Category: Films

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

Celebs On Wanderlust Amid Covid

Tarun Khanna replaces Manav Gohil in Tenali Rama. (Photo: Natalia IANS)
Asha Negi

Sunday is World Tourism Day, and while the idea of travel for relaxation would seem like an impossible dream in the time of pandemic that we are going through, several actors shared how much they are craving to take off to their favourite locales.

Comedian-actress Bharti Singh wants to travel to Greece. “I miss travelling. I travelled during the New Year and returned on January 3. It’s been almost nine months since then. Itne me toh baby aa jata (a child would be born in this span of time). I really wanted to go to Greece and Ibiza,” she told IANS.

Asha Negi

Actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who wowed fans on “Bigg Boss 13”, had her plans chalked out, but had to cancel them owing to the Covid-19 scare.

“After ‘Bigg Boss’ I had to travel but I didn’t go anywhere because of the Covid scare. I could not even travel to my hometown in Assam,” Devoleena said.

Hoping to visit London soon, South star Nidhhi Agerwal eagerly awaits returning to the film set. “I definitely miss travelling, considering I travel so much for work. Eating on the streets — Oh God, I miss the experience! I would like to go back to shoot whenever things get better — can’t wait,” she wished.

“Pavitra Rishta” fame Asha Negi is an avid mountain lover, and she misses the fresh air of the mountains.

‘Aladdin’ star Siddharth Nigam

“I love the mountains. Last year, I celebrated my birthday in the mountains. I wanted to do the same this year but then Covid happened. I hope to get back to mountains soon,” Asha said.

Actor Siddharth Nigam, who is a part of “Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga”, would love to be in Dubai for a while. “I love going to new places, and I have been missing that a lot these days. I also have a few shoots scheduled out of India that have been put on hold. One of my favourite tourist destinations is Dubai. The last time I was there, it was on Independence Day. I was mesmerised by the fountain show that takes place near Burj Khalifa. That day, India’s flag lit up on Burj Khalifa and Shah Rukh Sir’s songs were played. It was an amazing experience that made my night,” he recalled.

For actor Tarun Khanna, nothing works like a few good days with friends in London.

Tarun Khanna ( IANS)

“I love travelling and I am glad I got projects where I would have to travel a lot, in and around India. I would love to travel as much as I can in this life. London is one of my most favourite places. I am in love with the city and places around it. There are a lot of beautiful villages outside of London and the only difference between the city and these villages is that there are no tall buildings in the villages, rest everything is same. Ipswich and Bath near London are the most breathtaking places,” he said.

“All of my childhood friends live in London and this one time we decided to meet up and go around the city. We went pub crawling, covered Bond Street, Oxford Street and Soho. It was a different experience and I really miss that,” Tarun added.


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Bollywood Films

Ayushmann Among The Most Influential List

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana for #ProtectIndiasEngine.
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana

Indian actor Ayushmann Khurrana is in the Time magazine list of 100 Most Influential People this year.

The National Award-winning Bollywood star is among five Indians who have made the prestigious list in 2020, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, London-based Indian origin doctor Ravindra Gupta who worked to find a cure for AIDS, and Bilkis Dadi, who was at the forefront of Shaheen Bagh protests in Delhi against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Ayushmann has been listed in the Artists category, which also includes Oscar-winning Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, “Fleabag” creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan, besides pop music superstars Selena Gomez, J. Balvin and Jennifer Hudson.

Ayushmann Khurrana.

“I’m truly humbled with the recognition that Time has bestowed on me. As an artiste, I have only looked to contribute towards bringing a positive change in society through cinema and this moment is a huge validation of my belief system and my journey,” Ayushmann said.

“I have always believed that cinema has the power to bring about change by triggering the right conversations among people and society. Hopefully, through my content choices, I have been able to contribute towards my country and countrymen,” he added.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Music

Sivamani- Big B Combo To Enthrall Music Lovers

Shivamani on Amitabh Bachchan singing his composition in 'Atkan Chatkan'.
Sivamani.

Renowned percussionist Shivamani made his debut as a film music director with the recent OTT release, Atkan Chatkan, and among his glittering line-up of playback singers was screen icon Amitabh Bachchan.

He says he could only think of Bachchan’s voice after composing the song “Daata shakti de” for the film, to bring alive the number’s spiritual, motivational and inspirational tone.

“I have to mention how the whole song happened and why Mr Bachchan sir. We wanted to create a song that goes beyond a religious song and be more of a spiritual, motivational, inspirational song. Especially the crisis that we have been through in the last few months, we need music that makes us stand up, motivate to fight and not give up. ‘Daata shakti de’ came from that thought,” the master percussionist told.

While composing, he thought of Amitabh Bachchan “because for so many decades, even right now, at this very moment, he is an inspiration for people across the country”.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan. (File Photo: IANS)

“To try my luck, I had a word with him and sent the song to him with a request if he would like to lend his voice,” he said, adding: “I cannot emphasise enough how lucky I felt that he heard the composition and very happily sung the song for us. He is a very good singer, I would say.”

“I would also like to mention that he did not charge any money! It was the same thing with Hariharan anna and Sonu Nigam ji (other leading singers who recorded for the film), because, again, they are also some of the greatest talents of the nation. But they were so generous with me that they lent their voice because they believed in the song and the story of the film,” Shivamani noted.

The song is written by Runaa Rizvii Shivamani who, incidentally, made her debut as a film lyricist with the number.

“This was my first written song, composed by Shivamani and sung by Amitabh Bachchan. I could not have asked for more. Initially, some prominent lyricist was supposed to write the song but since they were occupied and could not accommodate time, Shiv ji said why not me,” recalled Runaa.

She added: “Being a singer and coming from a musical family, I always had a flair of writing in Hindi and Urdu. But I am a vocalist, and had never written anything professionally. So I wasn’t sure. However, everything fell in place and the song came out right.”

The film is on a 12-year-old chai delivery boy named Guddu, whose passion is to observe, listen and create new sounds. Rising beyond his daily mundane life, he forms a band with three other street children.

Shivamani on Amitabh Bachchan singing his composition in ‘Atkan Chatkan’.

The film featured child pianist Lydian Nadhaswaram, who is also a protege of music maestro AR Rahman, who has presented the film.

Asked about his reunion with Rahman for the film, Shivamani replied: “Rahman is my brother, what do you mean by reuniting? We are always exchanging (ideas), and have never lost touch. Yes, the intention behind the film was to celebrate dreams. Most web series and shows online are very toxic in nature. He was very happy to watch the film, and that is why decided to present the film. Rahman met me when he was 10 years old, and I am just a couple of years elder to him. In a way, we have grown up as friends, together. He is family.”

“Atkan Chatkan” streams on Zee5.

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Bollywood Films Music

Benny Gives A Dose Of Positivity

Benny Dayal's new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.
Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

Singer Benny Dayal feels the world needs a dose of positivity, and he hopes his latest track Jee le does the trick.

For the song, Benny has collaborated with composer Raajeev V. Bhalla.

“When I was approached by Raajeev for this song, I was game to work with him immediately because I have personally been a fan of his music. Moreover, the world needs a dose of positivity and hope. We may not have everything right now but we all have something to be grateful for, so the song reminds you to focus on that, and to remember that we are all rockstars of our own lives,” Benny said.

To this, Bhalla added: “Benny and I thought the message of, ‘live in the moment, my friend, this is all we got.. Zindagi ka tu rockstar’, is much needed today. We cannot keep worrying all the time and even lose the joy we have right now. We must live big, shine bright and soar high, no matter what the lows.”

Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

For the video, singers Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant, Armaan Malik, Shalmali Kholgade, Armaan Malik, Aditya Narayan, Jonita Gandhi, Shilpa Rao, Aditi Singh Sharma, Divya Kumar, Shruti Pathak, Siddhart Mahadevan, Mihir Joshi, Arunaja, Kamakshi Khanna, Lisa Mishra, Nikita Gandhi, Sangeet/Anusha, Shashwat Singh, Saptak Chatterjee, and Shefali Alvarez also sent in self-recorded clips to share the uplifting message of the song.

Beishqi Galiyaan

Benny Dayal and Shefali Alvares have recorded a new romantic track.

Titled “Beishqi galiyaan”, the song is set around a boy who has given his lovergirl 13 flowers — 12 real and one fake, telling her that he will love her till the last one withers away.

“Shefali is an extremely talented artiste. It was a great experience working with her. This song is a love number that gives you all the ‘feels’ in the world,” gushed Benny.

Shefali was equally effusive in praise of her colleague, and super thrilled to finally get a chance to sing a love song with “one of my closest friends and fellow singer, Benny Dayal”.

Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

“I’m so happy as he decided to share his musicality with me on this song, which has been composed by Prateek Gandhi. This song is about love that has no boundaries, no thoughts, no expectations. It is just pure love,” she added.

She is happy with how the video turned out.

“This was shot during the lockdown directed by one of my oldest friends Kristy de Cunha. My video

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Bollywood Films

‘Sushant Made Me A Choreographer’

Sushant Singh Rajput.
Sushant Singh Rajput.

Choreographer Ganesh Hiwarkar recalls how his dear friend, late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, not only stopped him from committing suicide but also made sure his career as a dance teacher flourished in the city. He says Sushant gave him emotional, moral and financial support despite being a struggling actor and dancer at the time.

“This was in 2007. It was Sushant’s idea to make a brochure for my dance class. I did not have much knowledge about these things at that time. I would normally run my class with just five or six students. Sushant was associated with Shiamak Davar, and he told this was not the way. He told me I needed to advertise to get more students. He got Shiamak’s brochure and calendar and showed it to me, saying this is how branding needs to be done,” Ganesh told.

SSR’s wax statue sculptor hopes his effort contributes to #JusticeForSushant.

“Sushant not only gave me the idea for the brochure but created it, too. I still remember he sat on a computer all night looking for a suitable name for my dance class, brochure design and all that. The text was also planned by him — what to mention for kids, what to write to attract adult students. He also posed for the photographs that were printed in the brochure,” Ganesh added.

The choreographer went on to inform how the cost for his dance class brochure was also borne by his friend Sushant, who himself was a struggling actor and dancer at that time.

“The cost for the brochure was also borne by him. I come from a middle class family and could not afford to spend the amount at that time. It had cost him around Rs 15-20,000 I guess at that time. My fees at that time were 1000 rupees per student, one of them being Sushant. I had to survive on Rs 5000 in Mumbai, so I couldn’t dream of spending on stuff like brochures. He was struggling at that time, but did not think twice before spending the amount on my brochure. Not only did he save me from committing suicide but he also made sure I focus on my career as a dance teacher. That was Sushant,” Ganesh recalled.

He recalled: “Sushant would take me on his Splendour bike, around the city to meet people. That is how he helped me get a job as a dance teacher in Anupam Kher’s acting academy where I taught for some time.”

Sushant’s friend Ganesh Hiwarkar

Quizzed if he is satisfied with investigation in Sushant death case, Ganesh expressed: “These are very high level things, not that I understand a lot of it. Over the last two days, media is running after Kangana (Ranaut).”

Does that mean that media’s focus has shifted from Sushant? “Not that. Sushant’s news is also being shown. And Kangana has been supporting the case by talking about drugs and all that. I know that people are getting impatient and they want the agencies to come out with a solution quickly, but I understand that it cannot be done in haste. It is not a small matter. That is why they are taking time. But I strongly believe the truth will come out,” he said.

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Bollywood Music

Tale Of Left Hand Repertoire

Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire
Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire

French classical pianist Maxime Zecchini, who is among the handful of musicians all over the globe to practise the ‘left hand repertoire’ and play works with just five fingers, as opposed to both the hands, says that it is a delight to share this music with his audience.

“I had discovered this repertoire 20 years ago playing the most famous pieces for the left hand, the Concerto of Maurice Ravel. I did some research on the internet and I have seen that there are a lot of works for the left hand, about 600 pieces. And very few recordings.

“So, I have proposed a discographic label to record the first and unique Anthology in the world for the left hand with 10 CD’s. I have already recorded 8 discs and the complete anthology will be available at the end of 2021. I have recorded a lot of musical styles inside this CD’s: classical music, contemporary music, chamber’s music, concertos with orchestra, film music, etc,” Zecchini, born in 1979, told in an email.

About his repertoire, he says, “the wonder of having the impression of hearing two hands when only five fingers were playing fascinated me. These pieces demonstrate the immense possibilities of the left hand. Thanks to the arrangement of left-hand fingers, its natural flexibility, and the powerful register in the bass of the keyboard, it can even make the piano sound like an orchestra! I am very happy to be able to discover the undeniable poetic richness of this original, virtuoso, and spectacular repertoire.”

Zecchini had completed his 15-day India tour in India in 2016, where he demonstrated the not just the unique repertoire but his masterful skill at it.

Asked how big of a community do left-handed pianists make, the musician says: “We are just three or four pianists in the world to play these works. It’s a delight for me to share this music with the audience, who are always curious and enthusiastic.”

Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire

After spending a lot of time at my home without concerts and travels due to COVID-19, Zecchini will also play in front of an audience in Barcelona, Spain, in a concert. Here, he says he will be performing French compositions of Debussy, Ravel, Michel Legrand and other famous French songs.

What are his thoughts on cultural exchanges via music? “I love cultural exchanges via music. For example, when I played in India some years ago, I discovered the music of Bollywood with a lot of beautiful songs. It was totally new for me and this music is very beautiful and romantic! I have listened to these songs on YouTube and written an arrangement for my concert which made the audience very emotional. It’s very enriching for me to discover new melodies and new ways of expressing artistically.”

He concludes by saying that he finds Indian music very romantic and melodious. “I don’t know very well the Indian music for piano and keyboard but I hope with all my heart to discover and listen to a lot of beautiful pieces if I have the chance to play again in India.”

The award-winning pianist is slated to make his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York in April 2021.

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Bollywood Music

Freedom Through Dance

Jim Sarbh, Bani J do the 'Freedom Dance'.
Jim Sarbh, Bani J do the ‘Freedom Dance’.

The actors have come together for the video by music producer Priya Hebbar, who goes by the name Faynyx as an artiste.

“Freedom is an entirely personal concept that each individual can experience only through the lens they have and the circumstances they are in,” Jim said, adding: “I really enjoyed discussing freedom and what it means to me with the composer and the director and the rest of the team.”

Talking about his definition of freedom and his thoughts about the lockdown, Jim said: “My conception of freedom is not shaken by any one external event, but (it is) more the sum effects of every single external event, and internal biological function.”

“But people probably felt listless and irritable (during lockdown) because their usual responsibilities were taken away. They don’t realise how these responsibilities are the actual ways they find meaning in life. I just tried to give myself new responsibilities. I loved the lockdown,” he added.

On “Freedom Dance”, Bani said: “My interpretation of freedom is to be in a space where judgement, second guessing, resentment — none of that exists, where none of that has any sort of hold over my present moment.

“The global forced lockdown has been a lot of things for people — in terms of their perceptions with freedom. For someone who loves to travel, I discovered so much creativity in my own self, and the spaces available to me,” she added.

Faynyx feels “these unprecedented times have proven that freedom is a state of mind”.

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Bollywood

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself.

Actor Hrithik Roshan cannot stop gushing over the latest selfie he shot. In the image he posted on Instagram, Hrithik looks dapper in a black T-shirt and cap.

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself.

“Ye selfie hai. Camre ka button mere haath main hai (this is a selfie. I have the button for the camera in my hand). Waah! I am proud of myself,” he wrote alongside the image.

The actor had earlier shared a suited-up snapshot on the photo-sharing website. The picture received over 2.6 million likes.

Hrithik was last seen on screen in the 2019 action blockbuster, “War”, along with Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor.

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Bollywood

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak’s debut film ‘Rosie’

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari's daughter Palak's debut film 'Rosie'.

Apart from producing, actor Vivek Oberoi will also be seen acting in the debut film of Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak Tiwari.

Titled “Rosie:The Saffron Chapter”, the film is a horror-thriller based on true events in Gurugram. Basically, it revolves around Rosie, one of the employees at Saffron BPO, which is said to be haunted.

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak’s debut film ‘Rosie’.

Revealing his look from the film, Vivek took to Instagram and wrote: “Things are not always as #Rosie as they seem, so #PalatKarMatDekhna! Glad to join the cast & present my first look in Rosie: The Saffron Chapter, directed by @mishravishal. Hope you like it.”

Vivek looks intense in the new poster of his film.

Excited about her debut in Bollywood, Palak said: “‘Rosie’ irrefutably is not your
average horror film, it’s an amalgamation of romance, spine chilling thrills, laced with an intriguing perspective. What makes it even better is the eximious team of people behind it. I’m truly honoured to be a part of this production.”

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Bollywood

Crucial to support folk artists: Shaan

Crucial to support folk artists: Shaan.

Popular playback singer Shaan says that folk artists and daily workers are keeping the music heritage and industry intact, and it’s crucial for the society to support them in these trying times.

“Our country’s musical heritage is on the shoulders of our folk artists and in the present situation of the pandemic it is very difficult for them to find livelihood and to feed their families. At this stage, it is very crucial for us to support our folk artists – our industry, workers who are keeping our heritage intact,” Shaan, 47, told IANSlife.

The singer is supporting the “very worthy” cause of ‘Together Louder Stronger’ by Anahad Foundation and Believe Entertainment, which is a fundraiser featuring renowned entertainment artists performing from their homes that will raise funds to support the unsung unseen performance industry workers (freelancers and daily wagers) and folk artists during the ongoing pandemic. It is aimed at conserving India’s beautiful folk music heritage and its artists.

While mainstream artists are now going digital and have found alternatives during these unprecedented times, it is the freelancers and daily wagers of this industry along with the folk artists for whom the lockdown has had a devastating impact. Upto 20 mainstream and independent, highly talented musician and stars of India like Shaan, Mame Khan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, When Chai Met Toast, Bhuvan Bam, Nithyasree Mahadevan and others have come together to support these folk artists, workers and their families at this critical time through this fundraising initiative on Saturday, September 26, live on Facebook and YouTube channels of Anahad Foundation and Believe Entertainment.

Sharing his views on music bringing people together, Shaan shared: “During the pandemic where we have to maintain social distance, music is one thing that breaks through all the barriers, breaks through all the distances. Listening to music, even if its online, is a great connector especially when we are together and appreciating the same piece of music, from our homes. Music binds us all and has a positive effect, more so at a time when everyone is going through such hardships.”

How soon can musicians can go back to performing on ground for an audience? The noted singer says: “The world is waiting for a vaccine and hopefully that happens soon. 2020 is a year for self-help where we as musicians work harder on our skills and understand the kind of music we want to create and collaborate on. Come 2021, once everyone is comfortable in being in gatherings and groups, the quality of music will be much better and the kind of music that we are going to listen to, understand and appreciate is going to be of a higher level. Its going to be a good time for music starting 2021.”

This initiative, according to Abhinav Agrawal, Founder – Director, Anahad Foundation, will try to provide financial aid to around 600 performance industry workers across the country.