After acting and producing films, Dia Mirza wants to move towards directing a movie. However, she wants to wait till a story appeals to her enough.

"I love storytelling, which is why we make movies and I have chosen production. Direction is one of the more meaningful aspects of storytelling and I will admit that it is an area I would actually gravitate to," the 32-year-old said here Wednesday at the launch of the Savvy magazine edition featuring her on the cover.

She doesn't know "how soon" it would be before she makes her directorial debut.

But she said: "A story needs to call out to me strongly enough for me to want to make it or tell it myself. Also, it takes a lot of confidence and I need to make a few more films before that."

Dia has produced two films "Love Breakups Zindagi" and "Bobby Jasoos". She is currently getting ready to marry fiance Sahil Sangha in October.

Superstar Aamir Khan, who has left many intrigued and many ridiculing him over his nude look in the poster of his upcoming film "PK", says it's not for publicity. Calling it "key art", he says it depicts the story of the film.

The poster of Rajkumar Hirani's "PK" features Aamir posing nude with a strategically placed boombox hiding his modesty. While some appreciated the dare bare act, some even criticised it and even called it a "publicity stunt".

Talking about it, Aamir said: "When you (audience) will watch the film then only you will be able to understand the idea behind (the poster). But I would just like to say that the kind of filmmaker, the kind of writer Rajkumar is, he always tries to present the things, his thinking, in a unique way and that's why I am his huge fan."

Aamir spoke on the sidelines of a screening of Marathi film "Saturday Sunday" here Wednesday.

Citing the example of the poster of one of his past production and directorial debut, "Taare Zameen Par", he said: "In the poster of 'Taare Zameen Par', the child (actor Darsheel Safary) is sitting in the front on the school bench and I am sitting behind him. So it is a kind of key art...the image that tells you much about the story and so is the poster of 'PK'."

"This is not for publicity, not for us atleast. Infact, this poster embibes all the elements of the film."

Meanwhile, a case was also filed in a court in Kanpur recently against Aamir, director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. They were accused of promoting nudity and vulgarity through "PK" poster.

However, the actor is hopeful that everything will get clear once people watch the film when it releases in December.

"We are getting a mixed response from the people. But I feel that when they will watch the film, their doubts will get cleared," the 49-year-old said.

"PK" also features actor Sanjay Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

Actress-producer Dia Mirza says being a film producer is tough, but nothing has ever made her feel more creatively satisfied.

Dia has produced two films "Love Breakups Zindagi" and "Bobby Jasoos" under her banner Born Free Entertainment, which she co-owns with her fiance Sahil Sangha.

"Producing films is not easy at all. Even when I was only an actor, I appreciated the role of my producers because it's daunting to put a film together, to make the written word in the script a tangible reality, to take it to the theatres and ensure it gets to the audiences," said the 32-year-old said.

"It's a lot of work. But I must admit I haven't felt more creatively satisfied doing anything else as making films," the former beauty queen said here Wednesday at the launch of the edition of Savvy magazine featuring her on the cover.

The going hasn't been easy as a woman producer for Dia.

"Being a woman producer can be tough and also be easy. Tough because it is largely a male-dominated industry. When I started out, nobody took me seriously. But when I made my first film, everyone was surprised.

"With my second film, I managed to seal the stamp within the industry to say that 'I am serious about what I am doing'," she added.

Dia's second production "Bobby Jasoos" featured Vidya Balan in the title role.

As of now, Dia is awaiting her nuptials with Sahil. Their wedding is due to be held in October in Delhi.

While Hindi movie buffs await the release of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's Bollywood debut "Khoobsurat", his "Zindagi Gulzar Hai" co-star Sanam Saeed says "maybe" she would also agree to a film in India if a story interests her enough.

The two actors managed to garner a huge fan following with their performance in Pakistani show "Zindagi Gulzar Hai", which was beamed on channel Zindagi - Jodey Dilon Ko, a first-of-its-kind initiative showcasing entertainment and content from that side of the border here.

Fawad's heightened popularity amongst the desi crowd was there for all to see on his recent visit when he came to the country to promote his Sonam Kapoor-starrer "Khoobsurat".

Will Sanam agree to a Bollywood project if offered, now that she enjoys a decent fanbase?

"Maybe, if a story appeals to me and with some content that helps in bridging the gap (between the countries)," Sanam told IANS over phone from Karachi.

