Bhatts & Emraan to now make 'Murder 3'

Solid success of 'Murder 2' has convinced it's makers - the Bhatt brothers - that the lethal combination of sex, violence and horror is something that they won't be ignoring for many more films to come. Buoyed by the massive collections that the film has garnered at the box office, they have now announced 'Murder 3' as well. The film is expected to go on floors next year.

"Who would let go of a successful franchise," says a source close to the production house, "In the times when even flop films try so hard to be in news by announcing their sequels, Bhatts are at least celebrating a hit film with 'Murder 3' as their next offering. Of course just like 'Murder 2', even third in the series would be basically a new story altogether with no connection whatsoever to the earlier parts. However the core of it all would remain as a 'murder'. Uske bagair aap murder title nahi justify kar sakte, right?"

Expectedly, it would be 'ghar ka hero' Emraan Hashmi who would be playing a lead all over again in 'Murder 3' as well. On the other hand leading lady would most definitely change. Just like Jacqueline Fernandez, who in the process of replacing Mallika Sherawat had upped the sex quotient, the new woman in Emraan's life would take two steps further when it comes to unabashed skin show.

"In fact Bhatts have already started getting feelers from those who wish to get associated with 'Murder 3'. However they are in no hurry," the source continues, "Having said that, though there was a seven year gap between 'Murder' and 'Murder 2', it won't be as huge this time around. 'Murder 3' would be made much sooner. There are no abundance of scripts revolving around murders and Bhatts are already in the process of short-listing the most appropriate one."

On contacted, Mukesh Bhatt is more than enthusiastic to announce 'Murder 3'. "This is an original franchise that Vishesh Films owns and we are not letting go off it. There would certainly be 'Murder 3' and we would be announcing the cast, director and other details soon. Of course Emraan would be a part of it. We plan to take these series forward in a big way."

However it is quite likely that there would be at least two other films - 'Informer' and 'Raaz 3' - that would be made in the interim. While 'Informer' would be directed by Kunal Deshmukh, 'Raaz 3' brings back Vikram Bhatt into the camp. Incidentally, Emraan Hashmi would feature in both the films.

"Yes, I have been told by Bhatt saab that 'Murder 3' is on. However it would be only after the completion of aforementioned films that 'Murder 3' would go on floors," confirms Emraan.

ZNMD to open well at urban centers

This Friday, season of good footfalls in theatres is all set to continue with 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' at least at the urban centers. The film's classy promos have worked with the elite which means multiplexes are pretty much sold. While an opening over 70% at multiplexes seems on the cards, one does regret the lack of a single chartbuster track that could have enticed mass audience as well. Given the fact that it has been a dream run at single screens and Bollywood is smiling all over again with audience giving their nod of approval on a continued note to films like 'Murder 2', 'Double Dhamaal' and to an extent 'Delhi Belly', one would have wanted somethin similar for ZNMD as well.

However one tends to believe that the makers won't be overtly worried as for them the target audience was pretty much the urban junta which means things have pretty much fallen in place for them. Since Hrithik too is being seen in a light hearted role after relatively serious 'Kites' and a somber 'Guzaarish', his fans would be happy to lap up the film. Zoya Akhtar's last release 'Luck By Chance' was an entertaining affair and given the kind of sensibilities that she and her brother Farhan carry, one does expect a good sensible outing in 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'

Kajal Agarwal: "I will never be disrespectful to the Telugu & Tamil film industry

Kajal Agarwal the hot favourite down south reportedly stirred up a controversy when she said she doesn't consider herself to be a south Indian actress, as she is Punjabi by birth. Following these reports, angered Tamil and Telugu producers issued statements saying they will ban the actor from working in south Indian films.

Here exclusively for IG the actress reacts to the alleged ban and says, "I'm really hurt and angry that someone has started this whole 'ban' issue without bothering to speak to me."

She further added by saying, "I will never be disrespectful to the Telugu and Tamil film industry. I have been brought up to respect my roots. I owe my acting career to them."

Kajal is making her bedut in Bollywood alongside Ajay Devgn in Rohit Shetty's 'Singham'.

Kajal explains, "I was shooting for a Telugu film Dhada with Nagarjuna's son Chaitanya in Germany when these rumours started. I have not heard from any association wanting to ban me because I guess everyone in a position of power knows the truth."

Kajal asserts that she will not give up south films even if she gets more Hindi film offers. The actor, who has worked for four years and acted in over 21 films, says, "I plan to continue with my south films simultaneously with Hindi projects. There is no question of choosing one over the other. I am working with the best talent there. Why would I give it all up?"

The actor reveals that director Rohit Shetty spotted her in Telugu film Magadheera and offered her 'Singham'. She says, "Language wasn't a problem. But I was reserved in the initial days. Rohit and Ajay's pranks made me loosen up."

Stay tuned; exclusive video interview coming soon.....

Aishwarya to be honoured by French Government

Its good times all the way for our diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan... While she and her family are eagerly waiting for the newcomer in their clan, here�s latest news that will add to their happiness.....

Reports have it that tomorrow Aishwarya will be presented with the prestigious Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres by the French Government in New Delhi. As a matter of fact, she will be the first Asian actress and the youngest Indian to win the honour.

Quoted the French daily 'Le Figaro' statement, "She (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) is one of the most famous Indian actors in this country and outside the borders of India. Aishwarya will be made Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, on Wednesday July 13, by the Ambassador of France in New Delhi, Jerome Bonnafont. According to a statement from the embassy, the ceremony will be attended by the family of the young woman."

This award is the second highest civilian award in France and an equivalent to Padma Vibhushan. And it is given to honour those people who have achieved immense recognition because of their contribution in the fields of arts, culture or literature. B-town�s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan had earlier bagged this award.

Incidentally, Aishwarya was presented with this award last year itself; however, the actress then refused it owing to her father's health issues.

Other international celebrities who won this award are Robert Redford, George Clooney and Meryl Streep.