The veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan will make his Hollywood debut with The Lord of the Rings producer Barrie Osborne, who said he plans to "tell the story of Indian history and tradition in Hollywood style". "You keep doing hard work but you are not sure if it is good work. It is only after people like Barrie approach you that you realise it," said Haasan, 57. Osborne said he approached Haasan after watching the actor's new film Vishwaroopam. "We started to talk about the possibility of working together. Kamal presented an idea to me that I felt was compelling." * IANS
Sonam Kapoor turns 27
Sonam Kapoor celebrated her 27th birthday on Saturday. The eldest daughter of the actors Anil and Sunita Kapoor, the actress became a trending topic on Twitter, after asking her fans for a special gift: a donation to the Ogaan Cancer Foundation, which raises awareness about breast cancer. "I hope I can make a difference in my own way," posted Kapoor, who recently lost her aunt to cancer. "Please donate generously." Her close friend, the filmmaker Farah Khan, earlier sent her this birthday tweet: "Happy birthday to the sweetest, nicest girl. I'm in Dubai, getting you a gift from here … a camel." * IANS
Omi Vaidya to direct thriller
The actor Omi Vaidya, who is best known for his performance in the 2009 comedy film 3 Idiots, announced he is directing a psychological thriller that he may also star in. "It's very different from what I've done so far, but I don't want to give the concept away," said Vaidya. "It has got some big names attached to it. I might act in the film, too." Born and raised in California, the 30-year-old New York University graduate moved to Mumbai in 2009 intending to direct a film, but ended up starring in 3 Idiots, which won him acting trophies from the IIFA and the Screen Awards. * IANS
Karan Johar talks new dance gig
The filmmaker Karan Johar, a judge in the celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, says although he's not a dancer, his experience behind the screen has made him understand the art form. "I have shot about 50 songs. Dance is integral to Indian cinema," Johar said. "It's not about rules, but the passion you bring." He will be joined by the actress Madhuri Dixit and the choreographer Remo D'Souza on the panel. "While Remo is the master of his craft and Madhuri is a master executor, I'll talk about the concept and the energy the artists bring to the table." * IANS
Sharman Joshi: I'm here for the long run
Sharman Joshi, who makes his lead actor debut in the forthcoming film Ferrari Ki Sawaari, says he intends to make 10 quality films in his career. "I'm not here to prove anything to anyone except to myself. I want to be part of at least 10 great films in my career as an actor. I think Ferrari is going to be one of those," Joshi said. "I'm here for the long run - 30 to 40 years is the minimum you should expect out of me." Ferrari Ki Sawaari, about a boy who dreams of becoming a cricket player, is directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and will premiere in Indian cinemas on Friday. * IANS
