On late legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao's 91st birth anniversary, his son Akkineni Nagarjuna released an emotionally touching video clip.

In his audio message, Nagarjuna describes his father as an epitome of love, pride and symbol of Telugu cinema and language.

"Wherever you are today dad, I wish you a very happy birthday," he said.

Nageswara Rao, who died in January 2014, created history through his 75-year old career comprising over 250 films across social, romantic and mythological genres.

His impeccable character, discipline, hard work and commitment for human and ethical values made him a towering personality in Indian society.

Actress Sridevi, who plays an evil queen in upcoming Tamil fantasy drama 'Puli', released her look from the film on Sunday.

The film, also starring Tamil superstar Vijay, will be dubbed and released in Hindi.

"Sharing the look of Puli. A fun filled fantasy! Pull yourself with your kids & friends to the nearest theater. Oct 1st (sic)," Sridevi posted on her Twitter handle.

Dressed in a golden gown designed by Manish Malhotra, Sridevi sports a majestic crown.

Directed by Chimbu Deven, "Puli" also stars Hansika Motwani, Shruti Haasan and Kannada star Sudeep in important roles.

Vishal Bhardwaj's directorial "Haider" released on October 2 last year, and this year, "Talvar", which he has written and co-produced, will hit the screens on this date. The filmmaker is said to have planned to make it an annual ritual.

"Vishal sir has been very excited about the release date. Last year, 'Haider' came as a pleasant surprise... This year, 'Talvar' has already garnered a huge response at Toronto International Film Festival. Now he is keen to bring a film every October 2," said a spokesperson.

While "Haider" featured Shahid Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, Shraddha Kapoor and Tabu, "Talvar", directed by Meghna Gulzar, also has Tabu, apart from, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Neeraj Kabi.

"Talvar", which delves on the Noida double murder case of 2008, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, and received a positive response.

If the grapevine is to be believed, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan will, for the first time in his career, endorse textile showroom brand Pothys.

An advertisement for the same may be shot here this week.

"Actor-photographer Krisha will shoot this video in a special set. It will be a two-minute long advertisement and is likely to go on air very soon," a source from the production team told IANS.

In a career spanning over five decades, Haasan has never endorsed a brand.

Not long ago, Kamal's daughter Shruti Haasan endorsed Pothys' boutique showroom.

The 60-year-old actor currently awaits the release of Tamil-Telugu bilingual thriller "Thoongaavanam".

Actor-comedian Vir Das, who is also known for his witty singing performances with Alien Chutney, is gearing up to launch his first album with his band.

Vir has already started recording for the album, which would consist of eight songs in the comedy rock genre. The album will release next month.

“We spend a lot of time in the studio getting the album together and collaborating with some great musicians across different genres. It's going to be a part of an album release and also a part of a very huge concert tour throughout the country that Alien Chutney is going be doing at various festivals and cities.

"I'm really excited and I managed to get a really great group of musicians in a room,” Vir said in a statement.

Alien Chutney is a comedy-rock band comprising Vir, Sidd Coutto, Gaurav Gupta, Warren Mendonsa and Kaizad Gherda.

The band has songs like “Manboob”, “Say nah India” and “Tadka” to its credit.

Indian director Pan NalinÂ’s film "Angry Indian Goddesses", a story about a group of Indian girls in Goa gone wild, has been voted as the first runner-up at the 40th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which concluded here on Sunday.

A huge cheer went up when TIFF creative directive Cameron Bailey announced the name of "Angry Indian Goddesses" as the first runner-up for the Grolsch People's Choice Award at this yearÂ’s festival.

Of the seven girls in the film, Sandhya Mridul and Rajshri Deshpande, who were present in the audience, shouted with joy at the announcement of the award for the film.

Toronto film festival CEO Piers Handling said tongue-in-cheek that he hopped "Angry Indian Goddesses" as the audience clapped for the Indian film.

"When we started this film, we never expected it anything. We were not even sure whether or when we will complete it. We are so excited now," said Sandhya.

Sandhya said her experience in the communications field stood her in good stead in playing her role in the film.

"We shot the film in 40 to 45 days... mostly in Goa and some in Mumbai," she said.

Rajshri, who plays the role of housemaid Lakshmi in the film, said: "We had great fun doing this film, and we are happy that the audiences at TIFF have liked our film. Hopefully, the film will go on to do will when it opens in India."

"Angry Indian Goddesses" is a powerful portrayal of new girl power in contemporary Indian society -- the girls who want to have fun, the girls who are uninhibited.

As this group of girls gathers in Goa to join in the wedding of their college friend Freida (played by Sarah Jane Dias), they have fun, they discuss sex, they discuss boyfriends, they discuss everything. But there is a hitch -- Freida wonÂ’t reveal who the groom is.

On the night of the wedding, the girls' party takes amazing turns and twists. And in the hands of award-winning director Pan Nalin, the film has such an emphatic finale.

Indeed, "Angry Indian Goddesses" is a powerful portrayal of new girl power in Indian society -- or women empowerment, so to speak.

Also, Lenny Abrahamson's poignant movie "Room", that talks about the captivity of a young woman but told so movingly through her little son born to her in captivity, won the People's Choice Award at TIFF.

Hundreds of protestors from the Dera Sacha Sauda sect who had blocked railway tracks and roads in some parts of Punjab in the past two days, ended their protests on Monday after authorities assured them that a solution would be found regarding the screening of "Messenger of God-2" (MSG-2), the second movie starring their chief, godman Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.

The assurance to the protestors was given by district authorities following talks between both sides on Monday.

The sect followers, including scores of women, had blocked railway tracks and roads in the last two days at some places in south Punjab to oppose the "unofficial ban" on the film's screening in Punjab, putting people to inconvenience.

Protestors had blocked rail tracks and roads in Moga, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Ferozepur, Amritsar and Jalandhar districts despite inclement weather and rain.

Authorities in Bathinda and other districts assured sect supporters that a solution for the screening of the controversial film would be found this week.

The sect, which has its headquarters near Sirsa town in neighbouring Haryana, has lakhs of followers across Punjab.

The followers claimed that "MSG 2" film was not being screened in theatres and multiplexes in Punjab despite no official ban by the state government.

They said cinema owners were not screening the movie citing law and order issues.

Cinema owners are worried that members of the Sikh community would oppose the film's screening. The sect has a history of run-ins with the Sikh community.

The film, a sequel to "Messenger of God" movie, was released on nearly 2,000 screens across the country on Friday.

Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar says he didn't look at dancing as a career, but something that gave him joy.

Soparrkar along with personalities from other walks of life shared their inspirational life stories at a non-profit initiative on Sunday. The ExpressO Talks, an initiative of ExpressO, a non-profit, Mumbai-based startup, focused on showing the most powerful 'Real Life Experiences', read a statement.

The event started with the choreographer sharing his journey of becoming a dancer. "When I said that I wanted to dance, some relatives taunted me saying that 'You'll open a NachKhana'," he said.

"I did not look at dancing as a career, but something that gave me joy. I believed in me and at the end that is what you will have, you and your talent and no one can take that away from you," he added.

Concluding the event was Manish Mundra, filmmaker and CEO of Drishyam Films that has produced several award-winning films including "Masaan".

He believes that "films should be made to leave a legacy behind".

"Everyone needs money, this is something I learned early in life, it is important to move on and make it big in life," he explained.

One of the most important principles in life is entrepreneurship, "If you are doing something that is not adding value to you or anyone else, stop doing it," is what he advises.

Y-Films, the youth films division of movie studio Yash Raj Films (YRF), has joined hands with The Global Goals campaign to promote the cause of gender equality in India. It has joined hands with British filmmaker Richard Curtis.

YRF will be creating an exclusive four-part web series titled "Man's World" -- a one-of-its-kind four-part, original comedy series -- for this cause in collaboration with Project Everyone, founded by Curtis, the writer-director of films such as "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill".

On September 25 at the UN, 193 world leaders will adopt the Global Goals, a series of 17 ambitious goals to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change for everyone by 2030. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shall pledge the country's commitment on September 25 at the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Global Goals campaign - with Project Everyone, Global Citizen, action/2015, and UN agency partners - aims to share these Global Goals with seven billion people within seven days of their announcement, and has tied up with partners across the world to promote these goals in their respective countries.

In India, Project Everyone chose YRF, to spread awareness about the gender equality goal across the country. International partners of Project Everyone include Aviva, Getty Images, Pearson, SAWA Global Cinema Advertising Association, Standard Chartered, Unilever, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United Nations Foundation, UNDP, Unicef.

Celebrities supporting the campaign include Jennifer Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Daniel Craig, Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, Malala Yousafzai, One Direction, Ken Robinson, Richard Branson, Stephen Hawking, Stevie Wonder, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and A.R. Rahman.

"Man's World", which will be launched on September 29 in the week of the Global Goals campaign. The series will be available to audiences for free on Y-films' YouTube channel.

"The Global Goals, if met, ensure the health, safety and future of the planet for everyone on it," Curtis said in a statement.

He believes that in particular, young people all over the world have the most crucial role to play in making sure their leaders deliver on their promises over the next 15 years.

"Gender equality is not a woman's issue, it's a human issue and it affects us all. And we're thrilled to partner with the UN and Richard for our first ever web series, 'Man's World', that can get that message out there in a fun, entertaining yet meaningful manner and hopefully make an impact," said Ashish Patil, vice president: Y-Films, Brand Partnerships and Talent Management at YRF.

Actress Kalki Koechlin has been roped in to endorse fashion brand VOI Jeans' autumn winter 2015 collection.

The London-based fashion and denim company launched its first store in India in 2013. Its autumn- winter collection comprises clean and minimal styles with subtle detailing.

Taking inspiration from nature and unique art forms, the collection has prints inspired by Japanese Shibori dyeing techniques, along with authentic Indigo products.

Talking of her association with VOI Jeans, Kalki said in a statement: “When I first saw the collection, I was pleasantly surprised at how much it resonates with my own personal sense of style. For me, being comfortable in what I wear is the key to great fashion.”

“With this collection, I feel VOI is set to establish itself as a brand that produces beautiful and on-trend garments. People always want something new, something exciting and I can see it happening with VOI. This collection is a testament to the great potential the brand has,” she added.

Its new line features clothing and accessories for both women and men.

Wowing the capital with her theatre debut in which she played legendary author Amrita Pritam, Bollywood actor Deepti Naval admits she should have gone on the stage long ago.

"I realised that theatre is very exciting and comfortable. I should have done it 30 years ago. I was scared that I will forget lines while performing," Deepti, whose "Ek Mulaqat" was staged in FICCI auditorium on Sunday evening, told IANS.

The play explored the authors' relationship with celebrated Urdu poet, Sahir Ludhianvi, whose role was played by actor Shekhar Suman.

Though Deepti was nervous to play Amrita Pritam in Delhi, the overwhelming response of the audience proved her apprehensions unfounded.

"I was nervous because Delhiites are familiar with Amrita Pritam and her work and they might judge my character. At the same time I was excited as a Delhi audience can crack the Punjabi and Urdu dialogues unlike Mumbai audience," she said.

Suffused with literary references and poetry of Sahir and Amrita Pritam, Shekhar and Deepti portrayed two hours in the lives of the two great writers.

Though Deepti was apprehensive of playing Amrita Pritam as she shared a close relationship with her, she realised it was the best way to pay tribute to a great friend. "We shared a lovely relationship and I knew her from 1981. She was the quintessential voice of Punjabi literature and she would recite poems for me," she reminisced.

