Suparn S Varma set to make courtroom drama on Shah Bano Begum case

Suparn S Varma is on a roll of late thanks to the success of his web shows like The Family Man, Rana Naidu, The Trial and Sultan Of Delhi and the much-loved flick, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. And now, he’s all set to back a film based on yet another controversial and hard-hitting court case – the Shah Bano Begum case.

For those who are not aware, the Shah Bano Begum vs Mohd. Ahmad Khan case, commonly known as the Shah Bano Begum case, is considered to be a landmark milestone in post-independence India. It was filed in 1978 by Shah Bano, then 62-year-old, after her husband Mohd. Ahmad Khan divorced her. She asked for maintenance for herself and her five children under Section 123 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Shah Bano won the case and it led to an uproar since a section of the people believed that the judgement was in conflict with Islamic law. It led to a debate about having different civil codes for different religions in India and this discussion continues more than 40 years after the verdict was pronounced.

Suparn S Varma has locked the script and is in the process of finalizing the cast and crew. The makers are confident that a film on Shah Bano Begum's case is important for today’s generation as it also displays women empowerment in all its glory. ALSO READ: 20 Years of Zameen EXCLUSIVE: Suparn Varma talks about the process of writing Rohit Shetty’s debut directorial: “The plane hijack track was there but Ajay Devgn suggested that ‘Plane ko Pakistan le jao’!”

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Poonam Pandey says her PR not involved in fake death announcement; agency apologises for controversial campaign for cervical cancer awareness

In one of the shocking news last week, actress Poonam Pandey faked her death, claiming to raise awareness about cervical cancer. On February 2, the actress was reported to have died of cervical cancer and her management confirmed the news. It was only a day after, when she posted on her official Instagram account, stating it was all to raise awareness of the said cancer. That has led to extreme backlash from all corners. In multiple videos, Poonam Pandey explained why she took such an extreme step.

In one of the videos posted on her Instagram, Poonam Pandey said, “My PR is not involved in this. My mother had cancer. My mom was very ill while she was going through it. I am glad, since yesterday, all I am seeing and reading is about cervical cancer. I know what we went through, the whole house was shaken up.”

“I know I am going to get a lot of gaalis, my best friend is angry with me. I feel terrible." Poonam shared, “I know this is not a joke, at least my message has reached right.”

 

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The agency Schbang, which spearheaded the campaign, put out an apology. “Yes, we were involved in the initiative for Poonam Pandey to spread awareness about Cervical Cancer in collaboration with Hauterfly. To start off, we would like to extend a heartfelt apology - especially towards those who have been triggered as a result of having faced/having a loved one face the hardships of any kind of Cancer," the statement read.

“Our actions were driven by a singular mission - to elevate awareness about Cervical Cancer. In 2022, India registered 123,907 Cervical Cancer cases and 77,348 deaths. After Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer is the second-most frequent malignancy affecting middle-aged women in India," it added.

 

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In her Instagram post on Saturday, February 3, Poonam Pandey shared a clip of the speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for cervical cancer vaccination in the 2024 budget discussion in parliament. ALSO READ: Poonam Pandey’s husband, Sam Bombay, addresses death stunt controversy; says, “When I heard the news, I felt nothing in my heart”

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SHOCKING! Surbhi Chandna accused of requesting “Free wedding outfits” by designer

As Indian television star Surbhi Chandna gears up for her upcoming wedding with Karan Sharma, a fashion designer has levelled accusations against her and her team for allegedly requesting free outfits for the ceremony.

Renowned designer Ayush Kejriwal recently took to social media, sharing screenshots of a conversation with Chandna's stylist. The message, purportedly from the actress's team, inquired about sourcing outfits "on social media credit basis," offering "hi-resolution images and tags on all platforms" in exchange.

Kejriwal expressed his disapproval, stating, "No thank you, why should I give outfits for free for someone's wedding functions?! That's ridiculous. If she can afford a lavish wedding in a palace, she certainly can pay for her clothes." He further elaborated on his policy against gifting outfits to celebrities, emphasising that the request for a wedding felt particularly unreasonable. Surbhi Chandna got exposed as she wanted free clothes for her wedding byu/drop_if_ML_is_shity inIndianTellyTalk

As of now, neither Chandna nor her team has responded to the designer's accusations. The couple had previously announced their upcoming nuptials through a social media post, though official wedding dates remain undisclosed.

Reports suggest the wedding will be a destination ceremony held in a Jaipur palace on March 1 and 2, with no reception planned.

Also Read: Surbhi Chandna announces her wedding with longtime boyfriend Karan Sharma

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black FINALLY makes OTT debut after 19 years of release: When and where to watch Amitabh Bachchan-Rani Mukerji starrer

The wait is over for fans of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's acclaimed film Black (2005). This poignant story of a teacher and his deaf-blind student, brought to life by the powerful performances of Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, has finally landed on a streaming platform. Just days after the trailer for Bhansali's upcoming OTT debut Heeramandi dropped, Black has made its much-anticipated arrival on Netflix.

Sharing the news on his Instagram, Bachchan wrote, "It's been 19 years since Black released, and today we're celebrating its first ever digital release on Netflix! Debraj and Michelle's journey has been an inspiration to all of us, and we hope it instils you with strength and compassion."

 

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Black tells the tale of Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan), a teacher who dedicates his life to educating Michelle McNally (Rani Mukerji), a young woman trapped in a world of silence and darkness due to being deaf and blind. The film, inspired by the life of Helen Keller, depicts their remarkable journey as Debraj patiently breaks down the communication barriers and ignites the spark of learning in Michelle.

Bhansali's masterful direction crafts a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience. The film delves into themes of human connection, perseverance, and the power of education, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Black garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including three National Film Awards, solidifying its place as a modern Indian cinematic gem.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan to light up Kalyan Jewellers’ 250th showroom launch in Ayodhya

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Amitabh Bachchan to light up Kalyan Jewellers' 250th showroom launch in Ayodhya

Today, Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s most trusted and leading jewellery brands, announced that it will launch its 1st showroom in Ayodhya on February 9 (Friday). Brand Ambassador Shri. Amitabh Bachchan will inaugurate the brand-new showroom located at Civil Lines in Ayodhya. The inauguration is scheduled for Friday (9th February) at 5 PM. With this launch, the company will make a foray into Ayodhya and mark the momentous milestone of its 250th showroom globally. Currently, the jewellery brand marks its presence across 23 states in India as well as 4 countries in West Asia.

To commemorate the 250th showroom launch, Kalyan Jewellers is offering a unique promotion, the jewellery brand has announced 0% making charges for half the purchase value, on minimum purchase value of Rs. 1 lakh*. Additionally, the Kalyan Special Gold Board Rate – the lowest in the market and standardized across all company showrooms - will also apply. These offers are valid for a limited period only.

Furthermore, marking the occasion, Kalyan Jewellers has announced that it will be launching a pre-booking offer for patrons planning to make jewellery purchases on the upcoming occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. This unique Akshaya Tritiya pre-booking facility will be available from February 9 onwards.

Commenting on the new showroom launch, Mr Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers, said, “As a company, we have achieved huge milestones and taken major strides towards creating a holistic ecosystem to enhance the customer shopping experience. We are delighted to announce our foray in Ayodhya, which offers tremendous untapped potential and will help us boost growth momentum. The new investments in this region reflect upon the brand’s commitment to strengthen presence in North India as well as make the brand more accessible to patrons.” The showroom launch in Ayodhya is part of the company's strategy to expand its retail footprint and operations in the region, making the brand more accessible to patrons and supplementing the growth momentum. The showroom will feature an extensive range of designs from various collections of Kalyan Jewellers. Patrons can expect state-of-the-art facilities with a world-class ambiance, providing an unparalleled experience.

All the jewellery retailed at Kalyan Jewellers is BIS-hallmarked and undergoes multiple purity tests. Patrons will also receive the Kalyan Jewellers 4-Level Assurance Certificate, guaranteeing purity, free lifetime maintenance of ornaments, detailed product information, and transparent exchange and buy-back policies. This certification reflects the brand's commitment to offering the very best to its loyal customers.

The showroom will also stock Kalyan's popular house brands, including Muhurat (Wedding Jewellery Line), Mudhra (Handcrafted Antique Jewellery), Nimah (Temple Jewellery), Glo (Dancing Diamonds), Ziah (Solitaire-like Diamond Jewellery), Anokhi (Uncut Diamonds), Apoorva (Diamonds for Special Occasions), Antara (Wedding Diamonds), Hera (Daily Wear Diamonds), Rang (Precious Stones Jewellery), and the recently launched Lila (Coloured Stones and Diamond Jewellery).

Also Read: Anil Kapoor recalls being overshadowed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar in Shakti: “People would go out of the theatre”

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BREAKING! Poonam Pandey is ALIVE: Actress clarifies after death announcement, raises cervical cancer awareness

Poonam Pandey took to social media on Saturday to clarify her health status, stating she is alive and battling misinformation surrounding cervical cancer. This comes a day after a statement on her official Instagram handle announced her passing due to the disease.

In a video shared on Instagram, Pandey stated, "I feel compelled to share something significant with you all - I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn't claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease."

The caption further read, "Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take. "

In the video, Pandey emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection, highlighting the preventable nature of cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine and regular checkups. She urged her followers to visit the link in her bio for further information and encouraged collective action to combat the disease.

 

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The announcement of Pandey's death sparked confusion after coinciding with Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech, which addressed cervical cancer screening initiatives.

Also Read: Journalist urges Mumbai Police to investigate Poonam Pandey’s reported demise; FIR requested for spreading fake news

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Re-edited version of Fighter also rejected by U.A.E Ministry, film not to release in the Gulf country

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand’s Fighter hasn’t turned out to be a winner at the box office. But the film’s problems started even before its release when it was banned in Gulf countries for its alleged anti-Pakistan agenda. It was earlier reported that the film would release in U.A.E but it was later banned there as well. The film’s trailer also sparked controversy from across the border for its depiction of Pulwama attack and alleged anti-Pakistan dialogues mouthed by the lead actor Hrithik Roshan.

Following this, the makers of Fighter recently submitted the re-edited version of the film to the U.A.E ministry after removing some ‘problematic’ scenes and dialogues. However, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the U.A.E ministry has rejected the re-edited version of Fighter too. Hence, the film has no chance of releasing in U.A.E. The film is likely to lose out on approx. 2 mil. USD from non-release in the U.A.E/G.C.C belt.

After releasing in India and other countries on January 25, Fighter garnered good box office numbers only on January 26 when it collected Rs. 41.20 crores. But other than this day, the film has performed below expectations. Till February 1, the movie starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in the lead managed to earn only Rs. 148.35 crores in India.

Fighter also stars Anil Kapoor, Akshay Oberoi and Karan Singh Grover in pivotal roles. The movie is produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Siddharth Anand’s banner Marflix Pictures.

Also Read: Did the overdose of Pakistan-bashing by Hindi films in recent times go against Hrithik Roshan-starrer Fighter? Trade experts share their views

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Journalist urges Mumbai Police to investigate Poonam Pandey’s reported demise; FIR requested for spreading fake news

Amidst the controversy surrounding model Poonam Pandey's reported demise, journalist and publicist Flynn Remedios has urged the Mumbai police to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. The issue began after an acquaintance claimed that Pandey's body was located in Pune, allegedly succumbing to cervical cancer.

In a statement posted on X, Flynn Remedios emphasized the urgency for law enforcement to ascertain the veracity of the reported death of the erotica actor. He called for the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) to probe the circumstances surrounding the purported demise. He wrote, “The police should find out if she is really dead and a case of unnatural death should be registered. And if she is alive, a case for ‘creating mischief’ is clearly made out.”

@MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice @DGPMaharashtra pls investigate & register FIR against all responsible for spreading FAKE news about @iPoonampandey's "death" u/s concerning public mischief, IT Act, etc. Such trend of "fake shocking news" must be dealth strictly @Devendra_Office — Flynn Remedios (@FlynnRemedios) February 2, 2024

Remedios indicated his intention to seek legal recourse through the appropriate channels should the authorities fail to take action promptly. He characterized the situation as a case of public mischief fuelled by the dissemination of false information on a large scale, emphasizing the need for accountability and rectification.

The request for a thorough investigation comes amidst heightened concerns regarding misinformation and fake news proliferating across various platforms.

As the controversy surrounding Poonam Pandey's reported death continues to unfold, stakeholders await the Mumbai police's response to the plea for investigation and clarification, hoping for resolution

Also Read: When Poonam Pandey opened up about her bold choices: “If you have to survive, you cannot post n*** pictures”

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Bigg Boss 7's Sofia Hayat detained in Dubai, expresses anguish in emotional video; watch

Former actress and Bigg Boss 7 contestant Sofia Hayat, now known as Gaia Sofia Mother, has sparked concern after sharing a video on social media revealing she has been detained in Dubai for 33 days with a travel ban imposed on her.

Hayat, who has embraced spirituality in recent years, did not disclose the reason for her detainment but expressed her distress at being separated from her life in London and the financial strain the situation has caused. She runs a business, healing practice, and clinic, all currently shut down due to her absence.

"My priority is to get home to London where my life is on hold," she stated in the emotional video, fighting back tears. "I have no income and my savings are depleting."

Despite the challenges, Hayat acknowledged the support she has received from Dubai police, who have assured her the situation will be resolved soon. She also expressed gratitude for friends who have looked after her dogs during this difficult time.

Hayat's message touched upon themes of faith and resilience, finding strength in meditation and drawing inspiration from historical and spiritual figures who faced injustice. She concluded with a hopeful message, stating, "The time for injustice is ending... One has to take the final sufferings... to release the ultimate power and love of God."

 

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The video has garnered significant attention online, with fans and well-wishers expressing concern and offering support. However, the exact reason behind Hayat's detainment and travel ban remains unclear.

Also Read: Sofia Hayat KICKS husband Vlad Stanescau out from her home, tragically loses her child

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Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon and Tabu starrer The Crew to release on March 29, 2024 in theaters

Mark your calendars, movie buffs! The highly anticipated comedy film The Crew, featuring the powerhouse trio of Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, finally has a release date. Gear up for laughter as the film hits theaters nationwide on March 29, 2024.

This exciting announcement comes a year after the film was first unveiled, piquing the audience's interest with its unique premise and stellar cast. For the first time ever, Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon share the screen, promising an electrifying combination of talent and charisma.

Produced by the successful duo behind Veere Di Wedding, Ektaa R Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor, The Crew promises a delightful blend of drama and comedy. Set against the backdrop of the airline industry, the film revolves around the lives of three women navigating their careers and aspirations. As unexpected circumstances unfold, they find themselves entangled in a hilarious web of lies and misadventures, leading to a rib-tickling ride of chaos and laughter.

The Crew boasts an impressive ensemble cast beyond the leading ladies. The talented Diljit Dosanjh and the popular comedian Kapil Sharma add further depth and humor to the narrative. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, the film is co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures Limited and Anil Kapoor Productions, and went on floors in February 2023.

 

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Also Read: Kriti Sanon and Tabu bond over chai as they take for The Crew shoot; have a fun banter with Kareena Kapoor Khan

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Alia Bhatt – Sharvari Wagh’s YRF Spy Universe actioner gets The Railway Men helmer Shiv Rawail as a director

Following much anticipation around Yash Raj Films’ first female-led Spy Universe actioner starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, the makers have now announced The Railway Men’s Shiv Rawail as the director. The announcement was made on February 2, 2024. Shiv Rawail has previously worked as assistant director on Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan and Aamir Khan’s Dhoom 3, before making his debut as a director with YRF Entertainment’s Netflix series The Railway Men.

“Shiv‘s debut directorial for YRF, The Railway Men, is a humongous hit and he is the talk of the town today. He is young and has a brilliant pulse on what the youth would want to consume as entertainment as is evident with the global success that he has delivered under the guidance of Aditya Chopra. Thus, Adi is confident that he is the best director to helm the young female-led action entertainer from the YRF spy universe that stars Alia Bhatt in the lead with the rising star of the industry, Sharvari,” a trade source told Variety.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh will play super agents in the yet-to-be-titled film. It will be a part of the YRF Spy Universe. It kicked off with Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger (2012) then followed by Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), and War (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff.

It was taken forward with Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham and then Tiger 3 with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Now, the next project will be War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr. and Kiara Advani and directed by Ayan Mukerji. This will be followed by SRK and Salman’s Tiger vs Pathaan. ALSO READ: Mahesh Bhatt shares his reaction to Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt revealing daughter Raha’s face; says, “I, myself, was quite surprised that they did that”

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Siddharth Anand breaks silence on mediocre performance of Fighter at box office: “It is a huge leap for a filmmaker”

Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, is currently running in theatres. Also starring Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in pivotal roles, the film directed by Siddharth Anand, was released on January 25. However, the audience and critics' responses have been mixed and many have even criticized the dialogues, tonality and even writing of the film. The film has also seen mediocre collections at the box office. When asked the director, what could be the reason for the lacklustre performance of the film, he had this to say.

Speaking to Gallata Plus, Siddharth Anand said, “Our expectations as makers have become a little unrealistic. I am talking about myself also, having delivered Pathaan just one year ago. We need to keep our expectations in check and align them with the product. Also, it was a working day. Thursday is considered mid-week. For instance, we held a special screening for friends and family on Thursday, and whoever we texted and asked, at least 40% of them asked, ‘Is the show in the evening?’ So, that time, it hit us how will people bunk work or bunk school and come in the morning.”

Explaining further about the aerial actioner, he added, “Another thing is the genre. Fighter is a huge leap for a filmmaker. It’s a space that is unexplored and absolutely new. It has no reference point for the audience. They are like, ‘What are these planes doing?'”

Siddharth added, “There is a huge percentage of our country, I would say, 90 per cent, who have not flown in planes, who have not been to an airport, so how would they know what’s happening in the movie? This is my dissection. They felt this is a little alien. They didn’t understand what kind of exhilaration they are supposed to feel in the air action, so there is a certain initial disconnect. But once you enter the theatre, you realise this is such a basic film.”

Fighter also stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Talat Aziz, Pradum Shukla, and Pradum Jaykar in pivotal roles. The film marks Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s first collaboration and the former’s third one with Siddharth Anand after Bang Bang and War. ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter CRASHES BIG TIME on Monday - fall even BIGGER than Adipurush; likely to end lifetime around Rs. 160-170 cr.

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Yash Chopra Foundation launches YCF Saathi App to empower Hindi film workers with digital support

The philanthropic arm of Yash Raj Films, Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), has launched an easy-to-access digital tool, the YCF Saathi App, for ‘Saathis’ as part of its holistic livelihood support initiative. YCF’s Saathis are people who are registered members of the Hindi Film Federation.

Aditya Chopra, chair and MD of leading Indian studio Yash Raj Films (YRF), had launched the Saathi Card to provide health insurance, school fee allowance and food rations among other benefits to the industry’s daily wage earners and their families. The YCF also helped Hindi film workers to get free vaccinations during COVID-19. So far, YCF has touched the lives of over 15,000 people of the Hindi film fraternity.

Now, under the new Saathi initiative, the company has launched the ‘YCF Saathi App’ to expand its reach and support to its beneficiaries. As part of its 2024 action plan, the Saathi Program will benefit over 1500 new workers!

Shamim Bano Samir Shaikh, a film worker and a beneficiary of the program, said, “I faced a tragic accident in June that left me in a wheelchair. It was an unexpected and challenging phase of my life. YCF health card is nothing short of a lifeline. I am grateful to YCF for their Saathi Program initiative.”

The Yash Chopra Foundation aims to provide minimum basic support to its beneficiaries through the ‘Saathi Program’. The application form will be available from 1st to 20th February 2024 to apply for new entries for this year.

Also Read: Aditya Chopra distributes the Saathi Card to provide health insurance, school fee allowance, ration supply to the industry’s daily wage earners and their families

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