Page 284 - Entertainment Culture

Meet the 'Lord of Anonymity', planet's first and only anonymous International Pop Star

In a world where it has become impossible to eat a fancy lunch without posting about it at least on three different social media sites, this anonymous singer, who has earned the title 'Lord J' from a LA-based fan, has opted to become an anonymous pop star and claim the fame only on basis of his sheer talent. Believe it or not, J has managed to become a world-famous icon, without revealing his real identity to the world.J, who released his first single 'Beside Me' two years ago in December 2016 on Vevo, claims to have self-funded all his music singles so far. He gives credit to his middle-class parents who have supported him financially throughout his professional career.J realised his passion for music at the young age of 16, "I listened to singers like George Michael, Phil Collins, and Enrique Iglesias on my walkman from when I was in the 7th grade. I had a habit of writing down the lyrics to understand better. Eventually, this habit converted into writing down my own feelings as ...

Shah Rukh explores Dubai's City Walk

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan explored Dubai's shopping-cum-entertainment hub City Walk in the quest to solve a riddle during his latest promotional campaign.

Releasing 'The Tashkent Files' now due to public's current mood: Vivek Agnihotri

As "The Tashkent Files", a film which revolves around the mysterious death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, is all set to be released in the midst of the Lok Sabha polls, director Vivek Agnihotri says it is the right time to bring it to the public. The film is an addition to the long list of political movies set to be released ahead on the Lok Sabha polls this year after "Uri: The Surgical Strike", "The Accidental Prime Minister" and "Thackeray". It will be followed up with "PM Narendra Modi". Asked if the timing of the film coinciding with the political fervour was intentional, Agnihotri said, "Yes, that's why we decided to release the film now. Is it a crime? I'm being honest when I say this because the current mood of the public is connected to this issue... We want the film to be watched by as many Indians as possible." "After this 'Kalank' will release, then you would watch the song-and-dance. When it's the time to romance in the monsoons, go and watch Karan Johar's films. .

Tamil remake of 'Pink' to release on August 10

The Tamil remake of "Pink", produced by Boney Kapoor with Ajith in the lead role, will release on August 10.

I've grown up watching 'saas-bahu' serials: Shrenu

Actress Shrenu Parikh says during her school days, she used to mimic the ideal on-screen 'bahus' Tulsi and Parvati.

Poem penned by Modi in web series on his life

A poem penned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been used in "Modi: The Journey Of A Common Man", which is a 10-part series based on his life.

SANAM band to perform at YouTube FanFest in Mumbai

SANAM band is set to perform at YouTube FanFest, which will also host Indian-origin Canadian artiste Lilly Singh here on Saturday.

Actor Radha Ravi suspended from DMK following derogatory remarks

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) general secretary K Anbazhagan on Monday suspended actor Radha Ravi from the party following his remarks against actor Nayanthara.The actor on Saturday passed derogatory remarks against actor Nayanthara at trailer launch of her upcoming film 'Kolayuthir Kaalam'. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him on Sunday.The actor earned a lot of backlash after the clip of his speech at the event went viral.

Anil Kapoor excited to play historical character in 'Takht'

"Takht" will be his first period drama in over three-decade-long career, and actor Anil Kapoor is excited for the film. As per media reports, Kapoor will play the role of Shahjehan in Karan Johar's directorial venture. "For the first time I am playing a historical character. It is a combination of many things for an actor, you can't just say there is excitement, there is lot more. Till the time I don't get into it I won't be able to say what emotions I am feeling," Kapoor told PTI, without divulging details about his character in the Karan Johar-directed historical drama. "Takht" is set in the Mughal era and chronicles the story of two warring brothers. Besides Kapoor, the film also features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor, and it will reportedly go on floors later this year. Kapoor's latest film "Total Dhamaal" has minted over Rs 150 crore at the box office. He is currently working on "Pagalpanti. He also working with his ..

Silence on #MeToo in South filmdom shocks Siddharth

In the midst of a controversy surrounding actor Radha Ravi's derogatory remarks against actress Nayanthara, actor Siddharth has said he was shocked to see how the southern film fraternity was either silent or cynical about the #MeToo movement in the country.

DMK suspends actor Radharavi for making misogynistic remarks against actor Nayanthara

The DMK Monday announced it was suspending well-known actor and senior party leader Radharavi for his alleged misogynistic remarks against popular South Indian actor Nayanthara. Radharavi's remarks at an event had created a furore, with actors Kamal Haasan and Taapsee Pannu and director Vignesh Shivan hitting out at him. A video purportedly showing Radharavi making the remarks had gone viral. While Radharavi expressed regret for his remarks, Nayanthara lashed out, alleging he was trying to hog limelight with such "cheap" comments. In a press statement, which the actress herself acknowledged, Nayanthara thanked DMK president M K Stalin for suspending the actor from the party. Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam party, said it was the responsibility of the cinema industry to treat women professionals with respect. The South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) also condemned Radharavi's statement, saying this was not the first time he was making remarks with "double meaning" at a ...

Sumalatha alleges threat to life,demands she be given security

Multi-lingual film actress Sumalatha, contesting as an independent from Mandya Lok Sabha seat against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil, Monday alleged there was a threat to her life and requested the Election Commission to provide her security. She also alleged that her phones were being tapped and that she had spotted some police personnel frequently moving around near her residence. Sumalatha called on the Chief Electoral Officer Monday and complained about the alleged gross violations of the model code of conduct in Mandya and the threat to her life. The CEO then asked her to give the complaint in writing. Later, speaking to reporters, Sumalatha,widow of popular Kannada film actor-turned-politician Ambareesh, said Mandya has become a high profile and sensitive Lok Sabha seat as Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son is contesting from there. The actress said she once confronted the police personnel and questioned them, but they could not give clear cut answers

Rahman creates India's Marvel anthem for 'Avengers: Endgame'

Music maestro A R Rahman has teamed up with Marvel India to create an all-new anthem for "Avengers: Endgame" in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The track, to be released on April 1, is a treat for Indian fans of the Avengers franchise, which is massively popular in the country. "Being surrounded by Marvel fans in my own family, there was too much pressure to come with something really satisfying and apt for 'Avengers: Endgame'. I hope Marvel aficionados and music lovers enjoy the track," Rahman said in a statement. "'Avengers: Endgame' is not just a movie, it's an emotional journey for fans everywhere in India. An original composition by Oscar winner A R Rahman was the perfect way to celebrate the love for Marvel among fans in the country. This is our small way of thanking the fans here for their extraordinary support," said Bikram Duggal, Head - Studios, Marvel India. Joe Russo, the co-director of 'Avengers: Endgame", is also visiting India to interact with the fans ahead of the film's ...

Need a lot of brain to make comedy films, says Anees Bazmee

Anees Bazmee known for making massy entertainers like "No Entry", "Welcome", "Singh is Kinng" and "Ready" is happy with the love audience have for comedies, but says it is sad that the genre is still considered "brainless" by the critics. Many of Bazmee's films have done well at the box-office but they have not won critical acclaim and the director said it is disheartening when his films are not given due importance. "I have written films across all genre but comedy is the toughest genre. I want to entertain audience. There is lot of hardwork that goes into making comedy films. Critics call it brainless but it definitely needs a lot of brain to write a comedy," Bazmee told PTI. The director, who mostly has an ensemble cast in his films, believes making a multistarrer may look like an easy success formula, but it is hard to manage a big cast with stars. "I never start a project thinking I want to make the film with many stars. My films are larger than life. I end up writing multiple ...

Rahman creates India anthem for 'Avengers: Endgame'

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has created India's Marvel anthem for the release of "Avengers: Endgame". It will come out in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

AR Rahman to compose song for 'Avengers: Endgame'

Marvel's much anticipated upcoming film 'AvengersAccording to Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh, Rahman will be composing a song for Indian fans in three languages, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The song will be released on April 1."#BreakingNews: AR Rahman joins Avengers: Endgame. The ace music composer will create an all-new song for Indian fans in three languages: Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The song will be released on 1 April 2019," Adarsh tweeted.The trailer of the film was released earlier this month, featuring almost every superhero that the fans were eagerly waiting to see in the upcoming installment of the franchise- including Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Iron Man, Hawkeye and Ant-Man. The trailer gives a solemn recap of the earliest days of the franchise to show just how far the heroes have come, which is enough to give the fans some real 'End Game' vibes.'Avengers: Endgame' will feature a stellar star cast which includes, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth,

Kangana's sister cheers for 'Chhapaak'

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's sister Rangoli Chandel, an acid attack survivor herself, says she is the biggest cheerleader of the upcoming film "Chhapaak".

'Kesari' is 2019's top opening weekend earner

Akshay Kumar-starrer historical drama "Kesari" has scored the biggest opening weekend collection for a Bollywood film in 2019 in India by raking in Rs 78.07 crore in four days since its release on March 21, according to trade experts.

I believe in creating trends, not following them: John Abraham

Films focusing on the golden moments of India's defence history are currently in vogue but John Abraham, whose "RAW (Romeo Akbar Walter)" is set against the backdrop of 1971 war with Pakistan, says following a certain trend to make money is a big no-no for him. The 46-year-old model-turned-actor has been a part of true-life-inspired defence stories like "Madras Cafe", "Parmanu..." and now "RAW". John says he has always found facts to be more interesting than fiction. "I feel even if you don't dramatise things at times, facts make the story very entertaining. They are more interesting than fiction," he told PTI in an interview over phone from London. Citing the example of "Vicky Donor" and "Madras Cafe", John said these films set the path for stories such as "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", "Badhaai Ho" and "Uri: The Surgical Strike". "I never look at a trend because the minute one looks at the trend and starts following it and it goes out of fashion, they are in trouble. So, I make what I ...

Will work with Shah Rukh, but haven't pitch him a script: Sriram Raghavan

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan has quashed reports that he has narrated a script to Shah Rukh Khan but says he told the superstar he will definitely work with him when he has the right subject. There were reports that post "Zero", Shah Rukh was considering doing a film with the "Andhadhun" director. "I have not pitched a script. I just met him (SRK). He had liked 'Andhadhun' and invited me over. We had a chat. I told him if I have something I'll definitely come to him. "I've got his number now and I can always approach him. I would love to see him in my world of cinema but I need to get the right script," Raghavan told PTI. The director is currently gearing up to helm a biopic on the life of Arun Khetarpal, second lieutenant of the Indian army and a posthumous recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Tentatively titled "Arun", the biopic will be produced under Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films. Arun attained martyrdom at 21 during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. With Ritesh Shah attached as a writer, .