Arshad Warsi plans to direct British filmmaker Guy Ritchie`s movies

Arshad Warsi, who has juggled roles as choreographer, actor and producer in over a decade in Bollywood, wants to do more dark roles. He also plans to direct a "quirky, action comedy", something like British filmmaker Guy Ritchie`s movies.

"My next step will be direction. I am working on a script," Arshad told reporters in an interview. "The film will be a quirky, action comedy. It will be a Guy Ritchie kind of film with effective one-liners and stuff."

But before venturing into direction he wants to wrap up all his commitments.

"At the moment I have many commitments to fulfil and projects to finish. Once I`m done with that and I get enough time, I will get into direction. May be middle or end of next year, I will divert my focus to direction," he said.

Arshad turned producer with the recently released ‘Hum, Tum Aur Ghost’. He played the lead in the film that also starred Boman Irani and Dia Mirza. It was directed by Kabir Kaushik of ‘Sehar’ fame.

When asked about his experience as producer, the 41-year-old said: "I`m happy because I was with the people I loved. All my co-stars in the film were my friends, they are brilliant actors, wonderful people and we had similar sensibilities.

"We were making a film that all of us related to. So we were happy doing it and this happiness was worth a lot," he added.

Arshad began his career as choreographer and then made his debut as an actor with Amitabh Bachchan`s ABCL`s first venture ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ in 1996. After the film`s success, he acted in several other movies, but most of them failed to set cash registers ringing.

Lady luck smiled on the actor in 2003 when he featured in Vidhu Vinod Chopra`s ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ as Circuit alongside Sanjay Dutt. The comedy not only was a huge box office success, it also fetched him much critical acclaim. Later he was seen in several successful movies such as ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya’, ‘Golmaal’, ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’, ‘Golmaal Returns’.

He also wowed the audiences with his performance in action crime drama ‘Sehar’.

After the success of ‘Munnabhai...’, Arshad, who is married to ex-MTV VJ Maria Goretti, was mostly seen in comic capers.

But the actor says he is planning to shift his attention to serious cinema soon. Recently he proved his worth in Vishal Bhardwaj`s ‘Ishqiya’ - from critics to movie buffs, everyone raved about his performance.

"My roles in films like `Sehar` is what I really like and I would be doing something other than comedy very soon. There is a dark film that I will be doing. It`s a hardcore cop role in an issue based film. I will start working on it, probably by July," said Arshad during his recent visit to the capital.

Other than this, Arshad will be seen in the sequel ‘Shortkut 2: The Con is Back’.

Actor Arjun Rampal has three films lined up for release this year

Bollywood heartthrob Arjun Rampal has three films lined up for release this year and the National award winning actor says he is having "jitters" as the release dates are getting closer.

"Beginning to get the jitters as films are getting closer to release... always happens," the 37-year-old posted on his Twitter account.

"`Housefull` will be the first one on April 30, followed by `Raajneeti` on June 4. I know there is time but still get these pangs of anxiety... it reminds me of days when exam result day would near," Arjun posted on his Twitter account.

His third release is Karan Johar`s yet-to-be titled film, which is an adaptation of Chris Columbus` 1998 comedy drama "Stepmom".

"`Stepmom` will be released some time in August or September... looking forward to all three, all very different from each other, (I) had a great time making them," he said.

While "Housefull" is a comedy directed by Sajid Khan and also stars Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, and Ritesh Deshmukh, "Raajneeti" is a political thriller written, directed, and produced by Prakash Jha. It also stars Ajay Devgn, Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor.

In the "Stepmom" remake, Arjun has teamed up with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.

Actor Arshad Warsi has hiked his price after the success of 'Ishqiya'

Talented actor Arshad Warsi says he has hiked his price after the success of ’Ishqiya’ but he isn’t sure if he’ll be paid what he’s asking.

The actor said: ’I’d have asked for what I deserve even if ’Ishqiya’ hadn’t worked. I’m finally asking for the price I deserve. I was completely underpaid earlier. I’ll ask for a certain price now (Rs.3 crore). If I don’t get it I’ll continue to be an underpaid actor for films I believe in.’

’For example if I am asked to do a sequel to ’Ishqiya’ I wouldn’t ask for money. I haven’t ever asked for money for the Munnabhai movies. If I feel the film helps me in any way as an actor I’ll cut my price,’ he added.

But ’Gol Maal’, Arshad feels, is a commercial film and therefore should be lucrative for him.

’ ’Gol Maal’ doesn’t help the actors at all. It only helps the director. ’Munnabhai’ does help the actors. Even ’Dhamaal’, whose sequel I’m doing, doesn’t help actors. ’Gol Maal’ and ’Dhamaal’ mean another hit for me. Nothing more.’

Between ’Gol Maal 3’ and ’Dhamaal’ Arshad is doing Mani Ratnam’s assistant Bijoy Nambiar’s gritty real-life drama.

’After ’Gol Maal 3’ I’ll do a small-budget film before going into ’Dhamaal’. It’s the kind of film that enthuses me as an actor. I play a cop in a real-life setting in Mumbai.’

Arshad was almost not in ’Gol Maal 3’ because of the price factor, though he gives another reason for his near non-presence in ’Gol Maal 3’.

’I needed a gap of at least two weeks between the last day of my own production and the first day of the shooting of ’Gol Maal’. After running around like a mad man for the promotion of ’Ishqiya’ and completing ’Hum Tum Aur Ghost’ I really needed a break. I’ve had no chance to relax. But now I’m starting ’Gol Maal 3’ on the day after the release of ’Hum Tum Aur Ghost’. So no respite. I really begged them for time off.’

He’s also not sure if he’s part of the Munnabhai franchise any more.

’In the last conversation I had with Raj Kumar Hirani he said he’s working on his script. It looks like we might be doing it at the end of the year. But until it happens I can’t be sure. What I’m sure of are the ’Gol Maal’ and ’Dhamaal’ sequels.’

Arshad said: ’I’m very much obliged to the makers of ’Gol Maal’ for making me a part of their franchise. My equity is bound to increase with the sequels.’

Arshad will now turn director in 2011 with an action thriller but very stylish in execution.

’I’m ready to direct. It’s a film called ’Akadd’. It will be a very realistic, quirky action comedy. I won’t be beating up 25 people in the film. The style of acting, dialogue delivery, the actors’ body language would all be life-like. The heroine’s role is very very important.’

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore walked the ramp in a red silk sari

Veteran actress and Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore sashayed down the ramp with 92-year-old SEWA artisan Hansiba Ben to showcase a new collection by the NGO`s Hansiba initiative here.

The brand Hansiba is named after Hansiba Ben. Also giving Sharmila company on the ramp Saturday was Venezuelan Ambassador Milena Santana Ramirez.

Sharmila walked the ramp in a red silk sari with a colourful border, designed by Self Employed Women`s Association (SEWA) artisans and French designer, Graham Hollick, to encourage the new collection - "Ananta - The Flamboyant Stitch".

"I have kept track of the workings of SEWA since a long time. They have done good work in making Hansiba, a well-known brand. Today, I am wearing a Hansiba sari, not only because I support this initiative but also because it is so pretty and makes me look beautiful," said Sharmila, 63.

Hansiba, the flagship brand of a prominent Gujarat women`s self-help organisation, belongs to STFC (SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre), a non-profit organisation jointly owned and managed by over 3,200 rural artisans.

Right from the raw materials to the entire supply chain, it is managed by rural women. Hansiba as a fashion brand was launched by more than 15,000 women artisans.

Hansiba has its own stores in Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai and is awaiting one in Bangalore.

Sequels have now become the in thing in Bollywood filmmakers

Sequels have now become the in thing in Bollywood with makers trying their level best to cash is on the brand image created by the hit originals. And the faith in the sequels is not unjustified with most of them turning out to be quite successful. A few that come to mind are DHOOM 2, sequel to DHOOM, KRISHH after KOI...MIL GAYA, and GOLMAAL RETURNS, sequel GOLMAAL, and not to forget Bollywood’s first ever successful sequel PHIR HERA PHERI, the follow up to the cult comedy HERA PHERI. Even the horror genre is not bereft of sequels with Mohit Suri’s RAAZ...THE MYSTERY CONTINUES being a sequel to the highly successful Vikram Bhatt’s RAAZ.

However, in some cases only the original artists or a few of them are picked up for the sequel and there is no link between the two stories. Mohit’s RAAZ...TMC was a perfect example of it. The makers used the brand name RAAZ to make a hit film. But the master of horror, Ram Gopal Varma’s PHOONK 2 is most certainly a sequel and even the opening scene of the film is a continuation where the dead woman indulging in black magic in PHOONK will come back as the ghost to .....

