With the news being full of Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards being the first Hollywood stars to act in a Hindi movie, apparently there's an Indian factor that has brought them to our shores. Word is that none other than actress Pooja Batra who now lives in Los Angeles has made the connection. When we contacted Pooja for confirmation, she gushed, 'Yes, Sajid Nadiawala is the one who thought of the script and role and since I know a lot of people in Hollywood, he approached me. It wasn't an easy task. Even though there is a lot of awareness of our films here, no one wanted to test the waters. It took a fair amount of persistence and knowledge of the industry here, but I was able to ultimately deliver. Since Sajid, Sly and Denise are all my friends, it was great to bring them together for this project. Well, some roots just don't die especially Indian ones for Pooja.

He stood for courage, non- violence, faith…the values today's world seeks most...Mahatma Gandhi the doyen of peace. UTV Television that bought to Indians its first Hindi daily soap…is all set to co-produce another first for the Indian television with Smriti Irani Productions Limited, the epic of all epics-the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. This drama series would seek to tell the whole life story of Gandhi and his incessant search for Truth. And not just the things the Mahatma is known for. All said and done, nevertheless this project is surly to be one of the pioneering ventures as this is for the fist time an Indian Production house that is planning a project for the world wide audience. Discussion with the US and UK broadcasters are in the pipeline. "Mahatma Gandhi was also a husband, father, a family man. Though his sacrifices have been chronicled on screen before, we would also like to highlight the sacrifices made by his family, a story largely untold. We would also be shooting on the actual location to give authenticity it deserves", says Smriti Irani. "UTV television has always looked for innovation in what ever it ventures into. When Smriti came up with the concept I found it very interesting and novel. Gandhi has been one of the greatest political leader and thinkers of 20th century, we would like to encapsulate the golden era with great dignity, panoramic sweep and excellence in production," says Ajit, COO, UTV Television.

Veteran Actor Thilakan has been the news all through the year, but for wrong reasons. He was there in interviews lambasting AMMA, the artists association and one of his co actors Nedumudi Venu for, unethically grabbing his roles. The actor, who is said to be facing an unofficial boycott from major commercial ventures, will be back in the lead in the new film by popular mini screen director Sohanlal. The movie titled 'Orkkuka Vallapozhum' will be scripted by the director himself and will feature debutante Shilpa Balan as the heroine. Produced by Vinu Y S in the banner of God's own movies, the movie will have Thilakan as a seventy five year old Sethumadhavan, who tracks back his life to the age of innocence. Last year Thilakan appeared in the lead in one movie titled 'Ekantham', which went on to bag the national award. The actor was even considered for the award for the best actor in the national level, for the performance in this movie.

The latest buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that Kamal Haasan will join hands with Mohanlal for a movie to be directed by Major Ravi. Major Ravi, a retired defence personnel, had directed Mohanlal for a movie titled 'Keerthy Chakra' which was released in Tamil as 'Aran'. Jeeva played a prominent part in the movie. After a gap, he joins hands with Mohanlal again. Sources say it is a movie inspired by a fight hijacked from India to Kandhahar a few years ago by terrorists. Ravi had one intense reserach and would commence shooting on the incident which culminated with exchange of terrorists for the passengers hijacked. Kamal Haasan might be roped in to play a military officer alongside Mohanlal.

Captain Vijayakanth chose to celebrate his birthday in advance on 16 August along with his party cadres as he would be leaving abroad to shoot for 'Engal Aasaan'. Vijayakanth fondly called 'Captain' was born on the 25th of August and the day is being celebrated as Poverty Alleviation day. On Saturday, the Captain exchanged pleasantries with his party cadres and also distributed sweets and financial assistance to the downtrodden and the poor. Vijayakanth's 'Engal Aasaan' is fast progressing. Directed by Kalaimani, the movie features Sheryll Brindo opposite Vijayakanth. After this project, Vijayakanth will act in director Vikraman's movie. This movie would have Meera Jasmine opposite Vijayaka

Simran, who recently started her second innings in Tamil Cinema, is very clearly trying her hand at different avatar. In tune with this, she has decided to fulfill a longtime dream of her's and that is to direct a film. If sources are to be believed, Simran has requested ace director Maniratnam to allow her to assist him in a movie, so that she could learn the nuances of film-making. It is said that Mani too has responded positively to the plea of Simran. Reflecting this, the actress said, 'It is my ambition to direct a film, ever since I started my career in the industry. Hope it will become a reality soon.'

