Anil, Aishwarya and Urmila come to Bharat Shah's aid

Eight films and a television serial financed by Bharat Shah run smoothly even months after his arrest. The reason -- many stars are willing to work for free for the incarcerated producer.

Three films, Kasoor, Paagalpan and Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao have already been released. And with Lajja scheduled for release, things are looking up.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, K C Bokadia's Hum Aapke Hain Sanam, Mohan Kumar's Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, a Tanuja Chandra film, a Mukesh Bhatt film Zindagi Ka Safar, two other films and Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, a television serial have no production problems.

This, thanks to the co-operation of film stars like Aishwarya Rai, Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar.

Paresh Rawal to turn director

After winning critical acclaim onscreen, Paresh Rawal will now direct a film for producer Firoz Nadiadwala.

Firoz Nadiadwala saw a play directed by Rawal and was pretty with his directorial abilities.

The film will have nothing to do with that particular play.

Paresh has agreed to do the film, but a contract had not been signed yet.

Preity -- Twice as nice!

Two films, Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke and Dil Chahta Hai, which will release this week have one thing in common -- Preity Zinta!

The weekend will put her acting abilities to the acid test. For both the films are completely different. Dil Chahta Hai is a chic urban film where she is paired opposite Aamir Khan. But Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke will see Preity fighting with Madhuri over Ajay Devgan.

Robbie Williams pledges to donate bone marrow

British pop-sensation Robbie Williams kept his promise to donate his bone marrow to save the life of a young fan.

Williams, 27, vowed last year to help 23-year-old lukemia victim Johanna MacVicar, who will die, if a suitable bone marrow donor is not found.

Williams lived up to his promise when he gave a sample of his blood with MacVicar, who is from Renfrewshire, looking on.

If found suitable, the star will donate.

The star hopes that by joining the bone marrow register he can bring awareness to the plight of many.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh