Actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and director Tigmanshu Dhulia of the film "Bullett Raja" will spread among people awareness of their voting rights during a bike rally to be organised here by the poll panel, an official said.

"The bike rally to be organised in the Civil Lines area of north Delhi will witness the casting team of the movie asking people to exercise their voting rights in the Dec 4 assembly elections," said a source from the Election Commission Tuesday.

The event is part of the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activity -- an initiative to woo voters of the national capital.

"Though a lot of movie stars have already campaigned for the Election Commission in the capital as part of the 'star campaigning programme', it will be for the first time the whole casting team of a movie will campaign for the initiative," the source said.

Filmmaker Kaizad Gustad, credited for movies like "Bombay Boys" and "Boom", says his forthcoming project "Jackpot" is his effort to get a taste of the commercial zone of cinemae.

"If I may say so, then yes, 'Jackpot' is a conscious effort to make a commercial film and to get into that zone. I have not made a film like this before. It is different from my previous films," Gustad told IANS.

It is after a decade that the filmmaker is back in business. He says he was busy with his family all this while.

"I was busy with my personal life, my family, and I was also writing scripts. I think this is the right time for me (to be back)," he said.

"Jackpot" features Naseerudin Shah, Sachiin Joshi and Indian-Canadian adult film star Sunny Leone.

Gustad is "grateful" to Naseeruddin for agreeing to be a part of the project, and he is happy that "Sachiin and Sunny have done a wonderful job in the film".

Late superstar Rajesh Khanna won the hearts of many women in his prime, but for his estranged wife, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, he remains the "greatest actor" ever.

"If there has to be one favourite actor of mine, it has to be Rajesh Khanna. He was in fact the greatest actor alive," Dimple said in a statement.

Fondly known as Kaka in film circles, Rajesh Khanna began his career with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966. He devoted five decades to filmdom and enjoyed unmatched superstardom with hits like "Aradhana", "Do Raaste", "Safar" and "Anand".

Between "Aradhana" in 1969 and "Prem Kahani" in 1975, he was hailed for his talent and had a huge fan following.

The actor passed away in July last year following prolonged illness. He was 69.

Dimple stood by him and cared for him till the end, and earlier this year, she even requested Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla to name a road after Rajesh Khanna.

The 56-year-old is currently busy promoting her forthcoming film "What The Fish", which releases Dec 13. The movie, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, features her in a comic avatar.

Actor Ajay Devgn, who has partnered with Brillstein Entertainment Partners to launch a US-based production house Shivalaya Entertainment to back independent Films targeting a global audience, says he is excited to be part of the changing scenario in the Hindi film industry.

The development and financing outfit will focus on independent films which will aim for broad appeal.

"At one end, traditional films continue to entertain and make business sense. At the other, there is a resounding presence of some new forms and voices making a mark in this ever expanding medium. I am keen to be part of that growth, that change," Ajay said in a statement.

"I am coming forth to support the independent film process where we can share important stories that need to be told -- global stories that will resonate with international audiences," added the actor, who has another production banner titled Ajay Devgn Films Productions.

Shivalaya Entertainment, based in Los Angeles, has given the green signal to its first film "Parched", to be directed by Leena Yadav. The movie is said to be centred on the bitter-sweet journey of women in the parched rural landscape of India.

The newly-formed company will produce films with Brillstein Entertainment Partners executive Jai Khanna, who is also serving as producer on the slate.

Khanna said: “We will also be looking at working on projects with a diversity of talent, American or otherwise, with an aim to reach out to wider audiences."

Monica Gill, a clinical affairs associate from Boston, Massachusetts, is the new Miss India USA 2013, an annual pageant where Indian American beauties compete for the grand Miss India Worldwide crown.

Gill, 24, was crowned by outgoing Miss India USA 2012 Priyam Bhargava at the pageant organised Sunday by the Indian Festival Committee at Royal Albert's Palace at the Fords, New Jersey.

Gill will now compete against other beauties in the international contest for the title of Miss India Worldwide.

Alycia Rehmatullah, 15, from Atlanta Georgia was declared new Miss Teen India USA 2013.

Gill, who was previously crowned Miss India New England at the pre-elimination round held Nov 9, has in the past worked with various social organisations in the New England area.

In over two decades of association with Hindi films - as an actor, and now as a producer - Saif Ali Khan says his best investment ever has been to join the $2 million Indian movie industry, where the business is now almost "doubling".

"My best investment is to join Bollywood. It's such a good investment. The business is doubling. When we started, things were not the same. It's a great time now for the filmmakers and actors," Saif, who made his acting debut with 1992 film "Parampara", said in an interaction.

From featuring in potboliers like "Yeh Dillagi", "Main Khiladi Tu Anari", "Kachche Dhaage" and "Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United", Saif went on to do differentiated roles post-2000.

He was seen in a different avatar in "Dil Chahta Hai", and then went on to star in key roles in movies like "Kal Ho Naa Ho", "Ek Hasina Thi", "Hum Tum", "Parineeta" and "Salaam Namaste".

"Omkara" came as an image-breaker for Saif, and he was noticed in films like "Race", "Tashan", "Love Aaj Kal", "Kurbaan" and "Aarakshan".

Now awaiting the release of rustic actioner "Bullett Raja", the National Award-winning actor is glad to be a part of the present "exciting phase" in Indian cinema, where "experimentation" seems to be the key.

"I don't think I could have done such a role (role in 'Bullett Raja') two or five years back," said the 43-year-old, who plays a gangster in the Tigmanshu Dhulia-directed film, which releases Friday.

"Now I think I am ready for these kinds of roles. Now I feel I have understood my work, and different kinds of films are being made. So, it's an exciting phase," he added.

In fact, now Saif is convinced that an actor should do films other than the commercial ones.

Citing the example of his mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, Saif said: "If you look at my mother, she was a box office star, but she also did a lot of (different) cinema with Gulzar saab. It adds dimension to you (an actor)."

The gist, as he sees it, is that "you should be a successful actor", and since "the industry is growing, one should not limit oneself against doing different kinds of films".

Even as he is busy producing Hindi films under his banner Illuminati Films, Saif is not a Bollywood buff.

"I don't watch Hindi films! I don't know why," said the actor, who completed his studies in England.

"During my childhood days, I remember watching Doordarshan and Nirupama Roy crying on screen. That time I decided to watch (Hindi) comedy films.

"Then I saw my mother's film...even she was crying, and I didn't want to see her crying, so I stopped watching it. When I started working in films, after shooting in them, I wanted to see something different. So I don't watch Hindi films.

"I respect cinema but I don't watch Hindi films because I want to escape from my work after I finish working."

Actress Pooja Umashankar, who shares the screen space with child artist Malavika Manikuttan in forthcoming Tamil thriller "Vidiyum Munn", said she had to compete with the youngster to match her performance.

"She (Malavika) is a wonderful actress and there were several instances in the film where I had to push myself to perform better. Since we had to act together in most of the scenes, I had to ensure that she doesn't overpower me with her performance. I was challenged to act better because of her," Pooja told IANS.

Directed by Balaji K. Kumar, "Vidiyum Munn" is a story about four men, three reasons, two women and one day.

"My director would jokingly ask me to perform better than her on the sets. She is a quick learner and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her," she added.

Also starring John Vijay, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Vinoth Kishan, the film is slated to release Friday.

Filmmaker Ramsubramaniam is elated with the response his Tamil family drama "Thangameengal" received at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) when it was screened here Tuesday.

"I'm overwhelmed with the response our film has received from the audience from different parts of the world. Being the only Tamil film selected in the Indian Panorama section, a proud red carpet welcome was given to the cast and crew of the film," Ramsubramaniam told IANS.

"Thangameengal", which revolves around the relationship between a father and his daughter with focus on primary school education, will be screened again here Friday.

"To share a platform being used by several path-breaking films from across the world is indeed an achievement for our film. I hope several other Tamil films also get to share this platform in the future," he added.

The film, produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon, didn't churn big bucks at the box-office, but was raved by the critics.

Ramsubramaniam had also played the lead role in "Thangameengal", which also featured Padmapriya, Rohini and Baby Sadhana in important roles.

Southern actress Tashu Kaushik says working with co-star Rima Kallingal in forthcoming Malayalam thriller "Escape from Uganda" motivated her to perform better and in the process she has become her fan.

"I have become Rima's fan after working with her. Watching her perform motivated me so much to perform better, helped me a lot in doing several tough scenes effortlessly. You can learn a lot by simply observing her act," Tashu told IANS.

"I don't think any other actress could have played Rima's part in the film. I feel lucky to have worked with her along with other talented actors such as Parthiepan, who is a popular actor in Tamil industry," she added.

Tashu said she enjoyed shooting in Uganda, where most of the film was shot.

"Uganda is lot greener and its people are nice. It has more than 50 outdoor locations and hence is a great place to shoot. I shot only for a few days but the film's crew stationed there for nearly two months," said Tashu, who plays a fashion designer in the film.

The film, directed by Rajesh Nair, also features Vijay Babu, Mukesh and several other local actors from Uganda.

"Escape from Uganda" is slated to release Friday.

Actor Saqib Saleem could not believe that he is getting a chance to work with filmmaker Amole Gupte when he signed "Hawaa Hawaai".

"I had seen 'Stanley Ka Dabba' and that time I had an agency and I asked them to somehow get me to meet Amole Gupte and I would do any small role in his film. When I got to know that he is making a film, I went to meet him and we did a look test," the 25-year-old said here Tuesday at a special screening of "Stanley Ka Dabba" for underprivileged kids.

"When he told me that 'you are doing my film', I couldn't believe it at first. But now that the shoot is almost over, it has sunk in that I have done a good film," Saqib added.

The actor plays a young skating coach in "Hawaa Hawaai".

"Our film is about everybody who has a dream and about fulfilling it. I play a 22-23-year-old skating coach. I can't tell anything more than this, you will understand more when the trailer comes out," the actor said.

Saqib has earlier worked in three film - "Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge", "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" and "Bombay Talkies."

"Hawaa Hawaai" is slated to release April 18, next year.

Going by the first look poster of Puri Jagannadh-directed Telugu romantic-drama "Heart Attack", which was unveiled online by the filmmaker Wednesday, the film is likely to be aimed at urban audience with romantic attitude.

The poster features Nithiin Reddy and Adah Sharma only a few inches away from kissing, with the tagline saying: "I need a one-hour kiss to burn 3,000 calories".

The team of "Heart Attack", which is also produced by Puri, is currently shooting in Spain.

Slated to release next year, the film has music by Anup Rubens.

Actor Rajkummar Rao, who has been part of intense films like "Ragini MMS" and "Shahid", is excited about comedy movie "Tantrik", which will be helmed by director Pavan Kriplani.

"It's a comedy and I am excited to work with Pavan Kriplani again. I worked with him in 'Ragini MMS'. It's a fun film, but still we are toying with the idea and I have not signed on the dotted line yet," Rajkumar told IANS.

"I am very keen to do the film. It's an exciting concept, but let's see. It's too early to discuss the subject," he said.

Meanwhile, the actor is part of Hansal Mehta's "City Lights" and says shooting will start in next two weeks.

"Now Hansal Mehta is directing the film and we will start filming in next two weeks. I am very prepared for the role. A lot of research has been done for the film. I am looking forward to the humorous thriller film," said the actor who worked with Mehta in biopic "Shahid".

Shreyas Talpade, who played Shah Rukh Khan's friend in his production "Om Shanti Om", says the superstar left a lasting impression on him.

"During 'Om Shanti Om' whatever I saw Shah Rukh doing has left a very lasting impression on me. For me, that was a certain kind of a textbook, not just in terms of production, but also in terms of mounting a particular film, publicity and marketing," Shreyas told reporters Tuesday at the unveiling of the poster of his second Marathi production - "Poshter Boys".

