It's official! Arbaaz Khan to direct Dabangg 2

Hi-Fi (Hindi Film Industry) actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who has been on a high ever since his debut production Dabangg turned out to be a blockbuster, will now take the reigns as the director for the sequel of the masala action movie. Director Abhinav Kashyap, who helmed Dabangg, has decided against directing the sequel, for reasons unknown.

"Hey guys it true, I will be directing the sequel of Dabangg. Abhinav for some personal n professional reasons opted out (sic)," Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page Thursday. Arbaaz, who couldn't make it big as an actor thanks to flops like Daraar and Hello Brother, hit the gold with his first production venture. "Scripting has already started, the filming starts by early january. Start sound, camera, action. Inshallah Dabangg 2 will live up to all the expectations and be a huge blockbuster because of you all. God bless . Allah hafiz. Dabangg ho!," added the 43-year-old.

Rumours that Kashyap won't direct the Dabangg sequel began doing the rounds in November last year itself. At that time, Kashyap had denied the news, and told IANS: "This is just a rumour. I want to know if I am not making it, then who is making it? I even spoke to Arbaaz (Khan)...even he doesn't know from where these rumours are coming." It was speculated that either Arbaaz or his brother Sohail would be directing the movie, and the news has now turned out to be true.

Dabangg, starring Salman Khan and debutant Sonakshi Sinha, was the highest Hi-Fi grosser of 2010. 

Source:IANS

Hi-Fi wishes Rahman luck for Oscars

Music maestro A.R. Rahman has bagged two nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards for his work in Danny Boyle's '127 Hours' and the film frat is hoping that the composer triumphs again at the gala event Sunday.

His colleagues and friends wish him luck and are hoping he brings the golden statuette home again, having bagged two Oscars for the best original score and the song in 2009 for rags-to-riches drama 'Slumdog Millionaire'. This time, Rahman has been nominated for the original score of '127 Hours' as well as original song 'If I Rise'.

'I feel great. I feel wonderful because Rahman is one person who has made us so proud and I am really, really happy. I wish him all the best,' said Rani Mukerji. Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan said: 'That's a great achievement. The last time when he won the Oscar, it looked like one time dream. I wish him all the best. He is a true deserving candidate and pride of the country.'

'He had to get the nominations. He has already has two to his credit. He will continue getting them. He has already made India proud and would continue doing so. My best wishes are always with him,' said singer Udit Narayan. Singer Kailash Kher said: 'I congratulate him and wish him all the best. Every year he should achieve more honours.' 'The whole country is proud of him. He is good, he is talented and I hope he delivers time and again. I am very happy. I wish him all the best,' actor Arshad Warsi said.

Composer Pritam Chakraborty said: 'I wish him luck. Anything you say about him is less. If you name a few pride of our country, he is one of them. I wish him all the best.' 'It's something to be proud of that an Indian has made a golden mark on the world map,' director Vishal Bhardwaj said.
Source:PTI