Aditi Rao Hydari reveals her first look in ‘Maha Samudram’

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari on Monday revealed her first look in the upcoming Telugu film “Maha Samudram”. The actress plays the character of Maha in the bilingual film.

Introducing her character, which looked like a simple yet emotionally strong woman, Aditi looks teary-eyed into oblivion. The film is being made in Tamil and Telugu.

The actress wrote on her Instagram: “Meet #Maha….on her journey of #ImmeasurableLove #Mahasamudram”

The Ajay Bhupati directorial also stars Sharwanand and will see actor Siddharth coming back to Telugu films after almost four years. Siddharth’s last outing in the Telugu industry was the 2017 film “Gruham”.

Aditi was recently seen in the OTT film “The Girl On The Train”. She will next be seen in the anthology “Ajeeb Daastaans”, and the Tamil film “Hey Sinamika”, besides “Maha Samundram”.

Margaret Cho: John Travolta is ‘last movie star in a lot of ways’

Actress Margaret Cho says she loved sharing screen space with John Travolta in John Woo’s 1997 action superhit “Face/Off”, adding that she considers the actor the “last movie star”.

Travolta the “last movie star” of Hollywood’s golden age, says Cho, who played the role of Wanda in the film.

“There’s not really American monarchy, but there is in Hollywood if you think about it, and he’s sort of in the last era of the golden age of Hollywood. He’s sort of the last movie star in a lot of ways,” Cho said, according to contactmusic.com.

She recalled that Travolta always had the same team with him.

“So he had this sort of court around him of different people that he had worked with, his particular crew, whether they were his stand-ins or his stunt doubles or his crew that he would bring from movie to movie,” she said.

She added: “So you would see sort of the skeletal remnants of different films he had done over the years, so that was really interesting. He was really jovial guy, really fun.”

Salman Khan launches Hindi teaser of ‘Major’

The teaser of “Major”, starring Telugu actor Adivi Sesh as 26/11 martyr Sandeep Unnikrishnan, was launched in three languages by three big stars on Monday. Salman Khan launched the Hindi teaser. Mahesh Babu, who also produces the film, launched the Telugu teaser while Prithviraj Sukumaran launched the Malayali version.

Salman uploaded the teaser in his Instagram Stories with a ‘swipe-up click option. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran followed the same pattern.

“Major” is an account of how late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan fought gallantly when Mumbai was attacked on November 26, 2008. The film, directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, and is produced by Mahesh Babu’s GMB Production along with AS Productions. “Major” also stars Sobhita Dhulipala as an NRI hostage and is set to release on July 2.

Vidya Balan: The ‘Mask’erade is not over yet

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan on Monday took reminded fans to wear masks amid the ongoing second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has badly affected Maharashtra.

“Let’s not forget that the ‘Mask’erade is not over yet,” Vidya wrote, with a photograph of herself on Instagram.

Vidya’s advice to netizens comes after India reported 1,68,912 new Covid-19 cases over the last 24 hours, setting another grim one-day record.

The actress recently took a sarcastic jibe at body-shamers on social media.

On World Health Day, she wrote on Instagram: “People always turn around and tell me that your weight is equivalent to your health but your weight should be a part of your health and not its identity – Happy World Health Day. #worldhealthday.”

Vidya will next be seen in “Sherni”, for which she has been shooting in Madhya Pradesh. The film, directed by Amit Masurkar, casts her as a forest officer.

Fahadh Faasil says ‘Joji’ is his most difficult character

National Award-winning Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil is basking in the acclaim his new film “Joji” has garnered, ever since it dropped digitally last week. The actor says this has been his toughest role so far.

The film directed by Dileesh Pothan is inspired by William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”.

“By far ‘Joji’ is the most difficult character,” Fahadh told IANS. “I have read ‘Macbeth’ to be very unstable from within even if he looks strong. This is my approach and take. It was difficult to bring the entire instability. I have tried to make Macbeth a little familiar. I don’t think there are any humans without greed and ambition. That is an emotion, everyone connects to. I have tried to explore that aspect of Macbeth,” he adds.

Written by Syam Pushkaran, the film also features Baburaj, Shammi Thilakan, Alistair Alex, and Unnimaya Prasad, Basil Joseph, and Sunny PN.

Dileesh and Fahadh last collaborated on the award-winning film “Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum”.

“I took a long time to crack Joji as a character, it’s definitely my toughest role to date. It was tougher than my last film with Dileesh. In fact, even Dileesh said that this was the toughest film he has shot,” said Fahadh about his latest film, which released on Amazon Prime Video.

Aahana Kumra: Won’t be part of story showing women in poor light

Aahana Kumra says being an actress she understands the power and influence of cinema, and that is the reason she never wants to be a part of a project that does not offer a respectful portrayal of women.

“I know as an actress, I have the power to influence people, and I want to do it in the right direction. Films can have an enormous impact on society, especially young minds. So, I never want to be associated with a project that will showcase women in a poor light. It’s important and a high time to have conversations around women’s rights and safety,” she said.

Aahana recently wrapped up her shooting schedule of Madhur Bhandarkar’s film “India Lockdown”. She will be seen in the upcoming short film “Happy Birthday” alongside Anupam Kher.

Bhargavi Chirmuley: Marathi films always gave importance to literature

Actress Bhargavi Chirmuley says the Marathi film industry has always given a lot of importance to literature, which in turn helps actors grow.

“Since literature has been given a lot of importance in the Marathi industry, I feel it really contributes to the evolution of an actor and helps him or her grow. I feel very proud to be a part of the Marathi industry, and I’d like to say that the changes are very much welcome. We are seeing some fine and technically sound works,” she says.

The actress has been part of Marathi films such as “Snook “, “Ideachi Kalpana” and “Ishq Wala Love”.

Looking at her career graph, she says that she has evolved as an actor. “From a child artiste to being a Marathi actress, I have always seen my career as an ECG Graph, which reflects positivity and motivates me to work harder and more,” she says.

Bhargavi will soon be seen in the show “Mere Sai”, She plays a real-life character.

“I portray a character based on reality, and so while portraying such a role, one has to be more responsible about delivering it with a touch of reality. I will try to give my best to the role and to the show,” she says.

“I am essaying the character of Chandra Borkar, who is like Sai Baba’s sister and has a happy family with two kids. However, one day her husband abandons the family as he wants to attain enlightenment and he considers his duties towards his family as an impediment. Consequently, Chandra falls upon bad times. But Sai Baba stands by his sister and makes Chandra’s husband realize that one can attain enlightenment only by fulfilling their responsibilities. Chandra Borkar’s story is a real story and I consider myself very fortunate to play this wonderful role,” she sums up.

Simran Pareenja: ‘Lakshmi Ghar Aayi’ a call against dowry system

Actress Simran Pareenja, who will be seen in the upcoming show “Lakshmi Ghar Aayi”, hopes her character empowers women to stand up for themselves.

The actress plays the role of Maithali, and the story will focus on how she overcomes and fights the system of dowry. Through the show, the actress wants to promote the thought that girls are not a liability but an asset.

“Lakshmi Ghar Aayi is a reflection of society and the times that we live in. We intend to make India aware of the age-old system of dowry still being prevalent in many parts of towns and cities. Everyone knows that dowry is illegal and immoral but they practice it. Our society has renamed it ‘gift’ so that it sounds good. Dowry simply means that you are putting a price tag on the girl or boy and buying her or him,” she says.

“I hope my character inspires others to do the right thing and be self-reliant. My character will throw light on how this age-old practice is rigid and downright regressive. Those who are still practicing these should face consequences,” she adds.

“Lakshmi Ghar Aayi” will air on Star Bharat.

Aamir Khan is my mentor: ‘Well Done Baby’ director Priyanka Tanwar

Debutante director Priyanka Tanwar, who has helmed the Marathi film “Well Done Baby”, considers Aamir Khan her mentor. Priyanka has had a stint as an assistant director at Aamir’s production house.

“Aamir Khan is my mentor and I try to do my work with perfection, just like him. While working as an assistant director with Aamir Khan Productions, I have learned how pre-production and research is very important for directing a film,” she says.

She adds that she made sure to follow all that she had learned while shooting “Well Done Baby”.

“I am really excited about this film as it marks my debut as director. Before I started working on ‘Well Done Baby’, I spent a lot of time doing homework and research. I am grateful to work with actors like Pushkar Jog, Amruta, and Vandana ji and my writer Marmabandha Gavhane, who really supported and motivated me on my first project,” she says.

The film is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

When Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapur, Anurag Basu don Arunanchal Pradesh attire

Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, choreographer Geeta Kapur, and filmmaker Anurag Basu will appear on an upcoming episode of “Super Dancer Chapter 4” in traditional Arunanchal Pradesh attire.

The wradrobe, including wraparound skirts, traditional headgear, and accessories, was gifted by participant Kosum’s mother, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

“I always love trying different attires, and the traditional costumes of Arunachal Pradesh are unique and fascinating. It shows their aesthetic style and enthusiasm for embellishment. Kusum’s mom made my wish come true,” said Geeta Kapur.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra added: “The state of Arunachal Pradesh is brimmed with diverse socio-cultures and an exquisite collection of handlooms. The art and the precision of the handicrafts speak volumes of the superiority of these costumes. I am so thankful to Kosum and his mother for being so thoughtful and gifting us these gorgeous attires. I can’t seem to get enough of my look”.

The upcoming episode of mega auditions will air on Sony Entertainment Television.