Vidya Balan's assortment of aliases in "Bobby Jasoos" is not the first major Bollywood star to look unrecognizable in disguises. Before Vidya, there have been like Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Kamal Haasan, who've pulled off different looks.

Vidya's co-star Amitabh Bachchan was completely unrecognisable as a child suffering from Progeria in "Paa". Getting the superstar ready every morning was an ordeal, recollects director R. Balakrishnan aka R.Balki.

"It took the make-up man four hours every morning. Once the make-up was done, Amitji could't eat, drink or go to the bathroom. We were all petrified about his health. But this is not an ordinary man. He went through the long and painful process day after day for four hours," he said.

Unrecognizable in his own right was Kamal Haasan in "Chachi 420". He had to dress up as a nanny to his screen daughter and had to also look attractive enough for the little girl's grandfather Amrish Puri to fall in love with.

The actor used an aunt as a reference point for his character. The tireless perfectionist spent hours over the disguise.

"Getting into the skin of the character was very important. I didn't want to mimic a woman's body language or clothes. I wanted to feel talk, walk and react like an actual woman," said Kamal about one of the best and most convincing drag-act ever in Indian cinema.

When Shabana Azmi decided to play a witch in Vishal Bhardwaj's "Makdee", she didn't know what she was getting into.

Says the method actress: "It was harrowing, to say the least. The make-up used to take forever. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't recognize myself. And then on top of it all, to have my husband comment, 'Why did you need make-up to look like a witch?' was too much!"

In "Bobby Jasoos", Vidya goes through a number of disguises - each more startling than the previous one.

Producer Dia Mirza gives full credit to her team.

"The team at work on Vidya's looks and get-ups was irreproachable. Vidyadhar Bhatt who is a powerhouse talent did the special make-up. Theia Tekchndaney was the costume designer. So we were spoilt for choice. The challenge was in choosing which look we went with," she said.

Which of the disguises was the most difficult to do?

"The disguise of the maulvi in the opening sequence was the most time-consuming. It took us about three hours during the looks test to polish it up," said Dia, adding that Vidya took about an hour to get into each disguise.

After featuring in intense roles in films like "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" and "Gangs Of Wasseypur", Richa Chadha is in the mood for some song and dance routines in Hindi filmdom. If a source close to her is to be believed, she isn't too happy being perceived as a 'serious' actress.

Richa is a trained dancer.

"She feels strongly that none of her previous roles have ever helped her explore a more fun side to her personality. So, after proving her mettle in acting, Richa now looks at surprising her fans with her dance moves," the source said.

She has even recently shot for two dance numbers, one for her upcoming film with Nikhil Dwivedi, "Tamanchey" and another with Kalki Koechlin for "Jiah Aur Jiah".

Richa has trained in Kathak, and she has also learnt street Jazz from Ashley Lobo's Danceworx.

The actress is now thoroughly looking at venturing out in to the 'song and dance' part of the movies and for that, she is making a conscious effort to chose and pick films that get her an opportunity to show her dancing skills, added the source.

Kareena Kapoor says that Rohit Shetty, who has mastered the art of churning out fast-paced action-packed dramas, is the Manmohan Desai of the current generation.

Desai, the man behind hits like "Amar Akbar Anthony", "Naseeb", "Coolie", and "Mard", catered to the masses with his typical masala potboilers.

"I chose to do 'Singham Returns' because it's a Rohit Shetty film. I am a huge fan of Rohit and according to me, Rohit is the Manmohan Desai of this generation," said Kareena, who had featured in Shetty's hit comedies "Golmaal 4" and "Golmaal 3".

"He is fantastic and which actress would not want to be part of his films. He has given me my careers biggest hits and third one is on the way. He is written this role especially for me. It has Rohit, Ajay Devgn and this is more my home than anything else."

In "Singham Returns", this big screen diva will be seen mouthing abusive language.

When asked if there was a Marathi item number in the film she said: "There is no 'Lavani dance' number as such, but I have spoken in fluent Marathi. I picked it up quite fast and I have given a lot of gaalis in Marathi so it was a lot of fun shooting for the film."

