TV show "Buddha - The King of Kings", based on the life of Gautam Buddha, will be liked by youngsters the most as it has contemporary elements, says its producer B.K. Modi.

"This show is according to today's time and it will find a place among the youth as it endorses their actions that 'Do what you want to'," Modi said here Monday at the launch of the show.

"In today's time, the youth wants to live their life according to their beliefs and as the show progresses, the youngsters will like it the most," he added.

"Buddha..." will be aired on Zee TV every Sunday at 11 a.m., the same time slot occupied by recently concluded "Ramayan".

Modi says too many shows on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata have very little left to excite the audiences. But the attempt with "Buddha..." is to tell the untold.

"'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata' have been made so many times. So there is no uniqueness left, the message and suspense is already known to the people. Our title itself says 'Ansuni Kahaani'," he said.

Directed by Dharmesh, "Buddha..." stars Nigaar Z. Khan, Sameer Dharmadhikari and marks the comeback of actor Kabir Bedi.

Actor Ashwin Kakumanu, who has teamed up with Vijay Sethupathi in upcoming Tamil comedy "Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara" (IAB), says he didn't sign the film to cash in on Vijay's popularity but because of what the role had to offer him.

Vijay Sethupathi is the most sought after actor of contemporary Tamil cinema after delivering back-to-back hits such as "Pizza", "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom" and "Soodhu Kavvum".

"I chose to work based on what the role had to offer to me as an actor. The very thought that I might be piggybacking on Vijay's popularity never even crossed my mind. Moreover, I have only two scenes with him in the film," Ashwin told IANS.

"My role in this film is totally different from what I have played in the past. As an actor, I'm always keen on doing different films," he said.

Ashwin, who rose to fame with his performance in Tamil action-drama "Mankatha", is simultaneously working on Tamil romantic-thriller "Megha".

"If IAB is an out-and-out comedy entertainer, 'Megha' is completely different. I'm sure 'Megha' will definitely make people think. It's a story-driven film with very powerful characters," he added.

Quizzed about his working experience with Vijay Sethupathi, he said: "One thing that I observed working with Vijay is that he doesn't really demand to be treated like a hero. He doesn't ask for the typical hero build up in Tamil films. It's good that Tamil industry is moving away from such cliches."

International TV presenter Simon Reeve, currently busy with his travel show "Australia with Simon Reeve", hopes he can make a "big TV series" in the country.

"I definitely think we should be filming more in India. I'd love to travel around the country making a big TV series," Reeve told IANS in an email interview.

Prior to "Australia with Simon Reeve", he had made a show called "Indian Ocean", for which he had travelled to many places along the Indian coastline.

"I travelled down the west coast of India from Gujarat down to Kerala, and then up the east coast to Kolkata, which is a city I really love. I've also been across India from west to east following the Tropic of Cancer for previous TV series," he said.

Reeve has visited many places in the country, but a special place on his wishlist is the picturesque Rajasthan.

"I've travelled huge distances in India and loved the country and the people, but I've never been able to visit Rajasthan, which is right at the top of my travel wishlist," he said.

On the world map, the globetrotter wants to cover countries like Canada, Japan and Russia.

"I’ve been incredibly lucky and I’ve travelled to something like 120 countries, but there’s still a long list of places I’d love to visit. Top of the list is probably Central America, which is fascinating and beautiful and, in some places, pretty scary all at the same time... I haven’t spent much time in West Africa. Then there’s Canada, Japan and Russia,” he said.

Bollywood producer Ramesh Taurani says no matter how experienced a producer is, the Friday fever will continue to make them tense.

Bollywood films are traditionally released every Friday.

"Fridays are full of tension no matter how experienced a producer is. Friday fever will be there. Of course, we keep a tab at the box office collection, but for us the priority is audience satisfaction," Taurani, who has earlier produced films like "Raaz", "Ishq Vishk" and "Race" under the Tips Industries Ltd. banner, told IANS.

"Audience should like the film. Our entire family takes tension on Fridays if our film is releasing, but that's how it is," he added.

Taurani is currently busy promoting his film "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero". He believes that Shahid Kapoor-starrer film will be successful.

"We have made the film in a budget of Rs.40 to Rs.45 crore, and it also includes marketing. We are also happy that the promos have been received well so far. The song 'Khali peeli' has hit the chartbusters. We are certain that the film will do well," he said.

Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, "Phata Poster Nikhla Hero" will hit the theatres Sep 20.

Funnyman Vinay Pathak will host an upcoming TV show titled "Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai" which will showcase the childhood homes of celebrities like veteran actress Waheeda Rehman and cricketer Irfan Pathan.

To be aired on Colors, the show will take the celebrities down memory lane.

Vinay's affable style will help in establishing a youth connect, believes Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors.

"The show's host, Vinay Pathak, is one of the finest and most talented persons whose affable style promises to create an instant connect with audiences across the country," Nayak said in a statement.

Talking about the show's concept, he said: "'Har Ghar...' highlights the significance of the childhood homes and memories in laying the cornerstone of a prosperous life. It will enable us to showcase the emotional journeys that have shaped the lives of some of the country's most successful individuals."

Other celebrity names which will feature on the show include Govinda, Sakshi Tanwar and Ila Arun. The show will go on air Saturday.

Nigaar Z. Khan, who will be seen in a negative role in the forthcoming mythological show "Buddha - The King of Kings", says she was able to portray the character better because of the nuances that she learnt while playing Rajbala in one of her earlier shows, "Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke".

"Buddha...", produced by B.K. Modi, will narrate the story of Gautam Buddha - his life's journey and various teachings. Nigaar plays the role of Gautam Buddha's aunt Mangala in the new show which goes on air on Zee TV Sunday.

"I played a character called Rajbala in the show 'Mitwa...' that came on Star Plus. That character taught me a lot. As a daily soap, we are not able to live a specific character but that character taught me a lot," Nigaar told reporters here Monday at the press conference of "Buddha...".

"I was living that character. Even after the closing of the show, for almost fifteen days I had a feeling that I am Rajbala," she added.

In "Mitwa...", which showcased the story of a couple who face problems due to caste differences, Nigaar played the aunt to protagonist Bela. She hatches a plan to catch Bela with her lover, and is successful.

In "Buddha...", Nigaar's character Mangala wants her son to become the king rather than Buddha and this brings her evil side alive.

"Just like it took me fifteen days to come out of Rajbala, I feel when these 52 episodes (of 'Buddha...') will get over, it may take me a few months to forget Mangala," she added.

Nigaar is happy to be associated with this new show. For her, it's one more feather in her cap.

"I have not watched the first episode but I am very proud to be associated with the show. It's like one of the feathers in my cap," Nigaar, who has also featured in shows like "Lipstick", "The Khan Sisters" and "Hongey Judaa Na Hum", said.

"There is a kind of newness in the show," she said of "Buddha..." which also features Kabir Bedi and Samir Dharmadhikari.

Bollywood's multitalented star Priyanka Chopra admires international pop star-cum-actress Beyonce Knowles for the balance that she has struck in personal and professional life.

"I admire Beyonce a lot because she is an amazing performer and more than anything, she balances her personal and professional life very well," Priyanka said here.

"She has a child, and at the same time, her professional life also, which is amazing! That's the kind of a person I would like to be - who can balance both personal and professional life together," she added.

Priyanka, who is charting her own singing career after becoming a successful actress, says it was her late father, who always wanted her to be a singer.

The 31-year-old has already launched two international singles - "In my city" and "Exotic".

But it was a well-timed decision to get into the singing field, she believes.

"In the beginning of my career, I never knew acting. I have learnt everything in my career itself. When you have gone to acting school, when you are in the film industry, there is some familiarity, but I didn't have these familiarities.

"So it took some time and when I reached somewhere, I got this opportunity of music and that time I was little more comfortable in films and my dad really wanted me to do it," Priyanka said.

Metal aviators are the classic sunglass frame loved by many. Now, a better version of it has been introduced by Maui Jim, a manufacturer of luxury sunglasses.

