Karnataka Govt Extends Security To Deepika Padukone
The row over Padmavati’s release refuses to die down, with opposition mounting by the day. From threatening to cut off actress Deepika Padukone’s nose to offering bounties worth crores for the heads of the actress and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the row continues with the makers forced to postpone the release date.
Karnataka government have reportedly extended security to Deepika’s family in Bengaluru and agreed to allow the screening of the movie provided the censor board clears it. Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah even spoke to Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohara Lal Khattar with respect to the threats made against the actress. State home minister Ramalinga Reddy also reportedly said that the state will provide special security to the actress whenever she visits.
Actor Kamal Haasan, who is speculated to be making his political debut soon, said that he wants Deepika’s head ‘saved’, criticising all those who oppose the film.
I wantMs.Deepika’s head.. saved. Respect it more than her body.Even more her freedom. Do not deny her that.Many communities have apposed my films.Extremism in any debate is deplorable. Wake up cerebral India.Time to think. We’ve said enough. Listen Ma Bharat
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 20, 2017
On the other hand, CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi said that the censor board is trying to come up with a ‘balanced decision’ on the Padmavati row.
Joshi said the board asks for 68 days for the certification process of a film so that they have enough time if a situation like Padmavati comes up.
“We need to understand that the CBFC must take a balanced decision. This situation was not created by the CBFC. It had nothing to do with the protests on the roads. You show the film to media houses and get reviews done but you want CBFC to deliver a fair and well-thought out decision?” he told PTI News.
Nandi Awards Row: AP Minister Responds To Criticism
Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Information Technology, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Nara Lokesh lashed out at critics of the recently concluded Nandi Awards, saying that such criticism was coming from non-resident Andhras.
The awards were announced based on recommendations of the jury. Critics alleged that the ruling party influenced the jury members and gave away Nandi awards to a few undeserving actors and movies for the year 2014.
The Times of India quoted the minister as saying that most leaders opposing the awards have no stake in AP. “Those who are sitting in Hyderabad are criticising state government. Some leaders, who come by flight in morning hold a protest and go back to their places by evening. They have no stakes in state.”
Varun Dhawan Replaces Salman Khan In Remo D’Souza’s Film
Actor Varun Dhawan has reportedly replaced Salman Khan in choreographer-turned-director’s dance film. According to Deccan Chronicle, the film is about a single father who learns how to dance in order to join his nine- year-old daughter for a dance competition.
Dhawan is likely to take up the film and begin shooting soon after he completes October, his project with Shoojit Sircar. Salman Khan, meanwhile, has signed for Race 3.
Shah Rukh Khan Opens IFFI, Says Storytelling Should Bind People Together
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan opened the 48th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) that was held on Monday in Goa. In his open speech, the actor spoke of how storytelling binds people together, about India’s rich cultural stories, and on filmmakers and their hardship.
“I truly believe films are made with the collaboration of hundreds of people coming together, working relentlessly for an idea they believe in, they love and want to share it with the world. This idea becomes the film that we all watch and sometimes we feel very happy watching it, sometimes we dance along with the film, at other times we get angry, disturbed or agitated, and that exactly is the magic of storytelling. The magic that has the power to touch all our senses, and in doing so, actually binding us together. The essence of storytelling is incomplete if there is no story-listener. I believe storytellers and story-listeners are, or should be like a family. There is a word in Sanskrit ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, it means bringing the world together like a family,” he said.
Recommended
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar were also part of the event. Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the event, while Canadian director Atom Egoyan will receive Lifetime Achievement Award.
Around 195 films from across 82 countries will be screened, including 10 world premieres, 10 Asian and international premieres and over 64 Indian premiers. Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s new film Beyond The Clouds opened the IFFI.
Sallu Ki Shaadi‘s Trailer Out
Filmmaker Mohammad Israr Ansari’s film Sallu Ki Shaadi is a tribute to the Bollywood actor. The film’s trailer was released, with the tagline: “Until Salman Khan gets married, I won’t get married.”
The film stars newcomer Arshin Mehta, Zeenat Aman, Kiran Kumar and Ravi Pandey, and is slated to release on December 8.