- By RJ Archana Pania

It hasn't yet sunk in, and I wonder if it ever will that Rishi Kapoor ji is no more.

I first met him at the special screening of Saawariya, and he was watching his son Ranbir turn into an overnight star in the auditorium post the show. He was so concerned that his son would be manhandled by the huge crowd! I walked up to Rishi ji to share that my family and I were his huge fans, and he in his inimitable Kapoor candour with outstretched hands smilingly said "thank you" while keeping an eye on Ranbir.

I still can't remember when our RJ to actor connect turned into friendship. During interviews at RK Studios, he would proudly show me around, and his eyes would light up while talking about his father, Raj Kapoor saahab, and his grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor Ji.

He had reservations about his own physique, and always said, "If I had maintained my weight I would give all the young guns a run for their money." It's not for nothing that the tag of a chocolate hero stayed with him for over three decades. His performances could very well range from an angry lover boy (Kabhi Kabhie) to the most caring sweetheart (Chandni).

In my almost two decades of a radio career, no actor brought us treats. In fact, invariably, we would be ordering food for them. Rishi ji and Neetu ji, however, came in for their film Do Dooni Chaar's promotions and got us all at Radio City studio a huge hamper of goodies from his favourite food joint. Croissants, pastries, puffs, muffins... you name it and he got it. That's when one could see the largess of his heart.

I had some of the best memories at his home during Ganpati celebrations. He loved the festival and had Bappa home for five days, and would say that he wanted Bappa to stay longer than that. Every year, promptly, his invitation would arrive. Post the aarti he would sit all of us down and we would indulge in some "gupp-shupp". Poonam Dhillon ji, Padmini ji would all be in splits thanks to his candid ways of recalling the times gone by.

My most favourite memory of him is how one day he called me to scold me for using "Tu" while addressing my listeners. He said, "Let that boy (my co-RJ Salil Acharya) with you do "tu-tadaka", you continue saying "aap" the way you do, you are from a good family." I wondered about the kind of care that call reflected, the concern he had for people he was fond of. Sometimes, I would call him on his landline to wish him on his birthday or to congratulate him for a great performance in a film. Typically, he would first express irritation like it's all an everyday thing. But then, he would oblige me with an interview with heartfelt involvement.

But no matter what our conversations would be about, we always ended up discussing Ranbir's projects (where he felt Ranbir should take up more work and not work on single projects for so long) and his one smile gave away how proud he was of his son.

I am sure the legendary actor will see his legacy being carried forward beautifully by Ranbir, who has never ceased to astound us with his talent.

Rishi ji, I know you had so much zest for doing more. No one romanced life and cinema as you did on an everyday basis. Thank you for giving us countless memories and conversations to remember forever. Our industry won't be the same after today...

Some of my favourite songs of RK ji:

Dafli Wale - Sargam
Hoga Tumse Pyaara Kaun - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai
Chukkk Chukk Bombay Se Baroda Tak - Rafoo Chakkar
Om Shaanti Om/Kya Umar Thi - Karz
Humko Tumse - Amar Akbar Anthony
Chal Kahee Door - doosra Aadmi
Tu Tu Hai Wahi - Yeh Vaada Raha
Jeevan Ke Din Chhote Sahi - Bade Dilwale
Lambooji-Tinkuji - Coolie
Chandni - Chandni O Meri Chandni
Sochenge Tumhe Pyaar/Teri Umeed - Deewana

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Late actor Irrfan Khan's wife Sutapa Sikdar took to social media to pen a healtfelt message for the actor, who passed away on Wednesday. She updated her Facebook display picture with an adorable picture of herself hugging Irrfan and captioned: "I have not lost I have gained in every which way...."

Reacting to the post, several users paid condolences to her and her sons, Babil and Ayan. "You are strong. Love," a user commented. Another user wrote: "Super salute to you."

Sutapa and Irrfan met each other during their college days at National School of Drama, Delhi where they fell in love with each other and later tied the knot in 1995.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Learning piano continues to be a favourite lockdown activity of stars. Now, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is learning it. Musician husband Nick Jonas is her tutor. PeeCee is said to have always harboured a desire to learn a music instrument and the piano was the best bet. Hrithik Roshan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Geeta Basra, Kriti Kharbanda are also learning piano online during the lockdown. Piano and celebrities seem to have a connect.

For the unversed, the actress has been making a lot of contribution for coronavirus struck countries. Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared that she is helping to students in Los Angeles in adapting to virtual classrooms amid lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic. Apart from this, she was also a part of fundraiser concert.

One World: Together At Home was a mega live-streamed and televised benefit concert in support of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Covid-19 solidarity response fund and in celebration of health workers around the world.

The 37-year-old actor is currently staying with her singer husband Nick Jonas in California, United States. PeeCee's contribution did not just stay in the US. Priyanka, along with her singer husband Nick Jonas donated to several organisations including PM CARES Fund, Goonj, Feeding America and others to combat COVID-19 which has affected over 10 lakh people globally.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Rishi Kapoor wasn't just a phenomenal actor but also a very lively and lovable human. As exhilarating as his on-screen persona, his real-life demeanour was just as entertaining. In a devastating piece of news, he left us for heavenly adobe on Thursday, 30 April at 8:45 am after a two-year battle with leukaemia. His last rites were performed at the Chandanwadi Crematorium in Kalbadevi, Mumbai, near the H.N Reliance hospital where he was admitted.

Apart from son Ranbir Kapoor, wife Neetu Kapoor, Rishi's death left his daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni bereaved. Riddhima, who lives in Delhi, could not make it to the funeral in Mumbai. Riddhima took to her Instagram and poured her heart out through multiple Instagram stories.

Riddhima shared a couple of photos on her Instagram story, which will bring tears to your eyes. In the pictures, we can see Rishi, Neetu and Riddhima in their happier times. "I miss you already. Come back na papa". "Wish I could be there to say goodbye to you papa," she wrote.

The ace jewellery designer also shared a throwback picture with her brother Ranbir Kapoor. The kids can be seen enjoying with late Rishi Kapoor.

Before this, Riddhima had posted a picture with her dad along with an emotional Instagram post. “Papa I love you I will always love you - RIP my strongest warrior I will miss you everyday I will miss your FaceTime calls everyday! I wish I could be there to say goodbye to you ! Until we meet again papa I love you - your Mushk forever (sic)",  she wrote.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (RKS) (@riddhimakapoorsahniofficial) onApr 30, 2020 at 1:13am PDT

Rishi Kapoor had been battling cancer since 2018 and had spent a year in New York seeking treatment for the same. He breathed his last at age 67.

His mortal remains were taken directly to a crematorium near the hospital. The funeral was attended by Saif Ali Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rajiv Kapoor, and other members of the Kapoor family. 

Rishi Kapoor has left behind millions of memories for all his fans and Cinema lovers that can never be forgotten. With a career of over five decades and tons of blockbusters and classics, we shall make sure he's always alive and among us!

You will be missed Chintuji!!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Versatile Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan passed away at the age of 53 on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:11 am due to colon infection. The actor was undergoing treatment for Neuroendocrine cancer and was admitted at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Tuesday due to a colon infection. The actor was buried at the Versova kabristan in Mumbai at 3 pm on Wednesday in the presence of his family, close relatives and friends. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa and sons – Babil and Ayan.

Soon after news of Irrfan's death broke on the internet, social media was flooded with messages from fans and celebrities expressing their grief. Son Babil Khan also mourned the loss of his father by sharing a hearfelt note on his Instagram handle. 

In the note, Babil thanked all for their support and condolence messages as his family is faced with the most difficult challenge. He wrote: "I’m deeply grateful for all the condolences you beautiful friends are pouring in for me. Although I hope you understand that right now I’m not being able to reply because my vocabolary is dizzy. I will get back to each one of you but just not right now. Thank you so much. I love you (sic)."

Take a look at Babil's hearfelt note:

On Tuesday, the Piku actor had been admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection and was in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2018, Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour and was undergoing treatment for the same.

An official statement regarding Irrfan's demise read, "'I trust, I have surrendered', these were the words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away..."

The statement further read, "Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heavenly abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, 'As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it (sic).'"

Irrfan Khan, who made his debut with a small role in Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay in 1988 was known for his performances in Maqbool, The Namesake, A Mighty Heart, Paan Singh Tomar, Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Haider, Gunday, Piku, Talvar, and Hindi Medium, amongst others. His last film Angrezi Medium released in March this year. 

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Keeping in mind the increasing number of cases in India, Aparshakti Khurana is certain that movie-making won't resume soon. But, even when away from a film set, he has been diligently following a routine so that resuming work doesn't seem like a struggle, when the time finally arrives. In the interim, he has turned to OTT platforms for his daily dose of entertainment. A recently released German-American drama has particularly caught his fancy.

"It's called Unorthodox and is based on the Amish community and how, even today, they don't use the internet and smartphones. It revolves around a girl who wants to [break free from the practices] and live life on her own terms. The leading actor is among the finest talents I've seen." Netflix's Jamtara is another addition on his binge-worthy list, which also includes Kota Factory. "I've also caught up on films like Cast Away and Shutter Island; the latter will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Meanwhile, Khurana was one part of the trio that released the friendship track, Teri yaari. "The lockdown seemed [like the apt time to release it] since people are missing their friends right now. We shot it in Delhi, weeks before the country was locked down."

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Many B-townies have been keeping themselves busy by doing household chores, self-pampering, and of course, decluttering and rearranging wardrobe. Deepika Padukone, Debina Bonnerjee, Kriti Sanon, Ameesha Patel have shared some cleaning photos on their social media. In fact, some cleaning pictures might actually give you an OCD attack. The reason, the cluttered arrangements.

As we all know, Deepika Padukone has OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which means excess need and requirement of cleaning and rearranging things rapidly. The actress has confessed how she never sits at one place and is always doing something or the other when at home. If not cleaning, she rearranges her wardrobe compulsively. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Season 1:Episode 1 Productivity in the time of COVID-19!😷 #cleaning #wardrobe

A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) onMar 15, 2020 at 6:01am PDT

Kriti Sanon, who is known for her panache and grace, was also seen decluttering her wardrobe. The actress too got distracted amid the cleaning, courtesy, the little one! Check this out.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

And while i was trying to declutter my wardrobe, Phoebe found some playtime! 🤪 🐶 ðŸÂÂ’ðŸ»‍♀ï¸ÂðŸÂÂ’–

A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon) onApr 1, 2020 at 5:32am PDT

Ameesha Patel shared a video on Instagram where she is seen cleaning her most priced possession, shoes! And come on, most of us are completely obsessed with the entire thought of hoarding all kinds of footwear. Relatable much?

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Even CiNDERELLA needed the perfect glass slipper fit for her prince to find her 😀😀😀cleaning one of my shoe 🥿👠👠👡👡👡👟🥾🥾👢👢cupboards .. stay home activities to keep myself occupied ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’–ðŸÂÂ’– #LetsStayHome #CeraKuchPalGharKeNaam

A post shared by Ameesha Patel (@ameeshapatel9) onApr 6, 2020 at 4:27am PDT

Debina Bonnerjee too shared a cleaning post, just like other celebrities. While hers included library rearrangements and decluttering the shoe rack, we can't stop gawking at her photos. Take a look.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Self quarantined. And I have so much to do. I organised , cleansed my shoes Mission 1 accomplished. 👍🏼 . What are you doing??

A post shared by Debina Bonnerjee (@debinabon) onMar 19, 2020 at 8:38pm PDT

So, what are you cleaning next?

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Siddhant Chaturvedi is an actor, who apart from his acting, is also known to be an adept writer. He uses simple words to convey meaningful messages and impactful messages which is what makes his poetry so relatable. He usually shares his poetry on his social media in the captions of his pictorial posts.

The actor shared an intriguing teaser video titled 'Dhup' on his social media. The teaser had an engrossing animation and calming music which provides a beautiful perception about sunlight in it. The full verse of Dhup will be out now!

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Dhoop - In search of hope.â Â€â Â€â Â€â Â€â Â€| 𝐒 | #MyNotes brought to life. Visuals by @patranimacchi

A post shared by Siddhant Chaturvedi (@siddhantchaturvedi) onMay 2, 2020 at 12:09am PDT

The actor shared the teaser on his social media for his fans. Siddhant Chaturvedi's talents really know no bonds and his word really shine brightly in this teaser! Siddhant made his debut in 2019 as Mc Sher in Gully Boy and has been on a roll ever since.

On the work front, Siddhant will next be seen in Bunty Aur Babli 2 followed by Shakun Batra’s next.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Versatile Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan passed away at the age of 53 on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:11 am due to colon infection. The actor was undergoing treatment for Neuroendocrine cancer and was admitted at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to a colon infection. The actor's last rites were performed on the same day in the presence of his family, close relatives and friends. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa and sons – Babil and Ayan.

Soon after news of Irrfan's death broke on the internet, social media was flooded with messages from fans and celebrities expressing their grief. Son Ayaan also mourned the loss of his father by sharing beautiful memories of his father through his childhood pictures.

In the picture, Irrfan is seen riding a bike with Ayaan sitting in front. He captioned the black and white picture, "The flesh we roam this earth in is a blessing, not a promise (sic)". In another photo, the father-son duo looks handsome.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

The flesh we roam this earth in is a blessing, not a promise.

A post shared by ayAAn khan (@arkane_7) onMay 1, 2020 at 9:36am PDT

Earlier, Irrfan's elder son Babil had shared has posted a video of the late actor indulging in pani puri after a shoot. "When you're on diet for so long and then the shoot ends and you can have pani puri," Babil captioned the video posted on Instagram.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

When you’re on diet for so long and then the shoot ends and you can have pani puri.

A post shared by Babil Khan (@babil.i.k) onMay 1, 2020 at 6:42am PDT

Earlier, Babil had shared a heartfelt note on his Instagram handle. In the note, Babil thanked everybody for their support and condolence messages as his family faced with the most difficult challenge. He wrote: "I'm deeply grateful for all the condolences you beautiful friends are pouring in for me. Although I hope you understand that right now I’m not being able to reply because my vocabulary is dizzy. I will get back to each one of you but just not right now. Thank you so much. I love you (sic)."

On April 28, the Piku actor was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection and was in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2018, Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour and was undergoing treatment for the same.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Amazon's latest announcement of their upcoming show Paatal Lok has created quite a buzz and has gripped the attention of the audiences. After back to back releases of character posters, the latest addition to the list is Sanjeev Mehra.

Sanjeev Mehra is played by actor Neeraj Kabi in a new and unique avatar. Sanjeev is a renowned journalist and virtually takes you behind the scenes of the fourth estate of democracy. What better day than World Press Freedom Day to introduce the journalist.

The makers first released a teaser followed by motion posters of Hathiram Chaudhary played by Jaideep Ahlawat, followed by Vishal Tyagi aka Hathoda Tyagi. Produced by Clean Slate Films, the trailer of the Amazon Original series is set to release on May 5, 2020.

Have a look at his character right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

sanjeev mehra - journalism ki duniya ka ek aisa naam jiska har shabd logon ke liye sach bann jaata hai. #PaatalLok trailer: may 5, 11:34 am

A post shared by amazon prime video IN (@primevideoin) onMay 2, 2020 at 11:15pm PDT

The highly anticipated Amazon Original Series, by creator Sudip Sharma (writer for Udta Punjab, NH10), Paatal Lok is all set to walk viewers through the virtual gates of purgatory on May 15, 2020.

The official trailer for the highly anticipated series drops this Tuesday - May 5, 2020, at 11:34 am.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Once the lockdown ends that was imposed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, people will realise why one should never take life for granted. Malaika Arora thinks so too! She has taken to her Instagram account to share a beautiful throwback picture with her son Arhaan Khan and asked us not to take life for granted.

She has shared a picture of the time when life was normal as compared to the restrictions that have been imposed today. When we could roam around freely and enjoy being with our loved ones. And as we all are saying, she said if too- This too shall pass.

Have a look at the post right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

#throwback to a time where life felt normal compared to all that is restricted today .... (food, travel , hugs, kisses ,work ,friends, family )... don’t take life for granted .stay positive n don’t wipe that smile of ur face #thistooshallpass🙏 #weallinthistogether ðŸ¤Â—

A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) onMay 2, 2020 at 10:03pm PDT

Seema Khan commented on the post with a heart and heart-filled emoji. What was also heart-filled was her selfie that was both unkempt and unswerving. She looked breathtaking and gorgeous and wrote- "Another week goes by... wondering wat awaits us." (sic) Have a look right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Another week goes by... wondering wat awaits us....but for now loving the sun on my skin n the wind in my hair n the comfort of knowing that I have a roof over my head with my loved ones .#gratitudeonly🙏 #staypositive #stayhomestaysafe #inthistogether

A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) onApr 24, 2020 at 9:09pm PDT

Malaika surely knows how to keep her fans entertained with her posts. So keep a tab on what she does because she knows how to slay it even at home!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Amidst the perilous times of the pandemic, global artists assembled on a live platform for a charitable home-to-home fundraiser concert- I For India concert to raise money for GiveIndia COVID-19 relief fund on 3 May, 2020. Hrithik Roshan, was also one of the artists who was a part of this initiative and as a special sight, the actor sang a song with the accompaniment of a piano.

A source close to the event shared, "Hrithik spent over 7 hours practising the piano and singing. He is neither a professional singer nor a pianist but he put additional efforts and learnt the piano notes for this one, on his own." It is not easy to play the piano and sing together for someone who is new to both but Hrithik worked hard for this performance.

The objective of the philanthropic concert was to pay tribute to those who are working on the frontlines and to provide 100 per cent proceeds from the fundraiser concert to the India COVID Response Fund, to support on-ground relief efforts.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

So the equation goes as: Non pianist + non singer x 7 hours = 😐 (On phone speaker) and. 😬 (on headphones). . . I FOR INDIA. . Thank you Zoya and Karan and the rest of the team for initiating, conceiving, constructing , designing and assembling all of us together for something so needed and important. Proud. 👏. @zoieakhtar @karanjohar

A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) onMay 3, 2020 at 11:19pm PDT

Amidst this lockdown, Hrithik Roshan who has music running in his family, has taken to it too and spends a lot of his time learning music on his own. The effort made by Hrithik was very evident in his heartwarming performance that won many hearts. The actor also urged and inspired everyone to mark their donations.

Through these challenging times, Hrithik has time and again extended his support to the fight against COVID-19. With this, another initiative, the actor continues to inspire everyone and spread positivity.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

In a historic move, India's biggest fundraiser concert to raise funds for GiveIndia Covid-19 relief fund was met with an unprecedented response by millions of people across the globe. Held live on May 3, 2020, IST on Facebook Live, India's biggest virtual concert witnessed 85 plus Indian and global stars on one platform to raise funds for those affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was more than happy to be a part of this noble initiative, urged everyone to contribute in whatever capacity they could. The superstar pulled off an interesting and engaging conversation with his ardent fans by singing the song 'Sab Sahi Ho Jayega' (created by Badshah) – a song about chances… good chances… about hope, compassion and love.

Shah Rukh Khan's adorable act with his son AbRam was loved and appreciated by one and all, bringing a magical end to the marvellous evening.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

‪Extremely grateful to #IforIndia, @badboyshah and @cacklerraj for music, lyrics & for working overnight. thank u Sunil for the edit. All so that I could sing. ‬ ‪Ab bhai, lockdown mein mujhe gaate hue bhi jhelna padhega. AbRam is saying 'papa enough now!’‬ ‪Par sab sahi ho jaayega!‬

A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) onMay 3, 2020 at 2:08pm PDT

After announcing a range of initiatives, Shah Rukh Khan provided 25,000 PPE kits to the frontline medical staff in Maharashtra fighting to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state.

The actor's group of companies, Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, Meer Foundation and Red Chillies VFX recently announced several initiatives to support the efforts of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Government in its COVID-19 fight.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

You may know Jason Luv from his famous Instagram and Facebook page. While this promiscuous, All-American, do-it-yourself influencer is typically going viral for delivering motivational speeches and work out videos, recent times have afforded Jason the opportunity to pursue a new avenue to connect with his 133,000 (and counting) followers; music.

The Louisiana native and Miami resident has dedicated the past several months to the studio, exploring the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) genre. According to several sources associated with Jason's camp, he has several projects ready to release, leading off with his hit single; "Dance The Night Away." They also mentioned that he has already landed several meetings with labels who are interested in signing him to management and distribution deals. Jason's team has also reportedly been in several talks with multiple brands for 7-figure endorsement deals.

When asked to comment about the specifics of their current and business endeavors, Jason's team declined to offer any detailed information in response to their non-disclosure agreements established by their legal team. However, they did share their perspective on business negotiations as they look to establish brand recognition and equity among all partnerships while remaining independent.

Jason's passion for music began as a teen when he was growing up in Louisiana. He accredits his exposure to EDM music to his experiences on the nightlife scene in Miami.

Jason's team also stresses the importance of maintaining a solid presence in the EDM genre and collaborating with artists from other genres for more effective cross-promotion. One member of his management team added, "Jason has a unique image and we want his talent to reflect that. We chose EDM instead of Rap/Hip-Hop because we realize that EDM has a brighter outlook. We didn't enter the music industry to visit, we're here to stay."

Follow Jason Luv on Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamjasonluv
Apple Music: Jason Luv
Spotify: Jason Luv
Google PlayList: Jason Luv

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Rakul Preet Singh says her yoga journey began two years back and since then it has been a joy for her to practice it. The actress took to Instagram, where she shared a throwback photograph of her doing a complicated inversion yoga pose and said that life is all about balance.

"Throwback: when the world wasn't upside down but I was !! My yoga journey began in 2018 and since then it's pure joy to do my practice every day. Life is all about balance. You don't always need to be getting things done. Sometimes it's absolutely ok to shut down, kick back and do nothing. @anshukayoga this was the first time I did an inversion," she captioned the image.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) onMay 2, 2020 at 7:01pm PDT

She also shared a photograph of herself having a plate full of fried rice. The actress then urged everyone to "eat simple, nutritious and balanced meals and improve your immunity."

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Plate full of happiness ❤️ many of us think that rice is fattening ! NO it isn’t . On the contrary it’s the easiest form of carbs to digest for the body. It heals the gut which in turn helps in better absorbtion of nutrients. Most importantly it’s basic food and easily available even during lockdown. So eat simple , nutritious and balanced meals and improve your immunity ❤️❤️ @rashichowdhary your veg fried rice recipe is amazing ..

A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) onMay 4, 2020 at 12:45am PDT

Recently, she took to Instagram and shared a video where she plays games like "dog and the bone", "Kabbadi" and "chidiya ud" with her brother Aman Preet Singh.

On the acting front, Rakul will soon be seen in a cross-border romantic-comedy with actor Arjun Kapoor. The film is directed by debutant Kaashvie Nair and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani and John Abraham.

Rakul will also be seen in Kamal Haasan's ambitious upcoming film "Indian 2", which co-stars Kajal Aggarwal and Vidyut Jammwal.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

There is an offer to all the "risk-taking" casting directors! Ace filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said that he is available to play "father roles." "I know my acting stint was scarier than the current virus but there is no harm in hoping for a second chance!" the 48-year-old director wrote on Instagram.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

I know my acting stint was scarier than the current virus but there is no harm in hoping for a second chance! So to all enterprising casting directors ,to all risk taking filmmakers , to critics with a high threshold of pain and to easy to please audiences I have an announcement to make!!!! I AM AVAILABLE FOR FATHER ROLES! ( at 48 with a poor track record I promise i can’t afford to be choosy)

A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) onMay 5, 2020 at 8:02am PDT

Sharing a selfie with his signature pout and with some visible grey hair, the director further wrote, "So to all enterprising casting directors, to all risk-taking filmmakers, to critics with a high threshold of pain and to easy to please audiences I have an announcement to make!!!!"

"I AM AVAILABLE FOR FATHER ROLES!," he added.

Wrapping up the post on a funny note, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' director also said that: "at 48 with a poor track record I promise I can't afford to be choosy."

The hilarious post grabbed several Bollywood celebrities' attention, who took to the comment sections to share their thoughts about the offer.

"Mere pet pe kyon laat mar rahe ho sir ..," wrote actor Anil Kapoor. Meanwhile, actor Kriti Sanon noted: "Father with the perfect pout!"

On the other hand, actor Shilpa Shetty is quite "liking" the director's new look. "Actually liking this look on you @karanjohar," Shilpa wrote in the captions.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Wednesday shared a glimpse from some endearing moments with her pet Gino in lockdown. The 37-year-old actor put out on Instagram an adorable picture cuddling her German Shepherd. In the picture, the 'Quantico' star is bending to hug her beloved pet on a couch.

'The Sky Is Pink' star captioned, saying, "I promise Gino loves my cuddles. @ginothegerman."

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

I promise Gino loves my cuddles. @ginothegerman

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) onMay 5, 2020 at 5:07pm PDT

Lately, Priyanka has been updating fans on her quarantine activities through social media handles. On Monday, the actor posted pictures from her make-up and styling session, with her little niece Krishna. The adorable post on the photo-sharing platform garnered more than four lakh likes. Recently, Chopra, along with husband Nick Jonas, became a part of 'I For India' concert to raise Covid-19 relief funds. She had also pledged USD 100,000 in total to four incredible women who rose above the challenges to make a difference during the coronavirus crises.

Earlier, the couple donated to several organisations including PM CARES Fund, Goonj, Feeding America and others to combat Covid-19 which has affected over 10 lakh people globally. The 'Baywatch' actor took part in WHO's live stream event 'ONE WORLD: TOGETHER AT HOME' to raise funds for Covid-19 relief.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

In a heartbreaking piece of news, Anushka Sharma's pet Bruno passed away and the actress took to her Instagram account to announce this. It was a throwback picture that had her, Bruno, and Virat Kohli in one frame.

Writing Bruno, RIP, she also commented with three hearts. For all those who have pets at their homes, this news will surely pierce you. Have a look at the post right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

♥️ Bruno ♥️ RIP ♥️

A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma) onMay 5, 2020 at 8:39pm PDT

And the post attracted a lot of celebrity reactions and they all had their hearts for the actress and her pet. Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Sonali Bendre, Diana Penty, and Zoya Akhtar commented with a heart.

Even Kohli, who was very close to Bruno, commented with a heartfelt tribute on his Twitter account and wrote- "Rest in peace my Bruno. Graced our lives with love for 11 years but made a connection of a lifetime. Gone to a better place today. God bless his soul with peace." (sic)

Have a look right here:

Rest in peace my Bruno. Graced our lives with love for 11 years but made a connection of a lifetime. Gone to a better place today. God bless his soul with peace 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/R1XSF3ES5o

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 6, 2020

As we stated above, for all those who had or have a pet at home, they will surely be left teary-eyed.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Ace producer Ekta Kapoor shared a close bond with her family - dad Ravi Kapoor, aka Jeetendra, mum Shobha and brother Tusshar. Ekta recently shared a lovely throwback family photo, which features the four in their younger days, but looking awfully distracted!

Sharing the photo on Instagram, Ekta wrote, "Well well! We have come a long way! Guess wat my dad is thinking."

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Well well! We have come a long way! Guess wat my dad is thinking 😹😹😹😆

A post shared by Erk❤️rek (@ektarkapoor) onMay 4, 2020 at 6:28am PDT

Well, can you guess what veteran actor Jeetendra is thinking about in the photo?

Several of Ekta's industry friends and Insta followers commented on the post. Ronit Roy wrote, "Wow! Yes a loooong looooong way," while Akshay Dogra said, "Well all that matters is happiness on point here too!" while Rahul Dev commented, "She's got 'the look'."

While in lockdown, Ekta Kapoor has been entertaining her fans with some throwback memories. She recently shared a video of her dancing with close friends Anita Hassanandani and Krystle D'Souza.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Not@on tik tok but got coerced into this cray video by two of my mad frns ! Since d lockdown is throwing out all old madness let it all be out there 👀😂 credit: @anitahassanandani... Girls just wanaaa have fun! #ThrowBack Merriii cuties @ektarkapoor @krystledsouza

A post shared by Erk❤️rek (@ektarkapoor) onMay 3, 2020 at 5:41am PDT

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Noted actor Sonali Kulkarni known for lending support to social causes has raised her voice against the discrimination against COVID-19 positive patients across Maharashtra, through a video. 

There have been rising cases of COVID-19 positive or even suspected patients facing discrimination. Recently in Mumbai's Lalbaug area a 24-year-old photojournalist working with a Marathi newspaper was ostracised and verbally abused by his neighbours after he returned home from institutional isolation. 

The photojournalist had not even tested positive, however, since he was in close contact with two other photojournalists, who had tested positive, the BMC identified him as their high-risk contact and asked him to go to an isolation center on April 20. COVID-19 positive patients are also facing issues like their videos being circulated or their names being shared on Whatsapp groups.

Health professionals including mental health experts are increasingly expressing concerns over the long-term psychological impact of this on patients and their families. Even Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray has been urging people to show support towards the COVID-19 patients as well as their families instead of stigmatising them.

The 70-second video has been released by Mumbai based Waatavaran Foundation, and Jhatkaa.org who are working together in Maharashtra to create public awareness on COVID-19. The film has been conceptualised and executed by Goregaon based Geeta Singh and Avinash Kumar Singh of Turtle on a Hammock Films. Through this video, popular actor Sonali Kulkarni is seen encouraging and urging people to treat those suffering from COVID-19 with dignity and respecting their privacy. Have a look right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

It's a small effort but let's take it.. it's going to be our lifestyle to wear a mask.. just like that - let it be as normal to accept a covid recovered person in the society 💕 Wonderful initiative by @waatavaran 👍🙏 #विà¤Âšार_बदला_à¤Â•à¥Â‹रà¥Â‹नाला_हरवा

A post shared by Sonali Kulkarni (@sonalikul) onMay 4, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

"The unfortunate fact is that being COVID-19 positive seems nothing less than a crime as people think that if a person is tested positive for COVID-19 the person is a criminal. This is wrong and this mentality needs to change," says Sonali Kulkarni in the video. "Our fight is against the pandemic, not the people suffering from it," appeals Kulkarni.

Kulkarni concludes by appealing to the public that, let's not shake hands, instead let's shake off all the myths and stigma that is associated with being COVID 19 positive.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Actress Nushrat Bharucha has been in the industry for quite some time and with lots of films to her credit, the actress was quite applauded for her role in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. While some of her films have done amazingly well at the box office, Nushrat has been working with some really good actors. And not just her acting prowess, Nushrat has also time and again made heads turn on the red carpet and also taken the internet by storm, be it her holiday pictures or the high slit gown picture, the Dream Girl actress has been doling out some amazing goals.

On social media, while we see Nushrat often giving fans a sneak-peek into her simple yet beautiful life, the actress also inspires them in many ways. From posting pictures with her fashion game on point to spending some quality time with her loved ones, Nushrat is undefeated when it comes to doling out fashion and life goals. While the actress often indulges in some fun activities in the virtual space, she totally connects with her fans. And going by her vacation pictures, we can say that she is living one amazing life.

Workwise Nushrat has had a series of hits in her filmography and next she will be seen opposite Rajkummar Rao in the movie Chhalaang and after that, she will also be seen in Hurdang.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter Navya graduated from college in New York on Wednesday, and the former took to social media to pen a congratulatory message. Big B shared how they celebrated Navya's big day at his Jalsa home since the graduation ceremony has been stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Grand daughter Navya .. the most important day in the life of a young student - Graduation Day .. ! She graduated from College in New York, but ceremony and presence got cancelled because of Corona and lockdown .. she could not go .. we too had all planned to be with her on this important occasion .. BUT .. she though wanted to wear that Graduation gown and Cap .. so staff stitched her an impromptu gown and cap .. and she wore it and celebrated at home in Jalsa .. So proud of you NAVYA .. god bless .. such a positive and happy attitude .. LOVE YOU💕💕💕💕

A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan) onMay 6, 2020 at 7:22am PDT

"Grand daughter Navya .. the most important day in the life of a young student - Graduation Day .. ! She graduated from College in New York, but ceremony and presence got cancelled because of corona and lockdown.

"She could not go .. we too had all planned to be with her on this important occasion .. but she though wanted to wear that Graduation gown and cap .. so staff stitched her an impromptu gown and cap .. and she wore it and celebrated at home in Jalsa .. So proud of you Navya.. God bless .. such a positive and happy attitude. Love you," Big B wrote.

Along with the post, he shared a video in which Navya is seen wearing a home-made graduation gown and cap.

Earlier in the day, Navya's mother Shweta Bachchan too took to social media to wish her.

"Class of 2020 - Navya finished college today and since she and everyone else graduating this year won't get a ceremony we decided to DIY one. With a chart paper cap and a gown hand stitched from scraps of black tenting. I threw on a Fordham ( her college ) sweatshirt over my PJ's!! Congratulations baby I love you and am proud of you! Go forth and conquer x ( I'm not crying you're crying)," Shweta posted.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Class of 2020 - Navya finished college today and since she and everyone else graduating this year won’t get a ceremony we decided to DIY one. With a chart paper cap and a gown hand stitched from scraps of black tenting. I threw on a Fordham ( her college ) sweatshirt over my PJ’s!! Congratulations baby I love you and am proud of you! Go forth and conquer x ( I’m not crying you’re crying)

A post shared by S (@shwetabachchan) onMay 6, 2020 at 6:26am PDT

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

As several stars pledged contributions to aid the fight against the Coronavirus, actor-businessman Sachiin Joshi announced a Rs 3 crore programme to distribute food packets to the frontline workers. The move came as a surprise to former employees of Joshi's Viiking Ventures, who have claimed non-payment of dues over past several months.

Taskeen Naik, who had joined as the social media head, and public relations officer to the chairman in August 2018, says she has been waiting for her full and final payment to be cleared since her exit in May 2019. "When I personally reached out to Mr Joshi, he blocked my number. Despite following up [with the HR team] every month, I have yet to be paid," she rues.

This paper is in possession of a document that lists 30 former employees of Viiking Ventures and its communications wing Think Tank, whose salaries have not been cleared since as early as March 2019. The cumulative amount stands at a little over Rs 30 lakh.

Krishna Choudhary, former marketing manager at the company that has verticals across FMCG products, realty and entertainment, reveals that since his joining in October 2018, the salaries would usually be deferred. "On March 26, 2019, Mr Joshi sent an e-mail assuring that the salaries will be timely from April. That month, they cleared all our salaries up to February 2019. But I was not paid a dime after that. I tendered my resignation in June, and have since been pursuing the HR to clear my four months' salary. While my pleas fell on deaf ears, the department sent an e-mail last December citing lack of funds as the reason for delayed payments. How does the company have money for charity, but not to pay our pending salaries?"

A snapshot of the complaint  submitted to the Chief Labour Commissioner by an employee  

When mid-day reached out to Joshi, his spokesperson issued a statement that read, "We hired a particular CEO [now no longer with us] who undertook unlawful practices and fraud, with a bunch of employees. All those people working with the said CEO are now under scrutiny and their payments are being held. The procedure should be completed by end of June 2020. Those who are given a clean chit will get their rightful dues, and the management will take legal action against those found guilty."

However, the former employees in question maintained that they were not informed about being part of an ongoing investigation. Interestingly, another former employee, on condition of anonymity, revealed that he had joined the company in May 2019 — long after the said CEO's departure — and was still subjected to similar fate. "Of my eight-month stint, I have not been paid for three-and-a-half months. I was not allowed inside the office premises when I went to meet Mr Joshi. When he recently went live on Instagram, many [former employees] asked him to clear their dues, in the comments section. I'm contemplating legal action."

Joshi was in the news in 2017 when he bought Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Villa in Goa for Rs 73 crore in a bank auction.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Saif Ali Khan may be a big name in the film industry today, but as a newcomer, he too had to experience rejection and struggle to get where he is today. Today, he is one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood, but when he first started out, he was kicked out of what could have been his first film! Don't believe us? Here's what Khan has to say!

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Saif recalled how he was thrown out of a film, Bekhudi, and how it was quite difficult to find his footing in the industry as a newbie who was just out of boarding school. He shared, "I have a vague memory of my first day on a film set. I was shooting a song for Bekhudi, with Rahul Rawail (director) and Kajol (co-star). I had to tear through fake cobwebs and emerge, singing a line that went, 'Chaahat Ki Raahon Mein, Kyun Itna Darti Hai'. I might just about pull it off today, but, back then, straight out of a boarding school in England, I was petrified."

Saying that he must have performed badly, Saif added, "Soon after, Rahul Rawail threw me out of the film, complaining I wasn't showing enough interest. That shot, I have to admit, was particularly appalling."

While Saif lost Bekhudi to Kamal Sadanah, he landed another project, a film titled Parampara. Speaking about technicalities in a film and how he is much better at the smaller details now than he was back then, Saif said, "I was pretty bad in Parampara, too, and my voice didn't help. Fortunately, there were several big names in the film, so either I must have stood out like a sore thumb or simply gone unnoticed. I still don't know which."

Well, it's hard to believe that Saif, the star that he is today, was quite the anxious newcomer back then! On the work front, the Laal Kaptaan actor was last seen in the comedy Jawaani Jaaneman, co-starring Alaya F and Tabu. The film did good business at the box office.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Sanjay Gupta has been making sure that his work doesn't stop due to the ongoing lockdown and has been constantly working on the post-production of the film along with his editor remotely. "I've been continuously working. My editor Bunty Negi sends me the material every evening. Early morning I make my notes, I send them back to him.This is something I've been doing in the past because if I'm shooting, the edits go on. He sends it to me on laptop and I just send him my notes."

Sanjay also sends in some important sequences to John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi to have a look at and give their approval and involves them in the editing process, he stated in a recent interview with him and Emraan.

Talking about it, Emraan added, "Sanjay has shown me a bit, but I get too scared, I don't watch till the last bit till it's completed. I'm the kind of actor who doesn't really go and watch the monitor," he ends.

Mumbai Saga is produced by T-Series and White Feather Films. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Sangiita Ahir, and Anuradha Gupta.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Shashank Vyas is not a social media addict. He says he chose not to make his personal life public by posting pictures or tweeting private details. "All this time I have been accused of not being on social media by my fans. I don't take social media seriously. It is a fun thing and I only use it to reach out to my fans, that too once in a month," said the young actor.

"One has a choice of being on it or not being on it. I choose not to make my personal life public by posting pictures or tweeting private details. It is an individual choice at the end of the day. Posting everything online and then complaining of invasion of privacy is a hypocritical thing to do," he added.

He feels that just like having a million followers won't affect his craft, similarly having fewer followers won't affect his "dream, my health, and my craft". "Through social media, one only wants to seek social validation or adulation to feel good about themselves. In other words, it is all illusionary space. The key to happiness is in my pocket and not in someone else's hand," he said.

Meanwhile, Shashank said that he has always tried to concentrate on his work and agrees that there might not be too many great roles out there. "Any seasoned actor who in the real sense is passionate about acting, will not pick up a role casually. There is a huge scarcity of good writers. Right now, only supernatural shows are getting made, which does not offer much to an actor in terms of creative satisfaction," he said.

"Many fantastic actors say no owing to the lack of good scripts. A script has to be so compelling that you hear it once and you know you would like to be a part of it. If the role is well-written on paper then an actor has to be physically and mentally present and everything will turn out good. The part where an actor is not convinced is the logic bit. The audience today is spoilt for choice with the vast amount of shows to choose from and they will not accept just about anything. The content has to be compelling," added the "Balika Vadhu" actor.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

You all must have seen those tons of memes that came on Ramayan and will continue to flood social media as long as the serial is airing on Doordarshan. These memes have only been made because Ramayan is a classic show that cannot and will never be forgotten! And that's precisely what Sunil Lahri feels, the actor who played the role of Lakshman.

In an interview with Koimoi, he spilled the beans on what he thinks of these memes and his reaction on seeing them. "I have seen many memes that a lot of people have sent. Even my brother's children in the house send me the memes. I am liking it. I am enjoying it. It's said that you are popular and that's why they make these memes. I am honoured. I feel honoured to be a part of the memes."

Talking about his character and why he cannot imagine himself don the role of another one, he said, "Lakshman had a lot of shades to perform, as an actor. If you go to see any other character, it didn't have that kind of performance. Maybe, Raavan but it's a negative character. I am slightly uncomfortable at the moment because my face doesn't permit me to play anything negative. I can play that character but I prefer not to."

