A section of the Malayalam film industry has expressed its displeasure at firebrand Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan being appointed chairman of the state-owned Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).

Popular actor Maniyan Pillai Raju said he was shocked at Unnithan's appointment in place of Sabu Cherian.

"I'm stepping down from the board and will submit my resignation on Monday. I have nothing against Unnithan at all," Raju told reporters here on Saturday.

Among others who are likely to follow suit are cinematographer S. Kumar, director Shaji Kailas and actor-producer Siddique.

Minister for Cinema and Culture Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, however, said there has been no violation of rules in appointing the new chairman.

"In the past also, political personalities have been appointed to this post. Hence, there is nothing wrong in Unnithan's appointment."

KSFDC was established in 1975 with the prime objective of facilitating the production and promotion of Malayalam cinema which was then virtually monopolised by a few studios in and around Chennai.

Today it also has around 11 theatres. As is the rule the tenure for all state-owned boards and corporations is three years. When the present Oommen Chandy government assumed office, the cinema portfolio was handled by filmstar-turned-politician K.B. Ganesh Kumar and lots of eyebrows were raised when he arbitrarily appointed film personalities as heads of film bodies. But the buzz soon died down.

But today, things have changed as Kumar is no longer a minister and his party has been booted out of the ruling UDF alliance for breaching the basic tenants of political discipline while being an ally.

"The best that Raju should do is not to announce his resignation to TV channels. Instead, he should come and put in his papers to the minister. People are queuing up to become a board member. We wish to know what these people did when (CPI-M ideologue) P. Govinda Pillai was made the chairman a few years back. It's nothing but playing politics," new chairman Unnithan told IANS.

Unnithan, 62, is a hugely popular Congress leader for the TV channels in the state as he is known for his razor-sharp tongue. He shot into prominence at the height of the factional feud in the Congress in the early 2000s and he stood firmly with K. Karunakaran and his son K.Muraleedharan - but in 2004 he turned against the father-son duo.

Soon after splitting with Karunakaran, he found his way into the Malayalam filmdom and acted in a number of films, just because of his flowing dialogue delivery.

A popular actor, on condition of anonymity, told IANS that whenever the Congress government makes any changes, lot of voices are heard, but when the Left does it when it is in power, no protests are heard.

"Unnithan has all the qualities to be made a chairman and am I sure he will do a good job too," said the actor.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen celebrating Eid this year and next year, with the release of his upcoming films -- "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", starring Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan's "Raees".

The Eid season has always turned out to be lucky for Salman, and this year too, he has a film releasing during that time. "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", directed by Kabir Khan, is slated to release on July 17, just two days before Eid this year.

And Shah Rukh-starrer “Raees”, helmed by Rahul Dholakia, will release around the same festival next year.

Nawazuddin is the common pivotal factor between the two films, and if the box office performance of past movie releases around the festival, is anything to go by, it will be quite a bonanza for the actor.

Salman's films "Wanted", "Dabangg" and "Ek Tha Tiger" -- all box office blockbusters -- released on Eid.

Songstress Harshdeep Kaur has made her best friend Mankeet Singh her companion for life by marrying him in a hush-hush ceremony.

The “Kabira” singer took to social networking site Facebook to share the news.

“Got married to my Best Friend Mankeet Singh yesterday... Need your blessings,” read a post on her Facebook page on Saturday.

Other details of the matrimonial alliance, which took place on Friday, are still not known.

The 28-year-old also posted a photograph of herself along with the groom in the midst of the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony.

Harshdeep is seen as a ravishing bride in a light pink ensemble and tasteful jewellery, while her husband exudes elegance in a simple white sherwani.

The singer is also known for crooning "Katiya karoon" from "Rockstar” and "Heer" from "Jab Tak Hai Jaan".

An established name in the southern film world, Tamannaah Bhatia, who has had a tryst with Bollywood too, has now forayed into jewellery designing to take her father's legacy ahead.

She has launched her own jewellery line under a brand called called White and Gold.

"I'm very happy that I'm going to bring out (jewellery) for my fans, who enjoy the element of style in me in my films," Tamannaah told IANS on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week summer-resort 2015 (LFW) here.

Asked what pulled her into the jewellery designing business, she said: "My father has been in the jewellery business for many years and I have always watched him and spent time with him.

"I always feel that lucky are those pople who get a chance to take their passion as profession and turn into something more. I was lucky twice, I got that first with acting and I am doing it again now with jewellery."

