ShowBiz

Mumbai, Feb 9 (IANS) Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and businessperson Ananya Birla has collaborated with American rapper Offset and also has inked a brand-new record deal with global music company BMG.

As part of this major signing, Ananya Birla is premiering her first global crossover single of 2024 titled ‘Cuffed’ (Jo Tha Mila)’ that arrives on all streaming platforms today alongside an animated video.

Featuring an impressive guest appearance from the superstar American rapper Offset, the brand-new single marks the 32-year-old rapper’s debut collaboration with an artist of Indian origin but also establishes his first female-led collaboration post ‘Freaky’ featuring Cardi B.

Ahead of his upcoming US tour, Offset said: “I’ve always been intrigued by India, the people, the music and the culture. I’m pumped to kickstart a relationship with India with this collaboration with Ananya. Sending a big shoutout to all my Indian fans.”

The feel-good pop earworm, which also enlists Harjaas Harjayi and Saurabh Lokhande on writing credits, is being touted as ‘the first Hindi pop-meets-American-hip hop collaboration’.

Ananya shared: “BMG's trust in my craft, coupled with Offset joining forces on the track, highlights their dedication in spotlighting Indian talent. I’m extremely grateful that I can continue to be a small part of propelling the South Asian narrative and fostering cross cultural collaborative exchanges.”

“In BMG I have truly found an international partner who understands me as an artist and doesn’t want me to be anything other than who I am. It was an absolute pleasure to team up with Offset. I hope you enjoy the song.”

With this long-term partnership that includes licensing, marketing and distribution, Ananya becomes the very first Indian-origin female artist to join a decade-old iconic conglomerate that enjoys a recordings catalogue of artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Black Sabbath, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Iron Maiden, Rita Ora, Louis Tomlinson amongst others.

Elaborating further Brandon Riester, VP, A&R BMG added: “When collaborating with an artist, it is crucial for me to adopt a global perspective. Ananya's remarkable artistry, exceptional musicality, and visionary approach perfectly align with BMG's mission to make inroads into the rapidly expanding streaming market in India.”

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Feb 9 (IANS) Actress Dakota Johnson jokingly said that “it was the "worst moment" of her life to film a cameo for ‘The Office’.

During her appearance on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', the actress said: "That was honestly the worst time of my life, They were like, 'Do you want to be in the series finale?' And I was like, 'Of course,' thinking that I'd show up for like half a day. I was there for two weeks. And I'm barely in the show."

The 34-year-old went on to say that the atmosphere behind the scenes was uncomfortable, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"They were sad," she said of the cast members as they were concluding a show after running for a decade.

"And also, like, there were weird dynamics that had been going on for the last 10 years."

She also told the host Seth, who also made an appearance in the finale, that she tried to fit in with the cast which included returning cast members Steve Carell, Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak.

However, that didn't work because no one talked to her.

"Some people didn't speak to each other, and I'm coming in like, 'Hahaha, I'm so excited to be here,' and no one wanted to talk to me, nobody gave a f**k," she recalled.

As she apologised for swearing a lot, Johnson explained: "It's cause I had a glass of champagne."

For her cameo, the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' star played an accountant named Dakota who replaced Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) at Dunder Mifflin.

She noted in the new interview that despite everything, she was proud that she appeared in many of the finale's scenes while doing traditional office work in the background.

"Can I tell you I recently watched it and it was some of the most believable faxing I've ever seen," Seth joked. "And a lot of people I think mail it in when they're in the background of those shows."

Back in 2021, Dakota said that her appearance on 'The Office' was meant to set up a spin-off that she would star on.

"If everything else just falls away, maybe you'll find me in that 'Office' spinoff that no one wants to watch," she told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

She continued: "I don't know in what world that would've worked for me creatively. I have found that when something is successful, even when there's nothing left, they just keep trying to wring out the towel of story. Sometimes things need to end when they're supposed to end."

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Feb 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Christopher Nolan praised his ‘Oppenheimer’ star Robert Downey Jr He added that he always wanted to work with the actor and him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business.

Downey Jr is regarded as the Oscar front-runner for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer.

“I’ve always wanted to work with him. I’ve always seen that in his work,” Nolan said. “And he has such charisma as Tony Stark. Him playing Iron Man is one of the most consequential casting decisions that’s ever been made in the history of the movie business,” Nolan said on ‘The Late Show’.

