Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who watched his daughter Alia Bhatt’s third film “2 States”, is happy to see her playing a different role. But it’s her co-star Arjun Kapoor who stole the filmmaker’s heart.

“‘2 States’ - Alia is fantastic in a startlingly different role. But it is Arjun who stole my heart and made me weep. He is a star! It’s a winner,” Mahesh posted on Twitter Monday.

The film, based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller by the same name, revolves around a Punjabi boy, who falls in love with a Tamil girl. The regional and cultural clash that it leads to is what forms the rest of the story.

It will hit theatres Friday.

Veteran actress-social activist Shabana Azmi has packed her bags for some “serious sightseeing” in Egypt and she will be accompanied by her husband and veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar.

“Javed and I (are) off to Luxor after spending three glorious days in Cairo. It’s the first time we are doing some serious sightseeing. Feel like tourists,” Shabana, 63, tweeted Monday.

The couple is in the Egyptian cities for 'India by the Nile' -- the largest Indian festival in Egypt.

She is playing a wild character in “Revolver Rani” and true to her role Kangana Ranaut got aggressive while locking lips with her co-star Vir Das for a scene, said a source.

Apparently, the actress kissed him so wildly that his lips began to bleed.

"In one scene, Kangana is arrested and is on her way to jail. She requests for some time to attend to an urgent matter and drags Vir Das to a room and kisses him so wildly that his lips start bleeding! No actress till date has portrayed such a 'manizing character',” a source said in a statement.

Set for an April 25 release, the film will present Kangana as an extremely dominating and aggressive woman, in contrast to her role in her latest hit "Queen".

He left a lucrative job at a multinational bank to pursue his first love - singing. And after ruling the charts with his mesmerising voice, Babul Supriyo, who is the BJP'a Lok Sabha candidate from West Bengal's Asansol, is now determined to repay his admirers.

The Bollywood singer who has given hits like "Pari Hai Ek Pari...", "Chanda Chamke..." and "Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara...", is harping on the core issues of unemployment, drinking water and lack of infrastructure which have been plaguing this Burdwan district industrial hub for years.

"It's really unfortunate that despite many decades of independence, Asansol still suffers from acute lack of infrastructure. I may be a novice in politics, but I am here to work for the people who have been subjected to neglect for years," Supriyo told IANS.

Eager now to make a mark in the political arena, the crooner's musical roots can be traced to his grandfather, Banikantha N.C. Baral - a famous Bengali vocalist and composer. Baral taught Supriyo the basic grammar of music.

While the 43-year old gets flooded with requests to hum his ever popular songs wherever he goes for campaigning, Supriyo is more focused on the basic issues of his constituency, though doing his bit for the music industry is also a priority.

"Music is and will always be my first love, but right now my focus is to ensure I am able to remove the grievances that the people of my constituency have for years," he told IANS.

"As regards music, the biggest threat it has is piracy, and given a chance I will endeavour for stringent laws to curb the menace," he says.

Unlike his fellow party leader and music composer Bappi Lahiri, he has not composed any special song for his campaign. Nor does he hope to bring in any Bollywood stars for canvassing.

Lahiri, contesting from Hooghly's Sreerampur, not only has composed a number dedicated to the people of his constituency but also hopes to rope in megastar Salman Khan to campaign for him.

"Unless someone has shown any affiliation or vouched for a particular leader or political party, it would be inappropriate for me to ask them to stand on a political platform with me," says Supriyo.

"I may bring some of my star friends for a big party if I win," he says, preferring to rely on his commitment and honesty to woo the voters than to use star-power.

While he considers his struggle to make a mark in Bollywood after migrating to Mumbai in 1992 as "climbing a mountain", the singer, pitted against sitting CPI-M MP Banshogopal Chowdhury and Trinamool Congress's Dola Sen, has to slog equally hard to find his feet in the political arena.

More so, because the BJP has never won the seat, and its candidate finished with even less than six percent of the votes in the previous polls five years back.

"While my popularity and stature as a singer has helped me, I would be lying if I said politics is easy," he says.

Distraught at being accused of hurting religious sentiments by entering a temple in a drunken state, Supriyo still finds a silver lining behind a "sustained campaign by my rivals to malign me".

"Such dirty politics has made politics a dirty word in India, but at the same time such smear campaign is proof that the rivals are rattled by the stupendous public response that I have been getting," says Supriyo, asserting he is a teetotaller.

The singer, who finds Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi "unfit" to be a politician, castigates the Congress for having denied party veteran and now the country's president Pranab Mukherjee, the opportunity to be the prime minister.

Crediting BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for inspiring him to take the political plunge, Supriyo says: "The country needs a CEO like Modi who can efficiently run it. He has done wonders in Gujarat and can replicate the same for the rest of the country".

