Aamir Khan extended his trip in China to explore the country.

Aamir Khan, who recently visited China for the premiere of his film P.K specially took some time off and extended his trip to travel around the country and to learn about Chinese culture.

The actor spent his time by visiting The Great Wall of China, one of the wonders of the world, as its called. 

He also went off to see the Forbidden city, which is one of the iconic locations of the country that contains huge history behind.

Moreover, Aamir also attended the Kung Fu, (the earliest form of Chinese martial arts) show at red theater. The actor was keen to witness the popular sport of the country firsthand and loved the experience completely.

The actor stayed back for more 2 days and took a detour of the above places. He made sure that he made the most of his time and it was definitely one of the enriching trips that the actor has had visually as well as historically.

Popularly know as Mr Perfectionist, the actor was very keen to experience and discover the city all by himself and felt entirely at quietude after doing so.

Aamir is currently busy preparing for Dangal.

Shraddha Kapoor on a high with Sun Saathiya.

‘Sun Saathiya’ from ABCD 2, has been garnering actress Shraddha Kapoor rave reviews for her performance.

The song that was unveiled last week, has Shraddha dancing enthusiastically.

Shraddha is seen performing like a professional dancer and she underwent a lot of training for the same. However little does one realise that Shraddha has had to put in grueling hours of practice to be able to perform.

Shraddha has put in a lot of effort and practiced hard for the song.

Her efforts have show results with accolades pouring in from all quarters.

The young actresses phone has been buzzing non stop since the song has been out.

Everyone has been high on praise for her performance.
Ranveer Singh and Ayan Mukherjee, both called to Shraddha to tell her that they loved her performance. 

Tiger Shroff, who himself a fabulous dancer, spoke to Shraddha at length on how he was bowled over by her fantastic dance. 

Shraddha was highly overwhelmed by the response she has been receiving for ‘Sun Saathiya’.

Alia Bhatt, who was in awe of Shraddha’s performance tweeted “Killed it !!!!! Check out the broooo dancing away so effortlessly ;) love love love”.

Shraddha has been receiving appreciation and praises from the industry as well as the audiences. Shraddha’s friends and family too have loved the song.

Surkhaab Premiere

Synopsos of Surkhaab

Surkhaab releases this week - May 22 and stars Barkha Madaan in the lead role.

Surkaab, a story of our times… of globalization, immigration and basic survival. Jeet, has spent her formative years training hard to become a state level Judo champion. The discipline required has made Jeet into a straight shooter, who is unafraid to say things as they are. Now, trying to adjust to a life after sports, she finds herself tackling the chauvinistic and corrupt world of a life in a village in Punjab.

Needless to say, she finds herself in deep trouble which necessitates that she leave, and leave quickly. She has no desire to leave her roots but is left with no option. Although she has no trust in them, Jeet is forced to ask the help of the local hustler Balbir and his nephew Kuldeep. Through them she obtains a counterfeit visa to come to see her brother in Toronto, Canada.

The film explores the real life challenges and obstacles faced by a reluctant immigrant to one of the most beautiful, peaceful and “safe” countries in the world. All Jeet wants is to see her brother and make a basic life for herself. Will Jeet survive? Can she make sense of what is happening to and around her?

This is the story of one woman’s courageous journey to build a life she can live with dignity, honesty and above all, integrity.

On set stills of Ishq Forever- Lisa Ray's next

Model turned actress Lisa Ray will be seen next in her upcoming romantic film Ishq Forever. Directed by Sanjay Sippy, this flick is being currently shot in Cape Town. Lisa who is playing the role of a secret  agent and will be seen performing stunts in the movie for the first time is quite excited about the project. Director   upcoming film directed is a romantic musical drama film is set to release in November 2015. 

Review of the Hollywood film released on 22nd May 2015.

By: ANIZ FILMVALA

 

Big Game

Rating: ***

Director: Jalmari Helander

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson,Onni Tommila,Felicity Huffman,Victor Garber,Ted Levine,Jim Broadbent & Ray Stevenson.

Samuel L. Jackson as President of United States of America is in trouble while on his way to a peace Tour. Air Force One is shot down by terrorists group with the help of Morris, the Secret Service member who orchestrated the attack from on board Air Force One. The President is now on the hands of one 13-year old boy called Oskari (Onni Tommila) in the forest on hunting to prove his maturity. The boy ultimately gets one mission to prove to his kinsfolk that he can be a better Hunter than his Father.

The film has some stimulating moments of fast pace Action plus Adventure, as it’s been very well shot on the wilderness of Finland, though the CGI of the plane crash is mediocre compared to what we see in other Hollywood blockbusters.

Tomorrowland

Rating: ***

Director: Brad Bird

Cast: George Clooney,Hugh Laurie,Britt Robertson,Raffey Cassidy,Tim McGraw,Kathryn Hahn & Keegan-Michael Key.

A futuristic themed land called ‘Tomorrowland’ is an alternative for the chosen one who will survive the catastrophes once the world comes to an end. The film canvas is very grand and visually eye-catching. Although the subject remains very cliché and a bit dragging considering the length of the movie being two hour plus.

George Clooney as Frank Walker a grizzled inventor doesn’t delve well into the character what he renders. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Director Brad Bird seems to be more anxious to show about the solemnity of saving the world rather than adding the elements of Mainstream cinema entertainment which normally is a surefire for a box-office return.

Poltergeist (2015 film)

Rating: **

Director: Gil Kenan

Cast: Sam Rockwell,Rosemarie DeWitt,Jared Harris,Jane Adams.

The first of the original when I had seen way back in the early 80’s ‘Poltergeist’ was one shocker in the history of good horror films I had experienced. A nerve wrecking story and a concept which could haunt you for a long time, not to forget it had the best creative brains behind the making and producing Steven Spielberg.  

Decades after the same plot and the title is reclaimed to convey the age old story, a family which is under attack from a community of ghost which is called Poltergeist.

The transformation is a mockery and rarely gives you the chills of horror. A pathetic casting and weak performance of the entire cast is one thumbs down tribute to the best film in the history of horror movies.  

The magical maker of the Evil Dead series and the original Spider-Man trilogy Sam Raimi also one of the Producers himself of this Movie seems to be not interested in giving his supervision to deliver an exceptional work to the audience.

Scripting Success despite Shortcomings ~ Th…th…th…tha...Thapki ~

“She was unstoppable, not because she did not have failures and doubts, but because she continued on despite them”

~ Thapki...Pyaar Ki to premiere on COLORS on May 25th, Monday to Saturday at 7PM~

Mumbai, May 20th, 2015:  Survival is not just of the fittest but also of the most resilient and optimistic; no one knows this better than Thapki, the central character of COLORS’ new show Thapki…Pyaar Ki. Thapki…Pyaar Ki traces the journey of an aspiring, perseverant girl, conscious of her strengths and confident that she will be able to face the world, drawing force from her conviction and self-assurance.  Meet Th…th…th…tha...Thapki as she takes you along her bittersweet journey of personal triumphs starting May 25^th, Monday to Saturday at 7:00 PM on COLORS.

Thapki’s life is steered by her stammer but she chooses to move forward unperturbed notwithstanding the challenges that life throws at her in every conversation. While the encouraging pat on her back or aThapki that makes her break her stammer and speak fluently becomes her namesake, the name christened by her parents, Vaani, never even registers with the society and only heightens the irony in her life.

Commenting on the newest addition to COLORS’ bouquet, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head – COLORS, says, “Thapki is a light-hearted yet touching story, which will motivate viewers to think that they can go beyond their limitations, and not give up on their dreams. Thapki’s mission in life is to not just survive but to thrive with passion, compassion and humor. The way Thapki’s story progresses and the conversations she has in each episode will evoke viewer empathy while strengthening their emotional connect with her. Through the journey the audience will also applaud the determination with which Thapki moves ahead optimistically to fulfil her dream of becoming a television journalist.”

She further added, “Thapki as a storyline will move viewers away from the stress of their daily routine, tug at their heartstrings and lead them to be inspired all at the same time! As Shastri Sisters moves to the6:30pm timeslot and Thapki takes over, we are confident that our audience will love Thapki’s outlook towards every small and big thing in life.”

Jointly produced by SOL and Shoonya Square Productions, Thapki… Pyaar Ki will showcase Jigyasa Singh as Thapki, Pratiksha Lonkar as Poonam (Thapki’s mother), Shakti Singh as Krishnakanth (Thapki’s father), Sheena Bajaj as Aditi (Thapki’s sister) amongst others.

