ITV

Tag: Deepika Padukone

  • Shoojit Sircar tries Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s style in ‘Piku’

    Shoojit Sircar tries Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s style in ‘Piku’

    NEW DELHI: If at one time it was said that the stars made or unmade a film at the box office, it can now safely be said that the buzz created on the social media – especially by the stars of a film – contribute vastly to its success.

     

    More than a fortnight before the release date of Piku, Amitabh Bachchan had started sending out trailors of the film on his Twitter handle with messages like ‘Laughter! Enjoyment! Fun! That’s what happens when crazy people get together.’

     

    If the popularity of the trailer on social media is anything to go by, Piku is amongst the most anticipated films this year, particularly as it is reminiscent of the light-hearted films of the late Hrishikesh Mukherjee – even when he dealt with serious subjects.

     

    The film, which will release on 8 May, is produced by the makers of Vicky Donor starring Bachchan along with Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan. 

     

    Quirky and funny with oodles of situational humour, the film highlights the eccentricities within every Indian family, told in signature Shoojit Sircar style.

     

    While this film about a crazy father-daughter duo is packaged with ingredients that make for a perfect family comedy, Sircar seems to be bringing back the slice-of-life-cinema, which was made popular by filmmakers like Mukherjee.

     

    A huge admirer of Mukherjee’s work, Sircar explores a relatable story and human relationships reminiscent of Hrishikesh Mukherjee films like Gol Maal, Mili, Chupke Chupke and Guddi promising clean entertainment to the audiences after a long time.

     

    Sircar said, “Piku has got a universal connect because every Indian family or for that matter every family is quirky and crazy in its own way. In this case, Baba and Piku make for one of the craziest families around. All I have done is take the camera and place it between them as they go about living their life replete with events and situations that are bizarre, crazy and yet very familiar to you and me. Hrishikesh Da told the simplest stories in the most unusual and entertaining fashion, which is why audiences still swear by them. We hope to warm your heart and put a smile on your face through Piku!”

  • “If ban is lifted, secondary rights become available, BBC would like to air ‘India’s Daughter’ in India”: Jim Egan

    “If ban is lifted, secondary rights become available, BBC would like to air ‘India’s Daughter’ in India”: Jim Egan

    MUMBAI: The just concluded Cricket World Cup 2015, the infighting amongst Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members and Deepika Padukone’s recently launched #Mychoice video has kept the Indian media busy for the past few days. And this, in a country, which has to deal with a number of bans, both of content and beef. But, what had once taken substantial screen space, is now dead.

     

    However, when BBC Global News chief executive officer Jim Egan visited India, the very first question, which popped in people’s mind was that of his take on the ban of the documentary India’s Daughter, a co-production between BBC and documentary filmmaker Leslee Udwin.

     

    “India’s Daughter fits the category of the documentary strand we have on BBC Global News calledStoryville Global. So, as and when the secondary rights become available and if the ban is lifted in India, then we would like to broadcast it here, but that would not be for many months,” Egan tells Indiantelevision.com.

     

    Internet has made banning of content difficult now. “Many people have already watched India’s Daughter on YouTube and so the one thing I believe in is that it’s harder to ban things now,” he said.

     

    BBC, according to Egan, is happy to produce a documentary like India’s Daughter, which touches upon a very sensitive topic. “It was a programme, which was made in a very careful and sensitive way. But of course it touches on some of the most delicate issues, not just in India, but around the world, and that’s why I think it’s a programme, which audiences should be able to watch,” added Egan.

     

    Egan hopes that in time people will have the opportunity to watch it. “Women’s rights and role in a society is one of the major issues across the world and I think, the programme has done a wonderful job in bringing that aspect out,” he opined.

     

    The channel, which reaches to approximately 400 million homes, recording a viewership of 76 million per week globally, is looking at a better traction from the country, which currently stands at around 10 per cent.

     

    BBC has been operating in India for more than 20 years. Talking about his relation with the regulator here, Egan said, “We have a very good relation with the regulatory authorities here, both at the level of the regulator and also at the Ministerial level. Being a global broadcaster, while it is quite a difficult process, being global broadcasters, since we have to comply with different regulatory regimes right across the world, but India is not the country, which is problematic to do business.”

     

    The curb on freedom of speech is becoming a major concern across the globe. “Although the world is becoming more connected and globalised, it is also becoming a bit of less tolerant.”

     

    On the future plans for India, Egan said that while they aren’t increasing the number of bureaus but they are investing in people on the digital multimedia side. “Delhi is BBC’s single biggest bureau, outside the UK, that signifies the importance we show to the country and the Indian news agenda. Our endeavour is to bring international news and events to Indian audiences while telling the story of India from political and social point of view to international audiences who are interested in knowing what’s going on here. India is an important market and so we are investing to continue to grow,” concluded Egan.

     

  • 5 Bollywood co-stars that get along like a house on fire

    5 Bollywood co-stars that get along like a house on fire

    MUMBAI: Bollywood has seen many long lasting friendships, many of which started out on sets of various films. And when co-stars turn friends, the audience can literally see their magic translate on the silver screen, and their movies have that extra magic that no one can quite define.

     

    Here are five examples of on and off screen friendships that set the screens on fire:

     

    Ranveer Singh-Arjun Kapoor: Both Singh and Kapoor knew each other very well even before they became a part of the film industry. So when they were offered Gunday, their chemistry was evident onscreen for everyone to see. The two young and energetic actors were indeed a treat for the movie-goers.

     

    Katrina Kaif-Ranbir Kapoor: This cosmic duo has been great friends since they first met on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani. Ranbir and Kaif reportedly got along immediately during their first shoot schedule and share a very strong rapport since then. Their onscreen performances rightly reflect the bond and comfort they share. This peerless couple will soon be seen in their next film – Jagga Jasoos.

     

    Kunal Kohli-Jennifer Winget: This combination is never-seen-before. However, this pairing seems full of promise. Kohli and Winget who will be seen in their new movie Phir Se apparently hit it off instantly on the sets of the movie. Pictures from the sets of the movie show the two enjoying a day of ice-skating amidst their busy schedule, which talks volumes about the comfort level they share. Director Kohli’s first acting stint with TV starlet Winget is surely something to look out for.

     

    Amitabh Bachchan-Deepika Padukone: When two stalwarts come to work on a fun quirky movie, sharing a strong, comfortable chemistry is inevitable. So much so that Padukone has started calling Big B baba, which means father – as the senior actor is seen playing her father in their upcoming movie Piku. This unusual pairing has certainly set high expectations because of the sheer amount of talent they bring together on the silver screen.

     

    Akshay Kumar-Jacqueline Fernandez: Though they are working with each other for the first time, both Kumar and Fernandez have been seen having a good time. She recently put up a quirky video true to her style, where he is congratulating her on reaching one million fans on Instagram. The two actors have been working on their film Brothers.

  • Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan launch the trailer of ‘Piku’

    Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan launch the trailer of ‘Piku’

    MUMBAI: The team of Vicky Donor is back with Piku, a quirky slice-of-life film, that takes audiences on a roller coaster ride of a crazy father-daughter relationship essayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, along with Irrfan Khan, in a pivotal author backed role. 

     

    The three superstars launched the trailer of the movie on 25 March at a suburban multiplex in Mumbai, amidst a packed house that comprised not just media personnel, but also their parents, in yet another marketing innovation by team Piku. 

     

    One of the most awaited films of 2015, Piku is a family comedy drama. The trailer was every bit a glimpse into the unconventional and quirky story, all told in signature Shoojit Sircar style.

     

    Sircar said, “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 Bachchan along with Deepika and Irrfan. They are three powerhouse performers and it doesn’t get better than this for me.” 

     

    The movie also marks coming together of Sircar, Ronnie Lahiri and Juhi Chaturvedi, the team behind Vicky Donor. Produced by MSM Motion Pictures, Saraswati Entertainment and Rising Sun Films, the film releases on 8 May and will be distributed worldwide by Yash Raj Films.

  • ‘Happy New Year’ reaches Gulf & Latin American audience via iTunes

    ‘Happy New Year’ reaches Gulf & Latin American audience via iTunes

    MUMBAI: After reaching out to millions of fans across the globe, Red Chillies Entertainments’ (RCE) film Happy New Year (HNY) has added another feather to its cap. The film has got the widest release ever on iTunes, which is a first for any Indian film. Directed by Farah Khan, HNY has become the first Bollywood film to premiere in iTunes Gulf region and in 16 Latin American countries.

     

    RCE chief revenue officer Gaurav Verma said, “Technology has always helped in overcoming barriers, sometimes they are economical and sometime language. Riding on the reach of iTunes, we have been able to cater to audience in over 100 countries with regional subtitles who can now consume our movies on a swipe at their convenience. Theatrically, we reach out to 50-55 countries for a big film and digital platforms help us in expanding our reach as was the case with our earlier initiative Direct-To-Fan, which made the film available to a global audience.” 

     

    An action-packed musical heist, HNY was worldwide distributed by Yash Raj Films and stars Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood and Vivaan Shah. HNY was released in India on 24 October, 2014 and has been released theatrically, on D2F and on home video in many traditional and non-traditional markets since then. HNY also got the biggest release in China on their New Year weekend recently and will be available in German from 20 March on home video as well.

  • Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif top list of brand endorsing celebs

    Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif top list of brand endorsing celebs

    NEW DELHI: Despite the number of television commercials in which she is seen, Katrina Kaif continues to be the most powerful actress when it comes to endorsements. According to a recent survey, Kaif is one of the most trusted faces in the advertisement scene.

     

    The Annual Brand Trust Report 2015 ranked Kaif at the very top of the heap where actresses and other female celebrities were concerned. Kaif was ranked first in the Cinema Female category of the annual report. She took the ninth spot in the most trusted personality list.

     

    On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan topped the list of most trusted personality list in the Brand Trust Report 2015. They were ranked first, second and third, respectively, in the Cinema Male category too.

     

    Stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma took the fifth spot in the most trusted personality list, while Salman Khan took the eighth place. Salman is ranked fourth in the Cinema Male category.

     

    Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor were ranked second, third and fourth, respectively, in Cinema Female category, while taking the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth place in the all over list.

     

    Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn were ranked fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth in the male category but were ranked tenth, eleventh, fifteenth and twenty one, respectively, in the most trusted personality list.

     

    In the female category, the last three positions were taken by Rekha, Vidya Balan and Preity Zinta, who were ranked seventeenth, nineteenth and twentieth, respectively, in the all over list.

  • Upen Patel refuses to endorse fairness products

    Upen Patel refuses to endorse fairness products

    NEW DELHI: Even as Bollywood’s Greek God Hrithik Roshan signed on the dotted line to endorse Emami’s Fair and Handsome face wash brand, actor Upen Patel has joined the list of actors who have refused to endorse fairness products as it encourages racist stereotypes.

     

    Bollywood actors like Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, Randeep Hooda, Nandita Das, Bipasha Basu and Kangana Ranaut have previously refused to endorse fairness products. 

     

    On the other hand, actors like Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sonakshi Sinha, Priyanka Chopra and Yami Gautam amongst a host of other actors have no qualms endorsing these products.  

     

    A source from the film industry said, “Upen was recently approached by a skin care brand asking him to endorse a skin-lightening product. But apparently, he turned down the brand. He refuses to endorse anything that puts a value or discriminates a person based on his skin colour, taking a stand similar to what Nandita Das had done a few years earlier.”

     

    Confirming the news, Patel said, “This fair skin obsession has to be discouraged. It is so regressive and problematic to put a value, negative or positive to skin colour. It is actually the seeds of racism and only promotes low self-esteem. For me, I believe in loving yourself just the way you are. Dusky, dark or wheatish, you are perfect.”

  • MSM Motion Pictures & Yash Raj Films come together for ‘Piku’

    MSM Motion Pictures & Yash Raj Films come together for ‘Piku’

    MUMBAI: MSM Motion Pictures has partnered with Yash Raj Films for the worldwide theatrical distribution of their upcoming comedy drama – Piku.

     

    Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the move further strengthens the 20 year association of YRF and MSM. The duo ensures that YRF’s distribution network takes Piku to not just domestic and diaspora audiences but also non-traditional markets globally.

     

    A quirky take on father daughter relationship, the film brings Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan together for the first time. The film is also Paduokone’s first stand alone title role and has been co-produced by MSM Motion Pictures along with Saraswati Creations and Rising Sun Films.

  • Priyanka Chopra beats Deepika Padukone as 2015’s Hottest Woman

    Priyanka Chopra beats Deepika Padukone as 2015’s Hottest Woman

    NEW DELHI: Actor Priyanka Chopra, who surprised audiences with her performance in Mary Kom, has won two interesting accolades: ‘World’s Sexiest Asian Woman’, and ‘Hottest Woman of 2015’.

     

    Over 10 million people from across the world voted for her as the Sexiest Asian Woman also edged out Deepika Padukone as the ‘Hottest Women of 2015’, getting a whopping 53 per cent votes with Padukone receiving 35 per cent of the votes.

     

    This is not the first time that Chopra has beaten Padukone at a poll. She topped the Sexiest Woman in a Bikini poll, bagging 22,552 votes out of the 23,775 votes that came in, winning by a huge margin.

     

    Chopra also made it to the numero uno spot on the Ultimate Guys Guide – Maxim India’s Hottest List for 2013.

     

    This was the second consecutive year that Chopra made it to the top rankings on the magazine’s Hottest List, an annual poll with some of the most gorgeous women competing for the crown.

     

    The ‘Exotic’ singer and power player beat the likes of Grammy award winner Beyonce and Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima to the number 1 spot.

  • Top 10 Bollywood actors to look out for in 2015

    Top 10 Bollywood actors to look out for in 2015

    MUMBAI: The past year in Bollywood gave us several groundbreaking performances by celebrated actors as well as debutants.  With the year coming to an end, here’s a roundup of some of the hottest actors to look out for in 2015. Check out the list of top 10 actors who are sure to rule the industry in the upcoming year.

    Deepika Padukone:

    Apart from numerous brand endorsements and appearances, Deepika Padukone tops the list with many exciting projects lined up for release next year. Deepika will essay the title role in Shoojit Sircar’s Piku opposite legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani as Mastani. Last but not the least she also has Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha opposite Ranbir Kapoor in her kitty.

    Kangana Ranaut:

    Kangana Ranaut received numerous accolades for her film, Queen, winning millions of hearts with its simple story. Kangana also won the best actress award drama category for the film in the recent Stardust Awards. Taking the entertainment quotient one notch higher, she will be seen in a double role in Aanand L. Rai’s Tanu Weds Manu 2 in 2015.

    Vidya Balan:

    Vidya Balan is geared up for some ambitious releases in 2015. Mahesh Bhatt’s Humari Adhuri Kahani which stars Vidya alongside Emraan Hashmi and Rajkumar Rao is an anticipated romantic drama. The actress, who is known for her unique choice in roles, was last seen in Bobby Jasoos this year.

    Shraddha Kapoor:

    In 2015, Shraddha Kapoor will be shaking legs with Varun Dhawan in the upcoming dance based film, ABCD 2. Currently, the actress is enjoying the Vegas schedule of the film that promises to deliver cutting edge VFX and outstanding choreography.

    Arjun Rampal:

    Social media platforms have been buzzing with compliments for Arjun Rampal’s look in his upcoming film Roy. Portraying the role of a complex filmmaker Kabir, fans are totally loving his new look and the role. With Roy’s release, 2015 will see the actor playing a role that he has never done before.

    Taahir Bhasin:

    Taahir impressed the audience and critics this year with his powerful performance as the antagonist in his debut YRF film Mardaani opposite Rani Mukerji. In 2015, Taahir has an exciting project film titled Babumoshai Bandookbaaz, opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Singh. Looks like 2015 will be promising for the young actor.

    Emraan Hashmi:

    Emraan Hashmi starred in Mr. Natwarlal and Dharma Productions’ Ungli this year. Even though these films did not do well, his future projects in 2015 like Mr. X and Hamari Adhuri Kahani are in the list of the most awaited films of the coming year.

    Abhishek Bachchan:

    With his last super-hit release, Happy New Year, Abhishek Bachchan surely witnessed a successful year in 2014. In 2015, the actor has interesting projects to look forward which includes All is Well along side actress Asin.

    Jacqueline Fernandez:

    Jacqueline Fernandez is riding high on success with the blockbuster KICK and 2015 is touted to be a great year for the actress with films like Roy, Brothers and Definition of Fear among others. Jacqueline will be seen in a double role in her upcoming film Roy and her first international debut Definition of Fear is a horror film directed by James Simpson. These films are sure to keep the actress on her toes for next year.

    Nargis Fakhri:

    Nargis Fakhri was praised this year for her item song in KICK and for her quirky performance in Main Tera Hero alongside Varun Dhawan. In 2015, she will be making her Hollywood debut with her upcoming film Spy with Jude Law. Nargis will also be seen in a Tamil film Saahasam.