Ailing Achala Sachdev dies at 88

Yesteryear actor Achala Sachdev gave up the ghost in Pune on Monday, said family sources. She was 88.

According to reports, Sachdev was bed-ridden for the past seven months on the Poona Hospital and Research Centre (PHRC).

Veteran journalist and writer Bhawana Somaaya posted on Facebook: "Sad news. Achala Sachdev the pretty screen mom for whom Balraj Sahani sang in Waqt died peacefully in Pune writes a chum from the hospi."

Sachdev broke her left leg after a fall in her house nearly six months ago.

She also suffered from a brain infarction because of which she lost her vision and movements of higher and lower limbs, media reports said.

Sachdev gained immense popularity by for enjoying roles of mother and grandmother in Hindi films.

Her most memorable roles include playing actor Balraj Sahni's wife in 1965 film 'Waqt' and Kajol's grandmother within the film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' in1995.

She made her film debut with 'Fashionable Wife' in1938 and acted in over 130 Hindi films in her career.

She charmed the audience by playing some memorable roles in numerous films like: 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Chandni', 'Karm' and 'Albela'.

Aamir in a movie on AIDS?

Superstar Aamir Khan is probably going to add in Priyadarshan's much-awaited film in keeping with AIDS.

"The project on AIDS is on, however the script isn't yet ready... (I had) too many schedules and activities so couldn't finish the script. I had discussed it with Aamir earlier and that point he desired to do the film," the director.

The 55-year-old filmmaker have been talking about this project since 2009. It's been learnt that when Priyadarshan wraps up his current project, 'Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal', he would start work at the untitled AIDS film, to be able to be without songs, comedy and freed from commercial trappings.

"I will complete the script first and approach him (Aamir) again. If he has time he'll do it," the National Award winning director said.

Earlier, filmmakers Revathy and Onir had explored this subject (AIDS) of their films 'Phir Milenge' (2004) and `My Brother Nikhil' (2005), respectively.

While 'Phir Milenge' had a star-studded cast that included Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan, 'My Brother Nikhil' featured Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla and Purab Kohli. Both films didn't have a successful run on the box office but they received critical acclaim.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Who will play Bhanwari Devi?

Film's makers keen to cast actress from amongst Mallika Sherawat, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Kangna Ranaut and Jacqueline Fernandez

Over a decade since late filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra’s Bawandar, another film on Bhanwari Devi is being made, this time by a team of people that were earlier related to Ekta Kapoor’s TV production house.

Sexually assulted by a bunch of guys in 1992, the lady from Rajasthan recently made news again when a CD was released showing the involvement of a neighborhood politico.

The makers are considering five actresses to play Bhanwari — Mallika Sherawat, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Kangna Ranaut and Jacqueline Fernandez. Filmmaker Nikhil Tonk on why he desires to cast such a ladies…

Bipasha Basu She may be very charismatic.

Mallika Sherawat She’s a wise woman to play a sensible person like Bhanwari. People will come to look at her. She is camera friendly and can do justice to the part.

Jacqueline Fernandez

I saw Housefull 2 five times to know her psyche as an actress and gauge her potential.

Kangna Ranaut

Her body language and how she talks makes her a fair candidate for the role.

Priyanka Chopra

After seeing her in 7 Khoon Maaf, I DO KNOW she will play the nature with conviction. She’s done intense movies and roles and is open to experimental movies.

Why another film on Bhanwari? Nikhil Tonk explains, “Jagmohan Mundhra’s film was in regards to the assault case. That was only half the adventure. Consistent with her family and news reports, she was killed.

However, the CBI chargesheet contests that she’s alive and outdoors the rustic. Our film will show her true side. While the primary half can be about how people fooled and used her, the second one part will take care of her revenge.”

Interestingly, Tonk is raring to rope in Emraan Hashmi to play the privotal role of a cop. “I need to bring Emraan and Mallika together after Murder, ” says the producer, adding that his next choice for the role is Randeep Hooda.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Farah Khan swaps pants for skirts after TWO DECADES!

After an opening of 20 years, Farah Khan again slips into frocks and skirts in her forthcoming film as an actor

In her forthcoming film where the choreographer-turned-director is making her acting debut, Farah Khan has swapped her trademark tunics and pants for frilly dresses and skirts.

Almost TWENTY YEARS since Farah last wore a dress, she talks about her sartorial style on this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. “I stopped wearing dresses long ago.

I play a Parsi girl within the film and needed to wear stitched blouses with lace collars and long skirts. I'VE seen all my aunts wearing those dresses. It took me a while to get comfortable in them.”

Speaking about her comfort clothes, Farah says, “I love wearing loose jersey pants. They don't seem to be in any respect flattering but at the sets I MUST be in my flip-flops, lose pants and cotton shirts or kurtis. They're most comfortable to run around in.”

What would Farah be not caught dead in? Pat comes the reply, “With my weight, every dress can be objectionable.” But that wasn’t the case always.

She adds, “When I USED TO BE 47 kilos, I used to wear short minis and Sajid (brother, filmmaker Sajid Khan) could be running with a towel to hide me up. He can be like ‘you don't seem to be going out of the home on this tiny thing’.”

The blue belle

Farah was again and again spotted within the colour blue. “Blue is my favourite colour and so is red. After I took part in dance competitions, my costume was always in blue because it was my lucky colour. Even for my wedding I wore a blue and gold dress, ” she adds.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Vidya opts out of Shahid’s film because of jealous boyfriend

A jasoos from Juhu says that Vidya Balan's producer beau, Siddharth Roy Kapoor is an overly possessive kinda guy

Matlab, he doesn’t want her to work with the actors she was linked with.

Apparently, when Tamil director Linguswamy suggested casting Balan for the Hindi remake of his film Vettai, Siddharth vetoed it saying the role wouldn’t do justice to her talent as an actress.

However, our insider reveals that the producer wasn’t ok with the speculation of casting his actress girlfriend opposite Sasha since they were rumoured to be an item in the course of the making of Kismet Konnection.

Incidentally, she’s believed to have turned down Sanjay Gupta and Ekta Kapoor’s three way partnership for the same reason. “She didn’t want to be paired with John Abraham because of strong reports in their affair while filming Salaam-E-Ishq, ” recalls our khabru.

Hmmm...

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Malaika: One for my Kid and Hubby

It was a busy season for Malaika Arora Khan.

The lady’s recently got back from Hyderabad where she did an item song for the Telugu version of Dabangg. And now it's time for a vacation.

She tells CS, “I might be heading for a family holiday with my kids and hubby.

Every year, we head off to Dubai, but this time we're planning on doing Singapore and Hong Kong.

There are numerous recreational options for youngsters in Singapore, which means Arhaan will enjoy so much.

When it involves summer vacations, he's my priority.” We are hoping you may have numerous fun together with your toddler.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

John Abraham to marry this year?

Bollywood hunk John Abraham is probably going to marry girlfriend Priya Runchal later this year.

Earlier this year rumours buzzed that John and Priya silently tied the nuptial knots in Los Angeles.

However, those reports were negated by John.

John was dating Priya for quite a while now after he ended his 10-year relationship with actor Bipasha Basu in 2011.

Censorboard Clears Ishaqzaade With A ‘UA’ Certificate

By Subhash K Jha

The censorboard is finally growing up. A kinetic raw and edgy Hindu-Muslim romance has just gotten itself a ‘PG’ rating by the censorboard…and with out a cuts whatsoever!

Yup, it’s an all-clear for Yashraj Films’ Ishaqzaade. Thereby ended per week of immense tension for director Habib Faizal who had secretly expressed grave misgiving on how the censorboard would react to the volatile theme and mature content of his love story.

Interestingly Habib Faizal made it clear to the censorboard on the outset that his film was not meant for under-age viewership.

On Wednesday afternoon the Censorboard Of Film Certification (CBFC) viewed the film.

The screening ended with Ishaqzaade being seen suitable for juvenile viewing under parental guidance. The ‘PG’ declaration must be made in a 24-font announcement within the publicity and hoardings.

That apart the film sailed through its fire by censorship unscathed.

Says the CBFC’s CEO, “Ishaqzaade got a ‘UA’ certification without cuts. Director Habib Faizal agreed that his film was an intense love story and that he and his team wouldn't like children below 12 to look at it without parental guidance. The producers was asked to say the ‘PG’ rating on all of the posters and publicity material. ”

Meet the ‘Vicky Donor’ hottie

She moved from television to regional movies to Bollywood.

Actress Yami Gautam, who debuted in Hindi films with the radical yet successful movie "Vicky Donor", says movies aren't about language but about content.

"You can't tag me as a regional actress. Whatever I did was considering the content over the language, " Yami told.

"I started my career with television and whatever work I did was keeping the content as my top most priority.

Same goes with the movies, I never grabbed any work! There have been numerous offers before 'Vicky Donor', but I wanted to attend for the best opportunity.

Side by side I USED TO BE doing ads and i am fortunate that I worked in 'Vicky Donor', " she added.

The 25-year-old became a known name at the small screen after working in shows like "Chand Ke Paar Chalo" and "Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam".

Before "Vicky Donor", Yami featured in Kannada film "Ullasa Utsaha", Telugu movie "Nuvvila" and "Ek Noor", which was made in Punjabi.

Praising "Vicky Donor", about sperm donation, Yami says the movie's success reflects the audiences' maturity.

"The success of movie shows how Indian society is becoming open to the topic of sperm donation and doesn't consider it a taboo subject anymore, " she said.

In "Vicky Donor", Yami plays a Bengali girl who falls in love with Vicky Arora, who donates sperm.

Though she is part of showbiz, the actress, who's pursuing law from the Chandigarh University, says education is priceless.

"I think education never goes waste. Even though I DO NOT become an IAS officer and at this time it isn't possible in anyway, I MIGHT still need to complete my law.

My father has said, 'If you get a Filmfare Award, I MIGHT be happy but for me your degree and education is more important.' I never underestimated the significance of education, " she said.

Nana will direct but won’t take credit

Nana Patekar who goes behind the camera for the sequel of 'Ab Tak Chhappan' production wants action director Javed-Aejaz named because the directors

Looks like any of Ram Gopal Varma’s films are running into rough weather of late. Except for his upcoming cop thriller racing to fulfill the deadline, the sequel of Ab Tak Chhappan is assumed to have hit a roadblock, with the second one schedule now postponed.

Besides, it's also learnt that leading man Nana Patekar, who’s also directing the project doesn't wish to take credit for it. Instead action director Javed-Aejaz could be named because the directors for this film.

With several crew members exiting the project, the second one schedule of the film was naturally delayed.

Our source says, “Since action director duo Javed-Aejaz also are doubling up as Nana’s associates in direction, it sort of feels they are going to be credited for helming the sequel.” Nana was unavailable for comment.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Revealed: Cast of ‘Kai Po Che’ – 3 Mistakes Of My Life

By Subhash K Jha

Hours after Abhishek ‘Rock On’ Kapoor tweeted that he’s shooting Ka Po Che, a film adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller The three Mistakes Of My Life, all of the country was abuzz with curiosity at the cast of the film.

Although there has been speculation at the matter and the film’s producers UTV have decided to expose the players later towards the release, one is excited to announce that the film’s three protagonists Govind, Ishaan and Omi are played by television actor Sushant Singh Rajput, MMS Ragini actor Raj Kumar Yadav and television actor Amit Sandh.

Apparently the 3 actors were chosen after an entire slew of newcomers—150 in all—were auditioned.

The three actors are currently in Gujarat in a start-to-finish schedule of the film.

Director Abhishek Kapoor says he isn’t at liberty to discuss the forged.

But for other details he reluctantly spread out. “We’re shooting in a spot called Vadnagar that's outside Ahmedabad.

We had some permission problems for shooting in Ahmedabad, so we chose this place which suits the novel’s vision. ”

Abhishek is mighty kicked about his return to direction. ‘It’s been three and a half years since I completed Rock On.

I’ve been engaged on scripts including the sequel to Rock On. But gosh, it feels good to be back behind the camera! I'M shooting with some wonderful actors who seem born to be playing their characters. ”

Abhishek feels Chetan Bhagat’s novels have a great visual quality.

“Not all novels, regardless of how successful, render themselves to screen adaptation. But 3 Mistakes Of My Life was simply waiting to head on screen.

I’m happy to be doing something different from Rock On. There has been no fun or challenge in returning to the similar characters in my very next film. ”

About his alleged fall-out with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani Abhishek says, “We had creative difference over easy methods to take 3 Mistakes Of My Life to cinema.

I didn’t think Farhan suited the nature that he was going to play. However there’s no fall-out. I’m committed to do yet one more film with Farhan and Ritesh.

We’re doing the sequel to Rock On right once I finish Kai Po Che. The script for the Rock On sequel is complete. It's going to take the characters in an absolutely different mindscape. ”

At the instant Abhishek Kapoor’s mindscape is completely immersed in Kai Po Che. “I hope I live as much as the expectancies I created with Rock On. ”

Avoid promotions in the event that they bother you: Imran

Actor Imran Khan has a work of recommendation for those who complain of film promotions going over-the-top - if an excessive amount of promotions bother, just ignore them.

"If something bothers you, like I say that some ads bother me, I put the tv off. So, if people think that promotions are getting out of hand, they do not have to pay attention, they do not have to look at the film, " Imran said on the MTV power 1 Youth forum event.

"It's ultimately someone's freedom and it's their way of selling the film. They're taking nothing clear of you, " he added.

Imran said as an actor, it's his responsibility to support the producer and take part in a film's promotions.

"I think it's ultimately the private choice. There's a producer, who's investing crores of rupees in a product. As an actor, it's my responsibility to ensure that this guy gets his money's worth, " he said.

Last seen in "Ekk Main aur Ek Tu", Imran is currently busy preparing for Vishal Bhardwaj's "Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola" opposite Anushka Sharma. The film can even see Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi together on screen.

I WOULD LIKE to win your hearts again: Rekha

Bollywood diva and new Rajya Sabha MP Rekha said she is worked up to make a spot within the hearts of her fans along with her new avatar and desires to bring smiles to their faces by serving them.

