Now films on Begum Samru with Rani

Director Tigamanshu Dhulia would soon make a period film based on the life of Begum Samru, most likely with actress Rani Mukherjee.

The period movie is based on the life of Begam Samru who started her career as a nautch girl in 18th Century India, and eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a principality near Meerut.

"I had written the script for 'Begum Samru' four-five years back. I had written something earlier first.. now making changes in it. There is some time for 'Begum Samru'. But I will definitely make that film," Tigmanshu told PTI.

Tigmanshu, who is basking in the glory of recent hits like 'Paan Singh Tomar' and 'Saheb Biwi Gangster', hadapproached the 'No One Killed Jessica' star for the film.

"I had approached Rani. Besides her, I haven't approached anyone yet," he said.

Begam Samru played a key role in the political power struggle in 18th and 19th century. She was the head of a professionally trained mercenary army, inherited from her European mercenary husband, Walter Reinhardt Sombre.

This mercenary army consisted of Europeans and Indians.

Rani Mukherjee, Zoya Akhtar awarded

Actor Rani Mukherjee was adjudged the best female actor of Bollywood for the role of the no nonsense reporter in 'No One Killed Jessica' and Zoya Akhtar the best director (Hindi) for 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' at Eastern India's premier entertainment awards.

"It is a huge honour for me. This is the first award for me in this category. No director works alone. I owe this award to my cast and crew," Akhtar said at the Boroplus Anandlok Purashkar last vening. Asked by award show anchor Mir if she liked adventure sports like the three main haracters in the film, Akhtar said "I am not much into adventure sports.

"For me adventure lies in travelling the maximum number of countries," the young director said of the film having friendship, love, coming-of-age and travel as its mainstay.

The young film-maker also praised Kolkata for some of the country's prolific story-tellers. Echoing her Mukherjee, whose portrayal of Meera as a strong, independent woman prodding the establishment to review the murder case of model-bartender Jessica, said "I am honoured to be awarded for the role in a film like Jessica in my favourite city."

Aamir Khan's next with Rani, Kareena

The title of Aamir Khan's next with Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor will be called Talaash.

Many names like Raazdar or Dhuaan had been doing the rounds since the Reema Kagti-directed project went on the floors.

But, the producers say they were not the working titles of the underproduction film, for which Aamir is collaborating as a co-producer with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The trio worked together in Dil Chahata Hai 10 years ago.

Aamir will be seen after a long time with Rani Mukherjee and opposite Kareena Kapoor after 3 Idiots.

SRK celebrates Ganpati with Rani

Superstar Shahrukh Khan, who respects all religions and celebrates every festival, attended the Ganpati puja at his friend, actress Rani Mukherji’s house, and says he enjoyed the love for the god there.

“Went to Rani’s Ganpati. First time I attended a Ganpati in a friend’s house. It was so nice to see faith being celebrated with so much love,” Khan posted on his Twitter page.

The actor, who is married to a Hindu, had recently hosted an Eid party at his residence. It was attended by friends like Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar and Sanjay Dutt.

Khan, who has been busy preparing for the release of his mega-budget production “RA.One”, says he is quite exhausted with the work.

“Overworked.overeaten.overunderslept.overquestioned….,” he added.

Rani Mukerji stole the show in key event

It was an extremely proud moment for actor Rani Mukerji when she was invited to New York for the Indian Day Parade celebrations on last 21 August. According media reports, apart from being invited to the parade, the actor was also given the honour of lighting up New York’s Empire State Building on the same day.

A source close to the actor revealed, “Rani was extremely proud to represent India at an event of the highest repute. She readily accepted the invitation and  articipated in the parade as the grand marshal. On the first day she participated in the parade that took the Madison Avenue route and also took a ride on a float. On the next day she was given the honour of ringing the Nasdaq bell.”

It goes without saying that Rani was super excited about her trip to the US and had already prepared much in advance. While she had a lot on her mind before she took off for the trip, she was always sure that she would dress up in something Indian for the parade.

 Rani was felicitated by the Indian federation in NYC. She wore a lovely salwar kameez by her favourite designer for the parade and a gown for the other events. She was also overwhelmed by the support that she got in the US as over two lakh fans took part in the parade. She was overheard screaming, “I feel as if I’m in India today.”