Baahubali 2′ mints over $3 million in bookings in US
Chennai– S.S. Rajamoulis magnum opus “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” has stirred a box office storm even before release. In the US, the film has already minted over $3 million from pre-sales of tickets, according to distributor Great India Films.
“We have passed $3 million in pre-sales and are adding almost $100,000 to the total every hour. This is the highest for an Indian film in advance ticket sales,” read a statement from Great India Films.
In the US, the film is releasing in over 1,100 screens.
Also starring Prabhas and Rana Daggubati, the second part in the franchise will focus on the battle for the kingdom between two warring brothers.
Deepika shot title track of ‘Raabta’ in one night
Mumbai–Actress Deepika Padukone shot the title track of “Raabta” in one night.
The film’s director Dinesh Vijan messaged to ask her if she could shoot the title track for his film and she instantly agreed.
Vijan said in a statement: “Deepika gives attention to small details and that makes all the difference. She sat with me for some time to understand the nuances and mood of the song. After that it was a swift shoot.”
He added: “I am glad she shot for the title track of my film. I believe she is lucky for me.”
Vijan and Deepika have previously worked together during “Love Aaj Kal” and “Cocktail”.
“Raabta”, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, is set to release on June 9.
Sonakshi Sinha misses ‘Nach Baliye 8’
Mumbai–Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently in Australia to take part in actor Hrithik Roshans music tour – A Night With Stars Reloaded, says she is missing her judging duties on the popular dance reality show “Nach Baliye 8”.
After Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Da-Bangg tour, Sonakshi will take part in Hrithik’s tour. Hence, she will not appear on the show this weekend. Actress Malaika Arora Khan is seen as a ‘Guest Judge’ on Sonakshi’s behalf on the Star Plus show.
“I really missed everyone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it this week. My bad luck, I wasn’t there to watch them (the contestants) perform. But I am sure they must have given all spectacular performances. I’ll be back next week,” Sonakshi said in a statement.
Malaika, who filled in for Sonakshi on the show, had also served as a judge in the first two seasons.
She said: “Anything for dear Sonakshi and for ‘Nach Baliye’. It was homecoming for me and I was more than happy to relive old ‘Nach’ days. It’s a pleasure to watch the brilliant couples sizzle on stage.”
I’ve always been a motorsport enthusiast, says Gul Panag
New Delhi– Actress Gul Panag says she is passionate about motorsports.
The actress on Wednesday joined Mahindra Racing (which is part of Mahindra & Mahindra group which is into Formula E car racing) in Barcelona to learn to drive a Formula E car. Mahindra Racing via a statement announced that she became the first Indian woman to drive a Formula E car.
“I have been a motorsport enthusiast forever… I was extremely delighted to hear that there is going to be an electric race… I have shoved my racing ambassadorship down Mahindra’s throat because I am such a big fan,” Gul said in a statement.
She added: “I think this for me is like being at home. Over the years I have seen a lot and have gained more experiences but I just feel like all of that is when I could come here.”
Indian short film to be screened by Unesco in Indonesia
Mumbai–Rahul V. Chittella’s short film “Azaad”, starring Atul Kulkarni and Sakshi Tanwar, will be screened by Unesco as part of a World Press Freedom Day event on May 3 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Apart from directing, Chittella, who was mentored by filmmaker Mira Nair for the film, has also written “Azaad”. It tells the story of the dysfunctional relationship between a father and his son.
The event, being held to celebrate the principle of freedom of press, is taking place in Jakarta from May 1-4.
Chittella will also speak to the audiences on ‘Artistic freedom in globalizing times’ in-keeping with the theme of the day and the film, read a statement from the director’s publicist.
“We are all so glad that the film has turned out to be an honest one and has connected with such a wide audience. It’s a privilege to have an organisation like Unesco invite us to showcase our film,” Chittella said.
He added: “The film speaks about freedom of expression in current times and what better way to share this with journalists across the globe.”
“Azaad” is presented by Nair, and has been produced by Antara Banerjee and Naved Farooqui of Mastercut Pictures.
“We’ve received kind invitations from various film festivals across the globe, but this screening will remain special since we’ll be showing the film to the fraternity to whom the film is dedicated,” Banerjee said.
Amit Sadh ‘feels alright’ being around Big B
Mumbai– Actor Amit Sadh has complimented Amitabh Bachchan and says that when the megastar puts his hands on his shoulder he feels everything is going to be fine.
Amit, who will be seen playing the role of Shivaji Nagre in the forthcoming political thriller drama “Sarkar 3”, shared a black and white photograph of himself with Big B.
In the photograph, Amitabh can be seen placing his hand on Amit’s shoulder.
“In between takes on ‘Sarkar 3’… When Amitabh Bachchan puts his hand on your shoulder, you feel and know that every little thing is gonna be alright!” Amit tweeted on Wednesday.
Presented by Eros International and produced by Allumbra Entertainment, Wave Cinemas and AB Corp, Ram Gopal Varma’s “Sarkar 3” is the third film in the “Sarkar” series.
“Sarkar”, which released in 2005, is set in the world of Indian politics. Its sequel “Sarkar Raj” hit the screens in 2008.
“Sarkar 3” will see Amitabh reprising his role as Subhash Nagre. The film will also feature Yami Gautam, Jackie Shroff, Manoj Bajpayee, Rohini Hattangadi, Ronit Roy and Bharat Dabholkar.
Love you more with every passing day Bipasha: Karan
Actor Karan Singh Grover says he loves his wife and actress Bipasha Basu more with each passing day.
Karan and Bipasha will be completing a year of their marriage on Sunday. The two have together starred in the 2015 horror film “Alone”.
Karan shared a throwback video and captioned it: “Each day I spend with you goes by in a blink and each moment we spend apart lasts an eternity. I could spend a gazillion lifetimes just staring at your beautiful face and it still would not be enough. I love you…more with every passing day Bipasha. Thank you for agreeing to spend this lifetime with me.”
Last seen on screen in “Hate Story 3”, Karan will next feature in “3 Dev”, which is the story of a couple where the wife is extremely religious and the husband is not. They rent out their house to three youngsters and certain situations lead to the three being termed God, leading to hilarious situations of lies, mistaken identity and chaos.