BOLLYWOOD THRONGS TO SAVE BETIYAAN

Worldwide Records brings to you, yet another offering. This time, it is Betiyaan, a musical campaign to Save The Girl Child. The Betiyaan music album launch took place at Hotel Novotel in Juhu. Interestingly, the song, which starts with a poem by Hon Minister Kapil Sibal, sees composer Nikhil Kamath, singers Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Bandana Sharma come together, with lyrics by Manish Kumar Pran, and additional line Betiyaan by Vimal Kashyap. 

Presented by Ratnakar Kumar, MD - Worldwide Records & Produced by Suraj Kumar of Johnsons - Suraj Films International, the Betiyaan video sees a galaxy of stars descend… The video features Ajay Devgan, John Abraham, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Hema Malini, Shilpa Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Sushmita Sen, Shamita Shetty, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Ehshaan Loy, Bandana Sharma , Sunidhi Chauhan, & Alisha Budhrani among others, and is supported by Zee TV,  Sunanda Shetty and the National Rural Health Mission.

“If we save the girl child, we save our tomorrow. Hence, the concept of Betiyaan,” elaborate producer Suraj Kumar and director Raajeev Walia. “On just the thought, I was charged. We all need to take a step forward in this direction,” says composer Nikhil Kamath. “When I heard the song, at that instant, I wanted to be a part of this movement,” says Shri Kapil Sibal. “Music transcends barriers and borders. If a song can make the difference, we wanted to be part of it and take it forward. I want to leave no stone unturned to give this campaign the reach it deserves,” says Ratnakar Kumar. “The spark was ignited by Suraj Kumar. I am grateful that Sunanda Shetty ji brought us all together in this noble cause. And Bandana Sharma did not just lend her voice; she also contributed royalty of all her past films to make this movement a success. I am also grateful for the support and association of 92.7 BIG FM, Mr. Yogesh Lakhani – Bright Outdoor Media Pvt Ltd & Box Office India. I can cite many such examples.  I am touched.” 

Betiyaan is also supported by Zee TV.  ZEE has been the pioneer of the broadcasting business in India with a lineage of 20 years. The channel has always been aware of its role as a medium of influencing public perception and driving social change. ZEE has made it a point to address relevant social issues through their programming content from time to time. Be it raising a voice against domestic violence through Ghar Ki Lakshmi-Betiyaan, presenting the harsh reality of girl child-trafficking through Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo or challenging the gender bias around the issue of remarriage in Punarvivaah, Zee TV has been a front-runner when it comes to socially relevant programming. Also on International Women’s Day, Zee TV announced the launch of 'Project Protsahan', a drive towards empowerment of women and felicitated four extraordinary women who have made a significant contribution across different walks of life.

“I wish the event all the very best and hope this noble initiative will change the society's perception towards the girl child for better” says Rajesh Lakhani , Chairman Exotic Group of Companies.

Yours to listen to the sound of Betiyaan and lend it your hand. For it is in such gestures that we take large steps towards a better tomorrow.

Evelyn Sharma basks in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani glory!

Actress and fashionista Evelyn Sharma is on cloud nine. After the super success of Rohan Sippy’s Nautanki Saala and her much-appreciated performance with Ayushmann Khurranna in the number Dil Ki Toh Lag Gayi; the gal is being noticed all over again in Bollywood’s latest blockbuster Ayan Mukherji’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. 

And why not! “Starring with Ranbir is every girl’s dream,” beams the 23-year-old half-German half-Indian, who has received a positive response from public as well as the industry. “Beautiful,” “charming,” “entertaining,” “sexy and appealing,” “brings humour to the film,” are words the critics have used for her. 

“I've never played a sexy character like Lara before, and I admit all the flirting was a lot of fun,” she gushes with cheeks blushing! Gee! 

Apart from having set a mark as a fashion icon in India over the last few months, Evelyn has also become a sought-after face for campaigns. “2013 has been Evelyn’s best year so far. And come to think of it; it’s just her beginning. She is blessed,” quips her publicist Dale Bhagwagar. 

Meanwhile Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani continues to roar at the box-office, having joined the 100-crore-club, even before completing a one-week-run in theatres. The worldwide net collections of the film as of now; are in the range of Rs 111-114 crores. Whoopee! In fact YJHD even managed to break into the US Top 10 and was at the ninth spot over the weekend. 

Evelyn has Issaq with Prateik Babbar coming up for release next month, followed by Yaariyaan; the directorial debut of T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Kumar; and Evelyn’s FIFTH release in a year!! 

Indeed, this chick is blessed! Even God may not deny that! (wink)!

Director takes revenge over losing a PS-3 game against Boman Irani!!

 Versatile actor Boman Irani who is currently shooting in Fiji for his forthcoming film ‘Santa Banta’ along with the talented duo Virdas &  Ram Kapoor  recently witnessed some massive tiffs on the sets but of a funny kind! 

The film which is being directed by Akashdeep (who is a PS-3 addict) was pleasantly surprised to find his lead actors Boman, Virdas, & Ram Kapoor equally addicted to the game PS-3. Thus began the male challengers amongst the quartet over football, tennis and much more!

A source present on the sets on condition of anonymity said, “Yes! Its true at first the game was played very sportingly and the trio along with Akashdeep were seen enjoying the game, but later on the game had started becoming aggressive and the last we heard was that PS-3 champion Boman was successful in beating his director!!”

It was hilarious to see this witty war which had developed as Boman was seen sulking the next day, reason being Akashdeep canned all his close-ups, as he dint know even our Director sulks like a little kid over losing the game.

The leading ladies of the film Neha Dhupia & Liza Hayden were seen having a hearty laugh over it!!

John Abraham backs father Abraham John and brother Alan Abraham's “Bombay Greenway Project”

Being a huge environmentalist himself, John Abraham is now going all out to shore up his father Abraham John & brother Alan Abraham's firm Abraham JohnArchitects, a multidisciplinary architecture, interior design, landscaping and urban planning firm founded in 1967, which now looks to undertake an urban project which would significantly & positively impact the lives of millions in the city on an every day basis.
Abraham John Architects which introduced “The Bombay Greenway Project” that went on to win the International Urban Planning & Design Competition Velo-city, 2013, Austria are now looking to execute the plan ,touted to be the single biggest urban project undertaken in Bombay post-independence.The first proposal of the project looks at turning the Railway into Greenway – envisioning a 21st century Greenway over the existing railway lines,114kms of continuous,flat,traffic and stress free space to encourage the active modes of transportation and healthy city living.

Says Alan Abraham “We are envisioning a stretch from Virar to Churchgate, Thane to CST and Mankhurd to CST that will act as an open green corridor. It will allow people to cross from the eastern to western line conveniently and will also amplify its beauty”
While Abraham John & Alan Abraham ( who was also felicitated as one of Architect & Interiors India’s iGEN 50 - The New generation of Innovators in Architectureare the Joint Principal Architects )are the Joint Principal Architects of Abraham John Architects, equipped with a vision and forward thinking mind ,actor-producer and business tycoon John Abraham  looks to back and echo the cause of re-connecting architecture with nature, make optimum use of space, natural materials, lighting & landscape to reinvent and transform living environments and urban spaces.
The Hero with a Heart – John Abraham has been associated with several causes in the past – He has intensively worked with PETA and Habitat For Humanity.Apart from that the actor who is synonymous with fitness raised funds for charities through the Mumbai Marathon.
The actor via his brand commitment has also associated himself with PowerLight A Village, an initiative to provide solar electricity to remote villages across the country and also requested his fans to join him in the cause.

Mika's Grand Gesture for a Children's Film

Lends his voice for a song in film 'Pappu Ki Pangdandi' 

Mika Singh is considered to be one of the most stylish music composers and singers in the Indian film industry today. A complete entertainer who has a great sense of humour and a large fan base across India and the world! 

Mika is best known for his groovy music and has given us a string of hits like, Rani Tu Main Raja, Pyaar ki Pungi baja ke , Singh Is King, Subah Hone Na De!, Dhanno,Dhinka Chinka, Mauja hi Mauja , are just a few to name! we also know he is quite popular among the kids as well! 

Buzz is that Choreographer turned Debutant Director Seemaa Desai requested Mika to lend his voice for a song which is based on children in her upcoming film ‘Pappu Ki Pangdandi’. The film is being made for the Children’s Film Society India (CFSI) 

A source close to the talented singer confirmed and said, “Mika Paaji loves children and when he was approached for a song which is for a children’s film, he could not say no and readily agreed to be part of this fun film and lent his voice. He has already recorded the song in Yash Raj Studios and loved the lyrics which has been penned by Sateesh Seth

We hear music Composer Kashyap Sompura had Mika in his mind while making the music for the song, and later when he came to know Mika has agreed he was more then happy!! 

Well, knowing Mika, we can expect another super hit number coming our way later this year! 

‘Pappu Ki Pangdandi’ is helmed by Director Seemaa Desai and Produced by CFSI, which is all set to go on floors this June, 2013!!