Musician Ehsaan Noorani remembers mandolin player Uppalapu Srinivas as "one of the finest musicians", while Oscar-winning composer A.R Rahman says he is "emotionally shaken" after hearing the news of his demise.

Srinivas died here Friday in a private hospital due to illness. He was 45.

He was admitted to Apollo Hospital here some days back due to liver problem and breathed his last Friday around 9.30 a.m., hospital officials said.

The musicians took to Twitter to express their grief and sorrow. Here is what they have to say:

* A.R. Rahman: Emotionally shaken to hear of Carnatic shining star Mandolin Shrinivasji's demise... May God bless him with happiness in the next world...

* Ehsaan Noorani: U. Srinivas one of the finest musicians ever a true Earth Angel left us for his journey skyward .... you will be sorely missed .

* Sonu Niigaam: The grt Mandolin exponent U Shrinivas is no more unfortunately. Ws gng thru a liver trnsplnt. Imprvd apparently. Bt succumbed tragically. RIP

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar Friday said he has invited a Chinese delegation to attend the forthcoming 45th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with an aim to expand the scope of film-related business among the two countries.

On Thursday, Javadekar had met Cai Fuchao, minister for State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), to discuss the facilitation of projects and proposals as part of an audio-visual co-production agreement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit here.

China is the focus country at the International Film Festival of India, to be held in Goa from Nov 20.

The participation of well-known stars from China along with the choice of Chinese films will only be an added bonus, according to Javadekar.

He said: “I’ve personally invited the Chinese delegation… they have promised that their high-level delegation consisting of good producers, marketing teams, good producers, actors and actresses will be coming to participate in Goa. The focus is on China this year… but we will (gradually) do this for all others also."

According to reports, Javadekar also pitched an invitation for actor-filmmaker Jackie Chan to be part of IFFI.

He has also invited filmmakers from China to explore India as a shooting location because it creates “tremendous attraction and increase tourism”.

On legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar's 85th birthday Sep 28, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar will felicitate her at a celebratory function here.

Tendulkar has given his consent to be the chief guest at the event, to be organised by music events organistion Hridayesh Arts at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium, King's Circle here, said a statement.

Lata's younger sister and singer Asha Bhosle will be the special guest of honour on the occasion, where the Who's Who of Bollywood and the Indian music industry are likely to be present.

Talking about the plans, Avinash Prabhavalkar, chairman, Hridayesh Arts, said: "The felicitation function will be followed by an exclusive music and dance ballet 'Chala Vahi Des' which has been specially choreographed and directed by the Kathak guru Shama Bhate, produced by SwarBharati and conceptualised by Adinath Mangeshkar for this occasion.

"The entire ballet has been choreographed upon the extremely popular 'Meera Bhajans', composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar and sung by Lata didi."

The occasion is even more momentous as Hridaynath Mangeshkar, younger brother of Lata, has also has completed 60 years of his music career.

Starting her career in 1943 at the age of 13 with the song "Mata ek sapoot ki duniya badal de tu" for Marathi film "Gajaabhaau", Lata, who is called the Nightingale of India, went on to record songs for more than 1,000 films in 36 languages.

She has sung classical to romantic numbers to ghazals to bhajans, thus maintaining a variety in her discography, which has evergreen lilting melodies like "Aaja re pardesi", "Kahi deep jale kahi dil", "Beeti na bitaai raina", "Tere bina zindagi se", "Tere bina jiya jaaye na", "Naino mein badra", "Chalte chalte" and "Yaara sili sili".

Actress Rhea Chakraborty finds her "Bank Chor" co-star Riteish Deshmukh's career graph admirable.

"I'm extremely excited about 'Bank Chor' and I'm looking forward to work with Riteish Deshmukh. I think he's one of the actors who chooses the right scripts and he has made his own path. I'm very fond of him and I would like to follow his career graph," Rhea told IANS.

The actress will start shooting for Yash Raj Films'"Bank Chor" from October.