She does not wish to hunt for work here.

"I'd like to make space (in Bollywood) without an agent. I want my sheer work to to speak for my talent and it will be quite an achievement, I believe, if producers and directors look at my work and offer me something. I think for an actor, it will always be a great feeling," Sanam, 29, said.

The multi-faceted talent, who has been a model, video jockey, theatre artist, stand-up comedian and singer apart from being a TV and film actress, was born in Britain and shifted to Karachi with her family when she was six. She admits doing strong female-oriented parts attract her.

Even her choice of favourite Hindi film actresses include names like Shabana Azmi, Tabu and Vidya Balan, whose body of work boasts of bold and high on content projects.

"I like their style, it's more serious and organic as compared to actors are more into beauty and glamour," said the actress, who admits she is as "unromantic" in real life as her character Kashaf was in "Zindagi Gulzar Hai".

The censor board has objected to the way Johnny Lever's character's name has been mispronounced in the forthcoming film "Entertainment" and asked its makers to change it.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which viewed the film late last week, has asked that Lever's character's name be changed.

Said a source: "Lever's character is named Abdullah, which is a very sacred name. Throughout the film other characters keep mispronouncing Abdullah's name, calling him all sorts of things like 'arashogollah' and 'amashallah'.

"The CBFC has asked the film's producers and co-directors Sajid-Farhad to change Johnny Lever's character's name to avoid hurting anyone's sentiments."

While the jokes on Johnny's name remain, he is no longer called 'Abdullah' but 'Habibullah' in the ×movie.

Starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role, the film is coming out Friday, therefore, the director duo had to work overnight to make the necessary change.

"It was a lot of hard work since Johnny's character is there throughout the film and the jokes on his name occur all through. But there was no option. We can't afford to take risks of hurting religious sentiments.

"In fact, the CBFC has also ordered the removal of a shot showing Akshay Kumar throwing a 'trishul' (trident) across the screen. The CBFC doesn't want any Hindu organization to ask why the trishul is being used as a weapon," said the source.

Also, CBFC objected to the world 'HIV' used in a dialogue as a joke. It has been muted.

Emraan Hashmi's "Ghanchakkar" and "Ek Thi Daayan" were abandoned by the viewers at the box office, but the actor is of the opinion that failures didn't impact his career as he had an impressive track record.

"It never affects you... it depends... you have to have a track record," said the actor when asked about the impact of failure on his career.

"Before that I had given four back-to-back hits and even the industry understands that this is a kind of film that is niche. But yes, if it would have been a commercial and a massy film and then if it wouldn't have lived up to the mark, there would have been a problem," he said.

Meantime, he feels it is unfair to compare "Shanghai" and "Ek Thi Daayan" with "Raaz 3".

"If 'Raaz 3' was a mass horror, 'Ek Thi Daayan' was an experimental horror and it had a class element in the way it was shot. So it is unfair to expect 'Ek Thi Daayan' to do business of 'Raaz 3'.

"Then again what happens is for 'Ek Thi Daayan' I had to take a pay cut... people don't see that. I didn't charge my remuneration for 'Raaz 3'."

After a welcome response to his Marathi production "Poshter Boyz", Shreyas Talpade has announced plans to make the movie in Hindi to reach out to a pan-Indian audience.

Talking about plans to remake it in Hindi, Shreyas said in a statement: "I am getting a lot of requests from my friends in media and Bollywood that I should make the film in Hindi so that people across India can enjoy it. I am thinking of making it in Hindi, let's see what happens."

The film, which opened on 167 screens across Maharashtra Aug 1, has reportedly collected over Rs.1.6 crore in the first six days of its release.

Meanwhile, Shreyas is "overwhelmed" with the response to the movie which has been produced under his banner - Affluence Movies Private Limited - and directed by Sameer Patil.

"Our focus was to make an original, honest and clean family entertainer that would connect with the masses and we are glad that our efforts have been vindicated," he added.

The movie is about three ordinary people who find their pictures on a poster promoting vasectomy and how that error turns their lives around.

Actress-designer Mandira Bedi Thursday launched the second outlet of apparel brand Satomi, which will also retail her sari collection in the capital.

Satomi's first outlet came up in Rajouri Garden and the new one is in South Extension II. Spread over 2,220 square feet, the showroom provides access to the digitally printed saris and the limited editions apparel.

