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Veteran actress Shabana Azmi and her work would be honored at prestigious River To River film festival in Florence on November 22, 2013. She will be bestowed by Pegasus of the Region Tuscany Award by Cristina Scaletti, Tuscany's regional councilor of culture at the opening day of the fest.Other personalities and their films like Shyam Benegal’s Ankur, Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth, Vinay Shukla’s Godmother and Deepa Mehta’s Fire will also screen. Last year the River To River festival held a retrospective of Amitabh Bachchan's films.The 63-year-old actress said the Pegasus honour is big because when a state recognizes you, it's very heartening. “I'm honoured and humbled and grateful to the writers and directors who cast me in challenging roles. The Pegasus honour is big because when a state recognises you, it's very heartening.”As per the sources, “Encomiums and Shabana are good friends. In her career of 41 years she has collected awards, both National and popular, by the dozen and has made her presence felt at various film festivals.  Shabana has had many retrospective, such as the one at the New York Film Festival where she was the first actor ever to be thus honoured as till then they did retros only of directors.”Shabana Azami was also honored at Cinematheque in Paris, at the British Film Institute London, Avignon, and Winnipeg, Toronto and in Canada.

Actress Vishakha Singh is now a known name in Bollywood after doing films like Fukrey, Bajatey Raho and Ankur Arora Murder Case. Latest it is learnt that she is ready to do more films as she has signed on few more projects.Her upcoming films, however, are in different languages. “These are The Maya Tape (Hindi), Thurram (Telugu), The Motorcycle Diaries (Malayalam) and Valeeba Raj (Tamil),” informs a source. But one thing that comes to notice is that despite being a Punjabi, she has not acted in one yet. Still, she has many language films in South, where she will be playing a lead role. “Doing four films at a time in itself is a big deal but considering that she is a Punjabi from Delhi, doing four film and that too in different languages is really something special,” says a close associate of the actress.“The Maya Tape, in which she is playing a reporter, sees her along with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The horror thriller is being readied for release before year end while the other three would arrive in 2014. Moreover, she is also in talks to do more Hindi films, announcement of which would be made soon,” adds a source.Says Vishakha, “Yes, I am doing a lot of regional films. I realise that one should be constantly working. Moreover, South industry pays you much more as well so it is a good reason to be doing films there too.”Hope you achieve success with these films!

Few months back rumours were abuzz that filmmaker Punit Malhotra and Sonam Kapoor were hot couple; however, they said to have had a nasty break-up. Meanwhile, the two always kept mum about the whole thing since the start, and if believe Punit, there was never anything between them at all, as he claims that he was never in a relationship with any actress.Punit’s directorial Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is all set to release soon, and it stars his I Hate Luv Storys’ lead actor Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Nowadays both the actors are busy promoting the film worldwide. Here is what Punit said regarding his relationship status. "No, I did not date any actress. I am saying this on the record," Punit said. "I did not have strained relations with anyone, any actor. I am friendly with Sonam. I hope to work with her in future. It is all rubbish. You get up in the morning, see the newspapers, read articles and you find it funny. You wonder what they were wondering while writing this story. There is nothing else that you can do about it," he added. Well, it’s good that he thought to clear the air!

The popular television actress Suhasi Dhami promises her fans to comeback on television dailies in the beginning of next year. She was last appeared in Zee TV’s Housewife Hai Sab Jaanti Hai and was very much appreciated for her performance of modern bahu.She is currently busy doing a play. “I am currently busy with a play named Happily Married but Phir Bhi Doubt Hota Hai.  I am satisfying my urge to do a comic role through this play. It is running good in Mumbai and people are really liking and appreciating our acts. After my stint in the daily soap Housewife Hai Yeh Sab Janti Hai went off air I got engrossed with this play.”About her return to small screen, Suhasi said, “There are always things in the pipeline but it takes a while for things to materialize. It is the same this time too. But well the viewers will get to see me on television next year now as I am heading for a vacation in December.”On her choice of show and character, she added, “See, television is trying to be experimental, but we all know that what work the most on TV is the saas-bahu shows. So it all depends upon the show that I am offered. If I am happy to experiment then I might take roles accordingly or else I would go with the saas-bahu saga. But I would definitely want to try my hand on negative roles.”Suhasi is popular for portraying lead characters in shows like Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein and Yahan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli.

Post the successful launch of beau Sushant Singh Rajput, telly actress Ankita Lokhande was also looking to make debut in Bollywood. Her dream was even about to accomplish but she missed the chance. Ankita informs that she was offered Shahrukh Khan starrer upcoming film Happy New Year but things couldn’t happen in her favour. The role is now being played Deepika Padukone.Ankita, currently seen playing double role in Zee TV’s long running show Pavitra Rishta, says, “I was considered for this role, so it is a good thing. It is unfortunate it couldn't happen. I don't know why things did not work out. I think there is a prejudice against TV actors. I was working on TV, and if I was considered for it is a big thing.”Happy New Year, a story which revolves around a bunch of male friends and how situation forces them to participate in a dance competition, is being directed by Farah Khan. The female lead will apparently play the role of a bar dancer, who will help these friends win the dance trophy. It also features Abhishek Bachchan and Boman Irani in prominent roles. It will also mark Naseeruddin Shah’s son Vivaan Shah’s debut.

