Bollywood actor Dutt freed on bail

Bollywood actor Dutt freed on bail
Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:08AM BST

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By Krittivas Mukherjee
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, jailed for six years for receiving guns from gangsters involved in the country's worst bombings, was released from prison on bail in western India early on Thursday.
Dutt, sporting a beard and a shaved head, walked free following 24 days in jail and after being granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday while his lawyers challenge the conviction.

"I knew he would walk out free. I'm so happy," Trishala Dutt, the actor's daughter and a U.S. resident, told local television by telephone. "I can't believe it's happening."
The macho actor began serving his six-year sentence on July 31 -- less the 16 months he served while awaiting trial over the bomb attacks that killed 257 people in India's commercial capital of Mumbai in 1993.
Dutt, 48, stepped out of the jail in Pune city and shook the hands of police officers before leaving for home.
Dressed in a white, striped shirt, he was received by a few friends and lawyers, flown to Mumbai in a private jet and then driven to his house in a black limousine.
The actor, who earned fame playing anti-hero and gangster roles, was welcomed by family and friends, some of whom had arrived from overseas. A coconut was broken at the doorstep as an auspicious ritual and part of an emotional reception.
At Dutt's home in a swish Mumbai neighbourhood, his family was preparing for a special thanksgiving prayer to be performed by Hindu priests

Actor Shah Rukh Khan shows his biographical book 'King of Bollywood: Shahrukh Khan' by Anupama Chopra at a function held to celebtrate Book's success, in Mumbai on Monday, August 20, 2007. Over 10,000 copies in have been sold in a span of two weeks.

Shilpa's 'Miss Bollywood' to premiere in Germany

Shilpa Shetty is in no mood to rest.
With an activity-a-day being a routine of her life post 'Big Brother', the glamorous actress is now busy finalizing the nitty-gritty's of her Broadway musical 'Miss Bollywood'. This would be along the lines of 'Moulin Rouge' and Andrew Lloyd Weber's 'Bombay Dreams'.
"From the last couple of months, Shilpa's basic aim is to showcase Bollywood and Indian culture in the West," said her spokesperson. "Even for the musical, her costumes will be designed by popular Indian designer Neeta Lulla and will represent the ethics and culture of India."
"Her role requires lots of dancing and acting, which is something she loves doing anyway," remarked Dale Bhagwagar.
Bhagwagar further informed that renowned Indian choreographer Ganesh Hegde would set the steps for the musical, while Shilpa would focus on her performance, leaving the singing to professionals. The actress has already started rehearsals for the shows.
Starting with shows in Germany for the first three months, the musical will travel to UK and later to other parts of the world including the US and Australia.
"After 'Big Brother', Shilpa was constantly under media glare with all her moves being marked. She was looking at expanding her horizons by going to another level. This musical gives her a chance to do something she's always wanted to," added Bhagwagar

Madhur turns Professor

Madhur Bhandarkar never runs out of news. Parties, launches, seminars, weddings, name it and you will see him at all events. And this week after winding up all his commitment he headed for Subhash Ghai's acting school to address the students. "I have been a great fan of Subhash Ghai and it's a pleasure to address his students," says Madhur. Phew, we wonder when does Madhur get time to churn out his realistic movies?

Ashutosh Rana is back!

Remember Ashutosh Rana? Ya, the same actor who made an impressive debut years back in Tanuja Chandra's Dushman where he played the menacing Gokul Pandit, well the talented actor is making a comeback in another women filmmaker's film. He will be seen in Pooja Bhatt's forthcoming film Dhokha . "Ashutosh has always been a part of my father's films and he said yes to the film even before I would narrate out the role to him," says Pooja. Being loyalist always helps ... wot say Ashutosh?

Bopanna-Qureshi win fourth title

NEW DELHI, August 20: Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi clinched their fourth title on the trot, defeating Alberto Francis and Philip King of the US in the $50,000 ATP Challenger final at Bronx, New York. The 'Indo-Pak Express', seeded fourth, came through 6-3, 2-6, 10-5 against the home favourites in the summit clash of the hard court event on Sunday. The duo had earlier won three successive titles in Europe earlier this month before returning to the courts here following a week's rest. Bopanna and Qureshi pocketed $3,100 as winners' purse. What more, the 55 points the pair won for their stupendous effort helped the Indian move up five places to 84 and the Pakistani 18 rungs to 113 in the latest ATP Doubles rankings.