress engages in conversation - over a year from December 2012 to November 2013 at her Mumbai home - with the author about all aspects of her life and work in a career that began in the mid-1950s and still continues.

Kabir's work is strictly not an autobiography or a biography, but goes far beyond their limitations to provide a fairly comprehensive account of a remarkable actress whose ethereal beauty has lit the screen in the many unforgettable roles she has essayed - but always on her terms.

An incident when she was on the threshold of her career is illuminating. Waheeda relates how she, when a teenager and not even of an age to legally sign a contract, clashed with established filmmakers Guru Dutt and Raj Khosla, insisting she be allowed to choose her costumes and reject those she deemed unsuitable. And what's more, she would not change her name for the screen.

Though Khosla was taken aback at the gumption of someone who was far from an established star, Guru Dutt was more amenable to her concerns and agreed, thus
launching her career.

Waheeda was the female lead in most of Guru Dutt's films, and Kabir manages to draw her out on the professional relationship that led to such masterpieces such as "Pyaasa", "Kagaaz ke Phool", "Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam" and "Chaudhvin Ka Chand". Kabir has written a book on Guru Dutt earlier but Waheeda's account helps to provide a fuller, more nuanced account of the man and the filmmaker.

The book, very readable and enlivened with several rare photographs, is replete with many other illuminating accounts of Waheeda's work with other legends of Indian cinema - of Bollywood and even beyond including Satyajit Ray. It also chronicles her brush with Hollywood viz the English version of the cinematic adaption of R.K.Narayan's "Guide".

However, "Conversations with Waheeda Rehman" could have added some more value by drawing more on her recollections of other cinematic stars she worked with and remembers with affection - the excellent but masterfully restrained Rehman is an example.

But for one view of Waheeda we must turn to R.K. Narayan himself - it appears in his essay on the making of "Guide".

"The director wanted the hero (Dev Anand) to kiss the heroine, who of course rejected the suggestion as unbecoming for an Indian woman. The hero, for his part,
was willing to obey the director, but was helpless, since kissing is a cooperative effort. The American director realized that it is against Indian custom to kiss in public; but he insisted that the public in his country would boo if they missed the kiss. I am told that the heroine replied: "There is enough kissing in your country at all times and places, off and on the screen and your public, I am sure, will flock to a picture where, for a change, no kissing is shown.' She stood firm'."

Waheeda Rehman did stand her ground - Bollywood or Hollywood!

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Playing old man to be Varun's biggest challenge

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Actor Varun Dhawan, who has played a student and new-age Govinda in his past films, will be required to portray a character several decades older than his biological age and the 26-year-old says it will be the toughest role he will get to play for a very long time.

After his show-stealing turn as a new-age Govinda in his father David Dhawan's "Main Tera Hero" and a boy next-door character in his upcoming film "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania", the "Student Of The Year" goes straight into Sriram Raghavan's untitled film.

"In Sriram Raghavan's film, I've what may probably be the most challenging role that I'd ever do in my career. I know I've just started out. But Sriram's film gives me a very complex character to play. I can guarantee you this would be the toughest role I'd get to play for a very long time," said Varun.

"I've to take my character through a number of generations. I've to play both younger and much older than my actual age. I've never seen anything like this before. Sriram's approach to filmmaking is very different from that of any other filmmaker that I know of," he added.

While Varun is not allowed to say any more about his role in Raghavan's film, it is reported that he would require enormous prosthetic support to play the older version of his character.

"Sriram is currently experimenting with various looks for Varun's character. The idea is to make him look convincing as a 60-year-old without drastically revising his looks or body language," said a source.

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Voting is democratic right, needn't be promoted: Amitabh Bachchan

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It's election time. Celebrities are being used to urge citizens to come out and vote. But Indian cinema's icon Amitabh Bachchan, for whom publicity has been a way of life, says a democratic right like voting doesn't need to be promoted.

The Bachchan family has always flaunted its election ink-marked nails with pride.

"I don't think voting needs to be promoted. It is a democratic right, and we should do it," the 71-year-old actor, who once won the Lok Sabha election from Allahabad in 1984, told IANS in an interview here.

Amitabh had resigned after three years as an MP. He has kept his distance from politics and remained apolitical ever since.

But in reel life, as a 'bhooth' (ghost) in his forthcoming political satire "Bhoothnath Returns", he contests an 'election' to set things right in a corrupt polity.

The film hits the screens Friday. It really couldn't have been better timed - the country is in the midst of the nine-phase Lok Sabha election, involving an 814 million electorate, with 100 million first-time voters and hundreds of candidates.

"That's purely coincidental," he said of the film, adding that "some of the contents of the film are very pertinent to present times".

"Particularly about electioneering; how people must behave during that time; the importance of voting...In fact, in the film, it has been beautifully structured how voting affects the outcome and if you want things to improve or want to be a good citizen, then you must go out and vote," he added.

Amitabh, who has been entertaining Hindi movie buffs for over four decades, says he is "not politically aware". But he hopes that citizens exercise their right well.

Suited and booted, the suave thespian spoke more about "Bhoothnath Returns", its content and his views on politics.

"I am not a politician. And I don't follow politics very well," he said when asked to comment on who the "sher" (lion) among Indian politicians was.

His movie magnifies the loopholes in the country's political scenario. In Big B's words, it focusses on "some of the faults and obvious things like corruption; people not doing the kind of work they are supposed to do; and taking up responsibility".

"Somewhere I feel it also rings a bell with reality. If it touches a chord somewhere, I am very happy about it," he said of his expectations from the film's underlying message on the need to root corruption out of the system.

The light-hearted entertainer is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and features child artist Parth Bhalerao in a key role with stellar talent like Boman Irani, Usha Jadhav, Usha Nadkarni and Sanjay Mishra.

A sequel to the 2008 film "Bhootnath", it features Amitabh singing, dancing and entertaining the audience as though he's 17.

'Bbuddah...hoga tera baap', really!

And he won't stop as yet.

"I keep getting work, and once you commit, you have to do it. Till my body is working, I will make it work. When it stops, I will stop working," he said in his inimitable style.

Post "Bhoothnath Returns", he already has multiple shoes to fit into - his debut TV serial, new films, new season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" and more. How does he manage it all?

Pat came an endearing reply: "Well, there's a lovely thing called a shoehorn - you use it, and off you go!"

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Songs with alcohol references driving teens to binge drinking

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Are you concerned about singer Yo Yo Honey Singh and his frequent chants about alcohol consumption in his songs that may affect your kids? Read this.

A significant research reveals that binge drinking among teenagers and young adults is strongly associated with liking and identifying music that references alcohol by brand name.

In the survey, participants were given the titles of popular songs with alcohol mentions and asked if they liked the song or owned the song.

They were also tested to determine if they could spontaneously recall what brand of alcohol was mentioned in the song.

“Every year, the average adolescent is exposed to about 3,000 references to alcohol brands while listening to music. It is important that we understand the impact of these references to alcohol brands in an age group that can be negatively impacted by alcohol consumption,” cautioned Brian A. Primack, an associate professor at University of Pittsburgh's school of medicine.

Brand references may serve as advertising, even if they are not paid for by the industry,” James D. Sargent, co-director of the cancer control research programme at Norris Cotton Cancer Center, added.

The policy and educational interventions designed to limit the influence of alcohol brand references in popular music could be important in reducing alcohol consumption in teenagers and young adults.

Of the 2,541 participants who completed the survey, 1,488, or 59 percent, reported having had a complete alcoholic drink.

Of those, 18 percent reported binging - or drinking heavily over a short period of time - at least monthly and 37 percent reported having had problems, such as injuries due to alcohol.

Survey participants who could correctly recall alcohol brands in songs had more than twice the odds of having had a complete alcoholic drink.

The participants who could identify the alcohol brands in songs also had greater odds of binge alcohol use.

"A surprising result was that the association between recalling alcohol brands in popular music and alcohol drinking in adolescents was as strong as the influence of parental and peer drinking, and an adolescent's tendency toward sensation-seeking," Primack commented.

This may illustrate the value that this age group places in the perceived opinions and actions of music stars, he noted.

The results of the study were published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

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Big B in Dubai on Jaya's 66th b'day

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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan managed to squeeze in some family time to bring in his wife Jaya Bachchan's 66th birthday, but he will spend Wednesday in Dubai to promote his forthcoming release "Bhoothnath Returns".

The 71-year-old has been travelling in and out of places to fulfill his promotional duties as part of the entertainer, which releases Friday.

He was in the capital Tuesday and returned to Mumbai Tuesday night to join the "rest of the family for a quiet and cozy dinner to bring in Jaya’s birthday on the 9th", he posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.

"The children from Delhi are all here too and the house is filled with their laughter and play...it is the most endearing moment in the life of any parent or grandparent," Big B posted on his blog late Tuesday night.

Amitabh and Jaya got married in 1973, and together, they have two children - daughter Shweta and son Abhishek. They are grandparents to three kids - Navya Naveli, Agastya and Aaradhya.

After soaking in the joys of being with the family, Amitabh boarded a plane to Dubai for the film's premiere.

He will be back in Mumbai Wednesday evening.

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He’ll write for me for sure: Alia on Mahesh Bhatt

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Two-film old Alia Bhatt, who is craving to be directed by her father and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, is hopeful that one day he will write a script for her and direct her too.

Asked when her dad would direct her, she said: “Even I have that question…it will happen for sure. It will happen at the right time.”

“It will have to be a film like ‘Aashiqui 2’, which will be remembered. I have tried to convince him many times… he will write for me for sure,” she added.

The much-admired filmmaker, who has been applauded for wielding the megaphone for films such as “Saaransh”, “Arth” and “Naam”, had launched his elder daughter Pooja Bhatt with his directorial venture “Daddy” in 1989 and later made hits like “Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin” and “Zakhm” with her.

But post “Kartoos” (1999), Mahesh retired from directing and now produces films and nurtures new talent under his banner Vishesh Films.

Alia started off with typical Bollywood masala potboiler “Student of The Year”. She may not have won high praise for the film, but she wowed everyone with her second film “Highway”.

Now all eyes are set on her next - much-talked about “2 States”, a big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s similarly titled bestseller.

When asked if her dad gives any acting tips, she said: “He thinks this is not the right time to give tips. He is a great director and I think he feels that when she (Alia) will work with me that time I will give her tips.”

Meanwhile, the actress is busy promoting “2 States”, coming out April 10, and it will see her romancing Arjun Kapoor on the big screen.

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Election not about promises: Kirron Kher

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Actress Kirron Kher, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh on a BJP ticket, says it's time to deliver and not to make promises.

"Good morning Chandigarh! This election is not about promises but about delivering. Promises have been made for the last 15 years but nothing changed," Kirron posted on her Twitter page Wednesday.

The actress is married to Anupam Kher, who has also been actively campaigning for his wife.

In Chandigarh, over six lakh voters will decide the fate of sitting MP Pawan Kumar Bansal, who has been MP from here in 1991, 1999, 2004 and 2009, and 16 other candidates.

Bansal is being challenged by three women candidates - Kirron, Gulkirat (Gul) Kaur Panag of the AAP and Jannat Jahan-ul-Haq of the BSP.

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'Million Dollar Arm' soundtrack keeps A.R. Rahman busy

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Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman is busy giving finishing touches to the soundtrack of Hollywood film "Million Dollar Arm". He says the album has collaborations with Indian and international artists.

"Have been busy finishing the soundtrack album of 'Million Dollar Arm'. It features collaborations with Iggy, Kendrick Lamar (in the movie only), KT Tunstall, Sukhwinder Singh, Raghav Mathur," Rahman posted on his Facebook page.

The album even has a surprise Tamil song from the composer's 1990s collection, during the end credits.

"Million Dollar Arm" is about two Indians who get to play baseball in the US, thanks to agent J.B. Bernstein's unconventional recruitment strategy to lure talented cricket players.

The film stars "Mad Men" actor Jon Hamm and is in the pre-production stage.

It was also shot in India.

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Snake in Big B's Jalsa

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A snake was found in the backyard of Amitabh Bachchan's house here, said the megastar.

"A snake in our backyard at Jalsa...authorities informed...came caught it and put it out in the forests! Hmmm," the 71-year-old, who was in Delhi Tuesday, posted on his blog in the early hours of Wednesday.

The actor is currently on tour to promote his forthcoming release "Bhoothnath Returns", which hits the screens Friday.

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Nice that Pakistan is welcoming Indian films: Big B

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"Bhoothnath Returns" will hit the screens in Pakistan Friday, the same day it releases in India. The film's lead actor, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, is glad that the neighbouring nation is warming up to cinema from our country.

"I am very happy. We promoted the film in Pakistan through video call, and it is nice to know that they are welcoming our films in their country," Amitabh told IANS here.

According to a source, Big B has a huge fanbase in Pakistan, and hence the decision to simultaneously release "Bhoothnath Returns" in the two nations.

The 71-year-old has no memories of his last visit to Pakistan, though he knows his late mother Teji had taken him once when he was two years old.

"My mother was born in Lyallpur, which is now Faisalabad. She studied and spent her life before marriage in Lahore, my grandfather was from Karachi...My mother took me to meet him when once, but I was two years old then and so I have no memories of it," he shared.

"We have many friends there. People from my mothers' time communicate with us, and it's been nice," added the actor.

Asked if he has ever been approached by any party from Pakistan for a collaboration, he said: "No business collaborations, but they (people) keep saying that you have so many fans there. And so, I keep saying 'If you invite me, I'll come'."

Produced by T-Series and BR Films, "Bhoothnath Returns" is an entertaining tale of good against evil, weak against powerful, past against future. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari.

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