Page 515 - Entertainment Culture

Didn't want to be part of 'The Accidental Prime Minister,' says Anupam Kher

Actor Anupam Kher, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film 'The Accidental Prime Minister,' has said that initially he didn't want to be a part of his forthcoming film as he thought that it will be politically controversial film.

Nawazuddin starrer 'Thackeray' called out for being 'propaganda' film

Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer "Thackeray", a biopic on the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, was at the centre of a social media storm on Thursday with actor Siddharth among others calling it a propaganda film. A day after the launch of the biopic's trailer, actor Richa Chadha also put out a tweet on the film, which releases next month. Produced by senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, the film features Siddiqui in the title role. South actor Siddharth on Wednesday hit out at the trailer on Twitter, dubbing the biopic a "propaganda film" selling hate against South Indians. "Nawazuddin has repeated 'Uthao lungi bajao pungi' (lift the lungi and *'#$ him) in the film #Thackeray. Clearly hate speech against South Indians... In a film glorifying the person who said it! Are you planning to make money out of this propaganda? Stop selling hate! Scary stuff!" he tweeted. Several others, including commentators and journalists, also shared their view on the film. In the late 1960s, Thackeray ...

Parallel Literature Festival to begin in Jaipur from Jan 27

About 200 writers and poets from India and abroad will participate in a three-day Parallel Literature Festival (PLF) to be held here from January 27, it was announced on Thursday. President of Rajasthan Progressive Writers Association (PWA) Rituraj said that the objective of the event was to create a positive environment for literature and culture in the city. The authors of different languages including Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu among others will come together on one platform and will exchange their views at Ravindra Manch from January 27-29, he said. The PLF will coincide with the 2019 edition of the popular Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) that will take place from January 2428 at the Diggi Palace Hotel in Jaipur.

Amid protests, AIUDF's Badruddin apologises for threatening journalist

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal apologised Thursday for abusing and threatening a journalist amid state-wide protests condemning his comments. Journalists' associations, political parties and several outfits took on Ajmal who threatened to smash the local television reporter's head for asking a politically loaded question on next year's general elections. In a tweet, Ajmal said, "Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and I have always respected media persons and everybody knows that I have sincere regards for them. "The Mankachar incident was an unintentional aberration and I sincerely apologise for that to all concerned (sic)." In another tweet, he said, "The incident which took place today was not intentional. The concerned reporter used to ask silly question every time (sic)." The Wednesday incident was condemned by the ruling BJP, its ally AGP and the opposition Congress. The parties said Ajmal had not only insulted the particular journalist, but the fourth pillar of democracy and ..

What's the problem in releasing political film during elections: Kher on 'Accidental Prime Minister'

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who is essaying the role of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in "The Accidental Prime Minister", said Thursday the film is a "game changer" in political biopics as it does not shy away from taking real names. The film is based on the book of the same name, written by Sanjay Baru, who served as Singh's media advisor 2004 to 2008. Akshaye Khanna features as Baru. The trailer shows Singh as the victim of the inside politics of the Congress party ahead of 2014 general elections, which the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) lost. Asked if the ruling BJP government, which lost three state elections recently to Congress, would use the film as a tool in the run-up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Kher said, "If I would have been in politics I would have definitely told them to do so. But I am an actor, they will decide." We did not start the film thinking that this kind of political scenario will be there. It is a political film based on a book, whatever the book

Vir Das excited about 'Happy Patel'

Comedian-actor Vir Das, who is currently working on his next film titled "Happy Patel", says he is excited about it as it is "uniquely different and has great sense of comedy".

Janhvi Kapoor calls Smriti Irani 'aunty'

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani was happy to meet actress Janhvi Kapoor, but says she was surprised when she called her aunty.

'Black Mirror' stand-alone film 'Bandersnatch' to premiere on December 28

Netflix is set to launch a stand-alone film, titled "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch", based on the hit sci-fi anthology series, on Friday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the streaming giant officially revealed the premiere date when it released a trailer only a day ahead of its debut. "Black Mirror" explores the negative impact new technology can have on the modern world. Set in the 1980s, "Bandersnatch" follows Stefan (played by Fionn Whitehead from "Dunkirk"), a young programmer who has hopes of creating a computer game inspired by an adventure novel given to him as a child. "Bandersnatch", the first official stand-alone movie from the franchise, will be helmed by "Black Mirror" director David Slade. Will Poulter, Craig Parkinson, Alice Lowe and Asim Chaudhry are part of the cast. Meanwhile, the fifth season of "Black Mirror" is set arrive next year.

Trailer of 'The Accidental Prime Minister': Anupam Kher steals the show as Manmohan Singh

The trailer of one of 2019's most highly anticipated films, 'The Accidental Prime Minister', is out and it is safe to say that Anupam Kher has completely nailed the role of Manmohan Singh.The 2.43 minutes long video gives an insight into the life of the former Prime Minister. Starring in the led role as the politician himself, Kher could not have been more convincing.Everything from his walk, to his voice and mannerisms, the actor has managed correctly pick every single unique aspect of Singh's personality and has carefully weaved it into a relatable character.'The Accidental Prime Minister' revolves around Singh's life, the economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and is based on the book of the same name written by Sanjaya Baru, Singh's advisor.The trailer also features Suzanne Bernert as Sonia Gandhi, UPA chairperson, who is trying to launch her son Rahul Gandhi (played by Arjun ...

'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha' looks mushy, likeable (Trailer Review)

Anil Kapoor has waited patiently to play his daughters father on screen. The process took time. One cant grab every offer that comes your way to do your real-life rishta on screen.

Naseer my senior, love and respect him: Kher

Asserting that disagreements happen as you go through life, actor Anupam Kher on Thursday said he will not engage with his senior and co-star Naseeruddin Shah through the media because they can always reach out to each other and "hug it out". Kher and Shah, who have known each other since their student days in Delhi's National School of Drama (NSD), have often sparred over their ideological differences. The most recent instance was when Shah said in a video interview that a cow's death was being given more importance than that of a cop. His comments, including on religious violence, came in the aftermath of the lynching of a police office and a man in Bulandshahr. "There is freedom to say anything in the country so much so that you can abuse even the Army... How much more freedom do you want?" Kher had said when asked to respond. On Thursday, Kher was more circumspect and said Shah was a senior and "respectable actor". Talking to reporters at the trailer launch of his upcoming film ..

Jassie Gill urges youngsters to vote

Singer-actor Jassie Gill says it is crucial for youngsters to realise the importance of casting their vote.

B-town wishes Salman Khan on his birthday

As Bollywood's superstar Salman Khan turned 53 today, his friends and fellow celebrities wished him a year full of happiness.The 'Dabangg' of Bollywood ringed in his special day with his friends and family at his Panvel farmhouse.The party was attended by the who's who of Bollywood, including Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonakshi Sinha and Mouni Roy, among others. From his family, brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, sister Arpita Khan Sharma and brother-in-law Aayush Sharma, and others were also seen in attendance.Taking to their social media, actors including Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sushmita Sen, Preity Zinta, Sunil Grover, Remo D'Souza, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mouni Roy, Manish Malhotra, Esha Gupta, Dia Mirza and others wished the actor health, wealth and happiness.Here's what they wrote:Katrina shared an endearing picture with Salman and captioned it as, "Happy birthday @beingsalmankhan, keep being."Sonam too shared a lovely picture ...

Vivek Dahiya feels good breaking monotony (Lead, correcting intro)

Actor Vivek Dahiya is enjoying breaking the monotony by playing different roles like a vampire.

'Ram Singh Philip' will be cinematic milestone: 'Bhoothnath' director

Director Vivek Sharma of "Bhoothnath" fame says his upcoming film "Ram Singh Philip" will be a cinematic milestone.

Deepika Padukone clocks in 30 mn followers on Instagram

After actress Priyanka Chopra, newlywed actress Deepika Padukone has garnered over 30 million followers on Instagram.

YouTube criticised on Twitter for lifting Christmas holiday video

Video-sharing giant YouTube came under fire on Twitter after it lifted and posted a Christmas holiday video of a professional domino artist named Lily Hevesh without giving her due credit.

Deepika proud of my work in "Simmba" says Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh Wednesday said his actor wife Deepika Padukone is proud of his work in soon-to-be-released "Simmba". Ranveer has collaborated with director Rohit Shetty for a film for the first time while the director has worked with Deepika already in "Chennai Express. "The film is truly a big screen experience. We both watched the film together. Deepika showered praise on Rohit sir, I was waiting for her to talk about me. She is very proud of me and Rohit sir," Ranveer told reporters here at a promotional event of "Simmba" Wednesday evening. Shetty added, "Deepika was very thrilled and happy with the film." The director said it is hard to predict the box office outcome of a film but he has tried to make a good film. "It is the audience who decides whether they want to watch a film or not based on the trailer or promo. Awareness is definitely created through the songs. On Friday, we will get to know about the fate of the film." Rohit defines "Simmba" as his first women-oriented action .

Scarlett of 'Baahubali' fame bags Ekta Kapoor's show

Model-dancer Scarlett Wilson of "Baahubali: The Beginning" fame features in the new video of the promotional song titled "Dil behla du tera" of ALTBalaji's web series "Gandii Baat 2".

Prashant Ingole turns composer with b'day song for Salman

Lyricist Prashant Ingole of "Malhari" fame has made his debut as a composer with a song dedicated to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who turned 53 on Thursday.