Asian Lite News Archive

Category: Bollywood

  • Leela Samson quits as censor board chief

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    Leela Samson has resigned as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), citing interference, coercion and corruption of panel members. “It is absolutely true that I have resigned. (I resigned) Last night by SMS and today by email and hard copy letter,” Samson said via an SMS . CBFC is a statutory body under…

  • ‘Horrex’: The new Bollywood thriller

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    By Sugandha Rawal  “Scary is the new sexy,” says actress Bipasha Basu ahead of the release of “Alone”, but Bollywood trade experts believe filmmakers have for long entertained viewers with ‘horrex’, an amalgamation of horror and sex. The “Raaz” and “Ragini MMS” franchises, “1920”, “Haunted – 3D” and now “Alone” are a case in point.…

  • INTERVIEW: Shilpa Shetty

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    By Nivedita   Why should only women cook and do the laundry, asks actress-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty, who feels men should contribute equally to household chores to ease out a woman’s responsibilities. She also feels this give and take goes a long way into a happily ever after. Shilpa, who is married to businessman Raj Kundra, credits…

  • ‘Paddington’ inspired by Ray’s Apu: Director

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    A fan of Satyajit Ray’s works, London-based Paul King, says that for his latest directorial “Paddington”, he was hugely inspired by the legendary Indian filmmaker’s “The Apu Trilogy” and that he’s tried to capture Apu’s emotions in the movie’s bear. “Paddington”, releasing on Indian screens Jan 16, recreates the magic of British author Michael Bond’s…

  • Sanjay Dutt’s plea rejected

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    The Maharashtra government rejected Sanjay Dutt’s application to extend his furlough by 14 days, an official said, adding that the Bollywood actor will return to Pune’s Yerawada Central Jail (YCJ) later in the day. “His application has been rejected. He will return to jail today itself,” his lawyer Hitesh Jain said. Dutt’s latest furlough of…

  • Dutt at home with family

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      Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who went to Yerawada jail in Pune on the end of his 14-day furlough but did not surrender and returned home Thursday, is at home here with his family, awaiting a decision on his request for its extension, his lawyer said. “The authorities have yet to inform us on his…

  • ‘The Lunchbox’ nominated for BAFTA

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     After having been snubbed as India’s official entry at the Oscars in 2013, Ritesh Batra’s directorial feature movie “The Lunchbox” has made it to the nomination list of the BAFTA Awards 2015 in the ‘Film Not in the English Language’ category. The team is ecstatic. The nominations for the awards, organised annually by British Academy…

  • Sanjay Dutt returns to jail

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    Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt  returned to Yerawada Central Jail in Pune to serve the remainder of his term after the the Maharashtra government, unwilling to court further controversy, rejected his application seeking an extension of his furlough by 14 days. Home ministry officials said that they were awaiting a reply from the police department on…

  • INTERVIEW: Abir Chatterjee

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    By Sahana Ghosh Abir Chatterjee, who recently became the first actor to portray Bengali literature’s iconic sleuths, Satyajit Ray’s Feluda and Sharadindu Bandopadhyay’s Byomkesh Bakshi, in two major movie adaptations, had his work cut out. Much like the ace detectives’ eye for details, Chatterjee too had to capture the finer points of the classic characters…

  • Nothing wrong in ‘PK’: Delhi HC

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    The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL filed against Raj Kumar Hirani directed and Aamir Khan starrer film “PK”, saying “the film was not offensive”. A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw refused to entertain the plea which sought ban on the film for alleged derogatory remarks against Hindu gods,…

  • Deepika Padukone turns 29

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    Variety has been the key in the career of actress Deepika Padukone, who turned 29 Monday. The New Year will be no different with three movies as different as “Piku”, “Tamasha” and “Bajirao Mastani” slated for release. In Shoojit Sircar’s “Piku”, she will be seen teaming up with megastar Amitabh Bachchan. She will play his…

  • Young India defends ‘PK’

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    Young India is giving the thumbs up to Aamir Khan-starrer “PK” and asking why Hindu groups are denouncing a movie which they feel no way runs down Hindu religion. Bollywood and theatre owners are equally upset over the protests which have erupted against the hugely successful Hindi film which takes a hard-hitting swipe at organised…

  • TV stars memorable X-mas

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    What is the most memorable X-mas you had? TV celebrities say the best memories of their Christmas are from their school days, and if they get Rs.1 lakh from Santa Claus today, they would like to give it to charity or buy gifts for their loved ones. Here’s what TV stars have to say about…

  • Priyanka Chopra sign US TV deal

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      Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra, who has already made inroads into foreign shores with her music, has signed a one-year TV development deal with US-based ABC Television Studios. “A new step… An evolution of my creative self…yikes… Here we go,” Priyanka tweeted. The 32-year-old National Award winning actress, known for Hindi blockbusters such as “Krrish…

  • Big B dedicate Dadasaheb Phalke’s mural

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      Megastar Amitabh Bachchan unveiled a 120×150 feet mural of Dadasaheb Phalke, revered as the father of Indian cinema, on the MTNL Building at Bandra Reclamation here . St+art Mumbai festival, an initiative by non-profit organisation St+art India Foundation, closed on a high with the unveiling of the filmmaker-screenwriter’s mural. “St+art India Foundation’s vision is…

  • 1,000 weeks of DDLJ romance

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    By Siddharth Jha   It tugged at the heartstrings of the young, middle-aged and the old alike when it released way back in 1995. Even a thousand weeks after its run at the box office, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer romantic drama “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) continues to be “cherished” by youths, who consider it an “ideal…

  • ‘Mahakumbh’ fever grips Varanasi crowd

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    It was a usual evening of prayers made unusual and special for devotees at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the holy Ganges here when Bhojpuri star Manoj Tiwari along with the cast members of forthcoming TV show “Mahakumbh – Ek Rahasya, Ek Kahani” took to stage and made the right noises about channel…

  • Aamir Khan starts promoting ‘PK’

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    Actor Aamir Khan during a press conference for the promotion of his upcoming film `PK` in Patna. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan Saturday launched the promotional campaign of his much awaited film “PK” here as his role in the flick has him speaking Bhojpuri, a language widely spoken in the state. “I have decided to launch…

  • ‘DDLJ’ cast celebrates 1000th week @ Comedy Nights With Kapil

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    DDLJ cast celebrates 1000th week on the sets of Comedy Nights With Kapil at Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 1000 weeks completion special episode shoot on Comedy Nights With Kapil in Mumbai.

  • Aishwarya Inaugurates New Longines Boutique

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    Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during the inaugurates new Longines Boutique in Mumbai.  

  • Review: ‘Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain’

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    Film: “Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain”; Cast: Martin Sheen, Raajpal Yadav, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Mischa Barton and Kal Penn; Director: Ravi Kumar; Rating: **** They say all you get from love is a love song. Disasters, man-made or otherwise, too can face a similar destiny. All we really get from disasters are disaster movies. Some that…

  • Aap Ki Adalat’s 21st anniversary celebrations

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    President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan  with Rajat Sharma, Chairman and Editor in Chief of India TV during Aap Ki Adalat’s 21st anniversary celebrations in New Delhi on Dec 2, 2014. Second December remains as the epic day in the history of…

  • Deven Verma 1937-2014

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    Deven Verma, Bollywood’s veteran comedian known for spreading laughter with his endearing performances in films like “Angoor” and “Khatta Meetha”, died , leaving behind a void hard to fill. Deven was 77. He died  following a heart attack and kidney failure. He breathed his last around 2 a.m. at his home in Pune, the city…

  • SRK joins DDLJ’s 1,000 weeks fest

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    It turned out to be a joyous reunion when the cast members of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”, the Bollywood romantic film which is set to clock a successful run of 1,000 weeks Dec 12, turned up on the set of hit show “Comedy Nights With Kapil”. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Mandira…

  • PM Modi condoles actor Deven Verma’s death

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    Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday condoled the death of veteran actor and filmmaker Deven Verma, saying he was “admired by film lovers”. “Modi expressed grief on the passing away of noted actor Deven Verma. PM described him as a popular actor, admired by film lovers,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet. Known for…

  • Sush @ The English Manner Finishing & Style Academy Event

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    Actress Sushmita Sen during the launch of The English Manner Finishing and Style Academy (A Wasan Knowledge Hub) in Mumbai.

  • Grand finale India’s Raw Star

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    Actors Arjun Kapoor and Gauhar Khan during the promotion of his film Tevar on the sets of India’s Raw Star grand finale in Mumbai.

  • Upcoming film ‘Welcome Back’

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    John Abraham, Shiney Ahuja and Shruti Haasan spotted shooting for film ‘Welcome Back’ at Mehboob studios in Mumbai.

  • Anushka Sharma @ ‘Captain Tiao’ show

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    Actress Anushka Sharma shoots for Disney channel chat show ‘Captain Tiao’ in Mumbai.    

  • Priyanka & Freida @ Girl Rising campaign in India

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    Actresses and Girl Rising ambassadors Priyanka Chopra and Freida Pinto at the announcement of Girl Rising campaign in India. Story telling is one of the most important mediums to evoke a sense of responsibility towards the society. Keeping this thought in mind, Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, is set to engage kids…

  • Interview: Priyanka Chopra

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    Commenting on recent reports about her flat being used to run a sex racket, actress Priyanka Chopra says she had no clue about what was happening in her property as she doesn’t snoop around. “When we rent properties we don’t go and check what is happening in the bedroom. Hence I had no knowledge about…

  • Review: ‘Ungli’

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    Film: “Ungli”; Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Emraan Hashmi, Randeeo Hooda,Kangna Ranaut, Neel Bhoopalam, Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia; Directed by Rensil d’Silva; Rating: *** (3 stars) “Ungli” is what one would call a late bloomer. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t take long to get to the point. In fact the film’s vigilante intentions are unmasked immediately…

  • Sonam bollywood’s ‘hungry young woman’

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    Actress Sonam Kapoor seems to have taken inspiration from Bollywood’s angry young man title, but with a twist. The actress has given herself a new tag – Bollywood’s ‘hungry young woman’ – as she transforms into a different person when she is hungry. “Hunger changes you and anyone who has crossed paths with a hungry…

  • End of my memoir: Naseeruddin

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      Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who has chronicled his journey in “And Then One Day – A Memoir”, says the book is a mirror reflection of his life and that he has no plans to come out with a second part of the publication. “My book talks about my entire journey from getting into theatre…

  • REVIEW: Chaar Sahibzaade

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    Asha Singh reviews the much acclaimed movie Chaar Sahibzaade A worldly man once said to me “the Sikhs have a great historical story, they just don’t know how to tell it”…. Until now. Is this the beginning of showcasing to the world the struggle that Sikhs have faced to become one of the five major religions…

  • Interview: Anupam Kher

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    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development mantra would work for Kashmir as it did in Gujarat, actor Anupam Kher said Monday. Kher – who is of Kashmiri ethnicity – addressed an election campaign rally of the newly-formed Jammu Kashmir Peoples Republican Party (JKPRP) here. He said Modi has visited Kashmir thrice after becoming prime minister which…

  • Sonakshi launch song ‘Radha’ from film ‘Tevar’

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    Filmmakers Boney Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor, director Amit Sharma, actor Sonakshi Sinha choreographer Remo D`Souza and music composer duo Sajid-Wajid during the launch of song Radha from film Tevar, in Mumbai.

