Filmmaker Onir has landed in Delhi with his team to roll the camera for his new movie "Shab".
"In Delhi :) to start shooting for my next film @ShabTheFilm," Onir posted on his Twitter page Wednesday.
The film is set in the South Delhi milieu, and it explores human relationships. It features actors like Ashish Bisht, Arpita Pal, Raveena Tandon and French actor Simon Frenay.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra seems to be keen to take a first-hand account of the reactions of the audience to his latest Bollywood release "Ek Villain". He has been visiting cinema halls here to do so.
The film, which released June 26, also features Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh.
Sidharth's idea is to gather unbiased reactions and he is liking the experience.
"I have been visiting theatres to catch first-hand audience reaction. It was wonderful and a one of a kind experience," he said.
The "Student Of The Year" actor was nervous before the film's release especially because in "Ek Villain", he is not seen as the loverboy that the audience is used to seeing him as. He is instead seen doing hardcore action and stunts.
Bollywood's favourite designer Manish Malhotra will showcase a collection titled “Portrait”, inspired by "vintage motifs" that represent neo-brides, at the forthcoming edition of Couture Week here.
“Our couture collection 2014 - Portraits - Making Moments Timeless - is inspired by vintage motifs, moments and the beauty of architectural simplicity,” the designer told IANS.
“The collection represents the neo-bride that enjoys traditions in today's modern world making every moment of hers timeless. Portraying a new world of old world that reflects colours, timeless classics and an interesting amalgamation of traditional and modern elements,” he added.
Fashion Design Council of India's (FDCI) six-day India Couture Week (ICW) will be held at the Taj Palace Hotel here from July 15 and the designer will showcase his collection July 19.
Malhotra has collaborated with real estate group Logix for his show.
“They are opening state of the art mall where they will also have a special section for couture designers. They are also tying up with PVR to launch the first Imax in Delhi. As you know I have a history of cinema and it is great to be associated with someone who understands and loves cinema,” he said.
Couture week will showcase collections of designers like Rohit Bal, Manish Arora, Anamika Khanna, Anju Modi, Gaurav Gupta, Monisha Jaising, Rina Dhaka, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Varun Bahl.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher's forthcoming show titled "The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai" has some popular names like Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and Akshay Kumar as guests. But he was unable to shoot with Amitabh Bachchan for the chat show despite all his efforts and is hopeful of getting the megastar in the next season.
The celebrity chat show with live audience is an extension of Anupam's renowned autobiographical play "Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai", which is about his failures, setbacks and how he manages to laugh at them. He has been doing the play for the last 10 years and inspiring many since then.
And now, he is ready to unfold stories of celebrities including popular comedian Kapil Sharma and cricketer Yuvraj Singh apart from Bollywood biggies like Vidya Balan and Mahesh Bhatt, through his conversations with them.
"All were interesting. Every individual has a story and all are interesting if they talk about the truth. Success of the show is based on honesty. They've come to me trusting me completely. I didn't give them brief," Anupam told reporters here.
He said it was difficult to choose guests for the show, but knew that he wanted to take "people who are known because they become role models".
And when it comes to the Indian film industry, nothing gets bigger than Big B. But unfortunately, he couldn't have an inspiring conversation with Amitabh on the show.
"I tried my level best to get Mr. Bachchan. His dates were clashing, so he said next season. I think Salman (Khan) will be hopefully there too. Apart from them, there are others also from different walks of life who have great stories... Whether it's Narayana Murthy or Sachin
Tendulkar. Let's hope we have them too. I need to make a success out of this for others to say that they want to be on the show," said the actor, who appeared on the fiction TV show "24" a few months back.
Celebrity chat show is not a new concept but Anupam says there are elements of the show that are different.
"I was sure that it won't be based on gossip or any negative questions or not even to promote their films... It's a pure chat show. Only in the end, there is a surprise element for the audience, so that we can show that 'kucch bhi ho sakta hai' (anything can happen)," he said.
The 59-year-old, also the producer, is not nervous about the show that will go on air July 6 on Colors. He is in fact excited.
"I am excited. I am not scared of failure, so that takes away the fear of failure from me,' said Anupam, who has also been part of TV shows like "Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle" and "Sawaal Dus Crore Ka".
His company Anupam Kher Productions has also pitched certain fiction shows and documentaries.
"Since I run an acting school, I also feel if we can do our own production we can give work to our students," said the actor, who established Actor Prepares school in 2005 in Mumbai.
While he is eagerly looking forward to his TV show, one can soon catch him on the big screen too as his kitty is full with films like "Singham Returns", "Ikkis Topon Ki Salami", "Daawat-e-Ishq" and "Shaukeen ", for which he is currently shooting.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, whose wife Kirron Kher won the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket this year, says that she is so dedicated to people of the city that she doesn't get time to even meet him.
Kirron had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2009 and was fielded from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat in 2014 general elections.
"I used to meet her sometimes before that now I don't get to meet her...which is good and not very good also. I don't get to see her because she is now in Chandigarh and Delhi and even when she is in Mumbai, she is sorting out Chandigarh peoples' lives. She is an actor and an actor's wife, she gets calls for Salman Khan's number also," Anupam told reporters here.
The actor, who supported his wife during the poll campaign too, says she feels she needs to do "concrete work".
"She is not very (active on social media). She will want her people to handle all that because she feels that she needs to do concrete work and she has to deal with not through social media. She has to go on the field and do it," he said.
Asked if he would also join politics, he said: "I've never said no but for next 10 years I don't think I'll be interested. But you never know."
Politics can wait for now as he is busy with film projects and his new celebrity chat show "The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai".
He is okay with comparisons, even if it means being compared to his wife, who is also currently narrating a show titled "Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain".
"I've not yet (watched the show). I've heard people appreciating her work on the show. Comparisons should happen. It's healthy. It makes me do my job in a better manner. But her show is different. She is narrating stories that are already there. This (...Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta
Hai) is conversation with people I admire and I love,' he said.
The 12-episode show that will start July 6 on Colors, will have guests like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra and Sonam Kapoor.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius Tuesday conferred his country's highest award - Knight of the Legion of Honour - on Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural diversity across the world.
The function was held at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel here.
"There are different moments in life that make you feel that you are on the right track and this is one such moment. I am truly humbled to receive this honour," said Shah Rukh, thanking French President Francois Hollande and Foreign Minister Fabius for finding him "fitting for this honour".
"I am a part of the Indian film fraternity and it makes me feel proud to be recognized for the field I am most passionate about. This honour has further motivated to take Indian cinema to the next level of acceptance, love and glory. And thank you France for being so loving and appreciative of Indian films, it's extremely encouraging," he said.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest award given by the France for outstanding service to the country, regardless of the nationality of the recipients.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was Tuesday conferred the Knight of the Legion of Honour, France's highest honour, said it was his mother's birthday and if she were alive, she would have been extremely happy.
"It's my mother's birthday. If she was alive, apart from being extremely old, she would have been extremely happy that her son has got the highest and the most prestigious honour in the world... so thank you on behalf of my mother," Shah Rukh said.
The honour was conferred on the actor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural diversity across the world.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the honour is the highest award given for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipient.
Shah Rukh also said a few lines in French during the award ceremony here.
In a detailed clarification, Bollywood actress-businesswoman Preity Zinta has publicly opened up about her reason to file a police complaint against businessman and her former beau Ness Wadia on her Facebbook page answering every question and doubts in people's mind.
She took to her official Facebook page - Real Preity Zinta - to make the clarification Wednesday morning as she said she is "surprised" by some reactions to her complaint that Ness Wadia allegedly molested her.
"Sadly in India the fairer sex has to have a larger limit, more tolerance and worry about what people will say irrespective of the facts and the truth," Preity wrote.
"I appreciate all the people who stand by me and support me but I must confess I am genuinely surprised and shocked at some reactions from people in general. My F.I.R. IS VERY CLEAR yet its INTERPRETATIONS ARE MIND-BOGGLING and there is so much speculation as to Why did I do what I did? What was the motive behind my actions etc. Therefore, this is my attempt to set the record straight."
On why she reported a personal matter to the police:
"PERSONAL MATTER? Seriously? For the record, this relationship was ended by me in 2009 and I don't ever recall having gone to the police on any personal matter irrespective of what happened then. But now it's been 6 years since the break up so THIS IS NOT A PERSONAL MATTER."
Preity also clarified whether the complaint was made for money.
"IPL was my project from the start and for the record not only did i pay for myself (Rs.5 crore) when I got into the IPL (bid), I paid for Ness too! (Rs.) 5 crore! (Proof of my financial commitment in the IPL is with the BCCI). To be fair to him, he did pay me back a couple of months later (without any premium), so hope the money theory is put to end once and for all."
One can read her point-by-point explanation on Preity's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/officialpz
Is this done for publicity?
"No one wants to be involved in something like this for cheap publicity as this is more humiliating than something to be proud of, specially if you are a very private and self-respecting person...I don't need publicity, specially cheap publicity."
On her "disappearance to the US", she stated: "I HAD to go to the US as I had work there which I could not ignore due to a prior commitment. In the end of the day I am a professional and cannot let my work suffer. I came back to India as soon as the police department required me to do so to help with further investigations."
Preity also said that she filed an FIR with the police "because after several warnings over the years I WAS LEFT WITH NO OTHER OPTION. The whole point of this is that violent physical or aggressive behaviour should not be tolerated by rich or poor, man or woman, celebrity or not."
The actress said she was "clueless and surprised" about the news of an underworld don contacting Ness Wadia's father Nusli Wadia's office to warn him.
At the end of it all, Preity spoke of the importance of pride, of standing up for one's self, and woman power.
Filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar says the debacle of his last film production "Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi" left him upset. He believes the movie was not promoted well.
"I am very upset about it. I was hoping that it reaches out to a wider audience as it was a special film," Nambiar told reporters here.
Mulling over why the movie didn't work, he said: "There are multiple reasons why it didn't work. The biggest reason was it was not promoted well and I think lot of people didn't even know that such film was coming out. It was not promoted as it should have been."
"Kuku Mathur...", jointly produced by Nambiar and Ekta Kapoor, was directed by debutant Aman Sachdeva and featured newcomers.
Currently, Nambiar is busy promoting his film "Pizza", which will be distributed by UTV Spotboy.
"When you're a film producer, you are doing films and then you are heavily relying on the people you are partnering with. Here I am relying on UTV and there (for 'Kuku Mathur...'), it was Balaji Motion Pictures," he said.
"I have a say till a certain point, but after that it's upon the studios. It's not that I didn't promote the film...I would love to go all out and promote a film, and I'm doing that right now for 'Pizza'," he added.
Directed by Akshay Akkineni, "Pizza", releasing July 18, features Akshay Oberoi and Parvathy Omanakuttan.
Bollywood celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Preity Zinta and Shoojit Sircar are happy to see the city of dreams drenched in rain.
Here’s what they tweeted:
Preity Zinta: Good morning folks! Nice 2see Mumbai drenched in the faint showers of the monsoon. Sadly the monsoon will be short & brief this year.
Shoojit Sircar: So it's raining in Mumbai..
Sonam Kapoor: The rains in bombay demand this kinda listening... Now for a hot cuppa.
Richa Chadha: Dear baarish. You bring joy, malaria, jams and magic. You are a difficult type of lover. But we love you.
Prachi Desai: Congratulations Mumbai!! Monsoon is officially here
Kalki Koechlin: Boy does this rain feel good...
Rajat Kapoor: its too beautiful - grey skies... Near darkness.. love it!!!
Tusshar: Normally, I hate the rains! However, today feeling excitement in welcoming the showers! Finally!! Good morning!
Neha Dhupia: Wait a minute is it raining outside ??? Caus I'm having a bad hair day #greenroomscares
Bollywood actress Preity Zinta Wednesday said that her police complaint against Ness Wadia is not "frivolous or immature" and that "my only fault is that I am a woman who reached a breaking point after constantly being abused, threatened and humiliated".
Preity recently filed an FIR against her former beau Ness, alleging that he molested her. She wants the people to "have a little patience and wait for all the facts to come out".
"This is not a frivolous or immature complaint to the police. I have never lied in the past and do not lie when it suits me or is convenient. I am a responsible citizen of this country and my only fault is that I am a woman, who reached a breaking point after constantly being abused, threatened and humiliated at work by someone who once was very dear to me," the actress said in a post on her official Facebook post.
Raising her voice for women power, she said: "Violence and aggression against women is wrong, yet people try to point fingers at the woman who comes out with it trying to make her sound frivolous and with ulterior motive.
"My only motive is to fight for my self and this fight is not against any family but an individual. If the media found out about my complaint, and it became a big deal what can I do about it? Did I call for a press conference? NO I did not. I actually asked people and the media to respect my privacy."
She reiterated that "my motive is not to harm anyone but only to protect myself".
National Award winning actor Annu Kapoor admits that off late sex comedies have done well in Bollywood, but he insists there is no "formula for success".
"Remember one thing, anything related to sex always tittilates people and sometimes it works. However, there is no formula for any film to be a success. Nothing is predictable in Bollywood. Just because Inder Kumar's 'Grand Masti' worked, that doesn't mean each and every film will work," Annu, who will be seen in "Shaukeen", a remake of Basu Chatterjee's 1982 film that revolved around three lecherous old men, old IANS.
The actor, who won National Award for his performance in "Vicky Donor", has almost completed "Shaukeen" shooting. Director Abhishek Sharma is wielding the megaphone for the remake and he has roped in seasoned actors like Anupam Kher, and Paresh Rawal along with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and actress Lisa Haydon.
"Being part of 'Shaukeen' remake was like a get together. We had a great time shooting for the film," the 58-year-old said.
From "Mr India" to "Vicky Donor", Annu has always proved his talent and says when an actor's work is appreciated with an award, it encourages him or her.
"Awards always encourages any artist... it's the recognition for your craft by the government or by the people, so there is no question of doubting it," he said.
Riteish Deshmukh, who played a dark, intense and grey role in romantic thriller "Ek Villain", says the film's success will perhaps widen his horizon as an actor.
"'Ek Villain' is an important film because when a film of this genre and such a dark character given to me works, then probably doors to play (more) such characters will open," Riteish said here Tuesday.
"I hope to play characters apart from what I do in comic roles. But of course, I will do comedies," he added.
The 35-year-old was present at an event to celebrate the success of "Ek Villain" along with its director Mohit Suri and co-stars Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor.
"Ek Villain" success notwithstanding, Riteish will continue doing funny films.
His recent release, Sajid Khan directed "Humshakals", in which he teamed up with Ram Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, was a comedy. All the three actors played triple roles in the film and not only did Riteish's performance win him appreciation, the film managed to do good business at the box office.
"I will continue doing comedy as I enjoy it," said Riteish, who has been part of comedies.
"I don't make choices on the basis of a film's success or failure, but I choose from the content that is offered to me," he added.
Bejoy Nambiar, co-producer of the horror-thriller "Pizza", clarifies that the Hindi remake is completely different from the 2012 Tamil film by the same name and that they have just captured the essence of the original.
"Like we said, we were just inspired by the essence and idea to write the script. The way the script was approached, the entire thing was put together was completely different. It is an adaptation," Bejoy said in an interview here Tuesday.
Director Akshay Akkineni said that neither him nor Nambiar would have taken up the project if it had been a carbon copy of the original.
"We did not want to do a frame-by-frame remake. I would have never signed for it and Bejoy never would have taken the project if that was the case. That is not the school of thought we are from, we wanted to make a good film," Akkineni said.
"Pizza" stars Akshay Oberoi, Parvathy Omanakuttan, Dipannita Sharma and Arunoday Singh. It hits theatres July 18.
Akshay Oberoi, who plays the lead role in "Pizza", says that the forthcoming movie is not just about horror, it also has thrill elements in it.
"You will get a lot of thrill in the film. Horror is a part of the story, not the entire story. It's more of a suspense thriller," Akshay said in an interview here Tuesday.
Directed by Akshay Akkineni, "Pizza" also features Parvathy Omanakuttan, Dipannita Sharma and Arunoday Singh. It hits theatres July 18.
He feels the audience, who prefer different content over run-of-the-mill Bollywood offerings, would enjoy it.
"Pizza is a very different type of film. Those who like to watch films which are different from the normal Bollywood fare, it is for them. It is a thriller-horror film," Akshay said.
"I play a pizza delivery boy and Parvathy plays my wife. I go to a house to deliver a pizza and then unusual incidents trap me," he added.
Actress Shraddha Kapoor Wednesday announced that she will now endorse skin care, hair care and cosmetics brand Neutrogena.
"Very very happy to announce that I am the brand ambassador of Neutrogena! Shooting as we speak :) Wooooo! #alwaysready," Shraddha posted on her Facebook page.
The daughter of actor Shakti Kapoor, Shraddha made inroads into Bollywood through "Teen Patti" and "Luv Ka The End", but it was with "Aashiqui 2" that she found fame.
Her latest release "Ek Villain" seems to be doing well too, and now with this new endorsement in her kitty, Shraddha is on a roll!
For her look in the period biopic "Main Aur Charles", actress Richa Chadda reached out to her mother's collection of accessories and apparel.
Richa, who plays the leading lady in the film which has Randeep Hooda as the male lead, wanted to make sure her look and style were in tune with the story, which is set in the 1970s and 1980s.
The actress got her hands on her mother's collection of accessories, a few clothes and shoes, which she will be seen sporting in the movie. She is also said to have taken stuff off the wardrobe of the film's former producer, Pooja Bhatt.
Talking about it, Richa said in a statement: "'Main Aur Charles' is a film set in 1986, and my look in the film depicts that era. Considering I had no reference point on the styling, I reached out to mom.
"She helped me with some ideas, and her accessories, I was slightly clueless about how students dressed back then but the style of salwar-kameez and long skirts were suggested by mom. I also used a pair of her vintage earrings," she added.
"Main Aur Charles", directed by Prawaal Raman, narrates Charles Sobhraj's famous jailbreak of 1986.
Salman Khan plays a cameo in the forthcoming Marathi movie "Lai Bhaari" and Riteish Deshmukh, co-producer of the film, thanks the superstar for his "gracious offer".
Salman will be seen in a special appearance in Riteish's third Marathi production venture “Lai Bhaari”, which also marks the latter's debut in Marathi films as an actor.
"Correction: Salman Khan never approached me for a role - but he graciously offered to be a part of #LaiBhaari - #Respect," Riteish tweeted.
Directed by Nishikant Kamat, the film is co-produced by Riteish's banner Mumbai Film Company and Cinemantra Entertainment.
The movie will release July 11.
Here's a case of mistaken identity - southern actor Siddharth has been receiving compliments for "Ek Villain", which actually stars Sidharth Malhotra!
"Received so many bouquets and compliments on behalf of @S1dharthM that I feel responsible for the success of #ekvillain...thanks other Sid," Siddharth, who featured in Hindi films "Rang De Basanti", "Striker" and "Chashme Baddoor", tweeted Wednesday.
"Ek Villain", directed by Mohit Suri, also stars Shraddha Kapoor.
Actor Rohit Roy is ecstatic about acquiring a rare poster of Dilip Kumar-starrer 1967 hit film "Ram Aur Shyam".
"Just acquired a rare first release poster of 'Ram Aur Shyam'!!! Priceless! So excited...Will post the image after I frame it safely! Whoop," he posted on Twitter.
"Ram Aur Shyam" also featured Waheeda Rehman, Mumtaz and Pran.
