When it comes to taking honest opinion, actor Mazher Sayed always turns to his wife, actress Mouli Ganguly, who evaluates his work and tells him about his flaws without being diplomatic.

"We discuss everything. She is a great critic of mine, she criticises everything - how I am looking, make up, gestures, and my dialogue delivery. She tears me to shreds," Mazher told IANS.

But the actor listens to his wife only as long as her criticism is constructive.

"I take it till a point. But when it increases and becomes negative, I stop... Critics make sure that you don't take your job for granted," said the actor who featured with his wife in successful show "Kaahin Kissii Roz".

Currently busy with the TV show "Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal", Mazher ensures that he makes the most of the time he gets with Mouli.

"The little time that I spend with her, I make sure that I spend most of it well. All said and done, understanding is the epitome in a relationship. She understands me," he said.

"We do take out time for each other. We go out for dinner sometimes. We respect each other's work a lot and work is our priority. When the project finishes, we have enough time for each other," he said.

Mouli was seen as the antagonist in "Kya Huaa Tera Vaada", a show about extra-marital affair. it went off air in May this year.

Mazher and Mouli are also part of comedy play "Pritam Pyare Pappuji".

Director-producer Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has shortened "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" (BMB) for its international release. He has reduced the playing-time of the biopic by 30 minutes and said the new version is suitable for a no-interval format.

Everyone loved everything about "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", a film that chronicles the rise of Olympian athlete Milkha Singh, also known as Flying Sikh. The only area of quibble was the inordinate length of three-hour-and-10-minute. And that has now been taken care of.

Since there were no clearly demarcated areas in the narration that could be pruned down, and the songs carried the plot forward, Mehra and the film's editor P.S. Bharathi went through the process of looking through the entire footage to zero-in on individual shots and scenes where the verbal exchange could be reduced.

An arduous and challenging task -- but the job is now done.

The decision comes as a surprise considering Mehra maintained that the story had to be told within the time-frame afforded by the script.

Said Mehra: "Bharathi and I haven't forced cuts into the narration. We wanted to bring the length down to a no-interval format, since there is no tradition of breaking a film into two halves in the West. To eliminate the interval-point for the international version, we had to re-edit the film."

At the home front, the film opened to positive response and if the viewers relished the narration, they thoroughly appreciated Farhan Akhtar's endeavour to play Milkha convincingly in the successful movie, which raked in approximately Rs.55 crore in the first week.

From drying charcoal to hand-grinding spices, chef Ranveer Brar, the host of Zee Khana Khazana's “Snack Attack”, did all that as a beginner and feels it is high time the hard work and creativity involved in cooking gets recognition and appreciation.

“I think it is about time that the creativity, passion and the labour involved in cooking is recognised. Media has played its part in glamorising chef,” Brar told IANS.

The profession might be seen as a glamorous one by many, but that's not true most of the time, especially when you are a fresher.

“There were regular industry challenges like tough menial jobs. Drying charcoal, hand-grinding spices, and washing pots were some of the jobs that I had to do,” he said while remembering the obstacles he had to face when he started off.

Brar, who has worked with hotels like the Taj group, The Oberoi, The Claridges and many more, had a hard time convincing his parents.

“I told them at the age of 16 that I didn't want to study. I was interested in cooking. This was met with a lot of resistance for two reasons - one, because I would have been the first in the family who wouldn't have graduated and two, because I would be the first 'bawarchi' (cook) in the family,” said Brar whose parents later understood that cooking was his calling.

If he did a diploma course at the Institute of Hotel Management in Lucknow, he learned valuable lessons by working with street vendors in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

“I learnt on the streets of Lucknow with a kebab vendor by the name of Munir Ahmed. The street food there inspired me to be a chef,” said the chef who prepared his first dish when he was 12 years old.

He may be a perfectionist now, but Brar threw quite a few dishes in the bin when they didn't turn out the way he expected them to be.

Talking about the experiments he did, Brar said: “There are dishes that involve a heavy interplay of flavours. A lot of times I imagined flavours marrying well, but they turn out to be a disastrous combination.

“I had a lot of such dishes that didn't work out like when I combined Asian and French flavours in Boston for my restaurant Banq. Scallops with moong risotto was one, Darjeeling tea crusted swordfish was another,” he said.

He is currently working with The Novotel in Mumbai as a Senior Executive Chef. Asked him about the tips to make a restaurant run successfully, he said that a clear financial projection, business acumen, great location and the best food are required.

Customers are equally important. Social media and food review websites have to be closely monitored too, he added.

Gulzar, one of the most celebrated and respected lyricist-directors in the film industry, turned 79 Sunday. Filmmaker Karan Johar and TV actor Anup Soni wished him.

Karan and Anup took to twitter to wish the legend.

"Gulzar Saab's janamdin today... 'Mera kuch samaan" from 'Ijazat' is a song I will thank him for... for the rest of my life," tweeted Karan.

Anup wrote: "Happy birthday Gulzar sir. Miss travelling with you sir for our play 'Kharashein...."

Gulzar, whose real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, started his career as a lyricist with the hit song "Mera gora ang lai le" in "Bandini" and went on to pen dozens of chartbusters including "Tere bina zindagi se", "Aanewala pal jaane wala hai", "Mera kuchh saamaan" and "Tujhse naraaz nahin zindagi" as well as peppy numbers like "Kajra re", "Beedi" and "Darling".

If he proved his mettle as a lyricist, the National Award-winner churned out some of the best remembered movies when he went behind the camera to direct "Koshish", "Parichay", "Aandhi" and "Maachis", to name a few.

Gulzar was married to actress Raakhee, but later they separated. They have a daughter Meghna, who directed films like "Filhaal" and "Just Married".

He also published poetry books and was awarded Padma Bhushan.

Director Srinivas Reddy, who is busy working on "Ma Neta Rajanna", a Telugu film on late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy (YSR), feels filmmakers need cinematic liberty to make biopics.

"Biopics are not easy to make. They are very challenging and one needs some degree of cinematic liberty since they are based on someone else's life. Audiences are always ready to point out mistakes in these films, and therefore, you need the freedom to compromise on few things," Srinivas told IANS.

"Making a film based on the life of a political figure means that you're dealing with the emotions of lakhs of his or her followers. One scene is more than enough to earn their wrath. Just because you're making a biopic doesn't mean you can include every minor detail," he added.

In "Ma Neta Rajanna", Reddy will portray some politicians who belong to the opposition party in negative shade without belittling them. "This wouldn't be possible without having the freedom to even attempt it at the first place," he added.

"Ma Neta Rajanna" will feature veteran actor Vijaychander in the role of YSR. .

"He is a versatile actor. All of us know he is one the popular actors in the Telugu industry to have been part of several biopics over the years. I didn't have any other actor in mind," he added.

Vijaychander is known for playing the screen avatars of Shirdi Sai Baba, Jesus Christ, Kabirdas and even Telugu stalwarts such as N.T Rama Rao and T. Prakasam Pantulu.

"Ma Neta Rajanna" is the second film on YSR after Telugu film "Jagannayakudu" by P.C Reddy.

Srinivas says he is making the film out of passion.

"It will only be on him from his initial days as a doctor to his political career and his death. I have been one of his followers and this film is my way of paying tribute to him. I'm not trying to seek any political mileage out of this," he said.

The film also features Raghunatha Reddy, Mani Chandana and yesteryear heroine Geethanjali in important roles. It is slated to release in November.

Actress Rashi Khanna, who is debuting with Shoojit Sircar's "Madras Cafe", is likely to feature in "Hamara Bajaj" too.

A source close to the team said: "They are contemplating with the idea to cast her and if things fall in place Rashi will be seen opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in 'Hamara Bajaj'."

Rashi will be seen opposite John Abraham in "Madras Cafe", which is coming out Friday.

In a bid to avoid getting typecast, actress Gurdip Kohli didn't consider fiction shows. She also kept away from daily soaps to play a hands on mother to her daughter.

"It is quite easy for a television actress to be typecast into certain kinds of roles. However, I have been lucky to have stayed away from such images," Gurdip told IANS.

The 33-year-old, who has a three-year-old daughter Meher with husband and television actor Arjun Punj, rose to fame after playing doctor Juhi in the 2004 super hit show "Sanjeevani". Post the show's success, she went on to do family dramas like "Sindoor Tere Naam Ka" and "Kasamh Se".

Currently Gurdip is seen in a comical avatar "Best Of Luck Nikki", a weekend show on Disney channel. She is well aware about the path, which leads to getting labelled.

"The fear of being typecast as a particular character arises when one has done only one specific kind of roles over a period of time, which fortunately, hasn't been the case with me," she said.

"And post-maternity, I was lucky enough to portray the role of a mother - Himani in 'Best of Luck Nikki', who is not a typical mother but is more of a friend and confidante to her kids," she added.

Gurdip feels daily soaps demand a lot of time and attention, but she wants to give maximum attention to Meher's growing up years.

"Erratic work schedules are a part of a daily soap actor’s life. But I made a conscious decision to stay away from daily soaps when I decided to come back to the small screen as I wanted to concentrate on bringing up my daughter," she said.

"At the same time, I wanted to do the kind of work that I had not had the opportunity to do earlier. Luckily, I was offered 'Best of Luck Nikki'. Since the show followed a season format, I had enough time for my family" she added.

The actress's character of Himani in "Best Of Luck Nikki" has a comical approach and she enjoys tickling audience's funny bone.

"I loved facing the camera for 'Best of Luck Nikki' and discovered an all new comic side to me. The show was immensely well received by the audience and now we are back with the third season," she said.

Gurdip plays a mother of five children - Dolly (Sheena Bajaj ), Sunny (Akash Nair), Rohan (Murtuza Kutianawala) and baby Nikki (Ananya Kolvankar) in the show, which will see the birth of her fifth child Sunday.

She says working with young artists has its pros.

"Working with kids is a roller-coaster ride. There is never a dull moment on the sets. The four kids keep the atmosphere on the sets so lively and so energetic that I simply cannot but give my best performance when around them.

"On the cons, well, I can’t say it is a con, but we adults always need to match up with the energy levels of the young actors," she said.

After attending the special screening of John Abraham-starrer "Madras Cafe" here Sunday, members of Tamil activist group Naam Tamizhar vowed not the allow the film's release in Tamil Nadu contending it portrays LTTE cadres as terrorists.

The private screening was attended by Tamil filmmaker and group chief Seeman and director R.K Selvamani along with many others.

"The film tries to portray late Prabhakaran, LTTE chief, as a terrorist. We don't appreciate it and request the distributors to not screen the film in the state. The sentiment of the film is anti-Tamil and we don't agree with it," Seeman told IANS.

"We wouldn't be bothered if our Sri Lankan brothers were not portrayed in a bad light. Prabhakaran sacrificed his life fighting for Sri Lankan Tamils. How can a film possibly portray him as a terrorist?" he asked.

"Madras Cafe" earned the wrath of pro-Tamil groups when its trailer was released in July.

However, speaking at an event recently here, John said: "My film doesn't take any sides. It doesn't portray anybody as terrorists."

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, "Madras Cafe" is slated to release Aug 23 worldwide. The film was even dubbed in Tamil to be exclusively released in Tamil Nadu.

The film, which also features Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna and Leena Maria, deals with terrorism and civil war and was reportedly shot in Sri Lanka and India.

Arjun Rampal did not have a glorious start in Bollywood, but shot to fame with his bravura performance as a rockstar in "Rock On!" and since then there has been no looking back for the National Award winning actor. He feels that he has grown with each film and finds his 12-year journey in the industry "great" and "enjoyable".

If he made a humble beginning with a dud like "Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat" in 2001 followed by a string of flops, the actor reinvented himself successfully with "Don" in 2006 and came into his own with "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd" and "Om Shanti Om".

But the icing on the cake was his award-winning performance in "Rock On!" and the success of "Raajneeti" and "Chakravyuh" cemented his position in filmdom.

Encapsulating the lows and highs of his career, he said: "It has been a great journey."

"I see myself evolving from film to film. It is good to be in that space. I am enjoying that part," Arjun, whose journey started in showbiz as a ramp model, told IANS in an interview.

What is your criterion while selecting films?

"I look at what's my scene and part. I need to see what is the starting point of my character and where does he reaches. If I can identify with the journey, then I go ahead. This is for all films," he said.

A convincing story is equally important for the 40-year-old.

"I think you should be a part of a different kind of cinema as long as you have conviction in it and you can believe in it. I would like to be a part of comedy, provided I think it is very funny. The films, which I chose, are the films, which I would like to watch," said Arjun.

He did "Housefull", which had an ensemble cast and it is the case with his forthcoming political thriller "Satyagraha". Directed by Prakash Jha, it stars a host of actors - Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Rao.

"I look at a film as a film. It could be alone as an actor or with more actors. At the end of the day, it is a film. The film and the story are more important. Maybe those kinds of stories with more actors excite me. You don't plan and say that this is my solo film. I think art can't be calculated. When you have to work as an actor, you just go out there and surprise your audience," he said.

But Arjun admits working with a talented director and star cast makes it easier.

"It is about the film - what is the director trying to say and if he is able to do this without the film becoming dry and boring. When you are working with good actors, it makes your job easier," he said.

Talking about future projects, he said: "Next, I am going to be shooting for 'Villain' and then 'Roy'."

Manipur-born playwright, theatre director and Padma Shri recipient Ratan Thiyam has been appointed chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD) here.

"The president of India has appointed Ratan Thiyam for a period of four years as per the relevant rules and regulations," an official release said Monday.

The 66-year-old Thiyam received formal training at the NSD and returned to Imphal to form his own theatre group - Chorus Repertory Theatre - in 1976.

Thiyam studied painting before he turned to theatre. His plays lend an artistic wizardry to the entire production that is rich in visuals, with melodious music lending a poetic tinge to it.

For Thiyam, themes like social welfare in the midst of political jamboree have always found space in his plays.

"Urubhangam" (Broken Thigh), "Chakravyuh" (Army Formation) and "Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Antigone") are some of his popular plays.

Thiyam was NSD director for a brief stint in 1987-1988. He was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in direction in 1987.

Director Ketan Mehta, who roped in versatile actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the title role in "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", praises the actor saying he is "committed and very fascinating".

Set in 1960, "Manjhi - The Mountain Man" is based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi, who for over 22 years worked on carving out a path through a mountain using just a hammer and a chisel. He dug a roadway out of a mountain that separated his village in Bihar from the nearest hospital.

In the film, Nawazuddin plays Manjhi.

"Nawaz is a very good actor. I enjoyed working with him. He is a very committed and very fascinating actor. He has done a brilliant job in the film," Mehta said here Saturday during a press conference about the film.

Talking about how he signed the National Award-winning actor for the project, Mehta said: "I had seen some of his roles. Besides, his physical type also matched a lot with the character (of Dashrath Manjhi)."

"Nawaz read the script and he loved it a lot and he immediately gave his nod," he added.

"Manjhi - The Mountain Man" features Radhika Apte as Nawaz's wife. Besides, it also features filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia and actor Prashant Narayanan in key roles.

Nargis Fakhri, who will be seen playing a journalist in her second Bollywood movie "Madras Cafe", appreciates the way in which a 'senior and talented' actor like her co-star John Abraham used to encourage her on the set.

John is also the co-producer of the film, which is coming out Friday.

Nargis, who made her debut as Ranbir Kapoor's love interest in "Rockstar" in 2011, said working with John was really nice.

"He was very funny and easy going. The best part was anytime I did well, he would comment how well I did. And I think that's really sweet and also really important for someone like me, who is only a film old and who needs a little bit of self-esteem lift… especially when it comes from someone who is talented, senior, and who has done so many different types of films... it felt really nice," added Nargis.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, "Madras Cafe" is a political thriller that revolves around the Sri Lankan civil war.

Telugu filmmaker Puri Jagannadh, known for films such as "Shivamani" and "Pokkiri", will produce his upcoming directorial project "Heart Attack" under his newly-floated production banner - Puri Jagannadh Touring Talkies.

Earlier, Puri used to produce films under the Vaishno Academy banner.

"My next film 'Heart Attack' with Nithiin and Adah Sharma will be produced under my new banner - Puri Jagannadh Touring Talkies," posted Puri on his Twitter page.

He has named his new production banner after a theatre.

"On this same name (Touring Talkies) we had a theatre in my childhood. I used to watch movies in that theatre," he further posted.

His last two films "Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu" and "Iddarammayilatho" got a lukewarm response at the box-office, and Puri hopes to resurrect his sagging career with "Heart Attack", which is expected to go on floors Aug 30.

Mazher Sayed, currently seen in comedy show "Mrs Pammi Pyarelal", says slapstick comedy sometimes goes over the top, therefore, it is vital for actors to know where to stop.

He himself is so energetic that his director has to restrain him.

"Slapstick does go overboard... but you need to know how to control it," Mazher told IANS.

"The director has to control me as my energy level goes very high. The director is there and does a great job. When you know the character, you know till what meter you need to go," he added.

Various kinds of comedies are being aired on the telly. The actor feels that nowadays "anything that makes people laugh and tickles their funny bones" works with the audience.

"It should be genuine an honest and not too much in your face. There is no formula for humour. It should just make people laugh," he added.

Mazher has been part of the television industry for over a decade and acted in shows like "Kaahin Kissii Roz" and some episodes of "Crime Patrol", but "Mrs Pammi Pyarelal" marks his first stint with comedy.

"I have never done comedy in 13 years. This is the first time. I had a lot of challenges. In the beginning, I was trying to see how the character will react and how I can connect with everyone else," he said.

To get under the skin of his character, Mazher watched a lot of funny movies.

"Initially, it takes a little time to get used to and get under the skin of the character. I watched a lot of comedy films to get into it," he said adding that the show reminded him of "Dekh Bhai Dekh".

"My character is quite bizarre and amazing. It is quite different. I don't think anyone has played this kind of a character before where a man falls in love with another man.

"He is eccentric, he can be mad, crazy and these were the avenues I wanted to explore. The story is also very nice. It reminds me of 'Dekh Bhai Dekh' days. I was an ardent fan of that show," he said.

Following the illegal release of songs from upcoming Tamil black-comedy thriller "Biriyani", members from the film's unit are set to meet Crime Branch - Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) officials Monday to press for immediate action against those responsible for the leak.

The audio was leaked online Aug 16, two weeks ahead of its official launch slated for Aug 31. "Biriyani" marks the 100th album of composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, and he is extremely upset over the leak of the songs online.

"On Monday, Karthi Sivakumar (actor), Yuvan Shankar Raja (composer), Venkat Prabhu (director) and Gnanavel Raja (producer) will meet the officers at CB-CID office regarding "Biriyani" songs leak," said a statement.

Directed by Venkat Prabhu, "Biriyani" also features Hansika Motwani, Ramki, Premgi Amaren, Nassar and Jayaprakash in important roles.

Produced by Studio Green, it is slated to release Sep 6 worldwide.

She may have been liked as Ranbir Kapoor's love interest in her debut film “Rockstar”, but Nargis Fakhri says it's tough for an outsider to make a place in the industry. She considers herself lucky to have worked with A-listers and thanks her team for the feat.

In her second film, Shoojit Sircar directed political thriller “Madras Cafe”, scheduled to release Friday, she will be seen with another top actor - John Abraham.

“I'm still in awe of how I got so lucky to work with the actors like Ranbir and John. I hope to continue to work with more A-listers,” Nargis told IANS in an email interview.

“It is pretty difficult for a newcomer to make in Bollywood. You need guidance, and I was fortunate that agencies like Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and KWAN Entertainment and Marketing Solutions had taken me on. If it wasn't for the team I think I might not have been here.

"In this industry, you need to know people or have family that is already in it to make it big. I still have so much to learn and so many people to meet,” she added.

Having said that, Nargis is open to work with newcomers as scripts also guide her decision.

“I am open to work with newcomers. It's just not about the co-stars, it also depends on the script...I'm an equal opportunist,” said Nargis.

The actress, who likes donning a chef's cap while at home, is essaying the role of a foreign journalist in “Madras Cafe”. Nargis feels, when she did “Rockstar”, she had no clue about the industry, but acclimatised herself while working on her second film.

“With every new film you hope that you have grown, and I think I have grown a bit. I have put in a lot of hard work and time into 'Madras Cafe'. As the time moves forward, you start understanding and learning more when it comes to the craft," she said.

“When it comes to 'Rockstar', I was new and had no clue on what was happening or what I had to do! I was thrown into something I had no clue about. In my second film, I have been able to give more, because I had the time to learn,” the 33-year-old added.

Sharing her experience of being a journalist in the film, Nargis stressed: “It was difficult as I am not a real journo. But with the help of workshops, people, documentaries as well as footage from on the field war correspondents of BBC and CNN, and my own effort have helped me understand my character Jaya,” said Nargis.

How's John as a co-star?

“John made me comfortable on the sets. He is a talented actor and a lovely person to work with. It's great to work with people who can make you feel safe and at ease,” she said.

After “Madras Cafe”, Nargis will be seen in an item number with Shahid Kapoor in director Rajkumar Santoshi's “Phata Poster Nikla Hero”.

“It's my first item number. It was fun, but at the same time very difficult. I have learned so much from this experience. I'm not a trained dancer. I had taken classes though,” said Nargis.

On being asked the kind of roles she is looking forward to do, Nargis responded: “I'd love to do an action film where the woman is some kind of hero. I just want to kick some b***. But I'm open to all sorts of roles, because with each role your portray, you learn something new about other people as well as your self.”

She will be seen doing action in "Madras Cafe".

TV actress Sreejita De, currently seen as an ambitious and head strong character Mukta in the long running TV show "Uttaran", wants a lot of qualities in her life partner, but says that the most important is education.

"I need a good, caring and an understanding husband. He should understand me and vice-versa. But education wise he should be high profile," Sreejita said here Sunday on the set of the show.

Any plans to get married soon?

"I have not thought about it yet but have to as mummy, papa, and everybody is saying let's get you married in next one or two years," the 24-year-old said said.

Actor Randeep Hooda admits to being not so studious during his college days and he believes that to succeed in life one needs to follow one's passion.

"I hardly studied in college and I got through because I think most of the courses in college are courses in common sense. What you learn in college is outside the class," the 37-year-old told reporters at the St. Xavier's college where he was promoting his film "John Day".

"In college, I used to worry about my future. But ultimately if you do something you are interested in, you will become a champion in it and it has got nothing to do with education," added the actor who carved a niche for himself in the field of modelling and acting.

Randeep says what helps him in his career today is his time spent with friends.

"I failed in my first year but ultimately I got my degree. But that degree is of no use to me when I stand on stage today. My interpersonal skills and the time spent with my friends is what is helping me. So don't be disheartened and follow your dreams," he said.

Seen in films "Monsoon Wedding", "Cocktai" and "Murder", Randeep's next is "John Day".

Directed by Ashishor Solomon, "John Day" is a thriller and stars Naseeruddin Shah in the title role, while Randeep plays a police officer.

It will hit theatres Sep 13.

Buy two, get one free -- is the Rakhi offer that superstar Shah Rukh Khan is making for everyone across the country keen to see his latest entertainment extravaganza "Chennai Express" which is blazing records at the box-office.

So if you love him for making you laugh in “Chennai Express”, you will love Shah Rukh all the more for his latest gesture.

A source close to the superstar said this is SRK's brainchild. The offer is valid on Aug 20 across the country because the 47-year-old wants to celebrate with everyone.

The source added: “We have celebrated Eid and Independence Day with the entire country and this is his way of celebrating Rakhi as well. This is his small way of giving back the huge amount of love and support he has got from the people.”

Directed by Rohit Shetty, “Chennai Express” is a runaway hit at the box office. Released Aug 9, it minted Rs.181.93 crore by Aug 18.

If viewers enjoyed SRK's new avatar in the romantic comedy, they also found Deepika Padukone's Tamil girl act thoroughly entertaining. The film was liked so much that it created a record by recording the fastest Rs.100 crore earning at the box office. The Rs.75 crore project achieved that in the first weekend itself.

"It has been an amazing journey for 'Chennai Express' so far. The audience has loved and supported the film, helping it to achieve unprecedented success at the box office. We wanted to find a way to thank our audiences, especially families, for their love and support for the film. We thought the occasion of Raksha Bandhan would be an ideal opportunity to do so,” said Gaurav Verma, Director - India Theatrical Distribution, Studios, Disney-UTV, in a statement.

“We are inviting everyone to celebrate the festival with 'Chennai Express' and are pleased to offer a third ticket free on the purchase of every two tickets, as a token of our appreciation," added Verma.

Model-turned-actor Randeep Hooda, known for his sculpted body, is set to walk the ramp for designer Rajat Tangri at the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2013.

The five-day fashion event will start here Friday and the actor will walk the ramp on the second day, said a statement.

The designer will travel back to time to showcase a collection representing gothic look. He has extensively used hues like red, emerald and gold coalesce with black slate and teal to create red carpet silhouettes.

Crafted jackets, formal separates, gowns and structured dresses for women to sharp tailored suits and overcoats for men are part of the collection.

The designer, who is styling actress Priyanka Chopra for her role as a boxer and Olympic medallist Mary Kom in the biopic being produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has used fabrics like chiffon, silk, taffeta, duchess satin and wool to create his new ensemble.