Anil Kapoor raps for Shootout at Wadala

Plus: Richa Chadda enjoying new-found fame; Kher interested to don director¿s hat; Bhaskar on Bollywood competition; new star lauds director Ram Gopal Varma.

The actor Anil Kapoor has lent his voice to the soundtrack of the film Shootout at Wadala - in a rap song. AFP

Anil Kapoor raps for Shootout at Wadala

The actor Anil Kapoor will not only be seen performing action-packed sequences in his latest film Shootout at Wadala, he's also lent his voice to the soundtrack. "I have done many things in this film and one of them is rapping," says Kapoor, 53. "Around 30 years ago, I sang for a few films. Now once again I have stepped in front of the mic – and the feeling is amazing." Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Shootout at Wadala revolves around the first recorded shoot-out involving the Mumbai police. It co-stars John Abraham, Kangna Ranaut and Sonu Sood. – IANS

Richa Chadda enjoys new-found fame

With a string of films behind her and industry nominations to her name, the actress Richa Chadda is enjoying her recent run of good luck. "Normally, it takes around five to six years for any actor to get to this position," says the 28-year-old. "I consider myself lucky to have been able to experience it at such an early stage in my career." Chadda, who made her Bollywood debut in Dibakar Banerjee's 2008 film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, is best known for her critically acclaimed role in Anurag Kashyap's recent Gangs of Wasseypur. – IANS

Anupam Kher wants to don director’s hat

The veteran actor Anupam Kher, who has spent more than three decades in the Hindi film industry, has revealed he may one day step behind the lens. "I am 100 per cent thinking about it," said Kher, 57. The screen legend, who has starred in much-loved movies such as Saaransh and Lamhe, said he likes to be constantly challenged: "I am my own competition. There's also my inner need to be different from the rest of the world." – IANS

Swara Bhaskar on Bollywood competition

The up-and-coming Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar, who plays the lead in the forthcoming film Listen Amaya, has spoken out about the Hindi film industry's competitiveness. "I think Bollywood today has a lot of great talent – very beautiful people who are also great actors," said Bhaskar, 26. "This is a good time for all of us, but Bollywood is a jungle and I guess only the fittest will survive." Listen Amaya, directed by the debutant Avinash Kumar Singh, will be screened at the 15th London Asian Film Festival in March. – IANS

Gul Panag lauds director Ram Gopal Varma

From gang wars to the underworld to real-life crime sagas, Ram Gopal Varma is known for making films with bold themes. The actress Gul Panag, who is set to star in his forthcoming movie Ab Tak Chhappan 2, is all praise for his choice of projects. "As a filmmaker, he is gutsy and makes movies he believes in," says the 34-year-old former beauty queen. "I am grateful to him for giving me this role." Ab Tak Chhappan 2, the sequel to the 2004 film directed by Shimit Amin, also features Nana Patekar and Mohan Agashe in prominent roles. – AP