Sravan Raju, whose forthcoming Telugu directorial action-thriller "Aadhipathyam" is based on real incidents, says movies based on actual happenings help to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

"While love stories and comedy films help in entertaining audiences, films that are inspired from real incidents emotionally connect with the viewers. If the film is based on a well known incident then the emotional connect grows stronger," Sravan told IANS.

"My film is based on an incident that created havoc in Vijayawada in the late 1990s. It's the true story of clash for domination between two groups. While the film is based on the true incident, we have fictionalized the presentation," he added.

Sravan says he spent months on research for the film.

"One of the biggest challenges with such films is that you need to get all facts right. One wrong fact can have severe repercussions. I spent months researching on the project and I think the time spent came in very handy," he said.

The film features U.B Raju, Supriya, Deepthi, Suman, Pill Prasad, Dil Ramesh and Raghunath Reddy in lead roles.

"We are done with the censor work and are planning to release the film by month end or early next month," Sravan said.

When asked about the success of such films, he said, "I don't think the successful of a film is dependent on any particular genre. If audiences are entertained then they will go out and spread the word. I have made my film as entertaining as possible," he said.

The film is produced by Bonagani Raju under his home banner Creative Frames.

Ali, a popular comedian in Telugu cinema, is excited to play a lead role in upcoming Telugu comedy "Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga". He was last seen in the lead in 2008 Telugu comedy-drama "Somberi".

"It's always nice to be treated as a hero. Not that I don't get treated well as a comedian, but there is always something special about playing the lead, isn't it? I'm really looking forward to start shooting for the film," Ali told IANS.

"Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga" will go on floors June 18. It will be helmed by Phani Prakash and produced by Boddada Sivaji.

Known for comedy performances in films such as "Desamuduru", "Ishq" and "Amma Naana O Tamil Ammayi", Ali has played lead roles in Telugu films such as "Pittala Dora", "Ammayi Kappuram" and "Gundamma Gaari Manavadu".

"I played few hero roles in the initial days of my career, but audiences loved me for my comic timing and, therefore, I later turned comedian. I really don't mind being a comedian because I get the chance to make people laugh and I think that's truly a gift," he said.

As a comedian, Ali has starred in over 500 Telugu films in a career spanning three decades.

"It was director Krishna Reddy who introduced me as a hero. All my films with him have been very successful," said Ali, who has worked with Krishna Reddy in films like "Yamaleela" and "Hungama".

Hunt for Ali's leading lady is underway for "Ali Baba Okkade Dhonga".

Thanikella Bharani, Jeeva, Shafi, Raghubabu, Duvvasi Mohan, Ramjagan, Kondavalasa Lakshmana Rao, Dasanna, Ramaraju and Chandrasekhar will feature in important roles in the film.

Actress Richa Chadda, who has managed to bag Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Ram Leela", says that working with the filmmaker in such an early phase of her career is a dream come true.

"'Ram Leela' is indeed a huge ticket for me. I can't talk much about the film but I feel people spend their whole life to be part of Sanjay's film and I got to work with him in such an initial stage of my career. I feel i am very lucky and happy that people have accepted me," Richa told IANS.

The 28-year-old was last seen in Anurag Kashyap's "Gangs of Wasseypur" in which she played the character of Nagma Khatoon.

Sharing her experience of working with Bhansali, she said: "He is very strict on the sets and is a thorough professional".

"He is very intelligent. He is aware of fashion and costumes as much as his lenses and cameras," she added.

"Ram Leela" features Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.

One hundred films in just five months is a number the Tamil industry could be proud of, but what dampens the filmmakers' spirit is that only five out of them were hits. The big question plaguing the industry is: Why isn't it able to generate content-rich films, let alone blockbusters?

One of the common reasons is the dependency on stars, feels Tamil filmmaker Seenu Ramaswamy.

