Amitabh Bachchan's latest movie "Bhoothnath Returns", also starring child actor Parth Bhalerao in a key role, has managed to amass Rs.4.07 crore on its opening day.

The film released Friday.

Trade experts are expecting the numbers to increase substantially over the weekend due to the overwhelming word of mouth publicity and entertaining screenplay, said a statement.

Parth is said to have impressed the audience and critics alike with his screen presence and dialogue delivery, holding his own against the megastar.

The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and portrays a social message in an entertaining manner.

After Tamil films such as "Thuppakki" and "Nayagan", which were completely shot in Mumbai, upcoming romantic-drama "Mumbaiyil Oru Kadhal" will also be mostly shot in the same city. The makers say Mumbai plays an important character in the film.

"It is unlike the usual love stories yet unique in its idea and its narrative style. Most of the film happens in Mumbai, which should be treated as an important character in the film. Some portions will also be shot in London and Chennai," reads a statement from the production house Talking Crows Films.

To be directed by Gautham Venkateshwaran, the film features Thaman Kumar and Jency Meenu in lead roles.

British independent cinematographer Smiriti G, American independent cinematographer Viraj Victor and Indian cinematographer Rajkumar have collaborated on the film.

Veteran actor Prem Chopra has launched his biography titled "Prem Naam Hai Mera" penned by his daughter Rakita Nanda.

"I always thought how is this possible what you want to write. This is my normal life, what you want to write? She was interested to write and she did. She went to my friends with whoever I have worked...," Prem told reporters here at the unveiling of his biography Saturday evening.

Nanda shared how she decided to write a biography on her father, popular for playing negative roles in films like "Teesri Manzil", "Woh Kaun Thi", "Do Raaste" and "Kati Patang".

"It started with a conversation I had with my husband Rahul. He said we were celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema and your father has been in the industry for 50 years... that should be an interesting read. That's how it started," she said.

"I spoke to my dad and he was game. Movie by movie we went through. I was dealing with every generation of actors - Dilip Saab (Dilip Kumar), Amitabh Bachchan - for the biography... My mom has chronicled all the clippings for past 45 years and that was a big help," she added.

Many celebrities made their appearance at the event - among them Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Kumar, Akshay Kumar, Sharman Joshi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Veteran actor Prem Chopra, popular for playing negative roles on the big screen, says he has no regrets and he is happy being a villain.

"I have been an honest and hard working actor irrespective of the status of the film, whether it's big or small. I always wanted to create certain characters which I thought I will be getting them but eventually it was going to the heroes."

"As a person, if you ask me 'Do you have any regrets?' I have no regrets. I have been a happy villain," Prem, who acted as villain in 1960s films like "Teesri Manzil" and "Woh Kaun Thi", told reporters here at the unveiling of his biography "Prem Naam Hai Mera" Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, the actor is also happy for veteran lyricist Gulzar, who has been chosen to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

"It's a moment to cherish. I am very happy for him. Whoever is deserving, gets it. Good luck to Gulzar," said Prem.

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who made an unconventional film debut with "Aamir" in 2008, says he wants to do a path-breaking cinema.

"The films that I want to do should be a path-breaking cinema. It should be something new to offer to the audience. The industry is so huge but the kind of films are being made..." said Rajeev.

"People tell me you are on the right path and stick to that. That's a huge compliment for me. I don't want to do films with the budget of Rs.50 or Rs.100 crore. I want to be focused. 'Soundtrack' was a great film. It didn't work...it was not promoted well," he added.

"Commercial film is made 80 to 90 percent but content-driven films are just five to 10 percent. I want to do that kind of films and don't want to repeat myself," says the actor, who has featured in films like "Shaitaan", "Soundtrack" and "Table No 21".

Rajeev will soon be seen in Rajshri Productions'"Samrat & Co." and he is currently busy promoting it.

"I am happy I am part of a Rajshri film which is a different film. I am proud that I was considered for this film. I was shocked when I was approached by Rajshri. When I was told it's a detective film, I was shocked. They are changing the trend with the right script," said the 38-year-old.

The film is slated for April 25 release.

Telugu actor Rajasekhar, who has played lead roles for nearly two decades, is finally shedding his hero avatar in upcoming Ram Gopal Varma-directed Telugu horror-thriller "Patta Pagalu". He says he's ready to take up such diverse roles.

"I wouldn't call this a character role. I'm still playing the lead but I don't get to romance a heroine and dance in songs. I'm instead playing the father of a 16-year-old girl who is possessed. It's a very diverse role and I'll be interested in playing more such roles in the future," Rajasekhar told IANS.

He says he's already getting interesting roles.

"I think I've played enough lead roles. It's time to experiment. I'm getting interesting offers to play different roles. One such offer is the Telugu remake of recent Tamil dark comedy 'Soodhu Kavvum'. I play a very interesting character in it," he added.

Rajasekhar says he was never opposed to strong character roles.

"I always look forward to interesting roles but back in the days I wasn't offered such strong character roles. Directors and producers only offered me lead roles and even when I was interested in playing different roles, I didn't get any," he said.

Asked if working with RGV was a challenge, pat came the reply: "Working with him is very satisfying as an actor".

"He's someone who can extract the best out of any actor. I'm glad to have worked with him. It's been a long pending dream to work with him and I'm glad it has finally happened after so many years", said Rajasekhar.

Two-film old Alia Bhatt, who worked with actress-director Revathi in their forthcoming film "2 States", says they share a strong bond akin to that of a mother and daughter.

"Towards the end of the film, I developed mother-daughter relationship with her (Revathi). The way she touched my face, I kind of felt that warmth with her. What also I realised is that while working with her I became a good actor.

"What she brings to the table is not just the dialogues. She would bring much more... I felt like she was my mother. I could bring the emotions only because of her. She is a fantastic actor," Alia told IANS.

Revathi plays Alia's mother in "2 States", adapted from Chetan Bagat's novel by the same name.

The "Highway" star is also fond of actress Kareena Kapoor and says that she feels great when she is compared to the "Jab We Met" star.

"I can be flattered. I have done two films and people are comparing me with her. I don't think I am like her. I feel like there is only one Kareena Kapoor and that's her. I am her biggest fan. I am not trying to be like her but she is my biggest inspiration," said Alia.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has started shooting for the promos of the eight season of popular quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC).

"Kaun Banega Crorepati" is the Indian adaptation of the internationally popular format of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire".

The 71-year-old has hosted six seasons of the show, except for the third edition, which was hosted by superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"The early morning shoot for the promos of the fresh season of 'KBC' were accomplished," he posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com Sunday.

"...and rushed then to the PVR to attend the cleaned up version of ‘Bombay to Goa’ by dear friend Anwar Ali, brother of Mehmood bhai one of the greatest we have had... to quickly battle the traffic after to greet another dear friend and now family, Prem Chopra who releases his biography...

"That over a meet with people from distant worlds, admirers that have long been desiring a personal interaction... switched soon thereafter to a make-up room for the look test for Balki’s film, which I start shooting within a week... followed by the most exciting moment of the day - ‘Bhoothnath Returns’ at the private theatre at home with the kids and family... watching their expressions and their squeals of laughter and their moments of silent emotion," he added.

Actress Katrina Kaif, who flaunts four Indian bridal looks for an ad, says she liked the Lucknowi avatar the most for its elegance and minimal yet glamorous look.

In the new mango drink Slice Swayaamvar commercials, Katrina is seen in four bridal avatars, which were designed by well-known designer Anaita Shroff Adajania.

The commercials highlight Slice's three new variants chosen from across the country.

"It was a spectacular experience to dress as a multiple bride for this beautiful concept called Slice Swayaamvar. I love the fact that India has such a rich culture to borrow from when it comes to bridal splendor, and each region has its own trademark style," Katrina, who mostly dresses up in western attire for films, said in a statement.

"I was floored with all the looks, because each look is so traditional, yet has refreshing elements of modernity. My personal favourite was the Lucknowi avatar as it is very elegant, minimal yet glamorous and akin to my style statement," she added.

For her generic bride look, Katrina donned a red lehenga, a long choli, and a red bindi. Princess styled kundan jewellery completed her look.

