Sidharth Malhotra appointed as ambassador for New Zealand tourism

At the New Zealand press conference in Mumbai today, Sidharth Malhotra, Tourism New Zealand Brand Ambassador and Steven Dixon, Regional Manager for South and South East Asia, for Tourism New Zealand unveiled the New Zealand video encapsulating Sidharth’s experiences at the destination. They also presented the first look of the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign which launches in India on 10th February. The video shows Sidharth indulging in the best New Zealand has to offer from his one week trip, including his Skywalk in Auckland, the meeting with Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Rt. Hon. John Key in Wellington, his serene Hot Air Balloon ride in Queenstown and his visit to Tane Mahuta in Northland.

As a token of love and good wishes from New Zealand, Steven Dixon also presented Sidharth Malhotra a framed picture of the ALL BLACKS team. Sidharth shared anecdotes of why his visit to New Zealand was a once in a lifetime experience.

Speaking at the event, Steven Dixon said, “We are extremely thrilled to have Sidharth on board as part of the Tourism New Zealand family and are pleased to know that Sidharth’s New Zealand trip has created great conversations about the destination not just in India but in New Zealand as well. Our country experienced the impact of Bollywood when Sidharth was surrounded by fans everywhere he went. He was enthusiastic and eager to explore New Zealand’s offerings, immersing himself in adventure, food and wine and Maori culture.”

Recounting the best parts of his trip, Sidharth Malhotra said, “Recounting the best parts of his trip, Sidharth Malhotra said, “I was amazed and humbled by the warm hospitality showered on me. Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Rt. Hon. John Key, Sir Richard Taylor, (founder and creative director of the WETA workshop) and Stephen Fleming (Former BLACKCAPS captain) made me feel at home in New Zealand. I experienced adrenaline at every point of my journey, be it when I was diving into the sea or when I was learning to do the Haka. I had many firsts this trip including my first Skydive and a cultural experience such as visiting Tane Mahuta. It's my privilege to be the brand ambassador for Tourism New Zealand and I believe it will bind the two countries bond in 2016.”

“I experienced adrenaline at every point of my journey, be it when I was diving into the sea or when I was learning to do the Haka. I had many firsts this trip including my first Skydive and a cultural experience such as visiting Tane Mahuta. It's my privilege to be the brand ambassador for Tourism New Zealand and I believe it will bind the two countries bond in 2016.”

“I experienced adrenaline at every point of my journey, be it when I was diving into the sea or when I was learning to do the Haka. I had many firsts this trip including my first Skydive and a cultural experience such as visiting Tane Mahuta. Becoming the Ambassador of Tourism New Zealand is one of the best things that happened to me in 2015 and I believe that the two countries would form greater bonds in 2016.”

Tourism New Zealand will be launching a brand campaign that will start on February 10 which will be followed by a tactical campaign with airline partners like Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways and selected trade partners.

Maharashtra Government helps Drama producers...

नाट्यनिर्मिती अनुदान योजनेत बदल

प्रायोगिक नाट्यप्रयोगांना झुकते माप

             नाट्यनिर्मिती संस्थांना नवीन नाट्यनिर्मितीसाठी अनुदान देण्याच्या शासनाच्या योजनेत आमूलाग्र बदल करण्यात आला असून प्रायोगिक नाटकांसाठी अनुदान देण्याच्या अटी व शर्ती शिथिल केल्यामुळे प्रायोगिक नाटकांना अनुदान देण्याचा मार्ग अधिक सुकर झाला आहे.

            व्यावसायिक नाट्यप्रयोगांना मिळणाऱ्या अनुदानाच्या प्रक्रियेतही नव्या नियमांत सुलभता आणली असल्याने जास्तीत जास्त नाट्यप्रयोग किफायतशीर दरात मुंबई आणि पुण्याबाहेरील शहरांमध्ये होण्यास चालना मिळणार आहे.

