Harlequin announces annual Passions - Aspiring Authors Auditions 2013 for romance and general fiction aspiring authors

Harlequin announces annual Passions - Aspiring Authors Auditions 2013 for romance and general fiction aspiring authors

- Shobhaa De and Shoma Narayanan to judge the best entries -

Mumbai, December 26, 2013: Harlequin India has announced the launch of Passions 2013 - the annual writing contest for aspiring authors. The contest is expanding this year to accept entries in two categories– romantic fiction and general fiction. This year’s judges are renowned authors themselves – noted author and columnist, Shobhaa De and Mills & Boon global author from India, Shoma Narayanan.

Budding writers can submit a 100 word synopsis and first few chapters of their original story in no more than 5,000 words on or before January 25, 2014 on www.hqnindia.com. Writers in the general fiction category should also submit a detailed plot outline of 500 words. The winners will be rewarded with an assured editorial mentorship that will help them turn their ideas into best-selling fiction books and the possibility of a publishing contract.

Past editions of the Passions contest, have led to the discovery of several new voices for the Mills & Boon imprint. These authors, such as Milan Vora, Shoma Narayanan, Aastha Atray, Ruchi Vasudeva, Adite Banerjie, have published Mills & Boon novels set in India.

Shobhaa De shares, "Passions 2013 is pregnant with possibilities! I am looking forward to reading submissions and in the process, discovering fresh voices exploring the realms of love, romance - and passion, of course, in new and exciting ways..."'

Shoma Narayanan, author of four Mills & Boons books says, "The Mills and Boon (Harlequin) Passions contest seeks out fresh, exciting writing talent and rewards the winners with editorial mentorship as well as the opportunity to be published. Three years ago I was one of the winners myself and I vividly remember how excited I was.  It’s a privilege to be a judge this time around, and I'm really looking forward to reading contributions from aspiring authors from across the country."

Amrita Chowdhury, Harlequin India's Country Head & Publishing Director, said, “We are celebrating the fifth edition of Passions with celebrated author Shobhaa De and our very own Shoma Narayanan as this year’s judges. The Passions contest is a platform where aspiring writers can showcase their talent and possibly win a two-book deal. We invest a lot in mentoring young writers on their way to publication.”

About Harlequin:

Harlequin is one of the world's leading publishers of books for women. The Toronto-based company publishes over 110 titles a month in 31 languages in 111 international markets on six continents. Harlequin is unique in the publishing industry, combining over highly recognizable imprints including - Harlequin, Mills & Boon, MIRA Books, HQN Books, Harlequin TEEN, Spice, Harlequin Nonfiction; a global reach, a highly successful reader service and forward-looking technology (eBooks, downloadable audio, mobile phone applications) that not only allows the company to move further and further into the forefront of women's fiction but continues to position Harlequin for growth.

Harlequin India, which started in 2008, has brought its global romantic fiction and general fiction books to India. It has published Indian authors for its romantic fiction genre and is now expanding its Indian publishing portfolio to publish Indian authors in other genres of fiction.

Harlequin India is the subsidiary of the Toronto-based publisher - Harlequin Enterprises Limited. Harlequin had 390 bestseller placements in 2010 in North America that enjoyed a total of 1,048 weeks on bestseller lists. Since its inception, has sold approximately 6.05 billion books. Harlequin creates entertaining and enriching experiences for readers to enjoy, to share and to return to, that drives the company's success and enables Harlequin to push the boundaries, launching new stories, reaching new readers, offering new formats.

Karan Johar will be seen in a cameo in upcoming film ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, which is a joint venture between Dharma Productions and Phantom Films.

Karan Johar will be seen in a cameo in upcoming film ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, 

which is a joint venture between Dharma Productions and Phantom Films.

Confirming the news, director Vinil Mathew said, “Yes, Karan will be seen in a cameo appearance in the film as a rich and snobbish businessman, who is approached by Sidharth’s character as the latter needs to borrow some money. The cameo was my idea and as I have worked with Karan in ad films, we share a great equation and so when I approached him for the cameo, he sportingly agreed.”

Grand Music launch of Hindi Movie “KARLE PYAAR KARLE”

Grand Music launch of Hindi Movie “KARLE PYAAR KARLE”

Mumbai, December 2013:  Shrikrushna international presents a grand music launch held in the heart of the Pune city recently. Actor Shiv Darshan , Producer Sunil Darshan  Director Rajesh Pandye , Rahul Bhandari, Bhavusaheb Bhoir , Runi Khan and actress Hasleen Kaur ,Subhas Sanas  were presented at the grand Music launch of upcoming movie  “ KARLE PYAAR KARLE” In this film Sunil Darshan is going to launch his son shiv Darshan for the first time in the bollywood industry. The film is directed by Mr. Rajesh Pandye.

The USP of the film is its unique story line thrilling pace and most importantly song of the movie .The film is a love story of Kabeer and Preet. An underage boy falls in love with the 18 years old good-looking, gorgeous girl Preet. At this time Kabeer mate with a crime. After 12 years again Kabeer and his mother went to the same village and he met with Preet again. 

Music is the heart of the every film there are six songs in the film songs sung by Reyaan Amin , Rashid Khan, Prashnat Singh , Sunil Darshan, Meet Bros and Anjan. During the function, six songs from the film were shown to the press and each one of them had a class of its own. 

Soha Ali Khan’s sensational looks in her upcoming film “Mr.Joe B Carvalho”

Ace TV and Radio Host Siddharth Kannan finds his Soul Mate!!

Ace TV and Radio Host Siddharth Kannan finds his Soul Mate!!

Ace TV and Radio Host Siddharth Kannan is leaving the bachelors club!
He got engaged to Neha Agarwal in a close family function at a 5 star
hotel in Bangalore.

He met the woman of his dreams through his mother.They have been
courting each other for the last couple of months.Neha has studied
Hotel Management and was working as the Marketing and PR Head of a
reputed food company.She and her family are based in Chennai.

The couple are planning to have an exotic beach resort destination
wedding on the 1st and 2nd of February and then are planning a bash in
Mumbai for Sid's friends from the entertainment industry.

Looks like Sid K cannot wait for his lady love to move to Mumbai after
the marriage!Here's wishing the good looking couple the very best in
life.

Mr. Joe B Carvalho starring Arshad Warsi, Soha Ali Khan, Jaaved Jaffrey, the film releases on 3rd January, 2014!!

Yaariyan Team Unvelling Of Stardust Rising Star At Magna Lounge.

 Yaariyan Starcast Himansh Kohli, Rakul Preet, Dev Sharma, Shreyas Pardiwala and Gulshan Grover  with director Divya Khosla Kumar  For unvelling Of Stardust Rising Star At Magna Lounge.

Karle Pyaar Karle release date postponed to 17th January 2014

Karle Pyaar Karle release date postponed to 17th January 2014

Shree Krishna International’s forthcoming film Karle Pyaar Karle has has been pushed by 1 week, and now the film is stated to release on 17^th January, 2014 instead of 10^th January 2014.

Karle Pyaar Karle is an adrenaline gushing, action packed, edgy love story of two rebels, Kabir & Preet, playing the game of life.

The unstable environment within their homes manifests into their daring attitude towards life. Right from their childhood Kabir and Preet indulged in playing borderline dangerous games trying to defy the fear and complexes within. In a desperate moment, eight year old Kabir indulged in an act that lead him to the doors of a juvenile home … In a bid to protect Kabir, his mother decided to leave town to escape the harsh punishment. After travelling from one city to another for 12 years, the family returns to their home town where Kabir and Preet reconnect......beginning a mad chapter of dares, games and fun.

The film is a journey of their unbridled games as they discover themselves and the essence of romance. Problems rear up as though it was their destiny … Preet started believing that they are ill fated and it’s best they should stay away. Kabir firmly believed that only if they are together, will they survive. Preet willingly tore herself apart from Kabir leading them to a point of no return.

They love to dare........ But will they dare to love?

Pavan Malhotra to been seen as a Pakistani army officer in ‘The Bastard Child’

Pavan Malhotra to been seen as a Pakistani army officer in ‘The Bastard Child’

A man with an astonishing persona of an authoritative figure, Pavan Malhotra who had portrayed the highly acclaimed role of Sikh coach, Gurudev Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, based on the life of Milkha Singh is now all set to take it to the next level. The actor will be seen playing a controversial role of Pakistan Army officer in his forthcoming pragmatic film, ‘The Bastard Child’ which is based on true story of Bangladesh genocide.

‘The Bastard Child’ is a contentious film based on a series of non-fictitious events that took place in 1971 revolving around the sanguinary birth of Bangladesh. This movie when released will be the first to tell the true story of the 1971, Bangladesh war as it really happened.

Expressing his thoughts on playing the character of Pakistan Army officer and working in realistic cinema, the critically acclaimed actor, Pavan says, “I feel honored for having the opportunity to work for some of the non-jazzy movies of meaningful cinema. Being a part of such a team, such a movie comes with a sense of responsibility and at the same time pride especially when the incidents portrayed on the screen are based on true incidents. The Bastard Child has moved me and I want the world to go, watch it and be moved too.”

