Ghai signs on Akshay

Akshay Kumar has been finalised for a Subhash Ghai production, to be directed by Abbas-Mustan.

After the duo's last thriller Humraaz (Bobby Deol, Akshaye Khanna and Amisha Patel), the directors have been busy scripting producer Gordhan Tanwani's next film.

They will also direct films for Tips Music and Rajeev Tolani.

Zameen grounded

The shooting of Rohit Shetty's Zameen, produced by N R Pachisia (Tera Mera Saath Rahen), saw a major mishap at Latur airport recently.

A 'Boeing airplane', in which the climax was to be shot, crashed, bringing the shooting to a halt.

This resulted in a colossal loss to the producer, who also lost the dates of actors Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu.

The plane was created by art director Amit Verma.

Mantram for kids

iDreams Productions' Jajantaram Mamantaram may get a good bargain from exhibitors.

The film, directed by Soumitra Ranade and starring Javed Jaffrey, Gulshan Grover and Joy Fernandes, is getting very popular with the kids.

Since the film releases during the summer vacation, on May 30, it is expected to do well.

Vijay Anand turns to TV

Vijay Anand, former head of the Central Board for Film Certification, better known as the censor board, will make a foray into television by launching a Hindi entertainment channel called Lamhas.

The channel is expected to go on air on Republic Day next year.

Anand plans to expand his network and launch three additional channels at a later stage.

Vikas bags a handful

Vikas Kalantri, who debuted in K C Bokadia's Pyar Zindagi Hai (opposite Ashima Bhalla), has bagged quite a few films, including Dayal Nihalani's Dil Dil Hindustan, Anil Sharma's two productions (to be directed by Chander Mishra), and Raman Kumar's next.

His next film, Nitin Manmohan's Nayee Padosan, will release on June 6.

Prasanjeet to direct

One-time chocolate hero Biswajeet's son Prasanjeet, who made his acting debut in Mumtaz's comeback film Andhiyan, but never could make it at the box-office, has decided to try his hand at direction instead.

Anil Kapoor is to play the lead in his first film. The rest of the cast is yet to be announced.