The singer is not ready to accept that his music will suffer because of his political commitments.

"Music is my soul. It will always remain my passion, my first love. No matter how busy you are, you can always find time for your beloved," says Supriyo.

He is also working on his upcoming music album 'Babul Baul', a compilation of songs of Rabindranath Tagore slated to be released during Durga Puja that begins late September.

Varun Dhawan, who went all out for the publicity of his latest release "Main Tera Hero", says superstar Shah Rukh Khan is his role model when it comes to film marketing.

"My role model for marketing films is Shah Rukh Khan. He is unbelievable. Look at how he marketed 'Chennai Express', said Varun.

In "Main Tera Hero", Bollywood's other beloved Khan, Salman, has lent his voice. Isn't he a role model for Varun?

"He is a role model for not just me but every young actor. More than anything else he's a tremendous human being. He just called up Dad and said, 'I want to do something for Varun.' Dad gave him the voice of god. We didn't want Salman to help market the film," said the young actor.

"Main Tera Hero" is directed by Varun's father David Dhawan. The latter had a health scare during the film's shoot in Bangkok and Varun says he is not happy with the fact that his father has not been taking care of his health.

"I've actually inherited my energy level from him. But he's not physically fit enough to carry off the energy. I tell him to get fitter. I take him to the gym with me. But not frequently enough.

"To add to his weight woes, he is a foodie. But he has cut down on his food. The only reason I am talking about it is because I'm desperate for him to get fitter. Lots of his friends tell him to change his lifestyle. I feel if he reads what his son is saying, he will take care of his health," he added.

Varun is also close to his brother Rohit. Any plans of working with him?

"I definitely want to work with him. When the time is right, we will. But nothing planned right now," he said.

Animated film "Rio 2", which opened in cinemas worldwide Friday, has grossed Rs.5.7 crore in its opening weekend at the Indian box office, registering the second best opening for an animated film in the country.

"The fun family entertainer bagged Rs.5.7 crore gross (Rs.4 crore net), more than twice the opening of 'Rio 1' and the 3rd biggest opening for 2014 for any Hollywood film," read a statement from the film's production house Fox Star Studios.

"'Rio 2' has garnered the second biggest opening for an animation film after 'Ice Age 4' in India," added the statement.

"Rio 2" brings back the lovable, eccentric characters from the first part in an even wilder, rib tickling and more colourful adventure with voiceover by big names like Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg and Jamie Foxx.

For the Hindi version, Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha and Imran Khan gave voiceover for main characters Jewel and Blu, respectively.

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer 2012 hit "Cocktail" will be screened in Romania Friday.

Eros International will release the urban romantic drama, directed by Homi Adajania, across 20 screens in the country.

"We continue to make successful inroads into new territories for our films and 'Cocktail’ has proved to be a success story with new markets opening up for it since its release.

"Our ability to dub and subtitle films into foreign languages allows us to directly appeal to both local audiences as well as the local Indian community,” Kumar Ahuja, president, business development, Eros International Media Ltd, said in a statement.

“Cocktail”, about a mixed-up relationship between three main characters, is said to be the only Indian movie to gross over $100,000 at the Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan box office when it hit 19 screens there in March 2013.

Eros also plans to release Bollywood movies “English Vinglish”, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Toonpur Ka Superrhero” in Romania soon.

Actor Imran Khan, who gave voice-over for animation film "Rio 2", says southern matinee idol Rajinikanth's "Kochadiyaan" marks a big leap for animation movies.

"The fact that a star as big as Rajini sir has taken part in this (animation) process is obviously a big step forward. That is the kind of thing that will encourage other people also. If he can do it, we can also do it," Imran, 31, told IANS.

Pegged at $350 million, the Indian animation industry is still struggling to find a firm foothold.

Talking about this, Imran said: "If you look back, 10 years ago even in Hollywood it wasn't a big thing. In the last 10 to 12 years, it has started growing in Hollywood and became part of the mainstream, so we have to give it a little bit of time."

"Talent is there in India. Most Holywood films' graphics are being done in India. I am talking about films like 'Batman' and 'Superman' that has happened in Mumbai. So, the talent is here, but the budgets are not there," added the star of "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na".

Few taste the degree of success that Amitabh Bachchan has in his over four decades as an actor. When the megastar was asked who from the current generation of actors can carry his baton forward, he said "I am in awe of all the fresh talent".

He said: "I don't think I would want someone to get into my shoes because they are all very competent and very talented people."

"I am in awe of all the fresh talent I see everyday. What is remarkable is that in their first endeavour itself they are so good and flawless in their performances, and I love watching their films. If you ask me to name any one, it would be unfair to the others. I am happy and proud that they belong to the fraternity," he told IANS.

