Page 730 - Entertainment Culture

Woman comedian accuses another of forceful kissing

Stand-up comedienne Kaneez Surka has accused popular comic Aditi Mittal of forcefully kissing her and putting her "tongue in my mouth" while she was hosting a show in 2016.

Asrani rubbishes #Metoo, says it is only for promotion

As the #MeToo movement is sweeping the entertainment industry in India, Bollywood veteran Asrani has dubbed it as "rubbish."The 77-year-old actor feels that all this is just for promotions. Speaking to ANI, he said, "I support women, everyone should, but all this is mostly for publicity, part of film promotions and nothing else. All this is rubbish, and 90 per cent lie, just to sell it to magazines and for popularity."He termed the accusations against various actors as 'filmy things'."Accusations and blames are all filmy things. Mere accusations mean nothing, don't take this seriously. If you publish Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, no one will read it but if it's Madhuri Dixit's or Madhubala's autobiography people will come and read it."The #MeToo movement began a year ago in Hollywood after The New York Times and The New Yorker published various stories about decades-long predation of movie producer Harvey Weinstein.The movement gained pace in India after Tanushree Dutta accused ...

Aditi Mittal renders unconditional apology to Kaneez Surka, says intentions were not sexual

Aditi Mittal Wednesday issued an unconditional apology to fellow comic Kaneez Surka for violating her space but said her "intentions were not sexual in nature". Surka accused the comedienne of sexual harassment, claiming the fellow comic "forcibly kissed" her on the mouth two years ago at a comedy show. Mittal said she gave the improv artiste, who was hosting an open mic, a peck on the lips "as a joke as a part of the act" but "there was no tongue". She had apologised later to Surka when she realised the discomfort she had caused. "The intentions were not sexual in nature. I realised that after talking to Kaneez that it was a violation of her space and to this day bothers her very much. For this I am unconditionally sorry," Mittal wrote on Twitter. She said she and Surka talked about the matter at length in 2017 and her contemporary accepted her unconditional apology. "We discussed the rampant sexism in AIB which she was just discovering and promised to have each other's backs in a ...

Understand, respect Aamir's decision: Subhash Kapoor

Director Subhash Kapoor, who has a molesting case pending against him, said Wednesday that he understands and respects Aamir Khan's decision to exit the Gulshan Kumar biopic as producer. In the wake of the #MeToo movement that is escalating day by day in the country, without taking any names Khan announced his and filmmaker-wife Kiran Rao's departure from an upcoming project, saying he has been informed of "sexual misconduct" on the part of a collaborator. "Mogul" co-producer Bhushan Kumar said Wednesday that Kapoor has been sacked from the job. "With the ongoing proceedings against the director that is brought to our notice, everyone at T-Series has decided to not work with the director," Bhushan said in a statement to PTI. Reacting to Khan's announcement, Kapoor told PTI, "I understand and respect Aamir Khan's and Kiran Rao's decision. Since matter is sub judice, I intend to prove my innocence in the court of law." Actor Geetika Tyagi, who has appeared in films like "One By Two", ...

Ashwin Saravanan is excited to be working with Taapsee in 'Game Over'

Director Ashwin Saravanan is excited to have joined hands with Taapsee Pannu for upcoming Tamil-Telugu thriller "Game Over" for ever since he saw "Pink" he wanted to work with her.

Matthew McConaughey to star in Guy Ritchie's next

Matthew McConaughey is all set to feature in director Guy Ritchie's 'Toff Guys'.The cast list also includes Kate Beckinsale and 'Crazy Rich Asians' actor Henry Goldingare.The script is penned by Guy Ritchie with Marn Davies and Ivan Atkinson. Ritchie will also be handling the production and direction of the film.The film is based on the collision between European "old money" and the modern marijuana industry. It will focus on a British drug lord, who tries to cash out on his highly-profitable empire by selling it off to billionaires from Oklahoma.Bill Block, Miramax CEO, said, "McConaughey as the inside outsider with Henry and Kate will make for a thrilling Guy Ritchie ride."Oscar winner McConaughey's past credits include 'Magic Mike', 'Free State of Jones', 'Serenity' and 'Dallas Buyers Club'. Kate Beckinsale was seen in 'Underworld: Blood Wars', 'Love and Friendship' and 'Stonehearst Asylum'.Guy Ritchie's past works include 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword', 'Sherlock Holmes' and ..

