Irresistible is how Dibakar Banerjee describes his collaboration with Ekta Kapoor. "See, Ekta is dream producer.

When we came together for LSD , we never thought we'd be able to work so well together. She gave me a free rein.

I was in a totally happy frame of mind making LSD . Even if its impact was not what it is, I'd have still gone back to Ekta to make a film," Dibakar says.

At home with his newly-adopted daughter Ira, Dibakar is now domesticated and in a mellow frame of mind, quietly penning the love story for his demanding producer. However, Ekta had a pre-condition for Dibakar.

"She wanted me to return to her only when I've a true-blue love story to make," said the director of acclaimed movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! . The love story will go on the floor in the second-half of 2011.

For now, Dibakar watches LSD acquire a life of its own. He left for the Melbourne International Film Festival Tuesday where LSD is being screened along with Aamir Khan's Peepli Live and Abhishek Choubey's Ishqiya in the 'Not Quite Bollywood' section.

Says the enthused director: "It is quite a triumph for Indian cinema to have different kind of films being recognised. But we have a long struggle ahead.

" However, he regrets not having his producer Ekta Kapoor along. Immersed in the release of her new film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai , Ekta has regrettably given the honour a miss.

Dibakar and LSD 's associate producer Priya Aven would also be participating in a discussion on digital cinema at the festival. And if you think Dibakar's trip to Melbourne is all about work, he's also taking his wife and daughter Ira along.

"If I don't find ways of spending time with Ira, I'd soon be left with no time for her," Dibakar says (less)

The film, released in January this year, has been co-produced by Gada and Bhardwaj. It is the directorial debut of Abhishek Chaubey and features Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi (less)

Wonder if it proved to be a DIY lesson for Priyanka Chopra, who shot some intimate scenes with Naseer recently for her film Saat Khoon Maaf. Naseer plays one of Priyanka’s seven husbands.

Seven years ago (coincidentally), when Priyanka first shared screen space with Naseer in Rajiv Rai’s Asambhav, she could barely look him in the eye. In fact, Priyanka was petrified of Naseer.

Obviously, enacting love-scenes with an actor 33 years her senior was a near impossibility. But Naseer plays her “oldest husband” in the film.

But when Naseer returned to Coorg to resume the shooting schedule after a bout of ill health, he was apparently in great spirits. Says a source from the unit, “At first, Priyanka was very cautious and naturally respectful to Naseer.

Overcautious in fact, because Naseer had fallen ill just after a day’s shoot with Priyanka. So Priyanka felt doubly apprehensive.

” Apparently, it was a cakewalk for Priyanka from the moment Naseer entered the sets. The actor hit it off brilliantly with her.

Says Priyanka, “Naseer sir and I had worked together many years ago in an espionage film called Asambhav. I remember I would look at his feet while talking to him; I was in awe.

This recent experience was a completely different one. If it weren’t for his acting skills, I would have been petrified even now.

” And the admiration is mutual. Says Naseer, “Priyanka has evolved as an actor since we last worked together.

It could partly be because of the directors she has worked with. Vishal and I have worked together often and I’ve enjoyed myself each time.

Vishal is on the verge of finding a new voice in our cinema. He did somewhat lose his way in Kaminey though.

But he’s found himself again in Saat Khoon Maaf.” (less)

Aditya Chopra has apparently signed Vidya for this film. Remember Adi wanted Vidya for Laaga Chunari Mein Daag? Now he has got her.

One filmmaker was heard whispering that the story has similarities to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill where Uma Thurman is also a pregnant widow who swears vendetta. Check out Vidya Balan’s homepage (less)

"The multiplex culture has given a chance to filmmakers and assured them that their movie will be screened and will reach out to potential audiences. So I think this is the best time to start filmmaking in India with new themes," Sharma told IANS .

"I found the script is out of league and I have tried to treat it in a fresh way. This is the best time to pick up offbeat themes.

Audiences are bored with the same old formula, locations and cast," he added. But the one theme that has caught maximum attention is Rakesh Ranjan Kumar's Dear Friend Hitler .

Initially, it was reported that Dear Friend Hitler will show Hitler's contribution to India's independence movement and what happened to soldiers in Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Legion in Germany. However, the Indian Jewish Federation, headed by Jonathan Solomon, was outraged on learning that an Indian film director would be depicting how the tyrant "indirectly contributed to India's independence".

"People might take it as a periodic or war film, but it contains nothing as such. We will portray an epic of Hitler's revolutionary phase.

It's a war of conscience going on in the mind of Hitler," clarified Kumar. The first half of 2010 saw the release of films like Karthik Calling Karthik , Ishqiya , Road to Sangam , Pankh and Lahore - all had unusual themes and were made by first-time directors.

Of them debutant director Abhishek Choubey's Ishqiya managed to pull crowds at the ticket window. The rustic appeal in the film starring Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan lured the audience to the cinema halls.

But Amit Rai's Gandhian parable Road to Sangam , Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's cross-dressing drama Pankh and Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's Lahore on kick boxing failed to excite the audiences. Even Vijay Lalwani's psychological thriller Karthik Calling Karthik that boasted of big names like Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone failed to spin gold at the box office, but the director says he was ready to take the risk.

"There is a growing market and audience for offbeat cinema. People are demanding cinema beyond formula stories and have given overwhelming response to unconventional movies like Munna Bhai series, Dev D, 3 Idiots e tc.

, which shows that if the film is entertaining people will watch it," Lalwani told IANS on phone from Mumbai. "There is no doubt that offbeat scripts have a risk attached, but Karthik Calling Karthik had commercial value to it and we thought it will work," he added.

Vikramaditya Motwane, whose directorial Udaan about a boy who feels closeted living with his father after staying in a hostel for eight years, feels it is futile to worry about the risk factor unless the budget is really big. "As long as the budget is under control there are no big risks involved.

When one makes an offbeat movie with a budget of Rs.50 crore-60 crore, then he has to think about the risk factors.

In my movie, there are no big stars and it is made under a tight budget," said Motwane. Udaan represented India at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Abhinav Kashyap in his maiden venture Dabangg is set to explore human relationships. The film will launch Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of yesteryears actor Shatrughan Sinha, opposite Salman Khan.

The film is expected to go on the floors in September (less)

I guess they are genres in themselves. Whether it is 'Sherlock Holmes', 'Rock N Rolla', 'Snatch' or 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' - this guy never fails to amaze me, " Arshad said.

The actor, best known for his onscreen role of 'Circuit' in 'Munnabhai' series, has made a gradual transition from being an actor to a producer 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost and now he is all set to turn director with 'Akkad'. "I am going to shoot 'Akkad' in way that Bollywood audience hasn't witnessed yet.

Yes, I know that there is a lot of difficulty involved in it but I am up for the challenge, " Arshad said. The actor is aware that Indian audience aren't used to complex narratives especially when it comes to Ritchie who is known for making quite a few flip-flops between multiple episodes.

"I am certainly aware about that. But My style would have a Guy Ritchie feel to it but the overall narrative would be far simpler.

See, you can make a complicated film and pat your back as a director. However, for audience, the final result should be simpler.

The audience should eventually understand what the film was all about. "I want them to go back home, start discussing about the film and then manage to crack what it was all about.

It is then that they would realise the work of director in making a complicated screenplay eventually look easy, " Arshad said. So, when does the work begin on 'Akkad'? "Well, currently I am busy in the shoot of 'Golmaal 3' and soon after that; I would get busy with 'Dhamaal 2', " said Arshad.

"Meanwhile, I would be using time between the shots to prepare myself for the challenge around direction that lies ahead. I won't be beginning the shoot of my film before mid of next year.

The story and screenplay of 'Akkad' is very complicated and it is a difficult film to be executed. I want to be 200 per cent sure before I come on sets for this film.

" New age Bollywood filmmakers seem quite taken with the narrative style of Hollywood directors like Quentin Tarantino and Ritchie. Anubhav Sinha tried it in 'Cash', which unfortunately bombed at the box office.

Director duo of Raj Nidimoru & Krishna DK did make heads turn with their debut directorial venture '99' which clearly had a narrative style that was inspired from the Hollywood bigwigs. Newcomer Pankaj Advani too cracked it reasonably well in 'Sankat City' though the film went totally unnoticed.

However, the biggest of all remains 'Kaminey', which was inspired by Tarantino. Director Vishal Bharadwaj saw good critical and commercial success coming his way with the film.

Early this year his assistant Abhishek Chaubhey too got it right with Arshad starrer 'Ishqiya'. The actor is looking for something similar.

