Shiv Pandit bags role in ‘Meet The Patels’

Actor Shiv Pandit, who became popular via TV show “F.I.R.” and was appreciated for his work in the movie “Shaitan”, will be seen in a key character in the forthcoming film “Meet The Patels”. He is excited about the “clean comedy”.

To be directed by Saurabh Varma, the film is based in Mumbai and is about two Gujarati boys Tom Patel and Jerry Patel, who know how to live life to the fullest and would do anything except hard work.

Shiv will play the “odd” Tom, while another actor will be roped in soon to play Jerry.

Anushka debuts her character Jagat Janani in ‘PK’ poster

First motion poster of Aamir upcoming film ‘PK’ featuring Anushka Sharma has been released.

Three posters, featuring Aamir and actor Sanjay Dutt were released earlier but this is for the first time that Anushka’s look has been revealed.

The actress is seen alongside Aamir in the 55-second video clip. She is sporting a bob cut hairstyle in the poster. The video starts with Anushka standing alone in a loose-fitted police uniform, similar to Aamir’s look in the second poster, and later joined by Aamir.

Public views on Akkineni’s Oka Laila Kosam

Akkineni Naga Chaithanya’s Oka Laila Kosam has hit the theaters worldwide solo today.

For Akkineni and Nag fans, October 17th has been big day as Oka Laila Kosam has received a positive response from the first shows, mostly by their fans.

Oka Laila Kosam is written and directed by Vijay Kumar Konda, has completed the morning shows in few areas and it looks that viewers are enjoying the chemistry of Chay and Pooja Hegde along with welcoming comedy by Ali.

Music composed by Anoop’s music elevates the movie as usual.

Oka Laila Kosam produced by Nagarjuna on Annapurna Studios.

Mahesh Babu charging 17 cr for his next, post ‘Aagudu’s success

After last release of ‘Aagadu’ bombed at Box Office,aActor Mahesh Babu, charging huge pay for his next project, but the actor reportedly denied to take 40% of his remuneration out of 18 cr (as reported in media).

Mahesh strictly informed his producers to tight the budget of the film and make sure not to exceed the film budget over Rs.45 crores. On the other side, Mahesh himself is taking remuneration of a whopping Rs 17 cr prior to the roll of the project.

Nita Ambani, Abhishek Bachchan invited to join Clean India Campaign

Reliance Industries director Nita Ambani, actor Abhishek Bachchan and Singer Sunidhi Chauhan have been invited to be part of the Clean Indian Campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Thursday.

They have been invited to the campaign by Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao, Modi announced.

“In Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao ji joins Swachh Bharat Mission. A wonderful effort!,” the prime minister said in a tweet from his personal twitter handle.

Mahabali Shera to pack some punches in ‘C.I.D.’

Wrestler Mahabali Shera is set to appear in an action-packed episode of the popular TV series “C.I.D.”. He describes it as a “great experience”.

“Every moment of the shoot was enjoyable and I feel proud to have been associated with this show which has captured the hearts of millions of viewers across the country over the years,” Mahabali said in a statement.

Mahabali is said to be the first ever Indian wrestler to be signed by the global wrestling entertainment organisation TNA (Total Nonstop Action).

Intelligence, guts required to be in a man’s world: SRK on Farah

After working under his friend Farah Khan’s direction in “Main Hoon Na”, “Om Shanti Om” and now “Happy New Year”, superstar Shah Rukh Khan knows what qualities make her a success in the male-dominated Hindi film industry.

“Farah has a lot of self-confidence, which is amazing. Whenever I think that I will direct a film, I find myself lacking the self-confidence. Also, unlike her, I don’t have the clarity,” Shah Rukh, who feels he can imbibe the quality from Farah, told reporters here.

Actor Mudit Nayar’s ‘love’ beliefs

Actor Mudit Nayar, who will be seen portraying a love story between people belonging to different social classes in a TV show, says youngsters should be given the freedom to make their own decisions when it comes to matters of heart.

“People should understand that the individuals involved in the relationship are mature enough to make their own decisions when it comes to life and matters of the heart,” Mudit said in a statement.

The actor of “Anamika” fame will be seen romancing Shruti Kanwar in the show “Yeh Hai Aashiqui”, aired on bindass.

‘MTV Fanaah’ back with new backdrop, fresh roles

Actors Karan Kundra and Chetna Pande will be seen in new roles in “MTV Fanaah Season 2 – Impossible Love Story”. Unlike the last season which was set in the 1980s, the new season will be set against the backdrop of a medical school in present times.

The second season, which is beginning Oct 25, will, at heart, remain a story of love where the protagonists have to battle the impossible in order to be together.

Decoding success of ‘Haider’

Shahid Kapoor-starrer “Haider” — a modern-day adaptation of “Hamlet” with Kashmir as its backdrop — has achieved many milestones. It has become the first Kashmir-based film in many years to click with the audience, acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj’s first golden goose, and has reportedly been declared the fifth highest-rated crime drama of all times. Bravo!

Imran Khan: Indian actors don’t get good roles in Hollywood; you’re either the hero’s friend, or the convenience store owner

Actors like Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur may be making inroads into the Hollywood scene, but actor Imran Khan feels the American film industry lacks good roles for Indian talent.

“To be honest, I don’t think Indian actors get good roles in Hollywood. You either get to be the hero’s friend, the guy who owns the 7-Eleven (convenience store) on the corner,” the 31-year-old said here Wednesday on the sidelines of the ongoing Mumbai Film Festival here.

Hero-heroine pay scale debate should not become a war: Deepika

Actress Deepika Padukone says the payment disparity between male and female stars in Bollywood is a concern but it should not become a cause for conflict.

The 28-year-old actress has had a dream run at the box office with back-to-back hits like ‘Race 2’, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Ram-Leela’ and the latest ‘Finding Fanny’ recently.

Deepika says actresses are trying hard to change the irregularity in pay scale in the film industry.

Sonakshi is a team player: Arjun Kapoor

Arjun Kapoor says his ‘Tevar’ co-star Sonakshi Sinha is a team player as she did not omplain even once while filming the physically gruelling movie.

“Since it was an action film and involved loads of chasing sequence, she had to be out all the time with me. It was a difficult film to shoot but she never complained about it once. These team efforts add value to a film and she is a team player,” Arjun, 29, said in an interview.

Cinema must be a weapon of revolution: Filmmaker Agneya Singh

He’s young, creative and not afraid to take risks. Independent filmmaker Agneya Singh, whose debut work “M Cream”, a “socio-political commentary on contemporary India”, is doing the festival rounds, says cinema must, once again, be used to bring about a revolution in the country.

“I think that we need to bring cinema back into the socio-political sphere and wield it once again as a weapon of the revolution. ‘M Cream’ is our very own protest against the rising tide of conformity,” the capital-based Agneya Singh told IANS in an interview.

Deepika keen to feature in French, Iranian films

Deepika Padukone is ready to work in films beyond Bollywood, but she is not gunning for Hollywood. The versatile Indian actress is instead, keen to do a French or Iranian film, and she has even identified directors she would like to work with.

“I think French cinema is as beautiful as Indian cinema and like I said before, I don’t think the medium matters as much as the story and the script. If I find something exciting, I would do it,” the 28-year-old said here Wednesday at the 16th Mumbai Film Festival.

When Deepika met actress Catherine Deveuve

Actress Deepika Padukone alongwith film critic Anupama Chopra attended the second day of the MAMI film festival that kick started Oct 15 in Mumbai. There Deepika took part in the master class and also got an opportunity to engage in an interesting session with French actress Catherine Deneuve.

Deepika, who is counted among the most successful actresses in Bollywood, was excited to meet Catherine and shared what she got to learn from her.

Hansika to play runaway bride in her next

Directed Rajasekar is back with Uyire Uyire, “a fun-filled romance” which stars yesteryear actress Jaya Prada’s son Siddhu, and Hansika in the lead. It’s a remake of the 2012 Telugu film Ishq, directed by Vikram Kumar.

“I was so glad that Jaya Prada madam, who has done close to 300 films and has seen many directors, chose me to direct her son’s debut,” says the director.

Dream girl Hema Malini turns 66!

As Raj Kapoor’s ladylove in ‘Sapnon ka Saudagar’ way back in the year 1968, she made a million hearts skip a beat with her innocent and flawless beauty. And eventually she went on to become the ultimate ‘dream girl’! Hema Malini, the gorgeous actress of Hindi Cinema turned 66 today!

Malini is not just an actress but a classical dancer par excellence. Even until today, she gives live stage performances and thus pays ode to Indian dance forms- Bharatanatyam and Odissi.

Vijay Kumar Konda hopes ‘Oka Laila Kosam’ will beat ‘Manam’

Director Vijay Kumar Konda, who is currently awaiting the release of Telugu romantic-comedy “Oka Laila Kosam”, hopes that his film will surpass the success of the recent blockbuster “Manam”.

Actor Akkineni Naga Chaitanya has played the lead in both the films.

“When I started working on my first film ‘Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde’, Nithiin’s ‘Ishq’ was running in theatres, and it turned out to be a blockbuster. I wanted to beat ‘Ishq’ with my film and I succeeded at it. Now, as I await the release of my film, I’ve set ‘Manam’ as my target,” Konda told IANS.

Huma wants to follow in Jolie’s footsteps

Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi says she wants to follow in Hollywood star Angelina Jolie’s footsteps and direct a film when she grows older.

After delivering hits like “Gia”, “Girl, Interrupted” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, Jolie, 39, made her directorial debut with “In the Land of Blood and Honey” in 2011 and Qureshi, “Ek Thi Daayan” actress is inspired by her.

“Right now I can’t direct. Maybe at 55, I would like to direct. I will go the Angelina Jolie way,” the 28-year-old told IANS in a group interaction.

Huma Qureshi to endorse Oriflame India’s colour cosmetics

Actress Huma Qureshi has been signed as the ambassador of colour cosmetics section of direct selling brand Oriflame India.

The “Gangs of Wasseypur” star, dressed in a black gown with curled hair and red lips, sashayed down the ramp as she was announced as the face of the colour cosmetics section of the brand here Wednesday.

She also launched the brand’s new range called “The One”, which comprises Oriflame The One Everyday Beauty, Oriflame The One Long Wear and Oriflame The One High Impact.

‘Boyhood’ inspired me to watch world cinema: Varun Dhawan

Actor Varun Dhawan who is presenting the film ‘Boyhood’ at the 16th MAMI film festival says this film inspired him to watch world cinema.

“It took 12 years for the director to make this film. I have seen the film and I loved it… This film inspired me to watch world cinema. All kinds of films help an actor to grow. I don’t see any difference between commercial or art cinema — a film is a film,” Varun Dhawan told reporters before the screening of “Boyhood” at Cinemax, Versova.

He was accompanied Wednesday at the 16th MAMI film festival with his Badlapur director Sriram Raghavan.

Boman Irani feels awkward doing sex comedies

Actor Boman Irani has featured in a slew of comedy movies like “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” and “3 Idiots”, but he finds it awkward to be part of a sex comedy.

Asked if he is open to sex comedies, the 54-year-old said: “I feel awkward doing sex comedies. I have nothing against films like ‘Grand Masti’ or ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’. It’s just that I’m not comfortable doing them. I really don’t know how to do it.”

The actor will next be seen in Farah Khan’s “Happy New Year”. Having co-starred with her in “Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi”, Boman says he is extremely fond of her.

Dia Mirza gives voting a miss ahead of wedding

Actress and former beauty queen Dia Mirza could not vote in the Maharashtra elections Wednesday as she is busy preparing for her wedding with long-time beau Sahil Sangha Saturday.

“For the first time, will be missing out on my opportunity to vote in Mumbai… If not for my wedding I’d never miss out on this,” Dia posted on Twitter — where several Hindi film celebrities posted their selfies after voting.

The radiant beauty, crowned Miss Asia-Pacific International in 2000, went on to feature in Bollywood films such as “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” and “Parineeta”.

I’ll make history: Ali Quli Mirza on his ‘Bigg Boss 8’ entry

Dubai-based singer-actor Ali Quli Mirza, who is entering “Bigg Boss 8” as a wild card entry, says he is all set to make history.

“So far no wild card entry has ever won ‘Bigg Boss’. I hope to change that. I hope to entertain inside the ‘Bigg Boss’. Because I am an actor and singer. I see myself as a complete package. Jo jaisa ball phekega main waisa batting karunga (I’ll behave according to the attitude of others),” Mirza said.

The celebrity, who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh, still can’t believe how far he has come.