Speaking about their first production Thapki… Pyaar Ki for COLORS, Ved Raj from Shoonya Square Productions said, “We have shot extensively in Agra for this show as Taj Mahal forms a very intrinsic part of Thapki life. Thapki’s approach towards life will only make you question the harsh ways of the society and how heartless we are towards people with shortcomings.” Elaborating further, co-producer and writer,Dheeraj Sarna said, “Thapki…Pyaar Ki is an attempt to applaud and admire those people who don’t succumb to defeat due to their shortcomings but win over them and move forward in life.”

The channel has drawn up a robust marketing campaign to generate optimum buzz for the show across all key Hindi Speaking Markets. Each medium including Print, Radio, Cross Channel, Cable, Mobile and DTH will have a customised message to publicise the launch of the campaign. For a high octane visibility on the launch day, the Radio campaign will have Thapki engage with listeners across all major stations while the tune-in ads will encompass all major publications in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, PHCHP and Madhya Pradesh. An impactful outdoor campaign will include large format billboards, announcements in Railway stations in Thapki’s style and promos running in the Cinema Halls along with some persuasive BTL activities. Contextual promos will be played during IPL in the Hot Star and Star Sports apps.

Watch out for Thapki…Pyaar Ki on COLORS starting May 25, 2015 everyMonday to Saturday at 7PM.

About ‘COLORS’:

‘COLORS’ is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space in India. A combination of ‘emotions’ and ‘variety’, COLORS launched on 21st July 2008 offers an entire spectrum of emotions to its viewers. From Fiction shows to Format shows to Reality shows to Blockbuster Movies – the basket contains all ‘JasbaatKe Rang’. ‘COLORS’ is dedicated to promoting ‘Cohesive viewing’, through programmes like Shastri Sisters, Thapki…Pyaar Ki, Sasural Simar Ka, Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishtey, Udaan, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Swaragini, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, Code Red, Comedy Nights With Kapil, Farah Ki Daawat, India’s Got Talent, Khatron Ke Khiladi, 24, The Anupam Kher Show – Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa , and Bigg Boss amongst others.

Pritam gets the perfect chicken for Salman!

Pritam, who has been working on the songs for the Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan wanted a ‘chicken’ score to be inserted in one of the songs and was on the lookout for the perfect sound. When asked about it, the ace music director shares, “It’s a situation song which celebrates chicken and needed a lot of clucking sound with a few cock-a-doodle crows thrown in.”

After a long hunt for the perfect chicken sound, Pritam discovered two experts, Wylie Galt Gustafson from Montana, USA who is a yodeller famous for his chicken yodle song and the creator and voice of the signature Yahooo-oo-oo for Yahoo Inc; and the other is Nernhard Betschart, a leading Swiss yodeller. “I contacted both of them and they agreed to collaborate with me on this song. We recorded on skype and the song has come out really well,” says Pritam adding that he cannot reveal the name of the song as of now.

“The tune came easily, but the lyrics were tricky and took time. It’s a situational song and integral to the plot. We wanted it to work for the story and also the audience, particularly kids since the film’s hero, Salman Khan has a huge kid fan base,” informs Pritam, confessing that lyricist Mayur Puri had quite a hard time finding the correct words for the cock, hen and chicken in the song.

Pritam is currently working on the remaining songs of the film, as he recorded this 'chicken' song some time ago. "Now that Kabir (director Kabir Khan) is back from his shoot in Srinagar we will sit down and finalise the score. Cluck, cluck, I hope everyone likes the other songs as much as Salman and the rest of the team liked this one," smiles Pritam.

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT DETERMINED TO GET IT RIGHT

The actor in association with Fluence includes his fans on his digital fitness journey #tilligetitright

May 20, 2015 Mumbai: - Sushant Singh Rajput is an actor known for his single minded determination who seeks to achieve perfection in everything he does.  Currently, Sushant’s energies are focused on reaching his definitive fitness levels. To achieve this he has set out on a journey on YouTube #tilligetright; training with several fitness experts to get to his personal best.  Sushant has partnered with Fluence - India’s leading celebrity digital network to help create unique content to amplify online.

Sushant’s purpose in pursuing this digital initiative is not just to get fit himself but to also encourage as many people as he can in joining him on this journey. “Your body is a reflection of the choices you make. My choice is a healthy and fit lifestyle. Working out, whether dance, freestyle, functional or sports has always been an important part of my life. It’s this choice of life which helped me realize the campaign #TillIGetItRight. It is an attempt to reach my fitness goals as well as motivate the youngsters to stay fit. Together with the help of my fitness training team, we have come up with a  regiment to inspire many to join me in this goal. On my YouTube channel my fans will see me experimenting with various forms of exercise and routines till I get it right.”, commented Sushant Singh Rajput.

“Celebrities have a major role in inspiring the youth of today. With, social media the gap has been bridged between the celebrities and their fans. So, when Sushant (@SSR) shared his idea of #TillIGetItRight with us, we thought it would be a great idea to amplify this fitness journey with his fans using innovative content on social media that will connect the right chords”, said  Ashish Joshi, VP Digital & Business Head – Fluence.

Each video in the series will showcase Sushant's high intensity training and vigorous functional workouts shot outdoor at various locations. The first video in the series which will release today, 20^th May, 2015 on YouTube will be about a high intensity functional training program targeting Sushant’s strength, core flexibility, agility and stability. The weekly six day workout program will start every morning with  a 45 minute cardio session followed by functional training and will include 2 days of high intensity obstacle training to achieve better muscular balance and joint stability. To maximise the impact of the workout Sushant will also be following a diet plan with 6 meals a day ;protein rich with the protein: carbs: fat ratio being 60:20:20 distributed throughout the day to better activate metabolism and support muscular hypertrophy.

Catch the first video of Sushant’s #tilligetitright campaign exclusively on his Youtube channel

Link: bit.ly/1eeFuav 

Sushant's Twitter Handle: @SSR

About Fluence

CA Media Digital’s first venture, Fluence is India’s leading Celebrity digital network connects celebrities with their fans and brands through their online presence. Fluence works closely with celebrities to build and grow their online presence across the digital landscape in an engaging and entertaining manner. Fluence also works with the artists to create interesting properties that can be monetized across various consumer facing Digital platforms

Fluence currently manages the digital life of over 40 celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor etc. which includes; their social media presence, their digital endorsements, online/mobile monetization and equity-linked investments in the digital space.

About Chernin Asia Media

CA Media, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group was founded in in November 2010 with a mandate to build, manage and operate media, entertainment and technology businesses throughout Asia. Based in Hong Kong, CA Media is building a regional footprint primarily focused on India, Indonesia and China. CA Media has acquired significant stakes and has partnered in the success of Endemol India, a leading television and film production business; Only Much Louder (OML), a music, live events, and youth media company in India; Legend Fighting Championship, a Hong Kong-based mixed martial arts promotion; and most recently Graphic India, an entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories for the Indian youth market through mobile and digital platform.  CA Media Digital runs FLUENCE, India’s leading ‘Celebritydigital network’ around celebrities and brands. CA Media’s CEO is Paul Aiello who formerly was the CEO of News Corp.’s Star TV Asia. Prior to that he was the Head of TMT investment banking at Morgan Stanley for the Asia region. CA Media India CEO is Rajesh Kamat, who formerly was the COO of Viacom18 Group, CEO of Colors, and set-up the Endemol operations in India as Managing Director.-- 

Prachi Desai holidays in London

The ever so charming Prachi Desai has taken off to London for a small vacation before she starts to shoot for Mohammad Azharuddin’s biopic along with Emraan Hashmi.

A little birdie told us that the actress loves the city of London .She is accompanied by her sister and they are spending lot of time bonding and on shopping spree. On the work front Prachi is most likely to resume work in the first week of June. So she wanted to enjoy some time away from Mumbai.

Apart from Mohammad Azharuddin’s biopic, Prachi will be seen in Rock on 2,the sequel to her debut film!!

‘ABCD 2’ Starcast Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor at 93.5 Red FM

First look poster of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer in Jazbaa. Releasing on 9th October 2015.

Kriti Sanon - Learning with films

​​

Young actress Kriti Sanon who made her big Bollywood debut with Heropanti has been researching on good films that she has missed out on.

These are films that have received critical acclaim for phenomenal performances of the actors in it.

She feels that there is a lot she can learn from these films and it is an insightful process.

So, she has made a list of films that she needs to watch. Whenever she gets time at night, even after a long day, she takes some time out and watches these films.

The actress is currently in the midst of her shooting schedule of her upcoming next film, Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale opposite Varun Dhawan.

अभिनेता मिथुन चक्रवर्ती एवलीन शर्मा की मदद

फिल्म  कुछ कुछ लोचा की  सफलता के बाद एवलीन शर्मा के कदम सातवे आसमान पर हैं. और जल्द ही एवलीन फिल्म इश्क़दारियां में नज़र आएंगी. इस फिल्म में एवेलीन भारतीय पारम्परिक अवतार में नज़र आएँगी। हलाकि एवलीन ने काफी फिल्मो  में रोमांटिक सीन्स  किये हैं इसीलिए ओन स्क्रीन रोमांस करना  उनके  लिए आम बात    है पर महाक्षय के साथ  रोमांटिक सीन्स करते समय उनके पसीने छूट  गए  क्युकी अभिनेता  महाक्षय थोड़े शर्मीले किस्म के  हैं इसलिए  उनके लिए ओन स्क्रीन रोमांस करना थोड़ा मुश्किल था।  और इतना  ही नहीं एवलीन ने  रोमांटिक सीन्स  के लिए  महाक्षय की मदद भी की. 

एवेलीन का कहना है की "उन्हें मीमोह के साथ रोमांटिक सीन्स करने का अच्छा   अनुभव रहा   हलाकि मिमोह बहुत ही शर्मीले किस्म  के इंसान हैं   और  थोड़ी मदद भी की, और मैं मिथुन चक्रवर्ती  आभारी हूँ की उन्होंने मेरी हिंदी भाषा  के उच्चारण में और किस तरह  से  छुरी कांटे की जगह  से  खाया जाता है यह  सब सिखाया। 

“Humnava" is a heart wrenching song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17Ebfhs6pMo

“Humnava is a heart wrenching song that will musically haunt you for a very long time. With Papons voice and Mithoons composition the song emotionally grabs you into it. When I first heard the song I was mesmerized and I am sure it will make you feel the same way as I do.”

Says Vidya Balan, actor Hamari Adhuri Kahani

~Sung by the multi talented Papon and composed by Mithoon the song will be available for streaming and download across all digital platforms today ~

Mumbai, May 15, 2015: After breaking all records across different platforms with the title track of Harami Adhuri Kahani Sony Music today released the second single,”Humnava”, of what is now already called a musical hit film from the Bhatt stable. The song has been sung by the multi talented Papon and composed by none other than Mithoon.

“Humnava is a heart wrenching song that will musically haunt you for a very long time. With Papons voice and Mithoons composition the song emotionally grabs you into it. When I first heard the song I was mesmerized and I am sure it will make you feel the same way as I do.” Says Vidya Balan, actor Hamari Adhuri Kahani

Adds on, Mohit Suri,“I remember talking to Mithoon from Cape Town and Abu Dhabi, simply just telling him what I was shooting and what it felt like in every scene. I only conveyed my thoughts to him and as I came back Mithoon made me hear this song. I instantly connected with it as if he has put everything I had shot into a brilliant perspective! He called it Humnava!”

The title track of “Humari Aduri Kahani”, composed by Jeet Gannguli and sung by Arijit Singh has clocked more than a million streams since its release and is dominating all music charts. The film’s music has definitely got the entire music industry buzzing as with the release of every single from the album success seems to be the only story.

The film is based on the love story of Bhatt's parents, Nanabhai Bhatt, Shirin Mohammad Ali and his stepmother. The music is released by Sony Music and will be available across all physical and digital formats. Produced by Vishesh Films and presented by Fox Star Studios, the film releases on June 12th 2015.

Biggest family entertainer of the year to kick off shoots in May last week

‘Abhi Nahin Toh Kabhi Nahin’ boasts of an ensemble cast that includes Pankaj Kapur, Lara Dutta, Rajeev Khandelwal, Sanjay Kapoor among others

Mumbai, May, 2015: This season of family entertainers just got more interesting with the announcement of the shoot schedule of a brand new film, Abhi Nahin Toh Kabhi Nahin. The project will introduce to the industry the maverick producer duo of Virender K Arora and Arjun N Kapoor, who are business partners and film aficionados.

Abhi Nahin Toh Kabhi Nahin’s ensemble cast is a heady mix of legendary stars and talented young guns. It includes Pankaj Kapur, Lara Dutta, Rajeev Khandelwal, Sanah Kapur, Sanjay Kapoor and Himansh Kohli among others.

This May (last week), the film’s cast and crew will set off for Lonavla to kick off the first shoot schedule, a song sequence that will feature a debutante, whose identity is being kept under wraps. He will also be joined by actor Himansh Kohli who had a dream debut in the Hindi film industry with his super hit film Yaariyan.

Producers Arora and Kapoor, who have managed to hit headlines in B-Town with every new signing for Abhi Nahin Toh Kabhi Nahin, believe they have an ace up their sleeves. “About the debutante, even though I don’t want to reveal his name yet, but let’s just say his first role on the big screen will surely have the girls swooning” says Virender K Arora.

After an expectedly fun shoot at Lonavala, the team behind this heart-warming rom-com will proceed to picturesque Darjeeling for a single schedule that will wrap up the film.

With his first Bollywood venture taking shape along with some of the industry’s finest talents, Arjun N Kapoor can barely hide his excitement. “The past few weeks have been hectic– we have been closely involved with the team on pre-production, storyline and the music. The film’s four love stories, all at different stages, show the lives of the protagonists through their own beautiful journeys. This unique project being our first film is a dream-come-true moment. Having said that, it is just the beginning of a long-drawn exciting film journey for us,” he says.

That said this isn’t Virender K. Arora and Arjun N Kapoor’s only Bollywood venture yet. Already having collaborated for films with industry stalwarts such as Priyadarshan and Kamal Haasan and also a romantic musical extravaganza tentatively titled Sitaarey, all in a span of one year, they are readying themselves for a path-breaking journey ahead.

Abhi Nahin Toh Kabhi Nahin is set to release around Valentine’s 2016​

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at Cannes 2015

Films an important constituent of Govt.’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ initiatives,

says Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at Cannes 2015

Cannes, 14 May  2015: Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Retd), inaugurated the India Pavilion at Cannes Films Festival today in France. Speaking at the packed inaugural session of the India Pavilion, Hon’ble Minister said, “new Government at the Centre is certainly more decisive and focused and is constantly working towards taking India to higher levels of growth which is inclusive. The government is channelizing that objective through campaigns like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ and realizes that the film industry is an important part of these campaigns given its tremendous potential towards job creation”.

Adding to that the Minister said that, “even though steps may seem slow but they are certainly for sure”. Col. Rathore further said, “India has already signed coproduction agreements with a slew of countries. In the last one year five co-productions have been undertaken with France alone. We need to take these partnerships to the next level now”.

He added that the government is rigorously working towards providing a seamless work environment for the film industry by establishing a single window clearance mechanism. Also, a center of excellence for gaming and visual effect s has been announced. The government would do its best to be an infrastructure partner and would like to have faculty coming from the industry itself and looks forward to more faculty exchanges.

The session also saw unveiling of the 46th IFFI, 2015 regulations and ‘India Film Guide’ by the Minister. The India Film Guide is a comprehensive booklet with information on policy initiatives by the government pertaining to film sector, the listing of Indian companies at Cannes Film Market, Indian Films at Cannes and contacts of important people in the business of film making.

The session was attended by luminaries such as Dr. Mohan Kumar, Ambassador of India to France, Mr. Bobby Bedi, Film Maker, Ms. Nandita Das, Actor/Film Maker, Mr. Roshan Baig,  Minister of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka, Mr. K. Sanjay Murthy, Joint Secretary, Films, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India and Mr. Ravi  Kottarakara, Former President, Film Federation of India.

Mr. Bobby Bedi, the celebrated film maker, in his welcome address said that, “India’s presence at Cannes has increased tremendously over the past decade and we have seen an increase in representation in terms of quantity and an improvement in the quality of content as well”. Dr. Mohan Kumar, Ambassador of India to France said that the ambition should be to get Indian films in the most important category of films at Cannes. He added over the next two to three years he will strive to work on that. The quality of films from India has been wonderful quality and content now. Mr. Ravi  Kottarakara, Former President, Film Federation of India felt that India has on offer some of the best shooting locations. There has been a tremendous change in the Indian film landscape and the sector is definitely going to grow by leaps and bounds. We should try to experiment more to have a wider global acceptability. Also, India’s linguistic cinema which includes films in Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Bhojpuri are as good as mainstream Bollywood films and should get an equal opportunity to be showcased.

Ms. Nandita Das, Actor/Film maker said that she would like to raise the issue of censorship in India. As we mature, it is important to promote freedom of expression rather than curtailing voices. Mr. Roshan Baig, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka suggested that it will be really great if the regional film industry is showcased as a part of the delegations to some of the major international film festivals.

Mr. K Sanjay Murthy, Joint Secretary, Films, Ministry of I&B, Government of India said that over the course of next few days we hope to learn from various film commissions and carry back new partnerships and learning experiences.