Emraan Hashmi has signed his first U certified film

Actor Emraan Hashmi, known for his serial kisser image, has revealed that he has signed his first U certified film and gives credits to children for doing it. "There is an untitled, Universal film, it would be my first U certified film," said Emraan. "Actually, I was shooting in Jaipur three-four years back and some children told me that we watch your songs, but our parents don't allow us to see your films. So I said, one day when I get a good script, I'll definitely make a film for you all."

"Fortunately, I have got such a script. It is still in the pre-production stage and it has not been announced yet, but it is for universal audience," he added.

The 33-year-old was speaking Sunday at a promotional event for his upcoming film Jannat 2.

Emraan, who was last seen in The Dirty Picture, says that he values audience opinion more than the critics.

"There is an adulation that you get from audience. I never really give too much importance to critics or any awards. So for me, audience's acceptance is my yardstick for success," said the actor.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh, Jannat 2 is set for a May 4 release. It also marks the debut of model Esha Gupta in Bollywood. Emraan said even after nine years in filmdom, Fridays make him jittery.

"For me as an actor, as a performer, it's a high, a positive sign for me that there is an adrenaline rush when the film releases Friday. I still wonder how the film is going to work, how will it be appreciated. This is fun, but scary too," he said.

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Dinda reminds me of myself: Allan Donald

Former South African pacer Allan Donald feels that Ashok Dinda's jump at the bowling crease reminds him of his playing days and he is "right up there along with other Indian pacers".

"I have no problem with his jump and that's the way he has done it for a while now. It's not something you see with most bowlers but he (Dinda) reminds me of myself. I too had to get off the ground high enough to snap very hard at the crease," Donald told PTI during an exclusive interview.

Elaborating further, he said, "I love the hang time he gets before he snaps through the crease. The hang time allows him to get into a strong position before pulling the trigger. The action comes naturally to him but the stress on the body is huge so paying attention to his core will be something he will have to work hard on."

Having worked with the 28-year-old at the Pune Warriors, Donald feels that those related to the Indian team should be clear as to what role they want Dinda to play.

"Dinda has impressed me with his attitude and skill. The question I want to ask, do coaches see him as a stand in for the big boys or a potential talent who you can back to do you a job no matter what?

"Of all the Indian bowlers I have seen, he is right up there. We all want to stack up the numbers (wickets) but there is a patiant process to follow and that for me will make him a big time contender in the Indian team."

With 330 Test and 272 ODI wickets, Donald has the expertise and authority to talk on fast bowling.

"Bowling is like a golf swing. It is all about feel and it is complex. There is a lot that can go wrong, if everything is not in-sync. When you are in good form, you have to understand why you are in that sort of form and again it brings me back to the training ground."

For one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation, "The bottom line is, if you disrespect the way you train, mother cricket will rub your nose in the dirt."

Getting it right at the nets is the key, says Donald.

"In my coaching role, I keep a close eye on how players go about there business and that is to never let them take that practice space for granted for one second. If I know that they are doing it right at training then I know they will get it right more often than not out in the middle."

Donald feels it is easy to motivate a bowler when he is in good form rather then when he is going off the boil.

"It's easy to motivate someone when he is in great form but important time is when the player wants to know why his out-of-form. The player will straight away go to his 'Default' and that means there is a technical problem. (I used that same excuse). In my role, most bowlers understand there actions and know there roles within the team. So for me, to come in and tell them how to bowl is not going to work."

The Pune Warriors coach doesn't believe in having conventional net practice in the run-up to a Twenty20 game.

"In this form of the game, there is no point just rolling through a net practice just for the sake of it. From bowler's point of view, we have to train under real pressure and that is simulating bowling in the Powerplay overs.

"I like doing that having a middle practice where the bowlers can set there field accordingly and the presure feels real then they can see for themselves what mistakes they make in there execution. The same goes when we practice just bowling yorkers."

Among other bowlers who have caught his attention, Donald feels Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav of Delhi Daredevils have been "stand-out performers."

"Morne has shown what a class act he is and I love what Umesh brings into the game for his franchise as well as national team."

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Stock Market on April 30, 2012

BSE gains 131.47 (0.76%) and close on 17,318.81
NSE gains 39.15 (0.75%) and close on 5,248.15

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Bol Bachchan will release on July 6, 2012

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, who is currently busy shooting his comedy flick Bol Bachchan, says he is excited that the film will hit screens on July 6. The film, which is inspired by Amol Palekar starrer 1978 film Golmaal, is being directed by Rohit Shetty and stars Bachchan and AjayDevgn in the lead role.

"Back on the sets of Bol Bachchan. Few more days and it's a wrap on the film. Releases 6th July. Excitement is becoming!," Bachchan posted on Twitter.

Bachchan, 36, had met with a minor accident last year while shooting for the film in Jaipur last year.

After his stint as an action hero in Players and Game, Bachchan will be back in comedy with Bol Bachchan after three years.

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We must give credit to Morne Morkel: Rahul Dravid

"It was disappointing to lose from that position. We had the game within our grasp till the 18th over, but Morne's 19th over was crucial. He bowled really good balls. We must give credit to him the way he bowled under pressure," Rahul Dravid said.

"It happens in Twenty20 cricket. May be we could have finished the game much earlier.

"But we will have to bounce back (from this defeat), we have no other option. We probably needed the points more than Delhi," he added.

Dravid lauded Ajinkya Rahane, who played a super unbeaten 84-run knock, which turned out to be in a losing cause.

"He (Rahane) will be disappointed not to end on the winning side after such a wonderful knock. I told him not to be disappointed because thiese sort of things happen in cricket. He is batting amazing this season. It is not only good for us but also augurs well for India," the Rajasthan skipper said.

Despite the heart-breaking defeat, Dravid preferred to stay.

"Our bowling today was superb. We probably bowled the best of any teams against Delhi, who has such a formidable batting line-up," he insisted.

