Hero Indian Super League (ISL), the much awaited football league that kicks-off Oct 12, is banking on its new TV commercial "C'mon India ! Let's football" to capture the imagination of the 1.2 billion people of the country.

The first commercial, which was launched Sunday, marks the start of the league's lead up to a 36-day, 360 degree launch marketing campaign with the opening game scheduled for Oct 12.

The campaign "C'mon India, let's football" has been conceptualised by Ogilvy & Mather and features a peppy soundtrack composed by Amit Trivedi.

It captures the spirit of hundreds of millions of fans across India, be it the fishermen of Kerala, the dancers from Rajasthan or the monks in the northeast, everybody is gripped by the football fever. It was shot in more than 20 locations in India.

"The single line brief for the campaign was 'the birth of a footballing nation.' The creative is loyal to the magnitude of this project and brings alive the dreams, aspirations and talent that will ultimately see India take its rightful place in football world. The track is brilliant and we are confident it'll have the nation buzzing in anticipation for the 12th October launch of the league. The high-point of the launch film is the evocative formation of the 'human stadium' - signifying the passion and belief of millions of Indian fans!" said Gayatri Yadav, marketing head, Star India.

Srinivvasan Gopalkrishnan, assistant vice-president marketing and commercial - ISL, feels the film showcases India's grand welcome to the beautiful game

"Come 12th October, the fans will be treated to a great sporting spectacle and we hope everyone joins us in saying: Come on, India. Let's Football!" he said.

After collaborating with multiple names from the international world, Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman has joined hands with Brazilian singer-songwriter Anna Beatriz for the movie "Pele".

"Working with the very Brazilian and very talented lyricist and singer Anna Beatriz, for the movie 'Pelé'," Rahman posted on his Twitter page Thursday.

"Pele" is a biopic on the eponymous Brazilian football legend.

To be directed and written by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, the film stars Kevin de Paula, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta and Colm Meaney

Bipasha Basu, who has done a string of horror and supernatural movies, says this is the only genre that allows an actress to drive the plot towards box office success.

"I want to travel that dark road," she said when asked about her choice of cinema.

"...I've just done five supernatural films. This is a genre where the woman actor can drive the plot towards box office success. Every other genre of cinema in our country is the men's forte. I think my presence in the genre adds something to it.

"I've never bothered with my image. But I don't want to ever again stand behind the leading men looking lost and miserable," said Bipasha.

The actress, who did films like "Aatma", "Raaz 2", will next be seen in "Creature 3D", which is directed by Vikram Bhatt.

Excerpts:

Q: Are you looking at "Creature 3D" as your third big blockbuster with Vikram Bhatt?

A: It should become a blockbuster, because it's the first creature film in India. Whatever we may say we have very little variety in our mainstream cinema. "Creature" cracks a new genre. People are looking at it as a horror film, but the rush of thrill in a creature film is very different from a typical horror film. Creature has got the feel of "Anaconda", "Jurassic Park" and "Godzilla". It's a task, because we are introducing Indian masses to a new genre of horror.

Q: You are also doing a film called "Alone"? Why so many horror and supernatural films?

A: Why not? Why don't you ask other actors why they do slapstick or action or romantic-comedies repeatedly? In "Alone", I am doing a passionate love story for the first time since "Jism". I play conjoined twins and the two girls are completely opposite from one another and yet the sisters love one another so much.

Q: So one more supernatural film?

A: I want to travel that dark road. Earlier this question would stump me. But now I know what I am doing. And I've just done five supernatural films. This is a genre where the woman actor can drive the plot towards box office success. Every other genre of cinema in our country is the men's forte. I think my presence in the genre adds something to it.

Q: In "Creature 3D" you remind me of Raquel Welch?

A: That's most flattering. Recently I did a magazine shoot where I was dressed up like Audrey Hepburn. I remember when I had just come into cinema I was compared with Sophia Loren.All these comparisons to these timeless beauties is most flattering. But I don't aspire to be inspired by other greats. I want to be inspirational in my own right.