The chemistry of the two actors offered a terrific treat for the audience as Shekhar pulled out a marvellous act with his flawless diction.

Deepti, who was privy to Amrita Pritam's passion for Sahir, said that though Amrita spoke about her passion for Sahir explicitly through her writings, Sahir was never open about it. "He was commitment-phobic though he too reciprocated her love for her," she said.

The first in a trilogy, "Ek Mulaqat" is directed and written by Saif Hyder Hasan.

Actor-producer Dia Mirza feels India is blessed with extremely beautiful locations and hence there isn't any need to conduct events at foreign locations.

"Honestly, when we do events here in India, I feel very happy. There are so many beautiful and exotic locations in our country; I don't believe that we need to go overseas to have a spectacular event. I think you can have great events being in India," said Dia when asked about the difference between organizing events at foreign locations vis-a-vis India.

The actress, who is a jury member for the EEMAX awards of the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), said: "It is very interesting to see entries from different parts of country and different entertainment companies. I am too a part of entertainment industry and we actors too somehow become a part of this industry.

"It is a sector which contributes significantly to the national exchequer, which is growing tremendously. We Indians are very fond of marriage ceremonies and even birthday parties are also celebrated in a grand fashion."

Dia feels that these kind of awards are important for event organizers and people who work for it, because "they bring so much happiness in the life of people".

Sridevi, who plays the queen of an ancient kingdom in her comeback Tamil film "Puli", says she was treated like a queen off the sets too and considered this gesture of the team "sweet".

"To be treated like a queen even off the sets was the best part of this role. It felt special, respected and very sweet," Sridevi, who is returning to Tamil cinema after two decades, told IANS.

Sridevi's last Tamil outing was 1986 film "Naan Adimai Illai" with superstar Rajinikanth.

When she went back to the sets after so many years, she admits it was nostalgic.

"Shooting in some old studios that I hadn't visited in so many years brought back wonderful memories of my initial years in Tamil industry. It was like reliving a dream," she said.

Explaining with enthusiasm about her role, she reveals: "This is the kind of the role you get once in a lifetime. It excited me so much that I jumped at the opportunity without much contemplation. Contrary to everything I've done so far in my career, what I've done in this film will always remain special".

Going by the film's promos, one would've expected her to be playing the antagonist. But she doesn't concur with that observation.

"It's a character with layers of shades. I'm not playing a typical queen we read in fairy tales. I'm really not at the liberty to divulge much information," she said.

Her look and costumes from the film has already created quite a buzz. She gives all the credit to fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

"Even Manish enjoyed working on this film so much because it gave him opportunity to experiment as well. Right from my gown to ornaments and the crown; he was responsible for everything," said Sridevi, who had to have people help her carry the costume.

"It was so heavy. Our vanity van used to be far away from the sets and in order to go there, I had to take the help of people to carry the gown as I'd walk. It was challenging but the whole experience was so much fun."

Directed by Chimbu Deven, the film also stars superstar Vijay, Shruti Haasan, Hansika Motwani and Kannada star Sudeep.

When asked about working with Vijay, she said: "It's nice of these popular actors like Ajith and Vijay to share screen space with senior actors like us. I mean, I worked with Ajith in 'English Vinglish', and though it was cameo, he was so much fun to work with. The same applies to Vijay as well."

"Vijay is very organised on the sets; mostly quiet. There's no discussion; no arguments. He works with so much passion and that's so encouraging for the co-stars," she added.

Asked if she's keen on doing more films in the south, Sridevi said she's not a planner and would usually pick a role if it excites her.

"Puli", which releases worldwide on October 1 in Hindi and Telugu as well, is the next most anticipated film of the year after "Baahubali".

Sridevi doesn't like the idea of comparing both the films.

"I feel every film has its own charm and gets made for a purpose. The buzz around 'Puli' is very positive; everybody I've spoken to are eagerly looking forward to the movie. With so much scope for fantasy Tamil cinema has not witnessed yet, it's a film for everybody," she said.

