John Abraham, Priya Ranchul’s marriage hit the rock

John Abraham surprised his fans when in January 2014, one fine day he tweeted that he and his girlfriend Priya Runchal entered into wedlock. John and Priya’s marriage was a hush-hush affair and now it is rumoured that his marriage is in troubled water.

Long distance relationship is said to be the reason of their separation. John Abraham is busy with his Bollywood projects while Priya Runchal is pursuing higher studies abroad. It was said that Priya will shift to Mumbai post marriage but it never happened.

John Abraham never talked about his darling wife after getting hitched. Like his marriage, his separation is also shocking. John and Priya are on the verge of separation.

In the past, few times John and Priya were spotted together but post marriage they hardly seen together.

Ajay Devgn missed his friend Sanjay on latter’s birthday

‘Drishyam’ actor Ajay Devgan has worked with Sanjay Dutt in a number of films including, ‘All the Best: Fun Begins’, Son of Sardaar’, LoC Kargil, etc and both actors have shared a close friendship personally and have great professional rapport.

The ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’ actor turned 56 on Wednesday (July 29) and Ajay is waiting for his return. He wished Sanjay on his special day on Twitter. "A very happy birthday to my elder brother, waiting for you to come,” the ‘Singham’ star wrote on the micro-blogging site. He also posted a photograph of him with Sanjay on the site.

Sanjay is currently serving his sentence in Pune’s Yerwada jail after being convicted for illegal possession of arms in the 1993 Mumbai blast case.

Throughout his imprisonment, Ajay has made it a point to stay in touch with his friend-cum-colleague, while Sanjay too is said to be writing letters to Ajay or sending messages through his wife Manyata or through some mutual friends, according to a report in a daily.

Sanjay’s wife Manyata and sister Priya Dutt visited him in jail on his birthday. His inmates also held a small celebration for his birthday, according to the report.

The actor is likely to be released by the eand of this year.

Priyanka’s ‘Bajirao Mastani’ to clash with Shahrukh’s ‘Dilwale’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is all set to clash with Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated movie ‘Dilwale’ starring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. Both the movies are big in their own terms. ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is one of the highly awaited films of 2015. The film stars Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone in the main roles. ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is a very interesting periodic drama. Both the films are slated for December 18 release.

In ‘Bajirao Mastani’, Deepika Padukone plays the role of Mastani, Bajirao’s second wife. Priyanka Chopra plays Bajirao’s first wife Kashibai and Ranveer plays the great Maratha emperor Bajirao. Bhansali’s movies are always high on style, costume and set design and ‘Bajirao Mastani’ also reflects the same. The film is slated to release on December 18, along with Rohit Shetty's ‘Dilwale’.

‘Dilwale’ is also a highly awaited movie. It brings together golden couple of Bollywood, Kajol and Shahrukh Khan after five years. The duo was last seen in Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’ in 2010. The film also stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.

Priyanka Chopra calls the clash of two gigantic movies ‘unfortunate’.

“Not in my hands, unfortunately,” replied Priyanka, 33, when a fan asked her to avert the clash of ‘Bajirao Mastani’ with ‘Dilwale’.

‘Brothers’ new poster: Akshay, Sidharth look rugged and fierce

The upcoming action drama film ‘Brothers’ starring Akshay Kumar and Siddharth Malhotra has come up with another new poster where the two actors are seen donning heavy beard and a fierce look.

Akshay took to Twitter to unveil the brand new poster of the intense and power-packed movie. “Here's the brand new poster of @Brothers2015! #BrothersAug14,” the 47-year-old actor wrote along with the poster.

The poster comes with a tag line ‘Blood Against Blood’ and the two actors who play brothers in the film looking into each other’s eyes angrily, as they punch a glass wall between them into shreds.

‘Brothers’ revolve around two estranged blood brothers David Fernandez (Akshay) and Monty Fernandez (Siddharth) who become street fighters and fate brings them together for a martial faceoff.

The film also features Jacqueline Farnandez, Jackie Shroff and Shefali Shah. It is directed by Karan Malhotra and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.

'Brothers' is the official remake of the 2011 Hollywood movie ‘Warrior’, which told the tale of two estranged brothers, whose entrance into a mixed martial arts tournament forces them to come to terms with their past and each other.

Amitabh Bachchan recalls memories of ‘Silsila’ as it completes 34 yrs

Amitabh Bachchan became nostalgic as his film ‘Silsila’ completed 34 years of its release. The ‘Shehensha’ of Bollywood recalled memories from the past and posted pictures from the film and its sets on his social networking sites.

Big B took to Facebook to share a couple of images reminiscent of the romantic film that starred his wife Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. One photo shows Amitabh and Jaya getting married, while the other picture has a line writtem on it: ‘Love is faith and faith is forever’.

The veteran actor also wrote about the film on his blog. "How can one remove from memory the umpteenth years that have transpired on the release of some of the films of then- Silsila 34 years…Khuddar,” he posted.

Big B seemed at a loss for words to describe his memories associated with the film. “And it all comes back with such detail that a narration of it would require the space of a space mission…but…it must be done some day…here, there wherever…it must…before, as many predict, I lose my brains,” he wrote.

The Yash Chopra directorial that released on 29 July, 1981 explored extra-marital affair where circumstances compel a man who is in love with someone esle, to marry his brother’s fiancée. The film also featured Shashi Kapoor and Sanjeev Kumar.

It was alos the last film that featured Amitabh and Rekha, who became a popular onscreen couple with films like ‘Mr. Natwarlal’, ‘Do Anjaane’ and ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’. The actress did have a cameo in R Balki’s ‘Shamitabh’ but the former onscreen couple didn’t have a scene together.

Salman wasn't driving the car, actor’s lawyer tells HC

Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s hearing of the appeal against 2002 hit-and-run case started in the Bombay High Court today and his lawyer argued that the trial court made a mistake in holding that the actor himself was in the driving seat.