For many she was "Aapa", but for everyone Zohra Sehgal was a warm, effervescent person who had a zeal for life.

The last rites of this cinema and theatre doyenne, whom Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan described as a "naughtier young girl", were conducted here Friday.

Zohra, whom family and friends remember as a vibrant and warm person, was cremated at the Dayanand Muktidham Crematorium Ground and Electric Crematorium at Lodhi Road.

Her son Pavan Sehgal conducted her last rites, while her daughter Kiran Segal stood by, composed until Zohra's body was placed on the pyre.

Wrapped in a beige shawl, her body was covered with flowers, including rose petals and marigold, and the steps down to her pyre were also decorated.

"The last page of an era has come to an end today," M.K.Raina, theatre director, told IANS.

Raina was very close to the veteran actress, who passed away Thursday following a cardiac arrest. She was 102.

He and his son Anant had documented her life through lengthy interviews and old photographs in "Zohra Sehgal: An Interview 2012".

Raina addressed her as "Aapa" and recollected how she was the finest example of a "professional" who was ready on time, disciplined and would do her homework before arriving at the sets.

"Once she told me, I charge Rs.300,000 for a day and people still pay that amount of money," Raina recalled and added that till her 80s she would rehearse, read poems and recite them to keep her busy.

And it was this charismatic persona of the Padma Vibhushan recipient that made Bollywood personalities, government officials and theatre personalities fly in from other cities to bid her final adieu.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, currently the Kerala governor, was the first to arrive. She remembered Zohra as a "very cheerful human being".

"It is hard to describe Zohra Sehgal," said Dikshit.

"I have most inspiring memories of her because she was a great artiste and a very cheerful human being. Whenever I used to meet her, I used to come back happy. She had a brilliant memory," Dikshit added.

Among other known faces who came to bid farewell to Zohra, were writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and his actor wife Shabana Azmi, actor Roshan Seth, and Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar.

"If you didn't see her on stage, you missed an important part of her legacy," said Shabana.

"She was a vibrant and a warm person. Always happy and cheerful," she added.

Everyone present there chose not to mourn but remember the charismatic persona and talk about her brilliant contribution to performing arts. Not-to-forget her mischievous smile and the twinkle in her eyes that would make any person fall in love with her.

"She is an inspiration to every woman who has a dream and a desire to excel," said Akhtar.

And this was evident the moment her pyre was lit, a lady from the crowd shouted - "Zohra aapa, Laal Salaam, Amar rahe Zohra aapa". And many joined her in unison.

"She was a perfect example of humanity. She wasn't a Hindu or a Muslim, she was a human being," said her neighbour Neelam Sehgal.

"Everyone in our area was fond of her. People would take pride in talking about her. I remember, on her 100th birthday, so many cakes were delivered to her house," she recalled.

During her 100th birthday celebration when Zohra was singing and chatting with people, she whispered in the ears of Raina and said: aceI hope I am not overdoing it."

"I told her, Aapa... it is your day. Enjoy it," Raina told IANS.

And Friday too was her day, but the mischievous twinkle in her eyes was gone, she chose to keep quiet this time, and left behind lots of memories and a wonderful legacy for her admirers to talk about.

Such was the spunk and joy in Zohra Sehgal's life that when on the sets of 1997 film "Tamanna", she was offered tea or coffee, she asked for champagne, reveals the movie's producer and actress Pooja Bhatt.

Zohra, who died in New Delhi Thursday aged 102, was 85 back then.

"Had the privilege of working with #ZohraSehgal on my first film as a producer Tamanna. 'Champagne' she exclaimed when offered tea or coffee," Pooja tweeted in reminisce of the wondrous actress, who regaled film and theatre audiences for over seven decades.

Her zest for life is a trait that many, including Pooja, wish to inculcate in their own life.

"A long life is not what I seek. A full life? Yes indeed. Dear God - May I have the gall & desire for champagne & life a la #ZohraSehgal," she wrote.

