Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, speaking exclusively to IndiaToday.in, revealed that his upcoming film, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ is not a work of fiction. The film, which features Diljit Doasanjh and Parineeti Chopra, is a biopic on the life of legendary Punjabi singer, Amar Singh Chamkila. He also opened up about the reason behind doing this biographical drama.
In his interview, Imtiaz explained that he stayed authentic and true to the story and how much of the film is based on the fiction. He said, “As far as I know, it’s completely authentic and true. I have not taken any shortcuts. I have not made any scenes out of my imagination. I have tried to be very authentic for my own sake because I feel that I always make films by imagination, but how would this film be different from the others for me? Also, as a filmmaker, when you go out looking for the truth, you end up knowing more dramatic things.”
The ‘Jab We Met’ director also revealed that he never thought of making a biopic. Explaining further, he said, “I have never made a biopic before. But I would often hear about Amar Singh Chamkila through my friends, especially from my production head Rajesh Sharma. He would always say that I should make a film on the singer. In fact, he was the first person who told me about Chamkila.”
He continued, “Then, I started listening to his music and found many things interesting about him. Finally, six years back, around the release of ‘Love Aaj Kal 2’, a gentleman called Harpreet, had the rights to the film Chamkila, which was very difficult to get. For some reason, he felt that he should approach me to direct this film.”
“I did ask him ‘why did you come to me to make this film?’. I am not even from Punjab, and he said ‘Aap ki film mein Punjab bahut his khoobsurati se dekha ya jata hain’ (In your films, Punjab is portrayed beautifully). It took five years because I did not have much knowledge about Chamkila. Then, Covid happened, and I was visiting Punjab with Chamkila at back of my mind. I started listening to the stories of the singer and it got interesting. I had my own view and story to tell through Chamkila and that’s when I decided to make the film,” he added.
Amar Singh Chamkila, with his raw and unabashed lyrics, challenged societal norms and became a voice for the marginalised. His music transcended geographical boundaries and resonated with audiences across generations.
His songs, often addressing taboo subjects with unfiltered honesty, remain relevant even today. By immortalising Chamkila’s legacy on celluloid, Imtiaz Ali aims to introduce his artistry to a wider audience and pay homage to his contribution to Punjabi music.
‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ will premiere on Netflix on April 12.
Source: India Today
Tag: Entertainment
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‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ not a work of fiction, it’s true, authentic: Imtiaz Ali
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Choli Ke Peeche: Kareena grooves on remix of Madhuri’s iconic number
Who can ever forget the controversial yet ironic song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai from Subhash Ghai’s 1993 crime drama Khal Nayak, filmed on Madhuri Dixit? Now, the makers of Rajesh A Krishnan’s upcoming heist comedy Crew have rehashed the track and guess who features in the revamped version? Kareena Kapoor.
The new song that the YouTube handle of Tips Official dropped on Wednesday is a groovier version of the original. After hinting at remixing the memorable song through its instantly recognisable coo-coo hook in the trailer, the makers of Crew have finally unveiled the music video, featuring Kareena.
Snippets from the film, featuring the scenes between Tabu and Kapil Sharma, and Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh, have been peppered throughout the music video. However, the highlight is Kareena grooving and lip-syncing to the song in a flowy pink dress at a nightclub. The actor looks gorgeous as she pays a tribute to Madhuri through this recreation. The new song has been remixed by Akshay & IP, sung by Diljit Dosanjh and IP Singh, and written by IP Singh. The original song was sung by Ila Arun and Alka Yagnik, composed by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal, and penned by Anand Bakshi. The voices of Ila and Alka have been partially retained in the recreation. -
‘Baaghi 4’: Tiger Shroff amps up action in first glimpse, film to release in 2025
Tiger Shroff stirred up excitement after he shared the first glimpse of ‘Baaghi 4’ on March 20. This comes after the fourth part of the popular franchise was announced at the Prime Video event on March 19. The film will release in theatres in 2025. The sneak peek of ‘Baaghi 4’ kicks off with the actor showcasing his signature hardcore action, guaranteed to send your adrenaline soaring. From the looks of it, the team seems determined to elevate the action to new heights. The video also gives a glimpse of the actor’s sequences from a previous franchise that showcases Tiger effortlessly leaping over helicopters and trains.
The film will grace the theaters next year in 2025. He captioned the video and wrote, “The franchise closest to my heart, also the most challenging for my heart (Accompanied by laughter, face exhaling and red-heart emojis) got this far thanks to your love. #2025 #baaghi4 #sajidnadiadwala @nadiadwalagrandson @wardakhannadiadwala (sic).” -
Ankita Lokhande: Not in any rat race
After a successful stint on Bigg Boss 17, Ankita Lokhande is all set to star on the big screen with ‘Swatantra Veer Savarkar’. Ankita will be essaying the part of Yamuna Bai, Savarkar’s wife, who faced her own ordeal while her husband fought other battles. The actor spoke to IndiaToday.in an exclusive interview and said that she wants to be a part of meaningful films.
Ankita shared that she’s chosen a career path where she wants to associate with meaningful cinema. “I don’t want to be seen everywhere. I want to exclusively be part of certain things. That’s how I want to roll, that’s how I like things. I want to do very different kinds of roles. That also gives me confidence that I can go through such challenging parts. I don’t want to be part of a rat race. I don’t want to run. I do not have a problem with people who do that, but it’s not meant for me. Whatever comes my way, I will pick the best out of the lot. I am very choosy and pick my work wisely. I may make mistakes, but that’s going to be my decision only,” the actor said. -
Brad Pitt secures another victory against ex-wife Angelina Jolie
Brad Pitt is clearly at an advantage in ‘War of the Rosés.’ The latest court ruling is favoring Pitt, who has been handed up-to-the minute victory in the battle to control the French vineyard he owned with ex-wife Angelina Jolie. This marks his second consecutive win after the previous one in February. This big win implies that the Bullet Train star’s legal team has all the rights to take the lawsuit to court, in which the A-lister is suing Jolie. According to Mail, Jolie’s legal team had been trying to reverse a court decision in LA that agreed with her ex-husband’s claim. The big claim made by Pitt, where he mentioned Jolie selling her share of their beautiful vineyard to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler without his consent in 2021, has been the center of dispute between the Hollywood heavyweights since their divorce. However, the court has now dismissed claims that his lawsuit was “frivolous, malicious, and part of a problematic pattern,” marking another win for the Fight Club star.
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The Fall Guy is a funny, romantic, stunt-filled delight
David Leitch’s action comedy The Fall Guy, with Barbie star Ryan Gosling and Oppenheimer star Emily Blunt, premiered at the SXSW this week. The first reviews hail it as “delightful,” “funny,” and “surprisingly romantic” among other things. The Vulture review lauded Ryan’s comic skills by stating, “Gosling, whose comedic talents were criminally undervalued until last year’s runaway hit Barbie, gets to flex them again here, bringing his deadpan, affably dim charm to the role of Colt Seavers, a hot-shot stunt double for megawatt movie star.”
The Variety review echoed the thought and claimed Ryan is very well-cast. “The Fall Guy is funny, it’s sexy, and it features the boy-toy version of Barbie scene-stealer Ryan Gosling — which is to say, this time around, he embodies the ultimate action figure,” it read.
The Vulture review said that the ‘genuine romance’ between Ryan and Emily’s characters is the most surprising thing about the film. It stated, “Blunt and Gosling have splendid chemistry – the kind of onscreen magnetism shared by people who are not just insanely hot but also simply know how to look at each other,” The Guardian review seemed to agree: “It’s all a fizzy, funny, convincingly romantic delight, a tribute to the craft of making big movies with big stunts that is heartfelt in its appreciation without taking itself too seriously.”
However, the Wrap review called The Fall Guy “dull,” in comparison to Dev Patel’s action flick Monkey Man, which premiered the same evening at SXSW. “Where that directorial debut from Dev Patel felt fresh and alive, this one plays as a stale attempt at an action-comedy that quickly runs out of steam,” it stated.
Based on Glen A. Larson’s 1980s television series of the same name, The Fall Guy stars Ryan as Colt Seavers, a stuntman on the hunt for a missing movie star he once doubled for. The film also stars Emily as Gosling’s ex-girlfriend Jody, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Supporting them in the film is Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Winston Duke (Black Panther), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches). -
Monkey Man: How Lord Hanuman and Dev Patel have taken Hollywood by storm
Dev Patel and his directorial debut, Monkey Man, have taken Hollywood by storm! This intense action story of a young man, who seeks revenge for his mother’s death, is a visual extravaganza and an emotional experience, say those who watched the film at SXSW.
