Thursday, October 15, 2015

Ranveer Singh moves closer to Deepika Padukone


Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
Has Ranveer Singh bought an apartment near ladylove Deepika Padukone’s home in Prabhadevi?
If the buzz doing the rounds is to be believed, Ranveer has acquired a house in the same residential complex as Deepika, but in another wing of the skyscraper.
The couple has also been spotted working out in the gym together. They prefer to keep mum about their relationship, so don’t expect any admission.
But this move brings Ranveer closer to Dippy. Literally.

B-Town filmmakers pick their favourites for MAMI Mumbai Film Festival


In the run-up to the 17th MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, we ask filmmakers to list a movie for which they are keeping their diaries empty
Exciting times await cinema lovers. The 17th Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) Mumbai Film Festival kicks off on October 28. The event, which struggled to find financial support last year, is expected to be bigger and better this time round.
Rajkummar Rao (left) and Manoj Bajpayee in a still from Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh, which received a standing ovation at the Busan International Film Festival, and more recently, the London Film Festival
Rajkummar Rao (left) and Manoj Bajpayee in a still from Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh, which received a standing ovation at the Busan International Film Festival, and more recently, the London Film Festival
This edition will screen of 160 films across various genres and languages. They have been categorised under World Cinema, India Gold, Mumbai Dimensions, Restored Classics, Half Ticket and Experimental Cinema.
A still from Sri Lankan refugee drama Dheepan, which won Palme d’Or, highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival 2015. It was helmed by French director Jacques Audiard
A still from Sri Lankan refugee drama Dheepan, which won Palme d’Or, highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival 2015. It was helmed by French director Jacques Audiard
A host of film personalities are expected to be part of the eight-day fest, with Amitabh Bachchan and Kangana Ranaut likely to attend the opening day.
With less than a fortnight to go for MAMI, hitlist asks a few filmmakers to name the movie that they want a glimpse of...
Kushan Nandy
Kushan Nandy

My pick: Mountain May Depart, Dheepan, Taxi and Haramkhor
Why: The director of 88 Antop Hill (2003) and Hum Dum (2005) seems spoilt for choice. Although he wants to watch as many films as possible, his top choices include Mountain May Depart, Dheepan, Taxi and Haramkhor. “Jia Zhangke’s Mountain May Depart seems interesting because the filmmaker gave us the murky and vicious A Touch of Sin, also showcased in MAMI a couple of years ago. Set in China and Australia, this film (Mountain May Depart) has a non-linear narrative and is probably Zhangke’s most ambitious film and hence, promises to be an intriguing watch. Dheepan, Taxi and Shlok Sharma’s Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Haramkhor might also be films worth waiting for,” says Kushan.
Anand L Rai
Anand L Rai

My pick: Dheepan and Aligarh
Why: The Tanu Weds Manu director is eagerly awaiting the screening of Tamil-French drama, Dheepan, which travelled to various film festivals and also won an award at Cannes 2015. “I heard about the film long ago and now that the film will be shown at this festival, I am hoping to catch it. I also want to watch Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh. It is a delicate subject. I want to know how an Indian director has handled it,” says Anand.
Meghna Gulzar
Meghna Gulzar

My pick: Aligarh
Why: Her recently released film, Talvar, based on the Noida double murder case, garnered appreciation from the audience and critics alike. While the filmmaker wants to watch multiple films at the fest, she has Aligarh on her must-watch list. “There are several films I’d like too see, but Aligarh is an urgent favourite. Hansal Mehta is a perfectionist in biographical stories of everyday, unsung characters,” says Meghna.
Shyam Benegal
Shyam Benegal

My pick: Aligarh
Why: One of the most revered directors of the Hindi film industry, Benegal has thsi year’s opening film Aligarh on his wishlist. “I haven’t seen the film and I know Hansal (Mehta) is a talented director. I am hopeful that this film is also as good or even better than his previous works,” he says.
Neeraj Ghaywan
Neeraj Ghaywan

