DAVID CAMERON IN BANGLADESH AT THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, 2017

By Enlighten India Blog - April 30, 2017

DAVID CAMERON IN BANGLADESH AT THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, 2017

Former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, arrived in Dhaka on 26th April, on a two-day visit to Bangladesh. He met Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and termed Bangladesh a “shining example”. The event marked his first ever visit to Bangladesh since he stood down on the back of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union last year and kept seeking apology for not making it happen before.

On 27th April, he attended the ‘Global Challenges in 2017’ event, organised by Enam Ali MBE – one of the most prominent British Asian personalities in the UK, known as the British Curry Awards (‘Curry Oscars’) Founder as well as being an unofficial ambassador for both Britain and Bangladesh, promoting trade and investment opportunities and cooperation between both countries. As President of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Enam Ali MBE welcomed the former British Prime Minister at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Dhaka.



The event was hosted by prominent TV broadcaster Zillur Rahman, while guests included Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Diplomats, High Commissioners, Senior Politicians, University Chancellors, BBCCI directors, bankers, senior academics, senior economists, media personalities, broadcasters and British Bangladesh expats.



David Cameron delivered a speech on the quality of democracy from a global perspective, eradicating corruption and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism as global challenges. He expressed his views on governance, the rule of law, accountability and ensuring the rights of all, emphasising that democracy is not all about elections.



Enam Ali MBE said, “It is my immense pleasure to welcome the Former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, in Bangladesh and it is my duty to develop further the ties between the two countries and bilateral trade. David is very popular in Bangladesh. He is not only my friend, but is the true friend of 120 million people in Bangladesh.”



Zillur Rahman said, “I have interviewed over 3,500 influential people during my career including top politicians, civil military bureaucrats, business leaders, showbiz and sports personalities. Today, hosting the Global Challenges in 2017 with Britain’s former Prime Minister David Cameron as keynote speaker, I feel hugely honoured and privileged.”


The visit of David Cameron will surely bring both countries closer.

DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARDS 2017 - VIVEK MISHRA WINS POPULAR TV FACE

By Enlighten India Blog - April 29, 2017

DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARDS 2017 - VIVEK MISHRA WINS POPULAR TV FACE

Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards, is one of the highest honours in Bollywood and Television given annually by the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence for contribution to Indian cinema. Vivek Mishra who rose to fame with his realty show stint, Big Boss 7 and couple of other shows on television with highest TRPs, was overwhelmed and thanked a string of people contributing to his success story.

Turning heads in a sartorial outfit for the evening, Vivek turned towards the audience to take a bow before he approached the stage to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award 2017- Popular Face 2016

                   

Elated about receiving an award, Vivek Mishra mentions, “I am deeply honored to have been awarded Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award - Popular Face 2016 conferred upon him. I am sincerely grateful for the recognition and extend my sincere thanks to all those who considered me worth the honour. I am unable to express my excitement and inspiration with this award. When an artist is recognized for all the hard work and dedication that he has put in, that’s his biggest award. Thank you so much to all who have supported me in my journey. I take this award as an encouragement to work harder and explore my credentials.”

WILL HARLEY DAVIDSON'S BELTS AND JACKETS GO LEATHER-FREE?

By Enlighten India Blog - April 21, 2017

WILL HARLEY DAVIDSON'S BELTS AND JACKETS GO LEATHER-FREE?

After Ajaz Khan Challenges Company's Use of Cows' Skin, PETA Encourages Motorcycle Giant to Embrace Vegan Leather
Mumbai – After actor Ajaz Khan raised eyebrows by suggesting in a Facebook video that the Prime Minister should ban Harley Davidson for its use of leather, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India sent the motorcycle manufacturer a letter this morning suggesting that it smooth over the controversy by using vegan leather instead of dead animals' skin.


In the letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to wear" – notes that a growing number of brands are designing products with sustainable vegan leather, including fashion industry leader Stella McCartney and luxury electric carmaker Tesla. Not only is vegan leather kinder to the environment, but it also spares cows from being crowded onto trucks to slaughterhouses where their throats are often slit with rusted, dull knives.


"Ajaz Khan's words may have been in jest, but cruelty to cows who are killed and skinned for leather is no joke", says PETA India CEO Poorva Joshipura. "PETA is encouraging Harley-Davidson to appeal to modern shoppers who care about animal protection by offering luxurious vegan leather jackets and belts."


Even before they're shipped to slaughterhouses, cows and other animals used for leather in India commonly suffer the horrors of being crammed onto vehicles in such high numbers, many suffocate, break their bones or even die in route. Some cows are marched to the slaughterhouse, and handlers twist and break their tailbones or smear chilli seeds into their eyes to force them to keep moving when they collapse.


Cows' skins are sent to tanneries, which pollute nearby drinking water with lead, cyanide, and formaldehyde. In Kanpur, about 400 tanneries dump much of their dangerous waste directly into the Ganga, which is now one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

JISE KEHTE PYAAR HAI, NOOR

By Enlighten India Blog - April 21, 2017

JISE KEHTE PYAAR HAI, NOOR

In the newly released video song, Jise Kehte Pyaar Hai, from the film Noor, Sonakshi Sinha is struck by love cupid with her on screen love interest, played by Purab Kohli who plays Ayan, a photojournalist in the film. Penned down by lyricist Kumaar, the song has been given life by the delightful voice of Sukriti Kakar with the music composed by Amaal Mallik.


While sharing the updates about the song on her social media account, Sonakshi Sinha tweeted, “With the person you love, every day is wonderful. #JiseKehtePyaarHai #OutToday #Noor”







In another post, she wrote, “Love aint what makes the world go round.. its what makes our journey worthwhile #JiseKehtePyaarHai #OutToday @NoorTheFilm”

Watch the song video to Jise Kehte Pyaar Hai here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syjtQpyaPPI

 

 

 

MAHABHARATA FILM : India's biggest ever Motion Picture

By Enlighten India blog - April 21, 2017

MAHABHARATA FILM : India's biggest ever Motion Picture

 

Setting a record in the Indian film industry, Dr. B.R. Shetty, UAE based billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is investing Rs. 1000 crores (USD 150 million) to produce India’s biggest ever motion picture, Mahabharata. Noted advertising filmmaker, V.A Shrikumar Menon, is directing this magnum opus. Mahabharata will be produced in two parts and is scheduled to go on floor by September 2018 and will be released in early 2020. The second part of the film will be released within 90 days of the first part. The film will be shot primarily in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu and will be dubbed into major Indian languages and leading foreign languages.



The film will be a coming together of the crème de la crème of Indian and global cinema, in terms of its cast and crew. The technical crew will include some of the great names in world cinema including Academy Award-winners. The cast will feature the best of talent from Indian cinema as well as some big names from Hollywood. This film will have an identity across continents, with their representatives donning the myriad characters in Mahabharata. A global team led by an Internationally renowned casting director will handpick the cast.



Serial entrepreneur and billionaire, Dr. B.R. Shetty, has been a keen supporter of Indian arts and culture for many decades. With his decision to back Mahabharata, Dr. Shetty will join the league of visionary producers like Lord Richard Attenborough, who backed the biopic Gandhi, which was based on the life of India’s most famous freedom fighter, which appealed to a global audience.



It remains almost impossible to narrate Mahabharata on the big screen except by way of adaptation of M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s award-winning novel, Randamoozham (The Second Turn). This novel narrates Mahabharata through the eyes of Bhima, the second of the Pandavas. The screenplay is written by the writer himself, who holds the record for the maximum National Awards for screenwriting in the history of Indian cinema.



The ancient Sanskrit epic of Mahabharata has been a topic of creative adaptation in different formats for many decades. There have also been efforts to render it, but the success of these has been limited to the stage or serialisation for television audiences. Hence, this project will be the first of its kind to take the epic, which has engaged generations of audiences on the silver screen, at such a grand level. The Indian core team, led by Dr. B.R. Shetty, augurs well to ensure that the sanctity and the iconic status of the epic are upheld.



Dr. B.R. Shetty, Founder and Chairman of UAE Exchange and NMC Healthcare says, “Mahabharata is an epic of all epics. This movie will be a true 'Made in India' made for the world. Mahabharata mesmerizes as well as brings focus on life and living. I believe that this film will not only set global benchmarks but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling. I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over three billion people across the world. Importantly, I am awestruck by the fantastic screenplay by Sri. MT and I have tremendous faith in the ability of V.A. Shrikumar to paint this narrative on celluloid. His passion and energy are boundless.”



Commenting on the initiative, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, recipient of almost every literary award in India said, “I’m extremely happy with Dr. Shetty’s belief in the potential of the story and his passion and commitment to take it to global audiences. I sincerely congratulate him for his vision in backing a project of this scale.”



Director V. A. Shrikumar Menon, who has been living the script and researching this project for the past few years, said, “I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Shetty for having immense faith in this project and help bring it to life with his financial commitment and his innate pride on Indian heritage. We are fully geared to attain the next level of production quality and visual magic, as well as narrative wizardry with this initiative.”

 

SONAKSHI SINHA: “I too have my own struggles, insecurities like Noor.”

By Enlighten India blog - April 19, 2017

SONAKSHI SINHA: “I too have my own struggles, insecurities like Noor.”

Sonakshi Sinha is all set to hit the screens in Sunhil Sippy's movie Noor this Friday. Based on Saba Imtiaz’s novel, Karachi, You're Killing Me!, Noor tells the tale of a journalist-writer misadventures and love life as she navigates her way through Mumbai.

Sonakshi, who’s read the book and was the first choice for the film, said in a recent interview, “The spirit of the book is the same, but because of the change in location from Karachi to Mumbai, there are a few necessary changes in plot points. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It engrosses you; you are completely enamored by the characters that are in the book. When the film came to me, it was already ready; the makers had already adapted it to Mumbai. One page into the narration, I knew that I wanted to play this character. At its heart, the book is about a single woman living a complicated life in a cosmopolitan city.”

Talking about her character, Sonakshi says, “Noor is quite clumsy. She is stuck in a job. She wants to report for a certain beat but her boss doesn’t let her. He makes her do frivolous assignments, whereas she wants to do serious journalism. She wants to write about the city she loves, something that makes a difference to the society.”


She further added, “Like any young modern girl, I am also somebody who is trying to achieve everything in life. In real life, I am also a working girl; I also have my own struggles and insecurities, my own goals that I have set for myself. I am chasing them just like Noor. As modern-day girls, we want everything in life and that is one big similarity which every girl will relate to,” says Sonakshi


Also starring Shibani Dandekar, Kanan Gill and Purab Kohli, Noor is set to hit cinemas this Friday, 21st April 2017. Watch the second trailer for Noor here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDVe_yi9lF4

YASH RAJ FILMS TO DISTRIBUTE SALMAN KHAN FILMS' TUBELIGHT OVERSEAS

By Enlighten India blog - April 19, 2017

YASH RAJ FILMS TO DISTRIBUTE SALMAN KHAN FILMS' TUBELIGHT OVERSEAS

Yash Raj Films (YRF) haS been entrusted with the overseas distribution rights (excluding MENA) for Salman Khan Films' (SKF) next production – Tubelight. After delivering the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, the dream team of Salman Khan and director Kabir Khan are back together this Eid. Tubelight is one of 2017's most highly anticipated films, and is megastar Salman Khan's third film as a producer. The film will also be featuring his brother Sohail Khan and the Chinese actress and singer Zhu Zhu.

This is Salman Khan Films first collaboration with YRF for the overseas territory. YRF have successfully distributed films developed and produced by the studio in emerging and established markets across the globe as well as prized films produced by other prestigious production houses. 

Avtar Panesar, Vice President, International Operations, Yash Raj Films said, “Firstly it’s our privilege to collaborate with SKF, Salman Khan is arguably the biggest Box Office draw today and growing with each film. With him and Kabir Khan reuniting for the third time, it makes Tubelight a very special and hugely anticipated film with a great deal of excitement both within the business and the audiences alike. We at YRF pride ourselves on delivering only the best in filmed entertainment and are thrilled to bring Tubelight to the fans in the international markets this Eid.” 

Amar Butala, Chief Operating Officer, Salman Khan Films said, “We delighted to partner with YRF who bring with them years of experience in distribution in both traditional and emerging markets overseas. Our last production Bajrangi Bhaijaan is Salman's biggest overseas grosser to date and we hope to set new benchmarks with Tubelight and to reach out to newer audiences and markets.”

DON'T WORRY 'BE HAPPY'

By Enlighten india blog - 17 April, 2017

DON'T WORRY 'BE HAPPY'

TIGER SHROFF AT LOKHANDWALA STREET FESTIVAL"Be Happy " spearheaded by Shalini Thackeray and Surjeet Singh Dadilia.


Like the proverbial snowball that grows and grows as it rolls along, "Lokhandwala Street Festival" in a couple of weeks has gained immense popularity, drawing large crowds, and spreading the mantra of fit and healthy living. The event saw the presence of Tiger Shroff, Remo D'Souza and Harman Baweja as well.




Mr. Surjeet Singh Dadiala and Mrs. Shalini Thackeray say, “In this internet age our citizens are well educated, well-informed, and their expectations are accordingly high. Lokhandwala Street Festival met their inherent desire to engage in fitness and cultural activities, in an enjoyable, safe, outdoor setting. Other free street events focus on sports and fitness alone, Lokhandwala Street Festival gives opportunity to people to engage in performing arts and entertainment also.”

The 3 km stretch of well-maintained concrete roads were freed from vehicular traffic and opened up for not just local residents but also to many who come from faraway locations. As many as more than 50 activity stations including Yoga, Zumba, Rock Climbing, Creative arts, etc. simultaneously engage crowds of around 5000. It is not all fun and frolic though. There is intense planning, promotions, and organizing activities going on round the clock to stage the biggest event that has hit the suburbs.





With word spreading about the event far and wide across social media and news media, the organizers won’t be surprised if the event is recognized all over Mumbai.