Indian Premier League (IPL) is just a few days away and superstar Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, has been working hard and hasn’t slept for two days.

The UAE leg of IPL will be held from Wednesday to April 30.

“The full moon has followed me from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, so has its dark side. Nice to be here and seeing all my IPL buddies. Bulawa aaya hai (got invitation),” he tweeted Tuesday.

“All nighter in Abu Dhabi. Haven’t slept two days but I know it will be fun with the IPL players so hard work comes easy,” he further posted on Twitter.

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal says that being in the film industry is like an endless marathon and the one who survives till the end is the winner a la Amitabh Bachchan.

"I don't believe in competition. So many films are being made in a year. In this industry, it's the endless marathon and the one who survives till the end is the winner. Amitabh Bachchan is the biggest winner in today's date," Rajeev told IANS.

Since "Aamir", the 38-year-old has not done too many movies because he feels that one needs a lot of patience to do his kind of cinema that also includes titles like "Shaitan" and "Table No. 21".

He said: "The kind of films that I do one needs a lot of patience and will power. You should not get tempted. I don't want to go wrong in a hurry.

"The kind of films that I want to do is different and the scripts for those kind of films are not written often. Now things are changing and I hope in future I would get to do more films of my kind."

His next is "Samrat & Co" and he had to come out of his comfort zone to play a detective in the thriller coming out April 25.

"This was out of my comfort level. I have never played such a character ever. It was a challenging role for me. They have written altogether a separate script for 'Samrat...'"

Directed by Kaushik Ghatak and produced by Rajshri Productions, "Samrat & Co" features Madalsa Sharma as the female lead.

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has guaranteed that "Humari Adhuri Kahani" will be Mohit Suri's career best directorial. He is confident that his nephew will manage to touch the audience's heart with his skills.

"Mohit Suri, you are the only one who can musically explore the depths of this story and touch the world with your cinematic skills," Bhatt posted on his Twitter page Tuesday.

The movie was recently in the news due to rumours that Shraddha Kapoor was going to replace Vidya Balan as the lead heroine.

However, Bhatt clarified it last week by tweeting: "'Humari Adhuri Kahani' Vidya Balan ke saath hi poori hogi (The film will be completed only with Vidya Balan)."

The film will also feature Bhatt's other nephew Emraan Hashmi, as well as acclaimed actor Rajkumar Rao.

Mohit's past directorials include "Kalyug", "Raaz - The Mystery Continues", "Murder 2" and "Aashiqui 2".

Actress-producer Shilpa Shetty along with business partner and cosmetologist Kiran Bawa has launched IOSIS Wellness here.

Launched Monday, it is the third outlet of the luxury wellness chain in Uttar Pradesh.

“We are thrilled to launch our third outlet in Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Ghaziabad, after the first centre was launched in Lucknow in 2012 and second in Varanasi in February this year.

"This will be our eight operational centre in India and we plan to have at least 16 in operation by the end of the year,” Shilpa said in a statement.

She said the next destination will be Punjab.

“The Ghaziabad launch will be followed by our first centre in Chandigarh, Punjab in the month of May," she added.

"The other cities lined up this year include Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Kolkata, Lucknow in Hazratganj, Pune and Raipur,” added the “Dishkiyaaoon” producer, who considers fitness her passion and a way of life.

Actor Vir Das, who plays a double role in "Saxx Ki Dukaan", says those who enjoyed sex comedy "Delhi Belly" would like his film too.

Parandeep Singh is helming the project and he is yet to finalise the lead actress.

"'Saxx Ki Dukaan' is an interesting film. It's a sex comedy and I am doing a double role in it. We are looking for a girl. But I would like to say that it's for the 'Delhi Belly' audience," Vir, who played one of the three friends in "Delhi Belly", told IANS.

"'Delhi Belly' was a film, which for the first time, was made the way kids actually speak and it was well received by the audience. I hope even this film is accepted by the audience," added the popular stand-up comedian.

Vir, also seen in films like "Go Goa Gone" and "Sooper Se Ooper", calls himself a flexible actor, thanks to his theatre experience.

"Limitations depend upon the role. I have done Bachelor of Arts in theatre and I had gone naked for a role in a play. I have already done such things. When you are standing on stage, it makes you very brave. So I have no limitations," he said.