Delhi pacer Ajit Agarkar agreed with his former India team-mate, Dravid, and was also of the view that Morkel's penultimate over was the turning point of the game.

"There is always hope in Twenty20 till the last ball is bowled. They (Rajasthan) were in the driver's seat in the majority part of the match till Morne's over," he said.

"Twelve runs from the last over is always a tough ask."

Asked whether they were satisfied with the 153-run target set for Rajasthan, Agarkar said, "Probably not. We would have like to get a few more but the wicket was not that quick as in the last match. It was little bit on the slower side and shot making was difficult."

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Amitabh Bachchan trusts me a lot as a director: RGV

Amitabh Bachchan and Ram Gopal Varma have united again after a gap of two years, for their upcoming action film 'Department' and the filmmaker feels that the megastar has a lot of faith in his directorial skills.

"He (Bachchan) trusts me a lot as a director. So I think so far it has not happened like that where I had approached him (for a role) and he said no. Somewhere he knows my commitment and seriousness," Varma said.

RGV and Big B first teamed up for 'Sarkar' (2005), a dramatic thriller set in the world of politics. The film did average business at the box office.

Then came Nishabd (2007), where Bachchan played the role of a 60-year-old falling in love with his daughter's 18-year-old friend. Their next venture was Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, a remake of Sholay. Both bombed at the box office.

This was followed by Sarkar Raj (2008), a sequel of their earlier film, Sarkar. It was a commercial hit. However, their next, Rann (2010) which focused on Indian media, was panned by critics.

Of all the films in which the duo has worked together, Varma, likes Bachchan the most in Nishabd.

"I liked him in Nishabad. I think that was his best performance. People react to overall things, but I as a director would react to his performance as to how he drew emotions and all in that film. I feel ‘Sarkar’ was easier for him to do...people like that more," Varma said.

Now the 67-year-old actor would be seen in Department where he plays the role of a gangster-turned-politician, alongside Sanjay Dutt and Rana Daggubati.

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Manmohan Desai, the master, was different: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is back to work at the studios after recovering from his abdominal surgery, says vanity vans, which are a common possession these days, were the luxury of a privileged few earlier.

The 69-year-old actor said that filmmaker Manmohan Desai had introduced the concept of vanity vans and gifted him one too.

"At the studios these days, the largest space is taken up by the vanity vans for artists, talent, directors, writers... It was never like this in our time... ok... like earlier days! At times for an all night shoot, you just dozed off on the floor of the set... getting a room was a luxury.

"But Manmohan Desai, the master, was different. He had a back problem and needed to lie down as he travelled to the sets, so he built himself a van where a bed could be placed and put up a television set inside, something that was unheard of...," the 69-year-old posted on his blog.

"And then within a few days presented me with one. It was not what vanity vans are like today... I put in a pull out make up tray with mirror, to do my make up in there and desperately tried to fix a music system within," he added.

Bachchan had teamed up with the maverick director many a times and delivered hits in Mard, Coolie, Naseeb and Amar Akbar Anthony.

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I am trying to improve game by game: Naman Ojha

In his quest to be in the reckoning for selection in India's senior team, wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha said he is trying to raise the bar by performing well in every tournament.

"I am satisfied with my keeping, I am trying to improve game by game, trying to perform well in every tournament, domestic (tournaments) and that's all I can do," Ojha, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, said ahead of his team's match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.

His exploits for Rajasthan Royals while opening the batting with Graeme Smith in the IPL initially is well remembered, but Ojha could not quite repeat that performance for the Daredevils last year.

The change of his batting position was the reason behind it.

After starting this season as opener, Ojha was dropped down the order to accommodate experienced Sri Lankan import Mahela Jayawardene.

"I am trying to score as many runs as possible in the last 2-3 overs," said the 28-year-old player from Madhya Pradesh.

The Daredevils are going strong at the top of the table with six wins from eight games, but Ojha said they were not thinking too much ahead.

"We are just concentrating on our next game. Not thinking about too far ahead."

Ojha's teammate from Jamaica, 23-year-old Andre Russell, said he was waiting for that first opportunity to play in this IPL.

"I am happy and excited. I will be just happy to get a chance and perform.

"With (David) Warner coming in tomorrow, and KP (Kevin Pietersen) leaving (after a couple of games), I still believe I can get into the final XI. I am ready for any opportunity," Russell said.

"(Virender) Sehwag, KP and Mahela are very experienced, I have been watching them since a very young age," he said when asked about the experience of rubbing shoulders with some of the leading stars of world cricket.

"We are learning a lot by sharing the dressing room with them and having nets with them. It's great to how they approach the practice session and matches."

Sunday's encounter will be Pietersen's last at the Feroz Shah Kotla and, coinciding with the occasion will be the musical concert by popular Bollywood singer Mika Singh, who will perform after the match.

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Kahaani celebrates 50 days at the BO, Grosses 104 cr worldwide

Sujoy Ghosh's Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani has written a new success story. The movie has not only completed 50 days at the box office, it has collected Rs. 104 crores from India and overseas.

"Kahaani celebrates 50 days at the BO. Grosses 104 cr worldwide. Fabulous!" Trade expert Taran Adarsh tweeted on Friday morning.

"@AniGuha @krnx #Kahaani gross figure from India + Overseas theatrical is 104 cr. Nett figure [India] is, of course, lower," Adarsh said in a reply to a follower.

"My intention was to make a film and play with the script beautifully, I never thought about the commercial aspect," Sujoy Ghosh had said in an interview.

"It's ultimately the film's script and the word of mouth that will ensure success for the movie," he added.

Director Sujoy Ghosh says he decided to take a risk with Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani, which looked a very unfilmable story on paper. Sujoy says he was discouraged from making the film which had a pregnant woman as the lead star, a bunch of unknown actors and Kolkata as a backdrop after Home Delivery and Aladin failed at the box office. 

"There was no guarantee whether this will work because when you look on paper, Kahaani is everything that a film should not be. What is interesting about the film is that it had no crutches but acting and the way we told the story. My heart was set on it though people discouraged me and a lot of things happened. You get discouraged at every turn in your life but once your heart is set on something it is very hard to do anything else and that's what happened to me," he said in one of his interviews.

Sujoy feels that another thing that worked for the film was that he had a team whose faith in the story matched his conviction.

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Sunny Leone's real name revealed

In case you thought Sunny Leone's real name is Karen Malhotra, here's an update. Sunny's passport has revealed her true identity. 

A Filipino actor-filmmaker forwarded a copy of Sunny Leone's passport to Mumbai Tabloid Mid Day. 

Sunny Leone's full name is - Karenjit Kaur Vohra.

Apparently, there's a story behind 'Leone' also. The word is reportedly the anglicised version of Kaur which mean lioness in Punjabi.

The lady meanwhile is busy shooting Pooja Bhatt's Jism 2. She has also signed Ekta Kapoor's Ragini MMS 2.

"Hello! Had a good hindi class today. I have all my lines down and ready to rock @Jism2," she tweeted recently.

Sunny has also signed her first brand endorsement in India. "Super exited to have featured in Chaze Mobile TVC… had an amazing time shooting for it… can’t wait to see it on air," she tweeted. 

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She's also denies doing item number for Zanjeer remake. "I am not doing any item song at the moment!!!!!!!" She tweeted.

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I am in prime form: Virender Sehwag

As he led Delhi Daredevils to a dominating win against Mumbai Indians with a blistering 73, Virender Sehwag on Friday said he is in prime form and it is team's strategy that either he or Mahela Jayawaredene stays at the crease at least till the 15th over. 

"I have scored about 150 runs in the last three games, so yes, I am in prime form," Sehwag, who was also man-of-the-match, said.

Sehwag is only the third player in the history of IPL to score three consecutive half-centuries. Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis are the other two.

On Friday, Sehwag and Jayawardene rattled up 135 runs for the first wicket in 13.1 overs to lay the foundation for the comprehensive win. 

"We discussed in the team meetings that one of me and Mahela has to stay until the 15th over, today both of us did and we had a very good partnership," Sehwag said. 

Sehwag also said he has asked his players to just focus "on process and not the result" and that's key to their success as they sit on top of the table. 

Mumbai skipper Harbhajan Singh said Delhi outplayed them. 

"We didn't get the result we were looking for. Delhi played fantastic, they batted too well.

"Credit goes to Delhi, they outplayed us," he said. 

Harbhajan also said there was a risk in asking Delhi to bat but he took the gamble. 

"They like to chase, With their batting line-up, they can chase down any total.

"We did not bowl good enough to restrict them to under 170," he said. 

Asked since he has seen so much Sehwag, what else he could have done to stop Sehwag, Harbhajan said,"You can only wish that he misses the ball and gets out."

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Sachin is the greatest player ever played: Kevin Pietersen

England batsman Kevin Pietersen reckons that Sachin Tendulkar is the "greatest ever" to have played the game of cricket. Pietersen was here on a visit to Amity University campus, where he gave tips to budding cricketers. Later in an interaction with the students, Pietersen was asked about his team's strategy against Tendulkar when they take on Mumbai Indians in their next Indian Premier League match on Friday.

"Sachin is a magnificent player. He is the greatest player ever played. In Twenty20, anything can happen. It's hard to predict result and we will try to win two points," the South African-born English cricketer told a packed auditorium.

Pietersen was also asked about his inspiration in cricket. To which he said,"I don't follow anybody. I grew up in South Africa and loved watcing Jonty Rhodes, Hansie Cronje. Other than that I liked Mark Waugh. There are a few people I enjoy watching them play but I can't be somebody else."

Pietersen, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in IPL, was also asked to compare playing at Lord's and Ferozshah Kotla.

He said,"Lord's is traditional, English. There are knowledgeable people. At Kotla it is intense, loud. I have lot of respect for crowd here. It's loudest than any other (venue)."

Pietersen feels India were lucky to have two great batsmen in Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag playing at the same time. KP as he is popularly known played with Dravid when he was with Royal Challengers Bangalore and is now playing alongside Sehwag.

"Rahul is magnificent player. It is a privilege to have played with these players. India is lucky to have these great men. It's great to play in Bangalore and Delhi," he signed off.

Australia's Finch was asked by a girl student if he knew some words in Hindi language. The Victoria player said he knew, "theek hai, chalo chalo and some bad hindi words," which obviously he did not say in front of the students.

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Stock Market on April 26, 2012

BSE falls 20.62 (0.12%) and close on 17,130.67
NSE falls 13.00 (0.25%) and close on 5,189.00

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It's a Bhatt camp: Esha Gupta

Model-turned-actress Esha Gupta, who is set to make her Bollywood debut with Jannat 2, says her co-star Emraan Hashmi is one of the main attractions of the film.

"It's a Bhatt camp (Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt) film. You know, the film is going to be amazing because of the music. Thanks to Pritam (Chakraborty), we have got amazing music already and the star already, you know, Emraan Hashmi! What else do you think is the USP of the film," the 26-year-old said here. 

Jannat 2 is a sequel to the 2008-film Jannat and is set to hit theatres May 4, 2012. 

According to earlier reports, actress Jacqueline Fernandez was supposed to play the role, which ultimately went to Esha. But the debutante says she is lucky to have bagged the film, directed by Kunal Deshmukh.

"Yes, that's what even I read that Jackie (Jacqueline) was supposed to do it (the film). But for some reason of hers or the director, it didn't work out. As I say... whoever gets it, it's their good luck," said Esha who was crowned Miss India International in 2007.

She also featured in the Kingfisher calendar.

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Guys like Sachin can't play forever: Jonty Rhodes

Stating that players of Sachin Tendulkar's calibre would not be playing forever, former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes said it is important that the youngsters who emerge from tournaments like the Indian Premier League are good all-round cricketers.

