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Archives for February 2018

Heera Group will be the World’s best company in the coming years: Dr. Nowhera Shaik

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Talking on the sidelines of the ongoing Gulfood Exhibition 2018 in UAE, Heera Group’s Founder and Chairman Dr. Nowhera Shaik said that the company will be the World’s best company in the coming years.

Dr. Nowhera Shaik said that there are people, who are spreading rumours about the company, but she said that the reality is that Heera Group is operational in multiple countries, and is only growing every year.

Heera Foodex, a healthy food products manufacturing arm of Heera Group, is participating in the annual Gulfood Exhibition.

Heera Foodex features in United Arab Emirates’ 23rd edition of the international food exhibition “Gulfood 2018,” which opened on February 18 and will last until February 22.

MEP to hold a public meeting on Feb 24th in Mandya

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After holding successful campaigns in Kolar, Bagalkot, and other districts, debutant All India Mahila Empowerment Party’s (MEP) will be holding a public meeting on Feb 24th at the KHB Grounds, Chickmandya Mandya District.

The public meeting is expected to attract various leaders from across political parties to join MEP under the leadership of Dr. Nowhera Shaik, the party announced.

Avani Chaturvedi becomes 1st Indian woman to fly a fighter jet

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New Delhi: Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said. “Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight,” the official.

She undertook the sortie from IAF’s Jamnagar base on Monday, he said. Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets. They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.

(PTI)

SC asks if Kerala HC was justified in annulling Hadiya’s marriage

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the “issue of consent” between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of ‘love jihad’, was justified.

The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case. “What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry,” the bench said.

Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added. “Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing,” the court said.

Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan. The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court’s order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents’ custody.

On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents’ custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya’s father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.

“In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court’s jurisdiction,” Divan said. Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala High Court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of ‘love jihad’.

The top court had earlier ordered an NIA probe into a “pattern” where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam. Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution.

(PTI)

Come up with implementable plan to repay dues: PNB to Nirav Modi

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New Delhi: Scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) today asked billionaire diamond jeweller Nirav Modi to come up with a concrete and implementable plan to settle the loss caused to it by fraudulent issuance of Letter of Undertakings (LoU) through one of its branches.

PNB said this in its response to a mail written by Nirav Modi, who allegedly cheated the bank of Rs 11,400 crore in connivance with a few bank officials.
“You were getting LoUs issued illegally and in an unauthorized way through few bank officials. At no stage such facilities were extended by our bank to your three partner firms,” sources said citing mail response sent by PNB General Manager (international banking division) Ashwini Vats to Nirav Modi.
When the illegal activities of Nirav Modi surfaced, the bank brought them to the notice of the law enforcement agencies as they apparently violated FEMA and anti-money laundering law, sources said.

“Your commitment and undertaking for sparing of the total liability was not backed by providing upfront amounts and timelines. However, should you have any concrete and implementable plan, do revert back,â the mail said.

Nirav Modi in his letter to the bank had said that the over-zealousness on the part of the bank to deal with the issue destroyed his jewellery brand and also jeopardised his ability to clear the dues.

“The erroneously cited liability resulted in a media frenzy which led to immediate search and seizure of operations, and which in turn resulted in Firestar International and Firestar Diamond International effectively ceasing to be going-concerns… This thereby jeopardised our ability to discharge the dues of the group to the banks.

“In the anxiety to recover your dues immediately, despite my offer (on February 13, a day before the public announcement, and on 15, your actions have destroyed my brand and the business and have now restricted your ability to recover all the dues leaving a trail of unpaid debts,” Modi said in its letter to the bank.

The Rs 11,400 crore fraud perpetuated by Modi is being investigated by various investigative agencies including the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI.

(PTI)

Bengaluru: NDA 90% commission govt, says Siddaramaiah; BJP stages walkout in House

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Bengaluru: Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday alleged the NDA government at the Centre was a “90 per cent commission government”.

Modi had recently dubbed the Congress dispensation a “10 per cent commission government” during public meetings in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah’s remark came during his reply to the motion of thanks to the governor for his address. “The previous BJP government in Karnataka was the most corrupt … And the present dispensation at the Centre is a 90 per cent commission government,” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah said the BJP and its leaders had failed to prove their allegations against his government. “According to the law, whoever levels charges against anyone, should prove them. The BJP and its leaders here have been levelling corruption charges and calling my rule a 10 per cent commission government, but have failed to prove these charges,” he said.

The remarks led to a heated exchange of words between the treasury and opposition benches. An undeterred Siddaramaiah said his government did not need any lessons on clean governance from a party whose “four ministers are in jail for corruption”.

He alleged the Centre was looking the other way when billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi used his clout to slip out of the country.

“Nirav Modi ran away with Rs 11,000 crore. Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya also fled. What was the central government doing?” he asked.

He also criticised the BJP for calling his government a non-performing dispensation.

“If my government did not perform, how is it that the growth rate of the state stands at 8.5 per cent?” Siddaramaiah asked.

Intervening, Opposition BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said the Siddaramaiah government was the most corrupt and its ministers owned many benami properties across the state.

Vishweshwar Hedge Kageri (BJP) said the Congress government was being desperate. As the chief minister continued attacking the Modi government, BJP members staged a walkout.

(PTI)

RANVEER SINGH’S PLEASANT SURPRISE FOR AMRUTA

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Amruta Khanvilkar has always been very transparent about her life on social media platforms, her love towards Ranveer Singh is no longer a secret. Recently, Amruta Khanvilkar was invited for the event called Magnetic Maharashtra, apparently, Ranveer Singh was also invited for the same event. When Amruta Khanvilkar got to know about this, she went on the social media and shared her excitement with all her fans. during this event Ranveer Singh himself went to her vanity van which is a very generous gesture showed by this superstar and shared some delightful moment with her. They both danced on his recent popular track “Khalibali” and she posted that video on her all social media platforms, which went viral on social media. Later on she posted a video where she is showing gratitude towards this Bollywood star for making her dream come true by dancing along with her and sharing a screen on the Instagram stories. Amruta Khanvilkar recently sizzled the stage by her performance at the finale of dance reality show viz. Dance India Dance Season 6. She’s soon gonna be seen in Hindi movie Raazi directed by Meghna Gulzar which is all set to be released on 11th May, 2018.

UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON KICKS OFF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH SPRING -SUMMER’18 PREVIEW

United Colors of Benetton celebrated an evening full of fashion, glamour & merriment to mark a quarter century of its heritage & values in India. The high – on – fashion evening was held at Benetton’s iconic Linking Road Store, graced by Sonam Kapoor’s presence. Sundeep Chugh, CEO & MD, Benetton India said “For the past 25 years creativity & social relevance has been central to our culture and we have consistently strived to do business in a way our associates, partners & customers can be proud of.” The highlight of the evening was the presence of youth fashion icon – Sonam Kapoor, who said “I am elated to be a part of this milestone for Benetton in India. Benetton is a brand which has always been so close to my heart. I remember my wardrobe spilling over with Benetton tees & dresses, from my shopping days with mum! It is a brand that a generation has grown up wearing and connects with, not only within the realm of fashion, but for its path – breaking socially relevant campaigns over the years. ”The event was also marked by the launch of United Colors of Benetton’s Spring Summer’18 collection characterized by color palettes of summer, shades of Bordeaux reds & oxide yellows.

‘SURGICAL STRIKE’ 1ST LOOK DEDICATED TO INDIAN ARMY

Bollywood’s much awaited Patriotic movie Surgical Strike’s 1st look hit the internet. The official poster of the movie Surgical Strike is out on production house’ social media account. The film, co – produced by Vijay Valbhani & Sonu Jain, directed by Suzad Iqbal Khan Under the banner of Crystal Movies. The film feature’s Deepraj Rana, Mir Sarvar, Lakha Lakhwinder Singh, Jimmy Sharma, Sanjay Singh, Amit Pathak & Vedita Pratap Singh as army officers. The movie is dedicated to the Indian Soldiers & to their family. The poster is captioned as, “Our Country, Our Nation, Our People”. The poster depicted the hardships faced by soldiers at the time of the Surgical Strike. The movie shows what price our freedom fighters paid for the safety of our country. From the poster, it is clear that actors are playing a true patriotic & Patriotism doesn’t always mean fighting for your country against others. There are so many social evils within our society which we need to get rid of but we don’t. These include issues like Corruption & Crime which are like termites, ruining the country from Inside. Surgical Strike will highlight all the small issues related to the mission. The movie is all set to hit the theatrical release in 2018. It’s indeed a smart move from the makers to reveal the poster with a patriotic theme. Surgical Strike, which is a film based on 2016 Uri terror attack, Last to last year, a terror attack at an army base in Jammu & Kashmir’s Uri killed 17 soldiers. The Indian Army retaliated with surgical strikes 11 days later.

FIRST STEP ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL ANNOUNCES “WRITER’S LOUNGE” IN MUMBAI

A good story is essential to make a film and, hence, writers are critical in the film making process. To consistently create some good stories, writers need a workspace that allows them to sit, think & pen down their thoughts. The lack of such a space in Mumbai was noticed by Swati Semwal, Creative Head of First Step Entertainment Capital (FSEC). Being a writer herself of many notable short films, she has created the FIRST –EVER – FREE co – working space called Writer’s Lounge. It is an inviting space that is located at the epicentre of Television & Films, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai. Writer’s Lounge does not levy any charges for using its space. Its aim is to fill a lacuna that exists due to space constraints in the city. It is available for writers of all ages, associated with Screenwriters Association (SWA), to come, sit & write. “Writer’s Lounge will ensure that all serious writers, who are members of the Screenwriters Association in India, are given a comfortable place & a peaceful environment to write their stories. It allows like – minded people to work under a common roof”; says National Award Winner, Juhi Chaturvedi. Writer’s Lounge is a community workspace that’s more than just a few desks, fast internet & free coffee. First Step Entertainment Capital’s vision is to support small budget Indie Cinema, and give creative people all they need to make their “First Break” into films, be it in terms of a beautiful space like Writer’s Lounge to write their stories and in giving them all the facilities to make their stories a reality, as a short film, feature film or documentary and can also give them a platform to showcase their short films. Writer’s Lounge is located at Z A Tower, Yari Road, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai.

SUNNY DEOL TO SHOOT WITH ALANKRITA SAHAI FOR AN AD FILM
Alankrita Sahai seems to be on a roll as very rarely do you see a debutant landing an ad for herself just at the release of her film (Love Per Square Feet by Ronnie Screwvala). It was Love Per Square Feet that got the makers to lock Alankrita Sahai as the commercial needed a girl with girl next door look who is cute and has some spark & charisma. As Alankrita Sahai just fits the bill perfectly she was signed for the ad. On touching base with Alankrita Sahai she stated, “It’s overwhelming to have got to share space with Sunny sir and we have just had a great time shooting the commercial. He is very down to earth & sophisticated, loved shooting with him.
FROM COLLEGE THEATRES TO FILMS, SWARA HAS COME A LONG WAY!

Swara Bhaskar, who stepped into the world of films as an outsider, beating several odds has now carved a niche for herself. She is known to be an actor who has time & again proved her mettle. With a belief in choosing roles that make an impact, Swara Bhaskar has surely delivered roles that speak volumes about her as an actor. Swara Bhaskar has a special for her fans who hold dreams of shining bright in life, “When I was doing street theatre in Delhi, I never thought I would work in films or become a heroine. I didn’t know anyone in Bollywood, had no contacts but the only thing I knew was whatever I want to do can happen only because of my talent….I realized, if you invest in your talent, you will shine in life and that’s what exactly what I did.” Swara Bhaskar who has done numerous supporting roles rose to fame with her character in Tanu weds Manu and further garnered praise for her performance in Raanjhanaa & Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. The actor went on to be the lead in critically acclaimed films Nil Battey Sannata & Anarkali of Aarah where she essayed the role of a fiesty mother and a professional dancing girl respectively.

GSK CONSUMER HEALTHCARE VENTURES INTO PROTEIN SEGMENT WITH THE LAUNCH OF HORLICKS PROTEIN+

GSK Consumer Healthcare has extended the brand Horlicks, India’s leading Health Food Drink (HFD) into an all new category of high protein drink for active adults with the launch of its new variant Horlicks Protein+. Horlicks Protein+ was conceived with a vision of catering to the growing nutritional requirements, specifically protein related needs, of modern day professionals with demanding schedules and little time on hand to address the issue of adequate protein intake required by the body. With their entry into a new category, GSK Consumer Healthcare also announced actor, R Madhavan as the brand ambassador for Horlicks Protein+. R Madhavan says, “I have always believed in keeping myself fit & proper protein intake is something that has helped me achieve that. How much protein you eat is important but I always emphasize on the quality of protein. Having the right protein, can help you live a healthier & a better lifestyle. I believe that Horlicks Protein+, with its triple blend of Whey, Casein & Soy, has just the right ingredients to give me energy and enable me to be a better version of myself, every day.”

POLAROID EYEWEAR INTRODUCES ITS SPRING / SUMMER 2018 COLLECTION WITH ANUSHKA SHARMA
Polaroid Eyewear, inventor of the original polarized lenses and a brand that, for over 80 years, has been a symbol of pop culture for millions of people around the world, has launched its new Spring / Summer 2018 eyewear collection with brand ambassador Anushka Sharma. Putting the brand once again at the cutting edge of style, the new collection is an explosion of colors & shapes. Kyriakos Kofinas, Managing Director IMEA & APAC, “Polaroid latest collection with Anushka Sharma is all about connecting with young millennials who are looking for a fresh and uber chic look. With a young, hip & contemporary sense of style, Anushka Sharma perfectly embodies the pop & the innovative spirit that the brand celebrates.” This new, thicker & stronger lens provides a further improved distortion – free visual experience and allows for a wider array of lens colors. Resonating with the brand’s core elements, brand ambassador Anushka Sharma stated, “I am delighted to launch Polaroid’s Spring / Summer 2018 collection. The new Pop inspired collection is stylish, cool & comfortable with a contemporary style. This is my 2nd year of association with Polaroid and it feels great to be a part of the brand which has a legacy of over 80 years.”
ALIA BHATT’S COEXIST INITIATIVE

Last year, through her ecological & animal welfare initiative Coexist, Alia Bhatt worked towards changing attitudes and creating a better & safer environment for stray cats & dogs within our cities. The campaign also focused on the adoption of indies, with Coexist being an awareness partner for Asia’s biggest adoption camp for strays held in Mumbai in Dec, 2017. Speaking about Coexist’s current campaign Alia Bhatt said, “To sustain ourselves, we’ve built a world of steel & concrete, but the survival of one species should not come at the cost of another. As our cities grow, we need to focus on increasing green cover and preserving what we already have. Bringing nature back will not only be beneficial to our mental & physical health but it will also help protect our fauna. Through this campaign, we want people to find their green – it could be a residential garden, a public park or a forested area and we want them to play an integral role in protecting these green pockets.” The campaign will also feature simple solutions which people can adopt as part of their daily routine and which will benefit the natural environment in the long run.“ Reducing, reusing & recycling can help save money, energy & natural resources”, added Alia Bhatt. “Visit our blog & our facebook page to know how you can make your contribution towards a cleaner & greener planet.”

IHANA DHILLON TO RAISES TEMPERATURE IN A NEW LOVE SONG THIS VALENTINE DAY!

Ihana Dhillon, who is geared up to make her Bollywood debut with revenge drama Hate Story 4, has already stunned the viewers with her looks in the trailer. Now the Punjabi beauty has raised the temperatures in a new love song from Hate Story 4. The pretty actress was seen donning a totally different avatar in the upcoming song “Tum Mere Ho”. A few pictures from the song have surfaced online. The makers have decided to release the track soon because it’s a romantic track. Talking about the song, Ihana Dhillon says, “I really like this song. I’ve listened to it & the lyrics are beautiful. I think the audiences will love it. It’s a special track.”Ask her about the compliments, and she quips, “I am really flattered. It feels nice to be appreciated & recognized. I am about to start a new journey and everybody has been so supportive. I feel blessed to have such people around me.” Hate Story 4 will be released on 9th Mar, 2018.

VARUN DHAWAN, SHASHANK KHAITAN AND KARAN JOHAR ARE COMING WITH THEIR 3RD FILM TOGETHER AS A TEAM

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After the success of “Dulhania” series, Varun Dhawan, Shashank Khaitan & Karan Johar are collaborating yet again for Varun Dhawan’s 1st ever war film Rannbhoomi. In fact Varun Dhawan, Shashank Khaitan & Karan Johar are coming with their 3rd film together as a team! After the mega success of the “Dulhania” series, Shashank Khaitan & Varun Dhawan have taken a giant leap and are beginning the journey of spectacle & extravaganza. Genre moves from Romance to Action – Drama. But it’s not just an epic tale, it indulges in emotions & opulence in equal measure. Interestingly, this is Varun Dhawan’s 1st ever war film. At heart a love story, in essence a revenge drama but to sum it up, it promises to be a mega cinematic experience. The team is vastly excited to introduce to you Rannbhoomi, slated for a DIWALI 2020 release. Talking about their collaboration, producer Karan Johar said, “Rannbhoomi is Shashank’s colossal & ambitious imagination to attempt a hat – trick with Varun Dhawan & Dharma Productions. Shashank Khaitan & Varun Dhawan make an epic blend of creative & commercial extravaganza and that is exactly what Dharma Productions’ vision for the coming few projects is. Very excited to bring them together again for this Diwali 2020 epic tale.”

ROHIT SHETTY PICTUREZ TO VENTURE INTO ANIMATION SERIES WITH ‘LITTLE SINGHAM’

Rohit Shetty Picturez, Reliance Animation & Discovery Kids, will be launching a new animation series called Little Singham inspired by the Ajay Devgn franchise Singham. Little Singham, an original kid’s content series in India will be aired in 4 languages namely English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu. Targeted at kids belonging to the age group of 5 – 11 years, the intro line of Little Singham is – “Police ki wardi, Sher ka Damm, Naam hai mera – Little Singham!” The animated show will make its debut on television in Apr, 2018 on the completely revamped Discovery Kids channel. This is probably one of the largest deals in the animation industry with the 1st ever season to go on air with 156 episodes & 5 tele features. Rohit Shetty said, “Singham was hugely loved by the kids and a show like this will not only take the franchise ahead but will also become a source of entertainment for the kids & the audiences who loved Singham so dearly.” Shibasish Sarkar, Reliance Entertainment said “Little Singham will set a completely new benchmark for animation in India. With Rohit Shetty also mentoring the animated series, we are confident of taking the Singham franchise to newer heights.”

NUSRAT FATEH ALI KHAN’S HIT “KHAIR MANGA” RECREATED FOR AJAY DEVGN – ILEANA DCRUZ STARRER ‘RAID’

After the recreation of the romantic ballad “Sanu Ek Pal Chain”, the makers of Raid have now recreated another chart topping melody of the Late singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Titled “Khair Manga”, the track has been recreated in parts by lyricist Manoj Muntashir & sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s singer – nephew, Rahat Fateh ali Khan. “The song has been picturised on Ajay Devgn, who plays an upright & no – nonsense income tax officer & Ileana D’Cruz, who will be seen in the role of his supportive & brave wife. The song offers a glimpse into the on – screen couple’s life & the love, care & warmth they share in the film”, said director Rajkumar Gupta. Gulshan Kumar & T – Series present, A Panorama Studios Production, Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak & Abhishek Pathak, Raid is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The film releases on 16th Mar, 2018.

VIDEO EDITING APP – HYPSTAR ROPES IN SONAKSHI SINHA TO ENDORSE & KICK-START QUIZ BROADCASTING SHOW

Video editing platform – Hypstar has roped in Sonakshi Sinha to endorse the platform and be one of their 1st ever quizzers. Hypstar is a 15 second original short video community incubated by the Bytedance, China’s tech giant, with leading AI technologies. It enables users to record fun & memorable moments in their daily lives easily & share them with people all over the world while meeting fun people in Hypstar. Sonakshi Sinha says, “This innovation in the social media space is a great tool for me to connect with my fans & audiences. Video platforms are always more personalized, a gateway to stay connected with fans & followers. Hypstar happens to be my latest & my most favorite discovery”. With Short form videos having taken the digital world by storm, creating a video featuring oneself has diluted the lines between reality & virtuality. Hypstar, has launched a unique campaign for its subscribers whereby they can interact with their favorite celebrities and stand an opportunity of earning money through participation. The subscribers can undertake this quiz and stand to earn rewards with increasing stakes at every level. Through this quiz more than 2000 people stand a chance to win more than 10,000 dollar’s prize.

MALAYALAM DIRECTOR, JEETHU JOSEPH, TO MAKE HIS BOLLYWOOD DEBUT WITH A GAME CHANGING HORROR THRILLER

AZURE Entertainment & Viacom18 Motion Pictures has announced a collaboration to produce Jeethu Joseph’s Hindi film debut. Jeethu Joseph, best known for Mohanlal starrer, Drishyam, is all set to make his big Bollywood debut. The yet untitled film is being presented by Viacom18 Motion Pictures & produced by Sunir Kheterpal for AZURE Entertainment. Promising to change the face of horror thrillers in the country, the film shall combine interesting dynamics of a crime mystery thriller with elements of horror and shall have the audiences at the edge of their seats. The makers have managed to pull off an interesting casting coup with Rishi Kapoor & Emraan Hashmi, who has been synonymous with the horror – thriller genre Announcing his Bollywood debut, Jeethu Joseph commented, “Directing a Hindi feature film has been on the anvil for quite some time and I have been waiting for the right story. This crime mystery thriller with elements of horror has excited me tremendously and we have got perfect casting for the 2 protagonists in the Film. I am looking forward to start the Film at the earliest.” Says Emraan Hashmi,” Ajit Andhare, COO – Viacom18 Motion Pictures said, “Ever since we produced Drishaym, a Hindi remake of Jeethu Joseph’s original masterpiece, we have been looking for a subject to make with Jeethu Joseph in Hindi.”

VARUN DHAWAN’S ‘RANNBHOOMI’ TO RELEASE IN DIWALI 2020

Producer & director Karan Johar has chosen Shashank Khaitan to helm Rannbhoomi with Varun Dhawan. This is the 3rd time that the trio will work together on a project. Previously, they delivered 2 films in the “Dulhania series” namely Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania & Badrinath Ki Dulhania, enchanted the audiences. This time, Shashank Khaitan will switch to genres & focus on creating an action – drama loaded with emotions & opulence in equal measure. A love story at heart, this Diwali 2020 release will have an element of revenge at the core of the narrative. The makers aim to turn this project into a cinematic experience worthy of a mega festive release. Karan Johar, confirmed the news sitting miles away in Berlin, “Rannbhoomi is Shashank Kaitan’s colossal & ambitious imagination to attempt a hat – trick with Varun Dhawan. Shashank Khaitan & Varun Dhawan make an epic blend of creative & commercial extravaganza, which is Dharma Productions’ vision for the next few projects.”

EROS INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRES FILM RIGHTS TO BEST-SELLING AUTHOR ASHWIN SANGHI’S “THE KRISHNA KEY”
Eros International has acquired the rights to adapt the best – selling Indian author Ashwin Sanghi’s anthropological thriller “The Krishna Key” into a theatrical film & original series for their digital over – the – top (OTT) South Asian entertainment platform, Eros Now. The thriller set across timelines with its captivating plot, merging the mythological with the contemporary released in 2012. The book follows a history professor who must prove his innocence against a murder charge. “The Krishna Key”, the 3rd novella by Ashwin Sanghi, tries to unfold the secrets of the Mahabharata and establish Krishna as a historical character rather than a mythical character. The plot is dramatic & provocative, enthralling with its twists & turns creating a seamless opportunity to creatively showcase it in the world cinema. Ashwin Sanghi says, “Eros Now has an incredible team that is exceedingly capable of adapting this action – packed thriller into a very interesting story for cinema. ” Ashwin Sanghi ranks amongst India’s highest selling English fiction authors. Popularly hailed as the Indian Dan Brown for “The Rozabal Line” & “The Krishna Key”, both of which were critically acclaimed. He has written several other bestsellers including “Chanakya’s Chant”, “The Sialkot Saga” & “Keepers Of The Kalachakra”. In 2010, he won Vodafone – Crossword Popular Choice Award for “Chanakya’s Chant”.

VARUN DHAWAN’S ‘OCTOBER” A GIFT TO HIS FANS

Shoojit Sircar & Varun Dhawan have given a sweet & striking gift to the legions of their fans: Introducing them to the world of October with a special video launched digitally. Shoojit Sircar’s unique take on love will make you wonder about the beautiful journey of life & relationships. The film reportedly sees Varun Dhawan surpass all his previous performances & milestones he has set so far along with the young talent Banita Sandhu who is making her acting debut in the film. Produced by Ronnie Lahiri & Sheel Kumar, October stars Varun Dhawan & Banita Sandhu. A Rising Sun Films Production, directed by Shoojit Sircar the film is all set to release on 13th Apr, 2018.

‘THE TASHKENT FILES’ DIRECTOR VIVEK AGNIHOTRI URGES PEOPLE TO SHARE DETAILS ON THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF SHASTRI

In a 1st of its kind, director Vivek Agnihotri has released a video in which he is urging the audiences to share details about the mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri for his upcoming film titled The Tashkent Files. The video begins with Vivek Agnihotri talking about how the seeds were sown for making a film on the mysterious death of India’s 2nd Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. The director is later seen asking people to share anecdotes, stories, paper clippings or any details they know of or possess related to his death. To top it all, any sort of valuable contribution from people will be given its due credit in the film. ‘The Tashkent Files’ stars Naseeruddin Shah, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi & Shweta Basu Prasad.

NARGIS FAKHRI TO STAR IN HER FIRST EVER HORROR FLICK, ‘AMAVAS’

Starring along Sachiin Joshi the 1st ever horror film Amaavas has gone on the floors in London with a start to finish schedule. The shooting schedule is of about 35 days long. Directed by Bhushan Patel who earlier directed Ragini MMS 2, Alone & 1920 Evil Returns & Produced by Viiking Media & Entertainment in association with Simply West UK & Thoth Ventures, the film will release later this year.

CNN HERO OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO TWO INDIAN-AMERICAN

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Two Indian-Americans, Samir Lakhani from Pittsburg and Mona Patel from Texas, are among the 10 finalists for the prestigious CNN Heroes of the Year award.
Samir Lakhani from Pittsburg and Mona Patel from Texas are among the finalists for the annual award to be given on December 17.
Lakhani’s non-profit recycles discarded bars of soap from hotels across Cambodia and distributes it to villages in need, CNN reported.
It all started in 2014 when as a college student, Lakhani traveled to Cambodia where he experienced first-hand that for many in Cambodia a bar of soap is a luxury they cannot afford.
While still attending the University of Pittsburgh, Lakhani started the Eco-Soap Bank, the report said.
The organization now has four recycling centers across the country, providing jobs to 35 local women. The used bars are sanitized and remolded into new bars or melted down into liquid soap.
According to Lakhani so far, more than 650,000 people have benefited from the group’s soap and hygiene education.

Mona Patel’s non-profit aims to help amputees rebuild their lives by offering peer support, resources, and recreational activities.
The San Antonio Amputee Foundation aims to help amputees rebuild their lives. The group offers peer support, education and recreation opportunities, as well as financial assistance for basic home and car modifications and prosthetic limbs, it said.

Syrian regime air strikes kill more than 250 people in Eastern Ghouta

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A person inspects damaged building in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. (Reuters)

by TRT World

The bombardment of Syria’s opposition-held Eastern Ghouta area near Damascus by pro-regime forces has killed 250 people in the 48 hours since Sunday night, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday.

The Britain-based war monitor said this was the highest 48-hour death toll since a 2013 chemical attack on the besieged enclave, which killed hundreds.

The Observatory said 106 people had been killed by bombardment on Tuesday.

Strikes put a key hospital out of service on Tuesday, further limiting the little medical aid that besieged civilians could access.

“The Arbin hospital was hit twice today and is now out of service,” said Moussa Naffa, country director in Jordan for the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which supported the clinic.

The Observatory blamed Russian warplanes, saying Moscow carried out its first strikes in three months on Eastern Ghouta.

The region is ostensibly included in a “de-escalation” deal meant to tamp down violence, but President Bashar al Assad is apparently preparing troops for an imminent ground assault to retake it.

Six hospitals hit

Eastern Ghouta is home to more than 400,000 people living under crippling regime siege, with little access to food or medical resources.

The United Nations said six hospitals had been hit in the region in the past 48 hours, in addition to the one in Arbin.

At least three were out of service and two were only partially functioning, said the UN’s regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Moumtzis.

“It’s beyond imagination what is happening in East Ghouta today,” he said.

“The untold suffering is intolerable and residents have no idea whether they will live or die. This nightmare in East Ghouta must end and must end now.

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