He will be seen with Kangana Ranaut in "Revolver Rani".

"We were doing horrible things on the screen, so it was important to be sweet off the screen. I got to learn a lot from her," he said.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is making his full-fledged acting debut with Anurag Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet", has thanked him for making his late father Yash Johar's wish come true.

"My father thought I should be an actor...I didn't. Thank you Anurag Kashyap for fulfilling my dad's wish...just wrapped 'Bombay Velvet'!"

In "Bombay Velvet", which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, Karan plays a villain. The movie, co-produced by Fox Star Studios and Phantom Films, will see Karan in the role of a rich businessman who plays a crucial role in the life of Ranbir’s on-screen character.

In the past, Karan has made fleeting appearances in films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Fashion" and "Luck By Chance".

From the time she sang "Ghar jayegi tar jayegi doliyaan chadh jayegi" for Gulzar in "Khushboo", Asha Bhosle has shared a very special rapport with her Gulzar bhai who has been named for the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She feels it has gone to the "very deserving artist".

"When I see how far he has come in his life, I feel happy. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours a very deserving artiste this year," she said expressing great joy at Gulzar's latest recognition.

"As I speak to you, I remember all the beautiful songs Gulzar bhai has written for me - 'Mera kuch samaan' in 'Ijaazat', 'Yeh saaye hain' in 'Sitara', 'Phir se aiyo badra bidesi' in 'Namkeen' and all those fabulous songs in the non-film album 'Dil Padosi Hai'. Sachchi, yeh bade khaas kalaakar hain," she added.

Gulzar, Asha and her late husband and composer R.D. Burman, fondly called Pancham, formed a formidable team.

"Our team - Pancham, Gulzar bhai and I - was unbeatable. Together we created some great songs. Don't ask me to name my favourites. I love every song that I did with Pancham and Gulzar bhai," she said.

Asha says she was instrumental in bringing Gulzar and Pancham together.

"If I hadn't intervened, I wonder if these two compatible creative giants would have ever found one another! Neither of them is the kind who would have reached out on their own.

"Don't ask me why. But I instinctively felt Pancham and Gulzar bhai were meant to make music together. Long before they created that song for Lata didi, 'Sili hawa choo gayee' in 'Libaas', I could hear that tune coming from Pancham and I could see Gulzar bhai finding the right words for that beautiful composition.

"The three of us would think together about a song even before it was created."

Besides music, what bound Ashaji to Pancham and Gulzar was food.

"You know I love to cook. And the two of them loved to eat. So it suited us fine. Gulzar bhai loves my 'karela gosht' and my Bengali kheer."

"Not that there were no disputes. There were arguments, yes. But not between Gulzar bhai and Pancham. They'd never have serious disputes. Jhagde hotey tthey mere saath (they'd squabble with me). But it would always come out right at the end because I had the deadly combination of 'khaana and gaana' on my side," she said.

The enchanting songstress recalls a historic interview that she participated in with Gulzar and Pancham.

"I remember they arrived together looking serious, solemn and worried. I rushed to the venue and immediately started talking incessantly. Gulzar saab laughed and said, 'Asha hansi lekar aati hai jahaan bhi jaati hai.' I love to spread happiness among people."

"Maine bahut taqleef dekhi hain (I have been through difficult times). But the pain is all mine. The laughter is for others. I think Gulzar saab and Pancham enjoyed my company not just because I sang their songs, but also because I made them happy with my food and laughter.

"Gulzar saab and Pancham always liked my never-say-die spirit. Even today I am singing for films, though don't ask me where and for whom. I just sing and come home. I am also doing live concerts. Even as we speak I am packing to leave for Kolkata for a concert."

Suddenly the spirited singer realises she has so far only spoken of Gulzar in tandem with Pancham.

"That's because both are so connected in my mind. However, I met Gulzar bhai for the first time when I recorded a song for composer Vasant Desai. He was present at the recording. He was so quiet and unobtrusive. That hasn't changed. Gulzar bhai likes to make his presence felt quietly," she said.

Three Indian designers - Akaaro, Zubair Kirmani and Barkha Sonzal, are among the nominees from the India and Middle East category of the 2014-15 edition of the International Woolmark Prize (IWP).

