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.

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.

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

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

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.

 

For Farah, charity comes first

Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan recently donated her remuneration for hosting a special screening of the film Motu Patlu: King of Kings to the animal welfare organisation World for All (WFA). When the fee of her participation was discussed, Farah immediately requested the organisers to donate the said amount to WFA. While she has never been a conventional animal lover, she had a major change of heart when her daughter Anya adopted the puppies Gulab and Jamun from WFA.

Farah who believes that animal welfare organisations benefit from these funds, will now be inviting her close friends with their children, her children's school friends with their mothers for the screening, which will be held at a mini-theatre in Juhu, Mumbai

Says Taronesh Bulsara, founder, WFA, “Farah has been supporting us for a couple of years. She, along with her three children, attends our annual adop-a-thon every year in November. They have been a very strong support system for us and even on their birthday parties, the triplets had an outdoor puppy play pen where children has a great time. Farah has helped with publicity, donation and adoption. I am extremely thankful to her for her support.”

When Madhavan bumped into a legend

Actor R Madhavan is an avid golfer, but never did he dream that the game would facilitate a meeting with his idol former cricketer Kapil Dev. The Bollywood/Southern star bumped into the cricketing legend during a golf match in Pune recently. Madhavan had his fan boy moment when the legend posed for a picture with him  

The meeting of two Annas in the capital

Social activist Anna Hazare (left) with director and actor Shashank Udapurkar who plays Anna in his biopic of the same name. The duo met at a promotional event in New Delhi. The film releases on October 14

Harshvardhan wins appreciation from the industry

Bollywood star Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan Kapoor is making all the right noises. Harsh will make his  debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Mirzya, as opposed to the regular song and dance fare and from the looks of it - his intuitive decision is paying off !

Mirzya which releases on October 7 has already been watched by some from Bollywood. While Amitabh Bachchan was all praise for Harshvardhan and even shared some words of wisdom with him post the screening, Shah Rukh Khan too expressed keen interest to watch the film owing to all the wonderful things being said about the actor.

Several names from the film industry also took to a popular micro-blogging site to encourage the young actor. Here are some views: 

Kangana Ranaut: "Harsh Kapoor has so much depth in his eyes, rare wisdom which is beyond his years."

Shabana Azmi: "Hung over from the sheer beauty of #Mirzya. Film made with passion stunning visuals outstanding music n dream debuts 4 the leads."

Huma Qureshi:  "Such a special actor@HarshKapoor... All your hard work shines thru my friend! #Mirzya a cinematic experience."

Suniel Shetty: "@HarshKapoor  u have taken debut performances levels higher Harsh! New benchmark set... #Mirzya."

Author Shobhaa De even took a dig at Ranbir Kapoor while praising Harshvardhan. She tweeted, "Harshvardhan K must be congratulated for picking an unconventional debut film. His role is understated and he doesn't have to drop the towel!"

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."

The teaser of the latest from the Pirates of the Caribbean series out

The teaser of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales starring Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom is out. The film's slated to release in May, 2017.

Here's the link bit.ly/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMenTellNoTales-Teaser

At 79, Anna Hazare is keen on joining back the Army to fight Pakistan

In the wake of growing animosity between India and Pakistan, social activist Anna Hazare has expressed his willingness to join back the Army and teach Pakistan a lesson. Mind you, he's 'only' 79. "Agar Pakistan nahi manta hai aur zarurat padi toh main seema pe jake ladunga (If Pakistan doesn't listen and if need be I'll go and fight at the border)," said Hazare on a show to promote his biopic Anna that releases on October 14.

Incidentally, Hazare was drafted into the Indian Army in April 1960 (pic on top), where he first worked as an army truck driver and was later attested as a soldier. During the Indo-Pakistan War in 1965, Hazare was posted at the border in the Khem Karan sector (Punjab) and was part of the Battle of Asal Uttar that was fought between the two countries between September 8 and 10 in 1965. He was the sole survivor of an enemy attack.

Though, his wish to fight Pakistan on the battle field is unlikely to come true, but the very spirit at this age should set an example for the youth of the country. Anna directed by Shashank Udapurkar stars apart from the director, Tanishaa Mukherji, Rajit Kapoor, Sharat Saxena and Govind Namdeo.

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.

Vidya uses her resting period to prepare for the Kamala Das biopic

Actress Vidya Balan who is recuperating from dengue is using the period to prepare for the biopic on controversial Malayali author and poetess Kamala Das aka Kamala Surayya. The Malayalam film is titled Aami and is to be directed by Kamal. Not only is she learning Malayalam from actress Sree Dhanya, she is also researching on the author's life and reading her books to get into the skin of the character. Kamala Das faced severe criticism for her frank views on woman sexuality and her religious conversion. 

MNS and your disoriented passion for India

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has passed an order. Creative Pakistani people should leave India within 48 hours (perhaps the deadline is over by now). Now the question is: Who or what is MNS? Nobody has an answer. Well, it's led by Raj Thackeray who parted ways with his illustrious uncle and former Shiv Sena Chief, the late Bal Thackeray.

Fair enough! Ask an average Indian film buff and he/she will pour praises on Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan. Because they are fabulous actors and beyond that, they are icons. When Uri was attacked, they were probably busy shooting. When 26/11 happened, neither of them deep down approved of the killing of innocent souls. So, where does this ultimatum work? It falls flat because Bollywood or the Hindi film industry protests against it. When Shah Rukh Khan appoints Wasim Akram as a key force in his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he gives a damn to Akram's nationality. Rahul Dholakia who directs Raees, with Shah Rukh and Mahira, closes in on the script and conceives a leading lady who is apt for the film. Atif Aslam sings Tere sang yaara from the film Rustom, and we are hooked on to it. Rest assured, even some or many from MNS have fallen in love with the number.

On one hand, activists display their love for the country by shunning creativity filtering from across the border, but on the other hand, a little bit of snooping will reveal that, it's the very same people who alleviate their boredom by watching a Khoobsurat (starring Fawad) or shedding their tiredness over a Rahat Fateh Ali Khan or an Atif Aslam number in a Bollywood film.

It's a given that the Pakistani government surrenders before the Army. It's a given that Pakistan's Army is obsessed with India. But does Fawad or Mahira or Rahat have any hand in it? Now a message for the so-called-self-proclaimed patriots, look within and spare a moment for the rampant atrocities on Dalits, minorities, women and kids. Where is MNS when a 90-year-old woman, also a cancer patient is raped in Kerala? Where are you when a mentally-challenged woman is forced to eat on the floor of a hospital in Ranchi? Where are you when a woman is stabbed in the National Capital?

Please leave it to the authorities to deal with Pakistan. What our neighbours are indulging in, isn't sacrosanct. But instead of looking at a solution, stop making headlines by victimising actors and singers from Pakistan who have nothing to do with the troublesome period the two countries are going through.

MNS, you are not true patriots. The whole aim is to get some mileage, so that in the polls coming up in Maharashtra, you gain in terms of numbers. The Maratha Manoosh plank and attacks on North Indians have paid you almost no dividend, and now the desperation to woo voters emboldens you to resort to an exaggerated form of activism.

It's time to take the bull by its horns. The Narendra Modi-led government is busy mulling over options to retaliate post Uri. But, parties like MNS which thrive on fabricated patriotism should be ignored. Because their intentions are not noble enough.