Women Get Less Opportunity in Comedy: Richa Chadha

Richa Chadha, who featured in quirky films like ‘Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye’, ‘Fukrey’ and the ‘Fukrey Returns’, said female actors do not get many opportunities in humorous roles. Richa said, "I do not understand why people think that women cannot do justice to a comedy role. We have had a history of leading ladies who played extremely funny roles in films from the black and white era."

"From Madhubala, who acted in a film like 'Chalti Ka Nam Gadi' to Sridevi in 'Mr India', we have had so many actresses who have great comic timing." However, she said, "I think we do not allow women to play funny parts thinking they are supposed to be pretty, which is the stereotypical thought. So I would say, do not ask such question, because it encourages stereotype. We have a history of it."

Richa played the character Bholi Punjaban in 'Fukrey' in 2013. Now its sequel 'Fukrey Returns' is winning her praise. Asked about how the character has travelled through from the first film to its sequel, the actress said, "Well, Bholi Punjaban is a criminal and will always remain the same. In the first installment, she was sent to jail, and in 'Fukrey Returns', she is back from the jail, lost all her money and illegal business and is struggling for survival."

"But you know, the film is a quirky one, so there are a lot of funny elements to it."

Richa started her career in 2008 with 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye'. Then she made her mark with movies like 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela' and ‘Sarbjit’, apart from projects like 'Words with Gods' and 'Masaan' which went to various foreign film fests.

She admits actors have more opportunities and avenues to explore nowadays.

Priyanka Chopra Glad to see Filmmakers innovate

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who recently launched an interactive trailer of “Monsoon Shootout”, said she is happy to see filmmakers who push the envelope with something new.

"Shoot or not to shoot? You get to decide what happens next in the trailer for 'Monsoon Shootout'. What a cool idea! So glad to see filmmakers innovate and push boundaries of the filmmaking process," said Priyanka.

Priyanka also congratulated the film's producer Guneet Monga and the team by and said it is "great stuff". A story woven on the concept of making life-altering choices, the film has been directed by Amit Kumar.

'Monsoon Shootout' premiered at Cannes and won Best Thriller in several festivals internationally. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Varma, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Neeraj Kabi.

Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor together after 17 years

After 17 years, the hit onscreen couple of “Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor” is set to reteam for a film for Inder Kumar’s ‘Total Dhamaal’. The couple was last seen in 2000 in the film ‘Pukar’.

Madhuri and Anil have given several hit films like Beta, Parinda, Tezaab and Ram Lakhan among others.

Madhuri said, “I will be working with Anil ji after 17 years. I am really looking forward to it. It is a comedy, an entertaining film.”

The film will reportedly also star Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi.

New York-based writer Sri Rao has penned the comedy series about a Bollywood star who settles down in the suburbs of America with her bicultural family.

Madhuri left Mumbai after her marriage to Shriram Nene and moved to Denver, US, where she lived for 12 years. The actor returned to India in 2011, along with her husband and sons.

Sunny Leone to do a Telugu film

Actress Sunny Leone is excited about featuring in action sequences in a period war film in Telugu. The actress has been signed up for a movie to be directed by V.C. Vadivudaiyan. Ponse Stephen is producing the film. The yet untitled film will be based on the culture of south India.

For this project, she is all geared up to learn sword fighting, horse riding and other stunt-related arts. For this purpose, a special trainer from Andhra Pradesh will fly to Mumbai and teach Sunny all these arts. Sunny has given a call sheet of 150 days, and around 70 minutes of the movie is said to be computer generated imagery-driven. It will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi.

"After this movie, I am sure my image will change completely. I have always liked doing action sequences. I was waiting for a script like this only for years. I started preparing for this movie from the minute director V.C. Vadivudayan narrated me the script."

"I have a special love towards south India, so I am very happy to do a straight Telugu movie. I have a lot of my fans in south India, especially Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala."

The shoot will start in February.

Sarah Jane Dias driven by Passion

Sarah Jane Dias has always been particular about choosing projects that resonate with her personality, be it while VJing, participating in beauty pageants or featuring in commercial potboilers. Currently, she is riding the high wave with performance-oriented roles in a few shows on the web.

Recounting the highs of her career this year, Sarah says, “In 2017, I have been part of three web series that have done well. It's a great place to be in, and it feels good to make an impact on the web space. I have discovered my creative expression and as a result, I'm attracting the right projects. For an outsider, this is no mean feat amid such a stiff competition. I have been driven by passion all my life, and it has paid off now.”

The model turned actor's next is also a web series, which is titled ‘Time Out’. Elaborating on the story line, she says, “It's about a man who is torn between his professional aspirations and personal life. As a society, we don't discuss or address male depression. We consider it beneath a man to cry; it's sad, but true.”

Apart from the web series, Sarah will be seen in the second season of the reality show, ‘Ultimate Beastmaster’.

Admitting that she has made some unconventional choices, she says, “The path I have chosen isn't premeditated; today, I can say that I have evolved as an artiste and as a human being.”

Richa Chadha followed by fans on bikes

Actress Richa Chadha reprimanded some enthusiastic fans for following her on bikes in Bandra. The incidence took place on Sunday.

“Got followed over by some enthu-fans on bikes in Bandra. You are a hazard to the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. Certainly no way to ask for pictures. Please improve.” Richa tweeted.

Celebrities often get chased by fans for autographs and selfies, irrespective of where they are.

Just last month, the Mumbai Police issued a challan to actor Varun Dhawan for obliging a fan by taking a selfie from his car. He was photographed partly out of his car's window and taking a selfie with a female fan who was seen travelling in an auto rickshaw.

But Varun later apologised for his behavior, and said: "Next time I'll keep safety in mind and won't encourage this."

Priyanka to launch Trailer of ‘Monsoon Shootout’

Actress Priyanka Chopra will launch the interactive trailer of 'Monsoon Shootout' via social media.

A story woven on the concept of making life-altering choices, the film has been directed by Amit Kumar and produced by Guneet Monga.

Priyanka, who has made her mark internationally, will extend support to launch the trailer for the film.

Guneet said, “I reached out to Priyanka to express our desire to have her launch our trailer. She watched the trailer and loved the innovation of being a first-of-its-kind interactive trailer where the audience chooses the ending.”

“It is indeed very kind of her to instantly agree and extend her support. She has produced and supported several independent films. She is a global icon and an amazingly talented actress who has a great sense of good content. It's humbling to see someone like her to come forth in support of our film.”

‘Monsoon Shootout’ premiered at Cannes and won Best Thriller in several festivals internationally. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Varma, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Neeraj Kabi among others. It will release on December 15.

Sonam Kapoor likes wearing Men’s clothes

Sonam Kapoor is undoubtedly the fashionista of Bollywood. The actress has never failed to impress us with her style statements; be it in India or in abroad.

However, when asked about it at the ongoing Reliance Digital and Filmfare Glamour And Style Awards, she said, “People think I'm stylish but I like wearing men's clothes. It's definitely my sister Rhea Kapoor. She has wonderful people working under her.”

The actress will next be seen in her sister Rhea’s venture production ‘Veere Di Wedding’ also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania in lead roles.

About the film, Sonam said, “It's a very good film. It has female leads. It's commercial, filmy and a happy romantic film."

Disha Patani upset over rumors

Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff have often been spotted making public appearances together as well as seen going out for lunches and even their gym sessions. However, the alleged lovebirds have never come out in open and admitted to being in a relationship.

Recently, a rumor about the makers of ‘Baaghi 2’ being unhappy with the duo spending time together during the shoots, spread like fire.

Disha addressed the issue by rubbishing the rumor, stating that, "nobody has any problem with that". She allegedly added that she doesn't think this is going to affect the film and according to her, "the story is what takes a film forward”.

Helmed by Ahmed Khan, ‘Baaghi 2’ is slated to release on April 27, 2018.

Natasa Stankovic: Daddy got me Fukrey Returns

Serbian dancer and actress Natasa Stankovic said her performance in the song 'Dance dance' in political crime drama film 'Daddy' got her chance to be a part of 'Fukrey Returns'.

"Bosco and Caesar choreographed the song 'Dance dance' and that's where we met for the first time. They were very happy with my work. Bosco was the one who liked my performance in 'Daddy', so he gave my name for 'Fukrey Returns'," Natasa said.

"Soon after that, I got a call and I was asked if I would be interested in doing a song in 'Fukrey Returns'. I was very excited and grabbed the opportunity at one go." she added.

Natasa, who started her career in Bollywood with Prakash Jha's 'Satyagraha', has appeared in the 'Mehbooba' song in 'Fukrey Returns' alongside Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh, Ali Fazal and Varun Sharma.

'Fukrey Returns' is slated for a release on December 8.

Priyanka Chopra Sizzles on Cover of 'Hello'

Priyanka Chopra has been winning hearts with her commendable work the world over. The Bollywood actress is now an international sensation after gaining popularity for her hit US television series 'Quantico'.

The beauty turned cover girl for the latest edition of ‘Hello’ magazine and dazzled in a sequin embellished ensemble. Priyanka looks breathtakingly beautiful in the chic number that is accessorized with earrings, bracelets and a statement ring.

Priyanka Chopra is shooting for the next season of 'Quantico' and her Hollywood flick 'A kid like Jake' is on its way the Sundance Film Festival. She will also be seen starring in the flick 'Isn't It Romantic'.