However, more than making a much-deserved spectacular directorial debut, what the 33-year-old Slumdog Millionaire star has managed to do is take Indian mythology and make it mainstream Hollywood cinema. This is a feat that no one else has achieved.
Set in Mumbai, Monkey Man is inspired by Lord Hanuman. Dev revealed he was introduced to the Ramayana and Lord Hanuman’s stories by his grandfather, who used to narrate them to him when he was a child. After the screening on Monday, Dev explained to the audience on why he found inspiration from Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is a god who is symbolised by devotion, loyalty, valour, strength, humility and discipline. And the character that Dev plays in the film – Kid – embodies these qualities as well.
“Hanuman really captivated me. He has been sort of an emblem for my father and many in my family. If you go to any gym in India, there’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman and Hanuman. What baffled me growing up was this iconography of this super-strong being who could hold mountains in one hand and split his chest open. It reminded me of the iconography of Superman. I was like, this is amazing, I wish the world knew about it. When you go deep into it, he is sort of a guy who has lost faith in himself and had to be reminded of who he was,” said the Lion actor, who hails from a Gujarati Hindu family.
But Monkey Man delves much deeper, especially into the caste system in India, socio-political issues, and the exploitation that is inherent in Indian society. Dev added, “I really wanted to touch on caste system in India, the idea where the poor are at the bottom, slaving away in these kitchens, then you go to the land of the kings and above them, you have God, a man-made god that is polluting and corrupting religion, and then you have heaven.”
Writing the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee, The Last Airbender star has taken Indian mythology to the world, weaving a story which they can relate to and understand. He combined two of his biggest passions – love for action films and love for the stories narrated by his grandad – and created a world on screen that has captured the imagination of the Western audience. While director SS Rajamouli took a Telugu film, RRR, which included a slice of Indian history, to the global audience, Dev has pushed the envelope a significant step further by making a Hollywood action drama inspired by Indian mythology, set in India, but having global appeal.
There have been many Indian films inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Indian filmmakers continue to tap into these epics for stories. However, this is the first time that the West has been exposed to a mainstream Hollywood film that has its roots in these epics and set in an Indian milieu. What Dev has done is successfully combine elements of Indian cinema (mother sentiment, Mumbai milieu, revenge story, caste, etc) with the Hollywood action genre, and possibly created a new genre of cinema that has takers.
Monkey Man is slated for release on April 5, 2024 worldwide and with the amazing response it has received at SXSW, Dev Patel and his film are likely to inspire more filmmakers in India, and possibly the West, to tap into Indian mythology for mainstream films. Source: HT -
OSCAR 2024 NOMINEE FROM INDIA GETS NOTICED
By Mabel Pais
TO KILL A TIGER
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE nominee for the 2024 OSCARS
REOPENS: March 8 at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), more Cities to follow
“How a father’s love for his daughter challenged India’s ‘rape culture’” –
The Guardian – Saeed Kamali Dehghan
“A powerful portrait of a family’s strength. A masterfully observant film, in which one family’s fight for justice becomes a larger parable about a pressing human rights issue.” – Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
Dir/Co-Prod/Writ: Nisha Pahuja; Co-Prods: Cornelia Principe & David Oppenheim; 2022; Documentary; Hindi with Eng/subs; 2h 5m
Exec.Prod: Mindy Kaling, Dev Patel, Rupi Kaur alongside AC Films Inc’s Andy Cohen, NFB’s Anita Lee, Atul Gawande, Andrew Dragoumis, Anita Bhatia, ShivHans Pictures’ Shivani Rawat, Deepa Mehta, Minor Realm’s Samarth Sahni & Priya Doraswamy.
In a small village in Jharkhand, India, 2017, a farmer becomes embroiled in conflict when he and his wife report to the police a horrific crime — after a family wedding, three village men dragged their 13-year-old daughter into the woods and raped her. According to government data, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in India, and conviction rates are less than 30 percent. Village leaders launch a campaign not for justice, but for the father to drop charges and marry his daughter off to one of her arrested rapists—an “honorable” solution to preserve the community’s dignity. Watch the trailer – youtu.be/Tgu2k1e8sUs
With intimate access to both father and daughter through the years long ordeal (emotional, legal, financial), along with candid interviews with neighbors, the village ward, and NGO activists, Pahuja reveals a riveting story of one family’s inspiring, courageous battle, and the survival instincts of a society entrenched in toxic patriarchy.
