Vice President Hamid Ansari today attended a government-hosted luncheon at a hotel here, which had sheltered over 1,200 people during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, an episode that inspired an acclaimed film a decade later.
	Incidentally, Ansari paid tributes to the victims of the harrowing tragedy at the Kigali Genocide Memorial this morning and hailed the "resilience and courage" demonstrated by Rwandans in putting behind the hatred and moving ahead on the path of "reconciliation and inclusion".
	The coincidence may perhaps serve another healing touch to the victims, as Ansari earlier had said that the purpose of his visit was a "conscious effort" by India to intensify interactions with Africa as a whole, and that "India and Rwanda were great friends".
	The luncheon was hosted by the Rwandan Senate President Bernard Makuza at the Hotel des Mille Collines here after the two leaders met and held bilateral talks at the Senate.
	The story of the hotel and its manager at that time, Paul ..

Genocide connect: Ansari attends govt luncheon at Hotel Rwanda

PTI Automatic

Amid growing furore over the abduction and harassment of a leading south Indian actress, a noted Tamil actress today claimed that a TV channel executive had spoken to her in an "improper" manner.
	Actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar said women's safety has become a joke as she rallied behind the fellow actress who faced the harassment in Kochi.
	Recalling a meeting with the programming head of a "leading" TV Channel, Sarathkumar claimed that towards the end he had asked her if they can "meet outside".
	"When questioned if it was regarding some other work 'his answer (said with a smug like it was the norm) no no! Not work.. For other things," she tweeted.
	"I hide my shock and anger and tell him Sorry! Please leave. His last words on the topic was So.. That's all? and he smiled and walked away," she posted on Twitter without specifying when the incident occurred.
	"I am an actress. It does not mean that just because I lead a glamourous life on screen that I deserve to be spoken with ...

Tamil actress says TV executive spoke 'improperly' to her

Actress-filmmaker Nandita Das is all set to start her upcoming film "Manto" from next month and says the movie is a "very big project" for her.
	The biopic stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role of the celebrated writer, Saadat Hasan Manto.
	Nandita says apart from the "Raees" actor, prominent names from the industry will be joining the project.
	"The work is going on in full swing. We are going on floors from March 15, so there's a lot of work. It's a very big project for me. It's a period film, we will recreate 1940s here," she told reporters.
	"Nawazuddin is the lead but we have a lot of prominent names supporting the film, I am very fortunate. They are ready to do even small roles, all of the names will be out soon. I hope you'll watch the film."
	The filmmaker says the team is aiming to wrap up the shoot of the film soon as they don't have the budget of a big Bollywood movie.
	"It is an independent film, not a typical Bollywood song and dance film. We don't have a big budget .

'Manto' a very big project for me: Nandita Das

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan visited the set of "Ittefaq" on the first day of shooting and thanked the team for recreating his favourite Yash Chopra movie.
	The 51-year-old took to Twitter to share a picture from the set along with the lead actors of the film - Sonakshi Sinha and Sidharth Malhotra.
	"'Ittefaq' starts now. Thanx to Juno and his wonderful team. My fav films by Yashji #Ittefaq is being recreated by Abhay. Thx  @S1dharthM  @sonakshisinha Akshaye. Also BR & Dharma Films tie up with RCE," he tweeted.
	Directed by filmmaker BR Chopra's grandson Abhay, the movie is a remake of 1969 film of the same name which starred yesteryear superstar Rajesh Khanna and Nanda.
	Sidharth and Sonakshi thanked SRK for supporting their movie.
	"Thank u for coming on set @iamsrk excited to recreate the magic," Sidharth wrote.
	"Thank YOU @iamsrk, @karanjohar and of #BRFilms... Was an amazing first day on set today with you all! Great start to our #Ittefaq journey!," Sonakshi tweeted.
	The movie ...

SRK thanks 'Ittefaq' team for recreating his favourite film

"Shocked" over the abduction and harassment of a noted actress in Kerala, the South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) today urged the state's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to ensure the culprits were soon brought to book.
	"The incident showed there is no safety even for a popular woman celebrity in the country," SIAA said in a letter to Vijayan.
	"It is hereby requested that you intervene in the issue without any further delay and speed up the investigation to book the culprits and put them behind bars," it said.
	SIAA members "were shocked" to know about the incident involving the actress, it added.
	The association's general secretary Vishal Krishna lauded the actress for her "courage" to speak out about the incident.
	"Most people would have been embarrassed to speak out if they had underwent such an incident. I laud her courage. Such an incident should not have happened," he told reporters.
	He rued that "if a well-known actress could undergo such an experience, think of the ..

Actress attack: Film artistes association demands justice

Director Nitesh Tiwari will team up with producer Sajid Nadiadwala for his next movie.
	Nitesh's movie "Dangal" which had superstar Aamir Khan in the lead was a blockbuster.
	"My next film is with Sajid Nadiadwala. I can't share any details about the project at this moment," Nitesh told PTI.
	Ask him about the genre and the status of the film, Nitesh said, "I can't talk anything right now."
	Apparently the movie is slated to go on floors in 2018 and the pre-production will begin soon.
	Sajid has interesting slate of films lined up for release as a producer like "Rangoon" featuring Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut, "Judwaa 2" with Varun Dhawan, Taapsee Pannu and Jacqueline Fernandez, Tiger Shroff's "Baaghi 2".
	He is also likely to direct sequel of Salman Khan starrer "Kick".

'Dangal' director's next film with Sajid Nadiadwala

Director Rahul Dholakia, whose latest film, "Raees" was banned in Pakistan, has said his new script will be free of any controversy or politics.
	The National Award-winning filmmaker has registered the concept for his next movie and made the announcement on Twitter.
	"Concept registered. Now to write the new script. No controversy. No politics. No communal... Thrilling!" wrote Dholakia, along side the picture of his first draft.
	Earlier, the director tweeted on February 18 about him suffering from a "writer's itch".
	"Normally it's a writer's block; this time it's the writer's itch!" wrote Dholakia.
	His last directorial venture with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pakistani actress Mahira Khan released among controversies but received a good response at the box office.

New script to have no controversy or politics: Rahul Dholakia

Popular VJ Nikhil Chinapa has replaced Karan Kundra in the upcoming season of "Roadies", after a video surfaced online where the TV actor was seen slapping a contestant.
	Reportedly, Karan got aggressive with two contestants during the auditions of "Roadies Rising" and slapped one of them after he said he had once slapped his sister.
	However, according to the sources Nikhil has stepped in the shoes of Karan due to clash in schedule and not because of any other issue.
	"Nikhil is being roped in to take Karan's place on 'Roadies Rising' due to clash in schedules of the journey shoot and Karan's other prior commitments," sources close to the channel told PTI.
	"When Karan was on the off-site in Los Angeles with the team, he spoke about having to give the 'Roadies' journey a miss this year due to some other engagements that he had to honour," the source added.
	Nikhil, who has judged some seasons of the adventure-reality show, will now join as one of the gang leader on "Roadies" which ...

Nikhil Chinapa replaces Karan Kundra on 'Roadies'

Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar among others attended the pre birthday bash of actor Shahid Kapoor.
	Mira hosted the party for her actor husband in suburban Juhu last evening.
	The "Haider" actor will turn 36 this Saturday.
	Shahid kept his look casual with a white tee and jacket teamed up with denims.
	His "Padmavati" co-stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone made their presence felt at the bash. Others, who were present at the party were Sonakshi Sinha, Sidharth Malhotra, Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ekta Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Saif Ali Khan's daughter Sara, Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, R Balki, Gauri Shinde and Varun Dhawan.
	Surprisingly, his "Rangoon" co-stars Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan were not there.
	Shahid will next be seen in the Bhardwaj-directed film which is scheduled to release this Friday. He also has Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati".

Ranveer, Deepika, Alia attend Shahid's pre birthday party

Actor Luke Evans has said he feels honoured to play the antagonist in the upcoming film "Beauty and the Beast".
	The 37-year-old actor, who will be seen essaying the role of the villain, Gaston in the Disney film, said it was an unbelievable experience for him.
	"It's (Gaston) one of the most recognisable villains in Disney history. I've been privileged enough to be given the honour of bringing him to life in a human form. And so it's magical. It's very exciting," Evans said.
	The "Dracula: Untold" actor said a desire to do something in comedy motivated him to zero in on the Bill Condon-directed film.
	When asked about his excitement, Evans said, "I don't think it's gonna sink in completely until I actually see myself on the big screen, singing those songs on the horse with my sidekick, LeFou."
	The film, which stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in titular roles, is set to release on March 17.