“I am too excited to achieve a spot for your hearts, again. I AM HOPING to bring happiness for your lives such as you all did in every moment of my life, ” Rekha said during her first public appearance after becoming MP at a function in Mumbai on Friday night.

"I will work from the ground of my heart, " Rekha said.

"I will continue to entertain you and make you absolutely happy with me, " she said.

President Pratibha Patil has approved the names of Rekha and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar for nominated seats the higher House of the Indian Parliament.

Entrepreneur and social worker Anu Aga’s name has also been approved for a nominated seat.

This follows a letter that top Minister Manmohan Singh had written to President Patil with the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s recommendations for the seats.

The Congress party proposed to appoint Rekha and Sachin within the President's quota.

With Rekha and Sachin accepting their nominations, they became Members of Parliament (MPs) under a provision of the Indian Constitution that permits the President to appoint 12 members to the RS.

Under article 80 of the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha consists of no more than 250 members, of whom 12 are nominated by the President of India from amongst persons who've special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service.

The names are approved by the President usually after being notified of the recommendations by the Prime Minister in the course of the Ministry of Home Affairs that finalises the names after receiving consent from the proposed nominees.

Anil Kapoor reduced to tears by Arjun Kapoor

By Subhash K Jha

Debutant Arjun Kapoor lost his mother before his film Ishaqzaade might be released. But hr seems to have found incredible goodwill among friends and family.

Arjun is suddenly the blue-eyed boy of all of the industry. And we're not the least surprised to listen to his uncle Anil Kapoor raving about the boy like he hasn't ever raved about any newcomer.

After seeing some rushes of the film Anil called this writer to share his joy.

Anil saw glimpses of himself in Arjun.

Says the proud teary-eyed uncle, “I was so moved by mera bachcha. Arjun jogged my memory such a lot of my younger days. Wohi junoon, wohi josh. But he’s way more confident and subtle in his first film than I USED TO BE in my first ten films.

Come to think of it he rings a bell in my memory of my character in Tezaab. So reckless, so young, so fearless and such a lot fun. If truth be told both Arjun and his co -star Parinati Chopra took me unexpectedly. ”

Anil makes it clear that he isn’t raving about Arjun since the boy is his nephew. “Nahin, uss ladke mein kuch hai. He just won my heart over. I remember him running around with my daughters and son…just a child.

Today he has grown up into such a responsible boy and a good actor. And do you know, he got a Yashraj Film on his own with none recommendation from me or his father. We’re very pleased with him. ”

So is the protecting paternal film fraternity. Creating a surprising concession Yashraj is outwardly allowing Arjun’s near and expensive ones to have a dekko at Ishaqzaade.

Yashraj never allows anyone from the surface to look at their films until release.

One isn't at liberty to expose an excessive amount of these days. But an excessively special tribute is being planned for Arjun’s mother Mona Kapoor when the film is released.

When Nargis had gave up the ghost weeks before her son Sanjay Dutt’s debut film Rocky released, a seat were kept vacant next to Sanjay in her memory.

Action, comedy, drama – a summer bonanza for movie-goers

Movie aficianados are in for a summer delight! From Hollywood treats just like the" Avengers" and "Madagascar 3" to Bollywood potboilers like "Jannat 2" and "Rowdy Rathore", a heady mixture of romance, drama, action and comedy await movie-goers this holiday season.

"We have gotten two of essentially the most eagerly awaited releases lined up. We're bringing Oscar winning film 'Hugo 3D' on popular demand to India in May and 'Madagascar 3' in June. We're expecting great response for our releases within the holiday season, " Vikram Malhotra, COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, told.

While "Hugo 3D" releases May 4, "Madagascar 3" (3D) will hit the screens June 8.

Set in 1930s Paris, the Oscar winning film "Hugo" tells the story of an orphan who lives throughout the walls of a train station and is wrapped in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton, while "Madagacar 3" narrates the tale of Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, who fight to get home to their beloved New York.

"'Madagascar 3' is likely one of the most loved franchises. The former two films of this franchise have received tremendous response from people across every age and we're expecting the third one to be equally successful, " Malhotra said.

"'Hugo 3D' can have limited but loyal audience. There's a lot of curiosity among people for this film, " he added.

"The Avengers" is another big Hollywood release this summer. Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, the film goes to hit 800 Indian screens, a record collection of screens for any Hollywood film in India to this point. It's also dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

The film starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth, was directed by Joss Whedon.

"'The Avengers' is a superhero film and we're expecting a very good response after its release, more in order it's releasing first in India than within the US, " said Gaurav Verma, vice president, distribution, India, UTV Motion Pictures.

"We expect an even viewership because the film is releasing in four different languages, which in turn expands the reach too. Other Hollywood films lined up for release this summer are 'Spider Man' and 'Batman', " he added.

