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Attending the three day fest, Cinema beyond Boundaries in New York, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar feels good with the international film dignities. He is exchanging notes with Hollywood directors, writers and music composers on understanding the global perspective in cinema. The director also said that Indian film industry and Hollywood can learn a lot from each other as the two industries seek to cater to the evolving nature of cinema.“There will be something that I take from them and they will take from us. While Hollywood has had a huge influence on the Indian industry, Bollywood and its actors too are garnering a lot of attention in the western film world,” said the filmmaker, who is well-known for his films like Chandni Bar, Page 3, Fashion and Heroine. The event would focus on the global influence of Indian cinema, forecast changes in the fast growing and rapidly evolving filmmaking industry. “Cinema has changed drastically over the years and films are now being made in different genres like commercial, edgy and radical to cater to the tastes of an evolving viewership,” he added.“Indian cinema is no more limited to audiences in India. We have viewers all around the world and hence understanding the global perspective is a must. Cinema Beyond Boundaries would get the viewers and the filmmakers together and would help us in serving them with good quality cinema,” Bhandarkar said. Well said Madhur Bhandarkar!

Unlike the masala oriented themes that filmmakers used to target, debutant director Faraz Haider decided to showcase the relations between the two countries, India-Pakistan, in a light manner in his upcoming film War Chhod Na Yaar, starring Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan and Jaaved Jaaferi. It is India’s first war comedy based film.For choosing this odd and controversial concept, the young filmmaker said he and his team have taken some harmless cinematic liberties in portraying different characters on both sides (India and Pak). Faraz shares, “Until now, almost all films made on Indo-Pak issues showed Pakistan in a bad light. I'm not saying it is wrong, nor am I pointing fingers at anyone. Also, the purpose behind making this film is not to hurt Pakistan or its people. We’ve shown the human side of all army men, Indian or Pakistani, without forgetting their sacrifices for their countries. But we have taken some harmless cinematic liberties in portraying different characters on both sides.”He explained that the initial days on the film weren’t easy. “When I thought of making this film, many people close to me told me not to touch this topic as it would be too sensitive. I understand India and Pakistan have a lot of problems which need an immediate solution. But instead of solving them, we're busy fighting over unimportant issues,” he said.Produced by AOPL Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, War Chhod Na Yaar is coming in theaters on October 11.

When 32 years back, Umrao Jaan released, starring Rekha as ravishingly beautiful, tragedy-stricken courtesan of Lucknow, the film broke all records at the box-office, and is still remembered for its uniqueness. The film was helmed by Muzaffar Ali, and written by Javed Siddiqui.The duo had planned that they would come up with a sequel to Umrao Jaan someday, and now they have united again for another film on a courtesan, however, it won’t be a sequel to the 1981 classic. In fact, buzz states that the director has abandoned the idea of the sequel altogether.Earlier, Ali had planned a sequel where Umrao returns to the 'kotha' and continues her life. He was to show Rekha as the aged Umrao. Siddiqui told the sources, "Two years back, we started working on the second instalment. And Rekha was more than glad to do the film. But now, the plan has changed. Rekha doesn't fit into my scheme of things now."It is learnt that Ali and Siddiqui were not happy with the fate met by JP Dutta's Aishwarya-Abhishek starrer Umrao Jaan, which was on the same topic. "Frankly, it is difficult to live up to the high standards of the original film. Also, most sequels or even remakes are not well received," Ali said.We’re sure it must have come as huge disappointment for Rekha and Umrao Jaan’s fans!

As far as the looks of his heroines are concerned, Sanjay Leela Bhansali never compromises, instead, takes complete charge of the look of his film’s heroine. Be it  Manisha Koirala in Khamoshi — The Musical, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Madhuri Dixit Nene in Devdas or Sonam Kapoor in Saawariya, the filmmaker is known for giving some of the most unforgettable roles.He promises to continue the tradition with his next, Ram Leela and says the audience will see Deepika Padukone in never seen before avatar. Deepika as Leela will be in her most graceful but spicy on-screen appearance, he claims. SLB said, “Leela is like my mother — beautiful, graceful, but teekhi! She's delicate, but she cannot be taken lightly. She isn't a recluse. She lives life to the fullest and on her own terms. She is colour, she is what she is... I wanted Deepika to be that.” It is also informed by director that for the look of Deepika, a Gujarati girl, he wanted to keep it as natural to his vision. Minimalistic make-up by Mehera Kolah and an undone light bouffant ensured that the actress looked ethereal. He himself visited Gujarat for Deepika's outfits, which has been designed by Anju Modi. Deepika added, “Apart from the fact that he is one of the most celebrated directors, Sanjay sir has always been known for the way he presents his heroines. So, other than getting to work with him, I was excited about my look in the film. His attention to detail, combined with Anju Modi's creative brilliance, helped Leela come alive.”About her experience of working with Bhansali, Modi says, “He doesn't believe in restricting creativity and that makes it a dream for any designer.”Produced by Eros International and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ram Leela also stars Ranveer Singh. It is releasing on November 15.

