Page 895 - Entertainment Culture

Rajat Barmecha's next is a web series

"Udaan" fame star Rajat Barmecha will soon be seen essaying the role of a celebrity in an upcoming yet-untitled web series.

Slashing of govt funds not helping young directors: Buddhadeb

Film director Buddhadeb Dasgupta today said the central and state governments were reducing allocation of funds for making cinema and this was not helping the cause of young directors. Cinema has been facing setbacks from various quarters, but young directors should continue their work, said Dasgupta, the nine-time national award winner. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Fourth edition of Films Division-organised MIFF in Kolkata (Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation films). "As the Centre has reduced allocation, there are many projects, but no money to back them up. The NFDC's involvement of producing films is on the decline. Both the state and the Centre are not promoting film projects the way they should have," Dasgupta said. He urged young film makers "not to lose track of your dreams. Even if you don't get fund, new mediums have emerged. You can also make films on iphone". "If I do not manage funds for any future .

Rhea Chakraborty likes to focus on her future

Actress Rhea Chakraborty says she doesn't look back at her movie choices and focuses on her future.

I take full responsibility for my actions: Prateik Babbar

After his promising debut in the 2008 film "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na", Prateik Babbar featured in the critically acclaimed film "Dhobi Ghaat". The actor starred in more films but he blames his addiction to drugs for his slow career and he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Radhika Apte, Manav Kaul walk black carpet at 'Ghoul' premiere

Radhika Apte and Manav, the stars of the new Netflix original "Ghoul", attended the premiere of their show here. The premiere took place last night at the Great Eastern Mills in Byculla and in an apparent nod to the show's genre, both the actors walked the "black carpet" at the event. The series director Patrick Graham also graced the black carpet along with producers Vikramaditya Motwane and Kilian Kerwin. The premiere event was also attended by their industry colleagues like Anurag Kashyap, Jim Sarbh, Sanya Malhotra, Sanjay Kapoor and Siddharth Roy Kapur. "Ghoul", the first Indian horror series from the streaming giant, is based on an Arabic folklore. The story follows a prisoner who arrives at a remote military interrogation centre and turns the tables on his interrogators, exposing their most shameful secrets. The three-episode series, produced in partnership with Phantom Films, Ivanhoe and Blumhouse, has been written by Graham. The series will be available on Netflix from August .

Actors share experience at trailer launch of multilingual film

After creating waves in festival circuits abroad, 'III Smoking Barrels'- a multilingual film exploring the trials and tribulations of Northeast people - is set to win hearts of audiences across the country. Speaking at the official trailer launch of the film here, critically acclaimed actor Subrat Dutt said one of the striking features of 'III Smoking Barrels' is that everyone gets to speak their own language. "The multi-starrer film has actors from Manipur, Nagaland and Assam speaking their native languages. There are eight songs in different languages, including Bengali and Hindi, some of which have been rendered by Papon," Dutt told PTI yesterday. Talking about his role in the film, the actor said he tried his best to do justice to his character. "I essay the role of a poacher, his name is Moktar. The film touches upon the complexities of the northeast. I tried to deliver the shots based on my own idea about how a person should react in certain situations," the 'Rakta

Sonakshi changed my perception about big stars: Jassi Gill

Punjabi singer Jassi Gill, who is set to make his Bollywood debut, is all praise for his co-star Sonakshi Sinha as she managed to change his perception about 'big stars' while shooting for their upcoming film 'Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi'."Earlier, I used to wonder what working with all the famous stars would be like, but after shooting with this team, I realised that, the bigger the star, the more humble and down to earth he or she is. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sonakshi," Gill told ANI.Talking about the song 'Chin Chin Chu' from his upcoming film, he said that only the punch line from the 1958 hit classic has been incorporated and the rest has been recomposed with a new touch.The 'Bapu Zimidar' singer also said that there is nothing wrong in giving a modern twist to classics as it revives the songs. "The present generation is forgetting our old songs and so, I don't think there is anything wrong with the trend of remaking them," he said.His co-star Sonakshi assured that the ...

Hilary Swank marries boyfriend Philip Schneider in secret wedding

Hilary Swank has tied the knot with entrepreneur boyfriend Philip Schneider in a romantic secret ceremony. The Oscar winner made things official with Schneider after they were first spotted together in November 2016. According to Vogue magazine, the wedding took place in the Redwoods in California. The Oscar winner opened up about her about her husband and their wedding. "It was timeless. There is just no other way to describe it. I was overwhelmed with such gratitude and thanks to be marrying the man of my dreams and to see all the people we love together in the middle of such a profound setting. It was truly a dream come true," Swank told the publication. The "Million Dollar Baby" star revealed the couple met on a blind date set up by actor Misha Collins' wife Vicki and another close friend Jean. "We met at 10.00 a.m. and parted ways at 11.00 p.m. We clearly enjoyed our time!" she said. They got engaged a year and a half later. "We don't know why waited that long! The setting was ...

Expectations are a perception game: Sunny Kaushal

Sunny Kaushal, son of renowned action director Sham Kaushal, says in his struggling days he sometimes used his father's name to introduce himself to industry people. "I would be lying if I say no blatantly. Initially, I used to introduce myself as, 'I am Sunny Kaushal, my father is in the industry, his name is Sham Kaushal' but nothing happened. One day, I realised I should stop doing that and never use his name again," Sunny told PTI. There is a lot of debate around nepotism in the industry with star children getting a preference over others but Sunny said his father was always clear about not helping him and his brother Vicky, who has already established himself as a stellar performer in the industry. "My dad had told both Vicky and me 'Do not expect anything from me. Though a lot of people know me in the industry and they might entertain you because of that but they will not make a film with you unless you prove yourselves'," Sunny said recalling his father's advice. The actor, who

Shikha Talsania to walk for Narendra Kumar at LFW

Actor Shikha Talsania will be turning showstopper for celebrated designer Narendra Kumar at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018. Kumar will be presenting the collection titled 'Never Hyde', in collaboration with leading plus size store aLL Primero on the last day of the fashion extravaganza. "It is a new experience for me and I am excited to be walking for aLL Primero by Narendra Kumar. I appreciate aLL for their commitment towards their motto of 'Fashion for all'," Shikha said in a statement. Kumar's LFW collection offers a variety of styles like athleisure, day and evening wear. The range is driven by multiple fabrics that are easy to wear and durable, such as ponte roma, interlock knit, jacquard, terry wool, looper knit, moss crepe and cotton linen. LFW opened today.

Asia Argento denies sexual harassment charges

Hollywood actor Asia Argento has refuted claims of sexual harassment charges levelled against her by a young actor Jimmy Bennet.On Tuesday, the 'XXX' star said that she was deeply shocked to hear the news and was hurt on getting to know about something that was nothing but false, reported Deadline.The actor further confirmed that her late boyfriend, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, happened to pay Bennett in order to stop him from harassing Argento.Argento even revealed that Bourdain considered the young actor 'dangerous', as he was worried about the negative publicity that Bennet of 'Daddy Day Care' fame might have brought them.Further, the actor, who was one of the first women to raise her voice against Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein's sexual misconduct, said that Bennet who was a friend to her was reeling under severe financial difficulties.As per the documents related to the case, which were first published by The New York Times, the accusations and the settlements were ...

Idris Elba denies playing James Bond

Idris Elba has denied that he will be playing the next James Bond after Daniel Craig hands in his licence to kill. The actor, who has for years been pegged to play Agent 007, shut down rumours of stepping into the franchise. When Good Morning Britain reporter offered Elba a martini, "Do you like it shaken or stirred?", he replied, "Stir fried, actually". Next, when she asked if he was "looking at the next 007", Elba gave a one-word answer: "No". The actor was speaking at the premiere of his directorial debut, "Yardie". He was accompanied by fiancee Sabrina Dhowre. The upcoming Bond film, 25th in the long-running franchise, would be Craig's last outing as the British spy. The film was supposed to be helmed by Danny Boyle but the "Slumdog Millionaire" director has walked out of the project due to creative differences with the producers.

Ajay Devgn's 'De De Pyaar De' to release February 22

Ajay Devgn-fronted "De De Pyaar De" is all set to hit the screens on February 22, 2019. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Ankur Garg and Luv Ranjan, the film marks the directorial debut of Akiv Ali, a press release stated. The movie also stars Tabu and Rakul Preet. Devgn is also attached to work in Luv's next directorial. The film, also starring Ranbir Kapoor, will release on December 25, 2020.

'Veronica Mars' revival with Kristen Bell in works at Hulu

Streaming platform Hulu is planning to revive popular mystery series "Veronica Mars". The streaming platform is close to lock a deal for a new installment of the crime series with actor Kristen Bell set to reprise her role as sleuth Veronica Mars. According to The Hollywood Reporter, show creator Rob Thomas and series star Kristen Bell are also on board the project. The series premiered on UPN network in September 2004, during television studio's final two years, and ended in May 2007, airing for three seasons total. It follows Veronica Mars, a California teen sleuth and student (Bell) who moonlit as a private investigator under the tutelage of her detective father (Enrico Colantoni). A series was also adapted into a feature film by Thomas that released in 2014. The film followed Mars returning to Neptune, California, for a 10-year high school reunion, only to be pulled back into a murder mystery involving her former boyfriend.