Amitabh Bachchan's most awaited film, Planman Motion Pictures' The Last Lear, is releasing on September 12. The film is directed by the multiple-award winning Rituparno Ghosh and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal, Shefali Shah and Divya Dutta. The release was recently announced and the first trailer can be seen in the theatre when you go for Singh is Kinng. The audience that managed catching its glimpse was awestruck by Bachchan's unique get up in the film. Says a viewer, "I saw the trailer in the interval of Singh is Kinng. It caught me completely by surprise! Amitabh is looking so smashing in his long white hair and Preity looks gorgeous in a sari. I have never seen her like this before. It looks like an interesting film. I am waiting for it to release!"

It's amazing how the biggest superstar of Indian films has never played an actor in his almost 4-decades long career. Now, this should be fun! In the trailer, Amitabh Bachchan can be seen effortlessly chanting away powerful dialogues in that voice that can shake mountains. With his long, flowing robes and a white mane, Bachchan surely enthralls. If the promise of excitement and hatke entertainment in the promo is anything to go by, then this is going to be one rocking film!

Did you know that Shamita Shetty has acquired a degree in fashion designing? The actress, before embarking on films full time, had planned to pursue a career as a fashion designer. She had even completed a degree course in fashion designing at Mumbai's SNDT College and was student the college faculty was proud of. A class mate revealed, "Shamita used to give her 100% to the projects she undertook as a fashion designer. She was brilliant at mixing and matching fabrics and would have definitely been an asset to the fashion world." Fabrics of varied hues, printed designs and playing with ideas and giving it a creative expression was something Shamita always felt passionately about. But guess fate had something else in store for her. A film offer from the industry's best, Yashraj Films, was too tempting to turn down. Guess the rest is history.

Ilayathalapathi Vijay started out acting in films produced and directed by his father S. A. Chandrasekhar. Though he had a rather sedate beginning, he skyrocketed as the boy-next-door in movies such as 'Poove Unakaga', 'Khadalukku Mariyadhai', 'Love Today', etc. Then came action oriented stories and Vijay excelled in them building a complete mass appeal that very few like Rajinikanth can boast of. Vijay's skill at dancing and fighting has made him the undisputed leader among young actors. He is in a position wherein after a few years could very well become the undisputed superstar of Tamil Cinema. The actor is currently working with Prabhu Deva for the film 'Villu'. Buzz is that this is his 48th movie. His 49th venture would be with AVM Studios. Would the highly popular actor have special plans for his 50th? Grapevine has it that he would be making his fiftieth film under his own banner V.V. Creations. Would that involve his dad as the director? Too early to speculate. One has to give it to S. A. Chandrasekhar for making Vijay the person that he is today. Keep watching this space for more updates.

Though numerous awards are showering on Meera Jasmine for her meticulous performances in many films last year, Malayalee film makers seems to have decided to teach her a lesson on professionalism. She had been the least punctual of all in the sets of her recent movies like'Innathe Chintha Vishayam' and 'Minnaminnikkoottam', making her co-stars like Mohanlal and veteran directors like Kamal wait for hours in order to start shooting. These incidents have irked the entire Malayalam film industry, who have reached a point of thought that working with her in future might prove to be quite risky.

After more than a year from 'Chotta Mumbai', her last release in Mollywood, Bhavana is finally back to play a heroine role in Malayalam. She will start shooting for her new film 'Lolypop' by the end of next week. The movie will also feature plenty of stars including Prithviraj, Kunchakko Boban and Roma. 'Lollipop' directed by hit maker Shafi will tell another youthful story. Bhavana had recently been in Kochi to complete her portions and to attend the shoot for the climax of AMMA's magnum opusesTwenty: 20’. The actress who replaced Meera Jasmine in the film appear as the heroine to the character played by Dileep. Meanwhile Bhavana's new Kollywood flick 'Jeyam Kondaan' featuring Vinay, is getting ready to grace the theatres by this 20.

Meera Jasmine had a close shave at Jammu and Kashmir when the car in which she was traveling to her shooting spot was pelted with stones by an angry mob who was staging a protest over the Amarnath Shrine issue in the valley. The actress had been to Jammu & Kashmir to shoot for a Telugu movie along with Jagapthi Babu. The crew had been on separate cars to the shooting spot on Wednesday night. Unfortunately the car in which Meera Jasmine was traveling was surrounded by a mob shouting angry slogans against the Jammu & Kashmir government and attacked it with stones. Meera cried for help and police personnel rushed to the spot and rescued her. They then helped her get back to the hotel. The shooting, as a result was halted and the whole crew had to return back to Hyderabad.

August 10 was a special day in the life of Suriya and Jyothika. Their little daughter Diya celebrated her first birthday on the day. Suriya and Jyothika along with their families celebrated the occasion in style at the Taj Fisherman’s Cover. The princess of the day looked very adorable in a cute pink dress and her smiles were the icing on the cake.It was a family celebration as only Sivakumar, Lakshmi Sivakumar, Suriya's sister; Brindha, Nagma and her father Chander Sadanah were present in the function.

The nation must not have forgotten Saba and Farah, the two girls who are always too close to each other but have not seen each other eye to eye as they are joined in their heads. The Siamese twins first came into the highlight in 2005 when the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after seeing their photos in a newspaper proclaimed that he will bear the entire medical expenses to successfully operate the girls. After the initial enthusiasm and some developments, the matter was forgotten by everyone involved and still the girls are in the same condition and getting weaker as the days pass. The two girls are obsessed with Salman Khan and consider him as their brother. Some days back it was reported in the media that the girls were getting so keen on meeting Salman and tying a rakhi on his hand and they are so adamant about it that their poor father got confused and did not know what to do. Salman Khan on knowing about this wish of Saba and Farah made it come true. He made arrangements for the girls to travel to Mumbai through air and tie the rakhi as per their cherished dream. Salman also promised Saba and Farah of a chance to participate in his television show "Dus Ka Dum" and also told them that he will surely visit their house in Patna.

'Taare Zameen Par' will be dubbed in Tamil as 'Vaal Natchathiram', with Suriya lending his voice for Aamir Khan. The movie is all set for a September release in Tamil and Telugu. 'Taare Zameen Par' is an award-winning Hindi film, produced and directed by Aamir Khan. This was his directorial debut. It is the story of a dyslexic child and Aamir Khan plays a drawing master in the film. Suriya has dubbed for the movie and incidentally the actor dubbed for Abhishek Bachchan for the Tamil version of Mani Ratnam's 'Guru'. 'Vaal Natchathiram' would be released by Pyramid Saimira, which has acquired the rights for distribution and dubbing.

After the recent release of 'Kuselan', the remake of the Malayalam super hit 'Katha Parayumpol', there is a whiff in the air about another possible Malayalam remake in Tamil. According to reports, plans are on to remake the Malayalam film 'One Way Ticket' that had Prithiviraj in the lead and Mammootty in a cameo as himself. The story was about Mammooty, a superstar in films, coming down to a village to save his ardent fan's love life. A big banner that produces Tamil films is said to have bought the rights for this movie and is ready to remake the film with Vijay in the lead role. The reports also add that superstar Rajinikanth has been approached to play the cameo. Official confirmation is not out yet and it is not known if Rajinikanth will give the nod. An interesting point to note is that Rajinikanth has been remaking quite a number of Malayalam hits. 'Muthu' was the remake of 'Thenmavin Kombathu' and 'Chandramukhi', the remake of the Malayalam classic 'Manichithra Thaazhu'. With recent reports that have come in saying that 'Kuselan' has managed only a lukewarm opening, the decision and announcement about remaking 'One Way Ticket' might go under the scanner.

One of the most famous Indian footballers of our times, I.M. Vijayan has proved his abilities as an actor of potential from his very first film 'Shantham’ which had him as the protagonist. He was lavished with applauds for living up as a spineless youngster, who elopes after killing his best friend over a political issue. Made around ten years ago, he was also been the subject of Kaala Hiran, a documentary focused on him. After these screen performances Vijayan had been a occasional regular in Mollywood films like ‘Aakashathile Paravakal’, and Quotation..Vijayan also appeared in Kollywood in films like ‘Thimiru' where he played the main villain. After a few years again with football and related activities, Vijayan returns to the silver screen with the new movie by his screen Guru Jayaraj titled 'Gulmohar'. I M vijayan will be in the role of an aadivasi youth in this movie, which is based on the real political situations during the emergency period.

