Not contesting Lok Sabha elections, says Salman
Mumbai– Superstar Salman Khan on Thursday denied that he was campaigning for a political party or contesting himself in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
“Contrary to the rumours, I am not contesting elections nor campaigning for any political party…”, Salman tweeted after his previous tweet led to speculation that he is campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Earlier in the day, the “Sultan” actor retweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet, urging people “to exercise your right (to vote) and participate in making the Government”.
On March 13, Modi, on Twitter, requested several actors including Salman and Aamir Khan to “inspire and motivate youth in your own andaz (style) to vote so that we can strengthen democracy and our country”.
The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled in seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The results will be announced on May 23.
Wish I was acting in 1980s, says Nandita Das
Mumbai– Filmmaker-actor Nandita Das, who is coming up with the remake of 1980s cult film “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai”, says 1980s was a great time for Indian cinema as the parallel cinema movement was at its peak in India then.
“It was an exceptional time for Indian cinema. So many incredible films were made all over the country that reflected the reality of the times. How I wish I was acting then,” Nandita said in a statement.
The remake of the Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s 1980 cult classic of the same name features Manav Kaul and Nandita in the lead roles.
Written and directed by Soumitra Ranade of “Jajantaram Mamantaram” fame, the modern take of “Albert Pinto…” explores the theme of personal and societal struggle in today’s times. It is scheduled to release on April 12.
Nandita said the remake was a tribute to the original film.
“Sometimes you do a film for reasons that are more than professional. I did the remake out of nostalgia,” she said.
“‘Albert Pinto…’ was a landmark film and the remake is our way of paying tribute to the film,” she added.
Saeed Akhtar Mirza’s “Albert Pinto…” starred veteran Naseeruddun Shah, Shabana Azmi and the late Smita Patil.
Bollywood films are patriarchal: Soundarya Sharma
New Delhi– Actress Soundarya Sharma says Bollywood films are patriarchal but times are changing as women-centric films are now taking over.
Talking about films being male dominated, Soundarya told IANS here: “Of course, yes. I have only done one film. In my movie, I was the lead and the hero but, yes, if you see all over the film (industry) it is the hero who is leading. That is in the mindset.”
Soundarya, who made her debut in the Hindi film industry with Anupam Kher starrer “Ranchi Diaries”, says women-centric films have been a game-changer.
“But in today’s time, with content driven and women-centric films taking over, I think the time is changing…” she added.
The actress was here to walk for designer Charu Parashar at the Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week.
Nawazuddin loves watching English movies
Mumbai– Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he loves watching English films even when the language eludes him sometimes.
“I may not always understand what they’re saying, but I believe I understand the movies way better than most people who understand and speak English,” Nawazuddin said.
Nawazuddin opened up about his love for cinema and his favourite movies in the latest episode of IMDb’s “The Insider’s Watchlist”, read a statement.
The actor said that he feels envious when he sees some exciting roles being portrayed by actors on screen, especially in a lot of international movies.
He said: “When I saw Tony Leung in Wong Kar-wai’s film ‘In The Mood For Love’, I was extremely jealous of his work. He internalises the role so well. You don’t see it on his face or in his eyes, but you can see him using his mind to bring the character to you. It’s evident. Or for that matter if you look at the movie ‘Bicycle Thieves’, you realise that these actors don’t need to show that they’re acting and I love such performances.”
Sushant, Tushar Pandey bond over Delhi
Mumbai– Actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Tushar Pandey, who have a connection with Delhi, have been bonding over the city while shooting for their film “Chhichhore” here.
“We have so much fun on and off sets. Sushant and I have spoken so much about books as he too is an avid reader. Delhi is one of the most talked about topics,” Tushar said in a statement.
“Sushant is an absolutely wonderful person and a brilliant co-actor. He has an extremely positive energy and is always there to help,” he added.
“Chhichhore”, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, also stars Shraddha Kapoor. It will release in August 2019.
Have to have the will to be surprised by life: Mouni
Mumbai– With three films in her kitty including “Romeo Akbar Walter”, actress Mouni Roy has managed to make a successful transition from small to the big screen. She says she is always ready to embrace the surprise that life has to offer.
“The best part of our journey is that we have to have the will to be surprised by life. I am saying from my personal experience, that if I am thinking too much about the future and running after something, I will miss out on the present,” Mouni told IANS here.
“So whenever an opportunity came my way, whether it was an acting assignment, dance or singing, I just tried to focus on that,” she added.
Starting her career in 2004, Mouni got noticed by the audience for her role in the TV show titled “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”.
She went on to appear in shows like “Zara Nachke Dikha”, “Nach Baliye”, “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa”, “Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev” and “Naagin” before making her Bollywood debut in 2018 with the film “Gold”.
She also has films like “Brahmastra”, “Made in China” and “Bole Chudiyan”.
Recalling her early days, Mouni said: “Initially, I wanted to become an IAS officer but no… it is great that at a very young age, I found my calling and carved my path.
“This is what I want to live for, forever… my dance, my acting are what I want to live for because I am the happiest when I am performing.”
“I did explore my dancing skills and I showcase them too. After doing a show like ‘Kyunki…’ and reality TV shows, nobody would have picked up a show like ‘Mahadev’ because it was the character of a Goddess,” she said.
Sonu Nigam – an all-time student
Mumbai– Popular singer Sonu Nigam has opened up about his love for learning new things.
Comedian Kapil Sharma recently shot an episode with Sonu for the Sony Entertainment Television’s show “The Kapil Sharma Show”.
During their interaction, Sonu shared a lot of unknown facts with Kapil and the audience, read a statement.
When Kapil asked Sonu about his training in Taekwondo, the singer said: “I had learned Taekwondo in 2001 for a year. In fact, I know numerology on my fingertips.
“Later, I learnt the art of palmistry for some time and have also trained myself in yoga. I can type perfectly without even looking at the screen. I like to nurture my knowledge and add on to it as much as possible.”
One’s presence is felt by the work she does: Nimrat
New Delhi– Having successfully maintained a balance between her work internationally and in the Hindi film industry, actress Nimrat Kaur believes that one’s presence is felt by the work he/she does and the statement it makes.
Nimrat rose to fame with her performance in the 2012 film “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana” and was later seen in films such as “The Lunchbox” and “Airlift”.
In 2016, she began portraying Rebecca Yedlin in the second season of the American television series “Wayward Pines” and also essayed a negative role in “Homeland”.
Asked if she feels the need to make her presence felt in Bollywood once she finishes her international assignments, Kaur told IANS: “Of course, you lose touch. When I work here for a long time, I lose touch abroad and vice versa. But I don’t know what you can actually do deliberately to make your presence felt.
“I believe your presence is felt by the work you do and the statement your work makes.”
The 37-year-old actress said she keeps it easy. “So, for me it is not something that is a forced thought…I keep things a little easy and organic that way,” Nimrat said. (IANS)
