Actors and Environmentalists DiaMirza and Alec Baldwin host UN's Champions of the Earth Awards

~ PM Modi, Cochin Airport and Young Champion ArpitDhupar represent Indian fervour ~

At this year's United Nations’ annual flagship awards - Champions of the Earth 2018, Indians were seen as an integral part of the ecology conversation, moving a step closer to a more environment friendly living. Hosting these awards along with actor Alec Baldwin was UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and Indian actor DiaMirza, who is known to crusade for and lend her voice to ecological protection. The gala brought together a cross section of world leaders and influencers to celebrate momentum for change in defense of our one planet. Conferred with the UN's highest environmental honour, six of the world’s most outstanding environmental changemakers were recognised with the Champions of the Earth Award and seven trailblazers between the ages of 18 and 30 took home the coveted Young Champions of the Earth Prize, for their ambitious project ideas to restore and protect the environment.

This years’ laureates are recognized for a combination of bold, innovative, and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues of our times. Hoisting the Indian flag higher globally, young champion ArpitDhupar was recognized and Prime Minister NarendraModi and Cochin Airport won the award along with Joan Carling, French President Emmanuel Macron,  China’s Zhejiang’s Green Rural Revival Programme and Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Emmanuel Macron, President of France and NarendraModi, Prime Minister of India, are recognized in the Policy Leadership category for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental action, including Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and PM Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

“In a world of uncertainty, this is certain: We will not solve the extraordinary challenges our world faces today without extraordinary talent, new thinking and bold ideas,” said Head of UN Environment Erik Solheim. “The Champions of the Earth Award and Young Champions of the Earth Prize recognize those not afraid to chart unknown waters or be the voice of the voiceless. These people are changing our world today for a better tomorrow.”

“I have had the honour to host for the second year in a row Champions of the Earth Awards, a truly motivating and inspiring platform that brings together some of the finest human beings on the planet. People and organisations that truly care about progress and the planet. To be able to host this year’s awards with Alec Baldwin made the experience all the more special,” said DiaMirza, Actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.

The awards were presented during the Champions of the Earth Gala in New York City, on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly. This is the second consecutive year, since being appointed UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India, that Dia was seen hosting the awards.

YRF’s Hichki set to release in Hong Kong on November 8

Rani Mukerji’s much loved film Hichki will release in Hong Kong on November 8 ! 

The film has been titled 我的破嗝Miss (My Extraordinary Teacher) for its Hong Kong release.

Rani’s performance as Naina Mathur, a school teacher dealing with an involuntary nervous system disorder, Tourette Syndrome, has been widely lauded by audiences and critics alike across the world. Her brilliant performance has seen her sweep awards and accolades this year.

Hichki has also been receiving worldwide acclaim and honours. It received a standing ovation at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne(IFFM).

As Karan Oberoi gears up for Amazon Prime’s hit series ‘Inside Edge 2’ - The show gets nominated for Emmy Awards

Karan Oberoi will now be hitting the web screens with Amazon Prime’s top series, Inside Edge Season 2. In a recent Instagram post, Karan confirmed that he is flying to Georgia for the shoot of second season. The show has now gone international and is bankrolled by Excel Entertainment and Amazon Prime Video, making it an anticipatory hit.

“When you are a part of a new mainstream disruptive narrative, which gets international recognition, like the Emmy’s, you feel joyous exhilaration! Super duper happy I was a part of this and the next ! Onwards and upwards!” said Karan expressing his enthusiasm. .

Earlier an official announcement was made by Farhan Akhtar (Exec. Producer of the show) to make a new season but the confirmation on star cast was put on hold. The cast that included

Richa Chadha, Angad Bedi, Sanjay Suri, Vivek Oberoi, Tanuj Virwani And Siddhant Chaturvedi, did a splendid job but now changes (if any like Karan Oberoi) is what’s gonna make this show even more interesting.

The show has become a huge hit among audiences with its intense portrayal of the interconnected worlds of cricket and entertainment. And now that Karan Oberoi is a part of it, his fanbase totally looks forward to it.

Aditya Roy Kapur reads up on Indian history as part of his prep for Kalank

Aditya Roy Kapur who is currently shooting for Karan Johar’s Kalank , went all out to prepare for his role in the film and to get into the head space of his character.

The actor cut off from social interactions for a month and read a lot of books on Indian history including Jawaharlal Nehru’s The Discovery Of India.If that wasn’t all, Aditya also worked closely with the film’s writer-director to better understand India in the 40’s.

Reveals a source, “ After signing Kalank, Aditya who is a voracious reader , read a lot of books on Indian history. He also watched a lot of black and white films of that era to understand the popular sentiment of that time. Aditya also worked closely with the film’s designers on his look in the film”.

Adds the source, “Details of the film have been kept under wraps. Aditya is currently shooting a schedule with Alia Bhatt .Since crucial scenes are being filmed , the makers are shooting with only a few crew members who are bound by a confidentiality clause”.

Now Krishna, Sumedh was earlier called to play the villain

Creator, writer & producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary's magnum opus RadhaKrishn is slated to go on air next month! RadhaKrishn marks the first mythological love story on the epic saga to be depicted on television.

With a career spanning a decade & 24 successful shows to his credit, Siddharth has a reputation of bringing in fresh faces to his show & roped in a newbie Mallika Singh to essay the role of Radha but apparently Marathi actor who plays Sumedh was not his first choice to play Krishna.

3 movies & a couple of shows old, Sumedh was primarily known for playing negative roles & bagged a film in a lead role playing a psychopath & also won critical acclaim for the same. He was called in to play a dark role which ended by becoming life changing. Siddharth shared, 'Sumedh's casting has an interesting story behind it.  We had initially called him to audition for the negative lead as he's worked in the negative space earlier.  However, after seeing the audition I felt that there was something about his eyes.  They spoke!  And hence I asked my team to do a look test for Krishna's role and once I saw that, I knew we had our Krishna.'

Siddharth's shows has proven to be a launchpad for many television actors!