Month: October 2017

Girija Devi: ‘Thumri Queen’ & The Finest Exponent Of Hindustani Classical Music

BY IANS On

Gifted with a resonating magical voice that captivated the refined listeners of Hindustani classical music for generations, Girija Devi played a key part in popularising and raising the profile of Thumri, that gave her the appellation ‘Thumri queen’.

Born on May 8, 1929, in Varanasi, to a zamindar, Ramdeo Rai, Girija Devi began taking music lessons when she was a child of five years. Her first guru was vocalist and sarangi player Sarju Prasad Misra, and then Sri Chand Misra.

Girija Devi always loved to recount her childhood days in Varanasi, where “I considered myself more as a boy, than a girl”.

Rai encouraged her to learn swimming, horse riding and stick fighting, which she loved, but never had much interest in studies.

“At the same time, I did play with dolls, and spent time arranging for my doll’s marriage,” Girija Devi said during an interview a few years back.

At that tender age, she learnt Khayal, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Tarana, Indian folk music and Bhajan. With Varanasi being a hub of both Hindu and Muslim classical singers, the elements from both traditions enriched her repertoire and increased her knowledge.

In 1949, Girija Devi’s performance was aired by the Allahabad station of All India Radio, which had then just started its broadcast.

Recognising her talent, the AIR authorities treated the 20-year-old at par with established singers like Sehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, Hindustani singer Siddheswari Devi and Table exponent Kanthe Maharaj.

“During that time there was no system of audition or grading of artists. But I found from the contract forms that I was paid the same amount of money as these artists.”

Two years later, Girija Devi gave her first public performance at a music conference in Bihar’s Arrah, alongside the likes of Pundit Omkarnath Thakur and Kanthe Maharaj.

In 1952, she paid her first visit to Kolkata — which became her home two and a half decades later — to take part in the Sadarang Sangit Sammelan.

Groomed in the tradition of the Benaras and Seniya gharanas (lineage), Girija Devi was celebrated for her extensive collection of rare traditional bandishes’.

The best in her came out when she performed in the purabi ang thumri style, and helped in elevating the genre. Her renditions of semi classical forms like Kajri, chaiti, and holi also mesmerised the connoisseurs of Hindustani classical music.

In 1978, after the formation of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, Girija Devi shifted base to the eastern metropolis, after prodding from the institute’s then director Vijay Kichlu.

She immediately fell in love with the city.

“There is a deep love for music and culture. The musicians get lot of respect. The boys and girls are very keen learners.

“But studies take up so much of their time, they hardly have any free time to practise. In contrast, we used to practise for five/six hours”.

In the early 90s, she also taught at the Banaras Hindu University, thus leaving behind a large number of students to carry on her legacy.

She performed extensively within the country and abroad and was widely feted.

Besides Padma Shri (1972), Padma Bhushan (1989) and Padma Vibhushan (2016), the stalwart was honoured with the Tansen Samman by the Madhya Pradesh government, besides receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977).

The Sangeet Natak Akademi award citation lauded Girija Devi for her renditions of ‘Khayal’ with “astounding clarity and control”.

She was also a regular performer on All India Radio and Doordarshan with numerous CDs and audio cassettes to her credit.

However, Girija Devi never created any Raagas (Melodic modes in Indian classical music) of her own.

“Whatever compositions I sing, my Tappa, Thumri or Khayal, are all traditional. I never created any new Raaga. I only learnt what my gurus taught me, and not from any books,” she once said.

Even at a ripe old age, Singing was her life force.

“If I can eat, walk, talk, then why should not I sing?” she remarked sometime before her 80th birthday.

Girija Devi, 88, died on Tuesday in Kolkata.

 

Photo: Centreforworldmusic.org

Kamal Haasan On National Anthem: ‘Do Not Force My Patriotism At Random Places’

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Actor Kamal Haasan has given his two cents on the whole debate of playing the National Anthem in movie halls. Taking to Twitter, Haasan compared how the Singapore government functions, describing it as a “benevolent dictatorship”.

His take on patriotism stems from what the Supreme Court said on Monday. It stated that one needn’t stand up for the National Anthem in movie halls to prove their patriotism. Further, the Supreme Court has requested the Centre to consider amending the rules to regulate the playing of the National Anthem before a film.

PTI News reports that a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the next time “the government will want people to stop wearing T-shirts and shorts to cinemas saying this would disrespect the National Anthem.” The bench further said that it will not allow the government to “shoot from its shoulder” and asked it to take a call either way on the issue of regulating the playing of the anthem before a film.

The debate of standing for the National Anthem in movie halls was reignited after a petition was filed by Kodungallur Film Society, Kerala to recall the November order passed on a PIL filed last year by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the National Anthem should be played in all the cinema halls before a film begins.

