The dynamic on-screen Jodi of Anil Kapoor & Madhuri Dixit are all set to come back together after 18 years for Indra Kumar’s Total Dhamaal. The duo has started shooting for the adventure-comedy, by grooving to the title track. Director Indra Kumar shares, “All three of us are shooting together 26 years after Beta and I’m excited about reuniting with my blockbuster jodi. They play husband & wife in the film and have been prepping for a while but I can’t reveal any details except that Anil goes by the name of Avinash and all of us call him Avi,” Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Mishra & Pitobash will join the duo for the song soon. Anil & Madhuri will be shooting for the film for the next 15 days. Indra Kumar adds, “It’s like a Beta reunion. I remember a week before the film’s release, we picturised “Dhak Dhak”. We’d already received the censor certificate by then so we had to add another supplement to the certificate for the song which was incorporated later. It was a last-minute addition & created history. We were all blown away when we saw it for the 1st time ever.”
OFFICIAL POSTER OF ‘KHAJOOR PE ATKE’ HINTS AT A QUIRKY FAMILY ENTERTAINER
Actor Harsh Chhaya makes his directorial debut with wholesome family entertainer Khajoor Pe Atke and the official poster of the film, hints at a quirky laughter ride. Featuring an ensemble star cast of comedy stalwarts such as Manoj Pahwa, Vinay Pathak, Seema Pahwa, Dolly Ahluwalia, Sanah Kapoor and others, the poster of the film shows members of a family standing outside the ICU unit of a hospital with expressions ranging from shock to curiosity to amusement to indifference, which pretty much hints that the film will revolve around an “Item Family”. Khajoor Pe Atke is a funny take at how the news about a person’s imminent death affects the members of his family in various ways. Produced by Welcome Friends Production, Khajoor Pe Atke is slated to release on 18th May, 2018.
SHONA URVASHI CONFERRED WITH TOP FRENCH AWARD
Filmmaker & artist Shona Urvashi has been conferred with the prestigious “Chevalier De l’Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres”, France’s highest cultural award for her contribution to bringing the new wave of independent cinema in India and improving the ease for foreign films & talent to work in & with India. The Consul General of France, Yves Perrin, bestowed the honour on the Indo-Canadian filmmaker at his residence recently. Shona’s work as a filmmaker spans across countries where she has curated & executed many cross-platform projects & ad campaigns. Perhaps her most impactful, yet least publicized contribution to the film industry has been her passion for helping independent filmmakers network with national & international film communities, and in promoting foreign projects to film in India while striving towards more collaborative efforts using homegrown talent. Shona Urvashi reminisced her connection with France to, when her grandfather Parmanand Anand traveled the fair land, distributing Indian films. “I believe that through our collaboration with each other, there are more dynamic conversations to be had, many exciting projects we must do together and so many new people on both sides just waiting to discover the other for better opportunity for all,” feels Shona.
POOJA HEGDE TAKES ADVANCE TRAINING IN AERIAL YOGA!
Though with a svelte & delicate body, Pooja Hegde has trained hard in a special workout to supplement strength to it. If one takes a good look at her workout videos on social media platforms, it can be gauged that the ravishing beauty is a pro at aerial silk yoga, which involves performing a series of acrobatic movements in a hammock-like apparatus, while being suspended from a silk rope. Now, the gorgeous actress has decided to take her obsession with the workout to another level that would require her to challenge herself further more. It is learnt that Pooja, who is currently shooting for a Telugu film in the USA, is enrolling in an advance form of the yoga. Despite a tight schedule, she is unwilling to compromise on fitness and is practicing aerial silk yoga in between shoots. Inspired by pop singer, Pink, Pooja took to the workout and has been hooked to it ever since. Apart from staying in shape and improving agility by routinely striking insane poses looking elegant & graceful at the same time, the stunner has also overcome acrophobia (fear of heights). Regardless of the time constraints that arise from shooting back – to – back, travelling & working around the clock, Pooja makes sure to never miss her airborne workout.
ALIA TO WIN HEARTS & AWARDS WITH ‘RAAZI’
The trailer of Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, has taken the internet by storm within just a few days of it being released. The film features Alia Bhatt in the role of Sehmat, an Indian girl who is sent to Pakistan on a mission to spy for her country. Based on the novel, Calling Sehmat, by Harinder Sikka, the story is inspired by true events. The film also features Vicky Kaushal in the role of a Pakistani officer who is married to Alia’s character. Alia is turning out to be one of the best talents in Bollywood, and she will definitely walk away with all the glory for the film. Vicky Kaushal also looks promising in Raazi. Trailers & posters are a film’s 1st ever communication with audiences, and if you connect well here, then half of your battle is won. The trailer of Raazi is one such example. After watching this, we know that this one is going to be a powerful film. Alia is sure going to win hearts & awards alike.
KRITI KHARBANDA DOES “SEVA AT LANGAR” AT THE GOLDEN TEMPLE!
Kriti Kharbanda has an interesting line up of films releasing this year including her forthcoming family entertainer, Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se featuring the Deols, and an extended cameo opposite Dulquer Salmaan in Karwaan. While shooting for the 3rd part of the successful franchise, Yamla Pagla Deewana – Phir Se in Amritsar recently, the gorgeous actress took some time out to visit the popular Golden Temple along with her movie co-star, Bobby Deol. It was indeed a memorable & divine experience at the Gurudwara where Kriti managed to do some “seva at the langar” by serving the people food & prasad. The actress feels blessed to visit the holy place as it filled her heart with gratitude, peace & positivity. Says Kriti, “This year has been so blissful. The last time that I went to Golden Temple, I was bound to a tight schedule and couldn’t make time for langar seva. At my 2nd visit to the temple, I was determined to make time for it. I am grateful for all the opportunities & love that has come by. I hope to have more chances to express my thanks to God – The Almighty.”
KRITI KHARBANDA PREPS FOR ‘YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA: PHIR SE’!
Not afraid to go the extra mile, Kriti Kharbanda stops at nothing when it comes to portraying the characters assigned to her. The dedicated actress is learning Gujarati and more specifically looking to master popular catchphrases of the language, as she essays the role of a Gujarati girl in Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se, sharing screen time with the Deols. Kriti is training to perfect the Gujarati accent under the guidance of a diction coach. The girl-next-door is all-in as far as disciplined is concerned and is practicing the language off the sets of the film too!
KANIKA KAPOOR CHAMPIONS THE CAUSE OF THE ELEPHANTS!
Kanika Kapoor is an ardent animal lover and also supports various animal welfare activities. The large-hearted singer has been recently invited for the special “Elephant Family Charity Dinner”, an initiative by Elephant Family NGO that works for the welfare of elephants across the country. “Elephant Family – protecting Asian elephants and their habitat”, is a small dynamic NGO started by Mark Shand, a British travel writer who was actively involved in the conservation of the Asian elephant & co-founded a charity called Elephant Family. Post his death, his sister Camilla, also wife of Prince Charles took over the charitable cause to save a forgotten species from extinction. Kanika, who has been an ambassador for the British Asian Trust, feels privileged to get associated with the noble cause. The NGO has also given the large-hearted singer an elephant to design which will be auctioned in London. Interestingly, Kanika recently performed at the Buckingham Palace in the presence of Prince Charles & Cornwall Camilla. Kanika says, “I’m most intrigued by the outpouring of support for the elephants and I am especially going as it’s such a noble gesture for a great cause.”
ADITI RAO HYDARI TO ATTEND THE TEACH FOR CHANGE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER IN HYDERABAD!
Aditi Rao Hydari has been invited to her hometown, Hyderabad for an initiative called “Teach For Change” an annual fundraiser, held at Falaknuma Palace, in the capacity of a Chief Guest. The gorgeous actress, who has always championed the cause of education, will lend her voice & strength to the initiative that aims to improve the overall standards of literacy at Government Schools in the city. Aditi’s royal roots in the city and the recent resounding success of Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai have led to a huge rise in her popularity down south. In addition to that, her contribution to literacy & education made the stunner a perfect choice for the cause that is currently active in over a 100 Government Schools in Hyderabad. The evening of the fundraiser will begin with Aditi walking into the grand 101 Dining Hall of the palace. Following which, the actress will address the guests & attendees and launch the “Teach For Change Academic Year – 2018”. Talking about the initiative Aditi says, “Public education solves every problem that plagues our country. Only a solid education system can break the vicious circle of illiteracy, unemployment & poverty. I am honoured to be associated with such a noble cause. I will do everything I can for this revolutionary initiative.”
PRIYANKA CHOPRA’S PURPLE PEBBLE PICTURES LAUNCHES ITS WEBSITE!
Priyanka Chopra’s home banner, Purple Pebble Pictures that completed 3 years this March has an online presence now as its official website was launched recently. The production house was founded with the endeavor to create quality regional cinema, refine storytelling through films and support new talent. 3 years since its inception, the banner has stood its ground by not only providing regional films a solid platform but also backing talents who specialize in areas of filmmaking. Chopra’s home banner has churned out films with unique story lines and won accolades up to 3 National Awards for one of their Marathi films, Ventilator. Regional cinema bankrolled by Purple Pebble Pictures has travelled to international film festivals and earned praise from celebrated filmmakers the world over. With such growth in a span of just 3 years, having a website seemed a natural progression.