"It's always a pleasure and a blissful experience to work with Yash Raj Films banner. Aditya Chopra has told me that, 'If you read a script and if you feel excited about it, no matter who is directing or producing it you must just do the film'. I take his advice seriously and I'm looking forward to team up with them again," said Rhea, who was earlier seen in "Mere Dad Ki Maruti".

Sonam Kapoor says her latest Bollywood release "Khoobsurat" is a tribute to the late iconic filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who had helmed the original 1980 film which was titled "Khubsoorat".

"Our 'Khubsoorat' is dedicated to Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with love. Lots of it," Sonam said in an interview.

The film hit the screens Friday. Starring Pakistani sensation Fawad Khan as the male lead, the buzz for the movie was spread loud and wide.

Excerpts:

Q. How does it feel to be the hero of "Khoobsurat"?

A. I don't feel I am the hero of the film. I think the producer, director and the writer are the heroes of every film. I can never take credit for a film's success. Likewise, please don't blame me if a film fails. A film is a team effort. All of us sink or swim together.

Q. Are you more protective of "Khoobsurat" because it's a home production?

A. Not really. Since "Khoobsurat" is a smaller film, we decided to go all-out for it. If you are selling a product, you must let the consumer believe that you completely believe in the product. That is why we are doing aggressive marketing.

Q. Do you think if Hrishida were alive and he saw your "Khoobsurat", he would be happy?

A. I'd be very nervous if Hrishida saw our "Khoobsurat". It is an ode to him. It's like writing a fan letter to someone whom you truly admire. We named the film after his film. We named my character Mili after another film of Hrishida. And my screen-mom Kirron Kher is named Manju after Rekha's character in the original "Khubsoorat".

Q. Why did you feel the need to remake a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film?

A. We essentially felt a lacuna in the entertainment being provided by our film. That space of innocent laughter that Hrishida's film once occupied is now vacant. Where are those simple happy films like "Guddi" and "Jhooth Bole Kauva Kaate" that Hrishida made? We wanted to revive the cinema that makes you smile, makes you laugh, makes you love and makes you believe in all the good things in life.

Q. Do you believe that such a world still exists?

A. Of course it does! We hope to bring back the kind of positive energy that Hrishida brought to Indian cinema. Our "Khoobsurat" is dedicated to Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with love. Lots of it. It's meant to make the audience happy.

Q. What is the immediate future plan?

A. I start shooting again for "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" from Sep 21, and my sister Rhea immediately starts another film.

Indian beauties Aishwarya Rai and Freida Pinto feature alongside Hollywood celebrities like Zoe Saldana, Eva Longoria, Blake Lively, Jane Fonda and Julianne Moore in a star-studded ad campaign by beauty brand L'Oréal Paris.

The actresses are L'Oréal Paris brand ambassadors, and the latest ad is for its latest lipstick collection.

The collection is called Collection Exclusive Pure Reds. In the advertisement, all the women have posed clad in white, which makes their red lipstick prominent, reports eonline.com.

Each shade is named after one of the ladies and proves that no matter what your skin tone or hair colour is everyone can pull off a red lip colour.

The campaign also features beauties like Laetitia Casta, Liya Kebede and Natasha Poly.

His "Arth" and "Daddy" were recently turned into stage productions and now there is talk of Mahesh Bhatt's 1985 autobiographical film "Janam" being remade.

The original featured Kumar Gaurav as Mahesh Bhatt. Now the latter's protege Imran Zahid would be doing the needful.

Talking about the project, Bhatt, who turned 65 Saturday, said: “What I've made and is now in the public sphere, is not mine anymore. It has been so many years but the same feelings and emotions still exist.

"‘Janam’ was telecast (on Doordarshan) in 1985 and the news was delayed for the first time in my memory for 14 minutes till the movie was over. It was an unprecedented thing at that time. The movie received lot of accolades and was included in the Panorama section of the 1986 International Film Festival of India (IFFI)," recalled Bhatt.

He says the telefilm got lost "because the actor who played the lead (Kumar Gaurav) faded into oblivion".

But he is confident that Zahid, who was also part of "Daddy The Play", "has the resolve to hit the bull's eye” for the "tough screenplay" of the "Janam" remake.

The remake will be made under careful supervision of Bhatt.

“There was never any fear of social stigma within me. I was not afraid to expose my life although my family was outraged and not happy at all when I made 'Janam'. But the film was about fighting in the social space against the existing norms of the society and breaking away from it.

"The idea of anybody giving birth to himself is very relevant. It is the story of a person who refuses to be defined by references of the world, as he wants to create his own destiny. My family will be quite pleasantly surprised that somebody so many years later is still finding it relevant to be revisited with the passage of time,” Bhatt said.

Sanjeev Malhotra’s Manween Sanjeev Creations is making their debut in Bollywood with this film as producers.

Malhotra had earlier partnered with Bhatt for the theatrical adaptation of "Daddy".

“With 'Janam' my production house has also taken a birth of sorts. To venture into Bollywood with the remake of a path-breaking film like ‘Janam’ is an achievement in itself. I am really looking forward to make the best of this opportunity and make a film that holds up to the original,” Malhotra said.

Designers Arjun Saluja and Ragini Ahuja will showcase their latest offering of resort and occasion wear line at multi-designer store Ensemble.

Saluja's new collection called Essentials under his label Rishta offers stylised takes on silhouettes such as dhoti pants, salwars, pathani tunics, saris, bush shirts and more.

The designer has used subdued variations of colour on the fabrics varying from georgette twill, cotton mull and textured crepe.

According to Saluja, the line offers something for every woman who celebrates individualism and doesn't hesitate to experiment.

Ahuja, on the other hand, will showcase her new line called Metal from her Lakme Fashion Week winter-festive 2014 collection. The designs take inspiration from flora and fauna, offering staples in a relaxed androgynous style with over-sized jackets, boyfriend shirts, muscle tank dresses and athletic leather bustiers for layering.

The collection offers “laid-back staples” in sheer chanderi and cotton.

Ensemble will showcase their design at its flagship store at DLF Emporio Sep 30.

She's more known for her singing. But Monali Thakur of "Sawaar loon" fame, who has shown her acting talent with a hard-hitting performance as a child prostitute in Nagesh Kukunoor's "Lakshmi", is presently ecstatic about winning the best actress award at the recently concluded Washington DC South Asian Film Festival.

The enthused Monali exclaimed: "What can I say? It was a bolt from the blue. I thought the movie was forgotten, though the pain and suffering I went through in portraying the prostitute will remain with me forever. Now this award has strengthened my faith in my decision to pursue a double career as a singer and an actress."

She has her plan set.

"Yes, I am going to continue as both an actor and a singer. When I did 'Lakshmi', the buzz in the singing world was that I was giving up singing for acting. In fact, Amit Trivedi asked about my plans. That shook me up. But now I feel I've the confidence to overcome people's doubts and go ahead with both careers," she added.

Monali says she isn't happy with the quality of songs on offer.

"I'm in no hurry as a singer or an actor. I won't accept everything that comes my way. The songs I sing have to have something to offer me. The same goes for the roles I accept."

Meanwhile, Monali has already completed a second acting assignment.

"It's a comedy called 'Mango' directed by Abbas Tyrewala. I've a completely different role from what I did in 'Lakshmi'. I play a feisty girl who cons three men played by Rannvijay, his brother Harman (who makes his acting debut) and Chandan Roy Sanyal into believing that she loves each one of them. After the dark gut-wrenching role in 'Lakshmi' I enjoyed this naughty comedy."

She is looking at other acting assignments too.

"I want to be known as a good singer who can act," Monali says ambitiously.

A girl-next-door, a simpleton, a fashionista and a go-getter in different movies -- Sonam Kapoor says she has tried to play myriad roles in her career because she doesn't like to repeat characters.

For her latest Bollywood release "Khoobsurat", she has shed her inhibitions and gone wild in the "Engine ki seeti" song.

But she says: "That's not me. That's my character. I doubt you'd see me breaking into "Engine ki seeti" in real life. I like to play a different character each time."