Salman Khan was found guilty in 2002 hit-and-run case and was sentenced five years of imprisonment on May 6. He was charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the accident in which he rammed his car into a shop in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002, killing one person and injuring four, sleeping on the pavement.

Salman's lawyer Amit Desai also said to the court that the lower court incorrectly dismissed Salman’s defence, his driver Ashok Singh who said that he was driving the car and not the actor. Desai also said that the prosecution had also failed to prove that the actor was drunk before the accident.

Advocate Desai also claimed that Patil, singer Kamaal Khan and Ashok Singh (driver) were in the car when the mishap occurred but police chose to accept Patil's statement though he was no more and not available for cross-examination.

Desai also argued that the court did not feel the need to examine Ashok Singh, who claimed to have caused the accident and instead they sidelined him saying that after 13 years he got up and spoke in favour of the actor to defend him. But the fact is that a defence witness can only step into the witness box only after the prosecution's case is over, Desai argued.

The lawyer also brought into light the defence theory that a burst tyre caused the accident.

Advocate Desai tells the court that the prosecution also failed to prove that Salman had consumed alcohol at two bars before the mishap occurred. During interrogation, the waiter at the bar had only said that he had seen the actor holding a glass of colourless liquid and it could be anything, just water.

Reasons why ‘Drishyam’ is worth a watch

S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’ may have shattered the opening records and Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ may be getting lions share at the box office, but ‘Drishyam’ starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran is surely worth a watch, here’s why.

National Award winning actors Ajay and Tabu will be sharing screen space after a long gap of 18 years. They have earlier worked together in films like ‘Vijaypath’, ‘Haqeeqat’, ‘Takshak’ and others.  Ajay and Tabu have always played lovers to each other, but in this film both the talented actors are pitted against each other. It would be interesting to see them do this.

The film’s posters mention Ajay as ‘The Intense King’ and appropriately so. Intense roles are the actor’s forte and Ajay is returning to doing such roles after a long time. In fact, Ajay won two National Awards for his intense roles in ‘Zakhm’ and ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’. Lately, he had done comedies like ‘Bol Bachchan’, Son of Sardaar’ and action in ‘Gangaajal’ ‘Shingham’ and his latest ‘Action Jackson’.

The two-time National Award winning actress Tabu is another powerhouse of talent. She has been a part of many critically movies like ‘Maachis’, ‘Cheeni Kum’ ‘Chandni Bar’ and her latest ‘Haider’. In ‘Drishyam’, she plays a hard and aggressive character of a cop, someone she hasn’t portrayed in a while. 

The film, about a common man and his family, is a remake of the 2013 Malayalam film of the same title. The film was loved by all and was also remade in Kannada,Telugu, and Tamil which is titled ‘Papanasam’ that released recently. All the remakes have done well. Moreover, Bollywood remakes of South-Indian films have also performed well in the past, for instance, 'Singham', ‘Wanted’,'Ghajini', 'Bhul Bhullaiya' and others.

It may not seem to be a great idea to remake a film that has already been remade twice, but it is the gripping storyline backed by talented performers that makes it worthwhile. The tagline of the film which says ‘Visuals can be deceptive’ is enough to stir the curiosity of audience to find out how the mystery is unravelled in the film. It is a plot-driven and character-driven film.

The film has four songs all written by the master lyricist Gulzar. The songs blend into the story and sequences very well.

Set in Goa, it brings out the place beyond its beaches and beer bars or vacationers. It explores the old-world buildings, the rural charm that usually remains unseen in other films.

‘Drishyam’ is definitely not a typical ‘masala’ entertainer, but would prove to be a satisfying watch. The film is meant for the classes and not the masses. 

Riteish and Pulkit promote ‘Bangistan’ on ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded’

After visiting the sets of ‘The Voice India’ and television series ‘Qubool Hai’, actors Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat reached the floors of dance reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded’ to promote their upcoming film ‘Bangistan’.

The duo made a grand entry on the stage escorted by the show’s contestants Sanaya Irani and Scarlett Wilson.

Riteish and Shahid Kapoor who is making his small screen debut as a judge of the show danced to some tracks of ‘Bangistan’. Pulkit playfully went up to cricketer Irfan Pathan, a wild card entry in the show, and coaxed him to join them on the dance floor.

The cricketer had given a fabulous performance along with his choreographer partner. ‘ABCD 2’ actress Lauren Gotileb who is also a judge on the show also performed with choreographer Tushar, while host Manish Paul also took a chance shaking a leg with the American dancer.

Shahid and Karan Johar who also judged the previous seasons of the show, as usual continued to amuse the spectators with their funny antics. All the four judges of the show – Karan, Shahid, Lauren and Ganesh Hegde posed for pictures with Riteish and Pulkit, who will soon be seen in ‘Bangistan’.

‘Bangistan’ is a comedy satire and also features Chandan Roy Sanyal and Jacqueline Fernande. Riteish and Pulkit play the role of two terrorists who have been brainwashed into an explosive mission in the fictional land of Bangistan.

Directed by Karan Anshuman, the film is set to hit theatres on August 7.

Will throw torn shoes at Yakub Menon’s lawyer's dead body: Singer Abhijeet

  

 Singer Abhijet Bhattacharya has yet again hit the headlines for his derogatory tweet after the infamous ‘dog remark’ during Salman Khan’s hearing in the 2002 hit-and-run case. This time Abhijit has targeted terrorist Yakub Menon’s lawyer Prashant Bhushan for going to the extreme level to save Yakub Menon from hanging.

Prashant Bhushan was among the part of a team of lawyers which had moved a late night petition seeking stay on Yakub Memon’s hanging. Abhijit Bhattacharya abused Bhushan for making an effort to save a dangerous terrorist.

