Black Buck case: Rajasthan HC stays Salman Khan's conviction, paves way for UK visa

In a relief to Salman Khan, the Rajasthan High Court today stayed the 2006 order of a lower court which had sentenced the actor to five years in jail for poaching, paving the way for him to apply for a British visa.

Under British immigration rules, any person convicted for more than four years is not eligible for a visa. Since the actor was convicted for five year, he was denied visa by the UK Embassy.
The passports of Indian convicts are stamped with the word "convict." The actor had approached the High Court seeking a stay on his conviction so that he could file a fresh application for a British visa.

 Salman Khan.

 

Justice Nirmal Jeet Kaur stayed his 2006 conviction, saying Khan is now free to apply for visa for any country and this conviction order will not come into his way.
"We had moved an application in the High Court seeking a stay on his conviction order. After Khan's visa for UK expired recently and he filed for a fresh visa, he was denied the same because of the conviction order," said his counsel Lekh Raj Mehta.
Blackbuck is a protected animal and its hunting is a punishable offence. Khan was convicted and sentenced to 1-year and 5-year prison terms in separate cases of poaching of two Chinkaras at Bhawad and one Blackbuck at Ghoda Farm (Mathania) on the intervening night of 26-27 September, 1998 and 28-29 September, 1998 respectively.
Besides Khan, actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam were accused of poaching near Jodhpur during the shooting of the film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.

 Courtesy: Mid-Day.com   

 

Salman Khan as Lord Krishna?

The makers of the animation film 'Mahabharat' are keen that Salman Khan do the voice over

 Jayantilal Gada and his team is keen to have Salman Khan on board to give the voice-over for Lord Krishna’s character in their upcoming animated version of the Mahabharat.

 Salman Khan

 

A source says, “The makers have had several brainstorming sessions about who is best fit for Krishna and they all agreed on one name -- Salman. He has the personality and the audience connects with his voice immediately. We wanted an A-list actor and Salman as Krishna would be ideal. Also, his tone has that authority so he is a perfect choice.
At the moment, the makers are working out the modalities to approach the star. B-Town actors who have lent their voices for the epic include Amitabh Bachchan as Bheeshma, Anil Kapoor as Karna and Vidya Balan as Draupadi. The animated characters also have the features of the actors they are representing. “In Salman’s case too if he agrees to be part of the film, the character of Krishna will look like him,” the source says.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com   

Aamir Khan's special surprise for wife Kiran's birthday

Aamir Khan planned something really special for wife Kiran Rao's birthday and Karan Johar was part of the celebration

 

 Trust Aamir Khan to have a trick or two up his sleeve, always. True to his nature since last three months, the star has been meticulously planning a surprise party for wife Kiran Rao’s birthday which happened on November 7.

 

Karan Johar, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan with security personnel in Assam

Turns out the Dhobi Ghat director, who turned 40, was keen to visit Assam and had mentioned so to Aamir a couple of times in passing. The doting husband decided to spin a surprise around this wish of hers. Just two days before her birthday, he faked a meeting in Delhi and asked her to come along with him. Once she got into the flight, she was pleasantly surprised to see all her close friends and relatives were aboard.

 Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan go sightseeing in Assam

 
Aamir had apparently got in touch with each of her close friends and family three months back to block the dates for the trip. He also secretly got Kiran’s and son Azad’s bags packed without her even knowing about it. He also looked into the packing of Kiran and son Azaad’s bag for seven days which Kiran had no clue about.
According to the source close to them, “Aamir and Kiran are staying at a private resort near Nameri National Park in Sonitpur district in Assam. It’s essentially a forest area amidst wildlife. Kiran’s parents and few close relatives and friends have also accompanied them. Aamir personally booked tickets and hotels for everyone.”
However, another big surprise was the presence of Karan Johar amidst the gang that went to Assam. The filmmaker -- along with director Ayan Mukerji -- was one of the only two celebrities from the industry to attend Kiran’s birthday.

 The kicker was that filmmaker Karan Johar was also present at the get-together. He along with director Ayan Mukerji were reportedly the only two people from B-town who were present for Kiran's surprise trip.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com   

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aamir-khan-plans-the-perfect-birthday-for-wife-kiran-rao/1/322569.html

Candy Brar exits after a week's stint in the 'Bigg Boss 7' house

Candy Brar, was a name not known to many, until the wild card entrant Viveik Misra mentioned it during his fight with Kushal Tandon on 'Bigg Boss 7'

With people wondering who this girl actually was, the mystery behind her identity was revealed after she was discovered to be Kushal's ex-girlfriend and entered the show as the wild card entrant. After her two week short stint in the 'Bigg Boss 7' house, the time has come for her to bid adieu to her fellow housemates.

She had entered the caravan section of the house along with Ajaz Khan who was her sole companion in the forlorn place. After spending few days in the caravan, Candy entered the main house during the luxury budget task 'Ignore the obvious', the same task that had also historically marked Kushal's exit from the show, after his much talked about scuffle with Andy.

 

 Candy had entered 'Bigg Boss 7' to clarify her connection with Kushal and crack down Viveik for misusing her name during the fight. But unfortunately, she never got an opportunity to talk face to face with either Kushal nor Viveik.

During her stay in the 'Bigg Boss 7' house, she was seen getting friendly with Armaan who she had met earlier before the show. She also had on and off tiffs with Ajaz who used to tease her with Kushal's name.

Talking about her exit Candy said, "I had entered this show without any pre-conceived notions or any game plan. I came on the show to clear my name and show people who the real Candy Brar is, before they could make any assumptions. Though I would like to believe that it's difficult to survive in the 'Bigg Boss 7' house, I am glad that could save myself from any controversy or argument thereby walking out with a clean slate."

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com  

A candid chat with Sunny Deol

His bulging biceps belie his shy demeanour. Sunny Deol is known as much for his action image on screen as for being a family man off screen. As he awaits the release of his film Singh Saab the Great, the 56-year-old actor reveals why is it important to discipline kids and his plans to launch his sons, Karan and Rajveer, grandly

You have been doing action scenes for three decades now starting with your debut film Betaab in 1983. What has changed?
Earlier, when we did action films, we didn’t have as many safety measures like we do now. It’s a welcome change. Also, because of the strong influence from the South, action has become better and larger than life. You know how I started with action? I had strict instructions from my dad not to do any action scene in Betaab. But during a shoot, a horse started bucking and my body double could not do the shot. I performed that shot and ended up doing all my action sequences in that film.

What was the most difficult action scene in your forthcoming film Singh Saab the Great?
The film’s climax was shot in a nullah (drain). For 15 days during winter, I was drenched and it was very cold. It didn’t bother me but I realised the fighters were falling ill and getting replaced.
In Singh Saab the Great, newcomer Urvashi Rautela plays your wife. Your romantic leads are getting younger with time.
It’s not about being young or old; it’s about portraying a role with conviction. You can disguise your age only to a point where it looks convincing.
What happened to your romantic film with Kangana Ranaut titled Happy New Year? It has been in the pipeline for release since a long time.
It is a beautiful subject spanning one day and one night. Hopefully, it will be released after Singh Saab. Among my forthcoming films, I love Mohalla Assi in which I am playing a Sanskrit teacher and Bhaiyyaji Superhit where I have a double role.
Why do we see you in fewer films now?
I need a film to work at the box-office. Besides, my back problem kept me away from cinema. But now I am doing films with as much energy as before. Ever since the multinationals came in, the filmmaking scenario has changed. Somehow, I didn’t get the opportunity to sail the wave like the other actors. The Deols are not good at marketing; we let our work speak for us and that’s our shortcoming. But I’ve not gone anywhere. I’m glad my fans still love me.
You haven’t directed a film since Dillagi which was 14 years ago. Why?
Once I launch my kids, I might get into direction but currently I just want to act because I haven’t done it for a very long time. I want to do more films and be successful so that I can do more work.
When are you planning to launch your sons, Karan and Rajveer?
My sons will join films when they are ready, maybe a year from now. Both my sons will become actors. I will launch the elder one first. All of us (brothers Sunny, Bobby and Abhay) were launched by our in-house company so they will also be launched in a home production.
Your relationship with your dad Dharamji has always been in the traditional mould — an amalgamation of love and respect. Is your relationship with your sons the same or are you friends with them?
We love the way we relate to each other in our family. A father, a mother, a friend and a sister — these relationships stand for something. So a father always has to be a father. After all, a child needs to fear somebody. How else will he or she be disciplined? I want to ask those who talk about fathers being pals — how can a father be a friend?
So are you a strict father?
You will have to ask that to my sons. I am close to both my kids; but I have instilled a sense of discipline in them. My father (Dharmendra) was not strict but he was firm. I owe what I am today to him and my mother.
Have you hung up your dancing shoes now?
I am a shy guy so I find it uncomfortable to dance. But I dance when my role demands it.
But have you ever danced at baaraats, for instance?
No.
What do you do for leisure, when you are not shooting?
I don’t drink or smoke. I am into sports, I love music and I love making films. I enjoy hiking, mountaineering and driving.
Are you friends with any actor in the industry?
The actors in the film industry are my colleagues, we are friends only to a point. Everybody is working. Friendship happens in school; thereafter the world is materialistic.
How does it feel to be 56?
For me, it’s just a number; finally what matters is how you feel. Birthdays are more interesting when you are a child.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com   

Saif and I are in touch with reality: Kareena Kapoor Khan

It's easy to be carried away by the glamour of the film industry but Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor says she and her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, are very much in touch with reality

 "Saif is still in touch with his professors and teachers. These days people party with the same industry people and want to be with them but we don't attend many parties. It's important that we should meet normal people too," Kareena said at an interaction here.

"We don't like to only be in touch with the industry people. We work, but we are in touch with our college friends too. So we are in touch with reality, or else in this industry and in this glamour world, one can easily get carried away," she said.

 The actress, who comes from Bollywood's famous Kapoor family, says she has never chased success in her life.

"I am very dedicated to my work but at the same time I have also lived my life. Each actor gets so lost in the competition and the glamour of this industry that they are always chasing success. I don't think I have ever chased success.

"I have lived my life along with my career. My parallel life is always there with me. I don't go away from reality," added Kareena, who made her Bollywood debut in 2000.

Kareena is currently busy promoting her film "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein", directed by Punit Malhotra. Releasing Nov 22, the film also features Imran Khan. 

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com  

Big B meets Robert De Niro

Earlier this week, we had reported that Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar had lunch with Hollywood actor Robert De Niro. Now we hear that none other than Amitabh Bachchan met the actor at the ongoing THINK fest in Goa, on Friday.

Talking about his meeting, Bachchan posted on twitter saying, "Just finished my conversation at THINK..exciting and exhilarating .. and in the audience Mr Robert DiNero !! (Stumped for words!)."

The actor also took to Facebook to talk about his meeting with the Hollywood legend saying, "The presence of mine at Goa at the THINK Fest is indeed most honourable. This annual function and event invites the best from different walks of life to speak discuss and debate their ideas and points of view among some of the most interesting group of audiences .. AND ... in the presence of Mr Robert DeNiro, nothing gets bigger than this .. privileged to have him with us and to be able to spend some time in his presence."

Elaborating on the meeting, Bachchan describes, "It is the THINK Fest that brings me here on invitation. An annual event which brings together many of the trusted and the learned, to share, to express their ideas and thoughts with those that travel from across the globe as audiences, including tonight at my discourse a certain Mr D'Niro of such universal fame that it was a moment of immense pride to find him seated before me."

 Courtesy:i: bollywoodhungama.com

Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone are fond of each other: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

He says that Ranveer and Deepika's chemistry in 'Ram-Leela' is due to their fondness for each other. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

The crackling chemistry on screen between the lead pair of 'Ram Leela', Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, results from the fact that the two actors are fond of each other and enjoyed doing the film together, says director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Ever since the trailer hit the screens, the chemistry between the two has generated a lot of interest, which Bhansali feels will help the film.

"If in a love story, people are liking the chemistry of the hero and heroine and feeling their love then your love story has more chances of succeeding. The chemistry has come out so well on screen and the credit for it goes to the actors as they have got themselves involved into the plot and got into the skin of the character of being in love," Bhansali told PTI in an interview here.

"Whether there is something between them in real life or not is not my concern as a filmmaker.. I am excited to see them together on screen. They have done a wonderful job as actors. And chemistry is a natural vibe, when two people come together there is a vibe that happens or doesn't happen."

According to Bhansali, because the two actors are fond of each other and like to act, they enjoyed doing the film.

However, he feels the focus should be the film. "Actors have their personal fans... it is the audience that has to connect to the film.. that is important. Their chemistry does help the film."

In 'Ram-Leela', Bhansali has tried new things like adding a special song of Priyanka Chopra, a passionate kissing scene between the lead actors etc.

"One can't keep making same things again and again otherwise it will be boring for me as well as for the audience. So if you do something unexpected I like it and

 Courtesy:indianexpress.com

Deepika Padukone completes six years in Bollywood

Fans are eagerly awaiting Deepika's return to the silver screen in 'Ram Leela'. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

Bollywood's reigning queen, Deepika Padukone completes six glorious years in the film industry. The actress' debut film 'Om Shanti Om' released this very day.

The model-turned-actress featured in dual roles -Shantipriya, a leading actress of the 1970s, and later as Sandy, an aspiring actress in Farah Khan's 'Om Shanti Om', opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Farah Khan took to twitter to post about the anniversary of 'Om Shanti Om', "Thanx 4 reminding me that 2day is 9th nov..OSO released ths date 2007..@iamsrk @deepikapadukone ..how time flies!," she posted.

Her performance garnered immense praise with critics terming her 'a talented whiff of fresh air'.

Her next release, 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' (2008) saw her play Ranbir Kapoor's ladylove. And once again the film went on to become a huge commercial success.

Another of Deepika's notable performances is the strong-headed career woman in Imtiaz Ali's 'Love Aaj Kal' opposite Saif Ali Khan.

'Cocktail' in 2012 saw Deepika play the impulsive party girl, Veronica. Not only did she sizzle on screen, but her performance earned her Best Actress nominations at several award ceremonies, including Filmfare, Screen, and IIFA.

For Ayan Mukherjee's 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', Deepika once again effortlessly transformed herself to play Naina Talwar, 'the wallflower'. The film that also starred former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor received great reviews and took the Box office by storm.

Her last release, romantic action comedy, 'Chennai Express' had Deepika play a South Indian girl and she nailed it, even the accent. The Shah Rukh starrer was a rage and ultimately declared a

blockbuster.

Deepika's next release, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Ram Leela' with rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh has already created much hype and fans are eagerly waiting to see the beauty on the silver screen once more.

Courtesy:indianexpress.com

Krrish 3 box office collections: Hrithik Roshan’s film enters the Rs 200 crore club!

After whizzing through the box office and racking up more than Rs 100 crore, Hrithik’s superhero flick is now a part of the super-elite Rs 200 crore club

Looks like the Roshans have a roshnidaar Diwali this year. Buzz is that Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 3 has collected over Rs 200 crore on the seventh day after release. Trade analyst and film critic Taran Adarsh tweeted, “@Krrish3 collects 13.44 Cr on day 7. Domestic Total 166.52 cr. Overseas 36 cr. Worldwide 202.42 cr.”

With this achievement, Hrithik Roshan has joined Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan in a very special place. Aamir’s 3 Idiots and SRK’s Chennai Express are a part of the Rs. 200 cr club already. Though the Hrithik-Priyanka Chopra-Kangna Ranaut-Vivek Oberoi starrer has made over Rs 200 cr now, King Khan’s film retains its position as the fastest film to reach the Rs 100 cr mark, doing it in just in four days. Krrish 3 pushed past the Rs 100 cr limit on the fifth day of its release.

Well, papa Rakesh Roshan had aspired to establish a Rs 1000 cr club with his latest film, remember? And with Krrish 3 on a record-breaking spree, we wouldn’t be surprised if Hrithik – using his superhero powers, of course – actually manages to achieve that goal. Fingers crossed!

Courtesy:bollywoodlife.com

Kangana Ranaut's dance training helps her in 'Rajjo'

Kangana Ranaut's

Mumbai, Nov 9 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut says she has been training in classical Indian dance for the past five years and she is glad that in her upcoming film "Rajjo" she has got a chance to show her moves.


"I have been learning classical dance for a long time and it`s just a coincidence that I got to do this film. I have been learning it for a reason that someday I will get to do kathak," Kangana told IANS.

She has used her kathak skills for one particular song in "Rajjo", and says it`s an art that can`t be learnt in a month.

"I have been learning classical dance for a while now, for four to five years. A song in the climax is full of kathak that you can`t learn it in a week or a month. You have to rehearse for it for a long time."

Directed by Vishwas Patil, "Rajjo", releasing Nov 15, features Kangana as the protagonist.

Courtesy:zeenews.india.com

Forensic reports suggest Jiah Khan was murdered

With post mortem results indicating that the actress' death may not have been a case of suicide, her mother Rabiya roped in Dr R K Sharma, who has found some shocking lapses in the sample preservation and analysis, and raised serious doubts over the alleged cause of death

Findings by the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) add weight to claims made by Jiah Khan’s mother Rabiya that her daughter was murdered, and did not commit suicide. Three months after the report was submitted to the Juhu police, the officials still haven’t sought clarifications from the FSL on their findings.

 According to the report, experts at FSL received nail clippings from Jiah’s right and left hands after she was found hanging in her Juhu flat on June 3. The autopsy was conducted at JJ Post Mortem Centre on June 4, and subsequently the samples were sent for testing on June 5 to FSL. In their report dated August 16, the experts pointed out that they had found bloodstains on the nail samples from both hands. Human tissue matter was also detected. The group of the blood obtained from the nail samples, however, could not be determined.

Armed with these findings, Rabiya Khan, Jiah’s mother approached an independent forensic expert, Prof (Dr) R K Sharma, who is president of the Indian Association of Medico Legal Experts and former head of the department of forensic medicine and toxicology in AIIMS, Delhi. Sharma has raised serious doubts over the suicide and in his interim report has concluded that ‘homicidal hanging in this case may be a strong possibility’.

Pointing out grievous lapses in the way in which the samples were tested and preserved, he has asked to watch the video recording of the autopsy conducted at JJ Postmortem Centre, before submitting his final report.
‘Definitely murdered’
Speaking to MiD DAY, Rabiya Khan said, “My daughter was definitely murdered and the police have hidden the facts – this is ultimate proof that somebody else was involved and killed her. Why didn’t the forensics experts examine the DNA on the human tissue found in her nails, to ascertain whose it was?”
Rabiya’s lawyer Dinesh Tiwari added, “We received the FSL report a fortnight ago, and the same was sent to Dr Sharma for his expert opinion. His findings have raised serious concerns for us and accordingly we have written a letter to FSL, Kalina asking them not to destroy the samples collected from Jiah that were sent to them for testing.”
Tiwari added, “We are moving court soon and would plead to the court to allow us to get a copy of the video recording of the autopsy. Also, if the need arises, we may even insist on the exhumation of the corpse.” Arun Shankarrao Bhagat, senior police inspector from Juhu police station, said, “I cannot comment on this case at this moment as I am on bandobast duty. I cannot say anything unless I go through the case papers.” Additional Commissioner of Police (western region) Vishwas Nangre Patil said, “I will find out from the concerned officers about the same.”
Dr R K Sharma's observations:

Post-mortem report
The following points need special mention:

>> The contusion, which is very clearly shown in photographs on the left arm posterior aspect, (approx size 5x3 cm) is not mentioned in the post mortem report
>> Eyes closed, tongue inside, conjunctiva pale and absence of saliva are NOT signs of asphyxia
>> Two abraded ecchymosis [a black-and-blue or purple spot] (size of 0.3 cm) on the lower lip were not cut to know freshness and extent
>> Both lungs were congested and collapsed. This is not a feature of asphyxia. Weight of lungs is not mentioned, which is very crucial.
>> Since in this case alcohol has been detected in high concentration in the stomach, doctors who conducted post-mortem failed to notice any smell.
Report on viscera and other biological samples
The following points need special mention:

The concentration of alcohol keeps on decreasing day by day as alcohol is volatile, and no special preservation technique or preservative like sodium fluoride was used in this case; it can be safely assumed that alcohol concentration in viscera, tissues and blood would be significantly higher on date of incident (June 3). It took 18 days to analyse the samples, a process that normally takes not more than 4-6 hours.
Examination of nail clippings showed human tissue that was analysed for blood grouping, which has no significance as we have better techniques available like DNA fingerprinting. Why were the samples destroyed when they yielded results of human tissue? It is a gross lapse on part of FSL. It took 39 days to analyse samples, which also put this report in serious doubt.
Blood took 39 days to analyse, just to determine the blood group, and they could not do Rh factor test. It is just appalling.
It takes five minutes to do this test.
Final view
>> Post-mortem examination was not done properly, as injuries on the body are missed out. It is essential to examine video recordings to appreciate injuries present on the body
>> The deceased was incapacitated because of high alcohol concentration in her body
>> Presence of injuries may be reflective of struggle, or person holding her tightly for suspension
>> In such circumstances, it is possible for an able bodied person to hang an incapacitated person.
>> Investigations at FSL are not done properly as per scientific procedure. Non-submission of nail clippings for DNA analysis is a grave error. Destruction of sample is not acceptable.
Final Recommendation
>> It is very essential to examine a video–recording of the post mortem examination to reach the correct cause of death. Homicidal hanging in this case may be a strong possibility.
>> I will submit my final report after examination of video recording.
Medico-legal expert
Dr RK Sharma’s observations:
>> A contusion on left arm, visible in photographs, is not mentioned in post-mortem report
>> Eyes closed, tongue inside mouth and absence of saliva are not signs of asphyxia
>> Both lungs were congested and collapsed. This is not a feature of asphyxia
>> The deceased was incapacitated because of high alcohol concentration present in body
>> Presence of injuries may be reflective of struggle/holding person tightly for suspension
>> In such circumstances, it is possible for an able-bodied person to hang an incapacitated person
June 4
Autopsy of Jiah Khan conducted at JJ mortuary
June 5
Nail clippings sent to Kalina FSL for testing
Aug 17
FSL report submitted to the police, stating human tissue matter and blood detected in nail samples
The other side
A senior official from the biological division of FSL clarified, “The samples collected at the post mortem centre were not taken properly, as the nail was clipped along with the skin. On our examination, we found that the human tissue was that of the deceased, and hence even the DNA reports were inconclusive. Also, the blood stain on the nails matched with that of the deceased, as her blood group was A.”

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com  

Why is Salman khan upset with Sonakshi?

Apparently, Salman Khan is irked at Sonakshi Sinha for turning down Arbaaz Khan's upcoming film

 Everywhere in the world most things happen on basis of relationship be it personal or professional and our industry is no different. By now we know that the man who would give anything for his relationships is Salman Khan.

 Salman khan

He always stands up for his friends and family members and vice- versa. Salman shares a special bond with most people he has worked with, be it his directors or his actresses. One of his favourites is Sonakshi Sinha.

 

Sonakshi Sinha

  Salman gave a break to Sona in Dabangg and worked with her again in Dabangg 2. Eventually, the actress got so close to Salman’s family that she would be seen in most of the functions at the Khan residence and was part of festivals they celebrated.

However, according to sources, the relationship between the superstar and the actress seems to have strained a bit lately. Apparently, Salman is peeved with Sonakshi. The reason apparently is because she turned down a film offer from the Khan family.

“After Dabangg 2, Salman wanted Arbaaz to make a film without him. Arbaaz signed Abhishek Dongra as the debut director for his next production.

Initially, Katrina Kaif was being considered for the film but later Salman suggested Sonakshi’s name. Arbaaz offered the role to Sonakshi. But for reasons unknown, she couldn’t agree to do the film and this seems to have irked Salman, who didn’t expect her to turn down his request,” says the source.

