No issues with Race 2 makers: Sonakshi Sinha

MUMBAI: A few days before Race 2 hit floors, Sonakshi Sinha opted out of the sequel, apparently due to date issues. At the same time, it was reported that Dabangg 2 director-producer Arbaaz Khan persuaded her to bid adieu to the film.

“It’s not true. We were waiting for the dates of Dabangg 2 to be finalised. When the schedule was fixed, I spoke to Ramesh (Taurani; producer) and Abbas-Mustan and told them that it won’t be convenient for them if I juggled my dates between the two projects, as it would result in re-adjusting the schedules of the other stars in the film. So, it was done mutually. They understood my problem,” says Sonakshi.

Race 2 stars Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Deepika Padukone. Meanwhile, Salman Khan-starrer Dabangg 2 will go on floors from March 2012 onwards. “It’s very simple. I couldn’t do Race 2 only because of date issues. And that’s a problem I have been facing for a while now with so many projects coming along. What happened with Race is very unfortunate because I was looking forward to work with Abbas-Mustan and Rameshji because they are family friends and very nice people to work with,” she says.

The Dabangg girl also adds that there’s no issue with Abbas-Mustan due to her opting out at the last minute. “In fact, I spoke to them on Diwali and Eid and told them that I looked forward to working with them. And they were like, ‘is baar nahin hua, agli baar zaroor hoga (if things haven’t worked out this time, we’ll work on them next time for sure),” says Sonakshi, who will also be seen in Akshay Kumar -starrers Joker and Rowdy Rathore, besides starring opposite Ajay Devgn in Son Of Sardar.

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Kid fans meet Emraan during Jannat 2 shoot

MUMBAI: After his successful innings in The Dirty Picture, actor Emraan Hashmi seems to have finally got a taste of stardom. This time, however, it was not his regular set of adult fans, but rather school children, who wanted to get a glimpse of the actor best-known for his onscreen serial-kisser avatar.

“I was actually very shocked to see school kids of class six and seven, bunking their schools to meet me at the shoot,” says Emraan. The actor discovered an overwhelming crowd of child-fans following him, while he was shooting for Jannat 2 in the capital.

“We were shooting at Qutab Minar and it is a huge tourist spot, so a lot of people come there,” says Emraan.

Ask what his tiny fan brigade has to say and Emraan says, “I didn’t get much time to spend with them, but it was great to see all those guys. They were singing my songs from my previous films along with Ooh La La… and Ishq Sufiana…. It’s nice that even the songs of The Dirty Picture have transpired to young children. They might not have watched the film but they instantly connect to the song.”

What’s more, the fans took home something exclusive from the sets, “We were shooting for a song there. So they got to hear it much before the whole world gets to see it,” says Emraan.

Giving a sneak preview of the second instalment of his 2008 hit, Jannat, Emraan adds, “It’s set against a different backdrop this time. But it returns with a love story. It’s again about a man’s quest for success and a better life.”

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Fashion week brings Kashmir into focus

LAHORE, Dec 20: Day Three of the PFDC Loreal Paris Bridal Week 2011 started with a page out of Pakistan`s political history and Z.A. Bhutto`s famous address “Kashmir was never a part of India and it will never be a part of India…” and what followed was a very passionate take by young and promising designer Ali Xeeshan of Crimson on the essence and spirit of the people of the valley that is expressed through their enticing and beautiful handicrafts and intricate embroidery, culture and tradition.

The models sashayed on the ramp to the tune of Chappa Chappa Charka Chalay from the Bollywood film Maachis in classic outfits that borrowed heavily from the rich culture in the form of thread and dori work on rose-red velveteen waistcoats.

The next segment featured stiff silver fabric full skirts worn over gold-worked fabric in striking colours, all shown off by elaborate and intricate hairstyles by Shamal Qureshi of Toni & Guy. He is the son of veteran stylist Peng Qureshi and has inherited her passion for hair and make-up.

The segment also saw model Fayezah Ansari in an English yellow long shirt with full front and back peacock feathers-inspired embroidery while carrying a miniature truck art replica.

Rouge by Faraz Mannan saw a contemporary fusion collection put on the ramp with shimmer fabric used in pants and saris with silk tread fringe on halter-top short shirt hemlines in shades of turquoise green and beige-gold with complimenting men`s kurtas and sherwani-cut collared jackets.

Sara Rohale Asghar`s Tehzeeb-i-Bemisaal showcased clothes for all occasions pertaining to the typical eastern wedding ceremonies and had Rupinder and Qurram of Josh performing live some of their most popular numbers such as Rabba Mainu Ishq Hua, Khushi and Mausam.

The last designer duo to show on Day Three was Asifa Nabeel with their elaborate take on bridal bling and all the pomp and fervor that goes into it from the planning stage to execution, including the outfits for the big day. It drew inspiration from the Ottoman royalty and the use of precious stones in their armour, etc. Singer Qurratulain opened the segment with her song Humsafar. Bilal Khan sang Di Torr Kay.

Day Four which will also conclude the PFDC Loreal Paris Bridal Week 2011 will feature the design sensibilities of Karma, Nida Azwer, Damas jewelley and Umar Sayeed with hair and make-up by Ather Shahzad.

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