Osian’s and IIFA - Celebrating Cinematic Heritage Major Exhibition Preview, Conversation and Auction earmarked for Bangkok

Taking forward its commitment to the cause of ‘Preserving & Nurturing Cinematic Culture & Heritage’, Osian’s is partnering with the IFFA Foundation and will present Celebrating Cinematic Heritage: Conversation, Exhibition & Auction at the IIFA Awards which will be held at Hotel Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in Bangkok (Thailand) from 21st- 24th June 2018. This event is expected to significantly help increase the awareness and boost efforts towards preserving and nurturing India’s cinematic heritage, especially its rare and vintage publicity material and memorabilia.

Regarding the collaboration with IIFA, the Chairman of the Osian’s Group, Neville Tuli, commented: “It is critical that leading institutions with common objectives and values work together wherever possible. IIFA has built a wonderful and vibrant global platform, and we are very pleased that it is focusing on the preservation of India’s cinematic heritage. For 25 years we have focused our energies and work on taking forward this cause, having built the world’s largest archive and library for the Indian and world cinemas and arts.” In this connection, Neville Tuli will take part in a conversation with the Film Fraternity on Preserving & Nurturing Cinematic Heritage and Culture at The Great Hall of Hotel Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in Bangkok on 23rd June 2018 at 3 pm. Indeed the focus of the conversation will be on how we can radically influence and inspire the Indian film fraternity and general public towards a greater love, respect and participation towards many critical aspects concerning the evolution of India’s cinematic culture and its heritage, especially the very rare and fragile paper-based materials.

In 2014, Mr Tuli commenting on the larger heritage preservation needs, stated: “It takes at least 10 years to build anything of consequence in its first form. Today, no one throws away the publicity material, but instead so many are seriously thinking about building museums, archives and libraries for their collections. Many wish to participate and help preserve this critical aspect of India’s  cultural heritage, as over 90% of everything has been destroyed forever. The fragile nature of paper and the obsession with the present moment, so disrespecting our histories and the work of previous generations, means we have very little time left. Still the scale of the passion and commitment required is lacking. Unless the film fraternity, especially the younger generation recognizes this responsibility, the fact will be that the world’s largest film industry will have the world’s smallest collection of itself in physical and digital terms.”

As is the hallmark of any of Osian’s exhibitions & auctions, this auction too offers a uniquely curated content of film memorabilia spanning more than a hundred years of India’s cinematic history. The auction will focus on first release original one sheet, half sheet and six sheet film posters; photographic stills mounted on lobby cards; hand painted collage show cards; song synopsis booklets, heralds, glass slides and other kinds of rare memorabilia and publicity materials. Select items offered in the auction will be on public exhibition in Bangkok and the Mumbai Press Preview. Since this is a non-profit making auction, no Buyer’s Premium will be charged by Osian’s. The terms of consignment are as follows: 60% of Hammer Price goes to the consignee and 40% to the non-profit institutions of the choice of Osian’s and IIFA after basic organisation costs have been reimbursed. Osian’s has chosen the non-profit entity iACEi (Council for Indian Arts, Culture, Education and Its Infrastructure) and IIFA the IIFA Foundation. Unsold lots, if any, shall be duly returned to the consignor within two weeks of the auction.

About Osian’s and Osianama.com

Osian’s, India’s foremost arts and cultural institution & auction house was established by Neville Tuli in 2000 after clearly recognizing that integrating creative, educational and corporate responsibilities into a radically new model was essential, as charity alone was inadequate to take forward the financial obligations critical to develop a quality-conscious infrastructure. Since its incorporation, Osian’s has organized over fifty art & cultural auctions, many exhibitions, the highest quality publications, with immense influence on the global markets for the fine & popular Indian arts, film memorabilia and cultural artefacts.

