Akshay Kumar: Love the Heyy Babyy Genre of Entertainment the Most

Known as an action and comedy star, Bollywood's khiladi Akshay Kumar, who delivered a hit with Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, says that he enjoys doing a range of movies for his fans, but loves the Heyy Babby genre of entertainment the most.

In an interview, Akshay speaks about his next release Entertainment, the fact that he works with newcomers and the variety of work that he chooses as an actor.

Excerpts from the interview:

Ques: Your next release Entertainment is an out-an-out comedy. Do you feel your fan-base enjoys you in laughathons the most?
Akshay Kumar: My fans are incredible! Whatever makes them happy, I'm willing to do. They gave me so much praise for Holiday and requested I do more cinema like this. But at the same time they said they still can't wait for Entertainment to release! So I think if I give them the best of both worlds, which I'm juggling to do now with my next three films, then by god's grace they'll be happy, and I'll feel worthy of their love and support. I am nothing without them.

Ques: That's really modest of you.
Akshay Kumar: It's the truth! Actors are the ones that are supposed to set trends. But it doesn't matter how much we think something works, if the audience says 'NO MATE', we can do nothing but walk away with our tails between our legs and come back with a better option next time. (Also read: Akshay Kumar's Singing Voice in It's Entertainment is Female)

Ques: Curiously your main co-star in Entertainment seems to be an over-sized canine. The last film I remember about the rapport between the hero and a canine was Teri Meherbaniyan with Jackie Shroff. Do you feel films like Haathi Mere Saathi about the relationship between heroes and animals can grab today's audiences' attentions?
Akshay Kumar: Absolutely! In Entertainment, I think you'd have to be pretty cold-hearted not to feel for the Man vs Dog relationship. Believe me, there are more dog lovers out there than there are action freaks.

Ques: How relevant is Entertainment to today's definitions of movie entertainment?
Akshay Kumar: Comedy isn't relevant, comedy is what it is, it's timeless, it's fun, and if anyone tries to make it anything more than that, then they are "barking" up the wrong tree. Pun intended!

Ques: This is also your umpteenth film with a debutant director, a duo of debutant directors - Sajid-Farhad. Do you enjoy working with new directors as much as you do with established ones?
Akshay Kumar: Absolutely, if not more, as I can be more free to be versatile with debutants than with established directors, as they love to learn experiment and improvise with scenes as much as I do. Most acclaimed directors like to play it their way and their way only, which is great, because you can't be on fire all the time. But all kids like to run wild sometimes and if you're going to make a laughathon, you need to make it with open-minded people who have hearts bigger than India's map, and funny-bones softer than a puppy in a paddling pool. (Also read: Akshay Kumar's Real Holiday Begins Now, With Family)

Ques: Curiously, you've lip-synced to a female playback voice in one of the songs in Entertainment. What brought that on?
Akshay Kumar: Well, I just couldn't resist. I was more than happy, if not delighted when I found out about 'lip syncing' a female voice. When you go all out for a film why stop at anything?

Ques: How keen are you at this stage of your career to do offbeat films, like you've done Neeraj Pandey's Special 26 and you're doing his Baby also. So which do you enjoy more - Baby or Heyy Babyy?
Akshay Kumar: I'll always enjoy doing a Heyy Babyy more, because entertainment is, of course, entertainment. But doing a serious Baby is extremely fulfilling and rewarding as an individual and an actor. But seeing as I have the luck and the luxury to be invited to be a part of both, I can only say this that I love my work, be it funny, serious, emotional, or useless. It makes me appreciate all I have done, good, bad or indifferent. I'm just glad I've done something.

Ques: One sees you working with a slew of new actresses these days Tamannah, Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon. Why do you need to constantly work with newcomers?
Akshay Kumar: Why not? They deserve the right to be given a chance. I've always chosen to be instinctive rather than calculated. I think that's one of the nicest things about me. If all leading men worked with the same talented heroines, how would our industry ever grow? It's my duty to give back to this industry what was given to me.

