Priyanka to shoot 'Zanjeer' introductory song with 100 men

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is busy working on "Zanjeer" remake, will be shooting a special introductory song for the film with 100 men.

"We will be shooting with Priyanka Chopra for a very special song. It is going to be an unusual song where you will see 100 men dancing with Priyanka. We will be shooting for this song on Jan 27th, 28th and 29th," a source close to the film's team said.

"The song will be the introductory song in the film, which will be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and is composed by Meet brothers. It is going to be a fun-filled song," the source added.

If reports are to be believed, film's leading man Ram Charan Teja also has a special song for him.

Produced by Amit Mehra and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the "Zanjeer" remake features southern star Ram Charan Teja and Priyanka in prominent roles.

While Ram Charan reprises megastar Amitabh Bachchan's role of Vijay from the original film, Priyanka essays the role of Mala, earlier played by Jaya Bachchan.

Remo moves on, plans to make 'ABCD' sequel with Prabhudheva

Although he is busy with the promotion of his 3D dance drama "ABCD - Anybody Can Dance", it doesn't stop him planning about the film's sequel.

Talking about the cast of the sequel, he said he has already finalised one name.

"I am really waiting for the film to release so that I can start working on the sequel. The next film will have Prabhudheva for sure. The rest we will see," Remo said.

When the film will hit screens Feb 8, it would be a dream come true for Remo, who has been working on this for a long, long time.

"...a dream which I saw some 19 years back. I always wanted to make a film on dance," said the 38-year-old.

The film shows 50 different forms of dance and Remo said: "I feel that a new genre will be created after the film. The genre of dance film has not been touched properly yet."

Will audience accept a dance film?

"The audience today is looking out for new things. They want something exciting every time. My film is a film which can be watched by everyone together. It will be a great experience for them," said Remo who is ready to put pen to paper.

"I will be writing a book on dance. I will travel to villages in India and see the kind of dance which they do," he said.

Thriller or romance or animation - take your pick this week! - Preview

The much-talked about mega-budget action-packed thriller "Race 2" is coming out this Friday alongside small romantic film "Akaash Vani". If they don't whet your appetite, you can choose 3D-animation film "Main Krishna Hoon" to satiate your cravings for movies.

Sequel to the 2008 film, "Race", Abbas-Mustan directed "Race 2", a sleek film, is set in the exotic locales in Europe, with the backdrop of casinos and gambling.

The thriller that takes the legacy of "Race" forward claims to be an edge-of-the-seat drama with high octane action, combined with twists that will take audiences on adventure-filled rollercoaster ride.

In part two, Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan reprise their roles as Robert D'Costa and Ranveer Singh respectively from the previous film, while Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ameesha Patel are new additions to the cast.

Actress Bipasha Basu will reprise her role of Sonia in a special appearance in the film.

After the action and thrill of "Race 2", next on the list is director Luv Ranjan's romantic offering - "Akaash Vani", about two youngsters - Akaash, played by Kartik Tiwari, and Vani, played by Nushrat Bharucha.

Both of them set out on their journey with a common destination - St. Stephen's College in Delhi University. The moment they meet, their life takes an unusual turn.

Vani has a calming affect on Akaash, who in return instills a bit of a rebellious streak in her. In three years, Akaash and Vani become best buddies. But as the college ends, they have to part ways.

The film, produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak under the banner Wide Frame Pictures, is the journey of their struggle to find each other again.

This week the children will have something to look forward too. "Main Krishna Hoon", a 3D-animation film featuring actress Juhi Chawla, who plays Kantaben in it, is coming out too.

In the film, Juhi runs an orphanage. She is impressed by a boy who arrives at the orphanage, braving the rain and the flood. His perseverance inspires her to name him as boy Krishna.

He is unhappy being alone in an orphanage and has a health disorder. To wipe away his tears and entertain the other children, Kantaben tells them inspiring stories about the naughty and loveable Lord Krishna.

The film, directed by Rajiv S. Ruia, also has Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan and Rajneesh Duggal in cameos.

DTH will fetch cinema more money: Manoj Bajpayee

After Kamal Haasan, Manoj Bajpayee has advocated direct-to-home (DTH) releases, saying this will spell higher profits for filmmakers.

Kamal Haasan wanted to premiere his bilingual "Vishwaroopam" on DTH before taking it to the theatres, but he had to revise his plans following protests from the distributors.

Manoj, however, feels it would have been "a revolutionary step that Kamal was taking".

"It hasn't worked, but it will work some other time" because this is "the way forward".

"DTH will bring a lot of transparency and the middle-men will vanish. DTH will get more money to cinema. DTH will give more opportunities to each and every film to get released with respect. It has many facilities and it comes with many advantages. I think the middle-men are not letting it happen," Manoj said.

Would he suggest his producers to go ahead and release their films on DTH?

"Whether I suggest or not, that's the future. No matter how unwilling you are, you can't stop technology," said the actor.

Riding high on the success of "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and "Chakravyuh", he feels that DTH will help making Rs.700 to Rs.800 crore.

"Critically acclaimed or commercially success films are not the things that I work for. I work to give my best. If the film earns Rs.100 crore or more than that, that's not in my control. Once you release a film, it is in audience's court."

" Had '...Wasseypur' not been an adult film, it would have fetched more than Rs.100 crore. But it still managed to make quite a lot of money from the first part. But does that mean '...Wasseypur' was a bad film?

"For me, Rs.100 crore is not a benchmark and if you go by the population of our country then, Rs.100 crore is nothing. Once DTH is there, everywhere you will be making Rs. 700 to Rs. 800 crore. Don't limit yourself, try to work on expansion on techniques or cinema halls."

Finally, Tiger Shroff finds his co-star

t's been six months since Tiger Shroff's debut in Sabir Khan's "Heropanti" was announced. A leading lady has finally been found for Jackie Shroff's son - she is model-actress Kriti Sanon.

"Heropanti" was all set to take off this month without a leading lady for Tiger. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Sabir Khan had decided to start shooting with Tiger this month without a lady love.

All the reports claiming that Suniel Shetty's daughter is a prime candidate for the heroine's position were false. It Kriti who is finalised for the role.

When asked if Kirti is his lady love in "Heropanti", Tiger happily responded: "It looks like it."

Tiger's role is reportedly akin to the toughie that his father played in Subhash Ghai's "Hero". But far more action-oriented.

Nadiadwala, we hear, has ordered a rigorous regime for the boy so that he looks like a "non-gym going ruffian from a mofussil town in Uttar Pradesh".

The idea behind training is to lose the city-bred gym-going look. And now that Tiger is ready with the look, the shooting of the action scenes will start.

Tiger confirms he has been training hard for his part.

"I've been training like crazy. Every morning there's gymnastics and dance rehearsals. In the night, I run and I practice martial arts. It's a very focused regime that doesn't leave me much time to for a social life. That makes me a kind of not-so-cool guy," he said.

He admits the training for the film leaves him no time to get a love life. "The closest I'll get to a girlfriend is the one I'll have in my film."

"I've been happy since Sajid Sir (Nadiadwala) signed me in June. Other than being one of the biggest producers in town, he's one of the most decent people in the industry. He's giving me a dream launch," he added.

A film has its own destiny: Priyanka Chopra

Actress Priyanka Chopra is elated that her much delayed movie "Deewana Main Deewana" is now set for release and says the long gap hasn't lessened her enthusiasm for the film.

"When a film takes a lot of time, there are many reasons - why it happened and how it happened but that doesn't mean that the hard work and the love you have poured in that film will lessen," the 31-year-old said here at the music launch of the film "Deewana Main Deewana".

She further said: "Every film has its own destiny and about 'Deewana Main Deewana' also the audience will decide."

Meanwhile, Priyanka is all praise for actor Govinda, her co-star in the film.

"I have been a big fan of Chi-Chi (Govinda). I love all his films. We have learnt dance watching his songs and dance. He was very sweet while shooting. He was very good and very senior actor. But he made me feel comfortable and I will be his big fan forever," Priyanka said.

Directed by K.C. Bokadia, "Deewana Main Deewana" was shot around five years ago. It also features actors Johnny Lever, Shakti Kapoor and Prem Chopra.

Manoj sought CBI friends' help for 'Special Chabbis' role

Manoj Bajpayee is playing a CBI agent in the upcoming film "Special Chabbis" and to make his role look authentic, the actor turned to his real-life CBI friends for help.

"I have constantly been in contact with my CBI friends about their work and their role. If I have any doubt, I directly contact them to clarify it and correct my role," Manoj said in a statement.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, "Special Chabbis" is a heist drama featuring Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Sheirgill, Kajal Agarwal and Divya Dutta. It releases Feb 8.

Shahrukh Khan reveals what it means to be a Muslim in India

Shahrukh Khan opened up in Outlook Turning Points magazine about what it means to be a Muslim in India post 9/11 attack. He also features on the cover of the publication. The magazine has been published in association with The New York Times newspaper.

Shahrukh is one of the few Indians who is recognized worldwide. He writes: “I sometimes become the inadvertent object of political leaders who choose to make me a symbol of all that they think is wrong and unpatriotic about Muslims in India.”

