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Archives for 2018

Telangana cabinet meet ends, CM meets Governor

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The Telangana cabinet met on Thursday afternoon and is understood to have taken a decision on recommending dissolution of the Assembly to pave the way for early elections.

After the brief cabinet meet, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao left for Raj Bhavan to meet Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to convey the cabinet decision.

The cabinet meet began at 1 p.m. at Pragati Bhavan, the Chief Minister’s official residence, and concluded in less than 30 minutes. The cabinet is believed to have passed a resolution recommending to Governor Narasimhan to dissolve the Assembly.

Immediately after the cabinet meet, KCR, as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief is popularly known, left for Raj Bhavan to hand over the cabinet resolution.

KCR will later reach Telangana Bhavan, the party headquarters, to formally announce the cabinet decision at a news conference. He is also likely to announce the first list of TRS candidates.

The Assembly term is till May 2019 and elections in normal course would be conducted along with the Lok Sabha polls.

(IANS)

‘Yeddy’s son met IT chief – BJP trying to topple government’ – CM

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Karnataka chief minister (CM), H D Kumaraswamy, has fired a salvo against the BJP by accusing the saffron party of trying to bring his government down. He also said that B Y Vijayendra, son of state BJP chief, B S Yeddyurappa, had met chief of the income tax (IT) department and held secret discussions in this matter.

This statement has given rise to a major upheaval in the political circles in the state, and it also has paved way for a major verbal confrontation between the former and current CMs, Yeddyurappa and Kumaraswamy.

Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday September 5, the CM said that the BJP has been trying to rock the coalition government in the state with the assistance of central investigation agencies. “Already investigation officials have reached the city. Vijayendra has held consultations with director general of income tax, Balakrishnan,” he claimed. Saying that he is aware why Vijayendra met the IT head and that the BJP leaders have been trying misuse central agencies to unseat the state government, he reiterated that he was telling the truth.

“I have come to know that BJP has been planning to launch a major offensive against me through all the investigative agencies at the centre. One might wonder what evidence do I have to make this allegation, but it is not possible to provide documentary proof for everything. You should not forget that I never speak without concrete information,” he added.

When media persons wanted to know where the said meeting happened, Kumaraswamy said he cannot follow people with camera in hand and that he has received the above information which is not baseless. He asserted that Vijayendra had met the top income tax officer for engineering the downfall of his government.

In retaliation, Yeddyurappa dismissed the allegations and asked the CM, who is in a responsible position, to make statements responsibly. He wondered what relationship he has with income tax, enforcement directorate etc. He asked Kumaraswamy to desist from making irresponsible statements unnecessarily, create confusion in the minds of the people, and try to make someone a scapegoat by projecting him as a criminal.

B Y Vijayendra clarified that he has never met any income tax officials and he does not know that there is an official named Balakrishnan in that department. He dismissed the allegation of Kumaraswamy and challenged him as the chief of state intelligence, to order an inquiry and make public the findings. He felt that the CM should not undermine the honour of his own position by making baseless allegations.

The income tax department too clarified that Yeddyurappa’s son, Vijayendra, had not met any of the income tax officials. Office of Karnataka and Goa income tax commissioner clarified that the officials of the department have not met any politicians or members of their families, nor have any discussions been held.

Joint commissioner of the department, Tamil Selvam, dismissed the allegations in a press release and said that the department, since the last two years, has been conducting in-depth and impartial investigation into illegal accumulation of wealth and taking legal steps against the guilty.

(Vartha Bharati)

Bengaluru pays tribute to journalist Gauri

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Gauri, 55, editor of Kannada weekly tabloid ‘Lankesh Patrike’, was shot dead in front of her house on September 5 night a year ago.

Thought a year-long probe into Gauri’s killing by the Karnataka’s Special Investigation Team led to the arrest of a dozen suspects, including Parushuram Wagmare, 26, who is alleged to have shot her, and his accomplices, the police are yet to confirm who was or were behind her assassination.

Scores of activists, Kannada writers, journalists, artistes, lawyers and student leaders joined Gauri’s family, including elder sister Kavitha Lankesh, in fondly remembering her and paying homage to her soul.

Among those who participated in the day-long activities were social activist Swami Agnivesh, Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mewani, former JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, senior journalists Siddarth Varadarajan and Teesta Setalvad and multi-lingual actor Prakash Raj.

Family members of slain rationalists Govind Pansare and M.M. Kalaburgi also participated at some of the events in the city, organised by the Gauri Memorial Trust and other organisations.

The Gauri Media Trust released the first issue of her tabloid (Lankesh Patrike) in Kannada at the “Freedom of Expression Meet” in Central College, a year after its publication was suspended due to her sudden and untimely death.

A protest march was held from Gandhi statue in Cubbon Park to Raj Bhavan in the city centre, seeking justice to Gauri. Banners and posters carrying her picture and slogans “I Am Gauri” “Long Live Gauri” were carried.

Alleging that the forces that killed Mahatma Gandhi also killed Gauri, Agnivesh said her tragic death had led to the birth of thousands of Gauris across the country.

“We suspect that Hindutva forces are behind her killing as they were in the case of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi,” asserted Agnivesh.

Dabholkar was killed on August 20, 2013 at Pune, Pansare on February 20, 2015 in Mumbai and Kalburgi on August 30, 2015.

Said Kavitha: “We are living in dangerous times as the people who are opposed to fascism and authoritarianism are being arrested and jailed.”

Recalling that Gauri’s killing had changed his world view, actor Raj said narratives were being changed by the powers that be to silence the voices of dissent and fairness.

“We take our democracy for granted; often ignoring the price that people pay. Make no mistake, our democracy is alive because of the courage of people like Gauri. They chose to face death so that our democracy could live. We resolve to take your struggle forward,” tweeted former JNU student leader Kanhaiya.

Sharing a picture of him with Gauri, Mevani tweeted that the shirt he wore for the occasion was gifted by Gauri.

Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan of Swaraj Abhiyan said of the killers: “They (suspects) belong to several Hindutva (organisations) who were also making bombs to blow up Ganpati Mandaps and churches and Eid gatherings. (People) who celebrated her killing are still in power.”

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said even a year after her death, Gauri continued to live on among thousands of voices she has inspired.

“You can silence people but not ideas. My heartfelt remembrance to this brave soul,” tweeted Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio.

(PTI)

BJP activists bash up two Congress members in Ullal

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Three BJP activists allegedly attacked Congress workers at Thokkottu on Wednesday, September 5.

The injured are George Lobo (51) and Mohandas (42), residents of Krishna Nagar here.

The attackers have been identified as BJP activists Kavit Poojary, Arun Bhandari alias Maddy and Suni Belchada alias Chatni.

Chitra Chandrakanth, a contestant from Congress in Krishnanagar ward, won the Ullal City Municipal Council election held recently. She had also won the previous elections and had served as vice-president of Ullal CMC.

Sources said that her name was suggested for the post of the president this time and raged by this, BJP members who did not accept this decision attacked the Congress workers who took part in the election campaign for Chitra.

The case is registered at Ullal police station.

 

 

Deadly blasts target Kabul sports club

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Twin bombings at a sports club in Kabul on Wednesday killed at least 20 people and wounded 70 others, the latest in a spate of deadly attacks in the Afghan capital.

No immediate claim of responsibility was made for the blasts in Dasht-e-Barchi, home to many members of the mainly Shia Muslim Hazara ethnic minority that has been targeted in the past by members of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Images taken at the scene showed young men in torn wrestling kit helping the wounded onto vehicles to be taken to hospital.

The first explosion was triggered by a suicide bomber and was followed by a car bomb shortly after, said interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the bombings. “An attack on civilians and media workers of the country is an attack on freedom of speech and crime against humanity,” he said in a statement.

A reporter and cameraman from Afghanistan’s largest broadcaster, Tolo News, were killed in the second blast and four other local television crew were wounded, according to NAI, a group supporting open media in Afghanistan.

Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai said the second explosion hit as police were helping victims and a number of officers were wounded.

Reporting from Kabul, said the second bomb appeared to target first responders and journalists.

“It has been a very deadly year here for journalists and for Afghans alike,” Glasse said.

On April 30, twin explosions in Kabul killed nine media workers and 16 other people.

‘A lot of dead’

Suicide bomber targets school in Kabul
Social media users who purportedly witnessed the attack said the bomber killed the guards at the club before blowing himself up inside.

He “detonated inside where a large number of athletes had gathered. There are a lot of dead and wounded”, Mohammad Hanif said on Facebook.

Wednesday’s attack underlined the danger in Kabul as elections approach next month, as well as the threat facing the Hazaras – a Persian-speaking minority that has long faced discrimination.

In mid-August, at least 34 people were killed in a suicide attack in front of an education centre in Dasht-e-Barchi, west of Kabul.

ISIL – which has established a brutal reputation and which both the Western-backed government and the Taliban consider an enemy – claimed responsibility for that bombing.

(Aljazeera)

Dozens missing as powerful quake triggers landslides

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A powerful magnitude 6.6 quake rocked the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on Thursday, killing eight people, collapsing homes, and triggering landslides that left dozens missing.
Multiple, large-scale landslides struck the sparsely populated countryside, which was also hit by the edge of a powerful typhoon that surged through Japan earlier this week.