However, the actress chose not to reveal the other details of her new creative pursuit. She said she will unveil it all at an official press launch soon.

Tamannaah, who seemed to be loving the buzz at the fashion week, also said she likes the "craziness" in her life.

"I like the hustle bustle and crazy things. I realise that slowing down is not my kind of taste. I like to go on fast pace and do whatever I can... that's the reason why I can manage to do so many things at one go -- whether it is Kollywood, Bollywood or now jewellery designing," she told IANS.

The actress was here to walk the LFW ramp for designer Payal Singhal, who has completed 15 years in the fashion industry.

The designer showcased a collection titled 'Palace of Mirrors', inspired by the Sheesh Mahal in Rajasthan's Amer Fort.

Giving her creative and modern interpretation of the intricate patterns and fine detailed mirror mosaic work from the walls of the palace, Singhal translated it effortlessly and beautifully on her creations.

She used fabrics like dupion silk, cotton, mul, tulle and silk organza for the quirky retro floral and geometric prints on creations like churidar-skirt, low crotch pants worn, mosaic mirror work choli, embroidered sharara pants, off-shoulder choli and lehenga.

Tamannaah flaunted a dupion silk choli, lehenga with zardozi and leather applique, and net dupatta. She appreciated the designer, and said that she finally understand what style truly is.

"I was working down south and when I came to Bollywood, it really took me long to understand that what kind of clothes I actually like to work and what kinds of clothes suit me. Slowly, I started venturing out and today after wearing her (Payal Singhal's) design, I know what style is.

"She knows how to bring that poise and grace in a woman without going overboard, and that's how I love to dress myself," said the actress.

Pointing out one aspect of Singhal's designing capability, she said: "Every actress wants to accentuate her best part, and garments sometimes overshadow that. But Payal outfit only brings out what the actual person is like."

So is there anyone in Bollywood whom she really appreciates for style?

Naming "Queen" famed Kangana Ranaut, Tamannaah said: "I love her transformation and I get inspired by that."

A unique initiative enabling participants to pitch their ideas, stories and concepts to various organisations shall be introduced at the upcoming FICCI Frames 2015, the three-day global media and entertainment convention starting here March 25, an official said here Saturday.

'Frame Ur Idea' is being introduced first time at FICCI Frames to provide those aspiring creative professionals to showcase their ideas to the industry, which in turn is on the lookout for that 'next big idea, story, script', according to Ashish Kulkarni, FICCI's Chairman, Animation, Gaming, Visual Effects and Gaming.

"'Frame Ur Idea' will support ideas for almost all mediums possible, be it feature films, documentaries , kids programming, animation, gaming, television series, daily soaps, comics, reality shows and digital content," Kulkarni said.

With this, it hopes to create an environment for structure face-to-face interaction between the content producer/broadcaster and the idea owners in a win-win situation for both, he pointed out.

The initiative is being partnered by Reliance Games, said its CEO Manish Agarwal.

'Frame Ur Idea' will feature a Game Hack Special on March 25 to offer a platform for highly talented and fast exploding indie mobile game developer ecosystem in India to showcase their ideas to prospective investors, publishers and App Store merchandisers.

In the past one year, it has travelled to six cities in India and the quality of ideas and audience response has been very positive, said Kulkarni.

"Reliance Games is happy to partner with FICCI-Frame Ur Idea and present the winners of Game Hack from the six cities to the entire media industry at FICCI FRAMES and showcase the 'Make In India' talent in mobile gaming, a fastest growing entertainment category touching more people than TV or cinema," Agarwal noted.

FICCI Frames 2015 will attract nearly 2,000 Indian and 800 foreign delegates, encompassing the entire universe of media and entertainment.

Participating content producers/broadcaster/publisher for 'Frame Ur Idea' would be provided separate rooms at the venue to observe the ideas presented to them during the three days, starting with Films Category on March 25, Animation/Gaming/Kids Programming on March 26 and TV/Documentaries on March 27.

Some of the participating panelists include (Films Category) Disney India Studios, ROMP Pictures, Dharma Productions, Excel Entertainment, Sikhya Entertainment, Phantom Films, CFSI, Cartoon Network, Pogo, Nickelodeon, Sonic, Disney Kids, ZeeQ, Discovery Kids, Screenyug, Gaming, Reliance Games, Nazare (Animation and Kids Programming), and Star Plus, Zee TV, Life OK, Channel V (TV/Documentaries Category).

Veteran poet and film personality Yusufali Kechery passed away at a private hospital here on Saturday evening, said family sources. He was 80.

Since the beginning of this year, Kechery's health was deteriorating and was in the hospital for long.

A poet of the modern era, he had won several awards for his poetry which include the Odakkuzhal, Kerala Sahitya Academy and Vallathol awards.

He also wrote film lyrics, produced and also directed Malayalam films. A multifaceted personality, he began his career as a lawyer and also did freelance writing.

Beginning his film career in the early 1970s, he wore several hats - of that of a producer, lyricist and also director.

Winner of numerous film awards, he also won a National Award for a Sanskrit song written for the Malayalam film "Mazha" (Rain) released in 2000.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy described Kechery's death as a loss for the state.

Call it a promotional stunt or a friendly gesture to cash in on an actor's popularity. Southern stars like Suriya, Dhanush, Ravi Teja and Vishal Krishna Reddy, despite their busy schedules, have taken out time to play cameos in a range of upcoming films.

Suriya, who is busy wrapping up Tamil horror-comedy "Masss", is playing a cameo in his home production "Haiku", a children's film, along with popular actress Amala Paul.

Director Pandiraj said Suriya jumped at the opportunity to work with children.

"I casually asked Suriya sir whether he'd like to be part of the project. I had written a small role and he was excited to be part of the film, more so because it's a children's film. We've already started shooting it," Pandiraj told IANS.

Actor Dhanush has played a brief role in his wife Aishwarya R. Dhanush's upcoming Tamil directorial "Vai Raja Vai".

According to insiders, Dhanush has reprised his role of Kokki Kumar from 2006 Tamil gangster drama "Pudhupettai" in the movie.

In upcoming Kannada film "Vajrakaya", popular southern stars such as Ravi Teja, Sivakarthikeyan, Ravichandran and Dileep matched steps with superstar Shivarajkumar for a special song.

Director Harsha says the song will be one of the major highlights of the film.

"Audiences expect something different from each film. We came up with this idea to surprise the fans of all the stars. It also shows the bond between the actors, irrespective of the language barrier. I'm certain audiences are going to love this track," Harsha told IANS.

Harsha has also managed to rope in Dhanush to croon a song in his film.

"He's such a talented singer as well. It didn't take him much time to get the Kannada lines right," Harsha said.

Actor Vishal has played a cameo role in upcoming Tamil comedy "Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga". It is for the sake of friendship, Vishal took up the role in the film, which features his best friend Arya in the lead.

Arya, on the other hand, has featured in a cameo in his best friend Vishnu Vishal's upcoming Tamil release "Indru Netru Naalai".

A leading producer avers that star cameos can draw audiences in large number to cinemas.

"It's a simple tactic to bring audiences to the cinemas. If their favourite star is playing a five-minute cameo, fans usually tend to go crazy. It's slowly becoming a trend. Popular stars are willing to chip in with brief performances even for free for some of their friends," the producer told IANS.

Veteran actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, who bid adieu to acting a while ago, has played an important role in his son Shanmuga Pandian's debut film "Sagaptham".

Another popular Tamil star Silambarasan aka Simbu was roped in to croon a song in "Sagaptham", which is slated for release on April 2.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun, who enjoys a large fan base, is making his Hindi debut in upcoming dance film "ABCD 2".

"Arjun will be playing Aryan Chauhan. It's a guest role where he'll showcase his dance moves. It was at the behest of choreographer-director Prabhudeva that he agreed to be part of the film. He has already shot his portion," a source close to the actor told IANS.

So, get set to see the stars in cameos!

The three-day FICCI FRAMES 2015, Asia's annual global convention on entertainment and media business starting March 25, will focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, woman power and importance of digitisation.

The convention, which will bring leaders, entrepreneurs, creative artists, government officials, industry leaders and diplomats from across the globe under one roof, will take place at Hotel Renaissance.

With the theme 'Making India the Global Entertainment Superpower', the convention is expected to be inaugurated by Finance and Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley.

Other important leaders who will address the convention are Maharashtra's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

With over 3,000 Indian and 800 foreign delegates attending, the industry's annual meeting will churn out ideas to make the theme a reality.

Along with it, keynotes, plenary and parallel sessions on a broad spectrum will be held on issues covering the entire gamut of entertainment sector comprising of films, broadcast (TV and radio), digital entertainment, animation, gaming and visual effects.

Jyotsyna Suri, president of FICCI, has emphasised on how technology is taking over all the sectors of business, ushering in more opportunities.

"We are now on the cusp of a galloping change with the digital age opening up a world of boundless opportunity, bringing creative minds, industry, government, entrepreneurs, research, and all other stakeholders together," Suri said in a statement.

Another highlight of the convention -- the first FICCI Women in Media Forum -- will also be launched by popular TV journalist Barkha Dutt.

The forum will take forward FICCI's ideology of working towards gender equality and ridding the industry of gender bias. It will encourage exchange of knowledge and ideas and would aim to represent women to relevant policy-makers on issues pertaining to employment terms and practices in the media and entertainment sector.

The FICCI-KPMG report, replete with the analysis of 2014 trends and projections for the next five years, will also be released on the first day of the three-day event.

Hollywood studio Relativity's founder and CEO Ryan Kavananugh will address the audience on 'Make in India: A revolutionary new model for Hollywood and Bollywood', setting the tone for the making of India as the global entertainment nerve centre, on the first day of FICCI FRAMES.

He will be joined by actor Irrfan Khan who has made space in Hollywood with films like "Life of Pi" and "The Amazing Spider-Man".

On the second day, an entrepreneurship track of the convention will deal with funding and bringing angel investors, VCs and mentoring to industry professionals and aspirants on a one-on-one basis.

A unique initiative called 'FrameUrIdea' will help scriptmakers to get face-time with key decision makers.

An interesting conundrum now emerging in the space between the telecom and broadcast industries will also be topic of discussion on day two.

The third day will be celebrated as 'Digital Media Day'.

Digital spearheading companies such as MGo, Vimeo, Jabong.com, Yahoo, YouTube, apart from industry leaders - Star, ZEE, Viacom, Disney, agencies such as GroupM, Dentsu, will also share their perspectives in sessions on day three.

Talking about the glamour part of the convention, a tribute to creative imagination will be paid at the Director's Masterclass with filmmakers RajkumarHirani and Sudhir Mishra.

And from the young brigade, Arjun Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vikas Bahl will talk about the new edgy Bollywood.

Actress Trisha Krishnan, who has two southern projects in her kitty, will next be seen in a yet-untitled trilingual horror-comedy.

"The film will be made in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We'll start shooting from May," the film's producer Giridhar told IANS.

Giridhar is also Trisha's manager.

The project will be helmed by Govi of Telugu film "Love You Bangaram" fame.

Meanwhile, Trisha is busy shooting for Tamil romantic-comedy "Appatakkar". She also has Telugu film "Lion" with Balakrishna up her sleeve.

Veteran actor Om Puri, who will be next seen in "Jai Ho Democracy", says the political comedy is as mainstream as any other 'masala' film -- just that it's without any of the celebrity Khans of tinsel town.

Talking about "Jai Ho Democracy", Om said: "These kind of films have small budgets, but I want to tell you all that it's a mainstream film. It's just that there are no Khans in this film."

He assures us that the movie has "all the masala" that a mainstream Hindi film has.

The film takes a comic look at how the powers-that-be continue to procrastinate and maintain status quo, unfazed by the gravity of the situations at hand.

It also explores the funny side of how the media gets desperate in highlighting unworthy issues, apart from giving a message of hope for peace between two neighbouring countries.

Hopeful that the movie will gain through word of mouth, he said: "Such a film will have an affect on only a few people. But even if it makes a 10 percent difference (in society), then one feels it is in the right track. Such films should be made for the better."

Written and directed by Ranjit Kapoor, "Jai Ho Democracy" also features Annu Kapoor, Seema Biswas, Adil Hussain and Satish Kaushik.

Ira Dubey, whom Bollywood audiences remember for being at her bitchy best with Sonam Kapoor in "Aisha", has come into her own with "Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend" as a feisty career girl. The actress, who is looking forward to more films, however, says she's content doing theatre.

Rumour has it that Ira's role was sizeably truncated to accommodate the film's romantic female lead Prachi Mishra.

But choosing to brush off all the bad vibes, Ira said: "I am happy I got to do a full-on masala film. I had great fun shooting with Jackie (Shroff) sir and Divyendu Sharma, who is a very talented guy. I am essentially here to act, not to count the number of songs and scenes I am given."

Ira is now kicked about two other very promising films she has almost completed.

