Some ‘bodies’ of work refuse to fade away: Pooja Bhatt

Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt is thrilled that her production “Jism”, an erotic thriller, will be screened at a festival after 14 years of its release and believes that some ‘bodies’ of work don’t fade away easily. 

“Off to Ranchi for the @jagranfilmfest where #Jism is being screened 14 years after it released. Some ‘bodies’ of work refuse to fade away!,” Pooja tweeted on Friday. The 2015 edition of the Jagran Film Festival started from Delhi on July 1. It will culminate here in September.

Amitabh Bachchan celebrates Poet’s day ‘under the shadow of’ his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Poetry has been an integral part of megastar Amitabh Bachchan‘s life, thanks to his father and eminent poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. On the occasion of Poet’s Day, the 72-year-old actor paid tribute to the poetry and compared a poet’s vision to that of God’s.

 “It would be an atrocity of immeasurable proportions to attempt a few words on this Poet’s Day as I labour to fill in some respectable words under the shadow of greatness – my Father!! “Poet’s have the vision of the God’s.. The ability to bring it to expression and… The immense talent to give it form in words…!! They that have dwelled in this their mystique, have tasted and been bathed under the incessant drench of its pouring…,” he wrote on his blog.

The “Piku” star, who has given voice to his father’s renowned poem “Madhushala” many a times, said the biggest joy for a poet comes from the identity he gains through his work. “Very few have asked what the poet went through before he or she wrote what they wrote… Many did disclose their reason and frame… But to me, and from what I did gather from my illustrious Father, the greatest joy and achievement for a poet would not be the sounds of praise at its listening, but in the finding an individual identity, in each of his or her works…” he wrote. 

Rishi Kapoor, Abhishek sing really well: Lata Mangeshkar

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar is all praise for the singing skills of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and his “All Is Well” co-star Abhishek Bachchan after seeing them croon on a reality show. The two actors were the guests on a singing talent hunt, where they came to promote their upcoming drama “All Is Well”. 

They took to stage to sing popular songs from their films. While Rishi, 62, sang “Mai shayar toh nahin” from his debut movie “Bobby”, Abhishek, 39, crooned his hit number “Right here right now” from “Bluffmaster!”. He was also the voice behind the song in the film. 

The 85-year-old singing legend took to Twitter to heap praise on the stars. “Few days ago, I watched the ‘Indian Idol Junior’ episode that featured Rishi Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan. They were enjoying the performance of every contestant. When Rishi ji was called to sing on stage and he sang ‘Main shayar toh nahi’, I was surprised. I did not know he has such a melodious voice.

Taapsee Pannu excited to work with Tigmanshu Dhulia

Taapsee, who recently confirmed her short film project with Dhulia, has started to work on the same. Besides that, the 28-year-old actress is also busy with other projects down south. “Tigmanshu is one of my favourite director and I have been longing to work with him and my south films remain an important part of my career so I make sure I am available at both the places when required,” Taapsee said in a statement.

“I cherish the fact that I have work enough in both the industries at the same time. It’s any actor’s dream to be accepted in all industries. I’m enjoying this phase of my career,” she added. The “Baby” actress’s next Bollywood project is “Runningshaadi.com”.

Designer Gaurav Gupta to give dramatic look to Kareena Kapoor Khan

Designer Gaurav Gupta will be giving a dramatic look to actress Kareena Kapoor Khan for the Lakme Fashion Week grand finale. Kareena is all set to be muse to Gaurav Gupta’s vision for Lakme ‘Sculpt’ line this season. The “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” actress has been the showstopper for the Lakme Grand Finale for quite a some time.

 “I would be giving her something new and dramatic (look), in my sculpture,” Gaurav told PTI. Kareena and Gaurav will come together for the first time at the Lakme Grand Finale. Gaurav thinks the presence of Bollywood stars on the ramp, and otherwise for fashion shows, is beneficial for the brand. “I see presence of Bollywood stars as a fit for that particular show and brand. If their personality speaks the personality of the brand then it makes sense,” he said.

Gaurav will explore the realm of fantasy fashion as he brings the Lakme beauty statement – Sculpt – to the fore. “The collection is called Sculpt, inspired by Lakme’s statement for the season. It all started with the thought of time and movement, and keeping sculpting in mind. 

The concept is that of how forms are created and shaped around the body,” Gaurav said. On the runway, Gaurav would be splashing strong colours but is not keen on divulging the details. “The colours really are strong and simple, and the fabrics are such that I can mould them,” he added. Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 will be held from August 26 to 30 here.

It’s a shame: Saif Ali Khan on ‘Phantom’ ban in Pakistan

Actor-producer Saif Ali Khan says he was expecting his forthcoming film “Phantom”, set in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to be banned in Pakistan. But he affirms that the film isn’t against the neighbouring country. 

The counter-terrorism drama film, directed by Kabir Khan, whose Salman Khan-starrer “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” hit the jackpot in Pakistan, has been banned in the country reportedly by the Lahore high court after a petition was filed by 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Saif said that it was “expected”.

“Unfortunately, certain films that they (Pakistan) will make, we (India) will ban, and certain films that we make, they will ban. If you don’t want to get banned, you have to make other films like ‘Race’… which is fair enough because certain political issues are very sensitive between the two countries,” Saif told IANS over phone from Mumbai. “The film is about terrorism and there might be people in Pakistan who are anti-India. It’s (the film) not anti-Pakistan, but that’s okay. Even ‘Agent Vinod’ wasn’t anti-Pakistan… that got banned,” he said.

Is Pakistan an important market for Indian films?

 “You can make a fair amount of money from that market, so it’s bit of a shame. It’s not important in terms of… it doesn’t dictate what kind of movies we make,” he shared. “Phantom”, which also stars Katrina Kaif, will hit the Indian screens on August 28. 

People look down upon comedy: Akshay Kumar

Actor Akshay Kumar says even though it is hard to make people laugh, comedy genre is looked down upon by the people. Akshay, who is making a comeback to his favourite genre with choreographer-director Prabhudheva’s “Singh Is Bliing”, feels comedy is yet to get its due credit. “People look down on comedy. Even at the award nights, there should be an award for best comedy actor. Comedy is one of the best genre, but we have not seen it so far. “It is wonderful that people are making different comedy films. It is tough to make and be a part of comedy films. Comedy will get its due,” Akshay told reporters here at the promotional event of the movie. 

“Singh Is Bliing” is an upcoming action-comedy film produced by Grazing Goat Pictures. The film also features Amy Jackson, Lara Dutta and Kay Kay Menon in pivotal roles.

Akshay said “Singh is Bling” is not a sequel to “Singh is King”, it is a different film and in the genre of “Rowdy Rathore”. “It is a masala family entertainer. It has comedy, thrills and family values. In the film, my character is scared of his father… He follows, does things what his father asks him to do. My character has problem to have focus in life,” the actor said.

Explaining the meaning of the film’s title, the “Brothers” star said, “Bling means shine. It is about how I shine in front of my parents and the world.” Heaping praise on his leading lady, Akshay said Amy is beautiful and he feels she is “excellent” in fight scenes. “It is good that we are having new actresses. I don’t think industry has issues with it. She is beautiful, talented and is excellent in doing fights. She is athletic. She is amazing. We are happy to launch Amy Jackson.”

Amy, on her part, could not stop thanking Akshay and Prabhudheva. “I feel fortunate to be part of this fantastic film. I am glad I got opportunity to work with talented people like our director Prabhu Deva, Akshay Kumar. I had a wonderful time shooting for it,” she said. The film is set to release on October 2. Meanwhile, on the leading actress of his another upcoming romantic drama film “Namastey England”, he said, “We have not finalised the lead actress yet.”

Prabhudheva nervous about Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Singh is Bliing’

Bollywood director Prabhudheva says he is looking forward to the release of his upcoming film “Singh is Bliing” but is also nervous about how the movie will be received by the audience. 

“There is 200 percent happiness for the trailer and film he but 500 percent tension is there,” Prabhudheva told reporters here at the event of “Singh is Bliing”. Prabhudheva , who has directed films like “R..Rajkumar”, “Rowdy Rathore”, says everyone can watch this film. “‘Singh is Bliing’ is not a sequel to “Singh is King” it is a different film. This film is in genre of “Rowdy Rathore”. It is a masala family entertainer film,” the 42-year-old filmmaker said.

When asked about the experience of directing a North Indian film that has a Punjabi man as a central character (played by Akshay Kumar as Raftar Singh), Prabhudheva said, “Film’s don’t have a language and so does music. Singh (the character) is powerful, respectful and sensitive. He (Akshay Kumar) was there guiding me.”

 Prabhudheva, an ace choreographer has not choreographed any songs for this film. “But I am not choreographing it (songs). I think there are people better than me,” he added. The film starring Akshay, Amy Jackson, Lara Dutta, Kay Kay Menon in the lead roles is set to release on October 2.

Here are the apps tech savvy Rajkummar Rao can’t do without

National award winning actor Rajkummar Rao has surely caught up with the technological revolution and enjoys certain apps just like everybody else. However, some of the apps that the actor uses are a reflection of the qualities he possesses. 

While he uses some to stay updated on the happenings, others help Rajkummar to physically commute to his researched locations. 

1) Youtube: Rajkummar Rao is a huge lover of documentaries and stays up till the wee hours of the morning exploring different subjects. He also Youtube to listen to his favourite music tracks of various genres.

2) Google Apps: Rajkummar Rao uses Google Maps to help him get to locations. Being a travel lover, Rajkummar finds the app to be most convenient. 

3) Instagram: Rajkummar uses this app to connect with his fans and post innovative selfies as well as videos.

 4) IMDB: Being a movie lover, Rajkummar uses this app to get information about international films. 

5) News: Rajkummar uses a popular news app to stay on top of happenings around the world.

Katrina Kaif fulfilled wish of doing action film with ‘Phantom’

Katrina Kaif who is currently gearing up for the release of her forthcoming film, ‘Phantom’, apparently had a personal agenda behind taking up the role. 

The actress was always keen to appear in a role that required her to do some serious action. Katrina who will be playing the role of Nawaz Mistry in the film always harboured a fascination for guns as well. She registered for shooting classes in order to fit into her role. 

Though Katrina has also been part of films like ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Jab tak Hai Jaan’, she never got the opportunity to fire a gun before. The actress also undertook cardio and weight training to enable her to perform the stunts. Also starring Saif Ali Khan, Kabir Khan’s ‘Phantom’ will hit screens on August 28.

Poetry can inspire a country: Javed Akhtar

Poet Javed Akhtar today said that the country would be richer today if it seeks inspiration from the universal values embodied in the poetry of Kaifi Azmi. Addressing a national seminar on Kaifi Azmi at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Akhtar said that his poetry and lyrics inspired an entire generation with his passionate commitment to the values of nationalism, social justice, humanism and freedom of speech. The seminar was organised jointly by the National Sahitya Academy, New Delhi and the AMU.

 “Market forces and globalisation may have made society more selfish and self centred but no human society can thrive if it fails to heed the call for justice to all sections, specially the marginalised, poor and down trodden,” he said.

Akhtar said that Kaifi Azmi was a torch bearer for all these values which were manifested in the spirit of the Progressive Writers’ Movement of 1930s. He said that the man who ultimately became his father-in- law, was his true mentor and from him he had imbibed the values which taught him the importance of the “right to dissent” and the “right to freedom of speech.” He said that it was sad that in the present world when a person speaks out against “injustice” committed by society, most people tend to dismiss such utterances as “propaganda”.

 Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the seminar, noted film personality and social activist, Shabana Azmi recalled that till his last breath, her father was deeply rooted in the soil of his tiny native village in district Azamgarh. She said that it was her father’s passionate commitment to the cause of Hindu Muslim unity and the values of secularism which still prompts her to speak out whenever these two values are under threat in the country. 

Among those who addressed the Seminar were Professor Irtiza Kareem, Director, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, New Delhi and Dr KS Rao, Secretary, Sahitya Academy, New Delhi. Welcoming the guests, the Director of the Seminar, Professor Shafey Kidwai said that by honouring Kaifi Azmi, the AMU was in fact paying a tribute to the values which he embodied and which are still of great relevance to Indian society today

Trisha’s ghost look unveiled

It looks like some magical power seems to have been showered upon Trisha and she is on the relentless run of signing more and more films. 

While her modernised glam look in Sagalakalavallavan Appatakkar has been raved about, she would be playing some unconventional roles in Bhogi, Aranmanai 2 and now has signed up a new horror film ‘Nayaki’, which will be bilingually made in Tamil and Telugu. Ganesh Venkatraman will be teaming up with the actress after ‘Abhiyum Naanum’.

 This film will be produced by Trisha’s manager Giri and others in the cast and crew will be announced shortly with a grand launch.

Suriya’s musical next ready for release

Actor Suriya launched his production house 2D Entertainment and his maiden production ’36 Vayadhinile’ starring his wife-actress Jyothika was an immense hit.

 The film was critically acclaimed for the best work of Roshan Andrews and good performance of Jyothika. The production house’s second venture ‘Haiku’, directed by Pasanga fame Pandiraj is based on children and family values. 

The film has Suriya playing an extended cameo along with Amala Paul. There has been a news that the audio and trailer release will be happening by this month and the official announcement on the theatrical release would be made shortly.

‘Why will I go to any party uninvited?’: Katrina Kaif lashes out at reports about her presence at ‘Tamasha’ party

Floating rumours about Katrina Kaif’s uninvited presence at ‘Tamasha’s wrap up party which also had her beau Ranbir Kapoor and his ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone partying under the same roof hasn’t gone down well with the ‘Phantom’ actress. 

While on one hand, Katrina chooses not to give such reports undue importance, on the other she can’t help but wonder why such news is being spread about her.

“This is really bad kind of news. It is not true that I went. Honestly, if you ask me after being in the industry for so many years such news is irrelevant to me. I am happy doing my work. What I wonder is who is coming up with such negative news? Who is this unhappy person?,” asks Katrina Kaif. Katrina also finds it amusing that reports have not just branded her as a gatecrasher at the party but also alleged that her so-called presence was an unwelcome one. 

“It was written in the papers that I went uninvited. First of all, what kind of person goes to a party uninvited. Secondly, it was not a usual party. It was a wrap up party of a movie that I am not a part of. If it is a success party, then we can understand. Also, let’s say had I been there, you feel people wouldn’t have liked and wouldn’t have been happy in my presence? We are all grown up and civilised people,” avers the actress.

Hema Malini on 40 years of ‘Sholay’: People still call me Basanti

Actress-politician Hema Malini, who essayed the memorable role of Basanti in “Sholay”, says even 40 years after the movie released, there are people who still call her by the character’s name. “40 years of Sholay and still going strong. 

So proud I was part of such an iconic movie! People still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again,” Hema posted on Twitter. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, “Sholay” had released on Independence Day, 1975. 

Hema essayed a fearless village belle, who became the love interest of veteran actor Dharmendra’s character Veeru in the film. “Arre o dhanno” is one of her best remembered dialogues, while the song “Jab tak hai jaan” remains etched in the minds of many due to her dancing skills. “Sholay”, which saw Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan play friends Jai-Veeru, is about a retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who plots to bring down the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the Jai and Veeru.

Shahid Kapoor didn’t visit me when I was unwell: Ahmed Khan

Among the notable absentees from Shahid Kapoor’s wedding was one of his close friends – choreographer Ahmed Khan. It’s said that the once-close friends have fallen apart due to reasons best known to them. 

Now Ahmed Khan has reportedly hit back at the actor and claimed that Shahid didn’t visit him when he was ill. In a report published in Pinkvilla.com, “I began to have vertigo attacks even when I was lying down in bed. The doctors finally detected a damaged nerve under my ear. I am fine now. But for two weeks, I was invalidated.” 

“We’ve had some differences that were brewing for a while. They just erupted, and as the world knows I wasn’t invited to his wedding. He didn’t come to visit me when I was injured. I guess it will take time for us to be normal with one another once again,” he continued. Shahid has collaborated with Ahmed Khan on a few songs before and has acted in his directorial ‘Fool N Final’ and ‘Paathshaala’. 

Anil Kapoor lights up I-Day celebrations in Melbourne

Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor unfurled the Indian flag at Federation Square on Saturday to commemorate India’s 69th Independence Day.

“As India makes progress in leaps and bounds and marches to become an economic superpower, we as Indian global citizens have to take upon ourselves further this cause of growth and progress,” Kapoor said while addressing an enthusiastic Indian-diaspora crowd. “Whatever professions we practice, whatever avenues we foray into, let’s promise ourselves that we will always strive for excellence,” said the superstar who is in Melbourne to attend the 40th Indian Film Festival. It was for the first time that the Indian flag hoisting ceremony was held in Melbourne’s bustling Federation Square which is considered to be the most popular venue for public events in the city. 

“Victoria and India enjoy a very close relationship,” said Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley while speaking at the function. “Victoria is proud home to Australia’s largest Indian community which is making outstanding and growing contribution right across our society ,across many fields of endeavour and activity,” he added while paying tribute to a 100,000 plus Indian community which calls this tiny Australian state home. A number of other luminaries also attended the function.

“It’s time for reflection because ours is a young, restless, impatient nation one with great aspirations and one certainly in immemorable words of prime minister about our tryst with destiny continues to resonate till this date,” said newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Navdeep Suri. Indian Consulate General in Melbourne, Manika Jain also attended the function to celebrate the occassion. The flag hoisting function was followed by a dance competition and other cultural programmes presented by, among others, well-known Indian television and film stars.

Anushka Sharma approached for ‘Namaste England’ opposite Akshay Kumar?

The hunt for the lead actress of ‘Namaste England’ has just got more interesting. After Kangana and Sonakshi, we now hear that the makers have apparently approached Anushka Sharma as well to play the lead opposite Akshay Kumar in the movie . 

Says a source, “The producers are in talks with Anushka Sharma. Akshay and Anushka haven’t worked together since ‘Patiala House’ (2011) and the makers feel that unlike Sonakshi who has done almost six films with Akshay, Anushka’s pairing with the superstar will be far more fresh. Though Anushka has not yet been given a narration, they have definitely started talks with her. She is yet to confirm though.”

Namaste England will be directed by Vipul Shah who had earlier helmed the 2007 hit, ‘Namaste London’. Interestingly, ‘Namaste England’ is not a sequel to Namaste London and is a stand alone movie. Director Vipul Shah couldn’t be reached for a comment.

Indian cinema needs freedom of expression: Manoj Bajpayee

The need of the hour in Indian cinema as much as in India itself is complete “freedom of expression”, says acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee. The actor, who has been appreciated for his roles in films like “Satya”, “Pinjar”, “Shool” and “Gangs of Wasseypur”, has starred in an Independence Day special digital video titled “Jai Hind”.

 He says people shouldn’t be ready to attack creative artistes every now and then. “In Indian cinema, there is a censor board to interfere here and there, and then there are a number of people with their own interest. They are ready to ban it                                                                                       (a film) or rip the theatres or burn posters.

“I feel there should be constitutional right of freedom of expression. Either you give cinema artistes complete freedom of expressing themselves or you don’t have them in the society because in cinema, people can’t be open for attack all the time,” Manoj told IANS in an interview. He stressed that defending themselves against attacks is not something “we are trained to do”.

“We are trained to receive praises or criticism but we are not trained to defend ourselves against the political attack or the attack on the theatres. So, Indian cinema needs freedom of expression in its totality” said the 46-year-old. In the wake of the bans — be if beef or porn — in the country, Manoj also said that decisions such as these curb the basic rights of freedom among citizens.

“We got independence from Britishers definitely, but we need to find independence mentally. That is the question I have in mind. Are we free to talk, walk, eat or read? These are the questions that citizens should ask themselves. “Independence, for me, is the freedom to walk the way I want to walk, freedom to eat, freedom to dress up the way I want to dress up and freedom of expression. When these things will start happening, then I will think that we truly got Independence,” he said. Manoj, who started his career with a television serial “Swabhimaan” and later went on to do small roles in films like “Dastak” and “Bandit Queen”, got his big break in the 1998 crime film “Satya”. He even won a National Film Award for his role as Bhiku Mhatre. He again received a National Film Award for his role in the film “Pinjar”.

He was last seen in “Tevar”. Asked about the reason behind doing a short film like “Jai Hind”, in which he stars with Raveena Tandon”, Manoj said: “I committed to do a short film with Amit Sharma (‘Tevar’ director), but for some reason he could not manage to do it on the given schedule. Then this one came to me and I found the script very apt for the moment.”

Iranian actress ‘touched’ by Irrfan Khan’s hospitality

Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, who was on a visit to India for the preliminary work on a new film “Song of Scorpions”, says her co-star Irrfan Khan played the perfect host. “I was really touched by everything Irrfan did for me,” Farahani said in a statement.

“Song of Scorpions” is a directorial by Anup Singh of “Qissa” fame.

 The film brought Farahani and Geneva-based Singh to India in early August. 

Even though Irrfan had an erratic schedule, he ensured that the guests have a good time and invited them over for dinner discussing anything and everything be it cinema or food or simply the details of their upcoming film, said a source. Irrfan is currently filming an action-drama film “Jazbaa”, directed by Sanjay Gupta. It is also actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s come-back movie and features Shabana Azmi in a supporting role.