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.
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'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 abou