When Purab had a tough time while shooting for 'Jal'

Actor Purab Kohli, who plays a water diviner in forthcoming film "Jal", says learning the physical nuances of the character was most difficult for him.

With the backdrop of water scarcity, "Jal" is the story of Bakka, a person gifted with a special ability to find water in the desert. It tells a complex and intriguing story of love, relationships, enmity, deceit and circumstances that bring about the dark side of human character.

"For me the challenge was to learn the dialects of the people living there (in the Rann of Kutch), their way of living and camel riding. There is a whole action sequence of camel riding in the film," Purab said here Tuesday at the trailer launch of the film.

"I think the most difficult part for me was the physical nuances of the character," he added.


He says he "worked hard to get into the skin of my character" and added: "I stayed with the people of that region for a week or 10 days. I even spent one or two days with their camels in the forest."
His efforts did help him.
"Through this, I got to know them (the people of the Rann of Kutch) better and it became easy to play (one of) them," said the 35-year-old.
Directed by Girish Malik, "Jal" features Kirti Kulhari and Tannishtha Chatterjee, among others.

Siddharth craving for appreciation

Newcomer Siddharth Malhotra says he wants to be appreciated for his work than his looks.

Siddharth made a successful acting debut with Karan Johar's 'Student of the year'. His next film, the recently released 'Hasee Toh Phasee', was also a hit. "I am just a newcomer and at this juncture. I am craving for appreciation of my acting skills than looks and the numbers (collection) a film achieves at the box office). It is important to be accepted by the audience," Siddharth told PTI.

"I am not aiming to do a film that will give lot of money... I am not thinking about the business angle of a film. I am happy that in 'Hasee Toh Phasee' people got convinced with my character and went beyond my looks and what I was wearing," he said.

On the view of some people that in 'Hasee Toh Phasee', the lead actress Parineeti Chopra outshone him with her performance, Siddharth says, "A film is a team effort.... It is not that only she was there in the film alone.

Everybody worked towards the film. I am happy her work was also liked by people." The romantic comedy was produced by Johar and Anurag Kashyap's Phantom. Released on February 7, the film directed by debutant director Vinil Mathew and has reportedly earned over Rs 30 crore.

On the day of the release, Siddharth was quite nervous as it was his first solo hero film. "It is important to have something interesting in romantic-comedy as this space is tapped several times on screen. For us luckily, the story clicked with the audience.

Even the characters that we played were accepted," he said. Siddharth would be seen next in Mohit Suri's 'The Villian'.

'Ek Number Ajaz': Gets Movie Offer From Rohit Shetty

After creating quite a furore at the Bigg Boss house Ajaz Khan is busy whipping up a storm in Cape Town for Fear Factor with both his off and on camera hi-jinks.

While his presence on the show riled Kushal Tandon and Gauhar Khan enough to send them scampering back to India Ajaz's stunts for the show seem to have impressed the yesteryears' super stunt-man Mudhu Balwant Shetty's son Rohit Shetty enough to offer him a major role in his next film Ajay Devgn-Kareena Kapoor starrer Singham 2.


Says a source from Cape Town, `Rohit Shetty has made the announcement of casting Ajaz on camera. Rohit was impressed not only by Ajaz's stunts on camera he also found him entertaining and funny off camera. On an impulse Shetty offered Khan a role.`

I tried to congratulate Ajaz . But he quickly begged off any comment. Apparently the channel Colors has placed a blanket ban on all media interaction with the Fear Factor contestants after the Kushal-Gauhar-Ajaz tamasha in Cape Town.

'Satyamev Jayte 2': Why Aamir's mother is worried these days?

The fact that actor-producer Aamir Khan hosts a TV show like "Satyamev Jayate", where startling facts and cases about societal issues are picked, scares his mother.

The second season of the show is due to go on air on Star Plus March 2.

The debut season created quite a flutter as Aamir unraveled facts and figures about issues such as female foeticide, dowry demands, the skewed sex ratio in the country and the likes.

He says he gets a sense of the varied response to the show through his family.

"My family gives different reactions while watching the show. All my family members like the show. My mother is close to 80, and my niece and nephew who are 12 and 13 years old, enjoy the show equally," Aamir told IANS.

