Archives for May 2018

HARSHVARDHAN KAPOOR GOES SCUBA DIVING FOR BHAVESH JOSHI SUPERHERO!

Harshvardhan Kapoor, who is eagerly awaiting the release of his forthcoming vigilante drama, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, had to learn scuba diving for his character. The talented actor took swimming lessons to prepare for several scenes for the movie. Not just that, Harshvardhan also learnt underwater swimming & scuba diving which was more difficult than the regular one. He informs, “I had to learn the basics of scuba for an underwater sequence in Bhavesh Joshi… It was quite stressful as we didn’t have much time and so I did what I could in the sessions that we had. We also had to shoot the sequences at night time which made it more nerve wracking. Because of my beard, the goggles kept slipping off and water kept entering my nostrils when I was deep underwater. That was scary & dangerous!” he adds. Harshvardhan, who trained for a week, concludes, “I’d definitely like to explore getting underwater again for pleasure & not work, as it’s supposed to be a beautiful experience.”

AUSHIM KHETARPAL’S BOOK ON MATCH FIXING “THE CHOSEN ONE” TO BE MADE INTO A FILM

After going through an extensive development period, actor-filmmaker Aushim Khetarpal, is producing a movie on his life along with a Hollywood production house. It is actually based on his book titled “The Chosen One”. In 1999, Khetarpal a sports promoter through his company, Radiant Sports Management Company too got linked to match fixing but won the case and was given a clean chit from Scotland Yard. Aushim Khetarpal says, “The book was an effort to show my journey, from being a tennis player of the country to sports promoter & filmmaker, producing television shows, spiritual speaker and how it changed my entire course of life in the last span of 19 years. I was running a sports management company which had attained recognition for getting sponsors and then my name was embroiled in a controversy. I want the same to be exhibited on celluloid and release it worldwide to wider audiences to know the real aspects. It is titled as Om Allah and will be made in Hindi & English. Vikas Kapoor has written the story & screenplay for the film. The songs of the film have also been recorded in the voices of Asha Bhosle, Humsar Hyaat, Anup Jalota & Alisha Chinoy.”

HUMA QURESHI’S SPECIAL GESTURE FOR NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI!

Huma Qureshi who is currently in the French Riviera attending the Cannes Film Festival will be walking the red carpet & representing Independent Indian cinema at the India Pavilian. While the star was scheduled to fly out to London for a professional commitment, she will now stay back to attend the premiere of Manto headlined by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Huma made her Bollywood debut opposite the actor in Gangs of Wasseypur and shares a warm equation with the film’s director Nandita Das. When the 2 extended an invitation to Huma to attend the film’s screening, she immediately rescheduled her plans to accommodate the film. The actress will be extending her stay by a day to specially attend the screening of Manto. It will also be a very nostalgic moment as Huma & Nawaz 1st attended the Cannes Film Festival to promote Gangs of Wasseypur.

SHRADDHA KAPOOR AND SIDDHANTH KAPOOR COME FORWARD TO LEND THEIR SUPPORT TO BHAMLA FOUNDATION’S INITIATIVE

Bhamla Foundation, through its environment initiatives, is working towards curbing the plastic menace, keeping in line with the UNO initiative of “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The programme was launched at the hands of former Hon President of India Dr.Pranab Mukherjee. Following the same, the #BeatPlasticPollution song, ideated by Asif Bhamla, composed by Shaan with lyrics by Swanand Kirkire, vocals by Shaan, Kanika Kapoor, Armaan Malik, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, Ayushmaan Khurana, Sonu Nigam amongst others, and choreographed by Shiamak Davar was launched at a star-studded function earlier this month.

AJAY DEVGN & RANBIR KAPOOR IN LUV RANJAN’S NEXT!

In a casting coup of sorts, Luv Ranjan has cast 2 of the biggest stars of the country, Ajay Devgn & Ranbir Kapoor for his next film. The film will roll next year and will see Luv donning the director’s hat, after the recent success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Both Ajay & Ranbir are estatic about working with each other. Ajay feels that Ranbir is a great performer and the most talented actor of his generation. While Ranbir who has immense respect for Ajay is looking forward to sharing screen space with Ajay again. Luv is elated to be working with not one, but 2 powerhouse actors in his next.

ISMAT CHUGTAI’S ‘LIHAAF’ POSTER UNVEILED IN CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

The 1st ever look poster of award winning director Rahat Kazmi’s feature film based on Ismat Chugtai’s most celebrated & most controversial story Lihaaf (The Quilt) was recently launched in Cannes Film Festival at India Pavilion. Oscar winning producer of No Man’s Land Marc Baschet has joined hands with Indian producers of Lihaaf . “I am very happy to be part of a film with such a strong theme with universal appeal “said Marc. Subhash Ghai was present as a special guest to unveil the poster, while speaking he congratulated the team & even French producer for such a powerful subject which generally filmmakers don’t dare to touch, he also added that Ismat Chugtai was such a strong woman and much ahead of her times who raised her voice about such strong issues through her stories. Says Marc, “I first heard the story of Lihaaf (The Quilt) when I met Namita in the film bazaar in Goa in Nov, last year. I was struck by the theme of the story and decided to follow the development of the film as a mentor. Tannishtha Chatterjee has played the role of Ismat Chugtai and is very excited about the film. Apart from Tannistha, Sonal Sehgal who plays the character of Begum and is also the co-writer of the film with Rahat Kazmi has put her blood & sweat to get her character right. Namita Lal is the other most important character; the lady love of Begum (Sonal), Namita had already played the character of Rabbo in theatre in Singapore and that was the reason that she bagged the role of Rabbo. Shoib Nikash Shah plays Manto, who was earlier seen & acclaimed for Mantostaan.
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JASHODHARA CHATTERJEE FROM NEW JERSEY LAUNCHED HER SINGLE “KHUSHFAIMIYAAN”

“Khushfaimiyaan” is a heady love ballad depicting the stupor & the trance like state of a woman in love. This melody set in jazz-waltz is sung with flair and western stylisation by Jash. Jash, an Indian artiste hailing from New Jersey has an interesting mix of Indo-western singing cultures. She has trained in Hindustani classical music under Guruji Surendra Kathulla. She has attended workshops with Kavita Krishnamurthy and considers her as an important influence in her musical journey. She lends the right candid stupor to the song with her semi-husky vocal texture. The song is composed by eminent composer Abhishek Ray of Paan Singh Tomar, Saheb Biwi aur Gangster etc fame. The song is beautifully penned by Manvendra known for writing songs of Welcome Back, Yeh Saali Zindagi etc for Abhishek. The video was shot in New York. Zee Music Company has released the audio of this single.

DIRECTOR SANDEEP MOHAN ANNOUNCES NEW FEATURE FILM “NIRMAL ANAND KI PUPPY”, INDIA’S 1ST EVER FILM SCRIPTED BY A MAN & A DOG

Director Sandeep Mohan is all set to announce his film, Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy. The movie is all set to go on the floors in Sept, 2018. After the success of his Love Wrinkle-free, Hola Venky & Shreelancer, Sandeep Mohan is ready to start his 4th feature film. The film will be India’s 1st ever film scripted by a man and a dog. Written along with his pet dog “Hermione”, the movie Nirmal Anand Ki Puppy promises to be one of the most awaited comedy for its audiences and is all set to release in early 2019. The film stars Karanveer Khullar (an actor, model, theatre artist, known for his 1st ever commercial debut Rocky Mental), Gillian Pinto (a theatre actress known for Jolly LLB 2), Khushboo Upadhyay (an actress known for City Lights), Vipin Heero (singer, song writer & composer) & Salmin Sheriff (theatre artist for over 25 years, also acted in Shreelancer). Sandeep in his own way has made a mark for himself & his films through his entertaining offbeat films. Also, his innovative approach to taking his films to the audience has always endeared him to the new age audiences.

NIKKHIL ADVANI TO DIRECT ‘BATLA HOUSE’ WITH JOHN ABRAHAM

Nikkhil Advani is all set to make his next directorial venture with John Abraham in the lead. After directing the much-acclaimed D-Day & POW: Bandhi Yuddh Ke & producing Airlift, he will tell the story of the encounter at L-18 Batla House, Delhi which happened in Sept, 2008. It was one of the most talked-about police operations of recent times. Nikkhil Advani last directed John Abraham in Salaam-E-Ishq and is currently producing Satyameva Jayate starring John Abraham & Manoj Bajpayee which is releasing on 15th Aug 2018. Batla House will go on the floors this Sept, and will be shot in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur & Nepal. The film will be produced by Emmay Entertainment & Motion Pictures LLP in association with Bake My Cake Films.

VIDYA BALAN JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AS ARPAN’S GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

Mumbai based leading non-profit organization working on the issue of Child Sexual Abuse has engaged Vidya Balan as their goodwill ambassador. She had played the role of Durga Rani Singh a survivor of child sexual abuse, in the movie Kahaani 2, where she saved another child who was being sexually abused by her uncle. Vidya said “I first connected with Arpan during the filming of Kahaani 2 to understand the issue better and get into the skin of my role. I was amazed by the kind of work Arpan does on the issue especially working with children across age groups & their caregivers to prevent Child Sexual Abuse and heal survivors from the trauma of such an ordeal. As a society, it is critical that we look at how such a social evil can be prevented and how each of us can play a role in keeping children safe.” Pooja Taparia, Founder & CEO of Arpan said “It is an honour for Arpan to have a celebrated actor like Vidya Balan as our Goodwill ambassador. Arpan has played a very important role in the lives of numerous children & adults in the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse”.

KAJOL STARRER TENTATIVELY TITLED ‘EELA’ ALL SET TO RELEASE ON 14TH SEPT 2018
Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, Eela (tentative title) starring Kajol will be all set to hit the theaters on 14th Sept, 2018. The film also stars the National Award winning actor, Riddhi Sen who will be playing Kajol’s son. Written by Mitesh Shah, the film will see Kajol playing a single mother & an aspiring singer. The movie is produced by Ajay Devgn & Jayantilal Gada (Pen India Limited) & is all set to release on 14th Sept, 2018.

AVINASH DWIVEDI’S ‘NACHANIYA’ IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Men who dance are being labeled as Nachaniya and instead of being hailed as artists; they are subjected to heaps of insults. However, today the large numbers of men who take part in dance reality shows are not being called nachaniyas but instead applauded as the attitude of people has changed too. Avinash Dwivedi playing the role of a female dancer in Nachaniya. Though he is a good dancer and has also participated in a dance reality show, he trained himself for 2 months in kathak to prepare himself for his part in the film. After all, why is a dancer being insulted by being called a nachaniya? Avinash Dwivedi’s film Nachaniya will take the viewers on a journey to that era. Avinash Dwivedi is confident that instead of limiting his film to just the Bhojpuri belt, people from all walks of life belonging to different languages will come to see his film in large numbers and be able to identify with what the message the film sets out to tell and accept him as an artist. Avinash who has acted in both Bhojpuri films & Bollywood has already signed on 3 films even before the release of his film Nachaniya.

SHILPA SHETTY FLIES OFF TO THE MALDIVES TO UNWIND

Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been living out of her suitcase for the last couple of months, travelling to different cities for events & numerous brands appearances & promotions. Interestingly, the wellness entrepreneur has had a choc-o-block schedule recently as she had attended 11 events, including award ceremonies, brand summits & appearances amongst other professional commitments, all in 3 days in 3 cities, Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkatta. While everyone who has worked with Shilpa has always praised her professionalism, dedication & hard work, she always ensures to keep to all her commitments despite it being an extremely hectic schedule. Shilpa, who has been keeping extremely busy shooting non-stop for the dance reality show, Super Dancer 2 amongst other professional commitments for the last 8 to 9 months, has worked a way out to unwind. Doing so, the doting wife-mother has whisked her family off to Maldives for a week. Shilpa says, “The last few months have been pretty hectic and I have been running from pillar to post fulfilling my commitments including reality shows, brand summits, award ceremonies & brand appearances & promotions. So now It’s a well-deserved break.”

KAMAL HAASAN & SHANKAR REUNITE FOR ‘INDIAN – 2’ AFTER 21 YEARS

Filmmaker Shankar, who is all set to reunite with actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan after 2 decades for the sequel to their highly successful 1996 Tamil film ‘Indian’, says the idea to make the movie had been on his mind for a while. On 30th Sept, 2017 Indian 2 was officially announced in the finale of a reality show Bigg Boss Tamil, which Haasan hosts.Shankar said, “Every time I wrap up a project, I used to think of Indian 2. For a long time, I wanted to make this film. 3 years ago, a line struck me and I developed it into an idea for the project. I’m glad we are finally doing Indian 2.” Haasan said he had never witnessed such a big launch for his film. “This is a great platform to announce the film to over 6.5 crores who are watching the show,” he said. In Indian, Haasan played a dual role. He played the father & son. As a 70 year old freedom fighter turned vigilante against corruption, Haasan won over audiences & critics alike.

POOJA HEGDE SPILLS THE SECRETS FOR A SEXY BIKINI BODY!

Girls looking to have a sculpted bikini body, help is on the way! Most recently, Pooja Hegde, who stunned on the cover of Femina magazine, has been approached by a popular lifestyle channel to provide tips to getting the perfectly toned body this summer. For a svelte figure, Pooja swears by aerial silk yoga & pilates and the result is there for all to see. The secret to the stunner’s grace is the practiced art of balancing in midair and a few minor tweaks in her diet. Soon enough, the gorgeous actress will take to YouTube to share tips and her workout routine with those who dream to don a bikini.

HARSHVARDHAN KAPOOR BATTLES SICKNESS A FOR SHOOT!

Lauded for his performance in his debut, Mirzya, Harshvardhan Kapoor has been in news for the tremendous amount of prep work he put in for his upcoming projects, one of them being Vikramaditya Motwane’s, Bhavesh Joshi. Recently caught in the grip of fever & a throat infection, Kapoor learnt that he was required to shoot a few portions for the highly anticipated vigilante drama. However, adamant to not cancel on the shoot, the dedicated actor did not want his ill health to interfere with the forthcoming film. Says a source, “Harshvardhan means to give his all to this film. Even with the sudden nature of his illness, he wanted no special adjustments to be made for him. He was on a dose of heavy antibiotics, but has reached on the sets of his next.”