Sonu Sood arranges for a cricket pitch

Always the fronting humanitarian causes, Sonu Sood took the initiative to create a cricket pitch for kids in his vicinity. A cricket fanatic himself, the talented actor arranged for the pitch in a month’s span, which he will take to in his free time to play with the kids. Living in a city where huge playgrounds are hard to come by, kids find it disheartening to not have a place to play. To remedy this, Sonu decided to get started on making a cricket pitch in the backyard of his society complex. A source says, “Only recently Sonu gifted the kids in his society cricket gear and kit. After playing cricket with them, he realised that they didn’t have proper levelled grounds in the premises. He immediately planned to make a pitch. He encourages kids to play more outdoor games to keep themselves fit rather than playing video games indoors.”

Anupam Kher to star in NBC’s Bellevue

Riding high with the distinction of having earned his second nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, after the Oscar-winning, Silver Linings Playbook, Anupam Kher has been cast in NBC’s medical drama titled, Bellevue.  

Recognised as one of the most celebrated Indian actors in Hollywood, Kher has collaborated with some of the biggest names known worldwide for their acting prowess and is now all set to reunite with Freema Agyeman, after working with her in Netflix’s Sense8. Produced by Dr. Eric Manheimer, author of the memoir Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital which inspired NBC’s next, the character-driven medical drama is about a director at the Bellevue hospital, who shakes the status quo of the hospital with his approach. Kher, who has a repertoire of overseas films and series to his credit will be seen essaying the role of Dr. Anil Kapoor, one of the oldest doctors at the hospital in the upcoming series Anupam says, "I’m excited to be part of this project. Bellevue is anticipated as the next big thing in International Television. As an actor it helps me widen my horizons and also gives me a opportunity to be a part of world class talent. Looking forward to the shoot."

RAID's new love song of ‘Sanu Ek Pal' recreates Nusrat Fateh Ali khan's timeless Melody

This Valentine's fall in love again with the latest romantic number 'Sanu Ek Pal' from 'RAID’. Originally sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the song is recreated by composer Tanishk Bagchi, penned by Manoj Muntashir and sung by none other than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.Interestingly, the song was earlier selected for Tseries’ other home production, however, when Ajay Devgn heard the recreated song, he insisted that it should be a part of Raid. Bhushan Kumar, hence decided to include this timeless melody in 'Raid'.The song beautifully captures the emotions of Ajay Devgn and Ileana D'cruz's characters. Their chemistry is remarkable throughout the song. The song will be out today. The golden trio of Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Ajay Devgn and Ileana D'cruz which gave us the hit song 'Mere Rashke Qamar' last year is yet again here to make the audiences swoon over their music.

Gulshan Kumar & Tseries present, A Panorama Studios Production, Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, Raid is directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The film releases on 16th March 2018.

Indian TV thrives on love and romance: Meri Durga producer Ravindra Gautam

Producer Ravindra Gautam is not really a fan of Valentine’s Day, however, he understands the power the festival holds over his audience. The Meri Durga producer says that he will be using the festival to spike the viewers interest on his show. “I don't celebrate it personally but yes, I will surely celebrate it in 'Meri Durga'. I believe it's a marketing gimmick so will use to market my show,” he says. 

He adds that he has never really believed in celebrating Valentine’s Day. “I feel it's too hyped and overrated. As I said it a marketing gimmick by international business giants which the youth has fallen into, especially metro teens. Small town youth are still not that crazy about the festival. Back in 80's and 90's I never saw such hype in my hometown Lucknow. It was only when I came to Mumbai that I saw such extravagance on Valentine's Day. And over the years, it has increased leaps and bounds,” he says. 

The producer adds that the way love and romance are portrayed on screen needs to change. “Indian TV thrives on love and romance, but we need to explore more ways of portraying it, rather than the traditional romance of boy meets girl. Love and romance is a very vast arena to play in, with so many pockets and we need to explore that. We need to get into the more realistic images of romance, married romance, romance in old age, like that beautiful film The Notebook,” he says. 

However, Ravindra says that we must refrain from making the content very bold. “Sometimes we go a little bold and TRP's have always dipped whenever such scenes are depicted. TV in India is still watched by families, so they switch channels during such scenes. I think we should shy away from going bold, especially on GECs,” he says. 

Ask him which has been his best on-screen Jodi, and he says, “The best romantic jodis, I feel, was Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami in Madhubala and Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput in Pavitra Rishta. Somehow all these actors portrayed the characters so brilliantly and their chemistry sizzled on screen.”

Donal’s first ever dance performance

Love is in the air with Valentine’s day around the corner. Television audiences are on cloud nine after witnessing one of their favourite on-screen couples Namik Paul (Shiv) and Donal Bisht (Sharanya Bisht) rekindle their romance from their college memories. As per the earlier track, Sharanya has regained her memory and remembers the special moments she had spent with Shiv. While going through her old possessions, she stumbles upon a memento which takes her back to the glorious college days of fun and frolic with Shiv. 

With people all over celebrating the week of love along with their partners, Shiv and Sharanya will also be seen partying and grooving as they recreate the melodious romantic number ‘Uff Mere Dil Mein’ from the hit romantic action flick – ‘Bang Bang’. The team shot the sequence in a record time of 4 hours even though Donal has never performed a dance number before! 

When contacted Donal said, “It’s been a fantastic time on the sets when we shot the dance sequence. I have never danced for any  television show before! Our fans had been requesting a lot for the makers to include a romantic dance on the show and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, the creative team planned for it on an urgent basis. It was amazing to dance with Namik on one of my favorite songs. Initially I was apprehensive that I would take time to learn the dance moves, but surprisingly I danced to the rhythm in tandem along with others and we wrapped the shoot in a matter of hours! I can’t wait to dance again and I have a feeling that we shall shoot for another dance sequence soon. Let’s wait and watch!”