Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar is no more

Iconic Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passes away


Iconic Marathi poet and Padma Bhushan recipient Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar passed away here today after a brief illness. He was 86.

Born on March 10, 1929 in Vengurla, Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, he received a Master of Arts degree in Marathi and Sanskrit from the University of Bombay, He taught Marathi at Ruia College for some years, and then during the 1970–1990 period served as an editor at the U.S. Information Service, both in Mumbai.

Along with Vinda Karandikar and Vasant Bapat, Padgaonkar was part of many poetry recitation programmes that were held in Maharashtra in 1960s and 1970s. He has also written lyrics of many Marathi film songs. Sung by Arun Date, his songs “Ya Janmawar, Ya Jaganyawar Shatada Prem Karawe”, “Bhatukalichya Khelamadhali” and “Shukratara Mand Wara” are well known.

In 1983-84, he also penned University of Pune’s theme song “Punyamayee De Amha Akshar Vardaan”. It was Pu La Deshpande who asked Padgaonkar to write this song in one day. It was then composed by music director Bhaskar Chandavarkar. In 2012, he was also honoured with “Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Puraskar” by University of Pune for his contributions in the field of literature.

He was President of the 2nd Vishwa Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in Dubai in 2010 and organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal.

Padgaonkar had 40 publications to his credit. The U.S. Library of Congress has acquired 31 of his publications. He has written a collection of essays and published it under the title "Nimbonichya Zaadamage".

Padgaonkar translated works of Mirabai and published a book "Mira" in 1965. He also translated works of Kabir and Surdas in Marathi alongwith Shakespeare's plays The Tempest, Julius Ceasar and Romeo and Juliet.

His translations of Bible: The New Testament was published in 2008. Along with translating the famous works of other authros, Padgaonkar also wrote forewords to these books wherein he has commented on the original authors, their styles of writing and literature of respective eras.

Padgaonkar also published his experiences of poetry writing in the book "Shodh Kavitecha".

Padgaonkar received several awards, including the Sahitya Academy Award in 1980 for his collection of poems Salam, the M.P. Literary Conference Award in 1956, and the Maharashtra State Award in 1953 and 1955. In 2008 Padgaonkar was awarded with Maharashtra Bhushan Award.

Clerification of YRF on Kirti

One of English newspaper in Mumbai, mentions that ‘Kriti Sanon refuses to sign contract with YRF for Sultan role.’

This is an incorrect report and clearly a figment of someone’s imagination!

Kriti Sanon was never offered Sultan. The actress was not approached or engaged by YRF. So the question of  ‘Kriti Sanon refuses to sign contract with YRF for Sultan role.’ does not arise thus making this news completely untrue and misleading.  

In spite of many rumours to the contrary, Sultan’s leading lady has not been finalised and we will certainly be happy to make an official announcement once the casting is decided.

YRF requests all concerned to refrain from speculating on the cast and to please confirm before carrying any incorrect news.

Ki and Ka to released on 1st April

KI and Ka to released on 1st April

Known to always spring a surprise on his audience, filmmaker R.Balki recently announced his next film, Ki and Ka (taken from ladKI and ladKA)* starring Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan .

R.Balki's Ki And Ka is a fun love story between two people with contrasting ideologies .While Arjun is a progressive house husband who lovingly supports his wife's ambitions, Kareena, on the other hand, is a super ambitious career woman.

Talking about the film says R.Balki, “ Hindi is a language where just not human beings even objects have genders. This film is all about the fact that Ki and Ka genders don't matter."

With music by the legendary Ilayaraja and additional songs by Mithoon and Meet Bros, Ki And Ka, also stars superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan in guest appearances.

Ki and Ka,directed by R.Balki stars Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swaroop Sampat among others and is scheduled to release April 1^st,2016.

Akshay Kumar turns down to Judge a dance reality show

Akshay Kumar turns down to Judge a dance reality show

Akshay Kumar has been seen on Tv over the years recently Akshay was approached for a Dance Reality Show but he had to turn down the offer because the shoot schedule was clashing with his new film Robot which he starts shooting at the same time the show was going to start.

Akshay would have considered the offer but his packed schedule doesn't allow him too..

A source further adds that Akshay is really excited to work with Rajnikant as this is the first time he is going to share screen space with him.

State Compansation for the elderly artist

सन 2009 पासूनच्या वयोवृद्ध कलावंताच्या मानधनाचा प्रश्न सुटणार


सन 2009 पासून मानधनासाठी अर्ज केलेल्या सुमारे 3511 वयोवृद्ध कलावंत आणि साहित्यिकांना नागपुरच्या विधिमंडळ अधिवेशनात सहा कोटी 91लाख 45 हजार रुपयांची पुरवणी मागणी मंजूर झाल्याने लवकरच मानधन मिळण्याची शक्यता आहे .

जुलै 2015 च्या विधिमंडळ अधिवेशनात 6.42कोटी रुपयांची पुरवणी मागणीचा प्रस्ताव सांस्कृतिक कार्य खात्याने वित्त विभागाकडे सादर केला होता.परंतु तो प्रस्ताव मान्य झाला नव्हता.त्यामुळे पुन्हा डिसेंबरच्या हिवाळी अधिवेशनात नविन मानधनाचा प्रस्ताव सादर करण्यात आला होता.

राज्यातील वयोवृद्ध कलावंत/साहित्यिक अ,ब आणि क या श्रेणीनुसार मानधनाचा लाभ घेत असूनसध्या सुमारे 21 हजार 819 कलावंतांना दर महिन्याला मानधन मिळते.

indian Mona Lisa is no more

Indian Mona Lisa is no more


Sadhana Shivdasani Born
2 September 1941 (age 74)

Died-25/12/2015
Karachi, Sindh, British India
Residence Santacruz, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation Actress
Years active 1958–1978
Spouse(s) R. K. Nayyar (1966–d.1995)
Sadhana Shivdasani (Sindhi: ساڌنا شوداساڻي)(born 2 September 1941[1]), better known mononymously das Sadhana, is an Indian actress who was one of the top stars in the 1960s and the early 1970s.

Early life

Born in a Sindhi family[2] in Karachi, British India, Shivdasani was named after her father's favorite actress-dancer Sadhana Bose. Her father was the brother of actor Hari Shivdasani, father of actress Babita.

The family fled from Karachi during the post-Partition riots and settled in Mumbai. Her mother home-schooled her until she was 8 years old after which she studied at Auxilium Convent, Wadala and Jai Hind College.[3]

Career

Beginning
Sadhana aspired to be an actress since childhood. Her father helped her enter films. In 1955 she played a chorus girl in the song "Mur mur ke na dekh mur mur ke" in Raj Kapoor's Shree 420.[4][5] When she was 15 years old, she was approached by some producers who had seen her act in a college play. They cast her in India's first Sindhi film titled Abaana (1958), where she played the role of Sheila Ramani's younger sister.[4] She was paid a token amount of 1 rupee.[citation needed]

A photograph of her publicizing the film appeared in a movie magazine Screen. It was then that Sashadhar Mukherjee, one of Hindi cinema's major producers at that time, noticed her. She joined Mukherjee's acting school along with her debutant co-star Joy Mukherjee, Sashadhar’s son. R. K. Nayyar, who had previously worked as assistant director on few films, directed this film. He also created her trademark look, called Sadhana cut, inspired from Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn.[4][6] The Filmalaya Production banner thus introduced Joy, Sadhana and her iconic hairstyle in their 1960 romantic film Love in Simla. The film was declared a hit at the box office and was listed in the top 10 films of 1960.[7] Sadhana played the role of a simple, bespectacled girl who is transformed by her grandmother into a beautiful woman and encouraged to pursue the hero. In the film, Sadhana wins a beauty contest and is awarded a three-year film contract with Filmalaya, which was the case in real life too. During this period she would again work under the same banner opposite Joy in Ek Musafir Ek Haseena.[8]

Breakthrough

Alongside Love in Simla, Sadhana was signed by acclaimed director Bimal Roy for his satirical film on Indian democracy, Parakh. She portrayed a simple village girl in this multi-award-winning film. In 1961's other hit[9] Hum Dono she played the love interest of Dev Anand. This black-and-white film was colourized and re-released in 2011. In the film's review one of the website rwrites about Sadhana; "Her eyes, expressive and captivating, do most of the work, while she balances out her submissiveness with a firm tongue."[10] The Rafi – Asha duet "Abhi Na Jaao Chodkar" remains evergreen. In 1962, she was again paired with Dev Anand in Asli-Naqli by director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The same year saw director-screenwriter Raj Khosla cast her opposite Joy in his musical film Ek Musafir Ek Hasina. Khosla would again work with Shivdasani to make their famous suspense thriller trilogy.

In 1963, Shivdasani played her first role in a technicolour film Mere Mehboob directed by H.S.Rawail. The film was the "Blockbuster" of 1963[11] and ranked in the top 5 films of the 1960s.[12] The scene where Rajendra Kumar encounters Shivdasani for the first time and sees her eyes through her burqa stands as one of the most remarkable scenes of Hindi film industry. Notable actor Danny Denzongpa describes the visage of Sadhana in a burqa with just her eyes visible as "unforgettable."[4]

Shivdasani in 1964 played her remarkable double role in the first of the suspense-thriller trilogy, Woh Kaun Thi?. This white-sari-clad performance opposite Manoj Kumar earned her first Filmfare nomination as Best Actress. Through this role she got to be part of Lata Mangeshkar – Madan Mohan’s all time classics like "Naina Barse" and "Lag Ja Gale". One known website called her a show-stopper "with an intriguing Mona Lisa-like smile".[13] The film was a box office "Hit".[14] Raj Khosla cast her in two more mystery films, Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967) thus making her famous as the "Mystery girl". Mera Saaya, a box office "Super Hit"[15] courtroom drama film again saw her playing a double role, now opposite Sunil Dutt. The song "Jhumka Gira Re" sung by Asha Bhosle and composed by Madan Mohan saw Shivdasani perform dance steps choreographed by Saroj Khan. Khan was then an assistant to dance director Sohanlal. The song became so popular that excited audience in cinema halls used to throw coins at the screen.[16] The film also had the classic songs "Naino Mein Badara Chhaye" and the haunting theme song "Tu Jaha Jaha Chalega, Mera Saaya Sath Hoga", both voiced by Lata Mangeshkar.

Shivdasani got her second Filmfare nomination as Best Actress for the role of Meena in Yash Chopra's directorial saga Waqt (1965). She stood out in Bollywood’s first ever ensemble cast by bringing along the fashion of tight chudidar-kurtas.[4][17] The film proved to be 1965’s "Blockbuster".[18]

Later work

Sadhana (first from right) with Helen, Waheeda Rehman and Nanda in 2010
Sadhana had health issues due to her thyroid, which she got treated at a hospital in Boston. After returning from the US, she starred in the successful movies Intaquam (1969), Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), and Geeta Mera Naam (1974), which she also directed.

In Intaquam she played the role of a woman who allures the son of her own boss who cheated her to be put behind the bars for a crime he did not commit, for revenge.[19]

After that, she retired from acting as she did not want to be cast as a side-actress or do character roles.[4] Later, she and her husband formed a production company. She also directed a movie starring Dimple Kapadia in 1989.[20]

Personal life

Sadhana married her Love in Simla director Ram Krishna Nayyar on 7 March 1966.[16] Their love blossomed on the film set. But as she was very young then, her parents opposed it. They were married for nearly thirty years, until his death in 1995 from asthma. The couple had no children. She suffered from a disorder of her eyes due to hyperthyroidism. After her retirement, she has refused to be photographed simply because she wants to be remembered the way she was.[6] Living in Santacruz, Mumbai, she is a tenant in an apartment building owned by singer Asha Bhosle.[21] In 2013, she stated that she doesn't keep in touch with her cousin Babita but does keep in touch with actresses Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, Nanda (actress) (who passed away in 2014), and Helen Jairag Richardson.[22]



Filmography

Year Movie Role Note
1955 Shree 420[4] Chorus girl Cameo role in the song "Mur mur ke na dekh mur mur ke"
1958 Abana[4] First Sindhi film
1960 Love in Simla[4] Sonia
1960 Parakh[4] Seema
1961 Hum Dono[4] Mita
1962 Prem Patra[4] Kavita Kapoor
1962 Man-Mauji Rani
1962 Ek Musafir Ek Hasina[4] Asha
1962 Asli-Naqli Renu
1963 Mere Mehboob[4] Husna Banu Changezi
1964 Woh Kaun Thi?[4] Sandhya / Seema (Double Role) Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Actress
1964 Rajkumar[4] Princess Sangeeta
1964 Picnic
1964 Dulha Dulhan Rekha / Chanda
1965 Waqt[4] Meena Mittal Nominated: Filmfare Award for Best Actress
1965 Arzoo[4] Usha
1966 Mera Saaya[4] Geeta / Nisha (Raina) (Double Role)
1966 Gaban Jalpa
1966 Budtameez Shanta
1967 Anita[4] Anita
1968 Stree Oriya film
1969 Sachaai Shobha Dayal
1969 Intaquam[4] Reeta Mehra
1969 Ek Phool Do Mali[4] Somna
1970 Ishq Par Zor Nahin Sushma Rai
1971 Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee Neena Bakshi
1972 Dil Daulat Duniya Roopa
1973 Hum Sab Chor Hain
1972 Geeta Mera Naam[4] Kavita / Neeta / Geeta (Double Role) also directed
1974 Chhote Sarkar
1974 Vandana
1975 Amaanat Suchitra
1981 Mehfil Shalini / Ratnabai (Double Role) Delayed Release
1994 Ulfat Ki Nayee Manzeelein Delayed release
References

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Dilwale Review

                                दिल नसलेला दिलवाले

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-   - हर्षदा वेदपाठक

कोणत्याही चित्रपटासाठी त्या चित्रपटाची कथा आणि संहीता महत्वाची असते. मात्र त्यासह संवाद, अभिनय यातही तो चित्रपट कमकुवत असेल तर त्या चित्रपटाचे भवितव्य फारसे काही चांगले नसते हे आपण जाणतो. असेच काहीसे दिलवाले या चित्रपटाबदद्ल घडलय.

विनोदी आणि एक्शन चित्रपटासाठी प्रसिद्ध असलेले दिग्दर्शक रोहित शेट्टी हे दिलवाले या चित्रपटाद्वारे पहिल्यांदा रोमाँटिक विषयाला हात घालत आहेत. दोन गैंगस्टर असलेले तरुण तरुणी प्रेमात पडतात मात्र आपल्या सिधांन्तासाठी लग्न करत नाहीत. याच तरुण तरुणीचा भाऊ आणि बहीण पंधरा वर्षाने प्रेमात पडतात तेव्हा काय होते त्याचे चित्रण दिलवाले या चित्रपटात आहे. एकदम सध्या कथेला हाताळणे रोहित शेट्टी यांना जमले नसल्याचे दिसून येते. अनायोग्य सीन, पुचकळ संवाद, यामुळं चित्रपटाच्या सुरवाती पासूनच दिलवाले बेजान वाटू लागतो. काही दृश्ये जोंनी लिव्हर, वरुण शर्मा, बोमन इराणी यां विनोदवीरांद्वारे  वाचवण्याचा केविलवाणा प्रयत्न रोहित ने केला आहे पण त्यात ही दिग्दर्शकाला यश येत नाही.

उत्तम कलाकारांची फ़ौज असूनही, कमकुवत कथाबीजामुळे ते फुकट जाताना दिसतात. शाहरुख आणि काजोल यांच्यातील काही दृश्ये वगळता वरुण अणि कीर्ति यांच्या मध्ये नसलेली केमिस्ट्री सलते. पंधरा वर्षानंतर एकत्रीत आलेली शाहरुख आणि काजोलची जोडी, हिंदी आणि विदेशी चित्रपटांतील जुनी दृष्ये जागवते ते पाहुन बरयाच प्रमाणात भ्रमनिराशा होते.  दिलवाले ची गाणी श्रवणीय आहेत पण उल्लेखनीय नाहीत.

धीमा आणि प्रडीक्टेबल कथानक असलेला दिलवाले निराशाजनक आहे खरा. या चित्रपटाने शाहरुख़ खान चे चाहते निराश होतील यात वाद नाही. गाड्यांची आदळआपट, रेस, निरस विनोदी दृश्ये यामुळे दिलवाले मनाला कोठेच भिडत नाही. चित्रपटाचा पु्वार्ध अतिशय कंटाळवाणा झाला आहे, तर उत्तरार्ध उपरा ठरतो.

वर्षाच्या शेवटी ऐका मोठ्या कलाकाराच्या चित्रपटाकडुन बॉक्स ऑफीसवर फार मोठी अपेक्षा वक्त केल्या जातात. त्यात ख्रिसमससाठी म्हणून वर्षाच्या शेवटी प्रदर्शीत झालेला दिलवाले फार काही काळ लक्षात राहणार नाही याचा खेद वाटतो

Onir discovers Arpita Pal for Shab

                                                                              Onir discovers Arpita Pal for Shab

Onir’s upcoming romance-drama, Shab will introduce Bangla superstar Prosenjit’s wife Arpita Pal as the female lead. The movie also starring Raveena Tandon will transform Arpita’s traditional Bengali beauty’s image into a hip South Delhi socialite.

Interestingly, Onir had visited Prosenjit’s place in Kolkata for a script narration and while discussing the same, he came across Arpita and was fascinated by her look. The National award winning filmmaker spoke to Prosenjit about her who was later introduced to him.

While Onir had started working on the script of Shab, he felt that Arpita fits perfectly for the role of a socialite in his movie. Arpita heard the script and liked it but the only concern for Onir was that her character needed to sport boy cut hair and Arpita had long hair. He convinced her to cut her hair short as he didn’t want her to use a wig. Arpita was convinced and she bagged the role in Shab.

Set in Delhi, Shab is an edgy, dark and complex relationship story revolving around three central characters played by Raveena Tandon, newcomer Ashish Bisht and Arpita and will release next year.  

Onir says, “The first time I saw Arpita, I was quite fascinated by her sensuous and good looks. After giving it a thought, I realised Arpita is apt for the role, but I wasn't sure whether she'll agree to do the movie or not. I'm glad I got Arpita on board for Shab

Zayn Malik topping the 50 Sexiest Asian Men list

Singer Zayn Malik topping the 50 Sexiest Asian Men list for the first time. The former One Direction band member beat off tough competition in the long-running poll compiled by UK based Eastern Eye newspaper to be declared the sexiest Asian man on the planet for 2015. At 22-years-old he also became the youngest ever to top the list.

Last year’s winner, Bollywood actor, Hrithik Roshan came in second with Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar holding onto third position.

Pop superstar Zayn rose up from ninth position last year and came out on top following millions of votes from across the globe for the 12th edition of the popular annual poll. At 22-years-old he also became the youngest ever to top the list.

Jacqueline’s special gift to fans this Christmas

It’s been a special year for Jacqueline Fernandez and the actress wants to spread the joy, this Christmas.

Jacqueline who is very active on social media has zeroed in on her top 10 fan clubs and will be sending them personalized video messages. The actress will also be sending special Christmas hampers to her avid fans across the world, including countries like the UAE, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and even Iraq.

Confirming the news says Jacqueline, “This year has been special because I have taken up some interesting films, and have done work that I am really proud of. I also have two international movies ready for release. So, I wanted to spread the cheer this Christmas, and thank my fans in an interactive way”.

Aanand L Rai throws bash for Happy Bhaag Jayegi crew

Aanand L Rai threw a big bash for the unit of his upcoming movie, Happy Bhaag Jayegi. The team recently wrapped up the second schedule of the comic ensemble in Chandigarh.

Directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and Eros International, Happy Bhaag Jayegi stars Abhay Deol, Diana Penty and Jimmy Shergill in the lead roles.

The movie completed its second schedule in Chandigarh last week and since this is Aanand L Rai’s first production, he especially flew to Chandigarh to celebrate the event with the cast and crew.

The team of Happy Bhaag Jayegi had been stationed in Chandigarh for over a month and since Aanand was very happy with the way the team has worked during the second schedule, he decided to treat the team to a party.

Aanand danced his heart out to Banno tera swagger from Tanu Weds Manu Returns at the party. While Abhay took the dance floor to dance to Senorita from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Diana shook a leg to her dance number from Cocktail.

Says Aanand L Rai, “Chandigarh weather is so beautiful in these months that it makes you party. Thanks to Abhay and Diana for such a fantastic schedule. We had fun.”

A true comic tale of errors, Happy Bhaag Jayegi revolves around a young runaway bride who crosses over the border to land up in Pakistan and the following eventful series of crazy episodes.

Actor Manoj Kumar has been admitted

Actor Manoj Kumar has been admitted in Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai.

Hospital authorities have just confirmed about the actor's admission.

However, they also informed that the family needs privacy so won't divulge any details about the actor's condition.

The actor has been given the nickname of Bhaarat Kumar, for his roles in films that had patriotic themes.

The veteran actor has acted in about 55 films and also has seven films to his credit as a director.

Some of his popular films include "Hariyali Aur Raasta", "Purab Aur Paschim", "Kranti", "Woh Kaun Thi?", "Himalaya Ki God Mein", "Shaheed", "Upkaar" and "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan".

Closing ceremony of IFFI2015

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has said that the International Film Festival of India provided a unique platform for confluence of ideas and stories from across the world and helped to learn from each other. This helped in better realization of the commonality of the joys and sorrows that transcended all kinds of distinctions and boundaries. The Minister stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of 46th International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa. Honorable Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Secretary I&B Shri Sunil Arora and Shri A.R.Rehman were also present on the occasion.

The Minister during his address stated that excellent coordination between centre and state made IFFI a grand success. Elaborating on the new media initiatives this year Col. Rathore said that the festival reached out to the larger audience through various initiatives like Live Streaming of Press Conferences, Festival Mobile App, Talkathons for disseminating the information and content of the festival. He said that there was also a special section on National Film Heritage Mission at IFFI 2015 which showcased Ministry of I&B efforts to restore and digitize films and archive film material. He said that out of a total of 1300 films, 375 films had already been digitized and preserved.

The world renowned and Oscar-winning music composer Mr. A. R. Rahman who was the chief guest of the evening on the occasion said that Cinema helped us understand culture and commonality of consciousness of people across the world.

         Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar said that IFFI had further enhanced the image of Goa as world class filming destination. The festival had also inculcated the film culture in Goa. He said that the IFFI 2015 showcased excellent cinema with participation from eminent national and international film personalities.

            Secretary I&B, Shri Sunil Arora speaking on the occasion said that last ten days at IFFI showcased masterpieces from across the globe. He said people in film industry had stood the test of time and became the iconic figures in India and abroad. He said the next IFFI in 2016 would definitely be a step up on IFFI-2015.

          Honorable Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha along with Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar and Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Russian Filmmaker Mr.Nikita Mikhalkov for his contributions to world cinema.

The Colombian film ‘Embrace of the Serpent’ directed by Ciro Guerra and produced by Cristina Gallego  bagged Golden Peacock award for Best Film at the closing ceremony of 46th International Film Festival of India while British Film director Peter Greenaway bagged the award for Best Director for his film ‘Eisenstein in Guanajuato’ from Netherlands. The Special Jury award went to the film “Sealed Cargo” directed by Julia Vargas. The Special Mention Award was given to the Serbian film “Enclave” directed by Mr. Goran Radovanovic.

French actor Mr. Vincent Lindon won the best Actor (Male) award for the movie “The Measure of a Man”.The film, a French social drama turns the spotlight on ordinary people who were pushed by circumstances to the corners. The Best Actor (Female) award was shared by five actors of Turkish film ‘Mustang’. The film set in a remote Turkish village depicts the life of five young orphaned sisters and challenges they faced growing up as girls in a conservative society. Ms. Gunes Sensoy, Ms.Doga Doguslu, Ms. Tugba Sunguroglu, Ms. Elit Iscan and Ms. Ilayda Akdogan were awarded Silver Peacock at the ceremony.

The ICFT- UNESCO Fellini Prize was given to the Bengali movie “Cinemawala” by Kaushik Ganguly. The award was presented first time in India to a film which reflected the ideals of peace, tolerance, non-violence and friendship promoted by UNESCO. The award was presented in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), Paris and UNESCO.

The festival this year added many innovative products to the festival profile. There were many new initiatives such as “Master classes” with the Oscar Academy members on various aspects of Film Making. It also organized sections such as “First Cut” which specially curated selection of films representing the first work of the emerging talent in world cinema and an exclusive section “Womenclature of Cinema” by Indian women film makers. The festival also had a special series titled “In Conversation with Director” which focused on talks with Director from different eras to share their views on Cinema as journey, their influences, their films and future of cinema. IFFI-2015 also portrayed the excellence of Indian cinema in the Indian Panorama section which also included a special focus on North-East cinema. There was a special section on ‘World Cinema Restored Classics’ to highlight the idea of film restoration. It featured a package of classics to put spotlight on National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) through a Multimedia Exhibition organized by NFAI & DAVP.

 The festival paid a special Tribute to the winner of the Life time Achievement Award, the Russian filmmaker, Mr. Nikita Mikhalkov by having a separate section on his selective films- Burnt by the Sun, Sunstroke, Barber of Siberia and Oblomob.

The festival received an unprecedented 790 films as entries. There were 26 official Oscar entries besides films from leading Film festivals such as Cannes, Toronto and Berlin. In the International competition section out of 15 entries, 5 films were official Oscar entries from different countries. 90 countries were represented at IFFI this year which also showcased 120 Film Premiers across different sections. In Indian Panorama section The festival showcased 26 Feature and 21 Non-Feature films.

The popular Sand Artist, Rahul Arya presented his mesmerising sand art performance at the ceremony. Artistes from the internationally-acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir from North-East gave a scintillating performances portraying the Indian cinema through various dance forms and sequences.

IFFI2015 closing ceremony

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore has said that the International Film Festival of India provided a unique platform for confluence of ideas and stories from across the world and helped to learn from each other. This helped in better realization of the commonality of the joys and sorrows that transcended all kinds of distinctions and boundaries. The Minister stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of 46th International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa. Honorable Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Secretary I&B Shri Sunil Arora and Shri A.R.Rehman were also present on the occasion.

The Minister during his address stated that excellent coordination between centre and state made IFFI a grand success. Elaborating on the new media initiatives this year Col. Rathore said that the festival reached out to the larger audience through various initiatives like Live Streaming of Press Conferences, Festival Mobile App, Talkathons for disseminating the information and content of the festival. He said that there was also a special section on National Film Heritage Mission at IFFI 2015 which showcased Ministry of I&B efforts to restore and digitize films and archive film material. He said that out of a total of 1300 films, 375 films had already been digitized and preserved.

The world renowned and Oscar-winning music composer Mr. A. R. Rahman who was the chief guest of the evening on the occasion said that Cinema helped us understand culture and commonality of consciousness of people across the world.

         Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar said that IFFI had further enhanced the image of Goa as world class filming destination. The festival had also inculcated the film culture in Goa. He said that the IFFI 2015 showcased excellent cinema with participation from eminent national and international film personalities.

            Secretary I&B, Shri Sunil Arora speaking on the occasion said that last ten days at IFFI showcased masterpieces from across the globe. He said people in film industry had stood the test of time and became the iconic figures in India and abroad. He said the next IFFI in 2016 would definitely be a step up on IFFI-2015.

          Honorable Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha along with Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Laxmikant Parsekar and Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Russian Filmmaker Mr.Nikita Mikhalkov for his contributions to world cinema.

The Colombian film ‘Embrace of the Serpent’ directed by Ciro Guerra and produced by Cristina Gallego  bagged Golden Peacock award for Best Film at the closing ceremony of 46th International Film Festival of India while British Film director Peter Greenaway bagged the award for Best Director for his film ‘Eisenstein in Guanajuato’ from Netherlands. The Special Jury award went to the film “Sealed Cargo” directed by Julia Vargas. The Special Mention Award was given to the Serbian film “Enclave” directed by Mr. Goran Radovanovic.

French actor Mr. Vincent Lindon won the best Actor (Male) award for the movie “The Measure of a Man”.The film, a French social drama turns the spotlight on ordinary people who were pushed by circumstances to the corners. The Best Actor (Female) award was shared by five actors of Turkish film ‘Mustang’. The film set in a remote Turkish village depicts the life of five young orphaned sisters and challenges they faced growing up as girls in a conservative society. Ms. Gunes Sensoy, Ms.Doga Doguslu, Ms. Tugba Sunguroglu, Ms. Elit Iscan and Ms. Ilayda Akdogan were awarded Silver Peacock at the ceremony.

The ICFT- UNESCO Fellini Prize was given to the Bengali movie “Cinemawala” by Kaushik Ganguly. The award was presented first time in India to a film which reflected the ideals of peace, tolerance, non-violence and friendship promoted by UNESCO. The award was presented in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), Paris and UNESCO.

The festival this year added many innovative products to the festival profile. There were many new initiatives such as “Master classes” with the Oscar Academy members on various aspects of Film Making. It also organized sections such as “First Cut” which specially curated selection of films representing the first work of the emerging talent in world cinema and an exclusive section “Womenclature of Cinema” by Indian women film makers. The festival also had a special series titled “In Conversation with Director” which focused on talks with Director from different eras to share their views on Cinema as journey, their influences, their films and future of cinema. IFFI-2015 also portrayed the excellence of Indian cinema in the Indian Panorama section which also included a special focus on North-East cinema. There was a special section on ‘World Cinema Restored Classics’ to highlight the idea of film restoration. It featured a package of classics to put spotlight on National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) through a Multimedia Exhibition organized by NFAI & DAVP.

 The festival paid a special Tribute to the winner of the Life time Achievement Award, the Russian filmmaker, Mr. Nikita Mikhalkov by having a separate section on his selective films- Burnt by the Sun, Sunstroke, Barber of Siberia and Oblomob.

The festival received an unprecedented 790 films as entries. There were 26 official Oscar entries besides films from leading Film festivals such as Cannes, Toronto and Berlin. In the International competition section out of 15 entries, 5 films were official Oscar entries from different countries. 90 countries were represented at IFFI this year which also showcased 120 Film Premiers across different sections. In Indian Panorama section The festival showcased 26 Feature and 21 Non-Feature films.

The popular Sand Artist, Rahul Arya presented his mesmerising sand art performance at the ceremony. Artistes from the internationally-acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir from North-East gave a scintillating performances portraying the Indian cinema through various dance forms and sequences.

IFFI seventh day report

शरीराची वखवख असणे म्हणजे प्रेम काय हा प्रश्न लव हा थ्री डी चित्रपट पाहताना पडतो, तद्दन पशिमत्य प्रेम संकल्पनेवर आधारित या चित्रपटात दिग्दर्शक गास्पर नोए यानि प्रेमाचा अर्थ हा समलिंगी, वरुद्धलिंगी शरीर आकर्षण या एकाच मुद्दा सभोवती का ठेवले आहे ते कळायला मार्ग नाही, 

प्रसिद्ध इसरायली दिग्दर्शक अमोस गीताई यांच्या निवडक चित्रपटांचे सिंहावलोकन सुरु असून त्यात राबिन - ओ लास्ट डे हा चित्रपट दाखवण्यात आला. ज्यात, सुधारक विचारांचे इसरायली पंतप्रधान राबिन यांच्या हत्येच्या दिवशी सुरु झालेले कथानक, त्यांच्या मारेकऱ्याच्या  उलटतपासनीचे विश्लेषण करून थांबतो. अनेक फ़्लैश बैक चा कल्पक वापर ही या चित्रपटाची खासियत मानली पाहिजे. 

Sushant Singh Rajput to revamp his vanity van

Sushant Singh Rajput is on a roll as he was recently announced as the lead of Balaji Motion Pictures' Half Girlfriend directed by hitmaker Mohit Suri .Apart from the highly anticipated film, Sushant also has several other interesting projects in the pipeline.
The versatile actor who is already being touted "the dark horse" of the industry ,is a complete adrenaline junkie .Apart from owning a beastly BMW bike,the actor is now planning to revamp his vanity van.
Sushant is giving his vanity van a cool, eccentric makeover and sources reveal that the actor is currently in talks with a HongKong based design company .
The actor has been contemplating to get his own customized vanity van for quite a while and will be taking time out post his MS Dhoni schedule to meet with the design team.Together they will be working on a vanity van ,that will be equipped with modern amenities and high-end technology.
Sushant who was a top engineering student, before he dropped out to pursue a career in films also enjoys working on the technical aspects of automobiles and machinery and will be working closely with the Hongkong design team to create a high-power, uniquely designed van. 

14th edition of MIFF

The 14^th edition of Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF) will be held inbetween January 28 to February 03, 2016 in Mumabi.

For the first time in history of MIFF the brand ambassador been appointed. National Award winning actor, Jackie Shroff will promoting MIFF extensively now on, informe Mukesh Sharma, Director General Films. He adds, "Jacky will help us in promoting the documentary movement in India. In coming days Jacky has plan to make short films to spread awareness about dreaded diseases and on social issues".

MIFF brand ambessador Jackie Shroff says he feels honored to be the brand ambassador at MIFF. 14th edition of MIFF will secened 831 films around 24 countries 

Upen Patel to play baddie in his next untitled Telugu flick

Upen Patel’s debut Tamil movie I, directed by Shankar released at the beginning of this year went on to become a huge money spinner at the box office thereby making Rs 200 crores worldwide.

Following the movie success and Upen’s immense popularity down south, it’s learnt that another successful director from South has been trying to rope in the suave actor for his next south movie.

The supermodel-turned-actor has been approached by his filmmaker friends to rustle up the suave and new-age bad man on screen. If sources are to be believed, the south filmmaker Veera Bhadra is keen to rope in Upen for his untitled Telugu flick starring Aadi.

A source says, “Upen, who is riding high on the success of his South ventures is in the process of reinventing himself in B town. His inherent style and popularity with the youth has been working wonders for his career.

“Upen has been talking to his friends and associates about his passion for resurrecting the bad man image on screen already caught the attention of the big wigs of the industry,” the source adds.

“My mean act in I was appreciated and it has opened up a whole new avenue for me. Negative characters, if written and portrayed well, can bring out a spectrum of human frailties. As they say, ‘Bad is the new good’,” Upen says.

IFFI 2015 Lifetime Achievement Awardee Nikita Mikhalkov

“Indian cinema has impacted me a lot”-doyen of Russian Film, Mr. Mikhalko

Nikita Mikhalkov, towering film personality from the Russian cinema has said that, “Indian cinema has great impact on his work. Love and tenderness shown in the films of Raj Kapoor had influenced him since his childhood.  Humming the famous song ‘Awara’, from Raj Kapoor’s film, he commented that it is the best way he could explain his love for Indian movies. He said that, “Indian cinema is an entirely different planet for me!”

 Addressing media person at IFFI 46 at Goa, Mikhalkov commented “A film becomes an international film when it is truly national and cultural oriented”.

Replying a question about the violence in today world, he got emotional and said has advocated love and passion through his work. “The world has died of its own greed, people value money more than emotions, this leads to violence and aggression”.

Speaking more about his work he said his films are comment on the life of particular time, not on any political system. He continues saying that he does not like to follow strict set of format of film making as he feels movies should have the freedom to breath.

He thanked the Indian Film festival directorate for conferring Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015 and said he feels proud being included in the list of distinguished personalities who have received the award previously.

फोटो - मुस्तांग 

इफ्फी चित्रपट महोत्स्वाच्या चवथ्या दिवशी तुर्कीस्तानचा मुस्तांग या चित्रपटात मुस्लिम देशातील नवतरुण-तरुणींची मानसिकता बदलत असल्याच्या कथनकासभोवती  फिरणारी  गोष्ट आहे. फ़क्त आयुष्य जगायचे या विचाराच्या पाच बहिणींची ही कहाणी आहे. घरात मोठ्यांच्या सांगण्यापोटी दोन बहिणींची लग्ने झाल्यावर धाकटी लैला वैतागते, या सगळ्या बहिणींची घुसमटतीला प्रकर्षाने जाणवते, तीच्या तिसऱ्या बहिणीने आत्महत्या केल्यावर लैलाची अधिकच तड़फड़ होवू लागते, शिक्षण आणि आयुष्य सरलमार्गी जगायची इच्छा असलेली लैला तुरुंगयुक्त घरातून पळून इस्तनाबुलमधे आपल्या शिक्षिकेचे घर गाठते हे पहायला मिळते, देनीज़ ग़म्ज़े एरगुवेन दिग्दर्शित या चित्रपटाद्वारे, समस्त मुस्लिम देशातील स्त्रियांची घुसमट दाखवण्याचा उत्तम प्रयत्न केला आहे. घरात बसून इंटरनेटवर जग पाहणाऱ्यांची संख्या कमी नाही, मात्र त्यामधून आपले स्वप्न जगण्याची प्रेरणा फार कमी जण घेतात हा सन्देश द्यालय देखील दिग्दर्शक विसरत नाही.

द फेंसर या एस्टोनियाच्या चित्रपटात रशियातील तलवारबाज़ खेलाडू ची कहानी पहायला मिलते.

काही ईरानी दिग्दार्शकानी लहान मुलाना घेवुन केलेल्या चित्रपटामुले ईरानीे सिनेमा जागतीक सिनेमाच्या प्रकाश झोतात आला खरा, पण तो अणि तसा दर्जा फार कमी लोकाना राखता येणे जमते. असेच काहीसे अली घवितन दिग्दर्शित माय मदरस ब्लू स्काई या चित्रपटाबाबत घडताना दिसते.

Sonali Bendre’s book ‘Modern Gurukul’ in Marathi and Hindi

Sonali Bendre’s book Modern Gurukul – My Experiments With Parenting launched recently has got a lot of appreciation from her readers for the English version and now the actress and the publishers are keen to have the book translated in regional languages as it caters to a large number of audience, especially working mothers.

It’s learnt that the book is being rewritten in Marathi and Hindi and Sonali has already started working on the translations of the same.

Sonali says, “I think it's a good idea to have this book in other languages because the subject of the book is for a large audience. I'm going to sit on the translations personally because I'm fluent at both the languages.”

IFFI third day report

                                             फोटो - ताज महाल

इफ्फी मोहोत्स्वाच्या दुसऱ्या दिवशी उत्तर पूर्वकडील सिनेमा संचाचे काल उद्घाटन करण्यात आले. तसेच सशी कपूर आणि देवन वर्मा या दोनं अभिनेत्यांना आदरांजलि वाहिली गेली,  त्या  दिवसाची खासियत ठरलेया चित्रपटांमद्ये स्नो पाथ्स (साउथ कोरिया), ताज महल (फ्रांस), मच लव्ड (फ्रांस) या चित्रपटांची नावे घेता येतील. 

किम ही जुंग दिग्दर्शीत स्नो पाथस या चित्रपटात एक मद्याप्राशन करणारा इसम ती सवय सोडण्यासाठी एक कैथलिक रिहैबिलिटेशन सेंटर मद्ये जातो. आपले पूर्व आयुष विसरलेल्या या तरुणाची ओळख तेथील नन बरोबर झाल्यावर त्याचे आयुष्य कश्या प्रकारे बदलते ते पहायला मिळते, संथ असलेल्या या कथानकात इतके फ्लैशबैक आहेत की चित्रपटाची सवंगता तुटून जाते. 

निकोलस सादा दिग्दर्शित ताज महल या चित्रपटात २६ नवंबर २००८ रोजी घडलेल्या मुंबई हल्याचे चित्र आहे, त्या दहशतवादी हल्यात मुंबई च्या ताज हॉटेलमध्ये अडकलेल्या एक तरुणीची कहाणी आहे. उत्तम संशोधन करून या चित्रपटाची सहिता लिहिली आहे. त्यात अनेक वास्तविक फुटेजचा वापर केल्याने, ताज महल या फ्रेंचपटाला आगळेच महत्व आले आहे. 

वैयक्तिक किंवा कौटुंबिक कारणांमुळे शरीरविक्री करणाऱ्या स्त्रियांना मानाने जगण्याचा अधिकार आहे, त्या देखील इतर स्त्रियांप्रमाणे साधारण आयुष्य जगण्याची इच्छा ठेवू शकतात या मध्यवर्ती संकल्पने सभोवती मच लव्डचे कथानक फिरते, दिग्दर्शक नबील अयोउच यानी या कथनकाद्वारे समलिंगी, विभिनलिंगी आणि तृतीयपंथीय मनजातीचे केलेले यथोचित चित्रण पहायला मिळते 

CINEMA’S POWER LIES IN SEAMLESS REACH AND CROSS CULTURE COMMUNICATION-AMOS GITAI

Eminent Israeli film maker Amos Gitai has opined that the power of cinema as a medium lies in its capacity to go beyond borders and to communicate across cultures. Interacting with the media here today, he said the films need to be both passionate and critical when need be.  I am originally an architect and believe in ideas as ideas are important and strong, capable of moving planets.

         

Films need to have a social context and should not be just entertainment, Gitai added. Filmmakers like Satyajit Ray are called great because they care for their country and use art and films to shape public opinion, he explained.

Expressing disappointment, the eminent filmmaker said that there is too much recycling in the field of cinema. He urged the coming generation of filmmakers to feel free while expressing themselves to bring out their originality and creativity.

Amos Gitai was born on October 11, 1950 in Haifa. He graduated as an architect from the Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa and acquired a PhD in architecture at Berkeley University in California. He fought in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, during which he was injured. Attracted by directing, he became professional filmmaker in 1980 with House. From that point he created many films, both fiction and documentary that brought him considerable international recognition.

46th IFFI is paying Retrospective Honours to Amos Gitai. Opening withScreening of ‘Rabin- The last Day’,   ten of his films are being screened under this section. Other films include Alia, Berlin-Jerusalem, Devarim, Esther, Golem, the Spirit of the Exile, Kadosh, Lullaby to my Father, Tsili, Yom Yom.

BM's new trailer and pix

Link to Bajirao Mastani Trailer and attached are some stunning images 

 http://erosnow.com/#!/movie/watch/1023354/bajirao-mastani/6613129/exclusive---official-trailer?ap=1

Tusshar Kapoor: No inhibitions working with Sunny Leone

Tusshar Kapoor will be next seen in Pritish Nandy Communications forthcoming adult comedy Mastizaade starring Tusshar Kapoor, Sunny Leone and Vir Das.

Tusshar and Sunny, who had teamed up for the first time for the naughty and sexy comedy directed by acclaimed writer-turned-director Milap Zaveri, bonded big time on the sets of the movie and thus became good friends.

While praising his Mastizaade co-star, Tusshar informs, “I was very fond of Sunny right from the Shootout At Wadala days when we filmed the Laila song together. In fact, I was the one who told Ekta (Kapoor) and director Sanjay Gupta to see to it that she does the song.”

Tusshar was always confident about Sunny making it big in Bollywood. “I always thought she will be one of the most popular faces here,” he says, elaborating, “I cannot talk of other actors, but I feel Indian audience is the most liberal and accepting for anyone who’s good on screen. Sunny is beautiful and has a camera-friendly face. She is where she needs to be. Audiences care about what they see on screen so there was no question about doing Mastizaade as well.”