Category: Bollywood

Ekta Kapoor’s new web series ‘The Married Woman’ is ready for release and she is hopefully awaiting for her intense drama to be released on digital screen. She believes that it would be more effective. The web series is based on Manju Kapur’s book of the same name, and stars Ridhi Dogra and Monica Dogra in lead roles.

Asked why she decided to make the show based on the book, Ekta said: “I read the book and I liked it, so I wanted to make a show out of it. When I met Manju (Kapur) ji, I thought it’s a great book but there was no way I could do it on television or film.

So, I waited for a medium that gave birth to individual viewing. This was probably the show that was waiting to be made and I thought the digital medium would be a perfect platform for it.”

The trailer of the show delves into the characters of Astha (Ridhi Dogra) and Peeplika (Monica Dogra). Set in the nineties, the story revolves around Astha, a dutiful wife and a doting mother, who sets out on a journey of self-discovery after she meets an unconventional artist, Peeplika.

Asked how responsible she feels to bring varied stories to the audience through the digital platform, Ekta said: “I cater to every kind of audience and I have no problem when I cater to the masses. I make really aspirational and, at times, escapist programming for people who want to enjoy themselves. At times I make relatable, heartwarming and really touching stories because for me it is therapeutic as I get the opportunity to tell different kinds of stories.”

“When you do one show for television, it goes on for 20 years or sometimes 5,000 episodes. So, at one point you get tired of it. In movies, it’s all actor-driven. I enjoy telling a variety of stories and the language in the show is different from a lot of other shows,” she added.

The Married Woman also stars Imaad Shah, Ayesha Raza, Rahul Vohra, Divya Seth Shah, Nadira Babbar and Suhaas Ahuja in key roles. It will stream on ALT Balaji and Zee5 from March 8.

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Battlefield is the only place where actress Kangana Ranaut never feels out of place. Her latest outfit from the upcoming film Dhaakad looks totally in sync with the aggressive character in the plot.

Kangana tweeted a still from the film that captures her in an action-packed avatar.

.@SohamRockstrEnt's #Dhaakad, India's first female led mega action thriller starring @KanganaTeam, releasing in cinemas on 1st October 2021. New Poster Out! @DeepakMukut @RazyGhai #SohelMaklai @AsylumFilms @rampalarjun @divyadutta25 @writish #ChintanGandhi @zkrulz59 pic.twitter.com/vl4yodhUXW

— Dhaakad (@DhaakadTheMovie) January 18, 2021

“You may think it’s strange to find solace in conflict, you may think it’s not possible to fall in love with the sound of the clash of swords, for you BATTLEFIELD might just be ugly reality but for the one who is born to FIGHT there is no other place in this world where she belongs,” she captioned the image.

“Confessions of a hot blooded Kshatriya… #Rajputwoman. My only true lover my battle field, the only place where I never feel out of place #Dhaakad,” the actress added.

Dhaakad is billed as a spy thriller that casts Kangana as Agent Agni. Arjun Rampal plays the antagonist Rudraveer. The Razneesh Razy Ghai directorial is slated to release on October 1.

Apart from Dhaakad, the actress will also feature in forthcoming films Thalaivi and Tejas. Kangana turns director for an upcoming film titled Aparajita Ayodhya.

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Read More-Parineeti feels privileged

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s son Junaid prepares for his debut as an actor. He commenced shooting on Monday for Sidharth P. Malhotra’s venture titled ‘Maharaja’, as per the new reports.

On the first day of the shoot, Aamir’s daughter Ira Khan took to social media to talk about her elder brother’s debut film. Ira shared a photo with Junaid on Instagram where she can be seen sitting on her knees in front him and offering him a bouquet of flowers.

“Junnuu! This wasn’t his first play or his first show or our first play together but.. today is his first day! Of shoot. And I love this picture. He’s been acting for a few years now but its still new for me. He even acted my play so I should be over it… but I’ve been his younger sister longer than any of the other things,” Ira wrote.

“His professionalism is unparalleled. I’m super excited for him. Can’t wait till he blows everyone away. And irritates them a little with his properness (HE REFUSES TO TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE FILM. SO IRRITATING. I WANT INSIDE SCOOP) and then I can go to set and embarrass and trouble him!” she added.

Also Read-‘Actors are nothing without fans’

Social media is the most advanced platform that an artist always love to engage with. Hence, most of the stars in the movie industry find time to interact with fans through this kind of mediums. Recently Actor Sharad Malhotra also shared his extreme happiness for reaching his Instagram followers into 1 million.

“It took me quite some time — a couple of years — to touch the 1 million mark. It was a long but sweet journey. It feels very special to officially enter the ‘Million Club’. It’s a great feeling and I just owe all this, everything to all my fans and viewers out there. I think it’s more of their achievement than mine,” Sharad tells IANS.

“I keep saying all the time that actors are nothing without their fans and viewers. All the hard work we do, it’s the fans and the viewers who watch it and appreciate it.” the Naagin 5 actor told.

“On ‘Insta World’, as I call it, everything practically you do — personal or professional — it is out there. The Insta stocks have gone so high that everybody wants everything to be on Insta, be it their real-world or reel-world,” Sharad notes.

Does it ever get too overwhelming for him to be on social media? “Social media has its own positives and negatives. It depends on how you want to take it as an actor. What you want to share is completely in your hand and what you want to focus on is also in your control,” shares the actor.

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Manasa Varanasi, a 23-year old Computer Science Engineer who has been crowned Miss India World 2020, says she was never really interested in modeling. Hyderabad-based Manasa was working as a Financial Information Exchange (FIX) analyst with a financial software firm; she says modeling was a pastime for her...writes Puja Gupta.

In a candid conversation with IANSlife, Manasa shares details of her journey, how she prepared for the contest, her future plans, besides revealing her beauty and fitness regime.

Excerpts:

Q: How did you get into modeling?

A: I was a pretty studious girl, and never really interested in modelling, but I won a contest for Freshers in my college and that ignited a spark. Everything built slowly from there, with a lot of encouragement from friends. The reality is that modelling has been a pastime for me, as I was working full time as a software engineer, but it was a creative outlet and was born of a will to expand my horizons.

Q: Did you have to convince your family to get into this field?

A: My family is very academically oriented and traditional so they really did not feel this was a path to aspire to. However, because I held a full time job, their deepest concerns were allayed and today, they are very proud of what I have achieved.

Q: How has your journey being till you won the title?

A: More than anything, it has been one of growth. I’ve learned to look at my weaknesses, learn skills — from walking in heels to styling myself, made friends from all over the country. Most of all, I’ve learned to trust the energy of the moment, accept change and embrace what I am.

Q: How does it feel to be titled as Miss India World?

A: I feel elated, but it is based on a sense of achievement that comes from having worked very hard and having had the courage to fail. And today, I am filled with a sense of hope and a determination to use this opportunity wisely.

Q: How did you prepare for the contest?

A: I focused equally on the physical aspects of the contest — rampwalk, fitness, styling and the mental aspects — being self aware and socially informed. But it is just as important to be emotionally prepared — a contest like Miss India is not for the faint of heart!

Q: How are you preparing yourself for Miss World pageant?

A: A big focus will be my ‘Beauty with a Puropse’ project, which is at the heart of Miss World. I will have to balance that with continued work on my ramp walk, talent and interview. And of course, lots of time will undoubtedly be spent on getting the right wardrobe and styling in place.

Q: How confident were you winning the title?

A: In a way, I both expected to win and lose the Miss India title. I was hopeful and confident in my abilities and preparation, but winning is out of one’s hands — destiny, luck, the competition — they all have a say. The difficult thing about a contest such as this is that everything can change in an instant — and it only takes one bad answer or one judge to change the outcome. So, while I am very proud of my achievement today, I am also humbled and grateful that the stars aligned for me.

Q: What are your future plans?

A: What matters to me at the end of everything is that I live a life with integrity and without regret. My inspirations are people who continue to reinvent and redefine themselves and I hope I will continue to grow as a person my whole life. Who knows what the future can bring? I came to Miss India to create a new world of opportunity for myself and I am excited to see where it can take me.

Q: Please share your beauty regime.

A: I’m definitely a bit of a minimalist when it comes to makeup, but the competition has taught me to be more experimental, and to focus on creating harmony between my makeup, hair, clothes and most of all, carrying it all off with confidence.

Q: What is your beauty secret?

A: Nutritious food, natural products, and a balanced mind.

Q: What fitness regime?

A: I swear by yoga, it helps my mind as much as it helps my body.

Also Read-Actress Dia Mirza shares wedding snaps

Dia Mirza who tied kont with Mumbai-based entrepreneur Vaibhav Rekhi has shared the festive snaps of her wedding on social media.

In one of the photos, Dia and Vaibhav can be seen exchanging garlands, while in another photo, they take ‘pheras’, in yet another photo, the bride and groom are seated in front of the holy fire while an elderly female priest recites mantras. 

“Love is a full-circle that we call home. And what a miracle it is to hear its knock, open the door and be found by it. Sharing this moment of completion and joy with you..my extended family. May all puzzles find their missing pieces, may all hearts heal and may the miracle of love continue to unfold all around us,” Dia wrote with the wedding photographs she posted on Instagram for her extended family.

Dia chose a gorgeous red zari work saree, with red dupatta and traditional jewellery. She tied her hair in a bun, adorned with a gajra. Groom Vaibhav turned out in a white kurta churidar, white jacket and golden dupatta.

In one video, the bride walking towards the wedding mandap while another set of photos show the bride and groom seated for the wedding.

The actress also offered a box full of sweets to the paparazzi present at the wedding.

The wedding was an intimate affair with only close friends and relatives of the couple in attendance. Industry colleagues like Aditi Rao Hydari, Jackky Bhagnani and Gautam Gupta were clicked at the wedding.

Earlier in the day, the actress shared photos of her mehendi ceremony and bridal shower on social media.

Industry colleagues and netizens showered love and wishes. Taapsee Pannu, Yami Gautam, Neha Dhupia, Malaika Arora, Esha Guupta, Lara Dutta Bhupathi, Salim Merchant were among Dia’s B-Town colleagues who posted congratulatory messages for the newly-weds.

This is Dia’s second marriage. She was married to filmmaker Saahil Sangha from 2014 to 2019.

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Actress Parineeti Chopra is out with her third song, Matlabi yariyan unplugged, which features in her forthcoming film The Girl OnThe Train. She feels privileged to be an actress who she can sing.

“I love singing and sing at whatever opportunity I get. Today, as an actress, I am just privileged that I can sing, I have the opportunity and I get a chance to sing behind a mic and have the world to hear it. So, when I had heard this song back in London one and half years ago when we were shooting it, Ribhu and I had discussed that we would do a version in my voice.” Parineeti said.

The song has been composed by Vipin Patwa, and Kumaar has written the lyrics.

“I am so glad that I got to do it. People have given love to (her earlier songs) Maana ke hum yaar nahin (in the film Meri Pyaari Bindu) as well as Teri mitti in Kesari. So, I hope it’s third time lucky for me as well,” she added.

The film is an official Hindi remake of the Hollywood thriller The Girl On The Train, which is based on Paula Hawkins’ 2015 bestseller of the same name. The Hollywood version by Tate Taylor featured Emily Blunt in the lead role.

The Hindi remake follows the story of Meera (Parineeti), who fixates on the perfect lives of a couple she watches from afar during her daily train commutes. One day, she witnesses something out of the ordinary that shocks her. The film also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Kirti Kulhari and Avinash Tiwary.

The Ribhu Dasgupta directorial premieres on February 26 on Netflix.

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Read More-Manasa curious for new challenges

Miss India World 2020 Manasa Varanasi would like to try her luck in Bollywood if something interesting came up, but for now she is focussed on representing the country in the Miss World pageant. She adds that her curiosity for new challenges prompted her to participate in the beauty pageant.

“I am an explorer and I have always looked for new opportunities to try something new. If there is something interesting that comes along the way, I am sure I would be interested to take it up, but right now, my focus is entirely on the next leg of my journey, which is the Miss World competition. It’s a huge responsibility as I would be representing the country at an international platform,” Manasa told IANS.

Born in Hyderabad, the 23-year-old is an engineer and a financial information exchange analyst. She did her schooling from Global Indian and completed graduation in computer science from Vasavi College of Engineering.

Sharing her experience of being a part of the Miss India contest, Manasa said: “It’s been a magical journey because a lot of hard work and energy has gone into the process, and to realise that I am finally here living these moments is a great feeling.”

“It was curiosity that drove me to this contest. I have always loved to take up challenges. I keep looking for new ways to push myself physically and mentally, and that way I think Miss India was the perfect platform for me not only to learn more about myself but also look for ways in which I can give back to society,” she added.

For the first time in its history, Femina Miss India was entirely held digitally owing to the Covid pandemic. Manasa was crowned winner of VLCC Femina Miss India World 2020 while Manika Sheokand and Manya Singh went on to become Miss Grand India and Miss India Runner-up respectively.

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Arjun Kapoor says bonding with Ranveer Singh was very simple, and credits their film Gunday for their friendship. Gunday, also featuring Irrfan Khan and Priyanka Chopra, released on February 14 in 2014.

“I think it was the off-camera love and respect we had for each other, because we realised how much we have in common. In fact we are born just 10 days apart from each other! It was much simpler for us to bond than we realised and you let go of being actors when you are starting out,” said Arjun.

“At that stage in your life you are not thinking about your career and rivalry. You are just trying to make the best film possible and have the most fun. Ranveer and I also knew each other before the film so it made it a little simpler to break the ice onset,” he added.

“Credit to (director) Ali (Abbas Zafar) for writing a film that allowed us to be best friends. He was a big factor for me and Ranveer to come so close. It just happened, it was just the flow. It’s like chalk and cheese even though we are poles apart we still manage to fit together. It’s like sugar and spice, they are opposites but they both sound good together,” said Arjun.

“We were two people who were completely different but we just ended up getting along and working well together. People sort of realised it when they saw the trailer, where both of us looked good together as a unit but I think we realised it while filming itself that this relationship is something special,” he said.

Looking back at the film’s release, Arjun said: “At the time I was starting my career, I was hardly six months old in the business and Adi sir offered me a film that was a two-hero ensemble, a big commercial set-up. When I met Ali, I loved his energy and his excitement towards treating it like a larger than life adventure.”

About the film, he added: “It was like a throwback and a tribute to the 1970s and 1980s cinema that even I grew up watching. The Mukul Anand, Subhash Ghai space of cinema, and at the same time a film about brotherhood and gangsters. When you are a young actor starting out, these are all trappings that you love exploring and doing in mainstream cinema. You want to establish yourself at the beginning. You want to do mainstream stuff with a sense of heightened reality and that’s what Gunday was actually. I got really excited about doing something so front-footed and mainstream,” he said.

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Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, who has wrapped up shooting for “Blind”, has shared a romance filled post for her husband Anand Ahuja and thanked him for spending several weeks in Glasgow while she was shooting for her upcoming film.

Sonam shared a motley of pictures and clips on Instagram on Sunday. In one video, Sonam is seen stealing a kiss from Anand while they were on a train.

She wrote alongside the image: “Thanks to my amazing husband who spent 5 out of the 6 weeks with me in Glasgow… It was amazing coming back to him after shoot everyday… It would have been so much easier for him to work from home in London, but he was here with me as the most supportive encouraging and generous partner…

“Thank you @anandahuja .. I appreciate you and I’ll never take you for granted.. love you… #blind #gia,” Sonam added.

Anand took to the comment section and wrote: “What are these photos and videos you crazoooooo. Congratulations! Happy to be here with you and see you in some SERIOUS action!”

Sonam will be seen in the role of a visually-handicapped person in the upcoming thriller, produced by Sujoy Ghosh.

The action-thriller revolves around a blind police officer who is in search of a serial killer. The cast also features Vinay Pathak, Purab Kohli and Lilette Dubey.

The film is based on a South-Korean film of the same name that was released in 2011.

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