The acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi, who has consciously chosen to portray only strong-hearted characters , says it's the responsibility of filmmakers to project women in the right light. "When girls are being killed at birth for the crime of being a girl, it is the responsibility of cinema to create positive images of women, so that people understand that daughters are not a liability, but assets," said Azmi, 61. "I am not saying that every single film must talk about that, but there should be subliminal messages that girls can be empowered." * IANS
2. Preity Zinta slams Indian press
After newspapers reported last week that she bought a luxury mansion in Hollywood, Preity Zinta voiced her disappointment at the "misreporting" of Indian media. She posted on Twitter: "Don't know what to believe when I see news in India. Lots of misreporting and inaccuracies. Can say that because I've been in the middle of it. From what actually happens to what gets reported is a joke! Everything gets dramatised and given a filmy touch! No maturity and accountability." Zinta is currently filming Ishkq in Paris with Isabelle Adjani. It is due out in September.
3. Shirish Kunder making own Inception
Shirish Kunder revealed he has started working on a new film, inspired by Christopher Nolan's 2010 science-fiction action movie Inception. "But's it not a remake," said Kunder, who is writing the script himself. "Just of a similar genre. It's an absolutely original story and treatment. It deals with the human mind, but right now, it's too early to reveal anything else about that film." Kunder is reported to have tapped Aamir Khan, currently making waves in his TV programme Satyamev Jayate, for the movie's lead role. * IANS
4. Sonam Kapoor cries for actor cousin
When the actress Sonam Kapoor attended a screening of her cousin Arjun Kapoor's debut film Ishaqzaade, she could not restrain herself from shedding a tear, no matter that the film was a romantic comedy. "Halfway through the film, I couldn't stop crying. It was such a proud moment," she told Zee News. "Arjua and I are only 10 days apart, so we're close. Besides being cousins, we're also good friends." Talking about her own career, Kapoor said she is currently shooting the drama Ranjhana, the Bollywood debut of the Tamil actor Dhanush.
5. Music show to focus on newcomers
The TV series Coke Studio returns to India in July - with a focus on newcomers, particularly independent classical, folk, electronic and dance musicians. "Our desire is to bring India's diverse music scene into the daily lives of young people," MTV India's Aditya Swamy said. "The most exciting part is the making of over 40 original songs - a hugely creative and collaborative process." The show will see veteran singers such as Karsh Kale (pictured), Amit Trivedi and Clinton Cerejo performing alongside such newer acts as Nitin Sawhney, Papon and Shankar Tucker. * IANS
