Vikram Mastal Sharma’s Journey From Small Arena ‘Alif Laila’ To Celluloid Silver Screen ‘Suspense’

Vikram Mastal Sharma who is now a handsome hunk & a good looking dude, had begun his Bollywood journey as a child actor in the year 2005 with small screen serials like Alif Laila, Aankhen & Prithviraj Chauhan. As a teenager he had dabbled with small screen serials like Ramayan enacting the role of Hanuman & subsequently in small screen serials like Koi Toh Ho Apna in negative role, Razia Sultan, Sankatmochan Mahabali. Currently he is in the news for his act in 21 Sarfarosh: Saragrahi 1897 which is now being streamed on the Netflix Digital platform as a Web Series for which he is garnering a lot of critical acclaim. And now Vikram Sharma is all set to make his debut on the Bollywoodian Horizon with Ajay Yadav’s upcoming movie Suspense as a main leading hero.           

*Right at the outset give us a little insight into your pre-filmic background?

*Nothing much to reveal on that score. I hail from a small town of Saklanpur 70 kms away from Bhopal, and before I could realise anything I found myself in filmy studio’s donning grease paint & facing arc lights as a child artist. TV Serial karte karte kab bada ho gaya pata hi nahin chala but I did achieve my academic qualification.

*You are earning a lot of acclaim of late. How come?

*I have done 1 more, small screen project for the Channel Discovery Jeet titled 21 Sarfaforsh: Saragrahi 1897 in which I had enacted the role of Balvinder Singh an army man which became immensely popular & now since it is streaming continuously on the Netflix digital platform I am once again garnering a lot of critical acclaim as well as fan popularity.

*Fine! So how the transition from the small screen arena to the celluloid silver screen happen & why did take it take so long?

*As I had recounted earlier I had made my debut as a child actor & I had never even dreamt about it. Maybe I was destined to be an actor so the opportunity just kept knocking on my luck’s door. So here I am. Yes now that I had grown up I did want to make my silver screen debut. So I kept on circulating my biodata & pics & once again opportunity knocked on my door & Ajay sir saw my pics & I got a call from him and after a few preliminaries I was signed on board as a main leading man for his suspense oriented film Titled SUSPENSE.

*Right! So what is ‘Suspense’ movie all about?               

*Well! Suspense is all about a suspense that the movie goers have to go to the cinema halls & discover for themselves. But I can assure one & all that Suspense has all the shades in lieu with all the commercial trappings. I am enacting the character whose name is Vikram & he has mission to fulfil in his journey, he comes across emotions, laughter, romance, revenge, action & of course a murder mystery.

*How was Ajay Yadav as a director?

*Ajay sir was one cool guy on the sets he gave me a lot of freedom to portray the role in my way. He accepted some of my suggestions & even rejected some of them explaining that it was all for the betterment of the film. In fact he was very practical in every sense of the term.

*What kind of actor do you consider yourself?

*I think I am a very spontaneous actor & not at all mechanical.

*How was it working with your co-star Madhumita Biswas?

*There is one more co-star in Suspense. Antara & I think both were very good & will go very far in the long run.    

*What do you think of the #metoo movement which had gained momentum in Hollywood & has now even reached the Bollywoodian shores.

*I think one finds these so called #metoo movement in each & every professional arena. One should know how to deal with this in one’s own way. And as you rightly said sir that main bach gaya because I had started my career as a child star.

*Which Bollywood director is in your wish list?

*To name just 2 I would say Neeraj Pandey & Anurag Basu. They always make realistic cinema.

*As a parting shot tell us what is your ultimate goal?

*Right now & even since I started I was always focussed on my work, But yes my ultimate aim is to bag a National award one day aur woh toh main lekar hi jaoonga. Period!!!!!  

Nasheman News : Filmmaker Karan Johar feels “very responsible” about the repercussions that cricketers Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul have faced since they made some misogynistic remarks on his chat show but says he has no control over answers that come his way.

Karan, who is currently at the World Economic Forum, spoke about the controversial episode in an interview to ET Now.

He said: “I have to say that I feel very responsible because it was my show and my platform. I invited them as guests, and so the ramifications and the repercussions of the show are my responsibility. I have had so many sleepless nights wondering how can I undo this damage, who is going to listen to me…

“It has now gone into a zone that is beyond my control. I have to say, and I don’t defend myself with it, but the questions I asked the two boys are questions I ask everyone, including women. Even when Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt were there, I asked them those questions.”

Pandya and Rahul faced a lot of flak for their comments on women when they opened up on their personal life on Karan’s celebrity chat show “Koffee With Karan”, aired on Star World.

Karan, who has mostly had Bollywood celebrities as guests on his shows, said: “I have no control about the answers that come my way. And post the show, I have a control room which has about 16-17 girls. The show ‘Koffee With Karan’ is run entirely by women and I am the only man there. None of them came up. Some thought, ‘Oh, he’s wild, he’s crazy, he’s cracked, he’s mad, he said funny things…’ No one came and told me it was inappropriate or that ‘Karan, maybe we should edit it’, and as a result, I didn’t think… I regret what has happened to them (Pandya and Rahul).”

Following the episode, the two cricketers were sent home midway through a three-match ODI series in Australia.

The filmmaker added: “I don’t care about the TRPs… People don’t understand that an English language show is never dependent on its ratings. We are nowhere on the radar of ratings. It was meant to be my show, and I want to say it, it is frivolous, sometimes a completely borderline, ridiculous, irreverent, candid, ‘stop making sense’ is our mantra… That’s the show.

“But I am not saying or justifying the conversation that happened on the episode. I am just saying that perhaps that things were said that crossed the boundaries, and I apologize because it was my platform where it happened. I feel the boys have paid the price for it already.”

Karan also said he will be “conscious about shooting any episode now”.

“I would be worried about asking the kind of questions… I was being edgy, and that’s the vibe of the show.”

Does he think cricketers are off his list now? “I think I am off their list,” he quipped.

By: Rizwan Asad  

Jhansi Ki Rani Dons Khadi In ‘Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi’

It is official now! Kangana Ranaut, in her lead role in Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi wore the heritage fabric Khadi in the upcoming Indian epic biographical film. In Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, the main protagonist, Kangana Ranaut & other casts would be seen donning beautifully ensembled Khadi costumes which has been sponsored by Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Expressing pride for being a part of India’s indomitable spirit of Independence, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena stated, “We all know that in the year 1926, Mahatma Gandhiji had upheld Khadi as the symbol of swaraj & spun the final yarn of India’s fabric of Independence. But, perhaps few people know that some several decades before Mahatma Gandhiji’s tryst with Charkha, a girl born in Varanasi as Manikarnika or Manu, not only mastered reading the Vedas & the Puranas, riding & sword fighting, but also learnt weaving before being  proclaimed as the Queen of Jhansi”.

Vinai Kumar further added that Rani Laxmibai is one of the most fascinating warriors of Indian struggle for freedom she had waged the 1^st ever war of Independence, wearing khadi. It would once again prove that prior to British rule in India, Khadi was flourishing in our country and later it was Charkha that drove the Britishers away from India.”

Chairman KVIC further informed that Khadi costumes for this movie have been designed by noted fashion designer Neeta Lulla. Wearing khadi means paying homage to craftsperson who spin the yarn on the charkha. Even in the machine-age, they work round-the-clock to produce the hand-spun fabric.” “I think mainstream cinema will be able to do full justice in promoting the fabric to the millennial generation & the masses alike.”  

The costume crafted in Khadi for Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi in the film showcases both the strength & the courage onscreen & it has been meticulously crafted in khadi fabrics like, raw cotton, brocade & paithani.

KVIC collaborated with the filmmakers mainly to sensitise people about Khadi’s close & strong association with the Indian history.The film hits the celluloid silver screen on 25^th Jan, 2019. 

Miraj Group Announced Launched “Miraj Digital Miracle”

The 1^st ever  offering on the platform of Miraj Miracle is a court room comedy titled, Andha Dhoond Kanoon; starring Sumeet Arora, Shivani Tomar & Keshav Sadhna. This court is set in the fictitious town of Machandpur.  It deals with 1 funny case in every series and what starts of as an unheard case turns out to be a hilarious take on our modern day lives. The initial response to the series created by Two Nice Men Mediaworks, has been very encouraging & they are here to celebrate its success & share some exciting plans for the road ahead. 

The content calendar is buzzing with new content to be added on weekly basis. There are short stories & songs that are set to release soon along with a few more seasons of Andha Dhoond Kanoon. In a week’s time, the channel has managed more than 1 million views & 11000 subscribers & is growing steadily. 

Keeping their our promise of adding more fresh content, Miraj Miracle is very happy & thrilled to share the announcement of its next big series starring Riya Sen & Anant Vidhaat (of Sultaan & Tiger Zinda Hai fame). Tentatively titled as Pati Patni Aur Woh the series is about life of a happily married man which is all set to change. The webseries focuses on, a man with no ambitions, no sense of romance & a regular life in the city of Mathura who lives with his wife & brother in law (18). His wife passes away under mysterious circumstances. Soon the husband realizes that his wife hasn’t really left this world & has no plans to, till she gets him married again. What happens next when Riya Sen enters the scene is going to be a laugh riot.

It’s a fantasy that would excite any Man on Earth. The protagonist is too much of a simpleton to handle what is coming his way.

Riya Sen as the desirable wife & Anant Vidhaat as a simpleton  husband come together & bring their individual magic to create this romantic comedy series; Pati Patni Aur Woh. This series created by Two Nice Men Mediaworks is being completely shot in the city of Mathura & would have interesting use of VFX & CG.  The series is slated for release in Feb, 2019. 

Miraj Miracle is also set to release a series of exclusive & original songs & music videos that would be simultaneously featured on all leading platforms including Saavn, Amazon Music, Jio Music, Gaana as well as Youtube. 

Miraj Group founded by Madan Paliwal has business interests in FMCG, Cinema Exhibition as well as Film Production. Madari starring Irfan Khan & Mona Spa Starring Naseeruddin Shah are 2 recent films from their stable. With more than 100 Cinema Screens & 2 full length feature films on floor, Miraj has been an active player in the entertainment genre. 

Miraj Digital Miracle; the digital entertainment arm is headed by its CEO & Director, Sonal Deshpande. 

[Nasheman news] Mumbai Actress Dolly Sohi of “Kalash” fame says she is excited and nervous about playing a negative role in a TV show for the first time.

Although her character in “Meri Durga” had grey shades, but this would be the first time that she will come as an out-and-out baddie in the upcoming show “Khoob Ladi Mardaani Jhansi Ki Rani”.

“I’m really excited and nervous at the same time about playing a negative role for the first time. Most of my characters have been very positive. People have loved me as Raano in ‘Kalash’ and ‘Saroj’ in ‘Bhabhi’,” Dolly said in a statement.

“My characters have cried a lot, but now my character will be a troublemaker in ‘…Jhansi Ki Rani’,” she added.

The show also stars Anushka Sen and Jason Shah.

While Sudeep has been one of the biggest actors of the Sandalwood industry aka the Kannada film industry, he became quite popular in Hindi after his film Makkhi [dubbed version of Eega] became quite successful. The actor will now play a pivotal in a full-fledged Bollywood film and guess what? He will share screen space with superstar Salman Khan in the latter’s most successful franchise Dabangg in its third instalment Dabangg 3.

Not too long ago, we had reported that Dabangg 3 is all set to go on floor soon once Salman Khan wraps up his Eid 2019 release Bharat. Reportedly, the third instalment of this Chulbul Pandey cop drama is expected to kick off in April. As for the franchise, the film will retain its leads including female lead Sonakshi Sinha. However, this triquel will be directed by Prabhu Deva unlike the other two films which were directed by Abhinav Kashyap and Arbaaz Khan respectively.

If reports are to be believed, Sudeep has already been approached for the role and the Kannada superstar is also expected to have given a nod for the film. However, he has to sign on the dotted line yet apparently. There are also rumours about Telugu actor Jagapati Babu playing another baddie in the film but the official announcement on that front is yet to be made.

On the other hand, speaking about Sudeep’s character, reports claim that the game between the hero and the villain will be like Tom and Jerry clashes and the actor will have some inter

Agencies

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[Nasheman news] New DelhiJacqueline Fernandez credits her success and failure for keeping her balanced and calm. The actress says she doesn’t regret any of her decisions.

“The journey (in Bollywood) has been very rewarding, I have been blessed with opportunities to deliver my best and work with some of the biggest names and films,” Jacqueline told IANS in an email interview.

“I look back and feel satiated to the balance of both successes and failures because both have taught me to be balanced and calm. Whatever I am today is a result of all the choices I made through the journey so I do not regret anything,” added the actress of Sri Lankan origin.

After winning the Miss Sri Lanka beauty pageant in 2006, she made her debut in the Indian film industry with 2009 film “Aladin” opposite actor Riteish Deshmukh. The film turned out to be a dud at the box office, but Jacqueline got noticed and went on to do films like “Housefull 2”, “Murder 2”, “Kick”, “Brothers”, “Dishoom” and “Judwaa 2”.

She says she has learnt a lot through the journey.

“Meeting new people and coming across new experiences have given me several lessons which have been fruitful in not just dealing with the challenges in the industry but also the way of life. The love and support of the audience is my biggest asset that I have earned in my professional career,” added the actress, who launched Skechers D’Lites range in Mumbai earlier this week.

Asked about what she wants to try next, Jacqueline, who skipped an IANS query on the impact of #MeToo movement in Bollywood, says she loves to be surprised.

“So even I am looking forward to the next challenge,” she added.

Talking about her association with the shoe brand, Jacqueline said: “I have always loved the late 1990s era when it comes to fashion, especially the dad hats, jeans and the chunky sneakers have always been my favourite. I was extremely delighted to be a part of the launch of the new range. Being in the showbiz, I love being up-to-date and my interest lies in casual, trendy and comfortable style of footwear.”

She feels shoes let you express “yourself and the mood”.

“You can achieve a look of choice with the perfect shoes,” said Jacqueline, whose Sri Lankan film “According to Matthew” featured in Reminder List of Productions eligible for the 91st Academy Awards.

When it comes to picking brand endorsements, the actress says she is “very particular” about this.

“It is very important that the brands I choose are environment friendly. I would never endorse a brand that in any way harms or hinders animals,” she added.

On the film front, she will soon be seen with actor Sushant Singh Rajput in “Drive”, scheduled to release on June 28.

The Dharma Productions’ project was earlier locked for release on March 2, 2018. Then it was announced that “Drive”, which is said to be a heist film, will race to cinema halls on September 7.

Nasheman News : American rapper-actor Jaden Smith is set to perform songs from his debut album “Syre” during his maiden gig in India in February.

He will perform here as part of the multi-genre Vh1 Supersonic music festival. 

Artistes like American music producer-DJ Marshmello, British musician Bonobo and drum and bass band Rudimental will also be a part of the sixth edition of the fest, which will be held on February 16 and 17 at Mahalaxmi Lawns, Pune.

“Jaden Smith, Two Door Cinema Club, Gaiser and Breathe Carolina all play their first ever gigs in India at the sixth edition of our festival in Pune,” the festival curator of Vh1 Supersonic, Nikhil Chinapa, said in a statement.

“Rudimental return to Vh1 Supersonic with the release of their brand new album ‘Toast To Our Differences’ which drops on January 25. I’m incredibly excited to know that fans are going to experience an avalanche of new music, new genres and brand new experiences at our festival in Pune,” he added.

Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Integrated Network Solutions and Consumer Products, Viacom18, also said: “It is a matter of great joy to welcome Jaden Smith to India along with the likes of Rudimental and Two Door Cinema Club to curate a multi-genre festival that offers the best of EDM, Live, Techno and much mor”.”

[Nasheman news] Mumbai Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has lent support to an initiative aimed at increasing greenery in Mumbai.

In association with Radio City’s campaign “Hara Hai Toh Bara Ahe”, the “Manto” actor has urged people to plant more trees to curb various environmental problems.

“Mumbai is facing several environmental problems that are on the rise and the receding green cover is one of the key aspects amplifying this issue.

“Promoting tree plantations in our own vicinity is a basic but vital step towards preservation of the environment which in turn will positively impact the health and safety of citizens,” Nawazuddin said in a statement.

He said the initiative “is a great step towards raising awareness which will highlight the significance of planting trees and drive every individual to take a step in the direction of developing a green, pollution free city.”

On the work front, the actor is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film “Thackeray”.

Nasheman News : Telugu independent film ‘C/O Kancharapalem’, which wowed audiences and critics alike last year, has been denied nomination for National Award because it has been produced by Praveena Paruchuri, a US citizen of Indian origin.

Directed by Venkatesh Maha, the film revolves around four stories of love and longing, set in a small town.

On Wednesday, Praveena took to twitter to express her disappointment.

“So sorry Venkatesh Maha. Care of Kancharapalem, your hard work and talent is not eligible to be recognized at the Indian National Film Awards because it was produced by me – a US citizen although of Indian origin. I failed you (sic),” she wrote.

Netizens were quick to shower support and express their disappointment over the film being ineligible for the honour. They also reminded her that the film had won the hearts of the people.

Responding to Praveena’s tweet, Maha replied via a tweet: “It’s not you Praveena; it’s the outdated rules and regulations of our country. I don’t understand why an Indian film, made by an Indian director, in India, acted by Indians and for Indian audience is not eligible for Indian National Awards (sic).”

He also tagged the Directorate of Film Festivals and said that it was ‘time for change.’

Made on a shoestring budget and featuring over 70 debutant actors, ‘C/O Kancharapalem’ emerged as one of the most loved Indian films last year.

Before its theatrical release in 2018, it had its world premiere at the New York Indian Film Festival.