The court has asked the Centre to consider taking a call by 9 January on amending the National Flag code for regulating the playing of National Anthem in cinema halls across the country.

Niharika Singh Slams Nawazuddin Siddiqui; Madras HC Bans Cut-Outs & Banners

BY Vandhana On

A quick look at everything making news in the world of cinema today!

Newsworthy

Golmaal Again has earned a cool $24 million worldwide

Vijay’s Mersal is on its way to earn Rs 200 crore at the box office.

Rest In Peace

Indian classical Singer Girija Devi passed away on October 24 after a cardiac arrest. She was 88.

Timeout

Actor Niharika Singh has slammed Nawazuddin Siddiqui for writing about their alleged affair in his new book. Singh said,

“Nawaz and I had a brief relationship in 2009 during the making of Miss Lovely that lasted less than a few months. So today, when he paints me as a woman in fur enticing him into her bedroom with candles, or desperately calling him and mailing other women on his behalf, I can only laugh. He obviously wants to sell his book and it would appear that he is willing to exploit and disrespect a woman just to do so.”

Nawaz has written that his affair with Niharika lasted for almost “one and a half years” and she sent emails on his behalf to his former girlfriend.

Niharika denied sending any such mails and said the Babumoshai Bandookbaaz actor “has chosen to fabricate stories and manipulate a fleeting relationship”.

“None of what he has written has been with my knowledge, let alone my consent. It is this very aspect of Nawaz that caused me to end my relationship with him in the first place. I have always maintained that he’s a brilliant actor. However, I had hoped these acting skills would have remained confined only to the screen. Still, I wish him well,” Niharika added.

Let them eat cake!

Actors Soni Razdan, Aparna Sen, Navneet Nishan will all turn a year older today!

Asin And Rahul Sharma Are Parents To A Baby Girl

BY IANS On

Actress Asin Thottumkal and her businessman husband Rahul Sharma have been blessed with a daughter on Tuesday. The news was announced via a statement.

“We are ecstatic to announce the arrival of our angelic baby girl earlier today. The last nine months have been most special and exciting for the both of us and we would like to thank all our well wishers and everyone who has been part of our journey for all their love and support,” the statement read.

Later, Rahul even shared the happy news on his Twitter handle:

Actor Akshay Kumar, too, met the newborn and posted a photo on social media:

Asin, known for movies like Ghajini and Khiladi 786, married Rahul, Micromax’s co-founder, in January last year.

Women, Cinema & Sexism: ‘Harassment Happens Under The Guise Of Coaching; Women Do It Too’, Says Budding Dancer

BY Vandhana On

Even as leading choreographers from the industry and an assistant dance director whom we spoke to called their respective domains safe and secure spaces for female and male dancers, a couple of backup dancers who consented to talk to us on condition of anonymity, report a different experience.

According to Ganesh*, an up-and-coming dancer in the Tamil film industry, assistants and choreographers touch backup dancers inappropriately under the guise of teaching them steps.

“Suddenly, the hand holding the waist will move down. Both men and women do this. But, you never know if it’s intentional. All you know is that no one ever talks about it, and it’s something of a private misery. Work is awkward as hell, but there’s nobody to talk to.”

Anitha*, a former backup dancer, says that she entered the industry with a lot of optimism, only to quit when an experience with a Kannada cinematographer left her shattered. The 25-year-old once nurtured dreams of dancing alongside her favourite Kannada star Yash, but is now busy sorting clothes at a Bangalore retail store. “It was a night shoot in a secluded part of the city. All of us had skin suits on, on top of which we wore provocative costumes. While going to the changing area (which is nothing but four sheets strung together to form a sort of partition), I noticed someone following me. But since it was a busy set, I didn’t do much about it. Only after I changed and came out of the area did I see the choreographer standing there. He was holding a cigarette in one hand, and it was clear that he had watched me change.”

FEFSI does its best to tackle issues as and when they’re reported, say Anitha and Ganesh. “But, who wants to go to them in the first place? It’s like complaining about kids talking in class to the teacher. You will be labelled a troublemaker, and soon, no one will want to work with you. Or worse, they will say that it is all in your head. I’m telling you all this now only because you promised not to use my name. Else, my union card might even be revoked,” Ganesh says.

On the other hand, Brindha, a leading cinematographer in the South, says she does everything to ensure that her dancers are comfortable and safe. “I check in on them constantly. They’re my family and my team. There’s no way I’m going to let up on their security.”

Kala Master is of the same opinion. “As far as I know, the producers and directors make it a point to keep the atmosphere safe for the people on set. There are injuries that one gets over the course of complicated dance moves, but no harassment.”

