Anil Kapoor set to play Indian Sherlock

By Hindustan Times

He is thought of as probably the most world’s most classy detectives. Or even as Sherlock Holmes becomes a blockbuster franchise, Robert Downey Jr is ready to have an Indian counterpart. Apparently, a Hollywood film titled The Indian Sherlock, in keeping with writer-journalist Tarquin Hall’s mystery novels, is
set to take off soon.

While director Anand Tucker of Bissextile year and Shopgirl (2005) fame, who's half-Indian and half-German, may be directing the movie adaptation, the filmmakers have got involved with Anil Kapoor to play the lead role in it. But insiders maintain Kapoor is yet to have an in depth conversation with the director and author.

“Anil sir has not committed to the project, but he intends to satisfy the director and writer in La in May to take the discussion forward,” says a member of Anil’s entourage. On the moment, the actor is busy wrapping up Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout At Wadala before starting the shoot of Roger Donaldson’s Cities, which also stars Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst.

Like Hall’s books, The Indian Sherlock could be a mystery-thriller based in modern India. The tale revolves across the investigation methods of the Punjabi character, Vish Puri.When contacted, Kapoor confirmed the development.

“Yes, I'VE BEEN approached, but nothing is finalised yet. Let’s see how things go,” says the actor. Insiders say that the Slumdog Millionaire (2008) actor is happy concerning the storyline.

Who’s Vish Puri?
He’s portly, persistent and unmistakably Punjabi. A self-confessed master of disguise, India’s Most Private Detective neither shies from putting himself within the way of danger nor from indulging his appetite for all things fried and spicy. Together with his team of undercover operatives — Tubelight, Flush and Facecream, Puri solves cases in his own quirky manner.

Shahid Kapoor gets injured!

By Hindustan Times

Shahid Kapoor appears to be dealing with workout woes - the actor sustained four injuries while training.

"4 injuries while training this week lil finger ankle wrist n bak ... But no excuses ... Learn how to dance within the rain," tweeted Shahid.

The actor is gearing up for his next release, Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani.

Meanwhile, he has reportedly filed a police complaint against Vastavikta Pandit, daughter of legendary actor Raaj Kumar, for stalking him.

Aamir Khan's debut TV show has competition

By Hindustan Times

International formats was ruling TV shows of late, from Kaun Banega Crorepati via Indian Idol and Sach Ka Saamna to Bigg Boss. Now yet another international format leaps directly to the bandwagon, though that is somewhat different. All Is easily (AIW), that goes on air on Colors this Sunday, is an interactive chat show concerned about health. The programme features Los Angeles-based Dr Sonu Ahluwalia demystifying ailments and lifestyle-related diseases, offering simple solutions and explanations to queries.

The show may even feature celebrities talking about their ailments and sharing their experiences.“The endeavour is to succeed in out to the masses,” says Dr Ahluwalia, the manager of orthopedic surgery on the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, La. “In the last three years, I’ve been desirous to do greater than just my job. Within the show, now we have balanced dry medical preachy talk with interesting and private stories of real life experiences to inspire people. For instance, I'M HOPING people learn the abilities they’ll need for medical emergencies through AIW.”

Catering to all age groups, the show will specially do something about health issues relevant to Indian audiences. Though new to television, Ahluwalia is confident of facing the camera. Interestingly, AIW’s show timing will clash with Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate that is on Star Plus. The latter is an hour-and-a-half long show so one can air at 11 am while AIW, occurring air at 12 noon, may face tough competition for the half-an-hour slot between 12 and 12.30pm.

Ask Ahluwalia if he’s worried concerning the TRPs of his show and he laughingly replies, “I think he (Aamir) has to fret a lot!” More seriously, he adds, “I think the time slot is ideal as no person is rushing to work or returning home tired. I'M confident that after people watch the show, they are going to become regular viewers.”

Ahluwalia’s celebrity clientele includes Hollywood biggies similar to Brad Pitt, Owen Wilson, Matthew Perry, Mel Brooks, Shakira and Tiger Woods. He has also treated Hrithik Roshan and Sunny Deol among others — that's why his celebrity friends from India may be a part of the show.

But Ahluwalia claims his goal within the show was not to have a celeb element. “The show promotes healthy living and that i don’t want the audience to be distracted by celebrities.” And in keeping with him, just one ‘real’ celebrity came at the show. “That’s Salman Khan, who's a pal. And he brought a large number of fun to it.”

AIW’s celebrity list includes Hrithik Roshan’s elder sister Sunaina who will discuss surviving cervical cancer, and tennis champion Sania Mirza, who will discuss her wrist and knee injuries.

DISEASES DEMYSTIFIED
Heart diseases
Osteoporosis
Obesity
Depression
Post-traumatic stress
Cervical cancer
Emergencies at home

Would really like to do a romantic film: Ajay Devgn

By Hindustan Times

Ajay Devgn, who have been doing action and comedy films lately, says he's keen to star in a romantic movie but he's not being offered good scripts.

The Bollywood star gave romantic hits like Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Dil Kya Kare and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam at first of his career
but his past few hits like Golmaal 3 and Singham has been of comedy and action genre.

"I haven't heard a fair script in a very long time. I DON'T BELIEVE people come to me with a large number of romantic characters. I'D have an interest in playing one if the tale is good," Ajay told PTI.

The 43-year-old's upcoming film Tezz may be an action drama starring Kangana Ranaut, Sameera Reddy, Anil Kapoor and Zayed Khan. The film releases tomorrow.

"I just came back from a 50 day outdoor shoot of Son Of Sardar so I DID NOT really know what was happening with Tezz. Then I saw the film and it has shaped up rather well. It's an action drama where the bottom and the emotion could be very strong," Ajay said.

"I have done the action sequences myself as I usually do my stunts myself. I enjoy doing it. Also, Tezz didn't have something so difficult that I COULD NOT manage," he added.

Ajay, who have been within the industry for greater than twenty years and has had his share of flops, says there has been never some degree in his career where he felt things have come to an end.

"I have never been in a situation where I felt that I should surrender. Everybody has there lows. Once I started, my first film was a large hit and after that the ball kept rolling... Two films didn't work nevertheless it never mattered to me.

"It's not that I DID NOT have work or I USED TO BE not being offered movies. I USED TO BE refusing films so I SUPPOSE I'VE BEEN very lucky that I never faced a situation where I felt that it is the end," he said.

Paan Singh Tomar is the most efficient movie of the year, feels Kahaani writer

By Hindustan Times

The film Kahaani, for which she wrote the story, grossed Rs. 54.55 crore. Advaita Kala, also considered a pioneer of India's chick lit genre, says women also are heroes and wish better representation in Bollywood.

"A woman can't be used as a commodity and cast in a undeniable mould. The hero must acknowledge the heroine for the reason that women also are heroes. The gender-sensitive mindsets in Indian cinema should go," Kala told IANS in an interview citing Kahaani as an example.

It is no surprise that she struck the best chord with the tale of a pregnant Vidya Bagchi in search of her husband at the streets of Kolkata in Kahaani as she had wowed readers along with her maiden novel Almost Single in 2009. It had reportedly sold greater than 100,000 copies.

Kala, whose novel speaks for the ability of 30-something single working women in India during the genre of "chick lit", says "women will need to have better representation in Bollywood. A GREAT heroine is one that can express her sexuality."

Now she is about woo television audiences and says the script of her serial is unusual.

"It was an ideal experience conceiving the tale of Kahaani, but now I'M waiting for a script for a brand new television serial that i'm writing. I hate looking back," Kala told IANS.

"The concept of the tv script I'M engaged on may be very unusual. The producers are backing the correct of script. It's creeping in - the power to think out of the box," she added.

The young writer rates the brand new movie scripts in Bollywood high at the creative scale and said, "The scripts now are very interesting."

Although director Sujoy Ghosh's movie Kahaani turned the economics of the box office by running to packed houses for greater than four weeks and earning Rs.54.55 crore, the author votes Paan Singh Tomar because the" best movie of the year".

As far as Kahaani is concerned, she said: "I had met Sujoy Ghosh around 2009 and he encouraged me to conceive the movie." But now she slams the lid firmly back at the Kahaani experience saying the long run was more important and desires to position Kahaani behind.

"Kahaani is past for me," she added with a trace of wistfulness.

Kala doesn't find travelling across genres difficult, including "participatory journalism".

"I do the similar things. I create characters and dialogues in scripts. My books have numerous dialogue in addition. It's basically the way it reaches the audience. The genres are just about the similar. I'M a storyteller," she said.

The writer "almost completed work " on her new novel, which isn't chick lit.

She has arrange a book club for power women, on the way to meet this week to talk about" a gamut of issues from literature to gender".

As an author, problems with copyright occupy Kala greater than anything else.

"The copyright laws for writers on this country must change. Writers have to be empowered and contracts must be looked into. I DO KNOW government lawyers are engaged on it," Kala, who's in her early 30s, said.

The proven fact that writers are sometimes on the receiving end of the publishing chain has so much to do with the literary culture, the writer-scriptwriter said.

"The writer and the content creator should be looked upon in a more favourable light. Lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar's campaign for change within the copyright structure to offer protection to authors and performers must be applauded," added .

She, however, refused to touch upon whether she had faced any copyright-related issues.

'Laila' Mallika Sherawat back in Tezz!

By Hindustan Times

Director Priyadarshan who didn't wish the Laila song to join Tezz has apparently relented to its inclusion. The producer and the director had a gathering on Monday to solve the issue, reports Mumbai Mirror.

“The song was shot with Priyan's approval. I went to Wai to fulfill him, and he had no objection to it. He was present in the course of the post production too. I'M on excellent terms with him and he's now promoting the film in numerous cities,” Ratan Jain has confirmed to the tabloid.

Director Priyadarshan recently said Mallika's item number within the film was not required and was added only for promotions.

"I never wanted the object song within the film however the producers (Ratan Jain of Venus) said we're a musical company and hence it came within the film. They went ahead with it and producers naturally are always right as they spend money at all times. I DIDN'T need to do it, in order that they shot it without me, but that may be fine," Priyadarshan had told PTI in an interview.

"The song in Tezz isn't needed. It's placed with none connection. But such things they do for promotions.. and that's what they mean. Tezz isn't a musical film.. it's an action film, in order that they feel item songs and all are important for promotion. So I DO NOT know whether or not they are right or me," he had said.

Mallika is seen grooving in a copper outfit to the thing number sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and composed by music duo Sajid-Wajid. Reportedly, three names had cropped for this song – Mallika Sherawat, Sameera Reddy and Jiah Khan.

The filmmaker insists he's not against the theory of getting item numbers in a movie but all he says is there should be cause of it to be a part of the movie.

"I am basically against item songs, which can be installed the film with none reason. I'VE also shot item numbers, but only when it's needed. It will go together with the film and it's going to not stand separately with none reference to the movie," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan summoned by Jaipur court for smoking in public

By Hindustan Times

The additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) court in Jaipur has summoned Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for smoking within the stadium during an IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.

The Kolkata Knight Riders owner was caught smoking in public on April 8 within the Sawai Man Singh Stadium. Anand Singh Rathore, director of Jaipur Cricket Academy, had filed a complaint against him.

"Smoking publicly is banned in Rajasthan since 2000. However, Shah Rukh Khan was smoking publicly in front of thousands of spectators. The actor was broadcast live while smoking at the TV channel which was showing the match," said lawyer Nem Singh Rathore who filed the complaint on behalf of Rathore.

If found guilty, SRK can easily escape with an outstanding of Rs. 500.

I DID NOT really take a look at Agent Vinod as a dream or anything: Saif Ali Khan

By Hindustan Times

Actor Saif Ali Khan, whose debut home production Agent Vinod didn't create magic on the Box Office, says he never considered the film as his dream project. The 41-year-old star was riding high on his solo project before it's release, which also starred real-life girlfriend Kareena
Kapoor.

"To be honest I DID NOT really take a look at Agent Vinod as a dream or anything. It was a movie which came with numerous intellectual ideas. I WISHED to bring a brand new facet of the actor in me which has played a variety of comic and romantic characters within the past.

"The idea was to play a hero of a unique kind and convey a high quality product. That is the roughly offering I WISHED to come back with," Saif told PTI. The actor, who has signed three films - Race 2, Cocktail and Judwaa 2, feels that is a thrilling period in his career as he has many interesting projects in his hands. Agent Vinod was never a dream project: Saif Ali Khan

"These are exciting times and there are plenty of interesting films that I MIGHT be kick-starting soon. Race 2 is popping out well and with Abbas-Mustan on the helm of affairs, will probably be a trendy and fun affair.

Then there may be Judwaa 2 that is going to be quite a challenge because it gets me into an altogether different zone in comparison to a couple of the flicks that I'VE done within the recent past. However, after letting my hair down in Pungi, I'M confident that the audience will accept a unique side of me," Saif said.

judwaa 2 is a sequel to the Salman Khan-starrer 1997 film.

Item songs became the face of flicks: RGV

By Hindustan Times

Director Ram Gopal Varma feels that though the object songs are intended to spice up overall entertainment value, they have got now become the face of modern films.

"The technical definition of item songs is they are meant to be an item and to provide hype and extra bonus to a
film. But in today's times item song has become face of the film. But in Department the object song comes in keeping with the situation," Varma told PTI.

RGV is all praise for the Brazilian-Indian model Nathalia Kaur whose sensuous number Dan Dan in Department is fast becoming a rage.However, greater than the song, the director seems more impressed with Nathalia's sizzling performance and is promoting her.

"Right now the promotion is occurring due to the item song that may be on air. The theory of selling Nathalia is to advertise the song. No film is eventually made without the aim of selling certain actor. It's the marketing team that decides tips on how to promote the film and all," he said.

Dan Dan song is the primary song that i'm promoting after Khallas and it's the second item song that I did. Like I said, item song has become face of the film. The promotion of the article number and that of Nathalia's go hand-in-hand, he said.

The much-hyped number from Department launching Nathalia is, however, not original. The song Dan Dan Dana Dan was in line with Aasai Nooru Vagai, the song featuring Rajinikanth in 1983 film Adutha Varisu.
"The song was the largest hit of all times for Ranjinikanth. I'VE BEEN an enormous fan of him and the song. It's almost 30 years that the song came up. So all of us thought if lets do something with the song it might be good. I FEEL ideas never become older; it is only the packaging and presentation that gets updated with technology and times," the director said.

Ranbir Kapoor's superhero is Chulbul Pandey

By Hindustan Times

Guess who’s the superhero of Bollywood’s ‘Rockstar’ Ranbir Kapoor?

“My favourite Superhero character is Chulbul Pandey from Dabangg,” Ranbir recently admitted at the first episode of latest show, Front Row with Anupama Chopra on Star World. He however added that he’s not a large fan of superhero flicks, and neither does he have the need to behave in a single.

Aamir Khan falls off stage at auto driver's son's wedding!

By Hindustan Times

Superstar Aamir Khan fell down when dias arrange for the marriage of the son of his friend, auto-rickshaw driver Ram Lakhan, collapsed because of overcrowding.

The 47-year-old star was unhurt and laughed off the incident, saying the total arrangement was good.

Aamir was within the city to wait the wedding to maintain his promise to Lakhan whom he met while promoting his 2009 hit 3 Idiots.

Dressed in blue denim and white kurta, the 47-year-old actor reached the marriage venue at Mehmurganj's Chaurasiya marriage hall post midnight.

Aamir was purported to reach there by 9.30pm but he got delayed as he needed to travel by road from Patna, said Lakhan.

The actor hugged his friend and felicitated the newly weds Rajiv and his bride, Vijayta before posing for the paparazzi. It was a utter chaos on the wedding as crowd and media had gathered to get a glimpse of the actor.

Aamir, who's ready to make his television debut with Satyamev Jayate, denied that his decision to wait the marriage had anything to do with the promotion of his show.

"This is the marriage of my friend Ramlakhan Paswan's son. I HAVE NEVER come here to advertise any upcoming serial or movie. I'M here to wait the ceremony. I met Ram lakhan through the promotion of three Idiots. He came to my house to ask me for the marriage 365 days ago. I wish the bride and groom the perfect. Especially the bride, who may find happiness," he said. Aamir, who stayed on the venue for almost half an hour, said

Varanasi has got a distinct place in his heart as his mother was born here."Varanasi is my mother's birthplace. Where is expensive to me and that i share a unique relationship with it," the actor said.

The grand old lady: Zohra Sehgal

By Hindustan Times

Veteran actress Zohra Sehgal, whose spirited performance in lots of a movie and stage production has entertained audiences during the last seven decades, turned 100 on Friday.

Sehgal, who has starred in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dil Se and Cheeni Kum, was last seen in Sanjay
Leela Bhansali's Sawariyaa (2007).

She was born on April 27, 1912, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, third of her seven siblings - and grew up in Chakrata, now in Uttarakhand (near Dehradun).

She began her career as a dancer with Uday Shankar in 1935 and performed across Japan, Egypt, Europe and the U.S.. She married scientist, painter and dancer Kameshwar Sehgal in August 1942. The couple had two children, Kiran and Pavan.

Considered the doyenne of theatre, Sehgal acted with Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and Prithviraj Kapoor's Prithvi Theatre for fourteen years.

She was active in theatre mostly, but in addition did a couple of films in between. She choreographed for a couple of Hindi films as well, including Guru Dutt's Baazi (1951) and the dream sequence song in Raj Kapoor's film Awaara.

Sehgal moved to London on a drama scholarship in 1962, where she appeared in lots of TV productions including The Jewel within the Crown, Tandoori Nights and My Beautiful Laundrette.

Returning to India within the mid-1990s, Sehgal acted in numerous films, plays and television series.

Her film credits include Masala (1991), Dillagi (1999), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Bend it Like Beckham (2002), and Veer-Zaara (2004).

Known for her feisty spirit and zest for life, Zohra spread smiles together with her roles in Sawariyaa and Cheeni Kum even on the age of 94.

Sehgal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998. She was subsequently honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2002) and Padma Vibhushan, the second one highest civilian award in 2010.

In 2008, she was named the Laadli of the Century by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF)-Laadli Media Awards.

Incidentally, Sehgal's 100th birthday is available in the year when Cinema may be celebrating its completion of a century.

B-Town celebs invited to fulfill UN Sec Gen Ban Ki-moon

By Hindustan Times

Nita Ambani is anticipated to host a different evening for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who's on a three-day trip to India.

"As per his itinerary, he's going to meet some key business leaders committed to the advance of medical conditions for girls and youngsters - a subject matter rather with reference to Nita Ambani's heart. And thus, it'll only be natural for Mrs Ambani to host a different evening for Ban Ki-moon at Antilla," reported Mumbai Mirror.

Some key personalities from the film industry also are invited.

"Among the important thing invitees from Bollywood are Aamir Khan and wife Kiran Rao. Shabana Azmi, who were actively supporting the problem of kid survival, might be there with husband Javed Akhtar. Yash Chopra, Vidya Balan, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Ronnie Screwvala and Zarina Mehta are reportedly at the Ambanis' guestlist as well," reported the tabloid.

Well, combination of Bollywood with UN sounds interesting!

SRK, Ajay Devgn to clash on Diwali!

By Hindustan Times

Bollywood is gearing up for a battle royale. This Diwali, Ajay Devgn’s home production, SOS — Son Of Sardar, takes on Yash Chopra’s untitled comeback movie starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. Ajay’s unperturbed by the competition, saying there’s space for 2 films at the big weekend.

“Diwali’s been lucky for me with films like Golmaal Returns (2008), The entire Best (2009) and Golmaal 3. Rascals (2011), that released last Dussera, had a vulgar streak, I’ll never do a movie like that again,” says Ajay. “I don’t learn about their (YRF’s) film, but SOS is a comic book love story with quite a lot of action, an ideal festival film.”

Ajay Devgn in Tezz
Meanwhile, Tezz that was to reach on December 23, then January 26 and March 23, is finally opening today. For the reason that Ajay has no plans to bypass a Diwali clash with SRK, why was he hesitant to tackle Don 2, Agneepath and Agent Vinod?

“There was no way Tezz will have pop out before. Despite the fact that I STOPPED it before leaving for a two-month SOS schedule, the film was not ready till March,” says Ajay. “I was mentally prepared for an April release.”

Tezz has action stunts designed by the Hollywood duo Gareth Milne (Bourne Ultimatum and Bourne Identity) and Peter Pedrero (stunt co-ordinator of The Bourne Supremacy and has worked at the Harry Potter series). Typically Ajay hasn’t been talking about them.

“For me, a technician is a technician. There’s no dearth of them in India. With Hollywood’s budgets and kit they’d be good. Tezz has some risky stunts but I’m comfortable doing action. It’s easier than dancing!” he grins.

But there’ll be a number of ‘ta-thaiaya’ dancing within the Himmatwala remake that starts in August. He smiles, “Our Himmatwala is a normal ‘masala’ action movie.”

Action is the keyword with Tezz, Bol Bachchan, Himmatwala and SOS all packing a punch, along side Singham Returns. A sequel to last year’s blockbuster is at the way. He confirms, “Yes, we’re engaged on the Singham 2 script. It will roll next year.”

Akshay Kumar is our guy, says Delhi!

By Hindustan Times

Dilli da puttar Akshay Kumar is the city’s best choice for its brand ambassador. After the Maharashtra government approached actor Hrithik Roshan to be the face of the state, we conducted a survey among 200 young respondents to seek out who the Capital wants as its brand ambassador, and Akki, who grew up within the Capital, emerged the highest contender with a clean 62% sweep. Other top contenders for the spot include actors Aamir Khan (17%), Salman Khan (10%) and Anushka Sharma (6%). Other actors who're endorsing states are Amitabh Bachchan for Gujarat, Shah Rukh Khan for West Bengal and Preity Zinta for Himachal Pradesh.

“Akshay is a Delhiite to the core, and sets an example for all of the state — he made it big with none godfather. So who better than him to symbolize the state?” says Kunal Bhatia, a DU student. “Akshay grew up in Chandni Chowk, which will hook up with him. Moreover, he's also straightforward and straightforward just the way in which Delhiites are,” says Sumedha, a student of Amity college.

The city’s P3 regulars agree. Actor and model Jas Arora says, “It should be Akshay Kumar. He's from Delhi, is an ardent foodie and an entire Punjabi at heart.” Navin Ansal, entrepreneur, says, “Akshay Kumar is your best option as he's from Old Delhi and has the actual Dilliwala spirit.”

Bollywood also involves his support: “Akshay Kumar need to be Delhi’s face, since the city adores him,” says filmmaker Sajid Khan.

Some, however, feel Delhi doesn't desire a celebrity face. “I don’t think a celebrated city like Delhi needs a brand ambassador. And if there should be one, I'D vouch for a standard Dilliwala, like a cab driver,” says Anuja Chauhan, author. Designer Rina Dhaka says, “We should pick an unsung hero who has led to a large change within the city.”