BOLLYWOOD BUZZ / JYOTHI KE JALWE

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ/JYOTHI KE JALWE

By Jyothi Venkatesh

ROMCOM YAARAM TO BE SHOT ENTIRELY IN MAURITIUS .
Ad Films & Fashion Cinematographer turned filmmaker Ovais Khan is all set to direct his first film Yaaram. Touted to be a romcom, Yaaram, will star Prateik Babbar, Sidhant Kapoor, Ishita Raj Sharma,Anita Raj, Subha Rajput and Dalip Tahil.  Yaaram being made under Yashvi Films Banner is being shot fully in Mauritius! Director Ovais Khan says, “Yaaram has an interesting ensemble cast and is being shot in some of the most breathtaking locations of Mauritius. I have put my very crucial years of my life in this industry, tried to learn everything and waited to touch the right chord.”Ovais Khan also said that it has been great working with Pratiek, Ishita, Sidhant… and other actors.The experience of working with two generations of good actors in one film is awesome. Their dedication left me in awe of them; they have adopted the characters so well that I feel like interacting with my characters all the time and not the actors. The music of Yaaram Film has been composed by directors Sohail Sen, Jeet Gannguli, Rochak Kohli, Nayeem-Shabir with the lyrics being penned by Kumaar.

THODI DHOORI DEALS WITH INCREASING DISTANCES BETWEEN COUPLES BECAUSE OF EGO .

The album called Thodi Dhoori produced by Prem Kumar Upadhyay and sung by Amaan Trikha, is all set to be released shortly. The album is based on the concept of ego triggering of difference of opinions among couples leading to them distancing from one another. The music video has been directed by Niranjan Kumar and the music director is Roy Abhishek Sengupta and lyrics have been penned by Sahil Chhib. Romit Pandey and Tanya Bhatnagar will make their appearances. Prem Kumar Upadhyay says, “In today’s era, every couple has ego in them somewhere and it brings chasms between them. It is this ego that leads them to even divorce after distance in relationships between them increases. Our album is about three words- Ego, Differences and Distance. Where there is ego, there are differences leading to increase in distance. It happens in every couple’s life. The album drives home the message that one should forsake ego in order to avoid growing distances.

RAJSHRI DESPANDE IS EXCITED ABOUT THE WEB SERIES SACRED GAMES 

The Angry Indian Goddesses and S Durga actress, Rajshri Deshpande will be seen opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the Netflix Indian Original series, Sacred Games, directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Rajshri , who has even shed her inhibitions and appeared topless in a scene, exults, “Anurag knows each actor’s strength and knows exactly what to do in order to get the best out of his actors. I had to challenge myself in every scene because while working with an actor like Nawazuddin Siddiqui you need to be on your toes.  With platforms like Netflix, which gives you more space to experiment with content as well as expression, the game is only going to get interesting.” She will be seen in the role of Ismat Chughtai in Nandita Das’ Manto, her second film with Nawazudin Siddiqui. Rajshri Deshpande started her career in Hindi Cinema with Reema Kagti’s Talaash. However, it was the portrayal of Laxmi in Pan Nalin’s Angry Indian Goddesses which brought her into the limelight. She also plays the role of Manju in the BBC crime drama television series, McMafia created by Hossein Amini and James Watkins. She played the leading role of Durga in Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s S Durga.

AJAY DEVGN NAMES KAJOL’S NEXT – HELICOPTER EELA

Ajay Devgn launched the teaser poster and announced the title of Kajol’s upcoming film – Helicopter Eela on his social media handles. Helicopter Eela, which was tentatively named Eela, is directed by Pradeep Sarkar and stars Kajol and National award winner Riddhi Sen in lead roles. Written by Mitesh Shah, the film will see Kajol playing a single mother and an aspiring singer.  Ajay Devgn & Jayantilal Gada (Pen) presents, co-produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Vikrant Sharma, Reshmaa Kadakia, Kushal Kantilal Gada, Neeraj Gala and produced by Ajay Devgn, Dhaval Jayantilal Gada, Aksshay Jayantilal Gada, Eela is all set to release on 14th September 2018.

HEENA PANCHAL ITEM NUMBER “BOTAL BRAND NEW” IN OBAMA LOVED OSAMA 

After doing an item number in Marathi movie Kay Zala kalana, Heena Panchal has returned with another item song “Botal Brand New” from the film Obama loved Osama. Grooving to the seductive music, Heena is seen doing some mind-boggling, hip-shaking steps in the song sung by Pawni Pandey. Dressed in a White Bikini and Purple Lehenga with thigh high slit, the actress has certainly raised the temperature with her item song. However, Heena Panchal has many more competitors in the world of Bollywood item numbers. Aman Osama, is a modern Muslim man who lives in Agra. He is always bothered by his father who is an honest man suffering at the hands of corruption. But he always suppresses his anger and this leads to a disorder in him. An ardent fan of Nana Patekar, he acts like him when he gets angry. The film showcases a journey of series of crazy events that he stumbles upon along with his cousin Joy and a bunch of nut heads.

“MEMORIES IS MY BEST WORK TILL DATE ON DIGITAL SPACE”, SAYS ROHIT ROY

Viu’s recently launched series Memories, has been keeping the viewers glued to their screen since its first episode itself. Well, as much as its beguiling thriller concept is being appreciated, the actors too had a gala time shooting for the same.The talented actor Rohit Roy who portrays the male lead in the show, named Siddharth Sareen is extremely happy to be a part of this esteemed series, “Memories is certainly one of the most engaging stories that I have heard in a really long time. Personally, it is my best work till date in the digital space and I am glad my debut is with this fabulous show written by the king of this genre Vikram Bhatt on VIU.”“I am quite sure the audience will enjoy this ride which has thrills, action, drama and romance. I am excited to present memories to our Indian audience and I am sure that this show will be appreciated across the globe irrespective to language. I can’t wait to start work on season 2” concluded the actor. To watch the phenomenal performance of Rohit Roy in Memories, stay tuned to Viu.

NIKITA RAWAL MAKES DEBUT IN TELEGU FILM TIMPA AS NAGIN

Nikita Rawal who is a known model and actress in Bollywood is playing Nagin in Telegu film Timpa opposite Vikram Roy. The film is produced by Shivraaj Production and directed by Kumaran Teli. She is playing ichchadhari nagin who keeps the naagmani safe from bad people. The song was shot in Hyderabad. Nikita is a great dancer and done more than 500 shows and twenty music videos and also worked in more than ten Hindi films.

TV ACTRESS CHILD STAR MYRA SINGH LEARNS PHOTOGRAPHY

Child actor Myra Singh, who is currently donning the role of Amyra in StarPlus’ daily, Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala, has found a new found love in learning photography.Just like any other 7 year old, Myra too is a curious child and loves to try new things. Myra loves to sing and dance and wants to explore her photography skills. We hear that Myra roams around on sets with her camera clicking pictures of her colleagues on set. Her on-screen father, Mohit Malik (Sikander Singh Gill), has been helping her too.The little princess celebrated her birthday on 6th July and has taken upon herself to learn photography by her next birthday! Isn’t that cute?

HOW SANDEEP SINGH RE-ESTABLISHED HIMSELF IN HOCKEY AGAIN!

The story of India’s real Soorma is extraordinary. Sandeep Singh is nothing but an inspirational hero to everyone who has lost hope in their lives. After being shot, Sandeep was unconscious for days in the hospital. He woke up to the doctor telling him that he will never walk again. He did not lose heart. His brother, Bikramjeet says, “Sandeep politely asked the doctor to not surround him with any such negativity.Instead, Sandeep Singh asked Bikram to bring his hockey stick to the hospital and he kept it beside his bed. Sandeep said, I wanted to stand on my feet again. I asked my brother to bring my hockey stick and kept it right in front of my eyes as a reminder to me that I had to play for India again.”Sandeep did succeed in his promise to himself leaving the world a message that the one who works hard never fails. After re-establishing himself again, Singh was appointed as the captain of the National Hockey Team for India. Under his captaincy, India won many international tournaments including the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in which Sandeep was the highest goal scorer. Sony Pictures Network Productions, Chitrangda Singh and Deepak Singh have teamed up together as producers to make Soorma a successful endeavor. It is slated to release on 13th July 2018.

MUSIC COMPOSER DEEPAK AGRAWAL FINALLY MAKES IT BIG

Deepak Agrawal has finally arrived in Bollywood with the top talent-job platform TALENT4FILM having selected him as a special talent for special promotion among the vast talent –pool of musicians they have in their data base. The buzz is that Deepak is being finalized to compose music for some A grade Bollywood projects. However, Deepak himself is tight-lipped about these projects as he feels that protocol demands that the announcement should come from the production houses themselves in due course of time. Deepak Agarwal comes from a non-film & music background and was musically inclined since childhood. Deepak’s first break came as a lyricist in 2013 with the film “ Zindagi 50/50” ,the music of which was composed by Vivek Kar & the song was sung by Bappi Lahiri. As a lyricist, he has worked on movies like “Oops A Desi”(2013) , “Hum Bade Aashiq Mizaaj”(2016), “Khel To Ab Shuru Hoga”(2016), “Ek Kahaani Julie Ki”(2016), “Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai”(2017), “Raktdhar”(2017). In 2016, Deepak made his debut as a music composer with “Khel To Ab Shuru Hoga” and has since then composed music for films like “Ek Kahaani Julie Ki”(2016), “Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai”(2017), “Raktdhar”(2017). In 2018, Deepak wrote the lyrics & composed the song “Baari Baari” for the movie “Jaane Kyun De Yaaron”.

NEIL NITIN MUKESH TURNS PRODUCER

Neil Nitin Mukesh who recently announced his impending fatherhood is joining the bandwagon of actor-turned-producers with his maiden production company titled ‘NNM Films’. The outfit will specialize not only in film production but will also dabble in endorsements, events, advertisements, commercials and design. Says Neil, “I have created an identity for myself as an actor but I’m also known as a musician, director and writer which are all aspects of the creative process and now with production it all comes to a full circle for me . Over the past 3 years I have directed and executed a couple of commercials for them so that I could absorb the aesthetics of the business. The project will also mark the debut of my younger brother, Naman Nitin Mukesh as a director.  While I had worked with Yash Raj Films as an assistant director prior to my foray in mainstream cinema, Naman has trained with Abbas Mastan, Bejoy Nambiar, Eros for over 6 years. I have always wanted to launch my brother.” Other actors who have made their innings in production include Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Sushmita Sen, John Abraham, Saif Ali Khan and Anushka Sharma. However Neil-Naman Nitin Mukesh  is the newest entrant in the sibling actor-director combination club that boasts of names like Boney-Anil Kapoor, Salman-Sohail Khan, Zoya-Farhan Akhtar, Rohit-Varun Dhawan!

IT’S A WRAP FOR JEETU JOSEPH’S FILM ‘BODY’S’ SHOOT!

The shoot schedule of Jeethu Joseph’s  ‘Body’ starring Emraan Hashmi, Rishi Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala and Vedhika has concluded. The team recently wrapped after they shot 45 days of schedule in parts of Mumbai and Mauritius.‘Body’ is a directorial debut of Jeethu Joseph who directed renowned Malayam film Drishyam and is Produced by Sunir Kheterpal for Azure Entertainment and Viacom motion pictures. The post production of the film begins in August and the music has been sold to T-Series.

 

POSTER OUT NOW OF SANJAY DUTTS PRODUCTIONS’ NEXT PRASSTHANAM!

Sanjay Dutts Productions’ next Prassthanam which is an anticipated Hindi remake of the Telegu hit is out with its first look poster, giving us an insight to the world of this thrilling drama.The film which is an intriguing story of a family is currently being shot in Lucknow.Directed by Deva Katta, Sanjay Dutts Productions’s Prassthanam stars Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Ali Fazal, Amyra Dastur and Satyajit Dubey.

