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Archives for February 2017

There’s no concept of National Song: Supreme Court

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Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today did not go into the debate for making singing of the National Song mandatory in schools while clarifying that it has “kept alive” such a plea only for the National Anthem without expressing any view on it.

A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra referred to Article 51 A (a) of the Constitution and said it deals only with the National Anthem and the National Flag and not the National Song.

“Therefore, we do not intend to enter into any debate as far as the National Song is concerned,” the bench, also comprising Justices R Banumathi and Mohan M Shantanagoudar, said.

The bench, which was hearing a plea seeking a direction for framing of a policy to promote and propagate the National Anthem, the National Flag and the National Song, tagged the petition with another similar plea on the issue which is pending before it.

Regarding the prayer seeking a direction to ascertain the feasibility of singing or playing the National Anthem and the National Song in Parliament or a state Assembly, public offices, courts and schools on every working day, the apex court said it would keep alive the prayer regarding schools only.

“In the earlier writ petition, a contention was advanced by the Attorney General pertaining to schools and, therefore, as far as the prayer relating to ‘schools on every working day’ is concerned, it is kept alive,” the bench said.

“We may hasten to clarify when we have kept the prayer alive, that does not mean that we have expressed any opinion on the same,” the apex court said.

During the hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, who was appearing for petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, said that one of the prayers in the plea for framing of a national policy was similar to the matter which is pending before the apex court.

The bench, which persued the order passed by it in the similar matter earlier, said that its order does not relate to the National Song or the National Flag.

“Be it clearly noted, Article 51A(a) of the Constitution of India does not refer to the National Song. It only refers to the National Flag and the National Anthem,” it noted.

(PTI)

Pakistan mourns attack victims as security stepped up

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Two border crossings with Afghanistan closed and at least 39 ‘terrorists’ killed after attack at Sehwan shrine kills 88.

Thursday's attack was the deadliest in Pakistan since 2014 [Wali Muhammed/Al Jazeera]

Thursday’s attack was the deadliest in Pakistan since 2014 [Wali Muhammed/Al Jazeera]

by Asad Hashim, Al Jazeera

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan has closed two of its border crossings with Afghanistan and demanded that Kabul takes action against 76 “terrorists” it says are hiding in Afghan territory in response to the worst attack on Pakistani soil since 2014.

At least 88 people were killed and hundreds more wounded when a suicide attacker targeted a gathering of worshippers at a shrine in the southern town of Sehwan on Thursday.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group claimed responsibility for the blast.

The shrine, built in 1356, is by the tomb of Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandi, the Sufi philosopher poet better known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of Pakistan’s most venerated saints.

On Friday, Pakistan’s military said Afghanistan must take “immediate action” against the 76 people identified to them.

Security officials told Al Jazeera that at least 39 suspected fighters had been killed in security raids carried out overnight in response to the attack.

Thursday’s attack came after one of the bloodiest weeks in recent memory in Pakistan, with at least 99 people killed in a series of attacks since Monday, most claimed by the Pakistani Taliban or one of its factions.

On Monday, 13 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a rally in the eastern city of Lahore.

That attack was followed on Wednesday by a suicide bombing at a government office in the Mohmand tribal area and a suicide attack on government employees in Peshawar, killing six people.

Two police officers were killed on Tuesday while trying to defuse a bomb in the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta.

Border closure

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder said the second major border crossing at Chaman, which leads to Kandahar in Afghanistan from the Pakistani city of Quetta, was closed on Friday after the Torkham border was sealed off late on Thursday.

In Sehwan, meanwhile, police cordoned off the shrine early on Friday as forensic investigators arrived.

The floor of the shrine was still stained with blood on Friday morning as dozens of protesters pushed past police pickets demanding to be allowed to continue to worship there.

At least 20 children are believed to be among the dead, the head of Sehwan’s medical facility, Moeen Uddin Siddiqui, said.

At 3.30am, the shrine’s caretaker stood among the carnage and defiantly rang its bell, a daily ritual that he vowed to continue.

The Sindh provincial government announced three days of mourning as Pakistanis vented their grief and fury on social media, bemoaning the lack of medical facilities to help the wounded, with the nearest hospital around 70km from the shrine.

All shrines in the province have been closed, a decision that prompted furious reaction from protesters in Sehwan.

“Give us the charge of the mazaar [shrine], we will take care of it rather than the police,” a shopkeeper said.

“Keeping it closed is unfair to the people of Sehwan. We can take care of our own place. We can do everything to protect it.”

‘Afghan role’

Pakistan’s military has long blamed the Afghan government for allowing sanctuary on its soil to fighters targeting Pakistan since a 2014 Pakistani military operation to drive out armed groups from the country’s restive tribal areas.

“Recent Ts acts are being exec on directions from hostile powers and from sanctuaries in Afghanistan. We shall defend and respond,” tweeted Pakistan military spokesman Asif Ghafoor.

Afghanistan denies the charge, accusing Pakistan in turn of allowing leaders of the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network armed groups to roam freely on Pakistani soil.

Pakistan denies this, but several high-profile Afghan Taliban leaders have been killed or captured on its soil, including former chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a US drone strike last year.

Pakistan Taliban leaders have similarly been captured or killed on Afghan soil.

Following the attack in Lahore, the Pakistani Foreign Office summoned senior Afghan embassy official Syed Abdul Nasir Yousafi.

“Afghanistan was urged to take urgent measures to eliminate the terrorists and their sanctuaries, financiers and handlers operating from its territory,” according to a Foreign Office statement.

Analysts, however, warn that in this “war of sanctuaries”, space is being left open for armed groups to continue to launch attacks.

Since the launch in 2014 of a military operation in the tribal area of North Waziristan – then-headquarters of the Pakistani Taliban and its allies – the Pakistani military says it has killed more than 3,500 fighters and destroyed Taliban infrastructure.

At least 583 soldiers have also been killed.

Since then, violence had decreased markedly, but sporadic high-casualty attacks continued to occur, notably a hospital bombing killing 74 in Quetta and an Easter Day park bombing that killed more than 70 last year.

Thursday’s attack was the deadliest in Pakistan since December 2014, when fighters assaulted a school in Peshawar, killing 154 people, mostly schoolchildren.

Fire, smoke engulfs Bellandur lake

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bellandur lake

Bengaluru: Thick smoke enveloped Bellandur lake after a fire broke out when garbage strewn around it was set ablaze, a fire department official said today.

The incident triggered panic among motorists on the busy Sarjapur main road.

“Usually, a pile of garbage strewn around the lake is set on fire, but yesterday it caused a scare among residents and motorists as the smoke started billowing and surrounding the lake in the evening,” K U Ramesh, Deputy Director at Karnataka Fire Department, said.

The fire was doused in half an hour, he said.

The area, for a while, was enveloped by huge clouds of smoke, he said.

Residents hit out at the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials for their “lackadaisical” attitude to stop dumping of garbage.

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Chairman Lakshman said notices have been issued to the BBMP, Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewage Board and other agencies to stop the dumping. He also said the board is in the process of inspecting sewage treatment plants in the area.

The lake has been in news for the last one year for spillover of froth and toxic fumes.

(Agencies)

OPS camp ‘removes’ Sasikala

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sasikala

Chennai: In a tit for tat move, the O Panneerselvam camp today “removed” AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala and her two relatives from the party for “going against its principles and ideals”. In a statement, E Madusudanan, who was earlier removed as Presidium Chairman by Sasikala, said she had “violated” her promise to the late Jayalalithaa that she will not enter politics and that she had no inclination to be a part of the party or government.

He asked cadres not to have any association with Sasikala. The development came a day after Sasikala loyalist Edappadi K Palaniswami was sworn in as Chief Minister and he will seek a trust vote tomorrow in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. “V K Sasikala is being removed from the party’s primary membership for going against the party principles and ideals, and having violated her promise to Amma (Jayalalithaa), besides facing criminal cases. She has brought disrepute to the party,” he said in a statement.

Madusudanan, who had joined the Pannneerselvam camp last week, had been replaced with K A Sengottaiyan as the Presidium Chairman by Sasikala, a move rejected by the Panneerselvam camp. He was also removed from the party’s primary membership but insisted Sasikala had no authority to do so. Sasikala, serving a jail term in connection with the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case in Bengaluru, had also removed former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam from the party’s primary membership in the wake of his revolt against her.

Madusudanan also announced the “expulsion” of AIADMK Deputy General Secretary T T V Dinakaran and S Venkatesh, both relatives of Sasikala, from the party. He said Jayalalithaa had earlier (in 2011) expelled them from the party for “betraying” her. “Their re-induction, done without any authority, is being cancelled,” he said. The two were allowed to join AIADMK on Wednesday by Sasikala, after six years of expulsion by her predecessor Jayalalithaa.

Sasikala had announced that they were being allowed to join after they expressed regret for their acts in person and through letter and requested that they be allowed to join the AIADMK again. In an intra-party power struggle, Panneerselvam had revolted against Sasikala on February 7, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her elevation as Chief Minister.

She had been elected the AIADMK Legislature Party leader on February 5 to enable her become chief minister. But the Governor, Ch Vidyasagar Rao, had apparently chosen to await the outcome of the Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate assets case.

(PTI)

RSS member’s murder: No proof against PFI leader; 4 others in NIA custody

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rudresh

Bengaluru: The special court in Bengaluru has remanded four accused in the murder case of RSS worker Rudresh in seven-day custody of National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Special judge for NIA cases Gulzarlal Mahavarakar on Thursday allowed an application filed by NIA seeking the custody of Waseem Ahmed, Mujeeb, Sadiq and Irfan Pasha. The NIA had sought their custody citing that certain new facts need to be ascertained by way of custodial interrogation.

P Prasanna Kumar, special public prosecutor for NIA, told the court that the interim order of restraint passed by the high court is only in respect of accused number 5, Asim Sharif, and not against all the accused.

Meanwhile, the high court adjourned to February 23 the hearing on the petition filed by the four, challenging the case and also the suo-motu takeover of the same by the NIA.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that the special court did not consider the relief granted by the high court to Popular Front of India (PFI) leader Asim Sharif in the same case recently and passed an order remanding these four to NIA custody.

The main contention was that the Centre has gone beyond the law, referring the matter to the NIA suo-moto without there being any cogent material as well as any request from the Karnataka government.

Rudresh was hacked to death by two men on a motorbike in broad daylight in the Shivajinagar area of Bengaluru on October 16 last year.

According to sources, the investigators did not find any solid evidence against PFI Bengaluru district president Asim Sharif, who was arrested in November last year as fifth accused in the case.

(Agencies)

CUPID STRIKES NANA & MAHIE DANCING TO “ITTEFAQAN” – THE VALENTINE WALTZ

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nana-patekar-WEDDING-ANNIVERSARY

CUPID STRIKES NANA & MAHIE DANCING TO “ITTEFAQAN” – THE VALENTINE WALTZ

Shekhar S. Jha’s film WEDDING ANNIVERSARY captures the essence of cupid this Valentine as Nana Patekar does exquisite steps with Mahie Gill in a dance sequence from this romantic drama. “Every lover meets by chance is this whole wide world and suddenly 2 hearts start beating together. So romance happens “Ittefaqan” says singer – composer of this Valentine Waltz, Abhishek Ray. The 3 beat rhythm of blues – jazz composition is picturised by the director in an old Portuguese bungalow by the Sea at Goa. Nana & Mahie form an interesting couple looking into each other’s eyes, cutting a cake and dancing away to glory celebrating the quintessential spirit of Valentine. This romantic film capturing the journey of an unlikely couple on one fateful night is all set to release on 24th of this month. By the way, the producers of the film have spent a fortune shooting the dancy trance number “The Rainbow Song” on the roof of a cruise ship at Goa. This EDM track features the sultry Mahie Gill & Abhishek Ray (also the singer – composer) performing with a trippy crowd of a thousand foreign dancers. The snazzy electro sounds used in this foot tapping track with tight vocals by Abhishek Ray & Bhoomi Trivedi is catching up with the youth as a trendsetter.

PRIYANKA RAINA MAKES SHORT FILM PRIOR ‘ZINDAGI’ STARRING SAHILA CHADDHA

This time it is romantic cult comedy between 2 girls falling for the same boy. Dialogues are written by Monjoy Mukherji & story by Amarjeet. The movie is produced by Tanmay Bharadwaj & Online Media Partners BCR News, FilmyTown, Just Bollywood, Universal Newsline et al. “I sat on dialogues for more than a week before we could lock our script. Also then came the cast, and I announced Auditions (Exclusive only for Theater actors) at studio to get my cast. My movie Love Lust And Locha is a performance based act and I am lucky to have got the best cast from my auditions. Lead actors are Sabir Shaikh, Nandini & Ankita”, Priyanka Raina adds.

WHY DEEPIKA & SHAHID WILL SET THE SCREEN ABLAZE WITH THEIR CHEMISTRY

We cannot wait for Deepika & Shahid’s sizzling chemistry in PADMAVATI. It will be very interesting to see them opposite Ranveer Singh who has wooed Deepika on screen in RAMLEELAA and off screen as well. Bhansali has officially clarified that there is no dream sequence or any objectionable scene between Rani Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) & Allauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). After Shahid posted his picture with an award Deepika commented “Congratulations” followed by “I love you.” Not to mention, Shahid had also attended the special premiere of Deepika’s XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE and appreciated her on social media as well. Both the stars are looking in great shape right now and to see them paired together will definitely set the screen on fire. Both the stars are known for the extra effort they put in the roles they take up. Whats more? Bhansali is known for working out magic between his actors. Shahid & Deepika’s fresh pairing will give the industry a never – seen – before Jodi. Padmavati & Rawal Ratan Singh have got our hearts racing already!

SHEMAROO & GREEN APPLE MEDIA TO PRESENT ‘MIRZA JUULIET’!

The film MIRZA JUULIET is produced by Falansha Media Pvt Ltd and is being presented jointly by Shemaroo Entertainment Pvt Ltd & Green Apple Media. MIRZA JUULIET is a unique love story of the lead pair Dharshan Kumar & Pia Bajpai in the backdrop of Banaras and cast also includes Chandan Roy Sanyal & Priyanshu Chatterjee in important roles. Director of the film is Rajesh Ram Singh. Ketan Maru the Senior Vice President of Film Production Division says, “I saw the film and related with the genre of the film. We have presented films like DEDH ISHQIYA & HUNTER which were unique subjects. I believe in the content of MIRZA JUULIET and has the potential to click with masses. Neeraj Kumar Burman of Green Apple Media says, “It is a unique subject & I am co – presenting it with Shemaroo Entertainment and intend to make more films with Shemaroo. It is my 1st venture in the entertainment industry.” The film is slated to release in Apr, 2017.

MAHESH BHATT SAYS DON’T WATCH THE FILM ‘MONA_DARLING’

The industry is known to be a tight knit family but it came as a surprise when Mahesh Bhatt stated “dont watch” Anshuman Jha & Sanjay Suri’s MONA_DARLING which is releasing on 24th Feb, 2017. Mahesh Bhatt was overheard saying in an interview with Anshuman Jha, who stars in the film, to not watch this Social Media based whodunnit thriller. The irony being he had said the same thing for SADAK 26 ago where he quoted “that don’t watch my film SADAK if you dont have the stomach for it”. With actors backing each other and promoting their films, this one comes as a shocker with Bhatt Saab saying not to watch this young film by probably the youngest producer in Bollywood. On touching base with an amused Anshuman Jha, he stated, ‘I am shocked & happy – Shocked because he said “Don’t” watch MONA_DARLING & Happy because he compared us with SADAK. I would love to show him our film.”​

CHANDAN ROY SANYAL IN NANDITA DAS’ ‘MANTO’

Chandan Roy Sanyal has been roped in to play a crucial role in MANTO, directed by Nandita Das. Last seen in Sanjay Gupta’s
JAZBAA where he was seen playing a rapist, Chandan will now be seen essaying the role of a very dear friend of Manto’s who affected his life majorly. “It’s a great opportunity to playing a pivotal role in MANTO. I have always been a big fan of his short stories. So when Nandita Das called me and offered me the role in her film I was ecstatic. I am trying to define my career now and give it a definite shape & structure.”
Nandita Das says, “Chandan plays a writer of great repute and I am convinced that he will bring great amount of authenticity & dignity to the character”. Chandan will also be seen this year playing John Leguizamo’s character from the film CHEF in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood movie where Saif Ali Khan
will be seen playing Jon Favreau’s character. The actor also has a crucial role in Imtiaz Ali’s next REHNUMA which stars Shah Rukh Khan & Anushka Sharma in the lead. “The year starts with MIRZAA JUULIET which releases in Apr, 2017. Followed by Adhikari Brother’s film their first film production directed by debutante Ravi Adhikari. After which I have CHEF with Saif Ali Khan & REHNUMA by Imtiaz Ali and my very favourite Shah Rukh Khan. They are all roles of different kinds, age & emotional graphs.” shares Chandan.

MUSIC ALBUM ‘CHUBHAN – EK EHSAAS’ LAUNCHED

Ssan Media & Entertainment’s music album, CHUBHAN – EK EHSAAS, was launched on 7th Feb, 2017 at Wave & Frame Studios. It will be a compilation of 5 songs. The 1st song was rendered by Sa Ra Ga Ma 2010 runner up Nazim K. Ali under the supervision of music director Raj Inder Raj. The song was penned by well – known writer & poet Sanjay ‘Amaan’. The album is produced by Anita S. Sharma, Samiksha S. Sharma & Abdul Qadeer. The launching saw many celebrity guests like pop singer Parvati Khan, veteran ghazal singer Chandan Dass, actor & stand -up comedian Sunil Pal, actress Leena Kapoor et al.

‘HAADSA – BY CHANCE’ ANNOUNCED

Filmmaker Deep Sharma is all geared up to launch his maiden Hindi directorial debut with a racy new age cinema HAADSA – BY CHANCE under the banner of P. C. Entertainment. The announcement was made recently at Hotel Orritel. Deep Sharma has earlier made a Punjabi film, DAUD…….
RACE FOR LOVE. He was an associate writer with Lalit Mahajan and assisted director Raj Kumar Kohli too. After short stints in television & ad commercials, he is back with this film as a writer – director. Television actor Harshad Chopra mainly recognized for his role of Prem Juneja in Balaji’s KIS DESH MEIN HAI MERAA DIL plays the lead opposite new comer Aayat Sheikh. Umesh Rai is the director of photography. Karishma Ramnani & Rajkumar Singh of ATE (Academy of Training & Enhancement) are business consultants of this film. Other cast featuring veteran actors & technicians are under finalization. The shooting schedule for the film will be held from the end of Mar, 2017 in Agra and the balance portions will be shot in Mumbai.

MADHURI DIXIT NENE TEACHES VARUN & ALIA THE “TAMMA TAMMA” STEP

Alia says that she was “super excited & nervous“about her meeting with the dancing diva. “People don’t want you to mess with iconic songs and an entire generation has grown up on “Tamma Tamma“. It’s back again but the idea is not to recreate it but pay our homage to it. It’s integrated in the story. Fortunately, Madhuri was really cool about it. And I am so glad she found it to be cute & fresh, and said, “I like it”. We also had the privilege of learning the original hook step from her. It was too much fun,“ Varun says that It was amazing to see how she noticed which were the steps we took from the original and how the song has been shot. She really enjoyed the new mix and the mannequin challenge..She was happy with the way we presented it since we had our own take and then we asked her a lot of questions about how many days they shot the original in. She was really sweet & infected then we learnt the original step from her. Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt also showed them the video of the song “Tamma Tamma” Again, a re – created version of the latter’s original hit as a mark of love & respect, Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt showed the video of their song “Tamma Tamma” Again (from BADRINATH KI DULHANIA) to Sanjay Dutt, after showing it to Madhuri Dixit – Nene. The “Tamma Tamma” track was originally composed by Bappi Lahiri for THANEDAAR (1990), starring Sanju & Mads in the lead. Varun has grown up watching Sanju on the sets of his dad David Dhawan’s films. Dutt had done a cameo in Rohit Dhawan’s debut film DESI BOYZ, while Mads had done the item song “Makhna” in David’s BADE MIYAN CHOTE MIYAN. Alia, too, has a emotional connect with Sanju Baba as her father Mahesh Bhatt has been a mentor of sorts to him.”

THE RUSSIAN ACTION EXTRAVAGANZA ‘GUARDIANS – THE SUPERHEROES’ TO RELEASE IN INDIA

Following the Indo – Russian cultural pact sealed in Oct last year, many Russian films are expected to make their way in India. The 1st ever Russian film to have a day & a date release will be a superhero action extravaganza titled GUARDIANS – THE SUPERHEROES. The film directed by Sarik Andreasyan, the Armenian behind hits like EARTHQUAKE & AMERICAN HEIST; stars
Russian actors Alina Lanina, Sebastien Sisak, Sanzhar Madiyev & Anton Pampushnyy. Confirming the film’s release in India, Murli Chhatwani of Muviwale Entertainment, the firm that has acquired the film for its theatrical release in India, said, “We have received a huge response for the trailer of the film & will release the film in Hindi, English, Tamil & Telugu on 24th Feb, 2017. ”Jiten Hemdev, of Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd who bought the rights from the Russian Production house for India said, “The film was in news from the time of its inception and has been creating a lot of positive buzz. Hence we decided to bring it here for our Indian audiences.” Touted as one of the biggest superhero films internationally and in the same league as Hollywood superhero franchises, the film will release in around 50 countries including USA, UK, Germany, China, South Africa to name a few. Looking at the buzz the film has created, a sequel has already been green – lit”.

AMANDA SODHI DROPS DEBUT HINDI SINGLE “MAIN KHAALI” MALVIKA SUBHASH SIRUR

After a catchy R & B single “Behind My Sunglasses,” which even A R Rahman Tweeted about, singer – songwriter – filmmaker Amanda Sodhi has now dropped her debut Hindi single, “Main Khaali”. Malvika Subhash Sirur, which those going through heartbreak will relate to.”Main Khaali” is a song that will always be close to my heart for all it signifies personally & professionally – it took just a little under 2 years for this 3 – minute song to see the light of the day, but it has been worth it,” said Amanda Sodhi. “Main Khaali” explores the perfect fairy tale that never happens and the idea of setting yourself up for failure when you look for traces of your past in new people you meet.” “It has been a roller coaster ride in making “Main Khaali” reach where it is today” said Malvika Subhash Sirur, who has recorded guitar for the song and features in the music video.” She is currently in post – production for a documentary about the independent music scene called “Attention Please”, which she co – directed with K. J. Singh, and is gearing up for the release of another Hindi single and an English rap. Her earlier releases “Behind My Sunglasses” & “Jigsaw Puzzle” made it to OK Listen’s top charts within a matter of weeks.

CARNIVAL CINEMAS LAUNCHES ITS NEWEST 2 SCREEN PROPERTY IN MANDSAUR, MP

Dr Shrikant Bhasi led Carnival Cinemas launched its newest 2 screens property in Mandsaur on 10th Feb, 2017 in association with Tirupati Plaza. Renowned actress Sanaa Khan inaugurated it with much fanfare. Having the seating capacity of 310 seats, Carnival Cinemas Mandsaur is equipped with world class 2K Digital Projection Technology, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, high luminosity 3D screens, lavish interiors, luxurious seating arrangements, a wide array of F&B and the best – in – class services at pocket friendly prices. PV Sunil, Director & CEO, Carnival Cinemas, said, “With Carnival opening at Mandsaur with JOLLY LLB2, we are very happy to dedicate it to the citizens of the city. The residents of Mandsaur don’t need to travel long hours to get the premium movie watching experience. Our aim is to provide state – of -the – art technology & services to our patrons at a reasonable price. We are planning to open 150 screens in the state by 2017. In line with our international & national expansion plans, we have some serious growth plans in Madhya Pradesh as well. In sync with our current growth plans, we have signed up MoU’s with Governments of Jharkhand & Odisha for setting up 75 theatres – cum – recreation zones and 150 screens in the respective states. It will enable the Group’s vision of holding 1000 screens globally by 2017.”

ANUSHKA & DILJIT LAUNCH NEW ‘PHILLAURI’
POSTER!!!

The PHILLAURI trailer broke the internet with an unprecedented, more than 10 million views in less than a day on digital platforms (Facebook & YouTube), the highest for any romantic (genre) Hindi film!!! The entertaining & engaging said PHILLAURI’s
unique story got the audience completely hooked on. The most popular parts of the trailer are Anushka’s role as that of a friendly ghost who inadvertently gets entangled in a typically crazy Punjabi wedding & Diljit Dosanjh with whom the spirit has a deep, beautiful love story from the past. The 1st time on – screen pairing of Anushka Sharma & Diljit Dosanjh has become an instant hit. With PHILLAURI, Diljit Dosanjh acts in his 1st mainstream lead role in Hindi film, having made a huge mark in UDTA PUNJAB last year. Co – producers, Fox Star Studios & Clean Slate Films stated, “The PHILLAURI trailer has worked with audiences because it’s refreshing & entertaining. Together, their chemistry & spark extend the film’s reach and will appeal to audiences universally.” The makers have now released another poster of the film PHILLAURI, directed by debutante Anshai Lal & written by Anvita Dutt, has been produced by Fox Star Studios & Clean Slate Films (Anushka’s production banner with brother Karnesh Sharma), is set to release on 24th Mar, 2017.

AMOL GUPTE’S ‘SNIFF’ SLATED FOR RELEASE ON 5TH MAY 2017

The official poster of Amole Gupte directed, a Trinity Pictures franchise, SNIFF is slated to release on 5th May, 2017. A fun promotional video has been especially shot to introduce the lead character Sunny Gill and his squad, Agents of SNIFF. Sunny Gill, India’s youngest spy super hero is all set to hit theaters on 5th May, 2017 with the release of Trinity Pictures’ SNIFF directed by Amole Gupte. The makers got the cast of the film to shoot a fun promotional digital video on what it takes to sniff out crime. From the PM being on your speed dial to drug syndicates gunning for them, Sunny Gill and his agents of sniff make it look all too easy.

AYUSHMANN & BHUMI IN QUIRKY ROM – COM ‘SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN’

2 years since their 1st outing, Ayushmann & Bhumi will come together again for another quirky love story titled SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN, directed by R S Prasanna, that will be jointly produced by Aanand L Rai & Eros International. The film will be shot in Delhi & Haridwar in a start – to – finish schedule and will release in Aug this year. Coincidentally , the lead pair’s 1st film was also set in Haridwar. Producer Aanand L Rai says, “SHUBH MANGAL SAAVDHAN is a funny & layered story. These are the kind of stories I’ve identified with, right from the time I made TANU WEDS MANU. It is a simple narrative with an interesting bend and the reason I cast Ayushmann & Bhumi is that they fit the bill perfectly for this part. They are the sort of actors I could be friends with even if they didn’t belong to the fraternity. They are simple & humble.“

SIBLINGS COME TOGETHER FOR A PLAY ‘HELLO DARLING’

Shaad Randhawa, son of Sardar Singh Randhawa (younger brother of Dara Singh) who made his debut with Mohit Suri’s WOH LAMHE will be seen together with his cousin brother Vindu Dara Singh for the 1st time on stage. The actor who has excelled in varied roles is playing the lead in a hilarious comedy drama HELLO DARLING which is now becoming a play with a brilliant starcast.
DHOOM DADAKKA was Shaad’s 1st film where he played the lead. He was also seen in AWARAPAN, AASHIQUI 2, EK VILLAIN & MASTIZAADE which fetched him accolades & critical appreciation. Vindu Dara Singh who is remembered as Titu in SON OF SARDAAR too has an important role in this fun drama. The BIGG BOSS 3 winner in 2009 has featured in many films & TV series too. Both seasoned actors will have the audiences in splits with their comic timings. The play too has an ensemble of talented cast featuring Sheeba, Payal Goga Kapoor & Vibha Bhagat. Produced & directed by Yogesh Sanghvi, HELLO DARLING is a play which most married couples will co – relate with. It is a drama between a Husband & a Wife. The message that carries with this show is that a married couple should trust each other and should not be unfaithful.

DIRECTOR DINESH VIJAN WRAPS UP THE SHOOT OF ‘RAABTA’ IN AMRITSAR

One of the most anticipated romantic films of 2017, RAABTA staring Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon recently wrapped up their shoot in Amritsar at the Golden Temple. Director Dinesh Vijan, who is a strong believer in Golden Temple wrapped the shoot of his film with the end shot at Golden Temple which was a high energy song – “Sadda Move”, choreographed by Ahmed Khan & composed by Pritam. Interestingly, the 1st shot of the film was also at Golden Temple. The cast & the crew had a great time shooting on the streets of Amritsar. RAABTA is produced by Dinesh Vijan & Bhushan Kumar & presented by T – Series & Maddock films. The film is all set to release on 9th Jun, 2017.

FARAH KHAN LEADS THE TALK ON INFERTILITY WITH MERCK’S “PARENTS OF FERTILITY” INITIATIVE

Farah Khan, ace director, actor & choreographer in association with Merck, pioneers & world leaders in Fertility recently released a video on infertility. The video, a personal memoir of Farah’s journey to parenthood is a vivid recollection of her fears, challenges, doubts and ultimately her story of hope, belief & positivity towards IVF that led her to become a mother. Merck released this video as part of their “Parents of Fertility” awareness initiative that helps & supports couples in India through this journey of parenthood. Talking about her experience of going through IVF, Farah Khan said, “IVF is a blessing and I am really thankful as it has changed my life. A lot of factors today make it difficult for some couples to conceive; but we have solutions in the form of treatments. And I strongly believe in IVF, it helped me conceive my angels. Being persistent, positive & patient towards the procedure paid off. And if IVF can change my life, it could change yours too.” Farah & her husband Shirish tried for 2 years for a baby but were unable to conceive naturally. However, with the help of Fertility specialists, at the age of 43, they were able to become parents giving birth to daughters Diva, Anya & son Czar safely through IVF. Since then she has been very vocal about the treatment being a fantastic option for those who have not been able to conceive. The video is a medium through which Farah Khan & Merck have come together to drive awareness around infertility.

BADRINATH, HIS DULHANIA & RED FM DRIVE AWAY MUMBAI’S MONDAY BLUES

Badrinath aka Varun Dhawan and his beautiful dulhania Alia Bhatt took Mumbaikars, stuck in traffic by surprise. Red FM’s RJ Malishka along with the stars decided to spread some happiness on Monday morning when they went on to the streets of Mumbai and made the people dance to the tunes of “Tamma Tamma”.The “tour” began at Bandstand where Varun, Alia along with their gang exited a car began to perform. People were astonished to find themselves suddenly amidst celebrities who had actually come to dance with them. The vehicle then went on areas around National College giving the students something to smile about on the usually mundane 1st day of the week and ended with a last dance at base outside the Dharma Productions office. A number of people got out of their cars and shook their legs to the beats of BADRINATH KI DULHANIA’s latest song “tamma tamma” which is slowly catching on as the number one song on all party playlists.

SIDHARTH MALHOTRA INAUGURATES THE NATIONAL INCLUSION CUP

Sidharth Malhotra, along with the senior management of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and the founding team of Slum Soccer, inaugurated The National Inclusion Cup in Mumbai. Supporting the cause of empowering India’s underprivileged youth through sports, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has partnered with the NGO “Slum Soccer” for this CSR initiative. The 5 – day football tournament is being held in Mumbai for the 1st time. This year, teams from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Vidharbha, Orissa, Gujarat, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Uttar Pradesh are participating. Once the tournament in India concludes, the final selected teams comprising of 8 men & 8 women players each, will represent India at the 15th Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway from Aug, 2017. I truly believe in Nelson Mandela’s saying that “Sports has the power to change the world”. This is 29 to 5th Sept, 2017. Says Sidharth Malhotra, “”Everyone is equal in sport irrespective of your background a very exciting & empowering initiative and I really hope that our “Slum Soccer” team wins the world cup for us and makes India proud.”

Bhojpuri Film ‘TRISHUL’ READY FOR RELEASE

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Bhojpuri Movie Trishul

‘TRISHUL’ READY FOR RELEASE

Dipak Shah Present & Aarji Film Production’s TRISHUL is ready for release. Producer: Rakesh Gupta. Writer & director: Baljit Singh. Co – Producer: Prakesh Kumar. Lyrics: Aar Pankaj, Abhishek Bhojpuriya & Pintu Giri. Music: Damodar Raw. D.O.P: Harish Patel. Editor: Himanshu Tiwari. Dances: Anthoni, Mahesh Aacharya & Santosh Kumar. Cast: Viraj Bhatt, Arvind Akela ‘Kallu’, Rakesh Gupta, Monu, Anjana Singh, Tanushree, Shilpi Shukla, Prem Dubey, Sanjay Verma & Sanjay Panday.

‘BETA HOKE TA AISHAN’ TO RELEASE ON 24TH FEB 2017 IN BIHAR

Swastik Enterprises & Aar Ke Aar Films & Music Presents’ BETA HOKE TA AISHAN all set to be released on 24th Feb, 2017 in Bihar. Writer & Producer: Ravindra Kumar Ravi. Music Composer & Director: Chandrama Chandra Sahi. Cast: Kuldip Kumar, Varsha Ritu, Swati Singh, Sanjay Panday, Umesh Singh, Tarun Dhaya, Avinsh, Padam Singh et al.

‘TU BEWAFA BADU’ SHOOTING PROGESSES

A 25 days start to finish shooting schedule of Abhimanyu Film’s BETA HOKE TA AISHAN is currently in progress at Dhanbad. Writer & Director: Rajendra Pandey (Raaj). Producer: Abhimanyu Singh. Music: Aman Shlok. Lyrics: Dharmendra Ehsaas, Muni Lal & Santosh Puri. Dances: Kedar Subba. D.O.P.: Masood Qureshi. Cast: Debutante Amit Singh, Afsar Khan, Sahiba, Neelima Pandey, Pankaj Singh, Sunita Singh, Ila Pandey et al.

‘RATIYA KAHAN BITAWALA NAA’ BG MUSIC COMPLETED

The background music of Indian Music’s RATIYA KAHAN BITAWALA NAA has been completed at Guru Kripa Studio recently. Writer – Producer – Director : Avinash Tripathi. Lyrics & Music: R. S. Pritam. Dances: J. K. Tiwari. Action: Heeralal Yadav. Editor: Vinod Chaurasia. D.O.P.: Gyan Yadav. Co – Producer: Radhe Shyam Tiwari. Cast: Samar Singh (Bhojpuri Singing Star), Dishka Singh, Rashmi Sharma, Deepak Singh, Saheb Laldhari & Santosh Pahalwan (as main villain).

‘GAON KE LAL’ RELEASING ON 24TH FEB 2017 IN BiHAR

Jainub Art Movies’ GAON KE LAL
is all set to be released on 24th Feb, 2017 in Bihar & Jharkhand at many cinemas. Producer: Er. A. N. Tripathi & M. A. Siwani. Director: Jagdish Singh. Story: A. N. Tripathi. Screenplay & Dialogues: Santram. Music: Vijay Nanda. Lyrics: Subhash Yadav, Vishwanath Rajpuri & Durgesh Tiwari. Action: Pradip Khadka. Editor: Kamal Sahgal. Dances: Santosh Sarvadarshi. D.O.P.: D. K. Sharma. Associate Director: Santram. Cast: Satyendra Singh, Priya Kapoor, Bipin Singh, Santosh Shrivastav, Judy Michael, Babloo Singh, Tyagi, Vedprakash Dube, Jay Tilak, Reena Mishra, Nazar, Neelam Pandey & Seema Singh.

‘JAAN HAMAAR’ MIXING PROGRESSES

The mixing of Koyal Films’ JAAN HAMAAR is currently in progress by Anup Mukherjee. Producer & Director: Kashinath Jaiswal. Writer & Lyricist: Mritunjay Shrivastav. Music: Raja Bhattacharya. Action: Baban. Dances: Kailash Sharma. D.O.P.: Shahbaaz Khan “Pappu”. Creative director: Paras N. Singh. Cast: Shahbaz Khan, Kalpana Shah, Ali Khan, Poonam Verma, Vandana Singh, Seema Singh & debutante Prem Singh.

‘RANI HUM HO GAEELI TOHAR’ MIXING

The mixing of Birajishri Balaji Art Films’ RANI HUM HO GAEELI TOHAR has been completed at A. B. Studio. Producer: Raja Ram Kanojia. Writer & Director: Prakash Anand. Music: Sahil. Lyrics: Prakash Anand & Sagar. Action: Pradip Khadka. Dances: Ashok – Mayank. D. O. P.: Ashwini Mishra. Associate Director: Satya Dubey. Cast: Gaurav Jha, Neha Shree, Ram Mishra, Baleshwar Singh, Nagendra Yadav, Sanjay Verma, Alisha Rawat, Dharmendra Singh, Shama, Harish Gupta, T. N. Tripathi, Manoj Gupta, Glory & Ranu Pandey.

Modi, Akhilesh two sides of same coin: Owaisi

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Asaduddin Owaisi

Kanpur: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Akhilesh Yadav as two sides of the same coin, saying both “failed” to stop riots in their states as chief ministers.

Owaisi, whose party is contesting only from Arya Nagar Assembly seat in the district, also accused SP and BSP of trying to fool Muslim voters.

“Riots happened in Muzaffarnagar but the chief minister failed to stop riots or provide justice to victims. How does it make him any different from Modi? Riots took place in Gujarat when Modi was the chief minister. He too failed to stop the riots or give justice to Muslims,” he said.

“Akhilesh is willing to grab Muslim votes by scaring them with the name of BJP. Muslims should make the AIMIM candidates win,” he said while addressing a public meeting in Colonelganj area here last night.

Owaisi said he wanted to come to Kanpur earlier but was allegedly stopped by the administration as one of the ADMs said in his report that the visit will affect peace in the city.

“I would advise Akhilesh to induct that ADM into his party because he is loyal to him. Akhilesh could not be even loyal to his father so now officers like these would be of benefit to him,” he said.

He said that he has held about a dozen public meetings in UP but his remarks never disturbed law and order anywhere.

“Actually the Samajwadi Party is afraid of me because they are fetching votes from Muslims by fear, but I will tell the truth to Muslims that they are being fooled by SP and BSP,” he added.

Hitting out at Akhilesh, Owaisi said the SP government in Uttar Pradesh promised to build schools and homes for Muslims but failed to fulfil them.

It was said that Muslims youths will be recruited in police and other departments of the state but that could not happen either, he said.

“There are over 55 per cent vacancies in the state police that have not been filled yet. Similarly clean drinking water was promised to Muslim colonies…. that was not fulfilled even as the lion safari in Safai got its own water treatment plant,” he added.

Asking Muslims to vote for his party, Owaisi said if 8 to 10 of his MLAs are elected in the state Assembly, they would not let anyone take what belongs to Muslims.

(PTI)

UP 2nd phase turnout betters first, highest ever in U’khand: EC

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bihar-polls

New Delhi: The second phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh today saw 65.5 per cent voting while at 68 per cent, Uttarakhand recorded its highest ever turnout, Election Commission today said.

The poll panel said the “very sensitive” second phase in Uttar Pradesh, during which polling was held in 67 Assembly constituencies, passed off peacefully and overall mood made it appear like a “festival of democracy”.

It said the figure registered till 5 PM was likely to go up in both the states, and that it may touch 70 per cent in Uttarakhand.

Enforcement agencies seized Rs 16.52 crore in cash, 3.29 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 9 crore and drugs worth Rs 1.16 crore in Uttar Pradesh while 1.5 lakh weapons were deposited.

Vijay Dev, Deputy Election Commissioner in charge of Uttar Pradesh, told a press conference that 117 electronic voting machines (EVMs) and 24 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines had to be replaced during the polls.

The corresponding figures were 20 and seven in case of Uttarakhand.

There was one instance of paid news in Uttarakhand, EC said, adding that polling was free from any violence and largely uneventful.

When asked about the Dainik Jagran case, Dev appealed to the media to go for “self-imposed implementaion” of the norms and refused to share any further details saying the matter was under probe.

A polling party had to trek for two days to reach a height of 10,000 feet for conducting vote at the Reeh polling station, which has only 275 electors, located in the Tehri Garhwal district.

“There were 479 polling station which were in snow-covered areas,” Deputy Election Commissioner in charge Sandeep Saxena said.

Around Rs 3.38 crore was seized in cash in the hill state along with 147 illegal weapons. Liquor worth Rs 3.1 crore was seized and drugs worth Rs 37.23 lakh.

“The voting percentage had breached all records by 5 PM when it touched 68 per cent. Around 67.22 turnout was recorded in the 2012 Assembly polls while 2014 Lok Sabha polls saw 62.15 per cent turnout,” Saxena told reporters.

In this phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh 82 women candidates were in the fray while the same was 60 in Uttarakhand. The number of third gender candidates were eight and two respectively.

(PTI)

UAE ambassador dies of wounds from Afghanistan bombing

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by The New Arab

This picture taken on January 10, 2017 shows Afghan policemen standing guard at the site of an explosion near the governor's compound in Kandahar. (AFP/Jawed Tanveer)

This picture taken on January 10, 2017 shows Afghan policemen standing guard at the site of an explosion near the governor’s compound in Kandahar. (AFP/Jawed Tanveer)

The UAE’s ambassador to Afghanistan died on Wednesday of wounds sustained in a 10 January bombing in Kandahar, according to state media.

Juma Mohammed Abdullah al-Kaabi’s death was confirmed by the UAE’s official WAM news agency who described the ambassador as a “martyr” in a blast which killed five other Emirati officials.

The ambassador was leading a UAE delegation to the provincial governor’s office in the southern city when the bomber struck, killing 12 people instantly. Both he and governor Humayun Azizi suffered serious burns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was “deeply saddened” by the envoy’s death, his office said.

“The UAE ambassador and his colleagues paid the ultimate sacrifice in promoting peace and development in Afghanistan to be remembered forever,” it said in a statement.

“The president expresses his condolences and sympathies to the family of the late ambassador as well as to the government and the people of United Arab Emirates.”

The bombing was one of multiple attacks that struck three Afghan cities on 10 January, killing 57 people.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for twin bombs that hit a parliamentary annexe in Kabul and a suicide bombing in Lashkar Gah, capital of restive Helmand province. However, it did not claim the Kandahar attack.

Provincial police chief Abdul Raziq blamed the Kandahar bombing on the Haqqani network, a group separate from, but allied, with the Taliban.

The UAE has historically had good relations with the Taliban and was among three governments that recognized the Taliban administration that ruled in Kabul between 1996 and 2001.

Security in Afghanistan has become increasingly precarious as US-backed forces struggle to combat a resilient Taliban insurgency as well as al-Qaeda and Daesh group militants.

Last week, a search was launched to find two Red Cross workers that were kidnapped after IS militants ambushed a convoy and left six workers dead.

The attack underscores how aid workers in Afghanistan have increasingly become casualties of a surge in militant violence in recent years, prompting the ICRC, which has been working in Afghanistan for three decades, announcing a hold to nationwide operations.

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