Sonakshi wishes Salman luck for his new film
The actress Sonakshi Sinha is confident that Salman Khan's forthcoming film Ek Tha Tiger will do well at the box office. Directed by Kabir Khan, the romantic thriller sees Khan paired with Katrina Kaif. The film will be released in UAE cinemas tomorrow. "I wish him all the very best. However, he doesn't need any good wishes – his luck is already running very strong. I am sure Ek Tha Tiger is going to do very well," said Sinha, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Khan in the 2010 action film Dabangg. The 25-year-old actress is currently promoting her new film, the fantasy adventure Joker, directed by Shirish Kunder and co-starring Akshay Kumar. She is also working on three other films: Ashwini Dhir's Son of Sardaar, Vikramaditya Motwane's Lootera and Arbaaz Khan's much-awaited Dabangg 2, where she and Khan reprise their roles. – IANS
Bhandarkar's films to screen in Berlin
Two of the filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar's critically acclaimed movies will be screened at the Indian Film Festival (IFF), which kicked off in Berlin today and goes on until Sunday. Bhandarkar's 2001 film Chandni Bar put the spotlight on Mumbai dance bars and gun crimes, while his 2008 star-studded drama Fashion attempted to portray the dark side of the country's glamorous fashion world. The 45-year-old director said he felt humbled by his inclusion in the festival. "I'm glad that my films have been given a special slot for people around the world to watch. I'm looking forward to attending the festival with two of my most loved films." The festival has dedicated a section titled "Leading the New Wave" to Bhandarkar's films. The festival's CEO Alexandra Ccahuana Tito said: "I have seen nearly all of Madhur's films and I've always wondered why Germany doesn't get to appreciate his work. At IFF Berlin, we grabbed the opportunity to screen two of his most remarkable movies." Bhandarkar will also release the new trailer of his forthcoming drama Heroine, which stars Kareena Kapoor, at the festival. – IANS
Johar set to launch new actors
The director Karan Johar is hoping his forthcoming comedy Student of the Year will successfully launch its three lead stars, who are all newcomers. "I feel I have a big responsibility towards Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra. They are very promising. I want to make sure that the film will meet everyone's expectations," he said. The film, co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan's studio Red Chillies Entertainment, will be released in India on October 19. Johar said the soundtrack will be launched on August 24. – IANS
Sinha discharged from hospital
The actor Shatrughan Sinha is back home after undergoing heart surgery at a Mumbai hospital. The 66-year-old star was hospitalised on July 2 after complaining of breathlessness. Sinha debuted in the industry in 1969's Saajan, and has since appeared in more than 200 Hindi films. – IANS