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RDB brothers back with 'Bajatey Raho'

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Surj and Manj of Punjabi bhangra and hip-hop band RDB, who had been lying low since the death of their brother and third band member Kuly, are back! Their latest composition is the title track of Bollywood movie "Bajatey Raho".

They took a break after they lost Kuly in 2012. Now the brothers are happy to be back in business.

"I was very excited when I was given the chance to work on this song. I have always wanted to work on music that reflects the choice of the youth merged with the sounds of hip-hop along with our desi style," Manjeet aka Manj said in a statement.

"Fusion is the one thing that I loved producing with Kuly and this song has given me a chance to recreate a piece which I can dedicate to him," he added.

The film's director, Shashant Shah says the song "follows the same feel as that of the film 'Bajatey Raho'".

"It's all about 'bajaoing' in the wrong way to get the right thing and I think that the duo has done a fabulous job maintaining this," said Shah.

"The words are easy and one can sing along. This song, I feel can become the anthem of today's youth who themselves believe in fighting crime by using bad to reach the good," he added.

RDB had earlier composed songs like "Shera di kaum", "Om mangalam", "Paisa paisa", "Singh Is Kinng" and "Rafta rafta".

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I'm not feminist, just independent, strong: Madhuri Dixit

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Bollywood's dancing diva Madhuri Dixit, who portrays a powerful character in the woman-centric "Gulaab Gang", says she isn't a feminist but is all for strong and independent women.

"I don't think I'm a feminist. I am independent and strong, which is what women should be like," Madhuri said a press conference here at 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) extravaganza.

Bollywood, the 46-year-old, also said that the "progress of women is being reflected in films".

"We are going back to the roots. We have started again. There are some wonderful directors today. Also, you can make any sort of film today. The villain of our movie ('Gulaab Gang') is also a woman, which is a rare sight is Bollywood.

"We have a very evil woman in the film. Usually, they show that the men are evil. This is not a fight between men and women. This is a fight of ideologies. It does not matter who the antagonist is," she said.

"Gulaab Gang" is said to be loosely based on Uttar Pradesh-based social activist Sampat Pal and her Gulabi Gang, which works towards liberation of women in the state.

The film, produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed Soumik Sen, also features Juhi Chawla.

Madhuri admits the movie talks about women emancipation, but it deals with the issue in an entertaining way.

"There are so any things in the film. It talks about the empowerment of women, but it is set in an entertaining and beautiful setup. You'll take away a lot from the film," she added.

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Actress Rituparna harassed at Toronto airport

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Leading Bengali film actress Rituparna Sengupta was harassed for hours at the Toronto Pearson International Airport despite having a valid visa and other travel documents, the celebrated artist alleged Saturday.

Sengupta, now in Canada to attend a Banga Sammelan, broke down during her ordeal Thursday as she was kept waiting for five and a half hours as the authorities even asked the actress to leave the country.

Sengutpa said she reached the airport Thursday evening along with a wheelchair-bound aunt.

"The immigration officials started quizzing me. They wanted to know why I was visiting Toronto and asked me to name the companies which were paying me.

"I told them I had gone there to attend the film festival of the Banga Sammelan which is kickstarting with the movie 'Mukti' in which I have acted. But they were not satisfied," she said.

Sengupta was then taken to another room and told that she was not eligible to visit Canada as her visa had expired.

"I said my visa was valid till 2015. They did not relent. I was told the documents like visa were only for flying and it was their discretion whether or not to let me enter their country.

"I was interrogated for five and a half hours. I told them you are free to do your research because I have all valid documents. My husband Sanjoy (Chakraborty) called me up, but before I could talk to him properly, they confiscated my phone, and told me I'm not allowed to talk to anyone," she told the Bengali news channel ABP Ananda from Toronto.

She said when an Indian embassy official called, the immigration officials refused to speak to him, saying they give "any explanation for our decision".

Sengupta was told to take a return flight in the evening.

"I was told I would have to say that I am leaving voluntarily. They threatened that if I did not do so, they would report against me," she added.

As hours passed, Sengupta broke into tears. "Then an immigration official told me 'If you behave like this, we will say you are a mental patient and put you in a mental asylum'.

"Finally, they said since you are already here, and now that you are answering the questions well, we can proceed in a different way." She was then allowed to leave the airport.

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Cannes 2013 was huge recognition of Indian cinema's worth: Amitabh Bachchan (Interview)

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He takes pride in having breathed the same air as Hollywood legends Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese at the 66th Cannes International Film Festival, but Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the fact that the event paid a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema this year, was "a huge recognition of our worth and value".

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. How was the experience of representing Indian cinema at Cannes?

A. The belief that I was representing Indian cinema is a misapprehension of huge proportions. I cannot dare to assume that that was what I was doing in Cannes. No. I was an insignificant part of 'The Great Gatsby', the film chosen by the Cannes International Film Festival for its opening. Warner Bros. invited me to join them at the French Riviera, so I went. I stayed just for the moment of the opening, which was magnificent, and left. The festival asked Leonardo DiCaprio and me to declare it open and which is what we did.

Q. How was the experience?

A. Being a part of the illustrious cast and crew of the film has been a most welcome experience for me. The respect and the dignity that they gave to me and indeed to the entire team was most endearing. Being in their company of course gave me opportunity to meet their own greats that were visiting Cannes, which was also something admirable. But by far the most important feel has been to be an Indian artist at an international event of such gigantic proportion, in the year when the (Indian film) industry celebrates its 100 years of existence.

Q. Did you meet any particularly interesting personalities from world cinema at Cannes?

A) Yes ... The premiere at New York had all the greats from Hollywood connected with the film there of course, but also some invited guests who have an astronomical presence in the world of cinema... Leonardo diCaprio, Toby Macguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, whose husband is the very talented and very funny Sasha Baron Cohen, Jaz-Z and his wife Beyonce and the many that have made such valuable contribution.

Other than that Jennifer Lawrence. At Cannes, apart from so many luminaries present, there was Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee, Martin Scorsese and that wonderful actor from 'Django Unchained' Christopher Waltz. The list shall never end, but what an honour and privilege to be breathing the same air as these icons.

Q. Apart from from your daughter-in-law Aishwarya, Vidya Balan too was at Cannes this time. How seriously does the world cinema treat Bollywood?

A. The Indian film industry has had a great presence almost every year at this prestigious event. But in its 66th avatar, Cannes has given it a special status and paid rich tribute to it, because of its completion of 100 years. This is a huge recognition of our worth and value. One can only look upon it with a sense of immense pride.

Q. You play a Jewish character in 'The Great Gatsby'. Does that indicate a cultural glasnost in world cinema for Asian actors, in the sense that Indian actors don't have to play Indians?

A. I cannot be certain of a response to this question, but perhaps those that now make decisions in this regard, need to be spoken to, to get an adequate answer. Cinema, in my mind has always ridden much above caste, creed, colour and religion, and in that sense, can be looked upon, in this rapidly disintegrating world, to be a great integrator. There are not many institutions left in today's world that can boast of such occurrence.

Q. How was the red-carpet premiere on New York? Apparently, the roar that went up to greet you dimmed the response to the other actors on the red carpet with you?

A. The 'red carpet' in New York was actually black. But that apart, it was a most exhilarating evening. Yes there was a sizable Indian fan club at the venue, and their enthusiasm, as is the wont with most expatriates when they get a connect with their 'homeland', was passionate and loud! It would be wrong to say that our western counterparts received any less.

Q. Are you inclined to sign more films outside India?

A. I have no idea on this. If there are some that may be interested in me, I would certainly consider them.

Q. How much 'Bollywood' do you think the West is ready to accept?

A. All good cinema shall always find a respectable place anywhere in the world. I assume the Indian film industry would attract similar attention.

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SRK receives elderly couple's blessings (TV snippets)

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A comedy show usually leaves one with laughter, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan went through an emotional moment on "Comedy Nights with Kapil" when he received blessings from an elderly couple on the set.

While everybody in the audience was mesmerised by the 47-year-old's charm, one couple in the crowd got up and blessed him.

Shah Rukh became emotional especially since they day of the shoot, July 1, coincided with actor's late mother's birth anniversary. Shah Rukh's parents had passed away when he was quite young.

The couple told King Khan that he should never feel alone, and that their blessings will always be with him.

The actor stood up immediately and shared that it was actually his mother's birth anniversary that day. He then went over to the couple in the audience to seek their blessings.

"Comedy Nights with Kapil" airs on Colors.