            सांस्कृतिक कार्यमंत्री विनोद तावडे यांनी घेतलेल्या निर्णयानंतर गेल्या आठवड्यात राज्य शासनाने याबाबत सुधारित नियमावलीचा निर्णय जारी केला आहे. नवीन नियमानुसार नाट्यप्रयोग पाहून तज्ञांची समिती एखादी नाट्यकृती व्यावसायिक आहे की प्रायोगिक हे ठरवेल. प्रायोगिक नाटकांच्या दर्जानुसार एका वर्षात किमान 30 आणि कमाल 50प्रयोगांकरिता प्रती प्रयोग रुपये 10,000अथवा रुपये 15,000 याप्रमाणे अनुदान देण्यात येईल. 

            व्यावसायिक नाट्यनिर्मितीकरिता अनुदान देण्याच्या सुधारित नियमानुसार व्यावसायिक स्तरावर किमान 5 प्रयोग केलेल्या नाटकांसाठी निर्मात्याला अर्ज करता येईल. अनुदानाची रक्कम पूर्वीप्रमाणेच दर्जानुसार प्रती प्रयोग रुपये 20,000किंवा रुपये 25,000 अशी असणार आहे.  तिकीटाचे दर नाट्यसंस्थेच्या जिल्ह्यात किमान 300 रुपये तर अन्य शहरात 400 पेक्षा कमी असण्याचे बंधन घालण्यात आले आहे. शिवाय आता पहिल्या टप्प्यात 10 नाट्यप्रयोग केल्यानंतर अनुदानाची रक्कम वितरित होणार आहे.  पूर्वी 25 प्रयोगांची अट होती.  या 10 प्रयोगांपैकी किमान तीन महसुली विभागात त्या नाटकाचे प्रत्येकी 2 प्रयोग सादर करणे बंधनकारक करण्यात आले आहे. या योजनेचा लाभ घेण्याकरिता प्रायोगिक आणि व्यावसायिक नाट्यनिर्मात्यांनी विहित नमुन्यात अर्ज करण्याचे आवाहन सांस्कृतिक कार्य संचालक यांनी केले आहे.

Vishnu Deva Choreographs Bollywod upcoming movie “Ishq Forever”

 Since 2000, Vishnu Deva has been the choreographer to go to for Bollywood directors and producers; He has been a part of almost all top Bollywood movies for more than a decade. 18the May 1975 born men has wowed the movie audiences in different types of dance styles; He has been equally creative choreographing village dances as well as urban ones. The ace Choreographer Vishnu Deva all set to give his best moves to Bollywood upcoming film Ishq Forever which is slated to release on 29th January. He is choreographing all the song from the movie Like ‘Bilkul Socha Na’ “Expectation” and Title song of the movie.

The song, which is titled ‘Bilkul Socha Na’, features newcomer Krishna Chaturvedi and Ruhi Singh as they romance each other in South Africa. Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Palak Muchhal, the lyrics of the track have been penned by Sameer. Produced by Ajay Shah, Harry Gandhi and Shabeer Boxwala under their banner Friday Cine Entertainment, Ishq Forever, which has been directed by Sameer Sippy.

Here’s who helped Nidhi Dutta lose 26 kgs

Here’s who helped Nidhi Dutta lose 26 kgs

Nidhi Dutta, daughter of JP Dutta and Bindiya Goswami Dutta, will be making her big Bollywood debut this year with Jee Bhar Ke Jee Le, produced by JP Dutta under JP Gene banner and directed by Binoy Gandhi.

The young debutant couldn’t stop praising celebrity fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala, who helped her tone down and look her glamorous best for her debut film. Not many know that Nidhi lost almost 26 kgs and the actress credits Yasmin who helped her achieve that.

Since Nidhi’s debut film release has been postponed by few weeks, she is still training equally hard following a strict fitness regime as suggested by Yasmin. Nidhi doesn’t want to go out of shape and is getting toning sessions with Yasmin.

Sonali Bendre is back on television

Sonali Bendre ecstatic with fans response to Mission Sapne 2 and India’s Best Dramebaaz!

Sonali Bendre, who made a striking comeback to television with Ekta Kapoor’s show, Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, is currently working on two reality shows, Mission Sapne season 2 and India’s Best Dramebaaz. “The makers of the shows have also thanked Sonali since the shows have generated high TRP’s, surpassing Big Boss” the source adds. 

The actor, who successfully launched her book, ‘Modern Gurukul – My Experiments with Parenting’ in Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh at the end of last year is thrilled with the fabulous response to her new shows – India’s Best Dramebaaz and the second season of Mission Sapne.

A source says, “Sonali has been getting good feedback from her B-town friends who are glad to see her back on television. She has also received letters and bouquets from her fans who are excited to see their favourite actress back on television.”

Sony Pictures to distribute Blade Runner

SONY PICTURES TO DISTRIBUTE BLADE RUNNER INTERNATIONALLY

Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute Alcon Entertainment’s follow-up to Ridley Scott’s 1982 masterpiece BLADE RUNNER in all overseas territories in all media; with Warner Bros. Pictures distributing in North America and Canada through its output agreement with Alcon, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEO’s Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

Denis Villeneuve is directing the film starring Ryan Gosling (The Big Short) and Harrison Ford (Star Wars) who is reprising his role as Rick Deckard. Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green have written the original screenplay based on an idea by Fancher and Ridley Scott. The story takes place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.

Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights to BLADE RUNNER in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit.

Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers. Ridley Scott will also executive produce.

The film marks Villenueve’s third collaboration with 13-time Oscar nominee Roger Deakins, who will serve as cinematographer, following Alcon’s Prisoners and the hit drug-trafficking drama Sicario, which brought Deakins his latest Oscar nomination.

Principal photography on Villenueve’s new BLADE RUNNER film is scheduled to begin in July 2016.

States Kosove and Johnson: “We are excited to work with Tom Rothman, Michael Lynton and then entire Sony team on this very special project as well as maintaining our important and long-standing relationship with our domestic partner Warner Bros. Pictures.”

States Tom Rothman: “At Sony, we have made a strong commitment to the international marketplace.  We know of few projects with greater international potential than the long dreamed of sequel to Blade Runner, especially given the all-star creative team Andrew and Broderick have assembled.  We are deeply grateful to everyone at Alcon, Denis and Ridley for entrusting us with such a gift.  Working on a Blade Runner film also fulfills a long-time personal ambition, as I deeply love and admire the original.”

Among its many distinctions, BLADE RUNNER has been singled out as one of the greatest movies of all time by innumerable polls and media outlets, and overwhelmingly as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications.

Released in 1982 by Warner Bros. Pictures, BLADE RUNNER was adapted by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples from Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and was directed by Ridley Scott, following his landmark film, Alien. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction) and is now regarded by media and cineastes as one of the greatest movies of all time and the defining vision of the cyberpunk genre.

In 1993, BLADE RUNNER was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses. In 2007, it was named the 2nd most visually influential film of all time by the Visual Effects Society.

Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle launched on SAB Tv

SAB TV launches a new romantic comedy ‘Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle’

SAB TV enters the New Year with the launch of its new romantic comedy show ‘Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle’. With a hilarious love triangle set amid a hospital, the show presents a fresh concept of a love clash between two men, Nathu Nakabandi (Ali Asgar) and Dr. Ranbeer (Ather Habib) for the pretty Dr. Diya (Krishna Gokani). While Dr Ranbeer is trying to hide that he is a fake doctor, Nathu pretends to not be the tapori that he is in reality. This mix-up of sorts leads to a series of gripping hits and misses and hysterical histrionics. Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle premieres on 18 January 2016, Monday to Saturday, 2230 hours.

The background of the show’s story is that Dr. Diya is a young, vivacious and a pretty looking doctor. She holds high respect for people who are independent and self-made. Ranbeer, a rich brat who is smitten by Dr Diya joins the same hospital she works in, posing as a doctor. Nathu, on the other hand, is a goon but falls in love with Dr Diya too and becomes a permanent patient in the hospital who is admitted with a strange medical issue just to meet her.

