Here is a list of some hot news from the world of Bollywood that will spice up your weekend. Read on-
Radhika Apte is 'Rajkummar Rao' of 2018: Motwane
Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane says actress Radhika Apte is the "Rajkummar Rao" of this year, given the number and variety of her projects.
The years 2017 and 2018 have been busy for the actor, whose films Omerta, Fanney Khan, Stree and Love Sonia released in the last few months
Radhika also has her hands full. This year, she featured in movies and series like Pad Man, Lust Stories and Ghoul. She has more projects in her kitty.
Asked if 2018 has been the best year for her so far, Radhika told a leading publication,"No, not at all. I hope this is not the best year of my life. I hope it comes one day."
Motwane, who has produced Netflix series like Ghoul featuring her, added, "She is Rajkummar Rao of 2018. She has done Lust Stories, Sacred Games and Ghoul."
Ghoul, Netflix India's first horror mini-series, premiered on the digital platform in August.
Asked about choosing the horror genre, the Phobia actress said, "It ('Ghoul') was a good original idea, a great setup, with Phantom Films and Blumhouse on board. It was a great combination of everything.
"If I have to go by genre, the only time I would particularly choose would be action because I would love to do action and I would love to do a romantic film."
Neil, Adah to star in 'Bypass Road'
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh will be seen in the upcoming film Bypass Road, which marks the directorial debut of his younger brother Naman Nitin Mukesh.
The film also stars Adah Sharma, Gul Panag and Rajit Kapur.
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Thursday, Naman tweeted: "On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi we set you on a riveting journey ahead. Presenting Miraj group Production's in association with Nnm Films. Starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Adah Sharma, Gul Panag, Rajit kapur. 'Bypass Road'."
The film is a thriller drama.
Neil currently has films that are in various stages of pre-production. These include Saaho, Firrkie and Ikaa.
NNM Films and Madan Paliwal of MIRAJ will jointly produce the thriller drama. Its mahurat shot will be inaugurated at Mukesh's 25th Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and thereafter the film will be shot in Alibaug and Lonavala over a span of three months.
Every actor in a film gets due importance, credits: Pankaj Tripathi
National Award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is known for his roles in films like Stree, Dabangg 2 and Fukrey Returns, believes that artistes are judged by their performance and not the role they are portraying on screen.
"I do not believe in the categories. I feel if I act well, people will definitely appreciate me and recognise me. In today's time, it does not matter whether an actor is in supporting role or in the lead role. What matters is the performance.
"Earlier films used to revolve around only main leads, but now it has changed. Every actor in the film gets due importance and credits. Role of supporting actor is as equal as the role of protagonist in the films," Pankaj told a leading publication.
Pankaj, who is currently riding high on the success of his latest entertainer Stree, a horror comedy, says that he found his character in the film quite challenging.
"Making people laugh and creating fear among them simultaneously was tough. But it was Amar Kaushik (director) and several technicians who helped in balancing both the emotions at the same time."
He also feels that to become a good comedian, one should be a well aware and informed citizen.
"It is very important for a comedian to stay connected to news. I observe the society and see what all is happening in the world, then I try to improvise my acts by including real life examples in it. One should be socially and politically aware," said the Masaan actor.
He will be next seen in Laxman Utekar's Luka Chuppi and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari directorial Panga starring Kangana Ranaut.
Urmila reveals her favourite childhood Ganpati memory
Actress Urmila Matondkar, who is a devotee of Lord Ganesha, has shared her favourite childhood Ganpati memory.
"I really miss celebrating Ganesh Utsav in Konkan away from the noise pollution amidst nature. Also, the authentic modaks are from Konkan and the celebration there is very different from that of Mumbai.
"I miss being in Konkan during Ganesh Chaturthi and cherish my childhood Ganesh memories," Urmila said in a statement.
The actress performed on "Adbhut Ganesh Utsav", a special show for Ganesh Chaturthi festival. This will be aired on Star Plus for five days till Friday.
Comfort level is there: Rajkummar on Kangana
Actor Rajkummar Rao, who is set to share screen space with Kangana Ranaut in the upcoming films Mental Hai Kya and Imli, says that he and the actress became more comfortable over the years.
Rajkummar and Kangana have also worked together in the 2013 film Queen.
Asked how the bond has evolved between the two actors, Rajkummar told a leading publication. "We have become way more comfortable with each other than we were earlier because (that time) I did not know her and she did not know me.
"But now it's been about three-four years, we kept meeting in between at different events and parties... So, the comfort level is definitely there."
Mental Hai Kya is slated to release on 22 February 2019. It is written by Kanika Dhillon and helmed by National award-winning director Prakash Kovelmudi, who has helmed south Indian films like Anaganaga O Dheerudu and Size Zero.
Imli is touted to be a love story which deals with relationships on a very human level. The shooting will begin in November.
Family members are real heroes behind army men: Sonal Chauhan
Actress Sonal Chauhan, who has returned to Bollywood after a long gap with J.P. Dutta's film Paltan, believes family members are the real heroes behind army men.
"We often praise and honour our brave soldiers but we should not forget the important role their families play. Families of soldiers should also be remembered and honoured.
"It takes immense courage to let someone whom you love to go to border and risk life for the nation. Despite knowing anything can happen, spouses of military men strongly face all the problems and support them. In reality, families and loved ones of our army men are the real unsung heroes," Sonal told a leading publication over the phone from Mumbai.
Released on 7 September, Paltan is based on the Nathu La and Cho La military clashes of 1967 which took place along the Sikkim border.
Asked about her experience working with J.P. Dutta, who is known for making war films like Border and LOC Kargil, Sonal said that he is an 'encyclopaedia' when it comes to projects on war dramas.
"I feel nobody makes a war film better than him. He knows everything about wars. He made me learn about people who risk their life for the nation. While working with him, I learnt a lot of discipline from him. He is one man army," added the 31-year-old.
Sonal will next be seen in Mahesh Manjrekar's untitled drama alongside actor Vidyut Jammwal.
I am not Sanjay Dutt's best friend, says Rajkumar Hirani
Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani says he is not actor Sanjay Dutt's close friend.
From Sanjay's drug addiction, personal affairs, a jail term for possession of arms in connection with the 1993 serial blasts, to his bonds with his parents and friends -- Hirani's Sanju delved into different aspects of the actor's life but many felt that the film also left out a lot. The makers were even accused of whitewashing, media bashing and glorification.
"The film Sanju has nothing to do with my relationship with Sanjay (Dutt). I could have made some other film may be PK part two or another part of 3 Idiots but I got carried away by hearing his story," Hirani said.
"I don't think I am his best friend, I made the film because of his story," Hirani told screenwriter Anjum Rajabali at the Indian Film and TV Directors Association's (IFTDA) special masterclass on Wednesday here.
"Though I have done two films with him like Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. I have never partied with him. I do not come under his friend circle. He is close with Sanjay Gupta, Mahesh Manjrekar and those people," added the filmmaker.
Recollecting one incident, he said: "I remember during the shoot of 'Munna Bhai...', when Mahesh or Sanjay used to come and chat with him on-set about party, drinking etc. Sanjay used to feel very uncomfortable if I was present there. So, I would say I am not Sanjay's closest friend but made the film and put out my perception of his character."
What was his perception of Sanjay?
"My perception of Sanjay was that, though most of his actions are wrong, like sleeping with a friend's girlfriend, keeping the gun, doing drugs etc. But he is not a villain, he is not a bad man from his heart," he added.
Sanju touched upon a few important chapters of Sanjay's life, and Hirani says finding the base of all the anecdotes for the story was tricky.
"A filmmaker makes a film from his interpretation of a story. In Sanjay's story, how he got the firearms, what he did with that when police arrested him -- could be the story of a whole film. In fact, I think if Anurag Kashyap made Sanjay's story, he would have made the film based on that chapter. If someone wants to sensationalise (the story), (they) would make a story about his girlfriends. But I was interested in what was happening between him and his father. I was interested in a father-son relationship," Hirani said.
He feels it is good that he made the film now.
"When someone asked me that why I made a film on Sanjay since he is alive, I said that at least, I heard from him, so it is authentic. After his death different people will tell their perception of Sanjay," he added.
Akshay, Rajinikanth battle face-to-face in '2.0' teaser
The teaser of director Shankar Shanmugham's upcoming film 2.0 shows an ultimate showdown between its two stars, Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth, who are seen as the "biggest rivals" battling it out between good and evil.
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Thursday, Akshay, who will be seen playing a supervillain named Richard, tweeted: "On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, doing Shree Ganesh of India's Grandest Film: '2.0' ! Here's a glimpse of the biggest rivalry, good or evil... Who decides."
The over one minute teaser, which sees a high dose of CGI work, begins with a shot of birds circling over city skies, which later is being seen taken over by flying cell phones. People seem confused as the swirl of phones create havoc.
Rajinikanth, who is reprising his role as Dr Vaseegaran and also Chitti, suggests that they take out Chitti the Robot and make him their weapon in the battle against Akshay's character.
He is heard saying: "This is beyond science, for this we need a superpower... Chitti the robot."
The second half of the teaser sees Akshay's evil character destroying the city as Chitti takes it upon himself to save the world from an apocalyptic disaster.
The film will hit the screens on 29 November.
2.0 marks the Tamil debut of Akshay and his first film with Rajinikanth. The film also stars Adil Hussain and Sudhanshu Pandey. It is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster Enthiran (Robot) which also featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The movie also has Amy Jackson in a supporting role. The music is by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman.
Abhishek teases Aishwarya at TIFF gala of `Manmarziyan'
Director Anurag Kashyap and his cast couldn't have asked for more as his film Manmarziyan got a prime-time gala presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) here.
Introducing the film to the audience at the iconic Roy Thomson Hall, Anurag said he could do this film only because "I was allowed to do what I wanted to do".
Anurag, who has almost become a permanent feature at TIFF as he is here every year with a film, said, "It is always great to come to TIFF... and I have maintained this. If you are a film buff, the best place to watch films and catch up on them is TIFF."
Introducing Abhishek to the audience, Anurag said, "He took a break from films for two years. I count myself lucky that he chose our script, saying that I want to come back and make a movie with this script."
As Abhishek walked to say a few words, someone shouted, "Abhishek, I love you."
Abhishek responded, "I love you too, man. We will make sure Karan makes 'Dostana'."
"Toronto has always been a very special for me. The last time I premiered my film here, I proposed to my wife. She warned me not to do any such thing after this premiere. So before I make any more mistake, Vicky it is all you..."
For his part, Vicky Kaushal had the audience in splits when he introduced himself as "husband material".
Turning to the audience, he said since nobody has seen film in India "you are the first audience to see this film".
As the audience cheered Taapsee, she said, "All the while I thought that girls would love me after the film I have done. It is my first visit to Toronto and my first-ever film festival... It is special, special. Let us hope we get an opportunity to pop the champagne after the end of this one.
‘Ganpati Bappa Morya': Bollywood celebs wish on Ganesh Chaturthi
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi Thursday, Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan and Sunny Deol sent online greetings to their friends, family and fans, wishing that the good lord blesses them all.
Celebrities like Anushka, Varun and Vishal Dadlani also urged to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi.
Here's what they tweeted:
Amitabh Bachchan: Ganapati Bappa Moreya!
Madhuri Dixit Nene: Modaks, family gatherings, dance, music... Everything about Ganesh Chaturthi makes me happy. I wish this festive season brings you all countless blessings! Ganpati Bappa Morya
Anushka Sharma: Celebrating this auspicious occasion with a beautiful eco-friendly Bappa made with Dhaaga. Ganesh Chaturthi.
Varun Dhawan: Ganpati Bappa Morya. Let's celebrate an eco-friendly Ganapati this year. Team 'Sui Dhaaga' made a bio degradable Ganapati.
Sunny Deol: May lord Ganesha bless us all. Ganpati Bappa Morya
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari: Truly blessed and guided in all happy and sad shades of life. Handmade by dearest eight-year-old daughter... Ganpati Bappa Morya.
Farhan Akhtar: Wish you all peace and prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Abhishek Kapoor: May the elephant god lead all of us to wisdom, gratitude and prosperity Ganesha Chaturthi. Ganpati Bappa.
Esha Deol: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.
Pooja Batra: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all. May all be blessed.
Ashoke Pandit: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganpati Bappa Morya. May lord Ganesha bless us all with health, wealth and peace.
Vishal Dadlani: India, don't immerse Ganpati in the ocean or natural water-bodies. Can't bear to see half-dissolved idols all over again. Treat Ganesha and Nature with the respect they deserve. Use natural, soluble idols and immerse at home/in tanks built for this. Please. Don't let this happen again.
Ajay talks about 'long, tedious' musical journey
Ajay, one part of the National Award-winning composer duo Ajay-Atul, says it has been a very long and tedious journey but are happy to have made it.
Ajay and Atul shot for an episode of the singing reality show Indian Idol 10 where they shared their musical journey, read a statement.
"Music has always been the focus of our life and the journey till today has also made us stronger. When we started our career, we didn't even have a harmonium with us. Atul used to hum the rhythm and I used to add lyrics to it," said Ajay.
"Then a generous producer gifted us a harmonium which was lying in his office. We were happy with the fact that people were trusting us and giving us work, no matter how small. It has been a very long and tedious journey and we are glad we made it through."
Akshay Kumar unveils first poster of 'Kesari'
Actor Akshay Kumar shared the first official poster of his upcoming film Kesari, which is based on the Battle of Saragarhi where 21 Sikhs fought against 10,000 Afghans in 1897.
To mark the anniversary of the Saragarhi battle, Akshay took to Instagram to unveil the poster on Wednesday, suggesting that the film will be high on patriotism level.
In the poster, Akshay, fondly known as Khiladi Kumar in Bollywood, can be seen as a turbaned Sikh warrior with his hand raised up and holding a rifle. It seems like he is leading an entire unit of turbaned warriors.
He captioned the poster: "On Saragarhi Day, here's the first look of 'Kesari' - our humble tribute to the martyrs of Saragarh."
Helmed by Anurag Singh, Kesari is scheduled to release on 21 March 2019.
Saurabh Shukla returns to stage
Actor Saurabh Shukla is set to return to theatre with the play "Jab Khuli Kitaab".
His performances in Subhash Kapoor's film Jolly LLB, Anurag Basu's Barfi! and Raj Kumar Gupta's Raid have brought the house down.
"I have been acting on television, stage and in cinema for almost 40 years. That the roles you've mentioned have got me wider recognition is purely incidental. Subhash, Anurag and Raj Kumar Gupta are directors who give me the freedom to improvise. They've faith in my abilities. That always helps," he said.
Bringing a variation into a stereotypical role comes easily to Saurabh.
"In fact, I am shooting for a film called Thakurganj in Lucknow right now. I play a corrupt politician which is as stereotypical as it gets. One has to look for ways to rejuvenate oneself," said the actor.
This is where Saurabh's intermittent stage stints come in. In "Jab Khuli Kitaab", he and actress Iravati Harshe play an elderly couple on the verge of an important decision.
"We play a couple who decide to get a divorce after decades of marriage. The interesting aspect of the relationship is how all the deception and lies peel off once they decide to go their separate ways," said Saurabh.
They have nothing to lose any more. They become fearless. I had written the play as a screenplay. But it never got made into the promised film," he added.
What went wrong?
Saurabh explained, "Back then it was titled 'Barf'. The marital drama is set in Kashmir. I wrote it as a film script. But then it was felt by all concerned that a film about a relationship between an ageing couple won't work as a film.
"So I re-wrote the entire play as a film, converted the format. It works fine as a play. But I am hoping some enterprising producer or director would see the play and decide to take it back where it was meant to be originally."
(Source : IANS)
Sushmita Sen’s kiss of love
Sushmita Sen has been away from acting for quite some time, and she is spending some quality time with her kids. Recently, she shared a photo with her younger daughter where the two are seen sharing an adorable kiss. She captioned the photo as: “A sky full of promises.”
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