"Finding Fanny" director Homi Adajania and the film's co-producers are thrilled that the entertainer is lined up for screening at the Busan International Film Festival next month. They think it's a "perfect" window for the movie to reach a foreign audience.

An English language Indian quirky comedy, the multi-starrer, which features veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia and Pankaj Kapur as well as young talents like Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, will have its Korean premiere at the fest.

"It feels great," co-producer Dinesh Vijan, said in a statement.

"Busan is fast emerging as one of the more serious and hugely respected international film festivals. It gives 'Finding Fanny' perfect exposure to a widespread international audience," added Vijan.

"One of the reasons we made this film was to release it internationally to include a non-diaspora audience and this is an encouraging first step towards that," he said.

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, said the movie, slated to release Sep 12, is already getting "incredible feedback" via special screenings, while director Homi Adajania finds the opportunity to showcase the movie in Busan "pretty cool".

The actors are ecstatic too.

Deepika finds it "exciting" and "amazing", and Arjun said: "This is great news for the entire team of 'Finding Fanny'. It's a moment of pride and joy that a prestigious film festival like Busan has given us such recognition."

The movie is a comical story about five oddballs who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny), and in the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love amongst each other.

The film has been produced by Maddock Films and is being presented by Fox Star Studios.

Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh will lend his magic to online fashion brand American Swan as its ambassador. He is likely to create a music video for the brand.

American Swan, launched in January 2013, offers a range of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear, especially for the urban and semi-urban youth in the 18-35 age-group.

“I am excited to partner with American Swan and to be able to connect with the youth and inspire them to chase their dreams and script their destinies,” Honey Singh said in a statement.

“It has been a great year for me and I am looking forward to create a music video for the brand,” Honey Singh said in a statement. "The brand positioning resonates with my quintessential approach to my life, music and work. The video will see me style in looks that my fans haven’t seen before,” he added.

American Swan will also unveil the new identity alongide the launch of its new collections-AS Premium and AS Original.

Honey Singh is one of the popular names in B-town now. Right from superstar Shah Rukh Khan to megastar Amitabh Bachchan, he has composed and sung for most of the top-notch actors. His recent hits include "Lungi dance" from the film "Chennai Express” and “Aata majhi satakli” from the film “Singham Returns”.

Actor-filmmaker Atul Agnihotri, who took a break from film direction post the 2008 film "Hello", now plans to don the director's hat once again next year.

"(Film) Direction is certainly on my mind, but nothing this year. I will start working from next year and I need to make a practical decision, whichever materialises I will go with that. Yes, I would like to direct, but let's see," Agnihotri told IANS.

Having produced movies like "Bodyguard" and "Jai Ho", he knows exactly what kind of a film he wants to direct.

"If at all I direct, it will be a hardcore commercial film, heavy on dialogues. A 'he said-she said kind of a thing. I like 'dialogue-baazi', but let's see," added Agnihotri, who has earlier directed films including "Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa" and "Hello".

Asked why he took a break post "Hello", he said: "I got busy with film production, and that takes all the time. It was not a conscious effort as such...it just happened to be so."

There are reports that "Bodyguard 2" may be underway, and Agnihotri, who is actor Salman Khan's brother-in-law, says they are still trying to work it out.

"I am constantly trying to crack that, but things have to fall in place. We need Bhai's (Salman's) dates and a good script. So it takes time."

“Gangs Of Wasseypur” fame actress Richa Chadha, who has carved a niche for herself in the Hindi film industry, didn't mind utilising her free time to do a play because she feels the medium enhances her acting skills.

After travelling to cities like Bangalore and Mumbai with "Trivial Disasters", the Delhi girl recently staged the theatre production here along with Kalki Koechlin, Purab Kohli and Cyrus Sahukar.

“When you have two to three free months and you want to improve as an actor... it’s (play) a good way to keep your craft alive. You get a chance to have live interaction with the audience,” the actress, who essays the role of a married Delhi woman in the play, told IANS.

She especially enjoyed performing in the capital as her family members and friends are here.

“It was nice. I always wanted to perform on home ground. My family and friends came to see it,” said Richa, who is now based in Mumbai.

She has been a part of many plays in the past, but she considers “Baghdad Ka Ghulam” as the most special.

“It is special because I was spotted in it and got cast in ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!’,” she said.