Talking further about it, she said: "I've never played someone like Mili (character in 'Khoobsurat') before, and I don't know if I'll play someone like her again. Just like Zoya, my character in 'Raanjhanaa'. She was someone I had never played before. I don't think I'll play her again."

Her future projects will also see her in roles different from her past portrayals on screen.

"The characters I play in "Dolly Ki Doli" and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" are completely removed from what I've done so far. I don't like repetition. I'm making a conscious effort to play characters who are different from one another," said the actress, who will next be seen in Sooraj Barjatya's "Ram Ratan Dhan Payo" with Salman Khan.

She admits working with the hit duo has been an amazing experience.

"There is so much positivity during the shooting. I can't describe how peaceful I feel when I am on the sets of 'Prem Ratan...'," she said.

How different is Sooraj Barjatya from Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom she made her film debut in "Saawariya" in 2007?

"You know I am so blessed. In just seven years I've worked with the best directors from Sanjay Bhansali to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra to Aanand L. Rai to Sooraj Barjatya. And Shashanka Ghosh (of 'Khoobsurat') is also an amazing director.

"That such a varied spectrum of terrific directors have so much faith in me is very reassuring feeling for me. Their approval is a great validation for me. I may come across as a very confident person, but when it comes to my performances I am extremely self-critical and unsure. I feel I have a long way to go," said the 29-year-old daughter of veteran actor Anil Kapoor.

She believes each director she has worked with so far has helped her in her journey.

"Sanjay and I haven't worked together after 'Saawariya', but we are connected constantly. Every time he sees something of mine on television, he messages me. Rakeysh Mehra is there for everything I do. Shashanka is so protective of me. If anyone says anything about me, he messages me. I am quite blessed with my directors and my co-stars."

Sonam also feels that from "Saawariya" to "Khubsoorat", she has got better with every film.

"If I started at 1.2, I've now gone to 1.7," she said while rating her growth, and added: "I'm more excited by the journey than the destination. That's the way I am. I am always looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me."

A court here Friday allowed bollywood producer Karim Morani, accused in the second generation spectrum allocation case, to travel abroad to promote his film 'Happy New Year' scheduled for release around Diwali.

The Central Bureau of Investigation Special Judge O. P. Saini allowed Morani to visit the UAE, Netherlands and the United Kingdom Sep 22 to Oct 8 for promotion of the film starring Shahrukh Khan.

"Considering the fact that accused submits that it is a question of his livelihood and his presence is necessary in foreign countries for promotion of the film and that he was permitted to travel abroad in trial of the scheduled offences also, I am inclined to allow the application," said the judge.

While requesting the court to allow his application for foreign visit, Morani had told the court that he had been engaged as creative producer for the film "Happy New Year" and his presence was required to promote the film in foreign countries.

The court directed him to furnish two additional sureties of Rs. 20 lakh each and a personal bond of equal amount.

The court asked him neither to tamper with any evidence nor try to contact any witness during his stay, and to file his itinerary, containing the details of his place of stay and telephone number.

Morani along with former telecom minister A. Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others has been chargesheeted by the enforcement directorate in the money laundering case related to 2G scam.

The accused have been booked under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

While girls are swooning over Pakistani sensation Fawad Khan and his "Khoobsurat" performance, actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana says the new Bollywood entrant is an "eyecandy who can act".

"Just watched Khoobsurat. Loved it. Way to go @sonamakapoor. And girls, watch out for Fawad Khan, the new eye candy who can really act," Ayushmann posted on Twitter.

Fawad earned popularity in India via TV shows "Zindagi Gulzar Hai" and "Humsafar", aired on Zindagi channel here. And his popularity in India has only gone notches higher by starring in "Khoobsurat", which released Friday.

He maintains a balanced diet and a regular fitness regime for his chiselled physique. But everyone's allowed a cheat day, believes Varun Dhawan, who gorged on junk and cheese when he got his own!

"Last nite was my cheat day I ate everything I saw from methai to chips to pasta to pizza. What do you eat when u go out of control," Varun tweeted to his fans.

After gorging on these irresistible food delights, he realised "it's time to burn it all.

"Tie your shoe laces and run," added the young actor, who flaunted a six-pack for "Main Tera Hero".

