Sonu Sood champions the cause of Drug Free Punjab

Besides being a talented actor, Sonu Sood is well known for his philanthropic work and his association with several charitable causes over the years.

Not many know that the large-hearted actor has been tirelessly working for the serious cause of drug abuse since more than a year now in his hometown, Punjab. In fact, Sonu recently met Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and appreciated the state government efforts towards eradicating drugs from the state.

A source informs, "Sonu has been effortlessly working for the anti-drug campaign in Punjab with the help of several top government officials and cops. During his free time, the actor visits Punjab to assist the people working on the campaign thereby helping them to create awareness around the drug abuse. Sonu will be personally meeting drug addicts and make them realise the hazardous effects of drug consumption and advocate them to maintain a disciplined and a healthy lifestyle."

Richa's look for Inside Edge 2 inspired by Jessica Alba?

Jessica Alba 

Richa Chadha is riding high with multiple projects in hand currently. She has been busy shooting for Inside Edge season 2 and a biopic on south adult star Shakeela Khan. She is been shuttling between both the shoot locations to project her part. Inside Edge 2 is being shot in Mumbai whereas Shakeela Khan shoot is going on in full swing in a remote village near Karnataka. Both her projects required Richa to don very different looks. The makers of the show Inside Edge 2 have given her a very edgy look to play the role of Zarina Malik, who owns a T20 cricket team.

In season, 2 Richa takes the centre stage making her character bolder and more powerful than the previous season. Her look in the show is a femme fatale this time which has glimpses and has taken inspiration from Hollywood actress Jessica Alba's character Max Guevera from the popular TV show Dark Angel. The show was hit in the west back then and Jessica's uber cool look was the talk of the town. Following the suite, the makers of the Inside Edge zeroed similar look for Richa that would match her character in the series.

Amazon Prime video original Inside Edge a video on demand series is based on popular 20-20 cricketing tournament that captures the underbelly of the game. It's been produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Media & Entertainment. The cast includes in season 2 is Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, Tanuj Virwani, Angad Bedi amongst others. The show is set to premiere on Amazon Prive Video platform in mid-2019.

Freida Pinto and Ali Fazal to spearhead a talk in Melbourne on Indian Actors making it big in Hollywood!

The two pioneering young names from India excelling in the west, Ali Fazal and Freida Pinto are now coming together! The duo who will soon fly to the land down under are the key guests at the upcoming Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2018. These two names who have in their own way been making a unique space for themselves in the west will be delivering a talk to Australian audiences about the topic of Indian actors making it big in Hollywood! This cross cultural topic will have them expressing their views and opinions on the challenges and the need to overcome the stereotypes associated with being a non American actor working in the West. Freida who’s flying in from Los Angeles, her current home will also be attending the Australian premiere of her film, Love Sonia and Ali has been elected as the Jury member for the Short Film Awards category at the festival.

Ali Fazal said, "It’s always interesting to talk to people of different countries and background. It gives you great perspective. This in fact is my first time to Australia and to get a chance to interact with film lovers and film students on a topic about crossing over is exciting and there’s so much to speak about. I remember during the promotions and post release of Victoria And Abdul, when I spoke to people such varied background, everyone had such interesting ideas of cinema and it’s role. So I’m looking forward to do this talk and discussion alongside someone talented like Freida."

The panel discussion will also have director Tabrez Noorani, who’s film Love Sonia is also the opening night film of the fest. It’s all set to take place at Deakin Edge in Melbourne on 11th August where audiences from across Australia comprising of students and general audience will be in attendance..

Manto to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival 2018

Saadat Hasan Manto (1912-1955) is considered one of the greatest writers born , with his literature being well ahead of its time.  Bringing alive the legacy of the man and his turbulent yet inspirational story on the silver screen is Nandita Das’s directorial venture, Manto. The film that was selected as India’s official entry at the Cannes Film Festival & a special presentation at the Sydney Film Festival, has now be selected for a screening at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival 2018 (TIFF).  The film festival is scheduled from September 6th to 16th this year.

Elated with the announcement, Ajit Andhare – COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures said, “Saadat Hasan Manto’s life and work on celluloid is a dream we have nurtured with Nandita for a while now. Manto’s journey as a film could not have started on a more positive note with the film’s selection at the prestigious film festivals at Cannes, Sydney and now Toronto,.”

Nandita Das shared, “I have been to TIFF as an actor many a time, right from my first film, Fire, in 1996. The last time I was there was for the world premiere of Firaaq in 2008. So, it has been 10 long years! I am so looking forward to being back, and that too with Manto. TIFF attracts a very engaged and enthusiastic audience - both international and the diaspora of the Subcontinent. Excited!"

Portraying the fearless writer Manto is the versatile Nawazuddin Siddiqui while Rasika Dugal plays his ever-supportive wife; Safia. The film also features an ensemble star cast of Rishi Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Ranvir Shorey, Paresh Rawal, Gurdas Mann, Divya Dutta and many more.

Manto marks a first of its kind collaboration of Viacom18 Motion Pictures one of India’s biggest movie stories, known for bringing ground breaking content to audiences in India and around the world, with the technology brand HP Inc. that has also come on board through its recently launched content arm - HP Studios. The film is produced by Filmstoc & co-produced by Shamas Nawab Siddiqui and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Magic If Films along with En Compagnie des Lamas, one of the leading independent producers in France.

With Dumdaar Salman Khan, it always feels like you are with family – Himesh Reshammiya

Que- How was your experience on the show with Salman khan?

Himesh- My experience was excellent. I am on the sets of Dus ka Dum for the second time. The first time when I came here, we had a lot of fun in that season too. Just being around Salman Khan who is so energetic and humorous at the same time is always entertaining. Guru also added to the amusement. With Dumdaar Salman, it always feels like you are with a family member.

Que- Did you notice any difference between the last season and this season? 

Himesh- I think this time the season is even more entertaining, because it has an emotional connect with the audience. In terms of the questions we see  are also very relatable. This is the reason when I was chatting and playing with Salman, it felt like I was talking to someone from the family. 

Que-How did you feel seeing Salman Khan back as a Dumdaar host? 

Himesh-I feel Salman Khan is not only a super star but the greatest human being. Because of the kind of charity he does, the kind of noble thoughts he has and the love and care he shows towards his close ones. I think that, this not only makes him a superstar in films, but a superstar in real life as well. He is a real hero. 

Que-Which Question did you find most amusing and what do you think about the janta’s anumaan? 

Himesh-I made a mistake while answering the last question by going along with the audience’s anumaan. I had almost decided to hit the bar of 90% to 100% and then I trusted the studio audience and locked a window of 60% to 70%. 

Que- What is that one question you would like to give out about yourself that will keep people guessing? 

Himesh-I want people to keep guessing if I am an intense human being or a jovial person. Because people have their own conclusions about me. It is fun when they keep trying to guess this.