Big B steals the limelight in Abhishek's 'Bingo'

After watching the first episode of Colors' game show "National Bingo Night", one really wonders whether or not it was wise on Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan's part to invite his father, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, as the celebrity guest on the show.

The senior Bachchan, who proved himself as a superb host on game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" almost a decade ago, kept the audience engrossed with his famous dialogues from films like "Zanjeer", "Agneepath", "Deewaar" and "Amar Akbar Anthony" et al, as well as performing the Auro dance from "Paa", while son Abhishek stood in awe of him.

Just a few hours before the episode began Saturday at 9 p.m., Abhishek said that he was extremely nervous about his small screen debut, and he did look nervous on the show too.

"Want to run away and hide!!! Bingo in a few hours! Aaaarrrrrgggghhhh. This is worse than the release of a film. Anyway, let's see what destiny has in store today," the actor posted on his Twitter page.

Though Abhishek made a roaring start with a short performance on songs like "Right here right now" and "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom", shook a leg with the studio audience, hugged an old man and danced with old ladies - he couldn't hold the attention for long enough.

"National Bingo Night" is a 13-episode show, to be aired every Saturday. It will have celebrities as well as common people playing two fast-paced rounds of the popular game Bingo. Celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Arshad Warsi and Kirron Kher will be seen in the subsequent episodes of the show.

Given the cold feet that most actors develop while sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek's real test on the small screen will be when he plays the game with the common man.

Aditya Chopra encouraged me for 'Roadside Romeo': Jugal Hansraj

Bollywood actor-director Jugal Hansraj, whose "Roadside Romeo" was adjudged the best animation film at the 56th National Film Awards Saturday, says producer director Aditya Chopra gave him the idea to write and direct an animation film.

"I have written the story and directed the film but the idea that I should write an animation film and direct it was given to me by Adi (Aditya). He encouraged me to write and direct the animation film. He wanted to produce it," Jugal told IANS.

Jugal said he feels happy and honoured to receive the award not only for himself but also for his team members.

"I am very, very happy and very, very honoured. Not only for me but also for the whole team. A lot of people have spent lot of time and effort to make this film happen. The effort has been recognized so it's a big thing for all of us," Jugal told IANS.

It is the story of a cute pet dog, Romeo, who was leading a happy life until the family decides to move. They abandon him on the mean streets of Mumbai. Romeo faces the hardship of a stray dog but with time, he adapts to the roadside life style, finds love and settles into a normal life.

Jugal has several other plots for an animation film ready and is just waiting for an opportunity to start doing a film on any one of them.

"I have a few ideas in my mind but I am waiting for an opportunity. If I get the right opportunity I will make animation film on them," he said.

Court to hear lawsuit against 'Veer' Monday

The Delhi High Court will Monday hear a lawsuit against Salman Khan-starrer "Veer" and its director Anil Sharma for alleged illegal use of some concepts from author Pavan Choudhary's book.

In the lawsuit, Choudhary has alleged that some of the concepts of the film "Veer" are from his book "Trilogy of Wisdom".

Choudary has sought damages of Rs.20 lakhs (Rs. 2 million) from the producer and the director of the film Anil Sharma for alleged violation of his copyright for making illegal gains by lifting a portion from his book.

"The producer, the director, and the story writer are well aware of his extraordinary and remarkable reputation and are also well aware that use of idea and concept that India should not be a 'Sone Ki Chidiya but Baaz' in the film are violative of intellectual property rights," says the petition filed through advocates C.S. Yadav and Pandey Rajiv Rajhans.

Choudary submitted in his petition that he had earlier sent a legal notice to the film's makers not to use his concept, but they went ahead with the release.

"Veer", a period drama about the bravery of pindari soldiers in Rajasthan, was released Friday.