Cannot match up to Kishore Kumar: Ali Zafar
Karachi– Pakistani actor Ali Zafar says he cannot feature as legendary playback singer-actor Kishore Kumar in a prospective biopic as he feels he cannot match up to the late genius’ talent.
On Thursday, a social media user tweeted to Ali while actor Ayushmann Khurrana has hinted on a show that he would love to play Kishore Kumar, he feels Ali should star as the singer-actor.
Ali replied: “I don’t think I can match to his genius. But thank you for the love. Always.”
The “Teefa In Trouble” actor then shared a link of a song titled “Pyar baant te chalo” from the 1965 film “Hum Sab Ustad Hain”.
“Dear Kishore Kumar. You are needed now more than ever… A tribute to the great Kishore Kumar,” he captioned the video.
Ali made his debut in Indian cinema in 2010 with “Tere Bin Laden”. He was later seen in Bollywood films like “Luv Ka The End”, “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan”, “London, Paris, New York”, “Chashme Baddoor”, “Total Siyapaa, “Kill Dil” and “Dear Zindagi”.
Kamal Haasan will give preference to youths to contest
Chennai– Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday said his Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party will release the names of Lok Sabha candidates in phases and that youths will get preference.
Speaking to reporters here, Kamal Haasan said the candidates will be selected based on criterias like age, education and others.
Kamal Haasan also took a dig at other political parties. “Those who issued booklets about their policies and principles have forgotten that and are entering into electoral alliances.”
Kamal Haasan hoisted the party’s flag at the party headquarters to mark one year of its existence. The MNM has decided to go it alone in the Lok Sabha polls.
Film producer Raj Kumar Barjatya dead
Mumbai– Raj Kumar Barjatya, producer of popular films like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!” and “Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United”, is dead.
“It is with profound grief that we mourn the loss of Raj Kumar Barjatya, father of Sooraj Barjatya. May his soul rest in peace,” the official Twitter handle of Rajshri Productions said.
Rajshri Productions Pvt Ltd was established by the late Tarachand Barjatya in 1947. It is a film production and distribution company and has also produced titles like “Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon”, “Vivah” and “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”.
Raj Kumar’s son Sooraj Barjatya, who is in his 50s, resurrected the banner when it was on the verge of closing down when he directed “Maine Pyar Kiya”.
Raveena extends help for education of martyrs’ children
Mumbai– Actress Raveena Tandon says her Foundation will look into the education of martyrs’ children.
Raveena spoke on the sidelines of the Nykaa-Femina Beauty Awards 2019 here on Tuesday.
According to reports, Raveena, who is known for her philanthropic work and her association with various noble causes, had decided to contribute for martyrs’ girl child education.
Talking about it, she said: “These are moments when everyone should come forward and contribute whatever it might be — whether it’s a big or small amount. It goes a long way and yes, I have taken over the responsibility of educating the girl children, but I am not limiting it to girl children.
“It was written like that somewhere but it’s not girl child, but the children of the martyrs. It’s not only of the Pulwama attack, it is basically for all our jawans and all are martyrs. My Foundation will take care of education and give out scholarships as well.”
In the wake of the terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in the Indian film industry.
It’s a possibility: Archana on replacing Navjot Singh Sidhu
New Delhi– Actress Archana Puran Singh is back on the seat, which was once occupied by Navjot Singh Sidhu, of “The Kapil Sharma Show”. She says it’s a possibility that she will replace the cricketer-turned-politician on the show.
Sidhu has been reportedly ousted from the show after a controversial comment in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.
Archana had earlier shot two episodes for “The Kapil Sharma Show” before the February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy that left 40 troopers dead. She went back on the show’s set on Wednesday.
“On the set tonight (Wednesday) with Kapil. Great shoot with the king of comedy Kapil Sharma. Took a selfie break to celebrate old associations and new beginnings,” Archana tweeted after the shoot.
Asked if she has replaced Sidhu, Archana told IANS: “Nothing is confirmed. It is a possibility.”
According to a source, there is another shoot with her slotted for the coming weekend.
“I think the Sony Entertainment Television people will be able to answer to that. I am not sure if I will be shooting this weekend or not,” she said.
Actor Vinny Vella, known for gangster roles, dead at 72
Los Angeles– “Casino” actor Vinny Vella, who starred in several other gangster movies, is dead at 72. He was battling cancer.
Vella’s representative posted a social media message late on Wednesday night to announce the actor’s demise, reported tmz.com.
“We are saddened to report that Vinny Vella has passed and I’m sure that no one is more saddened than himself. Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen,” read the message.
The actor’s son Vinny Vella Jr. told tmz.com that his father had liver cancer.
“RIP to my father. I love you so much and I’m so heartbroken. You are no longer in pain- no more suffering pops. I love you,” he wrote in a message.
With 74 acting credits to his name, the senior Vinny essayed mobster Artie Piscano alongside Robert De Niro in “Casino”. He also acted with De Niro in “Analyze That”.
He had smaller roles in other films like “Donnie Brasco,” “Kissing Jessica Stein,” “Kill the Irishman,” “Mambo Cafe,” “This Thing of Ours” and “Find Me Guilty.”
Director Rima Das to be showstopper at fashion event
Gurugram– National Award-winning filmmaker Rima Das will turn showstopper for designer Tara Bhuyan at a fashion event.
Das will flaunt a creation from Bhuyan’s ‘Woven Dreams of Assam’ collection at the Bridal and Cocktail Wear 2019 show here on March 1.
Das said in a statement: “I was very excited when Tara came to me to be the showstopper for her maiden show in India. Even the outfit which I would be wearing has been chosen by me. It would be an evening gown in muga silk, embellished with Swarovski crystals.”
The collection will comprise materials woven on a natural colour palette, with zari brocade work with exotic motifs and rich hues of the northeast.
Das’s film “Village Rockstars” was India’s entry for an Oscar category, but it got out of the race. Her Assamese feature film “Bulbul Can Sing” received a Special Mention recently at the Berlin International Film Festival 2019.
Actor Ram Yashvardhan turns fitness guru for fans
Mumbai– “Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan” actor Ram Yashvardhan likes to share fitness tips with his fans online.
Inspired by the actor’s posts on fitness regime, his fans often ask him to share workout tips and give a sneak peek into his work-outs. Ram often shares his learning on how to develop a healthy, fit body.
“To have a healthy lifestyle, one should eat right, practice mindfulness, exercise daily with no compromises and make fitness a priority,” Ram said in a statement.
“I always keep challenging myself. That’s what makes me a fitness freak and keeps my health in check,” he added.
Romantic films have a special place in my heart: Anees Bazmee
Mumbai– Director Anees Bazmee always wanted to make more romantic films, and is happy to return to the genre with his upcoming rom-com.
“Romantic films have always been close to my heart. I love them,” Bazmee told IANS.
“I always wanted to make romantic films. But after films like ‘No Entry’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Singh Is Kinng’, people started expecting comedy films from me. This time I promised myself that I will make one romantic film along with others,” he added.
Bazmee is returning to the genre with the rom-com with Kartik Aaryan. His last romantic film was the Ajay Devgn-Kajol starrer “Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha” in 1998.
On the film, he said: “This I wrote long back and wanted to make it for a long time. And I thought this is the right time. Kartik is a good actor and he was apt for the role as he has all the attributes which I wanted in the main lead.”(IANS)
