BOLLYWOOD BUZZ / JYOTHI KE JALWE
By Jyothi Venkatesh
AJAY DEVGN TO PLAY INDIA’S FOOTBALL COACH SYED ABDUL RAHIM IN A BIOPIC
Not only did the Indian team team win accolades by beating some of the top teams in the world, but also went onto win Gold at the 1962 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, beating South Korea, one of the toughest football teams at that time.The story of Indian football architect, Syed Abdul Rahim, the coach and manager who was responsible for taking the Indian football team to such great heights, is all set to be turned into a feature film. Produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Akash Chawla and Joy Sengupta, the untold journey of Indian Football will see Ajay Devgn essay the role of the unsung hero. The yet-untitled film will be directed by Amit Sharma, while the screenplay and dialogues are written by Saiwyn Quadros and Ritesh Shah respectively. Boney Kapoor said, “ When my partners Akash Chawla and Joy Sengupta brought me the true story of Syed Abdul Rahim, I was amazed that not many are even aware of this unsung hero and the achievements of that great team which had heroes like Chunni Goswami, P.K. Banerjee, Balaram, Franco, Arun Ghosh etc. With the momentum of Khelo India getting pace, it’s time to push India. An actor like Ajay is most apt for essaying this character.
ADITYA DATT RESPONDS TO OBJECTIONS OVER TITLE OF SUNNY LEONE’S BIOPIC ‘KARENJIT KAUR: THE UNTOLD STORY OF SUNNY LEONE’
Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has objected to the title of Sunny Leone’s biopic ‘Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story Of Sunny Leone’ as they feel that a person who doesn’t follow the teachings of Sikh Gurus shouldn’t use the name Kaur as it could hurt Sikh sentiments.
When contacted for his reaction to the objection, Aditya Datt, who has directed the biopic said, “I completely respect the Sikh community… I am a Punjabi myself…. but it’s surprising that in today’s modern day and age there is an objection to using one’s own family name, which is one’s birthright… and for what? The series is based on truth and facts related to Sunny’s life, including her family and early life… how does one change the truth? And why?”‘Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story Of Sunny Leone’, which stars Sunny herself, traces her struggle and her journey from a girl-next-door to a Bollywood celebrity. The series was premiered on Zee5 on July 16.
VIVEK OBEROI : I’M REALLY EXCITED TO REUNITE WITH MOHANLAL!
Vivek Anand Oberoi made a stellar debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s Company sixteen years ago and there was no looking back for the actor. After so many years, the actor-philanthropist is quite excited of teaming up with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in actor Prithviraj Sukumaran’s directorial venture Lucifer, with whom he shared the screen space for the first time in Company. The movie marks Vivek’s full-fledged Malayalam film debut also featuring Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas and Saniya Iyappan.“I’m really excited to reunite with Mohanlal,” informs Vivek, adding, “He is among the finest actors in the country, apart from being a great human being.
We had the best time shooting for Company, and despite his stardom in the South, he was gracious and warm.”“Prithviraj, who makes his debut as a director, gave me an incredible narration of the script. The subject, script and opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew is what drew me to the movie,” Vivek adds. Vivek, who is set to spring a huge surprise on the audience, especially his fans, begins a month- long prep next month. In order to learn Malayalam, he plans to appoint a diction coach soon to ensure that his pronunciation is on point.
THE FIRST LOOK POSTERS OF BOLLYWOOD’S NEXT CONTROVERSIAL FILM, ‘HOTEL MILAN’
The film is directed by Vishal Mishra and produced by Haresh Patel. After his directorial debut, ‘Coffee With D’, director Vishal Mishra is back with yet another controversial film, ‘Hotel Milan’. Shot in Uttar Pradesh, ‘Hotel Milan’ takes a stand against anti-Romeo squad and political hooliganism in northern state. Haresh Patel has also been the producer for more than ten Gujarati films and made his debut in Bollywood as a producer with ‘Machine’ (2017). Looking forward to present the film to the audiences, director Vishal Mishra said,”It’s my pleasure to collaborate with Hareshji who has three decades of experience in production and distribution. He signed me within minutes after our first narration. It’s quite a daring film and I’m blessed to have a team with a big heart.”The film has some of the finest actors, Kunal Roy Kapur (Delhi Belly), Karishma Sharma (Ragini MMS 3), Jaideep Ahlawat (Raazi), Zeishan Quadri (Gangs of Wasseypur 3), Rajesh Sharma (Tanu Weds Manu Returns, MS Dhoni) and Zakir Hussain (Judwaa 2) in pivotal roles. ‘Hotel Milan’ is set to release on 14th of September and the trailer will be out in August.
PRIMARY PLUS APPOINTS POOJA BEDI AS THEIR BRAND AMBASSADOR
Primary Plus Media, a wide-ranging and activity-based journal designed to enrich the knowledge of primary school children, in collaboration with “Teach Primary” has appointed Pooja Bedi as the editor for their recently launched magazine- Teach Primary (Indian Edition). Pooja Bedi has donned many hats during 30 years of her career span. She is the author of Penguin bestseller 2000, ‘Timepass’ and ‘Born to die’, a star in popular films like ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’, a television talk-show host, and host of several award-winning TV shows. She conducts “Happy Soul workshops” which amalgamate science with spirituality. The modules are tailored for school going teenagers, students heading abroad for higher education, corporate excellence, wellness and personal transformation for individuals of every age group. Education is experiencing a great shift in focus. Now focus is changing from behavioural to cognitive learning. As a believer of Holistic Education, the formal format of Indian education system needs a transformation. She believes that there is a need to introduce a paradigm of mindful training, to prepare children for the future by using a unique pedagogical framework which would put students at the centre of learning and make both students and teachers responsible for the standard of education imparted.
AKASHDEEP SABIR SAYS SHAH RUKH KHAN IS THE MOST HARDWORKING, HUMBLE OF THEM ALL
Actor-director Akashdeep Sabir, who will be seen in Shah Rukh Khan starrer ZERO, says that he has enjoyed being part of the film. “I play an 80s film producer and am part of a small sequence at a film Party where Abhay Deol and Katrina meet. Even if I’m needed for one frame in an Anand L Rai film, I will do it. They saw me in my Facebook ad that was being blasted all across social media, theatres and TV,” he says.In fact, the actor, who has directed many award shows in the past, has worked with Shah Rukh as well. “I’ve directed Shah Rukh Khan in stage shows so many times and we go back a long way as associates. Be it the Morani and Soorma world tours where I have directed over three world tours with SRK, Kajol, Juhi Chawla and Karisma Kapoor or directing specially curated TV mega-events like the Tribute to Kishore Kumar, ‘Now or Never’, a mega concert for Sahara, SRK has always impressed me. In one of our international shows, Madonna even danced to ‘Chaiyyan Chaiyyan’, such is the man’s popularity.”
KHAZANA’ GHAZAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 17 YEARS OF GLORIOUS MUSIC
The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT) and The Oberoi, Mumbai will raise funds for Cancer and Thalassemic patients and children through an annual event that provides a rare opportunity for Ghazal aficionados to experience the rich and vibrant performances of India’s top performers on 27th and 28th July, 2018 at the Regal Room, Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai at 7.30 PM. Says Pankaj Udhas, “We decided on the apt theme of 17th Khazana Ghazal Festival as “Mohabbat” on different emotions of love. The contest saw tremendous participation from 75 cities across India. From Mumbai to Pratapgarh, Delhi to Vidisha and Bengaluru to Sitamarhi. The participants were judged by an esteemed jury consisting of Pankaj Udhas, Rekha Bhardwaj, Talat Aziz, Anup Jalota and Sudeep Banerjee which was spread across 3 rounds. The 2 winners will get an opportunity to now perform at the eagerly awaited Khazana Ghazal festival.This year, “Khazana” will feature a multitude of talents including Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Rekha Bharadwaj, Richa Sharma, Sudeep Banerjee. Upcoming Ghazal singers including Gayatree Gaikwad, Prithvi Gandharva,Diwakar Meena, Rajvinder Kaur, Aabhas and Shreyas Joshi and child prodigy Sneha Shankar. Khazana Talent Hunt Winner 1 – Aditya Langeh from Jammu and Talent Hunt Winner 2 – Oshin Bhatia from Delhi and Pankaj Udhas.
FARAH KHAN REVEALS THE SECRET BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF TAREEFAN & ZINGAAT!
Having choreographed some of the biggest and memorable iconic songs in her prolific career, Farah Khan has gone back to her roots this year by choreographing two biggest chartbusters of the year – Tareefan (Veere Di Wedding) and the latest dance number Zingaat (Dhadak).
The blockbuster filmmaker and veteran choreographer, who also choreographed the special Bollywood-style dance number in the Indo-Chinese production Kung Fu Yoga featuring action superstar Jackie Chan and Sonu Sood last year, has received humongous response for her latest hits.“I have done only two songs this year. Tareefan has become a humongous hit and the hook step of the song became extremely popular,” informs Farah and elaborates on the success of Zingaat, “Since the original song had no hook step, the challenge was to actually choreograph a song that looks random but also give a hook step.”“It has been 25 years of choreography and I’ve always kept up with the times. If I do two songs a year, they should be the biggest songs of the year,” Farah adds.
FAMILY TIME FOR ANNUP SONII!
Annup Sonii, who has for long been anchoring the reality-based television show, Crime Patrol, has taken some time off from work and is currently in Sri Lanka for a family vacation.