'The End of the F***ing World' revived for second season

Netflix and British TV broadcaster Channel 4 have renewed "The End of the F***ing World" for another season. The news was announced by Channel 4 in a press release and it said that creator Charlie Covell will be back to write the second season. The series, an adaptation of Charles Forsman's comic series of the same name, is a co-production between the streaming giant and Channel 4. The first series follows teen outsiders James (Alex Lawther), a budding psychopath, and Alyssa (Jessica Barden), his rebellious classmate. Together, they embark on a road trip which descends into a dark comic chaos. "Lurching between black and joyous, 'The End of The F***ing World' was one of the most original and beguiling pieces of drama to emerge from Britain in years," said Ian Katz, Director of Programmes at Channel 4. "I'm so proud that Channel 4 brought it to the screen and beyond excited that Charlie and the brilliant team at Clerkenwell are giving us a second helping," he added. The series will be .

Chris Cooper boards cast of 'You Are My Friend'

Oscar winner Chris Cooper has joined the cast of Tom Hanks-starrer "You Are My Friend". The film will be helmed by "Diary of a Teenage Girl" director Marielle Heller from a script by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, reported Variety. It is inspired by a real-life friendship between American television personality Fred Rogers and award-winning journalist Tom Junod. Cooper, 67, who won an Oscar for Best Support Actor for Spike Jonze's "Adaptation", will play the father of Junod, who will be portrayed by "The Americans" star Matthew Rhys in the new film. The story follows a journalist who hesitantly accepts an assignment to write a profile piece on the beloved icon and finds his perspective on life changed. The movie, being produced by Big Beach Films, is scheduled to release on October 18, 2019.

Was asked to present award, not an Aretha Franklin tribute: Madonna on VMA backlash

Madonna has responded to the backlash she faced after her Aretha Franklin "tribute" speech at 2018's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), saying she was invited to present an award and not pay homage to the Queen of Soul. It was reported that the 60-year-old singer was invited to pay respects to Franklin, who passed away on August 16 at the age of 76. She was, however, slammed by the viewers for being self-involved in her address, which was called "awkward" and "beyond disrespectful". Madonna took to Instagram to share a picture with VMA winner Camila Cabello and clarify her stand. "I'm with the Winner!! The beautiful @camila_cabello! So proud of her! And just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her! "That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise .

'Chicago' producer Craig Zadan dies at 69

Prolific Hollywood producer Craig Zadan, best known for his award-winning adaptation of "Chicago" and producing three Oscars telecasts, has died. He was 69. Zadan died of complications from a recent shoulder replacement surgery on Monday night, according to Deadline. "We are stunned that the man behind so many incredible film, theater, and television productions several of them joyous musicals was taken away so suddenly," NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said. "Craig's distinguished career as a passionate and consummate producer is eclipsed only by his genuine love for the thousands of actors, directors, writers, musicians, designers, and technicians he worked with over the years. His absence will be felt in our hearts and throughout our business." Zadan championed musicals and was active in films, tv and stage productions. He is best known for bringing the adaptations of "The Sound of Music", "Peter Pan" and "Hairspray". He was set to produce the forthcoming live TV ...

I try to live as much of an abnormal life as possible: Qaushiq Mukherjee

Qaushiq Mukherjee can be called one of the most provocative indie filmmakers in India and the director, known for his unique point of view, says he seeks abnormalcy over convention. The director, popularly known as Q, says he draws influences from his life in work, which makes his repertoire a heady mix of erotica, gravelly and quirky stories. "My life really. I try to live as much of an abnormal life as possible and that greatly influences what I do. By choosing to not be normal, I immerse myself in what goes on in the world. Normalcy is kind of for me an hijab, burkha that we wear," Mukherjee told PTI in an email interview. His previous films -- "Gandu", "Tasher Desh", "Ludo" and "Brahman Naman" -- are all acclaimed pieces of art but did not make it to the theatres. "Ludo" and "Brahman Naman" went straight to streaming service, Netflix. Mukherjee's next "Garbage", a furious thriller, has started doing the festival rounds. "Garbage", he says, is a stark departure from his old ...

Natalie Portman to direct Lander sisters biopic

Actress Natalie Portman has closed a deal to direct and star in an untitled biopic about the identical twin sisters who wrote advice columns as Abigail Van Buren and Ann Landers.