Apart from "Hugo" and "Madagascar 3", other Hollywood treats are "Cindrella 3D", "Men in Black 3", "Brave (3D)" and "Chimpanzee (documentary)".

Bollywood isn't far behind. The month of May will see films like "Jannat 2", "The Forest", "Dangerous Ishhq", "Ishaqzaade" and "Department" hitting the screens, June will see films like "Rowdy Rathore", "Shanghai", "Ferrari Ki Sawaari", "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "Teri Meri Kahaani" entertaining the audience.

"The line up of Bollywood films this summer are very interesting. There are films like 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Ishaqzaade' and 'Department' hitting the screens. Our big Bollywood release this summer is 'Rowdy Rathore' with Akshay Kumar and now we have huge expectations from it too, " said Verma.

While a majority of Hollywood films releasing this holiday season target children, Bollywood barely has anything to supply them.

"In Hindi film industry, there's no specific genre of youngsters films as it is typical masala films that work here. Children films here are of lowest common denomination, " said Malhotra.

However, Verma says Bollywood films have universal appeal and do not cater to a specific segment.

"Hindi films have universal appeal and they're barely targeted towards a particular segment of audience. So this is a myth that films for children aren't being made in India, " he added.

Santoshi sues makers of Andaz Apna Apna’s 3D version

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Rajkumar Santoshi has filed a legal suit against the makers of an animated 3D version of his 1994 Salman Khan-Aamir Khan starrer film Andaz Apna Apna Wonder why now when the film was announced some time back? Wasn’t Santoshi acutely aware of all of it these months? Well... well... well. Courtesy: Mid-Day.com
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First Look: Sonakshi’s sister prepared to make Bollywood debut

Actress Sonakshi Sinha's cousin Bhavna Ruparel has become the newest star sibling to make a Bollywood debut with 'Chalo Pichchur Banate Hai'

Actress Priyanka Chopra's cousin Parineeti last year walked into the tinsel town with Yash Raj Films' 'Ladies vs Ricky Behl'.

Sonam Kapoor's cousin and Boney Kapoor's son, Arjun Kapoor will with 'Ishaqzaade' followed by Mahesh Bhatt's daughter Alia and David Dhawan's son Varun who announced their arrival into the celluloid with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year' to call a few.

Debutant director Pritish Chakraborty is casting Bhavna in his 'Chalo Pichchur Banate Hai'.

"It was through Facebook that I got this offer for the film. I went for auditioning and got selected. This was the primary ever offer for a full-fledged acting debut that I received.

I liked the script and my role and hence I gave my nod, " Bhavna said.

Bhavna's grandmother and Sonakshi's grand mom are real sisters and that's how the 2 budding actresses are related.

This isn't the first time Bhavna has faced the camera, she has done cameo roles in films or even walked the ramp and sizzled in few endorsements.

"Earlier I'VE acted in few movies like 'Na Tum Jano Na Hum' where I played Esha Deol's sister after which in 'Joggers Park' wherein I played the role of a niece.

And for director Ken Ghosh, I did a music video of 'Pehla nasha'. Also, I'VE done modeling and few ads, "Bhavna said.

Talking about her debut film, the newbie says, "I'M playing the role of a number one actor Rahil Tandon's love interest within the film. Almost 80 per cent of the shoot of the film is over and mostly we've got shot in Goa.

It should release by end of June this year. All I WILL BE ABLE TO say is this can be a film within a movie. This movie is set the process, the aspect of a director".

'Chalo Pichchur Banate Hai' revolves across the story of a determined filmmaker and his journey from being a fourth assistant director to finally with the ability to call the shots.

Ask her how she feels when she is named Sonakshi's cousin and pat comes the reply, "IT'S ok.

When Sonakshi entered Bollywood she was called Shatrughan Sinha's daughter. I'M proud to be called her sister.

Since she is simply too busy at the present time doing lot of projects, I COULDN'T check with her intimately about this project."

Bhavna admits that star kids do have an additional edge over those coming from outside. "IT'S of serious help, " said the 23-year-old, who has also bagged an untitled Telugu film that is more likely to go on floors in November.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Stunt lands ‘Oye Lucky!’ girl in hospital

Richa Chadda was shooting a chase scene when she injured herself at the sets of her next, resulting in the shoot coming to an abrupt halt

It seems a substantial amount of Bollywood actors lately became victims of injuries sustained at the sets. The newest actor to sign up for the bandwagon is Richa Chadda.

The Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! girl, while shooting a stunt scene for her upcoming film, met with an accident recently at the sets. Richa was advised bed rest for a month and is currently recuperating at home, causing a delay within the film’s shoot schedule.

We learnt that the starlet is scheduled to undergo a knee surgery tomorrow. A source from the crew reveals, “On the primary day of the third schedule, Richa was shooting a chase scene when she suddenly slipped and injured her knee.

