Pakistan decries ban on its artistes in India
Islamabad– Pakistan on Wednesday criticised India for “anti-Pakistan prejudice” as the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) upheld its ban on Pakistani performing artistes.
“It is unfortunate that art and cinema, which bring people together by acting as cultural bridges, are being held hostage to hate and xenophobia,” Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said.
“Unfortunately this decision, following several others, including non-issuance of visas to Pakistani pilgrims, refusal to allow participation of Sikhs and Katas Raj pilgrims, and cancellation of sports matches, underscores the growing intolerance and bias prevalent in India,” Faisal said.
These decisions taken and/or upheld by the Indian government “expose it of (becoming) a sham-ocracy”, the spokesperson said.
In 48 hours, 2 lakh register to join Kamal’s party
Chennai– Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party saw 201,597 member registrations online in 48 hours, said a spokesperson.
Sharing the Google data analytics of the party’s digital presence, the spokesperson said the data pertains to 48 hours after the party’s website was launched.
Kamal Haasan formally launched MNM on February 21 at Madurai. The website was launched on the same day at 7.27 p.m., according to the spokesperson.
However, it is not known how many of the member registrations are by people who are voters registered in Tamil Nadu.
According to MNM, the party’s website attracted traffic from countries like India, the US, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada.
Sandeep Singh the best coach I ever had: Taapsee
Mumbai– Actress Taapsee Pannu, who awaits the release of her upcoming film “Soorma”, says that hockey player Sandeep Singh is the best coach she has ever had.
Singh on Tuesday turned 32 and Taapsee, who is featuring in the biopic of the hockey player, shared a black and white photograph of herself along with him.
“To the man who made a challenging sport look so easy! The best coach I ever had! Happy Birthday Sandeep ‘Flicker’ Singh. This year is going to be another glorious year for you,” she captioned the image.
“Soorma”, a biopic on the former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh, is directed by Shaad Ali, who has also helmed hit films like “Saathiya” and “Bunty Aur Babli”.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh as Singh. It also features actor Angad Bedi as Bikramjeet, who himself will be seen doing a cameo appearance as a member of the Pakistani hockey team.
The film is slated to release on June 29.
I’m a confident actor: Niharica Raizada
Mumbai– Niharica Raizada, who is currently busy with her upcoming film “Total Dhamaal”, says that she is a confident actress who believes in her craft.
Working in a multi-starrer film like “Total Dhamaal” with actors like Anil Kapoor and Madhuri-Dixit Nene can make one feel nervous.
When asked to comment on it, Niharica said: “I am a confident actor and I believe in my craft. No matter how big of a star you become or come across, it’s important that you still believe in yourself.”
“As for me, this is my pride and fortune that today I have this chance to work with such veteran actors. And as an actor, I hope to give my best,” she added.
Without sharing much about the Indra Kumar directorial, she said: “I can’t say much about the status of the film, but the cast is amazing. It was my dream to work with Ajay (Devgn) Sir which has come true with ‘Total Dhamaal’.”
Asked about her future projects, she said: “I have signed a new film on Valentine’s Day.”
Niharica has featured in films like “Masaan”, “Baby” and “Alone”.
I believe in living in the moment: Aditi
New Delhi– Actress Aditi Rao Hydari says time is luxury and that she believes in living in the moment.
“Time is a real luxury and it’s the only thing that keeps moving and the only thing you have to grab and make the most of. So, I really believe in living in the moment and giving my 100 per cent to that moment,” Aditi told IANS.
Aditi unveiled the new collection, inspired by Britain, of watch brand Swatch last week.
Talking about it, she said: “I love London and I always pick that as a holiday spot so I feel it is a fun collection.”
But at a time when everyone has a mobile phone to see time, why is there a need for wrist watches?
“Because it’s so beautiful. I think wrist watches are so much fun and they are so personal. It’s something that you wear on yourself all the time and it’s really an extension of your personality… I wear the watch like a piece of jewellery on myself so I love watches,” she said.
Bhandarkar condoles Kanchi Shankaracharya’s demise
Mumbai– Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar on Wednesday condoled the demise of Jayendra Saraswathi, the 69th pontiff of the Sankara Mutt Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.
“Grieved to know about demise of Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi. People will always be thankful for the educational institutes he started and some humanitarian programmes for the underprivileged. My humble prayers for his departed soul. Om Shanti,” Bhandarkar tweeted.
Saraswathi passed away in Kanchipuram in a private hospital where he was admitted early on Wednesday. The 82-year-old pontiff was ailing for some time.
Parineeti Chopra starts shooting for ‘Kesari’
Mumbai– Actress Parineeti Chopra has started shooting for her upcoming film “Kesari”.
Parineeti on Tuesday shared a photograph from an aircraft on her Instagram stories and wrote: “Off for ‘Kesari’.”
She also shared that the photograph was taken by actor Akshay Kumar.
Moments later, she shared a video and wrote: “Sigh. The beauty of Wai. ‘Kesari’.”
Wai is in the Satara District in Maharashtra.
Produced by filmmaker Karan Johar, the Anurag Singh directorial is based on the Battle of Saragarhi.
“Kesari” is slated for 2019 Holi release.
Former ‘Bigg Boss’ contestant in ‘Ishq Mein Marjawan’
Mumbai– Arshi Khan of “Bigg Boss” fame will enter the show “Ishq Mein Marjawan” as part of a dance troupe at a Holi party.
“I am very excited to be back on the channel (Colors) that has made me what I am today. I will bring back my ‘latkas and jhatkas’ (moves) with this role. I have always enjoyed drama,” Arshi said in a statement.
“I love how the show’s story is about unconventional love and I am getting to be part of Aarohi’s revenge saga,” she added.
“Ishq Mein Marjawan” features Arjun Bijlani as Deep and Alisha Panwar playing the dual roles of Aarohi and Tara.
Aarohi has crafted a plan to expose Virat/Lakshya essayed by Vineet Raina, for all his wrong doings. (IANS)
