Govinda on judging ‘Dance Bangla Dance’: Dance to me is more than just art

The 11th season of the popular Bangla dance reality show “Dance Bangla Dance” will feature Bollywood star Govinda as a judge alongside Bengali stars Jeet and Subhashree. The show premiered on May 22.

Govinda says he was drawn to the assignment owing to the energy level one gets to see among contestants of the show.

“Dance to me is more than just art. It is improvisation and creativity. It is a gift that brings people together with joy and unity. I am excited to be back on a new stage in a new avatar with Zee Bangla’s Dance Bangla Dance. The energy level of DBD gets me excited and I love it when my work gets me to groove. The new season of DBD will bring to you some incredible talent from all age groups and will surely make you twirl to their rhythm. We are looking forward to your audience as we begin this new journey,” the veteran actor says.

The show is hosted by Bengali actors Ankush and Vikram Chatterjee. The participants will be put under the tutelage of gurus Om Sahani, Devlina Kumar, Rimjhim Mitra and Soumili Biswas. “Dance Bangla Dance 11” will air on Zee Bangla.

Call off ‘The Family Man 2’ web series on Amazon Prime: Seeman

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Founder Seeman on Friday demanded calling off the Amazon Prime web series ‘The Family Man 2’ as it portrays Tamils as vicious and the Liberation Tiger for Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as terrorists.

In a statement issued here Seeman said that the trailer of the web series ‘The Family Man 2’ is shocking.

“The series seeks to intentionally portray the LTTE as terrorists and Tamils as vicious people. It is no coincidence that Chennai has been chosen as the location,” Seeman said.

According to him, the web series story revolves around an Eelam – in Sri Lanka- woman who is portrayed as a militant.

“The colour of her dress resembles that of an LTTE uniform, with dialogues referring to links between the militant group and the Pakistani ISI,” Seeman said.

“In a situation where 2 lakh Tamils in Eelam have been slaughtered by the tyranny of Sinhala chauvinism, the attempt to portray the Tamils as terrorists through a web series that stand as the greatest democrats and seeking justice in the international forums through moral and legal struggle is highly condemnable,” Seeman added.

According to him as soon as the trailer of the series, which was created to mislead Tamils, was released, Tamils all over the world have been registering their condemnation with great anger.

Urging the web series be banned, Seeman said that already, the films such as “Inam” and “Madras Cafe” that portray Tamils in a wrong manner were refrained from screening in theatres due to widespread opposition.

The NTK is the third largest party in terms of vote share after the recently concluded assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. The party had secured about seven per cent vote share.

Armaan Ralhan: Doing a film with Ranveer Singh gives my work more eyeballs

Actor Armaan Ralhaan made his acting debut in the Ranveer Singh-Vaani Kapoor starrer “Befikre” in 2016. Lately, he was seen in the OTT anthology “Ajeeb Daastaans”, in the segment featuring Jaideep Ahlawat and Fatima Sana Sheikh. Armaan says his focus right now is on building a filmography and not necessarily lead roles.

“I didn’t necessarily see it as a risk because as a new person I am not coming in with any kind of hype. The audience will not come and watch a film just because I am in it, because I have not earned their trust yet. So, as far as I am concerned, doing a film with people like Ranveer Singh — or Jaideep Ahlawat and Fatima Sana Shaikh — give my work more eyeballs,” Armaan told.

“So, I am focussed to keep growing and hopefully I will get to a stage where people come to watch a film because I am in it, but gradually I want to build it step by step and your work will be seen. I don’t know if you want to call that risk-taking but you can call it safe,” he added.

For Armaan, the criteria of featuring in films are different from other newcomers.

“As far as newcomers doing lead films is concerned, for me, it is important that I should be in something that I want to be a part of, and the idea is not just to do a lead film to do a lead film,” he told.

“The idea is to build a filmography and build a career that hopefully in the future stands the test of time. (A) Lead (role) is important to me and I hope to do that soon,” he said.

Narayani Shastri: I am not a method actor

Actress Narayani Shastri, who portrays Rajvee Rawal in the show “Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha”, says she has never been a method actor and loves to be spontaneous on screen.

“Rajvee Rawal is a confident, sorted, and strong person who wears her heart on her sleeve. She always shows her love for her sons. Her family is everything for her. As a person, she is very fair and has immense integrity. I am not a method actor. I do things spontaneously once I understand the personality of the character I play,” she told.

Actor Vijayendra Kumeria plays her son in the show.

“Vijayendra is so easy to work with. He is very professional, always prepared with his lines, and open to suggestions. He met me as Darsh, not Vijayendra, which made our chemistry the way it is,” she says.

Talking about her journey in the industry, the actress says that she has no complaints.

“I have had a beautiful journey, full of fun. I did everything that I wanted to do and have no regrets. The journey had its ups and downs but that is the fun. I feel blessed with all the opportunities,” she says.

Superstar Mohanlal celebrates 61st B’Day

Versatile actor, Superstar Mohanlal, on Friday turned 61 as wishes poured in from all corners for Kerala’s most popular song.

Winner of five national awards, for those in the industry he is Lal, but those who consider him dear refer to him as ‘Laletten’ and for actress Neena Gupta he is Mohan.

As the Covid pandemic is in full swing, there will be no celebrations.

The superstar is at the moment resting at his Chennai residence.

His glittering screen career began way back in 1978 when he did his first film ‘Thiranottam’, which was canned, but he has had no reason to look back as he has had a wonderful career donning the greasepaint for some 345 films.

The biggest blockbuster of his, directed by Priyadarshan — “Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham” is currently held up for release on account of the lockdown, and its producer, who is also his closest aide – Antony Perumbavoor said they are planning to release the film in August.

Their last film ‘Drishyam-2’, a sequel, released on the OTT platform turned out to be a blockbuster hit and Perumbavoor on the superstar’s birthday said they are working on a new film, directed by Jeethu Joseph who directed the sequels ‘Drishyam’.

Incidentally, on Thursday Mohanlal appeared on the video wall singing as part of a musical tribute that was shown just before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was sworn in for an unprecedented second term.

As birthday wishes poured in, one was from a first-year engineering college student from Malappuram-Vaishnav, who in a matter of 8 hours drew 100 pictures of the actor in various roles from his films on a canvas and is waiting to meet the actor to gift him.

The li’l champs of ZEE Keralam’s music reality show SaReGaMaPa Keralam Li’lChamps have come up with a birthday tribute to Mohanlal in the form of short videos compiling all-time hit songs of Lalettan’s films.

In 2009, he was inducted into the Territorial Army as a (Hon) Lt.Colonel.

And now all eyes are on his debut directorial venture — Barroz, that has already started rolling, but now wound up on account of Covid. It is a 3D film and is expected to go on the floors next year.

PVR announces support to employees through Covid care package

 Film exhibitor PVR Ltd has launched a holistic care package to help its employees tide over the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has announced free vaccination of all its employees and their dependents along with multiple employee-wellbeing initiatives, over the last one year to support its workforce.

The package entails Covid SOS medicines, vaccine registrations, 24/7 Covid helpline with on-ground response team, plasma database, oxygen concentrators, doctor on call assistance, hospitalisation and ambulance services, and food deliveries for infected employees.

PVR assures full support to its 10,000 employees including their dependents across locations in 70 cities in India, the company said in statement.

Film exhibitors are among the worst hit in pandemic. With lockdowns in various parts of the country, the theatres remain closed.

The pandemic has also curbed film production leaving little for ahi it its to show the audiences even in controlled settings.

PVR said that its Covid Care package has specific protocols to ensure timeliness in the service. The modus operandi comprises of a 24X7 Call Centre, an on-ground Covid Response Team at the local level with Cinema Managers/Duty Managers empowered with adequate resources.

Further, dividing the cities into clusters or zones the operations are overseen by Regional Directors and Regional Managers. Contributing towards covid relief, company has collaborated with ZIQITZA for ambulance services and LYBRATE for doctor on call.

Commenting on the initiative, Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director said: “As an employee-first organization, this pandemic’s impact on the lives of our employees and their families is a personal crisis more than anything. Health and safety of our employees is of utmost priority, and therefore, we introduced the comprehensive employee support care package with free vaccine for all employees and their dependents.

