Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is now busy promoting the ancient sport of kabaddi, says Indian sportswomen are not given their due credit.

"I personally feel that Indian women in sports are not given due credit. This is a small step and I am sure our agenda is also to promote women players in India," Abhishek told reporters during the press conference of Pro Kabaddi.

Abhishek is the owner of Pro Kabaddi's Jaipur franchise and plans to take the opportunity to promote this Indian sport.

Asked if the association with stars with different leagues adds value to that sport, he said: "Its just a coincidence that celebrities are team holders as well but, I don't think it adds any value to the sports. We are associated with it because we are passionate about that sport."

Actress Kangna Ranaut, who has been critically acclaimed for her performance in "Queen", however says she is not interested in awards as attending awards is an expensive affair.

"These days there are so many awards...and we have to sit there for five to six hours. To attend the awards, we have to do make up, hair style... bahut mehenga padta hai (its an expensive affair)...I am not saying awards are not genuine. I have received awards for 'Gangster', 'Fashion'....

"These days, there are so many awards... its like you are giving awards just to make everyone happy," Kangna told reporters during the press conference of "Revolver Rani" here Thursday.

The actress, who is playing the protagnist in "Revolver Rani", says this is the most difficult role she has ever played.

"This is my most difficult role so far. In this film I do my first murder at 7. Playing this role was not easy," she said.

Directed by Sai Kabir, "Revolver Rani" features Kangna in the lead.

Actress Kangna Ranaut, who will be seen in a bold performance in "Revolver Rani", says nobody will marry her after watching this film.

"Nobody is going to marry me after watching this film... I can give it to you in writing," Kangna told reporters during the press conference for the film.

The actress, whose recent performance in "Queen", says she wanted four months gap between the release of "Queen" and "Revolver Rani".

"If I could have my way, then I would like to give a gap for four months between both the films. We were not expecting that 'Queen' will be running even now. People have accepted my performance in 'Queen' and I personally like my character in the film. I hope when people go to watch 'Revolver Rani', they accept me in the same way."

"'Revolver Rani' is an unusual film... the treatment, the concept, everything is different," she added.

Directed by Sai Kabir, "Revolver Rani" features Kangna in the lead.

Filmmaker-producer Tigmanshu Dhulia, who is now busy promoting "Revolver Rani", says its a complete B grade entertainment.

"I have seen 'Revolver Rani' three to four times during editing and whenever I see it, I find something new in it. Yeh ek classic ki nishaai hai (It is a sign of a classic). Its a B grade entertainment... everybody will like it.

"This film is an unpredictable film and you can't predict whats next in it. The script was written so well by Sai that I had to tell him that we dont have such good actors," Dhulia told reporters during the press conference for "Revolver Rani" here Thursday.

Asked what is the difference between his last film "Bullett Raja" and "Revolver Rani", he said: "The difference is 'Bullett Raja' didn't work and this will work."

Sai Kabir, who has directed "Revolver Rani", said: "It was a great experience... we shot the film in Chambal. Its a black comedy and its a political film."

Produced by Dhulia, "Revolver Rani" features Kangna Ranaut in lead.

Actress Kareena Kapoor, who seems to have angered Tamil superstar Suriya's fans by saying she doesn't know him, has clarified that she knows him but has never met him.

"It is a fact that I don't know him. I've never met him, but that doesn't mean I don't know who Suriya is. Of course I know him. He's a big star in Tamil cinema, in fact one of the biggest. I truly respect his standing in the Indian film industry," Kareena said here.

"In fact, I'm doing the sequel to 'Singham', the film where he played the lead originally in Tamil cinema," she added.

Kareena says she was upset because of reports that she was doing an item song in the Suriya-starrer "Anjaan".

"I had never met the film's director Linguswamy nor agreed to do any song or dance for his film. So how could he be quoted as saying that I was doing a song for his film," she asked.

Kareena says she would love to work with Suriya whenever he does a Hindi film.

"He is tremendously talented. It'd be a pleasure and an honour to work with him," she said.

Deepika Padukone is a style icon herself, but according to her actor Akshay Kumar is the best dressed man in the Hindi film industry while veteran actress Rekha is her favourite from among women.

Deepika has shared screen space with Akshay in "Chandni Chowk To China", "Housefull" and "Desi Boyz."

"The best dressed man (in the industry) is Akshay Kumar. It's purely his effortlessness that makes him look the way he does. I think the fact that he has always been so athletic that really adds to the way he carries off clothes," the actress told reporters here Thursday.

Among women, Deepika named veteran actress Rekha as her top choice when it comes to dressing.

"She is someone who has always dressed the way she wants to. Trends have come and gone, but she stands by something she believes in and she has stood by that and I appreciate that," said the actress on the sidelines of the launch of a limited collection of Van Heusen designed by her, Thursday.

Deepika is currently busy shooting for Farah Khan's "Happy New Year".

Actors Vidya Balan and Dia Mirza have reacted strongly to Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's remark that the death penalty in rape cases is "unfair" as "young boys make such mistakes".

National Award-winning actress Vidya has said that rape should never be pardoned.

"Capital punishment is a very contentious issue but it is the worst of crimes that should not be pardoned. I completely disagree with anyone who says that 'boys will be boys, they will make mistakes'," Vidya said here Thursday at a fundraiser event by NGO Swades.

"Now this is sure that I will not give my vote to him (Yadav)," she added.

Mulayam Singh Yadav made the remark at a Lok Sabha election rally in Moradabad Thursday. He also said that if his party leads the government at the centre, he would change the law.

Actress-producer Dia Mirza finds the statement by the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister "appalling" and "saddening".

"When I hear comments like this, I don't know how to react as a woman, how to react as a human being. I think it is appalling and saddening that there are such people in our society, who have such small, such irrevocable thoughts," Dia said here.

"This statement reflects not just their lack of character, insenstivity but also lack of humanness. It is very sad," she added.

Actor Jackie Shroff’s son Tiger is all set make his Bollywood debut with “Heropanti” and says he will be happy if he is able to do only half of what his father has attained.

The 23-year-old looks up to Jackie, who is popular for films like "Hero", "Parinda" and "Khalnayak".

Having a star dad may have its own benefits, but as of now Tiger is scared of all the comparisons to Jackie.

"If I achieve half of what my dad has achieved, I would be a happy man,” Tiger said in a statement.

“Heropanti” will hit the screens May 23.

Bollywood film "Main Tera Hero", directed by David Dhawan, has collected a whopping Rs.38.48 crore in its first week.

The movie released April 4 in Indian theatres and has managed to mint over Rs.35 crore, said a statement.

Featuring actors Varun Dhawan, Ileana D’cruz and Nargis Fakhri, the movie is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures.

The film's story revolves around Sreenath Prasad (Varun), a notorious boy in Ooty. He drops out from college to pursue his education in Bangalore where he falls in love with Sunaina, essayed by Ileana. But Sunaina is forced to marry Angad, played by Arunoday Singh, a local police officer who is more of a terrorising gangster.

"Main Tera Hero" was promoted heavily across all quarters and its songs had gained a fan following prior to the film's release.

Model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone, who can give her contemporaries a run for their money when it comes to style, says her style statement is "simple" and "elegant" like her mother Ujjala.

"In my growing up years, my mother was my style icon and she still is. She is someone who has influenced my style a lot," Deepika said here Thursday at the launch of a limited collection of Van Heusen spring/summer collection designed by her.

The actress gives due credit to her mother for her fashion sensibilities.

"Today when I talk about my personal style being classic, simple, elegant...it all comes from the way she used to dress. I have never been someone who has accessorised a lot and that comes from her.

"She always wore just a simple watch or simple jewellery. She never accessorised too much. I think as a little girl when you are growing up, your mother's style is what rubs off on you the most," added the 28-year-old.

Last seen in blockbuster "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela", the actress will next be seen in "Happy New Year".

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has arrived in Poland to shoot the climax of his upcoming movie "Kick". The film is said to have many daring scenes.

The Polish capital Warsaw has been selected for its tall buildings and many river bridges. The tallest building in Warsaw is the Palace of Culture, which was built as a gift by Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, in the early 1950s.

For Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut, Salman will apparently jump from Gdanski bridge on the river Vistula and there will be a helicopter crash scene also.

"We have been urging Bollywood producers and directors to use Poland for their outdoor shooting for the past three years. Now they have seen the virtue of using Poland's natural beauty, which is no less than Switzerland,” said Monika Kapil Mohta, Indian ambassador to Poland.

“Poland is a business-friendly country and people are also appreciating Bollywood movies in a big number. Shah Rukh Khan is a well known figure and now Salman may become the next famous (Bollywood) star in Poland," added Kapil Mohta.

Nine years ago, Aamir Khan, Kajol and Suniel Shetty had come to shoot the climax of Yash Raj Films'"Fanna", which was directed by Kunal Kohli. They shot it during the harsh winter in the Tatra mountains.

Currently it’s spring time in Warsaw and shooting will be much easier. The city authorities are doing their best to co-operate with the film (“Kick”) unit. The bulk of the technical staff will be Polish.

After 10 days, Nadiadwala will bring his unit of 70 people to shoot the film with Randeep Hooda and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez.

Earlier this month, Ketan Mehta of "Mirch Masala" fame visited Poland to select locales for his next film.

Satisfied with the facilities available here, he said: "Poland is a remarkable country and its famous directors such as Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polynski have impressed us greatly. Poland also has well equipped studios and film institutes. The cost of shooting is much cheaper than other European countries."

The Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI) under the leadership of J.J. Singh has also been championing the cause of Poland before Bollywood producers all these years.

"Finally there is some light outside the tunnel," said Singh.

Film: "Naan Sigappu Manithan"; Cast: Vishal Krishna, Lakshmi Menon, Iniya, Jagan, Sunder Ramu, Jayaprakash and Saranya Ponvannan; Director: Thiru; Rating: **1/2

In Thiru's "Naan Sigappu Manithan" (NSM), neither do you have a hero to cheer for (because he's asleep mostly as he suffers from a rare sleep disorder) nor a typical villain character. You don't have a comedian and comedy tracks to keep you entertained. You have a second heroine but she doesn't the play the hero's love interest. Yet what is it that makes this commercial Tamil outing a laudable effort?

NSM stands testimonial to the fact that a simple story that has been milked dry over the years can still be narrated in myriad engaging ways. One such way is what we see in this film, which is not an exceptional thriller, but definitely has the potential to keep you hooked.

A man (Vishal) suffering from Narcolepsy (a sleeping disorder that forces him to fall asleep whenever he experiences extreme emotion) since birth, has to hunt down those responsible for an irreparable incident in his life.

Most Indian films with rare medical issues in the narrative lack logical explanation. NSM doesn't fall in that league of films and instead scores an ace for treating Narcolepsy the way it is supposed to be portrayed on screen. For instance, songs are introduced from time to time in the narrative for commercial reasons, but the hero who happens to be happily dancing, does fall asleep when he experiences extreme happiness.

In another song, he merely walks in stylish designer outfits. By taking care of these trivial details, the makers have earned some respect from the audience.

The Narcolepsy angle has been used very effectively from the story's perspective. We are told that only water (in the shower or rain) keeps our hero from falling asleep and when we see how water becomes a very important aspect of the story, you smile in amazement. Of course, we don't know if water does really keep Narcolepsy patients from falling asleep, but we just have to accept that because in the film it does help the hero. It's debatable but I wouldn't argue because it makes sense the way it has been used in the film.

The twist in the second half hits you like a ton of bricks. You may or may not take it in the right spirit especially if you're one among the highly emotional 'Indian citizens'. Women and family audiences may find it hard to digest. The openness with which the makers present the second half, raises several questions.

Although Vishal has done a splendid job in NSM, this is the third time in a row he has essayed a revenge-seeking character. It's time for him to play different characters before audiences start discarding his films.

He portrays the pain of his character and expresses the required body language to perfection, while his co-star Lakshmi Menon shines in her brief role. She's turning out to get better with each film and that's a good sign for a lasting career.

The songs in the film merely act as a speed breaker in the narrative, extending an already lengthier film by few more minutes. Composer G.V. Prakash's background score is reminiscent of tunes from films such as "Man of Steel" and "Rush". Richard's cinematography is impressive especially in scenes where we see the use of hand-held camera.

Actor-politician Raj Babbar is surprised and upset with news reports that he has opted to campaign as a Congress candidature from the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency instead of shooting for Boney and Sanjay Kapoor's "Tevar".

Flabbergasted, he said: "Headlines like 'Raj Babbar Chooses Roles Over Poles' sacrifice basic decency to grab attention. These reports give out a terribly wrong and unfair signal. I am not a first-time elector. I've been balancing my film and political careers for 20 years. Has any producer ever complained?"

Babbar says he had explicitly made it clear that he wouldn't be able to shoot with the "Tevar" team during the first phase of the campaigning.

"It wasn't as if I informed them as an afterthought that I couldn't shoot. I had told them beforehand about my plans in Ghaziabad. I had offered to complete my shooting before the campaigning. They were not ready," he said.

He says the shoot isn't a small schedule, and requires around 15 days.

"I very clearly told them of my plans. I am not running away anywhere," Raj Babbar said.

"The least one expects is for my own fraternity (the film industry) to co-operate. I am not asking for shooting to be held up because of my election commitment. I am just asking for some scheduling adjustment. Is that too much to ask for," he asked.

Actor Allu-Arjun starrer Telugu actioner "Race Gurram", which released Friday in cinemas, has minted Rs.6.3 crore on its opening day in Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to rake in over Rs.15 crore in the opening weekend, predicts a trade pundit.

"Race Gurram" was reportedly made on a Rs.52 crore budget.

"The film has collected Rs.6.3 crore on its first day in the state. At this rate, it is likely to mint over Rs.15 crore in the opening weekend worldwide," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

Trinath said "Race Gurram" is a great follow-up to the recent Telugu blockbuster "Legend".

"The summer started on a good note for Telugu filmdom with 'Legend', which has been followed up by 'Race Gurram', which is also turning out to be a hit. The business of these films will predict the roadmap for other big summer releases," he added.

Also starring Shruti Haasan, Ravi Kishan, Shaam, Brahmanandam and Saloni Aswani, "Race Gurram" has been directed by Surendar Reddy.

Actress Sunny Leone, who is riding high on the success of her latest Bollywood project "Ragini MMS 2", says she doesn't look back with regret at her past as an adult film star.

"As far as my career goes I don't regret anything that I have done. I believe that everything that I have done has led me to today," Sunny told reporters here Friday at the unveiling of the cover page of Mandate magazine, featuring her.

"This is the most amazing time of my life and this would not have been happening if my past did not exist. So there are no regrets regarding my profession," she added.

The adult film star has been a part of the Mumbai entertainment industry since her 2011 appearance on "Bigg Boss 5". She made her Bollywood debut with 2012 errotic thriller "Jism 2".

She will next be seen in "Tina and Lolo".

Vir Das is primarily known for his brand of comedy and comic timing, but he plays a dark character in "Revolver Rani". He says an actor must try different things, and with his latest film, he's just stepping out of his "comfort zone".

"As an actor, it's my responsibility to try different things. I am known for my comedy timing, but I'm coming out of my comfort zone and trying different genres," Vir told IANS.

"If you will see the line-up of my upcoming films, you will realize what I am taking about," added the actor-comedian, who has Sanjay Chhel's untitled next, and "Santa Banta" in his kitty.

Talking about "Revolver Rani", which features Bollywood's "Queen" in the lead role, he said: "It is an unusual film which I have not attempted before. It's a film with the pulp."

Asked if he feels he will overshadowed by Kangana, Vir said: "You have to see the film for that as I said I choose to do this film for a reason as it's very unusual."

The film is directed by Sai Kabir.

Actor-producer Abhishek Bachchan, who recently announced his association with the Jaipur franchise of Pro-Kabaddi, a professional kabaddi league, has expressed interest in producing a movie around sports.

"It's my dream to produce sports-based film. In India, we have not done justice to the sports genre (of films). The US is doing a great job by promoting sports through their films. I would love to produce a film based on sports," Abhishek told IANS.

The actor and his megastar father Amitabh Bachchan are big sports buffs, and they love football as well as cricket.

Asked if he has an idea in mind for a film, the junior Bachchan said: "Not really, not anything right now. But I would love to work on that."

Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil film "Kochadaiiyaan", which is slated to release worldwide May 9, will release in Bhojpuri as well, besides in five other languages.

"The film has been cleared with a 'U' certificate in Bhojpuri. It will also have a simultaneous release May 9," Rajinikanth's manager told IANS.

"Kochadaiiyaan", which is directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin, will also release in Hindi, Telugu and foreign languages such as Spanish and French.

Touted to be the country's first motion capture photo-realistic 3D animated film, "Kochadaiiyaan" also features Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, R. Sarath Kumar, Aadi Pinisetty, Shobana and Rukmini in important roles.

The film is jointly produced by Media One Global Entertainment and Eros International.

Veteran poet and film lyricist Gulzar has been chosen for the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2013, the ministry of information and broadcasting announced here Saturday.

The multi-faceted Gulzar, whose real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet. He is the 45th winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Gulzar's daughter Meghna took to Twitter, immediately after the news was announced, to share her joy.

"Dadasaheb Phalke award for my father. So proud," she posted.

The award is conferred by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

Bimal Julka, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, congratulated Gulzar on the momentous occasion.

Born in 1934 in Punjab in pre-independence India, Gulzar started his career in 1956. As a lyricist, he got his first break in Bimal Roy's "Bandini". He then worked with leading composers like Sachin Dev Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar-Jaikishan, Hemant Kumar, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, Rajesh Roshan, Anu Malik and the new age Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Gulzar has even had successful partnerships with Rahul Dev Burman, A.R. Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj.

His has contributed to several films as script, story and dialogue writer. His directorials are "Mere Apne", "Koshish", "Áandhi", "Kinara", "Khushboo", "Ángoor", "Libaas", "Meera", "Lekin" and "Maachis".

Gulzar's small screen stint included creating the series like "Mirza Ghalib" and "Tahreer Munshi Premchand Ki". He wrote lyrics for Doordarshan serials "Hello Zindagi", "Potli Baba Ki" and "Jungle Book".

The 79-year-old was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan in 2004 . He has won a number of National Film Awards and 20 Filmfare Awards.

At the 81st Oscars in 2009, he won the Academy Award for best original song for "Jai ho" with Rahman.

His poetry has been published in three compilations: "Chand Pukhraaj Ka", "Raat Pashminey Ki" and "Pandrah Paanch Pachattar". His short stories are published in "Raavi Paar" and "Dhuan".

"Holiday" is the fourth film in which Sonakshi Sinha has been cast with Akshay Kumar. She says there's no doubt that they share a good working rapport, but the fact that they are both punctual also keeps the producers happy.

The duo has earlier featured in films like "Rowdy Rathore", "Joker" and "Once Upon Ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara".

"'Holiday' is my fourth film with Akshay. I think once when a pair is accepted, people like enjoy watching them together onscreen and I guess that's why people even cast them," Sonakshi told IANS.

The actress, who has also worked with Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor, added: "Luckily, I've had a very good working rapport will all of my co-stars. Nobody has complained about me and they never said they don't want to work with me.

"So that comfort level is there even with Akshay sir and I think we work very well together also we both are very punctual people, so our producers are very happy about it."

She is looking forward to "Holiday".

Her other projects include "Tevar" and Prabhudheva's "Action Jackson", which are keeping her busy as of now.

"Right now I am juggling between two things at one time and I am loving it and enjoying the process altogether. This makes me happy and also I learn a lot from this," she said.