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Neeraj Pandey, one of India’s finest contemporary filmmakers, today launched his debut novel Ghalib Danger at an event that was attended by the stars of his cinematic ventures.  After entertaining Indians all over the world with memorable and much-loved films like A Wednesday and Special 26, the critically acclaimed director, who is no stranger to thrillers has further explored the genre with his first book.A fictional gangster saga set in the visually eclectic Mumbai underworld, Ghalib Danger makes Neeraj one of the rare Bollywood directors who have also authored novels. Ghalib Danger revolves around the life of its main protagonist Kamran Ali. A young taxi driver by profession, Kamran stays in Mumbai and dreams of making it big someday. However a twist of fate awaited him as on an eventful day his life transforms when he saves the life of a notorious underworld don from called Mirza. As an act of gratitude, Mirza takes Kamran under his tutelage.Speaking of his book, the celebrated film writer-director and now author says, ‘Writing has always been a passion and when the story of Kamran and his world took shape in my mind, I knew that only a book would do full justice to it. It’s a story of destinies that collide and shape the world of our characters’.The launch of Neeraj’s first book was also a special occasion for some of his favourite stars to come and cheer in support. While Anupam Kher, who credits Neeraj’s as giving him two out of his top 10 roles in the form of A Wednesday and Special 26, read out a chapter from the book to a live audience, Naseeruddin Shah penned the leading quote. Manoj Bajpayee not only joined the gathering but also lent his voice to the motion poster of the book as he read out couplets from Ghalib’s work. Divyaa Dutta dropped by to wish Neeraj good luck as well.

Brand Ambassador Vidya Balan attended the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Conference (IFFM) as the Victorian Coalition Government extended its support for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne by one year, reinforcing strong bond that exists between the Victorian and Indian screen industries.Recently the actress spoke at length about various aspects of her film-career. She is also well-aware that her weight is the talk of the town at the moment.“My weight has become the talking point of the nation. Why is everyone bothered about it? Is it a national issue?  I am just trying to work on my body shape, keeping in mind my character in the film. Believe me, I am not doing anything special. I am not dieting. I am happy with the way I look and hope people would leave it at that,” says, Vidya.At the same time, she is geared up to play first female detective of India in upcoming film Bobby Jasoos. The Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha production is being directed by debutant Samar Shaikh. “Samar is a very talented director. I am really looking forward to working with him,” she says. The movie goes on floor in November.

One look at Ranveer Singh’s chiseled body in Ramleela’s recently released song Ram ji ki chaal, and it is just impossible not to get becharmed by his persona. No wonder Ranveer is superlative with the response he has been getting post the release of the song.In fact, the chap is rather satisfied to get an opportunity to leave an imprint of his fit frame on celluloid. "It's probably the most intense training programme that I have been through to get in that kind of shape for Ram ji ki chaal. It's well worth it now that I see it on screen," the 28-year-old said in a video of the making of the song. "I am very happy that I looked like that at least once in my life and that it is imprinted on celluloid," he added. Meanwhile, the actor, who was admitted in Mumbai’s suburban hospital after being diagnosed with dengue, has been discharged and advised to take proper rest; however, we don’t see that happening, as he is already keen on making a comeback to work.Says a crew member, “Ranveer is trying to make up for lost time. We cancelled the music launch for the film, as we wanted to start the promotional activities with Ranveer and Deepika Padukone together. Since he seems to be recovering, he has decided to kick start the process and has agreed to give interviews over the phone.”The film stars him opposite Deepika Padukone, and is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It is set in Gujarat, and releases on November 15.