Archives for December 2017

Shah Rukh Khan aka SRK is now all set to host the Jio Filmfare Awards 2018. The Black Lady in its 63rd edition joins hands with Colors Channel. The prestigious award ceremony will be held on 20th Jan, 2018.
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The coveted Black Lady is all set to mesmerize the stars of Bollywood once again as Filmfare announced the arrival of the 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018 on 20th Jan, 2018 at DOME@ NSCI SVP Stadium. The date was revealed in the presence of Deepak Lamba, CEO – Worldwide Media, Jitesh Pillaai, Editor – Filmfare & above all superstar & the host of 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018, Shah Rukh Khan. At the conference, Jio Filmfare Awards also announced joining hands with Colors Channel as the exclusive telecast partner.

The 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018 will honour artists whose dedication & hard work led to some of the most memorable performances & films on the celluloid silver screen in 2017. The event will bring together the who’s who of the film industry & promises to create new benchmarks with a spectacular award show. The extravaganza is all set to deliver yet another memorable night of entertainment with the king of hearts Shah Rukh Khan hosting the event.

Speaking on this auspicious occasion, Deepak Lamba – CEO, Worldwide Media averred, “We are happy to announce the latest edition of the 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018. Last year, Filmfare took a few big steps in strengthening its foothold & expand its reach on the digital platform with strategic associations with Facebook, twitter et al. This year as well, we aim to set a new benchmark by reaching out to our patrons using television as well as digital platforms. We are also delighted to announce Colors Channel as our exclusive television partners. We promise to continue to offer the best in entertainment awards & bring Bollywood’s biggest stars under one roof for the celebration of the best of Hindi cinema in the year gone by. Considering the response & the admiration received for Filmfare Short Films Awards, we are excited to announce its return this year.”

Speaking at the press conference, actor & above all the host of 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018, Shah Rukh Khan averred, “I thank Filmfare & Jitesh Pillai for having me here & otherwise too. When I was growing up in Delhi, I used to watch Filmfare in bits & pieces on Doordarshan and since then I had this desire of being at a place where people shower me with love. The feeling of watching the stars receive the Black Lady was overwhelming & enticing and I hoped to be there someday. As the years have gone by my desire has still remained the same. I have always been associated with Filmfare in some way or the other and there is no reason to not be on Filmfare.”

Commenting on this latest acquisition, said Raj Nayak, COO – Viacom18, “What a happy ending to 2017 as we welcome the iconic “Black Lady” into the Colors Channel family. The “Black Lady” is perhaps the most recognizable award in the country and we are proud to enhance its glory by putting it on India’s fastest growing entertainment Channel, COLORS. The rich history of Filmfare makes it the most sought after awards in the entertainment industry; the addition of which to our bouquet of offerings will make our channel the Mecca of Entertainment for the viewers.”

Taking forward the legacy of honouring the best of talent, Filmfare is back with Jio Filmfare Short Film Awards 2018. After the phenomenal success of the 1st ever edition, Filmfare is all set to honour upcoming talent with the most coveted “Blact Lady” on the same evening as part of the main ceremony.

The 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards will be telecast exclusively on COLORS in the New Year.

Randeep Hooda, who has flawlessly brought biopics to life on – screen, is all geared up to play another real life character – Sultana Daku in Madhureeta Anand’s directorial, based on Sujit Saraf’s novel – “The confessions of Sultana Daku”. The film will go on the floors in Apr, 2018 and will follow the exploits of the swashbuckling dacoit from the Bhantu clan who terrorized the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand) in the 1920’s. Producer Rahul Mittra, who purchased the rights to the book with co – producer & presenter Raju Chadha, says, “The film will be shot in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and Randeep, who is a champion horseman & rider, will film the extensive action & racing sequences in Kazakistan, where real locales will pass off as North India from the 1920’s. “The approach to the film will not be dark & gory and more like a superhero – drama, where Robin Hood Randeep’s character takes from the rich & gives to the poor as India fights for freedom,” Mittra added. Sultana was a dashing dacoit who named his horse Chetak, after Maharana Pratap’s horse and operated on a code of honour. When he was captured by the British, Officer Freddie Young tried his hardest to have Sultana pardoned but to no avail. Sultana then asked Freddie Young to raise his son as a “sahib” before he was sent to the gallows on 7th Jul, 1924. Randeep has earlier portrayed real life characters of Raja Ravi Verma, Charles Sobraj, Sarbjit & Jeet Johar in Beeba Boys.

‘KABBADI’ SLATED FOR RELEASE ON 5TH JAN 2018 ALL OVER

Hari Om Sharma has produced a film called Kabbadi. Directed By SP Nimbawat with music by Praveen Bhardwaj, the film starring Diana Khan & Aadil Sharma is based on the subject of India’s most ancient game Kabbadi which is still very popular in the villages of India, basically it was a man’s game but nowadays it is getting popularity in women’s arena also. The Film is being released by Rakesh Sabharwal Of Prince Movies on 5th Jan, 2018.

MAZHAR KAMRAN DIRECTS ‘THE PHOTOGRAPHER’

He is the most noted cinematographer of Satya, Jhankaar Beats, Tarkieb & Masti. Mazhar Kamran’s last directorial venture was the critically acclaimed film Mohandas released in 2009. Kamran returns as the director of a new short film titled, The Photographer. On 26th Nov, 2017, Mazhar Kamran began shooting for this short fiction film at a studio in South Mumbai and did the outdoor shoot at a location near Igatpuri. The film which features debutant actors, Naresh Shroff & Neha Chauhan is a mystery film with the art of photography at its centre. The film breaks conventions in its treatment. Mazhar Kamran is in the faculty at IIT Bombay and teaches film – making at the IDC School of Design. Known for successfully bringing in a gritty & an edgy cinematography to Hindi cinema with path – breaking work, one expects this film to set forth a buzz. The film has already generated interest from big name sponsors. He will soon be directing a feature – length film, Chor Police Aur Ek Masum Ladki. The subject has been finalized and the story & the screenplay is being given the final shape. The films are in 2 contrasting genres and reluctant to share any more details, he quips, “The titles should tell you something about the content”.

KARAN KUNDRRA LEARNS TO PLAY THE PIANO FOR ‘1921’

Karan Kundrra will be seen opposite Zarine Khan in Vikram Bhatt’s next horror venture, 1921. In the recently released song of the movie, “Sunn Le Zara” Karan Kundrra is seen playing the piano. Interestingly, Karan Kundra spent 3 months learning to play the piano & to prep up for his role in 1921. The actor said that the piano was one of those musical instruments, which he always wanted to learn. He took classes from one of the renowned piano teachers in town before heading to London to shoot for the film. Adding to that there was initially going to be someone on deck just in case, but it was never needed. Looks like Karan Kundra is already setting bars for himself. 1921, written & directed by Vikram Bhatt, produced by Reliance Entertainment & Vikram Bhatt, 1921 is all set to release on 12th Jan, 2018.

RANVEER SINGH PARTNERS WITH THE PREMIER LEAGUE IN INDIA

The Premier League has formed an official partnership with Ranveer Singh. The star is a passionate football fan and will help promote the Premier League to fans in India & globally. Ranveer Singh is a lifelong supporter of Arsenal FC and closely follows Premier League action throughout the season. In this ambassadorial role, he will be working to support the Premier League’s community initiatives across India, promote fan events & share his passion for the game. This partnership builds on the Premier League’s existing commitment to fans & development of the game in India. The Premier League recently hosted an international fan park in Bengaluru, which saw more than 20,000 Indian fans engage with clubs & activities. The Premier League is committed to supporting the development of the game at both a grassroots & elite level in India and has been running the international community programme Premier Skills there since 2007. To celebrate the start of the partnership, Ranveer Singh attended the Arsenal v Liverpool recently before starring in the Premier League Kick – Off show. Ranveer Singh says: “It is an honour to take on an ambassadorial role with the Premier League. I look forward to sharing my passion for football and hopes that I can help develop & grow the fan base for the sport in India.”

