My film Rabbi shows how society is God-fearing, whereas actually we should be God-loving - Bidita Bag

The commercial release of Rabbi is on the cards with the movie hitting screens across India on 15th September, 2017. For Bidita Bag, Rabbi comes as an almost immediate release after her recent hit, Babumoshai Bandookbaaz where she stars against the extremely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Bidita’s talent is being recognized across the globe for her bold acting in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz. She has always had an inclination towards socio-political films and Rabbi is one such film addressing social beliefs. Excerpts from an interview with the actor... 

1.     How are you feeling after the recent success of Babumoshai Bandookbaaz? How was the experience of working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui?

Answer – It has been a couple of years since I started, and finally my work has been recognized by the wider audience with this movie. Nawaz is a very talented artiste and in some ways I relate to him and his struggle to make it into Bollywood. Of course, for me the entry came much sooner as compared to him. He is a very nice human being and is very grounded and humble which I think is the reason for his success. 

2.     Coming to Rabbi, what prompted you to choose this project?

Answer – From the moment I heard the story, I was in love with it. I believe the movie answers some important questions that are left unanswered in our day to day lives. Is Music forbidden in Islam was something that appealed to me... In our society people are made to be God-fearing, whereas actually we should be God-loving. I feel it is important to communicate this message. 

3.     Director Rahat Kazmi is known for being unconventional in his ways... how was your experience working with him?

Answer –Rahat is trying to encourage the film industry in his hometown Jammu and Kashmir. He ensures that there is local involvement in his films which brings more flavour to his works. He has a knack of recognizing a sensible script and atire is his forte. And when Rahat makes a film his entire family is involved in it from start to end. They see to it that the work setting is extremely friendly and comfortable. You almost feel that  you are on a trip to enjoy and the shooting just happens in between! Excellent experience working with him (smiles). 

4.     What are your expectations from Rabbi?

Answer – Is movie ka dil bada hai (This movie has a big heart). I’m sure the audience will enjoy it, the main reason being that the film looks at contemporary problems. Rabbi also addresses at terrorism. 

5.     Tell us about your role in the movie...

Answer – My character in this movie is called Afia, a typical Muslim girl, belonging to a conservative family, covered from head to toe. However, she is very liberal in her thoughts and outlook. She is Rabbi’s cousin, friend and support system. At the same time, she is also his biggest critic. She constantly inspires him to achieve more while keeping him grounded and giving him reality checks. 

6.     How was the crew and how did you fit in considering the diverse amounts of experience spread across?

Answer – I would happily say all the senior members loved me a lot and made me feel at home. Dolly ji, Virendra ji, Raghubir ji were all very supportive. In fact we gelled very well over music since both Raghubir ji and Virendra ji enjoy singing and I play the harmonium, we had our own musical sessions that I cherish even today. 

7.     Your future projects?

Answer – I have a few movies in the pipeline such as Daya Bai which is biopic on Daya Bai, T for Taj Mahal, a film on education among others. 

8.     The music forms an important part of this movie, which is your favourite song and why?

Answer – Yes, the music truly brings out the feel of the film. All the songs are really nice but my favourite is Amma Teri Lag Gayi, sung by Raghubir ji. For me, the song was relatable to an extent as when I was growing up my father also always hoped that I would get a Government job and I think this is a common story for every middle class youngster in our country. 

9.     Many youngsters are trying to follow similar footsteps as yours, to do more meaningful and mature cinema, what is your message to them?

Answer – Every Artist has a unique journey. Along with hard work, even luck plays a part in one’s fate. I would say this industry is uncertain from a career perspective. If you are to make a career in this industry, you need to be extremely patient and constantly work on improving your skills. You should give yourself enough time and failures should not stop you.

Bollywood's Karan Johar to share dais with political bigwigs at ISB Leadership Summit

The Indian School of Business (ISB) has been on the forefront in developing, nurturing and guiding tomorrow’s leaders and the ISB Leadership Summit (ILS) has been a key initiative in this direction. Every year, ILS brings together eminent leaders from across the world in a series of dynamic talks and interactive sessions. 

This year, the 15th edition of ISB’s Leadership Summit will be held at the Mohali campus on September 22 and 23, 2017, and at the Hyderabad campus on September 23 and 24, 2017. The theme for the summit is ‘Transforming Tomorrow: The Future Unraveled.’ It would focus on the trends that will be instrumental in shaping India's future, as well as of the world as a whole. 

The event is expected to be graced by renowned speakers, who have pushed the boundaries and met challenges in their respective fields. Names such as Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, (Hon. Vice President of India), Dr. Manmohan Singh, (Former Prime Minister of India), Dr. Kiran Bedi (Lt. Governor of Puducherry), Mr. Suresh Prabhu (Minister of Commerce and Industry), Mr. Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra), Mr. Jayant Sinha (Minister of State  Civil Aviation), Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (Former Chairman of ISRO), Ms. Vani Kola (MD of Kalaari Capital), Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal (Chairman of Hero Enterprises), Mr. Kulmeet Bawa (MD – India and South Asia of Adobe Systems) and many more. 

The entertainment sector shall be represented at the conclave by Mr. Karan Johar; a trendsetter in the world of cinema. He will speak about the ever-changing face of Indian cinema as well as the challenges and opportunities it has to offer in the near future. His session on the evening of September 23 in Hyderabad shall be moderated by Mr. Akshaye Rathi, a renowned film-exhibitor, distributor and entertainment columnist. 

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is one of the premier business schools in India, with campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali. ISB is committed to creating leaders through its innovative programmes, outstanding faculty and thought leadership.

Richa faced problem in Sweden during Jia Aur Jia as she is a vegan

The upcoming film, Jia Aur Jia staring Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha tells a funny yet refreshing storyline. The film was shot completely in Sweden and tells the story of two women with completely different personalities tagging along on a road trip with only one common factor - their name. 

Sweden is known for its rich food culture which includes dishes full of cheese, dairy products, different kinds of meats and seafood. Being a vegan, Richa swears by organic food and stays far away from meat and dairy products.She faced a lot of problems during the shooting of Jia Aur Jia as it was very difficult for her to find good food that suits her diet. While travelling Richa makes it a point to carry her own food but it was difficult to carry her food for the whole Sweden schedule of the movie. Initially it was bit difficult to get the vegan food near the shoot location but the crew of the film helped her find places that offered vegan food and she managed to not break her diet. 

“Jia Aur Jia” is touted as a first girl bonding road trip film. It features Kalki playing a chirpy character and Richa more of an introvert, having one common thing — their name Jia.

Things to watch out tonight on Sony Entertainment Television's The Drama Company

Tonight's episode takes us to the time of our lives when the stunning Raveena Tandon walks in with her charm. Mithun Chakraborty compliments Raveena Tandon about her acting in the films and how close friends they are. The episode got so interesting when Raveena Krushna Abhishek entered as 'Raveena Tandon' and danced on the song Tip tip barsa paani. Raveena Tandon was shocked looking at the performance Krushna Abhishek had put up for her. The acts were about 'Chak De India' where Raveena Tandon couldn't stop er laughter. Mithun Chakraborty and Raveena Tandon were seen dancing on her top songs where Krushna Abhishek showed off a few romantic dances moves with her. 

It was a reuinion for Ridhima Pandit as she used to be a celebrity manager for Raveena Tandon and she is the reason why Ridhima Pandit has become an actor. Ridhima Pandit was inspired and motivated by her while she took up the chance she is now working in a hit show like The Drama Company.

Siddhanth Kapoor: ‘I had no idea who Haseena Parkar was before I was signed up for the film’

Shraddha Kapoor’s brother Siddhanth Kapoor will be next seen playing Dawood Ibrahim in Apoorva Lakhia’s upcoming film 'Haseena Parkar’, which is based on the life of Dawood’s sister Haseena (played by Shraddha) and Siddhanth revealed something shocking in an exclusive interview with Movie Talkies. 

Siddhanth said, “Apoorva and me used to play cricket a lot and one day, he summoned me over to his place and asked me if I know who Haseena Parkar was. I said I have no idea as though I had heard or read about Dawood, I was absolutely clueless about the fact that he had a sister. After that, Apoorva told me that he wants me to play Dawood in a film based on Haseena’s life. My first reaction was that Apoorva was joking with me because I could not believe this at all!” 

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, Haseena Parkar stars Shraddha Kapoor, Siddhanth Kapoor and Ankur Bhatia. Produced by Nahid Khan with Swiss Entertainment and co-produced by Sameer Antulay and Babu Tyagi, the film is set to release on September 22.