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Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan asked 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 14' contestant Kavita Chawla why a cheque for Rs 3,20,000 meant so much to her after she expressed her joy over getting it.

Chawla, who went on to become the reality quiz show's first 'crorepati' this season, said in her answer to him that she was once earning Rs 20 a day once and now, using her intelligence, she was getting that substantial amount in a matter of just a few hours.

Bachchan then said that she was endowed with 'gyaan ki hakti' -- her "superpower" was her knowledge.

The contestant said: "Till date, this is my first big earning which I have now received on the stage of 'KBC'. I remember there was a time when I would work on my sewing machine for eight hours and for those hours I would only get Rs 20 in a day. From Rs 20 to Rs 3,20,000, it has taken me 30 years to reach this milestone."

Chawla is a homemaker from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The 45-year-old contestant told the host that she shares a close bond with her son Vivek and wants to spend the amount she wins on his education. She will attempt the Rs 7.5 crore question on September 19 and September 20.

'KBC 14' airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

--IANS
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Chennai, Sep 18 (IANS) Actor Satyadev's upcoming Telugu film, tentatively being referred to as "Satyadev 26", will be a crime story and will have plenty of action sequences, if one is to go by what sources in the industry say.

The actor, who has made a name for himself in the Telugu film industry with his choice of scripts, is believed to have signed an interesting project with a novel story for his next.

The film, whcih is being directed Eashvar Karthic, who is best known for his film "Penguin", is to be produced by Old Town Pictures.

"It's a straight Telugu movie. The movie will be launched soon. The multi-starrer movie will also feature another well-known actor in the other lead role," says a source.

Bala Sundaram and Dinesh Sundaram are producing the movie, which will have cinematography by Manikantan Krishnamachary and music by Charan Raj.

Anil Krish will edit the movie for which dialogues are by Meeraqh.

--IANS
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Chennai, Sep 18 (IANS) Telugu actor Sandeep Kishen, who has been roped in for director Arun Matheeswaran's upcoming film 'Captain Miller' featuring Dhanush in the lead, says that he is pleased to be a part of the "incredibly ambitious film".

Soon after the production house welcomed him on board the project, Sundeep took to social media to express his happiness.

He wrote, "Pleased to be a part of the incredibly ambitious 'Captain Miller'. Honoured to be working alongside a man of mammoth talent and a constant source of inspiration -- Dhanush K Raja anna. Thank the genius Arun Matheshwaran and dear Sathya Jyothi Films for bringing this crazy part to me. Jai Hind."

When director Arun Matheeswaran welcomed the actor to his cast, tweeting, "Super thrilled to have you on board brother," Sundeep replied, "The feeling is mutual dear brother. Looking forward to watching you spin your magic on set."

'Captain Miller', which is to be made on a grand scale, is a period film set in the 1930s-40s and will be released simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

--IANS
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Chennai, Sep 18 (IANS) Shruti Haasan's single "She Is A Hero", which throws light on the struggles and triumphs of women, has been receiving immense love from audiences.

In less than a few days of its release, "She Is A Hero" has already crossed a million views and is showing no signs of slowing down.

"She Is A Hero" brings together varied artists and a mix of genres, all with one aim- to celebrate women. The video of the song features girls from the NGO Shiksha Seva Foundation, which has made this track all the more special.

The track has been produced by Karan Kanchan and Karan Parikh while visual artist Santanu Hazarika dons the creative director's hat for this special track.

Screenwriter and lyricist Niranjan Iyengar has penned the additional Hindi lyrics for Shruti's part.

Commenting on the track, Shruti had previously tweeted, "She is a Hero is our ode to powerful stories of women all across the globe who go above and beyond in everything they do, regardless of the domain, with empathy, elegance and fortitude."

--IANS
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Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) 'Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma' fame Raj Anadkat and 'Naagin' star Adaa Khan will share the screen space for the latest music video, 'Ho Gaya Hai Naal Tere Pyar', sung by Rajdeep Chatterjee.

The romantic number is all about how exciting being in love can be.

