The filmmaker Umesh Shuka has secured the acting talent of Abhishek Bachchan for a follow-up to his debut movie, 2012's OMG: Oh My God! "Yes, I will be directing Abhishek Bachchan in my second film," announced Shuka. "It's a comedy drama and the film will go on the floors by the mid of 2013. I have to finalise the location and only after that I would know when to start rolling the camera." He added, "I believe in my script and I thought Abhishek is best suitable for the role and he will justify the role. Asked if he has cast the film's lead actress, Shuka replied: "No, we have not finalised the leading lady yet. But we will make an official announcement soon. - IANS
Film fest attempts to boost Pakistani film industry
A week-long film festival showcasing the best of Pakistani cinema has begun in Islamabad in an attempt to revive the country's flagging movie industry. The Be Pakistani See Pakistani festival at the National Art Gallery has been organised by the Pakistani National Council of Arts. The festival's director Tauqir Nasir said the event was "small effort towards the revival of Pakistani cinema". He added, "Our goal is to attract people, especially younger ones, back to Pakistani movies." The screenings include classics such as Ek Gunah Aur Sahi (1980) and Heer Raanjha (1970), as well as some newer titles such as Koi Tujh Sa Kahan (2005) and Mohabbataan Sachiyaan (2007). - IANS
Fashion designers dream of London glory
The Indian husband-and-wife fashion designers Pankaj and Nidhi Ahuja will represent their home nation in a prestigious contest during London Fashion Week, to be held from February 15 to 19. The pair have made it through to the final round of the International Woolmark Prize, which invites designers to creatively use wool within their collections. They will compete against five other selected designers from Australia, China, Belgium, Japan and the US. "The techniques and craftsmanship that we are going to showcase in London come from India. And because India is known as the land of colours, we have put in lots of colours," said Pankaj. The winner receives US$100,000 (Dh367,000) and the honour of having their clothes stocked by numerous world-famous boutiques. Panjak was unsure of his chances of victory, but added: "Winning is every designers' dream come true but the experience of being [at London Fashion Week] is itself amazing. I think we are winners already." - IANS
Tusshar to star in Shashant Shah's film
The Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor is looking forward to begin shooting for the director Shashant Shah's next project. "There is a film by Shashant Shah, who made Chalo Dilli last year. We will start shooting for that soon," the 36-year-old Kapoor told reporters. "It's a revenge comedy and is slightly realistic as well. The entire film is based in Delhi." Produced by Eros International, the as yet to be titled film also stars Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Ravi Kishan and Dolly Ahluwalia. "If we are able to complete shooting in a few months, then we will release it this year for sure," added Kapoor. - IANS
