My Brother, My Jaan: B-Town Divas Celebrate Raksha Bandhan

Parineeti Chopra: My brothers Sahaj and Shivang are my buddies ever since they grew up. I am the eldest. So I am going to be pampering and spoiling them this Raksha Bandhan. 

Minissha Lamba: My brother is the closest person I have in Mumbai. And just to have him around is gift enough on raksha bandhan. 
Celina Jaitley: My brother Vikrant is a major in the Indian army. Considering the crisis at the LOC he may soon be deployed, as he is on the special forces. The only Raksha Bandhan wish I have for him is to be safe. And to have a lil baby of his own soon as he's newly married. 
Shabana Azmi: My brother Baba is most precious to me. He is my son, my friend and guide. Raksha Bandhan is a festival I get mos sentimental about. This year I am at my native village Mijwan for Raksha Bandhan. 

I feel really sorry that I can't be personally present to tie him the raakhee. I make sure I am with Baba on this day. I think I missed being with my brother for raksha bandhan only 4-5 times in my entire life. 

Sadly this is one of those years of absence. Baba is my most precious gift. I don't need anything from him. He doesn't allow anyone else to tie a raakhi on him. No mooh-boli bahens for my brother! I wouldn't tolerate them. 
Manisha Koirala: I have the most precious gift in the world. My brother Siddhartha. I always wish him happiness and success, and not just for Raksha B

andhan but every single day. I consider myself the luckiest sister in the world. More power to my adorable bhaiya. 
Pooja Bhatt: I am older to my brother Rahul. So tradition be damned. I'll be gifting him this Raksha Bandhan, not the other way around. 
Bela Sehgal: I am very lucky to have a wonderful brother like Sanjay (Leela Bhansali). He is thoughtful caring and loving, understanding and always concerned about my well-being. For Raksha Bandhan I pray for his good health and the super-duper success of Ram Leela. The only gift that I want from him is that he should always continue to love me. 
Divya Dutta: My brother Dr Rahul Dutta is more a friend than an elder brother. And he knows exactly what I want. The other day I liked a piece of jewellery while window-shopping. Before I knew it, it became my Rakhi gift. He is traveling but will be back in time for me tie the rakhi. 
Lata Mangeshkar: More than a brother, Hridaynath is the son that I never had. When I sing for my brother I feel a mixture of elation and fear. He's such a perfectionist. To work with him is taxing but ultimately very satisfying. When I sing for other composers I'm always unsure about whether I've done my best. Hridayanath doesn't hesitate in ticking me off if I go wrong. 

Even if I go wrong with one word he doesn't let me off the hook. He makes me sing it a hundred times over no matter how tired I get. At the most he'll let me off until the next day. But he must have the flawless recording.

I agree with him when he says, 'Right now only the recordist and I can hear you. But tomorrow the entire world will hear you. How would you feel if listeners pinpoint the errors in your singing? ' He's a very knowledgeable human being and not just in the field of music. 

Hridayanath is very particular about the way I sing. And I like that. He makes me sing until I achieve the quality he desires. Hridayanath always says, 'In a recording room there're only ten people to hear you. 

Once the song is recorded 10 crore people will hear it. So who loses face? People will say Lata doesn't sing the way she used to. ' He's as particular with any singer, whether it's my sister Asha or Usha.
Happily Hridayanath has the knowledge to achieve a high quality in the recording. He not only has a sound base in classical music but also listens to the old songs of my father (Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar) and uses them as a foundation for some of his compositions.

I'm always on tenterhooks singing for him. He's a very learned musician. His knowledge of Marathi literature and poetry is so vast. He's familiar with both modern and non-contemporary poets. By God's grace all my albums with my brother have been perennially popular. 

My first non-film album with Hridayanath was Mogra Phulela 35 years ago. And that's still selling... 

It wasn't a conscious decision to not work together for so long. Nothing materialized for one reason or another. . . . My brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's album of Meera bhajans Chala Vahi Des is an all-time favourite. It's fallacy that I refused to sing Meera bhajans for anyone except my brother. 

I sang Jaidev's Main janoon nahin piya ko Milan kaise howe ri in Chand Grahan and Jo tum todo piya for Shiv-Hari in Silsila. I refused to give playback to the film on Meerabai when Gulzar made it. Meera is very close to my heart. I couldn't bear the thought of any actress sing her songs while playing Meerabai. 

Laxmikant-Pyarelal, then R. D. Burman left the project. Then Gulzar Saab brought in Pandit Ravi Shankar. I also love what my brother made me do in Maya Memsaab and Lekin. In the CD of Lekin there's a Ghazal Dil mein lekar which didn't feature in the film. I love that as well. 
Pooja Bedi: I deeply miss my brother Siddharth who died 15 years ago. And I'm grateful for my brother Adam who is 12 years younger to me. Being so much older I don't look at him in the traditional role of the protective brother. On the contrary I feel I need to protect him and take care of him. All I expect from him is some time to spend together and oodles of love.

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Salman Khan concerned about Manisha Koirala

Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala go a very long way. They share a great working relationship. Manisha Koirala and Salman Khan worked in films like Khamoshi, Sangdil Sanam and Majdhaar in way back in 1990. The superstar who is a close pal of Manisha Koirala is very much concerned about her health.

The good news is Manisha has undergone a successful ovarian cancer surgery in the US and according to an insider, Salman is constantly in touch with Manisha and check out if he can help her in anyway.
Actor Govinda along with his wife Sunita rushed to Manisha's house when they came to know about her illness and remained with her till she board the flight to the US. Deepti Naval also flown with her to the US and was with her family when doctors conducted operation.

Manisha underwent a successful surgery in New York on Monday. "Manisha underwent a surgery on Monday at around 9 am. I got a message from her family members and they said it was a successful surgery, " said Subroto Ghosh, manager of Manisha Koirala.

Manisha, On her Facebook Profile also thanked all her fans and well-wishers for their blessings and prayers.

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Manisha Koirala undergoes surgery

Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala has underwent a successful surgery in New York, media reports said.

She underwent a surgery on Monday.

The actress, who charmed her fans with her performance in several Bollywood films like 'Bombay', was diagnosed with ovarian cancer recently.

Posting her picture before the surgery, Koirala tweeted: "Am n Chetna di, a day before surgery."

In November, the actress was admitted in Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital after she reportedly fell unconscious.

The exact cause of her illness was not clarified.

She later flew to the US for treatment.

In a Facebook message, Koirala earlier said: "Dear friends I m writing this as a request..pl no sadness, I hv told my closest friends n fam too..this is part of life..I m fine n will be fine no matter th out come..I m in gratitude with all the gifts I hv received from this life..like your love n prayers..lets celebrate life in all forms..thank you again for ur prayers...love m."

She acted in several Hindi films in her career including '1942: A Love Story', 'Agni Sakshi', 'Bombay' and 'Gupt'.

She recently made a comeback in Bollywood with 'Bhoot Returns'.

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Manisha Koirala has ovarian cancer, to be operated in NY

Manisha Koirala is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she will undergo surgery in New York Dec 10. The Bollywood actress is positive she will overcome the disease.

Manisha was scheduled to undergo the surgery Thursday, but Subroto Ghosh, her manager, told that "after conducting certain tests, the doctors have decided to postpone it to Monday (Dec 10)."

Speculations swirled about her health last week, following her hospitalisation here Nov 28. The rumours about her cancer are now confirmed.

In a post on her Facebook page Thursday, Manisha, 42, admits she was shocked to know about her illness, but she is confident all will be well soon.

"Dear friends, thank you for all your wishes. I am in good place and in good hands. With all your love and prayers I am sure I'll recover. It was shocking to know, but then life is full of surprises," Manisha wrote.

"One must deal with it and move on with faith and dignity. Whatever is the outcome, it is for best. I know that. So people, don't worry! I have had a beautiful life so far and I know, whatever will happen will all be good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers... love, M Koirala," she added.

The actress, who belongs to the politically influential Koirala family of Nepal, has taken the news gracefully and says it is part and parcel of life. She only wants her family, friends and fans to be happy.

"I am writing this as a request - please no sadness, I have told my closest friends and family too. This is part of life," she said.

"I am fine and will be fine no matter the outcome. I am in gratitude with all the gifts I have received from this life - like your love and prayers. Let us celebrate life in all forms. Thank you again for your prayers," she added.

Manisha was admitted to Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital Nov 28 after she reportedly fell unconscious. However, the reason behind her illness was not made clear. Later it was reported that she is flying to the US for treatment.

The actress, who has worked in critically acclaimed films like "Dil Se" and "1942: A Love Story", made her debut with "Saudagar" in 1991. She recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns".

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Manisha to undergo surgery for ovarian cancer

Actress Manisha Koirala, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had to undergo surgery in New York Thursday, but it has now been postponed to Dec 10. 

"The surgery was supposed to happen today (Thursday), but after conducting certain tests, the doctors have decided to postponed it to Monday (Dec 10)," Subroto Ghosh, Manisha's manager, told IANS. 

Speculation swirled about her health last week after she was hospitalised in Mumbai Nov 28. The rumours about her cancer are now confirmed. 

The actress, who has worked in critically acclaimed films like "Dil Se" and "1942: A Love Story", made her debut with "Saudagar" in 1991. She recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns". In a post on her Facebook page Thursday, Manisha, 42, admits she was shocked to know about her illness, but she is confident all will be well soon. 

"Dear friends, thank you for all your wishes. I am in good place and in good hands. With all your love and prayers I am sure I'll recover. It was shocking to know, but then life is full of surprises," Manisha wrote. 

"One must deal with it and move on with faith and dignity. Whatever is the outcome, it is for best. I know that. 

So people, don't worry! I have had a beautiful life so far and I know, whatever will happen will all be good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers... love, M Koirala," she added. 
The actress, who belongs to an influential family in Nepal, has taken the news gracefully and says it is a part and parcel of life. She only wants her family, friends and fans to be happy. 

"I am writing this as a request - please no sadness, I have told my closest friends and family too. This is part of life," she said. 

"I am fine and will be fine no matter the outcome. I am in gratitude with all the gifts I have received from this life - like your love and prayers. Let us celebrate life in all forms. Thank you again for your prayers," she added.

Manisha was admitted to Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital Nov 28 after she reportedly fell unconscious. However, the reason behind her illness was not made clear. Later it was reported that she is flying to the US for treatment. 

The actress, who has worked in critically acclaimed films like "Dil Se" and "1942: A Love Story", made her debut with "Saudagar" in 1991. She recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns".

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Manisha Koirala has cancer

Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, famously remembered for her roles in 1942: A Love Story and Khamoshi, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The 42-year-old reportedly fell unconscious, leading to her hospitalisation at Jaslok Hospital. 

Recently, the actress, who was in Kathmandu redoing her house, had also suffered a bout of food poisoning. 

According to reports, she was unwell for the last few days and had mentioned it on a social networking platform. After this she fell unconscious and was immediately flown to Mumbai with her mother for further check-ups. 

When asked about her diagnosis, a reliable source confirmed the news saying, Manisha has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is undergoing treatment at Jaslok Hospital. Her family is by her side.
Commenting on Manisha's condition, Krishnakant Dasyam, Jaslok Hospital PRO, said, All these reports are merely speculation. Her check-up is still not complete and her tests are being carried out. She is fine and is undergoing treatment. There has been no diagnosis as such.

On being asked what tests had been carried out, he said, We can't reveal what tests are being conducted as the patient has requested us to maintain confidentiality

Manisha made her debut in 1991 in Saudagar and recently made her comeback in Ram Gopal Varma's Bhoot Returns. 

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Manisha Koirala hospitalised after she fell unconscious

Actress Manisha Koirala is warded at the Jaslok Hospital here for check-ups.

