Madhur Bhandarkar is a worried man. The post-production of Fashion is not yet complete. First Priyanka had a very bad throat because of which she had to cancel the dubbing of Fashion. And now the film industry's workers' strike has put further time pressure on Madhur's precious film. Says Madhur, "Our release is October 29, that's Wednesday, so we got a long Diwali weekend for our film. There's no way we could cancel. However the workers' strike brought everything to a grinding halt." Madhur feels films on release should have been exempted from the strike. "Films like Fashion, EMI and Golmaal Returns which are all releasing during Diwali have huge stakes. We can't afford to fall back. So maybe the strike should not be applicable to films on release. However, people like Mahesh Bhatt and Ashok Pundit worked hard at a solution to the strike. The situation does seem worrisome for Madhur Bhandarkar, what with the strike and Priyanka's bad throat, which actually started with all the screaming she did for Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey. Says Madhur, "Priyanka did dub a bit on Thursday after her voice improved. But now she can't until the strike is over. I'm ready to do the dubbing with all the artistes in different studios to save time. But the strike has to be over." Apparently, Priyanka is pitching her naturalistic performance in Fashion as a Chandigarh girl aspiring to be a super-model at a National award. Says Madhur, "I wouldn't like to comment on that yet. That's a decision I'll leave to the jury. But Priyanka has connected with emotions in Fashion that she has never shown on screen before. And she's a perfectionist."

Many of today's Bollywood heroines have portrayed the role of a banker with ease and elan. But, if one thinks of the converse, then, there is just one name that pops out of every cinegoers' mind and that is of the bubble gum actress Soha Ali Khan. For those who came in late, Soha left a banking career with one of the top international banks before joining the big, bad world of Bollywood. After winning many hearts through her cute smile and amazing acting prowess, this pretty actress will be in celebratory mood today as she blows her birthday candles. If the films she has in her kitty are any indication, then, one can simply say that she is en route to be the next Queen Bee! Being the daughter of Sharmila Tagore, the most gracious lady of Bollywood's yesteryears, acting was simply a destiny written for Soha. 2 years back, this PYT 'rangao'ed all the Basantis of Bollywood with her smash hit Rang De Basanti. And this year, she instantly became the 'jaan' of everyone with her smashing performance in Mumbai Meri Jaan Please put your hands together in wishing Soha a very Happy Birthday. You may post your personalized messages for Soha below:

Even as promotion is in full swing for Himesh Reshammiya's Karzzzz, the man continues to be busy with other projects as well. The moment he would be through with the release of Karzzzz, Himesh would jump straight into Kajraare, the release date of which has been finalized. The film would be hitting the screens on February 13, just a little more than 100 days after Karzzzz. Says a source close to Himesh, "Shooting for Kajraare has been quite smooth and the film has progressed quite fast. T-Series, which has produced both Karzzzz as well as Kajraare, has been gung ho about both the films, and is ready with the plans for the latter's release. You would soon hear a lot more about Kajraare which is now all set to arrive on February 13." Announced in November last year and kick started in the month of April 2008, Kajraare is special since it sees the Bollywood debut of Mona Laizza, a popular Pakistani TV actress. She plays the lead opposite Himesh in the film, which is touted as an Indo-Pak love story. Apparently, around 70 girls were checked for the role and Mona Laizza was zeroed in. Shot in Lahore, Morocco and Europe, Kajraare is a love story where Himesh would be seen as a lawyer. Needless to say, the film would have music by Himesh Reshammiya himself. The film is directed by Pooja Bhatt who hasn't yet seen box office success in each of her three directed ventures - Paap, Holiday and Dhokha. One hopes though that Himesh's mass appeal coupled with T-Series marketing manages to pull through Kajraare, which is touted to be Pooja's first out and out hardcore commercial entertainer. Coming back to Himesh Reshammiya, in 2009 he would also be seen in Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekkh Mudh Mudh Ke. Also, there is a probability of A Love Issshtory and Hhey Gujju releasing in the same year. "My eyes are set on Karzzzz for the moment. Everyone has gone all out for the film," says Himesh Reshammiya, "With the grace of God, first the response to the music and now the one for the talkie promos has been great as well and the movie in general is generating positive vibes. I can't wait for October 17 to arrive."

Akshay Kumar seems to be in a mood for trying out new and different things these days. After making quite an impressive debut on Television as the host of Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Akki is all set to enter the animation space. Yes, you heard it right. Akshay Kumar would be giving the voice-over for Percept Picture Company's forthcoming animated film Jumbo. However, what really makes things interesting is the fact that giving Akshay company would be mom-in-law Dimple Kapadia who would also be lending her voice for one of the characters in the film. Bollywood Hungama spoke to Ms. Sarita Patil, Head-Motion Pictures at Percept Picture Company who confirmed this news. ''Yes, Akshay Kumar has already dubbed for Jumbo and even Dimple Kapadia would be lending her voice for this animated film. Jumbo is an emotional story of an elephant and also stresses on family values and relationships. There are some more actors who would be giving the voiceovers for this film but I can't divulge much details now. The film is scheduled to release towards the end of the year.'' One thing is for certain, Indian animation films are certainly making its presence felt. How else do you explain one of the country's biggest stars going ahead and lending his voice for an animated film?