"Guys like Sachin can't play forever and it's important that the young Indian players who come through the IPL are all-round players, not just in batting and bowling, as most of the Indian players are, but also as good fielders," Rhodes, who is Mumbai Indians fielding coach, told PTI.

"They've got quite a few young Indian players and what I think the organisers are trying to do is to make sure that once the Tendulkars and the Harbhajans retire, the younger guys coming through will carry India," he added.

Rhodes said his job is to try and teach the players the importance of fielding.

"What I'm trying to get across to them is that fielding is important to a one-day game, especially in 20-over games where one run can make a difference. I've seen that in the 1999 World Cup against Australia and the World Cup against Sri Lanka in South Africa.

"I'm not asking them to do miraculous things. I'm saying just find me one run that you can save for the team. It's more about attitude than anything else," he said.

Rhodes said IPL has proved to be a great platform for the budding cricketers.

"It's always been my view that Indian cricket is going to strengthen and improve because of the IPL. I think that was the key for the BCCI, who were very wise in making sure that the youngsters were getting great coaching and opportunity to play with international cricketers.

"The IPL is a great platform where you get international players and international coaches working with the young players."

Meanwhile, Rhodes made it clear that coaching South Africa national team again was not a likely option.

"I don't think so. Coaching a national team involves nine months of the year. The IPL for me is a 10-week commitment. Taking on something full-time with a national team is hard work," said Rhodes.

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Stock Market on April 25, 2012

BSE falls 56.00 (0.33%) and close on 17,151.29
NSE falls 20.65 (0.40%) and close on 5,202.00

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Top of the table because of my bowlers: Virender Sehwag

Even as Delhi Daredevils maintained their domination at the top, skipper Virender Sehwag today credited his bowlers for the team`s eight-wicket win over Pune Warriors here.

"Good to be (on) top of the table, all because of my bowlers as they did a fantastic job," Sehwag said after scoring an unbeaten 48-ball 87 in his team`s convincing win.

"They (Pune) recovered well after losing a couple of wickets early on but they couldn`t get past 150, which is chaseable," he added.

Pune Warriors skipper Sourav Ganguly said that 170-180 would have been a par score to defend at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium.

"We lost a couple of wickets early, we didn`t get enough runs, so 170-180 would be a par score," Pune Warriors skipper Sourav Ganguly said.

"It`s a good wicket, not a big ground. We were under six an over for about 13 overs and then got some runs in the end," Ganguly added.

Daredevils` senior batsman Mahela Jayawardene said the team addressed the issues that led to their defeat in the first-leg match against the same opposition three days back.

"In the last game, we made a lot of mistakes, we spoke about it. Our bowlers bowled very well today, and the batting clicked as well.

"We are getting a lot of things right, but there are areas (where) we can improve. It`s a long tournament, still halfway to go, we can`t get complacent," he said.

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We did take alternate takes for certain scenes: Kunal Deshmukh

Jannat 2 director Kunal Deshmukh has played it smart. While shooting the 'A' certificate film, he was already prepared for necessary alterations that would be required for it to be showcased on the small screen.

Otherwise, he says he wouldn't want to see his film being murdered with several cuts by the censors.

“We do know there are some guidelines. Whether good or bad, we have to follow them. While shooting (Jannat 2), we did take alternate takes for certain scenes like lovemaking and liplocks which I knew might get cut. I had to reshoot the song so that you can still follow the story,” Deshmukh told IANS.

“What you will see of Jannat 2 on TV will be almost uncut, but a different cut. I would not want my movies to be murdered with 59 cuts. I don’t want to be in the same situation as The Dirty Picture,” he added.

“We do know there are some guidelines. Whether good or bad, we have to follow them. While shooting (Jannat 2), we did take alternate takes for certain scenes like lovemaking and liplocks which I knew might get cut. I had to reshoot the song so that you can still follow the story,” Deshmukh told IANS.

“What you will see of Jannat 2 on TV will be almost uncut, but a different cut. I would not want my movies to be murdered with 59 cuts. I don’t want to be in the same situation as The Dirty Picture,” he added.

Ekta Kapoor's bold film The Dirty Picture, which was set for its worldwide TV premiere Sunday afternoon, was submitted with 59 cuts. Despite that, it wasn't allowed to be shown in any time slot before 11 pm.

Deshmukh was prepared for any such situation, and shot alternative scenes to showcase the movie on TV.

“We were prepared for it and I dubbed my film for satellite. We took alternative dubs for language, which I knew will not be allowed on TV,” he said.

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Stock Market on April 24, 2012

BSE gains 110.61 (0.65%) and close on 17,207.29
NSE gains 22.05 (0.42%) and close on 5,222.65

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FATSO: First Look

A romantic-comedy featuring actors Ranvir Shorey, Gul Panag and Purab Kohli, directed by Rajat Kapoor, is scheduled to hit theatres on May 4. Speaking about the fim — called Fatso, Rajat said, “The script has been with me for about three years and this might be the most commercial film I have done.” He added, “Once in a while you get an idea that has the potential to be liked by a number of people. Fatso has that potential.”

"Once in a while you get tickled by an idea that has the potential to be liked by a huge number of people. I believe, 'Fatso' has that potential," he added.

The released of the film was delayed for a long time. Ranvir had said, “Its very frustrating. As an actor you can only wait as to when the film will release. It’s always up to the market forces and you have no control over it.”

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Housefull 2 enters 100 crore club

Sajid Khan's multi-starrer comic caper has garnered approxRs. 102.23 crore in 17 days. It's the second film in 2012 to cross the 100 cr mark after Agneepath. It's also the first Akshay Kumar movie to enter the coveted 100 cr club.

"Sajid Khan’s film made approximately Rs. 102.25 crore nett in 17 days. The multi-starrer made Rs. 8.50 crore nett in its third weekend at the box-office," reports koimoi.com.

