Instead of wide neck-line, Deepika Padukone wore it with a bandhgala and tied up her hair in a stylish bun and with a thin orange border on sleeves and on bottom. Deepika carried it off perfectly with not-so-bright make-up unlike Aishwarya.

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All of 25, the Poker Face superstar landed here Thursday night and addressed a press conference and met some of her fans Friday afternoon. She shot for a chat show with Indian cinestar Shah Rukh Khan and rehearsed long and hard for what was her maiden stage show in India Sunday night.

The singer is lovingly called 'Mother Monster' and she refers to her fans as 'monsters'. The singer had planned a special treat, and fans were treated to just that--Gaga played the piano herself, and even sang to the strains of a sitar to offer her desi monsters some Indian element.

Known for her bizarre sense of dressing, she chose to go mellow with a creation by designer Tarun Tahiliani for her performance here. She wore a white, knee-length dress and flaunted her open, blonde locks.

She ended her performance with a warm and cheerful "Namaste India". Around 1,000 guests, including high-profile celebrities from the film, fashion, F1, sports and business worlds, gathered to witness Gaga perform live at the F1 finale after-party here.

And so what if ticket were priced at a whopping Rs.40,000! The line-up of guests at the Arjun Rampal-hosted party at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida, saw Shah Rukh Khan, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta, Imran Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Riya Sen, Raima Sen, Rahul Bose, Sanjay Kapoor, Gauhar Khan, Nigaar Z.

Khan, Susanne Roshan, Gauri Khan, Mehr Jessia Rampal, Jackky Bhagnani, Jas Arora and Rannvijay Singh, among others. F1 racers Felipe Massa, Kamui Kobayashi, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Daniel Ricciardo attended the party as well, apart from a few designers like Manoviraj Khosla, Manish Arora, Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna, Kavita Bhartiya, and cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra.

She bonded well, and met some guests personally too. But she went a step ahead to do something special for Shah Rukh, who wanted to work with her on a song for his film RA.

One . Gaga gave away her personal shades to Shah Rukh for his 11-year-old daughter Suhana.

Of his experience of chatting with Gaga, Shah Rukh told reporters: "It (the interaction) was very nice. She (Gaga) was very sweet.

I sat with her for a couple of hours and exchanged a lot of good things about life. She is very deep, very sweet.

" The singer has taken home a unique dress by designer Nida Mahmood. The outfit, a short dress, is made with 1,000 LED lights.

Describing it, Mahmood told IANS: "The dress which I made for her was part of my WIFW SS-12 collection titled The Great Indian Bohemian Tamasha. The dress is little above the knees and is embellished with over 1,000 LED lights.

"The digital print has been carefully designed incorporating the essence of Indian street theatre. The colours are very Indian - a mix of orange, red, green and blue.

I call it 'Jadugaar dress for magical Gaga.'" Tweet (less)

DIFF 2011's 'Celebration of Indian Cinema' programme will feature three world premieres, two international premieres and several first-ever regional screenings of films in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali. "With our selection this year, we wanted to bring the true diversity of Indian cinema to DIFF," said Dorothee Wenner, Consultant for the Subcontinent Programme, Dubai International Film Festival.

The celebration flags off with the Hindi romantic comedy Ladies vs Ricky Bahl , an eagerly anticipated Bollywood film that will make its world premiere with a red carpet gala on December 8. The film, directed by Maneesh Sharma and music by Salim-Sulaiman, depicts the story of suave and charismatic conman Ricky Bahl (Ranveer Singh), who makes a living by deceiving women until he meets his match in the form of Anushka Sharma's character.

The cast and crew of the film will walk the red carpet prior to the gala screening of the movie. Also making its world premiere is Prague PCFE Film School alumna and former assistant to over 27 Indian and international directors, Shalini Usha Nair's Palas In Bloom (Akam), based on renowned author Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's celebrated Malayalam novel Yakshi .

Debutant director Muthusamy Sakthivel's Tamil film Life is a Game (Maithanam), making its international premiere at DIFF, is the story of four friends from a small village in Tamil Nadu, who will do anything for each other. Srijit Mukherji's 7th August (Baishe Srabon), also making its international premiere, explores the dark underbelly of Kolkata, and the genteel 'Bhadraloks' of the city.

Karan Gour's Corrode (Kshay), which makes its Middle East premiere, is a psychodrama based on the story of a woman's need for an unfinished sculpture, which blossoms into an obsession. Competing in DIFF's Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for feature films is Kaushik Ganguly's Laptop, which narrates how a single commodity - a laptop - connects several lives and narratives as it changes hands to change lives.

The film will make its international premiere at DIFF. "While Bollywood dominates the international media when it comes to cinema from India, the country has an amazing wealth of talent, with several powerfully executed films made in vernacular languages having a huge audience base all over the world.

The Celebration of Indian Cinema gala will offer a fresh perspective on Indian cinema to DIFF audiences," Wenner added. Also, making its world premiere and contending in the Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for short films is Rohit Pandey's Safe (Mehfuz), which depicts the story of a city shaken by violence, a man who looks after its dead, and a woman wandering its empty streets.

Vying for honours in DIFF's Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for documentary films is Sandeep Ray's Sound of Old Rooms (Kokkho-Poth) and Anand Patwardhan's Jai Bhim Comrade , filmed over 14 years, which follows the music and the tradition of Vilas Ghogre, a leftist poet and singer, who hung himself in protest. Both films will be screened in the Middle East for the first time at DIFF.

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All the three heroines of Sajid Khan's Housefull - Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan had men drooling over them as they were seen prancing around in a two piece on the beach comfortably. Anushka Sharma too has joined the bikini club and she will be seen wearing it in Yashraj Film's (YRF) Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl.

YRF had got Esha Deol and Bipasha Basu to wear a two piece swimwear for Dhoom and Dhoom 2 respectively. Shazahn Padamsee, who joined the Housefull 2 team some time back, is very much keen on donning a bikini, but sadly for her, the film may not require any of its female leads to wear an itsy-bitsy outfit since the film's sequel doesn't demand so.

But, the perky actress is hoping that Sajid Khan brings in a twist in the tale and she gets the opportunity to wear a bikini. "I am full on.

.I am dieting, I am working out, I am fit.

.bikini dena hai de do," she said recently.

And now it is Sonam Kapoor who would like to shed the girl-next-door image and wear a bikini. Sonam says, she has absolutely no inhibitions in wearing one.

"I have worn angrakhas, salwar-kameez, bandana, jeans, skirts, gunjee - whatever it takes. If the character I play is on the beach - the correct gear would have to be a bikini.

And then I wear it in real life, too," she squeals away naughtily. But the only problem is her figure, she says.

"I want to wear a bikini but currently my figure doesn't permit me to do so," adds Sonam who will be seen in a glamorous avatar in soon to be released Players. Few years back Priyanka Chopra or Piggy Chops flaunted her body in Dostana in a gold colour bikini.

Then Kareena Kapoor set the temperature soaring in a hot bikini scene in Yash Raj's Tashan where she flaunted her size zero hot bod in Chalia..

. song.

Lara worked really hard for a perfect bikini body in underwater adventure movie Blue. Kangana Ranaut was easily convinced by director David Dhawan to wear one in the recently released Rascals.

Mallika Sherawat wore a bikini in Bachke Rehna Re Baba. A very bold and confident Mugdha Godse looked extremely hot and comfortable in a bikini scene in her debut film Fashion.

Voluptuous Ameesha Patel shed off a few kilos to seduce Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic's Lazy Lamhe song. Her underwater sensuous moves in bikini was the only highlight of the flop film.

The bikini babes have certainly arrived in a big way in Bollywood (less)

All the three heroines of Sajid Khan's Housefull - Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan had men drooling over them as they were seen prancing around in a two piece on the beach comfortably. Anushka Sharma too has joined the bikini club and she will be seen wearing it in Yashraj Film's (YRF) Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl.

YRF had got Esha Deol and Bipasha Basu to wear a two piece swimwear for Dhoom and Dhoom 2 respectively. Shazahn Padamsee, who joined the Housefull 2 team some time back, is very much keen on donning a bikini, but sadly for her, the film may not require any of its female leads to wear an itsy-bitsy outfit since the film's sequel doesn't demand so.

But, the perky actress is hoping that Sajid Khan brings in a twist in the tale and she gets the opportunity to wear a bikini. "I am full on.

.I am dieting, I am working out, I am fit.

.bikini dena hai de do," she said recently.

And now it is Sonam Kapoor who would like to shed the girl-next-door image and wear a bikini. Sonam says, she has absolutely no inhibitions in wearing one.

"I have worn angrakhas, salwar-kameez, bandana, jeans, skirts, gunjee - whatever it takes. If the character I play is on the beach - the correct gear would have to be a bikini.

And then I wear it in real life, too," she squeals away naughtily. But the only problem is her figure, she says.

"I want to wear a bikini but currently my figure doesn't permit me to do so," adds Sonam who will be seen in a glamorous avatar in soon to be released Players. Few years back Priyanka Chopra or Piggy Chops flaunted her body in Dostana in a gold colour bikini.

Then Kareena Kapoor set the temperature soaring in a hot bikini scene in Yash Raj's Tashan where she flaunted her size zero hot bod in Chalia..

. song.

Lara worked really hard for a perfect bikini body in underwater adventure movie Blue. Kangana Ranaut was easily convinced by director David Dhawan to wear one in the recently released Rascals.

Mallika Sherawat wore a bikini in Bachke Rehna Re Baba. A very bold and confident Mugdha Godse looked extremely hot and comfortable in a bikini scene in her debut film Fashion.

Voluptuous Ameesha Patel shed off a few kilos to seduce Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic's Lazy Lamhe song. Her underwater sensuous moves in bikini was the only highlight of the flop film.

The bikini babes have certainly arrived in a big way in Bollywood (less)

She was high on energy and the audience was extremely excited about it. The stage was grand and Gaga was in her spirits," said a teenager, who saw Gaga perform at a special 20,000 sq ft construction at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

The party was hosted by Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal and restaurateur AD Singh's lounge-bar LAP here Sunday night (October 30, 2011). Gaga had said at a press conference that her performance would have some Indian influence.

And she kept her promise. Dressed in a white, knee-length dress with open, blonde locks, Gaga collaborated with a sitar player to offer some fusion music to the guests.

She also sang some of her popular hits as well as new songs from her latest album Born This Way , according to a party insider. She ended her performance with a warm and cheerful Namaste India , said a source.

Prior to the performance, Arjun told reporters that Gaga had rehearsed for six hours for the show. "We have the best performer in the house for the party! I saw her rehearsals and she has prepared the best.

She has planned a nice single which she has never performed before. It's from her new album and she especially prepared for her fans here.

She will also sing with a sitar player to add some Indian element," Arjun said before the party kicked off. Even actor Chunky Pandey, who caught some bits of the rehearsals, said: "She has planned a fantastic show.

I saw her rehearsals, and she is very professional. She has planned a fusion.

" Gaga's show was houseful despite a whopping ticket price of Rs.40,000.

It was a star-studded party with actors and industrialists. Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Preity Zinta, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan to Vijay Mallya, Adi Godrej and Munjals, among others, attended the party and stayed till late.

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DIFF 2011's 'Celebration of Indian Cinema' programme will feature three world premieres, two international premieres and several first-ever regional screenings of films in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali. "With our selection this year, we wanted to bring the true diversity of Indian cinema to DIFF," said Dorothee Wenner, Consultant for the Subcontinent Programme, Dubai International Film Festival.

The celebration flags off with the Hindi romantic comedy Ladies vs Ricky Bahl , an eagerly anticipated Bollywood film that will make its world premiere with a red carpet gala on December 8. The film, directed by Maneesh Sharma and music by Salim-Sulaiman, depicts the story of suave and charismatic conman Ricky Bahl (Ranveer Singh), who makes a living by deceiving women until he meets his match in the form of Anushka Sharma's character.

The cast and crew of the film will walk the red carpet prior to the gala screening of the movie. Also making its world premiere is Prague PCFE Film School alumna and former assistant to over 27 Indian and international directors, Shalini Usha Nair's Palas In Bloom (Akam), based on renowned author Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's celebrated Malayalam novel Yakshi .

Debutant director Muthusamy Sakthivel's Tamil film Life is a Game (Maithanam), making its international premiere at DIFF, is the story of four friends from a small village in Tamil Nadu, who will do anything for each other. Srijit Mukherji's 7th August (Baishe Srabon), also making its international premiere, explores the dark underbelly of Kolkata, and the genteel 'Bhadraloks' of the city.

Karan Gour's Corrode (Kshay), which makes its Middle East premiere, is a psychodrama based on the story of a woman's need for an unfinished sculpture, which blossoms into an obsession. Competing in DIFF's Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for feature films is Kaushik Ganguly's Laptop, which narrates how a single commodity - a laptop - connects several lives and narratives as it changes hands to change lives.

The film will make its international premiere at DIFF. "While Bollywood dominates the international media when it comes to cinema from India, the country has an amazing wealth of talent, with several powerfully executed films made in vernacular languages having a huge audience base all over the world.

The Celebration of Indian Cinema gala will offer a fresh perspective on Indian cinema to DIFF audiences," Wenner added. Also, making its world premiere and contending in the Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for short films is Rohit Pandey's Safe (Mehfuz), which depicts the story of a city shaken by violence, a man who looks after its dead, and a woman wandering its empty streets.

Vying for honours in DIFF's Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards for documentary films is Sandeep Ray's Sound of Old Rooms (Kokkho-Poth) and Anand Patwardhan's Jai Bhim Comrade , filmed over 14 years, which follows the music and the tradition of Vilas Ghogre, a leftist poet and singer, who hung himself in protest. Both films will be screened in the Middle East for the first time at DIFF.

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When asked about Deepika's style, the Kingfisher scion nonchalantly said: "She has not got a bad sense of style either." But Siddharth played it safe when asked to choose the most stylish person of 2011.

"I've always actually said this that Prateik Babbar is pretty stylish. He has got his own sort of quirky sense of style.

So he is pretty cool," he said. Siddharth has reportedly been dating Deepika for a while and the duo has been spotted together on several occasions.

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"Ryan Murphy had told me, 'Don't wear black. You should never wear black.

So my stylist pulled floral, beautiful colours. As I'm walking to the bathroom to try them on, I see the Oscar [de la Renta] dress hanging up in her closet.

I said 'I'm wearing that.' And I called Ryan, and said 'Ryan, I'm wearing black!,'" she said.

However, it seems Murphy wasn't upset about her not taking his advice. "When I met Lea, she was only sort of interested in clothes-- but in the last two years she's become a red-carpet star.

I think what happened is Lea went to an event, and someone said, 'Oh, you look pretty.' It was an interesting moment for her," he added.

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The scene will have her emerging from the water wearing it. We hear it had director Homi Adajania excited.

Gimme red, anyone? (less)

There was a pre-wedding bash for the lovely couple Tuesday, hosted by Sajid Nadiadwala and Fardeen Khan at Royalty Bandra. "Riteish and Genelia are lovely couples.

Their seven years of relationship is very strong and I admire it. The celebrations will begin from Jan 29," Nadiadwala told reporters.

Many Bollywood celebs graced the event and blessed the couple. Boman Irani, who shared the screen space with Riteish in many films, said: "Riteish is like a son, friend and partner to me.

I wish all the success to both of them." The couple walked the red carpet a little late.

Genelia was seen in a party mood. "Riteish is my Raj Kumar ," she declared.

Karan Johar wished them "all the happiness". Other huge weddings lined up this year include Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor , and Vidya Balan is expected to marry beau Siddharth, CEO of UTV.

Riteish and Genelia first met while shooting their debut film "Tujhe Meri Kasam" in 2003. They will reportedly have a four-day wedding affair, which will be attended by who's who from Bollywood and politics.

Other guests at the pre-wedding bash included Arbaaz Khan , Deepika Padukone , Manoj Bajpai , Raveena Tandon , Farah Khan, Shrish Kunder, Sajid Khan, Jia Khan, Shezan Padamsi, Fardeen Khan, Ameesha Patel, Tushar Kapoor , Neil Nitin Mukesh, Arjun Rampal , Sohail Khan and Bobby Deol , among others (less)

But then she vanished from the big screen for three years and returned with director Onir's film Sorry Bhai in 2008 followed by Mishra's another film Yeh Saali Zindagi this year. "What is different about commercial films is there are so many changes like there is so much of make-up, different hair styles, slow motion shots etc.

The exciting part was you glam-up for a role, you dance, you have those fantastic clothes, high heels and that whole girly thing," Chitrangada told PTI in an interview. "In the end a girl is a girl, we all love these things.

I had a great time doing all this," she said. Chitrangada is officially foraying into commercial cinema with Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz opposite Akshay Kumar.

"I don't think it is like a plan that I would do now do commercial films. I enjoy it and I hope I can carry it forward.

It's a good shift. Like I did off beat films for some time and now I will to do this for some time, she said.

Ask her about promotional strategies for both kind of cinema, Chitrangada, feels, commercial cinema brings in more recognition and connects with a larger audience. "Promotions are stronger for commercial films.

The numbers, the budget is high for marketing, there is a proper team. When there is a niche film you do it on that level.

It is a great and different experience," she said. Citing an example, Chitrangada said, "Like during one of our promotional tours, the kind of response that Akshay and John got was insane, incredible.

I was like surprised, got cold feet..

thousands of people jammed in a mall." Contrary to what you expect of Chitrangada, considering her on-screen image, she dons a glamorous look in yet-to-be released film Desi Boyz .

She has recreated the sexy and stylish college professor look for the movie. Since her character required her to look edgy, smart, stylish and yet mature, her stylist gave her fringes for her hairdo.

"I play Tanya Sharma, a professor at the Oxford University. Akshay's character Jerry and Tanya have a past.

When Tanya was a student, Jerry was her senior and she had a huge crush on him. He comes back to complete his studies while Tanya has rejoined the college as a professor.

Whenever Jerry is around, everything goes into slow motion," Chitrangada said. Desi Boyz , also starring John Abraham and Deepika Padukone, releases on November 25.

Now that she has ventured into commercial cinema, the actress would continue doing parallel cinema. "In terms of offbeat cinema if something exciting comes my way, which is challenging and a good role, with a good director like say Vishal Bhardwaj or somebody, I would love to do that again and go right back," she said.

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When asked about Deepika's style, the Kingfisher scion nonchalantly said: "She has not got a bad sense of style either." But Siddharth played it safe when asked to choose the most stylish person of 2011.

"I've always actually said this that Prateik Babbar is pretty stylish. He has got his own sort of quirky sense of style.

So he is pretty cool," he said. Siddharth has reportedly been dating Deepika for a while and the duo has been spotted together on several occasions.

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Pankaj Kapur is known to be a very hard taskmaster..

. Not with me.

He never raised his voice at me. He knew that I prepared a lot before coming to the sets.

I imbibed a lot from his narrations. But yes, every actor is different and Pankaj Sir dealt with each one of us differently.

Once I met him, I knew that I wouldn't be sidelined in the film even though his son was the hero. And did his son live up to his reputation of being a meddler? I haven't worked with Shahid before Mausam, so I don't know how he behaves otherwise.

But during the filming of Mausam, he was extremely respectful of his father and obeyed him completely. I know there were rumours of Shahid and me not getting along as well.

The truth is, Shahid and I share a very good equation. We are good friends.

Just because I am not having an affair with my hero, doesn't mean I don't get along with him. Let me tell you something about him.

..

Go on..

. He doesn't give a damn about what he wears.

He is too much of a teenager who dresses up like an 18-year-old skateboarder. He can pull off just about anything without raising eyebrows.

But..

.and it's hilarious.

..

he is extremely worried about his hair. But you, on the other hand, are too particular about what you wear.

I don't wear tight dresses that outline my butt. I refuse to get into body hugging tops with spandex simply because it doesn't fit my body type.

I do not believe in cosmetic surgeries either. I think, every single imperfection adds to your beauty.

I'd rather be imperfect than perfect. And yes, I have a certain sense of aesthetics.

Think about it..

. I still look good in both Indian and Western wear.

(And she winks) Maybe not tight clothes, but would you ever sport a bikini? I don't have a body like Deepika Padukone or Bipasha Basu. But if it's a beach scene, I surely can't wear a salwar kameez, right? Speaking about Deepika, why haven't you two resolved your cold war? She is sweet if and when we meet.

However, we haven't met since we made an appearance on Karan Johar's show. We don't have time, I guess.

Also, for two people to be friends, they need to think alike, isn't it? Correct me if I'm wrong..

. but you are not apologetic about your remarks against Ranbir on Karan Johar's show.

No correction required. You are not wrong.

Well, it was Ranbir who started it all by saying 'Sonam is not sexy'. I just shot back and said 'Ranbir is not sexy'.

If a man says it, chalta hai. But when a woman says the same thing, nahi chalta hai? That's sexist! Why should I say 'sorry' to him? Just because his father made a hue and cry about it? If Ranbir apologises to me, I shall too.

So, you don't talk to Ranbir anymore..

. I don't know Ranbir anymore.

He is not my friend now. I did have offers to act opposite him but I turned them down.

And that's simply because I thought that those roles did not suit me. If I get something nice, I'll act with him.

It isn't necessary for me to be friends with all my actors. How do you judge whether a role suits you or not? Depends on my mood.

I am eccentric.(Smiles) Punit Malhotra? What about him? He was my director in I Hate Luv Storys.

You are dating him..

. I shall talk about my personal life if and when I decide to get married.

That day is yet to come (less)

"Riteish and Genelia are lovely couples. Their seven years of relationship is very strong and I admire it.

The celebrations will begin from Jan 29," Nadiadwala told reporters. Many Bollywood celebs graced the event and blessed the couple.

Boman Irani, who has shared the screen space with Riteish in many films, said: "Riteish is like a son, friend and partner to me. I wish all the success to both of them.

" Riteish-Genelia's big party night The couple walked the red carpet a little late. Genelia was seen in a party mood.

"Riteish is my Raj Kumar," she declared. Karan Johar wished them "all the happiness".

Other huge weddings lined up this year include Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, and Vidya Balan is expected to marry beau Siddharth, CEO of UTV. Riteish and Genelia first met while shooting their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003.

They will reportedly have a four-day wedding affair, which will be attended by who's who from Bollywood and politics. Other guests at the pre-wedding bash included Arbaaz Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpai, Raveena Tandon, Farah Khan, Shrish Kunder, Sajid Khan, Jia Khan, Shezan Padamsi, Fardeen Khan, Ameesha Patel, Tushar Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Arjun Rampal, Sohail Khan and Bobby Deol, among others.

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She explained that her beau Saif Ali Khan's dad Nawab Pataudi recently passed away and it would look really bad on her part if she dolled up for a public event when the family was in mourning. So, Kareena asked the designer to tone down the brightness.

Finally she wore a simple white silk salwar-churidar with a net duppatta and pink border." We must say here that she has worn the red sari for the Chamma Chalo song for Ra.

One and we have to say that Babo has never looked better. Guess she will be back in that avataar soon when she will start the promotions for the film.

Patience, till then, people (less)

..

This award goes out to every woman. And of course everyone on the team of The Dirty Picture especially Milan Luthria.

" - Vidya Balan on winning the Best Actress Award. Best Film: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Madhuri Dixit gives away the award.

Best Director: Zoya Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Subhash Ghai gives away the trophy to Zoya Akhtar Best Dialogue: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Chitrangada Singh comes on stage to present the award.

"This feels really good. Zoya, Reena thank you for writing this amazing story and screenplay.

Thank you to every actor for making every dialogue your own. A big thanks to my dad for writing the beautiful poetry in the movie that gave the dialogues that extra edge.

"- Farhan Akhtar on winning the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue Best Screenplay: Akshat Verma for Delhi Belly Kabir Bedi and Kalki Koechlin present the award. Akshat is not in the house.

The director of Delhi Belly, Abhinav Deo collects the award on his behalf. Best Story: Sanjay Chauhan for I Am Kalam Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson come on stage to present the award.

