Bhumi Pednekar: I’m diehard supporter, lover of makeup

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Bhumi Pednekar: I’m diehard supporter, lover of makeup

Bollywood actress and environmentalist Bhumi Pednekar has been named as India’s first M.A.C global cosmetics brand ambassador due to her efforts towards climate conservation, sustainability and her body of work.

Bhumi has professed her love for makeup in a quick chat with IANS.

“I am a diehard believer, supporter and lover of makeup. I can’t even remember how old I was when I delved into the world of beauty,” she said.

The actress added that she has been around women, who love the world of beauty as much as she did and “I guess it was their influence along with how positive, fun and creative makeup can be, that completely engulfed me and continues to do so till date. It actually is therapy for me.”

Being the first Indian personality who has been appointed as the face of a brand like M.A.C makes the 32-year-old actress feel extremely “honoured and proud”.

I’ve been a makeup lover since I was very young, so I feel extremely honoured and proud of myself. I was someone who would collect her pocket money to go buy her favourite M.A.C lipstick or foundation. And from that to actually becoming the face of the brand, it feels like an achievement and that life has come a full circle,” she said.

The actress says for her, the pillars of the brand are built on such as “inclusivity, diversity, community and social responsibility” are something that she personally really resonate with.

To be recognized for a cause for the betterment of the world and being rewarded like this, must be a great validation?

“Absolutely! I feel that anybody who is an influencer or in the place of power, needs to use their influence and power for the betterment of the society,” she said.

The actress added: “You have to be compassionate, and you have to understand that even if you influence one person into having a more responsible attitude, it’s a big achievement. I am full of gratitude when I get the amount of love I do and I am going to continue my work on and off screen.”

Speaking about her upcoming slate of work, Bhumi will be seen in ‘Badhaai Do’ with Rajkummar Rao, ‘Raksha Bandhan’ starring Akshay Kumar and ‘Mr Lele’ alongside Vicky Kaushal.

Indians warming up to the horror genre: Actress Ananya Sengupta

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Indians warming up to the horror genre: Actress Ananya Sengupta

When actor Ananya Sengupta signed her first supernatural thriller, �The Final Exit, her gut might have warned that it may not do well at the box-office, but she was proven wrong.

“Over the past two decades, the audience has warmed up to horror movies. Filmmakers are now open to investing in a horror film with A- list cast and elaborate sets. However, horror as a genre is still evolving, and India has a long way to go to tap its full potential. I am confident it is just a matter of time before we get there,” said Sengupta, who was also seen in the movie �Ghost’.

Intentionally choosing varied genres to prove her versatility, the actor, who has done multiple films down south too will now be seen in the web series �Highdose’. “The makers were keen to cast me for the lead role of �Revati’. The concept appealed to me and I was quite impressed with their commitment,” said the actor who won the �Best Actress’ and �Best Supporting Actress’ for short films �Engima’ and �Silver Gandhi’ at Port Blair International Film Festival and Golden Sparrow International Film Festival respectively.

Sengupta, who will be seen in South-Indian filmmaker Srinivasa Raju’s upcoming film, is optimistic that it would be a turning point in her career. All praise for the “professionalism” in the South Indian film industry, she asserts, “My shoots would start at 7 a.m., which meant I had to wake up at 5 a.m. everyday for 40 days. Shooting two films simultaneously was indeed a challenging task. I shed a few kilos rapidly. Nevertheless, it taught me discipline. The entire team, especially technicians, were really persevering.”

The actor, who has a background in theatre, feels that the art form goes a long way in fine tuning an actor’s craft and sensibilities. “It is a much more challenging medium than movies, demanding a lot of homework and preparation. It has surely boosted my confidence and acquainted me with the nuances of acting.”

Though �Highdose’ is her first OTT outing, the actor feels that digital is no longer a niche segment but in fact the future of the entertainment industry. “Innovations such as in-shopping options and branded content will augment revenue streams for this platform and, at the same time, make it a preferred medium for filmmakers.”

The actor’s forthcoming films include �Madrasi Gang’ and an untitled one opposite Telugu actor Naveen Chandra. “I am looking forward to hard-hitting scripts that promise substantial roles.”

Actor Nagababu offers to donate Senegal Parrots to Hyderabad Zoo

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Actor Nagababu offers to donate Senegal Parrots to Hyderabad Zoo

Tollywood actor K. Nagababu on Tuesday visited the Nehru Zoological Park here and offered to donate a pair of Senegal Parrots to the zoo.

He presented a cheque of Rs 35,000 towards the purchase charges to Curator V.V.L. Subhadra Devi, and Deputy Curator, A.Nagamani, on behalf of his sister Vijaya.

Vijaya is mother of Sai Dharma Tej and Vishnu Tej, both young film actors.

Subhadra Devi thanked Nagababu for showing keen interest in improving the animal collection of the zoo and helping in ex-situ conservation of wildlife. Noting that his commitment in conservation of wild animals will be an inspiration to many, she hoped that more and more citizens will come forward to adopt animals in the Nehru Zoological Park as he will be role model to his followers.

Nagababu said that his visit to the Nehru Zoological Park will be a memorable experience. He noted that the Zoo is blessed with majestic animals and the care taken by the management is remarkable.

Nagababu, who is brother of megastar Chiranjeevi, appreciated the Zoo management and staff for maintaining a clean and green Zoo. He thanked the Zoo Curator for giving an opportunity to help the Zoo in achievement of its goal of conservation and education.

Former ‘Oasis’ drummer Tony McCarroll in hospital after heart attack

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Former ‘Oasis’ drummer Tony McCarroll in hospital after heart attack

Former ‘Oasis’ drummer Tony McCarroll has been hospitalised after suffering a heart attack, he revealed to his fans on Twitter.

“Hi All. Wanted to let you know I was admitted to hospital on Thursday after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday night,” he write on Monday.

Tony is one of the founding members of the English rock band ‘Oasis’. He played for the band from 1991 to 1995.

He played the drums for the band’s debut album, ‘Definitely Maybe’, and on ‘Some Might Say’, Oasis’ first number-one single from the album ‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’, before he was dismissed from the band in 1995.

Tony’s biography about his time in ‘Oasis’, titled ‘Oasis: The Truth’, was released in October 2010.

Tollywood director Puri Jagannadh appears before ED

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Tollywood director Puri Jagannadh appears before ED

Well-known Telugu film director Puri Jagannadh on Tuesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe linked to a four-year-old drug case.

Jagannadh along with his chartered accountant appeared before ED officials after he was summoned in connection with the probe.

The ED last week issued notices to 10 persons connected to Tollywood and two others, including a private club manager, as part of its investigation.

Besides Jagganadh, actors Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati, Ravi Teja, Charmee Kaur, Navdeep, Mumaith Khan have been asked to appear before ED between August 31 and September 22

Tanish, Nandu, actor Ravi Teja’s driver Srinivas were also among those summoned.

The questioning is likely to bring to light new facts about the racket which was busted with the arrest of drug peddlers in 2017.

Before beginning the questioning of Tollywood personalities, the ED gathered details of the investigations conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Telangana’s prohibition and excise department.

The questioning by the ED has brought the focus back on the case, which was in cold storage and was even considered dead by many due to the clean chit given by SIT to the film personalities.

The racket was busted on July 2, 2017 when customs officials arrested Calvin Mascarenhas, a musician, and two others and seized drugs worth Rs 30 lakh from their possession.

They had reportedly told the investigators that they were supplying drugs to film celebrities, software engineers, and even students of some corporate schools. Mobile numbers of some Tollywood celebrities were allegedly found in their contact lists.

The Excise Department had constituted SIT for a comprehensive probe.

A total of 12 cases were registered, 30 people were arrested while 62 individuals including 11 people connected with Tollywood were examined by the SIT under section 67 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and section 161 of Criminal Procedure Code.

The SIT had collected blood, hair, nail and other samples from some of those who appeared before it for question and sent them for analysis.

It filed chargesheet in eight out of 12 cases. The Team however, gave clean chit to the film personalities who were questioned as part of the investigation.

The accused against whom cases were booked include Rafeal Alex Victor, a South African citizen, and Puttakar Ranson Joseph, working in the film industry as a manager.

Joseph was the manager of leading actor Kajal Agarwal who sacked him after his arrest.

The authorities had recovered 3,000 units of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), 105 grams of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), 45 grams of cocaine and other narcotic and psychotropic substances from the accused.

Teaser of Naga Shaurya, Ritu Varma’s next film released

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Teaser of Naga Shaurya, Ritu Varma’s next film released

Actors Naga Shaurya and Ritu Varma will be seen together in ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’. The teaser of the film was released on Tuesday.

Directed by debutant Lakshmi Sowjanya, the film is a love story of two youngsters with different mindsets. While Ritu Varma’a character is a perfectionist who always wants the best and is unsatisfied with all the men she meets in matchmaking sessions, Naga Shaurya plays a calm person, who is deeply in love with Ritu Varma and he never misses any opportunity to impress her.

Shaurya took to his Instagram stories and to put up the teaser link. He wrote: “Coming a step closer to all of you. Sharing all the more fun filled with ‘Varudu Kaavalenu’ teaser.

‘Varudu Kaavalenu’ shooting has been wrapped up and post-production work is happening. The film will release in October, as announced by the makers through the teaser.

Tamannaah Bhatia launches book on Indian wellness ‘Back to the Roots’

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Tamannaah Bhatia launches book on Indian wellness ‘Back to the Roots’

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia launched her book ‘Back to the Roots’ which she has co-authored with celebrity lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho. The actress hopes that the readers enjoy the book which is based on intensive research and unearths India’s ancient secrets of health and wellness.

Speaking about the launch of ‘Back To the Roots’, new author Tamannaah tells an interview: “India is a library full of age-old knowledge on healthy living. It’s about time that we revisited our traditional ways of wellness and put this knowledge to use. All the chapters in ‘Back To the Roots’ are complete with tried-and-tested secrets that have served generations of this country.”

The ‘Baahubali’ actress adds: “I have enjoyed the journey of delving deep into ancient Indian wisdom with Luke Coutinho. As we launch this book today, it’s leaving me with a sense of fulfillment as we serve our purpose of documenting and passing the baton of this ancestral knowledge. I hope our readers enjoy the book as much as we enjoyed the process of putting it together for them.”

Tamannaah is gearing up for the release of ‘Maestro’, which is the Telugu remake of Bollywood film ‘Andhadhun’. Besides this, she will be seen in Telugu films ‘Seetimaar’, ‘Gurthunda Seethakalam’ and the Hindi drama ‘Plan A Plan B’ on the horizon for the year.

The actress recently made her television debut with ‘MasterChef Telugu’.

Drugs case: ED to begin questioning Tollywood personalities on Tuesday

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Drugs case: ED to begin questioning Tollywood personalities on Tuesday

Director Puri Jagannadh will appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday as the central agency is all set to began questioning Tollywood personalities in connection with the drugs racket which had rocked the film industry four years ago.

The questioning is likely to bring to light new facts about the drugs racket which was busted with the arrest of drug peddlers in 2017.

The ED officials will be questioning those summoned about the alleged money-laundering aspect of the case.

The agency last week issued notices to 10 persons connected to Tollywood and two others, including a private club manager, as part of a money-laundering probe linked to the drugs racket.

Actors Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati, Ravi Teja, Charmee Kaur, Navdeep, Mumaith Khan, and director Jagannadh have been asked to appear before ED between August 31 and September 22

Tanish, Nandu, and actor Ravi Teja’s driver Srinivas are also among those summoned.

The development has created ripples in Tollywood as two leading actors who were not questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Telangana Excise and Prohibition Department two years ago, have also been summoned by the ED.

Rakul Preet has been asked to appear on September 6 while Rana of ‘Baahubali’ fame has been summoned on September 8.

The questioning by the ED will bring the focus back on the case, which was in cold storage and was even considered dead by many due to the clean chit given by SIT to the film personalities.

Tollywood circles are worried the development as the ED investigation could bring out new facts linking it the probe faced by some Bollywood actors.

However, an ED official has clarified that for now those summoned will be treated only as witnesses.

The ED has asked Ravi Teja to appear on September 9 while Mumaith Khan has been summoned on September 15.

The drugs racket was busted on July 2, 2017 when customs officials arrested Calvin Mascarenhas, a musician, and two others and seized drugs worth Rs 30 lakh from their possession.

They had reportedly told the investigators that they are supplying drugs to film celebrities, software engineers, and even students of some corporate schools. Mobile numbers of some Tollywood celebrities were allegedly found in their contact lists.

The Excise Department had constituted the SIT for a comprehensive probe. A total of 12 cases were registered, 30 people were arrested while 62 individuals including 11 people connected with Tollywood were examined by the SIT under section 67 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and section 161 of Criminal Procedure Code.

The SIT had collected blood, hair, nail and other samples from some of those who appeared before it for question and sent them for analysis.

Actors Ravi Teja, Charmme Kaur, Mumaith Khan, Jagannadh and young actors Tarun Kumar and Navdeep were among the stars who were questioned by the SIT.

Cinematographer Shyam K Naidu, actors Subbaraju, Tanish, Nandu and Teja’s driver were also among those questioned.

The SIT filed a charge sheet in eight out of 12 cases. It, however, gave clean chit to the film personalities who were questioned as part of the investigation.

The accused against whom cases were booked include Rafeal Alex Victor, a South African citizen, and Puttakar Ranson Joseph, working in the film industry as a manager. Joseph was the manager of leading actor Kajal Agarwal who sacked him after his arrest. An NGO, however, alleged that no attempt was made to trace the customers of the accused.

The authorities had recovered 3,000 units of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), 105 grams of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), 45 grams of cocaine and other narcotic and psychotropic substances from the accused.

Deepika Padukone to star in cross cultural romantic comedy

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Deepika Padukone to star in cross cultural romantic comedy

Indian actress Deepika Padukone will be starring in an upcoming international yet-untitled cross cultural romantic comedy.

STXfilms, a division of Eros STX Global Corporation, announced the company is developing a romantic comedy for Deepika, who will also produce the upcoming film through her Ka Productions banner.

Deepika, who was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in 2018, said: “Ka Productions was founded with the aim to develop and produce purposeful content with global appeal.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with STXfilms and Temple Hill Productions, who share Ka’s ambition and creative vision and look forward to bringing impactful and dynamic cross-cultural stories to the world.”

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Adam Fogelson, chairman, STXfilms Motion Picture Group.

Fogelson said: “There is a reason Deepika is one of the biggest global stars to come from India. She is enormously talented with an infectious personality and her profile continues to grow as an international superstar. While she has been a phenomenal success in many Eros International films, we are thrilled to be building a romantic comedy with her and our friends at Temple Hill.

“We believe this project gives us the opportunity to tap into the spirit, voice, characters and vibrant settings of India and New York in ways that made Crazy Rich Asians feel so authentic and fresh.”

The studio is also in negotiations with Temple Hill Productions Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, who has produced the ‘Twilight’ franchise and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ among many others to develop the project, which will be a sweeping cross cultural romantic comedy centred around Deepika.

Isaac Klausner is overseeing the project for Temple Hill.

Deepika made her English language film debut as the female lead in ‘XXX: The Return of Xander Cage’, co-starring with Vin Diesel.

In Bollywood, Deepika will be seen in Kabir Khan’s ’83, Shakun Batra’s yet-untitled film, the Hindi remake of ‘The Intern’ with megastar Amitabh Bachchand and the actioner Hrithik Roshan.

Naga Shaurya wraps up shoot for sports drama ‘Lakshya’

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Naga Shaurya wraps up shoot for sports drama ‘Lakshya’

Telugu actor Naga Shaurya took to social media to announce that the shooting for his upcoming sports drama ‘Lakshya’ has been completed.

Putting up a poster of the film and an inset of himself sitting and watching his scenes on a screen, the actor wrote on his Instagram stories: “‘Lakshya’ shoot wrapped up. See you soon in theatres.”

The film’s crew had resumed shooting on July 10 after the lockdown was lifted in Telangana. ‘Lakshya’ is said to be India’s first film based on the sport of ancient archery.

Directed by Dheerendra Santhossh Jagarlapudi, “Lakshya” is Shaurya’s 20th film and also stars actress Ketika Sharma. Ace actor Jagapathi Babu will be seen playing a crucial role in the film.

The film also stars Jagapathi Babu and Sachin Khedekar.

Presented by Sonali Narang, the film is produced by Narayana Das K. Narang, Puskur Ram Mohan Rao and Sharrath Marar.

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