Indian Ocean

New Delhi [India], April 17 : With dreams in their hearts, every year, thousands of people come to Mumbai to make it big in the film industry. However, not all can manage to find success. Around three decades ago, a fresh-faced young actor named Manoj Bajpayee travelled to the so-called "City of Dreams" to make a name for himself, and with his sheer hard work, he undoubtedly set an example of how an outsider can survive in the industry despite various challenges.Manoj Bajpayee, who got a major break in films with 'Satya', has now 100 movies in his filmography. Working in more than 100 movies clearly shows the longevity of the veteran actor's career.In a recent interview with ANI, Manoj reflected on his journey in the Indian film industry, which he described as "cut-throat" and "unpredictable"."You know, I did not tell my parents and friends that I got Satya until the film's release date was locked because I did not want to jinx it. Earlier, it used to be unpredictable...they would sign you and then they would not do it...sometimes films would also get shelved. So I did not tell them till the release was planned. Satya became a super duper hit...I feel it's a very unpredictable and cut-throat industry...No journey is fought alone...it is fought with the help of a lot of people. At the end of the day, destiny plays a very big part," he expressed.Manoj also talked about how the industry has changed over the years, highlighting the representation of women in the film business."It feels like I just travelled yesterday...our industry is very tough because it is a small industry. Everyone knows everyone...everyone is vying for that one role...it has gone through so many changes. Now it's digital...sets have been changed...there's such a great presence of women on sets now. Earlier, there used to be hairdressers or heroines only...Now people get bound scripts; when I started, there was only narration and had to go by the words of the directors," he said. Speaking of Manoj's latest work projects, he is currently being lauded for his power-packed performance as ACP Avinash in 'Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout', which is the sequel to Silence... Can You Hear It? (I could not), the 2021 crime thriller. On how to make a franchise successful, Manoj said, "Whenever you are doing a franchise, it's really important for actors to go back and watch it all over again, revisit it....then you will get to know what are the things that you have to retain and what are the things that you should take out and then add more new things. A little bit of work is always required...By doing this, you are helping the director." Streaming on ZEE 5, the film also stars Prachi Desai, Sahil Vaid and Parul Gulati. Aban Bharucha Deohans has directed it.

Vashu Bhagnani's words efficiently sum up his dream of leaving a global footprint of the illustrious Indian cinema with his film studio in the UK.Touted as "one-stop-shop", Bhagnani's Pooja Studios emerged as one of the most film-friendly shooting hubs lately. Built over three years ago in the UK, the studio is spread over a large area in the UK's Luton. It is just "36 miles from London."The studio has enabled the shoot for Akshay Kumar-starrers 'Bellbottom' and 'Mission Raniganj', Rakul Preet Singh's 'Cuttputlli' and Ajay Devgn's latest 'Shaitaan' so far. Speaking to ANI, Bhagnani opened up about his studio in detail." I am a dreamer. At the age of 57, I decided that I would go to London and set up a studio there. Not many people know that I have a studio in the UK. Movies like Bellbottom, Mission Raniganj were filmed at my studio. All coal mine scenes in Raniganj were shot at Pooja Studios. In fact, the scenes portrayed as Dubai and Pakistan in Bellbottom were actually shot at our studio in UK. Almost 80 per cent of Shaitaan was shot there...the big farmhouse which you saw in Shaitaan was created at my studio only," he shared." Over 400 people from India travelled to UK for the shoot of 'Ganapath' and 'Raniganj'. Also, one of my main reasons for establishing this studio was to create jobs for my Indian people and make them explore the world... It's my dream to be a good developer as well," he added.Bhagnani also explained what made him establish the film studio abroad." In India, we sometimes face security issues as people come in large numbers on sets ... so it becomes difficult for us to shoot," he said, emphasising he is a true blue Indian and is aiming to make Indian cinema reach different parts of the world."I would be lying if I say I am not getting monetary benefits from this studio but my utmost priority is to help my fellow colleagues in the Indian film industry by providing them with a studio which has all the facilities. From best equipment to spacious area and food, the studio has everything. I have put my heart and soul in establishing this studio. It is like a one-stop shop. Come inside you will get everything...1947 se phle Britishers humare yaha aaye the aur ab mujhe unke yaha is studio ke zariye ek Hindustan UK mein banana hai," Bhagnani said.However, it was not easy for the 'Coolie No. 1' producer to create his studio on the foreign soil."Filmmaking is not an easy business. We all have to take risks...From trucks, bikes to little little equipment, we transported everything from India to there...It's a pain but we did it. I am working in the UK but for India only," Bhagnani added.Bhagnani's passion for cinema knows no bounds. His studio is relatively new but has managed to find a strong foothold in the filmmaking business. In the coming months, Shahid Kapoor's Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues will also go on floors there."This year we will also start shooting for Shahid's Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues at our Pooja Studios .. maybe in May or June," Bhagnani revealed. Several scenes of Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-starrer upcoming film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' have been shot at Bhagnani's UK studio.

Avantika Vandanapu, who is receiving appreciation for her performance in 'Big Girls Don't Cry', shared her aspiration to be part of Indian cinema, stating she has grown up watching films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' and 'Veer Zaara'.Avantika has made her mark in several Hollywood projects, including 'Mean Girls', 'Spin', and 'Senior Years', among others.Reflecting on her journey, Avantika shared, "It's truly surreal to come full circle and return to India, from my roots as a child actor to now leading a Hindi series like 'Big Girls Don't Cry'. This homecoming feels like a dream come true. Since my childhood I have been watching Yash Chopra films like Chandni, Veer Zaara, DDLJ, Darr etc and fell in love with Indian cinema and developed that desire to work in Bollywood films. I love the color, emotions and cheerful Indian movies and cannot wait to be a part of them."'Big Girls Don't Cry', a coming-of-age school drama set against the backdrop of a fictionalised all-girls boarding school.In 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' Avantika portrays Leah Joseph, one of the lead characters, in a series created by Nitya Mehra and directed by a team including Sudhanshu Saria, Karan Kapadia, and Kopal Naithani. The women-led ensemble cast features Aneet Padda, Dalai, Vidushi, Lhakyila, Afrah Sayed and Akshita Sood, Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain in pivotal roles, along with Mukul Chadda.'Big Girls Don't Cry' is streaming on OTT platform from March 14.

Rana Daggubati is all set to come up with an exciting and curiosity-piquing talk show featuring his friends and contemporaries from Indian cinema. The announcement was disclosed at a Prime Video event in Mumbai on Tuesday in the presence of the show's team.The show is titled 'The Rana Connection.'Taking to Instagram, Prime Video shared the news with fans and captioned the post, "An exciting and curiosity-piquing talk show hosted by celebrated actor Rana Daggubati, featuring his friends and contemporaries from Indian cinema. #TheRanaConnectionOnPrime #AreYouReady #PrimeVideoPresents."Rajeev Ranjan and Prashanth Potluri serve as producers on 'The Rana Connection'.Rana Daggubati is a renowned name in the Telugu cinema industry. Daggubati is one of the most versatile artists, having worn numerous hats and performed all roles admirably over the years. He is not only known as an actor, but also as a producer and entrepreneur.He got international recognition with his role of Bhallaladeva in 'Baahubali: The Beginning' (2015) and 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' (2017).Meanwhile, Rana will be seen in Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavelraja.Speaking of 'Vettaiyan', the film also features legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, with Fahadh Faasil, Dushara Vijayan, and Ritika Singh. The film will be released in the latter part of 2024Anirudh Ravichander, who worked with Rajinikanth in Jailer, with Vijay in Leo, and most recently with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, has also joined the team as the film's music director.

Rihanna and actor Janhvi Kapoor shared 'thumkas' on the latter's song 'Zingaat' at the pre-wedding bash of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant on Friday.The Bollywood actor posted a video of Rihanna dancing with her to the beats of the track from the fim 'Dhadak.' They were surrounded by other guests at the event.Sharing the video, Jhanvi wrote, "This woman is a goddess. Stop it goodbye."In her first visit to India, Rihanna, donning a fluorescent glittering bodycon ensemble topped with a flowing gown performed a medeley of her hits including "We Found Love" "Work", "Wild Thoughts", "Birthday Cake", "Pour It Up" and "Pose".Intrestingly, she performed barefoot, something that did not go unnoticed by fans on social mediaAhead of her performance, the "Diamonds" star She said she was happy to be a part of such a significant occasion and wished Anant and Radhika a blessed future together.In the video, Janhvi can be seen teaching Rihanna how to ace 'thumkas' with the Barbadian singer following her lead.As soon as the video was shared, fans chimed in the comment section.While one user wrote, "Janhvi Kapoor making Rihanna dance on Zingaat !!! ICONIC." another commented, "Moment."In the viral videos, Rihanna can also be seen interacting with the guests at the event while performing on the stage.The singer was seen belting out some of her all-time hits including 'Rude Boy', 'Pour it Up', 'Diamonds', 'Wild Things', among others.At the end of her performance she put on a pink cap and was joined by the Ambani family on stage. The three-day pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant began on Friday in Jamnagar.Guests from all around the world are in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani's youngest son, Anant.From Bollywood celebs like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor to famous sports personalities like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, who's who from different fields arrived to attend the three-day lavish celebrations.The guests are still making their way to attend the wedding festivities.

World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.In an interactive session with journalist Richard Quest, SRK opened about his decades-long journey in Indian cinema. He also talked about his interest in Hollywood films.Asked why he hasn't crossed over to the West yet, Shah Rukh said, "I've said this honestly, but nobody believes me. Nobody has offered me any crossover work of substance. I may have had conversations with people. I know lots of lovely people from the West, from the English film industry, from the American film industry, but nobody has offered me any work. I hear actors talk about wanting to cross over, but I still have to learn to deliver to the audience that likes me, instead of spreading myself too thin. So, really, I've never been offered a film in Hollywood or England."However, SRK admitted that he was offered a role in Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning film, 'Slumdog Millionaire', which he had refused. "Yes, Slumdog was there, and I spent a lot of time with Mr Boyle. He was very sweet. But I was doing Who Wants to be a Millionaire on television, but I just felt that in the story being told, the guy who was hosting was very mean. The guys who were producing the show wanted me to do the film. But the character was cheating and being dishonest as the host, I found that very strange, and I explained to Mr Boyle that I wouldn't like to do it, please, and there are way better actors than me. Mr Anil Kapoor did it, and he was fantastic as the hos," SRK shared.SRK also spoke about how he would have loved to play the iconic British secret agent, James Bond, but cannot.SRK quipped, "I am James Bond," when asked about his name, and humorously added, "I really wanted to [play Bond], but I think I am too short... But I am brown enough to play the Bond baddie."SRK, in 2023, made a grand comeback and let his work silence the detractors.SRK returned to the silver screen with Siddharth Anand's 'Pathaan' in January. In the film, SRK donned an action avatar and left everyone in awe.The film broke several records at the box office and managed to grab a name in the list of one of the highest-grossing films in the Indian film industry.Remember the clamorous death knell tolling for the Hindi film industry all through 2021 and 2022? His film literally ended Bollywood's dry spell at the box office.'Pathaan' will always remain special for SRK and his fans as the film marked SRK's first hit after his sabbatical of four years post delivering a series of duds like 'Zero' and 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'.After 'Pathaan', King Khan returned to theatres in September with Atlee's directorial 'Jawan'.The film once again saw SRK in an action avatar. Like 'Pathaan', 'Jawan' also managed to strike a chord with the audience. The film collected over Rs 1000 cr. at the worldwide box office.Needless to say, SRK has had a phenomenal year.SRK did not stop here.On December 21, he came up with his first-ever collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani.Titled 'Dunki', the film focuses on the issue of immigration. Its title is taken from the term "donkey journey", which refers to the long-winding, often dangerous routes that people across the world take to reach the places they want to immigrate to. However, the film received mixed reviews from the audience. It did decent business at box office.

Riddhima Kapoor and Bharat Sahni celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary on Thursday, actor Neetu Kapoor had a sweet message congratulating the pair.Taking to Instagram, Neetu shared a cute dancing video of Riddhima and Bharat.The duo can be seen dancing their way to another year of togetherness.Sharing the video, she wrote, "My loves happy 18 years my world is so beautiful with both of you @riddhimakapoorsahniofficial @brat.man."As soon as the video was shared, fans and industry members chimed in the comment section.Riddhima commented, "We love you most est."Soni Razdan wrote, "Awwww Happy Anniversary to you beautiful people."Karisma Kapoor dropped heart emojis.Riddhima met Bharat while studying in London and got married in 2006, four years after being together.Riddhima is a renowned jewellery designer and Bharat is a well-established businessman. they have a 11-year-old daughter Samara.To wish her husband on this special day, Riddhima shared the same dancing video and captioned it, "Happy 18 years to us" May you forever dance to my tune. (apna version) Love you so much."Meanwhile, on the work front, Neetu was last seen in 'Jug Jugg Jeeyo', co-starring alongside Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani.She will be next seen in the film 'Letters To Mr Khanna' with Sunny Kaushal and Shraddha Srinath.Directed by Milind Dhaimade, the film is touted as a "coming-of-age story" which will capture the beautiful and relatable relationship between a mother and her son. It is being made under Lionsgate India Studios.Using comedy as its main premise, the film delves into the integral fabric of families, communication, and memories, as well as their role in forcing us to grow up.The official release date of the film is still awaited.

The film's first show in India is at 5.55 am at Mumbai's iconic single-screen theatre, Gaiety Galaxy, and fans have ensured that the opening of SRK's latest release is nothing short of a celebration.Several videos and pictures from this massive celebration by SRK fans went viral on social media.In videos shared by Shah Rukh's fan clubs, a massive crowd of people can be seen dancing to the beats of dhol and burning fireworks to kick off Dunki's release.A big cutout of SRK was also spotted at the venue.Overwhelmed with the fans' love and excitement for the movie, Shah Rukh took to X and wrote, "Thank u guys and girls have a good show and hope u all get entertained by #Dunki."Thank u guys and girls have a good show and hope u all get entertained by #Dunki. Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 21, 2023Shah Rukh Khan is one such actor who never misses a chance to inspire fans with his witty and interesting comments.In his trademark style, SRK asked his adoring fans to go and watch the movie first.A post on his official handle on X read, "Arre ab picture dekhne toh jao ya bahar hi kushti karte rahoge. Go in see the movie and tell me if u all enjoyed it. #Dunki."Arre ab picture dekhne toh jao ya bahar hi kushti karte rahoge. Go in see the movie and tell me if u all enjoyed it. #Dunki Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 21, 2023'Dunki' is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and also stars Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani.SRK and Rajkumar Hirani on Tuesday promoted their film in Dubai in a grand way..Videos of the evening have surfaced on the actor's fan clubs on social media where he is seen recreating his signature pose with his arms stretched out in the air during the drone show at Dubai's Burj Khalifa.Dunki has been co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon. It is a heartwarming tale of four friends Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli who dream of settling down in London for a better life but have to take undertake an arduous yet life-changing journey to reach their goal.At one of the events in Dubai, SRK described 'Dunki' as his best film."So when I made Jawan, I thought I made a film for boys and girls but I didn't make anything for myself, then I made Dunki. So this is my film. This film is very close to my heart. When I was doing Pathaan, many people who write about films, those who apparently know about films more than the filmmakers, were saying what kind of roles I was doing, so I really felt that I should do films that come from my heart and this includes all the films that I did this year. I started the year with Pathaan, which was always ladies first, and I want to end the year with a film for myself. So, please watch Dunki on December 21. Everyone will find something in the film that will touch their heart. The film will make you laugh also," he said.The film marks SRK's first collaboration with Hirani and Taapsee.

Goa) [India], November 27 : American actor and film producer Michael Douglas shared his happiness in visiting India and said that it is always a "pleasure" to be here and added that India has a big history of cinema.While talking to the media at the International Film Festival of India in Goa, he said, "It is always a pleasure visiting India but this is my first time in the south. Cinema brings the world together and you have a big history of cinema in India."Further sharing about the festival and its importance, he added, "The festival is ending tomorrow. We are here at the end of the festival but I think it is so exciting. It is an international festival. You have over 78 countries represented here."Douglas also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in the field of film production and finance. On speaking about the relevance of the festival and PM Modi's leadership skills, he said, "I also think this is more and more the sort of spirit, and the beauty of this festival are you had 78 foreign countries represented and it's only a reflection of the strength of your Indian filming, which is renowned and known around the world. I think you're in very good hands I think it's beginning to."He also praised Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur for his efforts.Talking to the media, he said, "As I mentioned I do think that under minister Anurag Thakur as well as Prime minister Modi the last few years we've seen more money put into the production and financing of films, it's been a very successful time."He also said that the movies unite people irrespective of race, religion and gender."I mean with all the different languages we speak movies share the same language, audiences from wherever you are in the world can understand what's going on, movies bring us closer together and I think that's a very important aspect of it," he shared on the role of movies in bringing different cultures together.Douglas also talked about the way the Indian film industry is making its mark at the international level and also appreciated the music of 'RRR' and called it "spectacular" as its song 'Naatu Naatu' won an Oscar this year.While interacting with the media at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, he said, "It was spectacular, I mean bravo won the Oscar for the music but it was stunning. It deserves everything it gets and I think that it's a wonderful time for the film industry here to get the confidence."He shared further while praising the movie and said that this kind of achievement gives confidence to the filmmakers to make good movies. "It was a big-budget movie for any movie and I think it gives you more confidence to try to make good films."He also thanked IFFI, saying, "Since we're just leaving right now, let me just thank the IFFI."Veteran actor Michael Douglas on being conferred with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the International Film Festival of India said, " I am honoured to recieve Satyajit Ray's Excellence in Film Lifetime Award International Indian Film Festival in Goa."The 79-year-old actor has won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award.His first TV break came with 'The Experiment,' a CBS Playhouse special in 1969, and it was the only time he was billed as 'M.K. Douglas.' His first notable role was in the television series 'The Streets of San Francisco,' in which he co-starred with Karl Malden.Other successful films he appeared in included 'Falling Down,' 'The American President,' 'The Ghost and the Darkness,' 'The Game,' 'A Perfect Murder,' and many more.

American actor and film producer Michael Douglas talked about the way the Indian film industry is making its mark at the international level and also appreciated the music of 'RRR' and called it "spectacular" as its song 'Naatu Naatu' won an Oscar this year.While interacting with the media at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, he said, "It was spectacular, I mean bravo won the Oscar for the music but it was stunning. It deserves everything it gets and I think that it's a wonderful time for the film industry here to get the confidence."He shared further while praising the movie and said that this kind of achievement gives confidence to the filmmakers to make good movies."It was a big-budget movie for any movie and I think it gives you more confidence to try to make good films."He also thanked IFFI, saying, "Since we're just leaving right now, let me just thank the IFFI."Douglas also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in the field of film production and finance.He added, "As I mentioned I do think that under minister Anurag Thakur as well as Prime minister Modi the last few years we've seen more money put into the production and financing of films, it's been a very successful time."