We all are aware of the fact that Aamir Khan is very much protective and concerned about his kids, whether they’re Junaid and daughter Ira from his first wife Reena Dutta or a one-year-old son Azad with second wife Kiran Rao. Whenever he gets time to spend with them, he never misses a chance and utilizes it to the core.Recently, while he was in Mumbai and he had taken time off from work to babysit one-year-old Azad because wife Kiran Rao was travelling. And as of now he is in Delhi, shooting for his forthcoming film Peekay for filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, where he’s spending time with Junaid, who is being the assistant of the director in the film. Reportedly, Aamir is the one who suggested his 18-year-old son Junaid Khan not to take up acting yet, but instead start by learning about Indian cinema. Subsequently, Junaid has taken up the role of an assistant director to film-maker Rajkumar Hirani for Peekay.      Sources from the sets said it is gathered that Aamir was seen having heart-to-heart conversations with his young son. The actor knows that Junaid is on the threshold of adult life and he wants to be there for him when the young man makes important decisions, be it in matters of the heart or career.

Few days ago, actress Huma Qureshi had slammed her link-up rumours with director Anurag Kashyap as slap on her face. And now, we wonder what she might be feeling with this new buzz going about her. It is said that the Delhi girl has grown fond of her Dedh Ishqiya director Abhishek Chaubhey.

Veteran film actress and social activist Shabana Azmi says that she was brought up in such a manner that she pays huge attention while selecting a movie. Azmi was speaking as the chief guest for the 18th International Film Festival of Kerala, which started on Friday night.While addressing the sources, Shabana revealed how happy she felt looking at the participation of the audience in the festival. Azmi is someone who believes that a social message must come from a film, and she feels that the director is responsible for the same. "My family and the way in which I was bought up influenced my selection of movies across all genres," Azmi said.Azmi said, "I have trust and faith on the upcoming directors as they were reflecting reality based on what they have seen and experienced in life in cities. Masters like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen portrayed rural life, as it was the reality they had seen in their life time."Quizzed if she would like to take up Malayalam films, Azmi said, "While acting, it is important for me to understand the meaning of the language."We applaud your belief!

Porn star Sunny Leone is coming back with her ultra sizzling appearance in Kaizad Gustad’s thriller Jackpot. It would be her second Bollywood film after Pooja Bhatt’s Jism 2. She has also done an item song Leela Teri in Shootout Out Wadala.She has impressed director Kaizad Gustad, who is making his re-entry in filmmaking after a long period. His last film was Katrina Kaif starrer Boom, released in 2003. About working with Sunny Leone, he said, “Excited may be the wrong word. But yes, I'm happy to have worked with her. Sunny is a professional and it was fantastic directing her because she is always trying to give every shot her best. She is always asking questions and I like that about her. I'm blessed to have worked with her.”Producer-turned-actor Sachiin Joshi has been roped in to play opposite Sunny in the film that also features Naseeruddin Shah. About casting, Kaizad said, “I had written the script of Jackpot two years ago in Goa, during the rains. Then I just let it be. Most filmmakers are very possessive about their scripts. I usually leave my first draft sitting for a while. And, then I revisit it. Also, I do not write scripts with an actor in mind. I usually write and then do my casting. Coming to the bit about why Sachiin, well, we met socially and he asked me whether I was working on something. So, I told him about Jackpot. He liked the idea and was ready to roll almost immediately. And, I felt that he suited the role of a street-smart Goan local.”Jackpot is releasing on December 13, 2013.

DAR Motion Pictures has come up with the most versatile production house, and its latest release The Lunchbox, in collaboration with UTV and Dharma Productions did good business at the box-office.Its upcoming projects are Mickey Virus, Ugly, etc. Arun Rangachari from the production house says "Our content strategy is genre and demographic agnostic, and is driven by a core philosophy to bring high-quality content to a cross-section of Indian audiences. Backed by best-of-class talent, each of our films this year belongs to a different genre and is focused on a distinctive audience segment."The production house aims to invest in different genres of films. "We are currently finalizing our slate of films for 2014, which again will be equally eclectic in terms of genres, themes, narratives, budgets and casting, with high-quality content being at the core," says Vivek Rangachari from the production house.Director Ritesh Batra says, "I am very excited to be a part of DAR family with The Lunchbox. As a production house they give creative freedom and support to their directors."Manish Paul, who plays the main lead in Mickey Virus, said, "After my experience of working with them on 'Mickey Virus', I can say that that they know how to identify and nurture creative talent."We hope they keep on attain success!

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu fame director Shakun Batra’s next would be based on the human relationships. His last film was made under Karan Johar’s production banner Dharma Productions, and this will also be produced under the same banner. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu starred Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor.At present he is busy with the pre-production stage of the movie. Speaking to the sources, he said, "My next film deals with human relationships... it is a drama. I am yet to lock my script. I will show the draft to Karan and then we will take things ahead. By next month I will be able to give some details, including the star cast."You may know that with his debut directorial, he introduced the unusual pairing of Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor, which would be on-screen again with Gori Tere Pyaar mein, again produced by Karan, and directed by I Hate Luv Storys director Punit Malhotra. Recently Shakun saw the rushes of GTPM, and is all praises for it. "They both look amazing on screen. They have a sizzling chemistry. I am looking forward to see the film," he added.We hope you next also do great business at the box-office!