After coming out with the confession regarding his homosexuality, singer Ricky Martin felt liberated, and about the same, he spoke recently. It was in 2010 that Martin accepted being a gay, and claimed that it would be wonderful if he can successfully do that again.Martin, 41, said that he was really scared about the feedback of his peers. "I was terrified. I had to really work on my self esteem to understand that it`s all about self love, and other people`s opinions weren`t what was important," Martin wrote to a fan during a Facebook chat."What was important was accepting myself exactly as I am, as I was born. I insist, it wasn`t easy, but wow, I wish I could come out again because it felt like I could `high five` God`," he added. For those unaware, the singer has twins Matteo and Valentino via surrogacy. Earlier, the Livin` la Vida Loca hitmaker had also revealed that he used to bully those people who were gay. "I look back now and realise I would bully people who I knew were gay. I had internalized homophobia. To realise that was confronting to me. I wanted to get away from that," Martin said."I didn`t want them (his twin sons) growing up in a house of lies or thinking that there was something wrong with being gay," he added.Good you realized it!

What would you call a film which draws so many inspirations from other Hollywood and Bollywood Rom-Coms and still looks as a confused and paranoid film just like the female lead character from this film? Here comes a yet-another frustrated crappy version of many Hollywood-Bollywood films in the form of Huff It's Too Much.First of all, the film tells a story about a couple in their 25 years of age living in London. Please take a look at the lead actor Pushkar Jog. Do you really think he looks like a 25 years old? Especially with his eye-wrinkles and double chinned face which cannot be avoided in the film's poster itself? Some news papers and tabloid claimed "Famous Marathi actor Pushkar Jog debuts through this Film" in their respective headers  (PR generated stories, Of course). Famous Marathi actor? Really? If Pushkar Jog is considered as a Famous Actor, What would you call stars like Bharat Jaadhav, Subodh Bhave, Ankush Chowdhary etc?As far as debut is concerned, Pushkar Jog has already debuted in a very less remembered multi-cast flop film called E.M.I Liya Hai Toh Chukana Padega (2008). Back home in Marathi Cinema, He has done some B Grade films which sank without a trace. He produces his own films and his debut Marathi (Self-Produced) film 'Zabardast' was directed by ace director Mahesh Kothare. Some insiders also claimed about the actor having a well-dressed staff accompanying him and wearing "Pushkar Jog Staff" name batch. Marathi cinema's Kamaal R Khan? Oops! No offense to anyone. Sorry please.Huff It's Too Much is a romantic-comedy revolving around a creative director, his quirky best friend and a woman that he is confused about. The film is an all and out youth centric romantic-comedy set in London dealing with the tryst and tribulation of young 'Desis' staying abroad.Another plot about Indians who live abroad and confused about their lifestyles and livings. Such plot, if treated in a right format can do really wonders. But it looks as if the people behind the scenes were only interested in shooting the film rather concentrating on the storyline. The first half of the film is just tolerable. But it's the second half which tortures you to the core.As I speak about the performances, Pushkar Jog really doesn't know to act in a Hindi film, Despite starting his career as a child actor. Acting in a Marathi Film is different. The Body language, The Accent, The Style etc.But performing in a Hindi Film is another ball game. The Sarcasm comedy slang that he used in this one looks like a (Late) Laxmikant Berde Marathi style. Armeena Khan, yet-Another Pakistani Actress/Model debuts through this film. She is strictly okay. Yes, like every other Pakistani actress, She too has an Expression less face which somehow worked for this film. Why? Because the camera was mostly capturing the one and only Pushkar Jog. Rest of the actors were nothing to talk about.Music of the film is okay, But because of its less promotions, I don't think they will be remembered much. The Editing is bad. The camera work is good. Production values are nothing new to talk about because the film has been shot in London, And trust me, No one showed London as beautiful and erotic as (Late) Yash Chopra used to show.Why Pushkar Jog directed this film? Why this film was made in Hindi? Why does Pushkar Jog's smile reminds you of iconic Marathi director Mahesh Kothare? These are some of my questions which still remained unanswered.If you have a strong and a personal grudge with a person, Show him/her Huff It's Too Much at least once. Huff It's Too Much is a Pushkar Jog style Torture!

Veteran actress Madhuri Dixit is all set to make a return in acting with upcoming film Dedh Ishqiya. The trailer of the film released recently and the actress sis bagging applaud for all quarters for her look as well as act in the film, which is quite visible in the trailer.The film stars Madhuri, Naseeruddin Shah, Huma Qureshi and Arshad Warsi in lead roles, and the trailer of the movie came out online on Friday (November 8, 2013). For those unaware, in the movie, Madhuri will be seen playing a dancer, Begum Para, who is an attractive dangerous woman."Dr Nene (my husband) appreciated and complimented me that I am looking good in the poster and promos of the film," said Madhuri on Friday at Sanofi's diabetes awareness event. Not only her husband, l but even her kids are excited about her film. "My kids are always excited. If they see me somewhere in a photograph also, they say 'Mom, you are in this photograph'," she said.The film has been produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and directed by Abhishek Chaubey. The film is a sequel to the 2010 hit Ishqiya. It is based in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. Dedh Ishqiya is slated to release on January 10, 2014.