It is clear, however, that Kala Master and Brindha are at the very top of the hierarchy, and as such, not privy to everything that happens with their team. “A second is enough for a man to touch my waist and walk away,” Anitha says.

Both Ganesh and Anitha later insist that while such instances do happen, they are quite rare. “But that doesn’t mean they do not happen as well. The guy who will grope you on a bus is around on the sets, too,” says Anitha, “Just when you think you are safe, something like this would happen and blindside you. Even at my current job, there are people who will take advantage of me if I don’t guard myself well. That is the nature of this world.”

*Names changed to protect identity

Editor’s note: Talking about instances of harassment is not easy for anyone, and is especially fraught with peril for those workers who are dependent on the Union for their needs. Silverscreen is reporting experiences as and when they emerge; the next part will explore a different account.

*****

Read Part 1: Harvey Weinstein Has Opened Pandora’s Box & We Need To Deal With It

Read Part 2: When Film Sets Are Designed For Men & Other Struggles As Reported By The Female Crew 

Read Part 3: Speaking Up Is Not A Practical Option In Kollywood, Say Actresses

Read Part 4: The Life Of A Dance Assistant In The South

Raid At Vishal’s Office Not Linked To ‘Mersal’, Says IT Department

BY IANS On

The Income Tax Department on Tuesday said it inspected the office of a film producer here on charges of not remitting over Rs 50 lakh of tax deducted at source but denied this was linked to his comments on controversial Tamil movie, Mersal. 

Without naming the producer, the IT department said the action was taken “in a routine course”. But film industry sources identified the actor-producer as Vishal, who had attacked BJP leader H. Raja for watching a pirated version of Mersal online.

“Certain reports have appeared in both print and electronic media linking the said action to a recently released Tamil film. The Income Tax Department denies that the action taken against the film producer has anything to do with the said film,” a statement said.

Vishal is also the President of the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC).

BJP’s Raja had said he had watched some clippings of the movie online.

Raja was also among the first to give a communal twist to the controversy around actor Vijay-starrer Mersal, which has dialogues that take a dig at GST and Digital India.

‘Golmaal Again’ Earns $24 Million Worldwide

BY IANS On

Reliance Entertainment-backed Golmaal Again, the latest in the hit Bollywood franchise Golmaal, has garnered $24 million at the worldwide box office in the first four days of its release, the makers said.

Director Rohit Shetty said: “I am overjoyed that Golmaal Again has broken records along with spreading happiness, cheer and smiles during this Diwali. I am thankful to the audience for the success and the love they have shown to the Golmaal series.”

The movie released on October 20, a day after Diwali.

Shibasish Sarkar, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Entertainment, said: “We are delighted with the response Golmaal Again has received. We look forward to many more milestones with this franchise, and from other projects that we are presently working on with Rohit to entertain global audiences.”

Golmaal Again features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu and Tabu.

The film is presented by Reliance Entertainment in association with Mangalmurti Films and Rohit Shetty banner.

 

Image Courtesy: Zee News

Ameer, Seeman Acquitted Of Sedition Charges

BY Janani Karthik On

Charges against director Ameer and Naam Tamizhar party leader Seeman, who faced sedition charges for their provocative speeches supporting LTTE in 2008 in Rameswaram, were acquitted today by Ramanathapuram court.

According to a report in Malaimalar, Seeman and Ameer appeared before court on Tuesday for the hearing. Judge Lingeswaran acquitted them stating that their speeches cannot be considered against India’s sovereignty.”

Reportedly, Q branch police filed a case against the duo in Rameswaram Magistrate court in 2010 for their speeches against India’s sovereignty in the meet held by Tamil film industry in Rameswaram. Ameer and Seeman who appeared in court in August for the trial, denied all charges against them.

Mersal, Controversy’s New Child: The Story So Far

BY Janani Karthik On

Embargo on movie releases, copyright and issues with the censor board — Mersal is the latest controversy’s child. But the controversies did not stop even after the film’s release on Deepavali (October 18). It took a political turn when the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP demanded cuts for the scenes pertaining to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. BJP’s national secretary H Raja raked up a new controversy accusing Vijay of having an anti-Hindu agenda.

Here’s a quick recap of the story far…

It all started with Tamilisai Soundararajan

State president of the Tamil Nadu BJP criticised Mersal and claimed that it shows GST and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India initiative in poor light. “I haven’t seen the movie, but those who saw the movie claim that GST and Digital India have been portrayed in such a way to create wrong impression among people,” she said. Later, in an interview to Thanthi TV, she said, “The things that celebrities say influence popular perception. Criticising a government welfare scheme in a ‘passing comment’ is not acceptable and it will convey the wrong message. We demand removal of those scenes.”