Mammootty and Kavya were adjudged the best actors in the Jesy Foundation Awards, announced a couple of days ago. Mammootty was selected, the best actor for his performance in the Shyamaprasad movie 'Ore Kadal', while Kavya got the best actress for her twin roles in 'Nadhiya Kolapetta Rathri'. Adoor Gopalakrishanan was named the best director while ‘Ore Kadal’ was also selected as the best movie of 2007. The other awards announced by the foundation includes the ones for Pradeep Palluruthy (best playback singer-‘Katha Parayumpol’), Anitha (best playback singer - Rock N Roll), Sreenivasan, (best screenplay – ‘Katha Parayumpol’), Sathyan Anthikkad (best story-‘Vinodayathra’), Mukesh (best supporting actor – ‘Naalu Pennungal’) Kalpana (best supporting actress- ‘Anjil Oral Arjunan’). The award will be given away on the 19th of this month at Ernakulam in a colorful function that will be organized at the Fine Arts Hall, in association with the 69th birth year of the famous director.

Dileep will appear in the role of a Navy captain in his new film. Titled 'Colors', the actor will be in a character named Sanjay, in this film directed by 'Chess' fame Raj Babu. The pooja of the film was held lat week at Kochi, where veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma lighted the ceremonial lamp. ‘Colors' produced by Sunitha Productions will be scripted by V C Ashok. The music department will be handled by Suresh Peters who will set the tunes for songs written by Vayalar Sharath and Gireesh Puthencherry. The movie will be brought to the theatres by Aroma Release, for this Christmas.

Shaji Kailas will start his new film with Mohanlal by the 17th of this month. Shaji will be utilizing the dates that the super star has earlier earmarked for the Roshan Andrews film 'Casanova', which now stands postponed for a further date. Titled 'Red Chillies’, the movie will tell a curious story about the relationship between Omar, an underworld don with the nine popular female radio jockeys of the state .A K Sajan scripts the movie ,which is essentially a murder mystery. Produced by Renjith in the banner of Rejaputhra, majority of the movie will be shot at Kochi. Rajarathanam will once again work behind the camera for Shaji Kailas for this film. The same team of Shaji Kailas -A K Sajan- Renjith Rejaputhra and Rajarathnam created a wonder hit in ‘Chinthamani Kola Case' when they united a couple of years ago. This super hit is now being remade into Tamil in the title 'Ellam Avan Seyyal' by Shaji himself. The movie which is in its final stages of post production will shortly reach the theatres.

It's Priyanka Chopra all the way this month with God Tussi Great Ho and Chamku releasing within two weeks of each other. And the svelte actress promises to look completely different in the two. "Not that I planned for God Tussi... and Chamku to come one after another. But fortunately I look very different in both. In God Tussi... I'm dressed in shorts and jeans. I wear a nose-ring throughout the film...a very hip and 'today' thing to do. In Chamku I'm a schoolteacher. So I'm dressed in saris." While God Tussi... is set to release on August 15, Chamku will hit screens Aug 22. The actress says she enjoyed herself while working for God Tussi... with Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. "We really had a good time shooting God Tussi Great Ho . That sense of enjoyment shows up on screen. But it is her Chamku co-star Bobby Deol whom she can't stop talking about. "Bobby and I go back a long way. He and Sunnyji (Sunny Deol) are a part of my initial phase in Mumbai. Sunnyji did my first film The Hero with me when I was a nobody. He didn't have to. But he encouraged a newcomer. I'll never forget that. "As for Bobby we've done two films together before. I'd do anything for the Deols' banner Vijeta Films any time," Priyanka said. Is that why she agreed to be in Chamku though it's an out-and-out Bobby Deol film? "It is Bobby's film, but I've a substantial role. I am the shoulder he cries on. Sometimes it's good to be a shoulder instead of shouldering a film," she chuckled.

Music director Sandeep Chowta is planning to collaborate with Australian drummer Virgil Donati and guitarist Brett Garsed. The trio will compose music for Hindi films. Sandeep Chowta has composed music for films like Satya, Mast, Asoka and Dum. Speaking to reporters at a special performance by the two Australian musicians in Mumbai o August 8, Chowta said: "I am planning various projects with them. I will however let the producer announce the projects.""Indian film industry especially Bollywood has grown tremendously and their growth has been a lesson for the world. I will be really happy to work for the industry," Drummer Donati said. "I have been listening to various singers and artists in India and found them to be excellent," guitarist Garsed added. While talking about his experience in India, Garsed said, "It is my first visit to India and I am very happy with the warm response we have received from the people here."

