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Tag: Sharmila Tagore

  • Sharmila Tagore applauds healthcare sector progress at 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards

    Sharmila Tagore applauds healthcare sector progress at 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards

    Mumbai: Lauding the incredible progress of the healthcare sector in India, Sharmila Tagore, a celebrated film personality, yesterday said that India has come a long way in terms of healthcare advancement, but there is a need to prioritise rural healthcare.

    Addressing the ‘15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’ Ms Tagore said, “Indian healthcare sector has seen a tangible success in the last few decades. This sector in India has advanced with technology. I believe in our doctors and do not see any point in going to foreign countries and spending a good chunk of treatment while we have the capability within our country itself.”

    She also applauded the efforts of FICCI for hosting the ‘Healthcare Excellence Awards’ every year to honour the invaluable contribution of individuals and organisations in the healthcare sector.

    FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2023 former secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare & Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India and jury chair- C K Mishra said that the Indian healthcare sector has come a long way, and a healthy India is no longer a distant dream.

    “The healthcare sector has made significant progress. We need to work hard, explore new possibilities, and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all. A healthy India is no longer a distant dream. We need to step up our efforts in the healthcare sector and strive to bring about positive change,” he asserted.

    Dr Harsh Mahajan, chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee at the 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards, also emphasised the need to expedite efforts. He added that the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards, which recognise organisations and individuals for their exemplary contributions to the healthcare sector, can serve as motivation for the healthcare sector to make remarkable progress in this direction.

    Echoing a similar sentiment,  FICCI Health Services Committee co-chair Dr Sanjeev Singh; Medical director, Amrita Institute- Faridabad and chief Medical superintendent, AIMSRC Kochi also stressed the importance of recognising good work for progress.

    FICCI hosted its ‘15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’ to felicitate organisations and individuals for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare space in different categories on Thursday. The participants were evaluated on three criteria: Innovation, Impact Sustainability and scalability, by a distinguished independent jury panel chaired by C K Mishra. 

  • FCAT abolished, filmmakers criticise government’s decision

    FCAT abolished, filmmakers criticise government’s decision

    NEW DELHI: It was on April 7 that the government decided to abolish the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) with immediate effect. The statutory body was formed in 1983 to hear appeals from filmmakers against the rulings by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). FCAT has played a crucial role in releasing several films which were initially banned from screening by the CBFC. 

    The Centre’s decision to do away with the FCAT has been met with widespread condemnation from filmmakers in the country, with industry stakeholders opining that such a move from the government could lead to creative restrictions, and may even delay film releases. 

    With the FCAT now dismantled, producers and directors unhappy with the censor board's verdict will have to approach the high court for remedy. 

    Soon after the abolition of FCAT, several prominent personalities including National Award-winning filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Vishal Bharadwaj, and actor Richa Chadha took to social media to pan the move. 

    "Do the high courts have a lot of time to address film certification grievances? How many film producers will have the means to approach the courts? The FCAT discontinuation feels arbitrary and is definitely restrictive. Why this unfortunate timing? Why take this decision at all?" tweeted Hansal Mehta. 

    Omkara director Vishal Bhardwaj censured the government's move to shut down the FCAT, calling it a “sad day for cinema.” 

     

     

    CBFC former chairperson and actor Sharmila Tagore also came out in support of filmmakers and made it clear that the decision to abolish FCAT could not only consume the time of the judiciary but also delay the release of films. 

    "I don’t know what the rationale is, what was the reason for doing this. I don’t want to comment on it at all. But FCAT was a body that was presided over by a judge and they had very eminent members. I felt since there was a legal body already present, why can’t that body look into these PILs and then later, the courts are always there. The problem with the court is everything takes a little longer. Producers can’t risk it. For them, even a week’s loss is huge," Tagore told Indian Express. 

    Several filmmakers had previously made use of FCAT to release their films on time. In 2017, Alankrita Shrivastava had approached FCAT after CBFC refused to certify Lipstick Under My Burkha. After watching the movie, FCAT asked to give an 'A' certificate to the movie with a few edits. In 2016, it was the intervention of FCAT that helped Anurag Kashyap to release his film Udta Punjab. 

  • Zee News may challenge NBSA order on ‘Afzal Premi Gang…”

    Zee News may challenge NBSA order on ‘Afzal Premi Gang…”

     MUMBAI: Self-regulatory news broadcasters authority NBSA has asked the Hindi news channel Zee News to pay Rs 1 lakh as a fine for the report titled ‘Afzal Premi Gang ka Mushaira’, telecast an apology on 8 September and remove the programme video from Zee website.

    In the report, Zee News had referred to Urdu poet and scientist Gauhar Raza as anti-national and a supporter of Afzal Guru who was convited and hanged for 2001 Parliament attack. The channel had telecast one of the poetry recitals of Raza along with the footage of the controversial Jawaharlal Nehru University protests of February 2016.

    Zee Media editor Sudhir Chaudhary meanwhile denied violation of NBSA guidelines. The channel, Chaudhary said, was contemplating legal remedies including challenging NBSA order, Mint reported.

    Acting on two complaints one by Raza in April 2016 and a joint complaint filed by the singer Shubha Mudgal, actor Sharmila Tagore, poet Ashok Vajpeyi and writer Syeda Hameed, the NBSA chairperson retired justice R.V. Raveendran, in an order dated 31 August, stated that the channel had breached the NBSA guidelines.

    NBSA, at a meeting held on 10 January 2017, after viewing the CD, considering the submissions  and  examining  the  matter,  was of  the view that  the broadcaster (Zee) had breached  the guidelines  relating to accuracy, impartiality, neutrality, which  required “TV  news channels  must provide  for neutrality  by offering  equality for all affected parties, players and actors in any dispute  or conflict  to present  their point  of  view” and “news  channels  must  strive to ensure  that allegations  are not  portrayed  as fact and charges are not conveyed as an act of guilt”,  fairness, objectivity and privacy as also the “Guidelines on broadcast of potential defamatory content”; that  the broadcaster had  failed to give an opportunity to Prof   Gauhar  Raza, who  was being reported upon,  to give his version/views; that broadcasting a programme using  the footage of  the JNU  incidents  with  the  poetry  recital of  Prof  Raza and  giving title to  the programme as “Afzal Premi Gang ka Mushaira” was highly inappropriate and derogatory as mere reference  by Prof  Gauhar  Raza while reciting his poetry  to “Kanhaiya”, “Nehru University” & “Rohit Vemula”,  could not be a ground to brand the poet,  the organisers  of  the Mushaira  and the audience  as “Afzal Premi  Gang”; and  that  branding  all  the participants/audience  who  attended  the  Mushaira  as belonging to a “gang” who admired Afzal Guru, when Gauhar Raza in his poetry recital did not even mention or refer to Afzal Guru, was unwarranted.”

    The request of  the complainant for award of compensation  of Rs.10 million for loss of reputation, and consequences of incitement of hatred and ill-will against him, was not considered, “being beyond the jurisdiction of NBSA.”

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  • Soha Ali Khan – Kunal Khemu opt for a simple wedding

    Soha Ali Khan – Kunal Khemu opt for a simple wedding

    MUMBAI: It’s time for celebrations at the Khan family as the star couple Soha Ali Khan and Kumal Khemu get ready to tie the knot.

     

    The wedding, which will be held on 25 January, will be a private and low-key affair. Only close friends and family members will be invited.

     

    Soha got engaged to Kunal (31) in Paris last year. The couple worked together in the 2009 film 99.

     

    The 36-year-old actress said, “It’s a simple wedding at home. But I think it should be memorable and special. And I will be dressed for the occasion.”

  • Zee initiates campaign for Kashmir floods- “HUM HAIN… Umeed-e-Kashmir”

    Zee initiates campaign for Kashmir floods- “HUM HAIN… Umeed-e-Kashmir”

    MUMBAI: The entertainment industry led by the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), the Film and Television Producers Guild and the global mediaconglomerate Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.(ZEE) has initiated a fund-raiser campaign, “HUM HAIN… Umeed-e-Kashmir” to raise funds and awareness for flood-stricken Kashmir. The recent floods in Kashmir have devastated and unhinged the lives of many leaving many casualties and loss of homes, property and livelihoods in its wake.

     
    Acknowledging our chance to be one, the relief campaign kicked off on Gandhi Jayanti and ZEE’s 22nd Anniversary – 2nd October,  with a message from youth icon Ranbir Kapoor calling on the nation to join hands and raise hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The message was released along with a thematic music piece composed by Gulzar & Vishal Bharadwaj and sung by Sukhwinder Singh.

     

    HUM HAIN: Umeed-e-Kashmir will strive to work alongside several NGOs, Government bodies, celebrities and civilians to give the cause a unified voice. The concert will include a list of celebrity performers will appeal and urge viewers to donate to key NGOs and specified Disaster Relief Funds in support of the Kashmir relief project. Many other stars and performers will be shortly announced.

     

    On 18 October, HUM HAIN…Ummeed e Kashmir is being hosted at the Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium in Delhi and features a veritable who’s who: Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, Farhan Akhtar, Ranbir Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Gulzar, Ayushman Khurrana, Daler Mehndi, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Sukhwinder Singh, Rekha Bhardwaj, Pritam, Shantanu Moitra, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Dr L Subramanium, Anupam Kher, Imtiaz Ali, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Mukesh Bhatt, Swanand Kirkire, Zaheer Khan, Boney and Sridevi Kapoor and multiple celebrities. More celebrities will continue to join as performers, as the build-up to the event begins. Tickets for the event and all proceeds, which will completely go to the charity United Way will soon be available on Bookmyshow.com and other outlets across the Delhi NCR region.
     

    The campaign’s highpoint is the creation of simultaneous live events on ground across 7 cities on 18th October with the main event at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi and simultaneous events being held in Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkatta and Jaipur.  The spread of events across the country will help demonstrate that India cares.

     
    Zee TV’s 10 News channels will come together to connect the multiple events being held simultaneously across the country. India will be one as the event management industry in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, and Kolkata will feature their respective film and entertainment industries. Zee’s anchors and network will connect the cities and performers live from 3 pm onwards on 18th October.

     

    A total of 38 Zee channels will SIMULCAST this initiative on Sunday 26 October including Zee TV, Zee Cinema, & Pictures, Zee Classic, Zee Action, Zee Premiere, Zee Café, Zee Studio, ETC, Zing, Zindagi, Zee Tamil, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Bangla  Cinema, Zee Anmol, Zee Smile, Zee Salaam, Zee Jagran, ZQ, Khana Khazana, Zee TV HD, Zee Cinema HD, & Pictures HD and Zee Studio HD, Zee Kannada, Zee Telugu, Zee Marathi Zee News, Zee Business, Zee 24 Taas, Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee MP CG, Zee Punjab, Zee Sangam, Zee Marudhara, Zee Kalina and Zee Purvaiya.

        
    Studios will also be set up in both New Delhi and Mumbai where celebrities will also send across poignant messages, performances and showcase footage films that bring alive the devastation and relief work undertaken in an effort to strengthen the appeal. Concert tickets for the same will be sold, with all proceeds going to charity. A collection of celebrity memorabilia will also go on auction. ALL money generated through the fund-raiser through sale of tickets, donations, sponsorships, commercial time, auctions, etc. will be given to charities in Jammu & Kashmir and the most-recently hit Assam that the organisers will painstakingly select.

    Amitabh Bachchan speaking about the initiative said, “As human beings and as Indians we need to do all that we can to help our countrymen in need. The plight of the people of Jammu & Kashmir has always been a matter of concern and the floods have only made it worse. All that we do simply won’t be enough to meet the various challenges facing the people; but every drop counts. Hence we call on everyone in our country and from the world community to come forward and provide their support.”

     

    Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEE said “As a nation, we have always treasured Kashmir the most, our precious crown that it has always been. In such a calamity, it is nothing less than a moral responsibility of every citizen and corporate in India to step forward and extend the best possible support towards the relief. As a global media company, with a wide bouquet of multiple channels across the nation, and a strong connect with over 730 million viewers, ZEE aims at offering a dual support to this initiative. Firstly, through the advertisement revenues generated from the broadcast, which would be entirely donated to the relief work, and secondly by offering a nationwide reach to the event. Committed to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which we espouse as our brand positioning, it is ZEE’s responsibility to step forward and work for its Family, of which the people of Kashmir are an integral part.”  

     

    Ranbir Kapoor speaking about the initiative said, “Kashmir has always been an intrinsic part of our film industry. The happiness and joy that the Kashmiri people brought me and my Rockstar crew was incredible. The people are peace-loving and love all of us from the entertainment industry. I am grateful to the EEMA and the Film  Producers Guild for initiating this project with Zee TV. It’s important that the country comes together to demonstrate our solidarity with them at this time”

     

    Sabbas Joseph, President of Event and Entertainment Management Association said today, “As we continue to plan the relief campaign, there is an optimistic energy building that we will be able to help rebuild Kashmir with a sense of solidarity that is representative by every film, music and sports icon coming together. The idea of creating multiple simultaneous live events showcases the strength, diversity and unity of our country; it also demonstrates the growing strength of the live and event management industry across the country. Bringing the country together, is at the core of the initiative that we are building.”

     

    Mukesh Bhatt, President of the Film & TV Producers Guild, said, “The land of ethereal beauty & purity is in tatters, devastated by nature’s fury. Kashmir, the embodiment of Indian culture & tradition, is crying for help from millions of fellow Indians. The Indian entertainment industry has shared a wonderful symbiotic relationship with the land of Kashmir over the years & the time has come to repay the generosity & hospitality of Kashmiris in their time of strife. The industry has forever pioneered charitable causes whenever India has been ravaged by tragedies & this time too, we would like to support our Kashmiri brethren & contribute in our own humble way to this gargantuan task of relief & rehabilitation.”Hum Hain ….. Umeed-e-Kashmir” will not only assemble industry forces on a common platform of compassion & nobility but more significantly appeal to the consciousness of the vast multitude of Indians to generously donate funds in our endeavour to provide some succour to the survivors in Kashmir.”

     

    This October, the Event and Entertainment Management Association, along with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. and the Film and Television Producers Guild of India have come together in solidarity with the people of Kashmir and India, at large and is sending out a call-to-action.

     

  • DD India broadcasts its game-changing show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon to over 50 countries

    DD India broadcasts its game-changing show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon to over 50 countries

    MUMBAI: In a little over two months since the new serial Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (I, a woman, can achieve anything) has been on air on Doordarshan National, the tremendous response it has received from the viewers has been overwhelming. In view of this response, Doordarshan has started telecasting the serial on DD India, reaching out to over 50 countries across the globe.

     

    Telecast on DD India every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.30 am (IST), and on DD National every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm, the success of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon proves that woman power resonates strongly with India!

     

    Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, Population Foundation of India’s (PFI) production, focuses on  sex selection, prevention of early marriage, domestic violence, women’s reproductive health and male sensitization. Aimed at bringing about a change in the attitudes and behaviours of the target audience, and especially increasing women’s freedom and self-empowerment, the serial has been endorsed by Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan.

     

    To further expand the reach of the serial, PFI has also launched the radio series of the show on All India Radio from May 24, 2014 at 10.05 am on FM Gold, 6 pm on FM Rainbow, 3 pm on Vividh Bharati and at 12.05 pm on all local stations.

     

    To fully leverage the potential of the series, PFI in partnership with Gramvaani, has launched an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS), a call-back number where viewers can share their stories and participate in discussions. Since the series has been on air, 2,00,000 calls have been received and people have discussed their experiences, thoughts and suggestions. These recordings are available on the serial’s website – http://www.mkbksh.com/connect-with-us.html

      

    Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, PFI, said, “We are delighted to see the response which we have received through various mediums. With an aim to maximize reach, in addition to television and radio, the serial is being disseminated through multiple media, including  the internet and mobile phones. People are appreciating the story of a strong female protagonist in Dr Sneha and discussing the messages we are giving. Immense research has gone into developing the story of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon and I am very glad that we have been successful in connecting with the audience.”

     

    “I thank Doordarshan for backing our initiative strongly and helping us reach a global audience.” added Ms. Muttreja.

     

    Feroz Abbas Khan, eminent theatre and film director and the creative force behind the serial said, “I have directed this serial with great passion as the cause is close to my heart and it is fantastic to see the serial being viewed by people across the globe. My team has gone all out to ensure that the serial resonates with the people. It motivates all of us immensely when we hear a girl from Kashmir say that she is encouraged by the character of Dr Sneha Mathur, wants to be a police officer, and says ‘main bhi sab kuch kar sakti hoon’!”

     

    The response to the serial is also reflected in the successful TRP it has been receiving. Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon reached the TRP of 2.0 within four weeks of its launch, which made it the forerunner among all new shows on Doordarshan. It also put DD in the third place among all entertainment channels in the given time slot. 

     

    Doordarshan has a rich history of supporting serials that have promoted a cause, such as Hum Log, Jasoos Vijay and more recently Kyunki Jeena Isi ka Naam Hai. These serials addressed social issues, including caste harmony, empowerment of women, HIV/AIDS in an entertaining format and their evaluations have shown a positive impact on individual behaviors. In fact, there is global evidence that entertainment education is one of the most successful ways of bringing about a positive change in the attitudes of people around difficult social norms. The highly popular Soul City in South Africa, which has guided Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, is a case in point.

     

    Television is also the fastest growing medium and statistics reveal that over the last 15 years the reach of television in India has increased by 13%. This, coupled with the penetration of Doordarshan makes Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon potentially the greatest game changing media show in India at present.

  • DD launches woman-centric drama series

    DD launches woman-centric drama series

    Mumbai: Empowerment of women and woes related to them have been a topic of debate and concern for years now.

    Many attempts are made to showcase the strong women in our society to bring about a change. Following the trend, Doordarshan and All India Radio has launched a trans-media drama series, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH). The series seek to promote strong women characters was launched by the Population Foundation of India (PFI).

    Marking the spirit of International Woman’s Day, the series premieres on 8 March on Doordarshan and will run every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm. In an effort to challenge deep rooted social issues like child marriage, early pregnancies and sex selection in our society, mother-daughter duo Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan have came together to support the serial and shared their views at the launch.

    “Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon has the potential of being a catalyst for change–the amount of research that has gone in the preparation of this initiative is extraordinary! Real life stories have informed and guided Feroz and PFI in developing the scripts – they are the testimony that change is happening, it just needs to be amplified,” said Soha Ali Khan.

    ”The reality is that women have moved beyond stereotypical images and are increasingly seen in workplaces. We see them as police officers, politicians, scientists and entrepreneurs. Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon has in its lead role an inspiring young woman, from a small town. A doctor by profession, she represents the aspirations of many young women today. She is bold, stands up for what she believes is right, takes her decisions,” Sharmila Tagore added.

    PFI hopes that MKBKSH will contribute to behaviour change for empowerment of women, delayed age at marriage, delayed age at first pregnancy and spacing between births, and promote gender equality and improved health seeking behaviours. The serial will also be disseminated through other media channels, including the Internet, mobile space, and radio to maximize reach.

    The serial revolves around the inspiring journey of Dr. Sneha, representing the young Indian woman of today, who thrives on challenges. The series has been produced and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, an eminent theatre and film director and the creative force behind Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon. It is a venture close to his heart where his aesthetic sensibilities and deep commitment to social causes come together.

    Commenting on his experience, Feroz Abbas Khan said, “I feel delighted that PFI has taken this phenomenal step to bring an entertaining drama series on Doordarshan, which will reach out to millions of viewers with very important messages. In today’s context of a renewed commitment to women’s issues this serial will amplify ordinary women’s voices and stories. Immense research and effort has gone into the making of this serial, and I am confident that it will be a force of change.”

    Doordarshan, has consistently supported socially relevant soap operas and has lent its full support to the series.

    Speaking on the occasion Doordarshan director general Tripurari Sharan said, “This series will be highly entertaining with a captivating storyline that will touch the mind and hearts of the audeinces. Not only will the serial entertain the audiences but it will make people think and question social norms and behaviors.”

    PFI executive director Poonam Muttreja said, “Changing social norms and behaviour is certainly not an easy task. We believe that the media plays a critical role to reach audiences and challenge existing attitudes and practices. This game changing serial will lay the ground work for a better future for Indian women.”

  • Soha dons a Bikini in Mr. Joe B Carvalho

    Soha dons a Bikini in Mr. Joe B Carvalho

    MUMBAI: It seems actor Soha Ali Khan is ready shed her inhibitions. The actor, in her nine-year-old career in the film industry, has mostly been seen in a girl-next-door kind of roles. Now, she is all set to go glamorous on-screen. The actor will be seen wearing a bikini for the first time in her upcoming Mr. Joe B Carvalho that stars Arshad Warsi and Javed Jaffery.

     

    Soha’s mother veteran actress Sharmila Tagore was one of the first actors to don a two piece in An Evening in Paris, but what took her so long to go bold? “I haven’t been in a pool before in any of my films so there was never a need to wear a swimsuit. I was given the choice between a swimsuit and a bikini and I chose to wear a blue bikini from my personal collection..!!  I love the water and swim a lot, so I was not uncomfortable doing the shot although it was a first for me and so I was a bit nervous about the aesthetics of it and was insistent it should not be crass or crude but look effortless and natural. Thanks to my director Samir (Tewari) as that is what we have got!!”

     

    Soha had requested Samir if she could wear a two-piece from her personal collection and within no time Soha sat down with her stylist and zeroed down the beautiful blue bikini, blue being her favorite colour!!

  • Actress Sharmila Tagore supports Irom Sharmila’s struggle against AFSPA

    Actress Sharmila Tagore supports Irom Sharmila’s struggle against AFSPA

    MUMBAI: Today is the hearing date of Sharmila’s court case against armed forces special powers act (Afspa) and as she’s summoned by the government of Manipur which claims that due to lack of funds, Irom Sharmila cannot be flown to Delhi for her court case today.

    At a panel discussion event held in the city last evening, Bollywood actor Sharmila Tagore said, “I am ashamed at myself for not being aware of the cause until five years ago. I am completely supportive of the cause Irom has been fighting for over a decade now. And today is the day when Afspa completes fifty-five years of existence in India. Let us come together as a nation to express our solidarity towards her cause.”

    The panel discussion was held to honour the on-going efforts of Irom Sharmila captured by author Minnie Vaid in her book ‘Iron Irom, Two Journeys’ published by Rajpal and Sons.

    Author Minnie Vaid said, “I want everybody to join this cause, not only you and me but everybody to be aware of the cause, the struggle of Irom, hence her journey as a fighter in the form of a book.”

    Human Rights Alert (HRA), founder and director Panelist Babloo Loitongbam, expressed that “Irom received awards and accolades from within the country and even abroad, but she did not want to become an icon. She wanted to be portrayed as an ordinary individual because she was seen as an extraordinary person that she would not be seen as a symbol of sacrifice.”

     

  • Indian director Sarthak Dasgupta wins Sundance-Mahindra filmmaking award

    Indian director Sarthak Dasgupta wins Sundance-Mahindra filmmaking award

    MUMBAI: Indian filmmakers are going places. Sarthak Dasgupta from India and three other directors have won the 2013 Sundance-Mahindra Global filmmaking award that supports the emerging independent talent from around the world.

    Dasgupta, who has previously written and directed award-winning film The Great Indian Butterfly, won the award this time for The Music Teacher. The other winners include Jonas Carpignano from Italy-US for A Chjana, Brazilian director Aly Muritiba for The Man Who Killed My Beloved Dead and Vendela Vida and Eva Weber for Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name, a UK-Germany-US co-production.

    Each of the four winning filmmakers will receive a cash award of $10,000, attendance at the Sundance Film Festival and creative and strategic support.

    This is the second year that one of the four award recipients is an Indian. Last year‘s winner was Shonali Bose for her project Margarita, With A Straw.

    The awards were presented at a private ceremony at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah (US) by Rohit Khattar, Chairman, Mumbai Mantra, Michelle Satter, Founding Director, Feature Film Programme, Sundance Institute and Paul Federbush, International Director, Feature Film Programme, Sundance Institute.

    “At a time when there is no dearth of issues around the world that are crying out to be heard, the Global Filmmaking award recognises independent filmmakers who give expression to those voices,” said the Mahindra Group chairman and managing director Anand Mahindra in a statement.

    “The Mahindra Group is proud to assist the Sundance Institute in this endeavour, which, in line with the Group‘s ‘Rise‘ philosophy, aims to drive a positive change in communities across the world,” he added.

    The nomination committee for the Indian Award winner included prominent names from Indian cinema like Sharmila Tagore, Anil Kapoor, Rajkumar Hirani, Ramesh Sippy, Shabana Azmi, Shyam Benegal, Anjum Rajabali, K Hariharan and Ira Bhaskar.

    The Sundance Institute-Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award is part of a multifaceted collaboration that exemplifies a commitment to and support of world cinema by the Mahindra Group, one of the largest industrial conglomerates in India, and the non-profit Sundance Institute, one of the world‘s leading cultural organisations.

    This is the third and the last of the three-year collaboration between the two organisations.

    The Sundance-Mahindra Group‘s collaboration also includes the Mumbai Mantra Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in India, which provides an annual opportunity for eight screenwriters from India to develop their works under the guidance of accomplished international screenwriters.