AMYRA DASTUR, MALLIKA DUA, SAPNA PABBI AND SHWETA TRIPATHI KICKSTART THE SHOOT FOR THE SECOND SEASON OF THE TRIP IN PONDICHERRY

After the resounding success of first season of The Trip – Season 2 kicks off one and half years later we last saw the girls. This season the travel destination for the Trip is – the french colonized Pondicherry. The show is all set to launch in September and the lead cast Amyra Dastur, Mallika Dua, Sapna Pabbi, Shweta Tripathi are all set to us on a beautiful trip of drama, twists and turns, self-discovery and a generous dose of romance. We can’t wait for some exciting pictures to come our way.

ANURADHA PAUDWAL HONOURED AT HOUSE OF COMMONS

Mother Teresa Award-winner Padmashri Anuradha Paudwal, added another feather in her overcrowded cap recently as she was honoured at the UK Houses of Parliament for not just her outstanding contribution to music, but for her charitable initiatives as well. The function was by the Members of Parliament from the lndo-British All Party Parliamentary Group, Houses of Parliament. Also in attendance were Politicians, Journalists from Asian Radio, TV and print media, together with leading representatives of the Indian Music Industry in the UK. Anuradha Paudwal, who has to her credit, over 1500 songs in several Indian languages over a period of four and half decades is humility personified when asked about her feelings, “Awards and acknowledgements matter to an artiste. It is the love of the people that goads us to grow at every stage. It is touching to know your efforts have reached corners of the world”! Currently, besides her world tour, where she has travelled to the UK and Australia thus far, and travelling to Sri Lanka and the United States of America. Anuradha Paudwal is working on a major devotional project.

SHEMAROO ENTERTAINMENT REBRANDS AFTER 55 YEARS WITH A NEW LOGO

Mr. Atul Maru, Joint MD, Shemaroo Entertainment Limited, Mr. Hiren Gada, CEO, Shemaroo Entertainment Limited and Mr. Kunal Jeswani, CEO, Ogilvy India

Shemaroo Entertainment has been a household name for more than 5 decades now. It was not just a medium through which movies reached Indian households… it was the very reason why countless Indian families enjoyed lifetime of unforgettable moments together. Hiren Gada, CEO and Atul Maru Joint MD, Shemaroo Entertainment along with Kunal Jeswani, CEO – Ogilvy India showcased a new brand identity to the world. Shemaroo has always provided its viewers with refreshing and engaging content. But the needs of the fast-paced modern generation are different from what they used to be. The new logo combines the needs of a digitised age with the nation’s culture of vivacity to give rise to a fresh brand identity. Hiren Gada, CEO – Shemaroo Entertainment shared, “With over five decades of doing what we do best, we’ve come to understand what India really wants when it comes to being entertained. It is a momentous occasion for us as we re-introduce our brand with a fresh and disruptive format which will appeal to Indian audiences across the world. We are now gearing up for consumer facing business opportunities, which will help fuel this ambition”.

SUNNY DEOL STARRER BHAIAJI SUPERHIT TO HIT THE THEATERS ON 19TH OCTOBER!

The film also stars Preity G Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Ameesha Patel .Bhaiaji Superhit starring Sunny Deol, Preity G Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Ameesha Patel, Sanjay Mishra, Brijendra Kala, Jaydeep Alahwat, Mukul Dev, Pankaj Tripathi and Pankaj Jha will be releasing on 19th October 2018. The action comedy directed by Neerraj Pathak will see Sunny Deol playing a double role for the first time.Bhaiaji Superhit comes across as very funny, hilarious, colourful and larger than life yet emotional film. It showcases the coming together of two vastly different worlds of  Bollywood and UP underworld. Presented by Hanwant Khatri and Lalit Kiri, produced by Chirag  Mahendra Dhariwaland directed by Neerraj Pathak, Bhaiaji Superhitt will hit the theatres on 19th October 2018.

THE MAKERS OF SONCHIDIYA HAVE RELEASED THE FIRST LOOK POSTER OF THE FILM!

Sonchidiya produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP in association with MacGuffin Pictures, Directed by Abhishek Chaubey starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. The film is slated to release on 8th February, 2019.

SPRINGFIT UNVEILED NEW LOOKBOOK CATALOGUE WITH GLAMOROUS SOPHIE CHOUDHRY

Sophie Chowdhry unveiled Springfit’s 2018 mattress collection and lookbook, at the 7th annual edition of the HGH Trade Show in Mumbai . Springfit has associated with the all-rounder celebrity for the grand launch of its all-new lookbook and new mattress collection. Sophie has shared her personal experience using Springfit mattress with viewers visitors and media at the Springfit booth and discuss the benefits of quality sleep. She also talked about how 6 hours of complete sleep helps her stay fit, active and energetic, despite a hectic schedule that keeps her on her feet all day. Besides the exhibition at HGH India, Springfit is also educating consumers on sleep-related topics through social media posts, emails and online chat available through the website.Springfit mattresses are available in all sizes and thicknesses, while customizable mattresses are also available. According to Mr. S. K. Malhotra, Sales Director at Springfit, this is pure because of commitment to quality, affordability and prompt service.He says, “Philosophy of the company is to provide customers with a good mattress, which is not just luxurious but also steady, supportive, comfortable, amazing-looking and pocket-friendly. Material selection is the most time-consuming procedure since we strive to maintain the highest standards and never use any sub-standard material.  At Springfit, we do not compromise on quality!”

NANDITA DAS TO SPEAK AT THE PRESTIGIOUS ‘LES NAPOLEONS’ IN FRANCE

Nandita Das’s film, Manto, is a liberal voice in these divided, turbulent times, hence it comes as no surprise that the filmmaker has been invited to a special edition on ‘Truth’ by ‘’Les Napoleons’’ in Arles, France between 18th-21st July. An innovative communication network, “Les Napoleons” gathers players of the communications industries, culture, architecture and other fields to discuss and debate crucial issues.Given that Manto wrote about the truths that no one dared to talk about, the film continues to remain relevant to our times and who better than filmmaker Nandita Das to discuss the subject at such a prestigious platform to initiate a dialogue and participation on the importance and relevance of truth in art and cinema.The actor-director is participating in two sessions. Nandita Das says, “As a speaker in two sessions, I am glad I have got the opportunity to discuss subjects that are very close to my heart – Art & Truth and Role of women in society and cinema. Manto, my next directorial venture has helped me delve into these subjects even more. For me, the complex relationship between truth and art is something worth exploring. Manto saw his stories as a mirror to the society. He never gave up being truthful despite six court cases and much opposition from even friends and family. It is a huge honour for me to be able to participate in this event. ”

ANIL KAPOOR EFFORTLESSLY SLIPS INTO FOUR INTERESTING AVATARS WITH PANACHE!

Anil Kapoor aces four different looks with ease!  Anil Kapoor’s journey in the Indian film industry has been nothing short of inspiring. His illustrious career spanning 35 years has been lined up with several iconic characters and films, as the star constantly improves his game and reinvents himself with every passing year.The superstar has metamorphosed several memorable characters with great élan sporting captivating looks. Having been associated with the Race franchise for over a decade, it came as no surprise that the actor walked away with rave reviews for his stupendous performance sporting the suave and stylish look, well complimented by white beard in Race 3. While he effortlessly slips into the garb of a common man in Fanney Khan sporting a look as real and convincing as it can get, he is set to surprise the audience, especially his fans, yet again by playing the matured character of a father in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga. “Every film is a new journey, as it gives you the opportunity to enact a different and interesting character. I find the entire process of getting into every character quite exciting. Through your characters, you live a different person on screen and that’s the magic of cinema,” informs the actor.

J P DUTTA SIGNS A THREE-FILM DEAL WITH HARSHVARDHAN RANE!

Harshvardhan Rane, who is eagerly anticipating the release of his forthcoming war drama, J P Dutta’s Paltan, feels blessed to have got the opportunity to work with the veteran filmmaker.Having closely worked with all the actors on Paltan, the veteran filmmaker is highly impressed by their talent, hard work and dedication, especially Harshvardhan. Taking their association to the next level post Paltan, the handsome hunk and filmmaker will be joining hands for not one but for three films. Yes, you read it right! The veteran filmmaker has offered Harshvardhan a three-film deal under his banner.The actor confirms, “When we were shooting in Deolali, I drove my new bike which I had bought from my first cheque for the film. After the shoot got over, Nidhi Dutta (Executive Producer) told me about J P Sir wanting to meet me to sign me for three films. I touched his feet and told him that it’s a great honour and privilege to work with him.”

NO BODY-DOUBLE FOR SONU SOOD FOR MANIKARNIKA!

After playing a historical role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar, Sonu is excited playing yet another one in highly-anticipated movie, Manikarnika, also featuring Kangana Ranaut.Being a historical drama, Sonu is quite excited to be part of it since it gives him the opportunity to do lot of action and sword-fighting sequences.A source informs, “Sonu is known for his chiseled physique and he is always in his best shape. The talented actor, who maintains a healthy and disciplined life, likes performing action scenes on his own. He has done the same for most of his films, including his Indo-Chinese production, Kung-Fu Yoga. Since the actor will be seen performing heavy-weight sword fights and hand-to-hand combat besides death-defying stunts, the makers suggested him to opt for a body double.”“Interestingly, Sonu has pulled off dangerous action stunts while shooting for the film in Mumbai and Hyderabad, much to the surprise of the makers and his co-stars,” the source adds.Sonu says, “I enjoy doing my own stunts and that gives me high. I think the confidence also comes from the fact that you know things are well organised. When you’re working with a brilliant director , a huge ensemble and a brilliant technical team, there is no way to go wrong.”

KUBBRA SAIT TO PLAY A TRANSGENDER IN SACRED GAMES!

Kubbra Sait, who made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan’s ‘Ready’ in 2011, followed by ‘Jodi Breakers’ in 2012, and Sultan in 2016 among others, will next be seen in Sacred Games alongside Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.The actor-anchor who has the penchant for portraying challenging characters will be seen playing a transgender in the highly anticipated web series, Sacred Games.Ever since the trailer of the web series has been unveiled, Kubbra has received praises galore for her character and her striking unique look,  attempted by very few actresses before. Kubbra was highly appreciated for her performance in her last web series Going Viral with Kunal Roy Kapoor.Interestingly, since it was a challenging character, Kubbra had worked rigorously to make it look and sound relatable and also understood the gestures and mannerisms to pull it off with great conviction. The actress had to spend hours for the makeup session for what she believes is one of the toughest roles to execute.” Kubbra says,” Playing a transgender isn’t easy as there are hardly any references that you can source out and seek help from”. Kubbra’s forthcoming projects include Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy alongside Ranveer Singh and ALTBalaji’s web series, A Family.

 

Item No 25

AKSHAY KUMAR UNVEILS THE TRAILER OF HIS FILM CHUMBAK

Unveiling the trailer of his latest Marathi film Chumbak in Mumbai as a presenter, Akshay Kumar confessed that he is a big fan of Marathi films and said that he had no hesitation to accept that content oriented films are no longer being made in Hindi of late. “I am not looking at profits as a presenter of Chumbak. Films which are being produced in Marathi of late have the kind of real characters that are incredible. If I wanted, I could have made a film like Rowdy Rathore 2 and made three times what more than what Rowdy Rathod but I opted to make a film like Padman because I wanted to highlight the problems that women face in their day to day life. People have been asking me whether I would act in Marathi films besides producing them. I had acted in a Marathi film called Adhikar for director Mahesh Tilekar a decade ago and produced two films. If I am able to get the right script with an out of the box content, I will be ready to not only produce films in Marathi but also act in them. I liked Riteish Deshmukh’s films Balak Palak as well as Lai Bhaari. I had even toyed with the idea of making a biopic on the late actor Dada Kondke but since the script did not turn out to my satisfaction, I decided not to go ahead with the project.”