Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is reportedly in talks for a Hollywood project, co-starring with the actor Billy Zane. A source told IBN Live that the actress has been approached by the filmmaker Daniel Silva for his forthcoming film, which has already tapped the television actress Sara Khan and the singer Lucky Ali to join its cast. Khan confirmed the news, saying: "I have signed the film. I have been told the makers have approached Ash [Bachchan]. We will start shooting in Los Angeles from September 13. It's a thriller and I'm playing Billy's wife." Bachchan has taken a leave from Bollywood since giving birth to her first daughter in November of last year. * IANS
Sonakshi Sinha says her father Shatrughan is 'fine' after surgery
The actress Sonakshi Sinha said on Friday that her father, the veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha, is now in stable condition, after undergoing bypass surgery on Monday. Sonakshi, currently promoting her new film Joker, said her father has been moved from the ICU to a private room, where he is recovering. "He is fine, that is all I can say," she said. The elder Sinha, 66, was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on July 2 with complications to his breathing. His close friend and fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan paid a visit to the hospital on Thursday. "My wife Jaya and I immediately visited him after the surgery. He has done well, out of the ICU, chatting with his humour intact. It's so reassuring," said Bachchan. "Watching colleagues in hospital beds suffering is disturbing. But Shatrughan is in good spirits, as he always is, showing no signs of the trauma he has been through." * IANS
Manish Paul readies for debut film
After five years appearing on television, the actor Manish Paul is all set to begin shooting for his Bollywood debut, the comedy Oye Mickey, to be directed by the first-time director Saurabh Varma. "Every actor wants to transition on to the big screen," said Paul. "I had met many filmmakers before but when Saurabh narrated the script to me, everything fell in place. The film has drama, action and comic elements too." Paul, 30, is currently hosting the popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. When asked whether he will be focusing on film projects more than his TV appearances, he said: "I will not leave television completely. I'll work things out between TV and films." The director Varma said of the actor: "He has perfect comic timing. We couldn't have found anyone more appropriate than him." * IANS
Dileep and Menon win Kerala awards
The actor Dileep won his first best actor award at Thursday's Kerala State Film Awards for his role in Vellaripravinte Changathi. Shweta Menon bagged the best actress award for Salt N' Pepper, which also won the most popular film award. "I just can't believe this. I am really excited and I am unable to speak," Menon said on stage. Indian Rupee took the best film, while the best director trophy went to Blessy, for Pranayam. Fahad Fazil took the second best actor for Chappa Kurishu, while N Ayisha was the second best actress for Oomakkuyil. * IANS
