The makers of Vijay Deverekonda's NOTA have planned an interesting round of promotions to the movie.

Reportedly, NOTA public meetings will be held at Vijayawada and Hyderabad on September 30th and October 1st respectively.

These meetings are intended to give a political vibe to the movie. Well, we should wait and watch if thes interesting tactics will build more hype on the movie.

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We had already reported that Nandamuri Balakrishna is co-producing NTR biopic, which is slated for a worldwide release in the Sankranthi season.

We have been hearing that Balakrishna is demanding close to 19 crores for the overseas distribution rights of this prestigious biopic.

Collecting $3 million in the US market is a mighty rare feat even for star heroes. If we take this into consideration, it is very much evident that Balakrishna is demanding a bit too much for NTR biopic.

A few prominent distribution houses are eager to acquire the rights for the film if it comes with the right quotation. Will Balakrishna stay rational and make decent money before the release of the film? We will know soon.

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The producer of Megastar Chiranjeevi's Magnum opus, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Ram Charan is going big on the project.

The budget estimates of the periodic drama has already crossed the 200 crores mark.

The movie unit is currently filming a key war episode in Georgia and it is being said that this sequence alone will cost a whopping 50 crores for the makers.

Can Chiru recover such a massive investment? This question will be answered in the latter part of 2019 when the movie hits the big screens.

Can Chiru recover this massive investment?

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The latest rumors doing rounds in the Tollywood circles are saying that Vijay Deverekonda is all set to play YS Jagan's role in YSR biopic.

The young actor is dynamic enough to play Jagan's role and he would bring a lot of buzz to the movie

The director, Mahi Raghav made some minor tweaks to the final script to accommodate Vijay. These episodes featuring Mammootty and Vijay will be really special, claimed a source close to the movie unit.

The movie will be hitting the Marquee on December 21st.

Vijay to turn YS Jagan?

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        Watch Siddharth and  Andrea Jeremiah About Gruham

Gruham/Aval is a 2017 Indian horror film co-written and directed by Milind Rau. The film stars Siddharth and Andrea Jeremiah in lead roles, with Siddharth also working on the film as a co-producer and a co-writer.

Initial release: November 2, 2017
Director: U. Milind Rau
Music composed by: Girishh G

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        Big News Big Debate || Nandi Awards Controversy || Tammareddy Bharadwaja || Hero Sivaji || TV9

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Chennai, Dec 28 (IANS) AActress Pooja Jhaveri says there wasn't a moment on the sets of filmmaker Prabhu Solomon's next yet-untitled Tamil project when she didn't learn something from her co-star Dhanush.

"With Dhanush as your co-actor, there's something you always learn. Even if you spend a few minutes with him on the sets, you'd have learnt something as simple as his extremely grounded personality or his dedication," Pooja told IANS.

Pooja plays one of the leads in the film, which also features Keerthy Suresh.

Pooja is making her Tamil debut with this project and she considers it an advantage to start her career with Dhanush.

"Besides the wide reach that the project promises, the opportunity to work with two highly talented persons - Dhanush and Solomon - is something, not everybody gets in their first project. I consider myself extremely lucky," she said.

Talking about working with director Prabhu Solomon, she added: "Working with this team has been amazing. Before each scene, we'd do so many rehearsals that by the time we actually shoot, it would still feel like you're rehearsing. You get so comfortable that the whole process feels natural."

Pooja will next be seen as a village belle in Atharvaa-starrer Tamil film "Rukmani Vandi Varuthu" and also in her Telugu film "Right Right" with Sumanth Ashwin.

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Mumbai, Dec 15 (IANS) Director-music composer Vishal Bhardwaj says that he is a big fan of popular music composer A. R. Rahman who changed the country's music scenario.

"He inspires so much with his music. With Rahman's actually the scenario of Indian music completely changed when he came in. I remember when the music of 'Roja' was introduced, that sound completely changed the whole country's perspective towards music," he said at the music launch of film "Jugni" directed by Shefali Bhushan. Rahman was also present on the occasion.

The music of the film has been composed by singer-composer Clinton Cerejo, who has previously sung for both of them in numerous films and also worked as a music producer in Bhardwaj's films.

Bhardwaj, who himself is one of the finest music composers continued his praise for Rahman. "He got the Oscar later but I think his sound brought us to the international standard, way back in 1990s," he said.

"Roja" was the debut work of Rahman, which fetched him numerous awards such as the National Film Award for Best Music Direction.

Rahman had earlier said that he was a big fan of Bhardwaj and liked his film "Omkara" and his music in "Maachis", but Bhardwaj retorted that he was a bigger fan of the Oscar winner.

Bhardwaj has sung for a composer other than himself for the first time in "Jugni". And Rahman's song is one he sings along with his spiritual teacher Kashif, who had written the lyrics of his song "Khwaja Mere Khwaja", and decided to give it to the co-producer of the film, Karan Grover.

