Actress Soha Ali Khan, who has featured in films like "Rang De Basanti", "Khoya Khoya Chand" and "Soundtrack", will now be seen in a comical movie, "War Chhod Na Yaar". She says the genre is lighter and also great fun.

"I am doing comedy for the first time and it has been great fun. I have done films where to get into a role, you have to bring back all these depressing memories before a shot. Comedy is much lighter, you can improvise, you can have fun, and you can let yourself go," Soha said in a statement.

"War Chhod Na Yaar", a war comedy, is director Farz Haider's maiden venture. Soha plays a war reporter in the film.

"I really liked the subject and that's why I said yes to Faraz. It was one of the best scripts I have ever read. We all want wars to stop and the most influential medium in India is films. Movies inspire us.

"Faraz has written a script through which he aims to change our mindset and show us what we can do to stop wars," she added.

The movie also features Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaffrey.

"Issaq' girl Amyra Dastur is all set to make her Tamil debut opposite Dhanush in his upcoming suspense-thriller "Anegan", scheduled to go on floors Monday in Puducherry.

"Bollywood actress Amyra will make her Tamil debut opposite Dhanush in the big-budget flick 'Anegan', which will be helmed by K.V Anand," said a statement from the production house AGS Entertainments.

Tamil actor Karthik, a popular face in the industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s, will be seen in an important role in the film.

"Anegan" will also feature Atul Kulkarni, Ashish Vidyarthi and Jagan in important roles.

The film will also be shot across exotic locations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Bolivia among many other countries.

Harris Jayraj has been roped in to compose the music, while Omprakash will handle cinematography.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led the state in paying homage to film maker Rituparno Ghosh, whose 50th birth anniversary was celebrated Saturday by his countless fans.

Television channels and radio stations aired special programmes, while wishes poured on social networking sites, as the film aficionados remembered the master story teller who had brought back the educated middle and upper middle class people to the theatres to watch Bengali movies.

"Today I remember Rituparno Ghosh very much. Every year, on this date, I used to greet Ritu on his birthday. Today, for the first time, I am missing him. Wherever he is, may he rest in peace," said Banerjee who garlanded a picture of Ghosh at the secretariat to mark the occasion.

Bengali movie channels screened some of the best known works of Ghosh including "Raincoat" and "Chokher Bali", while FM channels played songs from his movies through the day.

Social networking sites were replete with birthday messages as fan of the acclaimed filmmaker and actor celebrated his first birth anniversary after his sudden demise May 30, due to cardiac arrest.

Om Puri breathed a sigh of relief when on Saturday morning he was granted bail and allowed to leave the country. The beleaguered actor is expected to leave for the UK late on Saturday night for the shooting of his new international film The 100 Foot Journey with the distinguished British actress Helen Mirrem.

This brings to an end a week-long drama and trauma in Om’s life when his aggrieved wife Nandita Puri accused him of domestic violence.

Nandita was adamant that Om not be allowed to leave the country for his shooting.

“Luckily for me the legal system in our country is rational,” Om told this writer with some relief and happiness in his voice. “Yes, I am able to leave for my shooting albeit one day late. Yesterday, on Friday when I expected bail the honourable judge got busy with some other case. So he could look into my case only a day later.”

Om has to provide a surety bond of Rs 15,000 before he leaves.

Said the actor, “I also have to get myself an international driving licence since I am shown driving in the film that I shoot. So there’s a lot to do before I leave. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting away from the nightmare of my life in India.I promise you I am going to do do well in The 100 Foot Journey.”

Jaaved Jaaferi started his career as a villain in Meri Jung, but he has found a lot of success in comedies. His latest film is a war comedy called War Chhod Na Yaar. In this film, Jaaved plays a soldier alongside Sharman Joshi who plays the protagonist in the film.

Jaaved says, "I don't know whether it's a compliment or an insult when people say you are doing a lot of comedies. An actor's job is to merge with the role that he is playing whether it's a comedy or a serious one. I think comedy is also a very serious business. Sharman's comic timing is really good but he's also a serious actor. I think if you find it easy to perform in comedy roles then you can perform serious roles too easily".