"We went everywhere possible and we did everything possible and Shah Rukh himself was involved in each and every activity. So yes, he has been a huge inspiration in my life, not only as an actor but also as a producer," added the 37-year-old, who played SRK's on screen friend in the 2007 super hit reincarnation drama, produced under SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment banner.

Shreyas, who had earlier produced the Marathi film "Sanai Chaughade", will star in another Marathi movie "Baji", in which he will be seen as a superhero.

He has also been part of hit Hindi movies such as "Iqbal", "Welcome To Sajjanpur", "Golmaal 3" and "Housefull 2".

Lekha Washington, who is awaiting the release of her forthcoming Tamil romantic comedy "Kalyana Samayal Saadham", has been roped in by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Santosh Sivan for his yet untitled project in the same language.

"I'm quite excited to be working with Santosh. I can't reveal much about the project but we recently met, discussed and agreed to work together. I'm yet to sign the papers though," Lekha told IANS.

Lekha also owns and runs Ajji, an odd product company. She is also a sculptor and recently launched a range of lifestyle products like furniture. She said that her work as a designer inspired Santosh to approach her.

"Santosh also loves art and design. He loved my work and expressed his interest to work with me. In a way, I can say the project is born out of my work as a designer," added the actress known for films such as "Vedam", "Unnale Unnale" and "JayamKondaan".

Meanwhile, Santosh Sivan is awaiting the release of his bilingual film, which will be released as "Inam" in Tamil and "Ceylon" in English.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai launched actor-producer Shreyas Talpade's second Marathi film "Poshter Boyj", which the actor is producing under his banner Affluence Movies Private Limited here.

Ghai along with Shreyas' wife Deepti Tuesday unveiled the poster of the film, which stars Dilip Prabhavalkar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Hrishikesh Joshi, Pooja Sawant and Neha Joshi, among others.

"It has taken us a whole five years to get that one ever elusive script, which we felt would be the right base for the venture. We are confident ‘Poshter Boyj' will be as big a hit as ‘Sanai Chaughade', if not bigger than it," said Shreyas, who produced "Sanai Chaughade" in 2008.

"Poshter Boyj", to be directed by Sameer Patil, will be shot across Western Maharashtra. Its soundtrack will feature compositions of popular composer Leslie Lewis and a promotional number with Shreyas.

The film is planned for release in the second quarter of 2014.

"Roja" fame Tamil actor Arvind Swami is set to return to Bollywood with Mahesh Manjrekar's untitled bilingual project.

"My next film will be a bilingual in Hindi and Tamil. It's a film that will be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. (I) will let you know about the other artists as soon as the casting is finalised," posted Arvind, who played the male lead in the successful film "Bombay", on his Twitter page. He was also seen in the 1998 Hindi movie "Saat Rang Ke Sapne".

Arvind, who had bid adieu to his acting career seven years back, returned with Mani Ratnam-directed Tamil romantic drama "Kadal" earlier this year.

Reportedly, Arvind will play the lead in the big screen adaptation of Manjrekar's award winning Marathi drama "Kaksparsh".

Actor Saif Ali Khan, who played a fun-loving and friendly dad to his on-screen children in “Ta Ra Rum Pum", says in real life he does not get enough time to spend with his children.

The 43-year-old has daughter Sara and son Ibrahim from his ex-wife and actress Amitra Singh. The two got divorced in 2004, after 13 years of marriage.

“Sara and I are like good friends. Ibrahim loves to play cricket. Both of us play sports together. But I don't get much time to spend with him, but I would like to,” said Saif, who is now married to actress Kareena Kapoor.

With hectic shooting hours, the actor stresses on the importance of time management.

“I don't get time to spend with my mother (yesteryear actress Sharmila Tagore) too. The balancing of time is important. It's a problem in life,” he added.

Saif, who has spent over two decades in filmdom and has been part of successful films such as "Yeh Dillagi", "Kachche Dhaage", "Hum Tum" and "Love Aaj Kal", feels that "an actor should be known for his acting not for his personal life".

His forthcoming film is "Bullett Raja” and the actor will be seen playing gangster Raja Mishra in Tigmanshu Dhulia directed crime thriller.

Set in Lucknow, "Bullett Raja" also stars Jimmy Shergill and Sonakshi Sinha. It hits theatres Nov 29.

Young designer Masaba Gupta, who has completed an year as fashion director at Satya Paul, says it has been one of the best things that has happened to her so far.

“Being appointed as the fashion director of an iconic brand like Satya Paul has been one of the biggest moments in my life up till now,” Masaba said in a statement.

She was only 24 when she got the role. Daughter of cricketing legend Vivian Richards and actress Neena Gupta, the young designer has since then worked hard to bring a revolution in the design and inspiration of the brand. And she is expecting the same success in the coming years.

“I’m grateful for the response we’ve got for the recent collections as well as excited for the plans that are currently in the pipeline. All in all, 2014 is looking up,” Masaba added.

To mark the anniversary celebration, the designer has picked out a few of her favourite products that will be retailed under the “Masaba Loves” category. The selected range of products would be retailed at Satya Paul stores throughout the holiday season.

Satya Paul, known for its ingenuity in design and a vivid colour palette, was established in 1985 by its namesake. As part of Genesis since 2001, the brand has footprints at over 30 locations in the country.

Sanjay Kapoor, managing director at Genesis, describes it as “natural progression” for the brand to come up with something new and exciting.

"Last year, Masaba has already showcased her debut prêt and Demi Couture line for the brand. It has been a natural progression of sorts. The dramatic prints such as the lipstick, telephone booth, abstract and ink drops have been worn by celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Genelia Deshmukh and are a hit in our stores, online and offline,” said Kapoor.

Masaba made her foray in the industry with GenNext fashion show at 2009 Lakme Fashion Week. Her collection made her win the most promising designer award at the event. It was followed by the launch of her flagship store in 2010.

Known for quirky prints, with feminine drapes and silhouettes, Masaba prefers to use organic fabrics with classic weaves, patchwork and all in vibrant colours.

Audiences cheered and applauded when models dressed in saris, suits and gowns made of khadi cotton, silk, and woollen woven by over 700 master craftsmen from across the country, hit the ramp at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) here.

Organised by Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Tuesday at the Hansdhwani Theatre in Pragati Maidan here, the Khadi collection fabric was presented in its most acceptable and glamorous form.

As many as 96 garments were showcased in six sequences depicting Khadi in its journey from the time of pre-Independence to contemporary fashion.

“Indian artisans and craftsmen possess tremendous skill and craft. It is important that their work is showcased in a way that has mass appeal. And, the Khadi-inspired fashion show did just that,” S.P. Singh, Resident Representative, KVIC, said in a statement.

“It attracted a lot of attention and made people cherish the love for Khadi, and at the same time encouraged our skilled craftsmen to do more of good work in the coming times," he added.

Around 50 bikers Wednesday took part in a rally here organised by the Election Commission to spread awareness about the significance of voting in the Dec 4 assembly polls in Delhi. The event, however, saw chaos.

Actors Saif Ali Khan, Jimmy Shergill, Sonakshi Sinha and director Tigmanshu Dhulia of the film "Bullett Raja", who were invited to participate in the rally, were forced to leave after reporters protested their late arrival at the venue.

The event was to begin at 11:30 a.m., but the celebrities arrived only after 1:30 p.m., angering reporters who demanded an apology as soon as the actors arrived.

A reluctant Saif Ali Khan said that he would have apologised if it was his fault, and blamed the organisers for the delay.

Several requests were made by the organisers and later by the celebrities as well to pacify the reporters, but to no avail.

The fact that several school and college students barged in at the small conference room to catch a glimpse of the stars further led to utter chaos and commotion.

The actors were whisked away in cars waiting outside, and returned to their hotels.

The rally was flagged off from north Delhi's Civil Lines area and covered parts of north and west Delhi.

The event was part of the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activity -- an initiative to woo voters of the national capital to the polling booths.

"This is a one-of-a-kind event organised with participants from all over the country. It focuses on voters, especially youngsters, of Delhi," Ankur Garg, chief nodal officer of the Delhi Election Commission, told IANS.