“The story is heart-wrenching but triumphant, and stays with you long after you’ve seen it. TO KILL A TIGER shows you not only the power of a father’s love but the strength of a young woman who faced the unimaginable, and chose to fight,” Mindy Kaling said in a statement.
Dev Patel called TO KILL A TIGER a “David and Goliath story to the highest extent,” as well as “one of the most important in modern Indian history. In a culture where submission is commonplace, to challenge a centuries old system that has silenced the voices of victims is revolutionary. Despite threats against the family and being ostracized in their community, they remained unflinching in their resolve.”
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INDIAN FILMMAKER’S 1988 WORK RESTORED
Calypso Rose (Credit :kinolorber.com) By Mabel Pais
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP
“Kavery Dutta Kaul’s vivid and engaging documentary moves and shakes with inimitable music.” – Luis Francia, The Village Voice
“Seductively rhythmic and poetic…not just a documentary about music and musicians, but an examination of cultures co-existing as if in parallel universes.” – John Anderson, New York Newsday
Opens March 8 in New York City, April 8 in several theaters in Los Angeles
Dir: Kavery Dutta Kaul; USA; English; Color; 1h 32m
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP captures the vibrant story of calypso and the emergence of soca, through the eyes of two legendary artists, Lord Kitchener, the Grandmaster of the music and Calypso Rose, the first woman to break through in a traditionally male arena.
Forging onscreen the connections between American communities and where families come from, the documentary leads audiences from New York recording studies to the awesome magic of Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago. The film features artists across the 20th century whose songs reflect regional and global themes that continue to resonate. The many generations in ONE HAND DON’T CLAP trace the evolution of a musical style whose infectious rhythms and exhilarating irreverence have found their way to ever-broadening audiences worldwide.
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP is an important and unique piece of work that does just that. Its vivid colors and imagery bring creative expression of this appealing but perhaps unfamiliar music to a global audience. Kavery’s film plays a pioneering role in the recognition bestowed upon this art form in more recent times. The energy of calypso music combined with the film’s character-driven, informative and entertaining story telling style reaches across borders.
Capturing the audacity and authenticity of its subjects, ONE HAND DON’T CLAP represents momentous perspectives on the music and politics of Caribbean nations and the West Indian-American community. This powerful musical force from the Caribbean combines witty English lyrics with an explosive beat that has burst out in Buster Poindexter’s ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ and Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’. ONE HAND DON’T CLAP also reflects the legacy of a vast West Indian-American population, the surprising entrepreneurial growth of their music industry in the US and the iron going ties to the traditions that flourish in the islands they come from. It lends voice to what it means to be American. Awarding the film four stars as “seductively rhythmic and poetic”, John Anderson wrote in New York Newsday, “You might ask yourself halfway through the film why calypso music hasn’t become a bigger part of the American musical culture. When it’s over, you might ask yourself how your concept of the American musical culture could have been so narrow?
DIRECTOR KAVERY KAUL
Director/producer Kavery Kaul makes documentaries that take audiences to places they may not know, to meet people who introduce them to a new experience, a fresh world view.
“Carnival season — that period from the New Year till Ash Wednesday — makes Trinidad one of the greatest film sets in the world. It also poses immense logistical difficulties from a production standpoint”, Kavery recalls. “The challenge was to keep all that out of the film and put the focus on Kitchener, Rose, the other performers, and the story of their music.”
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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SOCIALLY RELEVANT™ FILM FEST NY CELEBRATES WOMEN FILMMAKERS
By Mabel Pais
The 11th Edition of the SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY (ratedsrfilms.org) opens March 13 at the Maysles Documentary Center, then on March 14 at MRHS, and continues March 15-17 at Cinema Village, and finally March 18 at the National Arts Club for the Awards Ceremony.
International Women’s History Month
On the occasion of International Women’s History Month, SRFF celebrates the Women Filmmakers of 2024 with a dedicated program of films, a webinar, and a screening followed by a panel discussion at NGO CSW’s 68th UN Forum.
The in-person events are preceded by two webinars respectively on March 8, with all the women filmmakers of SRFF 2024 (26 in total representing 50% of the Official Selection), and on March 11, when SRFF participates with two films made by women and about women, followed by a panel discussion, as a partner organization in NGO CSW’s (the Committee on the Status of Women) 68th annual UN Forum. The two films are Lego Oma, by Karina Sturm (Germany), and Women on the Move, by Alice Lemkes (UK). Details and registration links may be found on the SRFF website – ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues
Social Issues
SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY covers a broad range of social issues. Totaling (ratedsrfilms.org) 53 films, the Official Selection, including the short films lineup, can be found on the festival’s website under the 2024 Program – (ratedsrfilms.org/2024program). The main themes are 100 Years of Armenian Cinema, Black History Month, BIPOC films, Aging and Disability, Women, LGBTQI+, and more. A special in-person program was presented on February 26, on the occasion of Black History Month at MRHS, one of the festival venues (ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues).
Most of the line-up films stream online starting March 19. The Festival’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/channel/UCTSz55oZhoPPlhJos82RoSw) streams ‘Meet the Filmmakers’ live interviews, and the trailers of the selected films can be viewed there.
AWARDS
The SRFF 2024 competition award categories are The Vanya Exerjian – Empowering Women and Girls Award, Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Actor, Best Actress and the Vision Award by festival partner IndiePix. The Finalist Screenplay Awards are sponsored by InkTip and NetworkISA.
“Eleven years have gone by quickly. We’re proud to have had the opportunity to present 700 socially relevant films from 40 countries over the past 10 years. The work of talented and dedicated filmmakers has offered us the bonus of learning about the human condition, filmmaking, and ways of engaging an audience, as the first steps towards raising awareness of social issues.” Festival Founding Artistic Director Nora Armani said.
TICKETS
For a limited time only, Early Bird Tickets, Trio Tickets are available at discount prices at filmfreeway.com/SRFF24/tickets.
Full price tickets are also available.
Press and Media are invited.
The SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY
Website – ratedsrfilms.org
Email – ratedsrfilms@gmail.com
SRFF was founded by Actress/ Filmmaker Nora Armani in 2013 as a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling in media and entertainment. Following a family tragedy that cost the lives of two of her dearest and nearest, namely her cousin Vanya, and uncle Jack Exerjian, Armani founded the festival to commemorate them in a meaningful way.
SRFF believes in the power of the film medium in raising awareness of social issues and promoting positive social change. This new edition deals with topics such as Climate Change, Family and Adoption, LGBTQ Rights, Home and Health, Disability, Incarceration and Freedom, New York City, Racism, and BIPOC cultures.
The Mission of the SR Film Festival is to shine the spotlight on filmmakers who tell compelling, socially relevant, human-interest stories across a broad range of social issues without resorting to gratuitous violence and violent forms of storytelling.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY WITH TRINITY DANCE FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
By Mabel Pais
Spend St. Paddy’s Day at NJPAC?
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) welcomes the Trinity Irish Dance Company to perform on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. on the Prudential Hall stage.
There’s no better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than with the Trinity Irish Dance Company at NJPAC. It is Irish step dancing with a rebellious spirit—featuring a troupe of high-energy performers with incredible athletic prowess and precision footwork. Trinity is a modern take on the traditional art form, set to music ranging from Irish fiddle to electric guitar. Founded in Chicago in 1990, this uniquely Irish-American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, opening new avenues of artistic freedom that led directly to commercial productions such as “Riverdance.”
This Saint Patrick’s Day celebration showcases breathtaking displays of athleticism through high-energy performances and modern takes on a timeless, traditional art form.
Under the lead of Mark Howard, founding artistic director/choreographer – and recent inductee into the 2023 Irish American Hall of Fame –the internationally-renowned Trinity Irish Dance Company brings world premiere work to NJPAC!
“Sophisticated and commanding” (Los Angeles Times), the Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) is the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre that “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance” (Chicago Tribune).
FUSION DANCE
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) creates a thrilling fusion of customs and innovation. Imagine Irish fiddle meets electric guitar, with explosive choreography that ignites the stage and sends your heart racing. It is a breath of artistic fresh air, but still guaranteed to leave you breathless.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) prides itself in its mission to preserve the integrity and ancestral roots of Irish dancing. Trinity Irish Dance Company stands apart in a world saturated with showy, cliche Irish dance productions. They prioritize artistic exploration and push the boundaries of the form in its natural state. Michelle Dorrance, the renowned choreographer of their show ‘American Traffic,’ defines them as “the cutting edge of Irish dance,” achieving a “powerful combination of cultural depth, innovation, and artistry.”
