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Hello Jammu News at 10:48:00 PM 6


Mumbai, Apr 15 :  Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will join artistes from around the world for a virtual event to support healthcare workers who are battling it out against the coronavirus pandemic.

The actor took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce his participation in the One World: Together At Home', a virtual concert organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international advocacy organisation Global Citizen.

Curated by pop star Lady Gaga, the concert will stream on April 18 on multiple global platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Alibaba, Amazon Prime Video, Apple.

"Health care workers on the frontlines of the #COVID19 crisis need our support. That's why I'm standing in solidarity with @glblctzn and @WHO for One World: #TogetherAtHome a one-night special event on April 18," Shah Rukh wrote on Twitter.

The special event, 'One World: Together At Home' will see performances from Gaga, Adam Lambert, Billie Joe Armstrong, Camila Cabello, Chris Martin, David and Victoria Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Lilly Singh, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Vishal Mishra among others.

Like many film personalities, Shah Rukh has been doing his bit to contribute to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, the star provided 25,000 kits of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to the frontline medical staff in Maharashtra fighting to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state. He has committed to donate the same to West Bengal.

Recently, he, along with wife Gauri Khan, offered their four-storey personal office space for treating COVID-19 patients.

The 54-year-old superstar had earlier announced various initiatives to help the country during the health crisis.

According to the Union health ministry, the death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 377, while the number of cases in the country rose to 11,439.
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Hello Jammu News at 8:18:00 PM 0


Mumbai, Apr 12 :  Actor Ajay Devgn on Sunday said he is "disgusted" over reports of healthcare workers being attacked by people at a time when the country is fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior" star's reaction comes weeks after several Bollywood stars condemned gruesome incidents of physical assault and stone pelting at doctors and other frontliners who are managing the COVID-19 outbreak in different parts of the country.

"Disgusted and angry to read reports of 'educated' persons attacking doctors in their neighbourhood on baseless assumptions. Such insensitive people are the worst criminals. #StaySafeStayHome #IndiaFightsCorona," Ajay wrote on Twitter.

Bollywood personalities including Rishi Kapoor, Javed Akhtar, Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal among others have expressed their discomfort over the attacks on healthcare workers in the past.

India is currently under the lockdown with around 1.3 billion people asked to stay home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 8,000 people and claimed 273 lives in the country.
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Hello Jammu News at 10:09:00 PM 0



Mumbai, Jun 26  :  As Shah Rukh Khan completed 27 years in Bollywood, the actor thanked his fans for giving him some space in their hearts.

The 53-year-old actor made his feature film debut in 1992's romantic drama "Deewana", which also starred Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti.

"I want to say a big thank you for 27 years in Indian cinema, which is exactly half my life time on Earth. I've ave been trying to entertain you for over 20 years, and some times I have succeeded, and many times I have failed. 

"So I want to thank you for bearing with me for so many years since I came on a motorcycle in a film called 'Deewana' singing 'Koi na koi chahiye' and rode right into your hearts. And you not only allowed me right into your hearts, but also allowed me to stay there for so many years. Thank you very much," Shah Rukh said in a video shared on his Twitter account as he recreated the hit song from the film.

The actor also used the opportunity to send across a message on traffic safety.

"It's a coincidence that my friends from a motorcycle company have sent me two motorcycles to try out the stunts I did in 'Deewana' 27 years ago. I am going to give it a shot, but this time there's a difference. I will make sure I am wearing a helmet. Always wear a helmet while riding a bike," he said.

Shah Rukh, who has not been having a good run at the movies for a while now, is currently taking time off acting.

His latest cinematic outing was Aanand L Rai-directed "Zero".                 [Agencies]
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Hello Jammu News at 10:12:00 PM 0


Mumbai, Jun 19 :  Kriti Sanon will be playing the lead in filmmaker Rahul Dholakia next directorial.

The yet-to-be-titled thriller film will be produced by Sunir Kheterpal for Azure Entertainment, the makers said in a statement.

Kriti, who delivered back-to-back hits with "Bareily Ki Barfi" and "Luka Chuppi", said she was yearning to do a female-centric thriller for a long time.

"I have been waiting for the right female-driven thriller to come my way and this film ticked all the boxes and has all the elements of a commercial film. It's an entertainer that has a powerful core idea and will connect with the audiences without being preachy about the subject.

"I play a media professional for which the research has already started and I am looking forward to beginning this journey in August," Kriti said in a statement.

Kriti has her hands full with three more releases this year including "Arjun Patiala" with Diljit Dosanjh, "Housefull 4" and Ashutosh Gowarikar's "Panipat".

The project marks the first collaboration between Azure Entertainment and Rahul, who is co-producing.

"Azure pitched this idea to me which was being developed and all of us realized that there was an exciting, real-time thriller format that this story lends itself to. This is a cracker of a script and Kriti is the ideal choice for the protagonist," the director said.

Dholakia last directorial was Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Raees". He also has films such as "Parzania" and "Lamhaa" to his credits.

Kheterpal, who most recently produced Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu-starrer "Badla", says he is delighted to back Dholakia's film.

"The core idea behind this taut thriller has excited all of us. The film is in pre-production with Rahul, Kriti and the team doing a week long workshop in end July before embarking on a start to finish schedule in August," he added.

The new film is being written by author Bilal Siddiqi, whose novel, "The Bard of Blood" is currently being adapted into a series for Netflix.

The makers said there will be heavy use of visual effects in the film and they are planning to rope in a top South Korean VFX Studio for it. 

The project will go on floors in August and will be shot in a single schedule. The makers are looking at an early 2020 release date.                  [Agencies]
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Hello Jammu News at 6:24:00 PM 0


New Delhi, Jan 16 :  Actor Anil Kapoor on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

The 62-year-old actor took to Twitter to share the news.

"I had the opportunity to meet our h'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji today and I stand humbled and inspired in the wake of our conversation. 

"His vision and his charisma are infectious and I'm grateful for the chance to have witnessed it in person," Kapoor tweeted alongside a photograph with the prime minister.

On the work front, the actor will next be seen in "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga" with daughter, actor Sonam Kapoor.                                        PTI
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Hello Jammu News at 5:13:00 PM 0


Mumbai, Jan 16 :  Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar is the latest from Bollywood to come out in defence of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, calling him the "most decent" person in the industry.

Hirani is the latest name to be called out for sexual harassment.

A woman detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's frequent collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Akhtar took to Twitter to offer his support to the embattled director, who has categorically denied the allegations.

"I had come to the film industry in 1965. After the many years, if I am asked who the most decent people are in this industry over almost, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is RAJU HIRANI. GB Shaw has said. 'It is too dangerous to be too good,'" the screenwriter wrote.

Hirani, known for his message-driven dramas such as "Munnabhai" series, "3 Idiots" and "PK", has been accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked with him on his 2018 film "Sanju".

In an article on HuffPost India, the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018.

She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's frequent collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

The filmmaker, in a statement, called the allegation false, malicious and mischievous, which has the sole intention of destroying his reputation.

While the industry has largely been silent on the latest #MeToo case, Hirani's previous collaborators Arshad Warsi, Dia Mirza and Sharman Joshi have batted for the filmmaker.

Arshad, who found critical acclaim and love for his portrayal of Circuit in Hirani's "Munna Bhai" series, described the filmmaker as a "polite, nice and correct" person.

"I find it wrong to condemn somebody without proper proof or investigation. I would like to know the credibility of the accusation. Till all that is clear, I feel it is not right to accuse someone. I believe in innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. Unfortunately, we just jump to conclusions," Warsi told PTI.

Dia, who worked with Hirani on films "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" and "Sanju", said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations as the director was someone she respects a lot. The actor said she hopes a due official enquiry is conducted in the matter. 

"I am deeply distressed by this news. As someone who has known and respects Raju Sir for 15 years I can only hope that a due official enquiry is conducted. He is one of the most decent human beings I have ever worked with and I think it would be grossly unjust on my part to speak on this as I do not know the details. 

"As for the #MeToo movement, it rightfully encourages women to speak up and seek due process," Dia told PTI.

Sharman, whose portrayal of Raju Rastogi in Hirani's blockbuster "3 idiots" became immensely popular, hoped the phase the director is going through currently will pass.

