‘Manthan’ was India’s official submission for the Oscars in 1976, but it did not make it to the nominations…reports Asian Lite News
Mumbai-based fashion influencer and wardrobe consultant Kinnari Jain will attend the Cannes Film Festival, where she will support Shyam Benegal’s ‘Manthan’, the 1976 film inspired by the Amul story and the life of India’s ‘Milk Man’, Verghese Kurien.
Kinnari will walk the red carpet on Tuesday, May 14, and attend the ‘Manthan’ screening as well as the Cannes Official Afterparty.
Starring Smita Patil, Girish Karnad (who played Dr Rao, inspired by Kurien), Naseeruddin Shah and Mohan Agashe, the film has been restored by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation.
‘Manthan’ was India’s official submission for the Oscars in 1976, but it did not make it to the nominations.
Based on a script co-written by Benegal and renowned playwright, Vijay Tendulkar, ‘Manthan’ was an early example of a crowd-funded film.
As many as 500,000 farmers in Gujarat paid Rs 2 each to finance the film. It went on to win the National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film in 1976. Its song, ‘Mero Gaan Katha Parey’, won Preeti Sagar of ‘My Heart is Beating’ (‘Julie’) fame that year’s Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
‘Manthan’ will be screened under Cannes Classics, a section that was created 20 years ago to showcase restored prints and documentaries.
In a statement, Kinnari Jain said: “It is a dream come true to be part of such a renowned event. I can’t wait to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the magic of cinema on a global scale.”
The film also marks an international collaboration with Indo-USA-UK-France co-production. It is currently in the final stages of scripting…reports Asian Lite News
Bengali actor-director Soumyajit Majumdar is heading to the Cannes Film Market with his film ‘Joyguru’. The film showcases the life of the Baul folk singer Parvathy Baul. Parvathy has performed in more than 40 countries.
The film also marks an international collaboration with Indo-USA-UK-France co-production. It is currently in the final stages of scripting.
Baul, which is recognised by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is an old spiritual tradition of song and dance (Bhakti Yogic parampara) originating from undivided Bengal. It has inspired artists like Rabindranath Tagore, Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg.
Talking about the film, Soumyajit Majumder said; “This is not only a film, this is my prayer. It’s been almost two years since I have been researching for this film. Baul is a global phenomenon, however, in India Baul is misrepresented and often identified only as folk music. Parvathy ji’s life is testimony to the fact that the spiritual power of Baul can transform lives. The film is based on her life journey but this won’t be a biopic.”
The principal photography on the film will begin in 2025 with cinematographer Ravi Verman capturing the story through his lens.
Parvathy shared: “For over a year Soumyajit has done a lot of hard work in researching and preparing for this story and I appreciate his commitment and sincerity for this purpose. It’s not an endeavour to tell the story about yet another individual’s life. Right from the start, the goal is clear to serve this beautiful, age-old, timeless spiritual tradition of Baul. It ought to be essentially seva (selfless service) offering to all the Baul masters and the tradition. It is also the most appropriate time to bring Baul wisdom to the wider audience via this medium for I have conviction in the central message of this path that has profound healing and transformational touch.”
The film is produced by California-based producers Aniruddha and Aparna Dasgupta (Adited Motion Pictures – USA/India) along with Soumyajit Majumdar’s LOK Arts Collective (India/UK). It is co-produced by Munsur Ali (Chairman – London City Corporation Culture and Heritage, Founder-Director Moringa Studios) and Paris-based Chayan Sarkar ( Ambassador of the city of Toulouse, France).
The jury of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival graced the film festival on Tuesday as they posed for the shutterbugs stationed at the venue in the French Riviera…reports Asian Lite News
‘Barbie’ super hitmaker and president of the Cannes Film Festival’s competition jury, Greta Gerwig, addressed the growing #MeToo movement in France at the jury press conference on the opening day of the annual celebration of global cinema.
Gerwig, according to ‘Variety’, said it is only good that “people in the community of movies are telling us stories and trying to change things for the better.” She was responding to #MeToo-related rumours swirling ahead of the festival.
“I have seen substantive change in the American film community, and I think it’s important that we continue to expand that conversation,” Gerwig said. “So I think it’s only moving everything in the correct direction. Keep those lines of communication open.”
