Rajnikanth in 'Ra.One'?

Is the biggest star of the country -- Rajnikanth -- making a guest appearance in SRK's big-budget extravaganza RA.ONE? There is tremendous speculation on that front. According to a section of the media, there's a sequence in the film that requires the presence of Rajnikanth and reportedly, SRK has requested the veteran actor to be a part of his ambitious venture.

However, RA.ONE director Anubhav Sinha states that they haven't shot the sequence with Rajnikanth yet. "We would love to have Rajni Sir in the film, but the fact remains that we haven't shot the sequence yet. See, we have a deadline to meet [RA.ONE releases worldwide on 26 October]. Only if we manage to film the sequence in the next few days, we would be able to go ahead with it. Else, it won't be possible to have his esteemed presence in our film," Anubhav sets the record straight. 

Meanwhile, RA.ONE is being dubbed in Tamil and Telugu, besides various international languages, and will be released simultaneously with the Hindi version.

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Anushka Sharma to be brand ambassador of Gitanjali Jewellery?

Anushka Sharma is surely one babe who is on a roll. Be it her smashing debut with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi or her run away hit Band Baaja Baaraat, albeit not forgetting the bandwagon of brand endorsements, this babe has seen it all and done it all.

Her performance is not just restricted to mesmerizing Bollywood, but also extends to the world of brands. According to Rockunlimited reliable sources, Anushka Sharma has now been signed up as the brand ambassador of Gitanjali Jewellery. 

The official announcement of the same is being awaited.

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Delhi Belly re-edited and re-dubbed for TV

One of this year's most successful films Delhi Belly is all set to debut on television. But before the world TV premiere, the film is being re-edited and re-dubbed. 

Delhi Belly is a comedy with an adult theme, crass dialogues and explicit scenes.The satellite rights of the movie have been bought by Sahara. The television censor committee had suggested the makers to delete some of the intimate scenes, dialogues and wild gestures. Deleting the scenes and dialogues would spoil the continuity and create a jerk in the story leaving the audience confused; the makers then decided to re-edit and re-dub the film. 

There were rumors that producer Boney Kapoor who bought the satellite rights of the film for Sahara, asked Aamir Khan to re-shoot for the satellite version of the film for which the film is being re-shot at Mumbai's Mehboob Studio for satellite view. But director Abhinay Deo denied it saying, "We have not re-shot any scene, we have only re-edited and re-dubbed the movie for family viewing. I have seen to it that there is no effect on the continuity of the film due to the editing so that the viewers don't feel disconnected and confused." 

Speaking about the explicit dialogues being re-dubbed, Abhinay said, "The film was not about bad language so that won't affect the new version. We have changed the dialogues but the essence and premise of the film is still the same. The film will be different but it will still be funny and the audience will enjoy it"

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Sameera Reddy injured while shooting for South film Vettai

Sameera Reddy recently injured herself during the filming of a song sequence in her upcoming Tamil film Vettai in Coimbatore.

The film's shooting was being held in the scenic Kutralam locality. Sameera plays actress Amala Paul's elder sister in the film and for a particular sequence Sameera and Amala Paul were required to ride on their respective bikes. It was a part of their introductory song sequence which was elaborately planned by director Lingusamy. Both Sameera and Amala were clad in paavadai-dhavani (Half Saree-a kind of costume which is worn mostly by teenagers). As the shoot was taking place, the outfit got caught in the bike's wheel and she fell on the ground along with co-star Amala Paul. Sameera Reddy's leg was stuck under the wheel and she got severely bruised on her hands and legs. Both actresses were rushed to a nearby hospital for first aid. After taking up first aid at the hospital, the director Lingusamy asked her if she wanted to postpone the shoot as she was badly injured. But the thorough professional that she is, Sameera realized that it could bring in a lot of losses and wanted to continue the shooting. The films unit was impressed by her dedication.

Vettai is directed by N. Lingusamy. The film stars Aarya & Amala Paul along with R. Madhavan and Sameera Reddy. The movie is produced by Lingusamy's home production Thirrupathy Brothers.

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Salman to remake Manjrekar's Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho in Hindi

Salman Khan is on a high these days with the recent success of his films Wanted, Dabanng and Ready and now, he is all set with his next film Bodyguard co-starring Kareena Kapoor. Though a number of film offers are lined up in front of the star, Sallu is also contemplating to produce act in the Hindi remake of Mahesh Manjrekar's Marathi film Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho.

Salman is very keen to produce the film under Salman Khan Being Human banner, and the proceeds of the movie will entirely go towards the actor's charity foundation.

Although the deal is yet to be confirmed, it is said that Salman is likely to play father to two kids in the film. While on the other hand, we hear rumours that Kangna Ranaut will play the female lead in the film.

However, it is yet to be seen when the film will actually hits the floor as Salman is packed with back to back shoots of Yash Raj Films' Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif, followed by Sher Khan and Dabangg 2

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London Indian Film Festival award winners announced

Indian independent cinema's groundbreaking director Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya (Colours Of Passion) has won the Audience Award at the 2nd London Indian Film Festival (June 30 - July 12). Audiences voted for their favourite films across 28 screenings during the festival.

Mehta said, "I am thrilled that my passion project has won the coveted audience award at the London Indian Film Festival. The premiere in the historic surroundings of the Victoria & Albert museum was wonderful and the interaction with London audiences was great. This award is the icing on the cake."

The Satyajit Ray Foundation's Short Film Award for 2011 goes to a film that the judges felt was a well crafted, beautifully observed and honest 'day-in-the-life' portrait of a poor but aspirational young boy - "Amar" by filmmaker Andrew Hinton. Hinton said that he would share his £1,000 prize money with the boy. Jury member Menhaj Huda (director of "Kidulthood" and "Everywhere and Nowhere") presented the award.

The festival opened with the World Premiere of Abhinay Deo's Delhi Belly, produced by Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures and closed with the UK premiere of Srijit Mukherji's hit film Autograph, both at the Cineworld Haymarket. The closing night screening was preceded by a performance by chart-topping musician Raghu Dixit and followed by a lively Q&A with Autograph star Nandana Sen, who also stars in Rang Rasiya.

The festival also hosted the UK premiere of Anurag Kashyap's That Girl In Yellow Boots at the BFI and the film has secured UK distribution on the back of the sold out screening. Other highlights were the premieres of Memories in March and Aarekti Premer Golpo (Just Another Love Story) with director turned actor Rituparno Ghosh participating in Q&As about the films that explore gay and transgender experience.

Festival Director Cary Sawhney said, "It's been an amazing year for us, in spite of the recession, many people have got behind our festival and really made it work, including our internationally known team. In just two years we are pleased to have brought to London some of India's top talent, including the World Premiere of Delhi Belly from the Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan stable, which has become a global hit; to sold out Q&As with leading independent directors Anurag Kashyap, Rituparno Ghosh and the legendary Ketan Mehta, at some of London's top venues. Excited about next year."

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Shazahn Padamsee to be the brand ambassador of Classmate Pens?

Who in India doesn't know the genius of the ad world Alyque Padamsee, who revolutionized the advertising in our country in his own way! Just like him, his daughter Shazahn Padamsee has made her mark in Bollywood by some commendable performances in films like Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji and Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year.

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Katrina Kaif to go on stage for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan 'Live' gigs

It's fun time for Katrina Kaif. It looks like she has decided to discard her habitually solemn demeanor to have some serious fun. And if 'serious fun' sounds like a contradiction in terms, it nonetheless describes her state of mind to perfection.

And if she has decided to be in the fun zone at the moment, a lot of that zest to be happy comes from the company that she's been keeping lately. Imran Khan, her co-star in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, has been "really cool company" for Katrina.

Says a friend of the actress, "Katrina found herself warming up not only to Imran but also to his family Avantika. She felt she was part of a family."

And the 'family' has convinced Katrina to go on stage for what is secretly being termed the 'Dulhan' gigs.

Says a source, "The Mere Brother Ki Dulhan producers Yash Raj plan to put Katrina, Imran and Ali Zafar on stage to promote the film. Ali who plays one of the leads asked Katrina if she too would accompany him for the gigs that would take them to several metros. At first Katrina laughed off his suggestion. When Ali was adamant, she wanted to know what she would do on stage. Ali suggested she join him to sing. And Katrina is game."

As things stand the Mere Brother Ki Dulhan live concerts would be Katrina's first ever live concerts. Katrina can't wait.

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Bbuddah gets U/A certificate

As far as audience-profile is concerned the big starrer Bbuddah...Hoga Terra Baap is already one-up on the Aamir Khan production Delhi Belly. Both release on July 1. But while Delhi Belly has been passed by the censor board with an 'A' certificate (for adults only) Bbuddah... was cleared on Wednesday with a 'U/A' certificate.

The flamboyant new Big B flick Bbuddah...Hoga Terra Baap with the mega-star wearing the most colourful clothes and mouthing the most flamboyant dialogues was passed with almost no cuts with U/A certificate on Wednesday afternoon.

That means, kids can watch the film with their parents. The Wednesday-afternoon censorial approval of the film put to an end all the speculation about the film being too over-the-top for the Big B's image.

Relieved with the censor certificate Bbuddah director Puri Jagannath said, "The censors loved it. They said it's a clean and neat movie."

Only one shot was censored in the entire film.

Says Puri proudly, "It's an action shot. It shows a small-time villain firing bullets in the head. That apart not a shot was censored."

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pregnant

Super model turned actress turned star wife, Aishwarya will soon be turning mother. The actress, who has been steadily gaining weight for the past couple of months, is pregnant.

Though initial reports said that the obvious weight gain was for role in her forthcoming film with Madhur Bhandarkar, at quarter past ten, last night, Amitabh Bachchan gave everyone the good news.

The overjoyed soon to be grandfather Amitabh Bachchan tweeted last night, "NEWS NEWS NEWS !! I AM GOING TO BECOME A GRANDFATHER .. AISHWARYA EXPECTING .. SO HAPPY AND THRILLED !!!"

Later he added, "The child of Abhishek and Aishwarya shall be the first Bachchan of the generation after my brother and me ... Clarifying: Amitabh and Ajitabh , first generation Bachchan ... then Abhishek and Bhim and now Abhisheks and Aishwarya's ..."

The big question however is, what happens to Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine which stars Ash in lead role. News has it that Madhur will be shooting the film in a start to finish 45 day schedule. The film will be going on floors soon.

Rockunlimited gives its heartiest congratulations to Aishwarya, Abhishek and the Bachchan family.

You too can wish the couple by posting your wishes in the comments section below.

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Vishal-Shekhar to compose music for The Dirty Picture

There is no denying that music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar are certainly among the most in demand music directors. While they have certain big projects in hand such as Ra.One, Kahaani, Rascals and Bbuddah...Hoga Terra Baap. Now the talented duo has been signed by Ekta Kapoor and Milan Luthria to compose music for their much talked project The Dirty Picture which begins shooting today.

This is the first time that Vishal & Shekhar are working with Balaji. They had been previously approached to score the music of Shor In The City, but things hadn't worked out.

The duo will also be working with director Milan Luthria after a long gap. They had last scored the soundtrack for Luthria's hit John Abraham-Nana Patekar starrer Taxi No. 9211.

The Dirty Picture, a controversial musical entertainer, stars Vidya Balan, Naseruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.

The soundtrack, featuring five tracks (dance and romantic) is expected to be a killer in true V-S style.

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'Ready' not postponed, confirmed for 3 June

An irresponsible tweet can cause unimaginable harm to a film-maker. More so if it's tweeted by a media person. Producers Bhushan Kumar and Rajat Rawail were shocked on Tuesday evening when someone tweeted that READY has been pushed ahead by one week. Meaning, it won't arrive on 3 June. The truth is that READY is 100% confirmed for 3 June. The film has also been censored [U/A certificate] and the distributors are all set to take the delivery of prints of this keenly-anticipated film. So there's no question of postponement at all.

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Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline to do some steamy scenes in Jai Ramji

Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez who shared a fleeting moment of song-and-dance camaraderie in Housefull are all set to get really cosy as husband and wife in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Jai Ramji.

Dhulia, who never shies away from hot breathy love-making sequences, recently shot some torrid scenes with Randeep Hooda and Mahie Gill in Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster. For Jai Ramji too he has some extra-special plans for the bedroom.

The idea of casting Jacqueline came to Tigmanshu after he saw the lately-emboldened actress comfortably cuddling up to Emraan Hashmi in the stills of Murder 2.

It's time for the actress to carry her sizzle further in the inspiring company of Arjun Rampal who lately did an semi-x-rated love-making sequence with TV actress Shruti Seth in Raajneeti .

After Preity Zinta, it's Jacqueline Fernandez who has been added to the cast of Tigmanshu Dhulia's rustic tale Jai Ramji. And he plans to add a number of more glamorous babes from Mumbai in even the smaller female parts. He has already spoken to number glam-dolls for even the cameos and walk-on parts. They've all agreed to be part of Dhulia's glamour bazaar.

Tigmanshu's logic is simple. Going rustic and real doesn't mean relinquishing glamour. "This is a logic we've inherited from the art-house films where realism was equated with a lack of glamour. My film is set in a small town. But it will feature sexy glamorous Bollywood actresses. We need to break the stereotypical image of the non-metropolitan cinema as being dry and unexciting. I think women in small town can be very sexy."

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia is rather irked with the lack of glamorous sexy women in commercial Hindi films about semi-rural characters.

Jacqueline Fernandez will play Arjun Rampal's wife in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Jai Ramji. And with good reason. Dhulia wants to add an element of urbane glamour to the rustic saga.

Says the director, "Her role is very similar to Pooja Batra's in Priyadarshan's Viraasat. Remember the girl from abroad who comes to Anil Kapoor's village? Jacqueline faces the same cultural heat. Suddenly this metropolitan girl from Mumbai has to go and live in Lucknow with her husband. She resents the heat dust and boredom. Jacqueline was perfect for the part since she has the correct body language of the city-bred girl placed in a semi-rural environment."

Tigmanshu intends to hold workshops to make Arjun and Jacqueline comfortable before they get cosy for the camera.

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Aadesh Shrivastava's brother dies in car accident

Life couldn't have got more cruel than this for musician Aadesh Shrivastava. On one hand, he just fought his way out of cancer and on the other hand, he got a sudden shock when he got the news of his brother's death.

His brother, Chitresh Srivastava, was working as the noted singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's manager since the last few years. Chitresh, met with a car accident and died on the spot, in Chicago where they were travelling for a concert. Reports have it that, his car was trailing Rahat's vehicle when the incident occurred. Unfortunately, Chitresh died on the spot while three others including Rahat's cousin were very badly injured. They are arranging to fly down Chitresh's body to India for the cremation.

Readers may note that, Chitresh, prior to joining Rahat, had assisted his brother Aadesh, and has also worked as an assistant music director in films like Aankhen, Zameen, Veergati, Major Saab etc.

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Kalki Koechlin to star in Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai

Kalki Koechlin was recently in the news for her wedding to Anurag Kashyap. However, the actress with a French connection is now in the news for professional reasons. Kalki has been signed for Dibakar Banerjee's Abhay Deol- Emraan Hashmi starrer Shanghai.

Kalki will be paired opposite Emraan in the film. Besides Abhay, Emraan and Kalki, Bengali superstar Prosenjit and veteran actor Farooque Sheikh too form important members of the cast of Shanghai.

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Anushka to slim down further…

Anushka Sharma has been asked to get leaner and toned than ever before!
The reason? Yash Raj Films has asked her to shed any extra inches gained before she begins shooting for her next film Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. The actress has had a long break after the shoot of her last project Band Baaja Baraat.
The production house is very strict when it comes to the fitness of their heroines. While signing a film, their contract insists they be of a certain weight and have a specific Body Mass Index.
A source reveals, “A foodie she binged on her favourite delicacies and let herself go. YRF has instructed her to go slow. The actress began working out with her trainer and got a toned look. Since she has a high metabolism rate, losing weight quickly isn’t a problem.”

Those who have worked with the banner insist that they are pretty weight-specific when it comes to the women. “Every one from Kareena to Deepika have followed the YRF diktat of getting the right digits on the weighing scale. It’s a rule they don’t let anyone break.”

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Salman Khan's ladies only bash

Salman Khan, one of the most sought after bachelors in filmdom, threw a ladies-only bash recently and his co-star Asin Thottumkal says the girls were happy to be partying with the Bollywood star.

The party was on Monday. After the music release of " Ready", Salman decided to have an impromptu bash in his pad that has been put up for him at Film City for the shooting of his brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri's " Bodyguard". His "Ready" co-star Asin and Zarine Khan immediately accompanied Salman.

"Well, it's true. Salman invited all the female actors from 'Ready'. We all went up to his very comfortable and large pad with a view. It has a garden and it has a beautiful view outside. Salman makes a wonderful host. The ladies were all happy to be partying. Suddenly Salman remembered their husbands and invited them too," said Asin, who worked with him in " London Dreams" as well.

"It was great fun though. I was the odd one out since I don't drink. After a while it gets boring for both me and the others guests to keep wondering why I am not drinking," she added.

Asin is impressed by Salman's bonding with the women in the cast. "All the ladies who play his aunts and relatives just dote on him. He makes them all feel like part of his extended family," said the actress who is taking a break and going home.

"I am taking off for Kerala for a couple of weeks. At the moment I've no other Hindi film on hand. So I can afford the time off."

Asin has apparently been offered everything from Anurag Basu's "Barfee" to Sajid Nadiadwala's "Kick". But after films with Aamir Khan, Salman and Ajay Devgn, she's at the moment looking at a film with a leading man of her own age group.

Apparently Asin has been offered Sajid Nadiadwala's "2 States" with Shah Rukh Khan. Again, another generation altogether!

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Akshay Kumar returns in Khatron Ke Khiladi - 4

COLORS' flagship show Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi is all set to present an innovative 'integrated product' for the first time on Indian television. This summer, the audiences can expect the best of action unfold as India's thrilling reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi returns with the Akshay Kumar as the host. Season 4 promises 'Torchaar' and extreme adventure and inculcates the spirit of pushing boundaries to experience that one moment of thunder.

After three successful seasons COLORS' 'Khatron Ke Khiladi - Torchaar' reaches the wild land of South Africa with 13 striking hunks and 13 female partners. An exciting bouquet of 13 women from different walks of life will be paired along with common heroes! The participants will be pushed off their comfort zone, the level of stunts and tasks will be extreme and intense than ever before, making this a deadly combination of drama and action on small screen! The winner will not only be bestowed with the coveted title of being the 'Khiladi' but also chosen as the 'Thums Up Thunder Star'. The 'Thums Up Thunder Star' will get an exclusive opportunity to feature with the Thums Up brand ambassador Akshay Kumar in the brands new communication campaign.

Ashvini Yardi, Head of Programming, COLORS says, "With every season of Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi, our endeavor is to present something new, exceptional and clutter breaking to the viewers. Akshay Kumar returns as the host along with 13 men attempting the deadliest stunts shot in the exotic locales of South Africa, Khatron Ke Khiladi - 'Torchaar' making it a must watch this summer."

Akshay Kumar who believes in performing every stunt prior to the boys has gone through rigorous training himself. Straining every muscle of his body, he is back with a vengeance only to break hell loose on the boys.

Talking about his comeback on Khatron ke Khiladi - 'Torchaar' Khilaadi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar says, "It feels good to be back to my home ground with Khatron Ke Khiladi and it is exciting to do something which I love to do - adventurous stunts. As the name suggests it will be 'torchaar' to the core and the boys will be expected to perform some really edgy stunts. The girls too can shed their vanities and nervous giggles and be prepared to face challenges thrown their way. I am going to be absolutely tough and brutal with the boys and yes it will be worth watching."

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SRK to do cameo in Always Kabhi Kabhi

It has been known for some time now that Karim Morani's daughter Zoa is being launched by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment in Always Kabhi Kabhi. However, there was much speculation about SRK's presence in the film.

Well, it has now been confirmed that King Khan will not be a part of the film but he will do a promotional video for it. The said promotional video will feature SRK talking about his school days.

With the backdrop of high school students, their issues and their relationships, the film is expected to hit the screens on June 17. Besides Zoa, the film also stars Love Aaj Kal damsel Giselle Monteiro, Ali Fazal and Satyajeet Dubey.

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Suniel Shetty & his wife to be brand ambassadors of Raheja Waterfront

Gone are the days when actors were only actors on the silver screen. Today, they are springing from almost everywhere as not just mere actors, but producers, directors, script writers and last, but not the least brand ambassadors (although, the last option is the most lucrative one of all of them).

That 'Mr. Muscleman' Suniel Shetty is synonymous with hospitality business is well known. He has now taken this a step ahead and has become the brand ambassador of Raheja Waterfront . The source added that Suniel will be sharing his 'brand ambassadorship' with his wife Mana Shetty.

Repeated attempts to establish contacts with the Shettys proved futile.

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