Aamir Khan Meets Wrestler’s Daughters, Discusses Dangal

Aamir Khan does every bit that it takes to get into the skin of the character and performs it to perfection. For his upcoming film Dangal, in which he is playing a wrestler, the PK fame has gained weight for one part of the role. It is said that for the other part, he will be losing weight. The Nitesh Tiwari directorial is inspired from the life of wrestler Mahavir Phoghat. Last week, the actor met the two daughters of the wrestler, Babita and Geeta Phoghat.
A source told Hindustan Times, “Aamir was very keen to meet them, and all of their schedules finally matched. So the girls came down to Mumbai. Aamir was a gracious host and ensured that they were taken care of. It was an emotional meeting for the trio. They discussed Mahavir’s life, what he had taught the girls, and more”.
“He wants to understand his personality before starting to shoot for the film. The trio had a long conversation, where the girls provided him with insight into their own respective journeys and their lifestyle back home. They stayed in the city for a couple of days and are excited to see how the film will turn out”, added the source.

Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover holiday in Maldives

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu and her rumoured beau Karan Singh Grover are on a vacation in Maldives and have shared numerous pictures of their holiday on Instagram. The couple’s celebrity trainer friend Deanne Pandey has also accompanied them.

The pictures reveal the lovebirds posing with their friends and basking in the sun by the blue waters. They surely seem having a good time.

Bipasha and Karan were there to celebrate the island nation’s 50^th Independence Day on Sunday (July 26). The 33-year-old actor posted a picture of him with his 36-yearold girlfriend on the photo-sharing site and wrote, “Privileged to be in Maldives with the gorgeous @bipashabasu to celebrate their 50th year of independence!!! Happy Independence Day Maldives! Thank you for such a warm welcome!”

Reportedly, the duo became closer while working for the erotic thriller film ‘Alone’ and have been often spotted together after that. Earlier this year, the couple also celebrated Karan’s birthday in Goa with with friends on February 23.

Bipasha was previously linked with Dino Morea, John Abraham and Harman Baweja, while Karan was married to actress Shraddha Nigam which ended in divorce. He them married Jennifer Winget, his co-star from the TV series ‘Dill Mill Gayye’ with whom he has now separated.

Boxer's husband joins efforts to release 'Mary Kom' in Manipur

Boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom's husband Onler has joined forces with "Mary Kom" co-producers Viacom18 Motion Pictures to ensure that the biopic on his wife gets released in their home state Manipur.

Hindi films are not being shown in Manipur for the last few years reportedly due to threats by some militant outfits.

Even though the film couldn't be released in the state when it released elsewhere Friday, efforts are on for at least a couple of screenings in Imphal. Onler has been trying to make it possible himself.

"We've been working directly with Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's office and have all their support. We've done our best to get the release in Manipur. Onler has also been very helpful in trying to get the release. Let's see where we end up finally," said Ajit Andhare, chief operating officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

"Mary Kom" features National Award winner Priyanka Chopra in the titular role.

Vivek Oberoi donates blood

Actor Vivek Oberoi Saturday donated blood as part of a mega donation drive here.

"Felt good being the first one 2 give blood this morning for our world record attempt," Vivek posted on Twitter.

The actor often associates himself with philanthropic causes.

This blood donation drive is organised across the country - with 700 camps in 300 cities - by Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad (ABTYP), an organisation with a nationwide reach of 325 active branches and over 35,000 members across the globe.

The initiative is spearheaded by Vivek, who has been associated with Cancer Patient Aid Association, Project Devi, Banyan, Project Hope and ABTYP. The drive is also supported by Oberoi Nation Building & Empowerment (ONE).

MJ's biopic in Tiger's wishlist

Actor Tiger Shroff, who is known for his dancing skills and who has recently unveiled a dance video to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, says he would love to feature in a biopic on the late King of Pop.

"It's my dream to do that (to feature in a biopic on Michael Jackson). This has been at the back of my head for a long time, but let's see," the "Heropanti" actor told IANS.