"The narrative is not going to be linear at all because that would hardly be any fun. I will ensure that there is a lot of style in the way 'Akkad' is presented, " said Arshad (less)

Among the three Marathi films under this section, Natrang will be the opening film, the film's producers Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said today. " Natrang has not only proved to be a commercial success, it has also won several prestigious awards like the Best Film Award at the Pune International Film Festival," Zee Entertainment Enterprises' COO Nitin Vaidya said.

"The film has done good box office business and achieved great appreciation from nationwide critics. We are really proud for getting international recognition through this festival.

We are happy that our faith in this project has been justified. It is a proud moment for Marathi Cinema," he said.

Critically acclaimed Hindi film Ishqiya , starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi, will also be screened at Munich. "We are happy that our efforts as a film production house are recognised worldwide.

In fact, Ishqiya is a cult film whose success story will surely leave its deep impressions on the audience's mind," said Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, co-producer of the film (less)

I have never used them in my real life but I had to because the script demanded. When you will see this movie, you will understand that it is justified.

The movie belongs to a certain terrain where slangs are part of their lingo," Vidya told in an interview. The actress also revealed that she never rehearsed on the sets because of the heavy dose of slangs in the dialogue.

"I never rehearsed on the sets as I used to feel awkward. So I used to come prepared on the sets and once the director used to say action, I used to forget everything and everyone.

"All my inhibitions used to go away and I used to deliver my dialogues perfectly. This is what happens to me when the camera starts rolling," said Vidya, who was in the capital for the launch of designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's first store here.

Set in eastern Uttar Pradesh, "Ishqiya" is a tale of romance between individuals caught in a web of crime, suspense, passion and deceit. Directed by first time director Abhishek Chaubhey and produced by Vishal Bharadwaj, the film also stars Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah.

In "Ishqiya", Vidya is paired with Arshad and plays a village woman. "As I am playing a rural girl, my look is very much deglamourised so that I look like my character Krishna.

It is an interesting role with many shades," said Vidya (less)

Irresistible is how Dibakar Banerjee describes his collaboration with Ekta Kapoor. "See, Ekta is dream producer.

When we came together for LSD, we never thought we'd be able to work so well together. She gave me a free rein.

I was in a totally happy frame of mind making LSD. Even if its impact was not what it is, I'd have still gone back to Ekta to make a film," Dibakar says.

At home with his newly-adopted daughter Ira, Dibakar is now domesticated and in a mellow frame of mind, quietly penning the love story for his demanding producer. However, Ekta had a pre-condition for Dibakar.

"She wanted me to return to her only when I've a true-blue love story to make," said the director of acclaimed movies like "Khosla Ka Ghosla" and "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" The love story will go on the floor in the second-half of 2011. For now, Dibakar watches LSD acquire a life of its own.

He left for the Melbourne International Film Festival Tuesday where LSD is being screened along with Aamir Khan's "Peepli Live" and Abhishek Choubey's "Ishqiya" in the 'Not Quite Bollywood' section. Says the enthused director: "It is quite a triumph for Indian cinema to have different kind of films being recognized.

But we have a long struggle ahead." However, he regrets not having his producer Ekta Kapoor along.

Immersed in the release of her new film "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai", Ekta has regrettably given the honour a miss. Dibakar and LSD's associate producer Priya Aven would also be participating in a discussion on digital cinema at the festival.

And if you think Dibakar's trip to Melbourne is all about work, he's also taking his wife and daughter Ira along. "If I don't find ways of spending time with Ira, I'd soon be left with no time for her," Dibakar says (less)

Says an eye-witness, "The clincher came when it was being decided which team would the stars go to. When it was decided that Vidya would go to Shaan's team and Arshad to Mika's, Warsi kicked up a fuss saying he wanted Vidya to be with his team.

The shoot went on for three-and-a-half hours. The episode will air on January 30 on Star Plus.

Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan appeared on the TV show Music Ka Maha Muqqabla recently and if their comfort level with each other is any inclination, then they are sure to sizzle the screen in their Friday release Ishqiya. Arshad and Vidya came separately to shoot for the show at the BPCL grounds in Chembur.

They met before the shoot and connected like long-lost friends. They sat backstage and caught up with each other before going on the stage.

Says an eye-witness, "The clincher came when it was being decided which team would the stars go to. When it was decided that Vidya would go to Shaan's team and Arshad to Mika's, Warsi kicked up a fuss saying he wanted Vidya to be with his team.

The shoot went on for three-and-a-half hours. The episode will air on January 30 on Star Plus.

Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan appeared on the TV show Music Ka Maha Muqqabla recently and if their comfort level with each other is any inclination, then they are sure to sizzle the screen in their Friday release Ishqiya. Arshad and Vidya came separately to shoot for the show at the BPCL grounds in Chembur.

They met before the shoot and connected like long-lost friends. They sat backstage and caught up with each other before going on the stage.

Says an eye-witness, "The clincher came when it was being decided which team would the stars go to. When it was decided that Vidya would go to Shaan's team and Arshad to Mika's, Warsi kicked up a fuss saying he wanted Vidya to be with his team.

The shoot went on for three-and-a-half hours. The episode will air on January 30 on Star Plus (less)

. He is a great actor and one of my favourites.

Right from Masoom to A Wednesday!, I���ve been following all his movies. Amazing is the word that I can use to describe him.

One of the biggest compliments that I received for Dev D came from him when he said that he liked my work. I was supposed to do another film with him titled Surmaiyee Shaam.

I had met him twice for that film. It was to be directed by Brahmanand Singh but the film isn���t happening anyone.

Thank God, Ribhu cast me in Michael. I can even play an extra with Naseer Sir.

But then, I���m nervous. Your character shares a romantic angle with Shah.

Isn���t the comparison with Ishqiya obvious? In Michael, I play a nurse who is attached to Naseer Sir and his son. He is a widower.

There is some chemistry between the two of us though it���s very subtle. I don���t think my role can be compared to that of Vidya Balan in Ishqiya.

Are Hindi films more open these days about exploring the romance between an older man and a younger woman? Age has nothing to do with romance. I don���t know Naseer Sir���s age but I think he can deliver any role given to him.

Lamhe and Black too had explored the relationship between the older man and younger woman. But yes, today, there���s a lot more interest in exploring such relationships on-screen.

Films have changed, so have audiences��� acceptance level. Besides Michael , you���ve also done Dabangg.

Is it the same Anurag Kashyap connection that prompted you to accept the film? I did it for Dabangg���s director, Abhinav (Anurag���s brother). He is a friend.

I���ve been cast opposite Arbaaz Khan. Mine is just a two-scene role where I have to romance him.

Since you���ve been attached to films like Dev.D, Gulaal and Paan Singh Tomar, how does it feel when you do mainstream cinema? The language and acting pattern of realistic films are different from that of commercial movies.

I started off doing realistic cinema. Hence, I find it easier doing them.

PST releases in August and I���m optimistic about it. I���m open to doing both kinds of movies.

I want to grow as a complete actor. Both the genres have their own challenges and I���m ready to try both.

Some actors claim that doing realistic movies alone isn���t enough for survival since they need to maintain a certain lifestyle. Apart from the growth of an actor, does economical reasons also govern your choice of doing commerical movies? Money is important.

Thankfully, I am being paid well even in the kind of movies that I do. I am happy with the kind of money I am getting.

These are small-budget films and I am being paid according to the budget of the movie. I am not a party-goer and hence, not a high maintenance person.

I am pretty much happy with the kind of money that I���m earning. Among the Bollywood heroines, who are your role models now? Among the younger lot, I think Kangna, Konkona and Vidya are good actors.

While Priyanka is very hardworking, Kareena has star appeal. When do you come down to Kolkata to shoot? I���ll be in town on July 29 or July 30.

I am looking forward to my stay in Kolkata. I���ve usually come down to the city for a day and have never got time to enjoy myself.

I���ve some friends in Kolkata and am looking forward to enjoying Bengali cuisine too (less)

I guess they are genres in themselves. Whether it is 'Sherlock Holmes', 'Rock N Rolla', 'Snatch' or 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' - this guy never fails to amaze me," Arshad said.

The actor, best known for his onscreen role of 'Circuit' in 'Munnabhai' series, has made a gradual transition from being an actor to a producer 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost and now he is all set to turn director with 'Akkad'. "I am going to shoot 'Akkad' in way that Bollywood audience hasn't witnessed yet.

Yes, I know that there is a lot of difficulty involved in it but I am up for the challenge," Arshad said. The actor is aware that Indian audience aren't used to complex narratives especially when it comes to Ritchie who is known for making quite a few flip-flops between multiple episodes.

"I am certainly aware about that. But My style would have a Guy Ritchie feel to it but the overall narrative would be far simpler.

See, you can make a complicated film and pat your back as a director. However, for audience, the final result should be simpler.

The audience should eventually understand what the film was all about. "I want them to go back home, start discussing about the film and then manage to crack what it was all about.

It is then that they would realise the work of director in making a complicated screenplay eventually look easy," Arshad said. So, when does the work begin on 'Akkad'? "Well, currently I am busy in the shoot of 'Golmaal 3' and soon after that; I would get busy with 'Dhamaal 2'," said Arshad.

"Meanwhile, I would be using time between the shots to prepare myself for the challenge around direction that lies ahead. I won't be beginning the shoot of my film before mid of next year.

The story and screenplay of 'Akkad' is very complicated and it is a difficult film to be executed. I want to be 200 per cent sure before I come on sets for this film.

" New age Bollywood filmmakers seem quite taken with the narrative style of Hollywood directors like Quentin Tarantino and Ritchie. Anubhav Sinha tried it in 'Cash', which unfortunately bombed at the box office.

Director duo of Raj Nidimoru & Krishna DK did make heads turn with their debut directorial venture '99' which clearly had a narrative style that was inspired from the Hollywood bigwigs. Newcomer Pankaj Advani too cracked it reasonably well in 'Sankat City' though the film went totally unnoticed.

However, the biggest of all remains 'Kaminey', which was inspired by Tarantino. Director Vishal Bharadwaj saw good critical and commercial success coming his way with the film.

Early this year his assistant Abhishek Chaubhey too got it right with Arshad starrer 'Ishqiya'. The actor is looking for something similar.

"The narrative is not going to be linear at all because that would hardly be any fun. I will ensure that there is a lot of style in the way 'Akkad' is presented," said Arshad.

The actor, best known for his onscreen role of 'Circuit' in 'Munnabhai' series, has made a gradual transition from being an actor to a producer 'Hum Tum Aur Ghost and now he is all set to turn director with 'Akkad'. "I am going to shoot 'Akkad' in way that Bollywood audience hasn't witnessed yet.

Yes, I know that there is a lot of difficulty involved in it but I am up for the challenge," Arshad said. "I am certainly aware about that.

But My style would have a Guy Ritchie feel to it but the overall narrative would be far simpler. See, you can make a complicated film and pat your back as a director.

However, for audience, the final result should be simpler. The audience should eventually understand what the film was all about.

"I want them to go back home, start discussing about the film and then manage to crack what it was all about. It is then that they would realise the work of director in making a complicated screenplay eventually look easy," Arshad said.

So, when does the work begin on 'Akkad'? "Well, currently I am busy in the shoot of 'Golmaal 3' and soon after that; I would get busy with 'Dhamaal 2'," said Arshad. "Meanwhile, I would be using time between the shots to prepare myself for the challenge around direction that lies ahead.

I won't be beginning the shoot of my film before mid of next year. The story and screenplay of 'Akkad' is very complicated and it is a difficult film to be executed.

I want to be 200 per cent sure before I come on sets for this film." (less)

I always got positive feedback from teachers and judges (when my films were screened), but I was still confused whether to join a film school or work as an assistant director. So when Mumbai Mirror fixed my meeting with Arshad Warsi, I was thrilled as I could get some tips from such a versatile actor, who has also turned director recently.

Arshad was shooting for his upcoming film at Film City, Goregaon. After a short wait, I was ushered into a huge studio where the actor warmly greeted me.

After some small talk (he was impressed when I told him that I have made 15 short films), I shared my dilemma with him. Arshad was quick to reply that the best way to learn filmmaking is on the job.

"A lot of people would hate me for saying this, but look at Shekhar Kapur, Steven Spielberg; they didn't go to any film school. I also didn't go to any film school but when I direct, my earlier experiences prove to be handy.

" It was easy for him to say that after being in the industry for so long. As if reading my mind, he said, "Initially, it may seem difficult without connections but if you are focused and can think out of the box, there are people in the industry who are willing to give you a platform.

" That sounds too good to be true. I asked him about his initiation into this profession.

Arshad grinned and said, "Well, I actually never wanted to be an actor." Seeing my surprised look, he elaborated, "I started as an assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt.

I was even offered a role but I didn't take it up as I was dreaming about becoming a director then." Curious about this great shift, I asked him how he comes up with such consistently outstanding performances (I particularly liked him in Ishqiya).

"Everybody has their own theory about acting. But the best way to act is not to act but emote," he replied.

Whether he was playing the wicked Babban in Ishqiya or the wisecracking Circuit in the Munnabhai series, Arshad's comic timing is impeccable. Arshad admitted that it is very hard to teach comedy to someone but a good actor can grasp the ropes soon with a little training.

"Comedy tires me out and is difficult to be funny at all times," he said. So does he use his sense of humour to wriggle out of difficult situations, I asked.

Arshad replied with a straight face, "I try not to get into difficult situations and thankfully, I have a good sense of humour which comes to my rescue often. But then, life will be really boring without humour.

" Amen to that. And on that note, I thanked Arshad for helping me find the answer to my question: the best way to learn is to throw yourself into the deep end of the pool (less)

Khalujaan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) are small- time crooks. Having narrowly escaped from the clutches of a terrifying goon of a boss, Mushtaq (Salman Shahid) they manage to find shelter in the house of a lonely widow, Krishna (Vidya).

What follows is unexpected. While the men have to pay off their loan to Mushtaq, they face several hurdles in the form of Krishna's irresistible charm and sex appeal.

Both Khalu and Babban fall in love with her, not knowing her past or her actual intentions. The second half springs up enough surprises to keep you entertained.

?? Chaubey makes an impressive debut with his take on the unpredictability of human emotions and the thin line between the good and the bad. Aping his mentor Vishal Bhardwaj in style and technique, he infuses color, essence and sound to every frame that he lights up with love.

His Gorakhpur might be a remote village heavily spruced with shanties, but his camera captures the small nooks, fields, hills and rusty roads with elegance.??The film is an actor's delight and Vidya, Arshad and Naseer seem to make the most of their characters.

Right from the opening frame, Chaubey sets the tone and mood of the film.??Be it the vulgar yet frothy camaraderie between Arshad and Naseer or Vidya's one-liners, each thing is in tandem with the other.

The songs neither digress from the story nor distract you. Instead, they take the story forward.

Among the performances, Vidya is outstanding. She tempts, taunts and teases her way into your heart as the sassy village belle.

She's not only natural but also graceful in the crudest of moments. Meanwhile, Arshad and Naseer seem to have fun, both sharing great chemistry throughout.

The dialogues are not just witty but also razor-sharp.?? The climax of the film is a huge bummer! As the story progresses and the characters start showing their asli rang, there seems to be an urgency to give the plot an end.

Vidya's change of heart and her actions before the mystery behind her husband's death is revealed, have been handled shoddily. The language is tough to grasp in the beginning but you soon get used to the words.

Also, there are a few abuses that might make you squirm.?? Ishqiya has a universal appeal.

Anyone who loves to hear stories and drown themselves in the sights and sounds of a place?? will be delighted. The performances will have you gasping for more.

A; Drama Khalujaan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) are small- time crooks. Having narrowly escaped from the clutches of a terrifying goon of a boss, Mushtaq (Salman Shahid) they manage to find shelter in the house of a lonely widow, Krishna (Vidya).

Dir: Abhishek Chaubey What follows is unexpected. While the men have to pay off their loan to Mushtaq, they face several hurdles in the form of Krishna's irresistible charm and sex appeal.

Both Khalu and Babban fall in love with her, not knowing her past or her actual intentions. The second half springs up enough surprises to keep you entertained.

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi It's the time for triumphant threes. First it was the Idiots, now this trio Naseer, Arshad and Vidya enthralls with this tale of love, lust and betrayal.

Khalujaan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) are small- time crooks. Having narrowly escaped from the clutches of a terrifying goon of a boss, Mushtaq (Salman Shahid) they manage to find shelter in the house of a lonely widow, Krishna (Vidya).

What follows is unexpected. While the men have to pay off their loan to Mushtaq, they face several hurdles in the form of Krishna's irresistible charm and sex appeal.

Both Khalu and Babban fall in love with her, not knowing her past or her actual intentions. The second half springs up enough surprises to keep you entertained.

?? Chaubey makes an impressive debut with his take on the unpredictability of human emotions and the thin line between the good and the bad. Aping his mentor Vishal Bhardwaj in style and technique, he infuses color, essence and sound to every frame that he lights up with love.