Aerial views showed dozens of houses destroyed at the bottom of a hill that was engulfed by a landslide, with a rescue helicopter winching a resident to safety.

Around three million homes lost power after the quake damaged a major thermal plant supplying the region.

The Tomari nuclear power plant in Hokkaido, which was not operational before the quake, was forced to turn to emergency back-up power to keep its cooling system working, said broadcaster NHK.

“There was a sudden, extreme jolt. I felt it went sideways, not up-and-down, for about two to three minutes,” Kazuo Kibayashi, 51, a town official at hard-hit Abira town, told AFP news agency.

“It stopped before shaking started again. I felt it come in two waves. I am 51, and I have never experienced anything like this. I thought my house was going to collapse. Everything inside my house was all jumbled up. I didn’t have time to even start cleaning,” he added.

Moments after the initial quake, an aftershock measuring 5.3 rocked the area and dozens more aftershocks followed throughout the night and into the morning.

Akira Fukui, from the main city of Sapporo, told AFP: “I woke up around 3am with a vertical jolt. I put the light on but it went out shortly afterwards. All the traffic lights are out and there’s no power at work.”

No tsunami warning was issued after the relatively shallow quake, which struck 62km southeast of the regional capital Sapporo.

Around 20,000 rescue workers, including police and members of the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) were responding to the disaster, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said. Another 20,000 SDF troops are expected to join the effort.

“We will do our best to save lives,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said after an emergency cabinet meeting.

NHK reported that eight people had lost their lives, six of them in the village of Atsuma, where the landslide engulfed the homes. Nearly 40 people were still missing, the broadcaster added.

Local media said the dead also included an 82-year-old man who fell down the stairs at his home during the quake and that around 130 people had sustained minor injuries.

“I urge people in areas shaken by strong quakes to stay calm, pay attention to evacuation information… and help each other,” Suga added.

Japan is still recovering from the worst typhoon to hit the country in 25 years, which struck the western part of the country on Tuesday, claiming at least 11 lives and causing major damage to the region’s main airport.
‘Ring of fire’
Officials warned of the danger of fresh quakes.

“Large quakes often occur, especially within two to three days (of a big one),” said Toshiyuki Matsumori, in charge of monitoring earthquakes and tsunamis at the meteorological agency.

The risk of housing collapses and landslides had increased, he said, urging residents “to pay full attention to seismic activity and rainfall and not to go into dangerous areas.”

The earthquake also caused travel disruption, with all flights cancelled from Sapporo’s main Chitose airport, where the quake brought down part of a ceiling and burst a water pipe. Local buses and trains and bullet train services were halted.

Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko said it would take “at least a week” for power to be restored to nearly three million homes after a fire in the area’s largest thermal plant was discovered.

And the national meteorological agency warned that more bad weather could be on the way for Hokkaido, urging people to be vigilant for landslides, high tides and heavy rain.

Japan sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where many of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.

In June, a deadly tremor rocked the Osaka region, killing five people and injuring more than 350.

On March 11, 2011, a devastating 9.0-magnitude quake struck under the Pacific Ocean, and the resulting tsunami caused widespread damage and claimed thousands of lives.

(AFP News agency)

Light tremors felt in J&K

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A low intensity earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale was felt in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, disaster management official said. No casualty or damage was reported.

The tremors were felt at 8.34 a.m. at a depth of five kilometres under the earth’s surface, he said. The epicentre was in the state.

Temblors have wrought destruction in Kashmir in the past as the area is situated in highly sensitive seismological region. Over 40,000 people were killed on October 8, 2005 in a quake.

Cine Buzz

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Khudabaksh Indian Idol 9 Finalist Launched By Anu Malik In His Next Song

Khuda Baksh who hails from Punjab, & is one of the top 3 contestants from the 9th season of Indian Idol made an appearance on Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol 10 along with noted film maker J P Dutta, legendary lyricist – Javed Akhtar & versatile singer Sonu Nigam for promoting their movie, Paltan. Khuda Baksh who scored a special place in the hearts of audiences across the globe with his heartfelt singing has got his 1st ever break in Bollywood! All thanks to the biggest platform for budding singers in the country, Indian Idol & Anu Malik. The young singer was overwhelmed with emotion as he expressed his gratitude to the stage for launching him in the world of music and paving the way for a bright career. Anu Malik exclaimed, “Khuda Baksh is our child and there are millions of people who love his voice. He has a unique voice that can be rightfully termed as “Naayab.” When I called him for the song he came to the studio and learnt the song there itself and performed. What a brilliant guy. I am sure he has a glorious future ahead of him and we wish him all the best!”

AR Rahman & Tabrez Noorani Come Together

After previously collaborating on Slumdog Millionaire Tabrez Noorani & composer AR Rahman come back together for Tabrez Noorani’s directorial debut Love Sonia. AR Rahman along with breakout artist Bishop Briggs will record new song entitled “I Am More” for the film. The song is penned by Rianjali. AR Rahman’s work gained him even more global prominence with the extraordinary success of his score for the film. AR Rahman will create the song along with young American-British singer Bishop Briggs who is best known for her popular single River. Says AR Rahman, “With this, Tabrez Noorani makes his directorial debut. It was a pleasure working with Tabrez Noorani, Academy nominated producer David & Bishop Briggs for the song “I Am More”.” Tabrez said, “It was a truly unique experience to work with both AR, Bishop & Rianjali who wrote a truly beautiful song.” Love Sonia, a hard-hitting story of a 17 year old girl who risks her life to rescue her sister from the sex trade, was shot in India, Hong Kong & Los Angeles. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, Rajkummar Rao, Sai Tamhankar, Adil Hussain, Anupam Kher, Demi Moore, Mark Duplass with Freida Pinto & debutant Mrunal Thakur & Riya Sisodia.

Javed Akhtar Is Indian Music Industry’s “Person Of The Year”

Script writer, lyricist, poet & Chairman of IPRS, Javed Akhtar was recognized & awarded with the inaugural Indian Music Industry “Person Of The Year” award. At a function organized by IMI during the 1st ever “Dialogue – Indian Music Conclave”, he was presented with the award by Shridhar Subramaniam President of Sony Music India & Chairman of IMI & Seymour Stein, Co-founder/Chairman Sire Records & VP Warner Bros Records. Stakeholders in the music sector such as Vikram Mehra, MD Saregama, Devraj Sanyal MD & CEO Universal Music Group India & South Asia spoke of the immense respect that Javed Akhtar has gathered in the industry by ensuring that the creator & music business communities build bridges in an effort to work together for the success & betterment of the industry and for his role in ensuring that authors, composers settle their long standing dues with the music industry which had been festering for years. Javed Akhtar said, “This award is not only recognition of me, it is recognition for all stakeholders in the Industry – of the extremely positive & mature fashion in which the industry now conducts & views itself”.

Subhash Ghai Sets Off The 3rd Edition Of Big Cine Expo

Big Cine Expo’s 3rd edition witnessed a packed attendance from the single screen cinemas, multiplex cinemas, malls & theatrical distribution exhibition industry & Sahara Star Mumbai and proved to be the platform for discovery, collaboration & networking for cinema exhibition industry in India. It was inaugurated by Subhash Ghai, along with Saurabh Varma, Chief Marketing Officer, INOX Leisure, P V Sunil, CEO & Director, Carnival Cinemas, Yusuf S Galabhaiwala, Director, Business Development, Galalite & Raghav, Director, Big Cine Expo. “It is an honor & and pleasure for me to be a part of this magnificent event. Big Cine Expo is one of the most prominent platforms, recognized across the globe. Such initiatives are really helpful for entrepreneurs in the cinema industry & ancillary businesses,” said Subhash Ghai. The biggest names in cinema business including PVR, INOX, Mukta A2, Miraj & Cinepolis are the multiplex partners of the event. Exhibitors present at the event included top names from various B2B cinema industries like screens, digital cinema, acoustics, in-theater dining, immersive seating, etc.

Goutam Ghose & Amit Agarwal’s Bond To Wrap Film In 20 Days!

Bengali Director Goutam Ghose is back to Hindi cinema and has collaborated with his long-time friend Amit Agarwal for the Hindi film One Day In The Rains. “My relationship with Goutam Da is almost a decade & a half old now, I share a unique bonding with him.” says Amit Aggrawal. Though he was earlier planning a Bengali film with Goutam Ghose, Amit Aggrawal got very excited after hearing the narration of One Day In The Rains and within a short notice of 30 days the shooting was scheduled at fabulous unexplored areas of Jharkhand which again was the discovery of Goutam Ghose himself. The film stars Adil Hussain, Tillotama Shome, Neeraj Kabi & Onkardas Manikpuri amongst others in pivotal roles. Says Amit Aggrawal. “I had a script based on a short story and I wanted to film it during rains.” “Amit Aggrawal said we could do it immediately and we planned the film in 20 days and finished shooting in exactly 20 days thanks to the efforts of Amit Aggrawal and his team and our team of technicians & brilliant actors,” said Gotam Ghose. The innumerable National & International award-winning filmmaker Goutam Ghose has also directed Hindi films like Paar, Patang, Gudiya & Yatra. Amit Agarwal has backed films like M.S.Dhoni – The Untold Story, Simran, Astra (Bengali), Vartak Nagar (Releasing end 2018) & Ajooba The Wonder Boy (Animation, Under Production, which he is directing as well).

Aman Verma To Play A Negative Role

Aman Verma is all set to play a lawyer in Hansa – Ek Sanyog produced by Suresh Sharma & directed by Santosh Kashyap & Dhiraj Verma. It is based on the 3rd
gender (Kinnar) community and their issues for equality in the society. Aman Verma is seen playing the role of a strong headed & a very aggressive lawyer, With Hansa – Ek Sanyog the director duo are trying to showcase the struggle that the Kinnar community have to go through in order to earn their daily livelihood with dignity. The movie also stars Ayush Shrivastava, Mantra Patel, Master Ayushmann, Sharad Saxena, Sayaji Shinde, Vaishnavi Macdonald, Akhilendra Mishra, Deepshika Nagpal, Ishtiyak Khan, Bachan Pachera, Pankaj Shukla & Neelam Pandey.

ZEE5 Film Fest Screens ‘Baarish And Chowmein’

Directed by National Award-winning director, Tigmanshu Dhulia & starring Amit Sadh & Tapsee Pannu, the film Baarish And Chowmein revolves around Siraj who is unable to rent a house in Mumbai as not many are willing to accommodate a Muslim. Says Tigmanshu Dhulia, “When this initiative came along, I felt this was a great opportunity to be a part of ushering in the change that we all wish to see. Releasing the movies exclusively on the digital medium as part of the ZEE5 Film Fest will help take it to newer audiences. Also, now, people like to see movies at their homes on their laptops & mobiles.” Adds Amit Sadh, “Baarish And Chowmein is a simple love story showing how love eventually prevails. The film has been written by Kausar Munir. As part of the festival, 12 films, 6 from India & Pakistan each will be featured every Fri on a weekly basis (started 24th Aug, 2018) Given the current global scenario, it is important to bring people together. Films by directors like Aparna Sen, Bejoy Nambiar, Ketan Mehta, Tanuja Chandra, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Khalid Ahmad, Mehreen Jabbar etc & actors like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Vinay Pathak, Amit Sadh, Taapsee Pannu, Kartik Aryan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sara Haider, Faisal Qureshi etc are a part of the ZEE5 Film Fest.

Shaan & Aditya Narayan Perform Live

The makers of upcoming movie 22 Days organized a royal musical extravaganza in Mumbai to celebrate the music of the film. The event was graced by the entire cast & crew of the film, making the musical occasion a grand celebration. Producer Adhir Gunness, Director cum Actor Shiivam Tiwari along with Music Director Parivesh singh, BJP National Spokes Personal Prem Shukla, Hemant Pandey, Deepak Sawant and singers Shaan & Aditya Narayan graced the event with their presence. Shaan & Aditya Narayan along with Shiivam Tiwari performed live for the audiences, while the cast & the crew rejoiced in the celebration. While the musical gala was an entertaining affair, this was really memorable moment that grabbed everyone’s attention.

Chris Witt Weaves A Maze-Like Film Gali Guleiyan

After creating marvels with his work in Hollywood with films like The Unraveling & Catching Fireflies to name a few, Chris Witt has now added his magic-hint to the psychological thriller Gali Guleiyan. He has edited the film at length and the film trailer was surely a proof of his art. The trailer interestingly narrates a story of a paranoid man who seemed trapped convoyed by constant flashes of incidents back and forth. The arrangement of shots in sync with a mind-bending story-line will surely leave you fascinated. Chris exults, “I’m proud to say this is my best work in over 2 decades of editing! Written, directed & produced by debutant Dipesh Jain, the film certainly is a combination of story & thrill which is then perfectly balanced by an adequate amount of special effects. There are fewer movies today designed specifically for the movie theater.” Chris has also impressed the audience with the apt editing skills he had showcased in the Oscar-nominated American-Indian short film, Kavi. Bagging 2 awards & 6 nominations in his career so far, Chris is all set with his another chef-d’oeuvre Gali Guleiyan. Produced by Shuchi Jain, Gali Guleiyan will release in India and Worldwide on 7th Sept, 2018.

Nargis Fakhri – The new Brand Ambassador of Cadini

Cadini, Italy’s premier fashion brand, is a clear essence of Italian heritage & refined craftsmanship. The brand has signed on uber stylish Nargis Fakhri to be the new face of the Cadini Power of Presence Campaign in India. The focus of the brand has been fashion forward youth who not only follow international trends but also believe in power-dressing. Nargis Fakhri averred, “Cadini has always charmed me with their fabrics, design & ensemble men’s collection. I feel men are taking fashion pretty seriously these days. Cadini reflects a power of presence with the great cut, great style & exquisite fabrics that make the Cadini man stand out in a crowd. It’s a wonderful feeling to be the brand ambassador for such a spectacular brand”.

Elnaaz Norouzi To Take Centerstage Along With Saif Ali Khan & Nawazuddin Sididdiqui

The 1st ever season of Netflix series Sacred Games met with tremendous response. And the catch phrase, “Sab marr jaayenge, sirf Trivedi bachega” almost became iconic. So much so that, it was the most shared line from the show on social media & even attracted loads of speculation as well as memes. But not many have noticed that as far as the female characters go, most of the main female characters die in the series, with the exception of Zoya, played by Elnaaz Norouzi. So can we say, “Sab marr gaye, Elnaaz bach gayee”!! The lady will have a pivotal part to play in the 2nd season. “The response to the 1st ever season was much bigger than what I had imagined. So I’m definitely looking forward to 2nd season,” says an elated Elnaaz Norouzi. Inspite of hailing from Iran and having studied in Germany, Elnaaz Norouzi is particularly proud of the fact that she has herself dubbed her dialogues in Sacred Games, where she features along with established stars like Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui & Radhika Apte. In fact, Elnaaz Norouzi who actually knows 7 languages, has perfected her Hindi diction. Directed by Anurag Kashyap & Vikramaditya Motwane, The Series Is Based On Vikram Chandra’s critically acclaimed novella of the same name.

Sunny Leone Most Engaging Actress On Facebook

Bollywood’s sensation Sunny Leone has become the Queen on FaceBook by scoring 100 points on the Score Trends India Chart. Sunny Leone has surpassed actresses like Anushka Sharma who is on 2nd position with 90 points, Madhuri Dixit Nene on 86 points with 3rd position, Priyanka Chopra with 84 points on 4th & Jacqueline Fernandez who is neck to neck with 83 points on 5th position this week. The statistics for these rankings are supplied by Score Trends, a US based media-tech agency. “What worked in Sunny Leone favour is her web series Karenjit Kaur and the buzz of forthcoming MTV Splitsvilla season 11 with Ranvijay Singha which is already a rage amongst the youth and across the digital platforms especially her popular posts on Facebook,” explains Ashwani Kaul co-founder of Score Trends. “We collect data from over 600 news sources across 14 languages in India to analyse the media. This is done from Thurs to Thurs” concludes Kaul. With Season 2 of Karenjit Kaur all set to hit the Zee 5 app soon Sunny Leone is predicted to stay a bit longer on the charts.

Gracy Singh’s Grace

Actor-Danseuse Gracy Singh performed along with her troupe at ISKCON, Juhu, on the occasion of ISKCON’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The show, organized by Kavi Narayan Agarwal, was graced by Hema Malini, Dr. Rajan Sankaran & Dr. Meghna Shah of The Other Song, Dr. Soma Ghosh, Subhankar Ghosh, Vivek Prakash amongst others. The actress who looked ethereal in every costume she wore, quipped, “This show was a particularly a tough one as I usually perform for 1 hour but this was a 2 our show. I infused Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri & Ballet styles in my performances and it was quite challenging for me. It was nonetheless a divine feeling to perform at ISKCON… the vibrations were such that I almost felt (Lord) Krishna is present on stage, dancing with us. “What could be a more beautiful way to commemorate the evening!

Pooja Bhatt’s “Delhi Hoopers 3BL” on the road to Represent India

Delhi Hoopers 3BL have qualified to participate in 2 tournaments in FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters, the Mexico City Masters & Hyderabad Masters on 8th & 9th Sept, 2018 & 22nd & 23rd Sept, 2018 respectively. Delhi Hoopers 3BL have already represented India at an international platform in 3×3 basketball for the 1st time ever at Utsunomiya Masters in Jul, 2018 and emerged 9th in the ranking charts. They stand a chance to qualify for FIBA 3×3 World Tour Finals in Beijing, China in Oct, 2018 if they manage to be in the top 8 in both World Tour Masters in Sept, 2018. It will mark the 1st time ever, an Indian 3×3 team has reached the finals of the prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final. Actor-Filmmaker-Owner Pooja Bhatt averred, “Delhi Hoopers have been raising the bar with every single match with their talent & skills. Our players are going to make India proud at Mexico City Masters, Hyderabad Masters & eventually FIBA 3×3 World Tour Finals in Beijing as well.”

Shabana Azmi & Anmol Rodriguez Celebrate Aunty Ji With Director Adeeb Rais

Director Adeeb Rais held a special preview of his short film Aunty Ji in Mumbai. Aunty Ji is a 20 minute short film starring Shabana Azmi & Anmol Rodriguez. Shabana Azmi is playing a Parsi widow & Anmol Rodriguez is playing the struggles of an Acid attack survivor in the short film. Shabana averred, “Short films are an evolving medium that gives one the freedom to express & say their story in a short span of time. I did a short film many years ago and knew it would be a new age medium”. “Aunty Ji is essentially about following your heart & chasing your dreams. Both women Parvin (Shabana ji) & Geetika (Anmol) are charming and strong but conditioned by unnecessary restrictions & pressures from society. Like most short films, we worked on a shoe string budget but I am grateful that we could have Shabanaji on board. Anmol doesn’t come from an acting background but surprisingly she turned into Geetika effortlessly” shares Director Adeeb Rais. Anmol statedsays, “It’s my debut and to share frames with Shabanaji for a novice like me is something I never imagined. ”

Zareen Khan Supports An Initiative For Public Hygiene!

Zareen Khan has taken up the cause of ending open defecation. The actress has been invited by the Orissa Government to talk to the locals there about the issues that follow with open defecation. The actress will be traveling to Orissa this month for a few days where she will conduct special seminars to meet the locals and spread the word about not defecating in public. When asked about the same, Zareen said, “It will be a public event where I will explain the locals the benefits of not defecating in the open. The Government has already started building toilets but people still prefer to defecate in the open, giving room to endless illnesses & also spreading diseases.”

Shriya Is Excited To Work With Gurinder

Fan movie fame, Shriya Pilgaonkar will be seen playing a pivotal role alongside Tom Bateman in a British TV Series, Beecham House. Directed by Gurinder Chaddha for ITV, Shriya will be essaying the character of Chanchal, a secretive caretaker of Tom’s baby. She has a crucial love track on the show. The shoot has already begun for this 6 part series in London! Elaborating on her role, the actress expresses her excitement to be a part of the glorious cast, she says “I am thrilled to be working with a host of talented individuals & Gurinder is definitely a powerhouse! Also, I have always been fascinated by period dramas and it feels so surreal to be a part of this story.” She adds, “My character is definitely intriguing and she has many shades attached to her personality. She is ambitious, secretive, passionate as well as innocent. ”This period drama series is set on the cusp of 19th century & follows the lives of the residents of the palatial Beecham House. The show also features ensemble cast including Lesley Nicol, Bessie Carter & Marc Warren.

Kalpana Pens A Memoir On Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

Kalpana Lajmi is all set to release a memoir, “Bhupen Hazarika – As I knew him” on 8th Sept, 2018. The book contains at least 12 of his songs translated in English by Muni Kabir & Illustrated by well known artist Lalitha Lajmi. With this book, Kalpana aims to take his work of 75 years to a global platform, befitting the chair that already exists in his name at Harvard University. The book will be released on the occasion of Bhupen da’s 91st Birthday. Kalpana Lajmi, who took 1 year to write the entire book, emphasizes, “I want the world to know what a great man, artist he was. He was a painter, sculptor, poet all bundled in one. I want the world to know the depth with which Bhupen Hazarika spread himself. I am grateful to Shyam Benegal, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Bhatt, Adil Hussain & Huma Qureshi, who have come forward to promote the book, by reading parts of the book at the launch. Bhupenda was a legend in his own right. My book on his life & works will showcase his genius in music, verse & composition to a much larger audience and hopefully capture his life & times for posterity”. The book is being published by Harper Collins and will be released on 8th Sept, 2018.

Urvashi Rautela Making India Super Proud Internationally!

Urvashi Rautela who always has created headlines all across India but this time the diva has set the parameter too high by touching the international boundaries. Urvashi Rautela always has been in cahoots about her international contact, has yet again proved her foot digged deep down in Hollywood. Urvashi Rautela is in LA having a gala time with all the international stars also promoting India on such a level. The diva was recently spotted in a party with some big names of bollywood such as Amber Rose, Alessendra Ambrosio, Blac Chyna, Dita Von Tesse, Lexy Panterra, Apryl and many more. Urvashi Routela was caught by paparazzi internationally while the actress was meeting/greeting her friends as the diva threw a success bash of Urvashi Rautela’s app in LA for her near & dear ones.

Madhuri Murli To Launch Bollywood Dance Series In California

San Francisco based Madhuri Murli is a multi-faceted personality, a computer science engineer by degree, product marketing manager by profession at a tech company in Silicon Valley, singer, composer, writer, lyricist, choreographer & philanthropist, all rolled into one. As a founder of a philanthropic platform called Flute Theory, she has conducted many live performances & even released 6 music videos, 4 out of them being her own original compositions. Earlier, one of her live performances “Shubhaarambh & Nagada Sang Dhol” went viral and garnered over 1.5 million views. Now, along with select students of Flute Theory, Madhuri Murli is all set to launch a Bollywood dance series in California, with live song & dance performances to Bollywood style fusion music. She informs that “Flute Theory intends to donate all the funds raised from this series to the Indian Government’s homage & support initiative “Bharat Ke Veer – India’s Bravehearts”, to pay respect to the brave hearts who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.” What better than singing and dancing for a noble cause,” she adds.

Important for actors to set right examples: Kareena Kapoor Khan (IANS Interview) By Nivedita

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New Delhi,Actors play an important part in everyone’s life, and so it is important to set right examples for people, says Kareena Kapoor Khan, citing how she did the same when she continued with her work throughout her pregnancy and even after delivering her child.

She believes it is her individuality that sets her apart.

“As actors, we play a very important part in everyone’s life. We are considered role models and it is necessary on our part to set the right examples for people. I’m someone who has always lived from the heart. I did not want to do things because everyone else was doing them.

“If I am comfortable working in a certain way, then I do so with all my conviction. I have always followed what I believe in and it is my individuality which sets me apart. Everything I have in life, I have wanted it for a long time and I have worked very hard for it,” Kareena told IANS over an e-mail when asked how important it is for actors to have their own individuality, break the norms and lead life by their own rules to make a mark in today’s Bollywood.

Kareena embraced motherhoood with the birth of Taimur with husband Saif Ali Khan in December 2016. She is currently a part of designer Anita Dongre’s #ANDImpact intitiave.

Through this campaign, the brand highlights the importance of a sustainable environment and celebrates four such women change-makers — Priyanka Raina, Purnima Burman, Srishti Bakshi and Rashi Anand — who are making a difference today for a better tomorrow.

How does Kareena connect with this particular campaign?

“I believe these women are born fighters — be it personally or professionally. They are change-makers, they are capable of standing on their own feet, against all odds… They are the voice for a million other women.

She says “women are change-makers (and) can achieve anything they set their mind to. Women today are bold, brave, empowered and at the same time they are compassionate, giving and sensitive to the needs of others”.

The 37-year-old, who made her acting debut in 2000 with “Refugee”, has many successful films like “Jab We Met”, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”, “Talaash: The Hunt Begins…”, “Yuva”, “Omkara” and “Udta Punjab” to her credit. After becoming a mother, she was seen in “Veere Di Wedding”.

Kareena believes in embracing every part of her life with confidence and gusto.

“I believe in what I do and I have always spoken my mind. I do my own thing. The fact that I was working throughout my pregnancy and that I continue to work even after having a child, should inspire a lot more women to find that balance between their personal and professional lives.

“It’s all a part of the journey that has made me who I am and brought me where I am right now,” said the actress.

Kareena, who loves to be active, also believes that feeling good from within is vital to living a happy, successful and balanced life.

“I play diverse roles in my life — mother, sister, daughter, wife and an actor. I believe in giving 100 per cent to all my roles, whether personal or professional. I believe in what I do and I have my own identity; just like the AND woman,” said the actress.

So is there anyone who inspires her in her life?

“There are so many people in the industry who inspire me. My sister and my mother have always been my major source of inspiration. I enjoy seeing everyone’s work and learn as much as I can from them,” said the daughter of veteran actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor, and sister of Karisma Kapoor.

“I’ve never taken my success or failure too seriously. If the movie is a success, then great. If it is not, that’s also fine. I love my job. I feel the idea of doing something what we love is more important than our success or failure, and for me that’s acting,” said Kareena.

(IANS)

SC decriminlaises gay sex

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New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Thursday in a landmark decision decriminalised homosexuality by declaring Section 377, the penal provision which criminalised gay sex, as “manifestly arbitrary”.

The top court delivering separate but concurring judgments, said it is the constitutional and not social morality which will prevail. The verdict sparked celebrations amongst the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning) community across India.

Chief Justice Dipak Misra, also speaking for Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, said attitude and mentality has to change to accept the others’ identity and accept what they are and not what they should be.

Justice Rohinton Nariman, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Indu Malhotra delivered concurring judgments thereby making the verdict of the five-judge bench a unanimous one.

(IANS)

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