I like scripts about solutions, not problems: Akshay Kumar
Mumbai– Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, whose latest films offer entertainment with a message, says he gets many scripts on the country’s issues, but he is more interested in the solutions to those problems — an approach he feels the media needs to take too for the betterment of the country.
“I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like to talk about problems. I prefer to talk about solutions than problems. I like solutions. I made a film like ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ and in that, we showed that it is necessary to have sanitation facility for the women of the family. Then, I made ‘Pad Man’ and in that also, I talked about solution.
“I get many scripts which talk about different problems but I don’t like those scripts which only talk about problem. I’m more interested in solution of problems,” Akshay said as he launched a non-government rural outreach programme New India Conclave 2018 here on Tuesday.
Akshay said when he watches news channels, they always show different kind of problems in India.
“I wish in my life, someone would run a channel which continuously talks about solutions in every field because that’s what we require in our country — solution and not problems,” he asserted.
The actor is the brand ambassador of New India Conclave 2018, which will recognise rural achievers of the country. It will take place in New Delhi in the first week of July with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of various states in attendance.
Salman closer to me than Kareena: Karisma
Mumbai– Actress Karisma Kapoor says that superstar Salman Khan, with whom she shares “a very long-standing relationship”, is closer to her than her younger sister Kareena Kapoor Khan.
During an appearance on the show “Entertainment ki Raat@9 – Limited Edition”, she talked about her bond with Salman, read a statement.
“Salman is closer to me than Kareena. We have share a very long-standing relationship. For Salman, Kareena is like a little sister and he still considers her to be a child,” Karisma said.
Karisma and Salman were among the 1990s’ favourite on-screen couples, thanks to their films like “Andaz Apna Apna”, “Biwi No.1”, “Jeet” and “Judwaa”.
And now, the audience likes to watch Salman and Kareena together on the big screen. They have given hits like “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and “Bodyguard”.
Karisma also had a part in “Bodyguard”.
“I was the voice of Chaya in the movie, ‘Bodyguard’. It was my voice who used to trouble Salman’s character in the movie,” she said.
Asked what kind of movies she would like to do, the “Coolie No. 1” star said: “After starring in all the ‘No.1’ movies, I would like to be a part of Mummy No.1, if anyone makes it.
“This movie will describe every mother’s role and I will be happy to play a part in it. For now I share a great bond with my son and daughter. I would like to tell everyone that my daughter and I even share the same clothes now,” she said.
Anjali Patil won’t be in India for ‘Kaala’ release
New Delhi– National Award-winning actress Anjali Patil says she is busy working on her own film’s script and won’t be in India when her forthcoming movie “Kaala” releases in June.
The Rajinikanth-starrer was originally scheduled to release on April 27, but the film’s producer Dhanush later announced that the superstar’s film will hit the screens on June 7.
“I am working on my own script. It never really affected me (change in release date of her film) even before because I always went on with what I always wanted to do. I will be travelling for the next six months for the location recce of my film and I will go on with my personal plans. June 7, I won’t be in India. I will be in Cambodia,” Anjali told IANS.
On the film, the actress she said: “When I did ‘Kaala’ in Tamil, I had a new introduction to Tamil Nadu and its language, culture and food.”
She is currently being flooded with appreciation from her fans for her work in Eros Now’s first original film “Meri Nimmo”, which released digitally on April 27.
Was fun working with Kareena, Sonam: Farah Khan
Mumbai– Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan had fun working with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor on a song for the upcoming film “Veere Di Wedding”. She says she loved the gender swap concept of the song.
“Veere Di Wedding” also features Swara Bhasker and Shikha Tilsania. Farah worked with them on “Tareefan”, which released exclusively on MTV Beats on Wednesday.
“This is the second music video that I’m doing after ‘Bluffmaster’s ‘Ek main aur ek tu hain’ and I really think we have taken this one to the next level,” Farah said in a statement.
Directed by Shashanka Ghosh, “Veere Di Wedding” will release on June 1. The film is presented by Ekta Kapoor’s home banner Balaji Motion Pictures and is a romantic comedy is co-produced by Sonam’s sister Rhea Kapoor, Ekta and Nikhil Dwivedi.
“The concept of a gender swap really appealed to me. We made the boys the decorative pieces in the song with the girls being the heroes here. It was so much fun working with some truly empowered and enlightened women like Rhea, Ekta, Kareena, Sonam, Shikha and Swara,” she added.
The song is sung by Badshah.
“It is a fun and lively song, I got the privilege to work with such amazing ladies… Hoping this is my latest Bollywood hit and all my fans enjoy it,” he said.
Soumitra Chatterjee, Buddhadeb Dasgupta conferred lifetime achivement awards
Kolkata– Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee and veteran film maker Buddhadeb Dasgupta were on Tuesday conferred lifetime achievement awards for their contribution towards Indian cinema on occasion of the third edition of the Bengal International Short Film Festival (BISFF) here.
While Chatterjee was presented the ‘Hiralal Sen Award’ by iconic Bengali actor Prasenjit Cahtterjee and West Bengal Information Technology Minister Bratya Basu, the ‘Devaki Kumar Bose Award was handed over to Dasgupta’s assistant as the septuagenarian filmmaker could not be present at the event owing to illness.
Young actor Riddhi Sen who bagged the best actor award in the 65th National Film Awards this year was given a special felicitation at the event.
Shree Venkatesh Films, one of eastern India’s leading film production houses was also awarded for their efforts in production and distribution of Bengali films across the country.
A total of 54 short films including 44 Indian and 10 foreign films would be screen in the three day festival organised by the Bengal Film and Television Cahmber of Commerce (BFTCC), from May 2 to May 4.
Film Federation of India President Sakshi Gopal Mehera, who was present at the inaugural ceremony, said such events are important in promoting the the short length films that are becoming increasingly relevant in the age of digitalisation.
“The event is providing a platform for the young and upcoming filmmakers to showcase their talent besides felicitating the stalwarts of Bengali cinema. I am sure with more such opportunities, the next generation would be ready to produce more such brilliant talents,” he said.
It’s important to rise above looks, says Sonakshi
New Delhi– Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has often been body-shamed, says it is important for the audience to rise above looks and delve deeper into an artiste’s work.
Sonakshi is all for the fact that one’s work speaks for itself.
The actress, who walked the ramp at the launch of Streax Professional’s Spring Summer 2018 Collection ‘Marigold’ in an orange floor-sweepimg gown, on Tuesday told IANS: “We should tell the audience and honestly that is something I have advocated since the starting of my career.”
“I have always been projecting a very strong body image. Being true to yourself… I have been bodyshamed quite a bit but moving ahead of that because that is what I have always believed in…That it’s not how you look but how you do and about how many people you reach out to,” she added.
While the media here waited for a conversation with the actress, who had flown in from Kuala Lumpur to be a part of the event, there was chatter about Sonakshi’s weight loss and “sculpted body”.
Don’t such comments and questions on weight annoy her?
“I have been answering questions on my weight loss for so long that I have become indifferent to them. There are certain things that seem odd at the moment, but I am kind of used to it,” said Sonakshi.
“And it’s okay, it’s part of my profession. These are very basic things that people are interested in, which is why they ask. They are I guess, the most obvious questions,” added the actress, who will next be seen in “Happy Phirr Bhaag Jaayegi”, “Kalank” and “Dabangg 3”. (IANS)