Rahul Khanna and Monica Dogra Starrer Fireflies to release on 31st October

The film starring the stellar star cast of Monica Dogra and Rahul Khanna is being distributed by Panorama Studios and is produced by Wild Geese Pictures

Rahul Khanna and Monica Dogra starrer film Fireflies is all set to release in India on 31st of October 2014. The film is directed by Sabal Singh Sheikhawat, who has to his credit numerous award winning commercials which he has both directed and produced. The film also stars the very talented Arjun Mathur who has been a part of films like Mira Nair's Migration and Zoya Akhtar's Luck by Chance.

The film is a drama capturing the lives of two estranged brothers. One brother who leads a very successful life as a banker and the other who is a law school dropout and lives by the day. Fate brings them together when a tragedy that struck them 15 years ago re-manifests itself in a new avatar in their life.

The film stars Indie music's reigning queen Monica Dogra, who will make her first appearance on the silver screen after Bejoy Nambiar's Davidas the lead opposite Arjun Mathur. One of the first few actors from India to establish a na i​n both Bollywood and Hollywood, Rahul Khanna​ will yet again enthrall the audiences with his intense performance on screen . Both Monica and Rahul have ​played strong characters in the movie, compelling the audience to come along with them on this emotional journey of self - discovery.

The film is written by Sabal and is part of the next generation Cinema that is growing fast in India. The lead pair has a strong resonance amongst the metro city audience and have been a part of many progressive and international projects.

Nikitin Dheer, Kratika Sengar married

Actors Nikitin Dheer and Kratika Sengar tied the knot here at a ceremony attended by their family members as well as celebrities from the Indian television and movie world.

The wedding took place Wednesday, with the bride and groom looking resplendent in their outfits.

"A nite made special by friends n family - feel happy n blessed - tomm a new chapter - a new journey begins with fire as th witness - pure n strong (sic)," Nikitin, son of veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, posted Wednesday night.

Nikitin, best remembered for featuring as Thangabali in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chennai Express", has thanked people close to him and Kratika for "love and blessings".

He even shared a photograph from their wedding, and titled it: "It's official."

Kratika is known for her roles in TV shows like "Jhansi Ki Rani" and "Punar Vivah". She had earlier said that her union with Nikitin happened thanks to his father Pankaj.

Ankita Lokhande treated for appendicitis

TV actress Ankita Lokhande has undergone treatment for appendicitis at a hospital here, said a doctor.

The "Pavitra Rishta" actress was admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital here and was discharged Wednesday.

"She is fine now, there's nothing to worry. It was appendicitis. We have done Laparoscopic Appendectomy and she was discharged yesterday," Ram Narain, executive director, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, told IANS.



Following a severe stomach ache over the weekend, Ankita was rushed to the hospital where she was treated immediately.

A source close to the actress revealed that her beau and actor Sushant Singh Rajput was by her side throughout her treatment.

Big B under the weather

The weather seems to have taken a toll on the health of megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

On Tuesday, Big B shot for "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) and finished his shoot for the day, but during the night, he didn't feel too well.

The 71-year-old tweeted: "Yes...went to work! Back for quite a while...and the fever has returned!! DAMN."

He took a day off Wednesday and tweeted: "The time it takes for one to adjust to a day of rest, is akin to time taken for an entire lifetime...or so it feels."

A source from the set of KBC said Bhachchan couldn't come for the shoot Thursday and that he must take rest.

So now, the KBC team is likely to reschedule his shoot to next week, the source added.

At his age, Big B is one of the most active Hindi film veterans and he keeps himself occupied with TV and film projects.

Kareena launches child-friendly schools and systems package

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, who is Unicef's celebrity advocate, Thursday launched the Child-Friendly School and Systems package here.

The package launched by her is designed to enable children to benefit from child friendly and inclusive learning environments.

"I believe in quality of education," the 33-year-old told reporters here.

"When I visited a child-friendly school in Rajasthan, I was overwhelmed. The classrooms were clean and colourful. Children had a smile on their face. There was activity-based learning too. I wanted to go back to school after seeing all this," she added.

Now she is keen to visit schools in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh too.

"Maybe next month I'll go to schools in Bhopal or Chattisgarh... Wherever I can make a difference," said the "Singham Returns" star.

Kushal Singh, chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Louis Georges Arsenault, representative, Unicef India; and Urmila Sarkar, chief of education, Unicef India were also present at the event that took place at India Habitat Centre here.

Unicef is working with the Indian government to ensure greater access to education, enrolment and improved learning outcomes for children. The focus is to accelerate the shift from Right of Access to Education to Right to Learn and Quality Education.

Demand to remove 'virgin' from film invalid

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has objected to the use of the word "virgin" in one of the dialogues of "Finding Fanny". The film's lead actress Deepika Padukone slams the censor board saying its guidelines are inconsistent.

"I don't think their request is valid. I believe that there is no system to this. Every six months the rules keep changing... There is no consistency to what is being said and done," the 28-year-old said here Wednesday on the sets of reality show "Cine Stars Ki Khoj".

She feels while judging a film, it's important to see everything in the context of a particular scene or a film.

"They should see it in the context of the scene and the film, you can't just pick put one word and say, 'Oh, we are not allowing this word.'

"Secondly, give us a reason why you are not allowing us to show certain things. But they are the final authority and we will accept what they say," Deepika added.

Directed by Homi Adajania, "Finding Fanny", is an English language film which also has veterans like Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah in the cast. It is releasing Sep 12.

Arjun Kapoor, the film's male lead, feels the audience's views should be given importance.

"Censorship is for the audience and if they (censor board) realise that the audience does not find anything wrong with something, I hope they can change their minds so that we can make films for the audience..." Arjun said.

"We are making films for the audience and it's not like we enjoy saying certain things. In her character's context, it is very important whatever she says. We should get a consistent platform before we face the censors," he added.

'Jaane Bhi Do Yaron' sequel gets NOC

Satish Kaushik has given the no objection certificate to producer Neeraj Vora to make the sequel to the 1983 film Jaane Bho Do Yaron.

Kaushik wrote the dialogues for the comedy and also acted in the film as the secretary Ashok Namboodiripad.

He was paid Rs 4,000 for the film while the films budget was about Rs 9 lakh which was considered too much and the makers felt it had gone overbudget.

Mallika Sherawat booked for insulting national flag

Hyderabad police Thursday booked Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat for disrespecting the national flag.

On the direction of a city court, a case against the actress was booked at Falaknuma police station in old city of Hyderabad.

A police officer said a case under Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 was registered.

Two citizens had filed a petition in the court, seeking direction to the police to book the actress for insulting the national flag in her upcoming film "Dirty Politics".

Mallika had wrapped a tricolour on her body on the movie poster. She was seen sitting on the roof of a car with red beacon.

This was the second case booked against her in Telangana state. Last month, police in Karimnagar town had registered a case against the actress under different sections of various acts pertaining to the state emblem and national flag.

Police took the action on the direction of a local court. Last week, on a public interest litigation, Hyderabad High Court had issued notices to Mallika Sherawat and the central government.

The petitioner alleged that Mallika's act amounts to "obscene use of the Indian tricolour". He further stated that the state emblem of India has been used for cheap publicity and that the poster insults India's honour.

Teacher's Day - Tiger Shroff pays tribute to MJ

Actor Tiger Shroff Friday paid tribute to his inspiration and pop icon Michael Jackson on the occasion of Teacher's Day.

Tiger, who started learning dancing two years ago, unveiled a dance video, which is was a tribute to the late King of Pop.

The newcomer, who put his best foot forward as a dancer in his debut film "Heropanti", and his mentor Paresh were seen doing Jackson's signature steps in the video.

"This is a tribute to Michael Jackson and to my guru Paresh. It was not easy to match steps with Paresh, but I have tried. Michael Jackson has been my inspiration and I started learning dance two years back," Tiger told IANS.

"This video will be online soon. I hope everyone likes it," he added.

Rock And Rolla Films slams Suzanna Mukhejree with a 2 crore legal notice

Producers of 'Trip To Bhangarh', Rock And Rolla Films, slapped Suzanna Mukhejree, the lead actress of their film with a 2 crore legal notice. She has breached the clause of Confidentiality in her contract, by working in another movie 'Bhaangarh' on a similar idea and concept.

The production house is suing her on the grounds of sharing their confidential information with the Bhaangarh team with an intention of causing losses to them.

The clause clearly states that Suzanna agrees not to use any confidential information of the production House. And she agrees to take reasonable measures to protect the secrecy of the project and avoid disclosure. But, she broke all the clauses of the agreement by sharing the concept, as well as acting in their movie. Further, the movie is also on release tentatively the same time as 'Trip To Bhangarh'.

She has been asked to comply with the notice within 15 days of receiving it. Failure to do so will result in the Production House filing civil/criminal proceedings against her.

Shilpa Shetty now opens IOSIS centre in Chembur

Bollywood actress-producer and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has opened a centre of her spa and wellness chain IOSIS in Mumbai's Chembur area, where she was born and spent her childhood days.

"Will be inaugurating our 9th IOSIS centre in Chembur today. A very special moment as I was born and spent many wonderful years there," Shilpa posted on Twitter on Teachers' Day Friday.

"Really wanted to open a centre there badly, so Chemburites pls avail of the services and get pampered. With lots of love," she added.

Shilpa co-owns IOSIS along with business partner and cosmetologist Kiran Bawa.

Kangna Ranaut's Rs 4 crore deal

Kangna Ranaut has apparently been offered a whopping Rs 4 crore to promote a brand

The success of her film, Queen, seems to have done Kangna Ranaut a world of good. For starters, the actress is apparently charging a huge amount for brand

endorsements. If sources are to be believed, the actress has been inundated with a lot of offers from brands and recently, an eyewear company approached her to be the face of their product line. It turns out that they are willing to cough out R4 crore as the actress's fees.

Says a source, "Some years ago, Aamir Khan had endorsed the brand, but later on, the team decided to feature unknown faces as they went well with some of the brand's new products. Now they are coming up with another range of eyewear and they think that Kangna, who is known to speak her heart out, is perfect for this. Accordingly, she was approached and the brand offered to pay her Rs 4 crore."

Kangna's sister Rangoli confirms that the actress has signed on to become an ambassador for the eyewear brand. "Yes, she has been signed on, but we cannot disclose her fee," she says.

Rani Mukerji’s Mardaani scores big at the Box Office and in digital arena

Yash Raj Films’ latest offering ‘Mardaani’, which stars Rani Mukerji and Tahir Raj Bhasin in pivotal roles, has wowed everyone since the day of its release. The realistic action sequences, superb performances and a tight script has made ‘Mardaani’ one of the best cop films to come out in recent times. The story, which revolved around a tough-as-nails Crime Branch cop (played by Rani), out to trace and apprehend the kingpin of a child trafficking racket, was appreciated not only by Bollywood celebs but also NGOs working for the rights of children as well as officials of the Police Department, who praised the film for its realistic portrayal of police officers. Like with every movie, YRF had gone out of its way to promote the film through innovative digital campaigns.

 

Digital innovations and out of the box strategies for marketing and promoting their films have always been a core strength of Yash Raj Films. For ‘Mardaani’, which has wowed everyone with its realistic and gritty content, the production house has broken new ground on the digital space with some very interesting strategies.

 

The first initiative utilized a popular mobile application, which was a Brand Engagement and reward platform offering mobile users the opportunity to view Ads and earn points for re-charge minutes on an Opt-in basis. What this means is that every time a caller with the app in his mobile phone dials a number to make a call, a pop-up appears on the mobile screen before the call is connected, asking the caller to choose between a free minute sponsored call by Mardaani or to call directly. If the caller chose the former option, the promo plays out seamlessly. This serves a dual purpose resulting in a win-win situation for all.

 

The second initiative used HTML5 functionality, a first by any Bollywood film for a unique combination of Multiple Interaction Points into one unified Mobile ad unit. Direct engagement with the consumer in his/her very personal mobile space, the scope of interaction and the level of engagement achieved was tremendous.

 

The third innovation utilized the reach of a popular social networking platform on mobile. Here, users engaged with special rich media banners of the film which showcased the key video units and offered multiple hot spots for engagement thereby exponentially increasing the impact and efficacy of the campaign vis a vis other conventional platforms of advertising.

 

Mr. Alnoor Merchant – Director of Epigram Digital Media Pvt.Ltd which handles the digital campaigns for the production housesays “The mobile space in India is growing at a rapid pace. Today mobile has not just become a means of communication but an extension of the user’s personal space for engagement and interaction. Leveraging the power of this platform for a promotional strategy is a must in the current times. With Mardaani, we have explored a couple of really innovative activities engaging users on mobile with the film communication.”

Aamir Khan pledges support for MAMI, donates Rs. 11 lakh

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is donating Rs. 11 lakh to support the 16th Mumbai Film Festival which is scheduled to be held from October 14-21.

 

The festival which is annually organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image is facing a paucity of funds after Anil Ambani’s Reliance Entertainment ended its 5-year long partnership with it. The organizers are now facing difficulties in finding another sponsor for the show.

 

Aamir took to social networking sites and expressed his support for the festival. “Hey guys, the Mumbai Film Festival 'MIFF' needs our help. I'm donating 11 lakhs. It would be really great if all of you came forward and donated as much as you can to make it happen! Thanks. Love. a ,” Aamir posted on Twitter and Facebook page.  

 

The Mumbai Film Festival is an international festival held in Mumbai every year. The event attracts a large number of foreign films for screening and also International guests.

Here’s what Shahid Kapoor do on Teachers Day

Its Teachers Day coming up and every individual surely miss their school or college days and the same goes with B Town celebrities. Shahid Kapoor too has an emotional connect with his college and his teachers. And this time too, a day before teachers day, the actor  visited his college for the promotions of his upcoming film Haider.

 

Even Last year Sasha visited his college, Mithibai on teacher’s day. He went around classrooms and also interacted with the current principal and teachers.

 

A close source to the actor says, “Shahid holds a strong emotional connect with his college which pulls him back time and again to the same place. 

 

The source goes on to add, The actor is very attached to his college, so much so that when it was suggested that he attend his college festival for the promotions of Haider, he immediately agreed.

 

Shahid gets reminiscent of his own college days and loves visiting his institute whenever possible. Even though it has changed a great deal, he feels that the place has same warmth and atmosphere like the time he had spent during his college days”.

Struggling actress hangs herself from ceiling fan

Saiyyam Khanna committed suicide in her Mumbai home on Sunday and blamed no one for her actions in her suicide note; her younger sister, however, claims her boyfriend is responsible
An aspiring actress, Saiyyam Khanna (in pic) alias Mona Khanna was found hanging from the ceiling fan by her sister Riya, in her Yari Road flat in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Saiyyam (28) has acted in a film called ‘The Haunted House’ and was awaiting the release of another film ‘The Last Horror’. According to the police, on August 30, a day before the incident, Saiyyam had asked her sister to go to the market to purchase vegetables. Riya studies in Dehradun but had come down to Mumbai to stay with her sister, since July 22. The duo’s parents have passed away.
Before Riya left the house, Saiyyam hugged her and told her she loved her. She asked her sister to come back home, eat dinner and go to sleep without disturbing her, as she was resting. Riya returned from the market and watched TV late into the night. All the while, she could hear the strains of the song ‘Tum Ho’ from Rockstar play in her sister’s room on loop. Thinking that her sister had fallen asleep with her iPod on, she went in and found her hanging from the ceiling fan. Riya then called the police.
Police said the actress also left behind a suicide note in which she holds nobody responsible for her drastic step and that nobody should be questioned after her death. Writing that she was willingly committing suicide and that she loved her sister, she emailed the note to her Gmail account from her iPad.
The victim’s sister has alleged that Saiyyam would never take such a step. She believes it is her boyfriend who has pushed her into taking this extreme decision.
According to her, the man, who is the son of a well-known actor, used to abuse and assault her sister. She was upset because he had been avoiding her. “My sister loved her boyfriend, but he only ignored her. The evening before the incident, she went to meet him. When she returned, she was depressed. She would always worry about her boyfriend, but he did not take her seriously. I am sure something happened, which triggered the suicide,” Riya told mid-day. The last phone call made from the victim’s phone is to her boyfriend. However, Riya doesn’t want to file a police case as she doesn’t have the strength to go through the rigmarole of the legal procedures. “I am alone and have no family. I know the truth, but I can’t fight to get justice for my sister. If I name him, I’m sure the cops will start raising questions against my sister and I. It is difficult to fight this system and I can’t do it alone,” she added.
Copspeak
Versova police doesn’t see any foul play yet. According to Senior Police Inspector, Arundhati Rane, “She was upset because she wasn’t getting any work. This could be the reason she took this step. So far, we have seized her iPad through which she wrote the suicide letter, and other valuables. On the basis of primary information, we have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Further investigations are on.”
Police will also question the boyfriend in connection with the case.

Love gone wrong
>> In 2013, actress Jiah Khan allegedly committed suicide in her Juhu flat. In a suicide note found in her house, she claimed she had been abused by her boyfriend Sooraj Panscholi, who was arrested by police later
>> In 2010, model Viveka Babajee committed suicide in her Bandra flat. The last entry in her diary mentioned her former boyfriend Gautam Vohra, whom, she claimed, ‘killed her’
>> VJ and model Nafisa Joseph hanged herself one week before her wedding to businessman Gautam Khanduja. Joseph had found out he was already married and had called off the wedding

Shah Rukh Khan's son AbRam makes his long day heavenly

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known to be a workaholic and during one of his long hour shifts on the sets, the actor had a surprise young visitor - his youngest sonAbRam.

SRK, who has been working 16 hours at a stretch for his upcoming film 'Happy New Year' team, had AbRam on the sets and it made his day, reports the Times of India.

Shah Rukh, who will soon be seen in choreographer-turned director Farah Khan's 'Happy New Year', took to Twitter to share his experience about having AbRam on the sets.

Shah Rukh Khan, who keeps his fans updated about his three children, has said that he prefers not to bring his youngest son AbRam in public and says he is also not overtly happy talking about him.

In a recent interview, Shah Rukh said, `I am not overtly happy talking about him. He is my baby and nobody else's. You can come home and see him if I allow you to come in my house.`

`He (AbRam) is not meant for flashbulbs. I don'twant him to be a participant in this circus of public life that Iam a part of. That is what I do... Public life... The good, bad, ugly, goodness of media, the strangeness... I am part of it, not my children,` SRK further said.

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Happy New Year' is scheduled to release this Diwali on October 24. The film also features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani and Vivaan Shah. The actors of the film inckuding Shah Rukh Khan, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood were threatened by underworld don Ravi Pujari.

Pocket Gangsters India's first one-shot, uncut film ready for release

PG or Pocket Gangsters - India's first one-take, one-shot and uncut film is ready for release in over 900+ screens in the country, announced director Hemant Nilim Das at the recording of a promo song for the movie at a studio in suburban Mumbai. Present at the music recording were music directors Lucky-Navi and actors Mukhesh Bhatt and Raghubir Yadav along with Hemant Nilim Das. The film is likely to release on 26th September 2014. "This is a niche film, not a general purpose masala product. We are still considering about 900 screens as we want to make it available across the length and breadth of India," Das said.

Says Hemant Nilim Das, "PG is loosely based on the story of the kidnapping and murder of an NGO-activist Sanjay Ghose and is a hostage drama cum comic thriller. It is the story of a girl who is worth millions. The plot has numerous twists and turns, the storytelling is highly cathartic and the music is romantic. A true gangster spirited feature....the film engages you from the beginning till end with shock and awe." It is a niche product, not a typical Salman Khan entertainer. The film has some very "real scenes" that depict abduction, kidnapping, rape and extortion. My film is not about sensationalism.

This is a very niche product and portrays a true story. It is not a Salman Khan or Akshay Kumar general entertainer. And I am proud to say that it is not a normal weekend film. It is very serious cinema and based on an actual story meant for intellectual and sensible cinema lovers. Earlier I thought it could be a great Festival Film, but then I realized its potential when my producer Vikram M Shah screened the film for a select group of 300 people from different walks of life and diverse demographic segments.

Dubbed as gangster thriller, the movie has been inspired by true events and takes you on a mind-boggling journey. It is based on the distressing topic of kidnapping and stars Shivangi Mehra as the female lead. Raghubir Yadav makes a come back after a long hiatus. He portrays the character of a blind gangster."

'Pocket Gangsters' is directed by Hemant NIlim Das and is produced by Vikram M Shah of Ciemme Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Debanjali Biswas and Shalmali Kholgade have added a new zing and energy to the hostage-drama-cum-comic-thriller film Pocket Gangsters. Pareshaan fame singer Shalmali Kholgade lent her voice for the Janiyaa Jaaniyaa track of Pocket Gangsters while Debanjali Biswas has sung the track Halke Halke.

Raghubir Yadav has already proved his acting prowess long back with 'Massey Sahib', which won him two international awards and Mira Nair`s 'Salaam Bombay!'. Known as an all-round entertainer, he has composed the title track for the hit TV show Chacha Chaudhary and also sung 'Mehngai Dayain' for Aamir Khan`s 'Peepli Live'.

The movie stars Madhur Mittal of Slumdog Millionaire and Million Dollar Arms fame and Shivangi Mehra in the lead and is slated to release on 26th September this year.

The cast includes Shivangi Mehra who had a small role in Once Upon a Time Dobara, Raghubir Yadav of Peepli Live, Vijay Raaz known Dedh Ishqiya, Mukesh Bhatt, Monalisa & also stars Hemant Nilim Das.

Sanjiv Singh is the cinematographer of the film, story, screenplay and dialogues are by Hemant Nilim Das, production co-ordinator - Manish R. Sharma, music by Lucky - Navi & Chanchal, lyrics are by Hemant Nilim Das & Lucky, while the action directors are Darshan Singh, Raju & Fayaz.

Now Tanovic's Tigers set to roar at San Sebastian

On the heels of its World Premiere (8th September) at Toronto International Film Festival comes the news that Danis Tanovic's new film, Tigers starring Emraan Hashmi has made it to another prestigious international festival - San Sebastian. Held in one of Europe's most exciting small cities - a mix of cityscape and picturesque Basque beach town - the San Sebastian Film Festival is considered by stalwarts as the real deal.

Tigers, directed by the man who pipped Lagaan to win the Oscar for No Man's Land, has been produced by Prashita Chaudhary of Cinemorphic and Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment and revolves around a salesman, played by Emraan, who sells infant formula, the artificial substitute for breast milk and how he discovers a big racket and goes after it.

Tigers will compete in the Official Section at San Sebastian and the screening slated to take place at 4pm on September 25th.

Daler Mehndi to make Kuwait say 'Ta Ra Ra Ra'!

Indian King of Pop Daler Mehndi is set to take audiences by storm on Friday, September 5, 2014 at the Daiya Handball Indoor Stadium in Kuwait. The concert organized by the Indian Cultural Society (ICS) has been named 'Bolo Ta Ra Ra Ra' in honour of Daler Mehndi's globally popular track by the same name.

The ICS is a pioneer in presenting quality socio cultural entertainment for Indians living in Kuwait. The popular theatrical show 'Kaifi Aur Main' by renowned artists Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar was among the ICS's recent presentations. The show received an impressive response in Kuwait, as do most other shows by the ICS.

Daler Mehndi has been specially invited to perform not only because of his status as a pop icon but also because of his philanthropic contributions in India and around the world. His zeal for environmental conservation and his spiritual orientation has highly impressed the management of the ICS. "I am very excited about this performance. It is a high honour for me to be recognized for my activities beyond making music. It feels great to know that organizations like the ICS are promoting quality socio-cultural entertainment for our people in Kuwait," says Daler Mehndi.

Having delivered enthralling performances across the Middle East in the past, Daler Mehndi will be performing for the first time in Kuwait. Since Kuwait has a large Indian population, the concert is expected to be a grand success.