The post Rahman Changed Scenario of Indian Music: Vishal Bhardwaj appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai, Dec 15 (IANS)

The film, which is tentatively titled "Majnu", is currently being shot at Andhra University in Vishakhapatnam.

"This version is coming out well. All of us know there will be a comparison with the original. Hence, we are pushing hard to give our best," Chaitanya told IANS.

The male leads, including Naga Chaitanya, currently sport a thick beard, which they will soon lose to look younger for their role as school students.

Also starring Shruti Haasan and Anupama Parameswaran, this coming-of-age tale traces three stages in the life of its protagonist.

Chaitanya Krishna plays one of the friends of Naga Chaitanya in the film.

"This is the first time that I'm getting to work with Chaitanya and Shruti. We are currently shooting the college portion and the atmosphere in the university is electric," he said, adding he's amazed by the popularity of Naga Chaitanya and Shruti among college goers.

Shruti will be seen as a lecturer in the college.

"I never expected them to have such a huge fan following. Thousands of students are around them on the sets on all days while a few hundred of them are constantly clicking pictures. I know it's crazy, but at the same time so much fun," he said.

All the unprecedented attention drives them to perform better, says Chaitanya, who is delighted to be working with a young team.

The film is being directed by Chandoo Mondeti, who made a smashing debut last year with Telugu thriller "Karthikeya".

Chaitanya, who has upcoming Telugu projects "Bhale Manchi Roju" and "Nenu Sailaja" in his kitty, is looking forward to start working on a yet-untitled horror-comedy.

'Premam' remake shaping up very well: Chaitanya Krishna

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Mumbai, Dec 14 (IANS) Children's films in India are often "dumbed down" or made "very stupid" and there was a need to make intelligent movies for them, director Nagesh Kukunoor said on Monday.

"The problem is that whenever we talk about children's films in India, the first thing that comes to mind is a very dumbed down, very stupid film which is just 'ha ha, hi hi'... stuff like that. If we change that approach, then intelligent children's films can be made," Kukunoor said at the Smile's International Children's Film Festival.

"If you look at a lot of animation films made abroad, as an adult you can enjoy them and as a child they can enjoy it," the director added.

Asked if there was a need for more children's films in India, he said: "Definitely."

"Film is an art form and business is always associated with it. If we genuinely start making films for kids, I think we can see the business side also."

Kukunoor's upcoming film "Dhanak" is a children's film which won an award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

His films "Iqbal", "Rockford" and "Aashayein" had important characters played by children.

But Kukunoor says: "The problem is that right now, all of us are fighting the same battle. It's both helpful and dangerous to be called a children's film."

On Marathi film "Killa" receiving rave reviews, Kukunoor said: "If 3-4 films such as 'Killa' are made in a year, and they earn Rs.10 lakh or so, you will see that no one will make them."

Such films are made only when someone takes a risk, he said.

"... we will make these films, take them to film festivals, people will appreciate them and then they don't get a theatrical release," he said.

"Films such as 'Hanuman' or 'Stanley Ka Dabba' have done well but other children's films that have done well had a big star like Aamir Khan in 'Taare Zameen Par' or Amitabh Bachchan in 'Bhootnath Returns'," he said.

On having stars to get more viewership for children's films, he said: "It's a smart move, but not everyone is willing to jump in and help a film out.

The post Children’s Films in India Usually ‘Dumbed Down’: Kukunoor appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS)

“To all my dear fans who stood and lived up to the hour of need for our Chennai... heartfelt thanks... Nothing could make me happier and proud,” Rajinikanth tweeted a day after he turned 64.

Ahead of his birthday, the cine icon had urged his fans to call off his birthday celebrations due to the grave situation caused by heavy rains in Tamil Nadu. However, that didn't deter fans from pouring in their wishes for the actor.

Humbled by the love, Rajinikanth posted: “To friends, colleagues, well wishers and my dearest fans who are closest to my heart... Thank you for all the wishes.”

Heavy rains pounded many parts of Tamil Nadu over the past few weeks. Although the downpour has stopped and the water level has receded in many places, the city and its people are still limping back to normalcy.

Rajinikanth, who made his debut with filmmaker K. Balachander's Tamil drama “Apoorva Raagangal” in 1975, went on to star in films like “Mullum Malarum”, “Moondru Mugam”, “Kalaimamani”, “Muthu”, “Sivaji” and “Enthiran”. He is known for his inimitable style and witty one-liners.

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New Delhi, Dec 13 (IANS)

Asked how promoting "Bajirao Mastani" with Ranveer is different from promoting "Tamasha" with Ranbir, Deepika said during a session at Agenda Aaj Tak: "Many told me,‘You have two releases back to back with not even a month's gap, you’ll be exhausted’. Just like you can see, he (Ranveer) doesn’t let me talk much, which is good. He himself starts on his own tone."

“On other hand, Ranbir speaks very less. At that time, it becomes my job to make up (for him). But during ‘Bajirao Mastani’ promotions, he (Ranveer) makes up for me."

