The pretty petite Rakul Preet, who made her acting debut in Bollywood with YAARIYAN, is going great guns.

Right now she is gearing up for the release of her film opposite Sidharth Malhotra. She will next be seen romancing Ajay Devgn in Luv Ranjan’s contemporary rom-com. A quirky take on urban relationships, the film will have Rakul play the character of a fiery, feisty and super confident urban young girl. Rakul will soon start shooting for this light-hearted comedy based on relationships.

Speaking about Rakul, writer and producer Luv Ranjan says, “When we met Rakul, her energy from the minute go was just wonderful. It didn't take us too long to bring her on board for the film because her natural persona fit the character brief to the tee.”

Producer Bhushan Kumar says, “Rakul made her debut with us with YAARIYAN. And we have a great association with Luv and Ajay. We are delighted taking these relationships forward. Her being a great performer and her strong foothold in the south just made her our perfect package”.

Tabu and Ajay Devgn who have already showcased their on-screen chemistry whenever the duo has come together will be seen together yet again for this rom-com.

The film is directed by Akiv Ali and Produced by T- Series and Luv Films. The film will be a festive treat for the audience as it is set to release on Dussehra, 19th October 2018.

In another show of strength, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena on Tuesday took out a massive rally in Dholpur in Rajasthan to demand a countrywide ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT, which is scheduled for release on January 25. They have threatened mass immolation if the film is not banned.

The rally was led by Rajput Karni Sena patron, Lokendra Singh Kalvi. Thousands of women were seen walking in the protest rally.

The protesters met the district collector and requested him to convey their message to the central government for banning the film across India.

Dholpur was chosen as the location for the rally as it is situated on the Uttar Pradesh border. "We want the Yogi Adityanath government in UP to ban the film, as the Haryana government has already declared a ban in the state today," a senior member of Karni Sena told IANS.

"Earlier, we had met Haryana Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar requesting him to ban the movie, and he had assured us the movie would be banned once they check its legal aspects."

"We want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the issue and ban the movie across India. We met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 14 and apprised him of the challenges the country will face once the film is released," he said.

"Why the central government is keeping mum on this issue is beyond our understanding," he added.

According to the Karni Sena member, 1,700 women have registered their names, addresses and consent letters from their families with the Jauhar Samiti in Chittorgarh.

"If the film's screening is not stopped, they will perform jauhar (mass immolation). The men will go to cinema halls with swords to stop its screening," he added.

All highways surrounding Chittorgarh will also be blocked on Wednesday as a mark of protest.

He warned that in case the film is released on January 25, "Republic Day celebrations will turn into a dark day as there will be all chances of a war like situation in the country".

"We are also planning a big protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from January 22 where thousands of Rajputs from across the country will be gathering to stage a massive protest," he said.

Asked if Karni Sena members are supporting Congress in the Ajmer and Alwar bypoll, he said that "looking at the silence of the central government and to protest against the injustice meted out to members of Shri Karni Sena who were demanding a CBI probe into the Anandpal issue, the Karni Sena members have vowed to ensure BJP loses the ensuing by-polls".

In another show of strength, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena on Tuesday took out a massive rally in Dholpur in Rajasthan to demand a countrywide ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT, which is scheduled for release on January 25. They have threatened mass immolation if the film is not banned.

The rally was led by Rajput Karni Sena patron, Lokendra Singh Kalvi. Thousands of women were seen walking in the protest rally.

The protesters met the district collector and requested him to convey their message to the central government for banning the film across India.

Dholpur was chosen as the location for the rally as it is situated on the Uttar Pradesh border. "We want the Yogi Adityanath government in UP to ban the film, as the Haryana government has already declared a ban in the state today," a senior member of Karni Sena told IANS.

"Earlier, we had met Haryana Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar requesting him to ban the movie, and he had assured us the movie would be banned once they check its legal aspects."

"We want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the issue and ban the movie across India. We met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 14 and apprised him of the challenges the country will face once the film is released," he said.

"Why the central government is keeping mum on this issue is beyond our understanding," he added.

According to the Karni Sena member, 1,700 women have registered their names, addresses and consent letters from their families with the Jauhar Samiti in Chittorgarh.

"If the film's screening is not stopped, they will perform jauhar (mass immolation). The men will go to cinema halls with swords to stop its screening," he added.

All highways surrounding Chittorgarh will also be blocked on Wednesday as a mark of protest.

He warned that in case the film is released on January 25, "Republic Day celebrations will turn into a dark day as there will be all chances of a war like situation in the country".

"We are also planning a big protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from January 22 where thousands of Rajputs from across the country will be gathering to stage a massive protest," he said.

Asked if Karni Sena members are supporting Congress in the Ajmer and Alwar bypoll, he said that "looking at the silence of the central government and to protest against the injustice meted out to members of Shri Karni Sena who were demanding a CBI probe into the Anandpal issue, the Karni Sena members have vowed to ensure BJP loses the ensuing by-polls".

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra has bagged the Best Original Costume Design Award for 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' at the Broadway World India Awards.

"This is the 35th award in my career and I am very overwhelmed. This is the first time I have designed for a musical play and to get an award for that has been very touching. It has been a great experience to work on this musical extravaganza and also been very challenging as 600 costumes were required," Malhotra said in a statement.

The designer, who has styled the likes of stars like Sridevi and Kareena Kapoor Khan, says a lot of hard work went into the creations.

"It has been days and nights of work and I went all out to use pure fabrics and intricate embroideries make the process and the journey worthwhile," Malhotra said.

The musical, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji, is based on the K. Asif-directorial MUGHAL-E-AZAM which starred thespian Dilip Kumar and beautiful Madhubala.

"Working with Feroz who is a fabulous acclaimed play director and Shapoorji made it all tremendously satisfying experience," he added.

'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' will return to regale Delhi audiences, staging its 100th show during its February 1-11 schedule at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra has bagged the Best Original Costume Design Award for 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' at the Broadway World India Awards.

"This is the 35th award in my career and I am very overwhelmed. This is the first time I have designed for a musical play and to get an award for that has been very touching. It has been a great experience to work on this musical extravaganza and also been very challenging as 600 costumes were required," Malhotra said in a statement.

The designer, who has styled the likes of stars like Sridevi and Kareena Kapoor Khan, says a lot of hard work went into the creations.

"It has been days and nights of work and I went all out to use pure fabrics and intricate embroideries make the process and the journey worthwhile," Malhotra said.

The musical, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji, is based on the K. Asif-directorial MUGHAL-E-AZAM which starred thespian Dilip Kumar and beautiful Madhubala.

"Working with Feroz who is a fabulous acclaimed play director and Shapoorji made it all tremendously satisfying experience," he added.

'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' will return to regale Delhi audiences, staging its 100th show during its February 1-11 schedule at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Actress Surbhi Chandna says her onscreen husband Nakuul Mehta has been her biggest support system.

The actors play Shivaay and Annika in the show 'Ishqbaaaz', and Surbhi is all praise for Nakuul.

"Nakuul and I have been sharing an amazing camaraderie since the beginning. It's been over a year now and it has gotten better," Surbhi said in a statement.

When the show was launched, she was a newcomer.

"Nakuul has been my biggest support system in terms of understanding the industry dynamics. I cannot thank him enough," she said.

'Ishqbaaaz' airs on Star Plus.

Actress Surbhi Chandna says her onscreen husband Nakuul Mehta has been her biggest support system.

The actors play Shivaay and Annika in the show 'Ishqbaaaz', and Surbhi is all praise for Nakuul.

"Nakuul and I have been sharing an amazing camaraderie since the beginning. It's been over a year now and it has gotten better," Surbhi said in a statement.

When the show was launched, she was a newcomer.

"Nakuul has been my biggest support system in terms of understanding the industry dynamics. I cannot thank him enough," she said.

'Ishqbaaaz' airs on Star Plus.

Actress Zareen Khan has praised her 1921 director Vikram Bhatt, saying he is an ocean-full of knowledge.

On her experience of working with Bhatt, Zareen told IANS on phone from Mumbai: "It was great. I did not know him on a personal level before this movie. For me, he was a great director, and I have always been a fan of his work."

Zareen, who portrays a ghost-whisperer named Rose in the film, added: "I always wanted to work with him and finally got a chance. I am happy I got this chance because apart from being a part of an amazing film, the experience was very cherishable and memorable.

"Now I have him as a friend in my life. He is an amazing human being, and an ocean full of knowledge."

1921, shot in London, revolves around the lead characters, played by Zareen and actor Karan Kundra. They deal with their dark pasts and secrets to secure their present and future. It is about a struggle between life and death.

The film released last week.

Actress Zareen Khan has praised her 1921 director Vikram Bhatt, saying he is an ocean-full of knowledge.

On her experience of working with Bhatt, Zareen told IANS on phone from Mumbai: "It was great. I did not know him on a personal level before this movie. For me, he was a great director, and I have always been a fan of his work."

Zareen, who portrays a ghost-whisperer named Rose in the film, added: "I always wanted to work with him and finally got a chance. I am happy I got this chance because apart from being a part of an amazing film, the experience was very cherishable and memorable.

"Now I have him as a friend in my life. He is an amazing human being, and an ocean full of knowledge."

1921, shot in London, revolves around the lead characters, played by Zareen and actor Karan Kundra. They deal with their dark pasts and secrets to secure their present and future. It is about a struggle between life and death.

The film released last week.

Actor Vijay Raaz says there are only very dark characters and no heroes in the upcoming film FERROUS.

"The film is a crime drama. It is not the run-of-the-mill kinds. It has an unconventional screenplay," Vijay said in a statement to IANS.

Vijay instantly accepted the movie because of the film's flavour.

"There are no heroes in the film. All the characters are negative, in fact very dark," he said.

Written and directed by Shaurya Singh, the film also features Zakir Hussain, Bikramjeet Kanwarpal and Gopal K. Singh.

"I feel that a film should move the audience. I will also be sending FERROUS to certain film festivals before its worldwide release in mid of 2018. I just want the people to enjoy the film and remember it as a good memory," he said.

On preparation for films, he said: "I try to be different with every character. I generally write the plot of my film first and then go deeply into the characterisation. I put a lot of emphasis on the mannerisms of a character."

"I also try to give them catchy lines. I personally stay open to suggestions of actors and my team, and sometimes we make changes on the spot," he added.