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Maanayata Dutt has signed on board three acclaimed film writers namely Bhavani Iyer, Shagufta Rafique and the duo of Rishi & Vipul to script three diverse genre films for actor Sanjay Dutt's production house. Former journalist and acclaimed screenwriter Bhavani Iyer is known for intense, reflective concepts, having written Black, Lootera, Guzaarish as well as the popular Indian adapted version of the hit TV series '24' 1st season and now currently writing the 2nd season for the show. She will be penning a hard hitting story based on real life events. Shagufta Rafique gained initial success when she joined Mahesh Bhatt's production company, Vishesh Films, where she wrote her next eleven films, with her latest blockbuster being Aashiqui 2, (previously having written Murder 2, Jism 2, Awaarapan amongst others). She will be scripting an intense action based love story for Maanayata Dutt. Rounding off the trinity of writers...

Maanayata Dutt has signed on board three acclaimed film writers namely Bhavani Iyer, Shagufta Rafique and the duo of Rishi & Vipul to script three diverse genre films for actor Sanjay Dutt’s production house.

Former journalist and acclaimed screenwriter Bhavani Iyer is known for intense, reflective concepts, having written Black, Lootera, Guzaarish as well as the popular Indian adapted version of the hit TV series ‘24’ 1st season and now currently writing the 2nd season for the show. She will be penning a hard hitting story based on real life events.

Shagufta Rafique gained initial success when she joined Mahesh Bhatt’s production company, Vishesh Films, where she wrote her next eleven films, with her latest blockbuster being Aashiqui 2, (Previously having written Murder 2, Jism 2, Awaarapan amongst others). She will be scripting a intense action based love story for Maanayata Dutt.

Rounding off the trinity of writers is the...

The writer of Aashiqui 2, Shagufta Rafique, will now don the director's hat for a Richa Chaddha - Ali Fazal starrer next that is jointly produced by Bhushan Kumar and Pooja Bhatt. T-Series and Fisheye Network who have collaborated to produce several films together, have got Shagufta on board for the yet untitled film which is written by her and will mark her directorial debut. Starring Richa, Ali, Mukul Dev, Gulshan Grover, Imam Siddiqui, Ajaz Khan and others The film is a sensuous love story which deals with a heinous gang rape. Shagufta who has written dialogues and screenplays to successful films like Aashiqui 2, Raaz 2, Jannat 2, Murder 2, Jism 2 and many others is all geared up for this film which will go on floors in October this year. The film will have an unusual and never seen before pairing of Ali Fazal and Richa Chaddha who last...

The glamorous diva Bipasha Basu is prepping currently for her next unique horror love film project tentatively titled ‘Alone’ produced under the banner of Panorama Studios, produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and Pradeep Aggarwal, and directed by Bhushan Patel (Of the hits Ragini Mms 2 and 1920 Evil Returns fame). The horror love story interestingly is the Bollywood remake of the Thai horror film Alone, which is a worldwide smash hit. It features Bipasha Basu and introduces Karan Singh Grover who is a popular TV actor in the lead.

The actress herself gave the clap at the grand Mahurat held at a Mumbai Bungalow for the film in the esteemed presence of Producers Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, Pradeep Aggarwal, Co-Producers Prashant Sharma and Pankaj Aggarwal, Director Bhushan Patel, Actor Karan Singh Grover and Dialogue Writer Shagufta Rafique. Also gracing the Mahurat with his presence was Director Luv Ranjan (Of...

Writer-turned-debutant director Shagufta Rafique has ambitious plans for her film (titled Rose), which is based on the theme of a raped housewife. While she hunts for the young woman who plays the part, she may also have to search for the man who would be playing the male lead.

Reason being the ultra hectic schedule of Emraan Hashmi, her first choice.

"If Shagufta plans to begin her film this year, it is virtually impossible to rope in Emraan," says an insider, "He just doesn't have dates. Now that Ghanchakkar is out, he would step into the promotion of Ungli. Then there is Badtameez Dil with Kareena Kapoor, for which he begins shooting soon. In between there is also his international flick White Lies which would be readied for release."

Add to that Invisible with Bhatts, that he begins early next year as well as a film with Kunal Deshmukh and...

Mumbai, June 30: Writer Shagufta Rafique says her directorial debut, tentatively titled "Rose", will probably be produced by Pooja Bhatt. She also reveals that she is keen to work with Ajay Devgn or Emraan Hashmi in her maiden venture.

