Saare Jahan Se Achha web show hosted by Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha is all set to host a web show titled Saare Jahan Se Achha. The series will showcase the lives of ordinary individuals who try to create a change in the lives of many through their efforts.

“I am full of gratitude after interacting with the common people who went out of their way to make a change in the lives of other people around them without any expectations in return. Sometimes small contributions make a big impact and it is essential that the story of these people is told; so that the positivity spreads.” Said Prakash Jha speaking on the occasion.

Debutant Director Prakash Bhardwaj commenting on the occasion said; “In an atmosphere when there is so much negativity floating around us in Social Media and News, we were in dire need of something that will make us proud of our fellow citizens and their efforts that help us lead a better life. When the concept was narrated, Prakash sir readily agreed to host it.”

Mzee Singh who was the CEO of the production house; which last produced Sanjay Dutt’s comeback film Bhoomi is producing the web show. “It’s a pleasure and honor to work with a veteran like Prakash Prakash Jha. Digital is the medium of the future. We are looking at creating a series of 52 such inspiring  films, once this is released.”

Sony Max Highlights and Listings-1st-14th February, 2018

THU	1-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	SARRAINODU
FRI	2-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	Mubarkan
SAT	3-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	KANCHANA THE WONDER CAR
SUN	4-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	Kanchana Returns
MON	5-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	DYNAMITE
TUE	6-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	SON OF SATYAMURTHY
WED	7-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	JANATA GARAGE
THU	8-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	KASHMORA
FRI	9-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	WAJAH TUM HO
SAT	10-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	HINDI MEDIUM
SUN	11-Feb-18	08:00:00PM	PK
MON	12-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	ROCKET RAJA
TUE	13-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	YEVADU
WED	14-Feb-18	09:00:00PM	MAIN HOON LUCKY THE RACER

PALTAN crew shoots a patriotic song on Republic Day

What better way to mark India’s Republic Day than shooting a song dedicated to our honourable Indian Army? To commemorate the Republic Day (26th January, 2018), the cast and crew of J P Dutta’s PALTAN will be shooting a patriotic song dedicated to soldiers who fight to safeguard the country’s honour. It’s learnt that the cast and crew including director J P Dutta and actors Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Harshvardhan Rane, Luv Sinha, Siddhant Kapoor, Gurmeet Choudhary and Jackie Shroff will be visiting Chandigarh on 25th January so that they can shoot the song from 26th January onwards. Since the patriotic song features soldiers from the real army, the makers feel privileged to shoot it on the same day. A source informs, “The team of PALTAN is quite excited to shoot the song since it pays tribute to the Indian Army on the Republic Day. The song brings back the successful lyricist-composer Javed Akhtar and Anu Malik who has previously worked on songs in war dramas including Border and LOC:Kargil. The team of PALTAN will be stationed in Chandigarh for an extensive last schedule.”"It's an inspirational song that will remind people of songs like Sandese Aate Hain from Border," the source adds. Without divulging more details about the song, Nidhi Dutta says, “The song that we will be shooting is about our country, brave soldiers and their families because behind every soldier guarding the border there is a family which supports them and let them go so that they can protect their countrymen and make other families secure.” 

Produced by JP Films and presented by Zee Studios, PALTAN is scheduled for a summer 2018 release

Vikram Bhatt's produced new digital series 'Untouchables' - Poster and Trailer Unveiled

- The show starring TV star Sreejita De and directed by debutant, Krishna Bhatt will go live on 27th January!

The much-awaited digital show, Untouchables, starring Vikram Bhatt and Sreejita De, that also marks Vikram's daughter Krishna Bhatt's directorial debut is all set to go live with their own OTT platform called VB Theatre on the Web. The show is jointly presented by Loneranger and JIO Cinema.

And while the show has already been in the news for its casting, Sreejita De looks mysterious and a woman-on-a-mission in the poster. The intriguing trailer of Untouchables launched last evening shows the world in which a girl who became an escort only to pay for her dreams, becomes an untouchable due to unseen circumstances.  'Untouchables' is a crime thriller courtroom-drama which revolves around a medical student who's an escort who lands up facing a murder rap when her wealthy client is killed in her presence and the system blames her for the murder. Her only resort is help from a renowned lawyer named Aakash Awasthi who unfortunately himself is tagged as an Untouchable due to his mental health condition called Fibromyalgia.

Filmmaker and director Vikram Bhatt’s new app titled ‘VB Theatre on the Web’ will be launched on Saturday, 27th of Jan 2018. Untouchables will have the entire series available for binge watch at the launch of the OTT platform.

Siddharth Kumar Tewary has a rocking Goan birthday bash

Producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary is one of the most successful producers on the small screen. With shows such as Mahakaali-Anth Hi Aarambh Hai, Karamphaldata Shani and Porus to his name, the producer has clearly shown the extent of his creative abilities. Siddharth recently turned a year older and threw a big bash at Goa.  

The bash was a super success. Actors such as Tinaa Dattaa, Rohit Khurana and Aniruddh Dave in attendance. Dressed in a casual jacket, t-shirt and trousers, Siddharth looked relaxed during the party. He put on a festive pink hat while cutting the cake. The actors caught up with each other and posed for fun selfies and pictures. Tinaa Dattaa says, "It was an awesome party. The weather was perfect and we all had a blast. Working with Swastik is an amazing experience". 

Siddharth's wife Gayatri and Rahul Kumar Tewary, his brother, also joined in the party.  The production house's different teams also attended the bash and everyone is raving about the party even after coming to Mumbai.

Disney Pixar's The Incredibles 2 - Voice Cast Announcement

Disney.Pixar’s The Incredibles 2 is one of the most widely anticipated releases of the year. The sequel to the 2004 animated Superhero film starts immediately after the first film with Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home when a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot that only the Incredibles can overcome together. The Incredibles 2 is slated to release in India on the 15th of June, 2018.

Below is a list of the voice cast along with their character descriptions and attached are the images for the same.

HELEN PARR (voice of Holly Hunter), known in the Superworld as Elastigirl, hung up her Supersuit to raise the family with husband Bob, leaving their crime-fighting days behind them. But when she’s tapped to lead a campaign to bring the Supers back into the spotlight, she finds she can still bend, stretch and twist herself into any shape needed to solve the trickiest of mysteries. In short, she’s still got it. That’s good news, too, because a new villain is emerging—unlike any they’ve ever seen before.

BOB PARR (voice of Craig T. Nelson) cherishes his days as Mr. Incredible—a popular Super with mega-strength and the power to singlehandedly take out the bad guys. Ever since Supers were outlawed, Bob’s been mostly lying low, raising the family alongside his wife Helen. But when she’s called on to stretch her Super skills and hopefully change the public perception of Supers for the better, Bob must manage the household on his own, which calls for a completely different set of super powers. 

VIOLET PARR (voice of Sarah Vowell), the firstborn of the Parr clan, is an introverted and intelligent 14-year-old teen that doesn’t quite fit in with the normal crowd. Socially awkward, outspoken and sarcastic, Violet plays her teenager role to perfection—all while secretly mastering her superpowers of invisibility and creating force fields. A Super at heart, Violet can’t help her urge to fight crime alongside her family. 

DASHIELL PARR (voice of Huckleberry “Huck” Milner) is a 10-year-old boy—restless, relentless, curious—though his remarkable power of Super speed certainly sets him apart. Dash sports a hearty sense of adventure and a boundless supply of energy. He’d love nothing more than to show off his special skills and fight a few bad guys along the way—and doesn’t understand why he has to keep his powers a secret. 

JACK-JACK PARR, the baby of the family, likes to sit back with a bottle and a good story. Well-versed in gibberish with a penchant for throwing food, Jack-Jack may seem like a typical toddler, but he just might turn out to be the most powerful Parr in the household—if only his family had a clue of what this kid can really do. 

LUCIUS BEST (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) is not only Bob’s best friend, he’s a fellow-former Super who’s so chill, he can make ice with the point of a finger. But even when he’s not fighting crime as Frozone, Lucius is all about style. He has a quick wit and a cool, can-do attitude—and he wouldn’t think twice about breaking out his Supersuit if it could help bring Supers out of hiding. 

EDNA “E” MODE (voice of Brad Bird) possesses impeccable design sense, a keen understanding of cutting-edge technology and an unmatched skillset. A creative visionary, she longs for the return of Supers so she can once again create functional yet edgy Supersuits. The petite and powerful fashionista treats her clients like family, dahling, but sticks firmly to her long-held assertion: No capes! 

WINSTON DEAVOR (voice of Bob Odenkirk) leads a world-class telecommunications company alongside his genius sister, Evelyn. Ultra-wealthy, savvy and suave, Winston goes big in everything he does—including his infatuation with Supers. He has been a supporter of Supers returning—all he needs is a hero (or three) to help him change public perception and bring them back into the sunlight. 

EVELYN DEAVOR (voice of Catherine Keener), the brilliant brainchild behind her brother Winston’s telecommunications company, knows her way around tech. She loves tinkering with tech, and has never met a problem she can’t solve. 

RICK DICKER (voice of Jonathan Banks) heads up the official Super Relocation Program, helping the Parr family keep their Super identities secret—that’s no easy feat with this family. But Rick takes his job very seriously—at least until his division is shuttered, leaving the Parrs all on their own. 

VOYD (voice of Sophia Bush) is a young, overeager “wannabe” Super and a mega-fan of Elastigirl. Her superpower is the ability to divert and manipulate objects around her by creating voids that allow the objects to appear and disappear, and shift in space.  

The Supers find an advocate in a dignified foreign AMBASSADOR (voice of Isabella Rossellini) who is committed to the support and legalization of Superheroes.

Sooraj Pancholi champions the cause for animal welfare

Sooraj Pancholi is quite an animal lover and owns nine dogs. Being quite fond and affectionate towards them, the talented actor has now decided to take up a cause that aims for their rehabilitation and welfare.

Doing so, Sooraj will soon be running 5km in Mumbai for a cause to raise funds for animal welfare. If sources are to be believed, the actor was recently approached by an NGO to help raise awareness about the state of wild dogs in South Africa.

The source says, “The NGO is raising funds to look after the dogs, as there aren’t enough amenities in terms of food, living space and medication. Sooraj had visited South Africa last year for a holiday and also learnt about the issues that these wild dogs face there and how they are killed by people. So, when the organisation approached him to help them raise funds, Sooraj readily agreed to extend his support.”

Sooraj confirms, “Strict laws against animal cruelty need to be implemented across the world so that animals don’t suffer. People causing harm and damage to animals should be punishable, as it’s a serious offence. I feel extremely proud to be associated with this cause.”

Abhishek Bachchan roots for Karan Wahi’s directorial

Actor Karan Wahi is on cloud nine after the amazing feedback and reviews that he has got for his directorial titled Have You Met You. The short film released on January 18th and has been getting excellent reviews. Karan’s friend actor Abhishek Bachchan is also one of the many who have loved the film. 

In fact, Abhishek took to Twitter to share his feelings about the film and also urged others to watch it. He posted a link of the film and captioned it as, “My friend @karan009wahi makes this very interesting short… Do take a look.”

The film stars actor Sehban Azim and is all about knowing oneself.

Richa Chadha takes to social media with a strong message for National Girl Child Day

Richa Chadha took to her social media this morning to spread a pivotal message on the National Day for the GirlChild which is marked today, 24th January annually in India. Richa who has always been looked upon as a figure who speaks her mind and especially when it comes to empowerment of women, the audience at large knows that Richa has always spoken for the right in this case. On this day she has an interesting message to share giving her take on the #HeforShe campaign which is administered by the United Nations to make men and boys be the agents of change for equal rights of women. However, Richa strongly feels its a need of the hour to make it #HeForUs campaign allowing a larger inclusion of this conversation where a more cohesive environment is built where a more balanced treatment for both genders is created. 

In her video, Richa says, "I got a thought on this National day go Girl Child that while we talk about government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao but I think we need to discuss things like everyday sexism too. Things like discussing gender pay disparity, or the hesitant attitude to report sexual crime. And even the fact that the number of child rapes are increasing everyday. What does that mean? Are women only objects which are used and thrown away. Not a day we wake up where there isn't a disturbing news. How will we as a country progress where half the population is treated as a liability? Adding to that, I feel this HeForShe movement which is ongoing. I feel for the survival of the human race depends both on men and women. I feel it should be HeForUs instead. We need to survive, we need to feel equal. I am hoping the attitude should change which is already happening but we still have a long way to do. But here's hoping we can all do it together because it is the need of the hour".

Locals turn family for Divya Dutta in Kashmir

Divya Dutta who will be seen playing the mother of the icon Malala in the film based on the young girl's life is currently shooting in Kashmir for the film. 

Shooting at the beautiful valley, everytime Divya Dutta gets a some few hours out of her schedule she would explore the place and interact with the locals there. 

Even in between the shoots the locals who gather around to watch the shoot, the actress would make sure she goes upto them and interacts with then. Shoot in live locations in Kashmir, the actors was invited by the local kashmiris to their house. 

In between shoots and during breaks, the locals would ask the actress to rest at their house and also make local cuisines for her to eat. The actress who has to wear a very distinct attire for her role, the local women helps her even dress like one of then drapping the scarf on her head like they do. 

And the actress would even give them a lot of selfies when ever they ask!

Indian Sportsmen go gaga over Vineet Kumar Singh and Mukkabaaz

Anurag Kashyap is known for his off beat cinema and with each film he has given birth to a extraodinary talent into Bollywood! Mukkabaaz which is a story of a man who slogs day and night to achieve his dream of becoming a professionally recognised boxer has been getting accolade from all quarter be it industry, media or the critics. 

The film puts a special light on Vineet Kumar Singh who has made a huge mark with this outstanding performance in the film. While the impeccable direction, and story is being spoken about, the best take away from the film has been the lead actor Vineet Kumar Singh. 

Even in its third week of Mukkabaaz, the actor is getting great response for his performance. Playing a sportsmen himself, a lot of Indian sportsmen have spoken about Vineet's performance in the film. 

Neeraj Goyat (Boxer): Vineet Kumar Singh mere bade bhai jo ki Mukkebaaz nahi the lekin iss movie be baad wo ek mukkebaaz ban gaye hai. Wo kisi bhi ek national mukkebaaz se jyada acchi mukkebaazi kar sakte hai 

Vijendra Singh(Boxer): Mein hun ek mukkabaaz aur mere ek acche dost hai Vineet Kumar Singh wo bhi bahut acche mukkebaaz hai 

Jitendra Kumar (Boxer: Hamare desh mein movie dekhna sabhi ko bahut pasand hai aur agar movie kisi khel se judi hoti hai toh wo aur bhi romanchak ho jaati hai 

Yuvraj Walmiki (Hockey): Vineet Kumar Singh has done a very very fabulous job. Jab sports ki movie aati hai toh usme mazza hi kuch aur hai so as a sports man hamko aur bhi jyada lagao hota hai uss movie se aur is movie se itna kuch seekhne milta hai  

Devendra Walmiki (Hockey): Vineet Kumar has done tremendous work in the movie 

Sandeep Singh (Hockey): Vineet paji ka bahut accha kaam hai aur unhone ne bahut acchi dil laga ke apni body ko tranformation kiya hai

Irrfan Khan strikes a pose at the Sundance red carpet with his co-star Kelly MacDonald

Irrfan Khan who recently won the Best Actor Award at the Filmfare flew on Sunday to Salt Lake City, Utah where the annual prestigious Sundance Film Festival took place. One of the most sought after film festivals, Sundance witnessed the world premiere of Irrfan's next Hollywood venture, Puzzle which has been directed by Marc Turtletaub who has previously produced the Academy Award winning film, Little Miss Sunshine. Irrfan Khan was present with the whole cast and crew of Puzzle on the red carpet of the Sundance Film Festival. The film starring Kelly MacDonald and Irrfan Khan in the lead roles is the story of forty something suburban mother whose world is consumed with caring for the men in her family. When she discovers she has a gift for assembling puzzles, her world begins to open and her entire family is forced to adjust and grow as well.

I have been getting a good response for my show Prithvi Vallabh: Ankush Bali

Actor Ankush Bali, who is part of Prithvi Vallabh, says that he is thrilled with the response. The actor, who plays the role of Rasnidhi, adds that people are loving every aspect of his character. “As of now, I have been getting a good response and people are liking the bond between Rasnidhi and Prithvi. They also love the  comic part of my character,” he says.

The actor, who gained weight for the role, prepared well. “I started reading the Hindi newspaper as my Hindi is very poor when it comes to reading aloud. I saw old films of Prithvi Vallabh. I learned horse riding but that part still scares me,” he says.

He adds, “Horse riding is a matter of confidence. You can control a car by applying the breaks or turn it the way you want as the car doesn't have a brain of its own, but the horse does. I was scared of falling from the horse. My horse went out of my control twice and I am still trying to gain confidence while riding.”

This is Ankush’s first historical show and he says that working in a period drama is tougher than an ordinary show. “This is my debut in the historical genre. Working in a historical show is 100 times more difficult than doing a normal social show. It has a lot of challenges like language costumes etc. And the biggest plus point is that you learn a lot from these shows,” he says.

Talking about future plans, he says, “I am an actor and I want to perform different types of roles. I am on the lookout for interesting work.”

Riding a chariot is not an easy job: Sunny Ghanshani

Shooting for a period drama is always tricky and challenging. Be it the costumes and or the props, the actors have to put in extra effort to shine on screen. Actor Sunny Ghanshani, who plays the character of Philip in Swastik Productions popular show Porus, recently had an interesting incident. He was shooting for a war sequence which was going on for few days and for that Sunny had to ride a chariot.

“Riding a chariot is not an easy job. There are two horses in a chariot and keeping the balance is a tough job for the rider. You have to stand in a specific position to maintain the current balance. Also you have to bend your knees. Specially when you are riding on an uneven surface the chariot wobbles a lot as the wooden wheels have gaps. I had not practised with the chariot before and literally learnt on the spot,” he says.

Of course, being comfortable with the horses is another aspect of riding the chariot. “The two horses are Heera and Jeetu and they are adorable and friendly. talk to the horses as they understand the language and also my touch. I was happy as the chariot sequence was wrapped up in three takes, says Sunny, who hails from Bilaspur and has made his acting debut with Porus.

Bhabhiji Ghar Pe Hai producer Binaifer Kohli and actor Shubhangi Atre attend Ticket2audition

Making a name for yourself in the industry can be tough especially if you are not from the film background. In an initiative to help such budding stars, an event called Ticket2audition was arranged in Juhu Millennium Club and Bhabhiji Ghar Pe Hai producer Binaifer Kohli and actor Shubhangi Atre graced the event, that was held on 23rd January.Talking about the event, Shubhangi says, “It was an amazing initiative for aspiring actors. All aspiring actors could come and audition.”

The actor has an eventful journey in the industry and says that she understands the trials and tribulations that all actors go through. “I have also struggled a lot. When you come from a small city, you don’t know where to go or who to meet,” she says.

She adds, “It was a good initiative. Mahesh Bhatt Ji came, Raj Naik, Ramesh Taurani and Manmohan Shetty came. The cream of casting directors was there. This is a very good platform for supporting actors. At least no will misguide you. A lot of casting directors tell you that they will get you this and that. At least now the actors have a direct route to the producers.”

Kajol begins shoot for her next film

Kajol began shooting for her upcoming movie Eela (tentative title) yesterday which is directed by Pradeep Sarkar at Yash Raj Studio, Andheri. A pooja was conducted by the entire cast and crew before the camera rolled for the first shot which has the actor enacting a scene of returning home.The movie is produced by Ajay Devgn and Jayantilal Gada (Pen India Limited)

Don’t leave TV for films, maintain a balance, urge TV actors

Many TV actors are returning to television after a failed attempt at movies in Bollywood like Siddharth Shukla, Amar Upadhyay, and Rajeev Khandelwal etc. On the other hand, you have actors like Ram Kapoor, Rohit and Ronit Roy, who are balancing both movie and TV beautifully. Our telly actors tell us their take on this.

Ssharad Malhotraa - We all know TV is booming and its reach has widened over the past few years. It’s getting stronger and bigger by the minute. I am very lucky and thankful to be a part of this medium but as an artist, we all should experiment at different levels/spheres and try and prevent any kind of monotony to set in at workplace. I would love to juggle all 3, stage, films and TV, together. I know that it will be very challenging physically and emotionally but at the same, it will be highly satisfying for my creative urges and entertaining for my audiences too.

Himmanshoo Malhotra - I think the best idea at this point of time is to maintain the balance between television and films. If you leave television and only want to do films, it slightly becomes a risky proposition in today times because films, unfortunately, are not as successful as television. You need to be very lucky. I would say Sushant Singh Rajput is the only exception who's been lucky here. He ventured out of television and entered into films and kept proceeding with it. Only one film does not make you a star proportionally. You have to do 6 films in a row. Sushant got lucky, but not everyone gets lucky like this. I think there should be a balance that is maintained between television and films. I would suggest a balance like Ram Kapoor and Ronit Roy have maintained. They keep doing television and also films. I did film Wajah Tum Ho with T-series and now I am doing a television show as well. If another film is offered, I'll do that film and will be back to television. It is the balance that should be maintained and it will be more fruitful in the coming future.