As a Lucknowi bride, Katrina looks stunning in vintage shades of green and baby pink, created by a silent embroiderer in the Lucknowi gharana style, with a modern adah of crystals. A sharara with golden detailing and transparent sleeves completed her ensemble.

The "Dhoom:3" star drapes traditional Kanjivaram sari for the Southern look that was reinterpreted as a structured contemporary gown, with a 10-foot trail, along with heavy golden South Indian temple jewellery inspired mathapatti that completed her look as a royal South Indian bride.

Katrina glows in a playful mirror worked waistcoat with multi-colour, layered skirt for the Gujarati look. Swarovski crystals framed her eyes.

Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, who will be owning the Mumbai franchise in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), said he was looking to translating his passion for the sport into development activity.

Ranbir has tied up with investment banker Bimal Parekh to co-own the Mumbai franchise of the eight-city league that will be played during September-November.

“It is a moment of great pride for me to be a part of the Indian Super League and to represent the vibrant city of Mumbai. Football has never been far away from my daily life since childhood, and now as a partner in the Indian Super League, I am looking forward to translate my passion into contributing to the growth of the sport," said Ranbir.

Ranbir hoped the grassroots programme developed by ISL promoters IMG-Reliance for the franchise owners will benefit the game.

"I firmly believe in the grassroots and community development program designed by the league organisers IMG Reliance, to popularise the game and that’s one thing which excited me to be part of this dream," he said.

Actress Manisha Koirala, who successfully battled cancer, says that when she overcomes her fear of relapse, she will adopt a baby girl.

The 43-year-old was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012.

“Maybe someday I’ll be free of fear of relapse and adopt a baby girl...till then having a family of my own is a distant dream,” she tweeted Sunday.

Actress Bipasha Basu has worn her hair long and short. This time she has tried the fringe look and she is loving it.

“Love my new hair cut and hair colour! Thank you my darling Nida Patel from Hakim’s Aalim!," she posted on Twitter.

The “Raaz” star’s new layered locks in shades of brown is certainly enhancing her appearance.

Earlier also, Bipasha had gone global blonde with platinum highlights with the help from Patel.

Actor Varun Dhawan has several fans and among the popular names is actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan’s son Arhaan.

“Watched ‘Main Tera Hero’ with my son last night, he was watching it for the third time. He's a huge fan of Varun Dhawan,” Arbaaz Khan posted on Twitter.

The film has collected approximately Rs.40 crore in almost two weeks.

BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, clad in 'veshti' (dhoti), met superstar Rajnikanth at his residence Sunday evening.

Modi was here to address an election rally.

Young actor Varun Dhawan, whose fan following seems to have increased following his latest release "Main Tera Hero", wants to avoid calling himself a "star". He says that establishing a connect with the audience will always be of importance for him.

"I wouldn't call myself a star. Not now, not ever," said Varun, who made his debut with "Student Of The Year".

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. "Main Tera Hero" (MTH) is a success and you now seem to have fans in all age groups?

A. Very honestly, the hero in this film is my father David Dhawan. We promoted the film like crazy. Nowadays, the pressure's on an actor on how to market a film is excruciating. There wasn't so much pressure to promote my first film "Student Of The Year". Dharma Productions was the hero of that film and Karan Johar was there with the three of us - Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and me to promote the film. Karan made sure everything went right. With MTH, the pressure was fully on me to sell the film to the audience.

Q. Couldn't have been an easy place to be in?

A. There were times when I had to force my eyelids apart. But when I saw those expectant crowds at the promotional events just waiting for a glimpse of the actors, one couldn't go in front of them all droopy and tired.

Q. The hallmark of a true star?

A. I wouldn't call myself a star. Not now, not ever. I'm here because I love the movies. I am not here to make money. By god's grace I don't have to worry about my next 4,000 meals. At the same time, I am not here to do charity either. But my relationship with the audience will always be more important than all other considerations. I've to make sure of that.

Q. You seem to have established the same kind of connect with the audience as Govinda did in your father's films. Does that comparison annoy you?