IWP, now into its third year, has emerged as a coveted award in the design world. Delhi-based designer Rahul Mishra became the first Indian to win its latest edition.

For the first time, two designers will receive the overall award, one for menswear and one for womenswear.

Five regional awards will be held to select 10 finalists, each receiving AU$50,000 financial contribution towards their next collection as well as an invitation to participate in the international final.

The nominee designers will be required to present the sketches of a Merino wool capsule collection comprising six outfits, with one full outfit to be produced at the India and Middle East regional award to be held in India later this year. The collections will be judged by a panel of local and international experts, whose names will be announced soon.

The five menswear finalists will meet at London Collections: Men in January 2015, while the five womenswear finalists will meet in Beijing in March 2015.

The winners of both the menswear and womenswear finals will receive a further AU$100,000 to assist with fabric sourcing and marketing of their collection.

In addition, both international winners will have their collection commercialised through key international retail partners including Harvey Nichols in Britain, Joyce in China, Saks Fifth Avenue in the USA, Colette in France, 10 Corso Como in Italy, My Theresa online and David Jones in Australia.

The IWP has an impressive alumni of the most important designers from around the globe, as well as partnerships established with some of the most successful global designers including Narciso Rodriguez, Victoria Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg and Richard Nicoll.

Emraan Hashmi will soon be seen as street con artist- the modern day Natwarla in his upcoming masala thriller. Earlier titled ‘Shaatir’ the movie will now be called ‘Raja Natwarlal.

"Ever since I heard this title, I've been after UTV to get it. It etches out my character perfectly and is extremely catchy. Also, because it fits in so well with the space of the film, it will help us in promoting the film very well." added Emraan Hashmi.

Popular southern villain Adithya Menon, known for films such as "Eegaa", "Mirchi" and "Billa", will soon be seen in a Hindi film titled "Main Hoon Rajinikantha". Adithya will be essaying a character called Rajinikanth.

"I feel blessed to be playing a character called Rajinikanth on screen. This is our tribute to the superstar. I can't divulge more details about the project but it will be high on entertainment. This is definitely not a spoof on him," Adithya told IANS.

Faisai Saif of "5 Ghantey Mein 5 Crore" fame is directing "Main Hoon Rajinikanth", which has already gone on floors.

Adithya, who has predominantly worked in Telugu filmdom, has also worked in Kannada and Tamil films such as "Shivajinagara" and "Singam", respectively.

Back in 2004, Neha Dhupia created quite a furore by playing a prostitute in Deepak Shivdasani's "Julie". Now the director is back with a sequel starring Sakshi Chaudhary.

"Julie 2" is likely to be a story of an actress, not a prostitute.

"Considering how controversial and steamy Neha Dhupia's role was in 'Julie', Sakshi was apprehensive about the role. But then she heard her character in 'Julie 2' and flipped for it," said a source.

Sakshi says she was apprehensive initially.

"But when I heard the script, I agreed at once. It is a very performance-oriented film. Certainly not the kind of character a newcomer gets to play," said the newbie, who has no issues with skin show.

"It is a glamorous role. But nothing vulgar about it," she added.

According to a source, Sakshi would be required to do many bold scenes, including one where she is likely to be seen riding a motorcycle wearing a bikini," says the source.

Asked which of her films "Julie 2" or "Hera Pheri 3" would get released first, Sakshi said: "I've signed 'Hera Pheri 3' first and I've signed four other films which I can't talk about as per the contracts. Whichever film is completed first would be released first."

Well-known actor-writer Saurabh Shukla, who played a judge in the light-hearted legal drama “Jolly LLB”, says the National Award for his role in the film came as a surprise to him.

The 61st National Film Awards were announced here Wednesday and the actor has been named the best supporting actor for his role in “Jolly LLB”, which has also been adjudged the best Hindi movie.

“It came as a surprise to me ... I was not expecting this. This award has made my day,” Saurabh told IANS.

“National Award is a prestigious award ... it encourages you and keeps you going. I have no words to explain my feelings,” he said.

The Subhash Kapoor-directed film also starred Boman Irani and Arshad Warsi.

“I am not just happy for myself, but also for the film as it has got the best Hindi film award,” said Saurabh.

Girish Malik's directorial debut "Jal" has been named the best film in the special effects category at the 61st National Film Awards announcement here Wednesday. The director says it's “a great moment”.

“It's a moment of pride! Finally, our film is being recognised. National Award is one of the prestigious awards and it's like an icing on the cake,” Malik told IANS.

"pecial effects added value to the film. Besides, we worked on a very tight budget and it was a huge challenge. We had to make it look realistic, so it's great that we are being rewarded for our work,"he said.

Hansal Mehta, who was named the best director for “Shahid” in the 61st National Film Awards announced here Wednesday, says it is an acknowledgment of the hard work and honesty that he has put in to make the biopic.

Rajkummar Rao, who plays the title role in the film, has been named in the best actor category along with Malayalam actor Suraj Venjaramoodu, who won it for "Perariyathavar".

“I am very overwhelmed and really happy after hearing this. It is an award for the entire team and it is the recognition to the fact that anything made with determination will succeed,” Mehta told IANS.

“You don't make films to win National Award or anything, you make films to present a story and honestly that was an intention. These are all recognition of hard work and honesty that has been put while making the film,” he added.

“Shahid”, directed by Mehta and produced by Anurag Kashyap, is a biographical film based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010 in Mumbai.

The Urdu version of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's official website was launched here Wednesday by Salim Khan, noted writer and father of Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

"The website in Urdu is an excellent initiative. Urdu is a beautiful language, which has evolved in India, and I am extremely happy that this innovative idea has been accepted and implemented. It is truly a praiseworthy initiative," Salim Khan said at the launch.

"I thank Salim Khan sahab for launching the Urdu version of my website. I congratulate and thank our volunteers for their efforts in making the Urdu site. If you find mistakes or have suggestions, do share," Modi tweeted following the launch.

According to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the website, which contains Modi's biography and highlights the development work in Gujarat under his leadership, is one of the many initiatives to reach out to a cross-section of the people.

"It is also one of the many technology-oriented initiatives taken towards putting across his (Modi) views to people across the borders, and his focus on soliciting their views for the nation," the party said.

The website is already available in 11 regional languages and four foreign languages, including Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish along with English.

The B-Town fraternity took to Twitter to congratulate the teams of "Shahid", "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and "Jolly LLB", which were named in various categories at the 61st National Film Awards Wednesday.

Here’s what the stars tweeted:

Mahesh Bhatt: Hansal Mehta (best director) and Rajkummar Rao (best actor) get the National Award for 'Shahid'. Mubarak!

Arshad Warsi: So very happy for Saurabh Shukla. Super actor, totally deserves the National Award for best supporting actor. ‘Jolly LLB’ has won the National Award for best (Hindi) film. I am so happy.

Arbaaz Khan: Congrats Raj (Rajkummar Rao) for winning the National Award for best actor for the film ‘Shahid’! Extremely proud of you. Cheers. Shooting with National Award winning actor Rajkummar Rao on the sets of ‘Dolly Ki Doli’. Celebrations on the set, arre kaam kaun karega (who will work).

Amrita Rao: Dude! Congrats team ‘Jolly LLB’. National Award (for) best Hindi film and finally Saurabh Shukla. Justice for the judge!

Boman Irani: Overjoyed, elated and proud to learn that ‘Jolly LLB’ wins National Award for best (Hindi) film...more elation. My friend Saurabh Shukla wins best supporting actor. My good man. Richly deserved.

Sonam Kapoor: How many National Awards Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra! Awesome ya! Love you! Congratulations to all the National Award winners! All are so deserving!

Sujoy Ghosh: Clap for Rajkummar Rao and Saurabh Shukla.

Abhishek Kapoor: Rajkummar you (are) giant of an actor. Congrats on the National Award. Very proud of you.

Sandhya Mridul: ‘Ship of Theseus’, ‘Shahid’, Hansal Mehta, Rajkummar Rao... lovely list of National Award winners. Yeah ab aaya maza! Nicely done.

Neha Dhupia: Congratulations to all our National Award winners. So well deserved, such great contributions to the art of cinema.

Milap Zaveri: Congrats Hansal Mehta, Rajkummar...on ‘Shahid’ winning the National Award!

