The Bollywood actors from left, Katrina Kaif, Shah Rukh Khan,and Anushka Sharma at a press conference for the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan in New Delhi IANS / Amlan
The Bollywood actors from left, Katrina Kaif, Shah Rukh Khan,and Anushka Sharma at a press conference for the film Jab Tak Hai Jaan in New Delhi IANS / Amlan

SRK: Jab Tak Hai Jaan beyond box office



The Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says his new film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yash Chopra's last directorial venture, is all about celebrating the late filmmaker. The actor says he's not really concerned about how well the movie will do at the box office. "After his demise, I can't relate the film with numbers," the 47-year-old actor told reporters at a press conference for the movie on Sunday. "Anyway, my belief is movies should never be about counting. This film, in particular, is beyond numbers – it's about Yashji." He said Chopra's death came as a shock to the whole production: "When he used to say on the sets that this is his last film, I never took it seriously, none of us did." The film also stars Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. IANS

Alex Pandian promises high-octane action

The Tamil action-thriller Alex Pandian will hit screens in January and promises "never-before-seen daredevil stunts", says its director Suraj. The film is headlined by Karthi and Anushka Shetty, along with the supporting cast of Santhanam, Suman, Mano Bala and Milind Soman. According to Suraj, one of the film's highlights is a scene involving the hero and the villain atop a moving train, shot near Mysore. The 35-year-old Karthi apparently did not use a body double. Filming locations include Chennai, Salakudi, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Mysore and several other spots in North India. IANS

Subhash Ghai looking for new face for Kaanchi

The filmmaker Subhash Ghai is on the lookout for a fresh face for his forthcoming new movie, Kaanchi. The newcomer will join a cast of veteran actors including Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. "For the film, we are looking for a new girl for the title role. She should be a complete newcomer and should not have acted in any film before. Other than this, she can be a model or a TV artist," said Ghai. "I hope to find the leading lady by December, so shooting can start in January." Kaanchi is set for a mid-2013 release and filming will take place in India as well as in various international locations. IANS

Ahmed Boulane: influenced by Bollywood

The acclaimed Moroccan filmmaker Ahmed Boulane says Bollywood has influenced filmmaking in his home country. He grew up watching Indian, especially Bollywood, movies and said Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were just as popular in Morocco as the nation's biggest actors. "Moroccan culture is similar to Indian culture. We all are very emotive, which is reflected in our cinema," he said. Boulane was speaking at this week's 18th Kolkata International Film Festival, where his film Le Retour du Fils (Return of the Son) was screened. Le Retour du Fils follows a young boy upon his return to Morocco, 15 years after being kidnapped by his European mother. IANS

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Scores

Oman 109-3 in 18.4 overs (Aqib Ilyas 45 not out, Aamir Kaleem 27) beat UAE 108-9 in 20 overs (Usman 27, Mustafa 24, Fayyaz 3-16, Bilal 3-23)

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae