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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is hosting quiz-based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati, says that each hour on the set has been a revelation for him and has brought an emotion that he had not experienced in such volume.

Amitabh has been a part of the show since its inception in 2000. However, it was in 2003, when he was not a part of the show and superstar Shah Rukh Khan stepped into his shoes for the third season.

"Each hour on the sets of KBC has been a huge revelation for me and has brought an emotion that perhaps I had not experienced in such volume and fervour .. " he wrote in his blog.

Big B added: "Love presents an immense gravity that pulls one down from whatever perched position they have been in .. gives its immense environ to encompass all .. its so involving and at times for keeps .. the affection in speech and form .."

"The words of togetherness and admiration have always been so inspiring .. they are the reason for the liberated fervour .. they .. the audience .. the younger generation the older and the mid range .. when there is none of this .. life lies listless and weak."

On the film front, Amitabh, who was last seen on the big screen in Ayan Mukerji's 'Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva', is gearing up for the release of upcoming film 'Good Bye'.

--IANS
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Kochi, Sep 30 (IANS) Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi, who was arrested for allegedly abusing a woman reporter during an interview and later secured bail, got a big relief on Friday when she withdrew her complaint.

According to sources in the know of things, it was after discussions initiated by a film body, the woman agreed to withdraw her complaint when the actor apologised to her for his behaviour. The Kerala High Court has been duly informed about the development.

On Monday, the Maradu police, after receiving a complaint from the woman journalist of Bhasi's curt behaviour, called him for questioning and after a while his arrest was recorded.

Since the charges which were put were all bailable ones, he immediately got bail from the Police station itself.

But things appeared to go worse for Bhasi after the police probe team on Tuesday decided to delve deeper into the case and as part of the investigation, the samples of his nails, hair and blood were taken to be sent for more laboratory tests to ascertain if he takes drugs.

Bhasi lost his cool when questions were posed at him during the promotion of his latest film, 'Chattambi'.

Sensing trouble, he later apologised for his rude behaviour and said that his reaction was just like someone else's when insulted.

Bhasi, who began his career as a radio jockey, turned a video jockey and made his debut as an actor in 'Pranayam' in 2011 that turned out to be a blockbuster. The film was directed by Blessy and starred Mohanlal and Anupam Kher. After that there was no looking back, so far, he has acted in around 50 films.

--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) A special film festival titled 'Bachchan Back To The Beginning' will be held from October 8 to October 11 to mark the momentous occasion of the 80th birthday of the veteran superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

The festival will celebrate the actor through his landmark early films across 17 Indian cities, covering 172 showcases and 30 screens across 22 cinema halls. The unique festival has been announced by Film Heritage Foundation in partnership with PVR Cinemas.

Film Heritage Foundation, founded by filmmaker and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, has curated a collection of eleven blockbuster films that gave birth to one of the biggest superstars of the nation who continues to shine as brightly over 50 years since his debut on the silver screen.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director, Film Heritage Foundation said in a statement: "Growing up, I was the biggest Amitabh Bachchan fan. I used to break bounds when I was in school to watch his films and was often thrown out of class in college for sitting in the back benches and writing notes about his films. I am so glad that the Film Heritage Foundation is paying tribute to Mr. Bachchan on his 80th birthday with the first-of-its-kind country-wide four-day festival."

Speaking about the curated list of films, he further noted: "It has been a mammoth task putting together the best of his early films that launched him as a superstar and to showcase these films so that audiences across the country can enjoy the films the way they were originally screened - on the big screen. I know that this will be the first of many festivals that will bring our cinematic heritage back to the theatres where it belongs."

The showcase will cover cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad to Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, Raipur, Kanpur, Kolhapur, Prayagraj and Indore and will screen films such as 'Don', 'Kaala Patthar', 'Kaalia', 'Kabhie Kabhie', 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Namak Halaal', 'Abhimaan', 'Deewar', 'Mili', 'Satte Pe Satta' and 'Chupke Chupke'.

To coincide with the film festival, Film Heritage Foundation that is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, documentation and exhibition of India's film heritage will also set up an exhibition of rare Amitabh Bachchan memorabilia at PVR Juhu in Mumbai.

The narrative of the exhibition will be told through arresting framed visuals, celebrating decades of success, fandom and accolades. The exhibition, curated by film historian, author and archivist S. M. M. Ausaja, will entail a diverse and carefully curated collection of memorabilia, including rare vintage posters, commissioned artworks, photographs, LP jackets, magazine covers, a giant 7 feet standee and the original Shahenshah costume.


--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Sussanne Khan has said that 'Vikram Vedha' starring her former husband Hrithik Roshan, is by far her most favourite movie ever.

Sussanne took to Instagram, where she shared a poster of the film and wrote: "RA RA RA RAaRooooom this is by far one of my favourite movies ever!!! Superrrrbly gripping and full of Thrillssss!! Congratulations @hrithikroshan@saifalikhan_online and the entire team for this tremendous entertainer!!!"

She also declared the movie a "blockbuster", just like Saif Ali Khan's actress wife Kareena Kapoor Khan.

"This one is going to be a huggge BLOCKBUSTER," Sussanne wrote.

'Vikram Vedha' is an action-thriller written & directed by Pushkar-Gayatri.

The story of Vikram Vedha is full of twists and turns, as the tough cop Vikram sets out to track and chase a dreaded gangster Vedha.

'Vikram Vedha' is presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series and Reliance Entertainment in association with Friday Filmworks & Jio Studios and a YNOT Studios Production.

The film is directed by Pushkar and Gayatri and produced by Bhushan Kumar & S. Sashikanth and Reliance Entertainment.

--IANS
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Los Angeles, Sep 30 (IANS) British singer Dua Lipa has sparked romance rumours with 'Daily Show' host Trevor Noah.

The two were spotted looking cosy during an 'intimate dinner' in New York which was followed by a kiss on the cheek goodbye outside the restaurant, reports Mirror.co.uk.

The singer was snapped cosying up with the 38-year-old comedian at a Jamaican restaurant. Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show the pair hugging in the street before going their separate ways in New York City.

According to Mirror.co.uk, Lipa had previously split from her on-off boyfriend Anwar Hadid in December 2021 and Trevor reportedly broke up from his partner Minka Kelly in May 2022.

Earlier this year, Dua admitted she was making some healthy changes in her life, including quitting smoking, ahead of her world tour. Now she is seemingly looking to settle down and romance could be on the cards.

"I had laryngitis (last) December and that kind of kickstarted me quitting smoking a month earlier than I was supposed to. But I did it and I have stuck to it," she said previously.

Dua told 'The Sun', "I have this habit tracker on my phone where every night I tick off all the good things I have done for my body and things I have done for myself."

--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Actor and filmmaker Sohum Shah, who gained popularity with 'Gulaab Gang', 'Tumbbad' and 'Maharani', has started dubbing for National Award-winning filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria's 'Sanaa'.

The actor took to social media to announce that he has commenced dubbing for 'Sanaa' after wrapping up the film with co-stars Radhika Madan & Pooja Bhatt.

While talking about his experience of working on this film, Sohum said: "After a thrilling experience on set with the cast and crew of Sanaa, it's time to step into the final stage of film-making."

"'Sanaa' is one of those projects that hold a special place in my heart because of both the plot and my character. I cannot wait for my audience to experience the same adrenaline rush that I felt while shooting for this film."

Produced by Four Line Entertainment, directed and written by Sudhanshu Saria, 'Sanaa' stars Radhika Madan, Pooja Bhatt, Shikha Talsania and Sohum Shah.

Saria was announced as the director of high-octane female-led espionage, 'Ulajh', with Junglee Pictures. He is also writing, co-directing and show-running a young adult series for Amazon Prime, and he is co-producing and writing 'Delhi Crime Season 3' for Netflix.

--IANS
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Hyderabad, Sep 30 (IANS) Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently paid a visit to ace badminton player PV Sindhu's house and was completely bowled over after looking at the huge number of trophies and medals won over the years by one of India's most successful sportswomen ever.

The 67-year-old actor shared a video of their meeting, giving fans a tour of her house, including her massive trophy collection.

Starting from the trophies that she won for the Under-16 tournaments and the Olympics, Sindhu gave an inside view of all her accomplishments and the pride that she brought to the country through the sport.

In the video posted by Kher on Instagram Reels featuring Sindhu's medals and trophies, he can be heard saying, "One and only champion, look at this wall, I used to be very proud that mere wall pe kaafi saare awards hai par ye toh kamaal hai, (that wall has loads of awards but this is amazing) oh my god."

"Yaha toh jagah hi nhi hai, bilkul jagah nhi hai (There is no space here)," he added.

The actor-author also said in the video that he had a conversation with Sindhu's father where he shared plans of taking over another floor as they are running short of a place for trophies and medals.

The versatile artist who felt 'privileged' to have visited the badminton player's house, wrote how he was mesmerised to see all the feathers that she has added to her embellished cap.

"This is AMAZING: Recently I had the privilege of visiting CHAMP @pvsindhu1's home. She very humbly gave me a tour of her achievements! Right from the age of 8! I was completely bowled by her awards, trophies & humility! She is our daughter of India, our honour. She is our motivating hero. Jai ho, Jai hind," Kher captioned the video.

On the other hand, Sindhu also shared a picture of their meeting on her social media account saying it was her 'honour' to meet the veteran actor.

"Had the fortune of spending time with one of the all-time greats of Indian cinema. The laughs, the memories and quality conversation. What an honour," she wrote.

The 27-year Sindhu, who is a two-time Olympic medallist having won a silver in women's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze in Tokyo last year, is currently on the path to recovery after sustaining an ankle injury during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham while Anupam Kher is currently riding on the success of his movie The Kashmir Files and Karthikeya 2.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) As Season 16 of 'Bigg Boss' nears its October 1 opening day, the show's superstar host Salman Khan has introduced Tajikistani singer and musician Abdu Rozik as the first contestant.

Abdu impressed Salman and the audience with his melodious rendition of 'Dil Deewana Bin Sajna Ke' from the star's 1989 romantic film 'Maine Pyar Kiya' opposite Bhagyashree.

Appreciating his talent, Salman said: "He cannot speak proper Hindi but can sing in the language so well."

He also asked Abdu how he felt about going inside the house and the singer replied: "I am very excited. I just love everyone and believe in spreading it. No fights, all love, and I request everyone to please support me."

Salman also recalled how he bonded so well with him during the IIFA event and became part of his film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan'.

Abdu Rozik was born in Tajikistan to a family of gardeners and is known for his Tajik rap song called 'Ohi Dili Zor'. He became popular with his music videos all over social media.

--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 27 (IANS) Salman Khan candidly answered questions about the many rumours that are circulating about him, starting with nixing the theory that he wasn]t going to host 'Bigg Boss 16' and that his fees have touched Rs 1,000 crore.

Speaking to journalists at the virtual media briefing, Salman said: "Well, I am often asked if I am doing the show or not, so I get irritated sometimes and tell these people that I don't want to do the show. But these people are helpless as they feel if not me, then who else. So, they have no choice." By 'they', the star obviously meant the producers of the show.

On the rumour that his fees added up to Rs 1,000 crore, he said: "I would never get this much and if in reality I get this amount, I don't think I'd be working. I have a lot of expenses like on lawyers and because of these rumours, income-tax people will start noticing me."

When asked why he has returned to the show as host, he said: "I learn a lot on this show and get to meet so many people, and whenever they go off track, I bring them back in the right direction. I protect the bullied and bully the ones who bully. In the four months when this show goes on, we bond like a family."

On whether he would like to invite a Bollywood couple on the show, Salman said: "No one. I don't think anyone can play the game inside. It's a different thing. I would not take the names but I would like to have a few contestants who would go inside single but come out from the house together."

Salman then talked about his mother's diminishing love for the show. He revealed: "She used to watch it religiously. Now, she also watches other shows. This might be because she feels that she has had too much of 'Bigg Boss'."

On being asked about a piece of advice given to him by his mother, he mentioned jokingly: "She tells me to go and teach them a lesson. That is why I get so charged up."

'Bigg Boss 16' is all set to start from October 1 at 9:30 p.m. on Colors.

--IANS
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Los Angeles, Sep 27 (IANS) Malala Yousafzai -- activist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and self-confessed "Stranger Things" fan -- is in production on her first project for Apple, 'Variety' has revealed.

Her production company Extracurricular has partnered with the indie studio A24 for a still-untitled feature documentary on the legendary "haenyeo" society of fisherwomen, who live on South Korea's Jeju Island.

The Apple Original Films title is directed by Peabody Award nominee Sue Kim ("The Speed Cubers"), and is the first project to go into production from Extracurricular's partnership with Apple TV+, which was struck in March 2021, notes 'Variety'.

Malala unveiled her first slate of film and TV projects for Apple TV+ through Extracurricular on Monday.

Headlining the slate is the feature film adaptation of Elaine Hsieh Chou's acclaimed book "Disorientation", which was published earlier this year. A sharp-edged, celebrated satire, "Disorientation" is about a college student's revealing dissertation on a young poet.

The project will be produced by "Don't Look Up" helmer Adam McKay's Hyperobject Industries, with Stephanie Mercado and Todd Schulman overseeing. A director has not yet been attached.

Extracurricular is also working on a scripted series based on the New York Times best-selling debutante writer Asha Lemmie's coming-of-age novel "Fifty Words for Rain", about a woman's search for acceptance in post-World War II Japan.

The lead casting for both projects will introduce new talent, Extracurricular's head of production Erika Kennair told Variety. "Just by the nature of it, the lead of '50 Words for Rain' is a half-Black half-Japanese woman. And unless Naomi Osaka wants to start acting, we're going to have to discover that woman, which is really exciting."

Speaking to 'Variety', Malala said: "What I hope to bring to the table are the voices of women of colour, and debut writers and Muslim directors and writers. I hope we can have a wide range of perspectives and we challenge some of the stereotypes we hold in our societies."

She added: "I also hope that the content is entertaining, and that people fall in love with the characters and have the best time together."

--IANS
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