Since her Bollywood debut in 2008 with the comedy-drama, which also featured Abhay Deol and Neetu Chandra, she has made a mark in the film industry.

Known for rustic charm, she won hearts of many with her acts in movies like “Fukrey” and “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela”. And now, she is shooting for Sudhir Mishra’s next in Lucknow.

“It’s a political thriller loosely based on the classic story of ‘Devdas’. We have just started shooting in Lucknow and I am glad to be a part of it,” she said.

While the movie, which also stars Rahul Bhat, is still in the filming process, she will be soon seen in "Tamanchey" with Nikhil Dwivedi.

Richa was also seen on the popular TV show “24”, produced by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, last year and says it was “great fun”.

But she doesn’t want to take up TV projects.

“I did a cameo on the show. It’s difficult to give so much time to television when you are committed to film projects. TV takes a lot of time. That’s the only reason why I don’t do television,” she said.

Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan Thursday said he is donating Rs.1.1 million towards supporting the Mumbai Film Festival, which is facing a funds crunch for its forthcoming 16th edition this year.

"Hey guys, the Mumbai Film Festival 'MIFF' needs our help. I'm donating 11 lakh. It would be really great if all of you came forward and donated as much as you can to make it happen! Thanks. Love. a," Aamir posted on his Facebook and Twitter page.

Aamir has joined a list of cinema lovers who have come forward to save the fest, organised annually by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI).

MFF director Srinivasan Narayan is glad that the efforts are finding support from actors of Aamir's stature.

"We hope all the Khans of Bollywood do the same. We are thankful that Aamir has tweeted about donating the sum and he has also asked others for support. We met his wife Kiran Rao yesterday (Wednesday), but we didn't know that this (the donation) was coming," Narayanan told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The organisers are yet to receive the donation, but Narayanan said: "The moment he (Aamir) says he's donating, it's a commitment."

An online social campaign #pledge4MAMI has helped the MFF organisers gather steam in their endeavour to raise the required budget of Rs.5 crore for the film extravaganza, scheduled to be held Oct 14-21.

"We have so far managed to raise around Rs.2 crore. The festival will happen 100 percent, and we're sure we will be able to manage the rest of the money. We are hoping to raise the amount by Monday (Sep 8)," he added.

Filmmakers, including Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, have also provided financial aid to ensure that the fest features on the city's cultural and festival calendar.

Cinestaan Film Company, promoted by Anand Mahindra and Rohit Khattar, has committed Rs.60 lakh to the fest, the future of which seemed bleak only a few days back due to lack of sponsors and funds.

Manish Mundra, Vivek Kajaria, Nilesh Navlakha, Hansal Mehta and Anupama Chopra are also among the many others who have turned guardian angels for the festival.

With the end of a five-year-long partnership with Anil Ambani's Reliance Entertainment, the organisers have been on the lookout for a title sponsor and additional funds.

Music director Shravan Rathod, who was hospitalised after reportedly suffering a stroke, is recovering and will be discharged Friday, said a source from Kokilaben Hospital here.

Shravan, of the popular duo Nadeem Shravan, was admitted to the hospital Aug 31.

"He was in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), but now he is fine. He is recovering well and he is even walking around. He will be discharged tomorrow (Friday)," the official said.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, who is Unicef's celebrity advocate, Thursday launched the Child-Friendly School and Systems package here.

The package launched by her is designed to enable children to benefit from child friendly and inclusive learning environments.

"I believe in quality of education," the 33-year-old told reporters here.

"When I visited a child-friendly school in Rajasthan, I was overwhelmed. The classrooms were clean and colourful. Children had a smile on their face. There was activity-based learning too. I wanted to go back to school after seeing all this," she added.

Now she is keen to visit schools in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh too.

"Maybe next month I'll go to schools in Bhopal or Chattisgarh... Wherever I can make a difference," said the "Singham Returns" star.

Kushal Singh, chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Louis Georges Arsenault, representative, Unicef India; and Urmila Sarkar, chief of education, Unicef India were also present at the event that took place at India Habitat Centre here.

Unicef is working with the Indian government to ensure greater access to education, enrolment and improved learning outcomes for children. The focus is to accelerate the shift from Right of Access to Education to Right to Learn and Quality Education.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has objected to the use of the word "virgin" in one of the dialogues of "Finding Fanny". The film's lead actress Deepika Padukone slams the censor board saying its guidelines are inconsistent.

