Popular playback singer Chinmayi Sripada, known for chartbusters such as "Mast Magan" and "Titli", married actor Rahul Ravindran here Monday.

The event was attended by the couple's families and close friends from the industry.

Rahul and Chinmayi, who have been dating each other for nearly a year, got married in traditional south Indian style.

While Chinmayi was draped in a silk sari, Rahul was seen in a white dhoti.

Rahul, who has proved his mettle with films such as "Andala Rakshasi" and "Vanakkam Chennai", is a popular actor in Tamil and Telugu film industries.

Besides singing, Chinmayi is also known as a dubbing artist. She has dubbed for actresses such as Sameera Reddy, Kajal Agarwal and Neetu Chandra.

Many filmmakers have started experimenting with "no song" movies, but double Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman says there are more "longevity" elements in a film with song and dance vis-a-vis one with just the story. The music genius, therefore, incorporates the same formula in his foreign projects, including forthcoming movie "Million Dollar Arm".

"We have started making films with no songs in different genres. But you know there are a lot of longevity elements in a musical than a normal story," Rahman told IANS in an interview.

"When you see a song and dance, you want to watch it again and it creates a good mood even after a couple of watches. Whereas, when you see a film with no music, you might watch it just once or twice. The re-watching element is more in a film with music," he said referring to the fact that viewers would watch such movies again.

This is precisely why Rahman composes songs even in the English projects he is associated with. One of the best examples is "Jai Ho" from Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire".

He continues the trend in his forthcoming English project "Million Dollar Arm", a sports-drama, releasing in India May 9.

"It ('Million Dollar Arm') has about 30-40 percent of Hollywood spirit in the music and the rest of it is how I scored 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Although it's an underdog story, it has nuances I had to take care of. It has songs too but not like 'Jai Ho'," said the Mozart of Madras.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and featuring "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm in the lead, "Million Dollar Arm" is about an American sports agent who comes to India in search of baseball pitchers.

Having composed music for Hollywood films in different genres, Rahman signed "Million Dollar Arm" because he wanted to do something Indian with western sensibility.

"I was at a point where I felt I've done films in several genres. I did the comedy 'Couples Retreat', family movie 'People Like Us', adventure movie '127 Hours' and I also did 'Monkeys of Bollywood', the musical. It was like a full circle and I wanted to come back and do something hybrid, Indian and Hollywood," he said.

Popular artists such as Sukhwinder Singh as well as Raghav Mathur collaborated with Rahman on this project. Rahman says the film is about "cultural exchange".

"It's about how a bunch of Indian kids influence an American agent and vice versa. It makes for a great story on cultural exchange," he said.

Although a good portion of the film was shot in India, Rahman said: "The film's music has Indian as well as western sensibilities. The film is not just Indian and, therefore, I had to strike a balance between the two and produce something that could be enjoyed by everybody."

Known for using several Indian compositions in his western projects, Rahman had used one tune from his Tamil film "Thirakkatha Kaattukkulle" in "Million Dollar Arm".

"I never wanted to use the song from this Tamil film. The director and the music supervisor loved the tune and we've used it as part of the soundtrack. It's a soothing number," he said.

In the past, he has composed Indian songs for films such as "Couple's Retreat" and "Warriors of Heaven and Earth".

Working with a brand new team in "Million Dollar Arm" was Rahman's biggest challenge.

"It was a whole new team. There was new sound engineer and new music supervisor. I was the only common factor in the team. When I started working on this project everything was very fresh. I also got to work with a lot of new artists," Rahman said.

"I got to work with some amazing names such as Kendrick Lamar, Iggy Azalea and Wale. In essence, it was completely a new team and to collaborate with them and work was indeed a challenge," he added.

He's truly 'Thalaivar'! Cinematic icon Rajinikanth, who made his debut on Twitter Monday, attracted over 150,000 'followers' on his first day of joining the social networking platform.

"Salutation to the Lord. Vaaakkam Anaivarukkum! A big thank you to all my fans. Excited on this digital journey," read the first tweet by the thespian, who is reverred for his acting acumen.