Ramu accepts that while PHOONK was a warning, PHOONK 2 is a challenge. Naturally, the never say die spirit of Ramu has taken up PHOONK 2 as a challenge and the blood curdling promos of the film are a clear indication that RGV has indeed stood up to the challenge!

Yash Raj Films Badmaash Company will simultaneously hit internet and small screen

The promos of much-awaited Yash Raj Films` next offering "Badmaash Company" will simultaneously hit internet and small screen March 24, says Shahid Kapoor who plays lead in the movie.

Shahid wrote on microblogging site Twitter: "Ok, people, so officially `Badmaash Company` promo out on internet and news channels 24th theatres 26th and tv 28th March."

Scheduled for May 7 release, ‘Badmaash Company’ is actor Parmeet Sethi`s first directorial venture. Set in the 1990s in middle-class Mumbai, it is about four young friends who get together to start a company. Their business is an instant hit because they find a way to beat the system.

It also stars Anushka Sharma, Meiyang Chang of "Indian Idol" fame and Vir Das.

Film director Shyam Benegal participate in the Belfast Film Festival

Cannes nominated India’s film director-screenwriter-producer Shyam Benegal will be in the “spotlight” at prestigious Belfast Film Festival, being held from April 15-30.

Besides screening of Benegal’s films “Zubeidaa” and “The Making of the Mahatma”, he will deliver a public lecture on April 22 and participate in the discussion on his films after screening.

Over 16, 000 attended last year’s Festival, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year. It will offer over 30 UK/Irish premiers with 125 screenings from over 25 countries, including Japan, Russia, Argentina, Iran, South Africa, and Israel. It opens with “Triage” starring Colin Farrell and closes with Francis Ford Coppola’s “Tetro”. Brian Henry-Martin is the Chair of the Festival while Michele Devlin is its Director.

Iconic ocean liner Titanic was said to be built in Belfast, which is the capital of Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).

Walt Disney Company's project aimed specifically at Southern audiences

The Walt Disney Company in India today officially announced its first locally developed studio project aimed specifically at Southern audiences, a yet to be named epic fantasy adventure, which is scheduled to release in January 2011.

The film, which commenced production in November 2009 features a host of leading local talent including Siddharth, Shruti Haasan, Lakshmi Manchu, and Harshitha.

“We are thrilled to be working with such a high caliber cast and a team of talented filmmakers on this exciting film which will appeal to Indian moviegoers of all ages,” said Mr Mahesh Samat, managing director, The Walt Disney Company India Pvt. ltd.

Outside of the US, India is one of the largest markets Disney has invested in for local production. “As we work to build a family entertainment brand in India we plan to provide Indian audiences with an unparalleled roster of locally relevant stories and engaging characters and will continue to tap into the local creative ecosystem to develop content which resonates with Indian kids and families,” Mr Samat added.

The fantasy adventure film is set in the fictitious teardrop shaped land of Sangarashtra and explores the inseparable bond between man and the myths that remain relevant even today. The story focuses on the journey of a nine year old girl with special healing powers and her quest to save Sangarashtra from the tyranny of an evil Queen, played by Lakshmi Manchu.

The girl portrayed by Hrishitha is protected by a blind swordsman played by Siddharth who faces great adversity and helps the girl on her epic journey. Shruti Haasan plays a gypsy woman whose destiny is tied into that of the swordsman and plays his love interest.

The Telugu language movie, which will be dubbed in Tamil is expected to broaden the company’s appeal to southern India and is being produced by Mr K Raghavendra Rao who is renowned for his expertise and experience in developing films for the South and is directed by national award winning director Mr Prakash Rao Kovelamudi.

“The story is an epic tale of adventure and fantasy and it was a great challenge bring these amazing worlds and characters to life,” said Mr Kovelamudi. “We are immensely proud to work with Disney on this project. With its legacy of incredible storytelling and creating enduring characters they are the perfect partners for this film.”

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I have signed two very tough and challenging films-Raveena Tandon

She is best remembered as the `mast mast` girl for her sensual moves, but Raveena Tandon, now a mother of two, says she has left her "jhatka-matkas" behind and has signed two "tough and challenging" films.

"I really don`t think I will do the dancing type of movies with `jhatka-matkas` any more. Every actor goes through a phase and so did I. At that time, there were these dances that I used to be known for. But I`ve grown out of it. I like doing unconventional, serious and message-based cinema now," Raveena told reporters in an interview.

The 35-year-old, who was in the capital as a celebrity guest for the Good Housekeeping Show 2010, was earlier seen in a slew of commercial potboilers like ‘Mohra’ and ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’. But later she chose to work in more serious cinema like ‘Shool’, ‘Daman’ and ‘Satta’.

Raveena, who is married to film distributor Anil Thadani, took a break from movies to bring up her children. But she did appear as a judge on two reality shows.

The actress, who was last seen in ‘Sandwich’ in 2006, has now signed two off-beat films.

"I have signed two very tough and challenging films. One is based in Rajasthan - that`s a very strong, female-oriented film. The other is a bilingual made in Bengali and Hindi. It`s by a Kolkata-based production company and is being directed by Raja Sen, who has won multiple National Awards," Raveena said.

The script of the bilingual movie ‘The Laboratory’ is based on a story written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, she said.

"This is a story about a Sikh woman who gets married to a Bengali scientist, who dies soon. Then how, being an uneducated person, she educates herself and brings that whole laboratory of his husband back to life and fights culture differences is what makes the story. I, of course, play the Punjabi woman," Raveena said.

In the Rajasthan-based untitled film too, the actress is playing an inspirational role.

Without divulging much, she said: "This movie is about a woman`s fight against an age-old tradition that has been there in Rajasthan since years and which truly prevails till date in some of the backward areas there. The story is about how she fights the social evil."

So are power women finally catching up in Bollywood?

"Yes. In fact, power women on screen have been happening for some time now. At times there are glamorous roles that you want to be associated with and there are times when you want to be part of strong films like `Shool` and `Satta` (that) are equally important," she said.

Kavi director Gregg Helvey was auditioning for a role in a Bollywood film

His debut film `Kavi` is in the race for the Academy Award, but not long ago director Gregg Helvey was auditioning for a role in a Bollywood film.

Helvey, who has already won the Student Oscar for the 19-minute short film about an Indian slave boy, had also come close to being cast as the American boyfriend of Madhuri Dixit in `Aaja Nachle`.

"I love Bollywood films and on my initial scouting trip to visit brick kilns, a casting director asked me to audition for the role of Madhuri Dixit`s American boyfriend in Aaja Nachle. I did the audition, had several call backs and I almost got the role," the 30-year-old American filmmaker told.

Helvey who spent the past three years on the short film, said that he met many Bollywood professionals during his stint in India.

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The multiplex chain is celebrating the International Women`s Day

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

The multiplex chain is celebrating the day by offering female audiences an opportunity to watch movie free of cost and the list includes "Road Movie", "Teen Patti", "Karthik Calling Karthik", "Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge?", "Thanks Maa", "My Name Is Khan" and "Legion".

"Women patrons, besides being our most loyal customers, are a prominent and growing customer demographic and at BIG Cinemas, on the occasion of International Women`s Day, through this celebration we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for their continuous support," Ashish Saksena, COO, BIG Cinemas, said in a statement.

To avail the offer, women would have to arrive at the box office 45 minutes prior to the movie show and collect free tickets. They also get a chance to participate in a lucky draw and win gift vouchers from Kaya Skin Clinic and Titan Raga.

The offer is valid across Big Cinemas properties in Mumbai at Churchgate, Wadala, Mulund, Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarg, Vashi, Kharghar and Goregaon and in Delhi at Connaught Place and Noida.

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Comedian Raju Srivastav revealed his struggling days

Comedian Raju Srivastav here Wednesday revealed that his ability to mimic megastar Amitabh Bachchan gave him his initial recognition.

"When I came to Mumbai, most people used to entertain the audience imitating Dev Anand, Raj Kumar and Shatrughan Sinha. No one used to do any mimicry of Amitabh Bachchan. After me Sudesh Bhonsle started doing it. It was almost at the same time. But he could only speak in that voice but I could speak, dance, cry and laugh, all in Bachchan style. This helped me gain initial recognition here," Raju Srivastav told reporters at a conference organised by 92.7 Big FM, for whom he has donned the role of an RJ.

Raju`s big break came with the talent show "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge".

He, however, admits radio is a different ball game altogether.

"In radio, the content is very important and it is complemented by the presentation. I will have to doubly underline the punch line of every joke I deliver," he said.

Raju Srivastav will be joining Vrajesh Hirjee on the breakfast show "92.7 FM ki laughter local" from next Monday.

He will be presenting his humorous take on day-to-day life issues and had already got some ideas for Holi and the upcoming Union budget.

Asked if he would go with a prepared script or crack jokes spontaneously, he said: "Both. We will prepare a structure for every day but there will be a lot of spontaneity in the programme. I have worked with Vrajesh before and we gel very well."

Raju Srivastav is also doing "Sone Ki Barish" which is a campaign where listeners of Big FM get to win gold coins each hour of the day.

This is not Raju Srivastav`s first stint with radio. He revealed that during his struggling days he worked for a short while in All India Radio.

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Professionalism could well be middle name of Mugdha Godse

Professionalism could well be her middle name. Mugdha Godse, has ushered herself into a new hall of fame, thanks to her extremely disciplined ways.

For her future flick: ’Help’ wherein she shares screen honours with Bobby Deol, the Maharashtrian Brahmin girl from Pune shot for a gruelling 22 hours… at a stretch!

A close source confirms, "It’s true that Mugdha shot for 22 hours without a break for a promotional song for ’Help’. And she did not complain even once! She was determined to complete the shoot on time."

With such sincerity, Godse can well expect a flock of filmmakers to be wooing her for their ventures. ’All The Best’, Mugdha.

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Singer Lucky Ali on the social networking site Twitter

Lucky Ali’s tuneful turns may not have caused ripples lately. Though, the singer succeeded in fulfilling the wishes of many of his followers on the social networking site Twitter, when he met them in person recently, becoming the first Indian celebrity to do so.

Lucky, who recently released his new album ’Xsuie’ completely and exclusively online, discussed his musical journey and how he got hooked on to twitter.

"I first used Twitter on my iPhone in Mauritius. And it soon became an addiction as the best way to reach out to my fans quickly. This is not a medium for me to sell my music, but to connect with my music lovers," he said. Lucky also narrated a few humourous anecdotes and jammed with his fans on one of his favourite songs ’Tu Kaun Hai’, much to their delight.

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actor Boman Irani joined Twitter social networking site

Looks like Tweeting has become a new fashion of B-town!

After the likes of Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, etc the latest to join the bandwagon is highly acclaimed actor Boman Irani. The otherwise reticent, Boman Irani joined Twitter on Tuesday 16 February 2010.

And in a mere duration of 48 hours of his joining the popular social networking site, Boman has nearly 5000 followers on it.

Infact, if all goes well than Boman is also looking forward to use Twittter for promoting his upcoming film WELL DONE ABBA, directed by living legend Shyam Benegal.

Boman’s first tweet, ’Hi Guys, This is my first tweet. Might need a little help. Baby steps.....lets see how it goes!!! Whooooo hoooooo!!!!’ Boman is in the process of introducing his family on Twitter. He has already introduced his wife Zenobia and soon will be introducing his Kids too.

So here we come Boman!

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A remix version of the Mohd Rafi hit in Yamla Pagla Deewana

In Samir Karnik’s ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ Dharmendra and Bobby Deol play a father-son con-men duo in Varanasi. Sunny plays an upright man married to a Canadian living in Canada who gets to know after two decades that he has a father and brother in Varanasi. The film is about Sunny’s journey into his past and into a culture that he had left behind. Karnik will shoot in Varanasi in April.

The interesting part of the film is the bum-chum relationship between father Dharmendra and son Bobby, when in real life Bobby is intimidated by his father.

Laughs Karnik, “Not so any longer. Thanks to the preparation for my film both Bobby and Sunny have loosened up with their Dad.”While Bobby is paired with television actress Kulraj Randhawa, the Canadian leading lady for Sunny is yet to be finalized. The film’s shooting starts on Feb 15.

“And we release ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ on December 24, Aamir Khan’s slot. This year he won’t have any release in the last week of December. So we’ve decided to release our film in that a slot,” announces Samir Karnik.

Incidentally Karnik’s lucky mascot, little Dwij Yadav who features in all of the director’s works so far, won’t be part of ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’.

“Let him grow up off camera now. He’s my insurance for the future, just like Rakesh Roshan has Hrithik,” says the director emotionally. The film’s title is obviously inspired by the chartbuster ‘Main jat yamla pagla deewana’ from Dharmendra’s 1975 blockbuster ‘Pratiggya’.

Karnik intends to record a remix version of the Mohd Rafi hit. The director introduces a new composing duo Nouman Javed and Rahul Seth, one of whom happens to be from Pakistan.

Says Karnik, “I heard Nouman’s music on the internet and asked him to send me his songs on the MP3 format. Then I took another new composer Rahul Seth to Dubai and we recorded the songs in a Nouman’s land (Dubai).”

While doing a re-mix of the old hit may be considered a stroke of clever marketing, bringing the father Deol and his two sons together hardly qualifies as a novel strategy.

Says Karnik, “I know Dharamji, Sunny and Bobby have been brought together earlier in ‘Apne’. But that was a very emotional drama. ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ is an out- and- out comedy.”

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NDTV Imagine to launch yet another paranormal shows

After the grand success of ‘Raaz Pichle Janam Ka’, NDTV Imagine shed light on superstitions and black magic with another show called ‘Neer Bhare Tere Naina -Devi’. ‘Devi’ addressed the social issue of making a girl child ‘devi’ or goddess under superstition.

And now, motivated by the success of these two paranormal shows, NDTV Imagine is on the verge to launch yet another show- ‘Jamuniya’.

Our sources informs, “NDTV Imagine is coming up with another show named ‘Jamuniya’ and the promos for the same are on-air. The story is about a poor, low class girl, Jamuniya- who is forcibly married to a guy. But the twist here lies in the house where she is married to, as the house is believed to be haunted and cursed. The story goes on with superstitions in which the villagers believe since a long time.”

“The protagonist of the show is a new face and will debuting in this show. The casting has been done and shoot has started. The show might launch in late February or in early March,” signs off the source.

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Singer Sonu Nigam to raise funds for a campaign against child labour

Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam performed in a live concert here Sunday to raise funds for a campaign against child labour in the country.

The concert titled Pukaar saw the audience, consisting mainly of youngsters, going crazy with excitement and cheering while standing on chairs, while Nigam churned out his chartbuster songs including "Shukran Allah" ("Kurbaan"), "Aal Izz Well" ("3 Idiots"), "Kal Ho Na Ho" ("Kal Ho Na Ho") and "Soniye" ("Mujhse Shaadi Karogi") among many others.

"This is a very noble cause and we need to continue this campaign till each and every child labourer in this country is given back their normal childhood," said Nigam.

The event was organised by NGOs Divine and Loksathi as part of their campaign to eradicate child labour and rehabilitate the children forced to work.

The money collected from the show will be spent on the rehabilitation and education of child labourers.

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Fardeen Khan may have started out rather tepidly in cinedom

Fardeen Khan may have started out rather tepidly in cinedom, but the scion of Feroz Khan, one of the most stylish and flamboyant actors of Hindi cinema , seems to be coming into his own, surely.

The wheel of fortune seems to be spinning in his favour, at last. Rohit Shetty’s Diwali release ’All The Best’, set the ball rolling. The formidable star cast, notwithstanding, the Khan man managed to hold his own sharing frames with Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Bipasha Basu.

His portrayal was noticed and lapped up by audiences, and the 2009 winner paved the way for ’Dulha Mil Gaya’, his premier release in 2010. Reportedly, he will also gear up for the filming of Boney Kapoor’s ’No Entry’ sequel.

The suave Khan is also planning to turn producer and will be announcing two ventures, this year. But the ’Qurbani’ remake does not feature on his agenda immediately, as FK would like to garner some more experience before he takes on the stressful prospect of remaking his late father’s movie.

Clearly, recrafting ’Qurbani’ is a tall order and FK would like to do full justice to the venture. As of now, however, there is enough to suggest that the Khan man has come out of his dad’s daunting shadow.

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Educational institutions up a arms against Mahesh Manjrekar's film

The ire over ’Zenda’ has barely died down, and we have yet another Marathi flick ready to raise collective hackles. Mahesh Manjrekar’s ’Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho’ (to hell with education).

A number of educational institutions and unions have been up in arms against the satirical flick and are readying to protest vociferously with a series of protests before and after the film’s release. Their common grouse is the film’s title, which they believe is likely to have a very negative effect on the minds of students.

The film is a satire on the education system in Maharashtra, which according to Manjrekar has gone all haywire and neither the government nor those who are in charge of education and the media are taking seriously. He says he felt film was the best way to spread the message he wants to. The censors have passed the film and have naturally scene nothing wrong with it. The various associations who are objecting to the title will meet the member of the censor board today, but Manjrekar asserts that he will not change the title under any pressure or influence.

Manjrekar’s take is that there are many elements who have turned insanely jealous after the stupendous success of his last movie ’Mee Shivajirao Boltoi’ and this is merely a tactic to upset his applecart. Furthermore, he insists that there is nothing wrong with the present title of his movie and that he will not give it up, no matter what.

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