Celebrities from different fields including entertainment and sports are drawing a lot of attention and rule the poll battleground on internet.

Top searched celebrity on Google this election season is actor turned politician Chiranjeevi's brother Pawan Kalyan, who recently launched the new political party “JanSena”.

Kalyan is followed by actress Ramya (Divya Spandana) contesting to secure her seat from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka, Google said in a statement here.

Bollywood actress and political debutant Nagma contesting for the first time on a Congress ticket from Meerut is searched almost twice as many times as BJP MP Hema Malini contesting from Mathura.

Others on the top 10 list include Chiranjeevi, popular stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava who earlier returned Samajwadi Party’s ticket from Kanpur, and Bhojpuri actor Manoj Tiwari, a BJP candidate from northeast Delhi.

Bollywood actress Jaya Prada, who is Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, and Bengali film star Dev who would be contesting from West Midnapore constituency in West Bengal on Trinamool Congress ticket have also marked their presence on the top 10 list.

Suraj Venjaramoodu Wednesday said that he dedicates his National Award to the Malayalam language and Malayalam cinema.

Suraj has been named the best actor for his performance in "Perariyathavar", directed by Biju, at the 61st National Film Award announced in the national capital.

"I did it in my style and I dedicate the award to Malayalam language and Malayalam cinema," he said while interacting with media after the announcement. The 37-year-old shares the award with Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao.

He said ever since TV channels started flashing the news that he has entered the final round, "I was tense".

"We were glued to the TV waiting for the announcement," added the popular comedian at the location of his latest film that was being shot in the state capital.

"Perariyathavar" revolves around two sweepers and their problems. Through them, the film highlights the agonies of the marginalised section of society. Suraj plays the lead role along with another popular comedy artist Indrans.

"Even though normally I play comedy roles, I got my 'first award' after Biju told me to play the lead role in a serious film. Those who watched me on the sets of the movie, told me that this is role will fetch me a National Award and it has come true," said the actor.

In a career spanning 13 years, he has acted in over 170 Malayalam films and in the maximum movies he was seen as a comedian.

When asked would he now shift his focus to serious roles, he said: "Comedy is my bread and butter, it's my inherent strength and it will continue to be like that."

Rupankar and Bela Shende have been adjudged the best male and female playback singer, respectively, for the 61st National Film Awards announced here Wednesday.

Rupankar's rendition of "E tumi kemom tumi" for Bengali film "Jaatishwar" and Shende's song "Khura khura" from the Marathi movie "Tuhya Dharma Koncha" have been lauded by the jury.

In the best music direction category, Kabir Suman has won for the songs in "Jaatishwar", and Shantanu Moitra's work in Telugu film "Na Bangaaru Talli" has been adjudged the best as far as the background score is concerned.

Na. Muthukumar's lyrics for "Ananda yaazhai" from Tamil film "Thanga Meengal" won the best lyrics award.

The best choreography award has been bestowed on Ganesh Acharya for the song "Masto ka jhund" from "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", which has been named the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

Rajkummar Rao's phone hasn't stopped ringing ever since it was announced Wednesday evening that he has been named for the National Film Award for the best actor for "Shahid". He says "it's the most important day" of his life.

"It feels great! It is the most important day of my life. I was not expecting this at all, but when I got to know about it, my heartbeat slowed down," Rajkummar told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

His voice exuded a tone of contentment - and why not.

A Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) - Pune graduate, the actor made his Bollywood debut with Dibakar Banerjee's unconventional film "Love Sex Aur Dhokha", which released in 2010.

He was then noticed for his fluid acting skills in movies like "Ragini MMS", "Shaitan" and "Gangs Of Wasseypur", before he pushed the envelope with critically acclaimed movies like "Kai Po Che!", "Shahid" and more recently for "Queen".

In "Shahid", Rajkummar has sunk his teeth into the real life story of Shahid Azmi, slain lawyer and human rights activist, who was the defending lawyer of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks co-accused Faheem Ansari.

Shahid was shot dead in his office in 2010.

The National Film Awards jury has recognised Rajkummar for bringing to life "the soul of Shahid Azmi".

He has shared the best actor award with Suraj Venjaramoodu for Malayalam film "Perariyathavar".