Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen today said having explored comedy, drama and emotions, she now wants to play the role of a mature woman in a film.
	The former Miss Universe said she has been reading scripts regularly but none has appealed her so far and therefore she is not seen on the silver screen these days.
	"I have explored comedy, horror films and the depth of drama and emotions. Now, I want to do an amazing romance in a romantic film. I want to do the role of a mature woman," Sen told reporters here tonight.
	She said the film industry is witnessing interesting times, there are young film producers, studios and a good network of distributors.
	The actress said but she is taking time in doing any film as she cannot find an appealing script.
	Sen was in the city to launch the bottle mineral water Indus Pride.

Want to play the role of a mature woman in a film: Sushmita

PTI Automatic

Pro-Kannada groups will meet here tomorrow to decide on whether to go ahead with their protest to stall the release of "Baahubali 2" in view of "wholehearted regret" expressed by actor Sathyaraj over his controversial remarks made during the Cauvery row nine years ago.
	"We will meet and announce our decision tomorrow," Vatal Nagaraj, who heads 'Kannada Okoota', an umbrella organisation of Kannada bodies, said in response to Sathyaraj's statement in Chennai.
	Sathyaraj, who plays the role of Kattappa in the epic fantasy, in a video message expressed his "wholehearted regret" to the Kannada people for his remarks.
	Kannada organisations had demanded an "unconditional apology" from Sathyaraj, a Tamil actor, for his "anti- Kannadiga" remarks and threatened to stall the release of the much-anticipated film on April 28.
	The controversy had erupted after a video in which Sathyaraj made the alleged anti-Kannada comments in the context of the Cauvery river water row surfaced a fortnight ago .

Kannada outfits to announce stand on 'Baahubali 2' tomorrow

"Baahubali" actor Sathyaraj today expressed "wholehearted regret" over his comments during the Cauvery dispute while appealing for the smooth release of the second part of the SS Rajamouli-directed film in Karnataka next week.
	The actor, who plays the role of Kattappa in the movie, clarified that he was not against Kannada people and was even offered films in the industry though he could not do them due to the paucity of time.
	His statement comes following the demands of an apology from the actor by pro-Kannada outfits, who had threatened to stall the release of the film in the state.
	In a video released to the media, Sathyaraj read out a statement, saying he had made the remarks nine years ago at a protest held by the Tamil film industry against the "attack" on Tamils in Karnataka over the Cauvery dispute.
    "I had spoken something nine years ago at the meeting which has been viewed on Youtube. And since they feel hurt over some of the words spoken by me, I express my ...

Sathyaraj expresses regret for remarks made during Cauvery dispute

The issue of water conservation will be highlighted by four critically acclaimed directors -- Imtiaz Ali, Hansal Mehta, Aniruddha Roy Chaudhary and Madhur Bhandarkar -- through short films.
	Imtiaz, Mehta, Chowdhury and Bhandarkar have come together to bring out the key message through everyday stories of India through four different short films for a television channel as part of 'Mission Blue campaign'.
	Mehta said his son Jay is making his debut as a director with the movie titled "Paani Path" and he played the mentor to him.
	"As filmmakers we need to have stories that are engaging. When this opportunity (of short film on water conservation) came to me I was keen on doing it but I had many stories and time commitment was a problem," he told reporters here.
	"My son came up with multiple stories. I asked him if he wants to direct it. It's a very impactful story. He (the son) has great level of awareness (on water conservation) and wants to bring it to the world, so I am thankful ...

Imtiaz, Hansal Mehta collaborate for water conservation films

She may be one of the most popular Internet stars today but Canadian-Indian YouTube star Lilly Singh believes people have the wrong notion that digital space is an easy route to being "rich and famous".
	With 11 million subscribers to her credit, Lilly is one of the highest-earning stars on the video streaming website.
	Her videos, often a witty take on topical issues, have featured celebrities like Dwayne Johnson and Priyanka Chopra.
	Lilly, currently in India to promote her book "How to be a Bowse: A Guide to Conquering", believes nothing can replace the old-fashioned hard work when it comes to achieving one's dreams.
	"Digital space is great to have your voice but you need to have an opinion. It has definitely given voice to those who could not be heard before. But I don't encourage people to make YouTube videos just to be rich and famous.
	"Some people perceive that the digital space is an easy route. It is not. You have to be dedicated, perceptive and have a good work ethic. It ..