Yakub, who was the single 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict was hanged at Nagpur jail on Thursday.

He posted a series of tweets slamming Bhushan:-

His first tweet read, "@AnuragWROXTAR yaar iss prashant bhushan ko jute marne ke liye bhi appointment lena padega . Pura Desh katar me hai." initiated new criticisms for Abhijeet.

He also mentioned a television journalist and tweeted, "@gauravcsawant yaar mai @pbhushan1 Prashant bhushan ko fata hua sasta joota marunga (mine is costly) uski dead body par, Camera ready rakhna."

On May 6, hours after Salman Khan was convicted in the 2002 hit-and-run case, Abhijeet drew flak for comparing the pavement dwellers with dogs on his micro-blogger Twitter.

 His tweet read, "Kutta rd pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I ws homles an year nvr slept on rd.. @BeingSalmanKhan is not at fault at all @arbaazSkhan @sonakshisinha," he had written.

Anushka Sharma refuses to endorse fairness cream

The actors in Bollywood are more conscious about what they endorse basically after Maggi row. After Kangana Ranaut, now the ‘PK’ actress Anushka Sharma has refused to endorse fairness cream.

“I would not endorse products that propagate racist and sexiest (beliefs)….and propagate social taboo. I don’t want to endorse products that propagate fair skin and all. I will not propagate anything that says this is right or wrong,” Anushka told reporters at an event here this evening.

Anushka Sharma has been roped in as the brand ambassador of the leading shampoo brand Pantene. The 27-year-old actress is happy and proud to be associated with the hair care product owned by FMCG major Procter & Gamble.

“We have to look good…our hair does get damaged due to straightening…tonging. We have to do something that helps our hair look good and healthy,” she said, dwelling on benefits of using shampoo.

“While I was shooting for “NH 10? my hair had to look dirty in the film. To improve the texture…quality of hair I had to use a lot of conditioner,” the “Band Baaja Baaraat” star said.

 In the past, the ‘Queen’ actress Kangana Ranaut also refused a whopping Rs. 2 crore Fairness Cream ad deal.

“Manoj Bajpayee has delivered a rare performance in Aligarh”

Hansal Mehta has a bunch of luminous films lined up. Be it the Sanjay Gandhi biopic or Kangana Ranaut starrer 'Simran'or 'Aligarh'that is gearing up for post-production, he has a keen interest in films of a certain mettle and character. In an impromptu tete-a-tete, Mehta talks to us about 'Aligarh', the US Supreme Court legalizing gay marriages across the country, the queer perspective and how his actor Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao moulded themselves into their challenging roles.

Aligarhis much-anticipated, more so now that the US Supreme Court ruling has connected people back to theme. Do you feel that the film's release will take forward the cause of the Indian LGBT activists towards attaining the same for India?
The US Supreme Court ruling is a case of 'deraaye par durustaaye'. The question is - does any constitution have the right to decide what two consenting adults do in their private spaces? 'Aligarh'makes this case without sensationalizing or overemphasizing sexuality which is none of our business anyway. I am hopeful that'Aligarh'opens up the route to public discourse on our right to privacy and to the fact that in spite of being a democracy we are not really free in all respects. The script by Apurva Asrani makes this case with great empathy and a sense of justice. I am hoping that the qualities that drew me to the script will move audiences and provoke them to examine their own prejudices.

This is your second film with Manoj Bajpayee and the third film with Rajkummar Rao. How has been your experience of working with such talented answers?
This is my 2nd film with Manoj Bajpayee, my 4th film with Apurva Asrani (my writer and editor), my 3rd film with Mandar Kulkarni (our sound designer) and yes, 3rd film with Rajkummar Rao. The point is that intense collaborations with like minded souls make the process of filmmaking very special. My team works like a family and takes great pride in the work we do. Manoj is an actor who inspite of his formidable body of work has yet to show the world that he capable of much more. 'Aligarh'did push him physically and psychologically but what a rare performance he has delivered! Rajkummar is a very special actor and for me he is a very special friend. He has played his role with utmost honesty and has surrendered to the script's needs.

Salman's advocate tells HC that the actor had not consumed any alcoholic drink

Salman Khan's lawyers on Thursday reiterated before the Bombay high court that the actor did not drink or drive when his car rammed into to pavement dwellers in 2002, killing one persons and injuring four others.

Senior advocate Amit Desai, counsel for Salman, opened his arguments before the court of Justice A R Joshi, which is hearing the actor's appeal against his conviction and five year jail term. The lawyer also questioned the prosecution for not calling in singer Kamal Khan, who as per reports was an eyewitness in the case. Alleging deficiencies in the prosecution case, advocate Desai also said that the trial court erred in disregarding the evidence of defence witness Ashok Singh. The defence had brought in Singh as a witness before the trial court where he had claimed that it was in fact he and not Salman who was driving the car on the night of the incident. The defence also claimed that the records before the HC in the case were incomplete.

Salman was convicted earlier this year on the charge of culpable homicide and drunken driving and sentenced to five years in prison. The HC had suspended the sentence and released the actor on bail pending the hearing of his appeal.

Earlier during the hearing, advocate Desai moved an application seeking "guidelines on restriction of media". which is covering the hearing of the case. The HC directed that day to day reporting of the court hearing can be allowed, but restrained the media from recording the proceedings on audio and video or transmitting it live.

Sonakshi Sinha is combining forces with John Abraham

After punching and pummelling her way through the Mouna Guru remake, the actress is now combining forces with John Abraham.

When A R Murugadoss decided to remake Santha Kumar's 2011 Tamil action thriller,Mouna Guru, asAkira, with the leading lady of his filmHoliday, Sonakshi Sinha, stepping into actor Arulnithi Tamilarasu's shoes, little did he know that he was moulding an action heroine for Hindi cinema.

