After making the masses dance to their hit numbers, singer Mika Singh and composer Anu Malik will be seen showing off their cookery skills on TV show “Farah Ki Daawat”.

The duo shot for an episode of the food-based chat show, to be hosted by filmmaker Farah Khan, on Friday, said a source.

Actors like Abhishek Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood have already treated the “Happy New Year” director by laying out sumptuous meals.

Bollywood couple Genelia D'Souza and Riteish Deshmukh will also be seen on "Farah Ki Daawat”, which will be aired on Colors channel starting Sunday.

Nana Patekar, who acted in the 2004 thriller "Ab Tak Chhappan" and its sequel, says he will direct the film's third part and will spend "more money on it".

"I will direct the third part of "Ab Tak Chhappan"," said Nana, who had earlier directed Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Prahaar: The Final Attack".

"It will be shot in France and Istanbul, most probably. We have decided the basic structure of the third part," he added.

He also shared that the third part would be costlier than the first two parts.

"It will be a good thriller...a 'Die Hard' kind of a project. We will spend little more money on it," the actor-filmmaker said.

"Also some nice people (big actors) will be there in the third part," he added.

"Ab Tak Chhappan 2", directed by Aejaz Gulab, is set to release Feb 27. It also features Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana and Vikram Gokhale.

Actress Radhika Apte says she is thrilled to be a part of an untitled international project which has brought together seven directors from across the globe to make an ensemble of short films.

"I am very keen on doing more international work so when this opportunity presented itself, I was more than thrilled,” Radhika said in a statement.

All the films in MTV International's project will be based on a common theme - forbidden love.

In the project, Radhika will be a part of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's film, who is representing India in the bunch of directors. She will be seen opposite Satyadeep Mishra.

The actress, who has earlier worked with Kashyap in film “Hunterrr", says a challenge has also come along with the role in the crossover film.

“I have worked with Anurag before and I am extremely fond of his work. This is a very prestigious project. The part is also very challenging. I am very happy and feel grateful that I was cast for this," she added.

Meanwhile, Radhika's action-thriller "Badlapur", which released Friday, has generated quite a buzz and is receiving rave reviews from all quarters.

"Badlapur" also stars Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam, Divya Dutta and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles.

Actors Sugandha Garg and Arjun Mathur, who previously starred in Karan Johar's film "My Name Is Khan", are reuniting after five years in the romantic film "Coffee Bloom". Although the duo are not friends, Sugandha says they are "extremely comfortable" working with each other.

The two first met on the sets of "My Name Is Khan" and bonded after they went for skydiving together.

"While shooting for 'My Name is Khan', Arjun and I had gone skydiving together in California which was a fantastic experience. Since it was our first time and it is considered something of a rite of passage, the sport brought us even closer.

"We may not be friends but we are extremely comfortable with and close to each other," Sugandha said in a statement.

"Coffee Bloom", which will release March 6, tells the story of Dev Anand (played by Arjun), who is a self proclaimed wise man and has given up on life as a result of a love gone wrong.

A life changing event takes him on a journey to a coffee plantation. There he meets Anika (essayed by Sugandha), his long lost love, currently his boss. Thereafter, Dev finds a new reason to live.

The film also stars Mohan Kapoor and Ishwari Bose in pivotal roles.

Actor-producer John Abraham, also brand ambassador for Skybags, is on a look-out for a creative designer for the next collection of the luggage brand under a digital campaign called "The Skybags Canvas Project". He says he is excited to witness myriad ideas with vibrancy.

"I am excited to partake in this fantastic online initiative. 'The Skybags Canvas Project' is a terrific way for people to engage with the brand and I’m eager to see what vibrant and bold prints along with creative designs the participants come up with,” John said in a statement.

The activity is an online competition for anyone creatively inclined to design a vibrant pattern for a new collection of luggage from Skybags.

Contestants need to upload their entries on site -- www.skybags.co.in -- or on Facebook and generate maximum ‘likes’ from their friends and followers on social media until Feb 28. The campaign started Friday.

All entries will be personally reviewed by John and Vasant Dewaji, vice-president - Design and Development, VIP Industries.

The winner will also win a two-wheeler, while the runner-up will bag a domestic holiday package for two.

Actor Prajin will romance seven heroines in an upcoming Tamil thriller "Mirantavan", which is said to portray an incident inspired from real-life events in an honest manner.

"By focusing on a real incident, the film will teach audiences to be wary of things that happen around them in a society. The plot revolves around a real life blackmail story," film's director Murali Krishna said in a statement.