  • Juhi Chawla conducts ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’

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    Juhi Chawla conducts Swachh Bharat Abhiyan with the mentally disabled kids from Munshi Yojana Foundation School in Mumbai.

  • Paoli Dam @ Lifestyle Event

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    Actress Paoli Dam during a programme in Kolkata.  

  • Arpita & Ayush’s wedding reception a star studded event

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    After a starry wedding at Hyderabad, newly-wed Arpita Khan and Ayush Sharma had a star-studded reception Friday evening in Mumbai. The event was graced by the who’s who from the film industry. While the entire Khan family, including Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Malaika Arora Khan and Salim Khan were present at this event,…

  • FILM REVIEW: ‘Super Nani’

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    By Subhash K Jha  Film: “Super Nani”; Cast: Rekha, Sharman Joshi, Randhir Kapoor, Anupam Kher; Directed by Indra Kumar; Rating: *** (3 stars) There is something to be said about star power. At a time when the biggest of stars sell themselves to the highest bidder on any medium, Rekha preserves an aura of unattainable…

  • Bitten by the acting bug

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    By Haricharan Pudipeddi   There’s nothing more rewarding than the high one gets while facing the camera as an actor. Maybe that’s why an increasing number of southern technicians have taken interest in acting and are seriously contemplating a switch in career. Ever since Prabhudeva, a popular choreographer and dancer, donned the actor’s hat many years…

  • Aishwarya Gifts Surgeries to Kids

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    Actor and Smile Train goodwill ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her father Krishnaraj Rai during the celebration 20th anniversary of her Miss World Title win and father Krishnaraj Rai’s 76th birthday by gifting 100 surgeries to children suffering from cleft at Godrej Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated her father’s…

  • Bipasha & Malaika @ Amazon & The Label Corp Tie Up event

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    Actors Bipasha Basu and Malaika Arora Khan during the announcement of partnership between Amazon.in and The Label Corp in Mumbai.

  • Priyanka wishes to become a zombie

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    She is someone who enjoys the star status in Bollywood but the critically-acclaimed actress Priyanka Chopra wishes to become a zombie for their inability to feel. The actress took to social networking site Twitter to express her peculiar wish. “I too want to be a zombie… Easy life must be when u don’t feel… Or…

  • Interview: Zeenat Aman

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    Yesteryear’s glamorous actress Zeenat Aman, who turned 63 Nov 19, says she is ready to settle down again. “Of course I want to settle down with someone once again. Why wouldn’t I? You see, all these years I’ve single-mindedly focussed on my sons Azaan and Zahaan. Their well-being and happiness are all that mattered to…

  • Khan’s sister Arpita’s wedding ceremony

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    A lot has been heard about the wedding preparations and the guest list of the grand celebration was also out. Well who really made it to the wedding and blessed Arpita was a question. The venue Falaknuma Palace was decorated royally with lots of lights and and flowers. For the grand wedding ceremonies the horses,…

  • Rajinikanth, Amitabh and a slice of Gandhi

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    By Mayabhushan Nagvenkar   On Thursday, if you are in Goa, you may just be in chance to collect some stardust. The 45th edition of the IFFI, which gets underway Thursday, is all set to host a coming together of two celestial objects, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, who have helped millions of Indian cinema lovers soar…

  • A Billion stories to tell: Megan Mylan

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    By Natalia Ningthoujam    New York-based Oscar-winning director Megan Mylan has often taken inspiration from India for her documentaries like “Smile Pinki” and “After My Garden Grows”. But she is not tired of making films on the country as she believes there are numerous stories to present to the audience. The director of “Lost Boys of…

  • INTERVIEW: Govind Nihalani

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    By Sahana Ghosh   Unhappy with the way the current crop of film students are being shaped up through short-term courses, National Award-winning director and cinematographer Govind Nihalani has lashed out at “shortcut” courses for their failure to connect aspirants with Indian cinema’s rich history and legacy. The 74-year-old veteran of Indian cinema, known for mainstreaming…