‘BILLU USTAAD’ ON MISUSE OF KIDS IN TERRORIST ACTS TO RELEASE ON 16TH FEB 2016

Billu Ustaad, India’s 1st ever film on the misuse of children in terrorist activities, is slated for release in theatres all over the country on 16th Feb, 2016. The film seeks to inspire children to learn self – defence from the character of brave child Billu who fights terrorists & succeeds in getting other children out of the clutches of the terrorist activities, says director Suvahhdan Angre. Shantanu Singh has produced the film which has music by Srirang Aras. The film focusses on the recent trends in terrorist organisations to lure children living in orphanages for terrorist activities after brain washing them. It tells the story of a terrorist organisation in which some children of an orphanage are influenced to carry live bombs to spread terror in public places. The film highlights media reports indicating that there are 1000’s of small & big outlets of Jihadi groups which train children in India & abroad to spread terrorism. The film stars Mihir Soni, who had earlier worked with director Mahesh Manjrekar in the latter’s film Kutumb, besides Priyanshu Chatterjee, Akhilendra Mishra, Mithila Naik, Neel Bakshi, Atharav Nelerkar, Rakhi, Saiesh Araskar, Deepraj Rana, Sneha Arun & K K Goswami.

‘ANGREZI MEIN KEHTE HAIN’ WINS AWARDS INTERNATIONALLY

The Anshuman Jha starrer Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain wins the “Best Feature Film” award at HBO’s South Asian International Film Festival, New York. The director Harish Vyas, producer Manav Malhotra & Anshuman Jha were present at New York for its world premiere. The film will have its theatrical release in Apr, 2018. The film also stars Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, Ekavali Khanna & Shivani Raghuvanshi. Anshuman Jha says “Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain is a special film, which entertains. And the fact that it has won an award on its world Premiere in New York is testimony of its quality. Sanjay Mishra is my favorite Indian actor currently, I call him the George Clooney of India, and he is firing on all cylinders in this film. We look forward to its worldwide release in Apr, 2018..

RICHA CHADHA ELATED WITH ‘FUKREY RETURNS’ ENTRY INTO THE 100 CRORE CLUB

The recently released Fukrey Returns has managed to hold its own against the competition and prove that good content can be loved by the audiences regardless. The Richa Chadha starrer Fukrey Returns opened big at the Box – Office turnstiles and still continues to reign the theaters. Now, with the start of the 3rd week of business at the Box – Office turnstiles, Fukrey Returns has grossed Rs. 101.78 at the worldwide Box – Office turnsiles and still continues to run in theatres in both the domestic & the international markets. The film has already become the 3rd most profitable film in the Hindi film industry this year making Fukrey Returns one of the strongest franchises in the times to come. The film has joined the success of the likes of Judwaa, Housefull, Golmaal as one of the most successful franchises in the comedy space. Richa said, “I am happiest for my director Mrig because he deserves this.” Ali Fazal states, “The 100 crore mark is just a small milestone for the history books and the soothsayers of Bollywood. The people who sit back and predict & decide people’s careers. The times are going to change and the world is only getting smaller & the stage bigger. I am proud to be part of this change.”

MAHARASHTRA BUSHAN AWARD FOR GURU VIJAY SHANKER

Shri Shankarrao Jagtap Saushanik Ani Samajik Probhodini (Satara) has selected Guru Vijay Shanker for Maharashtra Bushan award for his outstanding contribution in the field of classical dance & journalism. Since 1980 Vijay Shanker has been actively involved in journalism and since 1986 he has been performing regularly for varied organizations & institutions all over India. The award was presented to Vijay Shanker at Sachivalaya Gymkhana in Mumbai . The other award winners included actress Smita Jaykar, poetess & journalist Dr Usha Gujarati, organiser MK Patel etc. The award is given every year to personalities in varied fields by Dr Asha Jagtap on behalf of the organization.

AARTI RANA FULFILS HER “MISS INDIA” DREAMS

Aarti Rana who garnered a lot of love & appreciation from her fans while working in the popular show Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat on Colors is all set to take the big leap in Bollywood. Although busy with her modeling and other commitments, she recently carved out time to participate in the Miss India competition which has been her childhood ambition but could not do so. And as luck would have it, Aarti was invited to participate in Miss England 2018 beauty pageant “Miss Diva” competition at London. Aarti exclaims, “I always wanted to participate in the “Miss India” competition but it could never be materialized. Luckily, I was blessed with a great innings on television and now I am also taking the plunge in Bollywood. I am really grateful to God – The Almighty for blessing me with so much love. I couldn’t have been more thankful that life came as a full circle today with me participating in the beauty pageant contest. Super cool, isn’t it”?

SIDDHARTH P MALHOTRA SAYS NISHANT KAUSHIK’S CLAIMS OVER ‘HICHKI’ ARE BASELESS

Recently Siddharth P Malhotra, son of actor Prem Kishen & grandson of late actor Premnath & Bina Rai, was dragged to court by writer Nishant Kaushik over credit to his story Hichki which is made by YRF Films with Rani Myukerjee in the lead. Says Siddharth P Malhotra, “I had acquired the Hindi rights to make “Front of the Class” in 2013. Nishant Kaushik’s claims are baseless. He was contacted through Exceed Entertainment and I haven’t even met him once. We were looking for writers who could come up with a take on the “Front of the Class”. We had approached several writers including Nishant Kaushik. He was given a brief for the film & the story and then he came up with, was not what we were looking for. So, we did not proceed with him & Exceed ntertainment was informed about my decision immediately, in 2015. Several prominent writers like Amole Gupte, Abbas Tyrewala have worked on the story of Hichki and we have obtained NOC’s from them and I thank each one of them for being the creative contributors of Hichki. We have credited all the writers who have contributed for Hichki.”

IRRFAN KHAN IS THE 1ST EVER INDIAN ACTOR TO BE ROPED IN AS THE AMBASSADOR FOR MASTER CARD

Irrfan Khan after delivering some amazing performances in Hollywood movies like Namesake, Life of Pi, Jurassic World, Inferno etc is now all set to explore American brand endorsement. Irrfan’s dedication towards exploring varied characters has given him huge recognition in the west. Irrfan Khan is all set to make money internationally in a big way as the 1st ever Indian actor to be roped in as the ambassador for Master Card. Master Card is an American multinational financial service brand and the most reputed around the world. Recently Irrfan shot for the Master Card commercial in the Pink City of Rajasthan. Over the years Irrfan has not only managed to strike the perfect balance between Hollywood & Bollywood but also carved his name for the brand’s endorsement that appeals to the masses. Irrfan is delighted to be a part of it, and soon will be seen in the promotional campaigns of the brand. Internationally the brand worldwide is reputed to have the best sports players and this is a rare case when an actor has been roped in for the brand.

KARISHMA SHARMA ROPED IN FOR ALTBALAJI’S ‘KAPOORS’!

Not the one to shy away from intimate scenes, Karishma Sharma has become an internet sensation after her daring & bold act in ALTBalaji’s popular horrex show, Ragini MMS Returns. Now she is all set for her 2nd association with the brand as she will be seen in a pivotal role in ALTBalaji’s upcoming web series Kapoors. Karishma will essay the role of Isha in the show. She plays a smart, witty, materialistic girl, who wields her charms as an advantage to get what she desires. Using her beauty as a ticket, she plans to secure all the luxuries of life she yearns for. Karishma says, “Before Ragini MMS Returns got over, I already got the part of Isha, all thanks to Ekta ma’am who believes in me. Isha’s character is in contrast with Ragini, she is fun loving & ambitious. She loves her family but she equally loves her dreams. ”Directed by Vikram Labhe, the show revolves around 3 sisters who have royal ancestry. Kapoors is the story that showcases the conflicts that arise from each of them pursuing their individual aspirations, namely money, love & ambition. Kapoors is in its pre – production stage and features Kushal Tandon, Gulfam Hussain, Payal Bhojwani, Kasturi Maitra, Satyajit Sharma & Ridhima Pandit in pivotal roles.

Through her character, Rani Mukherji will exhibit the invaluable life lessons she learnt from the teachers that shaped up her life.

Rani Mukerji plays a school teacher in her upcoming film, Hichki. Rani Mukherji, who is a perfectionist when it comes to getting into the skin of the character, has drawn inspiration from her real – life school teachers who impacted her life & thinking and shaped her up as a human being.

A feel – good, uplifting & inspiring story, Hichki is about the positive attitude of turning one’s weakness into a strength, and taking on the challenges head on. “Rani plays a common girl who has an extraordinary situation and she stares down at the challenge and never backs off when others would mostly crumble. She plays a teacher who practices what she preaches. She tries to bring out the best in her students. Rani Mukerji drew upon the memories of her schooldays and the friendly, supportive atmosphere that some teachers would build for students in her school to play the part. It was very nostalgic for her as she thanks her students for shaping her up the way she has in life,” informs a source.

When contacted, Rani confirms saying, “We had many inspiring teachers in my school (Maneckji Cooper, Juhu, Mumbai). Mrs. Vakil, our Geography teacher, used to teach us in such a crystal – clear manner, that we wouldn’t need to study once we went home. Mrs. Dadarkar, our History & Literature teacher was excellent. She would spend time with students, and teach us Julius Caesar in a manner that brought the story alive. She made us live a story like it was happening in front of our eyes.”

Rani Mukherji adds, “Our teachers were very friendly & informal and wouldn’t heap a lot of academic pressure on us. We had toppers, students who did well, like me, and students who would barely manage passing marks. But our teachers were never harsh on those who would fail or struggle to pass. I remember growing up in a manner where we were never forced to chase high academic scores all the time. We had fun studying. This realization of mine, I have tried to reflect in Hichki through my character.”

“I think the biggest lesson today (for teachers & parents), is that the students should be able to express themselves freely at school. They should be able to fly. School is the only space where one can express oneself freely, for once a child grows up, pressures of building a career & earning money will automatically emerge. It’s very important to let children explore & figure out what they are good at – it could be academics, sports or the field of art. As school years are the most formative ones, it’s important for parents & teachers to let children fly at this stage. I learnt this from my teachers and I thank them for shaping me up the way I am today. This was invaluable learning for me and my character in Hichki will live this philosophy, this learning.”

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra & produced by Maneesh Sharma, Hichki will release across India on 23rd Feb, 2018.

Hosted by the ever-versatile Anu Malik, whose music pans across generations, “The 90’s Show With Anu Malik” show will be all about the era of the 90’s to the early millennium.

The Big FM radio network will appeal to a younger audience base through remixes, mashups, original songs and will also provide more original content on the digital platforms

BIG FM, one of India’s largest radio networks has announced the launch of its new show “The 90’s Show with Anu Malik”.

“The 90’s Show With Anu Malik” content revolving around the era of the 90’s to the early 2000’s will also mark the BIG FM’s radio network’s transition into adult contemporary music format.

In keeping with its renewed identity & fortifying its promise of providing more Hit music, the Big FM station will offer songs from the said era. The new programming line – up will reflect a fresh & a contemporary image which is in line with the changing demands of the listeners. “The 90’s Show With Anu Malik” was launched by the acclaimed music director Anu Malik at an event held at the BIG FM Studio.

The music director & singer entertained the audiences at the event by singing his hit numbers from the 90’s. The foot – tapping & the melodious songs of that era made everyone reminiscence of the “Best Music” of Bollywood that they grew up listening to. “The 90’s Show with Anu Malik”, as the name suggests, will take listeners back in time when story – telling, music & stardom ruled Bollywood.

The ace composer & the ever versatile Anu Malik will add credibility to the theme of the show by engaging the listeners with trendsetting songs & film trivia from the 90’s & the early millennium. He will integrate his inimitable quirky & his humorous style with the show, driving the maximum listeners engagement. “The 90’s Show With Anu Malik” will air from Mon to Fri, 8pm to 10pm across all the markets.

With the launch of the brand – new show, BIG FM radio network will also build its music strategy adult contemporary genre at its core. The radio station will accentuate its delivery of the new genre by adding remixes, mash – ups, original songs and more riveting content to the mix. Along with playing upbeat music, BIG FM will keep its intrinsic element by playing songs from the timeless era. At the same time, BIG FM’s extension in the digital realm will continue to offer compelling video content based on the original songs. This comprehensive 360 – degree approach while appealing to the younger audiences will also add to the existing listenership pie and increase effective brand presence for the advertisers.

Speaking about his yet another stint with BIG FM, Anu Malik averred, “It is great to work with BIG FM team. I always feel at home when I am around them. “The 90’s show with Anu Malik” will be all about great music, great lyrics, great singers and things that you have not heard about them from that era. People always ask me with much excitement & keen interest certain details of my songs which up till now I was able to share only with them. However, with this show, I will be able to share these interesting details with the audiences out there who loves these songs.”