Will Sona manage to get Salman to calm down? Sonakhi and Arbaaz were unavailable for comment.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com 

Amrita Rao would like to act as Anarkali of Mughal-e-Azam

Amrita Rao is so impressed with the character of Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam that she could even die for the role.

The grandeur of the film and the costume drama was like a celebration on celluloid. The songs and dialogues came to be associated with the actors they were picturised on. The film was a trend-setter in many ways.

Article Source: santabanta.com 

Film's outcome doesn't affect equations, says Imran Khan

Actor Imran Khan's last release 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara' may not have done well, but he feels it was not a bad movie and a hit or a flop does not affect relations

'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara' (OUATIMD), the criminal gangster saga, was released on August 15. Directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ekta and Shobha Kapoor, the sequel to the 2010 film 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai' starred Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha and ImranKhan in lead roles but it failed to garner much attention.

"The release was watched very badly, we released in 1,000 screens, obviously that was a problem. According to me the film wasn't bad, I was very happy with my work but unfortunately few things are not in your hands. As an actor you can only concentrate on your work and performance, beyond that things are not in your control," Imran said. According to Imran, a "hit or a flop does not affect the relationship" with people associated with the project.

On his equation with Ekta after the outcome of 'OUATIMD', Imran says, "At this point, I don't know. She has not called me since the release of the film. I didn't feel the need to (take the initiative)." Imran had expressed his displeasure the way 'OUATIMD' was promoted. The rift between him and producer Ekta widened so much that Imran opted out of Ekta's next 'Milan Talkies' being directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. "I opted out of 'Milan Talkies' because of personal reasons. I am very happy with my decision, it allows me to sleep peacefully at night," he said.

But some critics felt Imran was unfit for the role of a goon. However, the actor doesn't feel so and is quite okay with the opinion of other people. "I don't concern myself with the critical opinion at all. Personally, I felt that I got a very good response as an actor. At the box-office, obviously if you release with one quarter of the number of prints people will not see your film," Imran said.

"Our opening day collection for the number of screens we had was very good and for me it was an exposure to an audience which I didn't not have access to before. I have done more urban films. Here, for the first time I was doing a film and a role which was reaching out to a new audience and that audience has been opened up for me," he said.

With the bitter experience of marketing of 'OUATIMD', Imran will be careful with the way his upcoming projects are promoted. "I am careful about whom I would work with. See, when I am working with Karan Johar, I know he is a very clean person. I know that I can put my trust in him blindly. Itgives me a feeling of security and that is something I am very particular about. I want to work with good people," he said. As an actor, Imran says he is greedy and wants every one to like his every performance.

He is looking forward to the release of Johar's home production 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein', where he is paired opposite Kareena Kapoor.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Jagga Jasoos' and 'Bobby Jasoos' shooting to start on same day

Anurag Basu and Samar Shaikh's detective films with similar sounding names to go on floors at around the same time

In what could be something more than mere coincidence, Anurag Basu's Jagga Jasoos and Samar Shaikh's Bobby Jasoos will both start shooting at the same time. Basu's film has Ranbir Kapoor in the leading roles while Shaikh's film has Vidya Balan playing the protagonist.

Actress Dia Mirza and her beau Sahil Sangha are producing Bobby Jasoos under their banner Born Free Entertainment whereas Jagga Jasoos is the first movie under the banner of Picture Shuru which is a joint venture between Ranbir Kapoor and the Barfi director.

According to an insider, `The shooting of Bobby Jasoos is starting in Hyderabad as the film is set there -- the city where Dia was born and grew up -- from November 15 and the shooting of Jagga Jasoos will commence in Mumbai just two days later.`

The first schedule of Jagga Jasoos is of 10 days where apparently Katrina is only required to shoot for a day. For Bobby Jasoos, it's a 60-day schedule and the makers will most probably wrap up the movie by January 2014.

Dia had earlier mentioned in an interview that her production is going to be meticulous. `There are little details which only someone who has lived in a place for a long time would know. I have worked closely with the writers so we could get the nuances right.`

Jagga Jasoos was announced sometime in June and Bobby Jasoos was announced later around September. Interestingly, both the movies are slated to release next year.

Jagga Jasoos is said to be along the lines of Sherlock Holmes-meets-James Bond-meets-Mission Impossible packaged as a typical Bollywood entertainer whereas Bobby Jasoos is will showcase Vidya Balan in the role of India's first lady detective on screen.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

R...Rajkumar' Sonakshi's b'day gift to her dad

Sonakshi Sinha plans to give her dad Shatrughan Sinha a 'dhamakedaar' birthday gift in the form of "R...Rajkumar", which hits theatres Dec 6, three days before the actor-politician 68th birthday.

When asked whether she thinks "R...Rajkumar" will be a birthday present to her dad, she said: "Of course, I think. But if there are four films in a year, one or the other comes near somebody's birthday."

"But I definitely hope, wish and pray that I give him a good and big 'dhamakedaar' gift in the form of 'R...Rajkumar'," she added.

Directed by Prabhudheva, "R...Rajkumar" features Shahid Kapoor in the title role and Sonakshi will be seen as his love interest in the movie.

It will come out on Dec 6, while Sinha's birthday is on Dec 9.

Article Source: santabanta.com 

I can never slap Sushant, says Ankita Lokhande

Popular TV star Ankita Lokhande has denied reports of slapping her boyfriend-actor Sushant Singh Rajput outside the YRF Studios here

Media reports said that trouble was brewing between the live-in couple. However, the actress has rubbished all such reports.

"There is no truth to it. It has not happened outside YRF as reported. It is absolutely wrong. I can never ever slap Sushant," Ankita said. While Sushant on his part said jokingly, "I do lot of things every day for which I deserve a slap but that has not happened unfortunately yet.

Our relationship is quite sorted out... People like to spice it all." The report said that apparently Ankita called Sushant outside the YRF studio and then checked his phone. An argument followed and she lost her cool and allegedly slapped him.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

kareena kapoor regrets not studying further

Actress Kareena Kapoor, a graduate, regrets not studying further.

"Be it a village or a city, education is very important and it always comes into you," said Kareena while promoting "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein" on the sets of the seventh season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati".

"(Education) is one of the most important things and we should always encourage children to be educated, go to school, and go to college," she added.

Kareena entered filmdom in 2000 with "Refugee" when she was 20 years old. After that she got so busy with her film shoots that studies took a backseat. She studied law for some time but didn't complete the course.

"I think I couldn't study as I have always been interested in films. But today I regret that.

"It is important to be well read, at least a little bit," said the 33-year-old who has done films like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Jab We Met", "Omkara" and "Golmaal 3".

Her next release is director Punit Malhotra's "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein". She will be seen romancing Imran Khan in the film when it hits the theatres Nov 22.

Article Source: santabanta.com 

Deepak Tijori is back to acting -- blame it on Sunny Leone!

Actor-turned-director Deepak Tijori is back to being in front of the camera. He essays a villain in Devang Dholakia's upcoming venture, Tina & Lolo, starring Sunny Leone.

Twenty years ago, Deepak played the bad guy in Mansoor Khan's Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar opposite Aamir Khan, so in a way life has come a full circle for him.

Explains Devang, `I had visualised a strong male evil character. Tina & Lolo does not have a hero but two heroines -- Sunny Leone and Karishma Tanna. My girls are my heroes in my film. When we were looking for a villain, I thought of Deepak as I felt he fitted the bill perfectly.`

As part of his preparations, Deepak lost weight to look his part of a debonair villain with a salt and pepper look.

Says Deepak, `I was looking at doing work as an actor again, and I felt good when Devang offered me this film, The icing on the cake was Sunny. I can't deny that!`

He adds, `Several actors do have a problem in going grey on screen, but I was looking for a change and once we did the make-up test, we were sure, this was a welcome change.`

Deepak who has directed films like Oops!, Fareb and Fox is making another film called Dare You.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com