"Pooja is thrilled about my debut project and she had liked the script. She is keen to produce it. Talks are on, but nothing has been signed so far," Sagufta, known for writing "Raaz 3" and "Murder 2", told Ians.

"The film is tentatively titled 'Rose', and it's a thriller with a great love story. My script is ready, so let's see how we go ahead," she added.

Before becoming a filmmaker,.

Shagufta Rafique, whose life's experiences from illegitimacy to prostitution to Bollywood fame could make a great script, is all set to direct her first film. It would be gender-sensitive film on the theme of a raped housewife, a la Gulzar's Ghar. The film is tentatively titled Rose. Says the excited writer, "It's a story of a rape victim and the aftermath, how she adapts to life post the trauma. It is not a remake of Ghar. My film is about the revenge after the rape. After the Nirbhaya rape-case my script has acquired more relevance. " Shagufta would have to make some changes in the script. "I had written it as a story set in Pakistan. When five years ago I initially took the script to Mumbai producers, they didn't respond positively. I don't blame them. I was a nobody. Today I'm 15 scripts old. Now I want to modify Rose into an Indian film.

Over 2 decades ago, producer-director Mahesh Bhatt joined hands with music honcho Gulshan Kumar as they released the stupendous musical success Aashiqui and ever since the thought of matching upto the film's glory never crossed Mahesh Bhatt's mind until recently.The same dream but with different dreamers, Aashiqui 2 was born with Bhushan Kumar and Mohit Suri joining the wagon of a heartbreaking narrative of a mature love story penned by the talented Shagufta Rafique.

Mumbai, Jan 14: Writer Shagufta Rafique has almost finished the scripting of her film with Rahul Bhatt, whom she describes as "a typical hero" and says she will start rolling the camera for the project by mid of the year.

Known for writing "Raaz 3" and "Murder 2", Shagufta has almost "finished the scripting of my film".

"And the film will hopefully go on the floors by the mid of 2013. However, my film with Rahul Bhatt will be my second film because before this film, I may direct a film for some other banner," Shagufta told Ians.

Shagufta says her film with Rahul will be seasoned with the flavour of the latter's.

At a star studded event, Reliance Home Video & Games launched the home video of Raaz 3. Among those present were Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi, writer Shagufta Rafique and Reliance Home Video & Games COO Sweta Agnihotri. The film, presented by Fox Star Studios & produced by Vishesh Films, has been directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. Raaz 3 stars Emraan Hashmi, Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta.

Raaz 3 is set against the backdrop of the glitz, lights, glamour and back-stabbing cruelty of the entertainment world; a fading movie diva Shanaya (Bipasha Basu) turns to Black Magic to thwart an upstart young starlet Sanjana (Esha Gupta) on her way to usurp the position Shanaya once held. Sanjana ruthlessly turns against the girl, using her lover Aditya (Emraan Hashmi), a man who owes her his career, as a pawn. Things go awry when Aditya falls in love with the Sanjana despite himself and...

At a star studded event, Reliance Home Video & Games launched the home video of Raaz 3. Among those present were Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi, writer Shagufta Rafique and Reliance Home Video & Games COO Sweta Agnihotri. The film, presented by Fox Star Studios & produced by Vishesh Films, has been directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. Raaz 3 stars Emraan Hashmi, Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta. Read More...

At a star studded event, Reliance Home Video & Games launched the home video of Raaz 3. Among those present were Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Vikram Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi, writer Shagufta Rafique and Reliance Home Video & Games COO Sweta Agnihotri.

The film, presented by Fox Star Studios & produced by Vishesh Films, has been directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vikram Bhatt. Raaz 3 stars Emraan Hashmi, Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta.

The movie is available in a variety of formats to suit your home-viewing pleasure. So grab a copy today to watch this super-hit horror film on Anaglyph 3D Blu-ray (Mrp: Rs.799), Anaglyph 3D DVD (Mrp. Rs.399), 2D DVD (Mrp. Rs. 299) & Vcd (Mrp. Rs.125)

Speaking on the occasion Mahesh Bhatt commented, ”Raaz 3 is an important film for us and I can smell roses everywhere, I was completely intoxicated with the response we got on the opening day, and today I am proud to launch Raaz...

Mumbai, Sep 4: Writer Shagufta Rafique, who has been associated with Vishesh Films for quite sometime, is set to launch filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's son Rahul in her directorial debut.

"Bhatt saab and I have decided to make a kind of picture that he made for his daughter Pooja Bhatt like 'Daddy'. This will be a fresh film and will be made keeping Bhatt sir's cinema in mind. The film will be written by Mahesh Bhatt,.

