An impromptu peace march was organised Monday during the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2013 against the recent rape incident here and for safety of women.

Models like Amit Ranjan, Sanya Sheikh and Gazi participated in the march in the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt hotel where the fashion week is taking place. They were joined by designers like Debarun and many others. There were also representatives from the media as well as public relations company.

The Lakme Fashion Week kickstarted on Aug 24 and will conclude on Aug 27.

Tamil comedy "Varutha Padatha Valibar Sangam" (VPVS) is slated to release Sep 6, and its director Ponram, who is actively promoting the film in places such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy, believes promotions in such towns will help in connecting with masses.

"Most promotions are done in one city through traditional medium such as print, television and radio. This might work for star films, but if you really want masses to embrace your film, then you need to promote your film in their turf," Ponram told IANS.

"Moreover, if the film is set against a rural background, then it makes even more sense to go to these places and promote your film. Audiences feel they are respected when you personally pay them a visit," he said.

Sivakarthikeyan, who plays the lead in VPVS, has been visiting these places for promotions.

Ponram admits such visits alone can't make a film woo audiences.

"It's the story eventually that will help a film click at the box office. Promotions are just a means to create some curiosity about the film," he added.

VPVS also features Sathyaraj, Sri Divya, Soori, Bindu Madhavi and Sri Ranjini. It is produced by R. Madhan.

To portray the relationship between the Big B Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn in Satyagraha director Prakash Jha has delved into his own very personal relationship with his father.

Many of the scenes between the two actors are taken from Prakash’s own interaction with his father.

Says the director, “Normally I shy away from displaying too much emotion in my cinema.Satyagraha is my most personal and most emotional film to date. I’ve taken many incidents from my own life.”

Prakash shares a very close relationship with his father.While Satyagraha was being written Prakash often thought of his own relationship with his father.

“Ideological and practical differences are a part of every parent-child relationship. Bachchan Saab and Ajay do not play biological father-son in Satyagraha. But they share a very deep bonding,” says Jha.

So deep was the bonding between Big B and Devgn during the shooting of Satyagraha that the two would often be seen exchanging thoughts even when not shooting.The fact that Devgn is a family friend of the Bachchans helped them to acquire a greater comfort level on screen.

The two have earlier worked together in the Bachchans’ home-production Major Sahib and the Big B also starred in Ajay’s home production Hindustan Ki Kasam.

Says a source from the core crew of Satyagraha, “We’ve worked with Bachchan Saab before.We’ve seen him bond with Deepika Padukone who played his daughter in Aarakshan. We even thought she looked like Bachchan Saab’s daughter. But nothing can compare with what Bachchan Saab shared with Ajay Devgn during the shooting of Satyagraha. They are not father and son in the film. They play mentor and pupil.And Prakashji used a lot of his own experiences with his father to define Devgan’s relationship with Mr Bachchan.”

- By Subhash K Jha

US-born Nargis Fakhri, whose poised confident screen presence and a deep understanding of her role in Shoojit Sircar's "Madras Cafe" is winning praise for her, says she was "clueless" after her Bollywood debut "Rockstar".

The period of exile after her 2011 debut was confusing for the actress. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, actor Ranbir Kapoor and the rest of the "Rockstar" team had taken Nargis under their wings. But after the release, when she and performance were rejected, Nargis found herself isolated and disoriented in a city and profession she knew nothing about.

"I was clueless," she said.

"It was a disappointing time for me. I couldn't share it with my mother. Because she would've just ordered me home. But there was no dearth of work. I was getting these endorsements, shooting magazine covers. But very frankly, 'Rockstar' was too vast an experience and culturally too distanced from where I come from, for me to handle," said Nargis, who was born in New York.

"I didn't understand the culture or the milieu. Just imagine - if tomorrow you're offered the main lead in a big Chinese film where they tell you, you are the ideal choice. That's exactly how I felt when I was did 'Rockstar'," she added.

Nevertheless, the deglamourised role of a war correspondent in the recently released John Abraham-starrer "Madras Cafe" fitted Nargis' personality, she believes.

"I play a journalist. And I was required to speak only in English. My Hindi is still rusty. But at least now I understand Hindi, so when John Abraham speaks to me I am not lost.

"And I got to speak in my voice in 'Madras Cafe'. So it's one consistent performance visually and vocally. Speaking in someone else's voice in 'Rockstar' was very confusing for my performance. I should've insisted on using my own voice. I guess I am not the kind of who girl who throws a tantrum to get her away," she said.

What Nargis enjoyed most in "Madras Cafe" was her role's austere minimalist approach.

"The girl I play is a no-nonsense professional.I didn't have to wear heavy makeup and false eyelashes. I was required to behave as naturally as possible," she added.

The movie, based on the Sri Lankan civil war, released Aug 23.

Actors John Abraham and Shruti Haasan will be seen as the lead pair in "Welcome Back," a sequel to the 2007 hit "Welcome". But director Aneez Bazmee is still on the lookout for someone to essay the part played by the late Feroz Khan in the original.

Bazmee released a teaser of his upcoming film here Monday.

"We are still thinking about who to rope in for the role that was played by Feroz Khan saab in the original film," Bazmee said.

Feroz Khan played don Ranvir Dhanraj Xaka (RDX) in the original film. It was a small yet crucial role. However, Bazmee revealed that the emphasis on the character will be larger in "Welcome Back".

"That role was very small. (But) Feroz Khan saab's presence was so big that the role looked big. But this one is actually quite big," Bazmee said.

Rumours have been rife that the makers are planning to rope in megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the role.

John steps into the shoes of Akshay Kumar, while Shruti has replaced Katrina for the sequel.

Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor return as Uday bhai and Majnu bhai respectively, and Paresh Rawal is also a part of the sequel.

"Welcome" was a superhit. But why did it take so long for a sequel?

"After making the first 'Welcome', our job to make a sequel became tougher. We were thinking about making it but didn't have a proper story," Bazmee said.

"But now that we are confident of doing justice with the film, we are starting it. Here also people asked me what's new in this, and that is that there is nothing old in this one," he added.

The teaser was shot to give a glimpse into what the film will be all about. However, the actual shoot starts next month.

"The story is still being written and there is almost a month-and-a-half before the shoot begins," Nana Patekar said.

Produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, "Welcome Back" is slated for a March release next year.

Celebrities are no stranger to controversies, and Priyanka Chopra knows this. Having tasted her share of link-up rumours in the Hindi film industry, the actress admits that controversies do affect her family.

The former Miss World, who has been in Bollywood for a decade, has been caught up in several controversies - a fight with actress Kareena Kapoor and link-ups with married actors like Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan.

The family girl says that such controversies hurt.

"I am very private as a person and I believe that by giving a statement to controversies, I am giving importance to them due to which many more articles will pop up," Priyanka told IANS.

"Usually, they are very trivial things. I get very hurt and affected by controversies. I am a very family girl and controversies affect my family. I would rather just keep quiet," she said.

"I am very black and white and have always been honest. I believe in honesty, but I don't believe that the entire world should know about my personal life. I am very private which I think is my right."

The 31-year-old has been a part of multilingual films but wants to explore more.

"I have done Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood - everything in just one month. I am an actor. Make me do any film. I worship my work. I don't have any priorities nor am I looking for any big crossovers.

"I like expanding myself and as an artist wherever I can show my creativity in different ways, be it music, acting or anything. I never take my work for granted," she said.

Many actresses like to play safe but Priyanka tries to do what people don't expect her to. Whether it is playing an autistic girl or learning martial arts, she is game for all difficult tasks.

"I think I am a very weird kind of person. Whatever is difficult I feel like doing that. My mom always says 'why stress yourself so much and work for 24 hours?'

"I try and do what people don't expect me to do. It would be easy for me to keep myself in a safe box which is expected as a heroine. I think it's more fun when you push the limits," she said.

She is dedicated and hardworking for sure but she doesn't take her character home.

"During 'Aitraaz' I was so new and got very much involved in my character. I have realized over time I tried to be a method actor, but it doesn't work for me. I am in the character only between the timespan of the action and the cut. After that I get bored. I can't do it. I do a lot of rehearsal and workshops for a few months," she said.

The actress, now busy promoting her upcoming film "Zanjeer", directed by Apoorva Lakhia, said: "I do films for strange reasons. When Apoorva came to narrate this film, we discussed my character; when he left I thought I will really enjoy working with him. So I did the film."

Priyanka says her character Mala, played by actress Jaya Bachchan in the original "Zanjeer" four decades ago, is completely different.

"I am playing a Gujarati girl from New York who comes to attend a wedding. She witnesses a murder and how things change in her life is the story."

The film also features Ram Charan and is slated for a Sep 7 release.

Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher, who shot parts of his latest movie "JOBS" in India, believes the country's people think from their hearts over their minds. This, he says, made his experience of shooting in India worthwhile.

Kutcher shot in India - in Old Delhi and the Jama Masjid area last year. The actor says it was important to incorporate Indian culture in the movie.

“We see the way people live and you start to feel that people are living based on their instincts. They kind of think more from their heart than their mind and I think that was an important capacity to get and incorporate in the film and it was beautiful," Kutcher said in a statement.

"We went all over the place. We went to Old Delhi and travelled around shooting sort of pieces here and there. So it was great," he added.

Kutcher plays the role of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in the biopic. The movie released in India Aug 23.

Controversial model Poonam Pandey is appalled, amused and annoyed by talk that her provocative pictures on the internet and in magazines are responsible for the increase in crimes against women.

Poonam, who recently made her Bollywood debut with a bold film "Nasha", says she was "constantly badgered and persuaded to feel guilty about the crime" a day after the gang-rape of a photojournalist here last week.

"Apparently my pictures are responsible for crime against women. Ha ha, really? The same reasoning was used against me during the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. I want to ask all those people who find me provocative enough to induce crime, was there no crime against women before I arrived on the scene," Poonam asked while speaking to IANS.

She feels people need a scapegoat for their own failings.

"Why blame me for social evils? I am just a girl trying to find my place in the world. I'm used to being targeted by the moral police and the morcha-wallis. When law and order fails, the blame has to be pinned to some convenient target. But why blame me? What have I done?" she asked.

"Main toh sirf baat karti hoon. Maine kuch kiya nahin ((I only talk. I haven't done anything). There are renowned respected actresses who heave and thrust in item songs. They are watched by a lot more men than I am," she added.

Poonam is adamant that rape has no connection with the pin-up provocateurs.

"I don't think men go out and commit crime against women because of what they see in films and in pictures. On the contrary, I feel there would be far less crime against women if there would be more sexual gratification at home for men belonging to a certain class, who don't have direct and easy access to female company," she said.

This is where Poonam feels the revival of the beer bar culture does its bit.

"I think re-opening the beer bars would reduce crime against women on the streets. Men would be able to have at least some access to erotic gratification," said the model-cum-actress.

Poonam objects strongly to the view that women invite unwanted attention by the way they dress.

"Oh please! Five-year-old girls get raped. Do they wear short skirts that provoke such crimes? It is ridiculous to suggest that rape can be prevented if women remain fully clothed," she said.

In any case, Poonam feels mainstream Hindi cinema has a lot to be answerable for.

"I've seen them indulge in shameless sex talk where heroes are making pointed references to women's body parts. What kind of example are these iconic stars setting," she asked.

Poonam had first grabbed attention during the 2011 Cricket World Cup when she offered to go nude before Team India if they won.

Though she didn't keep up to her word, a nude photograph of her was posted on Twitter in 2012. However, she has clarified that it was morphed.

"I've never posed nude. Even that picture that was posted of me nude after the Indian Premier League (IPL) victory (of Kolkata Knight Riders) was morphed. I even admitted that later at the risk of disappointing my fans. I've threatened to go nude. But have I really done it?"

Music maestro Illayaraja, known for composing in studios for over three decades, will for the first time compose tunes for upcoming Tamil period-drama "Raja Raja Chozhanin Porval" in public for his fans to see this rare feat.

He will compose music for the film in a temple here Sep 11.

"Illayaraja will compose music for the first time in public at the launch of 'Raja Raja Chozhanin Porval' at Siddhar Karuraar Sannidhi at the Kalyana Pasupathiswarar temple in Karur. Since the film is the about the sword of Raja Raja Chozhan, and Siddhar happens to be his guru, we decided to have the event at the temple," Snehan, who plays the lead in the film, told IANS.

"Apparently, he was not open to the idea of composing in public, but then we took the effort to finally convince him to do it," he added.

Snehan is expecting a large turnout for the event.

The film, which will be directed by R.S Amudheswar, will also feature two Bollywood actors in important roles.

"A famous Bollywood hero will take up the role of Raja Raja Chozhan, while another popular Hindi actor will be playing the role of antagonist," Snehan added.

The film, which will be produced by Thiraikalam, will also feature Sneha, Shreya, Thambi Ramayya, Avinash and Naatiya.

Anil Kapoor, who is working with Paresh Rawal again in "Welcome Back," a sequel to the 2007 hit "Welcome", regards him as a world-class actor.

"I was working internationally and they were saying 'Anil you are doing very well and I like the way you work.' I said, 'I am nothing! there are great actors in India, like Paresh Rawal, they are world class actors.'," the 56-year-old said here Monday at the teaser launch of "Welcome Back".

The teaser was shot of the Anees Bazmee film was meant to give a glimpse into what the film will be all about. The film's actual shoot will begin next month. Produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, "Welcome Back" is slated for release in March 2014.

While John Abraham steps into the shoes of Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor return as Uday bhai and Majnu bhai respectively. Shruti Haasan will play the female lead.

Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has been appreciated for his roles in films like "Pinjar", "Raajneeti" and "Gangs of Wasseypur", enjoys essaying characters who are closer real characters. Glamour is not his priority, he says.

"I love doing those roles. I enjoy doing real roles as I relate to them. If glamour comes with it, it’s fine. Even if it doesn't, that is also okay. I am very comfortable doing the kind of films which I do," Manoj, who will be seen as a politician in forthcoming film “Satyagraha”, told IANS.

He said the term 'cinema' encompasses all kinds of films, and that its main motive is to entertain.

"Cinema needs all kinds of films. It doesn't have a responsibility of sending social message only. A film has to have a good story and entertain people. Audience is paying money, so they want to be entertained... so it is important to tell them a good story," he said.

Manoj said he is currently shooting for two films, which will release in 2014.

"'Saat Ucheke’, which is a Neeraj Pandey production, is ready, and 'Traffic’ by Endemol is almost ready. Both the films will release next year," he said.

Bollywood star Rekha attended the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha Tuesday for first time during the monsoon session.

Draped in a yellow silk saree and carrying a golden handbag, Rekha entered the house during the question hour and was seen talking to fellow members.

The 57-year-old was nominated to Rajya Sabha last April along with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who came to house on the first day of monsoon session Aug 5.

Rekha hogged the limelight with camerapersons jostling to click her.

Earlier, the actress had attended the budget session May 7.

Om Puri is not traceable, a police officer said Tuesday, adding the actor was being sought in the wake of a domestic violence complaint filed by his wife.

Om Puri's wife Nandita lodged a complaint against him on Aug 23 at the Versova Police Station.

"When Nandita Puri had come to the police station, we sent her to Cooper Hospital and she also submitted a medical report post the check up," the police officer from Versova Police station told IANS.

"In her statement, she said that she had been hit with a stick by her husband. Ever since she had filed the case, we have been looking for him. There have been no developments so far as we are still looking for him," the officer added.

The couple had been facing problems in their relationship since Nandita come out with a biography on her husband - "Unlikely Hero: The Story Of Om Puri" in 2009 highlighting some of his most private sexual incidents.

The revelation in the book had upset 62-year-old Padma Shri winner, known for his work in films like "Aakrosh" and "Ardh Satya". He also entertained viewers with his comic timing in "Hera Pheri".

The leading cast of "Shuddh Desi Romance" - Parineeti Chopra and Sushant Singh Rajput - feel that promotion is as important as the film itself.

"Promotions are as much part of the film as any other thing. Not tiring at all, very exciting," said Parineeti here on the sets of Zee TV dance reality show "Dance India Dance - Super Moms".

Sushant feels if a good film is made, then the audiences should be told about it.

"When we make a good film, then we want to tell everyone and want them to watch the film. So I feel promotions are as important as film," said Sushant, who made his debut with hit movie "Kai Po Che!" this year.

Produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film is directed by Maneesh Sharma and is set for a release Sep 6. It also stars Vaani Kapoor.

While his films leave audiences in splits, director Rajkumar Santoshi is quite the prankster in real life too – Recently while on the sets of his upcoming film,Phata Poster Nikla Hero produced by Ramesh Taurani ,the director pulled a prank on his film’s lead Shahid Kapoor.

Fitness aficionado Shahid Kapoor is normally seen sipping on an energy drink on the sets much to Raj Santoshi’s curiosity. On asking the actor, Shahid offered the director a tall glass of the drink, only to be faced with a situation that left him dumb found.

Santoshi started panting and claimed it made him feel extremely uncomfortable, adding to that, the unit also advised the director to seek immediate medical attention. The frightened Shahid Kapoor was only later told that it was all a big prank, much to his relief.

Says a source, “When Rajkumar Santoshi realized that Shahid Kapoor was getting panicky and worried, it was only then that he revealed that they were pulling a prank on him.”

Starring Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz , Ramesh Taurani's Phata Poster Nikla Hero directed by Rajkumar Santoshi is scheduled to release 20th September 2013.

Apart from having some of the best films in her kitty, Kangana Ranaut who has a choc-o-bloc schedule with her movie commitments and promotional activities for her upcoming films, is taking time out to launch a special website that will give fans across the country, the chance to interact with the National award winner and poster-girl for fashion.

The website which is scheduled to be launch in the first half of September, will have the latest updates on the actress in terms of her personal and professional life. If that wasn’t all, the actress will also pen her thoughts in a blog, where she will share inside styling and make-up tips from her eccentric fashion closet.

Confirming the news says Kangana, “I’ve long wanted to connect with my fans on a one-on-one basis. However, my professional commitments didn't permit it earlier. With the website, however, I look forward to connecting with my fans from across the globe. The site is fun and quirky, and is signature Kangana Ranaut.” Adding that , “There are a lot of fake social media accounts floating in my name. Though I do not subscribe to social media and micro- blogging sites, I was keen on connecting with my fans and hence the website.”

Bollywood action director Tinnu Verma is reportedly missing since allegedly assaulting his step-brother Manohar Verma here last week.

Tinnu, a popular stunt director, has worked in films like "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha", "Krazzy 4", "Koi... Mil Gaya" and "Shootout at Wadala".

According to Manohar's brother Mahendra, Tinnu made an "attempt to murder" Manohar on Aug 23. Mahendra believes Tinnu is being protected by his real brother Narendra Verma, president of the Mumbai region Nationalist Youth Congress, the youth wing of the Nationalist Congress Party.

"Tinnu Verma is still missing/absconding for the last five-six days. How can it be possible had he not been supported/protected either by police or by our politician brother (Narendra Verma)," Mahendra wrote in an open letter to media. A copy of the letter is with IANS.

Mahendra has claimed that Tinnu had also attacked him earlier this month.

"Before attacking my brother Manohar, he had also attempted to murder me on Aug 8 in our Andheri residency society. I filed an FIR, but the police diluted my complaint and did not even arrest him or warn him from attempting such a serious crime.

"Had he been arrested then, he would not have dared to attempt another near fatal murderous attack on my younger brother Manohar," he added.

If a source close to the family is to be believed, Tinnu allegedly had beaten up Mahendra with an iron rod, while he attacked Manohar with a sword Aug 23.

The action-episode is said to have been the result of their father's will and distribution of family property therein.

Mahendra has now alleged that "the attacker is let loose purposely to make another attempt on one of us brothers or our family".

"The police is taking this matter very lightly and do not want to book Tinnu Verma because of the influence of Narendra Verma," he added.