Privileged to play the villain in 'Beauty and the Beast':Evans

Actor Saif Ali Khan has put all rumours to rest about disapproval of his daughter Sara being launched by Karan Johar and said he would be more than happy if the "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" director gives her a film break.
	"I would love Sara to be launched by Karan Johar. He is one of the best that we have," Saif, 46, said in a statement.
	The "Phantom" actor added, "I keep reading various reports where I am supposedly averse to her getting launched by Karan because she will apparently become another Alia Bhatt.
	"If Sara becomes as successful as Alia is then it will be a matter of pride and happiness for all of us," he added.

Karan is one of the best directors to launch Sara: Saif

Filmmaker Oliver Stone has said it wasn't one leader, who is threatening the American Constitution, but an entire system is responsible for the current crisis.
	The 70-year-old director was addressing the Writers Guild Awards when he said despite amassing wealth, the US continues to create chaos and wars today, reported Variety.
	"It's fashionable now to take shots at Republicans and Trump and avoid the Obamas and Clintons. But remember this: In the 13 wars we've started over the last 30 years and the USD 14 trillion we've spent... It wasn't one leader, but a system, both Republican and Democrat," Stone said.
	He continued that the "country has become more prosperous for many but in the name of that wealth we cannot justify our system as a centre for the world's values. But we continue to create such chaos and wars."
	Stone told the filmmakers present at the event that they can carve their own niche and can "be critical of your government and your society".
	The celebrated helmer ...

It's not just Trump, but a system: Stone's critique of US

Music maestro A R Rahman today offered his prayers at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti here.
	The Oscar-winning composer offered floral tributes and sought blessings.
	The presence of Rahman, 50, attracted a huge crowd at the dargah.
	He stayed for a while in Gumbad Sharif near tomb of Chisti.
	Rahman has visited the Ajmer dargah several times before.

AR Rahman visits Ajmer Sharif

Bollywood actor Anshuman Jha feels every artist wishes to gain commercial success and anyone who says otherwise is lying.
	Anshuman made his big screen debut in 2010 with Dibakar Banerjee's critically acclaimed "Love Sex aur Dhoka". He then followed it up with films like "X: Past is Present" and "Chauranga".
	"All actors crave for commercial success, anyone telling you otherwise is lying. When you do films, you want admiration and appreciation. Deep down everyone wishes that here," Anshuman told PTI.
	The actor says with commercial hits, an actor tries to balance critical acclaim too and says "at the end of the day, when you go back home you know what has been your level of performance. It boils down to that."
	Anshuman is currently gearing up for the release of "Mona Darling", touted as a horror-thriller film revolving around social media.
	The trailer of the film drew obvious comparisons with two Hollywood movies, "Unfriended" and "Friend Request", but Anshuman, who has also ...

All actors crave for commercial success: Anshuman Jha

Actor Arjun Kapoor, who made his TV debut as a host for adventure-stunt reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi", will not anchor it due to his packed schedule.
	"Arjun Kapoor hosted the reality show, 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' last year. However this year he won't be able to host the show for the second time as his hands are full with three films," Arjun's spokesperson told PTI.
	"Arjun will be shooting and promoting his two films, "Half Girlfriend" and "Mubarakan" back-to-back and he has another new film to be announced soon."
	The "Ki and Ka" actor had informed the makers in advance about not been able to part of the show that is aired on Colors channel.
	"He ("Arjun) shares a fantastic relationship with Colors but he won't have adequate time this year to dedicate to the new season (of the show). Arjun had conveyed this to the channel well in advance so that they can find a suitable replacement of the host," the spokesperson said.
	Apparently director Rohit Shetty is likely to return as a host .

Work commitments keep Arjun away from 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'

Actress Angela Lansbury is all set to star in Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns".
	The 91-year-old star will play the Balloon Lady, who featured as part of P L Travers' original series of children's books of the same name, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
	Lansbury has joined the previously announced cast members Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dick Van Dyke, Emily Mortimer and Ben Whishaw in the sequel to the 1964 classic.
	The musical is currently filming in London.
	Directed and produced by Rob Marshall, the movie is based on a screenplay by David Magee, with new songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and an original score by Shaiman.
	"Mary Poppins Returns" will hit the US cinema screens on Christmas Day next year.

Angela Lansbury joins 'Mary Poppins Returns'

Former Wham star George Michael's boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, has rubbished reports that he has been banned from attending the singer's funeral, saying "it is not true."
	Fawaz, who was Michael's partner for several years prior to his death last year, took to Twitter to shut down the news.
	"Let me make it clear that I'M NOT BANNED TO GO TO THE FUNERAL none of it is true, ITS NOT TRUE, NOT TRUE NOT TRUE NOT TRUE," Fawaz wrote.
	He followed up the post by sharing a black-and-white photo of Michael giving him a kiss on the head.
	"This image says it all," he captioned the photo.
	Fawaz's tweets came after Michael's relative Andros Georgiou told an international publication that the celebrity hairstylist was "not welcome" to attend the burial.
	"Heaven help him if he turned up. Fadi has not been invited to the funeral - the family hate him," Georgiou had said.

I'm not banned from George Michael's funeral, says Fadi Fawaz

Filmmaker Anurag Basu says the team of "Jagga Jasoos" is contemplating delaying the film's release as it coincides with the board examination dates across the country.
	The director's much-delayed film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif is set to release on April 7.
	Board examinations have been postponed from March to April due to the assembly elections in some states and Basu says since "Jagga Jasoos" is a family holiday film, they might delay its release but only if they get a better date.
	"#JaggaJasoos is a Family Holiday film. Since exams are pushed at most of the places, we are contemplating the delay. Only IF we get a better Date," Basu tweeted, adding "But for now team is getting ready for 7th April."
	The trailer of "Jagga Jasoos" was released in December last year.

Will delay Jagga Jasoos release only if we get better date:Basu

Actor Channing Tatum is enjoying a romantic short break with wife Jenna Dewan in Hawai.
	The married couple was all smiles as they hit the beach with their red hot romance, reported Us weekly.
	The two flaunted their toned bodies with Dewan, 36, donning a red-colour strapless string bikini, while Tatum, also 36, sporting a pair of black swim trunks.
	The duo tied the knot in 2009 and are parents to 3-year-old daughter Everly.
	On work front, Tatum will next be seen in an upcoming comedy film "Logan Lucky".

Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan's romantic getaway

Actress Lindsay Lohan expressed her wish to star as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid".
	In a plea to Disney to cast her in her first major theatrical role since 2013 "Scary Movie 5", the 30-year-old actress and vocalist even pitched her sister Ali to sing the theme song, with Bill Condon as director in the studio's 1989 hit film remake.
	"I will sing again, as #ariel #thelittlemermaid," Lohan wrote on Instagram with a side-by-side photo of her and the underwater princess.
	"@disney approve that "#billcondon directs it along with my sister @alianamusic singing the theme song for the soundtrack," she added.
	"Also @kgrahamsfb plays Ursula," she said about her personal trainer. "Simply because, she is the best. Take one. @disneystudios."
	But the actress later updated the caption to just read "#thelittlemermaid."
	Actor-writer Lin-Manuel Miranda will team up with Alan Menken, who composed the music for the original animated movie.
	Marc Platt, who is ...

Lohan wants to play Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid' remake

Actress Swara Bhaskar is all set to surprise audience once again with her unique avatar of an erotic singer in "Anaarkali of Aarah" as director Karan Johar unveiled the film's poster today.
	Directed by Avinash Das, it is the story of a singer played by Swara, who hails from Arrah in Bihar and is popular for her songs.
	Shimmering in a multi-colour lehenga with heavy jewelry and a long braided ponytail, Swara is looking every bit a star performer in the poster.
	"Here is the scintillating poster of @Anaarkaliaarah @ReallySwara you go girl Congrats @avinashonly @SandiipKapur releases 24th March '17," Karan wrote alongside the Swara's first look from the film.
	In another tweet, Karan could not resist praising the 28-year-actress, writing, "Well done @ReallySwara for constantly breaking ground!! 24th march is the date guys! For this new world and engaging film!!!"
	To which she replied, "Many many thanks Karan!! The wait is over guys. Here is the first official poster of ...

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