Sona Mohapatra’s tips on right way to ‘smash the patriarchy’

TB Team
-
0
Sona Mohapatra’s tips on right way to ‘smash the patriarchy’

Singer Sona Mohapatra has joined the list of showbiz celebrities who have shown solidarity with Rhea Chakraborty, posting their views on patriarchy. A slogan on patriarchy printed on the T-shirt that Rhea wore at the time of her arrest had become viral soon after.

“Roses are red. Violets are blue. Let smash the patriarchy me and you,” the slogan of Rhea’s T-shirt read.

“Smash The Patriarchy” has since then become a buzzword on social media, following late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty’s arrest by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Mohapatra has now shared her tips about the right way to smash the patriarchy, beginning with pay parity among actors, speaking up, and trusting women directors.

Sona took to Twitter, where she shared around ten tips on Friday morning.

“Let’s do this the right way dear #Bollywood and #India cus the rest is mostly hot air. 1) Pay your top actresses the same as your top actors 2) Write enough worthy roles 3) Film them ‘solo songs’ to make them larger than life? (No, item numbers don’t count). #SmashThePatriarchy”

“Speak up (at least once?) about ur superstar of ages; a poster boy of toxic masculinity, a bully, serial abuser of women’s rights. Instead directors, producers, writers scramble to create more virtue signaling films for him? Actresses bend backward to in them. #SmashThePatriarchy.”

She then said to be more “inclusive in ur choices of film technicians”.

“Don’t assume a female DOP cannot shoot a big-budget film cus she’s not ‘strong’ enough?! Some of the best films in the west are shot by women! My fav; Ellen Kuras. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. #SmashThePatriarchy,” she shared.

“Worry and do something about the horrendous statistics of only 8/9 songs out of the 100 released by you having a female singer in #Bollywood. The solo female songs always reprise versions, never to be promoted. The duets having us in chorus only? #SmashThePatriarchy #India.”

Sona spoke about sexism and misogyny in the industry.

“7) Be ashamed of the systemic-institutional sexism, misogyny, and lopsided power structure in the industry where NOT ONE lead actress or actor spoke up about the inconvenient truths in the #MeToo movement. Almost everyone looked the other way. #SmashThePatriarchy #Bollywood & #India”

The singer spoke up for female directors in Bollywood.

“8) Trust women directors (not just the ones from the film families) with bigger production budgets. They are less likely to blow it up on wasteful ego-driven choices2. Financing a woman driven project is difficult as hell. Kudos to producer @AnushkaSharma for backing women directors”

Sona talked about how older actors are starring alongside really young actresses in a romantic angle.

“9) Also stop casting 50 plus Male ‘heroes’ in romantic angles with women half their age… the list is endless really #Bollywood. #SmashThePatriarchy #India,” she said.

She asked why should actresses “retire” in their mid-30s

“10) Cast older actresses for older women’s roles at least? Also, why should lead actresses to be pushed to retirement and oblivion in their mid 30’s while men carry on endlessly.”

Ayushmann is UNICEF India advocate to end violence against children

TB Team
-
0
Ayushmann is UNICEF India advocate to end violence against children

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been roped in by UNICEF India as a celebrity advocate who will work at ending violence against children.

Ayushmann will be promoting rights #ForEveryChild. He says he is concerned about all children who never get to experience a safe childhood.

“I am very pleased to partner with UNICEF as a celebrity advocate. I believe that everyone deserves the best start in life. As I watch my children play in the safety and happiness of our home, I think about all the children who never get to experience a safe childhood and grow up with violence at home or outside, “Ayushmann said.

The actor says he looks forward to supporting the rights of the most vulnerable children, so that they grow up as happier, healthier, and educated citizens amid nurturing environments that are free from violence.

Welcoming Ayushman as a celebrity advocate for children’s rights, Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF representative in India, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ayushmann Khurrana as a UNICEF celebrity advocate. He is an actor who challenges the boundary of every role he plays and will bring sensitivity, passion, and a powerful voice for every child. Ayushmann joins us to support efforts towards ending violence against children.”

Haque added: “His support will help increase awareness about this important issue, especially now with Covid-19 heightening the risk of violence and abuse against children due to the extended lockdown and the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.”

Anupria Goenka: Best part of ‘Aashram’ was getting to work with Prakash Jha

TB Team
-
0
Anupria Goenka: Best part of ‘Aashram’ was getting to work with Prakash Jha

Actress Anupria Goenka says working with filmmaker Prakash Jha came as an opportunity to learn more about the craft.

Anupria got a chance to with Jha in the recent web series “Aashram”, which revolves around the corruption and crime that happens under the guise of faith.

“For me, the best part of ‘Aashram’ was getting to work with Prakash Jha. I’ve always revered his films and have been a very big fan of his work. His kind of storytelling is very unique,” Anupria said.

“He picks up socially relevant subjects and has a way of telling them in the most unbiased and entertaining manner. That is what he has done with ‘Aashram’. It’s been such an opportunity to not just learn from him about the craft but also to know him as a person. Needless to say, a huge chunk of the credit for its big success goes to him and his brilliant vision,” she added.

In the series, Anupria essays the role of Dr. Natasha, a forensic expert.

Amol Palekar: Delight to hear today’s generation talk profoundly about ‘Gol Maal’

TB Team
-
0
Amol Palekar: Delight to hear today’s generation talk profoundly about ‘Gol Maal’

Veteran actor Amol Palekar feels happy when he hears the young generation talk about his 1979 comedy classic, Gol Maal.

The Hrishikesh Mukherjee film was about how a man lies to get a job but things get complicated when his orthodox boss gets suspicious.

“Shooting for ‘Gol Maal’ was like a picnic” recalled Palekar. “We used to have a lot of fun while shooting for this film. My friendship with Utpal (Dutt) da was a very different and a priceless one since we knew each other right from our theatre days.”

He added: “Often while shooting scenes he used to tell me ways to improvise my performance to which he would accordingly improvise his own performance. Ours was a give-and-take relation! (Director) Hrishi da would also let us improvise most of the scenes in our own way before sharing his feedback.”

“The fun and priceless moments we had while shooting for ‘Gol Maal’ is what is seen in this film and that is alive even today. It’s such a delight to hear even today’s generation talk profoundly about this film, despite the number of years that have gone by since the release of the film,” said Palekar, walking down memory lane while shooting for an episode of “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs”.

‘Naagin 5’ actor Dheeraj Dhoopar turns producer

TB Team
-
0
‘Naagin 5’ actor Dheeraj Dhoopar turns producer

 TV star Dheeraj Dhoopar is all set to turn producer with a short film.

The film, “Yellow”, stars Dheeraj and is directed by his friend Amber Wasi.

“I always wanted to try my hand at every possible thing and leave no stone unturned. Becoming a producer is something I am really excited about. Before getting into TV, I always wanted to do certain roles that I felt would be best suited for me. By becoming a producer, I feel I can now explore these. I also feel responsible for providing a platform for young and deserving talents to showcase their work,” said Dheeraj.

“Also, with digital (platforms) coming to the forefront there is a lot of scopes to play around with content. It feels amazing that my short film ‘Yellow’ has been selected by ShortsTV for their platform. It is a new beginning for me,” he added.

The actor is known for starring in TV shows like “Kundali Bhagya” and “Sasural Simar Ka”. He was recently seen in “Naagin 5”.

Kavita Seth: Wherever I perform, fans always request me to sing ‘Iktara’

TB Team
-
0
Kavita Seth: Wherever I perform, fans always request me to sing ‘Iktara’

Singer Kavita Seth says she feels incomplete without soulful music.

Kavita is best known for her evergreen number “Iktara” in the 2009 coming-of-age drama, “Wake Up Sid”. She has gone onto carve a niche in the contemporary pop and film music scene with her soulful Sufi style of singing.

“‘Ikatara’ is one of my special songs. Wherever I perform, my fans always request me to sing the song. I am incomplete without ‘Iktara’. I have received immense love and fame after the song,” Kavita Seth told IANS.

She also recalled how she cried when she heard the song in the cinema hall while watching the film with the audience.

“I remember it was the first day of the film’s release. I went to a theatre to watch it and I was so overwhelmed by the audience’s reaction. People were literally singing ‘Ikatara’. It made me emotional and tears were rolling down my cheeks. I never thought ‘Ikatara’ would become such a big hit,” Kavita said.

She recalled her first reaction after recording the song: “I returned to the studio and told (composer) Amit Trivedi that I was not happy with the way I had sung the song and I wanted to record it once more. Amit Trivedi said the song had already gone for editing. When the song was released, I realized how well it had been received by the people.”

Credit to lyricist not a favour, it is our right: ‘Teri mitti’ writer Manoj Muntashir

TB Team
-
0
Credit to lyricist not a favour, it is our right: ‘Teri mitti’ writer Manoj Muntashir

New-age Bollywood lyricist Manoj Muntashir says the recognition is the right of every creative person. He adds that although award-winning lyricists do get due recognition these days, there still exists an ignorance about lyrics writers, which discourages many budding talents to pursue good writing.

“One has to give due credit to the lyricist and some of my colleagues including Swanand Kirkire, Varun Grover, Amitabh Bhattacharya, and others are raising their voice in the matter. Look, no one is doing a favor by giving credit to a lyricist. It is our right, not a prize. I am not talking it for myself because I always got my credit. But many budding lyricists do not get that and the fact surely is a sign of discouragement,” Muntashir told IANS.

The lyricist who has written some memorable songs lately, including “Teri mitti” in last year’s Akshay Kumar-starrer “Kesari”, added: “In the western world, there is a culture of singer-songwriters. In Bollywood, we work as a team of lyricist, composer, and singer. Everyone should understand that.”

Manoj is also known for penning recent superhit songs like “Galliyan” (“Ek Villain”), “Kaun tujhe” (“M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”), and “Phir bhi tumko chaahunga” (“Half Girlfriend”), among many others.

Talking about his process of writing songs and poetry, he said: “I think poetry comes from the experience of life. From the way you observe the force of life, people, their emotions — it becomes poetry, an expression of a poet. It becomes ‘Teri mitti’. Also, you see, expressing your thoughts in a paragraph is different from writing just four lines to express yourself, in the form of poetry. So, yes, one can truly say that poetry is the labor of love.”

According to Muntashir, while words and good composition matter, casting the right voice for a song is equally important.

“An average voice also can bring life to good lyrics but I would say that a great, rather a correct voice, can immortalize a song. There are songs that are meant for some singers and when you hear them after ages, you realize why the song became timeless.”

Citing the example of the immortal Lata Mangeshkar song, “Lag jaa gale”, he said: “The song is from the 1964 film, ‘Woh Kaun Thi?’. Today, after so many years, when we listen to the song, can we imagine anyone else than Lata Mangeshkar? That is the power of that magnetic voice. I am very conscious about selecting the right voice for my songs.”

Who is his favorite playback singer? “That is a bad question, how can I choose? As I said, some songs are meant for them but that does not mean others are not good. Having said that, there is something very special about Arijit Singh, Armaan Malik, Jubin Nautiyal, and Neeti Mohan. There is something about their voice that adds a soul to my lyrics. Neha Kakkar also has her style and some songs are meant for such a voice,” he said.

Bhumi Pednekar: Audience appreciation validates my choice of films and roles

TB Team
-
0
Bhumi Pednekar: Audience appreciation validates my choice of films and roles

Ever since her Bollywood debut in 2015, Bhumi Pednekar has managed to give several credible performances. The actress says she is more than happy that her hard work has impressed the audience.

Bhumi made her debut in the 2015 film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”. Over the past five years, some of her best roles have been in “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan”, “Saand Ki Aankh”, “Bala” and “Toilet : Ek Prem Katha”.

“I’m grateful to the audience for showering so much love on my films and me. An actor always wants to be appreciated for his or her work and their love is a huge validation that I’m choosing the right films and picking the right roles. Every actor wants their films to do well and I’m glad that my films have worked,” Bhumi said.

She is hopeful that her next “Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare”, co-starring Konkona Sensharma, will also be well received by the audience.

“I hope ‘Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare’ receives a lot of love from the audience, too!” she keeps her fingers crossed.

Bhumi feels her character, Kitty, in Alankrita Srivastava’s film is a true representation of an average girl in today’s new India.

She said: “Till now, with the line-up of releases that I had, these girls (characters played by Bhumi) still fit the moral boundaries that were set up. But Dolly and Kitty just break all social conditioning. I just felt like this girl is truly a part of the new India. This is exactly what new India is.

About her character, she added: “We are vocal, we speak up for what we want, we are ambitious survivors, we are go-getters. But at the same time, we are still connected with our roots, we are still connected with our values and our culture and this character exactly signify that.”

Asha Bhosle at 88: My speed and efficiency make me feel I’m 40

TB Team
-
0
Asha Bhosle at 88: My speed and efficiency make me feel I’m 40

Asha Bhosle is 88, but she says she feels like 40. The playback legend says she feels almost half her age because she believes in speed and efficiency above anything else.

“I think it is my speed and efficiency. I want to do my best and do it with speed. For example, I cook really fast. Others exit the kitchen as they cannot match up with my speed (laughs). Ok, on a serious note, (I owe me) honesty to my music. Honesty is an integral part of me. It has brought me pain too, but in my 87 years I have always been honest in what I do, both at work and in life,” said the singer.

“I’ve completed my 87th and stepped into my 88th but I feel 40! Like me, I hope you all feel positive about life,” she posted on social media after her birthday this year.

Her birthday was a quiet affair with a close family this year, owing to the global pandemic. “Under this Covid-19 situation, I have shot videos turning hairstylist, makeup woman, and designer beside performer. I have enjoyed it to the hilt. I have cooked many dishes. I also spent my birthday with my grandchildren Zanai and Ranjai and my son Anand and daughter-in-law Anuja. I simply loved it.”

She added: “It feels beautiful to be surrounded by family. Normally everyone is busy in their own life. But now, we are all together. Zane ordered my favorite food. Every moment today is a gift from God. I am so grateful. I want to be hale and hearty for years to come as well.”

The iconic singer has started an initiative titled “Asha Ki Asha” where she will provide opportunities to new talent. She said she wants to broaden the space from only promoting singers to lyricists and others.

“I have listened to so many talents across the country that it will be tough to choose the best. I am so happy and overwhelmed at all the faith and love they have shown me. I will now broaden my search and give the opportunity to composers and lyricists as well. There are so many talented youngsters waiting in the wings,” signed off the singer.

BMC condemned for razing Kangana’s office in Mumbai

TB Team
-
0
BMC condemned for razing Kangana’s office in Mumbai

Hours after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished the office of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut in Mumbai, many organizations came out in her support and the Himachali Mitr Mandal approached the National Commission of Women and the Centre to intervene in the matter.

The Himachal Mitr Mandal (HMM), the apex organization of the people of Himachal Pradesh settled in Delhi-NCR areas requested the NCW and the Centre to “intervene and stop atrocities being done by Maharashtra government and the ruling Shiv Sena on Ranaut”, who belongs to the hill state of Himachal Pradesh.

The reactions came after the BMC on Wednesday started demolishing the actress’ Bandra property for alleged unauthorized modifications and extensions. The actress had tweeted photographs of the BMC demolishing and had also reacted to it.

The Bombay High Court later passed a stay order on the demolition.

Perturbed by the uproar over the BMC move, the Shiv Sena leadership on Wednesday barred its members from protesting against Ranaut to avoid a sympathy wave for her, even as the actress fired a fresh salvo at the government, this time targeting Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray personally.

Chandrakanta, President of HMM Delhi in a statement condemned the “goondaism” done by ruling Shiv Sena workers at Mumbai airport threatening security of Ranaut and intimidating her on her arrival in the city while the state government law enforcing agencies remain mute spectators before the unsocial elements of Shiv Sena.

Chandrakanta asked the Mumbai-based migrant Himachali workers and associations to stand united for the actress, and “support the issues and causes which are very relevant in today’s scenario”.

She also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing adequate security to Ranaut and hoped that fringe and anti-social elements in the Shiv Sena will be tamed by the Mumbai Police and she will be allowed to resume her activities without any fear or intimidation.

Similarly, the Reconciliation, Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrant Kashmiri Pandits also condemned the BMC action against Ranaut. Satish Mahaldar, chairman of the organization, a statement said: “We extend our support to Ranaut in this hour of concern when her office in Mumbai has been bulldozed in her absence.”

Mahaldar said that it was disheartening that the administration in the Maharashtra government acted in such haste.

“This action, no doubt stems from political vendetta and highhandedness given the fact that every year so many houses or buildings collapse and people die in Mumbai alone and the government is caught sleeping,” Mahaldar said, adding that bulldozing her house when she was away and without adequate notice period is unbecoming of a government.

“The action is a demonstration of political might and harassment,” he said.

He also said that since the Maharashtra government has ill-treated her, “we the Kashmiri Pandits request her to live with our community as our daughter”.

Taking note of Ranaut’s statement on making a film on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, he said: “She has said that she can empathize with the Kashmiri Pandit refugees who also lost their homes and hearth in Kashmir 30 years ago. She has said she can understand the pain of being uprooted.”

“Ranaut is the first Bollywood actor who has spoken about our plight for the first time in 30 years. We are thankful to her for feeling and speaking about the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who have been suffering for the past three decades,” Mahaldar added.

1...617618619...1,149Page 618 of 1,149