“Bombairiya” is an ode to the city of Mumbai, a place full of contradictions and wonderment and where anything is possible, says British-born producer Michael Ward, whose wife Pia Sukanya has turned director with the film.

The “Bombairiya” cast includes Radhika Apte, Akshay Oberoi, Siddhanth Kapoor, Shilpa Shukla and Ravi Kishan.

“'Bombairiya' is our ode to the city of Mumbai, a place full of contradictions and wonderment, a city where anything is possible... and like in our film, a city which can bring together strangers, turn them into 'frenemies' and eventually into buddies... all within the space of one day,” Ward said in a statement.

Sharing her experience of directing the film, Sukanya said: “Little did I think I would have to land up directing myself. But filmmaking teaches us how to cope with a new challenge each day. It’s been a wonderful experience shooting 'Bombairiya' so far and as we continue shooting, I anticipate even more challenges.

“But with the unwavering support of my producer Michael and my brilliant set of actors, every day on set throws up unexpected blessings.”

"Pinjra", a new song by rapper Badshah in collaboration with Dr.Zeus and Jasmine Sandlas for "MTV Spoken Word", revolves around the social evil of honour killings.

"'Pinjra', in a subtle way, points towards honour killings that are quite prevalent in mainly the northern part of India," Badshah told IANS

"MTV Spoken Word" is a monthly feature on channel MTV. It features singles or a collaboration of artists composing a soundtrack based on a thought. One video that runs for the whole month is released, giving out the message that it is woven around.

The "Abhi toh party shuru hui hai" rapper says "Pinjra" is written beautifully.

"My father is from Haryana and my mother is from Punjab…so I am aware of the situation (of honour killings). Also, the song is beautifully written by Jasmine and I couldn't help but be in it and do my part," Badshah said.

This is the first time that Sandlas and the rapper have shared a platform. The "Chull" rapper says she has a "unique texture" to her voice.

However, this is not the first time that the "Proper patola" crooner has associated with "MTV Spoken Word". He had already done a song titled "Bandook". He feels the show has allowed him to experiment.

"It has been very special for me as it has allowed me to do something besides the commercial songs that I do. Also, the team is really amazing... I have a special bonding with them as they always allow me to be a part of something different," Badshah said.

Most present day singers would say they are inspired by legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi, but Harmeet Singh of the Meet Bros Anjjan trio says he was inspired by a discordant singer, whom he saw on TV during his college years.

"I saw a weird elderly man on TV who was singing really badly. This was in 1999 when I'd just passed out of college. That extremely 'besura' (discordant) singer inspired me and I thought to myself, 'If he can sing, then why can't I sing?'

"I found my inspiration from that 'besura' singer. That's how I got into music. I always loved it. During my schooling, I was winning contests and performing, but I had no family background in music," Harmeet told IANS in an interview.

The trio, which comprises Harmeet, his brother Manmeet Singh and Anjjan Bhattacharya, has composed hits like "Baby doll", "Chittiyaan kalaiyaan" and "Pink lips", which have topped the charts.

Although Harmeet agrees that the quality of lyrics in modern day music is deteriorating, he says it's what the audience wants to listen to.

"If audience stops listening to such songs then people will not make such songs. So it's basically demand and supply -- simple economics.

"But, as a moral duty, we should try and do clean lyrics as much as possible and that's what I've tried with 'Baby doll' and 'Chittiyaan kalaiyaan'. They're all clean lyrics. Personally, I feel that the lyrics' standard and quality has dropped and everyone should try and write more meaningful lyrics," he said.

The composer credits modern technology for speeding up the process of making music, but says the soulful analogue sound has its own charm.

"Technology has made it very simple. Things have become faster and easier. One can do a lot more through digital music... everything is so easy digitally. But the only drawback is that the warmth and feelings of live or analogue sound cannot be replicated by digital.

"Maybe soundwise it's much better now, but the emotions, feelings and the warmth was better before. That's why those songs are everlasting because of the analogue and live feel. Every instrument was played live by different people, so everyone's soul was connected to the song," he said.

Harmeet, who admits being a fan of music composer R.D. Burman but also loves singer Yo Yo Honey Singh's work, considers music as the "most beautiful profession".

"If you like music, you must give it a try. It's the most beautiful profession to be in. It is the best of all -- it is fun, soulful, it gives you money, power, fame and entertainment," Harmeet said.

Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan Tamil thriller "Thoongaavanam", which goes on floors on Sunday here, is titled "Cheekati Rajyam" in Telugu. The film will be simultaneously shot in Telugu and Tamil.

"The title of the Telugu version of the movie has been decided as Cheekati Rajyam'. This will be a bilingual. The first look of the movie will be unveiled on Sunday," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

The film, to be directed by Kamal's long-time associate Rajesh M. Selva, features Trisha Krishnan and Prakash Raj in important roles.

Manisha Koirala has been approached to play Kamal's wife in the movie.

Ghibran has been roped in to compose tunes. This is his fourth collaboration with Kamal in a row.

In yet another petition sent to police officials, maestro Illayaraja has urged them to take action against those using his songs without his consent.

"Through my fans it has been brought to my notice that record labels, radio stations and online pirates continue to make money of my music, despite an injunction passed by Madras High Court," Illayaraja said in a statement.

"Hence, I have requested the director general of police (DGP), Chennai police commissioner and superintendent of police of all districts to take strict action in this regard," he said.

The maestro said he has sent a letter to popular FM station Radio Mirchi to stop broadcasting the popular late night programme 'Neenga, Naa, Raja Sir', which plays his songs.

He also said that without his signed letter of consent, nobody should use his name, photograph and any of his compositions.

Actress Regina Cassandra will reportedly be paired with actor Vishnu Manchu in a yet-untitled Telugu film, which will be helmed by debutant Hanuman.

"The role was originally offered to Raashi Khanna, who turned it down for unknown reasons. Now, Regina has bagged it," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

The film will go on floors next month as Vishnu is busy wrapping up Telugu actioner "Dynamite", which is a remake of Tamil film "Arima Nambi".

To be produced by Rajkumar, the rest of the film's cast will be finalised shortly.

Actor Dhanush and filmmaker Vetrimaaran, who earlier worked in critically-acclaimed Tamil films such as "Aadukalam" and "Pollathavan", are set to team up for the third time in the upcoming drama "Vada Chennai".

"I had discussed the story of 'Vada Chennai' with Dhanush while working on 'Pollathavan' (2007). It somehow didn't materialise right away and we went ahead with our respective projects. We've finally decided to revive the project," Vetrimaaran told IANS.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, currently shooting with Dhanush for a yet-untitled Tamil project, has been roped in for "Vada Chennai" as well.

"We start shooting from September. Santhosh Narayanan will compose the tunes. The rest of the cast will be finalised soon," he said.

Dhanush and Vetrimaaran were to team up for another project titled "Soodhadi". Vetrimaaran says he isn't sure when it will happen.

Meanwhile, Vetrimaaran is currently awaiting the release of Tamil thriller "Visaranai"

Actor Vikalp Mehta, popular for doing mimicry of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, is excited about doing "some other interesting roles" too in TV show "Hansi Hi Hansi Mil Toh Lein".

"After shows like 'Comedy Circus' and 'Comedy Nights With Kapil', I am entertaining the masses with a new show titled 'Hansi Hi Hansi Mil Toh Lein', which airs on Sab TV every Sunday.

"I am not only playing Akshay Kumar's roles, but also doing some other interesting roles. This show will definitely tickle your funny bone and you'll love it. Our industry works on the principle of entertainment and this show is flooded with entertainment," Vikalp told IANS.

For Vikalp, Akshay isn't just someone whom he merely imitates. Vikalp considers the "Gabbar is Back" star as his inspiration and main reason for his tremendous success.

"I was an ardent fan of Akshay right from the beginning. In fact, I came all the way from Rajasthan to Mumbai and waited the whole day at Mehboob Studio just to click a photograph with him," he said.

"Akshay Kumar is the biggest reason this small town boy from Rajasthan has established his position in the entertainment industry. His backing has been the decisive factor in my career. Several stars become uncomfortable seeing others imitating them.

"But he has been extremely sporting. He knows me by my name and he introduces me to people saying 'This is Vikalp and brilliantly mimics me'. I've stood in the same frame with him for various advertisements and shows, for which I'll forever be grateful to him," he added.

Actor Allu Arjun, considered to be the first Telugu actor to sport six-pack abs a few years ago, has now inspired his actor-brother Allu Sirish to follow in his footsteps and achieve a well-sculpted body.

"Over the last few months, Sirish has been pumping iron for the perfect body. Since childhood, he's been quite healthy with a lot of baby fat. Finally, he has shed all of it and now sports a perfect six-pack abs," a source close to Sirish told IANS.

"Sirish's biggest inspiration was his brother Arjun, who sported six-pack abs for his movie 'Desamuduru' (2007)," the source added.

Contrary to the rumours, Sirish wasn't getting in shape for any movie.

"He wasn't toning his body for any movie. He felt he should also stay as fit as his brother," the source added.

Sirish will next be seen in a yet-untitled Telugu romantic entertainer

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma says she feels terrible on being sick and missing out on the fun here with the male members of the cast of "Dil Dhadakne Do" (DDD), who incidentally gorged on some of the famed sweets of West Bengal.

"Oh guys feeling terrible bout being sick & missing out on the fun with d boys!Will bounce back & join the fun soon," the actress tweeted.

The Zoya Akhtar-helmed movie also stars Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Shefali Shah, Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh. It is set for a June 5 release.

Actors Anil, Ranveer and Farhan and producer Ritesh Sidhwani visited Kolkata to promote the movie during the Indian Premier League final at the Eden Gardens here.

During the day, they made an impromptu stop at the well-known confectionery K.C. Das on the way to the stadium and sampled delicacies like 'sandesh', 'mishti doi' and 'kheer'.

They also packed some up for their family members.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, on Sunday expressed sadness at his team failing to make it to the Indian Premier league final at its home Eden Gardens.

"Just realised how sad it feels not to see KKR at The Eden," SRK tweeted.

The Bollywood hero, who watched the match on television with his son Abram, extended good wishes to both finalists Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

"Especially with my lil son still screaming KKR watching TV. All the best MI & CSK," SRK said in the tweet.

KKR won the league twice in 2012 and 2014.

Meenakshi Dixit, who is making her Bollywood debut in forthcoming political satire "P Se PM Tak", says the experience of shooting for the movie with veteran filmmaker Kundan Shah helped her grow from a heroine to an actor.

"Thanks to this experience, I think I've grown from a heroine to an actress. By the end of the shoot, I feel I've grown as a human being and that my perception towards life, myself and cinema has completely changed," Meenakshi told IANS.

In the movie, which releases in cinemas on Friday, Meenakshi plays a prostitute. She says she didn't have any qualms of taking up such a role in her debut Bollywood film.

She said: "I'd like to believe that I'm a typical commercial cinema heroine and that I always felt I was more suitable for commercial roles. All my work so far in the south has been very commercial. But this was a challenging role. It was something I had not done before and I was only apprehensive thinking 'Will I be able to carry such a role without making a fool of myself?'"

Although it's a role of a prostitute, Meenakshi said her director presented her "respectfully on the screen".

"For this role, I was made to look five shades darker and had to wear clothes that looked least fashionable; some were even torn. I also had to ruin my Hindi and speak with an accent. Shah-ji never tried to make me look beautiful on screen, but the character I play is by itself beautiful," she said.

Shah had originally written the script for Madhuri Dixit, nearly two decades ago.

When asked how she landed the project, Meenakshi said: "His first choice for this script was Madhuri, and he even went to her but the project didn't materialise. He told me that Madhuri inspires him."

"Whenever he gets stuck with a story or with a particular scene, he'd ask himself how Madhuri would do it if she was part of the project. When Madhuri turned down the offer, he decided to cast a newcomer. He auditioned a lot girls and fate worked in my favour," she said.

What surprised Meenakshi was why Shah would risk his project with a newcomer.

"I was taken aback by their decision and told myself if I could bag this role, it would be one of the biggest achievements of my career. I prepared well for the audition, which took a toll on me because the process was very intense. I had to audition four times to finally bag the role," she added.

Known mostly for her work in Tamil and Telugu films such as "Dookudu", "Billa 2", "Baadhshah" and "Thenaliraman", Meenakshi believes "P Se PM Tak" will show the southern filmdom what more she is capable of doing.

"Until this film, I thought I could only do commercial cinema. This opportunity has helped me discover a side of me that I didn't even know existed before. Southern audiences will get to see my true potential as an artist in this role," said the actress, who currently has two Tamil films and a Kannada film in her kitty.

"Jannat" fame Sonal Chauhan, who was last seen in Telugu actioner "Legend", says the success of the movie has reserved her a berth in Telugu filmdom and has proved to be a springboad for her career.

Recently, Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer "Legend" completed a 400-day run in theatres. It turned out to be biggest Telugu hit in recent times.

"I feel fantastic to be basking in this success. It also feels surreal and the love Telugu audiences have shown me is beyond my imagination. I just don't have words to explain how I feel but I can confidently say that this success has taken my career to new heights," Sonal told IANS.

"Even before the release of 'Legend', I was offered several projects. But I waited for something exciting to come along. Eventually, I signed 'Pandaga Chesko' because it gave me an opportunity to try something I haven't done before in my career," she said.

Sonal is wary of the growing expectations and she admits that with the success of "Legend", it has increased manifold.

"Expectation level changes with each film. It also changes depending on the actor you're paired with. If audiences expected something from me while working with Balakrishna; it changed when I worked with Ram Pothineni in ;Pandaga Chesko',a she said.

She says high expectations are good as it pushes an actor to work extra hard and deliver what's expected from him or her.

Sonal says she chose "Pandaga Chesko" very cautiously as she plays a role many would consider risky.

"I'm playing a very competitive businesswoman who competes with Ram. This role comes with some degree of risk and many actresses I know would hesitate to even take it up. It's healthy to take risks as it allows you to understand what works and what doesn't," she said.

Sonal added that an actor's career would get boring without risks.

Talking about her co-star Ram in "Pandaga Chesko", she said: "It was fantastic working with him. He's very friendly and supportive. I've worked with actors from different age groups and I've learnt something important from all of them."

A crucial portion of "Pandaga Chesko" was shot in Portugal, and Sonal considers the place "heaven on Earth".

"We shot in this exotic place which is six hours away from Portugal. It was so beautiful and serene. I haven't seen anything so beautiful in my life," she added.

Sonal is currently busy shooting for Telugu projects "Sher" and "Size Zero".

"Both the projects are shaping up well. I'm juggling between the sets of these films. It's hectic but I'm liking the momentum at which my career is heading in the right direction," she said.

Filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, who is awaiting the release of forthcoming Tamil actioner "Masss", says the plan for Hindi remake of his film "Mankatha" has not been shelved, but he's most likely not going to direct it as he doesn't have time.

Prabhu's "Mankatha" with Tamil star Ajith Kumar was one of the biggest hits of his career.

"I've had meetings with Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham but nothing has materialised. 'Mankatha' was supposed to be remade, and its remake rights are with Studio Green. They're planning to make it with a big studio," Prabhu told IANS.

"But I don't think I'll be able to direct the remake because I've already signed my next Tamil project with Escape Artist Motion Pictures," he said.

There are also reports that a sequel to "Mankatha" is in the offing.

Without denying the news, Prabhu said it's too early to talk about it.

"Most of my films have open-ended climaxes. This allows me to work on their sequel if and when required. There are plans, but nothing has been finalised yet," he added.

Filmmaker Subhash Kapoor says his next "Guddu Rangeela" is a tribute to the "iconic jodis of Bollywood like Jai-Veeru, Ram-Lakhan and Karan-Arjun".

The forthcoming movie, starring Arshad Warsi and Amit Sadh, is about two miscreants who land up biting more than they can chew and get into a big mess.

The two characters are vibrant and are full of life. They run a village band called the Guddu Rangeela Orchestra Party and try and make their living by singing quirky songs that entertain the masses.

"'Guddu Rangeela' is my tribute to the iconic jodis of bollywood like Jai-Veeru, Ram-Lakhan, Karan-Arjun etc. They are two loveble, funny and quirky underdogs. They are simple and vulnerable but very intense and gutsy when required," Kapoor said in a statement.

"Guddu Rangeela" is set to release on July 3.

Director Ashish R. Mohan, whose directorial debut "Khiladi 786" had hints of comedy, is coming up with his second film "Welcome 2 Karachi", which also falls in the comic genre. But he says he isn't "stuck" with one genre.

"When you like something, you feel like making it, I believe in that. Though I'll definitely try my hand at romance or thriller, I'm not stuck with one particular genre," Mohan told IANS in an interaction.

The director, who visited Pakistan a few weeks back, says he got a positive feedback to the film's trailer there, and he hopes "Welcome 2 Karachi" releases there.

"There is nothing official yet regarding the release of the film in Pakistan. It will be decided by the producers and the distributors of the film. However, I do wish the film releases in Pakistan," he said.

The film, which starrs Arshad Warsi, Jackky Bhagnani and Lauren Gottlieb, centres on two men (Arshad and Jackky) who start on a journey to the US but end up in Karachi instead.

The film's release was recently pushed ahead by a week to avoid a clash with "Tanu Weds Manu Returns". It was earlier scheduled to release on May 21 but has now been pushed to May 29.

Talking about the change in release date, the director said: "It was a very wise decision on the distributors' and producers' part to push the release date of the film since 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' was already releasing on May 22 and the next weekend was free. If we're getting a clear week, why not take that?"

As for his next project, Mohan is currently looking at two scripts, but says he will only decide which one to do first after "Welcome 2 Karachi" releases.

"I'm working on a couple of scripts, one of which is a thriller and the other is a comedy. But I will decide which one to make first after the release of 'Welcome 2 Karachi' because then I'll know where I stand and I'll have to do something better than that," he said.

After hitting the right notes with audiences, Bollywood singers like Sonu Nigam, Lucky Ali and Himesh Reshammiya decided to give a new direction to their careers by taking the plunge into acting. Though most of them got their fingers burnt, names like Shekhar Ravjiani and Zubeen Garg are now looking at exploring the world of lights, camera and action.

The latest one to join the league is Shekhar of popular composer duo Vishal-Shekhar. While Vishal Dadlani did a "bizarre" cameo in Farah Khan-directed "Happy New Year" (2014), Shekhar will make his acting debut in "Neerja", a biopic on Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save a group of American children aboard a Pan Am plane that had been hijacked on the ground at Karachi.

He will reportedly play the on-screen love interest of Bhanot, essayed by Sonam Kapoor.

Taking a step ahead, "Ya Ali" fame Assamese singer Zubeen Garg will start shooting for his Bollywood directorial titled "Chakra" from next year. The singer, currently tied up with Assamese film "Mission China", will also display his acting skills in the Hindi film.

"From January 2016, I will make a Hindi film called 'Chakra'. It's a political thriller. It's a dark kind of film...about humanity and politics. Now, I've my own production house; so I will make three to four films in a row," Zubeen had earlier told IANS.

If head-turning Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, who has lent his soulful voice to Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, finds the right script, he will also make his appearance in Hindi movies.

"I might act in a Bollywood film. I'm listening to quite a few scripts now, but nothing has intrigued me so far. Let's see... I probably could do anything other than chocolate boy kind of roles," said Atif, who acted in Pakistani drama movie "Bol" (2011).

"Crazy kiya re" hitmaker Sunidhi Chauhan has "the acting bug" too!

"As far as acting is concerned, I was offered a few roles, but I was not ready at that time. Also, I was asked to portray the life of a singer on screen, but I never wanted to do such type of roles because I'm already a singer. I have the acting bug in my genes because of my father. I want to do roles of normal people," she said.

While they are yet to make a splash in the acting world, here are some of the singers who've been there and done that:

* Mika Singh: The "Hadippa" singer made his Bollywood acting debut with last year's film "Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya", which also introduced "Tanha dil" crooner Shaan as an actor. Described by critics as "endless cliches, gross-out humour, weak plot", the movie turned out to be a dud.

* Monali Thakur: The former "Indian Idol" contestant, who has given hits like "Sawar loon" and "Zara zara touch me", made her Bollywood acting debut with Nagesh Kukunoor's award-winning film "Lakshmi". At the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival, she bagged the best actress award for playing a child prostitute in the film. After doing a cameo role in Aamir Khan-starrer "PK", she will be next seen in Abbas Tyrewala's directorial "Mango".

* Yo Yo Honey Singh: He joined the acting wagon with the 2014 musical-thriller "The Xpose", which also starred Reshammiya. The rapper-composer had shared that "acting is the most difficult one among all the performing arts". The movie got mixed reactions from critics and masses.

* Ali Zafar: The singer from across the border began his successful Bollywood acting career with "Tere Bin Laden" in 2010. The Pakistani talent went on to feature in Yash Raj Films'"Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" and "Kill Dil".

* Lucky Ali: Despite winning accolades for his performance in movies like "Sur - The Melody of Life" and "Kaante", the "Ek pal ka jeena" hitmaker isn't too keen on coming back to the big screen. "There is nothing exciting to me as far as movies are concerned," said the son of late actor-filmmaker Mehmood.

A contest titled 'Kaun Banega Poonam Ka Hero', organised to find a lead actor to be paired with Poonam Pandey in "Helen", attracted over 25,000 people, says the film's producer Suresh Nakum.

Nakum told IANS: "The kind of response that has come for the contest of 'Kaun Banega
Poonam Ka Hero' has been nothing less than mighty pleasing for the team. In fact, I have never seen such kind of a response for any Bollywood movie before the film goes on the floors."

He said that "over 25,000 followers of Poonam Pandey have uploaded videos and audio clips to try and play the male lead".

The hunt required the contestants to make a two-minute audition video, during which they were free to enact a movie scene or dialogue of their choice to the best of their ability. Poonam herself invited the candidates through a video in which she says she is looking for a male lead to star opposite her.

"Helen" is produced by Nakum and Vipin Medhekar under the World Networks banner.

One person who is being teased over the "Dil Dhadakne Do" teaser is Shefali Shah.

The actress, who plays mother to Ranveer Singh's character in the film, is being teased by her real life children over the dialogue: "Sab upar upar se baat karte hain, asli baat toh koi karta hi nahi hai".

This scene is being practiced by Shefali's children, and it has almost become a funny one-liner in her home, said a source.

"The dialogue has become a trend in Shefali's family. It's funny how her children have related to the scene so well and have started teasing her as and when they find the opportunity," the source added.

Whatever it is, Shefali is said to be enjoying it!

Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do", featuring an ensemble cast, is releasing on June 5.

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is said to have taken time out from the shoot of his forthcoming film "Mirziya" to promote Japtej Singh, who played the younger version of Milkha Singh in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Japtej is starring in a Punjabi film titled "Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya", which released earlier this month, and Mehra has been promoting the young talent despite his busy schedule.

Mehra said: “Japtej is a very talented actor and we have formed a very special relationship since 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. He has impressed everyone yet again with what he has done in his recent film.”