Shouger Merchant Doshi, known for her bridal creations, is all set to rock the ramp at South Africa Bridal Fashion Week (SABFW) with her Indo-western and fusion ensemble as the finale designer.

Keeping in mind the number of Indians residing in Durban, SABFW invited Doshi and her brand Zanaaya Couture to present bridal and trousseau collection Sunday, said a statement.

"Our mantra has always been Indo-western and fusion. I don't do anything that is very typically Indian and perhaps that is why our collection has caught the eye of Indians abroad," said Doshi.

"I plan to showcase a range of outfits that is completely different from what we showcase in India to appeal to non-Indians as well,” she added.

From Indo-western gowns to zardozi embellishments, Doshi's collection will have a lot of India inspired designs.

“Our collection consists of Indo-western gowns with intricate and creative pearl and zardozi embellishments, which is our signature embroidery. We will also be showcasing some pre-draped saris, bridal lehengas and trendy festive anarkalis to give them a flavour of our Indian culture,” she added.

The four-day fashion extravaganza started Thursday.

This is not her first stint on the international ramp, Doshi had previously showcased at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 2012.

She recently opened her first flagship store at Kemps Corner in Mumbai and also supplies to other outlets in the country as well as stores in Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore.

The news that Anurag Basu has signed Ranbir Kapoor for his next film to begin in 2015, spread like wildfire via Facebook. But the filmmaker has reached out to his fans on Twitter to deny the news saying it's a fake account.

"There is news article abt me signing RK for my next in 2015 - this came out of a post in my FAKE FACEBOOK ACCOUNT," Basu tweeted Friday.

The Facebook post Wednesday read: "Again signed Ranbir Kapoor for next project shooting to start in February 2015. Lead actress not confirmed."

For now, Basu is working with Ranbir in "Jagga Jasoos".

Ayushmann Khurrana, who is ready with his sixth single "Mitti di khushboo", says he prefers to maintain comfortable space in anything he does.

"I want to have some space between my two tweets, my two films, my two songs, my two lives," the multi-faceted Ayushmann, who was last seen on the big screen in "Bewakoofiyan", tweeted.

The former video jockey, who turned actor with "Vicky Donor" and even made his singing debut with the song "Paani da rang", will next feature in the Bollywood film "Dum Laga Ke Haisha".

Former beauty pageant contestant Sagarika Chhetri will make her acting debut with "Fun Freaked Face Booked", and she is looking forward to the journey.

Sagarika, who participated in the 2013 Femina Miss India contest and had been awarded the Miss Glowing Skin title, was pleasantly surprised to land a part in the movie.

"Fun Freaked Face Booked" is about social media addiction and the model-actress readily agreed to be part of the project after reading the script.

Sagarika is not new to the camera. She had earlier featured on TV to host a music request show.

Filmmaker Bharat Ratan Bhushan asserts that he has directed "Tamanchey", but producer Suryaveer Singh Bhullar rubbishes his claim saying that the former is just trying to "blackmail" him.

Earlier it was reported that Navneet Behal has directed the film and his name also appears on the film's poster and in the trailer.

"I have shot the entire film, but then I have been completely sidelined. I was not invited for the trailer launch and neither have they mentioned my name anywhere. I have the copyright of the film as I am the writer and director of the film," Bhushan told IANS.

But Bhullar has a different story to tell.

He said: "Bharat directed just for two days and then he was terminated as we found him incapable. The two days footage was canned."

"I am an independent producer and I have put all that I have into the film. He had moved High Court in 2012. The court ruled against him and the matter was closed. Now, after two years, he has woken up and is blackmailing me. He is a fraud," he added.

A joint venture between Fashion TV Films and Wild Elephants Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd, "Tamanchey", a quirky ×love story featuring Nikhil Dwivedi and Richa Chadda, is coming out Sep 19.

Bollywood is set to get its very own creature film with Vikram Bhatt's "Creature 3D". The sequence of visual effects, which are an intrinsic part of the narrative, is said to have been planned using models and toys of popular superheroes.

"All superheros were part of 'Creature 3D' as all sequences were first planned out on superhero toys like Spiderman and Batman," said a source close to the production team.

