Visually impaired asst prof from Surat wins Rs 25 lakh on ‘KBC 14’

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was in awe of visually impaired ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 14’ contestant Aneri Arya from Surat and kept praising her for her logical reasoning skills and the calmness with which she approached the quiz-based reality show.

Despite the challenges that come with her disability, Aneri finally managed to win Rs 25 lakh on the show. She chose the right option given to her for the question: In the year 1967, citizens of which place voted against joining Maharashtra through a referendum? The options given to her were (A) Belagavi (B) Kutch (C) Goa and (D) Junagadh and she opted for Goa, which was the right answer.

Though it was a critical moment for her, Big B left his seat to offer her a glass of water. But she got the answer right and took home Rs 25 lakh.

Talking about the winning amount on the show, Aneri said: “When Amitabh sir announced that I have won Rs 25 lakh, it took me a while to absorb the fact. When I could finally comprehend that I had answered the question correctly, all my life’s struggles crossed like a train of thoughts through my head, and I felt overwhelmed.”

A resident of Surat, the 26-year-old ‘KBC 14’ contestant is an assistant professor of English at Shree Bhaikaka Sochitra Government Arts and Science College.

She also thanked her parents for helping her learn to read and write, which is why she does not use Braille but takes the help of AI software. Both Big B and Aneri also praised Gujarati cuisine.

“I knew my parents, who were sitting behind me, were very proud of me and I could feel their loving gaze on me,” she said, recalling her experience.

“It was an amazing experience; something I don’t think I can ever forget in my lifetime. My dreams of studying further have been unlocked with this prize amount and I hope I have made my family and friends proud. It’s certainly one of the high points in my life so far.”

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 14’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

Amit Trivedi’s Mahakal song from ‘Goodbye’ gets 25 mn view in less than 24 hours

The coming film of collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmik Mandanna ‘Goodbye’ is crossed 25 million views of its trailer within the short span of time after the launch.

After the trailer, which is having a good melody like ‘Jaikal Mahakla’, got an impressive response from the audience, the movie makers decided to unveil the first song of the film on Monday, September 12. Aamir Trivedi who composed many songs in movies like ‘Aamir’, ‘Dev D’ and ‘Shabaash Mithu’, has given composition to the song as well as sung him also and  The lyrics were down by Swanand Kirkire.

Senior composer and singer maha aarti said, “working with Vikas sir in the movie projects is a very good experience, we  had a little bit challenging to shoot of the particular song for the film, and hope you all enjoy that song.”

Written and directed by Vikas Bahl, ‘Goodbye’ is a family comedy-drama film. It is a story of an Indian family depicted by the Bhalla family and it highlights the importance of family values and relationships. In the movie, Rashmika plays Big B’s daughter, and Neena Gupta is her mother.

The film features Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna and it also stars Sunil Grover, Pavel Gulati, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elli AvrRam, Sahil Mehta, and Shivin Narang. Produced by Ektaa R Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures in association with Good Co., ‘GoodBye’ is all set to release on October 7.

Stunning reaction for the trailer of ‘Parole’ revealed by Vijay Sethupathi.

The trailer of director Dwarakh Raja’s upcoming gangster action thriller, ‘Parole’, released by actor Vijay Sethupathi recently, has garnered over a million views on YouTube.

Interestingly, Vijay Sethupathi has not only lent his voice for the trailer but also did a voiceover in the movie.

Ask how he got actor Vijay Sethupathi to do a voiceover for the film and director Dwarakh Raja says: “This project is a dream of our entire team. Every family has a story. But ‘Parole’ is a movie about the untold and hidden stories of a family.

“The story is about the thrilling events that take place when a man brings out his elder brother on parole from prison to attend the funeral rites of their mother.

“Although the movie has an emotional family backdrop, it is laced with lots of action sequences. Moreover, its gripping screenplay will entertain audiences from all walks of life.

“Vijay Sethupathi sir has given voiceover, not only for the trailer but for the movie as well. I screened the movie after its completion, and he liked it a lot. I requested that his voiceover during the opening sequences will add more value to the film. He immediately agreed and completed the voiceover portions despite his busy schedule.”

The response to the trailer of ‘Parole’, produced by Madhusudhanan of TRIPR Entertainment, has delighted the director, who said: “It gives immense happiness to see the heart-warming response to the ‘Parole’ trailer. The star cast comprises R. S. Karthik, Linga, Kalpika, Monisha Murali, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Janaki Suresh, Mak Mani, Shivam, Dennis, and Immanuel alongside a few more prominent actors.

Following the grand reception of the film’s trailer, preparations are on for the worldwide theatrical release of ‘Parole’. Sources said that an official announcement on the release date of the film will be made soon.

Tamil actor Vijay likely to play lead in Super Good Films’ 100th film

Actor Jiiva has disclosed that actor Vijay is likely to play the lead in the 100th film of the well-known production house, Super Good Films.

The production house, which is known for having produced ‘Poove Unnakaaga’, a film that many consider being the turning point of Vijay’s career, is now in the process of making its 96th film.

At a recent media interaction, actor Jiiva, the son of producer R B Choudhary, who owns Super Good Films known for having introduced several top directors and actors in Tamil cinema, was asked whether Vijay, who got a big break in his career because of the production house, would agree to work in its 100th film.

Jiiva said, “Definitely. I am announcing this on stage. I believe a meeting in this regard took place only a week ago and Vijay sir has told that he would do the 100th film of Super Good Films.

“I too have requested my dad for an opportunity to act in that film even if it means acting without pay,” he said, evoking laughter.

“God willing, it looks like, in all probability, it will be Vijay sir who will be playing the lead in the 100th film of Super Good Films,” he said.

Visually impaired ‘KBC 14’ contestant is a fan of Big B’s ‘Black’

A visually impaired contestant Aneri Arya shared with megastar Amitabh Bachchan that she is a big fan of his 2005 movie ‘Black’ starring Rani Mukerji on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 14’.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali ‘Black’ was released in 2005. It also stars Shernaz Patel and Dhritiman Chatterjee in supporting roles. The film narrates the story of Michelle, a deaf-and-blind woman, and her relationship with her teacher Debraj, an elderly alcoholic who himself later develops Alzheimer’s disease.

Arya also says that she connects with the story of the film as she herself is blind and there is huge support she gets from her teacher.

She mentions: “Sir, you have played the role of a teacher in the film (Black), and with your influence, Rani Mukerji’s character was able to express herself and grow. Just like that, even I have a teacher, my Ph.D. guide, Dr. Sunil Shah.”

For Aneri nothing was more exciting than taking the hot seat and telling Big B about her favorite book movie and food.

Hailing from Surat, Gujarat, the 26-year-old ‘KBC 14’ contestant is an assistant professor of English at Shree Bhaikaka Sochitra Government Arts and Science College. During a conversation with the host, she gives credit to her parents for helping her to complete her studies and also speaks about Gujarati cuisine.

Aneri says: “Mr. Bachchan and I shared a lot of conversations, I told him about my favorite book, ‘The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, and my favorite film of his, ‘Black’. My parents also conversed with him during the show and my mother told him about sending me out of the nest while my father told him about how proud he is of my journey.”

Aneri Arya will be taking the hot seat in the quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 14’ on Sony Entertainment Television.

‘Sasural Simar Ka 2’ actress Nishi Singh gears up for OTT debut

Nishi Singh, who is known for her role in ‘Sasural Simar Ka 2’ is all set to make her OTT debut with the web series ‘Ishqiyoun’ opposite Hiten Tejwani and Vijay Varma.

The actress shared details about making a debut on a digital platform and her role.

She said: “I am playing the character of a young generation girl Kavya, who belongs to a very rich family. She always believes in truth and equality. It was great working with Hiten as he is very professional and down to earth and these are the qualities that I learnt from him. Moreover, he helps me perfecting my acting skills. So, I am learning a lot working with him.”

Like many TV actors who believe that OTT has opened many avenues for them where they can get experimental projects, play distinct characters and grow in their career, Nishi also believes that working in the web series will help her explore a wide range of opportunities.

“This was a super exciting project and I did not wait a second to say a yes to it. The script is always the king for me and I truly believe that the magic is in the writing. I am super excited to see the audience reaction to the various dimensions of the characters in the series,” she added.

Furthermore, she spoke about her hopes for the series: “The OTT space has opened so many arenas for young actors and as a performer, it’s just the best place to be. I could experiment and I could let all the creativity take over as there is so much scope to work especially because of the audience and of course a super supportive team as well.”

“The love of the audience is the only thing I look for and I hope to entertain them for as long as I can. I will give my absolute best everyday. Rest it’s all up to the almighty,” she concluded.

When Amala Akkineni made sweets for the whole unit of ‘Kanam’

Actress Amala Akkineni, whose performance in her just released bilingual film ‘Kanam’ has come in for widespread praise, said that she made sweets for her entire unit despite not having cooked for a while.

When asked about rumors that she had made sweets for the entire crew of ‘Kanam’, Amala said with a laugh: “Yes. In the movie, I play the role of a mother, and one day, when I was asked, ‘Ma, will you cook for us,’ I didn’t know what to say.”

“How can I tell them that I don’t know how to cook? So, I did it wholeheartedly. But it doesn’t come as easy when you don’t cook daily.

“The entire crew came home and ate the whole thing. Poor things, everyone ate in silence. But I doubt if it actually tasted good. You just have to ask them.”

The actress, who ruled the Tamil film industry with her brilliant performances before marrying Telugu star Nagarjuna and settling down in Hyderabad, said that her dubbing in Tamil for the film surprised director Shree Karthick.

She said: “I can speak Tamil well if given as a dialogue. But when I converse normally, I think in English and translate word by word into Tamil. So it will seem slow. As Telugu is my spoken language now, I mix it up with Telugu words too. But while dubbing, Shree Karthick was surprised. Because I will speak in Tamil first and it will be spot on. It was easier than Telugu.”

Choreographer-turned-director Brinda is the real thug, says Khushbu

Stating that directing an action film like ‘Thugs’ wouldn’t have been difficult for her good friend and director Brinda master, well-known actress and politician ‘Khushbu’ said that in fact, it was dance choreographer-turned-director Brinda, who was the real thug.

Participating in an event called by the makers of the Tamil film: ‘Kumari Mavattathin Thugs, Khushbu said: “There is another side to Brinda that only we know of,” she said laughingly indicating that the lady director had a formidable side that only those who had worked with her knew of.

“She never delivers anything less than the best. If some task requires 100 percent, you can be sure Brinda will give it her 200 percent. She is going to enthrall everyone by proving that women filmmakers can make such action-packed movies,” she said.

Director Design Periyasamy said: “Brinda master has completed shooting this movie in a short span of time. I know the story of this movie, and it is an intense action thriller. I wish the entire team the success of this movie.”

Actress Poornima Bhagyaraj said: “Director Brinda Master has a long and futuristic vision and always delivers the work perfectly. She will definitely win the laurels as one of the finest filmmakers in the Indian film industry. I wish the entire team the success of this movie.”

Big B recalls how his father sent home memorabilia during Queen’s coronation

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has paid his tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday aged 96.

Amitabh took to his blog and wrote: “.. and as we live another day, the life of another has ended .. the Queen, has passed away .. the Queen of England .. and a host of moments and memories go along with her and her presence.”

He recalled how his father and legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan was in England when the Queen was crowned.

“Babuji was in England for his Ph.D., when she was crowned and the Coronation was the huge event of the moment in 1952 .. and the news and the books and the curios designed then were dutifully sent to me in Allahabad.”

“Sets of make your own Coronation coach and the various monuments and the finery of a crowning in England were among us at 17, Clive Road, Allahabad, and hours spent in building them and getting books and information presented in colorful books were our prized possession ….”

He added: “A private handshake with her when she was a State Guest during my University days, to India and that exclusive moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan, among the four or five of us.”

“The select group of invitees at Buckingham Palace during the time of Babuji’s stay in Cambridge when at a private Tea he was called along with, other country guests .. the Indian Cricket team in particular – the likes of Vinoo Mankad, and Hazare and more .. and the signed autographs of them sent to us on the invitation card from the Palace .. now all lost or misplaced when we shifted from Allahabad to Delhi.

“The letters the books and objects of remembrance all lost .. pity .. because the idea of documentation or of reserve and storage in collectibles was never a consideration .. .. now as you look back .. the regret and remorse

‘Suriya42’ being made in 3D, says Siruthai Siva

Director ‘Siruthai’ Siva, who is now working on a film featuring actor Suriya in the lead, on Friday disclosed that the film was being made in 3D and that it would be released in a whopping 10 languages.

Releasing a motion poster of the film, an explosive action entertainer that is tentatively being referred to as #Suriya42, Siva tweeted, “With the love and blessings of the Almighty, all the fans, media friends, and cinema lovers.”

The exciting motion poster has a hawk hovering over a battlefield in which knights are battling it out, while Suriya’s character, dressed in the attire of a commander, is seen standing on a rock and observing the proceedings on the battlefield.

It is then that the motion poster makes the disclosure that the film is being shot in 3D and that it will be released in 10 languages. The poster also has the tagline, ‘A mighty valiant saga’.

The motion poster has led many fans to wonder if ‘Suriya 42’ is a historical or a war film.

The film is being produced by Studio Green Gnanavel Raja and has music by Devi Sri Prasad. Disha Patani plays the female lead in this film, which has cinematography by Vetri Palanisamy, who had shot superhits like Ajith-starrer Veeram’ and ‘Vedalam’.

Richard Kevin, who did a fine job editing superhits like the critically acclaimed ‘Vikram Vedha’ and the recently released webseries ‘Suzhal’, has been brought onboard this film as its editor.