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Guess the time for 'The Rising' has come for Rani Mukherjee. Now I'm not talking about her last release with Aamir Khan which tanked at the Box Office, oh no! What I meant in a pun intended way was the fact that Rani is at an all time high in her career in 2010. But let me warn you. Never say that No One Killed Jessica is her come back film or she'll say, "Are you mad? This is not my comeback film. I haven't gone anywhere to come back to films. I was always there. It's just that No One Killed Jessica is portraying me in a never before done role. It's aggressive to the core and that's why people think that I have made a comeback of sorts." But that doesn't take away from Rani Mukherjee her madness for movies. She says, "What the audiences are trying to say is that they know for the fact, touchwood that No One Killed Jessica will work for me individually. For them, the word 'comeback' means that but it's their

"Thank God, no one says any more than my debut was financed by my father. That to me is my biggest victory," says Ranveer Singh. Ranveer Singh is spoilt for choices. "I think after Band Baaja Baraat , I need to do completely contrasting character. Someone who is not loud, opinionated and unsophisticated." The suffering of waiting is over for this debutant who came in from the outside. "Not since Akshay Kumar and John Abraham has there been a male lead from outside the industry getting such positive reactions. I just hope my example encourages talent from outside. Because right now the perception is outsiders don't stand a chance. I had no reference like mine to give me hope when I was going through my struggle period." One call from Yash Raj changed Ranveer's life. "It was completely out of the blue from the casting director Shanu Sharma. I remember I was out on date when Shanu kept calling. I avoided her calls for as long as I

Many actresses have been considered sex symbols. Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone are just a few to have been famed for setting male pulses racing. Far fewer have been considered hugely talented as well as super-sexy, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra being just two capable of arousing both the body and the intellect. And no one has been considered super-sexy ( Ishqiya ) hugely talented ( Paa ) and strikingly beautiful ( Parineeta ) for quite as long as Vidya Balan. A wholly inflammatory character, she's been one of the India's top thespians. And even though she's been in the film industry for only half a decade, she is still being touted as that wild card in movie land. But it's only when her films like Parineeta, Paa and Lage Raho Munnabhai release that the wild card becomes a much deserved contender to win the most coveted crown of the 'Best Actress'. Given the traditional paucity of fine roles for more mature women, this is proof positive

Band Baaja Baaraat has clearly turned out to be the most loved film of the season and is the only movie after Golmaal 3 to find some good appreciation coming its way. Of course the film hasn't reached out to as wide an audience as Golmaal 3 since Yash Raj Films had (rightly) given it a select release and then waited for it to catch up with positive word of mouth. This is the reason why after being in theatres for one week and staying stable with collections not showing any drop whatsoever with every passing day, this Maneesh Sharma directed film is on a very positive ground. The picture isn't yet over for this Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma starrer as theatres all over have given it ample screen space in the second week as well to hang on and perform. What goes in favour of Band Baajaa Baaraat is the fact that it is the kind of film where the shelf life isn't limited to one single weekend and instead entices footfalls with a sustained run at the box off

She is touted as the hottest discoveries of tinsel town. After all she is set to debut opposite heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali's  Rockstar . She is none other than Nargis Fakhri. Nargis Fakhri is a half Czech and half Pakistani model who was first introduced in the Kingfisher Calendar 2009. If this smokin' hot pic is anything to go by, then she certainly has looks to kill and a body to die for. Looks like the mercury levels are all set to rise when this stunner scorches the silver screen next year. We can't wait!

Now when you have Vidya Balan telling you, "I am pregnant", you'd get a shock of your life. You'd tend to look around and see if there isn't anyone listening to the breaking news, right? So you look around and to your horror see half a dozen people staring at you. Then like a teacher telling a kid, 'Come on son, fill in the blank', Vidya completes the blank, "I am pregnant with anticipation for the release of No One Killed Jessica ". Smart, ain't she? A pun in a way when she meant 'pregnant' because not only is she busy promoting her film No One Killed Jessica , she has wrapped up her film Kahani too which is directed by Sujoy Ghosh. On further questioning, she quotes, "Working with Sujoy was great fun. Kahani is special because I shot this film in my favourite city: Kolkata. It's the fourth film I've shot there. I've seen Kolkata like I've never seen before." So when it comes to hard work, you

BIG Star Most Entertaining Film Actor - Male Ajay Devgn - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Hrithik Roshan - Guzaarish Ranbir Kapoor - Raajneeti Ranveer Singh - Band Baaja Baaraat Salman Khan - Dabangg Shahrukh Khan - My Name Is Khan BIG Star Most Entertaining Film Actor - Female Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Guzaarish Anushka Sharma - Band Baaja Baaraat Kajol - My Name Is Khan Katrina Kaif - Raajneeti Kareena Kapoor - Golmaal 3 Vidya Balan - Ishqiya BIG Star Most Entertaining Director Abhinav Kashyap - Dabangg Karan Johar - My Name Is Khan Milan Luthria - Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Prakash Jha - Raajneeti Sanjay Leela Bhansali - Guzaarish BIG Star Most Entertaining Film Dabangg - Malaika and Arbaaz Khan Kites - Rakesh Roshan & BIG PICTURES My Name Is Khan - Hiroo Johar & Gauri Khan Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai - Ekta Kapoor & Shobha Kapoor Raajneeti - Prakash Jha BIG Star Most Entertaining Song Munni Badnam Hui - Dabangg Uff Teri Ada - Karthik Calling

Over the years films like The Abyss, Deep Blue Sea, Blue, and U-571 amongst others alike, have adopted science fiction as their subject. These films utilize visual effects as tools to enhance the story that engages and entertains their audiences. Mumbai and Chennai based Pixion studios, has stimulated the genre by creating an underwater abyss for The Deep . A BBC One television drama produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. Shot at a studio in Dumbarton Scotland over twelve weeks, the series boast of well known actors such as Minnie Driver and James Nesbitt which revolves around the perilous adventures of a crew that delves deep into the Arctic Ocean to search for rare micro-organisms to seek new sources of bio-fuel. Before getting hold of any visual effects or animation project, post production studios across continents are pitted against each other through the proposal phase. Since Molinaire the front end of Pixion in London got an enquiry for the project from BBC, t

He is someone who has made up his mind that it is going to be only horror films for him. Whether it is first film Ho Sakta Hai , his subsequent release Mallika , his ready film Ghat - The Hill Station, his in-progress Shout or his Friday's release Kaalo - each of his outings has belonged to horror genre. As India's first ever day-horror flick, Kaalo , which has a 'unknown and unnamed creature' as the central protagonist gets ready to release, Wilson Louis talks about what fascinates him to pick up the horror genre time and again. Here is presenting (concluding) Part II of the director's cut, in his own words. Nothing fake here I did explore creating mood. Due to this, using special effects and editing became more important in showing us glimpses or giving us an impression of violence. For a film like this I certainly embraced modern filmmaking technology. The fact though is that CGI is overused and, quite frankly, more often than not it still looks

Ok Ok, I proposed Anushka Sharma for marriage. And so what if she hasn't said 'Yes'. The good news is that she hasn't said 'No' either. A bit of playfulness is required when you interview someone, and probably more if that someone is Anushka 'Shruti' Sharma. There's nothing more Indian than being a Mumbai-ite'. Except, maybe, hard-working, irrepressibly bubbly Anushka. Perhaps that's why her 'Delhi-ite' drama Band Baaja Baaraat took everyone by surprise last week. Sharma seems that rarest of creatures: a level-headed Bollywood young person who is more concerned about her roles than making it big in Mumbai, her current home. Creativity precedes over films for her and she really dips into her characters like the Dorito's get dipped in a hot Salsa. A perpetually busy actress, Anushka has Patiala House up for release early next year but I've already put in a word to the actress that she needs to start making or c

One of the eagerly awaited films of next year is Shahid Kapoor - Sonam Kapoor starrer Mausam . The film marks the directorial debut of Shahid's dad Pankaj Kapur. We came across this pic of Shahid on the sets of Mausam . Ever since it was announced, the film has been in the news for various reasons one of them being Shahid's look. The buzz is that Shahid who plays an Air Force officer in the film sports a moustached look. After shooting in international locales such as Scotland and Edinburgh, the unit of Mausam is now stationed in Punjab where some important scenes are being shot. If this pic is anything to go by, Shahid fans are surely in for a treat when Mausam opens next year.

'Why Akshay?' - Many asked Farah Khan when she decided to rope him in for Tees Maar Khan once things didn't work out with Shah Rukh Khan. 'Why not Akshay?' - is something that Farah has to say, especially since she knows him for near about the same time as she has known Shah Rukh Khan. "I don't know why people forget that Tees Maar Khan is not the first time that I am working with Akshay. In last 20 years, I would have choreographed so many songs with him. He was not a stranger to me on the sets of the film. There is a rapport that I had built with him over the years and that reflects in Tees Maar Khan ", says Farah who is currently on a worldwide tour for the film's promotion. Both Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan started around the same time in the industry in early 90s. While Shah Rukh debuted as a lead in Deewana , Akshay's first film was Saugandh . "I know Akshay even before that when he was still a struggler. We bo

Given the 'image' of Sonakshi Sinha and her much talked about reservations on the silver screen, sensuality is one word that you would not like to associate with her... better still... would not dare to associate with her. But, the current issue of maxim has just done that. With the headline reading 'Sensuality In Motion', Sonakshi was sweet enough to confess that 'It was an amazing experience to see her 'other side'. She also speaks about her wish list. Says she, "My wish list is unending. I am in the industry to work with everyone". And for those who felt that Sonakshi never knew the meaning of the term 'sexy', well, here is your answer. The term 'sexy', to her, means, excitingly appealing, without having to be provocative! For her, subtlety is sexy. And for all the lovers of the hit track ' mast mast do nain ', she says "My sex appeal lies in my eyes. More than shedding my clothes, it is about the expres

Alankrita Shrivastava. Heard her name before? No! Ok, what about Prakash Jha? Yes! Now combine the two and you'll see Turning 30 . It's a pun because their combine age would make it sound they're turning old. Anyway, the debutant director is all set to release her first film under Prakash Jha Productions and can't thank her stars enough. Again a pun because she really can't thank Gul Panag and Purab Kohli enough. In her early thirties, Alankrita comes across as a confident first timer. But that's what all debutants come across like, right? Right! So then here you go. Please welcome the lady in her thirties, Alankrita Shrivastava. By the way, did I just miss on one point that describes her? It's her submerged assurance and a determined mind that says 'never say never'.....and she did it. UK's Harrow Observer columnist and Bollywood Hungama 's London correspondent gets chatty with Bollywood newest debutant. A great beginning Tu

The way Hollywood works is that an actor works as a partner in a film project incurring losses and earning a percentage of the share of profits. It's sensible, it's fair and it's a whole hearted indulgence in the creative process. Similar trend is now finding place in Bollywood, therefore when a certain Javed Akhtar stands up and lobbies in Parliament for the rights of writers and singers, eyebrows are raised. No wonder then The Film Federation of India has "advised members of the film federation to not employ the services" of the iconic writer. The decision that was taken by its newly elected president, T.P. Agrawal, is based on the fact that it's really the producer who takes the maximum risk in the movie business. Therefore if a certain writer wishes to be eligible to be a part of the royalties then they must also be party to the risk involved. Mukesh Bhatt in the capacity of a Vice President of The Film & Television Produ

A typical Bollywood set takes safety and security for granted, but what happened recently to Sohil Shah cannot be termed as anything less than shocking. Sohil Shah, Anurag Kashyap's Chief Assistant Director on Gangs Of Wasseypur , died in a freak accident during the shoot of the film in Varanasi yesterday. This shocking news comes soon after the industry lost Sourabh Usha Narang, Pankaj Advani and Manish Acharya earlier this year. The young filmmaker from Mumbai who had earlier worked on Prince, Lafangey Parindey and a TV series 'Amazing Race' met with the unfortunate incident early yesterday morning. The crew was filming a simple routine sunrise shot, in which a jeep was shown in the frame, which Sohil was driving. Though production people gave him a driver, he chose to drive it himself with the driver sitting at the co-driver's seat. While passing through a bridge, he saw two people coming in his direction. In order to save them, he took a sh

Setting aside all talk of a cold war with cousin, Vivek Oberoi, newcomer Akshay Oberoi who makes his debut this week in the Rajshris' Isi Life Mein has invited Vivek to watch his film. Vivek has promised his cousin he will make time very shortly. Says the newcomer, "There is absolutely no stress with Vivek. I don't know where these rumours came from. I don't know why people are making it seem as if we're at loggerheads." The truth is, Akshay Oberoi tried to downplay his family connection with Vivek because he didn't want to seem like a clingy cousin desirous of cashing in on his more-famous family member's name. Says Akshay, "Vivek and I didn't grow up together. Since I was studying acting and theatre in the US for several years and we weren't connected constantly. So if we aren't bumchums, we aren't at war either. Why should we be? We are like any other family. I'm a huge fan of Vivek and will alway

Close on the heels of announcement about Krayon's next project Ashwatthama , here's presenting something more for the animation and Bollywood lovers. Bollywood's ace Director Govind Nihlani's animation venture Kamlu has finally started getting into the shape, courtesy, Pune based animation studio - Krayon Pictures. The two entertainment giants have come together to jointly work on the film. "The film, which is being made into 3D, is due for release in August next year, provided all the things work out well," said Govind Nihlani, exclusively to ApnaDesi . "We have started the animation and work is on in full swing," said Nishith Takia, Co-Founder - Director, Krayon Pictures. As per the plans, the director is looking at releasing the first look and promo of the film in the first quarter of the next year. "Depending on the response from the audience we get, we might consider it for a stereoscopic project as well. Our aim is to r

She came, she saw, she 'Khan-querred'. We are indeed talking about the one and only Gen-Next dynamite Sonakshi Sinha, the very PYT who was one of the vital names instrumental in making her debut film  Dabangg  a mega success. And once you are a top-notch heroine, it's not just the films, but also the ad world starts beckoning you. After having signed  Joker , Shirish Kunder's 3-D bonanza, Sonakshi is now all set to enter the ad world with a bang! The pretty actress has now been signed up as the brand ambassador for 'Dyna Soaps', so reports ApnaDesi 's most trusted sources. When we tried calling up the company officials, they confirmed the news, but denied to reveal any further details. Readers may recall that Katrina Kaif was the previous brand ambassador for the said brand of soap. Do watch this space for more details.

They say 'There is nothing that a Khan can't'! This statement can't be truer in the case of the Dabangg man Salman Khan! Is there anything that this guy can't do? How many people can boast of turning films into a goldmine for its makers, having romanced the best of heroines, having the whole of globe rooting for him, ruling both the telly land as well as the silver screen with equal command, demand and elan! Well, it has to be the Salman Khan, the man who will now be seen as the brand ambassador for Mountain Dew, so reports ApnaDesi 's ever-so-reliable sources. The source also added that he has been signed up for a whopping amount of Rs. 5 crore for a year! Readers may also note the fact that, with this endorsement, Salman Khan also happens to be the first ever brand ambassador of the said brand. As they say, Khan's exactly the way to go!

There are always two sides to a coin. While being famous comes with its own perks, there is a flip side too, which is of being followed by millions of ardent fans wherever you go. Though it's all for the love of the celeb, sometimes the fans can get into frenzy and create trouble for the star. Katrina Kaif recently had a first hand experience of this, while she was on a promotional tour for her upcoming film Tees Maar Khan . It was in Dubai when Katrina was scheduled for a promotional event at a local mall where her fans gathered in thronging numbers. On seeing her car arrive, her fans mobbed the vehicle for a glimpse of the actress. The situation got so out of hand that Katrina's make up man had to double up as her security to escort the harrowed star back to the hotel. While closer to home, on a nationwide promotional campaign, both Akshay and Katrina were left confined to the hotel in Ludhiana, all thanks to the fans who had gathered outside. Maybe the fans t

The moment you think of Akshay Kumar, images of his comic entertainers conjure up in front of your eyes. That Akshay is synonymous with comedy is well known by now. And once expects his next release, PATIALA HOUSE, to be a rib-tickling entertainer as well. But the first promo of the film catches you completely unaware. It tilts towards strong emotions. It tugs at your heartstrings. The conflict between the father and son [the roles are enacted by Rishi Kapoor and Akshay] comes across extremely well in the promo and if the film is as impressive as its first promo, then Nikhil Advani would be credited for getting him back to serious roles after a hiatus. Besides the volatile relationship between the father and son, PATIALA HOUSE also catches your eye because it talks of cricket, which is the favourite sport of Indians. Nikhil made a terrific debut with KAL HO NAA HO and seems like the talented director returns to narrate a strong emotional story in PATIALA H

That Shah Rukh Khan has a huge fan following world over is a given. However, what was surprising to note was the fact that even the President of Russia Dimitri Medvedev is an admirer of the Bollywood superstar. The Russian President was in Mumbai on a political visit but he did squeeze out sometime from his busy schedule to drop by on the sets of Ra.One to meet Shah Rukh Khan. Dimitri Medvedev was also equally excited to meet SRK's Ra.One co-star Kareena Kapoor and even told her how popular her late grandfather (Shri. Raj Kapoor) still is in his homeland Russia. The President saw one shot, chatted with the actors and bid them goodbye. In the recent past, even world famous magician Franz Harary made a stop over on the sets of Ra.One to meet the Baadshah of Bollywood. Surely they don't call him King Khan for nothing.

The ovation is so irresistible especially when you happen to be Madhuri Dixit. To no one's surprise, she's back in the thick of things shooting not only for the reality show that brought her to India this time, but also an endorsement for which she has apparently been paid an unheard-of price. Madhuri has now been signed on for a number of endorsements in India. One of them was shot last week at a suburban studio. According to reliable sources, Madhuri and her old faithful business manager Rakesh Nath (Rikku) have finalized the exiled Diva for at least three other endorsements that would keep Madhuti busy for a good part of January. When contacted Rikku who has looked after Madhuri's career from the start admits Madhuri's endorsement plans. "She is at this very moment shooting for an endorsement campaign for Hindustan Lever product. Other endorsements are being finalized. Meetings are on." The buzz in the film industry is that Madh

Here is some exclusive information and as always, it's first on ApnaDesi ! Seems like stereoscopy is the next big trend hitting India! Riding high on the fame of making yet to release Nikhil Advani's animation film Delhi Safari, Pune based Krayon Pictures and India's ace artist Vijay Raut are soon expected to join hands together to make 3D stereoscopic film based on Guru Dronacharya's son Ashwatthama, titled as 3198 A.D. Ashwatthama's Revenge . While Krayon has created a three minute promo, the studio is still skeptical about the film because as per the information shared by them, the pact has not been 'officially signed' but they are keen and have interest to work further on it. Apart from this new project, the studio is also converting its 3D animated film Delhi Safari into 3D stereoscopic format. "We wanted to release the movie globally and it was important for us to convert it into stereoscopic as per the global trend. We are al

Ranbir Kapoor quietly did a 2-hour audition for Mira Nair's 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist'. This is the first time since Saawariya that Ranbir agreed to an audition. Mira has almost solved her casting dilemma over 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist'. She will no more cast a Bollywood actor in the main role, though she had a secret audition with Ranbir Kapoor. Reveals Mira for the first time, "I did a beautiful audition with Ranbir. Some years ago an audition for Bollywood stars was unheard of. But Ranbir did an excellent full-hearted audition with me. I've great love for the guy. He auditioned for two hours and I was deeply affected by his performance." Alas, Ranbir couldn't give the dates. "I needed him for three months from March. Sad that it didn't work out, although Ranbir initiated the discussion. I think it was for the best. After Ranbir didn't work out I decided to go for an authentic Pakistani. But I thin

Tees Maar Khan (TMK), 2010's much awaited movie, is all set to take on movie pirates just before its release. Bollywood wants to end the year on a good note and all hopes are on Farah Khan's next release Tees Maar Khan . This is also the reason why the producers are putting immense pressure on the pirates this week. Alliance Against Copyright Theft (AACT) has rendered its full support to the producers of the film. Anybody seen in possession of a TMK pirated CD/DVD will be booked under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957. AACT's enforcement consultants have planned raids at various locations across India to seize pirated goods like inlay cards, DVD writers and other equipment. Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures who are also the producers of the movie says, "The entire team of TMK is working hard to curb piracy. We are working closely with the authorities to intercept attempts to copy or distribute pirated versions of the movie. It is important fo

A tender romance blossoming in Kolkata between law student Ramesh and his friend's sister Hemnalini is nipped suddenly when his father sends an urgent and mysterious summons from his village home. There, the dutiful son is peremptorily ordered to marry Susheela, daughter of a hapless widow. Ramesh refuses, confesses that his heart belongs to another. But the widow's fervent plea softens him ultimately. And he concedes, albeit with a heavy heart. The wedding takes place with due ceremony; and Ramesh sets out with his bride on a river boat journey back to Kolkata. Soon a fierce storm arises; the boat tosses helplessly and finally capsizes in the churning waters. Later that night, Ramesh comes to his senses on a deserted shore under a starlit sky. Some distance away, he sees the unconscious form of a young bride. Her pulse is still beating, and in response to his voice calling 'Susheela' she opens her eyes at last. Th

While surfing television the other day, I chanced upon this hugely popular show that has a nonconforming storyline of two women vying for the same man's attention. One happens to be his sweetheart turned wife, the other, his ex wife, who, I realized, is pregnant with the man's child. Ironically, both women live in the same house. Since I had heard a lot about this show, I decided to watch the entire episode that evening. I was keen to assess if it held my attention for the next 20 odd minutes. It did. The drama, the conflict between the characters, the emotions, the situations the characters had landed into, all kept me hooked. Okay, so why am I discussing a television program? Well, I have come to realize that practically every  paarivaarik  theme is tackled by television these days. I have also come to realize that television does far more justice to these themes than films. Which is what I strongly felt while watching ISI LIFE MEIN. Come to think of it, Rajshri Production

Frankly speaking, there's zilch hype for TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO. Even though its principal stars, Ajay Devgn and Kajol, have gone out of their way to promote their new film, even though Eros has left no stone unturned to promote the film, for some strange, inexplicable reason, the film isn't on the 'must watch' list of die-hard movie addicts. Sure, there's awareness for the film, but not the type that would compel you to watch it first day, first show. But never judge a book by its cover and never judge a movie by its poster. TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO may not be the most satisfying and gratifying movie experience you've had, but the film at least makes an effort to go where Hindi films have been before. TOONPUR KA SUPERRHERO is not only India's first live action full-length animation feature, made on a lavish budget, it also has all the matinee masala that the other Friday offerings do. There's a hero, a heroine, a bunch of virtuous as well as wicked chara

Caution: Absurdity, illogicality and buffoonery scale new altitudes in TEES MAAR KHAN. If you thought MAIN HOON NA and OM SHANTI OM were smashing tributes to the wholesome entertainers of 1970s, Farah Khan's brand new outing TEES MAAR KHAN will make the most absurd, bizarre and wacky cinema of yore pale in comparison. Not just your cell phone, even your brain needs to be put on 'switched off' mode at the commencement of this film. Farah's fundas are very clear: Ask no questions and abandon all faith in logic, reason and rationale. Only then can you relish TEES MAAR KHAN. Knowing Farah and her love and obsession for masala films of yore, it's foolhardy to expect thought provoking cinema from her. TEES MAAR KHAN belongs to the hardcore masala variety, which was savored with glee by the hoi polloi then and which continues to be hugely popular at single screens to this day. But unlike her past endeavours, Farah looks at the West for inspiration this time around.  T