Jan 302018
 

With this year’s much anticipated movie ‘Black Panther’ knocking at our doorsteps and a killer line-up of sci-fi movies in the queue already; Hollywood seems to have finally found its success mantra, and that is to bask in the powers of superheroes and let them rule over the box office. 

If 2017 was applauded as the year of superheroes, 2018 isn’t going to be much different either, and the release of epic sequels, spin-offs and their trailers and teasers are only garnishing the delectable side of movies, that Hollywood is all set to serve us over the next few months. 

'Ant Man And The Wasp' Trailer Just Dropped And So Has Our Jaws© marvel studios

Talking about trailers, while we were recuperating from the teasers and TV spots of ‘Black Panther’ with T’Challa in all his glory, Marvel has dropped another massive bomb of a trailer of its upcoming movie ‘Ant Man And The Wasp’. 

Unless you are a DC fan or someone who was living under a rock all this while, the hype that ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ is gradually picking up won’t come as a surprise to you. And the first teaser trailer has proved why it deserves more hype and attention that it is getting now. 

It may not have T’Challa fighting Erik Killmonger. It may not have a bunch of superheroes fighting it out to save the world like they do in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’; but this shrinking superhero with an impeccable comic timing is definitely a serious competition to the likes of ‘Deadpool’.  

'Ant Man And The Wasp' Trailer Just Dropped And So Has Our Jaws© marvel studios

Paul Rudd is back with a bang in this kickass action sequel to 2015’s ‘Ant-Man’ and the beautiful yet ferocious ‘Wasp’ is being played by Evangeline Lilly. However, if you too took an extra minute to get over Wasp’s weird suit, trust us you’re not alone. The movie also stars Michael Douglas, the man responsible for inventing the shrinking technology and Michael Peña as Luis. 

'Ant Man And The Wasp' Trailer Just Dropped And So Has Our Jaws© marvel studios

Just in case you weren’t intrigued enough, the teaser also hints at the entry of a dangerous villain in a mask and hood waiting to make the Ant-Man’s life miserable. Well, that villain is none other than the ‘Ghost’ and his appearance has made it tougher for us to contain our excitement.

Directed by Peyton Reed, the movie is expected to hit the theatres on July 6th.

Jan 302018
 

Known to be reticent, naturally shying away from public glare, one of India’s finest film actors opens up on her sabbaticals, cinema, and the showbiz sense of humour

Tabu at the third edition of Sit With Hitlist, before a live audience, at the mid-day office. Pics/Nimesh Dave
Tabu at the third edition of Sit With Hitlist, before a live audience, at the mid-day office. Pics/Nimesh Dave

It’s rather easy to hold a free-wheeling conversation with Tabu. Here’s why. She’s been around for over three decades, having done over 80 films, which would mean, a fair number of post-release rounds of press interviews across news/entertainment media. And yet, it’s incredible how little we know about her. The mystique, aura, whether planned or not, remains. And we can actually begin the chat with the most basic query, on her name. Hence the first question, and similar ones that follow!

Excerpts from the conversation

You’re Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, which is a beautiful name. How and why did you choose to call yourself Tabu in the first place?
It’s my pet name.

Sure, but it’s like Govinda calling himself Chi Chi on screen.
Tabu works though, you think? When I was working on my first film, as a child artiste [in Hum Naujawan, 1985], Dev [Anand] Saab thought Tabu was beautiful too, and that I should adopt it as my screen name, and that just never changed. Nobody had ever called me Tabassum, except for my teachers and school friends. And I came to Bombay right after school.

A common perception is that you started out as an outsider [from Hyderabad] to showbiz, Bombay. Goldie Anand’s wife was your mom’s friend. Shabana Azmi’s your aunt [mum’s first cousin]. You’ve worked with Dev Anand. Shekhar Kapur wished to cast you as a debuting lead [Shekhar himself is Dev Anand’s nephew]. Clearly you’re an insider!
That’s right. I think the impression of me being an ‘outsider’ comes from the fact that I never intended to be in the movies. I showed up here by circumstance, accident, you can say. I went back to school after finishing my first film, and I never wanted to come back.

Were you holidaying in Bombay when you got your first part?
We used to come every summer for our holidays, because my mum’s older brother, Ishaan Arya, was a DoP, he shot Garam Hawa [1973], Bazaar [1982]. I grew up with his sons Sameer and Sagar, we were like siblings. My sister [Farah] and I were at Dev Saab’s office, where he was taking a screen test, and because he thought she was so beautiful, he took her screen test as well. I did the movie. We forgot her screen test. She was 16.