"I agree these superstars give a Rs.100 crore business, but when their films fail at the box-office, a lot of money is going down the drain. Instead of investing so much in them, if producers choose to fund quality films made by newcomers, then the probability of success will be higher," Seenu told IANS.

While all big-budget films such as "Alex Pandian", "Kadal" and "Aadhi Bhagavan" failed to keep the cash registers ringing, the five that kept the business going at the box office included "Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya" (KLTA), "Soodhu Kavvum" and "Ethir Neechal" by debutant directors.

The other two hits were "Vishwaroopam" and "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga" (KBKR).

KLTA, reportedly made for Rs.3 crore, collected Rs.12 crore at the box office, while "Soodhu Kavvum" and "Ethir Neechal", both made under Rs.5 crore, collected Rs.8 crore and Rs.12 crore respectively.

"If a film made on Rs.5 crore can yield the same profit as a Rs.100 crore film, then I don't see the need to always dream of making a big budget film. Big actors should also be open to working with debutant directors, who guarantee success," said Seenu.

The actors may be hesitant in working with new talent, but the industry is more receptive to newcomers, admited producer C.V. Kumar who entered filmdom last year riding on a small budget out-of-the-box successful movie, "Attakathi".

"The Tamil industry has been open to fresh stories and young talent in the last two years. Even bigger production houses are coming forward to support new stories, but what we lack is content. While a legion of young filmmakers are on the rise, industry is still toying with the idea of making commercial film for the masses," said Kumar who also delivered two more hits - "Pizza" and "Soodhu Kavvum".

Even though films such as "Samar" and "Vathikuchi" had the spark, they failed to ignite the fire because they were made for commercial purposes.

It's very important to choose different subjects, Kumar added.

"All my films to date have been with aspiring filmmakers with promising and different stories. Since I can't cough up crores of rupees, I carefully choose subjects that I want to convert into films and invest in them," he said.

The genre of a film, too, is important, said KBKR director Pandiraj, who credited the success of his film to the subtle use of comedy.

"Audiences love to be entertained and, therefore, it makes sense to pack a good amount of comedy in the script. It is very important to use comedy to drive home a thought, instead of making slapstick references," Pandiraj added.

"Ethir Neechal", "Soodhu Kavvum", "KLTA" and "KBKR" all predominantly used comedy throughout the film.

The poor content is pushing audiences towards content-rich Hollywood films, said trade analyst Trinath. "Iron Man 3" and "Life of Pi" did amazing business here.

"There is no need to compare Tamil cinema with Hollywood, but with access to so many western and foreign films, audiences find it easy to discard regional films. With films such as the 'Iron Man' series and 'Avengers' doing well, it's important to make quality films," Trinath said.

He admited Hollywood is giving stiff competition to Tamil films at the box-office.

"'Iron Man 3' raked in over Rs.1 crore on its opening weekend in Chennai, but a week later theatre owners had to reduce the number of shows because they had to make way for Tamil releases. Competition is growing stronger between Tamil and English films at the box-office," he added.

Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, one of the best known Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from Bihar, has reportedly thrown his weight behind BJP patriarch L.K. Advani, who relinquished all party posts after Narendra Modi was named the lead campaigner for the 2014 general elections.

It's an open war in the BJP's ranks with prominent party members sharply divided in their loyalty towards Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Modi, respectively.

According to an informed source, Sinha has taken extreme umbrage to Modi being projected as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.

The source very close to Sinha spoke up on the issue saying: "It's true Shatruji is down with an attack of flu. But that is not the real reason why he didn't attend the Goa conclave. Shatruji is very upset that Modiji is being projected as the BJP's prospective prime minister."

"As far as Shatruji is concerned, there is no other person in the BJP more qualified for the job than Advaniji. And to project anyone else in Advaniji's place is insulting to Advanji who has given his life and sweat to building the party. It's, therefore, insulting to the party's image as well."

The source from Sinha's camp asserted that the star-politician would throw his weight behind Advanji, no matter what the high command decides.

