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Category: Hindi

  • Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival announces partnership with Collective Artists Network Big Bang Social

    Mumbai: Dadasaheb Phalke international film festival has announced its partnership with Collective Artists Networks Big Bang Social, India’s creator marketplace for its annual award ceremony to pay tribute to the stalwarts of the entertainment and film Industry in India. The occasion will celebrate the heritage of Indian cinema in commemoration of the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke.

    Big Bang Social was established with the intent to streamline India’s largely unorganised creator economy using a tech-first approach. The platform aims to fill need gaps like finding the right creators, gathering data, measurement and analytics, that currently exist in the industry, by bringing creators and marketers together with the ease of swift discovery, transparent costs and real-time connection with the relevant parameters for an effective brand campaign.

    Speaking of the association, Collective Artists Network founder & group CEO Vijay Subramaniam said, “We have always been committed to representing the very best of pop culture and we’re very happy to partner with a festival dedicated to cinematic excellence. We appreciate the efforts by DPIFF to celebrate the languages, cultures, and art forms of our country, and we look forward to inspiring and contributing to the cultural and artistic richness of our nation for many years to come.”

    Big Bang Social business head Anurag Iyer commented, “Big Bang Social strives to bring true creative and commercial value to the creator market and we are honored to partner with the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023. This is an incredible way to celebrate and amplify the message of great cinema and highlight the synergies of creator and culture.”

    Collective Artists Network is a multi-faceted content powerhouse with unparalleled access to India’s leading creators across categories. In cinema, OTT, television, music, sports, digital and regional, they exclusively represent the largest portfolio of creators across actors, script-writers, sportspersons, directors, producers, singers, composers, comedians, digital stars, authors and more.

    DPIFF 2023 has endeavored to embark on a journey through the annals of the silver screen, aiming to highlight the theme of Cinematic Tourism. The prestigious platform plans to honor the diversity of India with an evening of revelry that will feature cultural splendor from all corners of the nation, while saluting the spectacular storytellers of the land. The ceremony will be attended by governors, ministers, celebrities and other important dignitaries.

    DPIFF CEO, Abhishek Mishra expressed, “We are thrilled to associate with Big Bang Social as the official Creator Partner for DPIFF 2023. Big Bang social is a perfect partner for DPIFF as the company has been known for its wide network of homegrown creators which has engaged a diverse range of audiences. The fresh crop of creators that have emerged is an appropriate representation of New India. Similarly, DPIFF has always worked towards promoting homegrown talent and now with the support of a like minded associate like Big Bang Social we hope to make the impact we have always dreamt of.”

  • Six binge-worthy shows that you just cannot miss!

    Mumbai: The year 2023 is here with a bang! With several promising web shows for both kids and adults, The OTT platforms are brimming with content. But to save you from the trouble of scrolling through a plethora of content to land on one particular show, we have curated a list of binge-worthy shows that you just can’t stop watching.

    Cla$$ on Netflix

    CLA$$ is the official India-based adaptation of the Spanish thriller series Elite, executive-produced and directed by Ashim Ahluwalia. This adaptation by Ahluwalia is set in contemporary New Delhi and is a grimier, more realistic and socially-charged take. Produced by Future East Film (Ashim Ahluwalia and Niharika Singh) in association with Bodhi Tree and adapted by Ashim Ahluwalia, CLA$$ explores the rise of the Indian rich and a world of extreme disparity, following the students through their struggles with sex, drugs, religious difference, homophobia, trauma, friendship and love. Cla$$ Has opened to great reviews both in India and abroad with positive word of mouth since its release.

    Farzi on Amazon Prime

    Shahid Kapoor embarks on his OTT debut with the series called Farzi. Produced by D2R Films, Farzi is a web series created and directed by Raj & DK, Family Man fame. Farzi depicts an artist who gets pulled into the shady high stakes of a con job and a fiery task force officer on the mission to rid the country of his menaces in a fast-paced, edgy, thriller.

    Shrinking on Apple TV

    Shrinking was created by Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) writer and star Jason Segel and Ted Lasso, and writers Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein. This ten-episode comedy series follows Jason Segel himself as a therapist currently going through his mental health issues and trauma who gives his patients a straightforward approach to psychiatric care. This series was produced by 3 Chance Productions, Corporate Mandate, Doozer Productions and Warner Bros. Television

    Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur on Disney+ Hotstar

    Marvel’s new animated series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur follows the adventures of teenage super genius and superhero Lunella Lafayette and her giant, fire-breathing T. Rex buddy Devil Dinosaur. The two not only have to spend nights and weekends fighting crime but during the day Lunella has to deal with school, homework, and of course friends. This fun and adventurous show is produced by Disney Television Animation, Marvel Animation

    Titmouse and Cinema Gypsy Productions.

    Trial By Fire on Netflix

    Produced by Endemol Shine India and House of Talkies, Trial by Fire is a gripping series based on the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy, which has a piercingly raw narrative. It is a Netflix series created by Prashant Nair and Randeep Jha. it details this real-life tragedy that turns into a fight between people and the system, which refuses to take the blame.

    You Season 4 on Netflix

    If you haven’t watched the first three seasons of the show it’s not too late! Produced by Berlanti Productions, Alloy Entertainment and A+E Studios in association with  Warner Bros. this eerie thriller has been a fan favourite and the audience is excited about its upcoming 4th season. Based on the teaser, Joe is now in London under a new identity. He now goes by Professor Jonathan Moore and is trying to blend into the crowd but knowing Joe, we can never be too sure.

  • Ektaa & Shobha Kapoor step down as heads of Alt Balaji

    Mumbai : Alt Balaji has officially announced that Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor have stepped down from their positions as the heads of the company. 

    “While the process of stepping down started last year, Alt Balaji now has a new team to take over. This decision is a strategic one to focus on other ventures. The company is pleased to announce that Vivek Koka has been appointed as the new Chief Business Officer of Alt Balaji”, said the company 

    “Under Koka’s leadership, Alt Balaji aims to follow their footsteps and continue its strong track record of delivering high-quality, original content to its audiences,” added the company.

    The company has also launched its new identity with a dynamic new logo. The new logo represents the company’s commitment to providing its customers with exceptional experiences and entertainment.

    According to the company, the new logo is a part of a larger rebranding effort that aims to better connect its image with its core beliefs and goal. The new logo for Altt represents its commitment to offering its clients fresh and interesting digital content.

    On the appointment, Koka said, “Alt has been a pioneer in the Indian OTT space and has entertained audiences across the country. With success and adulation comes the responsibility of staying true to the consumers’ expectations. It is a great time for me to be associated with the brand and to be a part of this journey.”

  • Anurag Basu announces to produce Ravindra Kaushik’s biopic ‘The Black Tiger’

    Mumbai: The official Biopic of Ravindra Kaushik’s ‘The Black Tiger ’, will be helmed by director Anurag Basu. Ravindra Kaushik was just 20 when he first went undercover for RAW. Kaushik is regarded to be India’s best spy thus far for his incredible success in penetrating the highest ranks of the Pakistani Army, thereby receiving the moniker “The Black Tiger” from the then prime minister of India, Ms. Indira Gandhi. His intuitive and timely reporting of critical information ensured that Indian security forces, between 1974 to 1983, were constantly steps ahead of any move Pakistan was planning to make.  

    Indian spy thriller films are becoming increasingly popular in the film industry. These movies are so well-liked by the audience because of the gripping stories, incredible action, and brilliant representation of all of it. There are a ton of  spy thrillers that the public enjoys .

    Director Anurag Basu comments on the biopic- “Ravindra Kaushik’s story is that of courage and valour. At the young age of 20 years, he played a pivotal role in many national and international security matters of the 70s and 80s that went on to define India’s as well as South Asia’s geo-political character. So much of our history is either hidden or forgotten… We ought to recognise and learn about this unsung hero.”

    The family also has consented to the biopic and is supporting the makers by sharing all the information in addition to the story from their lens as well. Ravindra Kaushik’s biopic is produced by Anurag Basu, R Vivek, Asvin Srivatsangam and Divay Dhamija.

  • Shemaroo taps Polygon for new officially licensed movie NFT marketplace

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment has teamed up with Polygon Labs, the development and growth team for the decentralised Polygon protocol. They will launch Virtasy.io.

    This is a new non fungible token (NFT) marketplace where Bollywood aficionados can gain access to an exclusive community. In partnership with Polygon Labs, Shemaroo aims to democratise cinema by bringing Bollywood and art onto its marketplace, connecting fans with IPs through the power of blockchain technology.

    At launch, Shemaroo’s Virtasy marketplace will list NFTs related to Bollywood films such as images, movie clips, 3D and metaverse ready avatars. Owners of these NFTs will be able to take their favourite Bollywood characters into the metaverse, be a part of memorable cinematic journeys and build a collection of their own precious moments in an imperishable art form. Virtasy’s community centric platform enables its users to become collectors who can also earn and receive exciting monetary rewards along with added community engagements.

    Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada said, “Pre empting how web 3.0 is going to impact the entertainment industry and to be future ready, Shemaroo has chalked out its roadmap in this space, and the launch of Virtasy is a major step in that direction. I am confident that by leveraging the full suite of Polygon’s innovative solutions, tools, and frameworks, we will intertwine cutting edge modern technology with the vast popularity of iconic Bollywood movies and reach fans all around the world.” 

    Polygon Studios VP, global head of entertainment Kelly DiGregorio said, “Polygon Labs remains committed to transforming the NFT space and making it easily accessible to the thriving entertainment and art sector in India. We are delighted to now be associated with Shemaroo, a name synonymous with Bollywood. Together, I am confident we will be able to connect NFTs to a loyal and enthusiastic audience.”

    By leveraging Polygon’s next gen scaling platform, Shemaroo will be able to offer its users access to cost efficient and lightning fast transactions while retaining Ethereum’s security and decentralisation. Further, the Polygon network has a carbon neutral status with plans to go fully carbon negative in the near future.
    Shemaroo has also partnered with other established industry players to bring Virtasy to the public. Notably, the entertainment veteran has partnered up with Seracle, a Web 3.0 full stack infrastructure company, building decentralised applications globally. Virtasy.io will initially be open to the public during an early access period. Users will be able to register on the website with their email in order to stay updated on the launch of NFT minting, which will begin shortly.

  • Hindi cinema must ensure its reach in dubbed market by appealing to larger audiences with relevant stories: Shibashish Sarkar

    Hindi cinema must ensure its reach in dubbed market by appealing to larger audiences with relevant stories: Shibashish Sarkar

    Mumbai: A panel discussion was held on the “Future of Cinema Distribution in India and Worldwide” on day three of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival in Mumbai. The session saw a discussion on various aspects of film distribution, including the impact of OTT platforms and the change in viewing habits brought by the pandemic.

    The panellists were SCO Film Festival jury member from China Ning Ying, 91 Film Studios founder, CEO Naveen Chandra, film producer Sunir kheterpal and Producers Guild of India president Shibashish Sarkar.

    Sarkar mentioned how Hindi cinema must ensure its reach in the dubbed market by appealing to larger audiences with relevant stories. He was also optimistic about OTT platforms and recognised their contribution to the enrichment of quality content. He also discussed how consumer expenditure has been impacted by inflation and recession globally. He describes how this has led to fewer people going to movie theatres after the pandemic. Naveen Chandra adds that a new wave of digitisation has created “individual critics” within every household. Reviews are posted within seconds, and this creates its own set of challenges for the movie. He also narrated how regionalisation of global cinema has impacted audience tastes and cited the example of how a Korean movie won the best movie at the 2022 Oscars.

    Kheterpal chimed in by stating that there are no big or small movies, but only good and bad cinema. He adds that the essence of cinema is to make a good film. Ning Ying spoke of a new challenge posed by big stars to global cinema. “Big stars create predictable gambling for the producers. However, they suffer when a film suffers badly at the box office,” she says. Similarly, she states that post pandemic China has been looking inwards when it comes to audiences since the huge population of China creates a strong market for domestic cinema.

  • SCO Film Fest to be held in Mumbai from 27-31 Jan

    SCO Film Fest to be held in Mumbai from 27-31 Jan

    Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting is organising the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival in Mumbai through the National Film Development Corp. (NFDC). The SCO Film Festival is being organised to mark India’s presidency.

    Briefing the media on the festival, additional secretary Neerja Sekhar said that the festival aims to build cinematic partnerships and act as a bridge between the cultures of various countries in the SCO. Through a collective cinematic experience, it will also foster synergies in the film fraternity of SCO members. She also added that the films being showcased in the SCO Film Festival, all brought by the SCO states, will allow spectators to experience different cultures and the films will be a window for people from the SCO countries to get to know each other better.

    According to Sekhar, the festival will feature films from the SCO countries in both competition and non-competition screenings. In addition to the film screenings, the festival will have master-classes, in-conversation sessions, country and state pavilions, photo and poster exhibitions, handicrafts stalls, and many more events.

    The festival will open with the world premiere of an Indian film. The opening ceremony will be held at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai.

    Film Festival screenings will take place at two locations in Mumbai, four auditoriums at the Film Division Complex at Pedder Road and 1 NFDC Theater at the Nehru Planetarium Building at Worli.

    The competition section is for SCO member states only and comprises various prestigious awards like best feature film, best actor (male), best actor (female), best director (feature film), and a special jury award.

    The non-competition section is for all SCO countries, viz., member states, observer states, and dialogue partner states, in the following categories:

    1. The SCO country focus films were chosen to represent each SCO country at the film festival. Thus, enabling exchange among the different countries and acting as a bridge between the cultures of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members.

    2. Director focus films made by a well-known director of the SCO country, an acclaimed veteran who is well respected in the country for their craft and lineage of cinema, contributing to the heritage of the country.

    3. Children focus films that educate and entertain the young audience while being easy to understand. Thus, young children’s interests are developed and their minds are nurtured.

    4. Short films not exceeding 20 minutes in duration that are artistically and cinematically adept and capture the audience’s imagination by applying original ideas.

    5. Indian classics have been restored, and five films are being showcased.

    A total of 57 films from SCO countries will be showcased at the SCO Film Festival. In the competition section, 14 feature films are competing and will be screened, and the non-competition section will showcase 43 films.

    A total of 14 films have been nominated for the competition section.

    .Godavari, directed by Nikhil Mahajan, and The Last Film Show, directed by Pan Nalin, were both nominated from India’s member states.

    .The Russian films Mom, I’m Alive!, directed by A. Zairov, M. Mamyrbekov and Paralympian directed by Bairakimov Aldiyar, are nominated from the member state of Kazakhstan.

    .Kyrgyzstan member states have nominated the Kyrgyz films Akyrky Koch (The Road to Eden), directed by Bakyt Mukul, Dastan Zhapar Uulu, and Uy satylat (Home for Sale), directed by Taalaibek Kulmendeev.

    .The Italian and Chinese films B for Busy by Yihui Shao and Chinese film Home Coming directed by Xiaozhi Rao, are nominated from member states of China.

    .The Russian films Don’t Bury Me Without Ivan, directed by Liubov Borisova Sakha and Podelniki (The Riot), directed by Evgeny Grigorev, are nominated by the member states of Russia.

    . Uzbek member states have nominated the films Ael Kismati (The Fate of a Woman), directed by D. Masaidov and Meros (Legacy), directed by Hilol Nasimov.

    . The Tajik films Dov (Fortune), directed by Muhyiddin Muzaffar, and Okhirin Saydi Sayod (Hunter’s Final Prey),directed by Mahmadrabi Ismoilov, are nominated from the member state of Tajikistan.

    Indian films at SCO film festival –

    The most acclaimed Marathi film, Godavari, directed by Nikhil Mahajan and India’s official entry to the Oscars in the best foreign language category, Chhello Show, a Gujarati film also known as Last Film Show, will be screened in the competition section. Along with it, Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham and SS Rajamouli’s period piece RRR are in the spotlight at SCO. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi in director focus, Mridul Toolsidas’s Toolsidas Junior in children focus, and the short film Jugalbandi by Chetan Bhakuni will be showcased. The festival will also feature five restored classics: Shatranj ke khiladi (1977, Hindi), Subarnrekha (1965, Bengali), Chandralekha (1948, Tamil), Iru Kodgul (1969, Tamil), and Chidambaram (1985, Malayalam).

    The official languages of the SCO, i.e., Russian and Chinese, will also be the official languages of the film festival. English will also be included as the functional language of the festival as it is being hosted in India. The films that will be shown must be dubbed or subtitled in English for the benefit of the jury and the local audience.

    Masterclasses and in-conversation sessions have been curated with filmmakers and actors of the SCO countries attending the festival, along with Indian film personalities. There will be sessions with the industry experts tracing the history of animation and also presenting the endless possibilities of ‘creating the shot’ with the help of animation & visual effects. Some sessions are also held on the changing landscape of film distributions and theatre language translations using emerging technologies.

    Filmmaker Rahul Rawail from India, film director Ning Ying from China, musician Dimash Kudaibergen from Kazakhstan, filmmaker and film critic Gulbara Tolomushova from Kyrgyzstan, film producer and journalist Ivan Kudryavtsev from Russia, film producer, actor, & author Mehmedsaid Shohiyon from Tajikistan and actor Matyakub Sadullayevich Matchanov from Uzbekistan will be the prominent jury for the SCO Film Festival 2023.

  • Zee Theatre stars share their nostalgic memories of Republic Day

    Zee Theatre stars share their nostalgic memories of Republic Day

    Mumbai: Flag hoisting on a misty, winter morning on the school grounds or huddling close to a television set to watch the Republic Day parade with loved ones are some of the most cherished memories we all recall from childhood.  Aahana Kumra who stars in Zee Theater’s  Sir Sir Sarla is no exception and says, “I remember waking up early in the morning to watch the Republic Day parade on Doordarshan and still cherish this family ritual. Flag hoisting too was a very integral part of my family as my mom has given 40 years to the police force and this is something we have always done. Another memory is watching her cry every time Ae mere Watan ke logo played on the radio or TV. The message inherent in this day reminds us that we are all Indians first and must put our country before anything else.”

    Sadiya Siddiqui who features in Zee Theatre’s literary anthology, Koi Baat Chale and reads Saadat Hasan Manto’s story  Hatak  says, ” I remember practising the march past for the  Republic Day parade in school as a a cadet. I would also give speeches about India’s ideals of unity in diversity. I felt very proud of the fact that India had so many languages, and religions but loved every citizen equally. We all celebrated each other’s festivals and I would like those days to come back. “Sadiya hopes, as a nation, we will honour our constitution,  and seek policies which help the less privileged, and the differently abled so that they can all live, commute, and work with dignity.  She adds, “And I definitely want more love, more tolerance for each other because life is short and only unity and peace can make this world a better place.”

    Actor Vivaan Shah who reads Munshi Premchand’s story Gulli Danda in Zee Theatre’s Koi Baat Chale has vivid memories of  Republic Day parades, the jubilation, and the stirring spirit of the occasion and says, “I remember being a part of many functions at school on this day and watching films like Gandhi and Mother India which would be aired by Doordarshan. Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas also left a deep impact on me, growing up. What I have imbibed from the syncretic culture of India is that there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is the love for one’s own country, whereas nationalism is the hatred for someone else or their country.  Gandhiji taught us to practise love and peace and not hatred and hostility. And that would be my message too on this special day.”

    Celebrated actor and director Seema Pahwa who helms Zee Theatre’s  Koi Baat Chale recalls, “I still remember fondly, practising for the Republic Day parade and watching films like Gandhi,  Shaheed and  Purab  Aur Paschim  which evoked such deep patriotic feelings. On this day, I would just say that if we want to see change, we must herald it ourselves. Only by developing ourselves, can we contribute to the development of the nation.  If we start working on ourselves eventually the country will progress as much as we do.”

  • PVR posts consolidated revenue of Rs 9,608 mn for Q3FY23

    PVR posts consolidated revenue of Rs 9,608 mn for Q3FY23

    Mumbai: PVR Ltd. reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2022.

    The consolidated revenue, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) and profit after tax were recorded at Rs 9,608 million, Rs 3,088 million, and Rs 159 million, respectively, as compared to Rs 7,097 million, Rs 2,605 million, and Rs 102 million for the corresponding quarter in FY2022.

    After adjusting for the impact of IND-AS 116 — leases, the company’s consolidated revenue, Ebitda, and PAT were Rs 9,535 million, Rs 1,411 million, and Rs 252 million, respectively, compared to Rs 6,423 million, Rs 662 million, and Rs 219 million for the same quarter in FY2022.

    There is growth of 16 per cent in the average ticket price (Rs 244) and a CAGR of five per cent over three years when compared to Q3 FY’20 (the pre-pandemic period).

    The company witnessed a growth of 33 per cent in average food and beverage spend per patron (Rs 133), or a 10 per cent CAGR over three years when compared to Q3 FY’20 (the pre-pandemic period).

    As reported, 21.8 million patrons visited PVR cinemas during the quarter.

    Nine-month period

    For the nine-month period ended 31 December 2022, consolidated revenue, Ebitda and PAT were Rs 26,661 million, Rs 8,413 million, and Rs 24 million, respectively, as compared to Rs 10,775 million, Rs 2,895 million, and Rs 3,830 million for the corresponding period in FY2022.

    After adjusting for the impact of IND-AS 116 – leases, consolidated revenue, Ebitda, and PAT of the company were Rs 26,556 million, Rs 3,619 million, and Rs 369 million, respectively, as compared to Rs 8,552 million, Rs 1,373 million, and Rs 3,234 million for the corresponding period in FY2022.

    There is growth of 18 per cent in the average ticket price (Rs 241)—a six per cent CAGR over three years when compared to FY’20 (the pre-pandemic period).

    The company witnessed growth of 32 per cent in average F&B spend per patron (Rs 132), a CAGR of 10 per cent over three years when compared to nine months of FY’20 (pre – pandemic period). During the nine-month period ending December 2022, 65 million people visited PVR cinemas.

    PVR has added 63 screens across 11 properties to date.

    Commenting on the results and performance, PVR Ltd. chairman cum managing director Ajay Bijli said, “With the verbal approval for the merger coming through from NCLT, we are tracking well within the projected timelines for the closure of the transaction. We intend to complete all the formalities within the current financial year.”

    “The performance of the quarter gone by demonstrates the swift recovery in the business as soon as good-quality content is made available. After a dismal Q2, it also marks a good recovery in box office collections. With the regional movies’ superlative performances continuing across India, it is only a matter of time before the performance of Bollywood movies catches up. We are looking for a significant uptick in box office collections for the next fiscal year and a strong recovery in Bollywood and Hollywood collections.

    The quarter saw a significant improvement over the previous quarter due to strong content performance. The same pattern was observed in the growth of key operational metrics such as admits, ATP, and SPH.

    The third quarter saw Hollywood’s resurgence with the highest grossing movie of the quarter, Avatar 2: The Way of Water,and was supported by movies like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Black Adam.

    Regional cinema’s dominance continued in the third quarter, with blockbusters such as Ponniyin Selvan 1 and Love Today. The biggest regional release during the quarter was Kantara, which proved to be a sleeper hit.

    Drishyam 2 from Bollywood was the second-biggest movie of the quarter, helped by content such as Vikram Vedha and Bhediya.

    During the year, PVR has opened 63 screens across 11 cinemas to date and is on track to open a total of 100 to 110 new screens by the end of the current fiscal year. Adding 20 screens across three properties during the quarter, PVR now operates 181 cinemas with 903 screens across 78 cities.

    PVR-Inox merger

    On 12 January 2023, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai bench, has through its verbal order allowed the proposed scheme of amalgamation between PVR Ltd. & Inox Leisure.

    The company expects to complete all the legal formalities with respect to the proposed merger, including the issue of PVR shares to Inox shareholders, within the next 45 days of receipt of a certified true copy of the order passed by NCLT.

  • Paan Singh Tomar writer Sanjay Chouhan passes away at 62 

    Paan Singh Tomar writer Sanjay Chouhan passes away at 62 

    Mumbai: With deep sorrow The Screenwriters Association (SWA) has informed us of the demise of their beloved screenwriter and fellow member, Sanjay Chouhan on 12 January.  He was extremely talented and devoted to his craft, and his contribution to the field of screenwriting and Indian cinema is invaluable.

    Sanjay’s career was an impressive one and he wrote some of the most acclaimed feature films including Paan Singh Tomar, I am Kalam, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, and Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. His work was incredibly influential, paving the way for many artists today.

    He joined SWA as an executive committee member in the year 2016. He led the way for many initiatives benefiting the members during his tenure and was part of the welfare committee from 2016-18. He was the convener of the fifth Indian screenwriters conference and served as the co-convener during the recently held sixth Indian screenwriters conference. He was also serving as the vice-president of SWA till his last time.

    An inspiring writer and a very warm person whose presence will be missed dearly by all of us in the community especially at the SWA office.

    SWA pays homage to the talented writer and an activist for writer’s rights.

    May he rest in peace and our prayers for his family during this time of sorrow.