Filmmaker Kabir Khan's last film "Ek Tha Tiger" was about the life of a RAW agent. He is now set to cast actor Saif Ali Khan in a film about counter-terrorism post the 26/11 Mumbai attack.

The film is to be written by Hussain Zaidi, a prominent crime writer whose scrupulously researched books have earlier been the basis of Anurag Kashyap's "Black Friday" and Sanjay Gupta's "Shootout At Wadala".

This wouldn't be the first film that Saif would be doing on global terrorism. He has earlier done Rensil D'Silva's "Kurbaan", in which he played a terrorist. In Kabir's film that Sajid Nadiadwala will produce, Saif crosses over to the other side.

Said a source: "Saif plays a counter-terrorist deputed to tackle a post 26/11 scenario. It's a kind of extension to Salman Khan's RAW agent's role in Kabir Khan's 'Ek Tha Tiger'. But the politics of this film would be far more topical."

Saif, according to sources, would be required to undertake remarkable research to get his data on counter-insurgency right.

"It's a different world for Saif and producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Sajid has only done mass entertainers so far."

TV actor Shaleen Malhotra, who has been a video jockey too, says he is more keen to host a reality show rather than participate in one.

"I have hosted many on-ground auditions for shows like 'MTV Rockathon', 'Stunt Mania' and 'Roadies', and I was also an on-air VJ with MTV. I would rather host a reality show. If I want to be in one, then it would only be an adventure show," Shaleen told IANS.

The actor admits that reality shows give a boost to one's confidence.

"I think if you are talented, reality or no reality shows doesn't matter. But reality shows give you confidence," he added.

Shaleen had participated in adventure reality show "Roadies" in 2006.

"The exposure to the camera helped me. You also gain a lot of insights about your work," said the actor, who is currently seen in the show "Arjun".

Actor Abhishek Bachchan is eagerly waiting for the "Dostana 2" shooting to start. He says the project might take off in November.

"We have also been waiting for a very long time to make the film. We haven't started shooting yet. We will start shooting later in the year ... November if I am not mistaken," the 37-year-old said here in an interview.

"Dostana 2" is a sequel to the 2008 hit "Dostana". The sequel will see Abhishek and John Abraham reprise their roles, while Katrina Kaif takes over as the female lead in place of Priyanka Chopra.

A Karan Johar production, "Dostana 2" will be directed by Tarun Mansukhani.

Move over gold and diamond jewellery. Try beautiful floral jewellery for your pre-wedding functions.

Ferns N Petals (FNP), a leading floral and gifting brand, has launched an exclusive range of contemporary floral jewellery. Made with fresh flowers in innovative designs, the new range is an innovative subsidiary to heavy jewellery.

It also adds a fun element to the overall dressing.

"The trend of floral jewellery is very ancient and has been associated with Indian tradition since ages, but today with the extensive exposure and usage of this trend in fashion shows, TV soaps and films, the demand for floral jewellery is picking u," Meeta Gutgutia, director and creative head (Faculty), Ferns N Petals, said in a statement.

The floral jewellery includes options like neckpieces, maang-tika and bangles. The process of making each piece involves details.

"The making of floral jewellery involves a lot of handwork keeping in mind the fact that the design should not only match with the bride's outfits, but also it should also look like real jewellery.

"Also, it is very challenging as each flower must look absolutely fresh till the end of the function even after having been sewed, stitched and strung. Therefore highly skilled staff is involved in doing this work," added Gutgutia.

The price range for the floral jewellery at Ferns N Petals could cost anything between Rs.15,000 and Rs.20,000. For a designer touch, it can also be ordered from FNP Tahiliani, but at a higher starting price tag of Rs.35,000.

The prices may vary with customisation as the bride will also have the option of adding precious gems, pearls and Swarovski crystals to the floral ornaments.

"Vicky Donor" fame Yami Gautam is looking forward to begin work on a film starring Ajay Devgn, and is also busy wrapping up "Aman Ki Asha", which features Ali Zafar.

"I will start shooting for my next film next month which is opposite Ajay Devgn and it is going to be directed by Mr. Prabhudheva," the 24-year-old said here at the red carpet of Retail Jeweller India Awards.

About "Aman Ki Asha", Yami said the film delves on India and Pakistan ties, without being too preachy.

"My next film which would be releasing is 'Aman Ki Asha', where I play Asha, an Indian Punjabi girl and Ali Zafar plays Aman, a Pakistani Muslim boy. Neeraj Pandey is the creative writer and producer," Yami said.

"We have tried to throw light on India, as the name suggests, in a very non-preachy, non-love saga kind of way. He (Neeraj Pandey) has always made different yet entertaining films, so it's going to be something different," she added.

"Aman Ki Asha" is being directed by Eeshwar Nivas. It also stars Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher.

Ahead of the International Homeless Animals' Day, which falls Saturday, Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has featured in an advertisement urging her fans to adopt cats and dogs.

The actress, who has joined forces with animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India for the advertisement, has also asked fans to take care of sterilising the animals.

"Breeders, pet stores and people who don't sterilise their animals are responsible for all the animals who end up homeless," Sonakshi said in a statement.

In the ad, the "Dabangg" actress is seen sitting with her canine friend Bambi. The tag line to it reads: "Envision a World Without Homeless Dogs and Cats. Adopt a dog or cat from an animal shelter, and always get your animal companions sterilised".

The photograph has been shot by leading photographer Russi Modi.

Sonakshi and PETA India want all prospective animal guardians to avoid greedy breeders and pet shops, which only make the homeless cat and dog crisis worse and to adopt their animals from a shelter or take in a cat or dog from the streets instead.

"Every time someone buys a dog or cat from a breeder or pet store, a homeless animal roaming the streets or waiting in an animal shelter loses a chance at a home and a good life," added the 26-year-old.

The actress, daughter of veteran star Shatrughan Sinha, is a a long-time supporter of PETA India. Since her college days, she has been rescuing animals, including her beloved dog Nancy, whom she lived with for 14 years.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Kha's latest release "Chennai Express" recorded a roaring Rs. 100.42 crore at the box office in its first weekend itself. But there is something else which is making the Bollywood Badshah happier.

SRK is over the moon with the way the audience is enjoying the action comedy entertainer, directed by Rohit Shetty.

"If we will only think about the record, then we can sit at home. It happens very rarely that a film is loved like this way and this is what I am liking about the whole thing," Shah Rukh told reporters here after watching the audience's reaction live at a theatre Sunday.

He also shared that the last time he went into a theatre while the audience was watching his film was for "Chak De! India".

"I remember the last film I went and saw in London in theatres was 'Chak De! India'. Before that I saw 'DDLJ' ('Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge') in Rajasthan," he added.

"There are some films which make people happy and you like to hear it, feel it... not for any other reason but because it's your product and it feels good to see that people are enjoying it," he added.

Also starring Deepika Padukone, the movie is a co-production by Shah Rukh's Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures.

Telugu director Vamsi, who is busy wrapping up upcoming romantic-thriller "Thanu Monne Vellipoyindi", is designing some 200 posters to promote his film. He feels posters need to be eye-catching as they are responsible for creating an instant impression.

"Posters are the first step of promotions. They need to attract audiences to keep the buzz alive around the film until its trailer comes out and eventually the film. My film's posters will hint the audience about the story of the film," Vamsi told IANS.

"We don't have a popular cast to promote our film. We were thinking of some quirky ways of promotion and that's when this idea struck. I have already designed about 130 posters. We will be finishing the rest soon," he added.

Vamsi says he learnt to design posters while working as an assistant director (AD).

"I worked as an AD during early 1980s and during this time, I tried my hand at designing posters too. Back in the days, as an AD one has to learn to multi-task. It was that brief experience that helped me to design posters now," said Vamsi.

Does he plan to set a record with these posters?

"I didn't make them to set any record. I don't even know if they qualify for any record. The only purpose of these posters was to promote my film," he said.

Vamsi added that the posters have been uploaded on social networking site Facebook, and the response has been phenomenal.

"We have uploaded 50 posters on Facebook. The feedback has been highly positive and I'm glad this way people will start talking about the film and generate buzz," he added.

"Thanu Monne Vellipoyindi" features Ajmal Amir and Nikitha in the lead roles. It's the story of the lead characters, who in search of a girl, develop feelings for each other and fall in love.

At 24, she's perhaps the youngest fashion director at Satya Paul. Tagged as one of the most promising designers of the new age, Masaba Gupta says the people's perception of her changed after she took up the position with the fashion house.

"When I took the decision to work in the industry, I was treated like a young kid trying to make it big, and everyone was supportive. It was only when I was appointed Satya Paul’s fashion director that people sat up and took notice,” Masaba told IANS.

“It was an eye-opener to see how people change and you are exposed to the industry’s tough realities,” she added.

Masaba, daughter of cricketing legend Vivian Richards and actress Neena Gupta, was appointed the Satya Paul fashion director in 2012. Since then, she has worked hard to bring a revolution in the design and inspiration of the brand.

Sharing her journey with the brand, she said that “print has been Satya Paul’s DNA and remains the core of what I create for them".

Her latest debut demi-couture line for the brand, which she showcased at the recent Delhi Couture Week, was totally in sync with her aim.

“With my debut demi-couture collection, I have developed experimental silhouettes coupled with engineered prints. The young bride-to be will fall in love with our sleek peplum lehengas, easy shararas and pre-draped saris,” she said.

"I have a lot of exciting things lined up for the brand in future,” said Masaba, who will complete an year as Satya Paul’s fashion director in November.

Masaba made her foray in the industry with GenNext fashion show at Lakme Fashion Week 2009. Her collection made her win the most promising designer award at the event. It was followed by the launch of her flagship store in 2010.

Known for quirky prints, with feminine drapes and silhouettes, Masaba prefers to use organic fabrics with classic weaves, patchwork and all in vibrant colours.

Her loyal client list boasts of glamorous names like Sonam Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and actress-host Mandira Bedi.

Relatively young in the Indian fashion scene, Masaba is happy to see how the industry is going digital.

“Like all major industries, I feel that the Indian fashion industry is slowly shifting online. With brands launching their first looks, stocking exclusive e-collections and going viral on social media, the internet is gradually becoming the best tool to stay up-to-date,” said Masaba.

In a short span of time, Masaba has earned name and fame for herself. But what keeps her grounded are the many good qualities that she says, she has inherited from her celebrity parents.

“I have inherited a strong mix of their personalities - strength, humility, a certain Caribbean laidbackness. The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt from them is that the only way you will rise above tyrants is by doing good work, and lots of it,” said the designer, who also thanks veteran designer and her mentor Wendell Rodricks for his support.

Asked about her parents' reaction to her instant success, Masaba say that her mother is proud and overwhelmed. And it even shows with the way she carries her daughter's designs.

“She was overwhelmed (with my success) and so was I. It’s something that hasn’t sunk in for both of us yet. What keeps me grounded is that barring my creative talent, it was the timing that really propelled my work. The industry was aching for a new approach to Indian wear and somehow, it just clicked,” said Masaba, whose saris are a hit.

In just four hours of the Krrish 3 Promo launch, it had registered over 4.8 million hits online. However, as of today it has reached a good 8 Million hits. Rakesh Roshan is pleased with the response of the first look of his upcoming superhero flick .

Karan Johar tweeted, “It is undoubtedly going to be a superhero of a blockbuster this Diwali. Boxoffice collections will reach unimaginable heights.”

Calling the trailer “amazing”, Farhan Akhtar says, “I feel safe knowing Krrish is around.”

Sonam Kapoor , “Love the trailer… very cool.”

“That’s so cool! Rocking Roshans are back,” tweeted Shah Rukh Khan

Rakesh Roshan says “I thought that people would like it, but not in such a way that it would go viral within hours,” he says, adding that he’s proud of his team, “My direction team, production team, the VFX team, the technicians and the actors have been on the same page and helped me translate my vision on screen.”

He believes that the first look determines the fate of the film.

Beware against using a wrong shade of pink or a shade that works against your skin tone as a blush-on for your cheeks.

To avoid a beauty faux pas, Delhi-based makeup expert Shruti Sharma has given out some tips on how to choose the sought-after blush colour:

Fair complexion: Give a healthy flush look by applying a shade of pink which is closest to your skin tone. Just a sweep on the apples of the cheeks is enough to add colour.

Wheatish complexion: A hint of coral tones in the pink blush will lift the look. Apply a sweep of light pink blush on the cheeks and then add a bit of bright coral pink only on the apples of the cheek.

Dusky complexion: A pink blush blended with a coral shade bordering on orange will do the trick. Apply a light pink on the cheeks and add an orange toned blush on the apples of the face. Alternatively, you can also go with a blush that is magenta in colour for the apples.

Actor Anil Kapoor, who is producing the Indian adaptation of hit international TV series "24" for the Colors channel, has got a presenting sponsor for the project in leading vehicle brand Tata Motors. Cars under the brand will also be used in the show.