A. Not at all. If anything, it is unfair to an actor of Govinda's stature and durability. At the same time, I do realise that all newcomers are compared with established actors. And because MTH is a full-on David Dhawan film, the kind that my father did with Govinda, the comparisons are inevitable. MTH is very different from its source of origin - the Telugu film "Kandireega". The style of storytelling and packaging is full-on David Dhawan.

Q. You've caught the flavour of David Dhawan's cinema bang-on?

A. I had to. Otherwise I'd have been thrown out of the film. He was very strict with me during the shooting. Out of the 60 days that we shot MTH, I was on tenterhooks for 45 days.

Q. Did that bother you initially?

A. Yes, it did. Not that I expected to be pampered. But I expected to be treated normally. But he was being extra-strict with me. Now when I see the film, I realize why he behaved the way he did. My father has 42 films behind him. He knew exactly what he was doing and why he needed to make sure that I worked harder than all his other heroes. He just threw me in the deep end of the water and let me learn to swim my way out. Either I swam or I drowned.

Q. You come from a totally filmy background. Is that an advantage?

A. I am not too sure. Today the sur (tone) of cinema has changed beyond recognition. Things are gradually changing. We don't know whether the future of Indian cinema is going to be "Dabangg", "Rowdy Rathore" and MTH or is it going to be "Queen" and "The Lunchbox"...we don't know.

Q. Which cinema would you rather be part of?

A. I am greedy. I want to do both. The sur of acting is so different in MTH and "Queen". I am doing the more naturalistic sur in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya. It's a very real film.I play a working-class Punjabi guy.I feel very thrilled about this film. I feel as an actor I should explore everything there is to explore. I am consciously choosing roles that are different from one another.

Q. How has "Main Tera Hero" changed you as an actor?

A. I am exhausted. But satisfied. I feel sapped out. I can't do another films like MTH for the next two years. I did this film from the heart. We had a huge lot of improvisation on the sets. We were constantly adding, revising, polishing. To me, this is what commercial Hindi cinema is all about. After release, when I went to the theatre, this elderly gentleman came and put his hand on my head and blessed me. Then his children came and told me they liked the film. For me, that was the reward for all the hard work.

Actor-politician Hema Malini, the BJP candidate for the Lok Sabha polls, says her family members are very much by her side on her campaign trail and that her husband and actor Dharmendra will join her in Mathura soon.

She is upset by recent reports that her family has not accompanied her on her campaign trail, whereas her elder daughter Esha Deol was spotted campaigning for her recently.

"My younger daughter Ahana was here last week...Dharamji too will here in a few days. It's just I've asked them to join me in the later part of my campaign when the election fever heats up. No point in asking them to join me earlier," she said.

Hema Malini is amused as well as angry over media reports about her family's absence during these times.

"I don't know why some people are saying this. Every person in my family from my husband to my daughters and their husbands have offered to come to Mathura to support me. Even my samdhans, Esha and Ahana's mothers-in-law, have offered to come to Mathura. But who would recognise them?

"What purpose would it serve to have them around? As we speak, my Bhabhi (sister-in-law) is with me. Just because the local media doesn't recognise every member of my family, it doesn't mean they are not here to support me," she said.

Hema says attempts to portray her as the tantrum-throwing Bollywood queen are feeble attempts to discredit her.

"Nowhere have I shown any weakness or irresolution. Still my opponents talk of how distant I am from the local people of Mathura. Let the local people decide what they feel about me," she added.

Sidharth Malhotra, who shifted base from the capital to the country's entertainment capital Mumbai, says while Mumbai has made him what he is today, he's still a Delhi boy at heart.

"I was lucky to come in (to Mumbai) at a time when they (people) were looking for new talent. I have done my share of auditions. I have evolved and changed over the period and Mumbai has a lot to do with that," the 29-year-old said here at the unveiling of the cover of Men's Health magazine featuring him.

"Mumbai has added so much to my personality, the exposure that you get and people you meet, the professionalism here, which we should have in Delhi. But I am still a Delhi boy at heart and Delhi is my home but Mumbai is great too," he added.

Sidharth says being an outsider made things tough for him when he first came to Mumbai to become an actor. But hard work and focus helped.

"It's always tough when you come from a different town, you don't know anybody and don't have any family...no support system, professionally or personally. Mumbai is a tough city but it has given me everything today. It requires you to be a little patient, to be focussed and to work hard," Sidharth said.