Camila Cabello inspired by Kobe Bryant

Singer Camila Cabello has says her American Music Awards (AMAs) performance was inspired by basketball player Kobe Bryant.

Sanjay Khan's autobiography will be fantastic, says son Zayed

Actor Zayed Khan says his father, Bollywood veteran Sanjay Khan has been very guarded about his autobiography "The Best Mistakes of My Life", and so as a son, he is all the more excited to read it.

Dolph Lundgren tired from group sex

"Rocky IV" actor Dolph Lundgren says he used to have group sex with supermodel Grace Jones and "four or five" other women but complained it was not always a "good thing" because it left him too tired for work.

Tiffany Haddish asks for 'the guy fee'

Actress Tiffany Haddish thinks the reason women sometimes are not paid equally to men is because they don't ask how much their co-workers are making and she always asks for "the guy fee".

Prateik Babbar booked for rash driving in Goa

Bollywood actor Prateik Babbar was on Wednesday booked under the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving.The incident took place when Prateik's vehicle knocked down a motorcycle driver before entering a one-way street at Porvorim in Goa.The 'Dhobi Ghat' actor was immediately taken for medical examination, which he refused to take. Prateik's police interrogation is scheduled for tomorrow.When asked to comment on the same, the actor steered away from giving an answer.Prateik was last seen in the Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu starrer Mulk. His past credits also include, 'Issaq', 'Ekk Deewana Tha', 'Dhobi Ghat' and 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na'.

#MeToo: Aamir Khan steps away from working with accused

In the wake of India's very own #MeToo movement, Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao have decided to step aside from doing a film with an accused.The 'Thugs of Hindostan' actor took to his Twitter handle to put out a statement, on behalf of his production house, that said, "At Aamir Khan Production we have always had a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour of any kind.""Two weeks ago, when traumatic #Metoo stories began emerging, it was brought to our attention that someone we were about to work with has been accused of sexual misconduct. Upon enquiry we found that this particular case is subjudice, and that the lagal process is in motion," the statement signed by both Amir Khan and Kiran Rao added.Clarifying their take on the matter, Aamir mentioned that they would no longer engage with the person."We are not an investigative agency, nor are we in any position to pass judgment on anyone involved in this case, and without coming to any conclusions about

Now is the time to speak up: Parineeti on #MeToo

In the wake of the ongoing #MeToo campaign, Parineeti Chopra has called on other victims to come out in open about their stories.While speaking to ANI, the actor passed on a message to the people who are still scared of speaking out, saying the time has come to do the same."We are surrounded by people who will support us. If you fail to speak up now, you will have to live with it forever," said the 29-year-old.She further stressed, "The thing worse than this would be to not be able to punish those men who have done them wrong. They will just be living a normal life and will get more freedom to do the same to someone else as well."Her 'Namaste England' co-star, Arjun Kapoor, lauded the courage of the #MeToo survivors and said, "The women, who are now opening up about their sexual harassment stories after so many years, have lived with the pain for this long. Their courage is commendable. We, as men, need to listen to that. We, as human beings, need to listen, understand and absorb."The

IFTDA issues notice to Alok Nath post sexual harassment allegations

The Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has issued a notice to veteran actor Alok Nath, seeking his stand on the sexual harassment and rape allegations made against him by producer and writer Vinta Nanda.Speaking at a press conference, IFTDA president Ashok Pandit said, "The entire federation supports the #MeToo movement. We have already drafted a notice which is to be issued to Alok Nath because Vinta Nanda is also a very respectable member of IFTDA."Vowing to punish all sexual predators, Pandit urged the people to support the federation."Please encourage the entire federation and let us all move together to fight this menace. We need your support and help. This federation today takes a vouch that nobody in the industry will dare to think to even do something wrong. Be it, anyone," he said.On being asked about the Tanushree Dutta- Nana Patekar controversy, Pandit said, "I have my own reservations. We are standing by Tanushree or any victim for that matter but I .

Will Smith uncovers 'Aladdin' poster

Will Smith has unveiled the first 'Aladdin' poster and it looks as magical as the classic tale.The 'Suicide Squad' actor, who will be playing the magical Genie in the much-awaited film, took to his Instagram account to share the first poster. He captioned the post as, "LEMME OUT!! ?? Can't wait for y'all to see Me BLUE!"Well, it seems like Smith can't wait to get out of that little magical lamp.Check out the poster here:According to The Hollywood Report, the 'Aladdin' cast list also includes Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Jasmine), Marwan Kenzari (Jafar) and Billy Magnussen and Nasim Pedrad as Jasmine's friends.The film is a remake of 1992 animated film that ended up bagging two Oscars. The direction of the film is being handled by Guy Ritchie.Aladdin is scheduled to release on May 24, 2019.

#MeToo fallout: Aamir Khan steps away from film (Lead, Correcting Headline)

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan on Wednesday stepped away from a film, as "someone" associated with it has been accused of sexual misconduct.

Subhash Kapoor out of Gulshan Kumar biopic

Subhash Kapoor will no longer be directing Gulshan Kumar biopic, which was earlier going to be produced by Aamir Khan. Kapoor of "Jolly LLB" fame, was to direct Gulshan Kumar biopic, titled "Mughal". Without taking any names, Aamir in a statement Wednesday announced his decision to step away from a future project because it would have meant collaborating with someone accused of sexual harassment. When contacted about Aamir's decision to part ways with the project, Bhushan Kumar of T-Series told PTI, "He (Aamir) doesn't want to work with Subhash Kapoor because of his unfinished case. " When asked whether T-Series will work with Kapoor, Bhushan told PTI, "No.. We won't. We are not making (the film) with him." Kapoor remained unavailable for comment. He was accused of molestation by a female actor. "Upon enquiry we found that this particular case is sub-judice, and that the legal process is in motion," the statement from Aamir and wife Kiran Rao read. "So, without casting any aspersions .

#MeToo fallout: For now, Aamir Khan steps away from film

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan on Wednesday stepped away from a film, as "someone" associated with it has been accused of sexual misconduct.

Opportunity for Industry to introspect: Aamir Khan, Kiron Rao on #MeToo

Superstar Aamir Khan on Wednesday announced his departure from an upcoming project while maintaining its anonymity, saying he has been informed of "sexual misconduct" on the part of the collaborator. In a joint statement by Aamir and filmmaker-wife Kiran Rao, the duo said "Aamir Khan Productions we have always had a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour of any kind." They said they were committed to making the industry a safe place. "We believe that this is an opportunity for the film industry to introspect and take concrete steps towards change. For far too long women have faced the brunt of sexual exploitation. It has to stop." Aamir and Rao also announced that they were distancing themselves from an upcoming project as the said person is accused of sexual misconduct. "Two weeks ago, when traumatic #MeToo stories began emerging, it was brought to our attention that someone we were about to begin work with has been accused of sexual misconduct. Upon .

Evaluating options for 'Sacred Games 2': Netflix on Phantom films row

Streaming giant Netflix said it is assessing its options ahead of the shoot of "Sacred Games" season two in the wake of a controversy surrounding Phantom Films and the show's writer Varun Grover. Kashyap and Motwane had helmed the highly acclaimed first season of "Sacred Games" which had Varun Grover as one of its writers. Amid speculations regarding the show's future, Netflix said in a statement, "At this time we are evaluating options on the path forward." Last year, a woman employee at Phantom Films, which had Vikas Bahl as one of the partners along side Kashyap, Motwane and Madhu Mantena, had alleged that Bahl behaved inappropriately with her during a trip to Goa in 2025. Before the victim's account went public in a recent interview, Kashyap and Motwane put out statements and announced that their production house Phantom Films stands dissolved. Writer-lyricist Grover was anonymously accused of sexually harassing a junior in Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a charge he categorically