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

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.

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.

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

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.

Befikre's trailer creates ripples online

The trailer of Aditya Chopra's Befikre has broken all online records for any Hindi film with 10 million views in just 24 hours! This magical number of 10 million is especially significant, despite the trailer being launched at an odd hour of midnight India time. Apart from this, the trailer has also some more achievements to its credit. Check below:

#BefikreIndia was a trending topic in India for more than 13 hours on Twitter.

Apart from India, the trailer also trended in Paris, Australia, Germany etc.

Trailer subtitles available in the following 5 foreign languages: (Arabic/French/German/Spanish/English).

Trailer text translation in 11 foreign/ regional languages: (Arabic/French/German/Spanish/Hindi/Marathi/Punjabi/Gujarati/Bengali/Tamil/Telugu).

Amitabh Bachchan, the underrated eternal lover in films has his birthday today

Dear Sir, It's your birthday today. I am not going to get into how old you are, but I would rather dwell upon a facet to your on-screen image that people don't talk about. 'The Angry Young Man," is something that is synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan. Yes,in Zanzeer, Deewaar, Don, Kaala Patthar, Muqaddar Ka Sikander, and so on, in the seventies, you personified the frustration of the youth and the anger associated with it.

But for me, your on-screen persona as a romantic hero is symbolic. Because, seeing your films and the romantic characters you have enacted, it's been inspiring. Let me start with Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Bemisal (1982) where you sacrifice your emotions for your best friend. Remember the number Ek roz main tadapkar where you try to seduce a woman who has ruined the life of your twin brother? You know you are not in love with her, but then family loyalty matters and you play tricks to take revenge. And the expression on your face filled with anger during the song is unparalleled. And that scene in the film when you are in jail (taking the blame for a crime committed by your best friend), where you appeal to Kavita (Raakhee) that once you are out of jail you want to hear a kid calling, Maa, maa," and those words are etched in my heart. Who says you are just the Angry Young Man? Your critics must watch that scene to learn what it takes to live with pain.

In Mukherjee's Abhimaan (1973), we find you in a romantic avatar. In the same director's Mili (1975), you go out of your way to save the life of the woman you love. And the number Aaye tum yaad where you recall your past with a glass of beer cannot be replicated. And just your performance on screen is electrifying. And what about Yash Chopra's Kabhi Kabhi (1976), when circumstances coerce you into marrying a girl you never loved? In Prakash Mehra's Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), you make your way to a brothel to find solace in a courtesan because the only woman you have ever loved loves somebody else---- Dil toh hai dil ka aitbaar sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturised on Raakhee, Vinod Khanna and you, has you misinterpreting Kaamna's (Raakhee) feelings towards you. In Mehra's Sharaabi (1984), how can we forget the song Log kehete hain main sharabbi hoon when you express your frustration and the aftermath of leading a lonely life.

In Ramesh Behl's Kasme Vaade (1978), perhaps the first movie I ever watched in a theatre, the song Kasme vaade nibhayenge is one one of my most favourite numbers. In Yash Chopra's Silsila (1981), you once again like in Kabhi Kabhi, marry somebody you never felt inclined towards. You feel the pain, go back to your lover Chandni (Rekha) but eventually, you are back to your wife Shobha (Jaya Bachchan). Neela aasman and Dekha ek khwab composed by Shiv-Hari from the film still play in the heat of a die-hard romantic. There are too many examples, but to cut it short, the era of romance in Indian films cannot ignore you.

Time and again your angry image has over powered your romantic one, but songs like Jidhaar dekhoon (Mahaan), Tum saath ho jab apne (Kaalia), Pardesia (Mr. Natwarlal), Teri meri dosti pyaar mein badal gayee (Dostana),  Kab ke bichde (Laawaris) and many others still are a hit. And Sir, Rim jhim gire saawan and Tum ho mere dil ki dhadkan are my personal favourites.

Unfortunately, the lover in you in films has never got its due whereas stars like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Rajendra Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and even Salman Khan personify ultimate love on screen. It's not your fault Sir, but you emerged at a time when the likes of Salim-Javed capitalised on your looks and the turning point of the Indian society when the anger in youth was a phenomenon. 

Yet, it's to your credit, that you experimented as a lover even in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black (2005), Ram Gopal Verma's Nishabd (2007) and R Balki's Cheeni Kum (2007) at a time when you were past your prime as the leading man. Let me tell you, even at this age, film-buffs throng the theatres to see your films. This is a fact that even your friend-turned-foe-turned-friend Shatrughan Sinha can't refute.

Being a commoner, I have no idea, how history will remember you. There could be too many tags, but for me, Amitabh Bachchan, the eternal lover in films has no replacement because as a die-hard romantic you have excelled. Sir, thank your directors, music composers and singers who have been pivots in building your romantic avatar.

Happy Birthday Big B and I will always cherish the inspirational acts of yours in romantic movies. Because you have made an impact on me.

When Ranveer stripteased in Befikre

Aditya Chopra’s Befikre, is in the news for its historic, unique trailer launch at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Now, the buzz is that the trailer of the film with Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor in the lead promises some surprises. One surprise is a bold striptease act by Ranveer in the trailer. This isn’t an accidental, slip up written into the script; instead it’s a bold strut in bare minimum, flaming red underpants by the flamboyant superstar! The leading lady Vaani also has a tease in store for you.

 

Celebs grace the premiere of Mira Nair's film

After rave reviews globally and critical acclaim, Mira Nair's Queen Of Katwe is all set to release this Friday. A special screening of the film was held for the film fraternity in Mumbai recently. Seen appreciating the film were filmmaker Rahul Dholakia (middle)), actress Nandita Das (top) and cinematographer Baba Azmi (above) among others

Post protests, the release of 31st October postponed

After struggling with the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for over four months, writer-producer Harry Sachdeva was all set to release his poignant thriller, 31st October, starring Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan on October 7, 2016 and just when the promotional activities of the film were in full swing, the release of the human drama met a roadblock again by few political parties and particular communities strongly objecting to the film’s release. A Delhi-based close aide of the Congress party has also filed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) against the film, demanding a ban on its release. Amidst all the chaos and protest, producer Harry Sachdeva can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the movie will now be released on October, 21.

The movie has also managed to get a solo release status for itself. The movie is based on the aftermath of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination. Sachdeva says, “It's been a tough journey ever since I started working on this subject but I didn't give up then and will not give up now. From the censor to now getting threats and opposes I am strong that I will make this film come to the big screen and people who don't want this subject to come out cannot stop the world to know the reality of 1984."

WWI's Celebrate Cinema'16 is a grand success

It was a treat for all the film lovers along with students of Whistling Woods International (WWI) to attend workshops, screenings and panel discussions amidst the festivity, as they participated in the biggest celebration hosted in the field of Indian Cinema, Celebrate Cinema 2016, by the ultimate showman, Subhash Ghai, at his dream institute. Participants learned the basics of movie making and allied arts in the world of cinema, media and digital media through various workshops held over two action-packed days.

In the lush green campus of WWI with existing YouTube Space and SONY Media Technology Centre, the participants experienced state-of-the-art infrastructure, technologies and facilities. They learned the tricks of various aspects of filmmaking and media studies under the guidance of experienced faculties and industry guests, starting from the inauguration ceremony on September 29, 2016 to the closing ceremony on October 1, 2016. WWI campus offered several amazing workshops, exhibits, screenings, celebrity-studded panel discussions and masterclasses at Celebrate Cinema 2016. Amazing street plays and short films made by students at Whistling Woods International on various subjects including journey of cinema and social causes like 'Drug Abuse' were showcased at the festival.

The purpose of Celebrate Cinema as an annual property of WWI is to invite students from all sections of society to learn, participate in activities and win awards and scholarships and motivate them in opting media courses as a mainstream career option. During the course of the event, Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI also awarded scholarships to two under-privileged students.

Over 70 experts including celebrities from Indian Cinema and Media industry participated in Celebrate Cinema 2016. Celebrities and prominent personalities who visited the campus included names like directors  Vishal Bhardwaj, Anand L Rai, Abhishek Chaubey, Satish Kaushik, actors Boman Irani, Ritesh Deshmukh , Mahima Chaudhry, Swara Bhaskar, Shreyas Talpade, Gulshan Grover, Jim Sarbh and Shashank Arora and writer Sudip Sharma interacted with the students.

The highlights of the fifth edition of Celebrate Cinema included the inaugural session where students under various societies of WWI, under the mentorship of Ghai Senior displayed their talent to the audience and media. WWI Society for Social Causes screened three short films on Drug Abuse, which received thundering applauds. The film Udta Punjab, a film on drug abuse was screened followed by a masterclass with director Abhishek Chaubey and writer Sudeep Sharma. The session was moderated by Ghai Senior  along with special invitees, Dr. Eldered Tellis heading the NGO Sankalp Foundation Trust along with a victim who revealed how he indulged into drugs and was later rehabilitated after nine years.

Other highlights included three street plays by WWI Drama Society for two days in the campus for visiting students and aspirants. WWI Singers and Poet’s Society staged a musical show at the inaugural ceremony supported by WWI School of Music students. WWI 5th Veda team screened a short documentary on Indian Cinema collated by the team of students. Music director Anu Malik shared the secret of his National award winning song Yeh Moh Moh Ke Dhaage during his interaction with the students. WWI School of Music student, Vaishnavi, surprised the audience with her performance of a song written and sung in Japanese. Ghai screened his short film on communal harmony made in 1993 with stars kids Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Tiger Shroff along with their fathers.

Meghna and her team were the perfect hosts, who received 4000 participants from various NGOs and colleges. Rahul Puri, Head of Academics and Chaitanya Chinchlikar, Vice President, organised over 40 workshops, masterclasses, screenings and panel discussions on each and every subject related to media and film industry by 70 experts from the industry and faculty members of WWI.

At the closing ceremony Ghai moderated an open panel discussion on Director-Actor relationship with panelists Mahima Chaudhry, Shreyas Talpade, Gulshan Grover and Satish Kaushik. Ghai Senior at the end thanked the media and guests for being part of the festival.

Tiger begins shooting for Munna Michael while his leading lady Niddhi set to go on a no-dairy diet

Bollywood heartthrob Tiger Shroff starts shooting for his new film Munna Michael from today. Directed by Sabbir Khan, the film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and debutante Niddhi Agerwal. Munna Michael is the third collaboration between Tiger and Sabbir after Heropanti and Baaghi.

Incidentally, a source reveals that Niddhi is working hard preparing for her role in the film. The Bengaluru girl already a name in the modelling industry, is leaving no stone unturned in proving that she has what it takes to become the next biggest Gen-X star. The actress, who has some major action and dance sequences alongside Tiger in the film, will undergo a hardcore fitness regime coupled with a strict diet that includes a "no-dairy" policy.  Apart from hitting the gym and attending acting workshops and dance training daily, Nidhhi will go off milk and other dairy products for a whole year to get in shape for the film.

Raatein is all about father-daughter bonding

The song Raatein picturised on Ajay Devgn and British child actress Abigail Eames in the film Shivaay talks about the bonding between a father and his daughter. The number has been composed and sung by Jasleen Royal. 

Sunny is on the hunt for a Delhi girl for his son's debut

Actor Sunny Deol will launch his elder son Karan in a film to be directed by the former. But the buzz is that the leading lady of the film will be chosen from Delhi. Sunny and his team will be on a massive hunt for an actress opposite Karan in the film tentatively titled Pal Pal Dil Ke Pass. The criteria are simple: She should be fromn Delhi and aged between 16 and 20 years. Sunny will be visiting Delhi in the first week of October.  Incidentally, Sunny's leading lady in his debut Betaab, Amrita Singh was brought up in Delhi. So, here goes the Delhi connection. 

Anurag and Ritesh grace the Jagran Film Fest in Mumbai

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (top) and writer Ritesh Shah of Pink fame at the 7th Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai

Ranveer inaugurates his hair stylist's salon. Check out how

Actor Ranveer Singh is known to have a kind soul. His kindness has touched the lives of people in his staff often, helping them in multiple ways. One such person that Ranveer has encouraged is his hairstylist, Darshan Yewalekar. They worked together for the first time in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela and ever since, Darshan has become Ranveer’s preferred hair stylist. Over the course of this time, Darshan has been working towards setting up his salon. Ranveer has encouraged him and supported him in his endeavour to become independent.

Now, as Darshan’s salon opens its doors to customers, Ranveer made the inauguration  a special event with a popular live interaction on social media.  Set to open in Mumbai’s Bandra, Darshan is grateful for this superstar- friend’s support. "Because Ranveer is busy, I asked him if he could just tweet about the launch of my barbershop, D Shave. He replied 'Are you mad! I will do the opening.' Ranveer has been very supportive in my dream project. He always pushes me to outdo myself. I feel blessed to have him by my side,” said Darshan.

Says Ranveer, “Darshan has worked with me since Ram Leela and over time, I’ve begun to see a great evolution in his skills as a hair stylist. He is a natural talent. He is a thorough professional and a team player and has contributed immensely in my every endeavour . I think it’s fantastic that he is going independent, it's the right time and with Darshan's vision and attitude I think he will shine. His new enterprise has a unique and promising concept. I will always support him , he is like family to me . I wish him luck and success with his salon.”

The Devgns and USA

Ajay and Kajol Devgn's trips to US cities New York, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco for the promotions of their upcoming production Shivaay have been a success. The actors interacted with the American media, met some affluent Indian families at gala events and also visited the Google and Facebook headquarters. While Kajol does visit the US for shootings, Ajay was in USA after ten long years and their fans were thrilled to see the couple together. So much so, that Google had to hold a lottery for its employees to attend the talk hosted at their headquarters with Ajay and Kajol.

A legend croons for a film after two years

The Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan-starrer 31st October marks the comeback of none other than legendary classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan into playback singing after two years. His last track in a Bollywood film was You Fill My Life from Jal (2014). The Padma Bhushan awardee has crooned the number Maula in 31st October. The song is a tribute to God and humanity. It has been composed by Vijay Verma and written by Moazzam Azm. Says the veteran singer, "I was so touched by the film’s subject that I decided to sing the track. It’s my tribute to those who lost their lives in 1984.”

Here's the link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY6nOxCwkeM