Whistle Stop: Sunny-rise in Bollywood

He was unable to realise his dream of becoming an Indian Premiere League team owner with Deccan Chargers dissolved. But Jitendra Jain,of Alumbra Films,is confidently picking up stake in Bollywood. Even though the production house’s debut venture Bhoot Returns bombed at the box-office,Jain has decided to sign on Sunny Leone. The pornstar-turned-Bollywood actress made her debut with Jism 2,but failed to impress. Despite that,Jain has signed on Leone in a three-film deal. While the details of the projects are still being worked out,the word is that the first film is a family entertainer that will see her play a homely girl. Hmm.

New Name,Same Goal

The UTV chief is known to do the unconventional. Ronnie Screwvala,along with wife Zarine Khan,recently rebranded his NGO Share as Swades. The foundation,with 72 active members,works towards the betterment of rural India by facilitating education and sanitation. The rebranding is aimed at helping people identify with the foundation’s goal. To lend support,Screwvala had by his side filmmakers Farah Khan and Ashutosh Gowarikar. Ranbir Kapoor,whose film,Barfi!,made under the UTV banner became India’s official entry to the Oscars,was also present at the launch.