Aamir Khan to meet the Mountain Man's family

Dasrath Manjhi, a landless farmer who was also known as 'The Mountain Man', has found support in an unlikely corner - Bollywood.
It has emerged that actor Aamir Khan, who's all set to host the next season of the show 'Satyamev Jayate', will be visiting Gehlour, the mountain man's native village in Bihar.

"When Aamir heard Manjhi's story, he was highly inspired by it and he expressed his desire to visit the village. He now wants to meet Dashrath's family and celebrate his undying spirit. Accordingly, he will fly to Bihar on February 22 to meet Dasrath's family," says a source.

It may be pointed out here that Manjhi's wife died due to lack of medical treatment in their village and in a bid to save others from a similar fate, he carved a 360-foot-long path to form a road passing through a mountain in the Gehlour hills, toiling day and night for a good 22 years: from 1960 to 1982.



His feat drastically reduced the distance between the Atri and Wazirganj blocks of the Gaya district, bringing him national acclaim. When he died in 2007, he was given a state funeral by the Bihar government. In fact, his life story was featured in season one of Aamir's show.

Kangana couldn't wait to be 'Queen'

Kangana Ranaut, who plays the role of 'Rani', a simple, shy Rajauri girl in 'Queen', was very excited about shooting for the second half of the film. When the script was first narrated to Kangana, she loved how the story progressed. However, as the story entered the second half, the excitement was written clearly on her face. Her enthusiasm about shooting for the second phase of Rani's life was obvious.

Director Vikas Bahl admits, `Kangana's inputs played a huge role in shaping the character of Rani. Her excitement about shooting for the film, especially the second half, was natural, as she would finally get to transform and sport her infectious smile.`

Actor Kangana Ranaut said, `I could visualize Queen having the best time of her life in the most beautiful places on Earth. I could not wait to get on my single honeymoon.`



The movie is about Kangana going on her solo honeymoon to Paris, after being dumped at the altar by her fiance. She finds new friends in a foreign land, lets her hair down and has the time of her life. This is the part where her character experiences a beautiful transformation. Presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, 'Queen' is a Phantom Production. The Kangana Ranaut starrer is directed by Vikas Bahl, and produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Vikramaditya Motwane & Anurag Kashyap. 'Queen' is scheduled for release on March 7, 2014.

Celina approached by international fitness chain

Celina Jaitley, who is back in shape, may be missing from the film front, but has been approached by an international fitness chain to be their brand ambassador.

The gym wants to target the Indian market especially women and their problems of losing post pregnancy weight.

Celina who delivered twins and got back into shape fitted the bill.

Nargis Fakhri in the circus tent

Nargis Fakhri is flying off to London where she is shooting for an ad campaign with a circus troupe.

As the actress is required to do a stunt, she has been asked to arrive a few days in advance to train.

Prior to this, a customised workout regime focussing on pilates was sent to Nargis to prepare for the shoot. Life under the circus tent ain't easy.

A Wife's Desire: What Kareena expects out of Saif?

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan feels her actor husband Saif Ali Khan should venture into Hollywood as he perfectly fits the bill for being there.

"He is an evolved man and an actor. I think he will make a great actor in Hollywood because he has immense talent. I think he is fit to be there... He has the looks, talent and attitude," Kareena told PTI in an exclusive interview. However, Kareena would not like to try her luck in the west. "I am happy being here.

I have no dreams of going there," Kareena said. Despite a lot of newcomers coming in, Kareena still seems to be one of the most sought after actresses and she feels privileged about the fact. "It feels great and is a compliment. I think it is all about talent. Acting is something I have always been passionate about. New people will come and those who are talented will be here for a long time," she said. Kareena enjoys the work of actresses like Mahie Gill and Huma Qureshi.

"I think there are too many talented actresses around, even newcomers are doing great work. People from small towns are coming in films and leaving a mark like Huma Qureshi and Mahie Gill. Every one is doing fine," she said.

Kareena has been in the industry since quite sometime and she considers herself as an actor first and not a star. "I don't know how it feels being a star. I never look at myself as a star, people feel it that way.



I think I am an actor. I am a normal girl who likes to spend time with family and close friends and that is what I enjoy the most," she said. On endorsing Magnum, one of the world's leading ice cream brand, she said, "My international vacations are never complete without indulging in a bar of Magnum. I feel honoured to represent the brand in India. Magum is my 25th brand.

I look for what the brand has and what it thinks of passing to consumers, message etc. I am like any other normal girl...it (ice cream) brings happiness to me," Kareena said. Kareena joins the likes of Eva Mendes, Eva Longoria and Liv Tyler as Magnum pleasure ambassador. "It is great to join them... They are brilliant artists," she added.

Three's a crowd at box office this Christmas

John Abraham's film 'Welcome Back' is set to release on Christmas along with 'Peekay' and 'Bombay Velvet'

The Bollywood lineup for Christmas this year just got more crowded. Word has it that John Abraham's film, 'Welcome Back', has also jumped on the December 25 bandwagon, joining the likes of 'Peekay' and 'Bombay Velvet'.



When contacted, producer Firoz Nadiadwala confirmed the news. `'Welcome Back' is releasing on Christmas - that's all I can say. I don't know about other films,` he said.

'Welcome Back' is the sequel to 'Welcome' that was made in 2007. The film stars John, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor in lead roles. It maybe recalled here that 'Bombay Velvet' was the first film to announce its Christmas release earlier this year.


Then came the announcement that Aamir Khan's film, 'Peekay', will release on the same day; this film was initially slated to release in June. It is said that Aaamir chose a Christmas release as he believes it to be lucky for him (his last release, 'Dhoom 3', broke records at the box office).

With 'Welcome Back' joining the fray, one will have to wait and watch to find out who will come out tops in this battle.

A quiet beginning for 'Hero'

Sooraj Panscholi, who now prefers to be low-profiled, quietly began shooting for his debut film 'Hero' at the Gateway of India on Monday.

Directed by Nikhil Advani, it is a remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 film of the same name which starred Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Seshadri.

Aditya Panscholi's son has Athiya, daughter of Suniel Shetty as his co-star. The unit plans to shoot mainly in south Mumbai this week and then head to Manali for a long outdoor stint.



Sooraj had appeared before a trial court last week after the Mumbai police filed a chargesheet against him ast month for abetting the suicide of actress Jiah Khan

Shot in the dark: No more raw deals for this actor

Tired of unfair treatment meted out to him in films, this actor is now putting his foot down
This star, who mostly features in multi-starrers, is not too happy with the way his role shaped up in his last film. He was taken aback to see his role mercilessly chopped. Instead of brooding over it, the actor has decided to take charge and look into the minute details of his coming projects. He is now keen to play well-defined characters that have considerable screen space.

Despite being an A-Lister, he has not yet touched the pinnacle of success in his career. The star is now keen to do quality work, instead of resorting to the blame game. His upcoming film is a multi-starrer and he is making sure that his scenes make it past the editing table. In fact, he keeps ribbing the director during the film's shoot that he's hoping his scenes don't get axed from the final cut.

Moreover, it is being said that this star no longer wants to mix friendship with business as he believes that it only ends with him getting a short shrift from his filmmakers.

Revealed: Harman and me are a couple says Bipasha

Actress tweeted this morning finally admitting to dating actor Harman Baweja.

"Am in a very happy space in my personal life and it would be fair if people just respect that and not speculate. Am very protective about people I love... so to me silence is golden. Thank you for all the love and care! Feel blessed. Stating the obvious! Yes Harman and me are a couple. Finally I have met a person who is a far better human being than I am," read her tweets.




Stories about Bipasha keeping mum about her relationship status have been doing the rounds lately. When recently asked about this at IIFA press conference, Bipasha did not reply but merely smiled.


Earlier at the same event, Bipasha said, "I am waiting for a proposal". When prodded further, she said "I am going to be alone there (at IIFA awards in US where she would be performing) so I said I am waiting for an eligible bachelor."

'Gunday' distributors arm-twisting in Assam?

Sources say that distributors of 'Gunday' forcibly removed an Assamese film from local screens in a bid to accommodate more shows for the YRF film

If sources are to be believed, YRF distributors in Assam have forcibly replaced an Assamese film - titled 'Raag' - with their latest release, 'Gunday'.

It is being said that Raag - which has been produced by the Assam Film Development Corporation (ASFDC) and Manna films, and has been directed by Rajni Basumatary - has fared quite well in Assam. A source says that the film, that stars Adil Hussain, would have continued its good streak if it was allowed a run in the second week, but the YRF film's distributors apparently had it removed from local screens to make way for 'Gunday'.

While Raag's director remained unavailable for comment, the film's lead actress, Zerifa Wahid vouches for the encouraging response received by the film so far. `A government funded project, this film was doing good, but it has now been removed from local screens to allow room for 'Gunday'. It's unfortunate that we have fallen prey to this. Such incidents have happened in the past as well,` she says. She adds that the film was doing brisk business in towns outside Guwahati too. `The YRF exhibitors took up all the five slots leaving us with no shows. A lot of people wanted to watch our film, and I hope they get to see it later. I also hope that audiences get to watch Hiya Diba Kak, another Assamese film that is scheduled to release next week. Bollywood films shouldn't force us out of the running; there is a strong need for cultural awakening,` she says.



A source on condition of anonymity says, `This production house has wielded its clout against several regional films; they do this to low-budget Hindi films as well. It needs to be stopped.` When contacted, a YRF spokesperson denied the story. `No terms and conditions were laid down for the release of 'Gunday',` was their official statement.

'Bhai Way' or Highway: Do it my way, says Salman

Sources say that Salman Khan had a song reshot because he wasn't happy with Jacqueline Fernandez's hairdo

It seems that Salman Khan is not only particular about his own hair, but is also finicky about his co-stars' appearances. Sources say that at a recent shoot for Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial debut, 'Kick', Salman walked in late only to express his displeasure over co-star Jacqueline Fernandez's hairdo.

According to a source, Jacqueline, who plays the female lead in the film, had already shot a few scenes when Salman arrived on the sets and appeared displeased with her hairdo. `He asked it to be redone, following which Jacqueline's hair and make-up artist started all over again. After this, the song was re-shot,` says the source.



It seems that this is not the first time that Salman has pulled such a stunt. Sources say that even while shooting for 'Jai Ho', he took a keen interest in actress Daisy Shah's look and had some scenes reshot.

Sajid Nadiadwala, when contacted, chose to laugh it off.