Chitrangada, Ayushmann excited to host IIFA Rocks

VJ-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana and actress Chitrangada Singh are set to turn host of IIFA Rocks, a fashion and music night, to be held in Singapore as part of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards and the duo is quite excited.

"I have not done anything like that before, something that (Ayushmann) does really well. I am so glad that he is with me on stage. I know he is going to take care of all the times I slip-up while hosting the show, Chitrangada told reporters Wednesday at PVR Director's Cut in Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj here.

Though Ayushmann has anchored various shows, he is excited that he would be sharing the stage with the actress he has admired for long.

"It a bit awkward moment when you meet a person you find extremely good-looking, you see that person right in front of you in real flesh and blood. She is an actress of all seasons, quipped Ayushmann, who is riding high on the success of his debut film "Vicky Donor.

"This is going to be my first time at IIFA. I have hosted many shows before but this is the biggest of all. I'm going to keep it spontaneous. I don't think I'll be performing on stage but I might sing," he added.

IIFA Rocks is held a day before the main awards ceremony. Organised by Wizcraft International Entertainment, the IIFA Weekend and awards will be held in Singapore June 7-9.

Those performing at the fashion and musical night include Mika Singh, Neha Dhupia and music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar. Singers Usha Uthup, Hariharan and leslie lewis will celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema at the event.

Sonu Sood's cop drama "Maximum" will be showcased at the event. Directed by Kabeer Kaushik, it also stars Neha and Naseeruddin Shah.

Filmmaker Dibaker Banerjee's political thriller "Shanghai will have its world premiere at the IIFA Weekend.

"I am thrilled that my film will be premiered in Singapore. It is an event where all the glitter, all the goodness of Bollywood come together. I see it as something positive. It shows that Bollywood has a large heart and it has got a place for everybody, said the filmmaker.

The event will also have fashion shows by designers Varun Bahl, Suneet Verma and Masaba.

"My collection would be super glamorous, I am trying bling for the very first time. I am really looking forward to the show, said Masaba.

Varma added: "It's my 25th year in the world of fashion and it's a wonderful way to celebrate it with Bollywood.

His collection 'The Eternal lightness of Being, to love, to Hold, to Kiss' will be presented in association with Gitanjali Jewels.

Paa child artist Taruni Sachdev cremated

The last rites of child artist Taruni Sachdev, who died in a plane crash in Nepal, were performed here Wednesday evening.

Her body was brought to Mumbai from Kathmandu through cargo along with her mother's body at 3 p.m. The funeral took place at Santa Cruz (West) cremation ground at 5.30 p.m. Her mother was also cremated at the same time.

"Woh bhagwan ki beti thi, bhagwan ke paas chali gayi (She was god's daughter, she has gone to god)," Taruni's father told reporters here.

Her maternal uncle said: "Apni maa ke saath teerth yatra par gayi thi aur yeh sab ho gaya (She had gone on a pilgrimage with her mother). We are still in state of shock."

Taruni was among 13 Indians who were killed when an aircraft crashed into a hill while coming in to land at Jomsom in western Nepal.

At 14, she had already featured in almost 50 ads, including a commercial for Rasna, and did a cameo in "Paa", apart from featuring in Malayalam films "Vellinakshtram" and "Sathyam".

No celebrities attended her funeral. But Amitabh Bachchan, who played her school friend in "Paa", condoled her death through a Twitter post, and sent a personal letter of condolence to the bereaved family.

Shahid signs Bejoy Nambiar's next

Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) After the success of "Shaitaan", directorBejoy Nambiar is in no mood to relax, it seems. While still working on his second directorial venture "David", he has already roped inShahid Kapoor for his next untitled project.

"Yes, Shahid and I are working on something. We will start working on the film once I am done with 'David'," Bejoy told IANS.

The director was reluctant to reveal the theme of his film and said: "I am nowhere close to the project right now. I am only focusing on 'David'. I can't reveal the genre of the film. Nothing has been decided yet."

"David" features Neil Nitin Mukesh, Vikram, Vinay Virmani, Tabu,Monica Dogra and Isha Sharvani.

When asked Shahid about the project, he confirmed it saying, "Yes I am doing Bejoy's film. The film will go on floors by the end of this year."