Top Bollywood Artists

Movies about Indian cinema's legendary personalities are still a rarity. And one of those rare attempts is being made by Deepti Naval - she is keenly interested in making a non-fictional movie on the life and times of that amazingly naturalistic actor Balraj Sahni, but facing certain problems.

Deepti, who is aesthetically motivated by Balraj Sahni's natural performances, has been researching his life for years. Just when she was ready to put all her research material on screen for the immortal actor's birth centenary this month, a hurdle has placed in Deepti's plans by Balraj Sahni's son Parikshat Sahni.

Deepti revealed, "I was really keen on making a film on Balraj Sahni. But when I approached his son Parikshat for his consent, he told me he had already given the filming rights on his father's life to another producer. He didn't think it was right for me to do a film when someone else is committed to do the same. I agree. But we're trying to find a solution to the deadlock, because I'm really keen to do this."

Years ago, Simi Garewal made a documentary called "Living Legend Raj Kapoor" and Sandip Ray did one on Kishore Kumar.

Deepti, who was lately seen in a minuscule role in Yash Raj Films' "Aurangzeb", tells some of her important scenes have been cut from the movie.

"But I've no regrets. I did it because of my regards for Mr. Yash Chopra. He was always very sweet and kind to me," told the actress of movies like "Saath Saath" and "Chashme Buddoor".

The actress tells mainstream cinema has always had a problem positioning her.

"That's why I keep running back to the more realistic cinema. It's okay to do a small role in mainstream cinema like 'Aurangzeb' or 'Yaariyan'. But its movies like Rituparno Ghosh's 'Memories Of March' and Avinash Kumar Singh's 'Listen, Amaya' that sustain me as an actress," told Deepti. She is now looking forward to the release of Shekhar Suman's "Heartless".

"'Heartless' is a rare commercial movie where I have a substantial role," she further added. 

This is surely unheard of. Before hitting the road, Sujoy Ghosh apologized to his fans in advance for boring them with his silly tweets during long drive to work.

"Long drive to work. Like really long. So apologies in advance if random crap tweet happens. Boring time lies ahead," Ghosh, who rose to fame with 2012 hit "Kahaani", wrote on Twitter.

He is likely to come up with a sequel to "Kahaani" soon.

Singer-actress Sophie Choudry is overjoyed after receiving a gift from actress Malaika Arora Khan.

Sophie, 32, posted that she got a gift from Malaika's online fashion store - The closet, but refused to reveal what exactly the gift was.

"The fab Malaika Arora Khan sent me a little something from her clothing label, The closet Label.com! Not telling you what," Choudry posted. 

What is actor Arshad Warsi thrilled about? Shooting last schedule of his forthcoming film "Mr Joe B Carvalho" in Goa.

He loves the city so much that he won't mind shooting in the heat.

"Good morning, off to Goa for the last schedule of 'Mr Joe B Carvaloh'. Love Goa so will deal with the heat," Arshad wrote on Twitter.

To be "Mr Joe B Carvalho" will see the 45-year-old playing a detective and the cast also includes Geeta Basra, Javed Jaffrey and Soha Ali Khan. 

Actor Mahaakshay Chakraborty, who has shared screen space with his father, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty in his upcoming movie "Enemmy", tells it was a "nerve-wracking" experience for him.

Directed by Ashu Trikha, "Enemmy" is a cop action drama, which features Mithun and actor Suneil Shetty in lead roles, while Mahaakshay plays a CID officer in the movie.

"For me, it was a nerve-wrAcking experience," Mahaakshay told at the music launch of the movie.

Actor Akshay Kumar was present as the chief guest of the event, where film's other cast members were in attendance too.

Mithoon told he was happy to work with his son.

"He is growing as an actor, and I want him to grow...that's the way," Mithun told here.

Mahaakshay made his acting debut as Mimoh with the movie "Jimmy" in 2008 and later he was seen in the movies like "Haunted 3D" and "Loot". But he couldn't get a strong foothold in the industry.

Mithun wants his son to carve his own niche.

"You have to fight your own battle. I am not one of those fathers who always goes on blessing and praising, that 'yes, everything is good'," he further added.

Slated to release June 21, "Enemmy" also features Kay Kay Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and Yuvika Chaudhary of "Om Shanti Om" fame. 

Indiais "regressive for women" and a "depressing" place to be, tells Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, explaining why she divides her time between India and the US.

She was speaking the 66th Cannes International Film Festival, at an interaction at The Variety Studio. Mallika has flaunted the link of her interview on her Twitter page.

Talking to Variety's Steve Gaydos, the 36-year-old Indian actress, who divides her time between Indiaand Los Angeles, was highly critical of her country, particularly for women.

"I made a conscious decision to divide my time between Los Angeles and India," she told.

"So when I enjoy the social freedom in Americaand go back to India, which is so regressive for women, it's depressing. As an independent woman, it's really depressing", she further added.

Hailing from Rohtak in Haryana, Mallika entered the Indian film industry in 2003 with "Khwahish" and grabbed headlines for her cleavage-baring clothes and over 15 screen kisses.

She also starred in popular Hindi movies like "Murder" and "Welcome".

She went international with Jackie Chan-starrer 2005 movie "The Myth", and then did Jennifer Lynch's "Hisss" and William Dear's "Politics of Love".

Mallika's first visit to the Cannesfest was with Jackie Chan for the promotion of "The Myth".

The actress is now busy with an Indian movie, "Dirty Politics".

Talking about it, she told, "The film began six months ago and it's a biopic. It's a story of a woman who is a nurse; she gets involved with a politician and gets murdered in the end. It shows how the government reacts to it."

Mallika told, "Indiais a hypocritical society where women are really at the bottom as compared to men. And here was this woman (in the film) who actually had the courage to stand up to this politician who kind of raped her, molested her, abused her and record his misgivings and release it to the press.  You don't do that in a country like India, and she had the courage to do that."

She claimed she was the first actress in Indiato kiss on screen and wear a bikini. 

Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor are getting ready to step into the former's grandfather Prithiviraj Kapoor and father Raj Kapoor's roles in an "Awara" remake.

And with the remake of "Awara", the Kapoors' well-known home banner RK Films would be grandly rejuvenated.

Before that Rishi and his talented wife Neetu would be seen on the screen for the first time with their son Ranbir in Abhinav Kashyap's "Besharam".

Rishi let out the big secret plan for the great histrionic plan with Ranbir and told, "'Besharam' was the testing ground for the two of us together on the screen. We would now like to do something deeper. A remake of my father's 'Awara' is on our minds. And in all likelihood, we will be doing it for our banner RK Films."

Rishi won't direct the neo-"Awara".

"No thanks. Direction is a thankless job. I don't want to get into that space at all," told Rishi, who went behind the camera for "Aa Ab Laut chalen".

"I am very comfortable and happy as an actor. I just want to act. I am at peace with myself. I don't have to think about anything except acting. I am having a ball. I've received loads of messages for my performance in 'Aurangzeb'. I can't be happier. The best most touching message came from Mrs Pam Chopra. I'll treasure it forever," told the 60-year-old.

As far as "Besharam" is concerned, one now hears that Rishi-Neetu's roles are being broadened so that the audiences don't feel cheated by the playing-time featuring Ranbir with his parents.

Rishi told, "Both Neetu and I enjoyed working with Ranbir thoroughly. I had fun working with my wife and son. But I still feel there should be more of Neetu and I in 'Besharam'. My only grouse in this otherwise-enjoyable experience was the length of our roles and Ranbir knows it. So they're trying to expand our roles. Neetu and I play cops. Our characters are seen off and on."

"The director is trying to increase Neetu and my roles. Of course, Ranbir and I have scenes together in 'Besharam', including the climax of the plot. But they're trying to create scenes where all three of us can be together," told Rishi who gave hits like "Khel Khel Mein" and "Kabhi Kabhie" with Neetu.

Rishi tells his earlier doubts that Ranbir may be uncomfortable sharing screen-space with him, were totally unfounded.

"'Yeh aaj kal ke bachcha nahin baap hain'. In any case, 'Besharam' is not a movie that requires great histrionics from either of us. It's light, bubbly and frothy and a little dramatic," he told.

If popular international show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is remade in India, actress Preity Zinta is all for being a part of it.

"If 'CSI' is remade in India– the real thing, I want to be a part of it. I have studied criminal psychology," Preity told in a statement.

The actress, who portrayed strong female characters in "Kya Kehna" and "Sangharsh", shared her thoughts about increasing crimes against women on BIG CBS PRIME's "Super Crime Sundays".

This Sunday, a two-hour special of the show focuses on the increasing number of crimes committed against women through special episodes of the investigative show, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".

Preity believes it is important for everybody to make an attempt to spread out the message and stop the increasing violence.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor tells that he would love to be godfather to his earlier girlfriend and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" co-star Deepika Padukone's kids in future.

"Godfather means someone who you really are fond of. You want the kids to kind of look up to you and, kind of, mentor the kids," Ranbir told at an event held to promote 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani".

The two not only enjoy each other's company but also look quite at ease with each other after parting ways.

"I don't know whether I will have my own kids or not but she (Deepika Padukone) will definitely have. So I would love to be her children's godfather, but I don't know whether she or her husband will allow me but it will be nice to mentor her children," Ranbir told.

It' is after five years that Ranbir and Deepika will be seen together on screen. They last featured together in "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

Just as everyone was wondering where Bipasha Basu is, we hear that the actress is about to start shooting for a 3D movie! Bipasha is thrilled about this 3D film titled "Creature", which is being directed by Vikram Bhatt. Earlier, Bipasha Basu and Vikram Bhatt have worked together on the romantic horror-thriller, Raaz. Incidentally, Raaz was shot in Ooty too!

The film Creature is said to be on par with the international standards and is being made on the lines of Hollywoodscience-fiction classics like Jurassic Park and Anaconda. This would give Bips the much needed boost in her career! Talking about the scheduled shoot in Ooty, she tells, "Mumbai is a hot plate right now so I'm really looking forward to the shoot in Ooty. That will allow me to get away from the city.".

This would be shot over a period of 40 days and the major portion of this movie would be shot in secluded locations, away from public glare. Presently, Bipasha is rushing with her prior commitments to make herself available for the shoot, as per schedule. With Bipasha Basu gone, Mumbai's temperature will surely drop!

Consider it or not! Shruti Haasan, who used to consider herself too ugly to become an actress, tells that she has totally no time for romance! With that statement, Shruti Haasan has unquestionably broken many hearts!

Shruti Haasan made this revelation and told, "There is no time for romance. I don't have time as I am busy working and have a busy schedule."  Shruti, apparently, hasn't received any leverage from her father Kamal Haasan.

When asked about whether she takes advice from her family, she told, "Not much, but they influenced the kind of an artist I am today. Now I take my own decisions and I am kind of independent person. I don't take advice from family or anyone. I choose films because I want to play the part in the movie. I have never felt the pressure from my family."

Shruti Haasan further adds that she takes inspiration from her father, however. "He has been an inspiration for me, personally. Just the way I look at him deal with his career, how he works. Even at this time, he does so much hard work and has so much dedication. He has the same enthusiasm that a newcomer has for his work and that has been very inspiring for me," she told.

She's now looking forward to her two forthcoming movies, D-Day and Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya . Both the movies are slated for release on the same day – 19th July! Speaking about the films, she told, "I am happy that both are polar opposite films. For me, both the characters are so different from each other. In a weird way, it is nice that both the films are coming out on the same day. It just shows the range."

We wish her all the Luck for D-Day her movie Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya is slated for release!

No one asks, "Where is Aamir Khan?" because we know he's trying to master something at any give time! The newest news is that his role in Peekay. Aamir will play the role of a Bhojpuri man in the movie. As predictable, Aamir Khan has gone all out to make sure that it turns out perfect! Allegedly, Aamir Khan has been trying to master Bhojpuri for the past four months!

The last time that Aamir gave up Hindi for a movie was in Lagaan, for which, he had learned Awadhi. Peekay is being directed by Raj Kumar Hirani. Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt and Sushant Singh Rajput, of Kai Po Che fame, will share the screen with Mr. Perfectionist! Although Aamir Khan has been learning Bhojpuri, the film is being shot in Rajasthan and everyone seems puzzled!

Even though the movie is slated for next year, it is being reported that the film's theatrical rights have been sold already. 

"Invisible" is the movie that Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt's most successful protégé Emraan Hashmi will star in, thereby ending media rumor that the actor has been in two minds about doing a project for the banner that kick started his career.

While Mahesh Bhatt, with typical insouciance, discharges the unsavory rumors and confirms their new collaboration is titled "Invisible", a source close to the project sniggers, "We really don't who stands to gain from these reports about Emraan being 'miffed' with Bhatt sahab because of announcements suggesting the star is doing another film with the Bhatts."

"Emraan shares the kind of rapport with Mahesh Bhatt where Bhatt sahab only has to ask, and Emraan would do the film. But the Bhatts have never believed in mixing professional and personal relations. If they did, they would've launched Bhatt sahab's son Rahul long ago. Every actor who works with Vishesh Films is free to choose the projects he or she wants. And that goes for Emraan as well," the source further added.

Confirming that the project with Emraan is titled "Invisible", Mahesh Bhatt told, "Emraan is in New York. I spoke to him just an hour ago and he certainly didn't sound even remotely miffed. Our relationship is not built on quicksand."

About "Invisible", the filmmaker told, "Emraan is starring in our next mega-project entitled 'Invisible', which Vikram Bhatt will direct. It's an original story written by Shagufta Rafique and Vikram Bhatt."

Vikram, who is unwell, told,   "'Invisible' would be an entirely new optical and emotional experience for the audience."

Southern superstar R. Madhavan looks up to actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan as his god, and when he met him freshly at an award ceremony, he felt like a teenager again.

"Had a great time at the Vijay Awards. Met my god Kamal sir again after a while. (I) was a gaping teenager all over again," posted Madhavan.

Madhavan and Kamal bonded well at the 7th edition of Vijay Awards, which the former hosted. The two had worked together in Tamil movies "Anbe Sivam" and "Manmathan Ambu".

The award ceremony was also graced by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with whom also Madhavan shared great time.

"I really wish I had half their (Kamal and SRK) passion and dedication," he later tweeted. 

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who will be sharing the screen space with father Rishi Kapoor and mother Neetu Singh in Abhinav Kashyap's "Besharam", tells it was a learning experience.

"It was a great experience working with mom and dad. It was for the first time we shot together. It is always fun to work with family. My father bullies the director and it's fun to watch him. It's a learning experience," told the 30-year-old during an event.

Ranbir, who was appreciated for his role in "Rockstar" and "Barfi!" lately, tells there is miles to go.

"I have not achieved anything there is miles to go and lots of films to do. My parents are proud of my work and this is my biggest achievement," he told.

"Besharam" is slated to release Oct 2.