The Khan surname works well at the Bollywood box office, and the actor Kunal Khemu, whose latest comedy Go Goa Gone is being produced by Saif Ali Khan, hopes the association will work wonders for his movie as well. "I hope it turns out to be true. We're very lucky he has come on board to make this film. Other people were sceptical of it, but he believed in us. He's even doing a special appearance," said the 29-year-old actor. * IANS
Doha Film head steps down to start own agency
Amanda Palmer, who has headed up the Doha Film Institute and overseen three Doha Tribeca Film Festivals over the past three years, is stepping down to launch her own talent agency and film production entity in the region. The as-yet-unnamed company will act as a "one-stop-shop for US agencies looking to connect with Middle East filmmakers, actors and other relevant talent", she said. * Alex Ritman
Rajesh Khanna back at home
The veteran actor Rajesh Khanna has been discharged from the Mumbai hospital where he has been confined for two weeks. "Khanna is back home. He was discharged Saturday. He is absolutely fine now," said his estranged wife, the actress Dimple Kapadia. The 69-year-old actor, fondly called Kaka in the film industry where he has worked for over four decades, was rushed to the hospital on June 23 after complaining of fatigue and exhaustion. * IANS
Dara Singh critical
With Rajesh Khanna's recovery comes the news that the 83-year-old actor and director Dara Singh is in a critical state in a Mumbai hospital, following a severe cardiac problem. "He is extremely critical and after reviving him, we have put him on a ventilator and heavy medication. We're constantly monitoring him," said a representative from the hospital. Dingh, who was a wrestler before debuting in Bollywood in 1962, has starred in 120 films and directed eight. * IANS
Gangs Part II gets release date
The director Anurag Kashyap has confirmed the release date of the second part of Gangs of Wasseypur. "For all those asking #GOW2 will release on August 8," he tweeted. "You've heard it, now see it too." The film, which runs for five hours and 20 minutes, has been divided into two segments for its commercial release. The first instalment was released in India on June 22. Both parts premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival. * IANS