Rajpal Yadav after having many hits to his credit is finally getting appreciation for his work but the versatile actor don’t want to restrict his talent to comedy only and therefore keeps experimenting.

Your recent comic caper 'Malamaal Weekly' has become a hit. What's the reason behind its success?

Thanks to the globalization of the media, people are well-versed with what’s happening not just in the country but in every part of the world, and the reality can be quite frightening. Cinema provides them with an escape route and some light moments.

However, like it is with fashion, the circle changes periodically with films too. Today it’s comedies; tomorrow it could be action adventures or tragic dramas. What is consistent is that cinema is a never-ending source of entertainment no matter what form it takes. That’s why I have never restricted myself to any one genre. From the main hero to second leads to character roles, from comedy to intense drama and negative roles, I’m constantly experimenting. (more…)

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who just returned to shooting after a long gap recuperateing from illness, will not take up new assignments as doctors have placed some restrictions on him.

The superstar has shot a few scenes for Karan Johar’s ‘Kabhi Aalvidaa na Kehna’ and make-up man Deepak Sawant’s Bhojpuri film ‘Ganga’. The actor expressed his gratitude to his fans who prayed for his recovery.

You are facing the camera after nearly three months. How does it feel?

It feels the same, not much difference. Same people, same mode of work, camera still rolls and cuts, trolleys and cranes work, music plays, and life moves on. On the first day at the shoot for Karan’s film people showed respect and joy at my return. I feel odd and embarrassed. (more…)

After her power packed performance in ‘Pingar’, Urmila Matondkar is back to show her acting genius in forthcoming film ‘Banaras’ where she plays a role of hermit.

Do you play the role of a hermit in this film?

Yes, that’s partly true. I play a physics student studying at the Banaras Hindu University who undergoes some turmoil in her life and meets, in the course of time, various people who inspire her to lead the life of a recluse. It was certainly challenging for me as an actor because I have never played such roles and I don’t think any other Indian woman has played such shades of character in our film industry. But I would like to clearly state that this film is not a period drama and it is truly contemporary in its presentation and content. My role hardly involves any melodrama. I have realised that melodrama is considered to be ‘good’ acting in our country, but I think playing a subtle character is more difficult.

How would people react to see you as Sanyasin after your glamorous image in item numbers like 'Chamma chamma' and 'Kambaqt ishq'?

I am an actor, and accepting any kind role is my forte. I have no qualms about playing an unusual role, if I am sure that I can carry it off capably. Banaras is an exciting subject. (more…)

Kay Kay Menon who is known for his grey shades in ‘Sarkar’ will be seen in a lead role opposite Bipasha Basu in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Corporate’.

You will be seen opposite Bipasha Basu and she has a power packed role in the film.
Even if Bipasha plays the protagonist, my role is equally important in the film. If I can judge for myself that a film can be made without me I do not sign it. When Madhur approached me with his script, I was thrilled because it was a trilogy which he is planning to make. I have seen Page 3, and I think Atul Kulkarni’s character was as strong as Konkona’s in the film. It would be wrong to tag him as a feminist film-maker. His male characters are equally interesting - he has both spineless and intelligent male characters in his films. (more…)

Serial Kisser Emraan Hashmi can be seen sporting a long face these days. Poor Hashmi didn’t get any sizzling shots and no lip-locks with Nisha Kothari in RGV’s thriller ‘Darna Zaroori Hai’.

Also Ram Gopal Varma protege Nisha Kothari can be seen setting the screen on fire in the promos of Darna Zaroori Hai but Hashmi has been sidelined.

Now Hashmi’s biggest fear is it does not become a ‘Murder’ repeat where Mallika Sherawat drew more attention than him. (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…)

Ram Gopal Varma is remaking James with the name ‘Shiva’ where the whole cast of James will be repeated, although given different characters. Nisha Kothari who played an outgoing girl in James will discard her sexy image to act as a crime reporter.

In new Shiva, Mohit Ahlawat plays a cop just out of the police academy, faced with a harsh reality he isn’t prepared for. Kothari who is shooting for the film confirmed, “It’s an interesting character and I enjoyed doing it. This role has given me a better understanding of a journalist’s job”. (more…)