"I'd like to thank Kalam saab. Nila Madhav Panda, my director and the entire team of I Am Kalam.

I'd like to thank my daughter and my wife." - Sanjay Chauhan on winning the award.

Best Actor (Critics) Award: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Thank you critics. Thank you Imtiaz.

Without you nothing would've been possible. The cast and crew.

The Producers. Rahman Saab.

And everyone who has worked on this movie." - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award Best Actress (Critics) Award: Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf Juhi Chawla and Shankar come on stage to present the award.

"This black lady is the most coveted lady ever, and I have the entire team of 7 Khoon Maaf to thank for that. A big thanks to my family.

Thank you Filmfare, the entire team. And thank you the film industry for believing in me.

" - Priyanka Chopra on winning the award. Best Film (Critics) Award: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr.

Balram Garg (PC Jewellers) and Bipasha Basu give away the award. Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award.

Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award. "It's difficult to get a balance between the critics and box office.

Zoya managed that for us. I thank the entire team of ZNMD.

Thank you Filmfare. Thank you Times of India.

Thank you Eros." - Ritesh Sidhwani "I want to thank my cast and crew.

Since this is the mother of all awards, I'm going to dedicate it to mine." - Zoya Akhtar, Director - ZNMD Best Supporting Actor (Male) Award: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar give the award to Farhan Akhtar.

"Thank you Filmfare, thank you jury for selecting this performance. I would like to thank Naseer for all the support.

..

thank you Zoya, Reema, Ritesh, mom, Audhana..

. Thank you very much.

" - Farhan Akhtar on winning the award. Best Supporting Actor (Female) Award: Rani Mukerji for 'No One Killed Jessica' Mr.

Ramesh Taurani presents the award to Vidya Balan and director Raj Kumar Gupta, since Rani Mukherji is not present. ON-STAGE ACTION Rekha calls Abhishek Bachchan on stage for a dance but he's left from the venue.

Now Ranbir Kapoor gets Kareena and Karisma Kapoor on stage with Vidya Balan for a dance. Ranbir is dressed as Vidya Balan from The Dirty Picture and Shah Rukh is dressed as Chikna Chameli.

SRK, Ranbir Kapoor return on stage. SPECIAL FILMFARE AWARD: Partho Gupte for Stanley Ka Dabba Mukesh Bhatt and Mansvi gave away this award.

ON-STAGE ACTION Karan Johar returns to the hosting podium Deepika Padukone performs LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Karan Johar comes on stage to announce the Lifetime Ahievement Award winner - Aruna Irani. Mr.

Ramesh Sippy and Raveena Tandon present the award to Aruna Irani. "Good evening.

This is a very touching moment of my life; it's the happiest moment of my life. Thank you Filmfare for giving recognition to my work.

Thank you Dilip Kumar saab for introducing me to the wonderful world of films at the age of 9 years. The industry taught me acting, dance, work, and gave an uneducated woman like me a platform.

I came into the industry to execute a responsibility. I'd like to thank my family.

My husband. My brothers.

My fans. Thank you Filmfare for this immense happiness.

God, you're very kind." - Aruna Irani on winning the Lifetime Achievement Award Idea Sony Scene of the Year Award: The Dirty Picture Manjit Singh and NP Singh of Sony present the award.

Vidya Balan comes on behalf of the producers of The Dirty Picture to accept the award FILMFARE MUSIC AWARDS Best Music Director Award: AR Rahman for Rockstar Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone give away the trophy. Trivia: This is the 2500th Filmfare Trophy to be given away.

It's a diamond studded trophy designed by PC Jewellers. "I want to thank Imtiaz, and all the singers of Rockstar, and everyone who has worked on the music along with me.

" - AR Rahman on winning the award. Best Lyrics Award: Irshad Kamil for 'Nadaan Parindey' of Rockstar Anu Malik and Anuradha Paudwal give away the award Best Playback (Male) Award: Mohit Chauhan for 'Jo Bhi Mein' from Rockstar "Thank you so much.

It's really special tonight over here. I want to thank my parents back home in Himachal.

I want to thank Rahman saab for creating such awesome songs for Rockstar. I want to thank Imtiaz for his vision of Jordan, Ranbir Kapoor, Irshad for writing such wonderful lyrics.

..

Thank you." - Mohit Chauhan on winning the award Best Playback (Female) Award: Rekha Bhardwaj and Usha Uthup for 'Darling' of 7 Khoon Maaf Imtiaz Ali and Urmila Matondkar present the award.

Usha Uthup is there..

. Rekha isn't here.

..

Usha accepts the award on behalf of Rekha, too and breaks down. "Thank you Filmfare, the mother of all awards in India.

In 42 years, this is my first award! It's unbelievable for me. Thank you to all the music directors, to my family for letting me grow, thank you to Vishal Bhardwajji" - an emotional Usha Uthup on winning the award.

RD Burman Award for Best upcoming Talent: Krishna for Tanu weds Manu Bhushan Kumar and Alka Yagnik present the award to Krishna. Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for 'Senorita', Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara "I'd love to thank Zoya, Carlos, Hrithik, Abhay, my wife, my son, Farhan Akhtar.

Id' like to thank my younger brother and partner, Bosco": Caesar "Mom, we got this the Black Beauty is ours": Bosco Best Background Score: Ranjit Barot for Shaitan Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl come on stage to give away the trophy. Bijoy Nambiar collects the award on his behalf.

ON-STAGE ACTION Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor return to host the Awards Filmfare extends their condolence and pays their respects to the film personalities that passed away in 2011. FILMFARE DEBUT AWARDS Best Debut Director Award: Abhinay Deo for Delhi Belly Madhur Bhandarkar and Hasleen Kaur present the award to Abhinay Deo.

Best Debut (Male) Award: Vidyut Jamwal for Force Chunky Pandey and Kajal Aggarwal present the award to Vidyut Jamwal. "I'm speechless.

I'm very happy. Everyone who comes to Mumbai hopes he gets a good movie.

I got that. A good producer, I got that.

A good director, I got that. Then you want the film to make a hit, it was a hit, Then you want an award, I got that.

I would like to thank Nishikant Kamat and a lot of other people, whom I will personally thank tonight." - Vidyut Jamwal on winning the award.

Best Debut (Female) Award: Parineeti Chopra for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Mr. Amrish Jain (Idea Cellular) and Dia Mirza present her the award.

"I told myself that if I won today, I wouldn't cry, but I can't help myself. Thank You the whole team of Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, my family.

This is my sixth award this season, and it's so motivating. I'm going to work very hard.

I've grown up watching the Filmfare Awards and to hold one now is an out of the world experience." - Parineeti Chopra on winning the award.

ON-STAGE ACTION Ankita Shorey comes to host the next segment. Ali Zafar joins Ankita Shorey on the hosting podium.

He gives his first performance at an award function. The soon couple-to-be Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza come on stage for their performance.

FILMFARE TECHNICAL AWARDS Best Action: Mathhias Barsch for Don 2. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani collects the award on his behalf.

Ritesh dedicates the award to Priyanka's stunt double Bibi who died under unfortunate circumstances. Best Cinematography: Carlos Catalan for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr.

Shashi Shankar (Idea Cellular) and Mahie Gill present the award to Carlos Catalan. "I'm very nervous.

I'd like to thank my producers, Zoya: she's great fun to work with. I'd like to thank my Indian and Spanish crew"- Carlos Catalan on winning the award Best Editing: Huzefa Lokhandwala for Delhi Belly Abhinay Deo collects the award on his behalf.

Best Production Design: Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly Kunal Kohli and Neha Dhupia give away the award to Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly. Shashank isn't here, and Jim the co-writer of the movie collects it on his behalf.

Best Sound Design: Nakul Kamte for Don 2 Sarah Jane Dias presents the award to Farhan Akhtar. Nakul wasn't here to collect the award but sent an acceptance speech with Farhan in case he won.

And win he did! Best Costume Design Award: The first Award of the night has been declared. Niharika Khan for The Dirty Picture Thank you Filmfare, thank you Vidya for letting make me take your clothes off.

Thank you to the actors who let me keep their clothes on: Nasseruddin Shah and the entire cast. Thank you Milan.

Thank you my husband and children for letting me do my job. - Niharika Khan on winning the award.

ON-STAGE ACTION The soon couple-to-be Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza come on stage for their performance. Vidya Balan comes on stage and says, "I am Big B - meaning Big Balan".

Shah Rukh, Ranbir emerge on stage and begin hosting the show. They are having the crowd in splits with their act.

Their argument is who is best - the Kapoors or the Khans. Further Shah Rukh takes digs at his own film Ra.

One. "Producing it was painful", he says.

THE RED CARPET Today was my first day of shooting for Raaz 3. It was tiring and exhausting.

Now, I'm here to sit back and cheer my friends and have a good evening: Bipasha Basu This is my first Filmfare Awards. The studio is looking lovely.

Ranbir and Vidya seem to be the absolute favourites this year. I guess they'll win the Best Actor Award: Chitrangada I remember when I won the Best Supporting Actor award, and then immediately my name was called for Best Debut.

I had one award in hand and was going on stage to pick up another. It was the most memorable moment for me.

And I keep returning to Filmfare to bring back that memory: Vivek Oberoi It's an exciting evening. If I win a Filmfare tonight, I'll score a hattrick.

It's only on this evening every year, that meri niyat thodi kharab ho jati hai, because I plan to bring a lady home: Vidya Balan I think Vidya has done a good job this year. Even Priyanka was fabulous.

Actually they all were very good, so picking one is difficult: Madhuri Dixit It's a tough job to be on the jury. I was on the Filmfare jury this year, and I'm not allowed to say much.

But it's a very tough job!: Urmila Matondkar It's tough to elect one person or one film from all those nominated. May the best talent win.

We are looking forward to the evening: Sridevi My beautiful wife is with my beautiful baby. I'm here alone.

Honestly, I don't know the nominations too well. Is my Ma (Vidya Balan) nominated? Then I'll vote for her.

Am I nominated? No? Then I don't think I'd root for anyone: Abhishek Bachchan It's an exciting evening. All of us are here, that's a celebration in itself.

If any one of us bags an award it'll be a double celebration or more than that: Javed Akhtar Everyone from the family - Farhan, Zoya, Javed and myself have been nominated. It feels special.

We feel like a family of one of Karan Johar's films: Shabana Azmi I'm rooting for Ranbir Kapoor. He did a brilliant job in Rockstar.

I think Vidya Balan will win the Best Actress. I've already congratulated her in advance.

And ZNMD was my favourite film of last year. I enjoyed it so much: Deepika Padukone Rockstar director Imtiaz Ali arrived with wife Preety.

He informs though his Rockstar has been nominated in the Best Film category, he is unaware about the other nominations of the same category. "I don't know about competition.

I think when you make a film you don't get time to watch other films. So I don't know with which films Rockstar is competing.

" His wife Preety is definitely rooting for Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor. Rockstar has been nominated in several categories.

I wish it wins every award possible. The music of Rockstar was widely accepted, that was a feather in my cap and an extremely important thing for me: AR Rahman Pratiek Babbar is on red carpet and cheering for his contemporaries.

"I want an actor of my generation to win. I want Ranbir to win".

I don't care much about Awards. All I'm interested in is doing good films: Kalki Koechlin Though playback singer Shreya Ghoshal was won two nominations, she says, "Usha Uthup deserves to win.

She is so legendary that I am not even a competitor". When asked, which playback actress does her voice suits the best she says, "Kareena and Vidya".

I'm going to be hosting a small segment and performing. I'm also looking forward to Shah Rukh sir and Ranbir Kapoor hosting.

It's going to be a pulsating evening: Ali Zafar Parineeti Chopra is thrilled to win two nominations for her debut performance. She is nominated in the Supporting Actor (Female) and Debut (Female) categories for the same film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'.

"Winning a nomination for your debut film feels really great. What's more rewarding is to be nominated alongside Rani Mukherji in the Best Supporting Actress category", she says.

Prateik walks in with Amy Jackson I want Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to win Best Screenplay, Dialogue, Film, Director. That'll be a double whammy.

And Zoya will ensure that I come with her for all the awards, for she considers me her lucky mascot, not that she needs one: Dia Mirza It's exciting to be here with the cast and crew of znmd. I don't have any acceptance speech, just keeping fingers crossed: Zoya Akhtar I'm rooting for Kalki (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and many others.

I want the best man to win: Anurag Kashyap I'm looking forward to Shah Rukh and Ranbir Kapoor's hosting and some great performances. Delhi Belly, The Dirty Picture, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara are my favourite films of 2011: Neha Dhupia I'd like Vidya Balan to win for 'The Dirty Picture', Ranbir Kapoor to win for 'Rockstar', Imtiaz Ali to win best director and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to bag the best film.

Let the most deserving take home the black lady tonight: Kabir Bedi I'm rooting for Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture' and Ranbir Kapoor for 'Rockstar'. For music it has to be 'Ra.

One': Sarah Jane Dais "I'm exited, nervous..

. If I win I'll start screaming.

I loved Vidya in The Dirty Picture. I'll be happy for her if she wins", says Mahie Gill Priyanka Chopra makes an entry in a Ferragamo gown and though she is nominated in the Best Actor (Female) Category for '7 Khoon Maaf', she says her vote goes to Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture'.

She adds, "I will be performing a skit on 'Junglee billi ka swayamvar' and hope people take it in right spirit". Choreographer Bosco says Farhan Akhtar was a surprise package in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for the 'Senorita' song.

"I'm excited, thankful to God and thank you to Filmfare for my nomination. Thanks to everyone who has liked my song.

I loved doing this so much", says singer Harshdeep Kaur who is nominated in the Best Playback Singer (Female) category for the song 'Katiya Karu' from the film Rockstar. Dress designer Niharika Khan who designed Vidya Balan's outfits in The Dirty Picture says the Filmfare black lady is sexiest - better than any actress.

Delhi Belly actress Poorna Jagannathan says her film Delhi Belly should win the Best Film Award. Celebrities have started coming in and Mukesh Bhatt is the early bird entry.

OFF-STAGE TIT-BITS Singer-actor Ali Zafar is expected to sing and also host a section of the 57th Idea Filmfare Awards. Priyanka Chopra hurt herself during rehearsals for Filmfare Awards.

"Very out of sorts..

Bruised from falling during rehearsals.too much damage.

..

god this act better be good! Looking forward to Filmfare tonight" Priyanka Tweeted on Sunday afternoon (less)

Om is all charged about his upcoming flick Bandook. "The film has been inspired by a true life incident that I conceptualised when on one of my nomadic travels in the North India.

I met a priest in Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu who I discovered to my surprise was an absconding contract killer from Benares (Varanasi). He was assumed to be dead or missing , but that was not true.

I was moved by his story." Aditya even tracked his wife, a former nautch girl.

"And to my shock, she was the head of an underworld gang. She was harbouring political ambitions.

I weaved a fictional plot around it and thus Bandook was born. It is a hardcore commercial venture on the lines of Bandit Queen or Omkara dealing with crime and politics.

It was a thrilling experience making this film." Bandook is expected to be screened at the Cine Crest International Film Festival at Minnesota , US.

"I want Bandook to be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival too and am keeping my fingers crossed," he grins (less)

Interestingly, it was a hot pink dress that led to a fight between the two. Apparently designer Ayesha Dasgupta had created a hot pink outfit for the film, which caught the eye of both the leading ladies.

A source added, "The minute Deepika and Chitrangada saw the dress they both wanted to wear it in the film. This put the designer and the production guys in a tight spot, because the girls just refused to budge.

In fact, they started discussing why the dress would suit them better." Ayesha confirmed, "It was quite a complement for me actually.

We made some outfits for the film. I had no idea both the girls would like the dress so much that it would become such a huge issue.

" However, there was no way the same dress could be repeated in the film, so eventually director Rohit Dhawan had to intervene. The source added, "Rohit spoke to both of them and somehow convinced them to stop arguing.

" However, the designer refused to reveal who eventually wore the dress. Tweet (less)

More recently Sonam was seen in a drop-shoulder corset gown by Gaultier at the Dubai premiere of her action flick Players . The actress tweeted in the morning: "Packing for Paris.

" According to reports, she has also been invited for an exclusive dinner with Lebanese designer Elie Saab and for his show. Sonam is being dubbed as a fashion icon for the youth but the Players actress feels the tag comes with a lot of responsibilities.

"It's only been four years since I have been in the industry, and if in such a short time someone calls you iconic, it is scary and overwhelming," the 26-year-old actress said. Sonam is currently busy shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Rajkumar Santoshi's untitled film.

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The upper half of the gown was embellished with silver sequins and the floor sweeping voluminous skirt was made of layered tulle. She teamed it with a slim blush leather belt with a metallic buckle.

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I have not got any update from the "Rana" unit after Rajini sir fell ill. They've not informed me about when they are planning to resume the shoot of the film.

Also, I have not got any other offers from the south as is rumoured," says Deepika. In the meantime, the actor is on a diet to shed some weight for her upcoming project "Race 2".

"I've decided to tone up my body and shed four to five kilos. I was not asked to lose weight.

I have to wear some really glamorous outfits in the film and I want to look my best," she states (less)

More recently Sonam was seen in a drop-shoulder corset gown by Gaultier at the Dubai premiere of her action flick Players . The actress tweeted in the morning: "Packing for Paris.

" According to reports, she has also been invited for an exclusive dinner with Lebanese designer Elie Saab and for his show. Sonam is being dubbed as a fashion icon for the youth but the Players actress feels the tag comes with a lot of responsibilities.

"It's only been four years since I have been in the industry, and if in such a short time someone calls you iconic, it is scary and overwhelming," the 26-year-old actress said. Sonam is currently busy shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Rajkumar Santoshi's untitled film.

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No other Indian film has won any award at this prestigious film festival, dubbed the 'Cannes Of Asia'. Strangely, key people connected with the film, including co-producer Vivek Oberoi, were unaware of this huge honour that the film has achieved, defeating 307 films representing 70 countries.

Tannishtha Chatterjee, who plays the female lead in the film, expressed her delight and said, "I knew the film was going to Busan. But Dekh Indian Circus winning is really delightful news.

It proves Indian cinema is no longer perceived in stereotypical ways by the international audience and critics." (less)

Sonam Kapoor in a Tarun Tahiliani, arriving At The Oprah Winfrey Bash Hosted By Parmeshwar Godrej Neha Dhupia wearing a white Victoria Beckham dress paired with a necklace by Anmol jewellery with a black Bottega Veneta knot clutch. Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

"Ryan Murphy had told me, 'Don't wear black. You should never wear black.

So my stylist pulled floral, beautiful colours. As I'm walking to the bathroom to try them on, I see the Oscar [de la Renta] dress hanging up in her closet.

I said 'I'm wearing that.' And I called Ryan, and said 'Ryan, I'm wearing black!,'" she said.

However, it seems Murphy wasn't upset about her not taking his advice. "When I met Lea, she was only sort of interested in clothes-- but in the last two years she's become a red-carpet star.

I think what happened is Lea went to an event, and someone said, 'Oh, you look pretty.' It was an interesting moment for her," he added.

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VB has sported the look for years. While Dippy looks pretty, we're giving the 'Saree Queen' crown to the Parineeta girl.

She gets points for being original! Has to be said though, that Balan can't rock a short dress like Dippy can (less)

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Vidya repeats the saree which Aishwarya Rai had worn years ago. Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

Vidya Balan won Best Actress for The Dirty Picture . Allah Rakha Rahman scooped his 28th Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for Rockstar.

The prolific and hugely talented Rahman has won 14 Filmfare Awards and 13 Filmfare Awards South earlier, in addition to his international wins, including at the Academy Awards, Grammys and Bafta and Golden Globe. The trophy, also the 2500th to be awarded, was a special 47 ct diamond studded one.

Rani Mukherjee, seen in 2011's January release No One Killed Jessica , bagged the Best Supporting Actor (female) for her role as intrepid reporter Meera Gaity. Farhan Akhtar bagged the Best Supporting Actor (male) for his sensitive and witty portrayal of Imran, who has never met his biological father.

Meanwhile, a rather surprising choice for the Best Debut Director award met with a barrage of tweets and posts with many asking how the ad filmmaker turned director had scooped the debut award for his second film. Deo has been awarded for his second film, Delhi Belly .

His first film was the action flick Game . Released three months before Delhi Belly, Game was a box- office dud.

The Best Debut awards for acting were picked up by Parineeti Chopra and Vidyut Jhamwal. Cousin to Bollywood's other famous Chopra, Priyanka, Parineeti, picked up the award for her feisty yet fun role in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl.

Vidyut Jhamwal , overlooked in other award shows held earlier, scooped the coveted Filmfare award for his sinister portrayal of a psycho killer in action flick Force . Earlier, the 57th Filmfare Awards began with main show hosts Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor on stage.

SRK, battling a cold and fever, managed to bring his usual energy on the stage. "Damn cold & fever winning the battle,slowly taking over my robust pathan constitution.

Cigarette tasting bad in mouth now..

.this is serious!" he posted on Twitter this evening.

In one segment SRK and Ranbir even showed up dressed as mangoes. The Filmfare Awards began on a somber note with artists from Coke Studio paying a tribute to iconic actors Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor on stage.

Amid tight security and paparazzi, stars arrived for the 57th Filmfare Awards in Mumbai . Priyanka Chopra wore a light blue gown on the red carpet.

Priyanka who performed today, is also under the weather like "special friend SRK. "Very out of sorts.

.Bruised from falling during rehearsals.

too much damage..

.god this act better be good! Looking forward to Filmfare tonight," she posted on Twitter earlier.

Prateik Babbar walked in with his co-star and rumoured girlfriend Amy Jackson. "Feeling kinda cool an stylish in my #troycosta.

. after all its a @filmfare event.

. n its excellence all around.

. glamour talent entertainment," Prateik posted on Twitter.

Music director Anu Malik was among the first few guests to walk the red carpet. Other stars such as Madhuri Dixit and Abhishek Bachchan headed for the show too.

"What a match!!!! #AusOpen and now off to an even bigger match #FilmfareAwards", Abhishek Bachchan posted on Twitter a short while ago. Among the oldest and best-known film awards, the Filmfare Awards were instituted in 1954.

The awards show was held at the Reliance MediaWorks Studios in Filmcity, instead of Yash Raj Studios, where it has been previously held. Tweet (less)

While every year, the Indian Independence Day Parade in NYC ropes in a Bollywood representative, it is the first time that a Bollywood actor will be seen lighting up the Empire State Building in green, white and orange. Rani's manager revealed, "Rani is in New York for the past three days.

She will be felicitated by the Indian federation in NYC." "Rani will be wearing Sabyasachi's outfits there.

A beautiful gown for the ESB ceremony and a lovely anarkali for the parade. She wanted something lighter and comfortable" added the manager.

Last year it was Preity Zinta who did the honours (less)

The venue for India's first ever Formula One Grand Prix: Jaypee's Buddh International Circuit at Greater Noida was formally unveiled on Tuesday October 18th for the media. There was speculation about the readiness of the track but everyone seemed content with the track's completion.

It was reported that Shah Rukh Khan will be promoting Ra.One at the Indian Grand Prix by roping in Michael Schumacher to drive a F1 car with Ra.

one logo on it. TOI.

com spoke exclusively to Shah Rukh about his presence at the Indian GP . The superstar didn't divulge any details but confirmed his presence at the much awaited event.

Shah Rukh confirmed, "I guess I have few tie ups at the event so I will be there for sure. We are planning something.

" SRK added, "I'd love new sports to hit the Indian shores. I am especially keen on football.

There are so many football fans in India. I'd love it if we have football leagues like the IPL.

I am passionate about sports and we are capable of producing good sporting talent. IPL is a brilliant platform for all the young cricketers as it offers them exposure and experience.

Likewise other sports need to be nurtured too." (less)

"Riteish and Genelia are lovely couples. Their seven years of relationship is very strong and I admire it.

The celebrations will begin from Jan 29," Nadiadwala told reporters. Many Bollywood celebs graced the event and blessed the couple.

Boman Irani, who has shared the screen space with Riteish in many films, said: "Riteish is like a son, friend and partner to me. I wish all the success to both of them.

" Riteish-Genelia's big party night The couple walked the red carpet a little late. Genelia was seen in a party mood.

"Riteish is my Raj Kumar," she declared. Karan Johar wished them "all the happiness".

Other huge weddings lined up this year include Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, and Vidya Balan is expected to marry beau Siddharth, CEO of UTV. Riteish and Genelia first met while shooting their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003.

They will reportedly have a four-day wedding affair, which will be attended by who's who from Bollywood and politics. Other guests at the pre-wedding bash included Arbaaz Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpai, Raveena Tandon, Farah Khan, Shrish Kunder, Sajid Khan, Jia Khan, Shezan Padamsi, Fardeen Khan, Ameesha Patel, Tushar Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Arjun Rampal, Sohail Khan and Bobby Deol, among others.

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Young director Srijit Mukherji got rave reviews and set the box-office on fire with his second film 22nd Srabon , which means the 22nd day of the Bengali month Srabon . Director Goutam Ghosh changed hats for the film and delivered an electrifying performance as an eccentric poet in the thriller starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Raima Sen.

Debutante Kamaleshwar Mukherjee's Uro Chithi , a contemporary love story on how old SMSes can unfold new tales, surprised everybody with a superb box-office report. Anindo Bandopadhyay's Chaplin , debutante Shibaprasad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy directed Ichche and Haranath Chakraborty's Chalo Paltai were among the other films that led the trend of "middle of the road" cinema which is commercially viable but with off-beat stories.

With a new state government at the helm, most of the who's who of Tollywood, including Bengal's reigning superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee and director Rituporno Ghosh, were seen rubbing shoulders with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Four MLAs and two MPs in her party hail from the film industry.

Besides plans to renovate the heritage Technicians Studio in Tollygunje, the state government also announced establishing an ambitious Film City on a plot along the river Ganges in Hooghly district, few kms away from Kolkata. Bollywood showman Subhash Ghai too showed interest in Bengali cinema and produced Rituporno Ghosh's Noukadubi , an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel.

Aparna Sen's Iti Mrinalini , featuring her and daughter Konkona as an actress now past her prime, fared well at the box-office and won accolades at a number of international film festivals like Cairo, Dubai and New York. Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Janala too travelled the film festival circuits and even won the best feature film award at the prestigious Asia Pacific Film Festival held in Taipei.

Paris-based Srilankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara went to Cannes with Bengali film Chhatrak as actress Paoli Dam made the industry proud by walking the red carpet. In the 58th National Film Awards Goutam Ghosh's superhit Moner Manush (The Quest), which is based on the real life of a 19th century mystic poet, won two trophies including the Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration.

The best English film award went to Memories in March , which was scripted by maverick director Rituparno Ghosh, who also played the lead role of a homosexual. Young director Kaushik Mukherjee's bold documentary Love in India won the National Award for the best film on family values.

His another critically-acclaimed and controversial film failed to get a theatrical release in India due to its sexually explicit content but was premiered at the famed Berlin Film Festival. The legendary New Theaters Studio, which had given Indian cinema its icons like Prithviraj Kapoor and Bimal Roy, was revived with the innocent love story Ami Adu (I am Aadu).

Besides bagging the National award for best Bengali feature film, Ami Adu won the silver award for best film in SAARC Film Festival. Anjan Dutt's rock musical Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona pleased both the critics and the audiences.

Few run-of-the-mill movies like Tollywood superstar Dev's Paglu and Romeo , Jeet's Fighter and Shatru , Aniket Chattopadhyay's Bye Bye Bangkok , also attracted the masses. "The trends clearly reflect the change in tastes of both the audiences and the filmmakers.

But the number of poor films far exceed the good ones," veteran film critic Shoma A Chatterji told PTI. With more than a hundred releases this year, only a handful of films can be counted upon.

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"Regional cinema is not getting focus. Most of the West thinks that Indian cinema is Hindi cinema," Suriya said.

"Regional cinema has the potential to build bridges across regions and cultures..

. Kolaveri di plays in all the FM stations across India," Suriya said.

The actor also lamented the fact that "Indian cinema was synonymous with Hindi cinema to the western world" and that not much attention was being paid to correct this portrayal. "Multiplexes should show regional cinema with English subtitles.

With nearly 50 percent of India living in urban areas and knowing to speak English. This must be done to popularise regional cinema across the country," Suriya said.

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But then she vanished from the big screen for three years and returned with director Onir's film Sorry Bhai in 2008 followed by Mishra's another film Yeh Saali Zindagi this year. "What is different about commercial films is there are so many changes like there is so much of make-up, different hair styles, slow motion shots etc.

The exciting part was you glam-up for a role, you dance, you have those fantastic clothes, high heels and that whole girly thing," Chitrangada told PTI in an interview. "In the end a girl is a girl, we all love these things.

I had a great time doing all this," she said. Chitrangada is officially foraying into commercial cinema with Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz opposite Akshay Kumar.

"I don't think it is like a plan that I would do now do commercial films. I enjoy it and I hope I can carry it forward.

It's a good shift. Like I did off beat films for some time and now I will to do this for some time, she said.

Ask her about promotional strategies for both kind of cinema, Chitrangada, feels, commercial cinema brings in more recognition and connects with a larger audience. "Promotions are stronger for commercial films.

The numbers, the budget is high for marketing, there is a proper team. When there is a niche film you do it on that level.

It is a great and different experience," she said. Citing an example, Chitrangada said, "Like during one of our promotional tours, the kind of response that Akshay and John got was insane, incredible.

I was like surprised, got cold feet..

thousands of people jammed in a mall." Contrary to what you expect of Chitrangada, considering her on-screen image, she dons a glamorous look in yet-to-be released film Desi Boyz .

She has recreated the sexy and stylish college professor look for the movie. Since her character required her to look edgy, smart, stylish and yet mature, her stylist gave her fringes for her hairdo.

"I play Tanya Sharma, a professor at the Oxford University. Akshay's character Jerry and Tanya have a past.

When Tanya was a student, Jerry was her senior and she had a huge crush on him. He comes back to complete his studies while Tanya has rejoined the college as a professor.

Whenever Jerry is around, everything goes into slow motion," Chitrangada said. Desi Boyz , also starring John Abraham and Deepika Padukone, releases on November 25.

Now that she has ventured into commercial cinema, the actress would continue doing parallel cinema. "In terms of offbeat cinema if something exciting comes my way, which is challenging and a good role, with a good director like say Vishal Bhardwaj or somebody, I would love to do that again and go right back," she said.

Tweet (less)

..

wearing a suit in goa..

.kinda takes away the spirit of the place.

..

feel like a sore thumb..

." SRK psoted on Twitter.

While the opening ceremony brings in Shah Rukh, the closing ceremony will have Tamil star Suriya among other celebrities. Madhuri Dixit-Nene, recently back in India for good from the US, is also in Goa for the film festival and having a good time.

"Treating myself and family to Goan curry. Delicious!! Goa rocks!" she posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, actor Jackie Shroff today said Bollywood actors and industry professionals should not see Goa merely as a holiday destination, but also participate in the International Film Festival of India. "People come here (Goa) for a holiday.

They should also come here during IFFI," Shroff said, after inaugurating the 'Raj Kapoor' lounge for directors at the IFFI venue. "I am going to request people from the film industries in India, like Marathi, Tamil, Bengali also to come here for the festival.

..

People keep talking about Cannes, let's make Goa better than all that," he said. Organisers expect film luminaries Luc Besson, Bertrand Tavernier, Michelle Yeoh, Laurance Kardish, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Dan Wolman to be in Goa for the festival.

At the launching of the official poster, IFFI director Shankar Mohan said that with the theme 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam' which means the whole world is one family, the festival aims at making it the numero uno festival in the world. The poster has been designed by Thota Tharani.

At the festival, the Indian Panorama will open with the screening of Malayalam film Urumi and will host Indian movies like Bengali film Ranjana Ami Ar Asbo Na and Hindi film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others, officials said. The festival would also include a Retrospective Section and3D and animation movies.

There would also be a special 'Master Class' session to explain the nuances of films and their making by cinema professionals to the session guests. The festival will showcase over 100 movies from 65 countries and end on December 3.

Tweet (less)

POPULAR AWARDS Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Rekha and Yash Chopra present the Award to Ranbir Kapoor "I've grown up wanting a Best Actor Award. This is my fourth award.

Every dream seems to be becoming a reality. It feels great.

Thank you Imtiaz. I love you, Sir.

Thank you for giving me hope and inspiration. Thank you for giving me Rockstar.

And I'll see you at the Movies." - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award.

Best Actress: Vidya Balan for The Dirty Picture Sridevi and Boney Kapoor give away the Award to Vidya Balan. "It has been a night where women have shone, This award goes out to the women in my life.

..

This award goes out to every woman. And of course everyone on the team of The Dirty Picture especially Milan Luthria.

" - Vidya Balan on winning the Best Actress Award. Best Film: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Madhuri Dixit gives away the award.

Best Director: Zoya Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Subhash Ghai gives away the trophy to Zoya Akhtar Best Dialogue: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Chitrangada Singh comes on stage to present the award.

"This feels really good. Zoya, Reena thank you for writing this amazing story and screenplay.

Thank you to every actor for making every dialogue your own. A big thanks to my dad for writing the beautiful poetry in the movie that gave the dialogues that extra edge.

"- Farhan Akhtar on winning the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue Best Screenplay: Akshat Verma for Delhi Belly Kabir Bedi and Kalki Koechlin present the award. Akshat is not in the house.

The director of Delhi Belly, Abhinav Deo collects the award on his behalf. Best Story: Sanjay Chauhan for I Am Kalam Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson come on stage to present the award.

"I'd like to thank Kalam saab. Nila Madhav Panda, my director and the entire team of I Am Kalam.

I'd like to thank my daughter and my wife." - Sanjay Chauhan on winning the award.

Best Actor (Critics) Award: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Thank you critics. Thank you Imtiaz.

Without you nothing would've been possible. The cast and crew.

The Producers. Rahman Saab.

And everyone who has worked on this movie." - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award Best Actress (Critics) Award: Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf Juhi Chawla and Shankar come on stage to present the award.

"This black lady is the most coveted lady ever, and I have the entire team of 7 Khoon Maaf to thank for that. A big thanks to my family.

Thank you Filmfare, the entire team. And thank you the film industry for believing in me.

" - Priyanka Chopra on winning the award. Best Film (Critics) Award: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr.

Balram Garg (PC Jewellers) and Bipasha Basu give away the award. Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award.

Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award. "It's difficult to get a balance between the critics and box office.

Zoya managed that for us. I thank the entire team of ZNMD.

Thank you Filmfare. Thank you Times of India.

Thank you Eros." - Ritesh Sidhwani "I want to thank my cast and crew.

Since this is the mother of all awards, I'm going to dedicate it to mine." - Zoya Akhtar, Director - ZNMD Best Supporting Actor (Male) Award: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar give the award to Farhan Akhtar.

"Thank you Filmfare, thank you jury for selecting this performance. I would like to thank Naseer for all the support.

..

thank you Zoya, Reema, Ritesh, mom, Audhana..

. Thank you very much.

" - Farhan Akhtar on winning the award. Best Supporting Actor (Female) Award: Rani Mukerji for 'No One Killed Jessica' Mr.

Ramesh Taurani presents the award to Vidya Balan and director Raj Kumar Gupta, since Rani Mukherji is not present. SPECIAL FILMFARE AWARD: Partho Gupte for Stanley Ka Dabba Mukesh Bhatt and Mansvi gave away this award.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Karan Johar comes on stage to announce the Lifetime Ahievement Award winner - Aruna Irani. Mr.

Ramesh Sippy and Raveena Tandon present the award to Aruna Irani. "Good evening.

This is a very touching moment of my life; it's the happiest moment of my life. Thank you Filmfare for giving recognition to my work.

Thank you Dilip Kumar saab for introducing me to the wonderful world of films at the age of 9 years. The industry taught me acting, dance, work, and gave an uneducated woman like me a platform.

I came into the industry to execute a responsibility. I'd like to thank my family.

My husband. My brothers.

My fans. Thank you Filmfare for this immense happiness.

God, you're very kind." - Aruna Irani on winning the Lifetime Achievement Award Idea Sony Scene of the Year Award: The Dirty Picture Manjit Singh and NP Singh of Sony present the award.

Vidya Balan comes on behalf of the producers of The Dirty Picture to accept the award FILMFARE MUSIC AWARDS Best Music Director Award: AR Rahman for Rockstar Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone give away the trophy. Trivia: This is the 2500th Filmfare Trophy to be given away.

It's a diamond studded trophy designed by PC Jewellers. "I want to thank Imtiaz, and all the singers of Rockstar, and everyone who has worked on the music along with me.

" - AR Rahman on winning the award. Best Lyrics Award: Irshad Kamil for 'Nadaan Parindey' of Rockstar Anu Malik and Anuradha Paudwal give away the award Best Playback (Male) Award: Mohit Chauhan for 'Jo Bhi Mein' from Rockstar "Thank you so much.

It's really special tonight over here. I want to thank my parents back home in Himachal.

I want to thank Rahman saab for creating such awesome songs for Rockstar. I want to thank Imtiaz for his vision of Jordan, Ranbir Kapoor, Irshad for writing such wonderful lyrics.

..

Thank you." - Mohit Chauhan on winning the award Best Playback (Female) Award: Rekha Bhardwaj and Usha Uthup for 'Darling' of 7 Khoon Maaf Imtiaz Ali and Urmila Matondkar present the award.

Usha Uthup is there..

. Rekha isn't here.

..

Usha accepts the award on behalf of Rekha, too and breaks down. "Thank you Filmfare, the mother of all awards in India.

In 42 years, this is my first award! It's unbelievable for me. Thank you to all the music directors, to my family for letting me grow, thank you to Vishal Bhardwajji" - an emotional Usha Uthup on winning the award.

RD Burman Award for Best upcoming Talent: Krishna for Tanu weds Manu Bhushan Kumar and Alka Yagnik present the award to Krishna. Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for 'Senorita', Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara "I'd love to thank Zoya, Carlos, Hrithik, Abhay, my wife, my son, Farhan Akhtar.

Id' like to thank my younger brother and partner, Bosco": Caesar "Mom, we got this the Black Beauty is ours": Bosco Best Background Score: Ranjit Barot for Shaitan Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl come on stage to give away the trophy. Bijoy Nambiar collects the award on his behalf.

FILMFARE DEBUT AWARDS Best Debut Director Award: Abhinay Deo for Delhi Belly Madhur Bhandarkar and Hasleen Kaur present the award to Abhinay Deo. Best Debut (Male) Award: Vidyut Jamwal for Force Chunky Pandey and Kajal Aggarwal present the award to Vidyut Jamwal.

"I'm speechless. I'm very happy.

Everyone who comes to Mumbai hopes he gets a good movie. I got that.

A good producer, I got that. A good director, I got that.

Then you want the film to make a hit, it was a hit, Then you want an award, I got that. I would like to thank Nishikant Kamat and a lot of other people, whom I will personally thank tonight.

" - Vidyut Jamwal on winning the award. Best Debut (Female) Award: Parineeti Chopra for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Mr.

Amrish Jain (Idea Cellular) and Dia Mirza present her the award. "I told myself that if I won today, I wouldn't cry, but I can't help myself.

Thank You the whole team of Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, my family. This is my sixth award this season, and it's so motivating.

I'm going to work very hard. I've grown up watching the Filmfare Awards and to hold one now is an out of the world experience.

" - Parineeti Chopra on winning the award. FILMFARE TECHNICAL AWARDS Best Action: Mathhias Barsch for Don 2.

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani collects the award on his behalf. Ritesh dedicates the award to Priyanka's stunt double Bibi who died under unfortunate circumstances.

Best Cinematography: Carlos Catalan for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr. Shashi Shankar (Idea Cellular) and Mahie Gill present the award to Carlos Catalan.

"I'm very nervous. I'd like to thank my producers, Zoya: she's great fun to work with.

I'd like to thank my Indian and Spanish crew"- Carlos Catalan on winning the award Best Editing: Huzefa Lokhandwala for Delhi Belly Abhinay Deo collects the award on his behalf. Best Production Design: Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly Kunal Kohli and Neha Dhupia give away the award to Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly.

Shashank isn't here, and Jim the co-writer of the movie collects it on his behalf. Best Sound Design: Nakul Kamte for Don 2 Sarah Jane Dias presents the award to Farhan Akhtar.

Nakul wasn't here to collect the award but sent an acceptance speech with Farhan in case he won. And win he did! Best Costume Design Award: The first Award of the night has been declared.

Niharika Khan for The Dirty Picture Thank you Filmfare, thank you Vidya for letting make me take your clothes off. Thank you to the actors who let me keep their clothes on: Nasseruddin Shah and the entire cast.

Thank you Milan. Thank you my husband and children for letting me do my job.

- Niharika Khan on winning the award. THE RED CARPET Today was my first day of shooting for Raaz 3.

It was tiring and exhausting. Now, I'm here to sit back and cheer my friends and have a good evening: Bipasha Basu This is my first Filmfare Awards.

The studio is looking lovely. Ranbir and Vidya seem to be the absolute favourites this year.

I guess they'll win the Best Actor Award: Chitrangada I remember when I won the Best Supporting Actor award, and then immediately my name was called for Best Debut. I had one award in hand and was going on stage to pick up another.

It was the most memorable moment for me. And I keep returning to Filmfare to bring back that memory: Vivek Oberoi It's an exciting evening.

If I win a Filmfare tonight, I'll score a hattrick. It's only on this evening every year, that meri niyat thodi kharab ho jati hai, because I plan to bring a lady home: Vidya Balan I think Vidya has done a good job this year.

Even Priyanka was fabulous. Actually they all were very good, so picking one is difficult: Madhuri Dixit It's a tough job to be on the jury.

I was on the Filmfare jury this year, and I'm not allowed to say much. But it's a very tough job!: Urmila Matondkar It's tough to elect one person or one film from all those nominated.

May the best talent win. We are looking forward to the evening: Sridevi My beautiful wife is with my beautiful baby.

I'm here alone. Honestly, I don't know the nominations too well.

Is my Ma (Vidya Balan) nominated? Then I'll vote for her. Am I nominated? No? Then I don't think I'd root for anyone: Abhishek Bachchan It's an exciting evening.

All of us are here, that's a celebration in itself. If any one of us bags an award it'll be a double celebration or more than that: Javed Akhtar Everyone from the family - Farhan, Zoya, Javed and myself have been nominated.

It feels special. We feel like a family of one of Karan Johar's films: Shabana Azmi I'm rooting for Ranbir Kapoor.

He did a brilliant job in Rockstar. I think Vidya Balan will win the Best Actress.

I've already congratulated her in advance. And ZNMD was my favourite film of last year.

I enjoyed it so much: Deepika Padukone Rockstar director Imtiaz Ali arrived with wife Preety. He informs though his Rockstar has been nominated in the Best Film category, he is unaware about the other nominations of the same category.

"I don't know about competition. I think when you make a film you don't get time to watch other films.

So I don't know with which films Rockstar is competing." His wife Preety is definitely rooting for Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor.

Rockstar has been nominated in several categories. I wish it wins every award possible.

The music of Rockstar was widely accepted, that was a feather in my cap and an extremely important thing for me: AR Rahman Pratiek Babbar is on red carpet and cheering for his contemporaries. "I want an actor of my generation to win.

I want Ranbir to win". I don't care much about Awards.

All I'm interested in is doing good films: Kalki Koechlin Though playback singer Shreya Ghoshal was won two nominations, she says, "Usha Uthup deserves to win. She is so legendary that I am not even a competitor".

When asked, which playback actress does her voice suits the best she says, "Kareena and Vidya". I'm going to be hosting a small segment and performing.

I'm also looking forward to Shah Rukh sir and Ranbir Kapoor hosting. It's going to be a pulsating evening: Ali Zafar Parineeti Chopra is thrilled to win two nominations for her debut performance.

She is nominated in the Supporting Actor (Female) and Debut (Female) categories for the same film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'. "Winning a nomination for your debut film feels really great.

What's more rewarding is to be nominated alongside Rani Mukherji in the Best Supporting Actress category", she says. Prateik walks in with Amy Jackson I want Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to win Best Screenplay, Dialogue, Film, Director.

That'll be a double whammy. And Zoya will ensure that I come with her for all the awards, for she considers me her lucky mascot, not that she needs one: Dia Mirza It's exciting to be here with the cast and crew of znmd.

I don't have any acceptance speech, just keeping fingers crossed: Zoya Akhtar I'm rooting for Kalki (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and many others. I want the best man to win: Anurag Kashyap I'm looking forward to Shah Rukh and Ranbir Kapoor's hosting and some great performances.

Delhi Belly, The Dirty Picture, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara are my favourite films of 2011: Neha Dhupia I'd like Vidya Balan to win for 'The Dirty Picture', Ranbir Kapoor to win for 'Rockstar', Imtiaz Ali to win best director and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to bag the best film. Let the most deserving take home the black lady tonight: Kabir Bedi I'm rooting for Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture' and Ranbir Kapoor for 'Rockstar'.

For music it has to be 'Ra.One': Sarah Jane Dais "I'm exited, nervous.

..

If I win I'll start screaming. I loved Vidya in The Dirty Picture.

I'll be happy for her if she wins", says Mahie Gill Priyanka Chopra makes an entry in a Ferragamo gown and though she is nominated in the Best Actor (Female) Category for '7 Khoon Maaf', she says her vote goes to Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture'. She adds, "I will be performing a skit on 'Junglee billi ka swayamvar' and hope people take it in right spirit".

Choreographer Bosco says Farhan Akhtar was a surprise package in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for the 'Senorita' song. "I'm excited, thankful to God and thank you to Filmfare for my nomination.

Thanks to everyone who has liked my song. I loved doing this so much", says singer Harshdeep Kaur who is nominated in the Best Playback Singer (Female) category for the song 'Katiya Karu' from the film Rockstar.

Dress designer Niharika Khan who designed Vidya Balan's outfits in The Dirty Picture says the Filmfare black lady is sexiest - better than any actress. Delhi Belly actress Poorna Jagannathan says her film Delhi Belly should win the Best Film Award.

Celebrities have started coming in and Mukesh Bhatt is the early bird entry (less)

"I have won Filmfare awards twice but this award is special," she said. "A lifetime achievement award truly does take a lifetime.

" Costume designer Manish Malhotra and Urmila Matondkar, who arrived then, stopped to congratulate the veteran actress and remarked on how "well maintained" she looked. "Arunaji is an inspiration to the young generation," Urmila told mediapersons.

After which she promptly broke into a jig while singing Dilbar dil se pyare from Aruna Irani's Caravan. Best actress nominee Vidya Balan, having lost all the lard she had put on for her Silk Smitha reprisal in The Dirty Picture, looked lovely in a green Kanjeevaram with a low-back blouse.

Widely expected to win this year too, Vidya accepted congratulations from Deepika Padukone on the red carpet . "I have not rehearsed any acceptance speech, though," she said, laughing.

Buddy Abhishek Bachchan ribbed her about wanting Maa, not Paa, to win. He arrived alone, leaving Aishwarya home to mind the new arrival.

When asked about his favourite male nominee, he said, "Am I nominated ? If not, I am not rooting for any actor!" Priyanka Chopra walked in a light blue Ferragamo gown. All excited about her act called Jungli billi ka swayamvar, which she said was "spoofy" and had all the popular characters from last year's films, she remarked, "Let's see who I end up with.

Hope people take it in the right spirit." Priyanka said she was fine with not winning an award for Saat Khoon Maaf but Vidya Balan definitely deserved to win one for The Dirty Picture.

Director Imtiaz Ali, whose Rockstar was among the leading contenders this year, came casually dressed in blue jeans and grey shirt. Wife Preeti made up for it with a lovely, formal golden churidar kurta.

When asked for his opinion on the other films in the running, Imtiaz replied that he had barely seen them, so busy was he travelling for his own. Despite having a stellar career of 42 years behind her, Usha Uthup, a Best Singer nominee, has never won a Filmfare .

"I've been singing since 1969 and I so badly want this award," she exclaimed. "This has been a good year, what with Darling and Don 2.

" Known for her traditional Indian ensemble-which accentuates the contrast with her husky, "western" voice-the singer wore a perfectly coordinated black-and-gold ensemble , complete with Kanjeevaram work on her keds. "These shoes were actually Reeboks," she laughed.

"Now they are Kanjeevaram keds. Isn't that cool!" Another super singer, Shreya Ghoshal-who walked in in a glamorous red gown by Sameer Patel-was all praise for Usha Uthup and said she wanted her to win for the rumbustious Darling.

..

from Saat Khoon Maaf. "Ushaji is a legend and I don't consider myself her competitor ," she said (less)

..

wearing a suit in goa..

.kinda takes away the spirit of the place.

..

feel like a sore thumb..

." SRK psoted on Twitter.

While the opening ceremony brings in Shah Rukh, the closing ceremony will have Tamil star Suriya among other celebrities. Madhuri Dixit-Nene, recently back in India for good from the US, is also in Goa for the film festival and having a good time.

"Treating myself and family to Goan curry. Delicious!! Goa rocks!" she posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, actor Jackie Shroff today said Bollywood actors and industry professionals should not see Goa merely as a holiday destination, but also participate in the International Film Festival of India. "People come here (Goa) for a holiday.

They should also come here during IFFI," Shroff said, after inaugurating the 'Raj Kapoor' lounge for directors at the IFFI venue. "I am going to request people from the film industries in India, like Marathi, Tamil, Bengali also to come here for the festival.

..

People keep talking about Cannes, let's make Goa better than all that," he said. Organisers expect film luminaries Luc Besson, Bertrand Tavernier, Michelle Yeoh, Laurance Kardish, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Dan Wolman to be in Goa for the festival.

At the launching of the official poster, IFFI director Shankar Mohan said that with the theme 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam' which means the whole world is one family, the festival aims at making it the numero uno festival in the world. The poster has been designed by Thota Tharani.

At the festival, the Indian Panorama will open with the screening of Malayalam film Urumi and will host Indian movies like Bengali film Ranjana Ami Ar Asbo Na and Hindi film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others, officials said. The festival would also include a Retrospective Section and3D and animation movies.

There would also be a special 'Master Class' session to explain the nuances of films and their making by cinema professionals to the session guests. The festival will showcase over 100 movies from 65 countries and end on December 3.

Tweet (less)

"This feels really good. Zoya, Reena thank you for writing this amazing story and screenplay.

Thank you to every actor for making every dialogue your own. A big thanks to my dad for writing the beautiful poetry in the movie that gave the dialogues that extra edge.

"- Farhan Akhtar on winning the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue Best Screenplay: Akshat Verma for Delhi Belly Kabir Bedi and Kalki Koechlin present the award. Akshat is not in the house.

The director of Delhi Belly, Abhinav Deo collects the award on his behalf. Best Story: Sanjay Chauhan for I Am Kalam Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson come on stage to present the award.

"I'd like to thank Kalam saab. Nila Madhav Panda, my director and the entire team of I Am Kalam.

I'd like to thank my daughter and my wife." - Sanjay Chauhan on winning the award.

Best Actor (Critics) Award: Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar Thank you critics. Thank you Imtiaz.

Without you nothing would've been possible. The cast and crew.

The Producers. Rahman Saab.

And everyone who has worked on this movie." - Ranbir Kapoor on winning the award Best Actress (Critics) Award: Priyanka Chopra for 7 Khoon Maaf Juhi Chawla and Shankar come on stage to present the award.

"This black lady is the most coveted lady ever, and I have the entire team of 7 Khoon Maaf to thank for that. A big thanks to my family.

Thank you Filmfare, the entire team. And thank you the film industry for believing in me.

" - Priyanka Chopra on winning the award. Best Film (Critics) Award: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr.

Balram Garg (PC Jewellers) and Bipasha Basu give away the award. Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award.

Zoya Akhtra, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani come to collect the award. "It's difficult to get a balance between the critics and box office.

Zoya managed that for us. I thank the entire team of ZNMD.

Thank you Filmfare. Thank you Times of India.

Thank you Eros." - Ritesh Sidhwani "I want to thank my cast and crew.

Since this is the mother of all awards, I'm going to dedicate it to mine." - Zoya Akhtar, Director - ZNMD Best Supporting Actor (Male) Award: Farhan Akhtar for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar give the award to Farhan Akhtar.

"Thank you Filmfare, thank you jury for selecting this performance. I would like to thank Naseer for all the support.

..

thank you Zoya, Reema, Ritesh, mom, Audhana..

. Thank you very much.

" - Farhan Akhtar on winning the award. Best Supporting Actor (Female) Award: Rani Mukerji for 'No One Killed Jessica' Mr.

Ramesh Taurani presents the award to Vidya Balan and director Raj Kumar Gupta, since Rani Mukherji is not present. ON-STAGE ACTION Rekha calls Abhishek Bachchan on stage for a dance but he's left from the venue.

Now Ranbir Kapoor gets Kareena and Karisma Kapoor on stage with Vidya Balan for a dance. Ranbir is dressed as Vidya Balan from The Dirty Picture and Shah Rukh is dressed as Chikna Chameli.

SRK, Ranbir Kapoor return on stage. SPECIAL FILMFARE AWARD: Partho Gupte for Stanley Ka Dabba Mukesh Bhatt and Mansvi gave away this award.

ON-STAGE ACTION Karan Johar returns to the hosting podium Deepika Padukone performs LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Karan Johar comes on stage to announce the Lifetime Ahievement Award winner - Aruna Irani. Mr.

Ramesh Sippy and Raveena Tandon present the award to Aruna Irani. "Good evening.

This is a very touching moment of my life; it's the happiest moment of my life. Thank you Filmfare for giving recognition to my work.

Thank you Dilip Kumar saab for introducing me to the wonderful world of films at the age of 9 years. The industry taught me acting, dance, work, and gave an uneducated woman like me a platform.

I came into the industry to execute a responsibility. I'd like to thank my family.

My husband. My brothers.

My fans. Thank you Filmfare for this immense happiness.

God, you're very kind." - Aruna Irani on winning the Lifetime Achievement Award Idea Sony Scene of the Year Award: The Dirty Picture Manjit Singh and NP Singh of Sony present the award.

Vidya Balan comes on behalf of the producers of The Dirty Picture to accept the award FILMFARE MUSIC AWARDS Best Music Director Award: AR Rahman for Rockstar Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone give away the trophy. Trivia: This is the 2500th Filmfare Trophy to be given away.

It's a diamond studded trophy designed by PC Jewellers. "I want to thank Imtiaz, and all the singers of Rockstar, and everyone who has worked on the music along with me.

" - AR Rahman on winning the award. Best Lyrics Award: Irshad Kamil for 'Nadaan Parindey' of Rockstar Anu Malik and Anuradha Paudwal give away the award Best Playback (Male) Award: Mohit Chauhan for 'Jo Bhi Mein' from Rockstar "Thank you so much.

It's really special tonight over here. I want to thank my parents back home in Himachal.

I want to thank Rahman saab for creating such awesome songs for Rockstar. I want to thank Imtiaz for his vision of Jordan, Ranbir Kapoor, Irshad for writing such wonderful lyrics.

..

Thank you." - Mohit Chauhan on winning the award Best Playback (Female) Award: Rekha Bhardwaj and Usha Uthup for 'Darling' of 7 Khoon Maaf Imtiaz Ali and Urmila Matondkar present the award.

Usha Uthup is there..

. Rekha isn't here.

..

Usha accepts the award on behalf of Rekha, too and breaks down. "Thank you Filmfare, the mother of all awards in India.

In 42 years, this is my first award! It's unbelievable for me. Thank you to all the music directors, to my family for letting me grow, thank you to Vishal Bhardwajji" - an emotional Usha Uthup on winning the award.

RD Burman Award for Best upcoming Talent: Krishna for Tanu weds Manu Bhushan Kumar and Alka Yagnik present the award to Krishna. Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar for 'Senorita', Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara "I'd love to thank Zoya, Carlos, Hrithik, Abhay, my wife, my son, Farhan Akhtar.

Id' like to thank my younger brother and partner, Bosco": Caesar "Mom, we got this the Black Beauty is ours": Bosco Best Background Score: Ranjit Barot for Shaitan Sonali Bendre and Goldie Behl come on stage to give away the trophy. Bijoy Nambiar collects the award on his behalf.

ON-STAGE ACTION Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor return to host the Awards Filmfare extends their condolence and pays their respects to the film personalities that passed away in 2011. FILMFARE DEBUT AWARDS Best Debut Director Award: Abhinay Deo for Delhi Belly Madhur Bhandarkar and Hasleen Kaur present the award to Abhinay Deo.

Best Debut (Male) Award: Vidyut Jamwal for Force Chunky Pandey and Kajal Aggarwal present the award to Vidyut Jamwal. "I'm speechless.

I'm very happy. Everyone who comes to Mumbai hopes he gets a good movie.

I got that. A good producer, I got that.

A good director, I got that. Then you want the film to make a hit, it was a hit, Then you want an award, I got that.

I would like to thank Nishikant Kamat and a lot of other people, whom I will personally thank tonight." - Vidyut Jamwal on winning the award.

Best Debut (Female) Award: Parineeti Chopra for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl Mr. Amrish Jain (Idea Cellular) and Dia Mirza present her the award.

"I told myself that if I won today, I wouldn't cry, but I can't help myself. Thank You the whole team of Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, my family.

This is my sixth award this season, and it's so motivating. I'm going to work very hard.

I've grown up watching the Filmfare Awards and to hold one now is an out of the world experience." - Parineeti Chopra on winning the award.

ON-STAGE ACTION Ankita Shorey comes to host the next segment. Ali Zafar joins Ankita Shorey on the hosting podium.

He gives his first performance at an award function. The soon couple-to-be Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza come on stage for their performance.

FILMFARE TECHNICAL AWARDS Best Action: Mathhias Barsch for Don 2. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani collects the award on his behalf.

Ritesh dedicates the award to Priyanka's stunt double Bibi who died under unfortunate circumstances. Best Cinematography: Carlos Catalan for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Mr.

Shashi Shankar (Idea Cellular) and Mahie Gill present the award to Carlos Catalan. "I'm very nervous.

I'd like to thank my producers, Zoya: she's great fun to work with. I'd like to thank my Indian and Spanish crew"- Carlos Catalan on winning the award Best Editing: Huzefa Lokhandwala for Delhi Belly Abhinay Deo collects the award on his behalf.

Best Production Design: Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly Kunal Kohli and Neha Dhupia give away the award to Shashank Tere for Delhi Belly. Shashank isn't here, and Jim the co-writer of the movie collects it on his behalf.

Best Sound Design: Nakul Kamte for Don 2 Sarah Jane Dias presents the award to Farhan Akhtar. Nakul wasn't here to collect the award but sent an acceptance speech with Farhan in case he won.

And win he did! Best Costume Design Award: The first Award of the night has been declared. Niharika Khan for The Dirty Picture Thank you Filmfare, thank you Vidya for letting make me take your clothes off.

Thank you to the actors who let me keep their clothes on: Nasseruddin Shah and the entire cast. Thank you Milan.

Thank you my husband and children for letting me do my job. - Niharika Khan on winning the award.

ON-STAGE ACTION The soon couple-to-be Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza come on stage for their performance. Vidya Balan comes on stage and says, "I am Big B - meaning Big Balan".

Shah Rukh, Ranbir emerge on stage and begin hosting the show. They are having the crowd in splits with their act.

Their argument is who is best - the Kapoors or the Khans. Further Shah Rukh takes digs at his own film Ra.

One. "Producing it was painful", he says.

THE RED CARPET Today was my first day of shooting for Raaz 3. It was tiring and exhausting.

Now, I'm here to sit back and cheer my friends and have a good evening: Bipasha Basu This is my first Filmfare Awards. The studio is looking lovely.

Ranbir and Vidya seem to be the absolute favourites this year. I guess they'll win the Best Actor Award: Chitrangada I remember when I won the Best Supporting Actor award, and then immediately my name was called for Best Debut.

I had one award in hand and was going on stage to pick up another. It was the most memorable moment for me.

And I keep returning to Filmfare to bring back that memory: Vivek Oberoi It's an exciting evening. If I win a Filmfare tonight, I'll score a hattrick.

It's only on this evening every year, that meri niyat thodi kharab ho jati hai, because I plan to bring a lady home: Vidya Balan I think Vidya has done a good job this year. Even Priyanka was fabulous.

Actually they all were very good, so picking one is difficult: Madhuri Dixit It's a tough job to be on the jury. I was on the Filmfare jury this year, and I'm not allowed to say much.

But it's a very tough job!: Urmila Matondkar It's tough to elect one person or one film from all those nominated. May the best talent win.

We are looking forward to the evening: Sridevi My beautiful wife is with my beautiful baby. I'm here alone.

Honestly, I don't know the nominations too well. Is my Ma (Vidya Balan) nominated? Then I'll vote for her.

Am I nominated? No? Then I don't think I'd root for anyone: Abhishek Bachchan It's an exciting evening. All of us are here, that's a celebration in itself.

If any one of us bags an award it'll be a double celebration or more than that: Javed Akhtar Everyone from the family - Farhan, Zoya, Javed and myself have been nominated. It feels special.

We feel like a family of one of Karan Johar's films: Shabana Azmi I'm rooting for Ranbir Kapoor. He did a brilliant job in Rockstar.

I think Vidya Balan will win the Best Actress. I've already congratulated her in advance.

And ZNMD was my favourite film of last year. I enjoyed it so much: Deepika Padukone Rockstar director Imtiaz Ali arrived with wife Preety.

He informs though his Rockstar has been nominated in the Best Film category, he is unaware about the other nominations of the same category. "I don't know about competition.

I think when you make a film you don't get time to watch other films. So I don't know with which films Rockstar is competing.

" His wife Preety is definitely rooting for Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor. Rockstar has been nominated in several categories.

I wish it wins every award possible. The music of Rockstar was widely accepted, that was a feather in my cap and an extremely important thing for me: AR Rahman Pratiek Babbar is on red carpet and cheering for his contemporaries.

"I want an actor of my generation to win. I want Ranbir to win".

I don't care much about Awards. All I'm interested in is doing good films: Kalki Koechlin Though playback singer Shreya Ghoshal was won two nominations, she says, "Usha Uthup deserves to win.

She is so legendary that I am not even a competitor". When asked, which playback actress does her voice suits the best she says, "Kareena and Vidya".

I'm going to be hosting a small segment and performing. I'm also looking forward to Shah Rukh sir and Ranbir Kapoor hosting.

It's going to be a pulsating evening: Ali Zafar Parineeti Chopra is thrilled to win two nominations for her debut performance. She is nominated in the Supporting Actor (Female) and Debut (Female) categories for the same film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'.

"Winning a nomination for your debut film feels really great. What's more rewarding is to be nominated alongside Rani Mukherji in the Best Supporting Actress category", she says.

Prateik walks in with Amy Jackson I want Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to win Best Screenplay, Dialogue, Film, Director. That'll be a double whammy.

And Zoya will ensure that I come with her for all the awards, for she considers me her lucky mascot, not that she needs one: Dia Mirza It's exciting to be here with the cast and crew of znmd. I don't have any acceptance speech, just keeping fingers crossed: Zoya Akhtar I'm rooting for Kalki (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and many others.

I want the best man to win: Anurag Kashyap I'm looking forward to Shah Rukh and Ranbir Kapoor's hosting and some great performances. Delhi Belly, The Dirty Picture, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara are my favourite films of 2011: Neha Dhupia I'd like Vidya Balan to win for 'The Dirty Picture', Ranbir Kapoor to win for 'Rockstar', Imtiaz Ali to win best director and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to bag the best film.

Let the most deserving take home the black lady tonight: Kabir Bedi I'm rooting for Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture' and Ranbir Kapoor for 'Rockstar'. For music it has to be 'Ra.

One': Sarah Jane Dais "I'm exited, nervous..

. If I win I'll start screaming.

I loved Vidya in The Dirty Picture. I'll be happy for her if she wins", says Mahie Gill Priyanka Chopra makes an entry in a Ferragamo gown and though she is nominated in the Best Actor (Female) Category for '7 Khoon Maaf', she says her vote goes to Vidya Balan for 'The Dirty Picture'.

She adds, "I will be performing a skit on 'Junglee billi ka swayamvar' and hope people take it in right spirit". Choreographer Bosco says Farhan Akhtar was a surprise package in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for the 'Senorita' song.

"I'm excited, thankful to God and thank you to Filmfare for my nomination. Thanks to everyone who has liked my song.

I loved doing this so much", says singer Harshdeep Kaur who is nominated in the Best Playback Singer (Female) category for the song 'Katiya Karu' from the film Rockstar. Dress designer Niharika Khan who designed Vidya Balan's outfits in The Dirty Picture says the Filmfare black lady is sexiest - better than any actress.

Delhi Belly actress Poorna Jagannathan says her film Delhi Belly should win the Best Film Award. Celebrities have started coming in and Mukesh Bhatt is the early bird entry.

OFF-STAGE TIT-BITS Singer-actor Ali Zafar is expected to sing and also host a section of the 57th Idea Filmfare Awards. Priyanka Chopra hurt herself during rehearsals for Filmfare Awards.

"Very out of sorts..

Bruised from falling during rehearsals.too much damage.

..

god this act better be good! Looking forward to Filmfare tonight" Priyanka Tweeted on Sunday afternoon (less)

Previous recipients of the honour are Morgan Freeman, Sean Penn, Oliver Stone, Danny Glover, Terry Gilliam, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai. Rahman's soulful compositions blend the intricacies of Western and Indian classical with folk sounds, Qawwali and symphonic orchestral themes.

The 45-year-old composer, who has made a distinct print in Indian and world cinema music, said he is a sort of multicultural person, having been exposed to both the Indian and Western culture through his music. "A R Rahman is an inspiration for countless musicians and composers, and has brought a fresh infusion of talent to the Indian film industry.

Through his international foray, working with some of the world's most accomplished musicians, he demonstrated the power of music to cross all barriers nd connect with a global audience," said festival chairman Abdulhamid Juma. "We are honoured to present Rahman with the DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award.

" Rahman will also kick off his world tour with a concert in Dubai on December 9; the concert is supported by the Festival. Winner of two Academy Awards and two Grammys, Rahman is among the youngest recipients of DIFF's Lifetime Achievement Award, which singles out cinema and industry legends from Arab cinema, Asia and Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

His work for Slumdog Millionaire , which was screened at DIFF 2008, won two Academy Awards for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song. Most recently, he joined forces with Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger on SuperHeavy , a supergroup also featuring Joss Stone, Dave Stewart and Damian Marley.

He also composed music for the Mandarin film, Warriors of Heaven & Earth . Other international film credits include 127 Hours , Elizabeth: The Golden Age with Craig Armstrong and Couples Retreat .

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The prestigious 13th Mumbai Film Festival, a Reliance entertainment initiative, today announced a special section to celebrate 50 Years of Cannes Critics Week along with National Award winning debut features. Showcasing the best of the Cannes Critics Week and the National Award winning films , the 13th Mumbai Film Festival will recreate the silver screen cinematic magic of award winning films.

Some of the international classics to be screened in this section include Valeria Gaii Guermanika's 'Everybody Dies But Me', Ken Loach's 'Kes', Jerzy Skolimowski's 'Walkover' amongst others. The Indian National Film Award winning films to be screened in this special section include Adoor Gopalakirshnan's ' Swayamvaram ', Shyam Benegal's ' Ankur ' and Girish Kasaravalli's ' Ghatasraddha ' amongst others.

Commenting on this initiative Srinivasan Naryanan, Festival Director, Mumbai Film Festival says, "By juxtaposing the Cannes Critics Week award winning films along with the Indian debut features which won National Film Awards, we are trying to create an analytical study of the films that have created trends abroad and in India, the narrative structure and the technical aspects which went into the making of these path breaking films." � The Mumbai Film Festival will also invite the directors of the selected films, making the event truly memorable.

"We will be inviting the filmmakers. It will be a treat for cinema connoisseurs to be able to interact with these cinema legends.

We are only happy to be paying this tribute to these masters," adds Narayanan (less)

Young director Srijit Mukherji got rave reviews and set the box-office on fire with his second film 22nd Srabon , which means the 22nd day of the Bengali month Srabon . Director Goutam Ghosh changed hats for the film and delivered an electrifying performance as an eccentric poet in the thriller starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Raima Sen.

Debutante Kamaleshwar Mukherjee's Uro Chithi , a contemporary love story on how old SMSes can unfold new tales, surprised everybody with a superb box-office report. Anindo Bandopadhyay's Chaplin , debutante Shibaprasad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy directed Ichche and Haranath Chakraborty's Chalo Paltai were among the other films that led the trend of "middle of the road" cinema which is commercially viable but with off-beat stories.

With a new state government at the helm, most of the who's who of Tollywood, including Bengal's reigning superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee and director Rituporno Ghosh, were seen rubbing shoulders with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Four MLAs and two MPs in her party hail from the film industry.

Besides plans to renovate the heritage Technicians Studio in Tollygunje, the state government also announced establishing an ambitious Film City on a plot along the river Ganges in Hooghly district, few kms away from Kolkata. Bollywood showman Subhash Ghai too showed interest in Bengali cinema and produced Rituporno Ghosh's Noukadubi , an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel.

Aparna Sen's Iti Mrinalini , featuring her and daughter Konkona as an actress now past her prime, fared well at the box-office and won accolades at a number of international film festivals like Cairo, Dubai and New York. Buddhadeb Dasgupta's Janala too travelled the film festival circuits and even won the best feature film award at the prestigious Asia Pacific Film Festival held in Taipei.

Paris-based Srilankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara went to Cannes with Bengali film Chhatrak as actress Paoli Dam made the industry proud by walking the red carpet. In the 58th National Film Awards Goutam Ghosh's superhit Moner Manush (The Quest), which is based on the real life of a 19th century mystic poet, won two trophies including the Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration.

The best English film award went to Memories in March , which was scripted by maverick director Rituparno Ghosh, who also played the lead role of a homosexual. Young director Kaushik Mukherjee's bold documentary Love in India won the National Award for the best film on family values.

His another critically-acclaimed and controversial film failed to get a theatrical release in India due to its sexually explicit content but was premiered at the famed Berlin Film Festival. The legendary New Theaters Studio, which had given Indian cinema its icons like Prithviraj Kapoor and Bimal Roy, was revived with the innocent love story Ami Adu (I am Aadu).

Besides bagging the National award for best Bengali feature film, Ami Adu won the silver award for best film in SAARC Film Festival. Anjan Dutt's rock musical Ranjana Aami Aar Ashbona pleased both the critics and the audiences.

Few run-of-the-mill movies like Tollywood superstar Dev's Paglu and Romeo , Jeet's Fighter and Shatru , Aniket Chattopadhyay's Bye Bye Bangkok , also attracted the masses. "The trends clearly reflect the change in tastes of both the audiences and the filmmakers.

But the number of poor films far exceed the good ones," veteran film critic Shoma A Chatterji told PTI. With more than a hundred releases this year, only a handful of films can be counted upon.

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Producer Krishika Lulla confirms, "You can't help but notice how great the lead girls are looking. Deepika is smouldering as ever and Chitrangda has undergone a glamorous makeover for the film.

" Starring Akshay Kumar , John Abraham , Deepika Padukone and Chitrangada Singh, Desi Boyz comes to a theatre near you on November 25 (less)