Tuesday, August 10, 2010

[ItzToday.com] Priyanka Chopra: Educate your girls

[ItzToday.com] Priyanka Chopra: Educate your girls

Priyanka Chopra: Educate your girls

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 08:04 AM PDT

Unicef ambassador Priyanka ChopraBollywood actress Priyanka Chopra says affluent people often think higher education is not needed for their girls and as the brand ambassador for Unicef, her top priority will be educating young and underprivileged girls in slums and villages.

"I have been unofficially associated with Unicef since the last few years and I have been involved with certain activities. I went to slums to meet girls and to understand the grassroots problem.

"It is sad to see how many girls are subjected to work rather than being educated, be married rather than play and bear kids when they themselves are so young," Priyanka, who was officially named brand ambassador for Unicef Tuesday, told reporters here.

"Now, as the brand ambassador of Unicef, I can officially lend my voice to this cause of girl education. I am proud that my parents gave me the value and importance of education and of being self-made. They gave me the right to live and the freedom to be whatever I want, they gave me the power to dream and I hope every parent can do that," she added.

The 28-year-old, who worked worldwide for various causes when she won the Miss World title in 2000, pointed out that there are affluent Indians who feel higher studies are a waste for their girls.

"I live in Mumbai and move around in the most affluent circles. There you meet these people who think that no higher education is needed for their girls because they have to be married into a rich family anyway.

"But please, let your girls explore their potential and let them achieve their potential. If this is how the educated class will behave, why expect so much from the underprivileged," she said.

As the brand ambassador, Priyanka now plans to be readily involved in speaking to various families in rural cities and villages and hold lectures for them. She hopes her efforts may bring about a positive change.

"I am neither in the government, nor am I the president. I am just raising my voice as a celebrity. There are people who listen to me and get influenced. I use my popularity and star status for a good cause. And I will continue doing so even when I do not remain a star, because as a human being, these causes matter to me."

Akshay Kumar finalizes "Breakaway" lead

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 07:53 AM PDT

Akshay Kumar finalizes Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who is co-producing the Indo-Canadian film "Breakaway" on ice hockey, has roped in Vinay Virmani to play the lead.

The Canada-born actor, who attended the Lee Streesberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, will share screen space with Canadian actress Emily Van Camp in the film.

"Akshay is very excited about it since he's had a longstanding bond with Canada and is looking forward to working with the team on the film," a source close to the project said.

Robert Lieberman of "Mighty Ducks" fame will direct the film that will see Vinay as an ice hockey player who hails from the Canadian South Asian community.

Bollywood actress Kajol wants another daughter

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 02:04 AM PDT

Bollywood actress Kajol wants another daughterActress Kajol, who is expecting her second child, is not praying for a son. She says she is equally enthused by the idea of having another girl child in her family.

The actress has a daughter with actor husband Ajay Devgn.

"I'm just hoping for a healthy happy baby and a healthy happy momma to look after the baby. I've a wonderful daughter. How can I say no to another girl just like her? I don't believe I need a son to complete my family. My sister Tanissha and I made quite a complete family," said Kajol.

The 35-year-old, who made her debut with "Bekhudi" in 1992, gave hits like "Gupt" (1996) and "Dushman" (1998). She teamed up with her husband in box office successes like "Ishq" and "Pyaar To Hona Hi Thaa". But her maximum hits were with Shah Rukh Khan that includes blockbusters like "Baazigar"(1993), "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995), "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998) and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001).

For those who are hoping to see more of Kajol on screen after she becomes a mother a second time, there's disappointment in store. Kajol doesn't intend to increase her volume of work after motherhood.

"I've worked a lot. I enjoy doing just one-two films a year. I don't think I want to do more than that. I'm happy with my pace of work. If I do too many films people would get bored of me."

This year she was seen in "My Name Is Khan" and her next "We Are Family" is scheduled for a September release and she will also be seen with her husband in "Toonpoor Ka Super Hero".

Any plan of a comeback after motherhood?

"It all depends on how I feel after I have my baby. I refuse to take a decision here and now. It's my prerogative to do what I like. I firmly believe women should have babies when they can take care of them. As simple as that.

