Aditya Roy Kapur & Ranbir Kapoor who starred in the superhit movie Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani have apparently become close buds. When Aditya bought a new car recently, the first person he took for a drive was good friend Ranbir Kapoor.

“Ranbir didn’t drive the car, but I took him for a ride on the first day itself. He is happy for me. Ranbir told me how he felt when he got his maiden vehicle. I guess the feelings are the same. He is a car junkie who is constantly updating and upgrading” says Aditya, with a smile.

Talking about his old car Aditya says, “Yes, it was famous for all the wrong reasons. I drove that car for many years. I still have my old car and love it a lot. I feel, the more the merrier.”

We’ve heard of stars having fragrances and clothing lines in their name, but cocktails?

The plush Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah property in Oman, where a part of the forthcoming ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA was shot, has decided to pay a tribute (of sorts) to Akshay Kumar.

Kumar’s character in the film, Shoaib, is introduced in the film, in Muscat. To celebrate the film’s release, the hotel has concocted a special cocktail called ‘Shoaibtini’ - mixed with Tia Maria, Crème de Cacao and Vodka Absolut Vanilla. A strong short drink, it will be served in a cocktail glass with brown sugar on the rim.

Nicolas Chammaa, the hotel’s resident manager, confirmed the news. “We have been privileged to have Kumar enact a scene in the film in The Long Bar. This drink that has been created by our beverages manager is dedicated to him and the entire Balaji team. The rich, robust and complex taste of the main ingredient Vodka Absolut Vanilla personifies the strong and rugged Shoaib while the sweet taste of Crème de Cacao touches on his soft, romantic side. Tia Maria adds to the rich flavor of this special drink.”

Apart from receiving great feedback on the trailer of his upcoming film,Ranbir Kapoor starrer Besharam,director Abhinav Kashyap was also approached by T-Series headhoncho Bhushan Kumar to helm a project for his production house, impressed by the buzz surrounding the film.

Expected to go on floors in the first half of 2014 ,the film will be a mass entertainer much like Abhinav’s previous project Dabangg and the current Besharam.

Confirming the news says producer Bhushan Kumar, “ Yes Abhinav Kashyap will be directing a total mass entertainer for T-Series.Though we will soon make an announcement on the starcast, what we can reveal at this point of time is that the film has an energetic, high-tempo album that is sure to resonate with audiences”.

A molestation case has been filed against Telugu music composer Chakri and producer Paruchuri Prasad on the grounds of allegedly misbehaving with a woman during a party, a police official said Tuesday.

"Following the complaint by a 36-year-old woman, who alleged that Chakri and Paruchuri Prasad misbehaved with her on Sunday night, we have registered a molestation case. We are investigating the case," sub-inspector Mohan Kumar of Banjara Hills police station told IANS.

The two have been booked under penal provisions for assault on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty.

"The victim is a friend of Chakri, who personally invited him to the party. However, hours later Chakri and Prasad after being drunk misbehaved with her. She said in her complaint that Chakri apologised to her later but Prasad failed to do so," he added.

Chakri, who has worked with top directors, is known for composing music for Telugu films such as "Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru", "Shivamani" and "Idiot".

Producer Paruchuri Prasad is known for producing Telugu films such as "Shadow" and "Simha".

TV actor Dheeraj Dhoopar, who plays Prem Bhardwaj in "Sasural Simar Ka", recently shot an emotional scene for the show and says it's very challenging.

In the Colors TV show, Dheeraj's character's finds out the reality about his parents and reacts to the revelation.

"It was very difficult for me because I am a very jolly person in real life. As they say, as an actor it's a challenge for you. I used to feel that I look horrible when I cry, but my director and co-actors helped me a lot," Dheeraj said Monday in an interview on the sets of the show here.

"And I hope people will like me in this as well," he added.

Dheeraj replaced Shoaib Ibrahim in the show in March this year.

The show premiered April 25, 2011, and comes Monday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Make your brother's wrist beautiful in a natural way by tying a rakhi made of flowers this Rakshabandhan.

Ferns N Petals, which provides floral and gifting solutions, has launched a range of floral rakhis for the festival.

"Keeping abreast with being a trendsetter in innovative gifting, the idea of floral rakhis will bring in a fresh and modern concept," Pawan Gadia, CEO, Retail & Online, Ferns N Petals, said in a statement.