The 28-year-old actress underwent months of training in mixed martial arts to enhance strength and flexibility. She also practised choreographed kicking and punching. "By switching the gender, Murugadoss sir has changed the film's perspective and makes the character even more relatable. Every young girl will be able to take something away from it. For me,Akirawas exciting because I was getting to learn something new. The prep required plenty of discipline and hard work but I was happy to go through the grind because it helped me get into shape too," Sonakshi smiles.

She recalls a cable action scene in the film in which she had to kick off from the chest of one of the fighters, do a back flip in the air and land on her feet. "It was the most daunting and difficult stunt I've ever done but I pulled it off," she exults. Sonakshi has now bagged theForcesequel opposite John Abraham which will also have lots of daredevil stunts but will not require any further homework. "The training I've undergone is perfect forForce 2too though this time, the action will be more stylised as compared to the raw power ofAkira," she points out.

John is still remembered for his bulging biceps and 12-pack from the originalForce. Apprehensive? The query is answered with peals of laughter, "What's a 12-pack? Last I counted, it was six! And why would I be apprehensive? That was John's look for the film and I'm not exactly competing with his physique. I've worked with some of the best action heroes and learnt from watching them. It will be amazing to put all that learning to use and see it translate on screen."

The way she's going, will she soon give Bollywood's heroes a complex? "Why would I give them a complex? They've been at it for years; it will take me a while to be in their league, but I will keep trying," she promises. Prod her on role models and Angelina Jolie is the obvious choice for her effortless action in films likeSalt,Wanted,Mr. & Mrs. SmithandLara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life."I also loved Uma Thurman in theKill Billseries and Rani Mukerji was awesome inMardaani," she raves.

Given her new-found expertise in maar-dhaad, will Rajjo fight the baddies inDabangg 3with Chulbul Pandeyji? Sonakshi instantly clams up, saying it's too early to speak aboutDabangg 3which is still being scripted. "But I think they will leave the fighting to Pandeyji in this one as well," she smiles coyly.

Okay, so Salman's out, so which action hero would she like to match, kick for kick, someday? "Definitely Akshay Kumar," she quips. "He is so good in martial arts and parkour that it would be challenging to match him, kick for kick!" Well, there's talk of aRowdy Rathoresequel, she could give Akshay competition in that? "Why are you hell-bent on me giving my heroes competition?" she frowns. "We all work in harmony for the film. I don't know anything about aRowdy Rathoresequel but if it happens, it would be awesome."

When Sonakshi is not fighting, she's dancing.Nachan farrate, her special appearance song inAll Is Well, is already top of the charts."Ahmed Khan choreographed the song and he's really fast.We knocked this song off in two-and-a-half days and the energy level on the set was always high," she reminisces.

Salman Khan wooed Sonam Kapoor with a song and fitness tips

Sooraj Barjatya will start shooting the climax of his grandiose romance, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, from August 16. He plans to wrap it up on September 10. The film explodes on screens this Diwali.

A palatial set has been erected at ND Studios, Karjat. Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor canned a dreamy, romantic sequence over three days, starting Sunday in the midst of a controversy over Salman's tweets about Yakub Memon.

The 50-year-old actor rode a white stallion against a backdrop of rolling hills and meandering streams. "It was all love and mush on camera. Between shots, Sonam and Sallu shared fitness tips. They've been working out together too," informs a source. Sonam returned home on Wednesday and she will go back mid-August to shoot one last song with Salman.



Anupam Kher, who plays Diwan Sahab, told Mirror that on Tuesday night, Sooraj delivered a short speech, mentioning every actor by name. "He left everyone tear-eyed. Sooraj always does this when his film is nearing the end. It was my last day of shoot and as always, I was emotional," admits the veteran actor, who is flying to the US with co-star Neena Gupta, for two months with his play,Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha.

And Salman's recent release,Bajrangi Bhaijaan, is breaking boxoffice records. Will Prem replicate Pavan's success? "Prem will be three times more successful than Pavan," asserts Anupam.

'Jaanisaar' showcases culture, costumes, music and poetry

Ali, director of the classic Umrao Jaan(1981) gears up for the release of his next,Jaanisaar,a period drama that has been shot on opulent sets.

Fashion entrepreneur Pernia Qureshi debuts opposite Pakistani heartthrob Imran Abbas in this love saga of a revolutionary courtesan of Avadh, Indiaand a prince brought up in England, set a couple of decades after the 1857 national uprising against the British. The lead cast is dressed in beautiful and ostentatious costumes.

'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' breaks the record of 'Dhoom3'

In a scenario where change is constant, Salman Khan'sBajrangi Bhaijaan,that has been galloping at the box office, breaking records along the way, crossed theDhoom3box office collection yesterday.

This Indo-Pak social drama directed by Kabir Khan that has the seven-year-old Harshaali Malhotra as the little Pakistani moppet stealing hearts, drives home a subtle message of peace between India and her warring neighbour.

The Bollywood Khan trio - Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh continue to occupy the top box office slot because their respective films are the highest earners. Clearly what they can, or should it read K(han), others can only aspire to do.

R.Balki announces title of his next

Always known for surprising the audience, filmmaker R.Balki finally announces the title of his ambitious next starring Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. While the film has been in the limelight ever since its announcement, thanks to its interesting casting coup , R.Balki announces the title "Ki And Ka" (taken from ladKI and ladKA)* , a love story between 2 people with different ideologies.

The film is about two people with contrasting ideologies , taking audiences through their interesting journey.While Arjun is a progressive house husband who lovingly supports his wife's ambitions, Kareena, on the other hand, is a super ambitious career woman.

Says director R.Balki, "It is titled Ki and Ka. Hindi is a language where just not human beings even objects have genders. This film is all about the fact that Ki and Ka genders don't matter."

Says Arjun Kapoor, "An amazingly ambitious LadKI meets a uniquely fascinating ladKA !!! Balki Kareena and I bring u the Love Story of Ki and Ka Summer 2016".

Ridhima Sud finally arrives on Instagram!

The super cute Noorie Sood who is admittedly social media shy is finally on Instagram! She kick starts her account with a trip down Dil Dhadakne Do's memory lane posting images of all her fun adventures and behind the scenes from the film. Only a few hours and few posts old we love her selfies with Ranveer Singh, photos of Florence trips with Farhan Akhtar and pool side musings with Priyanka Chopra!

We can't wait to see more of this young actress's exciting life. Ridhima Sud has already won a best debut award for her performance in the film!

Dance shows on TV changed Bollywood's dancing style: Remo D'Souza

Choreographer-director Remo D'Souza, who is currently judging TV show `Dance +`, says dance-based reality TV shows have over the years had their effect on Bollywood, resulting in the influx of new forms in the dancing style of the film industry.

D'Souza, who started his TV journey with the first season of `Dance India Dance` as a mentor in 2009, said that since then, the dancing scenario in the country has changed a lot and people have become more educated about different dance forms.

`After we started that reality show which I was a part of long back, the whole scenario of dancing has changed in India. Everyone was educated about dancing and they came to know about all the dance forms in India. Because of that, the film industry has also changed, its dancing has changed.

`Initially we had only few western styles like break dance and hip-hop, but now we have actors doing krumping, contemporary and everything in film songs. So it is a big change that I've seen after the dance reality shows,` D'Souza told IANS in an interview here at the `Dance +` set.

The 43-year-old, who has been a part of several shows like `Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa` and `Nach Baliye` and has directed the Bollywood dance film franchise "ABCD", feels dance shows are now a `big thing` and people have started accepting dancing as a career.



`When we started the first season of 'Dance India Dance', the dancers who came, were not sure about dance reality shows. So this show was a change, and after the first season, people came to know that even dancing can be a career.

`Now there are people who train themselves to come to reality shows -- they train for years -- and they want to be a part of them because it is a big thing right now. Dancing can change your life and it has changed so many lives in all these years... it changed my life also,` he said.

Talking about `Dance +`, which is currently airing on Star Plus, D'Souza said he is surprised to see how much unexplored talent there is in the country.

`I am very excited because even after doing so many shows and making films on dance, I still got surprised in the first episode we shot. It was amazing to see it all and I was shocked to know that we still have so much talent and I've still not seen it all. It's like a different kind of talent I'm seeing this time,` he said.

The show features solo, duet and group performers and provides a platform to dancing talent from all over the country.

`Sometimes we miss on these unique dancers because we look out for something else. So in this show, we're concentrating on only those unique dancers -- not only solos, but duets and groups also. When one looks for solo dancers, the duets and the groups are left behind, but in this show, we're targeting all kinds of dancers,` D'Souza said.

Riteish and Pulkit trying really hard to promote Bangistan

Actors Pulkit Samrat and Riteish Deshmukh, who are currently waiting for the release of their forthcoming film "Bangistan", are on a visit to the capital to promote their film.

Pulkit took to micro-blogging website Twitter, where he shared a photograph of himself along with his co-star Riteish in the flight, and captioned it: "Pointing towards director Karan's Bangistan!! @Riteishd @krnx Bangistanis coming to Delhi."

Directed by Karan Anshuman, "Bangistan", which was mostly shot in Poland and Ladakh, is about two suicide bombers, Hafeez Bin Ali Ishwarchand Sharma (Riteish) and Allah Rakha Khan Praveen Chaturvedi (Pulkit), who have been brainwashed into an explosive mission but eventually realise the death wish is futile exercise.

The film was slated to hit the theatres on July 31, but will now release on August 7.

How Arjun celebrated reaching 1.5 mn fan-mark on twitter?

Actor Arjun Kapoor has amassed 1.5 million followers on micro-blogging website Twitter, and and he treated his fans to a selfie of himself on reaching the milestone.

"1.5 million ke liye Selfie toh Banti hai!!! Better late than never...btw it's 'KI & KA' and not the other way around," he tweeted.

The 30-year-old actor, who made his debut in tinsel town with the 2012 film "Ishaqzaade", is very active on social media platforms to stay connected with his fans and well-wishers.



Arjun, who was last seen in the 2015 film "Tevar" opposite Sonakshi Sinha, will next be seen in 2016 on the silver screen in R. Balki's "Ki and Ka" starring opposite to actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.

The upcoming romantic film "Ki and Ka" is about two people with contrasting ideologies.

Arjun essays a progressive house husband, who lovingly supports his wife's ambitions, Kareena portrays a super ambitious career-oriented woman in the movie.

Big B finds it hard to describe 'Silsila'

With "Silsila" clocking 34 years since its release, Amitabh Bachchan fell short of words to describe his memories associated with the 1981 movie.

"'Silsila' 34 years...Khuddar...And it all comes back with such detail that a narration of it would require the space of a space mission...but...it must be done some day...here, there wherever...it must...before, as many predict, I lose my brains," Big B posted on his blog.

The Yash Chopra directorial delves into extra-marital affair when a man, who is in love with someone else, decides to get married to his brother's fiance after a tragedy strikes the family. The brother (played by Shashi Kapoor) dies after meeting with an accident, bringing a whole new twist to the story.



It starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha.

It was the last film featuring Amitabh and Rekha, who became a popular onscreen couple with films like "Mr. Natwarlal", "Do Anjaane" and "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar".

The actor also took to social networking site Facebook to share his views and post image stills from the film with one of the photograph having a line: "Love is faith and faith is forever".

'Manjhi - The Mountain Man' made tax free in Bihar

 'Manjhi - The Mountain Man' made tax free in Bihar Saturday, August 01, 2015 11:00 IST By Santa Banta News Network The Bihar government on Thursday announced that "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", an upcoming Indian biopic based on the life of 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi, will be exempted from tax in the state. The idea is to get the maximum number of people to watch it, officials said. "The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday took the decision that no entertainment tax would be taken for the exhibition of the Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer movie 'Manjhi - The Mountain Man' in theatres across the state," Cabinet Coordination Department Principal Secretary Shishir Kumar Sinha said. According to Sinha, the state cabinet took the decision as the movie is based on the life of real hero Manjhi, whose inspirational story tells that a person can do the hardest work with determination even when resources are scarce. It encourages the viewers to see human life in the right perspective and inspires them as well as society. The Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer, directed by Ketan Mehta, is a biopic on Manjhi, a resident of Gehlaur village in Atri block of Gaya district in Bihar. The 'Mountain Man' had, single-handedly, cut through a hill to make a road for his village. Working day and night, Manjhi had carved out a passage with a hammer and a chisel. Manjhi had taken up the uphill task after his wife was injured and he had to take a long detour around the hills to reach the nearest hospital. Manjhi, who died in 2007 in his early 80s, also wanted to develop his native village so that it had all the basic facilities -- but that was a dream which remained unfulfilled in his lifetime, and later.

The Bihar government on Thursday announced that "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", an upcoming Indian biopic based on the life of 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi, will be exempted from tax in the state. The idea is to get the maximum number of people to watch it, officials said.

"The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday took the decision that no entertainment tax would be taken for the exhibition of the Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer movie 'Manjhi - The Mountain Man' in theatres across the state," Cabinet Coordination Department Principal Secretary Shishir Kumar Sinha said.

According to Sinha, the state cabinet took the decision as the movie is based on the life of real hero Manjhi, whose inspirational story tells that a person can do the hardest work with determination even when resources are scarce. It encourages the viewers to see human life in the right perspective and inspires them as well as society.



The Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer, directed by Ketan Mehta, is a biopic on Manjhi, a resident of Gehlaur village in Atri block of Gaya district in Bihar.

The 'Mountain Man' had, single-handedly, cut through a hill to make a road for his village. Working day and night, Manjhi had carved out a passage with a hammer and a chisel. Manjhi had taken up the uphill task after his wife was injured and he had to take a long detour around the hills to reach the nearest hospital.

Manjhi, who died in 2007 in his early 80s, also wanted to develop his native village so that it had all the basic facilities -- but that was a dream which remained unfulfilled in his lifetime, and later.

Neglected At Home: Three controversial Indian films to be screened in SFM Fest

While many films in India face obstacles due to its content, Film Festivals overseas provide an ideal platform for them to be showcased. One such initiative is the Festival of Globe - Silicon Valley (FOGSV) & San Francisco Movie Fest that is scheduled to be held 7-16 August. The festival committee is currently in the process of short listing 30 films to be screened, and have announced the three particular films that will represent India, predominantly to raise support for cinema that often faces hindrance and obstacles from government, various sects and organizations. - 19th January, Unfreedom and Oass.

These films have strongcontent, storylines and messages that would possibility face censorship and communal issues in India. Each film is selected through a strict screening process by a panel of passionate jury members. 19th January is a film about the 1990 riots between Kashmiri Pundits and Muslims and is directed by Sanjay Amar. Unfreedom, based on LGBT issues, is a film that has been released in various parts of the world except India directed by Raj Amit Kumar. Abhinav Tiwari's Oass, starring Yashpal Sharma is a gruesome depiction of child trafficking seen through the eyes of a little girl.

Speaking about the selection actress Preeti Gupta of UNFREEDOM said, "I'm very delighted that my film is screening in San Francisco and it's a great honour. While creating anything, one always hopes that it will be respected. So I'm very happy. Yes I feel the Indian censorship is very harsh because in my opinion people need to be trusted and given the choice of what they will like to watch or not, we can give a certification and then let adults decide what content they will like to see ...but surely banning something is no way"



Actor and Festival Ambassador Prashantt Guptha said, `I have yet to see what controversy unfolds with my film 19th JANUARY, as it hasn't yet released, or banned. But how sad are the state of our affairs that the one most powerful medium of entertainment and information gets so limited due to cultural hypocrisy or various insecurities and political/religious ideologies.`

The FOGSV is designed to embrace and celebrate the culture and films of Indian, Latino, Chinese and Far East Communities. Independent movie producers and actors from across the globe will descend to the technology capital along with NRIs from the IT and medical communities, HNIs, venture capitalists and a lot more. A league of Hollywood and Bollywood supporters will also attend the festival including Jackie Chan, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Bappi Lahri, Gulshan Grover, Rajat Kapoor and Neha Dhupia, along with stalwarts from Eros and T-Series.

Tinsel town's 'Chhedi Singh' turns 42

Friend, brother and one of the "nicest" people in Bollywood -- tinsel town celebrities have different ways to describe actor Sonu Sood who turned 42 on Thursday. They have wished him good health and happiness all through on his special day.

Names like Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Manoj Bajpayee are among those who have wished Sonu on the occasion.

Sonu, in 1999, was introduced to Tamil language films with "Kallazhagar". He then appeared as an antagonist in the Telugu film "Hands Up!" in 2001. He then began starring in Hindi films with "Shaheed-E-Azam", as Bhagat Singh, in 2002.

He got recognition as Abhishek Bachchan's brother in Mani Ratnam's 2004 film "Yuva" and in 2005 film "Aashiq Banaya Aapne".

In 2010, he played the lead antagonist in Abhinav Kashyap's "Dabangg", where he essayed the role of Chhedi Singh. On the big screen Sonu was last seen in Farah Khan's 2014 film "Happy New Year".

Here's what B-town tweeted on his birthday:

Shah Rukh Khan: @SonuSood Happy Birthday my friend. Love you. In Bulgaria will call u in a bit to feel your positivity and wish you. Much love and a big hug.

Farah Khan: Happy birthday to our dearest @SonuSood .. Friend, brother n someone who proves that nice guys do come first.

Abhishek Bachchan: Happy birthday to my brother @SonuSood stay smooth bro.



Riteish Deshmukh: Happy Birthday my friend @SonuSood - big hug.

Amit Sadh: @SonuSood happy birthday to one of the most amazing People I know. Have a blast bro.

Milap Zaveri: Happy birthday Dilawar aka @SonuSood have a wonderful day and a super duper blockbuster year.

Manoj Bajpayee: @SonuSood happy birthday bhimkaya! May your muscles keep growing! God bless you.

Bipasha Basu: Happy happy birthday @SonuSood ! Stay fit and fab forever! I love it that you #loveyourself.

Sajid Khan: @SonuSood happy bday mere bhai..god bless you.

Humungous honor for Baby Doll babe Kanika

The girl with golden voice, Kanika Kapoor recently performed at the BBC Prom with BBC Asian Network at the famous Royal Albert Hall along with English DJ and songwriter- Naughty Boy. She gave a tribute to Yash Chopra where she sings all super hit songs of his films.

She also performed and spent time discussing music with famous English singer - song writer Emeli Sande. At the event, Kanika Kapoor was welcomed on the stage with a grand introduction by Naughty Boy and was received with thunderous response.

Kanika Kapoor said, "I was truly humbled to be invited to perform at the legendary Royal Albert Hall along with Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande and have the opportunity to pay tribute to Yashji. The experience was surreal"

Dia Mirza lends her support for a cause

Former beauty queen and actress Dia Mirza, who has voiced her concern about the environment on several occasions, has involved herself closely with the 'Save Our Tigers' campaign, backed by NDTV and Aircel.

On World Tiger Day, which was on Monday, Dia was here to celebrate the increase in the tiger population in the country. She says she was persistent in asking Bittu Sahgal, founding editor of environmental news magazine Sanctuary Asia, to give her a bigger role in saving tigers.

"It was a few years ago when Aircel launched the campaign 'Save our Tigers' on NDTV that I became familiar with the work of people like Bittu Sahgal. What was a childhood passion, kind of resurfaced and I plagued Bittu Sahgal to give me a bigger role and make me more involved with the work that needs to be done," Dia told IANS while talking about her involvement with the campaign.

"Now I do school visits and forest visits with 'Kids For Tigers'...there is a lot of work happening now in creating communication tools to spread this message further -- to take it not just to school children, but also to industries, corporates, media and help people understand that it's not just about saving the tiger, but tiger is a metaphor for saving all life,` she added.

The event here saw a panel discussion hosted by Vikram Chandra, Group CEO of NDTV channel, and Swati Thiyagarajan, environment editor, NDTV.

Apart from Dia, the panelists included Bittu Sahgal, Anish Andheria, president, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Vivek Menon, CEO, Wildlife Trust of India, Bishan Singh Bonal, member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Y.V. Jhala and Qamar Qureshi from the Wildlife Institute of India.



`India is home to 70 percent of the world's tigers today. We have had a 30 percent increase in the number of tigers in the last five years. The dismal numbers 1,411 in the first updated census became the rallying cry of the first NDTV-Aircel 'Save Our Tigers' campaign in 2010. Now it is 2226 in our fourth campaign,` said Chandra.

The event also saw the felicitation of eight people to acknowledge their contribution in saving tigers from poaching in wildlife reserves of Arunachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Orissa.

Adding a musical touch to the event was singer Kailash Kher, who crooned tracks like `Teri deewani`, `Tauba tauba` and a track from his latest album `Rangeele` along with his band Kailasa.

Elli fosters tantalizing desire

 

"Micky Virus" sensation Elli Avram, who threw a big bash here to celebrate her turning 25, said she wanted to be part of a biopic on screen siren Marilyn Monroe.

The Swedish-Greek actress, who appeared in Hindi film "Mickey Virus" and participated in the Indian reality TV show Big Boss", said she was "overwhelmed" at the love she got at Wednesday's party for which her family flew all the way from Stockholm and from Bollywood, Daisy Shah, Sooraj Pancholi, Karanvir Singh Bora, Manish Paul, Varun Sharma and VJ Andy, Mukesh Chabbra and many others attended.

"I am just overwhelmed with the wishes and love. It is a special day for me, we are celebrating and enjoying," she said.

When asked about whose biopic she would like to be a part of, Elli thought for a while and finally took the name of the one of the most beautiful woman on celluloid. "I would like to do a Marilyn Monroe," she said.

"Playing Marilyn Monroe would be an interesting and fun character to do actually."

Elli, whose Hindi diction has improved tremendously since "Micky Virus", is working on her next big venture "Kis Kis Ko Pyar Karoon" opposite Kapil Sharma.

"'Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon' trailer will be out on August 13, and the movie will release on September 25," she said.

Abbas-Mustan directed rom-com "Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon" is a debut movie for TV stand-up comedy king Kapil Sharma.

SRK, Kajol recreate 'DDLJ' scene on 'Dilwale' set

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently shooting filmmaker Rohit Shetty's "Dilwale" in Bulgaria, took time out to recreate the magic of 1995 blockbuster film "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" along with his co-star Kajol.

A photograph of the scene was shared on micro-blogging website Twitter by the "Badshah" of Bollywood himself. He also thanked the crew for the photoshoot.

"Got myself a hat & Kajol a malmal (cloth) to thank Rohit & Team for an awesome shoot & checked if the magic continues," SRK tweeted on Wednesday night.



Kajol and SRK's on screen pairing has been a hit. Their chemistry in films like "Baazigar", "Karan Arjun", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham" and "My Name Is Khan" has been widely lauded.