"Delhi has a huge market for saris as women here ×love to dress up. I am hoping that my association with Satomi will be simple and symbiotic so that we plan many more things in future," Mandira told IANS at the launch.

The actress, known for flaunting her sensuality in the six yards, was looking no less than a diva in an embroidered sari with minimal accessories.

Her sari range comprise of colour blocking, prints and a few embroidered ones.

"After attending events and red carpets, I have noticed that it is not necessary to overdo everything as less is more. Most of my saris are less on bling quotient with a lot of colour blocking," said the actress who was last seen in the hit TV series "24".

"It is devoid of embellishments, but I have to cater to everybody and there are segments that want those designs as well. I am trying to think about adding more embellishments to my designs," she added.

The price of Mandira's saris starts at Rs.14,000 and goes up to Rs. 40,000.

After wowing fashionistas with her sari range in the country, actress-designer Mandira Bedi is looking forward to presenting her collection at the Kenya Fashion Week.

"I would be travelling a lot in the coming month. I am going to Singapore to conduct an auction for charity. Then I am going to Nairobi for Kenya Fashion Week and then I am headed to London for a trunk show," said the actress who was here Thursday to launch a new outlet of Satomi store, which will retail her saris in the capital.

The actress, who rose to fame with her role in TV series "Shanti" and went on to give strong performances in films too, says she never plans anything in life.

"I have never planned anything in life. God has been very kind to me. Whatever has come, I have taken the opportunity. Even designing sari was not something that I have planned. That was something that came from my husband (filmmaker Raj Kaushal)," she said.

Are you planning to explore other avenues of designing?

"There is a wonderful space for ready-to-wear saris and sari gowns as there are so many women who ×love saris, but don't know how to drape it. So such saris can be a nice change," said Mandira.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is happy that he worked in a full-fledged commercial entertainer like "Kick" and hopes that the film's success will benefit his upcoming smaller films.

"For an actor, the biggest challenge and the biggest benefit is when he works in different films, different genre like I did in 'Kick'. Now I am hoping that the success of "KicK" will benefit my upcoming smaller films," Nawaz said here Wednesday at the DVD of "The Lunchbox".

The 40-year-old, known for his performances in the films like "Kahaani" and "Miss Lovely", has as many as seven films lined up for release, including "Mountain Man", "Ghoomketu", "Monsoon Shootout" and "Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa".

Superstar Aamir Khan's forthcoming film "PK" is the talk of the town, thanks to its first poster. And now the film's team is set to release the second one on Independence Day.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the second poster will be launched Aug 15, read a statement.

"PK" also features actor Sanjay Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

Ace designer Tarun Tahiliani broke the convention by unfurling his black bridal ensemble on the opening day of the sixth edition of the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) 2014 Thursday.

"I love black. It's timeless," the designer told reporters at DLF Emporio, where the four-day fashion extravaganza is being held.

Apart from black, the models also spread a plethora of unconventional colours on the ramp when they sported Tahiliani's creations in colours such as white, bronze, gold and champagne.

If the designer experimented with colours, his choice of jewellery was 'zara hatke' with models sporting 'mangtika' modified into 'mohawk' on their foreheads.

The sheer silk and tulle made the ensemble light. With lot of draping techniques used, the Modern Mughals collection, consisting of lehengas, jackets, anarkali kurtas and more, ensured ease of movement.

For the menswear line, he associated with London-based brand Whitcomb & Shaftesbury.

Tahiliani feels "grooms are taking equal interest. It is the age of metrosexuals", hence the experiment.

The sherwanis and bandhgalas in gold, deep orange and more will surely lure the would-be grooms.

The 'kamarband' lent drama to sherwanis.

Designer duo Gauri and Nainika Thursday showcased their wedding range on the first day of the sixth edition of BMW India Bridal Fashion Week(IBFW).

Their western outfits with sharp cuts were perfect for wedding parties.

Crafted in neoprene, the range is full of pencil dress, flared dress and gowns in three colours --red, white and black.

"Every Indian wedding has parties and we want to wear dresses. We are targeting young brides who want glam gowns. Women want to be a star for a night," Gauri told reporters here post their show.

The scuba diving fabric in the iconic colour combination accentuated curves of women.

Models along with choreographers, make-up artists and hairstylists created the mood for the show.

Reality show star and actor Ajaz Khan has caught Sanjay Gupta's attention. The filmmaker has offered the former a role in his new gangster film "Mumbai Saga", which already has John Abraham and Vivek Oberoi in the cast.