"My mother is scared...her reaction is different. She says, 'You are showing people who do wrong, with the right intention', but she says she is scared that what if those people go against me or harm me. After all, she is a mother, so she is scared," he added.

There have been reports that Aamir has been receiving threat calls, but he said: "I have only been receiving love from people and no threat calls these are just rumours."

Shazahn is mixing work with pleasure

Shazahn Padamsee has taken off for Singapore for a campaign shoot. Needless to say, she is mixing work with pleasure and soaking in the local sighs. Soon she will be back in town for a acting workshop.

Socially Responsible: Celebrities who chose to make a difference

Bollywood is undoubtedly one of the most powerful mediums to communicate strong and sincere messages. The celebrities, with their fan following, create a difference by voicing their opinions on social causes. They have moved beyond Box Office triumphs. Apart from being actors, these individuals are aware of their social responsibilities and use their star quotient as a tool to meet a bigger and larger cause, for the good of the people.

Many Bollywood celebrities have been sincerely working on issues they care passionately about and their association doesn't end with their film projects. Here we present some Bollywood actors, who understand their larger purpose in the transformation and betterment of the society.


Salman Khan has bettered lives, saved many and given them hope, all thanks to the charity work of Being Human. Proceeds from his initiatives like Being Human Merchandise and Being Human Art, go towards healthcare and education for the underprivileged.


Actor Arjun Rampal, known to be closely associated with PETA, along with representatives from the organization, recently met Maharashtra State Forest Minister to hand-deliver a letter. The letter urged the minister to take immediate action in order to ensure that 14-year-old abused elephant Sunder was transferred to a sanctuary from the temple in Kolhapur. Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, R Madhavan, and many other celebrities took to Twitter to support his case to #FreeSunder.

Dia Mirza has been supporting various social organizations, ever since she was crowned the Miss India Asia- Pacific in 2000. Working closely with 'ADAPT' (Able Disable All People Together), Dia has been deeply empathetic about the cause. She had also participated in a rally organized by the society to push for building ramps, elevators and adjusted toilets in public places. She has been closely associated with Cancer Patients Aid Association, and has worked with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to spread HIV awareness and prevent female foeticide. John Abraham, a firm believer in social work thanks to his mother, is closely associated with PETA. Last year, he sent a letter to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), urging them to put a ban on the use of elephants in circuses. He was also seen supporting Make A Wish foundation, where he made dreams of many terminally ill children come true.


Deepika Padukone is a sports enthusiast and has been a national-level badminton player. Her passion for sports drives her to work for Olympic Gold Quest, a support group for athletes and sportspersons, started by her father, legendary Badminton player Prakash Padukone. Olympic Gold Quest scouts for potential medal talent, helps identify areas of support, and works with all stakeholders to aid deserving talent.

Amit Sadh, too, does his bit frequently, by promoting cycling, the environment-friendly commute. The actor recently participated in Tour De India's Green Cyclothon, in Mumbai and at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Apart from this, the 'Kai Po Che' actor also played at a charity match, with the All Stars football Club.

It's wonderful to know, that these actors, in their own way are trying to contribute to the society. Being socially aware is one thing, and being socially responsible is another. Every effort taken to help never goes unnoticed. Kudos to these actors and we hope they continue to make a difference and lead such exemplary lives.

Aaradhyaa Begins Play School, Accompanied By Her Mom

The youngest and most adorable member of the Bachchan family has begun schooling. Aaradhyaa has begun to attend play-school, much to the joy and disbelief of the entire Bachchan parivaar.

Proud and protective mother Aishwarya accompanies little Aaradhyaa to school every day and stays close to her all through. Says a source close to the Big B, `Aaraadhya is a very friendly child and has taken to her school environment very easily. She's also making friends with the other kids very very fast. But Aishwarya insists on remaining close-by for as long as Aaradhyaa is in school.` Aishwarya sits in the principal's chamber for three hours while her little darling does her own thing in the classroom.

Says the friend, `Ash wants to keep it very quiet. Initially a lot of the other kids and their parents got excited when they saw Aishwarya with Aaradhyaa in school. She now slips in very quietly and stays out of the public area in a room quietly reading scripts and making urgent calls. When Aaradhyaa is done Aishwarya quietly bundles up her joy and drives off.`

According to her family Aaradhyaa very quick on the uptake and very independent-minded. But her mother is most reluctant to let her little one be on her own.


Says the friend, `Ash is a role-model of a mother .She looks into every detail of Aaradhyaa's daily routine from her food to her education. Now when Ash is getting plum offers on a daily basis she's serious worried about time-management between baby and studio.`

It is likely that Aishwarya would shoot a major chunk of her comeback film during Aaradhyaa's vacations.

`Taking her daughter to the sets is not an option,` says the family friend.

Madhuri takes a strong stand in the new 'Gulaab Gang' Promos

Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla starrer 'Gulaab Gang' has impressed the audience, with its action-packed trailer and powerful performances. The makers of the film have now released two new dialogue promos from the film, which further enhance the strong and fierce character of 'Rajjo', played by Madhuri Dixit. The promos can be viewed at:



One of the newly released promos features Madhuri, who leads the Gulaab Gang, gearing up for elections. In the second promo, she gives her take on the injustice on women. Rajjo takes a strong stand against inequality as she is interviewed on contesting for elections against 'Sumitra Devi', played by Juhi Chawla.



Directed by Soumik Sen, the movie is based on women empowerment. Produced by Anubhav Sinha, 'Gulaab Gang' is presented by Sahara Movie Studios & Bharat Shah and is a Benaras Mediaworks production. The film is slated to release on the 7th of March.

Taapsee is most 'Enthusiastic Performer'?

Taapsee Pannu, who debuted opposite Dhanush in the super hit and National award winning film 'Aadukalam', has made her presence felt strongly in the film industry, down South. The young actor recently received the 'Enthusiastic Performer-Female' jury award at Edison Awards 2014 for her performance in the Vishnuvardhan directed Tamil film, 'Arrambam'.

The actress was ecstatic, as she received the award in a beautiful yellow gown, designed by Gaurang. Looking gorgeous in the vibrant ensemble, Taapsee seemed to be quite the show-stealer. The dimpled-beauty was visibly humbled by the love and the accolades she received for her debut award in Kollywood.


Sharing her delight, Taapsee said, `I couldn't have asked for more. It is great to be appreciated, and see your work being recognized. The award encourages me to work harder and give better performances. I would like to thank everyone, with all my heart, who has helped me pave my path in the film industry, as well as my audience who have given me a place in their hearts.`

Taapsee made a spectacular Bollywood debut last year in David Dhawan's directorial venture 'Chashme Baddoor', and will be seen next in 'RunningShaadi.com' with Amit Sadh.

White is right for Sophie

White dresses are simple, summery and refreshing. Take a cue from Sophie Choudry who's seen wearing a white body-hugging dress here

1. White dresses face the danger of being see-through. When you buy a white dress, check the transparency factor.

2. A white knee-length dress should be teamed with sky-high heels to make you look like a showstopper.

3. White is a canvas that can be teamed up with different hues of accessories. But the key is to keep it minimal and understated.

4. Keep the hair and make-up simple and non-fussy for a cool, casual yet classy look.

5. Not everyone can wear the bright white right. Choose the tone that best suits the colour of your skin. Thankfully, there are shades to choose from.

6. Combining a white evening dress with red hot lips is sure to make heads turn in your direction.

7. A statement clutch, preferably complementing the shoes, completes the entire look.

Alia Getting Engaged! Invites all to her 'engagement ceremony'

As part of a promotional strategy for her next film "2 States", Alia Bhatt has sent out a public invite to the "engagement ceremony" aka the "2 States" movie promo launch.

The film's trailer will be launched Friday.

To spread a buzz about it, Alia has posted an engagement card on social networking platform Twitter.

The card read: "As esteemed members of the family, you are invited to the engagement ceremony (or the '2 States' movie promo launch) between Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor) and Ananya Swaminathan (Alia Bhatt).


"Please come and bless the couple on: Feb 28, Mahurat: 12 noon, Venue: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or generally all over the web. No gifts or flowers please. Shagun only in the form of movie tickets on wedding (film release) day."

Alia also posted an intriguing message with the card: "I'm getting engaged."

"2 States", directed by Abhishek Varman, is based on an eponymous novel by Chetan Bhagat.