My pick: Dheepan
Why: The director rose to fame with his award-winning debut film, Masaan, is also looking forward to Dheepan, which was apparently partly inspired by Montesquieu’s Persian Letters. “I love director Jacques Audiard’s films and have followed his filmography closely. I am extremely keen to see him direct a story relatively alien to his world,” says Neeraj.
Amole Gupte
Amole Gupte

My pick: Youth
Why: I am eager to watch Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth. I loved The Great Beauty (2013) by the same filmmaker and have been waiting to watch his next for long. Every minute is a long wait.
Buzz has it
Dhanush, who won the National Award for Best Actor in 2010 for Tamil film Aadukalam, was apparently approached for Dheepan directed by Jacques Andiard.
Dhanush
The French director’s film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this year. However, Dhanush could not take up the project owing to prior commitments, says a source, adding, “The makers of Dheepan had considered him for a role. He had read the script and liked it. But, since he had a few other work commitments, he could not sign the film.”

Sushant Singh Rajput to attend an event for bike enthusiasts?

Bike enthusiast Sushant Singh Rajput has been approached to be part of an event that draws bike aficionados from across the globe to India.

Sushant Singh Rajput
Sushant Singh Rajput
The actor who understands the technical aspects of bikes owing to his engineering background has recently bought himself a BMW K1300R.
The bike was on his wishlist ever since he saw Tom Cruise ride a superbike in 'Mission Impossible 2'. Since he is currently shooting for the Dhoni biopic, Sushant is trying to juggle the dates to attend the event.

Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter Navya is all set to enter the glamour world!

Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli is seeing a different kind of launch into the glamour world.

Navya Naveli Nanda with mother Shweta Bachchan Nanda
Navya Naveli Nanda with mother Shweta Bachchan Nanda
Shweta Bachchan Nanda’s daughter will be part of Parisian high society at the Le Bal des Débutantes ball, a fashion event held annually that brings together 25 girls aged 16 to 22.
Navya has been taking dance lessons, going through gown fittings and learning how to walk in high heels for the event slated for next month.

Parineeti Chopra: I am not a feminist

Actress Parineeti Chopra, the brand ambassador for Haryana's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao' campaign, says she is not a "feminist" but strongly voices for gender equality.

Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra
The 26-year-old actress said she would like to be seen as a role model rather than a "feminist".
When asked if her understanding on women issues developed more after joining films, she said, "I am very often confused to be a feminist but I am not. I am really not.
Coming into Bollywood, I think definitely it has made me stronger and more responsible.
"I do feel proud of my gender, of being a woman. I do speak against gender inequality. I am the brand ambassador for Haryana's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao' campaign. And I think it is very important for me personally to strive for equality, especially the industry that I come from," said the actress, who was in the city today.
The "Ishaqzaade" star feels her entry in Bollywood has reaffirmed her belief in gender equality and that there is a need in the society to fill gaps of inequality among men and women.
"Now, I understand and accept that anything that I do, could and I hope should inspire young girls. Now, I am very particular about what I say or do. If that makes me half a feminist, then that's okay. I want girls to be treated the way men are. Somewhere we lack that in our country. So, I do want to be a role model but not a feminist," she added.

'Bigg Boss 9': Are Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary the new lovebirds?

In yesterday's episode of 'Bigg Boss 9' (Day 3), Prince Narula was seen flirting with Yuvika Chaudhary. Has Prince finally found his 'princess'? Will Prince and Yuvika be the new lovebirds of 'Bigg Boss 9'? Watch the video to find out!


Indie music scene propels Vikas Bhalla to come back to music

He became an instant hit with his single "Hai dhuan", tried his luck on the big screen before navigating his way into television. Actor-musician Vikas Bhalla says with the independent music flourishing at its own rhythm in India he is planning to revive his career as a musician, and is even ready with a new single.

Vikas Bhalla
Vikas Bhalla
He is also eager to make a come back in Bollywood. Vikas has come on board for a reality TV show 'Bigg Boss Nau', and noted that he will release his new single when he comes out of the 'Bigg Boss' house.
"I released a single in late 1990s and it did quite well making me popular. With independent music culture making a comeback, I'm planning to release new music. I hope 'Bigg Boss' acts as a stepping stone for my comeback into music. I will release a single when I come out of the house," Vikas told IANS over phone from Lonavla before entering the 'Bigg Boss’ house.
He added that though the song is ready, he can't divulge any other details.
Vikas has entered the reality show, in which celebrities have to live in an isolated house for about three months sans any luxury. The 'double trouble' ninth season, which is hosted by Bollywood’s superstar Salman Khan, went on air on Sunday on Colors channel.
Vikas, a trained singer, started his acting career way back in 1996 with "Sauda", but shifted to the small screen soon after a few of his films failed to make it big. But lady luck smiled at his television career as shows like "Sanjog Se Bani Sanjini" and "Shanno Ki Shaadi" earned him a lot of popularity.
The actor said: "I would love to comeback in movies. The type of movies, which were made then was very different. I would like to do some good movies. And I hope my stint in 'Bigg Boss' works in that aspect."
The reality show has earned a notorious reputation for its controversies and constant brickbats. Vikas notes that the proposal to be a part of the show left him shocked as well.
"I'm not a controversial person at all and when they offered me I was wondering why me. So, I said yes to get an answer to this why," said the father of two.
Vikas is jittery about his temper issues as he says "I'm scared and hope I don't say anything wrong to anyone. I get angry when rubbed wrong way".

Keith Sequeira hopes 'Bigg Boss 9' strengthens bond with girlfriend

Some find love, while some drift apart in their bumpy journey of 'Bigg Boss Nau'. Actor Keith Sequeira, who has entered the ninth season of the popular reality TV show with his girlfriend Rochelle Rao, hopes they come out of the house with a stronger bond.

Keith Sequeira and Rochelle Rao
Keith Sequeira and Rochelle Rao
"I don't have a straight answer on how the show will affect our relationship. But I would like to come out stronger. We will face tough situations from time to time and hope to deal with it and come out stronger," Keith told IANS over phone from Lonavla before entering the ‘Bigg Boss’ house.
After being friends for over a year, they are dating each other since the last three months.
Keith is one of the 13 contestants of "Bigg Boss Nau" along with Rochelle, Ankit Gera, Prince to name a few. With the theme "double trouble", the show is hosted by Salman Khan and went on air on Sunday on Colors channel.
The show, which is known for its twists and turns, spells double trouble for contestants as they are sent in pairs and challenges are thrown in front of them to test their patience and compatibility as a 'jodi' (pair).
Keith said that the show ended his search for "something different" and "unique".
Celebrities enter the house of the Indian version of international series “Celebrity Big Brother”, with no access to the outside world and technology for over three months.
Keith, also known as a host of music shows, pointed out three 'F's' that he will miss.
"Family, friends and freedom are the three Fs I will miss the most. And then comes phone," he said.

Emma Watson, Bradley Cooper applaud Jennifer Lawrence's letter on pay inequality

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence's essay criticising the gender pay gap in Hollywood has been applauded by several actors including Emma Watson, Elizabeth Banks and her "American Hustle" co-star Bradley Cooper.


Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Pic/Santa Banta
Lawrence, 25, has finally opened up about the hacked Sony emails that revealed she was paid less than her male co-stars, in the piece that she wrote for friend Lena Dunham's 'Lenny Letter' newsletter.
"There's a double standard in the whole world for sure. This is just one aspect," Cooper said. "So anytime there's a place where a voice can come out and be outspoken, that's great. I love strong women. I think it is making a difference," he added.
Cooper's co-star in "Burnt", Sienna Miller, supported Lawrence and called for strong action. She recalled the time she declined a Broadway role after discovering her pay would be half to her male complement.
"Ultimately, I think it's about valuing yourself enough to know that if you walk into that situation, I wouldn't have felt dignified. I would have felt, in some ways, unhappy. I think we all have to just really start standing up for ourselves."
Watson showed her love for Lawrence on Twitter. "O Jennifer Lawrence I love you so," she tweeted. "I love Jennifer Lawrence," posted Banks.
"Yessssssss! Get it girl," wrote Jessica Chastain alongside an excerpt from Lawrence's piece, "I am over trying to find the 'adorable' way to state my opinion and still be likable."