Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, a Padma Shri awardee, has been roped in by Onir to style actor Ashish Bisht for his directorial venture "Shab".

"Thrilled to have the Padma Shri awardee Wendell Rodricks to style my actor @Ashishbisht29 for @ShabTheFilm," Onir posted on Twitter Tuesday.

"Shab" is set in the South Delhi milieu and it explores human relationships. Apart from Ashish, the movie features Arpita Pal, Raveena Tandon and French actor Simon Frenay.

The team is currently in Delhi to shoot the movie.

The recently released trailer of Yash Raj Films'"Daawat-e-Ishq" sees Parineeti Chopra and Anupam Kher speaking Deccani Urdu (Hyderabadi). The actress gives credit to director-writer Habib Faisal for helping them pick up the accent.

"Habib sir knows Urdu well so half our job was done in the dialogues. Anupam sir and me, we both are from Punjab, so we only listened to the director, who is also the writer," the 25-year-old said here.

But everyone doesn't talk in the Deccani language, that's why we have kept a language that everyone understands," she added.

On the other hand, Aditya Roy Kapur's character speaks Lucknowi Urdu in the film.

The south Mumbai guy too depended on Habib Faisal to deliver his dialogues with panache.

"I didn't learn Urdu, I did just basic stuff with Habib sir and that is what helped me. But it (Lucknowi Urdu) is not very thick and too pronounced in the film," Aditya said here.

"Daawat-e-Ishq" is slated for a Sep 5 release.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has wished his "Chennai Express" director Rohit Shetty and veteran actor Ajay Devgn "best of luck" for their new movie venture "Singham Returns".

"Want to wish Rohit Shetty & Ajay Devgn & their whole team of Singham2 the best of luck. May u entertain us as u have been doing for yrs," SRK posted on Twitter Tuesday.

Shah Rukh shares a close bond with Shetty post their successful partnership for "Chennai Express".

"Singham Returns" is the sequel to the hit film "Singham", which too starred Ajay. This time, he is expected to deliver a more power-packed performance alongside actress Kareena Kapoor, who plays his leading lady in the movie.

Co-produced by Ajay Devgn Films, Rohit Shetty Productions and Reliance Entertainment, "Singham Returns" is slated to release on Independence Day Aug 15. Its trailer is due to release worldwide Friday.

Malaika Arora Khan feels her husband and actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan resembles tennis star Roger Federer.

In fact, after Federer lost the Wimbledon final Sunday, Malaiks teased Arbaaz.

"In fact, yesterday I had it on my phone, it was all over. I couldn't help it. The minute he (Federer) lost, I told Arbaaz 'I am so sorry you lost today's match' and all our friends were saying the same thing," the 40-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the new edition of Savvy magazine featuring her on the cover.

"There is an uncanny resemblance between them and everyone has a doppelganger and he is Arbaaz's doppelganger," she added.

Arbaaz is currently busy with his next production "Dolly Ki Doli."

Being filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's daughter doesn't make her privileged. Being successful doesn't make her snobbish. And despite all the luxuries and luck, Alia Bhatt says her survival in filmdom is as difficult as any outsider and she has to work harder too to stay put.

"We get a platform, but we work as hard as an outsider. It's not my fault that my father is a director. He has made a mark, so I can't go with that tag for the rest of my life," said Bhatt and Soni Razdan's daughter.

Post her starry entry with "Student Of The Year"; she hit a hat trick when her following two films - "Highway" and "2 States" - too hit the bull's eye at the box office. And now all eyes are set on her next - "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania".

"Obviously my name will always be related to him because he is my father. I agree if I had not been Mahesh Bhatt's daughter, the visibility that a girl called Alia wanted to work wouldn't have been there," Alia said in a group interview.

Despite having a Bhatt surname, she had to audition to bag the lead role in "Student Of The Year".

Audiences and box office are not lenient with star kids and only promote talent.

"If I had not proved myself with my other two films, then audiences would not have accepted me. If I didn't have that in me then obviously there would have been that struggle, but obviously there was something that connected me with the audience that is allowing me to be able to choose and be happy with my work," said Alia.

The young and successful 21-year-old claims to have her feet grounded.

"No, success shouldn't sink in because then it goes to your head and you become over confident. Your work starts suffering. People start getting irritated. I don't think that will ever help you to grow as an actor and a performer," said the actress.

She doesn't only act, Alia sings too and went behind the mike to croon "Main tenu samjhanva ki" for "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania", a modern tribute to "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge".

Talking about her role in Shashank Khaitan's directorial, she said: "I am playing a girl called Kavya who belongs to a small town Ambala. Her concerns in life are very restricted. Her ambitions are not too high.

"Her motto in life is very simple like getting married in designer Manish Malhotra's lehenga and therefore she is carefree. She is always stress free, unlike me... Kavya gets happy without thinking much. And that is the reason why she is one different type of girl."

Fans rarely leave actors alone! This happened withactor Arshad Warsi while he was waiting to catch his flight from Chandigarh to Mumbai, and he was surprised to be swarmed with questions about a sequel to "Jolly LLB".

"Average 6 out of 10 people at the airport have requested me for Jolly LLB part 2... @subkapoor @SuperAalif @foxsearchlight R U LISTENING," the actor tweeted.

"Jolly LLB", which also starred Boman Irani and Amrita Rao in pivotal roles, is a satire on the country's legal system. The movie, directed by Subhash Kapoor, was lauded with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Arshad has recently wrapped the last schedule of Kapoor's new film "Guddu Rangeela" in Narkanda and Chandigarh.

Controversial model-actress Poonam Pandey grabbed attention on microblogging platform Twitter, courtesy a "#iHaveAjokeOnPoonamPandey".

A slew of jokes by her followers and fans did the rounds online, and Poonam found the rush "unexpected".

"SERIOUSLY!!! didn't expected this #iHaveAjokeOnPoonamPandey is still TRENDING...Thankyou for Sooo much Love and Jokes on Meee (sic)," Poonam posted Tuesday.

The jokes were on since Monday, and Poonam has since then, been loving the attention.

"First Time in my life, am enjoying all the Jokes on Meee.. And reading dem all ... Crazzzyyyyy," she had tweeted.

Some of the jokes that were being circulated about her are:

* I have a joke on poonam pandey but it is too curvy ;) #iHaveAjokeOnPoonamPandey @iPoonampandey"

* Once Ranjnikant said "hi sexy..!!" to a girl.. That girl today is known as Poonam Pandey.. @iPoonampandey #iHaveAjokeOnPoonamPandey

* Only Aloknathji can stare at @iPoonampandey's eyes. #iHaveAjokeOnPoonamPandey

Jokes on Alia Bhatt spread like wildfire after she gave some bizarre answers to general knowledge questions asked by Karan Johar on his celebrity chat show. But the young actress didn't mind any of the Twitter trolls.

"I don't feel bad at all. I find it very funny. It's a joke and you have to take it in a funny way. At least, I am crossing somebody's mind at some point of the day," she said on a positive note.

Alia is currently awaiting the release of "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania", in which she stars with her "Student Of The Year" co-star Varun Dhawan.

Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman is all set to turn film producer later this year. He says he always took keen interest in filmmaking process, but has no plans to take up direction a la Vishal Bhardwaj.

"Our first production is almost ready to roll. It's in Hindi. I'd be there to oversee it. We've out together a wonderful team to take care of the film production," said Rahman.

"I know it sounds like a big responsibility, and it is! I think Vishal Bhardwaj made that successful transition from music to filmmaking before me. But let me tell you, I've no plans of directing films like Vishal. That would require my full attention, which I am in no position to give right now."

He sees film production as a natural progression in his life.

"Music is most of the time a part of the visual medium. I've been taking a keen interest in the music videos for my songs. Other than that I've always been a curious student of cinema."

"Whether it was Mani Ratnam or Danny Boyle whom I worked with in my musical capacity, I was always asking them questions about filmmaking. It was just a matter of time before got seriously involved in the process of making films," said Rahman.

Every year, no matter which part of the world he is in, global musical icon A.R. Rahman likes to be home for Ramadan and this year too he is in Chennai for the holy fasting.

"It makes sense to come back home for the holy month of Ramzan for many reasons. Firstly, it's a time when one needs to be close to one's roots, home and family," said Rahman.

"Secondly, looked at from a practical point of view, the days are far too long in the US. By the time it's sunset, it's a good 9-10 hours of fasting, and that's tough. Being home is the best place to be during the holy fasting."

Rahman is making the best of this month-long stay in India, his longest visit home in a year. Besides spending time with his wife, children and mother, Rahman is also here to take a quick look at his music school in Chennai, of which he is rightly proud.

Speaking on the growth of the school, Rahman said: "It all started because I felt talented kids with a musical aptitude didn't know where to go. The older generation of musicians seemed to be tuned into traditional musical instruments and ragas while the youngsters were getting more and more involved with electronic music and gadgets. I wanted a meeting-point where young students could learn about music in its various forms and interpretations."

Today the maverick musician, straddling India and the West effortlessly, is proud of the progress made by his school.

"By god's grace, the school is now a college. It's like my extended family. Every student is important to me. I share a parent-child relationship with each one of them. I want them all to go out in the world as well-versed musicians. That's the aim with which this institution was started."

Luckily for Rahman, he doesn't have to worry about the day-to-day working of the music academy.

"My sister takes care of it. She is running my dream-institution beautifully."

Sunburn, Asia’s largest electronic dance music brand and a property of Percept Live, ranked as the 4th Best Festival in the world, will now attempt to create a Guinness World record of “Largest Human logo Formation”.

With the continued support of Sunburn fans and the biggest artists in the world, Sunburn has been leading the charge of what’s hot in dance music year on year and winning the hearts of the Youth. This year Sunburn is leading the same young audience to do something for society, to make a difference: “Sunburners for Change”.

At Sunburn Goa 2014, 50,000 Sunburners will congregate on the grounds of Sunburn Festival, Vagator to create the Sunburn logo as one unified force. The early evening event will last approximately 45 minutes with a grand celebration following true Sunburn style with top dance music artists taking centre stage with full scale production. It promises to be great fun, and hopefully a Guinness World Record will be set as a result of the group’s efforts. These Sunburners are representative of today’s India, today’s changing face of the country that desires to make a difference in the political, socio-cultural systems and lives of underprivileged people.

Guinness Book of World Records has been contacted for this and they have officially shared that the last logo was made in Lisbon, Portugal by 34,309 people to create the Portugese Logo for Euro 2004.

The true inspiration behind all the efforts, however, is something more meaningful than just getting together as a logo. Therefore, the proceeds from this activity will go to prominent charitable organizations that relentlessly work to support and improve the lifestyles of poor and deserving children and youth as these are the human wealth of the country.

The entry to this early evening activity will be Free of Cost.

“We want to promote respect for all people, an appreciation for diversity, and place an emphasis on serving the community and society. The record-setting gathering is all about Sunburn leading inclusion of harmony and celebration as well as giving back to the society”, says Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn.

The Supreme Court Wednesday issued notice to Bollywood film star Salman Khan on a plea by the Rajasthan government challenging the stay on his conviction in a blackbuck hunting case.

The Rajasthan government moved the apex court challenging the Nov 12, 2013, decision of the high court staying the conviction of Salman Khan for the hunting.

Salman Khan's sentence was stayed by the high court Aug 31, 2007.

The Rajasthan government proceeded against Salman Khan, and fellow Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu and Sonali Bendre on charges of being involved in hunting of protected blackbuck while they were in the state for shooting a film.

But it was Salman Khan who was convicted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The apex court bench of Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhaya and Justice S.A. Bobde issued the notice as the Rajasthan government said the suspension of conviction by the high court was not sustainable as it failed to take into account the serious allegations of illegal hunting of blackbuck against Salman Khan and the findings recorded by the trial court to that effect.

The plea by the state government said the high court did not take into account the alleged involvement of Salman Khan in two more cases.

The state government's plea erred the high court order as it described as "vague" the reasoning for placing the conviction under suspension, holding that the conduct of the film star was up to the mark and he had to travel abroad in connection with his profession.

It said the high court appeared to be impressed that Salman Khan was a celebrity and a famous Bollywood star.

The petition said the high court failed to appreciate that everyone was equal before the law and it (law) does not distinguish between a celebrity and a commoner.

Assailing the high court order as a "complete non-application of mind", the Rajasthan government in its petition said it modified its original order by exempting Salman Khan from taking the court's prior permission for going abroad and now putting the conviction on hold.

Salman Khan was convicted in the blackbuck hunting case by a trial court April 10, 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and was awarded a five-years jail term along with a fine of Rs.25,000.

The sessions judge Aug 24, 2007, upheld the conviction and sentencing of Salman Khan as it dismissed his appeal against the trial court order.

The Rajasthan High Court by its Aug 31, 2007, order suspended Salman Khan's sentence, and suspended the order of conviction Nov 12, 2013 as it came in the way of Salman Khan's foreign travel.

A police complaint was lodged Oct 2, 1998 against Salman Khan and the others for hunting Krishnamrig (blackbuck) deer on the midnight of Sep 28, 1998, within the limits of Mathania village.

Salman Khan was arrested Oct 12, 1998, and was released Oct 17 on bail.

Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) Wednesday announced that the forthcoming edition of Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week 2014 starting July 15 won't be just a six-day capital-based event. It will also travel to Kolkata, where a special showcasing of designer Anamika Khanna's installation will take place July 27.

FDCI, the organising committee, also revealed that Khanna's special collection showcasing art installations titled “Luxury 2014” will take place at her flagship store - 2/1, Outram Street - in the city.

Talking about the move, Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI said: "As a part of the couture week we have done a show in the city of Mumbai last year. Continuing this trend we are happy to partner with Anamika Khanna who will be presenting couture in her aesthetic form in the city of Kolkata."

“It is our constant endeavour to push boundaries to achieve new, inspirational and forward fashion. I am honoured and thrilled to be a part of the Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers India Couture Week and I feel overwhelmed with support that FDCI extends,” the designer said in a statement.

The Delhi event will be held at the Taj Palace Hotel and designers like Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra and Manish Arora will unveil their new collection on the ramp.

"Shahid" was replaced by Marathi feature film "Astu" as the opener at the 61st National Film Festival 2014. Director Hansal Mehta, who smells conspiracy, says that films made with passion should not become "pawns in an unseemly, petty game".

Based on real life story, "Shahid", about slain lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, won the National award for best film.

In the capital, public screening of National Award winning films of 2013 was organised from june 29 to July 2 and "Shahid" was scheduled to open it before the last minute change.

Reacting to change in the organisers' screening plans, Mehta said: “I don’t want to sound persecuted. Nor do I wish to make an issue out of the fact that 'Shahid' was yanked out of being screened as the inaugural film for the National Film Festival.

"I’ve heard it being said that my film was given the National Award because it spoke in favour of a particular community. But my film spoke about inequality and not about any community.”

Starring Rajkummar Rao, "Shahid" was lauded by all and sundry.

“I was informed about Shahid being the opening film at the National Film Festival on May 15 and I confirmed my presence saying that I would be honoured. Soon afterwards the decision seems to have been reversed and I learnt about this only through the internet.

"I am constrained to believe that there are reasons beyond cinema for this sudden change... My only appeal is that keep your political compulsions out of cinema," said Mehta.

"I will continue to express myself through films and such discriminatory practice only strengthens my resolve. I hope I am wrong in judging the decision in this manner but somehow my logical mind does not allow me to believe otherwise.

"I also wish to put on record that I am not passing any judgement over 'Astu', which was chosen over my film and I am only expressing my sadness that films made with passion should become pawns in an unseemly, petty game," he added.

Hansal feels that if his film had to be replaced by another it should have been Anand Gandhi’s "Ship of Theseus", which also won the National Award.

But an official associated with the Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting, who doesn’t want to be named, brushed off Mehta’s misgivings.

“Mr. Mehta is just imagining things. We chose to schedule 'Astu' instead of 'Shahid' as the inaugural film because the cast and crew of 'Astu' including Mohan Agashe (co-producer and the lead actor) were present.

"Since we thought 'Astu' to be a worthy film we went with it. It’s ridiculous to read conspiracy theories in something as routine as one film being replaced by another at the National Film Festival,” said the official.

However, Mehta remains unconvinced.

“I was told 'Shahid' was removed as the inaugural film because it would not get a sizable audience. I want to know who decides what the audience wants to see? I was given the impractical slot of 4.45 p.m. on Monday and we had a full house. So am I imagining a conspiracy?”

Actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays a dark character in his forthcoming film "Haider", says although he prepared for the role the nagging thought that he's not "good enough" for it kept haunting him throughout the shoot.

An adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet", the film, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is set against the unrest in the Kashmir valley and revolves around a guy called Haider who wants to avenge his father's death.

"This is one role that makes you feel very inadequate as an actor," Shahid said here Tuesday at the trailer launch of the movie.

Apart from other things, the 33-year-old actor even shaved off his head to get under the skin of the character.

"Every day when I was on the sets, the inherent feeling I had was that I don't think I am good enough to play this role. That's what I felt everyday and I used to keep running to everybody for assurance right from Vishal sir to Pankaj, our cameraman, because this is that kind of role.

"So one prepared to whatever degree that one can, but it did make me feel inadequate as an actor," he added.

But he thanks his co-stars and the director for their support.

"It was very difficult to prepare for the role, but I had support from some fantastic actors and that really helped me a lot," said Shahid, whose last releases include "Mausam" and "R...Rajkumar".

"Being in the same frame with actors like Tabu, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan sir was a huge learning experience for me. It gave me a lot of confidence about the product that we are trying to create," he added.

Also featuring Shraddha Kapoor, "Haider" is slated to release Oct 2.

After collaborating with director Vishal Bhardwaj in "Maqbool", Tabu will be seen in his next "Haider". She says she was eager to work with him as he gives her creative freedom.

"I was waiting to work with Vishal again. He gives me the utmost creative freedom when I work," Tabu said here Tuesday at the trailer launch of the film.

"He just lets you do whatever you want to do. He just corrects you if he feels it is wrong, but I enjoy working with him," she added.

“Haider”, an adaptation of “Hamlet”, is part of Bhardwaj's Shakespeare trilogy after “Maqbool” (Macbeth) and “Omkara” (Othello”).

Further praising her rapport with Bhardwaj the 42-year-old said, "I think we work very well together."

"We both understand each other very well. We have shared history, we have shared one of the most intense times of my life during 'Maqbool' and he will always be part of that.

"It was fantastic to work with him," she added.

Besides acting in "Haider", Tabu has also sung a song.

Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, the film, scheduled for an Oct 2 release, also stars Shahid Kapoor, Irrfan, Kay Kay Menon and Shraddha Kapoor.

Viday Balan often gets interesting scripts from southern filmmakers but has not been able to do them due to lack of planning on the filmmakers' part. The actress, however, is hopeful that in future she will work in the vernacular languages.

The 36-year old, who carved a niche for herself in Hindi filmdom with her performances in "Parineeta", "Paa", "Ishqiya" and "Kahaani", is keen to expand her horizon as an actor.

"I keep getting offers form Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali filmmakers. I have been excited by scripts in Marathi, Bengali and Malayalam, but they don't plan well in advance so the dates didn't match," Vidya Balan told IANS.

"Some scripts I have really liked but because of time I have not been able to do them, but hopefully, sometime in future I will do an interesting film in any one of the languages.

"Tamil and Telugu filmmakers have not yet offered me exciting roles, honestly which is why I am looking forward to do Malayalam and Bengali films. I always look forward to an exciting film," she added.

Currently seen as a detective in "Bobby Jasoos", the actress is happy that women centric films are doing well at the box office.

"It's fantastic if a good film works as you feel good. It's not about every women centric film working; a good film will always work. It's not that easy for women centric films to get good opening, but if it works it's a huge thing.

"I always say that good films will definitely work. 'Queen', 'Kahaani' all of them have set examples."

The third edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) will kick off Oct 30. One of the highlights of the fest will be an animation workshop by filmmaker Gitanjali Rao, who will also present her new film, “True Love Story”, which was shown at Cannes critics' week.

The four-day event will take place in McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh and will be a key destination for independent filmmakers and film lovers from across India and around the world.

According to a statement released by festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, this year's highlights include an animation workshop by India's best known animation filmmaker Gitanjali Rao, who will also present her new film, “True Love Story”, and curate a selection of animation films from around the world.

Filmmaker Umesh Kulkarni will continue his special relationship with DIFF by curating a package of the best short films.

DIFF 2014 has also initiated the DIFF Film Fellows Programme, where five up and coming filmmakers from the Indian Himalayan regions will be selected and brought to DIFF to watch films, participate in the masterclasses and workshops, and have one-on-one mentorship sessions with visiting filmmakers.

It's Nargis Fakhri's dream to do a movie with Salman Khan but right now she has to be content with an item song with him in "Kick". But this does not make her jealous of the film's leading lady Jacqueline Fernandez.

"I am not jealous of Jacqueline because even I am getting an opportunity to be part of an item song. Of course, in future I would love to work with Salman in a film...that would be a dream and I hope it comes true," the "Rockstar" fame actress told IANS.

"Kick" marks producer Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial debut.

Talking about her dance number with Salman, she said: "It's very underground, edgy and sexy dance number. I was a little worried what if I missed out on steps, but he ended up being the best person ever and I had so much fun.

"He has great energy and great sense of humour and I think his energy was making me feel very comfortable and happy. Overall it's an amazing experience."

Amitabh Bachchan and R. Balki had a fruitful association in unique love story "Cheeni Kum" and "Paa", a film on progeria. Now they have teamed up for "Shamitabh" and the megastar says that like their previous projects this one too is "out of the ordinary" and "challenging".

"Each one of Balki's films with me have been novel, out of the ordinary and most challenging. 'Shamitabh' is no different," said Big B when asked about how different is the experience of working with Balki in "Shamitabh".

Currently they are shooting in Europe and the 71-year-old said that the experience so far has been "exhilarating".

When asked if it is a coincidence that the film's title "Shamitabh" is very close to his own name, he said: "I do not have the liberty or the permission to reveal that yet, but on seeing the film there shall be greater clarity."

"Shamitabh" also marks the debut of Kamal Haasan and Sarika's daughter Akshara in filmdom. Southern star Dhanush, who is a big fan of Amitabh, too features in it.

This will be his second Hindi film after the hit "Raanjhanaa" and Big B describes his young co-star as "an exceptional artist".

"He enjoys a huge fan and star following in his own territory in South, as well as in the project that he did in Hindi in Mumbai. I am not aware of him being an unabashed fan of mine, quite the contrary.

"Akshara's is a first effort, which does not look like a first," he said.

Apart from "Shamitabh", Amitabh has said yes to "Shoojit Sircar's 'Piku'."

"Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production directed by Bejoy Nambiar, and a few others have been green lighted. Once I get closer to their schedules, I shall be in a better position to talk of them," he said.