Actress Vidya Balan, who gave a stellar performance in Sujoy Ghosh's "Kahaani", says it was tough for her to say no to the director for his new film "Durga Rani Singh".

"I am a little sad I couldn't work in this project because we made 'Kahaani' together and we were like parents of 'Kahaani'. It was a very difficult decision for me to say no (to 'Durga Rani Singh', but I was not keeping well so I couldn't do it. I had no option," said the National Award winning talent.

After Vidya turned down the offer, Kangana Ranaut was approached for the lead role in Ghosh's film. But even she refused it. Now the director is reportedly on the lookout for an apt leading lady for his film.

Vidya says that after the success of "The Dirty Picture", a story inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, she was offered biopics almost every week.

"I have been offered many biopics. Every week someone asked me about new biopics. Three offers have come my way, but I have not accepted anything," said the 36-year-old.

Meanwhile, Vidya, who is currently promoting her film "Bobby Jasoos", is all praise for the movie's producer Dia Mirza.

"She is great with taking care of the unit. We completed the film in 50 days and no one ever cribbed about their work. Dia managed the work beautifully and respects the unit," Vidya said.

The film is directed by Samar Sheikh.

Director Sajid Khan’s latest comedy “Humshakals” has minted over Rs.40 crore in the opening weekend.

The entertainer, starring Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Ram Kapoor, Tammannaah Bhatia, Esha Gupta and Bipasha Basu is made at a cost of Rs.75 crore.

“Humshakals” recorded a super weekend of Rs.40.13 crore, said a statement.

The Fox Star Studios and Vashu Bhagnani's co-production, which couldn’t impress the critics, has already sold its satellite and music rights for Rs.45 crore.

In the comedy, the male actors are seen in three different avatars that leads to chaos, confusion and funny mix-ups.

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s next directorial “Piku” starring megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan will hit the screens April 30, 2015.

The first schedule of MSM Motion Pictures, Saraswati Entertainment Creations Limited (SECL), Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri’s Rising Sun Films’ project will go on the floors in August 2014.

Sircar, who has worked with the Big B in yet-to-release "Shoebite" and forthcoming fiction TV show "Yudh", is also looking forward to teaming up with the actors.

"The charisma of Mr. Bachchan, seamless acting of Deepika with the versatile flair of Irrfan Khan and the evergreen Moushami Chaterjee will make 'Piku' an experience for me. I am looking forward to this fantastic opportunity of working together with such gifted talent from the industry," the "Madras Cafe" director said in a statement.

The makers are confident the team will do a great job.

"Working with Mr.Amitabh Bachchan yet again in my new role is an absolute honour. As for Shoojit, I have been an admirer of his work since ‘Yahaan’ and I am really looking forward to working with him and the delightful ensemble cast which includes the very talented Deepika, Irrfan and many others,” said Sneha Rajani, deputy president and head, MSM Motion Pictures.

Life perhaps would have been different if actor Imran Khan had had a son. But with a newborn daughter, Imara Malik Khan, he's all for being a doting, possessive and indulgent dad.

When asked if he's a hands-on daddy to Imara, the actor said: "I have been hoping to have a daughter, but now I have realised that if I had a son I would have some semblance of dignity and to control myself a little bit.

"But with my daughter now, I will have to listen to everything. I think I am gone now as I would be only after my daughter."

Imran and his wife Avantika welcomed the baby June 9.

Reportedly, the actor has taken some time off from his professional commitments to look after Avantika and their newly born daughter.

Actor-producer Aamir Khan Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed social issues raised by the former's TV show "Satyamev Jayate".

Aamir tweeted: "Just came out of my meeting with Honorable Prime Minister of India Shree Narendra Modiji. Was very kind of him to spare his valuable time.

"Shared with him the overwhelming support that we got from people across the country through Vote for Change Campaign... on SMJ ('Satyamev Jayate') on the various issues that we tackled in our show. He has assured me that he will look into all the matters."

The meeting was held at the South Block here, the Prime Minister's Office said.

The prime minister's official website even posted images of Modi and Aamir shaking hands.

Aamir too posted a photograph of himself immersed in conversation with Modi sitting across the table.

The first season of Aamir's "Satyamev Jayate" went on air on Star Plus May 2012 while the second season was aired in March 2014 and ended in April. Now the actor is working on the third season of the show, where he brings to the fore startling facts and figures about issues concerning the Indian society.

Be it dowry, rape, bribery, corruption or criminalisation of politics - Aamir has so far dealt with a wide range of social issues.

A compliment from megastar Amitabh Bachchan regarding the trailer of "Kick", has turned out to be the "biggest reward" for producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who is making his directorial debut with the movie.

Earlier this month, the Big B had tweeted: "Did you see the trailer of 'KICK'..baaadooom!! Compares with anything that the other 'wood' brings out from their high end films!"

It left Nadiadwala ecstatic.

"What more can I want? It's like getting the best award possible even before my film is released. To have someone of Amit-ji's stature saying something like this is a dream come true. I feel I've already got my biggest reward," he said.

"This year has been extraordinary for my production house. We released three films - 'Highway', '2 States' and 'Heropanti'. By god's grace, they succeeded. Insha Allah, 'Kick', with which I've turned director for the first time, will be a big success," added Nadiadwala.

"Kick" stars Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez. One of its songs, "Jumme ki raat" has mustered up a positive buzz.

But Nadiadwala has no time to enjoy the success of the song and earlier, the trailer. He is racing against time as "Kick" releases in a month, and he still has about a week's shooting to complete.

"I've no time to sit back and enjoy any of the good things that are happening to my film. We are shooting and running to the monitor. My assistant directors and my team tells me that the response to the first look and the first song of 'Kick' has been unprecedented.

"I think I can breathe a little easily now. I wish I had more time to enjoy what I am doing. But we have set an Eid deadline for our film's release. And we will fulfill that."

Expectations from Salman and "Kick" are huge, specially since Salman's last release "Jai Ho" underperformed at the box office. Also, "Kick" releases ahead of the two other Khan superstars' new projects - Shah Rukh Khan's "Happy New Year" and Aamir Khan's "P.K."

But Nadiadwala is unfazed.

"I am looking neither backward nor ahead. I am not thinking of what Salman has done earlier and what is the competition for my film. I am only focusing on getting it right with 'Kick'."

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, a doting mother to two sons - Arin and Raayan - is strict when it comes to their healthcare. She says she never lets them go to bed without brushing their teeth no matter how tired they are.

“There is one thing that I am really strict about my kids and that is (making sure that they are) brushing teeth twice a day. No matter how tired they are or how late they are arriving after attending birthday parties, I make sure that they brush their teeth," Madhuri told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"I think that is very important. Brushing teeth for two minutes every morning and night is very important,” said the actress, who is the face of oral care brand Oral B.

Madhuri, who married Sriram Nene, a doctor, in 1999, also feels that “a family is very important in Indian culture” and it is necessary to have a healthy family.

“A healthy smile shows a happy family because they all represent health when they smile healthy. So I think it is very important for a family to establish a good smile,” said Madhuri, who was recently shooting for a new Oral B toothpaste ad campaign.

After having started her acting career with the 1984 film “Abodh”, Madhuri went on to cement her space in Hindi movies with entertainers like “Tezaab”, “Ram Lakhan”, “Tridev”, “Parinda”, “Dil”, “Sailaab”, “Khalnayak”, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun” and “Dil To Pagal Hai”.

If acting came naturally to her, her fluid dancing skills, grace and charming smile made her a favourite among the best of banners, actors and filmmakers.

The actress feels that a “smile says a thousand words and when you smile, the world smiles with you.”

“I think smile sends a very positive message so it important to take care of it. When you have good teeth, you don't hesitate to smile and it also gives you confidence. So when you are confident, it changes your life as well," she said, stressing on the importance of brushing right twice, and visiting the dentist every six months.

Most film celebrities rely on caffeine intake to battle hectic schedules. Doesn't that have an ill effect on their teeth?

Madhuri said: "Anything in moderation is fine. If you drink coffee throughout the day, it won't be good for teeth - neither for health! So, we just do everything in moderation.

"If I drink tea, I do so twice a day and that's it. I don't overdo it. No caffeine all the time or no soda drink all the time,” said the actress, who is currently seen as one of the judges of dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7”.

And what about her Bollywood projects?

“I will let people know whenever I decide to work,” said the actress, who was last seen in "Gulaab Gang".

Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is busy shooting for "Nil Battey Sannaata" here, drew a crowd that recognised her as Bindiya of "Raanjhanaa".

Talking about the experience, Swara said in a statement: "Indeed, we have been repeatedly mobbed while shooting outdoors for the past few days. Agra crowds seem to be genuine cinema lovers as they are bearing the heat and police and the yelling of the crew to watch the shoot and take pictures."

"I think they are actually mobbing the camera! But then someone yelled 'Bindiya' and I felt gratified to know that it was not just the camera they were curious about," she added.

In Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's "Nil Battey Sannaata", Swara plays the lead role and features as a mother.

For the past few days, the crew has been shooting at outdoor locations in Agra, and battling the heat. But the heat has not stopped the enthusiastic onlookers and residents of the bylanes and areas of the Taj city.

Two more witnesses Monday identified Bollywood actor Salman Khan as being present at the scene of the 2002 hit-and-run accident as he appeared in court where the retrial of the case is underway.

A witness, identified as Rizwan, a manager with the Rain Bar, informed the court that Salman and his friends had ordered food and drinks which were served at their table that night.

Rizwan told public prosecutor Jagannath Kenjalkar that he saw the actor holding a glass with a colourless liquid like water in it, but he was not sure what it was and did not see Salman drinking it.

"I am not sure whether Khan himself consumed the drink as the order was taken by a waiter," he said.

Later, between 1.15 and 1.30 a.m., Rizwan went to see off Salman and his friends to the door but the actor was walking normally and did not smell of liquor, he added.

In the cross-examination by Khan's lawyer Shrikant Shivade, Rizwan said that from his cabin, he could not see who was having food and drinks as the lighting in the restaurant was dim.

Another witness, Ramashray Pandey, owner of a dairy shop near the scene of the accident, said that he saw Salman alighting out of the front seat of his car after the accident that night in Bandra suburb in which one pavement dweller was killed and four others injured.

He said that the actor's police bodyguard Ravindra Patil (who is now dead) was already outside the vehicle and there was a huge commotion in the area.

"People were shouting 'accident, accident' and some people were under the SUV and crying for help," he said, adding that some others were trying to pull free the car's front door which was stuck in the laundry shutter while some pelted stones at the vehicle.

The two witnesses' testimony came after the hearing resumed in the retrial of the hit-and-run case against Salman in which he is facing an additional charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder which attracts a 10-year jail term.

Last month, three other witnesses had testified before the court and also identified the actor in the case in which the retrial started April 28.

Salman is accused of driving his SUV onto a pavement in Bandra on Sep 28, 2002, killing one person and injuring four others.

In December 2013, a Mumbai court ordered a retrial in the case.

“Border” director J.P. Dutta's new untitled production under his new company J.P. Gene has finished its first schedule.

The team of the film, directed by Binoy Gandhi, will soon start with their second schedule, which they will be shooting abroad, said a statement.

The film stars Nidhi Dutta and Ajit Sodhi along with Sagarika Ghatge, Taaha Shah and Diganth Manchale.

Gandhi has earlier assisted on films like “Darna Mana Hai”, “Fanaa” and “Ta Ra Rum Pum”.

J.P. Gene’s next is about the bond between three friends who can go to any extent to make each other happy.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is often urged to recite lines from his late father and noted poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s works, says he is in the process of preparing a special recitation of the same.

“The recitation of my Father’s works are in the pipeline…performances to be done on stage much like the one at the Theatre du Champs Elysees in Paris and a few unique digital experiments, which are still too early to speak about,” he posted on his official blog http://srbachchan.tumblr.com Sunday.

Amitabh had once said that if there was one character from a book that he would love to bring alive on screen, it would be his father's role from his autobiography "In the Afternoon of Time: An Autobiography".

For a day at the races or other smart summer outings, choose outfits that are not only apt for the occasion, but also those that fit well with your personality.

Stylists of cosmetic brand Colour Me Beautiful have put together tips on how to dress for summer events where you stand a chance to get photographed, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

* Your personality: Be yourself. Don’t become frivolous and flowery if you feel better in something simple. Equally, just because it’s smart, it doesn’t mean you have to go classic or matchy-matchy. Think about what works for you. Being yourself will help you feel more comfortable and you will have more fun in the process.

* Your style: You don’t have to be absolutely on trend, it is more important that you choose something that ticks all the boxes for you and makes you look good. Think about things such as length, where the waist is, sleeves or no sleeves and what works for your shape and personal style.

* Colour and pattern: Yellow is stealing the show this season, but blue follows closely behind. White always looks feminine and super fresh in the summer, but it doesn’t work for everyone or all events (for instance, weddings). Other great colours for occasion dresses are pink and orange for bold or pastels in mint, lemon, pink or blue.

* If you are considering patter, you need to decide whether your outfit is going to be a one-off or something you’ll want to wear again and again. Make sure the pattern is in proportion to your scale. You don’t need to over-accessorize with pattern.

* Hats or fascinators: Make sure yours suits your face shape and that the brim doesn’t extend beyond your shoulders. Choose a flattering colour that complements your outfit, but it doesn’t have to be the same colour. Beware of black trims too, they can throw a dark shadow on your face.

T-Series is all set to release Vikram Bhatt’s next sci-fi thriller, 'Creature 3D'. The film starring Bipasha Basu will mark the debut of Imran Abbas and is slated to release on 12th September, 2014.

Bhushan Kumar on the latest development says, “Vikram is working on the post production of the film since there is a lot of VFX work to be done. He has shot it on par with international standards and this will be a treat for the Indian audiences. We have chalked our promotional plans and have taken a mutual decision with our distributors to postpone the release of the film. Now the film hits screens on 12thSeptember.”

After Haunted and Raaz 3, Vikram Bhatt wears the directors cap for another 3D film that will scare the audience with a creature created using VFX which will be a first of its kind in India.

The release of Bipasha Basu-starrer “Creature 3D”, a sci-fi thriller, has been delayed till Sep 12 due to work on visual effects. The makers are also avoiding a clash with "Singham Returns".

Produced by T-Series, "Creature 3D" is directed by Vikram Bhatt. After “Haunted” and “Raaz 3”, Bhatt has directed another 3D film that will scare the audience with a creature, which is created using VFX.

“Vikram is working on the post-production of the film since there is a lot of VFX work to be done. He has shot it on par with international standards and this will be a treat for the Indian audiences," Bhushan Kumar said in a statement.

“We have chalked our promotional plans and have taken a mutual decision with our distributors to postpone the release of the film. Now, the film hits screens on Sep 12,” he added.

Bhatt also says that the delay of the film is due to the VFX work.

“It’s a mega-budget film for both Bhushan and me. We had to push forward the release by two weeks because Ajay Devgn’s ‘Singham Returns’ opens on Aug 15 and we didn’t want to come within a week of its release,” he said.

The film will mark the debut of actor Imran Abbas.

A special film titled "Puncham - Mujhey Chaltey Jaana Hai" will pay a tribute to late, noted Bollywood music director R.D. Burman, fondly known as Pancham da, on his 75th birth anniversary June 27.

Hindi movies channel Sony MAX has taken the initiative.

The film will feature Bollywood celebrities who were an intrinsic part of Burman's life, and had the opportunity to be up close and personal with the legend himself. The list consists of stalwarts sharing the intricacies of what went into the making of the genius that R.D.Burman was.

Celebrities like Asha Bhosle, who was his wife, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Pyarelal, Shantanu Moitra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Manna Dey would be seen sharing their memories of the composer, who had created music for films like “Hum Kisise Kum Naheen”, “Sholay” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”.

“R.D. Burman was a legend who still rules the hearts of millions all across the globe. It is our honour to salute a man of such stature by showcasing his classic work and his journey to become an idol through the distinctive film ‘Puncham - Mujhey Chaltey Jaana Hai’," Neeraj Vyas, senior executive vice president and business head, Sony MAX, said in a statement.

"I am certain that the visuals and anecdotes of the mega star will inspire audiences of all age groups,” he added.

"Puncham - Mujhey Chaltey Jaana Hai" will be aired 9 p.m. on Sony MAX.

Actress Huma Qureshi has joined forces with a poetic campaign called 'Ishq ki Ijaazat' which will be launched online to spread awareness about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Ishq ki Ijaazat" is a film poem by Satyanshu and Devanshu Singh, and Huma is said to have rendered the poetry.

"I believe everyone should have the freedom to choose for themselves," Huma said in a statement.

The initiative is not an angry statement against Article 377 that criminalises homosexuality. It is a poetic campaign to urge people to bring love out in the open and not about sexual preferences. It is about a basic right that every human being deserves - to be able to love with dignity, and not prejudice, the statement said.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor rues that rumours about his personal life have turned his life into a "reality show". He says he feels "bad" for his parents, who have to face the embarrassment as a result of loose talk.

"There were so many stories that I am leaving my parents; my dad has asked me to get out of the house, and all of that...So I feel really bad that my life has become like a reality show," the 32-year-old said here Monday at a Hero Maestro event.

"My parents are old and I don't want them to read such stuff about me because it's embarrassing for them," added the son of veteran actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor.

Recently, there were reports that Ranbir is moving out of his parents' house. But setting the record straight, he said: "The house I live in is going for redevelopment, and when that happens, people who are living there have to move out."

There was also news that he is moving in with rumoured lady love Katrina Kaif.

To that, Ranbir said: "Who I am moving in with, I would like to keep that personal because I am unmarried and the day I am married, you all will know."

Ranbir has finished shooting for Anurag Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet". He is currently shooting for "Jagga Jasoos" with Katrina.

Filmmaker Subhash Kapoor is out on bail after being arrested by officials of the Versova police station here in connection with the molestation case filed against him by actress Geetika Tyagi.

He was arrested Monday afternoon, and released later the same day, said an official from Versova police station.

"We arrested Subhash Kapoor yesterday afternoon and he was presented at Andheri court in the evening. Later, he was released on bail the same night," an official told IANS.

Earlier this year, Geetika Tyagi used a video on a social networking platform to accuse the "Jolly LLB" filmmaker of "forcing himself" on her and "dragging her" during a party held over a year ago. She filed an official complaint against him.

Ranbir Kapoor is set to fly to Corsica, an island in the south of France, for a 30-day shooting schedule for Imtiaz Ali's next film.

"I leave in another 12 days to a lovely place called Corsica. I think it is in south of France. We would be shooting there for 30 days," the 31-year-old said here Monday at an event.

He is looking forward to the film which is reportedly titled "Tamasha".

"It's my second film with Imtiaz, my third film with Deepika (Padukone). So, I am looking forward to it. It's a love story and should come out sometime next year," he said.

Ranbir's first film with Imtiaz was the superhit "Rockstar", while with Deepika, his former lady love, he has featured in "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and the hit "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani".

Actress Vidya Balan is happy that her professional life has remained unchanged following her marriage to Siddharth Roy Kapur. She says they share mutual respect for each other's passion towards work.

"Since 2007-2008, I have been doing one film at a time and that has remained till now. Nothing really changed post marriage. We respect each other's passion for work," Vidya said here.

"For me, nothing has changed (post marriage). I am the same person who was in a relationship with Sid (Siddharth) and same person who is now married to him. He doesn't treat me as his property," added the acclaimed actress, who tied the knot in 2012.

Siddharth is currently the managing director of the Walt Disney Company India.

Vidya, who hails from a non-film family, says her father supported her to be an actress, while her mother was scared.

"My father has always been supportive of me, but my mom was not ready to support me because she was scared as we are not from this industry. She was like, 'Just finish your education'. But gradually, even though she had her reservations, she supported me."

"She came to shoots just to see if I was safe. Now she has stopped coming with me. She feels now I can take care of myself."

Vidya's next film is "Bobby Jasoos".