The Indian Panorama

Tag: Bollywood

  • IAAC-CGI CELEBRATE INDIA@75

    By Mabel Pais

    On the 75th anniversary of India’s independence from colonial rule, the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), a premier cultural organization of the U.S.A. and the Consulate General of India in New York (CGI-NY), had organized a series of programs showcasing India’s cultural diversity, antiquity, and contemporary relevance.

    The 10-day specially curated events at some of the iconic cultural venues in New York city began on August 5 with a photo exhibition by celebrated photographer Steve McCurry. This was followed by Dance programs at the Alvin Ailey studios on August 6, 7 & 8, Music programs on Aug 11 & 12 at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and varied Musical performances at Carnegie Hall Aug 13-15 in the run up to celebrating 75 years of India’s independence on August 15 this year. Participants in New York or online (for some events), were able to enjoy the events as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (‘Festival of Freedom’). To learn more, visit iaac.us. Seventy-five years ago, when India became an independent country after centuries of colonial rule, all eyes were on India because of the Gandhian message of Ahimsa, freedom through non-violence, and its ancient message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, treasuring the whole world as one family. Today, in our world of polarization, increasing tribalism, conflict and environmental degradation, the ancient Indian values of respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, and respect for Nature are needed more urgently than ever.

    In the U.S.A., many leaders, from John Adams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thoreau, Walt Whitman to Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs to name a few, have been attracted to Indian ideals and culture. The festival aimed to bring the Indo-American bond closer, with cultural exchanges.

    In a video address to members of the Indian-American diaspora at a concert headlined by Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan at Carnegie Hall, New York on Monday, August 15, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs of India, V. Muraleedharan, said India walked hand in hand with the global community in this journey, contributing to international peace and well-being. “When we got freedom, there was tears and joy, but there was also a realization about an immense responsibility lying ahead. We settled down to build our democracy and preserve our unity,” he said. “To many outside, this appeared an insurmountable task, but with dedication and determination, purpose and perseverance, our people nurtured and illuminated our democratic polity,” Muraleedharan said. He said this developed deep roots in India’s social fabric, embracing its diversity, pluralism, and age-old ethos. “Indeed, India’s success has made the world a better place for all freedom-loving people. And for that reason, we are joined by millions across the world to share our joy today,” he said.

    He underlined that on the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, and ever inspired by the motto of ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (truth alone triumphs), “we have built a modern nation – one that prides in its ancient moorings even as it marches on the knowledge and digital pathways of the 21st century.” On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the Consulate General of India in New York along with the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) organized the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – Festival of Freedom’.

    Muraleedharan said the occasion of the anniversary of India’s independence is a “sacred day” to pay tribute to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and salute the freedom fighters. He added that as India’s founding fathers soiled and struggled, many nations came forward in support of India’s cause and he expressed gratitude to India’s international partners who joined hands with the country. “Our freedom movement had a special resonance in the United States. We remain grateful to all the women and men of America who stood with us, and these bonds have endured. Our shared democratic fabric continues to bind us together in a warm embrace,” Muraleedharan said.

    Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, in his remarks, said that India’s journey of the last 75 years has been “one of pride, fulfillment, honor and unity.” “We have deepened democracy, nurtured inclusive growth and celebrated our diversity and cultural ethos,” he said. He said at the core of India’s freedom is “our people.” “They have shaped our imagination, our democracy and our civilization. And so, we are here to celebrate their resolve, their determination, their courage and their resilience. From scratch, they built a nation of billion dreams and billion achievements,” he said. “We also owe our success to international partners and supporters. And in this rubric, India-US special ties and friendship have left an indelible mark – from ideas and thought, to institutions and partnerships; from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King, from Tom Paine to Swami Vivekanand; and from Artificial Intelligence to IIT Kanpur,” he said. He said on the path of unity and togetherness, India has lived freedom and practiced democracy. “That is our message to ourselves and to the world – as we look into the future,” he said.

    IAAC Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo said the organization is proud and honored to mark the occasion of 75 years of Indian Independence with the remarkable series of events celebrating Indian art and culture. “Curated with care, this line-up boosts an ambitious goal: to truly immerse audiences into a vibrant and diverse culture with limitless potential to inspire all citizens of the world,” he said in a statement issued by the IAAC.

    FESTIVAL OF INDIAN MUSIC CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV

    PROGRAM

    The Music Festival was celebrated August 13-15, 2022

    “As we use flowers in worship, welcoming, honoring, departure, and celebration no matter what our race, origin, religion or language, we similarly arrange musical notes into ‘bouquets’ or compositions that display all our human feelings and emotions,” said the legendary Maestro Amjad Ali Khan.

    Carnegie Hall, August 13, 2022

    SAKHI (Photo : IAAC.US)

    KAUSHIKI CHAKRABORTY’S SAKHI (All Female Ensemble)

    Kaushiki Chakraborty, Vocals

    Nandini Shankar, Violin

    Debopriya Chatterjee Ramdive, Bansuri (Flute)

    Bhakti Deshpande, Kathak

    Savani Talwalkar, Tabla

    Mahima Upadhyay, Pakhawaj

    Sakhi consists of all the elements of a musical performance, i.e., vocal, instrumental music from North India (Hindustani) and South India (Carnatic) and dance.

    The day’s performance included:

    Khayal bandish (lyrics from a female perspective)

    Thumri, Dadra, Chaita, Hori, Kajri

    Tarana Thillana

    Some instrumental presentation where we can use sargams and no lyrics

    Bhajan and Folk

    Naman – Saraswati

    Tarana – The dance of rhythm and melody

    Anandini – Mother Goddess

    Bageeshwari – The Devi of Knowledge

    Samanjasya – Balance

    Kanjari – The Divas of the yesteryears

    Chaturang – Many shades of Beauty

    Lokranjini – The soil, the mother

    Rudrani – The fury of the Goddess

    To learn about each artist, visit iaac.us

    ———————————————–

    Carnegie Hall, August 14, 2022

    SAATH SAATH (Photo : IAAC.US)

    SAATH SAATH

    Rakesh Chaurasia, Flute

    Purbayan Chatterjee, Sitar

    Taufiq Qureshi, Djembe

    Ojas Adhiya, Tabla

    Rakesh Chaurasia – Alaap

    Taufiq Qureshi – Breathe Percussion

    Purbayan Chatterjee – Jod

    All together – Saath Saath

    Composition with all four artists

    Percussion Duet

    Folk tune & Semi Classical piece

    To learn about each artist, visit iaac.us

    ————————————

    CONCERT FOR INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE

    Carnegie Hall, August 15, 2022

    AMJAD ALI KHAN, Sarod

    AMAAN ALI BANGASH, Sarod

    AYAAN ALI BANGASH, Sarod

    LIDIYA YANKOVSKAYA, Conductor

    REFUGEE ORCHESTRA PROJECT

    The grand finale of the ‘Festival of India@75’ on August 15 featured the Sarod Grand Master and Sarod virtuosos Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash and Tabla players Amit Kavthekar and Ojas Adhiya for ‘Samaagam’, an ensemble that presented the essence of both Indian and Western traditions seamlessly flowing into each other without artistic compromise. “Since my childhood, I always wanted my instrument, the sarod, to be able to express the entire range of human emotions….to Sing, Shout, Whisper and cry. All the emotions! It has been a long journey so far and by the benevolence of the heavens, the sarod has become far more expressive than before,” said maestro Amjad Ali Khan. In Samaagam, 12 different ragas were presented, creating a unique opportunity to experience joyous music and shared traditions.

    The spectacular concert, featuring renowned Conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya and the Refugee Orchestra, was held at the Carnegie Hall and presented “a synthesis of musical traditions motivated by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence and peace.” Sarod maestro Khan said it was indeed a “great honor” to perform for India’s 75th Year of Independence at Carnegie Hall and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “celebrating our historic Independence Day celebration as Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.” “Musicians and listeners of music have been communicating with each other across all barriers through the language of musical notes from time immemorial. As we use flowers in worship, welcoming, honouring, departure, and celebration no matter what our race, origin, religion or language, we similarly arrange musical notes into ‘bouquets’ or compositions that display all our human feelings and emotions,” the legendary artist said.

    SAROD TRIO PROGRAM

    Segment 1

    AMAAN ALI BANGASH, Sarod

    AYAAN AI BANGASH, Sarod

    Segment 2

    AMJAD ALI KHAN, Sarod

    Samaagam – Concerto for 3 Sarods

    SAMAAGAM (Photo : Alex Lyon)

    AMJAD ALI KHAN, AMAAN ALI BANGASH, and

    AYAAN ALI BANGASH, Sarod

    REFUGEE ORCHESTRA PROJECT

    LIDIYA YANKOVSKAYA, Conductor

    On the momentous occasion of India’s 75th year of Independence, the night’s concert was a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and to his message of non-violence. Gandhi insisted that “Each of us must be the change we wish to see in this world.” Resonating with that ethos, the artists tonight musically seek to convey that we should all work together to recreate and be soulfully motivated by his enthralling symphony of Truth, Love, Non-Violence, and Peace.

    A wonderful and strange mystery of Indian classical music is the fact that one can spend a lifetime trying to obtain knowledge and perfection and still feel that one has only touched a mere drop of an ocean. The learning never stops along the Journey of searching and discovering. Indian Classical music has indeed had a very spiritual and scientific development and growth. This was a phenomenon that existed from Vedic times. The tradition of classical music dates back to the Sam Veda period. The earliest version of classical music was the Vedic chants. Interestingly, the effect of all the twelve notes on our body, mind and soul are very scientific. Various permutations and combinations give the scales a shape of a raga. However, a raga is much more and beyond. It’s not just a mere scale. A raga has to be invoked, understood, and cared for like a living entity.

    The first half of the night’s concert was divided in two segments, The concert started with a duet by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash (older-younger sons of Amjad Ali Khan), both well-known sarod virtuosos. They presented a traditional raga of Indian Classical music set to various rhythmic time cycles. This was followed by a solo solo by Sarod Grand Master Amjad Ali Khan. Amit Kavthekar and Ojas Adhiya, two brilliant tabla (Indian two-piece drums) players, provided accompaniment for this segment.

    An interesting aspect of Indian Classical music is that here you have five people on stage who don’t know what the other is going to do, and yet have to perform like a rehearsed orchestra! Therefore, the role as performers is really that of three people, i.e., the performer, the composer and the conductor. Three in one! Along with the Sarods and the Tablas, there was a drone box tuned to the true tonic.

    After intermission, Samaagam – Concerto for 3 Sarods, conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya, was played by the Refugee Orchestra Project. Samaagam comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘confluence or flowing together.’ Amjad Ali Khan aimed to preserve the essence of both Indian and Western traditions so that they can flow into each other without artistic compromise. He uses the orchestration of Indian ensemble music in the pre-Bollywood era as inspiration and has also looked back to the ancient (i.e., pre-equal-temperament) Western tradition incorporating elements which, because of their antiquity, do not violate the rules of Indian music. The aim is through this process to joyfully explore the common musical “DNA”of both traditions. In Samaagam, twelve different ragas were presented. Some will make only a fleeting appearance; others will be explored for longer. To learn about each artist, visit iaac.us

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)

  • India in history this Week-December 31, 2021, to january 6, 2022

    India in history this Week-December 31, 2021, to january 6, 2022

    31 DECEMBER

    1925       Hindi writer Shrilal Shukla, born for satire, was born.

    1984       Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister and Congress President for the first time.

    1802       The Maratha ruler Peshwa Bajirao II came under the protection of the British.

    1866       Chief Minister of Bihar and freedom fighter Krishna Ballabh Sahai was born.

    1926     Renowned Indian writer, historian, best orator and scholar Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade died.

    1929    Congress workers led by Mahatma Gandhi started the movement for complete self-rule in Lahore.

    01 JANUARY

    2001       Calcutta was officially named Kolkata.

    1971       Broadcasting of cigarette advertisements on television was banned.

    1950       Rahat Indouri, famous Urdu poet and lyricist was born.

    2020       India’s first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, who took charge (CDS) on 1 January, 2020

    02 JANUARY

    1978       Air India had a Boeing 747 accident. All 213 people aboard this plane were killed.

    1757       British troops captured the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata) in India.

    1954       Bharat Ratna Award was started.

    03 JANUARY

    2009       Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot won the trust vote in the Vidhan Sabha.

    2005       USA announces Rs 6.2 crore assistance to provide clean drinking water to tsunami victims in Tamil Nadu.

    1995       360 people died in a fierce fire in a school in Dabwali, Haryana.

    1968       Launch of ‘Maneka’, the country’s first meteorological rocket.

    1943       For the first time, information about missing people was broadcast on television.

    1929       Mahatma Gandhi met Lord Irwin.

    1901       Brahmacharya Ashram opened in Shanti Niketan.

    1984       Ravindra Nath Tagore inaugurated the ‘Pausha Mela’ at Shanti Niketan.

    1998       Bangladesh refused to hand over India to ULFA general secretary Anoop Chetia.

    04 JANUARY

    1994       Rahul Dev Burman (RD Burman) famous music composer of Hindi films passed away.

    1972       Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science inaugurated in New Delhi.

    1966       India-Pakistan Conference between Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri and General Ayub Khan of Pakistan begins.

    05 JANUARY

    2014       Indian communication satellite GSAT-14 was successfully placed into orbit.

    2009       Omar Abdullah, President of National Conference, sworn in as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

    2006       India and Nepal extend the duration of the transit treaty by 3 months.

    1957       Central Sales Tax Act comes into effect.

    1955       Birth of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

    1941       Birth of cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in Bhopal.

    1934       Birth of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi.

    1890       Advocate Gyanendra Mohan Tagore died.

    1671       Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the Salhar region from the Mughals.

    1659       Aurangzegb defeated Shah Shuja in the Battle of Khajwah.

    06 JANUARY

    1966       Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman was born.

    1967       Allah Rakha Rahman, who created a new place in the world of music, was born.

    1959       One of the all-rounders of the country, Kapil Dev was born on this day.

    1932       Famous Hindi writer Kamleshwar was born.

    1928       Indian playwright and theatergoer Vijay Tendulkar was born.

    1885       Bharatendu Harishchandra, one of the leading Hindi poets and writers of modern India, died.

    1918       Bharata Vyas, the famous lyricist of Bollywood, was born.

  • Indian American filmmaker Karam Gill making big in Hollywood

    Indian American filmmaker Karam Gill making big in Hollywood

    LOS ANGELES (TIP): Changes are afoot in Hollywood as American sitcoms continue to emerge out of an era where brown faces were shown in blink-and-you-miss appearances as taxi drivers, nerds and doctors.Now encouragingly, a host of Indian-origin talents are making considerable difference behind the scenes in the fast-diversifying American entertainment industry. Recently Indian American Karam Gill was listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list of 2022 under the Hollywood and Entertainment category. All of 25, Karam Gill grew up in Los Angeles idolizing musicians like Snoop Dogg, Warren G. Not a surprise then that he made his debut with a documentary about the icons.

    Gill was noticed in the notoriously uppity American entertainment circle for his 2017 debut documentary ‘G-Funk’ that traces the gripping journey of hip-hop stars Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Warren G. The documentary not only beautifully documents the rise of these music stars, but also depicts hip-hop and rap music gaining global attention.

    G-Funk went on to receive critical acclaim soon after it premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival. Soon becoming a festival circuit favorite the documentary was acquired by YouTube originals in 2018. This certainly isn’t Gills’ first laurel. Back in 2017 he was listed among Variety’s Top 10 Documentary Filmmakers to Watch. Gill has also founded a creative agency titled MGX Creatives and is a creative director for Marshmello, the popular EDM artist. Marshmello’s Biba music video that gained huge popularity in India also because Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan featured in it, had creative inputs from Gill. Gill along with his co-founder has also worked on Marshmello documentary, part of which is shot in India. So, as Hollywood and American entertainment continues to get more diversity, faces like Gill are a welcome addition.

  • The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Association of Greater ChicagoCelebrates Diwali the Traditional Way

    The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Association of Greater ChicagoCelebrates Diwali the Traditional Way

    Dr. Subhash Pandey.
    Chief Guest, Mr. PK Mishra.
    A captivating dance performance.