"One is a very unusual road film called 'M Cream', where I play the lead with Naseeruddin Shah's son Imaad. And this time you wont be disappointed by the length of my role."

Ira was happy to share screen space with veterans like Barry John, Tom Alter and her own mother Lilette Dubey.

But the role that Ira is really kicked about is that of an Assamese housewife in "Aisa Yeh Jahaan".

Speaking excitedly about the part, she said: "I worked very hard to look and sound like an Assamese. It's directed by the great Jahnu Baruah's assistant Biswajeet Bohra. It's the story of a migrant couple from Assam struggling for survival in Mumbai.

"I play a very materialistic wife who keeps goading her husband to get her the things that she desires for a better life."

In real life, Ira has no ambitions to acquire material things.

"I am happy doing theatre. That's where the real job satisfaction is. Acting in films will happen only when I am assured that my role would allow me the space promised at the outset."

Delhi boy Navdeep Chhabra, who rocks in his look as a musician in upcoming comedy "Kuch Kuch Locha Hai" (KKLH), says the movie has been a process of self-discovery for him and he feels his get-up is totally in sync with his character.

The tall and handsome Navdeep plays a leading role in KKLH, directed by Devang Dholakia.

“I’m thrilled to be part of KKLH. I play Ram Kapoor’s onscreen son who has been born and brought up in Malaysia. My passion is my music. For me, this journey has been a process of self-discovery," Navdeep said in a statement.

He credits his director for helping him push the envelope in terms of performance for the film, which also stars Sunny Leone and Evelyn Sharma.

"Comedy itself is a difficult genre and then to be given the scope of performance against seasoned actors just sweetened the deal. I went through many workshops before the film started. Devang is an uncompromising director and he put me through grueling sessions so I could learn how to play the guitar and other instruments," he said.

In the movie, Navdeep will be seen as a character who is the face of his own band.

"Devang wanted the nuances to be perfect. My look has also been carefully designed keeping in mind my character both on and off stage. For me, this has been an elevating experience and I’m looking forward to the audience’s reaction to the film with eager anticipation," he added.

The director is content with Navdeep's performance.

"Not only is he handsome but also talented. His presence on screen even as a debutant is amazing and I’m very sure that this is only the beginning of a long journey in the film world for him," said Dholakia, who considers Navdeep to be a director's actor.

"He has allowed me to mould him to my character and never shied away from giving his best. I’m happy to be launching him and I know that people are truly going to enjoy watching him on screen.”

Producer Dil Raju says he had suggested the title "Ok Bangaram" for the Telugu version of filmmaker Mani Ratnam's upcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Ok Kanmani", which will release in cinemas in April.

"After I bought the rights of the Telugu version of the film, I asked Mani sir what the title meant. He said it means 'Ok dear', and I felt 'Ok Bangaram' would be apt for the Telugu version. He instantly liked it and asked me to go ahead and register the title," Raju told IANS.

Starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nitya Menon, the film is said to be the veteran's comeback to the romance genre after a decade.

"It's a beautiful love story about a couple who are in a live-in relationship and later move to abroad to realize their dreams. What happens between them forms the crux," he said.

The film also marks the reunion of Ratnam and popular lensman P.C. Sreeram after a long time.

"Ok Bangaram" has music by A.R Rahman.

Actress Raashi Khanna has rubbished rumours that she's doing an item number in actor Akkineni Akhil's yet-untitled Telugu project.

"I'm not doing an item number in any film. I'm busy promoting my next Telugu release 'Jila', and will start shooting for my next Telugu project 'Bengal Tiger' from April. I'm happy doing good projects," Raashi told IANS.

Raashi, who made her Telugu acting debut with last year's "Oohalu Gusagusalade", has gone on to work in films such as "Joru" and "Jil".

In "Bengal Tiger", she will be paired with actor Ravi Teja, who is busy wrapping up "Kick 2".

The style factor in Gopichand-starrer Telugu actioner "Jil" will differentiate it from the actor's earlier outings, says its director Radha Krishna, who adds he couldn't have pulled off the project without the support of his hero.

"Gopichand has been given a stylish makeover, but it wasn't done intentionally. He plays a fireman, and the script demanded him to be disciplined and well-groomed. The style factor will make 'Jil' stand out from his earlier films," Radha told IANS.

"We did some research on firemen, and accordingly designed Gopi's character based on inputs from a few friends in the fire department. We tested a lot of looks on him and I need to thank him for being extremely cooperative," he said.

Radha adds that the "subtlety" with which his hero has acted has worked in favour of the film. Gopichand also lost weight to look fit in the titular character.

The film also features a few well-shot fire sequences.

Gopichand had given his nod to the project while working on 2013 Telugu adventure film "Saahasam".

"I was working as an assistant director on 'Saahasam', for which I had also penned the story. It was on the sets of this film, I pitched the story of 'Jil', and he instantly agreed to be part of it. He also put me on to the producers, UV Creations," he said.

Director Radha considers Gopi as his "big brother".

"He supported right till the end. The fact that he helped me find a producer showed how much he cared about the project. I should also thank my producers. They're very passionate and once you convince them with an idea, they'll invest whatever it takes to make the film," he added.

The film, which releases in cinemas on Friday, also features Raashi Khanna in the lead.

Explaining the title "Jil", the director said: "It's a hair-raising moment. It's like a current jolt; something that could be positive as well as negative. To be precise, it's the extreme expression of a feeling."

Shot predominantly in Hyderabad and Mumbai, the team shot the songs in Spain. The film will introduce a Mumbai-based villain called Kabir.

No alien to controversies, British author Jeffrey Archer says he's not a provocative writer and "feels very safe" in India when it comes to censorship issues.

"I don't try to provoke. I am a simple storyteller. I feel safe in India, very safe," he said. In contrast, he said, he had to go through a lot of trouble in South Africa years ago because of his views. "I went on television and defended (former South African President) Nelson Mandela and criticised the apartheid system and they threw me out. But I felt very strongly about it," Archer told IANS in an interview here.

The best-selling author of over 35 books was in India to launch his book "Mightier Than The Sword", the fifth in the seven-part Clifton Chronicle series brought out by Pan Macmillan. The next book in the saga will have eight chapters set in Mumbai.

"I think there is a genuine affection here. I have met Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid and I never sensed that they don't like the English. They are friendly straightway and warm. One doesn't get that if someone doesn't like your country," said the former politician.

Published in 97 countries, in more than 37 languages, the 74-year-old conceded that British novelist and screenwriter Ian McEwan and British-Indian author Salman Rushdie are superior writers.

"I see differences in the sense that I see Ian McEwan as a far better writer. I think Salman Rushdie is also a far better writer, but it was the London Times and your Times (Times of India) that said (I was) probably the greatest storyteller in the world.
But perhaps he does not like it when people compare him to Alexandre Dumas, one of the most widely-read 19th century French writers.

"You feel (good) when you see that from the Times of London and from the Indian times. And then The Washington Post came out after my 'Prisoner of Birth' and said the English had found Dumas.

"So you do sit back and think about it," Archer mused.

On his 11th visit to India, Archer interacted with audiences, particularly wannabe writers, in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata, hosted by the Crossword bookstores.

During his whirlwind tour, the author met Indian entertainment entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala to seek advice on a possible Indian partner for the television series on 'The Clifton Chronicles'.

Archer said it was Screwvala's nudge that pushed him to say Bollywood filmmakers had "stolen" his works and adapted them into films. He says 'Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less' was made into 'Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl' and 'Kane and Abel' into 'Khudgarz'.

Once he had said it, he repeated it several times during his interactions in India: 'You have stolen my books'. But he was surprised by the reaction his comment attracted. "I thought Indians would be cross with that. The surprise is Indians say 'you are quite right, we all know that'," said the author light-heartedly.

Despite irritation with plagiarism, Archer is keen to have his books adapted for films, provided it is with his consent and the right person comes along.

"If anyone approached me I would go to Ronnie and ask for his opinion immediately. If he says that's a serious director I will accept it straightaway," asserts Archer.

Debutante Wamiqa Gabbi has been chosen as the female lead in Geethanjali Selvaraghavan's Tamil directorial debut "Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam", which is currently on the floors and is nearing completion.

"I'm not allowed to talk much about my role. But I'm playing a character that's unlike the chirpy roles I've essayed in my Punjabi films. I have so much to perform and I couldn't have asked for a better role to launch my career in Tamil," Wamiqa, who has also featured in Hindi film "Sixteen", told IANS.

With nearly 90 percent of the film already shot, Wamiqa feels "she has grown as an actor".

"Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam" was planned and shelved a few years ago by filmmaker Selvaraghavan, but his wife Geethanjali has taken over the reins of the project now.

Wamiqa, quite naturally, had some apprehensions about the industry when she was called for auditions.

"Initially, I was not quite sure about the south filmdom, and I was doubtful too about the project because I didn't know anyone. I anyways auditioned and was subsequently signed for it," she said.

A day after Wamiqa was confirmed, she started shooting for it.

"Everything happened so quickly. I was on the sets, and it was here I learnt about Selva sir's association with the project. I did my research on him and even watched couple of his films. I realized he's a great director and this was his script," she said.

"I felt I'll get to learn from him, and I did quite a bit," she added.

Working with Geethanjali was "great" for Wamiqa.

"She's been really nice and supportive. You can't discuss everything with a male director. Here, I directly go to her and discuss my problems. We didn't bond like actor and director," she said.

Wamiqa has already signed a yet-untitled Telugu film with Sudheer Babu.

Hindi film celebrities like Rishi Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Riteish Deshmukh on Monday paid tributes to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their death anniversary.

The stars also thanked the revolutionaries for sacrificing their lives for the nation, calling them “true heroes then and forever”.

Born in September 1907, Bhagat Singh, one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement, was hanged on March 23, 1931 along with Rajguru and Sukhdev in Lahore.

Here's what they tweeted about the heroes:

Rishi Kapoor: Thank you Bhagat Singh,Sukhdev Rajguru and all others. March 23rd 1931. Jai Ho!

Lata Mangeshkar: Aaj ke din Bharat Mata ke mahan Veer Saput Bhagat Singh ji, Rajguru ji aur Sukhdev ji Ko Faansi ki saza di gayi thi. Aaj hum jo Aazad Bharat mein jee rahe hai iski neev in jaise kai angeenat veero'n ki qurbaani hai. In Veeron ko main Shraddhanjali arpan karti hun, koti koti pranam karti hun. (India's brave sons Bhagat Singh ji, Rajguru ji and Sukhdev ji were hanged today. We are living in an independent India due to sacrifices by brave souls like them. I pay tribute to such legends.)

Anupam Kher: Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev will always be my heroes. WE will eternally be indebted to them for their sacrifice. THANK YOU & JAI HO.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Tribute to the bravehearts Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. U still ignite the fire of patriotism in every indians heart.#Jaihind

Shekhar Kapur: #ShaheedBhagatSingh was just 23 when he was martyred...and was a huge inspiration to the youth to fight for India's freedom. Do we value it?

Kailash Kher: I salute #Shaheed #BhagatSingh, #Rajguru & #Sukhdev today, the true sons of our motherland. Hope our youth finds inspiration in them.

Anubhav Sinha: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. Thanks Sirs. Salute!

Sonu Sood: Had such fond memories of playing BHAGAT SINGH in my debut film.

Aftab Shivdasani: Remembering the sacrifices of the valiant Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru...True heroes then and forever.

Riteish Deshmukh : Heroes Forever - Bhagat Singh,Sukhdev, Rajguru. March 23rd 1931. #Salute #respect

Esha Gupta : Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev n Rajguru...The legend of the Real Heroes shall always live on.

Sidharth Shukla: #BhagatSingh #Sukhdev #Rajguru are a reminder of how youth can and should be! Sadly that point is lost on todays youth!

A film on a man's journey of discovering his sexuality running high on testosterone, "Hunterrr" has garnered a mixed response. Now the makers of the film are organising an open forum here on Tuesday to present a platform for discussion.

The team of Phantom Films'"Hunterrr" will also hold a special screening of the film at Andheri West, which will be followed by the discussion.

The entire team of the film, producers Vikas Bahl and Vikramaditya Motwane, director Harshavardhan Kulkarni and lead actors Gulshan Devaiah and Radhika Apte, will be present at the event.

People can come and discuss every aspect of the film, debate over it and put forward their point of view. The cast will also be open to all questions on the film and the subject it addresses.

"Hunterrr" released on March 20.

Actor-producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is currently shooting for Tamil film "Geththu" here, is likely to team up with director M. Rajesh for another project in the language later this year.

"As soon as I finish 'Geththu', I'll start working on a project called 'Idhayam Murali' with director Ahmed. Towards the end of the year, Rajesh and I may team up for the second time. But nothing has been finalized yet," Udhay told IANS.

Rajesh launched Udhay's acting career in 2012 sleeper hit "Oru Kal Oru Kannadi", while his project with Ahmed is expected to roll from May onwards.

Udhay is looking forward to the release of Tamil comedy "Nanbenda", which will release in cinemas on April 2.