Sonakshi Sinha nods to Bollywood greats

Plus: Arshad Warsi airs TV ambitions; host Chakraborty takes on acting; English Vinglish goes German; action-packed debut for Pooja.

For hew new film Lootera, Sonakshi Sinha has used the legendary Bollywood actresses Waheeda Rehman and Madhubala as her reference points. AFP Photo

To perfect her role in her forthcoming film, the 1950s period drama Lootera, the actress Sonakshi Sinha said she has used the legendary actresses Madhubala and Waheeda Rehman as her reference points. "I can only think of their faces," she told reporters. "I am quite excited about the film. I am really looking forward to it." Set in West Bengal, Lootera is Vikramaditya Motwane's second directorial venture after the acclaimed Udaan, which won him critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. – IANS

TV host Rhea Chakraborty to act in film

The VJ-turned-actress Rhea Chakraborty says she finds acting more challenging than hosting a TV show. The 24-year-old star of the new film Mere Dad Ki Maruti said acting requires more discipline. "When you're a VJ, you can say whatever you want, dress whatever way you want to. You play your own character," she said. "When you are an actor, you need to be in someone else's skin and make the audience fall in love with you." Directed by Ashima Chibber, Mere Dad Ki Maruti co-stars Saqib Saleem and Ram Kapoor. – IANS

Warsi to venture into TV and scriptwriting

Having successfully conquered the big screen, Arshad Warsi now has dreams of conquering the small screen. "Though films are my priority, I am also open to doing TV," said the 44-year-old actor. "I would love to appear as a judge on reality shows." He also said he's planning to write a film screenplay. "I'll be taking a break in May and June because I want to work on a script. It's Maqbool Khan's Chambal Safari, a satire on dacoits. For this film, I'll have to study to give my best." – IANS

English Vinglish gets German dubbing

Gauri Shinde, whose recent film English Vinglish featured the protagonist (played by Sridevi, pictured), overcoming her inhibitions about speaking English, has revealed that the film will be dubbed in German. "Not only that, this weekend EV is releasing in Hong Kong with Cantonese subtitles, with 29 shows a day," Shinde said. "I am thrilled that our film is setting out to achieve what it tried to say within the storyline – to bridge the gap between cultures. I'd love for as many people as possible to watch it." – IANS

An action-packed debut for Pooja Chopra

Pooja Chopra, the former Miss India 2009, is set to make her big-screen debut in the action-packed film called Commando. "I couldn't ask for a better launch," said the 27-year-old star. "When you watch the film, you will realise that as a debutante I have nothing to complain about. My role in the film has all the shades an actress could portray in her debut film. I'm very happy." Directed by Dilip Ghosh, the film co-stars Vidyut Jamwal and is scheduled to release next month. – IANS