Anjana Padmanabhan, the 10-year-old talent who has won the first "Indian Idol Junior" title, aspires to fly higher, literally! She wants to become a pilot but she would also like to establish herself as a playback singer.

"I want to become a pilot but I have always wanted to become a playback singer too," Padmanabhan told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Will she be able to balance both worlds?

"Yes, I'll manage," she said in an innocent tone, a day after she was announced the winner of the "Indian Idol Junior" finale Sunday.

There's something else also that she wants to balance.

Unsure of how she will handle the limelight, she said: "As of now I will try to balance both my studies and my passion for singing."

The young talent, who is based in Bangalore, sang Hindi songs on the show without knowing the language. Her powerful renditions won her several fans.

Children's reality shows are often under the scanner for putting kids under unnecessary stress and pressure. But Padmanabhan says her parents have been more than supportive throughout her journey.

"There was no pressure from my parents. They just said 'Whatever you do is good. You have already made us proud'," she said.

Padmanabhan also drew constant praise from the show's judges - singer Shreya Ghoshal and composer duo Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani. Episode after episode, she continued to enthrall viewers and judges alike with her range and versatility.

What also worked in her favour was the way in which she never let language become a barrier.

Asked how she managed to overcome the language handicap, she said: "I used to mug up the lines and then practice over and over again. There were people who used to explain the meaning of the lyrics as well. And since I used to learn the lines, it made it easy."

Now Padmanabhan is confident about her Hindi and she admits that the show definitely taught her a thing or two.

"I know Hindi now. Because of the show and my friends there I have managed to get a grip on the language,” she said.

After winning the show, the 'junior' also gave a sample of her improved Hindi skills through a short acceptance speech.

A student of Delhi Public School in Bangalore, Padmanabhan's favourite subjects are social science and mathematics.

As part of her victory bouquet, she received an "Indian Idol Junior" trophy, a cash prize of Rs.25 lakh and a Nissan Micra car. She also received a Rs.5 lakh cheque from Kotak Mahindra and another cheque of Rs.2 lakh from Horlicks.

Shekhar Ravjiani is overwhelmed by the response to the first edition of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior". The singer-composer, who judged the show, says he wants to work with the talented youngsters in future.

Ravjiani shared the judges' panel with Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Goshal. The grand finale of the show was aired Sunday, when 10-year-old Anjana Padmanabhan from Bangalore became the winner.

Padmanabhan was among the top 11 contenders on the show. For Ravjiani, all of them are winners.

"For me, all the kids on the show are winners - for their talent and also for their courage and determination that's brought them all this far," Ravjiani posted on Twitter.

"It'll be wonderful to create music and collaborate with these kids someday. There can't be a prouder moment than that to look forward to," he added.

Ravjiani, who has composed tracks with Dadlani for movies like "Ra.One", "Student Of The Year", "Gippy", and "Chennai Express", believes the music industry has a bright future thanks to talented kids.

"Our music industry's got a bright future with the phenomenal talent that this show's unearthed," he wrote.

Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor added glamour to the finale of the show, while the participants by their confidence and singing prowess mesmerised audiences.

Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya has been roped in as a consulting faculty for the look of the upcoming mythological show "Mahabharat". She believes the show will help in the revival of Indian handicrafts and traditional weaves.

The 85-year-old has said that ancient techniques have been used to create various looks for the show.

"I’m really delighted to be a part of such a huge TV venture. The entire look of Star Plus’ 'Mahabharat' will revive Indian handicrafts and traditional weaves. Different ancient techniques have been used to achieve the various looks," Athaiya said in a statement.

It was vital to pay attention to detail for a show which delves into history.

"A lot of bright coloured silks, handlooms, gold and jewellery structured embroidery patterns have been used. My team and I were very meticulous about every detail to remain true to the character. We have worked hard on designing this show and I’m sure our effort will translate beautifully to the audiences," she added.

Athaiya won the Academy Award for best costume design for her work in the 1982 film "Gandhi". For the work on "Mahabharat", she will be joined by stylist-designer Nidhi Yasha.

Yasha has worked on several other mythological shows including "Mahadev", and she has also designed for Karisma Kapoor-starrer film "Dangerous Ishhq". She undertook proper research for her new project.

“It took a study of over 450 books related to period textiles, costume and jewellery and four years of hardwork to arrive at the current look and feel of the show. An extensive study on jewellery structures according to ethnicity, fabrics, drapes and costume was undertaken," Yasha said.

"There was always so much to learn, experiment, explore as the subject of 'Mahabharat' is exhaustive and designing characters summing up to over 100 was challenging, but very rewarding," she added.

The epic drama "Mahbharata" will go on air Sep 16 on Star Plus.

Forthcoming mythological TV show "Buddha" will be showcased in the same slot as the one which belonged to shows like "Mahabharat", "Ramayan" and also Aamir Khan's popular show "Satyamev Jayate".

B.K. Modi, the show's producer, is happy with the time slot.

"We are very excited to come in a prestigious slot of 'Ramayan', 'Mahabharat' and now 'Satyame Jayate'. Journey of 'Buddha' is a historical that people can watch with their families," Modi told IANS.

Directed by Dharmesh, "Buddha" is based on the life of Gautam Buddha. It will go on air Sunday 11 a.m. on Zee TV. It will be showcased every Sunday.

Although Parineeti and her cousin Priyanka Chopra have their releases together this Friday Parineeti has asked Priyanka to watch her film.

Says Parineeti, “I’ve asked Priyanka to watch my film Shudh Desi Romance and she asked when am I watching her film Zanjeer .We are both so busy with our own commitments. We need to find time for one another’s film.But she ‘s definitely watching my film.”

Says Parineeti, “I had a ball shooting Shudh Desi Romance in Jaipur. We had a huge star Mr Rishi Kapoor in our cast. There were huge crowds gawking. So shooting became like a live stage performance with spectators staring at us.But Maneesh Sharma was very clear that he wanted to shoot on location. It was great fun shooting with Rishi Sir, Sushant and Vani Joshi.”

Parineeti was nervous about working with Rishi Kapoor. “But when he came on location we forgot who he was. He just became the character. He is too spontaneous. And since I too don’t decide beforehand what I am going to do in my shots it was wonderful sharing camera space working with him.”

She felt no sense of rivalry with her co-star Vani Joshi. “Our generation is to chilled out.I am friendly with all my co-stars Sushant,Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh,Vani Joshi....By the way,I managed Ranveer’s career when he did Band Baaja Baaraat.So my rapport with him is very different.”

Fingers crossed Parineeti says, “I just hope Shudh Desi Romance does well. This is a time for me to be a little nervous.Not too nervous,though. I am at a stage in my life and career when I can afford to be fearless. I am a fearless person.”

By Subhash K Jha

Basking in the success of his recent blockbuster "Balupu", Telugu actor Ravi Teja will start shooting for his next untitled project from September-end onwards.

Bobby, who was the scriptwriter of "Balupu", has been roped in to direct this film.

"The film was officially launched a few days back. Regular shooting stars from this month-end. Bobby is all set to give Ravi Teja's fans another hit soon. It's an action entertainer laced with comedy in appropriate proportion," the film's producer Y.V.S. Chowdhary told IANS.

Chowdhary had earlier produced the Ravi-starrer Telugu action-drama "Nippu", but the film turned out to be a disaster.

"Success and failure is part and parcel of any profession. A director or an actor can't be blamed for the failure of a film because so many other factors are taken into consideration. I don't let these things affect me," he added.

The hunt for the rest of the cast is on.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that Ravi Teja will soon make his Bollywood debut with "Yamla Pagla Deewana" director Samir Karnik.

Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh will introduce actor Srikanth in upcoming Telugu action-drama "Mondodu". He will also lend his voice for the film's climax scene.

"Puri sir has been roped in to introduce Srikanth's character in the film. He will also lend his voice for some key scenes involving Srikanth towards the end of the film. I'm sure his voice will make a lot of difference to the film when it comes out," film's producer Sreenivas Reddy told IANS.

Puri had earlier given voice-over for Telugu film "Solo" featuring Nara Rohit. The film is slated to release soon.

With six back-to-back flops, Srikanth is hoping to revive his career with "Mondodu", which is being directed by Ravi Prakash.

"I don't have to rave about the film. Srikanth sir has done a good job. Now, audiences have to decide the fate of the film," he added.

The film also features Meghana, Posani Krishna Murali, Chitram Srinu and Ravi Varma.

If all goes as planned, Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan will be making his Telugu debut soon. He has reportedly been roped in to essay an important role in Allu Arjun-starrer Telugu action-drama "Race Gurram".

Ravi is likely to don a negative shade for the movie.

"He will be seen playing a politician in the film. The audience will get to see him in a role with different shades, mostly negative. In fact, Arjun and Ravi will also lock horns in a fight sequence in the film," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

The film, being directed by Surendar Reddy, also features Shruti Haasan, Saloni Aswani, Shaam, Prakash Raj, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, M.S. Narayana and Brahmanadam.

"Race Gurram" is produced by Nallamalapu Srinivas, and has music by S.S. Thaman.

Forthcoming mythological TV show "Buddha" was initially planned to be a film. Filmmakers Shekhar Kapur and Ashutosh Gowariker had already started developing the script, however, producer B.K. Modi, felt that the TV medium would have a larger scope for such a project.

The show will narrate the life of Gautam Buddha - his life's journey and various teachings.

"The scope of television today is larger than films and we wanted Buddha’s story to unfold in all its splendour and reach out to the largest denominator of people possible. Only TV can give us that reach,” Modi, who is also the founder and chairman of Spice Group, said in a statement.

"Buddha", which goes on air on Zee TV Sunday, will star established names like Kabir Bedi, Samir Dharmadhikari and Nigaar Z. Khan.

Kabir Bedi makes a comeback on TV after a long break.

“I am playing a sage who foresees the coming of the Buddha,” he said.

Popular TV show "Diya Aur Baati Hum" has completed a successful journey of two years. Its lead actor Anas Rashid Khan says honesty has been the unique selling point (USP) of the show, and he hopes it has a longer run.

The actor essays the role of Sooraj in the show, which is a compelling drama of a woman's ambition to become an IPS officer, and her will to achieve it.

"The success of 'Diya Aur Baati Hum' has proven that good content will thrive no matter what. The show’s greatest USP is its honesty, and I couldn’t have been more proud to be part of the two years celebration. Inshahallah, with viewers’ support we will continue to win more hearts," Anas said in a statement.

The show's second anniversary was celebrated Aug 31. Actress Deepika Singh, who plays Sandhya, said that the response that the show has received, was unexpected.

"It is a dream come true for any newcomer to be part of one of most successful show of all times. While making the show, we never realised that we would be touching so many lives," she said.

"Its audience and their love and appreciation has helped us work even harder to deliver our best," added Deepika.

The current track of the show shows how Sooraj is helping his wife Sandhya in getting a step closer to fulfil her lifelong dream to become an IPS officer, while she continues to struggle to convince her mother-in-law about her professional dreams.

The role of the mother-in-law Bhabho is essayed by Neelu Waghela, who says she "can’t contain my happiness".

"'Diya Aur Baati Hum' has given so much to me and I am forever grateful for that. It gives me immense satisfaction to be part of a moment where we are trying to change the outlook of our society towards women, and with audiences everlasting encouragement it just reinforces our belief," she said.

The show airs on Star Plus.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has announced the formation of a charity organisation - HRB Memorial Trust - in memory of his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

"I am happy to announce the formation of a Trust in the memory of my Father - HRB Memorial Trust - which shall work to collect funds for charity. My own efforts at creating events or acts to contribute to it shall be prime, and the list of the charitable work done shall be soon visible to all," Big B posted on his blog.

The 70-year-old had recently expressed a desire to establish an institute dedicated to the work of his late father, a renowned poet. Harivansh Rai, who died in 2003, is credited with works like "Madhushala" and "Agneepath".

Amitabh is his elder son.

Amitabh, who is active on the virtual world, also hinted at a new project in the pipeline.

"Some rather intricate actions on the digital format for me are being considered and worked on and soon I shall be in a position to describe them to all ... it could be quite exciting," he added.

Actress Parineeti Chopra says her cousin, the multi-talented Priyanka Chopra, is a huge inspiration for her.

After bagging the Miss World title in 2000, Priyanka ventured into films, and she is among the top Bollywood actresses today. She has also forayed into singing with two international singles - "In my city" and "Exotic".

Parineeti, who joined showbiz in 2011 with "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", is all praise for her elder sister.

"Priyanka is a huge inspiration for me," Parineeti said here.

"The kind of launch she has got ... I don't think any singer must have got. Singers always wait for one hit song so that they can move in the right direction, but she has directly reached Hollywood. It's the biggest launch ever. If I get any such opportunity I would never say 'No'," she added.

The vivacious actress says she harbours singing dreams too.

"It is my dream that I become a playback singer. I am trained in singing so one day I will certainly sing," she said.

Parineeti also says she seeks Priyanka's suggestions sometimes.

"In our family, people have no idea of what scripts to choose. So the only person from whom I can take an idea is Priyanka. I take all suggestions from her," said the 24-year-old.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has explored the scenic locales of Kashmir to shoot a romantic song for his next project "Satya 2".

A source close to Varma said: "This is for the first time that Ram Gopal has shot for a song in Kashmir."

"Even in 'Satya', he had shot for a romantic song. Though 'Satya 2' is an underworld story, but there is also a strong love story in it. It's a beautiful romantic song which has been shot in the valleys of Kashmir. The song is visual treat for the audience," the source added.

The song was reportedly shot in Kashmir in June.

Of late, Varma has helmed films with dark themes, but in the past, he was credited with films like "Rangeela", "Daud" and "Mast", which had a romantic tinge.

"Satya 2" is a sequel to "Satya", which was released in 1998. It features all newcomers.

Indian designer Manav Gangwani designed the wedding attires of supermodel Kendra Spears and Prince Rahim Aga Khan, son of the Aga Khan, who is the Imam of over 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims spread around the world.

The couple got married in a private ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland Aug 31.

For the grand occasion, Spears wore a pre-draped sari paired with traditional blouse with intricate jamewar hand embroidery. For the groom, Gangwani designed a classic sherwani made in pure silk brocade teamed with an off-white shirt and trouser, said a statement issued on behalf of the designer.

Both the ensembles were in ivory.

The couple was introduced to the designer by international supermodel Naomi Campbell, Spears' catwalk colleague. Spears even took to Twitter to thank Campbell for getting her in touch with Gangwani.

"Thank you Manav for the beyond-gorgeous sari! And thank you Naomi Campbell for the introduction," she had tweeted.

Gangwani is among the country's known couturiers and a host of faces from Bollywood - Shilpa Shetty, Arjun Rampal, Sophie Chowdhry and Zayed Khan - have endorsed his creations.

Teachers can be strict, they can be fun, and they can touch people's lives in many ways. Over the years, Bollywood films have captured such emotions in all their glory, with actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Naseeruddin Shah immortalising the varied avatars of teachers on big screen.

On the occasion of Teacher's Day, observed on Sep 5, IANS lists ten popular Hindi films that essayed the spectrum of the teacher-student relationship - the emotional, the turbulent and, yes, the romantic.

"Sir" (1993) - Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah's fans still remember him for playing a fun-loving teacher in this film. His character showcased how teachers can be friends too as he went out of the way to help his on-screen students, Pooja Bhatt and Atul Agnihotri, in their tough times.

"Rockford" (1999) - Director Nagesh Kukunoor's film revolves around the life of a teenager who finds himself lost among hundreds in a boarding school, until he befriends a teacher. The movie sensitises viewers about the hardships that boarding school children go through, and it highlights how a healthy teacher-student relationship can be encouraging for young ones and help them to lead a better life.

"Mohabbatein" (2000) - In this film, megastar Amitabh Bachchan's towering personality suited his role as Narayan Shankar, a strict principal of an all boys institution, where superstar Shah Rukh Khan played a young music teacher who brings in a breeze of change with his fresh ideologies. The movie showcased how an understanding teacher's ways can work better than those of a disciplinarian.

"Main Hoon Na" (2004) - The teacher here not just taught chemistry in class but also gave out fashion tips! Clad in gorgeous chiffon saris and sexy blouses, actress Sushmita Sen perhaps redefined the way people looked at a 'teacher'. Whoever said teachers are boring? She flaunted fashion on her sleeve and fell in love with her 'student', essayed by Shah Rukh Khan too. Boman Irani and Bindu added the fun 'teacher' element in the movie.

"Black" (2005) - A sensitive tale of a teacher who helps a visually challenged and deaf and mute girl, this Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie shows how the confidence of a 'guru' in his student can move mountains. With stellar performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, "Black" delves into a melange of emotions that a 'guru-shishya' can share.

"Taare Zameen Par" (2007) - A special film about a special child. Aamir Khan's directorial debut saw him play a teacher, who made learning easy and fun for his students. He made them sing and dance and gave them the freedom to showcase their creativity. Moreover, the film focussed on guiding viewers about a learning and writing difficulty - Dyslexia - and he showcased ways to deal with the special children.

"3 Idiots" (2009) - Here was another strict, ambitious but entertaining college dean, Viru Sahastrabudhhe, for whom books and grades were above everything else. But change ensues when a student, played by Aamir Khan, proves that life goes beyond textbooks, and learning can happen beyond classrooms. The film turned out to be a huge success.

"Paathshala" (2009) - The film didn't do well at the box office, but it managed to highlight the important subject of commercialisation of education. Actor Shahid Kapoor, as a music teacher named Rahul Udyavar, gave out an important message of how students and teachers can be encouraged to stand up against the inefficiencies of school management.

"Aarakshan" (2011) - A serious, but vital movie in the student-teacher genre, "Aarakshan" dealt with the crucial subject of reservation. Amitabh plays a college principal, who turns into a social activist. He plays Prabhakar Anand, who fights injustice to bring positive change in the education system without compromising on his principles and morals. The socio-political drama sent out a strong message for schools and colleges across the country.

"Student of the Year" (2012) - Students can teach their teachers a lesson or two as well - that's one vital thought that "Student of the Year" captures. Karan Johar's romantic comedy drama depicts how an annual competition at a school ruins friendships, and how at the end of it all, one brave student confronts the dean, Rishi Kapoor, about the vicious concept of the competition. The confrontation helps the dean realise that he was wrong all the way.

A group of people opposing the forthcoming Zubin Mehta concert to be held here in Jammu and Kashmir Sep 7 have decided to hold a parallel event the same day to show the "truth about Kashmir".

The 90-minute concert would be telecast live in over 50 countries. Zubin Mehta is scheduled to arrive in a special plane along with his 100-member orchestra Sep 5.

"We have invited poets, singers, musicians and other artists to our concert on September 7 at noon in the city's uptown Municipal Park," Khurram Parvez, spokesman for the joint initiative of various civil society groups and individuals, told IANS.

"The idea is to depict the pain of the people of Kashmir. We are holding a photo exhibition the same day. That is why our concert is called 'Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir' (The truth about Kashmir)."

"We believe you cannot have a feeling about Kashmir without knowing the reality about this land," he said, referring to Mehta's concert being called "Ehsaas-e-Kashmir" (The feeling about Kashmir).

He said they were opposing the Zubin Mehta concert because the government of India is using this exercise to obfuscate the truth on Kashmir.

"We are not against Zubin Mehta or for that matter any other musician coming to Kashmir. Our opposition is because the European Parliament passed a resolution in 2008 asking the government of India to investigate mass graves and forced disappearances."

"Nothing has happened so far in this direction. Germany is a signatory to the resolution. How can they hold a concert in Kashmir when India does not care for the human rights of Kashmiris," Parvez asked.

"Human rights are no longer a sovereign duty. Human rights are a global duty and Germany has to understand that," he said.

Asked whether he agreed with separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's appeal for a shutdown against the concert, Khurram said: "Geelani sahib has no other means to register his protest. How else can he register the protests?"

"We are doing it in a different way, but both are means of peaceful protests."

Parvez said holding a parallel musical concert had become necessary "because some vitriolic journalists in Delhi are trying to give an impression that Kashmiris are against music and culture."

"Now if we plan to oppose a concert through a concert I don't think the authorities should have any objection."

"If they disallow our concert, which is being held miles away from the venue of the official concert, then also the world would understand who loves music and culture and who is trying to use it as a tool of oppression," he said.

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is busy hopping from one TV show to another to promote her forthcoming film "Zanjeer", says she would love to become a 'bahu' (daughter-in-law) in a daily soap someday.

"I would love to play a TV bahu. The most special thing about TV bahus is that when they go to sleep they look beautiful and when they wake up that time also they look beautiful," quipped the 31-year-old.

"Besides, they are loaded with jewellery all the time. So why wouldn't I want to be a bahu of that kind," added the actress Monday on the sets of TV serial "Bade Acche Lagte Hain".

Priyanka was on the sets here with her "Zanjeer" co-star Ram Charan Teja.

The actress admitted she doesn't watch TV serials but she stays updated about every show thanks to her mother and grandmother.

"There are a lot of daily soap fans in my home. My grandmother, my mother, everyone watches them together. In the evening, it gets tough to talk to them at the dining table.

"They know the story of every TV serial and I also get to know about them because of them as they tell me everything during dinner time," she said.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, "Zanjeer" hits theatres Friday.

A host of foreign film dignitaries, including director Bruce Beresford, French actress Nathalie Baye, Japanese actor-director Masato Harada and Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, along with acclaimed Indian actress Konkona Sensharma, are on the jury of the 15th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF).

The film festival will be held here Oct 17-24.

Bruce Beresford, whose movie “Driving Miss Daisy” had won the Academy Award for the best film, will head the international competition jury. The multi-faceted Baye, and Harada of "The Last Samurai" fame, as well as Konkona, will be a part of this jury.

The jury for the India Gold 2013 competition section jury will be presided over by Asghar Farhadi.

Joining him in the jury will be Siddiq Barmark, whose 2004 movie “Osama” was nominated for an Academy Award; British actor-director Waris Hussein of "Doctor Who" and "Passage to India fame"; Australian film editor Jill Bilcock; and Roger Garcia, who is executive director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival.

The annual movie extravaganza will be held at the Metro Cinema and Liberty Cinemas, which are the main festival venues. Cinemax in Andheri (West) is the satellite venue for the event.

Luxury fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue India is back with its global luxury fashion extravaganza - Fashion’s Night Out. The event will debut in Mumbai Thursday

It will be the fifth edition of the event, but the first in Mumbai. It will be held at the plush Palladium Mall in the country's entertainment capital.

“We invite all the fans to save the date and indulge in a special shopping spree and participate in this global initiative which weaves together the best in fashion and luxury under one roof,” Gayatri Ruia, director, Palladium, said in a statement.

The annual event brings together the most eminent luxury fashion brands and renowned Indian designers all retailing under one roof.

Some of the highlights of the event are Rs. 500 t-shirts by Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Monisha Jaising, a trendy tote by ace designer Manish Arora for Rs.800, and a cool cosmetic pouch by Play Clan priced at Rs.450 - all conceptualised exclusively for Fashion’s Night Out.

After the release of "Shuddh Desi Romance", actor Sushant Singh Rajput will take some time off to prepare for his role in Dibakar Banerjee's "Detective Byomkesh Bakshi".

"Shuddh Desi Romance", produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF) hits the silver screen Friday.

Sushant, who will play the popular detective, says a lot is to be done for his role in the film, which is based on one of the 33 crime thrillers written by renowned Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandopadhyay.

"I have taken leave for two to three months for 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshi' after the release of 'Shuddh Desi Romance'. A lot has to be done for the film like the look of the 1940s' hairstyle, body, accent ... but all after this film," Sushant told reporters at a radio station here Monday.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma, "Shuddh Desi Romance" also stars Parineeti Chopra and newcomer Vaani Kapoor.