Talking about being part of the music video and working with Adaa, Raj said: "I am super excited for my second song, 'Ho Gaya Hai Naal Tere Pyar'. It's my second song with Ramji. It was fun shooting in Dubai. I worked with Adaa Khan for the first time and it was a good experience. I am sure people will fall in love with our new song."

He also expressed his gratitude to his fans for making his first song 'Sorry Sorry' a hit.

"Thanks to all my fans for making my first song a super hit. It has crossed 21 million views and is still counting. I want everyone to show more and more love for my second song too and make it a super duper hit. I can't wait to share this song with them," he said.

Adda added: "'Ho Gaya Hai Naal Tere Pyar' has a feeling everyone has felt at some point of time. It has a very youthful melody. I had a great time shooting for the song. I would like to thank each and every person for making this song so beautiful."

Music composer and director Ramji Gulati said: "'Ho Gaya Hai Naal Tere Pyar' is all about that feeling when you don't want the day to end so you'll never have to part with the person you like. That rush of freedom when you love someone - that's what makes it so special."

"If you have ever fallen in love, 'Ho Gaya Hai Naal Tere Pyar' is your song. Working with Ramji was a great experience. His knack for music is outstanding. Raj and Adaa have done full justice to the song. No one could have performed the song better than them," said Rajdeep.

Penned by Moody Akkhar and produced by Jitin Agarwal and Rajesh Talesara, the song will be out on September 19.

--IANS
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Chennai, Sep 18 (IANS) If rumours doing the rounds in the industry are to be believed, Naseeruddin Shah is to play the lead in the Hindi remake of director Ratheesh Raghunandan's Malayalam film "Udal".

The film, which was quite well received in Malayalam, is to be remade in Hindi by Malayalam production house Sree Gokulam movies.

In May, producer Gokulam Gopalan had announced the remake of "Udal" in Hindi. Sources say that the writer and director of "Udal", Ratheesh Raghunandan, will direct the Hindi version as well.

Santhosh Thundiyil will be the cinematographer of the Hindi version while the Malayalam version was shot by Manoj Pillai.

The story of "Udal" (Body), which featured Dhyan Sreenivasan, Durga Krishna and Indrans in the lead, happens in one night and revolves around a daughter-in-law, who has been taking care of her ailing mother-in-law.

--IANS
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Los Angeles, Sep 18 (IANS) Woody Allen has announced his retirement from filmmaking. in Europe to work on his 50th film, the maestro told Spanish newspaper 'La Vanguardia' that he intended to retire from making movies and to dedicate more time to writing during his twilight years, reports 'Variety'.

His final film is set in Paris and will be shot entirely in French in a couple of weeks. Allen described the film to be similar to 'Match Point'. It would be "exciting, dramatic and also very sinister."

Allen recently wrote his fifth collection of humour pieces, 'Zero Gravity', which will be published on September 27 by Alianza in Spain. In the US, it was published by Arcade and distributed by Simon & Schuster, notes 'Variety'.

Allen has been shooting more often in Europe as his support in the US has plunged given the abuse accusations against him. In 2020, he opened the San Sebastian Film Festival with 'Rifkin's Festival', shot in and around the tony city of San Sebastian. His relationship with the Basque provincial capital's festival goes back to 2004 when he premiered 'Melinda & Melinda' and in 2008 with the premiere of 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.

Starring Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel and Gina Gershon, 'Rifkin's Festival' takes place during the fest, the most important in the Spanish-speaking world.

Curiously, adds 'Variety', Allen announced at the press conference marking the start of production on the film that he "never thought of retiring".

'Rifkin's Festival' was backed by Spanish media giant Mediapro, which also supported two of Allen's more successful films: 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona', which garnered Penelope Cruz her first Oscar, and 'Midnight in Paris'.

Amazon Studios shelved Allen's previous film 'A Rainy Day in New York' after accusing him of "sabotaging" the future of the film by his comments on the abuse accusations of his daughter Dylan Farrow. He sued them for $68 million, alleging a breach of contract. The dispute was later settled out of court.

Allen has had trouble with publishing houses as well. Hachette canceled the publication of his memoir 'Apropos of Nothing' after staff protests, but it was picked up by another publisher, Arcade.

--IANS
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Chamoli, Sep 18 (IANS) India's mountainous state in the north is famously called 'Dev Bhoomi' Uttarakhand. The culture of Uttarakhand keeps alive this land and its Himalayan terrain. Its Pandav Leela is as famous as the Leela of Lord Shri Krishna.

Based on devotional spirit, the culture here holds a special place mythologically and historically as it is believed that all the sons of Manu who recognise the difference between dharma and adharma vow to keep the culture alive.

The culture here has a sense of harmony, devotion and faith in God. The conflict between dharma and adharma, as depicted in the Mahabharata, is also a special part of the culture here. This is known as Pandav Nritya or Pandav Leela.

Pandav Leela is the part of Uttarakhand's culture that reflects its age-old history. The culture has been keeping this history alive for centuries.

The Pandava dance is the traditional folk dance of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Legend has it that Pandavas came here in search of Shiva at the time of their ascension to heaven.

It is also believed that after the war of Mahabharata, Pandavas handed over their weapons to the people of Uttarakhand before leaving for Heaven. In many villages here, their weapons are worshipped.

The events of Chakravyuh and Kamal Vyuh of Mahabharata, composed in Garhwali language by Acharya Krishnanand Nautiyal, are performed.

This exciting event is organised in the nearby villages of Kedarnath-Badrinath Dhams of Rudraprayag-Chamoli districts.

The history of Pandavas in Garhwal is also found in the Kedarkhand section of Skanda Purana. Pandav Leela is a prominent part of the culture here, and keeping up this mythological and religious culture, the villagers organise this event in a grand manner.

This war between Pandavas and Kauravas take us to the Dwapara Yuga.

Village Khainoli of Narayan Bagad area of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, celebrates Pandav Leela with great fervour.

On the first day, Pandavas carry Lord Krishna with them and wield their weapons. Besides, the deities here take orders from Bhumialo and Panch Pradhans for the preparations for the war. The story of Mahabharat is played out till its conclusion on the tenth day.

On the second day, the body of Paaya Pati (a deity tree) of Lord Shri Krishna is shown.

On the third day, the forest-dwelling Pandavas in Dharamshila and mighty Bheem in the honey bee episode are depicted.

On the fourth day, the mighty Kigach is killed by the Pandavas.

On the fifth day, the Pandavas get the news of death of Bheem. They call all brahmins and sages to Bheem's funeral, in which Bheem takes the form of a sage and joins the Pandavas in this task. Mother Kunti feeds the saints and recognises Bheem from his style of eating. The true form of Bheem is thus revealed.

On the sixth day, a rhinoceros is slaughtered by Arjuna. This rhinoceros belonged to Arjuna's son Nagarjuna. When Nagarjuna came to know about this, he unknowingly shot his own father with his arrows. But with the blessings of the gods and goddesses, Arjuna was saved from death.

On the seventh day, Pandavas perform the funeral of their father Pandu at the Ganges. This period is also known as Shradh Paksha in the entire Hindu religion, when Pind Daan is offered to ancestors.

On the eighth day, the historical war of Mahabharat begins between the Kauravas and the Pandavas in the vast merciless lands of Kurukshetra. The great warriors of the Kaurava army are killed by the Pandavas, who emerge victorious in this war.

On the ninth day, there is joy in killing the ungodly Kauravas by the Pandavas; and the same Pandavas incur the sin of killing humans and gurus. All the Pandavas go to Shri Bhagwan Kedar Dham to wash away their sins for killing them. Together they give up their weapons forever and devote themselves to ther worship of Lord Kedar Nath.

On the tenth day, after the victory, by the order of Lord Shri Krishna, they left for Shri Badrinath Dham, from where they would ascend to heaven, and the Pandavas would attain salvation in different places.

This day is also known as Santi (concluding) of Pandava Leela. Huge religious sacrifices are performed on this day. Food and donations are given to Brahmins. Besides, the Prasad of the Pandavas is also distributed to everyone.

The distinction between dharma and adharma helps us identify truth from falsehood and distinguish the path of sin from virtue. Thus, by means of this cultural practice of Uttarakhand, a significant part of out culture remains alive and thriving.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Kavita Chawla, a homemaker from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, became the first 'crorepati' in the quiz-based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 14' hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

The 45-year-old talked about how she was able complete her education, despite her father not being prepared to educate her after Class X. She was able to clear Class XII before marriage only because her teacher intervened and reasoned with her father.

Talking about how she prepared for the show, Chawla said: "I used to teach my son Vivek at home and have taught him from KG to Class VIII. I used to prepare for the show along with it because I have always dreamt about going to 'KBC' since the time it began.

She continued: "When I used to teach him, I used to study as well and I knew that the knowledge would help me in the future. Whenever I used to get some time off from my household chores I would study to remain updated about current affairs and brush up my general knowledge."

Kavita added that preparing for the show was not easy. "For a housewife, studies do feel like multitasking and on top of it I had a child and my in-laws to take care of," Chawla said, adding: "Shouldering those responsibilities and also studying had me understand time management. I did not want to waste time by going out, for instance."

It took her 21 years and 10 months to finally reach the hotseat and fulfil her dream. On many occasions, in fact, her son would prank her, claiming a call had come from the makers of the reality show.

"The journey from registrations to the hotseat is not that easy and is tediously long," Chawla said. "Sometimes, when I would register, I would not get the call. Then when I did get the call, I did not get the call for the procedures that follow. If I got the call for an audition, I did not get the call for the interview. I took time to reach the hotseat because I was moving ahead step by step and it took really long to reach here," she exclaimed.

Talking about meeting Amitabh Bachchan, Chawla said: "It was surreal. I was mesmerised by sir. The most beautiful part of meeting him was the conversations that we had and the most glorious part of meeting him was the time he announced my name for the hotseat and when I won Rs 1 crore."

Chawla plans to invest the money she has won "in my son's future because I want him to study further. I want my son to study and grow and make the country proud." As for her, she said: "I want to travel across India and experience its beauty."

Kavita Chawla will be seen on the hotseat on September 19 and 20 on 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 14', Sony Entertainment Television.

--IANS
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Los Angeles, Sep 17 (IANS) Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has opened up about the responsibilities of being a multi-tasking mother during the second annual 'A Day of Unreasonable Conversation' in Los Angeles.

The 41-year old was part of a panel called 'How To Get S**t Done In A Divided America" alongside film producer Scott Budnick discussing their efforts towards criminal justice reform, reports mirror.co.uk.

Kim, who shares North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three, with ex-husband Kanye West, was praised by Budnick for her ability to join virtual work meetings at any given moment - even when carrying out parenting duties.

He said: "This woman right here, it's like we find out the governor loves the Oklahoma Sooners football team."

"She's on every Zoom. 'Hey, Kim, the evangelical pastor in Oklahoma is interested in learning about the case.' Okay, we're on a Zoom that night, with all of her kids running around the Zoom."

"So embarrassing," Kim quipped in response.

Budnick then poked fun at Kim over her inability to stop the kids from interrupting her calls.

"No matter how many doors she locks, she cannot keep the kids out of the room," he joked.

Kim agreed, adding: "They figure out a way in."

In December last year Kim gave her eldest child a ticking off when she realised that she had been live-streaming a grand tour of their family home on TikTok without permission.

Fans were quick to tune in when North and a gaggle of friends started live streaming from within the Hidden Hills mansion that Kim and her children live in.

North could be heard excitedly showing fans and followers around a candy-floss pink coloured room and holding up a "gingerbread thing" to the camera.

One of North's friends attempted to shut down the video footage, declaring: "Not allowed to be live" while also throwing North under the bus to repeatedly shout in a panicked voice: "North is live. North is live. North your live. No, not fair, TikTok live."

Meanwhile, despite a party getting under way, Kim seemed to be taking some time out to relax as North turned the camera into one room showing the reality star laying in bed playing with her phone.

North excitably announced: "Mom, I'm live." But a furious Kim snaps at her daughter: "No stop, you know you're not allowed too."

With the fun ending abruptly, North said: "Okay bye."

--IANS
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