Ques: And what's that?
Akshay Kumar: Opportunities

Salman Khan: I'm Not That Pure a Person Anymore

Salman Khan says shooting Sooraj Barjatya's Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is the toughest film he is doing in so many years as the role requires him to be as "pure" as he was when he featured as Prem in the filmmaker's Hum Saath Saath Hain.

"It's the most difficult film I am doing in a very, very long time because it's been 13 years since I have worked with Sooraj. I have changed so much, I'm not that pure a person anymore. I have seen a lot more," the 47-year-old said here on Tuesday in an interview.

Hum Saath Saath Hain, which released in 1999, featured Salman as a shy, mamma's boy.

To be the same Prem again, Salman had to unlearn everything he has learnt in the past with films like Wanted, Dabangg and Bodyguard.

"It is very difficult for me to become that Prem once again. I am putting all my films together and this film separately, just to unlearn everything I have learnt so far," Salman said.

"Till that time I don't get that Prem, I don't feel it here, it is not going to show on my face. It is actually once again getting me back to what I used to be," he added.

However, Salman says that Sooraj Barjatya carries the same innocence.

"Sooraj is exactly the same. That innocence that Sooraj had when he wrote Maine Pyar Kiya at the age of 17, he still has that," added the 47-year-old.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo stars Sonam Kapoor opposite Salman and is slated for release in 2015.

Salman Khan on Boycott by Paparazzi: Will Respect Them If They Stick to Stand

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has reportedly invoked the wrath of a section of Mumbai's paparazzi who decided to boycott him after he allegedly failed to support them during a tussle with his security men on July 11. (Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Will be a Great Host for Bigg Boss: Salman Khan)

Salman, on the other hand, didn't seem too perturbed by the matter and reacted to a newspaper report on the incident in his characteristic tongue-in-cheek style. He tweeted A source told NDTV that the actor's fallout with the photographers occurred on the evening of July 11 at the launch of a song from Salman's upcoming movie Kick. The photographers were clicking pictures of Nargis Fakhri, but when Salman arrived, his bouncers didn't allow the paparazzi to take his pictures and also pushed and abused a few of them. A photographer reportedly broke his camera flash in the ensuing melee. Salman Khan reportedly commented after the incident, "If you want to work you work or you go," after which the paparazzi decided to boycott him right up till the release of his movie Kick.

However, another source told NDTV that it was the hotel's security personnel and not Salman's bouncers who misbehaved with the paparazzi. "Some of the photographers started abusing Salman's bouncers and Salman also heard them which is why he told them to leave if they didn't want to work," the source said. "After the incident, some of the photographers went to the police station to file a complaint against the hotel security, but there they reached a settlement. A new camera was provided to the photographer whose flash was broken," the source added.

Meanwhile, the photographers' union will reportedly take up the issue at a meeting today.

Ajay Devgn: There is no Problem With Shah Rukh Khan

Actor Ajay Devgn today said that he fails to understand why he and superstar Shah Rukh Khan are pitted against each other when they have no problem between them in real life.

Shah Rukh's Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay's Son of Sardar had released on the same day in 2012 on Diwali and Bollywood was abuzz with the talks of cold war between the two actors as Ajay had accused Yash Raj Films of taking advantage of their prominent market position to get maximum screens for Jab Tak Hai Jaan. (Also read: No secret to successful marriage: Ajay Devgn)

SRK, who was last seen in Rohit Shetty's previous film Chennai Express, recently wished the Singham star and Mr Shetty on Twitter for their upcoming film Singham Returns.

"I am thankful for that (wish). We all wish each other for our films. So it is okay, and there is no problem. I think his film's promo (Happy New Year) will be screened in our film. I don't understand why (people) make an issue of all these things," Ajay told reporters here at the trailer launch of Singham Returns.

"I wish him (SRK) good luck for his films. I do hope all his films do well," Ajay said. (Also read: Shah Rukh Khan to Team Singham Returns: May You Continue to Entertain Us)

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan had also dropped on the sets of Singham Returns during shooting and hugged Ajay.

"He had come on the sets and we did talk. It is okay, why make an issue out of it," Singham actor said.

Ajay will be once again seen essaying the role of cop Bajirao Singham, but this time as a DCP in Mumbai Police.

While in the first instalment, the actor fought against corruption in the system, in the sequel, the film revolves around the issue of black money.

"We all know about it (issue of black money). Government has been trying to bring the black money back. Though, we have not picked up any incidents from real life," he said.

Singham Returns also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and is slated to release on August 15.

Ajay Devgn: Singham has Become a Cult Character

Actor Ajay Devgn feels that brand Singham can be carried forward for years in Bollywood as it has become a cult character.

"Singham has become a character which can go on and on. Like in Hollywood we had Rambo (character). Singham can combat at the age of 50 or 60. It becomes lovable whoever plays it. It has become a cult character," Ajay said in an interview here. (Also Watch: Singham Returns Trailer)

"It is fine (to do action) at the age of 45. I think if you keep yourself fit it is ok. But there are few things that you have to take care of, like the old injuries that we have had. When you do heavy duty action you have to take care of yourself," Ajay said.

Ajay feels there is a difference in the way action scenes are designed today. "Doing action scenes in films have definitely changed. It has become safer and easier because of cables. If I feel that I can do action directly without using cable, then I do it. You enjoy doing real action. Action was tiring and difficult earlier, today it is easier," he said.

"I keep working out on regular basis. In between I stopped working out for a year or so and was eating a lot, so it took some time for me to get in shape. But, there were no special preparations that I had to do for the film," he said.

Director Rohit Shetty and Ajay have worked together on several films and share a good rapport. Rohit plans all the action scenes keeping Ajay in mind. With Singham Returns, Ajay says everything is multiplied, from script to scale of the film, they have done better than the first instalment.

A lot of films that released after Singham had more or less similar action scenes and Ajay says Rohit made sure new things were added to the sequel to make it interesting.

"I think people are tired of seeing typical stuff like people flying here and there in action scenes. For Singham Returns we have action which is real, the drama is different, the crux of the story is different," Ajay said.

The basic characteristics of Singham have been retained. There will be a national message in the film as it (Singham Returns) is releasing on August 15, he said. The actor admits there is a pressure that comes along with a hit franchise like Singham.

"The pressure is there but we took our time to come up with the sequel, otherwise we would have made it earlier also. We waited for the right script and made sure we do not make anything just for the heck of it. Rohit has taken one-and-half year for this film," he said.

Ajay feels children and women loved Singham more than men and are excited about the second part too.

"Women and kids loved Singham more than men. We have made sure that there is no blood bath in the film so that children can enjoy the film. Women too enjoyed watching the film because females all over the world are suppressed, so they are angry. This is what I gauged," he said.

"It (the film) is not buffoonery, it is just about an honest cop who is trying to fight for the right things. It is the same character in the sequel. There are some scenes where Kareena has done something that women will enjoy. She doesn't have action scenes, but her character has aggressive drama," he said.

In Singham Returns, Ajay will be seen fighting with actor-filmmaker Amole Gupte. The first part had Prakash Raj as the villain. "He (Gupte) is very good actor. He is a very talented person. Villains are important for a film as without them heroes are incomplete. People also want heroes to beat villain. Today people like grey characters and in reality we also have a grey shade," he added.

Kareena Kapoor: Rohit Shetty is New Generation Manmohan Desai

Kareena Kapoor says that Rohit Shetty, who has mastered the art of churning out fast-paced action-packed dramas, is the Manmohan Desai of the current generation.

Mr Desai, the man behind hits like Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Coolie, and Mard, catered to the masses with his typical masala potboilers.

