MUMBAI: If you’re looking for some Bollywood gossips, here are some updates for you. A lot is happening in the tinsel town so without much ado, read on the following list of updates.
Sonakshi's 'mantra' for an instant dose of happiness
Actress Sonakshi Sinha says her mantra for an instant dose of happiness is to watch something that is light and happy.
English Entertainment channel Romedy NOW will introduce a specially curated property 'Happy Hours', a line-up of romantic comedies, in collaboration with Sonakshi-starrer Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi.
"My mantra for an instant dose of happiness is to watch something that is light and happy like a rom-com or a chick-flick, which is light viewing and makes me forget all stresses," Sonakshi said in a statement.
"From the films that will air on 'Happy Hours', Monte Carlo is my favourite because it is about three girls and a case of mistaken identity. Monte Carlo is a fun and light watch which makes you smile and gives you butterflies in the stomach and shares a storyline similar to Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi," she added.
Kajol lights up the screen when she's there: Neha Dhupia
Actress Neha Dhupia says her Helicopter Eela co-star Kajol is phenomenal and lights up the screen.
Neha will be seen in a special role alongside Kajol and Riddhi Sen in the forthcoming film.
"I feel there are only a few people who are meant to be on-screen and Kajol is definitely one such person. She lights up the screen when she is there," Neha said in a statement.
"It wouldn't be fair if I say I am not a fan of hers. There is nobody in the entire nation or anybody who follows Bollywood who is not a Kajol fan. She is phenomenal. She is beautiful and she makes it look so easy on the screen," she added.
Helicopter Eela, presented by Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada (Pen), is set to release on 7 September.
Prateik to embrace drag culture at fashion gala
Actor Prateik Babbar will be seen embracing the drag culture for Chola The Label at the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week's Winter-Festive edition. He says it is an attempt to normalize topics that are usually not discussed in the mainstream.
"As Indians, we often don't talk about our sex and sexuality which is more like an undercover operation. This attempt by Chola is to normalize those topics that are usually not discussed in the mainstream by trying to engage in a dialogue on sexuality in the public domain," Prateik said in a statement.
The line titled 'Bye Felicia' implying 'dismissing the irrelevant', is inspired by the drag culture, as a silent protest against society and its' definition of normalcy.
Through black and white fabrics with grey and beige undertones, the collection will showcase the strength and the power of gender fluency.
"I truly believe all forms of creativity whether it is art or fashion or films can drive change and empower mindsets," Prateik added.
The Mulk actor and his fiancee Sanya Sagar will be making their debut together on a fashion ramp for the first time.
"The show is all about being comfortable in your skin, taking pride in your identity and expressing yourself to the fullest. I always wanted to highlight socio-psychological issues that are prevalent in the country in my storytelling... There is always room for black and white but the real struggle is when you're grey. That's where my inspiration sprung up from," added Sohaya Mishra of Chola The Label.
Vajpayee was an extremely rare human being: Amitabh Bachchan
A stalwart, a poet, a writer, an enlightened mind and a compassionate being leaves this world -- that's how megastar Amitabh Bachchan began his tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose demise has left the national mourning.
Vajpayee died on Thursday at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi after weeks of being hospitalized. He was 93.
"He was an admirer of my father and his works and there were many an occasion when I would be present at their meetings," Amitabh, son of late prolific and celebrated writer Harivansh Rai Bachchan, wrote on his blog.
He said his father knew Vajpayee, who was then a student. Harivansh Rai, he says, was very impressed by Vajpayee's oratory skills, which was his virtue.
"His oratory powers were unmatched and the usage of words exemplary. They were filled with the power of pronunciation. The rendition of the word was enough to give it meaning... One did not need to understand the language that was his brilliance. Some of his public speeches and ones did in the Houses of Parliament are a testimony.
"A poet, a writer, a politician, a Prime Minister... an extremely rare human," Amitabh wrote.
The actor also wrote about the special bond Vajpayee shared with his father.