Sidharth made his debut with "Student of The Year" in 2012 and was last seen in "Hasee Toh Phasee."

His next is Mohit Suri's "Ek Villain" where he will be seen in a grey character. It also stars Shraddha Kapoor.

BJP candidate Hema Malini, who was dubbed the 'dream girl' of Bollywood in the sixties and who was initially reluctant to step out of the airconditioned comforts of her sedan during campaigning for the Mathura Lok Sabha seat, now pumps water from a handpump and clutches a sickle as she fends of a tough fight from RLD's Jayant Choudhary in the mounting heat of summer in what is known in folklore as "Lord Krishna's abode".

Despite being a yesteryear's diva, Hema Malini has not lost her appeal. "Oh even at this age she is so glamorous. Its the daily yoga and dance that keeps her so fit," exclaimed Vishakha Tripathi, an IT student.

Mathura goes to polls on April 24.

When Hema Malini arrived in Mathura a week ago, she was reluctant to come out of her air-conditioned car and she "preferred to wave from inside the car instead of coming out and greeting people.

"When there was criticism, she tried to make amends and got herself photographed at the hand pump or holding a sickle and joining the farm-workers in the field," said school teacher Mohan Lal of Goverdhan.

Hema Malini, who debuted opposite Raj Kapoor in "Sapnon Ka Saudagar" and went on to star in over 150 movies, certainly has her admirers.

"People keep waiting for hours in the villages to have her darshan. Her films including `Sholay' are popular," said paanwala Rakesh at the Mathura bus stand.

She is getting enthusiastic response from the crowd in both the urban and the rural areas of Mathura parliamentary constituency.

But the undercurrents over the failure to make a dent in the popularity of sitting MP Jayant Choudhary of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) are clearly discernible in the local BJP outfit.

State president Laxmi Kant Vajpayee tried hard to iron out differences and seek "unqualified support" of the local leaders to ensure Hema Malini's thumping victory.

Two days ago after Hema Malini complained to the party's top leaders including the party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, about the differences and lack of support from a section of local leaders, two senior members of the BJP were sent to Mathura and told to stay put to coordinate the campaign.

In this Jat-dominated constituency, Choudhary Charan Singh's name still holds sway and with a chunk of Muslim votes assured, Jayant remains a formidable opponent.

The recent reservation to Jats goes in his favour and youngsters from the community seem to believe "this move alone will open flood gates to opportunities for them".

Ashok Bansal, who teaches at BSA College, said: "Undoubtedly, Narendra Modi will help her (Hema Malini) get extra votes in the urban areas. BJP is strong in all the urban clusters and there has been a degree of polarisation also."

"But the (people) out there is having fun, many clicking photos of Hema or (her daughter) Esha. The fear is all this popularity hype could be superficial. When the time for voting comes, it will be all caste and community considerations..."

Of the around 16 lakh voters in the district, Jats alone constitute 3.5 lakh voters.
The muslims population is around 80,000. The Bahujan Samaj Party candidate secured around 1.25 lakh votes in 2009. The Thakurs claim to be around 2 lakhs. The Brahmins and Bania vote banks are traditionally with the BJP.

The BSP has fielded Yogesh Dwivedi, a Brahmin and Chandan Singh, a Thakur has been put up by the Samajwadi Party. The Congress is in alliance with the RLD.

Jayant Choudhary of the RLD is slowly firming up.

"He is dead honest and this one quality is the talk of the town. No wonder he is drawing solid support now," said businessman Mukesh Sharma.

Each day hundreds of pilgrims visit Vrindavan, Mathura and other shrines of the Vaishanavite sect.

"When the Gujaratis tell us about development and Modi's performance in their state, we also feel like supporting him and giving him a chance this time," added Shankar, a sweet maker near the ISKCON temple in Vrindavan.

Esha, an actress, defends her mother on the charge of being an outsider who would return back to Mumbai after the election.

"No question," she told mediapersons.

"She keeps coming here and we have deep bonding with Braj culture and Sri Krishna. Even after the elections she will do all in her power for the development of the area."

