Harshvardhan Joshi’s dreams seem to be coming all true! “Who would’ve thought a law student from Gujarat would come to Mumbai and pursue his Bollywood dreams,” quips Harshvardhan who although moved to Mumbai to study Cyber Law but landed up with his debut Bollywood film Love Ke Funday produced by Faaiz Anwar & Prem Prakash Gupta of FRV Big Business Entertainment Pvt Ltd & Prem Motion Pictures.

“I was always interested in acting and would keep participating in modelling contests and what not. I made it into the Grooming Competition of NIFT and that was the turning point,” states Harshvardhan while further adding, “I then moved to Mumbai and joined this theater group called Karma Kala Manch and worked with Azad Bharti for 3 years. It was during this stint that Director Indervesh Yogee saw me in short stories of Desi Bamboo online YouTube viral network and offered me to audition for the role in Love Ke Funday.”

Moving from theater to films wasn’t that easy a transition for Harshvardhan who says, “I was used to slightly dramatic, theater style acting while for this film my role had to be very subtle. In fact ironically, mine was the most subtle, emotional, one woman man, part. So I had to learn how to underplay.”

Well, if underplay is what gets him the applause so be it because we surely think this Gujarat Boy is here to stay!

Rishank Tiwari, the dashing & the debonair dude, hails from Saugor hills in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh and once he gained an instant limelighted recognition when he had bagged the crowning glory of being singled out as Mr. Madhya Pradesh in 2009. No doubt this crowning glory was a result of his own merit. His next step to stardom was when he bagged a Bollywood movie named Love Ke Funday, produced by lyricist Faaiz Anwar & Prem Prakash Gupta of FRV Big Business Entertainment Pvt Ltd & Prem Motion Movies.

*Hi Rishank tell us how did you make your foray in Bollywood?

*First of all let me start from the beginning I have a big loving family and with a big family comes big expectations. While different members of my family wanted to see me in different professions, I could only choose to become one of them. However, becoming an actor was the only way I could role play everything that my family wanted me to. This was where my love for becoming an actor began. Being a religious person, I started following my passion of acting very religiously! So, acting became my reason for living, it became my religion too.”

*So how did you bag such a lovely role in Love Ke Funday?

*Actually speaking this particular answer also needs a little elaboration. So to begin with let me inform you that I’ve done theatre for 3 and a half years. But like any other upcoming actor, I had to audition for the role of Love Ke Funday. I’m glad that my film makers acknowledged my talent and gave me a break. This is an exciting new beginning for me. I hope as my learning graph in the industry goes up, the entire film industry will accept this ‘small town boy’ wholeheartedly.

*It really sounds strange but debuting in a film is one thing and starring with 2 heroines in a single film Love Ke Funday is a different ball game altogether. What say?

*To be very honest it was indeed very difficult. But I consider myself lucky that I got a chance to act with 2 heroines namely Ritika Gulati & Samiksha Bhatnagar. In fact I am the only hero amongst the 4 of us who got a chance to romance with 2 heroines. That apart I strongly believe that acting is all about drawing inspiration from real life experiences but in the movie I’m shown to be a married guy who has a relationship with another girl outside of marriage! None of this has happened to me in real life but now it happened in reel life which made it all the more difficult to essay the complex yet enjoyable role but as they alway’s say that all’s well that end’s well.”

*Now tell us something about your producer Faiz Anwar, your director Indervesh Yogi and your co – stars Ritika Gulati, Samiksha Bhatnagar, Harshavardhan Joshi & Shaleen Bhanot.

*Faiz Anwaar Sir is not only a reputed lyricist but also a gem of a person as a producer. Inervesh Yogi is a very talented director just watch out for him in his future directorial ventures. I couldn’t have asked for a better producer and director for my debout film and as for the girls Ritika Gulati & Samiksha Bhatnagar they are also debutant actors like me and we have miles & miles to go before we succeed in making a mark in Bollywood and proving our perfect histrinics. But it was fun working with Ritika, Samiksha, Harshavardhan Joshi and a senior actor like Shaleen Bhanot. In fact I woud say that Love Ke Fundey is a real rollercoaster ride of entertainment.

Producer: Jerry Weintraub, David Barron, Alan Riche & Tony Ludwig
Director: David Yates
Star Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent & Christoph Waltz
Music: Rupert Gregson – Williams & Hans Zimmer

Several movies have been crafted on the fictional character of Tarzan, which was originally conceived by popular author Edgar Rice Borroughs, till this date. But of course the latest version namely The Legend Of Tarzan directed by well – known director David Yates does a complete volte face as the legendary character Tarzan no longer resides in the dense jungle as an uneducated beastly character albeit a hunted species. But of late he has shifted & resides in the city. What happens to the Tarzan of the city is well worth watching on the celluloid silver screen at least once.

The original story of Tarzan is about a boy born & raised in the jungles of Africa. So the moment we hear the name Tarzan, we are fast taken back to our childhood when we would hear the story of a young boy who was raised by the beasts of the forest as one of them, until he falls in love with another beautiful girl, who just like him feels more at home in the dense jungles. However, The Legend Of Tarzan is a different story altogether. Unlike the popular story, this film starts off with Tarzan having given up his wild ways for a more peaceful & comfortable life in London as John Clayton III aka Lord Greystoke (Alexander Skarsgard) with his beloved wife Jane (Margot Robbie) at his side. But this time of peacefulness is fast shattered when he is invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of the Parliament, to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. Unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed & revenge, masterminded by the Belgian Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), Tarzan undertakes the journey putting all at stake.

Director David Yates efforts to change the entire scenario in The Legend Of Tarzan is laudable but the mnillion dollar question is will the modern day version of Tarzan be acceptable to today’s cine goers? Here, it must be pointed out that despite a story that keeps looping from past to present back & forth, director David Yates does well to give each timeline equal importance while simultaneously merging the 2 sans the usual confusion.

Performance wise Alexander Skarsgard as Tarzan is ok but he does fall short of the expectation bar that other past actor have raised who have literally lived the role and done complete justice to it. Margot Robbie as Jane seems to have been completely miscast. Christoph Waltz as Captain Leon Rom is perfect to the hilt. No doubt all the other actors have made their presence felt it is Samuel L Jackson’s character that is totally out of place.

Tail Piece: The Legend Of Tarzan maybe good enough as a one time watch but it fails to live upto the expectation of the Gen Next.

KINO LORBER ACQUIRES US RIGHTS OF FATIMA

Kino Lorber has acquired all US rights to Philippe Faucon’s Fatima, which won France’s prestigious Louis Delluc award and has been nominated for Cesar nods (France’s equivalent to Oscars). The movie, which world premiered at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, will have its US premiere early next month at the upcoming New York set Rendezvous with French Cinema, a festival organized by Unifrance and ilm Society of Lincoln Center. Fatima will then play at COLCOA, the Los Angeles based French film festival, in Apr, 2016. In addition to winning a Louis Delluc prize, an award given by film critics and headed by former Cannes president Gilles Jacob, Fatima won “Best Script” at this year’s Lumieres Awards, the French equivalent to Golden Globes. The movie competed in all major categories at the Cesar ceremony.

STREAMING & SUB SERVICES SUSTAIN VIVENDI’S UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

Launching 2 of the top 3 US albums of 2015, Taylor Swift’s 1989 & Justin Bieber’s Purpose, Vivendi’s Universal Music Group, the world’s No. 1 company in recorded music, saw revenues edge up 2.7% in 2015 to €5.1 billion ($5.6 billion), thanks to a 43% hike in subscription & streaming revenues, Vivendi announced Thurs as it presented full – year 2015 results. Addressing an analysts’ conference Thurs evening in Paris, Vivendi CEO Arnaud De Puyfontaine reiterated chairman Vincent Bolloré’s insistence on a drive into content, plus distribution & media, in partnership with telcos such as Telecom Italia & Spain’s Telefonica asonference Thurs evening in Paris, Vivendi CEO Artone growth strategy at one & media groups. The elephant in the room remains Netflix. Driving into content, such as soccer rights, Vivendi is now attempting to ward off accumulating global competition, including Discovery – Eurosport, which snagged European rights to the Olympic Games in 2018 & 2022 in France & UK.

NEWS CORP SETS UP CONSERVATIVE WEBSITE

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp is planning to launch Heat Street, a libertarian website that will serve a right – of – center audience in US & UK. It will be led by Louise Mensch, a former Conservative Party Member of Parliament in UK and Noah Kotch, a former TV producer for NBC & ABC. Mensch, who now lives in New York, said in a tweet that the site will be somewhere where “disagreement is encouraged.” Investigative journalist Miles Goslett, whose scoops have included reports on the Jimmy Savile sex – abuse scandal and the controversy surrounding children’s charity Kids Company, has been appointed Heat Street’s UK editor. News Corp spokesman Jim Kennedy said in a statement, “The field is wide open for diverse, provocative Internet – native content, so we’ll let it be judged by its uniqueness when it launches.” Kennedy added that Heat Street will “in a spirit of free speech and no ‘safe spaces,’ covers a variety of topics from a diversity of viewpoints.”

GRASSHOPPER FILM BUYS NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS OF NICOLA CONSTANTINO: THE ARTEFACTA

New indie distribution shingle Grasshopper Film has acquired all North American rights to buzz documentary Nicola Costantino: The Artefacta, about one of Latin America’s most controversial artists. They are partnering with on -demand streaming Fandor for its combined day – and – date premium SVOD & theatrical release in the US this spring. Grasshopper Film is founded by Ryan Krivoshey, former acquisitions chief of New York based boutique distributor the Cinema Guild. His new company, which just launched at Berlin’s EFM mart, plans to release 8 to 12 titles theatrically per year and more than 50 pics on VOD, digital & non – traditional outlets. Helmed by Italian editor – turned – director Natalie Cristiani, Nicola Costantino: The Artefacta, world premiered at Canada’s HotDocs 2015 to a positive reception and more recently screened at BFI London Film Festival, during which it screened in a limited window in Europe on premium subscription streaming service Mubi.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH TO NARRATE BBC DOCUMENTARY SERIES

David Attenborough has come on board to narrate natural history series Planet Earth II, which is being presented to international buyers at a BBC Worldwide sales event in Liverpool, England tomorrow. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK broadcaster, has inked its 1st sales on 6 part show, ahead of BBC Worldwide Showcase, which draws 700 international buyers. The series, which is a co -production between BBC, BBC America, ZDF in Germany & France Televisions in France, has just been picked up by Sweden’s SVT, Denmark’s DR & Italy’s Mediaset. Its launch comes a decade on from the critically acclaimed Planet Earth, which sold to more than 230 territories. David Attenborough will be in Liverpool for an event on Tues to launch the series. He will be interviewed on stage by documentary film maker Louis Theroux, and will be joined by the show’s executive producer Mike Gunton and the series producer Tom Hugh – Jones. Planet Earth II, previously known by its working title One Planet, explores “the characteristics of Earth’s most iconic habitats and the extraordinary ways animals survive within them.”

PETER BAZALGETTE FACES CHALLENGES

Peter Bazalgette, the new chairman of ITV, is as comfortable talking content as he is debating the more arcane aspects of media regulation. Few of British TV’s top brass are as experienced, or as well connected, as the 62 year old Bazalgette, or Baz, as he likes to be known. Bazalgette effortlessly rubs shoulders with US content kings, senior British politicians & fashionable independent producers. A food writer for the Financial Times and author of Billion Dollar Game, which contained an insider’s account of his one time boss, Endemol co – founder John De Mol, Bazalgette is a man of many parts. He once said his hobbies are opera & gluttony, an interesting insight into the TV topper who persuaded UK web Channel 4 to buy Big Brother. From setting up indie Bazal Productions, sold to what became Endemol, to Big Brother, Bazalgette’s career has mapped many of the changes in TV business during the past 3 decades.

UK’S PICTUREHOUSE ACQUIRES THE INNOCENTS

Picturehouse Entertainment has picked up UK rights to Anne Fontaine’s The Innocents (Agnus Dei), which premiered at Sundance. Set in Poland in 1945, the inspiring drama tells the true story of French Red Cross doctor Madeleine Pauliac who was on a mission to help World War II survivors when she crossed paths with a nun who sought help. She was then brought to a convent where several pregnant sisters were concealed, the victims of the Soviet soldiers’ barbarities. Unable to reconcile their faith with their pregnancy, the nuns turned to the doctor who became their only hope. Penned by Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial, Pascal Bonitzer, the French – Polish drama toplines French up – and -comer Lou De Laage & Agata Kulesza. The deal was negotiated between Films Distribution’s Sebastien Beffa & Picturehouse Entertainment’s Clare Binns. The Innocents is produced by Eric Altmayer & Nicolas Altmayer. Eliza Oczkowska & Klaudia Smieja are co -producers.

F&ME BOOSTS PRODUCTION SLATE TO 12 FILMS

London based production house Film & Music Entertainment, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, has expanded its 2015 / 2016 active production slate to 12 pictures. The company has produced more than 50 feature films in – house. F&ME, which is headed by Mike Downey & Sam Taylor, has come on board Bodo Kox’s screenplay The Man With The Magic Box, produced by Iza Igel at Alter Ego Prods, and is in an advanced stage of negotiation with Polish partners to join Andrzej Jakimowski’s new production, as well as a collaboration with producers Radoslaw Drabik & Michal Kachinski, whose rom – com Planet Single has been blazing a trail at the Polish Box Office in the last 10 days. F&ME’s slate includes I Want To Be Like You, by writer -director Konstantin Bojanov, which is in post – production in Berlin. The road movie about a young artist’s journey to meet his hero stars 71’s Barry Keoghan, Kim Bodnia & Thure Lindhardt. A co – production between UK (F&ME), Bulgaria (Multfilm) & Belgium (Leftfield), the film is being sold internationally by Antonio Saura’s Latido Film Sales.

EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT FINDS SUPPORT FROM CARACOL TV

One of the staunchest champions behind Colombia’s 1st ever “Best Foreign Language” Oscar nominee Embrace Of The Serpent is Colombia’s Caracol TV, one of just 2 private broadcasters in this Andean nation where local film production has grown exponentially. “We’d been searching for years to find a story about the Amazon,” said Alejandro Bernal, General Manager of new channels & film at Caracol Television. After meeting helmer Ciro Guerra and his producing partner Cristina Gallego about their black & white Amazon set drama, they jumped in from the onset, putting up at least 30% of the $1.4 million budget. On top of that, it spent an estimated $500,000 on the film’s marketing & promotion at home & abroad.

GUILLAUME DE POSCH TO DELIVER MIPTV KEYNOTE

Guillaume De Posch, co -chief executive officer of RTL Group, Europe’s leading TV network with interests in more than 50 TV channels, will deliver a keynote speech at TV trade show MipTV, which runs from 4th Apr, 2016 to 7th Apr, 2016 in Cannes. De Posch will address the MipTV audience on 4th Apr, 2016 taking as his theme “The digital transformation of RTL Group.” De Posch was appointed chief operating officer and member of the RTL Group executive committee in Jan, 2012, subsequently being named co – CEO of RTL Group in Apr, 2012. In this position he oversees RTL Group’s broadcasting operations outside Germany and its content production arm, FremantleMedia, whose numerous hit titles include Idols, X Factor, Got Talent & The Price Is Right. De Posch is also chairman of the board of BroadbandTV, StyleHaul & SpotX, RTL Group’s recent digital investments in North America.

SUBURBICON SELLS TO FRANCE’S METROPOLITAN FILMEXPORT

Samuel Hadida & Victor Hadida’s Paris based distribution company Metropolitan Filmexport has acquired George Clooney’s Suburbicon, one of the hottest projects sold in Berlin. The deal, which is rumored to be for about $4 million, perpetuates Metropolitan’s relationship with Clooney. Victor Hadida told Variety that Metropolitan previously co -produced George Clooney’s Good Night & Good Luck and co – financed The Ides Of March. Currently in pre -production, Suburbicon spurred a bidding war for France, a highly competitive & key European market for prestige US indies. Penned by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, Suburbicon has Matt Damon & Julianne Moore attached to star. The movie centers on a picture perfect family that turns to blackmail, revenge & betrayal after a home invasion. Pic has been sold worldwide by Alex Walton’s Bloom. Deals were inked for UK (eOne), Germany (Tele München / Concorde); Spain (Tri – Pictures SA); Italy (Leone Films); Latin America (Sun Distribution); Canada (Elevation); Greece (Odeon); Hong Kong,(Bravos); Scandinavia (MisLabel); Romania (Odeon); Turkey (Bir); Korea (Woosung);Japan (Tohokushinka Film Corporation); India (PVR); Taiwan (Filmware); Czech Republic (AQS); Poland (Monolith); Australia (Roadshow); former Yugoslavia (Blitz) & Middle East (Salim Ramia).

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY FILM COLETTE SELLS OUT IN BERLIN

Keira Knightley starrer Colette, based on the life of the French author who wrote Gigi & Cheri, has enjoyed robust sales in Berlin this year, with sales agent Hanway Films selling out the project. Pic, which is produced by Number 9 Films & Killer Films (both shingles behind Carol) as well as Bold Films, has inked deals in France (Mars), Germany & Austria (DCM), Italy (Good Films), Spain (DeAPlaneta), Scandinavia (Scanbox), Japan (Tohokushinsha), Australia /New Zealand (Transmission), Latin America (Sun Distribution), South Korea (Rollong & First Run), Poland (Monolith), Czech /Slovak Republics (AQS), former Yugoslavia (Discovery), Greece & Cyprus (Odeon), Portugal (Lusomundo), Baltics (Acme), Middle East (Front Row), South Africa (Ster Kinekor), Hong Kong (Suncream), Taiwan (Filmware) and airlines (Jaguar).

LEECO EXPANDS INTO US MARKET
New year’s celebrations are winding down in China this week, where the whole country has been at a virtual standstill for a little over a week. Lunar New Year is China’s biggest holiday, and the most recent one rang in the Year of the Monkey. “Monkeys are known as great leaders,” says Zhang Zhao, CEO of Beijing based LeVision Pictures. “Great leadership also (reshapes) what it means to be innovative by breaking down borders.” Zhang has been trying to break down borders himself ever since he joined LeVision in 2011, co – financing Hollywood movies like The Expendables 2 and distributing them in China, and also getting into the production business in a big way with the Matt Damon helmed pic The Great Wall, due to be released later this year. But Zhang and his colleagues aren’t just looking to make a splash with movies during the Year of the Monkey. LeVision’s corporate parent LeEco is getting ready for an ambitious international expansion that will also include taking the 1st ever steps into US market to sell smartphones, TV sets & content services.

UNIVERSAL & PERFECT WORLD PICTURES COMPLETE $500 MILLION DEAL

Perfect World Pictures & Universal Pictures have announced the completion of a $500 million slate financing deal running up to 5 years that will make the Beijing based maker of films, television programs & online games a major investor in one of Hollywood’s most successful studios. Word of the deal came in an announcement from Jeff Shell, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Michael Chi, chairman of Perfect World. It will cover the co – financing of 50 films or last for 5 years, with specific pictures within the deal to be announced later. The pact will not alter Legendary Entertainment’s co -financing of some Universal films. Legendary was recently purchased by another Chinese firm, Dalian Wanda. The cementing of the arrangement, the 1st time ever a Chinese company will invest in a multi year slate deal, comes a month after it was 1st reported in
Variety, marking another in a series of significant investments by Chinese concerns in Western Entertainment Operations. The deal came to light just days after Dalian Wanda revealed its $3.5 billion deal for Thomas Tull’s Legendary Entertainment. The $500 million investment is said to be split evenly between debt & equity contributions to the Universal movie slate.

THE MERMAID BECOMES HIGHEST GROSSING FILM EVER MADE

Stephen Chow’s fishy fantasy The Mermaid comfortably won its 2nd week at the Chinese Box Office and swam into the record books as the biggest film of all time released in China. At the end of the weekend it stood at $415 million after 14 days of release, overtaking the previous records of Monster Hunt & Fast And Furious 7, both set last year. Estimates for Mon (22nd Feb, 2016) see it extending that score to $431 million. In the past week it scored $139 million, ahead of $40 million for The Monkey King 2 and $32.5 million for The Man From Macau 3. Both films were released on the same day as The Mermaid, the 1st day of the Chinese New Year holidays and stand at $157 million & $152 million, respectively. Over the 3 day Fri – to – Sun weekend, The Mermaid was again on top, beating new release Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II: The Green Destiny, which opened with $20.8 million in 3 days. That puts The Mermaid on course to become the 1st half billion dollar scoring film in Chinese history.

HARSHAVARDHAN GETS HIS ‘SANAM TERI KASAM’ TATOO INKED FOR REAL !!!

SANAM TERI KASAM’s intense hero Harshvardhan Rane has a new tattoo and it’s the same one that he sported in his debut film. Well, we’ve heard of fans copying the tattoos sported by their fave stars and Harshvardhan has had his share too of such fans. But it’s probably a first when an actor has got his own reel tattoo for real! The hunky star has his birth -date – 16th Dec – inked on his ring finger exactly the way he sported it in SANAM TERI KASAM. Harsha says, “Yes, this is my birth – date and it’s the same tattoo in SANAM TERI KASAM, just that I have it for real now. So, in a way SANAM TERI KASAM has become a part of me forever.” This is not the actor’s only tattoo. Harsha already has a tattoo, “Son of God” that has been copied by several fans.

‘PHILLAURI’ SHOOT WRAPS UP CAPTURING THE BEST OF PUNJAB

Fox Star Studios & Anushka Sharma’s home production, PHILLAURI, has wrapped up its shoot. Shot extensively in the picturesque & colorful state of Punjab, the film stars Diljit Dusanjh, Suraj Sharma, Mehreen Pirzada & Anushka. The shoot had begun on Baisakhi earlier this year. Co – produced by Clean Slate Films (Anushka’s production banner with brother Karnesh Sharma) & Fox Star Studios, PHILLAURI is a fun – filled romantic Hindi film set in Phillaur, Punjab. Directed by debutant Anshai Lal & written by Anvita Dutt, the film has a unique premise – it took almost 100 years, a crazy Punjabi wedding and rank strangers to complete this love story. Karnesh Sharma (of Clean Slate Films) said, “We have completed an exciting, at times exhausting yet fun shoot. We shot through the Punjab summer and explored some beautiful locations. PHILLAURI will now begin its post production in Mumbai, and we are looking forward to the process.” Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios said, “PHILLAURI is a story that has its heart in the right place. It has a lot of fun, superb music & loads of desi color. PHILLAURI is an entertaining film with a lot of soul that will touch everyone’s heart.”

AMY JACKSON LET’S HER HAIR DOWN IN IBIZA

Amy Jackson who recently travelled to London on a professional commitment, got some much needed R & R as she took the opportunity to holiday with her Brit -model friends Alice Amelia & Hanne Matthijs. The former model turned actress then took off to Formentera – Playa de Es Pujols, an island off the Spanish coast, where she spent the weekend in Ibiza. Apart from spending their afternoons on a cruise, the lovely ladies also spent their time binge -watching romcoms but sticking to their diets as they only indulged in salads & smoothies. Says Amy, “I love Spain. It has a calming effect on me. Besides, I needed a break from my hectic work schedule. I will be back in Mumbai in the 1st week of July”. Amy and her friends even spent their last night dancing away at the Blue Marlin, a popular beach club. “These girls are my childhood buddies. One needs to be in the best company to have fun and I am lucky I have them,” she adds.

FOX STAR STUDIOS TO DISTRIBUTE ‘KABALI’ PAN INDIA EXCEPT THE SOUTHERN MARKETS

The Rajnikanth starrer KABALI is one of the most awaited films not only in India but all over the world! The film which is set to release in India on 22nd Jul, 2016 will be distributed Pan India except the Southern markets by Fox Star Studios. Despite the films’ core language being Tamil there is huge excitement & buzz in other parts of the country too. The film will be dubbed in Hindi & Telugu and will also be released with subtitles. Fox Star Studios will be releasing the film in more than 1000 screens in the Northern markets. Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios says “It is a privilege to be associated with superstar Rajnikanth’s film KABALI. There is immense excitement for the film all over the country and we are working towards a pan India release excluding the Southern markets. Fans will not be disappointed as we will release the filmworld wide !!!

ZEENAT’S SELFIE TIME !

Yesteryears diva Zeenat Aman had a good time, while clicking selfies with her co – actors Kapil Kaustubh Sharma and Yuvraaj Parashar, on the last day of the shoot, on the sets of her web series Love Life & Screw Ups! Once as the trio was done with their selfies, the other actors & crew members lined up to click selfies with her. It seemed a helluva selfie day! Incidentally, Zeenat Aman makes digital debut with this series and along with Kapil & Yuvraaj, it also stars Mita Vashisht, Dolly Thakore, Sonali Raut & Diandra Soares. It is a feel good romantic comedy youth based show. Zeenat is playing a super glam spinster, Joanna, who is full of life, fun & positivity. She is a non -apologetic vain and part of a chilled out group. Zeenat has worked really hard to look her best in the series. For 3 months she has been on a strict diet and rigorously working out to get in right shape for the super glam Joanna. Director Kapil Kaustubh Sharma is tapping her crazy comical side again, like in MANORANJAN, HEERA PANNA & YAADON KI BARAAT. He had to wait for 2 months before he got to meet the veteran actress. He admits that she was unsure about going digital but was hooked when she heard the concept, even remarking that “this could have been a movie!” Zeenat has taken an active interest in her styling. Her look is inspired from the ‘70s; she’ll be seen in long skirts, scarves & large goggles. The show will be aired with English subtitles keeping the global audience in mind.

ATHIYA SHETTY’S DEBUT AD WILL BE AIRED IN SEPT 2016

Athiya is excited right now with her 1st ever advertisement. She endorses a make – up brand, a deal she bagged soon after the release of her debut film last Sept. Athiya says, “We shot for the ad in Bangkok (Thailand) some time back. It will be aired in Sept, 2016. It is a fabulous concept.”Athiya says her dad (Suniel Shetty) pushes her to make her own decisions. “I discuss a lot of things with my dad. But, at the end of the day, I have to take the decision. He tells me that it is okay to make mistakes. Doing so helps you evolve as a person.”

POSTER OF ANNA HAZARE’S BIOPIC ‘ANNA’ UNVEILED

Shashank Udapurkar is all set to translate Anna Hazare’s achievements on to the big screen. The 1st poster of the film ANNA was revealed in the presence of Anna Hazare, director Shashank Udapurkar, Tanish Mukerji and the rest of the cast. The movie has been shot in Ralegan Siddhi, Mumbai, Delhi, Kashmir, Ladakh & Rajasthan and is almost complete. The true story of the man of truth Kisan Baburao Hazare includes all true events. This biopic includes the events & character that influenced Kisan, a struggling village boy with his own thoughts & questions of the purpose of life. Kisan started his journey from service to Indian Army as Driver and then finds his only selfless and inclusive purpose of working for People of village by inspiring them to stand for ourselves using the weapon of Anashan & Shramdan. And thus we get to know the Real Anna, fighting for the people of the country against corruption at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi. The whole story, from Kisan to Anna is told to us through each Ideals & Psyche of Anna presenting at what so called the 2nd battle of Independence. This story of struggle, truth & battle inspires us to create more Anna in today’s times. This is the honest attempt to create the Inspiration through this film with the big heart.

‘RUSTOM’ TO BE THE HIGHEST MOUNTED TRAILER !

“3 – Shots that shocked the nations” and 1 trailer that certainly seem to be waiting to tip the scales for the box office, Akshay Kumar in & as RUSTOM will leave you anxious for more. The trailer has already been inching towards its 1st millions, setting it as a quickest trend -setter of recent times and it’s only been a day since the makers launched it. At 8.57 last night Zee Network showcased the trailer worldwide across 117 countries. Zee channels alone are set to take it across 960 million viewers, making it the highest mounted film in the history of Bollywood. Produced by Aruna Bhatia, Nittin Keni, Akash Chawla, Virender Arora, Ishwar Kapoor & Shiital Bhatia, RUSTOM is yet another in the league of Akshay & Neeraj Pandey collaborations that will have to sit up & take notice of all that the duo is capable of. Slowly & steadily, Akshay seems to have managed to walk the rope between massy masala & classy thrills, this one obviously borders on the later. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai, RUSTOM will hit the theatres on 12th Aug, 2016.

VERSA – STYLE !

From the chocolate boy of ALWAYS KABHI KABHI to the rustic rascal of KERRY ON KUTTON, Satyajeet Dubey has come a long way. “When I did ALWAYS KABHI KABHI, I was a kid who just wanted to be an actor. After giving 127 auditions over a period of 8 months, I got several ads in a week. And then one fine day Shaheen Abbas, Roshan Abbas’s wife spotted me in one of my ad – films. At the same time, I got a call from Dharma Productions & Y Films. “I felt Red Chillies was the best option and went in for it. ALWAYS KABHI KABHI just happened. It took 2 years in the making and didn’t work at the box office. Later I gave audition for all the slice of life, coming of age films but nothing much happened but I never stopped trying. Then BAANKEY KI CRAZY BARAAT happened. I kept on doing a lot of ads & theatre in between. Then I got an option between two films, one a chocolate hero with a romantic twist and another film totally made in a rustic zone. I went in for the latter. It was completely different from what I have done before and honestly, I am proud I chose KERRY ON KUTTON, because this film showed me in a totally different look, the character required a lot of work and I could show my range as an actor and this was drastically different from ALWAYS KABHI KABHI.” Here is looking forward to more from this versatile actor.

DISTRIBUTOR & PRODUCER SHILADITYA BORA TURNS DIRECTOR WITH MAIDEN SHORT ‘WIFE NOT WIFE’

Shiladitya Bora, CEO of Drishyam Films, has forayed into direction with a short film intriguingly titled WIFE NOT WIFE. Having distributed & produced award -winning films such as COURT, MASAAN & DHANAK, Shiladitya, who has dabbled in all things filmy, crosses the final frontier by directing his 1st film, a comedy -drama. Starring Pankaj Tripathi of GANGS OF WASSEYPUR & MASAAN fame,
Anuritta K Jha & Gbolabo Lucas, the detective story with a surprise twist has been penned by Greek screenwriter Manolis Froudarakis. WIFE NOT WIFE has been produced by Shilpi Agarwal and was shot on 5 locations in Mumbai. Scored by music producer Kanishk Seth, with Pooja Gupte (RUKH & CROSSING BRIDGES) behind the lens, the film will be set to make its world premiere by Sept, 2016. A director, producer, distributor and a true-blue cinephile, Shiladitya is known for establishing PVR’s Director’s Rare, India’s leading indie release banner. At the helm of Drishyam Films, Shiladitya is working on high quality indie cinema which travels far & wide across the world yet also engages with audiences within the country.

ALI ZAFAR WORKS TOWARDS HIS PLEDGE OF BUILDING 141 SCHOOLS IN PAKISTAN !!!

Two years ago, actor, singer & artist
Ali Zafar had brought together 50 of Pakistan’s most loved personalities for a music video “Urainge Us Aasman Mein”, that pays tribute to the Peshawar school massacre victims. On 16th Dec, 2014, Taliban gunmen stormed a military – run school in Peshawar, leading to the loss of 141 lives, most of them children. The star pledged to build 141 schools, as many number of official deaths of children that day. Ali collaborated with a leading Pakistani educational non – profit organization, The Citizens Foundation (TCF) and 141schools.org (141 SCHOOLS), a new citizen web movement. Together, they are building 141 schools across Pakistan. Each school will be dedicated to the children & teachers who lost their lives in attack on the 16th of Dec 2014. All proceeds from the downloads of his songs are going towards building schools for the children of Pakistan and ensuring a bright future. Recently Ali also posted the royalty cheque of people who have downloaded the song online, as his medium of thanking fans, testimony to the fact that his pledge is definitely top priority despite his choc – o – bloc schedule.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA ON THE COVER OF INERNATIONAL MAGAZINE – INSTYLE !

Priyanka Chopra, is fast becoming the go – to cover girl for the biggest
magazines in America. The actress & international star, who catapulted her way to the top and within a short span of time has already featured on Time Magazine’s power cover and earlier featured on Elle US. She became the 1st major break through television star from India and was also featured on the cover of TV Guide, a bible for American television. India’s 1st global superstar recently bagged another international cover and looked like a resplendent breeze on the cover of Instyle Magazine. Priyanka shares her words of wisdom in the Aug, 2016 issue of the magazine, “You have to be the best version of you, whatever that might be, and that’s a very individual journey. You can put me in front of a camera anywhere in the world and I’ll hit my mark and say my lines and give the director what he wants. I can break out into song & dance as well. I’m kick – ass at that too. That makes me a triple threat, not a stereotype.”

MUKTA A2 CINEMAS LAUNCHED A NEW AD CAMPAIGN

Mukta A2 Cinemas have always moved beyond the conventions of a multiplex and invested in making movie watching a holistic experience for the audience. To accelerate on the objective further, the chain of Cinemas recently launched a new ad on their YouTube Channel giving an inroad to the progressive journey of Mukta A2 Cinemas coupled with customer feedback. Mukta A2 Cinemas has taken deep interest towards catering to the needs of its fan base with its lively theatres and extraordinary F & B services. People not only plan on the movie they want to watch, but also where, when, with who and what they will eat at the cinema etc. Says, Rahul Puri (Managing Director, Mukta Arts Limited) – “We at Mukta A2 Cinemas always strive to make “movie watching” a holistic experience for our patrons. To accelerate this objective further we decided to come out with a brand new ad campaign. With this campaign we have captured a lot of such emotions. The forte of this campaign is that it was all shot, edited & developed by the students of Whistling Woods International.” Mukta A2 Cinemas is growing by leaps & bounds with its presence in 12 cities, 33 screens & upcoming projects all over India. Internationally the chain will be launching cinemas in Bahrain within the year. With multiplexes in Mumbai, Sailu, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Gulbarga, Banswara, Vizag, Sangli, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kundli & Rajpipla it plans to open properties in Aurangabad, Dehradun, Navi Mumbai – Panvel, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon, Ambarnath & Pune. Not just this, it also plans to spread & open the 1st international property in Bahrain by end of this year which is spread across 6 screens.

1ST LOOK POSTER OF ‘SHAHEB BIBI GOLAAM’

Here’s the official 1st look poster of the upcoming Bengali thriller SHAHEB BIBI GOLAAM. Produced by Friends Communication, the film has been written & directed by Pratim D. Gupta and stars Swastika Mukherjee (Detective Byomkesh Bakshy fame), Anjan Dutt & Ritwick Chakraborty in the lead. The songs of the film have been composed by Anupam Roy (Piku fame). Drishyam Films (Masaan & Dhanak fame) will release the film with English subtitles across the country and abroad on 26th Aug, 2016.

AMITABH BACHCHAN GRABS THE HIGHEST VOTES TO PLAY BALASAHEB THACKERAY IN HIS BIOPIC ‘SAHEB’

Since the announcement of Smita Thackeray’s son Rahul Thackeray’s film SAHEB; a biopic on the Marathi Tiger Balasaheb Thackeray, there has been a high amount of speculation & curiosity on who will portray the role of the strong & charismatic protagonist – Balasaheb Thackeray. Keeping in mind the powerful personality of Balasaheb Thackeray, a leading entertainment website conducted a poll amongst top 4 Bollywood actors which they thought would be perfect for the character. The options consisted of Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar & Manoj Bajpayee where the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan grabbed the highest votes. Balasaheb Thackeray was one of the most loved leaders of our country and was known to be extremely stylish, creative, witty & authoritative with a tremendous aura surrounding him hence the curiosity amongst fans is tremendous. The biopic which is a tribute by the mother – son duo is currently in its pre – production phase and will be going on floors by the month of Oct, 2016. Under the banner of Smita Thackeray’s production house titled Rahul Productions, the film will be produced by Smita Thackeray. Well with such high speculations it will be exciting to know who will play the role of the roaring tiger on the big screen.

RASHMI SHARMA TELEFILMS NOW VENTURES INTO PRODUCTION WITH ‘PINK’

Rashmi Sharma Telefilms now ventures into Bollywood by producing PINK that stars Amitabh Bachchan. The film releases on 16th Sept, 2016 and also stars Tapsee Pannu & Kirti Kulhari in pivotal roles. Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, which is owned by Rashmi Sharma and Pawan Sharma, is one of the top production houses in the Television Industry of India, and now with another hand of their company named Rashmi Sharma Films, they intend to make films that will impact the audience and carry forward their prophecy. Their serials are top rated & widespread with the highest TRPs amongst the Indian audience. Like in television, Rashmi Sharma Films further aims to associate with good & crisp content in the Bollywood Film industry, which will in turn leave a mark on the audience’s hearts.

AFTER AMITABH BACHCHAN & GULSHAN GROVER PARINEETI CHOPRA LENDS HER VOICE FOR STEVEN SPIELBERG ‘THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT’

After the last power – packed Oscar nominated movie, BRIDGE OF SPIES -Steven Spielberg is back with fantasy adventure film THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT which is all set to release in India on 15th July, 2016. Amitabh Bachchan & Gulshan Grover have already been roped in to lend their voices in the Hindi dubbed version of Spielberg’s THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT. Parineeti Chopra too has joined them to voice the female protagonist of the movie. She has dubbed for Sophie, played by a 12 year -old Ruby Barnhill in THE BFG aka THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT. The gorgeous actress decided to take up the part as she loved the character and it will be Parineeti’s 1st Hollywood project. Reliance Entertainment has a Pan India release plan for this friendly giant movie in 4 languages – English, Hindi, Tamil &Telugu. The movie is all set to release in India on 15th July, 2016.

THE VIOLIN PLAYER MARKS THE HINDI FILM DEBUT OF THE BENGALI ACTOR RITWICK CHAKROBORTY

Bauddhayan Mukherji’s directorial next, THE VIOLIN PLAYER had its International Premiere at the 37th Durban International Film Festival where it won the top award of “Best Feature Film”. Starring Adil Hussain & Bengali actor Ritwick Chakraborty, THE VIOLIN PLAYER was the only Indian feature in the competition at the festival. THE VIOLIN PLAYER is the story of one day in the life of a Bollywood session violinist who finds expression in an unlikely place. The day unfolds to reveal startling truths about music, art, life & survival. The film marks the Hindi film debut of the Bengali actor Ritwick Chakraborty. It was also the only Hindi film in the International Competition at the IFFK, Kerala. The film produced by Monalisa Mukherji under the banner of Little Lamb Films, has been picked up by Alpha Violet, one of France’s leading sales agents which marked their 1st ever Indian acquisition. Bauddhayan Mukherji who made his directorial debut with the award winning Bengali feature, TEENKAHON exclaims, “The journey of THE VIOLIN PLAYER is just beginning. As far as Durban is concerned, for us filmmakers, a festival like this is like the Olympics where one gets to represent one’s country. Hence a win here makes it sweeter, as you end up winning laurels not for the film not for yourself but for India.”

FILMING COMPLETED OF ‘PATEL KI PUNJABI SHAADI’

Much awaited Rishi Kapoor – Paresh Rawal starrer PATEL KI PUNJABI SHAADI has completed its final shooting schedule. The climax scene was shot with all the actors recently in Mumbai. This romantic comedy features lead Vir Das & Payal Ghosh in romantic roles along with Prem Chopra, Jinal Belani, Divya Seth, Bharati Achrekar & Tiku Talsania. The story is about a Punjabi played by Rishi Kapoor & Gujarati Patel played by Paresh Rawal. Directed by Sanjay Chhel, the post -production work has also begun simultaneously. Lalit Pandit & Uttank Vora are the music composers. Janak Shah & Anil Bohra are the creative producers of the film. The movie is produced by Bharat Patel of Bholenath Movies.

SARA LOREN LEARNS NEPALI FOR ‘ISHQ CLICK

Often we hear stories about actors going out of their way, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones just to get into the shoes of their characters. Recently, MURDER 3 actress Sara Loren learnt a new language for her movie ISHQ CLICK. Sara learnt Nepali because she had a few scenes in the movie where she speaks in the language with the locals, as the language of locals in Darjeeling is Nepali. Sara learned Nepali as the script demanded so. Seen opposite Adhyayan Suman, the actress had a fair amount of scenes in the language. She was finding it hard to get the nuances & intonation right, and because a major part of the movie is shot in the location, she thought it would be right to just learn the language rather than mugging up the lines and making amateurish mistakes. She found time for it as the initial shooting sequences mostly has her & Adhyayan speaking in Hindi so, that bought her time. During her scenes with the locals, she was more at comfort and finished it off early. ISHQ CLICK is an intense love story that sees Adhyayan Suman playing a photographer & Sara Loren his love interest. The movie also stars theatre actress Sanskkriti Jain. It is produced by Ajay Jaiswal & Satish Tripathi . The movie is set to hit the marquee on 22nd July, 2016. Satish – Ajay have composed the music for the film. Ankit Tiwary, Mohammed Irfan, Neeti Mohan, Nakash Aziz & Shalmali Kholgade have crooned for the movie.

URVASHI RAUTELA TO PLAY A VIRGIN GHOST IN ‘GREAT GRAND MASTI’ !!!

GREAT GRAND MASTI is going to be grander and much bigger as Riteish -Vivek – Aftab are set to tickle your funny bones with their excellent camaraderie. The franchise’s major hallmark is the bromance & unmatchable chemistry amongst the three, and Urvashi Rautela, all set to scorch the screen with her oomph as a Virgin ghost, in search of her true love. Who will be the lucky one amongst Riteish – Vivek – Aftab only time will tell!!! GREAT GRAND MASTI directed by Indra Kumar & Produced by Sameer Nair & Aman Gill releases on 22nd Jul, 2016.

HOW RAJIV BECAME AKSHAY KUMAR

Akshay Kumar, who is also affectionately called Khiladi Kumar, was originally Rajiv Bhatia belonging to a Punjabi family. Not many know that Akshay Kumar was the name of a character in a Mahesh Bhatt film called AAJ. In fact, this Mahesh Bhatt’s film was also Akshay Kumar’s debut film in Bollywood. However, his character of a Karate instructor was very small, ten seconds to be exact. Obviously, no one took notice of the handsome hunk in the film. However, Akshay Kumar loved the role played in the film by Kumar Gaurav and it was known as Akshay. Akshay was so impressed with the screen name of Kumar Gaurav that he decided to change his name from Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar for his films. He will next be seen in his 125th film, Tinu Suresh Desai’s next. In his upcoming flick RUSTOM, Akshay Kumar plays the part of a naval officer and the movie is due for a worldwide release on 12th Aug, 2016.

A R MURUGADOSS REVEALS THE REASON BEHIND SONAKSHI SINHA’S SCAR IN ‘AKIRA’

The poster of AKIRA has definitely created a lot of curiosity among moviegoers about the film. What’s interesting is that the scar that is visible on Sonakshi’s forehead has an interesting back story to it. Director A R Murugadoss
wanted to establish that she has gone through enough but isn’t weak to stand up and fight it out. “In life every scar that occurs on our body has a story behind it. Similarly Akira has a past wound that has dried up & remains a scar now .The moment we see her face we should come to know that she has had a painful past. That’s why I created the scar under her eyes,” says Murugadoss.

CHANDRASHEKHAR CELEBRATED HIS 94TH BIRTHDAY

It was a memorable, enjoyable & poetic evening when the veteran actor Chandrashekhar celebrated his grand 94th birthday at his bungalow in Andheri in the presence fo his close friends & relatives. Present on the occasion were writer Achala Nagar, Shailendra Gandhi, Anju Gandhi Shakti Arora, Nehaa Saxena, journalist Ali Peter John, besides renowned poets, shayari, parody singers, comedians, mimicry actors, like Sunil Pal, Uday Media, Subhash Kabra, Devmani Pandey, Pragya Vikas, Sumita Keshwa, Jyoti Tripathi, Vijay Raval, Amarjeet Singh, Kishore Dhargalkar & TV actors like Ankita Khare, Karan Singh, Guri Singh, Aarti Gupta etc. Ravindra Arora Of KAF Awards who was also present on the occasion honoured Chandrashekharji for his valuable contribution to Cinema with a trophy for Life Time Achievement Award.

MUSIC OF ‘DIL SALA SANKI’ RELEASED

The music of DIL SALA SANKI was released by Zee Music at Hotel Sea Princess by Rajpal Yadav & Dolly Bindra. Dolly Bindra, Rajpal Yadav and the entire team also celebrated by cutting cake on this special event. It is an action – packed love story starring Yogesh Kumar & Madalsa Sharma. The film produced by Sushikailash also stars Jimmy Shergil, Hrishta Bhatt, Avtar Gill & Shakti Kapoor. The film is releasing on 5th Aug, 2016 worldwide by Screenshot Media & Entertainment Group (Israr Ahmed). Guests present at event were director Roopesh Rai Sikand, Tanisha Singh, Sunil Pal, Dilip Sen, Abhishek Agrawal etc. The film has story by Rajan Agrawal, dialogues by Aadesh K Arjun & Rajeev Agrawal, music by Pramod Panth, lyrics by Ravi Chopra, cinematography by Sebstian Anthony & Jagan Chawli, fight by Nishant Khan, choreography by Ricky Gupta, editing by Sandeep Shetty & art by Raju Sapote.

How happy were you when your song “Nas Nas Mein” in Welcome Back was declared a big hit?

It was my good luck that “Nas Nas Mein has clicked in a big way like “Humka Peeni Hai” in Dabangg, thanks to Aneesbhai, Meet Brothers & Anjaan, besides Kumar. I am glad that I have been a part of a big film like Welcome Back in which my song was picturised on different actors.

How did you bag the offer to sing “Nas Nas Mein” in Welcome Back?

Out of the blue, Anjaan who is no more a part of the team of Meet Brothers called me and told me to come immediately to record a nice song that they had composed for Welcome Back, though I was quite reluctant as I was having some other personal commitment. I am glad I adjusted my time and went ahead and did the recording.

Is it true that you have already sung 36 songs for Salman Khan?

Yes very much Including the hit chartbuster song “Humka Peene De”, I have sung as many as 36 songs for Salman Khan. It is thanks to my good friends like Sajid – Wajid, Meet Brothers & Anjaan & above all Himesh Reshammiya that I have been able to accomplish this rare feat and come out with flying colours. Then I sang my 37th song for Salman Bhaijaan for Rajshri’s Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo. Amongst the films for which I had sung for Salman earlier are Jai Ho, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Veer, Dabangg.

You made your debut long before Dabangg though you shot to fame with “Humka Peeni Hai!” Comment!

Yes its true. It was with the film Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya that I got my 1st break as a playback singer way back in 1998. I should confess that it is only after Dabangg in 2010 that I have been able to establish my own identity as a playback singer.

Was it easy or tough for you to get a break as a singer in films?

It was at the age of 16 that I got my break as a playback singer literally on a silver platter with Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya when I sang the song “Teri Jawani Mast Mast”.

How do you feel about today’s music scenario?

To tell you the truth, the competition here is so stiff. The biggest problem with most of the singers is that no one tries to establish his own identity. No one looks for excellence and everyone is quite happy with whatever they are able to sing irrespective of quality.

You are related to Sabri Brothers! Right.

My father is Ustad Iqbal Sabri. I have learnt a lot from him as well as my uncle Ustad Afzal Sabri as well as Ustad Rasheed Khan.

Which are your 5 favourite songs till this date?

My 5 favourite songs till this date are “Humka Peeni Hai”, “Tere Naina”, “Jaadu Tone Waliya”, “Chala Aao Na Naino Se Baan Re”, “Dil Mera Mukt Ka” & “Nas Nas Mein”.

New Delhi: 17 new faces including BJP leaders S S Ahluwalia, and M J Akbar and allies Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal and Ramdas Athawale of RPI were today inducted along with two old hands Vijay Goel and Faggan Kulaste into the Modi government in expansion and reshuffle in which five were dropped and Environment Minister Prakash Javedekar was elevated to the Cabinet.

The second exercise by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in little more than two years since he took over in May 2014 saw a number a dalit and OBC leaders being given ministerial positions done apparently with an eye on assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand next year and Gujarat later.

Javadekar, who held independent charge of Environment, was the lone minister to be promoted to the cabinet rank while all new inductees took oath as Ministers of State. Earlier, there was speculation that Power Minister Piyush Goel and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be elevated to the Cabinet.

Ajay Tamta (Uttarakhand), Arjun Ram Meghwal (Rajasthan), Krishna Raj (UP), Athawale (Maharashtra), Ramesh C Jigajinagi (Karnataka) were among the dalit MPs administered the oath of Office and Secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Modi, his cabinet colleagues, BJP President Amit Shah and leaders allied parties among others. No Congress leader was present.

Others who were inducted included P P Chaudhary, C R Chaudhary (Rajasthan), A M Dave, Faggan Singh Kulaste (Madhya Pradesh), Mahendra Nath Pandey (UP), Purshotam Rupala, J Bhabhor and Mansukhbhai Mandaviya (Gujarat), Rajen Gohain (Assam) and S R Bhamre (Maharashtra).

Akbar was elected recently to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh while Goel represents Rajasthan in the Upper House. Ahluwalia was elected to Lok Sabha from Darjling while Anupriya Patel was elected from Mirzapur in UP.

Those dropped from the ministry are Nihalchand, Ram Shankar Katheria, Sanwar Lal Jat, Manuskhbhai D Vasava and M K Kundariya. All barring Goel and Faggan Kulaste are new faces while a few have been ministers in BJP-ruled state governments.

After the dropping of five ministers, today’s expansion took the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 78, four below the Constitutional bar of 82. The Council of Ministers can have a maximum of 15 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha, which has 542 members.

Official sources said the exercise was aimed at infusing more “experience, expertise and energy” into the government.

The choices also underscore BJP’s attempts to strengthen its vote base among dalits and other backward castes, party sources said, adding that states, where it has done well in the Lok Sabha polls and also where it faces state polls, have also now got ample representation. The saffron party has been trying to woo the weaker sections ahead of the crucial UP polls.

(Agencies)