Indian film fest in New York kicks off with 'Do Dooni Char'

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor

The 11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion with the US premiere of the Delhi-set comedy " Do Dooni Chaar," Disney's first live-action Hindi film.

The star-studded red carpet premiere Wednesday night at Manhattan's prestigious Paris Theatre, was attended by special guests Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Kapoor along with writer/director Habib Faisal.

Also attending the premiere were Pulitzer Prize winner author Siddhartha Mukherjee, Aparna Sen, Madhur Jaffrey, Aditya Bhattacharya, Ajay Naidu, Samrat Chakrabarti, Meetu Chilana, Rehana Mirza, Sarita Choudhury, Ami Sheth, Poorna Jagannathan, and many other actors and filmmakers whose films will play festival through closing night May 15.

Following the screening of "Do Dooni Chaar" was a discussion with Faisal and the Kapoors moderated by festival director Aseem Chhabra. A gala benefit dinner followed at the opulent Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South.

I'm open to being called directly: Bina Kak

Salman Khan at Bina Kak’s daughter’s pre-wedding ceremony

Jaipur is catching the fancy of filmmakers from across the globe for shooting. Picturesque forts and palaces, lakes, and havelis never fail to enchant with its amazing scenic beauty and attractions.

No wonder the shooting scenario in the Pink City, as it is popularly known as, has given a new dimension to the state economy, especially in the last three years. We spoke to Bina Kak, minister for tourism, art and culture on how the city, with its rich culture, architecture and picturesque locations, has always attracted filmmakers from all over the world. And how the trend, in the last three years, especially, has ensured revenue benefits. Not only that, for many stars and filmmakers, it's the bond that they share with this affable lady that brings them back.

"Shooting is not a new thing for Jaipur, but the growing trend in last couple of years has definitely provided a boost to Jaipur's tourism, has made it a must visit destination not only for the filmmakers, Bollywood as well as Hollywood, but also visitors," says Kak, who herself is an actor who has displayed her acting skills in a number of Bollywood films.

"The culturally rich backdrop of Jaipur has always fascinated national and international filmmakers. That apart, the state exudes hospitality and warmth for film crews. And we are proud to say that our Pink City is gearing up to handle further growth in this phenomenon. Even Hollywood has not missed the exotic locations of the city," says Kak. "We are ready to provide every possible facility to the cast and crew so that they can expand their base in the state," assures Kak, while appreciating the role played by Hindi films in making Jaipur a major tourist spot. She is also working at providing a one-window system for getting various department clearances related to film-shooting permissions at the state-owned monuments. "We have appointed an official who takes care of all their needs, including seeking administrative sanctions for using their cameras in any part of the state. If they want to shoot in traffic, or in a monument, we are ready to help them."

The new move will make it a smooth affair for the filmmakers to come and shoot their films in the city. The tourism department is willing to serve as a nodal agency to serve the purpose. Adds Kak, "Filmmakers who know me personally, thanks to my association with the industry, have also been approaching me for shoots. I am also open to calls directly."
Boost to ancillary industries...

Be it the IPL or Hollywood or Bollywood movies being shot here, it will help promote the city. "We want more and more such activities as there are lot of opportunities in this sector. And realising this, special efforts are being made to make it a regular feature of the city with the help of Film City project. Shooting scenario in the city has tremendously promoted ancillary industries like costume, jewellery, set making and many others in the city. Be it a carpenter, or a spot boy or artistes from the state, everybody gets a bigger platform in terms of monetary gains as well as to use it as a launchpad. It is not only to show off their creative skills but also to help generate additional revenue and provide employment," says Kak.

IIFA to hold Raj Kapoor film festival

Mumbai, March 4 – The 12th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend, to be held in Toronto this year, will organise a Raj Kapoor retrospect.
 

“I have been part of IIFA since 12 years now and for the last four years I have been performing consecutively. But this year is going to be more special to me because Wizcraft and IIFA are having a Raj Kapoor retrospect,” Kareena, grand-daughter of Raj Kapoor, told reporters here Friday.

“It’s going to be very special and emotional. I’m very excited about that than anything else because Raj Kapoor was not only my grandfather but a man, who defined Hindi cinema,” she added.

The IIFA weekend will be held across the cities of Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga and Markham in the Greater Toronto Area from June 23-25.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who is also the advisory board member of IIFA, said the retrospect will be held in association with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“TIFF is a great platform that has supported Hollywood and world cinema for many years. Recently, its association with Hindi cinema has been tremendous and now it brings the golden era man Raj Kapoor on the surface of the Hollywood industry. It’s a great idea which is supported by IIFA,” said Karan.

Apart from this, the three-day show will feature world premiere of a select films, an awards gala, a fashion show and other interactive events.

Asha Bhosle makes acting debut with ‘Maaee’

Mumbai, March 2 – After singing for decades, legendary Asha Bhosle is finally making her acting debut with “Maaee” about a woman abandoned by her only son.

“The moment this story was narrated to me, I connected so very strongly with it as a mother and a human being even though it was so far removed from my own life and experience. I knew then and there that there was no way I could let the opportunity to essay this character pass me by,” Asha, 77, said in a statement. 

“Maaee” shows what happens when a woman is abandoned by her only son and then goes to live with her daughter and son-in-law. It stars Padmini Kolhapure as her daughter.

The film, to be made in Hindi, is being produced by Nitin Shankar and directed by debutant director Mahesh Kodiyal. It goes on floor in April this year and will be shot entirely in Mumbai.