"I’m comfortable with both of them. It depends on the situation. I’m very adaptable,” Deepika added.

Set to release on December 18, “Bajirao Mastani”, directed by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, also stars Priyanka Chopra.

Talking about the film, Ranveer said: “Basically every Bhansali film is tagged as an emotional drama. But in ‘Bajirao Mastani’, people will get to see everything from emotional drama to action, romance, comedy and songs.”

While Deepika doesn’t have any other project lined up immediately after "Bajirao Mastani", Ranveer will next be seen in filmmaker Aditya Chopra’s “Befikre”. The film will also star actress Vaani Kapoor.

“Since a long time I’ve had a dream to work with my mentor Aditya Chopra. I always wanted to star in a film in which he directs and I’ll be acting. It will be a beautiful romantic film. It will also feature Vaani. I’m really looking forward to this project. In ‘Befikre’, I’ll be clean shaved with long hair," Ranveer said.

“Aditya sir is the reason because of which I’m here as he gave me my first break with his production venture ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’."

The post I’m Comfortable with Both Ranveer, Ranbir, Says Deepika appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai: Actress Amy Jackson addresses a press conferance in Chennai. (Photo: IANS)

Chennai, Dec 13 (IANS) Actress Amy Jackson, who was seen performing stunts in Akshay Kumar-starrer "Singh Is Bling", says she'd love to do more action films.

"I had so much fun working with Akshay, especially in the action scenes. I got trained in kick-boxing and mixed martial arts. I enjoyed the whole process so much and I'd love to do more action films," Amy told IANS, adding that she wouldn't miss an opportunity to work with Akshay again.

She will team up with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in her next Hindi outing, which will be directed by Sohail Khan.

Amy is looking forward to working with the “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” star.

"I'm a huge fan of Nawazuddin. It's going to be a very interesting combination. I'm really excited about this project, which will go on floors next year in February," she said.

Down south, Amy, who awaits the release of Dhanush-starrer Tamil film "Thanga Magan", will next team up with superstar Rajinikanth.

"I can't divulge much information but I'm really looking forward to the project," she said.

In Tamil, she also has Vijay's "Theri" and Udhayanidhi Stalin's "Gethu".

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Mumbai: Actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol during the song launch of film Dilwale in Mumbai on Nov 18, 2015. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kajol, who has shared screen space with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Baazigar" and "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", among others, says her co-actor has "evolved as a person".

"As a human being I would say he has definitely evolved and grown as a person. His attitude towards life is wonderful to see right now. And he is in a nice place personally speaking," Kajol said.

Kajol, who will soon recreate her on-screen chemistry with SRK in Rohit Shetty's "Dilwale", says working with the "My Name Is Khan" actor is always a "learning experience" for her.

"As an actor, Shah Rukh is amazing. I always said that whenever I work with him, it's a learning experience for me. Likewise, in 'Dilwale' I feel I have learnt many things from him," she said.

"It's quite hard to fathom Shah Rukh entirely, but whenever I get to work with him I learn something," she added.

Besides Kajol and SRK, "Dilwale" features an ensemble cast of stars like Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Varun Sharma, Johnny Lever, Boman Irani and Sanjay Mishra.

The film is set to hit the screens on December 18.

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Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) Actress-designer Mandira Bedi is still loved by many for essaying a strong-willed woman in the 1990s popular TV drama "Shanti - Ek Aurat Ki Kahani". But she says she doesn't see herself acting in a daily soap again as it is like a factory.

The actress, who featured in the hit finite series "24" last year and also participated in the reality show "I Can Do That", hasn't completely turned away from the small screen. Will we see her in daily soaps again?

"I don't see myself acting in a daily soap because that is like a factory. You need to give 25 days in a month which I do not have. With my store, saris and events that I do... if I do something, it will be finite," Mandira told IANS at the Van Heusen GQ Fashion Nights 2015 here earlier this month.

What about movies?

"There is nothing at the moment because people don't know what to do with me in a movie. I get offered an item number one day and bhabhi's (sister-in-law) role the other day, and then somebody's sister the next day. So people don't really know what to do with me," said the 43-year-old, who is the face of 92.7 BG FM's "Dabur Honitus BIG Junior RJ Season 3".

The audience will have to wait to see her on the big screen as the "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" actress says she won't don the greasepaint unless she gets "a role that excites" her and one that she wants to give her time to.

"I have a four-year-old son too. I can play a bhabhi, mother or daughter, but a role that matters. I want a pivotal role even if that means that I have five scenes in a film."

As for the fashion world, she has big plans. Mandira, who ventured into fashion designing in 2013, hopes to move beyond saris some day. Any plans of creating a line for men?

"I love saris. I also need to move to the other women silhouettes before I do men's wear. I never say never for anything. I would love to be a designer that goes 360 degrees... that covers women's wear, Indian and western, and men's wear, but eventually," she said.