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‘Indian Idol Junior' to pay ode to Manna Dey

The little wonders of "Indian Idol Junior" will hum songs of the legendary singer Manna Dey during a special episode, to be aired Sunday.

Singer Kavita Krishnamurthy will cheer up the young singers in the episode, which will also have the first elimination of the singing reality show, judged by Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani.

The kids will take to the stage and sing some numbers of Manna Dey, whose all-time hits include "Na to karanwa ki talash hai na to humsafar ki talash hain", "Puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee", "Laaga chunari main daag", "Aaja sanam madhur chandani mein hum", "Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye mast fizayen" and "Ay meri Zohara".

Manna Dey, who was recently in news for his ill health, has to his credit over a record 3,500 songs in an illustrious career spanning seven decades since 1943.

Dey is also a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest honour in the film world.

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Jennifer Winget becomes bride, again!

Actress Jennifer Winget's character in "Saraswatichandra" is all set to tie the knot, and the celebration is on full swing with a real life feel on the set.

Jennifer plays the role of Kumud in the Star Plus show. Her onscreen chemistry with her co-star Gautam Rode is highly talked about in the show.

"Weddings are always fun and shooting for one is no different. The fun and excitement that build up a wedding creates a very positive atmosphere. Jennifer looks very pretty as she dolls up to be a bride," said a source from the set.

In real life, Jennifer, known for her roles in "Dill Mill Gayye" and "Kasautii Zindagi Kay", married actor Karan Singh Grover in 2012.

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With 'Revolver Rani', Vir tastes seriousness

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Bollywood actor Vir Das, who has made audiences roll with laughter in movies like "Delhi Belly" and "Go Goa Gone", will be seen in a serious and dark role in Tigmanshu Duhlia's "Revolver Rani". He says he wanted to test his own versatility.

The movie features Kangana Ranaut as a gangster.

"'Revolver Rani' is a dark love story played between Kangana and me. It is a spiral and a very dark human and emotional story. I just wanted to see if I could do it," Vir told IANS on the sidelines of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards here.

He also has a love story in hand. It is titled "Sooper Se Ooper".

"It is a romance story set in Rajasthan," said Vir, who recently announced that he will write and produce a "high concept comedy" movie with filmmaker Nikhil Advani.

Vir, a popular standup comedian, says he enjoys doing different things within the comedy genre.

"To me, the trick is not how can I make people laugh. It is, how can I make people laugh in a different way. I share a good rapport with my audience, but I can't always do pathbreaking cinema.

"You can't always do 'Delhi Belly' and 'Go Goa Gone'! Sometimes you just have to jump into it," he said.

Also, Vir said a good comedy film can't be average.

"I think comedy is a double-edged sword. A bad song you will either watch or won't watch. But bad comedy can make you want to commit murder. There's nothing called okay comedy. It is either good or bad. And that's more challenging," he said.

At IIFA, Vir has been busy promoting his forthcoming comedy film "Santa Banta" with co-actor Boman Irani.

He says "it is just stupid comedy".

"This is my loudest performance till date," added the actor, who admits he had his apprehensions about taking on the project.

"It was one of those projects which I was oscillating back and forth. It is completely against my image. Akashdeep's (director Akashdeep Sabir) greatest strength was that he got the right people in the room together," he said.

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Big B to film last leg of Gujarat tourism campaign

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Banking on the success of the 'Khusboo Gujarat Ki' television campaigns that sees megastar Amitabh Bachchan endorsing the vibrant state, the Gujarat tourism department will enlist him again to promote Parsi, Sikh and Jain sites.

"Amitabh Bachchan will start shooting for us in September to promote sites of interest to the Parsi and Sikh communities," Vipul Mitra, principal secretary in the Gujarat tourism department, said during an interaction here Saturday.

The shoot will span 20 days, and it is the last part of the campaign which was initiated in May 2010.

Shot over 17 destinations across three years, the "Khusboo Gujarat Ki" campaign culminated into an equal number of promotional films that proved to be a "turning point" for the state's tourism industry.

"We roped in Piyush Pandey and Shoojit Sircar for the films. Bachchan travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers on roads. He worked for free and stayed in circuit houses," said Mitra.

The 40-second shots have been wowing masses through primetime TV slots and have upped the influx of tourists into the state.

"In the last two years, there has been an increase in the total number of tourists by 54 lakh. This amounts to 16 percent, which is double the national average," said Mitra.

Come September, Ambaji in north Gujarat will be home to replicas of 51 shaktipeeths (places of worship associated with goddess Shakti) in the country.

"Replicas will be created at Ambaji which is one of the 51 shaktipeeth. It will be opened in September," said Mitra.

According to Mitra, the principal target will be domestic tourists, followed by NRIs and foreign tourists.

"There has been an increase in foreign tourists by 300 percent in the last three years, which is much less overall. So our primary focus will be domestic arrivals," said Mitra.

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Manyata happy with response to 'Policegiri'

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Manyata is "very happy" with the audience response to her husband and jailed actor Sanjay Dutt-starrer "Policegiri".

She visited single screen theatre Gaiety Galaxy here Friday night. "I'm very happy with the response to this film. I am liking the way people are reacting," Manyata told reporters.

Sanjay was unable to promote the film as he is completing his three-and-a-half-year jail sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blast case. Manyata took up the promotions.

"I have promised my husband that I will not cry and be strong. I hope along with 'Policegiri', even 'Lootera' (which released the same day) does well at the box office," she added.

Manyata also attended the premiere of "Policegiri" along with the star cast.

"Policegiri" is a remake of the 2003 Tamil hit film "Saamy". Directed by K.S. Ravikumar, the film also features Prachi Desai in the lead.

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Action is tough, but so am I: Madhuri Dixit (Interview)

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She dances like a swan, but for her new film "Gulaab Gang", actress Madhuri Dixit has tried some kicking and punching. She admits action is tough, but says she is tough too.

"I've done action for the first time... It is tough to do action, but I am a tough person and I enjoyed doing it. I love action films both Hollywood and Bollywood as well as in Chinese films," Madhuri told IANS in an interview here on the sidelines of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) extravaganza.

She is busy promoting "Gulaab Gang", a Soumik Sen-directorial based on a women's grit and determination, at the 14th edition of IIFA, being held at the Venetian Macao.

Apart from trying some action, Madhuri has exercised her other talent of singing in the film too.

"I have sung as well. I sung as it was appropriate in the film and that's why I agreed to do it. But I haven't thought if I want to continue singing in the future," she said.

Mother to two sons - Arin and Raayan, the 47-year-old had shifted base to Denver when she married US-based doctor Sriram Nene in 1999. The actress came back to India in 2011, and has been bagging work one after the other.

She was seen in the "Ghagra" song in "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" with young actor Ranbir Kapoor, and on the movie front, she has "Dedh Ishqiya" in her kitty apart from "Gulaab Gang". Madhuri is also a judge on reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6", and she has also opened an online dance academy.

The actress says she goes by her instinct while selecting a film.

"While choosing scripts, I go with my instincts and do what I like. The way I visualise them... I always go with that," said Madhuri, who made her space in Bollywood with movies "Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan", "Saajan", and "Beta".

She says she is open to do all sorts of projects.

"I'm an entertainer, I'm an actress and I do all kinds of films. 'Gulaab Gang' happens to be a film of women empowerment and I think it is very relevant in today's times," she said.

In "Gulaab Gang", Madhuri features with Juhi Chawla, and she admits "it was wonderful working with Juhi".

"she is a good actress, and we had a great time. We have many scenes together," she said.

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Four wild card entries dance away into 'Jhalak...'

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Four celebrities - dancer Mukti Mohan, radio jockey Mantra and actors Sana Saeed and Karan Patel - grooved their way into reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6" as wild card entries Saturday night.

Seven celebrities staged powerful performances, giving judges Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar and Remo D'Souza a tough time in choosing the best four out of the lot.

Among those who didn't make the cut were actors Rohit Roy, Vatsal Seth and Miss India International Rochelle Maria.

If the wild card episode kept the viewers hooked on, what added more excitement to the show was actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who came to promote his forthcoming film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Farhan seemed to have a good time too as he grooved to the beats of "Senorita" and "I am a disco dancer".

"Jhalak...", which airs on Colors, already has actors Drashti Dhami, Shweta Tiwari, Karanvir Bohra, Siddharth Shukla, Aarti Chabaria along with singer Shaan, actress-dancer Lauren Gottlieb and "India' Got Talent" winners Sonali and Sumant, who will fight for the top position.

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'Barfi!' bags multiple awards at IIFA

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Bollywood director Anurag Basu's "Barfi!" won multiple awards at the 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards this year. The Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra starrer bagged awards for the best film, best director and the best performance in leading role (male) for its hero.

Ranbir, whose performance in the film has been highly appreciated, was not present to receive the award and it was collected by director Anurag Basu.

"I am really missing Ranbir today. This film could not have been made without him," Basu said, after accepting the award on the actor's behalf.

Vidya Balan bagged the performance in leading role (female) for "Kahaani".

Among other awards, the Star Plus audience 'jodi' of the year which won by Deepika Padukone and Ranbir, who starred in "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", the best performance in supporting role (male) was won by Anu Kapoor for his film, "Vicky Donor" while Anushka Sharma won the best performance in supporting role (female) for her "Jab Tak Hai Jaan".

The outstanding achievement by an Indian in international cinema award which was won by Anupam Kher and the unstoppable contribution to Indian cinema award bagged by Javed Akhtar.

The best debut (female) award was bagged by Yami Gautam whereas the best debut (male) award was given to Ayushmann Khuranna.

The awards were attended by the cream of the industry, including Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Sidharth Roy Kapur, Deepika, Anushka, Neha Dhupia, Huma Qureshi, Boman Irani among others.

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Madhuri's performance receives standing ovation at IIFA

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Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit received a standing ovation from the auddience for her stunning dance performance at the 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards here.

The actress started her performance by greeting Macao after which she performed on her signature numbers like "Dola re dola", "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" and "Ek do teen" among others.

Madhuri then danced on more recent numbers and ended by on her item number "Ghaghra" from Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani".

The awards also saw a magnitude of other stunning performances, like the dance off between choreographer-director Prabhu Deva and actress Sridevi. The two were also joined by Shahid kapoor towards the end of the performance.

The other performances included dances by Sushant Singh Rajput, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra among others.

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Missing Ranbir today, says Deepika after winning IIFA award

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Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who won the Star Plus audience jodi of the year award for "Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani" at the 14th IIFA awards here, said that she missed her co-star Ranbir Kapoor who was not present at the awards.

"I miss Ranbir today. Thank you so much, Ayan, for making me look so wonderful in the film. I miss you and I love you," she said on receiving the awards.

"Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" has been directed by Ayan Mukerji and stars Deepika, Ranbir, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur. The film clicked at the box office.

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IIFA focuses on talent for next 100 years of Bollywood (Roundup)

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The 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards and weekend not only celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema but also showcased talent which form the future of Bollywood as well.

The awards focused on a lot of new talent which has emerged in the last few years in the industry, rather than just showcasing performances of veterans.

The performance line up at the celebrity studded celebration included both newcomer as well as veterans. Young actors like Sushant Singh Rajput, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra performed at the main TATA Motors IIFA awards night whereas stars like Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonu Sood, Sophie Chaudhary, Arjun Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Hussain Kuwajerwala and Gauhar Khan performed at IIFA Rocks.

Talking about the opportunities given to them by IIFA, Ayushmann Khuranna said that awards like these boost confidence of actors like him.

"Award shows for new actors like me give me the right kind of encouragement. I am not a big star who will say that these awards don't matter. I am new to this, I will also be performing here, which is a big opportunity for me," he said.

Ayushmann performed to melodious numbers along with Parineeti Chopra at the main event. The actress also revealed that she was always waiting for her chance to go up on the IIFA stage.

"It is exciting as always. I have said it before that IIFA was the first one to do it. They were the reason that Bollywood came closer to global fans. This time I have been offered to be on their main stage," she said.

Not only the performances were youth-centric, but IIFA also focused on fostering and cultivating acting talent in the youth this year with their workshop on acting with Anupam Kher called "100 years of Indian cinema: An actor Prepares". The actor conducted interactive exercises with the audiences.

Actress Dia Mirza was also all praise for the new generation of actors.

"It is wonderful. I am a huge admirer of most of them. They come in with the advantage of so much more preparation. They are so evolved.

"Their confidence levels are so high. I love Parineeti, Huma, Richa...Deepika is doing so well. I feel very good. All these people are people who even I will want to work with now...this is the kind of talent which excites me," she said.

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who has been a part of the industry for many years, expressed complete support of the new comers entering Bollywood. The actress said that these talented people raise the bar of the industry.

"It is great to have people who are talented as it raises the standard if our own movies.... All these new directors... and the kind of scripts they are getting and the way the films are made today, is wonderful," she said.

Singer Sonu Nigam was also in awe of the opportunities presented to young talent today.

"I see so many new people who after reality shows, have housefulls. We had to struggle so much in the 90s. There were hardly any opportunities. We had to wait for work. Today, it has changed a lot," he said during a press conference on the importance of music.

Laying focus on new comers, the hosting at the event also had a small part where Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor pretended to teach some lessons to the newcomers like Parineeti Chopra, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ayushmann Khuranna.

The main awards were a truly memorable experience with the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, and actor Shahid Kapoor hosting the show in a funny yet unique way.

The best actor award was bagged by Ranbir Kapoor for "Barfi", whereas the best actress award went to Vidya Balan for"Kahaani". Anurag Basu won the best director ward for his film "Barfi".

IIFA truly lived up to its reputation of being one of the most stylish yet traditional award functions this year as well. A mix of old and new stars were present for the weekend including Shah Rukh Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Madhuri Dixit, Parineeti Chopra, Sonu Soon, and Arjun Kapoor to name a few.

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IIFA all set to go to Florida next year

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After a celebrity-studded 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards and weekend at the Venetian Macao, IIFA is all set to go to Florida next year, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan announced during the main awards held here Saturday.

"IIFA has always wanted to reach out to Indian cinema fans everywhere. Now after 14 years, the 15th IIFA will be in America. In 2014, we will see you in Tampa Bay in America," he said at the 14th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

IIFA awards has been previously held at exotic locations like Singapore, Toronto, Bangkok among others.

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Priyanka Chopra shooting for 'Gunday' cabaret number

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Actress Priyanka Chopra is playing the female lead in period drama "Gunday" and she is currently shooting for a cabaret dance sequence for the action-drama-cum-romance. The film's director Ali Abbas Zafar says he is using an original song.

Set between 1971 to 1988 in Kolkata, the film deals with black marketing mafia men Bikram (Ranveer Singh) and Bala (Arjun Kapoor).

"We started shooting for the particular cabaret song three days ago in Mumbai and there is three more days to do. It's a fresh cabaret song and not a remix of any old song. It's a very big sort of cabaret song in the film," Zafar, who earlier wielded megaphone for "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", told IANS Sunday.

Did you ask Priyanka to take reference from any legendary Bollywood actress for the song?

"Not really. Actually, I have been doing my research for quite some time on Kolkata and I discovered Kolkata was high on glamour quotient since 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. In that way, Kolkata is quite western," said Zafar.

The director has created a coal mine and informed that the last 30 days of shoot is left.

"We have created a coal mine set and we are left to do a huge action sequence between Irrfan, Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. Obviously, we can't shoot in real coal mine so we had to create the set for the period film," said Zafar.

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Hrithik Roshan to undergo brain surgery Sunday

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Hrithik Roshan, one of the reigning stars of the Hindi film industry, will undergo a brain surgery Sunday at Hinduja Hospital.

Reportedly the actor's surgery will take place around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.

Hrithik's father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, told IANS: "It's a clot between brain and skull. So, basically it's a clot in brain. He will undergo the surgery around 2 p.m. or 2.30 p.m. In the medical term, it's called chronic subdural hematoma. Me and my entire family is with him."

Hrithik, the star of films like "Krrish" and "Agneepath", informed everyone about the surgery through his post on Facebook.

The 39-year-old's post reads: "We all know that we create a life of joy using the power of our mind. I've had the privilege of creating wonders with this amazing gift given to us called the brain. Occasionally one must look within and realize its value. It gives us the power to see, hear, touch, smell and taste, it allows us to conquer fear and create courage to do things we never imagined. Maybe it's time for me to feel the power literally."

"I am going to go through brain surgery today and want you to know that I am going in with absolute power to recover fast. My thanks to all of you for using the power of your mind to contribute to my life. Love you all."

On June 27, Hrithik unveiled the first look of his superhero film "Krrish 3" on Facebook. The much anticipated sci-fi thriller is set to hit the screens Nov 4, a day after Diwali this year.

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'Anurag Kashyap took me out of grave'

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Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, who has been struggling for 14 years, thanks Anurag Kashyap for bailing him out by roping him in for his films.

The actor featured in Kashyap's "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and "Bombay Talkies" and won critical acclaim for his performance in both the films. Now, he will also be seen in the filmmaker's forthcoming projects - "Ugly" and "Shorts".

"Anurag Kashyap is my godfather and he is my mentor. I am really thankful to him. He is the one who took me out of grave. I have been struggling for 14 long years and now I am getting recognition for my hard work," Vineet told IANS.

"I came to Mumbai in 1999 and I had a tough time, but I have realised one thing - your journey may be difficult, but in Bollywood there is space for everyone," he added.

Vineet says "Gangs Of Wasseypur" is not his debut film.

"Earlier, I worked in Marathi film like 'City Of Gold' and in Bengali films as well, but 'Gangs...' was the turning point in my career. I had done many films for my survival. I even played Emraan Hashmi's father in 'Crook'."

Now, the actor seems to be on a roll - he will also be seen in "Issaq" and Dharma Productions'"Gori Tere Pyaar Mein".

"Right now I am in a happy space and I am enjoying the fact that now I am getting the kind of roles that I have craved for," said Vineet.

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Nikhil Advani's 'D-Day' censored, gets U/A certificate

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Director Nikhil Advani's "D Day", a film on cross-border terrorism, was passed by the Central Board Of Film Certification with a few dialogue cuts and an 'UA' certificate. Surprisingly, no cuts were ordered in verbal content regarding Pakistan, but Shruti Haasan's dialogues have been cut short.

In the film, a bunch of RAW agents is assigned to bring a terrorist back to India from Pakistan.

"I expected some objection to what could be considered inflammatory dialogues about Pakistan. But the censor board has not touched a single word pertaining to Pakistan," said Advani.

What has gone are a few dialogues by Shruti, who plays a Pakistani prostitute.

"These are lines where she does hardcore business bargaining with her clients. I was advised to get rid of these dialogues to obtain a 'UA' certificate. I happily took them off. My apprehensions were not about what Shruti's character has to say, but about the far more important dialogues on cross-border terrorism. I am happy to say the censor board didn't touch any of those," said Advani.

The film also starring Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan, Arjun Rampal, and Huma Qureshi is coming out July 19.

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Lucky my first Bollywood song for SRK-starrer: Jonita Gandhi

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Indo-Canadian vocalist Jonita Gandhi, who had the privilege of singing for superstar Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chennai Express" along with singing legend S.P. Balasubramanyam (SPB), considers herself "lucky" and describes the experience as "unbelievable" and "special".

Jonita crooned the opening track called "Chennai Express" in the film with SPB.

"I still can't believe that my first song in Bollywood is for Shah Rukh Khan, and to sing that song alongside SPB sir makes the experience even more special. I think I was at the right place at the right time," Jonita told IANS.

Even though she couldn't record with SPB, she still finds herself lucky to share the track with him.

"I couldn't meet SPB sir because we had recorded the track separately, but I feel lucky to be on the track with him. How many even get such an opportunity!" she said.

Raised in Canada with Indian roots, Jonita doesn't consider herself alien to Bollywood music.

"My father is a musician and I started singing in his band since very young age. I used to sing with him at several community events. Even though I was raised in Canada, Bollywood has always been dear to me because I used to sing mostly Hindi songs at shows," said Jonita, who shifted base to India while chasing her dream to be a singer.

"My passion to be a singer eventually led me to pack my bags and come to India. Even though I have a degree in business administration, deep down I wanted to be a singer," she added.

Jonita has already crooned a number each in Bengali and Malayalam, but her number from "Chennai Express" will mark her debut as it is releasing first.

Popular for her cover versions of songs such as "Tum hi ho" and "Pani da", Jonita has no strategy to survive in the industry.

"I don't have any particular strategy because I want to learn as I move forward in the industry. I also want to put to use everything I have learned over the years. I'm trained in Western classical and now I'm learning Hindustani, so that I can be open to singing all types of songs but not just one kind," she added.

Is merging Indian music with western style healthy?

"I think with so many languages in India, it helps in taking music beyond one particular language. Sometimes, it also depends on the story of a film and its characters. I wouldn't say it's healthy, but neither do I say it's bad," she said.

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