Chaalis Chauraasi – Releasing on 13th JAN’ 12

The premier of  The Girl With Dragon Tatoo was held in New York & Stockholm.

The Michael Chekov Acting Technique presented by Oorvazi Irani

Yes, you read it write, the original khiladi of Bollywood or the recently turned Desi Boy is scheduled to do a live video chat with his fans on a leading social networking site, Facebook.

Akshay seems pretty geared to interact with his fans. He recently made the chat announcement on his Facebook page, ‘Hey Guys, You know quite often on this page I come across the question, ‘Is this your official/real page?’ So I decided to do a live chat with you guys & put all your doubts to rest.

I hope you are ready with all your questions or better still you can RSVP on this link & leave your questions, I’ll pick the best ones. I’m all geared up to talk to you all on Wednesday, December 21 at 8pm.

Chat soon J Love & Prayers, Akshay.’

The actor is so excited about the chat that he even spent his Sunday morning going through his fan questions.

Akshay is doing the live video chat on Bollywood on Facebook as part of Facebook’s Bollywood initiative to list all authenticate celebrity pages on Facebook.

To chat with Akshay Kumar log onto www.facebook.com/akshaykumarofficial

For more details, RSVP on – www.tinyurl.com/akshaylivechat

• IN Entertainment (INE), part of the Hinduja Group, which is presenting and producing AJITH KUMAR starrer BILLA2, has confirmed PARVATHY OMANAKUTTAN as the Lead Actress for the Film

• BILLA2 Second Schedule has begun in Goa this week

• The Film is expected to complete principal photography by December and is being readied for an April 2012 release

Chennai September 28, 2011

IN Entertainment (India) Limited, the company backing Ajith starrer BILLA 2 along with Wide Angle Creations, the Production House led by Suresh Balaje and George Pius, has confirmed PARVATHY OMANAKUTTAN as the lead actress essaying the role of Billa’s love interest in the Film.

BILLA2 will mark Parvathy’s entry into the Tamil Film Industry. Parvathy hails from Kerala and is currently based out of Mumbai. Parvathy was crowned Miss India South 2008, which marked her direct entry into the Femina Miss India 2008 Finals, where she won the Miss India World title while also winning the sub-titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Personality and Miss Beautiful Hair. Subsequently, Parvathy did India proud by becoming the first runner-up at the Miss World 2008 competition. Parvathy is one of the top Indian female models and features in all prestigious fashion events.

Sunir Kheterpal, CEO – IN Entertainment and Producer of BILLA2, says, “Parvathy was outstanding in her auditions and completely understood the subtle nuances of this pivotal role. She has an attitude and a screen presence, which will take her places. Later this week, she will be joining the unit in Goa, where BILLA2 is currently shooting”.

Confirming her association with the Film, Parvathy said, “It is like a dream to be making my debut in the Tamil Film Industry with Ajith Sir. I am delighted to be a part of the BILLA Franchise and can’t wait to start work on the Film.”

Chakri Toleti, the Director adds, “”The part of the leading girl in BILLA2 is a highly demanding role and it was a challenge to find an actress with just the right mix of talent and looks. Parvathy has great attitude and the understated charisma required for the role.”

Earlier, Huma was signed to play the principal lead actress role in the Film. However, due to some delays in the beginning of the Goa schedule of the film, Huma’s dates became an issue and she opted out of the film.

Bruna Abdullah – a model, TV Host and an actress of Brazilian and Arabian origin – has been formalized for enacting the other significant role in the Film. She is best known for her role in Karan Johar’s I HATE LUV STORIES and as the adorable host of Channel V’s Hottest. She has also featured in a solo song performance in Anubhav Sinha’s CASH.

BILLA2, finished its first 30 day schedule filming in Hyderabad and Vizag between July-August. The second schedule has commenced this week in Goa and will continue for 45 days till first fortnight of November. Thereafter, the unit will leave for Georgia in Eastern Europe for the final schedule. The film is expected to complete principal photography in the first fortnight of December and is being readied for release in April 2012.