While maintaining the style quotient, Maui Jim has improved the performance of the classic frame by using a proprietary memory metal - MauiFlex - which can bend and twist, and yet keep its original shape intact for a longer period than traditional metal frames.

The collection, which is named Maliko Gulch -- after an adventure hotspot in Hawaii, has sunglasses tailor-made for the adventurous fashionista.

The double-bridged aviator with rubber temples comes in gunmetal frame with neutral grey lenses for bright sunny days as well as metallic gloss copper colour frame for variable light conditions.

"Metal aviators are timeless styles that have their dedicated fan following and aviator lovers who keep their eyes open for new styles will be thrilled with the new additions.

"They will be loved by adventure lovers and those in high performance sports who prioritise safety and comfort, yet do not want to compromise on style," I. Rahumathullah, managing director, Maui Jim India, said in a statement.

The Maliko Gulch collection starts at Rs.16,200.

TV actress Gauri Tonk, who has been part of shows like "Kaahin Kissii Roz", will now be seen in a new show titled "Ek Boond Ishq".

Gauri, who has also been a part of reality shows like "Maa Exchange" and "Nach Baliye 2", will essay the mother of the male lead Viraf Pheroz Patel who will be seen as Mrityunjay. Newcomer Chavvi Pandey will play the female lead, Tara.

In the show, Tara agrees to marry a wealthy boy, Mrityunjay, to save her family from an impending financial crisis unaware that Mrityunjay is in prison and awaiting the verdict on a rape and murder accusation.

In her in-laws' home, Tara stumbles upon a secret that will change the course of her life. Tauji, a staunch aristocrat who demands respect from the family by day, lives the life of an eunuch named Kalavati by night.

Essayed by Vishwajeet Pradhan, both his characters are treated with respect and dignity. It is the first time that a fictional TV show will showcase an eununch's character as one of its pillars.

"Ek Boond Ishq" will begin Sep 9 and will air on Life OK.

The Bollywood box office will offer two very different flavours for movie buffs this Friday - the much-loved love story via "Shuddh Desi Romance", and some high-on-action drama in "Zanjeer". Both movies are likely to fare well, said industry insiders.

A remake of the 1973 eponymous film, Apoorva Lakhia's "Zanjeer" marks the Bollywood debut of popular southern star Ram Charan Teja, who steps into a role originally essayed by megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He shares screen space with Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Raj and Sanjay Dutt.

Competing with it will be Yash Raj Films' (YRF) "Shuddh Desi Romance", which stars a refreshing cast of Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and newcomer Vaani Kapoor.

At a time when the box office is flourishing thanks to films like "Chennai Express", "Madras Cafe" and "Satyagraha", the new releases are likely to maintain a decent stay in theatres. Made at an approximate budget of around Rs.30 crore to Rs.40 crore each, the films are also expected to hit an equal number of big screens.

Mumbai-based trade analyst Amul Mohan says the movies might release in 1,600-1,700 screens.

"'Satyagraha' and 'Madras Cafe' are still running in theatres. I believe 'Zanjeer' and 'Shuddh Desi Romance' will have a good second week play as well," Mohan told IANS.

Admitting that both the films are of a different genre, he said they will do well with their own audience.

"'Shuddh Desi Romance' is going to be more for metro cities. 'Zanjeer', being an action film, will target smaller centres which like action films. This will be the divide in the audience," he said.

Besides donning the director's hat and writing the dialogues for his upcoming film "Gang of Ghosts", actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik has also penned the lyrics of a song for the film.

The 57-year-old bought the rights of a Bengali song from the film "Bhooter Bhabishyat", and adapted it into Hindi with his own inputs.

"I have adapted the title song into Hindi. It is a funny song with a retro feel. It has been composed by new music directors Dharam and Sandeep," Kaushik said.

"Gang of Ghosts" stars Mahie Gill, Anupam Kher, Priyanka Chopra's cousin Meera, Chunkey Pandey and Saurabh Shukla.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has associated with a TV series"Nazar Ya Nazariya", which will feature real life stories of visually challenged achievers in the country. He believes stereotypes related to disabilities need to be broken.

The actor will introduce and sign off each episode of the show, which will otherwise be hosted by Harsh Chhaya.

Launched by Score Foundation, an NGO which works towards empowering the visually challenged, the 13-part series, which will be aired on Doordarshan, is aimed at questioning common perceptions and focusing on the immense possibilities of life with blindness.

"When I did 'Sparsh' in the early 1980s, I had the opportunity of interacting with several visually impaired individuals. I realised that the problem is not with the Nazar it is with the Nazariya," Naseeruddin said in a statement.

"What is important here is that people like you and me need to break away from the societal stereotypes and commonly held perceptions about disability and success or happiness.

"This is the main message that we are trying to drive through this television series and we hope that we are able to achieve this goal by reaching out to more and more people of this country," he added.

The TV series is funded by Sightsavers International, an international charity organisation, Tech Mahindra Foundation and Union Bank of India.

The themes showcased on the show will range from education, employment, business, art and culture to marriage and relationships.

"Nazar Ya Nazariya" will go on air Sep 21.

Actress Alia Bhatt has warned her fans against "random" pictures of her forthcoming film "Highway", which are doing the rounds on internet.

Alia, who made her debut with Karan Johar's 2012 movie "Student Of The Year", will star opposite Randeep Hooda in the Imtiaz Ali film.

"There's some random image doing around from 'Highway' that isn't authentic at all! That is not me or Randeep in that picture," Alia posted on Twitter.

"Stills from the film will be out closer to the release probably. So please don't fall for these fake images," she added.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been in the film industry for over two decades, says an actor's life in India is all about jumping from one work commitment to the other.

Shah Rukh, who has often called himself a workaholic, has given hits like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho".

"I think that an actor's life in India is best described by the game 'Hop Skip and Jump'. Hop on a film...skip normal life and jump to the next," SRK posted on Twitter.

Currently basking in the success of his latest movie "Chennai Express", SRK will next be seen in director Farah Khan's movie "Happy New Year".

Veteran singer Asha Bhosle re-recorded two of her songs with one of her fans named Dinesh Shahra. He always dreamt of singing a duet with her.

Shahra, owner of Ruchi Soya Industries Limited, is a huge fan of Bhosle, used to hum her songs at school functions. He always had a dream to share the mike with her and sing some of his favourite songs with her.

One of the songs they re-recorded was the evergreen "Haal kaisa hai janaab ka" at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.

Confirming this, the 79-year-old singer said: "I got to know Dinesh's desire and passion for singing and I agreed to record a song with him. I was really impressed by the way he is balancing and removing time from his busy and frantic schedule for singing. I must say it was a great fun and wonderful recording songs with him."

An elated Dinesh said: "I am very thankful to Ashaji for giving me a life-time opportunity to sing along with her. Singing has always been my dream and a passion and sharing the recording studio with Ashaji was one of the best moments of my life."

Comedian Ali, who plays the lead role in upcoming Telugu comedy "Alibaba Okkade Donga" (AOD), says the film is very special because it happens to be his 50th in the role of a protagonist.

As a comedian and character actor, Ali has starred in over 200 Telugu films in a career spanning over two decades.

"Fifty is a special number for someone who is mostly considered a comedian. I never knew I would do so many films as a hero in my career. I had no plans to do this film initially because of my hectic schedule, but the director reminded me that it's my 50th project," Ali told IANS.

"Even though he convinced me, I was so busy that I could only allot 25 days for the film. I didn't want my call sheet for other films to get disturbed. But, I'm happy that the director managed to wrap up most of the film within 25 days," he added.

Ali had previously played lead roles in Telugu films such as "Yamaleela", "Pittala Dora" and "Somberi".

In AOD, Ali has also crooned two songs.

"The director insisted that I sing a couple of songs. Luckily, they have come out well and I was appreciated by few playback singers as well. I hope this film will appeal to my fans," said Ali.

Directed by Phani Prakash, AOD also features Sooja Vaaruni, Tanikella Bharani, Raghu Babu, Shafi, Jeeva and Giri Babu.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the paediatric wing for children at the Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer. The experience left him touched and moved.

The inauguration was held here Tuesday.

"Today, after the recording I rushed to the Tata Memorial Hospital for Cancer for the opening of a paediatric wing for little children that unfortunately suffer ... it was a most touching and moving experience for me," the 70-year-old posted on his blog Tuesday night.

He says he was moved to tears during the event, and he wished to do more for the suffering kids.

"Jaya (Bachchan) and I have though been working with many such institutions but every time you spend time with these children, a certain portion of your being tears apart. All that they wanted from me was to visit them and speak to them, to take keepsake photographs, autographs and that is all ... one always wishes one could do so much more ... and we shall in the times to come ... as we have been doing all along," he added.

The actor recently also announced the formation of an organisation dedicated to the work of his late father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The organisation will be called HRB Memorial Trust, and it will work for charity.

Just two days before Rituparno Ghosh's last movie "Satyanweshi" hits the screens, Sujoy Ghosh, who stars in the lead role of detective Byomkesh Bakshi in the much-awaited project, is feeling the absence of the late filmmaker more than ever.

Rituparno, maker of acclaimed and award-winning Bengali films like "Bariwali", "Asukh", "Utsab", "Shubho Mahurat", "Chokher Bali", "Dosar", "Shob Charitro Kalponik" and "Abohoman", was suffering from pancreatitis. He died following a heart attack May 30.

However, he had completed the production of "Satyanweshi" just two days before his death. The post-production of the movie was completed by cinematographer Aveek Mukhopadhyay.

"One more day for 'Satyanweshi' to hit the cinema. Suddenly I am really missing Rituparno Ghosh. This was his show. He should be here," Sujoy posted on Twitter.

Sujoy is going all out to make the movie reach out to more people.

"Now to promote 'Satyanweshi'... all day I am going to hold a big board in the middle of the main road saying 'Releases 6th ... come one come all'," he added.

Produced by Shree Venkatesh Films, the detective thriller also features Bengali actors Anindya Chatterjee, Arpita Chatterjee, Sibaji Bandyopadhyay and Indraneil Sengupta in key roles.

Recently, several people in West Bengal, along with chief minister Mamata Banerjee, paid homage to Rituparno on his 50th birth anniversary Aug 31.

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

Rituparno Ghosh was honoured with a number of National Film Awards.

Telugu filmmakers N. Shankar and C.V. Reddy will be in the 12-member jury that will pick an Indian film for the Oscar entry in the best foreign film category.

"It's indeed a privilege. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the films and rub shoulders with other legends," N. Shankar, known for movies such as "Jai Bolo Telangana" and "Jayam Manade Raa", told IANS.

Fifteen films have been shortlisted for the screening, which will take place here between Sep 17 and 22.

Two Telugu films reportedly in the race are "Midhunam" and "Sri Jagadguru Aadi Shankara".

Veteran filmmaker C.V. Reddy, known for films such as "Pelli Gola", "Amma Nanna Kaavali" and "Madhumati", has previously been part of the jury of the Indian Panorama Division.

The Film Federation of India is yet to reveal the final jury list.

Custom-dyed bandhinis, woven geecha and Uppada silk saris - designer Pallavi Jaikishan has used the country's rich textiles to create a bespoke sari collection titled 'Textile Repurposed'.

The line is an exclusive collection for Ogaan, a multi-designer boutique which organises the bi-annual event to promote Indian traditional weaves.

The exhibition is being held at the Oberoi Hotel here Friday.

Jaikishan, known for her Indian couture, has used her signature thread and straw-work on custom-dyed bandhinis, woven geecha and Uppada silk saris, said a statement.

The bandhini saris are re-imagined and custom-dyed in striking and different colour combinations, highlighted with Jaikishan's signature embroidery and tara-tiki. Geecha saris, on the other hand, are rarely available silk saris with multiple colours of raw silk threads.

The Uppada variety is the handwoven, diaphanous silk saris with lagdi patta borders from Uppada in the East Godavari. These saris are worked over with French tape, French sequins and straw-work.