"Currently, I am doing saris. I would like to venture into spaces that I am comfortable wearing... like gowns. Maybe that will be the next step. I do wear crop tops with skirts too. What I will venture into next, only time will tell," added the artist, who has also tried her hand at anchoring.

The untrained designer believes in knowing how a certain garment falls on her body before she creates them.

"I wear jeans, T-shirts, saris and evening wear like dresses and gowns. I don't wear too many anarkalis. I need to know them, I need to wear them. That's how I got into saris in the first place. I am not a trained designer; so I need to know how they fall on my body before I go into designing them," she said.

"I aim to do one fashion week every year. Hopefully, Lakme Fashion Week. I would like to do a fashion week in Delhi too," she signed off.

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Chennai, Dec 9 (IANS) Actress Taapsee Pannu, who will soon start shooting for Telugu film "Ghazi" with Rana Daggubati, says she essays a very tough character in the film. This will require her to spend a lot of time in its preparation.

"I have decided to go a few days before my shoot because it's a tough character to get into so I definitely need time to get into the feel of the script and character," Taapsee told IANS.

To be helmed by Sankalp Reddy, the film is tipped to be India's first submarine film which will be about the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi, a Pakistan deployed Submarine.

"The director has done tremendous research with regards to the script and characters, so I'm looking forward to working on it with him," she said.

Later this month, Taapsee is likely to join the sets in Hyderabad. She's excited to be shooting in the city after a long time.

"It's been more than two years since I shot in Hyderabad and I'm eagerly looking forward to it. I love the city and people there. I have so many friends there," she added.

As Taapsee started her career from Hyderabad and has a lot of good memories of it, she wants some time to reconnect with the city.

The post Play a Very Tough Character in ‘Ghazi’: Taapsee appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Chennai, Dec 8 (IANS)

Cuddalore, a coastal town, was one of worst affected places due to the heavy downpour in Tamil Nadu over the last few weeks.

"We went to 15 villages. Many of these were described as drowning, starving, and unserviced on social media. Not true. Do not comment on Cuddalore from outside. There are places that are struggling. Do not confuse relief work. Be concerned. Not dramatic," Siddharth posted on his Twitter page on Tuesday.

He further added that Cuddalore needs help, not panic.

"Send bedding, blankets, and mosquito coil. Send smaller trucks that can go on kuchha roads and identify groups that are addressing the hard to reach hamlets. Prioritize small villages away from the main road and doAnot use relief labels or banners on trucks as they will be attacked," he said.

He also requested volunteers to seek police help.

The post Be Concerned, Not Dramatic for Cuddalore: Siddharth appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Hyderabad: Kamal Hassan spoke to the media on his coming film Cheekati Rajaym. (Photo: IANS)

Chennai, Dec 7 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Monday denied making any remarks against the Tamil Nadu government with regards to the flood relief activities in the state.

Kamal received a lot of flak for his reported comment against the government, which he denied making in the first place. He also said he remained "apolitical" for very long.

"In my letter to a journalist friend, I only expressed my concern over the flood ravaged people of the state. Neither had I made any comment about the state government nor wanted to know how the taxpayer's money was being spent," he said in a statement.

"I wouldn't have paid my taxes all these years if I worried about how it was being used," he said.

Tamil Nadu is reeling under the worst floods to have hit the state in a century.

The post Never Made Remarks Against Tamil Nadu Government: Kamal Haasan appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Mumbai, Dec 6 (IANS)

"I like to do everything but, genuinely, one thing that gives me immense joy is performing live concerts because you get an immediate reaction from the audience. That feeling of live performance is very different. That immediate reaction and that connection is genuinely something else," Farhan told IANS.

The multifaceted star is also a renowned filmmaker, who has directed films like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Lakshya", "Don" and "Don 2".

On the acting front, Farhan will next be seen on the silver screen as an ATS officer in Bejoy Nambiar's upcoming film "Wazir".

"The performance is what holds the film for the viewers and if you are a strong performer, that can take it to another level. For me, that is something which has always been fascinating," Farhan said about his fascination with acting.

"Wazir" also features Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Aditi Rao Hydari in key roles.

The film co-produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and is set to hit the screens on January 8 next year.

The post I Get Immense Joy by Performing Live: Farhan Akhtar appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI)

Kher, 60, had earlier lashed out at Aamir for saying that he was "alarmed" by the rising intolerance in India.

"I don't have any problem with anybody. They all are my friends. Aamir is a friend too and we did a lot of films together like 'Dil', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', but that time he wasn't 'Aamir Khan'. He then, rightly, over the years cultivated himself and became Aamir Khan.

"He then thought he should give opinions on everything...

Whether it's the controversy of AIB, or whether it is this (intolerance) or that," Kher said.

The actor was speaking on the topic of "Whose intolerance is it anyway" at the Times Lit Fest.

The 60-year-old "Khosla Ka Ghosla!" star shared an incident from the 1991 film "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin", where Aamir had a problem with Kher's interpretation of his character.

"(Mahesh) Bhatt sahab told me Aamir is saying your interpretation of your character is rubbish. This is not how he thought the character should be portrayed... So, sometimes people have this habit that they think what I am saying is right and rest of the world is not right."

Kher said he admires the work of the "Ghajini" actor, including his TV show "Satyamev Jayate", but feels a celebrity should be responsible.

"I have great respect for him but I just felt with great stardom comes a sense of responsibility. It is very important to have a sense of responsibility. I admire him and that is why I was a little sad. It's important to give hope sometimes and not spread fear.

The post “Aamir Thinks He Should Have Opinion on Everything” appeared first on Social News XYZ.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS)

The Hollywood actress and humanitarian shared her views about Indian film industry while talking about her life as a star and beyond camera on Saturday at Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2015 here.

When asked about why she has not worked in Hindi films, the actress quipped: "I’ve never been offered!”.

“We stole a lot from Bollywood on 'Moulin Rouge!' as you probably well aware. I watched a lot of Bollywood films and when we did 'Moulin Rouge!' we would sit in Baz Luhrmann’s (director) office and he would screen all these Bollywood films and that’s when I fell in love with them,” she said.

In the 2001 Australian-American musical film, Kidman played the role of a terminally ill cabaret actress and courtesan. And she asserted that it is not easy to emulate Bollywood musicals.

The actress, whose first acting role was of a sheep, grabbed everyone's attention with her critically acclaimed performance in 1989 psychological thriller “Dead Calm”. Since then Kidman, who was previously married to actor Tom Cruise, hasn’t looked back.

When asked about the possibility of featuring in a Bollywood 'masala' entertainer replete with all the stereotypical gestures of Hindi movies like dancing around the trees or flowers brushing against each other hinting at physical intimacy, the actress said: “That sounds like my type of a movie.”

“I'm open to anything and looking for adventure. Where is the flower to kiss?”

While there is still time for Kidman to try her hand at Hindi entertainers, she is working on a film “Lion”, which is partially set in Kolkata. The film, which also stars British actor of Indian descent Dev Patel, has been shot in Tasmania.

“It’s about a young boy, from Kolkata, who is adopted by an Australian woman and it’s a true story and he wrote a book which is unbelievably emotional. It’s a beautiful story about him finding his birth mother and having two mothers.

“It's an emotional story about finding his birth mother,” said the mother of four children.

The Oscar-winning actress also said that staying true to the cultural roots is important to create a distinct identity, as she questioned why do you have to ape the West.

"I don't know why as a country you would want to emulate Hollywood. It is very important culturally for countries to maintain their identity through their art. You can go and see a Hollywood movie, but the most important thing is to make movies that are your own, that represent you and the power of your culture," Kidman said on Saturday.

The Hollywood actress, who confessed to being an ardent Bollywood fan, shared her views at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2015 here.

The “Batman Forever” star, who bagged an Oscar for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in “The Hours”, also mentioned that in fact the West has sometimes copied Bollywood.

Kidman, who was appointed the goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in 2006, also shared her eagerness to be a part of a Bollywood musical someday.

The post Nicole Kidman Rues Lack of Hindi Film Offers and Asks Why the Need to Ape Hollywood? appeared first on Social News XYZ.

"We can't make it (film). But if we want to make it, why not? All should think ambitiously... To make a film on him, you'll require a budget of about Rs.300 crore to Rs.400 crore," said Sajid.

"It'd be very difficult if we sit and make a proper film with him. Hats off to directors like Shankar for presenting him in movies like 'Robot' and 'Sivaji: The Boss'," he added.

The "Heyy Babyy" director feels that one needs to make it very carefully because he has many fans.

"He has to be portrayed absolutely correct. It is very rare that the actor is above the film, and Rajinikanth is that example. You're not going to watch the film, but to watch him, and the film will just revolve around him," said Sajid, who calls himself one of the biggest fans of the superstar.

The post Will Need Rs.300 Crore to Make Film on Rajinikanth: Sajid appeared first on Social News XYZ.

Mumbai, Dec 5 (IANS)

"I genuinely believe that these two are the best singers in the industry. I don't have any doubt in that and I don't have any hesitation in saying so. I have a long relationship with these two," said Chopra.

He recalled that once "We made Sonu sing six or eight times, and so, he got upset. I suggested we make the room completely dark. He sang the song in the dark and when we turned the lights on, he had tears in his eyes," said the "1942: A Love Story" director.

For Chopra's films, the duo have sung popular songs such as "Zoobi doobi" and "Pal pal har pal".

They've again joined hands for "Tere bin".

"Audiences always want that more songs of this combination come out. We're fortunate that our voices are really loved together. I look forward to singing with him. I'm very junior to him and know him since he was in 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and I was a contestant.

"I have looked up to him as a singer and today I get to sing such beautiful songs with him. Every song is a learning experience," Ghoshal said.

Nigam also believes that Ghoshal is "one singer who complements me really well".

"The best quality about her is that the expressions come perfectly along with mannerisms. If there'll be best all-time singers, Shreya will surely be included in that. She is very special to me," he said.

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Mumbai, Dec 4 (IANS)

The "Housefull" director unveiled the book titled "The Warrior Within" here on Thursday.

"I am extremely honoured to unveil a book about Rajinikanth. It's a fantastic book. I have read some parts of it, and as an admirer now I am dying to read the whole book," Khan said at the event.

"I am truly one of his biggest fans...Rajinikanth has made regional cinema popular worldwide. He is as good as Jackie Chan. Rajinikanth can be called as Asian superstar," he added.

"The Warrior Within", which follows the life of the superstar, recounts Rajinikanth's voyage into the world of movies.

According to Khan, comparing two great personalities in Indian Cinema like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth is like "measuring the level of the oceans... which one is deepest and vast".

"I feel this is very unfair to them. Both are living legends and superstars and have an immense fan following. They have got so much love from people," he said.

Khan added that he is a big fan of Rajinikanth and at the same time, he also respects and admires actor Kamal Haasan.

"I think his life can be an interesting subject for a book or movie," said Khan, who will be teaming up with Sajid Nadiadwala soon for his next film.

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Mumbai, Dec 1 (IANS)

"As long as we keep the communication (on HIV/ AIDS) going, people will remain informed and educated. The perceived social stigma should definitely be pulled down. That will be the day when the issues are more practically discussed and that's when it becomes more effective," Aishwarya said during her World AIDS Day message at Cooper Hospital here on Tuesday.

"You actually address it as something that needs attention and what's the action to follow. You have concerns of the social stigma of feeling gagged to actually communicate, that is what we're constantly working towards. Once those barriers disappear, the work becomes more effective," the actress added.

December 1 every year is celebrated as World AIDS Day all over the world and the former beauty queen says that it as important as celebrating festivals.

"Among the many days such as festivals, the World Aids Day is equally important, because you're drawing attention to something that is a part of humanity, part of our reality, which exists in the world and affects a lot of people," she said.

"It is a current affair and once it has struck mankind it'll forever remain a current affair," she added.

Aishwarya, who has been the Goodwill Ambassador of UNAIDS since 2012, is glad to be a part of the organisation's cause.

"The United Nations (UN) had been communicating with me over a while for us to come on board together, as there are lots of causes that need attention."

"I was glad that at the time I did join hands with UN, it was with UNAIDS. I just wanted to help reach out to a lot of women across the world but largely even in our own country," she added.

22 celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Shruti Haasan have lent their voices to an animation feature on HIV/ AIDS made by an NGO for schools and youth, which was launched on Tuesday.

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Chennai, Nov 30 (IANS)

"As soon as Suriya completes shooting for 'Singam 3', he will start working on the project with Trivikram. It will be his first bilingual film which will also mark his debut in Telugu filmdom," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

To be produced by Haarika and Hassine Creations, the film is likely to have music by Devi Sri Prasad.

Suriya currently awaits the release of Tamil psychological thriller "24", and he will soon start shooting for "Singam 3".

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"I did this film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I know you all will ask me, 'Mastani is played by Deepika (Padukone), and Bajirao is played by Ranveer (Singh). So why did you do this film?' Let me tell you, I was the first person to be cast in this film. I remember Sanjay came to me with this script and he was clear he wanted me to do this film," Priyanka said here.

"I thought Kashibai's character was very heart-breaking. This is a feminine character and it was very challenging for me to do the role... It's a special film for me. I am just super excited to be part of it," she added.

Priyanka Chopra will be seen playing Bajirao's first wife in the movie.

"It was not easy to do this role. I wanted to get the Maharashtrian accent right and there were many dramatic scenes, which I used to take back home. I am generally a switch on and off actor, but this character was very heart-wrenching."

The film is slated for December 18 release.

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Mumbai, Nov 30 (IANS)

“Babuji says - intolerance comes from intolerant people who are deprived of power, corruption, promotions, facilitations because of changes made. If 100 crore people living in poverty for 70 years have learnt tolerance as their virtue and strength, so why to debate on 12,000 intolerant gems," Ghai tweeted.

“Finally we can see today that intolerance is more of political issue than a social issue where 124 crore people, including (the) poorest (have) been tolerant,” he added.

Ghai's comments were perhaps in reference to recent incidents, involving Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, who faced the wrath for their views on growing intolerance in the country.

The director, who has given cinematic gems like "Karz", "Ram Lakhan", "Khalnayak" and "Pardes", also shared a link leading to his Facebook page on the micro-blogging site to elaborate his point of view.

The Facebook post read: “So finally truth has come out today that intolerance is more of a political farce than a social or communal issue where 124 crore people including poor and poorest job less  fortunate have been tolerant for years. Treating it as their virtue to be tolerant within given situations. And move ahead with new inspirations.”

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Panaji, Nov 29 (PTI)

The 69-year-old director said he fails to understand the issue of censorship and fought for three years and even went to the Supreme Court for his 1994 film "Bandit Queen".

"40 per cent of the audience can't eat and your biggest concern is a kissing scene in James Bond, which has been cut short? I believed in 'Bandit Queen'. I fought at the Supreme Court for the film for three years. If you believe in your film, go ahead and fight for it and see how far you go," Kapur said on the sidelines of IFFI.

"Similarly if you really believe in intolerance, go out do something. Giving awards back is the easiest thing to do.

Intolerance is not affecting you so much as the people who are living under the caste system."

Kapur said the debate of intolerance is valid as any changing and growing nation will have voices of conflict and it should be heard.

"Everybody has his own view. If a culture does not undergo change then there is no point. India is ongoing change right now and there is bound to be friction. But that friction is inherent in progress, inherent in change."

However, the director said the voice of the intellectuals should not be taken as the opinion of the whole nation.

"The problem is that intellectuals become the voice of the society and that is very less in terms of percentage and we should take everyone into account. There is a tendency of intellectuals to become a club and that arrogance of the club becomes oppressive. It is a burden on the society.

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New Delhi, Nov 29 (PTI)

Verma had earlier slammed superstar Aamir Khan for his remarks on alleged rise in intolerance in the country which had kicked up a row.

Last week, Aamir had expressed his "alarm and despondency" over the rise in recent incidents of intolerance.

Varma and many other Bollywood stars took to social media to express their disapproval with the "PK" star.

"I read an article that ISIS and these guys have said India Muslims are being killed because they are eating beef...

In that kind of an atmosphere an iconic person in India saying that I am scared of (living in) India might send out a wrong signal to people. In spite of freedom of speech, I think big people like them should have some kind of restraint," he said on the sidelines of Times Lit Fest.

The 53-year-old National Award-winning filmmaker feels India has the "least" number of problems regarding violence as compared to the other parts of the world.

"I feel in todays times when ISIS problem is all over the world and Paris attacks and all that... I think India has the least problems with regards to that. So constantly harping on intolerance as if something major happening creates a damaging effect.

"People, who are not bothering about it are also thinking something is happening in the country. So (it is like) drawing attention to a non-issue... I don't think the actors have intended it," the director said.

He added that intolerance has always been there and people debating on it is just a trend, without any authenticity to it.

"Intolerance has always been there... It is a part of human nature. To make a big deal out of it... If Godhra incident happened today that will be height of what we call intolerance. But nothing that has happened is of that scale. I think celebrities and big leaders going on harping about the word intolerance is a fad, I don't think there is any real meaning," Varma said.

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Mumbai: Actor Sharman Joshi during Mata ki Chowki hosted by Ronit Roy on his birthday occasion in Mumbai on Oct. 10, 2015. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) The censor board, which has been in news for its decision to shorten a kissing scene in Hollywood film "Spectre", has left the team of forthcoming "Hate Story 3" Bollywood erotic thriller happy. The film's lead actor Sharman Joshi says an 'A' certificate was rightly granted for the entertainer.

"The censorship for 'Hate Story 3' has already been done. We've received an adult (A) certification and the erotic aspect of the film is of course, retained. We're happy with the censors and the audience will also be happy with the film," Sharman said here.

The trailer and a few songs of the film have already given a hint of the content that the film will have.

Sharman has a message for couples.

"Hurry up and immediately book your corner seats for the film, you can enjoy it a lot more," he quipped.

Sharman plays a corporate executive in the film and is seen protecting his ladylove from the prying eyes of a pervert. About his role, he said: "It's looking interesting and I did this film because of these interest levels.

"The response has been very encouraging. Even our industry colleagues are encouraging us through phone calls and whenever we meet personally. They're all happy for us because they know the kind of hard work that goes in."

"Hate Story 3", also starring Zareen Khan and Karan Singh Grover, is directed by Vishal Pandya.

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Panaji, Nov 29 (IANS) After superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan stirred the hornet's nest with their comments on the growing intolerance in the country, critically-acclaimed actress and filmmaker Nandita Das says curbs on freedom of expression are taking a "dangerous" turn and speaking up against such issues is the only way out.

The actress shared that the country needs to stand up and take a stance to save the democracy from fading away in the swirl of protests.

"I don't think freedom of expression has ever been so threatened. It is something which is dangerous and the only way to counter it is to not be fearful. It is time to speak up and when there are more of us speaking up then nobody is isolated," Nandita told IANS on the sidelines of Film Bazaar here.

"A lot of my friends are telling me not to say too much, they are scared for my life. Why do I need to feel scared to speak my mind? But this level of fear I have not seen before and I think we all have to come together and save this democracy that we have taken for granted," she added.

A wave of dissent has seeped into the country with many people expressing their opinions on the "extreme intolerance" in the country. After Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan ruffled feathers over his remarks that his wife Kiran Rao had discussed moving out of India in view of growing intolerance.

Taking notice of these controversies, Nandita is still hopeful for betterment as she feels that not everything is so grim and disappointing.

"We have to remember that there are a few people screaming out loud and they do not represent the whole country. I think the country is still secular, I think most people would want peace and are happy to co-exist with others who maybe different from them in some way or another," she said.

Nandita, who had faced protests over her socially moving and bold films like "Fire", asserts that the problem is not new, but has intensified with time.

"Sadly, we are self-censoring ourselves. In the last one year things have become much worse. When Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M. M. Kalburgi are murdered in cold blood for defending free speech and rational thinking, it is unbelievable," she said.

The actress added that she feels "personally violated" when artists' freedom of expression is curbed.

"I feel personally violated when M. F. Husain's paintings are vandalized or the Tamil writer Perumal Murugan's book is banned. What is happening to this country? Every second day you are hearing something like this... Voices are being silenced. In a democracy you have to have  space for dissent," she said.

Nandita has traveled across the globe with her work both on and off the silver screen.

Her films like "Earth" and "Bawandar" have been lauded at home turf as well as on the foreign shores.

So how has the image of India changed internationally with the protests?

"They are shocked because they think ours is a very pluralist and diverse society. While we are economically a developing country, culturally we are rich, but by being so conservative and intolerant, we are telling the world that we are regressing and not progressing," said Nandita, who is busy with her next project based on the life of Pakistani short story writer Sadat Hassan Manto.

According to her, the focus should be on painting an honest, instead of a good picture on the global map.

"Every country has its good and bad, so we need to be more honest in the portrayal of our country. I too have had my share of attacks over time during the release of 'Fire', shooting of 'Water' and the marketing of 'Firaaq'," she asserts.

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Hyderabad, Nov 28 (IANS)

"It is such an important film in today's times. It is a must watch. All my friends loved the movie and thanked me for inviting them," Lakshmi told IANS, adding it's a "fun-filled and hard-hitting movie".

The screening was followed by an elaborate conversation between Lakshmi and the "Angry Indian Goddesses" team, which included its director and some members of the cast.

The film features an ensemble cast of Sarah-Jane Dias, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anushka Manchanda, Sandhya Mridul, Rajshri Deshpande and Adil Hussain among others.

"Angry Indian Goddesses" will be releasing on December 4 along with Vishal Pandya's erotic thriller "Hate Story 3", which stars actors Zareen Khan, Daisy Shah, Sharman Joshi and Karan Singh Grover.

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Mumbai: Lyricist Javed Akhtar during the special celebrity screening of film Guddu Rangeela in Mumbai on July 2, 2015. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, Nov 28 (IANS) India will always remain a tolerant nation, veteran writer Javed Akhtar has said.

"There are certain instances of intolerance in some sections of the society. But India will always remain a tolerant society.

"You can not term the entire nation intolerant," Akhtar said on the sidelines of the Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes Season 2 in Pune on Friday.

Earlier, at an event in New Delhi on Monday, Bollywood star Aamir Khan said: "When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, for the first time she said, 'Should we move out of India?' Now that's a very disastrous and a big comment to make to me."

The actor was widely criticised for his comments.

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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 27 (IANS)

"It is a filmmaker's paradise," Rajamouli, whose blockbuster "Baahubali" had become one of the biggest grossers in India's film industry, told reporters here Friday at an event organised by Kerala Tourism to promote wedding and film tourism in the state.

"When the story of 'Baahubali' came to my mind, I wanted to capture the ferocity and hugeness of Athirapally as against the placidity and calmness that is exploited most in the movies shot here," he said.

Rajamouli reminisced that his stint with Kerala dates back to the 1980s when he came to Sabarimala from Chennai.

He had fallen in love with the greenery since then. It is this love for the green pastures that made him shoot his three films "Simhadri", "Sai" and "Baahubali" in Thiruvananthapuram, Munnar and Athirapally respectively.

Asked about his reaction on the nomination of the Telugu version of "Baahubali" for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, he said he was not interested in awards. "I don't see any value for them," he quipped.

"I do not attend any award functions. However, I will be extremely happy if my technicians or people associated with the film win an award. It will be a motivation for them," he said.

Rajamouli was in Kerala to attend the wedding of the daughter of his friend, an orthopaedician based in Hyderabad, who had shortlisted Kerala and Rajasthan for his daughter's destination wedding.

Kerala Tourism Secretary Kamala Vardhana Rao said the alluring spots in Kerala like Munnar, Kochi and Kovalam are increasingly becoming locations for destination weddings, which would help in the development of tourism sector in the state.

"I had used clippings from 'Baahubali' to showcase Kerala's beauty for promoting the state's film tourism among the Chinese film producers in Beijing," said Rao.

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