Gerwig is serving as the president of this year’s competition jury, which will be awarded the prestigious Palme d’Or at the end of the 11-day festival. The jury, reports ‘Variety’, comprises Spanish filmmaker J.A. Bayona, Turkish actress and screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, Italian actor and producer Pierfrancesco Favino, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ star Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green, Japanese filmmaker and producer Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lebanese actor and filmmaker Nadine Labaki and French actor Omar Sy.
The ongoing war in Gaza and the incendiary debate around Israel and Palestine came up when ‘Variety’ asked the jury about Cannes’ decision to ban protests on the Croisette.
Earlier at the conference, Favino referred to the festival as a “free space”, and was pressed on how ignoring the Gaza situation is perhaps impossible — after all, the official Cannes programme has a film about Gaza and jury member Sy recently urged politicians to take action to stop Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah, ‘Variety’ notes.
“When I say free space, it’s not just physical space. It’s also the possibility of time,” Favino said, according to ‘Variety’. “One of the most difficult things we could do is seek beauty. Reminding the world that there’s beauty in the world with filmmakers. Movies can talk to people … if we look for beauty, then we might look for peace.”
Poses for Cameras
The jury of the ongoing Cannes Film Festival graced the film festival on Tuesday as they posed for the shutterbugs stationed at the venue in the French Riviera.
The jury, headed by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, includes acclaimed artists from Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and the Americas such as Lily Gladstone (‘Killers of the Flower Moon’), Ebru Ceylan (co-writer of ‘Winter Sleep’), French actress Eva Green (‘Kingdom of Heaven’), Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino (‘The Traitor’), Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda (‘Shoplifters’), Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona (‘The Orphanage’), Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki (‘Capernaum’) and French actor Omar Sy (‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’).
The official X of the Cannes Film Festival shared, “The #Cannes2024 Jury strikes a pose! Le Jury #Cannes2024 prend la pose ! #Photocall Feature Film Jury/Jury Longs Métrages.”
Greta, who is known for her world in the US indie cinema, created a box-office sensation last year with ‘Barbie’.
Anushka Sharma radiated elegance and grace as she debuted on the Cannes 2023 red carpet in an Ivory Richard Quinn Couture gown…reports Asian Lite News
Anushka Sharma made her red-carpet debut on the final day of the Cannes Film Festival. Sharma’s debut has been keenly anticipated as everyone’s attention has been focused on Cannes. The stunning actress has finally graced the world with her first appearance dressed in a gown featuring embroidered floral motif.
The ivory-colored embroidered gown by Richard Quinn featured ruffles across her chest. She looked flawless as she kept the makeup simple, wearing a pulled back pony tail and accessories from World renowned haute-Joaillerie Chopard which featured diamond teardrop earrings with pearls and rings on her fingers as well.
Anushka is representing L’Oreal at Cannes and she was joined by American actresses Andie MacDowell and Eva Longoria and Mexican actress Renata Notni at the Premiere of “The Old Oak” at the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
Debut in Richard Quinn gown
Anushka Sharma radiated elegance and grace as she debuted on the Cannes 2023 red carpet in an Ivory Richard Quinn Couture gown.
Anushka Sharma, who will be soon seen in the Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami’s biopic ‘Chakda ‘Xpress’, recently made her debut at the ongoing edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
For the occasion, she chose an off-shoulder ivory Richard Quinn Couture gown. The gown came with hand crafted embroidery from the in-house atelier and ivory silk taffeta roses.
Anushka Sharma personifies elegance in her Cannes debut(twitter)
The ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ star paired her gown with heels from Gianvito Rossi and a pear shaped white and yellow diamond drop earrings along with yellow and white diamond rings from Chopard.
She further elevated her look with a sleek hair bun and clean makeup look.
Anushka attended the prestigious Film Festival to honour women in cinema. She was joined by Kate Winslet at the event. Earlier, Anushka and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli met the French ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenin at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
On the work front, Anushka will essay Jhulan Goswami in the Prosit Roy directorial ‘Chakda ‘Xpress’ which will release on Netflix.
Her dress exhibited classic sophistication while also reflecting a modern twist. Shivani styled herself with the help and input of her friends, family, and colleagues…reports Asian Lite News
Indian-American content creator Shivani Bafna recently made her Cannes debut at the ongoing edition of the prestigious Film Festival.
She chose a statement gown as her outfit for the event. Designed by Vaishali S, the stunning red creation combined elegance, grace, and a touch of boldness.
Her dress exhibited classic sophistication while also reflecting a modern twist. Shivani styled herself with the help and input of her friends, family, and colleagues.
One of the unique elements of Shivani’s ensemble was a DIY-ed clutch featuring a QR code. When scanned, the code took audiences to a letter she wrote. In the letter, she shared her feelings about being on the red carpet and hopes that her message resonates with the audience, going beyond surface-level fashion.
Lawrence was joined by producers Daniel Angeles and Justine Ciarrocchi when posing photographers. She also received their help as she navigated the stairs…reports Asian Lite News
Actress Jennifer Lawrence made a statement with her choice of footwear at the Cannes Film Festival. Attending the premiere of ‘Anatomie d’une Chute (Anatomy of a Fall)’ , she broke the festival’s unofficial dress code by wearing flip flops.
The actress turned heads in a cherry red, crepe silk gown by Dior Haute Couture which featured spaghetti straps and a soft ruffle at the bustline along with a matching red wrap. She wore an Archi Dior necklace made of white gold and diamonds as her accessory, reports aceshowbiz.com.
As she walked down the stairs at the Palais des Festivals, the 32-year-old lifted up her skirt, revealing a pair of black flip flops underneath her elegant dress. It was a bold move since Cannes famously encourages women to wear heels on its red carpet. Back in 2015, a number of women were reportedly turned away from attending a premiere of ‘Carol’ because they were wearing flats.
Lawrence was joined by producers Daniel Angeles and Justine Ciarrocchi when posing photographers. She also received their help as she navigated the stairs.
Although Lawrence opted for the comfy sandals for the special screening of ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, she changed into a more formal footwear for another premiere on the same day. The ‘X-Men’ star wore the same gown but paired it with red satin heels when attending the premiere for ‘Bread and Roses’, a documentary she produces, at Cannes. The project follows the lives of women living in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s resurgence.
At another premiere held during the film festival in France, Natalie Portman wowed in a dazzling recreation of a 1949 Christian Dior gown. She wore a sparkling strapless gown that featured a voluminous, scalloped skirt with layers of ornate blue beading when attending the premiere of ‘May December’ on Saturday.
The ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ actress’ custom Christian Dior piece was inspired by the ‘Junon’ dress from the designer’s 1949-1950 fall/winter collection. The original dress is part of The Costume Institute’s collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, although it’s not currently available to view.
Portman was joined by her co-stars Charles Melton, Julianne Moore and Cory Michael Smith at the special screening.
The global icon bedazzled with sheer magnificence as she radiated in a spectacular black and silver hooded ensemble by Sophie Couture…reports Asian Lite News
L’Oreal Paris’ spokesperson Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looked stellar in a Sophie Couture Ensemble as she walked the red carpet on the third day of the 76th Cannes Film Festival for L’Oreal Paris sporting a bold red lipstick. The actress walks for the brand which celebrates 26 years as the official makeup partner of the film festival.
L’Oreal Paris Spokespeople from across the globe along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, celebrated confidence in oneself to commemorate this year’s theme – ‘Walk Your Worth’. With this initiative, the brand aims to further strengthen its longstanding commitment to promoting self-worth and empowerment. The theme is a nod to the brand’s ethos, which encourages individuals to embrace their confidence and celebrate themselves.
The global icon bedazzled with sheer magnificence as she radiated in a spectacular black and silver hooded ensemble by Sophie Couture.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles at Cannes 2023 red carpet.(photo:IANSLIFE)
She donned a makeup look created by beauty maestro Val Garland. Drawing inspiration from her celestial beauty, her look was brought to life using L’Oreal Paris Infallible 32H Freshwear Foundation in the shade 140 Golden Beige, infused with a long-lasting yet lightweight formula.
Her beautiful doe-shaped eyes were enhanced using the subtle smokey glitter eyeshadow. A dramatic winged eyeliner was created using the L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Gel Intenza that gives a smooth, smudge-proof wear lasting up to 36 hours, accentuating the innate grace of her eye shape.
The perfect finishing touch to the eye makeup was voluminous lashes with L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, which gives voluptuous volume and intense length. Her perfect bold red pout was achieved using the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in shade 666 – I Win, which provided her lips a highly ultra-matte finish and an intensely pigmented red hue.
‘Hoodie couture’ leaves the world devided
Making her 21st appearance on the Cannes red carpet on Thursday evening (local time), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, after French photographers mistook Urvashi Rautela for her, left observers flummoxed with her choice of clothing.
The less respectful called it ‘hoodie couture’, some others said it appeared as if she had picked up a flowing sheet of aluminum foil from a kitchen in a hurry to act as a sort of canopy atop her flowing black gown; her fawning fans, however, insisted that she was looking very much like the “Queen of Cannes”.
In the past, according to media reports, she has shown up in a gold mermaid gown by Roberto Cavalli, accessorised with coral lips and immaculate hair, or as the personification of Cinderella, and last year, Renaissance painter Botticelli’s ageless masterpiece, The Birth of Venus, had clearly inspired her look.
Earlier in the morning, she wore a little more understandable dress — what looked like a shimmery green cape (reportedly by Valentino) paired with straight hair, light lipliner, and high heels. This look was for a L’Oreal event. Aishwarya has been representing the cosmetics giant for more than two decades.
Sara also took part at the inauguration of the India pavilion event held recently, which was also attended by Oscar winner Guneet Monga, Madhur Bhandarkar and veteran south Indian actress Khushbu…reports Asian Lite News
Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, who recently attended the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023, has said that as an Indian she feels proud to represent her country at such a global platform. She said that cinema and art have the power to transcend the boundaries.
The actress earlier exhibited two looks which received praises from the fashion police, however, it was her third look that won the Internet over. She donned a white Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla saree at the French festival. A few fans even compared the actor to her grandmother, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, who is known for her regal looks in Indian outfits.
She said: “We should be proud and even more vocal of the culture that we have and that we should be able to bring to the rest of the world. I think cinema and art transcends language, regions and nationalities. I think we should come together and while we are here at a global stage representing our country, we should continue to not forget who we are so that we can remain organic in the content that we create because I think that’s exactly what resonates with the rest of the world.”
Sara also took part at the inauguration of the India pavilion event held recently, which was also attended by Oscar winner Guneet Monga, Madhur Bhandarkar and veteran south Indian actress Khushbu.
Sara Ali Khan.(photo:Instagram)
She further mentioned: “Being Indian and proud of our Indianness but also being global citizens, not being afraid of doing more and having a louder voice and more self-presence in cinema and general, worldwide! Thank you for having me and I hope that we continue to do more and make our nation more and more proud and international.”
The actress made heads turns at both the Cannes and the party the actress attended where she joined A-listers like Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Uma Thurman, and Elle Fanning on the red carpet before the premiere of the Johnny Depp-starrer ‘Jeanne du Barry’ which opened the 2023 edition of Cannes.
On the work front, the actress is occupied with the promotions of her upcoming romantic comedy ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bach Ke’ in collaboration with Vicky Kaushal. Apart from that, she is involved in the films ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, an untitled project directed by Jagan Shakti, and Homi Adjania’s ‘Murder Mubarak’.
Welsh Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones dazzled low cut red dress and paired an earrings from the Chopard Red Carpet Collection featuring 33.43-carats of rubies and 8.59-carats of pink sapphires and a bracelet from the Haute Joaillerie Collection featuring diamond and pink sapphires…reports Asian Lite News
The red carpet of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023 was loaded with glitz and splendour on the opening day. Actor Sara Ali Khan choose a desi look for her Cannes Film Festival debut, winning many hearts and Naomi Campbell flaunted a silver embellished dress fully adorn with Chopard jewellery. Here are some of our favourite looks from the first day of the Cannes Film Festival 2023:
Sara Ali Khan
Sara Ali Khan made her Cannes debut in an exquisite hand-embroidered multi-panel skirt by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The intricate shadow work embroidery, adorning each unique panel, showcases a mesmerizing calendar of designs from the renowned couture house of @abujanisandeepkhosla
Sara’s ensemble featured a resplendent blouse adorned in crystals, pearls, and resham work. The intricate details add a touch of glamour to her ethereal look. Adding to the allure, the ensemble features two drapes in tulle—an enchanting one-shoulder drape and a long-head veil. Both drapes boast the finest shadow work, with the head veil embellished with tiny shadow dots and intricate borders.
English Model Naomi Campbell shined in silver sequin dress and Chopard earrings in 18ct white gold featuring 24.12-carats of diamonds, a bracelet in titanium featuring 9.77-carats of diamonds, a bracelet in 18k white gold featuring 90.6-carats of diamonds, a bracelet in 18ct white gold featuring 4.80-carats of diamonds, and a ring in 18ct white gold featuring a 10.06-carat brilliant-cut diamond and diamonds, all from the Haute Joaillerie Collection, along with a bracelet from the L’Heure du Diamant Collection in 18ct white gold featuring 11.75-carats of diamonds, along with a ring from the Red Carpet Collection in 18ct white gold featuring a 9.55-carat blue sapphire and diamonds.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Welsh Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones dazzled low cut red dress and paired an earrings from the Chopard Red Carpet Collection featuring 33.43-carats of rubies and 8.59-carats of pink sapphires and a bracelet from the Haute Joaillerie Collection featuring diamond and pink sapphires.
Uma Thurman
American Actress Uma Thurman sparkled in a necklace from the Red Carpet Collection in 18ct white Fairmined-certified gold featuring 223.89-carats of rubies, 32.54-carats of diamonds and 23.91-carats of amethysts. She also wore a pair of earrings in 18ct white gold featuring a pair of heart shaped rubies with diamonds, a bracelet in 18ct white gold featuring 24.03-carats of rubies, a bracelet in 18ct white gold featuring 73.69-carats of diamonds, all from the Haute Joaillerie Collection, along with earrings in 18ct white gold featuring rubies and diamonds worn in the hair and a ring in 18ct white gold featuring diamonds, both from the Precious Lace Collection.
Carys Douglas
Daughter of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones Carys Douglas sparkled in earrings in 18ct white Fairmined-certified gold featuring 10.89-carats of diamonds, a bracelet in 18ct white Fairmined-certified gold featuring 13.86-carats of diamonds, and two diamond rings in 18ct white Fairmined-certified gold, all from the Haute Joaillerie Collection.
Mrunal Thakur made her red-carpet debut at Cannes with Grey Goose. Given the brand’s long-standing association with creative stalwarts across fashion and design, the brand paved the way for Mrunal at the international platform…reports Asian Lite News
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has made India proud for over two decades being the nation’s face at Cannes, but each year one sees a list of debutants making an appearance. Not all of them are lucky enough to walk the red carpet, but still serve high octane glamour and style.
The Cannes Film Festival, held annually in Cannes, France, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and it’s the 76th edition this time. Here’s a list of who made it to this year’s festival:
Dolly Singh is one of the most famous social media influencers, and enjoys a massive fanbase on her social media handles. She has now made her debut at Cannes 2023.
For her debut on day 4 of the 2023 Film Festival, Singh opted for a pristine white ensemble from the shelves of designer duo, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Her ensemble featured a draped skirt with pearl embellishments at the front. She paired it with a ruffled cape which gave her a dreamy appearance. Moreover, she opted for a pearl bralette which featured conical cups to cover her bust and thin straps. Altogether, she looked indeed graceful.
Mrunal Thakur made her red-carpet debut at Cannes with Grey Goose. Given the brand’s long-standing association with creative stalwarts across fashion and design, the brand paved the way for Mrunal at the international platform.
Global Fashion Content Creator Masoom Minawala shines in a custom-made be jewelled blouse adorned with gold and silver sequins and stones. Paired with an eye-catching emerald green over-the-top skirt with a trail, her outfit by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla which is a true masterpiece of Indian workmanship that took 250 man-hours to create emanating glamour at Cannes 2023.
The combination of intricate detailing and bold colours makes this ensemble a true standout.
In a nod to her Indian heritage and culture, Sara Ali Khan made her red carpet debut at Cannes wearing a traditional lehenga. The actress shone in an intricately hand-embroidered lehenga by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
Manushi Chillar, a beauty queen turned actor, made a stunning red carpet entrance at Cannes wearing a snow-white fairytale gown by Fovari that gave off princess vibes. She accessorised it with a striking necklace and neon heels.
As a member of the Indian government’s delegation, Esha Gupta made her red carpet debut at Cannes while wearing a light pink Nicholas Jebran gown with an oversized collar and exquisite lace flowers on the neck.
