Children of War maker’s English foray

After chronicling the nine months of torture that led to the liberation of East Pakistan with Children of War, Mrityunjay Devvrat is on to his next, barely a week after its release. “This time, it is a English film with a Hollywood partner,” avers the maker.

Unlike Children of War that has shaken critics and audiences alike with its painfully truthful narrative, the next film will not reopen the wounds of the 1971 Bangladesh War, but is nevertheless set in India, elaborates the director who is happy with the critical acclaim that The Children of War has received.

“I am happy that I have brought to light something that should have been part of our history textbooks. Over 400,000 women were raped, three million people were killed and 10 million sought refuge in India.”

The actors stand by the director who chose the unconventional route of India release without going the festival route. Raima Sen stands for the Bangladeshi women, Farooq Sheikh is the intellect and Pavan Malhotra, the butcher in uniform are all for the director.

While Pavan says he develops style and mannerism for the character and then buried with the film,  Raima Sen admits she is still not able to get the character out of her mind. “I had to spend a month in New York, but I still can’t get the film out of my system,” she admits. “It is not easy to relive the life and experience the emotions of the women who were used as a tool by inhumans. It still haunts you.”

Yours to check out the Children of War at your nearest theatre… Surely worth a dekho!

Maestros and musical moments

Nilima Azeem took to stage in Mumbai after 40 years with Rammohan Maharaj at the PanchTatva annual Kathak festival organized by Pt. Birju Maharaj's Kalashram at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Campus, Andheri W, Mumbai. A dream of Kathak maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj, Kalashram focuses on imparting training in the field of Kathak and associated disciplines. This year, exclusive activities were planned to enhance the knowledge of students, performers and teachers including a three-day workshop under the guidance of Pt.  Birju Maharaj. The finale saw Nilima Azeem taking to stage in Mumbai after 40 years with childhood friend Pandit Rammohan Maharaj, son of Kathak maestro Shambhu Maharaj and brother of Pandit Birju Maharaj. The event saw actor Priyanshu Chatterji, Richa Soni, Rajesh Khattar, singers Anup Jalota, Madhushree, Ishaan, composer Santok Singh, Tabla maestro Kalinath Mishra, Neena Kulkarni, Abhay Bhargava, besides Sitara Devi, Birju Maharaj, Rammohan Maharaj and Nilima Azeem among others.

Among all English channels including Movies, GEC, Infotainment & News

Padmini Kolhapure marks her Television Debut with Sony TV's Ekk Nayi Pehchaan

It seems like 2014 is going to be the year of television debut for many leading Bollywood veterans. Veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure is all set to join the bandwagon by entering the small screen.

Padmini will be seen in a central role on Sony TV’s Ekk Nayi Pehchan. What is interesting to note is that both Padmini and Poonam not only grew up together in the industry but also started their Bollywood career together 30 years back. They were last seen together in the 90’s film ‘Qurbani Rang Layegi’. And now to see them together for the first time ever on Ekk Nayi Pehchan will surely be a complete visual delight! 

Ekk Nayi Pehchaan is an Indian television drama series which tells the story of women empowerment and education through relationships. The show stars Poonam Dhillon and Krystle D'Souza in lead roles.

The Indian Transformer: Roadie Nikhil Sachdeva

 

Winner of Roadies XI Nikhil Sachdeva was named ‘Transformer’ during the reality show by judges Raghu & Rannvijay!
Nikhil Sachdeva, the winner of Roadies XI hosted by popular VJ Rannvijay Singh & Raghav, has definitely earned his place in the current season after a rejection in auditions for Roadies X & was called as the Transformer during the show by the judges. 

The enthusiastic Guinness Book Record Holder Tattoo Artist Nikhil Sachdeva, after receiving flak from the judges Rannvijay & Raghav for being overweight during the auditions of Roadies X, only came back fitter & better impressing the judges much during the Roadies XI Delhi auditions currently being one of the strongest contenders on the show & finally winning the title. 

On being the winner, Nikhil mentions, “I feel on the top of the World right now like a king of the Jungle. But  I am still holding my ground and would rather try that this fame doesn't get to my head and  I can make something useful out of this win. I am thankful to God n my loved ones.”

Talking about his experience on the show, “This was the best experience of my life so far. The Journey was the best part, travelling 300 kilometers from one city to another every 3rd day was fun. Rest was not easy. It was a reality show indeed & the crew made sure that we feel that thrill... Everything was real, cuts n bruises were real, all he injurious were real. It taught me the real meaning of core strength, sharing the same ring with World known boxer Vijender Sing & taking his punches were real too. Mental pressure of losing it and going home, gave me sleepless nightmares but surrender was never in my Nature.”  

The strong willed, free spirited Delhi based Tattoo artist has had an interesting background shuffling jobs in Delhi in constant hunger for exposure, experience & money getting him to audition for Roadie X albeit after much criticism from Raghu & Rannvijay for being overweight, the artist took it in a positive stride. Nikhil Sachdeva extensively trained himself & lost oodles of weight before the Roadie XI audition impressing the judges securing a place in one of the popular youth Reality show.
The overwhelmed Nikhil quips, “The experience was exhilarating. Co-contestants were too much fun. I adore Rannvijay; he has encouraged & motivated me throughout the show. The crew is absolutely amazing. I always used to get this adrenaline rush every time we had to perform a task. I’ll always cherish this experience.”

Nikhil proudly states the obvious reasons for his victory on the reality show, “I have won millions of hearts, that for sure. MTV Roadies X1 winner is a glorious title. As the Roadies X1 tag line says "Ride for Respect" for me that was more important, winning with respect. The kind of response I am getting from the world is overwhelming. I never thought, I'll inspire so many people. All the love from the viewers of the show n the fans I made, has made my Win a Victory indeed. My hard work​has paid off... It was all worth it. I always believed that everything is possible.”

Nikhil gives message to all his fans, “Just need to put the right amount of efforts. Just "dare to dream" n "take your chances".

Nikhil Sachdeva is a definitely a true roadie into the making!