“There have been occasions when I have been accused of bearing allegiance to our neighbouring nation rather than my own country – this even though I am an Indian, whose father fought for the freedom of India. Rallies have been held where leaders have exhorted me to leave and return what they refer to my original homeland,” added the superstar.

The 47-year-old actor is married to a Hindu, Gauri Khan, and is blessed with two childern – Aryan and Suhana.

“I gave my son and daughter names that could pass for generic (pan-India and pan-religious) ones – Aryan and Suhana. The Khan has been bequeathed by me so they can’t really escape it.”

“I pronounce it with my epiglottis when asked by Muslims and throw the Aryan as evidence of their race when non-Muslims enquire. I imagine this will prevent my offspring from receiving unwarranted eviction orders or random fatwas in the future,” he wrote.

There was a point when the actor was sick and tired of being mistaken for some who shared the same name as that of Shahrukh and so he made a film subtly titled ‘My Name Is Khan’ (and I am not a terrorist) to prove a point.

Shahrukh was also interrogated at the airport for hours about his last name when, while promoting My Name Is Khan in America for the first time.

When Katrina Kaif was flattered

The Barbie doll of Bollywood,Katrina Kaif was on top of the world when she was awarded the Zee Cine Award for the Best International Icon Female. Her happiness doubled when she was presented the prestigious award bySridevi.

Beaming with joy, Katrina said,“Well I think first and most importantly, it’s a huge honour to get any award from Sridevi. It’s a huge honour to stand next to her and I think this year honestly belongs to you and Boneyji. I don’t know what to say but he’s (Boneyji) been extremely important to me in the years I’ve been here, and a huge support to me. So to receive this award from Sridevi and from you (Boneyji) is seriously a great honour. So thank you Zee and thank you everyone for this award… thank you very much.”

The emotional moment turned hilarious when Shahrukh Khan on recieving the same award (Best International Icon Male), gave his thanks giving speech. The superstar at his witty best imitated Katrina and said, “Thank you so much… it has been one of my most cherished dreams… aur meri zindagi ka bahut bada din hai ki Boney Kapoorji ne mujhe yeh award diya hai, aaj jo meri feeling hai, main aapko bata nahin sakta aur Sri bhi aayi hain… thank you!!! But, seriously, thank you so much Sri and Boneyji for this award and thank you Zee Cine Awards and thank you Subhashji.”

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh and Katrina along with Anushka Sharma and Karisma Kapoor paid a tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra by dancing to the evergreen music from his movies.

Ajay Devgn and Tamanna sizzle in Himmatwala

Ajay Devgn and Tamanna share a sizzling chemistry in their upcoming film Himmatwala. Recently, the duo shot for the famous song Taki O Taki Re in the Pink City.

Himmatwala is a remake of the 80s superhit with the same name, starring Jitendra and Sridevi. The song Tathaiya, Tathaiya has already been shot in Mumbai.

Says Sajid Khan, the director of the remake, “My sister Farah has really worked very hard on this song Taki O Taki… with Ajay and Tamanna and we all are very satisfied with the results.”.

Sajid also confirmed that the film is not a of the 80s hit. He said, “No. It’s not a remake. I would say, it retains the essence of the old one.”

The director also revealed, “The film is set in Mumbai city in the ’80s and one of the key features of Mumbai in the ’80s was the advent of a disco culture”.

Meanwhile, Sonakshi Sinha will revives the 80′s era with a disco number, choreographed by Chinni Prakash, is called “Thank god it’s Friday”.

The remake of Himmatwala stars Ajay Devgn and Tamanna in lead roles. directed by Sajid Khan, the movie is expected to hit the big screen on March 29.

Big B to launch BMC's cleanliness drive today

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will launch the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's 'Swachh Mumbai Prabhodhan Abhiyan', a drive aimed at cleaning the slum areas, here today.

Bachchan will also participate in the civic body's public awareness campaign for the drive.

BMC's standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale said, "Since Bachchan is a public figure, people will pay heed to his appeal on cleanliness measures."

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray had approached Bachchan for the drive which the actor accepted, Shewale said.

Sena, the ruling party in the BMC, has decided to launch the scheme tomorrow, which is also the birth anniversary of late party supremo Bal Thackeray, sources said.

Bachchan will inaugurate the cleanliness drive at the Mayor's bungalow in Dadar tomorrow, civic officials said.

The veteran actor will also inaugurate the virtual class room of the BMC. "As many as 400 schools will be connected through this virtual classroom," Shewale added. 

IIFA not going to Vancouver in 2013

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) has confirmed that they are not holding their
three-day film extravaganza in Vancouver this year.

