Actor Nara Rohit is set to reprise Sivakarthikeyan's role in the yet untitled Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster "Maan Karate".

"Rohit has been finalised. The makers are on the lookout for the heroine. The remake will be directed by Kumar Nagendra," a source told IANS.

The project will go on floors as soon as the female lead is finalised.

Besides Rohit, actor Kabir Duhan Singh has been finalised as the baddie. He was last seen in recent Telugu film "Jil".

"Maan Karate", a sports comedy, was one of the biggest Tamil hits of last year. It had story by A.R. Murugadoss.

The remake will be produced by Ashok and Nagarjun, who earlier produced Telugu film "Joru", which was also helmed by Kumar Nagendra.

Actor Kabir Duhan Singh will lock horns with Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar in his yet untitled 56th film in the language.

"Kabir has been signed on to play the antagonist. He will join the sets in June and shoot non-stop to complete his portions," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

To be directed by Siva, the film features Shruti Haasan as Ajith's heroine.

Lakshmi Menon is most likely to play Ajith's sister, while the rest of the cast is yet to be finalised.

The film is set to go on floors in May.

Last seen in Telugu actioner "Jil"; Kabir has signed the yet-untitled Telugu remakes of Tamil hits "Sundarapandian" and "Maan Karate". He will be playing the baddie in both the films.

Stand-up comedian Sunil Grover, who will be seen in "Gabbar Is Back", says he is happy acting. He does not intend to get into film direction or production as he considers himself a "bad businessman".

Sunil told IANS: "I'm not capable of direction or production. I am a bad businessman. The only thing on the planet I could do is a little bit of acting. If not this, then I will be jobless."

He wants to explore other genres as an actor.

"I have explored only one area (comedy as an actor)...I have to do many things. God has been kind that through one character (Guthhi of 'Comedy Nights With Kapil', I could put a smile on audience's face. I feel the bond should continue," he said.

Having done TV for a long time, Sunil says acting in films is a different ballgame altogether.

"I think TV and films are two completely different mediums. Actually, the kind of performance you do in TV and films are extremely different. It's fun working in films and I learned a lot. It's lovely being a part of film like 'Gabbar Is Back'."

"Gabbar Is Back" is directed by Krish and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Featuring Akshay Kumar and Shruti Haasan, the film is slated to release on May 1, 2015.

Sitting miles away in Karachi, the mention of India makes Pakistani actress Sarwat Gilani remember its 'mitti ki khushboo' (smell of the earth) which is endearing to her family till date. She is appreciative of how India has been welcoming artists from her country, and says "it's a big deal".

The 32-year-old's TV show "Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu" is being aired in India as "Meri Jaan Hai Tu" on Zindagi channel.

In an interview with IANS, her first with an Indian media house, over phone from Karachi, she opened up about her Indian connection with fondness, and even spoke of how spreading the idea of oneness is a "huge responsibility" that entertainers on both sides of the border have.

"To see India welcoming Pakistani artists with such grace is a very big deal...it just shows that people there have a very big heart," she said, referring to how actors like Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan and Humaima Malick as well as singers like Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam have made space in Bollywood.

Does she intend to work in an Indian film or show?

Sarwat, who is expecting her first child, said: "For me, it doesn't matter where I work. If something good, interesting, and what I'm looking for comes along, then why not? I would love to do an Indian project."

"I'm a very artistic person. So if they (any Indian) would like me to be a part of any film that will require my acting skills more than my face value, then I would love to do it. I like meaningful cinema and India has a lot of meaningful stuff to offer," she added.

Asked about some similarities between entertainment content of India and Pakistan, Sarwat, who is said to have appeared in over 20 TV shows, explained: "I feel our problems are the same. Children's rough attitude, relationship between husband and wife, old age problems, customs and rituals -- we usually show similar type of stories in shows.

"Whenever we see shows which have people from both sides, India and Pakistan, I feel the Indian community is so open to us and they are so talented, yet they give us equal platform to showcase our talent too."

However, she said "there is no comparison in films" as Pakistan still needs a "lot of time to achieve what Indian entertainment industry has achieved".

Sarwat has a strong India connect.

"My Nana (grandfather) was a Nawab of Manavadar. The state given to his elder brother was Junagarh. I came to India when I was six years old. I came to Bombay (now Mumbai) and our apartment was near the beach.

"My connection with India is through rain. Whenever it rains in Karachi, at that time we start remembering India and that 'mitti ki khushboo' that my family members can never forget throughout their lives.

"Also, shopping is fantastic in India. My mother used to buy beautiful saris for herself, and toys for me. I have a really good memory package from my India roots...from when I was a child," she said.

Sarwat, an admirer of Bollywood, is glad that people across borders have affection towards each other's entertainment industry.

"It can play a tremendous role in bringing both sides closer. When we talk about politics, religion or other serious things, then a lot of people usually hold back or try and leave the conversations.

"But when we talk about entertainment, or some drama shows, then everyone wants to be a part of it. So, it's a huge responsibility for the actors and all other artists to spread the idea that 'we were always one'," she said.

Internationally acclaimed Indian designer Ritu Beri met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and found him to be a “true star”.

“Had the opportunity to meet @Narendramodi_PM this evening; as enigmatic in person - he is a true star!!!,” Beri tweeted along with a photograph on Thursday.

Dressed in a pink suit with floral work on it, Beri was all smiles while posing with Modi, who has been lauded by many designers for his sartorial choice.

The capital-based fashion mogul is not only a big name in the country, but has also been honoured on international lands.

She has been conferred 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. She was also bestowed the 'Order of Civil Merit', a civilian award by the Spanish government.

Beri even has an impressive clientele. Some of the notable international personalities for whom Beri has designed wardrobes are former US president Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, actresses Nicole Kidman and Andie MacDowell.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has decided to go on an indefinite strike from May 6, if producers do not hike the daily wages of the workers.

FWICE president Kamlesh Pandey says if the producers don't agree to their terms, the members too will not extend their co-operation.

Pandey told IANS: "In every five years, the agreement, which is drafted by the FWICE is renewed. Our agreement expired on February 28. The new MoU was sent to film and television producers in March, but they didn't bother to acknowledge it.

"So, now we are left with no choice other than going on strike. So we have decided to go on strike from May 6."

Pandey says all they want, is to have a discussion with the producers.

"It's absurd that the producers are just refusing to even have a discussion about the new MoU. If they continue to do so, then the federation members will not extend any co-operation to them," he said.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has heaped praise on filmmaker Mani Ratnam's latest Tamil entertainer "O Kadhal Kanmani", saying the film is told in an endearing way, capturing the essence of the changing times.

The 72-year-old took to his official blog to share his views about the film after watching it with his daughter Shweta Nanda.

“Shweta and I get to see Mani Ratnam’s new and fresh Tamil film at a trial, and it is a sweet and endearing story of love among the young. Fresh and with a sense of the changing times, in keeping with the sensibilities of this generation, it shows compassion and example with great dexterity,” he posted on srbachchan.tumblr.com.

Touted to be Ratnam's comeback to the romance genre, the film is set in Mumbai and follows the story of a young couple Aadi and Tara who decide to live together even before marriage.

The “Paa” actor lauded film's star cast - Dulquer Salmaan and Nitya Menen - for portraying the role with conviction.

“Values are not lost in the practices that this generation may desire, but sufficient understanding on both parts is beautifully portrayed by two young performers who play the lead.

“They are a delight to watch - the boy, Mammootty’s son...Mammootty the mega star of Malayalam Cinema in Kerala...and equally a sprightly love interest in his opposite number...a young lady of enormous verve,” he shared.

"O Kadhal Kanmani", which has been raved about by critics and audiences alike, minted over Rs.14 crore at the box office worldwide in the first four days since its release on April 17.

Actors Taapsee Pannu and Gulshan Devaiah may not have an extensive body of work in films, but their contribution to cinema was appreciated by a Swiss watch brand here.

Raymond Weil felicitated the actors for their contribution to the entertainment industry as a part of its global practice, on Thursday.

“At RAYMOND WEIL, it has always been our endeavour to cherish and share success. We would like to express our appreciation and seize the opportunity to bestow them with sober, yet elegant novelties from RAYMOND WEIL as a mark of appreciation to their contributions so far in the field of films in India," said brand president Olivier Bernheim in a statement.

Gulshan's latest release "Hunterrr" generated mixed review, but his role as a man with a high testosterone level appealed to the masses. The actor is also credited for films like “Shaitan” and “That Girl in Yellow Boots”.

Meanwhile, Taapsee has straddled the Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu film industries with ease. In Hindi filmdom, the actress is credited for movies like “Chashme Baddoor” and “Baby”.

Bollywood celebrities like Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor have hoped "Student of the Year" actor Varun Dhawan, who turned 28 on Friday, evolves and has a rocking year ahead.

Here’s what they tweeted:

Karan Johar: Happy birthday @Varun_dvn !! Evolve, search and aspire.... Make the year count!!! All my love...always!!

Riteish Deshmukh: Happy birthday my friend @Varun_dvn - have a rocking year ahead.

Arjun Kapoor: My first director @Varun_dvn s birthday today...happy birthday Bombay ka Brahma Bull...being filmy since 1987...

Shraddha Kapoor: Happy bday to my friend with a heart of gold, who never forgets to spread love & positivity everywhere! @Varun_dvn

Nargis Fakhri: @Varun_dvn Happy Birthday 2my favorite. I wish u the happiest bday &many more 2come. May u stay beautiful on da inside as u r on the outside

Milap Zaveri: A very Happy Birthday to the "Hero" Seenu aka @Varun_dvn Tu Sach mein ABCD hai! matlab "Amazing Bindaas Cool Dude!" Have a super year buddy!

Actor Mahaakshay Chakraborty, son of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, says his father is brutally honest when it comes to reviewing his films.

Mahaakshay told IANS: "My father is extremely blunt and brutally honest when it comes to reviewing my films. That's the only reason I have come this far in my career. I thank his honesty and his strict approach that has helped me to improve."

The actor, who made his debut with the 2008 film "Jimmy", has failed to make a mark in showbiz. But he feels he "never went wrong anywhere as an actor".

"I have done all kinds of films with different genres. Everybody has to struggle to prove themselves, and my struggle is also on," said Mahaakshay, who even featured in movies like "Haunted - 3D", "Loot" and "Enemmy".

He is currently busy promoting his film "Ishqedarriyaan".

Directed by V.K. Prakash, the film features Mahaakshay and Evelyn Sharma in the lead role. The film is slated to release on May 15.

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur, who was seen as a judge on reality TV show “India's Got Talent”, says he doesn’t feel good about judging others.

Asked by a Twitter user on the micro-blogging site as to why Shekhar is not judging any reality show after “India's Got Talent” (2009), he replied: “I don't feel good about judging others, especially vulnerable kids, where the emotional damage can last a lifetime.”

The “Bandit Queen” director is currently in Los Angeles and uses the social media platform to share “Lessons of Love” and his views on varied subjects.

Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) is set to showcase films made by children from Canada, following its tie-up with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Kids, at the 19th Golden Elephant Film Festival here from November 14-20.

Confirming this, Shravan Kumar, CEO of CFSI, said in a statement: "I had a very successful meeting and fruitful discussion with Elizabeth Maskala, festival director, TIFF Kids, on this issue in Toronto."

"We are extremely happy to receive an enthusiastic response from TIFF Kids to our unique and innovative programme 'Little Directors' where we offer a filmmaking and film appreciation platform to children," he said.

"Maskala was excited about this association and had shown a great interest to have the films made by Canadian children to be screened in Golden Elephant schedule this year," Shravan Kumar added.

The specially curated competition section called 'Little Directors' in last year's Golden Elephant Film Festival received wide acclaim both by the children audience and the filmmakers.

Having made films 'for' and 'of' children, the CFSI is now working towards making films 'by' the children. The CFSI is giving a special impetus to nurture experimentation with children's creativity by providing them with opportunities and platform for filmmaking.

"We have also agreed upon an industry association conference for three days during the festival... We will be finalising the nitty-gritty of this association further but in principle, the collaboration has been agreed upon by Maskala," Kumar said.

The CFSI has over the years been producing content, which has won acclaim in the national and international forums. To name a few, "Gattu" got special mention at Berlinale and "Gupi Gyne Bagha Byne" was screened at Toronto.

Actress Bipasha Basu, a fitness freak, thinks pole dance is a good form of workout and now she wants to learn it.

Sharing a video in which her animated version is seen doing pole dance, the 36-year-old is now keen to learn it.

“Pole Dancing is a Fab Workout:) thank u @rockystar_rs for this video! Now I need to learn this! https://instagram.com/p/12KlEkMqJY/,” Bipasha tweeted.

On the work front, she was last seen in “Alone” early this year.

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Veteran actress-politician Hema Malini is excited about her soon-to-come new role as a grandmother in real life. She has thanked her daughter Ahana for giving her an opportunity to move a step ahead in life.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra's youngest daughter Ahana, who got married to a Delhi-based businessman Vaibhav Vohra last year, is expecting her first child.

"I am going to be a grandmother now. It's a promotion from mother to grandmother, and it's a beautiful experience that my daughter is giving me. That's the procedure of life and I'm enjoying this whole process," Hema said here.

The "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay" actress advises her daughter to instill good values in her child.

"My advice is to bring up her child in a nice way. As a parent, you have to be strict, but not too much because today's kids are very intelligent and they know what they want. As a parent, we should also learn from them."

Filmmaker Devang Dholakia's movie "Kuch Kuch Locha Hai" has released its third song "Aao na", in which actress Sunny Leone would be seen seducing Ram Kapoor.

Sunny is seen flaunting a red sari -- much like what Dimple Kapadia in the "Jaane do na" song from "Saagar".

"Aao na" is an adaptation of the cult hit "Jaane do na", and has vocals by Shradha Pandit, Ankit Tiwari and Arko. The film's music has been produced by Zee Music Company.

"Kuch Kuch Locha Hai" has already released two songs "Paani wala dance" and "Daru peeke dance". The film also features Evelyn Sharma and Navdeep Chabbra and is slated to hit the theaters on May 8.

Top Indian filmmakers and actors will attend a three-day northeast film festival beginning here on Friday where as many as 10 movies from the region will be screened, a release said.

The third edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival will feature directors Rajkumar Hirani ("PK", "3 Idiots") and Shimit Amin of "Chak De India" fame.

"The featured directors will be accompanied by National Award winning actor Rajkumar Rao, popularly known for his roles in 'Shahid', 'Citylights', 'Queen' and 'Kai Po Che'. The dashing and charismatic actor Kunal Kapoor from 'Rang De Basanti' fame will also attend the festival this year," the organisers, Guwahati-based Tattva Creations Pvt Ltd Said in a statement.

The festival will have movie screenings of the featured directors, regional movies, audience interaction sessions, workshops and panel discussions on topics related to films, award ceremony and cultural performances.

Organisers received over a hundred shorts films as entries from across northeast.

"Out of all the entries, the top 10 will be screened at the film festival and the top three winners will be awarded prizes over Rs.250,000 along with the scope to work with one of the premier directors of national repute," the release said.

The aim of the fest is to promote northeast cinema and providing networking platform for regional film makers.

"This year, renowned filmmaker from Assam, Reema Kagti ('Talash'), Ronnie Lahiri, producer of alternative cinema 'Madras Cafe' and 'Vicky Donor' along with Bobbeeta Sarma, chairperson, Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation are the honorary advisors of the festival who have helped in bringing the festival into shape," said the statement.

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur, who was seen as a judge on reality TV show “India's Got Talent”, says he doesn't feel good about judging others.

Asked by a Twitter user on the micro-blogging site as to why Shekhar is not judging any reality show after “India's Got Talent” (2009), he replied: “I don't feel good about judging others, especially vulnerable kids, where the emotional damage can last a lifetime.”

The “Bandit Queen” director is currently in Los Angeles and uses the social media platform to share “Lessons of Love” and his views on varied subjects.

Bringing back the old world charm of the 'Bombay' of the 1960s in "Bombay Velvet" turned out to be a Herculean task for director Anurag Kashyap, who had to source props and materials from various countries.

The idea was to add authenticity to the film.

"Kashyap was very specific with his requirements, so the production team went to great lengths to ensure that original materials were sourced from Germany, Britain and Turkey," spokesperson of the film said in the statement.

The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, is set in the 1960s and is a large screen adaptation of Gyan Prakash's "Mumbai Fables".

The filmmaker has ensured that everything in the film is in sync with the 1960s, and so, he had specific equipment for particular scenes. The guns were sourced from Germany, while bullets were brought from Turkey. The motion controller and blood capsules used in the film were called from Britain, read a statement.

Jointly produced by Phantom Films and Fox Star India, the film is set for release on May 15.

"Gabbar Is Back" stars Akshay Kumar and Shruti Hassan's arrival at a university campus here filled the air with enthusiasm on Friday.

Each and every member in the crowd at SGT University was thrilled by the presence of the 'Khiladi'.

The stars addressed the crowd members, who were waiting for the cine stars. And "Gabbar Is Back" was the uproar amongst the crowd.

Akshay greeted the students and entertained them with his popular dialogues on demand.

The students also danced away to the song "Teri meri kahaani" from the film.

A short performance by the film's team added colour to the programme, hosted by the university to welcome the cast.

The upcoming Hindi melodrama is directed by Krish and produced by Sanjay Leela Bansali and Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

A memento was also presented to the stars by Man Mohan Singh Chawla as a token of appreciation.

This was Akshay's second visit to the university's campus. Akshay appreciated the efforts of Dashmesh Education Trust, which has started SGT University and is imparting education in the field of Medical sciences, Dental sciences, Engineering, Management, Hotel and Tourism Management, Mass Communication and other streams.

German ambassador Michael Steiner along with actor Saif Ali Khan, his mother, Sharmila Tagore, and Javed Akhtar launched a remake of the famous music video “Kal ho naa ho” featuring Steiner's wife, Eliese, former foreign minister Salman Khurshid and the ambassador himself.

The project titled “Lebe jetzt!”, which means "Kal ho na ho" in German, was launched on Friday at the German embassy here.

Karan Johar, who directed the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho", and Sonu Nigam, who lent his voice to the song, sent video messages for the event from New York and Mumbai respectively.

More than 700 guests were mesmerised with the Indo-German tribute to Bollywood.

"Traditionally, diplomacy has got to do with government to government relations, but modern democracy has got to do with people to people relations and that's what we've achieved through the music video," Michael said.

The song's lyricist, Akhtar, said, "This music video has proved my worst suspicions right; I'd always suspected that politicians and diplomats are actors, and now we have a documentary proof."

The original video for the song was shot in the US, wherein western outfits were donned by the actors. But the remake was shot in the capital featuring the German ambassador as Shah Rukh Khan and his wife as Preity Zinta in ethnic Indian wear. It also features former foreign minister Khurshid as Saif.

Although the ambassador was thoroughly into the making of the video, he admitted struggling with the lip sync. He also said his wife has a collection of 150 Bollywood movies out of which "Kaagaz Ke Phool" is her favourite.

The evening saw elite guests from the capital including ambassadors from other embassies as well as lawmakers.