YRF in association with KBSH announces India’s first Bollywood Fashion Label

Where fashion romances Bollywood 

Mumbai, July 10, 2013: Yash Raj Films (YRF) joins hands with Karol Bagh Saree House (KBSH) to create India’s first Bollywood inspired fashion label called Diva’ni– Where fashion romances Bollywood. India’s leading Production House, YRF along with KBSH, aim to serenade the splendour of Indian cinema through aspirational fashion. The brand is a reflection of the rich legacy and heritage associated with both these esteemed names, which celebrates the glitz, glamour, and drama that reverberates from the age-old union of fashion and cinema.

The objective behind the inception of Diva’ni is to create a brand that is infused with the spirit of Bollywood amalgamated with a glamour quotient that fashion adds to it. Taking ode from the rich Indian traditions and keeping them alive in the form of Diva’ni’s exquisite ensembles, YRF & KBSH together present an experience-consume journey for the Indian and International audiences. The brand strives to make women feel like a diva, who traditionally have been the epitome of pure elegance, grace and beauty. Diva’ni reflects the way Mr. Yash Chopra envisioned his heroines and brought out the best in every woman he worked with.

Inspired from Yash Chopra’s vision and portrayal of the diva in every woman, the first collection to be launched will be a fitting tribute to the man, who in many ways helped define Bollywood fashion.

Rohit Sobti, YRF’s Vice President, Licensing & Merchandising said, “YRF has been looking to participate in a meaningful way in the apparel category, in order to bring the trends of Bollywood and YRF closer to the consumers. As an industry, we have been setting fashion trends for our fans worldwide over the last 100 years.  Development of the brand Diva’ni is a most significant effort by any Film Studio in the world and KBSH is an ideal associate in helping us achieve our goal. With KBSH’s long-standing expertise in creating high quality designs, and always at the forefront of changing fashions over the years, we are sure that they will bring the requisite skill sets for this venture to succeed.” 

Commenting on the association, Ms Sanya Dhir, Brand Director, KBSH said, “Coming with a vast understanding of the ethnic fashion industry, and with an experience of over 50 years, we at KBSH understand what a woman wants in her ensemble. In a country like India where women of all age groups are so highly inspired by Indian cinema, we strive to give our audiences a brand that will bring them a step closer to living their Bollywood dream. We are  very  happy  that  India's premier studio YRF  shares  our  vision and has joined hands with us in this  very  exciting  endeavour. Over the last several decades, YRF has pioneered and mastered the presentation of fashion in their iconic films, and have been creating 'divas' forever. We are sure the association with YRF will bring alive our dream of celebrating the diva in every woman. The design team behind Diva’ni strives to create ensembles that celebrate the emotion in motion, offering the customer an experience to be as stylish and feel as beautiful as a Diva.” These two brands, coming under this association, will soon be disclosing more details. House of KBSH is an ethnic wear brand-serving generations since 1947. Recognised for its traditional values and contemporary approach to fashion and styling, the brand is committed to adding elegance and romance to the six yards of canvas. Juxtaposing this classy element is the symphony of dance, drama and romance brought in by YRF in this enterprise. Accredited to be India’s largest production company with aninnate passion for entertainment, YRF strives to applaud the inner diva in every woman with the launch of Diva’ni.

For further information log onto

Website: www.divani.co.in 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divanicouture

Sony Music releases 'Making of the Legend' from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

After the stupendous success of the songs of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Sony Music is extremely excited on the film’s release scheduled for July 12th across all theaters. As a part of giving fans more, Sony Music today released the ‘Making of the Legend’-a film showcasing the journey of Farhan Akhtar to achieve an athletic body similar to what Milkha Singh had during his championship days.

Says Farhan Akhtar, “6 months of training, 4-5 hours over 2 sessions , 6 days a week  got me to be like this”. Watch this video of complete dedication and determination on www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4vC0jvyFwM&feature=c4-overview&list=UU56gTxNs4f9xZ7Pa2i5xNzg

Composed by the leading musical trio Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy with Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics, Sony Music released the music of the film in May 2013 and received instant success with each song. Zinda has become a youth anthem, Mera Yaar exudes a romantic feel while the title track Bhaag Milkha Bhaag a motivation for all.

This is the brands second project with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, after Rang De Basanti, that adds another feather to Sony Music’s repertoire. Co-produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is based on the biography of India’s most prominent athlete, Milkha Singh which is played by multi-talented actor Farhan Akhtar in a pivotal role.

'Audience will see Dayaben's Mother in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'– Asit Kumarr Modi on completing five years of successful run

Asit Kumarr Modi is the producer and creative producer for the successful show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. This family comedy show is completing 5 years of long journey on July 28. A journey that is littered with stories of success and happy moments. Five year back, when asit Modi had decides to make a serial out of a Guajarati column Duniya Nu Oonda Chashmah by columnist Tarak Mehta, he was advised not to dapple in literary content for television. But he stuck to his own belief and today he stands vindicated.  Show has not only completed five years but it has also maintained its position amongst top five shows across channels. in conversation:

Q1- Taarak Mehta is going to complete 5 year without any generation leap. Are you planning for any generation leap or addition of new characters in the show ?

Ans- Right now we have not planned any generation leap in our show but yes in future if audience wants it, and we feel that it is justified, we will plan it. However, we do plan to add some more interesting characters, but we have to be careful. Too many can cause confusion to the audience. I know that people are curious about Daya’s mother and also as to when will Popatlal get married? In future if we believe that there is a scope, we will definitely take the plunge.

Q2- Taarak Mehta is very clean comedy show and it is always in top 5 , how do you manage to keep the audience interest alive without any gimmick or crass humor?

Ans- This is a very simple and normal down to earth show. Our story always relates to common man and it always revolves around everyday happenings in the life of common man like Education, Cricket, Water problem in society etc. So people easily connect with the story and characters. They see their own self and people around them in the characters of the show. They have given our characters place in their homes. We always try to give to our audience clean and clear laugh with emotion& drama. It is very difficult to manage show on the same level because now audience has more expectation from us. As creative producer my responsibility has grown ten fold. We always try to give fresh story.

Q3 - In future, will the audience get to see Popat Lal’s wedding ?

Ans-  Yes audience always ask when will Popatlal get married? But his marriage can happen only at the right time. Surely Popatlal’s wife will be very interesting character because he himself is so interesting. It will have t fine balance between funny and queer.

 Q 4 - What is the source of your story inspiration?

Answer-  Our creative teams are very strong and we have good writers like Jitendra Parmar , Raju Rajen and creative team like Dayashankar Pandey and personally I also am involved in creative. We always take stories from day to day life for audience connect. I always observe the real life incidents and try to make story out of them. In fact we look at each and every incident through our Ultah Chashma, so it comes out in a funny way. Like when the Gunda was troubling ladies at Gokuldham, instead of going to police, they decided to eve-tease the sister of that Gunda.   This is a progressive show. Kashmir to Kanyakumari’s audience love to watch Taarak Mehta. Very soon Taarak Mehta will come in Telegu also.

Q5- Audience are not very happy with new Sodhi? Comment

Answer: there are reasons when change becomes inevitable. I treat my cast and crew as family and we do not do anything rash. I will request viewers to give him some time. Gurucharan had almost 4 years of training to get into the character and also build a rapport with other actors. Naturally the new actor cannot be so natural, but given time he will surely be accepted.

Q6- WWKBH is another show on literally content. Like Taarak Mehta is inspired by a column, this one is giving platform to poets and lyricists. Why don’t you try the regular saas bahu content?