In 2015 after twenty years of unrelenting effort towards researching & preserving artistic, cinematic & cultural heritage, Osianama launched osianama.com, an ambitious online knowledge-base with a vision to become a leading Learning and Educational Platform for the Indian Arts, Cinema and Cultural Heritage. It has taken nearly three years of effort to finally begin the public interface of sharing this world-class platform with the world, on new terms of research and study.

This project will be further taken forward with the public opening of the Osianama Research Center, Library and Archive in New Delhi during October 2018 with the focus on ‘INDIA & THE WORLD’ with Cinema and the Fine & Popular Arts at the heart of the global institution and its knowledgebase and collection. Plans are also being finalized for the return of the much loved and respected international film festival Osian’sCinefan during the 2019-20 season.  

Taapsee Pannu channels her inner Kerry Washington for Badla

While the media is currently going gaga over the adorable selfie of Taapsee and Big B from Scotland as they have begun shooting for the same, we just heard something amazing regarding Taapsee’s look from the film. The Pink actress who plays a successful entrepreneur in the film will be power dressing like never before. While Bollywood is slowly catching up to strong powerful working women who dress for their role, Hollywood slays each powerful look. The most well known has to be Kerry Washington from her show Scandal. The actress not only plays a powerful business owner but one who advises the president of the United States of America. 

Taapsee and the Badla team kept Kerry Washington in mind while planning outfits for the actress from pencil skirts, crisp shirts and stilettos to pantsuits that are pinstriped and have clean cuts and dresses that make heads turn. While we have seen Kerry rock her look we cannot wait to see Taapsee strut her power in Badla. 

Taapsee will be seen in Soorma alongside Diljit Dosanjh in a Hockey Biopic about Sandeep Singh, it will hit cinemas on 13th July 2018.

Get ready to groove on the latest track of Meet Bros ‘Nachdi Firaangi’ labelled under ‘MB Music’

The power-packed music directors & singer of Bollywood Industry, the Meet Bros are again all set to keep stage on fire by their latest peppy track ‘Nachdi Firaangi’. As recently, the duos Manmeet & Harmeet Singh were witnessed in New Delhi for the launch of their song. The event took place at Lounge the Lord of the Drinks in Connaught Place. Along with them the talented singer Kanika Kapoor and beautiful Elli AvrRam were also present to grace the event.

While launching the brand new music label ‘MB Music’ with their latest track ‘Nachdi Firaangi’, the Meet Bros also interacted with media peeps and shared the uniqueness of their party number. As the first ever single track is featured under the label of ‘MB Music’, sung by Meet Bros & Kanika Kapoor and it’s the very first time they are together for a single apart from a Bollywood song. The song is packed with clubbing elements and video also featuring the moves of gorgeous Elli AvrRam.

Well, talking about the same, Manmeet stated, “this song is special and unique for us because it’s not for a film, this song is for everyone. It holds dependent music.” Talking about the idea of the song, he said, “One day Kanika came to our studio, she scold us like an elder sister and charged us to make this single, our first single apart from film, she motivated and charged us, then on the same night within one hour we prepared ‘Nachdi Firaangi’. We called Kanika and shared our song and we started working together for the same.” On the other hand Harmeet added, “All the girls who wanna dance, and groove on our latest single can make their videos and forward it to us, we will select one of the best video and when it will get viral, its earning will also be shared with them. So guys keep pouring your videos of ‘Nachdi Firaangi’, this song is just for you all.”

Whereas, Kanika said, “Me and meet Bros are family, we have different equation, I feel highly comfortable and confident while working with them as in studio I can sing openly without any fear in front of them, and we have a great bond.” And, talking about her experience, working in the song Elli AvrRam in Punjabi said ‘Menu Bohot Maza aya.’ Further she added, “It was a wonderful experience, definitely I would love to work again with them. When I got this offer I was so happy and I was happier when I got to know that Kanika Kapoor is also a part of this project, it was really a great time with them all.”

Screenwriter Association conference to have Aamir Khan as Chief Guest!

Screenwriter association is organizing its 5th annual conference in which director, producer and actor Aamir Khan will be chief guest.  “yes we are honoured to have Mr. Aamir Khan as our chief guest” confirms Zama Habib, the association’s General Secretary. Zama further elaborated that the key note speaker will be well known journalist Vinod Dua at this three day conference starting from August 1 to 3rd.

The theme of SWA (screenwriter association) conference is “where the mind is without fear”, challenges facing the Indian Screeenwriter today. There will be panel discussions on various aspects and challenges of TV, Films and Digital medium for which well known writer, director, studio and channel heads have been invited. In every conference SWA honors stalwarts from TV, Film and lyrics and this conference is no difference.       “In other way we are honored to give honor to Mr. Khwaza Ahemad Abbas for film, Shailendra for lyrics and Rahi Masoom Raza for tv writing” adds award winning writer Sanjay Chouhan, the conference convenor.

Yash Raj Films’ inspired Bollywood Nights at UK Based Wembley Park’s Cultural Programme, Summer of Play

Wembley Park’s first curated season of cultural events, Summer of Play, featuring over 300 hours of free arts and entertainment this summer, will be presenting Bollywood Nights as part of the Summer of Film segment. Taking place from 30th June to 29th July, Bollywood Nights will comprise free to attend, outdoor screenings of evergreen and contemporary classics presented exclusively by Yash Raj Films. 

The specially curated film season will feature iconic and genre-redefining film titles for a family-friendly audience, namely Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), Shuddh Desi Romance, Hichki, Sultan and a tribute to Sridevi with Chandni. Members of the public will be able to enjoy the outdoor screenings from deck chair seating beneath the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium for free. The screenings will be interspersed with live dance performances from local Bollywood artists, while street food stalls will add to the cultural festival experience. 

Bollywood Nights programme: 

30th June, 7.30pm 

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012, Dir: Yash Chopra) 

A sweeping love story that marked the final directorial of Yash Chopra – one of Bollywood’s most revered filmmakers of all time and the man behind the industry’s largest studio, Yash Raj Films. Featuring an A-list cast comprising Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, Jab Tak Hai Jaan tells the story of a bomb disposal expert that becomes bitter, lonely and unable to fall in love until he is forced to deal with his past. 

7th July, 3.00pm 

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) (1995, Dir: Aditya Chopra)

The longest running film in the history of Indian cinema and voted Number 1 in a BFI poll of the most romantic love stories of all time, DDLJ is one of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time, featuring the cult pairing of King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as Raj and Simran respectively, who meet on an inter-railing trip to Europe. After some initial misadventures, they fall in love but a battle ensues to win over the acceptance of their conservative families. 

8th July, 7.00pm 

Shuddh Desi Romance (2013, Dir: Maneesh Sharma) 

Crème of new gen Bollywood film talent Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra star in this sleeper hit that reflects the new wave of Bollywood filmmaking, reflecting a new India for a new audience. The film tells the story of Raghu, a commitment-phobe who absconds from his wedding and meets Gayatri, who soon becomes his live-in girlfriend.

14th July, 7.30pm 

Hichki (2018, Dir: Siddharth P Malhotra) 

A modern classic that’s emblematic of content-driven Indian cinema, Hichki features the iconic Rani Mukherji as an aspiring teacher suffering from Tourettes Syndrome. After numerous interviews and rejections, she lands what she thinks is her dream job at one of the city’s most elite schools. However, she soon realises that she has been assigned the class comprising the school’s most troublesome pupils but tries to overcome the odds to make them realise their full potential.

25th July, 7.00pm 

Sultan (2016, Dir: Ali Abbas Zafar) 

Featuring King of the Bollywood Box Office Salman Khan and powerhouse actress Anushka Sharma, the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Sultan tells the story of a middle-aged wrestling champion who tries to make a comeback, facing his personal demons and painful past in the process. 

29th July, 7.00pm 

Chandni (1989, Dir: Yash Chopra) 

One of the most iconic films of the late superstar actress, Sridevi, Chandni represents the archetypal love story synonymous with Yash Raj Films. The all-time audience favourite tells the story of Rohit and Chandni, who become engaged in spite of their families' refusal, based on their class differences. But when Rohit loses the function of his legs in a road accident, he leaves Chandni rather than placing a burden on her. Years later, Rohit has made a full recovery and sets out to find Chandni but, when he does, she is engaged to another man.

The commencement of Summer of Play was celebrated with the unveiling of a major new commission by London-based street artist Remi Rough. In addition to Bollywood Nights, the programme includes the Mayor of London’s International Busking Day, free Encore screenings of National Theatre Live productions, a global parkour festival and other activities. Summer of Play forms part of Wembley Park’s ambitious cultural strategy, which will play a major role in the development of the borough as it prepares to be celebrated as Brent as London Borough of Culture 2020. 

Further information: wembleypark.com/summer 

For further press information, please contact: communications@yashrajfilms.com 

About Wembley Park 

Wembley Park is a neighbourhood and destination, coming alive with activity and experiences. For nearly 100 years Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, Wembley have been recognized as world renowned venues attracting over four million people every year to experience some of the greatest sport and music acts. Wembley Park is embracing this reputation and building on this activity - opening up the area to new audiences. The 85-acre site currently comprises The SSE Arena, Wembley, which Quintain refurbished and reopened in 2006; London Designer Outlet, which includes 70 high street outlet stores, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a 9‐screen Cineworld cinema; a 361 room 4 star Hilton Hotel and 1,000 new homes. Brent Civic Centre was built in 2012 and Wembley Stadium, owned by the FA Group, is a close neighbour.  Wembley Park has already seen £900 million invested since 2002. Between now and 2020 it is expected that a further £1 billion will be invested at Wembley Park as Quintain develops around 1 million square feet of office and workspace and a further 6,000 homes, across a broad range of tenures, which will make a significant contribution both to Brent and London’s housing need. During 2017 alone, 3,000 homes will be under construction. Wembley Park already benefits from wide boulevards and attractive public spaces – new parks and public realm will bring the total area of open spaces to around 42 acres.Wembley Park also has excellent transport connections to central London via the Jubilee and Metropolitan tube lines from Wembley Park and overground from Wembley Stadium station. It is just nine minutes from Marylebone and 12 minutes from Baker Street and recently welcomed the Night Tube. Wembley Park is being delivered by Quintain. The key contractors at Wembley Park are: Wates, McLaren, John Sisk & Son, and McAleer & Rushe. 

You can follow Wembley Park on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook or via the official website at:  www.wembleypark.com

Stunner Elnaaz Norouzi to get Netflix debut with Sacred Games

She belongs to the big bad world of Bollywood with its myriad temptations. The media surrounds her. Cameras go flash flash flash, as the actress enters the hall. Dressed in white, she makes a dazzling entry -- looking radiant, rich, glamorous and brilliantly bewitching -- all at the same time.

Who's that girl wondered many as they saw the trailer of the first Indian Netflix original series Sacred Games. Now it can be told! The new glam girl is none other than Iranian stunner Elnaaz Norouzi who featured opposite singing sensation Guru Randhawa in the runaway hit music video Made In India released by T-Series a few days ago.

Coming week, she takes a leap playing a pivotal role in Sacred Games, starring prominent Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte. The series revolves around dire circumstances in an intriguing world set in the dark underbelly of Mumbai; where politics, crime and passion come together in a deadly game of glitz, violence and revenge. It's based on Vikram Chandra’s critically-acclaimed novel of the same name.

While Elnaaz is all set to be served hot by series-directors Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, she seems pretty chilled about it! "I play an actress named Zoya who is the love of Mumbai's powerful criminal overlord Gaitonde (played by Nawazuddin). It's going to be good fun," Elnaaz quips with a confident smile.

"I'm just taking some baby steps, testing my limits," she winks. Oh! Oh oh! So girl, what's the next step? Or should we say, baby step? Bollywood, we're sure. Right? Gotcha!

Sonu Nigam gets nostalgic about RD Burman

Legendary composer-singer RD Burman has a legion of diehard fans worldwide. This week, they are celebrating his 79th birth anniversary.

To mark the occasion, Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award-winner and senior film journalist Chaitanya Padukone gifted his authored memoirs RD BurMania to the celebrated contemporary singer-actor Sonu Nigam.

The singing megastar who is well-known for his versatility, has also revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes facts in RD BurMania.

Receiving the book, Sonu became nostalgic and recalled the time he missed a chance to work with and sing under the baton of the maverick composer. “Around 1993, while I was an upcoming singer in my struggling phase, I'd returned to Delhi from Mumbai for a few months," recalled Sonu.

"I later got to know that Panchamda (as Burman has been fondly known) was trying to frantically get in touch with me, as he wanted me to sing for 1942 - A Love Story. By the time I found out, the songs were already recorded in Kumar Sanu-da’s voice."

"When I eventually met Panchamda, he remembered another song of mine which was quite popular. I was humbled and delighted, but felt unfortunate to have missed a chance to work with him," Sonu told Chaitanya. The author was moved when Sonu coaxed him to autograph the book before he gifted it to him.

Reliance Entertainment & Friday Filmworks’ Plan C to team up with AZURE Entertainment for the Hindi adaptation of the Thai blockbuster “Bad Genius”

The Hindi adaptation of the top-grossing Thai film will be executed under the creative supervision of ace writer, producer & director Neeraj Pandey

Mumbai, June 25, 2018: Anil D. Ambani led Reliance Entertainment and its partner Friday Filmworks’ company Plan C Studios has joined hands with AZURE Entertainment for the adaptation of the 2017 Thai Feature Film ‘Bad Genius’ for the Indian audience.

Renowned writer, producer, director Neeraj Pandey will creatively adapt this extraordinary and nail-biting thriller.

Inspired by real-life news of students cheating on the exam for entry into Foreign Universities, “Bad Genius” transplants the heist film structure to a school-exams setting, and features themes of class inequality as well as teen social issues.

Neeraj Pandey reacted, “We keep looking for exciting stories and content all the time and BAD GENIUS is an amazing film. We are looking forward to the re-imagination of the film as per Indian sensibilities and hope our audiences like it.”        

CEO of Azure Entertainment, Sunir Kheterpal, said,“Bad Genius is one of the hottest remake properties globally. We thank GDH 559 for entrusting us with this title for the Indian remake. It is a moment of pride for us to be partnering with Neeraj Pandey and Reliance Entertainment on the Hindi adaptation for this title.” 

‘Bad Genius’ was released in 2017, placing first at the Thai box office, earning over 100 million baht, becoming the highest-grossing Thai film of 2017. The film performed successfully overseas. It broke Thai film earning records in several Asian countries, including China, where it earned over $40 million, making it the highest worldwide grossing Thai film ever.

Shibasish Sarkar of Reliance Entertainment said “We are delighted to partner with Azure Entertainment and hope Bad Genius is as loved in its Hindi avatar”.

The film also won a record-breaking twelve categories at the 27th Suphannahong National Film Awards, as well as multiple awards on the international festival circuit.

Evangeline Lilly couldn't eat in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' costume

Actress Evangeline Lilly who is set to play The Wasp in Antman and The Wasp releasing on 13th July, will be seen in a super sleek costume, and in her own words, "the coolest suit in the Marvel universe", but she didn't realise quite how restrictive it would be until she tried to eat on set!

While promoting the film, actress Evangeline Lilly says her "Ant-man and The Wasp" superhero outfit made it quite difficult for her to indulge her inner foodie!

