Another Bollywood scion makes his debut
Mumbai, After a spate of star kids, it is the turn of filmmakers' offsprings to walk on the road to stardom.Director Raj Kanwar's 10-year-old son Abhay made his big screen debut with "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" last week, playing Akshay Kumar's nephew. "It wasn't planned. And I am not sure my son wants a career in films," Kanwar told IANS.  ( Read full news )
  
Indian film festival in LA
Los Angeles, The 4th Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), the only festival in the US dedicated to presenting Indian cinema, is set to open Wednesday with Deepa Mehta's "Water".
 ( Read full news )

  
Traders optimistic about 'Pyare Mohan'
Distributors and exhibitors are geared up for Indra Kumar's upcoming comedy "Pyare Mohan" starring Fardeen Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Esha Deol that releases April 21, reports Bollywood Trade.  ( Read full news )
 
Seeking the new age 'Anarkali'
London, Forty-five years after K. Asif's epic "Mughal-e-Azam" starring the beauteous Madhubala and dashing Dilip Kumar, the legendary filmmaker's son is launching a TV talent hunt for "Anarkali", the leading lady.  ( Read full news )
 
'Ice Age 2' to help movie-lovers beat summer heat
Mumbai, "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown", which is set to help Indian audiences beat the summer heat, features a potential love interest for the woolly mammoth that propelled the original movie to huge success. ( Read full news )
  
Dubai to host the 6th IIFA awards show
Mumbai, The 6th International Indian Film Academy (IFFA) awards function will be held in Dubai June 16, it was announced here Wednesday by Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of the academy.  ( Read full news )
  
'Boogie Woogie' returns this summer
Mumbai, Sony TV's "Boogie Woogie", the longest running dance show on television, is all set to make a comeback early June.   ( Read full news )
  
Celebrating the Helen magic
New Delhi, Here's a biography of the persona not the person -"Helen - The Life and Times of an H-Bomb" by journalist Jerry Pinto examines the unique role of a woman who danced her way to stardom through 30 years of Hindi films without getting into any personal details.
 ( Read full news )

  
'Loading' bags award at JNU film festival
Thiruvananthapuram, Raj Divakaran's "Loading", a three-minute movie about the negative impact of videogames on children, has won the best film award at the first short and documentary film festival organised by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).  ( Read full news )
  
Bollywood films ready for release this month
New Delhi, Conventional heroes are passé if a bunch of films with "special" heroes are anything to go by as they ready to hit the Indian marquees. While ready-for-release Bollywood productions "Pyare Mohan" and "Tom Dick and Harry" are humorous takes on lives of physically challenged men, a sentimental love story "Faana" - of a visually impaired girl essayed by none other than Kajol is not far behind. All this, even as Rakesh Roshan is putting finishing touches to "Krrish" about a hero (Hrithik Roshan) who gets enhanced senses and special powers as a legacy from his much-ridiculed autistic father. ( Read full news )
 
Bipasha signs Abbas-Mustan thriller
Mumbai, Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, who is pinning all her hopes on recently released "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" to boost her sagging career, has been roped in to play the female lead in an Abbas-Mustan-directed thriller. The actress, whose "Corporate" by Madhur Bhandarkar is ready for release, was signed on by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Limited for the as yet untitled film. ( Read full news )

Mallika Sherawat brand ambassador for new 7UP 'Curvy'
Mumbai, Oomph girl Mallika Sherawat, recently seen wooing Akshaye Khanna in "Shaadi Se Phele", launched 'Curvy' - a new packaging of the 7UP beverage.  ( Read full news )
 
Raj Kanwar puzzled over Bipasha's protests
Mumbai, Director Raj Kanwar is puzzled over leading lady Bipasha Basu's indignant protests over the publicity of his recent release "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye".  ( Read full news )
 
Salman's concerts abroad postponed
Mumbai, Though Salman Khan is back home after spending three nights in prison, a series of shows abroad featuring the star stands postponed.  ( Read full news )
  
Aamir's younger brother making film debut
Mumbai, Hyder Khan, the cute looking younger brother of actor Aamir Khan, is making his Hindi film debut with "Sirf Romance...Love By Chance" being directed by well known actor Raja Bundela.  ( Read full news )
 
I'm extremely happy for Salman: Ravi Chopra
Mumbai, Filmmaker Ravi Chopra, whose film "Babul" with Salman Khan is nearing completion, is among the many friends and well-wishers celebrating the actor's release on bail.  ( Read full news )
 

Can Kajol match up to Rani with 'Fanaa'?
New Delhi, It might not seem fair to compare the two cousins. But since it is confirmed that Kajol is playing a blind girl in "Fanaa", Rani Mukerji's performance in "Black" immediately springs to mind.  ( Read full news )

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye Review
Akshay good, but no originality in 'Humko Deewana...'
Film: "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye"; Starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor; Directed by Raj Kanwar; Rating ** ( Read full news )

 
Ajay Devgan goes online
Mumbai, Very few know that the aloof and shy Ajay Devgan, who proved his mettle in films like "Raincoat" and "GangaaJal", is net savvy and has launched his personal website ajaydevgan.net. Payal Rohatgi, who is working with Kareena Kapoor in Subhash Gahi's "36 China Town", has become a big fan of the latter after shooting with her. ( Read full news )
   
My brother is my role model, says Tulsi Kumar (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Tulsi, T-Series baron Bhushan Gulshan Kumar's sister, has ventured into playback singing with "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" and says she always wanted to be a singer. 
( Read full news )

  
Sky is still the limit for Salman starrers
Mumbai, Salman Khan starrers continue to be a hot bet in the market notwithstanding his arrest and producers worrying about the fate of their films. ( Read full news )
 
I think we should get married, says Saif (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Saif Ali Khan, who recently underwent an emergency appendectomy in Kuala Lumpur, says it is high time he tied the knot with his long-standing girlfriend Rosa.  ( Read full news )
 
Deols' bid to banish bad hair days
Mumbai, With stylish makeovers the season's rage, the Deols - father Dharmendra and sons Sunny and Bobby - too want every day to be a good hair day.  ( Read full news )
 
Aishwarya's 'Provoked' to be premiered at Cannes
Mumbai, Prolific international producer J. Murli Manohar has big plans for his latest film "Provoked" starring Aishwarya Rai. The true life biopic on battered wife Jasmeet Ahluwalia will be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this May. ( Read full news )
 
Indian films will provide healthy competition: Pak producer
Islamabad, A top Pakistani film producer has criticised the government for not clarifying its policy on screening Indian films in the country, maintaining such screening would make for "healthy competition". ( Read full news )
 
Aamir Khan in new avatar, supports Narmada, Bhopal victims
New Delhi, Film star Aamir Khan Friday turned environmental activist as he strongly came out in support of evacuees of the Narmada dam and the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy who have been protesting here demanding rehabilitation and adequate compensation. 
Aamir faces ire of Narmada dam supporters in Gujarat
Ahmedabad, The youth wings of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in Gujarat Saturday came together to vent their anger against film actor Aamir Khan who has voiced strong support for those displaced by the Narmada dam project. ( Read full news )
 
Salman is being victimised, say friends
Mumbai, No sooner did Salman Khan get bail, than his brother Sohail Khan conveyed the good news to their mother: "Mama, your son is coming home..."  ( Read full news )
 
Bollywood stars to attend STAR honcho's wedding
Jaipur, Big Bollywood names and people from the advertisement and media world are to attend the wedding of Sameer Nair, CEO of STAR Entertainment India, to be held near here Sunday.

( Read full news )

Kunal Kapoor's patriotism
Mumbai, It seems "Rang De Basanti" has rubbed off on Kunal Kapoor and patriotism has become a deciding factor for him in signing roles and endorsing products. Divya Dutta, who proved her acting prowess in a minuscule role in Yash Chopra's "Veer-Zaara", wants to take a break from her chock-a-block schedule and spend some quality time with her family and friends. 
Payal Rohatgi, the starlet who featured in "Tauba Tauba", would like to flaunt her brains for a change. The actress is tired of people typecasting her as a sex symbol. ( Read full news )
  
LA film fest to pay tribute to Naseer
New Delhi, The fourth Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), opening April 19, will pay a tribute to actor Naseeruddin Shah and honour sitar maestro Ravi Shankar with the LA Philharmonic Lifetime Achievement Award. ( Read full news )
 
We want Salman's troubles to end, says David Dhawan
Mumbai, Director David Dhawan was forced to postpone the Canada schedule of his film "Partner" because of Salman Khan being jailed for three days in Jodhpur for killing a chinkara deer. But David isn't really bothered about it and says he is only thinking of Salman's welfare.  ( Read full news )

 
'Saawan' - a short piece of karmic junk
Film: "Saawan: The Season Of Love"; Cast: Salman Khan, Saloni Aswani and Kapil Jhaveri; Director: Sawan Kumar; Rating: ?
"You'll die this Friday." No, that isn't a trade pundit predicting doomsday for this hopelessly loopy and washed-out take on the vagaries of life. That's just the 'desi' Nostradamus, played by Salman Khan, predicting sure-death for the film's pert heroine (Saloni Aswani). The film's feverish take on the matters of fate is so hopelessly out of sync with the times, you feel sorry for the perpetrators of this celluloid atrocity.   ( Read full news )

Salman Khan gets bail
Jodhpur, Bollywood actor Salman Khan got bail Thursday after spending two nights in a jail here on charges of killing a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle. The chief judicial magistrate's court in this Rajasthan town had sentenced Khan to five years' rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.25,000 on him for poaching a chinkara at the Ghoda farm near Jodhpur on the night of Sep 28, 1998.  ( Read full news )
 
Bollywood film star news  ( Read full news )
  
John Abraham hospitalised after accident
Mumbai, Bollywood actor John Abraham met with an accident while riding his motorbike in a Mumbai suburb and has been hospitalised. The accident took place in Khar Saturday night. John was taken to the Lilavati Hospital for an X-ray where doctors have kept him under observation. His condition is stable, hospital sources said.    ( Read full news )
  
Anu Malik upset with T-Series, cancels contract
Mumbai, Music director Anu Malik is upset with T-Series for having added a song in the film "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" by Himesh Reshammiya and has cancelled his contract with the music company.   ( Read full news )
 
Saroj Khan set to act in Bollywood
Mumbai, Choreographer Saroj Khan is all set to appear in a brief but important role in Naseeruddin Shah's directorial debut, "Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota".   ( Read full news )
  
Goldie Hawn charms Delhi with her divine giggle
New Delhi, Actress and entertainer Goldie Hawn was born with a gift to laugh off life's many absurdities and inanities, but the lucky few in the national capital got a glimpse of her spiritual avatar Saturday evening when she recounted the story of her self-exploration amid pressures of showbiz and celebrity glitter.   ( Read full news )

Banaras review

'Banaras', a mellow drama on a spiritual canvas
Starring Urmila Matondkar, Ashmit Patel, Dimple Kapadia, Raj Babbar, Naseeruddin Shah; Directed by Pankaj Parasher; Rating: ***
The sheer beauty of Varanasi - the temples, river banks, the aroma of incense -floods you as Pankaj Parasher - goes into a heady but steady spiritual quest."Banaras" works on several levels. As a film that takes us right into the heart of the holy city, it's a splendid occasion for sights and sounds seldom heard in contemporary cinema.  ( Read full news )

I don't have time for anything but work: Priyanka (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Priyanka Chopra, who is back in town after shooting for Dharmesh Darshan's "Aap Ki Khatir" in London, is surprised at reports that there were cold vibes between her and Amisha Patel on the sets of the film. ( Read full news )
 

Shaadi Se Pehle Review
Film: "Shaadi Se Pehle"; Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Ayesha Takia, Mallika Sherawat, Aftab Shivdasani and Suniel Shetty; Director: Satish Kaushik; Rating: *  ( Read full news )
 
Soaps will remain staple diet on STAR: Samir Nair (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Samir Nair, the new CEO of STAR Entertainment India, denies reports that his work area has been redefined because of the growing animosity between him and his colleague Peter Mukerjea.  ( Read full news )

Vishal, Shekhar appear on 'Indian Idol'
Mumbai, When actor Akshaye Khanna and director Satish Kaushik opted out of the judging slots of TV show "Indian Idol" at the last minute, music composers Vishal and Shekhar sportingly stepped into their shoes.  ( Read full news )

Mumbai firms to release foreign language films
Mumbai, Foreign film buffs can now watch award-winning films in French or Japanese courtesy two Mumbai firms - with Amitabh Bachchan dubbing for the very first import - "March Of The Penguins".  ( Read full news )
 
I've no notions of being an Aishwarya: Bhumicka
Mumbai, Bhumicka Singh, daughter of Hari Singh, business manager to Aishwarya Rai, is all set to make a grand acting debut in Dharmesh Darshan's "Aap Ki Khatir".   ( Read full news )
 
Kavya of 'Kavyanjali' to 'die' soon
Mumbai, Though Eijaaz 'Kavya' Khan claims to be unaware of the exact day his character exits from TV serial "Kavyanjali", producer Ekta Kapoor of Balajee Telefilms predicts a 'dramatic death' for him April 14.  ( Read full news )
 
'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' gives Rajiv another chance
Mumbai, The pairs on Zee's "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Ek Main Aur Ek Tu" are not uniformly likeable. But Rajiv Kumar from the Chamba valley is back with a bang.  ( Read full news )
 
Karisma launches Eros jewellery in Dubai
Dubai, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, brand ambassador of Eros Jewellery, has launched a new range of gold ornaments for the firm in Dubai.   ( Read full news )

Manisha backs Nepal king as opposition starts shutdown
Kathmandu, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala has pledged support to Nepal's King Gyanendra at a time when the kingdom's major opposition parties, some headed by her own family members, have called a nationwide shutdown from Thursday to pressure the monarch into surrendering power.  ( Read full news )
 
My company can't live with one image: Ekta Kapoor (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, TV tycoon Ekta Kapoor says she is planning to go to Delhi in search of a suitable husband even as she is looking for an image makeover on the professional front.  ( Read full news )
  
Dev Benegal's dream project ready to take off
Mumbai, Nothing of late has got the director of such cool crossover creations as "English August" and "Split Wide Open" as charged as his latest passion - a film on Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. ( Read full news )
 
'Ek Main...' contestant's crassness stumps everybody
Mumbai, Reality television turned a crass corner when "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Ek Main Aur Ek Tu" participant Vishwanath made an utterly vulgar comment about his singing partner Raktima.  ( Read full news )
 
Arun Poddar is Zee-Turner's new CEO
New Delhi, Zee-Turner, the distribution arm of Zee Telefilms and Turner International India, Wednesday appointed Arun Poddar as its new CEO. Poddar will replace Siddharth Jain who has been asked to launch a joint venture for the company, said a Zee-Turner release. 

( Read full news )

Technically Karunya is unbeatable, says Farah Khan
Mumbai, Farah Khan, one of the three judges on "Indian Idol 2", seems relieved after Anuj Sharma's elimination and says N.C. Karunya is the probable winner. ( Read full news )
 
Priyanka bails out Bawejas
Mumbai, It's official now. Priyanka Chopra has stepped in to help director Harry Baweja after Kareena Kapoor walked out of his son's launch vehicle "Love Story 2050" at the eleventh hour.
( Read full news )

 
Working with Naseeruddin gave Konkona 'creative high'
Mumbai, Actress Konkona Sensharma, who plays a pivotal role in Naseeruddin Shah's directorial debut "Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota", can't stop raving about the veteran actor. ( Read full news )
 
John rubbishes rumours about stage show with JLo
Mumbai, Actor John Abraham, who is shooting non-stop for Ravi Chopra's "Babul" and Nikhil Advani's "Salaam-E-Ishq", rubbishes rumours about teaming up with Latin singer Jennifer Lopez for a stage show. ( Read full news )
 
Mel Gibson's assistant makes film on Bollywood
New Delhi, Italian filmmaker Jan Michellini, who worked as assistant director with Mel Gibson in "The Passion Of Christ", has made a documentary called "Bollywood Boulevard" with Indian stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. ( Read full news )
 
Amitabh woos Tabu in 'Cheeni Kum'
Mumbai, After successfully romancing Hema Malini in "Baghban", Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan will now woo Tabu in "Cheeni Kum" - the directorial debut of Lintas creative director Balakrishnan. ( Read full news )
 

Pogo unveils two-hour comedy show
Mumbai, Pogo channel is ready to entertain children during the long summer months with a two-hour comedy package called "Funny Side Up". ( Read full news )
  
Padma Lakshmi finds husband Rushdie 'complicated'
London, Padma Lakshmi, the India-born wife of celebrated author Salman Rushdie, says while she is very banal, her husband is "much more complicated". ( Read full news )
 
'Kabhi Alvidaa...' set for monsoon release
Mumbai, The wait for this year's most eagerly anticipated film "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna" is over as director Karan Johar has decided to release it in August instead of during Diwali.
( Read full news )

   
'Being Cyrus'

Film: "Being Cyrus"; Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani, Simone Singh; Director: Homi Adajania; Rating: *** ( Read full news )
  
'Indian Idol 2' finalists optimistic about title fight
Mumbai, As the "Indian Idol 2" talent hunt approaches its grand finale, the three finalists - N.C. Karunya, Sandeep Acharya and Anuj Sharma - are upbeat about their chances of winning the coveted title but say their friendship is above everything. ( Read full news )
 
Benegal, Krishnamurthy to get awards
Bhopal, Filmmaker Shyam Benegal will be conferred the Kishore Kumar award and singer Kavita Krishamurthy the Lata Mangeshkar award by the Madhya Pradesh government, officials said.
( Read full news )

 
'Chhaiyan Chhaiyan' in Spike Lee's 'Inside Man'
Los Angeles, A.R. Rahman's chartbuster "Chhaiyan Chhaiyan" makes a surprise appearance in filmmaker Spike Lee's first Hollywood-backed film "Inside Man". ( Read full news )
 
Dharmesh shoots in England for new film
Mumbai, This is certainly a unique one. Known for his melodramatic approach to cinema, Dharmesh Darshan has completely revamped his style, ambience and studio-system of working for his latest venture "Aap Ki Khatir". ( Read full news )
 
Shabana excited to work with Boman (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Versatile actress Shabana Azmi has teamed up with Boman Irani for the first time for a comedy titled "Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd" and says it is exciting to work with such a talented co-star. "It's a new film with a new director, Reema Kagti," said Shabana of the Farhan Akhtar-produced film. The film's story is about eight different couples who are on honeymoon in Goa.  ( Read full news )
 
Ahana can't cope with the film industry: Hema Malini (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Former 'dream girl' Hema Malini is training younger daughter Ahana, who is interested in directing, to face the camera but insists it is only to "boost her self-confidence". ( Read full news )

'Banaras' interprets existentialism: Urmila Matondkar
New Delhi, Actress Urmila Matondkar says her upcoming film "Banaras - A Mystic Love Story" interprets the concept of existentialism with the help of a love story. New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The caste system that still thrives in Indian society and influences all relations is the focus of Pankaj Parashar's forthcoming film "Banaras", scheduled for release this month. ( Read full news )
  
Sequel season dawns on Bollywood
New Delhi, Sequel fever is setting in on Bollywood with the first of many such films announced with much pomp and show earlier ready to go on the marquees. "Boo - Darna Zaroori Hai", a sequel to "Darna Zaroori Hai" from the stables of maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, will be the first of the many coming up soon. Up next will be "Phir Hera Pheri", a sequel to hit comedy "Hera Pheri"; "Krrish" that hopes to duplicate the success of "Koi Mil Gaya" and "Dhoom 2", a follow up of "Dhoom". Another eagerly awaited sequel is to "Munnabhai MBBS". In addition, David Dhawan is working on Act II of "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" in a comic caper titled "Jaaneman". Even producer Ektaa Kapoor is threatening to come back with episode two of the truly awful crass  comedy, "Kyaa Kool Hai Hum". ( Read full news )
 
Rajshri teams up with STAR Plus
Mumbai, After wooing the audience with the daily soap "Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki" on Sahara One, Rajshri Productions now moves on to STAR Plus with a new serial about reincarnation "Pyar Ke Do Naam - Ek Radha Ek Shyam". The traditional-sounding "Pyar Ke Do Naam..." - targeting both youth and family audiences - will be premiered on STAR Plus April 3. ( Read full news )
 
Priyanshu dons role of comical don
Mumbai, Nandita Singha's "Main Rony Aur Jony" will see actor Priyanshu Chatterjee in a new role - that of a don who breaks into comic capers, reports Bollywood Trade. Sawan gets censor board nod, Sawan Kumar's "Saaawan - The Love Season", which has Salman Khan in the lead, has been awarded a 'U' certificate without any cuts. ( Read full news )
 
Britain wooing Indian film industry
London, Britain is wooing India's film industry in a big way. Besides offering tax concessions, its regions are bidding to invite producers from Mumbai and to host an annual Bollywood show organised outside India. ( Read full news )
 
Jaya Prada sings with Bappi Lahiri, Adnan in new film
Mumbai, Jaya Prada has found a new vocation in life. Not only is she turning a film producer but she's also singing in the film. ( Read full news )
 
'Being Cyrus' among my most exciting films: Dimple (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, The gorgeous Dimple Kapadia is excited about her much-appreciated film "Being Cyrus" and brushes away talk of any lack of ambition. ( Read full news )
 
Kareena ecstatic over rickshaw ride
Mumbai, It was her first ride on a hand-pulled rickshaw, and Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor was visibly ecstatic. ( Read full news )
  

Bollywood Hot Topics of April 1st

Sonu speaks out in Lata's defence on flyover issue
Mumbai, Playback singer Sonu Nigam is upset by the flak Lata Mangeshkar has got for her opposition to a flyover in central Mumbai's Peddar Road where she lives.  ( Read full news )

  
Gujarat makes film tickets cheaper
Gandhinagar, The Gujarat assembly Monday passed a bill to cut the entertainment tax making cinema hall tickets cheaper in the state. The assembly passed the Entertainment Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2006 and accepted the proposal to reduce the tax from 50 percent to 25 percent.  ( Read full news )
 
MAAC animators win FICCI awards
Mumbai, A team of young animators from Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics Ltd (MAAC), one of India's leading animation and visual effects training academies, has won two prestigious awards at the FICCI BAF Awards 2006 here. MAAC bagged 'best student animation film - social welfare award' for "Takes You Higher?", which dealt with anti-smoking, and 'best visual effects in a motion picture award' for Ketan Mehta's "Mangal Pandey - The Rising", said an MAAC release. 
( Read full news )

  
Snow brings cold spell to Himachal
Shimla, For a Bollywood film crew shooting a love story in Naraknda in Himachal Pradesh, it was a dream come true when it suddenly snowed in the picturesque resort town."Oh! I have never seen anything so beautiful," said actor Sweeti Chabria as she and her co-stars frolicked in the blanket of snow for the camera in the resort of Narkanda, 64 km from here, on Sunday.

( Read full news )

Bollywood hopes for rain of hits in April
New Delhi, A two-week run by comic caper "Malamaal Weekly" on the heels of hit film "Rang De Basanti" has provided a much-needed respite to Hindi cinema even as the trade enters a crucial phase in April. A lot rides on the Mukta Arts' production "Shaadi Se Pehle" that is slated for release on April 6. The film marks the return of director Satish Kaushik with hot-and-happening stars like Akshaye Khanna, Mallika Sherawat and Ayesha Takia. The comedy about one man stuck between two sensuous young ladies also stars Sunil Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover and Rajpal Yadav. Himesh Reshammiya is once again the man behind the music. For discerning viewers, April brings a treat in the form of director Pankaj Parashar's "Banaras - A Mystic Love Story" with an ensemble star cast of Urmila Matondkar as Shwetambari, Ashmit Patel as Sohan, Naseruddin Shah as Babaji, Dimple Kapadia as Gayatri Devi and Raj Babbar as Mahendranath.April will be a big month for Salman Khan fans, whose numbers seem to swell with every conviction against him, as his first film for 2006 hits the marquees. The star with a penchant for trouble will be seen in "Saaawan - The Love Season" by producer-director Sawan Kumar.The month will also mark the release of "Aryan - Unbreakable" that stars Salman's brother Sohail Khan in the lead role. The female lead is essayed by Aishwarya Rai look-alike Sneha Ullal who was launched by Salman in "Lucky - No Time for Love" right after his stormy relationship with Aishwarya ended. Other big films slated for April release are "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye" starring Akshay Kumar with Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif, "Dick And Harry" with Dino Morea, Jimmy Shergill, Celina Jaitley and Anuj Sawhney and Ram Gopal Varma's "Boo - Darna Zaroori Hai". The impressive star cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Anil Kapoor, Mallika Sherawat, Randeep Hooda, Zakir Hussain, Manoj Pahwa, Sunil Shetty, Sonali Kulkarni, Rajpal Yadav, Arjun Rampal, Bipasha Basu, Makrand Deshpande, Isha Koppikar and Shweta Prasad, making it definitely worth a dekko in April.  ( Read full news )
  
Khan-Chopra squabble over Pakistani release of 'Taj Mahal'
Mumbai, The spat between filmmakers Yash Chopra and Akbar Khan over the former's reluctance to acknowledge "Taj Mahal" as the first Indian film to be cleared for a Pakistan release has taken a new turn, with Khan accusing Chopra of ignoring a Pakistani delegation here.  ( Read full news )
 
I can't go wrong in 'Saawariya', says Bhansali (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, After making films like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Devdas" and "Black" with established stars, Sanjay Leela Bhansali now teams up with two newcomers to 'rediscover' his own innocence in "Saawariya". The love story is the debut vehicle of two star kids - Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam  ( Read full news )
  
There are still restrictions on my working: Amitabh Bachchan (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who has returned to shooting after a long illness, will not take up new assignments because doctors have placed some restrictions on him."No new projects at the moment. There are restrictions to how much I can take on. And I need to finish those that I am committed to do before thinking ahead," Big B told IANS. Amitabh, however, said he had met directors Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Ram Gopal Varma and discussed some projects. "But I'd rather they take final shape before we talk of them," Amitabh said.The superstar has shot a few scenes for Karan Johar's "Kabhi Aalvidaa na Kehna" and make-up man Deepak Sawant's Bhojpuri film "Ganga".  ( Read full news )
 
Salman to sing for 'Babul'
Mumbai, Music director Aadesh Shrivastava seems to be fast becoming a Salman Khan favourite and has cajoled him into singing a sentimental number in Ravi Chopra's "Babul". However, it was producer-director Ravi Chopra who took the initiative and came up with the idea of Salman rendering his voice for the film, reports Bollywood Trade.  ( Read full news )
 
Reshammiya brushes away criticism
Mumbai, His newfound fame and success as a singer has earned music director Himesh Reshammiya several enemies in the industry. Even colleague Anu Malik is now criticizing him.Malik, who refused to share the credit with him after he recorded a number for T-series' latest production "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye", said he wouldn't allow anyone to invade his terrain unethically. Reshammiya says he was shocked after reading Malik's outburst, reports Bollywood Trade.  ( Read full news )

  
Career and marriage? Not for Bollywood actresses!
New Delhi, Seventy years ago, actress Devika Rani started her career after her marriage to producer-actor Himansu Rai. Described as the first lady of the Indian screen, she was highly adored. But her successors today are not as lucky. ( Read full news )
 
'Taj Mahal' ready for Pakistan release
Mumbai, Akbar Khan's colossal historical, "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story", will be the first Indian film in 41 years to be released in Pakistan. The film's clearance for a Pakistan release is expected to pave way for new ties between the film industries of the two countries.
( Read full news )

  
'Being Cyrus' partly from my own life: Adajania
Mumbai, Debutant director Homi Adajania says his just-released "Being Cyrus" is partly autobiographical but insists he has not gone through the experience that his film's character has."'Being Cyrus' leaves you with an introspective feeling," said the director of the English film. "Cyrus is partly borrowed from my own life. But I've definitely not gone through the experiences Cyrus has." ( Read full news )
  
Sonu, Saif in patriotic mood at Melbourne
Mumbai, Singer Sonu Nigam and Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan are in Melbourne where they are performing at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games with a welcome song for the 2010 Delhi games and a peppy bhangra number. ( Read full news )
 

'Umar' gets high marks for noble intentions
Film: "Umar"; Cast: Kader Khan, Prem Chopra, Satish Kaushik, Jimmy Shergill and Shernaaz Treasurywala; Writer and Director: Karan Razdan; Rating: **

Insensitivity has only one face. Sensitivity has many faces. Karan Razdan, who lately acquired himself a rather embarrassing reputation as a purveyor of sleaze, does a mellow about-turn with this autumnal drama about three aging Indians in London, all bonded by their individual familial isolation.  ( Read full news )

Bollywood news - actress interviews - reviews

Urvashi walks out of sets after spat
Mumbai, What was meant to be a probing debate on marriage led to major spat as TV actress Urvashi Dholakia walked out of the sets of an Ekta Kapoor serial after flaring up over a comment by Whirlpool model Amrita Saluja. Urvashi trooped out during the recordings for next week's episode of Sony's "Kandy Floss" when Amrita termed her (Amrita's) husband a "god".

 ( Read full news )

Sammir Dattani snaps up multi-movie deal
Mumbai, Newcomer Sammir Dattani is on cloud nine. He has been snapped up by a film production company to star in several of their upcoming ventures as well as by well known Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh for his next film. Color Chips, a Hyderabad-based animation and feature film company currently producing Mani Shankar's espionage thriller "Mukhbir", feels Sammir is the "company's star". Revealing future plans for the actor, Sudhish Rambhotla, chairperson of Color Chips, told "So far we were an animation company. We have started feature-film production in Hindi with 'Mukhbir' and were lucky to get Sammir Dattani for the lead.
 ( Read full news )

  
Audio described 'Black' to entertain blind
New Delhi, After winning praises and awards alike, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's blockbuster "Black" is now getting ready to entertain over nine million blind people in India.  ( Read full news )
 
Saif excited about playing 'Othello' adaptation
Mumbai, Saif Ali Khan is excited about playing a Shakespearean role in "Omkara" - the challenging milieu, look and character, and the thought of deglamourising himself. In this adaptation of "Othello", Saif plays a role where he has no interaction with women. He terms his role as "impotent" in the film.  ( Read full news )
 
'Kajra re' not devoid of poetry: Gulzar (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Well-known lyricist Gulzar says his award wining song "Kajra re" from "Bunty Aur Babli" is not devoid of poetry. "I don't think the words 'Teri baaton mein kimaam ki khushboo hai, tera aana bhi to garmiyon ki loo hai' are frivolous. Poetry with a serious thought doesn't mean it has to be serious in mood," Gulzar told in an interview.  ( Read full news )
 
Riya to play a Plain Jane
Mumbai, Glam girl Riya Sen will be seen in a deglamourised role in Sangeet Sivan's "Money Money Money".The insiders said she doesn't mind the Plain Jane look because, she feels, she is blessed with flawless beauty that doesn't need to be highlighted with makeup. Riya is looking forward to the film and is happy to be part of it.  ( Read full news )
 
Katrina longs to work with Hrithik
New Delhi, Actress Katrina Kaif says Amitabh Bachchan has been the greatest influence on her during her brief career in Bollywood but the one star she longs to work with is Hrithik Roshan. "I get tired and Amitji is still full of energy and still standing on the sets. It's amazing to see that kind of dedication and professionalism. And he looks much less than his age," Katrina said on the sidelines of a function where she launched Kodak's latest digital offering, the EasyShar V570.
( Read full news )

   
Salman Khan furnishes bond in Jodhpur court
Jodhpur, Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been given a one-year prison sentence by a court here for poaching an endangered chinkara, Friday posted a bail bond and surety worth Rs.100,000 in connection with the case  ( Read full news )
 
Composing for 'The Lord Of The Rings' amazing: Rahman
New Delhi, Music director A.R. Rahman, who composed the music for a stage adaptation of "The Lord Of The Rings", calls it an amazing experience. ( Read full news )

Pure cinema moments in grim 'Water' Review
Film: "Water"; Starring Seema Biswas, John Abraham, Lisa Ray, Vinay Pathak, Manorama, Sarala, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Raghuvir Yadav; Written & Directed by Deepa Mehta; Rating: **** 1/2  ( Read full news )
 
Holi has become excuse for being lewd: Vidya Balan
Mumbai, Budding actress Vidya Balan says she stopped playing Holi long ago because it has become an excuse for lewd behaviour in metros like Mumbai.  ( Read full news )
 
Priyadarshan, Sanjay Dutt shoot pro-chicken ad
Mumbai, Priyadarshan is in Mumbai again - but not for the promotion of "Malamaal Weekly". He's shooting an ad supporting the consumption of chicken with Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Fardeen Khan.   ( Read full news )
 
I haven't earned a penny from 'Chingari': Kalpana Lajmi (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Kalpana Lajmi is upset - with the response to her film "Chingari", the multiplex culture that "smashed" it, romantic lead Anuj Sawhney for ruining the role, Mithun Chakraborty for being drunk and music director Aadesh Shrivastava for disappearing.   ( Read full news )
 
Dimple falls for a younger man again
Mumbai, What do Amol Mhatre, Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan have in common? The gorgeous Dimple Kapadia! Now it's Saif's turn in Homi Adajania's much talked-about "Being Cyrus".   ( Read full news )

 
Applause still overwhelms me: Amitabh
Mumbai, Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is on an award-winning spree, is yet to get used to applause and says he "struggled with emotions" when he bagged two Filmfare awards for "Black".  ( Read full news )
 
Good talent getting disqualified: Sonu Nigam
Mumbai, An upset Sonu Nigam, who along with co-judges Anu Malik and Farah Khan staged a walkout from "Indian Idol" after prized contestant Ameya Date was eliminated, says their move was a warning against disqualifying good talent. ( Read full news )

 
Romesh Sharma co-directs seminal documentary on Daniel Pearl
New Delhi, A seminal documentary on Daniel Pearl, the American reporter killed in Pakistan while on the trail of the Al Qaeda, is set for a April 27 New York world premier and could air in India soon after that, its co-director says. ( Read full news )
 
Composing music is my greatest passion: Shibani Kashyap
New Delhi, Delhi girl Shibani Kashyap, whose Bollywood number "Zinda hoon main..." is a rage these days, loves to sing and perform on stage. But her greatest passion lies in composing music. ( Read full news )
 
I have to find my own identity: 'Jassi' Mona Singh
Mumbai, Now that "Jassi... Jaisi Koi Nahin" is nearing an end, Mona Singh speaks on the trauma of being the protagonist 24x7 and rumours of a romance with co-star Karan Oberoi.
( Read full news )

 
Saif's crew cut against Kareena's long tresses!
Mumbai, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are giving their tresses a vastly different look for Vishal Bharadwaj's "Othello". ( Read full news )

Mexican filmmaker's retrospective in Delhi
New Delhi, Well-known Mexican filmmaker Arturo Ripstein will be visiting India for a retrospective of his movies to be shown here from March 18.  ( Read full news )
  
What Bollywood is doing this Holi
Mumbai, For decades the Hindi film industry has marked Holi with great fervour both on and off screen. But while most Bollywood stars have nostalgic memories of the festival, not all seem keen on wild celebrations this year. ( Read full news )
 
Animal activists are harassing filmmakers: Karan Razdan
New Delhi, Two forthcoming films by director Karan Razdan of "Girlfriend" fame are on hold as the Animal Welfare Board has objected to certain scenes in them. Two of his films - "Souten - The Other Woman" and supernatural thriller "Eight Shani", which were to be released next week, are facing trouble from the board. ( Read full news )
 
'Paathshala' soars on Bollywood music charts
New Delhi, It's definitely a good week for Bollywood music lovers. Composer A.R. Rahman is the toast of the season, with songs from his latest album "Rang De Basanti" rocking the charts.

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Paathshala" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singers: Naresh Iyer, Mohammed Aslam; Music: A.R. Rahman. The film has struck gold at the box office and the song is going great guns in the market.

2. "Boombai nagariya" - Film: "Taxi No.9211"; Singer: Bappi Lahiri; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. Last week "Ek nazar mein thi" from the same film was on the charts but this week "Boombai Nagariya" replaces it. The song marks the comeback of music composer Bappi Lahiri as a singer.

5. "Jhalak dikhlaja" - Film: "Aksar"; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. The song stands out because of the nasal effect given by the singer. It has the potential to stay on the charts for a longer time.  ( Read full news )
 
Let my work speak for me: Milan Luthria (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Director Milan Luthria has tasted success after a long time with his light-hearted comedy "Taxi No. 9211" but denies it is a remake of Hollywood film "Collateral".
( Read full news )

  
Don't today's singers have anything new to offer? Lata Mangeshkar (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, who had refused to sing "Mujhe buddha mil gaya" for Raj Kapoor's "Sangam" as she considered it vulgar, laments the lack of originality in new singers. ( Read full news )
 
Deepa Mehta set to make another comedy
Mumbai, Deepa Mehta is finally ready to attempt another comedy after "Hollywood Bollywood".
( Read full news )

  
'Tumhari Amrita' takes Pakistan by storm
Mumbai, The 14-year-old journey of the play "Tumhari Amrita" has crossed India's borders, with Farooq Shaikh and Shabana Azmi performing three shows of their hugely popular play in Pakistan. ( Read full news )
 
'Malamaal Weekly' funny but not too stylish - Review
Film: "Malamaal Weekly"; Cast: Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Riteish Deshmukh, Reema Sen; Director: Priyadarshan; Rating: ** ( Read full news )
 
Vidya Balan has fond memories of Karachi trip
Mumbai, Bollywood newcomer Vidya Balan is happy at the good things the Karachi press and the people in the Pakistani city had to say about her during a trip there last month for a book release. ( Read full news )
 
Filmfare revived my hopes: Reshammiya
Mumbai, Himesh Reshammiya is elated over winning the Filmfare award for best playback singer, more so because he is the first Bollywood music director to win such an honour. ( Read full news )
 
Shabana Azmi flirting with idea of directing
Mumbai, Shabans Azmi has been bugged by an acute back pain of late, but the veteran actress has enough beans left in her to flirt with the idea of directing a movie. ( Read full news )
 
Asha reveals 'real' Pancham in latest album
New Delhi, Versatile singer Asha Bhosle pays homage to her late husband and music composer R.D. Burman with a medley of his lesser-known numbers in a brand new album "Asha Reveals The Real RD".An album featuring 22 personal favourites of Pancham - as Rahul Dev Burman was popularly known - has been recreated under the supervision of the singer herself.

( Read full news )

 
'Mixed Doubles' is not a sex comedy: Konkona (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Talented actress Konkona Sensharma is upset that her latest release "Mixed Doubles" is being compared to a sex comedy. ( Read full news )
 
Is 'Malamaal Weekly' Bollywood's lottery ticket?
New Delhi, Will a laugh riot set in a remote rural Indian village - "Malamaal Weekly" - salvage the Hindi film industry's first quarter business report?As the third month of 2006 draws to a close, the film industry has only one runaway success -"Rang De Basanti"- and a moderately successful "Taxi No. 9211" to boast of. ( Read full news )
 
Former Salman Khan aide arrested
Mumbai, Police here claimed to have achieved a breakthrough in their probe into a 2002 hit-and-run case involving Bollywood star Salman Khan with the arrest early Sunday of his former aide, reportedly the sole witness to the incident. ( Read full news )
 
Every creative man is like software: Razdan
New Delhi, Writer-director Karan Razdan of "Girlfriend" fame, whose three movies are set for March releases, says a creative man resembles a software from which story ideas come out.
( Read full news )

  
Indo-German band to perform in Assam
Guwahati, An Indo-German instrumental band is set to charm music lovers in Assam with a unique blend of jazz, folk and Indian classical music as the state gears up to celebrate its New Year festival Bihu in April. ( Read full news )
 
'Alam Ara' set off Bollywood's musical odyssey
Mumbai, "Alam Ara", the first Indian talkie that completes 75 years this week, was the harbinger of a new art form - film music. The industry is worth about $200 million today. ( Read full news )
 
There are no differences with Preity: Rani (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Rani Mukerji has rubbished rumours of differences with Preity Zinta, her "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna" co-star."Preity is a lovely co-star. All our films together have worked. She keeps joking that she'll put me in her wedding picture to ensure her marriage would be a super hit," says Rani, who co-starred earlier with Preity in "Veer-Zaara". ( Read full news )
 
Tracking director Anubhav Sinha's meteoric rise
Mumbai, For the director of "Tum Bin", small stars are a thing of the past. Anubhav Sinha is planning at least four major films with the biggest of Bollywood stars. ( Read full news )
 
Heartbeats on new celebrity quiz show
Mumbai, STAR TV is launching a new celebrity quiz show where the contestants will be timed by, guess what, their heartbeats!
Among the known faces to feature in the show are cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Vinod Kambli, film actors Isha Koppiker, Pooja Bedi and Varun Badola and television personalities Mandira Bedi and Ronit Roy. ( Read full news )

Madhuri planning comeback in Bollywood
Mumbai, Madhuri Dixit, who took a break from Bollywood after marrying an NRI, is set to mesmerise her fans again but says she will sign only those films that can be shot in the US where she is now based. ( Read full news )

Sony to re-telecast Filmfare Awards
Mumbai, In a sudden decision seen as a major damage control exercise, Sony will re-telecast the Filmfare Awards following the furore over the accidental or not-so-accidental blackening out of Abhishek Bachchan's performance during the live telecast last week. ( Read full news ) 
 
The low key singer content not to hit high notes
New Delhi, Unlike her contemporaries, "Halla re" girl Shweta Pandit, who hit big time with "Neal 'N' Nikki", confesses that she does not aim very high. She just wants to keep doing good work, singing good song ( Read full news ) 
 
'Maine Gandhi...' triumphs at US film fest
Mumbai, Anupam Kher's "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" has won the awards for best film and best actor at the Riverside International Film Festival, California.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Abhishek blacked out of Filmfare Awards?
Mumbai, It could have been a coincidence, but there was apparently more to the blacking out of Abhishek Bachchan's item during the live telecast of the Filmfare awards on Saturday evening than met the eye. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Paathshala' continues its musical momentum
New Delhi, Music composer A.R. Rahman is undoubtedly at his musical best in Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's blockbuster "Rang De Basanti" with his carefree "Paathshala" tightly holding on its number one slot. ( Read full news ) 
 
Deepa thrilled with Bangkok award for 'Water'
Mumbai, "Water", which won the Golden Kinnaree award for the best film at the Bangkok Film Festival, is the first Hindi movie to have won the top honour at any international festival and Deepa Mehta is overwhelmed with joy.  ( Read full news ) 

Bipasha denies conversation with Amar Singh
New Delhi, Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is "shocked" at reports about a purported conversation between her and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh that allegedly figures in the CD titled "Amar Singh Ki Amar Kahani" sent to TV channels."I am totally shocked at the slanderous report. It was nothing short of outrageous that the alleged conversation has been attributed to me. I had never had a telephonic conversation with Mr. Amar Singh and the report is totally malicious," she told a news channel Sunday evening. ( Read full news ) 

 
'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai': a pedestrian affair
Film: "Humko Tumse Pyar Hai"; Cast: Bobby Deol, Amisha Patel and Arjun Rampal; Director: Bunty Soorma/Vikram Bhatt; Rating: *  ( Read full news ) 
  
Raj Babbar again criticises Samajwadi Party
Agra, Filmstar and MP Raj Babbar lambasted the Samajwadi Party for promoting "immoral politics and dalals (brokers)" at a meeting here Sunday.  ( Read full news ) 
 
'Black' steals the show at Filmfare awards
Mumbai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black" was undoubtedly the scene-stealer at the Filmfare awards, bagging four of the top awards, including for best film, at a glittering show here. 

 ( Read full news ) 
 
Manisha terms reports of naming dog 'malicious'
Mumbai, Manisha Koirala, upset at reports that she had named her dog 'Mustafa', denies owning a canine pet and has termed the allegations "false", "malicious and ugly".  ( Read full news ) 
 
John Abraham on the roll
New Delhi, "Gentle and romantic, also red hot and smashing. You're not just hot, you're on fire," is how John Abraham was described at a chat show. And the description could not be more apt.
 ( Read full news ) 

 
Aamir sues film magazine for promos
Mumbai, Bollywood star Aamir Khan has sued film magazine Filmfare for "falsely" using his name to promote its annual award ceremony that was held Saturday night.  ( Read full news ) 
 
'Taxi No 9211' - crisp satire on struggle of survival Review
Film: "Taxi No 9211"; Cast: Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Sonali Kulkarni, Sameera Reddy; Director: Milan Luthria; Rating: ** 1/2
It looks like Bollywood is willing to take a leap forward without the fear of a fall. "Taxi No 9211" is a fearless fable of the feel before the fall.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Dimple falls for younger Saif in 'Being Cyrus'
New Delhi, Often a younger man's attentions are proof of a matured woman's attractiveness and her sexuality. This is quite true for Dimple Kapadia who is wooed by the much younger Saif Ali Khan in "Being Cyrus".  ( Read full news ) 
 
Celebrations in northeast as Assamese wins hit TV music show
Guwahati, Jubilant dancing and bursting of firecrackers went on well into Friday night and early Saturday in many places in the northeast, especially Assam, to celebrate the victory of Assamese singer Debojit Saha in the hit "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" music contest. 
 ( Read full news ) 

  
Record digital release for 'Sarhad Paar'
Mumbai, If everything goes according to plan, Nimbus Communications' "Sarhad Paar" starring Sanjay Dutt and Tabu will be the first major film to be released simultaneously in 500 theatres all over India through a huge digital network.   ( Read full news ) 
 
I will start shooting by end-March: Amitabh Bachchan (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Still on the road to recovery, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan says he will return to the arc lights by end-March. In the meantime, he is keeping himself busy with less stressful jobs like dubbing and singing.  ( Read full news ) 
 
John Abraham develops cell phone game, starts website
Mumbai, John Abraham has got to be one of the busiest actors in Bollywood having started a website and developed a cell phone game as well as doing films of course.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Localised 'Sesame Street' to hit Indian screens
New Delhi, The hit American tele-series for children "Sesame Street" is set to capture the imagination of Indian children on leading channels Cartoon Network and Pogo, but with a local flavour.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Mega 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' clash today
Mumbai, There is no palpable nervousness among Debojit and Vinit, the two finalists of Zee TV's "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" music contest for their mega clash Friday.
 ( Read full news ) 

  
'7 O' Clock' suffers from stale theme
Film: "7 O' Clock"; Cast: Mithun Tejaswi, Pooja Kanwal, Nitya, Sundarraj, Ramakrishna, Bhavya, Malathi Sardeshpande and others; Director: Santhosh Rai Pathaje; Producer: N.M. Suresh; Music director: Madhukar.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Shah Rukh, Arjun, Hrithik considered for 'Rang De...'
Mumbai, Very few know that the star cast of "Rang De Basanti" underwent several changes before it reached the final stage. Amongst those considered for the ensemble cast were Arjun Rampal and Hrithik Roshan as well as Shah Rukh Khan.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Ajay Devgan may invest in Rajasthan's Film City
Jaipur, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan and a Singapore firm have evinced interest in investing in a major filmmaking facility being built close to the Rajasthan capital. ( Read full news ) 
 
Will Smith meets top Bollywood directors
Mumbai, After a visit to Agra with his son to see the Taj Mahal, Hollywood star Will Smith spent the next day catching up with top Bollywood filmmakers. ( Read full news ) 
 
Chopra, Hirani disagree on Munnabhai sequel title
Mumbai, A battle is on between producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and director Raj Kumar Hirani for the title of the sequel to "Munnabhai M.B.B.S." ( Read full news ) 
 
Sony to award Bollywood beauty with brains
Mumbai, Bollywood heroines Ayesha Takia, Tanisha Mukherjee, Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif and Sneha Ullal have been nominated for the face of the year award that will recognise upcoming talents who boast of beauty with brains.  ( Read full news ) 
  
Shabana Azmi moots joint India-Pakistan films
Islamabad, Shabana Azmi, one of India's most versatile screen actors, has strongly backed joint film productions by India and Pakistan, saying it would be a win-win situation for both the countries.  ( Read full news ) 
 

Court asks producer to scroll message in film screening
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed producer of the film "Mangal Pandey -The Rising" to show a scroll at the end of each show saying the character the nautch girl shown in the movie is fictional.  ( Read full news ) 

Ben Kingsley to help Pakistan quake-relief efforts
 
PMO to sort out tangle over film smoking ban
New Delhi, The Prime Minister's Office has been asked by Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss to intervene to facilitate the implementation of a ban on the depiction of smoking in films and television.  ( Read full news ) 
  

Katrina to play Jaya's role in Ramu's 'Sholay'
Mumbai, The glamorous Katrina Kaif as a silently suffering widow? Sounds like a contradiction in terms. But trust filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma to opt for the unexpected!  ( Read full news ) 
  
Will Smith to appear on 'Indian Idol'
Mumbai, Fans of the popular music-based television show "Indian Idol" will get to see Hollywood star Will Smith in the episode to be telecast Monday. ( Read full news ) 

Tap feet to Hindi chartbuster 'Paathshala'
New Delhi, First Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's "Rang De Basanti" rocked the box office and now its songs, composed by the prolific music composer A.R. Rahman, are spiralling up the stairway of hits.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Rahul Bose launches premium watch brand
New Delhi, Actor Rahul Bose Tuesday launched the Xylys brand of watches from India's premier watchmaker Titan aimed at the X-factor driven young generation.  ( Read full news ) 

Sammir caught in linguistic crossfire
Mumbai, It looks like newcomer Sammir Dattani is getting himself a lot of attention from unexpected places. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sex and sleaze in 'Mr.100%'
New Delhi, Another dose of sleaze awaits filmgoers this Friday with editor-turned-director Omprakash Makkar's directorial debut "Mr.100% - The Real Player" starring Aryan Vaid and Mahima Choudhary.( Read full news ) 
 
Comedy has always been my forte: Govinda
Mumbai, Govinda has rejected rumours that he is making a deliberate attempt to come out of the comedy mould by taking up serious roles. ( Read full news ) 
 
Madhuri Dixit to perform at Filmfare awards
Mumbai, Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit is rehearsing with Saroj Khan for a special performance to commemorate the late Parveen Babi at the 51st Fair One Filmfare awards to be held at Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Grounds here Feb 25. ( Read full news ) 
 
No to Ricky Martin show at the Taj
Agra, Latin American heartthrob Ricky Martin's much hyped show at the Taj Mahal on Feb 25 doesn't look like it is happening with archaeological authorities refusing to give the green signal.
( Read full news ) 

 
Plans to bring Himani back on 'Sa Re Ga Ma'
Mumbai, Organisers of "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" are planning to bring Himani Kapoor, voted out by the audience, back on the show. ( Read full news ) 
 
Exhibition on Indian cinema in Britain 
London, India's mammoth film industry is currently the flavour of a series of exhibitions and plays in Sunderland and Leicester. A play "Bollywood Dreams" was staged in Sunderland's city museum and winter gardens as part of a month of themed activities. During the day, there was a series of workshops where the public was given the chance to learn about everything from dancing to music. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bengali movie titans fight battle of ballots
Kolkata, Kolkata will keenly watch a real life battle of ballots in the coming West Bengal assembly elections between two biggies of the Bengali film industry. ( Read full news ) 
 
Fights are staged with energy and élan in 'Fight Club'
Film: "Fight Club"; Cast: Dino Morea, Zayed Khan, Ashish Chowdhary, Riteish Deshmukh, Sohail Khan, Ashmit Patel, Rahul Dev, Yash Tonk, Suniel Shetty, Amrita Arora and Diya Mirza; Director: Vivek Chopra; Rating: * 1/2 Cool crap... That just about defines what debutant director Vicky Chopra attempts in this fight-to-finish stunt-and-grunt moan-and-frown actioner. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sanjay-Arshad teams up for 'Anthony Kaun Hai'
Mumbai, The Sanjay Dutt-Arshad Warsi jodi, who tickled audiences' funny bones with their perfect comic timing in "Munnabhai M.B.B.S", will be seen in another hilarious flick "Anthony Kaun Hai" besides the sequel to "Munnabhai M.B.B.S".  ( Read full news ) 
 
Bollywood figures' favourite romantic films
Mumbai, Here are some more eminent film personalities who talk about their favourite romantic flicks:Vikram Bhatt: Favourite romantic films? "Mughal-E-Azam" for sure! "Qayamat se Qayamat Tak"... the best adaptation of Romeo & Juliet... love between two innocent people from warring families spells doom for their togetherness. But they enjoy whatever time they have together. "Gadar" is a great romantic drama. ( Read full news ) 
 
Are reigning heroines new champions of 'alternative' cinema?
New Delhi, Hot and happening Bollywood female actors as opposed to heroines past their prime seem set to emerge as the best bet for the so-called alternative Hindi cinema.With Sushmita Sen undergoing a complete makeover and sharpening her histrionic talents for director Kalpana Lajmi's small-budget production "Chingaari", the stage seems set for more reigning stars to make the best of both worlds ( Read full news ) 
 
Shah Rukh, Kareena and Priyanka in Pepsi ad?
Mumbai, It's all very hush-hush and rush-rush. But you really can't keep a killing blend like Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra under wraps. The lethal trio had just finished an ad for Pepsi in Madh Island here. The ad is being positioned as Pepsi TV. ( Read full news ) 
 
Himesh Reshammiya cuts own album
Mumbai, It's been success all the way for Himesh Reshammiya and the music director has entered 2006 with a bang - he's just released his first solo album. ( Read full news ) 
 
STAR prepares for life without KBC
Mumbai, The abrupt termination of "Kaun Banega Crorepati 2" (KBC2) hasn't deterred STAR. It is all set for the telecast of its new game show "Kamaal Ki Jodi" from March 4. ( Read full news ) 
 
Samir Nair dismisses rumours of job hop
Mumbai, Samir Nair, chief operating officer of STAR India, has dismissed rumours that he plans to move from STAR to Reliance. ( Read full news ) 
 
Modelling no shortcut to stardom: Maureen Wadia
New Delhi, She is credited with creating glamorous models like Aishwarya Rai and John Abraham, but Maureen Wadia says youngsters should pursue modelling only as a hobby and take up other jobs as a profession.Known as India's ace model maker, she is currently busy conducting her "Britannia Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt Contest - 2006". ( Read full news ) 
 
Salman, Saif fail to appear in Jodhpur court
Jodhpur, Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre Monday failed to appear in a court here that is hearing a case related to the alleged poaching of two endangered blackbuck deer by them in 1998.  ( Read full news ) 
  
Daya Nayak's arrest: Amitabh to be quizzed
Mumbai, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be questioned in connection with the arrest of disgraced police officer Daya Nayak, police officials said here Monday. ( Read full news ) 

 
Bollywood music a rage among Israeli Indian youth
Mumbai, Bollywood's pulsating music has begun to grip many young Israelis with parents from India. Buoyed by the availability of Indian programmes on satellite television and enthralled by Bollywood music and shows such as "Indian Idol" and "Nach Baliye", Israeli youths are taking a keen interest in film music and dance. ( Read full news ) 
 
Favourite romantic films of Bollywood stars
Mumbai, Here's a look at the all time favourite romantic flicks of Bollywood's dream merchants and stars who have almost always explored various aspects of love in their films: Amitabh Bachchan: My favourite romantic film is Guru Dutt's "Kaagaz Ke Phool" for no particular reason.
( Read full news ) 

 
Ghosh has had enough of making brooding films
Mumbai, Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh says he has had enough of dark and brooding subjects and wants to make happy films. 
"Enough dark brooding chamber pieces. My last two releases, 'Raincoat' and 'Antar Mahal', go into a dark territory. Even my new Bengali film 'Dosar', which is ready for release, is a black-and-white brooding work. Now I want to loosen up, be happy, make a bright young film," says Ghosh. ( Read full news ) 
 
Filmmaker Prakash Jha to open multiplexes in Bihar
Patna, Film lovers in Bihar may no more need to watch movies in crummy theatres, as filmmaker Prakash Jha is planning to open more than two dozen multiplexes across the state. ( Read full news ) 
  
Chingari Review : Powerhouse Sushmita overshadows 'Chingari's' blemishes
Film: "Chingari"; Starring Sushmita Sen, Mithun Chakraborty, Anuj Sawhney, Ila Arun; Written & Directed by Kalpana Lajmi; Rating: *** Ignore the rough edges. Forget her past follies. Kalpana Lajmi is back with a searing film about oppression and justice with an unparalleled central performance by Sushmita Sen. ( Read full news ) 
 
Soha thrilled to team up with mother Sharmila
Lucknow, Soha Ali Khan is excited at the opportunity to act alongside her mother, Sharmila Tagore, in a forthcoming film directed by Aparna Sen. "What is most exciting about this film, 'Jewellery Box', is the fact that I am doing a double role in the company of my mother," the actress told reporters here Saturday.( Read full news ) 
 
Script of 'Manoranjan' is its USP, says Aggarwal
Mumbai, Filmmaker T.P. Aggarwal, who has made movies like "Love In Nepal", "Return Of Jewel Thief", "Khamosh" and "Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam", is gearing up to release his next film "Manoranjan - The Other Side of Entertainment". ( Read full news ) 
 
Sharmila and Saif coming together in 'Eklavya'
Mumbai, As Sharmila Tagore prepares to come together with daughter Soha Ali Khan in Aparna Sen's "Jewellery Box", she will also be seen sharing screen space with star son Saif Ali Khan in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "Eklavya".( Read full news ) 
 
My next documentary is on the politics of hate: Rakesh
New Delhi, Noted documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma, whose controversial "Final Solution" on the 2002 Gujarat riots won many international awards, is making a film on the lives of common people across the world post-9/11 terror attacks in the US.( Read full news ) 
 
Sangeeta Ahir signs director Ravi Chopra
Mumbai, Producer Sangeeta Ahir, whose first film "Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi" bombed at box, has teamed up with Ravi Chopra of "Baghbaan" fame for her next ambitious project. ( Read full news ) 
 
Salman convicted for killing blackbuck (LEAD)
Jodhpur, Salman Khan, one of India's most popular actors, was sentenced to a year in jail by a court here Friday on charges of poaching endangered blackbuck deer in Rajasthan eight years ago.Immediately after announcing its sentence, the court granted Salman bail and gave him 30 days to file an appeal in the sessions court. ( Read full news ) 

 
Malaysia to cut import of films from India, China
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has decided to reduce its imports of foreign films from China, India and Indonesia to encourage locally made movies, a former minister said Thursday. ( Read full news ) 
 
Music video showing snakes has animal lovers hissing
Bhubaneswar, A music video called "Nag Devta" that features snakes in its songs has invited the wrath of animal rights activists who say the reptiles have been filmed illegally.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Asha Parekh returns to her Gujarati roots
Mumbai, Even at her prime 40 years ago, when she was branded the "Jubilee Queen", Asha worked in three feature films in her mother tongue.  ( Read full news ) 
 
10-year-old directing Jackie Shroff film
Bangalore, Ten-year-old Kannada actor Kishen is now making a film, "Care Of Footpath", which might just enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the youngest director in the world. "He is the first director to call me 'Uncle'!" says Jackie Shroff who is playing an important role in the film.  ( Read full news ) 
 
I am in no hurry for Bollywood roles: Siddharth (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, He is known as the Aamir Khan of the south. But despite wowing audiences with his first Bollywood film "Rang De Basanti", Siddharth has no intention of moving bag and baggage to Mumbai to pursue a career.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Dominican Republic woos Indian film producers
New Delhi, Dominican Republic is seeking to woo Indian investment in IT and film producers to shoot in the Caribbean nation's picturesque locales. As a measure of its growing interest in India, it is even planning to open an embassy here.  ( Read full news ) 

  
Abhishek, Ash marriage has gossip mongers tied up in knots
New Delhi, Will they, won't they? The tantalising possibility that two of Bollywood's biggest stars, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, might get married has filmdom and millions of star gazers in a frenzy. That most of it is at the level of speculation and all the dramatis personae are stonily silent is more grist to the mill that started working in real earnest when the two stars began work on J.P. Dutta's "Umrao Jaan" about three months ago.  ( Read full news ) 
  
Celluloid chronicle of red pandas' sojourn
New Delhi, Bedi brothers Ajay and Vijay Bedi, pioneers in making wildlife films and the youngest Asians to win the prestigious Panda Award, are ready with their latest celluloid ode to the red panda.The duo had won the award for an earlier film, 'The Policing Langur', in the BBC newcomers' category at the Green Oscars - the 2004 Wildscreen film festival at Bristol in Britain. 
( Read full news ) 

   
Nakul Vaid plays Goutam Ghose in 'Yatra'
Mumbai, It is not often that actors get to play real-life professionals on screen. Rajat Kapur got to play journalist Khalid Mohamed in "Sardari Begum" and filmmaker Ashok Kaul cast himself as the narrator in "Bhaggmati".  ( Read full news ) 
   
Coy couples out of fashion in Bollywood
Mumbai, The courtship game in our films seems to have changed drastically. Demure damsels and decorous men are a thing of the past. In the two recent comedies, "Shaadi No. 1" and "Garam Masala", we constantly saw the heroes in the company of a crowd of women. 

( Read full news ) 
   

Old formula films are flopping, says Yash Chopra
Berlin, There is one simple reason behind the recent surge in popularity of Bollywood in the West, says legendary Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra. "People who see our films feel happy," he said.
( Read full news ) 

   
'Mughal-e-Azam' to wow Pakistani audiences
Islamabad, Forty-five years after it became one of the biggest blockbusters of Indian cinema, the classic "Mughal-e-Azam" is set to dazzle audiences in Pakistan with censors clearing the film for screening. ( Read full news ) 
   
Will Lajmi's 'Chingaari' finally strike a chord?
New Delhi, Filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, known for making women-oriented films, has now come up with the poignant tale of a prostitute.
The film releasing Friday is about the plight of a sex worker who finally raises her voice against the exploiters. "Chingaari", based on a short story by veteran Assamese singer and music director Bhupen Hazarika, revolves around three characters - a young postman, a sex worker and a village priest.  ( Read full news ) 
   
Young Sri Lankan filmmakers take lead on peace
Colombo, Young filmmakers in Sri Lanka are making a conscious effort to highlight issues such as peace and post-tsunami recovery through their films, hoping to target opinion makers and push the stalled peace process. ( Read full news ) 
  

Vivek to play Cassius in 'Othello'
Mumbai, Though everyone associated with the film is tightlipped, news about stars jumping into Vishal Bhardwaj's Shakespearean bandwagon "Othello" continues to leak out. The director has zeroed in on Vivek Oberoi to play Cassius in the Shakespearean tragedy.  ( Read full news ) 
 
'Holiday': Dino does a graceful dance act
Film: "Holiday"; Cast: Dino Morea, introducing Onjoli Nair, Gulshan Grover, Kashmira Shah, Anahita Uberoi and Nauheed Cyrusi; Director: Pooja Bhatt; Rating: **
Dino Morea's swan-like grace in the salsa dancing, done with such precise and yet spontaneous élan, leaves us spell-bound. Is this really a remake of Dirty Dancing?  ( Read full news ) 
 
Kanchi and Shakti on 'Deal Ya No Deal'
Mumbai, Kanchi Kaul and Shakti Anand, the charming couple from the serial "Ek Ladki Anjaani Si", will be seen in a special Valentine's Day episode of "Deal Ya No Deal" Wednesday. 

( Read full news ) 
 
Sammir Dattani to sing in music video
Mumbai, Actor Sammir Dattani, who plays a trained government spy in search of his identity in Mani Shankar's "Mukhbir", will sing for the film's music video too. ( Read full news ) 
  
'Mixed Doubles': svelte satire on spousal friction
Film: "Mixed Doubles"; Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Konkona Sensharma, Rajat Kapoor and Koel Purie; Writer-Director: Rajat Kapoor; Rating: **1/2 ( Read full news ) 

 
'Mere Jeevan Saathi' is out of tune with times
Film: "Mere Jeevan Saathi"; Starring Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, Amisha Patel; Directed by Suneel Darshan; Rating: ** ( Read full news ) 
  
'Aksar' a series of aesthetically mounted scenes
Film: "Aksar"; Director: Ananth Mahadevan; Cast: Dino Morea, Emran Hashmi, Udita Goswami and Tara Sharma; Rating: ** ( Read full news ) 
        
Is 'Ankahee' based on Raj Kapoor-Vyjayanthimala relationship?
Mumbai, Director Vikram Bhatt has denied reports that his latest film "Ankahee" is based on the relationship between Bollywood's showman Raj Kapoor and actress Vyjayanthimala. He says it is "a slice of his own life". ( Read full news ) 
 

One more trite triangle hits the screens
New Delhi, The Darshan camp's penchant for melodramatic triangles comes to the fore again with the long delayed "Mere Jeevan Saathi" starring Karisma Kapoor in her first release after marriage, Akshay Kumar and Amisha Patel. ( Read full news ) 
  
'Mere Jeevan Saathi' no threat to 'Aksar': Ananth Mahadevan
Mumbai, Ananth Mahadevan doesn't know how to react to the sudden decision of his producer to schedule his film "Aksar" along with Suneel Darshan's long-delayed "Mere Jeevan Saathi". ( Read full news ) 
    
'Rang De Basanti' - patriotism that's not preachy
Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Cast: Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan Pataudi, Alice Patten, R. Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman, Kirron Kher and Om Puri; Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra; Producer: Ronnie Screwvala; Music: A.R. Rahman; Rating ***  ( Read full news ) 

 
Hema Malini to direct Rekha and Esha
Mumbai, Hema Malini, who directed Shah Rukh Khan in his first film "Dil Ashna Hai", is all set to return to direction with a film starring daughter Esha and good friend Rekha. ( Read full news ) 
  
Meghna Gulzar set to make her second film
Mumbai, Director Meghna Gulzar, who made her debut in Bollywood with "Filhaal", is ready to roll her second film "Honeymoon" -- a comedy with Fardeen Khan and Esha Deol. ( Read full news ) 
  
Painting, photography, films: that's Deepti for you
New Delhi, Deepti Naval, who has come a long way from playing the girl next door in films like "Saath Saath" and "Chashme Baddoor", celebrated her birthday Friday as enthused by painting and photography as by films. ( Read full news ) 

Acting bug bites Bollywood's star directors
Mumbai, "Help!" moans Madhavan. "If all the big-shot directors of the country turn to acting what will we do?" ( Read full news ) 
  

Bollywood divas in de-glam mode
Mumbai, What is it about looking like a plain Jane, if not plain frumpy, that attracts our modern-day beauties of Bollywood? Every diva, from Urmila Matondkar to Bipasha Basu and from Aishwarya Rai to Kareena Kapoor, is going into the de-glam mode. ( Read full news ) 

 
Indian actor wins plaudits in South Africa
Durban, An innovative Bollywood-themed play starring Indian TV actor Gaurav Chopra has proved so popular during a two-month long run here that it has been extended for a few more weeks. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bipasha to play true-life entrepreneur in 'Corporate'
Mumbai, It looks like a season of real-life characters on screen. By now everyone knows Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate" - the second part of his proposed trilogy on metropolitan mores and communities - will feature Bipasha Basu as a steel-willed business tycoon. ( Read full news ) 
 
Whopping 12.5 million SMSs for 'Sa Re Ga...' episode
Mumbai, "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" has received a record-breaking 12.5 million SMSs in the audience poll section that has left only Debojit and Vinit in the race. ( Read full news ) 
 
Who will play Jaba in new 'Sahib Bibi...'?
Mumbai, It is definitely on. At the end of 2005 Pritish Nandy Communications commenced shooting of Rituparno Ghosh's "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" - but many are wondering who will play the character of Jaba. ( Read full news ) 
 
ULFA locks horn with 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'
Guwahati, The hype in the northeast around "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" - a musical TV show that has a contestant from Assam in the top two - has prompted the rebel United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to react. ( Read full news ) 
  

14 actors pack a punch in 'Fight Club'
New Delhi, Underworld dons, sibling love, bouncers and four friends - it is this familiar Bollywood world that debutant director Vikram Chopra delves into in his action-comedy "Fight Club", featuring an ensemble cast of 14 actors. ( Read full news ) 

'Parineeta' girls Raima and Vidya are best pals
Mumbai, Is it possible for two actresses to become and remain friends? Ask Vidya Balan and Raima Sen who are as thick as thieves. ( Read full news ) 
 
Salman and Ajay in Santoshi's 'London Dreams'
Mumbai, Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is set to begin production of the grand musical "London Dreams" this year and the real surprise of the project is Salman Khan. ( Read full news ) 

Hrithik covers four cities in 24 hours
Mumbai, If there is a poll for the most stressed actor in Bollywood it will have to zero in on Hrithik Roshan. In 24 hours he travelled to four cities for a few hours each. ( Read full news ) 

 
100,000 pirated Bollywood CDs seized
Patna, A big racket in the manufacture and sale of pirated CDs of latest Bollywood films has been busted in this Bihar capital and nine people have been arrested. ( Read full news ) 

Combining movies and fashion to enhance viewing experience
New Delhi, It's an idea that could change the way you go to the movies - begin with a swish fashion show and follow it up with a film. The newly renovated Plaza PVR theatre in the capital has launched this innovative move. ( Read full news ) 

Rekha, Priyanka in Kalpana Lajmi's next film?
Mumbai, It could be the most seductive casting coup of the century. Rekha and Priyanka Chopra together in Kalpana Lajmi's next film -- the Umrao Jaan of the 1970s and the Umrao Jaan who almost was (remember filmmaker J.P. Dutta almost signed Priyanka for the role of the neo-Umrao?) ( Read full news ) 
 
'Ek Ajnabee' script for Oscar academy collection
Mumbai, Bunty is bubbly. "Ek Ajnabee" producer Bunty Walia has just received a letter from the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences stating that they are interested in acquiring a copy of the screenplay of the film for their script collection. ( Read full news ) 

 
Shyam Benegal, Sachin Khedekar given Netaji Awards
Kolkata, Jan 23 (IANS) Filmmaker Shyam Benegal and actor Sachin Khedekar were among those awarded the Netaji Awards 2006 on Subhas Chandra Bose's 109th birth anniversary celebrations here Monday. ( Read full news ) 
  
Two Indian entries for Rotterdam film fest
Mumbai, Santosh Sivan's "Navarasa", which takes a look at a community of eunuchs in Kerala, and Rajit Kapoor's quirky comedy "Mixed Doubles" are the two Indian entries at the Rotterdam Film Festival.( Read full news ) 
 
No tax notice served to Bachchan in hospital: Chidambaram
Hyderabad, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Sunday denied reports that Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan had been served a notice to pay income tax while he was in a Mumbai hospital last month.( Read full news ) 
 
Film fraternity feels strongly for disgraced super cop
Mumbai, Mumbai's film fraternity has reacted variedly to the alleged disappearance of the city's super cop Daya Nayak, whose house was raided by anti-corruption bureau officials last week.
( Read full news ) 

  
Famous Nepali singer Tara Devi is dead
Kathmandu, Nepal lost one of its brightest stars with the death of singer Tara Devi following a prolonged illness. She was 61. Tara Devi, known as the "nightingale of Nepal", died at the Norvic Hospital here Saturday night. ( Read full news ) 
 
Dwivedi to make 'Prithviraj-Sanjukta' with Sunny Deol
Mumbai, After his "Pinjar", a powerful paean to the partition of India, filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi is all set to launch "Prithviraj-Sanjukta" with Sunny Deol in the lead. ( Read full news ) 
  
Amitabh bags best actor at Apsara awards
Mumbai, It is the awards season in Bollywood, and superstar Amitabh Bachchan is the hot favourite. Hot on the heels of winning the STAR Screen best actor award, Amitabh has bagged the best actor award at the Apsara awards in Mumbai. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bachchan-Tabu to star in a love story
Mumbai, Amitabh Bachchan will pair with Tabu in a love story directed by adman R. Balakrishnan. After going through a spectrum of roles with co-stars ranging from the 20-something Rani Mukherjee and the child Ayesha Kapoor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black" to Baby Rucha in "Ek Ajnabee", Bachchan is now all set to co-star with Tabu in a mature love story. 
( Read full news ) 

 
Soha is extremely talented: Mehra
Mumbai, Soha Ali Khan is emerging as an actress with great potential. The few directors she has worked with have a good word for her, but no one can better define Soha's acting prowess than "Rang De Basanti" director Rakeysh Mehra, reports Bollywood Trade. ( Read full news ) 
 
Saif's stars do not match with female directors
Mumbai, It seems Saif Ali Khan's stars don't tally with women directors. First Aparna Sen's maiden Hindi film "Gulel" sank after Saif kept her on hold for months before finally saying no. ( Read full news ) 
 
More curiosity over 'Rang De Basanti' as release is postponed
Mumbai, The curiosity to see Rakeysh Mehra's "Rang De Basanti" grows by the day after the much-touted film's release date was postponed to Jan 26. ( Read full news ) 


'Bluffmaster' music holds tight this week too
New Delhi, "Jawani Diwani" has crept into the top 10 list this week with its title track, and "Bluffmaster", which was number one last week, shows no signs of exiting the top position. 

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Right here right now" - Film: "Bluffmaster"; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. This rap song, which marks Abhishek Bachchan's debut as a singer, is fast turning into a money-spinner. Sunidhi Chauhan teams up with Abhishek in the slow and rhythmic number.

2. "Jiya dhadak dhadak jaaye" - Film: "Kalyug"; Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; Music: Faisal Rafi, Rohail Hyat. The song so reminiscent of the soft, romantic numbers of the late 1960s and early 1970s moves one step closer to the top and is at number two.

3. "Yeh hai meri kahani" - Film: "Zinda"; Singer: Shibani Kashyap; Music: Shibani Kashyap. This is the latest track from the film "Zinda" - which was released last week and is doing well at the box office - to hit the music charts. 

4. "Rang de basanti" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singer: Daler Mehndi; Music: A.R. Rehman. Finally the film's music has started showing signs of doing well as it is constantly climbing up on music charts for the last three weeks. ( Read full news ) 
 
Payback time for Sanjay Suri
Mumbai, Sanjay Suri can now laugh about the snub he has received from filmmakers over the years, including Vikram Bhatt, who replaced him with Aftab Shivdasani in "Aakhir", re-titled "Ankahee", and will now be working with him in Harry Baweja's next. ( Read full news ) 
 
Juhi Chawla to play a goofy do-gooder
Mumbai, Everyone knows Juhi Chawla as that rare and precious entity called the comedienne. For instance, the mad ad for Kurkure in which she plays Tulsi from "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" with wicked wit.( Read full news ) 
 
Hindi cinema tilting towards the disabled
Mumbai, Hindi cinema has suddenly become conscious of the physically and psychologically challenged sections of society. ( Read full news ) 
 
I am open to experimenting with Indian music: Bryan Adams
New Delhi, Rock star Bryan Adams, set to tour India for the third time with concerts in Mumbai and Bangalore next month, says he is open to experimenting with Indian music. ( Read full news ) 
  
Sonia film team visits Cambridge for trip down memory lane
London, Producers working on a film on Indian Congress president Sonia Gandhi - based on journalist Rasheed Kidwai's biography - visited Cambridge and the restaurant where she first met husband Rajiv Gandhi in February 1965.( Read full news ) 
 
Ashutosh Rana captured like never before!
Ashutosh Rana has recently got a whole new contemporary, stylish look for Kareena Films' untitled movie where he plays the central character of a mysterious lawyer.( Read full news ) 
 

Anees Bazmee says 'Welcome' after 'No Entry'
After the hit "No Entry" in 2005, director Anees Bazmee is set to greet the audience with "Welcome" this year. ( Read full news ) 
  
Abbas-Mastaan set to conquer box office again
Mumbai, Abbas-Mastaan's big budget "36 China Town", starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur, is just one of the many movies the duo has lined up this year. ( Read full news ) 
 
Past and present merge in 'Rang De Basanti'
New Delhi, After the moustachioed period look in "Mangal Pandey", Aamir Khan is back as an urban youth in "Rang De Basanti" where India under British rule in the 1930s merges seamlessly with today's India. ( Read full news ) 
 
Saif turns down Mani Ratnam, Ram Gopal Varma
Mumbai, Saif Ali Khan has declined lead roles in Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay", where he was offered the part of Veeru, and Mani Ratnam's latest bilingual in Hindi and English to be shot in London.( Read full news ) 
  
The secret club of heroines from swinging '60s
Mumbai, Have you wondered what happened to the lovely ladies of Hindi movies in the swinging 1960s? Grace- personified Waheeda Rehman, danseuse-actress par excellence Vyjayanthimala, subtle-and-sensuous Sadhana, naughty and sexy Helen, cutely tragic Nanda and of course glamorous go-go-gal Asha Parekh? ( Read full news ) 
 
House painter Ravinder Ravi's dream album launched
New Delhi, Ravinder Ravi, a house painter who shot to fame as one of the top 10 finalists of "Indian Idol", had his day in the sun as his first music album "Jat Lutya Gaya" was released here.
( Read full news ) 

  
Ramadoss for strict enforcement of on-screen smoking ban
New Delhi, Upset over the leniency in implementing the ban on the depiction of smoking in movies and television shows, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has decided to pursue the matter with the information and broadcasting ministry. ( Read full news ) 
 
Anupam Kher plays a dwarf in 'Jaan-e-Man'
Mumbai, Fifteen years after Kamal Haasan in "Appu Raja", Anupam Kher reprises the role of a dwarf in debutant director Shirish Kunder's "Jaan-e-Man". ( Read full news ) 
 
'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' contestant celebrates quiet birthday
Mumbai, The popular 'topi-wala' contestant Vinit on "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" celebrated a quiet 17th birthday, away from his home in Lucknow and under the arc lights.
( Read full news ) 

  
Shimit Amin teams up with Shah Rukh
Mumbai, "Ab Tak Chhappan" director Shimit Amin is all set to direct his second film for Yash Raj Films, and that too starring Shah Rukh Khan. ( Read full news ) 

Aamir: Bollywood's most patriotic star
Mumbai, Aamir Khan seems to be Bollywood's most patriotic star, having featured in "Sarfarosh", "Lagaan", "Mangal Pandey" and now "Rang De Basanti". ( Read full news ) 
 
Recreating Guru Dutt's magic
With the latest Bollywood trend of remaking old classics, Venus Entertainment and Gandhi Media have joined hands to remake Guru Dutt's unforgettable classic "Chaudhvin Ka Chand". ( Read full news ) 
 
Who will be Vinta Nanda's Mahesh Bhatt? 
Ever since the Bhatts have zeroed on Shiny Ahuja to play the role of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in "Woh Lamhe", director Vinta Nanda has been receiving calls about the actor she would cast in her own film on Mahesh Bhatt's life. ( Read full news ) 
  
Yash Chopra on Berlin Film Festival jury
New Delhi, Yash Chopra, a renowned filmmaker of the Hindi film industry, will be on the jury of the 56th Berlin Film Festival starting Feb 9. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sushmita Sen hurt and angry
Mumbai, The release of Kalpana Lajmi's eagerly awaited "Chingari" has been postponed from December to January as lead actress Sushmita Sen has refused to promote the film. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bollywood violence is not escapist fare in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africans are alarmed about the increasing violence in Bollywood films screened here. But Bollywood sleaze seems to go down well with them. ( Read full news ) 
  
Salman, Govinda bond in David Dhawan's next
Mumbai, Salman Khan, who is scorching the headlines for the blackbuck poaching case in which he is being tried in a Jodhpur court, is playing a love 'guru' doling out advice on courtship matters to Govinda in David Dhawan's "Partner". ( Read full news ) 
  
Mohit to film Parveen Babi's love life
Mumbai, Mohit Suri, whose "Kalyug" goes into the dark world of pornography, is ready to film mentor Mahesh Bhatt's tumultuous relationship with the late Parveen Babi in his next film "Awaarapan". ( Read full news ) 
 
Ahern beckons Indian filmmakers to shoot in Ireland
Bangalore, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern Tuesday invited Indian movie moghuls to choose Ireland as an ideal destination for shooting their films in its exotic locations. ( Read full news ) 

Rucha Gujrati to take over in 'Bhabhi'
New Delhi, Rucha Gujrati, who shot to fame as the vengeful half-sister in TV serial "Kkusum", will now play the lead in STAR Plus' popular afternoon soap "Bhabhi". ( Read full news ) 
 
I shared comfortable chemistry with Mallika: Rahul Bose (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Known for doing meaningful cinema, Rahul Bose had no trouble co-starring with Bollywood's oomph girl Mallika Sherawat in "Pyar Ke Side Effects". ( Read full news ) 
 
Films on women's issues top at Iranian film fest
Tehran, Ten films on women's issues have been selected by critics at Iran's first Female Filmmakers Festival, in which director Dariush Mehrjuii's "Leila" (1997) was voted the best film.
( Read full news ) 

  
We are not censor board: air force chief
Gandhinagar, The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Monday said his force had no objections to Aamir Khan's latest film "Rang De Basanti" even though he did not personally like the movie. ( Read full news ) 

 
Nothing fits in '15 Park Avenue' - Review
Film: "15 Park Avenue"; Director: Aparna Sen; Cast: Shabana Azmi, Konkona Sensharma, Rahul Bose, Waheeda Rehman, Soumitra Chatterjee, Dhritiman Chatterjee and Shefali Shah; Rating: **
( Read full news ) 

  
US rights body advocates Indian filmmaker's case
New York, Award-winning Indian documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma, who filed a legal suit against the city of New York for being detained and harassed while shooting a film in the city last year, has found support from a New York rights body. ( Read full news )
 
Amitabh, Aishwarya jostle for space with Indian cricketers
Lahore, Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai are giving a tough fight to Indian cricketers in Pakistani newspapers and magazines even as cricket fever is rising with the first India-Pakistan Test here. ( Read full news ) 
  
Eminem: A true cultural rebel
Mumbai, Grammy winner Eminem is more than just a rapper. The singer, whose greatest hits album "Curtain Call" released last month, is a true cultural rebel. ( Read full news ) 
 
Chowta ready with new concept of musical 'singles'
Mumbai, After a long sabbatical, music composer Sandeep Chowta will be back with the music of his new film "Flat", based on the international format of singles. He promises it will be a trendsetter. ( Read full news ) 
 
Mallika Sherawat faces protests in Indore
Bhopal, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, visiting Madhya Pradesh's Indore city Sunday, faced protests from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists for allegedly denigrating Indian culture.
( Read full news ) 

  
Amitabh may visit Tirupati temple with Rs.100 mn jewelry
Hyderabad, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan may soon revisit Andhra Pradesh to offer diamond ornaments worth Rs.100 million to Lord Venkateshwara, temple officials in Tirupati said.
( Read full news ) 

  
Bollywood, animal rights activists share love-hate relationship
New Delhi, Yet another controversy over the alleged unauthorised use of animals in a big-budget Hindi film has brought to the fore the love-hate relationship between animal rights activists and tinseltown denizens. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sanjay Gupta happy with response to 'Zinda'
Mumbai, Director Sanjay Gupta is relieved that his latest film "Zinda" - a psychological thriller - has been received well at the box office and has got encouraging reviews.( Read full news ) 
 
Seema Biswas injured during shooting
Mumbai, Actress Seema Biswas has suffered multiple fractures on her wrist after a fall while shooting an action scene of a Telugu film. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sohail gears up to packing a punch
Mumbai, Debutant director Abhishek Kapoor's "Aryan", which has Sohail Khan playing a boxer, is up for its theatrical release soon.  ( Read full news ) 
 
Northeast pitches for music show contestant
Guwahati, He has suddenly turned into the pinup boy of the northeast, with students, politicians and reportedly even rebels pitching in for Assam boy Debojit Saha - one of the top four contestants in a popular musical show on TV.Debojit, who is competing for the top slot in the "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005" on Zee TV, is even being seen as a charmer who has a knack for garnering votes that could put politicians to shame. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Rang De Basanti' gets animal board clearance
New Delhi, The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Saturday gave a green signal to Aamir Khan's controversy-ridden film "Rang De Basanti". ( Read full news ) 
 
Amitabh, Rani bag Screen awards
Mumbai, Amitabh Bachchan was adjudged best actor and Rani Mukherjee best actress for the film "Black" at the Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards here. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Family' punchy but not Santoshi's best
Film: "Family"; Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Bhoomika Chawla, Aryeman, Sushant Singh, Nandini, Shernaz Patel; Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi Rating: ** ( Read full news ) 
 
Scenes behind the screen
Mumbai, There were loud cheers as Rani Mukherjee wrapped up a musical medley of her films in 2005 at the STAR Screen Awards, held in Mumbai. But when the show compere announced Akshay Kumar's name for 'best editor', not many in the audience appreciated the joke. ( Read full news ) 
 
Madhavan quits Sony's 'Deal Ya No Deal'
Mumbai, Actor Madhavan has opted out of Sony TV's newly started game show "Deal Ya No Deal" and is going to be replaced by Mandira Bedi. ( Read full news ) 
 
Is Google infringing Bollywood copyrights? (SPECIAL)
New York, Google dotcom may be facing some tough questions from Bollywood entrepreneurs with its newly established video-viewing site. Several popular Hindi movies are on the site to be viewed free of cost. ( Read full news ) 
 
DJ Akbar Sami to remix 'Hanuman' title track
Belying the myth that there is no market for animation films in India, "Hanuman" is going to be released in more than three languages and is also getting its title track remixed by DJ Akbar Sami. ( Read full news ) 
 
Kareena, Shahid in Priyadarshan's next
Mumbai, Bollywood's hottest couple Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapur have signed Priyadarshan's next comic-flick "Chup Chup Ke", described as a laugh riot about love and confusion. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Bluffmaster' firm at number one on music charts
New Delhi, The film may have flopped, but "Halla re" from "Neal 'N' Nikki" is a hit and is back on the bestseller charts with "Right here right now" from "Bluffmaster" retaining its number one position on the list.The top 10 Hindi songs are: ( Read full news ) 
 
TV stars on what 2006 holds in store
Mumbai, Television is going places and so it seems are its many stars, producers and directors who look forward to a New Year full of more challenges and "kick ass work". ( Read full news ) 
 
Debra Winger wants Indians abroad to help visually impaired
New Delhi, Hollywood actress Debra Winger, who is here to promote eye care, is planning to approach Indians abroad to help visually impaired people in their native country. ( Read full news ) 
  
Fantasies of Indians are achievable: Shah Rukh
New Delhi, Fantasies of Indians are achievable as they are smaller compared to American films that show "amazing fantasies" like King Kong taking over New York, says Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan. ( Read full news ) 

 
Leicester to screen first Gujarati film in 30 years
London, Leicester - a town with a large minority of Gujarat origin in Britain - will soon see the first ever screening of a Gujarati movie in 30 years. ( Read full news ) 
 
I don't think I'm fashionable: Abhishek Bachchan (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, It has been a memorable year for Abhishek Bachchan - three hit films, Elle magazine's most stylish person of year and CNN's entertainer of the year - but he says his biggest high was father Amitabh's performance in "Black". ( Read full news ) 
 
Maneka Gandhi fumes at 'Rang De Basanti'
New Delhi, A day after the Indian Air Force said it had no objections to Bollywood star Aamir Khan's upcoming film "Rang De Basanti" and its depiction of fighter jet crashes, the movie was embroiled in a fresh controversy over its use of animals. ( Read full news ) 
 
Salman pleads innocence in poaching case
Jaipur, Bollywood star Salman Khan Thursday pleaded innocence in a case related to the poaching of black buck deer in Rajasthan in 1998. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Holiday' to coincide with Valentine's Day celebrations
Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has rescheduled the release of her film "Holiday" to Feb 10 to coincide with Valentine's Day celebrations. ( Read full news ) 
 
Aishwarya, Santoshi may work in two films
Mumbai, Rajkumar Santoshi and Aishwarya Rai will work in at least two films together if the actress sorts out her date problems, says her business manager Harii Singh. He was reacting to reports about Aishwarya being signed for Santoshi's next film, "Ladies And Gentlemen", after opting out of "Saamna", reports Bollywood Trade. ( Read full news ) 
 

Amitabh may star in Deepa Mehta's film
Mumbai, If all goes well, Amitabh Bachchan will appear in his first international project to be directed by Deepa Mehta. "The lead in my film 'Kamagata Maru' can be played by no other actor except Bachchan," Mehta ( Read full news ) 
  
Kunal Khemu to lead Bhandarkar's 'Signal'
Mumbai, Director Madhur Bhandarkar has signed Kunal Khemu, who debuted with Mahesh Bhatt's "Kalyug" last year, to play the central character in his next film "Signal". ( Read full news ) 
 
'Mere Jeevan Saathi' releasing Jan 26
Filmmaker Suneel Darshan is preoccupied with the release plans of his much-awaited film, "Mere Jeevan Saathi", starring Akshay Kumar and Karisma Kapoor. ( Read full news ) 
  
Knockouts for Abhishek Kapoor
Abhishek Kapoor, who tried his luck as hero in films "Aashiq Mastana" in 1995 and "Uff! Yeh Mohabbat" in 1997, returns as a director with "Aryan". ( Read full news ) 
 
Jaya Bachchan goes green
Actress-MP Jaya Bachchan is promoting a programme called "Greening India with Neem" on radio and TV initiated by the Neem Foundation. ( Read full news ) 
 
Emraan-Manish-Pachisia's 'Jhamela'
Emraan Hashmi, who has virtually monopolised kissing on-screen and got into all kinds of controversy, continues to do so in his latest movie "Jawani Diwani" directed by Manish Sharma.( Read full news ) 
 
Bollywood actors taking a 'bald' step ahead
Mumbai, Going bald is the latest fad in Bollywood and Salman Khan is the latest to join the bandwagon. He has shaved off his head for Sajid Nadiadwala's forthcoming film. ( Read full news ) 
  
The secret of John's sex appeal
Mumbai, His attitude, hairstyle and his washboard abs have made John Abraham the latest youth icon and arguably one of the sexiest actors in India. ( Read full news ) 
 
Abhishek, Nana, Vidya bag Screen awards
Mumbai, Abhishek Bachchan has walked away with the best actor in a comic role for "Bunty Aur Babli" and Nana Patekar the best actor in a negative role for "Apaharan" at the 12th Annual Hero Honda STAR Screen Awards. ( Read full news ) 
 
KBC-2 to return with Bachchan soon
Mumbai, Amitabh Bachchan is all set to resume shooting for STAR Plus' popular quiz show "Kaun Banega Crorepati 2" sometime in February. ( Read full news ) 

Filmmaker Rakesh Sharma sues New York city
Mumbai, Award winning documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma has filed a legal suit against the city of New York for being detained and harassed while shooting a film there last year. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Zinda' is not for weak of heart
New Delhi, Director Sanjay Gupta is strongly influenced by Hollywood action-dramas as was evident from his last two releases "Kaante" and "Musafir". And that's true of his psychological thriller "Zinda" too. ( Read full news ) 
 
Lata, Javed Akhtar team up for ghazal album
Mumbai, In a historic coming together, Lata Mangeshkar fan Javed Akhtar, who started his career as a film lyricist with Lata's "Yeh kahan aa gaye hum" and "Dekha ek khwab" in "Silsila", has teamed up with the indomitable singer for an album of ghazals.( Read full news ) 
 
TV heroines to flank Zayed at Screen Awards
New Delhi, Bollywood will team up for a dance performance with TV artistes for the first time as four leading ladies of the small screen match steps with Zayed Khan for the 12th Annual Hero Honda Star Screen Awards Wednesday. ( Read full news ) 
 
Accused in model's rape to appear in court
Mumbai, The two men arrested for raping a South African model and aspiring Bollywood actress here last month will appear before a city court Friday, police said. ( Read full news ) 
 
Amitabh Bachchan apologises for smoking poster
Panaji, Superstar Amitabh Bachchan Tuesday tendered a written apology after receiving a legal notice for featuring on a film's poster with a cigar in his hand. ( Read full news ) 

Shruti fractures knee on 'Maratthon' location
Mumbai, Newcomer Shruti tripped over wires and fell while shooting for debutante director Nisha Chainani's "Maratthon" at a converted bungalow named Casa Britona in Goa. ( Read full news ) 

 
Ministry to decide fate of 'Rang De Basanti'
New Delhi, The Indian Air Force (IAF) Tuesday said the information and broadcasting ministry would take a call on the 'objectionable' scenes in the Bollywood film "Rang De Basanti" that apparently portrays the force in poor light. ( Read full news ) 
 
Hrithik has lot at stake with 'Krrish'
New Delhi, As Hrithik Roshan turned 32 Tuesday, his fans braced for a rocking comeback by the actor who has deliberately been out of circulation for more than a year. ( Read full news ) 
 
Asha unhappy with India release of Grammy album
Mumbai, Though happy with her Grammy nomination for the collaborative album with "Kronos Quartet" featuring songs of her late husband and music composer R.D. Burman, Asha Bhosle is none too pleased with the way it was released in India.( Read full news ) 
 
'Duvidha' is realism, 'Paheli' reflects modern yen
New Delhi, True literature is timeless and can be interpreted in different ways, says octogenarian writer Vijaydan Detha whose tale "Duvidha" was given a twist in Amol Palekar's film "Paheli". ( Read full news ) 
 
'Family' - underworld drama about bonds and conflict
New Delhi, Rajkumar Santoshi, one of Bollywood's most versatile directors, is ready with his latest action film, "Family - Ties Of Blood" starring Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. Santoshi's second film with Bachchan after the critically acclaimed multistarrer cop drama "Khakee" releases this Friday. ( Read full news ) 
 

Deols get into restaurant business
Mumbai, First Suniel Shetty and Dino Morea. And now the Deols - Dharmendra and his two star sons Bobby and Sunny -- have also gone into the restaurant business. ( Read full news ) 
  
Suniel Shetty plays Anna in 'Fight Club'
Director Vicky Chopra has named Suniel Shetty's character Anna in "Fight Club" - the nickname used by his friends and family in real life. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bhansali exults as 'Black' is among Time's best films
Mumbai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Black" has been selected by Time magazine's influential critic Richard Corliss as one of the 10 best films of 2005 - and the filmmaker is extremely elated. ( Read full news )  
  
Sanjay Gupta's Zinda
The screen space will be cramped in the week ahead. Yet another Sanjay Gupta film, "Zinda", is slated for release alongside the Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Family - Ties Of Blood". ( Read full news ) 

 
Hema Malni, Dharmendra not needed: Gogoi`
Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Sunday said the Congress did not need the star power of Hema Malini or Dharmendra like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). ( Read full news ) 
 
'15 Park Avenue' was easy for me: Shabana Azmi(INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Seasoned actress Shabana Azmi says she played her natural self in Aprana Sen's "15 Park Avenue". ( Read full news ) 
  
Sony and I had a difference of opinion: Ekta (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, The ever-forthright Ekta Kapoor has no qualms about admitting she had a minor scuffle with Sony Entertainment - or its head honcho Tarun Katial to be precise. ( Read full news ) 
 
Fusion music dead in the West: Trilok Gurtu (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Fusion music is dead in the West and what is being promoted under that name is crude, commercial and soulless stuff, says Trilok Gurtu, one of the earliest exponents of the genre. ( Read full news ) 
 
Gudiya's death upsets filmmaker
New Delhi, Filmmaker Prabhakar Shukla, who was making a film based on Gudiya, a Muslim woman who was made to leave her second husband when her first husband returned from a Pakistani jail, is shocked over her sudden death. ( Read full news ) 
 
Abhishek stepping into dad's shoes
Mumbai, The year 2005 truly belonged to the Bachchans. Dad Amitabh ruled with major hits while son Abhishek won the title of 'The Entertainer of the Year' from a major television channel. In 2006, Bachchan junior is all set to woo audiences with a number of releases like "Umrao Jaan", "Dhoom 2" and "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna," reports Bollywood Trade.( Read full news ) 
 
Irrfan plays kidnapper in 'Deadline'
Mumbai, Actor Irrfan Khan, who is eagerly looking forward to his forthcoming release "Deadline" in which he plays a kidnapper, says he is not the serious person he is made out to be by the media. ( Read full news ) 
 
Sachin, Supriya took every 'Nach Baliye' show as last (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar, who won "Nach Baliye", the TV dance contest for celebrity couples, say that they took their performance in every round as their last. ( Read full news ) 
  
'Jawani Diwani' the worst kind of filmmaking
Film: "Jawani Diwani"; Starring Emraan Hashmi, Celina Jaitley, Hrishita Bhatt, Mahesh Manjrekar; Directed by Manish Sharma; Rating: * ( Read full news ) 
 
It's award time for Sahara One
Mumbai, Sahara One Motion Pictures' three critically acclaimed films "Page 3", "Yahaan" and "Bose - The Forgotten Hero" are nominated for two of the most prestigious awards this year. 'Rang De Basanti' to be premiered in Britain first
Eagerly awaited Aamir Khan starrer "Rang De Basanti" will open a day earlier in Britain than the worldwide release date, which is Jan 20. UTV's International Distribution Division has decided to open with select exclusive previews across Cine World, Vue and Odeon-UCI cinemas on Jan 19, reports Bollywood Trade. ( Read full news ) 
 
Only noise, no whispers from "The Whisperers"
Mumbai, Actors Rahul Bose and Manoj Bajpai have starred together in a film called "The Whisperers". But the noise emerging from the sets of this English psychological thriller can hardly qualify as whispers. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Shikhar' not based on 'Wall Street': Matthan (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, Filmmaker John Mathew Matthan is baffled at comparisons between his second film "Shikhar", which has been panned by critics, and the Hollywood flick "Wall Street". ( Read full news ) 
  
'Ash-Abhishek combination is lethal'
Mumbai, At the City Palace in Jaipur, the stillness of the night reverberates with the sound of Aishwarya Rai dancing before Abhishek Bachchan for "Umrao Jaan". ( Read full news ) 
   
Star vows to press on with 'KBC2' (LEAD)
New Delhi, The last two episodes of the game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati 2" filmed by superstar Amitabh Bachchan before his recent illness will soon be aired, but Star India has already drawn up plans to forge ahead with the series. ( Read full news ) 
 
Kerala company to produce toon version of 'Mahabharat'
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-based Toonz, Asia's leading animation studio, has tied up with Impact Vision of Mumbai to produce "Geet Mahabharat", an animated musical version of the grand Indian epic in Hindi. ( Read full news ) 
 
Glimpse into Bollywood dazzles US B-school students
Gurgaon (Haryana), Students and faculty of a swish US B-school listened and watched in awe as award-winning filmmaker Romesh Sharma led them on a magical tour of the mystique of Bollywood, leaving them dazzled and yearning for more.( Read full news ) 
 
Many firsts in Screen awards this year
Mumbai, The film award season is almost upon us with the first of the lot, the Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards, on Jan 11. ( Read full news ) 
  
Boney Kapoor chosen FFI president
Producer-director Boney Kapoor has been unanimously elected president of the Film Federation of India (FFI). Boney's forthcoming films "Paanch", "Dost - My Best Friend" and "Milenge Milenge" are amongst the most widely anticipated films of 2006 and have obviously garnered huge expectations after the phenomenal success of "No Entry". ( Read full news ) 
 
'Family', trappings of a great film
Rajkumar Santoshi's "Family - Ties Of Blood", scheduled to hit screens Jan 13, is expected to rake rich returns at the box-office. ( Read full news ) 
 
Rohan Sippy to repeat Abhishek in next film
Mumbai, After the success of "Bluffmaster", director Rohan Sippy is determined to cast buddy Abhishek Bachchan in his next film as well. ( Read full news ) 
 
'15 Park Avenue' is my most honest film: Aparna Sen (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, At last, the lady reveals the truth. The role of the girl rapidly degenerating into a schizophrenic that Konkona Sen Sharma plays in Aparna Sen's "15 Park Avenue" is based on someone very close to them. ( Read full news ) 
 
South African Indian's film beats 'King Kong'
Johannesburg, A South African Indian filmmaker's slapstick comedy in which a white man goes in disguise as an African woman has beaten worldwide blockbusters including "King Kong" to rake in the biggest numbers at the box office.Produced by Anant Singh of Videovision, "Mama Jack", the latest smash hit from South Africa's leading funny man Leon Schuster, has emerged as the top film during the holiday season in South Africa. ( Read full news ) 
 
Bachchan gets legal notice for smoking ad
Panaji, Even as the Indian film industry debates the central government's ban on smoking in films, its biggest icon Amitabh Bachchan has been served a legal notice for featuring on billboards with a cigar in his hand. ( Read full news ) 
 

'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' contestant Vineet makes Kapil cry
Mumbai, Veteran cricketer Kapil Dev was reduced to tears during Zee TV's popular music contest "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge" with hot favourite contestant Vineet's rendition of the patriotic "Sandese aate hain" from J.P. Dutta's "Border".Says Vineet: "When Kapil Devji cried, I knew I had sung well. 'Sandese' is a long song. I chose to sing only the last stanza where the soldier remembers his mother. That must've touched him. Every week I want to please my mentor Himesh Reshammiya. I sing tunes that are a bigger and bigger challenge for me." ( Read full news ) 

 
'Kajra Re' voted song of the year in South Africa
Johannesburg, Listeners of three radio stations catering for South African Indians have overwhelmingly voted the song "Kajra Re" from the Bollywood movie "Bunty Aur Babli" as the best of 2005. ( Read full news ) 
 
Anupam Kher to boycott Screen Awards
Mumbai, An outraged Anupam Kher has decided to stay away from the Screen Awards function next week after critically acclaimed director Jahnu Barua was nominated in the best debut category for "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara". ( Read full news ) 
 
Sammir meets Shah Rukh on the sets of 'Maratthon'
Mumbai, Cinevista Studios, Powai, Mumbai... It's deathly on the sets of debutant director Nisha Chianani's "Maratthon" (spelt with 2 t's, if you please!). ( Read full news ) 
 
No regrets for chucking wine, says Raveena
Mumbai, Everyone is talking about Raveena Tandon's run-in on New Year's eve with husband Anil Thadani's ex-wife Natasha Sippy, the daughter of producer Romu Sippy, at Ritesh Sidhwani's party. ( Read full news ) 
 
'Holiday' postponed: Is it superstition?
Mumbai, The release of Pooja Bhatt's new production "Holiday" has been postponed and she has been advised to release it as a Valentine special.The film, featuring Dino Morea and newcomer Onjolee Nair, was scheduled for this Friday with Aparna Sen's "15 Park Avenue" and Babloo Pachisia's "Jawani Diwani". ( Read full news ) 
 
Shah Rukh-Salman celebrate New Year together
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan reportedly attended Salman Khan's New Year party in Goa, with the two actors having kissed and made up at common friend and choreographer-director Farah Khan's wedding. ( Read full news ) 
 
Harbhajan Singh dances in Punjabi album
India's spin bowler Harbhajan Singh makes his dancing debut in his friend Teji Sandhu's Punjabi album. ( Read full news ) 
 
Ash opts out of Santoshi's 'Saamna'
It seems Aishwarya Rai and Raj Kumar Santoshi are not destined to work together. The actress has opted out of Santoshi's "Saamna" due to date problems. ( Read full news ) 
 
Who is Ranbir Kapoor's mysterious mentor?
Mumbai, In 2006, all eyes will be on Raj Kapoor's grandson Ranbir, who was supposedly being launched by Yash Raj Films.But his father Rishi Kapoor said: "No, this is not correct, he is not being launched by Yash Raj Films." When probed about who would present his son, Rishi said: "Actually we are working on it right now." ( Read full news ) 
 
Veteran actress Nadira's condition critical
Mumbai, Yesteryears actress Nadira's condition remains serious after she was admitted to the intensive care unit in Mumbai's Bhatia Hospital with meningitis. ( Read full news ) 
 
An Indian film show amid violence fears
Kathmandu, India's culture czars are showing a lack of foresight over Nepal, holding a film festival at a time when everyone fears an escalation of violence.( Read full news ) 
 
'Bluffmaster' tops the music charts
New Delhi, There has been major reshuffling in the top 10 music charts since last week but "Right here right now" from Rohan Sippy's latest venture "Bluffmaster" still retains its number one position. 

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Right here right now" - Film: "Bluffmaster"; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. This rap song, which marks Abhishek Bachchan's debut as a singer, is fast turning into a money spinner. Sunidhi Chauhan teams up with Abhishek in the slow and rhythmic number.

2. "Jiya dhadak dhadak jaaye" - Film: "Kalyug"; Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; Music: Faisal Rafi, Rohail Hyat. The song, so reminiscent of the soft romantic numbers of the late 1960s and early 1970s, grows on you slowly but surely and hasn't budged from its position in one week. 

3. "Rang de basanti" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singer: Daler Mehndi; Music: A.R. Rehman. The film is scheduled to hit screens in the third week of January and its foot tapping title song is constantly moving up the music charts. The song is a treat for bhangra-king Daler Mehndi's fans. 

4. "Dil keh raha hai" - Film: "Kyon ki"; Singer: Kunal Ganjawala; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. Actor Salman Khan's popularity can be measured by the success of this song rendered by Kunal Ganjawala. The slow romantic number has taken a big leap and is sitting pretty at number four position. Last week, it was number eight.

5. "Zinda hoon main" - Film: "Zinda"; Singer: Shibani Kashyap; Music: Shibani Kashyap. The title song, which was at number four position last week, has slipped down to number five. Virag Mishra pens the lyrics.( Read full news ) 
 
Aparna Sen: 25 years of thought-provoking films
New Delhi, Actress-director Aparna Sen is ready with her seventh feature film, "15 Park Avenue", which marks 25 years of a filmmaking career driven by the intellectual quotient.( Read full news ) 
 
'Assam has tradition of making socially responsible films'
New Delhi, Award-winning director Jahnu Barua Wednesday said Assam has a tradition of making socially responsible films that represent the consciousness of the Assamese people.( Read full news ) 
 

Rewind 2005 - top albums of the year that was
Mumbai, As always, the best weren't necessarily the bestsellers. Though the year remained sharply slumped, for the music industry there were bright spots throughout 2005. ( Read full news ) 
 
I can't make 'Murder': Sooraj Barjatya (INTERVIEW)
Mumbai, After a string of flops, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has launched a new film "Vivah" with Amrita Rao and Shahid Kapur, which he describes as his toughest from the writer's viewpoint. ( Read full news ) 
 
Award-winning director angered by nomination as 'debut-maker'
New Delhi, Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua is up in arms at being nominated in the "best debut director" category of the 12th annual Star Screen Awards for his new movie "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara". ( Read full news )