Actor Arjun Kapoor, who will next be seen sharing screen space with veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia in "Finding Fanny", confesses he got to learn a lot on the sets.

Set in Goa, Homi Adajania's directorial venture also stars Deepika Padukone.

"I am a new actor, so for me, working with these actors is like a dream come true. I always used to tell Homi that this film is like an acting class for me," the actor told reporters Thursday on the sets of Disney's chat show "Captain Tiao" here.

"I observed and noticed how veteran actors behave towards their work. Perhaps their experience will reflect in my work as well. It was great working with them all," he added.

Shot in English, "Finding Fanny" was such an opportunity for Arjun that he wanted to grab it with both hands, though he was initially skeptical.

"Initially, I thought it would be difficult. But I feel an actor should grab the opportunity of doing different things. So, I took a chance.

"As far as the reaction to the trailer is concerned, people think that I can speak English also fluently. However, I am still learning to act properly in Hindi. It was a new chance for me and I didn't want to lose it," said Arjun.

The satirical comedy is set to release in September.

UAE-based Aries group of company's BizTV wing has taken over the management of Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's Vismayas Max Studio, which will henceforth be known as Aries-Vismayas Studio.

The acquisition has made the company the largest film and TV studio in India and Mohanlal will continue as the brand ambassador of Aries-Vismayas Max, said a statement.

Kerala's first DTS studio, Vismayas Max, headquartered in Trivandrum with a branch at Cochin, was set up by popular Malayalam star Mohanlal, while Vismayas Max with animation, pre and post production works, has catered to several Indian movies in various languages.

Meanwhile, Aries Group of Company's BizTV Network is a well-known media company with three 3D movies and two Global TV channels.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who shared screen space with Bollywood's late centurion Zohra Sehgal in multiple movies, says he's yet to meet a "naughtier young girl".

"A journey of million miles overloaded with smiles. Even at a 100 plus I have yet to meet a naughtier young girl…..will miss you Zohra," SRK, who worked with the vivacious grand old lady in "Dil Se...", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Veer-Zaara", tweeted Friday.

Zohra breathed her last in a New Delhi hospital Thursday afternoon following a cardiac arrest. She was 102.

The theatre and cinema performer was cremated Friday in the presence of her near and dear ones.

The news of her death left many in the film fraternity emotional and reminiscent of her infectious smile, her charm, wit and living-life-to-the-fullest attitude.

Actress Dolly Ahluwalia tweeted: "RIP Zohra Seghal ji! Will miss you & you will always be with us with your everlasting SMILE & HUMOUR".

Anupam Kher posted: "Landed in Mumbai & heard the sad news of Zohra Sehgal's passing away. An exceptional actress. Loved her attitude towards life. RIP. #Legend"

President Pranab Mukherjee Friday condoled the death of cinema and theatre artiste Zohra Sehgal and said her demise leaves a "void in the world of art and creativity which will be difficult to fill".

In a condolence message to her daughter, Kiran Sehgal, Mukherjee said Zohra was a veteran actress, theatre artist and TV personality who delighted countless Bollywood and Hollywood film watchers by her "memorable acting" and "unabated energy".

"She will always be remembered for her films like 'Bhaji on the Beach', 'Cheeni Kum', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Saawariya', among others. Her singular contribution to Indian theatre and cinema was recognised through a number of awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri," he said.

"Her death leaves a void in the world of art and creativity which will be difficult to fill," Mukherjee added.

Conveying heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and Sehgal's countless fans and friends, Mukherjee said: "I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss".

I fondly remember Zohra Sehgal since I first met her during 2003 at her residence. The climb to the third floor of Mandakini Apartments in Alaknanda, south Delhi, was tough even for me. I could only imagine how it was for the frail lady who was almost trapped on the top floor. It did not stop her and, even at 91, in spite of all odds, Zohra Sehgal had not lost any of her zest for life. And offers for roles were still pouring in.

Later, I met her a couple of times at the India International Centre when she took pride in introducing her three generations beginning with dancer Kiran Sehal, all extremely talented.