His new movie "Kochadaiiyaan", directed by his younger daughter Soundarya R. Ashwin, is gearing for release Friday. Hence, Rajini's decision to make his presence felt on the digital world, seems to be well-timed.

He has decided to engage with his fans via the Twitter handle @SuperStarRajini.

Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth said in a statement: "I decided to start with Twitter because I felt that the platform is abuzz with all the news and the trends that happen across the globe and I'm told that this is where all the best Rajini one-liners are."

The 63-year-old, one of India's most prolific and influential superstars, Rajinikanth's mass popularity and appeal is largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylised dialogue delivery.

With his entry on Twitter, he hopes to interact with his fans.

For this, he has partnered with CA Media Digital's first venture, Fluence - a celebrity digital network - which will manage his digital presence.

"I am confident that I have the best team and the best guides who will help me connect with my audience," said the superstar.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai's latest film "Kaanchi" was poorly received at the box-office. However, he is not disturbed as he says he gave the film his best.

"We should accept victory and defeat with the same amount of happiness with which the film is made. You should be sad when you didn't give it your best or didn't work hard enough," the 69-year-old said here Sunday at a spiritual gathering.

"Ups and downs are a part of life. But I am happy that I made something good, never mind if it didn't work," he added.

"Kaanchi" starred Mishti, Kartik Aryan, Mithun Chakraborty and Rishi Kapoor. The film talked about the ills plaguing the society.

First-time director Zaid Ali Khan, currently awaiting the release of his sports-drama "Khwaabb", says though making a sports-based film is challenging, it can provide all the elements required to make a screenplay gripping.

"Khwaabb", a Hindi movie which releases Friday worldwide, explores the sporting scenario in the country. It has been produced by Zaid's father and Arjuna awardee ace shooter Moraad Ali Khan.

"Sports films are immensely challenging to pull off but it provides everything a gripping screenplay needs. From action, drama, thrill, emotion and excitement, you can find all this in a sports film," Zaid told IANS in an interview.

He said sports have been one of the most underrated genres in Indian cinema because "a lot of the content produced is bound by the conventional ideas of what is likely to succeed commercially".

"Producers are calculative and careful, and a lot of money is at stake hence pushing the boundaries beyond the regular song, dance, and star-driven films is difficult. But with the success of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', 'Chak De! India' and future prospects of the Mary Kom biopic, audiences have evolved and they are open for new content-based films," he added.

For the director, the struggle faced by Indian sportsmen was the biggest inspiration.

"I mean a nation of a billion can produce only a handful of medals... this film explores the reasons. It's an honest depiction of the sports scenario in our country," he said.

Why the focus only on less popular sports such as swimming and athletics?

"It was a screenplay device to take two different sports and develop character skills. Also a film based on swimming has never been attempted before in India. These sports worked well for the script and plot. Also, they were visually good for the film and hence the decision was taken," said Zaid.

"Having said that, I feel the presentation is such that people inclined towards other sports would also be able to relate to the story... the sports may be unique but the struggle of the athletes is universal," he added.

Quizzed about the impact "Khwaabb" will have on the audience, Zaid said: "The sad truth about sports in India is that we only know about a sportsperson when he or she comes in the limelight, but the encouragement has to begin as soon as their sporting journey starts. 'Khwaabb' is a step in that direction".

"It is for all the youngsters in schools, colleges who dream of sports, of success and sometimes find too many hurdles in their path," he said.

The film, which features newcomers Simar Motiani and Navdip Singh in lead roles, has been granted tax exemption prior release for its social message and inspirational quality.

While Navdip plays an athlete, Simar will be seen as the swimmer in the film and Zaid is all praise for his actors who worked extremely hard to get under the skin of their characters.

"Both actors worked incredibly hard, they trained with the top coaches and were working out with the best instructors. Playing an athlete requires a lot of physical work. Navdip really took on the challenge, he got into incredible shape. I think he reduced some eight inches on his waistline to be Sanjay, the runner," he said

"Simar trained with coaches, worked on her swimming. She swam in the rivers, pools and did everything to bring 'Kiran' the swimmer to life on screen," Zaid added.

