MUMBAI: As a super cool week has kick-started we bring you the hot gossips from the world of Bollywood. So, have fun as we get you a sneak peek into your favourite B-town celebs.
Anupam Kher off to New York to shoot 'New Amsterdam'
Veteran actor Anupam Kher will be out of India for a "substantial time" to shoot medical drama New Amsterdam.
"On my way to New York to act in New Amsterdam, a medical drama series. Looking forward to it. Will be out of India for a substantial time. So will be missing my India but will work very hard to make all of you very proud. Will always need your love, best wishes and blessings," Anupam tweeted early on Monday.
In an attached video, he said he will be out of India "for a few months" and that he is "happy to be a part of this great series" which will premiere in September.
"It takes me away from my country for a few months. I will not say I am feeling low, but I am a little nervous and excited... I carry my father's love... And India, send me your love," he added.
The actor also shared a few glimpses from The Accidental Prime Minister, introducing what he called the "political cast" of the movie.
"The first of its kind motion picture from India. There are so many people behind our passionate project, but director Vijay Gutte has really worked hard. Hope you love our labour of love.
The political drama is based on the memoir by Indian policy analyst Sanjaya Baru, The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh". Anupam plays the former Prime Minister in the movie.
Shabana lauds Javed Akhtar for 'Vision Juhu'
Actress Shabana Azmi on Sunday took to Twitter and lauded her husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar for his contribution to the 'Vision Juhu' project.
'Vision Juhu' project is aimed at comprehensive development of the entire neighbourhood of Juhu in which citizens have joined hands with professionals to document and plan their region.
On the completion of a cycling track created out of Rs 26 crore given by Akhtar from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds, Shabana tweeted his photograph and wrote, "Thank you Javed Akhtar for the long awaited cycling track in Juhu from your MPLADS funds.
"We are waiting for the completion of 'Vision Juhu' project for which you have given Rs 26 crore. It will create 10 kms of open space and transform Juhu."
Rohit Shetty thanks all for making ‘Singham’ iconic
Reliance Entertainment's film Singham clocked seven years of its release in the Hindi film industry on Sunday. Its director Rohit Shetty thanked all for making actor Ajay Devgn's character Bajirao Singham iconic.
Shetty on Sunday took to Instagram, where he shared a video from Singham, which released in 2011.
"Created in a span of just four and a half months right from the first day of shoot to the day of release, Singham was not only a success at the box office but also earned us tons of love and respect.
"Celebrating seven years of Singham today, I want to thank each and everyone from all walks of life for making Singham an iconic character," Shetty wrote.
The film, which stars Kajal Aggarwal, tells the story of an honest and valiant police officer, Bajirao Singham, who fights against injustice. Destiny sets him up against a corrupt politician, Jaikant Shikre, who challenges his ethics and beliefs.
Reliance Entertainment have reincarnated all their social media handles with the logo of the film to mark the seven years of the movie.
Shooting for 'Bharat' begins
The shooting for Ali Abbas Zafar's upcoming directorial Bharat, featuring superstar Salman Khan, has commenced.
Zafar, who has previously worked with the Dabangg star in blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, tweeted on Sunday, "So here we are together again. Bharat begins its shoot today. May God bless us - Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Dish Patani Sunil Grover."
The film is an official adaptation of a 2014 South Korean film "Ode To My Father". It is produced by Atul Agnihotri's Reel Life Production Pvt Ltd and Bhushan Kumar's TSeries.
Bharat is slated for an Eid release in 2019.
Akshay thanks GST Council for tax exemption on sanitary napkins
National Award winning Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, whose film Pad Man tried to create awareness on menstrual hygiene, has thanked the GST Council for making sanitary napkins Goods and Services Tax (GST) free.
Expressing his happiness, Akshay tweeted on Saturday, "One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to your heart gets fulfilled. Thank you, #GSTCouncil, for understanding the need for menstrual hygiene & exempting sanitary pads from tax. I'm sure crores of women in our country are silently sending gratitude your way."
The GST on sanitary pads has been cut from 12 per cent to zero.
Earlier this year, Akshay narrated the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who introduced the low-cost sanitary napkins in India, in Pad Man.
The film was produced by Twinkle Khanna and directed by R. Balki. It featured Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor along with Akshay.
Ranveer Singh shares 'happy dance' with Sadhguru
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh did a "happy dance" with yogi and mystic Sadhguru.
Ranveer took to his Twitter account to share a video in which he is seen matching energetic steps.