The range of rakhis can be customised also. They can be purchased online as well as from all stores across India.

The pricing starts from Rs.199 onwards.

Get instant access to the third season of the "Coke Studio @MTV" Sony Music Entertainment has teamed up with MTV channel to release the music on the day of each episode.

The show that features Grammy Award winner A.R. Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Ram Sampath, Salim-Sulaiman, Clinton Cerejo, Hitesh Sonik and Papon, will go on air from Aug 17 on MTV. It consists of eight episodes.

"The lineup is outstanding with seven leading composers curating 47 original compositions with over 100 musicians.

"Last year, we sold 15, 000 CDs and over 10 million downloads in the first six months. This time too we will release the music on the day of each episode so that fans all over the world get instant access to great music," Shridhar Subramaniam - President - Sony Music Entertainment India & Middle East, said in a statement.

Designer Raghavendra Rathore, known for patenting the bandhgala cuts and Jodhpuris, has now associated with Johnnie Walker Black Label to design limited edition packaging for the brand.

The design is inspired by Rathore's trademark "bandhgala jacket" and the pack is crafted to deliver a unique experience to whisky lovers.

The packaging captures a nostalgic impression of the glorious past that blends seamlessly with a contemporary feel, says the designer.

"Indian culture has always inspired my work and this reflects in my designs for the new Johnnie Walker Black Label pack, a must-have for all who appreciate the richness and depth of this liquid," Rathore said in a statement.

"Over the last two decades, the bandhgala jacket has become a hallmark for a modern, sophisticated Asian style and represents a revival of the true legacy of a bygone era. The packaging will now flaunt the very elegance, making a statement of genuine substance in my signature designs," he added.

The new limited edition Johnnie Walker Black Label is available in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Karnataka and Hyderabad.

Known for his performances in films like "Hey Ram" and "Chandni Bar", actor Atul Kulkarni is set to debut on Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC) with crime-based show "Savdhaan India - Mumbai Fights Back".

Beamed on Life OK, "Savdhaan India" brings real-life crime stories on TV and the current focus is Mumbai. The actor, who will host the segment, feels it is important to sensitise citizens about crime rates in the city.

"I am happy to be associated with a show like 'Savdhaan India'. Being a Mumbaikar myself, I feel it is extremely important to make my fellow citizens aware of the crime rates in the city and how they can fight against them. I hope the audiences accept me in this role," he said in a statement.

Talking about the series, Ajit Thakur, general manager, Life OK, said: "Through the series we want to reinstate and re-establish the lost glory of Mumbai as the safest city and encourage Mumbaikar's to fight against the crimes."

The new series will begin Aug 10 and will air every weekend at 8 p.m.

Taking its endeavour to provide qualitative edutainment to its listeners, All India Radio Tuesday announced the launch of its new serial "Priya", which aims to spread the message of women empowerment, as well as educate rural masses about various government welfare schemes they can avail.

"Priya" is a story of a poor but courageous young woman who fights against all odds to get educated and create awareness and progress in her village.

"It is a story of a young girl who grows up to be a well-aware citizen and aims to illuminate her village using non-conventional energy through wind power. How this girl fights all evils and creates awareness for the villagers, forms the story," Laxmi Shankar Bajpai, deputy director general, All India Radio Delhi, told reporters here.

"Priya" delves on the grit and determination of a poor father-less girl, who struggles to make her dream come true. Her will to study motivates her enough to trudge eight miles to school everyday as she resides in a neglected village where basic amenities like school, hospital and electricity are not available.

The protagonist treads through a journey strewn with hardships to reach her goal.

Important contemporary subjects touched upon in the serial are women raising their voice against molestation, indecent behaviour and injustice, teaching such elements a lesson, as well as the importance of unity and communal harmony in the nation's progress, said Bajpai.

A run of 12 episodes has been planned for the show, and depending on the response, it may be extended.

It will be broadcast every Thursday starting Aug 8 from Vividh Bharati MW 219.3 mtr. i.e. 1368 KHz, and every Friday starting Aug 9 on FM (Gold) 106.4 MHz, on FM (Rainbow) 102.6 MHz, and also on Indraprastha Channel MW 366.3 mtr.

To expand the reach of the message-based show, "Priya" will also be translated into 22 regional languages for pan-India listeners.

