Manisha to star opposite Rajnikanth

Manisha Koirala has been chosen to play the female lead opposite Rajnikanth in Baba. Rajni's original choice was Aishwarya Rai.

Manisha met director Suresh Krissna in Mumbai and agreed to give 45 days continuous call sheet. Manisha is said to have told the director that it was the Mani Ratnam's classic Bombay that showcased her talents and Shankar's Indian and Muthalvan that made her a star and she always wanted to be paired opposite the biggest of them all -- Rajni 'Sir'.

Ashish Vidyarthi has also been cast in Baba. Apparently Rajnikanth himself selected Ashish who debuted in Tamil with Dhill directed by Dharani.

The shooting of Baba will commence on March 21, three years after Rajni last faced camera for Padayappa.

A R Rahman who has proved lucky for Rajni with Muthu and Padayappa has agreed to provide music, if it is recorded in London, where he is now residing. Baba will be released on August 15.

Om Puri's third Kannada film

Om Puri will soon star in his third Kannada film Dhruva. It is to be directed by newcomer M S Ramesh, who scripted Om's second Kannada film AK 47, which went on to become a superhit.

Om's first Kannada film was Thabbaliya Neenadhe Magane.

Simran wields a gun

After Kannathil Mutthamittal, where she plays a mother of three children, Simran will be seen sporting a gun in her next film.

Kovilpatti Veeralakshmi, portrays her as a Dalit woman who takes to the gun after being brutally raped by upper class men.

Director K Rajeshwar has also written the story, screenplay and lyrics of the film. Ace cameraman Ashok Kumar is the cinematographer while Aadityan who had earlier composed the music for Sivalaperi Pandiwhich, is the music director. The film will be Simran's first action flick.

All in the family

Mohanlal's son Pranav, will soon be making his debut in a Malayalam film, titled Onnaman.

Simran's youngest sister, Jyoti will be making her screen debut in Nasser's Popcorn. Simran will be playing Jyoti's mother in the film.

Compiled by Tulika
Design: Imran Shaikh