The cast and crew of Vijay-starrer Tamil action-drama "Thalaivaa" has been reportedly denied police permission to go on hunger strike Saturday here.

The team was keen to go on hunger strike to urge immediate release of the film, which has been stalled in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

"The police department has denied permission because usually permission is taken a week in advance for such activities. Since a top actor is involved in the proceedings, police felt that there might lot of security concerns," a source from the industry told IANS.

Actor Vijay was expected to lead the fast along with director A.L. Vijay and producer Chandra Prakash Jain.

Two days before its scheduled release Aug 9, "Thalaivaa" was stalled from being released in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after a political outfit issued threats to theatre owners.

Following the delay in release, the film's producer Wednesday, sought the permission to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha to press for the immediate release of the movie.

"Thalaivaa", reportedly made on a budget of over Rs.70 crore, has garnered good response since its release in other states and overseas.

It is the story of a common man who is forced to take the law into his hands to protect a small section of Tamilians living in Mumbai. According to those who have seen the film, there is nothing controversial in it.

The film also features Amala Paul, Ragini Nandwani, Sathyaraj and Abhimanyu Singh in important roles.

Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray tending to his camera, actress Sharmila Tagore in hair curlers getting ready for a shoot and a lot more such candids form a part of a photography exhibition here centred around the master filmmaker.

A rich oeuvre of 250 photographs, which includes shots from his film shoots, his actors, actresses and his crew, clicked by veteran lensman Nemai Ghosh, famously known as Ray's photographer, is on display at the Harrington Street Art Centre here.

"Nemai Ghosh had a long association with Ray and in the 25 years of his brilliant career as a photographer he had captured some brilliant moments in Ray's life and work," said Kishore Singh, head, Publication and Exhibition, Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), the organisers.

The fortnight-long exhibition that began Friday, also brings to the fore Ghosh's collection of photographs from mainstream Bengali and Hindi cinema taken by him during the course of three decades as a prolific photographer.

Curated by DAG, the 'Satyajit Ray and Beyond' exposition showcases moments frozen from Ray's films like "Asani Sanket", "Seemabaddha" and the Feluda series.

"We had acquired Ghosh's collection of around 120,000 photographs a few years ago. They were digitised and archived by the DAG," said Singh.

For enthusiasts, there is a comprehensive record of the exhibit in the form of an illustrative book, to takeaway.

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, who will be seen in Prakash Jha's "Satyagraha", says that since he has worked with the director and the star cast before, the project was like "going back home" for him.

The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee.
Arjun has worked with Jha in films like "Raajneeti" and "Chakravyuh" in the past.

"It was fantastic. This is Prakash's most ambitious project. There is a wonderful star cast, all of whom I have worked with a lot. It was like going back home and having a good time," Arjun told IANS.

The actor said that he had to spend a lot of time with the other actors during the shooting of the film, and that made it a memorable experience.

"The film is quite intense... We spent a lot of time on and off set together. We were in Bhopal for 60 days," he said.

Jha had approached Arjun for the film while filming their last film "Chakravyuh" itself.

"Prakash had not really got a character for me. He was working on 'Chakravyuh' and he was scripting 'Satyagraha’. He told me if he gave me a part, would I do it? I said yes. It became a full-fledged role and when I read the part, I really liked it," said the model-turned-actor.

However, Arjun did not wish to play a similar role to what he had played in Jha's film, "Raajneeti".

"My fear was since I was going back with Prakash in a political thriller, will my character be similar to what I had played before. I wanted to stay clear from that. Prakash wanted to do something new and I was wondering how he will do that this time," he said.

Arjun’s will be seen as a young and volatile person in the film, but in a different way.

"The character is different from what I played in ‘Raajneeti’, he is young and volatile but in a different way. He is not a selfish man or come from a rich home. He is a guy who is from the grassroots. He is the muscle power of that campaign," he said.

“Satyagraha” is set to release Aug 30.

Balaji Telefilms' new show "Mera Tera Rishta Purana" will be a "unique" show, says TV actress Divyanka Tripathi. The crew is waiting to get the right slot for it on Star Plus.

The show, said to be based on author Manju Kapoor's novel "Custody", marks Divyanka's comeback along with Cezanne Khan.

"It's ('Mera Tera Rishta Purana') a very good show and I am sure audiences are definitely going to like this show, once it is aired. It's a daily soap, full of drama," Divyanka said here Friday during the rehearsals for a special episode called "Beta Hi Chahiye" for Krishna Janmashtmi.

"For a change, this time I am not doing comedy. It's a unique drama," added Divyanka, who has earlier done comedy shows like "Mrs. & Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale", "Chintu Chinki Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story" and "Kahani Comedy Circus Ki".

Recent reports have indicated that it is getting difficult for the show to get a slot.

To that, Divyanka said: "It will be aired on Star Plus, hopefully. We are just waiting for the slot."

Actress Yami Gautam is a fitness enthusiast and is said to be undertaking a gruelling workout regime.

She is a regular with Hot Yoga, an exercise performed under hot and humid conditions. But she has lately taken on TRX as a new workout regime to stay fit, said a statement.

TRX uses a system of ropes, straps, bands, or slings to allow users to perform resistance exercises using their own body weight. It’s also very rigorous and requires a lot of core strength.

Yami has been busy training in TRX and she ensures that she doesn't miss a single day of working out. She feels it provides a complete workout and it is more effective than traditional weight training.

The "Vicky Donor" actress is also geared for her second Bollywood release “Aman Ki Asha”, where she is paired opposite Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar. She is also excited about Prabhudheva's next opposite Ajay Devgn.

TV actor Karan Mehra says his wife, actress-model Nisha Rawal makes a perfect partner thanks to her understanding nature and spirit of a true professional.

The duo tied the knot in November 2012.

"The kind of girl I wanted in my life... I see all those qualities in my wife Nisha, rather more than what I thought," Karan said here at a party to celebrate 1,200 episodes of his show "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" Thursday.

Talking about the essential ingredients of a successful relationship, he said: "You need to have a great deal of compatibility with your life partner because together you have to face a lot of situations in life and deal with it with your life partner."

He wasn't shy in admitting his love for Nisha.

"I love her to the core. She is a beautiful soul, and that was one thing that I liked about her, rather that attracted me towards her! She is also a great professional person," he added.

Karan plays the popular character of Naitik in "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai", which airs on Star Plus.

Actress Vindhya Tiwari says she has reaped the benefits of her hard work by getting one good show after another. She also said she never cheats with her work, and that she is very particular about being punctual.

Seen in shows like "Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo", "Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak" and "Mrs. Kaushik Ki Panch Bahuein", Vindhya is currently seen in the show "Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal".

"I believe that the people who select me, have to have faith in me. I have got work from my last work. I have struggled a lot. After 'Agle Janam...', I got 'Maryada', which worked for me a lot. After that I got 'Mrs. Kaushik...'. So I never had to sit at home. I find myself lucky and I feel that I get all this because of my hard work. I never cheat with my work," Vindhya told IANS.

The actress makes sure she reaches the show's set on time.

"I am never late on my set. I reach 15 minutes before (the scheduled time) on the set. I love my work so much and it is difficult for me to wait. I want to do something or the other which surprises me. I am very passionate about my work," she said.

Vindhya says she doesn't get tense about what lies ahead.

"I don't know what lies ahead. I used to think after 'Mrs. Kaushik...' that what I will do next. But I never take tension. I thought I will join the gym and work on myself. (I believe) You must take work in which you enjoy," she added.

When she was offered "Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal", she knew it was challenging.

The excitement has been building up around the seventh season of spicy celebrity reality show "Bigg Boss", but the official line-up of participants will be unveiled only Sep 15, when the show goes on air.

Superstar Salman Khan is once again the host of the Colors show.

"Bigg Boss 7" will be showcased in the primetime slot of 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. as two of the channel's shows - "Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki" and "Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha - Season 2" will make way for it.

"Both the shows have fared well and were popular amongst the audiences. However, we will be having a logical conclusion to both the shows paving way for fresh content," Prashant Bhatt, Colors, Weekday Programming Head, said in a statement.

The promo of the reality TV show features Salman in a double role as an angel and devil, and duly reflects the theme of 'Heaven and Hell' for this season. ‘Wow of Heaven and Aao of hell’ is how Salman describes "Bigg Boss 7".

"Bigg Boss" is the Indian version of the internationally popular "Big Brother" franchise. It features some handpicked celebrities who live together inside a secluded house, with limited means, and under 24X7 camera surveillance.

Actress Amrita Rao is satisfied that she has got the chance to work under some big banner films without having any "filmy" backgorund.

"Being from a non-filmy family, I have done all good films and all A-plus category directors came my way. I am thankful to have been a part of these films," said the 32-year-old.

After "Main Hoon Na" and "Vivah", Amrita's last memorable role was in 2008 "Welcome to Sajjanpur". After that, most of her films, like "Shortkut - The Con Is On", bombed at the box office.

Although she couldn't make a mark for herself in showbiz like other actresses, she has no complains.

"The kind of films other actresses are doing are different. I always used to think I don't want to be someone else. They are different, their background is different, comfort level is different and ambition is different.

"In the journey to be someone else, you lose some important qualities of yourself. Later you realise, 'Why I did that role out of my comfort zone?' So, I don't want to be in a regretful situation," she said.

Amrita, who will be next seen in Prakash Jha's "Satyagraha", says her "journey so far has been very satisfying". Except one grudge.

"In my career, all my top class films 'Vivah', 'Main Hoon Na', 'Welcome To Sajjanpur', there were no dance numbers which stirs the nation. Songs make actors superstars. Songs have an important contribution. So, yes songs were missing in my films I guess," said Amrita.

Bollywood actress Richa Chadda, who has worked in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Ram Leela", says the filmmaker values good actors.

The 28-year-old admits that she harboured dreams of working with the established director, and she feels fortunate to have been able to work with him so early in her career.

"It is fantastic. He is someone who is known for the kind of efforts he puts into each frame and I have always wanted to work with him. It is a childhood dream any actors will have. I am lucky that this dream came true so early in life," Richa told IANS.

"He values good actors, he is always up for an idea which excites him...he will go for it with his eyes closed as opposed to many people who will be rigid," she added.

In "Ram Leela", which also features Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, the actress plays the role of a woman, who is vulnerable yet strong.

"I am playing a slightly vulnerable yet strong woman. It is a role of a traditional woman. Everyone knows the story of 'Romeo and Juliet', so there will be fights. I am playing the role of peacemaker in the film," she said.

The actress, who was also seen in films like "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "Fukrey", says that Anurag Kashyap's directorial became the turning point in her career.

"'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!' gave me respect and people liked my work. But it didn't translate into more work for me. I came in the radar of people, but that doesn't mean that I got more work. 'Gangs of Wasseypur' put me in some kind of zone where I myself was surprised that it can go so far," she said.

As the makers of "Sanskaar: Dharohar Apnon Ki" are bringing the curtain down on the show, lead actor Jay Soni has gone down memory lane and fondly remembers the good times he had while shooting for it.

The show, which airs on Colors, will end in September, and pave the way for "Bigg Boss 7".

"’Sanskaar’ was a very good experience for me. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Shooting in the US was something which I will always remember. Every show has a memory and for me, the best time was when we were shooting in the US," Jay told IANS.

The actor, who has been seen in shows like "Sasural Genda Phool", and "Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan", said that now he wants to take up more challenging roles.

"Now, I would like to do more challenging role...something different... but if I get similar roles, I will accept it as audience has loved me in these roles," said Jay.

"I want to do more performance-oriented roles like how Ranbir was in ‘Barfi!’ and ‘Rockstar’. I know TV does not offer such roles, but if it does, then I would want to do something like that,” he added.

Jay is keen on performance-based roles as they give him creative satisfaction. He hopes to work with directors like Anurag Basu, Imtiaz Ali and Dibakar Banerjee some day.

"I want to do something which is performance-based. This gives me creative satisfaction. I want to work with Anurag Basu, Imtiaz Ali and Dibakar Banerjee. I don't even mind assisting them. I just want to see how they work," he said.

The 26-year-old, who once acted in a youth-based show “Remix”, said that TV channels are focussing more on drama than youth now.

"Nowadays normal channels, they do more of drama and family-based shows. In these shows only, they try to keep little bit of youth characters. Youth shows do well, but are not accepted so much. This is why they have to come on Channel V and other similar channels," he said.

Talking about future plans, the actor is planning to take a holiday after his show gets over.

"As of now, I am getting calls and all, but I will take time and see what to do next. I will go on a holiday after this show gets over and see what to do next," said Jay.

Tamil actor Vijay-starrer action-drama "Thalaivaa", which has been stalled from releasing in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for over a week, is set to hit the screens there Aug 20, according to its distributor Vendhar Movies.

""Thalaivaa" finally releasing on Tuesday," posted Vendhar Movies on its Twitter page.

There is no clarity on what basis the film was given a green signal for release. The producers too are unwilling to comment on the issue.

Two days before its scheduled release Aug 9, "Thalaivaa" was stalled from being released in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after a political outfit issued threats to theatre owners.

Following the delay in release, the film`s producer Wednesday, sought the permission to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to press for the immediate release of the movie.

The cast and crew of the film were keen to go on hunger strike Saturday here, but they were denied permission for it by police.

"Thalaivaa", reportedly made on a budget of over Rs.70 crore, has garnered good response since its release in other states and overseas.

It is the story of a common man who is forced to take the law into his hands to protect a small section of Tamilians living in Mumbai. According to those who have seen the film, there is nothing controversial in it.

Produced by Chandra Prakash Jain, "Thalaivaa", which is directed A.L Vijay, also features Amala Paul, Ragini Nandwani, Sathyaraj and Abhimanyu Singh in important roles.

TV actor Siddharth Shukla's popularity saved him week after week on dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6", but just when his dancing skills saw some improvement, he was voted out Saturday.

Siddharth, who essays Shivraj Shekhar in "Balika Vadhu", was mostly seen as a weak dancer on the celebrity dance show. His towering and charming personality only kept adding to his strong fan base, but that couldn't sustain his presence for long enough.

His fans failed to provide him ample votes, leading to his exit from the dance reality show.

He was one of the bottom two contestants in the show along with Mukti Mohan. Mukti, who is seen as equivalent to professional dancer Lauren Gottlieb, another partipant on the show, defeated Siddharth in the dance face-off.

Though judges actress Madhuri Dixit, filmmaker Karan Johar and choreographer-director Remo D'Souza saved Mukti from getting eliminated, her fight for the "Jhalak..." trophy is still on with Drashti Dhami, Shaan, Lauren, Sonali and Sumant and Sana Saeed.

Salman Khan will be seen in a special appearance in Riteish Deshmukh's second Marathi production venture “Lai Bhaari”, which also marks the latter's debut in Marathi films as an actor.

Titled “Lai Bhaari”, the film is being directed by Nishikant Kamat and it is being co-produced by Riteish's banner Mumbai Film Company and Cinemantra Entertainment.

“It was extremely gracious of Salman to himself offer to be part of our film 'Lai Bhaari'. It was great to do a Marathi scene with him,” Riteish said in a statement.

Riteish and Salman have known each other for many years. Both Salman and Riteish were shooting in Hyderabad at Ramoji Film City for their respective projects - Salman for “Mental” and Riteish for “Lai Bhaari”. Post the shoot, they would sit together and chat, said a source.

The source added that Salman was very intrigued by Riteish's approach to his production venture and enjoyed hearing about the film and the story. He then came forward and suggested being part of Riteish's production venture.

Riteish was overjoyed with the idea and spoke to Kamat and created a special sequence for Salman and it will be one of the highlights of "Lal Bhaari".

After a successful stint as an actor, Riteish turned producer with Marathi film "Balak Palak", which did a brisk business at the box office.

Tamil actor Vikram, busy shooting for director Shankar's "Ai", may join hands for the first time with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon.

"Gautham recently narrated a story to Vikram, and the actor loved it. He even expressed his interest to work with him as soon as he completes 'Ai', which is nearing completion," a source from the industry told IANS.

A source close to Vikram said that Vikram had a discussion with Gautham recently.

"But we are not sure if their discussion ended in signing a movie deal. He hasn't shared any information on the same with us," added the source.

Vikram has spent more than a year on "Ai", which is 90 percent complete and is slated to release soon.

Boney Kapoor threw a bash to celebrate his wife and actress Sridevi's 50th birthday and the party was attended by some of the well-known names from filmdom, including her co-star Rishi Kapoor and actresses Shilpa Shetty and Sushmtia Sen.

The Saturday night party saw many B town celebrities coming and wishing Sridevi, who turned 50 Aug 13, such as director duo Abbas-Mustan, filmmakers Bunty Walia, Ramesh Taurani, Girish Taurani, Madhur Bhandarkar and Rajkumar Santoshi and musicians Anu Malik and Bappi Lahiri.

Hema Malini came with her daughter Esha and son-in-law Bharat Takhtani, while Juhi Chawla was seen with her husband Jay Mehta.

Manoj Bajpayee and Vinod Khanna were also spotted along with Rishi, who worked with her in successful films like "Nagina" and "Chandni". Anupam Kher, who shared the screen space with her in "Lamhe", was also seen there.

Sridevi's brother-in-law Anil Kapoor, who worked with her in hits like "Mr. India", too came for the do with his wife Sunita.

Last year Sridevi hogged the limelight for her comeback film "English Vinglish", which saw a credible performance by her. Before taking retirement in 1996 after marrying Boney Kapoor, she gave hits like "Sadma", "Himmatwala", "Chaalbaaz" and "Judaai".

Vijay-starrer Tamil action-drama "Thalaivaa", set to release in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Aug 20 after being stalled for over a week, will reportedly come out sans the tagline - Time to Lead.

"We came to know that the film's tagline 'Time to Lead' wasn't received very well by the state government. We have been advised to drop the tagline from the film's publicity posters and all other forms of promotions ahead of its release on Tuesday," a member from the film's unit told IANS.

"Thalaivaa" was stopped from being released in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Aug 9 after a political outfit issued threats to theatre owners.

But once the makers announced that the the film has got a green signal, one of the multiplexes here opened advance booking Sunday. Other multiplexes too are expected to follow suit.

Also featuring Amala Paul, Ragini Nandwani, Sathyaraj and Abhimanyu Singh, "Thalaivaa" opened to good response in other parts of the country and in the overseas market.

Meanwhile, J. Anbazhgan, one of the leading Tamil producers, is willing to distribute "Thalaivaa".

"If 'Thalaivaa' team requests (us) to release it in Tamil Nadu without any intervention, I can release the movie," posted Anbazhgan on his Twitter page. He also said that he could release it in 300 theatres in Tamil Nadu.

Actor Manchu Manoj is upset over the illegal release of the trailer of his upcoming Telugu action-comedy "Potugadu". He says he wants to press charges against the audio label for being careless.

"I'm beyond hurt. Few shameless people released a pirated version of my theatrical trailer even before it got ready. Now, I want go to court. My producer gave (the trailer) to Aditya audio company to see and they released it. (I) won't leave anyone," posted Manoj on his Twitter page.

Manoj feels such actions cast a shadow over their hard work.

"Just know (that) hundreds of families depend on one film. We don't crib about success or failure, but we do get hurt when people disrespect our hard work," he wrote.

"Potugadu" is the remake of Kannada film "Govindaya Namaha". Pavan Wadeyar, who helmed the original, has directed the Telugu version as well.

Sireesha Lagadapati has produced the film, which is currently in post-production stage. It also features Sakshi Chowdhary, Simran Kaur Mundi and Nathalia Kaur in important roles.

Singer Mika Singh, who has proved his versatility as a singer, now turns actor and producer with "Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya!".

"Mauja hi mauja" fame singer, who is playing a lead role in "Balwinder...", will produce as well as present the movie.

"I'll be producing it too with Sunil Agnihotri and Vandana Jain. I am doing my bit. I am pretty satisfied and content with the way things have shaped up for the movie. I am working on a unique strategy for my favourite film," Mika Singh said in a statement.

Agnihotri, who has also directed "Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya", said it is "overwhelming and satisfying to have Mika on board because India loves him".

"Having him as the presenter of the movie is an added advantage. This is going to leverage the movie. Mika is a fabulous singer that we know, but he is an amazing actor and a great human being too."

"Balwinder..." is in its post production stage and it will come out soon!

After working in crime thriller "Gangs of Wasseypur" and comedies like "Fukrey", Richa Chadda is eager to work in a dance film.

"I am really looking forward to play a role in a dance film... I have a dance background and no one has exploited that till now," Richa told IANS.

If she wants to show her dancing skills, Richa is also keen to etch out shy and submissive characters on the big screen.

"I am trying to figure out how I can become shy and less confident. This is hard for me as I have been living on my own for the past six years... you do develop some kind of confidence," she said.

Meanwhile, the actress is preparing to play a Tamil girl in "Jiah Aur Jiah", a film on girl-bonding.

"I learnt Tamil as a child. I am learning a bit more about the diction. I have chosen not to shoot so much in August as I have to start the film in which I am playing a Tamilian."

Directed by Howard Rosemeyer, "Jiah Aur Jiah" also stars Kalki Koechlin and shooting for the film is expected to start in October.