MUMBAI: Here we bring you all the news and fresh happenings from the world of B –town. Read on to know what your favourite celebs are up to.
Ali Zafar proud to represent Pakistan at film fest in China
Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar says he is proud to represent Pakistan at the fifth Silk Road International Film Festival in China, where he will also discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries in cinema.
"Proud to represent Pakistan at the Silk Road International Film Festival to discuss bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China in cinema," Ali tweeted.
The actor feels honoured to have his latest release Teefa In Trouble for a special screening at the festival amongst other international films.
The Silk Road Film Festival is a small group of passionate and dedicated individuals committed to providing an amazing display of Middle Eastern, Persian, Arab, African, Asian and European films each year to Dublin, Ireland.
Teefa In Trouble is about the son of a gangster, who enlists an enforcer to kidnap a woman for an arranged marriage.
Anupam meets 'inspirational, courageous' Sonali Bendre
Veteran actor Anupam Kher met actress Sonali Bendre Behl for dinner in New York, where she is undergoing metastatic cancer treatment and called her inspirational and courageous.
Anupam, who is shooting for the American medical drama New Amsterdam in US, shared a string of photographs of himself along with Sonali and her filmmaker husband Goldie Behl.
"'The elegance under pressure is the result of fearlessness'. It was so wonderful and refreshing to have dinner with the most beautiful, inspirational and courageous Sonali Bendre along with the compassionate Goldie Behl and ever smiling Rupa," he captioned the image.
Sonali has always remained positive in her outlook as she battles the serious ailment, with support from her family and friends.
On the acting front, Anupam's New Amsterdam is inspired by Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in the US.
The show follows the brilliant and charming doctor Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold), the institution's newest medical director who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care. Anupam is seen playing role of doctor Vijay Kapoor.
I have learnt from my mistakes: Amyra Dastur
Actress Amyra Dastur has learnt from her mistakes, and says she likes to discuss projects with her parents before giving a go ahead.
"I learnt from my mistakes. You see the kind of films that do well, you see the films that don't do well and then you kind of get a sense of it. I don't think anybody has mastered the successful box office movie. Because the audience preferences are also changing consistently," Amyra told a leading publication over the phone.
"I just started picking films based on what I would watch as an audience and what my family would also watch," she added.
Amyra forayed in Bollywood in 2013 with Issaq, went on to do Tamil film Anegan, Hindi film Mr. X, Sino-Indian co-production Kung Fu Yoga. She is currently seen in The Trip 2, which premiered on all bindass platforms including YouTube on 5 October.
"I started talking to my mom and dad a lot more and I think that's what really helped me. I would come from a narration and tell my parents about the project and ask 'what do you all think'.
"My father is pretty honest. He will be like I would not like to watch it or watch it. From that time I started picking movies (like that) and I am happy about that."
The actress feels she is "doing the films which I want to do".
"My entire thing is about content. I want to do films that have good content and I feel will strike a chord with the audience," she added.
'Badhaai Ho' makers to throw baby shower for expecting mothers
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana and the makers of Badhaai Ho will be hosting a baby shower for 50 expecting mothers on 10 October here.
The baby shower is part of promotional activities planned for the film, which is about an elderly couple expecting a child.
The Badhaai Ho team has planned a fun evening for the ladies, which includes music, games and candid interactions with the expecting mothers. Actor Neena Gupta, who is essaying role of the elderly woman expecting a child, will also join the activity.
"It's a special moment for any woman to experience motherhood, irrespective of the age. Surrounded by my closest family and friends, there couldn't have been a better celebration to ring in our good news," Neena said in a statement.
To this, Ayushmann added, "India is a country that celebrates family ties like none other. The idea was to treat these special ladies to some signature Kaushik hospitality. This was a completely out-of-the-box concept and we are excited we could pull this off."
Helmed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the film also stars Sanya Malhotra.
Junglee Pictures is presenting the movie in association with Chrome Pictures. Produced by Vineet Jain, Aleya Sen, Hemant Bhandari and Sharma, it is co-produced by Priti Shahani and releasing on 19 October.
‘Mard Ko Dard...' set for Asia premiere at October film fest
After creating waves in Toronto, Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota will get its Asia premiere at the Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star later this month.
Presented by RSVP, Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota is written and directed by Vasan Bala and produced by Ronnie Screwvala.
The award-winning film will kick-off the festival this year.
"It's like a homecoming for me. To not just be attending the Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star, but opening it with a dream nurtured over years and brought to existence by Ronnie Screwvala's fearless and absolute backing," Bala said in a statement to a leading publication.
"I am honoured and thrilled to be walking into the cinema hall with the team of Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and sharing the film for the first time on my home ground," he added.
The action-comedy film marks the debut of actress Bhagyashree's son Abhimanyu Dassani.
"After winning the Midnight Madness section at Toronto International Film Festival, Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota is now the opening film at the prestigious Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star in India. We at RSVP are very proud of all the accolades this genre defining film is garnering," Screwvala said.
It is an entertaining story of a man who feels no pain, on a mission to rid the world of muggers.
Smriti Kiran, Creative Director, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, said, "We are thrilled that Vasan Bala's film is opening MAMI in its 20th year. We have always had immense faith in his talent.
"An Indian filmmaker with a singularly distinct voice will screen his work for the first time in Asia at Jio MAMI with Star. We couldn't have asked for a better start to this year's edition."
The 20th edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star will take place between 25 October and 1 November.
Priyanka praises 'Pahuna’ director Paakhi A. Tyrewala
Actress-producer Priyanka Chopra has praised Pahuna - The Little Visitors director Paakhi A. Tyrewala and said that she is talented and hardworking.
Pahuna - The Little Visitors, a Sikkimese film backed by Priyanka and her mother Madhu Chopra's banner Purple Pebble Pictures (PPP), won two awards at the SCHLINGEL International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience in Germany.
"Its true. Only person who repeatedly told me that I made a good film whenever I doubted it. She always had faith in Pahuna-The Little Visitors. Thanks Priyanka Chopra," Tyrewala tweeted on Monday.
Priyanka replied, "Always Paakhi A. Tyrewala. I truly believe in the power of talent and hard work. And you are exactly that. Pahuna-The Little Visitors is an amazing film and I'm so proud of it and you. Congratulations to everyone who worked on it Purple Pebble Pictures and the cast and crew!"
The film won the European Children's Film Award and got a special mention in the Awards of The Professional Jury Feature Film International category.
The film received an overwhelming response at the European premiere of the film at the festival held on 2 October and 5 October. It won the awards on 6 October.
On winning the award, an elated Priyanka tweeted: "'Pahuna...' a film I have believed in from the word go! Love the response it is getting worldwide. Can't wait to see what is in store for our film next!
"Congrats team Purple Pebble Pictures for winning the 'Best Film (Jury's choice)' and a special mention at the SCHLINGEL International Film Festival."
Pahuna - The Little Visitors narrates the story of three Nepalese children separated from their parents and their journey back home.
MAMI drops AIB, Rajat Kapoor's films from fest's line-up
The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) has dropped two films -- AIB's Chintu Ka Birthday and Rajat Kapoor's Kadakh -- from the line-up of the upcoming 20th edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in the wake of the #MeToo tide.
"We as an Academy (MAMI) strongly support the #MeToo movement. In light of recent developments, we have decided to drop the following films from our line-up -- AIB's Chintu Ka Birthday and Rajat Kapoor's Kadakh," read a statement from MAMI.
It was sent to a publication via Whatsapp by MAMI's Creative Director Smriti Kiran.
"We want to use this opportunity to open up the conversation, and find solutions to harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace. Starting with this edition of the festival, we would like to unite the community to find positive and constructive ways to deal with it," the statement read further.
Actor-director Rajat Kapoor has been called out by two women for inappropriate behaviour. He has apologised.
Comedy collective, All India Bakchod (AIB), on the other hand, landed in a full-fledged controversy after a woman named Utsav Chakraborty -- once associated with the group -- was named by a barrage of ladies on social media of sexual harassment.
Chakraborty accepted and apologised his misdeeds, but the #MeToo fire soon spread out to reveal how AIB's CEO and co-founder knew about it all along but did nothing against it. It even opened up a box of complaints against some of the group's other comedians, notably Gursimran Khamba.
On its part, AIB announced on Monday that Bhat and Khamba are "stepping away" from the group.
Difficult to be a woman in India: Soha Ali Khan
Actress Soha Ali Khan has come forward in support of Tanushree Dutta by saying it is very difficult to be a woman in a country like India.
Soha said this on Monday while interacting with the media here at the press conference of Saavn's 'No Filter Neha Season 3' along with Neha Dhupia, Sophie Chaudry, Angad Bedi and Gaurav Kapoor
Reacting on the #MeToo movement which is gaining momentum in India after actress Tanushree Dutta accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassing her on a film's set in 2008, Soha said, "It's wonderful that women are speaking out. It's very difficult sometimes to be a woman in a country like India as they go through a lot on a daily basis."
"It takes a lot of courage to stand up and say that I wanted to tell my story so, I think women need to be supported and encouraged to do that," she said.
"I completely stand by and support any woman who wants to share her story," Soha added.
Echoing the same sentiments, Neha Dhupia said, "Not just as an actor but as a woman, when I started reading and hearing about it, it made me angry and furious."
"Sometimes, I see people are still questioning it but there is no need of questioning them. We have to believe them," she said.
Sophie Choudry also talked about #MeToo movement.
She said, "The worst that is happening is that people are asking why Tanushree took 10 years to speak about the issue. I don't think she is doing this to gain publicity. Knowing Tanushree a little bit, I think she was on talk show and there she was asked why she quit acting in films and she gave clear answer of that question."
I've no intention of becoming an actress: 'Gippi' director
Director Sonam Nair has featured in movies like Kapoor & Sons and her own film Gippi. She says she loves performing, but doesn't want to become an actress.
"I wish people would cast me," Sonam told a leading publication with a laugh.
"But I have no intention of becoming an actress. I love performing. So even when I am directing, I perform each character and say the lines because if I have written the dialogues I know how it is meant to be said and I am very dramatic as a person.
"So I would love to act. But I have not done anything to become an actress. I am in the film industry. I have lots of friends who are directors. When I go to their set, they tell me 'Do this line'. They know that I would be very happy doing them," she added.
Currently, she is being lauded for her project The Trip 2, which premiered earlier this month on all bindass platforms including YouTube.
Pallavi Sharda happy to work with Gurinder Chadha
Actress Pallavi Sharda has joined the team of Gurinder Chadha's India-set drama Beecham House, and says working with the director is an "absolute joy".
She has been roped in to play role of a princess in the period drama.
"It has been an absolute joy to work with Gurinder Chadha, someone who has inspired me since I first watched Bhaji on the Beach as a young girl. She has pioneered the representation of South Asian identity on mainstream screens globally and as a child of the diaspora - her work impacted me greatly," Pallavi said in a statement.
"It is so fulfilling to have a female leader with so much courage, gumption and a shared goal of bringing South Asian perspectives out of the shadows in the western world," she added.
The series takes place on the cusp of 19th century in Delhi, and follows the life of residents of the titular mansion. It will be filmed in India as well.
It also stars Tom Bateman, who has featured in films like Murder On The Orient Express and Snatched and Marc Warren, known for shows like The Vice and State Of Play, and Lesley Nicol of Downton Abbey.
Talking about her character, she said, "I play Chandrika, who is bold, proud and clings viscerally to her roots. She is close to John Beecham (played by Bateman), but no one in the house understands why. She is like a gallant and warrior-like, Indian woman who is prepared to fight for what she believes in. I didn't have to think twice when I got the offer to play Chandrika."
Pallavi was last seen in Lion with Dev Patel.
Pankaj Tripathi dons bell-bottoms, multi-coloured shirts in 'Shakeela'
For his role as an overdramatic actor-producer of the 1990s in Shakeela, actor Pankaj Tripathi will be seen in over-the-top style, flaunting bell-bottoms and colourful suits and shirts.
In the film, the Newton actor will not just be seen rocking the outfits, he will portray a boisterous hero who is overconfident, talented and knows he will get the girl.
When Pankaj went for a costume trial for the movie, he says he was in two minds and questioned himself if he will be able to carry such a colourful dress.
"My character was supposed to behave larger than life like a south Indian commercial hero. I was supposed to dance with the heroine. I was scared on the first day of the shoot.
"Normally I don't see the monitor after giving the shots, but later when I checked one of the scenes, I was surprised to see how I managed to pull these shots dancing with the heroine in a swimming pool."
For Pankaj, it was fun playing the part.
"I always wanted to dance, and do some action in a film... The audience will be surprised to see me in the role, just the way I am surprised to see myself in this role."
Shakeela is a directorial venture by Indrajit Lankesh and stars Richa Chadha in the titular role.
49th IFFI to pay homage to Shashi Kapoor, Sridevi, Vinod Khanna
The 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India will pay tributes to late actors Shashi Kapoor, Sridevi and Vinod Khanna, one of the organisers said on Monday, adding that the cinema of Israel would also be in focus at the event.
"IFFI will pay tribute to late Sashi Kapoor and late Sridevi. There will also be tributes to late Vinod Khanna in a special retro section. Six to seven films on sports will be screened, in the special sports section this year," vice chairperson of IFFI co-organising body, the Entertainment Society of Goa, Rajendra Talak told reporters on Monday in Panaji.
"This year, Israel has been finalized as the focus-country and six-seven films will be screened in this section... Films from 64 countries have confirmed their participation for the 49th IFFI," Talak said.
The official said a special section dedicated to the Kapoor clan, from Prithviraj Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor, will also be a part of the festival this year. "The section will be inaugurated by one of the Kapoors," Talak said.
The 49th edition of the IFFI will be held from November 20 to 28. The event, the biggest government-organized film festival in the country, is organized by the ESG in association with the Directorate of Film Festivals.
Hrithik urges 'Super 30' producers to take 'hard stand' against Vikas Bahl
Actor Hrithik Roshan has urged the producers of his upcoming film Super 30 to take a "hard stand" if need be amid sexual harassment allegations against the movie's director Vikas Bahl.
"It is impossible for me to work with any person if he/she is guilty of such grave misconduct. I am away and have access to some sporadic information. I have requested the producers of Super 30 to take stock of the apparent facts and take a hard stand if need be.
"This is not to be hushed or brushed under the carpet. All proven offenders must be punished and all exploited people must be empowered and given strength to speak up," Hrithik tweeted on Monday.
His statement comes a day after filmmaker Hansal Mehta took an indirect dig at Hrithik.
Mehta had commented that as a father of two daughters, he fears they may have to deal "with such predators just because nobody took any action against (Vikas) Bahl -- on the contrary a major star has acted in his new film. Who is empowered here? The victim or the creep?"
This didn't go down too well with Hrithik's fans who trolled Mehta and led the filmmaker to quit the social media platform.
Bahl has been accused by a woman of sexually harassing her repeatedly after the first incident in 2015 in Goa. She spoke about it in the media last year and her allegations resurfaced in the wake of the #MeToo wave which has taken Bollywood by storm ever since last month Tanushree Dutta renewed a 10-year-old allegation against Nana Patekar.
Phantom Films, which Bahl was a part of with business partners Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Madhu Mantena, was last week dissolved.
Producer Dia Mirza cares for safe work ecosystem in company
Actress-producer Dia Mirza says she and her husband Sahil Sangha will ensure that their production company Born Free Entertainment will encourage women to speak up and will care for a safe working ecosystem.
Dia on Monday tweeted: "It's important that individuals are finding courage to speak up. And even more important that the media approach this with sensitivity, care and due investigation.
"Harassment of any kind at a workplace or anywhere else is absolutely unacceptable. We all want to live and work within an ecosystem that is safe and fair for all. I hope that the strictest action is taken against anyone found guilty of violating this fundamental right. It is important that cases be registered and due investigation conducted. Media must report facts."
Dia captioned the post: "Support those that find the courage to express their truth. Use this time to introspect. As we have. As producers we will ensure that our company Born Free Entertainment encourages women to speak up. Already working on gender balance we care for a safe work ecosystem. #Metoo"
Dia extended support to the #MeToo movement that has gained momentum in India after actress Tanushree Dutta accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of misconduct during the shoot of Horn Ok Pleassss ten years ago.
Dilip Kumar admitted to hospital for recurrent pneumonia
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, 95, has been admitted to a hospital here and is being treated for recurrent pneumonia, a family friend said.
Faisal Farooqui, who tweets on behalf of the thespian, gave a health update on the ailing actor via Twitter.
"Want to inform you Dilip Kumar has been admitted to hospital last night. He is being treated for recurrent pneumonia. Praying. Will keep you updated on twitter," Farooqui tweeted on Monday.
He was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here around 1 a.m. on Monday, Udaya Tara Nayar, compiler of the actor's autobiography, told a publication.
"Dilip saab has chest congestion. Antibiotics through IV drip (are) required. He is stable now," Nayar said via Whatsapp.
The nonagenarian was admitted to the hospital here last month too due to pneumonia.
Last week, amidst reports of Dilip Kumar's deteriorating health, Nayar had told a leading publication, "He is as well as he can be at his age... He is well looked after by his wife Saira Banu."
Dilip Kumar, one of India's most iconic actors, has appeared in some classics like Kohinoor, Mughal-e-Azam, Shakti, Naya Daur andRam Aur Shyam. His last silver screen appearance was in the 1998 film Qila.
(SOURCE : IANS)
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