ITV

Tag: Devdas

  • Cinépolis rolls out the red carpet for SRK fans

    Cinépolis rolls out the red carpet for SRK fans

    MUMBAI: It’s time to fall in love all over again. Cinépolis India is turning up the nostalgia with a cinematic celebration fit for the king of Hindi cinema. Beginning October 31, the multiplex chain is hosting the Shah Rukh Khan Film Festival across 24 cities, inviting fans to relive the actor’s most iconic performances where they belong, on the big screen.

    The line-up reads like a love letter to Hindi cinema itself, spanning Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Devdas, Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Dil Se, and Jawan. Each screening promises a return to those unforgettable moments of romance, drama and charm that defined generations of moviegoers.

    “Few actors have shaped Indian cinema like Shah Rukh Khan,” said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat. “This festival celebrates his legacy by recreating the shared joy of watching his films together in theatres. At Cinépolis, we want every film to feel like an experience.”

    Running through the first week of November, the festival will light up Cinépolis theatres from Delhi and Lucknow to Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata and beyond. With seven blockbusters, 24 cities and countless memories, this tribute is pure Hindi cinema magic, curtain up, arms outstretched, and hearts wide open.

     

  • Zee Classic lines up Bimal Roy Film Festival in February

    Zee Classic lines up Bimal Roy Film Festival in February

    MUMBAI: Zee Classic is gearing up to present an ode to the pioneer of Indian cinema – Bimal Roy by celebrating noteworthy work from the golden era.

     

    Commemorating Roy’s 50th death anniversary, Zee Classic will celebrate the life and work of the legendary filmmaker with the Bimal Roy Film Festival, which will be presented by Boman Irani.

     

    Irani will present some of extraordinary and undiscovered facts and trivia about the filmmaker whose films, even after five decades, are still innovative and relevant today. In a five-part weekly series, the channel will showcase Roy’s awe-inspiring films every Saturday at 8 pm starting with Do Bigha Zamin on 6 February followed by Devdas on 13 February, Madhumati on 20 February, Sujata on 27 February andBandini on 5 March.

     

    The channel has roped in State Bank of India as the co-powered by sponsor for the festival.

     

    Satyajit Ray referred to Roy as the ‘Pioneer of Indian Cinema.’ He was known to be everyone’s first choice as a director and he received a lot of international accolades. Roy began his career as a cinematographer under director, P.C. Barua. His first project as a cameraman was Devdas, based on the novel of Sarat Chandra. He turned director with a Bengali film, Udayer Pathe. After shifting his base to Mumbai, he made few films but the world took notice of this gentle legend with the classic film, Do Bigha Zamin.

     

    One of his popular films that represented India in 1960 Cannes Film Festival was Sujata. It is based on a Bengali short story written by Subodh Ghosh and dealt with the subject of untouchability starring Nutan. The actress repeated her outstanding performance in Roy’s melodious Bandini, an intense romantic drama that shed light on mental and physical rehabilitation of a female murderer. To top it all, his Madhumati was the first Indian film to be launched abroad and its opening shot was taken in front of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Theatre in Czechoslovakia.

     

    Speaking about presenting the film festival on Zee Classic, Irani says, “I am honoured to be presenting the Bimal Roy Film Festival on Zee Classic. Bimal Da was an institution in himself. Decades have passed and there is still a lot more to learn from his school of filmmaking. Through this festival, we are aiming not only to appreciate but relive his passion, his outlook towards society and its reform which are still relevant today.”

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd business head – Hindi movie channels Ruchir Tiwari added, “We pride in showcasing the best of the golden era to our audiences with our positioning being ‘Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana’! And, any mention of the golden era is incomplete without its plinth, i.e., Bimal Roy. We wanted to commemorate the work of this legend and it all fell in place when Boman Irani agreed to be a part of this series. He is the perfect presenter for this series as he not only believes in the ideology of Zee Classic but is also a huge admirer of Bimal Roy’s work. It will be interesting to see how his passion for the filmmaker translates on-screen with anecdotes and unheard facts.”

  • Zee Classic lines up Bimal Roy Film Festival in February

    Zee Classic lines up Bimal Roy Film Festival in February

    MUMBAI: Zee Classic is gearing up to present an ode to the pioneer of Indian cinema – Bimal Roy by celebrating noteworthy work from the golden era.

     

    Commemorating Roy’s 50th death anniversary, Zee Classic will celebrate the life and work of the legendary filmmaker with the Bimal Roy Film Festival, which will be presented by Boman Irani.

     

    Irani will present some of extraordinary and undiscovered facts and trivia about the filmmaker whose films, even after five decades, are still innovative and relevant today. In a five-part weekly series, the channel will showcase Roy’s awe-inspiring films every Saturday at 8 pm starting with Do Bigha Zamin on 6 February followed by Devdas on 13 February, Madhumati on 20 February, Sujata on 27 February andBandini on 5 March.

     

    The channel has roped in State Bank of India as the co-powered by sponsor for the festival.

     

    Satyajit Ray referred to Roy as the ‘Pioneer of Indian Cinema.’ He was known to be everyone’s first choice as a director and he received a lot of international accolades. Roy began his career as a cinematographer under director, P.C. Barua. His first project as a cameraman was Devdas, based on the novel of Sarat Chandra. He turned director with a Bengali film, Udayer Pathe. After shifting his base to Mumbai, he made few films but the world took notice of this gentle legend with the classic film, Do Bigha Zamin.

     

    One of his popular films that represented India in 1960 Cannes Film Festival was Sujata. It is based on a Bengali short story written by Subodh Ghosh and dealt with the subject of untouchability starring Nutan. The actress repeated her outstanding performance in Roy’s melodious Bandini, an intense romantic drama that shed light on mental and physical rehabilitation of a female murderer. To top it all, his Madhumati was the first Indian film to be launched abroad and its opening shot was taken in front of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Theatre in Czechoslovakia.

     

    Speaking about presenting the film festival on Zee Classic, Irani says, “I am honoured to be presenting the Bimal Roy Film Festival on Zee Classic. Bimal Da was an institution in himself. Decades have passed and there is still a lot more to learn from his school of filmmaking. Through this festival, we are aiming not only to appreciate but relive his passion, his outlook towards society and its reform which are still relevant today.”

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd business head – Hindi movie channels Ruchir Tiwari added, “We pride in showcasing the best of the golden era to our audiences with our positioning being ‘Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana’! And, any mention of the golden era is incomplete without its plinth, i.e., Bimal Roy. We wanted to commemorate the work of this legend and it all fell in place when Boman Irani agreed to be a part of this series. He is the perfect presenter for this series as he not only believes in the ideology of Zee Classic but is also a huge admirer of Bimal Roy’s work. It will be interesting to see how his passion for the filmmaker translates on-screen with anecdotes and unheard facts.”

  • Skype partners YRF & ErosNow to develop custom Bollywood Mojis

    Skype partners YRF & ErosNow to develop custom Bollywood Mojis

    MUMBAI: Skype has partnered with Indian filmed entertainment companies namely Yash Raj Films and Eros International’s over the top (OTT) platform ErosNow to develop custom Bollywood specific mojis for its users.

     

    Mojis are short clips from movies and TV shows that Skype users can put directly into a Skype chat.

     

    In addition to the existing worldwide Mojis content, now users can react to Skype messages with clips from Bollywood movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Ra.One, Dhoom 2, Dhoom 3, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Devdas; and actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya RaiBachchan, Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh.

     

    Yash Raj Films vice president digital Anand Gurani said, “Sometimes when words aren’t enough, a popular film dialogue often fills in. YRF has a rich library of films and content that caters to a wide audience base. The introduction of Skype Mojis is an extremely innovative addition to instant messaging that should get instant traction!”

     

    Eros Digital CEO Rishika Lulla added, “We are delighted to join hands with Skype and tap their massive consumer base in this ever evolving digital landscape. With Eros’ vast film content library, we are equipped to provide the best in entertainment for Skype users on their smart phones, tablets, laptops or any internet-enabled devices.”

     

    Skype has also created new emoticons highlighting some of the food, gestures and daily expressions honouring the Indian culture Bollywood stems from.

     

    “We’re hugely excited about our partnership with Yash Raj Films and Eros International studios to bring more exciting content to our users. Our goal is to provide the best possible messaging experience on Skype, and tapping into India’s extremely active and vibrant film culture is a perfect way to do that,” added Skype corporate vice president Gurdeep Pall.

  • The 60th Britannia Filmfare Awards 2014: New beginnings

    The 60th Britannia Filmfare Awards 2014: New beginnings

    Mumbai: As the Award reaches the landmark 60th year, it does so in partnership with the globally iconic brand – Britannia. Both Britannia and Filmfare are not only household names but leaders in their respective fields. It’s going to be a master class in excellence as two distinguished brands come together to honour the best of Indian cinema.   

    With six decades at the top, Filmfare magazine and the Awards hold pride of place in the hearts of stars and fans alike. Starting with a modest ceremony of just 5 awards, it is now an extravagant gala with over 35 awards. A R Rahman leads with the highest number of the Filmfare Awards, a whopping 29, followed by Kamal Hassan and Gulzar at 20 each.  Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Black and Devdas have been the most successful films at the Filmfare Awards.  They’ve bagged an amazing 10 awards each.

    The Black Lady too has changed over time; from a 5kg hand crafted bronze trophy to a golden avatar at the 50th anniversary.  A diamond-studded trophy, the 2500th piece, was given away to A R Rahman in 2012. In 2013, gold plating at the base of the trophy was done to mark the centenary of Indian Cinema and a year later, keeping up with the advent of 3D in films and 3D printing technology in real life, Filmfare took a futuristic leap. All the trophies that year were 3D printed.
    Britannia Industries is one of India’s leading food companies with annual revenues in excess of Rs. 6000 Cr. In it’s close to 100 year journey, Britannia has become one of India’s favorite and most trusted food brands and houses power brands like Good Day, Tiger, NutriChoice and MarieGold which are household names in India.  Britannia’s product portfolio includes biscuits, bread, cakes, rusk, and dairy products including cheese, beverages, Milk and yoghurt. Britannia products are available across the country in over 35 lakh retail outlets and reach over 50% of Indian homes.  It’s most recent product launches – NutriChoice Heavens and Goodday Chunkies showcase the Company’s ability to offer World- class bakery experiences to the Indian consumer.

    To announce this momentous occasion, Britannia and Filmfare came together at the hotel JW Marriott in Mumbai on December 7, 2014. Gracing the event to announce this grand new association was B-town’s favourite actress and now international pop icon Priyanka Chopra along   with Mr. Varun Berry, Managing Director, Britannia Industries Limited and Mr. Tarun Rai, Chief Executive Officer, Worldwide Media, the publishers of Filmfare magazine.  Together they lit the lamp marking the start of a new magical journey to honour Hindi cinema’s best.

    Talking about their decision to partner with the Filmfare Awards Mr. Varun Berry said, “Britannia is happy to announce its association with the Filmfare Awards 2014 as a Title Sponsor. The Britannia Filmfare Awards 2014 will bring together the two things that every Indian loves – Good food and Great Fun.”

    Mr. Tarun Rai, CEO, Worldwide Media said, “In the 60th year of the Filmfare Awards, I am very happy to announce that Britannia is making their debut with us as partners. Britannia is an iconic brand and I am sure their association with Filmfare Awards will only raise the stature of our event. I look forward to this new journey.”

    The 60th Britannia Filmfare Awards 2014 will be held on January 31, 2015 at the Yash Raj Studios, Andheri, Mumbai.

     

  • …and Pran’ is no more, leaving millions of fans grieving

    …and Pran’ is no more, leaving millions of fans grieving

    NEW DEHLI: Veteran actor Pran Sikand, who had been presented the country’s highest honour in cinema in May this year, passed away today after a prolonged illness.

    Pran, 93, died in Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, at around 8:30 pm this evening. He had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for almost a month for several complications. He is survived by his widow, and his three children and various grandchildren.

    Pran had become the 44th recipient of the Dadasabhe Phalke Award when Information & Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari visited him at his residence – a first for the award since its institution in 1971 – on 10 May and presented it to him as the thespian had been forbidden to travel by his doctors..

    The only other occasion that a presenting official had come off stage to present the award to a recipient was when the then President did so for showman Raj Kapoor in 1988 when he had a sudden asthmatic attack. The award was instituted in 1969, the birth centenary year Dadasaheb Phalke, considered the Father of Indian Cinema.

    During his six-decade career which began in the mid-1940s, Pran gave performances in almost 350 films as a hero, a villain, a character actor, and even excelled in comedy. He made his debut as an antagonist in Dalsukh Pancholi`s Punjabi film Yamla Jat (1945) and went on to essay a number of iconic characters in Hindi cinema after that.

    He also acted in super-hit films like Milan, Half Ticket, Barsaat Ki Ek Raat, Devdas, Madhumati, Kashmir Ki Kali, Upkar, Brahmchari, Johny Mera Naam, Purab Aur Paschim and many more. .

    He often prided over the fact that a film was often not complete unless he was a part of it, and the star cast always listed various actors and then in a separate slide came the words ‘…and Pran’.

    Consequently, his biography by the late Bunny Reuben was also titled ‘…and Pran’..

    The citation for the Dadasaheb Phalke award read: ‘This highest award in cinema given by the Government of India is conferred upon Shri Pran for his outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema. His impressive performances have bestowed an entirely unique new dimension to the negative and character roles in Hindi cinema. His contribution to mainstream Hindi cinema is well recognized ensuring him the place of one of the most illustrious and celebrated actors of Indian film industry. During his career, he has given sterling performances in over 350 films and in each one of them, he brought new mannerism and style, holding the audience spell bound by his acting. This citation is in recognition of Shri Pran’s inspiring journey in the Indian cinema spanning over several decades.

    The Twitterverse was replete with condolences and messages from various foks including Amitabh Bachchan, the Prime Minister, Shah Rukh Khan, among others remembering Pran. Here‘s a sample:

    Amitabh Bachchan: It was Manoj Kumar ji‘s vision that converted Pran Saheb from villan to compassionate powerful character roles ! ‘Shaheed‘, ‘Upkar‘

    Mahesh Bhatt: Enchanting memories of Pran Saab courses through the hearts of millions of people who grew up watching his films. India loves u Sir!

    Narendra Modi: Sad to know of demise of legendary actor Pran. He will be remembered for generations. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace

    Dr Manmohan Singh: I convey my heartfelt condolences to the the bereaved family and Pran‘s countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul

    Riteish Deshmukh: RIP Pran Saab – Thank you for entertaining us all these years- will miss you sir. SHER KHAN u will live for ever- RIP Pran Saab

    Kareena Kapoor: R.I.P Pran a true legend will never be forgotten.’

    Priyanka Chopra: #Zanjeer will miss Sher Khan forever.RIP Pran saheb.Thank you for giving us such a legendary legacy.loss of a legend.prayers and condolences

    Arjun Rampal: RIP Pran Saab, you immortalised so many characters, was fortunate to play one of them. You live in my heart forever.’

    Sushma Swaraj: With the sad demise of Shri Pran, the country has lost an artist par excellence.

    Geeta Kapur: He now lives only through his films…RIP Pran sir

    Randeep Hooda: And Pran..RIP, Grew up watching him and always thought he was really the character he played instead of an actor , You walk among us sir..

    Anup Soni: Most enchanting, amazing characters, villinious roles.. generations of actors have learned how to prepare a character.. RIP Pran Sir.

    Sreedevi Boney Kapoor: Today we have lost a legend, a gem and an iconic actor. We will miss you. RIP Pran Saheb..

    Suhasani Haidar:Everyone remembers a #Pran line:I remember “hum bolega toh bolega ki bolta hai” everytime I‘m accused of talking too much! #RIP #kasauti

    Shah Rukh Khan: Why do icons who shaped our lives and emotions have to go away? U will sir, remain etched in our hearts. Allah bless ur soul Pran Sahib.

    Anupam Kher: Final Curtain Call for one of the Most Loved Actors of Indian Cinema. An Actor & A Gentleman. Pran Saab- We will miss you & your Warmth.RIP.

    Tunku Varadarajan: RIP Pran: Villainy never had more character, or style.

  • Cinematographer Ravi Varman injured on the sets of Ram Leela

    Cinematographer Ravi Varman injured on the sets of Ram Leela

    MUMBAI: Cinematographer Ravi Varman, whose visuals in Anurag Basu`s Barfi fetched him several accolades, was injured while shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s film Ram Leela.

     

    Varman fractured his hand, putting a question mark on the rest of the schedule. The film features Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in lead roles and is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

     

    Said a member of the unit, “Sanjay Sir was of the opinnion that we immediately wrap up the rest of the schedule, however, Varmanji didn`t want Deepika Padukone`s and Ranveer Singh`s dates to go to waste. So he went along. But soon, the pain became unbearable and it turned impossible for him to wield the camera with the fractured hand. Sanjay Sir has now called off the rest of the schedule (two days) till Varmanji is ok.”

     

    It is believed that the losses are minimal as only two days of shooting remained.

     

    Accidents are a regular feature on the sets of a Bhansali film. Last time, a light man Subhash Morkar (40) fell to death while he was handling the lights on the sets on the sets of Devdas at Filmistan Studios.

  • Bhansali’s Devdas in 3D soon

    Bhansali’s Devdas in 3D soon

    MUMBAI: Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai-starrer Devdas will be converted to the 3D format.

    Eros International CEO Sunil Lulla said, “The film completes a decade this year. And to commemorate its 10th year, we will release a 3D version of this Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyaya classic.”

    Devdas was released in six languages namely English, French, German, Mandarin, Thai and Punjabi.

    Devdas won five National Awards and 10 Filmfare Awards, was screened at Cannes and was India‘s entry to the Academy Awards in the foreign language category in 2003.

  • Birju Maharaj to choreograph Kathak sequence for Kamal Hassan

    Birju Maharaj to choreograph Kathak sequence for Kamal Hassan

    MUMBAI: Birju Maharaj is all set to choreograph a Kathak dance sequence for Kamal Haasan in the Hindi-Tamil bi-lingual Viswaroopam that marks his return to Hindi films after nine years.


    Confirming the same, Haasan has reportedly said, “Yes, I am indeed doing a Kathak dance under the supervision of Birju Maharaj for Viswaroopam. It isn‘t going to be part of the film just for the heck of it. The dance is an integral part of the script. I thoroughly enjoy watching and performing the classical dance forms.”


    The last time Maharaj choreographed for a Hindi film was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s Devdas in which Madhuri Dixit‘s dance number “Kahe chede chede mohe…” was supervised by him.

  • Film City in Mumbai set for revamp

    Film City in Mumbai set for revamp

    MUMBAI: The Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, popularly known as Film City, is soon to be spruced up. The Maharashtra government has decided to equip it with state-of-the-art facilities. It also intends to make the film shooting facility a tourist spot on the lines of the Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad.

    Said Film City spokesperson Saini, “There are some development plans that we have just started working on. It’s an ongoing process and will take some time before it gets implemented. We will first set a committee that will wholly work on the master plan.”

    A final decision will be taken within 20 days.

    “We also want it to become a sought after tourist spot. However, we won‘t open the entire Film City for tourism purposes. There will be just few places that will be open to the general public,” the spokesperson added.

    The government has decided to equip it with lavish and state-of-the-art sets to make it a one-stop for filmmakers. Special arrangements will be made for tourists to have access to shoots.

    Besides, a Bollywood museum is being planned.

    The Film City, situated in the northern suburb of Goregaon, was built by Maharashtra government’s department of cultural affairs and was inaugurated on 26 September, 1977. Initially known as the Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation, it was renamed in 2001 as the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari.

    Among the recent films that were shot at Film City are Devdas, Ready and Bodyguard among others. The ongoing TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is also being shot there.