Despite demonetisation, Priyanka's Marathi film connects with the audiences

The demonetisation drive initiated by Prime Minister Narendrea Modi may have generated mixed views, but Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has reasons to smile. Amid the crisis, her debut Marathi production Ventilator is quite a success at the box-office. Starring Ashutosh Gowarikar and others, the film has already earned Rs 11 crore in 11 days, which is quite an amount in view of the circumstances.

The film is co-produced by Chopra and her mother Madhu Chopra under Purple Pebble Pictures, in association with Magij Pictures and is presented by Zee Studios’s Nikhil Sane.

Says Madhu, “We are ecstatic and proud with the kind of response film is getting. Ventilator deals with human emotions and values which passes through our hearts and most importantly make you take a pause and find yourself amidst the story. I’m glad that people are connecting with it. Ventilator has got rave reviews and applause from the critics, audience and the industry people.”

Director Rajesh Mapuskar adds, “It is hard to celebrate when so many are suffering because of the demonetisation, but I am absolutely overwhelmed. I hope in some small way the film is a silver lining in a stressful situation.”

Ventilator hit the screens on November 4. It was released 258 theatres with 4165 shows per week in Maharashtra.

Parineeti to attend the closing ceremony of World Cup Kabaddi in Punjab

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra will grace the closing ceremony of the World Cup Kabaddi to be held at the Jalalabad Stadium in the Fazilka district in Punjab on November 17. While the opening and closing ceremonies of the previous editions were attended by stars like Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh, this year, Parineeti's presence will be worth looking forward to in this year's closing ceremony. 

Punjabi artistes like Gurdas Maan, Harshdeep Kaur, Jassi Gill, Babbal Rai, Miss Pooja, Jaswinder Bhalla and Bal Mukund Sharma will also perform at the event. The tournament is organised by Punjab Sports Council in association with Ferriswheel Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

The Rock starts the promotion for Moana

Hollywood Superstar Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock kicked off his promotional tour for Moana over the weekend. He walked the red carpet for the world premiere of the film in Los Angeles recently.

Dwayne, who plays the demigod Maui in the movie, was joined by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. He posed for selfies with his fans and flashed his winning smile. The film hits theaters on December 2 in India.

Apart from Moana, The Rock has also been grabbing attention thanks to recent reports that he’s this year’s People‘s magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.

When a mysterious lady was spotted at the Lucknow airport

Can you guess the lady in the pictures above? Here we go, it's Vidya Balan in her Durga Rani Singh avatar at the Lucknow airport. The actress is busy promoting her forthcoming Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh and don't be surprised if you bump into her at any point of time

Raveena Tandon all set to make her debut as an author

A talented actress, a doting mother and an altruistic social-worker, Raveena Tandon has too many qualities to boast. And, now the actress whose passion is child-welfare is all set to turn author. Confirming this Raveena says, “My book, which I will soon be focusing on, is neither a biography nor is it a fiction.”

Since Children’s Day is being observed today, Raveena takes a trip down memory lane. She would be watching the symbolic cultural shows on this day. “We are more excited because we have a holiday dedicated to little kids, on Chacha Nehru’s birth anniversary,” she says. Today’s super-confident kids are fortunate that they are tech-savvy right from a very tender age, she feels.

The outspoken actress has been judging an educational initiative by the Seven Seas Academy. “It’s a nationwide contest hunt for India’s young masterminds to promote the prime importance of health supplements for vital brain development among children. It’s so heartening that two winners are being sponsored for an educational trip to NASA,” she says.

“Even when I was going through a major personal crisis, decades ago, I used to often spend quality time with kids at an orphanage home. It was unconditional love that they would always give me in return,” insists Raveena who adopted two young girls whose parents had passed away.
On the film front, Raveena is waiting for the release of The Mother directed by Ashtar Sayyed, which deals with violence against women.

Befikre to be premiered at the Dubai International Film Festival

Since the day the trailer of Aditya Chopra's comeback directorial venture Befikre was launched, the film has been making the right noises. And, now the premiere of the film will be held at the 13th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). Befikre set to release on December 9, will have its premiere on December 8 in Dubai. The romantic film starring Ranveer Singh and Vani Kapoor in the lead will be the red carpet gala of the festival’s celebrations on that day.The festival will be on between December 7 and 14.

Say Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF, “The World Premiere of the eagerly anticipated Befikre from Yash Raj Films and directed by the incredibly talented Aditya Chopra following a hiatus of seven years is a major scoop for DIFF. This refreshing new film will appeal not just to the expatriate community but also to Arabs who have a strong affinity for Bollywood films.”

This will also be the fourth time that a film from Yash Raj Films will be premiered at DIFF. Earlier Kabul Express, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year and Ladies vs Ricky Bahl were premiered at the prestigious film festival.   

Vidya attends a college fest to promote Kahaani 2

Actress Vidya Balan who is busy promoting her forthcoming Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh at the NMIMS College Festival at Mumbai

Bhansali's proteges take him by surprise

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently busy with his dream project Padmavati. Somebody who shares great rapport with his technicians, Bhansali was in for a surprise when a group of assistant directors with whom he worked for Saawariya dropped in at a Mumbai studio to wish him luck.

According to a source, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali was extremely touched and overwhelmed when he saw them on the sets. They wanted to come and wish him luck in person as soon as they heard that Padmavati went on floors. Bhansali has been like a mentor to them and they owe everything to him. Very few people know the filmmaker personally and those who do truly love him. On the sets Bhansali always ensures that his crew is taken care of and are treated to the most lavish of dishes. He is very protective of his team and constantly encourages them to do their best."

Now, another first for Yash Raj's Befikre

Setting the trend for entertainment conversations in India, Twitter has launched the first-ever emoji for a Bollywood film. And Yash Raj Film’s Befikre starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor slated for release on December 9 is the lucky one.

From November 10, fans in India have been given an opportunity to join the conversation around the film and simply Tweet by using #UdeDilBefikre, #Befikre, #BefikreOn9th, #BefikreOn9thDec and #BeBefikre to use the specially designed emoji curated by Twitter. The emoji appears next to the hashtag in the Tweet and is designed like the Eiffel Tower of pink hearts, bringing alive the Parisian essence of the film.

Befikre directed by Aditya Chopra had its trailer launch at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Using Periscope, the Befikre team live-streamed the launch from Paris to give their fans back home in India an interactive, real-time experience and a chance to engage with the leading actors. More than 3000 fans participated in the conversation with Ranveer and Vaani using the hashtag #BefikreTrailer.

Slice of life with Brown Nation

Netflix, a popular content streaming platform has closed in on an Indian- American show Brown Nation, directed by Abi Varghese, an established television and film writer of Malayali origin. The show will release on Netflix on November 15.

Brown Nation is an entertaining, slice of life series focused on a struggling small IT business owner in New York. The series is created and written by Matt Grubb, George Kanatt and Varghese. As shows targeted typical Indian American issues like Master of None gain popularity, the concept of Brown Nation holds significant promise. Starring Rajeev Varma, Omi Vaidya, Shenaz Treasurywala and Melanie Chandra, Brown Nation promises to deliver a slice of typical Indian life with ironies intact.

Says Varghese, "We have tried to develop universally appealing humour by using situations of a quirky business owner working to make it in the competitive world of New York. Netflix is the best platform that we could have asked for to maximize its reach.”

To watch the trailer of Brown Nation, Click on: https://youtu.be/tdU2leWQoo8

Here's hoping that he will be a mature US President

Never before has the whole world been so baffled with a US President-elect. So, Donald Trump will be the 45th US President. The rest of the world is busy anticipating the outcomes of his reign. Will he really be strict on immigrants or will he stand by his plank of temporarily banning Muslims from entering his country? And his brash attitude and aggression have been matters of concern for political leaders, experts and commoners. Yet he has usurped all calculations and beaten his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House.

Yes, it's a Triumphant moment for the real-estate tycoon who also earned laurels as a TV host. His slogan, "Make America Great Again," has reaped him rich benefits. The rural Americans have voted for him, so have the unemployed youths. The slogan has worked big time for a man who has faced allegations of being a misogynist. But leave aside his chequered history with the fairer sex and his aversion towards immigrants, the fact remains that he will be taking over from Barrack Obama in January next year.

Now too many questions are being asked. If at all, Trump sticks to his pre-poll calls, then the world is in danger. If he decides to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, Syria and other places, terrorism will get a boost. What would be his approach towards China and Russia? And how would he deal with China over the South China Sea conundrum? And from Indian's point of view, how would he deal with Pakistan and its bonhomie with China? And will he really be tough on the Haqqani network that has put Pakistan on a sticky wicket?

Well, Trump says in his victory speech, "It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me...I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone, with everyone — all people and all other nations. We will seek common ground, not hostility; partnership, not conflict."

Now, that's quite noble enough. He means unity and he means no harm to anybody yet if anybody tries to take America on, his policy is simple: Push US's enemy to the back foot.

There's a huge difference between pre-poll strategy and post-poll ones. Once you are on the hot seat, you are in charge and you have to shed all your inhibitions as a candidate. There are issues that need to be dealt with logically and the immature stance of building walls should be thrown into oblivion. It remains to be seen how Trump behaves once he reaches the White House. There is a sense of fear not just in USA but also in other parts of the world that a Trump Presidency can usher in an era of mayhem and pandemonium.

It's left to Trump to assuage such a notion and behave like a true statesman. He was courteous enough to acknowledge his rival Clinton's contributions to his nation in his victory speech. Well, for once he was decent enough. One prays he maintains such a dignity and doesn't come up with statements that don't quite deserve a mention from the President of the United States of America.

Fingers crossed!

PM's historic step, Saansein's release postponed

Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 would be demonetised, Bollywood is feeling the heat. The news is that Saansein-The Last Breath starring Rajniesh Duggall and Sonarika Bhadoria in the lead that was supposed to hit the screens on November 11, will now have to wait. Producer Goutam Jain has decided to postpone the release date.

Confirms Jain, “We are very much pleased with Mr. Narendra Modi’s step towards demonetisation of 500 and 1000 currency notes and hence our team has decided that the movie should be postponed as we do not want the audiences to spend their money behind watching a movie this weekend. I want people to spend money on basic necessities as of now rather than incurring in other expenses. The step taken by the Prime Minster is surely in favor of the citizens.”

Kunaal's forthcoming to be shot in Kanpur

The talented Kunaal Roy Kapur's next Hum Dono Honge Kamyaab is set to hit the floors on November 12. Directed by Vishal Mishra, the romantic comedy also stars Tara Alisha Berry. The film will be shot entirely in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Says Kunaal, “It's a pleasure to work with new people on a film which will be shot at a place completely new to me. Kanpur's humour and the freshness of the story should result in something really entertaining.” Adds Tara who made her debut with Vikram Bhatt’s Love Games, “Vishal Sir has given me the opportunity to work with a brilliant actor like Kunaal. I am having sleepless nights and just waiting to reach Kanpur and start shooting.”

On choosing Kanpur, Vishal says, "This film deserves no other city than the busy nature of this
town's culture."

Madhavan's Irudhi Suttru screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival

This Diwali couldn't have been better for actor R Madhavan. The Tamil version of his film Saala Khadoos, Irudhi Suttru was screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival. As per sources, the movie based on boxing was applauded by the audiences.Madhavan’s fans were quite excited to interact with him. Says the actor, “I’m really overwhelmed and touched with all the love and affection that the people of Japan have showered upon me and my film Irudhi Suttru. I had never anticipated this.” Irudhi Suttru is directed by Sudha Kongara and stars Ritika Singh apart from Madhavan and others.

Mouni for an item song in Tum Bin 2

Popular TV actress Mouni Roy will be seen in a special song in the upcoming Tum Bin 2 directed by Anubhav Sinha. Mouni will dance to the Punjabi folk number, Nachna Aunda Nahin. The track will be crooned by Hardy Sandhu, Neha Kakkar and Raftaar, while Remo D'souza will choreograph the dance item. Mouni will be shooting for this club dance number this week along with the singers and the lead cast Neha Sharma, Aditya Seal and Aashim Gulati.

SRK's Fan set to release in China

As a birthday gift to Shah Rukh Khan (November 2), Yash Raj Films (YRF) will release the King Khan starrer Fan in China this weekend. Avtar Panesar, Vice President International Operations, YRF said, “Shah Rukh Khan is adored in all over the world and of course, equally in China. With the release of Fan across China, we are delighted to offer his fans a chance to experience the movie in their language. In our ongoing endeavours to take Indian cinema to all corners of the world outside of India, we are confident that his growing audiences in China will embrace this film as here as well and continue to build a solid base for Indian cinema.”

The movie will be screened in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu and Chongqing. The German fans of the actor are also in for a treat as well, since a German language DVD and Blu Ray of the film will also release across Germany this weekend.

Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai at the White House

Keshhav Panneriy’s upcoming Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai has become the first Hindi film to be shot at the White House (Washington DC). The high point of the shoot was that it was shot inside the Constitutional Hall of the White House.The Constitutional Hall is between the George Washington Memorial and the Vice-President Joe Biden’s residence. The sprawling white-marbled ballroom was lit up for the first time
for a Hindi film sequence.

Keshhav says, “It took us almost a year to get permission. I applied more than 15 times before we were allowed, only because some of my line producers were Americans.” The film has been shot West Virginia, New York City, Washington and Maryland in US and in Rajasthan, Udaipur, and Mumbai in India. The film stars Arbaaz Khan, Ashutosh Rana, Prem Chopra, Supriya Pathak, and Manjari Fadnis. The film releases in January, 2017.

Huma's affair with Game of Thrones in Croatia

Huma Qureshi currently shooting in the Eastern European country of Croatia, is literally living out a dream in the picturesque location. The actress is shooting for a Delhi based cosmetic brand at the old town in Dubrovnik and at Rector's Palace where the fantasy show Game of Thrones was also filmed.

After Karan, it's another producer's compromise over casting a Pakistani star

Producer Durgesh Paul can heave a sigh of relief as Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starring among others Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has hit the screens. Durgesh has been on the same boat as Karan since the former's film RedruM features Pakistani actress Saeeda Imtiaz (pic above). Thanks to the ongoing tensions between the two nations Durgesh has been facing a tough time to release the film. However, he is still hopeful and has plans to donate 70% of the film’s profits to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Incidentally, Karan got his film released after agreeing to donate Rs 5 crore for the benefit of soldiers.

He says, “I haven’t announced the release date yet as the movie is still getting filmed. However I am positive to get a release just like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. We still hope that the content of the film wins and the audience enjoy this psychological thriller." says writer-director Dhruv Sachdev. Durgesh's decision to introduce a fresh face from across the border has hit the film hard due to the current political situations.

RedruM is a tale of murder based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Tell Tale Heart. The film also stars Vibhav Roy and veteran actor Tom Alter in pivotal roles and is directed by the duo Dhruv-Sourabh.

Many firsts for the latest Befikre number

Ude Dil Befikre, the latest song from Aditya Chopra's Befikre features many firsts. Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor ‘dare’ each other to pull quite a few stunts, it also captures fun and quirky moments in rare Parisian locations.

Sporting bejewelled underwear, Ranveer walks into a posh red tie affair in this song. Vaani, who steals this piece of expensive inner gear for men as part of a dare, dares him to wear this garment.

The song also features quite a few Paris heritage spots onscreen for the first time ever. A source from the film’s unit said, “In the song when Vaani strips atop a table, you see the National Public Library, a historic spot from Paris that has never been seen onscreen before. Ranveer and Vaani shake a leg on the terrace of the Opera Garnier, the city’s famous historic house. A location that has been seen onscreen for the first time, only a four-member crew along with the actors was allowed to film at this tricky high spot.”

Ranveer also steals the ball from a premier football match just before it begins. The daring shenanigans continue in the song. From scaling views of the French capital as seen from it’s rooftops, to a beautiful historic bridge in a Parisian Park, Ude Dil Befikre is a visual treat.

Bhappida's new Hollywood connection

Bhappi Lahiri has his sights set on Hollywood with the upcoming Hollywood musical film Moana. Lahiri is now back with Shona. Following the tremendous success of Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar’s reprisal of Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai and the Hindi localised version of Bare Necessities featuring Vishal Dadlani, Disney is all set to localise its forthcoming film Moana and has collaborated with Lahiri to voice the dialogues and sing for the character of Tamatoa, a giant crab with a fondness for shiny treasures found which he hoards.

Speaking of this collaboration, Lahiri said, “My family and I have been big fans of Disney. From its characters to its music, it has always been iconic. It’s a great pleasure to associate with Moana. I am always looking forward to doing new things. This is the first time I am dubbing for an animated character and I had lot of fun doing that. The character that I play is very similar to my own personality. I am hoping that people will enjoy this avatar of mine and shower their love on me like they have always done. It’s truly a ‘golden’ memory.”

Moana stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. The film releases in India on December 2.

Abhay joins Instagram

Talented actor Abhay Deol has finally joined Instagram and has shared a painting of his

Additional shows for Mughal-E-Azam, The Play

The Broadway-style musical play adaption of K Asif's film Mughal- E- Azam which premiered at the NCPA (National Centre For Performing Arts) on October 21 seems to have become an instant hit with one and all. The play directed by Feroz Abbas Khan has opened to near unanimous acclaim and it is quite clear now that the makers have a winner on their hands. So much so that the public demand for the play prompted the makers to have additional shows of the musical extravaganza on Monday and Tuesday considering the fact that all the shows are going housefull and tickets are selling like hot cakes.

The play will have an extra show on Monday, October 31 at 4 pm and on Tuesday, November 1. It will be performed at the NCPA – Mumbai, till first week of November for a limited engagement of two weeks.

Chiranjeevi all set for his comeback venture after nine years

Here's the brand new poster of Chiranjeevi-starrer Khiladi No.150. The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal and is directed by VV Vinayak. It's produced by Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja. The film releases on January 13, 2017.

When Georgia floored Gurmeet

Actor Gurmeet Choudhary was pleasantly surprised by the sweet gesture of his fans when he was shooting for his forthcoming thriller, Wajah Tum Ho, in the exotic locales of Georgia recently. Knowing that the suave actor was shooting at the outskirts of Georgia, his fans thronged in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor.

Kriti spotted at London

Kriti Kharbanda, who made her debut with Vikram Bhatt’s successful horror franchise Raaz Reboot, is currently in London shooting for her next project, Atithii Iin London, directed by Ashwini Dhir. For the first time, the actress will be seen sharing the screens pace with Kartik Aaryan along with veteran actors including Paresh Rawal and Tanvi Azmi. Interestingly, we stumbled upon few on-location pictures featuring Kriti spending some quality time on the sets.

Chiranjeevi now in an item song

Southern Megastar Chiranjeevi recently shot a special song for his career's 150th film, Khaidi No 150 that is directed by VV Vinayak. The film is produced by Ram Charan, under his home production Konidela Production Company. The song composed and penned by music director Devi Sri Prasad features Chiranjeevi and Lakshmi Rai. It has been choreographed by actor-director Raghava Lawrence, who specially incorporated some of the superstar's signature moves into the choreography.

...Huma and her passion for sports

What makes actress Huma Qureshi's journey in Bollywood commendable is that she managed to make a mark despite not hailing from a filmi lineage or having a godfather to make the journey smoother.

Even when it comes to the field of sports, she has pledged her support to the IGCL - Indian Gramin Cricket League, a platform that aims to identify and focus on hidden athletic talent germinating in the corners of the country and bring to the fore, regardless of strata.

Huma reworked her schedule so as to attend the closing ceremony of the league in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The IGCL was started by the government to promote, support and encourage cricket in rural areas. While Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt attended the opening ceremony, Huma was invited as the special guest for the closing ceremony.

An open letter to Karan Johar from a Bollywood fan

Hi, this is Rajesh Malhotra and am a big fan of Bollywood. Here's an open letter to filmmaker Karan Johar on his tiffs with political parties before the releases of some of his films.

Controversy’s Child: Karan Johar’s Run-Ins With political parties’ every-time before release
The political roadblocks for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil just got sorted as Raj Thackeray of the MNS announced that they will not stop the release of the film. Of course, Karan Johar agreed to accept the clauses that were pushed to him even as he tried hard to get a smooth release. Interestingly, this is not the first time he has had a run-in with MNS and Shiv Sena. Over the last few years, the filmmaker has had multiple instances when he had to work extra hard to ensure that his film got a glitch-free release.
Here I list out some of the films where he had to deal with either the MNS or the Shiv Sena. And as it may be apparent, in each case the films raked up considerable publicity.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Right after the Uri attacks on September 18, 2016, there was widespread protest against Indian filmmakers employing Pakistani talent for the films. Soon enough MNS noticed that Karan Johar’s latest film has Fawad Khan as one of the primary leads. This was followed by threats that they would not allow the film to release. Karan Johar finally had to toe the line of MNS as pleaded that his film be allowed a peaceful release because there were over 300 Indians who had worked on it apart from the Pakistani actor. He will be paying Rs 5 crore from the profits of the film towards Uri attack martyrs and also putting a slate in the opening credits as a mark of respect for the Indian army and the martyrs. MNS has now withdrawn the threats.

My Name Is Khan
Weeks before the release of My Name Is Khan, Shah Rukh Khan rubbed the Shiv Sena the wrong way when he made a remark in favour of Pakistani cricketers playing in the IPL. The political party, which was then headed by Bal Thackeray took out the ire on the soon to release film, calling for a ban against SRK. Karan Johar had to make a few calls before the film managed to release with police providing protection to theaters screening the film.

Wake up Sid
The protagonist of the Ayan Mukerji film used the Bombay instead of Mumbai and Shiv Sena took offense. They demanded the film not be allowed a release unless Karan Johar apologized and also redub the word as Mumbai.

Kurbaan
This time it was not any word or comment that created the stir. Instead, it was Kareena Kapoor's bareback on the posters. The poster got a lot of attention, including some that was completed unwanted. Shiv Sena objected to bareback on grounds of obscenity. Things were in headlines for some time before it cooled down and the film released. The film sunk without a trace, quickly putting all controversy to rest.

AIB Roast
We could not have forgotten AIB’s roast. While people who watched it had their share of laughs, the Shiv Sena was not pleased. There were FIRs against Karan Johar and everyone else involved in the show. This only helped the video break the internet faster. AIB soon took off the video from YouTube and the controversy died out slowly. The fate of those FIRs remains unknown.

Rajesh Malhotra can be reached at malhotrarajesh23@gmail.com

Bips all set for her third fitness initiative

Bipasha Basu (above with hubby Karan Singh Grover) epitomises fitness and practises what she preaches. After two successful fitness DVDs she will soon start work on another exciting fitness initiative. Meanwhile, the actress has spruced up her personal routine and the results have everyone raving! Bipasha has been making stunning public appearances with everyone asking her the reason behind her all new look.

The actress credits her new physique to a combination of weight training and high intensity cardio but reveals she still hasn't reached her ideal fitness goals. Says Bipasha,"Wherever I am going, everyone is loving my new look — be it an event or a salon or a gym. My current routine is focused on heavy weight training and cardio with high resistance. I don’t have one particular routine ever.I am trying to diet, which is tough for me. However, it’s on hold till Diwali (October 30). Post Diwali, it will begin again. Nothing happens overnight.To achieve anything, discipline and patience is required. All good things take some time.”

The second trailer of Shivaay hits the web

It's just four days to go before Shivaay hits the silver screen, and superstar Ajay Devgn has released the second trailer of Shivaay. After watching the first trailer, there was huge anticipation about the the action sequences and breathtaking locations. Well, the second trailer is distinctly different, high on emotion and drama and highlights the beautiful father- daughter relationship as seen in the song Raatein released earlier.
This trailer has shown every emotion, the pain, the fear and the length any father would go to save his daughter from every threat. Viewers can also get a sneak peek into Sayyeshaa's character as she joins Ajay in a rescue mission for his daughter.

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsV4GiuwEsg

Dhruva's work is in full swing

The shooting of actor Ram Charan's most-awaited film, Dhruva, which stars Rakul Preet as the female lead is on at a brisk pace. Produced by Geeta Arts co-produced by Allu Aravind and NV Prasad, the film has completed its talkie portions.

With great production values and impressive technical aspects, the film is nearing completion except for two songs. The introduction song of the film will be shot in the first week of November. Meanwhile, the team has already begun post-production work so as to be able to complete the film on schedule and release in December. Audio release details will be announced very soon.

The recent teaser which reached the audience on occasion of Dussehra has left not just mega fans but also the regular audience hooked to check out the film. If the first look had generated a buzz, the teaser did manage a storm of sorts as evident from the record number of views. The film is directed by Surender Reddy.

All about friendship, Kahaani 2 and Dear Zindagi won't clash

Director Sujoy Ghosh's Kahaani 2-Durga Rani Singh will hit the theatres on December 2 as against November 25. While the movie starring Vidya Balan and Arjun Rampal, was scheduled to release on the November 25, producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen India decided to shift the date of release of Kahaani 2 in order to avoid a clash at the box office with Mahesh Bhatt, a filmmaker he has shared a close association with over the years.

It was recently announced that the Shah Rukh Khan-Alia Bhatt starrer Dear Zindagi will release on November 25 and producers Gada and Bhatt had a conversation to avoid the clash. The makers of Kahaani 2 then decided to postpone the release date.

Says Bhatt, "I have known Jayantilal Gada for several years now and we are like family. Both Kahaani 2 and Dear Zindagi are unique films and deserve a solo release. And it will also help both films in the long run."

Gada says, "Bhatt Saab is associated with us for our leading TV shows; Udann and Naamkarann but more importantly Alia and he are like family to us. There can never be any competition within families, hence I have decided to release my film on December 2."

The one that personifies style, meet Shahid Kapur

abof launches India’s first athleisure fashion brand, SKULT, exclusively on its portal. This brand is in partnership with actor Shahid Kapur, who has built an iconic reputation through his movies. Shahid says, “SKULT is about free styling. SKULT is about fashion and functionality. It is about being yourself wherever you are. It's about apparel that's an extension of your body. That allows you to express yourself with no restrictions or rules. Sometimes clothes that are cool feel too restricting. This line sets you free. Own style. Don't let style restrict you.”

Marathi lessons for Ajay from Kajol

Actor-director Ajay Devgn is ready for his upcoming movie Shivaay set to release this Diwali on October 28. Recently Ajay and his better-half Kajol were on the sets of a Marathi show Chala Hawa Yeu Dya on Zee Marathi to promote Shivaay.

Kajol tried to lighten up her hubby’s mood by teaching him Marathi. Just a few minutes before the shoot, Kajol went Live on her Facebook page so that all her fans could watch her pulling her husband's leg. She taught him the lines, “Chala Hawa Yeu Dya” and Ajay sportingly repeated the words. But the funny guy that he is, he got back at Kajol by saying “Aata Maazi Satakli” and they went to the shooting floor. The episode airs next week.

The Skyfall connection in Tum Bin 2

Tum Bin 2, promises something that fans can watch out for. The quintessential romantic sequence that needed the best location threw a challenge at makers to create a perfect romantic aura. Director Anubhav Sinha while doing the recce, drove for several hours from Glasgow to Glencoe in search of a suitable spot in Scotland. Coincidentally, he chose the same spot that was used to film a dramatic sequence for the film Skyfall starring Daniel Craig and Judi Dench. The scene in Tum Bin 2 features Aditya Seal (in pic). The sequence was shot on a bright sunny day with clear skies unlike the one with dreary sky in Skyfall. The popular road is now called the Skyfall road.

Anubhav recollects, it was one of the most memorable experiences of the entire shoot schedule. Tum Bin 2 releases on November 18.

King Khan bares his heart out, check

In his fifties, Shah Rukh Khan still essays the eternal romantic on celluloid. The actor who is in Budapest shooting with Anushka Sharma for Imtiaz Ali's The Ring did a photo shoot with ace photographer Dabboo Ratnani.

The superstar has many younger actors zeroing in on his Crown. SRK has been experimenting with newer directors like Gauri Shinde and younger co-stars like Alia Bhatt in Hello Zindagi. So what still keeps the fire in the belly? How does he cope with the competition? How does he remain fit and looking good? And most importantly, what are his principles in life? In a freewheeling interview, SRK says it all.

Here are the links to the interview:  https://we.tl/WQsOOM6EQF
https://www.sendspace.com/file/gxs28a

Sonam: The diva gets acknowledgement

 Actress Sonam Kapoor wins the ET Panache Trendsetting Cool Award, 2016

The makers of 31st October take to social media for justice

The upcoming Bollywood film 31st October based on a Sikh family’s struggle for survival during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has been facing problems ever since it hit the floors and just a few days before the release, the makers are yet to heave a sigh of relief.

Not only is the film facing challenges in courts (a PIL seeking ban on the film was recently filed at the Delhi High Court), but it now seems that a scene, which ostensibly hints at the involvement of senior Congress leaders in the riots, has been leaked, causing much opposition to the film from various quarters.
Now, frustrated with such obstacles in the path of the film’s release, the makers have launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #IStandWith31stOctober, through which they will garner public support on social media. A solidarity candle light march led by the film's leading lady Soha Ali Khan will be held on Friday, October 14 in New Delhi. It will start from Rakabanj Gurudwara and conclude at the India Gate.

A source said, “The scene has been deliberately leaked by someone to create more hassles for our film days before its release and we are contemplating filing of a police complaint in this regard. Social media is a very powerful tool in today’s age and we hope to seek ample support from the youth of this country, who wish to know about the darkest chapter in the history of this country.”

Writer-producer Harry Sachdeva says, “We have been facing issues since the time we have started shooting the film and this is not completely unexpected, however the leak does imply that the people who oppose the film can stoop to any low. But we don't want to bow down to such threats and we are going to the public for support. We have started a movement called #IStandWith31stOctober and with growing support each day we will grow stronger and preserve our basic right to creativity and expression. My focus will not get disturbed, I was very clear when I started making the film and my vision is still the same, this subject is a must to be brought to the world and cinema is the appropriate medium. I am having opposition , but I am also receiving a lot of support and appreciation from across the globe, hence the film will be released on October 21 worldwide."

Produced by Sachdeva and Magical Dreams Productions Pvt Ltd, co-produced by Anand Prakash, directed by National award winner Shivaji Lotan Patil, 31st October stars Vir Das and Soha in the lead.

One more feather in her cap

Actress Urvashi Rautela graces the cover of the October edition of the L'OFFICIEL magazine

Sonam and her inspirations

Actress Sonam Kapoor will soon be honoured by ET Panache with the Trendsetter Award for the year 2016. The actress who won critical acclaims for her nuanced performance in Neerja is on a roll. Apart from being a front runner this award season, she has also been a game-changer on social media and also launched her very own app.

Sonam owes her rise to inspiring stories of her mother Sunita Kapoor, painter Amrita Sher-Gil, actress Meryl Streep, Late Air Hostess Neerja Bhanot and freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu. Says Sonam, "I like people who have passion. Amrita Sher-Gil came to India in search of her own voice. Sarojini Naidu and Neerja Bhanot were the best versions of themselves and that’s what I aspire to be. I just read Meryl Streep’s autobiography. She lives her life with dignity. Diane Keaton, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Watson are all incredible. I like funny girls, so one trendsetter is Tina Fey."

Tendulkar attends Mirzya's special screening

(From left) Anjali Tendulkar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sachin Tendulkar and Saiyami Kher at a special screening of Mirzya in Mumbai. Also present were former Indian cricketers like Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar. Mirzya directed by Mehra stars Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami in the lead.