Celebrated writer-lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who penned a special poem for the launch of Dilip Kumar's autobiography, says it was his way of paying tribute to the living legend.

The autobiography, "The Substance and The Shadow" compiled by Udaya Tara Nayar, was launched at a glittering ceremony here Monday evening.

At the event, actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan recited the poem as Joshi was unable to be present because he's in Cannes for a prior work commitment.

Through the poem, Joshi portrayed Dilip Kumar as a masterpiece fit for his persona. Prior to penning it, the writer spent quality time having long discussions with Dilip Kumar's wife Saira Banu and author Udaya Tara Nayar to capture the right essence of the actor's personality.

In a statement, Joshi said: "It's a tribute to the legend in my words. For me, writing this is an honour because on one hand there is greatness of Dilip sahab, and on another, it was recited by an unmatchable craftsman of our times, Aamir Khan on whose request I wrote the poem."

It is an experience that the acclaimed writer will always cherish.

Dilip Kumar's autobiography chronicles the life of the actor, who was born in Peshawar as Yusuf Khan. In the book, he has spoken candidly about his journey, his acting career in Bombay (now Mumbai), and his struggle and success in Hindi cinema.

The momentous night of the book launch saw several faces from the Bollywood fraternity gracing the event. While Karan Johar hosted the mega book launch, veteran actress Vyjayanthimala along with Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra lit the inaugural lamp.

This was followed by Bollywood veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan unveiling the autobiography.

While the Big B went on to read a passage from the autobiography, Aamir recited the words penned down by Joshi.

Actress Nargis Fakhri looked no less than a style icon in a bright pink crochet short skirt with a top and well-fitted floral jacket when she came to launch a fashion store in the capital Tuesday.

She was here to launch a two-storeyed fashion store of Vero Moda at Khan Market that houses creations for fashion-conscious women.

"I'm happy to be associated with an international fashion brand like Vero Moda. The collection at the store is chic, trendy and stylish and I can spot many pieces that go well with my style. With a variety of designs and silhouettes to choose from, I really couldn't ask for more," said Nargis.

The store was inaugurated by Nargis along with models including Surily Joseph, Noyonika Chatterjee, Sapna Kumar, Indrani Dasgupta and Tamara Moss.

Akshay Kumar’s "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty" has earned almost Rs.50 crore in four days of its release.

Promoted as a movie full of real stunts and real locations, it is A.R. Murugadoss’ second Hindi directorial, and has done well at the box office so far.

The total net box office collection for its opening weekend starting June 6 is Rs.41.19 crore, plus it earned Rs.8.10 crore on Monday. This totals Rs.49.29 crore, said a statement.

The film is presented by Reliance Entertainment and produced by Vipul Shah. The makers had also roped in popular British stuntman Greg Powell, known for his work in Hollywood's superhit franchises such as "Harry Potter" and "James Bond" to ensure that each stunt is executed well.

Actress Sonakshi Sinha’s sporty side was also seen in the film.

Bollywood actor Inder Kumar, who was arrested on charges of rape, was released on bail here Tuesday, said his manager.

He was granted bail Monday, said his manager Om Lakhani.

"The police could not find any evidence against him and he was granted bail yesterday against a bond of Rs.30,000," Lakhani told IANS Tuesday.

Inder, who has acted in over a score of Bollywood movies, including the Salman Khan-starrer blockbuster "Wanted" and a horror show on television, was arrested by Versova police in April after a 23-year-old model-cum-actress lodged a complaint accusing him of raping her.

In her complaint, she alleged that the 41-year-old had raped her twice in the past three days after promising to give her lead roles in Bollywood movies, a senior police official had said.

The victim also alleged that she was assaulted and hit by a beer bottle by Inder, who kept her confined in his Andheri home.

On the first death anniversary of her father Ashok Chopra, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Tuesday announced that a street has been named as 'Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ashok Chopra Marg'. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was also present at the event.

"I don't have words to describe anything. It's a moment of pride for my family," Priyanka told reporters during the inauguration of the newly named street off her residence.

Her father passed away in the battle with cancer last year, and she was extremely close to him.

The actress, who even has a 'Daddy's Li'l Girl' tattoo, said: "It means a lot to me. My dad was someone who has touched many hearts through his work. Today, seeing this road named after him, people ask that just because he is Priyanka Chopra's father...is this road being named after him?' No, it's not that."

"I'm here today because I'm Ashok Chopra's daughter. This road is being named after him because his community that he worked with...his friends, his family and all of you stood up and asked for it. So thank you very much on behalf of my father today."

“Meeruthiya Gangsters”, written and directed by Zeishan Quadri - the writer of “Gangs Of Wasseypur” - was launched here and the shooting will begin June 15.

Prateek Group in association with Friday to Friday Films & Entertainers launched “Meeruthiya Gangsters” Monday.

"The intention of ‘Meeruthiya Gangsters’ is realistic cinema at its best packaged and presented as pure commercial entertainment. We have chosen a cast which have proven their mettle in the acting field,” Quadri said in a statement.

Based on a real life incident, it features actors like Aakash Dahiya, Vansh Bhardwaj, Jaideep Ahlawat and Jatin Sarna.

"We are proud to be a part of a project where we believe that the content is king. We believe that the story should be able to bind and hold the audience instead of stars. And we intend to produce more such films in that belief,” said Prashant Tiwari, chairman, Prateek Group.

The film's shooting will begin in western Uttar Pradesh and Noida from June 15 and it is expected to release in February 2015.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra who celebrated her birthday on the 8th June was in for a special surprise as hubby Raj Kundra planned an exotic week long vacation to Europe to celebrate the occasion.

The actress and businesswoman who is a huge Sai Baba devotee, keeping to her yearly ritual visited the Shirdi temple last week , like she does every year to seek blessings on her birthday.

If that wasn't all ,Shilpa Shetty Kundra who recently launched her brand Satyug Gold at various cities has also designed a bracelet for herself with Sai Baba’s name on it.

This year her religious trip was pre-poned post which she jetted off to Europe with the family and is expected back on the 12th June.

Bollywood legend Madhuri Dixit is now the UNICEF celebrity advocate for child rights. The actress has been supporting UNICEF in the area of child rights over the last one year. She has done some key public service announcements for child protection, including messages on prevention of child labour and child trafficking. These have been used extensively as inter-personal communication materials for communities across india.

Madhuri has spent time in understanding the various dimensions of the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) and is a firm believer that every right - survival, development, protection and participation - of every child should be realised with equity.

UNICEF has collaborated with world renowned personalities from sports, music, movies and the performing arts. As a supporter, Madhuri has joined a distinguished list of well-known and respected personalities who serve on behalf of the world's children. As a UNICEF supporter, she has brought enormous credibility and energy to the important task of communicating to the broad public about the importance of child rights and on the vision and values which guide UNICEF's work for children.

Through her work with UNICEF Madhuri will reiterate that every stage in the life cycle of every child is critical and needs utmost attention. Over the years Madhuri has garnered appeal not just an entertainer but as a genuine humanitarian. Through her art she has stood for key issues impacting the lives of women.

In the coming years, UNICEF will work closely with Madhuri Dixit to visit UNICEF-supported programmes across the country, advocating on behalf of UNICEF, meeting with high level government officials and seeking their participation in fundraising and advocacy events.

The first field trip is to the state of Madhya Pradesh on June 26th followed by a number of other events related to child rights. Both UNICEF and Madhuri Dixit are committed to improving the lives of women and children in India.

"Pepsi Beats of the Beautiful Game", a music album comprising anthemic songs by chart-topping musicians like Timbaland and Rita Ora, was unveiled Tuesday to capture the energy and spirit of football ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The 11-track album is available for purchase internationally on iTunes.

"‘Pepsi Beats of the Beautiful Game' provides a unique view into the culture of the most popular sport in the world," Frank Cooper III, chief marketing officer (Global Consumer Engagement), PepsiCo Global Beverages Group, said in a statement.

"It introduces powerful new music from superstar and emerging artists, and features those songs in short films by some of the world's most dynamic directors highlighting an aspect of football culture," he added.

In addition to the album, the artists' songs serve as inspirations for 11 short films by directors including Spike Lee, Idris Elba, Jessy Terrero, Diego Luna, Andy Morahan and The Kolton Brothers, among others.

The album is part of the integrated 2014 Pepsi football campaign, bringing fans closer to the sport.

The World Cup starts in Brazil Thursday.

After its successful run at the box office, Kangana Ranaut-starrer and Viacom18 Motion Pictures'"Queen" is ready for its remake voyage down south. Veteran actor-filmmaker Thiagarajan has acquired the remake rights of the movie, which will now have Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam avatars.

Confirming the news, Ajit Andhare, chief operation officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said in a statement: "'Queen' is a universal story. It resonates across cultures. The trend has always been for south Indian films to be adapted in Hindi. We're proud to have turned the tables, where a Bollywood entertainer will be consumed in the four major south Indian languages."

The producers of the Hindi film are confident that the movie's protagonist Rani's "journey to self-actualization is bound to at once warm the heart and appeal to the intellect of the south Indian movie-goer".

"Queen" delighted viewers with a simple yet strong store of Rani, who sets off on a marriage-less honeymoon and that experience directs her to inner reserves of strength and will-power that she didn't know existed. That, thereon makes for a the quintessential inspirational tale.

Thiagarajan from Staar Movies said: "It was the movie's long-lasting effect which impressed him.

"'Queen' is a soul-stirring movie and wins your heart in every way. This wholesome entertainer showcases the various nuances of the modern woman and is executed very stylishly."

"The story line stayed with me long after I had left the theatre and I have decided to make this irresistible surprising mild sweet film in all the four south Indian languages," said the multi-faceted talent, who has acted in over 150 films in various languages, directed 15 projects and produced 20 movies.

While other details on the cast for the southern remakes are awaited, Vikas Bahl, who directed the original film, said: "It's a great feeling to know that a film which has been made with a lot of heart and emotions, is getting this kind of an acceptance across different languages. For me, the biggest joy is that the film will be watched by a newer audience, which might have not got the same experience in its original form".

One of the most awaited films of the year Lekar Hum Deewana Dil is all set with its musical gig with Mr. A.R Rahman. The
audiences and the industry insiders are going gaga about this flamboyant music launch.

Rahman is going to be part of this musical event almost after 2 ½ yrs and everyone from the aam junta to our industry folks are very excited about it.

Buzz is that the Kapoor Sisters Kareena and Karishma are going to be part of this gala event which is scheduled to take place this Thursday. This being Armaan's first ever event wherein his sisters are going to be there to support him in full force. They have taken out time from their scheduled and are very excited to witness Armaan's first ever performance.

The music of the film has a very young, and fresh feel to it. The combination of the songs in the film is very young, it deals with thrill, passions, heartbreaks, falling in love all these emotions widely depict the roller coaster journey of any young teenager in today's day and age.

Rahman who is currently in LA working on his international projects will be specially taking out time and flying down to Mumbai to be part of this gig.

Well, all we can say is we are EXCITED and how !!!

Eros International & Illuminati Films' Lekar Hum Deewana Dil directed by Arif Ali is scheduled to release on 4th July 2014 which features Armaan & Deeksha in lead roles.

Newcomer Neha Yadav, an alumnus of Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International Institute, says that the filmmaker might be going through a rough phase, but his recent string of flop movies can't take away his past accolades.

The 26-year-old also made her cinematic debut with Subhash Ghai's production "Love Express" in 2011 along with her new TV show "Suhani Si Ek Ladki" co-star Sahil Mehta, and says she learnt a lot from the 'showman'.

"The first film we did... he (Subhash) gave us a chance. We were like students who graduated. I learnt a lot from him. He is a veteran and one can learn something new from him everyday. He was a mentor. He taught us not just about acting but also how to become a better human being," Neha told IANS.

Ghai's recent projects like "Love Express", "Yuvvraaj" and "Kaanchi" didn't click with the audience and Neha says it "feels bad".

"You would want that it should do well but I think you can't take away anything from him. He holds the record for giving maximum hits in a row, so a few movies not doing well can't take away anything from him. Our movie didn't do well but we learnt from it," she said.

And the movie in a way helped her to bag a role the new Star Plus show, which is co-produced by Ghai's niece Suzana Ghai.

"I got a call from Suzana Ghai and I went for the audition. They liked it and that's how I got the role. She probably saw me in the movie," said the Delhi girl, who plays Soumya - an outgoing girl in the TV show.

She admires the "Pardes" director for sure, but also wants to work with Imtiaz Ali.

"He brings out the best in every actor. Be it ‘Highway', ‘Jab We Met', ‘Socha Na Tha' or ‘Rockstar', actors shone through. I would love to be directed by him," said Neha.

Director Kabir Sadanand had to go alone for the special screening of his film "Fugly" for army 'jawans' (soldiers) in Leh.

The film's core cast of Mohit Marwah, Kiara Advani, Arfi Lamba and Vijender Singh had to skip the screening Sunday. It was especially arranged for the soldiers at the border.

Explaining the cast's absence, Sadanand said: "At that altitude in Leh, breathing normally is a problem. One needs to acclimatize oneself to the change in temperature gradually as the oxygen is low at that height."

"And there was no time for that for my actors. They were completely tied up with promoting the film on ground level."

The show in Leh for the army men was a grand success.

"Showing my film to the jawaans was one of the most memorable experiences of my film. They said 'Fugly' was a film that made them proud. Their affection and reactions after the film were overwhelming. And to see first hand - the work that the jawaans do at the border, was another experience entirely," he added.

Incidentally, the cast shot in Leh for "Fugly" and would like to return there for a holiday as soon as they are done with promoting and releasing the film. The movie hits the screens Friday.

Indo-Canadian filmmaker Nisha Pahuja's critically acclaimed documentary "The World Before Her", which recently released in select cities in the country, is making its way to southern cities Chennai and Hyderabad Friday.

"#TheWorldBeforeHer will release this Friday at Hyderabad (Cinemax Cyberabad) #Chennai (PVR Ampa Skywalk) (sic)," Shiladitya Bora, who manages PVR Director's Rare, posted on his Twitter page Wednesday.

The documentary, which explores the environment in which modern-day women are growing in India, has already been raved by critics as well as audiences.

The film focuses on two dynamically opposite women - model Ruhi Singh and a Hindu militant Prachi Trivedi - who struggle to have freedom of choice even in the 21st century.

Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who was moved by the film, has presented the movie's release in the country.

The documentary is likely to get released in other major cities as well soon.

The acting bug bit "Filmistaan" actor Sharib Hashmi when he was just a child. But he buried his acting dreams for things his heart was "clearly not into". He credits his wife as well as friend Nitin Kakkar for helping him to resurrect his dreams.

He said: "When I wasn't getting anywhere with those dreams, I decided to store away my acting ambitions. I got busy working on television doing MTV's 'Bakra' and other spoofy stuff. But my heart was clearly not in it."

"However, I got married and I had a child. So my dreams had to be buried alive....only to be exhumed because of my wife's support."

Sharib's wife not only allowed him to give up his job, she also funded his acting aspirations.

"She sold all her jewellery so I could pursue my acting ambitions without worrying about the food on the table. Eventually, we even had to sell our house. But I ddn't give up."

If now Sharib has finally found his acting grooves, he credits it only to two people in his life.

"If it wasn't for my wife and my friend Nitin Kakkar ('Filmistaan' director), I'd have given up the fight to become an actor long ago. They kept encouraging and supporting me in my crazy ambitions. When Nitin offered me the lead in 'Filmistaan', it was as though he was telling my story," he said.

Now Sharib has made another lifelong friend. "Inaamulhaq, who plays my friend from Pakistan in 'Filmistaan', has become a friend for keeps. Our friendship started while we played friends in the film. It continues beyond the film."

Like the character that Sharib plays in "Filmistaan", he too is obsessively attached to Bollywood cinema.

Like his character, Sharib too ended up as an assistant director while waiting for the acting opportunities to come his way. He even played Shah Rukh Khan's best friend in Yash Chopra's "Jab Tak Hai Jaan".

"No one remembers me in that film. How can they, with big stars like Shah Rukh, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma around? I don't blame anyone for not selecting me to do a film. I hardly look like a movie star. But my passion for acting is all-consuming. You can't keep me away from the camera," said Sharib.

Sharib's idols are Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Dharmendra, Aamir Khan and Naseeruddin Shah.

"I've grown up watching and worshipping them. What you see in 'Filmistaan' is not fake. Just like my character, I truly worship Hindi cinema and all things Bollywood. To be part of it, I sold my home and my wife's jewellery. No sacrifice is too big to be part of the movie world," he said.

Now after watching him in "Filmistaan", filmmaker Nikhil Advani has signed Sharib for a political satire.

It is again political satire, though not dealing with the India-Pakistan issue at all. This time, Sharib will be looking at the politics within the nation and how corruption in official services and the bureaucracy has stymied the growth of the common man.

Exultant and relieved, Sharib said: "I look like a common man and I am happy playing the role. The role in Nikhil Advani's film is far removed from 'Filmistaan'. There's no comic element in my next outing. That's a welcome change. I don't want to be known only as a funnyman."

Actor-producer Uday Chopra is glad that his "Mujhse Dosti Karoge" co-star Rani Mukerji is now his "bhabhi" (sister-in-law), and says she's always been a well-wisher for him.

Rani married Uday's elder brother Aditya Chopra in Italy in April.