Shooting underwater for hours and filming sports action across several international locales were some of the challenges debutant director Zaid faced in this journey.

"It had a lot of difficult sequences... it's not easy to shoot underwater for hours. For all the sports action, we had to travel across different locations from Delhi till Dubai. Filming sports action can be difficult because a regular film can be shot on nice comfortable sets, but we had to shoot in real locations," he said.

Despite the challenges, Zaid describes his first stint with celluloid as "excruciating, exciting and enriching experience of my life".

Rahul Bose felt "massive" nostalgia while shooting for a new project at RK studio here.

"Filming in RK studio after 14 years. Massively nostalgic. Shot 'Everybody Says I'm Fine' on the main studio floor here. Memories flooding back," Rahul posted on Twitter.

The actor did not mention the title of the film that he is shooting for. Just last month, he was battling the heat in Kolkata for a shoot.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has hardly worked with newcomers, but in "Mirza Sahibaan" he has cast two fresh faces and said it is the script's demand.

The film will mark the Bollywood debut of Harshvardhan Kapoor, son of actor Anil Kapoor, and Saiyami Kher, niece of talented actress Tanvi Azmi and granddaughter of yesteryear's leading lady Usha Kiran.

Mehra told IANS: "It was the need of our script to cast fresh talent and new actors".

Meanwhile, his last directorial "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" has been on a winning spree. It won not just the National Award for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, but also won multiple honours at the recently held International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards.

Actor Gulshan Grover, who earned the 'Bad Man' tag thanks to his portrayal of numerous villainous characters on the screen, will continue the trend with "Leader". He says someone has to be a fantastic actor to play a villain.

The actor is thankful to baddie roles that helped him attain name and fame in filmdom.

"I'm very happy and grateful to the filmmakers and the audience - for so many years, I have been playing villain on the screen (and they accepted me)," he said.

"I have also played good characters like in 'I am Kalam' for which I won numerous awards. But having played villain has brought me name, fame and stardom and I love it," the actor said here Sunday at the first look launch of the film "Leader".

In his over three decades long career, the 58-year-old has wowed with his villianous performances in films like "Ram Lakhan", "Lajja", "Hera Pheri", "16 December" and most recently "Bullett Raja".

Talking further about his love for playing baddie on screen, Gulshan said: "An actor loves to play characters that are challenging. I think playing a villain is extremly challenging, it requires someone to be a fantastic actor to play a villain."

In the upcoming political drama, "Leader", the actor will be seen as a corrupt politician.

The film has been produced by megastar Amitabh Bachchan's personal make-up artist Deepak Sawant, while it has been written and directed by Abhishek Chadha.

It features Big B and his wife Jaya Bachchan in key roles.

The fifth edition of the Jagran Film Festival will be held in the capital July 10-15, following which it will travel to 14 cities in the country.

As many as 20 feature films each will be screened as part of the Indian Showcase and the International Competition sections, respectively.

The Shorts film section, Jagran Shorts, will present a collection of 20 international short films in New Delhi and in Mumbai.

The two unique features of this year’s edition are the inclusion of 'Cinema of the Sellers’ - a competitive section for advertising films and 'Cinema of the Uprising' - which will showcase international films.

The festival organisers have invited entries from short and feature filmmakers for movies produced between June 1-April 30. The entries for the fest close May 15.

Actor Arjun Kapoor joins hands with P&G Shiksha to support education for underprivileged children and to celebrate the 10 years of the brand's existence. The "2 States" star feels that education provides a "foundation".

Arjun is the latest to join the list of celebrities - Soha Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Kalki Koechlin, Chitrangada Singh, Shruti Hassan, Vaani Kapoor, Pankaj Advani, Priyanka Upendra and Neha Dhupia - who supported the campaign to make key infrastructure interventions.

Sharing his views on joining hands with the initiative, the actor said: “Education is very important and the more we educate a child, the more it will reflect better in our country for future.

“I think regardless of what profession you choose, you need a foundation from where you get your mind from. The basic upbringing and thought process can imbibe in you by studying.

“As an actor I defintely feel my education, my upbringing and my life in those days define my existence today. So it's not only about studies, it's just about my wholesome experience of going to school, meeting new people, getting an understanding of life is what is needed,” he told IANS.

To commemorate its 10th year, P&G Shiksha announces its vision to build and support 1,000 schools in the next five years.

P&G Shiksha has over the years received generous support from many thought leaders and Indian celebrities such as Anupam Kher, Kiran Bedi, Anil Kumble, Rani Mukherji, John Abraham, Abhay Deol, Farah Khan and many more.

National Award winning director Hansal Mehta has readied his next film titled "Citylights" and he unveiled a 26-minute footage of the movie at an event here attended by Mahesh Bhatt, who is backing the film, and the cast.

Fox Star Studio presents "Citylights", an Indian adaptation of British film "Metro Manila", in association with Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha play the lead roles in it.

Mehta, riding high on the success of "Shahid", said that he was a bit "apprehensive" about saying yes to "Citylights".

He also praised Bhatt for giving him the directorial freedom.

"I was surprised when I reached the sets on the first day in Rajasthan. I didn't see Mahesh Bhatt there. There was absolutely no interference from Bhatt saheb. He called me and said be fearless, have honesty and audacity," Mehta told reporters.

Bhatt praised the "high emotional quotient" in the film.

He said: "The emotional quotient is miles ahead of 'Metro Manila' and one needs courage to make this kind of a film. I feel a good film is like a fire if you touch it it must burn."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who is backing "Citylights", a remake of "Metro Manila", says Hansal Mehta's directorial venture should not be described as festival movie because it has all the elements of a commercial cinema.

"'Citylights' is not a festival film. It's an Indian film, it has an Indian story, it has fragrance of our own people and it has songs in it. We have got amazing feedback so far. It's a very brave idea to make the film," Bhatt told reporters Monday at the unveiling of 26 minutes' footage of "Citylights".

Though it's a remake, Mehta said he has yet to see the British movie.

Mehta said: "It's an adaptation of 'Metro Manila', but myself, Rajkummar Rao, Patraalekha have not seen the film yet. Rishab Shah, the writer of the film, has seen it and he came up with the idea. This is a kind of a film that we have stopped making."

Mehta, who has roped in Rajkummar Rao, post "Shahid", said: "Rajkummar is my muse and he is my favourite actor. We have roped in new girl, Patraleka,, and we call her the wonder girl."

Rajkummar describes "Citylights" as one of his most special films. "It was a very challenging role and I got completely drained out working in the film," he added.

The film is slated for a May 30 release.

A Bollywood actress was thrashed, molested and robbed by two people while she was heading home in Delhi, police said Saturday.

The victim was looking for an auto-rickshaw in the Vishwas Nagar area of east Delhi on Friday night to reach her home in Anand Vihar.

She told police two people, in their early 20s, overpowered, thrashed and molested her. When she resisted, they pushed her and snatched her iPhone and purse that had at least Rs.5,000 in cash.

Police said the victim appeared in two Bollywood films and also co-produced some other movies.

A case of molestation and robbery has been registered against unknown people.

He's truly 'Thalaivar'! Cinematic icon Rajinikanth, who made his debut on Twitter Monday, attracted over 150,000 'followers' on his first day of joining the social networking platform.

"Salutation to the Lord. Vaaakkam Anaivarukkum! A big thank you to all my fans. Excited on this digital journey," read the first tweet by the thespian, who is reverred for his acting acumen.

His new movie "Kochadaiiyaan", directed by his younger daughter Soundarya R. Ashwin, is gearing for release Friday. Hence, Rajini's decision to make his presence felt on the digital world, seems to be well-timed.

He has decided to engage with his fans via the Twitter handle @SuperStarRajini.

Earlier in the day, Rajinikanth said in a statement: "I decided to start with Twitter because I felt that the platform is abuzz with all the news and the trends that happen across the globe and I'm told that this is where all the best Rajini one-liners are."

The 63-year-old, one of India's most prolific and influential superstars, Rajinikanth's mass popularity and appeal is largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylised dialogue delivery.

With his entry on Twitter, he hopes to interact with his fans.

For this, he has partnered with CA Media Digital's first venture, Fluence - a celebrity digital network - which will manage his digital presence.

"I am confident that I have the best team and the best guides who will help me connect with my audience," said the superstar.

Amole Gupte says he is dedicating his forthcoming film "Hawaa Hawaai" to his father Sudhakar Laxman Gupte, who passed away earlier this month.

"My father was able to see the film before he was gone. That means the world to me. The film is dedicated to him. My life is dedicated to him," said Amole.

If it wasn't for Ajay Devgn, Amole would not have been able to meet his father for the last time.

"We were shooting for 'Singham 2' April 28 when Ajay received the news that his father (former action co-ordinator Veeru Devgan) was unwell. He rushed off to meet him. I suddenly had two days off," recalled Amole.

"Without a second thought, I bundled into my car with my wife Deepa and son Partho and we drove off to Pune to meet my father. Two days later, he was suddenly gone. I now think back and wonder what I would have felt if I had not met him then. I've only Ajay to thank for being able to see my father one last time," he added.

Both Ajay and director Rohit Shetty have been extremely supportive, even offering to cancel shooting. But on May 4, Amole returned to shoot for "Singham 2".

"We're shooting the film's climax. There's no point in staying at home with my memories of my father. I know he is with me. And I know he'd have wanted it this way. I am back to shooting."

"My father was and will always be my hero. He was one of the first computer software engineers in this country when the computer came to India in the early 1970s. He was a software consultant with one of the first computer manufacturing companies, the International Computers Ltd.," Amole said.

"My father always let me spread my wings the way I wanted. Today I am letting my son Partho do the same. 'Hawaa Hawaai' is also about letting every child reach the sky through whatever means he or she chooses," he said.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is closely associated with Amole's wife Deepa Bhatia (who edits Karan's films), saw "Hawaa Hawaai" last week and loved it.

"It's important for the film to reach out to the audience that loves Karan Johar's cinema. Every child has the potential to be a Karan Johar provided he isn't told to curb his dreams," he said.

Actress Kajol, who has been named 'Mighty Mother' ahead of Mother's Day, says she is careful about the content that her children watch on the small screen as these are "learning years" for them.

Green Gold Animation, the makers of children's shows "Chhota Bheem" and "Mighty Raju" have decided to honour Kajol with a 'Mighty Mother' award ahead of Mother's Day, which falls Sunday.

One to give foremost priority to her children - daughter Nysa, 11, and son Yug, three, Kajol tends to watch the two shows with her children once in a while.

"As a mother, you can’t help but be inducted into this world. I feel it begins with curiosity as to what is your child watching followed by a bit of the motherly instinct to monitor and finally you are a part of their world," said the 39-year-old, who is married to actor Ajay Devgn.

While admitting that once parents know what these characters are upto, it enables them to have full-length conversations about them.

"I’m mostly around them when they are watching TV. I may be doing my stuff but I keep an eye on what they are watching and in the process do end up watching a couple of episodes (of the shows)," she said.

"I also have a dos and don'ts channel and programme list, so even if I'm not by them, they are well monitored. I believe as a parent one has to be strict and to lay down certain guidelines. So my kids are well within the boundaries that I set for them."

"These are learning years for them, they pick up fast and will retain what they learn now. So, in a way its sensitive age, so you have to be very careful of what is watched or read," said the doting mother.

Now, a film titled "Mighty Raju: Rio Calling", inspired by the show, is ready. In spirit, Kajol is quite excited about it.

Kiccha Sudeep-starrer "Maanikya", the Kannada remake of recent Telugu blockbuster "Mirchi", has minted Rs.14 crore on its opening weekend.

The movie released May 1 in the state. It is expected to register the highest first week opening in the language in recent times, predicts a trade analyst.

Made on a budget of Rs.18 crore, "Maanikya" was also helmed by Sudeep.

"In its opening weekend, the film has collected Rs.14 crore in Karnataka. The film's budget may be Rs.18 crore, but going by its box office prospects, it's sure to register the biggest ever first week opening in Kannada cinema," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

"The first week's collection is expected to be around Rs.20 crore. Unlike other industries, most Kannada hits only make it to the Rs.10 crore club and rarely go beyond that. But 'Maanikya' has turned out to be an exception," he said.

Sudeep, who is known for directing the remakes of several southern hits, has so far remade Tamil and Telugu films such as "Singam" and "Lakshyama, respectively.

Hollywood superhero movie "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" has raked in Rs. 41.7 crore in four days since its release.

Directed by Marc Webb, the movie hit the screens May 1 in India.

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" grossed approximately Rs.41.7 crore (approximately $6.92 million) in its four-day opening weekend.

According to Sony Pictures India, the film has registered the highest ever opening day gross for any Hollywood title in the country, the banner said in a statement.

The film was released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in a total number of 1,523 screens.

"'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' once again consolidates Spider-Man's position as a franchise that cannot be beaten. We are happy to say that the film garnered unprecedented buzz in the weeks before release," said Kercy Daruwala, managing director, Sony Pictures India.

Sequels to "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" have already been announced for release in 2016 and 2018.

Priyanka Chopra has released her third single "I Can't Make You Love Me", a dance version of a 1991 classic sung by Bonnie Raitt.

Priyanka says she made sure that her version does justice to the original, and that is why she chose it as her first solo single.

"My whole album is ready. I wanted the third song to be a solo single and not a collaboration because my first two were already with Will.i.am and Pitbull," the 31-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the song's music video.

"When we decided to make a dance version of it, I wanted to hear it first to see if it does justice to such a classic. According to me, it's a really great mix of the song which is why I thought it is sensible to choose this for my solo single," she added.

Priyanka says that as a young girl, "I Can't Make You Love Me" was the song she used to hear after a heartbreak. It is also the song which inspired her to become a singer.

"I heard all the songs on the album, but this is the song that really started me off as a singer. I remember singing this song as a kid and relating to it. Like for every girl, 'I will survive' is a song that they sing when they are in trouble. So for a heartbreak, this is the song I used to listen to," she said.

Priyanka's earlier two singles were "In My City" and "Exotic".

Aseem Merchant, who allegedly dated Priyanka Chopra during her modelling days, is reportedly planning to direct a film on her life and this has upset the former beauty queen.

Reportedly, the film will not only chronicle her modelling days, but also her infamous fallout with her ex-manager Prakash Jaju.

"I am doing a biopic on Mary Kom's life. She sat with me on every scene and told me about the emotions she felt while going through everything. It would be extremely flattering for me if someone makes a biopic on my life," she said.

"But this particular situation makes me very angry because I know as a woman what I, my father and my family went through," the 31-year-old told reporters Monday at the launch of the music video of her new single "I Can't Make You Love Me".

After being crowned Miss World in 2000, Priyanka entered filmdom with films like "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" and "Andaaz" and in her over a decade long career she even went on to win several awards including, a National Award for her performance in "Fashion", which was also about the life of models and fashion world.

"What upsets me is that people, who are going to make this film, are going to glorify a part which was a painful thing in my life as a girl. I think it is extremely disturbing and I am very disappointed in the people who are glorifying it," she added.

Jaju had claimed that Priyanka owed him a large amount of money. The actress' late father Col. Ashok Chopra then filed a police complaint against the manager, citing false accusations and threatening of the family members.

Jaju was later arrested in 2008 and spent over two months behind bars.

However, on a lighter note, the multi-talented actress said: "I have not become so big that someone makes a film on me. I have to do a lot, may be by 40 they can as I would have done a lot and there would be some controversies also."

Priyanka was last seen in the film "Gunday."