The two met Tuesday morning at Gupta's residence and hit it off right away.

Ajaz is grateful and joyous.

"So many top directors have promised me fantastic roles. Forget fantastic roles, they've never returned my calls after the initial promise. Sanjay Gupta called me home for 20 minutes and spoke to me like a buddy for two hours, offered me respect, love, food, juice and, above all, a role," he said.

He feels rejuvenated.

"I feel my faith has been restored in this industry. I've been betrayed and stabbed in the back too many times. Here, finally is a director who has the guts to cast a Khan who is not a superstar," Ajaz added.

Author Chetan Bhagat, who tried his hand at screenplay writing with the Salman Khan-starrer "Kick", says he may try donning the director's hat when he needs a new 'kick' in life.

In an interview, Bhagat has spoken about his tryst with screenplay writing, his new book and plans:

Q. "Kick" is your first attempt at screenplay writing. How would you sum up the experience?

A. I would say from start to finish, the experience gave me quite a kick! I had a chance to work in a very high profile project, with industry stalwarts and the biggest superstar. I also was out of my comfort zone and I learnt a lot from Sajid (Nadiadwala). I am glad I took on a new challenge and it reinvigorated me in some way.

Q. How different is your interpretation of the subject from the original Telugu film?

A. We liked the concept of the original, the story of a man who lives for his kick. However, we tried to add more scale, contemporary relevance, depth to characters, style and worked on the balance between plausibility and making a larger than life entertainer. Sajid Nadiadwala had a clear idea of what he wanted and the team helped him achieve it.

Q. How vital was it for you to keep in mind Salman Khan's stardom while writing the screenplay?

A. We were aware that it is a star vehicle, and we must make sure the fans are not disappointed. However, it may not be something that we thought of in every scene. Ultimately, we wrote a story that suited Salman.

Q. All your films have been adapted to the screen. Which of your novels' movie adaptations is your favourite?

A. That is a tough one to answer, but if I had to pick, I would say "Kai Po Che!". It was a hard film to make but was beautifully done.

Q. When do you intend to turn director?

A. Not anytime soon. I am getting enough kick from my writing for now. When I need a new kick, I will definitely consider it as an option.

Q. Finally, please tell me something about your next novel?

A. It will release in October. It is a rural-urban love story, and I am getting amazing feedback from the test readers.

Q. Why is it titled "Half Girlfriend"?

A. You have to read the book for that.

Actress Juhi Chawla has been appointed as the face of Multi Screen Media's new Hindi general entertainment channel SONY PAL, which will begin by offering a line-up of nine different shows, bringing alive the theme 'Yeh Pal Hamara Hai'.

The channel, slated to go on air Sep 1, promises to resonate with the ethos of the traditional yet modern Indian woman.

"SONY PAL will present an eclectic mix of shows with empowering stories and identifiable characters that will have universal appeal," N.P. Singh, CEO, Multi Screen Media Private Limited, said in a statement.

The channel aims to celebrate how today's woman has achieved a sense of social and economic evolution while striking a chord between household chores and a self-identity, explained Anooj Kapoor, senior executive vice president and business head, SONY PAL and SAB TV.

The line-up includes a first-of-its-kind chat show, "Simply Baatein with Raveena". To be anchored by Raveena Tandon, it will be a an interactive chat show where the host will address issues under a collective umbrella of 'womanhood' with fun, frolic and expert advice from celebrated personalities of their selective fields.

A game show "Dil Hain Chotasa Choti Si Asha" will feature women contestants who will bring to fore their emotional and inspiring stories. It will be hosted by Ragini Khanna and Jay Soni.

Some element of drama will be brought in by "Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi", a story about the relationship between a 'Jijaa-Saali' (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).

"Khushiyon Ki Gullakh Aashi", another show, will trace the journey of a cheerful, jolly yet dejected Aashi whose life is spent in the yen to grow with parental love, and she adopts parents.

There is also a period drama titled "Singhasan Battisi", based on the story of the throne of Raja Vikramaditya with 32 angel statues. Anchored by Sayantani Ghosh, each episode will present a unique collection of these ancient tales.

A show titled "Pia Basanti Re" will chronicle the life story of a modest girl Pia, who believes that status and class come not from wealth but through capability and attitude.

The channel will also have the story of a mother and daughter in "Tum Sath Ho Jaab Apne", while "Sister Didi" will narrate the story of a lady who becomes the head nurse at a hospital and helps to heal patients with love and affection apart from medicine.

How can a love story be left out? "Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hain", set in Bihar, will chart the struggle of young lovers who fight against all odds and family opposition to unite with each other.

Actress Bipasha Basu, who decided to refrain from promoting "Humshakals" prior to its release, says she won't work with Sajid Khan, the film's director, ever again.

Bipasha, who was seen as one of the six key characters in the comic film which wasn't received well, has nothing against the film's co-producers Vashu Bhagnani and Fox Star Studios. But she is glad she took a stand against promoting "Humshakals" when it was required.

She had said she was "extremely disturbed by the end result" of the film and "didn't know how to promote the film with all honesty".

Asked if she will work with Sajid again, Bipasha said here in an interaction: "No, I will never work with him."

"I have nothing against Vashu-ji and Fox Star Studios. They have put in so much money and I respect that. I love Vashu-ji, it's just that I didn't want to come to a podium and lie and look like a fool. I am the worst liar in the world. So I took a stand."

Bipasha says such situations are rare.

"I have been in this industry for way too long. I have worked with many people and nobody has said anything against me. It's rare that you make such a mistake, it's one of those films. I did this film on the basis of trust. Anyone who has seen the film will understand why I didn't promote it.

"I was six minutes into it and I don't know what I was doing in it," she said of the movie, which also stars Saif Ali Khan, Ram Kapoor, Riteish Deshmukh, Tamannaah Bhatia and Esha Gupta.

Actor-producer Anil Kapoor, whose career in the filmdom spans over three decades and who has garnered fame in Hollywood as well, says criticism motivates him to work harder and that's why sometimes he waits for people to make fun of him or criticise him.

The 57-year-old shared his thoughts while speaking at a panel discussion organised for the Hollywood film "The Gentleman's Wager" here.

"I told my friends that I wanted to be an actor and I was criticised and was made fun of. But whenever anybody makes fun of me or criticises me, it motivates me more, inspires me more and makes me work harder," Anil said here.

"Sometimes I wait for people to make fun of me or criticise me because they don't know what they are in for. It just makes me work much harder," he added.

The National Award winner started his career in 1979 with a small role in the film "Hamare Tumhare" and later gave successful films like "Mashaal", "Tezaab", "Beta" and "Pukar".

Besides that, he has featured in Hollywood projects like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol". He starred in a season of international show "24", and then brought its Indian version to the small screen too.

Currently, he has films like "Welcome Back", "Dil Dhadakne Do" and "No Entry Mein Entry" in his kitty.

Actor R. Madhavan, who will be seen as a boxing coach in his upcoming Tamil-Hindi bilingual, started shooting for the film here Friday. The film is titled "Irrudhi Suttru" in Tamil and "Saala Khadoos" in Hindi.

"For all my lovely folks asking me for the past 2 years... YES... Just started shooting my next Tamil and Hindi film. Wish me luck. It's 'Irrudhi Suttru' (Final Round) in Tamil and 'Saala Khadoos' in Hindi," posted Madhavan on his Twitter page.

Madhavan plays a retired boxer-turned-coach in the film, which is being directed by Sudha Kongara, former associate of filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

The 44-year-old actor, known for films such as "Rang De Basanti" and "Tanu Weds Manu", had spent the last few months in Los Angeles preparing for his role in the film, both physically and mentally.

He had also undergone a crash course in boxing.

Madhavan was last seen in the 2012 films "Vettai" and "Jodi Breakers".

Actor Ali Fazal, last seen in "Bobby Jasoos", will walk the ramp at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week here for ace designer Raghavendra Rathore, and he is mighty excited about it.

The actor is hoping to wow the audience with his presence on the runway, and a source close to him said that he is "extremely excited" to be a showstopper for the latest collection by Rathore.

Meanwhile, Ali has been busy with the shooting of his next film, Mahesh Bhatt's "Khamoshiyan", but he took time out to fulfil his commitment for the show.

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari will also join him on the ramp.

For the show, to be held at DLF Emporio Friday, Rathore has created a line, which "celebrates the spiritual manifestation of a melange of traditions, ushering in a new era of clothes embodying history, a rebellion of colours splashing modernism on to the austere canvas of the ramp and where jewellery becomes the new tattoo for men".