Actress Malaika Arora Khan has teamed up with animal rights organisation PETA India to star in a new campaign, calling for an end to horse-drawn carriage rides.

The print advertisement for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) features Malaika standing with a horse. The accompanying words read: “Compassion Is Beautiful — Say No to Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides”.

Talking about it, she said in a statement: “I’m adding my voice to PETA’s campaign to ask kind people everywhere to think again before supporting an industry that subjects intelligent horses to slavery.”

“By choosing other forms of transportation, everyone has the power to spare horses the misery of being forced to work past the point of exhaustion.”

PETA India has documented the abuse horses endure in Mumbai, and was an intervener in a Bombay High Court case which resulted in the directive that horse carriages be phased out of Mumbai within a year.

In April, however, the Supreme Court allowed for horse-drawn carriages to ply for the following six months or until a review petition is finally decided by the Bombay High Court, whichever comes first.

Director Harry Bewaja says he was forced to make animation film “Chaar Sahibzaade”, which released in 2014, because he had no other option.

“I was pushed into it. I wanted to make a feature film on the gurus. But I could not do it with them and their families as they had refused. Then I had no choice but to make an animation film. So, I was ready to take the risk and go ahead with it,” he told PTI in an interview.

Harry has now directed “Chaar Sahibzaade – Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur”, which is the sequel of the first movie. It has been produced by his wife Pammi Baweja.

“When I was making the first film, I came to know that Banda Singh Bahadur was an integral part of the last story. It was connected with the first film. Somewhere people felt the pain after the first film and Banda Singh Bahadur’s story puts a closure to it.”

The animation and 3-D effect in the movie has been done by Prime Focus.

“When the last film got released, I got the response that the quality is not as good as Pixar. Then I looked at the budget of Pixar and it was Rs 1800 crores. I did not even have 1 per cent of that to make the last film.

“In the sequel, we tried to make the best quality of animation. It is impossible to have the quality of Pixar but I think it is extremely good.”

“Chaar Sahibzaade – Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur” is slated to release on November 11 in three languages — Punjabi, Hindi and English.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri is all set to helm his next directorial venture which will have judiciary as the theme.

The director, who recently helmed the socio-political drama “Buddha in a Traffic Jam”, says the film will be like an adaptation of the highly successful Hollywood movie “Twelve Angry Men”, which was about a jury of a homicide trial.

“My next is on judiciary. It is like an adaptation of ‘Twelve Angry Men’. It talks about how the jury system should be back. People today say that judiciary is corrupt, slow, so the whole focus is how the system of jury should be brought back,” Agnihotri told PTI.

The director said he will start the film by this year end and is currently looking for the perfect casting.

“I am looking for 12 actors for the film, it might include stars too. I am excited for the film,” he said.

Agnihotri, meanwhile, is excited about his latest film “Junooniyat”, a romantic-drama starring Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam, which is scheduled to release tomorrow.

After having helmed films of varied genres like the thriller “Chocolate”, erotic “Hate Story” and sports drama “Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal”, the director says romantic movies are the most difficult.

“I did ‘Junooniyat’ because I wanted to challenge myself. Love stories are the most difficult to make. It is difficult to touch hearts than mind, because in the mind you do have some reference point,” Agnihotri said.

“For a love story, basic emotion should be there, you need a combination of everything. Good chemistry between the actors, music, script. If even one of them is not in place, the magic will not be there,” he said.

The movie brings back the pairing of Pulkit and Yami after their recent film “Sanam Re”.

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian has opened up about her modelling career- and revealed that stylists refused to work with her before she lost weight.

As part of a dramatic make under photoshoot, the 31-year-old reality star candidly explained to Harper’s Bazaar that she was told she was “too big” to deal with, reported Digital Spy.

“I definitely think the fashion industry, and people in general, look at me more now that I’ve lost weight,” she said.

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“Even on shoots, I would never have options for clothing.There would always be this attention on Kourtney and Kim, but I was too much work for (stylists) or they had nothing in my size. I wasn’t even that crazy big!”

Speaking about working with the Kardashians’ long-standing stylist Monica Rose, Khloe added: “At my fattest, Monica would always come with racks of clothes and make me feel special.

“She never told me, ‘Oh, they don’t have that in your size’. Other people actually said, ‘I just can’t work with you’ – because I was too big. That always hurt my feelings, of course.

After the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea by an NGO seeking stay on the release of Udta Punjab, the Punjab and Haryana High court on Thursday also dismissed the same saying the film does not show Punjab in bad light.

Sanjay Kaushal, Counsel for film makers, said, “Punjab and Haryana HC has dismissed petition and said there is nothing wrong in Udta Punjab film. The court said film neither shows Punjab in bad light, nor it is anti-women.”

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

Decision came from vacation bench headed by Justice M Jeyapaul while dismissing petition filed by Jalandhar advocate Wattan Sharma.

The order came after the Amicus Curiae Sanjay N Kantawala informed the court that after viewing the movie on June 14 he has not found anything objectionable for public exhibition of movie. He added that movie does not in any manner portray bad image of Punjab or Punjabis.

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

Justice Jeyapaul said, “I will go with Amicus Curiae. Drug menace has reached all over the country.”

Petitioner, on the basis of several media reports, had submitted that the film has portrayed Punjab in bad light and has done “negative branding” of Punjab and Punjabis,more especially the Punjab youths, and therefore the film is unfit for exhibition. “If the film is released it will have adverse repercussions all over the Punjab,” petitioner’s counsel Karan Bharihoke had argued.

On June 13, the Bombay High Court had cleared the decks for the release of ‘Udta Punjab’ after ordering deleting of a urination scene and displaying a revised disclaimer as per which the makers would have to delete reference to Pakistan.

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The Bombay High Court had also directed the film-maker to make additions to the disclaimer to the effect that the movie, its characters and the film-makers do not promote the use of drugs and abusive language, and the film is only attempting to depict the reality of drug abuse.

In the Bombay High Court, Anurag Kashyap’s Phantom Films had challenged the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) revising committee’s order of June 6 directing for a total of 13 changes in the movie.

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

The Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh starrer delves into how a large number of youth in Punjab have succumbed to drugs.

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihlani on Thursday rejected as ‘baseless’ the allegations that the board leaked the copy of Udta Punjab online days before its release. “This is baseless, we abide by rules,” said Nihalani while talking to media.

The controversial film was leaked online on Wednesday, two days ahead of its scheduled release in theatres. However, the film’s team managed to remove it online on war footing from torrent sites.

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

As per multiple online platforms which had snapshots from the leaked copy, one could say it was a copy of the film submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as it also featured some scenes which the censor board had objected to.

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

“Udta Punjab” was in news after the censor board suggested that the makers alter the movie by 89 cuts. Later, it went to the Revising Committe, which brought it down to 13 cuts. However, the Bombay High Court on Monday gave the drug-themed movie a green signal for release after making just one cut and inserting three disclaimers.

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There were also reports that the leaked copy had a run-time of two hours 20 minutes.

The bone of contention for the CBFC was that “Udta Punjab” was showcasing Punjab in a poor light, with a highlight on its festering problem of drugs.

India’s biggest magnum opus film, Baahubali had created a flutter in the Indian market and introduced us to southern superstar Prabhas, when it released last year.

Now that the film has released in France, the countrymen are going bonkers over the film, especially they are loving Prabhas’ performance.

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During the first screening of the film, the auditorium was filled with as much as 1400 people and at the end it even received a standing ovation.

Ever since it’s Indian release, the film has been travelling in various countries, due to its public demand.

Post Baahubali, Prabhas has become a household name and is clearly seems to be leaving a lasting effect among the french audience. The actor has turned into a national star and is slowly inching towards a global recognition.

The actor has garnered immense fan following across age groups. Currently, Prabhas along with his whole team is shooting for the second part of Baahubali which is eagerly being awaited by the fans.

“My character of Baahubali will always remain extremely special to me. It feels great to know that people across boundaries have connected with the character,” said Prabhas.

Sunny Leone is back to seduce you with yet another peppy song ‘Hug Me’ from her upcoming erotic thriller Beimaan Love. The movie stars Sunny Leone and Rajniesh Duggall in lead roles.

The song brings back the superhit duo of Sunny and singer Kanika Kapoor after their chartbusting song Baby Doll from Ragini MMS 2.

The makers of the film have released the teaser of the song and it has already garnered one lakh views on Youtube. The song features Sunny Leone in various avatars dancing seductively to the beats of the song. The song has been composed by Raghav Sachar.

Rumours about the health of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who is in the US now, sent his fans into a tizzy today but the actor’s office assured he was fine.

“He is taking rest in the US. He is happy and is vacationing with his family. There is no need to believe rumours,” his publicist said.

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As it was night in the US now, the actor may take to Twitter to reach out to his fans later, he said adding that false news about the ‘Kabali’ star had been flashed in some online portal.

The ‘rumours’ about their icon’s health caused concern among his fans who took to the social media flooding it with enquiries about him.

The 65 year-old actor, who was recently honoured with Padma Vibushan, has finished his soon to be released ‘Kabali’ and is likely to take up ace director Shankar’s “2.o,” a sequel to the duo’s earlier hit ‘Enthiran,’ made in Hindi as ‘Robot.’

As soon as the news broke that Udta Punjab movie has been leaked online, the film’s team managed to remove it online on war footing from torrent sites. While its lead actors and others from the film industry including superstar Aamir Khan have asked people on Twitter not to download the prints and encourage piracy, co-producer Anurag Kashyap has urged downloaders to wait till Saturday till they decide to not pay for the film. The controversial film was leaked online on Wednesday after the Bombay High Court passed the film with A certificate with only a single cut.

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

In a long facebook post, Anurag Kashyap wrote, “I have never downloaded a film on torrent, i don’t know how to. yes occasionally i have seen downloaded films borrowed from friends and found a way to pay for them later, by buying them on DVD or blurray, and when i say this i also say that no one can stop your right to download a film. This time its a different fight, its a fight against censorship and if you are that audience that always downloads a film, then i won’t ask you to not do that, please do, but wait till saturday which is the day you would normally download a film. Piracy happens because of lack of access and in a world of free internet, i do not have a problem with it. My problem is that this time its a case of vested interests trying to demoralise people from fighting for their rights. So all downloaders of Udta Punjab, i urge, wait till saturday till you decide to not pay for the film, don’t download and share, curb the curiosity for two more days. Thank you for reading this.”

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

Udta Punjab is set to release on June 17.

WATCH VIDEO | Let’s Not Call ‘CBFC’ a ‘censor board’: Shahid Kapoor
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgAoWDJeqCo&w=640&h=390]

Eminent film-maker Karan Johar was quite thrilled to see and learn Google’s mobile-oriented search program, which helps movie aficionados get specific and accurate answers about his/her favourite movie/actor merely by speaking out the search question into the phone’s Google app, instead of manually typing it. This search feature enables users to not just find contextual answers to their specific question, but also pulls other peripheral information that one may find interesting into the same search thread.

Commenting on this innovative search feature, Karan said, “Google is like a mother. It has answers to everything. I love instructing people and this feature which helps you get information by instructing Google is an amazing one. When you make movies, you are always researching. It’s all about research. Emotional research, historical research and modality research. And I think there is no film-maker who can function without Google.”

Offering more insight about the reason behind coming up with a search specifically for cinephiles, Satyajeet Salgar, Product Manager, Google, said, “In India, Indian movies are a huge part of our life. It is what we talk, gossip and daydream about. Google has been helping people when they turn to us for questions about films. But even when we answer these questions, something’s changed. What’s changed is how people look for this information. They turn into their mobile phones and want this information quickly and they don’t want to type. So, we started to think about what the best product would be for this device. We started with a product that gives answers very quickly and lets a user explore content with just a few taps.”

Satyajeet also offered a live demonstration of the feature to Karan. As an eager movie enthusiast, the film-maker found answers to questions like the first-ever Bollywood film, the Kapoor’s family tree and whether Anil Kapoor is related to Raj Kapoor’s family. The Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham director also joked about using the feature to learn about a whole lot of other things that he wouldn’t want to disclose in public.

Expressing concern over the leak of Udta Punjab online, actor Aamir Khan on Thursday said it’s a big shame if it has been leaked from the CBFC. Khan, who was shooting for his upcoming film Dangal in Ludhiana said, “If it is a censored copy that has leaked, it’s a big shame for CBFC.”

The actor also welcomed the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that rejected the plea to put a stay on the release of the film.

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

Aamir however also said that ‘onus and responsibility also lies on artists and director to show what is appropriate.’ “Artists ki bhi responsibility hai ki kuch aisa na dikhaayein (Artist should also see that something inappropriate is not shown). But I hail the Bombay High Court verdict on the issue. It is appreciable that freedom of express has not been killed,” said Aamir.

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

Commenting on piracy and films being downloaded online, he said that ‘industry is fighting piracy since decades’. “I am surprised that audiences do not realize that it is a theft. They are stealing. If we go to a restaurant and eat food without paying, it is clear theft. Similarly, if you are watching films online, downloading them illegally, it is also a theft. Lots of hardwork goes into making films,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Aamir took to twitter to urge people to watch Udta Punjab only in theatres. “Let’s support free speech. Let’s watch Udta Punjab only in theatres. Don’t let pirates and piracy win,” tweeted Aamir.

Let’s support free speech. Let’s watch Udta Punjab only in theatres. Don’t let pirates and piracy win. Love. a.

— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) June 16, 2016

Demi Lovato has called for the end of the cycle of violence towards the gay community following massacre at the Orlando, Florida nightclub.

The “Skyscraper” singer is one of the many stars who have shared both condolences and outrage over the tragedy, which left 50 dead and more than 50 injured after a gunman opened fire at the Pulse hotspot.

Lovato, 23, took to Twitter for the first time since the massacre, said she has been unable to find the words to express her sadness.

“There are no words for how upset I’ve been since Orlando,” she wrote.

“I cry for the victims, ache for the families, and have immense admiration for the LGBTQ community and their resolve in absorbing this horror and uniting with strength and fearlessness. Stay strong. We stand with you.”

She added more action needs to be taken to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future, writing, “We hurt. We mourn. We argue. We settle. We need to stop the cycle.”

Lovato has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ community, and was recently feted for her advocacy with the coveted Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards.

Jackson has revealed the reason she has had 23 tattoos is because they help her forget
about her “dark past”.

The 18-year-old aspiring actress – the daughter of the late Michael Jackson – only turned 18 in April, but has already had an impressive 23 inkings on her body.

However, to Paris – who was only 11 when her father died in 2009 – the pieces are more than just body art as each time she looks in the mirror she remembers how far she has come since being sectioned to a psychiatric hospital for three months in 2013 after an overdose, reported Femalefirst.

Alongside a picture showing off her inked forearms on Instagram, she wrote: “The craftsmanship of tattoos will always be a controversy. Some people like them, some people absolutely hate them. I appreciate art, I always have. especially when that art means something to me.

“Today I can look at my inner forearms and see art that has meaning for me, I don’t see a dark past anymore. My scars and self-hatred have been covered up by loving marks, creativity , ingenuity.. and depth. sure I will always carry my past with me, but I see ink as a way of changing for the better, always improving. They represent the strength for me. I look back at my old self and then I look in the mirror, and I see a fighter looking back at me. (sic)”

One of Paris’ tattoos is her father’s ‘Dangerous’ album cover, her second permanent tribute to the late King of Pop, after she had the words ‘Queen of My Heart’ in her father’s handwriting etched onto her left wrist.

Actor Randeep Hooda, who played a mixed martial arts (MMA) artist in “Do Lafzon Ki Kahani” and will be seen as superstar Salman Khan’s wrestling coach in “Sultan”, says films on sports are “very necessary”.

“Films on sports are very necessary. It gives birth to a sporting culture, which I think, we need as a country,” Randeep told IANS over phone from Mumbai on the sidelines of #ShareTheLoad course launch by Akshara Centre and Ariel India on Thursday.

The #ShareTheLoad course will be taken to universities to help educate the next generation on gender bias within one’s household.

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“Films about boxing and MMA, like ‘Do Lafzon Ki Kahani’ or ‘Sultan’, are ultimately about an all-encompassing sport. The whole thing about sports movies or boxing movies — which is a genre in Hollywood — is to draw the parallel of struggle within the ring in life,” he added.

The “Sarbjit” actor said that these “are very inspirational films”.

“These are always very inspirational films. They should be made. There can never be enough inspiration,” he added.

Pop star Taylor Swift seems to have moved on from her ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris as she was photographed getting cozy with “Thor” star Tom Hiddleston.

Swift was caught on camera kissing and holding hands with actor Hiddleston during a romantic outing on the beach near her mansion in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The 26-year-old “Bad Blood” singer wore a brown sweater and blue skirt while Hiddleston, 35, donned a jacket, blue button-down and dark jeans.

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At one point in a sweet gesture, he took off his jacket and put it around her shoulder to keep her warm.

The couple looked smitten in pictures. They took a stroll together and sat on one of the big rocks scattered on the beach while enjoying the beautiful scenery. They also took selfies.

Last month, Swift and Hiddleston were pictured dancing up a storm at MET Gala. She still dated Calvin Harris back then
but she showed up alone sans the Swedish DJ at the event.

Singer Zayn Malik says he went red when Taylor Swift praised him in front of his girlfriend Gigi Hadid.

The 23-year-old pop star  said he prefers not to ask industry peers for feedback on his music.

“I spoke a bit to Taylor. At Gigi’s house we briefly spoke and she told me she really enjoyed the album. It was nice to get some feedback. She said she thought I was cool and I kind of blushed a bit and didn’t know how to take it.

Despite being in continuous limelight the former One Direction star said he is still not comfortable in hanging out with celebrities.

“I haven’t done much acclimating. I’m just staying the way that I am. I think that’s the best way to keep your sanity. You’ve got to hold on to what you are and not let things get to your head, because if you do, that’s when everything comes crashing down terribly.

Shahid Kapoor found playing a drug addict a major challenge in Udta Punjab. The actor who is a teetotaller in real life said that it was difficult to put on the garb of an ‘always high on drugs’ rapper.

Speaking to IndianExpress.com, Shahid said, “It was very difficult. The most challenging part was to play a cocaine addict. I have never ever had even alcohol. Most people have tried something or the other in their lives. I have never tried anything. It was scary to play a character who is always high when you don’t even know what it is like to be high. So it was not a normal challenge as an actor but a challenge as a person play this role.”

WATCH VIDEO | If CBFC Has Leaked Udta Punjab, It’s A Big Shame: Aamir Khan

To prepare for his role, the actor saw various documentaries apart from spending time with director Abhishek Chaubey trying to grasp the finer nuances of the role. “There were a lot of documentaries that I watched. I also to spoke to Abhishek at length to get into the physical nature of the character. Also, Tommy Singh is not just an addict, he is a huge star. He is a musician. He is this ghabru guy. There are many layers to it and him being an addict is just one aspect of it.”

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Surprisingly, Shahid was not aware of Punjab’s drug menace until Udta Punjab happened. “I didn’t even know about it. When Abhishek narrated the story to me, I was like really!”

WATCH VIDEO | Udta Punjab to release on June 17: Film’s Team Reacts To Bombay HC’s Snub To CBFC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviJsdPSNV0&w=640&h=390]

The actor also refuted talks about the film portraying Punjab in bad light. “Because the film’s title is Udta Punjab, we are looking at it in a slightly limited manner. In Haider, Kashmir was the backdrop. Similarly, here Punjab is the backdrop. But is this problem limited to a place? No, it is not. This problem is not just about one place. It is about an entire generation today who has easy access and high exposure to drugs at an early age and it is actually considered cool to do drugs. This issue is for our generation and generations to come. So we shouldn’t try and limit it to one place. Of course, we will have to base a film in one particular place but the issue is much larger. And the issue is relevant. Otherwise we would make a Punjabi film on it. Udta Punjab is a film that everybody should think about.”