Sonam Kapoor guest judge on Project Runway

India’s postergirl for fashion, Sonam Kapoor, was recently invited to be guest judge on Project Runway, Middle East, the Arabian version of the successful American TV show Project Runway. 

Donning a black Elie Saab gown, Sonam joined fashion moguls like Elie Saab, Afef Jnifen and Youssra as special guest on the show. 

The fashion icon was invited by Elie Saab , whose she’s known for over a decade to work with the MBC Project Runway team, right from the creative conception to the judging stage. 

Talking about her experience shooting for the show said Sonam, “The Middle East is bubbling over with incredible fashion talent and I had a chance to be part of the MBC Project Runway first hand. When Elie Saab invited me as guest judge I happily obliged. I know Elie for more than a decade now. I have been wearing his creations since I was 22. I think our aesthetics match perfectly. We both love combining beauty, drama and elegance. “ 

Sharing details on the episode she was part off adds Sonam, “Each celebrity guest announced a new challenge that requires the designers to develop one or more pieces of new clothing to be presented at a runway show. The point of it all is to test the designers' creativity while maintaining their personal fashion design aesthetics and showcase it within a limited budget and time.”

Bajirao Mastarni fame Designer Anjuu Modi roped in for Chiranjeevi's next movie Sye RAA

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), one of the most prestigious pan India forums working towards the goal of women empowerment today released a Women Artisans Craft Directory in an event titled “Celebrate Creativity” organised Late last evening  here today. 

This Directory covers the 29 states of India and highlights the creative dexterity of more than 400 women along with their contact details. The launch of the Directory took place in the presence of two eminent personalities – Sanjay Garg & Anju Modi, two designers and fashion entrepreneurs who understand the true potential of Handlooms & Handicrafts and its significant role in providing employment to a vast segment of craftsperson, thereby preserving the intangible heritage of our country. 

“India is a land known for its cultural diversity, vibrant art forms and the exquisite artefacts handcrafted by millions of skilled artisans including women . The Women artisans craft Directory is an effort to support women artisans from various parts of the country  to connect directly with buyers across India and the world and  will also help bridge the gap between India’s skilled women artisans and discerning buyers as it will establish a direct link with artisans, bring them recognition and respect” said Ms Vasvi Bharat Ram, President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) . 

Leading costume designer Anju Modi speaking on the occassion said that she has been roped in for South India's megastar  Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film Sye Raa, a period film based on Uyyalavada Narasimha Reddy. “ I have  designed the outfits and the ornaments for Chiranjeevi and the other members of the film,” She said 

Anju Modi  earlier worked for Hindi period films like Bajirao Mastani and Ram Leela. So, the film’s producer Ram Charan and lead actor Chiranjeevi decided to rope her in for the costume department,” She said .

Chiranjeevi’s elder daughter Sushmitha is also in the team helping Anju. “Anju Modi, Sushmita and the ten member team did a fabric research for the costumes and also the accessories. They also did the research about the culture   and costumes during the pre-independence era,” added Ms modi 

This movie is directed by  'Dhruva' fame Surender Reddy and  Mega power star Ram Charan Tej is bankrolling this flick with almost 150 crores of the budget. Oscar award winning music director A R Rahman will score the music. The film also has a solid star cast, including Bollywood's titan Amitabh Bachchan, Tamil Superstar Vijay,  Kannada Superstar Sudeep, Jagapathi Babu and Nayantara. 

Ravindra Gautam encourages kids of Hoshangabad to follow their dreams

Children have been a huge part of producer Ravindra Gautam’s show Meri Durga. In an effort to support children and the sports that they play, Ravindra and his partner Pradeep Kumar visited Hoshangabad to meet children, interested in sports.

“We wanted to celebrate 300 episodes of our show with kids in small towns, and their parents and coaches who are fighting a lonely battle to promote their kids. These kids have been a huge inspiration for our show,” he says.

He adds, “We invited prominent luminaries of the city like district collector Mr. Avinash Lavania, SP city Mr. Arvind Saksena, District press club President Mr. Dinesh Sharma and city's prominent social activist Mr. Rajendra Thakur and felicitated children for their efforts and had dinner with them. Though a small function it gave us immense happiness seeing the kids happy.”

The kids, too, reacted brilliantly to this effort. “For them, it was like a big morale booster, getting awards, interacting with the city collector, SP city, and other luminaries, who inspired them further and promised them to take care of their problems. We went there and came back but these kids made a more closer bond with the people of their own city and can now meet them anytime for any problems,” he says. 

Ravindra adds that the reason behind choosing this small city was because these kids don’t have the right kind of infrastructure. “Usually big cities still have the infrastructure to promote sports, small cities lag behind and the children of such smaller towns, villages struggle the most. That's why I chose this small city. Also I have a deep associated with the sweet, simple people of this town, who felicitated me for my work in TV in 2008. Mr. Rajendra Thakur a prominent social social activist of the town organises a function every year in memory of Late MadhavRao Scindia ji and felicitates people from all walks of life for their contributions in their respective fields,” he says

Sehban Azim unplugged

Your last outing was Thapki, in which you entered as the third hero? What's your character like in Bepanaah? Is it a parallel lead? Take us through your character... 

> Kabir Katyal in Thapki Pyaar Ki was more about vengeance and eventually falling in love with strong, bold yet simple protagonist Thapki. Inspector Ajay Khurana in Udaan was about the righteous inspector who only aims to fight crime and serve justice and then again falling for Dabang Chakor. Yash in bepannaah is all about giving unconditional love and providing every possible needs to his family and keeping them happy even if he has to sacrifice his own peace and happiness. He is a struggling businessman who is hard working and a self-made man. Yes. It's a parallel lead along with Jennifer Winget Harshad Chopra, and Namita Dubey. 

When does the show go on air?

> The final dates to go on air are not confirmed as yet. 

You are working with your friend Jennifer Winget in the show. Are you paired opposite her? People assume that there is more than just friendship between the two of you? Would you like to clear the air once and for all?

> Yes. I'm working with Jennifer Winget and it's not the first time we are working together on a show, I have a lot of other friends in the show that includes Aniruddha Rajderkar, the creator and Director of this show. Harshad Chopra, who happens to be a friend since our time together in Humsafar. Ameeta Devadiga, who's been around since Dil Mil Gaye and Ek Hazaron Mein Meri Behna hai days. Amrita Chavan, another old friend who is behind the look and costume we all carry in this show. So in all for me, it's like a family working together in Cinevista where I started my television career as this is my fourth show with this production house.

We all are very good friends should be enough to clear the air I assume. 

What makes Jennifer so drool-worthy?

> Her hard work, good acting skills teamed up with her good looks is probably the reason behind her being drool worthy. 

Does it get difficult to work with her amid link-up rumours? Do you feel awkward?

> This rumours had done it rounds a number of times and I think we have cleared it enough already. No there's no awkwardness or difficulty working together. 

Harshad Chopda, Karan Wahi and much more happen to be your contemporaries. With some great shows to your credit and good looks, a pre-requisite for a hero, your popularity quotient didn't rise as quickly as it should have. What do you feel is the reason?

> To be honest whatever I have received from my previous shows is good enough to bring a smile on my face and I am content with it. I've always believed in doing my work in the slow and steady manner and I have no rush for immediate fame and popularity whereas Harshad and Karan are concerned they also have been doing their constant hard work since their first show "Left Right Left" and "Remix" and they were already top of the charts even before I started my career as an actor. 

You seem to have some romantic scenes too (going by the promos) with Jennifer. How comfortable were you performing those scenes? Are the scenes bold too?

> Just like all other shows I've done before this show also has romance in it, what would a love story be without any romance in it. To be honest It's going to be awkward and comfortable at the same time. Awkward because we are friends and comfortable because we are friends. Going by the promo if you consider it bold then it's going to be bold probably and if you consider it romantic then that's how it's gonna be. 

What about films while most of your peers are making inroads in Bollywood?

> It's all about acting for me whether it's a movie, television, web series or an advertisement. Give me good character a good story and I would love to act on it. When I started my career as a model I had no idea or a preconceived notion that I would be doing this within no time, but I'm here now and hopeful for the more good opportunity to come my way. 

Are you single? If yes why are you so single? What did you learn from so many years in the industry?

> Hahahahaha yes. I am absolutely happy and single. Probably that's because I'm learning to love myself wholehearted before I start to love someone else wholehearted if that makes sense, it does to me. Don't know what I've learned from the industry but yes over the years I've learned a lot from my life and experiences.

I am glad people have liked me as Alexander: Rohit Purohit

Actor Rohit Purohit has often spoken about how playing the role of Alexander in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Porus has been a roller coaster ride for them. The actor says that he is glad that people are liking him in the role of Alexander.
“Alexander was a great warrior and I was very nervous playing him in the show. He is one character, who we have read and studied about, and I wanted to make sure that I fit the image well. I am glad that people have liked me in this role,” he says.
The actor says that he had to prepare a lot for the character. “Playing Alexander is not easy. To start with, you need to have a good physique... and I make to work out every day so that I can look the part,” he says.
In fact, Rohit has got a lot of compliments for the role. “People have been raving about my entry and how it was one of the most powerful entries on the show. It feels so good to be appreciated for your efforts. The show's canvas is huge and lot of efforts are being put in by everyone. The time on the set just flies. I am breathing the character and have forgotten that I am Rohit. I urge my fans to continue to watch the show,” he says.