Zohra Sehgal, who lived a full life on her own terms, remained a living legend in her lifetime. This versatile actress, who began her career as a dancer, had held audiences spellbound through her active career spanning more than six decades. She had won the Padma Vibhushan in 2010 and the Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

It was way back in 1935 that she started her professional career as a leading dancer with the Uday Shankar Ballet Company that took her to all corners of the globe. Then, in 1945, she joined Prithviraj Kapoor's Prithvi Theatre. From a dancer, she turned into a stage actress.

The next 14 years she stayed in Mumbai and came close to many celebrities like Ebrahim Alkazi, Chetan Anand and Dev Anand, Chetan's wife Uma, Balraj Sahni and his wife, Damyanti. For 14 years she toured every corner of India in the most successful example of a travelling repertory. In the process, Zohra and her sister Uzra Butt became national stars. In between she married a fellow dancer, Kameshwar Sehgal, and lived through his suicide.

Zohra was born in 1912 in Rampur, and her full name was Sahibzadi Zohra Begum Mumtaz-ullah Khan. She was one of seven children of a land-owning family of Rohilla Pathans settled around Rampur. She grew up in a very conformist Sunni Muslim environment, saying five prayers a day and fasting during Ramadan. She was forced to wear a burqa. But Zohra was a rebel against tradition. She itched to get rid of the burqa, and throw off the restraints imposed on her.

During a vacation in Dehra Dun, she saw the legendary Uday Shankar dance. His image stayed in her mind all her life. With her uncle who was closer to her than her father, she travelled all the way across India, West Asia and Europe by car. On her return she was once again put in a burqa and sent to Queen Mary's Girls College, Lahore, meant for daughters of aristocratic families. No sooner did Zohra pass out of Queen Mary's, she shed her burqa - this time forever -- and joined Uday Shankar's dance troupe.

When Uday Shankar's dance institute in Almora shut down, Zohra and her husband migrated to Lahore and set up their own dance institute. The growing communal tension preceding the Partition made them feel unwelcome. They migrated to Mumbai where she joined Prithviraj Kapoor, which set her on a stage career.

After her husband's death, Zohra first moved to Delhi, and then went to London in 1962 on a drama scholarship. She had two children to educate. Jobless and broke, she eked out a living as a dresser in London's greenrooms and tailoring establishments for 10 years. But in the late 1970s, British TV and films discovered her in a big way. Thus began her film career.

Zohra got her first break in films when she was signed by Arthur Rank and Merchant Ivory Productions. She appeared in "The Raj Quartet", "Jewel in the Crown", "Tandoori Nights", "My Beautiful Launderette" and in films like "Bhaji on the Beach". In 2002, she played the leading role in Sadia Dahlvi's TV serial "Amma & Family".

Zohra, who excelled in character roles both in theatre and cinema for almost eight decades, finally bid good bye to millions of her fans across all age groups on July 10.

Director Kunal Kohli is quite impressed with "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" and says the "outstanding love story" should not be confused with romantic comedy.

"After a long time we have seen a good love story. If people think that it is a light rom-com, it is not, it is an outstanding love story," Kunal, who saw the film at a special screening Thursday, said.

Directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Karan Johar, the film has Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan in the lead roles. Released Friday, it also marks TV actor Siddharth Shukla's big screen debut.

Kunal is impressed with all the performances and had a special word of praise for Ashutosh Rana.

"All the artists have done a brilliant job, not just Varun and Alia. Ashutosh Rana has come into a film after so long and (what a) fantastic performance. Everybody in the film has performed brilliantly. Claps in a trial are rare but this happened between scenes," he said.

Kunal added: "It is a very intelligently written film. It is very tough to write such a film and like I said, it is a love story after a long time and not a rom-com."

"Rom-coms run for a few days but love stories run for many weeks so this is a very big hit," he added.

Is Arjun Kapoor giving the nod to a movie adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's "Revolution 2020"? The young actor prefers to stay mum as long as the makers make an official announcement.

There's buzz that after delivering a hit with "2 States", an adaptation of Bhagat's bestseller "2 States: The Story Of My Marriage", Arjun has been approached for the onscreen version of "Revolution 2020", to be helmed by Rajkumar Gupta.

Asked about the prospects of signing on the dotted line for the project, Arjun told IANS: "I have to meet Rajkumar Gupta and Siddharth Roy Kapur, so I look forward to meeting them soon. When there is something official to speak about, they are the ones who should talk about it. Producers should announce it, not actors."

But are you keen?

"Again that's something individual and personal," said the tall and handsome actor, who has vowed the audience with his work in films like "Ishaqzaade", "Gunday" and "2 States".

The book "Revolution 2020" is a love triangle set against a backdrop of corruption.

Bejoy Nambiar started his career in direction with Hindi movies "Shaitan" and "David" but the filmmaker, who hails from Kerala, is keen to jump onto the southern films bandwagon.

"It's a very interesting industry, but my favourite is Tamil industry. There is a wide range of films, right from mainstream blockbusters to independent films, both work. That's a industry I would love to mirror over here and hopefully we see more films like that happening here," said Nambiar, who is gearing up for his next release - "Pizza" - coming out July 18.

"If a good subject comes, I would love to jump there (southern filmdom) as a producer and director. I am trying to jump into different genres," he added.

If Nambiar rates Tamil as the best among others, he also feels that the Malayalam industry is now picking up.

"Malayalam industry is going through a weird phase and now it's kind of picking up. New talents and new vision and ideas are coming in.

"In the last five to six years, it has picked up and I think in the next four to 5 years, I am hoping something interesting happens."

Star rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, who has purchased a team in World Kabaddi League (WKL), Friday revealed that he has named it Yo Yo Tigers because he feels it will help people relate to it.

"I wanted to associate with a sport that I really believe in. So I bought a team in World Kabbadi League, and Toronto will host my team," Singh, who had also started Global Fighting Championship (GFC) in Dubai, told reporters here.

"I have named the team after my own name because I want to represent the game internationally. I know children and youth relate to me, so I feel they will support my team as much as they support me," he added.

The 31-year-old has also shared that he will give his best while promoting the team and that soon he will launch a track for the same.

"Watch and watch what all I do for my team," he said.

WKL, to be held from August to December, will have its first match in London and it will be a "first-of-its-kind league", said the singer, who loves Kabaddi since his childhood.

This year, there will be no bidding for the players for WKL, and they will be selected as per their performances.

Getting into the character took a new meaning on the sets of forthcoming 3D suspense thriller "Pizza", when the film's 'bad man' Arunoday Singh! The actor's prosthetics in the film were so real and scary that the people around took him to be his character.

Arunoday plays a supernatural character in this eponymous remake of a Tamil blockbuster.

"One day I had to leave in a hurry post shoot, I thought I would remove my make-up after reaching home. But as I waved at the cabs, they would all slow down and then get so freaked out that they would zip off in a hurry," Arunoday told IANS.

"The other commuters had to ask me to step back and remove my make-up as even they were unable to get the ride home because of me," he added.

Directed by debutant Akshay Akkineni, "Pizza" also features Akshay Oberoi, Parvathy Omanakuttan and Dipannita Sharma in lead roles.

The film, which is slated to release July 18, is jointly produced by Bejoy Nambiar and UTV Spotboy.

Bollywood's young and raring to go actor Arjun Kapoor terms his mobile phone a "necessisity more than a luxury", saying it provides him his dose of entertainment in between hectic work schedules.

"There are so many gadgets available in the market, but the most important remains the phone - at least for me! We work for long hours, so we literally can't do anything else but be on the phone. It's 24X7 entertainment for me and you can never get bored of your phone," Arjun told IANS during a tete-a-tete here.

The 29-year-old, who was here recently for the launch of ASUS ZenFone, a smartphone series, went to the extent of saying: "You can forget your clothes, but you can never forget your phone! A good phone is a necessity more than a luxury."

Arjun, who started his Bollywood career with "Ishaqzaade" and who has found fans with his films like "Gunday" and "2 States", believes a majority of the youth is "techies at heart".

"It's that time of evolution in the society when you need to be abreast with technology," he said.

Does he believe that addiction to technology - such as mobile phones - can hamper relationships and social skills?

"Not technology! It's the people holding technolgy. We cannot blame technology for that. It is individuals who should be held up for it. I would never blame technology because in good hands, technology can be fantastic, and in bad hands, it can be destructive," said Arjun, who made his debut on micro-blogging platform Twitter just last month.

How's the Twitter journey going?

"So far so good! I reached 100,000 recently, which is great! It means I have connected with that many people from across the world. I have people from Brazil and Lebanon and it is overwhelming - the love, adulation and the support we get for the work we've done in the past.

"It's a good medium via which you get to interact with people you don't get to meet all the time," he said.

Arjun, son of film producer Boney Kapoor, has also been bitten by the selfie bug, and just very recently, he broke his "selfie Twitter virginity" too!

For now, he's kicked about his forthcoming project - "Finding Fanny", an English language film by Homi Adajania. Thanks to the internet and its reach, the film's trailer has crossed over two million views on YouTube within two days of hitting the web.

Young actor Varun Dhawan, whose latest Bollywood release "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" is entertaining movie-goers, says his aim as an actor is to leave viewers "happy" after they watch his films.

From "Student Of The Year" To "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" - the actor has worked with three different directors, and managed to carry out varied roles with ease. In an interview, Varun speaks about his challenges, his camaraderie with his co-star Alia Bhatt and his future projects.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. How different was the experience of working with Alia Bhatt in "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" as compared to the experience of working with her in your first film "Student Of The Year"?

A. Oh, very different! I actually had to change my acting style completely and unlearn a lot of things that I had applied to my characters earlier on. Both of us influenced each other's performances to a large extent. In "Humpty...", she plays a character who's a lot like me.

Q. How is her character like you?

A. I'm charged up and aggressive and a bundle of energy. I play a character who is sensitive and restrained like her. So in that sense we swapped characters. And that could only happen because we both knew one another so well.

Q. You seem to share a great comfort level with one another!

A. I am very comfortable with Alia. And I know she's comfortable with me. We understand each other so well that we forget when the camera is rolling. Alia has a terrific memory and she's brilliant with her lines, whereas I like to improvise a lot. By the time we reached the end of shooting for "Humpty...", Alia was improvising like me.

Q. Was it tougher shooting for "Humpty Sharma..." than "Main Tera Hero"?

To be very honest, I worked harder on "Humpty...". I did many workshops. I never did workshops in "Main Tera Hero". There was a lot more improvisation in my dad's film. Shashank Khaitan the director of "Humpty..." is a different school. Shashank controlled my expressions. I normally do a half-smile on camera. He showed me how to smile fully. I also delivered my lines slower, much slower.

Q. So Shashank is a different school?

A. Because he comes from a theatre background and has been a student of Naseer sir(Naseeruddin Shah), he has an authentic approach to acting. It was an enriching experience. Shashank would give me four takes. The first two takes would be the way Shashank wanted me to do a scene. Invariably, his interpretation was correct. It took me a while to understand his method of working. But I learnt a lot from me.

Q. You had three very different directors in your first three films!

A. Yes, Karan Johar, my father (David Dhawan) and now Shashank. They are all entertainers. But different kinds of entertainers. I want everyone to go back home feeling happy after watching all my films.

Q. Even Sriram Raghavan's film "Badlapur" (said to be a revenge drama)?

A. Yes, it could make the audience of a particular kind of cinema, smile. Sriram's film has taken its toll on me. And it showed during my promotions of "Humpty...". A lot of people wanted to know why I was looking depressed. Even "Humpty..." is not a comedy. It's a love story. But there's no melodrama. Even when my character is sad, he wipes his tears and moves on. That's how life is.

Q. There was news of a home production directed by your brother Rohit and produced by your dad?

A. Hopefully we'll do a film together in the future. But nothing right now.

The promos of the forthcoming TV series "Yudh" have left audiences guessing the actual story of the show, but a source says the narrative will centre on the division of the business empire of the show's protagonist, Amitabh Bachchan.

Amitabh, who is making his debut in the fiction space on TV with "Yudh", essays Yudhisthir Sikarwar aka Yudh, the owner of a construction company.

Yudh has two wives. The first wife is named Gauri, essayed by veteran actress Sarika, with whom he has one daughter Taruni, a role played by Aahana Kumra. Yudh's second wife is called Nayantara and Ayesha Raza will be seen in this role.

From Nayantara, Yudh has a son named Rishi, portrayed by Pavail Gulati.

"When Yudh comes to know about his illness, he wants to give his empire to Taruni. But Nayantara wants it to be divided and given to Rishi also. It's the 'yudh' (battle) of this empire," said the source.

Co-produced by Amitabh's production company Saraswati Creations with Endemol India, "Yudh" is being promoted as a "first of its own kind" TV series. With Anurag Kashyap on board as its creative director, Shoojit Sircar as creative consultant and Ribhu Dasgupta as its director, the much-awaited show is due to premiere Monday on Sony Entertainment Television.

The finite series will then air every Monday to Thursday at 10:30 p.m.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has not yet given clarity on whether he will host the eighth season of popular reality show "Bigg Boss". However, in case he does not, he feels Shah Rukh Khan will make for "great host".

Rumour mills are abuzz that Salman, who has hosted four seasons of the reality show, may not return to anchor it this time.

At the launch of the song "Devil" from his forthcoming film "Kick", the 48-year-old was asked about it.

He said: "There is a possibility (that I may host the upcoming season of 'Bigg Boss') and there is no possibility also."

If reports are to be believed, Salman is in no mood to host the eighth season of "Bigg Boss" due to disagreements over certain issues. In the last season of show, the actor was repeatedly accused of being partial to some of the contestants on the show.

Further on being asked as to who will be a good host for the show, if not him, he said: "If not me, then I think Shah Rukh Khan will be a great host for this season of 'Bigg Boss'."

"Bigg Boss" is the Indian version of international popular reality show "Celebrity Big Brother".

Bhagyashree, best known for playing the love interest of Salman Khan in the movie "Maine Pyar Kiya", started her career with TV show "Kachchi Dhoop" and now she's returning to her roots with "Laut Aao Trisha". The actress is not ready to call it a "comeback" as she feels she's always been in her fans' hearts.

"I have never felt that I went away from my fans. I have always been in their heart and so I don't like the word comeback," Bhagyashree told reporters here while she was in the capital for the promotion of her forthcoming show, to be aired on Life OK starting July 21.

An emotional thriller, "Laut Aao Trisha" is an intriguing story full of tricky plots and deals with "in family crimes".

Talking about her role, the 45-year-old said: "I play the role of Amrita Swaikar, an adamant mother who begins a quest to search for her missing daughter. The story is bold and thrilling and will also touch the issues that plague the society in a manner that is sensitive yet thought provoking.

"Such scenarios make us wonder if there is really a city for girls in India."

Born in a royal Marathi-speaking Patwardhan family, the actress says she wants to stand out by doing powerful roles and play substantial characters on the small screen.

"I don't want to do regressive roles. I want to do strong substantial roles. It should excite me. And I don't think that if I play a meek character, audiences will like it. They wouldn't want me to do a weak character," Bhagyashree said.

Her decision to resume working was driven by her children's request.

"My 19-year-old daughter went to London to pursue her studies last year and before she went, she took a promise saying, 'We have really enjoyed the time that you spent with us but now you have to promise me that you will live your life for yourself. I want you to work. I want you to go and do what you have always enjoyed doing'," she said.

Bhagyashree, who is married to Himalaya Dasani, has two children - a son aged 22 and a 19-year-old daughter.

Having featured in other TV shows like "Aandhi Jasbaton Ki" and "Didi Ka Dulha" apart from a dance reality show like “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 3”, the actress has also done some Bollywood and regional cinema.

In the time when she was away from the limelight of Bollywood, what did she do?

"I did a couple of movies in the south, travelled all over the world, which I really love to do, and looked after my family," said the actress.