Varun Dhawan, who is presently shooting for his brother Rohit Dhawan’s upcoming directorial venture, ‘Dishhom,’ lately took to his Instagram to share the pictures from his underwater shoot’s training. In the picture, the actor was seen gearing up for underwater stunts.

Varun, took to Twitter to share with his fans what the underwater shoot gave him. The actor shared the image of his bloodshot eyes.

Oh the underwater shoot gave me bloodshot eyes. Need to sleep#reset #recover #rebuild. Prays with Kolkata pic.twitter.com/DRc5rVwTP2

— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) March 31, 2016

Lately, the actor also talked about the difficult fight sequences he shot for the film. It will be interesting to see what the actor has in his store for us in the film, as he is going though various training sessions time and again.
The film also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and John Abraham in lead roles. The film will release on July 29.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is currently shooting for Sultan, was seen flaunting his six-pack abs in langot (loincloth) while preparing himself for a fight in a wrestling akhada (ring).

In a picture from Sultan’s sets, Salman Khan aka Sultan Ali Khan, who had undergone intense training and workout for his role of a wrestler, is seen shirtless showing his well-toned body and buffed up look with a white towel draped around his waist entering into the wrestler ring. A full wrestling ambience is set with people are seen beating up dhols taking the excitement level a notch higher.

Also read: Arpita Khan Sharma gives birth to a baby boy, uncle Salman kisses his newborn nephew

Exclusive: Picture of 6-Pack Abed Sultan Ali From Sets of #Sultan@SultanTheMovie @BeingSalmanKhan @aliabbaszafar pic.twitter.com/JMbJUQiXgx

— SALMAN KHAN FANS (@GuptaAyush257) March 29, 2016

In another picture from the sets, the Haryanvi sher Salman is seen walking with a killer swag heading closer to his opponent in a langot and is ready for a big fight.

Salman Khan @BeingSalmanKhan on the sets of SULTAN pic.twitter.com/T3QhLDgmM2

— Salman Khan Universe (@SalmanUniv) April 1, 2016

Salman has been preparing himself for this role for a long time amd has learnt various wrestling techniques from his trainer. The movie also stars Anushka Sharma in the lead role and along with Salman, the NH10 actress will also be seen performing various wrestling moves in the ring.

Also read: Salman Khan welcomes father Salim Khan on Twitter, here are his first tweets

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sultan is all set to clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s Sultan on Eid this year.

SAB TV’s popular show Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle will soon have a new entrant. Actress Monaz Mewavala, who is currently seen on Disney Channel’s Maan Na Maan Main Tera Mehman, will enter the show.

As per sources, “Monaz will be seen as a glamorous Marathi girl in the upcoming episodes of the show. She will claim to be Nathu’s (Ali Asgar) wife and will try to seduce him.”

Monaz confirmed the news saying, “I am extremely excited for my entry. This is the first time that I am playing a Marathi girl and will be wearing a Nauvari Saree. I have worked with Optimystix before so it’s like a home to me and currently I am doing a play named Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji with Ali.”

Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle is shown from Monday to Friday at 10:30pm on SAB TV.

A string of sports stars and Bollywood celebrities have given vent to their anger over the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata, questioning the negligence and “corruption ingrained within us as a country” and stressing that it’s “not an act of god”.

The toll in the Kolkata flyover tragedy, which took place on Thurday, has risen to 24 by Friday morning. The disaster management teams continue efforts to find bodies and survivors trapped under the debris.

The flyover, which was still under construction, left scores of people and vehicles crushed under its debris.

Celebrities from diverse fields took to social media to condemn the accident and to pray for the victims and their families.

Here’s what they had to say:

Amitabh Bachchan: A bridge has collapsed in Kolkata and many suffer. Our prayers go out for all. May god be with them. having spent a major part of the year in the city on work I feel I must have crossed this bridge often. Fate and time wait for no one… Tragedies do concern us and we hope always that the worst can be avoided but at times it just does not. Our prayers today for Kolkata.

Sachin Tendulkar: Heartfelt condolences to all those deceased in the Kolkata bridge collapse. May their souls rest in peace. Hope those injured recover soon.

Vivek Agnihotri: Even the flyovers are giving signs why West Bengal needs a radical change in government.

Ashwin Mushran: No! The Kolkata flyover collapse is not an ‘act of god’… It’s an act of negligence and corruption ingrained within us as a country.

Ehsaan Noorani: Sad and ridiculous that accidents like this should happen in our day and age it stinks of apathy for safety Kolkata flyover collapse.

Harshdeep Kaur: Sad to hear about what happened in Kolkata. Prayers for the victims.

Dia Mirza: Very saddened by the Kolkata flyover mishap. Hope that this makes us more accountable. This is unacceptable.

Farah Khan Ali: Prayers for the injured and dead. So so sad…Kolkata flyover mishap.

Prosenjit Chatterjee: Can’t open news channel and newspapers too, so many innocent people lost their lives. Can’t see my city people dis way. Praying for Kolkata.

VVS Laxman: Shocked to know about the collapse of the flyover in Kolkata. My heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected…Kolkata tragedy.

“Sankhachil” director Goutam Ghose is all set to launch his long-planned Indo-Italian film “Story of Lala” and will begin shooting from the middle of the year.

“Shooting for ‘Story of Lala’ will commence from this July and a major part will be shot in Italy,” Goutam told PTI.

“Sankhachil” won the National Award for Best Bengali film earlier this week and is slated for commercial release on April 14.

“Story of Lala”, which was at the back of his mind for the last few years, could not commence earlier due to procedural hassles, he said.

Goutam did not, however, divulge the cast of the international project.

The film will also be shot in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Mumbai.

Actress Deepika Padukone is “overwhelmed” that both of her films “Piku” and “Bajirao Mastani” have won many National Awards.

The 30-year-old actress, who is currently shooting her debut Hollywood project “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage” in Canada, took to Twitter to express her excitement.

“Extremely overwhelmed to see both my movies #Piku & #BajiraoMastani win almost every award this season!,” she wrote.

Extremely overwhelmed to see both my movies #Piku & #BajiraoMastani win almost every award this season!

— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) March 31, 2016

In “Piku”, Deepika played an independent but short-tempered daughter of hypochondriac father Amitabh Bachchan, who won his career’s fourth best actor national award for the road drama.

“Piku”, meanwhile, also won for the best original screenplay and dialogues. Writer Juhi Chaturvedi shared the award with Himanshu Sharma, who won it for “Tanu Weds Manu Returns”.

The “Tamasha” star essayed the titular role of Mastaani, second wife of the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama “Bajirao Mastani”.

Expressing gratitude to both the directors, Deepika said, “Thank you #SanjayLeelaBhansali & @ShoojitSircar for the opportunity… #proud #blessed.”

Thank you #SanjayLeelaBhansali & @ShoojitSircar for the opportunity!🙏😘 #proud #blessed

— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) March 31, 2016

“Bajirao Mastani”, a big winner at the 63rd National Awards, won awards in six categories, including best director for Bhansali and best supporting actress for Tanvi Azmi.

Popular TV actor Shakti Arora is in talks to feature on the ninth season of the dance reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa”.
The actor, best known for playing the role of Ranveer on “Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi”, says he is yet to sign the contract to appear on the celebrity reality show.

“I am right now only in talks with the makers of the show. I haven’t signed any contract yet. The show will start sometime in July so there is still time for that. We will see how it turns out,” Shakti told PTI.

The 29-year-old actor says he is interested in doing only dance-based reality shows as of now.

“I would love to do only dance based reality shows as of now. I am really interested in those because I am not a good dancer, so that would be something.”

Shakti is currently hosting the second season of the mythological series “Mann Mein Vishwaas Hai” airing on Sony.
The “Pavitra Rishta” actor initially wanted to take a break after wrapping up “Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi”, but came on board for the series as it portrays real life incidents related to God, faith, and miracles.

“The concept really fascinated me. It is amazing and something I have never been a part of. I wanted to go on a break after ‘Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi’ but the opportunity to anchor the show was really exciting.”

Shakti says for hosting the current series, he has to stick to the script and not try be more impromptu unlike his previous hosting stints on shows like “Gyaan Guru” and “Science with BrainCafe”.

“There was no worry factor for hosting the show except for the fact that I didn’t have to improvise on the script and stick to the written material because the Hindi used on the show is very pure and I had to maintain that,” he said. PTI

Ronnie Corbett, best known for comedy show “The Two Ronnies”, has died aged 85.

His publicist said, “Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

“They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time.”

Corbett was one of the UK’s best-loved comedians and along with Ronnie Barker; their double act was one of the most successful of the 1970s and ’80s, reported BBC online.

The entertainer had been suffering from ill-health for some time and had been in hospital in 2014 with gall bladder problems.

Following Barker’s death in 2005, Corbett continued to be regular fixture on TV and is perhaps best-known for his armchair “shaggy dog” sketches.

His most memorable solo projects include the sitcom “Sorry!” and the game show “Small Talk”. He most recently starred in the BBC Radio 4 sitcom “When the Dog Dies”.

Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, who brought the hard-hitting and gripping real life drama of the Arushi Talwar-Hemraj murder case alive on the silver screen with “Talvar”, says she was scared to make the movie as it was out of her “comfort zone”.

Meghna — daughter of cinema veterans Gulzar and Raakhee — was part of a discussion at FICCI Frames 2016 where she discussed her journey and the hurdles that she faced to put “Talvar” into shape.

She said: “I have done films in the past which were more about women and more soft… So for me, ‘Talvar’ was completely out of my comfort zone. I was actually scared to do this as I had to step out of my comfort zone.

“There was a completely all-male (factor) in the film and it was so masculine — be it the treatment, genre… Everything.”

Written by Vishal Bhardwaj, “Talvar” stars Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Tabu among others. The film was a retelling of three investigation theories behind the 2008 double murder case, in which a teenage girl and her family servant were found murdered, and her parents were convicted for the crime.

Asked if she was expecting anything to change post the film’s release, she said: “I was hoping so, but the tragedy is we debate and react on social platforms, but on an actual level, nothing changes. People tweeted and questioned…”

Meghna recalled how her father Gulzar had reacted upon reading the film’s script.

“After my father read the script, he said there is too much of technique and investigation, where is the emotion? But that’s what we wanted — to keep it objective and let the emotions come from the audience.”

Old world charm captivates Aditi Rao Hydari and if given a chance the actress would love to play the lead in “Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam” remake.

The 29-year-old “Wazir” actress, who was walking the ramp for debutant designer Jayanti Reddy at ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016, said Meena Kumari’s character in the 1962 film was beautiful and she would any day say yes if she gets an offer.

“I love Meena Kumari’s character in ‘Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam’. If I ever get a chance I would love to star in the remake of the film. I will say yes to it immediately. From that era Waheeda Rehman, Nutan and Madhubala are my favourite,” Aditi told PTI.

Directed by Abrar Alvi, “Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam” starred Meena Kumari, Guru Dutt and Rehman. It was based on Bimal Mitra’s novel of the same name.

Wearing a beautiful beige lehenga from Jayanti’s collection, Aditi made a stunning showstopper.

However, looking pretty always was something that used to bother her in the initial days of her career.

“Looking good is very important. Everybody loves getting compliments. When I started five years back I used to feel a pressure, but now I don’t. I enjoy dressing up. I wear what I like to wear. I think happy girls are the prettiest and I am happy about what I am doing,” she said.

The Hyderabad based designer dressed the actress in her collection ‘Sia’ which was about reimagining the past.

Aditi, who also hails from the city of pearls, said the collection was special to her as Jayanti had used the traditional Hyderabadi karigari in her creations.

“I am from Hyderabad and this collection is more close to me because Jayanti has brought in the Hydrabadi work of zardosi as well used pearls. It’s all about the idea of timeless beauty, which I really identify with,” she said.

“I prefer looking effortless. Even if I am dressed up I don’t want to look like someone who has spent over 10 hours in getting ready,” she added.

In an illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Farida Jalal has done films in different languages and explored television as well, but the veteran actress considers working on an online short movie a high point as it gave a chance to do something trendy.

Short films and web series are currently in vogue with the youth appreciating the content and asking for more, the 67-year-old actress, who stars in a close to six-minute film “Scandal Point”, is more than happy to be in that space.

“I loved shooting for the film. It is a high point in my career to be doing something, which is of interest to today’s generation, to be able to do what they are doing, being shoulder-to-shoulder with them…

“When the offer came, I jumped at the idea because my films make my world go around and I wanted to experience working on a short movie,” Farida told PTI.

The movie, co-starring Kulbushan Kharbanda and directed by Ankush Tewari, is a part of Y-Films’ anthology “Love Shots”.

It narrates the story of a senior couple reliving their romantic college days when they used to drive up to a lover’s point.

Though the shooting for the movie was enjoyable for her, the actress felt the film lacked meat and could have been a little longer.

“I was just warming into my character and the film ended. I wanted it to go on for some more time… It lacked meat. It should have had something more… As actors all we had to do was say lines, the film didn’t give much.”

When asked if she would steer clear of short films then, the “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” actress said, “I will do if I am offered such a film again but I just felt my film could have been longer. In fact, the one with Nimrat (Kaur), ‘The Road’, had a lot to say. It conveyed something, it had a beginning and an end and when it started audience knew something would happen…”

Speaking about her co-star Kulbushan, whom she has worked with in films like “Pukar”, “Pinjar”, “Garv” and “Soldier”, Farida said, “We have known each other for a long time now. It was lovely working with him as he is very sweet guy.”

The actress, meanwhile, just wrapped her television show “Satrangi Sasural” and is set to begin working on two Bollywood projects in May.

Tyrion Lannister is the true protagonist in George R R Martin’s books and the HBO show “Game of Thrones”, according to a study by the Mathematical Association of America.

Using a graphing system, the study concludes that the clever Lannister prince (played by Peter Dinklage on the show) is best positioned as the central figure of the epic and sprawling saga, which is known for its propensity of killing off beloved characters, reported the Wrap.

This is due to his role as the Hand of the King, which puts him at the center of much of the larger stories’ intrigue.

The study was conducted using “A Storm of Swords,” the third book in Martin’s series, and examines the characters’ relationships to each other and to various locations.

Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who was controversially killed off in the last season’s finale, is also an important central figure of the drama so is his half-sister Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner).

She’s often depicted as a captive of more powerful figures, but her role as a living heir of the kingdom of the North makes her hugely important.

Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), the Mother of Dragons, may be in exile and cut off from most of the action but is still important to the story, especially as she plans to reclaim the Iron Throne.

Season 6 of “Game of Thrones” premieres Sunday, April 24 on HBO.

Actor Karthi, who has shared an astounding chemistry with Nagarjuna in the film “Thozha” (“Oopiri” in Telugu), hopes their “bromance” continues for years to come as they hit it off very well on the film’s set.

In an interview, he spoke about the movie, his experience of working with Nagarjuna and more. Excerpts from the interview:

Q. Your bonding with Nagarjuna is fantastic?

I really enjoyed working with Nag sir. The comfort level between us was amazing. We are friends in the film. But we are now brothers in real life. We got along well from the very first day. We share a common background. We are both actors’ sons. We are both qualified engineers. We were both 33 when we came back to become actors in India. We had so much to talk and share. I will make sure the bromance continues in real life.

Q. You seemed to have conquered Telugu cinema with “Oopiri”. Have you dubbed your own lines?

Yes, I’ve dubbed my lines in Telugu. When I did my first Telugu film, someone else dubbed for me. I was very upset about that. I wanted to dub my own lines. But they didn’t take my offer seriously. It was my first film in Telugu and second in Tamil. Then when I did a second Telugu film ‘Awara’, I offered to dub my own lines and told them they could scrap my voice if they didn’t like it. They liked my Telugu and retained it. During ‘Oopiri’, my director Vamsi was very helpful with my dialogues. I would sometimes go for 25-30 takes until I got it right.

Q. 35 takes???

Yes, I didn’t mind. The result has been overwhelming. I’ve been appreciated in Telugu.

Q. To what do you attribute the huge success of the film?

It’s a marvellous story. When I saw the original French film “The Intouchables”, I felt we needed to take the emotions to another level.

Q. How did you do that?

The emotions were extremely controlled. We had to Indianise “The Intouchables” while making sure mine and Nag sir’s characters remained sensitive to the original. All the emotional angles, my character’s estranged family, et al are there in the original. We only opened up the emotions.

Q. Are Tamil actors like you and Dhanush attempting to bring more realistic acting into cinema?

As an actor, it is my endeavour to be true to my character. I remember a conversation between Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi where he spoke about her trying to perform in every scene. I don’t want to be caught performing. I idolise Mohanlal sir. I’ve grown up watching Kamal Haasan sir and Rajinikanth sir. Later on in life, I realised how underrated my dad (Sivakumar) was. His performances in some of K. Balachander’s films were outstanding.

Q. Do you follow any of your idols?

As far as following anyone is concerned, I’ve failed whenever I’ve looked outwards for inspiration. I listen only to myself.

Q. How did you get into films. Apparently, your father, the great Tamil actor Sivakumar, was opposed to the idea as your elder brother Suriya was already an actor?

Yes, I did my engineering. But half-way through my course, I realised I wanted to be in the movies. I spent a lot of time watching films. I never had the guts to go out and tell my dad that I wanted to join films. He brought us up far away from the movie industry. We were not even allowed on movie sets.

Q. Why was that?

My father didn’t think there was financial security in movies. He wanted me to have a Plan B ready. Unlike the belief those days, he didn’t believe the uneducated become film actors. He believed a strong educational background would help me with my career in films.

Q. What was your brother Suriya’s advice to you?

He told me, ‘If you want to achieve something, then you should be deserving. You have to change as a person to become an actor and a star, improve yourself a lot and keep learning.’ He keeps pushing the boundaries and tries out new stuff irrespective of the time it consumes and the amount of work it demands. Now that is my inspiration.

Q. When are you turning director?

I came into movies to become a director. But sadly I am not a writer. And here in Tamil cinema, a director has to be writer.

Q. Any plans of doing Hindi cinema?

I haven’t really thought about. But I love the cinema of Vishal Bhardwaj. If he calls, I will go. Otherwise I am happy where I am.

Actress-model Waluscha De Sousa, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan in “Fan”, will walk the ramp for designer Saroj Jalan at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2016.

Jalan, known for her traditional bridal wear, is making her LFW debut with her collection titled “The Royal Harmony”.

“We have highlighted the ensembles with patanpatola and have kept the silhouette line very simple yet very traditional using the vibrant hues of red, mustard, emerald and beige in our collection,” Jalan said.

Inspired by the cultural heritage of India, the line will showcase a mix of traditional and classic elegance with contemporary flair and drapes in different kind of silks having heavy zardozi handwork and embellishments.

If there is one person who Anil Kapoor is scared of right now it is none other than his own son, Harshvardhan. All in good humour though. Senior Kapoor today revealed how afraid everyone in his family is of Harshvardhan.

When asked about Harshvardhan recently released first look, Anil quipped, “We are afraid of him and before talking about him we have to ask him for his permission.”

Daughter Sonam Kapoor who was seated nearby also remarked, “Harsh is scary.”

Talking more about his son, Anil said, “He doesn’t look not like me at all. He looks like his mother. However we joke around a lot whenever we are home. That’s our relationship.”

Sonam and Anil were speaking at launch of Tulsi and Khushali Kumar’s album Mere Papa where the father-daughter duo were present as special guests.

Bhumi Pednekar is working once again with actor Ayushmann Khurrana in her second film “Manmarziyan”and the actress says both of them want to recreate the magic they had in their previous film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”.

The 26-year-old actress, who made her Bollywood debut last year opposite Ayushamann, said they are putting their best in their second outing together.

“Me and Ayushamann are working really hard for this film. We have put in our heart and soul in it. We want to be as honest as possible with this story. Both of us are hoping to recreate ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ magic once again,” Bhumi told PTI.

The film is Anand L Rai’s home production, to be directed by Sameer Sharma. The duo has wrapped up the first schedule of the film. They will begin the second schedule in July.

“We had an amazing time working on the first schedule and will head back to Amritsar for the second in July,” she added.

The actress says it was really surreal to see her debut film win best Hindi film National award.

“The feeling is so surreal. I still keep pinching myself. I never expected the film to get a National award. It is a very humbling feeling. I still can’t believe it happened. It was a small little underdog film from YRF. I never realized that it will become as big as it has,” she said.

Bhumi made her runway debut with designers Sonam and Paras Modi’s Spring/Summer collection at ongoing Lakme Fashion Week 2016, and the actress said she enjoyed every bit of it.

“I was nervous initially, but was focused. Everything was so quick that once I went for the walk I didn’t even realize when it ended. I feel like a regal diva in this beautiful outfit Sonam and Paras have dressed me in,” she said.

Looking stunning in a sand-beige coloured hand-woven, embroidered lehenga from designer duo’s Morocco-inspired collection, Bhumi said she always imagined her life to be this way once she decided to become an actress.

“It’s a lot of fun to dress up. When I decided to be an actor I wanted all of its aspects to come in and fashion is a big part. When I envisioned my life as celebrity, this was definitely a part of it. I am living my dream.”

Just one film old, the actress is enjoying every bit ofher success and the work she is being offered.

“My life has changed a lot now. A lot of people recognize me. I am getting some fantastic scripts. I am in a really good space,” she added.

Apart from “Manmarziyan,” Bhumi has some other meaty projects in her kitty, but the actress said she will leave it to the producers and makers to make the official announcement.

“Jungle Book” star Neel Sethi will make his debut appearance on talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” along with Bill Murray, who gives the voice to the character Baloo the bear in the upcoming Disney’s film.

The child actor plays Mowgli in “The Jungle Book”, Kimmel took to Twitter to share the news.

“Tonight on Kimmel… Bill Murray, Neel Sethi… ‘The Jungle Book’,” Kimmel wrote.

Tonight on #Kimmel Bill Murray, @TheNeelSethi #JungleBook, @BigSean & @JheneAiko – @Twenty88 #Selfish and we all learn to wash our hands

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 1, 2016

“The Jungle Book” showcases Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery when he is forced to abandon his home in theforest.

Besides Murray, the adventure drama also has voiceovers by Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken.

The film releases in India on April 8, a week before it releases in the US.

The episode will be aired in India on April 4 on Star World and Star World HD.

A book on veteran actor Kabir Bedi’s mother Freda Bedi is being penned by British journalist Andrew Whitehead.

The “Sandokan” actor took to his Twitter handle and posted the news along with a black and white image of his mother.

“British journalist Andrew Whitehead writing a book on my mother Freda Bedi,” he posted.

British journalist Andrew Whitehead writing a book on my mother #Freda Bedi. Share yr stories: Awkashmir@gmail.com pic.twitter.com/vgc1XqxTCs

— KABIR BEDI (@iKabirBedi) April 1, 2016

Freda Bedi, who was also named Sister Palmo or Gelongma Karma Kechog Palmo, was a British woman born in Derby, England. She became famous as the first western woman to take ordination in Tibetan Buddhism.

Known for crooning hits like “Pareshaan”, “Daaru desi” and “Balam pichkari”, versatile singer Shalmali Kholgade feels the sudden growth in rap songs based on cars, girls and alcohol is because north Indians prefer such tracks.

“The content is only ‘gaadi, ladki’ (car and girls) and alcohol, of course. Yes, it is (about car, girls and alcohol) and I don’t know why… It’s all coming from north India and I think north Indian audience digs that kind of thing,” Kholgade told IANS.

Hopefully, that will change, added the “Shayarana” hitmaker.

“I think (rappers) Raftaar and Badshah will have the potential to write something differently and present good music differently. It will eventually happen when people will get a hold about what this genre is about… I think it will change and let’s hope that it does,” she added.

The Maharashtra-born singer has lauded international hip-hop talents like rapper Nicki Minaj and Drake for their “brilliant” contribution to hip-hop music.

The 26-year-old singer, popular for her versatility in music, shared that one of her favourite genre of music is hip-hop. She wants rap songs to stay in the industry and not fade away.

“Hip-hop is my personal favourite genre, and for the time being, I would like it to stay. The whole idea of rap is rhythm and poetry, so one needs to write his or her own rap to be able to put it across convincingly,” she said.

“I would want rap to stay too because there are a lot of meaningful messages which you can deliver to the audiences by way of rapping. Perhaps it will stay,” she added.

Nikhil Thampi’s sassy creations have become a major celebrity favourite and the designers says if he would ever work on a Bollywood movie, that would be of someone like Karan Johar or Mira Nair.

The young designer said these filmmakers match his sensibility, which is contemporary and edgy.

“Working for films has been a big thought process. I have got a couple of offers, but because of prior work commitments I could not take it up. Movie takes six to seven months of your year and that is something I can’t invest in right now. I will be doing movies for sure, as I love cinema.

“I will never do something main stream, but something character-oriented. May be, I will do a Mira Nair or Karan Johar film which always touches a soul. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is every designer’s dream but that’s not possible for me,” Nikhil told PTI on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016.

The designer made his runway debut five years back and already holds a long list of celebrity clients but when it comes to his muse, Nikhil feels actress Sonakshi Sinha perfectly defines it.

“My muse is someone, who is aspirational like ‘I want to be that woman’. Someone, who knows she is sexy but doesn’t want to prove it. In celebrities, Deepika (Padukone), Katrina (Kaif), Kareena (Kapoor) are absolutely dreamy, but for me Sonakshi Sinha works more.

“It’s about aspirational value. Like my sister would say ‘If Sonakshi can look this good I can also look this good’. She doesn’t have a conventional body. She loves her curves and celebrates it. Whenever she wears our clothes, our sales triple,” he said.

Even though, Nikhil enjoys a lot of Bollywood endorsement, the designer has his reservations in getting a showstopper as he feels it takes away the limelight from the creator and the creations.

“I have a lot of celebrities wearing my clothes. But they respect and understand the fact that as a public figure they get thousands of platforms to make appearances, but as a designer I only have these fashion weeks to showcase my work.

“There is only one platform for me twice a year and I would rather focus more on my clothes. As a designer I don’t want a celeb to get me attention. I am not completely averse the idea though,” he said.

Nikhil says working on Indian wear is something he finds a tough task. However, the designer aspires to come up with a bridal line.

“I have done Indian wear with my conventional metal pieces and embroidery. It was the toughest thing I did in my career. It was a major challenge. But I would absolutely love to come up with a bridal line. It would be a take-two range and not a conventional lehenga-choli.

“We have 30,000 couturiers doing conventional stuff. To make my mark, I would target the small functions like sangeet and cocktail or a pool party. Have bride’s friends and sister come to me. I am targeting the youth that’s going to be a bride. That’s the position I am working on right now,” he said.

At a time, when Indian designers aspire to make it to the international platform, Nikhil said he would prefer to stay in India and become a brand first.

“Going to London, Paris or Milan is every designer’s dream. I don’t want to go international and make a fool of myself. I would rather create a brand domestically first and take it gradually. I have not studied fashion at all.

“There is no knowledge, I learned at job. For me, to experiment and understand what am I doing takes long time,” he said.