Sudhir Mishra's DaasDev is an inverse take on the original Devdas

Director and writer Sudhir Mishra who has given Indian cinema some of the most incredible and memorable films is all set with his next directorial venture, DaasDev. Starring Richa Chadha as Paro, Aditi Rao Hydari as Chandni and Rahul Bhat as Dev, the film is a modern flip of the Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic novel ‘Devdas’ set in the modern time of hinterland India against the backdrop of politics. Sudhir Mishra has previously given us path-breaking films like Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Yeh Saali Zindagi, Khoya Khoya Chand and with someone of his repute helming this flipped tale of classic story will surely be something to look forward to. Set in a modern era, Daasdev is a new adaptation that brings some refreshing avatars and is a love saga but set amidst political upheaval background in Uttar Pradesh. DaasDev follows a path contrary to the plot of the classic novel and is a romantic thriller film that talks about addiction to power; addiction to love that is explored through these 3 main characters. DaasDev is a film about power as it gets into the way of love. Director Sudhir Mishra says, "I think it's my right to use any work, everything is my heritage, so I can play with it as long as I admit it. I admit that I took Devdas, I took the three characters Dev, Paro, and Chandramukhi. As I was working, Shakespeare intruded and I allowed him to, what could I do? Ultimately it became a film about power as it gets into the way of love. It became a reverse journey because if Devdas is a journey from a noble person to a 'Das', this is a journey from 'Das', a person who is a slave to his addictions and the dynastic ambitions of his family, to Dev." Presented by Storm pictures and produced by Saptarishi Cinevision production, is all set to release on 16th February 2018 in theatres worldwide.

Kartikey made Shani a household name, I am taking it new heights now: Rohit Khurana

Actor Rohit Khurana, who is part of Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Karamphaldata Shani, says that he is enjoying being part of the show. The actor, whose role was played by child actor Kartikey Malaviye prior to the time leap, admired the way the  latter essayed the role as well. “Working with him, has always been wonderful. He did a fabulous job by portraying younger Shani. I admire him more for making Shani successful and now I am putting my effort to make it a cult show. We both are giving our best to our role,” he says. Ask him if it was challenging to carry on the the portrayal of Shani, and he says, “I would say Kartikey did a fabulous job, I don't think it was a challenge. But yes, I had to do justice to the role. Kartikey put his sweat into making Shani a household name, now I am taking it to new heights.” The two share a great bond as well. “There is the huge age difference between Kartikey and me. We normally discuss and compliment each other about our role and how we are playing our part,” he says. The actor says that this has a lot to do with the team as well. “We never had any issues, our team is one big family and we stand by each other. The best part of working in a daily soap is the whole star cast works in a harmonious way and we support each other,” he says. In fact, his character has taught him a lot. “I learned to stay persistent and determined, that's what Shani also does in people lives as well. Shani inspires people to do karma and then depending on that, they reap the results,” he says. The show, too, means a lot to Rohit. “I have done various role - comic, serious, boy next door, negative and with Karamphaldata Shani, I have forayed into mythological character space. So it added a new feather to my cap and I am delighted that it came my way,” he says.

Ishita Ganguly enters Prithvi Vallabh

Ishita Ganguly cemented her position in the Hindi television industry with her successful portrayal of Kashibai in Peshwa Bajirao. And much to the delight of her fans, Ishita will be seen in the much anticipated Sony Entertainment Television show, Prithvi Vallabh. Ishita was the first choice for the role and has already signed the dotted lines to become a part of the Magnum Opus.

Ishita will be seen playing a significant role in the show. She has already started shooting for her part and has done a lot of research to do complete justice to her character. Since Ishita believes in authentic portrayal of all the characters she plays, the talented actor has also undergone a lot of training. Since it’s a historical show, she has put in a lot of effort  to perfect her diction. A lot of attention has also been paid to give her a certain look.

When contacted, Ishita confirms the news saying, “It’s a geat feeling to be associated with the Magnup Opus historical show Prithvi Vallabh. I am playing an important character in the show and will be living the era. I am sure people will not only love each and every character but will be engrossed with the concept of the show.”

More workout, me-time; Mahakaali cast welcomes 2018 with creative resolutions

The New Year beckons us and we are all set to welcome it with strong New Year resolutions. The cast of Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Mahakaali – Anth hi Aarambh hai share their plans as well as resolutions with us.

Pooja Sharma - I am lucky to get a 3-day break this New year. I am going to Delhi to spend New Year with my family. That is the best start to my year. My resolution in the New Year is to simply increase my joy in every moment of my life.

Hitanshu Jinsi – My New Year resolution is to be picky about stuff. There are a lot of options and sometimes you have to stand up and just say no. Also, I wish to take more time off, go see the world, travel and have some great experiences, so that I can be inspired to get back to work.  I would love to spend the first day of 2018, shooting on the sets. I am a workaholic. I just love my work. I want to start the year by hearing ‘roll action’.

Abhishek Awasthi - This year I’m going to be celebrating the New year with all my closest friends. It’s going to be a house party that will go on all night long. All my best friends will be celebrating together. This is the best way to celebrate as there’s no point going out and celebrating with so many restrictions and limits. And as a New Year resolution, I’m going to keep myself, fitter, as everyone knows wedding bells are going to ring for me very soon. I am very excited for that.  A new life, a new journey is going to start soon.

Vishal Nayak - I'm going to be celebrating this New Year by visiting a temple and gurdwara. And I hope to shoot on the 1st day of the New Year as it is auspicious. My New Year resolution is going to be focusing on my fitness and bagging interesting projects.

Jai Harsh Vardhan Dhull - My New Year plan is that I will be celebrating it with friends in Mumbai. My New Year resolution is that I will make myself a better person and will focus on the mistakes which I have made earlier, in terms of acting. An actor learns at every stage of life. And somewhere my time will be invested in me improving myself. I want to become a better person physically and mentally.

Arjun Singh - For me, New Year is all about new chances, same dreams but a fresh start. My New Year resolution is that this year I'll be stronger, braver, kinder and unstoppable. This year I'll be fierce. There is nothing special about my New Year plans. I have got leave from my shoot, my friends and I have planned a small Goa trip. After the trip, I am going to meet my maa in Haryana and will start this year with her blessings. I just want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year with these lines, in which I believe the most. They go like, "Be happy with what you have while working for what you want" It's time to chase our dreams with more enthusiasm.

Pratham Kunwar - I always like to celebrate New Year at home, hosting a house party, calling friends over and being with family. But this year for a change, I will be celebrating the New Year in Goa with my close friends. My New Year resolution is nothing in particular. But yes, I would like to be more regular at the gym and follow a proper healthy diet.

Sourabh Raaj Jain - We will be celebrating New Year at home with our new arrivals. My resolution is to be a kid again so that I enjoy with my babies as much as I can.

Falaq Naaz – My New Year celebration plan is nothing as such. As we all know everything is highly crowded on New Year's Eve. And as for my New Year resolutions, actually, I haven't thought about it yet. Maybe I will decide this on 31st night.

Nikita Sharma - I will be at an event in Nagpur. This time I am celebrating New Years in Nagpur but my family is in Mumbai. So on 1st Jan, I will be with my parents and sister. As for my New Year resolution, I will take my life as it comes. So there will be no resolution, but I am very excited about the new twist and turns in my life. I wish you all a very happy and happening New Year.

New Year musings

The New Year is round the corner and the cast of Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Karamphaldata Shani talk about their New Year plans, wishes and resolutions. Rohit Khurana - Since the past few months, I have been busy shooting. I will be celebrating this New Year with my family and near ones. I believe to keep a resolution, you don't have to wait for the new year. It can start any moment. However, my resolution is to start changing someone life by my deeds, acts and support. This can be either through self-support or an NGO or through a personal relationship. Because it is important to share and care for those who need it the most.

 Salil Ankola - I am in Kuala Lumpur with my wife and kids and we will be at the KLCC where the party starts at 7 pm and goes on until 3 am. My resolutions are to buy a penthouse until end of 2018.

 Kunal Bakshi - I don't go for many parties and all. On 31st Dec, the traffic situation goes for a toss. So instead of going somewhere out, we do a small house party sort of thing. This way you are not tired the next day that is 1st Jan. You can start your day early. I love working but I think we have an off on 1st, so here I am wishing everyone a Happy New Year with lots of love and best wishes. My resolution is that I want to become a better human being than what I am and start taking care of my health.

 Vijhay Badlaani - I celebrate New Year at home with my family and close ones. I don't like to party. My New Year resolution is to be more kind, hardworking, dedicated and thankful to God. I also want to achieve my goals with God’s blessings.