Mahesh Bhatt casts 10-year-old as lead for new show
New Delhi–Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has zeroed in on a 10-year-old girl named Arsheen Namdaar as the lead for his new TV series “Naamkarann”.
The show, which will be on air next month, explores the journey of a 10-year-old who carves her own identity and takes charge of her own destiny.
“Arsheen is a born actress and she’s a perfect fit for Avni’s character. Just like Alia (Bhatt) stunned everyone including me with her outstanding performance in ‘Udta Punjab’, this girl Arsheen is going to stun everyone,” Bhatt said in a statement.
Talking about the show, the 67-year-old, who is known for his hard-hitting and realistic films, added that since the medium of TV can bring about a change in mindsets, he chose to use the platform to tell a story which was challenging and questioning social norms.
“’Naamkarann’ is my most thought provoking project yet with my strongest female lead as Avni (Arsheen),” Bhatt said.
On bagging “Naamkarann”, Arsheen said: “The entire cast and crew is very sweet and takes care of me. Especially Bhatt Sir is very nice and encourages me a lot. We all are actually waiting for the show to start”.
The show will be aired on Star Plus.
Tanaaz Irani excited to direct all-women play
Mumbai–Actress Tanaaz Irani is directing an all-women play titled “Selfie The Play”, and says it’s an experience of a lifetime.
Tanaaz first directed a play titled “Ask What Fathers Say” 15 years ago for Sandeep Sikand’s production, and then directed “Dhoom Macha De” nine years ago.
She insists her new play is nothing like she has ever done before.
“Though I have directed two plays before this, this is a completely different experience. In fact, an experience of a lifetime. We have got a terrific script and an amazing cast,” Tanaaz said in a statement.
“I am extremely happy with how it is turning out to be.”
Tanaaz also stars in the play along with Kishwer Merchant, Shweta Gulati, Priya Malik and Dimple Shah. The play is produced by Paritosh Painter.
Boman Irani’s odour issues
Actor Boman Irani is urging people to take a ‘Smelfie Challenge’ to rid their homes of odour.
Boman, who is the brand ambassador of Ambi Pur Air Effects, said: “I have experienced that even the cleanest households can have odours, which hit the nose and make it uncomfortable not just for residents, but guests more so.”
So, he wants people to participate in the brand’s ‘Smelfie Challenge’, under which consumers are invited to click their ‘smelfies’ with what they consider the most difficult household odour to get rid of, and send it to them.
He said: “I invite the country to participate in Ambi Pur Smelfie contest, and challenge Ambi Pur to their worst household odours. I am sure they will be as convinced as I am.”
The brand might rope in a Bollywood actress too to promote the product.
Sonam genuinely a style queen: Bhumi Pednekar
Actress Bhumi Pednekar admires Sonam Kapoor’s style statements and feels the “Khoobsurat” diva can carry off any look.
When asked which Bollywood actor looks good in almost every outfit, Bhumi said: “I think, Sonam Kapoor. Until now, I haven’t seen her in any dress that didn’t suit her. She is genuinely a style queen.”
Bhumi spoke on the sidelines of an event held to launch designers Sonam and Paras Modi’s bridal collection.
“I like those who experiment with style because you need a lot of courage to do that. Being an actor, now I realise, to present a look how much efforts one has to put in.
“In terms of experimenting with fashion, unless you do that, you can’t take your style statement forward,” she added.
The “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” actress’ own style mantra is: “Keep experimenting, be quirky and don’t copy.”
