Here are some fresh news and updates from the world of Bollywood that will spice up your weekend.

Not always necessary to do issue-based films: Yami Gautam

Actress Yami Gautam, who stars in Batti Gul Meter Chalu, says it is neither necessary nor possible for an actor to do issue-based films all the time.

Yami was interacting with the media here on Wednesday at a promotional press conference of the film that releases on Friday. She was at the event with her co-actors Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor.

On the trend in Bollywood where films have been putting out a message, Yami was asked whether it was a safe bet as it was working for many actors.

She said, "I debuted with Vicky Donor, which was an amalgamation of something very new (subject of sperm donation) and yet it was entertaining. But all the time, it is not necessary and possible to present a message and entertainment through your film.

"It shouldn't be just for the heck of it and everything has to fall in place."

She said she would love to do issue-based films in future as well.

"I am glad to be a part of a film like Batti Gul Meter Chalu. When the audience will see this film, they will realise the gravity of this issue because normally we discuss about it and then we move on, but I think cinema is such a strong medium which enables people to start a dialogue among themselves. In future also, I would love to be part of such issue-based films."

On the same, Shraddha said, "I think sometimes you become a part of the film where you only get intrigued by the story of the film and not the message which it gives to the audience.

"I think if you are able to give an important message in an entertaining manner to the audience, then there is nothing like that because it brings to light an important issue of a country or a society, so cinema is really a good platform for that."

Batti Gul Meter Chalu is directed by Shree Narayan Singh and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nishant Pitti and Krishan Kumar.

Releasing on Friday, it tells the story of the electricity scarcity issue in rural and urban India.

Receiving Smita Patil award validates my choices: Anushka Sharma

Actress Anushka Sharma, who has received the Smita Patil award for best actor, said it validates the choices that she has made so far in her career.

Addressing the media here at the 34th edition of the Priyadarshini Academy Global Awards 2018 on Wednesday, Anushka said, "It's a special day for me because I completed 10 years in the industry on this day. So receiving this award validates the choices that I made in my career.

"I don't come from a film background. I didn't have anyone to guide me in my journey. My parents also don't belong to this industry so they also don't know how the industry works," she said.

The actress, who is gearing up for the release of her film Sui Dhaaga, made her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008.

She thanked all the writers and directors for playing a key role in her success journey.

"I also want to thank all the writers who wrote amazing roles for me and the directors who envisioned me in those roles. I don't think any actor's career is complete without the contribution of these two people.

"I want to thank every supporter of mine all over the world who supported me and accepted me for who I am."

While receiving the award, Anushka said, "It's a great honour to have watched the work of great Smita Patilji. She has been a true inspiration, not just for me but many actresses and many women for her bold, difficult and fearless choices that she made with her work.

"She managed to be disruptive and not adhere to norms of the industry where rules are usually set by others. So, I really appreciate and admire her."

Sui Dhaaga, which is slated to release on 28 September, is inspired by the Make in India campaign that was launched by the government in 2014 aimed at promoting the country's indigenous industries including textile.

Anushka stars opposite Varun Dhawan in the Sharat Katariya directorial that is produced by Maneesh Sharma under the Yash Raj Films banner.

Vishal Bhardwaj 'tempted' to compose song for reality show contestant

Filmmaker-composer Vishal Bhardwaj says he is tempted to compose a song, especially for Indian Idol 10 contestant Salman Ali.

During a "shaadi special" episode of the show, Vishal made an appearance with wife Rekha Bhardwaj.

Vishal was stunned with the level of talent on the show and couldn't stop praising the contestants. Salman from Haryana particularly impressed the composer with his performance on "Dulhe ka sehra suhana lagta hai".

"Salman Ali is a powerhouse of talent and I am tempted to compose a song, especially for him," Vishal said in a statement.

"I remember the time when I had composed a qawwali and travelled all over the country to find a singer, even overseas but how did I know that there was a gem in our country itself," he added.

My father inspires me a lot: Shahid Kapoor

Actor Shahid Kapoor says he seeks inspiration from his father Pankaj Kapur, and thinks he can never match up to the veteran actor's level.

"My father inspires me a lot. When I was working with him for Mausam, I got one of the most important lessons of my life and that was to follow the director's point of view," Shahid said in a statement.

"Dad is a man of few words and when he appreciates me for anything, I feel he has to step a level down as he is extremely brilliant and a great human being. I can never match up to his level," he added.

Shahid opened up about his father when he appeared on Zee TV show India's Best Dramebaaz to promote his forthcoming film Batti Gul Meter Chalu, which will be releasing on 21 September.

Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, Batti Gul Meter Chalu tells the story of how people are suffering from corruption in the electricity system. It also stars Shraddha Kapoor.

On the personal front, Shahid became parent one more time when he and wife Mira welcomed the arrival of their son Zain earlier this month. They already have a two-year-old daughter Misha.

‘Khoobsurat' was an unforgettable experience, says Sonam

As Shashanka Ghosh's Khoobsurat completed four years on Wednesday, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja became nostalgic and called the film an "unforgettable experience".

Sonam shared a short video in which she is seen living some fun moments with her co-stars Kirron Kher and Fawad Khan.

"Khoobsurat was truly an unforgettable experience! I still remember all the behind the scenes fun and laughter we had while filming," she added.

Produced by Rhea Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Siddharth Roy Kapur, Khoobsurat is a fairytale love story that revolves around the character Mili (Sonam) who falls in love with a young prince (Fawad).

Hrithik shares first look of Sanjay Khan's autobiography

Actor Hrithik Roshan on Thursday shared the first look of veteran Bollywood actor and his former father-in-law Sanjay Khan's autobiography "The Best Mistakes of My Life". It is set to be launched during Diwali.

"He is the original Khan and what a story he has to tell. Sanjay Khan's autobiography is going to be out soon. Here's the first look of his autobiography titled 'The Best Mistakes of My Life'," Hrithik tweeted.

The autobiography will present an in-depth account of Sanjay Khan's life - his career in the Hindi film industry, relationships and friendships, adventures and accidents.

Sanjay has acted in more than 40 films and produced and directed films like Chandi Sona, Kala Dhanda Goray Log and the television classic The Sword of Tipu Sultan.

Richa in Georgia for 'Inside Edge 2’

Actress Richa Chadha is in Georgia to start filming for the second instalment of Excel Entertainments Inside Edge. Richa will reprise her role as Mumbai Maverick team owner Zarina Malik.

The show, which also stars Vivek Anand Oberoi and Angad Bedi, will soon begin shooting its first international schedule in the European country.

"We are all excited to shoot in Georgia. I carried vegetarian snacks so I could survive here. It's a beautiful country with a lot of character. I am happy that season 2 (of the show) is going to be bigger and better," Richa said in a statement.

Apart from this, Richa will also be seen in Anubhav Sinha's Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari's Panga and a biopic on southern actress Shakeela.

'Bangalore Days' deserves a Hindi remake: Siddharth Roy Kapur

Film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur thinks the 2014 Malayalam film Bangalore Days deserves a Hindi remake.

Kapur was interacting with the media here at a special screening of Malayalam film Ranam along with Isha Talwar and Amey Wagh on Tuesday.

Asked which Malayalam film in his view could be remade in Hindi, he said, "There are many films but there is a film called Bangalore Days. I find it a fabulous film and I think it deserves a remake in Hindi. I do hope that it happens one day."

On Malayalam cinema's growth over the years, Kapur said, "I think it is very advanced and the kind of stories they present through their films... Sometimes we (in Hindi films) also feel that we should make something like that.

"The depth of their storytelling, quality of their acting and quality of their filmmaking is really superb, so whenever there is a Malayalam film which becomes a point of discussion among people, I try to make it a point by watching it because I learn a lot by watching what they are doing in Malayalam cinema."

Who is his favourite Malayalam actor?

“I think Dulquer (Salmaan) is a spectacular and superb actor. The charm, quality of his acting and his talent is just incredible and I hope he does well in Hindi films as well so that a pan-Indian audience can watch his films."

Dulquer starred in Bangalore Days, a coming-of-age romantic drama film written and directed by Anjali Menon. The plot revolves around three cousins from Kerala who move to Bengaluru. The film also features an ensemble cast consisting of Nazriya Nazim, Nivin Pauly, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy, Isha Talwar and Nithya Menen.

Ranveer Singh to endorse menswear brand Siyaram's

Actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in to endorse menswear fashion brand Siyarams, which has a legacy of 40 years.

The association of Siyaram Silk Mills Limited and Ranveer Singh, known for his edgy sense of style, comes at a time when the brand is growing rapidly and evolving to make its presence felt in the textile industry.

Ranveer said in a statement, "I've grown up watching the Siyaram's ads so to have been chosen as the ambassador of the brand is quite nostalgic moment for me... I'm really excited that I am a part of the Siyaram family. I have always envisioned it as a brand that inspires people."

The actor said the brand's fabrics are "innovative, have unique designs and high quality which enable an exceptional fit".

(SOURCE : IANS)

Tiger Shroff to make his Hollywood debut

After Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Tiger Shroff is ready to make a mark in Hollywood very soon. The actor, who won applauds for his action-packed stunts in Baaghi 2, has apparently bagged a Hollywood project, which is bankrolled by Lawrence Kasanoff, the producer of Mortal Kombat Series. As per reports, the producer flew down to Mumbai, to meet the 28-year-old actor. A source close to the development told the tabloid that Tiger and Lawrence met for the final rounds of discussions of the project, at a suburban hotel.

Arjun leaves shoot to be with sister Anshula

Arjun who was shooting for Rajkumar Gupta's India's Most Wanted rushed back to Mumbai when he heard that sister Anshula was hospitalised due to a migraine attack. He requested the producers and director that he will come back and do double shifts, and the production team helped Arjun, and since then he has been beside Anshula, and now we hear that Anshula is fine and Arjul will soon fly off to Nepal to résumé the shoot.