MUMBAI: A new week has begun, and here we bring you the hot and fresh happenings from the world of Bollywood. Take a look-    

Mahesh Bhatt is pure magic: Varun Mitra  

Actor Varun Mitra says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt is pure magic and producer Mukesh Bhatt is all strength.

Varun will soon be seen in the producer's banner Vishesh Films' forthcoming film Jalebi.

"Bhatt saab (Mahesh) is pure magic, and Mukeshji is all strength. While he interacts with your mind and makes sure everything is going fine, Bhatt saab speaks to your heart and introduces you to a version of yourself that was buried deep down somewhere," Varun said in a statement.

Recalling one of his experiences while working with Mahesh, he said, "On day 23, we were shooting a heavy scene and I wasn't able to get into it. Bhatt saab noticed my vulnerabilities and pulled me off the set.

"As we sat down, he held my hand in silence. We didn't speak. It was that day and in that moment when I really opened up to him. My vulnerabilities found their way out of my body through my eyes. This gesture made shooting the scene a complete cakewalk."

He calls them his true mentors.

"What has made it so easy to work with them is that they know what you are thinking of at all times. They read the discomfort behind your smile. As a newcomer, there have been times where I would hesitate to say and ask some things. But for Mukeshji and Bhatt saab, they already knew it," said Varun.

Helmed by Pushpdeep Bhardwaj, Jalebi- The Everlasting Taste of Love is an upcoming romantic drama.

Also starring Rhea Chakraborty and Digangana Suryavanshi, the movie is presented by Vishesh Films in association with Mahesh Bhatt. Produced by Mukesh Bhatt, the film is slated to release on 12 October.

Shraddha Das comes out with her personal app

Actress Shraddha Das has come out with her own mobile application, and is looking forward to creating a new connection with her fans.

Shraddha launched the Shraddha Das Official App in collaboration with New York-based tech firm EscapeX, read a statement.

"It has to be one of the most exciting and overwhelming moments for me in my career, the launching of my app! Everything about me, all at the same place. I have personally chosen the colours I wanted as well for this app. It feels like something that will stay close to my heart forever," Shraddha said.

"I have always tried to maintain a good connect with people on social media platforms, but this app would help me go out of my way and give me the means to make people who love me feel really special. Looking forward to this whole new connection and experience," she added.

Shamik Talukder, Chief Business Officer of Escapex, added, "With the use of technology, we are glad to have enabled Shraddha Das to have her own platform in the mobile environment where she controls engagement, reach, content and monetisation."

Aamir unveils his wily 'Thugs of Hindostan' look

He rides a donkey, sports curly brown hair and wears a hat. Aamir Khan, who unveiled his look from Thugs of Hindostan on Monday, sports an intriguing avatar for his role as the wily Firangi in the Yash Raj Films project.

Aamir shared his look via a motion poster on social media, and penned a message in Hindi for his fans.

Introducing his character, he said people won't find a more honest person on earth than him, and that honesty is the second name of his character.

Thugs of Hindostan, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, promises to be the biggest visual spectacle on the big screen with jaw-dropping action sequences and an epic war on the seas.

The makers have pulled off an incredible casting coup by bringing together Amitabh Bachchan -- who plays the role of the fierce warrior Khudabaksh -- and Aamir on screen for the first time. It also stars Katrina Kaif as performer and Suraiyya and Fatima Sana Shaikh as the daredevil Zafira.

It will light up Diwali with its release on 8 November.

Ayushmann learns multiple dialects for 'Badhaai Ho'

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who will next be seen in Amit Ravindernath Sharma's Badhaai Ho, learnt three dialects for the family comedy.

While the actor picks up languages and accents easily, he also rehearsed with a special diction trainer and the film's writer Akshat Ghildial on the sets, apart from spending time with friends from Punjab and Haryana. In the film, he plays a character whose family belongs to Meerut, and he needed a bit of that flavour in his dialogue delivery as well.

Ayushman said in a statement, "I consider myself as a linguist and I love learning accents from different parts of the country. Having travelled across the lengths and breadth of the nation, I love grasping different dialects."

The actor, who is from Chandigarh, said, "My parents stay in Panchkula which is in Haryana. So, I have closely interacted with both Punjabis and Haryanvis. But, having an accent coach or a writer who is from the same place is really helpful. Since Akshat is from Meerut and Shantanu (co-writer Shantanu Srivastava) is from Haryana, both of them made it quite easy for me and helped me with the accents."

Ghildial said, "Ayushmann picked up the accents and dialect really well. And it was a great experience working with him."

Junglee Pictures is presenting the movie in association with Chrome Pictures. Produced by Vineet Jain, Aleya Sen, Hemant Bhandari and Sharma, it is co-produced by Priti Shahani and releasing on 19 October. 

