Remya Nambeesan not up for Kannada yet?

Remya Nambeesan of Pizza fame, may be popular in Tamil and Malayalam films, and has also been part of Telugu films, but it looks like her Kannada debut continues to be elusive. The actress was approached for a lead role in the recently launched Komal-starrer Pungidas. While the film team went on to announce Remya being a part of the film, the actress herself confirms this will not mark her foray into Sandalwood.

"Yes, I have been approached for this particular film, but I will not be able to take up the role. There have been no commitments from either side, so I am not sure why my name is already floating around," says Remya, who is currently busy shooting for Tamil and Malayalam films. "I would love to take up a Kannada film as I am yet to make a debut there. But I don't think I will be able to do so with this film as my schedule is packed till much later this year," she says.

Want to get abusive on screen: Tisca Chopra

She's "done with crying" and wants to get abusive on the screen, says Tisca Chopra who will be seen in a pivotal role in forthcoming film "Ankur Arora Murder Case".


"Now I am done with crying and want to give 'gali galoch' on the screen. I want to get abusive on the screen. I want to play a bad person," Tisca told reporters here.

Talking about her choice in playing a toughie on the screen, she said: "As far as bad roles are concerned, I am dying to do a tough role where I can get to play a cop or a detective like Kiran Bedi."

Produced by Vikram Bhatt, "Ankur Arora Murder Case" is a medical thriller, where Tisca plays mother to the protagonist Ankur Arora who dies due to medical negligence.

Earlier she had played mother to a dyslexic child in "Taare Zameen Par" and won accolades for her performance.

"I have become an expert in handling troubled children (on the screen). But for this film, first I had said no to Vikram as it was emotionally draining. It's a well-written script and was difficult to play," she said.

However, no more such roles for the 39-year-old.

"I am not so keen to do very serious again," she said and added: "I would also like to do a fun comedy, where funny things are happening all around, life is funny enough."

Directed by Suhail Tattari, "Ankur Arora Murder Case" is slated for a June 14 release.

Arjun Mathur, Kay Kay Menon, Vishakha Singh and Tisca Chopra will be seen in important roles in the film.

Sidharth and Parineeti's dilemma - To kiss or not to kiss

Nowadays, when producers go to town if their film's lead actors even peck each other on the cheek, it's refreshing to hear that someone is debating whether to drop an onscreen kiss because it may not fit in with the story.

Reports claim that Hasee Toh Phasee, which stars Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra, has a kissing scene.

But the makers want to drop it because a steamy kiss just won't gel with their simple love story concept.

The actors are willing - not their first onscreen kiss, after all - but the debate is still raging on.

We'll keep you posted if Sidharth and Parineeti will finally get to pucker up.

Lakshmi Rai refutes relationships with cricketers

The internet is abuzz with the images of Lakshmi Rai along with the tainted cricketer Sreesanth. A few images of the actress along with the cricketer have been doing the rounds on the internet in the last week.

But when quizzed the actress about it, she claims that those images were taken when the duo had shot for a television commercial a few years ago. The Mankatha actress feels that it was not right to use those stills when there is a raging controversy on the cricketer. The actress feels that a woman shouldn't be needlessly dragged into a controversy as it can affect her image in the public.

She added that she was involved in the IPL in the beginning stage in a professional capacity and that she doesn't have a personal relationship with any of the cricketers.

Maddy meets Kamal Haasan

Chocolate hero Madhavan, whose last film was Vettai, in which he teamed up with Sameera Reddy, was recently in Chennai for an awards ceremony.

The Alaipayuthe actor met his mentor Kamal Haasan at the event and was on cloud nine after the meeting. The actor posted on his micro-blogging site, "Had a great time at the Vijay Awatds. MET my God Kamal sir again after a while..was a gaping teenager all over again.I really wish I had half their passion and Dedication. (sic).

The actor also tweeted a few unknown facts about the Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan and Kamal Haasan. He posted on his micro-blogging site, "Did yall know that SRK did HEY RAM for free for Kamal sir. Respect.Did yall know? SRK was an usherer at the Natl Awards at 18 and had da oportunity to help Nadigar Thilagam Shivaji Ganeshan sir walk up stairs. He says Shivaji sir leaned on him a bit for support and that why SRK is who he is today.WOW." (sic)

Shahrukh Khan gets Chevalier Sivaji Award

Bollywood baadshah Shahrukh Khan was conferred with Chevalier Sivaji Award, constituted after veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganeshan, Saturday here at the 7th edition of Vijay awards.

Shahrukh received the award from the hands of Kamal Haasan, Vijay and members from the family of Sivaji Ganeshan.

"I have enjoyed working with Kamal Haasan and Ajith Kumar in my career. I may be the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL cricket league, but my favorite team is Chennai Super Kings," said Shahrukh while receiving his award.

Shahrukh, 47, worked with Kamal Haasan in Tamil-Hindi bilingual "Hey Ram" and with Ajith Kumar in Hindi film "Asoka".

King Khan handed over special category awards to actor Vijay and filmmaker A.R Murugadoss.

The awards were presented to actors under different categories for the year 2012.

Arjun Kapoor supports remakes

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor admits his "father made a living out of making remakes" and that he would love to be a part of the kind of cinema made by his father Boney Kapoor.

Although Boney Kapoor is a well-known filmmaker, Arjun made his debut with Yash Raj Films' 'Ishaqzaade' and the same banner too produces his second film.

"I want to be an asset for my father and be his strength. I don't want to be a weakness where he has to nurture me," said Arjun, 27. He is Kapoor and Mona Shourie's son.

"I would rather let him make his kind of cinema and be a part of it. He is an expert at making remakes of southern films... and I would rather he makes it with me," added the actor who will feature in Hindi remake of southern movie 'Okkadu', being produced by his father.

Kapoor's hit movie 'Wanted' was a remake of Puri Jagannadh's Telugu film 'Pokiri'.

Expressing his views on remake culture, the actor said, "My father made a living out of making remakes in last few years. As long as you find a fresh take on it, I don't have an issue with remakes. If you feel that a story can me remade on a broader platform, then I feel it is your duty to add your vision to it."

Kapoor has his hands full with films like 'Aurangzeb', '2 States' and 'Gunday' at the moment.

Veena Malik wants all three Khans of Bollywood

Pakistani bombshell, Veena Malik recently expressed her desire of working with all the three Khans of Bollywood.

"I would like a bit of Shahrukh, a bit of Salman and a bit of Aamir. I would go with Aamir for his acting, Shahrukh for his romance and Salman's Dabangg style," Veena told.

She even praised actor and nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan's sense of style.

"I love Saif's sense of style. It comes naturally to him because he is a nawab. If a nawab doesn't know how to dress up, then who will? He is a very stylish guy and I think Kareena is a lucky woman.", said Veena.

Shah Rukh and I share a good comfort level, says Kajol

Actress Kajol says though family responsibilities and her husband actor Ajay Devgn's film production company has been keeping her busy, she is waiting for a right script to act in a movie again.

"It has to be a good script with a tight screenplay. The production house needs to be good too. It is as important as your role in the film," Kajol told PTI.

Daughter of actress Tanuja and film director Shomu Mukherjee, Kajol made her acting debut with Bekhudi in 1992 while she was in school.

The 38-year-old actress is known for her memorable performances in films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Gupt', 'Dushman', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Fanaa', 'My Name Is Khan', among others.

After getting married to actor Ajay Devgn, she took a sabbatical from full-time acting in 2001 and returned to films with the 2006 romantic thriller 'Fanaa'. After that she appeared in films in cameo appearances. She was last seen in a prominent role in Karan Johar's home production 'We Are Family' (2010).

When she is not doing movies, Kajol said her two children- daughter Nysa and son Yug-- and husband's production house keep her busy.

"Looking after babies is a full-time job. But spending time with my kids gives me a great amount of personal satisfaction and I am enjoying each and every moment of this amazing experience that god has gifted me with," Kajol said.

"We also have a production house-- Ajay Devgn Films. I am not involved in it 24x7. But yes, I like overseeing everything," she said.

Her pairing with superstar Shah Rukh Khan had been a highlight of her career, as they delivered a number of romantic hits like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham', among others.

