Priyanka Chopra to appear in Sanjay Gupta's Shootout

Plus: Panjabi MC goes Bollywood; Johar wraps up Bombay Talkies; Prachi Desai talks new role.

The Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra. AFP Photo

The actress Priyanka Chopra will perform a special retro-inspired number in Sanjay Gupta's new film Shootout at Wadala. Gupta took to Twitter to express his delight at the actress's inclusion in his film. "So Priyanka Chopra it is guys," he said. "She will be performing our smashing retro chartbuster - Babli Badmaash Hai, composed by Anu Malik." The crime thriller, scheduled for release on May 1, features John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Kangna Ranaut, Manoj Bajpai and Tusshar Kapoor. The film is based on the 1982 shootout between the Mumbai police and the gangster Manya Surve. * IANS

Panjabi MC goes Bollywood

The artist Panjabi MC, known for the smash hit Mundian To Bach Ke, is performing a new track for the forthcoming movie Mere Dad Ki Maruti, produced by Yash Raj Films. The song, titled Haaay, will feature in the movie's opening credits. Haaay finds Panjabi MC rapping over the introductory scene featuring the film's leads Saqib Saleem and Rhea Chakraborty. "The song Haaay from Mere Dad Ki Maruti came to me with a very clear brief," Panjabi MC said. "So it was easy and a lot of fun for me to compose this track." The film is scheduled for release on March 15. * IANS

Johar passionate about Bombay Talkies

Karan Johar says his new film is a tribute to Indian cinema. The filmmaker's latest effort, Bombay Talkies, is a collaborative effort with fellow directors Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibaker Banerjee. Each director has filmed a 20-minute segment for the movie. Coming out on May 3, the film marks the centenary of Raja Harishchandra, India's first full-length feature film. "It is a different film and definitely what holds all these four films together is the passion for Indian cinema," said Johar. * IANS

Prachi Desai says new role offers chance at reinvention

Prachi Desai describes her new starring role in the romantic drama I, Me Aur Main as a chance to reinvent herself. "This is my most favourite role," said the 24-year-old star. "I get to play my own age and play something which is close to the person I am." Desai explains the role afforded her the chance to improvise and to add her personal touch to the character. "I got to loosen up. There were no instructions. This role has been a huge blessing for me in personal as well as professional life," she added. Directed by Kapil Sharma, the film also features John Abraham and Chitrangada Singh. It is scheduled for a March 1 release. * IANS

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