He added, "That's why I prefer playing the same character and now I feel I can perform 10 times better because, at that time, I think I didn't have experience. I didn't have an idea of what reaction and action one should do. Now, with experience in the industry for such a long time, I feel, I can perform much better."

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

A few weeks back, actress Puja Banerjee took to her Instagram account and shared a romantic and passionate picture with her beau Kunal Verma and announced that she's about to tie the knot with him. However, little did she expect that the Coronavirus outbreak would turn our lives upside down. But as they say- Love conquers all.

Yes! You read that right, the couple has successfully got married and is together forever now. Now you all must be wondering how that happened. Well, Banerjee took to her Instagram account and shared this heartening news with all her fans. Read it from start to finish.

Have a look right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

This is a pic from last year durga puja sindoor khela. TODAY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUR WEDDING BUT THE SITUATION IS SUCH THAT WE HAVE CANCELLED ALL OUR CEREMONIES ALTHOUGH WE HAD REGISTERED OUR MARRIAGE BEFORE A MONTH SO WE ARE OFFICIALLY MARRIED AND TOGETHER FOREVER NOW. WITH THE BLESSING OF OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS WE STARTING OUR NEW LIFE NEED ALL OF UR BEST WISHES. OUR FAMILY IS HAPPY AND SO ARE WE BUT GIVEN CIRCUMSTANCES OUR HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES RIGHT NOW AND TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO LOST THEIR LOVED ONES . OUR PRAYERS WITH ALL OF YOU AND A SMALL CONTRIBUTION FROM OUR SIDE AS THE MONEY WE WERE TO SPEND FOR OUR MARRIAGE FUNCTION WE ARE DONATING TO PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED NOW 🙏 THIS IS NO TIME TO CELEBRATE BUT WE WILL CELEBRATE WITH OUR LOVED ONES ONCE THE WORLD BECOMES A HAPPY PLACE AGAIN.🙏 JAI MATA DI

A post shared by Puja Banerjee (@banerjeepuja) onApr 15, 2020 at 6:59am PDT

This has to be the most unique wedding of all time that has united two people and two souls and a bond has formed without any social media pictures or any grand celebrations. Just the husband and the wife and their undying love! But we are sure once the lockdown ends, both Puja and Kunal will throw a grand party and invite all their friends and family members to celebrate this moment.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Almost a month into the lockdown, it has become increasingly difficult to keep the wheels of the economy turning, and several companies are resorting to pay cuts to stay afloat. Closer home in Bollywood, Ekta Kapoor, founder, Balaji Telefilms, had announced on April 3 that she was forgoing her annual salary of Rs 2.5 crore so that "my co-workers don't have to take a hit during this period of crisis."

Despite her best intentions, it has been heard that the studio — which has ALT Balaji and Balaji Motion Pictures as subsidiaries — is having to implement a three-month pay cut for its employees.

A source reveals, "On Monday, the staff was apprised of the decision. Those with annual salaries of up to Rs 12 lakh will have to take a 20 per cent pay cut while those in the Rs 12 lakh to Rs 36 lakh bracket are looking at a 25 per cent pay reduction. A 30 per cent pay cut is being implemented for those with annual pay packages between Rs 36 lakh and Rs 60 lakh, and the senior management will take only half their pay. The variable pay that is disbursed at the year-end is likely to be delayed as well."

mid-day reached out to Kapoor, who did not respond till press time.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

A lot of Bollywood filmmakers and actors have said that the legacy of Hindi Cinema will now be split into pre-Corona and post-Corona. And during this lockdown, nobody will forget the fact that it was all also the time when we got the opportunity to see some unseen and amazing throwback pictures of Television and Bollywood celebrities. Joining the bandwagon is Ramayan's Sita aka Dipika Chikhlia.

For all those who grew up in the 90s, this picture will surely put a smile on your face. But here's a genuine question- How many of you knew that Superstar Rajesh Khanna also graced her wedding reception? In case you feel it's not true, here's some proof.

Have a look at the picture right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Rare Rajesh khana attending Dipika Chikhliya Marriage photo #90s #Ramayan #ramayan #dipikachikhlia #sita #bollywoodmovies #rajeshkhanna

A post shared by The90sIndia (@the90sindia) onApr 20, 2020 at 6:02am PDT

Such was the legacy of the TV show that they all got a call from the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and he personally wanted to meet the team and facilitate them. And the actress even took to her Instagram account to share a picture with him, have a look:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

This is the 1st time we were felicitated ....we realized we were a part of a legacy Ramayan ..we created history ...remember the day vividly when we got a call from delhi to meet the PM ...#rajivgandhi#feliciate#delhji#ramayan#ramayanworld#sagarworld#shivsagar#lockdowndisriessa

A post shared by Dipika (@dipikachikhliatopiwala) onApr 25, 2020 at 8:39pm PDT

Ramayan and Mahabharat were truly historic in their own ways, and the reruns have been phenomenal with never-seen-before TRPs. Well, as they say- Old Is Gold!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Given people today have the tendency to make memes on almost anything and everything, how could a tv show like Mahabharat stay away? It's a cult show and making history in terms of TRPs even in 2020. But in one of the episodes, 49 to be precise, they spotted an AC cooler and made a lot of memes on the scene.

And now, talking about this to Times of India, Khanna has broken his silence and reacted to it. He has said, "I had been hearing about a picture of mine from the sets of Mahabharat going viral where I am shown sitting in front of a cooler, for the past few days. I want to know yeh picture aayi kahan se and secondly yeh kisne spot kiya? I doubt if this picture is from a still from the show. And if it is, it is a huge mistake. But from what I can say after seeing it is that it appears to be clicked in between shots. I don't think such a glaring mistake would have happened from BR Chopra's side. He was too careful with the making and the editing of Mahabharat."

However, to bear the heat, there were AC coolers on the sets for the actors, as revealed by Khanna. "We were shooting in Film City which was fully air-conditioned. However, since I had such heavy costumes and to top it all a long beard which I had to wear most of the day I used to feel extremely hot. Especially because of the beard. So, I requested BR Chopra Ji to allow me to use an air-cooler. The beard was such that after shots I used to sweat a lot and it used to irritate me," said the actor.

Well, Mahabharat is enjoying a dream run on television and as days and episodes pass by, the TRPs are only likely to grow!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Rishi Kapoor's sudden death has sent the Bollywood industry and his friends and family into a shock. With legendary actor Irrfan Khan passing away just a day before Rishi Kapoor, it's naturally tough for the masses to cope up with the loss of not one but two legendary actors.

While most actors took to their social media to express their grief over the loss of Mr. Kapoor, actress Gauahar Khan penned down a special note for him on her Instagram. The post reads, #Rishi Ji, I can't even begin to tell anyone what the great Rishi Kapoor was to me! He has such a huge impact on me, not just as an actor/ star but also as the first personal interaction I had with him; Rocket Singh was his sons film but at the trial, Rishi Ji stood for 20 minutes and spoke about my performance in detail with everyone including Yash Chopra Ji! As a debutante, that meant the world to me! His praise was priceless for me, to believe in myself! His passing is the greatest loss! He was the ONLY star, and that is why I love Ranbir so much for the actor that he is! He has learnt from the best. #Rishi Ji I'm sure the skies needed the brightest star to shine up there! #HeartBroken #ShineOn #InPeace.

Gauahar Khan who was last seen in The Office will soon be announcing two big projects when the outbreak eases out and things go back to normalcy.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Jhansi Ki Rani is one of the most successful television shows and continues to enjoy a massive fan-following. It was known for its canvas and great performances and all the actors became extremely popular post its success. Two of them are Shaheer Sheikh and Ashnoor Kaur. And Kaur celebrates her birthday today and turns a year younger.

And taking to his Instagram account, her former colleague and co-actor wished her in the most fabulous way possible. He wrote- "Happy birthday to this little one, who's all grown up now ... but the charm and innocence is still intact!" (sic)

Have a look right here:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Happy birthday to this little one, who’s all grown up now ... but the charm and innocence is still intact! May you achieve all that you’ve dreamt of and keep inspiring others to tread the right path. #happybirthday @ashnoorkaur

A post shared by Shaheer Sheikh (@shaheernsheikh) onMay 3, 2020 at 4:40am PDT

And also have a look at how the actress is celebrating her birthday amid the pandemic, as she describes herself, a very different celebration:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A different experience this birthday in a lockdown... Somehow felt good... Celebrated with our Corona fighters, the people working for us, the watchmen(of my society) and the smile on their faces made up for all the restrictions! #lockdownbirthday #sweet16 #howicelebrated #BirthdayInALockdown

A post shared by Ashnoor Kaur (@ashnoorkaur) onMay 3, 2020 at 11:29am PDT

Hope we can see this Jodi on the small screen again!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

TV actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who was also seen in the thirteenth season of Bigg Boss, is currently in self-isolation after her cook has been quarantined. The cook, who is Devoleena's main domestic help, was quarantined after someone in a family he worked for tested positive for COVID-19.

In an interview with Spotboye, Devoleena has emphasised that she is well and her cook is not positive for coronavirus. She shared, "I don't know why it spread like wildfire that he has contracted Coronavirus. The government has put him up in a hotel. He's been looked after very well. Too much has been made out of this. It has made me only more tired."

Talking about how reports of her cook being positive have affected her, the actress said, "I have had to consequently quarantine myself. It's not going to be easy. Damn! This is the 4th time in the last 5 months that I cannot go out of the 4 walls - first Bigg Boss 13, then my back played up and confined me to bed rest, then the lockdown happened - and now just when I was managing to step out a bit for essentials, I have been asked to lock myself up."

Devoleena, however, has no problem cooking for herself, and she reminds us that she did it all the time in the Bigg Boss house.

Recently, the Saath Nibhaana Saathiya actress received death threats on social media after she took a stand against close friend Rashami Desai's ex, Arhaan Khan. Devoleena had taken to her Twitter account to extend her support to Rashami and asked her fans to ignore Arhaan.

Well, we sure hope things get back on track for Devoleena!

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

Actress Nisha Rawal has slammed people who belly-shamed her by asking if she is pregnant.

Nisha, who is married to Karan Mehra of "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai", took to Instagram and wrote: "This picture was clicked yesterday & ‘No! I ain't pregnant' & ‘Yes! I have a belly'. Belly shame is one of the many kinds of shaming we have in our stigmatised society! I have always had a tummy. It would become smaller or bigger depending on my fitness regime but would never go away! I was always ashamed of it and that made me do things that would either injure me by beating myself up in the gym doing crunches until my muscles went into a cramp or would do the opposite with my hog-sprees!"

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nisha Rawal (@missnisharawal) onMay 7, 2020 at 5:53am PDT

She added: "After we got married, all eyes were even more on my tummy! And now they had the audacity of transforming into questions, at the red carpet, in the lift, in interviews, coffee shops: ‘Are u pregnant?' While I was like, ‘Am I supposed to be or am I even supposed to answer that question or should I work more on my belly, and towards the end of it, that shame would make me indulge more, making it a vicious cycle!"

Nisha believes in being fit over fat.

"See that's what shaming does, it just makes the victim do more of what he is shamed about.We all have shamed someone, knowingly or unknowingly because our culture conditions us to believe it's normal to ask anyone,
‘Hey why all the weight?'
‘Don't u eat anything?'
‘You must be dieting too much',
and on goes the list!

And after we have babies, except for a rare, few women, our bellies are never the same! They sag and have stretch marks! We won't wear a bikini, won't have sex with lights on and would suddenly become so conscious of the bodies we have lived in all our lives!It's not easy to accept this new found body post birth.But let's atleast hold each other's hands and try! Let's uplift each other," she urged.

Karan and Nisha have a boy named Kavish who was born in 2017.

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte revealed during his recent State of the Nation address that tobacco firm Mighty Corporation had agreed to settle three cases of tax evasion with the Filipino government.

Having accepted a settlement from the tobacco firm, the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Justice on October 2 dropped three tax evasion cases against Mighty Corp.

Business leaders in the Philippines say they fully support the Duterte Administration's proposed corporate tax reforms and investment incentives package.

Filipino Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez has called on lawmakers to pass a package of tax measures, including a cut to the corporate tax rate and a reduction in tax breaks and holidays.

Filipino non-profit private schools and hospitals that adhere to high standards will continue to enjoy a corporate tax rate of 10 percent if a bill before the House of Representatives is adopted.

The Philippines has launched a tax amnesty for those with unsettled estate tax liabilities.

The Philippines' House Committee On Ways and Means has approved a Bill that would overhaul the rates in place on financial services and passive income.

What should I wear? Should I apply make-up or stay normal? Should I wear heels or flats? Should I carry a sling bag or a clutch? So many questions like these crop up in a girl's mind when they dress up for their first date. Stop worrying about all these and think the other way round. You guys have spoke earlier, knew each other’s choices and preferences (to some extent, if not completely) and now decided to meet up. So be happy and just go about it.. But wait! There are some things which girls should 'not' always expect on their first date:

1. He will pay the restaurant bill: This might be true, but not always. Do not always expect the guy to pay the bill or even if he wishes to, do take an initiative from your end also. It might look a bit awkward, but try to split the cheque. You may never know, later on if this relation works out, he might make you laugh out loud regarding the incident.

2. He will drop you home: If he comes with his car on your first date, then you can expect. But what if he does not have a car and you know it before hand? You might have to return back home alone then. Be prepared!

3. He will meet over coffee: Is every first date over a coffee table or a cup of Latte? Why can’t it be in a popular Punjabi dhaba over a cup of ginger tea? Dear girls, don’t expect your first date to be in a classy chandelier lit coffee house over a dazzling glass of cold moccachino. At times be prepared to meet him at a dhaba under a moonlit sky too. Outdoor dining does wonders at times!

4. He will click a selfie with you: Come on girls! First date does not mean the final meet before marriage. It is only about getting introduced to each other face to face. Unless and until he is bold enough, he might hesitate to do the act. So you want to take the step? Well, that’s completely your choice and depends on the situation too.

5. He will compliment your gorgeous dress: This might happen over time but not always on the first date. You need to hold on your nerves ladies! Once the date works out, then over time your guy will overload you with compliments. Walk in casually and things might work out.

6. He will talk about your past relationship: Why do you want to spoil the first meet by talking about the bitter past? In case you guys are already aware of each other’s past, then postpone the discussion for future. The first date is all about a romantic evening, a warm welcome, a delectable dinner and a cool conversation ending with a sweet 'bye-bye' note.

7. He will only do the ice-breaking session: Your instinct may be to ask a bunch of questions to get him to open up, but it might feel like a college admission interview. Still, keep the conversations going, don’t worry about silences. You can keep any topic like what’s his favourite music, is he interested in long drives and did he bully friends in college, and such funny stuff.

The day must end on a good note. Do not rush out of the car if he drops you home. Before he starts, ask him if you guys can meet over Karaoke soon. If it's in his mind too, he'll surely lean in! Blush blush! Keep eye contact while talking to the man.

Get your heels on ladies and try to make you first date the most cherished day of your life! Follow the tricks and thank us later.. :)

All pictures for representational purposes

London: Does a one-night stand or romping without any commitment or emotional involvement sound interesting to you? If yes, please beware. Researchers have found that a liking for casual sex may land you in trouble.

The researchers found that a person's preference for casual sex may actually increase their risk of being harassed.

Also, adolescents who have been sexually harassed are more strongly inclined to have casual sex than others, the findings showed.

The results might give the impression that it is the victim's fault for being harassed, but the researchers said their findings were not intended to "blame the victim".

"Absolutely not! We're trying to understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie harassment," said Mons Bendixen, Associate Professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway.

It might be that a preference for casual sex results in more sexual solicitations in general, including undesirable ones.

The study, published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, also showed that adolescents who sexually harass others have had casual sex more often than those who do not harass others.

They also fantasise more about casual sex and find it more acceptable to have sex without any commitment or emotional closeness.

The study included 1,326 heterosexual girls and boys with an average age of nearly 18 years. The psychologists only looked at non-physical forms of sexual harassment.

Fully 60 per cent of the girls and boys in the survey reported that they had been sexually harassed in the last year.

Around 30 per cent of the girls and 45 per cent of the boys admitted that they had sexually harassed someone one or more times.

The spectrum of dating, relationships and marriage in India today is as diverse as it can possibly be. While being in a relationship of one's choice is still beyond imagination in some communities and regions, an increasing number of working professionals are now turning to technology to find fulfilling companionship. But when accepting or rejecting love seems as simple as swiping right or left, what happens to the idea of finding someone the organic way? A panel discussion on the topic, Does Technology Hurt or Help Romance? will explore the myriad facets of using technology for relationships, through four experts in the field.

Roland Mascarenhas

"With so many people migrating to cities like Mumbai for career prospects, they are seeking the help of technology to beat their loneliness," says Roland Mascarenhas of Global Shapers Community (GSC), an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which has organised the discussion. "The hook-up culture in Indian metros is unique. Given the long working hours and traffic conditions, a social life on weekdays is ruled out for many. And on weekends, people prefer to live in their own bubble of close friends. But what transpires in the world of app-based dating has an underlying human dynamic that no one usually talks about," he adds.

Naina Hiranandani

While Gourav Rakshit, CEO, Shaadi.com, will share his perspective on the relevance of matrimonial websites in the age of Tinder and Hinge, Chhavi Sachdev, creator of LSDCast, a podcast that explores love, sex and dating, will bring a media-focussed understanding of the topic. Naina Hiranandani, executive vice president of Sirf Coffee, a bespoke dating service for professionals, will discuss why finding meaningful relationships cannot be about algorithms. "Technology works best with a lot of human effort involved. We — and many modern, truly global, working Indians — believe that deep conversations cannot be had with a stranger on an app," says Hiranandani. She goes on to talk about the phenomenon of ghosting, where if someone doesn't like a person they have gone on a date with after interacting online, they simply block the person instead of ending things on a dignified note. "Thanks to ghosting, the element of closure is gone," she adds.

Simran Mangharam

Simran Mangharam, co-founder of Floh, a service that organises engaging events for like-minded singles, too, believes that the job of technology must be that of an enabler. "Finding fulfilling relationships has to be a hybrid of online and offline, where technology should facilitate the post-meeting communication instead of the other way round, where there is often a lot of disappointment in store," she shares.

Apart from the new-age matchmaking, the panel discussion will also touch upon how men and women face unique problems with technology, and if there is a need for a clear manual for the language used in such communication.

Woman and man in bed

Having sex is probably one of the most enjoyable things to do out there, but sometimes your partner may not be having as much fun as you thought she was. If you are someone who is a little skittish about asking her for ‘feedback’, here are some subtle cues she’s probably giving you.

>> She shuts down after sex: Most women like to cuddle after sex. Some may like to simply lie down next to you and take a nap. But if your lady love is turning away and absolutely shutting down after sex, there’s definitely a problem.
When women have sex they release a certain hormone that causes them to bond with the man they are with. This is why you’ll find your partner wanting to be close to you after the act. If this basic need is missing in your woman, there is a possibility that she isn’t quite enjoying her time in the sac.

>> Avoids having sex with you: This one is just the brightest red flag out there. If she’s avoiding the act all together, know that there is potentially something very wrong. While other reasons like hormonal imbalance or even fatigue can play a role in her disinterest, if she was sexually active and starts avoiding sex with you, it’s time to change things up.

>> Looks bored: While having sex, the last thing that comes to your mind is to register what expression she has on her face. But if you actually take the time to notice and she looks bored, you know you aren’t doing anything to make her happy between the sheets.

>> She talks about certain things during the act: She probably doesn’t want to hurt your feelings by telling you that you aren’t satisfying her, but one way of giving you a hint would be to talk to you about specific things you do in bed. For instance, if she asks about why you like a particular position or why you climaxed early, know that she’s pointing towards a problem.

>>She wants to stay in only one position during sex: This could go either way. Either you’re turning her on and helping her have a lot of fun in this position, or she hates it and just wants you to be done. If the latter is the case, she’s probably not going to want to change positions, ask you if you are done and lay there looking bored. Combine all the above hints with this one and voila you have a lady who is not too happy with your skills between the sheets.

Reports appearing in a section of the over-zealous press declaring that Hrithik Roshan may be doing the remake of B R Chopra’s The Burning Train are not just false and misleading but also absurd.

Says a source close to Hrithik, “All the filmmakers who are close to Duggu (Hrithik) know he doesn’t want to do remakes. He did one remake Agneepath (of Amitabh Bachchan’s film). That’s it. After that it’s a firm no to all remakes.”

The source points out that Hrithik has recently turned down the remake of Satte Pe Satta. “And that was to be directed by a close family friend Farah Khan. Duggu went to lunch to Farah’s place when she invited him. Farah made the offer. Duggu was too polite to say an outright no. It took quite a while for Farah to get the message. No remakes!”

The source close to Hrithik wonders where such stories emerge from. “Duggu hasn’t even been approached for The Burning Train. Wasn’t the original a big flop? And wasn’t it a two-hero project featuring Dharmendra and Vinod Khanna? Why would Duggu do a two-hero film? Who does two-hero films these days? Unless it’s Yash Raj’s War where Duggu and Tiger are like two-halves of one whole, can’t be made without both.”

Interestingly no major A-list star is keen on doing two-hero films. They are considered too costly and irrelevant.

Also Read: SCOOP: Hrithik Roshan to team up with Tanhaji director Om Raut soon?

Jackie Shroff and Rishi Kapoor have starred in a film together, but surprisingly, they have never shared a frame or had scenes together. With Rishi Kapoor’s untimely passing, the industry mourns the massive loss we suffered last week. Rishi Kapoor’s colleagues have taken the time out to share how special and jolly he was around others and would always care for others.

In his recent interaction with another portal, Jackie Shroff said that his dream of sharing the screen space with Rishi Kapoor will never come true now. He recalled how Rishi Kapoor would tell him that he wanted to do a film with him since they had never faced each other on camera. Being Jackie’s senior, he obviously wanted to be in the same frame as the legendary actor. He was upset that it can no longer come true and that the industry has lost a piece of jewel from the crown.

Jackie Shroff further recalled how he first saw Rishi Kapoor after Bobby’s release and was completely awestruck by his presence and personality.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reposts a video of Rishi Kapoor dancing at former’s brother’s wedding in Kashmir

Mr. O.P Rai, Managing Director of Kala Niketan Entertainment India has been engaged in the business of entertainment since decades. Producing films, Music videos in various languages and even promoting all sorts of entertainment activities in India at Kala Niketan Channel.

His latest venture, the film Nobel Peace recently bagged the Best Film (Jury) award at 10th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2020. The Jury of the festival consisted of Mr. G.L Bhardwaj, National Award Winning film Director, Mr. Patrick, Renowned Filmmaker from France, Mr Niku from Japan, Mr. Fernando Merinero, Award Winning Director from Spain and Mr. Ruben Maria Soriquez, a Renowned  Director from Italy.

Alok Rai and Aina Rai who also happen to be the producers of this film, are unveiling the first poster of the movie. They both are US based Indians those who wish to serve their mother land with value based entertainment. Astik Dalai is a filmmaker with 16 plus years of experience in the field of cinema. He has directed research based documentaries, docudramas to music videos and this is his first feature film in Hindi.

The film Nobel Peace is about the journey of young boy Hayan Mir under the able guidance of a college professor Shlok Manhaas to eradicate hatred from the hearts of religiously biased individuals and to bring peace in the society.

The film’s cast comprises of Hiten Tejwani who is a well-known name in the entertainment industry and always known for his ability to act intensely. Here in this film too, he plays the role of the visionary professor, Mudasir Zafar plays the role of the young boy Hayan Mir who without fear attempts to propagate peace despite opposition from the society.

The Film is getting a very good response from the festivals around the globe for its wonderful storytelling, realist performances and overall making. The star cast consists of actors like Mayur Mehta, Aarti sharma and Rohit Raj also.

Apart from that half-producer Aina Rai who in spite of being a female managed to do wonders with her commendable efforts and ensured that the movie turns out to be capable enough to bag prestigious awards. Not only was she dedicated towards filmmaking which was naturally expected of her but was also the one keeping the morale of the crew and her better-half high in low times. Her passion for making films is admirable as she ensured every shot was handled with perfection and not for a moment gave up. As we say we put in more hard work for the things which we love. “I know you've heard it a thousand times before. But its true hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice and practice. If you don’t love something then don't do it. Also it’s hard to beat a person who never gives up and Aina is a living example of this.