With Dabangg 2 set to hit the screens next week, here's why Bollywood always places its bets on sequels

A Robinhood like cop with a great sense of humour in a small town in UP is the biggest recall value Salman Khan ever got in his two-decade career. Cashing in on the popularity of the first part, Salman and team is back with the sequel and Dabangg 2 is the story going ahead. "Salman and Sonakshi's couple is married now and this film stresses on how a married couple can also be romantically inclined to each other," says Arbaaz Khan.
Behind the scenes: Dabangg 2

In 2012, Bollywood has churned out as many as seven sequels of its earlier hits, ranging from already released Jism 2, Jannat 2 to upcoming Dostana 2. While the former had nothing common with its original part other than the lead actor Emraan Hashmi, Dostana 2 will see Abhisekh Bachchan and John Abraham fight for Katrina Kaif. When asked why he chose to play with the 'Dostana' title again, Karan Johar was quick to tell the

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A dream debut and successful filmography, here is why Sonaskshi Sinha is so popular with her co-stars

Sonakshi Sinha's dream debut opposite Salman Khan gave her a launch most actresses can only dream of but people were quick to dismiss her as a one-film wonder. Two years later, she is still going strong and has romanced superstars like Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. Despite not being endowed with the 'waif-thin' structure which most Bollywood heroines sport, she has a filmography most actors would envy in terms of box-office success. Many would point out that Sonakshi's mature looks make it difficult to pair her with younger heroes. But Sonakshi is nonchalant about this and says, "How many debutantes can boast of working with three of the country's biggest superstars in their first three films?"
Behind the scenes: Dabangg 2

With her latest film, she sticks to her tried-and-tested desi look which has always worked for her. The films she chooses mostly revolved around

Read More »from Is Sonakshi the next big thing in B’wood?

Says Karan Johar as he tells us why he chooses to make films on relationships

Karan Johar's repertoire as a director of 'family' films, endorsing Packed To The Rafters was the right choice. The film maker is seen promoting the soon-to-be launched show and says that he 'Connected with each character in some level.' The director is unfazed that his teeny blooper Student of The Year failed to make a mark at the box-office. Ask him why he chooses to stick to romance in his films, he is quick to reply, "We like to watch what is aspirational and perfect love is aspirational and that's why we enjoy it so much." In a candid chat, Karan Johar talks about his favourite tv shows, why he loves making films on relationships and his definition of a successful film.

Excerpts from the interview:

When you watch a film, Can you step back from being a director to enjoy it?

Sometimes it is a bit difficult you are a part of the medium and profession which makes you a bit judgmental towards other pieces

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Says Rani Mukerji as she talks about 'Talaash', her choice of films and why romance always works in India

As we are ushered into Rani Mukerji's tastefully done up office, we are strictly told that Rani won't be available for photo shoot. Few minutes later we find out why. Sitting with a freshly scrubbed face with minimal makeup, the actress looked relaxed and very much at peace (Is a certain Chopra responsible for it?). Her last release Aaiyaa may have got mixed response but Rani is nonchalant about it. Ask her if she is disheartened and Rani is quick to retort, "It can't bother me because as actors, we are meant to do projects and not meant to forecast whether it will work or not." Her latest release Talaash is a suspense-drama with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Rani is one of the very few actresses who never had any qualms about working in a multi-starrer. "Multi starrers are infact lot of fun as it like a picnic with s many stars working together," she says. In a candid chat, Rani

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Says Ajay Devgn who feels that the young generation doesn't look sturdy enough to do action roles

Ajay Devgn is a busy man these days. Apart from promoting his film, the actor is in news over the tussle for screens with Yash Raj Films. His production house has taken the legal course to sort out the sharing of screens for 'Son of Sardar' which releases with 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' this Diwali. "I wanted to sort this matter out with the production house without creating negative publicity for any one of us," he says about the issue. The actors mood lightens up when asked about his film and how it is different from the Telugu version. In a candid chat, the actor talks about getting the first promo right, the current crop of actors and why the '100 crore' mark doesn't bother him.

Excerpts from the interview:

Why didn't you speak about the Yash Raj Films issue earlier?
I am not a person who wants create controversy in the media. I wanted to sort this matter out with the production house

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Three teenage girls have set out to change the world's view about their country Afghanistan. Here's how

"Afghanistan is not only about war and bombings and we want to change the world's perception," says the 16-year-old Sahar while 19-year-old Sadaf, and Nargis, 18 nod in affirmation. These three girls have made a 17-minute documentary called 'The Kabul Cards', which shows the brighter side country's capital Kabul. The documentary stresses on the fact that the war-ravaged country has much more to offer than its image of bombed-out sites and terror attacks which the world generally associates it with.

The short film was screened in the newly introduced 'Kabul Fresh' category at the recently-concluded Mumbai Film Festival which showcased different films to highlight the Afghan cinema. The film chronicles the daily life of the civilians which these girls have caught to show the world that the life in the city is pretty much same as elsewhere.

The first seed of the idea to make this

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Abhay Deol talks about 'Chakravyuh' and why the film doesn't takes on sides while highlighting the Naxal issue

In Chakravyuh, Abhay Deol plays a common man-turned-gun-toting Maoist rebel Kabir. After playing a 40-year-old IAS officer in 'Shanghai', Abhay will be seen as a Naxalite in his first action-packed film. The film is a story of two friends caught on the opposite sides against the backdrop of Naxal movement. However Abhay is quick to add that no sides are taken in this film. "Through my character Kabir (a Maoist rebel) he represents one point of view and through Arjun (a cop) he presents another point of view. Both share opposite ideologies about the Naxal movement," he adds.The actor who has always experimented with his role talks about the film and the challenges involved in making a political drama.

Excerpts from the interview:
What inspired you to take up the film?
The script. Honestly, it always has to be the script and it helped that Prakashji was the director. I was keenRead More »from 'Neither propaganda nor awareness'

Lifetime Achievement Award winner at MAMI, Zhang Yimou talks about making films in China and how his bleak childhood influenced his films

Zhang Yimou, China's most celebrated director received a standing ovation as he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony of the 14th Mumbai Film Festival. His films such as 'Hero', 'Raise the Red Lantern' and 'Ju Dou' were nominated for Oscars.

Born to parents of 'dubious' background, Zhang brought his first camera by selling his blood and the turbulent times he grew in left an impact on him and his cinema. Growing up in a class dominated China made him work in farms and factories before he plotted his way to the university.  Pictures clicked with his camera helped him get an admission in the cinematography department of the Beijing Film Academy. Despite censorship, Zhang has managed to work around it and has gained international acclaim.

Excerpts from the interview:
How did you get into film making?
I grew up in

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