"The film opened at the box-office with an impressive Rs. 42 crore in its first weekend," according to the blog.

The film's innings at box office remained undeterred by the ongoing IPL that usually cuts into a film's business.

"Good morninggg. It was a great weekend for Bollywood. #Housefull2 crossed 100 cr, #VickyDonor is a winner, #HateStory scored at s screens," Trade expert Taran Adarsh tweeted on Monday.

"#Housefull2 *Week 3* Fri 1.75 cr, Sat 2.75 cr. Total: Rs. 97.5 cr nett. Should touch 100 cr mark today [Sunday]," Adarsh had earlier tweeted.

Akshay Kumar on Housefull 2 crossing 100 cr mark

"For all those congratulating me for Housefull 2, honestly 100 crores is just a number but I'd be lying if I would say it doesn't matter. Hearing/reading words like superhit, excellent business, great word of mouth, back in form, are music to any actor's ears but again YOU guys are the only reason behind it. THANK YOU ALL for watching & enjoying Housefull 2. God bless you all always," tweets Akshay Kumar.

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KKR fielded brilliantly: Kumar Sangakkara

Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara blamed another bad fielding show for the five-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Barabati Stadium.

Deccan missed a few golden chances to put the Knight Riders batsmen under pressure as they slumped to their fifth consecutive loss and remained winless in the tournament on Sunday night.

"We got a great start, was a great platform. We should have got 150, but KKR fielded brilliantly. We can talk about another missed catch probably, but we bowled well, and made it difficult for Knight Riders," he said.

Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir praised batsman Manoj Tiwary for taking the team over the line on what could have been a nervy finish.

"The wicket was low, credit to Deccan for the way they bowled. It was a matter of applying themselves, and Manoj and the others did that."

Man of the Match Brett Lee, for taking a wicket and giving away only 15 runs in his four overs, said that the plan was to bowl a lot of slower balls.

"We summed the wicket up pretty well today. We tried to put the new ball up there to try and get the nicks, but then we took pace off it. Only four (overseas players) make it to the XI, a lot of guys miss out, that is the way it is," the Australian said.

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Stock Market on April 23, 2012

BSE falls 277.16 (1.60%) and close on 17,096.68
NSE falls 90.25 (1.71%) and close on 5,200.60

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Rajasmita Kar wins Dance India Dance season 3

The search for India's best dancer finally came to an end when 21-year-old Rajasmita Kar was declared the winner at the grand finale of third season of Zee TV's dance reality show Dance India Dance here on Saturday night.

The Odisha girl beat Pradeep Gurung, 24, from Assam, Raghav Juyal, 20, from Dehradun, Sanam Johar, 20, of Delhi and Mohena Singh, 23, from Madhya Pradesh's Rewa to walk away with the winner's trophy and Maruti Ertiga car. The show had started off with 18 contestants. 

However, Mohena got a cash prize ofRs. 3 lakh for the best desired performance of the season.

The finale was hosted by Saumya Tandon and Jay Bhanushali, who opened the show with their dance performances. Judges and mentors Geeta Kapoor, Remo D'Souza and Terence Lewis also created magic with their spectacular acts, while grand master Mithun Chakraborty was seen applauding the performances.

Actor Anil Kapoor came to promote his forthcoming release Tezz and support the finalists.

The winners of first two seasons of the show were Salman Khan, from Bangalore and Shakti Mohan, from Mumbai.

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Dinesh Karthik`s run out changed the game: David Hussey

Kings XI Punjab stand-in captain David Hussey today said that the run-out of Mumbai Indians stumper Dinesh Karthik to end a 75-run partnership with James Franklin turned their IPL match here in their favour.

"I thought Dinesh Karthik`s run out changed the game. He`s a quality player and someone who I think will play a lot for India in the future. When he was going strong I thought 180 Mumbai Indians would raise 180. To restrict them to 163 from that stage was a fantastic effort from our bowlers," said Hussey after KXIP`s six-wicket victory.

"We are sitting probably sixth or seventh on the league table. If we just keep collecting the wins here we can make it to the finals. If we stick to good basic cricket we can shock a few teams," he said.

Hussey praised the innings of 68 not out from his Australian compatriot and team-mate Shaun Marsh and hoped the left-handed batsman continued to perform as well in future matches.

"The way Shaun batted tonight hopefully he goes from strength to strength and we continue being very consistent," said Hussey, who led KXIP in place of injured Adam Gilchrist.

"It was satisfying to win here. All the boys love playing here. To put a performance like that in front of the Indian and world public was just fantastic. The boys are not going to celebrate tonight knowing that a return game is due in a few days` time (at Mohali)," Hussey said. 

Mumbai Indians batsman James Franklin also said that but for the run-out dismissal of Karthik in the first ball of the 16th over, the home side would have put up a bigger total than what they did.

"Karthik`s run out was the turning point and also changed the momentum. We were complementing each other well," he rued.

"I thought we did not capitalise enough in the last two to three overs while batting. We were in a pretty good position. It was an unfortunate mix up with Dinesh Karthik that broke the momentum. We could have got a little more I guess," said the lanky New Zealander who today scored best-ever score of 79 in the IPL.

"The way Sachin and I were batting I thought 160 was a competitive total. In hindsight, 170-180 would have been better. We were in the game except in the last three overs where Shaun Marsh batted unbelievably well and won the game. You have to give him credit for it," he said.

"The ball was not quite coming on to the bat. Sachin and I were trying to asses the conditions as much as we could. We knew if we scored 160-170, we would be in the game. Unfortunately, we ended up on the losing side," he added.

He said though MI had put up a competitive score, Shaun Marsh played a match-winning innings to dash their hopes.

"We had a total which could keep us in the game, and it did keep us in the game. But in the end it was Shaun Marsh with played unbelievably and won the game. You got to give him a lot of credit," he said.