"I want my baby to arrive and I want to watch him or her grow. I took time to have a second baby because I wanted to have the time to give myself fully to motherhood. I refuse to miss out on the joy of watching my child grow for anything in the world," said the actress.

Kareena Kapoor top female endorser of 2010

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:46 AM PDT

Kareena Kapoor top female endorser of 2010Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is the leading woman endorser of the year, according to a report by AdEx India, a division of TAM Media Research.

Kareena had a 45 percent share of celebrity endorsements on television during 2010, says the report.

The actress has featured alongside three popular male celebrities - M.S. Dhoni, Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar. She currently endorses brands like Airtel, Kurkure, Sony Vaio and Gitanjali among others.

"Kareena has reached phenomenal heights. She had the maximum ad volumes of celebrity endorsement (FMCG brands) on TV during 2009 as well," said a source.

As far as movies are concerned, the actress has Karan Johar's "We Are Family", her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's home production "Agent Vinod" and "Golmaal" sequel.

"Peepli Live" giving Amir Khan sleepless nights

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:29 AM PDT

Already doing the rounds of different international film festivals "Peepli Live", which releases Friday, explores the gap between rural and urban India. The movie has generated the right buzz courtesy its storyline and producer Aamir Khan's promotional expertise.

Directed by debutante Anusha Rizvi, it is a satire on farmers' suicides and the subsequent media and political response in the country. The film doesn't boast of any big Bollywood names.

"It is a film on rural and urban divide. People like us who live in cities like Mumbai and Delhi should get to know a little about the realities of India. The film is based on that," Rizvi had told IANS.

Added Aamir: "Many things that the film is showing are very crucial and it is similar to my thinking and sensibility."

Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, this is the fourth film from Aamir Khan Productions Ltd. after "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India" (2001), "Taare Zameen Par"(2007) and "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na"(2008).

Known to lend his mind, body and soul to his ventures, the Bollywood perfectionist admits he's been losing sleep over the project.

"As Aug 13 gets closer, the butterflies in my stomach are really beginning to flutter around. Have lost my appetite and my sleep... I'm really depending on you guys (audiences) this time round for support. This is an especially tough one with no big stars and a film based in a rural background," he wrote on his blog.

Filmed in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi, the movie revolves around two impoverished farmers - Natha (Omkar Das Manikpuri) and Budhia (Raghubir Yadav), who live in a village called Peepli. They are about to lose their land due to debts when an incompetent politician suggests they commit suicide to get government help. The news spreads and the media turns Natha into a celebrity.

Noteworthy is that according to government statistics cited in the film, 182,000 farmers took their own lives between 1997 and 2007.

Many of the actors in the movie are tribals from the village of Bhadwai in Madhya Pradesh while other cast members are from late playwright Habib Tanvir's theatre troupe Naya Theatre. The film stars Naseeruddin Shah, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer, Vishal O. Sharma, Aamir Bashir, Sitaram Panchal and Yugal Kishore.

Also known for his promotional gimmicks, Aamir has taken the movie to different parts of the world through film festivals. It recently won the Best First Feature Film award at the 31st Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.

"Peepli Live" also competed in the Sundance Film Festival, the first film from India to do so. The movie was also picked up by specialty German distribution company Rapid Eye Movies for a special screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. It recently had its Melbourne premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival MIFF 2010 too.

Fusion-rock band Indian Ocean mark their comeback to Bollywood after six years with their compositions "Darte ho" and "Desh mera".

Aamir even broke into an impromptu gig with the band during the music launch of "Peepli Live" and took charge of the drums.

Bollywood stars to occupy TV

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:31 AM PDT

Bollywood stars to occupy TVCome October, and Bollywood icons will invade small screen. The festive season in October is usually a time when Bollywood bigwigs fight it out at the box office. But this year will be different, as no less than Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan will have television as their battleground.

The three actors will try to drive up TRPs (Television Rating Points) as hosts for three big shows that are expected to hit the small screen in October.

While Amitabh and Salman will be seen in Colors and Sony respectively, Akshay has shifted base to STAR Plus after being replaced by actress Priyanka Chopra for the third season of "Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi 3" on Colors.

Amitabh, who hosted "Bigg Boss 3" for Colors, is all set to host the fourth season of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", expected to go on air on Sony TV Oct 11, which also marks the megastar's birthday.

When asked about the small screen competition with 67-year-old Amitabh, Salman said: "There is no competition. We are two different personalities, we have different styles; so there is no comparison. I don't think I can host KBC the way he does."

"Kaun Banega Crorepati" is an Indian version of British show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". The first season in India, hosted by Amitabh, went on air in 2000 and proved to be an epochal show in the history ofn Indian television. He hosted the second season as well, but was replaced by superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the third season.

Meanwhile, Salman, who used to add spark to Sony's "Dus Ka Dum", has replaced Big B as the host of the reality show "Bigg Boss 4".

Big B is nonchalant about competition and is confident that Salman will do a good job on "Bigg Boss 4", a programme that shows how celebrities survive in a house for three months without any connection with the outside world.

"I am happy that they have taken Salman. I have seen him in his 'Dus Ka Dum' show and he was most innovative and fun. I am certain he will be very good on 'Bigg Boss' as well. The audience loves him as I am certain the inmates of the house will too," said Amitabh.

Akshay, who used to work as a chef in Bangkok before getting a break in Bollywood, will go back to his culinary instincts for "Master Chef India", a competitive cookery show.

Incidentally, all shows will hit the tube in October. But on the face of it competition is not bothering any of them.

As for Akshay's show, STAR India CEO Uday Shankar said: "Our objective is to put together an entertaining show and the effort is to be a one-stop shop for all creative urges. We don't believe in countering individuals no matter how big they are."

For Sanjay Gupta, COO, STAR Plus, the concept of "Master Chef India" is the star.

"What KBC did 10 years back by giving people the hope to be something in life by knowing just a few answers, 'Master Chef India' , in my view, might do the same.

"In this country, at least 50 out of 100 people can cook. We are throwing the stage open and saying...if you know how to cook, come and give an audition and you can be a superstar in this country. What can be bigger and better than this?" Gupta told IANS.

As the small screen prepares for battle royale, only TRPs will decide the winner.

Amitabh Bachchan: TV most challenging format

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:32 AM PDT

Amitabh Bachchan hosting KBCBollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is all set to host the fourth season of the popular game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) on Sony, says the small screen is not only the "most challenging format", it is a "lot tougher" as well.

"I have never minded exploring fresh avenues. I think it (TV) is a most challenging format and a lot tougher. Tougher because there are no set lines. Most of it is impromptu and on the spur of the moment. For people like me, who are accustomed to pre- written dialogues, it then does become challenging," said Big B who hosted "Bigg Boss" for Colors last year.

The new season of KBC is expected to go on air on Amitabh's birthday, which is on Oct 11.

"I believe the channel is considering the 11th (October). If it happens, yes it does become special. Birthdays are always special," he said.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You are back to another season of KBC. How does it feel to be again hosting a show you had left behind after the second season?

A: It feels good. I feel very nostalgic. Other than the channel changes, most of the crew is the same with Siddharth Basu and his team. It's good to be among familiar faces again.

Q: The show is starting on your birthday. Does that make it seem special?

A: The exact date has yet to be announced. I believe the channel is considering the 11th (October). If it happens yes it does become special. Birthdays are always special.

Q: How much do the changes in the format change your equation with the audience?

A: There are some changes in the show, which will be revealed once it starts its broadcast. However the basic format cannot undergo much alteration, that shall remain. But yes being able to reach out to the common man and to give him or her an opportunity which could be a life changing amount in winnings, is where the excitement lies. For the celeb shows, there is a challenging change and we hope that that will draw in many of them to come and play for a cause.

Q: Salman Khan has taken over "Bigg Boss" from you. What would your message to him be?

A: Yes, Colors had told me that they would be going for someone like him. I am happy that they have taken Salman. I have seen him in his "Dus ka Dum" show and he was most innovative and fun. I am certain he will be very good on "Bigg Boss" as well. The audience loves him as I am certain the inmates of the house will too.

Q: Television seems to be occupying the forefront of your commitments. Is that a conscious decision?

A: No it is not, but it is a facet of entertainment that artists get involved in. I have never minded exploring fresh avenues. I think it is a most challenging format and a lot tougher. Tougher because there are no set lines. Most of it is impromptu and on the spur of the moment. For people like me, who are accustomed to pre-written dialogues, it then does become challenging.

Q: You will also be taking time off to start a film - Puri Jagannath's "Bhuddha" this year? Would you be able to accommodate both television and movies without feeling burdened?

A: Yes, I would be able to. It's more a matter of scheduling than anything else. There will be gaps in the TV format for dates and that is when films could be accommodated.

Q: What would be the next film from your company AB Corp Ltd be?

A: There are a few projects that we are looking at. After the success of "Paa", AB Corp is being looked at with renewed interest. We would want that interest to continue.

Salman Khan's Twitter magic for Dabangg

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 01:33 AM PDT

Salman Khan's Twitter magic for DabanggPaul, the Octopus created a worldwide stir with his accurate predictions for the World Cup matches. In Bollywood, Salman Khan is building up a reputation for perfect prophecies about a movie's fate on the social networking site Twitter .

Ever since Salman joined Twitter, he has been regularly recommending one film or another. And the ones that he has so far recommended have all been successes. It started first with "Raajneeti". One of Salman's first tweets was in favour of the film, although he had not seen it. Prakash Jha's political thriller clicked at the box office.

Then came Salman's tweets on debutant Punit Malhotra's "I Hate Luv Storys". That too jelled with the audience. Lately, Salman has been gung-ho about another debutant Abhishek Sharma's "Tere Bin Laden" because its producer Pooja Shetty is a pal.

That too has been very well-received.

Brother Arbaaz is now sure the tweet-magic would work for their home production "Dabangg". Without informing Arbaaz, Salman has already started posting images and comments on "Dabangg" on the social networking site.

"If Salman's recommendations worked for three films so far, why not for us? We seem to have a resident soothsayer. And I plan to make maximum use of him," said Arbaaz.

He admits Salman has started his Twitter campaign for "Dabangg" a little prematurely.

"He has been going around taking pictures on the sets and putting them on Twitter. It shows his enthusiasm for the film. I am happy to have Salman on my side. 'Dabangg' is a very important release for Salman. He has no other release this year. We hope to use his time for him to visit non-metropolitan cities for promotion, since 'Dabangg' is set in a small north Indian town," he said.

As for his uninterrupted luck on Twitter Arbaaz laughs: "I think more producers need to have Salman on their side, if the industry is to have more hits."

Priyanka Chopra is India's green ambassador

Posted: 10 Aug 2010 12:57 AM PDT

Priyanka Chopra is India's green ambassadorBollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has agreed to be the national green ambassador to initiate eco-friendly campaigns in India, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh announced Monday.

"I have been talking to Priyanka about how she can be a part of environment friendly campaigns nationally and be involved with projects such as tiger conservation and river cleaning, especially the Ganga river. I have said that this would be like her public service," Ramesh said at a press conference here.

"She (Priyanka) has been very kind and has given her consent for it," he added.

The 28-year-old actress is currently the green ambassador for NDTV-Toyota's environment campaign Greenathon. She was also present at the event, which was organised to announce Green Awards which are aimed at encouraging and acknowledging people who contribute towards environment conservation.

Dressed in a burnt orange dress, Priyanka said: "I will be very happy to do so."

Also present were Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chief R.K. Pachauri, NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy and officials from Toyota.

Pachauri told Priyanka: "You must be a part of the national movement for river cleaning, so that one day we can swim in the Ganga without any pollution."

Priyanka said it was small efforts by individuals that go a long way in keeping the surroundings clean and green.

"I would never want that my children or grandchildren don't see forests or not go for picnics in gardens. People should not throw tissues and garbage on the streets. Small things do make a difference," she said.
Posted by Suresh at 7:11 PM

0 comments:

Post a Comment