Popular television actress Rashmi Desai feels the small screen is for masses as it has far greater reach than the films.
	With big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor doing TV shows like "Yudh" and "24" respectively, Rashmi thinks it is a healthy trend.
	"Television is for masses and it has more reach than films. It is a nice transition...Of big stars like Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan bringing in episodic (shows) like "24" and "Yudh"," Rashmi told PTI.
	Rashmi is elated with the response that her character Preeti is getting in the show "Adhuri Kahaani Humari".
	"As an actor I have never done any negative roles, hence it was challenging for me to play such roles. I like to keep experimenting. There will be a lot of surprises for the audience. I hope they appreciate my effort," she said.
	The "Uttaran" actress reveals that during her meeting with the makers of the show, she was given the reference of Hollywood movie "Gone Girl".
	"Beauty with brains is a rare combination among ...

TV is for masses, has more reach than films: Rashmi Desai

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Actor Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam starrer "Kaabil" will go on floors by the end of this month.
	To be helmed by "Jazbaa" director, Sanjay Gupta, "Kaabil" will be produced by Rakesh Roshan.
	"My last long weekend with my family coz #KAABIL shoot starts in three weeks and then its non stop work till July. So making the most of it," Gupta wrote on Twitter.
	"Thanks to my 1st AD @Nadeem_Shah there are no free weekends once we roll #KAABIL at the end of this month. Mushkil se Holi ki chutti mili," he added.
	The plot of the film is still not revealed. It is slated to hit theatres on January 26 next year.

Hrithik-Yami's 'Kaabil' to go on floors March end

Information and Broadcasting secretary Sunil Arora today said the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune should strengthen its activities and improve its functioning to become an "Institute of Excellence" in the country.
	Arora said this during his visit to the institute.
	Arora planted a sapling at the Kothrud site of FTII where 32 new staff quarters are being constructed. He also visited the legendary Prabhat Studios at the Law College campus of FTII, and met the Dean (Films), Dean (Television) and the faculty members as well as the staff.
	FTII should strengthen its activities and improve its functioning to become an Institute of Excellence in the country, he was quoted as saying by an official release.
	The institute was in the thick of controversy for much of the last year because of the students' protest against the appointment of actor Gajendra Chauhan as its chairman.
	FTII Director Prashant Pathrabe and Dean (Films) Dr Kedar Awati apprised Arora of details of ..

I&B secretary Arora visits FTII and NFAI

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is set to begin shooting for Shoojit Sircar's production venture, whose working title is "Eve".
	The 73-year-old actor, who last worked with Sircar in "Piku," will commence the work from tomorrow in the capital.
	"So Shoojit produced film starts in Delhi by tomorrow and as is wont the anxiety has begun. Always without fail it arrives in throngs of apprehension," Bachchan wrote in his blog.
	To be directed by National Award-winner Aniruddha Roy Chowdhary, the film also stars "Baby" actress Taapsee Pannu.
	This is Bachchan's third outing with Shoojit after "Shoebite" and "Piku".
	While "Shoebite" is yet to see the light of day, Bachchan earned numerous best actor awards for his performance of a cranky ageing father in last year's "Piku". Both the movies were directed by Shoojit.

Amitabh Bachchan to start shooting Shoojit's next

Actress Bipasha Basu has denied engagement with rumoured boyfriend Karan Singh Grover after she was seen wearing a sparkler in the ring finger.
	Bipasha, 37, and her 34-year-old "Alone" co-star Karan were snapped last evening coming out of a spa.
	One of the images shows Bipasha sitting on the back seat of a car, while Karan is seated in front, next to the driver.
	While Bipasha is seen looking down, trying to avoid the papparazzi, the fresh jewel in her finger is visible.
	Setting the record straigh, Bipasha tweeted, "Wait for me to announce my wedding when I want to and if I want to. Please stop treating it frivolously.
	"For years I have dealt with this constant discussion. Please be patient. After all it's my life. Humble request to all those who love me."
	About the picture, the "Raaz" actress said, "And yes I don't like getting clicked at 10 pm post a massage. Oily and dirty. Am sure all women will understand that. It's not rocket science."
	Bipasha previously dated ...

Wait for me to announce my wedding: Bipasha Basu

Josh Safran, creator-showrunner of Priyanka Chopra-starrer American drama TV series "Quantico", says the Bollywood actress' character Alex Parrish will be at the centre of the show's plot across all upcoming seasons.
	The thriller, which marked Priyanka's international acting debut, has returned with its second season.
	Safran said the storyline of the show will, however, be renewed with every installment, reported Variety.
	"The producers ABC Studios and Mark Gordon Co have decided that 'Quantico' storyline will hit the reset button every season. Alex Parrish will remain the focal point and a few characters from season one will probably return but the storyline and much of the cast will start anew," he said.
	"This story was about terrorism and America. Season two will attack a different issue that plagues America's security."
	"Quantico" features Priyanka as young FBI recruit Alex Parrish, who is suspected of committing a terrorist attack.

Priyanka's character will remain focal point of 'Quantico'

Veteran Bollywood actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar is working on his next directorial venture which would be based on Aryabhata, the famous mathematician from the classical age.
	"I'm going to return as a director soon. I am working on a film on Aryabhata. It is an interesting story to tell viewers about his contribution," Kumar told PTI.
	"We have been working on the film for a very long time. Since three years we are working on script, as it is a difficult subject to deal with," the 78-year-old writer -producer said.
	Aryabhata was the first of the major mathematician- astronomers from the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy.
	Manoj Kumar is scouting for newcomers for the film.
	"We are working with Kishore Namit Kapoor (Indian actor, author and film-acting trainer) who has trained some of the most prominent film actors like Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra. He will help us with it (casting)," he said.
	Kumar made his official debut as a director with .

Manoj Kumar to direct film on Aryabhata

While vying for the coveted crown, the Femina Miss India contestants this time would be also appealing the people to adopt the stray animals of Indian breeds.
	"At an event in Vile-Parle, Mumbai, on March 8, all the contestants would be creating a buzz around adoption of stray Indian breed animal as pets," said Shahira Sunder, Vice President, World For All Animal Care and Adoptions (WFA), an NGO.
	The event was being held on the occasion of Women's Day, she said.
	Some Bollywood celebrities had already backed the cause with the actor couple Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu adopting two stray puppies, she said.
	"Choreographer Farah Khan has also adopted a stray pup.... Athia Shetty and Suraj Pancholi have also been a visitor to the adoption camp organised by WFA," Sunder said.
	"Zubaan" star Sarah Jane Dias, "Paheli" star Aditi Gowitrikar, VJ Alesia Raut, Aesthetic Physician Jamuna Pai, Miss India trainer Sabira Merchant, fashion designers Sonakshi Raaj and Nivedita Saboo would be ...

Femina Miss India contestants to appeal for adoption of strays

With a major part of the upcoming Bollywood thriller "Te3n" being shot in West Bengal, the Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer will soon be used by the state government to attract tourists.
	The producers of the film recently approached the tourism department with a proposal of co-branding with "Te3n".
	"We will partner with the film but the manner in which we will be associated is being worked out. Our advertising and marketing agency O&M is having talks with the producers," A R Bardhan, principal secretary, West Bengal tourism department, told PTI.
	He said since the film is a thriller so they want a deal with the producers that West Bengal Tourism gets a credit in the trailer.
	"We may even have a Bengal tourism advertisement along with the film trailer because we are soon launching our TV commercial with Shahrukh Khan. We would want that TVC along with the trailer of the film," the official said.
	Although a number of hit Hindi films have been shot in the city ...

Amitabh starrer 'Te3n' to attract tourists to Bengal

Director Roar Uthaug says the new "Tomb Raider" movie is based on the franchise's latest video game run.
	 The Norwegian filmmaker said he wants viewers to relate to the character of Lara Croft as much as possible, reported Entertainment Weekly.
	"I think making Lara Croft feel like a real human being, that's definitely something we want to bring to the big screen as well.
	"I think we'll want to make people relate to Lara as a character. I'm hoping to bring some of my Norwegian sensibilities to the franchise," Uthaug said.
	The game was rebooted in 2013 envisioning a younger Lara Croft for an origin story. "Tomb Raider" was then followed by "Rise of the Tomb Raider" and presented the character as a gritty heroine.
	"'Raiders of the Lost Ark' was one of my favorite films growing up, so it's definitely a dream to work in that kind of genre. I think we'll want to make it feel like a modern action movie and to make what's going on feel like it's going on for real," he said.

'Tomb Raider' reboot inspired by latest video games

Actress Kate Hudson thinks women are "programmed" to believe they are not good enough because they are constantly being "scrutinised".
	The 36-year-old actress said girls should be not be scrutinised as beauty is "subjective", reported Female First.
	"I think women are programmed to not feel that great about ourselves. Our bodies are constantly telling us that we're not good enough. And I think that's because we're so highly scrutinised - our image, our beauty or the idea of beauty - whatever that is because I believe it's subjective," she said.
	The "Bride Wars" star insists it is important for women to "support" each other, which is something she has learned from her mother Goldie Hawn.
	"We need to stop scrutinising each other and start supporting that we're all on this trajectory together of youth into womanhood into getting older and what's really going to shine and feel healthy and live longer is feeling good about ourselves.
	"I got that from my mom because she's always been ...

Women programmed to dislike themselves: Kate Hudson

After its debut single, 'Hum Hain Happy' a cover of Pharrell William's 2013 hit number and a second, 'Sab Rab De Bande - The Chai Song' featuring Sonu Nigam, the transgender band '6 Pack Band' is now working on its third song with Zanai Bhonsle, granddaughter of legendary singer Asha Bhonsle.
	The band formed last year claims to be the country's first transgender band, and had two back-to-back releases this January with its first music video "clocking over a million views in just 24 hours."
	It is now gearing up for a release of their next single a Hindi-Marathi-English mash up of a popular song 'Hil Pori Hila' created sans any musical instrument and utilising a special format called 'Stomp'.
	"Up next is a fun song that is unique as we have used using tools including plates, cups, saucers, trash cans, spoons, bottles, straws, pipes to name a few. Additionally, it is a collaboration with the legend Asha Bhosle's granddaughter Zanai Bhosle who is just 14-year-old," says Komal Jagtap, ..

Transgender band's next features Asha Bhonsle's granddaughter

Singer Bobby Brown pulled out of a concert just hours after the results of his daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown's autopsy results were released.
	The 47-year-old R&B singer was due to perform at the Charleston Jam Fest concert in North Charleston, South Carolina on March 4, Bobbi Kristina's 23rd birthday, the same day the cause of death was made public, reported US magazine.
	However, it is not clear whether the cancellation was triggered by the autopsy result because a poster at the venue said, "Bobby Brown will not be performing due to illness. Refund requests must be prior to entry only!"
	The autopsy revealed Bobbi Kristina died from a combination of drug intoxication and drowning.

Bobby Brown cancels gig after daughter's autopsy result

Having entertained the audience with the family set-up in "Comedy Nights with Kapil", the new show of comedian Kapil Sharma is likely to have a street-based theme, says actor Kiku Sharda.
	Kapil played the central role of Bittu Sharma in "Comedy Nights with Kapil", Ali Asgar was the cute Dadi, Sumona Chakravarti enacted the role of Kapil's wife, Sunil Grover and Kiku Sharda played the annoying neighbours Gutthi and Palak, while Chandan Prabhakar was seen in the role of servant Raju.
	After a successful two-and-a-half year stint on Colors, the show came to an end in January this year due a fall-out between Kapil and the channel.
	The same team will soon be back with new "The Kapil Sharma Show" on another channel and the set-up is also likely to change.
	"This time not a family (set up)...It would be more like a street where people are living," Kiku told PTI.
	"There will be different people coming in. Like how Palak and Gutthi used to come on the show, they were not family. So, may be .

Kapil Sharma's new comedy show likely to have new set-up

Pop star Madonna reportedly got broke down into tears about her son Rocco during her concert in Auckland, New Zealand.
	The 57-year-old singer is currently embroiled in a custody battle with her former husband Guy Ritchie, 47, over their 15-year-old son and she told fans during the gig that "there's no love stronger than a mother for her son" before bursting into tears, reported TMZ.
	Madonna then dedicated "La Vie en Rose" to Rocco, who is currently living in London with his father.
	Her dedication comes not long after it was claimed that Madonna and the filmmaker are "close to a custody deal".

Madonna gets emotional for son during concert?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic love saga "Bajirao Mastani" continues to be an award season favourite as it bagged the top prizes at the Zee Cine Awards 2016, including the best film honour and best director trophy for the filmmaker.
	The film, which took home 11 trophies, also earned Ranveer Singh his best actor award, which the young star deservingly shared with megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was honoured for his performance of a cranky father in "Piku".
	The period drama won the best playback singer (female) award for Shreya Ghoshal ('Mohe Rang Do Laal'), best choreography for Ganesh Acharya ('Malhari'), best art direction, best action, best background score, best sound design, best visual effects and best cinematography.
	Neeraj Ghaywan's sensitive drama "Masaan," which was seemingly ignored throughout the award season, was the second big winner at the ceremony. The movie bagged five trophies including best debut for Vicky Kaushal, best debut director honour for Ghaywan and best ...

'Bajirao Mastani' sweeps Zee Cine Awards 2016

Actress Preity Zinta says her husband Gene Goodenough made her go weak in the knees and leave the "Miss Tag" she was holding on to.
	The 41-year-old actress tied the knot with her American boyfriend in a private ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this week.
	"I was holding on the 'Miss Tag' rather seriously till now, until I met someone 'Goodenough' to give it up for so, now I join the Married Club folks," Preity wrote on her social media pages.
	"Thank you all for your good wishes & for all your love Love you all. Ting! Let the Goodenough jokes begin," she added.
	Alongside the post, she shared a picture of her husband dressed in black suit.
	Preity had kept mum about her wedding, after the news broke. Veteran actor and her friend Kabir Bedi and celebrity jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, however, confirmed it by wishing her a happy married life, on Twitter.

Preity's husband was 'Goodenough' to make her ditch 'Miss Tag'

Young first time women film makers from Palestine, armed with a collection of stories of ordinary people from their strife-torn land were the focus at the recent 12th IAWRT Asian Women Film Festival 2016 here.
	"We chose to make films on the grit and determination of the Palestine people. Though the land is marred with violence and suffering, people dream of a better tomorrow," 22-year-old Shahd Al Hindi said.
	A final year engineering student, Shahd presented her film 'Wajih and Himran' about Wajih, a camel herder and his love for Himran his camel.
	"The film is based in Jenin, a city north of Palestine. The presence of camels in Jenin is considered a thing due to the topography of the place. So we tracked down Wajih. We did not face any difficulty as everyone knew him and his camel in the city.
	"But we were in for a surprise when we came to know of the deep bond between Wajih and Himran. The story is about their friendship and how they find solace in each other's company in times ..

Stories by first-time women filmmakers from Palestine

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan says the issue of gender bias is something which has still not become a centre of discussion.
	The 35-year-old actress will be seen in the upcoming film "Ki & Ka", directed by R Balki. The film features Arjun Kapoor as progressive house-husband supporting his wife, enacted by Kareena, who is a career-oriented woman.
	"It is a very different film because of the concept of gender bias. It's an issue which nobody addresses. There is a stay-at-home husband, there is a woman who wants to work," Kareena told PTI.
	"Today anyways women are there in every field, they are leading the pack. They are definitely more independent than what they were 20 years ago," she said.
	Kareena, who last worked in Salman Khan-starrer "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", said it was a challenge to make her character - that of an ambitious young woman - real and believable.
	"It's a very interesting role where I have tried to play a girl which will make the audience feel she is as normal as the ...

Gender bias is an issue nobody addresses: Kareena Kapoor

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has dropped out of "The Sandman" project at New Line due to disagreement with the studio.
	The announcement came a day after the studio found its writer in face of Eric Heisserer, reported Variety.
	Gordon-Levitt, 35, said that the disagrements emerged after Warner subsidiary New Line took over the project.
	"So, as you might know if you like to follow these sorts of things, a while back, David Goyer and I made a producing deal with Warner Brothers to develop a movie adaptation of Neil Gaiman's SANDMAN.
	"Neil himself came on as an executive producer, we hired the excellent screenwriter, Jack Thorne, and we started in on the ambitious task of adapting one of the most beloved and boundary-pushing titles in the world of comics. I was pleased with the progress we were making, even though we still had quite a ways to go," the actor wrote on his Facebook page.
	"The Walk" actor said it was not possible for him to continue with the project as he and studio were ...

Joseph Gordon-Levitt quits 'The Sandman'

Akshara Theatre, one of the top 20 theatres of the country, which is on the verge of going dark due to pending electricity dues has now started an online crowd funding campaign seeking financial support.
	Authorities at the iconic 44-year-old theatre here allege that the electricity department has sent them a cheque of Rs 3 lakh which they could not pay before March 1, the last date for payment.
	"We received a bill of Rs 3 lakh from the electricity department a month back much to our horror as we could not have paid such a big amount. But somehow we raised Rs 2 lakh rupees which the electricity department accepted after much pleading," says actress Jalbala Vaidya, one of the founder members of the theatre.
	The theatre has received a notice which informs that the theatre's lights will be switched off if the pending bill of Rs 4 lakh is not paid off by March 15.
	"We again received a bill of Rs 3 lakh some days back from the electricity department and the last date of it was March. 1. 

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