His Gorakhpur might be a remote village heavily spruced with shanties, but his camera captures the small nooks, fields, hills and rusty roads with elegance.??The film is an actor's delight and Vidya, Arshad and Naseer seem to make the most of their characters.

Right from the opening frame, Chaubey sets the tone and mood of the film.??Be it the vulgar yet frothy camaraderie between Arshad and Naseer or Vidya's one-liners, each thing is in tandem with the other.

The songs neither digress from the story nor distract you. Instead, they take the story forward.

Among the performances, Vidya is outstanding. She tempts, taunts and teases her way into your heart as the sassy village belle.

She's not only natural but also graceful in the crudest of moments. Meanwhile, Arshad and Naseer seem to have fun, both sharing great chemistry throughout.

The dialogues are not just witty but also razor-sharp.?? The climax of the film is a huge bummer! As the story progresses and the characters start showing their asli rang, there seems to be an urgency to give the plot an end.

Vidya's change of heart and her actions before the mystery behind her husband's death is revealed, have been handled shoddily. The language is tough to grasp in the beginning but you soon get used to the words.

Also, there are a few abuses that might make you squirm.?? Ishqiya has a universal appeal.

Anyone who loves to hear stories and drown themselves in the sights and sounds of a place?? will be delighted. The performances will have you gasping for more.

*** Chaubey makes an impressive debut with his take on the unpredictability of human emotions and the thin line between the good and the bad (less)

Among the three Marathi films under this section, Natrang will be the opening film, the film's producers Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said today. " Natrang has not only proved to be a commercial success, it has also won several prestigious awards like the Best Film Award at the Pune International Film Festival," Zee Entertainment Enterprises' COO Nitin Vaidya said.

"The film has done good box office business and achieved great appreciation from nationwide critics. We are really proud for getting international recognition through this festival.

We are happy that our faith in this project has been justified. It is a proud moment for Marathi Cinema," he said.

Critically acclaimed Hindi film Ishqiya , starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi, will also be screened at Munich. "We are happy that our efforts as a film production house are recognised worldwide.

In fact, Ishqiya is a cult film whose success story will surely leave its deep impressions on the audience's mind," said Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, co-producer of the film (less)

Irresistible is how Dibakar Banerjee describes his collaboration with Ekta Kapoor. "See, Ekta is dream producer.

When we came together for LSD , we never thought we'd be able to work so well together. She gave me a free rein.

I was in a totally happy frame of mind making LSD . Even if its impact was not what it is, I'd have still gone back to Ekta to make a film," Dibakar says.

At home with his newly-adopted daughter Ira, Dibakar is now domesticated and in a mellow frame of mind, quietly penning the love story for his demanding producer. However, Ekta had a pre-condition for Dibakar.

"She wanted me to return to her only when I've a true-blue love story to make," said the director of acclaimed movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! . The love story will go on the floor in the second-half of 2011.

For now, Dibakar watches LSD acquire a life of its own. He left for the Melbourne International Film Festival Tuesday where LSD is being screened along with Aamir Khan's Peepli Live and Abhishek Choubey's Ishqiya in the 'Not Quite Bollywood' section.

Says the enthused director: "It is quite a triumph for Indian cinema to have different kind of films being recognised. But we have a long struggle ahead.

" However, he regrets not having his producer Ekta Kapoor along. Immersed in the release of her new film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai , Ekta has regrettably given the honour a miss.

Dibakar and LSD 's associate producer Priya Aven would also be participating in a discussion on digital cinema at the festival. And if you think Dibakar's trip to Melbourne is all about work, he's also taking his wife and daughter Ira along.

"If I don't find ways of spending time with Ira, I'd soon be left with no time for her," Dibakar says (less)

Since you are shooting your debut Hindi film in Kolkata, what���s your take on this issue? I don���t think it���s right to say that Kolkata doesn���t have a good work culture. Different cities have different work cultures.

Kolkata has a big film and television industry. So many technicians work here.

It���s true that the number of Hindi films being shot in Kolkata is less than those shot in Delhi and Jaipur. Language could be an issue though I wouldn���t know whether that is the problem.

I began shooting in Kolkata on Friday and haven���t faced any problems here. Kolkata became a character in your brother, Birsa Dasgupta���s 033.

Are you portraying Kolkata similarly in Michael since Somak Mukherjee is the cinematographer for both the films? My film, Michael, is based in Kolkata. Seventy per cent of film will be shot extensively in Kolkata.

Though I live in Mumbai now, I am basically from Kolkata. I want to present Kolkata as it is now.

There is no attempt to paint anything otherwise. The tramlines, the old Kolkata buildings.

..

I want to zoom in on the decadent character of this city. Somak is exploring Kolkata a lot more in detail (primarily at night) in my film.

How and why did Naseeruddin Shah come on board in your film? Anurag (Kashyap) has a huge role to play here. He met Naseer Sir and showed him the script.

I���m sure he must have liked the script enough to give his nod. How much of a disadvantage is it for a fresher to get Naseeruddin Shah on board for his debut film? Can complacence set in easily since you���ve got one of the world���s greatest actors on board on your first venture? Naseer Sir has worked with so many first-time film-makers.

Hence, credit must go to him for working with directors, who are more raw when they make their debut. For me, this is a very big opportunity.

It���s like a dream-come-true. Mine is a character-based film and I wanted an actor who can play the role.

Naseer Sir is playing an ex-cop. The film is being treated like a psychological thriller.

But you do realise that so many aspiring film-makers want the veteran actor in their debut ventures but never manage to get him. Does getting Naseer give you a sense of pride already? I don���t think that way.

I think a film should speak for its director. Nothing should be bigger than the film.

One might work with Robert De Niro but finally, it is the film that is going to ascertain how good a director, the maker is. If the film is good, only then will a director reach a certain level.

The cast alone can���t catapult him anywhere. Rudranil Ghosh says that it wasn���t easy to get actors from Tollywood to shoot with Naseeruddin Shah since many were too intimidated by his mastery over acting.

As a director, did you face that problem? Right now, I don���t have the time to think of being intimidated by him. My only focus is to finish the film within my budget and the time frame allotted to the shooting.

The first schedule is for 15 days. The next schedule is for another 15 days in August.

Naseer Sir is kind enough to be very accommodative. Besides, we had met many times over during the script-reading sessions.

That���s when he broke the ice. I believe that a film is a collaborative effort.

The actor is as important as the director. Naseer Sir gave us some suggestions that we���ve incorporated too.

Now, when we���ve begun shooting, both the actor and the director are on the same plane. Ishqiya had shown Naseeruddin Shah romancing a much younger Vidya Balan.

Is the romantic angle in Michael between Naseeruddin Shah and Mahie Gill following a similar curve? Mahie is again a character in the film. Though there is a romantic angle, we are not treating Michael like an Ishqiya.

Did you audition with a lot of kids before casting Tahaan���s Purav Bhandare in the film? No. I had liked Puraav so much in Tahaan that I was sure of casting him.

Anurag Kashyap has been quite a huge support to both the Dasgupta brothers. Can you imagine a career in films today without a godfather in Kashyap? Anurag has been a driving force.

It���s not that he has to produce a film to be of help. It helps even if you are with him.

Anurag has been supporting independent cinema and is helping us to narrate the kind of stories we want to. While others too are doing independent cinema, Anurag is a pillar of strength to us.

Though Anurag Kashyap was supposed to do a cameo, he hasn���t been able to turn up in Kolkata on Saturday to shoot his scene. What do you do now? I had wanted Anurag to play a cop.

But for some reason, he hasn���t been able to come down on Saturday. I might either wait for him to come down later to shoot that scene.

If that doesn���t work out, I���ll have to think of an alternative. Is there any competition between you and Birsa? No competition here.

Birsa is my inspiration (less)

He says, “When I told John, I have Vidya signed for my film he made an excuse and got out.” But what’s more surprising is that when the same filmmaker asked Bobby Deol to step into the project, Bobby too reportedly wasn’t too keen on working with Vidya.

If there is any truth to this, then Bobby must have his head examined. Vidya, post Paa and Ishqiya, is more happening than a lot of heroes in Bollywood.

However, one would like to give John and Bobby the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they wanted to get out of the project itself and since they couldn’t find a excuse they made Vidya their excuse.

Either way guys, Vidya is super-talented. There is no doubt about that.

Check out Vidya Balan’s homepage (less)

Shoppers looked on in horror as the taxi collided with the car's door, ripping it off its hinges and missing Beyonce by just a matter of centimetres. The singer, who was travelling with her hip-hop mogul husband Jay-Z, looked visibly shaken after the incident.

