Traders' body asks Salman to drop 'Khan Market' from his portal

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday asked actor Salman Khan to withdraw the "Khan Market" name from his shopping portal to protect the brand name of the market here designated as the most expensive retail location in India.

"CAIT has shot up a communication to actor Salman Khan today (Sunday) urging him to withdraw the name of Khan Market from his web portal 'khanmarketonline.com' which he has announced on his birthday on December 27, 2015," CAIT said in a statement here.

Established in 1951, Khan Market was, last month, ranked the 24th most expensive retail location worldwide in a report by global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

"The name chosen by Salman Khan is more deceptive and infringes the rights of traders of Khan Market," said CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal.

"We will not allow anyone to encroach upon the goodwill earned by traders for the market in the last 65 years," he added.

CAIT contended that things sold on 'khanmarketonline' would also be construed as sold by traders of the actual and physical Khan Market, leading to confusion and misunderstandings for consumers.

Sales discounts that Salman Khan may offer on products may lead to confusion and embarrassing situations for traders and consumers, the statement added.

Describing Khan Market itself as a brand, CAIT said: "A name by custom/practice/usage over a long period of time by a group of persons becomes an intellectual property right of that group of persons is an integral part of principle of natural justice. Accordingly, the first lien of using the name 'Khan Market' lies with traders of Khan Market only."

We have to look ahead: Rahat after deportation episode

After the deportation drama before his performance here, Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan says he believes in letting bygones be bygones, adding that it was a "genuine error".

The singer, who arrived here from Abu Dhabi to participate in a programme as a part of the New Year's eve celebrations at Taj Falaknuma Palace, was sent back due to a goof up by the airlines.

Pakistani nationals are only allowed to enter the country through Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata but the organisers had booked the maestro to fly from Lahore to Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad and back on Etihad Airways. Hence, the singer was asked to go back.

"'Jo hua woh hua' (whatever happened, happened) and we have to look ahead. It was a genuine error of Etihad Airways and one would expect that an airline of that stature would have known about the entitlements of a Pakistani national before issuing my ticket and then allowing me to board," Rahat said in a statement.

The "Main jahaan rahoon" and "O re piya" singer added that he came back for the "wonderful audience", and he would have felt bad if the event would have been called off.

He shared: "It was an important event as the wonderful audience of Hyderabad who I performed to were amazing listeners and if for any reason I could not have performed then it would have been really bad. It took me 29 hours to complete the journey but eventually it all went well".

But Rahat retorts that the airlines need to be careful to avoid such goof ups. He said: "Airlines need to be responsible with such matters. The authorities at the RGIA did what was right".

Rahat has had his share of run-in with problems in India. Last year, he was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case of alleged forex violation. In 2011, he was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence following a day's detention at the airport here for carrying undisclosed foreign currency totalling more than $100,000.

Limiting Big B's persona in wheelchair was big task: 'Wazir' director

"Wazir" director Bejoy Nambiar says that constraining lead actor Amitabh Bachchan's strong persona in a wheelchair was a major task to get used to for the film, in which he plays a paralysed chess grandmaster.

"Right from the beginning, we knew that the protagonist had to be on a wheelchair. Casting Mr. Bachchan, who has got such a strong persona, and limiting him in a wheelchair, was a big task for us to get used to," Nambiar said here.

Nambiar, who marked his feature film debut with the Hindi movie "Shaitan", thinks that as an actor, the 73-year-old made the role of a wheelchair-ridden man convincing without any hitch.

"He made it his own. The way he went about it and in the way he approached the role, you don't even feel that there is a handicapped person. And that's what was magical about a legend like him."

"He made it look very easy, he made it look like he has been on a wheelchair for the longest time. He made the character very believable - that's what was required by the script and that's what he did," Nambiar added.

The director, whose last feature film venture was "David" with Neil Nitin Mukesh, is aware of the expectations that "Wazir" has created right from its trailer release. Now he hopes the film justifies the audience's anticipation.

Actors Farhan Akhtar, John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh are also a part of the film, which is said to be packed with action and an interesting story.

Co-written by Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, "Wazir" will release on January 8.

Big B on CBFC functioning: Don't know if it's right or wrong

Steering clear of passing any judgement on Central Board of Film Certification's recent decisions, megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the CBFC works according to the clause set by the government.

The board and especially its chief Pahlaj Nihalani have been in the soup for their decisions be it proposing a list of 28 banned words, demanding cuts in films like "NH 10", "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" and "Angry Indian Goddesses" or shortening the kissing scenes in James Bond movie "Spectre".

"I will not be able to make comment on it. I don't know whether it is right or wrong. They all work according to certain stipulations that is set by Government of India," Bachchan said in an interview here, when asked if he feels stifled as an artist due to the working of CBFC.

