Asoka doesn't have the Lagaan magic

Shah Rukh Khan has just returned from Toronto where he was to promote his forthcoming film Asoka.

We also hear that Steven Spielberg has agreed to review the film at SRK's behest. And the target print order of the film for the overseas market is an astounding 500 prints.

But a li'l birdie from the censor department told us that Asoka dragged on for too long, it didn't have the magic of Gadar or Lagaan.

We'll have to wait till the verdict is in on that one.

Jaya returns to Bengali cinema with Abhishek

After a gap of 25 years, actress Jaya Bachchan will star along with her son Abhishek Bachchan in an upcoming Bengali film.

The film tentatively titled Matribhumi will be directed by Raja Sen and will slao star Sabyasachi.

The story is set in the North-Eastern border region and revolves around a 65-year-old woman played by Jaya.

Shabana's birthday celebrations

The birthday of noted actress and Rajya Sabha member Shabana Azmi was celebrated as 'Dharma Nirpeksha Diwas' by members of a social organisation in Delhi.

Lauding the role played by Ms Azmi in protecting the rights of slum dwellers of Bombay, members of the Human Rights Welfare and Social Welfare Society said that she had taken up the shanty dwellers cause, regardless of their caste and creed.

Food and sweets were distributed to poor people in the Jamuna Bazar area in East Delhi by the organisation.

Here come the Vengaboys

Vengaboys, the pop band famous for hits like Brazil and Up & Down, are keen on working in Hindi cinema.

Band members said they loved film music as it was so popular.

Vengaboys has performed in over 130 countries and sold some 10 million singles.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh