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Anushka Shares Captain Cleaning Muddy Spikes Snap

Bollywood actress and mum-to-be Anushka Sharma has shared a picture of her husband, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, cleaning his shoes ahead of the teams Australia tour.

Anushka posted the picture on Instagram Stories. In the image, Virat is seen carefully cleaning his shoes with a toothbrush.

“Caught the husband diligently cleaning his muddy spikes before the tour,” she captioned the image.

(Photo: Anushka/Insta)

Anushka was with Virat in the UAE, for the recent Indian Premier League, which concluded on Tuesday night.

Virat and Anushka are expecting their first child in January next year. They shared the happy news in August on social media, writing: “And then, we were three! Arriving Jan 2021.”

The couple tied the knot in December 2017 in Italy.

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Bollywood Celebrity Films Lite Blogs

Akshay’s Bindi To Promote ‘Laxmii’

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar faced flak from a section of netizens after he posted a photo that shows him wearing a red bindi on the forehead. The actor had used a filter on social media to render the effect.

The action was meant as a promotional stunt for his upcoming film “Laxmii”, but it did not go down well with a section of netizens who found it “cheap”.

In a black and white photograph he posted on his verified Instagram and Twitter accounts, Akshay sports a big red bindi. “Maine toh laga li hai pyaar aur samanta ki Laal Bindi (I have worn the red bindi as a mark of love and equality). Now it’s your turn to join me using ‘Ab Hamari Baari Hai’ filter on Instagram as a symbol of love and acceptance for the third gender!”

Social media users, however, were not entirely happy.

“Doing this cheap stunt for promotion of upcoming film makes us to eliminate u from list of ppl whose movies we will see !!! not gonna watch any of your project in future,” a user wrote.

Akshay Kumar dons red bindi to promote ‘Laxmii’, netizens react’.

“Ideally if you wanted to showcase love and acceptance, it would have been great if the third gender actors were acting and promoted in the movie. I hardly know a third gender actor successful in Hindi film industry. Instead of becoming third gender ourselves and generalising it, it will be better if Hindi Film industry give them an opportunity as actors and empower themselves,” suggested another user.

“Oh is it nice to use people for your benefits… U know the nerve of people but hey this time u will miserably fail I assume,” wrote another user.

“Faltu ke promotion kyun kar rahe ho sirji jab theatre mein aa hi nahi rahi yeh film? (Why are you even promoting this film when it is not even releasing on the theatres?)” asked another user.

Similar comments followed. However, a few fans of the actor used the filter to click their photographs and share it in the comments section of the tweet.

Meanwhile, Tusshar Kapoor, who is also a part of the forthcoming film, shared a picture of himself on his verified Twitter account using the same filter.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Music

‘Language Gives You Identity’

Contemporary Punjabi music lacks traditional influence: Singer Sukhbir Singh.

For someone who can sing in nine languages including Gujarati, Punjabi, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili, singer Sukhbir Singh, known as the ‘Prince of Bhangra’, who has given some smash hits like ‘Punjabi Munde Paaun Bhangra’ and ‘Gal Ban Gyi’ feels that Punjabi music has undergone a metamorphosis since the time singers like him started out in the 90s… Sukhbir Singh speaks with Sukant Deepak.

“Of course, it’s in the DNA of music worldwide to change consistently with the times. The same holds true for Punjabi music too, but what we are witnessing is a scenario where it is leaving behind its traditional trademarks, for example the back end tabla, dholak and tumbi. They all are now fast disappearing. It is perhaps another stage of evolution,” says one of the first names in the Indie-pop scene in the country whose debut album ‘New Stylee’ released simultaneously in India, South Africa and Middle East.

Singh, who grew up in Kenya and whose father, a composer, was a priest in a Gurudwara there feels that composing comes naturally to him, and setting to tune his own lyrics is always a double pleasure. “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Punjabi Munde’ and ‘Gal Ban Gayi’ myself. Composing them myself meant much greater creative control. The whole experience was unforgettable,” says Singh who also sang ‘Dil Laga’ in the film ‘Dhoom 2’.

The singer, who is now the brand ambassador of ‘Language Curry’, an app for learning Indian languages, says that what really attracted him to the brand was the fact that it went beyond teaching a language. “It also teaches you a culture of the region in an interesting and fun way.”

Adding that in a highly globalised world, it is important to learn the language and culture of one’s region, Singh feels that the same helps one connect to the community, culture, heritage, and roots. “Also, I feel language gives you an identity, thereby imparting a sense of belonging.”

Talk to him about the several controversies arising out of ‘vulgar’ lyrics being used in many Punjabi songs, and the singer says that it is high time that lyricists understood that using double meaning words cannot guarantee a song’s success. “I have always refrained from objectionable lyrics. I do not think it is impossible to touch the listener with clean and meaningful lyrics.”

The recent lockdown provided enough mental space to Singh to create new music and learn instruments which he always wanted to. “I took it positively and used the time to focus on my work and be close to my family. I am looking forward to the songs created during this period, which will be released soon.”

As the music industry has moved from albums to singles, the singer feels that it is a positive development as now the artiste can focus on one song at a time to make it a success rather than delivering eight tracks in an album. He however adds that the key here is consistency. “Sometimes, many singers tend to put all their efforts into one song, which results in a tremendous pressure to create the second hit. Online platforms are great but let us not forget that if the song doesn’t work no amount of marketing will make it into a success.”

For someone who grew up with African music and British Punjabi bands who redefined the Bhangra beat, international influences continue to enrich him. “Reggae, rap and techno find a way naturally in my songs as I have grown up with all these influences.”

Also Read-Mrunal Feels OTT As A Blessing

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Mrunal Feels OTT As A Blessing

Can’t wait to be featured on OTT plaltform: Mrunal Thakur.

Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur says OTT platforms have proved to be a blessing for all during the lockdown and she can’t wait to be featured in one of its shows.

She says: “Earlier people used to look down upon OTT platforms, but I think ever since the pandemic has hit, it’s the only thing that people are glued to. It makes me feel happy about the fact your work is not restricted to just few regions of India or in India. It’s a matter of one click and the entire world can watch your show and your work; it’s appreciated. It’s a blessing and I can’t wait to feature on OTT platforms. Just keeping my fingers crossed. I’m really hoping to entertain the audience as soon as I can through this medium.”

Mrunal walked the virtual runway as the showstopper for digital edition of Lakme Fashion Week finale designers Rimzim Dadu and Saaksha Bhat & Kinnari Kamat. Commenting on her experience of walking a virtual ramp for the very first time, she says: “I never thought I would be a part of virtual fashion show, especially at times like these. I never expected that there would be a fashion show happening. As an artiste, this has given me the opportunity to entertain the audience sitting at home, I’m excited about it. Although I missed the audience sitting around the runway and cheering. But something is better than nothing. My experience was fabulous.”

The ‘Super 30’ actress featured in a fashion film presented by the designers to launch their collection at the Lakme Absolute Grand Finale, themed ‘Spotlight’ on the future of fashion and beauty.

Mrunal was seen wearing two looks, first a shiny silver skirt with matching bandage top by Rimzim; the second a green frilled skirt with a baggy multi-colour shirt by Saaksha & Kinni.

Rimzim’s collection was based on the concept of kinetic art with tech for a live virtual experience. The set consisted of specially-programmed kinetic lights to create patterns by amalgamating art, technology, and craft. It also includes Rimzim’s line of clean, minimal yet statement lehengas, signature metal saris, short metallic dresses and sculpted tops for the upcoming festive season in shades of yellow gold, antique gold, fresh silver, black and rich emerald green in floral and geometric patterns.

Actress Mrunal Thakur, who wooed the audience with her performances in movies like “Super 30” and “Batla House”, will now be seen as female lead in Shahid Kapoor’s “Jersey”.

Saaksha & Kinni’s line was inspired by the Banjara tribe. It highlights the famous Banjara stone prints, their bandhani; thread work and iconic usage of mirrors and coins – the Lambadi. The range saw a colorful palette that honours the communities and their equally colourful heritage.

On work front, Mrunal has wrapped up shooting the second schedule of the movie ‘Jersey’, starring alongside Shahid Kapoor. “My role in the film is very different from what I’ve played before. You would really enjoy the shades of my character in the film. The fact that its opposite Shahid Kapoor, it’s like a learning process for me. I learn something or the other every day, and I’m blessed to have this project and film in my kitty.”

Also Read-Tiger Shroff Shares First Look Of ‘Ganapath’

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Tiger Shroff Shares First Look Of ‘Ganapath’

Actor Tiger Shroff has shared the first look of his just-announced movie, Ganapath, teasing that he will be revisiting his tough and rugged avatar for the action film set in a post-pandemic dystopian era.