His latest release "Bhoothnath Returns" has been received well at the box office.

Evelyn Sharma has been working hard to improve her Hindi speaking skills, and helping her in the endeavour is veteran actor Anupam Kher.

Anupam, who trains students at his institute Actor Prepares, gave Evelyn acting advice and even helped her to improve her spoken Hindi. This inspired Evelyn to become more serious about the need to brush up her Hindi speaking skills, said a source.

These days Evelyn religiously attends her acting and Hindi workshop. She was recently seen in "Main Tera Hero".

Actor Randeep Hooda, who has played myriad roles, says once a film becomes successful, he keeps wanting to do the same kind of roles. But it is a lesson from his mentor Naseeruddin Shah which stops him.

"When I did 'Jannat 2', Naseer saab told me, 'Now you can sleepwalk through your roles and you will keep getting work for at least 10 years'. But when I did 'Jism 2' and it became successful, I told him that I am so tempted to do the same kind of things (films).

"But then he told me about a tradition that monks follow wherein they make intricate sculptures and then destroy them completely, and then make new ones. So, my idea now is to always start from scratch for every role," Randeep told IANS.

Last seen in the successful "Highway", in which he played a kidnapper, Randeep also has movies as varied as "Main Aur Charles", "Kick" and "Ungli" in his kitty.

Bhoothnath Returns may have started off with few bumpy rides but managed the weekend with RS 18.02 Crores!!!
After opening with RS 4.07 Crores on Friday, Bhoothnath Returns saw a tremendous jump over the weekend with RS 5.85 Crores on Saturday and RS 8.10 crores on Sunday!!!
Produced by T-Series and BR Films Bhoothnath Returns is an entertaining tale of good against evil, weak against powerful, past against future directed by Nitesh Tiwari and it sees the return of Big B aka Bhoothnath who with the powerfully talented child actor Parth aka Akhrot strive to see a change in the country!

Former Bollywood actress Moon Moon Sen's daughters Raima and Riya are to join their mother as the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Bankura Lok Sabha constituency goes on poll campaign.

Moon Moon says campaigning is a challenge.

"My waking hours and my routine have changed completely. It's become a fight where I can't let down my mother, my daughters or myself. I wish you could see how difficult this is for me. We actors are supposed to be entertainers," said Moon Moon.

"We've to ensure we entertain even while campaigning for elections because it's essentially the same people who come to see me in both the cinema theatres and public rallies. I find myself addressing the same film and Jatra (folk theatre) fans at my road shows," Moon Moon said.

Moon Moon, the daughter of Bengali screen icon Suchitra Sen, who passed away early this year, has also found a new fan-base.

"A new section of supporters for me is the Adivasi community. I am very proud of the crowds who come to hear me. My party leaders are very surprised by the crowds that gather to hear me. I realise I belong to the film industry first, then to any political party. I hope my fan base translates into votes," she added.

Producer Vashu Bhagnani and debutant director Syed Ahmad Afzal have much to rejoice about. The good response to their political drama "Youngistaan" has encouraged them to plan a sequel to the film already.

"Yes, we have a story for 'Youngistaan 2'. And seeing the response (to 'Youngistaan'), we'll go ahead with it," Afzal said.

"At the end of 'Youngistaan' Jackky Bhagnani's character becomes the prime minister. But the actual fun begins after that. What happens after he's sworn in? How does he handle the pressures of his job? I think there is a major story waiting to be told there," said the director, who's a first-generation filmmaker in his family.

Vashu Bhagnani says that to have a sequel to the movie was always a part of their plan.

"We are getting encouraging reports from all across the country. We had planned a sequel to 'Youngistaan all along. The success of the first part only makes us more confident of carrying on the story.

"We had hoped that somewhere the story of a young non-political Indian taking over the reigns of the country would touch the people's heart in this charged electoral environment. I think we've succeeded," he added.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has travelled the world, meeting cinema icons from all over. He feels happy at the growing reach of Indian movies and says younger stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan deserve the credit for realising their potential globally and pushing it in the world.

Of course, filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy and Mrinal Sen as well as actors like Raj Kapoor meandered their way into hearts across boundaries with their craft, but the visibility of Indian films - Hindi and regional - currently seems to be at an all-time high.

The movies are not just getting screen space at international film festivals but are also getting theatrical releases in an increasing number of non-traditional foreign markets like Peru, Panama and Morocco.

That gives Amitabh, whom French director François Truffaut once called a "one-man industry", a reason to cheer.

"Internationally, it is very heartening to see the interest in Indian cinema," the 71-year-old told IANS in an interview here.

Going back in time, he said: "For many years in the time when I started, cinema was not marketed or promoted the way it is now. We didn't know about these markets. There were international distributors, but we never knew exactly what used to happen to a film - we used to give it at a pittance because we never realised that people outside would want to watch a Hindi film or any Indian film.