Rupali Guha, daughter of veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, has recently directed her first Bengali film "Porichoy", about a father-daughter relationship.

"I recently directed a Bengali film with Prasenjit Chatterjee as well as Mishti, who will also be seen in Subhash Ghai's 'Kaanchi'. This is my first Bengali film and I am excited about it. The story is about a father and daughter relationship and I am really looking forward to it," Rupali told IANS.

The film is slated for Aug end release.

The fact that ther Bengali film industry is prospering, makes Rupali happy.

"I am happy that the Bengali film industry is rocking these days. There are some interesting stories and filmmakers coming up," said the producer of TV show "Uttaran".

Rupali had earlier directed Hindi film "Aamras" in 2009.

Actress Anushka Sharma will join the cast of upcoming movie "Bombay Velvet" in Sri Lanka and is looking forward to the experience.

Directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, "Bombay Velvet" brings actor Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka together on the silver screen for the first time.

Last seen in director Vishal Bhardwaj's "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", Anushka said: "I am really excited and looking forward to joining the crew of 'Bombay Velvet' in Sri Lanka."

"I have always wanted to work with Anurag and I am glad that I am going to be a part of his biggest celluloid dream yet. I am sure it is going to be an unforgettable experience. Fingers crossed," she said in a statement.

Anushka will be shooting for 40 days in Sri Lanka to complete her first schedule.

Co-produced by Fox Star Studios and Phantom Films, "Bombay Velvet" is set in Mumbai and the story covers 1950s to 1970s. It is the first film of a trilogy on how the city became a metropolis.

If Neil Nitin Mukesh and feisty Richa Chadha are seeing each other, hen they aren't aware of it!

Expressing surprise at the rumours about their involvement, Richa said: "I don't know where this is coming from. I have shot a film with Neil. We got along well. But then I get along well with all my co-stars. That's it. I haven't even met him in ages. So I am a bit baffled and embarrassed by these rumours."

The two are doing romantic-comedy "Ishqeria" together and according to a source, this a way to generate interest in the project.

Neil more or less confirmed this when he said: "What to say? In my next film, they'll link me with my leading lady again. And then the one after that also. So it's better for me to keep quiet. People need better marketing strategies to promote their film."

Linking the lead pair in a romantic film before the film's release is an old strategy.

It started with Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia in "Bobby".

Later couples who barely exchanged a few words off camera like - Kumar Gaurav-Vijeta Pundit in "Love Story", Kamal Haasan-Rati Agnihotri in "Ek Duuje Ke Liye", Salman Khan-Bhagyashree in "Maine Pyar Kiya" and Rahul Roy-Anu Aggarwal in "Aashiqui" - were linked just before the release when in fact they had nothing to do with one another.

So Richa and Neil are in august company.

Ravi Rai, elder brother of "Raanjhanaa" director Aanand Rai, changed the way we look at TV with serials, notably "Sailaab" and "Sparsh", which were path-finders. After being a recluse for about 10 years, he is ready resurface to show his feature film.

Oddly entitled "Maya, Vanilla and Strawberries", it is an autobiographical film on male-bonding.

"Where have I been? I've been trying to find a centre to my life. When I was doing television there was scope for much innovation. That is why we could do something as path-breaking as 'Sailaab'. But now I feel Indian television has reached stagnancy," he said.

"Everyone is doing the same thing. Big revenue is involved and no one is willing to risks. If I ever do television again, it would have to be something that would make my audience think about the quality of our life," he added.

However, Cinema, feels Ravi, is going through a ferociously fertile phase.

"Movies are talking about sperms ('Vicky Donor') and sex. In the recent release 'Sixteen', the attitude of the youngsters is, 'I want to f...k so what?' I think our cinema has discovered a new freedom. And it's still trying to find out what to do with that freedom.

"Meanwhile, a director like my brother Aanand is able to express himself exactly the way he wants to in his cinema," he said.

Ravi's feature film is based on his own life. "Every student and youngster has his own 'Chashme Buddoor' to recount. In my younger days, I too had my bum chums in Delhi. They continue to be my friends to this day. They are Raju Kher (Anupam Kher's brother) and Deepak Sinha."