"If the government feels this needs to be allowed or edited, the board follows it."

The 73-year-old "Piku" star said if one does not agree with the cuts made by the board, they have the right to challenge it.

"If you disagree with the decision there are various platforms where you can fight your case. It is like legal system. If you don't agree you can go to commission, tribunal level, again if you don't agree you go to High Court. Further you can go to Supreme Court," he said.

"If there are rules and regulations set by the government in a democratic society and in a constitution such as ours, every individual has the right to challenge it provided it is legally accepted."

When asked about his take on the new committee formed by the government to revamp the censor board, Bachchan said, "Whatever rules are decided we will have to follow them," he added.

The panel, headed by Shyam Benegal, would submit its report in two months. It also includes filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, adman Piyush Pandey and film critic Bhawana Somaaya.

Prakash Jha shuns reports over 'Jai Gangaajal' voluntary cuts

Filmmaker Prakash Jha has refuted 'misleading' reports of his forthcoming film 'Jai Gangaajal' getting stuck in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) swirl over certification. He says he never made any voluntary cuts for a 'UA' certificate.

According to some reports, Jha locked horns with the censor board, which wanted to grant 'A' certificate to the Priyanka Chopra-starrer with minimal cuts. But the director was not on the same page as he insisted on "UA" certificate with cuts in view of the restrictive audiences' profile and participation that comes with 'A' certificate.

"Inaccurate and Misleading Report! Censor Board cuts violence, abuses to facilitate UA rating for 'Jai Gangaajal'," Jha tweeted on Saturday.

He added, "Misleading and inaccurate! Never made voluntary cuts...We are going in appeal against the CBFC's decision".

The director, who is bringing the sequel to his popular 2003 film 'Gangaajal' with the movie, also shared the link of the incorrect story with his fans and followers on the micro-blogging site.

With Priyanka donning the khadi for the film, 'Jai Gangaajal' aims to examine the society-police relationship on the big screen. Jha will also be seen playing the role of a police officer in his directorial. It will hit the screens on March 4.

Amitabh Bachchan finds it 'tough' to work with Farhan Akhtar

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has essayed complex roles effortlessly in his over four-decade career, says he has always found it tough to work with actor-director Farhan Akhtar.

While Farhan had directed Amitabh in "Lakshya", he co-stars with the thespian in the forthcoming film "Wazir".

Asked about the experience of working with Farhan, who is over 30 years younger to him, Big B said: "It was tough for me to work under Farhan and it was tough for me to work with him as an actor. Farhan has grown up in front of me. It was just wonderful to be in his company."

The 73-year-old said Farhan also expressed his views as a director for "Wazir", which is directed by Bejoy Nambiar.

"He was a director there ('Lakshya') and an actor here ('Wazir'). But during the making of this film, there are points that he may have viewed as a director and brought it up... that's very interesting," Big B said.

Kriti enjoys summit on women's leadership

"Dilwale" actress Kriti Sanon was happy to be part of a summit which revolved around how women should push themselves to achieve their goals.

Being an outsider in Bollywood, and one who has made a mark in the industry with her talent, Kriti was glad to be a panel member amongst other women who have proved their mettle in various fields. Kriti represented Bollywood at the discussion, which was held at the 10th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2016, organised by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in New Delhi on Sunday.

"It was a very good experience to be on the panel with such wonderful women who have achieved so much and made a place for themselves in different fields. The discussion was absolutely enriching," Kriti said.

At the event, she shared her experience of being part of the film industry, and making her own place.

Akshay Kumar: Want badminton to do well in India

Superstar Akshay Kumar says even though cricket is considered as a religion in India, he wants more people to be aware of badminton and play the sport.

Akshay, who is the brand ambassador of Premier Badminton League (PBL) feels the sport needs encouragement.

"Our Country is coming up with a lot of sports.... Cricket is considered our religion but I want other sports to do well too. I associated with badminton because it is a sports which I want to do well in India.

"People should be aware about it. I was asked to be associated with other sports too but I found this good," Akshay told reporters at the red carpet event of PBL.

The actor, who has earlier worked in "Patiala House", a film based on the life of a cricketer, said he will give his "level best" to promote badminton as well.

"I'll give my level best to it, tell the audience to play this game. Because this game is also great for your calories. Today people are concerned about burning their calories. I think this is one of those sports which will help you with it."

Akshay said he used to play the game in school and would want to get back to it.

"To be honest, I used to play in school. After that I haven't been in touch with it. But it's never too late to go back and play. It is a very fast game, involves a lot of speed... You require vigilance for it."

Akshay will be seen in a negative role opposite Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in "Robot 2", but the actor did not divulge any detail regarding the film.

He will be next seen in "Airlift" releasing on January 22.

Amitabh Bachchan: Rajinikanth told me not to play villain in 'Robot'

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has revealed his good friend Tamil superstar Rajinikanth told him not to play villain in the former's blockbuster 'Robot'.

The 2010 Tamil movie, directed by S Shankar, starred Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles.

"Shankar had come to me and he wanted me to play the villain (in 'Robot'). I called Rajini. He said, 'people will not accept you as a villain, so don't do it'. I said ok," Bachchan said in an interview here.

There were reports that Bachchan was approached for 'Robot 2', but the star dismissed it, saying he was not offeredc the role.

Meanwhile, gossip mills are also abuzz that Bachchan would be a part of 'Dhoom 4'.

To this, he said, "I heard it for the first time."



The 73-year-old actor will be next seen in Bejoy Nambiar's "Wazir" with Farhan Akhtar and Aditi Rao Hydari. He will also be seen in Sujoy Ghosh's 'Te3n' and 'Aankhen 2'.

"We will start 'Aankhen 2' in March. I play the same role," he said.

"Aankhen", a 2002 heist thriller drama, was directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film was an adaptation of Shah's own Gujarati play "Andhalo Pato".

It told the story of Vijay Singh Rajput (Bachchan) a hard-working but temperamental man, who has spent all his life working for one bank and even achieving them international recognition.

When Vijay loses his mind and goes on a violent rampage beating up another employee, he is subsequently fired. He decides to take vengeance by organising a full on heist, and having the same bank robbed by three blind men, as no one will suspect them.

Why should we worry about Oscars, asks Bhansali

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose film "Devdas" was India's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars in 2003, believes that the Indian film industry shouldn't worry too much about the coveted US award.

"Why should we be so worried about the Oscars and why do we want an acknowledgment from foreign (film industry)? Why is that? Do they ever say that they need a National Award," Bhansali asked.

Bhansali, who is enjoying the success of his latest film "Bajirao Mastani", said he has "no idea" about his next project.

"I have no idea and that's the fun of it. I want to go into the New Year discovering new ideas. At the moment I am enjoying the success of 'Bajirao Mastani'," the celebrated filmmaker-director said.

Why Pulkit Samrat is choosing family over work

Pulkit Samrat has apparently turned down offers to perform at film award functions this season.

It is not because he wants to avoid attention on account of his marriage being on the rocks, but because he feels New Year is strictly about family.

As the actor has been busy with the dubbing of his upcoming film, Sanam Re, he preferred to head home to New Delhi to be with his joint family, and made sure that he spent time with everyone.

No younger actor gets intimidated by me: Big B

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, whose illustrious career has spanned over four decades, says that despite his seniority, he does not "intimidate" younger co-actors.

"No younger actor gets intimidated by me. It's actually the contrary. They are so good that I make lots of mistakes in front of them and it's really bad," Amitabh said during a group interaction here.

Big B also praised his "Piku" co-star Deepika Padukone and actor Ranveer Singh's performances in "Bajirao Mastani".

"They are all very good and talented even in their very first appearances. I can't pick one name. Even if you minutely look for their mistake you can't find it. I can't find a mistake when I see Ranveer or Deepika in 'Bajirao Mastani'.

"Priyanka, Alia or Kangana, all these actors are so good with the kind of work they do, it's unbelievable," the 73-year-old said while adding that he admires the "brilliance and talent" of these actors.

On the work front, Big B is currently shooting for "TE3N" along with actors Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Kolkata. The film is slated to hit the screens later this year.

Bachchan will be next seen on the big screen in Bejoy Nambiar's "Wazir". The film, which also stars Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari and Neil Nitin Mukesh, will release on January 8.

Stefani takes Blake Shelton to her hometown

After country singer Blake Shelton took his pop star girlfriend Gwen Stefani to his native in Oklahoma last week, the two paid visit to the latter's hometown in Anaheim, California.

The two were spotted hanging out together in the Southern California city on Tuesday, reports etonline.com.

An onlooker said that the couple was spotted with Stefani's parents and her three children - Kingston, 9, Zuma, 7, and Apollo, 1 -- alongside her ex-husband, Gavin Rossdale.

The two were spotted holding hands and kissing each other.

"Gwen's kids seemed approving of Blake," the onlooker said.

At one point, the couple stopped by Cortina's Italian Market & Pizzeria.

One fan took a photograph with the duo and posted it on his Instagram page.

A caption for the image read: "Just helped out Gwen Stefani and Mr. Blake Shelton!#blakeshelton#gwenstefani #cortinasitalianmarket."

I'm very normal: Jennifer Lopez

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez says she is "very normal" and will always be "down-to-earth" despite her superstar status.

"There was a lot of misconceptions about me being a real diva or a problem or being very demanding and things like that. As unusual as my life is, I am very normal, I think, and down-to-earth," Lopez told TV Guide magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I am happy to be one of the people who are breaking the mold. We can't keep acting like we are in the 1950s. Women are strong. Women are bold. And now it is reflected in our art," she added.

Dwayne Johnson pokes fun at Zac Efron

Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has poked fun at actor-singer Zac Efron.

Efron posted a photograph on his Instagram page to promote his soon-to-be-released movie "Dirty Grandpa".

The image showed Efron flaunting his ripped body in the outfit while having a chat with co-actor Robert De Niro who wore a brown beach shirt and a beach hat.

Johnson cheekily commented on the photograph: "Nice t**s brother. See you soon!"

The "San Andreas" actor seemingly made the comment because the words on Efron's orange top read, "Stop Staring at My T**s."

Miley Cyrus trying to get back with Liam Hemsworth?

Singer Miley Cyrus is reportedly trying to get back with her former fiance and actor Liam Hemsworth.

The "We can't stop" hitmaker was seen with longer hair in an Instagram photograph in order to win back Hemsworth, claims a report by hollywoodlife.com.

According to the report, Hemsworth loved Cyrus's long hair and she cut it all off months before they ended their engagement.

"Miley has said in the past that Liam likes her hair better when it's long," a source said.

"She hasn't come out and said she's growing it out to get him back, but they're talking again and she's still got fantasies of them getting back together and living happily ever after so it makes sense that she'd want to impress him," the source added.

The insider also claimed that although Hemsworth is not the "only guy or girl" Cyrus is interested in, the "The Hunger Games" actor is at the "top of her list".

On December 27 last year, Cyrus had shared on Instagram an image of her posing alongside two friends. In the photo, the "Wrecking ball" singer was seen sporting longer hair with her naturally brown roots and blonde tips.

Jackie Chan to produce sci-fi film 'Reset'

Superstar Jackie Chan will take on the supervisory executive role in upcoming Korean-Chinese co-production film "Fatal Countdown: Reset".

The sci-fi tale is directed by Korean filmmaker Chang, who previously directed Cannes Midnight entry "The Target" in 2014. The film stars Chinese actors Mini Yang and Wallace Huo, reports variety.com.

The futuristic story involves a single mother and a scientist, who time travels to rescue her kidnapped son.

Sources close to the production say that the film is the biggest budget co-production between the two countries, which are increasingly working as partners.

Currently in production in Busan, "Reset" is set to release in the second half of 2016.

Mariah Carey sparks engagement rumours

Singer Mariah Carey has sparked engagement rumours with her boyfriend James Packer, who is an Australian businessman and investor.

The "Heartbreaker" singer was spotted wearing a sparkling jewel on her left ring finger when walking hand-in-hand with her beau at his casino here, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Carey was all smiles when entering the venue along with Packer. She sported a plunging black dress and brown sunglasses with her hair straightened.

She paused to lock lips with her boyfriend in front of the crowd outside the casino.

Some onlookers noticed a piece of silverware glittering from Carey's left hand. But it looked far more likely to be the "We belong together" hitmaker's favourite butterfly ring which she's worn for nearly a decade.

One of Carey's fan pages on Facebook claimed the suspicious ring was indeed her butterfly band.

"Mariah Carey's butterfly ring is NOT an engagement ring. She has been wearing it for over a decade.... Please stop with the ill-informed speculation," Mariah Carey Australia fan page wrote.

Deepika Padukone is all geared up for her 30th birthday

Deepika Padukone turns 30 on January 5. As it is considered a landmark birthday, buzz is that Dippy is in celebratory mode.

Last year, the actress had ushered in her birthday in New York with beau Ranveer Singh, where they had headed for New Year celebrations.

This time, the couple has lots to celebrate considering their recent success, 'Bajirao Mastani'. How about Ranveer giving her 30 gifts?

Amitabh Bachchan: Abhishek not doing 'Aankhen 2'

Actor Abhishek Bachchan is not part of Anees Bazmee's sequel to 'Aankhen', says his father Amitabh Bachchan, who is on the project.

"Abhishek is not in 'Aankhen 2'. The film will start shooting by the end of March," Amitabh said here.

The 73-year-old, who's awaiting the release of 'Wazir', says his work kitty is full of projects as of now.

"Between January and March, I'll be working on Shoojit Sircar's film in Delhi. Currently, I am shooting for 'Te3n'. Once I finish shooting 'Te3n', will start work for Shoojit and then 'Aankhen 2'. I have one more project that I can't talk about right now.

"By the end of December, I will be working again in Shoojit's directorial too. Perhaps, I will be working in television too."

"Aankhen" was directed by Vipul Shah, but the sequel will be directed by Bazmee. The sequel will mostly have new actors.