"She was hospitalized yesterday (Wednesday). She is undergoing a few check-ups. She is doing fine," a hospital source told. She will be discharged when her medical reports are out.

The 42-year-old reportedly fell unconscious, leading to her hospitalization, according to some published reports. These could not be confirmed.

Manisha, who hails from an influential family in Nepal, has worked in several films. She made debuted with "Saudagar" in 1991, and recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns".

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Movie Review: Bhoot Shouldn't Have Returned

Star Cast : Manisha Koirala, J. D. Chakravarthy, Madhu Shalini and Alayana Sharma

Directed By: Ram Gopal Verma

Censor Rating: (A)

Rating: * 

So far it was widely believed that Ram Gopal Verma, the maverick, is thoroughly adroit in cine business and that's because, RGV is the staunch supporter of innovation and novelty in his style of movie making. But now, it looks like Ramu needs to take a break from movie making and introspect about his fading innovation - quotient and cinematographic dexterity. 

The latest entertainment delight ( or so called entertainment delight), that came out of Ramu's factory of cine cantata is, "Bhoot Returns". Though the first promo of the movie sparked some curiosity ripples among the cine buffs, but inspite of that, "Bhoot Returns" could not secure even a decent opening at multiplexes. 

"Bhoot Returns" starring Manisha Koirala, J.D. Chakarwarty, Madhu Shalini child artist Alyanna Sharma opened with a meagre occupancy of 5 % at multiplexes. 

Synopsis:
Well as far as synopsis of "Bhoot Returns" is concerned then it was more of a monotonous, parroty re-showcasing of RGV's previous horror flicks, where a family unknowingly rents a haunted house and post that hell breaks loose for them. 

Story: 
As the the story takes off, Tarun Awasthi ( J.D.Chakravarthy) along with his wife Namrata ( Manisha Koirala) and two kids Nimmi ( Alyanna Sharma) and Taman, moves in to a luxurious bungalow, that he acquires at a very nominal rent. At first, Namrata gets suspicious about getting such lavish bungalow at such a throw away rent, but ultimately quashes her apprehensions as her kids readily approve the new house.

Soon after moving in to their new house, everybody gets busy with their way of life, except little Nimmi, who spends her time exploring the various spaces of the house. And one day during her exploration spree, Nimmi finds a doll. And soon after the discovery of the doll by Nimmi, the rotten luck starts enveloping the family, where Nimmi starts including her wraith friend Shabbo in all her activities.

Initially family mistakes Nimmi's new doll to be Shabbo, but soon after they sniff the existence of some problem, when Nimmi addresses her doll as Dolly and introduces her invisible wraith friend Shabbo while pointing towards an empty space. 

Soon after this rendezvous of Awasthi's with this absurd thrill, Tarun's sister Pooja (Madhu Shalini) visits them. As Tarun, Namrata and Pooja discuss Nimmi's fixation over her imaginary friend Shabbu, their domestic help, Laxman, tries to convince them about the presence of a spirit in Nimmi's life. And amid a volley of demonic sounds, and eerie movements things start getting worst for Awasthis. 

As the story proceeds Pooja installs cameras in the house in order to unearth the reality of these absurd happenings. Everybody gets surprised when cameras capture the presence of a spirit in the house, and post that within no time the family decides to vacate the house, but the disaster begins, when Nimmi goes missing immediately before that.
Script: 
Script of "Bhoot Returns" could have been ornamented with the accolades, if it would have released in 100 BC or even before that, because knitted with such a bland dose of horror the the script completely fails in expressing its intent. 

Or in more simpler words script of Bhoot Returns is a doggie bag containing the tit-bits of Vaastu Shastra, Phoonk and Paranormal Activity with a major prevalence of copy paste job in its creation.

With almost ditto premise, where a happy family moves into a new house, followed by the arrival of a domestic help, who believes in the existence of paranormal creature and apprises the 21 st century family about it. 

All these components of this celluloid potpourri, simply becomes unbearable for you as soon as it starts.

Screenplay and Direction:
Since first frame, "Bhoot Returns" starts giving you a "Deja Vu" feeling blended with an inconsistent pace of narration. After watching "Bhoot Returns" and "Department" one fact which is quite conspicuous now is that, Rammu has got a fixation of pasting cameras in every nook an corner of his sets. 

Be it by placing a camera under bed cover or in the wash basin, RGV don't want his sight to miss anything. So don't be surprised if, in the upcoming flicks of Verma you see his star cast flaunting helmets with cameras mounted on them.

Though Rammu tried to blend technological aspect but everything seemed to be boom ranging for the movie. In fact, it won't be wrong to say that cinematography of "Bhoot Returns" is totally uninspiring and even the 3D factor looks like an obtruded patch, which at times gives a blow on face feel and distracts you.
Music and Background Score: 
In the music department "Bhoot Returns" has nothing to offer but the thing which tries to save this nosediving cine cantata is, Sandeep Chowta's background score.

Performances:
After a long sabbatical from showbiz, Manisha Koirala tried to prove her acting adroitness and looked okay, whereas J.D. Chakrawarty's performance looked somewhat similar to his previous performances in cine flicks like Vaastu Shastra which too was an okay one.

Madhu Shalini too performs ably and manages to grab attention at few places by flaunting her silky gams. 

In nut shell, it's because of monotonous script and poor direction, that inspite of their best efforts the cast failed miserably in leaving any impact on cine buffs. 

BO Potential: 
For BO potential of "Bhoot Returns" the only thing that can be said is, keeping any inflated hopes from this sans entertainment RGV flick will be wrong because this time nobody is expected to welcome the return of Bhoot. And as far as earning potential of "Bhoot Returns" is concerned then all we can say is. now RGV has accustomed himself to accommodate with disasters.
Verdict: 
To sum up, "Bhoot Returns" is another dull gem in RGV's Hall of Shame, and watching it is recommended only if you don't have a DTH connection to watch "Fear Files" on small screen.

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Horror films need not have a new story

The premise of 'Bhoot Returns' is a child sensing a supernatural activity which grown-ups do not understand, something we have seen in many horror films. The film's director Ram Gopal Varma says horror films need not have an original story

The film is already being said to be inspired by other scary flicks and Varma says it is not necessary for such films to have an original concept in order to scare the audience. 

"I don't think horror films should have a new story. In Amityville Horror, there were a series of films with the same story but different set up. Fear is a basic emotion, it is not related to the plot. In fact, if you put a new story and original plot it can be counter-productive," Varma told.

'Bhoot Returns' revolves around a girl, about five or six years old, who feels that there is an entity in the house, but her family members do not believer her. 

"You don't know if the entity is there or she is imagining it. The whole eerie feeling comes from the fact that the family doesn't know what the girl is seeing," said Varma.

Hollywood films like 'The Ring', 'The Sixth Sense' and even Varma's own 'Vaastu Shastra' (2004) have used a child as a catalyst for horror. The director says fear is most effective when it comes from unexpected quarters.
"Horror is most effective when it comes from unexpected quarters. A scary looking person would be a very obvious tool. But a cute, innocent kid scares you more because you don't expect it. Even beautiful women have been used. In the black and white films earlier, there were these women wearing a white saree and singing in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar."

'Bhoot Returns' is Varma's first 3D film and Varma says the technology has helped him make the film more scary. "There are two kinds of horror films, one is psychological and the other is the shock factor - blood and gore. 'Bhoot Returns' falls in the first category. 

"This being my first 3D film I have used the technology and sound effects in a very unique way. 3D is very compatible with the horror genre because it makes the audience feel they are a part of the situation," he said. The sequel comes nine years after 'Bhoot' released. Varma says there is no particular reason why he decided to make the film now. 

"I had this idea at this point, there is no logical reason as to why I decided to make this film at this time. It's that kind of a sequel where you take the film's theme forward with a different story and new set of characters." 'Bhoot Returns' stars JD Chakravarthy, Madhu Shalini and Manisha Koirala, making it her first mainstream commercial film in a long time.

"I have always been a fan of Manisha, we've worked together in Company. She took a break for whatever personal reasons she had. I thought she was very apt to play the role of a mother who is scared of her own daughter," said Varma. 

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Box office offers horror, drama, and comedy; take your pick

A Marathi woman hunting for her dream man, a young girl's fixation for an imaginary friend and a period drama where 64 teenagers fight against the British Raj in Chittagong -- movie buffs have a platter full of films to watch out for this Friday. 

Two of Anurag Kashyap's production ventures "Aiyyaa" and "Chittagong" are set to clash at the box-office. While "Aiyya" is a romantic comedy, "Chittagong" is a period drama. 

Directed by Sachin Kundalkar, "Aiyyaa" revolves around a Marathi girl named Meenakshi Deshpande (Rani), whose parents are looking for a groom for her. She falls in love with a Tamil artist Surya (Prithviraj). She desires him as he smells good. 

A quirky love story with the backdrop of a Marathi-Tamil cultural clash, Rani is shown to be a huge Bollywood fan. In the movie, she has imitated screen divas Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi and Juhi Chawla. "Aiyyaa" marks the return of Rani after a year-long gap. 

The actress has left no stone unturned to give her best shot in the film. She is seen grooving to three different styles -- lavani, belly dancing and southern-style dance. Rani says "Aiyyaa" is the film which every girl will relate to. 

The film also marks the Bollywood debut of southern superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran. The actor had to work hard to get that chiselled look in the film.
Next up for release is NASA scientist-turned-filmmaker Bedabrata Pain's "Chittagong". The film is based on little known incident in the 1930s British occupied India, where a handful of untrained teenage boys and girls, led by a school teacher, gave the British their first military defeat. The film is told from the point of view of a 14-year-old boy Jhunku Roy, who was part of the movement. 

Produced by Kashyap, the film features Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Raj Kumar Yadav and the role of 14-year-old boy is played by Delzad Hiwale. The director had to go through a lot of budget constraints. It was shot in just 42 days as, according to the director, they didn't have any money for the 43rd day.

The film is finally seeing the light of the day after a delay of four years.

"I started working on the film from 2006 and at that time there were many producers interested in the film. But in 2008 because of the recession, everyone backed out... We had budget constraints. We shot the film in just 42 days because we did not even have the money for the 43rd day, " Pain said. 

For those who like to be scared, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma brings "Bhoot Returns" for them. 

It talks about Tarun, an architect, who moves in with his family to a luxurious bungalow that he has acquired on a rather cheap rent. His wife Namrata's curiosity over the seemingly low rent is quashed by their kids 10-year-old Taman and 6-year-old Nimmi, who readily approve of the new house. 

While Taman spends his time on videogames and TV, the curious Nimmi spends her time exploring the various spaces in the house. 

During one such exploration, Nimmi finds a cute looking doll. Soon after the discovery of the doll, Nimmi starts including 'Shabbu' in all her activities. The family mistakes Nimmi's new doll to be Shabbu. But they are left gob-smacked when Nimmi introduces the doll as 'Dolly' and points at an empty space and introduces her invisible friend as Shabbu. 

The film is the sequel to 2003's highly successful film "Bhoot". It marks the return of actress Manisha Koirala on the big screen after long gap alongside southern actor J.D. Chakravarthy.

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Manisha may enter Nepal politics

Koirala who is all set to maker her Bollywood comeback hints at the possibility of entering Nepal politics in the future

A lot of yesteryear Bollywood actors have dabbled in politics. No wonder then that Manisha Koirala, who is all set to make her Bollywood comeback, is not ruling out entering politics in Nepal sometime in the future.

After initiating her acting career in Hindi films, Manisha eventually juggled movies in other languages as well, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and Nepali.

However the actress, who is starring in Ram Gopal Varma's upcoming horror film, says she is in no mood to quit acting anytime soon. I can't predict tomorrow but politics could be my option. At least as of now, I won't say no to it but I can't be certain what's going to happen in the future, she sums up.

Interestingly, the Kathmandu-born actress is no stranger to the world of power as she comes from a political family.

Her grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala and two of her late great-uncles, Girija Prasad Koirala and Matrika Prasad Koirala, all have had been Prime Ministers of Nepal. Her father Prakash Koirala is a prominent politician too. Manisha makes sure she visits her home country at least twice or thrice in a year.

From the Himalayan kingdom!

Before Manisha Koirala ruled the roost, the last actress of Nepali origin to make it in Bollywood was Mala Sinha.

On being asked why no one else from Nepal followed in her footsteps, Manisha states, Nepali women are inherently beautiful. But since the local film industry there is flourishing on its own, the younger lot may not want to travel far and wide.

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I regret not doing Yash Raj's Dil Toh Pagal Hai

Manisha Koirala believes learning is a part of life and sets this rule for other Bollywood actress as well

Despite the recent hardships in her personal life, Manisha Koirala is looking lovely. The actress who ruled the box office in the past recently went through a divorce. 

Shrugging aside the many ups and downs in her life, she instead chooses to focus on her Bollywood journey, which she describes as `interesting, unpredictable, joyous and full of lessons`. In a candid chat, the reclusive 42- year-old talks about her upcoming film with RGV, life and the future.

What change do you see in Ramu as a director today?
During the shooting of Company the last film we worked together in we barely got time to interact. This time around, although the film was shot in a relatively shorter period, we got to spend much more time together and I observed that he's still the same, focused guy. I adore him and his work.

Would you call this your comeback film?
Not really. I did Onir's offbeat I Am last year, so calling this my comeback film would be incorrect.

Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon too are making their big screen comeback?
I think they are all wonderful actresses. I love Sridevi's work and having seen the trailer of her upcoming film, I must say she's looking beautiful. I'm looking forward to her film.
Why did you move away from mainstream Hindi cinema?
I started losing interest. Some people are content with doing whatever they're doing, all their life. I'm a wanderer. I like to explore and see if there is something else for me.

That's why I took a break and went to New York University to complete a filmmaking course, though I'm not putting it to any use right now (laughs).

So you will turn director soon?
I've been offered a couple of films. Maybe in a month's time, I'll take a call on that.

With over two decades in Bollywood, do you harbour regrets?
It's important to make your own mistakes rather than follow others' instructions, especially in this industry. In terms of my acting career, I do have regrets. There were plenty of films that I should have done but I didn't. 

For instance, Dil Toh Pagal Hai was offered to me besides other such good films with good directors. Out of my sheer stupidity, I chose not to be a part of them.
Who is your favourite among young actors?
Ranbir Kapoor comes naturally to my mind as he has shown such range at a young age. I also liked Ayushmann Khurrana in Vicky Donor.

And actresses?
Vidya Balan is brilliant and I think Parineeti Chopra is promising too.

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Manisha Koirala on lookout for worthy scripts!

Manisha Koirala wants more on the work front. After working in Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns", the actress is flipping through scripts these days, but still hasn't found a project "worth" her time and effort.

"Reading few scripts a day... not found the AHA!!! One that I could say yes this is worth my time and effort... waiting," tweeted the 42- year-old, who is at peace with life.

Her ideal day starts with the gym.

She tweeted Wednesday morning: "Good morning. Off to act gym... couple of meeting, healing sessions, shopping and a film... seems like a full rounded day...in gratitude."

"Bhoot Returns" is releasing Oct 12.

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Saif Ali Khan and Manisha Koirala turn a year older today

Bollywood hero Saif Ali Khan and Nepali-Indian actress Manisha Koirala turned 42 years on Thursday. 

Saif, who hails from a royal family, is the son of cricketer and last titular Nawab of Pataudi, late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, a great-grandniece of poet Rabindranath Tagore. 

Saif made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with the film 'Parampara', where he shared screen with Aamir Khan, Raveena Tandon and Neelam Kothari. The film was declared a flop at the box office. 

In between 1992 and 2001, the actor featured in films like 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', 'Yeh Dillagi', 'Bambai Ka Babu', ' Kachche Dhaage', 'Aarzoo', 'Kya Kehna' and others, but was never praised for his performance and was often criticized, sometime for his striking similarity in appearance with his mother Sharmila Tagore. 

After struggling for nine years in the industry, the actor rose to stardom with 2001 film 'Dil Chahta Hai', which marked a turning point in his career. 

After 'Dil Chahta Hai', his success story continued with films like 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', 'Hum Tum', 'Salaam Namaste', 'Parineeta', 'Being Cyrus', 'Omkara', 'Race', 'Kurbaan', 'Cocktail' and few others. 

The actor won Nation Film Awards in 2004 for his role in the film 'Hum Tum' and six years after winning Nation Film Awards, Saif added anther feather in his crown, as he was conferred Padma Shri award in 2010. 

Apart from acting, Saif produced four films including 'Love Aaj Kal', 'Agent Vinod', 'Cocktail' and 'Go Goa Gone'. 

Throughout his stardom, the actor got involved into various controversies. In 1998, Khan was charged with poaching two blackbucks in Kankani during the filming of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. 

Again, in 2008 Khan was involved in assaulting a photographer while filming 'Love Aaj Kal'. 

Saif married actress Amrita Singh in October 1991 and they have two children, Ibrahim and Sara. After thirteen years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2004. 

The actor then dated a Swiss model and finally got engaged with Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor. 

Media reports claimed that the couple is planning to spend Saif's birthday in London. The actor's future projects include 'Race 2', which is a sequel of 'Race', and 'Go Goa Gone'. 

Though born in the same date with Saif Ali Khan, actress Manisha Koirala's success story was absolutely different from that of Saif's. 

Unlike Saif's 'Parampara', Manisha's debut film in Bollywood, 'Saudagar', where she shared the screen with two legendary actors, Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar, was a huge hit. 
She starred in films like '1942: A Love Story', 'Agni Sakshi', Gupt', 'Bombay', 'Lajja', 'Moksha', 'Ek Chotisi Love Story', 'Dil Se..', 'Company' and few other hit films. 

The actress has made her mark in the industry with her power packed performances in films like 'Bombay', 'Akele Hum Akele Tum', 'Khamoshi: The Musical', 'Dil Se', 'Company', and 'I Am'. 

Manisha has thrice won the Filmfare Critics' Award. 

The actress has been involved into various philanthropic works like promoting women's rights, prevention of violence against women, and also to prevent the human trafficking of Nepali girls for prostitution.

Both Saif and Manisha, after spending more than two decades in the industry, have done only one film together, 'Kachche Dhaage'.

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Manisha's spiritual birthday

Actress Manisha Koirala, who will turn 42 Aug 16, plans to take a break from her work so that she can have a spiritual birthday in Rishikesh.

"After finishing work going to Rishikesh in Himalayas for yog shivir (camp), did not know my exotic plan for birthday would be so...every year new theme, it keeps getting better, without my planning..., " Manisha tweeted.

The actress, who last appeared in National Award winning film "I AM", will be seen in Ram Gopal Verma's "BHHOOoo.!", a sequel to 2003 release hit horror film "Bhoot".

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Preity thanks SRK, Manisha Koirala 'Dil se'

Now that Preity Zinta is working with a new actor in her debut production "Ishkq In Paris" (IIP), she says she appreciates Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala's behaviour towards her during "Dil Se..." even more.

"Must confess that I appreciate Shah Rukh and Manisha being so amazing to me in 'Dil Se..' even more now as I am working with a new actor in IIP, " tweeted Preity.

The new actor is reportedly TV actor Gaurav Chanana, who has been rechristened Rhehaan.

Meanwhile, she is excited about having French actress Isabelle Adjani in the cast.

"Come September, people across the world will be amazed by Isabelle Adjani in 'Ishkq In Paris'! I am so amazed n excited by her performance, " wrote Preity.

The movie, also featuring Arjun Rampal, is being directed by Prem Soni.

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