"But once it began, we found the importance of the number of people that are seeing it. The international market has now become a major territory. It bodes really well because there's a large expatriate audience and they have passed on their likes to their friends, and therefore this whole community, even foreigners, have started identifying with our films."

The actor, who made his debut with the 1969 film "Saat Hindustani", remembers having performed to a packed audience at London's Wembley Stadium and at New Jersey's now-demolished Giant Stadium in the 1980s and 1990s.

"We used to have a stadium full of people where we used to sing, dance to numbers of the Hindi film industry - filling up the Wembley Stadium of 65,000 people - it was immense - New Jersey - 75,000 people. I saw the amount of love, affection and interest and that was really a revelation for us.

"But somewhere the generation that came immediately after us - Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir and (filmmaker) Karan Johar too - they pushed this potential into the international world. So if you want to give credit for the recognition, these are the people who should be credited," Bollywood's once 'Angry young man' told IANS.

He added that it is because of works like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", which "became an iconic film in the western world", that it was found that Indian films had a potential abroad.

"Shah Rukh is as popular in Germany as he is here, Hrithik (Roshan) and Salman and Aamir are loved internationally in equal proportion. So, obviously Indian cinema is doing well.

"The fact that there are festivals that invite our films and personalities and stars, is also wonderful. Marrakech, Cannes, Berlin, US, Britain...that's wonderful," said Amitabh, who is due to attend the Melbourne International Film Festival towards the end of July.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan knows how to make his friends feel special. He has gifted a brand new car to his "Happy New Year" director and close buddy Farah Khan, who is "touched" with the gesture.

"Look what I got!!! Thaaaank you @iamsrk. Touched n beyond, (sic)," Farah posted on her Twitter page with a photograph, featuring the car, herself and King Khan.

It's a sleek luxury black beauty, and Farah seems to be super happy about receiving it.

Farah and SRK have been close friends for long. In the past, Shah Rukh had gifted her a Khan a Hyundai Terracan after the success of the 2004 film "Main Hoon Na", and then a Mercedes S350 around the release of "Om Shanti Om" in 2007.

The duo is currently caught up with the shooting of "Happy New Year", which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah and Sonu Sood.

Actor-producer Abhishek Bachchan, who has worked with Mani Ratnam in "Raavan", says the veteran filmmaker is like family to him.

Abhishek's actress-wife Aishwarya Rai is said to be featuring in a Mani Ratnam film again.

Asked if he too has a role in it, Abhishek said: "For me, Mani is not a director, he is a family to me. He just has to tell me where to come and where to stand and I will be there. I will never ask Mani what is my role."

Though nothing seems to be final in that regard, Abhishek says Mani Ratnam is still figuring out details about the movie.

However, he said: "Aishwarya is very excited about that project."

The movie will also feature Mahesh Babu and Nagarjuna.

Christmas season seems to spell magic for Aamir Khan’s films and continuing with the trend, the makers of his upcoming film “P.K.” have decided to release it about a week before X-Mas.

"Vinod Chopra Films and Rajkumar Hirani Films, in association with Disney India, confirm that ‘P.K.’ shall release on Dec 19, 2014,” said a statement.

The political satire was slated to release in June this year but it got delayed. Hirani, who is also directing the film, had earlier said that most of Aamir's films release during Christmas and they have done well.

The superstar’s blockbusters like “Dhoom:3”, “3 Idiots” and “Taare Zameen Par” had hit screens around Christmas.

“P.K.” also features actor Sanjay Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

Actor Hrithik Roshan, who underwent brain surgery last year, is again suffering from "shin splints".

The 40-year-old complained of pain in the lower part of the leg, that is from knee to ankle. Shin splints are common among runners and dancers.

He took to Twitter seeking advise from his followers.

"Does anyone out there have a solution or cure for shin splints? Been battling it all my life. Maybe Twitter has the answer. Let me know," the actor, known for his dancing skills, tweeted Tuesday.

He earlier shared with his Twitter followers that he danced for long hours for his upcoming film "Bang Bang" directed by Siddharth Raj Anand.

"Enjoyed 12 hours of dance all night for 'Bang Bang’. One of the best songs of my life. Thank you Vishal-Shekhar, Bosco-Caesar and Sid for pushing my extreme,” tweeted Hrithik.

Actor Boman Irani will be seen in a cameo role in Manish Jha's “The Legend Of Michael Mishra”.

“Doing a cameo in Manish Jha's ‘Legend Of Michael Mishra’. Fun set. Eye candy productions spoiling me thoroughly,” he tweeted Monday.

The upcoming film also stars Arshad Warsi.