Hrithik Roshan says he wasn't invited for a screening of "Khoobsurat", a remake of the 1980 film "Khubsoorat", which starred his father Rakesh Roshan. But he is keen to watch the Sonam Kapoor-starrer!

Have you watched the new "Khoobsurat", an IANS journalist asked the Roshan family at an event in the capital.

"No we haven't yet," said the senior Roshan, while Hrithik said: "I wasn't invited, I want to see the film. Write that down."

On another note, he said: "I believe it's a great film and congratulations to Sonam."

The new "Khoobsurat" has marked the Bollywood foray of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

Legendary ghazal singer Ghulam Ali left music aficianados mesmerised with his rendition of his classic numbers at a concert held here for a cause. He has urged the public to banish female foeticide from the society.

The 'Ek Ehsaas' concert was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium Friday evening in aid of Arise's social awareness program Sangam's effort to educate people about girl child care and development.

"My songs have always been about spreading the message of love and universal brotherhood. Thus being associated with this cause is a moment of pride for me as via this association I seek to encourage my admirers to become a part of the cause and help in evading the tragic situation of female foeticide from our country," Ghulam Ali said.

He sang classics like "Chupke chupke", "Kal chaudhvi ki raat" and "Hungama kyu hai barpa".

The evening featured a blend of Hindustani classical music with ghazal singing. While the audience was captivated by Ghulam Ali's singing, they were also made aware of Sangam’s endeavours towards shaping a better tomorrow.

Versatile actor Boman Irani says the Indian diaspora is a huge market for Bollywood films and filmmakers should tap that for a wider reach and bigger business.

"Diaspora is a huge market for us (Bollywood films) and we underestimate its power, totally," the 54-year-old, who will be next seen in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Happy New Year", told IANS on phone from Mumbai before leaving for SLAM! THE TOUR.

"They are not the extended audience, but very much part of our main audiences. We have to respect that fact," he added.

According to a report, the Indian population in the US has increased exponentially over the past few years to become the second largest group after the Chinese with over 2,800,000 Indian Americans.

Keeping the fact in mind, "Happy New Year" team has embarked on multi-city tour, which started Friday at Toyota Center, Houston, to woo the NRI audiences and create a buzz about the heist drama coming out on Diwali.

From the film's main leads Shah Rukh and Deepika Padukone to supporting casts - Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Vivaan Shah -- all will shake a leg during the multi-city concerts.

Director Farah Khan will join the revelry too and interestingly, this will be her first stage performance in 25 years.

After Houston, they will perform in other US cities such as New Jersey, Washington DC, and Chicago as well as in Vancouver, Canada. After the US, they will head to London Oct 5.

"The fact that our tour got a positive response even before it started proves how important is the diaspora market for us and for anybody.

"I think slowly and steadily things will change and soon we will see the transformation," added Boman.

Produced by Shah Rukh's Red Chillies Entertainment, "Happy New Year" is centred on six losers who set out to change their destiny.

Boman says one of the highlights of the film is its multi-cultural cast, which belongs to different age groups.

"Just like the character, even the cast of the film comes from different places. Sonu is from Punjab, Abhishek lived in Mumbai and his whole background was different. I belong to a Parsi family -- so all of us came from different background. It's such an unusual mix, but we had a common purpose.

"We wanted to make it one hell of entertainer that people will remember for years to come. So the moment you have a common purpose, I think anybody from any walk of life, background, age or gender will get back together," he added.

And is he satisfied with the end result?

"Yes, I am satisfied. Everybody did every scene together. That is the greatness of the story," said Boman, who was previously seen in hits like "Munnabhai M.B.B.S", "Lage Raho Munna Bhai", "Khosla Ka Ghosla", and "Don - The Chase Begins Again" and "3 Idiots".

Last seen in 2012 release "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana", actor Kunal Kapoor is right now investing his time in writing a few scripts which are now being developed into films.

"Besides being an actor, I also write and in the last couple of years I have written ideas for eight to 10 scripts. Fortunately, people have liked them and now developing them into films," Kunal told IANS.

"I won't be writing the screenplay, but I have a lot of ideas that I have written and two of them are being made into films. Now, let's see."

Kunal is not keen on divulging details about the script. However, he shared that "one of them is a musical and the other one is about a bunch of dacaoits."

He added: "I would not like to get into the details. Please, wait for an official announcement."

The actor came into prominence when he was cast by late M.F. Hussain to play the male lead in his cinematic offering "Meenaxi: Tale of 3 Cities". Interestingly, it was his first big film and he was paired with experienced actress Tabu.

In last 10 years, he has done far and few roles.

Kunal says he is not completely happy with the kind of scripts he is getting.

He said: "I am not completely happy. If I would have been happy, I would have signed a lot more films... so there has been a lull," said the actor.

Seen as the spoiled brat Shaurya Goenka in the TV show “Ek Hasina Thi”, actor Vatsal Sheth has to follow a strict schedule. So, he has hit the guitar strings to unwind himself.

According to sources, Vatsal has a very strict schedule and it takes a toll on him mentally. To rid of stress and tension, he took to guitar.

Initial guitar lessons were tough for the actor as the strings hurt his fingers, but the excitement soon got over him. He has been taking time out to learn guitar and has been taking online video lessons.

Another music instrument that the actor fancies is violin. He always wanted to learn how to play it as the sound calms him down. So, it was a tough choice for him to choose between the two instruments, and at last, he chose the guitar.

Apparently, as a teenager Vatsal was keen to learn guitar and show off his skills in front of a live audience, but with time all that faded.

The actor, known for his movie “Taarzan - The Wonder Car” and TV show “Just Mohabbatein”, says it reminds him of “the good old days.”

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor was admitted to the Kokilaben hospital here Sunday, his doctor said. The actor's condition is stable.

"He had chest infection. He is now on antibiotics, but is stable right now," Ram Narain, executive director at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital told IANS.

Shashi Kapoor, 76, is known for his films like "Awaara", "Deewar", "Satyam Shivam Sundaram", "Kabhie Kabhie" among others.

Iconic American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, who is inspired by the "energetic culture" of India, will visit the country for three days starting Sep 26 to commemorate 10 years of his brand's existence in the nation.

He will host special events in the capital as well as in Mumbai.

"It's an honour to be visiting India again to celebrate our brand's 10th anniversary in the country," the designer, who has over 30 years of experience in the international fashion and design world, said in a statement.

Talking about his deep connect with India and its culture, Hilfiger said: "I first visited India in the early 1980s, and over the course of my career, I've returned many times. I am continuously inspired by the country's energetic culture and India's incredible colors, textures and fabrics."

"For 10 years we've shared our classic, American, cool styles with consumers throughout India, and I look forward to celebrating this milestone in New Delhi and Mumbai," added Hilfiger, who made his inaugural trip to India in the 1980s.

His official tour of India will begin Sep 26 in the capital, with an exclusive VIP dinner hosted by Indian philanthropist and patron of the arts, Feroze Gujral, at her private residence. The following day, the ace designer will attend a press event at the Tommy Hilfiger Select Citywalk store with Bollywood actress and fashionista Sonam Kapoor.

The designer has also been invited to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) as a guest speaker, where he will share his experiences in building a global fashion brand with aspiring design students.

On the evening of Sep 27, Hilfiger will host the Tommy Hilfiger brand's official 10th anniversary celebration event at The Leela Palace in the capital. On Sep 28, he will travel to Mumbai as the final stop of the tour. There, he will attend a private event.

The multi-day programme will highlight the Tommy Hilfiger brand's most notable moments and achievements throughout its 10 years in India.

Also, to commemorate the brand's milestone in the country, and to honour the country's long tradition of celebratory dress, two exclusive limited-edition designs will be introduced: a shawl for women and a traditional men's bandi.

These iconic Indian garments have been reinterpreted with Hilfiger's signature twist. The limited edition designs will be available exclusively at select Tommy Hilfiger stores across India starting Sep 24.

The first Tommy Hilfiger store in the country opened in April 2004 at Bangalore's Forum Mall.