There was a time when dupatta was a must. Then came an era when it got a makeover and was used as scarf, stole or a veil. Now, dupattas are being replaced by layering by prominent designers.

Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra say they focus on trying new patterns, cuts and layering.

"Dupattas are on a way out from the closet as contemporary young women no longer want to carry such ensemble and irritate themselves by tying it around their neck during party or events," Nikhil told IANS.

"Anarkalis in new shapes, structures and patterns are the new entrants in style file. Short and floor length jackets with anarkali underneath are also a big trend. Lot of layering is happening nowadays," he added.

The designers, known to fuse east and west in their creations, showcased a collection titled - To Die For - at the opening day of India Bridal Fashion Week, Tuesday.

Their Collection was an ode to the woman of today.

"'To Die For' is more like a metaphor that I used for my collection. Brides today are very clear and practical. They know what they want. My collection serves those brides. This collection focuses on the soft and beautiful bride, who embraces everything feminine and dotes on chic and contemporary fashion," said Shantanu.

Their show started with models sashaying down on the ramp in soft pristine white ensembles like gowns, lehengas, mermaid dresses, anarkalis in dull gold floral embroidery work especially at the hems and borders.

Some of the pieces that grabbed the attention were the peplum tops over long skirts like lehengas in earthy colours.

The highlight of the ensemble was extensive use of soft flowy fabrics in earthy colours.

Shantanu-Nikhil feels that it's essential to keep in mind the wearability factor even for important occasion like wedding or festivals and this is the reason why they always opt for "minimalist" designs.

"Shanatnu and Nikhil clothes are for a person who is practical, comfortable and clear about what he or she wants. Minimalism is very strong aspect of our designs. The reference of India as a vintage feel, which is made contemporary, is something that we love to do," said Nikhil.

The duo kept enough options for both men and women.

For men, sherwanis with soft but intricate gold work, dhoti pants teamed with sherwanis, deep red toga (short kurta teamed with similar colour fitted pajamis) were showcased.

Miss Canada, Sehar Biniaz, closed the show for the designer duo. Dressed in floor length evening gown in soft blush pink colour, which had an extensive use of French Chantilly lace in nude colour, she made an impressive style statement.

Mamta Verma, seen as Indumati's sister Bindumati in TV show "Lapataganj", is all praise for the show's entire team who works hard despite all the odds and feels lucky to be a part of the show.

"No matter what it is, be it the scorching heat or rains, everybody works hard and enjoys also. I can't name one, but it is a very beautiful team," Mamta said Tuesday on the set of the show here.

Produced by Garima Productions, "Lapataganj Ek Baar Phir!" is being directed by Ashwani Dhir.

"Those people are lucky who get such wonderful people to work with. Right from the director to the spot, all are very nice," she added.

"Lapataganj" went off air in January this year and returned in June as "Lapataganj Ek Baar Phir!" on SAB TV.

Good news for fashion enthusiasts! Get ready to be a part of the India Runway Week (IRW), set to start here Aug 29.

Organised by the Indian Federation for Fashion Development (IFFD), the four-day fashion extravaganza, which will take place at Mapple Exotica, will provide a platform for the new and young designers to showcase their creativity and talent.

Around 24 designers, including Rajdeep Ranawat, Amit Talwar, Sagar Mehra, Deepa Arora and Rosy Ahluwalia, will be presenting their collections at the event.

The fashion event will also help buyers, retailers and consumers make connections and good deals.

"I am very eager to organise IRW as I know how difficult it must be for upcoming designers to find the right audience to showcase their designs for. IFFD is providing a profitable platform for them," said Avinash Pathania, IFFD founder and director.

Kiran Kheva, co-founder and director of IFFD added: "There are so many Indian designers out there that I did not even know existed, so I'm interested to showcase their work to the world.

"The idea to establish IFFD was to give these young people a chance to nurture their talents and encourage their growth," added Kheva.

Telugu actor Nani, currently shooting here for southern remake of "Band Baja Baaraat", had an opportunity to run into actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, and says he felt like a kid waiting for his autograph.

Nani and Kamal Haasan were shooting on adjacent floors. Kamal was filming for upcoming multilingual thriller "Vishwaroopam 2".

"Like a kid who wants to get a glimpse of his favourite movie star, I thought (I) will go meet him and take a picture (with him) and ask for an autograph," Nani posted on his Twitter page.

Nani, however, couldn't believe when Kamal welcomed him graciously.

"To my surprise what followed was a warm welcome. He knows me and has seen my work. (I) couldn't believe it. He introduced me to his heroine and told her how my name has a different meaning in Tamil when it's just a pet name in Telugu," he wrote.

Having met Kamal, he feels he is in a state of trance.

"(I) had a chat with him and got back to shoot. (I think) dreams do come true. I'm still in a trance," he further posted.

Nani, known for Telugu films such as "Ashta Chamma" and "Ala Modalaindi", rose to stardom with critically acclaimed Telugu revenge-drama "Eega".

He is also busy shooting for Telugu action-drama "Janda Pai Kapiraju".

Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu, who cast his vote at the ongoing panchayat polls in Andhra Pradesh, says each election is important to him.

"Every election day is important. If you choose to throw it away, don't complain down the road that you don't like the choice after poll results are declared," Vishnu said in a statement.

He was one of the earliest members to cast vote Tuesday.

Vishnu has adopted 10 villages to support them in whatever way possible.

"He has adopted 10 villages near Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Institutions, Tirupati, to provide the opportunity for the under-privileged community to access good education, good sanitation, clean water and access to primary health," he added.

"The idea behind his adoption is to create holistic and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by village folks, helping children and families become economically empowered," said Vishnu.

Vishnu is currently busy shooting for two Telugu films - "Doosukeltha" and an untitled Telugu multi-starrer with brother and father.

After being untitled for nearly one and half years on the floors, Ajith Kumar's upcoming Tamil thriller has finally been titled "Arrambam", which is being directed by Vishnuvardhan.

"The crew has finally unveiled the name as 'Arrambam'. A simple yet powerful title that isn't glorifying an individual but signifying the theme of the movie," said a statement.

Produced by A.M. Ratnam, "Arrambam" also features Nayantara, Rana Daggubati, Arya, Taapsee Pannu, Kishore, Atul Kulkarni, Mahesh Manjrekar and Suma Ranganath.

The film, which is set for September release, has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Meanwhile, Ajith is busy shooting for Tamil romantic-drama "Vinayagam Brothers".

Meera Ali, known for showcasing collections with a strong influence of the culture of Awadh, did no different at the India Bridal Fashion Week here.

The designer feels that Awadh, with a strong 100-year tradition of exotic clothing can offer a designer space to create something different each time.

The designer showcased her latest bridal line titled "Pearl of the Orient" under her label, House of Kotwara, a joint venture with husband and filmmaker Muzaffar Ali.

"We believe that whatever collection we present and design, it should be deep-rooted. The inspiration should come from the roots. So for us, Awadh is the place that surprises us with different things every time. No matter how much we explore, it doesn't get depleted," Meera told IANS.

"There is so much to explore in the rich dynasty of Awadh. There were 100 years of rule of nawaabs, who excelled in exotic clothing. So going through crafts that exist there, one can create different experiences every time," she said.

The collection comprised exotic bridal wear gently textured with pearls on oriental forms. From lehengas and shararas to saris and choghas, the clothing on display depicted, in microcosm, the glory of Awadh.

The designer has used chiffons that blended well with velvets and brocades.

The clothes were also embellished with zardozi and chikan techniques that added elegance to the entire range. The palate ranged from soft pastels to vibrant hues.

Sharing the uniqueness of this collection, Meera told IANS: "This time, we are focusing on lot of pearl and this is the first time that we have used pearls on our bridal line. All the clothes have pearls."

The pearls contributed a unique subtley to this range of clothing, enhancing the elegance of the Indian bride.

Balaji's keenly awaited ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA (featuring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan & Sonakshi Sinha) may not star Ajay Devgn or Emraan Hashmi but the actors will find a special mention at the beginning of the film.

Rarely do producers extend such gestures but Balaji and Milan Luthria feel that both the actors have been their lucky mascots and got the ONCE UPON A TIME... journey started. So it's only right to thank them.

Tanuj Garg, CEO- Balaji Motion Pictures, confirms, “We will give a special thank you to Ajay and Emraan, as they are integral to the franchise.”

Telugu actor Nara Rohit, who turned 28 Thursday, wishes for more success in future.

"My next film 'Shankara' is almost complete. It will be out in theatres soon. I only wish it brings me more success. This is what I seek on my birthday. I hope this year turns out be very flourishing for me," Rohit told IANS.

While Rohit's first two films - "Baanam" and "Solo" - turned out to be successful, his last two films "Sarocharu" and "Okkadine" didn't fare well at the box office.

He is paired opposite Regina Cassandra in the film, which is being directed by Tatineni Satya. "Shankara" is set for release in August.

Meanwhile, Rohit is also busy shooting for two other Telugu films - "Madrasi" and "Lover".

Jaaved Jaaferi is playing a baddie in Abhinav Kashyap's Besharam and he sports a scar on his neck. He has also cropped his hair short, will sport a salt and pepper beard and wore a light colored-lenses. Jaaved says, " Besharam was exactly what i was looking for. I am indebted to Abhinav to Abhinav for having looked at me beyond the type casting and given me this opportunity. I loved working on the scar. I have never sported one on the film before."

Hugh Jackman-starrer "The Wolverine", releasing Friday, will open in over 100 screens in Tamil Nadu. It is titled "X-Men: Wolverine 2" in Tamil.

Intended to be the sixth installment in the X-Men film franchise, the film tracks the story of the American-Australian superhero Wolverine, who in association with an old acquaintance in Japan, fights a new battle, said a statement.

The film is jointly produced by Lauren Shuler Donner, Hugh Jackman, Hutch Parker and John Palermo, while 20th Century Fox is distributing it worldwide.

Directed by double Oscar-winning James Mangold, "The Wolverine" also features Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Will Yun Lee and Brain Tee.

Film producer Sajid Nadiadwala has refuted rumours that his Salman Khan-starrer directorial "Kick" is delayed because of the star's hit-and-run case hearing. He says the movie is on schedule.

"We were always supposed to start on July 27, and we're starting on the 27th," said Nadiadwala, who is turning director with this high-voltage action movie.

The first schedule of the movie begins in Glasgow, and not in London. Glasgow is the chosen location for its rugged outdoors.

"Sajid wanted the locations to be completely unexposed. He intends to film some unique action sequences in Glasgow. Lately Salman has avoided doing heavy-duty stunts because of his neurological condition. But this time, Salman would be performing all the stunts himself. Sajid has taken all precautions to ensure Salman's safety," said a source.

Singer-actress Sophie Choudry's face reflected the glow of a newly-married girl when she walked the ramp as a showstopper for designer Rina Dhaka on the second day of India Bridal Fashion Week here.

Sophie flaunted an orange and green bridal lehenga teamed with a strapless multi-coloured blouse. The bridal look was completed with a beige light dupatta draped over the head as a pallu.

"I am in love with Rina's designs and she makes every women look ravishing and elegant in her collection. This is the reason why I'm here to walk for her," the 32-year-old told IANS after the show Wednesday night.

Bollywood actors Prateik and Amyra Dastur, the lead couple of romantic flick "Issaq", also took to the ramp to flaunt a black velvet sherwani and an ornate sharara respectively.

Dhaka is best known for her theme collections and her forte remains western wear. But at the IBFW ramp, she presented creations which every bride would want in her closet.

Bollywood superstar and gizmo enthusiast Shah Rukh Khan has launched an official game ahead of the release of his forthcoming movie "Chennai Express". He made the event exciting by challenging director Rohit Shetty for a match.

Shah Rukh showed off his gaming skills as he challenged Shetty to compete with him in the game - "Chennai Express: Escape from Rameshwaram". He says "to capture a movie in a game format is one of the most difficult and creatively challenging things to do".

"The movie has a vision and a theme, which a game needs to carry forward and keep the gamer engrossed in. The 'Chennai Express' game captures the theme, the graphics and the mood of the movie brilliantly," Shah Rukh said in a statement.

"I had a lot of fun being a part of the process of making this game. Hopefully the avid gamers will find this one as much fun as I do," he added.

Developed by Disney UTV's Digital arm, the game has so far been launched on feature phones and Android phones, while its iOS version will hit the markets closer to the movie's release Aug 9.

Stressing on the importance of building a gaming product to enhance the reach of a movie, Sameer Ganapathy, COO - Digital, Disney UTV, said: "Gaming is amongst the highest consumed forms of entertainment on mobile phones today. What better way to reach out to the ever growing mobile phone audience than to give them the opportunity to play as Shah Rukh Khan themselves!"

In the game, the player takes on the role of Rahul (Shah Rukh's character in the movie) and embarks upon an exciting and colorful running adventure, where he fights his way through an army of thugs from Chennai while dodging obstacles like trucks, buses, cars, coconut carts, manholes and more. All three versions of the game are based in the picturesque town of Rameshwaram.

As a special bonus, users can unlock a special Deepika Padukone avatar, by collecting more than 10,000 coins in a single game session.

Deepika is the lead heroine in "Chennai Express", which is co-produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Red Chillies Entertainment.

Doting father Anil Kapoor wants his daughter Sonam, who tasted success with two back-to-back films - "Raanjhanaa" and "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" - to take success and failure in the same spirit.

"I just want her to keep on the same kind of energy, enthusiasm and hard work. Take success and failure in same spirit," said the 54-year-old actor here at the success party of "Raanjhanaa" Wednesday.

"Some films will work and some won't and that's' part of showbiz. There is no actor in the entire world whose all films are hit or all are flop," he added.

Since her debut in 2007 unsuccessful film "Saawariya", this is for the first time the 28-year-old has tasted success in a big a way.

"Raanjhanaa", which was also southern star Dhanush's first Bollywood film, released June 21 while "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" with Farhan Akhtar in the lead hit the theatres July 12 and both worked well at the box office.

Sonam will next be seen in a Yash Raj Films' untitled project with Ayushmann Khurrana and 1980 "Khoobsurat" remake, being produced by her father.

Parineeti Chopra and Sushant Singh Rajput's "Shuddh Desi Romance" is heading to 'videshi' shores for a Gala Red Carpet Premiere at the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2013.

The screening, to be held Sep 11, will be attended by director Maneesh Sharma and writer Jaideep Sahni, along with Sushant, Parineeti and debutant Vaani Kapoor. It will take place at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

Officials at the Yash Raj Films (YRF) are delighted with the news, and hope it strikes the right chords with the audiences.

"We believe the film is perfect for Toronto, as it is a film that is rooted in rustic India and the characters are very contemporary in their thought, which will no doubt appeal to the diaspora but also the more mainstream audiences," Avtar Panesar, vice president (International Operations), YRF, said in a statement.

"Shuddh Desi Romance" is said to be a fresh narrative about love, attraction and commitment. Its first trailer gave movie buffs a taste of the movie, which seems to have captured the everyday relationship adventures, woes and fears of today's youth.

The much-talked about hug shared by Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at an iftaar party a few days back may have set tongues wagging about the superstars' relationship, but the former says it's none of anybody's business.

"I will be very honest. Whether it's my relationships, friendships, personal aspects...I have never dignified it by talking about it in the public and I would like to keep it like this," the 47-year-old said here Wednesday at the launch of a mobile game based on his film "Chennai Express".

On July 21, SRK and Salman faced each other at the Congress leader Baba Siddique's annual iftaar party and they shook hands and hugged each other.

But SRK closed the chapter by saying that the media should not expect any kind of explanation from him on the issue ever.

"So much is said, so much is heard, and too much is written. But as far as I am concerned... I have never spoken about it and I am not going to begin now. It's for everyone to take it forth, there is nothing coming in terms of explanation," he said.

Shah Rukh and Salman were not on talking terms post the incident at Katrina Kaif's birthday bash in 2008.

Farhan Khan many have slammed his co-star Sanaya Irani when he left TV show “Chhanchhan”, but the latter doesn't want to give any more publicity to the actor by talking about him as she feels that he has already got his share of attention.

“Honestly, I don't want to say anything about him. He said what he wanted to and he got his publicity. I don't intend to give him any sort of publicity. Farhan doesn't hold any value to my life and only consider things of those people are important to me,” Sanaya told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Farhan's exit from the series, aired on Sony channel, was reportedly due to the lack of right chemistry between him and Sanaya, and low TRPs.

Anuj Sachdeva has replaced him and Sanaya, last seen in romantic drama "Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon", is enjoying camaraderie with her new co-star.

“It's very good working with him and I am enjoying the work. It's fun shooting with him. I feel that when you are shooting with someone with whom you are friends with and you are having fun with them, it shows on screen,” she said.

The icing on the cake is the positive feedback.

“I am happy right now. We are getting a very positive feedback post the Indian Premier League (IPL) and post Anuj coming to the show. I am happy for what I am doing and I am happy with what people have to say,” said Sanaya.

Indian singers and international pop icon Britney Spears have sung different songs for Hollywood film "The Smurfs 2".

The upcoming 3D animation movie "The Smurfs 2" will feature a song sung by Chennai-based singer Adhi of HipHop Tamizha band and top nine contestants of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior".

While Spears' song is titled "Ooh La La", the track by Indian singers is titled "Na Na Na (Nice v/s Naughty)", said a statement.

"The Smurfs 2", a co-production of Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, is set to release Aug 2.

Actor Arshad Warsi wants to direct films like popular Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani, who is an expert in mixing social messages with entertainment in his movies.

Arshad and Hirani have worked together in "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S." and "Lage Raho Munna Bhai".

"I want to direct films that get my attention. I want to direct films like Rajkumar Hirani like 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S'. His films, which have a message, have left an immense impact," Arshad told IANS.

The actor, who has acted in comedy films like "Golmaal" series, "Hulchul" and "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya", says his films should also have entertaining elements.

"It should be entertaining too. A variety of films are being made. I want to tell stories that need to be told," said the 45-year-old.

Before becoming an actor, Arshad was a choreographer and he has displayed his dancing prowess on the big screen, but says they were easy ones.

"Choreography is my passion and I like to dance. I did films that had dance, but not exactly the kind of dance that I want to do. It was all easy dance steps, which were easy to pick up. I would like to do full-fledged dancing," he said.