Popular actor Charan Raj is set to introduce his son Tej Raj in filmdom and says the youngster is ready take the plunge under his guidance.

"Tej has been training to become an actor all these years. Not just acting, he has been training in dance and stunts as well. I think now he is ready to take the plunge because I have been preparing him with the experience I gained over the years," Charan Raj told IANS.

Tej Raj is expected to sign on the dotted line soon and the doting father doesn't mind the cut-throat competition.

"There is competition in every field and profession. One should worry about the effort one puts in as an actor, not about competition or even success and failure. I wouldn't let these things affect the conviction of my son," he said.

Charan, who has worked in over 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada, says it's vital to have a mentor in the industry.

"When I started as an actor, I didn't have any godfather in the industry. I struggled my way up the ladder and even made mistakes, but my son has me to show him the right path. It's very important to have someone to guide you because one might easily get carried away by fame," he said.

In the meantime, Charan, known for films such as "Gaayam", "Pratighatana" and "Surya IPS", will turn director with a Tamil-Telugu bilingual called "Gentleman Police".

This Independence Day celebrate freedom with a compilation of A.R. Rahman's patriotic sound-tracks that will pluck the very heartstrings of every patriotic Indian.

Home Entertainment Services by Sony DADC brings you a compilation of the Oscar-winning maestro's best patriotic songs in an exclusive album titled "The Sound of Freedom".

"'The Sound of Freedom' is an attempt on our part to remind all of us that, no matter what, India will prevail and that among the many discordant sounds, we shall again find the sound of freedom, a sound that will unite all of us - just like Rahman's music does," said Rajat Kakar, Business Head - Home Entertainment Services by Sony DADC, in a statement.

The track list includes some of Rahman's most uplifting compositions over the years such as "Tu Mun Shudi", "Infinite Love", "Maa Tujhe Salaam" and "Rang De Basanti", among others.

"The Sound of Freedom" is available in stores and across all e-commerce platforms. It is priced at Rs.175.

Do you know the impact the “Lungi Dance” song from “Chennai Express” has had? It inspired Anand Mahindra, chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group to wrap the sarong-like garment around while relaxing at home.

Rohit Shetty presented the fast and fun “Lungi dance” or “Thalaiva” as a special track in his film in honour of the legendary actor Rajinikanth. Given voice by Yo Yo Honey Singh, the song has got an overwhelming response on YouTube with over 15 lakh hits so far.

If the naughty song impressed Rajinikanth, it inspired Anand Mahindra wear the lungi and he thanked the director for making it trendy.

“Worn lungi at home since Ooty school days. Kids called me a Scotsman with an oversized kilt. Thanks Rohit Shetty for making the lungi cool,” Mahindra said in a tweet on Twitter.

The film, with a southern flavour, also saw the lead pair - SRK and Deepika Padukone - wearing lungi.

Eminent personalities from Telugu film industry Sunday called on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Actors, producers, directors and others met Modi at a hotel and discussed issues related to the film industry.

The meeting assumed significance in view of the apprehensions in the film industry following the central government's decision to carve out a separate Telangana state.

A section of film industry fears the formation of separate state with Hyderabad as its capital may hit the film industry, which is dominated by artists from Andhra region.

Those who met Modi included popular actor N. Balakrishna, brother-in-law of Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, veteran actor Mohan Babu, his actor sons Vishnu Manchu and Manoj Manchu and actress daughter Lakshmi Manchu.

Veteran actors Murali Mohan, Suman, Jagapati Babu, actress Gowtami, producers D. Rama Naidu, Suresh Babu, Raghvendra Rao, Dil Raju and music director Keeravani also met Modi.

Acclaimed filmmaker Govind Nihalani, who is planning a sequel to "Ardh Satya", says he would like to team up with Om Puri for the second part.

Om Puri played the protagonist in the 1983 release, which also had Amrish Puri and Smita Patil -- but both the actors are not alive.

"...the two major people are not there anymore with us. Right now, I am keeping my options open and I am waiting to see what happens. I would love to have Om Puri again," he told IANS.

Based on noted Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar's short story, the critically acclaimed cop-drama revolved around a police officer, played by Om Puri, struggling with the bad elements around him and with his own weaknesses.

The director hopes to lock the story by the end of the year.

"My friend and the producer of the film, Manmohan Shetty has been persuading me for several years. I am thinking about it. I am in the process of developing the story. I hope that at the end of the year or by next year, I will finalise it," he said.

Known for directing films like "Aakrosh", "Vijeta", "Party" and "Dev", the director feels sequels can be challenging at times.

"In a sequel, you take the story forward with the same characters. That is tricky as you have to invent a new story with the same characters.

"Sometimes, some artists are unavailable, so you have to bring in new actors. It is like making a new film. Except that you maintain the title as the earlier film was accepted," he said.

A lot of remakes are coming nowadays, but the director would not like to see his films being remade.

"I wouldn't not like to see my films being remade. They are not entertainment- oriented. They were entertaining, but they had much more substance in terms of consciousness about social issues and situations and that is not the kind of stuff you remake," said Nihalani.

Two Indian celebrities -- Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Himangini Singh and Akshitaa Agnihotri, finalist of Femina Miss India 2013 -- are currently here to promote Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chennai Express" and to raise funds for the flood victims in Nepal.

The two reached here Saturday and they will participate in a charity programme Monday where "Chennai Express" will be screened and the funds so raised will be donated to the victims through the Mumbai-based NGO, Project Crayon.

Project Crayon has collaborated with Darshana Arts Pvt Ltd, which promotes and distributes Bollywood movies in Nepal, to raise funds for the flood victims.

"We are here. Apart from attending the programme, we will visit Pokhara and also worship at the Pashupatinath temple here," said Himangini sharing her plans.

About 300 guests from various walks of life are expected to attend the charity programme, according to organisers Darshans Arts Pvt. Ltd.

Himangini and Akshitaa will also attend 'Lungi' festival.

And after returning home, the duo will promote Nepali tourism, especially among members of the film industry to convince them to shoot amidst the scenic backdrop of the Himalayan country.

"We need not travel to Europe for shooting. As Nepal is rich in natural beauty, temple and heritage, we need not travel to expensive European cities," said Himangini and added that Nepal can be a shooting destination for Indian films.

Himangini, who is preparing for her big-screen debut, will promote her debut film also in Nepal.

Akshitaa told reporters that during her stay, she will try to understand the prospects of modelling and film culture here.

Recently, while promoting "Chennai Express" in London, Shah Rukh and his co-star Deepika Padukone made an appeal through a video to their Nepali fans to watch the film.

"Tamas", about the migration of Sikh and Hindu families to India during partition, will go on air on History TV 18 on Independence Day Thursday without any cuts. Govind Nihalani, who directed it, says it's important for the present generation to see his movie.

The TV film will be aired as an eight-part series daily from Aug 15 at 9 p.m.

Happy with the channel's decision, Nihalani told IANS: "This is the kind of show one would like the present generation to see. The last time the show came on TV was 25 years ago."

"'Tamas' is about the times which were very difficult and tragic in our nation's history when the country was struggling to get free from the British colonial rule. The process involved the loss of millions of lives and the partition of the country," Nihalani told IANS.

The issues of communalism and religious independence, depicted in the mini-series, are relevant even today.

Nihalani feels that people should know how communalism or igniting sentiments of communities in the name of religion can result in huge tragedy.

"The purpose is very political, so many human lives were lost in the name of religion. This issue is alive even today. The level of intolerance is much higher today than when I made it 25 years ago," he said.

Based on the Hindi novel of the same name by Bhisham Sahni, the film starred Om Puri, Bhisham Sahni, Amrish Puri, Pankaj Kapur, A.K. Hangal, Dina Pathak, Saeed Jaffrey and Surekha Sikri.

Recalling the stir, which the show had created at that time, he said that there was a lot of agitation.

"That time there was a huge hue and cry about stopping the telecast. During that period when agitation was going on, people who came out on the streets and supported were students groups, women groups and workers groups ... in Bombay (Mumbai) there was a human chain supported by all progressive people. It had a great impact on the viewers and also after the telecast was over, the debate continued in the press and media. This was a great positive," he said.

The channel will show "Tamas" without any cuts and Nihalani welcomed the decision. "I am glad it is being telecast without any cuts or editing," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan is tasting success with “Chennai Express” after a long hiatus and, therefore, wants to savour the moment with the audience in a theatre.

“Go to where you feel happiest... so have decided to go and watch 'Chennai Express' in the theatre... with the audience. Want to hear the laughter,” Shah Rukh expressed his desire through a tweet.

His past big-ticket films “Jab Tak Hai Jaan”, “Don 2” and “Ra.One” failed to create a ripple at the box, but his “Chennai Express” is not only racing ahead at the box office but people from every quarter are lauding SRK for his work in the comedy-action drama.

“I feel happy when I am told ... I am proud of you. Makes my chest swell with pride and pop my buttons. Oops! Today is that day. Tired but thrilled,” wrote Shah Rukh, who threw a big party attended by the who-is-who of filmdom on Eid-ul-Fitr -- also the day when the film was released.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film, also starring Deepika Padukone, collected Rs.33.12 crore on its opening day and trade analyst Taran Adarsh described it as a “hurricane at the box office”.

He also said that the film is setting new records in UAE-GCC.

“Fri $575,000. Some sites yet to report. Estimated to be above $600,000. Superb,” tweeted Adarsh.

Popular playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who gave hit songs like "Main koi aisa geet gaaon" and "Suno na suno na", believes that singing is a natural talent that one is born with.

"Every person in this world can become a doctor, engineer or even a scientist through education. But an artist is born," the singer said at the launch of the final leg of Benadryl BIG Golden Voice contest. He will judge the show.

"It’s (singing talent) a blessing bestowed on him or her by god, which can neither be given nor taken away by anyone. Singers are born as singers and it doesn't come with any professional degree or formal education," added the 54-year-old singer.

In an over-two-decade-long career, he went behind the mike to lent voice for several Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn, and rendered a range such as romantic songs "Badi mushkil hai" and "Mere khyaloon ki malika" and fun number "Jab tak rahega samosa mein aloo".

He walked away with the best male playback singer award for "Main koi aisa geet gaaon" for "Yes Boss".

They were part of the cast of "Delhi-6", however, the duo didn't have any scenes together. But Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor will face each other on the big screen after 22 years to play friends, who have not spoken to each another for 25 years, in Sudhir Mishra's "Mehrunissa".

They duo, who were last seen together in Shashi Kapoor-directed 1991 film "Ajooba", will go through a period of rehearsals and workshops to play two hostile friends in Mishra's film.

According to a source close to the project: "The two friends, one a Muslim and the other a Hindu, fell out because they were both in love with the same girl. Now 25 years later, they will confront each other."

Mishra wants the two actors to get comfortable being uncomfortable with one another.

"Bachchan saab and Rishiji have to project the friction of two people, two friends who know one another so well that they can remain bonded even without talking for so many years," added the source.

Chitrangda Singh plays the girl they both love. But most of her scenes would be with the actors who play the young Big B and Rishi.

Mishra will begin shooting the film in September in a start to finish schedule in Lucknow.

Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar will reportedly be part of the Steering Committee of the International Film festival of India (IFFI) 2013.

"He is on the steering committee of IFFI this year," a source close to the director told IANS.

This year IFFI will take place from Nov 20 to Nov 30 in Goa.

The award winning director-producer is known for his films like "Chandni Bar", "Page 3", "Fashion" and "Heroine".

Currently Bhandarkar is said to be working on a musical.

Popular southern actress Madhoo, who is set to make her theatre debut, says one can't compare the medium with cinema because theatre is done for the joy of a performer, and not for money.

Madhoo will debut with the stage adaption of "The Verdict", which will be performed Aug 15 in Mumbai.

"I believe theatre is the last place one would want to be in for money. It's mostly done for the joy of a performer. I have been told that actors such as Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher take out time for theatre because they enjoy doing it," Madhoo told IANS.

"All these actors never quit theatre because they are addicted to it. We can't compare theatre with cinema because the economics attached to them is totally different. Theatre rarely has any repeat value and offers very little monetary benefit," she added.

Madhoo wanted to challenge herself with theatre.

"I don't have any theatre experience, but I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see will I be able hold myself on stage. I was piqued by the strange nervousness to perform live in front of a live audience. I wanted to know if I can pull it off without retakes," she said.

"The Verdict", directed by Divya Palat, also features Tanisha Mukerji, Dalip Tahil, Aditya Hitkari and Vivan Bhatena.

Quizzed if she wants to nurture a career in theatre, Madhoo said: "I don't have a logical answer for that. I would love to do something exciting but I don't know when I will say yes or no. I have something exciting lined up and I'm looking forward to it".

Meanwhile, Madhoo is also awaiting the release of her comeback film in Telugu "Anthaku Mundhu Aa Tharuvatha", in which she plays the role of a mother.

Actor Imran Khan is very impressed with his "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!" co-star Sonakshi Sinha's professional attitude toward her work and her punctuality. He says it's inspiring to work with such people.

"For the first time I have worked with Sonakshi, and I enjoyed working with her. She is very professional and a very punctual actress. Everyday she reached the sets before time," Imran said here Sunday on the set of the TV crime show "C.I.D.".

"She knows her dialogues and her scenes inside out. So, when you work with such people, it feels good and it is very inspiring," he added.

Even actor Dayanand Shetty, who plays the popular character of Daya in the TV show, is impressed with the actress.

"I just came to know that Sonakshiji was here (on the set of 'C.I.D') by 11:00 a.m. So that punctuality is to what extent I don't know as she was called around 12.30 p.m.," he said.

Directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ekta Kapoor, "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!" is a sequel to 2010 hit "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai". Releasing Friday, it also features Akshay Kumar.

National Award-winning director Govind Nihalani feels the movie and television industries will keep changing because they act as a mirror to society, which constantly changes.

"TV will continue to change. TV and cinema are media, which respond to the times, which they are made in. They are not static," Nihalani told IANS in an interview.

Although he hasn't indulged in TV soaps, the filmmaker was instrumental in bringing controversial mini-series "Tamas", about the migration of Sikh and Hindu families to India during partition, on the small screen.

It was beamed on Doordarshan and now it will once again be relayed on History TV 18.

He feels his show is relevant even in today's time, when such attempts are not made.

"The difference is that 'Tamas' is not a daily soap. It deals with the issue of national importance. The emphasis is on the characters and evoking of the period when the partition took place makes it different from other soaps. I think it will have a small relevance even today. These programmes are not even being made today," he said.

Nihalani feels there is dearth of such shows because the current generation seems to be indifferent to history.

"People seem to be indifferent to history because of globalization. The new mindset is taking over. There is a great emphasis on acquiring material benefits of the economy and everything else is secondary," he said.

Also, filmmakers and viewers do not want to remember the traumatic time in 1947 when hundreds of thousands were killed and there was mayhem everywhere during the partition.

"That period was also very traumatic for our country and its people. It's not very pleasant to remember all that. Also, the generation who fought for independence has passed away," he said and added that perhaps the younger generation is unable to connect to that era.

"The young people, for them, freedom was given; so for them it is just an episode in the history of India," he said.

But at the same time he said that the issue of communalism is still there and his TV show "Tamas" will make sense to those who are conscious.

"That is something that no one can ignore. I feel that the young generation would response to it much more as it could be an eye-opener for them. We have tried to depict the whole thing very authentically," he said.

In the past, Nihalani went behind the camera to tell gritty and poignant tales on the big screen through "Aakrosh", "Vijeta", "Ardh Satya", "Party", "Drishti", "Rukmavati Ki Haweli" and "Drohkaal".

He also directed "Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa" and mainstream movies "Thakshak" and "Dev".

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan couldn't have asked for more. His latest movie "Chennai Express" is running superfast at the Indian box office, crossing the Rs.100 crore mark in its first weekend, a record which no film has perhaps made so far.

It was a "monstrous weekend", says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, for the Rohit Shetty-directed film. It released on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr Aug 9.

"'Chennai Express’ Thursday previews (earned) Rs. 6.75 crore, Friday (opening day) Rs. 33.12 crore, Saturday Rs. 28.05 crore, Sunday Rs. 32.50 crore. Total Rs. 100.42 crore nett. Monstrous weekend... India business only,” Adarsh posted on Twitter.

Also starring Deepika Padukone, the action comedy entertainer was made at a budget of Rs. 70 crore. On the opening day itself, trade pundits had predicted that the movie could break records over its debut weekend.

A tale of a north Indian man, who falls in love with the daughter of a don down south, "Chennai Express" was heavily promoted by its cast and director across all quarters. It managed roaring business not just nationally, but also in foreign shores via paid previews, and on its opening day.

Shah Rukh himself joined some audience members in a Mumbai theatre Sunday as he wanted to experience their laughter.

Despite receiving such an overwhelming response, celebrities haven't stopped promoting the film, which is co-produced by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures.

Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Himangini Singh and Akshitaa Agnihotri, finalist of Femina Miss India 2013 are participating in a charity programme in Kathmandu Monday where "Chennai Express" will be screened. The funds raised by it will be donated to flood victims in Nepal through Mumbai-based NGO Project Crayon.

Come Aug 24, music maestro Illayaraja will perform live at The O2 arena in London along with a host of playback singers from southern India and 75 orchestra members. Filmmaker-actor Kamal Haasan, a die-hard fan of the composer, will grace the event too.

The show, titled Raja the Raja, is being hosted by Lyca Mobile in association with Ayngaran International, a Tamil films distribution company.

Playback singers such as S.P Balasubramanyam, Chinmayi, Karthik, Jayachandran, Madhu Balakrishnan and Sadhana Sargam are expected to perform at the event.

Illayaraja will also be accompanied by his sons Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik Raja and daughter Bhavatharini.

Actress Manisha Koirala, who is finding solace in yoga following her successful battle against cancer, will most likely start working on her next project in November, her manager said.

"She is busy with her yoga and meditation for wellness. A special guru from Nepal has come down for her. She is physically fit and now she wants to be mentally fit before starting any project. She will start working from November and not before that," Manisha's manager Subroto Ghosh told IANS.

Talking about her health, he said: "She is going for her checkup at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and now her health is very good. She is absolutely fine and cancer free."

After spending over six months in New York for treatment of ovarian cancer, Manisha returned to the country in June.

The actress was reportedly flooded with offers from directors upon her return.

Confirming this, Ghosh said: "Yes, there were a lot of offers coming her way, but she will start her work only after November."

The 42-year-old had carved her own niche in the Hindi film industry with films like "Bombay", "1942: A Love Story" and "Dil Se..".

Ajith Kumar's upcoming Tamil action-drama, which has been on the floors without a title for few months, has now been titled "Veeram". The question now being asked is whether he will score another blockbuster after delivering hits like "Vaali", "Villain" and "Varalaaru".

"Ajith's 54th film, which is being directed by 'Siruthai' Siva, has been titled 'Veeram'. The film is expected to hit the screens during Pongal 2014," said a statement from the production house.

The first look of "Veeram", which also features Tamannah Bhatia, will be launched Aug 15. It also features Vidharth, Santhanam, Pradeep Rawat, Ramesh Khanna, Manochitra and Abhinaya in important roles.

Devi Sri Prasad has been roped in to compose the music for the film, which is being produced by Vijaya Productions.

"Veeram" is currently being shot along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Comedian Kapil Sharma has denied rumours that he will be a contestant in the seventh edition of reality show “Big Boss”. However, he says he may do a guest appearance in the show like he did in the grand finale of its previous edition.

“I won't enter the house as a contestant, but I might do the special appearance in the show like the way I did in the grand finale of the previous edition,” Sharma told IANS.

The promo of the reality show is out. Featuring Bollywood star Salman Khan, the show's host in a double role as an angel and devil, the promo reflects the theme of 'Heaven or Hell' of the forthcoming season.

Sharma is currently seen as the host of his hit comic show “Comedy Nights with Kapil”, aired on Colors.

About his stint on "Bigg Boss 7", he said: “I will do a one-day shooting for the episode, but I won't stay in house for long. I can't live in my own house for long, so entering the 'Big Boss' house is definitely not happening.”

Actor producer Sachiin Joshi says he might produce choreographer-director Remo D'Souza's new project.

"There are a lot of interesting films coming my way and I am looking at few scripts which are different from others. I am in talks with few directors and if things fall in place, we may produce Remo D'Souza's next film. It's a wonderful script and it's a comedy," Sachiin told IANS.

In the past, Sachiin has produced films like "Azaan" and "Mumbai Mirror". His film "Jackpot" is under production.

Sachiin is married to model-actress Urvashi Sharma, who changed her name to Raina post her wedding. He says she will be stepping into film production too.

"Raina is very busy with her projects. She will be producing six to nine film this year. These also include some southern films. Raina is a task master and she is a wonderful producer. She knows how to control the budget of a film," he said.