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Tag: Soha Ali Khan

  • Aaj Tak launches new TVC ‘Mobile Aap’

    Aaj Tak launches new TVC ‘Mobile Aap’

    MUMBAI: Aaj Tak is launching a new TV campaign called ‘Mobile Aap’ as a part of its existing Aankhen Khol De campaign. Conceptualised and created by the renowned Bollywood film maker and expert ad maker Pradeep Sarkar, the new TVC features leading Bollywood celebrities Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu.

    The entire campaign emphasises on how Aaj Tak has played an important role by bringing forth some interesting facts that are eye openers for its viewers. It alsoshowcases the real picture to the entire nation. The impact of the channel has been so strong among its viewers that even misleaders of the society fear of being caught on Aaj Tak Cameras.

    In the short black and white commercial Kunal Khemu and Soha Ali are playing the role of King & Queen. Both the king and queen are enjoying clicking selfies, when they suddenly hear the noise of force. Their soldier comes and tells them that the noise is of a marriage procession. But after some time the real force enters. This is when the queen tells the king that if you would have downloaded the AajTak mobile application, we would have got the correct information.

  • ‘Ghayal Once Again:’ Much mellowed

    ‘Ghayal Once Again:’ Much mellowed

    Ghayal Once Again can be termed as a true sequel as the film connects with Sunny Deol starrer Ghayalreleased in 1990. In that era, a suppressed common man’s outburst against a mighty criminal (Amrish Puri inGhayal) who has the politicians and the system at his command was palatable.

    Sunny is back after serving 14 years in prison. He gets flashbacks of past which Soha Ali Khan, a doctor keeps in control with instant medication. Sunny has now turned a vigilante, runs a newspaper called Satyakam, which publishes real news sans sensationalism. He has a loyal team around him, which shares his spirit and purpose. Sunny is now a much admired person with a great following among youth.

    Om Puri is now a retired cop who has become an RTI activist. Puri has come across some material, which can virtually destroy the tycoon, Narendra Jha, who accumulates wealth through illegal means. Jha has the local home minister and, through him, the entire police force in his pocket. Puri is called for a meeting where an argument ensues and Jha’s drug addict and violent son, Abhilash Kumar, shoots down Puri. This is made to look like a road accident. 

    Unknown to Jha and company the whole shooting incident has been shot on a cell phone of a bunch of students out to take pictures and videos of some rare birds. But, the guardians of the kids know how powerful Jha is and handover the video to him.

    However, one of the girls from this group of four, thought it prudent to make a copy of the video, which they plan to handover to Sunny. But, it seems Jha has the entire city under video surveillance as well as the phones taped of anybody who can harm him. As Sunny and the students decide to meet up, Jha lets loose his foreign mercenaries, no less, on the kids. There is a long chase through the city roads in cars and later through a shopping mall. All beamed live in Jha’s room. But, Sunny reaches in time and saves kid. 

    A lot follows, the students are now kidnapped and kept under vigil at Jha’s fortress like mansion surrounded by Jha’s own army as well as the entire police force of the city. Now it is for Sunny to get them out. And, as Sunny is wont to do, he becomes a one man army, as usual, preferring hand to hand fight against multiple guns.

    The problem with Ghayal Once Again is that it follows the same theme that worked in 1990 when a lot of anti-establish feelings prevailed. Also, Sunny was the leading action hero around as his contemporaries, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, did varied roles. Now, just about everybody does action films thanks to technology. The story is old-fashioned about one powerful man calling shots in a major metropolis like Mumbai; it does not convince anymore. 

    From the moment film begins till the chase sequence the film holds only to become predictable thereafter. The action scenes become repetitive. Cinematography by veteran Ravi Yadav is competent. Editing wise, the film needed some sharp trimming. Music, having no scope, does not quite work. Performance wise, the Sunny – Soha pair is odd despite their love being silent. Sunny is his usual self doing Ghayal again while Soha has little scope. While the students all do well, Ramesh Deo, Manoj Joshi, Tisca Chopra, and Sachin Khedekar are okay. The villain duo, Jha and Abhilash, is effective. 

    Ghayal Once Again hasn’t had an encouraging opening. It caters to single screen masses mainly of which not many are left.

    Producer: Dharmendra
    Director: Sunny Deol
    Cast: Sunny Deol, Soha Ali Khan, Om Puri, narednra Jha, Manoj Joshi, Tisca Chopra, Sachin Khedekar, Nadira Babbar, Abhilash Kumar

    ‘Sanam Teri Kasam:’ Of unseen villain

    An early cancer as a part of a love story was Dil Ek Mandir, a Meena Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Rajkumar film. There it was a love triangle. However, the Hollywood hit, Love Story (1970), based on Erich Segal’s novel of the same name, set a trend for star-crossed romances where one of the protagonists is afflicted by cancer. Immediately thereafter in 1971, there followed a film with cancer as the main theme in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’sAnand, though this was not a love story or a triangle. Love Story finally inspired Rajshri’s musical hit, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se in 1978.

    Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s other foray in this theme, Mili, failed despite a memorable musical score and the reigning stars of the day, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, in the cast. There may have been a few more films on the theme but none made a mark. 

    In Sanam Teri Kasam, Harshwardhan Rane inherits a flat from one Julie aunty in a building society occupied by creatures from era gone by. No explanation is offered for the deceased aunt’s largesse. Rane is projected as some sort of a stud for he has a new woman in his bed each night and they are Page 3 girls. How, why? 

    Rane is like a 1950s romantic hero. He is never seen making a living. All he does is guzzle alcohol, chase romance and is busy suppressing his past tragedies. He has spent eight years in jail for being accused of a murder at the age of 14. Cinematic liberty allows you to consign a 14 year old to eight years in prison. 

    Luckily for him, there lives a Tamil-Brahmin family in his society, the head of which also lives in 1950 or probably before that. The family has two daughters of which the older one, Mawra Hocane (Mawra Hussain originally) looks like what we call a geek today. She is bespectacled, with a figure like a walking stick, and her father adds to the unpalatable look by rubbing incense stick ash on her forehead. She works as a librarian. 

    To cut a story short, Mawra’s younger sister can’t marry till Mawra does, but there are no takers for her. She promises her sister that she will clear her way and visits Rane at 4 am in the morning to seek his help to get her a makeover from one of his girls who figures as a top rated makeover artist. What follows is a scandal. Mawra is branded for being in a debauch’s house at an unearthly hour. She is disowned by her family! 

    Rane now becomes her caretaker.

    The rest of the film is like a silent movie since none of the characters say what they want to say but say everything else. It is hackneyed to say the list. Mawra is supposed to be a very intelligent girl, well read, but can’t read Rane’s feelings for her. Rane has been with numerous girls but can’t express his love for Hocane. He even works on getting her married to an IIT-IIM guy because that was what her family wanted! 

    Finally, when they realize they are in love, cancer plays the villain. Mawra has limited time to live. Hence, in what has become traditional now, Rane marries her before she dies.

    The script of the film is like a remix thing as is done with music albums. It borrows from a number of films from the past. This is not limited to just the script; direction also follows the beaten path, hugely clichéd. For this film with newcomers with little of known supporting cast, its 155 minute run is not justified and, what is more, makes it feel like never-ending. Dialogue is mundane except on two occasions. With limited locations, the cinematography is average. The one positive with the film is the musical score by Himesh Reshammiya if it can help at all. Editing is non-existent. 

    While Mawra is a perpetual wronged crybaby in the film, Rane refuses to either cry or laugh; he prefers to carry one single expression throughout. Rest in the cast are incidental.

    Sanam Teri Kasam is an insipid movie with scant appeal.

    Producer: Deepak Mukut
    Directors: Radhika Rao, Vinay Sapru
    Cast: Harshvardhan Rane, Mawra Hocane, Murli Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Sudesh Berry

  • ‘Ghayal Once Again:’ Much mellowed

    ‘Ghayal Once Again:’ Much mellowed

    Ghayal Once Again can be termed as a true sequel as the film connects with Sunny Deol starrer Ghayalreleased in 1990. In that era, a suppressed common man’s outburst against a mighty criminal (Amrish Puri inGhayal) who has the politicians and the system at his command was palatable.

    Sunny is back after serving 14 years in prison. He gets flashbacks of past which Soha Ali Khan, a doctor keeps in control with instant medication. Sunny has now turned a vigilante, runs a newspaper called Satyakam, which publishes real news sans sensationalism. He has a loyal team around him, which shares his spirit and purpose. Sunny is now a much admired person with a great following among youth.

    Om Puri is now a retired cop who has become an RTI activist. Puri has come across some material, which can virtually destroy the tycoon, Narendra Jha, who accumulates wealth through illegal means. Jha has the local home minister and, through him, the entire police force in his pocket. Puri is called for a meeting where an argument ensues and Jha’s drug addict and violent son, Abhilash Kumar, shoots down Puri. This is made to look like a road accident. 

    Unknown to Jha and company the whole shooting incident has been shot on a cell phone of a bunch of students out to take pictures and videos of some rare birds. But, the guardians of the kids know how powerful Jha is and handover the video to him.

    However, one of the girls from this group of four, thought it prudent to make a copy of the video, which they plan to handover to Sunny. But, it seems Jha has the entire city under video surveillance as well as the phones taped of anybody who can harm him. As Sunny and the students decide to meet up, Jha lets loose his foreign mercenaries, no less, on the kids. There is a long chase through the city roads in cars and later through a shopping mall. All beamed live in Jha’s room. But, Sunny reaches in time and saves kid. 

    A lot follows, the students are now kidnapped and kept under vigil at Jha’s fortress like mansion surrounded by Jha’s own army as well as the entire police force of the city. Now it is for Sunny to get them out. And, as Sunny is wont to do, he becomes a one man army, as usual, preferring hand to hand fight against multiple guns.

    The problem with Ghayal Once Again is that it follows the same theme that worked in 1990 when a lot of anti-establish feelings prevailed. Also, Sunny was the leading action hero around as his contemporaries, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, did varied roles. Now, just about everybody does action films thanks to technology. The story is old-fashioned about one powerful man calling shots in a major metropolis like Mumbai; it does not convince anymore. 

    From the moment film begins till the chase sequence the film holds only to become predictable thereafter. The action scenes become repetitive. Cinematography by veteran Ravi Yadav is competent. Editing wise, the film needed some sharp trimming. Music, having no scope, does not quite work. Performance wise, the Sunny – Soha pair is odd despite their love being silent. Sunny is his usual self doing Ghayal again while Soha has little scope. While the students all do well, Ramesh Deo, Manoj Joshi, Tisca Chopra, and Sachin Khedekar are okay. The villain duo, Jha and Abhilash, is effective. 

    Ghayal Once Again hasn’t had an encouraging opening. It caters to single screen masses mainly of which not many are left.

    Producer: Dharmendra
    Director: Sunny Deol
    Cast: Sunny Deol, Soha Ali Khan, Om Puri, narednra Jha, Manoj Joshi, Tisca Chopra, Sachin Khedekar, Nadira Babbar, Abhilash Kumar

    ‘Sanam Teri Kasam:’ Of unseen villain

    An early cancer as a part of a love story was Dil Ek Mandir, a Meena Kumari, Rajendra Kumar, Rajkumar film. There it was a love triangle. However, the Hollywood hit, Love Story (1970), based on Erich Segal’s novel of the same name, set a trend for star-crossed romances where one of the protagonists is afflicted by cancer. Immediately thereafter in 1971, there followed a film with cancer as the main theme in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’sAnand, though this was not a love story or a triangle. Love Story finally inspired Rajshri’s musical hit, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se in 1978.

    Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s other foray in this theme, Mili, failed despite a memorable musical score and the reigning stars of the day, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, in the cast. There may have been a few more films on the theme but none made a mark. 

    In Sanam Teri Kasam, Harshwardhan Rane inherits a flat from one Julie aunty in a building society occupied by creatures from era gone by. No explanation is offered for the deceased aunt’s largesse. Rane is projected as some sort of a stud for he has a new woman in his bed each night and they are Page 3 girls. How, why? 

    Rane is like a 1950s romantic hero. He is never seen making a living. All he does is guzzle alcohol, chase romance and is busy suppressing his past tragedies. He has spent eight years in jail for being accused of a murder at the age of 14. Cinematic liberty allows you to consign a 14 year old to eight years in prison. 

    Luckily for him, there lives a Tamil-Brahmin family in his society, the head of which also lives in 1950 or probably before that. The family has two daughters of which the older one, Mawra Hocane (Mawra Hussain originally) looks like what we call a geek today. She is bespectacled, with a figure like a walking stick, and her father adds to the unpalatable look by rubbing incense stick ash on her forehead. She works as a librarian. 

    To cut a story short, Mawra’s younger sister can’t marry till Mawra does, but there are no takers for her. She promises her sister that she will clear her way and visits Rane at 4 am in the morning to seek his help to get her a makeover from one of his girls who figures as a top rated makeover artist. What follows is a scandal. Mawra is branded for being in a debauch’s house at an unearthly hour. She is disowned by her family! 

    Rane now becomes her caretaker.

    The rest of the film is like a silent movie since none of the characters say what they want to say but say everything else. It is hackneyed to say the list. Mawra is supposed to be a very intelligent girl, well read, but can’t read Rane’s feelings for her. Rane has been with numerous girls but can’t express his love for Hocane. He even works on getting her married to an IIT-IIM guy because that was what her family wanted! 

    Finally, when they realize they are in love, cancer plays the villain. Mawra has limited time to live. Hence, in what has become traditional now, Rane marries her before she dies.

    The script of the film is like a remix thing as is done with music albums. It borrows from a number of films from the past. This is not limited to just the script; direction also follows the beaten path, hugely clichéd. For this film with newcomers with little of known supporting cast, its 155 minute run is not justified and, what is more, makes it feel like never-ending. Dialogue is mundane except on two occasions. With limited locations, the cinematography is average. The one positive with the film is the musical score by Himesh Reshammiya if it can help at all. Editing is non-existent. 

    While Mawra is a perpetual wronged crybaby in the film, Rane refuses to either cry or laugh; he prefers to carry one single expression throughout. Rest in the cast are incidental.

    Sanam Teri Kasam is an insipid movie with scant appeal.

    Producer: Deepak Mukut
    Directors: Radhika Rao, Vinay Sapru
    Cast: Harshvardhan Rane, Mawra Hocane, Murli Sharma, Vijay Raaz, Sudesh Berry

  • NDTV & Philips present ‘Breathe Clean Conclave’ 2015

    NDTV & Philips present ‘Breathe Clean Conclave’ 2015

    MUMBAI: India is home to 6 of the world’s most polluted cities, and the air we are breathing causes more deaths than tobacco smoking or poor nutrition. Indoor air is 2 to 5 times worse than outside air. It is toxic for our children and families, causing cancers, reduced life expectancy, lung damage and air borne allergies.

     

    Inhaling pollutant air takes away atleast 1-2 years of a typical human life. In an effort to highlight this critical national issue and recommend possible solutions, NDTV and Philipshosted the ‘Breathe Clean Conclave 2015’ today at Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi. Actor Soha Ali Khan also extended her support for the initiative.

     

    The conclave began with an opening keynote address by  Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge)  and was attended by leading medical practitioners, environmentalists, NGOs and concerned citizen and parent groups. The two panel discussions held as part of the Breathe Clean Conclave focused on Breathe Clean- Act for Better Air and Indoor Air Quality and Children’s Health.

     

    Inaugurating the conclave, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge) said, “I am really happy that NDTV has taken this initiative because I feel media houses can make people aware and also help tackle issues. At the outset, I must say we have a problem as any other city in the world and this is because of growing population, growing density and growing rate of urbanization. Delhi air has gone bad in the last 8-10 years and if media would have started a campaign earlier it could have worked faster. We must create awareness of more ventilation, more plantation and more education to address this issue. I want to launch Fresh Air – My birth right campaign to help address this problem.”

     

    Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Vikram Chandra, Group CEO of NDTV said, “The health and economic impact of pollution is worrying and with the rising vehicular and industrial pollution, this national issue is only going to get worse. NDTV believes that clean air should be a basic human right. Through this conclave, we hope to give experts as well as citizens a platform to suggest recommendations to the government, as well as motivate people to take action at an individual level.”

     

    Krishna Kumar, Managing Director and Vice President, Philips India, said, “The rising toll of deteriorating quality of air is becoming a household concern. A lot more potent than outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is increasingly being recognized as a threat. We, at Philips, recognize this challenge and are committed to deliver a healthier lifestyle for our consumers through meaningful innovations. Breathe Clean Campaign is an initiative to help consumers and institutions recognize the need to switch to healthier lifestyle practices. Since clean air has become a rarity, Philips is constantly innovating to bring about freedom from indoor air pollution.”

     

    Soha Ali Khan, Actor, also voiced her concern and said, “It is alarming that the very air we are breathing can be so harmful to our health. I was shocked to find out that air pollution levels inside our homes can be twice as high as those outside. This is an issue that demands our immediate attention and I am happy to be associated with NDTV’s Breathe Clean Conclave, a platform dedicated to finding solutions to this crisis affecting all of us – especially children and the elderly.”

     

    Moderated by Vikram Chandra, the first session had an eminent list of panelists including Soha Ali Khan, Actor; Prof Sanjay Zodpey, Vice President, Academics, Public Health foundation of India ; A Krishna Kumar, MD and CEO, Philips India; Dr Gary Stutte, Senior Scientist, NASA; Parthaa Bosu, India Director and South Asia Liaison, Clean Air Asia; Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director – Research and Advocacy , Centre for Science and Environment; Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, MP, Odisha and Dr Randeep Guleria, Head of the Department of Pulmonology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences who shared their insights on how we can contribute for better clean air.

     

    The second discussion focused on the health impact of air pollution on children and was moderated by NDTV’s Ravish Kumar. The panel included Jayati Singh, Director and Business: Head Health and Wellness and Air, Philips Consumer Lifestyle; Kunal Kohli, Director and Concerned Parent; Dr Vivek Nangia, Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital; Sushma Paul Berlia, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Barun Aggarwal, Breathe Easy and Dr Randeep Guleria, Head of the Department of Pulmonology, All India Institute ofMedical Sciences.

     

    The closing key note address was delivered by Prof Sanjay Zodpey, Vice President, Academics, Public Health foundation of India.The key takeaways from the sessions were presented to Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar as recommendations for a clean air future.

  • 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.”

  • ‘Chaarfutiya Chhokare’ to be premiered in Dubai

    ‘Chaarfutiya Chhokare’ to be premiered in Dubai

    NEW DELHI:The bollywood film ‘Chaarfutiya Chhokre’ directed by Manish Harishankar will have its premiere in Dubai on 24 September.

     

    The film is presented by Wave Cinemas, Ponty Chadha, and Maxor Movies, in association with Raju Chadha. It will be released on 600 screens all over the world. The cast and crew are all set to leave for promotional tours all over India.

     

    The film stars Soha Ali Khan, Seema Biswas, Mukesh Tawari, and Zakir Hussian in the main roles. The music is by Abhijeet-Sameer and Sudeep Banerjee and the singers are by Sharda Sinha, Malini Awasthi, Sudeep Banerjee, and Vibha Dutta Khosla. T-Series releases the audio of the film.

     

    Chaarfutiya Chhokare is a Hindi social thriller on the subject of child-trafficking. The plot revolves around Neha Malini who is an NRI girl returning to India in order to start a school in a village in north Bihar.

     

    Starting off optimistic and happy about her endeavour, she is unaware of the hardships, obstructions and risks awaiting her in this small, serene village. She is pleased after meeting three boys Awadhesh, Hari and Gorakh but soon finds out that it is the beginning of a nightmare.

     

    Being hardcore criminals, these three boys become the centre of her activities. After seeing this, she vows to stop the criminal and sexual exploitation of the children in the village. Her meeting with Janaki (Seema Biswas) – the mother of one of the boys, Awadhesh – helps her understand the deeply embedded political-criminal nexus that pervades the system. Neha is resolute to free the three of them from this world of crime.

  • 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.

  • Soha Ali Khan joins P&G to help build a P&G Shiksha school in Kolkata

    Soha Ali Khan joins P&G to help build a P&G Shiksha school in Kolkata

    MUMBAI: Having impacted the lives  of over 420, 000 children till date, P&G’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility program P&G Shiksha continues to march forward with the motto ‘Padegha India, Badhega India. In its 10th year, P&G Shiksha makes the necessary infrastructure interventions by building and supporting schools across the country thereby giving children the access to education.  Supporting this endeavour, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, who has been associated with the P&G Shiksha initiative for many years, paid a visit to a P&G Shiksha School in Kolkata to help paint the school walls and complete the on-going construction activities at the school. P&G Shiksha’s infrastructure interventions are key to enabling access to education to children across the country. The actress turned teacher for the day, involved the children in some interactive learning by implementing several fun tactics. She also engaged them in a rapid fire round, on a wide range of subjects and was very impressed with the confidence, intelligence, wit and exuberance demonstrated by the P&G Shiksha children.

    The actress also shared her vision of empowering under privileged children with access to education and together with P&G Shiksha urged consumers to make the simple brand choice and join the program’s drive by purchasing P&G products such as Tide, Ariel, Whisper, Pampers, Olay, Head &Shoulders, Pantene, Vicks, Gillette, Oral-B & AmbiPur. These purchases enable the company to channelize part of the sales proceeds towards building and supporting schools across the country.

    In West Bengal alone, P&G Shiksha has improved the lives of nearly 5000 underprivileged children through quality education, by building and supporting over 15 schools. With the objective of improving the quality of education and encouraging more children to stay in school in Kolkata, P&G Shiksha delivers key infrastructure interventions that enables access to education and motivates children to learn every day. P&G Shiksha has also been instrumental in the change by equipping schools with necessary amenities from building classrooms to building toilets, thereby bringing down the dropout rate and improving the overall literacy rate in West Bengal.

    Supporting this initiative, actress Soha Ali Khan said, “I have been associated with P&G Shiksha for many years now and today I feel proud and delighted to be a part of this initiative yet again. I truly believe that education is a basic right of every child and it is heartening to see a movement like P&G Shiksha facilitating education for underprivileged children and helping them realise their dreams and providing them a better standard of living. With 42% rural areas in India still not having access to primary schools and 30% of primary schools not having proper toilets; infrastructure is a key issue at schools across the country. I am thrilled that by painting the school walls today I have been able to play a small role in giving these children a bright and colourful future and ensuring they have access to a fully functional school! I encourage all of you to join the movement by making the simple brand choice of buying P&G products, as a part of the proceeds go towards building and supporting schools. Today, at the P&G Shiksha School, not only did I discover a teacher in me, but also had a lot of fun painting the kids’ lives that are the future of India.”

    P&G Shiksha has over the years received generous support from many thought leaders and celebrities such as Anupam Kher, Dr. Kiran Bedi, Anil Kumble, Rani Mukherjee, John Abraham, Abhay Deol, Farah Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sameera Reddy, Huma Qureshi, Sushmita Sen, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Sharmila Tagore, Konkona Sen, Neha Dhupia, Soha Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Jatin Das, Shaan, Chitrangada Singh, Soha Ali Khan,  Shruti Hassan and many more.

    P&G Shiksha also allows consumers to share in their support. This can be easily done by buying any P&G Product such as Tide, Ariel, Whisper, Pampers, Olay, Head &Shoulders, Pantene, Vicks, Gillette, Oral-B & AmbiPur and part of the proceeds will go towards building and supporting schools. Consumers can also visit P&G Shiksha’s online partner – Amazon.in (www.amazon.in/pgshiksha) to buy P&G products & support this cause.

    With a motto of ‘Padhega India, Badhega India’ – P&G Shiksha believes that the secret to a brighter India lies in the quality of education of our children.

  • 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.”

  • Javed Jaffrey gets into a womans shoes

    Javed Jaffrey gets into a womans shoes

    MUMBAI: Choreographer turned actor Javed Jaffrey seems to be doing really well for himself in the acting arena. Jaffery, who has done some good roles in films like Salaam Namaste, Dhamaal, Singh Is King and many others will soon be seen a comic avatar once again for BR Entertainment’s Mr. Joe B Carvalho starring Arshad Warsi and Soha Ali Khan.

     

    Javed will be seen playing different characters in the film. According to sources, for one particular character of a Maharashtrian woman, Javed himself did his makeup of putting the prosthetic s and making it look as authentic as possible.

     

    According to a source, prosthetics were specially flown down from Thailand, but due to some technical error it could not reach Mumbai on time and thus Javed had to don the role of a make-up artist as well.

     

    However, he seemed to be a pro at it as he has portrayed a woman even earlier. While he had a fair idea about what goes into the makeup of a prosthetic, to get it perfectly he did a detailed research on the net, shocking everyone on the sets with a super real look.

     

    Well, so now we will know when we see the Maharashtrian character played by Javed on-screen that he has put a lot of effort get into the character.
    Mr. Joe B Carvalho will releases on 3 January, 2014.