The Sidharth Malhotra-starrer war drama Shershaah will release in theatres on July 2, the actor announced on Saturday.
“The untold true story of Captain Vikram Batra (PVC) is all set to unravel on the big screens. #Shershaah Coming to theatres near you on 2nd July, 2021. See you at the movies!” the actor wrote on Instagram.
Shershaah casts Sidharth as Param Vir Chakra recipient Captain Vikram Batra. During the Kargil War, Captain Batra was instrumental in capturing the crucial peak Point 4875, sacrificing his life. He was called Sher Shah among his unit members for his bravery.
The Vishnuvardhan directorial, which also stars Kiara Advani, is produced by Karan Johar.
I try to experiment all the time. Yeah, I find Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone really hard to mimic…writes Puja Gupta.
Comedian Jamie Lever has been entertaining her fans with her funny videos of mimicking different actors and actresses. But she finds it really hard to mimic Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.
“I was trying to mimic Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, it was not coming right. But I will crack it one day, I will do it for sure. I like to try new things and try copying new actors and actresses. I try to experiment all the time. Yeah, I find Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone really hard to mimic but I will do it someday,” she tells.
Jamie retaliates that male actors are difficult to mimic. “I try to mimic lot of new actors and actress. I think male actors are obviously difficult to do, you cannot get the voice right, but you can get the mannerism and body language right. So heroes are difficult to mimic,” says Jamie who has associated with Godrej L’Affaire web-series #LiveItUp 2021.
The web-series has been conceived as a quirky courtroom theatrical in which viewers will see the year 2020, played by Jamie, put on trial for the disruptions it caused in our lives this year from travel and food to parenting, grooming and various other nuances of lifestyle.
Asked who has been her inspiration, Jamie replies: “I am really inspired by the female actress-comedian Carol Burnett from Hollywood and she had her own show in 1950’s. She is someone who use to do impersonations, comedy sketches, she had her own show on television where she would sing, do parody and things like that. I really take a lot of inspiration from her and I feel like if I ever have to have a show it will be something that. Carol Burnett is just phenomenal and you should look her up as she is just amazing.”
Female-centric themes have found a fresh lease with the rise of OTT platforms. A string of women-oriented series have grabbed audience attention. More than television and the big screen, filmmakers have found an ideal platform to experiment more freely with subjects focussing on womanhood and issues related to women in the digital space.
Be it the story of a smalltown girl playing a phone sex operator or women asserting their rights across society, there are diverse shades being served.
Actress Nyra Banerjee, who plays the role of a phone sex operator in the series “Hello Jee” says: “I think people find the situations and characters more relatable. Also, OTT has an audience which is comparatively more open to various scenarios the women are. They are more accepting. Actress Maanvi Gagroo, who will soon start shooting for the third season of Four More Shots Please, says: “Till now we had not seen such characters on screen, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist in real life. Of course, these are slightly dramatised versions but these things happen. There are women who drink and party, make their own money, and make mistakes. They live life on their own terms. They are regular people trying to lead life on their terms.”
Here are four shows on OTT that credibly toast women’s empowerment, and are worth checking out.
Bombay Begums
The upcoming series stars Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur and Aadhya Anand. The story revolves around four women in Mumbai who come from different strata of society. The series is directed by “Lipstick Under My Burkha” maker Alankrita Shrivastav and will stream from March 8.
Dev DD 2
The show carved a special space with season one, as it reinvents Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic literary work “Devdas” with gender reversal. Here, Devdas is Devika, played by Asheema Vardaan. Sanjay Suri is a new-age, male version of Chandramukhi, as Anurag. Akhil Kapur is Parth (Paro). Rashmi Agdekar is Chandni, or a female Chunnilal, who is a lesbian.
Four More Shots 3
The show will soon start shooting for season three, with the previous two seasons having gained popularity. The series presents life of four women, played by Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Kirti Kulhari and Maanvi Gagroo. While the show initially faced criticism for its unconventionally-presented narrative from certain sections, the OTT audience overall has loved it.
Hello Jee
The lead character, portrayed by Nyra Banerjee, is a phone sex operator. The story is about how the girl, who hails from smalltown India, finds a unique way to earn livelihood. Currently streaming, “Hello Jee” has garnered a huge following.
It was very important for me to keep my mind calm with stress at bay. I kept telling myself “This too shall pass” and affirming to myself that I need to be strong…Malaika speaks with Puja Gupta.
“I believe fitness goals should not only focus on outward appearances. Health begins from inside,” believes Malaika Arora. She reiterates, “strong is the new healthy.”
Malaika says yoga helped her sail through her COVID-19 isolation period which drained her both physically and mentally.
Malaika
In a conversation with us, the actor, who is also the co-founder of SARVA and Diva Yoga that has announced one-year free yoga and mindfulness programme across the globe, shares her fitness regime and how she yoga is a big part of it. She also advises her fans on how to achieve their fitness goals.
Excerpts:
Is yoga part of your daily fitness regime?
Yes! Very much. I am a strong believer in the power of yoga and yes I practice everyday. I try to practice for roughly an hour a day and on rare occasions when I have a really busy schedule, I try and squeeze in 20 minutes here and there.
How did yoga help you through COVID isolation period?
The COVID isolation is not just physically draining but it is also mentally straining. When you’re cooped up in a room, feeling unwell, it can really take a toll on your body. Thankfully my symptoms were not very severe, so medication, rest and a good nutritious diet helped me recover. But most importantly, during COVID I think meditation really helped me. It was very important for me to keep my mind calm with stress at bay. I kept telling myself “This too shall pass” and affirming to myself that I need to be strong.
How do you think yoga helps the body and mind?
Amazing question, I love that you’re clubbing both in one question and that’s the beauty of it.
Yoga is a combination of the body and the mind. It helps with a host of benefits like body toning, weight loss, Immunity boosting, and relief from pain. With the mind, it helps reduce stress and anxiety. Not just that, it also helps with regulating hormones, keeping disorders at bay. How do you stick to your diet and fitness regime while traveling?
It’s tough! I have learned to discipline my body, and control my cravings as much as possible. My journey to discipline has taught me to plan effectively and make sure I carry enough nutritious meals when I am on the road. I plan my days in such a way that I can simply have some sort of activity before I start work on that day.
Malaika
What are your travel plans for 2021?
Haha! I am around! I love traveling but I’ve just returned to work. I love being back and I think my travel plans are only for work as of now.
Women need to realise that being fit is more important than being thin?
Strong is the new healthy! I believe fitness goals should not be just focused outwards. Health begins from inside. It’s alright to want to be lean, but strength (mental and physical) is something that cannot be substituted by anything else.
What are your upcoming projects?
A lot of amazing things lined up. And I am really glad that I am back to work. You’ll see shortly!
Priyanka Chopra feels more creative and fearless as she navigates her career both in Bollywood and foreign movies. Brilliant actress also adds, that she holds confidence to take risky chances than being stick with the ‘perceived safe roles’. “I think I am a little bit more fearless. I don’t know if that has to do with being exposed to global entertainment, but to certain confidence over the years that I have found myself where I like to take chances,” Priyanka told us in an interview.
“Now, I am not sticking to safe. I’m not sticking to ‘if this will work in this specific way’. I’m not a hamster on a wheel right now. I’m feeling creative. I’m feeling free. And feeling like I want to do so many things,” she added.
The actress continued: “And for the first time, I have the ability to tell the story and I can.
White Tiger
So I’m actually taking advantage of that. I don’t know if that has to do with where I am globally or it’s just me as a person after working for as many years as I have. But I’m in a creatively amazing place.”
Priyanka’s recent roles have included a supporting act in the Hollywood film Isn’t It Romantic, starring opposite Farhan Akhtar in the Bollywood film The Sky Is Pink, playing a prop as Pinky Madam in The White Tiger, besides backing the horror story Evil Eye.
Priyanka Chopra
“When I read it (The White Tiger) 10 years ago, it stayed with me for a very long time. So, when I heard that the book was being made, I thought I have to be a part of this movie. My part is not an integral part of the movie, it’s Balram’s film technically and his relationship with our characters, but I just feel that the story was so relevant,” she said.
“It will be relevant till we make massive changes, not just within India, but within countries, in developing economies around the world,” added the actress, who is married to pop star Nick Jonas.
Singer Neeti Mohan is expecting her first child with husband, actor Nihaar Pandya. On Thursday, she posted to reveal how privileged she feels to be blessed with motherhood.
Neeti Mohan
Neeti posted a picture on Instagram and wrote: “Can’t describe in words what a beautiful journey pregnancy is!!! It’s a miracle that there is life growing inside of you. A small heart beating and tiny little feet kicking from time to time. And now that the baby can hear from the womb I love singing all the more.”
“This connection and creation is unique and so attuned to Mother Nature. Only when you experience you know what a privilege it is to prepare for motherhood. For now, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. My Love to all the Mammas and mommies -to be out there,” she added.
Neeti and Nihaar announced the news that they are expecting a child on February 15 through an Instagram post on the occasion of their second wedding anniversary.
With an aim to raise awareness and educate girls on menstrual hygiene management, UNESCO has joined the #KeepGirlsInSchool mission, being supported by Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar…writes Puja Gupta.
The movement, launched by feminine care brand Whisper, begins with shedding light on the impact of 2.3 crore girls dropping out of school due to lack of period education and protection.
According to studies, even today, 71 per cent of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation till they get their first period. This affects their confidence and self-esteem adversely, leading to 2.3 crore adolescent girls dropping out of school every year, at the onset of the puberty. In addition to this, the ongoing pandemic has led to the closure of schools and lack of structured learning process, making these girls even more vulnerable to dropping out.
UNESCO (WIKIPEDIA)
According to the UNESCO, the global pandemic has impacted 74 crore schoolgirls, and could severely affect their return to school.
To bring to light the struggles of young girls as they reach puberty, Whisper and UNESCO released a film that illustrates the journey of the playful innocence of a schoolgirl with boundless dreams coming to a grinding halt due to the lack of period education and protection. The film underscores the importance of empowering young girls to achieve their full potential and not let periods get in the way of 2.3 crore dreams.
Continuing to share her support for the cause, Bhumi Pednekar said: “For the past one year I have been working closely with Whisper to drive awareness on the importance of menstrual hygiene education and protection. This gave me an understanding of the on-ground reality of crores of girls who drop out of school and unfortunately give up on their dreams of becoming a pilot, doctor, teacher, designer, etc. Every girl in India should be able to complete her education like I did and not have to drop out just because of periods. I strongly believe that empowering young girls with menstrual education and protection will give them wings to transform into leaders of tomorrow. It is great to see that Whisper and UNESCO are enabling this change at a ground level, which will not only accelerate the cause but also encourage wider participation. I urge everyone to come forward and be part of the #KeepGirlsInSchool movement.”
Girls In School
Emphasizing UNESCO’s commitment to right to Education, Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, said: “During puberty and the start of menstruation, a girl’s confidence and self-esteem can be affected in many different ways, sometimes even leading to her dropping out of school. UNESCO and Whisper are on a mission to change that. The #KeepGirlsInSchool initiative builds on our strong commitment to ensuring everyone’s fundamental right to education. Investing in girls’ education is an investment for society as a whole.”
Sharing her thoughts on the movement, Chetna Soni, Senior Director and Category Head, P&G Indian Subcontinent, Feminine Care, said: “Whisper believes in empowering girls and women to unleash their confidence and ensure that nothing comes in the way of achieving their dreams. With this mission, we continue to challenge the barriers surrounding menstrual hygiene through education and multi-stakeholder engagement to advocate for change. To widen the impact, we are delighted to be joining hands with UNESCO to further our force for female good movement #KeepGirlsInSchool. We strongly believe that we all have a role to play in breaking menstrual stigma and normalizing periods so nothing can come in the way of girls fulfilling their dreams and achieving their full potential.”
Bollywood veteran Madhuri Dixit Nene is fascinated by the currently popular K-pop dance style.
“It is a dance form because there is choreography. There is movement of the body, so it is a dance form. The youngsters are hooked on it and any kind of dancing is dancing for me,” Madhuri told IANS.
Madhuri recalls working with late Rishi Kapoor, Saroj Khan
“There are so many dances coming in that we are getting to see. Something like free style dancing, somebody did experimental dancing. So, it’s their interpretation of dancing and as you innovate in dance I think we will get to see various dance forms. It is always fascinating to see that,” she added.
Madhuri started dancing at the age of three and is a trained classical dancer who has learned Kathak. The actress, who is fondly called as the Dhak Dhak Girl of Bollywood for her moves, shot to superstardom with her numerous blockbusters in the eighties and the nineties, most of which had super hit dance numbers.
Her popular dances that continue to regale fans even today include Ek do teen (Tezaab), Dhak dhak (Beta), Mera piya ghar aaya (Yaraana), Chane ke khet (Anjaam), Humko aajkal hai (Sailaab), Maar daala (Devdas), Key sera sera (Pukar) and Choli ke peeche (Khalnayak).
The actress will soon be seen judging the dance based reality show Dance Deewane 3.
Actress Anuja Joshi is excited about the upcoming season of the psychological thriller web series, Hello Mini. She says her protagonist in the show and she have grown together.
The story follows the protagonist who is relentlessly stalked by a stranger, almost gets killed, and becomes a key suspect in a murder.
“The psychological thriller is a genre that revolves around complex relationships between obsessive and pathological characters. The stranger continues to petrify Mini in season two as well. ‘Hello Mini’ season one received a lot of love from viewers. I’ve constantly been asked when the second edition would release and I am excited now that it is here,” said Anuja.
“For me, Mini and I have grown together and it is her bravery and undaunted attitude that keeps me wanting more of her. This edition will see her entrapped in a dangerous game, stuck in a maze of questions and unimaginable dares that will determine whether she can stay alive.”
Directed by Arjun Srivasstava, the show also features Mrinal Dutt in a pivotal role. “There’s drama, entertainment, some nail-biting moments and the classic mystery of who the Stranger is that promises to keep the audience wanting to see more,” said Mrinal.
The 10-episode second season of Hello Mini also featuring Gaurav Chopra, Anshul Pandey, Nikhita Chopra, Darshana Banik, Vinit Sharma, Abhinav Sharma, Ambika Nayak, and Joy Sengupta. It streams on MX Player from February 26.
India as a developing nation facing a number of challenges from different sectors. Movies always behave like a mirror of society and it draws the the pressures and stigmas of the nation on screen in an artistic way.
India China face off is an ongoing trouble among a number of issues in the nation. War or internal disputes are always favorite topics for film makers, which was well depicted by so many in the past.
The upcoming war drama web series 1962: The War In The Hills offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who stood rock solid against Chinese troops dedicating their lives for the security of the nation. A trailer of the 10-episode series was launched on Monday.
Mahesh Manjrekar
Talking about the series, director Mahesh Manjrekar shared: “1962: The War In The Hills is the result of a life-long dream of bringing alive a part of history that has been long forgotten. The journey of these 125 soldiers, while inspired by true events, is a story that needed to be told.”
Abhay Deol
“This project has been monumental in every sense — from shooting in real locations, to recreating the 1962 era through setups, costumes and more. But this story is not limited only to the battleground, it takes us beyond into the lives of these soldiers as they grapple with love, longing and loss,” the filmmaker added.
The series casts Abhay Deol as Major Suraj Singh, the charismatic leader of a small battalion called C Company.
“To me, it feels like a personal responsibility to deliver the strength of Major Suraj Singh, to showcase his brave exterior as he leads his troop in a battle to the last stand, while also dealing with life as a father and husband. It’s an extraordinary story about courage that is relatable to everyone, no matter which community or culture they belong to,” said Deol.
The series is based on the story of 125 Indian soldiers who fought against 3,000 Chinese in a historic battle, and it also features an ensemble cast including Akash Thosar, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Annup Soni, Meiyang Chang, Mahie Gill, Rochelle Rao and Hemal Ingle in key roles.
The Mahesh Manjrekar directorial has been written by Charudutt Acharya. 1962: The War in the Hills will stream on Disney + Hotstar VIP and Disney + Hotstar Premium from February 26.
