Writer-director K.V Vijayendra Prasad says the success of S.S Rajamouli-directed "Baahubali" should be celebrated as an achievement in Indian cinema and should not be restricted to one language or industry alone.

Prasad, the father of Rajamouli, is the writer behind "Baahubali", a film that was released on July 10 and has grossed over Rs. 350 crore worldwide in just ten days.

"The success of 'Baahubali' belongs to Indian cinema. Although it's being celebrated as Telugu cinema's biggest achievement, I feel it shouldn't be restricted to one industry or language," Prasad, who is extremely pleased with the overwhelming response to the film, told IANS.

Originally made as a Telugu-Tamil bilingual, the film also released in Malayalam and Hindi.

"The fact that the film has been accepted nationally and has done well in other languages proves that it doesn't belong to one industry. The success of the film is a big achievement in Indian cinema," he said.

He says audiences have a big contribution in this success.

"Audiences decide the fate of any film. Nobody can guarantee the success of a film. When my son started working on 'Baahubali', he didn't set out to make a blockbuster. He made a film that we believed will be accepted globally and the numbers have proved it," said Prasad, who has also penned the story of Salman Khan-starrer "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

He's pleased that both the films have been accepted unanimously.

"I'm happy that two good films have been unanimously appreciated and accepted. Even if I had not written these films, I'd have wished the same because only when good cinema gets its due credit, will we get more such films," he added.

If the Mahabharat was the inspiration behind "Baahubali", Salman's Eid release, which has already raked in over Rs. 100 crore in just three days, is inspired from an old Chiranjeevi film and also based on a real life story.

"Chiranjeevi's 1987 Telugu film 'Pasivadi Pranam' moved me a lot. I wanted to rehash it and give it a contemporary touch. I had also learnt about the story of a Pakistani couple who came to India for their daughter's heart surgery because they couldn't afford it in their country," he said.

"The parents were touched by the generosity of the Indians so much that they couldn't stop talking about it. This got me thinking. I decided to work on a story that connected people over India-Pakistan border," he added.

Kabir Khan-directed "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" is jointly produced by Salman Khan and Kannada producer Rockline Venkatesh.

Aamir Khan was the first choice for the film.

"It was through an acquaintance we met Aamir Khan and narrated the story. He loved it, but could not sign it as he was busy with other commitments. Later, I met Kabir Khan, who made me narrate the story to Salman, who upon hearing it immediately agreed to do it," he said.

Reportedly, the project was also offered to Rajinikanth, Puneeth Rajkumar and Allu Arjun.

Prasad admits Salman was the best choice for the film.

"All the work he's been doing through his Being Human foundation, particularly, the 2,000 heart operations he recently funded, made him apt for the lead role of Pawan/Bajrangi. And thanks to his humanitarian acts, Salman gave the character a realistic touch," he said.

Meanwhile, the veteran writer is excited about his next Hindi outing.

It'll be about Baghmati's love story with a reincarnation angle. I plan to make it as a bilingual in Hindi and Telugu with a popular South star. If the bilingual idea is not feasible, I'll just make it in Hindi and release it nationally," said Prasad, who is busy wrapping up his yet-untitled upcoming Telugu directorial.

"This will be my first attempt at a thriller. It's based on some research on psychological disorder. Interestingly, the lead character in this film is a lesbian, and I'm curious to know how our audiences will react to it," he said.

Actress-politician Hema Malini has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Art and Cinema.

The actress was honoured by the Bank of Baroda on the occasion of its 108th Foundation Day on July 20.

"On the happy occasion of their 108th Foundation Day, Bank of Baroda bestowed on me the Lifetime Achievement Award for Art & Cinema" Hema tweeted on Tuesday.

The 66-year-old actress' star daughter Esha Deol received the award on her behalf as the "Sholay" star is currently recovering from injuries she sustained in a road accident in Rajasthan, earlier this month.

"Again, Esha received the Award on my behalf at the function which took place yday - 20th July. Three other luminaries also recd awards," Hema tweeted.

Prabhas has finally decided to go on a much deserved holiday after nearly three years of hard work for S.S. Rajamouli-directed "Baahubali". The Telugu star along with a group of friends will soon head to Europe for a short trip.

"All of us who worked on the film ('Baahubali') deserve a holiday. I'm taking one too. I'll be leaving to Europe shortly with a few friends from school and college. It'll be two-week trip and once I return, we resume shoot of 'Baahubali 2'," Prabhas told IANS.

Reportedly, Rajamouli too will be going on a holiday with his family soon.

Prabhas, who played dual characters in "Baahubali", is extremely happy with the film's success.

He credits the success to the film's script.

"The script was bigger than all the actors in this film. A film will only work when the script is good. We stars only bring the script to life," he said.

Nearly 40 percent of the second part in the franchise has already been shot.

"We resume shoot from September. I'm taking this break to rejuvenate myself for the shoot. I'm sure Rajamouli is going to make us go through another long schedule of gruelling shoot," he said.

The second part of "Baahubali" is slated for release in 2016.

Comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, who was suffering from a slipped-disc injury, has left for a US-Canada tour along with his team of the "Comedy Nights With Kapil" show.

"De US-Canada tour starts NOW! De rest of the mad gang coming on the next flight .. Wish us luck," Kapil, who had taken a brief break from his show to fully recover, tweeted on Tuesday.

A source close to Kapil told IANS that he is "better" and is expected to come back from the tour by "end of July or early August".

This is not the first time that the show’s host and producer is travelling abroad with his team. Kapil had earlier travelled to Dubai to shoot a special series for the comedy show.

Actor Rana Daggubati is feeling overwhelmed by fans’ response to his latest release “Baahubali - The Beginning” and has thanked them.

The 30-year-old actor took to micro-blogging website Twitter, where he also shared that he is getting back to shoot for a Tamil remake of Malayalam film "Bangalore Days".

"Thank you for the overwhelming response and love for #Baahubali!! Now back to shoot in chennai for my next #bangaloredaystamilremake," Rana tweeted on Tuesday.

Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, "Baahubali - The Beginning" is about two brothers at war for an ancient kingdom. Also starring Prabhas, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia in lead roles, it is one of the highly successful dubbed films.

The film came out on July 10 in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi parallelly.

Actress and former beauty queen Lara Dutta believes oral health care is a key to a healthier life.

The actress has been roped in to endorse a variant of a toothpaste by consumer products major Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited that promises a complete oral care - Colgate Total Charcoal Deep Clean. The “Partner” star says this aspect of the product range made her come on board.

“All of us are aware of the importance of oral hygiene in the context of overall well-being. The new range got my attention straight away because it provides superior cleaning and complete mouth protection,” Lara, who has a long-standing association with Colgate, said in a statement.

Lara will feature in the new television commercial for the product as well.

Eric Jumbert, brand's director of marketing, notes that Lara is an apt choice as she embodies all the qualities of the brand.

On the movie front, the actress is gearing up for "Singh Is Bling" and "Fitoor".

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan kept actress Richa Chadha in mind while writing the script for award-winning film “Masaan”.

Richa's role of Devi, whose outlook towards life and approach is rather different than what one would think it should be, was penned down by Ghaywan during the time of “Gangs of Wasseypur”.

"I feel humbled that Neeraj kept me in mind. I was written into the role and that is truly fulfilling. I am very grateful,” Richa said in a statement.

Though "Masaan" will hit the Indian screens only on July 24, a Cannes-cut version of the movie was screened at the sixth edition of Jagran Film Festival here earlier this month, and elicited a positive response.

The film's story revolves around four lives which intersect along the Ganga river: a low-caste boy falling hopelessly in love, a daughter ridden with guilt of a sexual encounter ending in a tragedy, a hapless father with fading morality, and a spirited child yearning for a family, long to escape the moral constructs of a small town.

Insurance company Max Life Insurance has launched albums of the winners of pan-Indian singing contest 'i-genius Young Singing Stars’ in association with Universal Music Group.

The albums of the winners Shraddha Shree and Shivam Ahuja, who were mentored by established singers Salim Merchant and Shraddha Sharma, have been titled “Shukriya” and “Malanga” respectively.

They comprise original compositions by award-winning music composer Gulraj Singh, who has given hits like “Pakeezah” (“Ungli”), while the lyrics have been penned by Manoj Yadav of “Madari”.

The life insurance company also announced the launch of the second season of ‘i-genius Young Singing Stars’ this month.

The second season will include an additional category called Primary that will allow entries from tiny tots in the 4-7 year-old age group.

The jury will once again feature Merchant and Sharma along with Devraj Sanyal, musician and managing director and CEO of Universal Music, South Asia.

Actor Vijay Raaz, who has featured in hit films like “Delhi Belly” and “Welcome”, says he isn’t sure what he looks for while going through scripts.

"I am not sure what I look for when I sign a script. It's always something different for me. Sometimes, it's the script or it's the interesting character or director's passion or producer's enthusiasm.

“I am still struggling with it. Maybe, in the coming years I will know what attracts me to a movie,” Vijay said at an event organised for the forthcoming movie “Baankey Ki Crazy Baraat”.

The film is a quirky situational comedy that tickles your funny bone.

"Proxy wedding is such a unique idea. Movie progresses from one comic situation to another. Everyone is trying to make this wedding happen smoothly, that is what the movie is all about. It is family film,” said the actor.

"I am playing Lallan in the film. My character doesn't believe in any problem,” he added.

The movie, which also stars Raajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra and Tia Bajpai, is scheduled to hit the theatres on August 7.

Actor-director Deepak Tijori, who is returning to direction after a long time with the Randeep Hooda- Kajal Aggarwal starrer "Do Lafzon Ki Kahani", said shooting for the film, made him recollect all fond memories of Mahesh Bhatt's evergreen romantic drama "Aashiqui", where he had played an important character.

"I'm doing a romantic film for the first time after a long time even as a director. And obviously, I remember Bhatt sahab regularly and even the moments of 'Aashiqui' were coming to my mind while we were shooting the scenes. And this definitely helps. And you'll see a lot of images of Bhatt sahab in the film," he told journalists.

The cast of Randeep and Kajal is fresh yet looking compatible in the first look of the film.

Tijori said: "The film is basically a brooding love story and that was the reason we had to meticulously cast the actors for the film. The music of such a film also plays an important role. And I'm sure what we've achieved is remarkable and we're all excited and happy with what we've achieved in the film."

Kajal and music composer Ankit Tiwari were also present at the interaction.

"Aashiqui" was the turning point in Deepak Tijori's career after struggling for several years to get a break in the industry. Though he was not the lead actor, his role as lead actor Rahul Roy's friend was appreciated and made a huge difference to his career.

Actor Aadi Pinisetty, who was last seen in Tamil thriller "Yagavarayinum Naa Kaakka", has been reportedly roped in to play the antagonist in actor Allu Arjun's next yet-untitled Telugu project.

"Aadi has been signed on as the baddie. Director Boyapati Srinu really liked his performance in his last film and felt he would be perfect for the role with grey shades. The official announcement will be made soon," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

Aadi's performance in "Yagavarayinum Naa Kaakka", which was released as "Malupu" in Telugu, was raved by audiences and critics alike.

The film, which will feature Rakul Preet Singh as Arjun's love interest, will be produced by Geetha Arts. It is set to go on the floors soon.

Director N.J. Sri Krishna says forthcoming Tamil crime-comedy "Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Ooru", which is its lead actor Arulnithi's first attempt at comedy, is a rib-tickling entertainer from the word go.

"Audiences are going to enjoy watching Arulnithi in a full-length comedy film. Although we have the crime element in the story, our film is predominantly a rib-tickling entertainer. I think Arul has done a phenomenal job," Sri Krishna told IANS.

It was on the suggestion of producer V.S. Rajkumar that the director approached Arulnithi.

"When I approached Arulnithi, I wasn't sure if he'd be interested in doing a comedy film because he hasn't worked in this genre before. The moment he heard the script, he agreed to do it," he said.

The film, which is loosely based on 1938 film "Ask a Policeman", revolves around a village where crime hasn't taken place in many years.

"I was working with filmmaker Shankar on one of his productions 'Anandhapurathu Veedu'. While working on this project, we travelled to a village called Kaliapuram near Pollachi. This place had won the National Award for cleanliness from then President A.P.J Abdul Kalam," he said.

"It got me thinking. What if there's a place where people are so clean, without lies and deceit. I imagined a place where there's room for crime," he added.

The film, which also stars Singampuli, Bagavathi Perumal and Remya Nambeesan, is about a group of policemen and their quest to save their jobs.

The comedy in the film will be very situational, asserts Sri Krishna.

"Unlike what you usually find in Tamil cinema, we've made all the humour situation-based in the film. You will find the characters to be serious but what they do on screen will evoke laughter among audiences," he said.

The audio launch of Sai Dharam Tej-starrer "Subrahmanyam for Sale" will take place here on August 22 on actor-politician Chiranjeevi's birthday, it was announced here Wednesday.

A Harish Shankar directorial, the film also stars Regina Cassandra.

Launched last year, the film has been predominantly shot in the US and its producer Dil Raju is planning to release it on September 24.

The film also features Kota Srinivasa Rao, Naga Babu and Prithvi in important roles.

Debutante Sayyeshaa, grandniece of veteran Bollywood actress Saira Banu, says she considers herself extremely lucky to be launched in Telugu filmdom by filmmaker V.V. Vinayak in an upcoming yet-untitled project, co-starring actor Akkineni Nagarjuna's second son Akhil.

Even before she was signed for the Telugu project, Sayyeshaa bagged Ajay Devgn's highly anticipated directorial "Shivaay", which is yet to go on floors.

"I'm extremely fortunate that I've bagged these two big projects so early on in my career. I couldn't have asked for a better launchpad," Sayyeshaa told IANS.

"The fact that Ajay chose me in his dream project means a lot to me. I'm equally excited about my Telugu debut. I'm aware of the blockbusters Vinayak sir has given to the industry, so it's truly an honour to be launched by him," she said.

The young actress is gung-ho about the project and considers the opportunity her big ticket to southern cinema.

"Vinayak sir and people from the production house Shresht Movies came and met me in Mumbai. They liked my pictures and within the next four days, I was flown down to Hyderabad for the film's launch. I want to use this opportunity to venture into other southern languages as well," Sayyeshaa said, and added that she's a big fan of Mani Ratnam and his films.

"It is my dream to work with him. I don't want to restrict myself to one industry as I feel there's much to learn and so many talented directors to work with across industries."

Talking about her Telugu film debut, she said: "It's a love story laced with all the ingredients that make a perfect entertainer. We have already completed about 70 percent of the film and will soon enter the final leg of the shooting".

Although Sayyeshaa faced initial trouble with the language, she overcame it quickly.

"I think I quickly grasped it and I don't find it difficult anymore. Even on the sets, I don't think I had any issues with my lines because I always go well prepared before a shot," she said.

On working with Akhil, she said: "We hit it off quite well. Since both of us were making our debuts, we helped each other. It's the first time for both of us on film sets, though Akhil has faced the camera before. It has been a pleasure working with him. He's a fantastic co-star."

The film, which is gearing up for release in October, is being produced by actor Nithiin Reddy along with his father Sudhakar Reddy.

A diploma holder in IT, Sayyeshaa has been training in acting since the age of 10.

"I've always been passionate about cinema. I'm trained in different style of dance forms such as Kathak, Odissi and Latin-American styles as Zumba, Cha Cha and Jive. I've spent a lot of time in London and South Africa training in dance," said Sayyeshaa, who hopes to prove her dancing skills onscreen.

Filmmaker Suresh Krissna, who is known for directing several blockbusters such as "Sathya", "Annamalai" and "Veera", has rubbished rumours about a sequel to superstar Rajinikanth-starrer "Baasha".

"It feels happy to read about rumours circulating on 'Baasha'. I really wish such rumours become true. But the truth is that I'm not directing 'Baasha 2' with Ajith Kumar, though I'd love to work with him. I mean who doesn't want to work with him," Krissna told IANS.

The 1995 film "Baasha" was a blockbuster and is considered to one of the best films of Rajinikanth.

The rumour about the sequel surfaced after Sathya Jyoti Movies, who had produced "Baasha" reportedly signed Ajith for a new project.

Krissna is currently busy shooting Tamil television serial "Lakshmi Vanthachu".

Producer Vijay, who is upbeat about backing his filmmaker-mentor Priyadarshan's next yet-untitled Tamil directorial, says composer A.R. Rahman is yet to be approached to compose the movie's background score.

"This project is very close to my mentor Priyadarshan sir's heart. Right now, he is busy with script work and we only plan to approach Rahman sir after we complete the film. If he likes the film, he will compose the background score," Vijay said in a statement.

The project reunites the team behind National Award winning Tamil drama "Kanchivaram", which featured Prakash Raj and Sriya Reddy in the lead roles.

The film, which will go on the floors on August 10, will focus on AIDS awareness. Priyadarshan has assured that the film is going to be hilarious.

The story revolves around eight characters that come to a pathology laboratory at 9 a.m. to give their blood for an AIDS test.

"The events between then and till 5 p.m. when they get their result, is the story of the film. Be assured that everyone can have a hearty laugh till almost the end," Priyadarshan told IANS.

Award winning maverick cameraman Santosh Sivan would be wielding the camera for the film, and popular art director Sabu Cyril is on board, along with Beena Paul who would be the editor.

Actor Randeep Hooda says he has completed shooting for Deepak Tijori's directorial "Do Lafzon Ki Kahani".

The "Highway" actor took to micro-blogging website Twitter, where he shared a photograph of himself with Tijori, his co-star Kajal Agarwal, and other members of the film's team.

"It's a wrap for #DoLafzoKiKahani.. Looking back at the day the whole team got together gifts the first time," Randeep tweeted on Wednesday.

On the big screen, Randeep was last seen in the 2014 film "Ungli", a comedy drama film directed by Rensil D'Silva.

The 38-year-old actor has been roped in in Omung Kumar's "Sarabjit", a biopic on the late Indian death row prisoner in Pakistan.

Randeep will be seen essaying the role of Sarabjit Singh, while actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be playing his sister Dalbir Kaur Singh.

The movie will narrate the struggle of Dalbir Kaur, whose sole aim in life was to get her brother, who had been mistakenly taken to be an Indian spy, out of jail.

"Sarabjit" will be shot starting October over one schedule of 70 days in Punjab.

Actor Shahid Kapoor is overwhelmed by the love and 'happily ever after wishes' showered upon him by his fans and well wishers after he got hitched to Delhi girl Mira Rajput.

Shahid's spokesperson confirmed the news and said: "Shahid treasures each and every wish and is delighted by the love garnered from his fans for Mira and himself".

The “Haider” actor received thousands of messages congratulating him and he is trying his best to reply to thousands of wishes as he was in the midst of functions.

“Now, the actor is trying to reply back to all the messages he has received from family, friends and fans,” said a source.

Shahid got married to 21-year-old Mira away from the glitz and glitterati of showbiz here on July 7. The duo later had a reception in Mumbai on July 12, and it was attended by Bollywood celebrities, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

After the revelry of his wedding, Shahid is back in work mode as he is caught up with reality TV show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded", in which he is one of the judges.

Actor Suniel Shetty, whose daughter Athiya is stepping into Bollywood with the remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 film "Hero", has some special advice for her.

Suniel was present at an art exhibition here on Tuesday when he was asked if there was a piece of advice he would like to give to his daughter.

He said: "I don't think I can suggest anything to anyone. They are from the young generation and are very well aware.

"I just said don't (be) afraid from the Friday. If you would lose on first Friday, then work hard and go for your next. I believe producers suffer a lot, so when it comes to your producer, make sure that you feel for him (his plight) and work with your heart," Suniel added.

Co-produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai, "Hero" also marks the debut of actor Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj.

Suniel is happy that the first look of the film was received well.

"The first look of 'Hero' was received very well with a lot of love, lot of affection, especially from the media. So far, the response is damn good," he added.

Directed by Nikhil Advani, the new "Hero" also stars Tigmanshu Dhulia and has music by Meet Bros Anjaan, Amaal Malik and Sachin-Jigar. It is set to release on September 11.

Designer Varun Bahl, who is going to display his creations at an offsite show at Amazon India Couture Week 2015, says couture has always been very close to his heart.

“Couture has always been very close to me and every season, I try to present a unique and special collection that is representative of my aesthetic and design sensibility,” said the designer.

“To make this year more special and unique, I will be showcasing my couture collection at an offsite venue in the heart of the capital city, as each element and every detail of the evening will spell extravagance and luxury,” he added.

The designer promises to spin an enigma through floral motifs and is going to showcase a collection inspired by a woman who escapes into a numinous world and lives the beauty she witnesses.

Bahl has used colours like, ivory, pale pink, pale blue, old rose and bold hues like black, burgundy, deep maroon and gold in the collection, in which he has experimented with surface embroidery techniques.

There are jumpsuit sharara, red carpet trousers and gowns along with a variety of tailored couture pieces made in rich fabrics like duchess satin, raw silk, silk net, silk georgette, plush velvets and traditional chanderis.