"I chose to do Singham Returns because it's a Rohit Shetty film. I am a huge fan of Rohit and according to me, Rohit is the Manmohan Desai of this generation," said Kareena, who had featured in Shetty's hit comedies Golmaal 2 and Golmaal 3. (Also Read: Kareena would love to do an offbeat film)

"He is fantastic and which actress would not want to be part of his films. He has given me my careers biggest hits and third one is on the way. He is written this role especially for me. It has Rohit, Ajay Devgn and this is more my home than anything else."

In Singham Returns, this big screen diva will be seen mouthing abusive language.

She said: "There is no 'Lavani dance' number as such, but I have spoken in fluent Marathi. I picked it up quite fast and I have given a lot of gaalis in Marathi so it was a lot of fun shooting for the film."

Salman Khan Books Eid 2015 for Bajrangi Bhaijaan

If on this Eid Salman Khan will woo his fans with Kick, next year on the festive occasion the superstar will treat his fans with Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

The Kabir Khan-directed Bajrangi Bhaijaan also stars Kareena Kapoor. (Also read: Salman Khan is Being Human, Helping Fans Get Jobs )

Salman took to his Facebook page to inform about this and wrote, "Bajrangi Bhaijaan co-starring Kareena Kapoor and directed by Kabir Khan. Releases Eid 2015."(Also read: Salman Khan Working on Musical Surprise for Fans, Says Himesh Reshammiya )

Salman's last film with Kabir Khan was Ek Tha Tiger in 2012, while he did Bodyguard with Kareena in 2011.

Vidya Balan: I want to do a Silsila with George Clooney

The first question everyone wants to know from a married actress is "Is she pregnant?"

"Slight weight gain, (and everyone goes) 'oh yes she is pregnant'. It seems everyone wants you to be pregnant", exclaimed Vidya Balan when asked about "the worst side effect of being married."

As she gets set to play a detective in Bobby Jasoos, all Vidya had to say to the people speculating on her personal life was to be weary of her since she was a far better spy than any of them.

But did she play detective and do some jasoosi on her husband? "Yes of course! I was so taken in by Sidharth's personality that I asked people about him," Vidya said with a twinkle in her eyes.

The actress, who will be seen in 12 disguises in Bobby Jasoos, says that the role of a female detective is what drew her to the part and what made this film different was that it not only explored the detective's mind but her heart too.

When asked about the Bollywood personality she would like zoom her lens onto? The answer was "Rekha" "I am so intrigued with her and she is so elusive," she added.

A film she would love to do with her favourite Hollywood actor George Clooney? "Silsila," came the response. (Also Read: Vidya thinks Bollywood actresses should be payed more)

After Bobby Jasoos, Vidya will feature in a love story which has been written by Mahesh Bhatt and will be directed by Mohit Suri.

Honey Singh Joins Devil Salman Khan to Woo Nargis Fakhri

Fans of superstar Salman Khan and rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh are in for a double bonanza.

After the release of peppy tracks Jumme Ki Raat and Hangover from the film Kick, director Sajid Nadiadwala has roped in popular singer Honey Singh to ensure a complete musical treat for movie-goers.

Popular by his stage name Yo Yo Honey Singh, the singer will be seen rapping to the movie's theme song Devil, which happens to be Salman's screen name in Kick. After featuring in the entertaining video of Lungi Dance from Chennai Express with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, Honey Singh will now feature in the video of Devil with Salman Khan and Nargis Fakhri.

The soon-to-be-released song has been choreographed by Ahmed Khan.

But for fans who can't wait to have a glimpse of the stars in the video, here's revealing Nargis Fakhri's look

Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan Repeat Famous Hug at Iftaar Party

Shah Rukh and Salman Khan have set an iftaar tradition of sorts. The feuding superstars, whose six-year-long animosity has now reached fabled proportions, hugged each other warmly at an iftaar party hosted by Congress MLA Baba Siddique in Mumbai yesterday.Salman, dressed in a blue shirt, and SRK, wearing black and stubble, embraced each other with some encouragement from their host. They actors have co-starred in movies like Karan Arjun.