"Happy Dance!!!" Ranveer tweeted and tagged Sadhguru on Saturday.
While Sadhguru is seen dressed in his trademark turban and robes with a green stole which adds colour, the Padmaavat star is seen in a bespectacled avatar as he jumps around vigorously dressed in a short kurta with a sleeveless black Nehru jacket.
Ranveer hugs Sadhguru after the dance that lasts just a few seconds, eliciting applause from the audience.
They shared the stage at the IIMBue, the leadership conclave of The Alumni Association of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
Kangana's 'Manikarnika...' to clash with Hrithik's 'Super 30'
Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan will clash again -- this time at the box office. The actress' Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi has been locked for release on 25 January, 2019, when Hrithik's Super 30 will also release.
The two actors were involved in a row which began after Kangana hinted at Hrithik being her "ex-boyfriend". What followed was an exchange of legal complaints and mud-slinging.
Now their films are set to clash on the Republic Day 2019 weekend.
Zee Studios and producer Kamal Jain on Saturday announced the release date of their magnum opus Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, in which Kangana will bring alive the "extraordinary tale of strength and valour that inspired Indians across generations". The film is directed by Krish.
Hrithik's Super 30, meanwhile, will see him take on the role of real life mathematics wizard Anand Kumar, who teaches 30 meritorious and talented candidates each year from economically backward sections for the entrance examination for the Indian Institute of Technology. The actor has been upbeat about playing a man from Bihar, and flaunts a simpleton's look for the movie.
It is backed by Reliance Entertainment and Phantom Films and directed by Vikas Bahl.
Want to do more comedy films: Jimmy Sheirgill
Actor Jimmy Sheirgill is keen to act in more comedy films. In films like A Wednesday, Madaari, Mukkabaaz and many more, Jimmy has been seen in intense roles.
Asked what kind of roles interest him, Jimmy told the media here, "I think I have played various kinds of roles in my career but I want to do more comedy films. I like to work in light-hearted films as it makes me feel relaxed, so I would like to do more comedy films."
Jimmy will next be seen in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3.
He is happy with the response to the film's trailer and songs.
"The specialty of this series is that first part of the series was well-received by the audience and it also did commercially well at the box-office, and so we made second part of it on a bit larger scale and it also did well. So, the makers of the film thought that we should make a third part of the series, so this time again we have raised scale of the film," he said.
On his experience of working with Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy said, "We have worked with each other in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Eklavya. This is our fourth film together. I always feel really good working with him.
"But this time the interesting thing I wanted to see in this film was how Tigmanshu Dhulia and Sanjay Dutt combination will transpire on big screen, and I think that combination will get lot of appreciation from the audience."
Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3, releasing on 27 July, is an action thriller produced by Rahul Mittra.
I give back less than I receive: Amitabh Bachchan
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is in Bulgaria to shoot Brahmastra, spared a thought about the care and concern he gets wherever he goes. But he finds it disturbing that he feels he gives back less than he gets.
In a blog post from Bulgaria, where he is enjoying the sun, Amitabh wrote, "Filmmaking from my times has undergone substantial change... Hundreds of unit and crew work assiduously on projects these days, every little detail of the making and production is looked at with such a degree of importance and a liberty it astonishes me.
"I feel guilty at times at what is on offer from the unit at times... Their care and concern, their efforts to make everything so comfortable and pleasant, all with such alacrity and love. I do know, and am intelligent enough to know my present standing and what I deserve. But when it exceeds that, I feel a discomfort.
"I feel I give back less than what I receive, and this disturbs me."
The veteran actor was also lost in nostalgia as he recounted the old times.
"There were times in the past when prominence was shown in much the same manner. Well not to the extent it is nowadays, and I felt maybe it was justifiable. But now with diminished presence, I feel it not right. I try hard to skip past it but it catches up .. as does most things in life," he added.
Brahmastra features Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, with Nagarjuna cast in a special role. It is produced by Karan Johar and directed by Ayan Mukerji.
A trilogy, its first part will release on India's Independence Day on 15 August, 2019.
'Badla' shoot wrapped up
The shooting of Sujoy Ghosh's Amitabh Bachchan starrer Badla has been wrapped up. The director says end of a film shoot is "heart breaking".
"Badla shoot ends. Had the most awesome awesome crew who did all the hard work and of course... Sir Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu who took care of the acting department. Maine sirf chance pe dance kiya," Ghosh tweeted.
"End of a film shoot is very heart breaking... Dil solid toot jaata hai (The heart breaks badly)," he added.
Taapsee tweeted a video of Ghosh jumping in the air, and wrote, "Anddddd its a schedule wrap from the youngest member of the cast and crew Badla (considering we have a 2-year-old acting in the film, it's quite an achievement)."
The film is a murder mystery, and its shooting took place widely in Scotland.
Riteish, Genelia invest in homeopathy treatment platform
Actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh have invested an undisclosed amount in homeopathy treatment platform Welcomecure.com, which they will also endorse.
"My wife Genelia and I strongly believe in homeopathic solutions and implement them in our family. Being a part of the Welcomecure.com family in terms of a business and the brand was an easy decision for Genelia and me. We hope that our association with the brand helps its further growth," Riteish, an actor and producer, said in a statement.
The brand has also raised funds from L.C. Singh, former TCS executive and current Vice Chairman and CEO of Nihilent Technologies.
The pay-for-in-advance subscription based end-to-end homeopathy treatment platform, which was launched in November 2014, helps connect doctors who specialise in over 125 health conditions with patients via voice, video and text.
Riteish and Genelia will also endorse the service as they have become its brand ambassadors, said Punit Desai, Co-founder and CEO of Welcomecure.com.
"The couple's belief in this form of medicine and their efforts towards expanding awareness regarding our brand and the space will help extend our services to more patients in need," Desai said.
Lata Mangeshkar wishes luck to 'talented' Anil Kapoor
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar has wished luck to Fanney Khan actor Anil Kapoor, whom she finds talented.
Lata on Friday shared a song titled "Achche Din" from the film, which is designed as an ode to Lata Mangeshkar. It is about a teenaged girl named Lata Sharma, aspiring to be a singer like her legendary namesake.
"Namaskar. Anil Kapoorji ek guni abhineta hain. Mere Anilji aur Boneyji ke saath bahut acche aur pariwarik sambandh hai, unke mata aur pitaji se bhi mere acche sambandh the. Main Anilji ki nayi film ko bahut shubhkaamanayein deti hun. (Anil Kapoor is one talented actor. I have a very good relationship with Anil and Boneyji. I had a good bond with their parents too. I send my good wishes to Anil's new film)," Lata captioned the video.
To this, Anil replied, "Shukriya Lataji. Aapki awaaz hamari prerna hai iss film ke liye. Lata Mangeshkar humari umeed hai ki aapko Fanney Khan pasand aaye. (Thank you Lataji. Your voice is the inspiration for the film. Hope you like Fanney Khan)."
Fanney Khan is the Hindi adaptation of the Dutch film "Everybody's Famous". It is being co-produced by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and directed by Atul Manjrekar.
The film also features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Divya Dutta and Rajkummar Rao.
Big B, Ranbir take a stroll in New York
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan walked down the streets of New York along with his Brahmastra co-star Ranbir Kapoor.
Amitabh, who is currently shooting a schedule for the Ayan Mukerji directorial in New York, on Sunday tweeted a photograph of himself with Ranbir.
"Out on a walk on the streets of New York City with the Ranbir Kapoor. Selfies and all," Big B tweeted.
Brahmastra is a fantasy adventure trilogy. Its first part will release on Independence Day, 2019.
What inspires Amy Jackson in India?
Actress Amy Jackson, who hails from London, says it is the culture, people and the "biryani" that inspires her when she stays in India.
"Every time I land up in India, I get massively inspired! Is it the culture? The people? The biriyani? All of the above," Amy tweeted on Sunday.
On the acting front, Amy will soon be seen in Rajinikanth starrer 2.0. The film also stars Akshay Kumar.
Shekhar Kapur is my guru: Kunal Kohli
Director-actor Kunal Kohli says veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is his guru and is honoured to have him as his friend.
"The demons that haunt you. That attack you every morning. When you least expect them. They are your own children, created and nurtured by you. Remember. They have little to do with your present situation. They are an accumulation of a past that has no reality except in your demons," Shekhar tweeted on Sunday.
To which, Kohli replied, "Your films, thoughts and words inspire and give me strength to fight life's battles. You truly are my guru and am honoured to have you as a friend as well. What I need to hear most, I hear at just the right time from you. Like these words of yours. Thank you for being you."
Parineeti, Arjun to showcase Shantanu-Nikhil's 'Independence'
Bollywood actors Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor will be the muses for Shantanu-Nikhil's Autumn-Winter 2018 showcase titled "Independence" here on Saturday night.
The designers say that the collection derives its inspiration from the vintage aspects of India but transcends all the shackles of the past and represents virtues of futuristic cultures and societies.
Asked about why Parineeti and Arjun were chosen, Shantanu said in a statement, "As a brand, Shantanu & Nikhil is based on Indian values and believes firmly in egalitarian affirmations. Both Arjun and Parineeti have established themselves very well as Indian cinema ambassadors. Moreover, Arjun is not only a dear friend but has also represented the true virtues of being the Shantanu & Nikhil Man through his chivalrous, disciplined and ultra-dynamic demeanour."
Nikhil said, "Parineeti, on the other hand, resonates the qualities of a modern Indian woman who is fearless, rooted to her Indian values and eclectic in her way of experimentation yet being true to herself. Both Parineeti and Arjun have been perfect in communicating the true virtues of Independence very appropriately."
Independence highlights three forms of freedom -- to choose, to live and to call oneself proud citizens.
"Through intelligent re-appropriation of The New India Anti-Trend virtues we aimed to have led you to a neo-couture path of sartorial shapes, narrative details and contemporary beliefs. This season, the brand has revisited the intellectual textures and tones through pinstripes and palates like deep purple, abyss green and splashes of orange, aerosol blue and paint yellow," Shantanu and Nikhil jointly said of their new line.
Abhimanyu Dassani trained in martial arts for debut film
Abhimanyu Dassani, son of actress Bhagyashree and Himalaya, will soon be making his Bollywood debut with Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. He is glad it gave him a chance to learn the nuances of martial arts for the movie.
The Ronnie Screwvala production, directed by Vasan Bala, features Abhimanyu opposite Radhika Madan. It will release in September.
For Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, he honed the skill of martial arts and started training for the popular self-defence art form around three months before he gave auditions for the film.
Abhimanyu said in a statement, "I've grown up watching Akshay Kumar sir, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee... I'm glad that my debut film gave me the opportunity to emulate my childhood aspirations and got to learn martial arts for my character. The discipline it gives you is unparalleled. It prepared me mentally and physically for any stunt I had to perform."
He also trained in swimming, gymnastics, yoga, resistance and free hand training, stick fighting, human anatomy and studied injuries and first aid for his character in the film.
(SOURCE :IANS)
Richa Chadha meets the real Shakeela ahead of the film’s shoot
Several biopics are currently in production and Richa Chadha is one such actor who has joined the league of the upcoming slate of biopics to look forward to. The actress was in news recently when she bagged the role of Shakeela in the biopic of the south Cinema’s legendary name.
Richa is all geared up to play the role of the popular adult film star from the south, Shakeela Khan. Best known for her adult films, Shakeela became a rage overnight after her first mainstream film Playgirls in which she acted alongside Silk Smitha. One of the most popular names in south even today, Shakeela has a story that makes for a compelling celluloid tale for the audience to watch. She rose to stardom after Silk Smitha, grabbing every producer and director’s attention in the Southern film industries also becoming the first female actor in Malayalam cinema to gain such popularity back when it was a largely male dominated business.
Richa, who is known for doing experimental roles and roles which are defying, was the ultimate choice for the filmmakers of the Shakeela Khan biopic to play the titular role. She recently met Shakeela in Bangalore for the first time for an official meet and greet session. Both the real and reel Shakeela spent a great deal of time together and had a great time bonding understanding each other. Shakeela shared anecdotes from her early days and her long career, giving the Fukrey actress all the details she would need to play the part to perfection.
The film is being currently shot in Thirthahalli a small village in Karnataka. Directed by Indrajit Lankesh, it is slated for release in 2019.
Sajid Nadiadwala's son turns an AD on Housefull 4
Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala made his directorial debut with Kick (2014) and it looks like his elder son Subhan wants to follow in his footsteps. The youngster, we hear, is assisting director Sajid Khan on Housefull 4 (HF4). This fact came into light when Subhan uploaded picture of his with his father from the sets of Housefull 4.
Subhan’s mother Warda Nadiadwala commented, “Super proud of you man, keep it up AD.” This is not his first step in Bollywood, earlier, Subhan was an AD on Judwaa 2. During Judwaa 2 he was adored on the sets by Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Jacqueline Fernandez the most. Apparently, it’s during his vacations that the youngster helps out on the sets of his father’s production ventures.
I am overwhelmed with the feedback on my performance: Shridhar Watsar
Dhadak released this week and the audience has given thumbs up and a warm welcome to the lead couple Ishaan Khattar and Janhvi Kapoor. Along with them the most talked about actor from the film is Shridhar Watsar who plays the character of Purushottam - the best friend of Ishaan in the film. Shridhar is getting great feedback for his portrayal.
Shridhar says, "I am overwhelmed with the feedback on my performance in Dhadak. I was eagerly waiting for this day and am so happy that the audience has given thumbs up to us. I am thankful to two people, casting director Mukesh Chhabra Sir and my director Shashank Khaitan who used me so nicely in the film. On the sets, Shashank was more like a friend to us. He was never into spoon feeding and very clear about his vision. I am getting feedback that whenever I am on screen there is a dose of laughter among the audience."
Shridhar also adds, "During the special screening for the cast and crew of Dhadak I met actor Varun Dhawan and our producer Karan Johar; they both showered their love and affection on me and told me they have liked my work. I am very happy, as coming from them I find it very encouraging. I hope I get many more chances like this so I can entertain my fans with my acting skills."
Aamir Khan to be the Chief Guest at the 5th Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC)
Actor-producer-director Aamir Khan will be the Chief Guest at the 5th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC), the much-awaited biennial event organized by the Screenwriters Association.
The reputed journalist and Padma Shri awardee Vinod Dua will deliver the Keynote Address at the Inaugural day of the conference which will be held from 1- 3 August, 2018 at the St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra.
The theme of the conference this year ‘Where Mind Is without Fear’ is focusing on the challenges facing Indian Screenwriters today.
The conference is expected to see a large number of screenwriters and established professionals from the film and TV industries, as well as the digital media. It will also provide a platform for networking to all its participants.
Stimulating discussions and insightful sessions await the participants at 5ISC, with panelists and speakers who’re amongst the most respected and knowledgeable professionals from the entertainment and media industry.
Here’s who trained Gurmeet Choudhary for J P Dutta’s ‘Paltan’!
Gurmeet Choudhary is eagerly anticipating the release of J P Dutta’s highly anticipated war drama, Paltan. Interestingly, the film is quite special to him, not just because he got the opportunity to work with the veteran filmmaker for the first time but also the fact that he got trained by his father, Major Sitaram Choudhary for his character of an Army officer in the movie.
It’s learnt that the actor even underwent a 15-day prep with him for the part. “My father has served the Army for years and imparted training to new recruits. So, who better than him to train me for my character in Paltan? It was a challenging, yet learning experience to train under him before kick-starting the movie,” informs Gurmeet.
“Dad taught me rope climbing and military low-crawling. He also helped me adopt the ramrod straight posture required while holding guns,” he adds.
Gurmeet’s father Major Sitaram Choudhary, who hails from Bhagalpur, was posted in Chandigarh, Chennai and Jabalpur in the course of his service. Gurmeet reveals that his father harboured the dream of seeing him follow in his footsteps. “But, I couldn't do that because I was bitten by the acting bug.”
Dimple Kapadia joins the cast of Brahmastra
There was news floating around that Dimple Kapadia is going to be a part of the movie Brahmastra, but nothing was confirmed. Now this photo that has gone viral proves that she is very much a part of the team. It seems she has been cast opposite Nagarjuna in the movie.
Dhadak beats Raazi to become eighth highest opening weekend grosser of 2018
Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Dhadak has turned out to be a huge money-spinner at the box office. The romantic drama has earned Rs 33.67 crore in its first weekend and with this collection, it has beaten Alia Bhatt’s Raazi to become the eighth highest opening weekend grosser of the year.
Anushka Sharma goes vegetarian
Anushka Sharma is one of the few ones in the industry who has a voice of her own and stands for what she feels is right. Anushka has always encouraged people to go vegetarian. The actress has been a vegetarian for the last three and a half years. She was named PETA India’s Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity in 2015 and Person of the Year in 2017. Among other efforts to help animals she has launched a campaign called PAWSITIVE to bring awareness to animals who suffer when people set off firecrackers during Diwali and demanded a ban on cruel carriage rides in Mumbai. She took to her twitter profile and announced that she is a vegetarian and trying to bring a difference in the world.
The only way forward for me is through a way in which I take care of the world around me and co-exist with my environment. This is the best decision I’ve made and I am content with the knowledge that I’ve made a little difference in the world in this way. @PetaIndia pic.twitter.com/WG036cLiVh
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) July 23, 2018
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