The iconic Bollywood couple will next be seen in the December 18 release "Dilwale", which also features actor Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Boman Irani and Vinod Khanna among others.

Why Richa's phone hasn't stopped ringing in past few days?

 

Richa Chadha who has taken Bollywood by storm with her performance in Masaan that released on Friday seems to be on a total high

Richa's phone has not stopped buzzing last three days.

Her friends and family from all over the globe have been congratulating her and can't stop raving about her performance in the film.

The film has also garnered critical success and Bollywood glitterati's seems to have gone gaga over the film.

While Richa is busy with rehearsals of her forthcoming film Cabaret and giving interviews on the success of the film, she is making sure to thank everyone back who have specially called to congratulate the lovely actress

Now we know why Richa and her phone have been inseparable last 72 hours.

On the same, Richa thanked and said : I am overwhelmed with so much love I have received. I wish to continue to do such good work in future too.

Scarlett Wilson to show-off her Desi side

The girl who adds firangi tadka to 'Jhalak Reloaded', will soon be seen on Colors TV's prime time show, 'Thapki Pyaar Ki'. The popular soap will air an episode with lead characters Dhruv and Thapki's wedding festivities. But before the shaadi there will be a Bachelor's Night which will see a performance by the sexy Scarlett.

The model-turned-actor Scarlett Wilson will be performing on Madhuri Dixit's hit number Ghagra at the party. Sources close to the show have confirmed that Scarlett will be shooting this week for her segment in Thapki Pyaar Ki.

Scarlett has entered the fourth week of Jhalak Reloaded with ease and we wish the gorgeous lady good luck for her upcoming weeks on the show.

Look what Kareena has to say about Indian women?

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan believes that Indian women are beautiful in their own right.

The face of Craftsvilla Miss Ethnic will crown the finalists of the contest, to be held on September 11 here. Women across the country, regardless of their age and marital status, can participate in the contest.

"Every Indian woman is unique and beautiful in their own right. Through Craftsvilla Miss Ethnic, we are looking for those who believe in themselves," Kareena said in a statement.

She also strongly believes that every Indian should put in efforts to preserve the country's heritage.

"India is a house to diverse and vibrant ethnicities and is imperative for each one of us to preserve it," said the actress.



Kareena, a big fan of everything ethnic, also loves Indian art and crafts, especially paintings.

Her favourite painting is from Manu ParekhÂ's Banaras series.

"I like about the painting is that it has so many vibrant colours which symbolises our country. The blending of all the colours in one frame stands testimony to IndiaÂ's unity in diversity and I am proud to have that painting with me,` she said.

Fan-tastic: SRK on a unique quest?

Online fashion brand Yepme.com is giving a chance to fans to get closer to superstar Shah Rukh Khan with their latest association with the Bollywood baadshah's upcoming movie "Fan".

The brand is running a campaign, #iamfan contest, which began on Wednesday.

The contest revolves around SRK being on the lookout or his 100 biggest fans who will get to be a part of a unique activity where their profile pictures from their social media accounts become a part of the "Fan" movie logo.

The campaign starts with the launch of the television campaign with Shah Rukh talking about the #iamfan contest. It captures the mood of SRK's most popular movies, which along with clippings from the "Fan" movie teaser, shows several fans expressing their love for the "Chennai Express" star.

The winners will in turn get a chance to be part of "Fan" movie logo along with being a part of videos and promotions for "Fan". Some of the lucky winners will get an opportunity to meet Shah Rukh in person.



`The #iamfan contest itself is planned to involve our end users into various engagements to build a two-way communication and what better way to initiate that but to make them talk about their love for Shah Rukh Khan,` Vivek Gaur, founder and CEO, Yepme.com.

Ashish Patil, business and creative head, Vice President - Youth Films, Brand Partnerships, Talent Management, shared that `Fan" is going to be one of the "most exciting projects to come out of Yash Raj Films and among SRK's most path-breaking performances till date".

"We have always believed that it's the fans who make actors, stars and films, super hits. So, we are delighted to partner with Yepme.com to present the millions of SRK fans worldwide," he added.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film is scheduled to release on April 15, 2016.

Freida finally fulfills Hrithik's wish

When a dancing icon like Hrithik Roshan praises someone's dancing abilities and performance, there is no way that it's anything less than spectacular. Such was what we now believe was Freida Pinto's brilliance in her last release Desert Dancer where she plays a dance performer who's the inspiration for the character of Afshin Ghaffarian. The film is based on his life story set at the time when dance and music was banned in Iran.

Hrithik Roshan seemed spellbound by her performance in Desert Dancer and sang her praises on a popular social networking site. Freida was very humbled by his kind gesture and shares her response here since she's not very active on social media.



Says Pinto, "Gosh why would i ignore him? We've had a lovely email exchange. I did miss his call because I was travelling but it's very kind and humble of him to make sure his congratulatory note reached me. In fact, it was some of his fans and followers who are my friends who urged me to read his tweet. I'm very thankful to him especially since dance and respect for this art form is an inherent part of who he is. He has inspired me to continue pursuing expression through movement in my career."

Sonakshi revisits her past for Akira, check out how?

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently juggling between judging the TV show "Indian Idol Junior" and the shoot of her upcoming movie "Akira", says the last time she travelled by a local train here was when she was in college.

The "Dabangg" actress took to micro-blogging website Twitter, where she shared: "Last time I travelled by local train was in college. And today for #AKIRA! The only difference is then it used to be crowded, now almost empty."



Being produced by Fox Star Studios, "Akira" directed by A.R. Murugadoss is a thriller.

The film is the Hindi remake of 2011 Tamil hit "Mounaguru" and stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Anurag Kashyap and Shatrughan Sinha in lead roles.

"Akira" marks Murugadoss's third Hindi venture after back-to-back hits "Ghajini" and "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty"