Shruti Haasan is Brand Ambassador for WWF India

Actress Shruti Haasan has been roped in as Indian Brand Ambassador of World Wide Fund for Nature — India (WWF India). On World Zoonoses Day on Tuesday, the actress emphasised on the importance of the well-being of the planet.

“Environment conservation is the single most important thing that should be in our minds. Our well-being is connected intrinsically to the well-being of our planet. I am honoured and privileged to be able to use my voice in a positive way for a cause that is so important.

“I am glad to be associated with WWF India as Brand Ambassador and the remarkable work that has been done diligently and persistently in raising awareness on conservation over the decades,” said Shruti.

WWF India has been committed to conserving the natural environment by working in critical regions. Sharing his thoughts, Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF India, said: “As we tackle the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, it is crucial that we, as a global community, take steps to reduce the risks of a future pandemic.”

“On behalf of the entire team at WWF India, I welcome Shruti Haasan on board as Brand Ambassador and thank her for lending her support to the organisation’s efforts to encourage people to participate and contribute towards conservation, restoration and protection of nature. We look forward to a fruitful association,” he added.

Kirti Kulhari: OTT a safer option now

Actress Kirti Kulhari has wowed the audience with her work on the digital platform including “Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors”, “Bard Of Blood” and “Four More Shots Please!” She was recently seen in the digitally-released film “Shaadisthan”. She says the OTT space has emerged a safer option for everyone.

“Theatres are very less of an option right now. People are not considering (visiting theatres). Producers and distributors themselves are not considering doing theatre (release) because there is so much at risk. The world is in such a transit right now that it can really be a huge loss if the theatre thing does not work,” Kirti told an interview.

“OTT has become a safer option now and a great option because you get to do what you love doing, which is acting, and people get to see you, and you get to do something substantial without the burden of whether a film would run at the box-office or not,” she added.

The 38-year-old actress further said: “You just want to do your thing because you want to, and people watch it because they want to. I think everyone kind of gains from this kind of arrangement at the moment.”

Kirti is now gearing up for the medical thriller web series “Human”.

Mimoh Chakraborty takes up mixed martial arts to stay fit

Actor Mimoh Chakraborty, son of veteran star Mithun Chakraborty, has taken to mixed martial arts and crossfit to stay in shape.

“I love the endless possibilities that mixed martial arts bring. It amalgamates fitness, fights, and discipline in the best possible manner. It’s pure heart and art. I love Bruce Lee not just for what he had done for action movies but also for his life disciplines and values,” said Mimoh.

He added: “Mixed martial arts developed as a discipline a couple of decades ago and Bruce Lee’s style in martial arts can be hugely considered for that. One could imbibe them and become the best at what she or he does.”

Mimoh said crossfit is another challenging form that’s been a part of his regime for long.

“It makes me feel so different post a session. It pushed my body to the absolute limit and beyond. I think we all should imbibe a fitness form and a sport into our lives. There is really nothing like them,” he said.

Kangana treats fans with breezy pictures from Budapest

Kangana Ranaut is currently shooting for her upcoming flick “Dhaakad” in Budapest. The actress took to Instagram on Monday to share a series of pictures from the Hungarian Capital city.

In the pictures, Kangana is seen posing on the streets of the gorgeous city. Dressed in a floral short dress, she is seen posing with a bouquet of flowers.

She left a note of sarcasm in the first post: “Decided to play a Bolly Bimbo today and shoot typical insta style pics for my highly intelligent insta family,” she wrote.

In the second post, she wrote in a similar tone: “Bought these flowers to get my insta game right… Might be a fatal blow on my self respect but my vanity is gloating… wah!!”

In the third post, she wrote: “No really it’s nice to be here and clicking these self indulgent pictures…”

Directed by Razneesh Ghai “Dhaakad” is an action thriller. The film also features Arjun Rampal and Divya Dutta, and is scheduled to release on October 1.

Yoga strengthens Kajal Pisal’s bond with daughter Sara

Actress Kajal Pisal says she enjoys yoga with her daughter Sara. She adds that yoga helps the mother-daughter duo strengthen their bond.

“Yoga is an individual practice. It’s an opportunity to stretch, breathe and focus on your mat in the present moment. However, I have found a partner in my daughter and we enjoy it together. I feel jointly practicing yoga with another person can have its own unique benefits — like yoga helps strengthen my relationship with my daughter, Sara,” says Kajal.

The actress, who was recently seen in “Naagin 5” and “Durga: Mata Ki Chhaya”, feels its important for parents to spend time with children who are in their formative years.

“Parents must find out different creative ways to spend much fun times with kids in their growing age. To know your child and help them feel relaxed with you is important. If in any case kids gets bored or upset from their parents in this age. The difference between them never ends up,” says Kajal, known for her work in shows such as “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain”, “Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai” and “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya”.

Working in ‘Bhuj’ made Mahesh Shetty appreciate armed forces even more

Actor Mahesh Shetty says working in the upcoming “Bhuj: The Pride Of India” has made him appreciate the armed force even more.

“Bhuj: The Pride Of India” is a war action film directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya and set during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The film features Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Nora Fatehi, Sharad Kelkar, Ammy Virk and debutante Pranitha Subhash in pivotal roles.

“Shooting for Bhuj: The Pride Of India, has made me appreciate the armed forces even more. Even when we were not shooting, I had the most insightful and fun chats with the team. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with wonderful people. Ajay, being one of them,” says Mahesh.

The actor is in awe of Ajay Devgn. “Apart from being a superstar in every way he works before the camera, he brings about a jovial mood before the call for action and cut. He can really keep a set alive,” he says.

The actor seems to have become very fond of the entire team, too. “The entire team was like a big family and post our pack-up everybody used to gather together and have dinner and share interesting stories, experiences. It was such a lovely feeling to hear those fascinating tales and have a hearty laugh,” he says.

Gautam Rode, Pankhuri Awasthy unite on screen for first time post marriage

Actors Gautam Rode and Pankhuri Awasthy, who got married in 2018, will be seen romancing on camera in the music video of an upcoming track shot in Kashmir.

While details are under wraps, the actors have shot for the track in a remote location in Srinagar.

“It’s very exciting to work with Pankhuri on this track. Our admirers have been eagerly waiting for us to do something together and this song is the perfect opportunity to surprise them,” says Gautam.

For Pankhuri, working with Gautam for the first time after marriage is a great experience.

“It feels blissful to be shooting with Gautam for the first time after marriage and that too amidst the beauty of Kashmir. We are having the best time and hope that reflects on-screen and that people love the song,” she says.

Gautam will soon be seen as Major Samar in the OTT film “State Of Siege : Temple Attack”. The film is slated to release on July 9.

Riney Aryaa: Getting vaccinated is ‘a national duty’

Actress Riney Aryaa, who recently got her first Covid vaccination jab, feels getting the shot is a national duty.

“There are many baseless rumours about the vaccination in our country. We shouldn’t pay attention to them and get ourselves vaccinated. It should be counted as a national duty. In fact it will help us to get back our lost freedom from Covid-19 virus,” Riney tells IANS.

The actress says that while she is otherwise afraid of needles, she knew that getting vaccinated is important.

“I’m usually scared of injections but I was quite sure to get myself vaccinated. Finally I got my first jab done and it was not that painful. I see a hope of getting the old normal back. I feel everyone of us should move forward and get vaccinated,” she says.

Riney plays Goddess Lakshmi in the mythological series “Vighnaharta Ganesh”. She earlier featured in shows such as “Suvreen Guggal: Topper Of The Year”, “Emotional Atyachaar” and “Kulfi Kumar Bajewala”.

Lara Dutta is back on set with a broken toe

Actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi took to social media on Monday to share the news that she has resumed shooting. Lara, however, also shared a piece of bad news saying she has fractured a toe.

“Mandawa in Mumbai!! Back on set with a broken toe, but obviously sooo thrilled to be doing what I love best!! #shootlife #actor #setlife #backtoshoot,” Lara wrote in an Instagram post.

Lara also shared photographs seated in a chair wearing a blue churidar kameez. Her fractured right toe can be seen covered with a bandage.

Even though Lara announced that she has resumed shooting, the actress did not mention which project she is shooting for.

On the work front, Lara will share the screen with superstar Akshay Kumar in the period drama spy thriller “Bell Bottom”. The Ranjit M. Tewari directorial film is slated for a theatrical release on July 27.

“Bell Bottom” also features Vaani Kapoor and Huma Qureshi. The film was earlier scheduled for an April 2021 release but was pushed due to the second wave of Covid-19 in the country.

Priyanka Chopra poses with her ‘firework’ Nick Jonas

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a picture with her husband, American pop singer Nick Jonas, whom she lovingly calls her “firework”.

In a throwback picture, Priyanka posted on her Instagram story on Monday according to India time, the actress is seen dressed in a grey and white striped dress paired with sunglasses. She holds on to Nick’s arm. The singer is dressed in a blue, red and white shirt, which somewhat matches the American flag. Priyanka, too, celebrates July 4, the American Day of Independence, in her caption.

“My firework @nickjonas. Happy 4th of July #throwback,” she wrote as the caption.

Priyanka was last seen on screen in the OTT film “The White Tiger”. The Ramin Bahrani directorial stars Adarsh Gourav and also features Rajkummar Rao in a pivotal role.

She is currently busy with “Citadel”. Helmed by “Avengers” makers Joe and Anthony Russo, “Citadel” is a spy thriller series co-starring Richard Madden slated for OTT release.