A stirring documentary about the survivors of the world’s worst industrial disaster, the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak in Bhopal, India.

October 13, 2011
Start Time:6:30 pm
Price:£5 (all proceeds to Bhopal Medical Appeal)
Event Type:Film
Venue:India Media Centre, University of Westminster

A discussion between author Meaghan Delahunt and journalist Mick Brown of The Telegraph will follow.

Awards for the film -
Grand Jury Best Documentary Award, 2011 Slamdance Film Festival
Documentary Audience Award, 2011 Slamdance Film Festival
Best Documentary Award, 2011 Los Angeles International Film Festival
Best Director, 2011 Los Angeles International Film Festival
Best Documentary Special Jury Award, 2011 Beverly Hills Film Festival

Produced by Sangita Sinha and Siddhant Sinha of Ananda Film & Telecommunications Pvt. Ltd., and Directed by Ajai Sinha- best known for his TV shows Hasratein, Astitva, Justujoo and Ghar Ek Sapna. Ajai Sinha was recently awarded the Best Director for KHAP at the Oslo Norway Film Festival.

KHAP, a story about the Khap Panchayat and the much talked about issue of Honour Killings. The film stars veteran actors like Om Puri, Govind Namdev, Manoj Pahwa, Anooradha Patel and Mohnish Bahl amongst the new talent Uvika Choudhary and Sarrtaj.

The land where KHAP rules, a marriage is not made in heaven. Here, nothing matters, not even true love. What matters is the age old custom that no one has ever dared to challenge. KHAP is a tale of two different worlds colliding each other over a love story which we take as a norm in our world. Till then, in the world of KHAP, a marriage is only sanctioned if it satisfies age old customs. If someone defies their diktat, an unofficial illegal death sentence is passed and executed in the most gruesome manner. But when the guardians of the old faith do it to lovers from Delhi, they challenge their supremacy in a way, no one ever dared to do. Is their marriage made in heaven?

The music of KHAP is by Annujj Kappoo and the songs in the film have been sung by ace singers like Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal, Jagjit Singh and Rekha Bhardwaj amongst others.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cannes Film Festival has shifted its earlier announced dates May 9-20, for its 2012 edition because of the French presidential elections according to a news agency report. The festival will now be held between May 16-27. The festival authorities have yet to announce this change officially. However, the festival’s web site displays the new dates. The elections will take place on May 6th, 2012, immediately followed by the Parliamentary polls.

Festival De Cannes is the leading film festival of the world and is part of the annual travel schedule of the leading filmmakers, directors, producers, distributors, sales agents, acquisition executives, film buffs, and the world media.

In conversation with Kuljeet Singh of Ateliers Youth Theater Week (AYTW):

Tell us a little about the AYTW concept and how long has it been going for?
AYTW or Atelier’s Youth Theatre week is a movement to consolidate sporadic energies. We have been doing this theatre week since 2007 and we brought it to Mumbai to consolidate ourselves with the larger cross-section of people from the fraternity and industry.

AYTW also happened in 2007 in Delhi for 7 days and from there to now the response, has been humungous and our core area is CAMPUS THEATRE, though we invite Professional and Amateur teams as well so that the young aspirants network with the professionals.

What do you plan to accomplish by the AYTW?
The intention is to create a status of the THEATRE INDUSTRY to Theatre and Performing Arts. In the last 4 years with AYTW we have won over a large audience, quality content and acceptability in the corporate sector and amongst professionals from various walks of life. More and more people are doing it now and we see the productivity scaling up.

Theatre, by no means, is the thing of yore. Those who claim so, never tried it faithfully.

What are the highlights of this year’s AYTW?
INAUGURAL CEREMONY on December 5th, 2010 at Oxford Bookstore and a performance by a Russian group on Dec 5 – I AM EDITH PIAF – at Sophia Bhabha Hall at 7.30pm

Besides, Asmita Theatre’s AMBEDKAR AUR GANDHI on December 8 is a must watch. DIRTY TALK and HOO LALALA is very exciting. DIL-I-NADAAN by BMCC college Pune is very promising.

What are future plans?
Next Year AYTW will also be visiting Bangalore and Kolkutta. Plans are in the pipeline to create a world class auditorium in Delhi to excite new theatre groups to come and perform at a nominal and affordable cost.

We are collaborating with the best of minds to ensure the viability of this art form without diluting the CONTENT, which is our prime focus.

A 1500 sq feet space is devoted to Atelier Studio already in Delhi and small time performances have started with 100 odd as an audience. Community Theatre is the next big thing.

This is our little contribution to Indian Theatre, if at all.

SOCH LO SET TO RELEASE IN TORONTO

The film that we profiled in our “Overcoming Obstacles” write up, has now overcome another obstacle. Faced with a miniscule marketing budget, SOCH LO (www.sochlothemovie.com) is definitely not about miniscule ambitions. After the US and India release, and also after the script was added to the archives of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar), SOCH LO, is now being released in Canada, on November 20, 2010.

Golden Gate Creations LLC, the company that distributed the film outside of India, is doing a limited release in Toronto, at the Magic Lantern Carlton Cinemas on Carlton and Yonge (http://www.rainbowcinemas.ca/A/?theatre=Carlton&).

The co founder of Golden Gate Creations, Barkha Madan, who is also the lead actor in SOCH LO, will be present for an extensive Q & A, with the audience and the press, during the screenings in Toronto.

The film, continues to expand its tentacles around the globe and go where few expected it to, at the commencement.

SOCH LO, is also queued by in NETFLIX (www.netflix.com) the largest and most prestigious online DVD rental, sale and download company in the US and the DVD of the film is expected to be available in Netflix very shortly thereafter. Netflix carries an inventory of some of the finest films from across the globe, making it the number one DVD distribution system in the US and now SOCH LO will also be added to the titles Netflix carries.

Beverly Hills, CA – Oscar fans will soon have a chance to vie for seats on the most coveted and glamorous spot on Hollywood Boulevard.
Beginning on Monday, September 13, at noon ET/9 a.m. PT, and continuing for only one week, fans from around world may apply online to take part in a random drawing for seats on the 83rd Academy Awards® red carpet.
There are only 700 seats available along the 500-foot-long walkway that leads into the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®. Those who are selected will watch and cheer Oscar nominees, presenters and other ceremony guests as they arrive at the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, February 27, 2011. Following the red carpet arrivals, everyone seated in the bleachers will be invited to watch the Academy Awards telecast at a nearby location.
The application form will be available at www.oscars.org/bleachers. The online-only application process will close on Sunday, September 19, at midnight ET/9 p.m. PT.
To be eligible for the random drawing, an individual must complete the application form in its entirety. Applications may only be submitted online. Forms may not be returned via any other method.
Applicants may register for themselves and one guest. Duplicate registrations will not be accepted.
Those whose names are selected in the random drawing will be notified in late September. They will then be required to submit additional information for security purposes prior to final approval. Eligible attendees will receive a confirmation letter in early January with information pertinent to the event.
Only those individuals who have been pre-approved by the Academy will have access to the bleachers. Those who wait overnight to attempt admittance will not be granted entry.
The Academy will not be responsible for securing travel and/or hotel accommodations for bleacher fans.
In previous years, as many as 20,000 fans have applied online for the limited number of red carpet seats.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Zero Film Festival 2009 to host the Los Angeles premiere of MITSEIN, a film by Aparna Malladi featuring Smriti Mishra.

Decemeber 02, 2009

LOS ANGELES – On December 5th, Saturday 2009, Zero Film Festival [ZER09] will host the Los Angeles premiere of MITSEIN as part of it’s closing night line up. The film written and directed by Aparna Malladi is a surreal drama starring Smriti Mishra as a woman trying to redefine herself by seeking an imaginary artist.

MITSEIN will screen at the Downtown Independent Theater in downtown Los Angeles as part of it’s ‘Closing Night Film Marathon’. [See Schedule below for complete information].

The film has previously screened at the Urban Suburban Film Festival, Philadelphia, Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film festival, New York, the Eugene International Film Festival, Oregon where it received the trophy for best art feature and had it’s International premiere at the 11th Mumbai International Film Festival, India.  The film is also the official selection for the 2010 Beloit International Film Festival in, Wisconsin.  MITSEIN is being distributed worldwide by Continuum Pictures.

MITSEIN [Being with] is a word coined by German philosopher Martin Heidegger.  The film focuses on the primordial mitsein between men and women.  Principal actors include Amit Garg, Namrata Singh Gujral [Americanizing Shelley], Rupinder Nagra [Amal], Sanjay Lamba, Pia Shah [8x10 Tasveer] and Jesse Allen as the Artist.
For additional information visit www.mitsein.us

MITSEIN is Aparna Malladi’s feature film debut.  In 2001, she made a short titled NUPUR [ankle bracelets]. The film won awards at the USA Film Festival, Dallas, Rochester International Film Festival, New York and was a finalist at the Saguaro Film Festival, Arizona.  NUPUR [ankle bracelets] was the official selection at more than 25 international film festivals around the world and played on the AZN television channel as part of ‘Popcorn Zen’ a collection of award winning shorts.  Aparna is currently in Hyderabad preparing for her next feature, THE ANUSHREE EXPERIMENTS, a light comedy about a young woman trying to avoid marriage so she can party at Kovalam beach after graduation.

Smriti Mishra started her acting career when Ram Gopal Bajaj, director of India’s National School of Drama introduced her to Paris based filmmaker Vijay Singh who cast her in his debut feature ‘Jaya Ganga’.  Smriti’s next acted in the indie film ‘Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin’ directed by Sudhir Mishra, and Shyam Benegal’s ‘Sardari Begum’.  Her role as the young Sardari Begum in the film led to critical acclaim and awards.  Smriti also acted in ‘Train to Pakistan’, a film based on writer Khushwant Singh’s famous historical novel by the same name.  Recently Smriti worked on two international projects.  Apart from her lead role in ‘Mitsein’, which is set in San Francisco, she reunited with her ‘Jaya Ganga’ director Vijay Singh to act in the comedy ‘One Dollar Curry’ set in Paris.  Back in Mumbai, Smriti played a principal role in director Ruchi Narain’s ‘Kal:  Yesterday and Tomorrow’ and in Manish Tiwary’s ‘Dil Dosti Etc.’ in which she co-starred with Immad Shah.  Smriti also has the distinction of having worked in an IMAX movie titled ‘India: Kingdom of the Tiger’ based on the famous hunter and photographer Jim Corbett and is a brilliant classical Kathak dancer trained by famous teachers, Pundit Durga Lal and Birju Maharaj.

Namrata Singh Gujral is a Los Angeles based actor who is well known for her various television performances and most recently as the lead in the hit comedy ‘Americanizing Shelly’.

Rupinder Nagra is Genie-nominated International actor from Toronto, presently based in London.  He has worked on  ‘Bollywood Hollywood’ a film by Deepa Mehta [Director of the Oscar nominated ‘Water’] and most recently was the lead in ‘Amal’ which had it’s world premiere at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.

Schedule, Ticket and Reservation Information:

Zero Film Festival Presents – MITSEIN [USA, 2009, 35mm / Digi Beta, 60 minutes]
Downtown Independent Theater – Saturday, December 5th, 2009, 5:30pm
251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
To purchase tickets online go to www.downtownindependent.com Tel: (213) 617 1033
For film festival information go to www.zerofilmfest.com Email: info@zerofilmfest.com
The film’s distributor, James Duval, co-founder of Continuum Pictures will be present at the screening for Q & A