Actor Ajay Devgn, who has dabbled  in both commercial and alternative cinema, says the gap  between the two is reducing.
"Today the gap between popular cinema and alternate  cinema is reducing, every kind of film is doing good provided  they are well made. The gap between content driven cinema and  popular cinema is reducing and it is good," Ajay told  reporters here.
Ajay was talking on the sidelines of Movie Mela of  MAMI festival.
"We are happy to be here at MAMI. More than the  promotions of 'Golmaal 4' we are here to support MAMI. MAMI is  a platform where all kinds of films are shown and some films  don't get released are also shown here. MAMI is the best  platform to push such films," he added.
Accompanying him was the entire "Golmaal 4" team ---  director Rohit Shetty, actors Parineeti Chopra, Arshad Warsi,  Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor and Kunal Khemu.
"Don't know how much successful the film will be. We  are happy that the people have liked the trailer. After seven  years 

Gap between popular and alternate cinema is reducing: Ajay

PTI Automatic

Aamir Khan will be seen in an  over-the-top colourful look for his upcoming production  "Secret Superstar", and his director-producer wife Kiran Rao  is in love with the character.
In "Secret Superstar" Aamir is seen sporting a handlebar  moustache and balbo style beard.
"Kiran is happy with this look of Aamir, she wants him  to maintain this look always. This is her favourite look,"  director of the film Advait Chandan told reporters here on the  sidelines of Movie Mela - MAMI festival.
On this, Kiran added, "All thanks to Advait for the  look and pushing the envelope. He has made a different look  and we will remember it for years."
Kiran, who is the chairperson of the MAMI film festival,  said she is excited about the great line up of movies.
"The programming is better this time, events are  interesting. Now we have learnt how to do things. Our attempt  is that the films screened at MAMI festival should be watched  by as many people as possible at the different venues. We  increase 

Kiran Rao in love with Aamir's 'Secret Superstar' look

National Award-winning director  Kundan Shah, best known for his dark satire "Jaane Bhi Do  Yaaro" and coming-of-age comedy "Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa", passed  away at his residence early today.
Shah died of a heart attack, sources close to the family  told PTI.
Born on October 19, 1947, Shah studied direction at the  Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and made his  directorial debut with "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron" in 1983.
The movie featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om  Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve  and Neena Gupta went on achieve a cult status despite a poor  response at the box office.
Shah received his first and only National Award - Indira  Gandhi Award for Best First Film of a Director - for the movie  that is now celebrated as one of the best satires ever made in  in Indian cinema.
The movie revolved around two struggling photographers,  who fall into a dirty nexus of corruption and murder.
Shah made a switch to television after ...

Veteran director Kundan Shah dies of heart attack

Filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron has  launched a multi-platform campaign called Mexico Rises, to  provide relief to communities in Mexico impacted by the  massive September 19 earthquake.
The Oscar-winning director's production company,  Esperanto Filmoj, has backed the funds, reported Variety.
"The devastating earthquakes in Mexico have elicited a  deeply moving response from the Mexican people. In the history  of our community, we have never been so informed, united, and  connected as we are right now.
"Citizens have taken this matter into their own hands and  have selflessly and tirelessly worked together to come to the  aid of their neighbours. Following their inspiring lead, I'm  compelled to take action and join them to help begin the  reconstruction of our beautiful country as it starts to  recover from these tragic events," Cuaron said in a statement.

Alfonso Cuaron launches campaign for Mexico earthquake relief

Actor-anchor Jessica Williams  has joined the cast of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find  Them" sequel.
Warner Bros has also roped in Brontis Jodorowsky as  Nicolas Flamel, known in J K  Rowling's wizarding world as an  alchemist who discovered the Elixir of Life, reported Variety.
The untitled sequel has been dated for a release on  November 16, 2018.
David Yates, who directed "Fantastic Beasts" and the  final four Harry Potter installments, is returning to helm the  second film in the Harry Potter prequel series from a script  by Rowling. She revealed a year ago that the spin-off  franchise would consist of five films.
The film will see the return of stars Eddie Redmayne as  Newt Scamander, Katherine Waterston as Tina, Alison Sudol as  Queenie, Dan Fogler as Jacob, Ezra Miller as Credence, Zoe  Kravitz as Leta Lestrange and Johnny Depp as Gellert  Grindelwald.
Other newly announced cast members include Fiona  Glascott, Wolf Roth, Victoria Yeates, Derek Riddell, Poppy  Corby-Tuech ..

Jessica Williams joins 'Fantastic Beasts' sequel

Hollywood producer Harvey  Weinstein is taking an "indefinite" leave of absence from the  Weinstein Company.
The news comes after the New York Times accused  Weinstein of decades of sexual misconduct against his female  assistants, employees and actors, resulting in at least eight  private settlements.
The Hollywood mogul, 65, issued a lengthy statement after  the article was published, acknowledging that his behaviour  with colleagues had caused a "lot of pain" and he is  apologising for it.
According to Variety, now the board has appointed John  Kiernan, of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, to conduct an  independent investigation of sex harassment allegations.
"We strongly endorse Harvey Weinstein's already-announced  decision to take an indefinite leave of absence from the  Company, commencing today.
"As Harvey has said, it is important for him to get  professional help for the problems he has acknowledged. Next  steps will depend on Harvey's therapeutic progress, the  outcome of the ...

Harvey Weinstein takes 'indefinite' leave of absence

Actor James Woods, best known  for his roles in films "Casino," "Videodrome," "Salvador" and  "Ghosts of Mississippi", has announced his retirement from  acting.
The actor broke the news through a press release for a  property listing that was published by the Providence Journal,  reported Variety.
According to real estate agent Allen Gammons, Woods "is  retiring from the entertainment industry and hopes to  'simplify his life' by selling 'his many real estate holdings  on both coasts.'"
The statement from the agent said he wants to spend more  time on photography, antiquing and poker. Woods owns four  homes in Rhode Island.
The 70-year-old actor is also famous for his voice work  on Disney's "Hercules," in which he voiced the villainous  Hades. He later won an daytime Emmy for the role in the spin-  off cartoon series.

James Woods announces retirement from acting

Action star Jackie Chan says now  that he is in his '60s he will need to change as a performer  to continue working.
The 63-year-old star says he cannot stick to action roles  always, reported GQ magazine.
"I know I'm not young anymore. I cannot continue to make  'Rush Hour 1, 2, 3, 4, 5'. If I'm (to) continue on in the film  industry. I have to change.
"Otherwise, you're gone. You see in Japan. Korea.  America. China. Hong Kong. How many action stars are all gone?  Only a few can stay around," Chan says.
The star is unhappy that actor's today opt for action  doubles and do not perform the stunts on their own.
"The new action star doesn't know how to fight. They can  use a special effect, like Spider-Man. Everyone can be  Spider-Man.
"One of my team members (was) Wonder Woman's double. They  go, 'Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa.' Then (Gal Gadot) came back, just  pretty, just standing there. Ha! Easy," he says.

I cannot continue to make action movies always: Jackie Chan

Veteran singer Lionel Richie  says he is "scared to death" over reports of daughter Sofia  dating Scott Disick.
The singing legend's 19-year-old daughter made her  relationship with 34-year-old Disick public last month, having  been spotted together getting cosy by the poolside in Miami  before being clicked earlier this week in Puerto Vallarta in  Mexico.
"Have I been in shock?! I'm the dad, come on," Richie  told Us Weekly at the "American Idol" auditions.
"I'm scared to death, are you kidding me?" he added.

I'm scared to death: Richie on reports of Sofia dating Disick

Winona Ryder stepped away from the  limelight after she was arrested for shoplifting in 2001, but  the actor tasted success again when she appeared in critically  acclaimed Netflix series "Stranger Things".
The actor's long-dead career was reborn overnight and she  says it was an "overwhelming" experience, reported Marie  Clarie.
"It's so overwhelming. I don't know what it's like for  really famous people... I keep hearing that people are  dressing up like me (Joyce Byers). I'm like, 'What?'" Ryder  says.
As a teenager Ryder lit up the screen with her broody,  but approachable ways in a slew of iconic films, like  "Heathers", "Beetlejuice" and "Reality Bites".
But the actor says her fame in the late '80s didn't make  her popular in school, instead she was teased more because of  it.
"I remember thinking, "Ooh, ('Beetlejuice') is like the  number-one movie. This is going to make things great at  school." But it made things worse. They called me a witch,"  she says.

It's so overwhelming to find fame again, says Winona Ryder

Oscar-winning singer Sam Smith has  confirmed that his new album titled "The Thrill of It All"  will be out soon.
Marking his first record since his debut album 'In the  Lonely Hour' was released three years ago, 'The Thrill of It  All' will be released next month.
"My beautiful fans, I am so so excited to finally share  this news... My second album 'The Thrill of It All' is yours  Nov 3!!" Smith posted on social media.
Along with the release date, the singer has also  confirmed the tracklist of his second album, which is led by  the chart-topping "Too Good at Goodbyes".
The album see the 25-year-old singer work alongside the  likes of Timbaland, Malay, Stargate and Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd,  as well as his long-term collaborator Jimmy Napes.

Sam Smith's new LP 'The Thrill of It All' is coming soon

Actor Sally Field has come on  board Netflix series titled "Maniac".
Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the dark comedy also features  Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, according to The Hollywood  Reporter.
The 10-episode series hails from Paramount TV and  Anonymous Content.
The show is based on the 2014 Norwegian series "Mania"  which centered on a mental patient at a psychiatric ward who  escapes reality and lives in a fantasy world in his mind.
Details about Field's character are being kept under  wraps, as are many specifics about the project.

Sally Field joins Emma Stone-Jonah Hill Netflix series

Actor Brie Larson says women  always live life "on the defence".
The "Room" star says women need to be careful before  interacting with strangers.
"I merely smiled at a TSA agent and he asked for my phone  number. To live life as a woman is to live life on the  defence," Larson tweeted.
The actress received criticism for the tweet, with one  person replying, "OH NO! A guy asked for your number. You poor  thing. Women be complaining they don't find a good guy, but  complain when dudes ask for their #."
The star quickly responded writing back, "You do realise  you're blaming me for a situation I did not ask to be in? A  situation that made me uncomfortable?"
Larson continued, "I hope you take the time to learn more  about the experience of women. It's real + scary sometimes and  people like you can make it better."
The Oscar winner also tweeted her support to all women  who have been sexually harassed.
"As always, I stand with the brave survivors of sexual  assault and harassment. It's .

To live life as a woman is to live life on the defence: Larson

Actor Penelope Cruz says after  motherhood her ego has "gotten smaller" and she does not care  anymore about what people think of her.
The 43-year-old star says she may have stopped getting  affected by people's perception, but has developed new fears,  reported Interview magazine.
"I'm happy to say, that my ego has gotten smaller over  time. I used to be so afraid about what people were going to  think of me, if I was going to be accepted, if I was going to  be loved. I put a lot of energy into the perception of myself.
"When I became a mother - almost seven years ago -  something very deep changed in me, where I really don't care  about a lot of the stuff I used to care about before. That's  part of growing up, and now I have to go through other tests  that life will put in front of me. I have new fears now," Cruz  says.

My ego has gotten smaller over time: Penelope Cruz

Actor-model Liv Tyler said it was  hard for her father, Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler, to cancel  the bands tour dates.
The 69-year-old rock star called an abrupt halt to the  iconic band's tour in September due to an unspecified health  concern but Liv said he is "ok" now.
"He is OK. It was just one of those things when he had a  little thing that needed to be taken care of and he was in  pain.
"It's hard when you're on tour because you don't want to  let everybody down. And then it just got bad and he had to go  to LA to have a little operation. He is recovering," she said.

It's hard for Steve Tyler to let down his fans: Daughter Liv

Renowned singer and music composer  Adnan Sami todayinteracted with local artists here, a day  ahead of his concert on the banks of Jammu and Kashmir's  picturesque Dal Lake.
During the interaction, he shared instances from his  music journey and life experiences with them, besides  reflecting upon the art and music.
"Language of art is a form of communication that  transcends all differences created by humans, and reaches  above hate to spread a message of peace and harmony," Sami  said.
On his experiences of visiting the state, Sami said this  region hosts a rich culture which has art woven in its roots.
"The mysticism and Sufism found in Kashmir will continue  to inspire me and influence my music so that I can produce  rich melodies," he added.
The artists spoke at length with Sami about his music and  melodies, present scenario of music in the country.
They also thanked him for performing at this concertfor  gratis, saying that this concert will go a long way in  motivating youth .

Adnan Sami discusses art, music with artists in Srinagar

Union minister Smriti Irani today  said the government views agencies like the censor board "as  facilitators" within the ambit of law.
She also said she never spoke about former Central Board  of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani because  irrespective of the kind of cinema he makes, he is a senior  member of the film fraternity.
The government recently replaced Nihalani with songwriter  Prasoon Joshi as the censor board chief.
Since his appointment as the head of CBFC in January  2015, Nihalani had made headlines for a number of  controversial moves and statements.
"We have had an unwritten rule, that irrespective of  their kind of work we have always given respect to people who  are senior or chronologically older than us...," Irani said in  conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar at the India Economic  Summit here.
"I have never spoken about Mr Nihalani in public and I  have chosen not to do so because irrespective of the kind of  cinema he makes, he has a seniority," 

Govt sees CBFC as facilitator for filmmakers: Smriti Irani

Irrfan Khan believes audiences are  becoming more receptive to content-driven films as they have  more access to global and regional cinema.
The actor said audiences now want more than just  entertainment from the mainstream Hindi cinema.
"Content-driven films have been doing well for some years  now. Audiences have started it... People have become more  evolved. They are watching Hollywood films and our regional  films are doing good business," Irrfan told reporters here  during the trailer launch of his upcoming film "Qarib Qarib  Singlle".
The actor said people want to watch films with which they  can relate to.
"Change has already begun and it is not just my film  (Hindi Medium)... Rajkummar's (Rao) films have done well this  year," he added.
"Qarib Qarib Singlle" is a contemporary love story of  two people (Irrfan and Parvathy) who embark upon an unusual  journey which becomes a mad adventure.
The actor said he did not consider the film as his first  love story despite its ...

Content-driven films finding more acceptance, says Irrfan

From being a speaker to now  hosting "TED Talks", Shah Rukh Khan says the show is one the  biggest achievements of his life.
SRK, who delivered his first "TED Talk" in Vancouver  earlier this year, says he is a huge fan of the show.
"I have always been a fan of 'TED Talks' even before  it became big on Internet. I would call this show as the  biggest achievement of my life. It ('TED Talks') is something  I am doing with pride and not for money. This show will spread  love and innovative ideas," Shah Rukh told reporters.
The actor said the show has given him a platform to be  himself.
"I am a movie star who can emote, sing, dance. I am a  friend, father, husband, an entrepreneur but I think 'TED  Talks' gives me the platform to be myself and it is a very  satisfying thing in my life," he added.
The actor said he was a bit nervous when he delivered  his speech but is thankful to Chris Anderson, the head of TED,  for being supportive and encouraging.
Shah Rukh added that he has always ...

'TED Talks' is biggest achievement of my life: Shah Rukh

Filmmaker Brahmanand S Siingh is  set to release the documentary on Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh  in February.
Titled "Kaaghaz Ki Kashti", the film is an evocative  account of the small-town boy who became famous for his  music and ghazals.
"The biography of late Jagjit Singh will be released in  February 2018," Siingh told PTI.
The director was speaking on the sidelines of ASEAN  Excellence Summit - Excellence in An Era Of Disruption.
The film was shot in Jagjit's hometown Sri Ganganagar in  Rajasthan and Mumbai, where he made a big name for himself  through his magical voice.
The film will also feature famous singers, including his  wife Chitra Singh.
The director also talked about his another project,  "Jhalki", which narrates the story of a nine-year-old girl,  who sets out to find her younger brother against the backdrop  of child labour in the carpet-weaving factories of India.
Talking about the movie, Siingh said cinema is the best  medium to spread awareness about this social ..

Documentary on Jagjit Singh to release in February

Press Trust of India

The release date of Bruce  Willis' "Death Wish" reboot has been pushed back to March 2.
The film was scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November  22 this year.
On its new date, "Death Wish" faces competition from the  Jennifer Lawrence thriller "Red Sparrow", Albert Hughes'  action/drama "Alpha" and comedy film "Game Night", reported  Deadline.
Directed by Eli Roth, "Death Wish" has Willis in the role  of a classic vigilante named Paul Kersey.
The actor plays a father who becomes a killing machine,  after his wife is murdered and his daughter sexually  assaulted.
The movie also features Vincent D'Onofrio, Kimberly  Elise, Mike Epps and Elisabeth Shue.

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