Now, Vaiko seeks ban on Madras Cafe

After Naam Tamizhar, Vaiko's MDMK has sought a ban on John Abraham-starrer political-thriller "Madras Cafe", alleging that it portrays LTTE in a bad light.

"I request the centre to ban the film. The film should not be allowed to release and if screened, human rights organisations should protest against it in cities like Mumbai, " Vaiko said in a statement.

"I also urge the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film in the state, " he added.

"Madras Cafe", directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a fictional story based on real events that took place during Sri Lankan civil war.

When the film's trailer was release in July, the Tamil activist group Naam Tamizhar lead by filmmaker Seeman sought a ban on the film on the grounds of portraying LTTE cadres as terrorist.

On Sunday, a special screening of the dubbed version of "Madras Cafe" was organized for the group, but they are sticking to their guns.

Seeman said: "The film tries to portray late LTTE chief Prabhakaran as a terrorist. We don't appreciate it and request the distributors not to screen the film in the state. The sentiment of the film is anti-Tamil and we don't agree with it".

The film also features Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna and Leena Maria is ready for Friday release.

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John's Madras Cafe - Treading On Thin Ice

Looks like Madras Cafe is turning out to be a film which is too bold for its own good. With the film's second trailer release, a fresh bout of controversies is rising. Madras Cafe's second trailer is out and it talks about the assassination of India's ex Prime Minister.

The trailer also shows a Tamil rebel group leader Anna played by Tamil actor Ajay Ratnam. Call it a coincidence but the actor bears a very close resemblance to the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The look and the costume are similar to the rebel leader as well.

The Tamil group Naam Thamizhar have already expressed their objection to the film's release as they are alleging that the film is showcasing the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in bad light. The group has also demanded that they should be allowed to preview the film before the release. However, the film's director Shoojit Sircar has denied the allegations.

Any fictional story will take things from real events. And for this film it is the backdrop of Sri Lanka, so, obviously, it refers to all those who were part of that time -- from the rebels, to civilians, to the peace force and the governments of Sri Lanka and India. Please watch the film before arriving at any conclusions.

Earlier Shoojit Sircar had said that There is a fictional rebel group in the film but we don't call them the LTTE and unless you see it you can't pass judgment.

Well! Simply calling the rebel group by a different name may not save the day for Madras Cafe if there is any protest post release. As of now, the makers of the film are very happy that the film has been cleared by the Censor Board and is releasing on the scheduled date of 23rd August.

'Madras Cafe' starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri has been directed by Shoojit Sircar and is slated to release nationwide in theatres on 23rd August. It is co-produced by JA Entertainment, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rising Sun Films.

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Straight from the Heart: Why Nargis finds her life boring?

She's been linked to some Bollywood dudes, but Nargis Fakhri would like everyone to believe that her life is not as exciting as it's made out to be. Ahead of her political thriller Madras Cafe, the actress shares some facets about her life

Offcially, Nargis Fakhri made Mumbai her home in January 2012. Which gives this part Pakistani-part Czech, born and brought up in America exactly a year and half to make the city her home.

"Before that, I used to keep travelling between Copenhagen and Mumbai for work," she tells us. So has she finally managed to settle down? "I always say home is where the heart is. I've adjusted and made my space and things are going well. So I can say I have two homes in a way," she replies.

But still, there's one thing that bothers her a lot about Mumbai - "the traffic" -- she laughs. The unmistakable American accent, as we speak to her over the phone, is definitely there. But the actress insists that she can understand Hindi much better now.

"When I first came here, it was like asking somebody to learn a whole new language and culture in a month. After Rockstar released, I had the time to take my classes and start learning and educating myself about the industry, the language, the dancing, the culture etc. It's been a long and interesting journey, and now I can definitely say that you cannot talk bad about me because I will understand," she laughs.

Making her debut with the star of the moment, Ranbir Kapoor would have made things easy, but the critics didn't exactly go gaga over the actress when Rockstar released in 2011. The criticism must have hurt, and the actress admits to it.

"See a human being will always be affected by such things, but what we should do is look at it in a positive way and that's what I did," she says, "I think I was very open to the criticism. Through that, I was able to understand what I needed to work on. A lot of people didn't know that I didn't know about acting or Hindi cinema at all. I just walked into this blindly and perhaps, a little naive. With the criticism, I got a chance to analyse how to do things better."

And for the audience to see if Nargis has grown as an actress or not, a lot depends on her next film Madras Cafe, a political thriller set in Jaffna, that sees her playing the role of Jaya, a war correspondent.

"Becoming Jaya and trying to understand what a journalist like that goes through, I became aware of many different situations all over the world," she says. It also made her appreciate the real war correspondents out there, who according to Nargis, don't get enough credit for what they do. She admits she is eagerly waiting to see how the audience will react to her new role. "Rockstar was a romance and then I have this really intense role of Jaya. Next is Shaukeen, which is a comedy and I'm super excited that people are going to see me in such varied roles and see how different I can be in just two years," she says.
For somebody who's pretty new to Bollywood, she's already had her share of link-ups too. First it was Ranbir Kapoor, and then the actress was linked with Shahid Kapoor, Uday Chopra as well as Ness Wadia. "For somebody who's never encountered something like this, it can be traumatic and very upsetting initially," states Nargis, who retains that she's very much "single".

But over time, she says she's realised a few things and made her peace with them. "I sort of understand how it works, that people are curious, newspapers have to sell and things are made into something big. I lead a boring life. I'm glad the media is so excited about my life, making it more exciting that it actually is!" she laughs.

Nargis diaries

The one thing people don't know about you?
That I'm really, really funny! (haha)

What are you scared of?
Cockroaches

What's your favourite cuisine? Are you a good cook?
It's a tie between Indian and Japanese. I love cooking. I definitely cook when I have a day off.

What's your perfect man like? 
There's no such thing! (laughs) But close to perfect would have to have a good sense of humour, intelligence and a passion for travelling
Are you a good liar?
No, unfortunately not!

What's the goofiest thing you've ever done?
I usually dress up like a guy when I go out shopping, with tomboy clothes and a hat. One time, I was supposed to meet somebody I know and that person couldn't find me because I was looking like a boy!

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Deepika regrets not being part of Rockstar

If Deepika Padukone is satisfied after doing romantic comedy 'Cocktail' in 2012, she wishes she had been part of the Ranbir Kapoor starrer 2011 musical hit 'Rockstar'

'I am more than happy I was part of 'Cocktail'. It was the most satisfying experience to do the film. The audience really appreciated me a lot in 'Cocktail',' Deepika told IANS. 'So this year, I am extremely happy about 'Cocktail' and have no regrets. But if you ask me about last year, then yes, I would say, I wish I was part of 'Rockstar'.
The actress had dated Ranbir for some time and even featured with him in the hit movie 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' before parting ways. 'Rockstar', a musical extravaganza that rocked the box office, was helmed by Imtiaz Ali who roped in Pakistani American Nargis Fakhri as Ranbir's love interest in the movie.

If Deepika pats herself for doing 'Cocktail', she candidly admits that some of her films disappointed her. 'I don't regret anything but, yes, I have been disappointed with two to three films that I did in the last two years,' the 26-year-old said. 'I put equal amount of effort to each and every film but when it doesn't work, it is very disappointing. All of us face ups and downs in our lives, but all we can do is we can learn from our experiences.'
However, she refused to name those disappointing films, saying it would be 'unfair to name any films because ultimately it's me who had chosen the film ... so I would never name them'.

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Nargis Fakhri and Ali Zafar perform daredevil stunts

Ali Zafar and Nargis Fakhri recently performed some dangerous stunts on a bike

Whoever thought that Ali Zafar is too much of a chocolate boy to don an action avatar needs to think again

Turns out the Pakistani actor-singer refused to use a body double for a considerably dangerous stunt for an ad. And Nargis Fakhri amazed the ad-makers by bravely staying pillion seated for this particular shot.

While shooting for the video, Ali and Nargis were slated for a bike scene in which the vehicle was supposed to take a flight from a significant height.

Even though the duo was offered an alternative of stuntmen as is the norm in the industry to perform the required daredevilry, they decided to go ahead without any fear of consequence.

Our source says, Ali is passionate about bikes and Nargis is an action freak. Luckily enough, the shot was okayed in the first shot itself and thankfully, none of the two was injured.

The crewmembers ended up giving them a round of applause. Both Ali and Nargis were shown the stunt by the stunt doubles and were told that certain portions of it needed to be shot for their close-ups and for the rest, the stunt doubles would manage.

However, Ali surprised everyone by insisting to do the deed on his own. To make matters more exciting, even Nargis showed her adrenaline junkie side, sums up the source.

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Sorry PC and Nargis. Katrina always gets the cream!

Buzz is that the actress has been mentioned as the first choice of almost every big project that is launched

A bitchy actress is mighty amused at Katrina Kaif being mentioned as the first choice of almost every big project that is launched 

Recently when Priyanka Chopra signed Ali Abbas Zafar's Gunday, immediately there was a buzz that Kat was the first choice. During Barfi! again it was stated that Kat was originally slated to do Ileana D'Cruz's role. 
She was also apparently Imtiaz Ali's first choice for Rockstar till Nargis Fakhri came along. Even for an item number in Dabangg 2 for which Kareena Kapoor will be shooting soon, there had been buzz that Kat was the original choice. 

So if she is the first choice why does she not do the roles? And why don't filmmakers adjust the dates according to her schedule?` chuckles the actress. That's some food for thought.

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Nargis Fakhri to endorse e-commerce portal

Actress Nargis Fakhri has been roped in to be the face of online fashion and lifestyle store.

"This is my first official association with an e-commerce brand, although I have always been shopping online. I'm elated to be a part of it!" Nargis said in a statement

Trivikram Thakore, marketing director, fashionandyou.com, added, "She epitomises fashion and style which complements our brand positioning. She is a representative of the sophisticated appeal our customers expect from us."

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Nargis Fakhri dedicates her birthday to a good cause

Starlet has joined hands with an NGO to raise funds for the education of the girl child

Nargis Fakhri has decided to do something special for her birthday today. The starlet has joined hands with an NGO to raise funds for the education of the girl child.

The model-turned-actress is also urging her fans and friends to donate for the cause. The actress is also sharing the details of the same on her social networking page.

Says Nargis, I have never felt more blessed. I want to dedicate my birthday to this and help raise funds for the education of five girls. Instead of sending me presents, people can donate towards my endeavour.

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Nargis Fakhri caught in a rat race

Nargis Fakhri is caught in a rat race - literally! The actress's kitchen is infested with the rodents and they are creating a mess.

"Huge rat encounter in my kitchen! He saw me, I saw him - he jumped, I ran, he ate through my door! What is going on here! HELP," tweeted the "Rockstar" actress.

"Getting traps, but what do I do with them after I catch them! Make a rat circus? Ate through the kitchen door! They got some razor sharp teeth! ahh MOMMY," she posted along with a picture of her rat-nibbled kitchen door.

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Nargis Fakhri for HCL

"Rockstar" actress Nargis Fakhri has signed on as brand ambassador of HCL Infosystems's computing products.

As part of the deal, Nargis has done a photo shoot for the brand. It will be used later.

She will endorse HCL's computing products -- ME branded Laptops and Tablets, HCL Desktops and Beanstalk All-In-One's -- across various platforms and will also feature in upcoming multimedia ad campaigns.

She is "ecstatic".

"HCL's gadgets are trendy, very user friendly and absolute value for money products. It is a brand that has a legacy of bringing innovative products keeping in mind the Indian market and I am looking forward to this association with a home grown brand, " Nargis said in a statement.

The brand wants to "reach out to newer customers and markets" through their association with Nargis.

"Nargis Fakhri's sophistication, style and cool quotient superbly personifies our brand. The association with Nargis, I am sure will add to our image as a brand that not only spells value for money, but also that offers next generation stylish computing devices, " said Princy Bhatnagar, vice president and head Consumer Computing, HCL Infosystems.

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How does Nargis Fakhri handle Indian humidity

Monsoon is the time when your hair behaves differently due to the humidity in the air, and a diligent hair care regime is needed to nourish your hair from within, and keep your volume and bounce. CS gets Nargis Fakhri to share a few simple tips on hair care this season:

Fighting that moisture
Being in a glamorous profession, I need an effective hair care regime that can cope with the excess moisture in the air during monsoon and keep my hair smooth and manageable 24x7. Three thumb rules I swear by for my hair are drinking water, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and regular deep conditioning massages with hot coconut based hair oil.

The conditioning mantra
A 20 minutes deep conditioning massage with hot coconut based hair oil is my non-negotiable hair care ritual, especially during the monsoon. Coconut based hair oil deeply penetrates into your scalp to deeply condition your hair, making it an instant solution against the frizz.
Treat them nice
When I wash my hair in the monsoon, I pat my hair dry with a towel, and use a soft hairbrush or a wide-toothed comb so that my hair isn't treated harshly and it maintains its shine and natural oils.

Keeping it simple
I also make sure that I don't tie my hair very tightly as it will leave the strands broken leading to unnecessary damage and roughness. It's best to keep your hairdo as simple as possible, maybe a sleek ponytail or a bun. These styles work well in this season, and are hassle free too.

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Nargis Fakhri obliges her stalker with an autograph

Her debut film may have gone kaput but that isn't stopping Nargis Fakhri from having her own set of loyal fans

So much so that she is even being stalked by one of her admirers. The stalker apparently is so enamoured by her that he makes it a point to wait outside her Mumbai apartment almost everyday just to catch a glimpse of her.

While many have advised the actress to lodge a complaint, fearing her safety, the starlet is quite touched and even obliged the fan with a picture and an autograph.

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It's cool to be linked to good looking girls like Nargis Fakhri

Actor talks about moving away from the big screen, being nervous about his upcoming action flick and his recent romantic link-ups 

After his long break from the big screen, Uday Chopra is raring to begin the next franchise of an action film, co-starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aamir Khan. In the meanwhile, the actor has just launched his comic book and speaks to us about his production plans, his nervous anticipation of facing the camera again and recent link-ups with Parineeti Chopra and Nargis Fakhri.

Acting to comics, that's quite a leap...
I always wanted to do something in the comic space and had been sitting on it from a long time. In fact when I was a kid I used to buy comics in bulk and send them to my friends in UK. Archie comics was one of my favourites besides Richie Rich and Tin Tin. In fact, I only went to my school library to read the comics (laughs).
What are your future plans in this medium?
I want to create a super hero for India which will have no mythological connect. Mythology is not cool anymore. I want to present something that is cool and relatable. The character will be a home-grown Indian.

Are you nervous about sharing screen space with Abhishek Bachchan once again besides Aamir Khan?
Yes, of course I am nervous. But now things have changed for me, my focus has shifted. I have taken a back seat from acting and gone on to production. I will continue acting as a hobby. It's more fun for me now. Acting is not my career now, but I hope I can deliver my best.
A lot was written about your equation with Parineeti Chopra and then with Nargis Fakhri...
Well, honestly if you ask me it's always cool for a guy to be linked to good looking girls. For girls however, I know it's different. They are good friends, but the society takes it in a different way.

So you already have a lady love?
Ummm...I don't like to talk about my personal life.

We heard you are quite a foodie!
Yes, that's true! I love sushi. I make sure I go to my favourite sushi restaurant Wasabi once a month. Also whenever I travel, I like picking up Japanese food, as it's easier to carry. I also like to watch all the cookery shows on TV.

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Fling with Uday: There is no smoke without fire, Nargis Fakhri

Of late good friends Nargis Fakhri and Uday Chopra were spotted at a multiplex in Juhu on Tuesday 

The starlet was heavily made up for a mere film outing with some elaborate eye make up. She also left with Uday in his car.

Later Nargis stated on her micro-blogging site, `I'm just wondering if paparazzi can cause an epileptic 2 have a seizure when they sneak up on people & start snapping pics.`
But even a cursory look at the snapshots reveals that Nargis looks happy to be photographed! She furthed tweeted, `I'm totally not in 2 comic books but my friend just sent me his new stuff n umm I can't put it down! Its awesome.`

This friend happens to be Uday again who has just launched comic books of his production house's films. Uday loves reading comics, guess it is matter of time that Nargis will be hooked on to it as well. 

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Spotted: Nargis Fakhri and Uday Chopra

After rumours making rounds about their alleged romance, the duo was seen catching a flick at a suburban multiplex

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Every one's first time is not the best time: Nargis Fakhri

Since "Rockstar" Nargis Fakhri has not signed any movie project, but she has managed to grab people's attention and considers herself lucky.

The actress has been in the news for her link up rumours with her "Rockstar" co-star Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Ness Wadia. 

Asked how she reacts to them, she said: "I laugh. What else can you do but laugh. I guess I am still lucky that the media is still interested in my life. What can I say."

What about movie projects?

"I am really waiting for something that I could connect to. That is the most important thing for me right now, " Nargis told. 

Rumours were rife that Nargis has signed Pritish Nandy's next, but she didn't confirm the news and added: "If anything happens, you will hear it from me and my team and not from anyone else. No special announcements have been made yet." 

Meanwhile, she is getting used to the camera.

"I walked the ramp for a while. Facing the camera is still something that is going to take me some time to get used to, not that I am uncomfortable with learning about it. It's a different medium. Every one's first time is not the best time. As you continue to do more work, you get better at it, " Nargis said.
Present at the Kingfisher Derby's Draw of Lots in Bangalore, Nargis describes her foray into Bollywood as interesting. 

"Actually it's been okay. It has been an interesting journey. I think interesting would be a perfect word to describe it. I still have a lot to learn and a lot more time to spend. I am a new kid on the block, " she said. 

Post "Rockstar", the actress has endorsed brands like Van Heusen, Tata Motors premium brand and Marico Parachute. 

"I have signed brands and I think I am very lucky and very appreciative of it and it's been great. I only associate myself with brands in which I believe in. I have been really lucky, " she said.

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First Look: Salman Khan spotted with Nargis Fakhri

Khan was seen together with Ranbir Kapoor's rumoured ex-girlfriend at a corporate awards

Salman Khan and Nargis Fakhri were spotted together at a corporate awards event on Wednesday evening

Looks like Ranbir Kapoor doesn’t seem to mind Sallu attending an event with his rumoured ex girlfriend. However going by Salman’s looks in the picture, it seems, he finds other things more important than the lady! You Khan’t have him!

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Nargis taking professionalism way too seriously?

Nargis Fakhri shot for a commercial in Bangkok recently and while she was there, she was taken ill

It was a bad case of flu. However, despite her illness, she shot for the brand over three days without any change in the schedule.

“Nargis would reach on the sets right on time and would never make a fuss about shooting despite weakness. She would always be in great spirits while at work. ”

Hmmm… taking professionalism way too seriously? Well, get well soon.

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Finally, a film for Nargis Fakhri

After being unceremoniously dropped from 'Khiladi 786', the 'Rockstar' actress signs her second Bollywood film 

After being thrown out of an Akshay Kumar starrer, simply because she didn’t ‘look’ the part of Mithun Chakraborty’s sister, looks like Lady Luck has finally smiled on Nargis Fakhri. Buzz is that she has signed a film under Pritish Nandy and daughter Rangita’s banner, to be directed by Rajshri Ojha. 

Earlier, apparently Kangna Ranaut was considered for the same role. But after things didn’t work out, she was replaced with Nargis. A source close to the banner says, “Yes, Nargis has been signed for the film and now the search is on to find the male lead.” 

The source adds, “Nargis would be playing a modern girl and her persona suits the role to the T.” Nargis, Pritish Nandy and Rangita remained unavailable for comment.

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Nargis Fakhri's Social Networking

Actress fulfills her longtime fan's wishes and spends a day with him while in Singapore


Social networking is helping fans reach out to the stars and interact with them closely. One such fan Vicknesh Rai got an opportunity to interact with his favourite actress Nargis Fakhri. 

The meeting happened in Singapore over the weekend where she was attending an awards event. 

Nargis had been interacting with Vicknesh in the virtual world even before her Rockstar days.

He had been looking forward to an opportunity to meet her in person for long. His persistence paid off when Nargis flew into Singapore where he is based. She asked him to meet her at a mall. 

To her surprise, he carried a collage of all her pictures and told her to autograph them. As he was accompanied by his family, he even requested her to pose for snapshots with each of them

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