Armaan Malik’s new song “O Re Piya” for music director DJ Sheizwood from the film EK KAHANI JULIE KI is getting great response all over. Music director DJ Sheizwood has roped in Armaan Malik to sing “O Re Piya” song written by Taufique Pallavi for Hindi film EK KAHANI JULIE KI. The music of film is with Zee music. The song is getting great response all over. The film is directed by Aziz Zee.
SONALEE KULKARNI, MARATHI CINEMA’S POSTER GIRL LAUNCHES BOHO INSPIRED AUTUMN WINTER COLLECTION
The pretty & petite Diva of Marathi film industry, Sonalee Kulkarni recently unveiled Max’s fresh Autumn Winter Collection at the Max store in Viviana Thane. Popularly known as the poster girl of Marathi films, Sonalee created a buzz with Max shoppers and launched the new collection in her own glamorous style! Sonalee chose her personal favourites, the trendy culottes & jacket to walk the ramp and launch the Max Autumn Visual Lookbook. Sonalee says, “I love the fashion & flair Max follows and their new Autumn Winter Collection truly celebrates people who want to be the trend setters in their own unique way. I am excited to present you the Max’s Bohemian inspired Autumn Winter Lookbook that features my personal favourites from the collection. I chose Max’s culottes & jacket as my outfit recently because along with being stylish & comfortable, this lovely outfit celebrates my zest to explore the world”. Piyush Sharma, Regional Manager, West, Max Retail said, “We are very excited to have Sonalee, the fashionista of the Marathi film industry, present the 1st look of Max’s Bohemian inspired Autumn Winter 2016. Sonalee is known for being a trend setter in the Marathi film industry and our new Lookbook features her personal favourites.”
MANOJ BAJPAYEE IS SHOOTING FOR ‘IN THE SHADOWS’ WITH BELGIAN ACTRESS LAURA VERLINDEN
Manoj Bajpayee is filming an international project, IN THE SHADOWS, along with the Belgian actress, Laura Verlinden in the walled city of old Delhi. Starring Ranvir Shorey (TITLI), Neeraj Kabi (TALWAR & SHIP OF THESEUS) & Shahana Goswami (ROCK ON!) in key roles, the psychological drama film marks the directorial debut of Los Angeles based filmmaker, Dipesh Jain. The film is about a man who is trapped within the city walls and in his own mind. He attempts to break free to find a human connection. Manoj Bajpayee has been pitted in the film along with Laura Verlinden, a Belgian actress who recently starred in Oscar shortlisted & Golden Globe nominated THE BRAND NEW TESTAMENT. The film is produced by Shuchi Jain (11 WEEKS), the founder of UK based production company, Exstant Motion Pictures along with the award – winning Swiss producer Lena Vurma (LOST PLACE 3D) who is also Head of Acquisitions for German distributor NFP (THE LUNCH BOX & ANGRY INDIAN GODDESSES).The shooting of the film, which commenced in Jul, 2016 in the narrow alleys of Old Delhi, will wrap up by mid – Aug, 2016. The film’s script was a finalist at Sundance Screenwriting Lab 2015, Torino Lab 2015 & Tribeca All Access 2016. Dipesh Jain says, “As a kid I would walk through the maze of alleys fearing that if I took a wrong turn somewhere and got lost, I´ll be trapped in the alleys forever. I want to tell a story in old Delhi that is simple to follow and connects emotionally, but structurally it is intricate, so the audience is forced to put the pieces of the puzzle together.”
MYNTRA ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN HRITHIK ROSHAN’S BRAND HRX
Flipkart owned Myntra has acquired a majority stake in HRX, the active lifestyle brand co – owned by Hrithik Roshan & Exceed Entertainment. This move is in the bid to further strengthen Myntra’s successful private brands business. HRX, one of the 1st home grown Indian active lifestyle brand, was incepted in 2012 and was exclusively licensed to Myntra in 2013. This strategic investment is a 1st of its kind in the industry, wherein a celebrity incubated brand has aligned with the country’s leading e – fashion retailer in an equity model. The move also lays down the structure to build the brand through collaborative efforts, of both Myntra and Hrithik to offer products & experiences for the brand’s enthusiasts. The actor and the inspiration behind HRX, Hrithik Roshan said, “The mission of our brand is to impact, transform & empower a billion people in their journey to be the best version of themselves. The new partnership with Myntra is a stride closer towards fulfilling this mission. I’ve always been passionate about physical & mental fitness and the changes it brings to everyone’s life, and this collaboration is a big positive step we have taken towards the change”
KUNAL KAPOOR’S NEXT ‘VEERAM’ AKA HOLLYWOOD STYLE
Director Jayaraj is gearing up to release his magnum opus period drama VEERAM starting Kunal Kapoor. Jayaraj, 6 times National award winner and recipient of many international awards including Golden Peacock & Berlin’s Crystal Bear Awards, has decided to give his period drama a Hollywood touch. Set in the 13th century Kerala, the film resuscitates the real life character made famous through folklore literature & songs. Hence, Keeping the tone & the content of the period drama in mind Jayaraj has, for the very 1st time, brought on board 4 renowned Hollywood Technicians to helm the action, Make up, Music & coloring facets of the film. Action Choreographer Allan Poppleton (of 300, HUNGER GAMES AVATAR LORD OF THE RINGS fame Oscar Award winning & 2 times Emmy award winning makeup artist Trefor Proud have been brought on board. Music & background score of the film is by renowned Hollywood music director Jeff Rona (of PHANTOM, TRAFFIC & PRINCE OF EGYPT fame) and the Colorist on the film is Jeff Olm (of MONSTERS VS. ALIENS, HOWE TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGAN, KUNG FU PANDA 2, AVENGERS, TITANIC & SPIDERMAN fame). VEERAM will be an all India release and is being shot in 3 different languages Hindi, English & Malayalam with plans to further dub it in Tamil & Telugu. Jayaraj says, “Kalaripayattu has not yet been portrayed in mainstream cinema in its authentic form before. Action director Allan ‘s contribution in coming to India, learning the Kalaripayattu martial art form and improvising the moments to suit the camera angles, has been of great help. Makeup artist Trefor Proud, with his rich experience & understanding of colours that existed in ancient times, has added beautifully in depicting the vivid colors & body paints on each of the characters. Jeff Rona & Music director Acchu together have used their individual expertise and created the music of the ancient era that we can relate to even today. Jeff Olm, as the colour & light supervisor has been of great advantage to our DOP Kumar in maintaining the authenticity of the era. Jeff is one of the best colorist in the world and is in high demand for his work.”
SONAM KAPOOR WINS BEST ACTRESS AT THE INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MELBOURNE
With the industry & critics raving about Sonam Kapoor’s performance in NEERJA, the star has catapulted her way to the top. From being the 1st big league actress to bravely taking on women – lead driven films, to being a social media marketing sensation, Sonam Kapoor has truly been a game changer. The actress has finally come into her own with NEERJA, in what we can only describe as a performance that is truly career defining and one of a lifetime. Hence it comes as no surprise that Sonam was bestowed the award for “Best Actress”, for her portrayal of the Pan AM braveheart at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Sonam Kapoor flew to Australia for the IIFM where fashion & film collide for a spectacular live celebration that honors the best of Indian cinema.The IFFM was established in 2012 as an initiative of the Victorian Government to present a broad, curated program of more than 60 films, ranging from Bollywood to art house and the sub continent as well as major retrospectives & masterclasses. The visit was a special one for Sonam, since her blockbuster NEERJA was also screened at the massive gathering and was received with a standing ovation.
VIR DAS – SOHA ALI KHAN’S ’31ST
OCTOBER’ SET ON INDIRA GANDHI’S ASSASSINATION CLEARED BY CENSORS
Writer – producer Harry Sachdeva’s 31ST OCTOBER starring Soha Ali Khan& Vir Das and based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination is inching towards its release. The Revisiting Committee of the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed the film after a 4 month waimily, 31ST OCTOBER, directed by National award winning Shivaji Lotan Patil, it is a close depiction of one of the darkest days in Indian history. Producer Harry, who had to make some modifications, says, “It took time but we were eventually able to convince the Censor Board to retain the scenes which brought out the realism of the story and were important to the narrative. Many of the scenes depicting violence & bloodshed had to be edited. I took 9 major cuts. The Revising Committee made us re – submit the film several times, trimming down scenes that they had issues with by 6 to 7 minutes. All verbal abuses have been beeped, even something as common as ‘saala’ on several instances.” 31ST OCTOBER is an edge – of – the – seat thriller based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her 2 Sikh bodyguards, which completely shook the political scenario of the country.
VIVEK OBEROI TO BLOG ABOUT REAL -LIFE HEROES !
Vivek Oberoi who has always passionately supported causes that he believes in, is now hoping to document his experiences and share them with readers via a blog. The blog will feature stories about the actor’s encounters with real – life heroes, who have not only been survivors but others who have contributed to society and pursued their passion for philanthropic work. Says Vivek, “I want my fans to know the stories of these heroes as their journeys are so inspirational. The struggles of these people are unbelievable. I’m sure reading about them can make a difference to our lives. Also, social media is so huge today that there is no better medium than this to put these stories out there”.
TARA SHARMA TO DONATE ARTIFACTS & FURNITURE ON HER CELEBRITY TALK SHOW!
Tara Sharma is trying to help bring about positive change and give back to society through her show “The Tara Sharma Showz”. Through her interactions with celebrities & non – celebrities on her show, she has managed to address several important issues related to family, parenting, women & children and raised awareness thereby bringing about positive change. In an attempt to do so, on the show Tara and her guests will be auctioning artifacts & furniture and the proceeds will go to various charities, at the end of the 4th season of her show. Tara explains, “What we have initiated in our show as a way of implementing this change, is an auction where a piece of furniture is auctioned to a charity of each celebrity’s choice in order to carry their message and awareness further and help those who may need it. Like Virat Kohli auctioned a wooden stool for The Virat Kohli Foundation, Soha Ali Khan, John Abraham & Farah Khan auctioned pieces of furniture for World for All for animal welfare, Emraan Hashmi & Sonam Kapoor auctioned pieces of furniture for cancer patients care at Tata Memorial & The Cuddles Foundation respectively”.
RITEISH DESHMUKH OPTS FOR HERBAL CIGARETTES FOR HIS ROLE IN ‘BANJO’!
Riteish Deshmukh, who will be seen playing a street musician in Eros International’s musical drama, BANJO, had to come out of his comfort zone to shoot for a smoking sequence. While shooting for the movie, directed by critically – acclaimed filmmaker Ravi Jadhav, Riteish had to enact a couple of scenes in which his role required him to smoke. But since the talented actor is a non – smoker, he used herbal cigarettes to make his performance look real & believable. Riteish is against smoking. He was asked to smoke for some of his previous roles as well. But he always said no. However, in BANJO, he is playing the role of a street performer. He realised that his role required him to smoke. So, he opted for herbal cigarettes that do not contain tobacco. Riteish confirms, “To make my character look more believable, I was supposed to smoke in a few scenes, as that was integral to the script. Thankfully, I had to smoke herbal cigarettes and not the actual ones that are harmful.” BANJO, produced by Eros International & directed by Ravi Jadhav starring Riteish Deshmukh & Nargis Fakhri, releases on 23rd Sept, 2016.
DISHA PATANI TAKES UP TO SQUARE DANCING AS A FITNESS REGIME
Disha Patani may have wowed audiences with her super toned physique in the song “Befikra”, holding her own alongside Tiger Shroff. However, very few know that Disha is a trained gymnast and is extremely passionate about fitness. While in China shooting for KUNG FU YOGA with Jackie Chan the actress learnt a new dance form called “Square Dancing”, an exercise routine performed to music in squares, plazas or parks of the nation’s cities. Having practiced it a few times Disha felt much more at ease as the routine has a calming effect on the mind as much as its benefits for the body. Says Disha, “Since my fitness regime is very hectic, this really helps in centering me and is a lot of fun.”
HERE’S HOW NARGIS FAKHRI & KRISHIKA LULLA LEARNT MARATHI ON THE SETS OF ‘BANJO’!
Nargis Fakhri who will be seen playing a New – York based DJ in Eros International’s upcoming musical drama, BANJO, starring Riteish Deshmukh in the lead role, had difficulty understanding Marathi on the sets of the movie. Most of the people on the sets including her co – star Riteish, director Ravi Jadhav and the crew members used to converse in Marathi (being their mother – tongue), which sort of became a problem for Nargis to understand what the conversation was all about. For that matter, even producer Krishika Lulla faced the same problem. Interestingly, both Nargis & Krishika used to overhear people talking in Marathi which sort of helped them learning the nuances of the language. This exercise certainly helped the 2 lovely ladies on the sets. Nargis says, “Most of the people on the set including Ravi sir, Riteish & the crew members used to converse in Marathi that raised my curiosity to know what was the conversation all about. So I used to check the same with the production guys and learnt a few common Marathi words quickly.”
