Katrina Kaif is a true crowd puller. Prakash Jha ought to know. Filmmaker Jha was desirous of putting together a large number of people for some crucial election campaign scenes of 'Raajneeti' at Bhopal.

A canny strategy: Jha announced that the entire star cast of his political opus including Nana Patekar, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, would be present at the shoot!

Word spread like wildfire… and fifty blinks later, Jha saw milling crowds swarming the venue in the hope of grabbing a glimpse of their fave stars.

And kool Kat led the way. All the way.

States an insider, "Katrina was the one who pulled in maximum number of people. The crowds went berserk when they saw her. They all wanted to take her autograph!"

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Actress Anjana Sukhani, who plays a college girl suffering from inferiority complex in director Kabir Sadanand's upcoming film 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi', says she can relate to her character in the movie.

'I am playing a bold Maharashtrian girl. She is a college going girl and also works as an assistant director. She suffers from some kind of inferiority complex, and therefore gives the impression to others that she is the one who does everything and that she is the boss, but that's not the reality,' Anjana told IANS.

'I could identify with some traits of my character. When I was in school and college, I also used to feel inferior. I was from a middle-class background and when people came in big cars and showed off their clothes, then you also started doing things which you would not otherwise.'

Releasing Friday, 'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' weaves together lives of three couples who connect with one another through a series of touching and funny moments. Anjana feels that the audience will be able to relate to film.

'Real life situations are depicted in a lighter note in the film. Surely, everyone will be able to identify with some or the other character,' she said.

The actress, who featured in last year's hit film 'Golmaal Returns', relishes her experience of sharing screen space with veterans like Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia.

'I had lots of scenes with Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia. It was a fantastic journey to work with them. They are amazing people. They are very senior so they had lots to offer in terms of teaching us acting and general nuances of a character,' said Anjana.

Anjana believes in choosing the right script and her next project is directed by Farouque Kabir and is called 'Allah Ke Banday' where she is playing the lead opposite Sharman Joshi.

'I am sure everyone is choosy and so am I. If I feel I relate to the concept what's being narrated to me...Yes I will think hundred times before I say yes because it is very important what you do, people are going to see you in that light. So it is very, very important that you pick the correct script,' said Anjana.

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Acclaimed actor Nana Patekar who has always been known for his
socially awakening roles refused to accept any fee for Eros International's PAATHSHAALA and instead insisted that producer Shaira Khan donate the amount to a few charitable trusts that the actor has been involved with.

Confirming the news, producer Shaira Khan says, "Initially, he told us that we should make five cheques to cover his fee for the project. But when it was time to actually hand them over to him, he took us by surprise. He told us to issue the cheques in the names of the charitable organizations."

Adds Shaira, "There is so much hearsay about Nana Patekar and the kind of person he is. But any such thoughts banished from my first meeting with him itself. For me, he is a sweetheart. He is great fun to work with. Shooting with him made us realize that Nana is a grossly misunderstood man. He will always remain an absolute delight for us."

Nana Patekar who plays a school principal in the PAATHSHALA was touched by the concept of the film which revolves around the pressures that children face at the hands of our Indian education system these days.

He felt it would be wrong to charge a fee for such a noble cause and thus decided to reach out to the less fortunate sections of society through donations.

Shahid Kapoor, who also plays a pivotal role in the film, has also refused to charge any remuneration for the film.

Well, given the current scenario of the problems surrounding the children, this gesture by Nana and Shahid has surely highlighted their support to the worthy cause.

Presented by Eros International, PAATHSHAALA is directed by Milind Ukey and produced by Shaira Khan (Paperdoll Entertainment). The film's story and screenplay are by Ahmed Khan and music by Hanif Shaikh. The film stars Nana Patekar, Shahid Kapoor and Ayesha Takia in pivotal roles along with popular child artists Swini Khara, Avika Gor, Ali Haji and Dwij Narendra Yadav.

PAATHSHAALA hits theatres this April.

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He's been lauded as an "eccentric genius," and several filmmakers confess (purely off record, that he's "quite mad!"). Though, there's little disputing that exists a healthy, philanthropic side to the actor.

Nana Patekar's short fuse generates racy copy for tabloids, but most are now becoming aware that he's a great Samaritan, at heart. Incidentally, Patekar refused to accept any fee for Eros International's 'Paathshaala.' Instead, he insisted that producer Shaira Khan donate the amount to a few charitable trusts that the actor has been involved with.

Confirming the news, producer Shaira Khan says, "Initially, he told us that we should make five cheques to cover his fee for the project. But when it was time to actually hand them over to him, he took us by surprise. He told us to issue the cheques in the names of the charitable organisations. There is so much hearsay about Nana Patekar and the kind of person he is. But any such thoughts banished from my first meeting with him itself. For me, he is a sweetheart."

Nana Patekar who essays a school principal in 'Paathshala' was moved by the concept of the film which centres around the pressures faced by children at the hands of our education system. Charging any fee for such a noble cause seemed downright mercenary to him and the actor merrily chucked away his remuneration. One good turn deserves another. Echoing Patekar's sentiment, the pricey Shahid Kapoor volitionally cast away his price too for 'Paatshaala.' Helmed by Milind Ukey, this one's a charitable study by itself, already…

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The wait is finally over! The theatrical trailer of Eros International and Paperdoll Entertainment's PAATHSHAALA opens on 22nd January along with the film VEER.

Amidst the current dismal situation of the Indian education system, PAATHSHAALA could well be an eye opener for educationists and parents as the film depicts the various issues faced by children today.

Starring Nana Patekar, Shahid Kapoor and Ayesha Takia in pivotal roles, PAATHSHALA is a film with a message that tries to answer several questions related to the sanctity of today's education system. It sheds light on the shortcomings and wrong doings in today's schools where the high morals and basic ethics associated with the teaching profession seem to have taken a back seat. The film attempts to challenge several harmful notions that threaten our children's future and thus our society.

PAATHSHAALA also stars popular child artists Swini Khara, Avika Gor, Ali Haji and Dwij Narendra Yadav.

In an innovative promotional move by the producers, major multiplexes across India will have attractive, colourful benches placed along with the film's standees to attract audience attention.

Presented by Eros International, PAATHSHAALA is directed by Milind Ukey and produced by Shaira Khan (Paperdoll Entertainment). The film's story and screenplay are by Ahmed Khan and music by Hanif Shaikh.

PAATHSHAALA hits theatres this April.

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