Archives for April 2017

Senior film journalist Jyothi Venkatesh has been conferred with the “Indywood Media Excellence Awards – Mumbai Chapter” under the sub category – “Professional Excellence -Film Journalism”.

The “Indywood Media Excellence Awards” is being organized to honor the print & the online media practitioners who have demonstrated excellence in providing media solutions, products & services.

The event is being organized by Indywood Consortium. Indywood Film Carnival is conducted with the main support from the Government of Telengana and a Sharjah based marine company called Aries Group of Companies.

The chief patron of the event is Chandrashekar Rao, Chief Minister of Telengana. “Indywood Media Excellence Awards” shall be conducted in all major cities in India to honor & to appreciate the commendable work of Film Journalists & Media Professionals all across our country.

As an initial step towards this the “1st Ever Indywood Media Excellence Awards” was held at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad on 24th Sept, 2016.

The National Level “Indywood Media Excellence Awards” shall be presented during 1st Dec, 2017 to 4th Dec, 2017 along with “Indywood Carnival 2017” at Ramoji Film City.

SONAKSHI SINHA LOVES URDU AS A LANGUAGE

The talented actress finds that urdu language is full of respect & romance. She has always been keen to learn how to speak and often even tries to use some words in her everyday conversations. Sonakshi picks up Urdu words from songs she hears or scripts she reads and mentally jots it down. She feels lucky that twice now her character names have been Urdu, Pakhi in Lootera and now Noor. Pakhi means the knife in Urdu & Noor means the light. She likes the way the names sound and also their meaning.

DUREX GETS INTO DENIMS WITH RANVEER SINGH

Vibrant & youthful brand, Durex is back again with Bollywood heartthrob, Ranveer Singh to announce the entry of Durex into your Jeans. Quirky & flamboyant, Ranveer Singh brings alive the flavor of the new product in the teaser video released recently. In the video, Ranveer is seen in a trial room telling his fans saying “Guys Durex is launching Jeans and I am the 1st one to try it… Then he goes into the trial room and shouts, Guys this fits really well. The glitzy actor is all set to endorse a brand new line of product by Durex. The actor tweeted about the announcement along with a teaser video from his official handle
@RanveerOfficial. Durex is all set to make its way into the Jeans which is 1st ever of its kind and this new association with Ranveer has already set the stage. The teaser is bound to excite all ecstatic Ranveer Singh fans to eagerly await for the launch announcement. The news has already started spreading like wild fire with varied popular celebs reacting to the Durex announcement

ALIA BHATT & NAMRATA JOSHIPURA REINVENTED RUNWAY DRAMA FOR MAYBELLINE NEW YORK AT AIFW

The Amazon India Fashion Week ended with high – octane drama, courtesy Maybelline. The brand partnered with renowned designer Namrata Joshipura to bring alive New York chic style to New Delhi, accentuated by edgy outfits & dramatic make – up. Bollywood’s IT girl & brand ambassador of Maybelline New York, Alia Bhatt had all eyes on her as she sashayed down the ramp, in a dramatic avatar, personifying #EyeSpeakDrama. Namrata Joshipura, the designer who brought the drama from New York to New Delhi said, “ I am so glad to see my vision translate so beautifully on the runway and I believe no – one could have portrayed the drama in my ensembles better than Alia Bhatt.” Alia Bhatt said, “I’m so excited that Maybelline and I finally “Made Drama Happen” on the ramp this season! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being a part of this show. Everything was so beautifully conceptualized to reflect Drama as a theme – right from the make – up, to the clothes, to the music & the sets. Namrata’s designs were phenomenal and so true to New York while the looks created by Elton for the models personified drama. I can’t wait to do more such exciting work with the brand for our upcoming campaigns.”

HUMA QURESHI TURNS SPEAKER FOR UN WOMEN!

It was only a few years ago that the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality & the Empowerment of Women.Headquartered at the United Nations in New York, UN Women promotes women’s empowerment, rights & gender equality globally. Our very own Huma Qureshi, who shares the same passion for this endeavor will today visit their HQ in New York to discuss the changing role of women in Indian films and their representation in the media. Huma was selected as a young influencer to speak on the subject for constantly challenging stereotypes & silencing skeptics. With this Huma joins names like Megan Fontanello among other female trailblazers who are an inspiration to young women across the world. The actress is in the best phase of her career with the stupendous success of JOLLY LLB 2 and the rave reviews coming her way for her international film, VICEROY’S HOUSE. She was recently celebrated in London and was a head turner at the London Fashion Week & the Empire Awards.

KATRINA KAIF TAKES ON THE PLANCHE!

Katrina Kaif who is currently shooting for TIGER ZINDA HAI in chilly Austria, is not letting the challenging weather interrupt her fitness regime. The actress who is completely dedicated when it comes to training, has flown her trainer Reza Katani to Austria, to ensure she doesn’t miss a single day of working out. While the team is shooting in the mountains at 1,400 ft above sea level, without access to a gym or proper workout equipment, Reza is training Katrina in the planche – an advanced bodyweight technique in which the body is held parallel to the ground by only the hands. Says a source, “Katrina will have some challenging action scenes in TIGER ZINDA HAI which will require a great amount of strength & balance. She is learning the planche as it only involves using one’s body weight and also works the entire body out minus the use of equipment. It is an extremely difficult move, which very few are able to master”.

KIRTI KULHARI PLAYS THE TITLE ROLE IN ‘INDU SARKAR’

Kirti Kulhari is back after her much
appreciated performance in PINK and plays a title role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s next INDU SARKAR which is about a stammering poetess with emergency as backdrop. The film has been 90% shot and here’s the 1st look of the actor that shows there is yet another powerful performance up her sleeves. Says Kirti, “INDU SARKAR (her character in the film) is delicate, gone through immense pain & suffering yet very caring & loving and through her journey in the film finds her true & free self. Shooting these kind of scenes is always depressing & exhausting yet liberating as you explore the pain inside you, face it & use it to express what the character is going through.” Asked her if she had to go through any preparation since it is an intense film, she says, “There’s a preparation & method before shooting. I took classes for voice modulation to make stammering look convincing. Once on set I believe in spontaneity but there are times especially during such intense scenes that I try not to break the mood & rhythm and avoid any kind of distractions.” Madhur Bhandarkar is also taking detour from the glamour world stories and one is certainly looking forward to INDU SARKAR.

SHILPA SHETTY LAUNCHES A MORNING CEREAL

Fitness diva Shilpa Shetty Kundra & celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija came together on a breakfast date to launch Saffola Multigrain Flakes! They shared their nutrition know -how with the media on the goodness of 5 grains over the single grain of cornflakes, making it #TheBetterFlakes for a better breakfast. The flakes comprise of 5 grains – Oats, Barley, Rice, Wheat & Corn. The 5 multigrain flakes makes breakfast a healthy delight. To acquaint people with the needs of these multi – nutrient flakes, Saffola on boarded people in the know like, celebrated actress & fitness diva Shilpa Shetty Kundra & renowned dietician & health expert Pooja Makhija. While candidly conversing about her fitness & diet regime, Shilpa Shetty said, “I am concerned about the deteriorating lifestyle choices. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and its essential to grab a good, first meal of the day. With such a multi – beneficial product in the market, I believe people will choose this over anything else because precisely I would.” During breakfast, people need all -rounded nutrition. Saffola Multigrain Flakes has 5 whole grains, which give multiple benefits of fibre, protein, minerals, & antioxidants at one go! ” added Pooja Makhija.

MEHBOOBA MUFTI, CM, JAMMU & KASHMIR LAUNCHES TRAILER OF ‘SARGOSHIYAN…
KUCH KEHTA HAI KASHMIR
‘
Mehbooba Mufti, CM; Jammu & Kashmir launched the trailer & music of SARGOSHIYAN…KUCH KEHTA HAI KASHMIR recently in Mumbai. The film is produced by TV actor Imran Khan. Farida Jalal, Sara Khan, Shahbaz Khan, Indranil Sengupta, Tom Alter, Aditi Bhatia, Khalid Siddiqui & Alok Nath were present at the do. Ranjeet, Poonam Sinha, Sohail Khan, Raza Murad, Akbar Khan, Kanchan Adhikari, Inder Kumar, Guddu Dhanao Narender Jha, Anju Mahendru, Parmeet Sethi, Lekh Tandon, Deepshikha, Shawar Khan, Ehsaan Quereshi, Shraddha with Ejaz Khan, Kanwaljit Singh & Kiran Kumar also graced the occasion. Imran Khan’s film is based on the true spirit of Kashmir & Kashmiriyat. It has been shot entirely in Kashmir amidst breath taking & unexplored locales. Mehbooba also mentioned her father, late Mufti Mohammed Saeed who wanted Bollywood members to shoot in J & K and has appealed to Bollywood to take inspiration from Imran’s film and shoot their movies in Kashmir. The film is produced under the banner of Imran Khan’s Production and is written & directed by Vijay Verma & Imran Khan.

SANJAY DUTT WANTS ‘BHOOMI’ RELEASE DATE TO CHANGE

In true Munna Bhai style, Dutt doesn’t want a clash at BO with friend Aamir. Sanjay Dutt is known for his large heartedness. No surprises then that the star who makes his comeback with Bhushan Kumar & Sandeep Singh’s BHOOMI wants the release date to be changed. The reason for Sanjay’s insistence is that he doesn’t want BHOOMI to clash with good friend Aamir Khan’s next project SECRET SUPERSTAR. Sanjay Dutt says, “I know the kind of hard work & effort that goes into making a film. I believe, after all the work being put in, it can’t be reduced to a clash at the Box Office turnstiles. Aamir is a dear friend and I wouldn’t want my comeback film to be pitted against his. In this industry, we should all make an effort to help each other.” BHOOMI was slated to hit theatres on 4th Aug, 2017. Sanjay Dutt has requested his film’s producers Bhushan Kumar & Sandeep Singh to change the film’s release date. The final decision will be taken by T – Series & Legend Studios.

‘ATITHII IIN LONDON’ STARRING KARTIK AARYAN, KRITI KHARBANDA & PARESH RAWAL TO RELEASE ON 9TH JUNE 2017!

One of the most anticipated films of 2017, ATITHII IIN LONDON is all set to hit the celluloid silver screen on 9th Jun, 2017. The film stars Paresh Rawal, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Kharbanda, Tanvi Azmi & Sanjay Mishra in pivotal roles. The film has been entirely shot in the beautiful locales of London. Panorama Studios presents, A Kiaan Entertainment Ltd (UK) production, produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak & Abhishek Pathak, ATITHII IIN LONDON is written & directed by Ashwni Dhir. The film releases on 9th Jun, 2017.

‘AMBASSADOR OF SOCIALISM – LIFE JOURNEY OF DR. RAMMANOHAR LOHIA’ IS A FILM BIOGRAPHY ON DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA BY CHARU SHARMA

Krokio Media, a Mumbai based film production house is coming up with a feature length biography docu – fiction film on the life journey of great socialist & politician Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia tentatively titled AMBASSADOR OF SOCIALISM – LIFE JOURNEY OF DR. RAMMANOHAR LOHIA. Along with the film 2 elegantly designed coffee table books, “Samajwad ke Safed Sanyasi” & “Rashtraputra Lohia” will also be released. The docu – fiction, is an absolutely priceless collection of memories & experiences from Dr. Lohia’s friends, colleagues, admirers & followers. It is an exciting collection of priceless anecdotes, insights & observations … Featuring people who knew him best, worked with him & some from the newer generation who revere & interpret Lohia’s ideology & socialism perceptively …The soon – to – be – completed and much awaited film will be officially released on 50th death anniversary of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on 12th Oct, 2017. On 12th Oct, 2016, an official promo of the biopic AMBASSADOR OF SOCIALISM – LIFE JOURNEY OF DR. RAMMANOHAR LOHIA written & directed by Charu Sharma was released on youtube & a song promo from the film was released on 23rd march 2017.

AMITABH BACHCHAN LAUNCHES WORLD’S 1ST EVER MOBILE APP ON BREAST HEALTH

Amitabh Bachchan launched the World’s 1st ever mobile App on “ABC of Breast Health”
at an event organised by Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation @ JW Marriott Hotel in Juhu. Both iOs & Android versions of the App which are available in Apple & Google Play Store for FREE download, aims to empower the nation about every aspect of Breast cancer & Benign non cancer Breast health issues in 12 Languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya & Assamese). Bachchan said, “I am impressed with Dr. Raghu Ram not only for all his achievements in the Medical Sphere, but also his pioneering efforts to empower people across the Country about importance of early detection of breast cancer through a number of innovative initiatives over the past decade. The opportunity to raise quality of life & Healthcare through digitalisation is on the cusp of a third wave of IT adoption.” Pamela Yash Chopra, a breast cancer “conqueror”, said, “My message to men is that instead of gifting a Sari or jewelry to your loved ones during festivals, please gift a Screening mammogram once a year to your spouse, which would go a long way in saving many lives through early detection”.

AMRITA SINGH TO PLAY A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN IRRFAN KHAN STARRER ‘HINDI MEDIUM’

Powerful actress, Amrita Singh will be seen in Irrfan Khan & Saba Qamar starrer HINDI MEDIUM essaying the role of a school principal!. Director Saket Chaudhary says,
”The principal’s character signifies authority, a woman who builds the future of children, and Amrita Singh has the quality to intimidate. She’s dressed in sarees that were carefully chosen to emphasize that she has taste and that lendd her an air of authority.” Interestingly, the school portions shown in the film were shot in Amrita’s alma mater, Modern School, in Delhi. She was the one who suggested it and was happy to go back to school. HINDI MEDIUM sees Irrfan khan in the role of a rich Punjabi businessman & clothes store owner from Chandni Chowk who along with his wife is eager to be accepted in the Capital’s elite circles. Produced by Dinesh Vijan & Bhushan Kumar, HINDI MEDIUM is all set to release on 12th May, 2017.

ARJUN KAPOOR WENT THROUGH RIGOROUS TRAINING REGIMEN

Arjun recently went through a rigorous training regimen for 3 months. He would train in the morning & evening for 2hours plus and then. The top NBA coaches flew down from the USA to train him. “It was important to get the nuances right and let the sport look as authentic & real as possible. For this Arjun had to become a basketball player and not just enact the role of one.” said Carlos Barroca, Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations of India, NBA.

Y – Films, the youth wing of Yash Raj Films (YRF), that has been known for clutter -breaking content & innovations, announced yet another 1st with their next feature film, namely Bank – Chor. They will become the only studio in the world to release a film theatrically simultaneously in 16D besides Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality formats, where the viewer will also be a part of the film, instead of just watching it.

The film Bank – Chor, starring Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Anand Oberoi & Rhea Chakraborty, is a story of 3 idiots trying to rob a bank… and how they pick the worst day possible to do it. In the past, YRF has been the 1st ever to release a film in IMAX with ATMOS sound. Bank – Chor has been designed with the next level of technology & immersive experiences where 16D helps activate all senses for a viewer in terms of touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste and also thought, imagination & feeling. In essence, the film will make you a part of the bank as one of the hostages when the heist is taking place.

All the partner multiplex & exhibition chains are apparently overhauling their screening systems to accommodate the film accordingly, as the film is scheduled to change the entire film viewing experience forever. They are also keeping medical staff on stand – by, as the experience could get too overwhelming for most audiences, who typically use just 5 senses.

Speaking on the same, Riteish Deshmukh said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this 1st ever technological innovation in the Indian Film Industry. 3D is so last season, when you have 16D! I’m certain Bank – Chor will steal a lot of hearts but since you can’t take chances, I’m also keeping a 16 – day fast & chanting Om Y – Films O Namah 16 times a day… am told it really works!”

Adds Vivek Anand Oberoi, “This is ground -breaking stuff & the 1st time ever I experienced it, it really rocked my world. The Bank – Chor gang is going to more than just tickle all your senses with this m – e – n -t – a – l experience. We also consulted famed numerologist from Chinchpokli, Baba Champak Chandrakant Chiplunkar, who advised us on 16th Jun, 2017 being the right release date… now there’s no stopping us!”

Bank – Chor is a fun comic thriller directed by Bumpy & produced by Ashish Patil. It features music by Shri Sriram, Superbia (Gourov Dasgupta, Roshin Balu & Shaan), Kailash Kher, Rochak Kohli, Baba Sehgal & Shameer Tandon. It is set for release worldwide on 16th June, 2017. We are hopeful at least 16 people will watch the film.

Y – Films is the dynamic, vibrant start – up at the intersection of films, creativity & youth culture that hopes to challenge the norm & detonate boundaries. Giving the youth a creative outlet & voice that will entertain & unite on film & beyond. A studio that promises to deliver kick ass content of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. And be a platform for talent – both on screen & behind the scenes – that will break & set new rules of story – telling.

Y – Films Makes A Li’l Film With A Big Heart. The short,Where Kids Read Sexist Comments By Adults, Was Launched Recently At The India Today Woman Summit

Y – Films, the team that loves pushing big boundaries, be it for the cause of gender equality (Man’s World), transgender equality (the Cannes’ Lion Grand Prix winner 6 – Pack Band), feminism (Ladies Room), sex education (Sex Chat with Pappu & Papa), or, umm, weddings (Bang Baaja Baaraat), makes a li’l film that will pull your heartstrings.

What happens when kids read all the atrocious sexist rubbish that adults (mostly men) land up saying… from Trump to Indian politicians? Y – Films decided to actually put that to test with a bunch of really bright kids, who teach us all a thing or two about why it’s important that we don’t judge, label or discriminate by gender. They beautifully drive home the point Y – Films has always been hammering – Don’t Grow Up!

The short film also marks the directorial debut of Y – Films’ Nikhil Taneja and has been produced by Y – Films for India Today. The film was launched at the recent India Today Women’s Summit under the #BigShorts umbrella. It is part of a series of commissioned “big short” videos with some of the best filmmakers of the country including Imtiaz Ali, Meghna Gulzar, Hansal Mehta, Rohan Sippy & Pradeep Sarkar last year besides Tigmanshu Dhulia, Ram Madhvani, Nandita Das & Sudhir Mishra this year.

Y – Films is the dynamic, vibrant start – up at the intersection of films, creativity & youth culture that hopes to challenge the norm & detonate boundaries. Giving the youth a creative outlet and voice that will entertain & unite on film & beyond. A studio that promises to deliver kick ass content of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. And be a platform for talent – both on screen & behind the scenes – that will break & set new rules of story – telling.