The ongoing film festival in Jaipur under Rajasthan Day celebrations is getting an overwhelming response from movie lovers and all the cinemas are going full house. People are queuing up to theatres to watch their favourite flicks.

The department of tourism is providing free tickets of various films in theaters on first come first serve basis. According to tourism department sources, these shows are being screened at 9 am every morning.

During the festival, films like coloured version of K. Asif’s ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Khakee’ and ‘Baghban’ and Aamir Khan starrer ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Dil’ are being screened. The festival will also screen this year top grosser and Aamir Khan starrer ‘Rang De Basanti’. (more…)

At the moment Madhuri Dixit is holidaying in Mumbai and says that she reminisces about her years in the film industry but doesn’t miss the hustle and bustle of Bollywood. Madhuri is planning a comeback but she wants roles good enough to tempt her over her domestic life (which she finds more exciting).

It would be difficult for the producers in Mumbai to reach you in LA?

The world is becoming such a small place. People sitting in Hong Kong do business with people in India. So communication is not a problem.

Most people feel there can never be another Madhuri Dixit.

In fact, the audiences still send me fan mails. It is a beautiful feeling to be loved and cherished. Talent never dies. I was very apprehensive about dancing on stage. I hadn't done it for four years. To my surprise, it wasn't difficult. Even Sarojji (Khan) said it didn't look like I had been away for so long. Acting and dancing are hard to forget. (more…)

Vidya Balan talks about her forthcoming films.

'Parineeta' changed my life.

Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) was very sure he wanted only me for the role. His confidence and faith in me really boosted my energy levels. It helps when someone stands and backs you. I had done nearly 80 ads by the time I came to an acting career, still one needs inspiration from the right quarters. He was sure no one else could play Lolita. I think people who debut at an early age have had to wait a few years to get that kind of a role. In that way, I am lucky. Touch wood.

Sequel to 'Munnabhai MBBS'!

I play Sanjay Dutt’s love interest in ‘Munnabhai Meets Mahatma’. But it’s not a sequel per se. The characters Munna and Circuit are there in this movie also, but it is not a sequel to ‘Munnabhai MBBS’. One of the great things about the film is that everyone sees it as a fresh film, including Rajkumar Hirani. It may be titled ‘Munnabhai Meets Mahatma’ or ‘Munnabhai Lage Raho’. I also loved ‘Munnabhai MBBS’. There was not a single unwanted moment in the film. Picture ho to aisi! (more…)

It seems like Parineeta girl Vidya Balan has become everybody’s favorite. Deepa Mehta who has till date made films on serious issues has decided to cast Vidya as Stella for her next film which will be a comic caper.

Deepa is doing something different by going for a comic genre and so is Vidya. Vidya has developed a serious image in the industry but with this international film tentatively titled Stella she will break her sober mold.

So how Deepa decided to cast Vidya? “I saw Vidya in Parineeta, and thought there was something extremely warm, earthy and old-worldly about her. Lurking beneath the graceful presence is a sense of mischief which you can see in the lighter flirtatious moments in Parineeta. I want to tap into that side of Vidya”, said Deepa Mehta. (more…)

Sonu is a youth icon among singing aspirants.

I had not noticed this development until two to three years ago when Shaan told me that many of the songs that the contestants sang on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa were mine. Now, when I’m a judge on Indian Idol I do realise that the contestants tend sing my difficult songs like ‘Tera jadoo chal gaya’, ‘Zindagi maut na ban jaye’ and ‘Satrangi re’. I’ve now begun to realise that good work always reaches people’s hearts. So I just do my work. As a singer I’m far from perfect and maybe I’ll never get there, but there is no harm in trying. I am 32 and hope to do a lot as a human and a singer in the years to come. (more…)

Madhur Bhandarkar, whose critically acclaimed film ‘Page 3′ that had won three National awards for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Editing, is upset and unhappy for not getting any award or recognition at the popular awards (Filmfare or Zee Cine). This makes him feel like an orphan in this industry.

Hurtful of this treatment
I don't know why my film didn't get any award or recognition at the popular awards. I don't have a lobby nor do I have a coterie, I don't even have big stars in my film to back me up. May be that's why my film was ignored at all the award functions. Even after making such an original film, I feel like an orphan in this industry. (more…)

March 4, LIC-Zee Cine Awards 2006 function is being held in Mauritius, telecast live on Zee TV from 7pm and who is who of Bollywood is attending it. Are u Game?

Star Anchors:
The oomph girl Mallika Sherawat and the known director Karan Johar are hosting the Awards. Mallika is known for her peppy tongue and this time she will be unstoppable. Another interesting thing to look forward is her dressing which always creates shock. Karan who has hosted such events two times before will be a delight to look at. Those who have seen Karan’s hit TV talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’ know how naughty he is and if one remembers Mallika was the hot topic of discussion in more than one episode. It will be so much fun to watch them together. Arjun Rampal, Konkona SenSharma and Gulshan Grover are the other celebrity to hosts for the show. (more…)