Directed by Mrityunjay Devvrat and produced by Soumya Joshi Devvrat, ‘The Bastard Child’ also stars Farooq Shaikh, Raima Sen, Victor Banerjee, Tillotama Shome and Indraneil Sengupta.

With the success of 'R… Rajkumar', Shahid Kapoor has broken the mould and entered a massy genre

With the success of 'R… Rajkumar', Shahid Kapoor has broken the mould and entered a massy genre

Among the younger crop of actors, Shahid is the only one who has managed to cut through the out and out masala film segment.

Owing to this the young actor has been approached by several brand advertisers... In the past two weeks, Shahid has been offered endorsements ranging from mobile phones to motorbikes to a suiting and shirting brand as well as one for vests.

These brands have been on a look out for a brand ambassador who is popular among the masses at large

Usually this ad segment is dominated by Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar who have a huge fan base especially in B and C towns.

With the success of R… Rajkumar Shahid has managed to build a connect of sorts with audiences.  

Source says, “Shahid’s never done such an out-and-out masala film with intense action scenes. So for the audience, it was a refreshing change to see him in this avatar. Shahid has won praise for his high-energy stunts in the film, which in turn, has attracted a lot of brands that are keen to sign a young ambassador with mass appeal, for their products. With 'R… Rajkumar' being received well, especially in tier-II cities and towns, these brands are now keen to get him on board.”

Arshad Warsi & Soha Ali Khan at the Promotions of Mr. Joe B Carvalho at Le Meredian- Delhi

Arshad Warsi & Soha Ali Khan at the Promotions of Mr. Joe B Carvalho at Le Meredian- Delhi

Since Christmas is around the corner the duo- Arshad Warsi & Soha Ali Khan Celebrated Christmas with the media and also posed with the Santa Claus 

They wore Santa Caps and spoke about how they celebrate Christmas each year!

Well! with their film Mr. Joe B Carvalho B around the release  this surely would be the perfect Christmas Present for the viewers!!

 

 

Sherlyn Chopra as GOOD SANTA and BAD SANTA.

Aditya Roy Kapur was shocked at the passion of his fans.

Aditya Roy Kapur was shocked at the passion of his fans. Recently when he was shooting for Habib Faisal's Dawat e Ishq in the outskirts of Lucknow, he was taken aback by the reactions he was getting from the crowed which has gathered around.

Aditya Roy Kapur never released how popular his character of RJ from his huge solo hit Aashiqui 2 had become. They were shooting a Holi scene on a bridge very similar to last bridge sequence of Aashiqui 2.

To get Aditya’s attention, a lot of guys would scream RJ and jump off to replicate the most talked about scene from Aashiqui 2.

Aditya Roy Kapur got really worried as someone could easily get hurt so he walked up to the youngsters, had a chat requesting them not to do this to gain his attention. After a conversation, lots of pictures, all of the fans satisfied walked off very happy. Only after that did Aditya resume his work.

For Aditya his role of RJ has become an alternate identity where people often call or refer to him as RJ.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

No one really knows the power of the private dreams inside our heads  . . . until they inspire our reality.  That’s what happens in Ben Stiller’s contemporary rethink of one of the most influential fantasy stories of all time –James Thurber’s THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY.   Starring an elite ensemble cast of Ben Stiller, Kirsten Wiig, Sean Pean and others, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is all set to hit Indian theatres on 3^rd January, one of the first biggies to start the year with.

Ben Stiller directs and stars in THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, James Thurber's classic story of a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

With early reviews effusing praise on the flick, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is a phenomenal feat for Ben Stiller who not only acts in the film but has helmed the direction and production as well!  THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY took Stiller to places he has never been before, both in front of and behind the camera. It is at once his most visually adventurous epic and his most stirringly human tale. 

Miss Lovely

"After releasing in India release, Miss Lovely gears up for the US release" reveals Ashim Ahluwalia at the unveiling of the first look of Miss Lovely

"After releasing in India release, Miss Lovely gears up for the US release" reveals Ashim Ahluwalia at the unveiling of the first look of Miss Lovely

Mumbai, 23 December, 2013:  The first look of Ashim Ahluwalia's Miss Lovely which is set in the sleazy world of Mumbai's C grade film industry of 1970's was unveiled at Aurus Resto-bar in Juhu, Mumbai. Present at the launch was lead cast, Nawazuddin Siddique, former Miss India Niharika Singh, Zeena Bhatia, Anil George, Menaka Lalwani, and the cinematographer K U Mohanan.