Internet not a shortcut to being rich and famous: Lilly Singh

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has worked with women directors like Farah Khan and Gauri Shinde, has said that the cinematic aesthetics of women filmmakers make his job easy as an actor.
	Farah was the first female helmer to direct him in three consecutive hits "Main Hoon Naa", "Om Shanti Om" and "Happy New Year" and Gauri followed up with "Dear Zindagi".
	"Though I have worked with very few lady directors but I completely enjoy working with them because their sensitivity even for the same scene stems from a very different place. Being a man myself, it is difficult to sense a scene like a woman does. So it gives me a new dimension as an actor," SRK said in a statement.
	"I am happy because I got to do two opposite ends of spectrum by working with both of them. And I always believe that women are more conscientious and hardworking and so my work becomes easier working with them," he added.
	Ahead of the World Television premiere of "Dear Zindagi" on Zee Cinema this Sunday, SRK said both 

Women directors give me new dimension as an actor: Shah Rukh

Demonetisation-themed feature film "Shunyota", which had been stalled by the censor board regional office, has finally released today with six cuts.
	"We got the CBFC nod on April 2 after effecting six cuts in the film and I think the cuts will not diminish the concept of the film. All's well that ends well," director Suvendu Ghosh told PTI.
	The cuts include comments on effects of demonetisation by principal characters and some portions of conversation between a mother and her daughter.
	The film with U/A certification has been released across 26 theatres in West Bengal.
	A CBFC regional office spokesperson said, "The chairperson of CBFC has decided on the matter. The film has been cleared as per recommendations of the examining committee."
	CBFC regional office had examined the film on March 27. Since there were differences of opinion among the members of the committee regarding certificate, the case was referred to CBFC chairperson.

Film on demonetisation finally released after cuts

Noted fashion designers from India and four other countries will showcase their work at the second International Fashion Week Goa, which opens here on May 12.
	The three-day fashion extravaganza will have about 24 fashion designers from India, Dubai, Mexico, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
	"This is the second edition, first one being held last year in Panaji itself which evoked good response from the fashion designers. It will be held this year from May 12-13," said William Xavier, Chief Executive Officer of IFW Goa.
	The designers would be showcasing their summer and monsoon collection, he said.
	The organisers said Indian designers like Shravan Kumar, Nick Roshan, Mohan Gowda, designer duo Navin and Pradip, Kapil Bhatia, Hema Manohar and others will present their collection.
	Xavier said over 45 models including celebrities would be walking the ramp at the event.

2nd International Fashion Week to be held next month

Actors Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu are expecting their first child together.
	Soha, 38, daughter of Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi married Kunal, 33 in 2015 in a private ceremony. They were in a live-in relationship from 2013.
	"Yes it's true. Soha and I are very happy to announce a joint production coming later this year - our first child! We feel blessed and thank you all for your good wishes," Kunal said in a statement.
	The two have acted together in films like "99" and "Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge".

Kunal Khemu confirms Soha's pregnancy

She has mostly done character roles in movies but actress Gauahar Khan hopes to play the classic Bollywood heroine soon.
	The actress is elated with the response that she received for her role as Rubina in the recently-released "Begum Jaan".
	"The response that I have received for 'Begum Jaan' means so much to me. It was a pat on my back as an actor that Srijit Mukherji wanted me in his movie. I hope I get to play the quintessential heroine and also do some meaningful cinema soon. But I haven't found anything yet," she told PTI in an interview.
	The 33-year-old actress, who started her Bollywood career in films with "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year" in 2009, hopes that people take notice of her after "Begum Jaan".
	"I received a lot of acclaim for 'Rocket Singh'. But no character has ever been as recognised as Rubina. This is everything I have always dreamed of. I hope the filmmakers note this performance and take up the challenge to cast new talent in their films. I want it ...

Hope I get to play the quintessential heroine: Gauahar

Having spend more than 25 years in the film industry, actress Raveena Tandon says she no longer worries about being in the rat race as she has nothing left to prove.
	The 42-year-old actress says she is very content in her life now and chooses films on her whim like she did at the time of "Bombay Velvet".
	"I have nothing left to prove. I am not in the rat race. I have been there done that. I am not going to compete with these young kids. I am fine with my own space. I am content, I have a family and I am happy," Raveena told PTI during a visit here.
	The actress, whose film "Maatr" released today, says at this stage of her career, she is looking for roles that give her a chance to explore something new and they need not be lead roles.
	"I did 'Bombay Velvet' on a whim and the reviews were favourable. I jumped at the the chance to play a jazz singer something like Hollywood film 'Chicago'. I enjoyed it. I like to do work which I believe in. I may not do a full-fledged film but I may ..

I have nothing left to prove: Raveena on career and comebacks

After tapping actors like Kurt Russell, Cate Blanchett, Sylvester Stallone, Robert Redford and Glenn Close to join Marvel Cinematic Universe, the studio head Kevin Feige says he would add more iconic actors in future.
	Speaking to Fandango, Feige explained that there were several Hollywood's best names which came to his mind, reported Ace Showbiz.
	"There are a few names that are coming up, actually. I'll keep this spoiler-free, but be assured that there are more surprises of that caliber heading into our universe in the next few films," says Feige.
	 The Marvel chief confirmed that he once had a meeting with "The Godfather" legend Al Pacino, but when asked whether Pacino would be one of the veteran actors added in MCU, Feige says, "No... Not in this case. Someday, someday, but there are others that I'm thinking of right now."
	Marvel has continuously handed over big roles to Hollywood iconic actors in the past few years. Russell, for instance, is playing Peter Quill's (Chris Pratt) ..

There will be more iconic actors in Marvel movies: Kevin Feige

Actor Chris Evans is all set to make his Broadway debut.
	The 35-year-old actor will feature in Kenneth Lonergan's play "Lobby Hero" which will reopen the newly renovated Helen Hayes Theatre, reported Variety.
	Evans will star opposite Michael Cera and thus launch the Broadway programming of the non-profit Second Stage Theatre.
	The stage will open for its show in March 2018 and is a part of an ambitious Broadway plan for the theatre.
	After "Lobby Hero", a new production of Young Jean Lee's "Straight White Men" will be shown in July 2018, which will be directed by Anna D Shapiro.

Chris Evans to make Broadway debut

Rap star and music executive Jay Z is reportedly seeking new investors for his recorded-music business at Roc Nation.
	The 47-year-old star signed a 10-year deal with Live Nation in 2008 for USD 150 million, but with that agreement close to expiring, the music mogul has now started sounding out other industry figures about taking a stake in the business.
	Under the terms of their agreement, Jay Z and Live Nation can either sell their stake in Roc Nation to the other party or buy the company outright.
	Live Nation, for its part, hopes to continue its touring deal with Jay Z, but is withdrawing its backing for the recorded-music side of the business, reported New York Post.
	"Jay's 360 deal with Live Nation is not being extended. Live Nation had bought into the artists' rights and recorded music, but they are not extending any of those relationships. Live Nation is not in the business of buying recorded music any more," a source said.
	Roc Nation boasts a star-studded list of recording .

Jay Z seeking new investors for Roc Nation

Vanashree Rao and the Dance Project wooed the audience during their performance "Dramatic Tales from Indian Mythology"at the Cairo Opera House as part of the India by the Nile cultural festival.
	The troupe, which is a collective of leading Indian artists of Kuchipudi dance, led by Vanashree Rao, brought alive tales of Indian mythology through their unique dance compositions.
	"Our performance is very suitable here because Egypt has a very common ancient history like India," Vanashree told PTI.
	The troupe has already performed at the Cultural Palace in Port Said, Ain Shams University, Cairo and Main Hall, Cairo Opera House. Their next performance will be at Sayed Darwish Theatre in Alexandria on April 23.
	In her performance, Vanashree used three Indian traditional dance styles; Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Chhau.
	"People will understand that story because it's about good, evil and deals with emotions. It's drama. We tell stories so that people understand through actions," she ...

Dramatic tales from Indian mythology woos audience in Egypt

Actor Rajkummar Rao will be appearing in a guest role in Sushant Singh Rajput-Kriti Sanon's upcoming film "Raabta".
	The 32-year-old actor took to Twitter to reveal his look for the movie.
	"And here is my guest appearance from #Raabta," wrote Rajkummar.
	The picture shows the National award-winning actor wearing prosthetics and tribal jewellery with tattoos.
	The "Trapped" actor was seen in the trailer of the film in a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance.
	According to reports, Rajkummar will be seen playing a man aged over 300-years-old in the Dinesh Vijan-directed film.
	"Raabta" is slated to hit the screens on June 9.

Rajkummar Rao to guest star in 'Raabta'

Arguments on an appeal filed by the Rajasthan government in a sessions court here challenging the acquittal of actor Salman Khan by a trial court in a case against him under the Arms Act will begin on July 6.
	In response to a notice issued by sessions judge Bhagwan Das Agarwal on March 7, counsels of Khan appeared in the court today and submitted 'vakalatnama' (authorisation letter).
	After accepting the documents, Agarwal listed the matter for arguments on July 6.
	Khan had been acquitted by the trial court in a case against him for alleged possession and use of arms after expiry of its licence.
	The state government had filed the appeal in the sessions court challenging the acquittal on March 7, following which the sessions court had issued notice to Khan.

Appeal against Salman's acquittal in Arms Act case to be heard

"Baahubali" actor Sathyaraj today expressed "wholehearted regret" over his Cauvery dispute remarks, while appealing for the smooth release of the second part of the SS Rajamouli-directed film in Karnataka next week.
	The actor, who plays the role of Kattappa in the movie, clarified that he was not against Kannada people.
	This statement comes following the demands of an apology from Sathyaraj by pro-Kannada outfits, who had threatened to stall the release of the film in the state.
	In a video released to the media, Sathyaraj read out a statement, saying he had made the remarks nine years ago at a protest held by the Tamil film industry against the "attack" on Tamils in Karnataka over the Cauvery dispute.
    "I had spoken something nine years ago at the meeting which has been viewed on Youtube. And since they feel hurt over some of the words spoken by me, I express my wholehearted regret to them (Kannada people) for those words," he said.
	Sathyaraj said he did not want the hardwork ..

Sathyaraj expresses 'wholehearted regret' for comments

Her latest "Maatr" is about a gang-rape incident and actress Raveena Tandon says the movie shows the plight of women in the country without any sugar-coating.
	The revenge thriller has been directed by Ashtar Sayed and written by Michael Pellico.
	Raveena says she and the makers of the movie were committed to stay true to the subject and wanted to steer clear from commercialising anything.
	"I was waiting for a film like this where the director and me were on the same page. Things like these can't be commercialised. It is a film made with emotions, there are no club songs, no dances, no gloss.
	"In our country, there is a rape happening at some place everyday. This film shows the harsh reality. There is no sugar-coating," Raveena told PTI during a visit here.
	The actress says since films made on such subjects are often unrealistic, it is important to make movies that shock people so that they understand the ordeal of a victim.
	"Somewhere because of the sugar-coating that is going ...

'Maatr' presents a harsh reality without any gloss: Raveena

Filmmaker Saket Chaudhary says while directing Irrfan Khan in "Hindi Medium" he realised that the actor has no pretence of being a 'know-it-all'.
	"He is never over confident about his craft. He is not the kind of actor who pretends that he knows it all. His process is very personal and he constantly prepares for his role, discussing it and figuring out how to play it better," Saket told PTI.
	"As a director when you're working with him, you're explaining the scene to him, you don't direct the actor. You direct the scene in which the actor does his part. I have the humility to say, 'I am no one to teach him how to act.' He is way beyond that," he adds.
	"Hindi Medium" revolves around the stereotype of English over Hindi and the class divide which it ends up creating.
	In the film, Irrfan plays a father to a young girl who he wants to enroll in a top notch school.
	"From the time we came up with a scene where he owns a shop in Chandni Chowk (in Delhi) which sells designer lehenga, we ..

Irrfan Khan is not a pretentious actor: Saket Chaudhary

Singer Taylor Swift has written a heart-warming note to friend and fellow singer Ed Sheeran in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World issue.
	The 27-year-old songstress has praised the "Shape of You" and called him as being destined to achieve greater heights as an artist, reported Billboard.
	"Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank. He is protected by an impenetrable and ever- present armour of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation.
	"His reaction to any idea that fails is to almost immediately come up with a new one. He's like a fighter who pops back up on his feet before you even noticed he'd been knocked down," wrote Taylor.
	The "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" singer added how Sheeran had asked to listen to his song "Thinking Out Loud" before it won the Grammy.
	"It was a few weeks later when he met me in a dance-shoe store in London, 

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