Not here to do only films with social messages: Radhika Apte
New Delhi– Known for featuring in several social issue-based movies like “Parched” and “Padman”, and for voicing her opinion on issues like menstrual hygiene and women safety, actress Radhika Apte says ultimately it is the story of a film which grabs her attention.
“I did ‘Padman’ not only because of its social message. I did it because it was a good story. I run after good stories. If I did not like the story of ‘Padman’, and if it was imparting the same message, I probably would not have done it.
“I am not here to do films with just social messages. I am an actor. I want to be a part of stories,” Radhika told IANS here.
After riding high on the success of a web show like “Sacred Games” and “Lust Stories”, and a movie like “AndhaDhun”, the 33-year-old actress, who has broken the stereotypical image of Indian heroines by portraying unconventional and bold roles on the big screen, has featured in a mainstream and glamorous role in Gauravv K. Chawla’s just-released “Baazaar”.
Varun appointed brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki Arena
New Delhi– Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has been announced as the brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki Arena channel.
The “Judwaa 2” actor will be the face of the automobile company’s new marketing campaign – ‘A destination called you. A feeling called Maruti Suzuki ARENA’. The new showrooms, christened Maruti Suzuki Arena, sport modern look.
“The new, transformed Maruti Suzuki ARENA is poised to strongly connect with the young and do it yourself generation of customers who will experience a warm and connected car buying experience at this new destination. I am excited and proud to be a part of the Maruti Suzuki ARENA family,” Varun said in a statement.
R.S. Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India, added that Varun “exemplifies the evolving Indian youth who is trendy, social and confident and likes to be connected at all times”.
We need to put more emphasis on sports: Akshay Kumar
Mumbai– Actor Akshay Kumar says people need to put more emphasis on sports in India.
“As a country, we need to put more emphasis on sports. Each person should take up at least one sport in their life, even if it is just a hobby,” Akshay said in a statement.
“A person has a hidden passion for at least one sport but it’s the lethargic feeling that stops you from doing it. I read a beautiful line that says, ‘Jahan ke maidan bhare hote hai, wahan ke hospital khaali hote hai’. (The fuller the playgrounds, the emptier the hospitals). I want more films to be made around sports. Winning golds in the Olympics is not very difficult for our nation, if only we put our heart and soul in it,” he added.
He has been part of movies like “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha”, “PadMan”, “Airlift” and “Gold”, which will air on Zee Cinema on Sunday.
What makes him pick movies with a strong message?
“What pushes me towards making such films are genuine real-life stories. I only got to know about the amazing story of the first Olympic Gold medal India won when I heard the script of ‘Gold’ and I got to share it with the rest of the world through this movie.
“It is all about the struggle our people had to go through for their achievement. Today, the viewers want to see the story of an extraordinary person that inspires them to achieve extraordinary things.”
Gautam Rode to fast on Karva Chauth
Rajkot– Actor Gautam Rode says he will fast on Karva Chauth on Saturday for his wife Pankhuri Awasthy’s long life.
He is currently busy shooting for his upcoming show “Kaal Bhairav Rahasya” season two. His wife flew from Mumbai to spend some time with him and they are excited about their first Karva Chauth.
“Love makes you do things you can never imagine. I have never kept a fast in life, but I’m glad that my first fast is for my wife Pankhuri who has always stood by me,” Gautam said in a statement.
“This is our first Karva Chauth and I am giving up food for love. I hope to make this day special for her and plan on taking her for a special dinner in the evening,” he added.
The couple got married earlier this year.
Kubbra excited for ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare’
Mumbai– “Sacred Games” star Kubbra Sait says she is “super excited” to be part of Alankrita Shrivastavas “Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare”.
“One always looks for the opportunity to take up interesting work that challenges you as an actor. ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare’ is an interesting subject and I’m super excited to be part of it,” Kubbra said in a statement.
Directed by Shrivastava and produced by Ekta Kapoor, the coming-of-age story also features Bhumi Pednekar and Konkona Sen Sharma.
The plot of the film is not out yet. But the film’s poster shows Bhumi and Konkona with their heads partially inside birdcages. Bhumi’s character can be seen smoking a cigarette with a glass of liquor in her hand.
Always dreamt of walking the ramp for Manish Malhotra, says Kartik Aaryan
Mumbai– Actor Kartik Aaryan, who was last seen on-screen in “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety”, says he always dreamt of walking the ramp for veteran fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
Kartik was interacting with the media at Malhotra’s X Wedding Junction Festive Show here along with Kiara Advani on Thursday.
“It’s a really proud moment for me. I always dreamt of walking the ramp for him and that dream of mine got fulfilled today. So, I am feeling really happy. When you wear his outfits, you feel confident and stylish.”
Kiara said: “When you wear a Manish Malhotra outfit, you just feel special inside out. So, it’s an honour to walk the ramp for him. It was my first ramp walk with Kartik and I had great fun to be here.”
Malhotra was asked about Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s wedding, which will take place in November. (IANS)
