Aamir Khan is one of the most celebrated names in today’s world. The superstar has made his name across the globe owing to some marvelous performances and the films that have etched a special place in our hearts. While on his blockbuster cinematic journey spanning 36 years, Aamir Khan has treated the audiences with some beautiful stories as a producer, director, and actor too, which has kept the audiences hooked on it. Besides this, the journey of Aamir Khan’s entry into Indian cinema is also interesting and exciting.
In the recent episode of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, the superstar Aamir Khan was invited as a guest to be part of the show. This was the first time Aamir was seen visiting the show, and during the talk show, he credited ‘Maharashtra Bandh’ as the reason behind his entry into Indian cinema.
Elaborating this, Aamir Khan said, “Three days before my theater play,...
In the recent episode of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, the superstar Aamir Khan was invited as a guest to be part of the show. This was the first time Aamir was seen visiting the show, and during the talk show, he credited ‘Maharashtra Bandh’ as the reason behind his entry into Indian cinema.
Elaborating this, Aamir Khan said, “Three days before my theater play,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Desk Editorial
- GlamSham
Sara Ali Khan will be seen shortly in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video presentation, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, which is based on the life of the young Gandhian, Usha Mehta, and her Congress Radio, which became the voice of the 1942 Quit India Movement.
Mehta was an ordinary young woman with extraordinary resilience, but she may never have been known, had her voice not benefited from the amplification provided by equipment supplied by Nanik Motwane.
He was the Bombay industrialist who ensured, literally, that Mahatma Gandhi got heard by the masses by providing the Congress with mics for its sessions and rallies. In fact, Motwane’s Chicago Radio branding appears on mics in all pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders photographed during some of the iconic moments of the freedom struggle.
Motwane, who was moved by the sight of the Mahatma going from one group of people...
Mehta was an ordinary young woman with extraordinary resilience, but she may never have been known, had her voice not benefited from the amplification provided by equipment supplied by Nanik Motwane.
He was the Bombay industrialist who ensured, literally, that Mahatma Gandhi got heard by the masses by providing the Congress with mics for its sessions and rallies. In fact, Motwane’s Chicago Radio branding appears on mics in all pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders photographed during some of the iconic moments of the freedom struggle.
Motwane, who was moved by the sight of the Mahatma going from one group of people...
- 3/18/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Shah Rukh Khan Was Once Arrested For Abusing A Journalist (Picture Credit: IMDb)
Shah Rukh Khan might seem to be the most sensible man in Bollywood but there have been times when the actor has lost his calm and how! The same happened in the 90s when he was arrested after a journalist filed a complaint against Srk. But him being the Pathaan he is, he did not care still and threatened the journalist further in front of the policemen.
This story dates back to the time when Shah made a film called Maya Memsaab in 1992. He had shot some of the most explicit scenes of his career for the film. Some of the scenes were n*de as well. However, a magazine reported that the actor spent a night with actress Deepa Shahi to get comfortable before shooting for those scenes.
Maya Memsaab was directed by Ketan Mehta, and his wife,...
Shah Rukh Khan might seem to be the most sensible man in Bollywood but there have been times when the actor has lost his calm and how! The same happened in the 90s when he was arrested after a journalist filed a complaint against Srk. But him being the Pathaan he is, he did not care still and threatened the journalist further in front of the policemen.
This story dates back to the time when Shah made a film called Maya Memsaab in 1992. He had shot some of the most explicit scenes of his career for the film. Some of the scenes were n*de as well. However, a magazine reported that the actor spent a night with actress Deepa Shahi to get comfortable before shooting for those scenes.
Maya Memsaab was directed by Ketan Mehta, and his wife,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Trisha Gaur
- KoiMoi
Produced by Nfdc, “Mirch Masala” (meaning “Hot Spice”) is a 1987 Hindi film directed by Ketan Mehta. Set in rural pre-independence India, it’s loosely inspired by a four-page Chunilal Madia story, called “Abhu Makrani”, and other stories of rebellious women in colonial times that the director heard of on his travels in Gujarat.
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Set in the Rann of Kutch in the 1940s, where drought threatens a parched riverside village, Sonbai (Smita Patil), a strong-willed woman, works with other women in a factory that produces chili powder. Subedar (Naseeruddin Shah) is a new employee in the hamlet who occasionally engages in looting. One day, he makes an inappropriate sexual offer to Sonbai, to which she responds with a slap on his face.
Sonbai’s rejection wounds not only Subedar’s passion, but his sense of masculinity, and the only way...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
Set in the Rann of Kutch in the 1940s, where drought threatens a parched riverside village, Sonbai (Smita Patil), a strong-willed woman, works with other women in a factory that produces chili powder. Subedar (Naseeruddin Shah) is a new employee in the hamlet who occasionally engages in looting. One day, he makes an inappropriate sexual offer to Sonbai, to which she responds with a slap on his face.
Sonbai’s rejection wounds not only Subedar’s passion, but his sense of masculinity, and the only way...
- 9/27/2023
- by Federica Giampaolo
- AsianMoviePulse
NewsNavroze was an important contributor to the documentary field in India, and served as the cinematographer for many award-winning feature films, and documentaries.Navroze Contractor, a multi award winning cinematographer, photographer, superbike enthusiast, cricket player, coach and administrator, and writer, passed away in a road accident, on Sunday, June 18. He was 80-years-old. The accident took place near Hosur, when he was returning on his sports bike along with his friends. Another bike had hit Navroze’s bike, and he was rushed to the Denkanikottai Hospital in Tamil Nadu but did not survive. It had been his routine to go on bike trips every weekend. Navroze was an important contributor to the documentary field in India, and served as the cinematographer for many award-winning feature films, and documentaries. Some of the feature films he shot are Duvidha by Mani Kaul, Percy by Pervez Merwanji, Love in the Time of Malaria by Sanjiv Shah,...
- 6/19/2023
- by AzeefaF
- The News Minute
India’s official entry to the 2023 Oscars, Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show,” and Rima Das’ acclaimed 2017 festival favorite “Village Rockstars,” are amongst the films screening at the inaugural Nirvana – Festival de la Culture et du Cinema Indiens.
Taking place in Saint-Tropez May 26-28, the festival will also screen Shubhashish Bhutiani’s 2016 Venice winner “Hotel Salvation” and Rajat Kapoor’s “Rk/Rkay” (2022). On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the director’s cut of the international version of Ketan Mehta’s freedom fight themed “The Rising” (2005) will be screened.
Indian filmmakers Sundaram Tagore, Deepa Sahi, Surina Narula and Sanjay Bhutiani will speak at a roundtable on Indo-French cinema.
In addition, there will be a culinary exhibition of Indian cuisine, performances from Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan and Lou Rampèu de Sant-Troupès and an introduction to yoga by Praveen Bisht. Author Bhuvan Lall’s book “India on...
Taking place in Saint-Tropez May 26-28, the festival will also screen Shubhashish Bhutiani’s 2016 Venice winner “Hotel Salvation” and Rajat Kapoor’s “Rk/Rkay” (2022). On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the director’s cut of the international version of Ketan Mehta’s freedom fight themed “The Rising” (2005) will be screened.
Indian filmmakers Sundaram Tagore, Deepa Sahi, Surina Narula and Sanjay Bhutiani will speak at a roundtable on Indo-French cinema.
In addition, there will be a culinary exhibition of Indian cuisine, performances from Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan and Lou Rampèu de Sant-Troupès and an introduction to yoga by Praveen Bisht. Author Bhuvan Lall’s book “India on...
- 5/3/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
On World Theatre Day, it is worth celebrating the countless actors who honed their craft on stage before making their mark in the world of cinema. From the likes of Manoj Bajpayee, and Pankaj Tripathi to Sunny Hinduja. There are several exceptional actors who began their careers in theatre before transitioning to the big screen. These actors are a testament to the fact that theatre provides a solid foundation for any actor looking to develop their skills and build a successful career in the performing arts. Their performances continue to inspire audiences and serve as a reminder of the power and magic of live theatre.
Let’s take a look at a few actors who started their journey with theatre and continue to shine at the films
Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee is a critically acclaimed actor who started his career in theatre. During his time at the National School of Drama,...
Let’s take a look at a few actors who started their journey with theatre and continue to shine at the films
Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee is a critically acclaimed actor who started his career in theatre. During his time at the National School of Drama,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
After “Mulk” (2018), “Article 15” (2019), “Thappad” (2020) and “Anek” (2022), filmmaker Anubhav Sinha is back with “Bheed,” another hard-hitting film that shines a light on the fabric of Indian society.
The film is set during the 2020 Indian pandemic lockdown and tells the poignant story of migrant workers stranded without basic necessities while trying to go home to their villages. Shot in black and white, it is deliberately evocative of the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan when people were uprooted from their homes in the largest migration in history.
“When the pandemic hit, people were seeking help on Twitter. Everybody had different strengths so we were helping each other and, and I really got sucked into it. And that was the time when I felt that this film had to be made, this period of time has to be recorded, and I didn’t want it to be just a Coronavirus film,...
The film is set during the 2020 Indian pandemic lockdown and tells the poignant story of migrant workers stranded without basic necessities while trying to go home to their villages. Shot in black and white, it is deliberately evocative of the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan when people were uprooted from their homes in the largest migration in history.
“When the pandemic hit, people were seeking help on Twitter. Everybody had different strengths so we were helping each other and, and I really got sucked into it. And that was the time when I felt that this film had to be made, this period of time has to be recorded, and I didn’t want it to be just a Coronavirus film,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, who is known for films such as ‘Mulk’, ‘Article 15’ and ‘Thappad’, recently met fellow filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra, Hansal Mehta, Subhash Kapoor and Ketan Mehta over lunch and a few drinks.
The director took to his Instagram to share a picture from their meetup. He wrote in the caption: “Today, we met at lunch, had a few chilled beers, ate some food and spoke about films. We will meet again soon. If not for these people, I wouldn’t have been able to reflect on my films.”
Anubhav, whose storytelling trajectory changed with the 2018 film ‘Mulk’, is known to be good friends with the aforementioned names.
Starting his journey in films as director on several hit music videos of the 1990s, Anubhav made his directorial debut with the 2001 film ‘Tum Bin’, which was a runaway success. He went on to direct films such as ‘Dus’ the critical and commercial disaster ‘Ra.
The director took to his Instagram to share a picture from their meetup. He wrote in the caption: “Today, we met at lunch, had a few chilled beers, ate some food and spoke about films. We will meet again soon. If not for these people, I wouldn’t have been able to reflect on my films.”
Anubhav, whose storytelling trajectory changed with the 2018 film ‘Mulk’, is known to be good friends with the aforementioned names.
Starting his journey in films as director on several hit music videos of the 1990s, Anubhav made his directorial debut with the 2001 film ‘Tum Bin’, which was a runaway success. He went on to direct films such as ‘Dus’ the critical and commercial disaster ‘Ra.
- 1/14/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Dozens of EVs burst into flames, even in showrooms, in the first half of 2022, resulting in some casualties which triggered several probes from the government and related ministries.
In October, the government released new norms for Ev makers that include additional safety requirements related to battery cells, battery management system (Bms), on-board charger, design of battery pack, and thermal propagation due to internal cell short circuit leading to fire, among others.
According to Gunjan Malhotra, Director, Komaki Electric Division, due to the growing need to reduce reliance on imported oil and the quickly diminishing fossil resources, the adoption of EVs is expanding and they are prepared to provide a secure and safe experience for riders.
"Komaki envisions safe and reliable EVs on Indian roads by offering ultra-modern EVs equipped with heat-resistant Lithium Ion Phosphate (LiPO4) batteries. Even in the worst-case scenarios, LiFePO4 batteries are safer and more secure against fire.
In October, the government released new norms for Ev makers that include additional safety requirements related to battery cells, battery management system (Bms), on-board charger, design of battery pack, and thermal propagation due to internal cell short circuit leading to fire, among others.
According to Gunjan Malhotra, Director, Komaki Electric Division, due to the growing need to reduce reliance on imported oil and the quickly diminishing fossil resources, the adoption of EVs is expanding and they are prepared to provide a secure and safe experience for riders.
"Komaki envisions safe and reliable EVs on Indian roads by offering ultra-modern EVs equipped with heat-resistant Lithium Ion Phosphate (LiPO4) batteries. Even in the worst-case scenarios, LiFePO4 batteries are safer and more secure against fire.
- 12/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Zahan Kapoor debuts as the lead in “Faraaz,” which has its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival’s Thrill strand.
The film is based on based on an incident in July 2016, where armed gunmen held up customers at the Holey Artisan Bakery, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for 12 hours, before killing 20 of them and two of the bakery staff. Two police officers and five of the gunmen died in a shootout.
“Faraaz” is directed by Hansal Mehta (“Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story”) and produced by T-Series, part of its 100-film slate, Anubhav Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks (“Article 15”) and Mahana Films.
“It means the world to me to have the backing of stalwart filmmakers for my very first film – it has been nothing short of a privilege working alongside them and the rest of the crew. I think everyone really believed in Hansal Mehta’s vision and gave it their...
The film is based on based on an incident in July 2016, where armed gunmen held up customers at the Holey Artisan Bakery, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for 12 hours, before killing 20 of them and two of the bakery staff. Two police officers and five of the gunmen died in a shootout.
“Faraaz” is directed by Hansal Mehta (“Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story”) and produced by T-Series, part of its 100-film slate, Anubhav Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks (“Article 15”) and Mahana Films.
“It means the world to me to have the backing of stalwart filmmakers for my very first film – it has been nothing short of a privilege working alongside them and the rest of the crew. I think everyone really believed in Hansal Mehta’s vision and gave it their...
- 10/12/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
I’ve never seen a film to be that red. No, not even Zhang Yimou’s work. Ketan Mehta’s “Mirch Masala” (1986) unfolds patiently, albeit with a gradual spiciness of both visual and dramatic layers. At first, we get to see Sonbai by the river, doing her daily errands. She’s approached by a tyrannical subedar, who’s stroked by her beauty. The desire reaches its climax and the man advances. There won’t be a love story out of this, as Sonbai is married; she refuses the dalliance, blatantly rejecting his offer to sleep with him. A slap on the man’s cheek. Next thing the woman is on the run, fleeing into the spice factory where other women grind the chilies into a refined powder. The rejected ego hurts the most, thus the man threatens to destroy the whole village.
And...
And...
- 9/19/2022
- by Lukasz Mankowski
- AsianMoviePulse
Paying tribute to 75 glorious years of Independence, Zindagi is all set to celebrate love and freedom as it takes its audience on an emotional journey with the Indian TV premiere of ‘Toba Tek Singh’. Toba Tek Singh is a window into the post partition world and how the division of borders changed lives of people with a blink of an eye.
Inspired by the poignant story written by Saadat Hasan Manto, the film captures the pain and loss brought by partition on people irrespective of who they were, where they were from or what mental state of mind they were in. The film is set to premiere on Zindagi’s Dth platforms Tata Play, Dish TV and D2H on 14th August at 8 pm awakening the deepest emotions of the viewers.
Set against the background of India-Pakistan partition, the movie revolves around the life of Bishan Singh’s journey from...
Inspired by the poignant story written by Saadat Hasan Manto, the film captures the pain and loss brought by partition on people irrespective of who they were, where they were from or what mental state of mind they were in. The film is set to premiere on Zindagi’s Dth platforms Tata Play, Dish TV and D2H on 14th August at 8 pm awakening the deepest emotions of the viewers.
Set against the background of India-Pakistan partition, the movie revolves around the life of Bishan Singh’s journey from...
- 8/13/2022
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Rudyard Kipling’s “Kim” is set to get an animated feature adaptation by Indian filmmaker Ketan Mehta.
Mehta’s animation studio, Cosmos-Maya, will co-develop the film alongside Irish animation studio Piranha Bar. Mehta will direct.
“Kim” is a story by Kipling (pictured above) about Kimball O’Hara, Aka Kim, a savvy street kid turned child spy in colonial-era India who becomes an apprentice to a Shaolin monk. Kim is co-opted as a spy for the British Empire before embarking on an adventure of friendship, treachery and self-discovery.
Mehta, a recipient of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling,” said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. “Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor. With our co-production partner Piranha Bar,...
Mehta’s animation studio, Cosmos-Maya, will co-develop the film alongside Irish animation studio Piranha Bar. Mehta will direct.
“Kim” is a story by Kipling (pictured above) about Kimball O’Hara, Aka Kim, a savvy street kid turned child spy in colonial-era India who becomes an apprentice to a Shaolin monk. Kim is co-opted as a spy for the British Empire before embarking on an adventure of friendship, treachery and self-discovery.
Mehta, a recipient of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to announce our animated feature film version of the legendary text from none other than Rudyard Kipling,” said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. “Adapting this timeless tale, much beloved around the globe, is a true honor. With our co-production partner Piranha Bar,...
- 5/20/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
They are co-developing the film with Irish animation studio Piranha Bar.
Singapore and Indian-based animation company Cosmos-Maya will adapt Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim into a feature-length animated film.
They are co-developing the film with Irish animation studio Piranha Bar.
Set in 1890’s India, Kim is a Kung Fu odyssey about the eponymous original child spy and his exploits.
Ketan Mehta will direct and has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart and Jake Hart, whose previous credits include Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Contact.
Comsos-Maya was founded by Mehta and Deepa Sahi in 1995. The company primarily focuses on...
Singapore and Indian-based animation company Cosmos-Maya will adapt Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim into a feature-length animated film.
They are co-developing the film with Irish animation studio Piranha Bar.
Set in 1890’s India, Kim is a Kung Fu odyssey about the eponymous original child spy and his exploits.
Ketan Mehta will direct and has co-written the screenplay with James V. Hart and Jake Hart, whose previous credits include Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Contact.
Comsos-Maya was founded by Mehta and Deepa Sahi in 1995. The company primarily focuses on...
- 5/19/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Parallel cinema cuts loose from the musicality of Bollywood and the common perception of Indian cinema at large. Coming out of West Bengal in the 1950s, parallel cinema appeared as an alternative to the glamour and dance; socially conscious and experimental in style and mood, it maps the origins of art cinema in India, and for the first time, the rest of the world was looking at India as an innovator of film language (Satyajit Ray’s 1955 train sequence Pather Panchali is one of the most celebrated in film history). In this movement, which followed in the wake of Italian neorealism, life's diegetics became the soundtrack, real life movement over set up musical numbers. This mix traces some choice moments in Parallel Cinema’s sound. Many songs and soundtracks from this period have a lofi quality to them—due in part to the quality of audio recording equipment throughout the years of the movement,...
- 10/29/2021
- MUBI
200 Halla Ho (Zee5)
Directed by Sarthak Dasgputa/Alok Batra
Just the fact that we get to see the ever-dependable Amol Palekar back doing what he knows best after so long, is reason enough to watch this real-life gruesome melodrama about a mass rapist brought to task by a horde of angry women. Angry Dalit women. The difference is vital and it changes the narrative in life as it does in art.
200 Halla Ho is too rough at the edges to be considered art. When we see shouting hooting wailing women swoop down on the culprit armed with knives and red chillies, we are forced to recall Ketan Mehta’s neo-classic Mirch Masala. The women here are not half as beautiful as the ones in Mirch Masala….yeah yeah, I can see those scary women throwing the Dalit card at me.
“Jaati ki kyon na yaad dulaaon jab humein har...
Directed by Sarthak Dasgputa/Alok Batra
Just the fact that we get to see the ever-dependable Amol Palekar back doing what he knows best after so long, is reason enough to watch this real-life gruesome melodrama about a mass rapist brought to task by a horde of angry women. Angry Dalit women. The difference is vital and it changes the narrative in life as it does in art.
200 Halla Ho is too rough at the edges to be considered art. When we see shouting hooting wailing women swoop down on the culprit armed with knives and red chillies, we are forced to recall Ketan Mehta’s neo-classic Mirch Masala. The women here are not half as beautiful as the ones in Mirch Masala….yeah yeah, I can see those scary women throwing the Dalit card at me.
“Jaati ki kyon na yaad dulaaon jab humein har...
- 8/20/2021
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Over the past decade the internet has evolved into the premier distribution center for cinema, not just in volume but also in diversity. The process was quick and overwhelming, with the invention of Netflix rendering major video retail chains obsolete and putting most niche video stores in danger. More recently, streaming services on the internet have evolved in quick time to distribute and even produce their own cinema. For Indian cinema in particular, the online sphere has been a huge benefit for independent filmmakers and regional filmmakers* who saw very little to no opportunities for wide audience viewership due to single-screen and multiplex theaters in the country being almost exclusively devoted to the overwhelming scope of the Bollywood industry. Many movies, like Manjeet Singh’s Mumbai Cha Raja or Priyadarshan’s Sila Samayangalil, which failed to gain any theatrical distribution in India have been picked up by Netflix and other retailers.
- 8/16/2021
- MUBI
Mumbai, Oct 26 (Ians) Veteran actor Rajesh Tailang has been around for over two decades. The veteran actor says it was not him that chose the films he has worked in, but the filmmakers who chose him.
"I have not chosen cinema, filmmakers have chosen me. People who liked my work I worked with," the actor told Ians.
"The people who you meet or the kind of people who you approach give you work. I do feel that I have also worked in the commercial space. ‘Haseena', ‘Commando 3' or ‘Aiyaary' were commercial films," he added.
Tailang is known for his work in films such as "Siddharth", Omerta", "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", "Aiyaari" and "Mukkabaaz". He has also lately been busy in the digital space with web series such as "Mirzapur", "Delhi Crime", "Crackdown" and the Ott film "Comedy Couple".
The actor says he wants "to...
"I have not chosen cinema, filmmakers have chosen me. People who liked my work I worked with," the actor told Ians.
"The people who you meet or the kind of people who you approach give you work. I do feel that I have also worked in the commercial space. ‘Haseena', ‘Commando 3' or ‘Aiyaary' were commercial films," he added.
Tailang is known for his work in films such as "Siddharth", Omerta", "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", "Aiyaari" and "Mukkabaaz". He has also lately been busy in the digital space with web series such as "Mirzapur", "Delhi Crime", "Crackdown" and the Ott film "Comedy Couple".
The actor says he wants "to...
- 10/26/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Five of India’s leading filmmakers are joining hands for an as-yet untitled anthology film about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The project will be produced by filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s Benares Mediaworks. Other filmmakers contributing to the anthology include Ketan Mehta, Sudhir Mishra, Hansal Mehta and Subhash Kapoor.
“The past few months during the lockdown we have been speaking more regularly than ever before,” Sinha told Variety“. “Obviously a lot of those conversations have been about this pandemic that ground the whole world to a halt. We could see a lot change or unravel. I thought this must be recorded for posterity. We had to cherrypick the stories we would like to tell. It is a fascinating bunch we have put together.”
The filmmakers are all well-known chroniclers of the Indian condition. Sinha had a fruitful Bollywood innings, including big-budget sci-fi “Ra.One” starring Shah Rukh Khan, and then changed direction with religious intolerance drama “Mulk,...
The project will be produced by filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s Benares Mediaworks. Other filmmakers contributing to the anthology include Ketan Mehta, Sudhir Mishra, Hansal Mehta and Subhash Kapoor.
“The past few months during the lockdown we have been speaking more regularly than ever before,” Sinha told Variety“. “Obviously a lot of those conversations have been about this pandemic that ground the whole world to a halt. We could see a lot change or unravel. I thought this must be recorded for posterity. We had to cherrypick the stories we would like to tell. It is a fascinating bunch we have put together.”
The filmmakers are all well-known chroniclers of the Indian condition. Sinha had a fruitful Bollywood innings, including big-budget sci-fi “Ra.One” starring Shah Rukh Khan, and then changed direction with religious intolerance drama “Mulk,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly known as Mahatma Gandhi, breathed his last on January 30, 1948, but he has been brought alive on the big screen several times.
As India is all set to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we take a look at actors who essayed the role of Gandhi with elan.
Also Read:?Bollywood films that showcased different aspects of Gandhiji
Ben Kingsley in "Gandhi" (1982)
British actor Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's 1982 Oscar-winning film "Gandhi" is one that is etched on everyone's minds.
Naseeruddin Shah in "Hey Ram" (2000)
The Kamal Haasan-starrer film revolved around India's Partition and the assassination of Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. Interestingly, Naseeruddin had auditioned for the role of Gandhi in Attenborough's film. The role eventually went to Kingsley. Naseeruddin's Gandhi in "Hey Ram" didn't received the acclaim that Kingsley's effort did, but he was praised for nailing the act...
As India is all set to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we take a look at actors who essayed the role of Gandhi with elan.
Also Read:?Bollywood films that showcased different aspects of Gandhiji
Ben Kingsley in "Gandhi" (1982)
British actor Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's 1982 Oscar-winning film "Gandhi" is one that is etched on everyone's minds.
Naseeruddin Shah in "Hey Ram" (2000)
The Kamal Haasan-starrer film revolved around India's Partition and the assassination of Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. Interestingly, Naseeruddin had auditioned for the role of Gandhi in Attenborough's film. The role eventually went to Kingsley. Naseeruddin's Gandhi in "Hey Ram" didn't received the acclaim that Kingsley's effort did, but he was praised for nailing the act...
- 9/28/2019
- GlamSham
Cosmos-Maya, the leading animation studio synonymous with highly popular kids' content, today announced the future plans of their most successful IP, Motu Patlu. The announcement comes on the back of the iconic characters' recent inclusion at the prestigious Madame Tussauds wax museum. After creating a splash at Madame Tussauds in Delhi, the lovable icons will head to Madame Tussauds London and many other destinations in Europe as the series takes a leap with the theme, 'The Adventures of Motu Patlu in Europe'. Cosmos-Maya also put out the first glimpses of the European destinations that Motu and Patlu would visit during this trip.
"As IP creators and brand custodians of Motu Patlu's highly popular and iconic audio-visual content, it is our endeavour to take the brand to the next level and push the boundaries of animation quality as we take the brand further", said Ketan Mehta - Founder of Cosmos-Maya. Cosmos-Maya...
"As IP creators and brand custodians of Motu Patlu's highly popular and iconic audio-visual content, it is our endeavour to take the brand to the next level and push the boundaries of animation quality as we take the brand further", said Ketan Mehta - Founder of Cosmos-Maya. Cosmos-Maya...
- 6/7/2019
- GlamSham
Padmaavat
Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
For my money there is no contemporary filmmaker with the vision and velocity of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The man makes every frame in his cinema seem like a wondrous timeless work of art.
As in all his films there are visuals in Padmaavat that will be remembered for all times to come. And this is as opportune a time as any to salute Bhansali’s cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee who is a magician, a visionary par excellence who can put on screen images that poets and painters put into their creations when at the acme of inspiration.
Almost every moment in the story that Bhansali tells of the royal Queen Padmavati and the Islamic invader who lusts after her, is pure magic. The mesmerizing mise en scene hooks you from the...
Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
For my money there is no contemporary filmmaker with the vision and velocity of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The man makes every frame in his cinema seem like a wondrous timeless work of art.
As in all his films there are visuals in Padmaavat that will be remembered for all times to come. And this is as opportune a time as any to salute Bhansali’s cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee who is a magician, a visionary par excellence who can put on screen images that poets and painters put into their creations when at the acme of inspiration.
Almost every moment in the story that Bhansali tells of the royal Queen Padmavati and the Islamic invader who lusts after her, is pure magic. The mesmerizing mise en scene hooks you from the...
- 1/24/2018
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Read how Kangana Ranaut hurt Ketan Mehta's ego by refusing his film earlier...
- 8/9/2017
- GlamSham
Will Kangna Ranaut’s dream of playing the Rani of Jhansi ever materialize? While Telugu cinema’s ace- director Krish says the film goes on the floors in July, sources in the know say the leading lady Kangna’s ongoing moral and legal skirmish with filmmaker Ketan Mehta over the creative rights on the material may cost theRead More
The post Is Kangna Ranaut’s pet project cursed? appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Is Kangna Ranaut’s pet project cursed? appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 6/16/2017
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
While over a year ago, Kangna Ranaut had announced her association with Ketan Mehta’s film on Rani Laxmibai, later yet another announcement by the actress took everyone by a surprise. Kangna had then stated that she had decided to go ahead with the film on the warrior queen but with a different director. This hadRead More
The post Shocking: Ketan Mehta approaches Mumbai police to take action against Kangna Ranaut appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Shocking: Ketan Mehta approaches Mumbai police to take action against Kangna Ranaut appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 6/10/2017
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Ketan Mehta, the creator of monumental epics on such creatures of history as Mangal Pandey, Sardar Patel and Dashrath Manjhi, was all set to start his career’s most ambitious bio-pic. No one had attempted a film on the Rani Laxmibai aka Jhansi Ki Rani, the warrior queen, who battled for her selfhood and country with a baby tied to her back. Ketan was up for the challenge. He had pencilled in Kangna Ranaut for theRead More
The post “I can’t allow Kangna Ranaut to take away 10 years of my life”- Ketan Mehta on Rani of Jhansi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post “I can’t allow Kangna Ranaut to take away 10 years of my life”- Ketan Mehta on Rani of Jhansi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 5/20/2017
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
Once again, Kangana Ranaut has been faced by another legal notice, this time for Simran! Ever since the teaser for Kangana's newest film Simran landed on the internet, the fans have been loving it, and even went on to lengths to call the film the new 'Queen'. Amidst all of this, one man who wasn't happy At All was Apurva Asrani! When the teaser credits were rolling out, many were intrigued to see Kangana credited as a writer for the script. While Kangana herself said that she helped turn the film's plot from a thriller to a comedy. Apparently, Apurva wasn't happy with this development and even called out Director Hansal Mehta for 'allowing' Kangana to do this. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Apurva wrote: And now, Ketan Mehta is the latest to join the brigade against Kangana, adding that she stole Rani LaxmiBai script from him!
- 5/19/2017
- FilmiPop
Kangna Ranaut will be playing the character of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi in Manikarnika – the Queen of Jhansi. The first poster launch event was a grand one. But, even before the film has gone floors, Kangna Ranaut has landed in another controversy. On Thursday, May 18, acclaimed filmmaker Ketan Mehta informed that he hasRead More
The post Shocking: Filmmaker Ketan Mehta slaps legal notice on Kangna Ranaut for hijacking Rani of Jhansi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Shocking: Filmmaker Ketan Mehta slaps legal notice on Kangna Ranaut for hijacking Rani of Jhansi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 5/19/2017
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
While there have been reports about Kangna Ranaut playing the Queen of Jhansi for more than a year now, a recent change in the project fuelled up several speculations about the film. The film initially titled Rani Laxmibai was an ambitious project of Ketan Mehta as he was planning to revive the same for years.Read More
The post Here’s how Krish came on board for Kangna Ranaut’s Manikarnika appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Here’s how Krish came on board for Kangna Ranaut’s Manikarnika appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 5/11/2017
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
From Ketan Mehta’s magnum opus to Kangna Ranaut’s ambitious project, the subject of Jhansi Ki Rani may have changed hands but the grand epic drama is all set to go on floor. While we had earlier reported that the actress has kick started the initial preps for the film during her birthday, now, she isRead More
The post Revealed: Kangna Ranaut to unveil the poster of Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi in Varanasi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Revealed: Kangna Ranaut to unveil the poster of Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi in Varanasi appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 5/1/2017
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
In a sudden move of sorts, Ketan Mehta’s dream to make Rani Laxmibai may have been destroyed. While the filmmaker continued to talk about how ambitious he has been about the film, now Kangna Ranaut has decided to take forward the film without the director. It is a known fact that even amidst her otherRead More
The post Shocking: Kangna Ranaut replaces director Ketan Mehta from Rani Laxmibai biopic appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Shocking: Kangna Ranaut replaces director Ketan Mehta from Rani Laxmibai biopic appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 3/21/2017
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
While her current focus is completely on Hansal Mehta’s Simran, her next venture Rani Laxmibai has been an ambitious venture for Ketan Mehta for years. The period drama has been subjected to many speculations of late due to its extreme budget but that hasn’t deterred our actress’ spirit to continue with the prep for theRead More
The post Kangna Ranaut to fly to Germany for Rani Laxmibai appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Kangna Ranaut to fly to Germany for Rani Laxmibai appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 11/3/2016
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Ever since Ketan Mehta decided to revamp his ambitious big budget film Rani Laxmibai with Kangna Ranaut as the protagonist, the film has been subjected to several speculations. Now it seems that it has been put on hold. Readers may be aware that Kangna Ranaut is currently busy shooting for Hansal Mehta’s Simran in theRead More
The post Kangna Ranaut starrer Rani Laxmibai put on hold appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post Kangna Ranaut starrer Rani Laxmibai put on hold appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 10/27/2016
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Ketan Mehta’s Holi is considered as Aamir Khan’s first foray as an actor while Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is endorsed as his debut as a commercial hero. At the launch of Akshay Manwani’s book ‘Music, Masti, Modernity-The cinema of Nasir Husain’, Aamir Khan disclosed that his first film was actually a short film of 40Read More
The post When Aamir Khan lied to his mom and worked in his first film (No its not Holi or Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak) appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
The post When Aamir Khan lied to his mom and worked in his first film (No its not Holi or Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak) appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
- 10/24/2016
- by Faridoon Shahryar
- BollywoodHungama
From creating fictional stories to keep audiences enthralled, scriptwriters and filmmakers are increasingly turning to real life heroes and pathbreakers to make movies upon. 2016 sees a plethora of movies that are based on real world people who have shaken the world with their remarkable achievements from humble beginnings. And why not, the world is filled with inspirational stories of actual incredible human beings who have done the unthinkable!
1. Mira Nair’s Queen of Katwe
Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of Kampala, Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess by soccer coach and former missionary Robert Katende, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an International chess champion.
1. Mira Nair’s Queen of Katwe
Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the streets of Kampala, Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess by soccer coach and former missionary Robert Katende, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an International chess champion.
- 10/5/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
by Jonathan Howell
The 14th of July could well go down in history, not only as the opening night of the 2016 London Indian Film Festival (Liff), but also as the day that a film festival began to change the world. It may sound like a bold claim but it’s backed up by the festival’s diverse and pioneering programme which brought a wide variety of brand new features, documentaries, and short films which challenge the firmly held stereotypes of India and South Asia.
The festival kicked off with the powerful and deeply moving Parched, directed by Leena Yadav who is another of the steadily expanding group of famous female Indian directors who are gaining recognition on the world stage.
Before the movie, the director, producer Ajay Devgn, and the stars of the film Tannishtha Chatterjee, Chandan Anand, and Lehar Khan had the full red-carpet experience. This gave the assembled...
The 14th of July could well go down in history, not only as the opening night of the 2016 London Indian Film Festival (Liff), but also as the day that a film festival began to change the world. It may sound like a bold claim but it’s backed up by the festival’s diverse and pioneering programme which brought a wide variety of brand new features, documentaries, and short films which challenge the firmly held stereotypes of India and South Asia.
The festival kicked off with the powerful and deeply moving Parched, directed by Leena Yadav who is another of the steadily expanding group of famous female Indian directors who are gaining recognition on the world stage.
Before the movie, the director, producer Ajay Devgn, and the stars of the film Tannishtha Chatterjee, Chandan Anand, and Lehar Khan had the full red-carpet experience. This gave the assembled...
- 7/28/2016
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
While everyone got talking about Simran after Kangna Ranaut wrapped up Rangoon, yet another woman oriented film that the actress is a part of, is the historical drama Rani Laxmibai. This Rani of Jhansi is known for her courage and is considered as one of the most inspiring queens of that era. Now we hear that the film will get an international twist.
Revealing details of the same was filmmaker Ketan Mehta, who mentioned that the film will have an international cast and crew. The film will be shot in varied locations like Jhansi, Varanasi and Gwalior among others. Kangna Ranaut, on the other hand will undergo workshops for several things like hand to hand combats, how to ride in a sari with a baby tied to her back, fighting with two swords etc. The actress is also looking forward to build an emotional bond with the horse which will...
Revealing details of the same was filmmaker Ketan Mehta, who mentioned that the film will have an international cast and crew. The film will be shot in varied locations like Jhansi, Varanasi and Gwalior among others. Kangna Ranaut, on the other hand will undergo workshops for several things like hand to hand combats, how to ride in a sari with a baby tied to her back, fighting with two swords etc. The actress is also looking forward to build an emotional bond with the horse which will...
- 7/25/2016
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Saadat Hassan (Vinay Pathak, whose character’s name serves as a nod to the author who wrote the story the film is based on) arrives at the Lahore Mental Hospital in 1947, just prior to Partition and the subsequent independence of India and Pakistan. He serves both as a narrator of events outside the hospital, and a witness to events inside it.
Ketan Mehta (perhaps best known for Mirch Masala and Bhavni Bhavai)’s film is an adaptation of Saadat Hassan Manto’s short story, “Toba Tek Singh”, which deals with the exchange of the patients of a mental institution several years after Partition. The Lahore Mental Hospital’s most curious inmate is Bishan Singh (Pankaj Kapur), a man who never sits, never lies down, and who, it is said, has not slept for ten years. Bishan Singh, generally quiet, does, nevertheless, have a bit of nonsense that he babbles every so often,...
Ketan Mehta (perhaps best known for Mirch Masala and Bhavni Bhavai)’s film is an adaptation of Saadat Hassan Manto’s short story, “Toba Tek Singh”, which deals with the exchange of the patients of a mental institution several years after Partition. The Lahore Mental Hospital’s most curious inmate is Bishan Singh (Pankaj Kapur), a man who never sits, never lies down, and who, it is said, has not slept for ten years. Bishan Singh, generally quiet, does, nevertheless, have a bit of nonsense that he babbles every so often,...
- 7/24/2016
- by Katherine Matthews
- Bollyspice
As this year’s London Indian Film Festival came to an end last Thursday with the world premiere of Toba Tek Singh, the audience had the opportunity to interact with director Ketan Mehta about the making of the film and Zee’s Zeal for Unity initiative, along with producer Shaili Kejriwal.
“I have been admirer of Manto’s work and specially Toba Tek Singh. It’s such an incredible story, and ever since I read it many many years ago that I’ve been wanting to make a film.”
The director knew that Toba Tek Singh was the right story for the Zeal for Unity initiative. “The idea was fascinating, and when they asked me what I would like to do, the first story that came to mind was Toba Tek Singh, which was I think one of the greatest Urdu short stories of the time as far as the Partition is concerned,...
“I have been admirer of Manto’s work and specially Toba Tek Singh. It’s such an incredible story, and ever since I read it many many years ago that I’ve been wanting to make a film.”
The director knew that Toba Tek Singh was the right story for the Zeal for Unity initiative. “The idea was fascinating, and when they asked me what I would like to do, the first story that came to mind was Toba Tek Singh, which was I think one of the greatest Urdu short stories of the time as far as the Partition is concerned,...
- 7/23/2016
- by Núria Bonals Hidalgo
- Bollyspice
One more year after five amazing editions the 6th London Indian Film Festival closed its doors on Thurday with the world premiere of Toba Tek Singh, based on the story written by Saadat Hasan Manto.
Toba Tek Singh follows the story on Bishan Singh (Pankaj Kapoor), a Sikh inmate of a mental institution, who hasn’t slept for 15 years and always asks the same question “Where is Toba Tek Singh?”, the name of his home village. The new warden (Vinay Pathak) takes delight on Bishan and the other patients’ eccentricities. However, with the Partition of India and Pakistan it seems that the world outside is more insane then the people inside, and the institution must give up all its Hindu and Sikh inmates. Singh is marched to the new border, but in which country is his beloved home?
The film, directed by Ketan Mehta, is part of Zeal For Unity,...
Toba Tek Singh follows the story on Bishan Singh (Pankaj Kapoor), a Sikh inmate of a mental institution, who hasn’t slept for 15 years and always asks the same question “Where is Toba Tek Singh?”, the name of his home village. The new warden (Vinay Pathak) takes delight on Bishan and the other patients’ eccentricities. However, with the Partition of India and Pakistan it seems that the world outside is more insane then the people inside, and the institution must give up all its Hindu and Sikh inmates. Singh is marched to the new border, but in which country is his beloved home?
The film, directed by Ketan Mehta, is part of Zeal For Unity,...
- 7/22/2016
- by Núria Bonals Hidalgo
- Bollyspice
The 7th annual London Indian Film Festival (Liff) kicks off this week spreading ten days of excellent films over two cities in Europe's largest festival dedicated to the films of South Asia. I am fortunate to have seen several of the features on the schedule this year, and can say with confidence that you are in for a treat! Liff opens in London this Thursday, 14th July, with a screening of Leena Yadav's amazing tale of rural women taking control over their lives, Parched. Ten days later the festival wraps up with the world premiere of Ketan Mehta's adaptation of Manto's moving Partition-era story, Tobah Tek Singh starring Pankaj Kapur. In between will be a ton of great features well worth checking out. Below you can...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 7/11/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Tigmanshu Dhulia’s next Raag Desh had its official launch and set visit on 3rd July 2016. The film is based on Indian National Army trials. The film is produced by Gurdeep Singh Sapal, who is also the CEO of Rajsabha TV.
Three major characters of the film are played by Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh and Mohit Marwah. Renowned directors like Raj Kumar Santoshi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ketan Mehta, Shaad Ali, Sudhir Mishra and Subhash Kapoor were also present at the event. The event was hosted by the lyricist Manoj Muntashir.
When asked, Gurdeep Singh Sapal he said, “Rajya Sabha TV only works with National Award winning directors and the repertoire of his work and the way he has treated Paan Singh Tomar especially which was set in a period of contemporary India but not current India was one of the criteria why we chose him and also his treatment about the subjects.
Three major characters of the film are played by Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh and Mohit Marwah. Renowned directors like Raj Kumar Santoshi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ketan Mehta, Shaad Ali, Sudhir Mishra and Subhash Kapoor were also present at the event. The event was hosted by the lyricist Manoj Muntashir.
When asked, Gurdeep Singh Sapal he said, “Rajya Sabha TV only works with National Award winning directors and the repertoire of his work and the way he has treated Paan Singh Tomar especially which was set in a period of contemporary India but not current India was one of the criteria why we chose him and also his treatment about the subjects.
- 7/7/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Challenging stereotypes of India and South Asia, and wrestling with some very hard issues the 7th Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival returns this Summer.
The Director of the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, Cary Rajinder Sawhney states,”We aim to showcase films that entertain but challenge and make one think about the many social issues happening in India today, and that includes many positive changes including the fact that so many emerging Indian women filmmakers who are producing world-class films that are giving their male counterparts a serious run for their money.”
The diverse programme of brand new features, documentaries and shorts includes seven films directed by power-packed women filmmakers that give the Bechdel Test a run for its money, including the Thelma and Louise-esque opening night buddy movie, Parched, set in the desert villages of India’s Gujarat (female director Leena Yadav and Producer and Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, is expected). Double Oscar® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, introduces her punch in the guts, documentary, A Girl In The River – The Price of Forgiveness.
With a strong Lgbtq+ following, the festival proudly hosts its first Transgender movie based on an empowering true story – I am Not He…She, at BFI Southbank, supported by Mac Cosmetics and Sun Mark Ltd, amongst others. Bangalore Director Bs Lingadevaru, is expected.
Reflecting the linguistic diversity of UK’s South Asian communities, the carefully curated programme will include 15 major languages, including films from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. All films are English subtitled.
This celebration of Indian regional diversity includes a very rare on-stage Q&A at BFI Southbank with one of South India’s greatest ever superstars – Kamal Haasan, who moved from child actor to Tamil cinema star, to produce, write and direct some of India’s most acclaimed features, including many Bollywood hits. He is adored by millions of fans, worldwide.
The closing night gala, is the world premiere of the incredibly moving and intense Toba Tek Singh, which focuses on patients locked in a Punjabi mental health hospital during the Partition (legendary director Ketan Mehta, is expected).
Sri Lankan breakout filmmakers Kalpana & Vindana Ariyawansa explore the taboo subject of obsessive compulsive disorder (Ocd) in a very personal family drama Dirty, Yellow, Darkness, while at the Ica, Director Jayaraj from Kerala, presents the Berlinale Crystal-Bear winner, Ottaal (The Trap), a heart-wrenching drama, based on the roots of child slave labour.
On a lighter note the festival also celebrates two icons of cinema with on-stage interviews with Satyajit Ray’s favourite actress Sharmila Tagore from Kolkata and the only Indian filmmaker to truly cross from Bollywood to Hollywood – Shekhar Kapur, who will discuss his plans for Elizabeth 3. Let’s hope that Cate Blanchett continues her reign in this expected sequel.
Also in the line-up is a special screening of the risque film Brahman Naman, directed by India’s leading indie director Q, the hilarious coming-of-age comedy is exclusive to Netflix. The Mumbai music industry focused Jugni, shows that love and a damn-good Punjabi song, can conquer even the toughest hearts (female director, Shefali Bhushan, is expected).
As well as synchronous screenings in London and Birmingham from 14-24 July, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival goes live on digital, with the festival showing a selection of films on BFI Player into the Autumn.
Festival Patron Tony Matharu, who is also our founding sponsor, from Grange Hotels, continues to support with full fervour, and the festival welcomes back supporters including title sponsor, the Bagri Foundation, who share our passion for South Asian arts and culture. The British Film Institute and Cineworld Cinemas have supported Liff since year one. The festival enjoys on-going essential support from major sponsor, Sun Mark Ltd.
Title Sponsor Alka Bagri of the Bagri Foundation says, “We are delighted to support such an incredible festival which reveals the richness of South Asian culture and offers a wonderful platform for emerging talent. This year’s programme epitomises the diversity and dynamism of South Asian cinema, and through films, debates and panel discussions, we will explore topical issues such as gender, identity, mental health and equality. We look forward to being joined by two acclaimed figures of Indian cinema: Kamal Haasan and Shekhar Kapur who will take us on their cinematic journey”.
Liff presents the prestigious annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, in association with the Bagri Foundation, with a prize of £1,000 to the winning film. The short film programme screens at the Ica on Wednesday 20th July and the winning short will be announced at the closing night gala, on 21st July, at BFI Southbank. The festival continues in Birmingham, until 24th July.
Participating cinemas’ in London are: Cineworld (Haymarket, O2, Wandsworth, Wembley), BFI Southbank, Ica, Picture House Central, Crouch End Picturehouse, East London’s rustic Boleyn Cinema, with Cineworld Broad Street and Midland Arts Centre (Mac), in Birmingham.
Opening Night | Dual English Premiere: Parched
– Hindi with English subtitles | 117 min | India 2015 | Dir: Leena Yadav | with: Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Surveen Chawla, Lehar Khan.
Director Leena Yadav tells a wonderfully joyous and inspiring tale of female comradery.
– Q&A with Director Leena Yadav and other special guests.
14 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Haymarket, London
15 July | 19:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
16 July | 17.30 | Cineworld Wembley, London
20 July | 20.40 | BFI Southbank, London
Closing Night | World Premiere: Toba Tek Singh
– Hindi / Punjabi with English subtitles | 75 min | India 2016 | Dir: Ketan Mehta | with: Pankaj Kapur, Vinay Pathak.
Acclaimed director Ketan Mehta delivers this unforgettably moving and at times joyous version of Manto’s legendary story, produced by the Zeal for Unity project.
– Q&A with Director Ketan Mehta and other special guests.
21 July | 18:00 | BFI Southbank, London
24 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
– Icons from India, polymath Kamal Haasan (whose films have the highest number of Academy Award submissions from India), and director of the exquisite BAFTA & Oscar® winning Elizabeth & The Golden Age films, Shekhar Kapur, will give masterclasses at BFI Southbank, with the famous female scion of the Tagore family, who married into Indian royalty, Sharmila Tagore, speaking at the historic art deco cinema, Cineworld Haymarket.
– A 2016 highlight, is a rare opportunity to hear female filmmakers like Pakistan’s double Oscar®-winning Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Mumbai’s multi-award winning Leena Yadav, documentary filmmaker Rinku Kalsy and other special guests, talking about their unique careers and exploring commonalities of experience, with women filmmakers around the world.
– The UK premiere of the restored verison of the 1948 film Kalpana (Imagination), by the legandary dancer, Padma Vibhushan Uday Shankar (brother of the late Sitar stalwart Ravi Shankar), starring the legendary dancer and actress Padmini (Mera Naam Joker/Thillana Mohanambal), in her cinematic debut, gets a one off special screening in Birmingham.
– Winner of the best directing debut at the Venice Film Festival, the Hindi language film directed by Ruchika Oberoi, Island City, tells three stories, of a drone employee at a soulless corporation wins an office competition entitling him to a whole day of fun at the mall; a domineering head of a family who suffers a stroke and is on life support, and a woman who is leading a mechanical existence blossoms, when she gets a series of anonymous love letters.
– Actor, Leader, Hero, God. For his fans, the superstar Rajinikanth is all of these. Men from various generations alter their lives, sell their belongings, and place fandom above their families in devotion to the iconic actor, a man who has inspired a fanatic cult following across the world ranging from India to Japan. This is explored in the riveting documentary, For The Love Of A Man.
– Made under the Zeal for Unity India-Pakistan filmmaking initiative, Khaema mein matt jhankain (Don’t Peek Into The Tent) and Jeewan Hathi (Elephant In The Room) explore different facets of life in Pakistan. Tamil Naidu’s hottest young filmmaker M Manikandan returns to the festival, after last year’s hit Kaaka Muttai (Crow’s Egg), with the stylish, twisted plot thriller, with Kutrame Thandanai.
– The new tale by Kaushik Ganguly, one of West Bengal’s most accomplished directors, depicts a love-torn nostalgia for the passing age of film called Cinemawala, while Liff’s first Nepali screening is directed by new hot-property director Min Bahadur Bham, who has been delighting audiences around Europe with his film Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen).
– For more information on the festival please visit:
http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk
– The full festival programme for London and Birmingham:
http://londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/programme.htm
The post The London Indian Film Festival brings cinematic diversity to London and Birmingham: 14-24 July appeared first on BollySpice.com.
The Director of the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, Cary Rajinder Sawhney states,”We aim to showcase films that entertain but challenge and make one think about the many social issues happening in India today, and that includes many positive changes including the fact that so many emerging Indian women filmmakers who are producing world-class films that are giving their male counterparts a serious run for their money.”
The diverse programme of brand new features, documentaries and shorts includes seven films directed by power-packed women filmmakers that give the Bechdel Test a run for its money, including the Thelma and Louise-esque opening night buddy movie, Parched, set in the desert villages of India’s Gujarat (female director Leena Yadav and Producer and Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, is expected). Double Oscar® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, introduces her punch in the guts, documentary, A Girl In The River – The Price of Forgiveness.
With a strong Lgbtq+ following, the festival proudly hosts its first Transgender movie based on an empowering true story – I am Not He…She, at BFI Southbank, supported by Mac Cosmetics and Sun Mark Ltd, amongst others. Bangalore Director Bs Lingadevaru, is expected.
Reflecting the linguistic diversity of UK’s South Asian communities, the carefully curated programme will include 15 major languages, including films from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. All films are English subtitled.
This celebration of Indian regional diversity includes a very rare on-stage Q&A at BFI Southbank with one of South India’s greatest ever superstars – Kamal Haasan, who moved from child actor to Tamil cinema star, to produce, write and direct some of India’s most acclaimed features, including many Bollywood hits. He is adored by millions of fans, worldwide.
The closing night gala, is the world premiere of the incredibly moving and intense Toba Tek Singh, which focuses on patients locked in a Punjabi mental health hospital during the Partition (legendary director Ketan Mehta, is expected).
Sri Lankan breakout filmmakers Kalpana & Vindana Ariyawansa explore the taboo subject of obsessive compulsive disorder (Ocd) in a very personal family drama Dirty, Yellow, Darkness, while at the Ica, Director Jayaraj from Kerala, presents the Berlinale Crystal-Bear winner, Ottaal (The Trap), a heart-wrenching drama, based on the roots of child slave labour.
On a lighter note the festival also celebrates two icons of cinema with on-stage interviews with Satyajit Ray’s favourite actress Sharmila Tagore from Kolkata and the only Indian filmmaker to truly cross from Bollywood to Hollywood – Shekhar Kapur, who will discuss his plans for Elizabeth 3. Let’s hope that Cate Blanchett continues her reign in this expected sequel.
Also in the line-up is a special screening of the risque film Brahman Naman, directed by India’s leading indie director Q, the hilarious coming-of-age comedy is exclusive to Netflix. The Mumbai music industry focused Jugni, shows that love and a damn-good Punjabi song, can conquer even the toughest hearts (female director, Shefali Bhushan, is expected).
As well as synchronous screenings in London and Birmingham from 14-24 July, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival goes live on digital, with the festival showing a selection of films on BFI Player into the Autumn.
Festival Patron Tony Matharu, who is also our founding sponsor, from Grange Hotels, continues to support with full fervour, and the festival welcomes back supporters including title sponsor, the Bagri Foundation, who share our passion for South Asian arts and culture. The British Film Institute and Cineworld Cinemas have supported Liff since year one. The festival enjoys on-going essential support from major sponsor, Sun Mark Ltd.
Title Sponsor Alka Bagri of the Bagri Foundation says, “We are delighted to support such an incredible festival which reveals the richness of South Asian culture and offers a wonderful platform for emerging talent. This year’s programme epitomises the diversity and dynamism of South Asian cinema, and through films, debates and panel discussions, we will explore topical issues such as gender, identity, mental health and equality. We look forward to being joined by two acclaimed figures of Indian cinema: Kamal Haasan and Shekhar Kapur who will take us on their cinematic journey”.
Liff presents the prestigious annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, in association with the Bagri Foundation, with a prize of £1,000 to the winning film. The short film programme screens at the Ica on Wednesday 20th July and the winning short will be announced at the closing night gala, on 21st July, at BFI Southbank. The festival continues in Birmingham, until 24th July.
Participating cinemas’ in London are: Cineworld (Haymarket, O2, Wandsworth, Wembley), BFI Southbank, Ica, Picture House Central, Crouch End Picturehouse, East London’s rustic Boleyn Cinema, with Cineworld Broad Street and Midland Arts Centre (Mac), in Birmingham.
Opening Night | Dual English Premiere: Parched
– Hindi with English subtitles | 117 min | India 2015 | Dir: Leena Yadav | with: Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Surveen Chawla, Lehar Khan.
Director Leena Yadav tells a wonderfully joyous and inspiring tale of female comradery.
– Q&A with Director Leena Yadav and other special guests.
14 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Haymarket, London
15 July | 19:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
16 July | 17.30 | Cineworld Wembley, London
20 July | 20.40 | BFI Southbank, London
Closing Night | World Premiere: Toba Tek Singh
– Hindi / Punjabi with English subtitles | 75 min | India 2016 | Dir: Ketan Mehta | with: Pankaj Kapur, Vinay Pathak.
Acclaimed director Ketan Mehta delivers this unforgettably moving and at times joyous version of Manto’s legendary story, produced by the Zeal for Unity project.
– Q&A with Director Ketan Mehta and other special guests.
21 July | 18:00 | BFI Southbank, London
24 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
– Icons from India, polymath Kamal Haasan (whose films have the highest number of Academy Award submissions from India), and director of the exquisite BAFTA & Oscar® winning Elizabeth & The Golden Age films, Shekhar Kapur, will give masterclasses at BFI Southbank, with the famous female scion of the Tagore family, who married into Indian royalty, Sharmila Tagore, speaking at the historic art deco cinema, Cineworld Haymarket.
– A 2016 highlight, is a rare opportunity to hear female filmmakers like Pakistan’s double Oscar®-winning Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Mumbai’s multi-award winning Leena Yadav, documentary filmmaker Rinku Kalsy and other special guests, talking about their unique careers and exploring commonalities of experience, with women filmmakers around the world.
– The UK premiere of the restored verison of the 1948 film Kalpana (Imagination), by the legandary dancer, Padma Vibhushan Uday Shankar (brother of the late Sitar stalwart Ravi Shankar), starring the legendary dancer and actress Padmini (Mera Naam Joker/Thillana Mohanambal), in her cinematic debut, gets a one off special screening in Birmingham.
– Winner of the best directing debut at the Venice Film Festival, the Hindi language film directed by Ruchika Oberoi, Island City, tells three stories, of a drone employee at a soulless corporation wins an office competition entitling him to a whole day of fun at the mall; a domineering head of a family who suffers a stroke and is on life support, and a woman who is leading a mechanical existence blossoms, when she gets a series of anonymous love letters.
– Actor, Leader, Hero, God. For his fans, the superstar Rajinikanth is all of these. Men from various generations alter their lives, sell their belongings, and place fandom above their families in devotion to the iconic actor, a man who has inspired a fanatic cult following across the world ranging from India to Japan. This is explored in the riveting documentary, For The Love Of A Man.
– Made under the Zeal for Unity India-Pakistan filmmaking initiative, Khaema mein matt jhankain (Don’t Peek Into The Tent) and Jeewan Hathi (Elephant In The Room) explore different facets of life in Pakistan. Tamil Naidu’s hottest young filmmaker M Manikandan returns to the festival, after last year’s hit Kaaka Muttai (Crow’s Egg), with the stylish, twisted plot thriller, with Kutrame Thandanai.
– The new tale by Kaushik Ganguly, one of West Bengal’s most accomplished directors, depicts a love-torn nostalgia for the passing age of film called Cinemawala, while Liff’s first Nepali screening is directed by new hot-property director Min Bahadur Bham, who has been delighting audiences around Europe with his film Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen).
– For more information on the festival please visit:
http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk
– The full festival programme for London and Birmingham:
http://londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/programme.htm
The post The London Indian Film Festival brings cinematic diversity to London and Birmingham: 14-24 July appeared first on BollySpice.com.
- 6/14/2016
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Earlier we had reported that the Hansal Mehta directorial titled Simran will star Kangna Ranaut. Further, readers may also be aware of the fact, that the film will be inspired by a series of real life incidents including the life of Sandeep Kaur, a nurse who turned into a bank robber.
Kangna Ranaut recently revealed that she is indeed playing the role of a bank robber but however also further added that her character Simran is a Gujarati girl who wishes to fulfil her mother's dream but ends up losing everything in the process. On the other hand, revealing details about the shoot schedule of the film, filmmaker Hansal Mehta stated that it will be 70 day start to finish schedule and will be shot extensively in U.S. While a few portions may be shot in India, the rest of them will be shot in different cities like Atlanta, San Francisco,...
Kangna Ranaut recently revealed that she is indeed playing the role of a bank robber but however also further added that her character Simran is a Gujarati girl who wishes to fulfil her mother's dream but ends up losing everything in the process. On the other hand, revealing details about the shoot schedule of the film, filmmaker Hansal Mehta stated that it will be 70 day start to finish schedule and will be shot extensively in U.S. While a few portions may be shot in India, the rest of them will be shot in different cities like Atlanta, San Francisco,...
- 5/17/2016
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
The Indian company will show the titles, totalling 49, as part of an Nfdc film festival.
India’s National Film Development Corp (Nfdc) has licensed 49 of its library titles to Zee Classic, owned by leading Indian broadcaster Zee Entertainment.
The deal includes classics such as Gandhi [pictured], starring Ben Kingsley, Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay and Ketan Mehta’s Mirch Masala, along with more recent titles such as Anup Singh’s Qissa, which premiered at Toronto in 2013, and Gyan Correa’s The Good Road, India’s official submission to the 2014 Oscars.
Zee Classic is planning to broadcast the titles in an ‘Nfdc film festival’ running for couple of months from July. Nfdc has also licensed a package of titles to India’s Epic channel and is closing deals with Ott platforms.
“Over the past ten years, the Nfdc has introduced 18 first time feature filmmakers in 13 regional languages,” said Nfdc finance director Nazhat J. Shaikh. “We’re...
India’s National Film Development Corp (Nfdc) has licensed 49 of its library titles to Zee Classic, owned by leading Indian broadcaster Zee Entertainment.
The deal includes classics such as Gandhi [pictured], starring Ben Kingsley, Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay and Ketan Mehta’s Mirch Masala, along with more recent titles such as Anup Singh’s Qissa, which premiered at Toronto in 2013, and Gyan Correa’s The Good Road, India’s official submission to the 2014 Oscars.
Zee Classic is planning to broadcast the titles in an ‘Nfdc film festival’ running for couple of months from July. Nfdc has also licensed a package of titles to India’s Epic channel and is closing deals with Ott platforms.
“Over the past ten years, the Nfdc has introduced 18 first time feature filmmakers in 13 regional languages,” said Nfdc finance director Nazhat J. Shaikh. “We’re...
- 5/14/2016
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Noted Bollywood personality, Nikkhil Advani is currently shooting for his upcoming film Guddu Engiineer in the beautiful locales of Varanasi at the Ganga River. Presented by Emmay Entertainment, Guddu Engiineer is a short film marking Nikkhil Advani’s 6th movie as a producer. The director revealed, “The film is part of a project in which five directors from India and Pakistan are making short films. Among the Indian directors, there’s Tigmanshu Dhulia, Aparna Sen, Ketan Mehta and Bejoy Nambiar apart from me.”
Guddu Engiineer will connect with the masses unlike what directors have been doing today. He said, “We think that our world begins and ends in Mumbai. The western influence on Hindi film industry has led to a wide gap between the filmmakers and masses. We are not able to give them films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’. Today films for the masses are being made out of laziness.
Guddu Engiineer will connect with the masses unlike what directors have been doing today. He said, “We think that our world begins and ends in Mumbai. The western influence on Hindi film industry has led to a wide gap between the filmmakers and masses. We are not able to give them films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’. Today films for the masses are being made out of laziness.
- 12/24/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
How much Bollywood actresses get paid has remained a mystery ever since Kangana Ranaut came out strongly against the disparity in the paychecks compared to their male counterparts in the industry. While the debate did push their salaries up by some crores, the difference still remains quite apparent. Kangana recently became the highest paid actress in Bollywood when she signed a movie for Rs 11 crores. Her revised remuneration was well justified in her post Queen phase. She won a National Award for the same. But have you thought about the figure Salman Khan, the highest paid actor in Bollywood, commands? It’s more than five times – Rs 60 crores!
According to Ians, superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar were a part of Forbes first global list of actors. The trio ranked among the world’s top ten highest-paid actors, which included Hollywood to Hong Kong and Bollywood. While the...
According to Ians, superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar were a part of Forbes first global list of actors. The trio ranked among the world’s top ten highest-paid actors, which included Hollywood to Hong Kong and Bollywood. While the...
- 11/24/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Kangana Ranaut is in no mood to let rumour mongering have it’s way. Currently in London to speak at the prestigious Women in the World summit, after having attended a few shows at Paris Fashion Week, Kangana and her team were shocked at hearing the baseless rumours of the Ketan Mehta-directed biopic, Rani Laxmibai, being shelved.
Setting the record straight, Kangana says, “We are in Paris on our way to London when we got the news and we immediately called Ketan Sir as we got worried about the project. This is a magnum opus and it needs at least one year of pre-production which has started in full swing. We all have invested way too much in the film. Naturally, we panicked but in the past, too, we have been a victim of such fabricated stories which were spread to harm our projects.”
Kangana is currently on a...
Setting the record straight, Kangana says, “We are in Paris on our way to London when we got the news and we immediately called Ketan Sir as we got worried about the project. This is a magnum opus and it needs at least one year of pre-production which has started in full swing. We all have invested way too much in the film. Naturally, we panicked but in the past, too, we have been a victim of such fabricated stories which were spread to harm our projects.”
Kangana is currently on a...
- 10/9/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
After many speculations about Ketan Mehta's upcoming historical drama Rani Laxmi Bai being shelved, Kangna Ranaut finally decided to break the silence about the status of the film.
Kangna is currently in London attending the prestigious Women in the World summit. Recently, she also attended the Paris Fashion Week wherein her team was shocked to hear the baseless rumours revolving around Rani Laxmi Bai. Setting the record straight, Kangna Ranaut said, "We were in Paris on our way to London when we got the news and we immediately called Ketan Sir as we got worried about the project. This is a magnum opus and it needs at least one year of pre-production which has started in full swing. We all have invested way too much in the film. Naturally, we panicked but in the past, too, we have been a victim of such fabricated stories which were spread to harm our projects.
Kangna is currently in London attending the prestigious Women in the World summit. Recently, she also attended the Paris Fashion Week wherein her team was shocked to hear the baseless rumours revolving around Rani Laxmi Bai. Setting the record straight, Kangna Ranaut said, "We were in Paris on our way to London when we got the news and we immediately called Ketan Sir as we got worried about the project. This is a magnum opus and it needs at least one year of pre-production which has started in full swing. We all have invested way too much in the film. Naturally, we panicked but in the past, too, we have been a victim of such fabricated stories which were spread to harm our projects.
- 10/8/2015
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
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