The first look of "Singham Returns" will be out soon for fans to sample what the "Singham" sequel would be like. The poster and trailer of the Ajay Devgn-starrer will be out July 7 and July 11 respectively.

The worldwide launch of the film's theatrical trailer will be held July 11, and if a source is to be believed, it is being planned on a "very massive scale".

Directed by Rohit Shetty, "Singham Returns" promises to offer a power-packed performance by Ajay.

Actress Kareena Kapoor will be seen playing the love interest of Ajay's onscreen character.

Co-produced by Ajay Devgn Films, Rohit Shetty Productions and Reliance Entertainment, "Singham Returns" will release on Independence Day Aug 15.

His success ratio is impressive and model-turned-actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is currently riding high on "Ek Villain", which has minted Rs.77.20 crore in its opening week, is confident he will play a long innings in filmdom.

The 29-year-old, who was criticised for his inability to dance or to emote well in his debut film "Student of the Year", despite the fact that it passed off with flying colours at the box office, has a reason to believe that.

Sidharth feels with "Ek Villain", he has successfully converted the non-believers to believers and that he can't be easily written off.

"It was first experience...this kind of box office success. I feel I've reached out to more number of people with this film than I ever had; so that's exciting. Now, I feel that I am here to stay. More people think that I am here to stay and I deserve this place," Sidharth told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"It's satisfying to see that I took risk two years ago by choosing a genre like this and character like this which is so different from what I've done before and that's paying off. It could've gone wrong. It's very satisfying as an actor to try something new and see that the audience is liking it," added the actor who played romantic roles in his first two films.

So far, the Delhi boy had three releases, of which "Hasee Toh Phasee" is the only film that underperformed. However he won a lot of fans, thanks to his looks.

While many would kill for looks like his, the six-foot-plus actor found it a challenge.

"We are not just standing and posing. Are we? Looks are part and parcel. I've tried to change my looks in all the three films. People think he is a good looking boy, so he can't act... that's a notion here. So to break that, to go beyond looks was also a challenge to me," said the actor, who wants to keep reinventing himself.

Sidharth, who plays Guru - a criminal transformed into a good guy by the power of love - in the romantic thriller, says the film "was also an endeavour to turn all the non-believers into believers".

"People who didn't see the craft or who weren't convinced about my craft or about my space here. I think 'Ek Villain' is the best answer I could give them...The good business shows that I've possibly made more number of fans," he added.

The movie has earned him more than just fans; the 29-year-old says many filmmakers are approaching him post the success of "Ek Villain".

"Now, filmmakers would not feel shy in putting a certain amount of money in a project with me; so there is that change in perception but I was committed to two films before I did 'Ek Villain'; so now I am concentrating on those two films.

"One is a remake of English film called 'Warrior'. After that is 'Bhavesh Joshi'. What 'Ek Villain' has done for me is to open up a new genre of films and scripts . Not just love stories are given to me. There is also thriller and action. I am just waiting and seeing what interesting comes up and what I can sign after these two films," he said.

Sidharth, who assisted director Karan Johar in the past before putting himself in the shoes of various characters, had thought of going behind the camera too. But thanks to the thunderous response to "Ek Villain", he has changed his mind.

"I got into assistant direction. I thought of that as an option then, but after the success of 'Ek Villain'... Nah. Why would I go behind the camera? I would like to be in front of the camera. I would be happier to play various characters. It's far more tough as a director," he said.

He may try the numbers game by venturing into production...some day.

"Producing is business angle. For now no... Maybe in future. If I am capable of it. If I understand the know-how," he said.

Shraddha Kapoor, who began her Bollywood journey with films like "Teen Patti" and "Luv Ka The End", made it big only with "Aashiqui 2". The actress, who is loving all the attention she's getting with her latest release "Ek Villain", says she has no regrets about her past choices.

In an interview, the young actress speaks about her journey, her films and future plans:

Excerpts:

Q. "Ek Villain" has got huge attention from the public and the press.

A. I was more excited and nervous about "Ek Villain" than "Aashiqui 2". The buzz after the promos was very strong. The director Mohit Suri and I both had to prove ourselves after 'Aashiqui 2'.

Q. So isn't that good?

A. It's wonderful! My only regret is, I've found myself cut off from my family. I'm in and out of my house with barely time for a hug for my parents. I communicate with them more on the phone than in person. Every time I am out of the house, I get a hug from my parents, saying they are proud of me. That keeps me going through the whole day. Just to see them glowing with pride when they look at me is my biggest reward. Every child wants to make her parents proud. If I have succeeded, I am blessed. To see them smile, makes my day.

Q. "Aashiqui 2" was almost like a debut film for you. So "Ek Villain" was crucial?

A. Yes, if you look at it that way then yes, "Ek Villain" is like the post-debut film. But I did three films before "Aashiqui 2". And I am proud of all of them. If I hadn't made my debut in Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti", I wouldn't have done "Aashiqui 2". "Teen Patti" gave me a taste of failure. Then followed all the rejections. I was replaced in some films. Of course a lot more people saw me in "Aashiqui 2" than "Teen Patti". I had a fab role in it. My character in "Aashiqui 2" got me so much attention.

Q. How different was it working in "Ek Villain" as compared with "Aashiqui 2"?

A. In "Aashiqui 2", we were one small family working hard to make a name. That film changed our lives on one Friday.

Q. It made you affluent?

A. If you mean money-wise, then I am just getting there. Though I've to admit in "Aashiqui 2", I wasn't paid anything close to what I got for "Ek Villain" (laughs). Emotionally, "Aashiqui 2" made me very rich. And that's the best wealth money can't buy.

Q. Suddenly you've come into your own?

A. I am grateful for what I've received after "Aashiqui 2". After the first flops, I could've disappeared. Nowadays, I love the way my name comes up in projects. But I don't get flattered when my name is announced without my confirming the projects. Premature announcements tend to confuse the trade. It also creates ill-will and bad blood. I am not one for false news reports at all. Good or bad, untrue reports embarrass me, no matter how flattering. And gossip about my personal life just makes me so sad. They are so unfounded.

Q. You are very particular about your image?

A. And why not? I would like to be known for being someone who says and does things that she means. So before you ask, the only forthcoming projects that are certain are Vishal Bhardwaj's "Haider" and Remo D'Souza's "ABCD 2". I'll be shooting "ABCD 2" in Las Vegas.

After essaying a seductress in "B.A. Pass", Shilpa Shukla was inundated with roles in "horror and sex films", leaving her "frustrated". However, she says the scenario changed soon.

"B.A. Pass", which saw the "Chak De! India" actress in her boldest avatar yet, dealt with the subject of male prostitution.

While Shilpa says that all sorts of films come to an actor and "you've got to filter it out", but she admits roles of a certain type came her way after she did "B.A. Pass".

"Initially yes, they did start coming in - offers for horror films and sex films, where one is not sure that they can get into a B-grade or C-grade category...so, four months after 'B.A. Pass' released, I was frustrated that why are only these kind of films coming to me," Shilpa told IANS here.

"B.A. Pass", directed by Ajay Bahl, released in August 2013.

"By January 2014, everything changed," said the actress, who was here for the recently concluded Ladakh International Film Festival.

She is now doing a Sujoy Ghosh film and she has just finished shooting a film produced by Prakash Jha.

"The one with Prakash Jha is a mad comedy, and it should come out by end of next year. It's going to be a lovely film," she said.

She has also signed up for a film with veteran actress Deepti Naval, and she will start shooting for it in August.

Actor Rohit Roy, who directed a short film "Rice Plate" as part of the 2007 release "Dus Kahaniyaan", is set to adapt author Madhuri Iyer's book "Manhattan Mango" for a film.

Rohit was present at the launch of the book Friday, and he spoke of his plans.

"We are already working on the screenplay adaptation of this book," the 45-year-old said.

"Manhattan Mango" is about three men and their life in and around New York.

"I believe the story of this book is apt to be converted into a film. We are working on that," he added.

Besides that, Rohit is also working on another directorial venture under his banner Magic Works.

Talking about it, he said that it is an urban script that talks about today's youth.

"It is a very urban script. It is a film about today, it is about youth. Of course it has got the usual doses of romance and other such stuff. But it is premature to talk about further details," said the actor, who has been part of many TV shows like "Kkusum", "Milan" and "Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein".

After the release of his latest Bollywood film "Bobby Jasoos", actor Ali Fazal has something joyous to look forward to - shooting "Khamoshiyan" in Kashmir, a destination he has been curious to explore.

Ali would soon be shooting for "Khamoshiyan", directed by newcomer Karan Dara. The young actor says he has always longed to go to the picturesque valley.

"I've never visited Kashmir. My father went to college in Srinagar. I was waiting for a chance to visit the city and the valley that my parents speak so fondly of."

Ali was thrilled when his producer Mukesh Bhatt announced that "Khamoshiyan" would be shot in Kashmir.

"We will be shooting for 15 days in September in Kashmir. I can't wait to get to Kashmir. Shooting for 'Khamoshiyan' is such a learning experience. Mahesh Bhatt sahab comes regularly on the sets. Vikram Bhatt is there. It's like being in cinema school. I enjoy shooting with my co-star Sapna Pabbi.

"I am yet to shoot with Gurmeet Chowdhary. I don't have many scenes with him."

Ali's next release is the Rohan Sippy-produced "Sonali Cable".

About the title, he said: "After two films - 'Bobby Jasoos' and 'Sonali Cable' - named after the leading lady, I am hoping one of my films would be named after the male lead."

For "Dabangg" actress Sonakshi Sinha, "Lootera" came as a golden chance to prove her range as an actor. Now a year since the movie's release, she says the appreciation is still "pouring in".

"Been a whole year since 'Lootera'! Feels like just yesterday because the appreciation hasn't stopped pouring in :) thank you for the love," Sonakshi tweeted.

"Lootera", directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, had released July 4, 2013. Starring Ranveer Singh as the male lead, the movie is set in the era of the 1950s and has a rustic feel to it.

A nostalgic Ranveer posted on Twitter: "Fond memories of a beautiful Labour of Love. Lifelong treasure in my heart#1YearOfLootera @Ishikamohan @sonakshisinha".

Shah Rukh Khan, who took the small screen route to filmdom and stardom, has reached out to Amitabh Bachchan to say that he's awaiting the launch of "Yudh", which marks the Bollywood megastar's debut in the fiction space on TV. SRK is sure the show will be "pathbreaking".

"@SrBachchan waiting for Yudh. Am sure it will be path breaking as all your other endeavours have been," Shah Rukh posted to Big B on Twitter Saturday.

Shah Rukh started his acting career with fictional TV shows such as "Fauji" and "Circus". It was then that he was noticed and picked up for films. Whereas, the Big B made his TV foray only in 2000 with reality game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati, which ended up changing the face of Indian television.

He has since hosted most seasons of KBC, barring one, for which SRK sat on the quizmaster's chair.

Now, Big B, 71, will be seen in "Yudh", a finite TV series ready to go on air on Sony Entertainment Television.

Meanwhile, both the actors, who are sports enthusiasts, are busy catching up on the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2014.

Ali Fazal has featured in films like "3 Idiots", "Always Kabhi Kabhi" and "Fukrey", but he considers his latest release "Bobby Jasoos" as his "major break".

The movie, starring Vidya Balan as the female lead, hit the screens Friday, and prior to its release, Ali was worried about being able to manage its promotions and the shooting of his next film "Khamoshiyan" at the same time.

Ali was dismayed to read reports suggesting there is a problem in promoting "Bobby Jasoos".

"It would have been heartbreaking if I couldn't be present to promote 'Bobby Jasoos'. Firstly, because Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha are such fabulous producers. And secondly, because 'Bobby Jasoos' is such a major break for me as an actor.

"I got into it knowing fully well an actress of Vidya Balan's stature was playing the title role. I never imagined my role would shape up so well. I can proudly say I contribute to the plot and storytelling and that the film wouldn't be the same without my character."

Actress Shradhha Kapoor can't make head or tail of the hue and cry over her kissing scene with actor Sidharth Malhotra in "Ek Villain" even though she is "conservative at heart".

"I wonder why the kiss is such a big deal in today's day and age? Audiences don't make a fuss about a kiss. By now, our audience is used to it," Shraddha said.

Kissing scenes for the actress are okay as long as she believes in her director's vision.

"If it's used to market a film, I wouldn't know why. I am no marketing expert. As for doing kissing scenes, I am quite conservative at heart. Performing intimate moments doesn't come easily to me. I will do them only when necessary.

"I won't do a kiss to titillate the audience. I am a sucker for an authentic narrative. I must have faith in my director's vision before doing such a shot. But it has to make sense to me. Otherwise I won't do it," added the "Aashiqui 2" actress.

Bollywood entertainer Ranveer Singh, who will turn 29 Sunday, doesn't wish to grow older. He's loving his time in Bollywood movies and making the most of his journeys across the world thanks to his work.

"And yea, the Birthday's coming up...meh...I don't wanna grow older," Ranveer tweeted Saturday.

The actor, who has been busy shooting for Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do", has been having a gala time lately.

"DDD is coming along exceptionally well! Pleasure working with such a sincere unit. And Zoya is simply amazing...sensitive and insightful," he added of the film, which has a cast of Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra.

Talking of his recent experiences of the film's ongoing schedule, he said: "Shootin on th ship was a unique experience. Had a blast wit this crew...hardcore party animals! Turned the cruiseliner into one merry vessel."

The actor also shared that they visited many places.

"Pretty lil' ones...Civitaveccia, La spezia, Olbia, Portovenere/ Big ol' ones...Rome, Naples, Barcelona," said Ranveer, who has been gorging on foodie delights too.

He has been filling his stomach with crepes, churros, nutella pizza, mug cake, baklava, ice cream, doughnuts, souffle, crossiants and volcano cake.

The team also shot in Istanbul and Ranveer was awestruck by the destination.

"What an amazing vibe and fascinating culture the city has! Now im in Cappadocia, it's gorgeous...quaint n peaceful...Big love to all those who came out to meet me in Istanbul. It was wonderful to see you all in person...such warmth...felt great," he added.

Having started his career with "Band Baaja Baaraat", Ranveer went on to carve a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry with movies like "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", "Lootera", "Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela" and "Gunday".

Indo-Canadian adult film actress Sunny Leone, who is currently enjoying her Bollywood journey, will be the showstopper for jewellery brand ‘Apala by Sumit’ on the first day of the forthcoming edition of the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), starting July 14.

The actress says she is excited to become a “royal tribal queen” on the ramp.

“I am very thrilled and privileged to be the showstopper for Apala by Sumit at IIJW. For the first time I am going to experiment with my look completely and turn into a royal tribal queen which will be a paradigm shift from my image,” the “Ragini MMS 2” fame actress, said in a statement.

“It's going to make me feel inherently royal and rustic. I find the jewellery pieces so alluring and enticing that I would be the happiest person to possess the collection,” she added.

Jewellery designer Sumit Sawhney, who is behind the brand, says the collection will be “an evolution” by fusing the tribal and the royal styles.

“Apala means the 'most beautiful' in Sanskrit. This exquisite silver jewellery collection with 22-carat gold layering incorporates the richness of the royalty and the audacity and rugged styling of the tribals.

“This collection will have the finesse and the preferred gemstones of the crowned heads and the whimsical character of the tribal roots. It will be all about conviction, and a look that screams lavishness,” said the designer.

The brand's creations have earlier been adorned by celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Shraddha Kapoor, Mugdha Godse, Lara Dutta and Lisa Haydon.

Film shootings take actors to different parts of the world. For Anupam Kher, Mauritius is currently his place of work courtesy "Shaukeen".

"On my way to Mauritius via Dubai for the last schedule of Shaukeen," the veteran actor tweeted Saturday.

"Shaukeen" is a remake of Basu Chatterjee's 1982 film of the same name. It revolved around three lecherous old men.

Actor Ronit Roy needs time to "rediscover" himself, and so he has decided to switch off from social networking for a while.

"Actors go senile at times. Such a time for me. So off social networking and into my shell. Will be back when I've rediscovered myself. Luv ya," the intense and versatile actor posted on his Twitter page.

Last seen in the role of a father in "2 States", the actor will next be seen in "Ugly" and "Guddu Rangeela".

Music is an integral part of Hindi movies, and if one goes by Ranveer Singh's word, the tunes of his upcoming film "Kill Dil" will be a rage.

The actor, who is currently globetrotting to shoot for Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do", tweeted: "Meanwhile 'Kill Dil''s post-production is close to completion. Can't wait for you 2 hear th music! Shaad, SEL (Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) and Gulzar sahab have raged it."

"Kill Dil", directed by Shaad Ali, also stars Parineeti Chopra, Ali Zafar and Govinda.

The grandeur in Manish Malhotra's bespoke ensembles is often as larger than life as some of the Hindi films that he designs for. That's because movies have influenced him since childhood, says the acclaimed designer, who has styled a range of Bollywood's screen divas over the years.

From Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Rani Mukerji to Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta and Kareena Kapoor - Malhotra's Midas Touch has worked its magic on several names in tinsel town. He continues to design for films and his "design philosophy" itself is driven by the creativity of the cinematic world.

"Movies have been an influencer since childhood. I continue to be in awe of movies. The perfection of the 1960s and 1970s colours is what I grew up with and that reflects a lot in my design philosophy," Malhotra told IANS in an interview here.

His romance with Bollywood started when he first served as a costume designer for actress Juhi Chawla in the 1989-released film "Swarg". Later, his work for Urmila Matondkar's look in the 1995 film "Rangeela" won him his first Filmfare award.

The designer says he "looked at costume designing like no other designers looked at that time" and that's how he got introduced to people who became his "closest friends".

"I have a more than 24-year-long relationship with Bollywood and movies. I live and breathe films. My closest friends belong to this industry and are always around to support my work," said Malhotra, who is known to attract the creme de la creme of Bollywood at his shows.

From designing for some of the style goddesses in the past to dressing up the current crop of Hindi filmdom's leading ladies including Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Alia Bhatt - he is a hit all the way. Now he's also up for designing for a period film.

"People associate me with modern India due to the kind of work I have done in the past. If I ever get a chance to do a periodic film, I would love to explore that world," said the designer, who is now ready to showcase his new collection at the grand finale show of Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week 2014, starting here July 15.

Sharing his thoughts about his show, Malhotra said: "Finale is about celebrating fashion, grandeur and craftsmanship. It's not just about creating a collection but also about creating an experience like never before. It's about creating an everlasting impact."

But glamour is not all that Manish Malhotra is about.

He does his bit to promote the crafts and traditions of the country by creating collections using Kashmiri, Phulkari and Chikankari embroidery.

He says "Kashmiri thread work, zari and tila work have now become a vital element of my signature work".

"As a label and a designer, I take keen interest in workmanship and hence my clients get exclusive work crafted by artisans from all around India in my designs. With my couture collection 2014-15, I am trying to bridge the gap between old world and the new world by preserving my signature craftsmanship with a timeless touch and dash of modernity," said the designer, who has collaborated with real estate group Logix for his show.

He has produced forthcoming horror drama "Pizza", but Bejoy Nambiar says he can't think of directing a film in the same genre.

"I am s**t scared of horror. I don't think I can ever direct a horror film. But I have a director who is so confident about his craft. He was so comfortable that it gave me confidence as a producer," said Nambiar, the director of thrillers "David" and "Shaitan".

"The audience is ready for horror and suspense thriller movies and this is the reason we are making the film," he added.

Directed by Akshay Akkineni, "Pizza" featuring Akshay Oberoi and former Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan among others will come out July 18.

As the film is nearing release, Nambiar confesses to experiencing pressure for many reasons.

He said: "There is a lot of pressure, specially when there is a first time director and also when format of shooting was different. It's a learning experience for all of us, and the pressure was added because you were trying something new."

Her "Kahaani" rode higher on word-of-mouth publicity and now Vidya Balan hopes for the same to work for her recently released detective drama "Bobby Jasoos", which sees the actress in the title.

"Every film is unique and each film has its own destiny. We all have worked hard and now it's up to the audience. Women centric films have a slow start, but what is encouraging is that 'Bobby Jasoos' had a great start," said the 36-year-old.

Co-produced by Dia Mirza, the film made an opening day's collection Rs.1.78 crore at the domestic box office.

"We are hoping word of mouth really pulls it off. Besides, there is a huge jump in the numbers. Hopefully, it will be growing. I am happy about the film we have made," she added.

Directed by Samar Sheikh, "Bobby Jasoos" also features Ali Fazal. The actress tags the film as an "entertaining complete family drama".

"I am enjoying every moment of it because the film is really close to my heart. When people come out of the theatre and praise the film, it feels good. It's very reassuring to hear all the praises. I am thrilled and grateful," she said.

Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez was recently happy to learn that her "Kick" co-star Salman Khan compared her to yesteryear's glamorous actress Zeenat Aman. But it’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the wife of the 35th President of the US, John F. Kennedy, whom she idolises.

She took to Twitter and Instagram to share her idol’s photograph and even thanked her mom Kim for naming her after Jackie Kennedy.

“Thank you kimfernz77 for naming me after the beautiful Jackie O.. my idol!!!” tweeted Jacqueline.

The 28-year-old made her Bollywood debut with “Aladin” in 2009.

If actresses like Bipasha Basu and Shamita Shetty gave powerful performances as police officers respectively in “Dhoom 2” and “Zeher”, female stars like Vidya Balan and Katrina Kaif have managed to wow the audience with their on-screen role of spies.

Here’s a list of actresses who played women detectives in movies:

Vidya Balan: She has played strong roles in movies like “The Dirty Picture” and “Kahaani” in the past. But chose to be a detective for the first time in Dia Mirza’s co-production “Bobby Jasoos”. She donned various looks in her latest film and also played with her appearance while promoting the comedy.

Katrina Kaif: In the Salman Khan-starrer “Ek Tha Tiger”, she is first shown as a dance teacher. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that she is actually a spy from Pakistan who falls in love with Indian spy, essayed by Salman.

Ameesha Patel: She didn’t get to kick, but she played her part of a personal secretary to a private detective (Anil Kapoor) in “Race 2” well. The gold medallist in economics had said back in 2013 that it was tough for her to play the role as it was a comic role and that a “dumb character is always tough”.

Ava Mukherji: The actress with salt and pepper hair chose to step into shoes of a detective in 2009 for the film titled “Detective Naani”. In the film, Ava acts as an independent and fun old woman who tries to crack case of a missing girl.

Anushka Sharma: The actress, who will turn a producer with her upcoming film “NH10”, will also try her hand at spying on the big screen for the first time. She was mostly seen playing livewire characters in films like “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Band Baaja Baaraat”.