"It was terrifying to watch. It all happened so quickly, the taxi came out of nowhere," a source said.

"She seemed very shaken and was lucky to be alive. A couple of seconds difference and God knows what could have happened," the source added.

Beyonce, 28, and Jay-Z, 40, were on their way to a meal at Japanese eatery Zuma when the singer decided to make her impromptu stop. After the accident, the couple were forced to leave the damaged car and were sent a replacement to take them to the restaurant.

She was later seen looking happy and relaxed after leaving Zuma with Jay-Z (less)

Having worked on the screenplays of films like Omkara and Kaminey , Abhishek is definitely the talent to watch out for in the days to come. Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with the man who is all set to rewrite history with Ishqiya .

Your date with the man stands still on February 4 at 1330 hrs IST (less)

"No, there are no plans to make a sequel. I read about it in the newspapers and was quite amused.

The fact is, there's no truth to it. In fact, the thought of making a sequel hasn't even crossed my mind," ISHQIYA director Abhishek Chaubey clarifies.

So what is the talented director making next? "I have commenced writing my next script. This one's set in North India.

The screenplay will take another two months to complete and only then will we take it further," Abhishek divulges. Is his mentor Vishal Bhardwaj producing the film? "Yes, he is.

I will narrate the screenplay to Vishal-ji once I am done," he adds (less)

In the meantime, there is talk that Rani Mukerji, who started out with befriending Vidya Balan during the shoot, is now seriously worried that Vidya may end up beating her in the popularity ratings. Vidya is riding a crest; the hangover of Paa and Ishqiya is still there, especially since Ishqiya is travelling to so many international film festivals.

As of now, Vidya is more feted than the light-eyed Rani (who is also a powerhouse performer) but a little more subdued at this point. The trade says that this space is going to be very interesting because Rani is an absolute fighter; when pushed against a wall she usually comes out a winner.

It will be interesting to see the crackling chemistry between her and Vidya on screen and even more interesting to see them together during the promotion drive (less)

Instead, she sat down on her big butt, lifted her front legs -- then rolled over. Before anyone could react, Robert slid right down the elephant's back.

It could have been a disaster if she'd rolled over on him - but he got lucky, landing face first in a pile of dirt and mud. He was filthy, but unharmed," contactmusic.

com quoted a source as saying. The Twilight Saga hunk stars alongside Reese Witherspoon in the forthcoming film.

Although he narrowly escaped serious injury, Pattinson quickly got up to the amusement of his co-stars and crew members. "Everyone on the set cracked up - especially Reese, who was laughing so hard she couldn't catch her breath.

" (less)

Vidya Balan, who never played such a rough and abusive character in her filmy career, has been liked by the audience for her daredevilry approach and rough language. In fact, the film provides a new world view to whole city bred generation X who had earlier refused even to believe that such pockets of culture also exist in the country.

-- k k rai Send comments: 0comments (less)

But there’s a breed of filmmakers who are ready to take risks, experiment and prove their mettle. “One cannot preempt a film to be a hit as there’s no guarantee of box-office success.

All that a producer can do is make movies of consequence. Only good stories translate into good cinema and that’s the only ingredient missing in films these days.

We are aware that it’s people who make movies and not machines, so it’s necessary to draw upon and create an environment where the people involved want to give their best. It has to be a team effort where everybody who is a part of it owns it,” says Sandeep Sangwan, Chairman, In Depth Entertaining Arts Pvt.

Ltd. “We have four projects currently at various stages of production.

Kabir Sadanand directed Fugly goes on the floors in July, Veena Bakshi’s Coffin Maker starts in September, Bhiwani directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia written by Abhishek Chaubey shoots off on in December, while an untitled gritty action film based in Canada directed by Navdeep Singh and written Heeraz Marfatia will probably begin in March–April next year,” he adds. In Depth’s joint venture partner on Fugly, Pramod Vyas of Param Entertainment, who comes from the equity market background, says, “The aim is to make good commercial films with a view to also talk about genuine socio-psychological phenomena gripping the world today.

We are aiming to talk about issues and topics that will have a universal appeal.” Talking about Fugly, director Kabir says, “When I met Sandeep and Pramod I realised that they want to make a difference.

They wanted to entertain and tell stories that will strike a chord with cinemagoers. After a complete family film Tum Milo To Sahi, I wanted to break free and speak up.

There’s much more than the goody-goody thought that captures the mind. Here’s a story that’s screaming to be told on the edge of entertainment to change the way we think.

It’s about our city of hearts wherein resides a devil’s paradise and its — Fugly.” Veena, an award-winning ad filmmaker, speaks about Coffin Maker, “Based in a small village in Goa, The Coffin Maker is about Anton Gomes who comes from a family of accomplished carpenters and takes up coffin making when difficult circumstances render him jobless and penniless.

Cynical and disillusioned Anton exists..

. till one day death challenges his life.

” Naseeruddin Shah leads the cast as Anton Gomes with Ratna Pathak Shah, playing his wife Isabella. The story is narrated lightly, with snatches of humour and in a very real and raw style.

The Coffin Maker celebrates life. On Bhiwani, Tigmanshu says, “It’s not just a story which helps make a good film, a film is a combination of many things and nothing can be better then a story full of hope, Haryana and boxing.

And so is the actor we have chosen in Randeep Hooda.” Navdeep says “I am looking forward to an extremely stylish and thrilling story about friendship, betrayal, greed and ambition set in the picturesque country of Canada.

” Summing up the enthusiasm of his new-age brigade Sandeep says, “The key is cost control at the execution of it without compromising on the big screen appeal and streamlining the process for minimal or no wastage. We want cost-effective movies of consequence and over time build the brand for bigger and better things.

It’s not a short term gain but an eternity of work created by us that will ultimately leave a mark. Having said all this we haven’t forgotten the primary function why I or anybody else watches a movie — and that’s entertainment!” (less)

Now he is a part of Golmaal 3 (2010). It doesn’t stop there! Arshad is also the lovable Circuit from the two Munnabhai films.

And he is most certainly a member of the Dhamaal series directed by Indra Kumar. The second part of Dhamaal to be titled Double Dhamaal is likely to go on the floors soon.

And so is Vishal Bhardwaj’s Ishqiya 2. Well looks like things are going to be twice as nice for Arshad (less)

Guess who is benefiting the maximum from being herself. Vidya Balan.

Yes, the actress who wears her individuality as an asset has now caught the eye of the world renowned artiste MF Husain. He, apparently, saw Ishqiya and was bowled over by the sumptuous Vidya who according to him is the perfect Indian woman.

And chances are that after Madhuri Dixit, it is Vidya who he wants. The artiste told a Bollywood trade paper, that he had seen Parineeta, Paa and Ishqiya and felt that as a woman who knows her mind, and who without wearing skimpy western clothes impressed him.

Now, it is being suggested that Vidya will feature in Husain’s next directorial film slated for 2011. Check out Vidya Balan’s homepage (less)

To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation. I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all.

I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country." The censor board apparently balked at some of the expletives.

But finally saw reason. The film was passed by the board Wednesday.

Says the film's director: "I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult.

So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate. I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly.

" Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think. "It's not about creating shock value.

It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life." The film, produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj, stars Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles.

'Ishqiya' with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate. Says the film's director Abhishek Choubey: "Frankly, I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary.

I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot. To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation.

I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all. I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country.

" The censor board apparently balked at some of the expletives. But finally saw reason.

The film was passed by the board Wednesday. Says the film's director: "I never claimed the film was for children.

The content is adult. So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate.

I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly." Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think.

"It's not about creating shock value. It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life.

" The film, produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj, stars Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles. 'Ishqiya' with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate.

Says the film's director Abhishek Choubey: "Frankly, I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary. I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot.

To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation. I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all.

I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country." The censor board apparently balked at some of the expletives.

But finally saw reason. The film was passed by the board Wednesday.

Says the film's director: "I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult.

So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate. I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly.

" Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think. "It's not about creating shock value.

It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life." The film, produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj, stars Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles.

'Ishqiya' with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate. Says the film's director Abhishek Choubey: "Frankly, I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary.

I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot. To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation.

I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all. I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country.

" The censor board apparently balked at some of the expletives. But finally saw reason.

The film was passed by the board Wednesday. Says the film's director: "I never claimed the film was for children.

The content is adult. So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate.

I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly." Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think.

"It's not about creating shock value. It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life.