"I think it is got to do with the movies we have made together. They have all done well. There is a cinematic history that has contributed to the overall persona of us as a pair. We share a good comfort level and are also good friends," she said.

Hrithik's body in 'Krrish 3' will wow audience

Superstar Hrithik Roshan has left no stone unturned to get into shape for his upcoming superhero film 'Krrish 3' and his trainers vouch for his dedication towards fitness.

There were reports that Hrithik was in a bad shape both physically and mentally, with injuries and issues in his personal life. But he has managed to bounce back in a short time with an excellent physique for 'Krrish 3' with the help of famous American trainers Kris Gethin and his wife Maraica Johnsoone.

"He (Hrithik) is good as a student and I appreciate his hard work. It made my job easy. And no wonder why he is at the top as an actor as he is very dedicated towards his work," Kris told.

'Krrish 3' is an superhero science fiction, produced and directed by Rakesh Roshan. Kris had seen the previous version of the films before working with the 39-year-old actor on 'Krrish 3'.

"I had seen his film and him and the images as to how it (character) looked like. When he came to me...he was am I able to attain that again, can I look like that again. He attained the results in short time and then progressed upon," he said.

"It's (body) 110 per cent better than what he has done in the past. I am sure people will be blown away seeing him on screen. His physique is better.. he is more muscular and athletic in 'Krrish 3'," the trainer added.

Rita Wilson excited about Aniston's wedding

Actress Rita Wilson is looking forward to Jennifer Aniston's marriage with actor Justin Theroux.

Wilson is married to Aniston's close friend, actor Tom Hanks.

"There will be dancing, there will be laughing. By the end of it all, you'll have blisters on your feet and leave with a smile on your face at the crack of dawn," contactmusic quoted Wilson as saying.

Aniston and Theroux have reportedly moved their wedding date to August so that it doesn't clash with the marriage date of Aniston's former husband Brad Pitt and his partner Angelina Jolie.

A source said: "She (Aniston) does not want her day associated with them. Justin got weirded out by all the rushing. Nothing has happened on that front (wedding) in a month."

Panettiere terrified by live performance

Actress Hayden Panettiere, who plays the role of a country music singer in TV show "Nashville", is scared of performing live.

"Performing live has always terrified me. They never used to when I was little. But when you grow up in the spotlight, and you're constantly reading things that are awful about you, it sticks with you," femalefirst.co.uk quoted the 23-year-old as saying.

"I would need to separate myself from Juliette Barnes (the character she is playing in the show) and be seen as Panettiere. And that's a very difficult thing to do sometimes," she added.

There is no man in my life: Sonam Kapoor

Actress Sonam Kapoor says she is currently single and her father Anil Kapoor is the most important man in her life.

The actress was linked to her 'I Hate Luv Storys' director Punit Malhotra but they never confirmed it publicly and now there are rumours that they have parted ways.

When asked to comment about it at a press conference here, the actress said, "I don't react to rumours. I am single... there is no man in my life. I am happy and fortunate. As of now my father is the most important man in my life."

Sonam said her brothers Harshvardhan and cousin Arjun Kapoor are always with her.

"I have six brothers who are protecting me... they have a huge built up. I love them all," she said.

Sonam will next be seen in another love story by Anand L Rai's 'Raanjhanaa' where she is cast opposite South superstar Dhanush.

Sonam rues that though she has learnt classical dance, she never gets a chance to showcase her skills onscreen.

"I don't get to do Indian dance in my films... I feel bad about it. Like for 'Raanjhanaa', I had to beg to my director to allow me to dance. And I got to do a good dance song in the film," Sonam said.

As far as dancing is concerned, Sonam looks upto her aunt Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and Waheeda Rehman.

"The way they danced was so beautiful. Like today for rain dance one will be dressed in short clothes while earlier they used to wear sari. It looked so elegant...pleasant," she said.

She also likes Katrina Kaif's 'Chikni Chameli' and Deepika Padukone's 'Dhumtana' from 'Om Shanti Om'.

I am a greedy actor: Vishakha Singh

Says actress Vishakha Singh, who will make her Mollywood debut through Rajesh Pillai's Motorcycle Diaries.

Vishakha Sigh, the Mumbai-based actress who has already carved a niche for herself in Kollywood with the Santhanam-starrer, Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya, will soon make her debut in M-Town. She will be seen in Traffic director Rajesh Pillai's next project, Motorcycle Diaries.

"I am very excited about my Mollywood debut, especially since the movie has a unique theme centred on a bike. I play an RJ in the film and I'm hoping that Rajesh Sir will allow me to ride the bike," says Vishakha. However, the actress shares that she hasn't watched many Malayalam films. "Though, I have heard that Malayalam movies are known for their realistic themes and rooted-to-reality characters. I believe that if you want to do memorable roles, you should act in Mollywood films," she says.

Vishakha says she is looking forward to doing performance oriented characters here. "I am also aware that the Malayalam film industry today is undergoing a lot of change and is experimenting with a lot of innovative themes. With movies like Chappa Kurishu and 22 Female Kottayam, the industry is going through a remarkable phase. I feel lucky and excited to be part of this change," she says. So, has she got any dream role in Mollywood? "No. I am a greedy actor. I want to do comedy, romance, performance oriented roles and even action," she says.

It was apparently during the audition for Swades that Ashutosh Gowarikar spotted this young talent. Though she could not be a part of the project, Ashutosh did give her a chance in the Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone-starrer, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Meanwhile, she has turned a busy bee in B'wood with three releases lined up — Vikram Bhatt's Ankur Arora Murder Case, Farhan Akhtar's Fukrey and Shashant Shah's Bhajathe Raho.

Poonam Bajwa returns to Mollywood?

While her last film in Malayalam did not do well at the BO, the actress has apparently been signed on for a multi-starrer.

Poonam Bajwa was missing from tinsel town for quite some time. The China Town actress, who made her presence felt in the South Indian film industry, is gearing up for a comeback now.

Poonam has signed up for Kollywood director Pandian's next film, Kannal Kannan. The movie also stars Trishaand Remya Nambeesan in the lead. "It is the story of three friends and the strong bond they share. How they stand by each other through thick and thin forms the plot," says Poonam.

"So far, I've had the opportunity to work with some good directors and actors in M'wood. This industry is script-driven and thankfully, I have never faced the threat of getting type cast here." While buzz is that she has just been signed up for a Malayalam film which has a huge star cast, Poonam clarifies, "Since it's not yet confirmed, I don't want to divulge any details. We are trying to work out the dates now," she says. Besides, after a gap of five years, Poonam will be doing a Telugu film this year.

Most of her movies are multi-starrers but Poonam says as long as she has a substantial role, she doesn't mind sharing screen space with other actresses. "In most of my earlier movies, I had to share the screen space with other actresses. At the end of the day, I just want to do good cinema. In fact, I consider it as a learning experience," says the actress, who was last seen in M-Town alongside Jayaram in Manthrikan.

Zoe Saldana misses saying 'daddy'

Actress Zoe Saldana is not over her father's death and says whenever she hears the word "daddy", it is like a knife to her heart.

The 34-year-old actress lost her father Aridio Saldana in a car crash, when she was nine-year old.

"I know the older I get, I romanticise him more and more, but he was very beautiful and very disciplined. It was hard, since I was nine I've never been able to say 'dad'," contactmusic.com quoted the actress as saying.

She added: "And I've had a stepfather since I was very young who I adore and he knows how much we love him. But he's not my dad. So when I hear little people say, 'Daddy', it's always like a f***ing knife in your heart."

After the accident, her mother, Asalia Saldana, moved with her and her two sisters to Dominican Republic, which is her father's birthplace.

Zoe said: "My mum knew there wasn't going to be a protector, a big bear in our lives. She needed to raise us as the mum and dad - and she did."

She added: "She raised three women that are very male. My mind is very mechanical. When stress rises, I don't start spinning. Women like to cry, to 'whip the s**t' as we say in Spanish. Like, why are you running around like a headless chicken? Sit down, shut up and think. Men are like that. A lot of them - not every one. My mum did not ever condition us to believe that we were half without a man."