Answer-  I don’t think audience want typical shows. They are fed-up of typical saas-bahu and dance and song reality shows are overdone. There is overload of such shows on audience. Our weekend show is totally different from others. In Waah Waah Kyaa Baat Hai we give a platform to various poets, and writers who have talent. This show is totally dedicated to literature and our respect to Hindi language. This show also runs very nicely. Shailesh Lodha’s creative contribution and Sab TV’s support is instrumental in its success. I too am inclined towards literature. So we all think on the same plane.

Q7 -Have you though to venture into another genre? May be historical or a mythological?

Answer- Yes why not , Making Historical show is my dream and surely I will make one. It is on the anvil. Work is on for script and we will shortly announce it too. I also have planned one Drama show, which is very different and both will come very soon on TV.

Q8- What happened to your plan of film production?

Answer- Yes I want to produce film. I have story in my mind on this we will talk letter. I do not wish to do anything in a hurry.

9- Do you plan to make TMKOC on big screen?

Answer-  I want make film on Taarak Mehta but have still not finalized any schedule. Same serial artistes have daily shoot and they don’t have time for film. I think still people do love to watch Taarak Mehta on small screen, so I don’t want to rush into a film and reduce my focus from the show. Currently I am making animation film on Tappu Sena, script is done, work is on in a studio and it will release very soon in 2014 . 

10- You are creative director as well as producer for your shows. Is it not tiring to walk in two different shoes?

Answer-  Yes I am totally involved in Taarak Mehta. You may say I walk Taarak Mehta, eat Taarak and sleep Taarak Mehta. Its an integral part of me. I always keep observing real incidents for fresh story.  We are going to complete 5 year on 28^th July 2013 with good TRP without any generation leap and I think it is an achievement. Our main focus is the story. Taarak Mehta’s real hero is the story and subject line. I always think of creative first and then profit. Because I understand both, so I am able to maintain a balance and give good product within the budget. 

“I waited for 12 years for The Wolverine!​”- Hugh Jackman's Confession​s

Hollywood’s Most Influential star Hugh Jackman on the upcoming 3d saga releasing in July! 

With thundering action, breathtaking stunts and a riveting, gritty storyline, Hugh Jackman returns as the iconic clawed mutant in THE WOLVERINE. During the course of a dark and ominous journey, the thrilling 3D drama from acclaimed director James Mangold takes Logan/Wolverine to Tokyo where he is embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, confronting lethal samurai steel. 

Releasing on 26th July in India, the film is a much awaited chapter in Hugh Jackman’s life!!

"I waited in a way 12 years for this chapter in this saga, for this samurai story. From the very first week I had on [the first] X-Men, I was reading this comic and Producer Lauren Shuler Donner and I were saying, one day, hopefully we get to do this story. We really went for something new and different. The moment the studio agreed to call it The Wolverine I was just thrilled. Rather than saying Wolverine 2, this is a standalone different movie. This is set in a different time, it's a fair way after X-Men Origins" says the global superstar who was recently voted as one of the most influential stars in Hollywood.

Jackman, who is also a producer on the film, admits he did not foresee himself as Wolverine for so many years in the running. 

"I never thought my run would last this long. Particularly for a guy who can't age, obviously there is a shelf life to playing this role, so I love it and I've always found it fascinating and slightly, I'll admit, frustrating that I feel we've never really delivered what I would say is the core of the character. And I think in this story, I know you get to see the ultimate Wolverine. You get to see who he really is. You definitely see him at his most vulnerable, both physically and emotionally." 

Catch the dashing Hugh Jackman as he returns with THE WOLVERINE releasing on 26^th July!

‘Bold is not (necessarily) sleaze’ - Shivam

Shivam is making his debut as an actor in the Amit Saxena directed film ‘Nasha’. Playing the protagonist, his character is a young high school student, and the story deals with his infatuation with a new teacher, because of which the character goes through an emotional journey and eventually comes of age, rediscovering himself. An accomplished street dancer, Shivam is known in the underground dancing circuit as 'Evolution', or Bboy Evolution. His journey of dance began at age 18 with his hip hop crew, "Street Soul Dance Crew", which is one of India's most respected hip hop dance crews, and arguably also the best. Shivam and his crew from HR college have won major dance events across India, many times even 3 years in a row in college fests like Kshitij,  Malhar,  Kaleidoscope, Umang, Waves (BITS Pilani Goa), Bruha (Sydenham), Mood Indigo (IIT Bombay) and many others. They also won India's biggest college festival ‘Indiafest’ in 2011, and the "International Dance Festival" held in Pune in 2012. Acting as a career was not an easy choice, but when it happened, Shivam took it on as a challenge. 

Q. What kind of character are you playing??

Shivam: The character I play is an extremely emotional, vulnerable guy. 'Sahil', is not very expressive. He gets infatuated with his teacher and the story is about this emotional connect, with a woman he cannot have, yet a woman he cannot help but desire. And, as is the case with desires unfulfilled, they turn into obsessions. And yet, every obsession is a lesson learnt; an experience gained. So that, in the course of coping with his unrequited love, the boy requites a lot more. And both he and the woman come of age. 

Q: Any interesting incidents?

Shivam: One night we all were celebrating Diwali in Panchgani and everybody was high and inebriated. One of my friends, Rohan, who is playing my best friend in the film, has a habit of jamming and improvising music. He suddenly grabbed a guitar and came up with a song which happened to be a funny mash up of Hotel California, and he sang it in a hilarious South Indian accent. The director Amit Saxena loved it so much that he made Rohan and my other friends come up with an improvised song on the sets during the shoot, which would be relevant to the film’s script and story. Amit sir shot it, and the song is now there in the film, and is looking great! 

Q: Since you are an ace dancer, do you have this talent also showcased in the film?

Shivam: Amit sir never knew that I am a dancer. It happened on the same night of Diwali, when my friends asked me to dance. Dancing is in my blood and I've so much discipline over my moves, that even after being crazy high, my sense of balance is presentably good. So I gave this short dance performance, and it got such a major positive reaction that Amit sir added a dance section into "the Goti song". It was shot exclusively after shoot was done and it is real fun, punk song. There's a long shot in the song where the entire concluding 1 minute dance sequence was so complicated and difficult to execute, that it took 17 takes to wrap up, and I must've run atleast 1-2 kilometers in the process. And finally it was all done! 

Q: It is said that you danced inspite of injury?

 Shivam: Its part of the game. Yes I danced with an injured hamstring on painkillers and muscle relaxants. It happened just a day before the shoot during rehearsal, also I was on ice packs all the time. But as it was "my" song so I had to kill it regardless of my injury and dance with flying, swinging, jumping, flipping and singing!

Q: How did the ‘Goti’ Song happen?

 Shivam : Just before the song is a scene, where Poonam – Our Professor tells us about doing a play and she says it'll be a spoof on famous lovers like Laila/majnu, Romeo/Juliet. Idea was to go totally opposite of the belief that they never had happy ending. Instead we were supposed to imagine a scene where these lovers never tragically fall apart? They got together and happy ending ensued? So one of us says "Goti jaam ho jaati"... and thus we come up with the song where exactly the protagonist is trying to convey this thought with his friends via a song. It’s a fun song.  

Q: Your comment on Poonam Pandey?

 Shivam: She is a fine person. She was really impressed with my dance antics on Diwali celebrations. I was very impressed with her final scene in the film, where she breaks down in front of me, right before the final ‘love making’. But honestly speaking Poonam has surprised all those who were skeptical about her skills. She is a real good performer, and under right direction she is really good on screen presence. 

Q: What would you say about your director Amit Saxena?

Shivam: Amit Saxena is a fab Director!! He actually promotes talent, highlights it well. He's pulled a very real performance out of me too and he has upgraded Poonam's image majorly in the film. 

Q: We heard that your real life friends are playing your friends in the film as well?

Shivam: Yes, We friends in the film are basically great friends in real life too and much before the film. We all got cast together, because we're a solid group. It was only me that took a month of auditioning because I had to do the lead!!