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
From its inception over 30 years ago, TIDC has been more than just a dance troupe; it has been a beacon for female empowerment and inclusivity. Their stage serves as a platform for powerful women to bring the thunder and shatter stereotypes, redefining the landscape of Irish dance. With every step and captivating performance, TIDC continues to carve a path for equality and artistic freedom. They are unapologetically feminist, unafraid to break down barriers and challenge the status quo.
With a unique blend of uncompromising power and grace, Trinity sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that is elevating and evolving the art form for nearly three decades.
PROGRAM
Ushering in St. Patrick’s Day with their unique vision to fuse vibrant Irish traditions with ever-evolving American innovation, their mixed repertory program will include two world premiere works:
‘TAKING THE MICK,’ choreographed by Mark Howard and Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy, takes the versatility of these artists to a new level through multi-genre vignettes of rapid-fire footwork, theatrics, and twisted traditions. Drawing upon the American Vaudeville era and its place in Irish step dance history, ‘Taking the Mick’ blends commentary and innovation through a movement that is at once whimsical and fierce.
‘P.O.V.’ is a new work by elusive, renowned choreographer Harrison McEldowney, who has come out of retirement specifically for Trinity Irish Dance Company with a concept that brings a unique “point of view” to audiences who constantly ask, “What is it like to be a Trinity Irish dancer?” A collaboration between two Chicago dance community stalwarts, ‘P.O.V.’ provides the audience with a unique “lens” into TIDC’s fast-paced movement genre. Each performance is unique to its audience and venue – you must be there to believe what you see!
TICKETS
For tickets to see the performance, visit NJPAC.org or the box office or call 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Visit NJPAC.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) for more information.
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
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NJYC PRESENTS TIMELESS SONGS, FAVORITE MOVIE THEMES, INSPIRING MUSIC
NJYC choirs (Credit : WhartonArts.org) By Mabel Pais
Three ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) presents ‘Songs from Our Childhood’’ on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the JCC MetroWest located at 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.
NJYC’s Primo Coro led by Trish Joyce, Coro Vivo led by Dan Malloy, and Sola Voce led by Joanna Scarangello, will weave a story that includes timeless songs, favorite movie themes, and inspiring music. Choral selections include ‘This Old Man,’ ‘There Was an Old Woman’ ‘Who Swallowed a Fly,’ ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me,’ ‘The Fox,’ ‘Red Light,’ ‘Green Light,’ and ‘Touch the Sky,’ among others.
“Our NJYC choristers are excited to present this program, which will not only feature several selections from each chorus ensemble, but also hand clapping songs, favorite Disney and Wizard of Oz songs, and traditional camp songs. The audience is invited to raise their voices with the choir in this trip down memory lane. It will truly be a program that all ages can enjoy!” said NJYC Founder and Director Trish Joyce.
Wharton Arts, The New Jersey Youth Chorus
Learn more at WhartonArts.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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Lindsay Lohan ‘excited to work with’ Jamie Lee Curtis on Freaky Friday sequel
Lindsay Lohan shared she is excited to once again work with the Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis in the sequel of their popular 2003 film Freaky Friday. Lindsay said the upcoming film is “in the process,” but did not say when the shooting would commence or if there even is a completed script.
The 37-year-old actress said that she was “just excited to work with Jamie again and see how much further we can take it. Because we talk almost every other day in general, so I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with this.” Lindsay said on Andy Cohen Live that a Freaky Friday sequel is still happening and added that she and the 65-year-old star are “both excited”. -
Cameron Diaz in talks to star alongside Keanu Reeves in Outcome
Cameron Diaz is in talks to star alongside Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in the upcoming dark comedy, titled Outcome. Helmed by Jonah, Outcome will feature Keanu as Reef, a damaged Hollywood star who must “dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip from his past.” Details of Cameron’s role are still under wraps. This is not the first time Cameron will feature in the comedic space.
She has previously featured in films such as The Mask, My Best Friend’s Wedding, There’s Something About Mary, Bad Teacher, Charlie’s Angels and Shrek franchises. The actress took a step back from Hollywood in 2018 to put more focus toward her endeavours as a bestselling author and entrepreneur.