Complications arise as both Nathu and Ranbeer fall for Diya and try their best to conceal their own identities while trying to win her over. Diya is oblivious to their intentions and maintains a cordial stance with both the men. However Nathu and Ranbeer are privy to each other’s intentions and hence try to keep Diya away from the other.

Mr. Anooj Kapoor, Senior EVP & Business Head, SAB TV "We are excited about our new comedy show ‘Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle’. The story revolves around how the two male leads  vying for the leading lady’s attention; with every attempt made by anyone of the two to to woo her being  comically scuttled by the other. The setting is perfect for a quintessential romantic comedy. SAB and Optimystix have had a very fruitful relationship for several years and we are fondly hoping to deliver another successful show together”Mr. Vipul D Shah, C.C.O & M.D, Optimystix Entertainment India Pvt Ltd."Optimystix Entertainment India and the Sony SAB channel have shared a very successful partnership, creating some of the most entertaining shows like, Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo, Pappad Pol, Baalveer, Sab Ke Anokhe Awards etc. And, Now it’s time for yet another fun ride with our new comedy show, Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle which will add a new feather in this successful partnership”

Bharti Singh makes her Big Bollywood Splash with Divya Khosla Kumar's Sanam Re!

                   Bharti Singh makes her Big Bollywood Splash with Divya Khosla Kumar's Sanam Re!

Bharti Singh is now a household name and can be titled as the "Queen of Comedy." The versatile comedian can play virtually any role with ease and has people rolling on the floor with laughter. While she has established herself as a known face on television, Singh is all set to make her debut on the Big Screen with Divya Khosla Kumar's Sanam Re releasing on week of love, February 12th, 2016. Her role has been kept a top secret but a little birdie tells us that she is sure to receive claps and whistles for her amazing dialogue delivery and comic timing.

Bharti who juggles a hectic TV schedule had a blast shooting for the film and bonded really well with the cast and crew, she had everyone in splits whilst even on the sets of the movie!

Two new show on Zindagi

ZINDAGI BRINGS ALIVE THE STORIES OF BITTER-SWEET ROMANCE WITH TWO SHOWS

Ishq Mein Tere premieres on 27th January @ 6:10 pm &

Mann Ke Moti Season 2 launches on 26th January @ 9 pm

January, 2016:  Premiering two tele dramas this January, Zindagi presents Ishq Mein Tere at 6:10 pm & Mann Ke Moti Season 2 at 9:00 pm. Both shows will air every Monday to Saturday. Each show has a unique story that highlights the different challenges in life and how one can embrace the sweetness of love and bitterness of relationships.

 

Unfolding the difference between love and obsession, Ishq Mein Tere airing at 6:10 pm is a romantic drama that revolves around Aiza, a strong and independent girl played by Mehwish Hayat. Aiza’s charismatic personality draws in two men into her life - Shehriyar Hamdani is a successful businessman who carries with him the baggage of a failed marriage and is the father of Aiza’s best friend Laiba and the other is Saad Hamdani Laiba’s cousin, who works for Shehriyar and is Laiba’s love interest. Though both Shehriyar and Saad are captivated by Aiza, they have different interests for wanting her. The effects of these intertwined relationships creates a trail of heart breaks, unforeseen outbursts and complications. Will there be a new man in Aiza’s life or will one of these relationships take a new course for better or worse? 

Mann Ke Moti Season 2 is a touching drama. Its first season was widely appreciated by audiences and is back on Zindagi by popular demand. This season, too, the show focuses on Faria’s life, her relationship with her husband Rahil and how she copes with Syra, his second wife who wants Rahil to solely be with her. Rahil, the doting husband and father is torn between his two wives and their respective children.  Watch how Syra’s choices affect the lives of Faria and her children. Will Rahil find a middle path with both families? Will he be able to resolve his familial discord or will circumstances compel Rahil to choose one over the other? 

Vicky Kaushal is ready with his new venture

Vicky Kaushal- I’ve always dreamt of working with my father!

Veteran action director Sham Kaushal’s son Vicky Kaushal made his debut with the critically acclaimed movie Masaan last year but not many know that it was debutant director Mozez Singh who discovered the young actor and offered him to play the lead protagonist in his movie, Zubaan. 

Shooting Zubaan has been a memorable experience for Vicky not just because it’s his debut film but also for the fact that the action sequences in the movie has been directed by his father Sham Kaushal. The young actor can’t stop thanking his director Mozez Singh for giving him the opportunity to work with his father.

Vicky says, “It was very special for me and I thank God and Mozez for making my dream come true. “Ever since I became an actor, I dreamt of working with my dad. My dad has a certain style of calling a shot. I put my heart and soul in to impress my dad while doing stunts and it was great to be complimented by him. He used to scold me at times like a stunt director and not like my father.”

"When we started shooting, it was professional. The sequence we shot changes the graph of the film and is an important one. But when the shoot got over in the morning and I went and hugged him, that's when the emotions started kicking in. I will cherish that moment all my life. After all, it was a childhood dream," Vicky adds.

Produced by Wave Cinema, Guneet Monga and Shaan Vyas of Sikhya Entertainment & Metamozez Entertainment, Zubaan, directed by Mozez Singh and featuring Vicky Kaushal and Sarah Jane Dias is scheduled to release 4^th March 2016.

EVELYN SHARMA IN HER NEW SKINNIER AND HOT AVATAR

EVELYN  SHARMA'S NEW SKINNIER AND HOT  AVATAR

Like many actresses in Bollywood and Hollywood, Evelyn Sharma seems to be following the trend of size zero. This isn't always a healthy trend and raises eyebrows in many circles.

Known from movies like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Main Tera Hero or Yaariyan where the young actress wooed us with her voluptuous curves, we recently witnessed a very skinny version of her on the red carpet of an award ceremony. 

When asked, Evelyn's representatives said that the actress is living a healthy lifestyle and simply toning up for her new movie. "She is a very dedicated actress and takes her roles seriously. Her new movie demands her to look thin and toned so she has lost a few pounds to look the part. She is working with a renowned fitness trainer and nutritionist." 

6-Pack Band, India’s 1stTransgender Band releases second singal

66 years after the Indian Constitution was signed, India’s 1^stTransgender Band sings with Sonu Nigam for their rights

Even after 6 decades, the transgender community remains on the fringes in India. Basic human rights of being able to choose a profession, the right to education and of living in a place of their choice still remains a challenge for them. Launched by Y-Films, the 6-Pack Band, India’s 1^stTransgender Band, collaborates with one of India’s most respected, talented & loved singers, Sonu Nigam, to sing for their rights and to make the world a more welcoming, happy place. Their 2^nd single after their hugely successful cover of Pharrell William’s ‘Happy’ that went viral, with over a million views in 24 hours, releases today, titled ‘Sab Rab De Bande’.

The song is an adaptation of the teachings of the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ and talks about us all being children of the Almighty. It gives out the heartwarming message of how God is one and we are all equal, because we have all come from the same God. ‘Sab Rab De Bande’ has been composed by Shameer Tandon with lyrics by Nishant and additional rap lyrics by Varun Likhate.

The music video, featuring one of the band members, brings to light several social prejudices that the transgender community in India faces that often become a barrier in them being accepted as a part of society. It highlights some predispositions that society has towards transgenders and how it is about time that all of us overcome these biases and accept them as a part of our society.

Speaking about the collaboration, Sonu Nigam added, “I’ve always wondered how it would feel had I been born in a place where I was a minority and different from everyone else there. And for no fault of mine, was shunned, not given an opportunity to work, earn a living and ridiculed. I wanted to do something for this much ignored community and this once in a lifetime collaboration gave me a chance to do just that. It’s been a pleasure working with the band and their energy has been childlike and infectious. Here’s hoping everyone loves our music as much as we did making it and we’re able to get this important message out there!”

  

Head of Y-Films, Ashish Patil said, "It takes an artiste with rare talent and a big heart for such a unique collaboration. And we are truly blessed to have someone of the calibre of Sonu Nigam come on board for one of the most powerful songs in the 6-Pack Band's album. He lends soul, scale & heart to our mission showing us how truly we are all children of the same God."

MIFF 2016 to showcase 385 top documentaries and short films

MIFF 2016 to showcase 385 top documentaries and short films

 

 

The 14^th edition of Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films, popularly known as MIFF, will be held between January 28 and February 03, 2016.

 

The prestigious biennial event, organized by the Films Division of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and supported by the Government of Maharashtra will feature 30 films in International Competition, including 12 from India and 27 films in National Competition vying for the Golden Conch Award.  The festival will screen a total of 385 films over the 6 day event.   

 

The screenings will be held at the Films Division theatres, Russian Culture Centre and Sophia College theatres at Pedder Road, Mumbai. Screenings will also be held at the Mumbai University auditorium Kalina, Mumbai & Doordashan Kendra (Worli). 

 

Addressing the curtain raiser press conference in Mumbai today, the Festival Director Mukesh Sharma said “started in 1990, MIFF is the oldest and the largest festival of non-feature films in South Asia.”  He said MIFF brings together a talent pool of documentary film makers from the across the world with their works featuring in International, National, Animation and new media competition sections.  We received a record number of 831 entries from 25 countries ".

 

Shri Sharma further said “for the first time, MIFF has roped in a brand ambassador- Jackie Shroff, who regards regards documentaries as catalysts for social change and is planning to make short films to spread awareness about dreaded diseases and on social issues.”

 

Highlighting the importance of documentaries that deal with real life challenges, veteran film maker Mike Pandey stressed on the need for a dedicated documentary channel in the country.  Shri Sharma, said in order to increase the outreach of documentary films, Films Division has signed an agreement with the Prasar Bharati Corporation, under which Films Division’s documentaries will be shown on the DD Bharati Channel.

 

MIFF 2016 : Highlights

The inauguration and closing functions will be held at the Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi at 5.00 pm on 28th January and 03rd February, 2016 respectively.  Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony. Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting will preside.  Shri Vinod Tawde, Minister for Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra Eminent Filmmaker Shri Shyam Benegal, Shri Sunil Arora, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Mukesh Sharma, Director General, Films Division & the Brand Ambassador of MIFF 2016 Shri Jackie Shroff would be present.

 

“Apart from International and National competition, screening of  films in MIFF Prism, Indian Premiers, Jury retrospectives, Animation and award winning films  from different countries, Children’s documentary films, North East package, FD and PSBT (Public Service Broadcasting Trust) films, homages etc, making it a wholesome viewing experience for the delegates of MIFF-2016” Shri Sharma said.  The festival also presents special packages from leading international documentary film festivals like Berlin, Dresden, DokLeipzig  from Germany and Leiria from Portugal, he added.

 

Some of the best documentaries of 2015, among them Mohammed Ali Naqvi and Hemal Trivedi’s “Among the Believers”  a new documentary about the roots of religious extremism in Pakistan and Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The Look of Silence”  -a Danish documentary about Indonesian killings of 1965-66 and Rinku Kalsy’s ‘For the Love of a Man’ – a documentary about the cult of adulation for Rajanikant in South India are among the top draws.

 

The International Jury for the Festival comprises prominent documentary makers Don Askarian from Germany,  Jesper Andersen from Denmark, Mathiue Roy of Canada, Siddharth Kak and Gitanjali Rao.  Mike Pandey, Uma DaCunha, Biju Dhanapalan, Audrius Stonys (Lithuania) and Jane Yu (Taiwan) are the members of the National Jury.

 

The festival will also have Master classes by Jury and eminent film makers, Camera and Digital workshops, Producers’ Forum, Panel discussions, Seminar and Open Forum by IDPA, under the MIFF Hub.

 

Cash prizes worth Rs 60 lakhs (Rs 6 million) would be distributed for the winners in various categories along with Golden Conch Awards. In addition the festival will also honour a veteran personality from the Indian documentary fraternity with the esteemed V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award that carries a cash component of Rs. 5 lac, trophy and a citation.

 

Padma awards declared

Padma awards declared

Actor Rajinikanth, media baron Ramoji Rao, former J-K
Governor Jagmohan and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
awarded Padma Vibhushan

Former CAG Vinod Rai, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and
singer Udit Narayan awarded Padma Bhushan.

Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, actors Ajay Devgn and
Priyanka Chopra get Padma Shri.

Former US Ambassador to India Robert D Blackwill,
sportspersons Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza and Indu Jain of
Bennett, Coleman & Co get Padma Bhushan.

Reliance Industries founder late Dhirubhai Ambani awarded
Padma Vibhushan.

Raveena Tandon turns wedding planner

Raveena Tandon turns wedding planner

The actress has taken on the responsibility of organising all the ceremonies of her daughter’s fusion wedding

Actress Raveena Tanodn is all set to play wedding planner for the nuptials of her youngest adopted daughter Chhaya.

According to a source close to the family, the idea of turning wedding planner was spurred by all the onscreen weddings she has been part of.

As the groom is from Goa, the wedding will be performed according to both Hindu and Catholic rituals, say close sources. “The sangeet will be hosted by Raveena and family to which only very close relatives and friends have been invited. There will also be a mehendi, besides the chuda ceremony and the ghara ghardoli. Those will be followed by the Catholic rituals. Raveena has personally designed each function that has been organised by the bride’s side of the family.”

One more International music video to Easha's credit

After ‘Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon’, Esha Gupta approached for international music video!

Esha Gupta’s first music video ‘Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon’ released last year has reached around 30 million views on You Tube.

Considering the fabulous response to ‘Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon’, Esha is likely to do another music video!

Unlike ‘Main Rahoon…’ which was a classic romantic number, the new international music video for which Esha has been approached falls under EDM music genre, and if sources are to be believed, Esha will have to sport a glamorous punk look and opt for a shorter hairdo for the single. Apparently, her look has been inspired by Hollywood music icons like Avril Lavigne and Jennifer Lopez. 

A source says, “Esha being a fashionista has always been in the news for her looks and fashion choices. It would be interesting to see her transform into a rock diva. Music videos have been the flavor of the season. Esha’s fans loved her in ‘Main Rahoon…’ and they have been tweeting to see her in another video.”

Esha says, “It’s too early to comment anything as of now. My work commitments are keeping me busy but this looks exciting. Let’s see.”

Katrina in Big Boss

Katrina Kaif will soon be seen promoting her upcoming film Fitoor on popular reality show Bigg Boss - Season 9. While several may speculate about her appearance, sources reveal that the actress is sticking to her professional commitment and will promote the film along with the director Abhishek Kapoor ,co-stars Aditya Roy Kapur & Tabu.

Says a source, "Katrina will be promoting Fitoor on Bigg Boss alongside director Abhishek Kapoor, co-stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Tabu. Her visit is a purely professional commitment. The entire team of Fitoor will appear on the show jointly to promote the film".

Arshi Khan to launch Road Safety Campaign

Arshi Khan and Bollywood Celebs to launch Road Safety Campaign in Mumbai on 26th Jan

  

Arshi Khan along with several other Bollywood celebrities will launch a “Road Safety Week” campaign in Mumbai on 26th January – Republic Day. While not much details are available as yet, we have learnt that the campaign will include several proactive awareness initiatives, including the need for pillion riders of bikes and scooters to wear helmets even on interior roads. The campaign will also target women riders –whose numbers have increased exponentially on Indian roads as well college students who normally do not wear helmets.