Bollywood stars ecstatic over National Awards glory

Great, Amazing, Fabulous and Wow -- these were some of the expressions that Bollywood stars, directors and filmmakers came out with after receiving their National Awards at a ceremony here Friday evening.

Film, TV industry contributed $6 bn to economy in 2008-09

The film and television industry contributed over $6.2 billion (Rs.28,305 crore) to the Indian economy and created nearly 1.8 million jobs in 2008-2009, a new report released here Friday said.

Big B inaugurates IIFA voting

Amitabh Bachchan, who counts 3 Idiots and Kaminey as amongst his favourite films of last year, Friday inaugurated voting for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) 2010 awards..

Kareena is highest taxpaying actress

Kareena Kapoor has become the highest taxpayer among all actresses in Bollywood, a source said Friday.

Priyanka makes TV debut as 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' host

Actress Priyanka Chopra will make her debut on small screen as the host of the adventure reality show Fear Factor- Khatron Ke Khiladi

'Prince' will prevail despite IPL: Producer

Producer Kumar Taurani is pulling out all stops for his next film, the Vivek Oberoi-starrer Prince He is releasing it simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, not taking the IPL threat seriously.

Shah Rukh receives Global Entertainment award

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was presented the Global Entertainment and Media Personality award at the FICCI Frames 2010 Excellence Awards here Thursday.

I'm taking Shah Rukh, Hrithik's legacy forward: Ranbir

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has replaced superstar Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador of Pepsi and actor Hrithik Roshan in ITC's John Players, feels obliged to get the opportunity to take forward their legacy.

Twitter gives Parvin Dabbas title for his film

Bollywood celebs like Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar are on Twitter to connect with friends and fans, but actor Parvin Dabbas found a novel way to use it - he got a title for his directorial venture thanks to the social networking site.

'Amar Chitra Katha' to come alive on TV

Amar Chitra Katha comics, which have entertained generations with interesting historical tales, epics and fables, is all set to come alive on television through Cartoon Network.

Bipasha sports nine looks in 'Pankh' (With Images)

Priyanka Chopra played 12 characters in What's Your Raashee and now Bipasha Basu is doing much the same in pankh where she sports nine different looks.

Actor Dharmendra admitted to hospital, discharged (Lead)

Veteran actor Dharmendra was Wednesday admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education (PGIMER) here following chest pain.

I have grown up in awe of Sushmita Sen: Amrita Rao

She has completely revamped her looks and broken out of her shy and coy image, but for actress Amrita Rao, her Main Hoon Na co-star Sushmita Sen is the ultimate style icon and someone she has grown up in awe of.

Shah Rukh Khan urges Bollywood to learn from Hollywood

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan Tuesday urged Indian filmmakers to learn from Hollywood and offered a three-point prescription which could help the globalization of Bollywood movies.

Vivek Oberoi meets Jaipur's royal family

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and Kumar Taurani, the producer of his upcoming movie Prince, met the royal family of Jaipur on a visit to the pink city recently.

Farah Khan Ali is fashion week's 'Wills Twitter Face

Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali's addiction to micro-blogging site Twitter has paid off. She has been named the 'Wills Twitter Face' for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) later this month to give live updates on the event.

Bollywood, Raj Kapoor famous in Africa, says music troupe

This is their first trip to India but members of BBC Sound System, a band from Senegal, have seen many Bollywood films, love the sound of tabla and say Raj Kapoor is famous back home.

Aamir Khan's wish list on his birthday

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who turned 45 Sunday, has an assorted wish list on his birthday -- he wants to learn a couple of languages, spend time with family and learn cooking from his aami

Shahid is draw for children's film 'Paathshala'

Children's films without stars don't make it big at the box office and that's a prime reason why choreographer Ahmad Khan roped in Shahid Kapoor for his first production Paathshala

Subhash Ghai to change actors' pay structure

Showman Subhash Ghai is planning a radical change in the economics of filmmaking by drafting a new pay structure for actors starring in his films.

Shilpa Shetty to launch new club in Mumbai

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has announced her latest venture on micro-blogging site Twitter. She is all set to open a new club called Royalty in Mumbai with her businessman husband Raj Kundra.

How Rakesh Roshan named his film 'Kites'

He was gazing at the sky, looking at kites flying and the moment inspired filmmaker Rakesh Roshan to pen down his forthcoming romantic saga Kites about love going beyond boundaries and cultures.