She took some painkillers and finished the shoot for the day. It was only when she reached home that she realised it was really bad.” The source adds, “Since she needed complete bed rest, she has gone to Delhi to be sorted by her family.

Richa is in numerous pain but her spirits are still high. She is catching up with all her school and faculty friends who've been giving her a variety of books to read and movies to watch.”

The shoot is seemingly on hold because of the mishap. On whether it has caused a delay, director Bharat Ratan says, “We needed to stop the shoot but we're utilising the time to edit the portions we shot earlier.”

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Abhay-Sonam bury their ugly past

The two have decided to position their differences aside and can be working together in 'Tanu Weds Manu' director Anand L Rai's new film

Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor appear to have buried the hatchet and are teaming up again in Tanu Weds Manu director Anand L Rai’s next.

Abhay is doing a small but significant role within the film, which marks the Bollywood debut of the South star Rajnikanth’s son-in-law and Kolavari D singer-actor, Dhanush.

The youngest Deol and the Kapoor girl had a fall-out in the course of the shoot of Sonam’s home venture, Aisha. Reportedly, Abhay was not too proud of the best way his role and the film had turned out.

He was even quoted saying some unflattering things about Sonam’s dad Anil Kapoor.

The actress didn’t take it lightly and reacted strongly against him. After their initial outburst, both the actors later claimed all was well between them and they were open to working together again.

A source from the film reveals, “Abhay and Sonam are very professional actors. They won’t let personal differences are available in the way in which in their professional lives.

Both share mutual respect for every other as actors. When the director told Sonam that he was considering Abhay for the role, she was more than pleased. Abhay may be comfortable working with Sonam again.”

Without divulging much on their roles, the source informs that both the actors will share screen space within the film. “All I WILL say is they will come head to head and their chemistry is astounding within the scene, ” the source reveals.

The source goes directly to add, “Abhay took it up because it’s a stupendous role and he loved it.” The film, that's happening floor by the tip of May, might be shot in Benaras.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Ayushmann next is ‘Hamaara Bajaj’

Veejay-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana, whose debut film "Vicky Donor" is receiving rave reviews, says initially his image as an anchor obstructed his dream of turning into an actor.

"Initially, once I used to move for auditions, people used to mention that the anchor within you isn't leaving you. So, I WISHED to prove a point that i'm not anchoring, I'M acting," the 27-year-old said here.

Ayushmann also says his success as an actor comes as a surprise to many.

"We had a three-day theatre workshop with Professor N.K. Sharma in Delhi. It really helped me because I have been anchoring for many years. Everybody is definitely surprised that I WILL act," he said.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, "Vicky Donor" deals with the problem of sperm donation and marks actor John Abraham's debut as a producer. It also stars TV actress Yami Gautam and Annu Kapoor.

Though Ayushmann has already bagged his second project "Hamaara Bajaj", another John Abraham production, he says he won't quit anchoring. But he'll certainly be more choosy about it.

"(The) Agenda is acting right now, but I WILL BE more selective in the case of anchoring on television," said Ayushmann, whose first tryst with showbiz came when he won the second one season of MTV "Roadies".

"But, I FEEL they're two very various things... like anchoring is speaking to the camera and acting is ignoring the camera... So I'M still learning the craft of acting," he added.

Shahid recommends rumoured ex-flame Bipasha

Buzz is that Shahid Kapoor wants rumoured former flame Bipasha Basu to play lead within the remake of Tom Cruise starrer

After a year since news of a desi version of the Tom Crusie starrer Knight and Day made the rounds, it looks likely that the film will go on floor soon.

Leading man Shahid Kapoor has apparently not just ensured that the film takes off, but could also be said to be recommending Bipasha Basu’s name to play female lead.

Speaking at the film to be directed by Siddharth Raj Anand, our source says, “Although Shahid and Bipasha have worked together some years ago — in Mathew Matthan’s Shikhar — they not just became good friends early last year, but were also said to be dating.

While they’re believed to have broken up after the discharge of Mausam, it kind of feels they remained friends. Shahid strongly recommended her name to Siddharth.”

Speaking about Shahid’s role in reviving the film, our source points out, “It was reported that the Indian division of the Hollywood studio had signed on Siddharth to remake the unique toplining Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

However, the film were placed on hold as Siddharth was purported to make another film with Shahid for Ramesh Taurani, ” adding that Sasha now has various dates available as he's currently only committed to Maneesh Sharma’s next.

The source adds that the actor and the director has been catching up with one another so much lately, in and around Versova. Siddharth denied the tale saying he’s still scripting the film.

“Only once I finish writing are we able to work out the casting, ” he stated.

As for being spotted often with Shahid and recently also with Bipasha, he maintained, “We’re friends and wish to interact if there’s an appropriate subject. Otherwise, just hanging around doesn’t mean we're doing a movie together.”

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Esha Gupta asked to ‘cover-up’

First the skinfest after which the duvet up! Esha Gupta who have been shooting for Prakash Jha's film was told to maintain her look within the film under wraps.

No one is authorized to take her pics. Reason?

Considering that her bare dare look in her two films with Emraan Hashmi are doing the rounds, Jha wants her non-glam, uniformed look to be revealed only at a later stage.

But wonder what she has to cover after revealing it all?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Rajesh Khanna is back from hospital, nothing to fret

Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna, who was hospitalised at Lilavati Hospital, is back home and doing fine, says his manager. His estranged wife, actress Dimple Kapadia, is consistently by his side.

He was hospitalised following uneasiness and was discharged Thursday.

"Rajeshji was admitted two days back. He had gone for a standard checkup, nothing serious. He's back home. He was discharged yesterday afternoon," the 69-year-old's manager Ashwin told.

"Dimple Kapadia is caring for Rajeshji. She is often by his side. She took him to the hospital. He's doing perfectly fine now. Nothing to worry," he added.

Popularly referred to as 'Kaka', Rajesh Khanna made his debut with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966 and rose to prominence along with his performances in films like "Raaz", "Baharon Ke Sapne", "Ittefaq" and "Aradhana".

After 15 consecutive solo super hits between 1969 to 1972, he earned the title of 'first superstar' of the Hindi cinema.

Kalki meets fans who didn’t even know her name!

Kalki Koechlin was spotted on a flight from Brussels to Mumbai on Tuesday.

The actress who was flying economy class had several of her co-passengers asking her for autographs and posing for snapshots with her.

She gave the impression to be patient and heeded to all of the requests.

Especially when most of them didn't even know her name!

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

‘I didn’t wish to marry Viveka as she was an alcoholic’

Viveka Babajee’s family is very hurt about a piece of writing in a prominent daily which states, “(Gautam) Vora has claimed he didn’t wish to marry Babajee as she was older than him and an alcoholic...”

“It’s almost been two years since Viveka’s demise. Simply because the lady is not any longer alive; does that give people a right to mention anything now,” asked Dale Bhagwagar, the spokesperson for Viveka Babajee’s family.

Earlier, after Viveka’s death, through a statement, her family had asserted that Gautam Vora had lied to the Police, having told them that he was just “good friends” with Viveka. Gautam’s friend Viren Shah, had given interviews to the media stating that Viveka was in depression.

“Viveka’s family had strongly refuted the ‘depression theory’ that was being floated after her demise,” said Bhagwagar. The family had even released pictures of Gautam and Viveka together, simply to prove that the couple was a lot more than friends.

Through the statement, her mother Dayawanti Babajee had conveyed that Viveka had discussed her boyfriend Gautam several times along with her over the phone, and told her mother that Gautam had proposed, and that she had agreed to marry him. She had also stated that Viveka had even made Gautam speak to her once over the phone.

According to her mother, Gautam had asked Viveka to head for a fertility test to look if she could bear him a toddler and in addition that the couple had matched their horoscopes and were happy that the majority points, except one, had tallied.

Nathalia Kaur is Pooja Bhatt’s discovery

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma says he found the Indo-Brazilian model Nathalia Kaur, who's doing an item number in his forthcoming movie "Department", on account of Pooja Bhatt.

"I USED TO BE at Puri Jagannath's place and he was auditioning girls for a Telugu film. I was greatly surprised after I saw Nathalia. And that i considered casting her in my film," Verma told reporters.

"Actually, we would have liked Sunny Leone first, but Pooja Bhatt had problem releasing her as she desired to unveil her with 'Jism 2'. So, I asked Nathalia to do the song. So, I DIDN'T invent Nathalia, Pooja Bhatt invented her," he added.

Directed by Verma, "Department" is a cop drama and lines Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Rana Daggubati.

Item songs became a rage in B-town and Verma is making every effort to advertise Nathalia's item number "Dan dan dan".

"The idea of selling Nathalia is to advertise the song. No film is eventually made with the aim to advertise certain actor...'Dan dan dan' is the primary song that i'm promoting after 'Khallas'. Like I said, item song has become face of the film. Item song and Nathalia's promotion go hand-in-hand."

‘Barfi!’ getting delayed as a result of Priyanka?

Director Anurag Basu has denied reports that his forthcoming film "Barfi!" is being delayed on account of Priyanka Chopra, who's playing the feminine lead within the movie that still stars Ranbir Kapoor.

"Nothing is getting delayed as a result of her (Priyanka), she has given numerous dates," said Anurag Basu on the success party of Onir's "I Am".

"I was denying it over and over but these reports keep cropping up. She has already finished her work, only two days work is left and it's merely a patchwork, it's me who desires to shoot in those two days," he added.

"Barfi!" stars Ranbir as a deaf-mute boy while Priyanka essays the role of an autistic girl. Telugu actress Ileana D'Cruz plays narrator.

The shooting is nearly over, said Basu and added: "These are speculations. The film isn't getting delayed as a result of anyone. The film is nearly complete, we're just looking forward to the appropriate date to be decided by UTV. Even I'M looking forward to that date."

Who's raving about Emraan Hashmi and he hasn’t even kissed him yet

Here's a co-star who's raving about Emraan Hashmi and he hasn't even kissed him yet! Randeep Hooda is stuffed with praises when asked about Emraan with whom he shared a perfect chemistry at the sets in their forthcoming film.

He says, “Emraan is a brilliant co-star to work with. He's an intensive professional yet chilled out at the sets.”

When questioned what's the something that will draw audiences to the theatre, he replies, “Emraan and my chemistry but without kissing or any Dostana angle because the story revolves around us.”

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

After ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ Madhuri signs Anubhav Sinha’s next ‘Gulab Gang’

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit appears to be on movie signing spree. After Vishal Bhardwaj's "Dedh Ishqiya", the actress has accepted Anubhav Sinha's "Gulab Gang".

"Just signed a second film called 'Gulab Gang'! Go girl power! It's to be produced by Anubhav Sinha, and directed by Soumik Sen," Madhuri wrote on her Facebook page.

However, no further details on Madhuri's new project can be found. "Dedh Ishqiya" is sequel to 2010 film "Ishqiya", which featured Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

While Naseer and Arshad reprise their roles, Vidya's place have been taken by Madhuri within the film.

The actress is about to go back to the small screen also because the judge of the fifth season of "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa" and has started shooting for its promos.

"Meanwhile, on my method to shooting promos for 'Jhalak Dikla Ja'. The team is awesome and that i think this season have to be great!" she posted.

Sriram Raghavan faces the ire of adlescent for flop Agent Vinod

During a talk with students of a movie school, director Sriram Raghavan faced a volley of questions on the failure of his last film Agent Vinod.

A source as regards to the director says, “While other directors would have avoided to stand the ire of young students, he chose to stand it head on. He saw this as a possibility to get an insight on what went wrong along with his film.”

He also told the scholars that the ending needed to be changed which ended up diluting the impact of the film.

Hmmm.... is it a case of higher Saif than sorry?

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

How Tusshar Kapoor is making an attempt to enhance his Marathi

Tusshar Kapoor is making an attempt to enhance his Marathi with some help from co-star Riteish Deshmukh

Riteish Deshmukh has turned Marathi language tutor for his co-star Tusshar Kapoor for his or her upcoming sequel of Kya Kool Hain Hum.

From mouthing dialogues like ba-ba-boo-boo Tushki is now moving on to some intricate Marathi lines, while doing a gag on Ajay Devgn’s Singham in a single of the scenes to be shot in Goa.

Tusshar apparently isn't very fluent in Marathi. So he decided to take help from his co-star and friend Riteish who's a whole Marathi mulga. The actor says, “I am not playing a Marathi character. It’s a task of an aspiring actor.

Therefore, he does these kinds of impersonation. Singham belongs to Maharashtra, so Riteish helps me pick up the language and the right kind accent. I DO KNOW somewhat of Marathi but not up to him.”

So is he taking special classes? “Not really. We just chat so much in between shots and he teaches me Marathi words and the way to mention them. Our training sessions are pretty informal, ” the actor points out.

Speaking on how Riteish fares as a Marathi teacher, the actor laughs and says, “Oh, he's damn good! If nothing else (Bollywood) works, he can always fall back on his Marathi teaching talent.”

Five Marathi phrases that Tusshar finds very cool 1) Kasa kay? Bara ahe? 2) Chal kahitari masti karuya! 3) Chavat mulga. 4) Ekdam jhakkas. 5) Locha jhala! Gapp bas aata.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Farhan-Ritesh now to make a foray into television

After producing path-breaking films like 'Dil Chahata Hai', 'Honeymoon Travels', 'Don' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar are prepared to foray into television now

The producer-duo was working with a team of writers for just about six months creating something different for his or her venture on TV. There's a buzz that Farhan and Ritesh will do a mega game show, something that the entire family can view.

The show goes to be very high on Edutainment - education and entertainment. "Yes, Farhan and that i both feel that content on TV has an enormous potential. Television is continually evolving and we're excited to be entering TV at this point with a show which we feel all of the family can sit together and watch, " Ritesh Sidhwani said in an announcement here.

Besides, the sport show can have the film industry bigwigs in conjunction with some popular sportsmen. Many other have entered within the television domain including Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Dharmendra and Raveena Tandon.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was hosting a well-liked game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Superstar Aamir Khan will soon be seen at the small screen in 'Satyamev Jayate'.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com