Rani Mukerji lights up Empire State Building

Rani Mukerji will be the first Bollywood actor to light up New York's Empire State Building for the Indian Independence Day Parade celebrations.

The actress will participate in the parade as the grand marshal and will also ring the Nasdaq bell on the 22nd.

The No One Killed Jessica star's manager told The Times of India: "Rani is in New York for the past three days. She will be felicitated by the Indian federation in NYC.

"Rani will be wearing Sabyasachi's outfits there. A beautiful gown for the ESB ceremony and a lovely anarkali for the parade. She wanted something lighter and comfortable."

Preity Zinta attended the event last year, which usually enlists a Bollywood representative to open the celebrations.

However, it is the first time that a Bollywood actor will be seen lighting up the Empire State Building in the colours of the Indian national flag.

Rani Mukherjee pulls out of Cannes visit

Rani Mukherjee has said that she will not be able to attend her planned trip to Cannes.

The actress, who was scheduled to appear on the red carpet on May 18, cited personal reasons for cancelling the event.

A source for The Times of India confirmed: "Rani won't be going to Cannes anymore. Her dad is unwell and she doesn't want to leave him at this point."

As previously reported, the No One Killed Jessica star had been expected to attend wearing Sabyasachi.

The Bengali star was also expected to travel to the event in the company of the Indian fashion designer.

Bollywood projects Ra.One, Rana and Ready will be showcased at this year's festival.

Reema Kagti's brothel scenes in debate

Producers of Reema Kagti's new film are reportedly concerned over plans to shoot scenes in real brothels.

Portions of the film starring Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor and produced by Bollywood star Aamir Khan were allegedly to be filmed in the brothels of Kamatipura.

But this is now up for debate after concerns were raised. News agency DNA reported a source as saying: "Firstly, it disturbs the daily routine of the area and the occupants fear that the shooting will disrupt their business. Moreover, there are some serious security concerns over shooting with stars of the stature of Aamir Khan, Rani and Kareena."

Neither Kapoor nor Mukherji have yet agreed to shoot the scenes, but according to reports the decision is in the hands of the director and producer.

"Aamir and Reema together will have the final word on the matter. If they decide on a real location then, of course, everything right from the security of the actors to the logistics will be sorted out," added the source.

Mukherjee 'suffers wardrobe malfunction'

Rani Mukherjee's performance at a live event has reportedly been affected by an ill-fitting costume.

According to Mid Day, the actor had problems with her outfit as she performed, and is reported to have publiclly criticised the designer who provided it.

A source revealed: "The actress's skirt was very loose and she had to return backstage [to] check on it. She kept her cool through out her performance. Not once did she show during her entire act that the loose skirt was slipping off her waist, and would quietly go offstage to adjust it.

"But all hell broke loose when her act [was] over and the actress entered the media room for giving channel bytes."

The Bengali actor had been performing on the programme to promote her new film No One Killed Jessica.

The political thriller, which see Mukherjee playing the role of an investigative journalist, is to release on January 7.

C.B. Kills Mukerji's 'Kamini' act in 'No One Killed Jessica'

Upcoming Bollywood film No One Killed Jessica is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Considering that the Rani Mukerji - Vidya Balan starrer is based on the real life incident of Delhi model Jessica Lal's murder case, it was bound to arouse controversies.

But reports in the media claim that while the content of No One Killed Jessica has been given the green signal by the members of the censor board, it is the lyrics of a song in the film which has come under the scanner.

According to the latest reports in the media, the word 'kamini', used in the song 'Aali Re Saali Re' from No One Killed Jessica has to be removed! In a statement to the media, director Rajkumar Gupta says that the production film has taken the decision to beep out the 'kamini' word from the song that has been picturised on actress Rani Mukerji in the film. However, Rajkumar Gupta does not sound pleased by the treatment meted out by the censor board in India towards No One Killed Jessica.

Elaborating on his disappointment, the second time director says that he is amused by the decision taken by the board members because the 'kamini' word has been a part of Hindi cinema even in the past. While a 2009 release was named Kaminey, no one is unaware of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra's attachment with this particular word. Since time immemorial, Dharmendra has been mouthing dialogues which have the presence of 'kamini' and several other slangs in the Hindi language. All we can say is that the censor board has only been able to bring about unwarranted attention for No One Killed Jessica and this publicity may prove worthwhile post release!

Rani Mukerji set to marry Aditya Chopra next year

Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are all set to tie the knot early next year. Or are they?

According to reports circulating in the media, an engagement is soon on the cards for this actress – director jodi who apparently became close to one another during the time they spent working in various films together.

The Rani Mukerji – Aditya Chopra relationship had created quite a furore in the recent past when the news first surfaced in the media. Apparently, Aditya's relationship with Rani was the cause of his breakup with Payel Khanna, his wife of eight years.

Though the news has not been confirmed by the families of Rani Mukerji or Aditya Chopra, the media has been speculating on the impending wedding ever since Payel Khanna filed divorce papers last year. It had also been reported then that Yash Chopra, father of Aditya Chopra and the head of the Yash Raj Films banner, did not support his son when he started his illicit relationship with Rani Mukerji.

If all goes according to plans, the couple will get engaged formally early next year and will also tie the knot very soon after the engagement. Though Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra have been in a relationship for quite a long time now, they have been very low key about their affair.

Zinta: 'Websites wrong about drug abuse'

Preity Zinta has forced websites in India to retract news stories about her taking drugs.

The 34-year old actress was recently rumoured to be abusing unnamed illegal substances.

Speaking to The Times of India, she said: "I don't do any of the things that they accused me of doing and in no way could they have proven it otherwise.
"I'm happy that the truth is out in the open."

She added that the false allegations had been started by "one Delhi-based person".

Mukherjee snags role opposite Khan
Rani Mukherjee has won a leading role opposite Bollywood icon Aamir Khan.

The actress last acted with Khan in the period drama Mangal Pandey:The Rising in 2005.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, she said that the new project, directed by Reema Katgi, is "more about [Aamir and I]".

According to widely-publicised reports, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif were also competing for the role.

However, Mukherjee added that she also had other major Bollywood actors in her sights.

"I'm going to meet Shah Rukh and tell him that he better start a film with me soon because I'm missing working with him."

No One Killed Jessica

Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee said she is playing a very dynamic and an inspiring role of a journalist in her upcoming film 'No One Killed Jessica'.

Releasing a song 'Aali Re' from her film here on Friday, Mukherjee said she plays a crime reporter and has played it with a lot of zest and fun.

"It's basically more of a crime reporter. It's someone who actually deals with a lot of danger in her everyday life because she is at places and situations which normally would be slightly uncomfortable for anybody to be in. So, it is a very dynamic role and obviously for me, to think of women to be in a situation like that, I think it's really a salutation," said Mukherjee.

"I have got great regard for the character and that's why I have played it with so much of zest and so much of fun because I am really inspired by this character," she added.

Directed by Rajkumar Gupta, the film is based on a true story of Jessica Lal's murder case. The music director of the film is Amit Trivedi.

Mukherjee further said she likes the music of the film and is very proud to be a part of it.

"I am really proud to be a part of the film that he (Amit Trivedi) has composed. He has absolutely given such fantastic music for the film. It's not only this track but I think the main track of Delhi, it's a great track and then there are the songs which are going to follow after 'Aali Re'," said Mukherjee.

"I think every track is just so wonderful and to create such songs in a film, which is actually a song-less film, you know, to create such songs, is brilliant," she added.

The star cast of 'No One Killed Jessica' includes Vidya Balan along with Mukherjee.

The film is scheduled for release on January 7.

Mukherjee and Balan 'fall out on new film'

Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan are reported to have fallen out.
According to The Times of India, the actresses did not speak to each other during the making of No One Killed Jessica.

A source for the newspaper revealed: "Rani and Vidya have shot most of their scenes together. There were times when they were the only actors on the sets but still they would not sit and chat after the director called cut.

"Not even the breaks on the sets inspired them to interact with each other or discuss their scenes."

It has been suggested that Bunty Aur Bably actress Mukherjee remained distant from her younger co-star throughout the making of the film in Delhi.

"Rani had this aura around her of being the senior actress. She has been in the industry for much longer than Vidya and due to her attitude she seems very unapproachable to her co-stars," added the source.

Rani Mukerji in Africa?

Two-time National Award winning director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury is all set to sign Rani Mukerji for his next Bengali film, Africa.

Her only appearance, in father Ram Mukerji's Bong film Biyer Phool (1992) doesn't count, as it was a cameo. The actress has only acted in Hindi films since.

Says a source, "The director met the actress in Mumbai and gave her a story narration.

An excited Rani asked him to come to her with the completed script. Interestingly, while he is keen on Mukerji, he had also met Rituparna Sengupta, who is under the impression that she's in the film."

The source adds, "If the Hadippa actress signs on, it will be her first full-fledged role in a Bengali film.

He is visiting Mumbai again in the next couple of days for his next meeting with the actress. Africa is a female-centric film and if she signs on, she will play the lead role."

Says Chowdhury, "Yes, I did meet Rani. We've had discussions but nothing has been finalised.

I am still working on the script. It's too premature to talk about it. She is one of my favourite actresses! I would like to work with her."

Aniruddha says, "I plan on starting my Bengali film first and then the Hindi one next year.

I am working on three scripts, two by noted Bengali novelist Sunil Gangopadhyaya. Sunil's works include Dui Nari Haate Torowari and Ajaana Desh while Africa is my story.

I will be visiting Mumbai in the next few days to finalise preparations for my Hindi film."

Awarding Ways...

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Anuranan won a National Award for Best Bengali Film while his Antaheen bagged four awards for Best Film, Best Lyrics, Best Cinematographer and Best Singer.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

Rani Mukherjee to wed Aditya Chopra in November!

Once Bollywood queen Rani Mukherjee has captured the headlines most of the time for her alleged relationship with filmmaker Aditya Chopra of Yash Raj films. Now, again the news has come up that the actress is going to tie the knot in this November.

The rumor might have irritated Rani but it has again ignited the curious minds and everybody wants to know the name of the lucky man.

Considering her alleged year long relationship with Aditya, the name is at the top in the list. Even the date is said to be finalized, the Mukherjee family has not disclosed it yet.

It is expected to be announced after performing the traditional Mukherjee family 'Durga Puja', which will take place in the month of October. So, there is a strong speculation that the date will be somewhere around November.

Both Aditya and Rani have maintained their denial mode regarding their much talked relationship. It is even said that Aditya divorced his first wife to legalize his relationship with this Bong beauty.

Coming to her career in Bollywood, it does not seem to be taking any brighter turn in near future so it is the best time for the actress to settle down in personal life.

Aditya attempted to re-create the magic of Rani with her latest film Dil Bole Hadippa opposite much younger hero Shahid Kapoor. She lost some kilos to look younger and match up with Shahid but nothing worked.

The film did not do well at the box office and Rani's Bollywood career got almost ruined.

However, if the marriage happens in reality and if the guy is Aditya, Rani can expect another boost from the Chopras!