For the last couple of months, Annup has been busy shooting relentlessly for the crime series among other shows.With back-to-back work commitments and hectic schedule, Annup didn’t get to spend much time with his family. So while making up for it, the talented actor took off to Sri Lanka recently for two weeks with his family for two weeks including his wife and son. While on their trip, Annup along with his wife and son indulged in several adventure water sports including river rafting and kayaking.
HARPER COLLINS INDIA TO PUBLISH SANJAY DUTT’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN 2019
Sanjay Dutt seems to have a chock-a-block schedule this year. Besides Saheb, Biwi and Gangster and Sadak 2, the actor now has an autobiography in his name. Harper Collins India will be publishing Sanjay Dutt’s autobiography on his 60th birthday, 29th July 2019.The book will comprise of interesting stories of Sanju’s youth, his life in Bollywood in the 80’s and 90’s, and his prison experiences. Beginning with the death of Nargis, his mother in 1981, the memoir will slowly unfold into his relationships, his battle against drugs, legal allegations, and custody for illegal arms’ possession during the 1993 Mumbai blast to his current life. In an interview, Dutt commented how this book will contain stories that have never been revealed before. “I am delighted that next year, as I turn 60, HarperCollins will be publishing my autobiography,” he said. “I have had the fortune of living a remarkable life, full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows. There are so many interesting stories to tell that I’ve never had the chance to tell before. ”Harper Collins India’s Udayan Mitra expressed how the world will discover a Sanju that even his fans are not aware of through this autobiography.
KAJOL LAUNCHES POSTER OF HELICOPTER EELA IN LONDON
Kajol is all set to return to the big screen with her film Helicopter Eela which releases worldwide on 14th September.The actress who is currently in London has started the promotions by launching the poster .Helmed by Pradeep Sarkar, Eela is a story of a single mother and an aspiring singer who gives up all her dreams to raise her only child, played by Riddhi Sen. Her son who is a typical young millennial doesn’t want his mother life to revolve around him. Being an over protective mother she decides to join her son’s college, which eventually suffers a backlash for invading the son’s privacy. Kajol says, “As a mother, I felt a real connection with Eela’s character. As he grows up, she finds herself becoming more and more dispensable. She has also put her life and dreams on hold, like so many mother’s do. In a way, Helicopter Eela is a coming of age film, more for Eela rather than it is for her son!” Director Pradeep Sarkar says,” The story of Helicopter Eela will make you fall in love with this mother son duo!” ”Ajay Devgn who is producing this slice-of-life film says,” I was drawn to the story of this loving but difficult relationship between a mother and son. The script told a beautiful story, of a journey that all parents face, but it is especially true and unique to mothers and their sons.” Helicopter Eela is all set to release on 14th September 2018 by by Eros International.
ANUPAM KHER’S GURU DAKSHINA FOR MAHESH BHATT!
Anupam Kher, Mahesh Bhatt’s association goes beyond films. At the age of 28, the veteran actor played the role of a 65-year-old retired school teacher in his debut film, Saaransh, helmed by Mahesh Bhatt. Interestingly, not many know that the international star and the veteran filmmaker are quite fond of each other to the extent that the actor follows a tradition of giving away a small amount from each of his projects to the filmmaker for the past three decades as a token of appreciation. Post Saaransh, every time Kher signed a film or did something important in his life; he always consulted Bhatt for the professional choices. In fact, he recently gave some amount in pounds to the filmmaker, as he is shooting for his upcoming British show. With such high recognition and gratitude for his craft from the audience across the globe, the versatile actor has made a pact with Bhatt to present him with some money as gratitude.“I completed 34 years in movies. While everyone told me that playing a 65-year-old in Saaransh could have been the biggest mistake of my life, it became a defining moment of my life and there was no looking back. Thank you Mahesh Bhatt Saab, Rajshri Films and the audience for showering upon love and support,” says Anupam Kher.
PATAAKHA SHOOT WRAPPED
Pataakha is a comedy-drama about two sisters, Badki and Chhutki and is based on an acclaimed short story by renowned writer Charan Singh Pathik. It is being directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj Films LLP and Kyta Productions. It stars Sanya Malhotra, Radhika Madan, Sunil Grover and Vijay Raaz. The film will release on September 28, 2018.
AMYRA DASTUR TO PLAY THE NEW CHARACTER OF IRA IN THE TRIP 2
One of the most loved series of Bindass Originals’ The Trip is soon going to be back with its second season. Trip 2 will have the edition of a new member in the cast as the very gorgeous Amyra Dastur will be seen essaying the new character of Ira who is fun, loveable and the apple of everyone’s eye. The critically acclaimed director Sonam Nair who has directed movie like Gippi is directing The Trip 2 as well.
Ask her about the Trip 2 and she says, “We have started shoot for the next season of Trip and really looking forward to it. While we have Shweta Tripathi, Mallika Dua and Sapna Pabbi on board from the first season reprising the roles of Ananya, Nazia and Sanjana, really happy to welcome on board Amyra Dastur. Amyra plays the character of Ira, who is Nazia’s cousin and it will be interesting to see how she fits into the story”. The Trip 2 will premiere in September on all Bindass Original platforms.
HARIHARAN AND SONS RELEASE THEIR FIRST-EVER SINGLE TOGETHER – AFSAANE
Playback and Ghazal singer Hariharan and his sons Karan and Akshay Hariharan have come together to unveil their first ever single – Afsaane. Afsaane is a romantic Ghazal sung and composed by Hariharan, music produced by Akshay Hariharan and its lyrics have been penned by Ameeta Parasuram. The music video features Hariharan’s son Karan Hariharan and Sandeepa Dhar with A. Hariharan. Afsaane is a romantic Ghazal which showcases the journey of love. Hariharan said, “The lyrics are so meaningful and have been beautifully written by Ameeta Parasuram.
Also, the song is very special to me because this is the first time I’m closely working with my sons”. Karan said, “My first cameo appearance was in a music video at the age of 4. This is the second time that I’ve been given a chance to feature in a music video again. The three of us together have done many music shows in the past, but this the first time that we three have collaborated in such a manner. ”!Karan Hariharan made his Bollywood debut as a lead actor in the film ‘Missing on a Weekend’ (2016). Akshay Hariharan is the elder son of renowned singer A. Hariharan. He has composed and produced songs for films such as Kokanastha and Black Home. Currently, he is working on an Indo-polish movie called ‘Nie means Nie’ directed by Vikash Verma.
ELNAAZ NOROUZI SURPRISED BY SALMAN KHAN-KATRINA KAIF CONTROVERSY ABOUT SACRED GAMES
Elnaaz Norouzi is surprised that there is a controversy about the characters of Karan Wahi and her in the Netflix series Sacred Games, which are alleged to have taken inspiration from real life incidents in Salman Khan and his ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif’s real lives.”While shooting the episodes, we never had any feeling like that and just followed the script which is based on the novel by Vikram Chandra.” says Elnaaz.
Latestly website pointed out similarities in an article. “Karan Malhotra (played by Karan Wahi) is shown as a coke-snorting, abusive superstar with a huge ego who tries to control his girlfriend (Zoya Mirza played by Elnaaz Norouzi),” says the article.”In a scene, the girlfriend tells a top cop that Karan had killed two men in a hit-n-run case. Moreover, the reason why he shows jealousy towards his girlfriend is that she has signed a film with Ranbir Kapoor (in the series),” writes Latestly.”As for the girlfriend, who is a top actress herself, she is seen to hold a passport from a different country, and her origins are shown in the series as vague. Like Zoya, even Katrina’s nationality was under question once upon a time, as she was reported holding a British passport. There are also rumors that she has been lying about the fact that her father is Indian, and she is half-Kashmiri by birth,” adds the article.
CARNIVAL MOTION PICTURES JOIN HANDS WITH SANJAY RAUT TO CO-PRODUCE THACKERAY
From his humble beginnings as a cartoonist with The Free Press Journal to grow to emerge as a supreme political leader the first voice of the Maharashtrians in Mumbai’s political and professional landscape, to establishing the power of the Marathi manoos on the national and global platform, Balasaheb Thackeray’s tale is legendary and immortal. Needless to say, his life cannot be contained in a film unless it is penned by someone who has seen Thackeray the phenomenon at close quarters.
Who else could be apt than firebrand journalist and MP Sanjay Raut, to chronicle Balasaheb’s rise in the film Thackeray, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, directed by Abhijit Panse. Carnival Motion Pictures has now stepped in to be co-producers alongside Sanjay Raut in the film. Post the phenomenal success of Sachin: A Billion Dreams in 2017, Carnival Motion Pictures is now actively producing Hindi, Malayalam and other regional language films. Says Dr. Shrikant Bhasi, Founder and Chairman – Carnival Group, “We are glad to be associated with Thackeray the film that showcases the life journey of Balasaheb and the histrionics of Nawazuddin Siddiqui.” Sanjay Raut adds, “If there is ever a personality whose biography should be made after Mahatma Gandhi, it is Balasaheb Thackeray.” The film is slated to release on Balasaheb’s birth Anniversary i.e. 23rd January 2019.
ZAREEN KHAN ON A BIKE HUNT
Only a few close people know the passion Zareen Khan has for bikes. The actress is very fond of this fast wheels, and ridden bikes of her friends around the city and when she travels.