Prajin is paired with Manochitra in the film, while Saruna, Anju Gowda, Swathi, Savera, Aishwarya and Jency will also be essaying important roles.

Jinna and Mahendran will also be seen in crucial roles.

The film is being filmed in the jungles of Chennai, Pondicherry, Trichy and Kerala.

Director S.N. Sakthivel says stuntman-turned-comedian Rajendran, who plays an important role in upcoming Tamil comedy "Ivanuku Thannila Gandam", is a big asset for the film.

"Since the inception of the story, I wanted Rajendran to play this particular role in my film. Contrary to his previous appearances, Rajendran plays a full-length role in the film and helps the narration to move forward. He's a big asset of our film," Sakthivel told IANS.

"The film's teaser, which was unveiled last week, has garnered great response because of his presence in it," he said.

Rajendran's performance in Tamil horror-comedy "Darling", which released last month, catapulted him to the big league of comedians.

Sakthivel says Rajendran is hard worker.

"In one of the shots, he got his legs cramped while jumping from the tree with a heavy gun. But the former stunt man swiftly turned up and called for a retake," he added.

The film, which also stars Deepak and Neha Ratnakar, is gearing up for release soon.

Popular Telugu filmmaker Puri Jagannadh's son Akash Puri, who is 17-years old, says upcoming Telugu romantic-drama "Andhra Pori" perfectly suits his age. He also says it's a film he could be proud of.

"Andhra Poria is the remake of Marathi film "Time Pass".

"I had told my father that I'd become an actor at 20 or 21 but when he came across this script, he felt I should do it. When I heard the script, I thought it perfectly suits my age and I could do it. It's a role I can play at my age," Akash told IANS.

Talking about the film, he said it's a "teenage love story".

"There are absolutely no kissing or hugging scenes. The romance is very innocent; hence there was no need for any such scenes," he said.

Akash, who has so far played the younger version of actors such as Mahesh Babu and Pawan Kalyan, says he is in no hurry to sign more films.

"I'm in class XI now. I want to concentrate on completing my education first. I hope I don't come across any good scripts. For this project, I took special permission and underwent workshop while preparing for my role," he said.

Directed by Raj Mudiraju, the film also stars Ulka Gagan Gupta of popular TV show "Jhansi Ki Rani" fame.

Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj will start shooting his next Tamil project "Iraivi" from April. It features an ensemble cast of S.J Suryah, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha and Karunakaran.

"The movie is in pre-production stage with plans to go on floors by April end. While Suryah, Vijay and Simha appear in lead roles, Karunakaran will be seen essaying a supportive role. The female leads are yet to be finalised," read a statement from production house Thirukumaran Entertainment.

"Iraivia is Karthik's third venture after critically acclaimed films "Pizza" and "Jigarthanda".

Karthik has opted to work with the same technical crew that worked in his last directorial.

"Iraivia" also marks Karthik's third project under Thirukumaran Entertainment's banner.

The much anticipated sequel in the "Avengers" franchise, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" is all set to hit Indian theatres April 24 in 3D, a week before its release in the US.

With the Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions releasing simultaneously along with the English version, the film is touted to be the biggest blockbuster this summer, read a statement.

In the film, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans will reprise their roles as Thor, Black Widow and Captain America, respectively.

The audiences will be treated to nail-biting action with the addition of Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), two more superheroes to the star studded franchise.

Directed by Joss Whedon, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" will hit theatres in the US May 1.

Choreographer-actor Ganesh Acharya, who is busy promoting his film "Hey Bro", says he will never make a sex comedy.

Asked if would ever want to make a sex comedy, Ganesh told IANS: "No, never, I will never make a sex comedy."

"I want to make films for kids and keep the culture of our country in mind. I believe in good relation and my relationship with my mother, father, wife is very strong so they should enjoy and be comfortable watching my film," he added.

"Hey Bro" revolves around two brothers, Gopi and Shiv.

Directed by Ajay Chandhok and produced by Vidhi Acharya, the action comedy features Ganesh, Maninder and Nupur Sharma in lead roles.

Ganesh also feels these days being a choreographer is more challenging.

"It has become more challenging a and difficult for choreographers. Now choreographers has to think about the costume, lighting everything but earlier things were not the same," he said.

Producer Maneesh Sharma, who is now busy promoting his forthcoming venture “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, says he has a three film deal with Yash Raj Films.

It was reported that Sharma will co-produce Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Fan” alongwith Aditya Chopra but he has different story to tell.

"No, 'Fan' is not a co-production. I have a three film deal as a producer with YRF now. Also, more creative producers will be coming through as and when Aditya wants,” said Sharma.

Directed by Sharat Katariya, “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” features Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles.

Sharma says the film has very exciting story.

"It's a very strong script and an exciting story. I think this film will find relatability with all kinds of people across ages. After a long time this film is for all ages,” said the producer.

Basking in the success of Jr. NTR-starrer Telugu action-drama "Temper", its writer Vakkantham Vamsi says direction has been on his mind for quite some time and if all goes planned, he may wield the megaphone soon.

"Even before 'Temper', I was directing a film with Jr. NTR. For some reasons, it got postponed. But the project has not been shelved. I intend to discuss with NTR soon and the fate of the film relies on his reply," Vamsi told IANS.

In the past, Vamsi has penned stories of Jr. NTR's films such as "Ashok" and "Oosaravelli". Unfortunately, both sank.

"I was under immense pressure when I was writing 'Temper'. I didn't want it to fail like my last two films with Jr. NTR. I'm delighted the film has turned out to be a blockbuster," he said.

Directed by Puri Jagannadh and co-starring Kajal Aggarwal, "Temper" has minted over Rs. 40 crore worldwide in its first week.

Vamsi says Jr. NTR picked his script over Puri's.

"Initially, Puri sir had a subject but Jr. NTR chose my script and it was eventually made as 'Temper'. By choosing my script, Jr. NTR made me even more nervous and I prayed for the film to do well," he added.

Vamsi has also penned the story of Telugu action-comedy "Kick 2", which is currently on the floors.

Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan, who has four back-to-back hits in his kitty, says it's unfair for him to be compared with superstar Rajinikanth. He also says he has no desire to get into his shoes or be called his successor.

"It's unfair to compare me with legends like Rajini sir. I've heard comments that I resemble him in some of my movie posters and I can only feel happy about it. But I've never tried to take his position or imagine to be his successor," Sivakarthikeyan told IANS in an interview.

"It's like comparing Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar. No matter how well any player plays, nobody can replace Sachin, and we all know that," he said, and added: "I don't even like to be compared with my contemporaries".

Siva believes in self-comparison and setting the bar with every film.

Talking about the dream run he's enjoying with multiple hits, he said: "I think audiences gave me these hits and not the other way around. I never claim my films will be loved by viewers one hundred percent, but as the percentage increases, so does the success ratio of my films and it goes from a hit to a blockbuster".

He credits the success of his last four hits to the audiences and the teams he's worked with.

"I think success of any film boils down to a good team. When I team up with Anirudh or Imman, thanks to their tunes, audiences come to watch my films. Similarly, a good cinematographer ensures I look good on screen," said Siva, who has hits such as "Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga", "Varutha Padatha Valibar Sangam", "Ethir Neechal" and "Maan Karate".

All the four films were high on comedy. He says he consciously chose such films because of his television background.

"I came from television to cinema with the comedy tag, and, therefore, I had to be conscious about the kind of films I chose to do. I wanted to check if audiences would give me the same kind of response on silver screen too. My next film 'Kaaki Sattai' is more serious than all my previous films, but it's laced with comedy too. I want my transition to other kind of roles to be very gradual," he said.

Siva said television experience taught him to "act with spontaneity" and not worry about "losing limelight while sharing screen space with other actors".

He also pointed out that the percentage of comedy in films has varied from one to another.

"If you take 'Kedi Billa...', the last 15 minutes are highly emotional. In Ethir Neechal, the second half shifts gears and tries to inspire audiences, while 'Varutha Padatha...' is an out-and-out entertainer. After these three films, audiences expected me to do something more colourful and stylish. They wanted to see me dance in exotic locations and that's why I did 'Maan Karate'," he added.

Siva started his career in a brief role in Dhanush-starrer Tamil romantic-drama "3". He never thought he was hero material.

"My initial perception about myself before I started acting was limited to comic roles and playing hero's friend. I even did films such as 'Marina' and 'Manam Kothi Paravai' with that perception. I never wished to see myself in any particular role and assumed it'd be safe if I play a hero's friend as I'd get to feature throughout a film," he said.

But the directors, producers and audiences willed otherwise for Siva.

"I feel they chose and entrusted me with the opportunity to play lead characters in 'Ethir Neechal' and 'Maan Karate'," he added.

Sivakarthikeyan's Tamil actioner "Kaaki Sattai" is slated for Feb 27 release.

Filmmaker Maruthi, whose last Telugu directorial "Kotha Janta" hit the bull's eye, will team up next with actor Nani in a yet-untitled film in the language. The project will be produced by UV Creations.

"Maruthi's project is expected to go on floors soon. They're busy finalising the title and rest of the cast. UV Creations will be producing the film and it's most likely going to be Nani's big release this year," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

"Andala Rakshasi" fame Lavanya Tripathi has been paired with Nani.

Nani is currently busy promoting his next release "Yevade Subramanyam". He also has another yet-untitled project in his kitty.

Ram Gopal Varma's next Telugu directorial "Golusu", which went on floors Saturday, marks the reunion of the auteur with actor Jagapathi Babu after two decades.

"The two had collaborated earlier in 1993 Telugu hit 'Gaayam'. Their reunion has already created quite a buzz in the trade," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

"This project was on cards for a while now. It has finally gone on floors. Actor Manchu Manoj, who plays the lead, will also be producing it under his home banner," said the source.

Actress Surabhi, last seen in Telugu comedy "Beeruva", has been roped in as female lead.

The rest of the cast will be finalised soon.

Polish cinematographer Artur Zurawski, the director of photography of Rani Mukerji-starrer “Mardani”, is all praise for the actress. He says she went out of her way to make him feel comfortable while working on the 2014 film, which revolves around human trafficking.

"If I had full satisfaction of work while shooting 'Mardani' for Yash Raj Films last year, I owe my success to Rani Mukerji who went out of her way to make me comfortable while working in unfamiliar surroundings," Zurawski told IANS.

"I had taken a big risk to work for a Bollywood commercial without knowing the nitty-gritty or work ethics. The experience turned out to be a great job satisfaction. For me, the script is very important,” he added.

He also said that Pradeep Sarkar, director of the film in which Rani is seen as a brave woman police officer, was also cooperative.

“Both Rani and director Pradeep Sarkar turned out to be very cooperative and sympathetic. Rani used to create a peaceful atmosphere for me to understand the nuances of the scene. I was not used to working on the sets with 50 or 60 people around me.

“Rani saw that a congenial atmosphere is a must for the cinematographer to shoot. Normally, she used to utter this word 'Silence' to start the work," he said.

The film was screened at the prestigious Muranow theatre in Poland in January and Zurawski again got an opportunity to meet her.

"Though Rani is very professional to the core, she is very humane. Last month again I had a chance to interact with her when she came to Warsaw for the release of ‘Mardani’ in Poland. She gave me ample time to take her still pictures in various places in Warsaw. The result is simply awesome and I have sent her the album,” said Zurawski, who is in his early 40s.

In fact, he believes that Rani has it all to feature in western movies.

"Rani has the potential to work in western movies and she is looking for it. During her visit to Poland she clearly indicated her desire and asked Polish writers to find a good story for her. She is very keen to work in good movies rather than masala films,” Zurawski added.

The ace cinematographer has been mostly associated with documentaries like “Life to Live” and "On the Road", and he is again interested to work for Bollywood provided there is a proper script.

"Time has come that Bollywood should go for serious movies if they want to impress the audience at a global level. Unfortunately, Bollywood is an industry that sells unrealistic dreams and even people with sufficient amount of money make ordinary movies.

“Their economy is different and they don't want to take a chance to make good films. They should work more on their screenplays and, if need be, they should interact with western screenplay writers. It is not a sin to take inputs from experienced western screenplay writers,” he said.

Regarding his future collaboration with Bollywood, he said: "I am keen to work, but I need a proper screenplay. I don't want to work for money's sake only. Plus, I have two small children and I can't remain away from them for long. Next time, I would like to take them to India along with my wife."

Zurawski is also highly impressed by the film's producer Aditya Chopra's professionalism.

"He is all the time very focussed and he remembers all the details. He has a fantastic memory. No doubt he is very successful in producing good and clean movies. His hunt for good talent is always there. Normally, he has very good teams for his films. Aditya is shy of publicity, but his passion for hard work is amazing. Bollywood is fortunate that it has men like Aditya,” said Zurawski.

These days his good friend, Pawel Dyllus from Poland is shooting for a Bollywood film.

"There are many talented Polish cinematographers who are also interested in working in Hindi film industry. This is a technical line and despite the language difference, we can still communicate with the help of our cameras," said Zurawski.

Veteran Telugu actor and former union minister U.V. Krishnam Raju was hospitalised here for treatment of a heart ailment. He underwent angioplasty and his condition is now stable, doctors said.

The 75-year-old underwent the surgery Saturday at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here.

"Doctors found blockage in his heart and angioplasty was performed. The doctors have confirmed that he is out of danger. He will be discharged today or tomorrow," the actor's manager told IANS.

The surgery was performed under the supervision of cardiology head Dr. Seshagiri Rao.

Krishnam Raju has more than 100 films to his credit in a career spanning over four decades.

Some of his best films include "Chilaka Gorinka", "Bangaru Talli", "Bullet", "Iddaru Iddare" and "Rangoon Rowdy".

He is a former Lok Sabha member who represented Kakinada and Narsapur constituencies, respectively, in the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha. He served as minister of state for external affairs from 1999 to 2004.

Popular Pakistani singer Atif Aslam and India's Mohit Chauhan spread the message of peace and love through their duet performance here Sunday.

Before crooning together at RED LiVE presents 'Asli Rockstars with Atif Aslam and Mohit Chauhan', Mohit, who changed his outfit thrice during the show, enthralled his fans by singing his hit tracks.

If he chose to sport a pair of jeans with red shirt, black jacket and his signature cap for the opening song "Jo bhi main" from "Rockstar", he soon switched to a white shirt, jeans and unbuttoned red velvet coat with a cap to perform "Pee loon" number.

After singing more hit tracks like "Masakali" and "Kuchh khaas", he was joined by "Rockstar" director Imtiaz Ali on the stage. Though the director did not say anything or sing a line, Mohit thanked him for giving a chance to work in his 2011 film.

"It's because of him (Imtiaz) that I got to sing these beautiful songs," said Mohit, who also performed "Sadda haq" and "Nadaan Parindey" from the Ranbir Kapoor starrer musical romantic drama.

He wrapped up his performance with high on energy song "Ilahi", another one from Ranbir's film "Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani".

About 15 minutes later, Atif, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, entered the stage singing "Hum kis gali".

Prior to his performance, he told reporters that when he was here in November quite a few fans, whom he fondly calls Aadeez, were disappointed as he sang mostly Bollywood numbers.

But with this gig, he must have managed to make all his fans happy as he performed songs from his albums like "Doorie" and "Jalpari" apart from popular Hindi film numbers like "Bakhuda tumhi ho" and his latest "Badlapur" track "Jeena jeena".

Before introducing Mohit on stage, Atif emphasised on how music binds countries by saying: "Sarhad ke iss paar ya uss paar, music toh ek hee hai. I would like to call Mohit on stage. Let's have a little 'jugalbandi' and spread the message of peace and love."

Donning a denim jacket, jeans, white shirt and a scarf with cap, Mohit soon joined Atif. He was all praise for the Pakistani artist.

"I love this guy and I love his songs," he said after giving a tight hug to the singer.

Then they both asked the audience which song should the two play.

"I heard this song for the first time when I was 18 and I fell in love with it. So, we will play an unplugged version of it," said Atif.

The duo then started singing "Dooba dooba" from 1990s when Mohit used to front the Silk Route band.

Since Atif, 31 now, got hooked to the song since his teen days, he sang it effortlessly.

But when it came to performing Atif's Bollywood song "Tera hone laga hoon", Mohit had to take little help from a sheet of paper. Nevertheless, he hit the right notes and left the audience mesmerised.

The duet performance was not the end of the concert.

Atif entertained audience with more songs, but as the clock struck 10 and police intervened.

When IANS asked a police official, he said: "Programmes here end by 10 p.m., so we had to intervene. But we discussed with the organisers, so gave them permission to continue for a few more minutes."

After the discussion, the singer came back on stage and said: "Thank you Gurgaon police for giving us permission to play two more songs."

He concluded with his "Jalpari" track "Aadat", which he always sings at the end of all his concerts.

And he thanked the audience for the "overwhelming response".

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam is likely to treat his fans with a new song on his 32nd birthday on March 12.

Known for being accessible to his fans whenever possible, Atif says he might do something special for his music lovers, whom he fondly calls Aadeez, on his forthcoming birthday.

“I will be taking calls from them and I might come out with a new song on my birthday,” Atif told IANS in a group interview at RED LiVE presents 'Asli Rockstars with Atif Aslam and Mohit Chauhan' here.

Prior to his concert Sunday, he shared that when he visited the city in November last year, a few fans were left disappointed as he crooned more Bollywood songs as compared to his album ones.

“We are given limited time so, we can’t do all the songs. But I will try to do more album songs tonight so that I can make them happy,” he said.

And the “Aadat” hitmaker, who last came out with his own album “Meri Kahani” in 2008, adhered to what he promised as he performed album tracks like “Yakeen”, “Doorie” and “Hum Kis Gali” apart from hit Bollywood songs like “Jeena jeena” and “Bakhuda tumhi ho".