Aparna Sen

Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya will be honoured with the Jnanpith Award.According to the selection committee, the 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 has been awarded to Swami Rambhadracharya for Sanskrit and Shri Gulzar for Urdu.Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, has penned several memorable and iconic songs in Hindi cinema. He started his career as a lyricist with the film 'Kabuliwala', starring Balraj Sahni. He has penned songs and scripts in numerous films, and also directed several acclaimed feature films including 'Maachis', 'Aandhi', 'Mausam', 'Khushboo', 'Parichay' and 'Koshish'.He has earlier received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.Rambhadracharya, the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of hundreds of books.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded Swami Rambhadracharya's contributions while addressing the Tulsi Peeth Programme in Chitrakoot last month"Rambhadrachary ji is such a sage of our country, on whose knowledge base alone many universities of the world can conduct their studies and research. Despite not having eyesight since childhood, your eyes of wisdom are so developed that you have memorized all the Vedas. You have written hundreds of books. 'Prasthanatrayi' on Indian knowledge and philosophy is considered difficult even for great scholars. Jagadguru ji has also written his commentary in modern language," PM Modi said."This level of knowledge, this level of intelligence is not limited to personal level. This intelligence is the heritage of the entire nation. And that is why, our government honoured Swamiji with Padma Vibhushan in 2015," he added.The Jnanpith Award was instituted in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith. Along with Sahitya Akademi Awards, it is the foremost prize for Indian literature.

Konkona Sensharma, who found fame in the Hindi film industry with her role in her mother Aparna Sen's acclaimed directorial 'Mr and Mrs Iyer', has said she never felt any pressure to live up to other people's expectations.While Aparna Sen has been conferred with numerous awards, including the country's fourth-highest civilian honour, Padma Shri, for her acclaimed work both in front and behind the camera and significant contributions to both the Bengali and Hindi film industries, her daughter, too, won a National Award for 'Best Actress' for 'Mr and Mrs Iyer' in 2003.In an interview with ANI, Konkona not only delved deep into the personal equations with her mother but also sought to draw a distinction between Aparna Sen, the filmmaker, and mother.Asserting that she takes a lot of pride in being the daughter of a globally renowned filmmaker and actor, Konkona said, "I always felt very proud (about being Aparna Sen's daughter). I was aware that viewers would have high expectations of me as I am my mother's daughter. I would take great pride in it and still do. I never drew any comparisons between myself and my mother and neither did any such thought ever cross my mind. Journalists back in the day would often ask me about my mother and the equations that I share with her. To them, I would say, 'A director is like a mother because she is creating, nurturing, and perhaps disciplining. She is the head of that unit, the matriarch, so it's an extension of your personality."On whether she felt pressure or got bogged down under the weight of expectations, the actor, who also dabbles in filmmaking like her mother, said, "I have never felt any pressure to live up to other people's expectations of me, including my parents. My parents gave me a lot of freedom and space as an individual. My mother was never intrusive about where I was going or coming back. She let me watch and read anything and everything in terms of adult content. There was no censorship from her. She comes from a line of educated, working women who married later and had children late."Konkona recalled how her mother would be impressed by her sense of confidence."When I was growing up, I think she had largely transitioned into being a director and the editor of that women's magazine (Sananda). It was a very popular women's magazine and she used to really write the editorial herself about all kinds of affairs (about) women, catering to a largely female readership. She wrote fearlessly about issues and things that she felt strongly about, thereby setting a wonderful example in the editorial space. I actually didn't witness her years in mainstream commercial cinema. I didn't see much of her work from those years. Maybe it's because I was very young back then.""I had seen, maybe, a few films she acted in but watched the ones she directed much more. Of course, she used to be very famous when I was younger and we would often go places where I took the onus of being her protector. You know when other people would come and, you know, bug her and bother her. But I feel six feet tall, I don't know why. I feel that way about myself. Even my mother asks me sometimes where I get all that confidence from," Konkana said.Opening up on her last collaboration with her mother, 'The Rapist', in 2021, Konkona recalled teasing Aparna Sen on the sets. However, she added that they have always had a lot of respect for each other's opinions.On 'The Rapist', which came out 21 years after the critically acclaimed 'Mr. and Mrs. Iyer', Konkona said, "I have done five films with her. A little bit, I gently started teasing her on the sets (for 'The Rapist')...slightly harassed (her), out of affection. Mostly, we agree on things, and if we don't, we clearly convey to each other the reasons for holding divergent views. However, we respect each other's points of view."She also spoke about Aparna Sen laying stress on her getting a good education by leaving the comfort of home. "I read anything and everything in the house because I grew up with a single working mother practically. I had a wonderful relationship with my father and I would visit him, but he was in another city and my parents were divorced. That said, they had a very amicable, respectful kind of divorce, at least from my point of view. But so I grew up a lot with my mum, a single working mother, and I was very shy, very quiet, introverted and bullied. My mom insisted that I leave the comfort of home to go and study. And I couldn't care less as I was very happy at home. I loved being around my friends and family. I was very comfortable. 'No, no, go and study, at least in Delhi University. They have such wonderful colleges. Do whatever you like but go and study away', my mother would say."

Konkona Sensharma, who garnered critical acclaim for her performance in the film Mr and Mrs Iyer', has spilled the beans on how she landed the role.The film was helmed by none other than her mother, veteran filmaker and actor Aparna Sen. The performance earned her a National Award for Best Actress in 2003.I think that firstly, I didn't want to be an actor even after acting in Mr and Mrs Iyer, which was my third film. I kept thinking now I have to get a real job. So I was looking at the classifieds in the newspaper once Mr and Mrs Iyer was over. I was so young in my 20s. I thought now I'll have to get a job in publishing or advertising or some such thingjournalism. My mother tricked me into doing the role because she sent me to MA which I had started. Because the MA which was very boring and it was in a very ugly building," Konkona said in an exclusive interview with ANI.I went to an international school. So we were doing the same curriculum again and again. I did the same thing in 11 and 12 for A Levels. Milton, Chaucer, Shakespeare and again I did it in college. I was getting very bored. My mother said, 'Please, you go do some research for me in Chennai'. (I) Happily, went there, writing the difference between Iyers and the Iyengars and all that. I was having a blast. Then, I came back fully immersed in the culture. So by then, kind of, I was like I'll just do this now. She made me prep a lot. Then I did it.Konkona also revealed how winning her first National Award proved to be a turning point in her career.The word of the National Award came one morning while I was fast asleep. I remember my stepfather waking me up to say, 'You know you won the national award'. I said, 'Oh really? Wow'. And I went back to sleep because I was too young. I just wanted to sleep in the early morning and I woke up to literally to a house full of journalists. It was a turning point for me because I think what happened is that people got to know that, there is an actress also, Konkona, who's decent and so I started getting offers.The challenging role in the English-language drama provided Konkona with an opportunity to showcase her acting skills.Konkona's portrayal of Meenakshi Iyer, a Tamil Iyer Brahmin, earned her glowing praise from the audience as well as the National Award.The film narrates the story of Meenakshi and Raja Chowdhury (Rahul Bose), who played a Bengali Muslim man, with the couple pretending to be married during communal riots in the country.Their story unfolds against the backdrop of chaos, bringing out a human relationship that transcends the boundaries of religion.

Maheep Kapoor, on Sunday, took a trip down memory lane and shared a cute video of herself and her daughter and actor Shanaya Kapoor.Taking to her Instagram handle, Maheep dropped a throwback video and captioned it, Mother & daughter from the start. Best friends forever from the heart #MyBabyGirl.In the video, Young Maheep can be seen carrying and playing with Shanaya. The mother-daughter duo can be seen in white ensembles.To this, Shanaya replies with heart emojis.Many celebrities loved the videos and dropped their comments.Actor Ranbir Kapoors sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni wrote, Such a cutie.Actor Neelam Kothari wrote, Adorable.A fan commented, ur looking like Anushka Sharma in this.Maheep married actor Sanjay Kapoor in 1997. The couple has two children--Shanaya Kapoor and Jahaan Kapoor. Sanjay is the youngest brother of film producer Boney Kapoor and actor Anil Kapoor.Maheep and Sanjay's nieces and nephews include actors Sonam Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor.Shanaya, on the other hand, is all set to make her Bollywood debut in 'Bedhadak', a Dharma Productions film directed by Shashank Khaitan. The film also stars Lakshya and Gurfateh Pirzada in lead roles. In March 2022, she announced the news on her Instagram handle and unveiled her first look from the film.The official release date of the film is still awaited.She will also be seen in Mohanlals upcoming pan-India film Vrushabha. Apart from her, the film will also star, Mohanlal, Zahrah S Khan and Telugu actor Roshann Meka in the lead roles.'Vrushabha', directed by Nanda Kishore, goes on floors later this month and will be released simultaneously in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Hindi. The film is slated to release in 2024.

DirectorSanjay Puran Singh Chauhan spoke about the controversy surrounding his upcoming film '72 Hoorain'.The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday issued a statement denying reports that it had refused to issue a censor certificate to the trailer of '72 Hoorain' by National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan.Reports on the alleged denial of a censor certificate for the film's trailer sparked debates over creative freedom and censorship.However, the CBFC denied the reports in a statement saying, "Misleading reports are being circulated in certain sections of media that a film and its trailer titled "Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)" has been Refused certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)."Talking exclusively to ANI, Sanjay said, " When you produce a movie for the big screen, you want the movie trailer to be shown in theatres. The film trailer is not certified by the censor board. The censor board instructed you to make changes to the trailer on July 27 before it is released on August 28. How can someone expect the modifications to be made in such a short period of time when it is kind of a last-minute change?"He added, "Why is there an issue in the trailer? It is improper for a censor to ask for a last-minute change in the trailer. To make the movie, we have to overcome several obstacles.""Look, one thing that unites all conflicts is that the subject has been left hanging someplace. This film is making a serious statement. There is a lot of internal terrorism that has to be discussed." Sanjay said.He added, "There is a difference between 'a certificate we want to give' and 'a certificate we actually gave.' It takes a lot of days for to understand what cut you want while doing a movie and when next day the trailer is about to be released they want the changes.""I want people to comprehend the seriousness of the things that have been attempted to be shown in the movie. One of the major issues facing the globe is terrorism. It must be addressed and talked about.As you can see, individuals are making statements without having viewed the film. I want people to watch the movie first before deciding if it is right or wrong. The movie defines terrorism." Sanjay said.Earlier, the makers of the film digitally unveiled the official trailer of the film.Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the trailer and captioned it, "'72 HOORAIN' TRAILER OUT NOW... Team #72Hoorain - directed by #NationalAward winner #SanjayPuranSinghChauhan- launches the trailer of the film, which arrives in *cinemas* on 7 July 2023.'Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, it is slated to release on July 7.The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit. Earlier, the makers unveiled the teaser of the film in 10 languages.'72 Hoorain' stars Pavan Malhotra and Ameer Bashir in the lead roles.

CBFC) on Thursday issued a statement denying reports that it had refused to issue a censor certificate to the trailer of '72 Hoorain' by National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan.Reports on the alleged denial of a censor certificate for the film's trailer sparked debates over creative freedom and censorship. However, the CBFC denied the reports in a statement saying, "Misleading reports are being circulated in certain sections of media that a film and its trailer titled "Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)" has been Refused certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)."It added, "Contrary to the reports, CBFC states that the film 'Bahattar Hoorain (72 Hoorain)' was granted 'A' certification and the certificate was issued on 4-10-2019. Now, the trailer of said film is under due process which was applied to CBFCThe CBFC's responsibility is to ensure that films adhere to certain guidelines and classifications to safeguard audience sensibilities.The makers of the film, on Wednesday, digitally unveiled the official trailer of the film.Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the trailer, captioning, "'72 HOORAIN' TRAILER OUT NOW... Team #72Hoorain - directed by #NationalAward winner #SanjayPuranSinghChauhan- launches the trailer of the film, which arrives in *cinemas* on 7 July 2023."Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, the film is slated to release on July 7.The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit.Earlier, the makers unveiled the film's teaser in 10 languages.'72 Hoorain' stars Pavan Malhotra and Ameer Bashir in lead roles.

Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan spoke about the controversy surrounding his upcoming film '72 Hoorain'.The Central Board of Film Certification had rejected a censor certificate to National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan for the trailer of his upcoming movie '72 Hoorain.'Talking exclusively to ANI, Sanjay said, "You must have come to know from the trailer that the film is all about terrorism and the people who are associated with it. It's about the people who promote things like this, their language, their style. I am talking about terrorism. Why would I make a film to target someone? This is an expensive medium that is being used to represent your thoughts, so I don't think there is any reason for this or anyone should think like that."He also added, " We tried to release the trailer in theatres because there when people come to watch the film the count of the audience grows. But, that way is closed because you need a censor certificate for that. For the time being the movie will be pushed digitally. Its presence will be on social media only and this is the only way left.""I would like people to talk about it after watching it. Because before that supporting and trolling or boycotting is not fair. It will be more interesting for me to see what people react to after watching the film, rather than people who are already saying that I am targeting someone. You like it or dislike it but definitely watch it. If you talk about it after watching it, then it will be a deeper thing. It is not right to form an impression about the film just by his name, just by listening or talking.", Sanjay added.The makers of the film, on Wednesday, digitally unveiled the official trailer of the film.Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the trailer and captioned it, "'72 HOORAIN' TRAILER OUT NOW... Team #72Hoorain - directed by #NationalAward winner #SanjayPuranSinghChauhan- launches the trailer of the film, which arrives in *cinemas* on 7 July 2023.'Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, it is slated to release on July 7.The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit. Earlier, the makers unveiled the teaser of the film in 10 languages.'72 Hoorain' stars Pavan Malhotra and Ameer Bashir in the lead roles.

Ashoke Pandit spoke about the controversy surrounding his upcoming film '72 Hoorain'.The Central Board of Film Certification had rejected a censor certificate for the trailer for National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's film '72 Hoorain.'This ruling has stirred concerns about creative freedom and censorship in the film business.During the press conference, he said, "They (the Censor board) have asked us to remove some scenes and words from the trailer, but they have no objection to keeping those scenes in the film. We are questioning this contradiction. This film is not against any religion and is dealing with terrorism."Producer Gulab Singh Tanwar also added, "Films are a mirror of society. They have a significant impact on society. These films are reflections of society's genuine state and attempt to provide guidance. Sometimes topics arise in which a great deal of truth must be spoken. But there are instances when we are afraid to express the truth. We were up in India, where Pakistan is referred to as neighbouring country and Muslims are referred to as a minority. I'm not sure what society is terrified of. What sort of secularism is this, which comes in the middle of everything, this bothers me, I met Sanjay (Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan). Sanjay was prepping for this film when I met him, I felt like my wish came true.".Earlier the makers of '72 Hoorain' stated that they would seek assistance from higher authorities. They also spoke about requesting the I&B ministry to intervene in the case and question the CBFC's senior authorities.The trailer provides a dramatic insight into a riveting narrative of what happens in the dark world of terrorism and the intense brainwashing of terrorists.Helmed by two-time National Award winner Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, it is slated to release on July 7. The film is produced by Gulab Singh Tanwar, Kiran Dagar, and Anirudh Tanwar and is co-produced by Ashoke Pandit.

Shanaya Kapoor, on Sunday, posted some pictures with her 'favourites' Maheep Kapoor and Navya Nanda on social media. Taking to her Instagram handle, Shanaya shared pictures from a Diwali party where Shanaya can be seen wearing a white embroidered anarkali for the occasion, Navya donned a printed crop top and skirt set. The photos also showed the beautiful decorations at the Diwali party.As soon as she shared the pictures, Ananya took to the comments section and wrote, "I'm not there tho," while Akshay Marwah commented, "Looking amaze @maheepkapoor @shanayakapoor02."Shanaya is the daughter of Maheep Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor. She has a younger brother named Jahaan Kapoor. She is all set to make her acting debut with Karan Johar's 'Bedhadak', essaying the role of Nimrit.In the movie, she will be seen with Lakshya and Gurfateh Pirzada. In March 2022, she announced the news on her Instagram handle and unveiled her first look from the film.

Aparna Sen is an acclaimed and award-winning director. Coupled with powerhouse talents like Arjun Rampal and Konkona Sen Sharma, and you know that it is a film to watch out for. Such is the case with The Rapist, which marks the three of them coming together. The film premiered at the festival earlier this month and was met with rave reviews that have touted it as some of the finest work by Aparna, Arjun and Konkona and Tannay Dhanania. So much so that they won big, the film was given the Kim Ji-seok Award at the festival.Expressing his joy and gratitude on social media, Arjun stated that, Wooohooooo we won. There couldn't be better news for all of us this Dussehra. #TheRapist won The Kim Jiseok Award at the #busanfilmfestival A film that has so much to say and addressees them fearlessly. So so proud of our whole team. Thank you jury, for this acknowledgment. Thank you @rinasen1945gmail.com7 @applausesocial @quest.films @konkona @tanmaydhanania @sameern @segaldeepak @suchhandachatterjee @shubhashettyy @aninditaa_bose @kamera002 @garg.prasoon @chainanisunil @lordmeow @devnidhib #TheRapist #Winner @busanfilmfest #happydussehra.