She also has Back in Action opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action comedy by the same name, which marks her “un-retirement”. -
The Idea of You: Anne Hathaway falls for a much younger guy in new rom-com
Who can resist falling love with Anne Hathaway? Surely not even young rockstars. The first trailer for Prime Video’s upcoming romantic comedy The Idea of You is out. It stars Anne Hathaway (41) with Nicolas Galitzine (29). Anne plays an art manager who falls for Nicolas’ gentle rockstar. They meet at Coachella and it is love at first sight. He follows her to her workplace, clearly smitten but she is apprehensive about their age difference. But the fire in their hearts is already lit.
The official synopsis of the movie reads: Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.
The film is directed by Michael Showalter and also stars Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, Reid Scott, Perry Mattfeld, Jordan Aaron Hall, Mathilda Gianopoulos, Raymond Cham Jr., Jaiden Anthony, Viktor White, Dakota Adan.
The film marks Director Michael Showalter’s return to the SXSW Film Festival after six years where he debuted and presented numerous projects such as Hello My Name is Doris (2015) and The Big Sick (2017), both of which won the Audience Award at the festival. Source: HT -
Gal Gadot announces birth of fourth child
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has revealed that she has given birth to her fourth child with husband Jaron Versano. The Israeli actor, who resides in Los Angeles, made the announcement on her Instagram account on Wednesday. It was not widely known that Gadot was pregnant. It is the fourth girl for the couple, who are already parents to Alma (12) Maya (six) and Daniella (two).
“My sweet girl, welcome. The pregnancy was not easy and we made it through,” Gadot wrote in the post.
The actor said they have named the newborn ‘Ori’, which means ‘my light’ in Hebrew, but didn’t disclose when and where she gave birth.
“You have brought so much light into our lives, living up to your name, Ori, which means ‘my light’ in Hebrew.
“Our hearts are full of gratitude. Welcome to the house of girls.. daddy is pretty cool too,” the 38-year-old captioned a photo of her holding the baby in her arms in the hospital. -
Richa Chadha talks about women working behind the scenes in Bollywood
Actor-producer Richa Chadha says she wants to work towards empowering women in traditionally male-dominated areas of the film industry, such as spot and lighting departments.
The 37-year-old actor, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey franchise, said for her debut home production, Girls Will be Girls, they trained and hired women in the lighting department.
Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film follows the journey of Mira, a 16-year-old girl whose rebellious awakening is intertwined with her mother’s unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences.
“Intentionality matters, and we have to try and do something. I turned producer with Girls Will Be Girls. The director is a woman. There was a sexuality thing in the film, so she wanted an all-female team.
“In the lighting department, there are no women in India. We thought of doing a training programme for it. A company called Light and Light sent a trainer. They spent time with girls teaching (them) storytelling through lightning, using technology, etc. We hired one of them on our set,” Chadha said during a panel discussion at FICCI Frames on Tuesday evening.
The actor said while there has been “progress” in the representation of women in front of and behind-the-camera, a lot of work still needs to be done.
Condemning the recent incident of a Spanish woman’s gang-rape in Jharkhand’s Dumka district, Chadha said such “horrible” instances create a fear of “unsafe” atmosphere for women.
“We have made some progress. Every year it is better than last year. But then, it’s taking two steps forward and one step back. When something horrible happens in society, whether it’s in Manipur, Jharkhand, it sets people (back in time) because then parents are like, ‘It’s unsafe for you to study and work’. We are not in a decision-making position in society,” she said.
Chadha and Ekta Kapoor were part of a panel discussion at FICCI Frames, called Trailblazers in entertainment: Celebrating Women’s Contribution in Films and Shows’.
Kapoor said it is easier to make “misogynistic” films than a movie that celebrates womanhood.
“It has become far tougher since Covid-19 because it is easier to make a slightly misogynistic film, or a more machismo kind of film than celebrating womanhood or feminism. The word feminism is a taboo in movies. It is so scary as, we as women producers, want to support stories, and we will be at it,” the producer said. Source: PTI -
Janhvi Kapoor to star alongside Ram Charan in tentatively titled RC 16
On Janhvi Kapoor’s 27th birthday on Wednesday, it was announced that the actress will be featuring alongside star Ram Charan in the tentatively titled pan-India film RC 16. Production company Mythri Movie Makers welcomed the actress on board on X and wished her a happy birthday.
