Abhinay Deo begins 24 shoot

Plus: Dutta thinks Bollywood better for heroines; UTV signs Kapoor for new film.

The Bollywood actress Divya Dutta. AFP

The filmmaker Abhinay Deo, the co-writer and co-producer of the Indian version of the popular American TV series 24, has confirmed filming for the show will begin this week. "Within six months, we'll complete the shoot and the show will be broadcast around July or August," he told reporters. The actor Anil Kapoor, who featured in the US show and is also responsible for bringing it to India, is tipped to appear as a "never-before-seen character", according to Deo. – IANS

2. Dutta: Bollywood better for heroines

Reflecting on Bollywood's centenary, Divya Dutta says the industry continues to improve for female actors. "I think it has got better," said the 35-year-old star. "I think the audience has become very receptive. Filmmakers are doing new things, generating new roles – it's really beautiful. This year, I have seven films releasing and I have different roles in each one of them." Dutta debuted in the industry in 1994. Her most recent film is the action thriller Zila Ghaziabad, out now in cinemas. – IANS

3. UTV signs Kapoor for new film

Buoyed by the success of Kai Po Che!, UTV Motion Pictures has signed up the director Abhishek Kapoor for a second project. Kapoor is excited to be reuniting with UTV, saying: "It is only natural, and a real pleasure to extend this bond going forward." Kai Po Che! is currently showing in UAE cinemas.– IANS