The Indian version of the show features Anil in the lead role of Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, which was originally essayed by actor Kiefer Sutherland.

"I am thrilled about our association with Tata Motors as the presenting sponsor for '24'. In the show, I will be driving Tata Motors' dynamic and exciting vehicles in my adventurous quests across terrains to tackle various security threats," Anil said in a statement.

Officials at Tata Motors believe the association offers the brand an "exciting platform to demonstrate the capability of our dynamic cars, which deliver performance and come with rich features".

According to Colors CEO Raj Nayak, this association takes brand partnerships to another level beyond the conventional 30-second commercials.

"For the first time, we have effectively integrated the Tata Motors brands with the narrative of '24'. The show is all about Anil's race against time and how he is powered by sturdy Tata Cars and SUVs,” he added.

The TV show, which also features veteran actress Shabana Azmi, is directed by Abhinay Deo. The date of its telecast is yet to be revealed.

The 3D version of the 1975 Bollywood classic "Sholay" will release on megastar Amitabh Bachchan's 71st birthday Oct 11, said a source.

The movie, famous for the bond of friendship between characters Jai and Veeru, essayed flawlessly by icons Amitabh and Dharmendra, is being revived in 3D.

"The date was specifically chosen as it coincides with Bachchan's big day. He is the biggest star we have today and what better day to release the film," said a source in a statement.

Producer Jayantilal Gada will distribute “Sholay 3D”.

"Sholay", directed by Ramesh Sippy, also featured Hema Malini, who played Basanti and Amjad Khan, who essayed villain Gabbar Singh.

Actresses who keep delaying their wedding plans may be career-oriented, says Amala Paul, who has worked in southern films and who believes the industry has room enough for lead heroines who may have crossed the 30s-mark.

"To get married or not is a personal choice. Some actresses postpone wedding plans because they give more importance to career, but not because they fear going out of work," Amala, who has appeared in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films, told IANS.

The 21-year-old also spoke about the importance of family support for an actress to make a decision as crucial as marriage.

"We live in India, and to act post-marriage needs a lot of family support. Not all families are open to the idea of seeing their daughters or daughters-in-law act after marriage," she added.

Amala, who made her cinematic debut at a very young age with Malayalam romantic-drama "Neelathaamara", believes that today's actresses need not worry about their shelf-life.

"Today, we have actresses playing lead roles even at the age of 35. I don't think actresses have a shelf-life, because some prefer to work for many years, while others decide to get married and settle down. It's again a personal choice," said the actress.

In her brief career in filmdom, she has starred opposite superstars such as Vijay, Vikram, Mohan Lal and Ram Charan Teja, but Amala says she gives prime importance to the script.

"I don't do films only with superstars. I have done films with newcomers as well and I'm always open to work with everybody provided I get an interesting script. I have worked with new actors such as Atharva and Vidharth. I believe script matters the most and everything else follows," she said.

She has tasted success with films such as "Naayak", "Vettai" and "Kadhalil Sodhappuvathu Yeppadi", but Amala says she likes to talk less and work more.

"I don't think I have grown to be successful. Every day is a learning process in this industry. You learn and unlearn and learn again," she added.

What did she learn from her experience as an actress?

"(That) I don't want to mix my professional life with personal one. I want to ensure I don't miss out on the fun people have at my age. I believe in destiny and, therefore, intend to just go with the flow and see where life takes me," said Amala, who holds a degree in Literature.

Amala, who is considered a highly glamorous actress, says actresses always need to look good in front of the audiences.

"If I'm attending a professional gathering, I try my best to look good. This is because audiences always want to see us like they see us on screen. They are not used to seeing us without makeup. I'm always in touch with my fans via social networking and I know their pulse," she said.

"But I'm least bothered about how I look when I'm with my family or friends. I try differentiating between personal and professional life even when it comes to looking good," she added.

On the career front, Amala has dubbed for the first time in Tamil action-drama "Thalaivaa".

"I always felt uncomfortable acting to the voice of someone else. It was a big dream to dub and my crew told me it made a lot of difference to my performance. I think audiences have to eventually gauge my effort," she said.

She is currently awaiting the release of Tamil-Telugu bilingual "Nimirnthu Nil". She also has an untitled Tamil project with Dhanush in her kitty.