RK Studios comes alive with Ganpati Visarjan celebrations

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, along with his father Rishi Kapoor and uncles Randhir and Rajiv, kept to tradition and celebrated Ganpati Visarjan with full enthusiasm amidst a sea of fans at the iconic RK Studios, which has been put up for sale.

The Kapoor family always steps out and celebrates the Ganpati festival at the studio in Chembur with gusto. And this year was no different, even if it may be the last at the venue, as the sounds of the 'dhol' and 'tashe' enhanced the festive fervour.

Ranbir, who was dressed in a white shirt and blue denims, came back to Mumbai from Bulgaria where he was shooting Brahmastra to be a part of the festivities. He walked along with Rajiv, who was clad in a red t-shirt, as part of a procession to immerse the Ganpati idol which was brought in on Ganesh Chaturthi on 13 September.

The security arrangements ensured all went smooth. They played instruments, and Randhir, Ranbir and Rajiv even broke a coconut each before the procession.

While Ranbir looked a little troubled by the heat and humidity in Mumbai, he seemed to be comfortable amid the fans surrounding him. He smiled at his fans and waved out to them, much to their delight.

Last year, there was news that Rishi and Randhir had misbehaved with media persons and pushed them away. But this year, RK Studios' Ganesh festivities went off peacefully.

In August, Rishi, on behalf of the family, announced that they have collectively decided to sell the sprawling studio, built by his late legendary father Raj Kapoor.

They took the decision as it was not economically viable to rebuild it after it was gutted in a fire last year.

R.K. Studio, the headquarters of the film production company R.K. Films, has been home to shoot of films like Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hain (1960), Mera Naam Joker (1970), Bobby (1973), the debut film for Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), Prem Rog (1982) and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), which was the founder-actor's last film before his death in June 1988.

Kriti Kharbanda shares screen space with Ranveer Singh

Actress Kriti Kharbanda, who was seen on the big screen in Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se, will now share the frame with actor Ranveer Singh -- but for an ad commercial.

Kriti will feature with Ranveer in an advertisement commercial for paint brand Kansai Nerolac. They shot for the commercial recently at a suburban studio.

"It's an honour to be part of such a prestigious brand that has existed for decades now and considered as the leader in their segment. It was a great opportunity to share the screen space with Ranveer and I had a whale of a time shooting with him for the commercial," Kriti said in a statement issued on her behalf.

The actress has earlier been seen in films like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Guest in London. Her next movie is Sajid Nadiadwala's multi-starrer comedy franchise movie Housefull 4.

Alisha Khan hopes to share frame with Mahesh Bhatt

Actress Alisha Khan, who is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming film The Dark Side of Life: Mumbai City, says she hopes to share screen space with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in her next project. 

Alisha was interacting with media for promotion of her forthcoming Tariq Khan directorial The Dark Side of Life: Mumbai City, which will see Bhatt as an actor.

Asked about working with him, Alisha said, "I didn't get the chance to work with him in this film, but I watched him closely during shooting and it was an amazing experience.

"I hope he will act again. I have signed an untitled film with Tariq (director) which will be written by Mahesh Bhatt. Since he acted in this one, I hope I get the chance to share screen space with him in the next project."

On the film's story, Alisha said it talks about reality.

"There are seven beautiful stories that you will be able to watch in the film. And the relatable emotional aspects are what you see everywhere in life and it will really touch your heart."

Alisha was last seen on-screen in Dare You in 2016. Why the gap?

"Dare You was a completely different script. It was based on rape and I was playing the victim in it... It was also a very realistic film. I enjoy being part of realistic films.

The gap between the two films was only because I was waiting for a film that will motivate me. I really believe in Tariq. He is a very talented man and he made all of us very comfortable while shooting for the film. It was a very homely feeling working with him."

Alisha made her southern film debut with Thakiduthatham in 2016 and has also featured in the Hindi film Maatr.

Difficult to make good, dignified horror film: Urmila Matondkar     

Actress Urmila Matondkar, who has worked in horror films like Bhoot and Kaun, has said that it is really difficult to make a good, dignified and technically horror film.

Urmila was interacting with the media at Bhoot Hoon Main song launch from the film Lupt along with its actors Javed Jaffrey, Karan Aanand, Rishina Kandhari, Meenakshi Dixit, director Prabhruaj and producers Hanwant Khatri, Lalit Kiri on Saturday here.

Makers of Lupt have recreated the popular "Bhoot Hoon Main" song from the film Bhoot which released in 2003.

Sharing her memories related to the song, Urmila said, "’Bhoot Hoon Main' is an amazing song and it's awesome that it has been recreated simply because after Bhoot, there were lots of horror movies that followed but none of them could live up to the benchmark that was set by Bhoot in the horror film genre.

"When 'Bhoot Hoon Main' released, it was as kickass as it sounds today. When I got to know that the team of Lupt has recreated the song, I watched the promo of their film and I really liked it. I think it is very difficult to make a good, dignified, technically sound horror film. I think they have beautifully recreated the song as it gives the gist of the film and I am looking forward to watch it."

Talking about Lupt, Javed Jaffrey said, "In the early period of my career, I used to get roles of dancers in films and then I started doing television and comedy so, people don't see me out of those roles and image. When Prabhuraj approached for this film he told me that it is totally a serious role and there is nothing funny in the character and my character doesn't even crack a joke.

"I really appreciated that he looked beyond my previous performances and my image and he decided to showcase me as a serious actor. I think the film has really good script as well so, when I came in the film, I was totally charged as I believed in the project and its very tight and solid project."

Lupt is slated to release on 5 October.

Neil Nitin Mukesh names daughter Nurvi

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh on Saturday took to Twitter to reveal the name of his daughter.

"Rukmini (Neil's wife) and I are proud to announce the arrival of our darling daughter, Nurvi. The entire Mukesh family is elated," Neil tweeted.

Rukmini delivered the baby at the Breach Candy Hospital here on Thursday.

"Both mother and daughter are well by the grace of God," the actor added.

In April, Neil had announced via Instagram that they were going to become parents soon, and that they were "very excited" for the next phase in their life.

Neil married Mumbai-based Rukmini in February 2017. It was an arranged marriage and they had a courtship of one month.

The actor, who is the grandson of legendary singer Mukesh and son of veteran singer Nitin Mukesh, is known for films like Johnny Gaddaar, New York, David and 7 Khoon Maaf.

Being Bhoomi was torture: Aditi Rao Hydari

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari had a harrowing time playing a rape victim in Bhoomi, and says it was disturbing to be part of such a movie.

"Being #Bhoomi was torture! One of the most disturbing experiences I've had," Aditi expressed in a Twitter post on Saturday.

Omung Kumar's drama revolved around a father who takes revenge after his daughter is gang-raped. The film was Sanjay Dutt's comeback vehicle after he was released from the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2016.

"But I found a rainbow every day, thanks to Sanjay Dutt Sir my BFG... Thank you for the laughter and my favourite food. Thank you Omung Kumar and Vanita (his wife) for your patience and guidance... This was tough, but special," she added.

The film explored a sensitive subject, but failed to appeal to the critics and the audiences.

It opened in September last year.

Subhash Ghai's problem after working with Dilip Kumar

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai says he hasn't met any actor who can match up to the talent of veteran star Dilip Kumar.

Ghai worked with Dilip Kumar in Vidhaata, Karma and Saudagar.

"My problem is -- after working with Dilip Kumar in three films Vidhaata, Karma and Saudagar, I haven't been able to notice any star above his acting power on screen in spite of many talented actors today...

"Since myself been an ardent student of acting for five decades though not as an actor," Ghai tweeted on Saturday.

Dilip Kumar, whose real name is Yusuf Khan, became a name to reckon with in the 1950s and 1960s through his performances in films like Aan, Daag, Devdas, Madhumati, Paigham, Mughal-E-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Leader and Ram Aur Shyam.

After working for about six decades, he stepped out of showbiz in 1998 after Qila.

It's perfectly fine to prioritise yourself: Manisha Koirala

Actress Manisha Koirala says it is okay to be a bit selfish and look after oneself.

"I have redefined the term ‘selfish'. Looking after oneself is important and this includes both the physical and emotional aspects," Manisha wrote along with an image of herself on Instagram on Saturday.

"It is okay to be sad. We are multidimensional beings. The emotional aspect matters a great deal to me. It pulls me down and manifests itself in my body. So, I now emphasise that it is perfectly fine to prioritise yourself," added the actress.

On the work front, she had mesmerised audiences with her performances in films like Saudagar, Khamoshi: The Musical, Mann, Dil Se and 1942: A Love Story.

Of late, Manisha has fetched praise for her performance in Rajkumar Hirani's Sanju -- in which she has played the iconic Nargis Dutt -- and Netflix's anthology Lust Stories.

Manisha, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, will also reportedly be authoring a book about the experience of surviving the illness.

Manisha said she "faces each day with her trademark wide smile, despite having ridden the roller coaster that being diagnosed with ovarian cancer brought in its wake".

"Seen earlier this year in Sanju and Lust Stories, Manisha Koirala has come to terms with the changes that have occurred in her mind, body, lifestyle and social circle," she added.

'Mastram' to get a sequel

The 2014 film Mastram will get a sequel, which will be set in the UK.

It will be helmed by Akhilesh Jaiswal, who had directed Mastram. The film will go on the floors by the end of the year in Skipton, England.

Producer Sunil Bohra is making a 110-minute long film for the big screen and a 200-minute long web version, which will go live on a digital platform.

"This is the first time that a film will release on the same day in cinema as well as on the digital platform," Bohra said in a statement.

The cast is yet to be finalised.

(SOURCE :IANS)