Manohar is currently admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Both his legs are badly injured, and he suffered serious head injuries due to which he ended up having 21 stitches.

Manohar's wife said she never thought Tinnu would get so violent.

"I never thought Tinnu will come with a sword and assault Manohar. We always wanted a peaceful resolution," she said.

"Kaun Banega Crorepati 2013" can help you win Rs.7 crore! And that with the help of not four but five lifelines.

IANS has learnt via sources that in the forthcoming season of the show, which goes on air on Sony Entertainment Television Sep 6, contestants can play for an amount bigger than ever.

In the sixth season of the show, a jackpot question posed after a participant had won Rs.1 crore, enabled them to win Rs.5 crore. But that is now said to have been raised to Rs.7 crore for the forthcoming edition.

There will also be an additional lifeline, details of which are not yet known.

Also, the set of the show has been shifted this year from Filmcity in Goregaon, Mumbai to the plush Yash Raj Films studio in the Andheri West region of the country's film capital.

When IANS contacted Siddhartha Basu, chairman and managing director of Big Synergy Media Ltd., the producers of the hugely popular game show, he said: "It is too premature to comment."

All details of the additions and alterations to the show are expected to be officially announced at a press conference in Mumbai Thursday. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the host of the show, will be present at the event.

The 70-year-old has so far hosted five seasons of the show, barring the third edition, which saw superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the quizmaster's seat. But he still has "large butterflies" in his stomach ahead of the show.

The show, based on international quiz show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", started in 2000.

This year, the show's marketing campaign is centred around the importance of learning. Its tagline reads: "Seekhna bandh toh jeetna bandh (No learning means no winning)".

Oscar-winning composer-singer A.R. Rahman says that despite India being a musical nation, music is yet to be taken as a serious profession.

He will propagate the same through his city tour "RahmanIshq" in October.

"We are a great musical nation, but we need to look at music as a profession. This tour will spearhead a nationwide movement to build the right kind of momentum in the live act and music industry domain," Rahman told IANS.

"It will bring to light how as a nation we are very well-equipped to promote homegrown talent on local soils," he added.

The concerts will be held in cities like Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur and Ahemdabad in October this year.

From "Tanha tanha yahan pe jeena, "Chaiyya chaiyya" to "Taal se taal mila" and "Kay sera sera" to "Jai Ho" -- with so many hit numbers associated with his name, the concert will have something for every age group.

"It's more like a mash-up. We are packaging my hits from the past 20 years and putting it together into a three-hour capsule for an audience that will range from teenagers to senior citizens," he said.

Composer wanted to do something like this for a while now.

"I have been desirous of executing something of this magnitude since a while now but since I had my hands full, I was unable to. I believe in giving my hundred percent to every project I implement. Each tour brings forth new experiments and catharsis," he said.

Canadian stand-up comedian Russell Peters is coming to India again and is set to entertain his fans with his acts during his upcoming tour.

The comedian shot to international fame in 2004 when one of his performances on "Comedy Now!" went viral on YouTube. Later, he went on to perform in various parts of the world like London, Sydney and New York.

Peters's performance is part of Russell Peters Notorious World Tour presented by Micromax. He will perform at four cities, namely Delhi NCR, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.

The Indian leg of the tour is organised by music and live events company Only Much Louder and presented by Micromax.

Peters, who has an Indian origin, will begin his tour with performance at the Huda Grounds in Gurgaon, Haryana Oct 25. It will be followed by Mumbai Oct 27, and Chennai Oct 29. He will wind it up in Bangalore Oct 31.

The show will enthrall the audience as stand-up comedy has paved its way to the hearts of audience recently, said Shubhodip Pal, CMO, Micromax.

"With Russell Peters Notorious World Tour, Micromax is yet again taking a lead in bringing the best in the world to enthrall Indian audiences across the country for the first time," Pal said in a statement.

"The genre of stand-up comedy has started to gain wider acceptance in India, as we have seen a number of artists come up the ranks in this field while the participation of live audiences at these events has also increased," he added.

The tickets of the show will go on sale Sep 3 and will be available on www.nh7.in and www.bookmyshow.com.