    Chicago IL: The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Association of Greater Chicago held a function for the annual day and Diwali celebration on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at the Ashyana Banquet Hall in Downers Grove, IL. Last year, Diwali was celebrated with a variety of virtual cultural programs because of the Covid pandemic, but this year, it was celebrated in person with a very impressive gathering and high-quality cultural programs highlighting the rich culture of India. Diwali or Deepavali, means deep (light) and avali (rows). It is an inner illumination from ignorance to knowledge; good defeats evil and bring happiness in family and community.

    The event started with a Diya lighting ceremony by executive committee and board of trustmembers led by Dr. Subhash Pandey and Chief Guest, Mr. PK Mishra, and was followed by a beautiful sitar instrumental presentation of bhajan medley by Mr. Paneesh Rao. The program was organized and coordinated by Mr. Sunish Mittal and Mr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, treasurer and president of the UP Association, respectively. Mr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, president of the organization, welcomed the audience on this occasion. Dr. Subhash Pandey, Chairman Board of Trustees of the UP Association, also welcomed the audiences and presented an explanation of the purpose of the association. He explained that the Association was established in 1991 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary as well. He highlighted that the main purpose of the Association is to keep our cultural heritage alive especially in new generations. UP Association also organizes Kavi Sammelan every year to promote Hindi, a national language of India. He concluded by thanking all past presidents for their hard work towards fulfilling the objectives of the organization. Chief Guest Hon. PK Mishra Consul & Head of Chancery (Counsel General of India, Chicago) conveyed the greetings of Consulate General of India (CGI), Chicago, on the occasion of Diwali and explained about the many services offered by CGI Chicago. He also congratulated the organization for completing 30 years.

    The Association brought in several renowned artists from Chicago who presented a range of traditional, modern, and contemporary Indian performances, including an outstanding dance (Ganesh Vandana and Shri Ram stuti) by Mrs. Gauri Jog, director & teacher, India dance school. This was followed by several melodious songs by two well-known singers, Mrs. Ananya Ghosh and Mr. Sreepathy that were accompanied by an outstanding musician team. This was followed by a program called “Saaz aur Alfaaz” by Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, a famous poet, and Mr. Sunish Mittal, a well accomplished singer. Two children’s performers, Mr. Shlok Jaiswal and Ms. Anavi Ghosh also sang melodious songs for this occasion. The program ended with a presentation of a colorful group dance to a Bollywood movie song.

    A variety of delicious foods and snacks were served by the Ashyana Banquet, and great hospitality was shown by Mr. Surendra Jain and his staff which was highly appreciated by all the guests. At the end, a vote of thanks was proposed by the UP-Association Vice President Mrs. Uma Agarwal. This event was a fun evening filled with several cultural items and delicious food.

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)

  • Whitney Peak excited about ‘Gossip Girl’ extension series

    Whitney Peak excited about ‘Gossip Girl’ extension series

    Actress Whitney Peak, who will be seen in the “Gossip Girl” extension series says she is keen to know of fan reaction once the show drops.. “We haven`t even finished filming the show yet and there`s already so much media attention and such a huge fandom. Everybody has something to say about it, and I can`t add to the conversation. It`s kind of overwhelming. But I`m so excited for the audience to be caught off guard,” Whitney told Wonderland Magazine.

    The 18-year-old actress, who has graced the cover of the magazine recalls her audition for the popular show and reveals that she never thought she would get through. “I, 100 per cent, was prepared for the project to fall through, because it happens. And not only that, I just didn`t even believe any of it was real because it was happening so fast, because it happened off the back of one video audition. I was sure someone else was going to come along and take the part from me,” she recalled.                           Source: IANS

  • Kardashians expand their empire to greeting cards

    Kardashians expand their empire to greeting cards

    The Kardashians clan, who already own several business ventures, is now stepping into the world of greeting cards and calendars. As per People magazine, the new venture will be called Kardashian Kards and the family has filed trademark documents to secure a name for it. The popular family is planning on using their name to sell greeting cards, calendars, decals, photo albums, and postcards.

    According to documents viewed by People magazine, Kim Kardashian West, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and Kris Jenner filed trademark documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the brand name `Kardashian Kards` on February 22, 2021.

    According to the filing, the brand may sell items including “greeting cards, calendars, decals, photographs, photo albums, pictures, posters, postcards, scrapbooks, stationery, paper, notebooks, stickers and transfers, writing utensils, erasers, bookmarks, and paper gift wrap.

    ” Kardashian Kards is far from the first brand name the family has trademarked.

    In addition to being reality TV stars, the Kardashian-Jenners have a plethora of businesses under their names, most overseen by Kris.

    One of the earliest was DASH, a boutique clothing chain Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe opened together in Calabasas, California, in 2006, one year before `Keeping Up with the Kardashians` premiered.

    The family gained prominence after starring in their own reality series `Keeping Up With The Kardashians`, which has been on the air for over 13 years now.

    Currently, Kim runs the beauty empire KKW Beauty and shapewear company SKIMS, Kourtney focuses on her lifestyle website Poosh and Khloe has her size-inclusive fashion brand Good American.

    Their younger siblings followed suit.

    Kylie Jenner has taken the makeup and skincare industries by storm with Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin and Kendall Jenner announced earlier this year that, in addition to modeling, she was entering the spirits business, with the launch of 818 Tequila.

  • Parineeti Chopra: Saina was the challenge I was looking for

    Actress Parineeti Chopra says the forthcoming sports biopic “Saina” was the challenge she was looking for because she was doing similar roles for a long time. “I was looking for a challenge. The kind of films I was doing, they were more or less extensions of me, or perhaps what writers and directors thought of me. They were writing roles that were similar and I was choosing films that were similar. When this movie, Saina, came into my life, I was exactly looking for a film like this,” said Parineeti.

