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.

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.

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."

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!

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

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.

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

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!"

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.