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Tag: Amitabh Bachchan

  • “Indian cinema offers vision to young minds to learn and nurture talent”: Arun Jaitley

    “Indian cinema offers vision to young minds to learn and nurture talent”: Arun Jaitley

    MUMBAI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley has said that the Indian film industry has come of age in view of the diversity it offers with regards to the number of films produced in different languages and themes.

     

    “Cinema today acts as the alternate religion as it entertains, educates, gives a social perspective to issues, offers young growing minds the vision to learn and nurtures talent,” said Jaitley while delivering his address at the inaugural ceremony of the 45th edition of International Film Festival of India which began in Goa on 20 November.

     

    Elaborating further, Jaitley said cinema as a medium in the country has matured. “There is corporatisation of the industry, making it more professional and vibrant,” he said.

     

    The Minister reiterated the efforts being made by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to mainstream the National Film Heritage Mission as a policy initiative. “This will ensure the preservation of the record of Indian cinema digitally,” he added highlighting the importance of Goa being made the permanent venue of the International Film Festival of India in the context of its hospitality, growth, natural beauty and cultural diversity.

     

    Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was also present on the occasion, said that all efforts would be made to host the next edition of IFFI at the permanent venue.

     

    Also speaking on the occasion, I&B secretary Bimal Julka said that IFFI aims to nurture, encourage and inspire Indian cinema and introduce it to the world outside as well as many audiences within the country.

     

    Each edition of IFFI facilitates new strategies thereby ensuring enriched, enhanced and enlarged viewing experience. The vision of IFFI was to provide a common platform to project the excellence of the film art. With China being the focus country, Julka said that a special package on contemporary Chinese cinema had been created at the festival.

     

    In his address, the Chief Guest for the function,  Amitabh Bachchan traced the evolution of Indian cinema through its various facets touching upon the iconic films in different periods and the dominant themes. Bachchan also highlighted the role and relevance of Indian cinema in the context of India’s diversity and plurality.

     

    Jaitley along with Bachchan conferred the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year on Rajnikanth for his outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema. The prestigious award consists of cash prize of Rs 10,00000, certificate and the Silver Peacock Medal. The award was instituted last year to commemorate 100 years of Indian Cinema.

     

    The International Jury for the Festival was also introduced at the inaugural ceremony. Jaitley felicitated the Jury Members including the chairman SlawomirIdziak, noted film maker from Poland, eminent Chinese film director, Zhang Jianya, renowned Swiss film maker and head of International Locarno Film Festival Nadia Dresti, noted American film critic, Marie Brenner, and renowned Indian actress Seema Biswas.

     

    The inaugural function also witnessed the screening of ‘Swacch Bharat’ promotion film and the signature film of the festival. The Signature Film was directed by Shaji N Karun, one of the renowned film makers of India. The President directed by eminent Iranian film maker, Mohsen  Makhmalbaf was the opening film of the festival.

     

    The 11 day festival would screen 178 films from 79 countries across different categories which includes world cinema (61 films), master-strokes (11 films), festival kaleidoscope (20 films), soul of Asia (7 films), documentaries (6 films) and animated films (6 films). Besides, Indian panorama section would include 26 feature and 15 non-feature films. North-east being the focus region of the festival, IFFI 2014 would be showcasing seven films from North eastern part of India. Regional cinema would also be an integral part of the festival. Retrospective sections on Gulzar and Jahnu Baruah, special homage films on Richard Attenborough, Robin Williams, Zohra Sehgal, Suchitra Sen and special tribute to Farooq Sheikh would be other attractions this year. A special section of films that focus on dance, personality based retrospectives and master classes/workshops would also form a part of IFFI 2014.

     

    The open air screening of Indian films for the general public free of cost on first come first basis would be a new attraction in IFFI 2014. Besides the world premieres, IFFI 2014 offered a repertoire of activities, such as the film bazar, 3D film shows, dinners, master classes, panel discussions, stalls and open-air screenings for the delegates.

  • Cricket meets bollywood in the city of joy

    Cricket meets bollywood in the city of joy

    MUMBAI: It’s not every day that one gets a chance to see legends meet. This special occasion was witnessed on the sets of Shoojit Sircar’s Piku in Kolkata recently. The city of joy was abuzz with excitement as the Prince of Kolkata, cricketer Sourav Ganguly, met the star of the millennium Amitabh Bachchan. Ganguly was accompanied by his wife Dona Ganguly. Both self confessed Bachchan fans were delighted for a chance to interact with him.

    ‘Dada’ as he is commonly called, wished to meet his favourite star as soon as he knew the actor was in the city for the film’s shoot. Having met on several occasions earlier too, the couple couldn’t contain their enthusiasm during the visit. The well known cricketer wore a white polo shirt with denims while Dona looked graceful in a traditional Bengali sari. Bachchan Senior was in his Piku look, with a Nehru jacket and a pot belly.

    According to a member of the unit, “The couple was very glad to have met their favourite star. They had a great time together speaking about his character and the movie. Amit ji played a perfect host for Sourav and Dona and also interacted briefly with the film crew.”

     For the Bengal Tiger Sourav Ganguly, it was a day well spent with the legendary actor. After speaking to Big B, the cricketer is excited about the film and is looking forward to its release.
    With incredible performances by a talented cast, Piku is set to take 2015 by storm.

     

  • Rajnikant, Wong Kar Wai to be honoured at International Film Festival of India, China is country in Focus

    Rajnikant, Wong Kar Wai to be honoured at International Film Festival of India, China is country in Focus

    NEW DELHI: A total of 179 films from 75 countries across different categories would be screened and China will be the focus country for the forthcoming International Film Festival of India in Panaji, later this month.

     
    Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will inaugurate the annual filmfest to be held from 20 to 30 November.

     
    Popular star Rajnikant would be bestowed with the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year, and Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar Wai would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

     
    This information was given by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who said the first meeting of the “Indo-China Joint Working Group” would be held on the sidelines of the festival. The Minister added that this partnership provided a platform opening new avenues for film makers from both the countries by sharing best practices and technologies.

     

    Referring to the opening ceremony, the Minister stated Chinese film actress Zhang Ziyi, Swedish filmmaker Jan Troell, and Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi would be the Guests of Honour.

    The President directed by renowned filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf from Iran will be the opening film on 20 November and The Grandmaster by Wong Kar Wai would be the closing film of the festival on 30 November.

     

    The international films include World Cinema (61 films), Master-strokes (11 films), Festival Kaleidoscope (20 films), Soul of Asia (7 films), Documentaries (6 films), and Animated Films (6 films).

    In addition, the Indian Panorama section would include 41 feature and non-feature films. The North-East being the focus region of the festival, IFFI 2014 would be showcasing seven films from that region.

    Retrospectives will be held on Gulzar and Jahnu Baruah and a special tribute to Farooq Sheikh. One film each of eminent film personalities who passed away in the past year would be screened. These are Richard Attenborough, Robin Williams, Zohra Sehgal, and Suchitra Sen.

    A special section of films that focus on dance, personality based retrospectives, and Masterclasses and workshops would also form part of IFFI 2014.  

     

  • Who is the most valuable celebrity brand in India?

    Who is the most valuable celebrity brand in India?

    MUMBAI: A flip through various channels and one can see film stars and cricketers selling chocolates to balms to the consumers.
    There is no doubt that celebrity brand endorsements have come a long way in the country over the past three decades. As television spread to the masses and Doordarshan found its way into several homes in the country, companies and advertisers were quick to tap the new medium, giving several memorable advertisements to consumers, that some would say did more for the stars than they did for the brands.

    Over the last decade, the celebrity endorsement space has evolved significantly. Not only have new mediums of advertising sprung up (internet, digital media and social networks), but also “celebritydom” is no longer limited to just Bollywood stars and cricketers. The Indian Premier League, Pro-Kabaddi League and Indian Badminton League have given several new sports stars in addition to our Olympians, Asian and Commonwealth Games medal winners and World Champions.

    American Appraisal, an independent global firm providing valuation and related advisory services for business, financial, legal and tax purposes, has  launched the first edition of ‘Waiting for the Encore’, a concise report on India’s most valuable celebrity brands.

    The report tries to answer a few questions. Who is the most valuable celebrity brand in India? More importantly, how can one assess the value of a particular celebrity’s brand?

    The baadshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, tops the brand chart and is valued at $164.9 million, leaving behind the legend, Amitabh Bachchan. The shenshah stands at number 13 with $28.4 million while Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni ranks higher than other Khans at number 3 and valued at $71.9 million.

    “While the youth brigade of Indian celebritydom ranks high on the popularity scale, brand values remain highest for celebrities who have stood the test of time. Brand Shah Rukh, valued at over $160 million, is here to stay,” says American Appraisal vice president Kapil Bellubi.

    The report goes on to highlight that the top 15 celebrities generated over Rs 11 billion in endorsement fees in 2013-14 alone. Celebrities themselves are no longer just using brand endorsements as something to bridge an income gap between films and games. A significant proportion of a celebrity’s annual income, close to 50 per cent to 75 per cent, is generated through brand endorsements.

    It goes on to report that celebrities understand that being affiliated with brands like Coke or Pepsi means that their images and likenesses may be associated with Coke or Pepsi whose reach even to the remotest part of the country can be more valuable to the celebrity than the fee that they hope to receive. Similarly, youth-centric iconic brands like Levis, Guess and luxury brands like Rado, Tissot or Louis Vuitton command immense brand presence and celebrities are normally happy to be associated as brand ambassadors for even a fraction of their normal fees. Alcohol and tobacco brands provide the best compensation, though A-Listers tend to steer clear of promoting these brands mainly on account of the potential for negative publicity.

    The report states that viewers have higher recall for celebrity endorsed brands and associated credibility were the most compelling reasons for running a celebrity campaign.

     

  • 20th Kolkata International Film Festival begins

    20th Kolkata International Film Festival begins

    KOLKATA: The 20th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which opened on 10 November, saw the heavyweights of Bollywood and Hollywood attending it.

     

    The eight-day extravaganza saw Amitabh Bachchan and his celebrated family, superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the state’s brand ambassador and a host of film personalities at the Netaji Indoor Stadium at Central Kolkata.

     

    The inaugural ceremony will be presided by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with the Bachchan clan, SRK, Deepika Padukone, Tanuja and Irrfan Khan.

     

    Boasting of a rich oeuvre of around 137 films from 60 countries, the fest will see 40 international delegates and 15 segments. There will be 31 Indian films, including 13 Bengali films.

     

    For the first time, the fest will see 15 films by women directors from across the globe, competing for the top jury award, the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger trophy in the Women Directors segment.

     

    Headed by award-winning Australian filmmaker Paul Cox, the jury will comprise Iranian director Nikki Karimi and Indian filmmaker Amol Palekar and others.

     

    It should be noted that this year there is no private sponsorship.

     

    The focus will be on cinema from Arab nations too and a special section has been earmarked as a tribute to legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who died on January 17 this year in Kolkata. Seven of her films will be screened as part of this.

    Hollywood classics such as Guns of Navarone, The Sound of Music and Jighangsa by Ajoy Kar will be screened in the ‘Centenary Tribute’ section.

     

    The Satyajit Ray Memorial lecture will be delivered by director Govind Nihalani and the screening locations will be spread across 12 venues.

     

    Other highlights include ‘Children Screening’ section and ‘French Classics’ segments, apart from contemporary world films of 2013 and 2014.

     

    The inaugural film selected is the Italian movie Italo Barocco by Alessia Scarso.

     

  • Emami ropes in Kangana Ranaut as brand ambassador

    Emami ropes in Kangana Ranaut as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: The FMCG major, Emami, has taken a relook at the competitive body lotion category, with the launch of the all-new BoroPlus Total Results Moisturising Lotion. The body lotion is expected to drive the winter sales and bolster the growth momentum of Rs 400 crore BoroPlus portfolio which contributes significantly to the company’s overall turnover.

     
    The company has signed actor Kangana Ranaut for the new product. The company believes that the actor with the rare combination of mass and niche appeal epitomises an independent-minded modern woman and essentially a beauty with brains—a trait which resonates with the TG of the brand.   

    Talking about her association with the brand, Ranaut said, “I am thrilled to be associated with BoroPlus, an iconic brand that is synonymous with protection. Hailing from a small-town in Himachal Pradesh, I am well aware  of the havoc which winters can create to one’s skin. After all these years, I have finally got a body lotion which combats 8 signs of dryness effectively making the skin look luminous and glowing. BoroPlus Total Results Moisturising Lotion is now my answer to all my winter woes.”

    Emami director Priti A Sureka said, “Winter Lotion is a category on a high growth path, both in urban and rural centres, with more than 800 crore in value sales in 2013-14. The category being populated with many players, competition is cut-throat. We have reworked on the overall capability by infusing new advanced product formulations, packaging etc which will deliver heightened customer satisfaction. The all-new BoroPlus Total Results Moisturizing Lotion differentiates itself through its efficacy of treating 8 signs of dryness, thus offering total results.  Kangana, with her rare combination of mass and niche appeal across urban and semi urban cities gels well with our brand persona and is a perfect choice as one of our brand ambassadors…”

    The brand endorsers’ list of brand BoroPlus has a legacy of star power of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonakshi SInha and Bipasha Basu.

    The launch of BoroPlus Total Results Moisturising Lotion would be supported by a 360 degree integrated communication, including digital media.  Directed by White Light Moving Pictures,   a TVC featuring Kangana Ranaut will go on air soon this month.  The campaign would be supplemented by a formidable modern trade and point of sales approach to connect with customers nationally along with print, outdoor and digital promotions.

     

  • ‘Piku’ first look: Big B dons a pot belly

    ‘Piku’ first look: Big B dons a pot belly

    MUMBAI: When the entire industry is moving in the direction of six-pack abs, Amitabh Bachchan dons a pot belly for his next project Piku.

     

    The first look of the movie shows a pot-bellied Big B dressed in a checked overshirt and wearing an angler’s hat with longish silver locks peeping out.

     

    Revealing the first look on twitter, the official twitter ID of the movie, PikuTheFilm tweeted “He’s at it again! @SrBachchan pulling off yet another character with ease.”

     

    Directed by Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe fame Shoojit Sircar, the movie is a quirky roller coaster ride of a crazy father-daughter relationship, essayed by Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. The supporting cast includes actors Irrfan Khan, Moushumi Chatterjee and Bengali star Jisshu Sengupta. Piku also marks coming together of Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Lahiri with Juhi Chaturvedi, who has scripted the film and earlier won accolades and awards for Vicky Donor.   

     

     “Piku is a story that will warm your heart and make you smile! We have the best of the talent coming together for a refreshing tale of a father-daughter relationship. I am privileged to direct Mr. Bachchan along with Deepika and Irrfan. They are three powerhouse performers and it doesn’t get better than this for me,” said Sircar.

     

    Adding to that, Bachchan further stated, “What makes the process of filming Piku extremely enjoyable is that it is helmed by Shoojit Sircar and also stars the immensely talented Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan. The film has an interesting story and there is a lot of excitement on the sets.”

     

    The film is also ready to kick off its second schedule in Kolkata from November 2014 after having a successful Mumbai schedule in August and September 2014.

     

    “There are several projects that I undertake in a year but there’s always that one film that you look forward to and to me Piku is that film. I am really excited and look forward to begin work on this one,” reckoned Irrfan Khan.

     

    Produced by MSM Motion Pictures, in association with Saraswati Entertainment Creations and Rising Sun Films, the movie is slated to release on 30 April 2015.

  • Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Do’ Renamed ‘Wazir’

    Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Do’ Renamed ‘Wazir’

    MUMBAI: After creating buzz with the first look of the film which showcases the actors (Farhan Akhtar and Amitabh Bachchan) engaged in a game of chess with Big B seated on a wheelchair against the backdrop of the famous Haus Khas village in Delhi, the makers of the movie has another surprising announcement.

     

    Earlier named Do, the upcoming film of Bachchan and Akhtar has been officially titled Wazir.

     

    Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, the film is being written and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movie also stars Aditi Rao Hyadri as AKhtar’s love interest.

     

    Farhan took to Twitter to announce the change in the film’s title. “The Vidhu Vinod Chopra/ Bejoy Nambiar film is now officially titled Wazir,” he tweeted.

     

    Bachchan, 72, is reportedly playing an ailing bed ridden chess master in the movie while Akhtar, 40, will play an ATS officer in the film. The film is slated to go on floor on 29 September 2015.

     

    Bachchan has earlier worked with Chopra in 2007 film Eklavya: The Royal Guard but this is the first collaboration between the actor and Nambiar, best known for helming Shaitan.

     

    The megastar is currently working on Shoojit Sircar’s Piku starring Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan. On the other hand, Farhan Akhtar is wrapping up his sister Zoya Akhtar’s film Dil Dhadakne Do. The actor is also producing films like Bangistan, Raees and the upcoming film on time travelling starring Sidharth Malhotra under his banner Excel Entertainment.

  • Three more awards added to Deepika Padukone’s kitty this year

    Three more awards added to Deepika Padukone’s kitty this year

    MUMBAI: Adding more awards to her kitty, Deepika Padukone has bagged three awards at the Star Box Office India Awards 2014, for her performances throughout the year.

    She was awarded the ‘Actor of the Year – Female’ and ‘Romantic Jodi of the Year’ with Ranveer Singh for Goliyon Ki Rasleela… Ramleela.  In addition to this she was also given a special award ‘Ms Hat Trick’ for her back to back successes marking that she has had the highest cumulative box office collections over the past 3 years.

    Overwhelmed with all the love she received on the awards night, the Om Shanti Om actress tweeted, “Too much love tonight! Thank you Star and Box Office India!”

    Received grandly by global audiences throughout her SLAM world tour, the actress has received rave reviews for her performance in Finding Fanny as Angie.

    Deepika Padukone was seen wearing a backless black gown complemented her slender and tall frame, paired with gold coin earrings and berry red lipstick at the event.

    She will soon be seen in Happy New Year which is her third movie with Shah Rukh Khan. She is also shooting for Shoojit Sircar’s Piku alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Irfan Khan and Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha with Ranbir Kapoor. The ace actress will then start shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali Bajirao Mastani with Ranveer Singh.

    ‘Star Box Office Awards’ recognizes the achievements of Hindi films at the box office and will be broadcasted on the 19 October 2014.

  • The Angry Young Man of Bollywood turns 72

    The Angry Young Man of Bollywood turns 72

    MUMBAI: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who turns 72 today, feels there’s no gift greater than spending time with family. The actor, who feels ‘luckiest today’ thanked all who have been in his life.

    “To them that wish for me for my 72nd moving into 73rd…I have just few words…I am blessed to have you with me still! Thank you all for your affectionate greetings and love..they shall ever remain with me…I feel today the luckiest,” he tweeted early Saturday.

    “It is that time of life when the next year in celebration of the birth is never one that needs celebration….I have none answer to the why, but so it is…I do not feel any different from this and never shall,” added the entertainer, who has been part of the Indian showbiz for over four decades now.

    Born on 1942, he started his career with Saat Hindustani. His early works were not appreciated. His rise to stardom started when Director Prakash Mehra cast him in the leading role for the film Zanjeer (1973) as Inspector Vijay Khanna. The film was a sharp contrast to the romantically themed films that had generally preceded it and established Amitabh in a new persona—the ‘angry young man’ of Bollywood cinema.

    He has appeared in more than 180 movies in his whole life span and created his own heights of success. His career started with Saat Hindustani in which he also made a debut as a narrator.

    Besides a number of Filmfare awards, he has been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award in 1984 and Padma Bhushan in 2001 for his utmost contributions to the film industry. He has also received National Film award, France’s highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, among other recognitions.

    His notable works include Kabhie Kabhie,  Deewar, Chupke Chupke, Mr. Natwarlal, Kaala Patthar and The Great Gambler, Satte Pe Satta, Lawaris, Sarkar, KAbhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Sholay, Anand among others.

     “…it is not a day to contemplate…it is a time to deliver thanks and gratefulness to all those that have been responsible for my 72 in completion and my 73 to begin,” posted Big B.

    Every year, Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday is celebrated with much fervour by fans who gather outside his residence Jalsa to wish the superstar and if possible meet him. Big B too obliges the fans by stepping among them.