Emraan Hashmi working on a documentary on cancer
Mumbai– Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has penned in a book his struggle around his son Ayaan’s cancer treatment, has now started working on a documentary on cancer.
He said the documentary is at its initial stage.
“Work on a docu on cancer has begun. It’s in its initial stages. It’s important to create awareness about the C word,” Emraan tweeted on Sunday.
Born in February 2010, Ayaan, the first child of Emraan and wife Parveen Shahani, was diagnosed with first stage cancer at the age of four in early 2014.
To help raise awareness about the disease and share their story, Emraan came out with a book titled “The Kiss of Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer” last year. It chronicles his career, family, the birth of his son, cancer and treatment thereafter.
According to reports, the documentary is tentatively titled “The C Word”.
Filmmakers slam Tamil Nadu theatres shutdown over tax
Chennai– Opposing the move of the Tamil Nadu Film Chamber of Commerce to indefinitely shut down theatres across the state from July 3 following double taxation under the GST regime, filmmakers here have urged the chamber to revoke its decision.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) came into effect from Saturday.
Following the government’s announcement to levy 30 per cent of entertainment tax over the GST rate of 28 per cent, the chamber decided to shut down theatres in protest.
Actor Vishal Krishna, President of the Tamil Film Producers’ Council, said he has appealed to the chamber to defer its decision.
“The critical decision was taken (by the chamber) without the consent of other organisations. In fact, we were not even informed and their move came as a shocker. We have urged them to revoke their decision and give us time to discuss the taxation issue with the government,” Vishal told IANS.
On Friday, Abirami Ramanathan, President of the Tamil Nadu Film Chamber of Commerce, said the government should fall in line with other southern states’ tax slab.
While a Rs 100 ticket in the neighbouring states (Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka) would cost Rs 118 in the other states post-GST, it would cost Rs 148 in Tamil Nadu, thanks to the government’s additional 30 per cent state tax on the ticket.
‘The Big Sick’ was an opportunity to broaden my horizon: Anupam Kher
Mumbai–Anupam Kher says he saw Hollywood’s “The Big Sick” as an opportunity to broaden his horizon as an actor after having worked with the likes of Woody Allen and Robert De Niro.
Directed by Michael Showalter, “The Big Sick” is about the real life story of comedian Kumail Nanjiani, who not just features in the lead role but has also penned the film’s screenplay with wife Emily Gordon.
“I loved the idea. Though I had never seen his work, I immediately warmed up to Kumail Nanjiani. And when I got to know I’d get to work with American legends like Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, I felt it was one more opportunity to broaden my horizon as an actor, having worked earlier with the likes of Woody Allen, Ang Lee and Robert de Niro,” Anupam said.
Anupam is quite delighted by the attention.
“The Big Sick” is a very important film. It talks about racism, xenophobia, cultural isolation and the way Muslims are regarded with suspicion and distrust. And it deals with such serious issues with warmth and laughter. I love it.”
Akshay Kumar starts his ‘Gold’ innings in London
Mumbai–Akshay Kumar has embarked on a new cinematic journey with “Gold”. The actor says he needs all the love and best wishes from his admirers.
Akshay took off to London to shoot for the first schedule of the Excel Entertainment’s film and took to Twitter to share his first look from the film.
“Set out on a brand new journey, aiming for nothing less than ‘Gold’! Day 1 of ‘Gold’, need your love and best wishes as always,” Akshay posted on Saturday night.
In the monochrome first look, Akshay is seen wearing a moustache, carrying a sling bag and donning a chequered waistcoat.
“Gold” marks the first association between Akshay and Excel Entertainment led by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. To be directed by Reema Kagti, “Gold” will also introduce actress Mouni Roy into Bollywood.
Tiger Shroff finds dubbing for ‘Spider-Man’ challenging
Mumbai–Actor Tiger Shroff says giving voice to Spider-Man in the Hindi version of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is one the most “challenging things” he ever did.
The actor said that talking at a “different pitch and pace” was tough.
“Probably one of the most challenging things I’ve done talking at a different pitch and pace! But so much fun living the character! #halfdreamcometrue,” Tiger tweeted on Sunday.
Sony Pictures Entertainment India is releasing the film in India on July 7 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Apart from “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, Tiger has big projects like the Hindi remake of Hollywood action film “Rambo”, “Munna Michael” and “Baaghi 2” in his kitty.
Big B’s Facebook ordeal continues
Mumbai–Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is annoyed that he is not able to access all the features on his Facebook account.
He says he wants to post his views on Facebook, but is unable to do so as his page does not open fully.
“Arre yaar FB… Tu kyun nahin khulta hai mare liye full mein… dalna hai yaar usme kuch baatein meri (Oh dear FB, why don’t you open fully for me…Have to post my views on the platform),” Big B tweeted on Sunday.
Last week also, the “Paa” star complained about it on Twitter through a post: “Hello Facebook. Wake up. My page does not open fully. Been like this for days! Had to use this medium to complain, sad.”
Amitabh, who has over 27 million followers on both Facebook and Twitter, likes to keep them updated about his day-to-day lifestyle. He even maintains a blog that he has been writing for a few years now.
On the work front, Amitabh is busy with “Thugs of Hindostan”, and will soon be seen on the small screen in reality TV game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”.
Hansal Mehta goes gaga over ‘A Death In The Gunj’
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is impressed with “A Death In The Gunj”, and says it was an “assured” directorial debut by actress Konkona Sen Sharma.
“Finally watched ‘A Death in the Gunj’. Moody, atmospheric, tense, gentle, superbly crafted, well acted and a very assured debut by Konkona,” Mehta tweeted.
“A Death In The Gunj” won several global acclaim and multiple awards at film festivals. The film is an atmospheric thriller set in 1979 at McCluskieganj, near Ranchi.
It stars Vikrant Massey, Gulshan Devaiah, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Tillotama Shome, Jim Sarbh, Tanuja and the late Om Puri.
Sonam surprises Juhi Chawla in London
Actress Juhi Chawla was in for a pleasant surprise while roaming around in the streets of London when she met Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor.
“What a pleasant surprise…meeting the lovely Sonam Kapoor… We laughed and took pictures in the middle of Bond Street,” Juhi posted on Twitter on Sunday.
Sonam is reportedly on a vacation in London with her rumoured boyfriend Anand Ahuja.
On the work front, she will be seen sharing the screen space with actor Akshay Kumar in film “PadMan”.