The ×movie, starring Bipasha Basu and Imran Abbas, is produced under the banner of T-Series and it is slated to release Sep 12.

"Creature 3D" has drawn its share of curiosity as the look of the scary creature in it has been a well-kept secret so far. The creature, as Bhatt had earlier revealed, is inspired from Indian mythology.

He has said that the computer generated image of the 'creature' has been created in India itself without any help from foreign studios or technicians - an achievement for the Indian film industry, which is experimenting with new technology and formats like never before.

After giving a dose of 3D to Indian screens with desi entertainers like "Raaz 3", "Haunted" and "Dangerous Ishhq", it is no wonder that Bhatt has become more at home with the format in "Creature 3D".

Designer duo Ashima and Leena showcased their "Jashn" range at the sixth edition of the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week(IBFW) 2014, Friday here.

With 'odhni' as the centrepiece of the ensemble, the bridal collection offers numerous options to would-be brides.

Decked up in precious jewellery by Alpana Gujral, the models dressed in majestic full circular lehengas, floating ghararas with back trails, odhni, long kurtis with plunging necklines and saris with exquisitely embellished blouses, walked on the stage that was
decorated like desert Friday at DLF Emporio here.

Along with the stage, the music helped in setting of a royal indulgence.

The sound project featured the live vocals of Kutle Khan, the digital console of Gaurav Raina of Midival Punditz and the flute by Pandit Ajay Prasanna.

Fabrics like silk, sheer tulle and organza looked richer due to usage of colours like pale gold, burnt orange, peacock blue and more.

The last ensemble of the collection was worn by supermodel Ujjwala Raut, who walked as the showstopper in a plunging neckline blouse and lehenga with odhni.

Raghavendra Rathore's designs always have an old world charm of Rajasthan and royalty.

And through his bridal collection, which he presented here at the sixth edition of the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) 2014, he hopes to make dhoti a trendy outfit for men.

Recently there was a heated argument over wearing dhotis in clubs after refusal of entry to a Madras High Court judge, Justice D. Hariparanthaman, by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) Club.
But Rathore still wants the traditional attire to be part of men's wardrobe.

"I know there is a political debate going on this. But I want dhoti to be in trend. I want the relics from our ancestral wardrobes wearable. I somehow want to revive India. Dhoti is generally seen as something that can be worn only during pooja or such functions, but I want it to be worn by men on other occasions too," Rathore told IANS after his show at DLF Emporio here Friday.

The tailored classical Rathore bandhgala and the bandhgala achcan were paired as a compliment to the flowing silk dhoti. There was also dhoti with a long waistcoat and kurta. The colours were mostly bright like orange and pink.

The designer was also happy that his showstopper Ali Fazal of "Bobby Jasoos" fame chose to wear dhoti over breeches.

Ali surely looked comfortable in a cream dhoti as he walked on the ramp, but it was also the pink colour of his bandhgala achcan that pleasantly surprised him.

"It's a great experience. I am not a model, so it becomes a challenge for me. I've never worked with him (Rathore), but I've heard so much about him. I am wearing pink. It's very refreshing. Being a guy, I never thought I would look good in pink," he told IANS.

He was accompanied by actress Aditi Rao Hydari on stage. Dressed in white sari with full-sleeved brocade jacket, Aditi also enjoyed walking for Rathore.

"I enjoy fashion shows. They are great fun. Walking as a showstopper is special. I am happy to walk for Raghavendra Rathore. His cuts are impeccable, clothes for men are beautiful... bandhgala are stunning," she said.

The womenwear was equally stunning. The gold thread and pearl embroidery details on womenswear ensembles like bandhgalas coupled with jodhpur pants embellished and variated with organza and lehanga skirts reinvented the look of the modern day bride.

Though Rathore's creations focused on traditional attire, the music chosen for the show was western.

"It took me seven days to make the music. I've used French music to sell Indian product," said Rathore.

The show was attended by well-known names like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan, Priya Sachdev and Sanjay Kapur.

Father and daughter duo Mahesh and Pooja Bhatt were moved beyond words when a play based on their film "Daddy" was recently staged in the capital 25 years after the movie was released.

The play was staged to a rousing and overhwhelmed audience.

