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.

Sonakshi goes 'bindaas' for 'Joker'

"She is coming up with a 'jhatak-matak' act that is making her stand out from others in her ilk," informs a unit member of 'Joker', "She is going totally 'bindaas' with Akshay here and it shows on camera. She recently did a song for the film where the setting is totally 70s, what with a horde of 'hippie-cum-Sadhus' in the background."

Quiz Shirish Kunder (who has earlier worked with Preity Zinta in his debut directorial outing 'Jaan-E-Mann') about his leading lady and he says, "Sonakshi has that gift which I guess come from her genes. You have to tell Sonakshi just once about what you want and she does it just perfectly well. You don't have to explain things much to her. This reflects not just in her dance and body language but also the dialogue delivery as she brings in punctuations at just the right place in the right way."

Also starring Shreyas Talpade and Minissha Lamba with music by GV Prakash, 'Joker' arrives under the banner of Farah Khan & Shirish Kunder's 'Three's Company' and Akshay Kumar's 'Hari Om Entertainment Co.' and is a UTV co-production.

Katrina reinvented by Vogue

Dressed in black attire with ruffled hair style, Katrina looks appealing and oozing with attitude. The actress is styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania and photographed by Marc Hom. The magazine carries Katrina’s interview that highlights her journey into the industry and how she transformed into Bollywood’s hottest star. Some excerpts as follows…

Katrina stated that she believes that she was never the ‘next big thing’. “It was more a sort of ‘Okay, she was good in this film, she danced better in this film, and this was where she showed her range,” she added.

Born to an English mother and Kashmiri Indian father, she travelled around the world with her mother and seven siblings, before ending up in London. “I would look around a new city and crave a big house and financial security. Moving around and learning to deal with new people, it makes you internalise your thoughts.”

Her close friend Ayan Mukerji, director of ‘Wake Up Sid’, says there’s a contradiction to Kaif, “She has this energy. It makes her so lovable on celluloid, but I don’t think many people see the real Katrina.”

When Kaif first moved to India in the early 2000s, she got a few modelling jobs, made friends around the industry, and did the rounds. “I would go to the ad agencies and get called for auditions. Then she was offered a role by director Kaizad Gustad in the film ominously called Boom. She recounts with disarming honesty: “Meghna Reddy was meant to do it and she backed out. I remember I called Farrokh (Chothia) and I said, ‘Farrokh, I’m not really getting any work, and I don’t have much to speak of’. I still remember, he took the name of a famous actress and said, Even this person had to get around for a few months before really getting work, so you have to be a little patient. I mean, three months is not a lot’. That was his line, so I said okay.”

The first real hit in her filmography was ‘Namastey London’ in 2007, then ‘Race’ and ‘New York’, all leading up to the big bang - ‘Raajneeti’.

She found redemption finally with ‘Tees Maar Khan’, and that national craze, “Sheila Ki Jawani”. Kaif has never looked better. What worked for Kaif was her training with holistic fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala, who stressed on functional training and Pilates. “It was about being focused. In the past, I’ve always set targets, but this time, I stayed on track. Now, I’ll eat a slice of pizza, but then I was on a diet for 12 days before I shot for the song. I was at the peak of my fitness, which is hard to maintain. It’s hard work and it’s tedious. In the future I could be heavier again, and I’m ok with that.”

On asking what she misses about her old life, Katrina replied, “Nothing. It was a different time. People have to remember that when they see changes in me. You have to grow up, you can’t be stunted. But am I going in the right direction? That I can only hope.”

Deepika – I never dreamt of acting with Superstar Rajini

Recently, when team ‘Rana’ met the press, our B-town’s tall beauty Deepika Padukone revealed that she had not even dreamt of acting with the Superstar of South Indian cinema when she was approached by KS Ravikumar to play Rajinikanth’s lady love in ‘Rana’.

She told that its not a dream come true, as she had never dreamt of it and that she is super excited to make her debutant movie in Tamil opposite the Superstar.

While addressing the press the actress also revealed that she has watched only ‘Robot’ by the Superstar and was impressed with his performance.

‘Rana’ is a period film set in the seventeenth century where Deepika plays a typical South-Indian beauty the lead role’s love. All her costumes for the flick have been designed by ace designer Neeta Lulla. Neeta Lulla had also designed costumes for period films like ‘Devdas’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar,’ incidentally, even those movies featured Aishwarya Rai in the lead role!

Deepika’s first ever appearance as a South-Indian damsel has only increased more expectations for the movie!