I am a very spiritual person, says Priyanka Chopra
New Delhi– Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra on Wednesday said that she was a very spiritual person, but stressed spirituality was a different personal experience for different individuals.
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t the release of the book “Corporate Yogi” authored by Arvind Lal — the owner and promoter of Dr. Lal Pathlabs — and published by Harper Collins, Priyanka, recalling her days at her guru’s ashram, revealed that the author and she were disciples of the same guru who stressed on love, compassion and truth above all things.
The book release was followed by a panel discussion with the author and noted writer Gurcharan Das, moderated by renowned cricket commentator Dr Narottam Puri.
Citing the example of the latest gang rape allegedly by an MLA and his aides and the custodial death of the victim’s father, Lal said that such in indents showed “something is wrong with our society and it needs to be cured”.
He said such behaviour can be curbed if people become spiritual.
While Das contended that the spiritual pursuits did not stop one from chasing worldly dreams and earn money and that it was wrong to think that capitalism was bad while all things religious were good, Lal said that spirituality made him a more tolerant, compassionate, loving and hardworking in his work environment.
Karan Johar to launch two newcomers with ‘Student Of The Year 2’
Mumbai– Producer Karan Johar is set to launch two new faces in Bollywood with “Student Of The Year 2”, the second instalment of his own 2012 directorial “Student Of The Year”. Young star Tiger Shroff plays the male lead in the new film.
“Student Of The Year 2” is being directed by Punit Malhotra, and its shooting is underway.
The cast was announced via the social media on Wednesday.
Karan, who is presenting the film under his home banner Dharma Productions, individually introduced the three main leads.
After introducing the “leader of the brat pack” Tiger, he introduced the girls who are joining the “new class”.
He introduced Tara with a poster in which she is seen wearing a pair of denim shorts and a matching jacket.
The newcomer is excited to begin a new innings.
“And suddenly you know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings! Firsts are always special, especially when you’re blessed enough to be a part of the Dharma family. My journey begins… ‘SOTY2’,” Tara posted on her Instagram page.
Tiger also extended her a warm welcome by saying: “I’m sure you are as excited as I am. See you in class!”
Moments later, the official Twitter page of Dharma Productions announced Ananya, daughter of actor Chunky Panday, as the second lead for the film.
“And finally! Presenting Ananya – joining class of 2018 at Saint Teresa! Welcome to the movies! ‘SOTY 2’,” read a caption to a poster featuring Ananya in a red sporty crop top.
With “Student Of The Year”, Karan had introduced Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, who have cemented their space in the film industry year after year with a slew of diverse projects.
French honour for filmmaker Shona Urvashi
Mumbai– Filmmaker and artist Shona Urvashi has been conferred a French honour for her contribution to bringing the new wave of independent cinema in India and improving the ease for foreign films and talent to work in and with India.
French Consul General Yves Perrin bestowed the honour on the Indo-Canadian filmmaker at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
Shona’s work as a filmmaker spans across countries where she has curated and executed many cross-platform project and ad campaigns. She helps independent filmmakers network with national and international film communities, and in promoting foreign projects to film in India while striving towards more collaborative efforts using homegrown talent.
Perrin said in a statement: “While most people know Shona as a filmmaker and advertising professional, very few know of this aspect of her life. Quietly, behind the scenes, building bridges for others to find success, recognising cinema as a cultural ambassador she continues to strive to increase the chances for contemporary narratives arising from India to cross over.”
Shona reminisced her connection with France, speaking of the time when her grandfather Parmanand Anand traveled there, distributing Indian films.
“There is an innate awareness, sensitivity the French have to the need to preserve and document culture and history through the arts. I deeply share the same values and believe that through our collaboration with each other, there are more dynamic conversations to be had, many exciting projects we must do together and so many new people on both sides just waiting to discover the other for better opportunity for all,” she said.
Shona, sister of actress Masumeh Makhija, believes the arts are an important cultural ambassador.
“They translate similarities and differences between us, so we can learn from each other,” she said.
Fitness, fashion are fun-filled journeys: Jacqueline
Mumbai– Actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who has launched her brand Just F, says fitness and fashion are fun-filled journeys rather than destinations.
“I have always believed that fitness and fashion are not destinations, but fun-filled journeys. They are, to me, a way of living, and as such I want my active-wear to reflect my personality and complement my lifestyle,” Jacqueline said in a statement.
“Launching Just F, a feminine take on fitness from my perspective, is a big moment for me. I am confident that the brand will meet and exceed the expectations of young women across India, who want to fulfil their fitness requirements without breaking the bank or compromising on style,” she added.
Jacqueline has collaborated with Mojostar, which is founded by Anirban Blah and Jiggy George, for Just F — a female-only fitness and fashion brand.
“Active-wear trends in India are still heavily dominated by the needs of male consumers. Brands in this space still have a primary share from male consumers, leaving gaps in the offering for young Indian women. Just F is our way of giving female consumers, products which cater to their needs and sensibilities,” said Abhishek Verma, CEO, Mojostar.
“Inputs and insights from Jacqueline, who is not only a leading Bollywood star but also a style icon and a very vocal promoter of wellness and healthy living, have played a big role in defining the brand identity and product design,” he added.
Akshay Kumar is socially sensitive, a true Indian: Pankaja Munde
Mumbai– Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who won a Social Influencer Award here, is a socially sensitive “true” Indian, says Maharashtra’s Minister for Rural Development Pankaja Munde.
Munde shared a photograph of Akshay being honoured by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of The Year Awards 2018 on Tuesday night.
“Congratulations Akshay Kumarji for winning the ‘Social Influencer’ award at Maharashtrian Of The Year. A very deserving, socially sensitive and true Indian in every sense! Your contribution and unconditional support for social cause is most appreciated,” Munde tweeted.
Akshay, through his work in films like “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” and “Pad Man”, has addressed social issues like open defecation and menstrual hygiene. He has even set up vending machines for sanitary napkins at various places. Earlier this month, Akshay also inaugurated a public toilet at the famed Juhu Beach and handed it over to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan was named Power Celebrity of the Year at the Awards ceremony.
Vir Das points at treatment of white women in Bollywood
Mumbai– As “The Simpsons” has raked up a controversy over stereotyping Indians in America’s popular culture, Indian comedian Vir Das has urged poeple to introspect over how Bollywood stereotypes white women.
“While America takes a look at Apu and the consciousness of how Indians are portrayed in American media, maybe we take a look at how we treat white characters, specifically female in almost every single Bollywood movie. Ever?” Vir, who has widely toured the US, tweeted on Wednesday.
“The Simpsons” featured a South Asian character called Apu, who has had to grapple with the troubling stereotype of a convenience store clerk with an exaggerated, fake Indian accent since the show’s existence.
The documentary “The Problem With Apu” touched upon how “The Simpsons” damaged the South Asian caricature.
Shubhangi celebrates birthday with orphans
Mumbai–ctress Shubhangi Atre, who turned a year older on Wednesday, chose to celebrate her birthday with orphans here.
“My birthday celebrations are special. My father and husband are always ready with a surprise for me. Last year, I went to an orphanage. I can’t express how good I felt after meeting those happy souls,” Shubhangi said in a statement.
“That day, we celebrated a kid’s birthday there. That moment I had decided that I will celebrate my next birthday with them. Thanks to my dad and hubby who organised my birthday with them this year,” she added.
On the work front, she is playing Angoori in the comedy TV series “Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain”. (IANS)