Mahesh Bhatt's protege Imran Zahid played Anupam Kher’s role and two young Delhi actresses, Tanya and Simran, essayed Pooja's role in two different stages of the narration.

They were moved. Pooja even broke down during the play.

“It was sincere and moving. I realized again, not for the first time, that nothing beats a powerful narrative. 'Daddy' had such a moving story. It is relevant to date," Pooja said.

The film was based on Mahesh Bhatt’s own battle with alcoholism and his tender relationship with his eldest born Pooja. The filmmaker's best friend Anupam had played him on screen.

Now in the stage version, when Imran Zahid took over the role, he desisted from watching Anupam’s performance.

“I wanted my interpretation of the character to be my own, and no on else’s. I am glad to say we had a great show. Pooja Bhatt got emotional as she watched her own character come alive,” said Imran.

Some of the famous songs from the film "Daddy" sung by Talat Aziz were also used in the play.

When asked, Mahesh Bhatt reacted to the play saying: “It was flawed, rough but innocent and moving.”

The leading ladies of TV show "Shastri Sisters" celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan in advance with a twist - they tied rakhis to a few members of the Delhi Police force as a mark of gratitude.

Raksha Bandhan falls Sunday.

The actors - Neha Pednekar (Alka), Ishita Ganguly (Anushka), Sonal Vengurlekar (Devyani) and Pragati Chourasiya (Peeya) visited the capital Friday, and tied a rakhi to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police P.S. Kushwaha here apart from some other policemen.

Neha, who plays the oldest daughter in the show, said in a statement: "Tying a Rakhi to someone signifies that you trust the wearer of the Rakhi to protect you. When we shot for 'Shastri Sisters' in Delhi in June, we all felt a sense of safety thanks to the Delhi Police and thought we should honour their work."

The show's story traces the bond between four sisters during tough times. It narrates their journey from the small city of Kanpur to the capital city Delhi, and how they battle problems in love, bullying by peers and landlord problems.

Sonal will also be seen tying a Rakhi to the Delhi police.

"I believe that Raksha Bandhan is an occasion that signifies protection in any form. I salute not only the Delhi police, but the police and armed forces across the country,” she said.

"Shastri Sisters" airs on Colors.

Reacting to reports that she has restricted the makers of her long-pending release "Rang Rasiya" from using without her consent new film stills featuring her, Nandana Sen says it's untrue and that she has never blocked anyone's creative freedom.

In an interview, the actress, daughter of Nobel laureate Amarta Sen, has clarified about the rumours surrounding her, about life after marriage and the kind of films she's looking forward to.

Excerpts:

Q. One of your favourite projects "Rang Rasiya" is finally releasing. How does it feel to have it out after so many years?

A. Like springtime after a long, frozen winter.

Q. Is it true that Ketan Mehta would have to get an NOC (no objection certificate) from you before releasing the erotic content of the film? What would this mean for the film's creative freedom versus your right to privacy?

A. Not true at all. Ketan and I were both bewildered to read about this fictitious NOC! From the start of our talks, it was as much Ketan's choice as mine that I should be comfortable with the content of the sensitive scenes, and I took time to think it over and discuss it with my extremely supportive family, before making a decision.

Incidentally, no one from the producers, directors, or distributors side has ever been in touch with me about any publicity materials, let alone an NOC. So there was never a question of my blocking the film's creative freedom.

Q. Has your attitude changed and is there any self-imposed censorship after marriage?

A. I'm very passionate about my work. My attitude as an artist remains exactly what it was when I accepted the role, which was not an easy decision. The moment for examining my feelings and fears came before I said yes, not after. "Rang Rasiya" is an important and exceptional film, and I am as committed to it and every scene in it now as I was then.

Q. "Rang Rasiya" is also about censorship?

A. Yes, it would be deeply ironic to censor myself in a film that criticizes censorship, wouldn't it?

Q. You've been married for a year. What has it been like? Do you enjoy the boundaries that marriage places on your freedom?

A. I absolutely love being married, but the boundaries in my life have always been imposed by myself, not by any legal institution or social norm. Before I was married, and when I shot 'Rang Rasiya', I was in a long relationship where my self-imposed boundaries were no less strong. When I'm in love, emotional commitment sets the boundaries, not legal status nor social cliches.

Q. Are you still open to film offers? If so, what films are you drawn to, and whom would you like to work with?

A. Of course I am, though sometimes it's hard to make the schedules work with a tri-continental life! Right from the start, most of my films have had a strong social or political consciousness, be it "Black", about rights of children with disabilities; "The War Within", about international terrorism; "The World Unseen", about apartheid; or "Rang Rasiya", about freedom of expression.

Q. Who are the Indian directors you'd like to work with?

A. It's an exciting time in Indian cinema. We have brilliant directors who make unique films that are captivating for a wide audience, yet have a strong social dimension like Raju (Rajkumar) Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar, Rakeysh (Omprakash) Mehra, Gauri Shinde, Vikram (Vikramaditya) Motwane, Ritesh Batra, to name a few.

I'm drawn to films that change the way we look at ourselves and our worlds, that make a difference without being arty or preachyA. I want to be in films that aren't afraid to break the mould.

Fashion stylist and costume designer Pernia Qureshi is set to make her acting debut with “RAQS - The Dance Within”, helmed by Muzaffar Ali, who along with his wife Meera will give a sneak peek into the film's ensembles via their fashion brand Kotwara at an ongoing fashion gala.

Pernia will be a showstopper for Kotwara at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) 2014.

“For the Kotwara by Meera and Muzaffar Ali's upcoming IBFW 2014 showcase, Pernia Qureshi, who will be debuting in Muzaffar Ali's next movie 'RAQS...', will be coming on-board as the muse and the showstopper,” said a statement released on behalf of designers.

During the show, scheduled to be held Sunday, Pernia will be seen wearing a creation she has adorned in the movie. It will serve as a teaser to look and feel of the movie.

The entire line will represent the best of Kotwara's past collections over the last five years in both styling and palette. Some of the highpoints will be pearls blended with sequins, chiffon blended with velvet and net blended with brocade to create a collage of textures, silhouettes and colours.

The collection presents the quintessence of the Awadh culture as evident in Muzaffar Ali's forthcoming film set in 1877. The filmmaker-designer is best known for "Umrao Jaan", starring Rekha and Farooque Sheikh.

Designer Purvi Doshi will showcase Indo-Western silhouttes exclusively made in Khadi at the forthcoming edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) winter/festive 2014.

Her line will be an ode to India's rich cultural heritage in a contemporary frame of fashion.

“I always wanted to promote the natural fabrics we have in our country - it is a beautiful way to progress. The collection is very close to my heart as I enjoyed every minute and there was a lot of hard work put into it. We have only made use of manual work,” Doshi said in a statement.

The creations include hand-embroidered work around mirrors.

Overall, the collection consists of three major elements - Khadi, African prints and Kutch mirror embroidery.

“The collection has beautiful incorporation of hues like orange, blue, red and green. Accessories like mirror malas and earrings will also be seen,” the designer added.

LFW 2014 is scheduled to take place Aug 20-24 at the Palladium Hotel here.

Ahead of Independence Day, actor Arjun Kapoor has felt a "sudden urge" to feature in a film with "patriotic undertones".

The "Gunday" actor tweeted Saturday: "Felt this sudden urge yesterday to do a film with patriotic undertones...strange how a simple National Anthem can get ur adrenaline pumping."

Arjun, who has featured in movies like "Ishaqzaade" and "Two States", will next be seen in Homi Adajania's "Finding Fanny".

Watching Marathi film "Poshter Boyz", which is the first production by actor Shreyas Talpade, made actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar jealous.

"When u feel jealous that u did not produce a particular movie, it means de movie is really awesome. After a long time felt that4 POSHTER BOYZ," Manjrekar posted on his Twitter page.

"Poshter Boyz" narrates the story of three ordinary people who go through a life-changing experience when they find their pictures on a poster promoting vastectomy. The movie has been received well and Shreyas has already announced plans to remake it in Hindi.

Visiting the set of Kapil Sharma's "Comedy Nights With Kapil" has become almost tradition for most actors whose films are on the verge of release. Priyanka Chopra, whose "Mary Kom" is releasing Sep 5, came on the show and had "fun".

"Amazing fun 2 be at comedy nights with Kapil as always. Thank u to all thr for such love to team #MaryKom @OmungKumar," tweeted the National Award winning performer, who is said to have packed in quite a punch in the movie.

Directed by first-timer Omung Kumar, the movie is inspired by the life of boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom.
Visiting the set of Kapil Sharma's "Comedy Nights With Kapil" has become almost tradition for most actors whose films are on the verge of release. Priyanka Chopra, whose "Mary Kom" is releasing Sep 5, came on the show and had "fun".

"Amazing fun 2 be at comedy nights with Kapil as always. Thank u to all thr for such love to team #MaryKom @OmungKumar," tweeted the National Award winning performer, who is said to have packed in quite a punch in the movie.

Directed by first-timer Omung Kumar, the movie is inspired by the life of boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom.

Vidya Balan has faced scrutiny for her fashion sense but more often than not, she has got her look right in a sari. On Anupam Kher's chat show, the National Award winning actress left the veteran actor impressed in a traditional handloom creation.

During her appearance on Colors’ "The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai", Vidya got a special greeting from Anupam when she entered, says a source.

"Oh, you look lovely in this sari," Anupam said in admiration of the handwoven Maheshwari silk sari that the actress wore for the show.

After the shoot wrapped up, Anupam, whose wife Kirron Kher too has a striking collection of traditional saris, went on to ask Vidya who her designer was.

Vidya said: "It's a sari designed by Rahul Mishra, he does some really lovely stuff."

Mishra has given Vidya a thumbs up for flaunting the sari even better than it looked on the ramp when he showcased it as part of his festive collection.

"With the sari, her hairstyle and make-up, Vidya reminded me of her look in the movie 'Parineeta'. The way Vidya ends up choosing authentic handwoven fabrics, it's commendable. Not many actresses touch handwoven fabrics as they don't necessarily fall as easily as fabrics like chiffon and georgette. So I give her full marks," Mishra added.

The episode featuring Vidya in a chat with Anupam, will be aired on Colors Sunday.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Kolkata Saturday to participate in a programme organised by the Kolkata Police. A huge crowd greeted the actor at the airport on his arrival.

"In Kolkata...my city of joy," SRK tweeted.

The star, who is also West Bengal's brand ambassador, is expected to meet State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later in the day.

Actress Mandira Bedi, who delivered a power-packed performance as government agent Nikita Rai in "24", says the success of the TV series led producers to offer her three more such roles.

Mandira, best remembered as the strong protagonist of "Shanti", returned to the fictional world on the small screen after nine years with "24", which marked Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor's debut on TV.

“It was exciting. It was a character that I really enjoyed playing and I got three more roles (such as that) after that show. This means that people could only see me as a cop (female investigative officer),” Mandira told reporters here during a recent visit to open an apparel store.

"24", an adaptation of an American TV series of the same name, traced Anti-Terrorist Unit chief Jai Singh Rathore's struggle to prevent the assassination of the prime ministerial candidate, and to save his own wife and daughter who get kidnapped by terrorists simultaneously.

Mandira played Jai Singh Rathore's associate in the show, and she wore well-fitted shirts and trousers, teamed with a crop hairdo to suit her role.

She feels that reaction towards her character from fans made her feel that “women with short hair now do have a say on both big or small screen.”

She also informed that the scripting of season two of “24” has started and it will go on the floors soon.

It's been an year now that Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Chennai Express” released and the superstar took to Twitter to thank the entire cast and crew including director Rohit Shetty and co-star Deepika Padukone for being part of the project.

“A year to 'Chennai Express' and it still seems we haven't gotten off the mad train. Choo choo,” Shah Rukh tweeted.

“Thk u Rohit, RC, Deepika, Nikitin,Satyaraj,Vishal Shekhar,PriyaMani, Dudley, Steven,Yunus Sajid Farhad & the whole crew for the Chennai ride,” he further tweeted.

SRK teamed up with Shetty for the first time in the romantic comedy that was released Aug 8, last year. The Rs.75 crore film not only earned over Rs.100 crore within the first weekend but it also crossed the Rs.200 crore mark in just two weeks.

The film was co-produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures.