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Jacqueline Fernandez parties with Naomi Campbell

Jacqueline Fernandez parties with Naomi Campbell

Jacqueline Fernandez's international projects seem to have put her on the world map. The actress recently flew to the French Riveira to ...

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Mani Ratnam again?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will most likely star in Mani Ratnam’s next. Their association goes back almost two decades and across three films Iruvar (1997), Guru (2007) and Raavan (2010).<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/24/339443-ash-2.jpg" />“They have been in talks for a project and it seems it will happen soon”, revealed a source close to ARB. The project, in question was supposed to kick-start last year but did not, following problems with the cast’s dates. It is a Tamil/Telugu project that would also feature Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu and Shruti Haasan in leading roles.Aishwarya confirms, “I had chosen Mani Ratnam’s film last year. That did not get made. Had it been made, it would have been my ‘comeback film’. For other technical reasons, he has delayed it. He spoke to me recently. He is revisiting it. He’s made his other small film in the meantime. Jazbaa happened to be the first, which I had already okayed.”She adds, “I started off with Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar at a time when I had numerous film offers lined for me. Yet, I chose to do Iruvar to work with Maniji. Interestingly, life would have completed a full circle if it was his film which I would have done after this little gap. But things didn’t fall in place and made way for Jazbaa,” Ash giggles.Like the Karan-SRK or the Rajshri-Salman combo, even Aishwarya has had successful associations with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mani. But talk about successful director-actor pairings and she shoots back, “It’s never been an intentional thought process to work with particular directors or actors. But yes, Mani is someone I love working with. I love his sensibilities and somehow I trust him completely. I am a director’s actor and he’s an actor’s director,” she signs off.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Mani Ratnam again?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will most likely star in Mani Ratnam’s next. Their association goes back almost two decades and across three films Ir...

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Richa Chadha meets her 'idol' Marion Cotillard in Cannes

Richa Chadha meets her 'idol' Marion Cotillard in Cannes

Actress Richa Chadha was left speechless when she got an opportunity to meet her cinema idol, French actress Marion Cotillard at the Cannes ...

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Katy Perry to release new album by 2016, says Manager

Katy Perry to release new album by 2016, says Manager

Katy Perry's manager Steven Jensen has revealed the pop star will release her next album by next year. The "Dark Horse" hitmak...

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Mohammed Azharuddin's biopic to include controversial match-fixing episode

Mumbai(web team): Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin's biopic 'Azhar' will have a touch of the controversial subject of match-fixing issue that rocked world cricket in 2000. It was revealed at the teaser launch of the film here on Thursday.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/22/338613-azharuddin.jpg" width="600" />Dressed in grey shirt and black pant, Azhar was his usual self with his collar up and chewing gum while he walked up to the stage alongside lead actor of the movie Emraan Hashmi, director Tony D'Souza and producer Ekta Kapoor while son Asaddudin sat in the audience.In the teaser, Emraan, donning blue colour India jersey, as 'Azhar' reveals three aspects of his life. 'God, his two marriages and match-fixing' while leaving the dressing room donning his trademark white helmet, with collar up and pads on, on way to take the crease."These three aspects of my life have been very important to me. I think they will show all the three aspects very nicely and I would like to revisit them because it is attached to my life," the 52-year-old Azhar said.Asked what element of match-fixing will be added to the movie, Azhar said: "It is very hard for me to say about it right now. Once you watch the film after it is made, you will get a better perspective. At this point I can't say much."Azhar revealed that it took time for him to be convinced on whether to give a go ahead for the biopic. "My first reaction was like I didn't understand what to say. It took some time for me to be convinced. Being a close friend of Ekta's father Jeetendra sir I kept thinking about it. Then I finally said yes. I think the decision is right and that's why I am here."Did he find anything objectionable in the script? "If I would find something objectionable, then I would not have done it. The writers have written the script after talking to me and with my inputs hence I have no objections," he added.In the teaser, Emraan is seen wearing the famous black talisman (taveez) around his neck that the India captain used to wear while batting. Revealing the secret behind the talisman, Azhar said: "It was gifted to me by my grandfather. He asked me never to open it. I don't know what is there inside since I did not open. Since it was given to me by him, it remains close to me and is the same."Meanwhile, Hashmi said he's working hard to get Azhar's favourite flick shot right. "I was an average gully cricketer who would swing the bat without any footwork. When Azharbhai started to teach me, I got better after a month. We have been practicing for three months and playing around 50 overs every day and knocking the ball. I want to perfect the leg glance. It was my favourite shot for which you need a wrist like rubber. Since I was doing weight training, I could not move my wrist but now I am doing yoga to get there."With speculations going around who would play Azhar's two wives – Naureen and Sangeeta, Kapoor said they have not finalised any and would decide soon.

Mohammed Azharuddin's biopic to include controversial match-fixing episode

Mumbai(web team): Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin's biopic 'Azhar' will have a touch of the controversial subject of ma...

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Sallu Bhai Salman Khan sings once again

Salman Khan sung for most of the tracks in Kick and even in his upcoming production, Nikhil Advani’s Hero, he has lent his voice to two tracks for the film. And now he’s doing a special track with his composer friend Himesh Reshammiya.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/21/338552-himesh-salman1.jpg" />Himesh has heard the final versions of these tracks. At the outset, he clarifies, “I am not composing for Hero,” adding, “But the songs that he’s doing are brilliant. He is outstanding in it. Listen to that song and you will know what I’m talking about.”He offers his take on Salman the singer. “His pick-up sense is great. He doesn’t take hours to rehearse. As a composer, you just let him know the notes and then just the rehearsal. That’s it,” Himesh says.Of their special track together, he says they’re not sure yet when and where they’ll release it. “We have worked on a track that he has sung very well. I am doing this track that will be a single. Actually, Salman bhai makes a bank of his own songs and he likes doing that. He will be the one who will decide where it has to go. It could go in one of his films or even release individually.”He concludes, “I take advice about everything from him. He is a mentor, brother, friend and I owe my success to him. He has been there for me from the first film so for me, he is my Godfather.”

Sallu Bhai Salman Khan sings once again

Salman Khan sung for most of the tracks in Kick and even in his upcoming production, Nikhil Advani’s Hero, he has lent his voice to two trac...

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Shraddha Kapoor with Tiger in Sajid Nadiadwala's Baaghi

After producing back-to-back hits and directing one of the biggest hits last year, Sajid Nadiadwala is all set for his next film to go on floors. The project – Baaghi — will have the Heropanti actor-director team — Tiger Shroff and Sabbir Khan— coming together once again. There was a lot of speculation about who will play the female lead opposite Tiger.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/21/338519-baaghi.jpg" />In the running While many girls in the industry were eyeing the role, it’s Shraddha Kapoor who has bagged the part. It was rumoured that newbie Divya Patani had been cast opposite Tiger. The girl was to debut with Karan Johar’s production No Sex Please, which never took off. She was then chosen for Ekta Kapoor’s project Vanity Fair. But that, too, was shelved. And then, she lost Baaghi as well.Star launcher In the recent past, Sajid has been investing a lot in young talent. He gave Tiger and Kriti Sanon a mega launchpad with Heropanti which went on to become a huge success. It’s not surprising then that youger actors are vying to work with him. Before Heropanti, Sabbir had directed Kambakkht Ishq starring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. This will be his third project with Sajid. And like Heropanti, they have yet again opted for a fresh pair. It will be very interesting to see Tiger and Shraddha in the film.Luck factor Shraddha’s had a streak of hits at the box-office with Vishesh Films’ Aashiqui 2, Balaji’s Ek Villain and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider. There are great expectations from her next, UTV’s ABCD 2 as well. Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and UTV’s Baaghi, which will be an intense love story is due to release April 15, 2016 and will will be set in a metropolis, is expected to be high on action. Sabbir has clarified that it it will be an original script and not a remake of the Salman Khan-Nagma film, as earlier speculated. He had also said that he would be looking for a new face for Baaghi. Signing this movie is a great move for Shraddha. It gives her the opportunity to form a jodi with a new actor and also lets her work with a hit-making team.

Shraddha Kapoor with Tiger in Sajid Nadiadwala's Baaghi

After producing back-to-back hits and directing one of the biggest hits last year, Sajid Nadiadwala is all set for his next film to go on fl...

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Shabana Azmi criticises Cannes over high heels rule for women

Shabana Azmi criticises Cannes over high heels rule for women

Mumbai: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has expressed her disapproval over the Cannes Film Festival's practice of only allowing women in he...

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Shah Rukh Khan Sidharth Malhotra Alia Bhatt At Deepika Padukone’s Piku Bash

Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan’s Piku has been appreciated and loved by everyone. The film has proved to be smashing hit everywhere with brilliant performances by Irrfan Khan, Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan .The team comes up with another success bash on May 18 attended by Bollywood celebrities and directors.<img alt="Shah Rukh Khan Sidharth Malhotra Alia Bhatt At Deepika Padukone’s Piku Bash" src="https://s.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Tz2e09b3dhh0KMdQ7uHZeQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zMzE7aWw9cGxhbmU7cT03NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_IN/News/BusinessOfCinema/text-4592-FeaturedPikusucessbashaskcbj.jpg" />Piku team was seen celebrating with Bollywood celebs including ‘Piku’ actor Irrfan Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Arbaaz Khan, Sophie Choudry, Sonu Sood, Malaika Arora Khan, Dia Mirza, Armaan Jain, Aditya Roy Kapur and many more. The big guest list also included Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin, Arjun Kapoor, brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, Manish Malhotra, Sanjay Kapoor with his wife, Farah Khan, Chunky Pandey and many more.Director Karan Johar arrived at the party with his ‘Kapoor and Sons’ actor Fawad Khan and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ director Zoya Akhtar. Also directors Homi Adjania, Vikas Bahl, Deepika’s Bajirao Mastani director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Vishal Bharadwaj, Raju Hirani, R. Balki with his wife and many others attended ‘Piku’ bash hosted by Deepika Padukone at a Suburban Restaurant in Mumbai. ‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshy’ star Sushant Singh Rajput with his girlfriend Ankita Lokhande was spotted hand in hand at the party. Deepika Padukone’s alleged beau Ranveer Singh made an unusual look at the party. The actor grabbed all the attention in his colorful and funky outfit.Riding high on success, Queen actress Kangana Ranaut made a classy entry at the bash. Dressed in black and white strip outfit with bright red lip carried Gucci bag and tan Oxfords finished her look. Deepika Padukone’s ‘Happy New Year’ co-star Shah Rukh Khan was spotted in black suit with rough beard look at the bash. Soon after the party SRK resumed back for the shooting of his upcoming film, Raees. Last but not the least, the host of the party Deepika Padukone looked amazing in Nikhil Thampi white dress, with minimal makeup and twisted knot hairdo. Her tan sandals mismatched her outfit. Nevertheless, she made a simple look.

Shah Rukh Khan Sidharth Malhotra Alia Bhatt At Deepika Padukone’s Piku Bash

Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan’s Piku has been appreciated and loved by everyone. The film has proved to be smashing hit everywhere w...

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Vignesh Shivan rubbishes rumours of marriage with actress Nayanthara

In the last few days, several reports about Kollywood actress Nayanthara's secret marriage to director Vignesh shivan had emerged.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/19/337700-nayanthara-and-vignesh-shivan-collage.jpg" />The reports said that the actress married the director in a church in Kerala last week. The actress' fans were supremely disappointed with the reports.But on Monday evening, Vignesh shivan took to Twitter to rubbish all the rumours and asked the media to 'relax'.<div class="Tweet-header u-cf" style="position: relative; padding-left: 45px; margin-bottom: 0.85rem; white-space: nowrap; color: #1c2022; font-family: Helvetica, Roboto, 'Segoe UI', Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><div class="Tweet-author u-textTruncate h-card p-author" style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 2px; line-height: 0; overflow: hidden !important; text-overflow: ellipsis !important; word-wrap: normal !important;" data-scribe="component:author"><a class="Tweet-authorLink Identity u-linkBlend" data-scribe="element:user_link" href="https://twitter.com/VigneshhShivan" style="text-decoration: inherit; outline: 0px; line-height: 1.2; font-weight: inherit; background-color: transparent;"><span class="Tweet-authorAvatar Identity-avatar" style="position: absolute; display: inline-block; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 36px; height: 36px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 4px; background-color: transparent;"><img alt="" class="Avatar u-photo" data-scribe="element:avatar" data-src-2x="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/600206051787476993/FoPiAmYK_bigger.jpg" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/600206051787476993/FoPiAmYK_normal.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%;" />Vignesh Shivan @VigneshhShivan</a></div></div><div class="Tweet-body e-entry-content" style="color: #1c2022; font-family: Helvetica, Roboto, 'Segoe UI', Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" data-scribe="component:tweet">Marriage rumors r insane n NOT TRUE!!! such false rumours sabotage the work flow n disturbs personally too! Request the media to relax pls<img alt="🙏" class="Emoji twitter-emoji" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.png" style="border: 0px; height: 1em; width: 1em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; vertical-align: -0.1em;" title="Person with folded hands" /><div class="Tweet-metadata dateline" style="font-size: 0.875rem; color: #697882; margin-top: 0.2rem;"><a class="u-linkBlend u-url customisable-highlight long-permalink" data-datetime="2015-05-18T07:08:12+0000" data-scribe="element:full_timestamp" href="https://twitter.com/VigneshhShivan/status/600196169491353601" style="text-decoration: inherit; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; background-color: transparent;">12:38 PM - 18 May 2015</a></div></div>Vignesh shivan, 29, has directed two films prior to the one he is currently directing, 'Naanum Rowdythaan'. Nayanthara stars in this film and reports say that the two started dating during the shoot of this film.Nayanthara and Vignesh shivan even took a holiday to Mauritius earlier this month. The actress gifted him an expensive car and a few weeks ago she introduced him to her parensts.Vignesh shivan is close friends with Kollywood superstars Dhanush and Simbu. Nayanthara has been in relationships with Simbu and Prabhu Deva in the past.But with this clarification from shivan, looks like millions of Nayanthara's fan can heave a sigh of relief.

Vignesh Shivan rubbishes rumours of marriage with actress Nayanthara

In the last few days, several reports about Kollywood actress Nayanthara's secret marriage to director Vignesh shivan had emerged. The r...

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Cannes 2015: Aishwarya pouts, jigs and takes selfies at the red carpet

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is attending the Cannes Film Festival for the 14th time this year, made her red carpet appearance last night in a green Elie Saab gown. The actress is brand ambassador of L'Oreal Paris India.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/18/337364-afp-aishwarya-rai-at-cannes-2015.jpg" width="600"/>The former Miss World paired the sequined dress with DeGrisgono jewellery and wore her hair swept to the side. She donned green glittery eye liner to match with her elegant gown.But the beauty queen's beauty is not all that captured the attention of those attending the festival. Ash showed last night on the red carpet that she can be cool and fun too.Let the following pictures tell you the story.The actress began with her patent 'flying kiss' pose.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/18/337359-afp-aishwarya-rai-at-cannes-2015-ed.jpg" width="600"/>Picture Courtesy: AFP PhotoThen the actress photobombed a picture too on the red carpet!Picture Source: TwitterAfter doing a little jig on the red carpet, Ash met her long-time friend Eva Longoria and took selfies with her. Cannes 2015 had banned taking selfies this year, and looks like both beauties broke rules on the red carpet.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/18/337365-getty-aishwarya-and-eva-edd.jpg" width="600"/>Picture Courtesy: L'Oreal Paris India Twitter handle<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/18/337360-aishwarya-rai-photo-bombs-pic-twitter.jpg" width="600"/>Picture Courtesy: Getty ImagesThe actress even made sure she pouted! We like!<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/18/337362-aishwarya-rai-and-eva-longoria-cannes-2015-loreal-paris-twitter-page.jpg" width="600"/>Amidst cheers of 'Aishwarya Aishwarya', the actress signed autographs and took selfies with her international fans. Check this video out:<iframe id="uPKeRLtiI1Q" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uPKeRLtiI1Q?enablejsapi=1" width="600" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Cannes 2015: Aishwarya pouts, jigs and takes selfies at the red carpet

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is attending the Cannes Film Festival for the 14th time this year, made her red carpet appearance last night in ...

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150th movie will start in August: Chiranjeevi

Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi has said his 150th film, tentatively titled Auto Johnny, will go on floor this August. The 59-year-old star, who on Saturday unveiled a statue of emperor 'Sri Krishna Dev Raya' at Railway Kodur, asked his fans to bless him ahead of the shooting of the upcoming movie, to be helmed by Puri Jagannadh.<img alt="" src="http://www.123telugu.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/chiru_divyabh.jpg" />The former minister in the UPA government urged people to extend the same "uninterrupted support" for the film, which they given him so far. The film will mark his return to the big screen after a gap of seven years. He was last seen in a cameo role in 2009 film "Magadheera", which starred his actor son Ram Charan.Chiranjeevi made his acting debut in 1978 with the film Punadhirallu. In a career spanning 35 years, Chiranjeevi delivered superhits like Shubhalekha, Gharana Mogudu, Rudraveena, Indra and Vijetha.He was honoured with Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema, in 2006. He was the guest of honor at the 59th Academy Awards, held in 1987. In 1988, he acted and co-produced Rudraveena, which won the National Film Award for best feature film on National Integration.

150th movie will start in August: Chiranjeevi

Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi has said his 150th film, tentatively titled Auto Johnny, will go on floor this August. The 59-year-old star, who...

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I became boring and fat: Actor R Madhavan

R Madhavan on the reason behind his three-year long sabbatical. He says he won’t compromise on the quality of films he does even if it means taking a sabbatical. And that is exactly what R Madhavan did when he took a three-year break to work on rediscovering himself.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/16/336963-madhavan1.jpg" />The Tanu Weds Manu Returns actor says, “I had become a boring actor in my own eyes. I had become fat, I wasn’t looking fit at all. I took a three year break to work on myself. To transcend that gap and reinvent myself. And I am glad it worked for me. Even if it wouldn’t have worked for me, it was a big risk that I took. It paid off and I had two films waiting for me when I came back. My wife was supportive of my decision and that obviously helped.” In the same breath he adds, “I could also afford to take that time off because I am not here for money. I don’t need a release once in three months.”Remind him that he has done just over ten films in 15 years in Bollywood and he says he is never in a hurry. Never was and never will be. “I know I have been elusive but pick any of my films and you will instantly take my name after the title. I am my film’s identity and that is my only endeavour,” he explains. The actor who graduated from South to Bollywood, still juggles the two industries but over the past five years, his loyalties have tilted towards Hindi films. “I am being accussed of abondoning the South industry. I have just done one Tamil film in the past five years as opposed to three Hindi films. But I am happy with the accusations as it only means people want to still see me,” Maddy smiles.

I became boring and fat: Actor R Madhavan

R Madhavan on the reason behind his three-year long sabbatical. He says he won’t compromise on the quality of films he does even if it means...

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Deepika Padukone Denies Signing Any Film Opposite Salman Khan

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is riding high on success after her last film ‘Piku’ with Amitabh Bachchan, has denied signing any film opposite Salman Khan.<img alt="Deepika Padukone Denies Signing Any Film Opposite Salman Khan" src="https://s.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/pmxpbdkgNZ9i57jXEaKT6w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zMzE7aWw9cGxhbmU7cT03NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_IN/News/BusinessOfCinema/text-4547-DeepiakShahRukh.jpg" />Deepika has worked with almost every actor in Bollywood industry but she hasn’t worked with Salman Khan yet. Earlier there were reports that the actress has signed for Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sultan opposite Salman. But yesterday during the press conference of Piku’s success party the actress squashed all the rumours.When asked about her upcoming films this year and also about ‘Shuddhi’ and ‘Sultan’, Deepika Padukone said that the only films she has are ‘Tamasha’ and Bajirao Mastani’. The actress denied signing any film other than this two. “Apart from this I haven’t signed any film yet.”Deepika Padukone is currently riding high on the success of her recently released ‘Piku’ starring Irrfan Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. The actress is also shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani starring Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh.Priyanka Chopra and co-star Deepika Padukone will be seen doing a dance face-off in Bajirao Mastani. In the film both the actress will be seen winning Ranveer Singh’s heart through dance. Both the actress have worked hard for the most important part of the film as said by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They did their rehearsals with choreographer Remo D’Souza for continuous 10 days in Mumbai. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted to keep in wraps about this dance sequence, which is also climatic scene of the movie, but it didn’t went well as the actress already revealed about it on micro blogging site twitter.

Deepika Padukone Denies Signing Any Film Opposite Salman Khan

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is riding high on success after her last film ‘Piku’ with Amitabh Bachchan, has denied signing any f...

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TV actress raped by 2 Karnataka producers

BENGALURU: A Hindi television actress, who had come to Bengaluru hoping to make it big in the southern film industry, was allegedly raped by two well-known producers of Kannada and Telugu movies.<img alt="" src="https://s3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Z3Lv2UVCcn3thNNtZh6W7A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2015-05-16/4a6f0fe0-fb9c-11e4-9f7f-2b9a5f4c918c_rape-assault.jpg" />The duo even recorded the incident and threatened to upload the video on the Internet if she complained to the police. The victim, who mustered courage two months after the alleged rape, approached the Karnataka State Commission for Women seeking justice.The panel has transferred the case to the Bengaluru police for a detailed probe. The incident has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film fraternity.The Bengaluru police have formed a special squad which is on the lookout for the two film producers, who are on the run ever since the incident came to light.According to police, the budding actress from Mumbai’s Andheri West area had met a film producer in Mumbai two months ago. He, in turn, introduced the girl to prominent film producers from Bengaluru. The two accused producers had produced movies in Kannada and Telugu and also acted in a few movies.They allegedly promised her plum roles opposite top stars in south movies and asked her to visit Bengaluru for an audition. "They booked her flight ticket for March 27 this year.She was received at the airport and put up at a hotel. However, the duo could not arrange any audition for the actress. She wanted to return to Mumbai, but they handed her a cheque of Rs 1 lakh on March 30 and told her it was advance fee for a movie," a police source said.That night, they dropped her at the hotel and the duo insisted on having dinner with her. "They gave me a glass of juice and I passed out. I woke up the next morning and found the duo in my bed. I was shocked and I confronted them. They claimed that casting couch was common in the film industry," the actress said in her complaint. When she threatened to approach the police, the duo showed her a video clip of the alleged rape and threatened her to maintain silence. "It was her advocate friend in Mumbai who motivated her to seek justice. We know the producers. They have absconded. We have launched an extensive search operation," the police added. Reproduced From Mail Today. Copyright 2015. MTNPL. All rights reserved.

TV actress raped by 2 Karnataka producers

BENGALURU: A Hindi television actress, who had come to Bengaluru hoping to make it big in the southern film industry, was allegedly raped by...

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Priyanka Chopra's 'Quantico': Is Bollywood finally coming into its own in West?

Priyanka Chopra takes centre stage in Quantico; Anil Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Anupam Kher, and Nimrat Kaur applaud<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/14/336461-priyanka-chopra.jpg" width="600" /> Priyanka Chopra File Photo Is Bollywood finally coming into its own in the West? Going by Priyanka Chopra’s primacy in the trailer of Quantico where she plays an FBI recruit, it seems Indian actors are no more likely to be assigned peripheral culture-specific roles.Anil Kapoor, who played an important part in 24, another popular American espionage serial, says this is just the beginning for Bollywood actors in the West, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We are now gradually coming into our own in the West. Actors like Irrfan and I aren’t being offered culture-specific roles, nor being asked to sport thick accents. Now, you just wait and watch what we do. I am very optimistic about our place in Western cinema in the near future.”Gulshan Grover, who in many ways pioneered the movement of Indian actors into the West, says Priyanka’s pivotal place in Quantico is the fruition of a movement that started years ago. “Priyanka is really rocking. When I congratulated her she replied, ‘Coming from you, it means a lot.’ It is very courageous of Priyanka to try her luck in the West. If she succeeds, she opens new doors for Indian actresses.”Gulshan admits the route connecting Bollywood to Hollywood is not easy. He says, “For Bollywood actors, the road to playing the lead in American films or television is very difficult and time-consuming. Priyanka has wisely chosen to start in the West with music, then gone to television. I wish her all the success.”Describing his own journey to the West, Gulshan recalls, “Many years ago, I pioneered the transition from Bollywood to Hollywood. I am happy to know it’s moving forward. A lot will depend on the way Bollywood stars like Priyanka, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and myself conduct ourselves. There are also others like Nimrat Kaur who are making headway in the West but are not mainstream Bollywood actors. But yes, the movement from Bollywood to Hollywood is happening.”Nimrat, who recently did a part in the American series Homeland, is ecstatic about Priyanka’s triumph. “I think it’s an incredible feat and one that all of us should be proud of. She is the first Indian actress to land a lead in an American series. And that’s so inspiring,” she says. Adds Anupam Kher, “It’s great to see an Indian mainstream actress doing a lead in an American primetime series. I saw the trailer and felt proud of Priyanka. Good luck to her.”

Priyanka Chopra's 'Quantico': Is Bollywood finally coming into its own in West?

Priyanka Chopra takes centre stage in Quantico; Anil Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Anupam Kher, and Nimrat Kaur applaud Priyanka Chopra File Phot...

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First look of Aishwarya's comeback vehicle 'Jazbaa' to be unveiled at Cannes 2015

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback project Jazbaa's official first look will be launched at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival when the Bollywood diva walks the red carpet.<img alt="Besides the actress, the film stars Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/14/336131-aishwarya-rai-bachchan.jpg" width="600" /> Besides the actress, the film stars Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher in pivotal rolesAishwarya, 41, who will make her Cannes appearance on May 17, is returning to the big screen after a gap of five years with the Sanjay Gupta-directed action thriller.The director took to Twitter to share his excitment. "WOW... Just 3 days to go before we reveal the first glimpse of our labour of love JAZBAA at Cannes," Sanjay tweeted.Besides the actress, the film stars Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles.Aishwarya will also walk the red carpet on May 20 and attend the annual amFAR charity Gala on May 21 with actor husband Abhishek Bachchan. She has been representing the country at the movie gala's red carpet for more than a decade now with actresses Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif joining her in recent years.In 2003, the Guzaarish star was a part of the Cannes jury, which has had Indian celebrities like Shekhar Kapur, Sharmila Tagore, Nandita Das and Vidya Balan.Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan and Gurvinder Singh's Chauthi Koot will screen in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2015.

First look of Aishwarya's comeback vehicle 'Jazbaa' to be unveiled at Cannes 2015

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback project Jazbaa's official first look will be launched at the ongoing Cannes International Film Fes...

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I did Quantico to break Indian stereotypes in American culture, says Priyanka Chopra

Mumbai,Tushar Joshi: Priyanka Chopra is excited and equally nervous about being the lead in ABC’s Quantico — a thriller television series about a group of FBI recruits. The show has been picked up for the 2015-16 TV season and PC says she is in ‘uncharted territory’. In an exclusive chat between finishing her many commitments before flying off to LA, she talks to me about being a ‘global icon’ and why she was clear on not playing a stereotypical Indian on the show. Here are excerpts from our chat...<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/12/335663-priyanka9.jpg" width="600" />You didn’t get Quantico the traditional way, there was no audition, how did the show come to you ?For me, it was very different. Most actors audition for a lot of shows. But for me, I had done a special deal with ABC, they scout talent around the world. So, when Kelly Lee, who is in casting, came down, I was shooting Gunday. She said they wanted to do a development deal where they find the right show for me. They had done similar deals with Sofia Vergara, Eva Longoria and a few other actresses, where they find the right show for that talent. So then I had to go to LA and read the 25 pilots that they had picked for me, tell them the ones I liked, which was around three or four scripts. If it ends up working for everyone from writers, directors and the creative team, you end up doing it. So I am happy that I got my first pick which was Quantico!Is it true you had a clause stating you wouldn’t play an Indian on the show? Interestingly, Quantico was written for an all-American girl, a white girl. So they tweaked the story. My ethnicity on the show is half Indian-half Caucasian. You know I went to school in America, I grew up there, and all the Indian characters that I saw on American shows are stereotypes and talk like Apu from The Simpsons, who I hate because growing up, everyone would ask me ‘How come you don’t talk like Apu?’. It used to piss me off. My basis with ABC was that I want to do an ethnically ambiguous part, and that’s the only way I would do it. I didn’t want to do a big fat Indian Punjabi family, that’s so expected from a Bollywood actress. I had clearly told them that if you want to treat me like an actress and not a ‘Bollywood’ jewel, where am supposed to dance and do those things, then I am fine. Which is why the parts they chose for me and scripts I read were for characters that are ethnically ambiguous.You already have an accent. Is that something you have retained on the show ?I have never played an FBI agent. In fact, you will hear me speak in a more American accent than the one that I already have! Because to be a FBI agent, you need to be an American citizen, so it was very important for me to get that right. I had dialect coaching to sound even more American and how much I have laughed! Because I told them in India anyway people think I have an accent, now with Quantico, that’s on some other level. But as an actor you do it, like when I did Kaminey, I sounded so Maharashtrian. For Jhilmil, I had to change my voice completely.Talk to me about the way American media looks at Indian actors.They see me as a person from another land. They don’t understand the concept of how I have the fan following that I do. Which I find amazing, because the world has become this one big global family, and I hope to be that change for India, where people don’t just see us as Patel stores, and curry shops and everything that’s typical. It’s a great shift for Indian actors, or even what Anil sir has done with 24 and now Family Guy. I remember when I was growing up, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in global pop culture. In today’s time, Rihanna is from the Islands, David Guetta is from Sweden, today’s pop culture reflects global diversity and I want to be part of that.What is your biggest fear playing the lead on Quantico?It’s very scary, because I don’t know if the world is ready for an Indian protagonist. When I did NFL, and ‘In My City’ was picked for NFL, it was the opening song after Faith Hill. Several racist comments came my way, that I am an Arab terrorist on social media and the NFL network, they had people writing to them. Because I was brown, they figured I’m Arab, and people were like ‘How can you have her headlining an American event? Why is she in an all-American sport?’ So, I don’t know how people will react especially since I’m playing an American from India! But it’s a great part and a great show, it could be really cool.What are your fav American TV shows?I am obsessed with CSI, SVU, Dexter. I also like Grey’s Anatomy and all of that. I watch a lot of TV, I prefer watching TV shows over a long film. My mother is obsessed with her murder fix at night, so I end up watching one episode with her during dinner. Now she’s damn happy that I am going to be her murder fix with Quantico (laughs). I am excited, nervous, it’s uncharted territory. When you don’t have a precedent it freaks you out.

I did Quantico to break Indian stereotypes in American culture, says Priyanka Chopra

Mumbai,Tushar Joshi: Priyanka Chopra is excited and equally nervous about being the lead in ABC’s Quantico — a thriller television series ab...

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Fitoor: Niharika Khanna out, Manish Malhotra in

Fitoor: Niharika Khanna out, Manish Malhotra in

There were reports of a fallout between designer Niharika Khanna's and Abhishek Kapoor on the sets of Fitoor, which led to her leaving t...

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After 'Piku', I feel I have started valuing my parents a lot more: Deepika Padukone

MUMBAI,Nayandeep Rakshit: She’s played a Tamilian, a Punjabi and a Marathi mulgi. And now, Deepika Padukone is all set to wow everyone with her Bengali avatar in 'Piku'. In between simmering cups of coffee and a lot of smiles, the actress opens up about her latest film and the choices she makes in life.<img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/11/335216-piku-deepika.jpg" width="600" />Do you think it’s important for actors to find themselves in the characters they play on screen?I feel certain characters do stick to you. You may not identify with every aspect of the character you are playing, but there are certain situations or ideologies of the character that you might identify with in your personal space. I guess that’s the process that has worked for me. Being a daughter, I identify with certain situations in Piku. But Amitabh Bachchan's character in the movie is very different from the way my father is in real life. So the situations are obviously different, but the respect and admiration I have for my father are things I try to harness once I walk on to the set.The promos hint at how well the characters have been sketched. Did that help you perfect the nuances of Piku, the character?Definitely! The way Shoojit and the writers have written it, half our job was done. Piku is about the nuances. You get hints, yet you won’t know what’s on her mind presently. So yes, Shoojit sir guided me really well.Being a daughter, I feel I have now started valuing my parents a lot more. I stay away from them and don't get to meet them that often because of my busy schedule. But I will hopefully make it a point to be more available to them now onwards.Other than being a caring daughter and a responsible girl taking care of her work and family, is there any other shade to Piku?There is a lot of chaos in her mind. It’s not just the physical chaos which you see on screen. Piku is multitasking and is a lot like all of us today. I think women multitask brilliantly - balancing work, trying to figure time for family, for yourself - it’s about what every woman does today. In that sense, I found the character interesting. You can’t see the chaos in her mind, but you can feel it. She doesn’t get time for herself and her frustration comes from that. Her life is very mundane and there’s nothing exciting about it, which is why she gets really frustrated at times.Did you learn some Bengali?Very little! And whatever I learnt, it was from the script. It was so detailed and to the point that once I was there, I just went and performed it. There were a lot of scenes and places in the film where I could express something without saying a line, so I did a little bit of tweaking there. Other than that, there was a Bengali character on the set for guidance. I didn’t have to go and take diction classes for the character to sound like a Bengali. But I did learn a bit of Bangla. There is that essence of Bengal and them being a Bengali family, but the story is of every Indian household and it could have been anyone.Usually in Bengali, you have an official name and an endearing dak-naam. Who came up with Piku?Honestly, it’s a cute name, but it is my actual name in the film. It’s not my dak-naam in the film.Working with Irrfan and Big B again, did you feel intimidated this time?No, not this time. I wasn’t intimidated, so to say. Two things - I was really excited to have the opportunity to watch them act in front of me and secondly, I felt privileged to actually sit with Shoojit behind the monitor to see them (Big B and Irrfan) perform. I should also give credit to them because they never came on the sets with that attitude. They know they are great actors but they never walk with that air. So I felt really comfortable around them.Who was more comfortable to work with- Irrfan or Big B?There’s already a comfort level with Amitji because we have known each other socially and also done a film together. About Irrfan, I don’t think we had even met socially before Piku. We were shooting a very big scene on the first day with him. I thought he would be really strict, stern and not talk to anybody. But it turned out to be the opposite. He is very shy like me and has a great sense of humour. Fortunately, Shoojit shot the film at one go, so our own discovery of each other’s personal lives somehow added to the film in a strange wayEver since Cocktail, you have received both critical and commercial acclaim for all your films. Does that instil more confidence in you to try out something as different as a Finding Fanny or a Piku?I have seen a little bit of both in my career. I started off with an amazing debut but then had a string of films that flopped. Post Cocktail, everything has again started going upwards. But I don’t take anything for granted either way. Does it give me confidence? Yes, a little bit. I don’t think I would have done a Finding Fanny if this was not the case. But it also depends on where the audience is right now and the kind of films they watch and the scripts that are being written and the fact that many directors are ready to make such films. So it’s a combination of a lot of things. It’s not about where I am right now, it’s about a lot of other factors.When we watch films, we tend to take a few characters home with us. Do you take your character with you after you are done with the shoot?Yes, this definitely happens. There are some characters which you tend to take back with you. In Cocktail, for example, the character I played was completely opposite to how I am, so it stayed with me for a bit. I am not a party girl, I am not at all like her. So it gave me the opportunity to be someone I have never been before and I started enjoying myself. I found the experience very liberating.Is it easy to switch from one role to the other?I am mostly doing films back to back. So it does get a little complicated, because that’s not the ideal way of working. You want to prep for one film, shoot for it, finish it, take a break and then move on to the next one. But situations do not always allow you to do that. You need to work things out with other people’s dates as well. But the minute you start reading the material and go to that film set, meet the director and start talking about it, things fall in place.Do you plan your life or take one day at a time?I think it’s a little bit of both. You need to have your dreams, ambitions and goals in life and figure out how to go about them in your life. At the same time, you cannot plan it so much, because life itself is so unpredictable. To balance it a bit is the key. If you ask me what I want from myself 10 years from now, I won’t be able to answer. But if you ask what I want two years from now, that can be answered. You leave that space because you know anything is possible.

After 'Piku', I feel I have started valuing my parents a lot more: Deepika Padukone

MUMBAI,Nayandeep Rakshit: She’s played a Tamilian, a Punjabi and a Marathi mulgi. And now, Deepika Padukone is all set to wow everyone with...

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