Manisha Koirala discharged from hospital

Actress Manisha Koirala was discharged from a hospital here Friday morning.

She was admitted to the city’s Jaslok Hospital Wednesday after she reportedly fell unconsious. However, the explanation behind her illness was not made clear.

“Manisha was discharged today (Friday) morning. She has requested to not disclose anything about her health… so I'M REALLY NOT allowed to discuss it,” Krishnakant Dasyam, spokesperson of Jaslok Hospital, told IANS.

Manisha, 42, hails from an influential family in Nepal, has worked in different films. She made her debut with “Saudagar” in 1991, and recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Bhoot Returns”. – ians

Shahid Kapoor enjoys carrom with film crew

Most actors love to relax of their comfortable vanity vans after every shoot. But while filming for “Phata Poster Nikla Hero”, Shahid Kapoor was going out of his approach to mingle with the crew – he plays carrom with the normal workers at the set.

If sources are to be believed, Shahid is spending little or no time inside his vanity van while looking ahead to his shots.

“After the pack up, Shahid doesn’t immediately rush back home. He has made a carrom gang and he likes playing before he heads home,” said the source.

He spends his time with the workers, and between his shots, he relaxes with them.

“He has become friends with the lightmen and the crew members at the set and is bonding over carrom with them. In addition they tell him about their lives and their problems,” the source added.

“Phata Poster Nikla Hero” is a Rajkumar Santoshi film, and it features Ileana D’cruz opposite Shahid. – ians

Talaash – Movie Review

Film: “Talaash”Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shernaz PatelDirector: Reema KagtiRating:

Aamir Khan never ceases to surprise viewers. In “Talaash”, he does so quite literally. The succinctly written, complex screenplay, smoothly interlays between the police investigation and private emotional turmoil of the characters make “Talaash” a nail-biting thriller.

The plot a few police officer Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) investigating a high profile case of film star Armaan Kapoor’s accidental death keeps you riveted. Alongside the principle plot, one gathers that Shekhawat and his wife Roshni (Rani Mukerji), have lost their eight-year-old son Karan in a freak accident in a lake, for which Shekhawat blames himself and lives in guilt.

His investigations constantly lead him to Kareena Kapoor, a prostitute with an even heart, who acts because the ace informer for Shekhawat. Kareena as Rosy, has shades of her earlier “Chameli”, although she makes a conscious effort to be different. She is efficacious and convincing, touching your heart with the innate goodness of her character, despite her circumstances.

The mystery shrouding the case, unravels gradually in a delicately written tight script, without a loopholes. The film is entirely unpredictable, not conforming to the standard method to thrillers in Bollywood. This one is obviously different and keeps you guessing till the very end.

The climax brings you to the threshold of your seat, but leaves you satiated. Because the case unfolds, you get your answers from the characters on celluloid. But clearly, Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, the scriptwriter duo, come up with a lot more than simply that. They take you thru an entire self-exploratory journey and produce you back replete with answers. Farhan Akhtar’s dialogues in colloquial parlance are witty and unleash several underlying messages.

Ram Sampath gives an apt background score, consistent with the flavor of the film and if anything, only enhances the viewer’s experience. Music within the film otherwise is nothing to jot down home about, but you’re definitely not complaining. The plot and performances leave no room for frivolities.

Rani Mukerji in her de-glam avatar, is right to her character because the distraught mother. Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Taimur, the lame Man Friday within the brothel doing odd jobs, excels in a perfectly written role. Realistic performances and get ups of all of the characters, add to the ingenuity of the plot.

The cinematography, though simple, captures the essence of Mumbai. The locales of the town are wonderfully depicted, making those, a personality within the film, in preference to a trifling backdrop.

Devoid of the standard Bollywood masala and gimmicks, this one is a pure treat. Aamir Khan’s fans apart, “Talaash” has the facility to grip all cine-goers.

My fingers crossed for ‘Dabangg 2′: Sonakshi Sinha

Actress Sonakshi Sinha is expecting “Dabangg 2″ to hit the bull’s eye on the box office.

“We have numerous hopes from ‘Dabangg 2′. The promos and songs of the film have garnered positive response thus far and we're expecting so much from this film,” Sonakshi told IANS.

“I get nervous before the discharge of my each film. My fingers are crossed for ‘Dabangg 2′ and of course, we are hoping it is going to do a greater business than ‘Dabangg’,” she added.

Sonakshi made her Bollywood debut with the 2010 film “Dabangg”, which turned out to be a blockbuster.

Sonakshi’s latest film “Son Of Sardaar’ has also hit the Rs. 100 crore mark in India, and he or she says the sensation of a movie’s commercial success is great.

“When a movie does well on the box office, it is extremely good for the industry. I'M grateful to the administrators and producers who've cast me their films,” added the 25-year-old. – ians

Punjabi film ‘Anhey Ghode Da Daan’ wins Golden Peacock at IFFI

An underdog on the film festival, “Anhey Ghode Da Daan” (Alms for a Blind Horse) won the celebrated Golden Peacock on the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which concluded in Goa Friday.

Directed by Gurvinder Singh, it was one of the most 15 films within the international competition section which have been vying for the Golden Peacock.

The other Indian film which was within the competition section was “Elar Char Adhyay”, a Bengali film directed by Bappaditta Bandopadhyay.

Earlier this year, Singh had received a countrywide Award for best direction for “Anhey Ghode Da Daan”, that is his directorial debut.

Produced by NFDC, the movie had also won the Special Jury Mention on the 5th Abu Dhabi Film Festival. – ians

Fox and Vishesh Films Murder 3 to release February 15 2013

Taking their successful partnership forward, Fox Star Studios and Vishesh Films, join hands to supply the third installment of the Murder franchise. The film also happens to mark the directorial debut of producer Mukesh Bhatt's son Vishesh Bhatt.

While their last three way partnership Raaz 3, set a benchmark within the horror genre, the producers with Murder 3 this time around, promise to delight audiences with the Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari starrer that tells the story of the unraveling of a mysterious disappearance, all told in true Bhatt style.

Talking in regards to the film's release, producer Mukesh Bhatt says," Murder 3 will release an afternoon after Valentine's Day next year and we're very desperate to see how the audiences lap up the newest film within the Murder franchise...the film is particularly as regards to me since my son Vishesh makes his directorial debut with it."

Optimistic about their next offering, adds producer Mahesh Bhatt, "Murder 3 will take the Murder brand into another league. It's going to give it the halo of 'respectability.'"

Says Mr. Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios India "WE'RE very excited to announce that, Murder 3 is up for release February 15, 2013. Murder 1 and 2 had made a touch on the box office and with the third offering we aim to lift the bar -We are more than happy to go together with Vishesh Films another time and hope to recreate the Raaz 3 magic."

GOW to be showcased at Sundance Film Festival

Anurag Kashyap is one happy man and he has every reason to be. While on one hand, his film Gangs Of Wasseypur (GOW) was appreciated in India, at the other, the film is now going to be showcased on the 'Spotlight' section on the Sundance Film Festival 2013.

Confirming the news, Anurag tweeted, "So after Directors Fortnight, Toronto, Busan the entire fests the world over GOW goes to SUNDANCE." Besides GOW, the opposite films which are going to be showcased within the 'Spotlight' section include Fill The Void, The Gatekeepers, Mud, N, Sightseers and Stories We Tell.

Yash Raj Films joins hands with Shekhar Kapur to make Paani

Shekhar Kapur and Yash Raj Films have joined hands to make Shekhar's ambitious project, Paani. Talking about this association, Shekhar said, "I'VE BEEN preparing for this film for a protracted time, but always wanted an Indian partner that has the similar passion for the film as I do and in Adi, I'VE finally found that. It is a huge production that demands futuristic sets and big action pieces. With Yash Raj Films, I'VE found a great home for Paani."

The film relies in a future world where wars over water have broken out. Water is now owned by International Corporations who use thirst as a weapon of control. In a single such future city, a tender love story breaks all of the rules and within the ensuing war, water flows back to its people. The film can have a powerful Indian and Western star cast, headed by a tender leading actor from India and a tender leading actress from the west.

The film, Produced by Aditya Chopra and Directed by Shekhar Kapur, could be shot in India and overseas. Music is by A. R. Rahman. Paani goes on floor mid-2013.

Post TZP Aamir to direct kids film again

In 2007, Aamir made his directorial debut with Taare Zameen Par and because of the film's box office success and important acclaim, Aamir will soon be directing his next. In truth the actor has already locked the script for his next directorial venture.

Though Aamir is currently very busy along with his acting assignments, he's taking a look at directing a kids movie with a view to be the tale of a 13-year-old boy and his 10-year-old sister. Aamir has bought the rights of the script but isn't sure when exactly he'll start directing it.

Humaima Malick in Chithiyaan

Pakistani actress Humaima Malick who featured in highly acclaimed Pakistani film Bol could be seen alongside Sharman Joshi. The excitement is that the actress have been cast in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's next production Chithiyaan.

The film can be directed by Tanuja Chandra. Since this will likely be a two-hero project, the second one hero for the film is yet to be locked.

Humaima is currently shooting for Soham Shah's Sher.

Priyanka Chopra inspiring as singer: Zeenat Aman

Yesteryears’ glamorous actress Zeenat Aman, who walked for designer Riyaz Gangji on the India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) Thursday, says the entire current breed of Bollywood actresses are multi-faceted, especially Priyanka Chopra for her “inspiring” singing talent.

“All the women today within the industry are multi-faceted and multi-talented. They're doing everything with confidence. Every one has their very own style statement. I REALLY LIKE Vidya Balan in a Sabyasachi Mukherjee sari or Katrina Kaif in western garments.”

“Having said that, I LOVE Priyanka Chopra. I FEEL she may be very contemporary… especially the singer in her may be very inspiring for young stars,” Zeenat, 61, told IANS.

The second edition of four-day event started Wednesday.

The actress, who looked glamorous in a layered skirt teamed up with loose-structured jacket in sand colours, walked the ramp to music from her evergreen song “Dum Maaro Dum” from her 1971 release “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”.

This isn't the first time Zeenat has walked for Gangji and she or he has her reasons.

“This isn't the first time I'M walking for them. I walked for them several times back also. I LOVE the garments that they made, especially the structured jackets and flowy outfits. They have in mind the comfortability factor. It’s also age appropriate,” said Zeenat.

“I think women of all age-groups need to look pretty,” she added.

Titled ‘Shimmering Sand’, Gangji’s collection takes inspiration from Japanese author Yukio Mishima’s book “The Sound of Waves”. From long flowy gowns and saris for girls to jackets and bandhgalas for men, the gathering offers something for everyone.

“Zeenat Aman has always been my muse. I FEEL beach wedding outfits have now become popular across generations and as Zeenat epitomises evergreen beauty, I USED TO BE very focused on her walking for my show,” Gangji told IANS.

Zeenat, who started her career with modelling, also says that ramp is sort of a second passion after acting. She was the second one runner-up within the Miss India contest and went directly to win the Miss Asia Pacific title in 1970.

“I am very comfortable at the ramp. It’s where I BEGAN my journey from, so life has come full circle, way to all of the designers for whom I walked,” she said, adding that she is going to all over again sizzle at the silver screen next year with a few of her releases.

Also, actors Bhoop Yaduvanshi and Madhurima Tuli – lead pair from upcoming movie “Cigarette Ki Tarah” – walked the ramp for Gangji. – IANS

Aditi Rao Hydari roped in for Akshay Kumar’s ‘Boss’

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who was last seen in “London, Paris, New York” with Ali Zafar, has now been roped in to join Akshay Kumar-starrer “Boss”.

The film’s director Anthony D’Souza told IANS: “Aditi is finalised for the film, but we can’t talk exactly which character she is going to be playing within the film. You'll have to wait till Dec 15 for an official announcement.”

D’Souza, who helmed “Blue” in 2009, says the primary schedule of the film has already been shot in Delhi.

“We have just finished the primary schedule for the film in Delhi with Akshay Kumar. It was an overly small schedule. We're planning to release the film in the course of next year,” he said.