Director G.N.R Kumaravelan, who made the critically acclaimed Tamil emotional drama "Haridas", feels it's important for a director to avoid repeating a genre. It helps to stay away from being typecast, he says.

After "Haridas", he is gearing up for a high-octane action flick laced with romance.

"I felt 'Haridas' was quite heavy on the audiences, and therefore, I wanted to return with something solid and entertaining. I didn't want to be typecast as a director fit for making emotional dramas (only). I felt it's important to do films in different genres," Kumaravelan told IANS.

"Audiences easily come to a conclusion and decide the fate of a director. I didn't want that to happen. I recently finished writing an out-and-out action script with a romantic angle. I have also managed to find a producer. Now, only casting is left. I intend to start it soon," he added.

While Kumaravelan's directorial debut was Tamil mystery-drama "Ninaithale Inikkum", his second film was Tamil romantic-comedy "Yuvan Yuvathi".

Quizzed about the current trend of rush of comedy flicks in Tamil, he said: "I don't think all films belong to the comedy genre. But, I agree comedy is being effectively used in most films because it guarantees some entertainment".

Actress-anchor Mandira Bedi is caught up with multiple things - getting her fashion line of saris ready, her role in the TV series "24" and her son. She says that leaves her with no time for cricket.

A popular cricket presenter, Mandira had hogged the limelight after her stint with the 2003 cricket World Cup.

"I am busy with '24', which is the Indian adaptation of the American TV series with Anil Kapoor. That will come on Colors in the first week of October," the 41-year-old said at an event here Monday night.

"So between 'Indian Idol' and '24', my saris and my two-year-old baby, I have my hands full. So when anybody asks me why aren't you doing cricket, it's because I don't have time," she added.

Mandira's own sari line will be launched in September.

Flaunting the sari she wore for the event, she said: "I want to tell you that this sari that I am wearing has been designed by me. I am launching my line in the first week of September... Saris that I will design myself," she said.

Mandira is currently seen as the host of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior".

Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan of "Lahore" fame was earlier slated to roll the cameras for his next project, a sci-fi film, in October. But he says the film will go on the floors only around the last quarter of 2014.

"We have started the pre-production work for the film. It's a huge film, so it will take 12 to 14 months for the pre-production. The film will now go on floors by next year September or October," Chauhan told IANS.

"We have locked the location and now we are working on the technicalities. There will be a lot of special effects in the film, and so it will take some time. In the next six to eight weeks, we will finalise the star cast," he added.

Chauhan also said he was occupied with another project, and since the sci-fi film needs a lot of attention, it was best to give it more time.

Asked if the film will be in 3D, Chauhan said: "I'm against 3D (for this film) because it's a conventional film and we can't completely make use of 3D effects in this film.

"We are not trying to make an 'Avengers' or anything in that genre, so right now we are not planning to go for 3D. Besides we are trying to make this film in a moderate budget."

The filmmaker says this is his most ambitious project and a lot of technicians from Hollywood will be involved with this project.

The craze for Pawan Kalyan will now be transformed into a Telugu film titled "Pawanism", which will pay tribute to the actor, his popularity and his real life philosophies.

It will be directed by Chaitanya.

"It's our way of paying tribute to someone we all adore. We want to portray his ideologies in the film such that it can move and create a new path for younger generation. We are not cashing in on his popularity. It will be a heartfelt tribute to him," Chaitanya told IANS.

"We were extremely happy to have Pawan Kalyan's brother Naga Babu with us when the film went on floors. We have just started shooting and we intend to wrap it up soon," he added.

The film stars an all new cast of Sudhir, Mahalakshmi and Sindhu in important roles.

"The fund for the film is being chipped in by friends and well wishers. It will be a low budget film, but we wouldn't compromise on the quality of the output," Chaitanya added.

Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan, brother of actor Chiranjeevi, is awaiting the release of upcoming Telugu action-drama "Attarintiki Daaredhi".

Actress Sridevi turned 50 Tuesday. She still has the charm and curves that can give many leading actresses of the Hindi film industry a run for their money. What’s more, her critically acclaimed "English Vinglish" last year has proved that her acting skills are yet to turn rusty.

On her birthday, here are her top 10 films that made many go weak in the knees:

* “Jaag Utha Insan” (1984): Though it was “Himmatwala” that launched her into stardom in Bollywood, it was this unsuccessful nugget of a film produced by Rakesh Roshan and directed by the inimitable K. Vishwanath, where Sridevi shone as a temple dancer wooed by a Brahmin boy (Rakesh Roshan) and a socio-economically challenged underdog (Mithun Chakraborty). Sridevi danced and emoted as though there was no tomorrow. And as long as she did, we didn't care if there wasn't a tomorrow.

* "Sadma” (1983): The true coming of age of one of India's finest actresses. As a girl, who after an accident regresses into childhood, Sridevi conveyed all the nuances of her character's predicament without getting over-cute. The performance is so accomplished and complete that it never ceases to astonish. Sridevi's formidable co-star Kamal Haasan thinks she did the character even better in the Tamil original “Moondram Pirai”. We could say the same about him.

* "Nagina” (1986): An awful film, but what an impact! Sridevi as a snake-woman slithering on the floor dancing to Amrish Puri's music as Lata Mangeshkar sang the chartbuster “Main teri dushman, dushman tu mera”. Does anyone remember anything else about this hideous Harmesh Malhotra creation?

* “Janbaaz” (1986): It is strange how Sridevi's legendary reputation is built on songs and dances as much as her breathtaking performances. In Feroz Khan's “Janbaaz”, she had a brief role as Feroz's beloved. But her presence in the glowing orange chiffon sari dancing to the sound of “Har kisiko nahin milta”, lingers.

* "Mr. India” (1987): A turning point in Sridevi's everlasting romance with the camera. Playing the perky journalist, who hates kids, the actress was just amazing. Shekhar Kapur made her do everything we always wanted her to. If Sridevi's comic timing in the Charlie Chaplin impersonation sequence was impeccable, she oozed sensuality in that iconic blue chiffon sari in the song “Kate nahin katt te”.

* "Chandni” (1989): With this film, Sridevi became a Yash Chopra heroine. Thinned down to a chiselled charmer, and sharpening her subtle emotive skills, Sridevi delivered a knockout performance, which straightway propelled her to the top position. The film was an extended showreel of her talent as she danced, sang, giggled and wept for the love of a tragically wheelchair-bound Rishi Kapoor. Seldom has any Yash Chopra heroine made such sumptuous use of the camera space.

* “ChaalBaaz” (1989): The same year as “Chandni”, Sridevi wowed movie buffs with her double role as the docile Anju and the tomboyish Manju. Though Dilip Kumar and Hema Malini had done the same double role before, Sridevi brought an added zest to the role. Pankaj Parashar let the actress have all the fun that she wanted.

* "Lamhe” (1991): Sridevi, as we all know, is addictive. After “Chandni”, Yash Chopra brought her back to the screen in this bold love story of a girl who dares to love a man old enough to be her father. Sridevi played both the mother and the daughter with such distinctive flair that we wondered, could the same actress do so many different spectrums of emotion in the same film?

* "Army” (1996): It is the only film that brought Sridevi face-to-face with Shah Rukh Khan. In this film, there is a sequence where Shah Rukh, playing an army jawaan, is brought home dead. All through the film Shah Rukh plays 'I-am-dead' pranks on Sridevi, so she presumes this is also one of those sick jokes. The way she goes from giggling dismissal to shock and finally a breakdown in that sequence, is a textbook of pitch-perfect acting. Sridevi played a gender-reversed Amjad Khan's role in “Sholay” of a woman, who hires mercenaries to avenge the villain Danny Denzongpa. As it often happened, Sri was far superior to the material offered to her.

* “Judaai” (1997): Her last hurrah before she bowed out to play wife and mother. “Judaai” is a crass melodrama directed by the late Raj Kanwar. It features Sridevi at her absolute best. The way she lifts the most mundane of scenes has to be seen to be believed.

* “English Vinglish” (2012): Her comeback film. It proved once again there will never be another Sridevi.

India's northeastern states would be part of a special focus package at the 2013 edition of the International Film Festival of India, an official said Tuesday.

Festival director Shankar Mohan said after a meeting with officials of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), which oversees logistical preparations at the major film event, that the organisers were in the process of picking out a country or region for focus during the festival.

"We are in the process of narrowing down between Japan, Italy or the African continent for the country focus segment," Shankar said, adding that films from nearly 70 countries would be screened during the festival.

"There will also be a section dedicated to Konkani cinema," he said, adding that films from the northeastern states would be a part of the festival's national focus segment.

Since 2004, when Goa was chosen as the IFFI's permanent destination, the festival is held in the last week of November.