Big B mourns ‘Sholay’ and ‘Shahenshah’ co-star Jagdeep

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Big B mourns ‘Sholay’ and ‘Shahenshah’ co-star Jagdeep

Amitabh Bachchan took to his blog on Thursday to mourn the demise of veteran comedian Jagdeep.

Big B and Jagdeep were co-stars in films like “Sholay” (1975) and “Shahenshah” (1988). Jagdeep played the iconic character of Soorma Bhopali in Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster movie “Sholay” starring Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan and Sanjeev Kumar in key roles.

Apart from working with Jagdeep as a co-star, Bachchan had featured as a guest artist in a film produced by him.

“Last night we lost another gem .. Jagdeep .. the actor of exceptional comedic repertoire, passed away ..”

“He had crafted a unique individual style of his own .. and I had the honor of working with him in several films .. the more prominent ones in the eyes of the audience being ‘Sholay’ and ‘Shahenshah’..”

“He had even requested me to do a small guest role in a film he was producing, which I did..A humble human .. loved by millions ..My duas and my prayers..” Bachchan wrote on his blog.

He continued: “Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri .. his real name, adopted Jagdeep as his film name and gave the film fraternity such memorable performances, that brought so much joy and happiness all around..”

“Adopting Jagdeep as his film name was such a gracious factor that exhibited the unity in diversity of the Country .. there were many others at the time that did similar .. the eminent and distinguished .. Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Jayant – Amjad Khan’s Father, a giant of an actor .. and many many others ..” he wrote.

“One by one they all go away .. leaving the Industry bereft and deprived of their immense contribution,” concluded the veteran actor with a heavy heart.

Veteran Bollywood comedian Jagdeep passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday. He was 81.

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor: Home-cooking is the healthiest cooking

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Chef Sanjeev Kapoor: Home-cooking is the healthiest cooking

Indian home-cooking saw the turn of a new leaf when celebrity chefs like Sanjeev Kapoor created lip-smacking recipes on a unique format of cooking shows on television. With the stay-at-home orders infusing new energy into the country’s home kitchens, the celebrated chef and Padma Shri recipient feel happy seeing people cook at home.

“Home-cooking is healthiest cooking. Even when people cook so-called junk food, I advise cooking it at home, which will be much healthier. Anyone who is usually cooking at home – mothers or wives – wants to make sure that the element of health is there. If we have to make ourselves healthy, home-cooking is the way to go, and I’m happy people are cooking at home,” Kapoor, 56, told IANSlife over the phone.

Kapoor is the face of ITC Nimwash vegetable and fruit wash and suggests cooking enthusiasts clean germs and pesticides off their fruits and veggies as any recipe’s first step. “We are what we eat. That’s something we have started to understand as a direct, cause-and-effect relationship. Now we have time to reflect and act on it. The superficiality of anything and everything we were consuming – that is diminishing, and a beginning has been made,” he said.

Speaking about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, he notes “two distinct things” that have happened during this time.

“Everyone was home so home-cooking has grown exponentially and eaten out – the service industry – is hit and has gone down – not just in India but globally. Similarly, what we were eating earlier, we are more careful with that. We want to be sure about the quality of the ingredients. Hygiene is paramount. What we were taking for granted, the world has sit up and is taking note of that. We are looking at bettering us for our own selves, not for the world. We’re breathing right, cooking right, and eating right.”

The culinarian, who is among the most prominent faces of Indian cuisine, shared what life in lockdown looked like for him.

“Despite a few relaxations now in Mumbai, we have taken a call that unless absolutely essential, we will not go out. In all these months, I have only been out twice. Managing was not that difficult, I didn’t have much time to watch movies and web series. My whole family is home, and they naturally expect me to cook, which I enjoy, that has increased definitely. Food content is being consumed more across platforms. Across our social media platforms, it is an all-time high with engagement being up by 250 percent,” the ‘Khana Khazana’ star shared.

Kapoor also shared that early in the lockdown, he decided on an initiative to feed doctors and staff in hospitals in Mumbai and beyond. “We worked closely towards that. I am also involved with Akshay Patra Foundation and served over 70 million meals in the lockdown,” he concluded.

Naomi Scott: Important to see women working together on screen

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Naomi Scott: Important to see women working together on screen

Actress Naomi Scott says it is important to show women on-screen coming together and working as a team.

“I think it’s important to see women on screen, coming together, as a team, solving problems, and being the ones that make a difference because that is what women do every day,” Scott said.

That’s what made the recent version of “Charlie’s Angels” with a fresh perspective important to her. Scott starred in the Elizabeth Banks directorial along with Kristen Stewart and Ella Balinska.

“I think all of us brought a piece of ourselves to our characters, I think that was something that Liz definitely looked for when she was casting these roles. I think that was really important for her,” she added.

“Charlie’s Angels”, based on the TV series, is the third installment in the film franchise following 2000’s “Charlie’s Angels” and 2003’s “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” that had Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu in the starring roles. The reboot, released last year, airs on &pictures.

Bollywood wakes up to Covid-19 insurance

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Bollywood wakes up to Covid-19 insurance

The upcoming Taapsee Pannu-starrer “Loop Lapeta” could become one of the first films to be covered for Covid-19 insurance in Bollywood.

The film’s producers Atul Kasbekar and Tanujj Garg are in talks with a legal expert to get COVID-19 insurance for their projects, and “Loop Lapeta” is expected to be among the first of their line-up to be covered by the insurance scheme.

The film, also featuring Tahir Raj Bhasin, is an Indian adaptation of Tom Tykwer’s 1998 German hit, “Run Lola Run”.

“We are still in talks with a legal expert, Anand Desai. What COVID-19 insurance will essentially entail is the same as what an accident insurance covers. Insuring a film so far entailed guarding the film against unforeseen incidents like illness of an actor or occurrence of natural calamities leading to delays in the film schedule. Because COVID-19 is relatively new, we are still working upon the details but essentially works in a similar fashion,” said Kasbekar.

“For instance, a crew member tests positive, the entire movie crew might have to be possibly quarantined. In that case, the producers will be covered from the money they are spending on days lost,” he added.

Kasbekar also said that the insurance will protect their crew just as much. In case any of the key members of the crew test positive, they won’t be replaced unduly.

“There are a lot of permutations and combinations to be worked upon. But one of the key things to keep in mind is that a fair number of people will potentially be exposed to a film set and filmmakers trust a certain set of people on the job. So, in case, the DOP of a film were to test positive mid-film, it is likely to stall the shoot of the movie till he recovers or till a suitable replacement is found in double quick time to retain the visual language of the motion picture. So there are these points being discussed. Tanujj and I are working on a draft of the insurance and hoping that it materializes soon,” he said.

“Loop Lapeta” was to be shot through April and May in Mumbai and Goa. The film that will 70 percent be shot outdoors has had to rework its dates completely in the face of the lockdown, owing to the pandemic.

Kasbekar admitted that the shooting schedule of the film stands tentative at the moment. “Given the fact that it’s largely an outdoorsy film, we cannot risk a shoot in the rains. Though Goa has opened up for tourists, the risk of shooting with a large unit is far too many. We can logically resume shooting the film post-monsoon. So if all goes well, sometimes post-Diwali is what we are eyeing,” he shared.

Rakul Preet: I totally believe in institution of marriage

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Rakul Preet: I totally believe in institution of marriage

Actress Rakul Preet Singh believes in love and the institution of marriage, and says that she doesn’t understand how people think of it as “some sort of pressure”.

Opening up about her personal life, she said: “I have changed as a person. What I was isn’t what I am, and for me, the meaning of love is what I see in my parents. I totally believe in the institution of marriage and love, and I think it is beautiful. I don’t understand how people think of this as some sort of pressure. When you love someone, you love them with all your heart and that’s the kind of person I am.”

She also stated the qualities that she looks out for in a guy.

“Most important is that the guy has to be tall. Even in heels, I should still be able to look up to my man. The second-most important quality is that he should have an intellect, and lastly some purpose in life,” said the actress.

Rakul also shared that she always wanted to dive into the world of acting.

“I have always wanted to be an actress. I started on this path at a very early age with modeling, when I was 18. Eventually, I did my first film to earn some pocket money, and early on I got noticed. I received a call for my first break in the Kannada industry,” she said.

Talking about priorities, she said: “I thought of doing this properly only once I completed my education. I did reject a lot of films. I took up smaller roles in films as I was falling short of attendance and hence had to cover up.”

“I’m a person who can only do or venture into something that I am passionate about. So, the order of importance is filming first, then fitness and food — the 3 F’s of my life,” she said on Zee Cafe show, “Starry Nights Gen Y”.

Aditi Rao Hydari: Dropping ‘fair’ from a beauty product takes us closer to inclusivity

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Aditi Rao Hydari: Dropping ‘fair’ from a beauty product takes us closer to inclusivity

A cosmetic brand recently dropped the word ‘fair’ from the name of their skin-whitening product that, till a while back, endorsed the idea of fair complexion as the parameter of beauty. Many celebrities have applauded the decision. Among them is actress Aditi Rao Hydari, who feels such a step take us a step closer to beauty inclusivity.

“I think our generation of celebrities is always standing for a world that is more inclusive. At the beginning of my career, I got an offer to be a part of a fairness cream ad campaign that could have given me a great deal of visibility, followed by entries into the movie business. Coming from a non-film family that was an opportunity for me to grab, but I didn’t,” claimed Aditi, while speaking to IANS.

She added: “I come from a family where I was taught to look at an individual beyond caste, region, color, religion, or even appearance. I cannot stand by and endorse an idea of beauty that is discriminatory. So, as the word ‘fair’ is removed from such a product, it takes us a step closer to inclusivity in the beauty and cosmetic world.”

“Having said that, we have to understand it is a slow process. We are putting the idea of inclusive beauty in the minds of those people who have been practicing the definition of ‘fair is lovely’ for ages now. Not just here, this is the worldwide scenario. It has to trickle down in the right direction. Our society is dealing with so many other basic issues of human rights that �beauty inclusivity’ is a topic that is not catering to their immediate interest,” Aditi noted.

Prabhas’s next to be announced on July 10

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Prabhas’s next to be announced on July 10

The title and the first look of actor Prabhas and Pooja Hegde’s upcoming film will be unveiled on July 10, it was announced on Wednesday.

So far, considerable buzz has been garnered about the film, which has the working title Prabhas 20. It is to be released in four languages — Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam.

Co-starring Pooja Hegde, the film is directed by Radha Krishna Kumar. Bhagyashree, Murli Sharma, Sachin Khedekar, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Priyadarshi, Sasha Chettri, and Sathyan also feature in the cast of the film, which wrapped up an important schedule in Georgia earlier this year.

“Finally the announcement!!” wrote Radha Krishna Kumar, along with a image of a vintage clock that had the words ‘First Look’ written on it.

Prabhas launched the announcement with the same image on Instagram with a caption that said: “#Prabhas20”. His co-star Pooja shared the image, too.

“The announcement you all have been waiting for! Title & first look of our film #Prabhas20 will be out on 10.7.2020 at 10 AM Man,” wrote producers UV Creations.

Srman Jain: Comedy shows bring in a lot of positivity

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Srman Jain: Comedy shows bring in a lot of positivity

Actor Srman Jain, known for his roles in shows like “Saas Bina Sasural” and “Adaalat”, has joined the cast of Harsh Limbachiyaas “Funhit Mey Jaari”. The actor feels comedy shows bring in a lot of positivity, especially in difficult times like these.

Talking about the show, he said: “The title says the show is for the audience and for their entertainment. The spoofs will make the audiences laugh. It will bring relief in this current corona times. Comedy shows bring in a lot of positivity and make people forget their stress.”

He calls Sunil Grover and Bharti Singh as brilliant comedians, but says that his all-time favourite actor is Sumeet Raghavan. “His comic timing is too good. In ‘Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai’, he was subtle yet so fantastic. I would like to do such a show for sure.”

Srman says as an actor he is learning something new every day.

“When you are surrounded with actors like Krushna Abhishek, Mubin Bhai, Bharti Singh, you are learning so many things. I just believe in giving hundred percent to any role,” he said.

Anushka Sharma: Pandemic taught me we are all co-dependent

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Anushka Sharma: Pandemic taught me we are all co-dependent

Actress-producer Anushka Sharma says the Covid-19 pandemic has taught her that all are co-dependent on one another even if it is clearly not seen.

“I think what this pandemic has taught me is that we are all co-dependent on one another even if we don’t see it very clearly. The connection that all of us have — right from a farmer to a person working at the topmost level in a corporate (organisation) — everyone is connected in some way, and the work that one person does affects the life of another. So it’s something like a Butterfly Effect,” Anushka told IANS.

Everyone is connected to one another, stressed Anushka.

“I think this is something that we are sometimes ignorant of, and we think our life is autonomous, but it actually isn’t. We are all connected with one another and this pandemic has taught us to appreciate one another so much more, and to appreciate the work that everybody does. I’m not only talking about the frontline workers — their contribution has been extremely brave and we all feel extremely grateful for it,” she said.

Anushka said that every job that anyone does is equally important, and they are all linked in a way.

“It is the realisation I’ve had through this pandemic and it has really made me feel way more humbled, and it has made me feel way more connected to everybody and every job that people do right now,” she said.

“Because when everything moves along smoothly you don’t realise the work that you are looking out for, something that you want to get done. You don’t realise that so many people have to come together for it to happen. So many people’s contribution and their expertise in that field helps you attain what you want to attain in life. This is the realisation I had during this pandemic,” she told IANS.

Amit Sadh: Don’t give any person the courage to call you an ‘outsider’

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Amit Sadh: Don’t give any person the courage to call you an ‘outsider’

Amit Sadh is an actor who has made it in Bollywood with no filmi bloodline or industry connections, but he is not ready to call himself an “outsider”.

“I don’t consider myself as an outsider. I am and insider and I stay inside the secure borders of India. Every person is an insider. Don’t give any person the strength or courage to make you feel like in outsider or call you an outsider,” Amit Sadh told IANS.

“I want to mention one more thing. People who are elder in age or in position, and understands more, it is their responsibility to never make those people who are in a lower position and not powerful enough to feel like outsiders. I just hope as long as I am in this industry, I can stop this outsider-insider debate. Instead, we should devote more time for debating on topics that are important and necessary,” added the actor.

Amit began as a television actor in 2002 and later forayed into Bollywood with the film “Phoonk 2” in 2010. He has worked in films like “Kai Po Che”, “Guddu Rangeela”, “Sultan”, “Running Shaadi”, “Raag Desh”, “Gold”, and “Super 30”.

Asked how he has evolved as an actor in all these years, he replied: “I don’t know how much I have evolved because evolution is something that you should see in somebody’s work and you should talk about it. It will look very silly if I talk about my own evolution. Hope people sees that in my work and my behaviour. All I can say is that I am happy that I survived. I am just happy that I am here. I am grateful to all those who gave me work. I am grateful to all of you for allowing me to stay here,” added the actor.

Right now, Amit is gearing up for the second season of the crime-thriller web series “Breathe”, titled “Breathe: Into The Shadows”. In the Amazon Prime Videos series, Amit is set to reprise his role as Inspector Kabir Sawant from the first season.

What new challenges await Inspector Kabir Sawant this time? “Unfortunately I can’t say much because it is a thriller. But I can definitely say that it is bigger, wider and has a new dimension,” shared Amit, adding: “A lot of great actors have come in this season. The new season has been quite challenging for us. But all of us in every department — be it writing, technical, production, DOP or acting — everybody has given their best. We are very excited and happy the trailer has done phenomenally well.”

“Breathe: Into The Shadows” begins streaming from July 10.

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