Actor-producer Dino Morea is ready to adapt a British play on screen and says he will team up with the much sought after Kareena Kapoor in his first movie as a producer. Dino and Kareena bonded beautifully when they shot the ICI Dulux Velvet Touch paint ad in Rajasthan with Karan Johar last year. "Karan played the lead with Kareena while I was just the silent producer. I made her promise that if and when I produce a film she'd have to be my co-star. I never knew the director for my first feature film would have the same idea," said Dino. The actor, who is smarting under a double blow - Bhram and Anamika bombed at the box office - is playing it safe. Last year he had signed ad filmmaker Shamim Desai for his first film as producer, but Desai backed out. "It's an adaptation of a very successful play from Britain. At this stage, I'd rather not say more because someone is always there to pull the rug from under your feet. "The hit play in Britain was directed by a very talented guy called Pravesh Kumar and now I've hired him to direct my first feature film based on his own play," says Dino. The film will be based on one of Pravesh's two hit plays - Deranged Marriage or Something About Simi. But why Kareena and not Dino's close friend Lara Dutta? "Kareena suits the role perfectly. It's almost as if the role was conceived for her. She's meant to play the part. In fact, the play is named after her character." For the time being Dino has decided to cut loose from all outside assignments. "For many years I've done films to earn money so I could buy my car, house and a life in Mumbai. Now I need to build a body of work, and just my body," Dino quips. He has only one film on the floors. "In Acid Factory, producer Sanjay Gupta and director Suparn Varma have given me a completely new look. I haven't ever grown my hair to shoulder-length. I better do it now or soon it'd be too late." Dino's co-stars in Acid Factory are Aftab Shivdasani, Fardeen Khan, Manoj Bajpai and Danny Denzongpa. "I'm working with Danny and Manoj for the first time and what an experience! I yearn to learn from actors who know more than me. We bond really well. We have to because we're all supposed to be locked up in this factory from which we cannot escape." After a moment Dino adds, "Fortunately, there's an escape route to my career. Making my own films."

Friendship might be a lesser known virtue in the film industry but everybody in Kollywood knows that Silambarasan aka Simbu is a huge fan of Ultimate star Ajit. In all his films, he makes it a point to mouth positive punchlines about Ajit or show posters of the actor. Now he has gone step ahead and is donning the famous suave Billa look of Ajit for his latest film Silambattam. Sources close to the unit tells us that in the climax scene shot in Pollachi, Simbu comes in Billa suits in the confrontation scenes with the villain played by Kishore (of Pollathavan fame). When this idea was conceived, Anu Vardhan the costume designer of Billa was asked to do a similar suite worn by Thalai in the original. But due to time constraints it was not possible to stitch one on time. So the ‘Little superstar’ without any fuss, agreed to wear the same suit that Ajit wore after making necessary alterations! When contacted Simbu he said: “So what? I am a huge fan of Ajit and when my director came up with this idea I jumped at it. We have given the Billa BGM in this scene. When I appear in Ajit get-up, I’m sure than his fans and mine are going to freak out on it”.

GK Film Corporation’s Vikram Krishna produced; Vishal’s action-cop film Sathyam has been censored, with ‘UA’ certificate. It’s Telugu version Salute however has been cleared with an ‘A’ certificate, which is the norm for all action movies produced in Tollywood. Among the cuts given by the censors, the steamy song Chellame, Chellame… picturised on Vishal and Nayanthara has been trimmed. Some dialogue muting is also there. However Vishal is happy that the film has been censored and is now ready for release on August 14. Concludes a relieved Vishal: “I’m very happy and contended the way the film has shaped out. The censors have been nice and they also acknowledged the fact that the film has a powerful message to convey.”

The upcoming actress Bharathi, eloped and married her Manager and cousin Murugan ! The buzz is that, she had a hush-hush wedding at the Thiruverkadu temple near Chennai on July 11. The actress hit the headlines when she boldly played the role of a commercial sex worker in her debut film Ammuvaghiya Naan, with Parthipan. It got her critical acclaim, and then she did Nenjathe Killathe with Vikranth. However when her career was on the rise, she fell in love with her manager and relative Murugan, and called it a day.