    “I was looking for something to surprise everyone with. I was looking for something I was not known for. I am known as the happy girl-next-door type, but that is not me. I wanted to show the real me on the big-screen. A sports biopic about a person who is still playing and known as the crazy tigress on court is something I was looking for,” she said.

    Earlier, actress Shraddha Kapoor was roped in to essay the role of badminton ace Saina Nehwal in the biopic. Shraddha reportedly dropped out owing to her health cndition.

    Talking about being trolled on social media after the teaser release, Parineeti said: “I have a different thought process. If I believe that someone is making a genuine point, I tend to agree with them. But when I know that someone is just heckling and saying stuff just to say stuff, I just ignore them.”

  • Urvashi Rautela tries ‘Lucknowi accent’ for web series

    Urvashi Rautela tries ‘Lucknowi accent’ for web series

    Actresss Urvashi Rautela plays a Lucknowi character in an upcoming web series, and she is working hard to get the accent of her character right. Urvashi plays Poonam Mishra, wife of supercop, Inspector Avinash Mishra, in the show “Inspector Avinash”. The series is based on the life of Inspector Mishra and has Randeep Hooda essaying the title role. “Accents are important to know who you are where you are from as a character. I got a lot of help from my vocal coach and dialect specialist. Movie accents are the ones you don’t really notice but actually are considered the foundation of the characters. For the very first time, I will be speaking in a Lucknowi accent. It’s a challenging part for me,” said Urvashi. Besides the accent, Urvashi has also been spending time with Poonam to understand her day-to-day routine and lifestyle. “I am hanging out with Poonam Mishra to grasp everything about her. Even the smallest thing about hers, which I can grab, will be super best for my role. Basically, I am soaking in all her characteristics — from the way she talks to her dressing style, her bangles, sarees, everything,” said Urvashi.

  • Gauahar slams false news report of her pregnancy

    Gauahar slams false news report of her pregnancy

    Gauahar Khan blasted a news portal for speculating about her pregnancy and falsely reporting that her husband, Zaid Darbar, is 12 years younger than her. The actor, whose father died last week, asked the website to ‘have some sensitivity’ as she is still mourning his loss. “Tumhara dimaag kharaab hai! Aur facts bhi. 12 saal chote waali galat news hui purani (You have lost your mind and your facts are wrong too. The false news of a 12-year age difference is old), so get ur facts right b4 typing! I’ve just lost my dad so have some sensitivity towards ur baseless reports. @AsianetNewsHN. I am not pregnant, thank you very much!” she wrote on Twitter. Gauahar was responding to a story which suggested that she is pregnant, three months after marrying Zaid. The article also claimed that he is 12 years her junior, which is also inaccurate.

  • Demi Lovato slams diet culture

    Demi Lovato slams diet culture

    Demi Lovato refuses to live her life “according to diet culture”. The ‘Confident’ hitmaker refuses to exercise or count calories anymore but admits it is a “different experience” because she feels full of “divine wisdom and cosmic guidance”. Taking to her Instagram account, she shared: “Accidentally lost weight. I don’t count calories anymore. I don’t exercise anymore. I don’t restrict or purge … And I especially … don’t live my life accordingly to the diet culture … I’ve actually lost weight … This is a different experience but I feel full. Not of food but of divine wisdom and cosmic guidance. Full of peace, serenity, joy and love today (sic)”

    Meanwhile, Demi previously admitted she is “so proud” of the person she is today after her overdose.

    The 28-year-old singer – who suffered a near-fatal overdose in July 2018 – said: “Everything had to happen in order for me to learn the lessons that I learned. It was a painful journey, and I look back and sometimes I get sad when I think of the pain that I had to endure to overcome what I have, but I don’t regret anything. I’m so proud of the person I am today. And I’m so proud that people get to see it in this documentary and I couldn’t be more grateful that I had someone by my side.”

    And the ‘Anyone’ singer also revealed she is still living with the lasting effects of her overdose, which she says left her with “brain damage”.

    She explained: “I was left with brain damage, and I still deal with the effects of that today. I don’t drive a car, because I have blind spots on my vision. And I also for a long time had a really hard time reading. It was a big deal when I was able to read out of a book, which was like two months later because my vision was so blurry. I dealt with a lot of the repercussions and I feel like they are still there to remind me of what could happen if I ever get into a dark place again. I’m grateful for those reminders, but I’m so grateful that I was someone that didn’t have to do a lot of rehabbing. The rehabbing came on the emotional side.”

  • Britney Spears wants to ‘heal’ after a year of craziness

    Britney Spears wants to ‘heal’ after a year of craziness

    The ‘Toxic’ hitmaker wants to “devote” herself to her own wellbeing and mental health and is “working on allowing herself to not be so strong all the time”. Taking to Instagram, she shared: “On all accounts of the craziness the past year … I feel like God’s tears have hit all of us with what the world has been through due to coronavirus!!! This new year should be a year of cleansing our inner selves with meditation … prayer … any kind of hobby that brings joy … and being conscious of what we put in our bodies as well!!! This all helps us to have a clear mind … body … spirit and offers so much more clarity in our everyday lives !!!!

    “This year I devote myself to lots of tea … and healing !!!! I’m working on allowing myself to not be so strong all the time and to know it’s ok to cry !!!! I pray for deep healing this year for all of us and I hope we can all inspire each other !!!! Again … BE KIND – PASS IT ON AMERICA (sic)”

    Meanwhile, the 39-year-old singer revealed she is “taking time to learn and be a normal person”.

    Sharing a past performance of her singing ‘Toxic’ in 2018, she wrote: “Can’t believe this performance of Toxic is from 3 years ago !!! I’ll always love being on stage …. but I am taking the time to learn and be a normal person ….. I love simply enjoying the basics of every day life !!!! …

    “Each person has their story and their take on other people’s stories !!!! We all have so many different bright beautiful lives! Remember, no matter what we think we know about a person’s life it is nothing compared to the actual person living behind the lens.(sic)”

  • Kim Kardashian’s fan attempts to crash through her Hidden Hills gate

    Kim Kardashian’s fan attempts to crash through her Hidden Hills gate

    An alleged trespasser crashed through the gate of the American reality TV star Kim Kardashian’s Hidden Hills community on Wednesday last week. According to TMZ’s exclusive report, a man who called himself Kim’s ‘ex’ tried to get inside her house in order to catch a glimpse of the star. Law enforcement sources told that the incident happened around 6:30 pm on Wednesday, when the 24-year-old man breached the main entrance gate in an effort to track down Kim at her Hidden Hills home.

    TMZ reported that the security managed to stop the man before he could get near the ‘KUWTK’ star, and the Sheriff was called. After being caught, the man claimed himself to be an ex-husband of Kim and told the law enforcement that he was going to meet her. However, the Sheriff cited the guy for trespassing and he was released.

  • Deepika gives a peek of her daily routine in new video

    Deepika gives a peek of her daily routine in new video

    Deepika Padukone gave her Insta-fam a sneak peek into her ‘daily routine’ in her new post. The video began with her walking on the streets of Mumbai and featured a montage of her at different shoots. She revealed that she likes to ‘mix it up’. On being asked about her daily routine, Deepika said, “It’s really difficult to say because no two days are the same but wake up, brush my teeth and have breakfast. I like the mornings to be really quiet. And then, I like to throw in a workout at some point of the day but other than that, everything is open.”

    While there is a part of Deepika that likes to plan things to a tee, there is another part that prefers spontaneity. When asked if she plans a lot, she answered, “Yes and no! I think there’s a part of me that likes to plan everything and there’s a part of me that just likes to leave everything and just go with the flow. So, that’s also part of my planning and routine.”

    Deepika has been sharing vlog-style videos on Instagram after purging her account on New Year. Her earlier posts include fun dance videos, a bake-off with her childhood friend and a video about her favourite TV show as a child.

    On the work front, Deepika has a number of projects in the pipeline. She will be seen next in Kabir Khan’s 83 alongside her husband Ranveer Singh. The sports drama was recently given a new release date — June 4 — after multiple delays because of the pandemic.             Source: HT

  • Amitabh Bachchan undergoes eye surgery

    Amitabh Bachchan undergoes eye surgery

    Amitabh Bachchan had his legion of fans worried as he revealed on Saturday night that he has undergone a surgery. The actor didn’t reveal many details in his blog post. On Monday morning, the 78-year-old actor wrote in a lengthy post that he had undergone a ‘delicate procedure’ for his eyes. “Thank you for all the concern and the wishes for the medical condition. Eye surgeries at this age are delicate and need precision handling. The best is being done and one hopes all shall be well. The sight and the recovery is slow and difficult so if there are typing errors they are to be excused. Right now, I feel like Gary Sobers, the West Indian great and his narration of a cricket story which apparently he went through. The details of which shall be given in time. It is a story heard whether or not it is authentic is questionable.” He also revealed that another surgery will happen shortly. “My love to all… progress is slow and there is yet another eye to go. So it’s a long haul, hoping of course that it all gets well in time for my schedule which begins in a few… the new film with Vikas Bahl, tentatively titled ‘GoodBye’.”

  • Sue Perkins: I am obsessed with ghosts

    Sue Perkins: I am obsessed with ghosts

    Actress, presenter and comedian Sue Perkins claims she often has conversations with ghosts. She adds that she also embraces them and gives them permission to stay on too but only if they are nice. “I am obsessed with ghosts. I think, ‘Embrace them, say hello to them, say you can stay but be nice and have a little chat with them,” Sue said in an interview with BBC Radio 2, reports femalefirst.co.uk. In fact, the 51-year-old also loves scaring others by mentioning ghosts while visiting historical places. “When we were allowed out, if I was on occasion staying at a National Trust cottage or something, I would always write in the visitor book, ‘Lovely stay, wonderful bed linen, we didn’t see the much talked-about ghost’. I always write that just to creep out everywhere else. Because I am horrid that way. But as long as the vibes are good, I say embrace all, both living and dead. It tends to happen nocturnally. In broad daylight you have very little to fear,” she says.

  • Gal Gadot was ‘on the verge of giving up acting’ before Wonder Woman casting

    Gal Gadot was ‘on the verge of giving up acting’ before Wonder Woman casting

    Actor Gal Gadot has shared a picture of herself, taken around the time when she was contemplating quitting acting. The actor was soon cast as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, which turned her fortunes around. On Tuesday, she took to Instagram to share a black-and-white picture from a camera test that was conducted for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The picture was taken by director Zack Snyder, and first appeared in a profile published by Vanity Fair on Monday. She wrote in her caption, “This photo was taken by Zack Snyder on the day I did the camera test for Batman vs Superman with Ben. I came to LA for 30 hours while shooting a movie in Tel Aviv. But I wanted the role of Wonder Woman so much that it was worth the trip. I’ll forever be grateful to Zack for casting me and believing that I could bring Diana to life. I had no idea what the future would hold back when this picture was taken – seeing it makes me very nostalgic. It’s also proof that everything happens for a reason. I was on the verge of giving up acting… and then this happened.” The Israeli actor’s most high-profile films before Wonder Woman were the Fast & Furious films, in which she played Giselle. She has played Wonder Woman in three films, and will soon be seen in Snyder’s four-hour streaming version of Justice League, due out on March 18. Along with director Patty Jenkins, she will also appear in a third Wonder Woman movie, and the duo will collaborate on a Cleopatra biopic that she said she was ‘very excited’ about.

  • Drew Barrymore was ‘out of control’ as a teenager

    Drew Barrymore was ‘out of control’ as a teenager

    Hollywood star Drew Barrymore was admitted to a psychiatric ward as a teenager when she went out of control. She recalls the time she spent in a padded room.

    Drew`s mother, Jaid Barrymore had her admitted to a facility when she was 13 because she had “too many resources” and her behaviour was getting out of control.

    “I used to laugh at those like Malibu 30 day places. Malibu was sort of the opposite of the experience I had. I was in a place for a year and a half called Van Eyes Psychiatric. And you couldn`t mess around in there and if you did, you would get thrown either in a padded room or get put in stretcher restraints, and tied up,” Drew told SiriusXM DJ Howard Stern, according to a femalefirst.co.uk report.

    “I was going to clubs and not going to school and stealing my mom`s car and, you know, I was out of control. So, you know, sometimes it was as humorous as that and sometimes I was just so angry that I would go off and then I`d get thrown in the (padded room),” Drew added.

    Drew, who has daughters Olive (eight) and Frankie (six) with ex-husband Will Kopelman, can understand her mother`s decision to get her admitted.

    “I think after, you know, 30, years of therapy, and a lot of soul searching and having kids myself, you know, I think she created a monster. And she didn`t know what to do with the monster. She probably felt like she had nowhere to turn. I`m sure she lived with a lot of guilt for years, about creating the monster but then I think she lived in a lot of pain that I also wouldn`t talk to her for a long time.”

    Drew sought emancipation from her parents when she was 14 and said she felt “guilty” for doing so, because she knows how hard it must have been.

    The actress got sober in her teens but after her divorce in 2016, she said she “definitely turned to drinking and eating”, though she sought help from her loved ones when she realised she was “slowly dying inside.”

  • Cameron Diaz says she ‘couldn’t imagine’ returning to a movie set again

    Cameron Diaz says she ‘couldn’t imagine’ returning to a movie set again

    Actor Cameron Diaz opened up about why she “couldn’t imagine” getting back into Hollywood, and how she has found something that became the most fulfilling part of her life.

    The actor, who has been on a hiatus for the past seven years, spoke with SiriusXM’s Bruce Bozzi during the segment Quarantined with Bruce, and revealed what’s stopping her from getting back into Hollywood.

    Answering a question on whether she has plans to make a comeback, she said, “I’m never going to say never about anything in life. I’m just not that person. So will I ever make a movie again? I’m not looking to. But will I? I don’t know. I have no idea.” Diaz explained what factored into her decision, “I couldn’t imagine, being a mom now, where I’m at as a mother with my child at her first year, to have to be on a movie set that takes 14 hours, 16 hours of my day away from my child. I just couldn’t.”

  • Malaika Arora shares her ‘daily shenanigans’

    Malaika Arora shares her ‘daily shenanigans’

    Malaika Arora shared a video featuring what she terms as her daily shenanigans.  Malaika posted a clip on Instagram. In the video she is seen playing with a puppy. She dressed in a white tank top and black gym shorts, and she completes her look with white sneakers and a neat bun. “My daily shenanigans with our precious little feisty #coco… she has my (can`t say the same for Casper who is sh*t scared of coco),” Malaika wrote alongside the clip. Malaika is an avid social media user and keeps sharing about her personal and professional life on the digital platforms.

  • Kangana Ranaut opens cafe and restaurant in Manali

    Kangana Ranaut opens cafe and restaurant in Manali

    Actress Kangana Ranaut has ventured into the food and beverage business by opening a cafe and restaurant in her hometown Manali. On Tuesday, Kangana shared photographs from the location where her cafe will be set up.

    The actress calls this her dream venture, revealing that apart from cinema she is also passionate about food.

    “Sharing my new venture my dream with you all, something which will bring us closer, other than movies my other passion food, taking baby steps into FnB industry, building my first cafe and restaurant in Manali, thanks to my terrific team dreaming of something spectacular. Thanks,” Kangana tweeted.

    The actress had recently hinted about her “new venture” on social media even though she did not divulge details about the same.

    After wrapping up a shoot for the Bhopal schedule of her forthcoming spy thriller film “Dhaakad”, Kangana tweeted on Sunday, hinting at her new venture.

    The actress had written: “Schedule wrap alert…. most wonderful people, thank you chief Razy and my dear friend Sohail, amazing team I had the time of my life. #Dhaakad is going to be something spectacular. Now running to another mission, new venture coming up.”