Despite his acting talents, Downey Jr manages to generate a connection with audiences by leaving room for others, Nolan said.

“You’re looking for some kind of generosity. He has this incredible generosity of spirit. It means when he’s in a scene with other people he’s making sure they are all doing their best, that they are all able to bring their best to the table. He’s helping them clarify those emotional connections.”

It wasn’t always such a love connection between Downey Jr. and Nolan. Downey Jr. recalled meeting Nolan about playing Scarecrow in 2005’s Batman Begins.

The actor made his comments during a Q&A with the audience following a screening of Oppenheimer at the Aero Theater in Los Angeles.

“I remember meeting for tea, and I was like, ‘He doesn’t seem like he’s really leaning in on this interview.’ And he was polite and all that, but I mean, you know, you can tell when someone is kind of like, ‘It’s not gonna go your way’.”

The role of Dr Jonathan Crane, the Scarecrow, would ultimately go to Downey Jr’s Oppenheimer co-star, Cillian Murphy.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Kannada actor Rishab Shetty, who received critical acclaim and commercial success for his film ‘Kantara’, visited a temple in Mangalore city along with his family where they offered prayers.

Taking a break from the preparations of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, Rishab Shetty and wife Pragathi attended the Buta Kola.

The two shared the glimpse of the temple visit on social media and wrote in the caption, "In the presence of God, blessed moments.”

Rishab, who served as director and writer, proved his brilliance and distinctive storytelling with ‘Kantara: The Legend’ and now he has begun working on the much-awaited prequel 'Kantara: Chapter 1'.

The actor has practised the Kola art form in the festival which he has implemented in the ‘Kantara: A Legend’. The actor and his family always celebrate every festival with the rituals and they've done all the rituals of the Mangalorean festival.

It is to be noted that the glimpse of Kola festival was also shown in a detailed way by Rishab Shetty in Kantara: A Legend, where the people worshipped Deity and Panjurli Dev.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Ieshaan Sehgaal, who appeared on 'Bigg Boss 15', recently released the track 'Fer Milange'.

He shared his opinion on love and said that Love is not for everyone, and certainly not for him at the moment.

Earlier, Ieshaan has released tracks such as 'Tere Bin', 'Hunter', and 'Dil Kehta Hai’. With ‘Fer Milange’, he has taken a distinctive turn in his musical journey.

The music video, shot in Chandigarh, portrays Ieshaan in a character that breaks away from his perceived image. Dressed in traditional kurta pyjama attire, he embodies a small-town persona, exuding innocence and purity.

He shared insights into the creative process behind ‘Fer Milange’. He expressed his excitement, as he said, "I think they haven't seen me in a beard and kurta pyjamas. I am excited about that."

The decision to take on this unique character was fueled by the character's innocence, a quality that resonated deeply with Ieshaan upon hearing the song.

Sharing his views on love, Ieshaan expressed, "Love is not for everyone, and I think it's not for me -- at least, not until now. However, I love playing romantic roles. At least there, I can have a romantic love life."

This candid confession adds a personal touch to the artist's journey, highlighting the contrast between his on-screen persona and real-life perspectives.

He further mentioned, "It's a hit for sure. Deedar is a very good singer with a great voice, and I am sure people will love it”.

In this musical venture, Ieshaan invites his audience to explore a different side of his artistry, promising a delightful and unexpected experience.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Jan 14 (IANS) The ‘Ted Lasso’ star, Keeley Hazell flaunted her figure in a black lace set with matching cat ears during a lingerie shoot.

It comes as she has been soaking up the sun in the Caribbean and posted a snap on Instagram alongside an outdoor bath, reports ‘The Sun’.

She wrote in the caption, “Jamaica me happy n’stuff (sic)”. ‘Ted Lasso’ follows the story of a football coach, played by Keeley’s ex-boyfriend Jason Sudeikis. In the series, she plays the wife of a fictional West Ham owner in the Apple TV+ hit.

As per ‘The Sun’, last May she revealed she had co-authored the eighth episode of the third and possibly final series.

She excitedly told her Instagram fans, “The latest episode of Ted Lasso is out !!! “Annnnddddd it was written by myself and the fabulous, amazing, wonderful @dylanmarron. #believe”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) Ahead of the 96th Oscar Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shared the chartbuster song 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna' from Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'.

On Saturday, the official Instagram handle of the Academy shared the video of the song.

They wrote in the caption, “Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol performing the classic song 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna' from 1995's 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’.”

Users in the comment section came up with mixed reactions to this social media movie of the Academy.

One user wrote, “Shah Rukh Khan - the face of Indian Cinema”.

Another wrote, “Academy is a SRK fan!!!!! About time”.

A third user wrote, “Well they could have featured the critically acclaimed Indian films rather than these stupid mass entertainment films.”

Another wrote, “Most of the people who are saying, ‘Academy is running out of content’, they're forgetting academy honours any kind of movies around the world. Not only American and British movies. DDLJ is a cult classic. It's honouring post. Don't get so concerned about it (sic).”

‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, which marked the directorial debut of the YRF head-honcho Aditya Chopra, is considered a landmark film in not just Hindi but Indian cinema.

The film boasts of an iconic soundtrack and also saw Aditya’s cousin Karan Johar, serving as an assistant director and also acting alongside SRK as his friend.

The film is regarded as one of the most influential films from India.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt hosted an intimate Christmas celebration at his residence, which was attended by his daughters Alia Shaheen, and Pooja, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar and others.

The videos shows the ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ actress wearing a green coloured one shoulder dress, with her hair tied in a bun, and a Christmas Santa headband on her head.

Alia completed the look with silver stilettos and a matching small handbag.

Ranbir was wearing a white shirt with black sleeveless jacket, and beige coloured trousers.

The ‘Brahmastra’ actor completed his look with sneakers.

Filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, and Karan Johar were also spotted at the venue.

The video shows KJo giving a warm hug to sisters Alia and Shaheen. Shaheen wore a black satin dress for the celebrations.

KJo took to the Instagram Stories and posted a picture with Pooja Bhatt.

He wrote: “Was so happy to spend an evening with someone I have known 3 decades ... shared diets and crazy stories to how superbly she held herself with such dignity in big boss! Merry Xmas Pooja!!! Big love to you”.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 25 (IANS) Veteran star Sharmila Tagore was seen talking about her actor son Saif Ali Khan and revealed some interesting anecdotes about his college days.

In the upcoming episode of Koffee with Karan, Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore will be seen as guests. From their iconic roles to family tales, this episode is a tribute to their regal legacy and a peek into their fabulous journey.

As Saif Ali Khan looked a little lost, Karan Johar asked: “Yes Saif, you are looking bewildered?”

“As I often am on this couch,” said Saif.

Curious as ever, Karan asked: “The story I really want to know is about the college.”

Spilling the beans, Sharmila said: “He didn't go to the university, he asked the air hostess out and they went off somewhere.”

‘Koffee with Karan’ Season 8 is airing on Disney+ Hotstar.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 25 (IANS) Neel Nanda, a stand-up comedian of Indian descent, who appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and ‘Comedy Central's Adam Devine's House Party’, has died at the age of 32.

"I (am) deeply shocked and saddened by this," Nanda's manager Greg Weiss said in a December 24 statement to Deadline.

"He was a wonderful comic, but a better person. He had the world in front of him."

A cause of death has yet to be shared publicly.

As news of Nanda's passing emerged, many fans, friends and fellow stars took to social media to pay tribute.

"RIP Neel Nanda," Matt Rife wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"You were one of the nicest, hardest working comedians I've ever called a friend and i hope you can be at peace brother."

Fellow comedian Mario Adrion, who recently performed alongside Nanda, also penned a gut-wrenching message to his friend.

"I just did shows with him in Canada last week and am f--king heartbroken," Adrion wrote on Instagram.

"We only met this year but he brought a lot of light and positivity into my life in the short time I got to spend with him."

"Neel was a great comedian and always made an effort to lift up others around him- I am grateful I got to meet him," he added. "Much love to his family and everyone who's grieving!"

Meanwhile, The Port comedy club, where Nanda previously performed, took to their Instagram page on December 23 to honour his legacy.

"It is with a very heavy heart we say good bye to comedy great, Neel Nanda," the club's message began.

"Absolutely shocked by the news. Such a positive force for comedy and a huge loss to our community."

"Rest in Peace Neel," their tribute concluded.

"Thank you for gracing our stage and piano, a great headliner, gone too soon."

Dane Cook also shared a message on Nanda's passing.

"I didn't know Neel Nanda personally but reading several tributes is both heart breaking and eye opening,” Cook wrote.

--IANS

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