Chetan Bhagat to write screenplay of Kick

After having worked on the screenplay of films likeHello and Kai Po Che (both based on his best selling novels), celebrated author Chetan Bhagat will now be writing the screenplay of Salman Khan starrer Kickproduced and directed by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Chetan and Sajid have known each other for a while now and the writer even sold the rights of his popular novel '2 States: The Story of My Marriage' to Sajid Nadiadwala. When Nadiadwala took over the reins of directing Kick from Shirish Kunder, he thought it will be best if Bhagat helped with the screenplay. 

Kick starring Salman Khan is a remake of the 2009 Telugu blockbuster Kick. Even though the makers have acquired the official remake rights, Chetan Bhagat plans to re-structure the original screenplay to suit the Hindi audiences' taste.

Confirming the same Chetan tweeted, "Happy to share with you that I'll be writing the screenplay of 'Kick' starring Salman Khan and directed by Sajid Nadiadwala. Kick is a about a guy who lives life only for his kicks, a powerful concept and a perfect recipe for a Salman-Nadiadwala blockbuster. Have known both Salman and Sajid Nadiadwala for a while and been wanting to work with them. Couldn't have asked for a better screenplay debut. Will be adapting Kick from original Telugu superhit, with fair amount of changes as well. Huge expectations, need all ur support! Thanks!"

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Priyanka yet to decide on SAW item song

There have been murmurs that Priyanka Chopra has agreed to do an item number in Sanjay Gupta'sShootout At Wadala. However, sources close to the actress say that whether she will do the song or not is yet undecided. One of the reasons being the concept of the song which is not yet clear. 

Says a source close to PC, "Yes... Priyanka is interested to do the song but the final concept is not yet ready. The makers of the film and PC would jointly take a call only after the concept is ready." 

The actor had earlier said that if some special song does come by her way that she finds interesting or is fun, she would take it up for sure... But whether she will be a part of this song is still uncertain.

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Fardeen Khan to become dad

Fardeen Khan may be MIA (missing in action) when it comes to films but on the personal front, the actor has a reason to rejoice. Fardeen is all set to become a dad soon as his wife Natasha is pregnant.

The actor tweeted, "I am delighted to announce that my wife is a very healthy 13 weeks pregnant and we are expecting twins. Regards, FK."

Here's wishing the actor loads of good wishes on this joyous occasion.

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Alia, Sidharth, Varun have their next films lined up

Even before their film releases, the Student Of The Year trio has moved on to their next projects. It is reliably learnt that producer Karan Johar has offered all three of his protegees further Dharma films regardless of the outcome of their debut film.

However, Varun Dhawan would have to take a rain-check on that second film for Dharma. He is now committed to do a film with his father David Dhawan next. It is reliably learnt that David would now whisk away his younger-born for a home-production that his elder son Rohit (of Desi Boyz) would direct.

Says David, "I've a director and a leading man at home now. So I am very keen to start my own home banner. But I had to wait. Neither of my sons wanted to make his debut in a home production. They wanted to prove themselves outside the comfort zone and my wife and I totally endorsed their plans."

Now that both his sons are out with their first efforts, David is keen to start a home banner. Says the indefatigable entertainer, "All three of us are definitely doing something together."

A source informs, "Karan has launched newcomers for the first time. And he's very keen to see their careers through to success. Unlike Ram Gopal Varma who says he uses new talent for as long as it suits him, Karan Johar sees all three debutants as his responsibility."

On Thursday evening, all the three debut-making leads actors from Student Of The Year had their own individual screenings for their family and friends. While Varun and Alia had their screenings in Mumbai, Sidharth who is a Delhi boy flew to his home town to show his film to his near and dear ones.

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Aamir receives award from National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Aamir Khan has always walked the path less travelled and the actor did the same with his maiden TV show 'Satyamev Jayate'. The show, which has been widely talked about, highlighted various grave issues of our country and also offered solutions to eradicate them. 

One of the episodes highlighted the plight of manual scavengers who even in this era of India Shining clean human excreta with hand and are looked down upon as social outcastes and untouchables. While the episode did raise a few eyebrows, Aamir and Uday Shankar (CEO of Star India) have both been honored with an award by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Aamir was emotional on receiving the award as it's an issue very close to his heart. Uday Shankar was also awarded for going against the norm and telecasting such a show on a widespread medium like television. 

Also present at the function was Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit and Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ambika Soni.

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Randeep Hooda in Pooja Bhatt's Cabaret

It's going to be Cabaret first, Jism 3 later. Though Pooja Bhatt has found her hero for her next filmCabaret-it's Randeep Hooda-she is yet find the girl who plays the central part of a cabaret dancer. And it's not going to be easy.

Pooja knows it. "Helenji with her ingrained dancers' dexterity would be my ideal cabaret girl. I am looking for someone who could match her grace. Can we turn back the clock so that Helenji can do my film? The leading lady in Cabaretis an exotic cabaret dancer. Mind you, she isn't an 'item girl'. I find that terminology rather offensive." 

After Pooja finds the girl who can play the dancer inCabaret, the chosen one would have to undergo intense training in cabaret dancing. 

Says Pooja, "There are enormously elaborate dance numbers in Cabaret. The girl would have to train intensely. She has to be a natural dancer. You are either a born dancer or you are not. Training can only polish your dancing skills. That's why I say Helenji is my ideal for the role." 

While uncertainty surrounds the selection of the leading lady, Pooja can seek some consolation in the fact that she has finalized the leading man in Cabaret. It's her Jism 2 lead Randeep Hooda. 

Interestingly, while Pooja's father Mahesh Bhatt wants Emraan Hashmi in all his production, Pooja now declares she wants Randeep as her constant leading man. "Yes, I believe in Randeep. I'd like him to be part of every film I make. Unlike Jism 2 where he was one of the two male leads, in Cabaret Randeep plays the solo hero this time." 

Though Pooja is unwilling to divulge any more detail at this point, one gathers Cabaret to be the story of a righteous honest cop and his passionate relationship with a cabaret dancer.

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SC clears Prakash Jha's Chakravyuh

Prakash Jha's upcoming film Chakravyuh has been embroiled in trouble thanks to the controversial track 'Mehangai'. The song which features the names of leading Indian industrialists like the Tatas, Birlas and Ambanis created turmoil within business circles. However, post Jha's explanation, the Censor Board cleared the song on the condition that the makers would run a disclaimer stating that in no way was it intended to hurt sentiments.

Unhappy with the decision of the Censor Board, the Tata Group joined Bata India and the Birlas in taking legal action against the film's producers. The Delhi High Court judge had ruled in Bata India's favour and asked the producer to delete the references to the company from the song. While a third petition, by the Birlas, was disposed off earlier on Friday.

But now in a ruling, the Supreme Court has allowed the screening of the controversial song 'Mehangai', dismissing claims that the allusions to several business houses in the song are derogatory. The bench consisting of three judges headed by Chief Justice Altmas Kabir said, "The song should be interpreted in the context of the theme of the movie and ought not to be taken as any kind of aspersion on anybody" while dismissing Bata India's plea that all references to the company's name be deleted from the song. 

The bench, however, allowed release of the film on the condition that it will feature a disclaimer that the song is not meant to show any disrespect to the people whose names are mentioned in it.

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Yash Chopra passes away

This is one of the most saddening news of this decade. The legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra is no more. Though the official statement of the reason for his death is not announced yet, Chopra had been diagnosed with dengue and was admitted to Lilavati hospital a few days back. Yashji recently celebrated his 80th birthday.

The celebrated Producer-Director, renowned worldwide for his epic blockbuster films, was one of the most successful filmmakers in the world. He started his career with Dhool Ka Phool in 1959 and went on to make multiple blockbusters like Waqt, Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie, Trishul, Kaala Patthar, Chandni, Darr, Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Veer-Zaara amongst others.

Yash Chopra recently announced his retirement in an interview with Shah Rukh Khan and declared his upcoming film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring SRK, Katrina and Anushka, as his last film. 

Yash Chopra's sudden death marks the end of an era in the Indian Cinema. Romance and Love will never be the same again. 

We at Bollywood Hungama offer our deepest condolences to the Chopra family and pray that Yash Chopra's soul rests in eternal peace.

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Rishi Kapoor plays Dawood in D Day

After his wonderfully skilled performance as a gay dean in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year, Rishi Kapoor is all set to play Dawood. The super-versatile Rishi Kapoor stepping into Dawood's white shoes is indeed a cinematic coup. It apparently took director Nikhil Advani who has earlier worked with Rishi Kapoor inPatiala House a good six months to convince the temperamental Kapoor.

Rishi initially said no. Arshad Warsi was being considered for Dawood's role. But Advani had his heart set on Rishi Kapoor. And he finally got him. 

After Saif Ali Khan in Agent Vinod and Salman Khan inEk Tha Tiger, it's Arjun Rampal who plays a RAW agent in D Day. Arjun is mighty kicked by the prospect of working with Rishi Kapoor.

D Day is about RAW agents, played by Arjun Rampal and Irrfan Khan who are assigned to bring Dawood back from Pakistan by road. Since permission to shoot in Pakistan is impossible Nikhil Advani would be shooting the Pakistani scenes in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

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Bollywood News Bittu Sahgal on board for Delhi Safari

Environmentalist activist and conservationist Bittu Saigal has hopped on board to support Nikhil Advani's environmentally-conscious animation film Delhi Safari. The long-delayed English-Hindi film with animals speaking in the voices of an assortment of big stars from Hollywood including Vanessa Williams, Jason Alexander and Jane Lynch, British doyen Cary Elwes and American stand-up comedian Brad Garrett to dub for the animals in the English version and Suniel Shetty, Boman Irani, Urmila Matondkar, Ayesha Takia, Akshaye Khanna and Sweeni Khare for the Hindi version, is about a bunch of animals heading to Delhi to complain to the prime minister about the destruction of their habitat.

Bittu Sahgal was shown the film and he readily agreed to lend his presence in promoting and marketing an animation film that propagates environmental issues.

Says a source close to the project, "Sahgal's clout as India's most prominent environmentalist would be used to advantage to promote Delhi Safari globally as Bollywood's first eco-friendly animation film."

Nikhil Advani confirms Bittu Sahgal's participation in promoting Delhi Safari. "Yes, he is on board. He is our chief consultant."

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Amrita Arora blessed with baby boy

The Ladak and Arora households are buzzing with excitement courtesy the delivery of actress Amrita Arora's second child: a baby boy. While an elated Arbaaz Khan tweeted, ""Yipppeeeee! Amrita and Shakeel have another baby boy!!! He's too cute! Congrats", sister Malaika confirmed the news to the media stating that Amrita has been blessed with a baby boy. 

Amrita, who is married to businessman Shakeel Ladak, was recently seen during Kareena's pre-wedding celebrations and nikaah-cum-post wedding party. 

We give our best wishes to the couple.

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Prem Soni bereaved

Yesterday was one of the darkest days of Indian Cinema. While everyone grieved over Yashji's death, director Prem Raj was shattered with the demise of his father Raj Soni.

Prem, who made his directorial debut with the Salman-Kareena starrer Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, lost his father yesterday morning. Sending out her condolence to Prem, Preity Zinta tweeted, "My heart goes out 2 my director Prem Raj & Family who lost their Father this morning! God give peace 2 his soul & strength 2 the family. RIP" 

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Lisa Ray ties the knot with Jason Dehni

Model turned actress Lisa Ray tied the knot on Saturday with boyfriend Jason Dehni in California's scenic Napa Valley. Lisa who had been dating Jason, a bank executive, for sometime finally said yes to the question he popped in February this year.

The ceremony saw Lisa in a crystal encrusted gown designed by close friend Wendell Rodricks. Though the guest list comprised of 110 guests including family and close friends, some of Lisa's closest friends Deepa Mehta, Wendell Rodricks and Rahul Khanna weren't able to attend the ceremony. 

The celebration itself featured Gia Sandhu, daughter of Lisa's oldest friend and writer, Devyani Saltzman, delivering a spiritual message. The guests were served Mediterranean and Indian dishes. 

We wish the newly weds a happy married life!

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Bollywood News SOTY's 'Radha' song gets KJo in legal trouble

It can't get ironical than this. While, on one hand, the Gods seemed to be favoring the BO collections of Karan Johar's Student Of the Year, on the other an Indore court on Friday told the cops to register a case against KJo and the singer Shreya Ghoshal for using 'objectionable' words ('sexy') against a Hindu deity in the song 'Radha' in the film. 

Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class Santosh Prasad Shukla went onto issue an order to register a case against Karan Johar, Shreya Ghoshal, Gauri Khan, Vishal-Shekhar, Udit Narayan, lyricist Anvita Dutta and Sony music for using objectionable words against a Hindu deity. In addition to that, Manish Vishnoi (Secretary - Shri Vision Social Empowerment and Welfare Association) and Nilesh Jaiswal had moved a petition before a local court seeking action against the aforesaid on Thursday. 

The petitioners have now appealed to the court that the said word should be deleted from the song and also suitable action should be taken against the guilty. The court stated that the matter is cognizable and there is no need of approval under Section 196 (1) of The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It also instructed that a copy of the court order to be forwarded to Palasia police station to register a case. 

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Ajab Gazabb Love release postponed

Post his previous two films Kal Kissne Dekha andF.A.L.T.U, Jackky Bhagnani is ready with his next Ajab Gazabb Love. However, the film which was scheduled for release this Dusshera, on October 24, taking advantage of the public holiday, has been postponed.

Ajab Gazabb Love will now release two days later, on Friday, October 26. The reason for the apparent delay in release is that many single screens will not be able to screen the film. This inability to feature the latest release comes thanks to the distribution of the recently released Student Of The Year which prohibits its discontinuation to make way for newer releases. 

Producer Vashu Bhagnani has been vocal about the delay saying that he would rather wait for Friday which also coincides with Bakri Eid and have a uniform release, rather than have a staggered release in half of the theaters on October 24.

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Shekhar Kapur to direct daughter's music video

Acclaimed film director and producer Shekhar Kapur who shot to fame with his film Bandit Queen and later with Elizabeth is all set with his next directorial venture. However, this time, Shekhar will be directing a music video featuring his 12-year-old daughter, Kaveri.

Kaveri, Kapur and his estranged wife Suchitra Krishnamoorthi's daughter, is all set to record her first single and music video that will be directed by papa dearest Shekhar. Though this will be Kaveri's debut album, the 12 year old has written and composed the entire album herself

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Jaspal Bhatti dies in road accident

Jaspal Bhatti was undoubtedly one of the most famous and talented comedy actors in the country. And this morning, this great comedian met with a road accident in Punjab's Nakodar town (40 km from Jalandhar), and made his way to the heavens.

News reports have it that his car crashed into a tree along the highway while he was on his way to Jalandhar for promoting his upcoming film Power Cut, which he had produced and directed and was due for release this Friday. The film was to launch Jasraj, his son. Post the accident; he was rushed to a hospital in Jalandhar where doctors declared him dead. Among the injured were his son and the film's heroine Surili Gautam. 

Jaspal Bhatti, who made TV shows like Ulta-Pulta, Flop Show, and a film called Mahaul Theek Hai, will be cremated later this evening. 

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Kahaani wins at Fiji International Film Fest

Vidya Balan's winning streak continues with Kahaani. The film, after having won the audiences' hearts and acclaims galore, has now been named the best film at the International Film Festival in Fiji. The said festival, which was held in Labasa, was a two-week long event that was partnered with Indian High Commission and organized by Fiji National University and Film Fiji. As per an Indian High Commission statement, the festival that had opened with the screening of Kahaani had over 250 entries, of which about 125 films were screened in Suva and other cities. The Indian feature and documentary films were also a part of festival whereKahaani received the award in 'Best Film' category. While Rajkumar Hirani received 'Best Director' award for his film 3 Idiots, special Jury Best Film award went toKumavatara. The festival featured a diverse variety of international and local film entries which included French, Russian, Middle Eastern films, Bollywood blockbusters and Bengali classics. These films were screened from all over the country from October 5 to 18.

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Bollywood News Yash Chopra cremated in Mumbai

Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, who passed away last evening after suffering from dengue and multiple organ failure, was cremated today afternoon at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. Needless to say the who's who of the film fraternity was present to pay their last respects to one of India's greatest filmmakers.

Earlier this morning, Yashji's body covered with white flowers had been kept on stage number 3 of the YRF studio since morning for people to come and pay homage. A huge black and white photo of the director was also there with several candles lit around it. Among those who were present this morning at YRF studios were Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Ramesh Sippy, Gulzar, Subhash Ghai, Shyam Benegal, Prem Chopra, Ashutosh Gowariker, Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy and many more. 

Surely Bollywood and its fans world over will forever miss the legendary filmmaker!

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Bollywood News Amrita Arora names her baby boy Rayaan

Amrita Arora is now a mom twice over. In 2010, her first son Azaan was born. On Saturday, Amrita and her husband Shakeel Ladak were blessed with another baby boy.

The couple has named their second son Rayaan.

And to think that just a few days earlier Amrita was seen at her best friend Kareena Kapoor's mehndiceremony, looking radiant and heavily pregnant.

Says a friend of Amrita, "Despite doctors' orders, Amrita insisted on attending Kareena's sangeetceremony. She insisted she wouldn't miss it for the world."

Confirming the news Amrita said, "Yes, we've named our baby boy Rayaan. He's adorable. His name means, 'the door to paradise'. I am happy to be looking after my two boys and have no plans of returning to films."

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Bollywood News Prem Raj diagnosed with cancer

The upcoming Preity Zinta film Ishkq In Paris has been delayed for quite a while now, though various speculation were made for this delay, we hear that its due to the director Prem Raj's ill health. In fact the 35-year-old Prem has been diagnosed with cancer of the gall bladder. This diagnosis has apparently sent the movie's post-production, and release completely off-track.

Prem who suffered a loss on Sunday with the demise of his father had been putting up a nonchalantly brave front for the past few months. While in fact he has been diagnosed with first stage cancer of the gall bladder.

Prem who was initially supposed to release the film on November 2 has delayed the film as he will be heading for a minor surgery. However, due to the personal loss he suffered in the past few days, the surgery has consequently been delayed. Though doctors who have been treating the director have claimed that since the cancer was detected in the first stage it is curable.

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Vashu to organize 5 premieres in 5 cities on Thursday

Vashu Bhagnani is an enterprising producer. No two opinions on that. The prolific film-maker is doing something that no producer has dared to do in the past. He's organizing not one or two, but five premiere shows of his new movie AJAB GAZABB LOVE on Thursday, 25 October. Yes, you read it right -- five premiere shows in a single day!

What makes the five premiere shows interesting is that each of those premieres will witness the active participation of the common man. "We generally hold premiere shows in Mumbai or Delhi and the norm is to invite the cast and crew of the film, besides celebrities. But the premiere shows of AJAB GAZABB LOVE will have the cast of the film walking the red carpet and interacting with the common man. These screenings are entirely for them. We make movies for them and I felt we should include them in our celebrations," Vashu informs me. 

What also sets the premiere screenings apart from the usual wine-and-cheese events is that Vashu will have breakfast/lunch/tea/dinner, depending on what time the premiere screening is taking place. The first premiere in Amritsar will begin with breakfast, followed by lunch + premiere in Chandigarh, high tea + premiere in New Delhi, late evening snacks + premiere in Jaipur and dinner + premiere in Indore. 

Wow! That's an ajab gazabb strategy, what say? 

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SAFF to felicitate Randhir Kapoor

The South Asia Foundation hosts the 7th annual South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) 2012 in Goa with the theme ...dissolving boundaries. SAFF is also celebrating the remarkable journey of '100 glorious years of Indian Cinema'. This is the first ever effort to celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema that is being celebrated at the South Asian Regional level in the presence of prominent film-makers of all the South Asian Countries.

While the festival is all set to kick off on October 25, we hear that the organizers will be felicitating Randhir Kapoor for his immense contribution to the Indian cinema. In fact Randhir will be the Special Guest of Honour at the gala, while Tariq Anwar will inaugurate the Festival.

SAFF is all set to bring some of the finest cinema from all the South Asian Countries. Beginning on October 25, the four day long festival will have filmmakers from South Asian Countries celebrating the spirit of South Asian Cinema to promote and propagate peace and harmony in the South Asian Region with a spirit of oneness. SAFF is also an initiative of the Foundation to bring people to people contact through the medium of cinema where it tries to reach to the grass-root level also.

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Bollywood News Ravi Chopra admitted in ICU

Just two days back, the whole world was shocked with the sudden demise of Yash Chopra. And now, his nephew filmmaker Ravi Chopra (66) has been admitted to the ICU of a city hospital.

Ravi, the son of late producer-director B. R. Chopra, has been reportedly diagnosed with an acute lung ailment.

The talented filmmaker has films like Zameer, The Burning Train, Baghban, Baabul to his credit.

Bollywood Hungama prays for the quick recovery of Ravi Chopra.

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Sanjay Dutt signs up to play Pran's role in Zanjeer

On August 28, 2012 this writer had reported that Sanjay Dutt would be playing the iconic Pathan Sher Khan in Apoorva Lakhia's remake of Prakash Mehra'sZanjeer.

At that time Dutt and his faithful team stoutly denied the reports and even accused the remakers of cashing in on his name prematurely. Dutt, we hear, was influenced by some of his friends and well-wishers against doing the film. Uncertain about the star's intentions, the makers of the new Zanjeer went and negotiated with Sonu Sood to play Sher Khan. 

The combination of Sonu Sood who is a major force in Telugu cinema and Telugu superstar Ramcharan Teja made huge box office sense in the South. Sonu was supposed to do both the Hindi and Telugu versions of Zanjeer. He had even begun to work on his 'Sher Khan' look. 

Turns out, Sanjay Dutt is doing the role after all. 

On Wednesday morning, the star finally signed on the dotted line and hopped on board to do the part. As for Sonu, he is still playing Sher Khan, but only in the Telugu version of the film. 

Jubilant, director Apoorva Lakhia said, "I've worked with Sanju Sir before in Shootout At Lokhandwala and we hit it off immediately. I keenly wanted him to play Pran Saab's role in Zanjeer. I couldn't see anyone else from the contemporary actors playing Sher Khan. Now after many uncertainties, Sanju Sir is finally doing the role. I think this is the first time that he plays a Pathan. We'll give him a really striking look." 

About Sonu Sood, Lakhia says, "Sonu is a fine human being and a gentleman. We can't possibly let him down. And we won't. He will be playing Sher Khan in the Telugu version of Zanjeer. Ramcharan and Sonu Sood are both names to reckon with in Telugu cinema. They'll be coming together in my film for the first time." 

As for Pran's iconic Qawwalli 'Yaari Hai Imaan Mera' from Zanjeer, it won't feature in the new Zanjeer. "We're working on an entirely new Qawwalli and look for Sanju Sir," informs Lakia. 

Adds producer Amit Mehra, "I can't tell you how excited I am about having Sanju Sir on board. It's a dream come true. I was just a kid when he worked with my dad (producer-director Prakash Mehra) inImaandar and Mohabbat Ke Dushman. Sanju Sir used to take me and my brother on drives in his fancy wheels. We hero-worshipped him. And now to be working with him...wow!" 

Adds Zanjeer's leading man Ramcharan, "We're all very happy to have Sanju Baba on board. Especially me. Sanju Sir and I met a few times recently in Hyderabad when he was here to shoot for the Hindi remake ofSamy. We did speak about Zanjeer and how it was shaping up. I mentioned to him that the director Apoorva Lakhia was still searching for the perfect Sher Khan. Now I hear Sanju Sir is playing Sher Khan. Nobody except he could justify Sher Khan's personality to today's audience. I am glad we waited for Sanju Sir to play this character."

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Model of the Week : Nele Kenzler

Height:
180cm (5’11″)
Place of Origin:
Hamburg, Germany
Ethnic Origin:
German
Birthsign:
Gemini
How discovered:
I was with another agency before, after a while they called me home to tell me that I have had no response and they don’t believe that it can work out with me, so they released my contract. After some weeks, I met Yannis Nikolaou, who is my agent now at Place Models and he convinced me to try again.
Favorite things:
My rabbits, my piano, sweets, listening to music, my Sony tablet, Icelandic horses, Wii game ‘Just Dance’, my pieces of vintage furniture
Favorite music, band:
Paolo Nutini, Josh Rouse, Bon Iver, Matt Costa, Andrew Bird, Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Stromae
Hobbies:
Doing sports (badminton, zumba, horse riding ), reading books, playing the piano, sewing + crafting + painting
Favorite piece of clothing:
My ball dress and wearing (two different and colorful) socks
What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Bollywood (movies and music) and animated movies for kids
Favorite modeling experience so far?
The variety of clothes and backstage activities at the shows
What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
My family :)
Favorite artist (any kind):
Composer Erik Satie
Place you would love to visit:
Once again Barcelona, Ljubljana and North Sea island Spiekeroog as well as lots of other European cities I haven’t visited yet

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Buying stuff for my own flat I might have in the near future

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Bollywood News Vikram Bhatt - Bhushan Kumar revive Bhaag Johnny

It was in 2009 that Vikram Bhatt announced his filmBhaag Johnny, however post shooting for a few days the project was shelved, with Bhatt citing creative differences with director Deepak Tijori. While on the other hand, Tijori got busy with his independent projects.

Three years on and we hear that post the success ofRaaz 3 and close to the release of 1920- Evil ReturnsVikram is all set to revive the film Bhaag Johnny with T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar.

Confirming the revival, Bhushan says, "Vikram and I want to make movies that will enthrall the audience.Bhaag Johnny is Vikram's idea that I loved and wanted to produce. It is a concept that I want to bring to the audience through Vikram's expertise."

Vikram, who is currently in London celebrating the success of Raaz 3, will be finalizing the cast and crew, albeit with a change. In fact the revived version will be directed by Prashant Chadda and will have Kunal Khemu in the lead.

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Rani's brother gets bail

Rani Mukerji's brother Raja, who was arrested in Versova a couple of days back post being accused by a television actress of molestation, was granted bail on Monday on a surety of Rs 10,000. Apparently, the incident happened when she had gone to meet Raja to narrate a script.

Following the complaint that was lodged, Raja was taken into custody and sent for a medical test. He was lodged in Andheri jail under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.

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Aradhana to be screened at 14th MFF

The forthcoming edition of the city's most eagerly awaited cultural event, the 14th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Reliance Entertainment and American Express and organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, is poised to pay homage to Indian cinema's first "Superstar", Hindi film legend Rajesh Khanna, by dedicating a special segment to screen one of the late star's most memorable films Aradhana.

Directed by Shakti Samanta in 1969, the film featured Rajesh Khanna paired against Sharmila Tagore. The film's screening is scheduled to be held Godrej theatre at NCPA on October 21 at 1.15 p.m. Apart from Rajesh Khanna, the festival is also paying homage to Dara Singh by screening his movie Samson directed by Nanabhai Bhatt and to A K Hangal by screening his movie Dattak directed by Gul Bahar Singh. Both will be screened at the Godrej theatre on October 23 at 1.15 p.m. and on October 20 at 4.00 pm respectively.

The stellar lineup of over 230 films from around the world constitutes a mélange of classic and contemporary cinema with special segments dedicated to French, Italian and Afghan cinema. The festival will also host a special event segment to mark the centenary year of Indian cinema by screening a handpicked list of silent films accompanied by melodies from a live orchestra. The festival also endeavors to serve as a platform to showcase the works of young, talented and progressive filmmakers.

The 14th edition of the Mumbai Film Festival is scheduled from the 18th - 25th October, 2012 at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) & Inox, Nariman Point, Liberty Cinemas, Marine Lines as the main festival venues and Cinemax, Andheri and Cinemax, Sion as the satellite venues.

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Bollywood News Amit Kumar's tribute to his father Kishore

Amit Kumar and his brother Sumit are just back from the US with their tribute concerts on Kishore Kumar. "We performed in Detroit and Chicago .We called the show 'Do Kishore'. We did it on a trial basis in the two American cities. Now that it has been accepted so wholeheartedly, we'll take our two 'Do Kishore' concerts to the rest of the world. We're already booked for 6 concerts in the US in April 2013. Then we'll take the concert all over India."

The 'Do Kishore' concerts are Amit Kumar's brainchild. "We first did the 'Do Kishore' charity concert with us two brothers celebrating our father's memory through his music. In Kolkata on April 12 in 1992. Sumit was only 9 years old then. Many luminaries associated with my father, like Ashok Kumar and Rajesh Khanna were present at the show."

Amit Kumar also has plans of making a film on his legendary father. "It was Bhaijaan (Mehmood) who suggested it. My brother and I had devised a skit where we both go to the moon and meet our father there. Mehmood suggested we make a film on that theme. That hasn't happened so far."

Amit and Sumit are also on the verge of starting a music company named Kumar Brothers Music. "It will be an online company. I'd be putting out my own composition for my fans online. It won't be film music, but folk songs, semi-classical numbers...One of my compositions 'Zindagi Dard' has been put out just to get a response. It's been well-received by my fans."

The online recording company attained feasibility in Amit Kumar's mind due to the progressive paucity of offline music companies. "There's no company one can take one's music to. It isn't as though I'm attempting to compete with any music company. An online music company eliminates the need for mediators like a producer or a music- company executive. It's a direct connectivity between my creativity and my listeners. I know I have an audience. There are people who love my voice."

Amit says he's done with film music. "What is there to sing in Hindi films? The greats that I worked with are dead or retired. The whole scenario has changed now. The music these days is cacophonic. I don't listen to the songs. And these item songs...so many of them and so boring! Some of today's composers claim that melody is back. Sorry, I don't hear it."

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Shahid to play cop in Neeraj Pandey's film

After finishing work on Prabhu Dheva's Namak and Rajkumar Santoshi's Phata Poster Nikla Hero, Shahid Kapoor will be doing Neeraj Pandey's next.

What is interesting however is the fact that Shahid would be seen playing a cop for the first time in his career in this particular flick. Neeraj Pandey has earlier made the much appreciated film A Wednesday and this one too seems like another hard-hitting film. Neeraj is currently busy giving finishing touches to his multi-starrer Special Chabees. 

Shahid is looking forward to don the khaki avatar for this particular film and can't wait to get into character.

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Ghai's hit films to be remade in Tamil, Telugu

Years after its release, the films that have marked the progress of Indian cinema are looking at getting a new lease of life. Buzz is that Subhash Ghai's blockbuster films (made under his banner Mukta Arts) like Karz, Karma, Aitraaz and Hero are soon going to be remade in a new style.

It is learnt that Ghai's company Mukta Arts is currently negotiating with a number of leading South Indian producers to get the films remade in Tamil and Telugu languages. Sources close to the company say that Subhashji is in the final stages of talks about these remakes. Besides since the films are close to him, Ghai is in no hurry, and wants only the best makers to bag the rights.

The production house is keeping other details under wraps, but if all goes well, the remakes would hit the floors by mid-2013. 

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Prithviraj to relocate to Mumbai

Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil cinema's star-actor Prithviraj Sukuraman who has just made an impressive Bollywood debut as Rani Mukerji's aromatic amour inAiyyaa will wrap up his assignments in the South by the end of the year and move home from the South to Mumbai in January 2013.

His wife Supriya who used to a BBC journalist has been busy hunting for a home for the couple in Mumbai while Prithvi has been immersed in completing his films on the floor. 

Speaking of his plans to relocate into Bollywood, Prithiviraj said, "Mumbai will be my home now for a while. Since I'm serious about a career in Hindi films, I'd have to relocate to Mumbai. Supriya and I are not rushing into buying property. Since we are relocating into Mumbai, we want to buy ourselves the best apartment possible. While we find the ideal love nest, we'll rent a place in Mumbai in January when after completing my assignments we move to Mumbai. Once we are in a rented place in Mumbai we can look for a home to buy, aaraam se." 

Prithviraj who has already signed a second Hindi film, says he has left all the nitty-gritty regarding their new residence in Mumbai to his wife. "Though Supriya is a Malayali, she has spent a large part of her life in Mumbai. She's a Mumbai girl. In fact I saw the real Mumbai through Supriya's eyes. Of course I knew Mumbai before I got to know Supriya. But it was Supriya who showed me sides to Mumbai I had never seen." 

The urge to see the real Mumbai got hold of Prithviraj after he read Gregory David Roberts' novelShantaram. "Suddenly a new side to Mumbai opened up in my mind. I wanted to see all the places described in the novel like Haji Ali and the Leopold cafe. Supriya was a friend. I asked her to show me all these places. I invited myself over to Mumbai and Supriya took over my life for the next few weeks. This was when we fell in love and decided to get married. So the city holds great romance and relevance for me. I'd love to return to live in the city that gave the love of my life." 

Prithvi's voice fills up with affectionate gratitude when he talks about his wife. "She gave up her job to join me in the South. I owe her a lot. I don't think I would be what I am today without her support." 

Prithviraj who had been acting from age of 19 and has done films in three South Indian languages, doesn't see Aiyyaa as a debut in new language. "When the director came to me with the offer, I didn't focus on the language. In any case, my character doesn't speak much. I was just fascinated by the concept of the girl, Rani, falling in love with the scent of a man. I'd have accepted the offer in any language. At this stage of my career I'm looking for new challenges." 

Prithviraj has signed a Yash Raj film Aurangzeb. He has an interesting story to tell on how he signed it. "I was shooting for the song 'Aga Bai' for Aiyyaa on one of the floors at Yash Raj when the casting director at Yash Raj asked me if I'd be interested in auditioning for a part. I agreed. When I heard the role I was hooked." 

Prithviraj says he is very confident of his role in Aurangzeb although Arjun Kapoor has a double role in the film. 

"I wouldn't have accepted the role if I wasn't satisfied with what was offered to me. I am in no rush to get anywhere. I am here to stay. Mumbai is my home from January."

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Ananth Mahadevan to make film on Satyajit Ray's unpublished story

For all those who thought that the 'legacy' of the legendary (late) Satyajit Ray started and ended withShatranj Ke Khiladi (the only Hindi film that he made), here is the time to rejoice. Ananth Mahadevan is now all set to make Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro (an unpublished short story by Ray) into a film named The Storyteller.

Speaking about this, Ananth said that a Bengali writer-friend of his mentioned that there was a very interesting unpublished Satyajit Ray story that he should look at. That's when Mahadevan got in touch with Ray's son Sandip , who, in turn readily gave him the story. 

Ananth, who feels that he has a slice of Ray's genius in his hands, has approached Amitabh Bachchan for the lead role and Farooq Sheikh as the entrepreneur who loves to hear stories. Ananth said that for him, to bring Satyajit Ray and Amitabh Bachchan together in the same film will be a dream come true. 

Readers may recall that the last time Farooq shared the screen space with Big B was in the (late) Manmohan Desai's Toofan.

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Bata wins court case against Prakash Jha

Only yesterday we told you how filmmaker Prakash Jha had won his court battle against the Birlas who objected to their name being used in the controversial song 'Mehangai' from Jha's film Chakravyuh. The lyrics of the song went 'Birla Ho Ya Tata, Ambani Ho Ya Bata, Sabne Apne Chakkar Mein Desh Ko Hai Kata'

However Jha's woes don't seem to end as shoe manufacturing company Bata, which had also filed a defamation case against Jha for the offensive song, has won the case in its favour. The Delhi High Court has directed Jha to refrain from using or airing the song 'Mehangai' till the word Bata is removed. 

Jha meanwhile maintains that the names used in the song are symbolic and not meant to hurt or cause disrespect to any particular individual or brand.

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Protest against Akshay inaugurating IFFI

The news that Akshay Kumar will be inaugurating the IFFI, that's scheduled to take place in Goa from November 20, has been welcomed by all but a right wing Hindu outfit. The reason? The outfit thinks that Akshay has allegedly hurt religious sentiments in his recent film OMG Oh My God! 

Manoj Solanki of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti State Convenor, in a memorandum to Chief Minister of Goa - Manohar Parrikar, said that the film has already hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. He added that the inauguration of a major international event like IFFI at the hands of the producer of the film, Akshay, is like rubbing salt on the wounds of Hindus in this secular state. 

While the Goa government is yet to take any action with respect to the memorandum, reports have it that Entertainment Society of Goa, which is a nodal agency conducting the festival, has said that the memorandum would be discussed in the high level committee before arriving at any decision.

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Families of SOTY cast to watch film on Thursday

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Although Karan Johar has graciously decided to have a screening of Student Of The Year on Thursday evening for the family members of the film's principal cast debutants Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, Alia's protective Didi, elder sister Pooja Bhatt has decided to stay away from the family screening.

Pooja would rather watch Alia with the audience at a public screening. "I'm going to see it first day first show on Friday. I can't wait. I do have the option of seeing it the night before. But, I'd rather see it with an unprejudiced audience. I've watched most of my own films on Friday with the ticket-paying public."

While Pooja plays the protective elder sister with utmost sincerity, her brother Rahul Bhatt is completely disconnected from Alia's life and career. Rahul sheepishly admits to not knowing his stepsister's cellphone number.

The film's other debutant Varun Dhawan's father filmmaker David Dhawan, confesses he and his wife can't wait to see their son on screen.

"We are watching the film on the 18th night. Can you believe, we haven't seen single frame of Varun's work as yet!"

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Bollywood News Dabangg 2 trailer with Son Of Sardaar

Post his item number in Ajay Devgn's Son Of Sardaar (SOS) , Salman Khan is now all set to release the trailer of the much awaited Dabangg 2 with the Ajay Devgn-Sanjay Dutt starrer SOS.

News reports have it that Salman, who had earlier decided, to release the trailer with YRF's Jab Tak Hai Jaan, felt that releasing the trailer with SOS was a better idea. Reports have it that the reason for him to do so was his closeness to Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn.

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