Esha was with her mother during the road show in villages Meerpur, Pithora, Palkhera, Hasanpur, and dozens of others, where huge crowds lined up the roads to get a glimpse of glamour.

Hema Malini is using all her histrionic skills to lure the voters, sometimes as a gopi lost in the thought of Sri Krishna, as a harassed citizen pumping in vain water from a hand pump in a dilapidated condition, and as a farm worker holding the sickle.

In her speeches she laments at the pathetic civic conditions in such important pilgrim centres like Goverdhan, Vrindavan.

"She is now working extra hard to win the confidence of the people in Mathura and in this task her daughter and son in law have also chipped in their support," says farmer Atar Singh of Adeeng village on way to Goverdhan.

Hema Malini is particularly focusing on the plight of women, roughly 7.25 lakh in the constituency.

Amitabh Bachchan has packed a punch with his new film “Bhoothnath Returns”, which not only opened to a positive response from both the critics and audiences, but the comedy has also proved to be commercially viable. It has earned over Rs.18 crore in its opening weekend at the domestic box office.

Also starring child actor Parth Bhalerao, who was called the film’s hero by Big B, “Bhoothnath Returns” carries a social message interspersed with dollops of entertainment.

“‘Bhoothnath Returns’ (has collected) Rs.18.02 crore nett. India business. Excellent growth over the weekend,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted Monday.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the second of instalment of 2008 film "Bhootnath" hit the screens April 11 and critics appreciated the film saying that the film is an "ennobling voyage into Indian elections", "utterly entertaining" and "it's entertainment Bachchan style!"

Even cinegoers had positive words for the film.

"'Bhoothnath Returns' should be telecast nationwide to the masses. Such a brilliantly made movie, with a profound message and suitably released around election time," said one of the moviegoers.

Former VJ Maria Goretti also watched the film and was amazed to see the turnout.

“The theatres are packed with families and excited faces of kids, waiting to watch their favourite ‘Bhoothnath Returns’,” she posted on Twitter.

Indian origin British actress Parminder Nagra, fondly remembered as a football player infatuated with the sport in "Bend It Like Beckham", is now seen shooting guns in her TV show "The Blacklist". And she loves it.

In the crime drama, Parminder plays Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent Meera Malik and she says she enjoys doing the action sequences.

"I love my character. I had always wanted to do action," Parminder, the Punjabi girl born and brought up in Britain's Leicester, told IANS in an e-mail interaction.

"And this job totally came out of left field and here I am getting to do what I always wanted to do. I love doing the action sequences.

"My character also comes across as somebody who clearly has a lot of knowledge, who's clearly been through a lot, like she's at the top of her game," she added.

Earlier seen in popular TV shows like "Alcatraz" and "Psych", the actress says that the interesting part about "The Blacklist" is that she is "playing somebody who actually is a grown up and carries herself with authority".

Since her character leads an active lifestyle, Parminder had to keep herself fit, but the 38-year-old says that she hardly had any time to prepare for the role.

"When I got the role, I got it three days before we were about to start shooting; so I didn't have any time to prepare for the role... Thank god, I try and keep myself relatively fit," she said.

The "ER" star also tries to work on her physique.

"I obviously just do my general fitness that I do, and, you know, trying to incorporate, especially within the schedule; trying to organise some sort of training is not always easy, but I try to like get in a bit of boxing and a combat that would help me.

"Or at least even if I do like a session, it would just help on how you hold yourself," she said.

The first season of "The Blacklist" is currently aired on Star World Premiere HD.

Parminder was initially worried as one of her first scenes required her to hold a gun and chase somebody.

"I had to look like I know what I'm doing and doing it really well. And honestly, I was worried. I was like, I've never done this before. Like I've seen it being done, but I've not (done it).

"Luckily, there were people on the set and we have a technical advisor who had subsequently, since the show has been filming, I've been out with him individually and like, you know, worked with weapons," she said.

The mother of a four-year-old son feels that after playing the role, she has become stronger.

"I'd like to think I have a bit of strength that Meera has," she said and added: "I actually think playing this character has made me stronger because it's kind of empowering playing somebody who's in the position that she's in and is respected as she is."