Katrina Kaif named ambassador of Educate Girls
Mumbai– Actress Katrina Kaif has joined the international award-winning non-profit organisation, Educate Girls as their ambassador, a statement said.
Katrina is deeply inspired to lend her voice to one of the most pressing development issues – that of educating girls. Through her association with Educate Girls, she attempts to bring renewed focus to girl child education and gender equality, it said.
“For over a decade now, Educate Girls has been partnering with the government in bringing out-of-school girls back to school. I am committed to support Educate Girls in the endeavour to build an India where girls have equal opportunities to access quality education,” she said.
Katrina, who has spent time acquainting herself about the several barriers to girls’ education in the country, especially in rural or tribal regions, calls Educate Girls’ programme model “highly sustainable” as it is based on principles of community-ownership and collaboration that involves the families, village leaders, local administration and school authorities to jointly push for change.
Speaking on the occasion, Safeena Husain, founder of Educate Girls, said: “It is a moment of immense honor for Educate Girls to have Katrina Kaif join us as an Ambassador. With Katrina as an advocate, we are hoping to unite voices and amplify conversations on the subjects of gender equity and girls’ education. We are hoping that this partnership will help contribute to the national mission of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’.”
In partnership with the government, Educate Girls has been bridging the gender gap in education across 12,000 villages, working with over 21,000 schools in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh over the last ten years.
Madhuri takes Sridevi’s place in Abhishek Varman’s film
Mumbai– Madhuri Dixit has been cast in a role which was to be played by Sridevi in Abhishek Varman’s new directorial, the late actress’ daughter Janhvi Kapoor said on Monday.
“Abhishek Varman’s next film was very close to mom’s heart… Dad, Khushi and I are thankful to Madhuriji for now being a part of this beautiful film,” Janhvi posted on her Instagram page.
She also shared a warm photograph featuring Madhuri and Sridevi, who were considered professional rivals at one point in their careers.
Sridevi, last seen on-screen in “Mom”, died on February 24 in Dubai.
Mohit Malik loves his rockstar avatar for TV show
Mumbai– Actor Mohit Malik says he is in love with his rockstar look in TV show “Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala”.
In the show, he will be seen wearing a leather jacket and combat boots. His character is named Sikander.
“I have the signature rockstar look in ‘Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala’,” Mohit said in a statement.
“I have donned the classic leather jacket and electric guitar look for my role as Sikander which adds to the intensity of the role. I’m loving the look. It’s nothing like what I have done before,” he added.
“Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala”, which will beam on Star Plus from Monday, tells the story of seven-year-old Kullfi (essayed by Aakriti Sharma) and her talent of making a song on every situation.
Set in a village near Pathankot, it is about how Kullfi gets happiness and positivity in any situation with her songs.
Produced by Gul Khan and Nilanjana Purkayasstha from 4 Lion films, the show also stars Anjali Anand, Pallavi Rao and Mehul Buch.
Ameya Dabli wants to playback for Big B
Mumbai– Musician Ameya Dabli says his dream is to playback for megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
“I hope the versatility in my voice could make me viable choice for any actor. Of course, crooning for Amitabh Bachchan would be a dream come true,” Dabli said in a statement.
What’s next in the pipeline?
“A lot of exciting activities are lined up over the next six months. My new music album is ready for production and should be out soon. I am also working on a theatrical project with Shiamak Davar.
“There is also work for concerts for the Armed Forces for which the Subhash Ghai has collaborated with us. A world tour is planned around July/August. There is also a mega music project which we are working on currently, which will be the first of its kind in the history of Indian music,” he added.
He has launched two albums — “Devadhideva” and “Ekam Satt – One Truth, One Humanity, World Music”.
Sandeepa learning Portuguese for ‘Firrkie’
Mumbai– Actress Sandeepa Dhar is learning Portuguese for her upcoming movie “Firrkie”.
“It’s tough for me as it’s a new language. I’ve joined Portuguese speaking classes and I’m trying to get that accent in which I’m succeeding day by day as well as I’m watching Portuguese movies, songs and web series in my free time,” Sandeepa said in a statement.
Sandeepa, who has featured in movies like “Isi Life Mein” and “Heropanti”, is also following a gluten and sugar-free diet for the film in which she will play a model.
The film, the further contous of which have not been revealed, will also star Neil Nitin Mukesh, Karan Singh Grover, Kay Kay Menon and Jackie shroff.
Soha learns how to be stress-free from daughter
Mumbai– Actress-author Soha Ali Khan says she has learnt not to stress over things from her five-month-old daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu.
“The one thing I have learned from my daughter is not to stress. Kids are very resilient. They grow up and become their own individuals. They have their own personalities, so as much as you try to force your ways, they will rebel. You have to learn to be calm,” said Soha.
She hosted the ‘Classmate Spell Blee’ competition here on Monday. The actress has had a six-year association with Classmate.
“It is great fun. Every year, I meet lots of intelligent children who have great command on English language and I get to learn a lot from them. It becomes a challenge for me too.”
On the movie front, Soha will next be seen in “Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3”, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. The film will release in July 2018.
Ishaan lost weight for debut film
Mumbai– Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor’s brother Ishaan Khatter had to shed eight kg to get the role in his debut film “Beyond The Clouds” right.
Ishaan is foraying into the world of entertainment with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s maiden India-set project “Beyond The Clouds”.
“Ishaan had 12 days to shed eight kgs. He took that piece of input from his mentor and director and literally just went to town with his mission to be a lean mean machine for ‘Beyond The Clouds’,” said his spokesperson.
“He changed his entire workout regime. His focus was largely on sprints and cycling — strict and disciplined regime to ensure he made it happen,” the spokesperson added.
Ishaan is one of the most awaited debutants on the Bollywood block.
He has also been named for India’s ‘Emerging Account’ for growing his fanbase on Instagram significantly throughout 2017.
“Beyond The Clouds” narrates a heart-warming tale of a brother (Amir) and sister (Tara), and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent times. The film celebrates the triumph and adoration of life against a Mumbai backdrop. Ishaan will be seen as Amir.
Produced by Zee Studios and Namah Pictures, the film is set to release worldwide on April 20.
Anita Hassanandani’s London troubles
Mumbai– Actress Anita Hassanandani is in London to shoot an upcoming sequence of “Ye Hai Mohobbatein”, and says she is missing her husband Rohit Reddy.
Rohit could not go to London to be with his wife due to prior work commitments.
“I’m missing my husband too much! I’ve spent my time shooting and shopping here in London,” Anita said in a statement.
The show is aired on Star Plus.
Why remake old songs, wonders Sophie
Singer-actress Sophie Choudry is unhappy with the trend of recreating iconic Hindi songs, and says it needs to stop.
“I’m going to say it. Remaking every iconic Hindi song needs to stop,” Sophie tweeted on Monday.
“It was a hit phase 10 to 12 years ago and that too in the pop scene… I should know! But why are we remaking Hindi film songs for Hindi films? Has an industry known for its fabulous music become so devoid of creativity?”
Sophie’s post came a few hours after the release of the recreated version of “Ek do teen”. It features actress Jacqueline Fernandez, and features in the film “Baaghi 2”. (IANS)