Q: You haven't been signing too many films lately?

A: I don't plan and strategise my releases. "Creature" has been a very difficult film to make. The film's post-production was very demanding. This film took a good 10 months more to complete than a normal film would. Other films have a maximum of two-three scenes with special effects. Our film has special effects from the word go. So while the film was completed, I was busy with other things. Life continues to move at a crazy speed. So if you ask me what I've been up to I'd say a lot.

Q: Your concluding remarks?

A: Questions about my career plans are always very confusing. I never planned anything. The supernatural films just happened. And they opened new doors for me as an actress. When I did "Aatma", I actually felt like that little girl's mother. Which other actress would have agreed to play a vicious star on the decline that I did in "Raaz 2"? Which actress would risk playing a falling superstar? I've never bothered with my image. But I don't want to ever again stand behind the leading men looking lost and miserable.

Actress Bipasha Basu has been appreciated for her looks in her first Hollywood venture "The Lovers". And she believes “looking good” is all about health and happiness.

In her first Hollywood venture, the actress sports a no make-up look as Maratha warrior Tulaja Naik. Roland Joffe has directed the time travel romantic adventure saga, which was earlier titled "Singularity".

Excerpts:

Q: What about the film that you did with Roland Joffe?

A: It's called "The Lovers" now. It's will be coming in a few months. I am really looking forward to it. It's one of my most challenging roles in recent times. People tell me I look my best in “The Lovers”. I am advised to do the no make-up look more often.

Q: And you are also looking your best?

A: I think looking good has to do with looking after your health and being in a happy space. I am happy at peace with myself. Everything around me is peaceful and under control. You know, my greatest stress used to be my younger sister's career. By god's grace she's doing well for herself. She's a journalist. That's a load off my back. Nothing gives me more happiness than to see my family well settled.

Q: I've seen you go through the worst of times and coming out unscathed?

A: It's really very simple. When the Tsunami strikes, you have no choice but to try to swim to safety across the choppy waves. One has to protect oneself from the dark forces when they hit you. You never know when they will hit you. It's life. The hard times are bound to come. Nothing prepares you for them.

Actor-filmmaker Prabhudheva says his busy career in Bollywood has kept him away from Tamil filmdom. But he says he plans to direct a Tamil movie soon.

"I'm not avoiding the Tamil film industry because I'm making Hindi films. It's just that I'm extremely busy with Bollywood commitments. As soon as I complete shooting them, I wish to direct a Tamil film," Prabhu told IANS.

Known for films such as "Rowdy Rathore" and "R... Rajkumar", Prabhudheva has directed Tamil films such as "Pokkiri", "Villu" and "Vedi".

He is currently busy wrapping up Ajay Devgn-starrer "Action Jackson".

"Just about 10 percent shoot of the film is left. We have three more songs to shoot. We plan to head to Australia to shoot them," he said.

On the acting front, Prabhudheva has "ABCD 2", in which he plays an important role.

"It's fun matching steps with younger actors. It gives me the confidence to keep going," he added.

"Mary Kom" star Priyanka Chopra says the team of her debut film production "Madamji" is currently giving finishing touches to its script and finalising its cast. She is glad Madhur Bhandarkar is on board to direct the project as she trusts him immensely.

"We are working on final stage of scripting and casting of 'Madamji'. The casting is yet to be decided. So, we won't start before November," Priyanka said.

Priyanka will herself star in "Madamji", but as one understands, the rest of the cast is yet to be locked.

She last worked with Bhandarkar in "Fashion", which won her a best actress National Film Award. She says they "get along really well and have gelled very well creatively".

"I'm really grateful Madhur agreed to be my first director in my first production venture. We tried to work in some other films as well, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I completely trust Madhur," she said.

Versatile actress Vidya Balan is looking forward to shoot Mohit Suri's "Hamari Adhuri Kahani". She says it would be her second intense love story after her debut film "Parineeta."

The film's shoot starts in October.

"I try and give every character I play a particular look. So this ('Hamari...') is definitely towards that...we are preparing for it," the 35-year-old said here Thursday at an event to raise funds for the underprivileged.

"All I can say is that it is an intense love story and I haven't done (such) a love story after 'Parineeta', and so I am looking forward to it," she added.

Vidya is particularly excited about working with Suri.

"Mohit Suri is a director whose work I have always enjoyed immensely. (Mahesh) Bhatt saab is writing the script, so it's all come together beautifully," she said.

Her co-star in the film will be Emraan Hashmi.

"Working with Emraan always feels good. This would be our third film together," said the actress, who has earlier worked with the serial kisser of Bollywood in "The Dirty Picture" and "Ghanchakkar".

"Hamari Adhuri Kahani" is reportedly based on Bhatt's life and it's scheduled for a June release next year.

The makers of Soha Ali Khan and Vir Das starrer "31st October", based on 1984 riots, say everyone can relate to the film and that they want to showcase it at various film festivals.

Hundreds of Sikhs were targeted and killed in Delhi and other places across India by mobs in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh security guards in October 1984.

"Once you see the rushes, you all will get an idea. We are going to take the film to Berlin Film Festival, Sundance, and Cannes," Harry Sachdeva, the film's producer, told reporters on location of the film here.

Set in the backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the film is a true story of a family who survived the riots on the night of Oct 31 that year.

"This film is not just based on Sikh community, it’s based on Hindu and Muslim communities as well. Each and everyone will relate to this film," Sachdeva said.

“It’s a true life story of a Sikh family in 1984. We begin the film with Indira Gandhi’s assassination and we show how a family survives the riot. It’s a story about one night. Through the film the message that goes out is none of us got anything with these riots and it should not happen again," he added.

Sachdeva says director Shivaji Lotan Patil, who had bagged best director award for his Marathi film "Dhag" at the 60th National Film Awards, has promised him that "31st October" will "get a National Award".

Vir and Soha will be seen in altogether different looks in the film. Patil said he zeroed in on the two after a lot of screen tests.

"We felt Soha was the best and she will justify the character. Vir has never done an intense role. He is known for his comedy, but when we auditioned him for the role, we just loved it. The story is the hero of this subject and the characters will pull the film. This role was a huge challenge for Vir and he has done a wonderful job," said Patil.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has never been hesitant in investing in newcomers and fresh talent. But when it comes to working with his own daughter, the young and vibrant Alia, he has his reservations.

Bhatt calls his youngest daughter a "star".

Asked if he will ever work with his daughter, the 64-year-old, known for making serious and meaningful films including "Arth", "Saraansh", "Naam" and "Daddy", said an emphatic "No".

"She is a star in her own world, and I don’t work with stars," the film veteran told IANS here.

With over four decades of experience in showbiz, he has given a chance to some of the then “not so known faces” who later went on to make a remarkable name in the film world. One such example is Anupam Kher, who witnessed a sudden boost in his career with his role in “Saaransh”.

Mahesh Bhatt's banner Vishesh Films has also launched Rahul Roy in “Aashiqui”, Sunny Leone in “Jism 2”, and Pakistani actress Sara Loren in “Murder 3”.

Alia, on the other hand, has became a youth icon, thanks to her successful roles so far. Be it for her role a student in her debut film “Student of The Year”, a kidnapped rich girl in “Highway”, an IIM student in “2 States” or a would-be-bride in “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania” - she won appreciation from all quarters.

Sharing his reaction on her career graph as a father and as a filmmaker, Bhatt said: “She is lucky to get what she wants.” But for him, success comes with a clause.

“She got what we call 'the misfortune of success' because I was fortunate enough to be unsuccessful when I started and then I was groomed in the pain. She had the privilege to take a fantastic take-off in the industry and that too with diverse films. But it's still a beginning,” he said.

Bhatt feels "she has to do a lot to keep on fulfilling the unreasonable demands that audiences make" because no one spares anyone in their failure.

"Remember this nation didn't even forgive Sachin Tendulkar, who had a spectacular take-off and when he leaned down, he had to face lot of criticism. This is public place, they worship success, but they hate failures too,” added the filmmaker.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he is being honoured for "outstanding achievement" at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival Sep 16. He says awards and recognition mean a lot to him.

Speaking shyly of the honour, Nawazuddin said: "It's something I am quite kicked about.”

The "Kick" actor would then proceed to various other cities in the US, including Los Angeles, New York and Washington, to explore his bearings among the non-diaspora audience.

“Awards and recognition still mean a lot to me. It isn’t as if I’ve become jaded about awards. But yes, there is a genuine space problem regarding the awards. I hardly have room for any more trophies in Mumbai. So, I am sending my trophies to my native home Budhana in Uttar Pradesh," he said.

So, who’s dressing up Nawaz for his distinguished Chicago appearance?

“I am still very shy about taking up these offers from very generous designers. I’ll probably pick up a suit from a readymade rack and wear it. I am not into looking groomed as yet. Maybe someday," the National Award winning actor said.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is shocked by the devastation caused by floods in Jammu and Kashmir and says nothing can compensate the "mammoth" losses the people have suffered.

The toll in the floods stands at over 200.

“The ... shocking visuals from Kashmir give us a glimpse of the suffering and the pain that our brothers and sisters in the valley go through. Nothing can be described, nothing can even come close to a description of the devastation," he shared on srbachchan.tumblr.com

“We are in prayer and in hope for some relief that can come to those stuck or surviving somehow.

"In our own little way, we have been making contributions and giving out awareness briefs... But nothing can come as compensation for the historic and mammoth damage the floods have done to this ‘paradise’.”

Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar and Anupam Kher have also voiced their concern over the loss of lives and destruction in the state.

Film: "Creature 3d"; Cast: Bipasha Basu, Imran Abbas and Mukul Dev; Director: Vikram Bhatt; Rating: ***

Son of a gun! The big fat wicked monster in "Creature 3D" does have good taste. He attacks our very lovely Bipasha Basu. Nudging us into a rude awakening to a time when monsters, ghouls and other evil forces in Hindi horror films chased the likes of Huma Khan and Asha Sachdev.

Yup, a raga of refinement runs in the new-age terror flicks specially those directed by Vikram Bhatt. He sure knows his monster primer. More than the fear component, which is ample here, what I appreciated in "Creature 3D" was its honest intentions.

Bipasha plays a holiday-resort owner in a scenic sanctuary whose clients have more to complain about than room service. The monster is a menace that won't be shooed away. She knows she is up against an adversary who can knock the socks off King Kong...well, in theory at least.

Blame it on the 'Puranas'. But the monster that attacks the very attractive Bipasha on Bhatt's new scare-fest is inspired by our mythology, which says evil is inevitable in a world that craves for perfection. And perfection, as we all know is not a tenable target in our life or in our cinema.

"Creature 3D" moves confidently enough through its expected motions of fear and horror. The love breaks are annoyingly intrusive. Pakistani star Imran Abbas is as decorative to the goings-on as the leading ladies used to be in Amitabh Bachchan's action era in the 1980s.

Though Bipasha succeeds in making him look comfortable in their love scenes together, the script I am afraid, doesn't share the same comfort level with Imran's character.

Bipasha shoulders the film's heroic requirements with ample aplomb. She gets terrific support from the cinematography by veteran Pravin Bhatt, which makes her look vital, vulnerable and yet in control of the crisis.

The peripheral characters needed to be better fleshed out though. The talented Mukul Dev could have done a lot more for the plot. If only wishes were horses instead of monsters.

The scenes featuring the monster on the rampage are heart-in-the-mouth. The sound design and the 3D effects complement the storytelling to the extent that there is no contradiction between the film's intentions and the audiences' expectations. This is the third time around for the supernatural combo of Bhatt and Bipasha.

"Creature 3D" is scarier than "Raaz" and "Raaz 3". If you like your scares to be anything but scarce this is just what the doctor ordered....unless you're weak-hearted.

After actors Hrithik Roshan, Kunal Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, actress-producer Dia Mirza has raised funds for flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

Like her fellow actors, she has joined hands with NGO CARE India for the cause.

“It took me less than 5 mins to make my contribution! I know you want to make a difference:) Go ahead! Feel good!,” she tweeted Thursday.

The “Bobby Jasoos” producer has also shared the link of the site where contributions can be made.

The link led to a page that read: “Hello, I’m Dia Mirza. I’m an actor and producer by profession. An individual who participates and lends a voice to many causes out of choice”.

“The recent tragedy in Kashmir courtesy the floods however, leaves me with no choice but to react with a sense of urgency. I want to help as many lives as I can. I want to make sure that you do the same.”

The amount raised so far is Rs.1,31,051 and the goal is to raise Rs.5,00,000.

The funds raised will go to CARE India, who will utilise the same to hand out survival kits to the affected families and individuals in Jammu and Kashmir.

The kits would include basic amenities for survival like tarpaulin, mats, hygiene kit (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins and disinfectants and blankets.

The floods, which hit the region early this month, have claimed over 200 lives.

Actress Anushka Sharma says that her day starts with a cup of coffee, which helps her to overcome stress.

“Coffee is the ultimate stress buster for me and I need my cup of coffee in the morning to kick start my day," the actress, whose next big release is "PK" with Aamir Khan, said in a statement.

Anushka, the brand ambassador of Bru coffee, added that "this explains why it feels great to be associated with the brand."

Right now she is seen in the third campaign of the Bru Gold coffee, which also stars actor Sidharth Malhotra.

“I’m excited to be part of the brand, especially because it attaches a lot of importance to relationships and believes in taking that little extra effort and do more for our loved ones, which is extremely relevant for our generation,” he said.

Actress Richa Chadda, who has multiple movie projects lined up and a touring play "Trivial Disasters" in her kitty, is feeling helpless because her packed schedule isn't allowing her to promote "Tamanchey".

The actress is currently in Lucknow shooting for director Sudhir Mishra’s "Pyaas", the latest adaptation of the classic "Devdas".

While "Tamanchey" is ready for release in October, Richa is in a big dilemma as far as her dates are concerned. She was recently even missing from an event of the movie.

In her defence, she said in a statement: "I really wanted to be a part of 'Tamanchey promotions'. It's one project, the release of which I am really looking forward to.

"But unfortunately, I am here in Lucknow where we are shooting night shifts and have already suffered delay due to the rains. Plus the release of 'Tamanchey' got pushed and I had committed my time to Sudhir's film and another film that I am doing."

"Tamanchey", which also stars Nikhil Dwivedi, was earlier slated to hit theatres Sep 19.

"Khamoshiyan" is an important project for Ali Fazal, and who else but his mother would know it! She sent him a 'tabeez' blessed at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.

Ali finished the first schedule of the upcoming horror film Khamoshiyan with the Bhatt camp last month. The next schedule of the Karan Dara-directed film will be shot in Kashmir.

"Mothers are the only ones that think nothing is beyond their control when it comes to their children. I am a man of faith and this 'tabeez' will give me a lot of strength and confidence. What's most important to me though is the fact that my mom sent it to me," Ali said in a statement.

"I am seldom home as I keep travelling because of work. This 'tabeez' makes me feel she is with me all the time," he added.

He is one of the few names in the Hindi film industry who has always been vocal about strengthening ties between India and Pakistan. And now filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says as the two nations share a similar lifestyle, it won't be wrong to explore cultural space to curate the bitterness.

“I have always been crusading for India-Pakistan cultural ties and I feel that the cultural space can do a lot to curate the bitterness that exists between the two countries since their birth," Bhatt told IANS in an interview here.

Pointing out the similarities between the two countries, he said, "Business and lifestyle of both the regions are similar".

“There is a kind of exotic attribute to Pakistan lifestyle because they have got that 'tehzeeb' and edge so that is something that will surely be appreciated here.

"I have always believed like the father of the nation that only when India and Pakistan walk through the roads of time like two brothers will the world be a peaceful place to live in. More power to all those who support this vision."

He was in the capital for a fashion show, a prelude to the four-day ongoing lifestyle exposition Alishan Pakistan, organised to support the cause of the girl child.

He not only supported the cause but also walked the ramp for Pakistan textile brand Lala who has collaborated with an NGO, Samarpan Foundation, to promote the rights of the girl child.

Bhatt, whose 1998 film “Zakhm” talked about the communal tension between Hindu and Muslim communities, is confident that the current government will try to improve ties between the two nations.

“When our Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Nawaz Sharif (Prime Minister of Pakistan) for his swearing in ceremony, there was certainly an indication that there is no looking back from the path of peace," said Bhatt.

"And with all my political ideologies differing the same, I was compelled to applaud his brave gesture. Now with the majority the present government has got, there would be certainly a lot more done on the India-Pakistan front than it was done by UPA government,” he added.

Having contributed to Bollywood for around four decades, the moviemaker is also known for landmark films like "Arth", "Saraansh", "Zakhm" and "Sadak". It was also reported that his 1982 film “Arth” will be remade in Urdu in Pakistan.

Actor Sanjay Suri says his mother is in flood-ravaged Kashmir all by herself, but she is safe.

The flood in Jammu and Kashmir has taken over 200 lives, and so far 130,000 have been rescued.

"Yes, my mother is there. I've no relatives there. But she is safe with friends," said the actor who is from Kashmir.

"My prayers are with all of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a huge task ahead for the government and the forces rescuing people," added Sanjay who is known for films like "Jhankaar Beats" and "My Brother Nikhil".

Actor Anupam Kher is deeply concerned about the alarming flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir which has so far taken over 200 lives, though not as a Kashmiri but as an Indian.

Reasons Anupam, "Why must we react to a calamity according to our antecedents? For me, a flood situation in Kashmir is as much a matter of concern as in Bihar or Assam."

"When the Tsunami happened it swept all of Japan in its waves. The Japanese are known to be so well planned and meticulous, but they were not prepared to deal with the Tsunami. Nothing prepares us for nature’s fury.”

Having said that, Anupam admits he has relatives in Kashmir whom he is worried about.

“My first cousin is in Jammu and he sent me a picture of his brand new expensive car submerged in water. It’s destroyed completely... The destruction of property and assets during these devastating floods is very disturbing," said the actor.

"But worst is the destruction of human lives. People are without food, homes have been swept away. Rescue operations are on. I have to say the army is doing a fine job. We can only pray and hope for the best,” he added.

In the ultimate reel-meets-real moment, Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi met Aamir, the Pakistani man he portrays in Oscar-winning director Danis Tanovic's new film Tigers. The movie, co-produced by two feisty Indian ladies - Prashita Chaudhary and Guneet Monga, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and it is there in Toronto, where Aamir now lives, that he met Emraan, who has gone there for the screenings.

It was Aamir who as a salesman for a multinational corporation blew the whistle on the baby food scandal in Pakistan. Danis's Tigers tells the personal story of Aamir as he exposes the powerful multinationals in his hard-hitting film. Emraan, who plays the salesman, met Aamir for the first time in Toronto on the sidelines of the festival and it was an extremely emotional moment for both men.

Aamir had just seen the film at a private screening for him and his family and he couldn't hold his tears. "I didn't know what to expect when I sat to watch the film. But Danis and his team have made a very powerful film which showed things exactly how they happened. Emraan has done a brilliant job."

Emraan's work in Tigers has been lauded by The Hollywood Reporter in its review saying "In the main role, Hashmi is considerably glammed-down to average-looking. He plays convincingly on Ayan’s stubborn innocence coupled with terrible naïvete about the consequences of what he’s doing." Says the Bollywood star: "We have had fabulous screenings and the reviews have been great but for me personally meeting Aamir was the biggest high. I am so glad he liked the film and my portrayal of him. He was the real tiger."