Kalank director Abhishek Varman’s father R Verman passes away
Kalank director Abhishek Varman suffered a tragic loss with the passing of his father, R Verman. The veteran art director had been ailing for a while and was recently admitted to a hospital. He suffered from cardiac arrest on July 30 at 12:30 am at the age of 72.
Abhishek Verman performed his last rites at Oshiwara crematorium, Mumbai. His friends including Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt met him post the rites to offer their condolences.
R Verman aka Ratna Verman Shetty took interest in art direction and assisted well-known art director Sudhendhu Roy. He worked in over 350 films including Betaab, Khiladi, Khoon Bhari Maang, Karan Arjun, Andaz Apna Apna, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Aitraaz among many others.
R Verman’s son Abhishek Varman had been assisting under Dharma Productions for a while before he directed 2 States and Kalank.
EXCLUSIVE: Hrithik Roshan DENIES doing a film with Aanand L Rai opposite Sara Ali Khan
While there are a lot of rumors regarding Hrithik Roshan starring in Satte Pe Sattaremake, he has said that he has a few scripts with him that he still has to read. As of now, he is just basking in the success of his last release Super 30. Hrithik got into an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama where he spoke about his future projects, including Satte Pe Satta remake and Krrish 4.
When enquired about his future projects, he said, “I have about 3-4 scripts with me right now. I still have to read them all and then accordingly I will make up my mind about the next film. Satte Pe Satta remake might be one of them.” We also asked him about the ongoing rumors of him doing a film with Aanand L Rai opposite Sara Ali Khan which he denied completely. He said, “No that is not true, I have not been contacted by Aanand sir, not so far at least.”
Watch this entire segment, right here.
Pulkit Samrat, Jim Sarbh, and Sanjeeda Sheikh starrer Taish goes on floor!
Not too long ago, we had reported that Pulkit Samrat has joined the cast along with Jim Sarbh, Harshvardhan Rane, Neha Sharma, Kriti Kharbanda and TV actress Sanjeeda Sheikh in the forthcoming film Taish. The recent update on that front is that the Bejoy Nambiar directorial has gone on floors.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared a photo of the clapperboard from the sets of Taishrecently. The multi-starrer is a revenge drama that is expected to go on floor in UK. Just recently, it was being said that the film will feature many characters with layers. Amongst them, Pulkit Samrat is supposed to play a grey shaded role of a guy who loves bikes and girls. While the plot has been kept under wraps, we hear that director Bejoy Nambiar is quite excited about the film.
On the other hand, coming to the film, while it was already reported that Taish is an edge of the seat thriller that will go on floors in July, we hear that Pulkit Samrat will join the team next month. Just recently, we had mentioned that the actor is busy with work on Pagalpanti that features John Abraham and Anil Kapoor.
Meanwhile, it is being said that the rest of the team is already London where they have commenced the shoot.
Rumours of Aditya Chopra – Shah Rukh Khan getting together again are false, Yash Raj Films spokesperson rubbishes rumours
Reports in a section of the press that Aditya Chopra will be collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan for a film to commemorate 50 years of Yash Raj Films are purely fabricated. As of now, say sources in the know, there are no such plans. Yashraj productions is currently busy with several productions, none of which is directed by Aditya Chopra.
A source from Yashraj reveals, “Of course Adi and Shah Rukh meet constantly. They are friends for decades now. They meet socially because Gauri Khan and Rani Mukherji are also close friends. Not much work is discussed. Neither Shah Rukh nor Adi is at the moment, interested in getting back to work.” Reacting to rumours of collaboration between the two after the historic Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein and Rab Ne Banadi Jodi the source says, “It is unlikely that Adi will direct another film with SRK in the near future. There are no ideas, let alone any script, that could bring them together.”
And the final word on the sadly-misguided report of another SRK-Adi collaboration comes from the Yashraj spokesperson who says, “There is absolutely no truth to this.”
Flóra Borsi, a European artist, accuses Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer Judgementall Hai Kya for plagiarising her artwork
Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer Judgementall Hai Kya has surely had its fair share of controversies right from Kangana’s argument with the journalist at the song launch, to the change in title of the film. Turns out, the movie is still in trouble for plagiarizing a European artist, Flóra Borsi’s work. The artist took to her social media, Facebook and Twitter, to point the uncanny similarities between her artwork and the film’s posters.
Flóra Borsi took to her Facebook and posted a collage captioning it, “Any similarities? It’s a famous Bollywood movie poster called “Judgementall Hai Kya”. They didn’t ask for any permission nor reached me out. It’s a shame for big companies plagiarising freelance artists work”. She also took to her Twitter to tweet “this movie poster plagiarised my art! Could someone explain what’s happening, please? This is not right. #JudgementallHaiKya @balajimotionpic @sheenagola??”
Take a look at her posts.
We wonder what the makers have to say about this!
Singer Udit Narayan faces extortion and death threats; files police complaint in Mumbai
While many actors and celebrities have faced threats of extortion etc. in the past, the latest victim now is singer Udit Narayan. The veteran singer, who was the star of the 90s, is currently facing severe death threats and he decided to seek the help of cops recently for the same. Recent reports claim that the musician has approached Amboli police station in suburban Mumbai and has registered a complaint regarding the same.
As per these reports, Udit Narayan has been receiving death calls and threats from an unknown number for almost a month now. And it is being said that after the complaint was registered, the Amboli Police station decided to transfer the same to Anti-Extortion cell in Mumbai to take the case ahead. Going by the reported results of the investigation, the police traced back that the calls were made from a stolen phone and they also have identified the caller to be a certain Lakshman.
Officials from Amboli police station have confirmed the recent developments, reportedly, wherein they also revealed that Udit Narayan sought their help in the case and approached them four days ago regarding the calls. They also asserted that they have taken action over the complaint and have increased patrolling near Udit Narayan’s residence.
Furthermore, some other investigation results that were reported included that the number he received the calls from were registered in the name of Udit Narayan’s security guard from his building. And after his police inquiry, it was revealed that the guard’s phone was stolen while he was on his way to his hometown.
WHOA! Karan Johar to hoist the Indian flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Each year the iconic landmark of Melbourne, the Federation Square is populated on one of the most important days for the Indian community living in the cultural hot-spot. As part of the annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) which is a multi-award-winning and the largest film festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the tent pole event is that of the hoisting of the Indian National Flag ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. This year as the festival will be celebrating its 10th year amongst much fervor, it will be Indian cinema’s most loved director, Karan Johar who will be doing the honors of hoisting the flag.
During the 10 days of celebration of Indian cinema this year with courage as its central theme, the key highlight of the festival is the annual flag hoisting. Karan will hoist flags in presence in a large public gathering that come to witness the patriotic spectacle each year. The hoisting of the flag will take place in the presence of thousands of Indian-Australians and people from the Subcontinent Diaspora on August 11, 2019. Also present in the company will be the High Commissioner of India in Australia and The Mayor of Melbourne.
Speaking about the honor, Karan said, “I’m looking forward to be celebrating Indian Independence Day in one of the world most vibrant multicultural cities, Melbourne. The sense of community and unity centers around the pride of our flag and the celebration of India’s independence is something I’m looking forward to. It’s truly an honor for me to be the one this year to hoist our tricolor at the landmark in Melbourne.”
Makeup artist Daniel Bauer is all praises for Vaani Kapoor’s raw beauty in War
Vaani Kapoor has been turning heads with her drop-dead gorgeous looks in War. Her bikini body combined with her beautiful face has added the sizzle of the Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff starrer. Make-up artist Daniel Bauer decoded how he got the look bang on for the film.
Daniel says, “Working with Vaani on War was such a dream job, from the amazing locations across Italy to the excitement of working on such an international Bollywood blockbuster. The first look of the film presented Vaani on the beach and I remember how I wanted to accentuate her natural beauty for this shot.”
He adds, “What I loved about helping to create the look of Vaani’s character was just how modern and sophisticated her look was. Nothing dramatic, just raw beauty that worked so beautifully on camera. Vaani has a flawless complexion where the subtleness of makeup can transform her character for any scene.”
War is directed by Siddharth Anand and is slated to release on October 2 under Yash Raj Films’ banner.
Suniel Shetty and Kichcha Sudeep grooved with 500 dancers for his multi-lingual, Pehlwaan
Suniel Shetty will be seen as a wrestling coach in his upcoming multi-lingual film, Pehlwaan. The movie will be released in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Making his comeback on screen after A Gentleman, Suniel is thrilled to be a part of this project which also stars Kichcha Sudeep. Recently, Suniel shot for a song, ‘Jai Ho Pehlwaan’, for the action drama film and was accompanied by 500 other dancers.
Outshining as the star, Suniel was excited to shake a leg with Sudeep and says that it was fun to get back to dancing after so long. He was stunned after the magnanimity of the song and the massive scale at which the makers had planned it. He has also been training hard to acquire the physical qualities to resemble a wrestler and says he has been doing a lot of stretching exercises to avoid injuries. His aim was to look string and powerful with an athlete-like upright posture. Recently, his first look from the film was released and it has been driving the fans crazy! Take a look at it.
Slated to release on September 12, Pehlwaan is directed by Krishna.
Sunny Leone ditches her western avatar for the horror-comedy, Kokakola
Sunny Leone will next be seen in a horror comedy titled Kokakola where she will be donning a desi avatar for the Prasad Tatikeni directorial. We have always seen Sunny Leone dressed in a glamourous avatar in every appearance she has made, be it for her roles or for her dance numbers. With the upcoming project, Sunny Leone is all set to surprise her fans with her de-glam look.
Sunny will be seen wearing sarees from different regions of the country, arranged by her stylist, Hitendra Kapopara. Sunny expressed that she loves wearing sarees and loves seeing herself in a totally different avatar when she looks in the mirror. She is also expected to talk in a Bhojpuri accents and is taking training in the same to get the accent and the diction right.
The movie also stars Mandana Karimi and is currently being shot in Noida.
Ananya Panday to speak about her initiative ‘So Positive’ with students at an esteemed college in Lucknow
Ananya Panday recently marked her debut with Student of the Year 2 alongside Tiger Shroff, and Tara Sutaria after creating headlines with her spectacular performance in the film. The actress recently started the ‘So Positive’ initiative against social media bullying and trolling, calling it her Digital Social Responsibility and aims at fighting away the issue that every teenager on social media faces.
Ananya Panday who started this campaign will be interacting with the students of Isabella Thoburn College of Lucknow on August 1. This will be the first ever time that a celebrity will be hosted by the college that was established in 1870 where the authorities of the college upon hearing about the unique initiative made the exception.
Talking about if she is preparing ahead of her talk in college, Ananya Panday says, “I think when you speak from your heart, it works the most. It is about sharing my experiences and letting other people talk. Yes, I want to be as clear as I can with the facts that I have and the exact solutions that I can give to the kids. One of the aims of So Positive is providing clarity about people can do when they need help.”
Ananya Panday who started this initiative with an intention to fight and negate social media bullying, says, “Cyberbullying and trolling is something that people have seen happening, but no one was doing anything about it. I was also confused about how to make a difference. I spoke to my parents about just starting the conversation. That’s where the idea for So Positive came from. I hope it has made some sort of impact as a lot of people came out and supported the initiative”.
The actress feels there should be an initiator who stands against the bully, Ananya elaborates, “If one person stands up to a bully, everyone is inspired enough to do that”. Needless to say, social media has been an important aspect of Ananya’s growing up years. “I have been on it since I was 14. I enjoy it. The good side is, me being an actor, I can reach out to a lot more people. I can interact with fans and give them an insight into my life, which they wouldn’t have got otherwise as it’s an unfiltered version that I am providing. I also follow a lot of people who I look up to and it also helps me to keep in touch with my friends. It just makes the world smaller”.
The actress, however, cautions that people only post filtered versions about their lives, which makes everything seem perfect on social media. Talking about this Ananya Panday says, “People don’t post their failures, but you should realise that not everything is perfect and you shouldn’t believe everything you see. I provide the most real version of myself because I don’t want to set unrealistic expectations for young girls following me. I know how easy it is get carried away. If I am following someone, and I see a bag or a certain look that I want, I start feeling insecure about my appearance. Now, since I am an actor, I have a responsibility. I want to inspire those who are following me, and make them feel that we are real and normal.”
The ‘Best Student’ had receiving a wide support and appreciation for her initiative which she launched on World Social Media day and continues to win over the hearts of the people across quarters for the unique and relevant initiative that she has undertaken.
Akshay Kumar gives Aamir Khan a dose of John Abraham’s medicine
The territorial battle for Bollywood superstars to release their films during specific festive weekends has begun. It was John Abraham who started it, when in 2018 and now 2019 John muscled into Akshay Kumar’s territory.
Independence Day August 15 has traditionally been the time when Akshay releases his flag-waving patriotic project. When John decided to release Satyamev Jayate in 2018 and Batla House in 2019 alongside Akshay’s Gold and Mission Mangal on Independence Day, it was seen to be a bit invasive.
Now Akshay does to Aamir what John did to Akshay. Akshay is all set to release his new project Bachchan Pandey alongside Aamir Khan’s Lal Singh Chaddha for Christmas 2020.
Christmas has traditionally been reserved for Aamir Khan’s releases. Aamir’s biggest films like Ghajini, Taare Zameen Par, PK, 3 Idiots and Dhoom 3 have been released for Christmas and created box office havoc.
Can Akshay hope to compete with Aamir on the latter’s home ground?
Alia Bhatt to feature in Doorbeen’s upcoming track, Prada
Alia Bhatt was last seen dancing her heart out on Doorbeen’s track ‘Lamberghini’, at her best friend, Devika Advani’s wedding. Currently juggling between the shooting schedules of Brahmastra and Sadak 2, she recently wrapped up the Ooty leg of Sadak 2 and her pictures from the sets have left the fans in awe of her happy soul.
If the reports are to be believed, Alia Bhatt has featured in Doorbeen’s next single titled Prada. The single mostly comes out on August 5 and Alia shot for the music video in Mumbai itself. Well, we can’t wait to see Alia in her first official music video. While she has done music videos for her films like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Udta Punjab, this is the first time she will be seen in the video of a band’s music single.
Apart from Brahmastra and Sadak 2, Alia Bhatt will also be seen in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, Inshallah with Salman Khan.
Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha shot for the climax song of Bhuj: The Pride Of India with 300 dancers!
Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Parineeti Chopra and Sanjay Dutt will be seen in Bhuj: The Pride Of India and have already completed shooting the first schedule in Hyderabad. The team has also recently shot of a song in Kutch over the past few days and it surely was an extravagant affair. The song begins with a Ganesh Aarti that will be played during a crucial point in the film. The aarti will be performed by Sonakshi Sinha and Ajay Devgn right before his character Squadron Leader Vijay Kumar Karnik leaves for his mission.
The song was choreographed by Ganesh Acharya who had brought in 300 dancers for the same that made it look visually stunning and extravagant. A source revealed that a huge set was erected for the shoot of the song and this song is where the Jawans, Air Force, and Border Security Forces have come together to pray for the success of Ajay’s mission.
The team will shoot for the climax of the film in Kathda village, Mandvi for the next two weeks. The movie is surely a special one for them since it re-tells the story of an important chapter of the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and is directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya.