Asked what the film is about, he said: “It is simply too early to discuss the film. All I WILL say is that it'll be a normal masala entertainer.”

If reports are anything to head by, the movie is a remake of Malayalam film “Pokkiri Raja”. – IANS

‘Son Of Sardaar’ crosses Rs.100 crore mark in India

Bollywood’s Diwali release “Son Of Sardaar” has finally crossed the Rs.100 crore mark on the India box office.

The Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt starrer movie has managed to mint Rs.100.55 crore, said an official statement.

“Son of Sardar” garnered a gap week selection of Rs.71.53 crore in India.

The action comedy released alongside Yash Chopra’s romantic “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” Nov 13. The latter crossed the Rs.100 crore mark in India Nov 23.

“Son of Sardar” is a Viacom 18 Movies and Eros International presentation. Produced by Ajay Devgn Ffilms and YRV Infra & Media (P) Ltd Production, the film is directed by Ashwni Dhir. – IANS

You can’t get it wrong with passion-profession combo: Karan Johar

He's keen about his work and believes within the power of cinema, the explanation why he mostly manages to hit box office bull’s eye, says Karan Johar, the successful director and the person behind Dharma Productions.

“I am an excellent believer in cinema. I LIKE films. I LIKE the magic of the flicks. And that i think whilst you love the movies, you create the movies,” Karan told IANS in an exclusive interview.

This is right of everyone who's involved together with his production house Dharma Productions, said Karan.

“I think the explanation why we do what we do is because we all within the company are very cinema. It’s not an afternoon job for me; it’s a keenness job for me. So, in case you have both passion and profession walking hand in hand, you can’t really go wrong,” he said.

Karan’s passion was evident in his films “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”, “Kal Ho Naa Ho”, “My Name Is Khan” and “Agneepath”. Known for making glamorous and designer family dramas, he feels his films may be able to discover a perfect match between intelligence and commercial elements.

“It really will depend on the ethos of a filmmaker and what she or he desires to communicate. We produce what we believe in, however it might be of any type and be part of any genre,” he said.

“While we produce a ‘Student Of The Year’, we have now also produced a ‘My Name Is Khan’, which had its own impact and relevance or a ‘Kurbaan’, which has some roughly social relevance as a part of its plot. So while there's entertainment, there may be also relevance and we balance it throughout the company,” he said.

The latest yardstick to measure a film’s success in B-town is whether it's a part of the Rs.100-Rs.200 crore club, but Karan believes a film’s success must be measured at the basis of its longevity.

“I think if a movie doesn’t last in longevity and in people’s memories, it's not a movie of importance or relevance. Box office numbers are eventually your report card within the business. But I BELIEVE what’s really important is it is advisable to make a film, that's remembered. So, to go away the film behind within the minds of a cinegoer have to be every filmmaker’s objective,” he said.

He is very chilled out in regards to the latest fad of remakes.

“I am pleased with remakes. In case you may give your personal edge and slant, then why don't you? I FEEL there's a dearth of writers, but I don’t think that’s why people make remakes….it’s also your sense of creativity and what you desire to do with it. Remaking it in barely the similar way isn't any fun. Revisiting it in a definite way and adjusting it to the fashionable times always makes it interesting,” he said.

Discussing his own experience with “Agneepath”, he said it was more of a tribute to his father Yash Johar.

“I desired to pay a tribute to a movie which my father had produced and Mukul (Mukul S. Anand) had directed fantastically. I WISHED to ensure that we make it in a special way, which I FEEL in,” he said.

Manisha Koirala admitted to hospital after falling unconscious

Actress Manisha Koirala is warded on the Jaslok Hospital here for check-ups.

“She was hospitalized yesterday (Wednesday). She is undergoing a couple of check-ups. She is doing fine,” a hospital source told IANS. She's going to be discharged when her medical reports are out.

The 42-year-old reportedly fell unconscious, resulting in her hospitalization, in step with some published reports. These couldn't be confirmed.

Manisha, who hails from an influential family in Nepal, has worked in different films. She made debuted with “Saudagar” in 1991, and recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Bhoot Returns”. – IANS