Said the source: "Shatruji feels there is no valid reason for sidelining Advaniji. Unlike Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, who is in frail health, Advaniji is fit and fine and, by the grace of god, in the pink of health. To Shatruji, Advaniji's self-discipline and his supreme honesty are qualities of leadership. Advaniji is both physically and spiritually qualified to lead the country. For Shatruji, Advaniji is the man to lead India in the next elections."

Then there is the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-factor.

"With Nitishji openly challenging Modiji's power and strength, Shatruji wouldn't want to pitch his loyalty in any place that would antagonise Nitishji," said the source.

Actress Anushka Sharma confesses to be completely in love with backless dresses, saying for her it is "synonymous with confidence".

"Backless signifies confidence and that's always in fashion, always in vogue. Backless in my head is synonymous to confidence and hence extremely important," Anushka told reporters during the making of her latest Nivea advertisement.

"It's something you should not be thinking about, you should be able to wear a backless top when you want to, there should not be a thought before that," added the model-turned-actress who made her debut in films as a salwar-kameez clad conventional girl in 2008 release "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

She went on to do glamorous roles in "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", "Badmaash Company" and "Jab Tak Hai Jaan".

Currently, the 25-year-old is shooting for Rajkumar Hirani's "P.K." and Anurag Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet".

Emraan Hashmi, lead actor of "Ghanchakkar", says the film's team is leaving no stone unturned to promote it in various cities and on reality shows ahead of its June 28 release.

"There are more reality shows, we have very extensive city tours lined up," said the actor while sharing details about "Ghanchakkar" promotional plans.

"We are touring 8 to 10 cities for the promotion of the film. The film releases June 28 and we are going full throttle," the 34-year-old told reporters Monday on the sets of dance reality show "India's Dancing Superstar".

The film is said to have both thrill and fun elements and Vidya Balan, who plays Emraan's weird and wacky wife Neetu, says promotions will be comic ride.

"Wait till June 28 to see what is the thrill in the film. The weeks left for the release of the film will see us promote the film in a very comic and funny manner. It is going to be fun," she said.

Vidya has promoted "Ghanchakkar" on dance reality show "Dance India Dance Super Moms".

Singer Aaradhna Patel of New Zealand, whose father is from Gujarat state in India, has swept this year's Pacific Music Awards.

Aaradhna, 29, won all the six awards she was nominated for, a record in the history of the event.

She won awards for best female artiste, best Pacific urban artiste, best song, best music album, best video for her clip to hit song "Lorena Bobbitt" and Radio Airplay Award for the song ‘Wake Up’ at the event held in Auckland May 30, the Indian Weekender reported Tuesday.

It is the most awards won in a night by any single artiste in the nine-year history of the Pacific Music Awards and comes off the back of her highly acclaimed album "Treble & Reverb" released in November last year.

Aaradhna, whose father Jayanti Patel hails from Navasari in southern Gujarat and whose mother Sia'a Patel is Samoan, mostly sings rhythm and blues and pop and made her musical debut in 2004 featuring the single "Getting Stronger" with the group Adeaze which peaked at number one on the official New Zealand Singles Chart.

A self-confessed Amy Winehouse fan, Aaradhna said she was inspired to write new music after listening to the numbers of the English singer and songwriter who died in 2011.

"I used to go to her (Winehouse's) 'Back to Black' album and I'd repeat it all day because I connected with all her music," Aaradhna was quoted as saying.

"The thing I liked about it was that she didn't care about what other people said. She really spoke her mind - that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to make music that I could really say what I wanted to say."

Aaradhna is the eldest of five siblings and showed her inclination for the art at the age of 12 when she started singing with her mother traditional Samoan and country songs.

Instituted by the Pacific Music Awards Committee, founded in 2004, the Pacific Music Awards recognise the best talents of the Pacific music community in New Zealand.

Shabana Azmi is the most academically qualified actress in India by far and now the veteran actress is all set to receive another doctorate, this time from the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver Wednesday.

This would be the "Masoom" actress's fourth honorary degree. Earlier, she has received the same honour from Leeds University in Britain, the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Jadavpur University.

"It's good to be honoured in a domain away from my home ground. For the academic world to acknowledge my contribution is gratifying. Yes, this is my fourth doctorate," said the actress known for her roles in "Junoon", "Sparsh", "Saaz" and "Earth".

Director Kiran Rao will host a party for the team members associated with director Anand Gandhi's critically acclaimed directorial venture "Ship of Theseus" to "introduce them" to her "friends and colleagues".

Kiran is releasing the film in association with UTV Motion Pictures in India July 19.

"Anand and I have become close friends in a very short span of time. I thought it would be nice to introduce him and his cast and crew to our friends and colleagues," Kiran, who directed "Dhobi Ghat", said in a statement.

Kicked about the project, she feels the entire team is very talented and has done a great job in the film that won the best film award at the recently concluded 12th Transylvania International Film Festival.

A story about human values, "Ship of Theseus" features three characters - an experimental photographer, ailing intellectual monk and a stock broker.

Aida Elkashef, Neeraj Kabi, Sohum Shah, Amba Sanyal, Faraz Khan, Vinay Shukla and Sameer Shukla are part of the film's cast.

Bold and daring Ekta Kapoor, who is ready with her first historical show "Jodha Akbar", says it is an apt time to tell the story and adds that she is ready to face any kind of criticism for it.

She has experimented on the small screen with all kind of genres such as drama, romance, thrill, horror and even kitchen politics. "Jodha Akbar" marks her maiden encounter with history and she feels "the beauty about history is about being open to perception".

"I know I will be putting myself up to a lot of ridicule, lot of appreciation also, but a creative person scared of that will never grow in life," Eka said here Monday at the launch of the show.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker had already visited the subject in his magnum opus "Jodhaa Akbar" for the big screen with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in the title roles. The film won five Filmfare awards besides other noted honours.

Produced by Balaji Telefilms, "Jodha Akbar" is set to go on air June 18 on Zee TV.

Ekta feels it is the right time to narrate the story of Akbar, who became a soldier and a king at a tender age of 14.

"It's a story about love in the time of hate. It's a story about religious and cultural battle that was won by love and I really find 'Jodha Akbar' a fine example, true or not, that people need to see today," said Ekta.

So far she has produced successful shows "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi", "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii", "Kasautii Zindagii Kay", "Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii", "Kahiin to Hoga", "Kasamh Se", and "Kkusum", among others.

In "Jodha Akbar", actor Rajat Tokas, best known for "Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan", will be seen playing Akbar, while Paridhi Sharma has been cast as Jodha.

The show will capture the intriguing journey of the royal couple's love for each other that had, in fact, begun with intense hatred. What started as a marriage based on political power-play evolved into something more meaningful eventually!

"Love in the time of hate, love that changed humanity and whole era, how a cruel king became a lover and, therefore, became understanding and accepting all religions. It's a story that our time needs to hear," said Ekta.

She is stylish and glamorous, but Ileana D'Cruz confesses to not taking risks in clothes. Her style mantra is simple and comfortable outfits.

"I don't like taking a lot of risks when it comes to fashion. I believe that you must be comfortable in what you are wearing. I like wearing something simple, not over the top and something which fits really well," Ileana told IANS in an interview.

Hectic work schedules and film shoots take a toll on her skin and hair and the 25-year-old combats such problems by sticking to healthy diet.

"It does take a toll. I ensure I have a very healthy diet - I try and include lots of proteins, and lots of water. People underestimate the power of water," said the actress who has just endorsed Clear for its new range of shampoos.

Good hair and skin boost self-confidence, according to the "Pokiri" and "Barfi!" actress.

"I think whether we admit or not, the first thing that you notice is the face and hair. It is the way you carry yourself. If you have healthy hair, you will have self-confidence. Also, all women want to have fabulous hair," she said.

Looking perfect all the time is not important, she believes and adds: "People should be comfortable with the way they look."

"The amount of pressure people put in trying to make you look perfect...I believe, you find perfection in imperfection. I may not have a perfect face or perfectly aligned nose, but that is just the way you are," she added.

The actress, who entered film business via ads like Emami Talc and Fair and Lovely, is very happy with her association with Clear.

"The ad has come out beautifully. It is exactly what I expected it to be. Most of the people who are associated with the brand have put so much of trust in me to represent them. The ad showcases what they really want to say," she said.

Filmmaker Susi Ganeshan's debut Hindi film "Shortcut Romeo" has been awarded U/A-certificate by the censor board, which ran its scissors on the liplock scene between Neil Nitin Mukesh and Puja Gupta and reduced it 50 percent.

Confirming this, Ganeshan told IANS: "The film has got a U/A certificate with cuts. It is a very intense drama, which has a strong message in it. The liplock scene between Neil and Puja has been reduced to 50 percent. So, the kissing scene has been diluted as per request of the censor board."

"I think liplock is very common in Bollywood but in south it's like a big deal. I thought the kissing scene was necessary as it goes with the flow of the film," he added.

The director, who hails from South, started his career in 2002 with Tamil film "Five Star" and later directed "Virumbugiren", "Thiruttu Payale" and "Kanthaswamy".

"Shortcut Romeo", his first Hindi movie, is a remake of his Tamil venture "Thiruttu Payale" and the director assures he is "here to stay".

"I am not going to do just one film and go back to south. I am also producing 'Shortcut Romeo' and I want to try my hands in production and understand my business capability," said the director who has roped in Ameesha Patel in a negative role in "Shortcut Romeo", slated for a June 21 release.

Stylish short dresses, casual tees with stripes, printed knee-length shorts and coloured pants - revamp your wardrobe with the clothes inspired from nautical style and fashion.

Well-known online fashion brand, American Swan has launched its Navy Collection and offer an interesting range of summer outfits.

The exclusive collection, perfect for both men and women, draws its inspiration from the cool, casual sailors' outfits.

The vibrant colour palette, prints and details like sailor insignia-inspired logos, stripes, trimmings and graphics provide the collection a distinct look.

One can choose tees, shorts and pants in varied shades like azure blue, nautical colours, sea green, beach red and surf yellow.

You can pair it with brogue shoes, ankle length boots, hats and sunglasses. The price range starts from Rs.799 and goes till Rs.2,499.

"Oh My God!" fame director Umesh Shukla has teamed up with Abhishek Bachchan for "Mere Apne", but says that he hasn't finalised any actress for the female lead in his next directorial venture.

According to reports, Asin Thottumkal was to be part of the film. However, Shukla said: "We have not approached Asin so far. In fact, we have not approached anybody so far."

The director is busy giving finishing touches to the "final draft of the script" and "as soon as I finish the script, we will hunt for the leading lady."

A family drama, "Mere Apne" will go on floor by September this year.

Sahej Bakshi, whose brain child Dualist Inquiry has created ripples in the music world, says he was so impressed by band Swarathma's performance that he decided to remix their song and create "Naane Daari (Remix)".

"I was blown away by Swarathma's energy when I attended their 'Topiwalleh' launch concert and after a few conversations started thinking of a remix of one of their songs. 'Naane Daari' had an infectiously catchy guitar riff that had me hooked," Bakshi said in a statement.

Swarathma is known for its Indian folk-fusion music and comprises of "Sun Mera", "Pyaasi" and "Bolo kya hai" and "Naane Daari".

Swarathma and Dualist Inquiry are currently on a tour to promote the single, which has a guitar riff that makes the number even more impressive.

"It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand the Kannada lyrics, I worked on re-creating some of the magic on the track with a synthesizer, and it turned out so great! What’s more, the band has been previewing the release live at several shows in the recent past to wonderful responses from audiences," said Bakshi.

The group has already preformed in Pune and will now head to Delhi to perform June 13.

Swarathma's bassist Jishnu Dashgupta said: “I first saw Sahej at the Invasion Festival, and frankly, I thought he was way better than the headlining act. Though we didn’t start out as electronica fans, I really enjoyed the vibe of the music of Dualist Inquiry.

"With 'Naane Daari (Remix)', we’re attempting something totally unexpected and fresh. As artists it’s important to keep trying new things."

"Mohabbatein" fame actress Preeti Jhangiani returns to the big screen in "Kaash Tum Hote" after two years, but doesn't consider it her comeback movie.

Preeti was last seen in her home production "Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande" that came out in 2011.

"I don't know (whether 'Kaash Tum Hote' is my comeback film), but everybody is saying that this is my comeback film," Preeti said here Monday at the music launch of the film.

But she admits doing a movie after a long gap and being excited.

"I think my film is coming after a log gap, so all fans are looking forward to it, so I am excited," Preeti, who besides Hindi, is also doing Punjabi, Bengali, Kannada and Telugu films.

In "Kaash Tum Hote", Preeti plays a fashion photographer.

Asked whom she would like to click in real life, she said she would love to take pictures of Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and actress Deepika Padukone.

"Hrithik Roshan is very photogenic and so is Deepika Padukone," she said.

Produced by Vivek Film Productions, "Kaash Tum Hote" also features martial arts champion Mukesh Bharti.

Subtle but stylish, neck-ties play quite a role in portraying a person's characteristics and personality. Satya Paul has launched a new collection of the accessory called retro-futurism for "fashionable" men.

Satya Paul, one of the pioneers in men's accessories, has launched a limited edition of ties in a variety of designs including paisley, striped, spotted and checked.

"For the recent collection the designs are inspired from retro-futurism which is a blend of old retro styles popular in the 1960's with futuristic technology. The collection explores the astriction between the past and future," Rajiv Grover, chief executive office, Satya Paul told IANS.

"We have also experimented with floral motifs and digital gradients that have been quiet successful in the past," he added.

The fabric used for the collection is pure silk with multicolour hues and colour blocks. It features a wide range of prints inspired from the retro drama of the 1960's like lazer beams, polka dots, cassettes and music.

The collection is meant for all the "fashionable" men.

"Our main clientele is the well-travelled business executive, who isn't afraid to try new textures and colours. The contemporary prints and look of the collection prompts a younger generation to sport these ties in order to express an innovative style statement," said Grover.

The collection is available in all Satya Paul stores with a price range starting from Rs.995 and going up to Rs.2,495.

Actor Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj Pancholi, arrested in connection with the suicide of actress Jiah Khan, was Tuesday sent to police custody till June 13 by a court here, a lawyer said.

Zameer Khan, Sooraj Pancholi's lawyer, told reporters: "We are completely supporting the police for the investigation since day one. We are completely supporting them and we have submitted Sooraj's laptop, phone and iPad to police."

"He will be in custody till June 13. So far, chargesheet has not been filed," he said, soon after Sooraj was presented before a magistrate.

Sooraj, son of actor couple Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, was arrested Monday after being booked under penal provisions for allegedly abetting Jiah's suicide.

The arrest came barely two days after Jiah Khan's family handed over a note penned by her to police. The note was recovered by the actress's kin three days after her suicide June 3.

Small screen actor Nakuul Mehta, seen on “Pyaar Ka Dard Hai” as Aditya, has postponed his Spain trip with friends for the upcoming Star Parivaar Awards.

Nakuul has been nominated in various categories and since this is his first Parivaar Award, he is ensuring that everything goes well.

"My guy friends and I have been planning a trip to Spain for years and we were scheduled to go in June, but when I came to know about the award show, I requested my friends to push the trip to a later date. I am really happy that they all understood my excitement,” he said.

The actor plans to practice for the awards.