In "Maya, Vanilla and Strawberries", Namit Das and Aman Uppal play Ravi's pals while Ali Faizal (the young guitar-playing actor from "Fukrey") plays Ravi.

Said Ravi: "It's an autobiographical film. Ali Fazal plays my character. I first wanted to make a vigilante film entitled "Sorry Mr Gandhi, I Have To Kill Them". It's about 50 youngsters getting together to kill five of the most corrupt politicians of the country. It's a very controversial subject. I'll come to that after 'Maya, Vanilla and Strawberries'."

He also has "Main Manjula Parmar", sport based script, which is about is the story of a girl from the interiors of Rajasthan who becomes a basketball champion and represented India at the Asian Games.

"With these films I hope to break the mould in the same way that I did on television. The good thing is, my brother Aanand's success gives me a certain freedom. He can ask distributors to see my films and they will. That's it. After that I'm on my own."

Proud about his brother's success, he said: "We live five minutes' distance away from one another and we work out of the same office. I always knew he had it in him. When Aanand made 'Tanu Weds Manu', I was thrilled.

"His female protagonist Kangna Ranaut was unlike any heroine I had seen. She drank and she was frank. She was foul-mouthed and fearless... This is the kind of freedom I wanted my female characters to have in my television serials. Now, hopefully, I'll find a similar freedom in my movies."

Popular playback singer Bappi Lahiri, often known as Bollywood's 'Disco king', has crooned a special cabaret number for "Gunday". He says it will be a sureshot crowd puller.

This is Bappi's first association with movie production giant, Yash Raj Films (YRF).

"Gunday" stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan. When director Ali Abbas Zafar decided to make a cabaret song for "Gunday", set in 'Calcutta' of the 1980s, Bappi was an inevitable choice.

The track, composed by Sohail Sen, combines jazz with brass and drums. The female vocals are by Neha Bhasin, while the male's lines have been crooned by Bappi-da.

"I'm very excited to be a part of this, I have worked with Sohail's father Sameer many years ago and now I'm working with his talented son. This song is a guaranteed crowd puller, especially in Kolkata," Bappi said in a statement.

The veteran composer is said to have added some of his typical nuances, which were a rage in the 1980s, to add to the authenticity of the song.

Talking about the number, Sen, who has composed the "Gunday" album, said: "For months we were trying to come up with this cabaret song, but a good melody was eluding us. It is meant to be Priyanka Chopra's introduction song in the film, it had to be special."

Produced by Aditya Chopra, "Gunday" is slated to release on Valentine's Day, Feb 14, 2014.

Actress Alia Bhatt, who is excited about "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" -- her second venture with Karan Johar after "Student Of The Year" (SOTY), says she believes in the filmmaker's vision for her.

In the quirkily titled "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania", Alia is paired with her SOTY co-star Varun Dhawan.

"(My next is) 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania'. The announcement has just been made and I am doing this film with Varun. It will release next year. (I am) Very excited about that," the 20-year-old said here Tuesday at the India International Jewellery Week.

Alia walked the ramp to showcase creations by Pallavi Foley in association with Abharan Jewellers.

The young actress is excited to be working with Karan once again, and says his banner Dharma Productions is like home to her.

"Dharma is like my home production, it is home for me. Karan said, 'Alia, you are going to do this film' and he has great vision for me," Alia said.

"I trust him completely. It's obviously going to be very exciting working with him," she added.

While SOTY was directed by Karan himself, "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" will be helmed by debutant Shashank Khaitan. It is currently slated for release June 27 next year.

As an actor, director or producer, Farhan Akhtar has broken new ground with every project - and his winning streak continues with "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". He says the film's "biggest" knock-on effect, however, is that filmmakers now won't see him just as the "cool urban guy".

"Of course 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' has earned great success in terms of its box office, but I'd like to believe that it has broken, in a lot of people's heads, this perception about me...that I can only play the cool urban guy. That's been the biggest fallout and achievement for me from 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'," Farhan told IANS.

His past films as an actor - debut project "Rock On!!" in 2008, followed by "Luck By Chance", "Karthik Calling Karthik" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" - have seen him in a young, chilled out and debonair avatar.

In Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's high-on-passion-and-emotion biopic "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" on ace athlete Milkha Singh, Farhan's raring-to-go portrayal of the Flying Sikh made the audience and industry members sit up and take notice of the multi-talented star's evolving acting acumen.