Harman, Kareena named worst actors at Golden Kela awards

Bollywood actor Harman Baweja was named worst actor and Kareena Kapoor got the worst actress title Friday night at the second annual Golden Kela awards, a spin-off on Hollywood's Razzies.

I won't be celebrating my birthday: Aamir

Superstar Aamir Khan won't celebrate his 45th birthday Sunday.I will not be celebrating my birthday this year, Aamir told IANS over e-mail from Mumbai.

Priyanka nervous about Saat Khoon Maaf (Film Snippets)

Actress Priyanka Chopra says she is unnerved about her role in Vishal Bharadwaj's Saat Khoon Maaf, in which she will have seven husbands.

Raajneeti not a dry political drama: Prakash Jha

Director Prakash Jha is hell bent on making his forthcoming film a complete entertainer. He recently did a certain amount of spicing up by shooting some scenes with the lead pair Ranbir Kaporo and Katrina Kaif.

Rajeev Khandelwal getting engaged in May

Aamir fame actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who was happy being attached to his girlfriend Manjari Kamtikar, is getting engaged in May to comply with his lady love's parent's wishes.

Stories of real heroes inspire me: Aamir Khan

Bollywood star Aamir Khan, whose recent release 3 Idiots took a critical look at India's education system, says that he gets inspired by stories of real-life heroes who go beyond their limitations to bring change in one's life and in society.

Switch off lights during Earth Hour: Abhishek Bachchan

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has urged Indians to switch off lights for one hour on March 27 as part of WWF's Earth Hour 2010 campaign to support action on climate change. He says he will also request the film fraternity to stop shooting schedules during that period.

Big B to get lifetime award at Muscat film fest

Amitabh Bachchan will receive a lifetime achievement award at the sixth edition of the Muscat International Film Festival starting March 13.

Dozen 'Indian Idol' aspirants injured

Over a dozen people were injured here Tuesday when thousands of boys and girls gathered for the audition of music reality show Indian Idol rushed into the venue causing a stampede, police said.

I'm a big fan of Shah Rukh: Akon

International R&B singer Akon, who is here to record songs for Shah Rukh Khan's film Ra.One, says he is a big fan of the Bollywood superstar and that he will not only have shows in India during his world tour but would also do more work here soon.

Superhero film 'Ra.One' for my kids: Shah Rukh

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is excited about his first superhero film Ra.One, which will also see him flying. And he says he is doing it for his children and hopes to succeed at the box office.

Aarya Babbar moves from playing convict to cop

After playing a convict in Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail, Bollywood actor Aarya Babbar is now excited about being a cop in Farah Khan's light-hearted film Tees Maar Khan.

Akshay Kumar to endorse LG's flat TV

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has been chosen to endorse LG Electronics' Flat Panel Displays (FPDs) because the company feels he represents the brand very well.

Deepika doesn't believe in size zero

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is blessed with a good figure, says she does not believe in being size zero as the Indian body type is not meant for it.

New Mrs.Rahul Mahajan wants him to enter politics

Rahul Mahajan's newlywed wife Dimpy Ganguly, whom he married on a highly-watched and much talked about reality show, wants her husband to pursue a political career like his father, late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, rather than be in show business.

'Nervous' Vivek Oberoi strolls on runway for Digvijay Singh

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi Saturday took a casual walk on the runway for designer Digvijay Singh's show at the Lakme Fashion Week and admitted that he was very nervous while sashaying down the ramp.

I want Salman Khan, others to see 'Thanks Maa': Director

The young protagonist of his film Thanks Maa is a Salman Khan fan and the movie has several posters of the actor as well. Now director Irfan Kamal is very keen that Salman watch his film as he is so important to the theme.

SRK invites people to coach his IPL team

Ahead of IPL season 3, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan Saturday invited the people to coach his Kolkata Knight Riders team and send in their suggestions for improving its performance.

Three brides in waiting - who will Rahul choose?

Three nervous hopeful brides have their fingers crossed for the big event - who among them will Rahul Mahajan choose to marry at the lavish televised wedding here Saturday night.

Bipasha traditional, looks perfect in sari: Rocky S

Bipasha Basu and Rocky S have known each other for over a decade and the designer says she looks perfect in a sari, contrary to the popular view that only western outfits suit her. And he went all the way to Kolkata to buy saris for the actress to wear in a forthcoming film.

Kajol favourite Bollywood daughter-in-law, says poll

Acclaimed Bollywood actress Kajol who is married to actor Ajay Devgn for 11 years now, was voted the favourite 'bahu' (daughter-in law) in a poll conducted by matrimonial site shaadi.com.

Big B, Guru Dutt among 25 Asian legends of silver screen

Bollywood legends Guru Dutt, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Amitabh Bachchan and Pran have been named in the list of CNN's top 25 Asian actors of all time released ahead of the Oscar night Sunday.

Walking the ramp as difficult as playing: Pankaj Advani

Indian cueist Pankaj Advani and actor Harman Baweja were the show stoppers for designer Babita Malkani's show at the Lakme Fashion Week here Friday. The ace billiards player feels walking the ramp is as difficult as playing the game.

Bipasha walks in Lakme Fashion Week inaugural show

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu sashayed on the ramp in a yellow and beige sari at the inaugural show of the Lakme Fashion Week here Friday for her close friend and designer Rocky S.

Why have seasoned actors faded away from TV?

Many seasoned Indian TV actors have been edged out by the influx of high pressure daily soaps and a younger lot who, some say, are chosen more for their looks than talent.

Obedient actress Konkona not enamoured by glamour

Konkana Sen Sharma is known for her offbeat roles and even in her commercial movie Wake up Sid she played a simple middle class girl. The two-time National Award winner doesn't crave for glamorous roles and says she is quite an obedient actress

Akshay bonds with son over cricket (Film Snippets)

Akshay Kumar surely knows how to balance his personal and professional life -- he used his free time while shooting for new movie Patiala House playing cricket with son Aarav.

Road, Movie first Hindi film to go to Tribeca: Abhay Deol

Having already traversed the world festival circuit in places such as Berlin, Tokyo, Toronto and Doha, Abhay Deol's Road, Movie has been selected for the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The movie is the first Hindi movie to go to the fest, said the actor.

Big Cinemas offers free movies on Women's Day

Big Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), is offering free movies to all women on International Women's Day Monday.

Big B shocked to see Shashi Kapoor in wheelchair

Amitabh Bachchan was shocked to see Shashi Kapoor, his co-star of Trishul, Deewar and so many other hits, confined to a wheelchair at the Filmfare awards last week.

Priyadarshan signs three-film deal with Percept

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has signed a three-film deal with Percept Picture Company (PPC) that has produced movies like Jail and Jannat

Konkona, Ranvir coming together as lead pair

Konkona Sen Sharma and actor Ranvir Shorey pair up for the first time as lead pair in a suspense thriller, which will go on floors soon.

John Abraham set to watch FIFA World Cup 2010 live

John Abraham is a huge football fan and is all set to watch the FIFA World Cup 2010 live in South Africa. And the actor would be rooting for Spaniards.

We hope to be a game changer in movie business: Anil Ambani (With Images)

Industrialist Anil Ambani, who feels movies speak a language that transcends borders, said that Reliance Entertainment will hopefully act as a game changer and help the best in the business to realise their hopes.

Pritam Chakraborty lost sleep over missing laptop

Composer Pritam Chakraborty got panicky when he misplaced his laptop containing his released, unreleased and half-finished tunes and his financial details at Kolkata airport.

Younger wife is key to happy marriage

Want your marriage to last longer? Then choose a wife who is five years younger to you and from the same cultural background, suggest experts from the Geneva School of Business.

Rani Mukherji to shoot in Malaysia

Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji will shoot a romantic film in Malaysia's Kuala Terengganu state in May.

US TV show launches Bollywood to Hollywood talent contest

Hot Chaat, an online American TV show produced by an Indian American team, has launched a Bollywood to Hollywood talent search contest.

Vivek Oberoi Prince delayed, now to release April 9

The release of actor Vivek Oberoi's much-hyped movie Prince has been delayed by post production work. The thriller has now been rescheduled for April 9 release.

Amitabh feels drawn towards Sikhism

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, whose mother was a Sikh, says he feels drawn towards the religion and wants to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar with his children Abhishek and Shweta but can't because of time constraints.

Bachchans head to London's Asian film fest

Jaya Bachchan will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the 12th London Asian Film Festival beginning Friday and son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai are set to attend the gala event.

Indian to lead filmmakers on 3D cinema project

Delhi-born documentary filmmaker Ali Kazimi, an associate professor in the department of film production at York University here, will lead a team of filmmakers for research in 3D (three-dimensional) cinema.

Atithi tum kab...? about unannounced guests ( Preview)

Ajay Devgan and Konkona Sen Sharma feel their upcoming flick Atithi tum kab jaoge? is a laugh riot that shows how young couples in Mumbai deal with an unannounced guest.

This year enjoy IPL matches live at cinema halls

Many cinema halls around the country have decided to create a stadium-like atmosphere by screening live the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

K Sera Sera to make film on Indian hockey

K Sera Sera, a film production company, Sunday announced it will make a movie on history of Indian hockey for the resurgence of the game in the country

Road, Movie about journey of cinema ( Preview)

After playing a spoilt brat in Dev D and a thief in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Abhay Deol is back to entertain viewers with his next Road, Movie, which releases Friday. But this time he plays a sheltered young man who wants to see the world and finds salvation by screening cinema across a desert.

Select few have been associated with Lux: Katrina

Bolywood actresses Katrina Kaif has joined hands with celebrities Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra as the new brand ambassador for Lux and she thinks it is only a selected lot to have had the honour

Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan claim top honours at 55th Filmfare Awards

Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan were cited as best actor and best actress respectively at the star-studded 55th Filmfare Awards ceremony here late Saturday.

Abhay Deol - one life, different takes

Regular sabbaticals, a welding course in New York and now martial arts for self-gratification - Abhay Deol, who is gearing up for his next outing Road, Movie, believes in living life in packages.

Pa giving young actors run for their money: Abhishek (Snippets)

Abhishek Bachchan, who was eagerly looking forward to see his father Amitabh's performance in Teen Patti, says the veteran actor just keeps getting better with every film even at the age of 68.

Shahid Kapoor on spiritual quest before next film

A sudden change in work schedule made Shahid Kapoor a nervous wreck last month. A timely visit to his father Pankaj Kapoor's spiritual guru in the hills however revealed to him the virtues of stillness in an overactive lifestyle.

Shun plastic, actress Gul Panag urges Mumbaikars

I believe that the type of people who stay in Mumbai and earn their living, are all aware of their surroundings and if we appeal to them with the objective of this project ?Say No To Plastic', I think they will surely be a part of it. With their cooperation, we can take forward this responsibility, Panag told reporters after the official launch of the Green Commandoes project here Thursday.

Arshad to get Rs.3 crore for Golmaal 3

Arshad Warsi has finally agreed to do Golmaal 3 after the producers agreed to pay him a whopping Rs.3 crore to be part of the film, sources said.

Shahid gets surprise party on 29th birthday (Film Snippets)

Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor, who turned 29 Thursday, was given a surprise birthday party by his family and friends.

Why don't we have Holi songs nowadays?

Holi ke rang mein, Rang barse bheege chunar wali and Holi khele Raghuveera are some popular Hindi movie songs that captured the spirit of the festival of colours on the big screen. But recent years have witnessed a dearth of songs revolving round the festival, leaving audiences with no choice but to stick to the old ones.

If you are a braveheart, Phoonk 2 can fetch you Rs.500,000

Director Ram Gopal Varma claims Phoonk 2 is scarier than Phoonk and says that the person who can watch the film without getting scared can win Rs.500,000.

After Kites, Hollywood editor for Teen Patti

First it was Anurag Basu's Kites that had Brett Ratner from Hollywood to put together the material. Now director Leena Yadav has roped in Oscar winning editor Hughes Winborne to edit her film Teen Patti, which is releasing Friday.

Rakhi Sawant's rejected suitor bags TV show

Rishikesh-based Manmohan Tiwari, who was one of the suitors on Rakhi Sawant's Swayamvar show, has bagged a role in the soon-to-be-launched show Jamunia

Aditya Narayan croons four songs in debut film Shapit

Playback singer Udit Narayan's son Aditya, who gave a scintillating dance performance at the recently held Zee Rishtey Awards, has sung four songs in Shaapit, his debut movie as a lead actor.

I knew India and its clothes inside out: Bhanu Athaiya

The ever elegant Helen swaying to Oh Haseena in black and red, Meena Kumari draped in yards of silk exuding sensuality in Sahib, Bibi Aur Ghulam and oomph girl Zeenat Aman in a transparent sari under a waterfall. The woman behind all these looks is Bhanu Rajopadhye Athaiya, India's first Oscar winner, who says she knows India and its clothes inside out

Vivek seeks soulmate and superhit

Vivek Oberoi has many wishes - he is hoping his forthcoming film Prince, which is his first solo hero movie in five years, brings positive changes in his career and he also wants to meet his soulmate soon.

Sunidhi Chauhan to feature as judge on Indian Idol 5

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan, whose career took off after she featured in a music reality show years ago, will now take centrestage as one of the three judges oi the fifth season of Indian Idol

I would love to work with Madhur Bhandarkar: Deepika Padukone

Actress Deepika Padukone dismissed reports that she is teaming up with Madhur Bhandarkar for a sequel to his film Corporate, but said if given a chance, she would love to work with the filmmaker, known for making realistic and hard-hitting movies.

Gujarat tourism gets boost from Big B

Tourism is expected to be the major beneficiary of Hindi film icon and Gujarat brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan's promotion of the state, Tourism Secretary Vipul Mitra said.

I am on right track: Producer Ritesh Sidhwani

In a short span, 39-year-old producer Ritesh Sidhwani has not only churned out successful films like Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On! but also won several honours, including two National Awards. He is well aware that it usually takes an entire life to come this far in Bollywood.

Dharmendra more father than actor, Bobby like son: Sunny (Film Snippets)

Sunny Deol might be gearing up to rub shoulders again with father Dharmendra and younger brother Bobby in laugh-riot Yamla Pagla Deewana after Apne, but the actor-turned-director says they are more family than professionals on sets.

Global financing affects creative filmmakers: Kumar Shahani

Noted filmmaker Kumar Shahani feels that global financing of movies is a stumbling block for offbeat Indians filmmakers who try to find their own voice and idioms in their films, removed from the celluloid mainstream

Konkani film a superhit at Berlin fest: Director

Konkani movie Paltadacho Munis has had an impressive response at the Berlin International Film Festival, leaving debutant filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar thrilled.

When Vatsal Seth sang Ruk ruk for Tabu

Vatsal Seth, who shared screen space with Tabu in Toh Baat Pakki, says he had fun on the sets when he sang Ruk Ruk Ruk.., the famous dance number from the leading lady's 1994 film.

Yesteryears actress Nanda makes rare appearance

Reclusive yesteryears heroine Nanda made a rare public appearance along with close friend Waheeda Rehman at the screening of Ravi Jadhav's highly acclaimed Marathi film Natrang here.

Big B demands apology for violation of journalistic norms

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is in no mood to forgive and forget daily tabloid Mumbai Mirror for allegedly invading the privacy of his daughter-in-law actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and for claiming that she can't risk pregnancy due to stomach tuberculosis. He has demanded an apology from the newspaper.

TV actor Shubhangi wants to follow in Konkona's footsteps

TV actress Shubhangi Atre, who became popular after playing title role in Kasturi says movies are her ultimate dream and that she would love to pick earthy and realistic roles just as Konkona Sen Sharma.

Aishwarya back to work, hubby blasts media

Aishwarya Rai is back to gruelling shooting schedules for Vipul Shah's Action Replayy after her brief illness.

Tabu happy to be called sensuous

Tabu's fans find her sensuous despite the actress sometimes playing non-glamorous as in The Namesake. The two-time national award winner is happy with the tag.

Sanjay Dutt to star in political thriller?

Vivek Agnihotri, who is all set to direct political thriller Freedom based on the events of the last three decades, says Sanjay Dutt may play an important role in it.

Vidya moves into new home, plans series of sit-in dinners

Vidya Balan, who recently moved into her new four-bedroom place in Khar here, says instead of throwing a housewarming party she will invite her friends in different groups for dinners so that they can enjoy themselves thoroughly.

I'm so used to not winning that nomination is enough: Katrina

Katrina Kaif, who has bagged a nomination at the upcoming 55th Filmfare Awards in best actor category for her role in New York, says she is happy with the nomination and won't mind if someone else wins the trophy.

Peepli Live gets strong reception at Berlin film fest

Bollywood star Aamir Khan's production venture Peepli Live a strong satire on farmers' suicides in India, received a hearty reception at the press screening during the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival.

111 films competing for 55th Filmfare Awards

A total of 111 films are competing in 37 categories at the 55th Filmfare Awards 2009 to be held here Feb 27, an organiser said here Wednesday night.