Hindi Medium gets flying start in China
Mumbai– Bollywood star Irrfan Khan-starrer “Hindi Medium” has opened to a flying start in China, where Aamir Khan and Salman Khan’s films have done brisk business in recent times.
The film, backed by T-Series and Maddock Films, released in China on Wednesday. It took in $3.68 Million on its opening day, emerging as the second biggest Bollywood opener there after Aamir’s “Secret Superstar”.
A quirky social comment on the education system, “Hindi Medium” is directed by Saket Chaudhary. It also features Pakistani actress Saba Qamar.
China has a quota on the number of overseas movies that can be screened in the country each year. But Indian films are finding increased presence there.
“Slowly and gradually, Indian films are getting a firm foothold in China,” tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
Adah Sharma to endorse German brand
Mumbai– German brand Garmin has roped in actress Adah Sharma to launch their new campaign in India.
“I am very happy that Garmin picked me as the first Indian actor to be associated with the brand. The campaign is a collaboration of fitness and fashion. I have a very loyal and supportive fan base so, I thank them for making me popular,” Adah said in a statement.
The brand is known for its innovative products that span various areas of interest, including automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor recreation and wireless applications.
On the film front, Adah will be next seen in “Charlie Chaplin 2” opposite actor-filmmaker Prabhudheva. Apart from dancing a lot in the film, she will also be making her singing debut in it.
She will also start shooting for “Commando 3” soon.
Shirley Setia unveils her first Punjabi song
Mumbai– Singer Shirley Setia unveiled her first Punjabi song titled “Koi vi nahi” on Thursday.
She has collaborated with Punjabi singer Gurnazar Chattha for the romantic single, which released under the Speed Records and Times Music labels.
“Koi vi nahi”, which has been composed by Rajat Nagpal, explains the hardships of a lover trying endlessly to convince his girl to accept his true love for her.
“‘Koi vi nahi’ is my first ever Punjabi song. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed singing the song,” Shirley, who sang the song “Disco disco” from the Bollywood movie “A Gentleman”, said in a statement.
Gurnazar added that it is a “beautiful Punjabi romantic track that I am quite sure will compel everyone to go down memory lane; to their college days and acknowledge our song”.
After Ranveer, Parineeti pulls out of IPL opener
Mumbai– Actress Parineeti Chopra is the latest celebrity after Ranveer Singh to withdraw from performing at the forthcoming opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL). She feels she is not prepared enough.
The cricket tournament’s opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday.
“Parineeti was shooting non-stop for ‘Namastey England’ in Patiala and had back-to-back, pre-committed endorsement commitments. So, unfortunately, she did not have enough time to rehearse in spite of her best efforts,” the actress’ spokesperson said in a statement.
“Being a thorough professional, Parineeti spoke to Wizcraft (show producers) and explained to them that she was not okay putting up a compromised performance. Wizcraft has been gracious enough to understand this and agrees with Parineeti. She would not be performing at the gala opening,” the spokesperson added.
Earlier this week, Ranveer’s representative said he was advised by doctors against performing at the gala to avoid aggravating a shoulder injury.
Indian producer to act in Hollywood film
Mumbai– Producer Preeti Thaker has bagged a role in the upcoming Hollywood comedy “What Men Want”, which is inspired by the 2000 film “What Women Want”.
Preeti will be acting alongside actors Tracy Morgan and Taraji P. Henson in the film, to be helmed by Adam Shankman.
“I’m excited about this film. This will be my debut in acting and that too a Hollywood film. I think it’s a big achievement and I am working really hard for this. Also, to work with Adam is a dream come true,” Preeti said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to work with him and learn so many new things about acting and directing. I have got some amazing co-stars and this will definitely be a fun journey,” she added.
She is also producing a web series which is expected to star actor Sanjay Dutt.
Manushi Chhillar signs first endorsement deal after Miss World crown
Mumbai– Miss World Manushi Chhillar has been named as the face of jewellery group Malabar Gold & Diamonds. This is her first endorsement deal after winning the crown.
The Haryana-born beauty queen, who brought home the world crown after 17 years, will be the face for the global campaigns and charity efforts of the brand
“I am a proud Indian, it’s the land of celebration with all the festivals, vibrance and, most importantly, emotions. That is what I took to Miss World! Being associated with Malabar Gold has been wonderful, a relationship which is close to my heart with moments that are special to every Indian,” Manushi said in a statement.
Said Malabar Group Chairman M.P. Ahammed: “First, the world was bowled over by her intelligence in the Miss World contest where she said mother’s job deserved the biggest salary in the world. Then, we all knew she has a big heart too. She had started her humanitarian works as a student, long before her world crown. Manushi and Malabar Group thus share a common passion for making lives better around.”
Ranbir Kapoor meets fans on Mumbai streets
 Mumbai– Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor took to the streets of Mumbai on Thursday as part of Pepsi’s latest ‘Kyun Sookhe Sookhe Hi’ campaign. He regaled fans with anecdotes from his college days when he and his friends skipped class to go out and eat.
He spoke about how the idea of ‘Kyun Sookhe Sookhe Hi’ resonates strongly with him, a statement said.
“It’s no secret that I am a huge foodie. The love for all kinds of food, right from vada pavs to tandoori chicken runs in my veins,” said Ranbir.
“I was shooting for ‘Brahmastra’, so I am on a diet and cannot have roti and chawal (wheat and rice). Therefore, my life is ‘sookha sookha’ (dry) right now.”
On his experience of working for the campaign, he said: “The brand has always created relatable campaigns and ‘Kyun Sookhe Sookhe Hi’ is no different. It tells the perfect story of the three musketeers – friends, food and Pepsi. I’m extremely excited to be a part of the campaign and bring my stories of friendship and food to my fans at Carter Road today.”
Ranbir was joined on stage by Raj Rishi Singh, Director – Marketing, Pepsi, PepsiCo India where they launched “Foodicon” bottles featuring origami interpretations of age-old street food favourites, including Mumbai’s preferred vada pavs, Delhi’s beloved samosas and Chennai’s favoured dosas amongst others.
“Brahmastra” is Ranbir’s next Bollywood project where he is paired with Alia Bhatt. He will also be seen in the Sanjay Dutt biopic.
John, Manoj-starrer titled ‘Satyameva Jayate’
Mumbai– Milap Zaveri’s new film starring John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee has been titled “Satyameva Jayate” and will release on August 15.
“It gives me great pride as an Indian to announce that my next film as a director ‘Satyameva Jayate’ releases this Independence Day August 15,” Zaveri tweeted.
He also shared a photograph featuring the lead actors. Manoj is seen pointing a gun at John who looks fearlessly into his face.
The film promises intense action and power-packed dialogues.
It is produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and Nikkhil Advani of Emmay Entertainment. (IANS)