"I don't think their request is valid. I believe that there is no system to this. Every six months the rules keep changing... There is no consistency to what is being said and done," the 28-year-old said here Wednesday on the sets of reality show "Cine Stars Ki Khoj".

She feels while judging a film, it's important to see everything in the context of a particular scene or a film.

"They should see it in the context of the scene and the film, you can't just pick put one word and say, 'Oh, we are not allowing this word.'

"Secondly, give us a reason why you are not allowing us to show certain things. But they are the final authority and we will accept what they say," Deepika added.

Directed by Homi Adajania, "Finding Fanny", is an English language film which also has veterans like Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah in the cast. It is releasing Sep 12.

Arjun Kapoor, the film's male lead, feels the audience's views should be given importance.

"Censorship is for the audience and if they (censor board) realise that the audience does not find anything wrong with something, I hope they can change their minds so that we can make films for the audience..." Arjun said.

"We are making films for the audience and it's not like we enjoy saying certain things. In her character's context, it is very important whatever she says. We should get a consistent platform before we face the censors," he added.

Popular Bengali singer-songwriter Anjan Dutt, who starred in Rituparno Ghosh's "Chitrangada", said though the maestro's films "boldly portrayed" the alternative gender for the first time in Indian cinema, he found his work "dated" and "old-fashioned".

Maker of several acclaimed and award winning films, Ghosh died May 30, last year, following a heart attack.

At an event organised by the Weavers Studio Centre For the Arts Wednesday in commemoration of Ghosh's 52nd birth anniversary Aug 31, Dutt, also a well known director and actor, criticised the late filmmaker for not breaking away from structured women-centric cinema.

"Though Rituparno's films were shown to be instrumental in bringing back the bulk of middle class audience to the theatre in mid-1990s, I personally found his films dated and old-fashioned compared to those of Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Aparna Sen or early Goutam Ghose.

"He never managed to break away from the structured and thematic tradition of so-called women-centric cinema which were made well before him. He was a definitely well read and intelligent man but hugely overrated by the media," Dutt said.

Though Dutt remarked that the "bulk of Ghosh's work never challenged or provoked" him, he lauded the late filmmaker's films centred on the other sex as "rebellious chapter of Bengali cinema."

Some of the critically acclaimed films of the National Film Award winning director include "Raincoat", "Antar Mahal", "Shob Choritro Kalponik" and "Chokher Bali".

The versatile genius acted in films like "Chitrangada", "Arekti Premer Golpo" and "Memories in March."

"I was not only astonished at his unabashed performance but the sheer facet that this man has managed to come out of the closet," Dutt said about "Arekti Premer Galpo".

"His cinema was a rebellious chapter in Bengali cinema. For the first time in Indian cinema the other or alternative sex found bold portrayal.

"In an otherwise extremely repressed sexual environment that is India here was a filmmaker very decidedly fronting his transsexual self and discussing gay issues and he was doing it with such grace and sensitivity that you had no choice but to respect these movies. Never for once these films verged into sentimentalism or sensationalism," he said.

As an actor she may be a good learner, but Kareena Kapoor says during her school days she wasn't a very bright student and teachers didn't pay much attention to her.

The actress, Unicef's celebrity advocate, was in the capital Thursday to launch a Child-friendly Schools and Systems package.

On the occasion, ahead of Teachers' Day, she recalled her school days and said: "My mother used to wake me up at 6 a.m. for school. I would tell her to give me one more hour to sleep. I thought I had the pressure of carrying a heavy bag.

"I would even sleep a bit in class. I wasn't given much attention (by teachers) because I was an average student. So, I wanted to study at home or watch movies."

However, the 33-year-old, who made her acting debut in 2000 with "Refugee", added that "teachers are as important as moms", which is why interaction between teachers and students is essential.

"When a child is punished, there should be an explanation. So interaction is important," said the daughter of yesteryear actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor.

“Since I was four years old, I used to deck up like a bride for fancy dress competitions because that's my favourite look,” says Priyanka Chopra who is yet to get married in real life.

The 32-year-old believes in the institution of marriage, but she is yet to find someone who matches up to her expectation.

When asked when does she plan to settle down, Priyanka said: "I think it's great for a woman to get married and have kids. Since I was four, I used to deck up like a bride for fancy dress competitions because that's my favourite look.

"Every girl dreams of it, but in my case, I have not found the right boy for myself. It's true my standards are very high and I haven't found the right guy. Whenever I will find the right guy, I will get married."

The multi-talented Priyanka is looking forward to the release of her much-talked about film "Mary Kom", a biopic that chronicles the inspiring journey of champion boxer Mary Kom.

Directed by Omung Kumar, the film is coming out Friday.

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who plays a villain in Tamil film "Kaththi", has dubbed in his own voice. He says it was tough, but a learning experience.

"Dubbed my own voice for KATHTHI. Quite a learning experience. Difficult language. But always feels good overcoming a challenge," Neil tweeted Thursday.

A.R. Murugadoss-directed "Kaththi" also features Vijay and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles.

Of his role, Neil had earlier said that he hasn't played an over-the-top villain in the film, which will release around Diwali.

The shooting of Neeraj Pandey's "Baby", starring Akshay Kumar, has begun in Greater Noida area and according to veteran actor Anupam Kher, the first day was "awesome".

"First day's shoot of Neeraj Pandey's BABY with @akshaykumar, Danny Saab & @RanaDaggubati was AWESOME. Another great film on its way," Anupam posted on Twitter.

Akshay, who has recently returned from Cape Town, South Africa, after shooting for reality show "Dare 2 Dance", has joined the film's team too, and he is likely to be in the capital for a week.

Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan always ensures that the credit song of her movies is colourful, lively and includes everyone from her cast and crew. She's doing the same for her latest movie "Happy New Year".

"The hard working department of #HNY.. The spot boys all dressed up for end credit song," Farah posted on her Facebook page Thursday.

She posted the message alongside a photograph featuring 13 men dressed in shiny colourful shirts, black pants and a black bow for uniformity. Farah is standing with them striking a pose.

"Happy New Year" stars an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Abhishek Bachchan and Vivaan Shah.

Priyanka Chopra admits that the idea to cast a new face for "Mary Kom" was debated, but it was not commercially viable keeping the film's budget in mind.

"Yes, there was a lot of debate that a new girl from the northeast should be launched with the film, but with the kind of budget the film was being made, it was not commercially viable for the producers,” said Priyanka who is playing the boxing champ in the biopic coming out Friday.

Actress Rani Mukerji, who is seen as a police officer who bashes up men in her latest outing "Mardaani", says the film's aim is to spread awareness about human trafficking and not to demonize any particular gender.

After helping Apne Aap Women Worldwide's survivor activist Fatima Khatoon win Rs.25 lakh in the eighth season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", the actress joined Khatoon and Apne Aap founder Ruchira Gupta Thursday to speak on the issue of sex-trafficking here.

She said that through the Yash Raj Films' latest project, she wants to send out a message on the subject that's close to her heart.

"Trafficking is something that we know is happening around us. But we can only sympathise. It was important to do a film which is relevant. It gives strength to people and inspires them," she told reporters here.

The film has made an impact on a lot of people including men, she said.

"Men have cried watching the film. It's not about men bashing. It's not a crusade against men. It's about going against those who have turned into animals. I know a lot of men who support the cause," she added.

Rani is confident the film will have a wider reach.

"If women cops come in the picture, they will fight for the cause stronger. All seats reserved for women cops should be filled," said Rani.

Gastronomic love stories are a rarity in Bollywood and "Daawat-e-Ishq" is one of those rare films on the subject and the film's lead actress says the movie is all about celebration of food and love.

Praising the plot, she said: “Though food plays an important part in 'Daawat-e-Ishq', it is at the end of the day a love story.”

“I'd say 'Daawat-e-Ishq' is a celebration of love and food, love for food, love over food, and what have you,” the 25-year-old said about the film, which has been produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Habib Faisal. It will release Sep 19.

Excerpts:

Q: Being a foodie did you enjoy doing "Daawat-e-Ishq"?

A: Yes, all three of us - Anupam (Kher) Sir, Aditya Roy Kapoor and I, love food. I'd say "Daawat-e-Ishq” is a celebration of love and food, love for food, love over food, and what have you.

Q: We love food. But strangely we don't have too many Indian films about food?

A: It all happens in good time. We can't have films about food just for the heck of it. There has to be a proper story to tell because it stretches to a two-and-a-half-hour of playing time. Though food plays an important part in "Daawat-e-Ishq", it is at the end of the day a love story.

Q: Did you eat a lot during the film?

A: Oh, we were constantly eating. Every other day there was a sequence showing us eating and the scene would go on the entire day, so you can imagine. We ended up eating all the time.

Q: Did that mess up your metabolism?

A: No. I think my body was quite happy with all that food (laughs).

Q: "Daawat-e-Ishq" is your second film with Habib Faisal. How was the comfort level this time?

A: I think we have begun to understand one another to the point where we understand one another implicitly. I am very proud to be working with Habib sir again.

After making films in a variety of genres, Phantom Films has joined hands with Blumhouse Productions and Ivanhoe Pictures for a multi-year partnership to make horror movies.

Phantom Films, co-owned by Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl and Madhu Mantena, is known for films like "Lootera" and "Queen". Its forthcoming films include "Ugly" and "Bombay Velvet".

"We are very proud of being part of this first of its kind association in the Indian subcontinent and couldn't be more excited about our collaboration with the progressive creative forces of Blumhouse and Ivanhoe. Look forward to some terrifying films from India," Mantena said in a statement.

The deal calls for the production of a minimum of 10 films over five years, it was announced Thursday.

Kashyap will direct one of the movies, and Blumhouse Productions will help oversee the creative part, bringing its expertise creating horror franchises like "Paranormal Activity", "The Purge", "Insidious" and "Sinister".

The films will be released in India under the Blumhouse brand, and the distribution will be announced at a later date.

Bollywood's favourite girl-next-door Parineeti Chopra says she will wear a bikini only when she is in the right shape, but not right now.

Yash Raj Films is known for presenting their heroines in the most glamorous avatar on the screen. However, the 25-year-old, who has done five films with the banner including her forthcoming releases “Daawat-e-Ishq” and “Kill Dill”, is yet to flaunt her glamorous side.

Excerpts:

Q: So are you following the Yash Raj Films tradition of heroines getting into a bikini?

A: No, no, no! I am not doing anything that startlingly glamorous. But let me tell you I'm sure I'll wear the bikini at the right opportunity. I've to get into the right shape for that.

Q: For that you'll have to cut down on your pizzas?

A: Hai na? It's impossible for me to cut down on my pizzas entirely. But I am trying. But "Kill Dill" doesn't really require me to be ultra-slim. I play a girl from Delhi and I've to dress, look and speak in a certain way. It's not as if I, Parineeti Chopra, would go out of character to prove how glamorous I can look.

Q: Why is such a fuss about what you wear?

A: Wearing western outfits is not such a culture shock for me as it is made out to be. I am unnecessarily being slotted as the-girl-next-door because I guess every heroine has to be put in a compartment.

It is disheartening to see the prevalent disrespect of women, who are no less equal to men and also play a key role in their achievements, and hence all must pledge to honour and esteem women as much as their country, say actors Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, who will soon be seen together in film "Khoobsurat".

The duo was here to be the part of Sangam, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by brand Arise India Ltd to safeguard the future of the girl child.

Pakistani actor Fawad, who is making his debut in Bollywood with "Khoobsurat", says a woman plays an important role in men's successes and thereby it is important to give her due credit.

"Women not only play a professional role wonderfully well but I think she is the creator of everything that happens in men's life too. Whatever accomplishments men achieve is because of women and I think no one can match her strength and courage," he said while launching the mascot of Sangam with Sonam.

The Bollywood fashion queen too holds strong views about the status of women.

"We are happy to support the cause because 'Khoobsurat' here stands for all the khoobsurat (beautiful) girls. We don't respect women and girls and it's sad especially when we call India 'Mother India'. I think girls are equal to men, and I think even better, so it is time that one should start respecting women like the way they respect the country," said Sonam.

Hosted at Siri Fort Auditorium here, the event started with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony followed by 'Ganesh Vandana', a dance performance by children from orphanages. This was followed by the digital introduction of 'Cheeya' - a little girl who is the designated mascot of Sangam.

An audio-visual presentation on the practice of female foeticide was also presented.

The event also saw the first-ever 'Putri Ratnakar award' presented to couples who took upon themselves to raise and nurture a daughter. Also, a dance competition between kids from various homes and ashrams was organized and saw many participants winning hearts of the gathering.

Although a serious occasion, the atmosphere of the evening was constantly made humorous by rib-tickling anecdotes by comedians Surinder Sharma, Pratap Fauzdar and Anamika Amber.