Shashank Vyas: Well, I think every individual has his or her own journey. One cannot be non-risky in this profession. Being always in a comfort zone is not my choice. Look at SRK, Sushant Singh Rajput, all of them are from TV and they both made it big. It’s talent and destiny which decides your career graph. Of course, hard work will take you a long way.

Mohammad Nazim TV is a mass medium. The character becomes part of the audiences life. TV or films, the objective of both is entertainment, entertainment and entertainment. Even Salman Khan and SRK are doing TV. How you carry your career is your choice. One can surely balance both TV and films. The will to survive must be there. If you can maintain a balance between both, then there is nothing like it.

Tinaa Dattaa TV is TV and films are films for an actor. Films are larger than life and TV makes you a household name. Both have their own impact. TV actors are doing well in films and vice versa. In last few years, many actors have migrated to films and have got a good response. It is important to go on trying, that will surely make you succeed. One bad film will not ruin your career, it’s important to believe in this.

Vivian Dsena As far as TV is concerned, I would like to stick to the TV as it is my bread, butter and dessert. I am open to the idea of doing films as and when they happen. An actor is an actor and medium can vary. But I will never give out television for films. TV has made me who I am today and I will never forget that.

Aruna Raje bags Rashtriya Gaurav Award

One of the most prominent women directors of Indian film industry, synonymous with parallel cinema, Aruna Rajesh received Rashtriya Gaurav Award from the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind on the 20th January and was felicitated as the ‘First Lady’, among fifteen women who excelled in their respective fields. The multiple award-winning director has been one of the first female technicians in the film business.

Being an alumnus of FTII and having helmed films such as Rihaee, Shaque and Gehrayee, the National Award-winner is continuing with her contribution to cinema by currently directing highly anticipated Marathi movie, Firebrand, bankrolled by Priyanka Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra’, Purple Pebble Pictures.

Spearheaded by Raje, Firebrand is a contemporary story about relationships and the highs and lows people deal with in their lives.

On earning the award Raje said, “I am delighted to receive the recognition for being the first woman technician in the Indian film industry.

Women have extraordinary capabilities and I personally believe that nothing is impossible for them. It is great that women are breaking new ground every day. For me, I love challenges & 'the sky is not the limit'!”

Sonam Kapoor champions hygiene and health among girls

Awaiting the release of her highly anticipated film starring Akshay Kumar, PadMan, Sonam Kapoor was approached by PVR Nest for She's Ambassador Program launched by Dr. Nadir Patel, Canadian High Commissioner.

Based on hygiene, health and well being and using cinema as a medium for learning, the program is in tandem with the actress’s to-be-released movie. In its endeavour to felicitate young girls who have championed the spheres of health and hygiene and honouring them with Pretty Powerful PadMan Award, PVR Nest fittingly invited the gorgeous actress to grace the initiative. 

Only recently, Sonam along with the director R. Balki and Twinkle Khanna visited schools to interact with school girls and distributed packets of sanitary pads among them. Furthering the cause of raising awareness about menstrual hygiene, the diva along with others mingled with young 'Health Ambassadors' across Mumbai, presented them awards and in her address inspired the girls to be confident and unashamed of their biology. 

Sonam say's- These young girls who have championed the cause of health and hygiene deserve to be recognized for their contributions and I hope this sets an example. 

Shilpa Shetty Kundra wins HT's Most Stylish Author award

Versatility is the name of the game for Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who enjoys donning many hats. The author, entrepreneur and actor was awarded 'HT Most Stylish Author' at HT Most Stylish awards, that honor the most prominent, glamorous and talented people in the country today. Engaging fitness enthusiasts from across the world with her popular YouTube channel, Shilpa Shetty Kundra is synonymous with health and fitness. The wellness entrepreneur has penned her second book titled, ‘The Diary of a Domestic Diva, after the success of its predecessor, The Great Indian Diet

“Main Amar Ho Gaya” a tribute to the Martyrs : Apara Mehta

Bollywood patriotic songs have always been liked. These songs are inspired by the martyrs who gave their lives for the country and introduces the youth with splendid diversities of the country and sometimes awakens the inner zeal towards patriotism.

On the occasion of 69th Republic day of the country, a patriotic single “Main Shaheed Ho Gaya” is having a grand launch in Mumbai attended by Guest of honor known actress Apara Mehta along with Bhavesh Bhanushali, Hiren Bhanushali, director Sudhir D. Tandel and music director Shivram . This song is dedicated to the martyr’s soldiers, who lost their lives while protecting our country on the borders and it’s a tribute to them from the Bhavesh Bhanushali and Hiren Bhanushali.

Singer and actor Bhavesh Bhanushali have also acted in this music video. He will be seen in a very promising role in the song. Famous actress Sudha Chandran, Hiren Bhanushali and Bhavesh Bhanushali have also acted in this music video.

In this song, Sudha Chandran would be seen as a mother of a soldier who gives away his life while fighting the war to protect the country and Hiren Bhanushali is playing the role of the soldier. It’s a very emotional video in which there is a prosperous and happy family feels proud of their soldier son and one day receives tragic news of martyrdom of their son. Martyr’s mother, father, sister and wife feel proud of him for giving away his life to protect the country but they are also sad from inside as they have lost their son, a brother and a husband for forever. In this video Hiren is trying to consol his family that he is not a martyr but became an immortal. Lyrics of the songs are very beautiful, they talk about memories of childhood of Hiren when he is growing in the lapel of his mother and father, mischief’s and sharing jokes with sister and also some romantic moments with his wife.  All the members of the family become emotional while remembering all those moments but Hiren is trying to explain his family that he had to lay down his life for the country and he is not a martyr but he became an immortal. He has left the lapel of his mother and now resting in peace for the sake his country.

Emotional lyrics of the song “I am immortal” are written by singer Sanjay Mishra and musician Shivram. Music video is directed by Sudhir D. Tandel and edited by Chaitanya. On the grand launch of this song, Bhavesh Bhanushali said, ‘this is an endeavor to tribute the brave soldiers. Soldiers also have their own family and happiness, but they leave everything and give away their lives to protect the country. I salute to our country’s brave soldiers.”

Nimrat Kaur shares a heartfelt message in this open letter

This RepublicDay, find inspiration through her words and go live your dreams! 

I was born, in a small town named Pilani in Rajasthan, to the second son of three, in a farmer family hailing from a remote village in the neighbouring region. But that for me, wasn’t the interesting part of this story. What however I could never have enough of, was how, my then, Captain of a father, distributed “peydaas” (a stamp of celebratory sentiment) among not one or two families, but the entire colony! Much to the shock among many back in his family and village. I used to love the idea of being a celebration for doing something I had no part to play in, being born. 

However, as life, society and experience happened, that story took over a different meaning once I began to read the subtext. People back in his village weren’t shocked about him being able to afford “peydaas” for the whole colony, but about him doing so for me. My father was an exception to the norm which didn’t approve of his joy over the birth of a girl child for his first born. And I belonged to a statistically shocking minority of girls who enjoyed that privilege. 

I don’t know how drastically has that statistic changed, but I do know that not very long ago, a young girl hailing from the same region as my father’s village, became the first ever woman commando to be indicted in the BSF, a 51 year old establishment. She stood tall and beaming with her arm around her father, who couldn’t have smiled a wider smile. Each time I come across a similar success story about a woman excelling in the field of sports, services, entertainment, banking, politics or any arena where she blossoms alongside or outside of her biologically expected domain; I begin to dream of a world where this won’t be an anamoly anymore.  

This year as we celebrate the 69th Republic Day of India, I wish for a future that nurtures, encourages and protects every young girl who’s aspirations aren’t curbed due to her gender. Who isn’t told that going to school is of no use as all she needs to grow up to be is a wife or a mother. I wish for every man and woman in a place of authority and responsibility to realise the imperative urgency of every girl child being assured of just and equal opportunities. A reality which stirred me by existing in an unexpected walk of life, when in late 2016 I was made aware of women not being allowed to serve in combat roles in the army up until February that year. 

Eversince, The Test Case, hinging on that subject, which I have had the deepest privilege of being attached to, has compelled to me to share what I took away from this entire journey. In its creative attempt not just at provoking the ideologies or the politics of defence, and addressing the globally rampant struggle of gender discrimination; being a hyperbole it’s a story aimed at reminding any and everyone watching, about a basic fact, that the only way a woman can be held down from her flight of fantasy is if she’s denied the right to earn the same license as a man. 

I hereby, salute and applaud all the loving, nourishing and kind men and women who’ve made mine possible, both on and off screen. Here’s wishing the same for every girl reading this. 

Happy Republic Day and Jai Hind.