Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas to co-produce Broadway comedy Chicken & Biscuits

Power couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have joined hands with producers of a Broadway comedy, Chicken & Biscuits. The pair will co-produce Douglas Lyons' play. According to the Broadway website, Nick visited the creative team and cast at the theatre last week.

According to Deadline, the singer said, “Broadway has always had a special place in my heart. It helped launch my career.” The Broadway alum noted that Broadway is what the world needs after the last year and a half. He also shed light on the crux of the play. Chicken & Biscuits illustrates the significance of love, laughter, and family. Nick added that it has energy, style, and heart, a vibe unique to live theatre.

"I’ve been an avid admirer of Broadway for as long as I can remember, and the magic that you can only get from a live production has excited me all my life. To be part of the “back of house” of a production like this is a dream come true, and the cherry on top for me is being able to do this with my husband. @nickjonas has been heavily involved in Broadway since he was 7 (it kick started his career), so following his lead on this has been an amazing experience," Priyanka wrote on Instagram.

"We could not be more proud to join the producing team for Broadway’s newest show, Chicken & Biscuits. @chickenandbiscuitsbway! It is a feel-good comedy that will feed your soul! Nick also recently had the chance to spend time with the incredible cast and crew (jealous!) I can’t wait for you to experience this heart-warming ensemble. I hope you’re hungry," she wrote.

The production team includes Pamela Ross, Hunter Arnold, Leah Michalos, E. Clayton Cornelious, Kayla Greenspan, Mapleseed Productions, Curt Cronin, John Paterakis, John Joseph, and Invisible Wall Productions. It is written by playwright and actor Lyons.

Chicken & Biscuits is a family comedy, which is directed by Zhailon Levingston. The play will officially open at Circle in the Square from October 10 and run till January 2, 2022.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra Jonas loves her opulent private jet life with the cast of Citadel – WATCH

SCOOP: Akshay Kumar and Jagan Shakti’s ambitious double role action thriller, Mission Lion, put on hold for time being

Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform our esteemed readers that Akshay Kumar is reuniting with his Mission Mangal director, Jagan Shakti in another film. We also informed that the film in question is a sci-fi action thriller and features Akshay in a double role. Days later, it was revealed that the film is titled Mission Lion. And now we have another scoop on the project.

“Akshay Kumar and his producers, Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani have decided to put Mission Lion on the back burner. It’s a costly film, and they felt this isn’t the right time to mount a film like this given the market scenario. Even the script work was taking longer than expected. As all factors came together, the trio decided to put the film on hold for time being,” a source informed Bollywood Hungama. That’s not all, the source added, “The production budget of Mission Lion was expected to be upward of Rs. 70 crores and add to that, the acting fees of Akshay, other cast members, and the marketing spends. A film of this scale needed time with no compromise on script and budget front. The team will revisit it once the on ground scenario is better for theatrical business. In-fact, even the script had not shaped up as well as Akshay expected it to be.”

This has left Jagan unhappy because he was more than eager to commence work on this film. He has been waiting to take it on floors much before the pandemic and the plans have now gone for a toss. “However, following the success of Mission Mangal, Jagan is the man in demand. He is now gearing up to direct a film for John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor by year end, which is the remake of Malayalam hit, Ayyappanum Koshiyum. After that, he is all set for a Tamil film from Summer 2022.”

Meanwhile, Akshay is among the busiest men in the B-Town with Sooryavanshi, Raksha Bandhan, Atrangi Re, Ram Setu, Cinderella, Bachchan Pandey, Oh My God 2 and his digital debut, The End among others. His shooting calendar is blocked until summer 2022.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Raj Mehta to remake Prithviraj’s Driving License

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Diana Penty to star in Sabbir Khan's supernatural thriller Adbhut

Actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Diana Penty have been roped in for a supernatural thriller Adbhut, to be directed by Sabbir Khan.

Sabbir Khan has been busy prepping his second project, a new age thriller with an enviable ensemble of powerhouse performers. Talking about the same, Khan recently said, "This is an exciting time to not just be a content creator but a content curator as well. Our next feature resonates with that. We are constantly brainstorming on ideas and concepts because as artists in 2021, we want to have a distinct voice and create something unique."

On the work front, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has an array of projects in the pipeline including Kangana Ranaut’s production Tiku Weds Sheru, and Jogira Sa Ra Ra opposite Neha Sharma, and Bole Chudiyan with Tamannaah Bhatia. The actor recently received an Emmy nomination for the Netflix movie, Serious Men.

Diana Penty is gearing up for the release of Shiddat and a Malayalam film with Dulquer Salmaan.

ALSO READ: Heropanti director Sabbir Khan’s next is a new age thriller

Malang stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Anil Kapoor to headline Indian adaptation of The Night Manager for Disney+ Hotstar

Last year in September, reports surfaced that Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan will be making his OTT debut with the Hindi adaptation of the British mini-series The Night Manager. The series was to be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and the actor was reportedly being paid a huge sum around the vicinity of Rs. 75 crore for the same. However, back in February this year, it was reported that the actor backed out from the project. This was followed by Manoj Bajpayee's exit who couldn't be part of it due to the unavailability of the dates. So, the makers began to hunt two actors and now they've found their characters in Malang stars, Aditya Roy Kapur and Anil Kapoor.

According to a report in a tabloid, Aditya and Anil have been locked in to headline in the Indian adaptation of The Night Manager. While Aditya plays the role of Indian version of the Jonathan Pine character, essayed by Tom Hiddleston in the original 2016 limited series based on the 1993 novel by John Le Carre, whereas Anil Kapoor will reprise Hugh Laurie's role of an arms dealer who disguises himself to be a business tycoon.

The makers are currently finalising the principal cast for the film. Sandeep Modi will direct the six-part spy series and it promises to be made on a big scale. It is being produced by Preity Zinta in association with Banijay Asia.

The Night Manager is a British television serial directed by Susanne Bier and starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, David Harewood, Tom Hollander, and Elizabeth Debicki in pivotal roles. The series originally premiered on BBC One on February 21, 2016.

ALSO READ: Anil Kapoor wins the IAA Brand Endorser of the Year Award

BTS' Jin to croon OST for upcoming mystery Korean drama Jirisan starring Jun Ji Hyun and Joo Ji Hoon in lead roles

Following the releasing multiple chart-topping songs this year, BTS is not slowing down anytime soon. As the group is gearing up for their upcoming offline and online concerts, the group's eldest member and vocalist Jin is awaiting the release of his OST. He will croon the main theme track for the upcoming mystery Korean drama Jirisan starring Jun Ji Hyun and Joo Ji Hoon in lead roles.

On October 1, the production company of the drama, AStory, made an official announcement about Jin's participation in the highly-anticipated drama. According to Korean tabloid Soompi, the statement read, “BTS’s Jin’s song for the Jirisan OST will be the main theme song for Jirisan, and you will be able to hear it starting from midway through the drama. We will announce the release date [for the song] at a separate time.”

Set against the backdrop of towering views of Mount Jiri, where rangers and other employees of the Jirisan National Park climb through the mysterious and unexplored regions of the mountain, trying to rescue the survivors and lost trekkers. Seo Yi Kang is the park's top ranger who has vast experience in navigation, making her knowledgeable when it comes to tracking down lost individuals. One day, she becomes the partner of Kang Hyun Jo, a rookie park ranger who is a military academy graduate and an ex-lieutenant who experienced a horrific incident on Mount Jiri which led him to become a ranger. The drama is centered around a mystery surrounding the mountain's many visitors; those who come to kill, and those who come to end their lives. The two rangers will investigate the truth behind the mysterious accident.

The drama is penned by Kingdom writer Kim Eun Hee and helmed by Goblin director Lee Eung Bok. Jirisan premieres on October 23 at 9 p.m. KST.

ALSO READ: BTS’ expenses for envoy activities in New York were partially covered by South Korean Government and agency, Blue House clarifies

"It is a really beautiful film, almost like a fairytale in its otherworldly look and feel" - Pooja Hegde on Radhe Shyam with Prabhas

In no time at all , Pooja Hegde  has become  the highest paid  leading lady of Telugu cinema with superhits like Mukunda (2014), Duvvada Jagannadham (2017), Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (2018), Maharishi (2019), Gaddalakonda Ganesh (2019)  and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) to her  credit. In Hindi, she started with the very best: Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro. Though her progress in Bollywood has been slow, her rapid rise in Telugu cinema is incontrovertible. As her new Telugu project, Radhe Shyam with Prabhas, the actress talks about her career.

15 million followers on Instagram, how does a girl as young as you handle this kind of success?

I am very grateful for those staggering numbers. More than anything else, I am aware that what I post (on Instagram) can affect 15 million people. So I am very conscious of what I put out there. I think social media needs to be more responsible and positive. That’s why whatever I upload is happy positive. There is so much negativity floating around on social media. We need to send out positive messages now more than ever.

What does success mean to you and how do you keep yourself grounded (besides a cold shower)?

That’s a very deep question. What does success mean to me?  I think one of the motivations for me to succeed was to make my own dreams as well as my family’s dreams for me, come true. As for keeping grounded, my parents do a good   job of that (laughs). The value system that they have instilled in me ensures that the success doesn’t go to my head.

I have heard of your fans doing some pretty crazy stuff for you in Andhra. What are the craziest fan encounters you have had so far?

Yeah I’ve seen some crazy things being done. I’ve come across fans with my name tattooed on their arm. The craziest fan was the guy who came all the way from Andhra to Mumbai to meet me and slept on the road for a couple of nights before he got what he wanted.

Does this kind of adulation flatter you?

No, in fact, it makes me feel bad. I don’t want anyone to go through this kind of pain on my account. But I am happy they want to meet me. I am grateful for all the love the fans shower on me.

In Telugu cinema you are rumoured to be the highest paid actress. Is it true? How did you manage to make yourself so indispensable in a language you didn't know?

I don’t want to talk about the money. But yes, I think it is great to be accepted in a language that I didn’t know. I now feel I’ve become a part of Telugu cinema now. I am really grateful for that.

Can you speak fluent Telugu now? Do you dub your own lines in Telugu?

Yes, I can speak Telugu fluently and I do dub my own lines. As soon as I started doing Telugu films, I began learning the language in the hope that I can soon dub my own lines. I felt this was needed to honour my craft. To be able to connect with the Telugu audience, it was really imperative to speak the language.

Once Shabana Azmi had told me that a major part of the performance happens during the dubbing.

Yes, I felt there was a big gap between what my character felt and what she said when someone else dubbed for me. Dubbing for my own lines in Telugu has helped me get closer to my character and to the audience. It’s great to be treated as one of their own in Andhra Pradesh.

Tell me about Radhe Shyam with Prabhas?

It is a really beautiful film, almost like a fairytale in its otherworldly look and feel. I haven’t done such an intense mature love story before. It’s all very new to me. I hope that the storyline and the lovers’ characters connect with the audience.

What about Hindi cinema? Are you happy with the headway you have made in Bollywood?

I feel I’m still a baby in Bollywood. I have done only two films in Hindi. I’ve taken a conscious decision to do selective films. I will only do the films I really want to do. I am excited about my forthcoming films. There is Rohit  Shetty’s Cirkus with Ranveer Singh. There is Bhaijaan with Salman Khan.

That sounds impressive…

I think I’ve a long way to go. But yeah, having done Mohenjo Daro, which did not do as well as expected, to still have producers coming to me with good Hindi offers is something I’m proud of.

What are your forthcoming films?

Well, I have Most Eligible Bachelor in Telugu, I have Radhe Shyam which is a Pan-India film, I have Acharya coming up where I am doing a special role, it’s a very beautiful film too, that is Telugu. I have Beast in Tamil then Cirkus and Bhaijaan in Hindi.

Also Read: Pooja Hegde spotted at the airport dressed in an all-black set with a Louis Vuitton bag worth Rs. 1.57 lakh

Here's why Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi is releasing in January 2022

It’s going to be January 6, 2022, for one of the most eagerly awaited films Gangubai Kathiawadi. Unlike other filmmakers who are jumping into the release bandwagon, producer Jayantilal Gada and Sanjay Leela Bhansali were in no hurry to announce a release date for their ambitious project, Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Jayantilal Gada approached Bhansali about a possible release date the minute the Maharashtra government announced the re-opening of movie theatres in the State. However, Bhansali asked Gada to wait for suitable date next year.

“Too many release dates were announced for this year within 24 hours of the announcement. Sanjay Bhansali feels it is premature to schedule Gangubai Kathiawadi in 2021. He wanted to push it for when until the pandemic situation is clearer. Also, Sanjay feels that until theatres are allowed to run to 100 percent capacity (contrary to the 50 percent occupancy allowed at the moment) audiences won’t feel confident enough to return to movie theatres. By January, theatres should be running to full capacity,” says a source close to Bhansali.

Presuming that the pandemic predicament will be progressively pulverized a decision was taken to release Gangubai Kathiawadi on January 6, 2022.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi to release on January 6, 2022

Shiddat movie review: Hard to take this Sunny Kaushal-Radhika Madan film seriously

"I don't think I can sustain by just being an actress, I'm doing a lot more"- Daljeet Kaur

While we're still reeling with the aftermath of an ongoing pandemic with millions of lives lost across the globe, many were rendered jobless including our actors back home as for the first time in many years, the entertainment industry shut shop last year.

Last seen in Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega , actress Daljeet Kaur has now spread her wings into writing, direction and production. The actress known for the versatility of roles in two decades of her careerand still pass off as a 20 something, will soon be flying to Dubai to film a web series written by her last lockdown.

Keeping the remaining details under wraps, Daljeet shares, "I think the lockdown was a blessing in disguise, at least in terms of finding a potential in me I never knew it existed. I began writing, it felt liberating in the beginning. I shared it with a few friends who motivated me to hone my skills and continue doing what made me happy. I started with plots of stories and developed it further. I think I'm happy with what I've written, they are short but impactful stories and I'm going to direct a few & also produce a few. It is an exciting chapter in my career, I thought I was never prepared for."

"As an actress and also a single mother, purely acting wasn't enough to sustain, which hit me when the lockdown was announced. It was purely social media that kept me afloat with some brand associations. I'm grateful that I learned early on in my life to always save for the rainy day. I believe & am aware many talented people were fired or without jobs & had a hard time making ends meet. The times were really tough & life is unpredictable. If the lockdown has taught us something, it is that health is wealth & also to always have a backup plan. Some shows work, some don't. Just like any business, there are outstanding payments but the bills keep piling. So you have to do what you have to do to keep sailing through. I've found my calling in writing & direction & I enjoy every bit of it, just like acting," she added.

Kubbra Sait's look in the upcoming Apple TV show Foundation revealed!

Kubbra Sait, a powerhouse of talent with a personality like no other is all set to feature in the Apple TV+ show Foundation, alongside noted Hollywood personalities like Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell and several others.

The actress will essay the role of Phara, in the science-fiction drama show directed by David S Goyer & Josh Friedman.  Kubbra dropped the look via a casting agents post on Instagram and Apple TV was quick to comment stating that they can’t wait to see Phara in action !

 

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With several celebrities, fans, and even the official Apple TV Instagram handle commenting on the picture, we surely have got our eyes set on the actress and can't wait to see her power-packed performance.

ALSO READ: Onir ropes in Kubbra Sait and Nimisha Sajayan for the sequel of I Am, titled We Are

Twinkle Khanna reveals what she said to a director who asked her to ‘do a Mandakini’ onscreen

Actor-turned-author Twinkle Khanna recently recalled a not-so-pleasant encounter with a director from the time she was into acting. Twinkle said that the director had suggested that she do a Mandakini for a song sequence, implying that she should wear see-through clothes.

Twinkle Khanna spoke about the incident while in conversation with Waheeda Rehman and shared it on the Tweak India YouTube channel. She recalled the incident when Waheeda Rehman spoke about being mistreated by director Raj Khosla on a film.

"I also had something similar, but a little more graphic. I was wearing a white kurta, and ready for the quintessential rain song, and the director comes with a shawl wrapped around, imitating Guru Dutt. And he says, ‘If I tell you to do a Mandakini, what will you say?’ I said I will say two things. First, I will say ‘no’, and secondly, ‘You’re not Raj Kapoor'," Twinkle revealed.

Twinkle said that after the encounter the director never spoke to her, neither did he ever cast her again. Twinkle had appeared in a rain song in the film Mela directed by Dharmesh Darshan who was known to wear shawls.

Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia worked in 13 films before calling it quits. Today, she is a popular and established author and known for her witty writing style.

ALSO READ: Twinkle Khanna shares a series of candid pictures with Akshay Kumar; calls it a representation of most marriages

"I found him to be a hungry actor wanting to give his best", says Ram Madhvani on working with Kartik Aaryan in Dhamaka

Dhamaka movie made headlines for wrapping up the shoot in a record 10-day timeline. The movie helmed by Ram Madhvani is a newsroom drama starring Kartik Aaryan in the lead role. The director has now opened up on working with Kartik and has shed a lot of praise on him.

In an interview with a leading entertainment portal, Ram shared, "I really enjoyed working with Kartik and I found him to be very dedicated. He’s a genuinely, very talented actor. The most obvious factor of his dedication was the fact he gave in to my system. Also, I found him to be a hungry actor wanting to give his best."

Recently Kartik also unveiled a mood poster of the film and said his fans to stay tuned for the trailer. The fans have been waiting for the film ever since the announcement was made.

Along with Kartik the movie also stars Mrunal Thakur and Amruta Subhash. The release date of the film is unknown but many assume a Diwali release is in the cards.

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka to premiere in November

Malaika Arora shines in a blingy sequin saree by Manish Malhotra

Malaika Arora has been juggling several things at once. She keeps netizens updated with new workout routines, yoga asanas, exercises to stay fit in the lockdown while also juggling her work commitments.

Malaika Arora raised the oomph and added some glam in her latest pictures styled by Maneka Harsinghani. She was seen dressed in a heavily sequin, shimmer saree by Manish Malhotra. Her saree was paired with a bottle green, sleeveless bandage blouse. Malaika raised the temperature in this heavily sequinned saree that hugged her curves perfectly. The saree looked absolutely stunning on Malla and we’re envious of that figure. Her makeup was bronzed with her hair in a messy side partition with soft waves and a dark lip.

 

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Malaika was last seen on the Discovery+ Show Star vs Food where she is seen attempting to cook her favourite dishes for her friend, sister Amrita Arora and her trainer and buddy with whom she collaborated with for Sarva Yoga.

Also Read: Daisy Shah looks like a mint green dream in latest snaps

Siddharth Roy Kapur unanimously re-elected as President of the Producers Guild of India

Siddharth Roy Kapur has been re-elected as President of the Producers Guild of India at the 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, held virtually on September 29. He was re-elected unanimously as the President by the Guild’s Council of Management.

Thanking members for the trust reposed in him through the years, Mr. Roy Kapur announced that after serving for six consecutive years as Guild President by the end of 2022, he would not be making himself available for re-election next year, and hence this coming year would be a year of leadership transition for the Guild to seamlessly usher in a new President at the next AGM in 2022.

As President of the Guild since 2017, Mr. Roy Kapur has been at the forefront of spearheading multiple industry initiatives over the past few years that strive to increase the market size and reach of Indian content and include advocacy of producer interests on matters like legislation, taxation and ease of doing business.

At the AGM, members were apprised of key activities and developments during the year. With the ongoing pandemic throwing up unprecedented challenges, the Guild has been at the forefront of leading the industry’s response to this disruption by formulating rigorous SOPs for safe shooting, advocating for shoot resumptions, organizing vaccination camps for members and facilitating financial assistance to daily wage workers through donations by Guild members.

A key development at the Guild’s AGM was a major expansion in the ranks of women producers in leadership roles. Madhu Bhojwani of Emmay Entertainment & Motion Pictures LLP and Ambika Khurana of Netflix India joined Incumbents Apoorva Mehta, Manish Goswami and Sunjoy Waddhwa as Vice Presidents of the Guild while Fazila Alllana of Sol Productions joined incumbent Ashim Samanta as Treasurer. Additionally, Shibahish Sarkar of Reliance Entertainment was also elected as Vice President.

ALSO READ: BAFTA announces jury for Breakthrough India 2021; AR Rahman, Anupam Kher, Mira Nair, Siddharth Roy Kapur amongst the jurors 

EXCLUSIVE: “Rashmi Rocket is an enjoyable and thrilling feature film"- director Akarsh Khurana

ZEE5 is all set to bring you an edge-of-the-seat, sports drama Original film, Rashmi Rocket, headlined by the incredibly talented Taapsee Pannu. Directed by Akarsh Khurana, the highly anticipated film is based on Rashmi, an incredibly fast runner who dreams of crossing the finish line and winning many accolades for her country. However, she soon realizes that the race to the finish line is peppered with many hurdles, and what seems like an athletic contest turns into her personal battle for respect, honour, and even her very identity. The primary issue that the movie tackles is gender testing in sports.

Director Akarsh Khurana narrates his experience on how it was a challenging experience to ensure that Rashmi Rocket is an entertaining film. A film that focuses on a serious topic without making it too preachy for the audiences. In his own words, he shares, "I come from a theatre background. I have now been doing theatre for the last 25 years and a lot of the plays that we have produced, whether they were existing plays or the plays that we have written, I think one of the things that we were conscious about is that none of them should ever be preachy.
Now the thing is with Rashmi Rocket, of course, it is very consciously dealing with the situation of gender testing of female athletes. But at the end of the day, it is critical that we have made a film that is engrossing, engaging, and emotional. It also has to be something that you enjoy watching. We have tried to also consider all sides in the matter of gender testing and give a slightly well-researched perspective but it never feels like it is some sort of a sermon or it is getting too academic. It is an enjoyable and thrilling feature film.”

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Neha Anand, and Pranjal Khandhdiya, written by Nanda Periyasamy, Aniruddha Guha and Kanika Dhillon and directed by Akarsh Khurana, ‘RASHMI ROCKET’ also stars Supriya Pathak, Abhishek Banerjee, Priyanshu Painyuli and Supriya Pilgaonkar.

ALSO READ: Taapsee Pannu along with her sisters shake a leg on ‘Ghani Cool Chori’ from ZEE5’s Rashmi Rocket

Cardi B makes a statement with Offset in Schiaparelli with liquid gold helmet worth almost Rs. 12 lakh at Paris Fashion Week

American Rapper Cardi B serving some serious iconic looks at the ongoing Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 and we’re here for it.

Cardi is spotted with her husband Offset in an irresistible armour outfit. She was seen in a leather breast wool and silk coat with trompe l’oeil lambskin molded in front as the shape of breasts in gold worth €8,280 (Rs. 7 lakh approx). She paired it with black Italian wool infinity pants worth €1,800 ( Rs. 1.5 lakh approx) in Schiaparelli by Daniel Roseberry..

She accessorized the look with a unique pair of large round keyhole earrings in gold worth € 790 (Rs. 58,000 approx), four tooth ring with a Swarovski crystal rhinestone on the top worth €750 per ring (Rs. 64,000 approx per ring) along with a long gold necklace with a part of the face pendant. She had silver nose and eye piercing and green eye worth €2900 (Rs. 2 lakh approx ) she also added a gold a mouth pendant necklace € 1,700 (Rs. 1.4 lakh approx). Cardi also added a liquid gold hat by Stephen Jones for Schiaparelli. She also added a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels.

Meanwhile, her husband Offset was seen in a full leather black outfit styled with silver chains and black sunglasses.

 

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On the work front, Cardi B was last seen in the music video ‘Rumors’ with Lizzo.

Also Read: Avneet Kaur looks breathtaking in a floral embellished green lehenga

BTS’ expenses for envoy activities in New York were partially covered by South Korean Government and agency, Blue House clarifies

South Korean juggernaut BTS were appointed as the special presidential envoys for the 76^th United Nations General Assembly this year. in latest reports, it was stated that the South Korean government did not cover the expenses for BTS’ activities as special envoys in New York. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are now clarifying the reports.

News tabloid, Chosunilbo, on September 30, reported that the government had not covered any of BTS’ expenses including travel, lodging, and food expenses for their trip to New York with President Moon Jae-in for their activities as special presidential envoys stating that BTS accompanied President Moon Jae-in, First Lady Kim Jung Sook, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee without receiving any travel allowance or special fee.

Following the report, Newsen stated that a source from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revealed in a call that, “Upon checking, we have found that the government covered some of the expenses of BTS’s business trip. The report that says the expenses were not covered at all is not true. The government partially covered the expenses, and we are checking the detailed records.”

According to Soompi, the Blue House also spoke up about the report stating, “We have already settled the expenses following the trip.”

They added, “The government and agency had agreed in advance to settle part of the travel and lodging expenses of envoys BTS, who joined us in our visit [to New York]. In addition, the Blue House is very grateful for the activities carried out by the envoys.”

However, another tabloid explained that because the United Nations had also invited BTS as separate entity from the government, so only some of the expenses related to BTS’ activities were covered by the government.

In July, BTS was appointed the Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture. After the United Nations formally invited BTS to share a speech at General Assembly as youth representatives, BTS headed out to New York on September 18. On September 20, BTS delivered a speech at the Sustainable Development Goals Moment (SDG Moment) at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Also Read: Korean survival drama Squid Game starring Lee Jung Jae and Park Hae Soo on its way to dethrone Bridgerton with solid viewership

Suniel Shetty to make his digital debut with Yoodlee Films' show Invisible Woman

India’s youngest boutique film production house Yoodlee Films has already carved a substantial niche for itself across the OTT space with feature films, that have been feted and acclaimed with both global and national awards.  Since the studio’s inception, it has had 17 feature films across languages and genres, that have found a coveted place in multiple leading OTT platforms. Now, making a confident stride ahead from there, Yoodlee Films is now foraying into the ever-expanding world of web series. They have just announced their first show, and it's by all accounts, an intriguing one to look forward to. The series is titled Invisible Woman, and will be headlined by the indomitable Suneil Shetty, who also makes his OTT debut with this project. The noir action thriller series will be helmed by acclaimed Tamil director Rajesh M. Selva and will also star Esha Gupta.

Vikram Mehra, MD Saregama India says, "We have been very effective in addressing the demand of the new emerging digital audiences for wholesome entertainment content through our slate of feature films that have found a place of favour in the many OTT platforms. Films like the gutsy revenge drama Ajji, to the pathos filled National- award winning human drama Hamid, the heartland love-stories of Chaman Bahaar and Kanpuriye, to the urban social commentaries like Comedy Couple and Axone – Yoodlee Films has revelled in creating engaging narratives that don’t toe the conventional line. Now we take the leap into the world of webseries – a space that we have been itching to get into, given how consumption patterns of consumers have seen a tectonic shift to binge-watching these web-series from all over. We were waiting for the right project to come our way and Invisible Woman, headlined by the indefatigable Suniel Shetty , in an edgy action thriller, is just the right one to augur this transition."

Says Suniel Shetty, "A web series today must have something to set it apart from the barrage of narratives that already exist, and the story of Invisible Woman immediately captured my attention. I am very happy to collaborate with Yoodlee to bring 'Invisible Woman' to life and to make my debut in a web series as unique as this."

Invisible Woman is currently going on floors and will be the first of many series that Yoodlee Films will announce in the coming months - a strategic move to be active in the web series space, as it continues churning out feature films alongside.

ALSO READ: Kaun Banega Crorepati 13: Suniel Shetty flaunts his muscles along with Jackie Shroff, leaves host Amitabh Bachchan impressed

10 years of Force: Vipul Amrutlal Shah recalls working with John Abraham, Genelia D’Souza and Vidyut Jammwal

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Force starring John Abraham and Genelia D’Souza and directed by the late filmmaker Nishikant Kamat has completed 10 glorious years on September 30 this year. The movie marked the debut of the action supremo, Vidyut Jammwal on the Bollywood horizon and his first collaboration with the prominent producer. Force kicked off a wonderful work association between the producer and actor.

For the first time, the audience, especially fans of John Abraham were treated to a different level of action, coupled with the macho star’s combat skills with the lead antagonist Vidyut Jammwal, launched by Shah. The movie went on to become a massive hit and Vidyut was labelled as the new action star of Bollywood.

 

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The ten-year-old action film resulted in the producer-actor duo teaming up again for Commando (2013) that went on to become a successful franchise – with Commando 2 (2017) and Commando 3 (2019).

Considering the resounding successes of the producer-actor duo, all eyes are now on their fifth collaboration, Sanak – Hope Under Siege, a hostage drama releasing on the 15th October on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. Directed by Kanishk Varma, Sanak features Vidyut as the central character along with Chandan Roy Sanyal, Neha Dhupia, and Rukmini Maitra (who is making her Bollywood debut).

Ever since the makers have launched the intriguing posters of the movie featuring Vidyut, it has created huge excitement among the viewers, especially all the fans of the action star.

Talking about the movie completing a decade, Vipul Shah says, "Force’ was special because I was working with John and Genelia for the first time and we introduced Vidyut in the film as a negative character. But while we were launching him as a villain, we always knew that he is going to be a hero and we will make the next film with him as a hero and that’s how ‘Commando’ was born."

"John and Vidyut’s action and bare-body fight in the climax is even today a goose-bump experience for me. It’s one of the best sequences that I have seen in Indian cinema. Genelia and John’s amazing chemistry and the love story woven into the action film was so brilliant that it took breath away for everybody. So in every sense of it, John, Genelia and Vidyut made an amazing trio and that made ‘Force’ a special film," he added.

Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd, helmed by Vipul Shah has treated the audience to some interesting cinema spectacles. Created in collaboration with Zee Studios, his production Sanak – Hope Under Siege is all set to bring out an emotional journey with action-packed sequences.

Sanak - Hope Under Siege is presented by Zee Studios in association with Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd and will be streaming from the 15th of October only on Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex. It is a Vipul Amrutlal Shah production, directed by Kanishk Varma.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: John Abraham-starrer Attack to release a week after Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj, on January 27, 2022

Taapsee Pannu along with her sisters shake a leg on 'Ghani Cool Chori' from ZEE5's Rashmi Rocket

Taapsee Pannu is all set to rule our screens once more as her film Rashmi Rocket nears release. Recently the Navratri song, Ghani Cool Chori from the film was released and took the internet by storm, the actress has now made a reel on the song.

Taapsee took to her social media handle to share a reel on her upcoming movie Rashmi Rocket's Navratri song #GhaniCoolChori. Her sisters Shagun and Evania Pannu joined her as the trio put on a great performance ahead of the film's release.

"With my #GhaniCoolChori s@shagun_pannu @evaniapannu.From Biggini to Ghagra we do it all together at our very own Navratri ground called “Pannu Pind” Ab aapki baari …..," Taapsee captioned the post.

 

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ZEE5's Rashmi Rocket is all set to release on 15th October exclusively on ZEE5. The film features Taapsee in the lead role along with Abhishek Banerjee, Supriya Pathak, and others in supporting roles.

ALSO READ: Taapsee Pannu becomes part of Sugar Cosmetics’ bold and free campaign

Youn Yuh Jung, Kang Ha Neul and Son Ye Jin in talks to star in drama Trees Die on their Feet

Academy Award winning actress Youn Yuh Jung and South Korean stars Kang Ha Neul and Son Ye Jin are in talks to share screen space for an upcoming drama. As reported by Soompi, on September 29, news tabloids reported that the three actors have received casting offer for the new drama Trees Die on Their Feet.

Responding to the reports, Youn Yuh Jung’s agency Hook Entertainment commented, “She has received an offer and is reviewing [the offer].”

Kang Ha Neul’s agency Thcompany shared, “He has only received the script,” while Son Ye Jin’s agency MSTeam Entertainment responded, “She was offered a role for the new drama Trees Die on Their Feet and has only received the script. Nothing has been decided yet.”

The story of the drama Trees Die on Their Feet is said to be about an elderly woman from North Korea who doesn’t have much time left to live and a theatre actor who acts as her grandson in order to fulfill her final wish. Youn Yuh Jung is in talks to play Ja Geum Soon, a woman born in 1930 in North Korea. She escapes to South Korea during wartimes and is separated from her husband and child. While waiting for her family, she establishes Hotel Nakwon, a hotel chain in South Korea.

Kang Ha Neul is considering the role of Jae Heon, an unknown theatre actor who acts as Geum Soon’s grandson Moon Sung in order to fulfill her wish. Son Ye Jin has been offered the role of Se Yeon, Geum Soon’s granddaughter who is in charge of Hotel Nakwon.

The team of Trees Die on Their Feet is currently working on finalizing the cast. The filming is expected to begin in 2022 with an aim to premiere it in the second half of the year.

Also Read: SHINee’s Minho and Chae Soo Bin to star in Netflix romance drama Fabulous

EXCLUSIVE: "We made sure we were non-judgemental and didn’t take sides," says Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on directing Leander Paes & Mahesh Bhupathi in ZEE5's Break Point

ZEE5, India’s largest home-grown video streaming platform brings audiences the intriguing and untold ‘Bromance to Breakup’ story of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in Break Point, a 7-part series based on the iconic on-court partnership and off-court lives of living legends, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi.

Co-directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari, the series is a telling narrative on their friendship, partnership, brotherhood, ambitions and hard works. The series also encapsulates their meteoric rise which made them the most feared doubles pair in late 1990s and their highly publicized split which became the center of discussions for many decades. This is the first time that speculations will be put to rest about their split as Leander and Mahesh will open their hearts and narrate their sides of the story first-hand in Break Point.

Says Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, "It was important that we were mindful of what we were saying and what kind of story we were portraying because in this context we are talking about two legends who were willing to open up and tell their story. There is a trust quotient involved, they trusted us and it was important for us to keep that trust and to make sure we were non-judgmental, heard their stories, didn't take sides and only took the neutral parts. It was important that they put their stories as it is. Cinema lovers, their fans, sports fans who were interested in their stories will get to understand what their journey was and that was more important to us. There was also a feeling that we have a task here, a very important task and it was to keep their trust and also have integrity".

Break Point marks ZEE5’s first partnership with filmmakers, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari under their banner Earthsky Pictures. This is also the first time that Ashwini Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari will be co-directing a project. The seven-episode series will be exclusively available on ZEE5 on October 1st, 2021.

ALSO READ: “I just needed to see the world through her eyes”- Abhishek Banerjee on working with Ashwiny Iyer Tewari

Kartik Aaryan and Alaya F share pictures and videos from the sets of Freddy as they wrap the shoot of the film

Kartik Aaryan has been on a roll lately with announcements, updates, and more about the films in his heavy lineup. Alaya F too has been busy shooting for upcoming projects. The duo is a fresh pair-up that will grace the screens in their upcoming next Freddy.

Taking to his social media, Kartik Aaryan shared, "Its a Wrap !! A character that will always stay like a shadow with me #Freddy will see you at the theatres "

 

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His caption on the post speaks volumes as he writes, the character will always stay like a shadow with him. Alaya too took to her Instagram handle to share a series of photos and videos from the sets of the film. "Ready, steady, Freddy!!???? IT’S A WRAP!!???? the most wonderful set with the most wonderful people! Feeling super blessed and super grateful to be a part of this incredibly special film,"she captioned the post.

 

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The shoot for Freddy started in the early days of August and the film is now wrapped up in a short period of time. Kartik has been 'all work and no play' about this film. The duo shot for the first schedule in Mahabaleshwar and continued for the second schedule soon after they returned to Mumbai.

Apart from Freddy, Alaya F has an untitled movie with Anurag Kashyap and U Turn with Ekta Kapoor in her lineup. For Kartik on cards are Dhamaka, Freddy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka to premiere in November

Luxury car seized from a fake antique dealer in Kerala registered under Kareena Kapoor Khan’s name

Monson Mavunkal, a fake antique dealer is currently making headlines in Kerala. Now, police have found a car in his possession that is registered under Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan's name. A 2007 model Porsche Boxter was seized by the police a year ago and is now kept at the police station premises at Cherthala in Alappuzha district. The police have seized a total of 20 luxury cars from Monson.

As per reports, the car's registration documents have Randhir Kapoor's name in the father's name column and also have Kareena's Mumbai address among other details. However, it is not known how Monson was able to gain custody of the car without transfer of ownership.

Monson Mavunkal has been in the news for swindling several people including celebrities, politicians, and top cops by presenting locally made materials as antiques. He claimed to have owned the silver of Judas and the royal throne of Tipu Sultan among other iconic antique pieces. The 52-year-old was arrested after a joint complaint was filed by Yakoob Purayil, Anoop V. Ahmed, Salim Edathil, M.T. Shameer, Siddique Purayil, and Shanimon after he cheated them of Rs. 10 crores since 2017.

ALSO READ: Inside Photos: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Neha Dhupia, Taimur Ali Khan celebrate Inaaya Naumi’s birthday

Bigg Boss 15: Tejasswi Prakash and Akasa Singh confirmed to enter the house

The much-anticipated reality show Bigg Boss is soon going to make a comeback on the television screens with its season 15. This time the show has a jungle theme which we can expect high voltage entertainment and adventure. Well, as the days for its premiere are coming near, the excitement among fans is just reaching over the top.

Well, apart from that the speculations around contestants of the show is also taking another toll. While some names have been confirmed by the channel, some are yet not revealed. Recently, in the promos released by the channel has revealed the names of their two confirmed contestants. They are none other than popular daily soap actress Tejasswi Prakash and singer-actor Akasa Singh.

 

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The promo featuring the two together is out and it has done nothing but increase the excitement. The promo looks extremely fascinating with the appearance of these two beauties.While Tejasswi has been a part of a reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, Akasa will be first time participating in such a show.

ALSO READ:Bigg Boss 15: Afsana Khan backs out of the show after suffering a panic attack

Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla go jet skiing in Maldives

Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla who are currently vacationing in Maldives are keeping their fans updated with the fun time they are having there. On Wednesday, Rubina took to her Instagram handle to share few moments with her husband as they were all set to do jet skiing.

Sharing the pictures, Rubina wrote, "Adding life to days, not days to life."

 

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Meanwhile, Abhinav also shared some glimpses from their trip. "Do it before it’s too late”, read Abhinav’s caption.

 

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Rubina and Abhinav participated together in Bigg Boss 14, where Rubina emerged as the winner. In the show, Rubina revealed that, “We had given each other time till November. We were about to get divorced. If we hadn't come here, we would not have been together.”

The couple tied the knot in Shimla in June 2018. Rubina is known for starring in TV shows like Choti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan, Punar Vivah - Ek Nayi Umeed and Shakti: Astitva Ke Ahsaas Ki. Abhinav has starred in shows such as Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Hitler Didi and Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan.

The couple featured together in Neha Kakkar’s music video titled ‘Marjaneya’. Abhinav was recently seen as a contestant in Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 aired on Colors TV.

Also Read: Rubina Dilaik raises the temperature in a sexy bright pink bikini during her vacation in the Maldives