"It (the film) has proved that 'he (Farhan) can apply his talent and do a character of this nature and that he can go out of his comfort zone'," said the 39-year-old, son of veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar and writer Honey Irani.

But, if harping on past laurels was his way, "it would the beginning of my end", says Farhan, who is readying to surprise the audience once again with his next romantic comedy "Shaadi Ke Side Effects".

"You can't be sitting and thinking about past successes. I can just hope to again meet someone like Rakeysh, or Abhishek Kapoor, who has a story which can inspire me enough to take it up, and say, 'Yes, this is one thing I must do.'," he added.

Farhan says the variety in his work is not a conscious, but an obvious thought.

"More often than not, an actor is bound to want to do two different kinds of projects back-to-back so that one can explore other avenues. But really, that's not what an actor goes out looking for...like I said, it's about meeting people, hoping something wonderful will emerge out of it," he said.

His own personal interactions with the legendary Milkha Singh milked his life's learnings for Farhan.

"In all honesty, I've latched on to his life's philosophy. He is so simple in his approach, and just believes that if you work as hard as you can, you will be noticed and people will recognise you for that," he said.

For Farhan, that's worked precisely - be it in his visible six-packs, Punjabi accent or the way he has immersed himself so deep into the character's skin.

But plain hard work with simplicity - is that a possible combination in a celebrity life?

"Well, your life is your life. It is, after all, what you make out of it. Simplicity is an attitude... it's just about committing yourself to everything - be it your work or relationships," said the actor, who has two children with wife, celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar.

Vishal Krishna-starrer Tamil romantic-comedy "Madha Gaja Raja" (MGR), which is delayed by nearly nine months, is finally set to release worldwide Sep 9, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

"Gemini Film Circuit's much delayed 'Madha Gaja Raja' is releasing on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi. We are releasing it on this day because the title in Tamil means Lord Ganesha and, therefore, we thought it makes sense to release the film on this day," said a statement from the production house.

The film, which also stars Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Anjali in lead roles, is said to be a commercial entertainer for all age groups.

"Madha Gaja Raja" is directed by Sundar C, who has earlier made comedy blockbusters such as "Kalakalappu" and "Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru".

The combination of Vishal and comedian Santhanam in the film will be one of its biggest highlights.

"Sundar C has proved to be a perfect example of 'Laughter is the best medicine'. And he has designed this film to be a perfect action entertainer laced with comedy. The comedy scenes between Vishal and Santhanam will bring down the house," the statement further said.

Veteran Indian cinema artistes actress Shabana Azmi and her writer husband Javed Akhtar presented a rare 'smitten by love' portrait when they walked the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) ramp here.

The duo sashayed across the ramp together for the first time for Golecha's Jewels Tuesday.

Jewellery is precious for every woman. So, when Shabana was asked about any special piece of jewellery gifted to her by her husband, she said: "Javed saab has presented me with a lot of jewellery. But I don't believe that a relationship should be measured by the amount of jewellery as presents."

On a romantic note, she added: "He holds my hand or says a piece of poetry for me, that is the biggest jewellery for me."

Javed said he had once given a necklace as a present to Shabana.

He added: I would like to say today this is Golecha's jewellery, but I am Shabanaji's jewel."

Javed married Shabana in 1984. He was earlier married to Honey Irani, with whom he has two children - Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar.

Director Vishnuvardhan, who has teamed up with Ajith Kumar for the second time in upcoming Tamil thriller "Arrambam", says the actor insisted on doing his own stunts irrespective of the risk-factor involved.

"He is so committed that he didn't let me appoint a body-double for him in the action scenes. He said he could do it on his own even after he injured his leg in one of the car chase sequences. He insists on doing the most risky stunts on his own," Vishnuvardhan told IANS.

This is not the first time that Ajith has performed his own stunts. In "Billa 2", he performed dare-devilry in a flying helicopter.

"Sometimes he is so involved in a scene that he wouldn't even realise if he is injured and would continue shooting. He has done most of the stunts on his own in the film. He was quite confident of handling these scenes," he added.

"Arrambam", which has been on floors for over a year, is nearing completion. Produced by A.M. Ratnam, the film also features Arya, Nayantara, Taapsee Pannu and Rana Daggubati in important roles.