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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!

The much-awaited animation project Mahabharat is set to hit the theatres soon, and the exciting news about the same is that Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai are the latest addition to the list of cast in the ambitious film. While Anil has lent his voice to the character of Karna, Manoj has dubbed for Yudishtir's character. The renowned actors were recently seen at the Future Works Studio in Andheri and the film's producer Jayantilal Gada confirmed their addition to the cast. "Both Anil and Manoj have shown full commitment. It was very gracious on their part to agree to impart voices to two very important characters in my film," he said. Anil completed his task in 15 days, while Manoj’s work was done in just 4 days. "Anil gave a lot to my film. Despite his hectic schedule, he took time off to come to the dubbing studio for more than two weeks," added Gada.For those unaware, the film already has a star-studded cast of voices with Amitabh Bachchan (Bheeshma Pitamah), Vidya Balan (Draupadi), Sunny Deol (Bheem) and Ajay Devgn (Arjun). However, the makers are yet to zero upon for a voice for the villain of the epic, Duryodhan.It is learnt that the makers are planning to release the film this Diwali, but a clash with Krrish 3 is not in their minds. Gada said "No we're not going to clash with Hrithik Roshan's film, we'll release a week before or later, but in the festive season."Hope the film do wonders at the box-office!

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.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been involved in various charities during his career. He has started NGO called Being Human and says after achieving so much in his career it is time to give back through charities. He says he is certainly doing his bit.Salman’s Being Human Foundation sells clothes, merchandises online and in stores in Mumbai, Ludhiana and Ahmedabad. A huge percentage of the money that Salman earns through his films is donated to the foundation.The Dabangg star is now planning to open restaurants and hospitals in the next five to six months under the same initiative. He said, “It is not my business to get into restaurants, clothing etc. As an actor, you only have the habit of getting things most of the times. But there is always time to give back to the society and I am doing my bit.”The 47-year-old actor also added that a certain amount from Being Human also takes care of industry people like workers and technicians. “Friends from the film industry do help whenever they can. But I am not good at asking money. You ask and keep asking for money and those people run away from you, and you lose friends. If you like any of things that are available at our stores come and pick it up. A percentage from this goes back into the charity, so you are doing charity.” he explained.Salman, who endorse Suzuki Motorcycle in India, also joins his foundation Being Human to promote their new vehicle Suzuki Access. The new association is an extension of the already existing ties with Salman and Suzuki as the actor endorses the Japanese brand.

Where most of the celebrities are joining a bandwagon of creating their official Facebook accounts, our own Kannada's new version of Silk Smitha, Kavita Radheshyam has deactivated her Facebook profile recently. Sultry siren informed on Twitter account about shutting down her profile and "Promises" to be active on her official Twitter."There was no serious networking happening there and people with fake profiles approach you with wrong intentions. Every wannabe becomes a serious Film Maker or a Film personality and you cannot do anything about it. I was very much active on my Facebook account, but believe me, not one single serious person approaches you with work or serious networking. I am working in some good projects and all these projects approached me directly," said Kavita Radheshyam.The actress who always stayed in news for reasons such as giving a sexy photo-shoot tribute to late Silk Smitha to refusing Bigg Boss season 5 wild card entry offer agreed there are good people networking on the world's biggest social networking site, But some Losers try and give bad name to the genuine people."I had a very small friend list in my Facebook profile that consists of genuine people. But what i really hate about Facebook is there are so manyCelebrities account which are Fake and by the time you come to know, it's too late. Even the Police Authority refuses any help here because the procedure takes a long time. The second thing which irritated me the most is any wannabe loser projects himself as a filmmaker and tries to act funny with you by sending you cheap messages even if he is not in your Friend-list." concluded Kavita.Kavita is looking forward to the release of her most hyped Kannada action thriller Ragini IPS. She is also doing another Kannada Film along with a Marathi and a Hindi film which she refused to divulge any details.

After winning million fans as the protagonist, Maanvi, in Star Plus’ hit show Ek Hazaaro Mein Meri Behena Hai, the pretty and vivacious Niaa Sharma went missing from the screen.And now, she is coming back with a new show. She will anchor the finale episode of MTV Webbed, being produced by Lost Boy Productions and Balaji Telefilms. It is based on cyber crime and the final episode will air on 15 December 2013. Actors like Veebha Anand, Vrinda Dawda and Chestha Bhagat will be seen in the finale episode.Confirming the report, Niaa said, “Yes, I have already shot for the final episode and it was super fun shooting after a while now. I got opportunity to showcase my hosting skills after a long time. I did anchor a bit during my school days. In daily soaps, you have to enact a character but here I have to be myself. I always wanted to be a part of a youth show and I am happy to host MTV Webbed.”Talking about anchoring whether she would like to do more in the same field or concentrate more on acting, Niaa said, “Yes, I would love to. But according to me, hosting business is male dominated in Indian television. The way men can mimic or crack any kind of joke, it connects with viewers. It doesn’t mean female can’t do it but daily soaps are female oriented and anchoring is male dominated.”Indeed, good news for her fans!

Former Victoria’s Secret supermodel Heidi Klum has made an announcement that she has decided against walking the ramp in lingerie anymore. Klum, 40, who in the past has been most sought-after bikini model, says that now she finds it all quite uncomfortable now."I wouldn`t model with my underwear down the runway anymore. I think I would find it a little uncomfortable, maybe," said Klum, who also pressed on the fact that she wouldn’t discontinue taking modelling assignments. "I still do photoshoots for covers and different things or advertising stuff," she added.On the other note, even though the actress once turned up dressing as a 95-year-old woman for Halloween bash. She was dolled-up with wrinkles and age spots, still, she isn’t scared of getting old. In fact, the model says that she won’t ever go for plastic surgery, as she finds the idea very scary. "I've never done anything," said the 40-year-old on Thursday. "I've been too scared, to be honest with you." While speaking to the sources recently, the model said that she has not yet taken fillers or injections for those pesky lines on her forehead. "Botox or bangs," she laughed. "I go for bangs. I'm scared that all of a sudden you're changing too much, your face starts changing," the mom of four said. "I would have a hard time looking in the mirror and seeing something that I'm not used to seeing. I'd be afraid!"Well said!

Hollywood actor Chris Pine revealed that to play Jack Ryan in Star Trek, he gathered advice from actor Alec Baldwin. For those unaware, initially, Pine, 33, was hesitant about signing Tom Clancy’s famous spy hero in the Jack Ryan franchise reboot.So he went to Baldwin for advice, as the latter starred in the first movie, The Hunt for Red October. "Alec and I were doing voice-overs for an animated film and sometimes we`d meet as one of us was reading or coming in. I saw him one time and I was like a kid, I was like, `Hey, I`m playing Jack Ryan, do you have any advice`?" Pine said."He just grabbed me by the shoulder and said, `Do it. Do it. And don`t let go`. Because he obviously, famously, left to do A Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway," he added. Pine worked really hard for the film, and didn’t come up with simple approach. "I would have been happy making Marathon Man or The French Connection. I would have done a long, slow action-free film and been very, very happy. That`s my personal leaning, but it is 2013 and you`d get a geriatric audience if you didn`t have some kind of fight stuff in there," Pine said."So between my reticence about making it too much like Bourne and Bond, and the inclinations of the studio to make it just that, I do hope we found some place in the middle," he added.We’re glad to say that you prove your mettle very well!

Upcoming film Khoobsurat will be a family entertainment that has Sonam Kapoor as its leading lady, Anil Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor as its producers. It would be produced by The Walt Disney Studios and proud father Anil said it is going to be a happy venture.“My daughters have grown up watching Disney movies, so it's exciting to see this collaboration. We have worked hard on the script and are sure the film will have universal appeal,” said Anil Kapoor, who is currently enthralling TV audience with his debut show 24 on Colors channel.Talking about the upcoming family production film, Khoobsurat has just gone on floors in Bikaner, Rajasthan. It revolves around Mili (Sonam), a vivacious girl who turns the lives of a royal family upside down. For the film, Sonam, who is known for his fashion has gone to adopt a de-glam look. About the film she said, “When you look at Walt Disney's life, his whole purpose was to entertain people and make them happy. And, in this film, Mili makes things happy and Khoobsurat.”Disney UTV’s Managing Director Siddharth Roy Kapur, further added, “The script is endearing and entertaining... it will be a fun experience for the whole family.”Khoobsurat will also see Kirron Kher, Ratna Pathak Shah and Aamir Raza Hussain and being directed and  written by ad-filmmaker Shashank Ghosh. It is scheduled to hit theatres in mid-2014.

It is a known fact that Deepika Padukone was approached for the seventh part of Hollywood flick Fast and Furious, but due to her recent released film Ram Leela, she couldn’t take it up. However, the gorgeous actress says she does not regret being unable to make her debut in English film world.“I don't regret it. I had to work out things for Ram Leela here, I couldn't have left the process mid way, and I had given my commitment here first. Looking at the way the film Ram Leela has got response, I feel good as my hard work has paid off,” shares the long less.Deepika, 27, make her plans clear that she is still open to doing films whenever the right offer comes up. “I would love to do a Hollywood film. The reason for me to do a Hollywood film is same as what I do here in Bollywood,” averred Deepika.The diva, who is basking in the success with back-to-back superhit films, says she is open even if the role is small in Hollywood film. She said, “There is nothing like a small role. The role has to be of impact, this is what matters, the length of it doesn't. A good actor can make a presence felt even in a short time.”Deepika is currently busy shooting for Farah Khan’s upcoming film Happy New Year, which stars her two-film co-star Shahrukh Khan along with Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, and Jackie Shroff among more. The first shooting schedule of filming has completed in Dubai. As per the reports that a major portion of the film will be shot in the prestigious Palm Islands, three artificial islands off the coast of Dubai.

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.

TV actor Jay Soni is keen to participate in celebrity couple dance reality show Nach Baliye and even approached for the current season with her fiancé Pooja Shah, however, they did not take it up owing to certain reasons.Jay, who admits that makers of NB offered him participation, shares the reason why he couldn’t take the show. “Yes, as soon as we got engaged, we were offered Nach Baliye. But as you all are aware, my fiancée is not from the industry, and mine is an arranged relationship. So she will require her own time to get into the groove of things. Also, dancing will be something new for her and I will want her to take enough time to give her acceptance to doing the show,” he expressed.Jay, who won million hearts as the innocent and simple Ishaan in Sasural Genda Phool, also adds that not only he but Pooja also follows Nach Baliye diligently. He says Pooja is now getting the facts right about the competition. “The contest is sinking into her mind right now. So hopefully we will be participating in the dance reality show next year,” averred Jay.He also says that with Sanskaar 2 going on, he could not accept Nach Baliye this time around. “One more reason for us not taking up Nach Baliye is because I am presently busy with Sanskaar –Dharohar Apnon Ki Season 2. I love my work, and I am presently enjoying the twists and turns in the show.”Talking about the daily soap, Jay said, “Well, with Dipika (Pooja Kanwal) entering, there is a love triangle in the show. And viewers are really concerned about the girl that Kishan will choose for himself.”Jay, we hope to see you with your Baliye in the next season of Nach Baliye.

A lot of controversies have been circulating around Govinda nowadays. Recently there were rumours that he would cancel an event, as he was stranded in an elevator of a Juhu hotel for 15 minutes, on his way. He was headed for the launch of his music album. Also there are constant complains of him being late on the sets, etc."The lift had around 10-11 people in it, so it got stuck. I felt a tad suffocated," said the actor, adding, "But later, I had a glass of water and proceeded to the event, contrary to assumption that I would skip the occasion altogether. Yet, so many stories of my unprofessionalism have been floating around since the past 14 years! People often complained that I never reach the shoot on time but most of the times, I wasn't given the right time! Commitments were made on my behalf without keeping me in the loop. Yeh sab mera kaam bandh karvane ke liye tha. Where there is fame, there is jealousy." Also few days back, reports made to headlines of him threatening police officers after they asked him to stop his film shoot at Marve Beach without permission. "What can I say, when you are not doing well in life, these controversies keep you alive. This incident did happen. The cops were technically right. It was Ganesh Chaturthi day, aur mera ek shot reh gaya tha. It was 12 noon and to change the location for one shot would have been time consuming so I requested them to let it finish. I told them, 'Aap itne strict kyun hai? Even when I was an MP and a leading hero, maine kabhi bhaav nahi khaya.' It was a request. But we adhered to their decision and shot somewhere else."Hope things get better soon!

Going by his songs, one can’t really guess that singer Liam Payne would be nerdy kind, however, he claims to be so. While speaking to the sources recently, he gave away that when he isn’t working he goes for an outing with old friends and plays video games with them.Speaking to the sources, he gave away that even after the stardom came his way with the band, he is still close to his old buddies, and hangs out with them whenever possible.“That`s really important to me. They treat me the same as they always did. My mate Andy from college moved to London around the same time as I did, so he comes over to my house a lot. Often he`ll bring his friends with him and we go out together,” Payne was quoted as saying.“We`re quite nerdy and have games nights, as well as movie nights on Wednesdays if I`m home. It`s nice to do something really down to earth and normal,” added the 20-year-old.Meanwhile, the singer also gave away that he was naked and terrified when two Aussie fans pinched his boxer shorts earlier this month. “It was a bit scary to be fair because when you’re naked and there’s a stranger looking through the window…” the 20-year-old recalled.He added, “If you turn it the other way round and I’d been looking at her through a window, I’d have been straight off to jail!’Sure one embarrassing experience!

Even in the times when Miley Cyrus has become a rage owing to her sexy image which she gained post MTV Video Music Awards performance, few are still there who don’t want to attain fame through these cheap antics.One such pop star is Ariana Grande, who says that she is not comfortable doing such antics, or show off her sexuality in a bid to gain fame.Rather, this Right There hitmaker appreciates singers for their confidence and racy stage outfits. However, at the same time, she is strictly against showing off her own body. "I`m not comfortable with showing off my sexuality yet. I don`t want to force it, even if it is cool or what`s happening at the moment. I applaud people who are confident enough in their sexuality to do that, but I don`t take myself seriously enough. I think you can convey just as much sexiness in the way you sing a song as you can by taking your clothes off,” the 20-year-old was quoted as saying. We are glad that you’re interested in opting for right option. Here, we wish you luck for your future endeavors!

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan recently attended annual lecture at the Penguin in New Delhi where he unveiled about the thoughts of his father Mr. Harivansh Ray Bachchan. He said he remains puzzled by his father's habit in his last days of watching Hindi films rather than turning to his greatest companion his beloved books.Bachchan said his father had called him his greatest poetry. “My biggest problem in my life I do not know whether I am a free verse or a couplet, a chaupai or a shloka. I don't know what he saw in the flickering darkness it had to be more than Hindi cinema's excessive poetic justice in three hours! Did he see a flame that burns itself up lighting up the fire of the written word within? We are our own monster an animal of many animal parts.”During the conversation, Big B also confessed that he would try and build a girls’ school. “True equality can only exist if the whole society embraces it,” he said. Bachchan referred to feature films as the great passion of India cutting across all other performing arts and the Indian film industry as absorbing all religions, languages and cultures in it.“The filmy ambrosia's nectar so intoxicating that it has achieved what that no Indian politician has ever done,” said Bachchan before posing the question "In our cinema bad guys always come to no good what about in India itself? “Indian cinema has no nuclear bomb never suffers a recession but people call it is degenerate, trebling, trashy, flashy hocus-focus,” said the actor.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is one such actor who has high regard for his female actresses, and it was only few months’ back that he announced that his name would be preceded by his heroine's name in his films. And it started with Deepika Padukone, with whom he starred in Chennai Express.On his part, SRK feels that the decision was no big deal. He was speaking at NDTV-Vedanta's Our Girls, Our Pride fundraising telethon. As a believer in ‘ladies first’, SRK didn’t think that it was that big a gesture. He said, "I don't think it's a huge gesture. When I started out, I had some really wonderful ladies like Madhuri, Juhi and Sridevi helping me out with my work and as the years passed they started giving me star status and it became very embarrassing. So I decided to put my name at the end and the lady's before mine."SRK was speaking to telethon co-hosts Priyanka Chopra and Vikram Chandra via satellite from Dubai. He was also upset with the fact that in India female foeticide still exists. "It is an extremely unfortunate thought process. A child is a child and I don't think any woman or boy is better than the other. Each person has his or her own circumstances and education. I truly believe girls look after their parents much better."Really sweet of you, SRK!