  • Mira Rajput reveals Shahid Kapoor’s ‘most annoying’ habit

    Mira Rajput reveals Shahid Kapoor’s ‘most annoying’ habit

    Mira Rajput, in a Q & A session with her fans, talked about what she finds “annoying” about husband Shahid Kapoor the most. Asked by a fan, Mira revealed Shahid’s “most annoying habit” and said he’s someone who makes typos. “He makes a zillion typos. I have to really figure out what he’s saying. But by now I have kind of understood what he means when he says something else,” Mira said in her Instagram story. When asked what she adores about Shahid Kapoor the most, Mira said: “And I love him, I love everything about him.” Aww, how cute is that? When asked who wins arguments between the two of them, Mira said: “Me… who else?” LOL. Talking about her favourite family member, Mira Rajput said: “This is a very easy one for me. I love my sisters, my mom, my kids, my husband, but my favorite family member is my dad. I love you dad.” In her interactive session with fans, Mira also touched on topics such as losing pregnancy weight, being a vegetarian, her to-do list, her reading habits, celebrity crushes and more.

  • Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan bring baby son home

    Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan bring baby son home

    Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, who welcomed their second child, a baby boy on Sunday, arrived at their new house in Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon. Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan were photographed with their newborn baby as they made their way home on Tuesday afternoon. They were accompanied by their 4-year-old son Taimur. Saif Ali Khan announced the birth of their child on Sunday. “We have been blessed with a baby boy. Mom and baby are safe and healthy. Thank you to our well-wishers for their love and support,” the actor said in a statement. Kareena Kapoor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday morning and she was discharged this afternoon. Fan pages dedicated to the star couple, shared pictures of them arriving at their new residence. Kareena Kapoor married actor Saif Ali Khan in the year 2012. The couple are also parents to a son named Taimur (4). They announced their second pregnancy in August last year. “We are very pleased to announce that we are expecting an addition to our family. Thank you to all our well-wishers for all their love and support,” said Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, in a joint statement. Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, co-stars of films like Omkara, Agent Vinod and Kurbaan, fell in love during the shooting of the film Tashan. The actress announced her pregnancy memoir titled The Kareena Kapoor Khan Pregnancy Bible, on her son Taimur’s 4th birthday last year.

  • Salma Hayek on shooting Desperado scene: I started crying

    Salma Hayek on shooting Desperado scene: I started crying

    Hollywood star Salma Hayek has detailed about her experience shooting the sex scene in the 1995 film Desperado, directed by Robert Rodriguez and also starring Antonio Banderas.

    Desperado is the second installment in Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, which also includes the films El Mariachi (1993) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003).

    Mexico-born American Hayek broke out from the action movie in which she played the role of Carolina, a tough book cafe owner who teams up with Banderas’ El Mariachi seeking revenge on the drug lord who killed his lover. Hayek, who has previously spoken about how she struggled with the very graphic sex scene, on Monday cleared the air that her trauma had nothing to do with Rodriguez or Banderas.

    On Armchair Expert, the popular weekly podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, the 54-year-old actor said when she landed the role, there was no mention of a sex scene between her character, Carolina and El Mariachi (Banderas) in the script. It was brought to her attention after production began.

    The Oscar-nominated actor said she agreed to do the scene on a closed set as Rodriguez was her “bro” and his then-wife, producer Elizabeth Avellan, was her “best friend”.

    There would be just the four of them while shooting the scene.

    “So, when we were going to start shooting, I started to sob,” Hayek recalled, adding she kept saying to the trio, “I don’t know that I can do it. I’m afraid.”

    She said one of the things she was afraid of was Banderas, now her close friend and frequent collaborator.

  • Netflix to release documentary on Britney Spears

    Netflix to release documentary on Britney Spears

    After the success of the New York Times and FX documentary ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ Netflix has greenlit its own documentary on the American singer, Collider reported. Helmed by Samantha Stark, Framing Britney Spears premiered on February 5 on FX and FX Hulu. Post the release of the docu, conversations were once again ignited about the treatment of female celebrities by the media and the controversial conservatorship of the star, which is currently overseen by Britney’s father Jamie Spears.

    Apart from the NYT docuseries and Netflix’s upcoming documentary on the troubled life of the ‘Toxic’ singer, another documentary drama on Britney Spears is in works by noted filmmaker Erin Lee Carr, Bloomberg reported. Carr is a well-known name in the documentary film circle. Some of his more popular works include HBO documentaries Mommie Dead and Dearest and I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter. He had also directed an episode of the Netflix documentary Dirty Money.

    Meanwhile, many celebrities have been at the receiving end of some negative comments post the release of Framing Britney Spears. Justin Timberlake, Diane Sawyer, Sarah Silverman among others were trolled for not standing up for the singer. Justin Timberlake later took to Instagram post to apologise for ‘failing Britney Spears.’

    “I have seen the messages, tags, comments and concerns and I want to respond. I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn or did not speak up for what was right. I specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed,” read Justin’s Instagram post.

  • Olivia Wilde in awe of Harry Styles

    Olivia Wilde in awe of Harry Styles

    Actor-filmmaker Olivia Wilde has lauded singer-actor and rumoured boyfriend Harry Styles for taking a supporting part in her upcoming directorial Don’t Worry Darling. There are also reports that Wilde has moved in with Styles after she was seen shifting multiple suitcases from the home she used to share with former longtime partner, Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis into the singer’s house here on Valentine’s Day.

    Don’t Worry Darling, Wilde’s second as a filmmaker after her debut with critically-acclaimed Booksmart, will feature Styles alongside Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, KiKi Layne and Gemma Chan.

    The director, who is also starring in the psychological thriller, gave a shout-out to Styles in a post on Instagram on Monday, praising his “humility and grace” for agreeing to the supporting part in the film. “Little known fact: most male actors don’t want to play supporting roles in female-led films. The industry has raised them to believe it lessens their power (ie financial value) to accept these roles, which is one of the reasons it’s so hard to get financing for movies focusing on female stories,” Wilde, 36, wrote alongside a black-and-white still of the former One Direction member from the movie.