The 2002 released 'Aankhen' starred Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal apart from Big B.

'Aankhen 2' makers gunning for Shahid Kapoor after John Abraham's exit?

Ever since John Abraham decided not to be part of the sequel of the 2002 heist thriller, 'Aankhen 2', the makers have been eyeing Shahid Kapoor for the role.

Buzz was that Katrina Kaif was being approached and it would be interesting to watch the Kat-Sasha jodi.

But the latest on that front is that Sasha is not exactly evincing interest, even though the makers are prepared to offer Shahid megabucks for the role.

Last heard, the casting for the project was still in a limbo.

Hrithik Roshan: 'Airlift' looking damn good

Actor Hrithik Roshan is impressed by the trailer of Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Airlift', and he's sure the movie will rock.

"Akshay, this is looking dam good my friend! Will love to see it. Tell me when. Promises to rock," Hrithik posted on his Facebook page.

Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, 'Airlift' is about the 1990 incident when Iraq invaded Kuwait and lakhs of Indians had to be evacuated.

Amitabh Bachchan hopes Aaradhya-AbRam make good onscreen pair

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan wishes that his grand daughter Aaradhya and good friend Shah Rukh Khan's son AbRam act together when they grow up.

Notably, at a recent press conference, Shah Rukh had named Aaradhya-AbRam as the best couple when he was asked to choose between Ranbir-Deepika, Ranveer-Deepika, Alia-Sidharth and Fawad-Sonam. Though his "Dilwale" co-star Kajol disagreed with him saying AbRam is younger than Aaradhya, the "Chennai Express" actor said "Love has no age."

When asked what he has to say about it, Bachchan told reporters today, "Un kay mooh may ghee shakkar aur doodh malai... (May his words come true)."

Bachchan was speaking at the press conference of his upcoming thriller-drama "Wazir".

The 73-old actor said that his wife Jaya Bachchan has watched the movie twice.

"She is my wife, so of course we will talk (about the film)... Not once, she has watched the film twice."

To this, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who is producing "Wazir", added, "When she (Jaya) went to watch it the first time we were nervous, when she went the second time we were drinking champagne. She has watched the film twice in three days."

Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, "Wazir" is the story of two unusual friends - a paralysed chess grandmaster, played by Bachchan, and a grief stricken ATS officer, enacted by Farhan Akhtar - brought together by a twist of fate.

Chopra said that Bachchan went through a "lot of pain" to play the the role of a man who has no legs.



"He went through a lot of pain for this role. It is very difficult to perform a person who has no legs when you actually have legs, and you're pretending, acting that you don't have. You will see what an incredible job he has done."

Bachchan, who has earlier collaborated with Chopra in "Eklavya- The Royal Guard", said when he first started working with him, "two ladies" from Bollywood had given him different opinions.

"When I was going to work with him for the first time, two ladies gave me warnings. The first one said he will take care of you and will be the best producer ever to work with.

The second one asked me when am I leaving, I said tomorrow, she said okay then I'll talk to you day after because you'll return."

On being asked who the ladies were, the "Piku" actor said, "Then it'll be public... Okay, the first lady was Preity Zinta, the second was my wife."

"Wazir", which also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, is scheduled to release on January 8.

'Airlift' trailer sets up a high patriotic meter

It was a moment of brief touchdown for Akshay Kumar-starrer "Airlift" with the release of the trailer, weaving a story around one man's mission to evacuate Indians from foreign shores during troubled times along with hints of politics, diplomacy, bureaucracy, love and patriotism.

Bringing an end to the wait of the movie buffs, the trailer of Raja Krishna Menon directorial was released in the virtual world via Twitter on Saturday. And it was all about action, reaction and emotion.

The 48-year-old "Khiladi" Kumar is seen as an influential businessman who has made many enemies owing to his power, and how he decided to save Indians first upon himself and his family. It gives a sneak peek of the time when Iraq invaded Kuwait and Indians had to be evacuated in 1990.

The film also stars Nimrat Kaur and Purab Kohli.

Akshay tweeted: "Proud, happy, excited. Here's the #AirliftTrailer guys ... @AirliftFilm - India's most heroic mission, a true story", Nimrat shared "And the wait is over! An unbelievable true story about India for India".

The trailer reveals a bit about the movie's plot as it focuses on Akshay's character planning an escape route. The film is based on true events and hinging on how one man risks his family's life and his life to do the right thing.

Even the dialogues like "We are Indians first and everything is in standing united", "No matter how far you go away from your country, one remembers 'maa' (country) during hard times" bring in a patriotic feel.

The film will find its way onto the silver screen on the right time just before Republic Day (January 26). It will release on January 22.

Snapped! Anupam Kher with 'champ' Leander Paes

Actor Anupam Kher treated his fans to an image of himself with tennis ace Leander Paes over social media.

The veteran actor shared an image featuring him and Paes on the photo-sharing website Instagram on Sunday.

"Champ and I.:) #leanderpaes #Tennis," Anupam posted with the image.



Both the celebrities are seen dressed in casuals, and they can be seen sharing a hug while smiling at the camera.

Kangana Ranaut not amused by rumour about her being in Rajkumar Hirani's next

Kangana Ranaut is surprised to find that her name has been mentioned for a film to be made by Rajkumar Hirani, with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone as her co-stars.

Kangs has no clue about the project and does not want to be disrespectful to Hirani, but is annoyed that her name is being dragged into a controversy.

She's currently busy with Vishal Bharadwaj's Rangoon, which will be followed by Hansal Mehta's Simran and other projects.

Is Bipasha making her relationship with Karan Singh Grover official?

As expected, Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover took off for a beach destination to usher in the New Year.

Bips has been posting lovey-dovey snapshots of the twosome on social media and if the grapevine is to be believed, Bips might just make the relationship official on her 37th birthday on January 7.

Last year, KSG and she were tied up with the promotions of their film, 'Alone'.

This time, Karan has apparently planned a birthday surprise for the Bong bombshell. Also, it is the only day of the year when the actress eats. From rice kheer to pulaos and biryanis, Bips tucks into them all day and then steers clear of any rice preparation for the rest of the year.

'Wazir' is an intelligent, smart and modern film: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says his next film 'Wazir', in which he essays a paralysed man, is an intelligent and modern film laced with a lot of emotions.

"WAZIR... an intelligent smart and modern film. Two minds, a common cause and a game of chess... woven beautifully into the fibre of the story the objects of desire... the players, the 'mohra' and the quality of their presence in a story of immense emotion," the 73-year-old posted on his blog.

The megastar has been busy promoting the film, which is distributed by Reliance Entertainment and will release on January 8. The movie is directed by Bejoy Nambiar, and also features Farhan Akhtar.

But 'Wazir' is not the only film that's grabbing Big B's attention as he is also focussing on another project titled 'TE3N', which is being shot in Kolkata.

Amitabh will be seen along with Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the Ribhu Dasgupta directorial. Produced by Sujoy Ghosh, 'TE3N' will release later this year.

Kriti praised for dancing skills

Actress Kriti Sanon, who is basking in all the appreciation coming her way for her latest film "Dilwale", says dancing is very close to her heart, and is elated by the response from her fan and well-wishers post her first stage performance.

After making her place in "Dilwale" despite starring with big stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, Kriti has given yet another reason to rave about her talent. The actress, who hails from Delhi, performed for the first time at an award function - Star Guild Awards, which was shot in December last year and telecast on Friday.

"I have always been very fond of dancing and this was my first performance on stage. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I did four different dance forms for the performance - contemporary, belly dance, hip-hop and salsa. After the telecast, a lot of my friends and family called to say that they really enjoyed it," Kriti said in a statement.

Kriti, who made her debut in showbiz along with Tiger Shroff in "Heropanti", won accolades after the event was aired on television. She danced to the tunes of "Aa raat bhar", "Manma emotion jaage" and "Afghan jalebi".

According to a source, Kriti's family, relatives and friends from Delhi have been calling her and sharing their positive feedback.

'Kya Kool Hain Hum 3' trailer crosses 13 million views

The sexual innuendo-laden trailer of Bollywood sex comedy "Kya Kool Hain Hum 3" has surpassed over 13 million views in less than three weeks of its release.

The first trailer of the movie was launched on video-sharing platform YouTube on December 15.

Starring Tusshar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani and Mandana Karimi, the film is touted to be a 'porn-com'.

"13+ million views to the trailer and still going strong, #KyaaKoolHainHum3 22nd Jan, 2016," the actors posted on Twitter.

Set to release on January 22, the movie is directed by Umesh Ghagde, and has been produced by Balaji Motion Pictures.

SRK interested in 'mature love story' with Kajol

After "Dilwale", Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he'd love to be cast with Kajol again if an interesting and mature love story comes their way.

"If there's a nice film, if it's interesting and different... maybe a mature love story, that would be nice. We don't (Bollywood doesn't) make too many of those," Shah Rukh told IANS.

"Perhaps Kajol and I... well, I could be totally presumptous about it, but we would be perhaps a good pair as we have done films together for the last 22 years. It will be interesting to be cast in a mature love story, not a yeppy or happy-go-lucky ones we've done before. In our stage, age and life, of whatever that we've seen, maybe we will be able to essay a different kind of emotion as actors," he added.



From "Baazigar", "Karan Arjun", "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Duplicate" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" in the 1990s to entertainers like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...", "My Name Is Khan" and "Diwale" -- Kajol and SRK have turned out to be one of Bollywood's most beloved onscreen couples.

Without brushing off the popularity that they enjoy as a 'jodi', and while explaining the magic that they recreate onscreen each time, Shah Rukh said: "When we have done films together, people have really liked them even if they are of different genres. You can't ignore that."

"But I think, one, magic cannot be explained. Secondly, lot of the credit goes to the people who have made the films with us, and then most of the credit goes to the audience which for years, has appreciated us."

New Year's resolutions that our Bollywood stars should take in 2016

A tongue-in-cheek suggestion for Bollywood stars on what resolutions they should make this year

A few resolutions that we have lined up for the Bollywood stars for 2016, to make things easier and hoping it is taken in the right spirit as after all, a brand New Year's here.



Priyanka Chopra
I will ditch the strange accent that I adopted in 2015 and continue to be proud of myself and my desi roots.



Ranbir Kapoor
I will stop being a people pleaser, parent pleaser, girlfriend pleaser, ex-girlfriend pleaser. I will make my own decisions because I am damn good, if not the best, at my job.



Varun Dhawan
I will stop being Govinda's replacement. I am capable of doing fantastic work like I did in Badlapur, so I will seek the roles that highlight my own personality and my talent.



Kangna Ranaut
I will refuse to dwell too much on the loose talk around me and will continue doing the kind of work that I do.



Deepika Padukone
Being ambitious is one thing, being controlling of the outcome is another. I will do my best (which I anyway do) and once my part of the work in the film is done, I will let it go to find its destiny.



Sunny Leone
I will make up my mind if I want to be known as the sex queen or not. If I want to be, I will stop cribbing about not being taken seriously, if I don't want to be, I will stop doing the same stereotypical roles that a pornstar is expected to do.



Parineeti Chopra
I will stop overthinking about my body and concentrate on that other thing that I am great at, my acting talent. Those who like to watch me on screen are not really bothered about how much I weigh.



Ranveer Singh
I will be selective about who I grab and smooch at parties.



Sonakshi Sinha
I will pick and choose my roles more carefully. I will go beyond doing the same giggly roles and do something solid, like the one I did in Lootera.

Too close to reality? Here's why Rekha opted out of 'Fitoor'

Buzz is the real reason for Rekha's exit from Abhishek Kapoor's upcoming film 'Fitoor' is that her character was uncomfortably close to her own life

Abhishek Kapoor's upcoming film, Fitoor may be a desi remake of Charles Dickens' classic 'Great Expectations', but if gossip mills are to be believed, it also has bits of similarity with a Bollywood celebrity's life. Guess who? Veteran actress Rekha, claim sources, adding that the uncanny resemblance to her own lifestory was precisely why she chose to walk out of the film when it was on the verge of completion.

While the makers had originally zeroed in on Rekha to essay the role of Begum, a reclusive woman who leads an enigmatic life, but is still spoken about for her relationships - it is inspired by Miss Havisham, the famous troublemaker from Dickens' 1861 novel. However, after shooting for the film, including an outdoor stint in Kashmir, the actress decided to leave the project in May last year. Tabu was then roped in as a replacement and several scenes had to be reshot.



Says a source, "The character of Begum is akin to what Rekha is in real life. When she realised that, she found it difficult and uncomfortable to play herself and opted out of the film."

Adds the source, "The similarities between Begum's character and Rekha will be quite evident in the film's first look (see cover). Begum has been depicted as a heartbreaker and a seductress, which are synonymous with Rekha who remains an enigma."

When she decided to quit the project, there was speculation that Rekha and the makers of the film had creative differences. She and the director were apparently not on the same page on how the character should be etched, the reason why she preferred to walk out rather than have the audience find her story being played by herself on the big screen.

Tabu and the makers remained unavailable for comment.

Wish I could work with today's actresses when I was young: Big B

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday regretted not getting to work with today's actresses when he was young.

Bachchan had played a romantic role opposite late Jiah Khan in Ram Gopal Verma's "Nishabd".

Asked if he wished to act opposite current actresses, he replied: "We tried it once in 'Nishabd' and it was a failure because they didn't accept the fact that a 60-year-old gets involved with an 18-year old."

"I'm not going to get a leading lady from the younger generation to play my love interest, that period is over. I regret it because I wish that I had these lovely ladies when I was playing the leading man. But it won't happen now. So there'll be more character roles and more character oriented roles and which is what I'm doing."



Bachchan worked in another love story opposite a relatively younger Tabu in R. Balki's "Cheeni Kum".

His teacher-student relationship with Rani Mukerji in "Black" also had romantic moments where they had shared a kiss.

He also had a flirtatious bond with actresses Raveen Tandon and Charmy Kaur in "Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap".

Why Bollywood is going all out while promoting s@x comedies

Bollywood has finally come of age and is promoting their adult flicks unabashedly and without a pretense. We take a look at what makes filmmakers more in-your-face today

There is no denying that Bollywood has evolved over a period of time. Filmmakers are no longer being coy about promoting their adult flicks under the guise of thrillers and comedies, but are openly marketing the genre, as they seem to be getting more and more comfortable with the idea.

The first half of 2016 will see three sex comedies, 'Kya Kool Hain Hum 3', 'Mastizaade' and 'Great Grand Masti', making their way to theatres. The trailers of 'Kya Kool Hain Hum 3' and 'Mastizaade', which released recently, have already created a buzz among the audience and, in a one-of-its-kind move, the former is being called the first porn-com in India. So, what makes the makers more in- your-face today?

Being accepted
The reason why films relying heavily on sexual content are doing well at the box-office is that the audience is open to all genre of films today. Says trade analyst Akshaye Rathi, "Sex comedies in India are getting bolder and audience is showing interest in the genre. Many sex comedies are popular in the international market, but in India the market has grown in the past five years. According to me, the genre will enjoy its moment for a while in the country. As far as introducing the word porn-com is concerned, I think it's a great marketing gimmick. It is a brave and smart decision."

While the audience is accepting the genre, it can also be said that an increasing number of producers are backing sex comedies as well.

Gizele Thakral, who features in Kya Kool Hain Hum says, "Producers backing sex comedies is a testimony to the genre being accepted by Indian audiences. Box-office collections also show that if you have a good story, making sex comedies is no longer a risky affair. Also, called Kya Kool... a porn-com is a genius stroke by Ekta (Kapoor). It will arouse curiosity and audience will be more interested in watching the film."



Important to have fun
Actors such as Aftab Shivadasani and Vir Das who have starred in films with heavy sexual content feel that it is high time people stopped considering sex as taboo and had fun with it instead. "We are a country of over a billion people. We didn't get to that number through telepathy. Someone somewhere is having sex. We might as well have a sense of humour about it and have some fun with it," says Das, who stars in the upcoming 'Mastizaade'.

Aftab Shivdasani, who will be seen in 'Kya Kool Hain Hum 3' and 'Great Grand Masti', seconds Das's opinion and says, "I believe that it is important to have a sense of humour. There are a few sensitive issues which should be dealt in a particular manner, but there are some issues which should be dealt with humorously/lightly. I know for a fact that a lot of people criticise such films, but secretly enjoy watching it. I am not hypocrite, if I choose to be a part of an adult film, I will have to use my sense of humour accordingly. We should be open-minded."

The other side
It's a fact that films revolving around adult content make a lot of money at the box office but on the other hand, the returns on satellite are very low due to censor issues.

Says Komal Nahta, "The market for sex comedies in India is growing but the films' success depends only on the box office collection since there is hardly any return on satellite. This genre is not for satellite television. So producers have to ensure that the film is rightly budgeted properly."

Rangita Nandy, producer, PNC, opines that films with adult content were always popular, but Bollywood has given them a stepchild treatment. She says, "Films with adult content have always been popular in India, but yes, despite their success, Bollywood has always treated them like stepchildren. Actors, even banners, have shied away from the genre. But through the years, the numbers on the genre have only exploded. This means, like it or not, these movies have a thriving, flourishing and expanding audience.

And that has its respect amongst the business community of Bollywood. Every change that enhances box office collections are welcome. And really, these are adult themed movies for an adult audience and for the large part, we are adults. Rangita adds, "So where's the taboo? But I guess, the taboo associated with the genre will remain till respectable, A-grade actors sign on board like in Hollywood with films like Hangover 1-2-3, Wedding Crashers, etc. Until then the genre will be celebrated as a super money spinning machine. No harm or taboo in that."

New Stills: Arjun Kapoor romances Kareena in 'Ki and Ka'

Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor teamed up for the first time in R Balki’s ‘Ki and Ka’ and few posters from the film was released which is truly mind-blowing. Arjun and Kareena sizzle on-screen and spark incredible chemistry. They get cozy and romance one another.

All the posters were picturized on railway tracks with trains at the backdrop. It was a wonderful New Year gift for the fans. In R Balki's upcoming romantic comedy-drama ‘Ki and Ka’, Arjun and Kareena play Kabir and Kia and plays husband and wife.

They hold each other passionately and in one of the posters Arjun lifts Kareena in his arm.

The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan and wife Jaya Bachchan. they will enact themselves, a star couple. Kareena will play an entrepreneur while Arjun a house husband.

‘Ki and Ka’ is slated to release on April 1.