MUMBAI: Here we bring you all the latest news and happenings from the world of Bollywood.

Tanya Sharma wants to explore new places

Actress Tanya Sharma says that she loves travelling and wants to explore different places.

"I want to explore the world," Tanya said in a statement.

According to the actress, there are plenty of advantages of travelling.

"The list includes gaining new friends, new experiences and new stories. When you start exploring new places, you get a better understanding of the people living there, including their culture, history and background," she said.

"Meeting different people from vast cultures and societies provide an education that is impossible to get in a traditional school, college or a university. There is no substitute for the real thing," added the Saath Nibhana Saathiya actress.

Deepika is proud of me, says Ranveer Singh

Actor Ranveer Singh, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film Simmba, has said that his wife Deepika Padukone is proud of him.

Ranveer was interacting with the media at the promotional meet of Simmba along with his co-actors Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and director Rohit Shetty on Wednesday in Mumbai.

Ranveer plays a corrupt cop named ACP Sangram Bhalerao (Simmba) in the film, who turns over a new leaf after he deals with a rape case.

When asked Ranveer what kind of reaction Deepika gave him after watching Simmba, he said, "She is very proud of me and as well as Rohit (Shetty) sir. She gave so many compliments to Rohit sir. So, I felt that should praise me as well."

Adding to Ranveer's statement, Rohit said, "We have an association since the film Chennai Express so, she was very thrilled and very happy."

"I don't understand these statistics, number and figures. I am not a businessman. I am an artist so, you should ask me those type of questions," Ranveer said on being about his expectations on box-office opening for his film Simmba.

Apart from Ranveer, Sara Ali Khan, Sonu Sood and Ashutosh Rana in the lead roles, Ajay Devgn will also appear in an extended cameo in Simmba. The film will release on 28 December.

Ranveer will next be seen in Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy and Karan Johar's period epic, Takht.

Nobody can ban 'Thackeray': Sanjay Raut

Politician Sanjay Raut, who has written the story of Thackeray, based on the life of Bal Thackeray, says that nobody can ban the film and that the CBFC, which has raised objections on the movie, will understand the vision of the Shiv Sena founder.

During the trailer launch of the film on Wednesday, Raut told the media here, "We have projected Balasaheb exactly the way he lived his life, the way he expressed his opinions on his people and political situations. We did not fictionalise anything. Abhijit (Panse, director of the film) projected everything in a real manner in the film."

"Nobody can ban the film. It is the story of Thackeray…. How could someone stop that? Balasaheb banned many people during his time. Did you people forget that? How could CBFC decide what is right or wrong on saheb's life? Only family members know that. I am sure even the censor board will understand the vision of Balasaheb. They will take time, but they will understand."

According to reports, the trailer of Thackeray faced objections over a few scenes and sentences that could possibly cause problems and hurt religious sentiments.

The film features National Award-winning actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Bal Thackeray.

In the trailer, it is clear that Nawazuddin's Thackeray is commenting on the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the Hindu-Muslim riots that took place in Mumbai in 1992. It also shows how the politician commented on the India and Pakistan relationship during his active political years.

The trailer launch took place at the Carnival, Imax theatre, where the spirit of Marathi culture was celebrated. Thousands of followers of the Shiv Sena party and Thackeray gathered at the venue. His family members -- Uddhav Thackeray, Rashmi Thackeray -- along with actress Amrita Rao and other crew members were also present.

The place was decorated with a picture of Thackeray and his sketches that he made as a cartoonist at the beginning of his career.

Thackeray will be releasing on 25 January in Hindi and Marathi languages.

Working with Emraan was really chilled out: 'Cheat India' actress

Actress Nanda Yadav says working with her Cheat India co-star Emraan Hashmi was really chilled out.

In the film, Emraan plays Rakesh, who is heading a nexus where he gives merit seats to undeserving students to earn money. Nanda plays Malini Avasthi, who is an integral part of Rakesh's group.

"Working with Emraan Hashmi was really chilled out. He is a professional and I didn't see a single day where one has to wait for him. He knows the value of time. First, it was different to see Emraan Hashmi in the non-romantic image. But Soumik Sen (director) has already visualised him in that character and it was very convincing," Nanda said in a statement.

"I had a great time shooting with him and being directed by Soumik, since the day one of my schedules, the director knew what he wanted. There were no extra shots or lengthy time taking changes just for the heck of it. My look and my character is little opposite of my glam avatar and I really liked playing the character," she added.

Would be wonderful to work on film for kids: Sonakshi Sinha

The new year has an exciting and eclectic slate of films lined up for Sonakshi Sinha, who says she would love to work in a movie aimed at entertaining children.

"I feel it is very crucial to keep the kids entertained in every household as it keeps them occupied and also aids them in learning new things. I hope to see more films which are made by keeping kids in mind as an audience and more engagement events to be held," Sonakshi told a leading publication via email.

The actress joined in a bit of kiddie fun in Mumbai earlier this month at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, which will be aired on Nickelodeon on 6 January 2019.

Anything specific that she would like to do in the children's genre?

"I would love to. I do feel I have a very strong connection with kids, could be because we're on the same wavelength (laughs).

"Kids are just drawn to me and I just enjoy being around them, so I feel it would be wonderful if I was able to work on a film that is all out just for kids," she said.

In 2019, Sonakshi has films like Kalank, Mission Dangal and Dabangg 3 to look forward to.

"I feel blessed that I have such wonderful projects coming my way and it is truly thrilling to work on them. I cannot wait for all of them to hit the theatres," she said.

There is also news that she may be seen in Nikkhil Advani's Snow. But Sonakshi steered clear of confirming.

"The best people to give out any details of a film are either the producer or the director. I prefer not to speak about any films until I've actually signed on the dotted line," she said.

'Ram Singh Philip' will be cinematic milestone: 'Bhoothnath' director

Director Vivek Sharma of Bhoothnath fame says his upcoming film Ram Singh Philip will be a cinematic milestone.

The comical satire is being produced under his production house Filmzone Creations. Sadanand Yadav and Jinal Joshi will appear in lead roles.

"Being filmed at unexplored locations of Chhattisgarh, Ram Singh Philip will be a cinematic milestone. It is an international subject dealing with innocence and dilemma of tribals; beautifully depicted with various emotions between the lead characters," Sharma said in a statement.

"Sadanand Yadav was a perfect fit given his innocent looks and acting abilities. Jinal Joshi surprised me with her acting skills and looks. While auditioning, she portrayed both the vulnerable and the sensuous parts of the character," he added.

( SOURCE : IANS)

Sanjay Dutt to have six releases in next two years

Sanjay Dutt seems to be reviving the old guard as the actor has as many as six films coming out in the next two years. The actor has wrapped up shooting for three films – Kalank, Tulsi Das and Prassthaanam-- in November this year, and followed up with look tests forShamshera. Now, Sanjay Dutt is gearing up to shoot three films one after the other.

Arjun Rampal slapped with a criminal case over non-payment of dues

Arjun Rampal, who was last seen in JP Dutta’s Paltan, has landed in a legal soup. The actor has been slapped with a criminal case over non-payment of dues. As per reports, a company named YT Entertainment Limited filed a criminal case against the actor over non-payment of Rs 1 crore with 12 percent interest per annum.

Katrina Kaif, Iulia Vantur cold war intensifies

Whenever Katrina Kaif (Salman Khan's ex-girlfriend) and Iulia Vantur (his current girlfriend) meet at social events, they are cordial towards each other. Like they were at a party that Salman had hosted for Katrina on her birthday last year during the IFFA awards in New York City and Iulia had even wished Katrina warmly. But yesterday at Salman’s birthday party the two maintained a distance and didn’t speak to each other. The cordiality between both seemed to have disappeared as both kept a cold and safe distance from each other at Salman Khan's birthday party at his Panvel farmhouse.

Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora are giving everyone couple goals

Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora have been spotted together at multiple occasions, right from lunch outings to parties and dinner dates. While the two haven't made it official yet, Arjun, in Koffee With Karan said how he is not single and is looking to settle down soon. Given how the duo is often spotted together, they haven't always been upfront around the paps. However, this time around, as they were spotted outside a restaurant, the two seemed rather comfortable around each other and also being clicked together.