"He (Praveen Kumar) bowled a very good first over. He was angling it well. He did not bowl too many bad balls," he said.

"Malinga has been an important part of Mumbai Indians since its inception. Any team would love to have him, but his injury is unfortunate. He is bowled well. He is leading from the front. He is doing a good job. He led this team to Champions League title," he pointed out.

"It happens in cricket and we can`t do anything about it and hopefully he will be back soon," he said.

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Dada`s two wickets came at a crucial time: Virender Sehwag

Stunned by a relatively weaker opposition in Pune Warriors, Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag said opposite number Sourav Ganguly`s twin strikes with the ball and his own dismissal turned out to be the deciding factors in their Indian Premier League match here.

"Dada`s two wickets came at a crucial time," was Sehwag`s reply when asked about Ganguly`s two for 27 run spell.

Asked about his own dismissal, the Delhi dasher, who scored a 32-ball 57 before being caught by Murali Kartik off his own bowling in the 13th over, said, "Absolutely, it (my dismissal) was crucial because the way I was batting I should have continued."

"Nothing went in our favour today. Our bowling and batting changes didn`t work. I changed the batting order because of the pressure of chasing 190, but we lost two crucial wickets (Pietersen and Pathan) in quick succession," Sehwag said at the post-match press conference.

"Big players don`t guarantee you win. Chasing 190 there is always pressure on the batsmen because you need to hit every ball.”

"Me and Naman were not giving good starts, so I just thought of promoting Mahela as he has done remarkably well in the recent past opening he batting for Sri Lanka," the Delhi skipper added.

The two teams will again lock horns against each other in a return leg match at Pune`s Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium on Tuesday.

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Sourav were outstanding: Steven Smith

Pune Warriors batsman Steven Smith credited skipper Sourav Ganguly`s "gutsy" performance for the team`s 20-run win over the fancied Delhi Daredevils in an IPL match here.

Ganguly led from the front, scoring 41 runs with the bat before scalping two crucial wickets in the form of dangerman Kevin Pietersen and Irfan Pathan to guide Pune to the win over a star-studded Delhi Daredevils at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground on Saturday night.

"The boys played really well. Jesse and Sourav were outstanding (with the bat) in the middle overs," Smith, who played a 13-ball unbeaten 34-run cameo, said at the post-match press conference.

Asked about Ganguly`s contribution in the match, the Australian said, "He (Ganguly) played really well. He brought himself (on to bowl) at a crucial time and got those two wickets. It was pretty gutsy from him."

Smith is hoping to regain his place back in the Australian set up riding on the performance of his maiden IPL experience.

"I am really enjoying. It`s the first time I am playing in IPL. We have good team, we are a good bunch. As long as we keep improving and play well we will be a force to reckon with in this IPL," he said.

"My main goal is to play for Australia again. In the last three months I have been dropped from all three formats. So, I am just working hard and trying to improve," said Smith about his national prospects.

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Department: Sneak Peek

It's action time for Bollywood. RGV is back with Department starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Rana Daggubati. 

Amitabh Bachchan is playing a reformed gangster, Sarjerao Gaikwad, in the film. The film tells the story of a terrifying power struggle within the police department.

Nathalia Kaur will be performing an item song in the film. 

"The character Sarjeroa played by Mr. Bachchan represents a Machiavellian character whose power lies in his manipulation and deception", said RGV. 

Sanjay Dutt is playing the character of Mahadev, which is an ultra dynamic character whose power lies in his dual personality which he very successfully hides. 

Department

HD Wallpapers

Sneak Peek

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Veena Malik willing to bare all for Playboy

Veena Malik, who made headlines for her controversial "nude" FHM India shoot, has revealed that she would pose nude for Playboy for $1 million.

The Pakistani actor has confessed that she would bare all for the magazine’s centrefold spread if she was asked.

“I’d think about it. Why would I say no?” the Mirror quoted her as saying.

“It’s a great opportunity. I’d definitely go for that.”

“That is my job. I am a model and I would consider every single opportunity that comes my way,” she added.

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Stock Market on April 20, 2012

BSE falls 129.87 (0.74%) and close on 17,373.84
NSE falls 41.55 (0.78%) and close on 5,290.85

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Housefull 2 set to enter in 100 cr club

"#Housefull2 *Week 2* Fri 4.5 cr, Sat 6.75 cr, Sun 8.75 cr, Mon 3 cr, Tue 2.5 cr, Wed 2.15 cr. Total: Rs 91.65 cr nett. Fantastic!" Trade expert Taran Adarsh shared the updated figures on Twitter.

"The multi-starrer managed to rake in Rs. 63 crore net at the box-office over the weekend! The film had made Rs. 42 crore at the box-office in its first weekend. While the Sajid Khan film does have the disadvantage of the IPL matches, it has the advantage of no other big films releasing in the meantime," reports koimoi.com.

Housefull 2's three-day total was Rs.42 crore. "The first day collections of the film were Rs. 14 crore. On Saturday, collections dropped slightly to Rs. 13 crore. On Sunday, Housefull 2 netted a total of Rs. 15 crore, taking its three-day total toRs. 42 crore (approx. all-India net)," says the website.

Overseas

"Housefull 2 collected Rs. 5.50 crore in the Overseas circuit over Thursday and Friday. In the UK, it collected £ 112,075 on Friday. In Australia, Housefull 2 collected A$ 73,143 on Friday. In New Zealand, the Friday collections were NZ$ 34,604. In the UAE, collections on Thursday were AED 725,000," according to the blog.

"Housefull 2 continued to dominate the marketplace with excellent business in its second weekend. It's amongst the biggest grossers in Overseas," writes Taran Adarsh.

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We have been inconsistent: Adam Gilchrist

Comprehensively beaten on their home turf by Kolkata Knight Riders, a disappointed Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist said his team failed as a batting unit.

"It was a combination of some poor batting (by us) and very good bowling by KKR. We have been inconsistent. We got off to a decent start, probably one of the better we have had in five games, but that was cut short when I came off (retired hurt). We haven't put together a comprehensive batting display at all. There is no doubt about that," 40-year-old Aussie told reporters after the match last night.

Asked how serious was his injury, "I will sit with the physio and find out, whether I will need a scan or not. When I was out there (off the field), it didn't get any worse."

"We've got to play better than what we have, as a general rule. We have to play better cricket. We are not far off the post ad we obviously feel we can improve," he said.

Asked what he felt about the catch, Gilchrist said, "on replays, I am not convinced with that. I thought there was a huge element of doubt there".

"Shaun asked the wicketkeeper, which I must say, is fairly the way how I opt to play the game. He asked the wicketkeeper he said yes he caught it, so he walked off".

"We accept that decision. We all get bad decisions and we have to get on with that. We have seen already a controversy in this tournament on something like that happen, which was not a pretty incident," he said.

Asked about team co-owner Preity Zinta who was upset with the umpire's decision when the incident occurred in the 14th over, Gilchrist said from the sidelines he had only told her that he would handle it.

"From the sidelines, I just said, please let me just handle this and she responded. She just went straight back and sat down. She is a passionate supporter, a team co-owner and a fan of this game. I do not know what she was going to say to me when I told her that I will handle this after which she respected that and sat down," he said.

Meanwhile, KKR's medium pacer Rajat Bhatia, who ended up with figures of 4-0-23-1, said it was a challenge to bowl on a track that did not have much for the bowlers.

"Consistency always matters and that's what (captain) Gautam (Gambhir) told us before the match. The more consistent you are, the more your chances of being on top of the table, that's what he told us, and that is actually helping us," he said.

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Stock Market on April 19, 2012

BSE gains 111.32 (0.64%) and close on 17,503.71
NSE gains 32.40 (0.61%) and close on 5,332.40

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I am thankful that Rajasthan Royals gave me opportunity: Owais Shah

Out-of-favour England batsman Owais Shah today said that his impressive performances for Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League is bound to be noticed by fans and administrators back home.

He also said that he is banking on the Twenty20 event to earn his place back in the national side.

Asked whether he believes that his fine showing in IPL V would get due weightage back home, Shah said, "The performance in IPL is watched world over and I am sure back home too people must be looking at my performance."

"I am thankful that Rajasthan Royals gave me opportunity to bat at the position I like. I had played for Delhi Daredevils, Kochi Tuskers and KKR earlier in IPL but the opportunities were just not there," he said.

"I have a different role now and I have to apply and get accustomed to it and perform. I would be glad if I get a chance to play again for the country and I would be thankful to Rajasthan Royals for giving me the opportunity," he added

Shah, however, refused to comment on fellow countryman Kevin Pietersen's statement that England's lack of interest in IPL is down to jealousy.

"I don't want to comment on the statement of Kevin Pietersen. But my personal view is that he did mean something else," said Shah.

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Stock Market on April 18, 2012

BSE gains 34.45 (0.20%) and close on 17,392.39
NSE gains 10.30 (0.19%) and close on 5,300.00

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Housefull 2 going strong in second week

After getting the second best opening in 2012, Sajid Khan's sequel to Housefull continues to perform well at the box office. It seems Akshay Kumar's magic is back despite the current IPL fever.

The second weekend collections of the film are impressive. "The collections on Saturday jumped to about Rs. 6.75 crore from Rs. 4.75 crore on Friday. Sunday numbers were said to be about Rs. 9 crore, taking the India net collections to Rs. 81 crore. The film, which cost over Rs. 75 crore to make, including prints and advertising, has already ensured the producers Rs. 28 crore from satellite rights," reported Mid Day.

"The first day collections of the film were Rs. 14 crore. On Saturday, collections dropped slightly to Rs. 13 crore. On Sunday, Housefull 2 netted a total of Rs. 15 crore, taking its three-day total to Rs. 42 crore (approx. all-India net)," trade analyst Komal Nahta stated on koimoi.com.

"In terms of box-office records, Housefull 2 has the second best opening day collections of 2012, after Agneepath (Rs 25 crore)," he added.

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Stock Market on April 17, 2012

BSE gains 206.99 (1.21%) and close on 17,357.94
NSE gains 63.50 (1.22%) and close on 5,289.70

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Hate Story is India's Basic Instinct

Bollywood actor Nikhil Dwivedi, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming erotic thriller Hate Story, feels that the movie is India's first Basic Instinct.

Hate Story, produced by Vikram Bhatt and starring Paoli Dam in the lead role and is already creating a lot of buzz with its explicit trailer.

Nikhil says it's in the lines of the Hollywood film starring Sharon Stone in terms of boldness. 

"Had I not liked it I'd not have been part of it. First thing that came to my mind was, oh! it's a Basic Instinct in India. I thought, why not be a part of India's first erotic thriller? I have tried not to walk the trodden path. And this is an erotic thriller which is has been handled aesthetically," Nikhil told PTI.

Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film also stars Gulshan Devaiah of Shaitan fame. It will hit the theatres on April 20.

"It (film) has pushed the envelope of depicting erotica or portraying sexuality in Indian films to the boundaries. I'm still gung-ho about the story and that is something the audience is going to look forward to. If the story is good they'll like else they may not. But, at the end of the day it's just a film," he said.

Nikhil, who made his Bollywood debut in 2008 with My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, said he was initially offered the role of co-star Gulshan Devaiah but turned it down as he is too shy to do intimate scenes on-screen.

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Stock Market on April 16, 2012

BSE gains 56.44 (0.33%) and close on 17,150.95
NSE gains 18.75 (0.36%) and close on 5,226.20

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Gambhir warns of drastic changes

With his side failing to chase a modest 135 to win, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir on Sunday warned of making drastic changes to the side if seniors fail to perform again.

Opted to bowl, Kolkata rode on a superb 5/19 by Sunil Narine to restrict Kings XI Punjab to 134 for nine but lost the match by two runs.

The left-hander was highly critical of his batsmen.

"How can I say in a press conference that I am happy with their form. I've some experienced players and they need to take up responsibility. Otherwise there would be the need to take some strong and drastic decisions," Gambhir said

"I am obviously pretty disappointed with the performance. The way we started in the first six overs, we should have chased it down. But it's a worrying sign if you end up losing these kind of games."

Gambhir also said the loss of form by Yusuf Pathan, who is yet to fire for the team, is a worrying sign.

"He needs to deliver to be very honest. He just can't keep playing these kind of shots. He is an important player for us. Hope he can get back to runs as soon as possible. I've lot of faith in him. He is a big match player. Hopefully he can end up winning a couple of games which is very important for us."

Gambhir, however was all-praise for his bowlers.

"The way we restricted them to 134 for nine was a nice effort. I could not have asked for more. It was a fantastic effort. I can't really say it was a poor day. We played well in patches."

Pitted against the same opposition at Mohali in the next outing, Gambhir was hopeful of a better show.

"It's still a long way to go. We need to get the momentum back. Hopefully we can try and win our away game (against Team Punjab on April 18) and carry the momentum to Cuttack (against Deccan Chargers on April 22).

The Eden track might not look conducive to batting but Gambhir said it was fair enough and said Kings XI Punjab too had their win on a green top which was not ideal for T20 format.

"I've said again and again that let's not talk about wickets. The green wicket on which Kings XI got their win in the previous match was not a good T20 wicket either.

"I feel it was a very good wicket to bat on. Ball was coming on nicely to the bat. It (the loss) has nothing to do with the wicket."

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What benefits have the Dalits from statues and memorials: Akhilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday accused his predecessor, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, of playing political gimmicks over the parks and monuments built by her in the state.

Questioning how the Dalit community would benefit from statues built by Mayawati, Akhilesh said that her Dalit vote bank was shrinking due to which she has resorted to such tactics.

“What benefits have the Dalits in the state received from the construction of statues and memorials? If the Chief Minister got statues of herself made in her lifetime, how did the Dalit community benefit? This disappointment is haunting her. Her vote bank is receding, due to which she is resorting to political stunts to mislead her own people,” said Akhilesh.

Reiterating his stand that he wanted schools and hospitals built in vacant spaces adjoining the massive monuments, Akhilesh further said that BSP supporters won’t object this move of his.

“Many hundreds of acres of land are lying vacant. These are valuable lands, located inside the city. If a provision is made for education or healthcare, a children’s or a women’s hospital, then I don't think that people from the Bahujan Samaj Party regime would have any objections,” said Akhilesh Yadav.

He added that he had written to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, asking for a better supply of coal to increase power generation in the state.

“The Samajwadi Party will decide in favour of any steps that will lead to an increase in power generation in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, I wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday about adequate coal supply to the state so that electricity may be generated,” he added.

Earlier, Mayawati had threatened Akhilesh in Lucknow with “dire consequences” if his government fiddled with her parks.

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I am hardly an entrepreneur: Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan who co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL franchisee and runs a film production house, Sunday said he was not an entrepreneur but an actor who endeavors to make a difference with his acting.

“I am hardly an entrepreneur. I don’t even think of myself as a star. I see myself as someone who is trying to make a difference with his acting,” said Khan addressing the media at the inauguration of Prayag Film City (PFC) in West Midnapore’s Chandrakona, some 130 km from here.

“I come from a middle-class background. I like to work 18-20 hours a day and for the last 30 years I have been following this schedule. I have two passions: sports and film making. I have a production house and a cricket franchisee,” said Khan.

Khan, who was present at the curtain raiser of the phase-1 of the sprawling PFC, said the facility will make a difference to the art of film making not only in eastern India but to the entire film fraternity of the country.

“I feel the film city will become a one stop film making centre where you come with a good story and go out with a great film.”

He has also been signed in as the brand ambassador the PFC.

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Shahid, Priyanka sizzle in Teri Meri Kahaani

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra to romance again in Teri Meri Kahaani, a film by Kunal Kohli. The film is known as "a timeless love story" and is set in 1910, 1960, and 2012.

Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are working for the second time after Kaminey (2009). It is said that Shahid Kapoor is playing a struggling music director, while Priyanka Chopra plays an actor.

The film is scheduled to release in June 2012.

Teri Meri Kahaani

Sneak Peek

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Tendulkar set to return as MI take on Daredevils in IPL

With Sachin Tendulkar all set to return from injury and bolster the batting department, Mumbai Indians would look to continue with their winning ways when they take on another in-form team Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match on Monday. 

The batting maestro sustained a finger injury in his right hand in the IPL season opener against defending champions Chennai Super Kings on April 4 and missed the next three games.

Yesterday he took part in his first batting practice, facing throw-downs for 45 minutes while the rest of the MI team members had a net session at the Wankhede Stadium.

Since the IPL season opener against Chennai, Mumbai Indians have not had a solid start but with Tendulkar expected to take his spot at the top of batting order, MI can hope for a strong opening stand for the likes of Kieron Pollard and Rohit Sharma to feast on later.

Neither T Suman, who opened in two games, nor Ambati Rayudu, who got a chance to launch the innings in the other game, prospered in Tendulkar's absence.

South African Richard Levi, who debuted in the IPL in style with a man-of-the-match award-winning half century when Tendulkar was at the other end, also has not done anything extraordinary since the opening game.

A victory for MI tomorrow would be their third on the trot and help them shoot their way back to the top while a win for the Daredevils would take them to six points and keep them among the leading teams on the points table.

MI floundered while chasing a small score against Pune Warriors in the only loss they had suffered so far, before Rohit, Pollard and Rayudu struck form in the previous two games to help them chase successfully or post challenging totals.

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