Mika Singh, who has given hit numbers like "Aaj ki party" and "Mauja hi mauja" among others, has expressed his desire to enter the forthcoming season of reality TV show "Bigg Boss" as a contestant.

"If they offer me a good amount of money, then I am ready to enter the 'Bigg Boss' house. And with my arrival, the channel's TRP would increase and it will become the world's number 1 channel," Mika said during the announcement of music concert "Suron Ke Rang Colors Ke Sang - Salaam Shri Gulshan Kumar" here on Monday.

"Bigg Boss 9", to be hosted by superstar Salman Khan, is set to go on air in October.

The final list of contestants is not out yet.

Anurag Kashyap says that failure of a film should be attributed to the director, because only he has the "power to say 'yes' or 'no'" to a project.

"I might make a film, but people might say it's just my film. But I've always believed that as a filmmaker I'm in a very different zone as compared to others, because when a film works, the credit goes to the entire team. But when it fails, it is the only director (to blame), because only he had the power to say 'no'," said Anurag, who was present at the preview of Blender's Pride fashion Tour 2015.

"And the point where he does not say 'no' is where his failures lie. In things that he did not stand up and say, 'no this does not work'. So as a filmmaker, I'm in a very privileged position to say 'yes' or 'no', whereas whole lot of people are working all the time," the director, whose last film "Bombay Velvet" bombed at the box office, added.

The "Gangs of Wasseypur" director, who started the production house Phantom Films with other filmmakers like Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane, is a "firm believer in collaborations."

"I've always had a great team. I'm a firm believer in collaborations. Individually, you can be and survive but if you need to build something then there has to be collaborations since it's very handy," he said about working in a team.

Anurag's last production with Phantom, "Masaan" won critical acclaim by bagging two awards at Cannes Film Festival.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap believes that he is a man who gets influenced too often by many people.

"I think I am receptive kind of person. My influences are far too many and I take inspiration all the time,” said Kashyap during Blenders Pride Fashion Tour event on Monday.

Known for making gritty hard hitting films, Kashyap has made films like “Black Friday”, “Dev D”, “That Girl in Yellow Boots” and “Gangs of Wasseypur”.

Speaking about influences on his career, Kashyap said: "When I was a child I was influenced by Guru Dutt. Later on Martin Scorsese influenced me a lot.

“Today current filmmakers like Neeraj Ghaywan (director of 'Masan'), Chaitanya Tamhane (director of 'Court') or recently I've seen Tithi Ram Reddy's Kannada film, I've never seen this kind of outstanding movies that too within limited budget in recent times. I think all these people inspired me."

The teaser of "Project Marathwada", starring veteran actor Om Puri as a distressed farmer, perfectly showcases what farmers in India go through because of poverty.

Launched on Tuesday, the teaser of the film, made by filmmakers Prakash Patel and Bhavin Wadia, begins with Tukaram's (Om) son committing suicide. It showcases the grief-stricken family and the villagers who remain speechless and unsurprised yet are filled with void in the hapless situation. The twist in the story develops after Tukaram himself decides to end his life but fails miserably in his attempt.

"It’s moving at how we have abandoned our farmers and yet they have continued to feed us. While playing the character of Tukaram, I have felt a part of their lives and it is really disturbing to see their miserable state.

"We hope to create a strong wind and arouse a sense of responsibility in every Indian to reach out to the fateful farmers,” Om Puri said in a statement.

The film also stars Govind Namdeo, Dalip Tahil, Kunal Seth, Seema Biswas, Rahul Patel, and Farrah Kader.

“This project is very close to my heart as I belong to an agricultural family. I have seen the ups and downs of my family and want to create awareness and wake up the dormant government to help the entire community of farmers,” Wadia said.

“In India, film is the best medium to reach to the larger audience for bringing forth the crisis of the farmers. I am thankful to Om sir who has shown faith in us and this venture of ‘Project Marathwada’,” he added.