Keira Knightley weds James Righton in France

Keira Knightley and her Klaxons' keyboard player fiance James Righton have tied the knot in a very low-key and fuss-free wedding in France on May 4, 2013.

The British actress, who's worth over 30 million pounds, exchanged vows in her local town hall in Mazan, near Marseilles in France, before driving away in a battered, silver Renault Clio, the Mirror reported.

The 'Atonement' star and Righton had just 11 of their close family and friends there to witness the ritual.

Earlier in the month of May she had said that the pair was not big believers in big wedding, as they don't need to have all that.

Knightley, 28, looked very low-maintenance in a tulle strapless corset dress, pink ballet flats and flowers in her messy hair.

The Chanel model and Karl Lagerfeld muse completed the look with a white Chanel jacket, while the Indie rock band's keyboard player wore a navy suit and pale blue tie.

The newly married couple will now celebrate with 50 guests, including Knightley's 'The Edge of Love' co-star Sienna Miller, at her 3 million pound farmhouse in Provence.

Colin Farrell opens up about son James

Colin Farrell has revealed that his son, who was born with the rare genetic disorder-Angelman Syndrome, with model Kim Bordenave, is his greatest inspiration.

The 36-year-old actor has opened up about how raising his child has been very difficult and frightening at times, but has enlightened his life and inspired him to be a better human being.

The Irish actor said that it is not a sad story because James has a really happy life, Radar Online reported.

Farrell said that his son is one of the two greatest things that have happened to him, and he feels that there is something a little bit different when your child is born with a level of adversity.

"There's a deep sense not only of love, but respect, admiration and also fear, because you learn to take nothing for granted," he said.

Farrell admitted that it's not always easy with James, but the entire experience has been positively life changing.

The 'Daredevil' star, who is actively involved with the Foundation For Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, said that there have been some tough times when he has run through hospital corridors with James in his arms when his son was having a seizure.

The actor said that seeing your child taking his first steps is a seminal moment for any parent, but if you've been told there's a chance your child will never walk, those first steps go off into a whole different realm.

Farrell, who has another son, Henry, with actress Alicja Bachleda, explains that he adores his kids equally, but in a different way.

Ranbir Kapoor detained, fined for customs violation

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor was on Saturday detained and fined about Rs 60,000 on undeclared branded personal goods he was carrying at the Mumbai International airport, a customs official said.

The 30-year-old actor was later let off. Kapoor, who landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport on a British Airways flight from London at about 12.30am today, was walking away with branded goods in his luggage that required to be declared before the authorities.

"The actor was intercepted when he was passing through a passage, which is strictly allowed to be used only by officials and airport staff," Sameer Wankhede, customs deputy commissioner told PTI.

"The actor's luggage was then checked when he was found with the branded goods such as perfumes, clothes and footwears worth about Rs one lakh which he should have declared before customs officials at the Red Channel," Wankhede said.

Passengers carrying goods or items above the permitted customs limits should go through the Red Channel after paying the customs duty.

Another officer said, the actor was then taken aside for an enquiry by the authorities. He seemed to be unaware about the customs rules and regulations.

"For nearly 40 minutes the actor was detained, the enquiry and the verification of goods was done following which he was fined about Rs 60,000," the officer added.

As Kapoor paid the fine, he was allowed to go with the goods. The actor told the authorities that he was returning from London after a film's shoot.

Bollywood actors Bipasha Basu, Minissha Lamba, singer Mika Singh, Mallika Sherawat's brother Vikram Lamba are among the celebrities fined earlier for customs violations.

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Thulasi Nair Latest Cute Photos at AP Shreethar Art House

Nayantara, Waste Of Time!!!

The return of this dazzling diva to silver screen after some hiatus is not proved worthy till date. At no time, Mallu babe Nayantara got herself catapulted into new league with her acts. Check this out.

Much hyped make-up and break-up has made Nayantara stand at crossroads and right now she is picking some semi-commercial roles that are not yielding fruits. Both 'Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum' and 'Greeku Veerudu' haven't showcased any possibility that Nayan will be making it big in Tollywood in the near future. Also her latest item-song acts in Tamil movie 'Ethir Neechal' too looked a waste of time. What puzzled many people is why this seductress has accepted such a miniscule role of a dancer in an item song? Maybe the diva should rethink of what films she is picking and what sort of slot she is targeting.

Cine observers however say that Nayan's upcoming remake of 'Kahani' under Sekhar Kammula's direction will be a turning point in her career. Tentatively titled as 'Anamika', this flick holds a string for a golden success, but if that too fails Nayan will be under trouble.

'Ethir Neechal' spells profit for Dhanush

'Ethir Neechal' spells profit for Dhanush

Dhanush's production venture 'Ethir Neechal' raked in approximately Rs.4 crore on its release day in Tamil Nadu despite getting mixed reviews. Said to be made on a budget of Rs.9 crore, Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Tamil romantic-drama hit the screens May 1.

"The film released in over 300 screens in Tamil Nadu and collected approximately Rs. 4 crore on the first day," said a statement from the production house. Directed by R Durai Senthil Kumar, 'Ethir Neechal' has music by Anirudh Ravichander.

The makers are now planning to release the film in other states such as Karnataka and Kerala. The film also features Priya Anand, Nandita, Jayaprakash, Ravi Kumar, Manobala and Dhanush with Nayantara in a special song. Although the film got mixed reviews, but it has picked up at the box box office, thanks to positive word of mouth.

"Sivakarthikeyan has become an overnight star since his debut film 'Marina'. The audiences love him for his comedy and wholesome entertainment, and that's precisely why his films are a hit amongst masses," said Trinath, a trade analyst.

"His films generate revenue from B and C class centres. Even his film 'Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga' was not a multiplex hit, but it did good business in smaller towns of Tamil Nadu," he added.

This is the second hit for Sivakarthikeyan in a row. His recently released low-budget film 'Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga' (KBKR) raked in approximately Rs.7 crore in Tamil Nadu in the opening week.

Yami Gautam signs her next film

Yami Gautam signs her next film in Tollywood

Yami Gautham, who made her Kollywood debut with Radhamohan's Gouravam has signed a film in Tollywood, Courier Boy Kalyan. The Vicky Donor actress will team up opposite Nithin in the film.

Yami's Gouravam dealt with the social plague, honour killing in Tamil Nadu. Now the actress is ready to work opposiye Nitin, who has had two back-to-back hits- Ishq and Gunde Jaari Gallanthaindhe.

Jai will play the lead in the The Tamil version of the film. The film will be directed by Prem Sai, who was Prabhu Deva`s assistant and Gautham Vasudev Menon will produce the movie. Renowned singer Karthik composes music for the film.

Bipasha to foray in Bhojpuri cinema?

If all goes according to plan, Bipasha Basu may soon be romancing actor-singer Manoj Tiwari in his next flick, 'Kashi', based on Varanasi. The movie will mark Bipasha's debut in Bhojpuri cinema.

"Bipasha Basu has agreed to work with me as the lead heroine in my next, Kashi, which will be based on the religious capital of India, Varanasi," claims Manoj Tiwari, who was in Allahabad recently, and adds, "Shatrughan Sinhaji will also be a part of this movie, shooting for which will start in August. It will be a 40-day schedule. Director Gajendra Singh, who has directed a number of reality shows, is going to direct this movie."

Drill him a little more about the story and Tiwari says with a smile, "Ab sab kuch abhi kaise bata doon!" He adds, "Varanasi is one of the very few cities in the world which has witnessed a large number of bomb blasts, but despite all that, the city has never lost its spirit. Woh shehar hamesha mast rehta hai and we will be highlighting this aspect in our movie." So, is this a movie about terrorism? "Yes, you can say that," he answers and adds, "that is going to be an important part of the movie."

Go Goa Gone: Saif's zombie research

For Saif Ali Khan, playing a zombie hunter in 'Go Goa Gone' meant treading into unfamiliar grounds as he did not have any idea of what zombies were all about. Thus, director duo, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, introduced the actor to a book titled The Zombie Survival Guide. The humour-inflicted-horror book is all about the zombies, their existence and even mentions ways to get rid of them.

Saif being an avid reader, completed the book in no time, and even surprised the directors with his research on his character. Raj says, "When we were discussing our zombie comedy with Saif, he was very kicked and eager to get on with it. But he said that he was more of a 'vampire' guy and wanted to know as much as possible about the zombie culture and more importantly, the rules. Because we all firmly believe that you need to know the rules before you can break them."

DK adds, "So we shared this hilariously serious book on zombie apocalypse. Saif is a voracious reader and it is not surprising to see him go through four or five books at a time. This particular book is not available in India so we lent him the book that he finished reading in two days flat. Guess, he liked what he read because he hasn't returned the book as yet." Produced by, Saif and Dinesh Vijan, under their banner Illuminati Films along with Sunil Lulla of Eros International, the film also stars Kunal Khemu, Vir Das, Anand Tiwari and Puja Gupta. Go Goa Gone releases on May 10.

Sushant Singh Rajput bags his first major endorsement

Sushant Singh Rajput, who had a three-film deal with Aditya Chopra's production house even before the release of his debut, 'Kai Po Che', has pocketed a big endorsement. This time for a beverage company.

The actor is happy with the space he's in.

Says a friend of the actor, "There were a lot of expectations from Sushant before KPC and he delivered. He was appreciated by the critics and audience alike. He has also signed a second film with the producers of Kai Po Che and Raju Hirani's next."

Sushant is currently working on Maneesh Sharma's next with Parineeti Chopra, which is scheduled to release later this year.

After he completes his work on this film, he will start shooting for Hirani's P.K.

Sonakshi Sinha's Bangla tutorials

Sonakshi Sinha is playing Bengali characters in two of her forthcoming films.

While she wasn't required to speak the language in her period romance with Ranveer Singh, she was asked by another director to recite some lines in Bangla for her film with Saif Ali Khan.

Naturally, she asked some Bengali crew members to help her learn the language.

Madhuri is the hero and I am the villain in 'Gulab Gang': Juhi Chawla

Actress Juhi Chawla, who is sharing the screen space with her once arch rival Madhuri Dixit for the first time in "Gulaab Gang", calls the "dhak dhak" girl her "one of the best co-stars" so far.

Loosely based on Uttar-Pradesh based Sampat Pal's "Gulabi Gang", which works for the women's betterment, "Gulaab Gang" features Madhuri in the main lead, and Juhi in a negative role.

"I enjoyed working in 'Gulaab Gang' because I was working with Madhuri in the film. First time we shot the scenes with each other," Juhi said at the wrap-up party of the film.

"I think she (Madhuri Dixit) has been one of my best co-stars," Juhi added.

Juhi made her acting debut in 1986 with "Sultanat", while Madhuri started acting with 1984 film "Abodh".

But both the actresses had their first commercial hits in 1988 - Juhi made it big with "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", while Madhuri rocked the nation with her "Ek do teen" number in "Tezaab".

Post that, both gave many hits - If Juhi's Oeuvre boasts of films like "Darr", "Yes Boss", "Deewana Mastana", "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke", "Bol Radha Bol" and "Ishq", Madhuri gave blockbusters like "Dil", "Saajan", "Beta", "Ram Lakhan", "Dil To Pagal Hai" and "Devdas".

Recalling the time of their rivalry, Juhi said: "There was a time when we were arch rivals and that rivalry remained for many years. We used to talk little bit. Whenever we met at any function or on the set of the film....just said 'hello' and moved ahead," the 46-year-old said.

But now, putting all the rivalry aside, Juhi is really looking forward to "Gulaab Gang".

"After so many years, we both have got an opportunity to work together in a film. Besides, when I accepted that the script is very strong and she (Madhuri) is the hero and I am the villain in the film, it became very easy to work in the film," Juhi said.

Co-produced by Anubhav Sinha and Abhinay Deo, "Gulaab Gang" has been directed by debutante Soumik Sen.

Crediting Soumik for breaking the ice between her and Madhuri, Juhi said: "Soumik did one of the best things. He called the whole gang (team) of the film and read out the script. Before the shooting of the film, he called me and Madhuri in his office and said, 'You people talk about anything, whatever you want to'."

"So, that was an 'ice breaker' (between me and Madhuri) before going on the set," Juhi recalled.