After releasing in India on January 14, Miss Lovely is also gearing up for the US release in March 2014. The debutant director Ashim who was visibly excited said, "It is the first Indian film to have such a mass release in the US. The other film which has released in the US like this was Slumdog Millionaire and it was not made by Indians. It is a big achievement for us that a film from Mumbai will release in US, Germany, Japan, and France."

Interestingly, Miss Lovely happens is Nawazuddin Siddique's first role as a protagonist. Talking about what drew him to the film Nawaz said , "When I met Ashim for the audition and I found the script  riveting. I related to the world of C-grade movies." Nawaz revealed, "The reason I immediately connected with the film is because I have been part of C grade film world. Not many people know that when I came to Mumbai initially, I worked in a few C-grade movies so I know how that world functions, their mind-sets, the parties. Ashim did not want a conventional performance. Miss Lovely has given me the experience of a raw and realistic performance."

While interacting with press, the debutant director Ashim said he had a tough time finding his leading lady. He said many actresses turned the role down because they didn't understand the space of the film. He revealed, "When I approached mainstream actresses, they thought it was a C-grade film and one of them even sent me a message saying that she would file an FIR against me if I sent her a script again as she thought I wanted her to do sleaze.  I needed actors who would completely understand the space of the movie because it is completely new and different; it is not Bollywood or a sleazy flick." "I came as a  surprise when Niharika readily agreed to do the film. I asked her many times if she was sure about doing the film and if her parents knew what is she doing in the film." he added jokingly.

The former beauty queen who makes her acting debut in the film says, "I am glad that Miss Lovely has turned out to become my debut film and it will release before my other movies. the other movies that I have done.  It is a pathbreaking film in many ways. This movie is a cinematic experience that has taught me a lot about cinema and how to engage with cinema. It has opened up my mind. This film is like an intense Russian novel which sucks you into its drama."

Divulging on the sexual content of the film Ashim said, "Though Miss Lovely is high on sexual content, it does not promote sexual violence against women. Women are molested on a daily basis everywhere. India is very interested in sexuality and the repression of that leads to crime. The Censor Board cuts everything sexual in movies and we pretend that there is no sexuality in our lives. I feel the more we talk about and discuss sex, the less the sex-related crimes will be."

The film has been given A certificate by Censor board. "The Censor Board started with 157 cuts and after four reviews, we just have 3-4 cuts. I think the Censor Board has been reasonable. We don't want to mislead anyone. This is not a family film and we are not releasing 5,000 prints. I want people to watch this film to know what the world of C-grade cinema is like."  Ashim added candidly.

Miss Lovely has travelled to over 30 prestigious film festivals worldwide including Toronto International Film Festival, the Rotterdam Film Festival. It won the the Best Film Award at the Mumbai International Film Festival (2012) and the Best Film Award at the Los Angeles Indian Film Festival (2012). It has premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Official Selection category.

The film about the two brothers who make C-grade sex-horror films is based on many true and gritty stories.

Christmas Quotes by SAB TV Artistes

Christmas Quotes by SAB TV Artistes

Shubhangi Atre Poori aka Koel of ‘Chidiya Ghar’

“Every year on Christmas I bake a cake for my daughter, this year also I will bake unfailingly, even though I will be shooting for Chidiya Ghar this year. I play Santa to my daughter and my husband plays Santa to me. I am very vocal about my wishes; I announce my wishes aloud so that I don’t miss the gifts from my Santa due to any communication gap.”

Dev Joshi aka Balveer of ‘Baalveer’

“I write a letter to Santa and keep it under my pillow along with a pair of stockings and I get all that I wish for. I know my parents are my Santa but still I like to pretend as if I don’t know who keeps the gifts for me. My favorite Christmas present till date is the life size Teddy Bear that I got last year. Baalveer’s directors birthday also falls on 25^th of December so we party on the sets.”

Rubina Dilaik aka Jeannie of ‘Jeannie & Juju’

“I’ve never celebrated Christmas but given a choice I would just elope and pamper myself. I don’t have a Santa, so I will become my Santa and gift myself all the goodies.”

Shama Sikander aka Bhayankar Pari of ‘Baalveer’

“I didn’t celebrate Christmas in a very fancy way in my childhood the way people celebrate it now. I’m the Santa to my nieces and nephews and I want to make Christmas grand for them and make them experience what we did not when we were children. I’ll get a Christmas tree at my place, decorate it and get everyone gifts. I don’t have any Santa but I’m a blessed soul. I have more than I had ever wished for and the people around me are my angels who make me feel special always.”