Kashmir turns shooting hotspot for music videos

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Kashmir turns shooting hotspot for music videos

Kashmir is no longer just a haven for filmmakers looking for a scenic backdrop for their lavish Bollywood productions. Beyond films, music video makers are also finding an ideal backdrop in Paradise on Earth, to tell their stories of just a few minutes.

Bollywood’s romance with Kashmir is nothing new. The industry has been revisiting Kashmir Valley for shoots back from the sixties when films such as Junglee, Kashmir Ki Kali, and Himalay Ki God Mein were filmed in the region’s gorgeous locales to present-day when we had Raazi, Highway, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan among numerous others.

Except for a brief period when life and tourism in Kashmir Valley were paralyzed owing to terrorism, Bollywood has always loved the scenic beauty of the place.

Music video makers add the latest twist in B-town’s romance with Kashmir. A slew of videos, capturing the essence of the music and singing of some of our most prolific musical talents have lately been shot in the Valley.

Music composer Salim Merchant recently returned from Kashmir after shooting for his upcoming song Tumhe dekh ke, and he sounds super excited about the experience.

“On the first day of our shoot, the temperature went down to minus 10 degrees celsius. However, despite the freezing cold, Kashmir is beautiful. I don’t understand why people go to Switzerland and Europe when India has the most beautiful place in the whole world!” Salim Merchant told IANS.

“The people of Kashmir are so loving and hardworking. We did not take a single technician with us from Mumbai, and only worked with the local technicians from Kashmir,” he informed.

The musician suggests more and more people should flock to Kashmir and enjoy the beauty of the place like it was in the 1970s and 80s, and he says there is nothing to be afraid of for tourists.

Merchant said: “Creative people who are associated with music and cinema must visit Kashmir. Back in the seventies and the eighties, almost every Hindi film had at least one song that was shot in Kashmir. It is a great place for shooting. It is very unfortunate that people are not coming to Kashmir because despite what you see on television and news, life over there is completely different.”

Singer-composer Jigar Saraiya features in the video of his latest song Heera, which has been shot in Kashmir. The Sachin-Jigar song also features actress Shriya Pilgaonkar. This team also worked with the local crew from Kashmir.

Recalling the experience, Saraiya said: “Shooting in Kashmir was fun, we had the local crew from there, who really helped us a lot in pulling through the shoot.”

“When we were shooting over there, the minimum temperature was one degree and even went down to minus levels. It was very difficult to sit on a bike early in the morning, around six, and also to emote and lip-sync in the freezing cold. It was fun but very difficult!” he recalled.

Actress Mrunal Thakur, who recently shot with singer Guru Randhawa for his latest music video titled Abhi a chod mujhe in Kashmir, is smitten by the beauty of the place. Mrunal describes her experience as “surreal” and “enchanting”.

Beyond music videos, of course, filmmakers continue returning to Kashmir.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri recently wrapped up shooting for his upcoming directorial The Kashmir Files in various locations across Srinagar.

Quizzed about his experience, the filmmaker shared: “There are two-three problems in Kashmir right now. Firstly, the temperature was the coldest in 30 years, almost minus 8.5 degrees, and it is difficult to start shooting in the mornings. Obviously, security is a big problem. But if you go as a tourist then it is almost 90 percent safe. Also, I was provided with a lot of security by the Jammu and Kashmir government.”

Armaan Malik curious if social distancing is possible during a concert

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Armaan Malik curious if social distancing is possible during a concert

Singer Armaan Malik is curious to learn whether social distancing is possible during a concert.

Armaan took to Twitter on Saturday to express his concern. “Can you imagine social distancing at a concert,” the singer tweeted.

Commenting on his tweet, fans suggested that even if such a thing happens, it is not possible in India.

They also clearly mentioned that they are not eager to maintain social distancing if they attend Armaan’s concert.

“Not possible in India,” commented a fan of the singer.

“You might be kidding I guess that is not possible. And if it is your concert then we cannot even think of doing social distancing,” expressed another fan.

“Yess Armaan it’s very different and difficult to do social distancing if fans attend the concert of their favorite artist,” suggested another fan.

“Keeping a one-arm distance from each other would remind us of attending school’s assembly,” shared another fan.

Several fans singer suggested a concert should only be arranged once things get better because they want to meet and hug Armaan.

Chandan Roy Sanyal celebrates birthday with family in Goa

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Chandan Roy Sanyal celebrates birthday with family in Goa

Actor Chandan Roy Sanyal turned a year older on Saturday and is spending his birthday with family in Goa.

“The most I expect from a birthday is quality time with my parents. I’m grateful to have had a fulfilling year and to have the love of the viewers despite the challenges of the year. My goal is to kick off the year with all the positivity and love I have received so far,” Chandan said.

The actor, who has featured in Bollywood films such as Kaminey, Jazbaa, and Chef, has captured the audience’s imagination lately playing the vile Bhopa Swamy over two seasons of Prakash Jha’s crime drama series Aashram. He will soon be seen in Sanak and Salt.

In Salt, Chandan is cast opposite Bengali star Rituparna Sengupta. The film revolves around Shankar, an introverted architect who falls for Maya, the girlfriend of his boss. Maya is an extrovert writer who is impressed by him because of a strange lie on their first date. The entire film is set in Kolkata and Darjeeling.

Sanak is an action thriller, which also featuring Vidyut Jammwal, Bollywood debutante Rukmini Maitra and Neha Dhupia. It is directed by Kanishk Varma.

Abhishek Sharma: Big canvas films will thrive in theatres now

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Abhishek Sharma: Big canvas films will thrive in theatres now

Filmmaker Abhishek Sharma says though releasing films on OTT has become a convenient option for many, the relevance of theatrical release of a film has increased because filmmakers now have to adhere to the gold standard to draw people to theatres.

“The relevance of theatrical release of a film has increased because now we have to match the gold standard for each film that we will plan to release in theatres. Due to the global pandemic, and with the way our lifestyle has changed, going to the theatre for watching a movie is not a ‘timepass’ anymore. People are putting a high value in stepping out to get entertained. At least, for the next year or two, things will go on like this,” Sharma told IANS.

He added: “The films we will get to see in theatres from now on will not only be about big stars but also about big canvas — basically an experience that is worth watching in theatres. I think people will find it hard to go to the theatres to watch watching a slice-of-life film, they would rather watch those on the OTT platform. So, the basic purpose of a theatrical release is coming back. We have to offer the audience a larger-than-life or a surreal experience on the big screen.”

Sharma, who is known for his slice-of-life films like “Tere Bin Laden” films, “Parmanu” and “Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari”, is not surprisingly vocal about the larger-than-life experience. His next film is “Ram Setu”, a lavish adventure starring Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. The film was announced on Diwali 2020 by Akshay on social media, along with a first-look poster that suggests a blend of mythology and action, myth and reality.

“I would like to offer a theatrical experience to my audience. That was the reason I wanted my ‘Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari’ to have a theatrical release. Having said that, we really have to treat a story worth ‘watching’ in cinema and have to set a high standard for every member of the audience step out of the house,” he said.

“I think now the theatre is the ocean where only sharks — those big canvas films — will swim, and the fish will find their space in the aquarium of OTT,” he signed off with a laugh.

Maha Samudram Will Release on August 19 WorldWide

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Maha Samudram Will Release on August 19 WorldWide

Maha Samudram is an upcoming film of Sharwanand, Siddharth, and Aditi Rao Hydari. This film is set to release worldwide on August 19. Anu Emmanuel in an important role in this movie and Directed by Ajay Bhupathi and Produced by AK Entertainments.

In Hyderabad, The shooting of Maha Samudram is currently going on.
After eight years long, Siddharth will be making his grand comeback movie in the Tollywood industry.

Siddharth tweeted a post, On October 30, to reveal the matter of shooting in November.

Now also Siddharth tweeted about Maha Samudram release date updates here:

https://twitter.com/Actor_Siddharth/status/1355379551614894082

Akshay Kumar: Coping with everything in the industry is difficult

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Akshay Kumar: Coping with everything in the industry is difficult

It has been 30 years since Akshay Kumar entered Bollywood, and to say his journey has been eventful would be an understatement. From outsider and struggler to National Award-winning superstar has been a long road, and Akshay says entering the industry is easier than maintaining one’s position and coping up with everything.

“The challenge lies in maintaining yourself. Maintaining yourself in the industry is a big challenge. You will not believe that entering the film industry is still easier, but to maintain yourself in the industry and to keep up and cope up with everything going on, and be there in the industry, is a very difficult job,” Akshay told IANS, reflecting on his journey.

Over the years, Akshay has held on to the advice his father onccce gave him, as he surged ahead in his career.

“I follow what my father taught me — keep working hard. Kal ki chinta na karo, aapne aap sab kuch theek hona shuru ho jayega (Stop worrying about the future, everything will get sorted out),” he shared.

The 53-year-old actor continued: “A lot of times, I have seen how the movie that I know is not good works. On the other hand, there are times when I know the film is good, and yet it doesn’t work. God has his own way of working and rewarding you. Jahaan dena hai wahaan kabhi kabhi nahi deta aur jahaan nahi dena wahaan de deta hai.”

Akshay walked into the industry with “Saugandh” in 1991, but it was the action-packed thrills and punches of “Khiladi” (1992) that gave him the ticket to mainstream entertainment. There was a time when Bollywood’s Khiladi Kumar got stuck in the action hero image, but he soon managed to break away from the stereotype with punches of another kind — comedy. At that time, he also explored rom-com space.

He went on to feature in comedy hits such as “Hera Pheri”, “Garam Masala”, “Bhagam Bhag”, “Heyy Babyy”, “Welcome”, “Singh Is Kinng” and “Housefull”. There were many misses, too, in the genre, like “Tees Maar Khan”, “Thank You” and “Joker”.

Today, Akshay has developed a reputation of backing stories that have hues of patriotism and nationalism, besides films with socially-relevant content.

“I do films that are responsible and also the films that are commercial. I am not a teacher,” Akshay said, on his way of picking projects.

“I do films I like, and the messages I like. Sometimes there is a message, and there is no message. I do different types of films and I want to continue doing them in the future,” he continued.

“I don’t want to be a teacher,” the superstar asserted, adding: “I get associated with the message I believe in. I made a film on sanitary pads and did one on the importance of toilets. (I) Also made one on science. I have made different types of films.”

“There is also ‘Housefull’, which has no message, and where the message is just to laugh,” added the actor, who was last seen in “Laxmii”, which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar.

The actor is committed to continuing on the same path — something that is reflected in his upcoming work slate. It is said that over Rs 530 crore is riding on him, with the films that are slated to release this year.

There is “Sooryavanshi” in which he will be seen as ATS officer Veer Sooryavanshi. He plays a RAW agent in “Bell Bottom”, and brings alive the heroism of Prithviraj Chauhan in “Prithviraj”. Also in his roster over the next months are “Bachchan Pandey”, “Atrangi Re”, “Raksha Bandhan” and “Ram Setu”.

Akshay Kumar fans clearly have a lot to look forward to.

Nawazuddin Siddqui: One who gets typecast is the hero in Bollywood

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Nawazuddin Siddqui: One who gets typecast is the hero in Bollywood

Nawazuddin Siddiqui begs to differ when you tell him he is typecast in a particular kind of role. He insists it is the Bollywood mainstream hero who is pigeonholed into doing similar roles.

“I think I am the actor who does different characters and the one who gets typecast is the hero in Bollywood, who in their over 30 to 36 years’ career do only one role. Thank god I got the opportunity to do different roles. If I am doing a ‘Manto’ then I am also doing a ‘Thackeray’. If I am playing a police officer in ‘Raat Akeli Hai’, at the same time there is ‘Serious Men’, too,” Nawazuddin told IANS.

The actor has three films lined up in the coming months as of now — “No Land’s Man”, the rom-com “Jogira Sara Ra Ra” and “Bole Chudiyan”. He says the focus continues to be on “doing a different character”.

“I have done ‘Photograph’ and I have also done ‘Kick’. So, I think the opportunity to play various roles the industry gave me is amazing,” he added.

He feels there is some “misconception about typecast” when it comes to our films.

“The hero gets typecast. If you see in the last 40 years, a hero has been doing one kind of role. There is only one kind of gesture and posture. There is one kind of costume and expression. Everything is of one kind. The one who does the same things get typecast,” he said.

Nawazuddin feels grateful that he did not headline a “formula film” as a hero.

“Thank god I did not become a hero — as in, a hero in the typical formula film. If I do that then I will leave this profession because I will get bored doing the same thing. So, thanks to the industry that they saw me in various roles. They want to see me in different roles and they will keep seeing me in different roles,” he said.

Darshan Kumaar: Always great when you get to work on good script

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Darshan Kumaar: Always great when you get to work on good script

Actor Darshan Kumaar is all set to feature in a yet-untitled suspense thriller alongside R. Madhavan and Aparshakti Khurana, and he says working on a good script marks a good start for him in the new year.

“The new year has begun on a good note for me, I started shooting for the project today,” said Darshan, who has made his mark with his roles in films such as “NH10”, “Mary Kom”, “Sarbjit” and “Baaghi 2”.

Darshan opened up on the veteran Madhavan as well as Aparshakti, who has been making waves lately.

“It’s always great when you get to work on a good script. But what makes the experience even more enriching is when you have great co-stars. Madhavan is one of the best actors in our industry, who always delivers out-of-the-box performances. I’m really excited to share the same frame with such a passionate actor,” he said.

Talking about working with Aparshakti, Darshan said: “I’m also looking forward to working with Aparshakti Khurana, who is a wonderful actor. Also, I shot a scene with debutante Khushali Kumar and I find her to be really passionate about her work.”

Maanvi Gagroo: OTT doesn’t need censorship but regulation

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Maanvi Gagroo: OTT doesn’t need censorship but regulation

Actress Maanvi Gagroo says her opinion on OTT censorship has changed over the years. While she was wholly against the idea till a while back, she now feels some sort of regulation is necessary, though it need not be censorship.

“Earlier I was against censorship and I thought there should be self-censorship. If I am an adult and I am 18-plus, I should be able to watch whatever I want. OTT is not like television that you switch it on and whatever comes on, you will have to watch it. There are many steps of filtration in OTT — like downloading, subscribing, and choosing content,” Maanvi tells IANS.

However, something did change her mind subsequently.

“Now I feel when anything becomes popular and the numbers start increasing, you have to bring some sort of regulation so that nothing is exploited. The regulation does not necessarily mean censorship. Regulation means you keep an eye on certification,” the actress says.

She adds: “A lot of shows on platforms run disclaimers for violence, drug abuse, and nudity. If you still watch it, you can’t blame the makers. However, sometimes the government has to step in. For example, if the authorities feel that something can incite violence, they will try to stop it. There is a thin line on how you define something as offensive. Censorship also comes in with other socio-political milieus. Censorship shouldn’t be much on OTT, but there should be a process of certification and regulation.”

Maanvi is part of one of the most successful OTT stories, “Four More Shots Please!” She plays Siddhi, and is all set to reprise the character in the third season of the web series and will start shooting for it soon. The bold and fun series, too, has been subjected to raising eyebrows owing to its contemporary theme of showing fierce and independent women living on their own terms.

The actress has enjoyed popularity after the success of both two seasons of “Four More Shots Please!” Does she think OTT platforms are dissolving the star system and finally actors are getting their due?

“It’s true that on OTT, even a very small part if it is a well-played part, will get people to notice you. Things like memes add to the popularity of an actor or character, but it is not entirely dissolved because these smaller parts that become popular come and go, and it’s a phase,” she says.

The actress adds: “Many OTT platforms are still trying to get big Bollywood names, be it for acting or direction because the tag of Bollywood means something. They want big names and try to sell with big names because people would want to watch if a Shah Rukh or Salman is associated with an OTT project. Such names hold weight. There are so many shows that are being made but we only watch the ones that are popular. This goes for films, too. In a web series, people fall in love with characters rather than actors and that is why the star system is not yet dissolved. In films, everything is larger than life and people go for the stars. People don’t go for Chulbul Pandey, they go for Salman Khan.”

Jared Leto, on why his new film ‘The Little Things’ was surprising

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Jared Leto, on why his new film ‘The Little Things’ was surprising

Hollywood star Jared Leto says his new film, John Lee Hancock’s The Little Things, comes with questions about guilt, innocence, assumptions, and identity.

“I have wanted to work with John Lee for quite some time, he’s such an incredible writer and director. When I first read the script, I really was taken in by the characters and he did a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat,” Leto said while talking about collaborating with the director.

“The story poses questions not just about guilt or innocence, but assumptions and identity. It was surprising and I think people are going to be shocked by the ending,” he added.

In the psychological thriller, Denzil Washington is seen as Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon, who gets involved in tracking a serial killer who is terrorizing the city of Los Angeles. Rami Malek as L.A. Sheriff Dept. Sergeant Jim Baxter is leading the investigation.

Leto is seen as an inscrutable yet enigmatic appliance deliveryman named Albert Sparma.

Talking about his character, Leto said: “Albert Sparma could be a villain, he could be a red herring. He could even be a sort of savior. He is definitely an outcast who doesn’t really fit into society and probably feels a little under-appreciated, but he is highly intelligent.

“He sees the world in a different way and the world-the police especially-see him as different, which I liked. He probably gets under the skin of everybody he interacts with, especially the police,” he added.

The film also stars Natalie Morales, Terry Kinney, Chris Bauer, Joris Jarsky, Isabel Arraiza, and Michael Hyatt. The film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, released in India on January 29.

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