“With government’s focus on nationwide vaccination, conditions will improve certainly and being direct service providers, we need to ensure complete safety of the customers along with the employees. On immediate priority we are extending medical, logistical and financial support with an on-ground Covid response team at local levels.”

“PVR Juhu has become the first cinema with 100 per cent staff being vaccinated. The need of the hour is ‘Empathy’ and to stand with your employees, interact with them on a regular basis, make set-ups to bring the organization together and uplift team spirit.”

Kangana Ranaut praises Samantha Akkineni in ‘The Family Man 2’ trailer

Actress Kangana Ranaut on Thursday shared an Instagram note praising South star Samantha Akkineni in the trailer of the upcoming web-series “The Family Man 2”. The trailer dropped the day before.

“This girl has my heart @samantharuthprabhuoffl,” wrote Kangana, sharing a snapshot of the trailer featuring Samantha.

The second season of the popular web series “The Family Man” will premiere on June 4. Manoj Bajpayee returns in the starring role with Priyamani Raj, Sharib Hashmi, Seema Biswas, Darshan Kumar, Sharad Kelkar, Sunny Hinduja and Shreya Dhanwanthary in pivotal roles.

South star Samantha marks her digital debut as antagonist of the show.

Lakshmi Manchu helping kids who have lost parents to Covid

Actress Lakshmi Manchu is doing her bit to help children who have lost their parents to Covid.

Her NGO Teach for Change will be extending support to 1,000 kids who have lost their parents to the virus. Their team is already on the ground, identifying such kids. They will be helping them with education, basic necessities and also help build a foundation for themselves.

“On a personal front, I have been helping as many people as I can, trying to find medications or hospital beds and vice versa. The effect of Covid is more devastating post getting Covid even for the families and children who lost parents during this time,” she says.

She adds: “We, at Teach for Change, are committed to taking care of 1,000 kids from lower-income households — of their education, tuition, clothes and whatever it is they need help with.”

Recently, the actress also stepped up to help the community of Hyderabad by donating 1,000 cooked meals in hospitals.

“The initiative started with the lockdown where most people around the hospitals have been coming in from smaller towns and have no access to food. So, we chose a few hospitals that we would distribute 1000 meals during the entire lockdown. Our team at Teach for Change, our volunteers, our team members have been doing this every single day and are so grateful to be able to feed people and take hunger away from them,” she says.

Jr NTR reveals his look in ‘RRR’

Telugu superstar Jr NTR revealed the look of his character Komaram Bheem in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film “RRR”. The actor shared the look with fans on the occasion of his birthday on Thursday.

“He’s a rebel full of heart. It’s been a pleasure to play this intence role and I am happy to introduce to you all one of my biggest challenges so far. #KomaramBheem from #RRRmovie,” he captioned the image.

In the picture, Jr NTR as Komaram Bheem leaps above a stormy sea, spear in hand and ready to charge.

The film also stars Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn in leading roles. The cast along with the director uploaded Jr NTR’s look on their respective social media accounts.

The film is said to be based during India’s freedom fight and traces the lives of two freedom fighters.

Kaia Gerber thanks mom Cindy Crawford for letting her make fashion mistakes

Model Kaia Gerber, who is the daughter of Cindy Crawford, said she is grateful to her mother for letting her make fashion mistakes.

“The best style advice my mom has given me is less is more. She also let me make fashion mistakes, which I appreciate a lot. I think the biggest mistake that I made was trying to dress up a lot. When I was off duty, when I first started modeling, I was wearing heels all the time and full looks that lasted one season,” Gerber said in a clip for Vogue’s “7 Days, 7 Looks” series, according to a report in contactmusic.com.

She said her fashion style is similar to her mother’s.

“My mom always referenced very classic looks. So, I get that from her. She always gave me very staple pieces to have, to travel with that you can interchange. Sometimes, I will see a picture of my mom and I think it’s me. This happened the other day. I posted a picture in this Marc Jacobs plaid dress, and she texted me and she’s like, ‘Kaia, I swear to God, I had that dress in the nineties’, and she sent me a picture, and it was the exact same dress,” said Gerber.