"I have done a lot of research on him. If at all I get an opportunity, I have to get into his body language and lose some weight. I would be more than happy to do this biopic," he added.

At an event here Thursday, Tiger had said that Jackson has been his inspiration.

Tiger has his own fan following, but he considers himself a labourer.

"I am not a celebrity. I just want to work hard. I consider myself as a labourer. I can only work hard," he said.

'Saree Ke Fall Sa' from 'R-Rajkumar' is Shahid's favourite song

Shahid Kapoor's favourite dance number whether for a reality show or a stage performance, is Saree Ke Fall Sa from his film R...Rajkumar.

Shahid performed on this number with Madhuri Dixit on the reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa recently.

Besides this, the song Gandi Baat from the same movie and Dhating Naach from Phata Poster Nikla Hero, all of which have been sung by Nakash Aziz, are also some of the songs that Sasha loves to groove to.

Big B grieves over staff member's death

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has been down with fever, was left upset after he heard that a staff member who had been serving his family for 30 years and taking care of his Delhi house, died suddenly.

Big B took to his blog Friday night and shared that he was in "deepest grief and shock".

"Just lost one of our most sincere staff member - suddenly! Been with us for 30 years managing our Delhi home and office! Spoke to him this morning approving his request for a week's leave to attend to some family matter, and now...gone," the 71-year-old posted.

The thespian said that the man brought up both his children Abhishek and Shweta from when they were almost toddlers.

"Young and healthy, in his 50, no indication of any ailment, left Sopaan our home in Delhi for his place, had a flat (tyre), took it to repair, and collapsed at the garage with a massive cardiac arrest," he added as he mulled over "the suddenness of life and its ways".

The news left the Bachchan family "numbed and in absolute disbelief".

What's Huma Qureshi's answer to the fashion police?

Huma Qureshi was spotted with a huge butterfly ring on her manicured finger. It seems the actress, who has received a lot of flak for her fashion sense, is turning over a new leaf.

Arjun seeks blessings for 'Daddy'

Actor Arjun Rampal Saturday sought blessings of lord Ganesha for his upcoming project "Daddy", about the life of mafia don-turned-politician Arun Gawli.

"Just heading to Lal Bagh for the blessings of Lord Ganesha for our film Daddy, a film based on the life of Arun Gawli," tweeted Arjun.

While there is speculation that Arjun has been roped in to play the lead role in the film, he is yet to confirm the same.

Rani Mukerji avoids question about Shweta Basu Prasad at event

Rani Mukerji was at an event organised by an NGO that works for the cause of anti-sex trafficking.

After essaying a cop's role in her recent film 'Mardaani', the actress has been espousing the need to have more ladies in the Mumbai police force.

She feels lady cops can fight against human trafficking, as they are more sensitive towards the issue.



At the event, however, when she was asked about former child artiste Shweta Basu Prasad turning to prostitution owing to a financial crunch, she preferred not to comment. Hmmm...

'Creature 3D' certified UA, Bipasha hopes kids enjoy it

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is happy that her film "Creature 3D" has been granted a UA certificate so that children can watch the entertainer under parental guidance.

"#creature3d UA certification! Children can watch it under parental supervision! They are going to enjoy this film," Bipasha posted on Twitter Saturday.

The movie, slated to release Sep 12, is a creature-based thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt.

Bipasha has been going all out to promote the film, and she is currently in Dubai to hold a press conference for the movie. She even shot a special Dubai episode with the cast and crew of hit comedy show "Comedy Nights With Kapil".

'Mary Kom' mints over Rs.8 crore on opening day

One of the most awaited Bollywood films of the year, Priyanka Chopra-starrer "Mary Kom" is said to have garnered collections of over Rs.8 crore on its opening day.

"The film has made Rs.8 crore plus on its opening day," a source from the movie's co-producers Viacom18 Motion Pictures, told IANS.

"Mary Kom", a biopic on the five-time boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom's life, is directed by first time director Omung Kumar and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The makers are happy with the response to the film which released across 1,800 screens in the country Friday. The release was preceded by a world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.

"'Mary Kom' has delivered a strong opening day and set a new first day benchmark for heroine-centric films. The word of mouth is positive and Priyanka's standout performance has touched a chord with audiences across sections," Ajit Andhare, chief operating officer, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said in a statement.

They are confident that the film will do well.

"The film is further set for a strong weekend," Andhare added.

A story of a strong willed Manipur-based girl, who faced all odds to pursue her passion and who continued to follow her love for boxing even after becoming a wife and a mother of two, "Mary Kom" released in 1,800 screens in the country.

The team, which went all out to promote the film aggressively, was elated when it was declared tax free in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Assam.

Trade analyst Komal Nahta has deduced that "Mary Kom" is a box office champion.

"It may have started slow but fantastic word of mouth will see collections soaring and the film proving to be a hit at the box office," he posted on Twitter.

The film, as well as Priyanka's performance as Mary Kom, has won her praise from all quarters, while newcomer Darshan Kumar has received applause for essaying the lead character's husband, who turns out to be a huge support system in letting his wife live her dream.

Former police officer Kiran Bedi saw the movie on Teachers' Day Friday and was bowled over by it.


She took to Twitter to praise the film, and posted: "Could not have been a better day for release of Mary Kom film. Most Inspirational+well made film seen in the recent past. Must see for AALL.

"Thanku @priyankachopra for such a real performance as Mary Kom. It's Oscar category! This is one of the most inspirational film I have seen. Our @PMOIndia and @smritiirani please see Mary Kom film ASAP. Needs to be seen widely. Most inspiring for all. Girls most! @priyankachopra."

It was not commercially viable to have new girl in 'Mary Kom'

Priyanka Chopra admits that the idea to cast a new face for "Mary Kom" was debated, but it was not commercially viable keeping the film's budget in mind.

"Yes, there was a lot of debate that a new girl from the northeast should be launched with the film, but with the kind of budget the film was being made, it was not commercially viable for the producers,` said Priyanka who is playing the boxing champ in the biopic coming out Friday.

Farah dresses up spot boys for HNY credit song

 

Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan always ensures that the credit song of her movies is colourful, lively and includes everyone from her cast and crew. She's doing the same for her latest movie "Happy New Year".

"The hard working department of #HNY.. The spot boys all dressed up for end credit song," Farah posted on her Facebook page Thursday.

She posted the message alongside a photograph featuring 13 men dressed in shiny colourful shirts, black pants and a black bow for uniformity. Farah is standing with them striking a pose.

"Happy New Year" stars an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Abhishek Bachchan and Vivaan Shah.

'Baby' team begins 'awesome' shoot

The shooting of Neeraj Pandey's "Baby", starring Akshay Kumar, has begun in Greater Noida area and according to veteran actor Anupam Kher, the first day was "awesome".

"First day's shoot of Neeraj Pandey's BABY with @akshaykumar, Danny Saab & @RanaDaggubati was AWESOME. Another great film on its way," Anupam posted on Twitter.

Akshay, who has recently returned from Cape Town, South Africa, after shooting for reality show "Dare 2 Dance", has joined the film's team too, and he is likely to be in the capital for a week.

Neil dubs for Tamil film himself

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who plays a villain in Tamil film "Kaththi", has dubbed in his own voice. He says it was tough, but a learning experience.

"Dubbed my own voice for KATHTHI. Quite a learning experience. Difficult language. But always feels good overcoming a challenge," Neil tweeted Thursday.

A.R. Murugadoss-directed "Kaththi" also features Vijay and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead roles.

Of his role, Neil had earlier said that he hasn't played an over-the-top villain in the film, which will release around Diwali.

Decking up like a bride was PC's favourite look

`Since I was four years old, I used to deck up like a bride for fancy dress competitions because that's my favourite look,` says Priyanka Chopra who is yet to get married in real life.

The 32-year-old believes in the institution of marriage, but she is yet to find someone who matches up to her expectation.

When asked when does she plan to settle down, Priyanka said: "I think it's great for a woman to get married and have kids. Since I was four, I used to deck up like a bride for fancy dress competitions because that's my favourite look.

"Every girl dreams of it, but in my case, I have not found the right boy for myself. It's true my standards are very high and I haven't found the right guy. Whenever I will find the right guy, I will get married."

The multi-talented Priyanka is looking forward to the release of her much-talked about film "Mary Kom", a biopic that chronicles the inspiring journey of champion boxer Mary Kom.

Directed by Omung Kumar, the film is coming out Friday.

Emraan starter Tigers set to roar at San Sebastian

The latest buzz is Danis Tanovic's new film, Tigers starring Emraan Hashmi. It has made it to another prestigious international festival San Sebastian. This festival is held in Europe's most exciting small cities, with mix of cityscape and picturesque Basque beach town. The San Sebastian Film Festival is considered by stalwarts as the real deal.

The film 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.

Ranveer Singh works round the clock

Actor Ranveer Singh is finishing all his pending shoots before starting work on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, 'Bajirao Mastani'

Sources say that Ranveer Singh has been shooting long hours for Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do and this apart, he is also looking at wrapping up work on all his endorsements and ad commitments. This is because the actor is slated to start shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, Bajirao Mastani, with Deepika Padukone in October; he will also go bald for his role in this movie.

A source close to the actor says, "Ranveer is currently shooting for Zoya's film and he has been working non-stop because on days when he's not shooting for the film, he is finishing his other commitments. Ranveer has to wrap up his endorsements shoots before October, because once he goes bald for his role as Bajirao in October, he won't be able to shoot for ads for a while."

Ranveer Singh will also be promoting Shaad Ali's film Kill Dil in November; this means that his calendar is packed with prior commitments and shoots. The actor, who sang for his film, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, has now written and belted out another number, called Manchow Rap, that will feature in his upcoming romantic action film, Kill Dil.

"Ranveer has been shooting non-stop for Dil Dhadakne Do. The makers were clear about the actors' dates since it has a big star cast. As a result, Ranveer has had no time off," says the source.

Respect women like you respect your country: 'Khoobsurat' stars

It is disheartening to see the prevalent disrespect of women, who are no less equal to men and also play a key role in their achievements, and hence all must pledge to honour and esteem women as much as their country, say actors Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, who will soon be seen together in film "Khoobsurat".

The duo was here to be the part of Sangam, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by brand Arise India Ltd to safeguard the future of the girl child.

Pakistani actor Fawad, who is making his debut in Bollywood with "Khoobsurat", says a woman plays an important role in men's successes and thereby it is important to give her due credit.

"Women not only play a professional role wonderfully well but I think she is the creator of everything that happens in men's life too. Whatever accomplishments men achieve is because of women and I think no one can match her strength and courage," he said while launching the mascot of Sangam with Sonam.

The Bollywood fashion queen too holds strong views about the status of women.

"We are happy to support the cause because 'Khoobsurat' here stands for all the khoobsurat (beautiful) girls. We don't respect women and girls and it's sad especially when we call India 'Mother India'. I think girls are equal to men, and I think even better, so it is time that one should start respecting women like the way they respect the country," said Sonam.

Hosted at Siri Fort Auditorium here, the event started with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony followed by 'Ganesh Vandana', a dance performance by children from orphanages. This was followed by the digital introduction of 'Cheeya' - a little girl who is the designated mascot of Sangam.

An audio-visual presentation on the practice of female foeticide was also presented.

The event also saw the first-ever 'Putri Ratnakar award' presented to couples who took upon themselves to raise and nurture a daughter. Also, a dance competition between kids from various homes and ashrams was organized and saw many participants winning hearts of the gathering.

Although a serious occasion, the atmosphere of the evening was constantly made humorous by rib-tickling anecdotes by comedians Surinder Sharma, Pratap Fauzdar and Anamika Amber.