The youngest, cutest but a non-performer of Bigg Boss house, Pratyusha Banerjee  has been eliminated from the house after a tough vote-out last Saturday. She was in elimination with likes Gauhar Khan, Kamya Punjabi, Tanisha Mukherjee and Ajaz Khan. It was said to be the toughest vote-out of the season, where each contestant was equally important to the show.Talking about the experience on the show, Pratyusha admits that she felt vulnerable and unprotected as one of the inmates. “I was the youngest and I am also a very private person. I connect with very few close friends in real life. Suddenly, I was thrown together with all these people I had never met. Everyone in there was much older than me. It was scary. But it was also a challenge. I’ve come away from the experience much stronger and I’d like to think wiser.”Pratyusha is said to have dropped her popular show Balika Vadhu to participate in Bigg Boss. She added that she have made some good friends in there. “Kamya Punjabi was my best friend in there. I also grew very close to Armaanji (Armaan Kohli), Tanisha Mukherjee and very recently Ajaz Khan who entered Bigg Boss very late. They’re my friends for life.”As for doing another reality show, Pratyusha said, “Not for a very long time. And even if I am offered one, I’d think very carefully before doing it. Right now I only want my old life back.”About some memories in the house, she said, “No one had anything bad to say about me. I’d rather not think about the unpleasant side of the experience. Bigg Boss is the biggest reality-show in India, and perhaps in the world. I went into it on a clean slate. I had completed all my pending assignments and put a closure on personal issues. I’ve come out of the experience ready to start my life on a clean slate. Please wish me luck.”Wish you luck for the future endeavors, girl!

Tech and Lifestyle Magazine Exhibit saw the second edition of the Exhibit Recharge Nights at Shockk in Bandra. Present on the occasion were Actress Mia Uyeda who will soon be seen in Tere Bin Laden Part 2 opposite Sikander Kher, Darsheel Safary, Aniruddh Dave, Adaa Khan, Ridheema Tiwary, Harshali Zine, Aditya Kumar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Taaha Shah, Sandeep Sachdeva amongst others.Amidst ear blasting music, drinks and starters, Publisher of the Magazine, Mr. Ramesh Somani ensured that the guests present on the occasion have a good time socializing and getting a dose of tech.All the Celebrities and guests present at the event were enjoying to the core.

Colors’ popular show Balika Vadhu will soon witness a new entry on the show in form of talented actor Avinash Wadhawan. The makers have crafted an interesting plot along with the character of Avinash, who will bring hiccups in protagonist Jagya (Shashank Vyas) and Ganga’s (Sargun Mehta) life. Yes, the couple who have got married recently will face a major problem with the entry of Avinash’s character.Currently, Ganga is seen facing difficulties with her work in hospital as a nurse and at home as an idol bahu, who is supposed to take care about the whole family. In the coming episodes, Avinash Wadhawan will enter as a negative character and put her life on troubles.An excited actor Avinash Wadhawan, who was last appeared on TV show Junoon Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq, says it is always good to be associated with Colors channel. “This is the second time I will work with Colors. Earlier, I played Kalishwer in Rajan Shahi's Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg. This time I will be seen in their flagship show Balika Vadhu. My character in Balika Vadhu is very intense. It has many shades,” said Avinash, who has also seen in films like Geet, Junoon and Papi Gudia.He added about the shooting experience. “It is very exciting to be part of a cult show like Balika Vadhu and to be associated with Colors. I am looking forward to work with the cast and hoping that audience will love me in the role too.”Welcome to the show, Avinash!

Recently the first look of Shah Rukh Khan’s newborn son AbRam was revealed. Even though it was not a close look, but still it mattered to his fans, as it was the first sight of SRK and his wife Gauri’s surrogate child. And AbRam’s daddy dearest has all good things to say about the little kid, as he says when his infant kid is around, everyday is a festival for the family."We are very happy that he is part of our lives. With him around, everyday is a festival for us as he is in the house," Shah Rukh said.At the same time, he revealed how disappointed his was learning about Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement. "When I heard about it I was in Australia...I learnt about it a little late...I felt bad. He has taken the decision as he understands sports better. He did a lot for cricket. He should take rest, relax and enjoy with family," SRK said.He was speaking at the LUX Chennai Express Contest event in Mumbai, where he arrived a little late. However, like a true gentlemen he apologized to his fans for the same, and revealed that he has been down with fever."I am extremely sorry for coming late. My apologies to the media people. I am not well...I have flu...I was bed-ridden. I have been travelling a lot...but thanks for all your patience. I don't get tired very soon, but today I am a bit unwell. I have fever and may be because I didn't sleep last night..," told the superstar.Get well soon, SRK!