Tiger took to Twitter to share his look from the action thriller. The motion poster comes with buildings, with glaring red lights in the background. There is fire and smoke around him as he sits on a chair.

In the poster, Tiger seems to be looking at something intensely with a lit cigarette in his hand. He has kept his shirt unbuttoned, which gives a glimpse of his chiselled abs.

In the voiceover, Tiger said: “Jab apun darta hai na, tab apun bohot maarta hai (When I get scared, I hit a lot).”

“Yaaron ka yaar hu, dushmano ka baap hu (I am a friend of friends, and am my enemies’ worst foe),” Tiger wrote while sharing the motion poster.

The poster also revealed that the shooting for the project will begin in 2021.

Talking about the film, director Vikas Bahl said: “I am looking forward to working with one of the best action stars the audience has seen. I believe this film will truly tap into a Tiger nobody has ever seen before.”

The film produced by Jackky Bhagnani is planned as the first film of a franchise. The shoot will begin in mid-2021.

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Mukul glad to do complex roles

Actor Mukul Chadda says the fear of being stereotyped always lurks in the life of an actor, and that is the reason why he looks for something new in each project.

Mukul will be seen essaying a halwaai’s assistant in web series “Bichoo Ka Khel”.

“I am glad that the makers of ‘Bichoo Ka Khel’ trusted me with the character that stood in contrast with the work I have done in the past. As an actor, you’re worried about being stereotyped and so when an opportunity to try something different comes along, nothing beats that,” Mukul said.

Mukul Chadda: Enjoy playing complex characters.

“The character I portray is that of a smalltown halwaai, who also engages in other small time unscrupulous activities. I always enjoy playing complex characters, and with ‘Bichoo Ka Khel’, I got the opportunity to play not only a flawed character, but also one that’s set in a very different milieu from the ones I’ve played previously,” he added.

Mukul is known for featuring in the Indian version of “The Office”, besides “Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu” and short film “Banana Bread”.

“Bichoo Ka Khel”, a crime-thriller, touches upon the themes of crime, revenge, and politics. The show will stream on November 18 on ALTBalaji.

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Bollywood Celebrity Events Fashion

Glorious Wedding On ‘Kashmir To Kanyakumari’ Theme

Wedding designer Ambika Gupta has shared details from the wedding of filmstar Kajal Aggarwal, giving an idea of all that went into making the day special amidst the pandemic.

Kajal married Gautam Kitchlu on October 30 and Ambika was chosen by Kajal’s family to create the wedding experience. The entire wedding was designed around the theme ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ by Ambika. The post-lockdown scenario was naturally a challenge for the wedding designer.

“Kajal and her family were extremely particular about safety and we rigorously followed all protocols without compromising on the aesthetics and the keen eye for detail, they wanted. We observed Covid-19 precautions as specified by the Maharashtra government and the 60-70 guests and members of the crew who were present at the wedding had to go through health clearances beforehand,” Ambika said.



How Kajal discovered the Chennai-based Ambika is also an interesting story.

“It was completely serendipitous. Kajal’s sister Nisha took a brief look at my portfolio, and after a few calls and meetings we were on,” Ambika reecalled.

“Not a flashy person herself, Kajal wanted her wedding to be understated but elegant. Keeping that in mind and noticing their roots in the respective cultural legacies that she and her husband share, I came up with the complete idea. During the question-answer round Gautam told me that he is from Kashmir and hence I came up with the ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ theme and we brought it all to life in just over 35 days,” she added.

Drawing from diverse cultural references, Ambika ideated and designed the ambience of ‘Brijwasi Krishna bagh’, a Radha and Krishna-themed puja at Kajal’s home.

For the Haldi and Mehendi, a French bistro at Churchgate was transformed into a Kitsch Mandi as a tribute to the artisans of India who have been hard-hit by the onset of Covid-19.

“Kajal wore a specially handcrafted weave by Madhurya creations, which is an initiative to support weavers and revive traditional crafts. She has a soft spot for the unsung weavers of India and her wedding was the perfect opportunity to give back to them in some way,” said Ambika.

Kajal has always urged her fans and followers to support small businesses, and she urged Ambika’s team to convert the French ambience into an authentic artisanal experience. They curated and designed a backdrop made of Pettis, or traditional contraptions used by coconut tree climbers.

Other aspects that drew attention were the Kutch workmanship in furnishings, traditional dry palm weaves all round, and also a Chettinad console, and brass pots with banana leaves.

The wedding venue was the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, where Kashmiri design details were incorporated as a nod to Gautam’s heritage, since the groom is a Kashmiri. The theme was ‘Shikara: Voyage of Love’, and it drew from the beauty of Kashmir, by mirroring mountain ranges and the Dal Lake.

“The mandap was majestic and reminiscent of a pyramid. This was an ode to hilly terrains of Kashmir and also representative of the merging of the self and the soul. It was held together by gold frames and translucent baby pink screens. The mandap also bore intricate details of a Shikara, with panelling reminiscent of Kashmir’s houseboats with their wooden jaalis. Adding to the warmth were powder blue pashmina embroidery pieces captured in diamond set frames. Each guest was given a silver bell with a personalised note,” Ambika said.

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Experience Reflects On Craft Of Acting

Actor Shakti Anand says 20 years of experience reflects in the craft of actress Juhi Parmar, which makes working with her fun.

Shakti is working with Juhi in the TV show “Hamariwali Good News”.

“‘Hamariwali Good News’ is my first show with Juhi and the experience has been great till now. She is a well-trained, seasoned and phenomenal actress and what should I say about her. She knows her lines, she knows exactly where to stand, how to take cues and how to improvise, so she is fantastic and knows her craft well,” Shakti said.

“She has been in the industry for two decades now, so she knows when to do what and how to make a scene better. It’s been great shooting with her, and we’ve bonded quite well,” he added.

The admiration was mutual, as Juhi shared: “Shakti is a great actor and it has been great shooting with him for the show.”

The Zee TV show tells a story that captures the dynamics of the saas-bahu relationship in Indian society, through the story of daughter-in-law Navya (Srishti Jain) and her mother-in-law Renuka (Juhi). Shakti essays Mukund, who is Renuka’s husband and Navya’s father-in-law.

Also Read-‘Is Love Enough? Sir’: Step Towards A Personal Redressal

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B’wood Ready To Celebrate Diwali On OTT

This year, Diwali fervour will stream onto your OTT screens rather than come alive on the big screen, owing to the ongoing pandemic. An explosion of new content to keep you hooked is being readied to drop on digital platforms, to mark the festival of lights.

“Post re-opening of theatres, there will be a settling period for viewers to gain trust, and confidence on the safety levels, to encourage them to step out to watch their favourite big event movie. OTTs are the best alternative in the current situation. Hence, viewership numbers may witness an upward trend on OTT platforms (during the festive season),” Chandrashekar Mantha, Partner, Deloitte India, told IANS.

In the same vein, trade analyst Girish Johar told IANS: “When it comes to the big screen, Diwali (festive season) is out of the question. So the next window in which there can be a boom in theatrical traditional collections is Christmas. We hope that by the end of November, it dies down. So, this Diwali, OTT wali.”

Abhishek Bachchan

IANS has shortlisted films and shows you can add to your binge list this Diwali.

LAXMII

The Akshay Kumar-starring horror comedy is a remake of the Tamil blockbuster “Muni 2: Kanchana”. Raghava Lawrence, who had helmed the original, also helms the Bollywood remake co-starring Kiara Advani, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharad Kelkar, and Ashwini Kalsekar. The film has premiered on Disney+ Hotstar.

LUDO

Anurag Basu’s multistarrer “Ludo” features Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra. It is a dark comedy drama about four people whose lives collide. The film will be released on Netflix on November 12.

CHHALAANG

“Chhalaang” is pitched as a hilarious yet inspirational journey of a PT master in a semi government-funded school in North India.

Chalaang trailer

The Amazon Original movie narrates the story of a PT Master named Montu (played by Rajkummar Rao), and addresses the importance of sports education in school curriculum, in a light vein. Nushrratt Bharuccha will be seen as a computer teacher in the film, slated to release on Amazon Prime Video on November 13.

SOORARAI POTTRU

The film, starring Tamil superstar Suriya, takes inspiration from a true story. It is a fictionalised account of the life of retired Army Captain GR Gopinath, who founded the low cost airline, Air Deccan. The film also stars Mohan Babu, Paresh Rawal and Aparna Balamurali. “Soorarai Pottru” is produced by Guneet Monga and will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on November 12.

AMAZON PRIME VIDEO ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF SURIYA’S TAMIL FILM SOORARAI POTTRU

MOOKUTHI AMMAN

The Tamil devotional drama stars Nayanthara and RJ Balaji. It revolves around fake godmen, and how people fall for them. The film will release on Disney+ Hotstar on November 14.

AASHRAM: CHAPTER 2 — THE DARK SIDE

The new season of the web series promises new shocks and dark twists pertaining to the protagonist Kashipur Waale Baba Nirala, played by Bobby Deol. “Aashram: Chapter 2 — The Dark Side” will release on November 11 on MXPlayer after the first season impressed viewers and critics alike. The thriller series is about a fraud godman and his nefarious activities.

THE CROWN SEASON 4

The show will take forward the story of Queen Elizabeth II, and explore the tension and hostility between the Queen and politician Margaret Thatcher. This season will also introduce Lady Diana. The fourth season picks up in the late 1970s. Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) and her family find themselves preoccupied with safeguarding the line of succession by securing an appropriate bride for Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor). The fourth season will release on Netflix on November 15.

THE UNICORN SEASON 2

It is about a widower who is eager to move on from the most difficult year of his life, only to realise he is unprepared to raise his two daughters on his own and equally unprepared for the dating world. The show stars Walton Goggins, Ruby Jay, Makenzie Moss, Rob Corddy, Michaela Watkins, Omar Miller, Maya Lynne Robison, Devin Bright, and it premieres on Voot Select on November 13.

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‘Is Love Enough? Sir’: Step Towards A Personal Redressal

She recalls feeling a sense of dread while reading the script. By the time the last page was turned, it was clear that she had to do it. “After all, I had blood on my hands and was guilty of having the very set of attitudes and entitlement, the film perhaps critiques. I have to first fully accept my shortcoming and prejudice before I seek to rectify it. Maybe, acting in this film was a step towards a personal redressal,” said actor Tillotama Shome, who will be seen in the internationally acclaimed film ‘Is Love Enough? Sir’ to be released in India on November 13…writes Sukant Deepak.

Director Rohena Gera’s debut film, which revolves around Ratna (Tillotama Shome) working as domestic live-in help with Ashwin (Vivek Gomber), a man from a wealthy family is among the top five highest-grossing Indian films released theatrically in France. It has already released theatrically in more than 25 countries across the world.

Shome took classes in Marathi not just for the few scenes that required her to speak in that language, but also to find Ratna’s context. The thread she held onto was Rohena’s clear direction about the inherent dignity in Ratna, despite facing undignified situations. “Money can’t buy dignity. Either you have this quality or you don’t. And that can be confusing to a class-bound person with privilege- confusing enough to say- ‘Oh look at her, she is a maid but so dignified — with a patronizing emphasis on ‘maid’ and ‘so’.”

Known for her intense roles in movies like ‘Qissa’, ‘Shadows of Time’, ‘The Waiting City’ and ‘Children of War’, Shome, who debuted with Mira Nair’s ‘Monsoon Wedding’ smiles that she definitely went through a phase where she wanted to explore the comedic, even at the cost of failure. “My partner pushed me gently towards it too and am very thankful for that. Complacence can get nauseating after a while. It was so liberating to play Bonnie, in ‘Death in the Gunj’, or the consultant in ‘Hindi Medium’. I highly recommend not taking oneself too seriously — it’s freeing, leaves room for errors and possible learnings if you are lucky.”

A pass-out from the Capital’s LSR College who joined Asmita theatre group, she remembers the stage as the magical space where she was able to bypass the cops in her head that said she could not talk without a stammer.

“I owe theatre big time for that, for helping me find my voice and my body. My awkwardness on stage became apparent only after I did my first film. On Mira Nair’s set, I felt the intimacy of cinema was more suited to my temperament than theatre. I felt safer in front of a camera than a huge live audience. But the magic of watching theatre remains unchanged.”

Shome, who took a break from acting after her first two films and went to the US to do a Master’s programme in Educational Theatre and also did drama therapy with prison inmates, will be seen in films by Anup Singh, Rima Das and Saumyananda Sahi once shooting begins after a long break owing to the Covid 19 outbreak. “The pandemic has made these three films even closer to my heart. The power that lives within the pages of these screenplays and the compassion within the hearts of these filmmakers is so extraordinary that any delay is only more time to prepare and fall in love with the material,” she concludes.

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