And one day, we got a call from Yash Chopra. He told my mother about wanting to cast my sister [for the film Faasle, 1985], since Dev Saab had showed him her screen test. My mum didn’t know who Yash Chopra was, she checked with my aunt [Shabana], everyone was really excited. This is how my sister and mom moved to Bombay, and I was too attached to Hyderabad and my school, so I stayed back with my aunt for three years. By then my sister had done a thousand films, and become a big star. And due to my sister, there was natural curiosity in the industry if I’d like to act in films too.

Shekhar [Kapur] Uncle saw me, said I had to debut in [his film] Prem, which I said no to. He insisted that I do just this one film, and that he would then send me abroad for further studies. Which never happened. In fact, I did the film, and he ran away [from the project].

Tabu

That was a massive debut.
Yeah, it was huge.

Rather early in your career Gulzar called you a combination of Nutan, Meena Kumari and Nargis! Anyone would fall off their chair hearing that.
(Long pause) I don’t know what to say, I try and see it from the outside, and then hope to do my job well.

And ideally stay from the traps of showbiz?
My life is [in the] showbiz, it isn’t so separate from my work. Yet, regardless of my profession, I would still remain the same person — someone whose internal life, is distinct from the madness outside. And I’ve always been like this, through school, college. It takes me a long time to open up with people, media, work-associates… It’s just a personality type. I don’t have the bandwidth to be out there, be everything, to everyone.

You’re more the ‘board-game night with close friends’ kinda person?
I do that. I essentially like being with people I can laugh a lot with. And people in the movies [unlike in many other professions] generally have a sense of humour. There’s a common thread of jokes that exist in the film industry, with a very specific language.

Tabu

Give us an example.
“‘Cut to’ usne aise bol diya.” “Maine aise bola aur woh ‘stop block’ mein gayab ho gaya!” This is still ’90s, but there are really specific terms. “Arrey yar, yeh toh bahut bada twist aa gaya teri kahani mein!” “Yar, kya ‘game’ kiya usne girlfriend ki life mein!” “Uski band baj gayi…”

What I find amazing is how film critics go gaga analysing your performances, sub-text in your work, etc. But when you’re asked about films that you loved doing, you say Saajan Chale Sasural [1996], Biwi No. 1 [1999], and in a recent interview you said Jaal: The Trap [2003]. Have not even seen Jaal: The Trap, what’s this finest movie you’ve ever made?
(Laughs) Don’t exaggerate, I didn’t say Jaal: The Trap was the finest film ever! I think it was a great role for me to do, back in 2000, so early in my career, nobody had cast me like that. Mere role mein twist aa gaya! You just haven’t seen the movie, and so you don’t know. Didn’t it look like I was having fun in Biwi No. 1?

In Saajan Chale Sasural, the audience had fun, I had fun, the producers made money, it was a fun experience! It was a treat to watch Govinda take a scene to other levels. On paper, it would look like, okay, this is what’s going to happen, and it’s funny. But you would never be able to imagine the flavour Govinda would bring to a scene, turning it into something so tasty. And that’s his forté.

I know someone who hung out with you on the sets of Chandni Bar [2001]. What amazed him is that he’d be chatting with you, you’d go off, do an intense scene, and just come back to continue the chat. Does that switching on-off come naturally to you?
Gulzar Saab also used to say the same thing. Actually, I don’t know, I’ve really not been able to decode the process of acting. I’ve tried. I still don’t think I’d be able to articulate it [the process] into a few lines or paragraph. At all times, there’ve too many factors determining what I was doing, or how I was doing it — the inspirations, people I was surrounded by, what kind of access I had regarding a role.

I also don’t think you can carry around what you’ve given in a shot, because there’s a finish point with ‘cut’, and a beginning with ‘action’. And I don’t know what happens between the ‘action’ and ‘cut’. It’s just in front of the camera, after which the moment is over.

Tabu

Do you rehearse for that moment though?
The lines and movement, of course, you have to rehearse. But I really don’t know what’ll happen in the ‘take’. Even the director might give you different instructions in subsequent takes.I remember Ang [Lee] doing that [for Life Of Pi, 2012]. He would try the same shot with different interpretations to arrive at what he wants from a scene. For different actors, different kinds of briefs work. I don’t know what kind of actor I am. Only someone who’s observed me may be able to answer this. Also I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no right or wrong way of doing anything in life — as people as well, we’re evolving.

In action sequences, you obviously have to rehearse a lot. You can’t just show up and slap someone. Otherwise, sometimes you just lose it when you rehearse a lot, and at other times, you can only get it right once you rehearse a lot.

Tabu

Can you recall a character that you rehearsed extensively for?
You’re taking my exam.

Okay, did you rehearse a lot for Ashima’s role in The Namesake [2006]?
We just had one reading in New York. I got into the film just two weeks before the shoot’s start, which took me by surprise, and I was so not prepared for it. To my advantage, I had already done a film in Bangla [Abar Aranye, 2003], with Gautam [Ghose] Da, which I had dubbed myself. I had a certain understanding of the culture, people, and place — that really helped a lot during The Namesake. I also had a lot of friends to refer to, especially since there was no dubbing involved. The dialect was Bengali accented English specific to someone, who’s lived in New York from 1977-2005!

But The Namesake was an experience that changed a lot in me. There are milestones that you can look back on, and this film would be one of them. I was in America and didn’t know anyone except Irrfan [Khan]. The entire unit was American — no one making any filmy jokes! I lived in an apartment in New York, and the first 10 days were devastating. It was cold, snowing, my sisters were in California and Chicago, and I would call them and cry, because I could not get my favourite brand of corn flakes in the supermarket. I would ask them: How come the tea doesn’t taste like in California? This was my struggle.

Tabu

Those are serious first world problems. We feel sorry for you.
No, I thought it would’ve been better if I could bring my team along. But once we started shoot, came into a routine, it turned out to be the most valuable experience of my life. I made friends. We worked five days a week. I also learnt the way America approaches cinema, acting, style of shooting, contracts. The Screen Actors’ Guild [reps] would come and check on us. I still get residuals from The Namesake, almost twice or thrice a year, in dollars!

Every time we watch The Namesake on TV, something goes in your pocket.
Yes, you are paying me. That’s the way it should be, and I really respect that.

What are the other milestones you can think of?
From the beginning? Then it has to be Maachis [1996], Astitva [2000], Hu Tu Tu [1999], Chandni Bar [2001], and The Namesake, because of geographical exploration. Then Life Of Pi, and Cheeni Kum [2007], in a very nice way.

You’ve said that of all the characters, the one in Cheeni Kum has been the closest to you. What do you mean by that?
That is one character that I can identify with, in the sense that I could be that person.

Means you could fall for Amitabh Bachchan?
Of course. That is why I did the movie! I could totally fall for somebody like that, but has to be exactly like him. I could totally understand my character’s headspace, and I guess that’s why R Balki wrote the film keeping me in mind. Coming back to milestones: Haider [2014], and Maqbool [2003], definitely.

The first milestone for you, one imagines, would be Maachis, and your association with Gulzar. The two of you share a fabulous relationship. How did you first meet?
I still don’t know what made him [Gulzar] cast me in Maachis, and I still ask him that. At the time, my song, Ruk Ruk Ruk [from Vijaypath, 1994] and trailers of Pehla Pehla Pyar were on air — full-on dancing. But he still does not answer my question. It is now that I understand that the director, and the cinematographer, has a completely different perspective on an actor. They have an eye.

Vishal [Bhardwaj] has had the ability to see me in a very different light. I was caught off guard, when he approached me with Maqbool. It was like a drug to feel that someone looks at you like that. He could see the deep layers of madness, sexuality, lust. I felt completely bare with him. With Maqbool and Haider, I saw and met myself in so many different ways than I had ever known.

So Gulzar saw you in the promos of Pehla Pehla Pyar and called you up?
He called up Shabana aunty. I said, of course, I’d give anything to be a part of his film. He’s made films like Mausam [1975] and Angoor [1982] in which his characters are so real, and still they are the leads. So I went to meet him at his house. I always narrate this incident, as it is the strongest memory that I have: So he had a cold, and he kept sniffing into his handkerchief, I went and sat. We both just sat for an hour. And I was thinking, “Kya bolenge yeh mujhe. Main kya jawaab doongi [What’ll he say].” I was completely tongue-tied.

He’s sitting across you, sniffing, and you are just sitting too. I’m sure he must be reading something.
I think he was writing something, and I kept waiting. After an hour, I said, “Achha Gulzar saab.” And he was like, “Achha thik hai.” It was his way of saying that you are doing the film. Two-three days later, he handed me the script, which was such an ‘Oh My God’ moment. It was the first time I was holding a script.

First time holding a script. What are you saying?
Yes, after Prem.

Vijaypath didn’t have a script? They just told you, ‘Aap madam udhar se ayenge, or Ruk Ruk Ruk karenge’?
Aise dance karne ka, aur romace karne ka. I was like, “Yay, very good. Feels nice to dress up. Ajay Devgn is my friend [Laughs]. Outdoor main mazaa karenge [will have fun]. Pehla Pehla Pyar was shot in Switzerland, so I was jumping with joy.

You’re not making this up.
No, I was just too happy to be on sets. Chintuji [Rishi Kapoor] would offer me chocolate. Later he would instruct, “Seedhe khade reh [stand straight]!” But then Gulzaar Saab happened. So he read the script to Chandrachur Singh, and me. I didn’t understand what I was doing in the film. I couldn’t understand anything.

Were you intimidated?
The subject was so heavy, and deeply political, which you would get now. You can figure what the film meant to him, and what it was saying. Gulzaar Saab was obviously there like a father-figure, and he made it feel like a picnic. Then of course, my relationship with Gulzar Saab impacted me the most in life. I found a home in him. He’s somebody completely divorced from the craziness and predictability of the movie industry. He also encouraged me to write. He would give me blank notebooks, and after few months would ask me if the book was over.

What kind of writing?
Observations, encounters, experiences, and I would read to him. And he’d say, “Bohot achhe beta!” That meant everything to me.

In that sense, you’d say Maachis probably turned around how you perceived show-business in the first place. If we see your films before that, you really wanted to go to Switzerland, and have fun.
I still want to go to Switzerland. I think when you experience everything, you can enjoy everything. You can’t do that if you are putting yourself out there for one kind of experience alone. It’s going to exhaust you, and burn you out.

Is that why you take long sabbaticals?
This line is always thrown at me as an accusation. It’s a good thing though. I recommend it.

Is there another sabbatical coming up?
No. There’s so much time between films that I don’t have to consciously take a sabbatical. Anyway, films are so spaced out these days — nobody does 10, five, or even two films at a time.

But you’ve done that. In 1996, if I’m not mistaken, you had eight releases.
Yes, [I was doing] three shifts a day. I once had four releases on the same day. It was crazy, but it was the way it was. Also, you’re much younger and you have much more enthusiasm, and energy, to be everywhere, doing all that a young girl loves — wearing good clothes, romancing, acting.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in showbiz since the time you entered?
Social media. That’s the biggest change.

Can’t imagine you being active on social media.
I’m on Instagram. You don’t have to engage, opine, listen, and it doesn’t take up that much time. Another change is that everything, except the actual shoot, has become a project. It’s not just about the film, or the product anymore. The quality of preparation you put in post-shoot, and everything else, has also come into focus. So you don’t know where your actual energies are getting distributed.

Speaking of distributing energies, there was a time that you took a really long break to learn Spanish. Were you able to master it?
That was over 10 years ago, in 2004. I planned to finish everything in a year-and-half, and not work for a year — just not do movies for some time. But no, I’ve forgotten Spanish. [It’s] Only when I go to California and order food in a restaurant that I get to practice it.

How many languages do you know?
Telugu. I can speak Marathi; little bit of Tamil, and Malayalam. And Bengali, fluently.

For people who love your work, and have only seen your Hindi movies — could you recommend some of your non-Hindi films [a retrospective if you may]?
Ninne Pelladata [1996, Telugu], Kandukondain Kandukondain [2000, Tamil], Iruvar [1997, Tamil], Kaalapani [1996, Malayalam], Rakkilipattu [2007, Malayalam], Andarivaadu [2005, Telugu], Abar Aranye [2003, Bengali].

Audience Questions:

Did you plan how you wish to chalk out your career — follow a serious film with a light-hearted one?
I don’t think my generation of actors was the planning type. Because so much was happening, I was just doing what I wanted to do — sometimes because the money is good, or the role is great. I did Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa [2001], for instance, especially because Raghavendra Rao was making it. That was my second film with him. I consider him my guru. My first film, Coolie No 1, was with him. I learnt stuff from him — that you should have your own house, own money. Be careful with your time. Always be punctual. Do your work, and not think about anything else. He’s taught me so many things about conduct: Always walk properly, dress well, look nice, and beautiful. Sleep on time. Enjoy life. Also he packs up at 5.30 pm, and would take us on picnics in Singapore!

Now we know how you can be cajoled into signing up for a film. Picnic pe chalte hai, picture banayenge!
Shopping karenge. Mall mein jayenge.

I was thinking about Drishyam [2015]. There was such a brilliant shift in your character — you had to be tough, still looking for your missing son.
I must say Drishyam is one of the most difficult characters I have done in recent times. I knew it was difficult for me to crack, because of the conflict in her personalities. She had to be this person [strict cop], and yet the vulnerable mother. And there was a danger of her becoming completely dark and negative. Which of course was not required, because you also have to see the vulnerability. I don’t think I’ve played somebody like her — so strong and correct. As an audience also you’re conflicted between wanting to hate her, but also understanding the pain. I don’t know how I did the role, but it was a journey.

-Transcribed by Mohar Basu, Sonil Dedhia and Sonia Lulla

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Jan 302018
 

Foes turned friends, Shilpa Shinde and Vikas Gupta gathered under one roof to celebrate ‘Bigg Boss 11’ contestant Sabyasachi Satpathy’s birthday

Shilpa Shinde, Puneesh Sharma and Bandgi Kalra
Shilpa Shinde, Puneesh Sharma and Bandgi Kalra at Sabyasachi’s birthday bash. Picture Courtesy: Puneesh’s Instagram account.

Foes turned friends, Shilpa Shinde and Vikas Gupta gathered under one roof to celebrate ‘Bigg Boss 11’ contestant Sabyasachi Satpathy’s birthday. Apart from them, seen at the ‘Bigg Boss’ reunion bash were Puneesh Sharma with his alleged girlfriend Bandgi Kalra. However, Shilpa’s arch-rival, who lost the ‘Bigg Boss’ trophy to Shilpa Shinde, gave the party a miss!

A video from the bash has surfaced online and shows Shilpa and Vikas giving cold shoulder to each other. However, it was in a good humour. They all had a good time at the party.

Sabyasachi had entered the ‘Bigg Boss 11’ house as a neighbour and got evicted after a few episodes. Puneesh was the only commoner who made it till the finale and gave a cut-throat competition to the celebrity contestants, Shilpa, Hina and Vikas. His romance with Bandgi Kalra was the only topic of discussion during his stint inside the most controversial house ever.

Hina was any way spotted partying recently with her gang, Priyank Sharma, Vikas Gupta and boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal. They had shared the pictures on social media.

Here are some pictures and videos from the bash:

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Jan 302018
 

The gorgeous and extremely beautiful Raima Sen, who is predominantly seen in Bengali films, is awaiting the release of her Hindi film, ‘Kuldip Patwal: I didn’t do it’

Raima Sen
Raima Sen speaks about work difference in Bengali films and Hindi cinema. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/raimasen.

The gorgeous and extremely beautiful Raima Sen, who is predominantly seen in Bengali films, is awaiting the release of her Hindi film, ‘Kuldip Patwal: I didn’t do it’. The 38-year-old actress is a talented actress and considers film sets her home. With films such as ‘Parineeta’ and ‘Chokher Bali’, she has carved a niche for herself. With her exotic looks and beauty, she is here to conquer the hearts of many! With a soft voice on the other side of the cellular phone, Raima shared some unknown facets of her professional and personal life with mid-day online.

Excerpts from the interview:

How was your experience shooting for the film ‘Kuldip Patwal: I didn’t do it’. Aren’t such roles taxing enough?
It was a thrilling experience. Since the entire film has been shot in the courtroom, the film’s director (Remy Kohli) had strictly asked us to stay at the location from morning 7 am till 7 pm. It did not matter if you are shooting or not, one has to be present on the set and watch out for the entire shoot.

Any particular reason behind it?

That’s because everyone right from Deepak Dobriyal, Gulshan Devaiah, and others they are all from the theatre background. So, maybe that’s their method of getting into the character. It was a wonderful experience working with them.

What attracted you towards the script?
The fact that I would get to play a lawyer was in itself appealing. I have never played a lawyer and I always wanted to do such a role.

What is the difference shooting for Bengali films and Hindi films?
There’s no difference when it comes to the shooting process. I have always been on the sets and would always go on the sets with my mother (Moon Moon Sen) for shooting. I have grown on the sets there (Kolkata). It feels home, where we all gather in one vanity van and have tea, snacks together. There’s a homely feeling, whereas, in Mumbai, it’s very professional. You just sit alone in your own vanity van. I’ve done Parineeta but I had Shoojit Sircar (film’s director, who is Bengali), then ‘Honeymoon Travels’ we shot in Goa, ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’ we shot in Mount Abu. So, when we are shooting outstation, the entire crew gets together.

What have been your best works till date?
It has to be ‘Chokher Bali’ (Bengali film). The film has been my life’s turning point and has changed my life completely. So, this is one film that will always have a special space in my heart.

Is it a deliberate choice of doing more of regional films than Hindi cinema?
In Kolkata here, the roles that I’m approached with are based on real-life stories and as a protagonist. I have worked and is working with some of the best directors here. When I’m getting good offers here and the best of everything why should I compromise with little and feel frustrated? In Hindi cinema, if I get offers of doing five films, out of those five, I might say yes to two because it is meant for me and will go ahead. But the other three are just not appealing.

If not an actor, what would you be?
I’m still figuring that!

Well, in one of its first, you and Riya have been right there in the industry with your maternal surname. Hats off for that but was it a conscious decision?
So, it was during my first film ‘Godmother’, my director (Vinay Shukla) said that your passport, pan card, and all other official documents have your dad’s name ‘Bharat Dev Barma’. Do you want to continue with it? Since my mother and grandmother were already established and renowned with the surname ‘Sen’, he suggested that we go ahead with Sen and it really worked for us.

How does it feel when one says that you resemble your grandmother Suchitra Sen?
It feels great because even now when I go out, people want to come and just touch my hand because I look like my grandmom, Suchitra Sen. She is still such a living legend.

What kind of a relationship do you share with sister Riya Sen?
We are best friends but she has mostly lived in Mumbai and I have been here in Kolkata. And now that she is married, she is settled in Delhi. However, we take each other’s advice before doing anything.

What do you have to say about the online trolls? Do you think the trolls are crossing the line in every manner?
This is a part and parcel of life. One has to live with it because if you are a public figure then you will constantly be in the public glare.

Has Raima found the love of her life?
Not yet, even I am waiting. And ever since, Riya has got married, everyone keeps asking me when I am getting married. It’s not about only getting married; it’s about finding a perfect person. So, I’m waiting for my Prince charming to just come and take me away.

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Jan 302018
 

Anushka Sharma’s picture from her upcoming film ‘Sui Dhaaga’ is going viral. The actress sans make-up looks like an eternal beauty in the blue coloured printed saree and hair tied in a loose bun

Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma on the sets of ‘Sui Dhaaga’. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/Anushka Sharma fan club.

Anushka Sharma‘s picture from her upcoming film ‘Sui Dhaaga’ is going viral. The actress sans make-up looks like an eternal beauty in the blue coloured printed saree and hair tied in a loose bun. She looks deeply engrossed in her thoughts while walking out of the set. On Monday, the ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ actress had posted an image of her preparations from the film and wrote, “Katran Se Buni Kahaani, Paiband Laga Ke Hai Sunani – Sui Dhaaga (sic).”

à¤ÂÂ?तरन सà¥ÂÂ? बà¥Âनà¥ÂÂ? à¤ÂÂ?हानà¥ÂÂ?
पà¥ÂÂ?बà¤ÂÂ?द लà¤ÂÂ?ा à¤ÂÂ?à¥ÂÂ? हà¥ÂÂ? सà¥Âनानà¥ÂÂ?
– सà¥Âà¤ÂÂ? धाà¤ÂÂ?ा@SuiDhaagaFilm | @yrf | #SuiDhaaga | @Varun_dvnpic.twitter.com/9YTCmiNMX8

— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma)
January 29, 2018

Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma are set to collaborate for the first time in Yash Raj Films’ new production ‘Sui Dhaaga- Made in India’. The film will be directed by Sharat Katariya, who has previously helmed YRF’s ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’, while Maneesh Sharma will produce the project.

“From Gandhiji to Modiji (Narendra Modi), our country’s leaders have always endorsed the mantra of Made in India. With ‘Sui Dhaaga’ I am proud to take their message to millions of movie lovers in a manner that is entertaining and relevant.

“I really liked the script Sharat had written and I am happy that I am teaming up with YRF on this movie. Anushka and me are teaming up for the first time so I am sure there will be fireworks,” said Varun. While Anushka is excited to work on a unique story that has “human interest” angle.

“It is a story of self-reliance that I believe will connect to the grassroots level with every Indian.” Sharat, who has worked with Maneesh on “Dum Laga Ke…” said, “Finally, we have a story worth telling. It’s a great feeling to begin again. There is excitement mixed with nervousness. There is joy of reuniting with old friends and new collaborators.”

‘Sui Dhaaga- Made in India’ went on floors this month and will hit the theatres on Gandhi Jayanti 2018.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Jan 302018
 

Everyone knows Christian Bale is an extremely dedicated person. No matter what he does, he gives it his all, and then some. But, let’s start a new conspiracy theory – Christian Bale is not even a human being, he’s just a shapeshifter. Actually, I’m pretty sure this theory already exists but let’s just take a minute and review all the evidence, because come on, someone who can do this is not real, he can’t be. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney© Twitter

So, let the investigation begin. 

In 2000, he bulked up to play killer perfectionist Patrick Bateman in ‘American Psycho’. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney

But, then in a few years, he undid all the hard work he put in to achieve that enviable physique by putting in more work to shed a ton of weight for ‘The Machinist’ in 2004. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney

It looks so scary, honestly. His famous skeletal frame for this movie was achieved through a diet of “water, an apple and one cup of coffee per day, with the occasional whiskey.” Apparently after losing about 30kgs, he wanted to go even further, but producers had to stop him because he could have died.

Okay, this could be believable, but then, in just 6 short months he looked like this to play the lead role in ‘Batman Begins’. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney

Like, do you really expect me to believe that no supernatural power wasn’t involved in this? 

Apparently, he achieved this with a high-protein diet and regime involving heavy-core, plyometrics and resistance training, and packed on a whopping 45kgs, only for Christopher Nolan to turn around and tell him to lose about 10 because he got a bit too fat. But, the whole working out so much is just a cover story, right? Changing how he looks shouldn’t have been a problem for him as it is. 

Because the next big transformation was of a crackhead for ‘The Fighter’ in 2010. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney© Paramount Pictures

Who is this guy? He doesn’t look like Christian Bale one bit. 

Now, let’s bring out the big guns. For ‘American Hustle’ in 2013, he gained a ton of weight and made everyone question that how was this guy ever Batman. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney© Columbia Pictures

He claims that he achieved this by gorging on an endless amount of junk food, but you’re not fooling us, Christian. 

And, now the last bit of evidence in this very serious investigation. 

A few months ago, he debuted his latest look where he looked so unrecognizable while preparing to portray former US Vice President Dick Cheney in an up-coming bio pic ‘Basketcase’. 

Christian Bale's Most Insane Transformations – From Batman To Dick Cheney© Twitter

Apparently, the actor credits his transformation to ‘eating a lot of pies’. 

I think this is enough proof for now that this guy is definitely not human. Christian, we’re on to you.

Jan 302018
 

Malaika Arora and Kareena Kapoor Khan know to party in style. Bollywood’s popular girl-gang, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Karisma Kapoor are headed to Goa to ring in Amrita Arora’s 40th birthday

amrita arora birthday

Malaika Arora and Kareena Kapoor Khan know to party in style. Bollywood’s popular girl-gang, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Karisma Kapoor are headed to Goa to ring in Amrita Arora’s 40th birthday. The group also included Saif Ali Khan, Seema Khan, Natasha Poonawalla and make-up artist Pankti Bhatt. Malaika has shared the pics of the group taking a chartered flight to Goa to ring in Amrita’s birthday. 

Usually Amrita Arora flies off to London or Bali with her husband Shakeel Ladak, but this time her best pal Kareena decided to surprise her with a bash. According to a report in Pinkvilla, “Amu is very disappointed that her girl gang didn’t come to celebrate her birthday. However she is happy that Arbaaz Khan, Amu and Malaika’s parents, Joyce and Anil Arora and Amu’s children Rayaan and Azaan, will be there to bring it in.” They flew in today afternoon after the girl gang landed in Goa. Kareena and the rest have taken a couple of days off from their work commitments to bring in Amrita’s birthday. When Amrita opened her door and saw her girls she screamed in excitement and joy. Its her 40th birthday and a very important milestone for her. On her birthdays usually she and Shakeel fly to London or Bali to celebrate as she loves the places but this time her girls wanted to make it more special for her. The birthday plan was designed by Amu’s bestie Kareena and her sister Malaika. They kept it a secret so Amrita had no clue that they were coming. In fact, when she asked them if they were coming they all said they were very busy.”

 They will all be staying at Amrita and Shakeel’s house on Anjuna beach. Amrita flew in to Goa on Monday morning. Kareena has even picked up Amrita’s favorite chocolate cake from Mumbai which they plan to cut tonight.

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Jan 302018
 

Kumar to pull off high-octane sequences involving sword fighting, Gatka and artillery for Kesari’s elaborate two-month Wai schedule

Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar

With his recent outings edging towards social issues, fans of Akshay Kumar have missed watching him pack in a punch on screen. Fortunately, they will be treated to his bravado yet again in Kesari, which will see the actor slip into the role of Havildar Ishar Singh, the leader of the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi. The Khiladi has often put his martial arts skill on display for cinephiles, but he will now be seen pulling off fight sequences involving traditional artillery, sword fighting and Gatka.

The unit of the Kumar and Karan Johar co-production has already set base in the picturesque Wai, Satara, where the large forts of Saragarhi and Gulistan can be recreated. A source reveals that the schedule is crucial, given that filming the action sequences before summer arrives is essential. Talking about the Lawrence Woodward-choreographed stunts, the source adds, “The war sequences are currently being designed. Most of them will feature Akshay, so the action is being created while keeping his physicality in mind. The fight sequences primarily involve the use of traditional artillery. Although the hand-to-hand combat scenes are few, the team is contemplating roping in pehelwans from the akharas of Punjab to lend authenticity. Their presence on set will also ensure that Akshay’s demeanour is aligned with his character.”

Akshay Kumar in Kesari
Akshay Kumar in Kesari

Professional Gatka trainers, says the source, are also being appointed to train Kumar in the form. “Since it is the oldest form of self-defence that Sikhs resorted to, it is fitting that the makers showcase it in the film. Akshay has allotted 15 days for training. It involves the use of wooden sticks. It will be mixed with sword fighting,” says the source, adding that a unique pressure point striking technique is also being included in the film. “The team is also sourcing Indian weaponry like gandasas and bhujs for the elaborate scenes.”

While the actor can pull off stunts with panache, the source suggests that replicating ease in traditional action methods is difficult. “Further, the scenes also involve the use of heavy costumes, which can make them difficult to pull off. Wai offers the space that a shoot of this nature requires. The set is currently being created.”
Kumar will join the unit after wrapping up promotional work for his upcoming film, Pad Man, in mid-February. He will be stationed in the mountainous region for two months to wrap up shooting in a start-to-finish schedule.

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Jan 302018
 

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Jan 302018
 

It is safe to say that out of the new crop of Bollywood’s young actors, Sushant Singh Rajput is one person who experiments with his versatility a lot more than others. He wowed the audience with his brilliant acting in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni biopic and gained a massive fan following, courtesy his killer workout and transformation videos on Instagram.

Training video of #Raabta preparations in Bangkok. Hope you guys enjoy it..!! P.s this is a training video and is not the climax of the film:)

A post shared by Sushant Singh Rajput (@sushantsinghrajput) on May 15, 2017 at 3:04am PDT

Then came his dramatic makeover for ‘Raabta’. 

He was the best they knew. His Story , next Friday.!! #Jilaan #Raabta

A post shared by Sushant Singh Rajput (@sushantsinghrajput) on Jun 3, 2017 at 1:39am PDT

The man with many talents is now all set to impress us all in his upcoming movie ‘Sonchiriya’ where he will be seen as a fierce dacoit from Chambal. The first look came out today and by the looks of it, we see no reason why he won’t work his way up with that versatility ladder.

#Sonchiriya #सोन चिरैया #Abhishekchaubey #RSVPMovies @psbhumi #ManojBajpayee #RanvirShorey #AshutoshRana

A post shared by Sushant Singh Rajput (@sushantsinghrajput) on Jan 29, 2018 at 8:22pm PST

The film is being directed by Abhishek Choubey who has already proved his mettle with ‘Udta Punjab’ and the movie also stars Manoj Bajpayee and Bhumi Pednekar. Sushant’s first look is garnering major positive reactions on social media and people are loving it.

Whoa! This looks exciting..can’t wait..time for another power packed performance…@itsSSR @psbhumi#SushantSinghRajput #Chambal https://t.co/eWOEI3I5Hx

— Ashutosh Singh (@iamashu17) January 30, 2018

Epic look, this guy is pure Desi.?���#Sonchiriya#SushantSinghRajput @itsSSR pic.twitter.com/PcDGFFzVEn

— Samir Chalan (@ImSamir10) January 30, 2018

Sushant’s kitty is currently overflowing with movies. His next project is ‘Kedarnath’ opposite Sara Ali Khan, and has another flick lined up with Jacqueline Fernandez. Looks like this is going to be an eventful year for him and we are looking forward to it.