"Raju Sir, is a man of immense integrity, character, honour, compassion and truthfulness, all the virtues one would imagine are non existent in people today, someone I am absolutely inspired by and have learnt from and because of whom I believe I have gone onto being a better person. 

"All I want to say is that this too shall pass and I can imagine how demeaning it might be to even stand up for yourself in a situation such as this," the actor told PTI.

Sharman had also offered support to the filmmaker on Twitter, using the #IStandForRajuHirani. 

India's #MeToo storm has engulfed many a stalwart such as Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan and former Union minister M J Akbar.                         PTI
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Hello Jammu News at 1:31:00 PM 0


Mumbai, Oct 15 (PTI) Like every newcomer, Sanya Malhotra's hopes were also pinned to her debut "Dangal" but the actor says she did not expect the 2016 sports drama to be a career-changing experience.


Since the Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, the 26-year-old actor starred in the rustic comedy "Pataakha" this year.

She will follow it up with "Badhaai Ho" opposite Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya says she is lucky to have been offered a wide range of roles early in her career.

"The kind of response I got after 'Dangal' was amazing. I did not expect that. I thought I will have to go through several rounds of auditions even now. I had not thought that one film will make this much difference to my career.

"Three days after 'Dangal' released, I got a call from Ritesh Batra for 'Photograph'. It was going to be my second film but 'Pataaka' released first," Sanya told PTI.

Being an actor was always her dream and Sanya says she understands she needs to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.

"Acting is important to me. My work and craft is more important. My desire is to be known as a very good actor," she adds.

Before her forthcoming film, "Badhaai Ho" happened, the actor said she had completed work on Ritesh Batra's "Photograph". 

She says taking up a dramedy after Batra's intense film was a challenge.

"There was a huge difference. Ritesh Batra's set was like a monastery, while Amit Sharma's set had a party atmosphere. I was disoriented for about two-three days on the sets of 'Badhaai Ho'," she says.

The story of "Badhaai Ho" revolves around an elderly couple, played by Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao, who find out they would be turning parents for the third time, much to the discomfort of their children and society.

Sanya says there should be no judgments about someone's personal decision.

"The film talks about romance and it has no age. Why can't older couples have sex? This is normal and it is high time people stopped judging others and their personal decisions. They are married and they can have babies at whatever age they want," she says.

Also featuring veteran actor Surekha Siri, the film releases Friday.

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Hello Jammu News at 11:38:00 AM 0


Mumbai, Oct 10 (PTI) Streaming giant Netflix said it is assessing its options ahead of the shoot of "Sacred Games" season two in the wake of a controversy surrounding Phantom Films and the show's writer Varun Grover. 


Kashyap and Motwane had helmed the highly acclaimed first season of "Sacred Games" which had Varun Grover as one of its writers.

Amid speculations regarding the show's future, Netflix said in a statement, "At this time we are evaluating options on the path forward." 

Last year, a woman employee at Phantom Films, which had Vikas Bahl as one of the partners along side Kashyap, Motwane and Madhu Mantena, had alleged that Bahl behaved inappropriately with her during a trip to Goa in 2025. 

Before the victim's account went public in a recent interview, Kashyap and Motwane put out statements and announced that their production house Phantom Films stands dissolved. 

Writer-lyricist Grover was anonymously accused of sexually harassing a junior in Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a charge he categorically denied.

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Hello Jammu News at 12:01:00 PM 0


Mumbai, Oct 10 (PTI) Screen legend Dilip Kumar, who has been admitted to hospital, is responding to the treatment and will be soon discharged.

The 95-year-old actor is being treated for recurrent pneumonia at Lilavati Hospital.

Kumar's family friend Faisal Farooqui shared the news on the actor's official Twitter handle, saying Kumar might be discharged on Thursday.

"Lord be praised. @TheDilipKumar saab is responding to treatment and doing much better. If all goes well, as per doctors, he may be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. (Thursday afternoon). Insha'Allah. -FF" read the tweet.

Last month, the actor was admitted to hospital for the treatment of mild pneumonia. 

Known as the 'Tragedy King of Bollywood', Dilip Kumar has given memorable performances in films such as "Andaz", 'Aan', 'Madhumati', 'Devdas' and 'Mughal-e-Azam'.
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Hello Jammu News at 5:45:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Oct 8: Nana Patekar on Monday stuck to his stand that he did not misbehave with actor Tanushree Dutta on the sets of a 2008 film and dismissed her allegations as a "lie".

In a recent TV interview, Dutta alleged Patekar misbehaved with her when the two were shooting a special song for "Horn Ok Pleassss" 10 years ago.

"I said this 10 years ago too. What was true then remains true today. My legal team has asked me not to speak. Otherwise why will I not speak to you guys," Patekar told reporters here Monday.

The actor, who was to hold a press conference, briefly addressed the media at his residence, saying he cannot talk in detail about the case.

"I will follow what my lawyer has said. So please pardon me," he added.

The 67-year-old actor's lawyer has sent a legal notice to Dutta for allegedly making false accusations against him in an incident that dates back to a decade.

Dutta has also filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police against Patekar, choreographer Ganesh Acharya and the director and producer of the 2008 film.  (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 5:31:00 PM 0

Bengaluru, Oct 8: Pro-Kannada activists staged a protest Monday calling for a ban on Bollywood actor Sunny Leone's show here on November 3, saying it was against Kannada culture.

The event titled 'Purity and Expression' is being organised by Time Creations at the Manyata Tech Park in the city.

Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Yuva Sene (KRVYS) burnt an effigy of the former adult film star and claimed that the show was "against Kannada culture."

"We staged a demonstration against the event... It is not just about the show here. There is much more to it... The actress is going to play the lead role in a period film based on a woman warrior from south India," KRVYS, president, K Harish said.

"How can an actress like her be allowed to portray the legendary woman worshipped by everyone?" he asked.

On December 31 last year, a new year's eve show featuring Leone, organised by Time Creations, was cancelled following protests by the KRVYS and denial of permission by the authorities. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 11:45:00 AM 0


Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) Priyanka Chopra's maiden Sikkimese production, "Pahuna" ("The Little Visitors") bagged two awards at SCHLINGEL International Children's Film Festival in Germany.


Written and directed by Pakhi A Tyrewala, the film won the trophies for Best Film (Jury Choice) and Special Mention by Professional Jury in The International Feature Film Category.

Produced under Priyanka and her mother Dr Madhu Chopra's banner Purple Pebble Pictures, "Pahuna" received an overwhelming response at the European Premiere of the film festival held on October 2 and 5.

"Pahuna" ("The Little Visitors") revolves around three Nepali children who get separated from their parents, escape the Maoists agitation in Nepal and flee to Sikkim.

Madhu said the film will always be very special film for the production house.

"When we started the journey of 'Pahuna', we didn't anticipate the film to go this far. But God has been kind and the film has resonated with the audience not just in India but across the globe. 

"I'm grateful to SCHLINGEL International Children's Film Festival for the recognition. Looking forward to many more such milestones," the co-producer said in a statement.

"Pahuna" had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

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Hello Jammu News at 3:01:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Oct 4: Actor Tanushree Dutta says she was slapped with two legal notices on Thursday - from veteran actor Nana Patekar and filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, respectively.

In a recent TV interview, Dutta alleged Patekar misbehaved with her when the two were shooting a special song for "Horn Ok Pleassss" 10 years ago, a claim she reiterated.

Following the resurgence of the controversy, she also accused Agnihotri of behaving inappropriately with her during the making of 2005 film "Chocolate".

"I have been slapped with two legal notices today. One from Nana Patekar and another from Vivek Agnihotri.

"This is the price you pay for speaking out against harassment, humiliation and injustice in India. Both Nana's and Vivek Agnihotri's teams are on a smear campaign against me by constructing outright lies and misinformation on social media platforms and other public platforms," Dutta said in a statement issued by her PR team, Shimmer Entertainment.

The actor, a former Miss India - Universe, claimed the supporters of Patekar and Agnihori are "weaving damning allegations" against her.

She alleged threat to her life, saying while the police personnel deployed at her house were on a lunch break "two unnamed suspicious individuals tried getting into our home uninvited but were stopped just in time".

"Violent threats are being issued against me by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party," she claimed.

On the controversy, which is being touted India's #MeToo moment, the actor said the age-old apathetic treatment of the survivors has kept the movement away from India.

Dutta, who is now based in the US, said she stands to lose this new life too if she allowed herself "to get embroiled in the court system of India".

After the allegations resurfaced against Patekar last week, the veteran actor laughed off her claim, asking what he could do about it.

The 67-year-old actor had said he would see if he could take any legal step.

Dutta has garnered support from many in the film industry which includes names such as Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna, Hansal Mehta, Richa Chadha and Swara Bhasker, among others. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 4:53:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Oct 3: Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in a light-hearted family drama titled "Jawani Janeman".

The film will be directed by Nitin Kakkar of "Filmistan" fame.

According to a press release, Saif will produce the film under his banner Black Knight Films along with Northern Lights Films.

"Saif and I have always chatted about producing films together. We were on the lookout for the right script and with 'Jawaani Jaaneman' we found that," Jay Shewakramani, of Northern Lights Films, said in a statement.

The film will go on floors in 2019.

Saif was last seen in the hit Netflix series "Sacred Games".

His next, "Baazaar", is slated to release on October 26. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 2:44:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Oct 3: Shakti Kapoor took a dig at Tanushree Dutta's allegation that Nana Patekar harassed her on the sets of a film in 2008, saying he was a kid 10 years ago when the incident happened.

In a recent TV interview, Dutta said Patekar misbehaved with her while the two were shooting a special song for "Horn Ok Pleassss" 10 years ago.

The actor, a former Miss India-Universe who is now based in the US, also alleged that Patekar had the tacit support of the film's makers.

Asked to comment on the controversy, Kapoor told reporters Tuesday, "I have come from the US yesterday, so I have no clue about it. And if I say something, it will be wrong... You tell me what has happened."

When one of the reporters briefed him about the matter, the actor said, "I don't know what happened 10 years ago, I was a kid 10 back then."

Dutta has garnered support from many in the film industry which includes names such as Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna, Hansal Mehta, Richa Chadha and Swara Bhasker, among others.

According to reports, Patekar has sent a legal notice to Dutta and the veteran actor, who is shooting for "Houseful 4" in Jaisalmer, is expected to brief the media on the matter in a few days in Mumbai. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 4:52:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Sep 22: Rohit Shetty, one of the most successful commercial directors of the Hindi film industry, says love and acceptance of the audience motivates him to give his best to every project.

The director said his aim is to provide entertainment to the people and he wants them to enjoy his films, irrespective of what the critics are saying.

"I think of audience, especially my family audience, while writing or making or editing a film. I want them to enjoy my films. I am more happy when audience is happy. When they are laughing and cheering.

"It gives me high and happiness. If a person goes to watch a film, he puts 10 per cent of his earning in it. So I should see to it that they are entertained. When audience is not happy, I feel restless," Rohit told reporters here Friday at the Jagran Cinema Summit.

The director said whenever his film releases, his team goes to the theatres to gauge the audiences reaction.

"For me personally, after my film releases we have a team that goes to check and understand the reaction of the audience. I feel there has to be a reality check. I have a team who have been working with me for years and there is a emotional bond that we share. I consider and think over the suggestions that they give."

Rohit believes with time cinema has changed and a filmmaker should not be worried as to what works and what does not with the audiences.

"Cinema was always changing and developing when Manmohan Desai was making 'Amar Akbar Anthony'. There was Hrishkesh Mukherjee making 'Milli'. Earlier it was commercial and parallel or art film and today it is multiplex kind of film. A good film is a good film and a bad film is bad."

He also shared if he ever decides to make a biopic, it will be on Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"If I ever have to make a film then it will be on Shivaji. It needs lot of money," he said.

Talking about trend of biopics in the film industry, Rohit added, "Trend keeps coming and changing and if the audience is liking it then there is no harm in making a film in that space."

The director believes that his frequent collaborator Ajay Devgn has a big role in his success as a filmmaker.

The two have worked together on "Golmaal" and "Singham" series, "Zameen", "Bol Bachchan".

"We met once or twice on sets before Ajay's 'Phool Aur Kante' came and then we started working together. He started his own company and told me to work with him," he said.

"When I started I knew I don't need to struggle as Ajay is there. My first film happened because of Ajay and it did not work and he stood by me. And when we were doing 'Golmaal', industry people were like 'Action director and actor known for action are making a comedy'. But Ajay has always stood by me.. I am what I am because of him," he added. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 1:25:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Sep 22: Actor Abhishek Bachchan says going forward he will be conscious to not be a part of any film which will make his daughter Aaradhya feel awkward while watching.

"I will now choose whatever work I do in professional career based on Aaradhya. I would not personally, currently, like to make a film which I feel Aaradhya would feel awkward watching," Bachchan said.

The actor was in conversation with journalist Mayank Shekhar at Jagran Cinema Summit, here Friday.

Bachchan said both him and his actor-wife Aishwarya Rai are very clear that they won't force their daughter to pick a profession of their choice and would stand by her decision irrespectively.

"As far as Aishwarya and I are concerned, be it tomorrow, twenty years down the line or whenever, whatever she decides, we will support her no matter what. That's what our parents did for us as well.

"As a parent you want the best for your child. What she decides to do is completely her choice. We will never weigh down on her, that this is what we expect you to do. We would be proud of her regardless of what she becomes," he added.

The "Manmarziyaan" star said his parents Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya never brought work home.

"Dad never brought his work home. The first time I saw my father come home in a costume was when he was shooting 'Insaniyat' and he came home for lunch dressed as a police inspector. Otherwise, we never grew up like a typical film industry kids.

"None of the film magazines were allowed in the house. There was a press ban going in at that time with my father. We, for many years, didn't even know the concept of a film industry. It was our normal life."

Bachchan said almost all his friends were industry kids Hrithik Roshan, Aditya and Uday Chopra so for him, growing up in that environment was normal.

"When I was a kid, I thought everyone has 500 people waiting outside their house. That was my normal. People socially coming home were all part of the film industry. That world becomes yours." (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 3:24:00 PM 0

New Delhi, Sep 21: Once he is on screen, the characters Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays feel like his second skin, inseparable from his psyche.

But the actor says after playing the title role in Saadat Hasan Manto's biopic, a part of the famed short-story writer still lives inside him; a quality he imbibed - not to be judgemental.

Siddiqui believes every time one takes up a character, it adds something to the personality of the actor but also takes something away from them.

"I feel an actor should be like water. They should take the shape of the character when poured inside the mould What I learnt from Manto is that he never judged anyone, not even the ones in his stories.

"He always managed to find something admirable, especially in those people whom the society had rejected. I will always cherish this gift by Manto that you shouldn't judge anybody. You never know what heights they end up achieving one day, the actor told PTI in an interview.

Asked what Manto took away from him, Siddiqui says the writer robbed him of his ability to put up a facade so much so that he was haunted by the habit of speaking the truth, even 15 days after he wrapped up the shooting for the Nandita Das-directed film, which released today.

"I called up Nandita and said, 'Pull him out of me!'. It was during this time that I had become more truthful than I usually am. Many mishaps also happened with me during that period.

"I eventually realised it would be best to get all of Manto's truthfulness out of me. He took a lot of bad qualities away from me in those 15 days, but I snatched back all of that. I thought: 'It's better for me to be a liar. I have got in so much trouble because of you, Manto', he says.

The news that Siddiqui charged a token Rs 1 fee from Das is viral on social media and the actor says it was a decision he took from the heart.

"You do a lot of films for money and then there are some you do for yourself. Can you decide a fee for that?" he asks.

With the phenomenal success of "Sacred Games", Siddiqui's fans seem to have tasted blood and the actor hopes the response to the Netflix India Original series, which has been renewed for a second season, will carry the momentum for "Manto" forward.

In "Sacred Games", while frequent collaborator Anurag Kashyap helmed portions of Siddiqui's local goon-turned-mafia overlord Ganesh Gaitonde, co-director Vikramaditya Motwane shot parts with Saif Ali Khan, who plays Sartaj Singh, an honest Mumbai cop trying to find his feet in the profession.

Looking at Manto and Gaintonde, the journey of both the parts was shaped by unforgettable, important female characters.

If the writer had mother Sardar Begum, wife Safiya and contemporary Ismat Chughtai among others by his side, Siddiqui's gangster had the support of girlfriend Kukkoo, wife Subhadra and Kanta Bai as his voice of reason.

The actor explains, "Manto was very close to the women in his life. Safiya was one of his first readers and she was a harsh critic too. He considered her a sharp mind. He never treated Safiya just as his wife; she was first a human being for him. And largely too, Manto never thought of women as wives, sisters and daughters. They were humans for him first, like anybody else.

"Whereas Gaitonde had dedicated his everything to the women in his life. In the beginning, he treated them badly but perhaps he gradually realised his misbehaviour and changes it. But as he started getting closer to them, he started losing them."

"Manto" also stars Rasika Dugal, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Neeraj Kabi, Divya Dutta, Ranvir Shorey and Rishi Kapoor. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 1:56:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Sep 21: Netflix has officially green lit the hit series "Sacred Games" for a second season.

The thriller series, based on author Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name, features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saif Ali Khan in the lead.

Directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, the first season of the series premiered on Netflix on July 6.

The second season will pick up from Sartaj Singh (Khan) pursuing his relentless battle of saving the city and Ganesh Gaitonde (Siddiqui) facing bigger challenges to retain his position as the legendary kingpin of Mumbai, the streaming giant said in a press release.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who played the intriguing Guruji in season one will also be back for the show's sophomore run.

His character plays a pivotal role in unfolding a chain of events that shape the next season, which is scheduled to film in India and locations overseas later this year.

For the second season, Kashyap will continue to direct the story of Siddiqui's Gaitonde, while Motwane will be handing over the baton for the shooting of Sartaj Singh's plot to "Masaan" helmer Neeraj Ghaywan.

Motwane and Varun Grover will continue their roles of being the showrunner and the lead writer respectively.

"We've been thrilled by the response to Sacred Games from fans worldwide, and especially in India, to this high quality production. It's incredibly exciting for us to take the story of Sacred Games forward and open a new chapter in the series with its second season," said Erik Barmack, vice president, international originals at Netflix.

"Sacred Games" is the first of eight Indian series that Netflix has commissioned. Upon its debut, the show received positive reviews from critics, mainly for the performance of its lead actor. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 1:10:00 PM 0

Mumbai, Sep 20: Mahesh Bhatt is set to return to direction with "Sadak 2", after a hiatus of 19 years, his daughter, actor Alia Bhatt said Thursday.

Alia, who is also part of the cast of the film, which is a sequel to Bhatt's 1991 film, made the announcement on her father's 70th birthday.

"On your 70th birthday you have given me the greatest present I could ask and dream for. Your are directing me! 'Sadak 2' is a dream come true...

"What I thought will never be possible you have made possible. Thank you daddy from the bottom of my heart, soul and bones. This will be a journey of discovery..." the "Raazi" star wrote on Twitter.

This is the first time Bhatt will direct the actor.

Pooja Bhatt and Sanjay Dutt, the original leads, also star in the film, along with new entrant Aditya Roy Kapur.

Bhatt's production house Vishesh Films confirmed the news on the microblogging site.

"27 years ago, a love story won your hearts. A timeless tale. The next chapter begins... @MaheshNBhatt's #Sadak2 in cinemas 25th March 2020!" the post read.

Pooja welcomed Bhatt back to direction and thanked him for "the gift of 'Sadak 2' and the privilege of being directed by you".

This will be the actor's first film in almost two decades. She was last seen in 2001's "Everybody Says I'm Fine!". Pooja debuted in 1990 with Bhatt's "Daddy" and followed it up with films such as "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin", "Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee" and "Sir", among others.

Sanjay said he was proud to embark on this journey with the director again.

"Thank you for giving me #Sadak bhatt saab. Wish you a very Happy Birthday," he tweeted.

Sanjay and Alia are also working in "Kalank".

The original film was the story of a taxi driver (Sanjay) trying to rescue the woman he loves (Pooja) from a brothel. It also featured Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Maharani, brothel's owner and Soni Razdan.

"Sadak 2" is slated to release on March 25, 2020. (PTI)
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