Kabir Khan defends film Ek Tha Tiger
The filmmaker Kabir Khan is upset after Ek Tha Tiger promos were banned in Pakistan following allegations that the forthcoming Bollywood action thriller portrays the country's intelligence agency in a bad light. Khan says his film, set for an August 15 release in Indian cinemas, is neither insensitive nor derogatory. "I will say it once more: Ek Tha Tiger is NOT anti Pakistan," he posted on Twitter. "In this day and age, it's stupid to make films that are insensitive or derogatory to any country or community." The 41-year-old director won critical acclaim for his 2006 film Kabul Express, set in post-Taliban Afghanistan. "This is the price we have to pay because unfortunately our industry has made insensitive films in the past." he added. "But I am absolutely sure that once the censor board of Pakistan sees Ek Tha Tiger, they will be more than happy to show the film. I can assure the millions of fans of Salman in Pakistan that." Produced by Yash Raj Films, Ek Tha Tiger stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. - IANS
Ranbir Kapoor talks future: a sport film
His body of work boasts of an impressive range of roles - from headlining a romantic saga to a musical film, and playing a deaf and dumb character in the forthcoming romcom Barfi! And now, Ranbir Kapoor says he's keen on doing a sport-themed movie. "I would love to do a film on football, hockey, boxing - anything, as long as it has an interesting story build upon it," he said. "If you're just making a film about sport without an engaging story, then it doesn't matter." The 29-year-old actor is a sport enthusiast himself. "I love football, but now I don't get the time to play. It's upsetting because I want to live a healthy, active lifestyle."- IANS
Anurag Kashyap to judge web film fest
The Gangs of Wasseypur filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is set to chair the jury panel of Craze, an online global short film competition on Tumbhi.com, a platform for filmmakers, actors and musicians. The contest is open to directors worldwide. "The short film is an excellent way for filmmakers to prove their talent. It's quick and easy to produce," said Robin Rastogi of Tumbhi. "The real challenge for filmmakers is to get their film in front of thousands of people. We aim to help by providing a strong platform where they can not only showcase their talent, but also get expert advice and guidance from an eminent panel, chaired by Anurag Kashyap." Joining the panel is the director Prashant Godbole and the writer and producer LC Singh. Winning entries will be featured at the Tumbhi Short Film Festival in November. - IANS
Kumar to shoot directorial debut
The actress Divya Khosla Kumar says she's all set for her directorial debut with the comedy Class of 2013. "My film will begin shooting in September," she said. "I have cast two newcomers in the lead roles - Himansh Kohli and Rakul Preet. Both actors are from Delhi." Kumar describes the movie as "very young and musical, about a group of teenagers unclear about their future". She added that her husband, the film producer Bhushan Kumar, is helping her with the movie's musical tracks. "Bhushan has got a great sense of music, so he's guiding me." Class of 2013 is scheduled for release next summer. - IANS
Babul Supriyo plans switch to big screen
After carving a niche for himself in the world of music, Babul Supriyo is planning to try his luck in Bollywood. "I love to take risks in my life. Years ago, I wanted to see if I could use music to make a name for myself. I tried, and I must say I did the right thing," said the 41-year-old musician. "Now I'm considering acting. I will act in films, though I don't want to play the main characters, the hero. Today different kinds of films are being made where I can definitely work in supporting roles." - IANS