Last year, Baba Siddique's annual party was the setting for the first SRK-Salman hug. The actors had been at war since falling out at actress Katrina Kaif's birthday party in 2008.The warring super Khans' very public embrace was witnessed by a high-powered audience of politicians and Bollywood celebrities. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde led the rank and file of local politicians.There was a smattering of Bollywood attendees, including Salman's father Salim Khan, and his brothers Arbaaz and Sohail.Also present were actors Arjun Kapoor and Aditya Pancholi, and directors Sajid Nadiadwala and Madhur Bhandarkar.

Ranveer Singh: I Don't Want to Grow Older

Actor Ranveer Singh, who will turn 29 on July 6, doesn't wish to grow older. He's loving his time in Bollywood movies and making the most of his journeys across the world thanks to his work. (Also Read: Ranveer denies relationship with Deepika)

Here's what the actor tweeted on July 5:

And yea, the Birthday's coming up..meh..i don't wanna grow older..
-- Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 4, 2014



The actor, who has been busy shooting for Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do, has been having a gala time lately.

DDD is coming along exceptionally well! Pleasure working with such a sincere unit. And Zoya is simply amazing..sensitive and insightful..
-- Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 4, 2014



Dil Dhadkne Do has a cast of Anil Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra.

Talking of his recent experiences of the film's ongoing schedule, he said:

Shootin on th ship was a unique experience. Had a blast wit this crew..hardcore party animals! Turned the cruiseliner into one merry vessel!
-- Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 4, 2014



The actor also shared that they visited many places.

Visited so many places.. Pretty lil' ones...Civitaveccia, La spezia , Olbia, Portovenere / Big ol' ones ... Rome, Naples , Barcelona..
-- Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 4, 2014



He has been filling his stomach with crepes, churros, nutella pizza, mug cake, baklava, ice cream, doughnuts, souffle, crossiants and volcano cakes. The team also shot in Istanbul and Ranveer was awestruck by the destination.

Was awestruck by Istanbul. What an amazing vibe & fascinating culture the city has! Now im in Cappadocia, it's gorgeous..quaint n peaceful..
-- Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) July 4, 2014

Salman Khan: I Am a Bad Singer, But I Sing

Superstar Salman Khan, who has sung the song Hangover for his film Kick, says he is a bad singer but that doesn't stop him from singing.

"I sing badly but I can sing just about any time. I don't care about how I sing. I sing, I don't care," the 47-year-old said here on July 6 in an interview.

"But to be suddenly put in a spot and being told to sing, then I get hesitant. If I am singing on my own then I am fine," he added. (Also Read: Salman's Collaboration with Yo Yo Honey Singh)

As much as he is enjoying the curiosity created by Hangover, Salman is also quite surprised to see the hype around him singing a song for a film.

"I have sang before in Hello Brother and Wanted. Also, the Most Wanted title track was sung by me. I don't understand why all this is happening because I have sung earlier," Salman said.

"So all this hype is making me feel like I am singing for the first time. I have just sung a bit better than those two times," he added.

Hangover has been composed by Meet Brothers whose last major hit was Baby Doll from Ragini MMS 2. Kick also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and will release on July 25.

Return of Gabbar

With the 3D version of Solay released, fans of the 1975 mega movie are in for another treat as the film's infamous bandit, Gabbar Singh, will be recreat in a graphic novel. Conceptualised by Sholay Media and entertainment in partnership with Graphic India,the book titled Gabbar will go on sale later this month The graphic novel explores Gabber's past and narrates a "tragic and twisted story of revenge and redemption that turned an ordinary boy into India's most famous and feared villain". "India's greatest and most frequently quoted villqin.Gabbar Singh, will finally have his own comic book," said Sharad Devarajan, co-founder and CEO of Graphic India. In addition to the book, a motion comic episodic series of the story will be released in English and Hindi across mobile devices along with Sholay: The Graphic Novel, touted to be the official graphic novel adaptation of the original movie.