As the Wasp, she dons a form-fitting black leather bodysuit and Lilly loved the sleek look of the costume, which she finds the "coolest suit in the Marvel universe", but she didn't realise quite how restrictive it would be until she tried to eat on set,

"I like to eat, I'm a big eater; I eat all day and I eat big quantities. I’m wearing a corset in that suit, and I now know why women didn't use to eat (while wearing the undergarments). It's so uncomfortable to eat in a corset! You have to take tiny, little delicate nibbles all the time which was (not me), no!" she continued.

After the success of Avengers Infinity War, Marvel Studios is gearing up for the much awaited superhero sequel and build up to Avengers 4- Antman And The Wasp!  

Antman And The Wasp releases on 13th July in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Paint Prank on Yogita in ‘Dil Hi Toh Hai’

It’s usually a general perception that actors shooting on sets are very busy with their schedule and don’t get time for leisure and rest. But on the sets of Sony Entertainment Television’s show ‘Dil Hi Toh Hai’, actors try to keep the environment friendly and happy. Rithwik Noon aka Karan Kundra who is miffed with Palak Sharma aka Yogita Bihani is behind her happiness in the show. Also Karan loves teasing Yogita on sets and always keeps playing a prank with her in between the shoot.

In is an upcoming sequence, Palak must rush for a presentation but with Rithwik’s conspiracy, a construction guy spills paint over Palak. During the scene, Yogita was excited and ready to shoot and it was completed in one shot. But, Karan being the prankster told her that the pain indeed was real and it would take time to get it off. Yogita was visible shocked and terrorized. She ran to remove the paint but then her makeup artist disclosed the truth that it was not paint but colored water. This then came as a relief to Yogita. After which, everyone including Yogita started laughing on the prank.

When contacted Yogita says, “I literally went into shock when Karan told that it was real paint. I rushed to remove that from my hair and face, after which I got to know that it was just the colored water. Watching it from outside was fun but it was really scaring at that time for me. “

Wedding Celebrations begin for Shweta Tripathi - Her mehendi for her wedding is every bit adorable and meaningful!

Masaan actress Shweta Tripathi is all set to tie the knot with rapper Chaitanya Sharma aka Slow Cheeta. The couple had a private mehendi ceremony at the rapper’s house yesterday. It was a fun filled and chilled out event, with the bride-to-be looking adorable in a yellow mid length dress.

The bridal mehendi was a reflection of the couple as the theme for the occasion was their love story. On her right hand, Shweta has a rollercoaster, as that’s where Cheeta had asked her out when they first started dating and on her left hand she has a plane their love story began on a flight. Under the plane is a placard with their wedding date on it (29th June 2018) and theatre masks representing the place where they first met and their love common love for the stage and acting.

“There are elements from our wedding invite too. There’s a crab, as I am Cancerian, there’s a football as it’s his first love, apparently. Then there’s an umbrella, champagne glasses, sunglasses a starfish and bride and groom figurines. I love lotuses, birds and fish, so they are also in my mehendi in abundance, all over!” the gushing bride said of her rather unconventional mehendi.

SPEEDO FITNESS AMBASSADOR PARINEETI CHOPRA VISITS THE SPEEDO EXCLUSIVE STORE IN DELHI NCR

Speedo, the world’s leading swimwear brand recently announced Bollywood actress and fitness enthusiast Parineeti Chopra as their new fitness ambassador. As the new face, Parineeti joined an esteemed roster of Olympians, athletes and trainers from around the globe. 

The actress yesterday visited the Speedo exclusive store at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon where she was seen picking out her favorite pieces from Speedo’s new H2O Active collection and was also seen interacting with her fans. At the store, the actress also shared light on her fitness journey and her love for Speedo. 

Speedo as a brand, is synonymous with performance swimwear, and via its global campaign #GetSpeedoFit, it has been working to elevate the status of swimming for fitness and reinforce that water workouts are the next big trend to get fit and achieve a total body workout. The actress was seen sporting Speedo’s new fitness range meant for workouts in and out of the pool called Speedo H2O Active. Made with the modern fitness enthusiast in mind, H2O Active is designed for those who want more from their workouts. With so much choice on offer, H2O Active lends itself to a multitude of land and water based activities.

Music Maestro Sonu Nigam launches the book of Literarian Basant Chaudhary

Last evening witnessed the launch and unveiling of eminent poet & lyricist Mr. Basant Chaudhary ‘s book of poetry titled “Chaahaton ke saaye mein - In the shadow of desires” at JW Marriott, Juhu. Music maestro Sonu Nigam along with award winning lyricist Sameer with much fanfare unveiled the book.

As a true literarian, in his 5th Poetic compilation, the poet has tried to decipher the various facets of love in a most interesting manner. His book “Chhahaton ke saaye mein” is a collection of more than hundred Poems, Nazms and Ghazals with the underlying theme of love. Also translated in English by Sunjoy Shekhar, the book appeals to the purists as well as the millennial generation of today due to its simple language and style of expression.

The event started off with the poet discussing the “The many facets of love” at the book-reading session with renowned lyricists Hasan Kamal and Sameer, making the literary event abuzz with their presence.

Later, the soulful rendering of the title poem, sung by Sonu Nigam enthralled the audiences. Released by Times Music, the song instantly connects touching a chord in your heart. The song is composed by Rinkoo Sushant-Shankar. Vishwas Kini and Suelen feature in the video directed by Prathamesh Patil.

On this occasion, eminent poet & lyricist Basant Chaudhary said,” Chaahaton ke saaye mein” is a journey to understand love from a very close perspective. Many people have contributed in this journey of mine including a few special people who are here today”. Talking about the book launch, he said, “Sonu Nigam has one of the finest voices today reminding of the Golden era of Mohd. Rafi & we are so happy to have him lend his voice to the title song of the book.”

Accomplished Singer & Chief guest at the event, Sonu Nigam said, “After a long time, I got an opportunity to sing a song, which has been beautifully written! When I first heard it, it immediately appealed to me. Nepal’s popular poet, writer & social worker Basant Chaudhary Ji has penned a soulful song with an equally good music and has been filmed very well”, the singer concluded.

Popular Hindi Film lyricist Sameer concluded by saying that, “The poet says he likes my songs a lot, but today I got a rare opportunity to listen to some of his beautiful work. While going through a few poems from his book, I must say that Basant Ji’s creative passion has surpassed boundaries and has made us very proud.”

About Basant Chaudhary:

Basant Chaudhary is an accomplished poet and lyricist who writes predominantly in Hindi and Nepali. He uses the pen name ‘Sagar’ for his ghazals. After his first music album, ‘Maya Baljhechha’, released in 1999, his work took the creative world by storm.

His first poetic compilation, ‘Megha’ (in Hindi and also in e-book), was released in 2012, followed by ‘Mera Kabitaharu’ in 2014, ‘Aansuon ki Syahi se’ in 2015 and ‘Basant’ (English, Hindi, Nepali and four regional languages) in 2017. Along with these, more than eight music albums/videos have made Basant a household name, particularly with the Nepali diasporas, the world over. His Vishwa Kavya Yatras, or poetic journeys, have been avidly awaited and attended events.

Multi-faceted Basant is also a leading industrialist, statesman and philanthropic. The soft-spoken, humble poet finds his muse in all creations that touch the heart through music, art and literature.

Published by Times Group Books in collaboration with Times Music, The book is available at all leading bookstores and online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart & Infibeam etc. So get ready to immerse yourself in the soulful poetry of Basant Chaudhary - Chaahaton Ke Saaye Mein, Order now: 

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.in/gp/offer-listing/9386206730 

Flipkart Link: https://www.flipkart.com/chaahaton-ke-saaye-mein-basant-chaudhary/p/itmf65h6efpwccyv?pid=9789386206732

CELEBRATING THE GRANDEUR OF INDIAN CINEMA IIFA AWARDS 2018 CONQUERS HEARTS IN BANGKOK!

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), the grandest celebration of Indian Cinema, put on a show for the ages in the cosmopolitan city of Bangkok, Thailand. The evening saw a spectacular melange of glitz and glamour with Bollywood’s crème de la crème, global dignitaries and world media in attendance at the reputed Siam Niramit Theatre on 24th June, 2018 as throngs of fans flocked to witness the grandest of all stages, the coveted NEXA IIFA Awards Styled by Myntra.

The grandest of stages saw the talented duo Karan Johar and Riteish Deshmukh play hosts in their own inimitable way. With Karan’s witty zingers and Riteish’s charismatic avatar combining on stage, the director-actor Jodi entertained the audience with their crackling chemistry.

As the finale of the celebrated IIFA Weekend & Awards, the IIFA Awards saved the best for the last as India’s most loved actress and timeless beauty Rekha put on a nostalgic performance as she took the audience back in time. The night also featured mesmeric performances from Bollywood superstars including Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, and Lulia Vantur. 

This year, IIFA honoured and paved tribute to two of the most celebrated actors of Indian Cinema the legendary Shashi Kapoor & Bollywood diva Late Sridevi.

The glamorous night also saw venerated actor Anupam Kher being presented with the prestigious ‘IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’, recognizing his immense contribution to Indian Cinema. Additionally, Style Icon of the year presented by Myntra was given to Youth Icon Kriti Sanon at the event.

For the fourth consecutive year, the IIFAs will be broadcast exclusively on India’s No.1 premium Hindi entertainment channel, COLORS with a stunning line-up of star-studded programming comprising of flashback episodes, IIFA Buzz, IIFA Rocks and the NEXA IIFA Awards. For the digital savvy viewers the same will be available on India’s leading video-on-demand platform, VOOT, from the house of Viacom18.

The principal partners for the 19th IIFA: Title Sponsor of IIFA Awards NEXA, Styled by Myntra; Global Broadcast partner Colors Viacom18; Digital Content Partner Voot; Cause Partner Woosh Washing expert campaigning about Equality at home; Official Host Destination Partner Tourism Authority of Thailand, Official Hotel Partner Marriott Marquis Hotel, Host Venue Siam Niramit;

Other key partners of IIFA 2018 include Official Direct Selling Partner QNET; Brand Partner Ease My Trip, Official Travel & Hospitality Management Partner Wedniksha; Pre-Event Cocktail Partner Superdoc; Airport Hospitality Partner Pranaam GVK Guest Services; Official Hair & Makeup Partner Nabila’s Salon, NGENTS and Zero Make up Official Time Partner Craig Shelly.

The IIFA Awards Winners: 

·         Best Picture- Tumhari Sulu 

·         Best Story- Amit V Masurkar (Newton) 

·         Best Direction- Saket Chaudhary (Hindi Medium) 

·         Best Debut Director - Konkona Sen Sharma (A death in the Gunj) 

·         Best Actor in a leading role Female- Late Sridevi (Mom) 

·         Best Actor in a leading role Male- Irrfan Khan (Hindi Medium) 

·         Best Music Direction - Amaal Mallik, Tanishk Bagchi & Akhil Sachdeva (Badrinath Ki Dulhania) 

·         Best Playback Singer Female- Meghna Mishra (Main Kaun Hoon - Secret Superstar) 

·         Best Playback singer Male- Arijit Singh (Hawayein - Jab Harry Met Sejal) 

·         Supporting Actor  Female- Meher Vij (Secret Superstar) 

·         Supporting Actor Male - Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Mom) 

·         Best Lyrics - Manoj Muntashir (Mere Rashke Qamar – Baadshaho) 

·         Myntra Style Icon Award- Kriti Sanon 

·         Next IIFA give away winner - Arjun Kapoor

IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone’s dream: “One People. One World”. IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact.