Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar remembers her long association with late, noted Bollywood music director Rahul Dev Burman, affectionately called Pancham-Da, on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary Friday and says "he died too young and too unhappy."

"For a composer as talented as Pancham to be almost jobless was a living death. Pancham was very unhappy. He would sometimes share his grief with me. I feel sad even now when I recall how cruel the industry was to Pancham just because some of his music didn't do well," she said while sharing how unhappy R.D. Burman was during his final years.

Born to the rising star in the musical firmament, S.D. Burman in the year 1939, Pancham revolutionised Hindi film music since he debuted as a composer with comedian Mehmood's 1961 movie "Chhote Nawab".

His range varied from the catchy "Aaja aaja, main hun pyaar tera" from "Teesri Manzil" to the soulful thumri "Hame tumse pyar kitna, ye hum nahin jaante" by Parveen Sultana in "Kudrat". He also composed mischievous number "Ek chatur naar, badi hoshiyar" from "Padosan" and the melodious "Tere bina zindagi se koi shikwa to nahin" from "Aandhi".

He died at the age of 54.

Lata acknowledges her love and debt for the departed composer and says her brother-in-law "was immensely talented and could compose in any style."

"... he knew exactly which song to give to which singer. If he gave my sister Asha Bhosle 'Piya tu ab toh aaja', he gave me 'Raina beeti jaaye'. He also gave me 'Naam ghum jayega chehra yeh badal jayega'..This is the signature tune of my career," she added.

Burman's last work was seen in "1942: A Love Story", which was released after his unfortunate demise in 1994 and Lata gets emotional as she recalls the meomories while singing for the film.

"... It was twice that my recording for Pancham for '1942: A Love Story' got postponed. Finally, I was in Delhi when I heard he passed away. I recorded the song 'Kuch na kaho' posthumously for Pancham with a heavy heart... If Pancham had lived, he would have been so happy to see his songs used so beautifully."

Lata feels that "Pancham was reverent."

"He saw me as his father's artiste, but when we recorded he was a colleague. And if Kishore-da (Kishore Kumar) was with us, then it was full masti (fun). We had great fun. And his songs have withstood the test of time. Only two music composers from Hindi cinema have attained such enduring fame after death. Pancham and Madan Mohan," she said.

Actress Vidya Balan, who will be seen romancing a young actor Ali Faizal in forthcoming film "Bobbby Jasoos", says romance has no age bar.

"Romance has no age no bar. I don't think age has anything to do with chemistry. I have worked with Nasser sir (Naseeruddin shah) in 'Ishqiya' as well. It's all about getting into the character," the 36-year-old told IANS.

The detective comedy "Bobby Jasoos" revolves around a female character. While Vidya plays the female lead, Ali plays the male lead. The film is directed by Samar Shaikh and is co-produced by actress Dia Mirza and her beau Sahil Sangha.

The film will hit theatres July 4.

The actress, who is known for doing women centric films, has so far worked with some of the known faces of Bollywood, including Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Shahid Kapoor and John Abraham.

Asked when would she work with Khans of Bollywood - Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan - Vidya said: "When there is a script that justifies me and the Khan, I will do it."

"I never planned my career. I have only responded to scripts. I have worked with different producers and directors so it's about what I am doing in the film. If there is something exciting for both of us, then I will do it."

"I am not willing to compromise just to work with someone," she added.

Mohit Suri’s "Ek Villain" was greeted by “serpentine queues and housefull boards” Friday morning, say experts.

The romantic thriller that stars Sidharth Malhotra, Riteish Deshmukh and Shraddha Kapoor, has done well on home turf.

“Friday trends so far: East - West - North - South: #EkVillain has a THUNDEROUS start everywhere,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted.

Trade analyst Komal Nahta also shared the same on Twitter.

“ 'Ek Villain': Maya Gorakhpur Morning show full. Noon Matinee and Evening 85% sold out in advance. Great! Velocity Indore: EK VILLAIN 09:55 a.m. show Rs. 18,724.85. That's unbelievable!” Nahta tweeted.

“ 'Ek Villain' early mrng show at ASHOK ANIL MULTIPLEX, ULHASNAGAR (Bombay circuit) opens 100%. OUTSTANDING opening for Ek Villain all over India!!” he further tweeted.

The movie has been produced by Ekta Kapoor under the banner of her production house Balaji Motion Pictures.

Celebrities like Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra and Genelia D'Souza have also given thumbs up to the movie.

Bollywood celebrities including his singer-wife Asha Bhosle, filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar and Sujoy Ghosh missed late Bollywood music director Rahul Dev Burman, fondly called Pancham Da, on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary Friday. They hope his music stays eternal.

The legendary composer died in 1994 at the age of 54.

Here’s what the stars tweeted about Burman, who had created hit music for films like “Hum Kisise Kum Naheen”, “Sholay” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat”:

Asha Bhosle: Remembering Pancham & those special Moments In Time that we shared.

Vishal Dadlani: 27 June 2014. 75th birthday of RD Burman, aka Pancham aka (as Timbaland referred to him when he told me what a big fan he is) RD Burns!

Madhur Bhandarkar: 75 years ago today, a musical genius was born. His tunes stole our hearts & do so even now. #Pancham Da, YOU ROCK! We miss u.Happy Birthday.

Manish Malhotra: Today is the 75th birth anniversary of the Legendry R D Burman :His music I LOVE :-)

Sujoy Ghosh: happy birthday r d burman. may you and your music live forever.

Filmmaker Karan Johar will be seen on the big screen again and the makers of "Bombay Velvet" say that he didn’t accept a single paisa as an actor’s fee for his negative role in the film.

As a token of appreciation, co-producer Phantom Films (Anurag Kashyap and Vikas Bahl) has sent a giant Rs.11 cheque as a symbol of friendship between them and Karan.

"Yes, he has not taken any remuneration, because this film is his 'passion project'. I think the full team will always be indebted to him,” Bahl said in a statement.

The romantic thriller, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in lead roles, is set to release Nov 28. It has been co-Produced by Fox Star Studios and Phantoms Films.

Karan has earlier done small roles in films like "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" and "Luck By Chance".

Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh, who is seen revealing his grey shades in "Ek Villain", says his actress-wife Genelia D'Souza wanted him to play a negative role.

"Genelia always tells me to do a negative role or a darker shade. When 'Ek Villain' was offered to me I just thought this is it. Everyone came together...," said Riteish.

Directed by Mohit Suri, "Ek Villain" also features Siddarth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor among others.

Talking about his first grey character in "Ek Villain", he said: "As an actor it's exciting. In 'Ek Villain' my role is very different. It has been a great experience," he said.

Indian film veterans Govind Nihalani, Deepti Naval, Rajit Kapur, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Amole Gupte attended the inauguration ceremony of the third Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF) held at Sindhu Sanskriti Centre here Friday.

The ceremony also saw the presence of officials of the South Korean Embassy who came
from Delhi, as well as Thuksey Rimpoche, regent of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa (head of Drukpa lineage).

The inaugural lamp was lit by a few Ladakhi students.

While Deepti paid a tribute to her late close friend and co-star Farooque Sheikh, Mehra praised LIFF as a "fest with a big heart however, small it is".

Mehra, who is a patron of the three-day gala, said: "The child is just born. It is just three years old and still learning how to walk."

The fest opened with the screening of Kamal Swaroop's National Award winning non-feature film "Rangbhoomi", a biopic on the life of the late Dadasaheb Phalke.

The movie left Deepti, Mehra and Amole moved.

The festival has Korea as the focus country this time and four Korean films will be screened during the course of the event.

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, chairman, LIFF and veteran lyricist Gulzar couldn't make it to the fest.

Filmmakers Mani Ratnam and Anurag Kashyap are likely to join the festival.

Shilpa Shukla, whose film "The Coffin Maker", will be screened here, is also present.

As many as 67 films will be screened in three days.

There was low turnout from local Ladakhis as compared to the past edition of the festival. However, those present rejoiced the cold breezy winds with a scorching sun and hilly terrain as the backdrop, with snow-capped mountains peaking from behind.

Dhoom:3 Jet Speed, the sequel to Dhoom:3 The Game has made its debut on mobiles and tablets.

Launched Thursday, it will be available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Nokia Asha device users.

Dhoom:3 Jet Speed is published by 99Games under a multi-year, multi-title license from Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd.

“We are in the process of building a sustainable Licensing Programme of the 'Dhoom' franchise and gaming is a very important and thrilling segment for us,” Rohit Sobti, vice president of Yash Raj Films Licensing, said in a statement.

After a thrilling high speed bike race through the streets of Chicago in Dhoom:3 The Game, that saw over 12 plus million downloads worldwide, the chase continues on the Chicago river in Dhoom:3 Jet Speed, the second game in the series for fans of the “Dhoom” franchise.

The game has players donning the role of the “Dhoom:3” movie protagonist Sahir - played by superstar Aamir Khan, as he rides a supercharged Aqua Jet through the congested Chicago river.

There are obstacles to avoid and the police are at their very best with ACP Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan) and Ali (Uday Chopra) leading them in the chase.

The player can use a variety of power-ups to help evade and get the best score, but they must watch out for the health of the Aqua Jet. The game features realistic water animation and graphics for a great gaming experience.

“This is the first time in the history of Bollywood games a sequel is being attempted. We have built an awesome game around this popular movie franchise.

"With Dhoom:3 Jet Speed, we hope to ride another wave of success, just like we had with Dhoom:3 The Game,” said Rohith Bhat, CEO of 99Games Online Pvt. Ltd.

Dhoom:3 Jet Speed has been launched to coincide with the Saturday television premiere of the “Dhoom:3” movie.

Veteran actress Deepti Naval, who is here for the third Ladakh International Fillm Festival, says she has movie a script in mind that she'd love to shoot in the fascinating landscape here.

"I have a script in mind that I want to make. It's called 'Colour Of Snow'. I think I will shoot it here and tab main yahin bas jaungi (I will just be here when I make it)," Naval, who will wear don the director's hat for the film, told IANS.

A traveller at heart, the acclaimed actress has fond memories of her adventures in the picturesque terrain.

"I came to Ladakh first in 1993. Then in 1999, I came and clicked a lot of photographs and later did a photo exhibition called 'In Search Of Another Sky'. Then I came here in 2004 because I wanted to do the Frozen Lake trek - the Chaddar trek. It has been my most precious experience, said Deepti, and added that she shares a deep-rooted bond with the destination.

She is here to pay tribute to her late friend and co-star Farooque Sheikh, who died Dec 27 2013 following a cardiac arrest in Dubai.

Designer Pallavi Mohan, who is known for her edgy and easy to wear ensembles, is now set to launch her maiden cocktail sari collection.

Capturing the essence from the tradition, the designer will launch the collection under her Not So Serious label. The design comprises the classic nine yards to pre-stiched saris in the form of fluid lehanga skirts with a pallu and sari gowns.

“The collection signifies delicacy and highlights silhouettes with a modern twist to dress a modern woman, keeping her femininity alive,” the designer said in a statement.

The fabrics consist of cotton nets transiting to georgette melded with exquisite laces and delicate hand thread embroidery with flashes of crochet flower details and appliqués,

The colour varies from ecru, fragile pink, light lime, soft peach, powder blue and dusty pink.

“Conceptualized around the label’s signature-chic, vintage and feminine; the collection provides the Not So Serious woman with a whole new style dimension.” said Mohan.

Actors Amit Sadh and Arshad Warsi, who will be seen together in Shubhash Kapoor's "Guddu Rangeela", share a lot of similar interests including biking. And the duo are planning a road trip from here to Leh in August.

Amit has been a professional cyclist and amateur biker while Arshad happens to know a lot about bikes and has been educating the former on the subject and also helping him buy a bike.

"Arshad is like a brother to me, and the both of us have been planning a road trip for a very long time. We got along the minute we started work for 'Guddu...’, and have kept in touch ever since,” Amit said in a statement.

“This trip might have happened sooner if I didn't injure myself, but none the less he's helping me buy a bike first because he's a very big enthusiast himself and then we take off hopefully really soon. He's also been giving me a lot of tips on biking, so this is going to be an exciting trip,” he added.

Amit had fractured his right leg earlier this year while shooting for “Guddu Rangeela”.

Actress Vidya Balan, currently busy promoting her forthcoming film "Bobby Jasoos", visited the Mahim dargah here to seek blessings.

The film has been majorly shot in Hyderabad, where Vidya had a scene inside the dargha. Vidya was keen on visiting Mahim dargah. So, she took out time Thursday and went there, said a statement.

She was clad in "Bobby Jasoos" avatar with her detective bag too.

The detective comedy revolves around a female character. While Vidya plays the female lead, Ali Fazal plays the male lead. The film is directed by Samar Shaikh and is co-produced by actress Dia Mirza and her beau Sahil Sangha.

The film will hit theatres July 4.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid homage to legendary composer Rahul Dev Burman, fondly called Pancham Da, on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary Friday.

"For over three decades, Pancham da created music across innumerable genres that still fill our hearts with melody, tranquility and joy.

"Several phases have since traversed the musical world but his immortal creations still hum in our minds and will continue to do so as one of our sweetest companions in life's myriad journeys," Banerjee posted in her Facebook page.

The man behind evergreen songs like "Yaadon Ki Baraat", "Beeti Na Bitayi Ratiyan" and "Tum Bin Jaaun Kahan" died in 1994 at the age of 54.

Designer Anupamaa Dayal, whose label Anupamaa is known for it’s traveller-vibe look, has now gone global with the launch of its www.anumapaa.com site.

The e-commerce project has been launched to reach a wider and more global audience.

“The brand ANUPAMAA has always gone across geographical and cultural boundaries. We are delighted to announce that we are now live with our brand new e-commerce website,” Dayal said in a statement.

The collection available online contains fashion pieces like palazzo pants, crop tops and Indian wear.

Prices start from Rs.5,200.

Actor Akshay Kumar, also a sports lover, is now promoting kabaddi by urging fans to watch the World Kabaddi League when it begins in August.

“I'm a sports enthusiast, be it cricket, martial arts, hockey or kabbadi...that's no secret. I've always promoted fitness and sports. Cricket is already world famous but I feel it's now time to shift a little focus towards the sports which originated in our own country, Kabaddi!

“So guys it's my request, tune into the World Kabaddi League starting in August 2014 and give it all your support,” he tweeted Friday.

The league will be played across four continents from August till December.

Ace filmmaker S.S Rajamouli has teamed up with actress Tamannaah Bhatia for the first time in upcoming Telugu-Tamil bilingual "Baahubali". He is so impressed with the latter's potential that he feels she's a value addition to the project.

"Working for first time with Tamannaah. Very impressed with her grasping and performance. She is a value addition to #Baahubali (sic)," Rajamouli posted on his Twitter page Saturday.

Tamannaah, who is playing princess Avantika, recently joined the sets of the film, which also features an ensemble cast of Prabhas Varma, Rana Daggubati and Anushka Shetty in lead roles.

On collaborating with the filmmaker, Tamannaah said the experience was "nothing short of dream".

"Nothing short of a dream working with the brilliant @ssrajamouli , feel extremely lucky to be a part of #Baahubali, eagerly await the next schedule (sic)," she posted on her Twitter page Saturday.

"Baahubali" is expected to hit the marquee April 2015.

Actress Kareena Kapoor, who has worked with some of the biggest banners, says that she has no complaints about the remuneration structure in the film industry as she is "paid really well".

While actresses like Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra feel there is disparity in the remuneration system compared to actors in Bollywood, Kareena shares a different opinion.

"I get paid very well and I have no complaints. If it's a big budget film, they can afford and what works for another actress might not work for somebody else," the actress told reporters in a group interview.

"I feel each and every actor is different. For example, I can never do 'The Dirty Picture'. I don't have that courage and boldness but for me it's a challenge to be a part of 'Golmaal 3' and still have a great role. It's an honour for me to be a part of 'Singham' and that works for me. It's unfair to draw any comparisons," she added.

However, the 33-year-old was of different opinion in the year 2012 when at an event in the capital she shared how Vidya's National Award-winning performance in the 2011 released film "The Dirty Picture" has given actresses the hope for a brighter tomorrow in the Indian film industry.

It was during that time Kareena said that she will fight for "equal pay cheques" for both actors and actresses.

Meanwhile Kareena is waiting for Rohit Shetty's "Singham Returns", also starring Ajay Devgn. The film is the second instalment of the 2011 Bollywood blockbuster "Singham" and is scheduled to release in August.

Music composer Himesh Reshammiya says that superstar Salman Khan is working on a big "musical surprise" for his fans.

Reshammiya has refused to divulge any details but says it would be out before Eid (July 29).

"I can't reveal what surprise is in store for you but I can promise you that there is a great surprise from Salman bhai to all his fans and you all will love it. But at the moment it is very difficult for me to say anything," the composer said here Friday at the 75th birth celebrations of legendary composer Rahul Dev Burman, fondly called Pancham Da.

"But definitely before Eid you all will get a very big musical surprise from Salman bhai and you all will be more than happy," he added.

Reshammiya has composed the music for Salman's new film "Kick" and the two are now working on a song reportedly sung by Salman.

"Kick" also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Jacqueline Fernandez and hits theatres July 25

Southern actor Dhanush, who made an impressive debut in Bollywood with "Raanjhanaa" last year, now plans to do only one film each in Tamil and Hindi every year.

He feels too much work means not doing justice to any of his films.

"I want to deliver the best. I want to devote my time completely to one film. Right now I don't feel I am doing justice to any film and I gave it a lot of thought. So I have decided to do only one film and live up to the expectations people have from me," the 30-year-old said here Friday at the Filmfare awards South press conference.

Right now Dhanush has a lot of Tamil films in hand but he plans to wrap up everything by the end of this year and start 2015 afresh.

"I will do one each (in Hindi and Tamil), that is the only practical thing that can be done. Right now I am doing one Hindi film and wrapping up a couple of Tamil films and I am starting two more Tamil films this year," Dhanush said.

"By December or January I will be done with all these films and then I will start afresh. I want to really reduce the number of films and do very limited films," he added.

Dhanush is currently shooting for R.Balki's film "Shamitabh" which also stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

It was a double treat for "Chak De! India" actress Shilpa Shukla when she got a chance to visit this Jammu and Kashmir region this time of the year - when she could attend the ongoing Ladakh International Film Festival (LIFF) as well as the 33rd initiation of Kalachakra with the Dalai Lama.

Kalachakra for World Peace, said to be the most sacred teaching and practice of Buddhism for peace, understanding, unity, world peace, tranquility and happiness, is happening for the second time in Leh - after a gap of 38 years.

An expected 1,50,000 people are likely to attend the event to be held July 3-14 at Jiwetsal in Shey, about 8 km from Leh, a picturesque destination in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shilpa is upbeat too.

"I was anyways planning a trip to Ladakh - I knew the Kalachakra was happening and the film fest too. They say, when you wish for something so bad, it just comes true and how! So it's beautiful that both the things are happening at the same time, and it's a blessing to be here," Shilpa told IANS.

In all likelihood, Shilpa, who has also featured in movies like "B.A. Pass" and "The Coffin Maker", will not attend the event on all days.

"I'm definitely attending teachings for two days by His Holiness because being an actor, my brother who is a Rinpoche, he said the skin can get ruined while sitting out in the sun for 10 days because the sun is too strong here.

"But at the same time, chances like these don't come again and again. So I might end up staying. However, I'm attending for two days for sure."

Asked if she was a follower of Buddhism, Shilpa had this to say:

"It's become more of a belief system. It's the only way to function I guess. It gives you a lot of peace and introspection."