War Chhod Na Yaar is a film that looks at war through a comic angle. Faraz Haider, the director and screenwriter of the film, aims to send a message to the audience that wars are not beneficial to anyone, they only cause harm. The film is produced by AOPL Entertainment.

Filmmaker Ahishor Solomon, who is debuting with "John Day" as a director, says Naseeruddin Shah's character in the film is inspired by his own life.

"Naseer saab's character is of a simple guy, who is very loyal and fears god. He believes in his own rules, but the tough time he is going through in life has shattered his beliefs. And I think his character is an inspiration from my own self," Solomon said in a statement.

“While I was writing the script, I was going through a very tough time. I had started hating myself and was broken emotionally. I believe every writer gives something of his own personality to the character he is penning down," he added.

“John Day” is co-produced by Anjum Rizvi, Aatef A. Khan and K. Asif and also features Randeep Hooda and Elena Kazan. It is set to release Sep 13.

The first teaser of superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiyaan" will be released on the festive occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi Sep 9, announced the director of the film Soundarya Ashwin.

"(I'm) excited to announce 'Kochadaiyaan' teaser will release this September 9," posted Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya on her Twitter page.

The film will feature Rajinikanth in dual role, while Sarath Kumar, Shobana, Aadi Pinisetty and Nassar will be seen in important roles.

Also starring Deepika Padukone and Jackie Shroff, "Kochadaiyaan" is touted to be India's first motion capture technology film being made along the lines of Hollywood films like "Avatar" and "Tin Tin".

Reportedly being made on a budget of over Rs.100 crore, "Kochadaiyaan" is jointly produced by Eros International and Media One Global Entertainment.

The film will be dubbed in Telugu as "Vikrama Simha". It will also dubbed in Hindi, Malayalam and foreign languages such as Japanese, Italian and Spanish.

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who has already earned a name in the Hindi film industry, says he is open to do regional films.

He was appreciated for his work in "Kai Po Che" and now the audience is eagerly waiting to see his acting prowess again in "Shuddh Desi Romance", which is releasing Sep 6.

"I never planned my career. I can understand Marathi, but I can't talk. I am open to everything. I just want to be a part of films that I believe in and that can be Marathi, Gujarati or anything. So, I am open to do regional films," Sushant told IANS.

Sushant, who will be working with director Abhishek Kapoor again post "Kai Po Che", says they have enough respect for each other.

"When we were shooting for 'Kai Po Che’, he had this trust in me. It was very kind of him to ask me to work in this film. After the success of ‘Rock On!!’ and ‘Kai Po Che’, he could have cast any star for the film, but we have enough respect for each other. This is very encouraging for me as an actor. The film will go on floors by next year," he said.

The film, produced by Ekta Kapoor, is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "Great Expectations" and Sushant will play the protagonist in the film.

He might be just one film old, but actor Varun Dhawan knows the impact a movie character can have on fans. Therefore, he has urged his fans not to copy him when he smokes on screen.

"Hey guys for the record I don't smoke, but I might have to smoke for some upcoming role but everyone knows smoking is bad so don't do it," Varun, who was seen smoking in his debut film "Student Of The Year", posted on Twitter.

"As an actor if you play a character it doesn't mean that I am that person. I know there are a lot of young people here so be healthy no smoking," he added.

However, the actor feels it is not right to judge people because of their smoking habits.

"And for the rest of the grown-ups, behave (in a ) mature (way). You guys know this is not reality. Also people who smoke are not bad human beings," he posted on the micro-blogging site.

Varun will soon be seen in father David Dhawan's directorial project "Main Tera Hero", the Hindi remake of Telugu movie "Kandireega".

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan has also roped in the actor for an untitled project.

Tamil actor Vishal Krishna Reddy, known for films such as "Thimiru" and "Sandakozhi", will start shooting for his yet untitled Telugu debut movie from November.

Since Vishal dubs in Telugu for his Tamil films, he already has a decent fan base in Telugu industry.

"I will finally start shooting for my Telugu project in November. It has been pending for a long time, and I have finally decided to work on it. Since most of my Tamil films have been dubbed in Telugu, I don't see it as a new industry anymore," Vishal told IANS.

Vishal, who recently turned producer with upcoming Tamil action-drama "Pandianadu", wants to promote young talent through his production house Vishal Film Factory.

"It's not easy to enter this industry with cut-throat competition. Through my production company, I plan to give opportunity to aspiring directors," he added.

Awaiting the release of delayed Tamil comedy "Madha Gadha Raja", Vishal is currently shooting for "Pandianadu".

Manoj Bajpayee, who has been acting for almost two decades, says that filmmakers should stop tempting him with good roles as now it’s money that matters to him the most.

"At this point of time, money is the most important factor for me. I am at a stage today where I can tell people that if you have the money, then only take me in your film. It's high time that filmmakers stop tempting me with good roles and don't pay me,” Manoj said in a group interview here.

"This change in priority is because I have completed two decades in this industry and I have done enough to prove myself. I have a family to support. When I came into the industry, money didn't matter to me. I was passionate about being an actor.

"One thing other than my family which makes me complete is my job. I don't claim to be a big star. I think I am nothing in front of a star," he added.

The versatile actor, known for playing strong roles in movies like “Satya”, “Raajneeti” and “Gangs of Wasseypur”, will now try his hand at producing films. But in this case, he will not focus on money.

"I am getting into it because I want to promote good cinema. Whenever there will be a good script looking out for a producer, I'll go ahead and produce it. Starting a production house isn't a money-making business for me. I will be working for low-profit. I've waited all my life to see this time and now I am sick and tired of waiting at home for things to happen,” he said.

TV actor Hiten Tejwani, who is generally seen as the good son or husband in family drama shows, says he would love to essay a negative character on screen.

"I guess I was lucky to get family dramas. I have always been shown as the good boy on TV, but given a chance I would love to play a grey character," Hiten told IANS.

He made his TV debut with "Ghar Ek Mandir" (2000) and later appeared in daily soaps like "Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii", "Kaahin Kissii Roz" and "Kutumb". He is best remembered for playing Karan Virani on the popular TV show "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi".

Currently Hiten is part of shows like "Pavitra Rishta", where he plays Manav Deshmukh, and "Savdhaan India". He decided to take up the latter as host, since he gets to connect with the audience.

"I don't play a character in the show. Here, Hiten is talking to the audience. In one way, I'll be able to create awareness among the masses. The show helps me connect with the audience directly," he said.

When asked if he is choosy about his projects, he said: "I never did that earlier, but now I have started to pick and choose things. I have to do good work and I am very selective about it."

The actor loves to watch comedy shows like "Friends" and "Mr. Bean", but said that he hasn't thought of playing comic roles.

"I haven't thought of it yet, but yes, if I get such an offer I would accept it. I want to do different things so in comedy also I would like to do something different, not the usual kind of comedy," he said.

Actress Gurdip Kohli says only a good story can lure her into accepting any role on television and it should be etched in the minds of the audience.

The 33-year-old made a mark on the small screen as Juhi in the 2004 superhit show "Sanjivani". She later went on to do daily soaps like "Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka" and "Kasamh Se".

"The story is the only driving factor when I choose a role. The role, however small or big, should make a contribution to the final outcome and should be remembered by the audience," Gurdip told IANS.

With increase in number of reality shows like "Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa", "Nach Baliye", "India's Dancing Superstar" and "Bigg Boss", Gurdip is also game for them, but not at the cost of family time.

"I have been a part of dance reality show myself where I participated with my husband, Arjun. Some of them are fun to watch and I particularly like to watch Madhuri Dixit's dance reality show on TV," said Gurdip, who has a three-year-old daughter Meher with husband Arjun Punj.

"But I can't be a part of a show that requires me to l stay away from my daughter and family for weeks. My family comes first for me," said Gurdip, who participated in 2006 show "Nach Baliye" with her husband.

While the actress is not hesitant in experimenting with her roles, Gurdip does not wish to jump the gun.

"As an actor, I love to experiment and have tried to ensure that my approach reflects in my work. I do not wish to rush into a project without having a strong role and a story," she said.

The actress shared screen space with actor Akshay Kumar in movie "Rowdy Rathore" this year, where she played the role of a cop.

Emphasising on not getting typecast, Gurdip has a few Bollywood offers on the table but is taking her own sweet time to choose the right one.

"There are a few offers, but I don’t want to rush into anything because I want to avoid getting typecast," she said.

Gurdip is currently seen playing the role of Himani on Disney channel's family comedy show "Best Of Luck Nikki".

Actress Manju Warrier, wife of Dileep, who quit wearing the grease paint 14 years ago, is all set to return to the big screen opposite superstar Mohanlal.

According to Renjith, who will be directing the film, the film's shooting will begin in November.

The film is being produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Mohanlal's "man Friday" who produces films for the superstar.

Manju became a much sought-after actress in the Malayalam film industry after her first few films did roaring business. However, her career ended after just four years in 1999 following her marriage to Dileep.

When she left the scene, she had starred in 20 films and won numerous awards including a National special jury award for her acting in "Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu" (1999).

"Sallapam", "Ee Puzhayum Kadannu", "Thooval Kottaram", "Kaliyattam", "Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu", "Daya", "Summer in Bethlehem" and "Pathram" are some of her blockbuster films.

Her return was on the cards ever since she, along with Amitabh Bachchan, did a film for a jewellery shop recently.

She doesn’t know Hindi, but her powerful and melodious rendition of Hindi songs helped 10-year-old Anjana Padmanabhan win the audiences’ hearts, and thus, the first “Indian Idol Junior” title at the star-studded grand finale of the singing reality show here Sunday.

For the finale, the Bangalore-based Anjana competed with three other finalists - Nirvesh Sudhanshubhai Dave, Debanjana Karmakar and Anmol Jaswal. The talented young girl was ecstatic upon receiving the trophy from megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and much to everyone’s delight, she made a short acceptance speech in Hindi.

“Maine yeh expect nahin kiya thha. Main bahut khush hun (I didn’t expect this. I am very happy),” she said after being adjudged the winner based on audience voting.

As the ‘Indian Idol Junior’, she went back home with a trophy, a cash prize of Rs.25 lakh and a Nissan Micra car. She was also gifted cheques of Rs.500,000 and Rs.200,000 from Kotak Mahindra and Horlicks, respectively.

Judged by singer Shreya Ghoshal, and music composer duo Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, the Sony Entertainment Television show was hosted by Karan Wahi and Mandira Bedi. It went on air June 1.

The finale lived upto its buzz as Amitabh even sang "Mere sath aao mere doston" with Shekhar and the four finalists.

Shahid Kapoor too made an appearance on the show to promote his upcoming film "Phata Poster Nikla Hero". The actor also took to the stage with Vishal to perform their hit track "Dhan te nan" from "Kaminey". He later danced to the beats of "Dhating naach" from his upcoming movie with “Indian Idol Junior” contenders.

"Zanjeer" stars Priyanka Chopra and Ram Charan Teja also made a roaring presence on the show. They entered while grooving to the beats of "Akhi Mumbai humko salam thokti dekho" from their forthcoming film.

Priyanka even performed a Bihu dance on "Daiya re daiya" on the behest of two participants of the show - Priyam Borpatra and Eman Chaudhary. The actress even requested the final four to sing for her - and they chose to croon her tracks "Gun gun guna re" and "Desi girl".

Apart from performances by the top four contestants and celebrity guests, the judges also put up an energetic show. All remaining contestants, who were in the top 11, also got a chance to showcase their talent once again.

Shreya lured the audience with her song "Sun raha hai na tu" from "Aashiqui 2" and "Itni si hansi" from Barfi, Vishal-Shekhar accompanied her for "Radha" and "Ooh la la". The music composer duo also belted out some of their hit numbers including "Disco deewane" and "One two three four".

The final performance was of the top four contestants who paid a tribute to Amitabh by singing some of his hit numbers, including "Yeh mera dil", " Ab toh hai tumse", "Dekha na haye re".

At the finale, an announcement of an Indian Idol Academy, which will impart musical training to children, was also made.

Filmmaker Vetrimaaran has confirmed that actor Silambarasan aka Simbu will be in a cameo in his upcoming Tamil production venture "Kakka Muttai".

Vetrimaaran is co-producing the movie with actor Dhanush.

"Yes, we have roped in Simbu for a cameo. It's a special role and I don't want to reveal more about it. Ours is a children's film and his presence is likely going to elevate the fun element," Vetrimaaran told IANS.

"Kakka Muttai", set to go on floors soon, will be directed by Manikandan.

The film's story will be set against the backdrop of a slum lifestyle. A bunch of kids has been cast to play important roles in the movie.

Meanwhile, Simbu is busy shooting for Tamil films "Vaalu" and "Vettai Mannan".

Popular south Indian actress Shriya Saran, who has made her mark in Bollywood with films like "Awaarapan" and "Mission Istaanbul", is appearing in another Hindi film - "Valmiki Ki Bandook". She says it is an "interesting film."

"It is called "Valmiki Ki Bandook". It is very interesting. It has been shot in Dholpur (in Rajasthan), so the language, dresses everything is inspired by that," Shriya told reporters here Sunday at the launch of a clothing store.

The actress was seen in a special appearance in "Zila Ghaziabad" this year while the 2012 movie "Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai" had her in a full-fledged role.

To be directed by filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia's assistant Karan Bhutani, "Valmiki Ki Bandook" will also feature Jimmy Shergill, Jackky Shroff and Kay Kay Menon.

Actress Veena Malik says she had to let go of some of her favourite food items to cut down almost 9 kgs to fit into her role in the upcoming film "Supermodel".

"I had to work hard to fit into the character. When my producer and director Navin Batra came to sign me, they said that 'Veena-ji, you need to cut down your weight to 47 kgs'. I was 56 kgs at that time. So to be a supermodel, I had to let go of food," Veena said here at the music launch of the film.

"Then of course, to get into the character's emotional ups and downs while acting... that was there. I wanted to make it look very real on screen," she added.

"Supermodel" also stars Ashmit Patel and hits theatres Sep 27.

Prakash Jha’s "Satyagraha" has collected Rs. 39.12 crore within three days of its release on Aug 30. The socio-political thriller is likely to retain its presence on the screens despite two biggies - "Zanjeer" and "Shuddh Desi Romance", releasing Friday.

Made at a reported budget of Rs. 50 crore, the film features an ensemble cast of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Rao.

Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, the movie collected Rs. 11.21 crore on the opening day which is perhaps the biggest opening collection for Jha. It made Rs 13.08 crore and Rs. 14.83 crore on Saturday and Sunday respectively, said a UTV statement.

A Delhi cinema official said the movie "performed well over the weekend".

"On Friday, the occupancy was 70 percent, Saturday 88 percent and Sunday 84 percent. The film is not just about politics, it has emotions too which people are liking,” Puneet Sahay of Spice Cinemas told IANS.

Sahay said the audiences are enjoying "Satyagraha" so much that despite “Shuddh Desi Romance” and “Zanjeer” releasing Sep 6, the movie will continue to make money. But at the same time, he cautioned that with new movies hitting the screens every Friday the box office collection of good movies is getting affected.

“‘Madras Cafe’ did well too. It had 80 percent occupancy this weekend. But since new movies are releasing frequently, the profit capacity is getting affected. The number of shows get reduced as we need to screen the new releases too,” said Sahay.

Actor Vikrant Massey, who recently made his debut as an anchor with TV series "Yeh Hai Aashiqui", has featured in social issue-based shows like "Balika Vadhu" and "Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo" in the past. He says such projects give him satisfaction.

"It has been my constant effort that the issues and ideologies which I believe in, I bring them on TV through my craft - be it in "Balika Vadhu", where I highlighted the concept of widow remarriage or be it "Baba Aiso Varr..." or be it 'Yeh Hai Aashiqui' that I am doing now," Vikrant said here Sunday.

He spoke at the launch of an episode of "Yeh Hai Aashiqui", which highlights a love affair of a sex worker.

Produced by BBC Worldwide and Lost Boy Productions, "Yeh Hai Aashiqui" airs on UTV Bindass. It deals with unconventional love stories and relationships that are considered taboo in the society.

"I want to do shows which are different and this is not for doing TV shows only, but also films. I get a sense of satisfaction by doing such projects and things," he added.

Besides daily soaps, Vikrant has been a part of Bollywood film "Lootera".

Currently, he is also seen in Zee TV's show "Qubool Hai" in a key role.