‘Poison 2’ director: Difficult to shoot with social distancing restrictions

Director Vishal Pandya, who is known for helming the “Hate Story” franchise and “Wajah Tum Ho”, has started shooting for his upcoming web-series “Poison 2”. He says it is tough to shoot with all the restrictions.

“It is difficult to shoot with these restrictions and all because what happens is ‘Ek Hota hai paper-like Kar aana’ (rules and regulations written on paper) that’s a different thing and implementing it that is a different thing. (There is) Social distancing and then unit strength is also less. It takes time,” Pandya told IANS.

He says eventually people will get the hang of it.

“I think it is going to take a couple of weeks to get into the groove and make it a habit,” he said.

In this heat, wearing the PPE suits gets uncomfortable, Pandya pointed out. “I could see people are getting a little uncomfortable. Of course, no one was saying but somewhere you could sense the irritation. It’s too hot wearing all these masks, PPE kits, and gloves,” he said.

Still, everyone is following guidelines, from the lightmen to spot boys and actors, he said.

The director said a lot of scenes have been reworked keeping in mind social distancing. “We changed a lot of scenes where one actor doesn’t have to touch the other actor. They have to maintain two to three feet distance. Somewhere, we are compromising from a creative point of view — I think it’s going to be with everyone,” he said.

Pandya saluted the frontline workers and health workers like doctors and nurses.

“Today, I salute all the front line warriors, doctors, and everyone because we wore the PPE kit for just half a day and I can see the reaction. So, I salute all the doctors for what they are doing,” he said.

Singer Vishal Mishra: I know the value of opportunity

Known for belting out hits like “Kaise Hua” in “Kabir Singh”, “Selfish” in “Race 3”, “Muskurayega India” and his latest Punjabi song “Kithe” among others, singer Vishal Mishra wants to support new artistes because he knows the value of an opportunity.

“It is my goal to make sure to extend whatever love and whatever God has given me, I have to extend it to people. I know the value of an opportunity, I have come from a very small town and it’s just beautiful that God has been kind. I want to extend my support, I hope I find people and work with them,” Mishra told IANS.

He added: “I always feel magic shouldn’t be stopped because of lack of amenities, and I would like to support people who have that magic.”

Talking about his latest song “Kithe”, Mishra calls it special as he has composed, sung, and produced the number.

“It’s (also) special because it’s my first song that I am doing in Punjabi. A full-fledged Punjabi song is an unknown territory I am entering into. It’s the melody I love and the words are beautiful, I am trying to maintain the hybrid sound that I have been trying to crack in ‘Qarib Qarib Singlle’, ‘Kaise Hua’, ‘Manjha’ to all the songs I have done.”

He says it’s about finding the balance “between western and Indian music”.

He seems to be ruling the charts with romantic songs but does Mishra plan to explore any other genres in music? “People have been kind and love everything that I have released. It’s not just romantic music, I am glad people love that side of me, I have explored a lot of genres. ‘Saandh Ki Aankh’ is an example of all folk art — I tried to do something that suited someone who is 65-70 years old as the lead of the film. It was difficult and had a different soundscape. ‘Kabir Singh’ was rock ballet,” he said.

“I hope people continue to shower love on all the genres I do,” he said.

Vaani Kapoor cast opposite Akshay Kumar in ‘Bellbottom’

Actress Vaani Kapoor will star opposite superstar Akshay Kumar in the upcoming espionage thriller “Bellbottom”. This will be Vaani’s first film with Akshay.

“I am elated to share the screen space with Akshay sir. I am also thrilled to partner with the whole team who have already made me feel at home at this initial stage of our film. Hoping that this excitement will translate beautifully on screen,” Vaani said.

Inspired by true events, the film is set in the 1980s, the story is about one of India’s forgotten heroes.

Directed by Ranjit M. Tewari, the film is scheduled to go on floors later this year. It is written by Aseem Arora and Parveez Shaikh.

Welcoming Vaani to the team, director Ranjit said: “Vaani’s character in the film is extremely intriguing. She has a certain flair and we’re all very excited to have her on board!”

Explaining the casting choice, producer Jackky Bhagnani said that the script made him choose a fresh pairing.

“Vaani is an intelligent and effective actor and I have loved all her performances. The female lead in �Bellbottom’ has to be in sync with Akshay sir’s screen persona. The role is meaty and I am confident that Vaani will ace this one,” said Jackky, who is backing the film with his banner Pooja Entertainment.

“Bellbottom” is scheduled to release on April 2, 2021.

Guru Randhawa: It was good to perform after almost 3 months

With his gloves on and maintaining a safe distance from his audience, singer Guru Randhawa hit the stage after almost three months.

Live shows had been called off during the lockdown, which started in March, to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. And now as things are gradually returning to normal, Guru performed at a private show here.

“I performed after almost three months and it was a good experience. Though the audience was limited, they were very entertaining. We sang songs that we usually sing for our shows and earned as well,” Guru told IANS.

“In terms of precautions, my team and I tried our best to follow them. I was wearing gloves and my team was wearing masks and gloves. As per all social distancing measures, we tried our best to be safe and keep minimal contact,” he added.

He was also accompanied by fewer staff members. “It was just my manager and the band,” he said.

He thinks it’s safe to do such shows now.

“But times are such that one needs to take maximum safety measures. With avenues opening up and following all government social distancing guidelines, we should be able to do private live shows,” said the “Suit suit” hitmaker.

Virtual gigs had become a trend during the lockdown, but he said that once things get better, the usual live shows would be on.

Asked if he is going to do more private shows in the near future, Guru said: “If you talk about Indian artistes and their earnings, it majorly depends on live shows. So I have started doing live shows and I hope other artists who are getting an opportunity, should also do it because that’s the way forward.”

“With all the precautions, we were able to do it this time and hopefully, will try the same in future gigs,” he added.

During the lockdown, he might have stopped performing but he continued to give fresh music to his fans. He had released “Mueve La Cintura”, which is his first Spanish song with the international star Pitbull. The Punjabi pop sensation had also unveiled “Satnam Waheguru, a Soulful Meditation”.

Samantha Akkineni: Congratulations you and I made it to July

Southern star Samantha Akkineni is happy for everyone making it to July.

Samantha took to Instagram, where she posted a picture of herself doing aerial yoga. She is seen performing an inverted pose as she hangs with the help of a cloth. The actress is dressed in a grey T-shirt and blue pants.

“Congratulations you and I made it to July,” she wrote alongside the image.

Samantha recently shared her special reason for loving yoga, saying it is because she gets to practice yoga along with hubby Naga Chaitanya.

The actress, who was last seen in the Telugu film “Jaanu”, has made a name for herself in Tamil and Telugu film industries. She is known for her performances in films such as “Ye Maaya Chesave”, “Neethaane En Ponvasantham”, “Eega”, “Mersal” and “Rangasthalam”. She impressed all with her role in “Super Deluxe” last year.

She will next be seen in “Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal”, starring Vijay Sethupathi. The film also stars Nayanthara. It is directed by Vignesh Shivan.

TV actress Navya Swamy tested positive for Corona virus

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Popular Telugu TV actress Navya Swamy tested positive for Coronavirus. Navya Swamy is famous for her lead roles in television series like ‘Aame Katha’ and ‘Naa Peru Meenakshi’ She is reportedly in quarantine now.

The Television management did the tests as a part of shooting routine amid the growing number of Coronavirus cases, and Navya Swamy tested positive. Al the cast and crew from the shoot are scheduled for tests very soon.

While many others have been taking part in serial and television programs shooting, Navya Swamy’s test result left all the artists panicked. Navya Swamy along with many other actors got back to work from around June 15.

Noted TV actor Prabhakar too tested positive earlier, the first case from Telugu Television actors.

Amit Sadh: Things get grittier in ‘Breathe 2’

Actor Amit Sadh is really excited for the crime-thriller web series “Breathe: Into The Shadows”. He says things get grittier.

Amit is set to reprise his role as inspector Kabir Sawant from the first season of the show, which is the second season of “Breathe”.

It marks the digital debut of Abhishek Bachchan and Nithya Menen, who will be seen in the lead roles, along with Saiyami Kher.

“I am really excited about the new season as things get grittier. And there is a lot more that fans will discover about Kabir Sawant, hope they like it,” Amit said.

He is happy with the response he received for playing inspector Kabir Sawant in the show.

“I was very thrilled to see the love they showered on my character in season one, now with the amazing twist and a more intriguing look that my character has, there is a lot more in store. Not to forget the amazing star cast, each one of us brings something to the table and that is amazing. “

“Breathe: Into The Shadows” is set to stream from July 10.

Police men tried to intimidate a magistrate investigating the deaths

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Superstar-politician Rajinikanth today joined the growing calls for punishing policemen blamed for the deaths in custody of a man and his son arrested for keeping their shop open longer than allowed during the coronavirus lockdown.

“They should not be spared,” Rajinikanth said, saying he was “shocked” that the policemen tried to intimidate a magistrate investigating the deaths.

“When everyone has condemned the torture and brutal killing of Jeyaraj and Beniks, I am shocked to see the conduct of a few policemen before the magistrate,” Rajinikanth said.

“The police reacted this way even after the whole humanity condemned the brutal and beastly killing of the father and son. All those involved in this case should be punished.”

The Madras High Court yesterday said policemen involved in the deaths could be charged with murder based on the post mortem report and ordered security for a constable who has recorded a statement as a witness to Jeyaraj and Beniks being beaten all night at the police station in Santhankulam with lathis .

Jeyaraj, 59, and his son Beniks, 31, were arrested on June 19 for keeping their mobile phone shop open 15 minutes beyond curfew in the coronavirus lockdown. After Jeyaraj was taken away by the police, his son, who reached the police station, was also arrested.

The two were allegedly beaten and tortured and suffered wounds so severe that they died on June 22, within hours of each other.

The constable who is a witness told the magistrate that both father and son were beaten with sticks through the night, so much that the sticks and tables in the vicinity were blood-stained.

Several celebrities, activists and politicians have expressed outrage at the custody deaths and have demanded tough action against the policemen involved

Mohena Kumari tests COVID-19 negative

Television actress Mohena Kumari has finally tested COVID-19 negative after a month-long battle with the virus.

The actress took to Instagram to share the news with her fans on Wednesday.

“We finally tested Negative of coronavirus… after a month! We’d like to thank all the Doctors and Health care professionals for doing the best they could with whatever information was available to the world about this virus, at AIIMS RISHIKESH.”

She also shared a message of gratitude towards the doctors and healthcare professionals on the occasion of Doctor’s Day on Wednesday.

“Today we celebrate the work of Doctors and Healthcare professionals in our country. In my life, I have met some wonderful doctors, nurses, compounders, and other medical staff… I’d like to thank all of them for their Honest Efforts to help people to ease or eradicate their pain.”

“I really hope and pray that all doctors are doing the same for people of all ages, strata, and religion. People put immense faith in doctors and we always hope for doctors to reciprocate that with selfless care and humanity. I’d like to wish all the selfless, honest, diligent, and hardworking doctors a very Happy National Doctors Day. Thank you for your service. #doctorsday2020” wrote the “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai”.

Mohena Kumari had tested COVID-19 positive at the beginning of June. Her husband Suresh Rawat, father-in-law Satpal Maharaj, who is Uttarakhand’s tourism minister, and mother-in-law were also found to be COVID 19 positive.

On June 13, the family returned home from the hospital despite still being COVID-19 positive. They have been living in isolation at home since then.

Jameela Jamil: Lockdown made me less ignorant

Actress Jameela Jamil feels the COVID-19 lockdown has helped her become a less ignorant person.

In an interview with Grazia magazine, Jameela spoke about how the ongoing pandemic changed her perspective about life, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“For the last couple of years, I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to learn and I think that contributed to a lot of the mistakes I’ve made. This has given me space to really investigate, learn, read, and educate myself. I was so busy (before), I didn’t have time to really know what I was talking about all the time and I feel very grateful for this pause in being able to, hopefully, become a less problematic, less ignorant person,” Jameela said.

She added: “I think I’ll come out of this a more calm, thoughtful, and careful person, more aware of the damage of having a 280-character Twitter word count. Now I have the podcast and YouTube channel. I don’t have to compact all of my thoughts and that’s amazing. Now I have time and space for nuance and context.”