"They have got married and she's part of our family. We have welcomed her and her family. She is certainly a homemaker," Uday told IANS.

"Our bonding has been great ever since we worked together in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge' and she is somebody whom I can always talk to. Today she is my bhabhi, and she always hopes that I really succeed in whatever I do. And of course she is my bhabhi now, but more than that she is my well-wisher," he added.

Uday, who has been seen in the "Dhoom" franchise of his home banner Yash Raj Films, is currently looking after the Hollywood wing of the production house, YRF Entertainment.

It's not only actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is excited about her singing debut with her upcoming film "Ek Villain", but also her rumoured beau Aditya Roy Kapur.

In the forthcoming film "Ek Villain", Shraddha has sung a song "Galliyan" along with singer-composer Ankit Tiwari. Aditya is loving the song and Shraddha's voice.

"She has sung very well. I have heard the song and I think the song is among the chartbusters," Aditya said here Tuesday at the launch of Mukesh Chhabra's casting studio.

"I am very happy. I really love the song," he added.

"Ek Villain", directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Ekta Kapoor, also features Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh. It will hit the theatres June 27.

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, who has roped in Bollywood's evergreen diva Rekha for his upcoming directorial "Fitoor", is surprised by the actress's in-depth analysis of the character and the story.

In the film, Rekha will be seen as a 'begum' (queen).

"She (Rekha) responded very well to the material. She understood the kind of film I am trying to make and the story I'm trying to tell. More than anything else, we discussed the character and she got into the depth of the story," the director said here Tuesday at the launch of Mukesh Chhabra's casting studio.

"Every director has his own degree of how deep he goes into a script. I was quite surprised to know that she is matching me step by step for that," he added.

"Fitoor" is said to be a love story that features Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles.

To be produced by UTV Motion Pictures, the film is scheduled to go on the floors soon.

Use of prosthetics and latex for make-up in a forthcoming Bengali film could be a trendsetter for future projects in West Bengal's regional film industry, says actor Saswata Chatterjee of "Kahaani" fame.

In "Bonku Babu", the 40-something actor - who garnered critical acclaim for the role of contract killer Bob Biswas in "Kahaani" - plays a 70-year-old man.

The special make-up was done by Bollywood's popular make-up man Dhananjay Prajapati.

"In Bengali films we do not see such kind of make-up, so our artists are not used to it. But if the trend stays on, and the demand for such work increases then our artists will also do the job well," Chatterjee said Tuesday while promoting the film.

Chatterjee had to go through an elaborate three-hour make-up ritual each day to get into the character of a patriarch of a joint family.

Produced by Ashtami Films, the movie directed by debutant Anindya Bikas Datta is slated for release June 20.

Mukesh Chhabra has opened the doors to a one-stop studio here -- the Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company -- with the avowed aim of offering acting and casting solutions.

Its launch here Monday turned out to be a star-studded event.

Chhabra, who is known to have introduced several new talents in Hindi films, said: "It was my dream to have a casting studio which is accessible to all... where any talented actor can just walk in and give an audition."

"This dream wouldn't have become a reality without the unflinching support of all the directors who believed in me and, of course, my dedicated team."

Names like Rajkumar Hirani, Anurag Kashyap, Imtiaz Ali, Abhishek Kapoor, Kabir Khan, Nikhil Advani, Nishikant Kamat, Suneil Shetty, Aditya Pancholi, Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput, Sidharth Malhotra, Aditya Roy Kapur, Shraddha Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari and Irshad Kamil attended the inauguration of the studio in full force.

Workshops will be held for Bollywood aspirants too.

The first weekend acting workshop will be conducted by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee.

Talking about the focus of his workshop, Manoj said: "Acting is not about acting. Acting is about being. And that is what will be the focus of my workshop. I'm not an easy teacher and my expectations are pretty high.

"Mukesh is revolutionizing the whole casting business. There was no culture of auditions and workshops. What he is doing is going to make the casting business transparent."

Kashyap, who collaborated with Chhabra on "Gangs Of Wasseypur", "Bombay Velvet" and "Ugly", said he always feels "much more relaxed" with the casting director around.

"I can give him any kind of brief and he will give me five options. This is the advantage of working with a good casting director," he added.

Hirani, who, for the first time opted for a professional casting director for the forthcoming film "P.K.", said he was "very happy with the result".

"Very few people have an eye to understand what the role is. Some people get you pretty faces. That is not good casting. And Mukesh has a great understanding of characters," said the "3 Idiots" director.