" The film, produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj, stars Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles. 'Ishqiya' with all its colourful expletives and sexually charged visuals was passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate.

Says the film's director Abhishek Choubey: "Frankly, I expected I'd be asked for some kind of an explanation for the language and content and why they were necessary. I had gone prepared with dossiers on every graphic word and shot.

To my surprise I wasn't asked for any explanation. I was given an 'Adults' certificate with no cuts at all.

I guess it's a sign of how far censorship has come in our country." The censor board apparently balked at some of the expletives.

But finally saw reason. The film was passed by the board Wednesday.

Says the film's director: "I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult.

So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate. I feel the profile of the audience is changing swiftly.

" Abhishek also hastens to add that the language is not as strong as people seem to think. "It's not about creating shock value.

It's the way these people in the small North Indian towns live their life." The film, produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj, stars Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles (less)

Bass ho gaya, aur nahi (enough of it all)", Arshad??said in an interview. They explained to me the film, its texture, the setting and the characterisation due to which I was convinced about the kissing scene.

But only I know how scared I was," Arshad said. The kissing scene between Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan may have generated much-hype for soon-to-release 'Ishqiya' but the 'Munnabhai' actor has vowed never to lock lips on screen again.

Though the film has a lot more than the much talked about chemistry between the two actors, Arshad, who plays a criminal in the movie, says he was extremely apprehensive and director Abhishek Chaubey had to pep talk him before the shoot. "Mark my words, this is the first and the last time I have done an on-screen kiss.

Bass ho gaya, aur nahi (enough of it all)", Arshad??said in an interview. Though the actor doesn't regret the act since it was as per the 'demand of the script', he admits that it was a 'scary' experience.

"I respect the vision that Vishal Bharadwaj and director Abhishek Chaubhey carried. They explained to me the film, its texture, the setting and the characterisation due to which I was convinced about the kissing scene.

But only I know how scared I was," Arshad said. When asked what really convinced him to do the scene, especially since he was so apprehensive to begin with, Arshad said it was important to bring the point of view of his character.

"In 'Ishqiya', both Naseer and I have our point of views when it comes to the lady in our lives - Vidya Balan. The entire romantic encounter is quite balanced actually because there is a man who has seen life (Naseer) and hence is in love with her.

On the other hand me being the younger lot is in lust with her," the 41-year-old actor said. Recounting one of the hilarious sequences in the film which establishes his frivolous character of Babban, Arshad smiles, "The moment I enter this village, the first thing I do is ask a kid about directions to a red light area.

It is pretty reflective of this character who doesn't believe in love but only lust." Highlighting the quality feel that 'Ishqiya' carries right though its narrative, Arshad said that the film has a lot more than just Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and himself.

"There are so many other talented actors in the film who have been handpicked by Vishal and Abhishek. It was never just about its principal protagonists.

There were dozen odd other characters that we remember till date. It is only this kind of combination that leads to a masterpiece," Arshad said.

A co-production of Shemaroo Entertainment and Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Pvt Ltd, 'Ishqiya' also stars supporting actors like Salman Shahid (of 'Kabul Express' fame) and Rajesh Sharma. The film releases on 29th January.

Arshad started his Bollywood journey with Amitabh Bachchan's first production 'Tere Mere Sapne' in 1996 but failed to make a mark in the industry. His luck changed when Rajkumar Hirani offered him the now famous role of 'Circuit' in 2003 blockbuster 'Munnabhai MBBS'.

The actor will reprise his role in 'Munnabhai Chale America', the third movie in the hit series. Since Munnabhai's success, Arshad has appeared in a number of hit movies including 'Salaam Namaste', 'Golmaal', 'Kabul Express', 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' and 'Dhamaal'.

Recounting one of the hilarious sequences in the film which establishes his frivolous character of Babban, Arshad smiles, "The moment I enter this village, the first thing I do is ask a kid about directions to a red light area. It is pretty reflective of this character who doesn't believe in love but only lust.

" Highlighting the quality feel that 'Ishqiya' carries right though its narrative, Arshad said that the film has a lot more than just Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and himself (less)

Vidya was never against the idea. Two years ago, Vidya Balan had reportedly mentioned, “I am not against doing an item number but only if I like the song.

” It seems Vidya has developed a taste for the music in Santosh’s next. Set in the 15th century, Urumi is a period film that revolves around the killer of Vasco Da Gama.

While the lead actress will play a Portuguese Princess, Vidya will only make a guest appearance in the film; that too in an item song. But the song has a very different flavour this time.

To complement it, Vidya will perform a traditional version of the Mohiniattam dance form. A source reveals, “It won’t be a raunchy number but definitely a very sensuous one.

” Vidya was apparently the director’s first choice for this song, as he was quite impressed by her sensuous “Indian look” in Ishqiya. And Sivan is known for his ability to make his characters look even more sensuous than they seem with costumes and make-up on; that’s where his cinematography does the needful.

Prime example was Kareena’s look in Asoka. And now it’s Vidya’s turn.

While Vidya remained unavailable for comment, Sivan said, “Talks are on with Vidya. I can’t comment anything now.

” Vidya was apparently the director’s first choice for this song, as he was quite impressed by her sensuous “Indian look” in Ishqiya (less)

"It feels proud to know that 'Ishqiya' is going to be screened at IFFL. It seems that 'Ishqiya' has made place in every heart worldwide and hope people's love for the film continues even in days to come," Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, said in a press statement.

Popular as well as offbeat Bollywood along with regional movies will be screened at the event. The festival aims to strengthen cultural and commercial bridges between British and Indian film industries.

A retrospective honouring the work of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra will also be organised. It will include his films like "Parinda", "1942: A Love Story", "Eklavya: The Royal Guard" and his super hit production venture "3 Idiots" (less)

Considering that it came from the once-upon-a-time Zeenie baby, Vidya can't stop raving about it. Will a certain Mr Shahid Kapoor please take immediate note of it? Courtesy: Mid-Day.

com (less)

"It feels proud to know that Ishqiya is going to be screened at IFFL. It seems that Ishqiya has made place in every heart worldwide and hope people's love for the film continues even in days to come," Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, said in a press statement.

Popular as well as offbeat Bollywood along with regional movies will be screened at the event. The festival aims to strengthen cultural and commercial bridges between British and Indian film industries.

A retrospective honouring the work of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra will also be organised. It will include his films like Parinda, 1942: A Love Story, Eklavya: The Royal Guard and his super hit production venture 3 Idiots (less)

Love knows no age. It's this thought that director Kabir Sadanand tries to encapsulate in his second directorial venture TUM MILO TOH SAHI.

TUM MILO TOH SAHI may not be the most amazing take on relationships, but it has several moments that make you experience myriad emotions in those two hours. Especially the portions involving Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia.

Having said that, it must be pointed out that the Rehan-Anjana portions are just not captivating. They lack the power to keep you hooked.

Yet, the outcome is much better than what's being churned out in the name of cinema and entertainment these days. Write your own movie review of Tum Milo Toh Sahi Final word? Watch it, especially for veterans like Nana and Dimple, whose stellar act proves that old is gold, indeed! Set in modern-day Mumbai, with all the demands and pressures of city life, the film weaves together the lives of three couples who connect with each other.

It is about the meeting of souls [Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia], the meeting of minds [Suniel Shetty and Vidya Malavade] and the meeting of hearts [Rehan Khan and Anjana Sukhani], underlining that love is the driving force in people's lives, irrespective of age. TUM MILO TOH SAHI has three different stories running concurrently, but get merged into one after intermission.

The Nana-Dimple chapter is the pick of the lot, in terms of writing and execution, followed by Suniel-Vidya track and Rehan-Anjana story. Nana's eccentric persona is a delight.

Watch him in scenes in the super-market or when he encounters a eunuch on the street. His interaction with Dimple's grandson is fantastic too.

Suniel and Vidya's story has been treated sensitively, but a few moments are plain ordinary, especially their initial portions. Rehan and Anjana's sub-plot is the weakest link in the enterprise, although the actors make up with earnest performances.

This is director Kabir Sadanand's second venture and I see a distinct evolution in him as a storyteller. Kabir has handled several sequences with flourish.

Sameer Siddiqi and Rajen Makhijani's screenplay, as mentioned earlier, has its share of engaging and non-engaging moments. The climax, of course, is the highpoint of the film.

However, the film is very Mumbai-centric, which would restrict its appeal at other places. Sandesh Shandilya's musical score is decent, with the title track being the pick of the lot.

Pushan Kripalani's cinematography is eye-catching. It's a treat to watch Nana and Dimple on screen after a hiatus.

