Said to be an important part of the movie, sources claim, the love-making sequence gives John's character a new twist. Even though it is graphic in nature, director Nagesh Kukunoor has made sure to film it aesthetically. ]]> New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) Bollywood hunk John Abraham has done it again. After shooting an intimate scene with Katrina Kaif in his last outing “New York”, the actor will now be seen cosying up with debutante Sonal Sehgal in his forthcoming movie “Aashayein”.

Said to be an important part of the movie, sources claim, the love-making sequence gives John’s character a new twist. Even though it is graphic in nature, director Nagesh Kukunoor has made sure to film it aesthetically.

“John and Sonal’s love-making scenes come at a crucial point in the film and take the story in a new direction. Before shooting it, Nagesh explained the motive behind the passionate scene to both the actors,” said a source.

A long-awaited project, “Aashayein”, narrates the story of a compulsive gambler, Rahul Singh (John), who wins a fortune and soon realises he has only 90 days to live. He then discovers new meanings of life through a dramatic turn of events and people he comes across. It is releasing Aug 27.

"As an actress, Sonakshi has every right to decide what she wants to do and what she doesn't want to do. It is basically her call. There is a limit for everything and, of course, every family has its own 'maryaada' (rules). We have already told her that we have certain 'maryaada' and she shouldn't cross her limits," Poonam, an actress herself, told IANS. ]]> New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS) As actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter Sonkashi debuts in Bollywood, her mother says she is free to do what she wants on the big screen, but she must not cross the limits set by the family.

“As an actress, Sonakshi has every right to decide what she wants to do and what she doesn’t want to do. It is basically her call. There is a limit for everything and, of course, every family has its own ‘maryaada’ (rules). We have already told her that we have certain ‘maryaada’ and she shouldn’t cross her limits,” Poonam, an actress herself, told IANS.

Sonakshi, 23, who stars opposite Salman Khan in “Dabangg”, has announced that she is not inclined towards doing any item numbers and has not worn any provocative clothes in the film.

Is that a result of her parents’ restrictions?

“Hopefully, when you see her in subsequent projects, you will find out,” Poonam said on being asked about the other restrictions imposed on Sonakshi. She refused to comment any further on the do’s and don’ts for her daughter.

Sonakshi is a trained fashion designer, but when Salman offered her a film on the condition that she would have to lose weight, the newcomer jumped at the opportunity.

Poonam said she is extremely proud of her daughter for getting into shape.

“Sonakshi really looked after herself well with her will power. She regularly went to the gym, controlled her food and eating habits which had become very erratic. You know how, as a teenager, kids love to go out and eat. But once she knew she could get a chance in films, she started focussing on her goal; there was no looking back.

“She went on a diet, followed a strict gym routine. She really worked hard and the end product was really beautiful. I am proud of her,” said Poonam, whose last big screen appearance was as Hrithik Roshan’s mother in the historical drama “Jodhaa Akbar”.

Almost three decades ago, Poonam was seen in movies like “Jigri Dost” and “Sabak” but moved away from showbiz to take care of her family after her marriage to Shatrughan.

“I have my hands full now. I have a daughter’s career to look after and, of course, my sons also. I am a 24X7 housewife and that is why I couldn’t take up much work. I did get a lot of offers, but my hands are full,” she said.

But Poonam is open to any role as regal and as one-of-a-kind as her character Hameeda Bano in “Jodhaa Akbar”.

“If another film like ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ comes, if I get something like that, maybe I will give it a try.”

She also hopes that some day she will get to share screen space with daughter Sonakshi and son Luv Sinha, who had a flop debut with “Sadiyaan”.

“I think it will be my privilege to work with my children. This is one relationship where there is no competition, where you would not mind your children walking ahead of you by leaps and bounds. And I hope my children do very well in their lives,” she said.

Poonam’s other son and Luv’s twin brother Kush is yet to make a film debut.

The announcement will be made in Mumbai Tuesday in the presence of Etihad Airways' vice-president (Marketing) Andrew Ward, country manager (India) Neerja Bhatia said, as Katrina looked on. ]]> Mumbai Aug 19 (IANS) Bollywood beauty Katrina Kaif has been named the brand ambassador of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, an official said.

The announcement will be made in Mumbai Tuesday in the presence of Etihad Airways’ vice-president (Marketing) Andrew Ward, country manager (India) Neerja Bhatia said, as Katrina looked on.

According to the official, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the increasingly competitive luxury airline segment, Etihad Airways is constantly developing and communicating its unmatched and uncompromised service to patrons.

“With a vision to be a truly 21st century global airline, the association with Katrina Kaif will further symbolize Etihad Airways’ brand attributes, showcasing young, premium and fresh approach to service in the air and on the ground,” the official added.

Katrina, 27, currently ranks as the top Bollywood star and has soared to this position in less than seven years, which has resulted in a string of awards to her credit.

Starting with Kaizad Gustaad’s “Boom” in 2003, Katrina has also acted in Tamil and Malayalam movies.

Her prominent movies include “Sarkar”, “Partner”, “Welcome”, “Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya”, “Namaste London”, “Race”, “Singhh Is King”, “Yuuvraaj”, “New York”, “Rajneeti”, “De Dana Dan” and “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”.

Part of the Kolkata-based Emami Group, the Rs.8.5 billion turnover company entered the branded edible oil segment recently with its Healthy and Tasty brand sunflower, palm and rice bran oil. ]]> Chennai, Aug 19 (IANS) Emami Biotech, the latest entrant in the growing packaged edible oil segment, is hoping to capture 15 percent market share in three years time.

Part of the Kolkata-based Emami Group, the Rs.8.5 billion turnover company entered the branded edible oil segment recently with its Healthy and Tasty brand sunflower, palm and rice bran oil.

“The total edible oils market in India is around Rs.1,000 billion of which the share of branded segment is Rs.120 billion and is growing. We are targeting a sales of Rs.1,500 crore in three years time. In the first year we hope to earn around Rs.300 crore,” Aditya V. Agarwal, director, told reporters here Thursday.

Emami Biotech that imports crude palm, sunflower and rice bran oil is expanding its oil refining capacity by putting up new refineries in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat at an outlay of Rs.500 crore.

The company has already expanded its existing edible oil refinery at Haldia in West Bengal investing Rs.100 crore.

“We have also taken 100,000 acres in Ethiopia on long lease to grow palm, sunflower oil seeds and jathropha plantations. The outlay will be around Rs.250 crore. We are in the process of investing there,” Director Manish Goenka added.

Launching the brand in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, West Bengal and Karnataka, Goenka said the brand would go national by April/May next year.

He said the company will be launching the brand in Maharashtra in four months time.

Emami Biotech will spend Rs.20 crore on brand building during the first year of operations and has roped in cricketer M.S. Dhoni and actor Preity Zinta as brand ambassadors.

The company is also targeting 10 percent sales from institutional segment comprising hotels, restaurants and modern retail chains.

"I don’t know much about politics, but from whatever I see on TV; whatever Rahul Gandhi is doing makes him a classical example for the youth. Hopefully, he will be prime minister one day," Deepika told Doordarshan in an interview. ]]> New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Actress Deepika Padukone has praised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a “classical role model” for youth and hopes he leads the country as prime minister one day.

“I don’t know much about politics, but from whatever I see on TV; whatever Rahul Gandhi is doing makes him a classical example for the youth. Hopefully, he will be prime minister one day,” Deepika told Doordarshan in an interview.

Do you wish Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister?

“Yes, of course,” Deepika told Manoj Tibrewal Aakash while appearing on the show “Ek Mulaqat”.

“I think he connects very well with the youth. His thoughts and outlook are traditional, but at the same time he has a futuristic approach. I think this is very important for our country,” added the actress who will be seen as a blind girl in her forthcoming movie “Lafangey Parindey” releasing Friday.

The interview will be telecast on Doordarshan News Saturday at 9.30 p.m.

"The piece that is designed as having 10 heads is inspired by the film 'Raavan'. The film didn't do well but I really liked it so I decided to make this piece," Pahuja told IANS. ]]> Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Designer Laksha Pahuja, who showcased a two segment collection at the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), drew inspiration for one of his jewellery pieces from the film “Raavan” and wishes to have actor Abhishek Bachchan’s picture on it.

“The piece that is designed as having 10 heads is inspired by the film ‘Raavan’. The film didn’t do well but I really liked it so I decided to make this piece,” Pahuja told IANS.

“The jewellery item has 10 faces on it and there is one at the back, which is empty, I really wish to have Abhishek Bachchan’s picture on it since the item is inspired by a film in which he plays Raavan,” he said.

The piece, that is made of silver, gold and diamonds, was the only one that was showcased by a male model in the show.

The collection also had other impressive and innovative designs including the one with a dragon and the other with pink dolphins.

Talking about his jewellery that majorly was composed of gold, cubic zirconia diamonds and other precious stones, Pahuja said: “Jewellery is my passion and I am god gifted when it comes to the creativity of designs.”

“Also I am a goldsmith, so I exactly know how to make experimental and innovative jewellery. It is very important to know goldsmithing because only then you get to know how far you can go in experimentation.

“It is easy to put designs on paper but converting them to reality is something different,” he added.

The collection was divided into two parts. One had designs of cocktail jewellery that was primarily made of diamonds and coloured stones. The second segment boasted of more creative and futuristic designs.

IIJW is the first ever jewellery week taking place in India and will conclude Thursday. The event has been organised by the Gem and Jewellery Promotion Council.

"Yes it's true! I signed a film with Vishal Bharadwaj! I'm really really excited... he is a genius," Deepika posted on her Twitter page. ]]> New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has confirmed signing a Vishal Bharadwaj project.

“Yes it’s true! I signed a film with Vishal Bharadwaj! I’m really really excited… he is a genius,” Deepika posted on her Twitter page.

Known for making films like “Omkara” and “Kaminey”, the filmmaker is right now busy shooting “Saat Khoon Maaf” starring Priyanka Chopra.

Meanwhile Deepika is busy promoting her film “Lafangey Parindey”, releasing Friday.

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Akshay goes ‘balle balle’ with Indo-Canadians

Akshay Kumar seems to be having a lot of fun while shooting Anees Bazmee’s “Thank You”. After throwing a bash for co-star Suneil Shetty, he enjoyed shooting bhangra scenes with a bunch of Indo-Canadians.

“Shot with a fun-cool bunch of Indo-Canadian bhangra boys and girls on the sets of ‘Thank You’. A big shout out to all of them… thank you guys, you all rocked,” Akshay posted on his Twitter page.

Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, “Thank You” also features Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan, Celina Jaitley and Rimi Sen. The movie will release next year.

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Twitter not for me: Imran Khan

After months of being on micro-blogging site Twitter, actor Imran Khan now feels it isn’t a right platform for him.

“I signed up on Twitter because I saw it as a way to interact on a personal level with my audience. I love interacting with fans and I’ve always looked for ways to do that – whether it’s through online chats or live events, but I have started to feel that this is not the best medium for me to do so,” said Imran.

The actor was quite regular with his tweets before the release of his film “I Hate Luv Storys”. But he now wants to move away.

“I don’t want to give the impression that I’m upset or angry about anything’¦ far from it. As I said, I have truly enjoyed having the chance to reach out to so many people and I truly appreciate all the love and support I’ve received. What it boils down to, I think, is that I just don’t feel twitter is right for me. Thank you all for the good times. It’s been a lot of fun,” he concluded.

"Priyan is one of the most versatile director of today... National Award winner for two films including 'Kanchivaram'. He has given hits like 'Hera Pheri' and 'Virasat' and has a command on commercial cinema too. I am glad to produce a movie under his direction. He is a man of commitment," Ghai told IANS. ]]> New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Filmmaker Subhash Ghai will launch his next production on the 32nd anniversary of his banner Mukta Arts Ltd Oct 24 and he has signed popular director Priyadarshan to helm it.

“Priyan is one of the most versatile director of today… National Award winner for two films including ‘Kanchivaram’. He has given hits like ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Virasat’ and has a command on commercial cinema too. I am glad to produce a movie under his direction. He is a man of commitment,” Ghai told IANS.

According to a source, the cast and credits of the film are being finalised currently and will be announced shortly.

In more than three decades, Ghai has made hits “Karz”, “Karma”, “Ram Lakhan”, “Khalnayak”, “Pardes”, “Taal”, “Iqbal” and many others.

His last release under the banner was not-so-successful film “Yuvvraaj”, which had an ensemble cast of Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif.

]]> By Sudeshna Sarkar

Kathmandu, Aug 18 (IANS) As the audience wonders whether Natha, the poor farmer from Peepli village, will kill himself to save his family and land in Aamir Khan’s latest hit production “Peepli Live”, it is much more than just a story in Nepal.

“Peepli Live” is alarmingly coming alive in the country, impoverished by centuries of exploitative kings and prime ministers, a series of failed governments and a 10-year civil war that has emptied out entire villages of young people.

As debutante director Anusha Rizvi’s accolade-winning film opened in Nepal’s theatres Aug 13, the nation, in a sombre coincidence, is mulling over two suicides that have shaken people already familiar with death, disaster and injustice.

The first occurred Aug 13 itself when a 35-year-old woman, abandoned by her husband and unable to provide for her two children, first threw them into a river to die and then set herself on fire.

The second suicide was still more stunning with the victim being the son of a peasant leader who had taken part in an earlier uprising in eastern Nepal.

Shambhu Rajbanshi killed himself in Nepal’s tea garden district of Jhapa Sunday after years of frustration. Four months ago, his father Digendra Rajbanshi had hanged himself in the headquarters of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist, Nepal’s ruling party.

Digendra Rajbanshi, a member of the party, was a peasant leader who mobilised people during the popular uprising against Nepal’s oligarchical Rana rule in 1950. He had been arrested and jailed for almost a decade.

But despite his contribution, the peasant leader’s bitter complaint was that the party had abandoned him and others like him. He had been seeking a job for his son but to no avail.

While Nepal’s media hailed “Peepli Live” as a film worth watching, veteran journalist and columnist Gunaraj Luitel said its message was meant for Nepal as well.

“The crisis is not just (for) Indian farmers,” Luitel wrote in his weekly column in the Nagarik daily.

“The state of our farmers is no different. They work all through the year and yet their sweat doesn’t even bring them enough to eat. The peasant is losing his rights to the giant corporations and big investors. He can’t buy seeds and fertiliser at a subsidy and doesn’t get a fair price for his produce.”

“Yet there is no one to speak on his behalf. There are many villages called Piple in Nepal too and many farmers there are in the same plight.”

(Sudeshna Sarkar can be contacted at sudeshna.s@ians.in)