Producer Neeraj Pandey unhappy with Rustom criticisms

September 9, 2016, 9:31 pm

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Detailing slip-ups in Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Rustom' still 'irk' the producer Neeraj Pandey
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; September 9, 2016)

Akshay Kumar's Independence Day outing, 'Rustom', may still be running in theatres, but a tinge of regret lines the producer's joy. When the thriller, based on the infamous 1959 Nanavati case, hit theatres, critics were unforgiving of the glaring loopholes. Some also pointed out that the film lacked the 'Neeraj Pandey flair', although he'd only produced it.

Ask Neeraj about it and he says, "The fact is that Tinu Suresh Desai (Rustom's director) worked hard on the film. I was not happy with the detailing in so many ways, because with the kind of movies that we make, Shital (Bhatia, production partner) and I are careful to not get basic facts wrong. That's why we had on board an ex-Navy officer (Vipul K Rawal), who is the writer of the film as well, to look at these kinds of details. But somewhere it (the detailing) slipped. That irks me."

Neeraj, who is now lending finishing touches to his upcoming biopic, M S Dhoni - The Untold Story, as director also doesn't want to make much of Rustom's BO battle with Hrithik Roshan's Mohenjo Daro. "That wasn't the first or the last time that two films had clashed (in theatres). So, I don't think too much about who wins. We are just having fun and trying to do good work," he adds.

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Day 1: Baar Baar Dekho collects 6.75 cr; Freaky Ali 1.75 cr

September 10, 2016, 1:30 am

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Box Office India Trade Network

BAAR BAAR DEKHO had a low first day of around 6.75 crore nett. The opening was decent at select multiplexes of the large metros but the other areas did not really pick up to give it a decent first day total. The film was best in Delhi NCR followed by Mumbai city but that is expected. There was a bandh in Bangalore which would have been one of the better cities for the film and so that would have hit the film for around 5%. The better collections in Delhi and Punjab have come due to the hit song Kala Chashma while in other areas its not really pushed the film as you have a hit song on one side but the theatrical did not offer the content which would appeal in Central, Western and Eastern India.

It will be about that big growth on Saturday and it will have to come outside the metros also as the film has a high acquisition price for this sort of content. So just the metros won't be enough. The first day business of the film is in the same region of KAPOOR & SONS which also had Sidharth Malhotra but the cost of that film was much lower

FREAKY ALI fared poorly on day with business of 1.75 crore nett apprx. The film had no face value and no music and even the promotion was hardly there but that you can get away with if the content is there for a film of this type. Now it will be about the content and if growth of 50% can come on the second day it will have a fighting chance as to recover the cost of its domestic theatrical  rights.

EK KAHANI JULIE KI was a washout as its collections on day one could not even hit 10 lakhs nett..

Akira crashes; Happy Bhag Jayegi & Rustom heavily affected

September 10, 2016, 1:35 am

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Box Office India Trade Network

AKIRA crashed on its eighth day to add to the flop list of 2016. This was on the cards as occupancy was so low on the weekdays but still it could have worked its way to around 30 crore nett but that is impossible now after the huge crash. The drop in collections is in the 90-95% range on the eighth day and the collections will in the 30 lakh nett range. The final Mumbai number can take it a bit higher but a few lakhs will not change the scenario. The film will stay below JAI GANGAAJAL and just about edge past SARBJIT but that film had better holds because of its North India business.

The Hollywood release DON'T BREATHE has also taken a hit in collections in the second week as it has fallen 60% from day one and those were low levels. The plus for this film is that it has occupancy than last week as the screens have been reduced. The film grossed around 25 lakhs nett taking its total to around 5.50 crore nett.

The new releases BAAR BAAR DEKHO and FREAKY ALI may not have made much impact on day one but they have stopped the run of HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI and RUSTOM. HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI may get up to around to 10 lakh nett on its fourth Friday while RUSTOM will be a couple of lakhs which means it will end at around 125 crore nett.

Shoojit Sircar to remake Satyajit Ray's Feluda series

September 10, 2016, 1:37 am

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Shoojit Sircar hopes to remake Satyajit Ray’s Feluda series in Hindi. The director, who is confident the Feluda series has all the trappings of a franchise formula, is trying to acquire rights to 'Sonar Kella'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 10, 2016)

For someone whose office walls are covered with original posters of Satyajit Ray’s classic films — Pather Panchali (1955) and Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969) — the influence of the maverick filmmaker’s craft is inevitable. “From Ray, we descend,” says Shoojit Sircar as he announces that his long-standing dream of making Feluda in Hindi could soon be a reality.

“I have wanted to make Sonar Kella in Hindi. I am trying to acquire the rights to the movie. But, I am still not 100 per cent confident if I can make Feluda appeal to a national level audience, but I am certainly toying with the idea. Feluda has all the trappings of a franchise formula and it might just work, if made well.”

About his undying love for Ray’s films, Shoojit adds, “In terms of filmmaking, we haven’t been able to touch Ray till date. Without technical support, the man attained much more 50 years ago than we do today. We aren’t anywhere close to his genius. He is the only world-standard filmmaker India has ever produced.”

But, he does not confirm whether this will be his next film. He says he is reading a lot of scripts although he is yet to zero in on one. “I have the film, 1911, which is still being written. I don’t want to announce anything till I am certain. I am not one of those filmmakers who say they are making something and the film never happens. An announcement will be made when the script is confirmed and actors are cast,” he says.


Who is Feluda?
Written by Satyajit Ray, Feluda first appeared in 1965 in a Bengali magazine, Sandesh. The man was desi Sherlock Holmes with two Watsons, namely his cousin Topshe and novelist Jatayu. Sonar Kella, which starred Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee as the titular character, went on to win four National Awards in 1974.

FENIL’S HALF YEARLY AWARDS 2016

September 10, 2016, 2:13 am

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After the super-successful Half-Yearly Awards 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, we are back this year with the eighth edition! All those who came late, here’s a brief idea of this concept: through this initiative, we’ll take into account all the films that released in the first 6 months of the year (Jan to June). 2 reasons for doing this – one, during the awards season, films released throughout the year are considered and hence due to the huge number of movies, many interesting and deserving films get left out (at times, deliberately). And secondly, people are losing trust from the so-called awards and are increasingly seen as rigged. However, FENIL’S HALF YEARLY AWARDS gives you a chance to vote for your favourites and give them the appreciation and honour which they rightfully deserve!

A jury of 5 die hard movie buffs - Shalu Dhyani, Akashdeep Saxena, Himesh Mankad, Shakun R Narang, and yours truly Fenil Seta have decided upon the nominations.

Since the last 2 years and just like the system followed by the Academy Awards and Filmfare, we have chopped off Best Actor In A Negative Role and Best Actor In A Comic Role categories. At the same time, we have compensated for the same by increasing the number of nominees in the Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male) category

So, all you guys, start voting and help to choose the right winners! It won’t even take more than 2 minutes! Hurry Up! Voting closes on Sunday, September 18 at 9 am IST. Results will be announced on Sunday itself or latest by Monday September 19! And let all your moviegoing friends/family members/relatives/acquaintances know about these awards! I want this year’s edition to be much bigger than previous four seasons! So GET SET VOTE!!

Actor Mamik Singh accused of living in Versova flat illegally

September 10, 2016, 10:40 pm

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Nazia Sayed (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 11, 2016)

Actor Mamik Singh — famous for his role in the 1992 Bollywood blockbuster Jo Jeeta Woh Sikander — had been accused of allegedly trespassing and breaching the trust of a senior citizen by refusing to vacate a Lokhandwala apartment, rented to him by the complainant. A written complaint to this effect was submitted to the Versova police station on Saturday.

Singh lives in the seventh-floor apartment of Lokhandwala's Indralok Apna Ghar CHS. He had rented this house from 60-year-old Vijay Kumar Ramchandani in 2015 and got an extension of six months again this year, which expired earlier this month.

"Mamik was fully aware that the contract was only for a year. Yet he requested for an extension as he needed time to look for alternatives. I renewed the contract for six more months, which expired on September 5. Since then, I have repeatedly requested him to vacate the apartment but he still hasn't. Now, he threatens and abuses me instead," Ramchandani claimed.

Singh's stay in the building was also interspersed with several complaints from the residents of the building.

"The members of the building's society often complained against him saying that he misbehaved with the residents, smoked inside the lift and even fought over parking issues. They have asked me repeatedly to terminate his contract but I did not do that," Ramchandani explained.

According to the owner, Singh has also failed to pay the 10 per cent increase in the rent amount that he had promised.

Following Singh's refusal to vacate the apartment, Ramchandani sent him a legal notice and submitted his complaint to Versova police.

Rizwan Siddiquee, Ramchandani's lawyer, said, "This (Singh's actions) leads to criminal breach of trust and trespassing as he is staying illegally in my client's flat."

Singh had allegedly responded to the notice saying that Ramchandani had told a mutual friend that Singh could continue to live in the apartment for one-and-a-half more years.

"Before the end of the second term of the contract, you had contacted me and informed that if I wanted an extension for another year, then the monthly rent payable would increase by 10 per cent, to which I had agreed without bargaining. Sir, on reading the said leave and license agreement dated August 3, I tried contacting you several times to clear the misunderstanding (regarding the complaints from the society), but you are avoiding me," Singh allegedly said in his response.

But Ramchandani now wants his apartment to be vacated as soon as possible as she said, "My daughter's marriage is on hold because of this issue. I had been staying at a rented house myself for so long but now, I need to move back into my house. I will be shattered if I don't get my house back."

Meanwhile, Senior Inspector Kale told Mumbai Mirror, "We have received the complaint and will now investigate the matter."

Singh refused to comment on the issue when contacted by Mirror.

Garth Davis said that I and Nicole Kidman have the same kind of spirit-Priyanka Bose

September 10, 2016, 10:44 pm

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From coming out about being sexually abused as a child to being cast alongside Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara, actor Priyanka Bose is slowly but surely finding her niche
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 11, 2016)

By the time this piece goes to press, Priyanka Bose would have lived her dream — attending the red carpet premiere of her film Lion at the Toronto International Film Festival. Apart from Bose, the film stars Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman and is based on Sairoo Brierley's autobiographical book, A Long Way Home. The film traces the story of a five-year-old who got separated from his family in Madhya Pradesh and, following a series of events, lands up in Hobart, Tasmania, when adopted by an Australian couple. "Sabyasachi is dressing me and I am very excited as I haven't seen the film myself," says Bose, as she settles down at a Yari Road coffee shop that she frequents. In the film, Bose plays Kamla, a rural woman who endured much after one of her sons goes missing; her sense of loss was what Bose imbibed. To internalise her character, Bose went to Madhya Pradesh to meet the mother her character was based on. "My questions were basic and just by meeting her, I could tell how hard her life has been. I got down on my knees and hugged her and thanked her for her courage," she says, adding, "She's the hero of her village now but a lot of people hate her for that. In fact, many called her crazy for years as she never gave up hope that her son would return one day." The book, she shares, was "Sairoo's one-dimensional testimonial" but the screenplay was "made up of fragments of everyone's frequency". So Kamla doesn't figure in the screenplay and is seen through the eyes of the protagonist, played by Dev Patel. But the co-star who Bose was particularly star-struck on being associated with was Nicole Kidman. "When I learnt Nicole Kidman is in it, I was blown. She's just incredible and my favourite films include The Hours and Eyes Wide Shut. Once Garth Davis [the director] actually told me that 'You and Nicole have the same kind of spirit' and I was like 'He just used me and Nicole in the same sentence'. I couldn't believe it."

But this isn't her first film to go international. She also played the lead in Italo Spinelli's Gangor (2010). Based on Mahasweta Devi's short story, Choli Ke Peeche, Gangor toured film festivals across the world and even screened at the Rome International Festival. "Unfortunately, we didn't have the right producers, which is why it never theatrically released in India," she rues. But working on it, she recalls, was "a truly liberating experience". "My audition scene was intense — my character was narrating the events that led to her rape. The director pushed me to internalise the sensuality of a tribal woman," she says of the film which was shot in Bengal and underlines the violence prevalent in tribal areas.

Born in Kolkata and raised in Delhi, Bose is "Bengali by birth and Punjabi by spirit". "Ever since college, I did dance shows — jazz, contemporary, modern, Manipuri and Kathakali and took up amateur theatre after graduating." Her first tryst with professional theatre was in Sanjoy Roy's Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan which was selected for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. "It opened my eyes to the world. My parents wanted me to pick a profession which guaranteed a secure life. But I am very rebellious and wanted to explore."

A one-way Delhi-Mumbai ticket was secured and Bose was in tinsel town to put her skills to test. "I wanted to do the kind of cinema I had experienced while growing up. Actresses like Smita Patil and Rekha — who didn't fit the mold but were poetic." But maximum city was yet to deliver on Bose's dreams. "I took up odd jobs like being a back-up dancer on stage, auditioned for tele-marketing shows. I did the odd advert but it didn't interest me," says Bose, who got her first break as a bit role in Dibakar Banerjee's cult film Love Sex Aur Dhokha. "I played the bitchy editor in the third story. If I were to do the same part now, my process would be different and way more severe." But Bose's most acclaimed performance was in the testimonial theatrical Nirbhaya, which is pertinent to Bose for personal reasons. "Nirbaya happened in a cathartic way. I was holidaying in Kerala when the rape happened in Delhi. I was shaken by the incident and felt that fragments of me were scattered everywhere. I couldn't connect with the city. For the first time in 25 years, I broke my silence about being sexually abused as a child in the play, which also had women who had suffered similar realities. It was revolutionary theatre and that's why you make theatre — to tell the stories that no one wants to tell."

About Lion, she's positive, but also a tad nervous. "If you do one thing really well, it's a trap," she says pointing at how Nirbhaya's success became detrimental to her career. "When you do something so strong, people get scared and I wasn't getting cast for the things I wanted to do following the play. I also have a side which is soft and sensual and I can still play the girl-next-door. But even she has her secrets and a dark side," she says, sharing her childhood dream of playing Govinda's girlfriend in a movie.

What also turned Bose off about many filmmakers was their approach to casting female characters. "If someone tells me, 'Yeh tere dialogues hai, aake bolo', it doesn't work for me. When I wear the character, I need to know how the director envisions it and my process is only going to take it forward. If my character brief is, 'hot and sexy hai' or 'angry ya whatever hai' it won't work for me." Bose is however happy that the film industry has broken out of the shackles of nepotism but feels that female filmmakers urgently need to up their game. "I want to do hyper-genre films. India is experiencing filmmakers like Pawan Kumar (of Lucia fame) and stories like Paranoia. I want women directors to write better for women. We still think of the ghisa-pita archaic stories when it comes to women-centric films."

Why is indie not mainstream?-Priyanka Bose

September 10, 2016, 10:46 pm

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Aashta Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 11, 2016)

"Maybe you need to tell me why there is this distinction between Indie and mainstream cinema. I can’t understand it. One gets slotted in one particular image and then that’s that. I am aching, to break out of this mould,” says actress Priyanka Bose, who meets us just before jetting off for the Toronto International Film Festival, where her latest movie, Lion, is going to be screened. We are eating salads on a cool evening at Versova’s popular hangout for the filmi type, Leaping Windows. And Bose seems excited as she talks about Lion, which has her playing Dev Patel’s mom. “Dev has just grown up so much since Slumdog,” says the actress in her early thirties, from Delhi. Lion, which is based on the book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley, tells the story of Saroo who was lost from his family at the age of five and adopted by an Australian family, and who finds his parents at the age of 25 using Google Earth. “I had read an article on this film a few years ago, and I had been like, someone should make a movie on this. I guess I put it out there in the universe and then, I auditioned and they loved it. It’s strange playing mother to Dev, but the story is told in flashbacks and dream sequences,” she says, adding, “When the character is so great, and the arc so fabulous, it doesn’t matter whose mother I have to play.”

It could be that attitude that has led to her doing some interesting roles in the past, marking her out to be an actress of note. She shot to fame with her role as a tribal woman in 2010’s Gangor, which was directed by Italian director Italo Spinelli. She toured the world with Nirbhaya, Yael Farber’s play based on the 2012 Delhi rape case, and film festival friendly movies like 2014’s Sold (about a brothel in Nepal), 2012’s Oass (about child prostitution) and 2013’s Oonga (about an adivasi boy’s obsession with becoming Rama). But the indie darling now wants to focus on doing all kinds of movies, even though her next two are also independent ones. “I don’t want to do movies where the characters are clichéd,” she says, adding, “Actually, I want more women directors and writers to make movies about women. Only then can we stop being wife, daughter, cook and could play the girl next door, who has a dark side.”

Priyanka also says that she grew up on Chitrahar and was a big fan of Sridevi. “I think I must be the only filmy person in my family. My parents are very simple people who wanted me to become a doctor. But now they have seen what I do, and are happy. I always wanted to be an actor.” Right now, along with waiting for Lion to hit screens in November and working on two other indie projects — “one is a psycho thriller, and another one is a really explicit one” — she wants to be as open to possibilities as she can. “I want to do as diverse roles as I can. I want to do mainstream movies… maybe comedy? I know I can do this. I have faith in me,” she signs off.

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I can neither play a child nor a full blown grown up-Darsheel Safary

September 10, 2016, 10:57 pm

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Darsheel Safary is back, this time in a play. But he reminds us that he is still growing up
Aashta Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 11, 2016)

It would take a second look to recognise Darsheel Safary today. But, as he keeps repeating, it’s been 10 years since he made a stunning debut in Taare Zameen Par. He is rehearsing for his new play, Can I Help You? in Juhu when we meet him on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon. He plays Rikhav, a teenage fast bowler, who is on the verge of committing suicide when he meets an odd bunch of characters and his life changes. “I decided to do theatre as I am also at the weird age, where I can neither play a child nor a full-blown grown up. And I still look young,” he laughs, and we agree. He looks younger than his 19 years and has been busy in the past few years with a few films (he last appeared in Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children in 2012), advertisements and special appearances in TV series.

“After Taare, I had started thinking of what to do. I had got good advice from Rahul Bose who told me, have a side business ready. So I studied BMM at HR College, so that I could get to know the field better,” he says practically. “But I am in love with acting, so that’s what I want to do.”

His part in this Out Of The Box production, directed by Abhishek Pattnaik, sees him share stage with theatre stalwarts like Dalip Tahil and Anant Mahadevan. “When I saw his recent pictures, and then met him, I knew he would fit this character that is brash — he had that quality. It just fit,” says Pattnaik. But to match acting chops with the greats, Safary had to make sure he had the techniques of theatre down pat. He says his training started in college. “I told my father that I wanted to just enjoy college life as I did Std 11 and 12. But, during that time as well, I acted in so many stage and street plays, that this became my thing,” he says, “I once played Mahatma Gandhi and was, for the first time, introduced to method acting. I roamed around with a stick and spectacles and even got his voice right. People told me they had never met a Gandhi like me.” But, rehearsals for the play have been rigorous for the last few days. And, he has built his character with care. “I kept every direction the director gave in my head and then registered the character,” he explains, “Theatre is a one-shot medium. You need be loud without being over the top. If you mess up, well you have messed up your only chance. There is so much to take care of.”

He gives us another reason for taking to theatre, and not doing any films for now, and it’s a noble one. “I want young people to come to the theatre. When they see our play, they will know that theatre is not preachy or ruddy duddy. It’s young and relevant.” Next on the cards is setting up his Instagram and Snapchat accounts and getting out there, even if he describes himself as an anti-social, shy Piscean. But, as he says, he is still figuring out who is his, when he is not acting. “I am a little confused most of the time but when I am acting, I know exactly who I am - a completely different person. Like my character Rikhav, who will teach you how a person adapts to life, which I don't think I have done yet," he laughs. Well, he stills has lots of time to go.

FIR against Kapil Sharma likely after Ganeshotsav, cops tell BMC

September 10, 2016, 11:00 pm

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Civic Body Had Issued Notices On 'Irregularities' In Goregaon Flat
Richa Pinto (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 11, 2016)

Comedian Kapil Sharma, who kicked up a storm on Friday, claiming a BMC official had demanded a Rs 5 lakh bribe and tagged PM Narendra Modi to his tweet, was already in trouble over his Goregaon flat, say civic officials.

On June 23, the civic body had lodged a complaint with Oshiwara police under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP) 1966, saying Sharma did not comply with its notices over unauthorized construction in the Goregaon flat. Oshiwara police, in turn, have assured the civic body of filing a panchnama and an FIR in the case after Ganeshotsav.

Sharma, who owns a flat on the ninth floor of DLH Enclave at Goregaon, was issued a notice this April for carrying out unauthorized work, including merger of the elevation features, ducts, voids, the common passage and a part of the podium for parking. The BMC issued a second notice on June 23 saying Sharma had not restored the flats to the original plan nor had he submitted a satisfactory reply to the earlier notice. It lodged a police complaint the same day.

In a statement to the media on Saturday over the Twitter controversy, Sharma said, “I have only expressed my concerns. However, it has taken the shape of an unnecessary controversy. My space is on the entertainment platform and not on the news platform. I am not a part of any political organization and nor do I intend to be. I have utmost respect for the honourable Prime Minister and the government, both Union and state, its agencies and statutory bodies. I am a law-abiding citizen and shall act as legally advised. This was my anger against corruption which I expressed on Twitter.“

The Samajwadi Party in the BMC, though, has accused Sharma of “double standards“. “Strict action needs to be taken against Sharma's property for unauthorized construction. We plan to raise the issue on all forums in the BMC. On one hand, he claims he was asked to pay bribes to the BMC for making an office (in his other Andheri property) and, on the other, he indulges in such large-scale unauthorized works,“ said Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi Party leader in the BMC.

Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray had taken to Twitter on Friday to ask Sharma for details of the officer who had demanded the bribe “to drive out corruption“. Thackeray on Saturday said he had not pulled down the tweet, contrary to reports.

Sharma has also been facing scrutiny over his Andheri row house. On Saturday, the local ward officials reached the property to check for any irregularities; they had demolished a portion of the property over unauthorized construction on August 4.

The ward office also plans to write to the conservator of forests about “destruction of mangroves“ in the backyard of the property. “We had written to the forest department six months ago about complaints of destruction of mangroves in the area. We will now send them a reminder,“ said Parag Masurkar, assistant municipal commissioner, K-West Ward.

On Saturday , other than activist Nikitesh Chaubul, RTI activist Asad Patel, too, took up the mangroves issue.Patel made a written application to Versova police, demanding that an FIR be registered against Sharma for alleged destruction of mangroves at his Andheri office (row house). The application was made by Patel's lawyer on his behalf. On noticing that no legal action has been taken against Sharma, Patel dashed off an application to the cops, demanding that provisions of the Environment Protection Act, Forest Act, Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act and Indian Penal Code be invoked.

Meet Nikitesh Chaubal, the man who put comic Kapil Sharma out of humour

September 10, 2016, 11:02 pm

≫ Next: Irrfan Khan too has got a notice for illegal additions to flat in same building as Kapil Sharma

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Nikitesh Chaubal, whose complaint to BMC brought about the teardown of unauthorised bits in the comedian's office, tells Mirror the illegal construction also killed mangroves
Chaitanya Marpakwar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 11, 2016)

The tragedy that befell comic Kapil Sharma after he built illegal extensions at his Andheri office and before he invoked the prime minister over an alleged bribe demand by a city official, was brought on by a 26-yearold activist from Andheri — Nikitesh Chaubal. He now wants to lodge a first information report against the man with a self-titled show on television.

It was Chaubal's complaint in June made to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) which prompted the administration to issue a stop-work notice to Sharma in July. And when the TV star forged ahead with the construction, the city demolished illegal portions of his office in August.

While Sharma tweeted to Narendra Modi on Friday saying a civic official was asking for Rs 5 lakh in grease money — without specifying for what — Chaubal doubts if any such incident came to pass.

"If any BMC official wanted to settle the matter by taking a bribe from Sharma, they would not have demolished the office. They acted on my complaint and I am satisfied with their response," Chaubal told Mirror.

In Friday's tweet alleging graft, Sharma also questioned if these were the prime minister's promised "acche din", sparking a flurry of riproaring comments on Twitter as people pointed out how a person making illegal extensions is petitioning the highest office of the land and crying corruption.

Chaubal thinks Sharma's hashtagging of Modi is pure gimmickry. "He has created a lot of hype by tweeting to Modi. He should set his house in order first," he said, adding that if Sharma did encounter genuine corruption, he should have filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau or the BMC. "Making such allegations on a public forum without lodging a formal complaint is not fair. Our complaint was genuine and the BMC has done a fine job," Chaubal said.

It was a few years ago that Chaubal joined Jagrut Mumbaikar, a non-profit that helps people file RTIs, resolves civic issues, and keeps a watch on illegal constructions.

Earlier in the year, the comedian's neighbours and other Andheri residents had intimated Chaubal about the illegal construction. "People said Sharma wasn't paying any heed to their requests to stop the work. So we intervened and complained to the BMC," the Chaubal wants to see the issue through to its just end. He says the illegal construction is not an innocent slip-up but a deliberate disregard for the law, which also resulted in the destruction of mangroves. "I'll file a complaint with the suburban collector's office so an FIR is filed against Sharma. These are all very serious offences and he must be booked," Chaubal said, adding that BMC has assured him of all possible support.

Sharma could not be contacted for comment. He also failed to respond to the BMC's vigilance department, which wrote to him on Friday seeking details of his bribery allegation, like the name of the official. But they were still awaiting his response till late last evening.

"Sharma should give us the name of the officer who demanded bribe. We are awaiting his reply and hope he cooperates with us," said BMC's chief engineer Manohar Pawar.

Chaubal further stated he doesn't have an axe to grind with Sharma. "I have only seen him on TV," he said, and added, "We'll ensure he doesn't get away with the violations."

DAY AFTER TWEET, SLEW OF PLAINTS AGAINST SHARMA

RTI activists made a beeline outside Versova police station on Saturday to file complaints against Sharma for illegal construction; encroachment; destroying mangroves; violating coastal regulation zone norms; and for not approaching the police for a month after a bribe demand was made:

♦ RTI activist Santosh Daundkar

♦ RTI activist Asad Patel

♦ Godfrey Pimenta of Watchdog Foundation. He said, "Google Images from 2001and 2013 indicate that Sharma's bungalow has been extended horizontally, as well as seawards, which CRZ norms prohibit."

♦ BJP legislator Ram Kadam threatened to protest outside Sharma's residence, saying: "Sharma should reveal the bribe seeker's name in next 24 hours. If he does not, as a citizen of a democracy, I will myself go and protest outside his residence."

Irrfan Khan too has got a notice for illegal additions to flat in same building as Kapil Sharma

September 10, 2016, 11:03 pm

≫ Next: It's time to say goodbye to the Raaz franchise-Mahesh Bhatt

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First Complaint About Highrise Came In 2014
Richa Pinto (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 11, 2016)

Besides comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, actor Irrfan Khan too has been served a notice by the municipal corporation for unauthorized constructions at his fifthfloor flat in the same Goregaon building.

DLH Enclave, where the two actors reside, has been in the eye of controversy since 2014 when complaints regarding unauthorized constructions were received by the P-south ward office of the BMC.

The civic staff in November 2014 issued a notice under Section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, which is invoked when an unauthorized building or structure is constructed contrary to the approvals. In response to the BMC notice, the developer approached the city civil court and was granted an interim relief in December 2014.

The corporation, after taking a further opinion from the legal department, issued notices to Sharma for his ninth-floor flat in the building and Khan for his fifth-floor flat for carrying out unauthorized constructions, including merger of a common passage and a part of the podium for parking, contrary to the provisions of the occupation certificate.

The notice was served under Section 53 (1) of the MRTP Act 1966. Several other residents in the building living on the fourth floor and twelfth floor, among others, too were served a notice by the corporation A senior civic official told TOI: “A report with regards to unauthorized constructions at the building was submitted to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta on September 9. Further action is likely to be taken after Ganeshotsav.“

Several attempts made by TOI to contact Khan went futile. When questioned, his manager replied “no comments“.

Filmmaker and activist Ashoke Pandit said, “I had raised an alarm about the irregularities in this building a year ago. But the building proposal department of the BMC, as usual, didn't respond to my concerns and went ahead to give an occupation certificate, which was quite shocking. I demand the withdrawal of the certificate and suspension of all those officers involved in granting the approval. The builder-architect-BMC nexus has ruined this city.“

It's time to say goodbye to the Raaz franchise-Mahesh Bhatt

September 10, 2016, 11:05 pm

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Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 11, 2016)

Even as Raaz Reboot, featuring Emraan Hashmi, Kriti Kharbanda and Gaurav Arora, opens in cinemas this Friday , the Bhatts - who have produced all the four movies of the Raaz franchise - are set to take a curtain call on their most successful offering. Mahesh Bhatt says, “This series, which has nourished and sustained us for 14 years, has finally come to its glorious end. Raaz Reboot is by far the finest human take that has been woven into the horror genre by Vikram Bhatt.“

Vikram, who helmed the first, third and fourth instalment, says each film has offered something new to the viewers. He elaborates, “We have always had stories of human angst and relationships. Raaz (2002) was not about just being married, but what it means to be married. Raaz 3 (2012) was about someone who doesn't give up fame and refuses to fade away. In Raaz Reboot, you will see how secrets can be the enemy of love. Usually, you don't find this kind of world view in horror movies. Raaz, as a series, has a lot to offer to viewers in terms of story , emotion, music and something that they can take back home.“

Mahesh stresses that it has given them memorable moments for life. He recalls, “When Paul McCartney called up Bipasha Basu and told her that she reminded him of Sophia Loren, she thought someone was pulling a prank on her. Going to the studio at midnight to check out the result of the cockroach scene, which was brilliantly created by an Indian VFX team in Raaz 3, was an exciting moment for us.“

Elaborating how the series has not only benefitted them monetarily but also earned them credibility as a banner, producer Mukesh Bhatt says, “We were going through a rough patch but this franchise turned the tide for us. It became a trendsetter and a blockbuster. Each film in the series gave me extra muscle and power as a filmmaker. It's been a fulfilling journey.“

Given that Emraan also has been associated with the franchise from its start, as an assistant director on the first film and starring in the next three movies, how is he taking this decision? Mahesh says, “Raaz 3 was Emraan's biggest hit. It's time for us to say thank you and bid goodbye to the Raaz franchise as we move on into a new uncertainty after this.“

Acid attackers must get death penalty: Rangoli, Kangana Ranaut's sister

September 10, 2016, 11:07 pm

≫ Next: Uphold real men as heroes, not bullies-Kangana Ranaut

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While acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi took the fashion world by storm when she walked the ramp in New York this week, back in India, a special court sentenced Preeti Rathi's attacker with the death penalty, reigniting the issue of such rampant incidents in the country. Reshma and Rangoli Chandel (Kangana Ranaut's sister), who is also a survivor, share their stories...
Madhureeta Mukherjee and Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 11, 2016)

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's sister, Rangoli faced a brutal acid attack in 2006. She fought back after almost losing an eye and ear, but she still hasn't forgotten the trauma. Today, she's come into her own and works closely with her star sister. But her battle for survival has been horrific. However, she had a great support system in Kangana, her mom and Ajay Chandel, the man who stood by her. Rangoli hails the death penalty, which was announced recently for Ankur Panwar in the Preeti Rathi acid attack case, as a positive development, but doubts if things will change till there are serious checks on the storage and availability of acid.

TAKE ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO STORE ACID
Rangoli still remembers the trauma of the days and months after the attack. “I almost lost one eye; my windpipe and food pipe were shrinking. I don't remember how many surgeries I went through. Whenever my mother saw me, she would faint. My father couldn't bear to look at me and took to drinking. It's not just the survivor who suffers, but the entire family. I was engaged to an Air Force officer, but once he saw me at the hospital, he never came back. For the first couple of months, I couldn't see myself in the mirror. I'm lucky to have a sister like Kangana, who got me the best treatment possible then,“ she remembers.

This is why she hails the verdict in the Preeti Rathi case as landmark. “With due respect to the honourable judge, this (the death penalty) is the correct verdict. Whoever commits this crime should get the same punishment. No bail, no life term, as they will get out after a few years. But then, acid is still available in the market. The authorities should crack down on people who store and sell it,“ she stresses.

MY SUPPORT SYSTEM HELPED ME SURVIVE
Through that difficult phase, Rangoli found support from the man she married. “My husband, Ajay, whom I knew from my school days, met me after I came out of the hospital. He didn't make me feel different. That also helped me regain confidence.Yoga and meditation helped considerably. Thankfully, my doctor was supportive too, as were Kangana and my mom. My support system helped me survive. Usually, girls get paranoid about just a pimple. For me, this was more than just mental trauma and the pain. You feel numb, you don't know your future,“ she recalls.

It's known that Kangana too was threatened by the attacker and had to seek police security. “This was at a time when she was not a big star. Yet, she diverted her focus to me and my recovery. She spent her earnings on my treatment. The man who attacked me got a seven-year sentence. We were struggling with our lives; we didn't know kya hoga, kaise hoga... But you have to come out of it. You can't be in that mourning zone forever,“ says Rangoli.

Uphold real men as heroes, not bullies-Kangana Ranaut

September 10, 2016, 11:09 pm

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BOMBAY TIMES (September 11, 2016)

Kangana Ranaut revisits the ordeal her sister Rangoli went through and shares her views on the landmark judgement. “I feel that this judgement is a good sign and an example for everyone who would even think of a heinous act like this. But I still think that this is not the answer, and hanging people is not enough. Our society is responsible for cultivating such a mindset. For men, rejection is a very big deal. Also, boys in our country need to be taught to respect women from the beginning. The learning and upbringing begins at home. We need to uphold real men with right values, and not cowards, as role models for society. Men like my brother-in-law (Ajay Chandel, Rangoli's husband) are real men, and in my eyes, heroes. We shouldn't glorify men who bully or use other forms of mental abuse to push women to extremes like suicide. These bullies have to be called out,“ she says.

At the time the unfortunate incident happened to Rangoli, Kangana had just completed her first film Gangster. On hearing the news she felt anger and pain, but she knew she had no time to waste and weep. She recalled, “I was in the gym on the treadmill when I saw the news flash on television. I couldn't believe what I was watching. Rangoli was just 23 and in the university. She is a microbiologist and a topper. The man who attacked her had poured almost one litre of acid on her, it was ghastly and shocking. At that point in my career, I was struggling and going through a tough time in Mumbai, but at least I could afford treatment. There are so many women who can't afford to do this and lose hope. Right after this incident I insisted that Rangoli should come to Mumbai to get treated. My family was reluctant because back then, I didn't share a great relationship with them. But I insisted and brought her here. This tragedy didn't make Rangoli and me look good as we were judged for it. Like what happens with rape survivors, there is a lot of stigma attached to survivors of an acid attack. Forget the physical trauma, you can't imagine the mental scar it can leave on a girl. Some people told my father, 'Beti ko itna padhaoge toh aisa hi hoga.' While all this was happening, there was no time to cry or react. One day after six months, I buried my face in Rangoli's lap and cried. Fortunately, my brother-in-law came along and supported her like a rock. They knew each other since first grade and he always liked her. Rangoli has been happily married for four years now. But I know that not every story turns out this way and the pain and hurt is too deep to ever forget.“

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Coldplay, Jay Z and Ranveer Singh to come together for Global Citizen Festival

September 10, 2016, 11:10 pm

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The actor toplines the list of Indian performers at this year’s Global Citizen Festival, being held for the first time in India
Harshada Rege (DNA; September 11, 2016)

Ranveer Singh is having the time of his life. The actor has not only had a great run at the box-office but he is also the undisputed king of social media in India. And now the actor adds another feather to his already

crowded cap.

Ranveer is toplining the list of Indian performers at the Global Citizen 2016 festival, being held in Mumbai, which has Coldplay performing in India live for the first time. The actor, known for his infectious energy levels, will be a part of this six-hour long concert to be held in November.

The actor, a livewire on stage, will perform to a medley of his hits. Says a source, “With this performance, Ranveer follows up on his recent stage performance alongside Major Lazer. He was one of the most obvious choices to open for Coldplay.”

The Global Citizen Campaign, which brings a series of concerts around the world to address the issue of poverty, will open with a star-studded event in September in New York with Rihanna, Demi Lovato and others. The Global Citizen Festival comes to India for its first initiative with the much-anticipated event in Mumbai, where internationally recognised artists will perform, has world leaders and the Indian political leadership focusing on driving sustainable change through direct engagement with the youth.

Karan Johar helps Shah Rukh Khan's film Raees get best deal?

September 10, 2016, 11:11 pm

≫ Next: Videshi tie-up: Kailash Kher to make music with jazz bassist Richard Bona

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Upala KBR (DNA; September 11, 2016)

Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan are always there for each other in personal and professional matters. Recently, KJo played a part in procuring the best deal for the distribution of SRK’s Raees. Says a source, “Karan’s production company had not just presented Baahubali, but even bought the Hindi rights for the film. When SRK, Riteish and Farhan locked Anil Thadani as the distributor for Raees, Karan told Shah Rukh how to get the best deal from single-screen owners. Anil owns the distribution rights of Baahubali 2 and Mirzya so he made the single-theatre owners sign a three-film deal that he would give them these films only if they gave him maximum screens for Raees too. Now, for exhibitors, Baahubali 2 is one of the hottest releases of 2017 so they had no choice but to agree.”

But one producer who will suffer because of this is Rakesh Roshan, whose Kaabil starring Hrithik Roshan releases on the same day. The source adds, “The film will suffer badly if it doesn’t have any single-screen theatres in Mumbai. Ironically, in Hrithik’s Mohenjo Daro vs Akshay Kumar’s Rustom clash, Roshan Jr had the upper hand as UTV had ensured maximum single-screen theatres during that time.” But that didn’t help the film. And Rustom made more money despite lesser theatres. Content rules.

Videshi tie-up: Kailash Kher to make music with jazz bassist Richard Bona

September 11, 2016, 7:11 pm

≫ Next: It’s beautiful to make music that has absolute creative freedom - Salim-Sulaiman

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Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; September 12, 2016)

In it's decade-old journey, singer Kailash Kher’s band, Kailasa, has garnered global acclaim, cutting hit singles and albums to touring the world, they have, inarguably, carved a niche for themselves in India’s musical space. Now, the frontman of the outfit, Kailash, tells us that they are set for their first-ever international collaboration

Says Kailash, “We toured the US and Canada recently for concerts. While in New York, we met popular jazz bassist Richard Bona. He told me he is a fan of our music and listens to all our songs. I was surprised to learn that he performs our hit number Teri Deewani at all his concerts. So, I proposed the plan for collaboration and he was excited about it. We discussed it briefly over dinner,” says Kailash.

The singer adds that Bona also invited him to his studio in France. “The nature of our band’s and Richard’s music is similar; there’s a lot of folk influence. So, I am sure the collaboration will be remarkable. I am planning to invite him to India to discuss the album further. I want the collaboration to fructify this year,” says Kailash.

It’s beautiful to make music that has absolute creative freedom - Salim-Sulaiman

September 11, 2016, 7:14 pm

≫ Next: I am glad I got to work with Yo Yo Honey Singh-Sukhbir

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Popular composer duo Salim-Sulaiman complete 25 years in the music industry
Kasmin Fernandes (MID-DAY; September 12, 2016)

Maverick at technique, musical duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have carved a niche for themselves in Bollywood in their journey spanning over two decades. The Emmy-nominated duo (for Nickledeon show Wonder Pets: Save the Bengal Tiger) have ventured into Hollywood (with the film Sold) and nurtured talent like upcoming Bollywood singer Raj Pandit. A new musical documentary Shukranallah celebrates their musical journey over the last 25 years. Excerpts from a chat with Salim:

Your latest single Tu Hai features Internet sensation Jonita Gandhi.
Tu Hai is the fourth song in the YouTube Jammin line-up. It is an upbeat club track. We would call it a combination of a love song and a heartbreak track. If it hadn’t been for YouTube, perhaps we would have never noticed a talent like Jonita. She is an Indo-Canadian singer, who has sung in over 15 albums, and worked with A R Rahman and Clinton Cerejo. These musicians do not need a break. The digital world is becoming the real world. People are watching less of television and exploring the internet more.

Your recent collaborator was another Internet sensation, Siddharth Slathia.
We made Mast Maula with him. The underlying emotion of the song is how carefree and easygoing love has made all of us. I also sang the track with Siddharth. With Jammin, Qyuki and YouTube are building a platform which is giving us some unique voices and the world some even greater melodies. It’s beautiful to make music that has absolute creative freedom and personality to express your emotion without any boundaries.

How has technology changed the way you compose music?
In July, we collaborated with Pakistani singer Abida Parveen and a Canadian music choir on the song Noor-e-Ilahi, yet none of us actually travelled for the song. We composed it over a bunch of FaceTime and Skype sessions.

I am glad I got to work with Yo Yo Honey Singh-Sukhbir

September 11, 2016, 7:17 pm

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As Sukhbir makes a comeback with his ’90 s hit Gal Ban Gayee, he says he is here to stay
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; September 12, 2016)

Often referred to as the Prince of Bhangra, Sukhbir’s Punjabi songs used to be a rage among young music aficionados in the '90s. However, like many other indipop artistes from that era, Sukhbir vanished from the country’s music scene and sunk in oblivion. “The pop industry in the country collapsed because people started downloading music instead of buying albums. As a result, most pop artistes disappeared. We didn’t have any option to release our music,” says the singer, who is back with a revisited version of his hit track, Gal Ban Gayee.

Fan love
The song also features Yo Yo Honey Singh. “I am a huge fan of Honey Singh and Badshah. I am glad I got to work with Honey on Gal Ban Gayee,” says Sukhbir. He is here to stay this time. “I am currently working on the remakes of a couple of my other tracks. I am also set to release some new tracks, which I have been waiting to do for a long time. Thankfully, the digital platform has become so strong that it gives us an opportunity to release singles,” says Sukhbir.

So what kept him busy? “I am a composer. I spent all that time making tracks. I also travelled the world for concerts.”

Expansion plans
Sukhbir wants to expand his repertoire. He is interested in venturing into the Hindi film industry. “Bollywood has not been easy to break into, as it wasn’t so welcoming of indie artistes in the past. The doors have opened now. I would love to compose and sing for films,” he says. Ask the singer how he rates today’s Punjabi tracks compared to those of the past, and he says, “Music is bound to evolve. The current trend is to take old songs and breathe new life into them. Today’s Punjabi music in films — London Thumakda from Queen — is doing quite well.”