Richa doesn’t believe in having war of words in public
Mumbai– Actress Richa Chadha says she doesn’t believe in having war of words on public platforms. Instead, she likes to confront the issues directly with the person concerned.
Richa expressed her views when she appeared on the “By Invite Only” show, according to a statement.
“If I have a problem with someone, I wouldn’t have a war of words with them on a public platform,” he said. “This is because I don’t want to say it. Not because I lack the courage. I have the courage and I want to say it sometimes, but I’d say it one-on-one,” she added.
Opening up about crass behaviour by trolls, Richa said: “I posted something for World Earth Day and the font was in green and they were like green is your favourite colour because your boyfriend is Pakistani.”
Richa appeared on the show along with Mallika Dua.
Asked about Bollywood actors who should stop singing, Mallika said: “Farhan Akhtar and Alia Bhatt”. Richa, on the other hand, asked about the weirdest rumour she has heard about herself, said: “That I was dating Saqib Saleem”.
The episode of “By Invite Only” will air on Zoom on Saturday.
Dia Mirza named SDGs Advocate by UN
Mumbai– United Nations on Friday appointed Indian actress-producer Dia Mirza as an advocate of Sustainable Development Goals alongside internationally popular individuals like actor Forest Whitaker, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
Dia has always been vocal about her concern and duty towards the environment and has created immense awareness and inspired others to take up an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Appointed as UN Goodwill Ambassador for the environment in 2017, Dia has taken her role seriously, campaigning and spreading the word wherever she can.
“I am deeply honoured and consider it a privilege to be appointed the UN Secretary General’s Advocate of Sustainable Development Goals. I will strive to convey the importance of achieving sustainable development through all mediums and platforms I have access to,” Dia said in a statement.
“While every single sustainable development goal is critical, none of the rest will be achievable if we collectively do not recognise the interconnectedness between people and environment.
“Our health and well-being are connected to the environment and when we harm the environment, we actually harm ourselves.”
As an advocate for the environment, her efforts will be focused on environmental protection, human and child rights.
“This opportunity will enable me to build partnerships and work alongside great global influencers and I truly hope to be a part of much needed change,” she said.
Smita Bansal excited about debut play as writer
Mumbai– Actress Smita Bansal, who marks her debut as a scriptwriter in theatre with “Hello Zindagi”, is confident it will leave the audience with a smile.
Produced by Felicity Theatre, the play will premiere on Saturday at Tata Theatre, NCPA. Directed by Raman Kumar, the play revolves around five women of different backgrounds and characteristics who are staying together in a posh flat in Mumbai.
The cast includes Minissha Lamba, Kishwar Merchant, Delnaaz Irani, Guddi Maruti and Chitrashi Rawat.
Smita, who has featured in popular TV shows like “Amanat” and “Balika Vadhu”, said in a statement: “This play revolves around women who have given up the best years of their life to take care of their family and now they want to do something meaningful.
“I wrote the script almost two years ago but since I am not a professional writer, I kept getting new ideas and incorporated them in the story, I kept fine tuning it since I wasn’t aware what the final outcome would be.”
She described the play as a “roller coaster ride of emotions”.
“The audience will laugh, they will cry but beyond everything, I think they will leave the auditorium with a smile on their face,” Smita added.
The idea behind the play is “that God has made life beautiful, but it is we who create problems for ourselves,” said the director.
Aamir’s special birthday message for daughter Ira
Mumbai– Actor Aamir Khan took to social media to wish his daughter Ira on her 21st birthday and shared a heart-warming message for her.
The superstar said for him she will always remain a six-year-old.
Aamir took to Twitter on Thursday night and shared a throwback image with Ira.
In the image, Aamir is seen in his Mangal Pandey avatar. He is sporting long hair and handlebar moustache while Ira is seen sitting next to her father in a salwar kameez.
“Happy 21st Ira! Can’t believe you got there so fast! You will always remain six for me! Love you. Papa,” Aamir wrote.
Ira is the daughter of Aamir and his first wife Reena Dutta. The two also share a son named Junaid. They got divorced in 2002. Aamir got married to Kiran Rao in 2005.
On the work front, the 54-year-old actor will next be seen in “Lal Singh Chaddha”, a remake of the 1994 Hollywood blockbuster “Forrest Gump”. The film will be penned by Atul Kulkarni and directed by Advait Chandan of “Secret Superstar” fame.
Aamir’s “Dangal” co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh also wished Ira through her Instagram account.
“Happy birthday cutie,” she wrote, and shared two images of herself hugging Ira.
Big B, Shoojit Sircar join hands for ‘Maa’
Mumbai– Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and filmmaker Shoojit Sircar have come together to pay tribute to mothers through a special montage video titled “Maa”.
Released two days before Mother’s Day on May 12, the video, with music by Anuj Garg and lyrics by Puneet Sharma, is a poignant homage to mothers with a rendition of the stirring lines in Amitabh’s voice.
Speaking on the idea behind the video and working with Amitabh again after movies like “Piku” and “Pink”, Sircar said in a statement: “This video is not just for those who have lost their mothers, but also those who are fortunate enough to still be in their mom’s shadows.
“The idea first came to me through music. Anuj pitched the musical piece to me, as a special birthday surprise for his wife, on behalf of his small son Yajat Garg, who incidentally is the child’s voice in the video.”
Sircar thought of making a montage video for mothers as the music really moved him.
“I felt none other than Mr. Bachchan could do vocal justice to the lyrics. So, I initially sent him small video clips along with the photo of him with his mother — the late Shri Teji Bachchan, asking his reaction. He immediately responded saying it was a great idea and agreed to do it,” Sircar said.
“For me, it was a powerful moment to shape a tribute which speaks from a child’s point of view as well as a person with decades of life gone by. No matter the age, we feel our mother’s presence all the time,” he added.
Amitabh also tweeted the song’s link on Friday.
Karan Wahi in different zone in ‘Newborn Mother’
Mumbai– Actor Karan Wahi says he is in a “different zone” in the upcoming short film “Newborn Mother”.
“Newborn Mother” is an emotional story of a young woman who is pregnant and how her life changes during the course of pregnancy and post-delivery. She unknowingly suffers from post-partum depression, and her husband understanding the situation supports her to come out of the same with the help of music.
“When I first read the script, it had an intense impact on me. As an actor, I have come across very few subjects which I immediately wanted to be part of. In ‘Newborn Mother’, I am in a completely different zone,” Karan said in a statement.
The short film also features actress Pooja Gor. She said it is made on a topic which is not known by many people.
“When you have a baby, you are expected to celebrate the arrival of your little one with friends and family. But instead of rejoicing, you feel like crying and are faced with exhaustion and anxiety. I must say, Swati Semwal (director) has done a commendable job by choosing this unexplored topic. It was a wonderful experience working with her,” she added.
Karan said that people should be aware of post-partum depression and should know that this is something they could face or would have already faced in their lives.
The short film, which released on Friday, is written and directed by Swati Semwal. It airs on Net Pix Shorts and Hungama Play.
Kangana Ranaut gears up for Cannes 2019 red carpet
Mumbai– Actress Kangana Ranaut will walk the red carpet of the upcoming 72nd Cannes Film Festival and she is looking forward to the experience as part of a brand association. This will be her second time at the popular film jamboree.
The “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” actress will travel to the French Riviera from May 16-18 for vodka brand Grey Goose, which celebrates moments of cinematic excellence through its new global platform Live Victoriously.
Kangana said in a statement: “Following an exhilarating debut last year at the Cannes Film Festival, I am looking forward to representing Indian cinema at such a prestigious platform with the global icon of luxury yet again. I made many lifelong memories, inclusive of both big and small moments.
“It was all about having fun, living life to the fullest and celebrating Indian cinema while living the Grey Goose lifestyle. I believe in treating oneself as you are worthy of only the best and this association is in perfect sync to my ideologies.”
According to Anshuman Goenka, Marketing Head of Bacardi India, Kangana is a right fit as she “embodies living victoriously by challenging the status quo, celebrating individuality and staying authentic to her craft.
“She is a symbol of the evolution of talent in Indian cinema and we look forward to having her accompany us at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival yet again this year,” Goenka said.
The festival is scheduled to be held from May 14-25.
Creative diversions should never rest: Big B
Mumbai– Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently busy with an erratic work schedule, says creative diversions should never rest.
The cine icon on Thursday took to Twitter to share an update about his work schedule.
“Back from work. Three different shoots. Two different photo-shoots and one prosthetic make-up test. All in a day. Creative diversion, never rests — and should never.”
The 76-year-old actor, who has sported prosthetics for films like “Paa” and “102 Not Out”, described it as a “long and laborious” process on his blog.
“They are for the next film with Shoojit Sircar,” said the actor, without divulging further details.
Amitabh will also be seen with actor Emraan Hashmi in a psychological thriller, which will be directed by Rumi Jaffrey.
“From tomorrow the one with Rumi Jafry — a commitment made years and years ago. A gesture to give credence to a word given and made and as soon as that ends in July.”
He will also be seen in the fantasy adventure movie “Brahmastra”. It also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. (IANS)