Both deliver sterling performances. Nana is in terrific form, while Dimple is grace personified.

Watch out for Dimple's courtroom sequence and you'd realize yet again that there's so much to be tapped. One is sure, after you exit from the auditorium, you'd carry Nana and Dimple in your heart.

Suniel too strikes a chord and plays his part with amazing maturity. Vidya Malavade is super, a dependable actor.

Rehan springs a pleasant surprise. It's an honest performance.

Anjana is a complete natural too, displaying the varied emotions with ease. Amongst the host of supporting actors, Mohnish Bahl and Amit Behl stand out.

Raghav Sachar has a brief role; he looks photogenic. The child actor playing Dimple's grandson is very good.

On the whole, TUM MILO TOH SAHI has decent merits that should find flavour with the multiplex junta of Mumbai mainly, thanks to its Mumbai-centric theme. Watch it for the wonderful performances by Nana and Dimple! (less)

This film by Vishal Bharadwaj opened with below average response. However, it earned lots of good reviews and good word of mouth promotion thus doing much better box office business than expected.

Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, Ishqiya stars veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi. Shemaroo Entertainment and Vishal Bharadwaj produced film, which has music by Vishal Bharadwaj himself.

In a press statement, director of Shemaroo Entertainment Hiren Gada said, ?We are very proud to know that Ishqiya will be screened at IFFL. The film has probably been successful to gain the love of international audience as well and continues to become popular by each passing day?.

IFFL will screen several popular and offbeat Bollywood as well as regional movies. The festival is organized with an aim to create a strong bridge between the Indian and British film industries.

The London festival will also organize a retrospective to honor the work of Indian filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movies of Chopra that are to be screened here include 3 Idiots, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, 1942: A Love Story and the award winning 1989 film Parinda (less)

Among the three Marathi films under this section, Natrang will be the opening film, the film's producers Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said today. " Natrang has not only proved to be a commercial success, it has also won several prestigious awards like the Best Film Award at the Pune International Film Festival," Zee Entertainment Enterprises' COO Nitin Vaidya said.

"The film has done good box office business and achieved great appreciation from nationwide critics. We are really proud for getting international recognition through this festival.

We are happy that our faith in this project has been justified. It is a proud moment for Marathi Cinema," he said.

Critically acclaimed Hindi film Ishqiya , starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi, will also be screened at Munich. "We are happy that our efforts as a film production house are recognised worldwide.

In fact, Ishqiya is a cult film whose success story will surely leave its deep impressions on the audience's mind," said Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, co-producer of the film (less)

The two have been meeting regularly, especially since Vidya's house is right opposite Karan's office. Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours.

Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script. After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2.

Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film. Courtesy: Mid-Day.

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However, the lady is satisfied that he scene was picturized in an aesthetic manner and does not leave any scope for looking cheap on the screen. Vidya Balan is all praise for his co-actor Arshad Warsi, who made her feel comfortable on the sets of the film during kissing scene, and hence it did not pose any problem for her.

Vidya?s character is that of a widow who uses two criminals Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah to discover her supposedly dead husband. In the process, Vidya?s character has to show mock, and sometime genuine, affection to the tough looking characters of Arshad and Naseeruddin Shah.

Though Vidya Balan had been made comfortable on the sets of the film by Arshad and Naseeruddin, but it was not so during the dubbing of her portions in the studio before other co- workers. In fact, Vidya Balan had been shocked to hear her own expletives when she saw them on the screen during dubbing.

As the film is set in a small village of Uttar Pradesh, the character of Vidya Balan was required to speak a language which was full of slang and not-so-decent words. As the producer of the film is Visahl Bhardwaj, it was bound to have some abusive words to make it sound nearer to reality.

However, Vidya Balan managed to complete the dubbing of her abusive language after director Abhishek Choubey made her see the reason that it was character of Krishna Verma, and not Vidya, who was speaking abusive language.The film is releasing today all over in opposition to her ?Paa? co- star Amitabh Bachchan?s ?Rann?.

Now, it?s a war between Vidya Balan?s ?Ishqiya? and Big B?s ?Rann? at the box office. However, Ishqiya? is a completely different film from ?Rann? and so does not have much to fear from it.

In fact, both the films have different segments of patrons for them at the box office. However, Vidya Balan managed to complete the dubbing of her abusive language after director Abhishek Choubey made her see the reason that it was character of Krishna Verma, and not Vidya, who was speaking abusive language.

-- k k rai Send comments: 0comments (less)

"That's right. I'm supposed to be this 40-year-old rake doing naughty things, like wooing the neighbourhood widow Vidya Balan.

Giving me competition in the endeavour is my screen bhanja (nephew) Arshad Warsi. So my character has to really pull up his socks to vie for the lady's attentions," Naseer told IANS.

"I've never really believed in such vanity in real life. But my character definitely does have to be an eligible 40-year-old for Vidya's sake," he joked from Wai, 90 km from Pune.

He is shooting for the film by debutant director Abhishek Choubey. "I'm having the time of my life here in Wai.

'Ishqiya' gives me a chance for a change of pace in many ways," said the thespian. The chemistry between Naseer and Vidya is crackling and the actress has declared that Naseer is her favourite actor.

"Please put this on-record - Vidya is a really troublesome co-star. And Arshad is such a method actor he spends hours preparing for a scene," Naseer joked and then added: "They're honestly great fun to work with.

I've never played anything like this character before." The films is being produced by Vishal Bharadwaj and Wai seems to be his favourite place to shoot as he shot his ready-to-release "Kaminey" with Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra there.

Earlier, he had shot "Omkara" in the same mountain resort. For daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter www.

masala.com/newsletter So far he has refused to colour his hair even for a film, but now Naseeruddin Shah has not only dyed his hair, he has also shaved his beard and lost a lot of weight to look like an eligible 40-year-old for Vidya Balan in "Ishqiya".

The veteran actor says he is having the time of his life shooting the movie. "That's right.

I'm supposed to be this 40-year-old rake doing naughty things, like wooing the neighbourhood widow Vidya Balan. Giving me competition in the endeavour is my screen bhanja (nephew) Arshad Warsi.

So my character has to really pull up his socks to vie for the lady's attentions," Naseer told IANS. "I've never really believed in such vanity in real life.

But my character definitely does have to be an eligible 40-year-old for Vidya's sake," he joked from Wai, 90 km from Pune. He is shooting for the film by debutant director Abhishek Choubey.

"I'm having the time of my life here in Wai. 'Ishqiya' gives me a chance for a change of pace in many ways," said the thespian.

The chemistry between Naseer and Vidya is crackling and the actress has declared that Naseer is her favourite actor. "Please put this on-record - Vidya is a really troublesome co-star.

And Arshad is such a method actor he spends hours preparing for a scene," Naseer joked and then added: "They're honestly great fun to work with. I've never played anything like this character before.

" The films is being produced by Vishal Bharadwaj and Wai seems to be his favourite place to shoot as he shot his ready-to-release "Kaminey" with Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra there. Earlier, he had shot "Omkara" in the same mountain resort.

Indo-Asian News ServiceFor daily celebrity news updates sign up for our newsletter www.masala.

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According to a source close to Arshad, the actor is crazy about branded shoes and has just bought a pair of shoes costing Rs.60,000.

But he wears them only on special occasions. He also has a line-up of boots, which he gets customised from Thailand.

Arshad will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's forthcoming film "Ishqiya". Indo-Asian News Service We've often heard of actresses having a fetish for shoes, but apparently actor Arshad Warsi loves collecting different types of footwear too.

According to a source close to Arshad, the actor is crazy about branded shoes and has just bought a pair of shoes costing Rs.60,000.

But he wears them only on special occasions. He also has a line-up of boots, which he gets customised from Thailand.

Arshad will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's forthcoming film "Ishqiya".Indo-Asian News Service We've often heard of actresses having a fetish for shoes, but apparently actor Arshad Warsi loves collecting different types of footwear too.

According to a source close to Arshad, the actor is crazy about branded shoes and has just bought a pair of shoes costing Rs.60,000.

But he wears them only on special occasions. He also has a line-up of boots, which he gets customised from Thailand.

Arshad will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's forthcoming film "Ishqiya".Indo-Asian News Service We've often heard of actresses having a fetish for shoes, but apparently actor Arshad Warsi loves collecting different types of footwear too.

According to a source close to Arshad, the actor is crazy about branded shoes and has just bought a pair of shoes costing Rs.60,000.

But he wears them only on special occasions. He also has a line-up of boots, which he gets customised from Thailand.

Arshad will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's forthcoming film "Ishqiya".Indo-Asian News Service We've often heard of actresses having a fetish for shoes, but apparently actor Arshad Warsi loves collecting different types of footwear too.

According to a source close to Arshad, the actor is crazy about branded shoes and has just bought a pair of shoes costing Rs.60,000.

But he wears them only on special occasions. He also has a line-up of boots, which he gets customised from Thailand.

Arshad will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's forthcoming film "Ishqiya".Indo-Asian News Service (less)

As far as my role is concerned I think I have done justice with it in the film," Bachchan said talking to reporters at the film's red carpet premier here on Thursday. 'Rann's release coincides with the release of 'Ishqiya' that stars Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Varsi.

He portrays an ideal media mogul in his latest film 'Rann' but Amitabh Bachchan hopes the media does not come after him after watching the movie. Rann, which releases today, is directed by Ram Gopal Verma and depicts the rat race for TRPs in the growing electronic media in the country while giving ethics the go by.

The 67-year-old actor plays the role of a media baron Vijay Harshvardhan Malik in the movie who fights for upholding journalistic principles. "I just hope you don't beat me up after watching the movie.

As far as my role is concerned I think I have done justice with it in the film," Bachchan said talking to reporters at the film's red carpet premier here on Thursday. 'Rann's release coincides with the release of 'Ishqiya' that stars Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Varsi.

Incidentally, Vidya played mother to Big B in is last film 'Paa'. "I wish Vidya all the best and I hope the movie does well at the Box office," Bachchan said.

Meanwhile, Verma insisted that the film is not about media bashing and does not present the entire media industry in negative light. "The film is not about media bashing, it just shows the rise of media and how business and politics affect its transparency.

The potential is scary and that is what the film explores. I love the film and I hope the audience loves it too," Verma said.

Apart from Verma and Big B, the premier was also attended by the megastar's son Abhishek Bachchan, his wife actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and other actors from the movie including Ritesh Deshmukh and Gul Panag. "Whenever my dad and Ram Gopal Verma come together they create something memorable for the audience, I think 'Rann' will be a very good film that you will enjoy," Abhishek said.

Ritesh, who plays an investigative journalist striving to dig out out the truth in the movie, said, "'Rann' is a battle between ethics and TRP's in the world of media. It's a different film but we have all worked very hard which you will see when you watch the film.

" "I wish Vidya all the best and I hope the movie does well at the Box office," Bachchan said (less)

He intends to make it as realistic as possible, with all his characters behaving like people we meet in real life. However, Arshad is yet to finalise the actress for the very important female lead role.

Priyanka Chopra is leading his shortlist, while his Ishqiya co-star Vidya Balan is not in the running, as he believes she is not suited for the role. Believes Vidya is not suitable for the action thriller After turning producer with Hum Tum Aur Ghost, Arshad is all set to turn director next year.

His film is titled Akadd and will be a quirky action comedy. He intends to make it as realistic as possible, with all his characters behaving like people we meet in real life.

However, Arshad is yet to finalise the actress for the very important female lead role. Priyanka Chopra is leading his shortlist, while his Ishqiya co-star Vidya Balan is not in the running, as he believes she is not suited for the role.

Believes Vidya is not suitable for the action thriller After turning producer with Hum Tum Aur Ghost, Arshad is all set to turn director next year. His film is titled Akadd and will be a quirky action comedy.

He intends to make it as realistic as possible, with all his characters behaving like people we meet in real life. However, Arshad is yet to finalise the actress for the very important female lead role.

Priyanka Chopra is leading his shortlist, while his Ishqiya co-star Vidya Balan is not in the running, as he believes she is not suited for the role. Believes Vidya is not suitable for the action thriller After turning producer with Hum Tum Aur Ghost, Arshad is all set to turn director next year.

His film is titled Akadd and will be a quirky action comedy. He intends to make it as realistic as possible, with all his characters behaving like people we meet in real life.

However, Arshad is yet to finalise the actress for the very important female lead role. Priyanka Chopra is leading his shortlist, while his Ishqiya co-star Vidya Balan is not in the running, as he believes she is not suited for the role.

Believes Vidya is not suitable for the action thriller After turning producer with Hum Tum Aur Ghost, Arshad is all set to turn director next year. His film is titled Akadd and will be a quirky action comedy.

He intends to make it as realistic as possible, with all his characters behaving like people we meet in real life. However, Arshad is yet to finalise the actress for the very important female lead role.

Priyanka Chopra is leading his shortlist, while his Ishqiya co-star Vidya Balan is not in the running, as he believes she is not suited for the role (less)

Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours. Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script.

After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2. Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film.

Karan Johar and Vidya Balan are the latest members of the film industry to become friends. Apparently, Karan was very much impressed with Vidya's performances in Paa and Ishqiya.

The two have been meeting regularly, especially since Vidya's house is right opposite Karan's office. Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours.

Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script. After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2.

Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film. Karan Johar and Vidya Balan are the latest members of the film industry to become friends.

Apparently, Karan was very much impressed with Vidya's performances in Paa and Ishqiya. The two have been meeting regularly, especially since Vidya's house is right opposite Karan's office.

Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours. Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script.

After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2. Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film.

Karan Johar and Vidya Balan are the latest members of the film industry to become friends. Apparently, Karan was very much impressed with Vidya's performances in Paa and Ishqiya.

The two have been meeting regularly, especially since Vidya's house is right opposite Karan's office. Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours.

Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script. After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2.

Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film. Karan Johar and Vidya Balan are the latest members of the film industry to become friends.

Apparently, Karan was very much impressed with Vidya's performances in Paa and Ishqiya. The two have been meeting regularly, especially since Vidya's house is right opposite Karan's office.

Vidya also had dinner with Karan and his family at his house, for four hours. Karan admits that he wants to work with Vidya soon, but they are yet to finalise a script.

After I Hate Luv Storys releases this Friday, he will get busy with Dostana 2. Only after that will he start scripting so it will be a while before Vidya will sign a Dharma Productions film (less)

"It feels proud to know that 'Ishqiya' is going to be screened at IFFL. It seems that 'Ishqiya' has made place in every heart worldwide and hope people's love for the film continues even in days to come," Hiren Gada, director of Shemaroo Entertainment, said in a press statement.

Popular as well as offbeat Bollywood along with regional movies will be screened at the event. The festival aims to strengthen cultural and commercial bridges between British and Indian film industries.

A retrospective honouring the work of filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra will also be organised. It will include his films like "Parinda", "1942: A Love Story", "Eklavya: The Royal Guard" and his super hit production venture "3 Idiots" (less)

He is currently shooting in Goa for Golmaal 3, and in Mumbai he’s a judge for a dance reality show. So, Arshad shoots for the movie in the night, then boards the morning flight to Mumbai to judge the show.

Late in the evening, he is back on sets of Golmaal 3. Recently, Arshad went without sleep for 50 hours! But guess what, the actor says all this hard work is giving him a sense of exhilaration.

Check out Arshad Warsi’s homepage (less)

Surya, meanwhile, gets a job as a delivery boy for diamond traders and jewellers. Zaid tells him about the easy money to be made by simply playing carrom.

They land up, time and again, in the clutches of Jaleel (Panscholi), one-time thug, now gambling kingpin of Malvan. Jaleel collects continuing winners of high pressure carrom matches.

No goon worth his salt would take a no from a Johnny-come-lately then (on screen) nor does one now (unless he's a caricature). But Jaleel keeps getting turned down by the kid and is more intrigued.

Surya starts hustling and is taken in by the lure of making more money. Dir: Chandan Arora There's a dead Dubai dream, a pehla pyaar who's whisked away never to be seen again, an independent gal who Surya rapes while drunk and a dead sister to contend with.

Cast: Siddharth Narayan, Anupam Kher, Aditya Panscholi, Seema Biswas, Padmapriya, Vidya Malavade, Nicolette Bird and Ankur Vikal While his Striker plays it a little too cocky and overconfident in some scenes and way too intense in others, it is the carrom board set by the writer(s) that does this one in. By Siddharth's own admission in several articles, this was meant to be a vehicle for him, his second well-thought-out B-Town outing.

A solo project. hh Surprisingly, it is the supporting cast that ends up putting in?? memorable performances (less)

While, Khalujan is fed up with a gangster?s life with guns and wants to settle in his native village, Babban thinks otherwise. Babban is young and hot blooded.

He is cynical and does not value the finer things of life, like true romantic love, and believes only in physical attraction. On the other hand, Khalujan is emotional and values true love more than anything else.

-- k k rai Send comments: 0comments (less)