"Despite his prominence as a leader of the eminence, Atalji never hesitated to meet up with my father... Particularly on one occasion when my father was admitted to AIIMS hospital in Delhi, Atalji visited him to ask after his condition. I was there. His compassion and concern were most gracious.
"It was Atalji who agreed to launch and honour the occasion when the ‘stamp' was inaugurated in my father's name. It was in Lucknow."
Big B, 75, also recounted the birthday routine when Vajpayee would ring him on his special day, and he would ring the politician on his birthday.
'Love Sonia' to release on 14 September
Love Sonia, based on the horrors of child trafficking, will release on 14 September.
Tabrez Noorani's Love Sonia is a hard-hitting story of a 17-year-old girl who risks her life to rescue her sister from a vicious human trafficking network across India, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles. The film has got standing ovations globally for its touching tale about human trafficking. It also won the best Indie Film Award at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2018.
It features Mrunal Thakur in her debut film role, with a cast including Freida Pinto, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, Rajkummar Rao, Sai Tamhankar, Adil Hussain and Mark Duplass, with a special appearance by Demi Moore.
"After the incredible audience reactions in London and Melbourne, I am thrilled that the movie is now releasing back home in India. I am blessed with a powerful ensemble cast and all of them have contributed to making this film special," Noorani said in a statement.
Producer David Womark said, "I am deeply thankful for the accolades Love Sonia has got so far in London and Melbourne. Tabrez has made a powerful film and I am glad we are now releasing in India."
A film which Noorani had been planning for at least a decade, Love Sonia enters the dark alleys where sex trafficking is a business and sexual exploitation and oppression as a way of life.
Executive Producer Shalini Thackeray said, "Love Sonia is a brave and moving film. I am proud to be a part of this movie that talks about human trafficking in such a poignant manner. Samraaj Talkies is proud to present a movie featuring a strong ensemble cast."
To this, co-producer Amar Butala added, "Love Sonia is India's most sincere and disturbing film on human trafficking. It is a potent story that spans from India to Hong Kong all the way to Los Angeles'.'
Help flood-affected Kerala urges Indian film fraternity
As Kerala faces one of its worst-ever calamities due to torrential rain and floods, claiming at least 114 lives, film celebrities from across India have urged people to come forward and help people in the state.
From Bollywood celebrities like Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma and Abhishek Bachchan to southern film personalities like Dulquer Salmaan, Resul Pookutty, and Siddharth -- the celebrities have not just shared helpline numbers, but have encouraged the citizens and the government to provide as much aid as possible.
Varun Dhawan: The situation in Kerala is quite bad with the floods. The state needs national media attention as well as well as resources from the central government, as well as support from Indian citizens. It is heartbreaking to see the people suffering there.
Anushka Sharma: The devastation caused in Kerala by the floods is gut-wrenching. Whatever we can do, we must. Kerala Floods.
Abhishek Bachchan: Tragic to see what is happening in Kerala floods please help in whatever way you can. Pray for Kerala.
Dulquer Salmaan: Urging and requesting the national media to focus and draw attention to Kerala floods! Each day is looking more grim for millions.
Bhumi Pednekar: This is horrifying. Just constantly praying for people to be okay. Must unite to help.
Shraddha Kapoor: Praying for everyone affected by the Kerala Floods. The state really needs our help and every donation, no matter how big or small, will count. Here are some details of how to donate to Chief Minister of Kerala's distress relief fund and other helpline numbers.
Siddharth: I dare you. I beg of you! What do I have to do to make you read and share this? I did the Kerala Donation Challenge. It was awesome! Will you? Please?
Resul Pookutty: Do you all have any idea the extent of Kerala floods still it is not a national calamity! My Keralites we have to deal with this on our own! Jai Hind!
Meghna Gulzar: Every bit counts. Every wish and prayer, more.
Rahul Bose: Have spoken to a few friends and colleagues in Kerala. It is worse than any of us think. If you wish to donate now is the time. Now. Thank you. Kerala floods
Karthi: Just met the honorable Chief Minister of Kerala. I understand the state needs more funds than relief material. Please donate generously to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Kerala floods.
Vicky Kaushal: No contribution will be too little and none too much. Kerala floods.
Suniel Shetty: Saluting the strength of the people of Kerala fighting the fury of nature ...praying the situation improves and you all remain safe. Kerala floods.
Harish Kalyan: Pray for Kerala floods. We all are with you.
Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor's chanting days
Actor Siddhanth Kapoor says while shooting for the forthcoming war film Paltan in Ladakh, he and his co-star Arjun Rampal made it a routine to visit a stupa on a daily basis for chanting.
"When you shoot for a war film, there is a very different kind of tension on the sets. Also when you are at 14,000 feet above sea level, all you want is strength and peace. The stupas in Ladakh are beautiful and very energizing. Arjun and I made it a point to visit it daily for chants," Siddhanth said in a statement.
They would go there in the morning before shooting for the film. The J.P. Dutta directorial will hit the screens in September.
Director Steve McQueen to get BAFTA honour
British director Steve McQueen will receive BAFTA's John Schlesinger Britannia Award.
BAFTA Los Angeles on Thursday announced that McQueen, who won an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, would be this year's recipient of the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for excellence in directing at the group's 2018 Britannia Awards, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
The award's previous recipients include Ava DuVernay, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino and Kathryn Bigelow.
The honour will be presented to McQueen by Viola Davis, the lead star of his much-anticipated Widows, which is yet to have its world premiere.
Widows is McQueen's fourth feature as director after 12 Years a Slave, Shame and Hunger.
The 2018 Britannia Awards will take place on 26 October at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Pankaj finds inspiration in southern film stars
Actor Pankaj Tripathi is taking references from actors from the southern film industry of the 1980s and 1990s for his role in the biopic on glamour actress Shakeela.
He will soon start shooting for the Indrajit Lankesh-directed movie, which features actress Richa Chadha as Shakeela. Pankaj plays an actor and producer in the film.
"The movies I have seen during the 1990s, all the actors who were in those films are all inspirations. The references will mainly be from the south industry only because I am playing a south Indian character myself," Pankaj said in a statement.
To get the right nuances to portray a larger than life character, Pankaj is watching old interviews of such stars to observe their behavior and characteristics.
He is also prepping for the role internally.
"If I were a star or hero, how would I be, what would it be like? I am on the lookout of a star's soul."
Looking at newcomers for my next project: Anand Pandit
Producer Anand Pandit, who has distributed the John Abraham-starrer Satyameva Jayate, is already looking at his next project and is searching for new talent.
"I believe that there is enough talent in this country and more and more people should be given an opportunity. The film industry is big enough to accommodate a lot of newcomers. For my next project, I would definitely like to look at a lot of newcomers," Pandit said in a statement.
He has also distributed films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and produced Great Grand Masti, Sarkar 3, Missing and Days of Tafree under Anand Pandit Motion Pictures banner.
Hema Malini, Esha Deol set to the catwalk for 'Cakewalk'
Mother-daughter duo Hema Malini and Esha Deol Takhtani will walk the ramp at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter-Festive 2018 to promote the latter's forthcoming movie Cakewalk. They will be showstoppers for designer Sanjukta Dutta's latest collection 'Abor'.
"I am very excited to be back on the ramp with my mom Hema Malini for designer Sanjukta Dutta to promote my film Cakewalk, directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee. The film deals with a certain issue which every woman and man in our country will be able to relate," Esha said in a statement.
The 23-minute film marks Esha's comeback after motherhood.
"Both me and my mom are very excited to support them by wearing the beautiful creations designed by Sanjukta and handcrafted by the women weavers of Assam," added the actress, who will be seen on the fashion runway on 26 August.
This Hindi short feature film also stars Tarun Malhotra, Siddhartha Chatterjee, and Anindita Bose. Shot entirely in Kolkata, the film deals with a journey of a chef Shilpa Sen, played by Esha, who faces a professional and personal challenge.
"When Ram Kamal mentioned about Sanjukta and her work for weavers in Assam, I was very happy. I think we need more people in our country to promote our handloom industry," added Hema.
Dutta's new collection 'Abor' -- which means independent -- is dedicated to the strong and determined women weavers of Assam. Comprising of ethnic and Indo-western wear, the line boasts of a melange of styles and silhouettes, including her signature mekhela chadors, saris, lehengas, skirts, crop tops and western gowns.
"Both Hemaji and Esha are the epitome of the essence of 'Abor' which means independent. I am really looking forward to working with Hemaji and Esha. I have been a huge fan of Hemaji myself and getting this opportunity to style her and share the same stage with her cannot be expressed in words," said Dutta.
'Laila Majnu' liberated me from vanity, says actor Avinash Tiwary
Actor Avinash Tiwary, who is playing the protagonist of Laila Majnu, presented by prolific filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, says looking deglamourised in his first ever big film did not bother him as the essence of his character is to celebrate eternal love which goes beyond physicality.
"Narrating the character of Majnu made me liberated from the social trap, vanity and all the judgment that we have as people for others. That is when one can experience the true sense of freedom from mind. So as an actor, I did not think about my vanity when I was internalizing my character," Avinash told a leading publication. "The thought that I am not looking like a hero of a love story in my first big film did not cross my mind," he added.
According to him, Majnu is a character with a heart of gold that can love someone at a spiritual level. He hopes the audience gets to see that beauty of the character.
Set in Kashmir, the film has been written by Imtiaz and directed by his brother Sajid Ali. It is based on the classic love story “Laila Majnu", a well-known folklore.
Not only is the film's director a debutant, but the film's lead actress Tripti Dimri is also making her first-time appearance in Bollywood.
Avinash has done short parts in some films like Boring: A Day in the Life, Tu Hai Mera Sunday and a few projects on television works. Laila Majnu has given him an opportunity to get a wider reach.
Is he feeling any pressure before its release?
"I know that people are not coming to the theatre to see me, but how the collaboration of Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor has worked in the form of a film called Laila Majnu. But I think eventually people would love the story.
"So, basically I am not feeling the pressure but our mentors and makers are. They have taken a bold step of making a film based on a classic love story with two newcomers," he explained.
Produced by Ekta Kapoor, the film Laila Majnu is releasing on 7 September.
Shooting at jail gave us chills: Deepak Kalra
Actor Deepak Kalra says shooting at a real jail gave the actors of the upcoming series Banned chills.
One of the major scenes in Banned was shot at a real jail.
"That is a shoot memory for life. Shooting at a real jail gave all us actors chills because the atmosphere there is something different. We were actually kept in a unit with prisoners," Deepak said in a statement."
"The entire sequence gave us the real feeling of a criminal. Such experiences in life are a must for any actor and I am thankful to have gone through this scene. While people cherish their romantic or dramatic shoots, I have this memorable sequence for life with great learning, stored in," he added.
Banned will premiere on Viu on 24 August.
Our society is proving sicker by the day: Richa Chadha on #MeToo
As the #MeToo tide continues to cause waves across the global entertainment industry, Bollywood actress Richa Chadha says the world of cinema is still in a privileged position, especially at a time when newspapers are highlighting children facing sexual abuse in shelter homes and society is becoming "sicker every day".
Not one to mince words, Richa features in Love Sonia, which digs into the dark abyss of sex trafficking. The film opened the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) here last week, and will release next month.
Asked about how huge the #MeToo campaign is in the Indian film industry, Richa told the media here, "There are murmurs, but we must understand something. The thing is when people in the West are able to take a stand after being in the industry for two or three decades, they are cushioned by the unions they have, by the royalty that they continue to make on some of the films they have done and still it takes so many Oscar winners to come up and to point a finger in the right direction.
"Unfortunately, for artistes and for all creative people in our industry, right now that 'unionisation' does not exist and so it's not easy for whistleblowers. And that is why you will not get to hear anything at all apart from murmurs.
However, she said she appreciates people who have come out and spoken despite this.
"I do think it's an idea whose time has come and you'll not be able to silence it beyond a point... But we have a long way to go. Headlines in India are currently dominated by shelter homes where children have been abused... They are orphans who do not have any support and everybody in politics is involved. So we have to do a lot of overall cleaning before we can get to cinema, because I feel cinema is still in a position of privilege. All of us are privileged."
Later, prodded by a leading publication to elaborate, Richa said, "The thing is every time I think about this sex trafficking and child prostitution in India, I am amazed at how we don't know anything. One shelter was found out in Bihar, then Uttar Pradesh, there's one around Madhya Pradesh and around Maharashtra...
"When we don't know the depth of the problem, it's very easy to say things. In the film industry, when someone is going to try and coax you to sleep with them, the chances of it being rape are less. The chances of it being an obligation, a soft pressure and those kinds of things are more.
"The chances of someone not getting work or having an uphill journey, like me, if you don't sleep around, are also there. But the society we are living in is proving to be sicker every day. I'm afraid to have a child because I can't believe babies are raped."
The Supreme Court earlier this week asked Centre and state governments to file action taken reports on the abuse of 1,575 children living in shelter homes across the country.
Working in a film like Love Sonia, directed by Tabrez Noorani, has been an especially sensitizing experience for Richa.
"What breaks my heart is it all to do with true stories," Richa said.
Initially though, she was apprehensive about how a sensitive issue like sex trafficking would be dealt with.
"I am very clear that when you're doing a film on caste issues, present it in the right way like Vicky Kaushal's track was shown in Masaan. We (actors) have all made mistakes, we are not star kids and we don't have the option and luxury many times... But when we do (get such projects), we have to be very careful.
"But when I met Tabrez, I found out he had been working on the film for over a decade. His intention was genuine."
Besides that she was kicked about being a part of a film with what she interestingly calls "the 'Avengers' of casting in India".
"The best actors are there... It's a very hard-hitting film and I love my part. I am really excited about it."
Love Sonia launches Mrunal Thakur in the film industry. She is ably supported by Richa, Frieda Pinto, Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, Rajkummar Rao and Demi Moore.
(SOURCE : IANS)
Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh’s wedding rules and shopping plans
As we all know that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s wedding will take place in the month of November though there have been no official confirmations yet. However, their actions speak louder than words…well, the family has already started to shop for the wedding, it seems like they have decided to start off by buying the most important thing for an Indian wedding – jewellery. But what surprises us is that instead of the traditional gold or the more in-trend platinum, the couple’s families are picking up silver jewellery.
As Deepika and Ranveer want to keep their wedding a low key affair, the couple has already chalked out a plan for the guests who will be attending their nuptials. They have requested the guests not to bring cell phones to the wedding as it’s a destination wedding and they want to keep it a secret affair.
Katrina Kaif joins Salman Khan at Malta for Bharat shoot
Salman Khan left for Malta after wrapping up the shoot of Bigg Boss 12 promos. He is forever on work mode. He is shooting in Malta for Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat. Now, Katrina Kaif has left to join him. The actress shared the news via Insta story. Katrina was the last minute inclusion in the team after Priyanka Chopra walked out of the movie reportedly to get married to Nick Jonas. That created quite a stir and Katrina’s gesture won her a lot more fans than she already has. But Katrina doesn’t see her presence in the film as a replacement to Priyanka.
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Karan Johar shares video showing ‘making of Simmba’
Karan Johar recently shared a video of the making of the movie Simmba. In the video, you can watch the behind the scene of the movie. Simmba is directed by Rohit Shetty, and it stars Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan in lead roles. The movie is produced by Karan Johar.
Abhishek Bachchan shares his journey of Manmarziyan
Abhishek Bachchan shared his journey on his Instagram profile. The post focuses on the shoots he had in Amritsar. He also shared his experiences of shooting the movie.
Shahid Kapoor in a dancing mood
It’s a known fact that Shahid Kapoor is a good dancer! The actor has shared a dance video where you can see him shaking his body as well as singing and enjoying his dance moves.
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