Pankaj Tripathi extends his support to the government's Swachh Bharath Campaign

Masaan actor, Pankaj Tripathi has been roped in for a Swachh Bihar campaign of Belsand in the Gopalganj district of Bihar. The campaign has been initiated by District Magistrate of Belsand, Rahul Kumar, to curb open defecation in the district. Called the Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan, it’s an initiative with the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society, to raise awareness on the dangerous consequences of open defecation. 

The Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan’s mission is to make Bihar Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October 2019. The objective is to achieve ODF in all 534 blocks of Bihar and secure sanitation and health for all by improving the cleanliness index of rural areas with special focus on Behavioural Change Communications among the community members. Tripathi, a native of Belsand himself, visits his hometown ever 3-4 months and actively participates in such campaigns. Therefore, he has been brought on board to ensure the campaign gets enough recognition as his popularity amongst the community is immense. 

Pankaj, who has carved his niche in Bollywood and deemed a character actor with a methodical outlook to all his roles. When asking about the initiative he said, " I am honoured the District Magistrate chose me to be part of this initiative. I think as an actor it is very very important to have a social responsibility towards the people of your hometown and in general. Actors should put in a good effort at social building instead of body building. I hope with the initiative all houses in the village get toilets and open defecation is a thing of the past."

Shoojit Sircar states that Banita has done the most hard work in October

Banita Sandhu who is all set to make her Bollywood Debut with Shoojit Sircar's October, has charmed us all with her beautiful expressions in the Doublemint advertisment. Shoojit Sircar who directed the ad had identified Banita instantly as his Shiuli for October. 

Shoojit Sircar shares, "I wanted a girl who looked Shiuli, who looked a little South Indian and also whose eye would speak a lot." 

While we have heard a lot about Varun Dhawan's character in the film, there is little that has been spoken about Banita which has only made us more curious to watch her in the film. 

Just like Varun Dhawan, the actress will be seen playing a hotel management student with a very complex yet charismatic relationship with the actor. The actress with her performance, has already got people close to the film praising her hard work. 

Varun Dhawan shares, "Banita is a selfless actress and so giving in scenes. The type of work she has put in for her first film is unbelievable." 

Ronnie Lahiri, the producer of the film adds, "Its a very important role. For me it is one of the best debut that anyone has done." 

Shoojit Sircar further opines that, "The most hard work done by someone in the film is actually this girl Banita." 

With so much praises doing rounds for Banita, we are all looking forward to watch her in the film. 

Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, October stars Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. A Rising Sun Films Production, directed by Shoojit Sircar the film is set to release on 13th April 2018.

Varun Dhawan's bike trip

Shoojit Sircar is known for keeping his films authentic and real. Even with October, the director asked Varun Dhawan to keep his entire presence as natural as possible.  

The actor had spent time learning the tasks of a Hotel Management Student in a real hotel where he trained for washing, cleaning and cooking. 

The film has extensively been shot in Delhi and had the actor use a bike for transport in the film. He was required to ride a bike for 3 hours non stop on the Delhi Highway in the peak of winter. 

While the actor knows how to ride a bike, he was very nervous as he hasn’t ridden a bike on a highway let alone on the roads of Delhi. 

Shoojit Sircar briefed Varun Dhawan the requirements of the shot and the actor, setting aside all him qualms got on the bike and took off on the highway. 

Varun Dhawan shares, "I was first time riding a bike on the highway that too 4 at night. Shoojit dada wanted a long journey so I was riding for a good 3 hours in the winter with trucks around me. I was scared but didn’t want to disappoint him and also didn’t want a stunt man to ride it for me" 

Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, October stars Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. A Rising Sun Films Production, directed by Shoojit Sircar the film is set to release on 13th April 2018.

Official Character poster for Marvel Studios' Avengers:Infinity War

Esha Gupta champions the cause of education – adopts two villages in Uttar Pradesh!

Taking her passion for human welfare to the next level, Esha Gupta has now decided to adopt two villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijor district to promote education.

The talented actress has been consistently working towards upgrading the lives of the less privileged. After having announced the creation of an academy that will look into the requirement of Indian footballers struggling with monetary concerns, Gupta has now taken the onus of two villages in the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh.

Esha confirms, “There will be logistical issues, but I will personally look into it. Everyone has the right to education. There are many children in small towns who want to study and make a meaningful career, but don’t have the required amenities. If I can help them, I will feel privileged.”

The project, which marks Esha’s collaboration with Delhi- based NGO, will see her provide financial support to schools for the provision of basic amenities. Her team has helped her zero in on the villages that require her attention. 

Esha adds, “There are three schools across two villages that we are supporting. Either they are far away from the primary residential area, or simply lack basic facilities. In both cases, they needed to be upgraded.” 

If sources are to be believed, Esha will provide funds for the appointment of teachers in the villages. “The NGO will shortlist qualified teachers, who will be deputed to the locations. While Gupta will also enable the schools in purchasing projectors, the NGO will also raise money to build better toilets and open a local library where the children can study. The project will kick- off this month. Esha will travel to Bijnor soon to look into the nitty gritties,” a source informs.