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Google doodle celebrates Raj Kapoor's 90th birth anniversary

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Search engine Google has paid tribute to Raj Kapoor, popularly known as the "Showman", on the late actor-filmmaker’s 90th birth anniversary Sunday.

Donning a hat, jacket and a shirt inside, the doodle shows Raj Kapoor in his most iconic role as Raj in “Shree 420” (1955). His fans will instantly connect with the background of the doodle that depicts the movie’s popular song “Pyar hua iqrar hua’, which features the legend standing under an umbrella with co-star Nargis.

Born on Dec 14, 1924, the son of reputed actor Prithviraj Kapoor, had an illustrious film career that spanned about five decades. He is known for delivering hits like “Awara”, “Mera Naam Joker” and “Sangam”.

Raj Kapoor, who had huge fan following in Russia too, set up R.K. Films in 1948 in Mumbai and made movies like “Ram Teri Ganga Maili”, ”Bobby” and “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” under the banner.

The actor’s brothers Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor also made it big in Bollywood.

He was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the late 1980s. He died June 2, 1988.

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Indian book in Chinese to improve ties: Mukherjee

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An Indian book "Odyssey in Tibet" on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage to be published in the Chinese language "would contribute to further strengthening relations between the two countries", President Pranab Mukherjee has said.

The president, in a note ahead of the release Monday of the Chinese edition of the book, said: "India-China relations have witnessed all-round progress in the past years. Both our countries stand out on the threshold of a leap into an exciting phase of global exchange, where harnessing of ideas and resources for global welfare can serve as a major pivot for world peace and welfare."

This is the first Indian book selected by the Chinese government to publish under its "Understanding India series" and the first Chinese book inaugurated in Rashtrapati Bhavan post-independence.

"I am confident that the book will contribute to further strengthening relations between our two countries and wish the book every success," Mukherjee said.

Former national security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, in a similar message, also echoed the same feeling for the book.

He said the Chinese edition, like the Yatra itself to Kailash Mansarovar, will be one more bond between India and China.

"The book will no doubt contribute to furthering the understanding between our two peoples," he said.

Written by author, journalist and parliament member from Uttarakhand Tarun Vijay, the book will be released by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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Shyam Benegal has shaped my choices: Shabana Azmi

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On the 80th birthday of director Shyam Benegal Sunday, veteran actress-social activist Shabana Azmi says the “reluctant guru” has influenced her choices.

She made her debut in 1974 with Benegal’s "Ankur" and thanked him for being a “generous friend”.

“Happy birthday to my guru mentor #Shyam Benegal. Thank you for being you - warm generous friend and trailblazer of parallel cinema plus Foodie,” Shabana tweeted.

“Have always called #Shyam Benegal my reluctant Guru. He has in every way shaped my choices but is shy 2 accept it and prefers to be my friend,” she added.

The actress, who believes that art should be used as an instrument for social change, has also worked with the director in movies like “Hari-Bhari”, “Antarnaad” and “Mandi”.
On the 80th birthday of director Shyam Benegal Sunday, veteran actress-social activist Shabana Azmi says the “reluctant guru” has influenced her choices.

She made her debut in 1974 with Benegal’s "Ankur" and thanked him for being a “generous friend”.

“Happy birthday to my guru mentor #Shyam Benegal. Thank you for being you - warm generous friend and trailblazer of parallel cinema plus Foodie,” Shabana tweeted.

“Have always called #Shyam Benegal my reluctant Guru. He has in every way shaped my choices but is shy 2 accept it and prefers to be my friend,” she added.

The actress, who believes that art should be used as an instrument for social change, has also worked with the director in movies like “Hari-Bhari”, “Antarnaad” and “Mandi”.

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Reliance Capital to cut debt by Rs.700 crore with multiplexes sale

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Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital Monday said it is selling its multiplex business to the hospitality-to-realty major Carnival Cinemas in a transaction that will reduce its overall debt by around Rs.700 crore.

The deal will also catapult Carnival Cinemas, which has more than 50 screens with plans for 75 more in the country in the next two months, as the third top multiplex player in the country, a statement by Reliance Capital said.

The Reliance Group, which has some 250 "Big Cinemas" screens across India under its entertainment arm Reliance MediaWorks, has the option to acquire a minority stakle in Carnival Cinemas at a discount, prior to an initial public offer by the company.

The deal excludes the real estate owned by Reliance MediaWorks at various locations and the group intends to leverage them separately to monetise them at an approximate value of Rs.200 crore, the statement added.

"The transaction is in furtherance of Reliance Capital's stated objective of focusing purely on its core financial services businesses, significantly reducing exposures to non-core investments in media and entertainment sector," CEO Sam Ghosh said.

Carnival Group chairman Shrikant Bhasi, a first-generation entrepreneur based out of this commercial and entertainment capital of India, said his group was targeting some 1,000 screens by 2017 and will work with Reliance Group in this regard.

"We are serious about exhibition business and moving in an organic way also. Carnival Cinemas will not only make their presence in Tier I but also lay emphasis for strong presence across Tier II and Tier III cities," Bhasi said.

"We want to make cinemas synonymous to Carnival."

The two groups propose to close the deal by the year-end and have KPMG as advisors.

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A New Year calendar with film posters of yesteryear

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A 2015 calendar exhibiting never-before-seen posters of some of the first Indian films is scheduled to be launched by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Monday.

Titled "The Beginnings of Indian Cinema", the calendar features posters of films such as Ardeshir Irani's "Alam Ara", Indian cinema's first talkie; "Kisan Kanya" (1937), the first Indian colour film; and "King of Ayodhya" (Ayodhyecha Raja), the first Marathi talkie directed by legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram in 1932.

"King of Ayodhya" is also credited to be the first double version talkie of Indian cinema, having also been made in Hindi simultaneously.

"We are very passionate about cinema and want the world to see these rare gems. It is fascinating to see how the artwork of film posters has changed so dramatically within a century," said Sunil Bohra, who has commissioned the calendar for Indian Film Information, a Bollywood-centric portal.

"What better way to appreciate the artistry of these posters than through a calendar which is in front of your eyes throughout the year? Since the New Year is around the corner, this is the best time to launch it," Bohra added.

Other film posters in the calendar include other V. Shantaram films like "Aadmi" and his Hindi-Marathi bilingual "Duniya Na Mane", classics such as "Devika Rani", Ashok Kumar-starrer "Achhut Kannya" (Untouchable Maiden) directed by Franz Osten and P.C. Barua's Devdas, among others

Although not for sale, anyone can acquire it by placing a request through the website http://www.indianfilminformation.com/.

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Dia supports NGO to make rural 'cool'

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Actress and producer Dia Mirza is set to support 'Rural Is Cool' -- an initiative by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala's Swades Foundation -- to raise funds for the sake of educational and sanitation facilities for residents of the country's rural areas.

Both Zarina and Dia will walk the dream run at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2015 to raise funds. Dia has pledged her support for the cause and has taken the initiative to ask people to come forth and be supportive of this intent.

"The very distinct goals of Swades Foundation and the effort being made to achieve these goals is admirable and inspiring. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be an active participant in achieving these goals, and I hope that we can together draw more people into our mission objective," the former beauty queen said in a statement.

To be held Jan 18, 2015, the Mumbai Marathon is an inspirational annual event where people from varied walks of life come together in unison to celebrate the spirit of Mumbai.

While doing so, there are those who share this spirit while drawing attention towards a noble and pressing cause. Many notable names from varied industries come forth to cheer and participate in the annual marathon while pledging their support to a cause they sincerely believe in.

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Life has been a fairytale: Ritu Beri on 25 years in fashion

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Ritu Beri, often called India's 'Fashion Queen', has completed 25 years in the fashion industry. The designer says her life has been a "fairytale" and beyond her dreams and now she is keen to write "inspirational books".

The designer, who was among the first Indians to storm the catwalks of Paris more than two decades ago, was recently bestowed the 'Order of Civil Merit', a civilian award by the Spanish government, at the Embassy of Spain in the capital.

Ritu, whose designs have been worn by celebrities like former US president Bill Clinton, Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Andie McDowell, India's Madhuri Dixit and Preity Zinta and Prince Charles among others, said that such awards were beyond her dreams.

"It is a great honour for me to get honoured by the country (Spain) that has always been an inspiration to me. This is certainly life's full circle moment," Ritu told IANS in the email interview.

Spain has always been her muse in most of her collections, even in her very first collection titled "Blessings of Buddha".

The Delhi-born fashion mogul was honoured by Spanish Ambassador to India Gustavo de Aristegui on behalf of Spanish monarch Felipe VI and by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Ritu, who is a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) alumnus, was conferred with the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of the highest civilian awards by the French government, in 2010.

"I am so overwhelmed that I could never imagine I would feel like what I'm feeling today," said the designer who is married to Bobby Chadha. The couple has a daughter.

"My life has actually been a fairytale, I have always had crazy dreams. I'm a huge dreamer. But these particular awards were beyond my dreams. I never dreamt this could be ever possible. But it's a great honour and responsibility, which I have been conferred with."

Ritu has designed for many celebrities, but she has no favourites.

"Each client is important and I treat them all equally special," she told IANS.

Katie Holmes, Jerry Hall, Laetita Casta, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, and Rani Mukerji too have worn her label.

Ritu, the first Asian to head French fashion house Jean Louis Scherrer, says she has "been lucky to experience the world of fashion in India and abroad".

She completed 25 years in the fashion industry in December.

"Today I have come a full circle and know what I should do and more importantly what not to do. The past 25 years I have chased my dreams and worked on ambitious projects," she said.

Often called "Donatella Versace of India" and the "First Lady of fashion" in the country, Ritu has also designed for the Barbie doll, and has been a consultant for London's Harrods store, as well as various international brands like Volvo, Swarovski and Honda Motors.

Even after spending over two decdes in the industry, Ritu says: "I still love my work and enjoy fashion immensely."

Asked about her upcoming projects, she said: "I enjoy most doing challenging projects that are out of the box.

"I am negotiating tie-ups with certain international brands and hopefully interesting stuff will happen soon."

She adds she likes to "explore impossibilities and work in an inspired mode" only to satisfy herself and her passion.

Ritu said she also dreams of writing "many inspirational books".

"More than anything else, I am deeply involved in charity for children, the Blessed Heart Foundation that works to improve and uplift the condition of less fortunate children," she said.

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No awards for 'Gangaajal', 'Lagaan' left Yashpal disappointed

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Yashpal Sharma, known for movies like “GangaaJal”, “Lagaan” and “Ab Tak Chhappan”, says he was disappointed when he didn’t get any awards for the films.

“I was very disappointed when I didn't get any awards for ‘GangaaJal’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Apharan’ and ‘Ab Tak Chhapan’,” he said in a statement.

Recently, the actor bagged the trophy for the Sabse Achi Dosti category at Zee Rishtey Awards for his role as Bhagwan Das in his TV show "Neeli Chhatri Waale". He is delighted.

“It will always remain close to my heart as it’s my first award so far,” he added.

His portrayal of the hassled common man helped him clinch an award at the ceremony along with his co-star Himanshu Soni, who plays Lord Shivaye in the show.

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'Meet the Patels' is now 'Solid Patels'

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Filmmaker Saurabh Varma's "Meet The Patels" has been renamed "Solid Patels" to avoid clashing with a US-based documentary film with the same title.

The title has been changed after US-based company Billion Pictures, which has produced an eponymous documentary, sent a legal communication to Indian production banner Krian Media.

When asked about it, Varma said: "We are legally sorted as our title is registered with IFTPC (Indian Film and TV Producers Council), but we have chosen to change it voluntarily. We actually consider this notice as a compliment because this indicates that there is awareness about our film.

"The new title 'Solid Patels' captures the quirkiness and madness of our film."

The movie features Shiv Pandit, Shazahn Padamsee, Ketan Singh and Vaishali Desai.

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Amala Akkineni roped in for cameo in Bollywood film

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Actress Amala Akkineni, wife of Telugu superstar Nagarjuna, will feature in a cameo in Mohit Suri's "Humari Adhuri Kahani", revealed the film's producer Mahesh Bhatt.

"Timeless Beauty. Amala Akkineni makes a special appearance in our love saga - 'Humari Adhuri Kahani'," Bhatt tweeted Monday.

Amala has been a popular actress of Tamil and Telugu films, having starred in entertainers like "Shiva", "Satya", "Pushpak" and "Nirnayam".

Made under the Vishesh Films banner, the key cast members of "Humari Adhuri Kahani" include Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi and Rajkumarr Rao. It is likely to release in June 2015.

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Ileana D'Cruz opens new store of Footin India

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Bollywood actress Ileana D'Cruz Monday opened a new store of footwear brand Footin India at The Great India Place Mall here. She said that it's amazing to see such fashionable and exquisite pieces being offered at such affordable prices.

The international brand entered the country in 2011 with the objective of offering fashionable and affordable footwear to consumers looking for the latest trends and styles. The brand now has over 39 stores across 24 cities.

The "Main Tera Hero" fame actress said: "It's mesmerising to see such fashionable and exquisite pieces being offered at such affordable prices."

"The brand clearly focuses on the youth of today from its extensive catalogue. My personal favourites are the studded ankle length boots and solid colour gladiators," she added.

Ileana was joined by Thomas G. Bata, the chairman of Bata Shoe Organisation and Rajeev Gopalakrishnan, the group managing director South Asia.

Spread over a 1200 square feet area, the new store offers an extensive range of the brand's stylish and trendy collection across footwear and accessories for men and women.

Footin also has stores in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

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Sadhana on road to recovery post surgery

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Veteran actress Sadhana, who underwent a surgery recently, is on the road to recovery and is likely to be discharged from the hospital in a week, said a source.

"She is recovering and should get discharged in a week's time," a source aware of the developments in the 73-year-old's health, told IANS.

Sadhana, who rose to fame with her roles in films like "Love In Simla", "Mere Mehboob", "Mera Saaya" and "Waqt", is said to have undergone surgery for a bleeding oral lesion Dec 10.

She is currently being treated at the Asian Institute of Oncology (AIO), a unit of K.J. Somaiya Hospital, Chunabhati here.

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Ayushmann launches X5Max, says it gels well with his personality

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Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana Monday launched the world's slimmest smartphone X5Max, alongside four other trendy handsets made by global brand manufacturer Vivo. He said the "young brand" goes well with his personality.

The brand targets youngsters looking for change in mobile technology.

Talking about his association with the brand, the "Vicky Donor" fame actor said: "Being a young brand it goes with my personality very well."

"Everybody want's a gadget that is sleek, good looking and has some unique features. They are going with the ideology of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modiji - 'Make in India'. They are manufacturing their products in India itself," Ayushmann told IANS.

"Vivo has two sub codes - hi-fi and smart. Their phones are high on sound, high on video production. I am an audio-visual person. Being photogenic, I would love to be captured by its best-ever camera resolution," he added.

During the event at the Oberoi Hotel here , the brand introduced its 4.75mm sleek smart phone (X5Max) using a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle).

Talking about the features of the phone, Shen Wei, global CEO, vivo, said: "We introduced X1 (6.55mm), the world's slimmest smartphone in 2012. Then we launched X3 (5.75mm) in 2013, which was the slimmest in that year. Now we are feeling proud to introduce 2014's slimmest smartphone X5Max, that too specially in India."

The products will be promoted in India in a joint venture with entertainment network Viacom18, with whom Vivo has formed a strategic marketing and communication partnership using its various channels.

"We are operating our business in three segments - channels, films and live entertainment. Our partnership with Vivo is based upon shared values," said Sudhanshu Vats, group CEO, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

"As advertising becomes the crucial part in brand promotion, we are going to provide them a platform to publicise their products using our channels that are being watched by 100 million viewers," he added.

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Gurmeet promises wife Debina 'cameo in all my films'

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Actor Gurmeet Choudhary has promised his wife Debina Bonnerjee a cameo in all his films, including his debut "Khamoshiyan".

Debina has a special appearance in the Mahesh Bhatt production, which falls in the supernatural musical genre.

"She will make an appearance in all my films. I have promised her that," Gurmeet, who has earlier worked with Debina in "Ramayan", said in a statement.

The character that the actress essays in the movie is a secret for now, but it will be unravelled when the film hits the screens Jan 30, next year.

"Khamoshiyan" narrates the story of a young novelist Kabir (Ali Fazal), a one-book wonder who's on an inspirational journey to find himself and to write his book. Things go eerie and awry when he meets a young and beautiful lady Meera (Sapna Pabbi).

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John wants to open facility for ailing underprivileged children

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Actor-producer John Abraham says he wants to fulfil his mother's desire and build a facility for the treatment of underprivileged children suffering from cancer.

John's mother has been associated with charity work for a long time, especially in aid of cancer patients.

"My mom has been taking care of children suffering from cancer for the past 15 or 17 years. Her dream is to start our own facility where children, who can't afford can be given cancer treatment," he said.

"If Make-A-Wish Foundation or Charities Aid Foundation or Amazon can also put their heads together and facilitate this cause, it will be good," said the 41-year-old at a Christmas event for the underprivileged and cancer-struck children here Monday.

As part for the Gift a Smile program, an event organised by online shopping destination Amazon.in in association with Charities Aid Foundation India, John distributed gifts to children.

He also said that whenever he is required for a social cause, he will be there.

"The last place I go is award ceremony, so I would like to be present for such causes," said John.

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Sachiin Joshi roped in for 'Haunting Of Bombay Mills'

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Actor-producer Sachiin Joshi, who was last seen in film "Jackpot", will now be seen in Ayush Raina's horror movie "Haunting Of Bombay Mills".

"Haunting of Bombay Mills" is said to be a gripping story inspired by real life incidents bordering the supernatural. It has been written by Prawal Raman.

Sachiin, who has always produced all his films including "Azaan", "Mumbai Mirror" and "Jackpot", says he was surprised when someone approached him just to act in a film.

"For the first time, I will not take decisions, but instructions. I was pleasantly surprised that someone came to me with a script and asked me only to be an actor. I have already been just an actor in the Telugu remake of 'Aashiqui 2'," Sachiin said.

To be directed by Ayush Raina, "Haunting At Bombay Mills" will feature Kainat Arora, Feryna Wazheir and Nandu Madhav.

Talking about Sachiin's role, Raina said: "Suraj Wadhwa is a flamboyant rich businessman flanked by bodyguards, and who lives life king size. We saw Suraj in Sachiin and offered him the role pronto. To our surprise, he immediately agreed."

"Haunting Of Bombay Mills" is a Hindi Telugu bilingual film.

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Kamal Haasan wishes guru Balachander speedy recovery

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Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan has wished his guru K. Balachander, who has been hospitalised due to fever and some age-related ailments, a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the veteran filmmaker's health is improving, doctors have said.

Balachander, 84, was admitted to Cauvery Hospital here Monday.

Haasan is currently busy with the post-production work of Tamil film "Uttama Villain" in Los Angeles.

"KB sir recently asked me to complete 'Uttama Villain' as quickly as possible. He said he'd like to watch it before he goes away. I could understand his eagerness in watching the film. When I heard that he was critical, I quickly rang up his manager," Kamal said in a video.

Balachander's manager informed Haasan that the auteur was conscious, but hasn't spoken to anybody in the last few days.

"When I spoke to KB sir, he replied in his faint voice. I informed him that I will visit him as soon as I return after completing the post-production work. I didn't understand a word of what he spoke for the next few minutes," he said.

Although Kamal wants to return immediately, he said: "KB sir wouldn't like it if I leave the job incomplete and come back. My only concern is if I can complete the film, I can show it to him.

"I wish he wakes up and joins us soon."

Haasan and Balachander have worked together in over 40 films.

Meanwhile, doctors at Cauvery Hospital have confirmed that Balachander is responding positively to the treatment.

"He is better now. He has shown slight improvement to the treatment. We have still kept him under observation," a hospital source told IANS.

On Monday, Rajinikanth, Mohan Raman, Khushbu and a few other actors rushed to the hospital after learning about the filmmaker's health condition.

Rajinikanth said that Balachander "recognised and smiled" at him.

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Sonakshi happy with response to 'Lingaa'

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Actress Sonakshi Sinha is content and happy with the way her Tamil cinematic debut "Lingaa", starring the phenomenal Rajinikanth, has been received by the audience.

"So happy to see #Lingaa doing so well!!! And thank u all for the amazing response to my work! Couldn't be happier," the actress, who's now looking forward to the release of her Hindi movie "Tevar", posted on Twitter Tuesday.

Sonakshi has earlier said she doesn't want "Lingaa" to a one-off film in her career as she's keen to find more work in the southern film industry, which she finds to be "content-rich".

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Sanjay Gupta charged up for 'Jazbaa'

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Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta will soon begin work on his ambitious project "Jazbaa", starring biggies like Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan, and he says he's getting charged up with each passing day.

"As the JAZBAA start date draws closer I wake up each morning a little more charged than the one before. No high like work," Gupta tweeted Tuesday.

"Jazbaa", which promises to be former beauty queen Aishwarya's first full-fledged action film, is also uniting Gupta and veteran actor Anupam Kher after 19 years.

Gupta, a bike enthusiast, who is also known for entertainers like "Kaante" and "Zinda", feels the Hindi film industry is currently going through a phase where filmmakers are re-evaluating the state of filmdom.

"With all the duds I feel filmmakers are finally re-evaluating the greater need for better scripts and the futile dependency on stars," he added.

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Big B excited to 'roar' for Chennaiyin FC

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Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, a sports buff, is upbeat about cheering his son Abhishek's Indian Super League (ISL) team Chennaiyin FC in the second leg of the semi-final play-off against Kerala Blasters FC in Chennai Tuesday.

The 72-year-old also wants a huge crowd to 'roar' at the stadium.

"COME ONNNN!!!! #ChennaiyinFC...this evening be there at the Stadium to RRROOOOOOAAARRR!! I will be there!! WIN to FINALS! #CHENNAIYINFC MUST WIN BY 4 GOALS ..!!! Come onnnn ..!! we can do it .. Will be there in Chennai to ROAR this evening," he tweeted.

Chennaiyin FC face the daunting task of overturning a formidable 0-3 defeat in the play-off.

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