Vancouver was rejected as a venue for 2013 and IIFA will be announcing the new dates and venue for this years award function soon.

Recently, IIFA received a copious number of emails and enquiries from fans in Canada and around the world for tickets to the awards.

But Wizcraft International, organisers of the event, confirmed that the city is out of the running for June 2013.

The bidding process for the awards is currently on with a number of countries from the Middle East, South America, Europe and Africa vying for the biggest extravaganza of Indian
Cinema to come to their city.

In 2011, IIFA successfully forayed into North America, marking its premiere in Canada, in the city of Toronto.

"We are truly excited about the bids we have received from various countries. The decision is subject to many contributing factors that are required of a host destination in terms of support-initiatives for Hindi cinema production, funding and distribution; event-funding, support, facilitation, and infrastructure.

"We are committed to the film Industry and hosting an IIFA in any destination must meet the larger interests of Indian Cinema and a spectacular-staging of the annual celebration," said Sabbas Joseph, Director, IIFA and Wizcraft International.

A number of destinations have played host to IIFA in the past including London, Yorkshire, Johannesburg, Dubai, Amsterdam, Singapore, Bangkok, Colombo and Macau. 

'GoW' star Manoj Bajpai gets international film offers

Manoj Bajpai, who garnered critical acclaim for his potrayal of a ganglord in 'Gangs of Wasseypur', has received several acting offers from abroad, courtesy filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.

'GoW' was premiered at 65th Cannes International Film Festival and screened at Sydney Film Festival among others. The film seems to have been instrumental in getting Bajpai noticed by foreign filmmakers.

"I have received offers...I am going through a script. It has come from an American independent filmmaker and not from any studio. I would love to do an international film,"
Bajpai told PTI.

His portrayal of Sardar Khan in the revenge drama won him a lot of accolades.

"I think somewhere Anurag Kashyap is my ticket to international films. I keep pestering him to get me scripts. I have got offers and that came through Anurag," the 43-year-old actor said.

Actors like Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan are doing Hollywood projects. Bajpai, who is known for playing off-beat and unconventional roles is perfectly fine doing small roles in international projects.

"I remember telling Tabu that if I get to do one scene in Oscar winning director Ang Lee's film I will do it. As I believe life is short I don't know when I will get next chance," he said.

"I did 'Veer Zaara' for Yash Chopra. I did the film thinking when will I get opportunity to get directed by Yash Chopra...so I did it purely for him. It was just to get an experience of working with him. But at the same time one should feel the urge to do the film," he said.

The actor will be seen next in Neeraj Pandey's 'Special Chabbis'.

Marriage won't affect my work: Vidya Balan

Newly wed Vidya Balan, who stars opposite Emraan Hashmi in upcoming comedy 'Ghanchakkar', says that her marriage won't have a bearing on her career in Bollywood.

'Ishqiya' and 'The Dirty Picture' showed Vidya at her boldest and helped her win a lot of awards.

When asked if she would be ok doing bold roles or kissing scenes post marriage, Vidya said, "I am an actor and I am married are two different things. Both of us (Siddharth and I) respect each other and our work."

The comedy directed by Rajkumar Gupta releases on June 21. This is Vidya's first film after her marriage.

"This film is special in a way as it's releasing after marriage. It was great working with Emraan this time," she said.

The 35-year-old would be seen playing a Punjabi housewife in the film.

"My character is loud, boisterous and she feels she knows everything. She wears her heart on her sleeve. It is first time I am attempting something like this," she said.

The actress tied the knot with Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV in December last year. 

HC abates 10-yr-old IT appeal case against Rajesh Khanna

The Bombay High Court yesterday abated (nullified) a ten-year-old Income Tax appeal case against Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna considering his death last year.

In 2003, the Income Tax department had approached the High Court challenging Khanna's acquittal from a case registered against him for his alleged involvement in investment of a benami property, Ashirwad Mini Theatre, in suburban Juhu in March 1983.

According to prosecution, Khanna had not disclosed his income from the mini theatre and had carried out a benami transaction and invested Rs 3.51 lakh in two different years in the theatre, in the name of his wife Dimple Kapadia.

During the trial, Khanna himself deposed before the court and submitted that he was not concerned with the theatre and had not invested any money. Dimple Kapadia had also deposed and denied all charges against Khanna.

On December 27, 2000, additional chief metropolitan magistrate C L Thool acquitted Khanna from the case due to lack of evidence following which the Income Tax department filed an appeal in High Court.

The appeal yesterday came up for hearing before Justice A M Thipsay, who abated it, considering the fact that the accused (Khanna) had already died.

Khanna (69) died on July 18 last year due to failing health.