Page 1171 - Entertainment Culture

Vedhika Kumar to make Bollywood debut with Emraan Hashmi's film

Southern film actress Vedhika Kumar is all set to foray into Bollywood with Emraan Hashmi-starrer "The Body". She says she was waiting for the right project.

Delhi govt can't even waive tax on films due to GST: Sisodia

In the name of "cooperative federalism", the Centre is reducing powers of states, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said today and claimed that since the GST came into force, the Delhi government cannot even waive tax on a film on its own. Sisodia, who besides finance, holds art, culture and languages portfolio, made the remarks here at the screening of 'Life of an Outcast', a crowd-funded film which highlights the plight of Dalits. "Ever since GST came into force, we don't even have the power to make a film tax-free in Delhi," he said. Touted as India's biggest tax reform since Independence, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented in July last year. Under the GST, which subsumed all taxes, a state government no longer has the power to waive tax for films. "By chance, we have reached an era, where in the name of federal structure, in the name of cooperative federalism, states don't have even this much power that they can make tax-free any good movie, play or other art-form

Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' won't be screened in Karnataka

Karnataka film distributors and exhibitors have decided not to screen Rajinikanth-starrer "Kaala" in theatres across the state to protest the superstar's stand on the Cauvery river water row with Tamil Nadu, said a Kannada film industry official on Tuesday.

Rajini seeks HC intervention on criminal complaint against him

Actor Rajinikanth today approached the Madras High Court for quashing proceedings in a lower court against him following a criminal complaint lodged by a film financier. Rajinikanth submitted that financier Mukunchand Bothra had already filed a civil suit against him. The matter relates to a loan reportedly given by Bothra to Kasturi Raja, father-in-law of the actor's daughter. The financier alleged in the civil suit that Raja in a letter dated July 13, 2012 had said in case of failure to pay the amount, Rajinikanth would pay it. Rajinikanth had filed an application in the civil suit, saying the financier had an intention to "extort money." Following this, the financier filed a criminal complaint before a magistrate court alleging that the word 'extort' brought disrepute to him. Rajinikanth submitted in the high court that the complaint was not maintainable and "an abuse of process of law." "... It is settled law that an averment made in a pleading in civil suit cannot be termed to be

Big B to be face of Railways anti-trespassing campaign

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has become the face of Central Railways' anti-trespassing campaign.Trespassing on railway tracks is a major cause of deaths on Mumbai suburban rail network. There have been several campaigns to aware Mumbai locals about using foot over bridges instead of crossing railway tracks. But no significant change is seen after earlier campaigns.Central Railway has launched an initiative 'Ek Safar Rail Ke Saath', where celebrities will share their experience about Indian Railways and their journey in a short film. At the end of the film, they will give a message for railway commuters.The megastar has also done a recording for the same initiative at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station. In the recording, the actor has made the commuters aware about the use of foot-over bridges and asked them not to trespass on railway tracks and follow all other safety measures prescribed by railways.Railways are trying to make sure that this appeal from the actor will be ...

Pahlaj Nihalani to make film on Vijay Mallya

Now that the controversial Pahlaj Nihalani is done and dusted being the chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), he is back to making films. And, this time he is likely to raise many eyebrows with his movie based on the life of infamous business tycoon Vijay Mallya.The movie is reportedly titled 'Rangeela Raja' and actor Govinda has been roped in to essay the lead role. The venture will reunite Govinda and Nihalani after 35 years."Audiences will be surprised to see his (Govinda's) new avatar," Nihalani said while revealing that the film will go on the floors in August.During his term as CBFC chief, Nihalani's decisions were not welcomed by cinema lovers. So, it is yet to be seen if he impresses the audiences with his movie this time.Liquor baron Vijay Mallya is absconding and currently living in the United Kingdom.His assets in India have been seized by the Indian authorities as he faces money laundering charges to the tune of more than Rs 9,000 crores.Apart from this .

KTK film chamber not to allow screening of Rajini film 'Kaala'

Miffed with Tamil megastar Rajinikanth's comments on the Cauvery row, the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce today decided not to allow screening of his movie Kaala, due for release on June 7. The film industry is upset with Rajinikanth's reportedstatement that whichever government comes to power inKarnataka should implement the Supreme Court order on Cauverywater sharing in toto. KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu told PTI that a decision has been taken that Rajinikanth's film will not be screened inKarnataka. "A decision has been taken that Rajinikanth's movie willneither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka,"said Govindu admitting that the actor's statement on Cauvery issuemade them take such a decision. The KFCC president said the ban on distribution and screening of Rajinikanth movies will continue. "The ban will remain because neither will he apologise for his statement nor are we going to pardon him," Govindu said. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had ...

Putin grants Russian citizenship to US athlete Jeffrey Monson

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to US mixed martial artist Jeffrey Monson, according to a presidential decree published on Tuesday.

'Kaala' trailer launched amid stir

The trailer of Rajinikanth's new flick "Kaala" has come out amidst speculation that the film may not be shown in Karnataka.

Pahlaj makes film on Mallya, says it's inspired from his colourful life

Former censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani is back in the news with his next project "Rangeela Raja", starring Govinda, which he says is inspired by Vijay Mallya's lifestyle but not the "fraud or the scam" connected to the fugitive businessman. His film will not discuss the allegations of fraud against the liquor baron or his life in London, Nihalani said. "I'm not making a movie on Vijay Mallya... it is not a biopic or something. I have taken inspiration for the character like how he was a member of Parliament and how he conducted his life as a businessman. I have taken the character, not the story. "It has nothing to do with the fraud or the scam. I have taken inspiration from his lifestyle," Nihalani told PTI. Mallya is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. Asked whether he had spoken to the businessman before taking on the project, Nihalani said, "There is no question of discussing it with him. I can be inspired by any ...

Important to create awareness on relevant social issues: Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has stressed on creating awareness on socially relevant causes.The 63-year-old, who has been invited as the chief guest and speaker at the Cancer Patients Aid Association on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, said it is extremely important to reach out to people."It is important to reach out to people and create awareness on socially relevant causes. In my career across 34 years, I have supported various campaigns. It is our responsibility to our country and to the world. This is not about just being anti-tobacco, it is about being Pro-Life," he said.At the event, the 'A Wednesday' star would hand over voice prosthesis to cancer patients and will also felicitate the transgender patients who have given up tobacco.

Kangana calls Alia 'undisputed queen' after watching 'Raazi'

Queen of Bollywood Kangana Ranaut has heaped praises on Alia Bhatt for her performance in 'Raazi'."I really liked 'Raazi'. Meghna Gulzar has done a splendid job. And I have no words to express how much I liked Alia's performance. She is so good," said the 'Rangoon' star.She further said, "I think Alia is most definitely the undisputed queen. Its Alia's world and we are just living in it."The political thriller has become the 'Dear Zindagi' star's third film to enter the 100 cr-club, after '2 States' and 'Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya'.The film's story is set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pak war in 1971, where an Indian girl (played by Alia) marries a Pakistani Army officer (Vicky Kaushal) to spy for her country.

Box office success important for filmmakers: Meghna Gulzar

Meghna Gulzar, whose latest film "Raazi" has entered the Rs 100 crore club, says box office validation is as important as critical acclaim for a filmmaker. "Raazi", starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles, has been hailed for the performance by its principal cast, the tight screenplay, written by Meghna and Bhavani Iyer and Meghna's direction. Having seen a lukewarm response to her films such as her debut film "Filhaal" and "Just Married", Meghna said she realised that for a director to be able to make the film that he or she wants to, box-office success matters a lot. "Unfortunately, there are two parts to every filmmaker's performance- creative part and business part, because ultimately for people, who are funding your film, it's a business. "They (producers) may want to reduce the risk, they may want to make as much money but nobody is going to put in money. Because that's what happened with me until 'Talvar' released. It was difficult to put together a film when my ...

Asghar Farhadi to head the Sarajevo Film Festival jury

Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has been announced as the head of the Competition jury at the 24th Sarajevo Film Festival. Farhadi, best known for his Oscar-winning movies "A Separation" (2011) and "The Salesman" (2016), will also present his latest directorial film "Everybody Knows" at the festival which will run from August 10-17. The film starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem will be screened in the Open Air programme of the event, the festival organisers said in a statement. The Spanish-language film recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Last year, Ana Urushadze's "Scary Mother" won the Heart of Sarajevo Award, the festival's top honour. The jury was headed by Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco.

It's a hell of a movie: Bryce Dallas Howard on 'Solo'

Actor Bryce Dallas Howard has praised his father Ron Howard for directing the "awesome" film "Solo: A Star Wars Story". Ron, who has films such as "A Beautiful Mind", "Apollo 13" and "Rush" to his credit, shared a video message from Bryce on Twitter. "My dad was so privileged to be a part of this project, and I was so lucky because I got to actually go and watch him on the set and shadow him and learn from him. I can't remember the last time I saw him having this much fun, and this is a dude who has a lot of fun on a movie set," Bryce said in the video. "The crew, the cast, the story, I mean, this is an awesome movie. I've seen it many times, so I definitely can vouch for it. Not like anyone needs me to vouch for it. I'm just saying, it's a hell of a movie. It's so good," she added. Bryce, 37, who was recently in London to promote her film "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom", urged people to go and see "Solo" before her own movie opens in theatres. "Check it now because when 'Jurassic ...

Kendra Wilkinson having therapy after split

Reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson has been seeking help in therapy following her split from her husband Hank Baskett.

Eminem quips he wants to date Nicki Minaj

Eminem threw the question of him dating Nicki Minaj out in the open as he gave a shout-out to fellow rapper at a show in Boston. The 45-year-old recording artiste asked the audience if they wanted him to date Minaj, CNN reported. He asked, "Boston, how many of you want me to date Nicki Minaj?" as they cheered. Eminem replied, "Well, god dammit, me too. Nicki, if you get this message, just text me later, we'll talk about it." After the video got viral on social media, Minaj tweeted, "LMFAO. The fact that he's silly and a goof just like me. Love him so much." The "Anaconda" hitmaker also requested Eminem to feature in her upcoming album 'Queen' which will mark their first date. "We need you on the #Queen album. That's where our first date will be; at the studio while I gaze into your beautiful eyes as you write your verse," she said. Few days ago, Minaj had said she and Eminem are dating, to which he replied saying, "Girl you know it's true".

Asghar Farhadi named jury president for Sarajevo Film Festival

Oscar-winning Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi will head the competition jury for the 24th Sarajevo Film Festival.

Working with Om Puri was learning experience, says Manish Dayal

Indian American actor Manish Dayal says working with late actor Om Puri was a huge learning experience for him.

Author-director pays tribute to Rituparno Ghosh with short film

On late Rituparno Ghosh's fifth death anniversary on Wednesday, author-filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee will launch the first teaser poster of his new short film "Season's Greetings", which is his ode to the acclaimed Bengali filmmaker.