Category: Celebrity

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Bollywood Celebrity London News

India’s top women’s college LSR’s London based alumni in conversation with actor Taha Shah Badussha

Lady Shri Ram College, a premier women’s educational institution in India has alumni worldwide and the network has alumni groups dotted around the globe. London chapter of the alumni body called ELSA-UK is a vibrant group of about 300 alumni based in and around London. The network has done about fifty networking fireside chats in the last decade with movers and shakers from different fields to seek inspiration, facilitate networking at these thought leadership sessions and celebrate aspirations also achievements of the speakers invited who the group feels they can learn from. The alumni body overall has tens of thousands of members worldwide.

In July 2024 some of the ELSA-UK group members had the opportunity to hear an inspirational journey of breaking through barriers from Taha Shah Badussha who’s done this to forge a a game-changing acting trajectory for himself. This coffee chat style chat with Taha was absolutely incredible to say the least, to hear his tale of grit, determination, never give up spirit, discipline, hope, positivity, perseverance, his go-getter attitude left each and everyone moved and motivated! 

Taha Shah Badussha is a versatile talent in the Indian entertainment scene, renowned for his impactful performances on both big screens and digital platforms. He gained prominence with his breakout role in the 2011 film “Luv KaThe End,” followed by notable appearances in hits like “Gippi” (2013), “Barkhaa” (2015), “Baar Baar Dekho” (2016), and “Ranchi Diaries” (2017). 

Transitioning seamlessly to digital, he starred in the acclaimed web series “Taj: Divided by Blood” on Zee5 in 2022, further solidifying his stature as a compelling actor across various mediums. He also appeared in the US project “Draupadi Unleashed,” which received critical acclaim.

Badussha’s portrayal of Tajdar in the highly acclaimed Netflix series “Heeramandi” marked a significant turning point in his career, earning him widespread acclaim and making him a national crush and sensation. As the biggest ever web series made in India on any OTT platform, this role gave him the recognition he truly deserves as an artist. 

ELSA UK fireside with Taha was truly remarkable they felt, offering a glimpse into the mind of a strategic, hardworking, driven actor. Taha shared his journey with humility and candor, recounting the challenges he faced, how he surmounted these with support of his mother and all the internal resources he sought to create a successful career for himself. His insights on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to one’s values resonated deeply with the group. Taha’s humbleness, friendliness, optimism left a lasting impression, motivating everyone to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact in their own endeavors.

With “Heeramandi” Taha has got global recognition and fan following. With this Taha has proven his mettle and is set for future big collaborations, promising more remarkable performances that will captivate audiences.

ALSO READ: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 Reveals Star-Studded Nominees

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Bollywood Celebrity Dubai

Indian Divas in Sarees Rock Dubai

Dubai witnessed an unforgettable night singing legend, Usha Uthup, lovingly known as Didi, and the Dancing Diva Kalpana Iyer, took center stage to perform their chart-topping Bollywood hits. The audience, comprised of both locals and expatriates, enthusiastically joined in as they chanted “Hari Om Hari” and “Ramba Ho” to show their support and admiration for the dynamic duo on stage … writes Kaliph Anaz

Glamour and Celebrity Radiate in Dubai as Bollywood Divas Shine in Sarees. Dubai witnessed an unforgettable night singing legend, Usha Uthup, lovingly known as Didi, and the Dancing Diva Kalpana Iyer, took center stage to perform their chart-topping Bollywood hits. The audience, comprised of both locals and expatriates, enthusiastically joined in as they chanted “Hari Om Hari” and “Ramba Ho” to show their support and admiration for the dynamic duo on stage.

Draped elegantly in traditional Indian sarees, these two Indian icons stormed the stage with their unmatched charisma and talent. Kalpana Iyer paid a heartfelt tribute to Didi, acknowledging the pivotal role she played in fueling her own rise to stardom. Mrs. Usha Uthup, in turn, expressed her gratitude to her ‘sister’ for immortalising her enchanting voice on the silver screen.

The sisterly bond between these two luminous stars warmed the hearts of Dubai’s diverse audience, transcending borders and cultures. This spectacular evening was not just about entertainment; it was also a part of the International Mother Teresa Awards, adding a meaningful touch to the star-studded affair. Mrs Uthup shared her experience with Mother in Kolkata.

Former editor of Filmfare (Middle East) Manju Ramanan played the host. In every note sung and every dance move executed, the magic of Bollywood and the power of sisterhood radiated throughout Dubai, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness this extraordinary performance of Didi and her ‘sister’ Kalpana.

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-Top News Celebrity USA

Trump likely to be arraigned on April 4 in Manhattan

Trump reportedly faces more than 30 counts related to business fraud in an indictment from a Manhattan grand jury on Thursday, which was filed under seal

Former US President Donald Trump is expected to be arraigned in court on the afternoon of April 4 following his indictment in connection with a $130,000 pay-out to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, according to media reports.

The reports on Friday came a day after Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg’s office said that they contacted Trump’s attorney to “coordinate his surrender” for arraignment.

Trump reportedly faces more than 30 counts related to business fraud in an indictment from a Manhattan grand jury on Thursday, which was filed under seal, reports Xinhua news agency.

Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, said on Friday that his client will not accept a plea deal and does plan to file “substantial legal challenges” to the indictment.

Tacopina added that Trump will “absolutely” voluntarily surrender to Manhattan law enforcement and that his client “will not be put in handcuffs”.

Juan Merchan, acting justice for the New York County Supreme Court, will reportedly preside over the case, which stems from Bragg’s investigation into the alleged hush money payments Trump made to Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Stormy Daniels. (Photo: Twitter/@StormyDaniels)

Trump has denied wrongdoing and alleged that the criminal inquiry and others relating to him are all politically motivated.

He is reportedly scheduled to be arraigned at 2.15 p.m. on April 4 in Merchan’s courtroom in New York City.

The case has been closely watched since it’s the first time in US history that a former president has been criminally charged.

Trump, 76, served as President from January 2017 to January 2021 and is again running for the White House.

President Joe Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Mississippi on Friday that he won’t talk about his predecessor’s indictment.

In the wake of the developments, security in New York is being co-ordinated by the FBI, NYPD, Secret Service and New York City court officers.

Sources told CBS News that they are bracing for possible scenarios that include attacks against Trump, prosecutors, jurors or members of the public.

The DA’s office has received “many threats”, the sources said.

Republicans, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have accused the Manhattan DA of weaponising the criminal justice system to influence next year’s presidential election, reports the BBC.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, who Trump recently suggested should run for Senate, called on followers to protest and said she plans to be present in New York next week.

In response, DA Bragg said the charges had been brought by citizens of New York doing their civic duty, and neither the former President nor Congress could interfere with proceedings.

ALSO READ: Trump all set to hold presidential campaign rally in Texas

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Bollywood Celebrity Lite Blogs

Don’t miss Rani Mukerji starrer Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway

Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway: Rani Mukerji shines as the protagonist in this power-packed film, writes columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Powerful. Superbly Enacted. Gripping. Riveting. Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. Evocative. Some of the many thoughts and emotions that the film can and may take the audiences through, this film which is based on a true incident, is one of a kind indeed, for all those reasons and more.

The film is a story of an immigrant Indian mother who fights the Norwegian foster care system and legal machinery tooth and nail to win back custody of her children. It stars Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Guptaand Jim Sarbh. The music of the film is composed by Amit Trivedi. Lyrics are written by Kausar Munir.

Rani Mukerji is back on the big screen in a never-seen-before character. The much-awaited film which is directed by Ashima Chibber’s Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway is all set to release on 17th March 2023. 

The OG Queen of Bollywood has time and again impressed audiences with her performances. 

Playing the role of a determined woman, Rani is seen challenging an entire Norwegian government to reunite with her children in this powerpacked film.

Talking about the film, Rani Mukerji says, “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway is very special. I can’t wait to see the reactions of my fans” 

Producer Nikkhil Advani (Emmay Entertainment) shares, “It is a matter of pride and responsibility with which we have made our film and are delighted to bring the inimitable Rani Mukerji to our audiences.”

Shariq Patel, CBO, Zee Studios adds, “Zee Studios is committed towards backing content-driven and provocative stories and ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ is just the right film. Partnering with Rani and Emmay (Emmay Entertainment) on such an important film, that’s based on a true incident and conveys the hardship of a mother who went against an entire country for her children, was creatively enriching.”

Produced by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment (Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani & Nikkhil Advani), Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway is slated to release in theatres on 17th March 2023.

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Bollywood Celebrity India News

Bollywood bigwigs pay homage to Yash Chopra in Netflix series

SRK, Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan speak about why Yash Chopra is a legend in Netflix’s docu-series The Romantics! Preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Iconic director Yash Chopra’s impact on Hindi cinema is an everlasting one and Netflix pays tribute to the legend and Yash Raj Films’ cultural impact on India for the past 50 years in a new docu-series The Romantics which is releasing globally on Feb 14th!

The docu-series will see the Hindi film industry come together to celebrate Yash Chopra. The mega-stars of the Indian entertainment industry like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif, etc will pour their hearts out to speak about how the legend’s work shaped their cinematic vision!

Yash Chopra is celebrated widely for his envelope-pushing romantic films like Silsila, Lamhe, Kabhi Kabhie, Veer-Zaara, Dil To Pagal Hai, Chandni, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, etc. SRK, who has been directed by Yash Chopra four times,talks about how mesmerized he was watching those films. He says, “As a professional, if I would have to spend 100 days on a set, I would rather do it on a Yash Chopra set than anybody else’s.”

Karan Johar, who knew Yash Chopra closely and is also widely known for his cult romantic films, says, “I just became obsessed by watching his films and I felt that who is this man, who is constantly responsible for mesmerizing me as a child.”

Meanwhile, superstar Katrina Kaif loved how Yash Chopra portrayed his heroines, who were all independent-minded, forward-thinking, self-reliant, and strong. Yash Chopra’s heroines contributed to how women were projected on screen by the Indian film industry. She says, “The way that Yashji portrayed his heroines was so dignified, graceful, and layered.”

Amitabh Bachchan, who has collaborated with the icon for landmark films like Deewar, Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie, Trishul, Kaala Patthar and Veer Zaara, calls Yash Chopra a true master of cinema in The Romantics, given how brilliant he was with diverse genres!

Amitabh says, “We shot for Deewar for several months within ten or fifteen days. We started Kabhi Kabhie suddenly to shift to an environment which is full of flowers and mountains and snow but the ease with which he just adapted to that was just quite remarkable!”

The Romantics has been directed by Oscar & Emmy-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, who returns to Netflix after the phenomenal success of Indian Matchmaking and the Never Have I Ever franchise.

Netflix, one of the world’s leading entertainment services, in this four-part docu-series, will also feature 35 leading personalities from the film industry, who have closely worked with YRF through its 50-year glorious existence.

Interestingly, the reclusive head of the iconic Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra, has also recorded his first on-camera interview for ‘The Romantics’! Hearing him share insights about YRF and the Hindi film industry in this docu-series would be a huge highlight for the film fraternity, cinephiles & Hindi cinema audience at large.

YRF is currently at an all-time high as their latest release Pathaan, the fourth film of YRF’s Spy Universe is breaking all records at the global box office. Pathaan is now the number one Hindi film worldwide and has become the biggest all-time blockbuster in the history of Hindi cinema. YRF is home to some of the biggest blockbusters that Indian cinema has ever witnessed like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, War, Sultan, Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Mohabbatein.

ALSO READ: Kaftan…Bollywood’s favourite winter style

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Arts & Culture Business Celebrity

PUREWAL TWINS TO PROMOTE HOUSE OF KHALSA

House of Khalsa influential luxury watch brand announces the Purewal Twins as official brand ambassadors

In 2021 Identical British South Asian Twins Amar and Arjun Purewal made history lining up against each other at Wembley Stadium in FA Vase final; Amar led the line for Hebburn Town with Arjun as captain. Making them the first pair of identical twins to play in a major final at Wembley, as well as being the first Asian players.

The House of Khalsa exclusively announces The Purewal Twins as the face of the House of Khalsa as ambassadors.

The Purewal Twins are one of the most popular and high-profile faces for the House of Khalsa brand, With its sleek and elegant design, House of Khalsa makes luxury watches, which are the perfect match for the Purewal Twins.  Each of the House of Khalsa watches is manufactured in Switzerland and Hong Kong and engraved with the Khalsa symbol.

Danny Singh, CEO of The House of Khalsa, said: We are proud to announce our partnership with both Arjun and Amar Purewal, they are amazing role models for our community and a perfect fit for our brand. They fit beautifully into our company mission statement; we very much look forward to working with them on a larger platform’

Amar and Arjun went on to comment’ We are proud to represent House of Khalsa and engaging in a brand that takes our culture forward and in return lets us promote football in our community, we are very much looking forward to our journey with The House of Khalsa.

On the work front, Arjun and Amar are successfully working on AP Coaching, which is going from strength to strength, with Arjun working towards his UEF B Licence.

PERIENCE HOUSE OF KHALSA AT SUNNY JEWELLERS LEICESTER

Sunny Jewellers is the official stockist for House of Khalsa watches in Leicester. To experience House of Khalsa head towards The Golden Mile for Your timepieces known for their intricate craftsmanship.

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Celebrity Media Music

DESI LION RECORDS PRESENTS GREEN EYEZ

2022/2023 will see MILAN take the music industry by storm with releases with major music producers and performances at events and festivals

Multi-talented UK based singer MILAN releases his 2nd track ‘GREEN EYEZ’ releasing worldwide on the 26thSeptember 2022.

Produced by Desi Lion Records, Lyrics by LOVE, music by Notorious Jatt. Video was shot in the UK, based on a love story which follows the path of both girl and boy love relationship.

In 2021 we saw MILAN’S release produced by award winning producer Aman Hayer, ‘BAI CHAMKILA’ which proved to be a international success.

2022/2023 will see MILAN take the music industry by storm with releases with major music producers and performances at events and festivals.

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Celebrity India News UK News

Indian filmmaker Jitendra Mishra to touch UK shores soon; to attend OSUK43 annual convention

Committed towards meaningful cinema, Jitendra Mishra has already been associated with the production, distribution and promotion of more than 110 films in different categories and various capacities all together will soon touch UK shores, reports Rahul Laud

Internationally Acclaimed Filmmaker, Producer and Promoter, current  President  of CIFEJ (Int’l  centre  of  films  for  children &  young  people,  formed  under the auspices of UNESCO in 1955) , Mishra will carry his baton of Odisha cinema to the UK and participate at the 43 Annual convention of the Odiya community to be held in Manchester between 27-28 August, 2022. Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) – one of the biggest and oldest socio-cultural organizations of NROs has Mishra and his organization Cinema4good Pvt Ltd. to host the UK chapter of the one-of-a-kind film carnival CINEODISHA – Timeless cinema of Odisha during the annual convention this year.

CINEODISHA is designed and curated by Jitendra Mishra who is Founder, Director of leading production house Cinema4Good Pvt. Ltd. Mishra shared with Asian Lite International media that CINEODISHA is a specially designed film platform dedicated to timeless cinema from Odisha. The platform intends to promote Odisha’s rich art, culture, language and heritage values through handpicked films from the state at international level, added Mishra. It celebrates the incredible journey of over eight decades of Odiya cinema through multiple film shows including feature films, short films and documentaries, discussion forums, interactive sessions, workshops, award ceremonies and much more, Mishra informed. Mishra further elaborated that CINEODISHA also pays tribute to the legends from Odiya film Industry, at the same time explores global opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and stories from Odisha.

Siba Biswal (left) with Lok Mishra, CEO&MD, ICICI Bank UK

Lead Organiser of 43 OSUK , Siba Biswal pointed out that “this collaboration and presence of Jitendra Mishra at the convention has added immense value to the event and it will showcase through cinema the cultural  strength of Orissa,” He informed , “The screening program of CINEODISHA OSUK includes National award winning films ‘The Lord of the Universe’ directed and produced by Shibu Prusty, ‘Shrikshetra Ru Sahijata’ directed by Ashutosh Pattnaik and produced by Pattnaik Bros, films ‘Backstage’ directed by Lipika Singh Darai and produced by Film Division of India, ‘Rasagola’ directed and produced by Swaraj Mishra, ‘Baji – The Immortal Boat Boy’ directed by Chinmoy Das and produced by Satyabrata Sanu Ratho, ‘Torch’ directed by Pranab Aich and produced by Santanu Mishra, ‘The healing touch’ directed by Dr. Sweta Kumar Dash and produced by Smt Neela Mohapatra , ‘Mountain Hockey’ directed by Debasish Mohapatra, Avinash Pradhan and produced by Raj Kishor Hota, Subrajit Pradhan, ‘Kotpad Weaving’ directed by Biswanath Rath and produced by Public Service Broadcasting Trust and ‘Pratha’ directed by Anisha Kar along with a few other films.”

Mishra is one of the few Indian film producers and promoters who have been able  to  create  a  benchmark  in  ‘Alternative  methods  of  Film  Production,  Distribution  and  Promotion’  at  international  level. 

Awarded with multiple national and international accolades, currently Mishra is the elected president of  one of world’s largest and oldest global network of media professionals CIFEJ that was  formed under the auspices of UNESCO in 1955. Jitendra has also been a member of Cannes producers network and  already been invited as Jury to more than 40 different international film festivals and  forums.

His recent Hindi feature film ‘The Last Color’ directed by Michelin Starred Chef Vikas Khanna, starring  Neena Gupta has already been selected in more than 50 international film festivals and received more  than 15 different awards so far. The film was qualified for the 92nd Academy Awards – Oscar 2019  best picture contention list and had a special screening at UN headquarters recently. After a  successful worldwide theatrical release, the film is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Jitendra Mishra

With an objective to spread positivity around the world during the dreadful time of Covid-19  pandemic, Mishra  has been working on various innovative ideas to promote timeless cinema from India,  particularly from Odisha at international platforms and supported many film projects from India to  reach a wider global audience. Recently he had presented 15 different National award-winning films  from India at the prestigious Marche Du Films during Cannes Film

His social initiative “Saudamini Cares” has been active in the western Odisha region giving education, nutrition, healthcare and livelihood support to thousands of people from the less privileged  communities in the region. As part of his initiative to promote the rich art, culture, tradition and  create awareness about the unique handicrafts and handloom from India globally, Mishra has  started a campaign to distribute Sambalpuri Masks from Odisha, India among the global film, media and entertainment industry professionals. He distributed more that 500 Sambalpuri masks during the  recent Cannes Film Festival that has become the talk of the town now.

ALSO READ: Sajda Festival UK culminates with tribute to Vilayat Khan, Satyajit Ray

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Bollywood Celebrity Films

Popular singer KK dies in Kolkata at 53

Playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, passed away here late on Tuesday night. He was 53.

Playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, passed away here late on Tuesday night. He was 53…reports Asian Lite News

KK was in the city to perform at a function in Nazrul Manch organised by the Gurudas College.

It has been learnt that KK felt sick while he was performing.

After returning to his hotel, the singer complained of uneasiness following which he was rushed to a hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead.

West Bengal Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Arup Biswas told mediapersons that the body has been sent for post-mortem.

“His family members have been informed. They are likely to reach Kolkata on Wednesday morning,” Biswas said.

He said KK came to Kolkata on Monday, and on the same day he performed at Nazrul Manch for a function organised by another city- based college.

Born on August 23, 1968, KK recorded songs in multiple languages including Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu, among others.

Several Kolkata-based singers have expressed their grief over the sudden demise of KK, who will be remembered for songs like ‘Pyaar Ke Pal’, ‘Yaaron’, ‘O Meri Jaan’, among many others.

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Celebrity Kerala Obituary

Veteran Malayalam scriptwriter John Paul dies at 72

John Paul Puthussery

Best known for the screenplays of classic movies like Chamaram, Palangal and Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam

Veteran screenwriter John Paul Puthussery, who penned screenplay for around 100 films, many of them evergreen classics in Malayalam, died at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday.

He was 72 and was under treatment for various diseases for some time. Puthussery had been under critical medical care for the last two months after his condition got worse, news agency PTI reported citing industry sources.

Best known for the screenplays of classic movies like Chamaram, Palangal and Oru Minnaminunginte Nurungu Vettam, all directed by the legendary Bharathan and Balu Mahendra-directed Yatra, Puthussery was a genius who showcased rare skills to write all sorts of movies including action thrillers, dramas, entertainers and even comedy.

He also succeeded in erasing the boundaries of the class and mass movies and penned screenplays for both critically acclaimed movies and commercial entertainers.

Some of John Paul’s best known works include ‘Chamaram’, ‘Yathra’, ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ and ‘Chamayam’. The gifted writer had also acted in some movies including the Manju Warrier-starrer ‘C/o Saira Banu’ and the Mammootty-starrer ‘Gangster’.

Kunchacko Boban pens emotional tribute

Malayalam actor Kunchacko Boban joined scores of Malayalam film and literature lovers in paying tribute to well-known Malayalam screenwriter John Paul who passed away at a private hospital in Kochi on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, Kunchacko Boban penned a touching tribute to the late screenwriter , who had been keeping unwell for some time.

Lovingly addressing the great writer as his uncle, Boban said the man had given birth to so many soul-touching movies and added that the writer had remained in the hearts of everyone that he had met.

Pointing out that John Paul had an unparalleled command over language and literature, Boban said, “There were so many instances when I could feel the warmth and love that you had for the Udaya family, especially for my Appan.”

Calling Paul “the big man who had a much, much bigger heart for the people around him,” Boban said that people could feel his love even when he was not around them.

“Your voice and words will be sorely missed but your creations will speak volumes for what you have done for the film fraternity and literature!!

“Nedumudi Venu Chettan, Lalitha Chechi and now, John Paul uncle… Recent times have seen big losses for the Malayalam Film fraternity and on a more personal aspect, for me and my family. Hope you all rekindle your friendship in heaven,” he said.

Some of John Paul’s best known works include ‘Chamaram’, ‘Yathra’, ‘Kattathe Kilikkoodu’ and ‘Chamayam’. The gifted writer had also acted in some movies including the Manju Warrier-starrer ‘C/o Saira Banu’ and the Mammootty-starrer ‘Gangster’.