Through with Jism 2, Mahesh Bhatt is now busy with promotions of Raaz 3. While Murder 3 has gone on floors, Aashiqui 2 too would kick-start early next month. However, unlike Jism 2 and Raaz 3, he won't be involved as much with the other two films. In fact he claims not to be overtly protective about Aashiqui 2 despite the fact that he had directed Aashiqui two decades back. "I am far from being protective. Aashiqui 2 is not even written by me, it has Shagufta Rafique in charge.

Producer Mahesh Bhatt while unveiling the first trailer of Vikram Bhatt's Raaz 3D outspokenly described the film as a mix of three real life stories - that of Bipasha Basu, writer Shagufta Rafique and director Vikram Bhatt. In fact he went ahead hinting that Bipasha's character in the film is based on one of Vikram's ex-girlfriend (probably Ameesha Patel). When we asked Vikram Bhatt about Raaz 3 portraying his relationship with Ameesha, initially he quipped, "My real li...

Mumbai, Aug 1: Producer Mahesh Bhatt describes "Raaz 3" as a mix of three true-life stories of actress Bipasha Basu, director Vikram Bhatt and writer Shagufta Rafique.

"'Raaz 3' is a cocktail of three true stories. One is about Shagufta, who has observed how people indulge in black magic to enhance their career. I know it sounds bizarre, but that's the truth."

"Bipasha was in a stage in her real life where.

Mumbai, July 29: Shagufta Rafique, who has been writing for Vishesh Films after quitting her job as a bar dancer, is all set to weild the megaphone. She says she would love to rope in Bipasha Basu and Randeep Hooda for her maiden directorial venture.

"Nothing has been finalised yet, but I would like to have Bipasha and Randeep to act in my film," Shagufta, who wrote the script for "Woh.

The troubles for Jannat 2's satellite release just don't seem to end. First it was the Censor Board not allowing the telecast of the film before 11pm and now the Bombay High Court has asked the Bhatts, who are the producers of Jannat 2, to deposit Rs. 10 lakh if they want to go ahead with the TV release of the film. The Bhatt's have sold the satellite rights of Jannat 2 to Star TV, which has not yet decided on the world TV premier of the film.

On Monday, a division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Nitin Jamdar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Mumbai-based writer Kapil Chopra alleging copyright infringement against filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and his brother Mukesh Bhatt.

In May this year, Kapil filed a case against the Bhatts alleging plagiarism. He maintained that he has written the story of Jannat 2...

Aditi Rao Hydari was not the original choice for Bhatt Camp's much awaited next, Murder 3. It was their latest blue eyed girl, Esha Gupta who was offered the film first. The newbie who has signed a three film deal with Vishesh films was seen in Jannat 2 and is also starring in Raaz 3. If you are wondering why the leggy lissome opted out of such a huge franchise, here is the dope. An insider reveals, "Esha was the first choice of Bhatt's for the film. The reason she didn't do it is because her favourite writer Shagufta Rafique, who has written both her earlier films, is not writing this one. Also Mahesh Bhatt who has been involved in all the Vishesh films may not be able to mentor this one." The source says, "Esha who shares a great bond with both of them and sees them as her mentors wasn't...

No, Jannat 2 is not a sequel to the 2008 hit. However, at the same time, yes, it has the same basic premise and Emraan Hashmi reprises the role of bad boy wanting to turn a new leaf for his ‘Jannat’ in this Kunal Deshmukh production.

Sonu Dilli Kkc aka Hashmi knows the A to Z of guns and is a successful dealer. Inspector Pratap (Randeep Hooda) is a guy with a past who is hell bent on wiping off the gun dealing mafia. Enter Jhanvi (Esha Gupta), a simple-minded doctor for whom Sonu falls but is unable to be with her as she wants to live a clean honest life. In a bid to win over Jhanvi, Sonu agrees to become an informer for Pratap and help expose the mafia leader.

The outline being pretty much the same, Jannat 2 is however more entertaining than the previous from the franchise.

As part of a successful franchisee, Jannat 2 is one of the most eagerly awaited releases of the month – especially at mass centers where Emraan Hashmi commands a huge fan-following. Directed by Kunal Deshmukh (Tum Mile, Jannat) the film is written by Shagufta Rafique (Murder 2, Awarapan, Woh Lamhe).

Story: Jannat 2 is about Sonu Dilli (Emraan Hashmi), who is involved in an illegal gun trading business. Read More...

Emraan Hashmi is back, playing a character that becomes the victim of his own ego, karma and the system. Director Kunal Deshmukh takes the helm once more to a story written by Shagufta Rafique that centres around Hashmi’s character of Sonu Dilli. Set in Delhi, Sonu is a small-time, cocky gun dealer.A small time accident lands him at the clinic of doctor Jaanvi (Esha Gupta) and its love at first sight for Sonu. He lies to Jaanvi about his real work, ...

After Pooja Bhatt, Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.s second daughter has entered showbiz but not as an actress. She is following in her father.s footsteps by assisting director Vikram Bhatt on .Raaz 3″..My daughter Shaheen begins her journey as an assistant with Vikram Bhatt who was once my assistant!. the proud father posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.Vikram Bhatt has returned to Vishesh Films after 2003 to direct part three of the horror franchise .Raaz., which is being made in 3D.The movie stars Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez along with Bipasha Basu, who is also making a comeback to the Bhatt camp after .Raaz. (2002) and .Jism. (2003). The Bhatts had offered her the lead role in .Murder 2″, but she had turned it down..Reporting live from .Raaz 3′ set. Today (Sunday) is the first day of our shooting. Bipasha and Emraan are on the sets. Vikram Bhatt is directing the film.

Now this is one conflict that Emraan Hashmi wouldn't have seen coming. On one end, he is working hard to get a good success rate outside the banner of Bhatts. On the other hand, those belonging to the inner circle of Bhatts don't seem to be too happy with the kind of content that that is being churned by the 'outside' filmmakers for Emraan starrers. The latest to lead a tirade in that direction is Shagufta Rafique, a writer (of films like Raaz 3, Jism 2, Raaz - The Mystery Continues) and close confidante of Mahesh Bhatt, who has openly criticised Ekta Kapoor on a public forum for her recent film The Dirty Picture. Shagufta's recent post on a social networking site said, "When Mahesh Bhatt makes Gangster, Ekta Kapoor makes Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. When he makes Woh Lamhe on the life of an actor, she tells the story...

When Bhatts announced plans for next in the series of Jism, one of the first names that came to mind of many out there was Emraan Hashmi. After all, the actor has a strong standing in films coming from the production house of his uncles/mentors and just like he is a regular feature in franchises like Raaz, Murder and now Jannat, there was a strong possibility of him stepping into Jism as well. "Especially after Murder 2 success, Emraan is a force to reckon with. Moreover last year's super success of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai has also opened many doors for him to sign movies outside Vishesh Films", says an industry insider, "The way Emraan has sky rocketed his position in the industry today, there were some serious talks around him replacing John Abraham in Jism 2 as well." There is a twist in the tale though as...

When Bhatts announced plans for next in the series of Jism, one of the first names that came to mind of many out there was Emraan Hashmi. After all, the actor has a strong standing in films coming from the production house of his uncles/mentors and just like he is a regular feature in franchises like Raaz, Murder and now Jannat, there was a strong possibility of him stepping into Jism as well. "Especially after Murder 2 success, Emraan is a force to reckon with. Moreover last year's super success of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai has also opened many doors for him to sign movies outside Vishesh Films", says an industry insider, "The way Emraan has sky rocketed his position in the industry today, there were some serious talks around him replacing John Abraham in Jism 2 as well." There is a twist in the tale though as...

The unexpectedly high success-ratio of Murder 3 has speeded up the process of working on the franchise. Director Mohit Suri has been told to leave all other ideas and work on the next Murder movie. Murder 3 will now be made sooner rather than later. The way it's going, Murder 2 will be one of the biggest hits of 2011 and the biggest success so far of the Bhatts' production house. They now want to do Murder 3 quickly. The writing has already begun. Jubilant and all geared up for the Murder 2 success party to be held on Friday evening, producer Mukesh Bhatt said, "Yes we're already looking at Murder 3. We hope to have it out by the summer of 2012." Shagufta Rafique who wrote Murder 2 has been put on the job of quickly coming up with a crackling script for Murder 3 which will again star Emraan Hashmi. But the Usp of the...

The unexpectedly high success-ratio of Murder 3 has speeded up the process of working on the franchise. Director Mohit Suri has been told to leave all other ideas and work on the next Murder movie. Murder 3 will now be made sooner rather than later. The way it's going, Murder 2 will be one of the biggest hits of 2011 and the biggest success so far of the Bhatts' production house. They now want to do Murder 3 quickly. The writing has already begun. Jubilant and all geared up for the Murder 2 success party to be held on Friday evening, producer Mukesh Bhatt said, "Yes we're already looking at Murder 3. We hope to have it out by the summer of 2012." Shagufta Rafique who wrote Murder 2 has been put on the job of quickly coming up with a crackling script for Murder 3 which will again star Emraan Hashmi. But the Usp of the...

Pakistani actress Meera, who had earlier accused Mahesh Bhatt of slapping her, claimed the filmmaker to be her guru as well as boyfriend. Bhatt's wife Soni Razdan has decided to file a defamation suit underlining charges of character assassination against the actress.Meera called Bhatt her boyfriend in the presence of Emraan Hashmi, Shagufta Rafique and Sevy Ali, reported Mumbai Mirror.Soni confirmed the reports. "Yes, I am meeting my lawyers to file a legal suit against Meera. This is not the first time Meera has tried to malign my husband. A few years ago, she had made bizarre allegations against him ...

September 9, 2010: Mahesh Bhatt, the veteran director, producer and screenwriter, has again taken the pen to jot down his next project called ‘Murder 2’. Bhatt is back to writing after four years. In 2006, he wrote the story of the movie ‘Woh Lamhe’, which was almost like his autobiography.

‘Murder 2’ will be co-written by Mahesh Bhatt with Shagufta Rafique. The movie is based on the heinous Nithari killings in Noida. So, the movie is not going to be a sequel of the 2004 film ‘Murder’, which had Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat in the lead roles. Mohit Suri.

Mumbai, July 20 – From the beer bars of Mumbai to the arc lights in Pakistan, it has been a long journey for Shagufta Rafique. The girl who was pulled out of Mumbai’s murky bylanes by Mahesh Bhatt to write script of films like ‘Woh Lamhe’ is now set to make her directorial debut with a Pakistani film.

Rafique, who used to sing in beer bars due to financial constraints, has chosen the story of a rape victim for her first directorial venture.

‘Humayun Saeed is a very famous Pakistani actor. He approached me to write a script..

Even as filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt gears up for the release of his daughter Pooja Bhatt’s third directorial venture, the Himesh Reshammiya-starrer Kajraare, which he has written, he’s already started working on three other upcoming films. One of the films, Balaa, will mark the debut of Shagufta Rafique, who has worked with Bhatt as a writer on five films, including Kajraare, Woh Lamhe and Gangster. On Saturday, Bhatt tweeted, “Shagufta Rafique, who wrote five films for me, has become a director. Her asset: Raw depiction of the human heart. She dares to bare it all!” Indo-Pak collaborationWhen asked about ...

Mahesh Bhatt has always been a frontrunner when it comes to importing talent from Pakistan. From actors to musicians to singers, Bhatt has always utilised talent from across the border in his movies. The latest is, popular Pakistani actor Humayun Saeed, who was cast in a significant role in Jashnn, is making a movie - an Indo-Pak collaborative effort - with Bhatt playing a noteworthy role in this endeavour, handling the creative aspect of the film. The film, titled Balaa, will borrow talents from India and Pakistan and will produced by Shahzad Naseeb and Sameena Humayun Saeed. Shagufta Rafique, who has penned a number of films for the Bhatts, will script and direct Balaa, which will star Humayun Saeed in the lead, while "talks are on with Pakistani actors Iman Ali [Khuda Kay Liye] and Juggun Kazim [who hosts talk shows on Pakistani television]," Humayun informs me. Meanwhile, Shagufta is in talks with Tabu to enact the title role. Humayun...

Mahesh Bhatt has always been a frontrunner when it comes to importing talent from Pakistan. From actors to musicians to singers, Bhatt has always utilised talent from across the border in his movies. The latest is, popular Pakistani actor Humayun Saeed, who was cast in a significant role in Jashnn, is making a movie - an Indo-Pak collaborative effort - with Bhatt playing a noteworthy role in this endeavour, handling the creative aspect of the film. The film, titled Balaa, will borrow talents from India and Pakistan and will produced by Shahzad Naseeb and Sameena Humayun Saeed. Shagufta Rafique, who has penned a number of films for the Bhatts, will script and direct Balaa, which will star Humayun Saeed in the lead, while "talks are on with Pakistani actors Iman Ali [Khuda Kay Liye] and Juggun Kazim [who hosts talk shows on Pakistani television]," Humayun informs me. Meanwhile, Shagufta is in talks with Tabu to enact the title role. Humayun...