Hrithik Roshan beats SRK and Akshay Kumar?

After apparently beating the likes of Shah Rukh-starrer 'RA.One' and Akshay Kumar's 'Blue', Hrithik-Kareena's 'Shuddhi' will be the costliest Bollywood movie. The movie is allegedly pegged at whooping Rs 150 crore. A Mid-Day report says that director Karan Malhotra's film will be made on a Rs 150 crore budget and the highlight of the film will be the sizzling chemistry between Hrithik and Kareena. It is also reported that the movie will be shot extensively in Bhopal.

Farah uses Shah Rukh’s brain and Sonu Sood’s body in 'Happy New Year'

Farah Khan knows what to use her boys for. We have learnt that in her next directorial venture 'Happy New Year', a heist film, Shah Rukh Khan plays the mastermind of the plot and Sonu Sood, the hulk. Apparently Sonu was to leave with his family for a holiday to the US, but Farah has given him strict instructions to go to the gym instead. Sonu being a disciplinarian, we hear he has promised his director the best body in the business. While we already know how bright Shah Rukh is, we will wait to see if Sonu keeps his promise.

Salman takes to Twitter to complain about his fancy car

Salman Khan has joined the hordes taking to Twitter to complain about bad service and it is luxury automobile maker Range Rover which has found itself at the receiving end of the actor's ire. Yesterday, the actor who owns a SUV tweeted about the many breakdowns suffered by the vehicle and then complained about the customer service offered by the company. It all started with the first tweet, "Meri bichari Range Rover ka hal kharab hai in last 1&1/2 years, 9 times breakpads have failed, 1bari pura suspension gaya or kal gadi hi baith gayi (sic)" The actor, who had to take an auto rickshaw ride after the car broke down on Monday, was not too pleased with the company's response to his dilemma. "Kinda pissed with the attitude of the people at Range Rover they hv no concept of customer service (sic)," wrote Salman on the microblogging network. The actor is now driving his father's sedan while his Range Rover recuperates in a workshop. When contacted Salman's father, Salim Khan, said, "His car gave him a lot of trouble. There may be a defect in the vehicle. So, as of now, he is using my sedan." Though the automobile company is yet to release a statement about the incident, a senior official who requested anonymity, brushed it off as a starry tantrum. "Salman chose to complain on Twitter instead of reaching out to us. There is a big uproar in the company itself but a problem in suspension is a normal occurrence in a three year old car. He is a big celebrity so he can make a hue and cry. If we get the required parts on time, Salman will get his car back in the next couple of days," said the official.

Kareena likely to star opposite Akshay in 'Gabbar'

The makers of 'Gabbar', the Hindi version of Tamil blockbuster 'Ramanaa', are reportedly considering actress Kareena Kapoor to be cast opposite Akshay Kumar in the film. Telugu filmmaker Krish will direct Gabbar, which will be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. "Kareena's name has come up for the role of the leading lady. She hasn't been approached yet, but she is likely to be signed on for the role. She is expected to play Akshay's wife in the film, which will also feature another heroine," a source told media. In case Kareena joins the project, she will essay the role originally played by Simran - she did a special appearance in Ramanaa. Ashima Bhalla was the other heroine in the film. "We haven't confirmed the heroine yet. Currently, we are busy with the pre-production work and when we zero in on the leading lady, we'll announce it. It's too early to confirm anything at this stage," Krish told media. Ramanaa, helmed by A.R. Murugadoss, was an action movie where the protagonist embarks on a journey to make the society corruption free. It also featured Vijayakanth, Vijayan, Yugi Sethu, Riyaz Khan and Ravichandran in important roles. The film was also remade in Telugu as Tagore with megastar Chiranjeevi in the lead.

'Besharam' strategy fails at the box office

What should have been an ideal release strategy turned awry. Ranbir Kapoor's 'Besharam' that released midweek — on Wednesday October 2 — to cash in on a national holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanti, miscalculated its box office reach. The film did fantastic numbers on the first day. Ranbir, who has a mammoth fan following, proved his mettle — both as an actor and a superstar — by delivering the 19.40 cr initial. But, poor content and indifferent music got the numbers down by 40% the very next day. And from then, the film slid until Sunday, barely managing to cash in on the five-day weekend that it had at its disposal. Made on a budget of close to 100 cr, with prints and advertising thrown in, the film will collect a fair sum from the satellite rights. But there reportedly is a rider in the contract, that the satellite price will depend on the box office run. And, since the box office in India and overseas has been a let-down, the variables will change. Case in point is that Besharam collected 14.30 cr (GBOC) from abroad in five days — from nearly 700-odd screens — while 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', Ranbir's earlier release, had collected around 22 cr (GBOC) in the first three days of its overseas release, from a lesser number of screens. Taking the trend into account, 'Besharam's chances of a recovery seem bleak. 'Grand Masti' has not made it to the Rs 100 cr (NBOC) club. It definitely had a windfall at the domestic box office. And it stands tall as the only adults comedy in the 92.13 cr bracket. A distributor says, "'Grand Masti' is still running. But the collections have been reduced to a trickle." Revenues earned from India theatrical after deducting tax Besharam (5 days) = Total 44.25cr Grand Masti (24 days) = Total 92.13 cr

'Besharam' is not about doing vulgar things: Ranbir Kapoor

Think 'besharam', and by default, the meaning 'shameless' comes to mind. However, the makers of Besharam are optimistic the term will be seen as an endearment after today. Reason? Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of the protagonist with a happy-go-lucky attitude, they say, will make audiences connect with the positive aspects of the term. "It's not about doing vulgar things or getting nude. It's about following your instincts and doing what you feel like doing, not what you are forced to do," explains Ranbir. The actor adds, "The film's message hits bullseye. My character doesn't fear criticism. He couldn't care less for appreciation. He does what has to be done. Yeh character sochkar karta nahin, aur karke sochta nahin." As for Ranbir being perfect for the role, director Abhinav Singh Kashyap attributes it to the actor's "attitude and approach to work... the way he conducts himself in public, the way he's pursuing his ambitions, etc." Ranbir sums up, "All I can say is that a lot of people would relate to, or perhaps, find this character full of life and fun. He has a few endearing qualities, which might make him more acceptable." Besharam, produced by Himanshu Mehra, Sanjeev Gupta and Reliance Entertainment, releases today.

Deepika Padukone turns fashion designer

A few weeks ago, there were reports that Deepika Padukone was involved in serious research at Milan's creative arts university — Academia Di Brera. Known for her minimal yet classy dressing, the Bangalore model-turned-Bollywood actress now debuts as a fashion designer as she co-creates and unveils this season's Women's Limited Edition collection exclusively for Van Heusen. With Deepika on board, the line goes a notch higher with its trendsetting designs in couture spirit. Pegged around old Hollywood glamour, classic meets contemporary is the overarching look of the collection. The palate features monochromatic shades for the uber chic, dusty rose pinks for sensual women, cobalt blue for trendsetters and more, which adds appeal to the creation. "It's a little bit of what I already have and what I would like to see myself wearing. The collection is really about wearing your own personality. That's something I've always believed in. It's important to not forget who you are," says Deepika. "Women fashion followers have been quite influenced by Deepika's overall charisma and this creation sparkles with her elegant style. These dresses are an ultimate combination of style, class, modernity and substance," points out Vinay Bhopatkar, brand head, Van Heusen, of the collection that is currently available at all stores across the country.