“Welcoming the celestial beauty on board for #RC16. Happy Birthday to the mesmerising #JanhviKapoor #RamCharanRevolts Global Star @AlwaysRamCharan @BuchiBabuSana @arrahman @RathnaveluDop @artkolla @vriddhicinemas @SukumarWritings.” The entertainer, which is directed by Buchi Babu Sana, who made his debut with Uppena, is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and produced under the banner of Vriddhi Cinemas and Sukumar Writings. The music is given by AR Rahman. Source: IANS -
Alia Bhatt to headline Spy Universe film
The speculations about actor Alia Bhatt joining the YRF Spy Universe have finally come to an end as Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani confirmed this exciting news. Alia is all set to team up with Sharvari Wagh in the yet-to-be-titled film. Reportedly, they will play super-agents in the action entertainer.
Sharing the new development within the YRF Spy Universe, Akshaye said, “I’ll share the worst kept secret in the industry, which is, that Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film and that the schedule starts later this year. But you know, talking about this spy universe, we are just so thrilled and excited about having this IP in the studio.”
He added, “I think the YRF Spy Universe is a financial and cultural juggernaut. And as one of the most prized IPs, we take a lot of pride in it. So there’s a lot of stuff that’s going to come on the spy universe, we’re going to see more and more films getting made under it. But of course, not going to share everything here. But we will talk about it at a more opportune time. But for now, I can just say that Alia Bhatt is headlining a spy universe film.”
Meanwhile, Alia is gearing up for her upcoming film Jigra. Helmed by Vasan Bala, Jigra will be co-produced by Karan Johar and Alia herself. The film is all set to hit the theatres on September 27. Director Vasan Bala previously helmed films like Monica O My Darling, a crime thriller film Peddlers and Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Jigra was announced last year in September. The announcement video showed the film is a tale of a sister’s love for her brother and how she would do anything to protect him. Source: ANI -
Aamir Khan, Darsheel reunite 16 yrs after Taare Zameen Par
Actors Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary reunited 16 long years after starring in the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. Darsheel took to his Instagram to share an ad that sees Aamir play his grandfather.
“Join #AamirKhan as he goes on an adventure through time with Charged by Thums Up,” wrote Darsheel, sharing the ad on his Instagram page. In it, Aamir can be seen playing his ‘dadu’, someone who finds a solution to all his life’s problems. On Tuesday, March 5, Darsheel had shared a set of pictures of Aamir, writing, “It is Aamir’s multiverse, and we’re all just living in it. 3 days to go. #mrperfectionist #masterclass #versatileactor.” -
Emma Stone’s Los Angeles home sells for $4.3 Million
Emma Stone has parted ways with her L.A. home just a few weeks after putting it up for sale.
The actress, 35, first listed her charming home in Comstock Hills, a private, gated community located in L.A.’s Westwood neighborhood, for $3.995 million at the end of January, PEOPLE reported at the time.
PEOPLE confirmed she’d sold it for $4.3 million — just over $300,000 above the original asking price.
The sale marks another win for the star, who just took home a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award for her movie Poor Things. Fittingly, the star — who just depicted an aspiring HGTV host in The Curse! — recently renovated the Westwood residence, according to the listing, held by agent Eric Lavey of Sotheby’s International Realty’s Beverly Hills brokerage.
Originally built in 1926, the newly rejuvenated 3,276 sq. ft. home boasts four bedrooms and four full bathrooms across two stories. -
Hilary Swank opens up about challenge, rewards of raising twins
Hilary Swank discussed about the challenges and rewards of being a mother of twins. Swank and her husband Philip Schneider gave birth to twins, Aya and Ohm, in April 2023. The 49-year-old Oscar-winning actor spoke at the premiere of her new film Ordinary Angels recently at the SVA Theatre in New York.
“I think that being a mother of twins, I never have had a singleton, so I don’t know what that’s like,” she explained.
“But I know that the sleepless nights are hard and when you have one that might sleep through the night, the other one’s not, so it’s kind of this trade-off every night. But I know this is also a season, and it too will pass, and I try and remind myself that there’s going to be a day when I’m like, ‘Oh, I’d love to wake up right now and just hold you.’ So just trying and hold on to that.” She’s already looking forward to the next challenge — when the twins are more mobile.
“Well, they’re only crawling, so it’s not like we’re out of control or anything,” she said. Swank stars in the Lionsgate film as Sharon Stevens, a “fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters,” according to an official synopsis.