Popular director duo Abbas-Mustan, who have helmed action-thrillers like "Baazigar" and "Race", say they would like to make more films in different genres.

"We have been stamped by producers and the audience that we make movies only on thriller, which we like to hear sometimes. But we want to try more genres...We want to make more films in different genres," Mustan, who is promoting his forthcoming film "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon", told IANS in a group interview here.

The duo, who tried comedy with "Baadshah", and "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke" - based on social drama, say they like to work on scripts which they can justify.

"We want to make films especially with the scripts we like and we can justify by making them... we liked the script for 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon'...the script had great elements for making this film," Mustan added.

Are they expecting "Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon" to join the Rs.100 crore club?

"We have not thought about crossing the Rs.100-crore benchmark. Why? Because our film is made on a limited budget...and the movie should be liked by all. That is what we want," Abbas told reporters.

Kapil Sharma, who is making his Bollywood debut with the film, believes no producer will "go in loss" with the forthcoming movie.

"When we see a film joining the Rs.100 crore club, we should also notice that the film was made at Rs.140 crore. People think that the movie has earned Rs.100 crore but the producer is in loss...but touch wood our film is in a controlled budget and with this film no producer will go in loss," he said.

The film, which also features Elli Avram, Manjari Phadnis, Simran Kaur Mundi, Sai Lokurwords, Arbaaz Khan and Varun Sharma, will hit the screens on Friday.

Kailash Kher will perform live for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his band Kailasa at Silicon Valley, California on September 27. He is proud to get the opportunity.

“Proud moment #Kailasa live in concert at PM Narendra Modi in Silicon Valley,” the “Teri deewani” crooner tweeted on Wednesday.

He also shared a poster for the event, which read: “Kailash Kher to perform at SAP Center for PM Narendra Modi community reception Sunday, September 27 San Jose”.

The singer, who is known for his soul-stirring songs, further shared that he will also meet Modi, whom he considers his “favourite”.

“Meeting my favourite PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia in #SiliconValley #Kailasa #Music #Passion come together,” he posted.

Talking about his plans for the performance, Kher shared that “Songs from #Kailasa Albums and #Bahubali all Are going to be part of our set line up on stage in #Sap Center San Jose #KailasaToRock California”.

Modi on Wednesday left on a visit to Ireland and the US. He will spend Wednesday in Ireland and will depart for New York the same evening for the US leg of his tour. He will be in the US till September 29.

Modi had earlier nominated Kher to take forward the message to clean India through his 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' campaign.

Bhumi Pednekar, who played a simple plus-sized girl in her debut film "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", has shared "the fun little things" she did to lose weight.

"My first post, about the fun little things I did to lose weight... hope you like it and it helps :) #LoseItLikeBhumi," Bhumi tweeted on Wednesday.

Bhumi, who before "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", was an assistant casting director for six years at Yash Raj Films (YRF), also took to Instagram to share her secret.

"Since my film released, there was this one question I was always asked - 'How did you lose your weight?' I have spoken about my journey very often. But I didn't know how to communicate with you guys better. So after a lot of thinking I realized, let's start sharing some fun things I did to lose weight with you guys. I hope it's of some use," she wrote.

She shared that she had read a lot about how drinking enough water is important.

"It absolutely is!!! But how often do we manage drinking six to seven litres of water? Not very. I do it now and trust me, water is a boon for your body. I wanted to make this habit a lot more fun, and I found this thing called detox water.

"It cleanses and detoxifies your body. Lemon not only cleanses your body but also makes it alkaline. It also boosts your immunity. Mint aids digestion and gives the drink some sweetness without any sugar," she added.

She also posted the benefits of cucumber. "It's good for your skin, it keeps your body hydrated, and it contains anti inflammatory properties. In short, it's good for you. Just pop it in your sipper and keep sipping on it...one of the things I tried," she wrote.