“The film producer should remove the untruths regarding GST from the film,” Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan too joined in.

Opposition parties join in 

This created an opportunity for the Opposition parties to launch an attack on the ruling party at the Centre. From Rahul Gandhi to MK Stalin, these political leaders tweeted in support of Mersal and espoused freedom of expression.

#MersalvsModi 

Given the army of Vijay’s fans on Twitter, #MersalvsModi started trending on social media. In a rare instance of solidarity, rival gang Ajith fans too tweeted in favour of Vijay. It soon became a national news. Even the non-Tamil speaking audience expressed their interest in watching the film. 

Scenes leaked online 

While the battle on Twitter was at its peak, the scene featuring the dialogues on GST was leaked online. In the scene, Vijay’s character (Dr. Maaran) points out that a smaller State – Singapore – which charges only a uniform 7 percent GST on all products and services – provides better quality public health care than India, where 28 percent GST is the highest current rate. 

Motormouth H Raja

H Raja then went on record to say that he watched the film online, implying that it was a pirated copy. He even attributed communal motives to the movie’s dialogues in a tweet that referred to the lead actor’s rarely used Christian name while criticising “Joseph Vijay’s hate campaign against (Prime Minister) Modi.”

Tamil Nadu Producers’ Council President Vishal soon released a statement condemning the politician’s blatant admission to piracy and said it’s  “totally insensitive and uncalled for”.

H Raja, in an interview to The Indian Express, also claimed that “may be producer Hema Rukmani also a Christian.” “Everyone has the right to criticise the BJP government on any medium. But the criticism should be based on facts,” he was quoted as saying. In a new low, he even tweeted Vijay’s voter ID that had the name Joseph Vijay in it.

Industry joins to support Mersal

Kamal Haasan extended his support on Twitter:

Later on October 22, the actor saw the special screening of the film and posed for pictures with Atlee and Vijay. While Pa Ranjith said that there is no need to remove the scenes from the film, TFPC president Vishal said, “I see the demand for cuts in the film, and the pressure put on the producers, by leaders of the BJP, as a threat to freedom of expression.”

Rajinikanth, who is believed to have a pro-BJP stance, tweeted congratulating the Mersal team. 

‘Ready to remove controversial scenes’

In an official press statement, the producers of the film, said, “We would like to clarify that Mersal has no content against the government or anybody. We have discussed the issue with the BJP leaders including BJP’s Tamil Nadu president, Tamilisai Soundrajan. We explained our stand and also told them that this film has not been made to hurt anybody. They also accepted our explanations and we thank them for that. According to their view, their opposition is also fair. If  certain opinions in the film conveys a wrong message, we are also ready to remove such scenes from the film.”

Doctors protest

Doctors across Tamil Nadu protested against Mersal by sharing pirated links of the film on social media. Claiming that the film shows them in poor light, they said that they have chosen this silent protest as this would hit the film’s box office collection. Madurai-based lawyer has lodged complaint against Mersal for hurting sentiments of Hindus.

Soaring box office collection

The film opened to a record breaking box office collection on day one reportedly collecting Rs 31.3 crores and has joined the famed Rs 100 -crore club during the weekend. In fact, BJP’s faux pas propelled the film’s performance at the box office and the international market as well.

 

Director Suseenthiran Responds To Nellai Family’s Self Immolation Bid

Director Suseenthiran says he’s angry at the money lenders, loan sharks, and the state and central government, for allowing the practice of usury and extortion to go on. The director was responding to the tragic incident in Tirunelveli where a family set itself on fire after failing to get any relief from money lenders.

Suseenthiran’s posted a message on his Twitter account:


In his message, Suseenthiran expressed his anger at the system of money lending, referred to as “kandhu vatti” in Tamil, in which money lenders charge exorbitant rates of interest on informal loans given – often to those who do not have access, or been willfully excluded from formal credit or the banking system.

Suseenthiran said the money lending system was an evil and a unpardonable crime, and called for an end to it. Claiming that the practice was equal to murder, Suseenthiran said that moneylenders are like blood-sucking leeches. Further, Suseenthiran adds that politicians and those in power, who protect and allow the money lenders to operate are worse than the money lenders themselves.

Esakkimuthu had borrowed a sum of Rs. 1.45 lakhs from a money lender, for a family emergency. However, he had paid back the principle and interest, totalling to over Rs. 2.3 lakhs, but was still being harassed by the money lender to pay a further Rs 2 lakhs on the loan. Esakkimuthu had appealed to the Tirunelveli police to help him but allegedly they had sided with the money lender. Esakkimuthu also appealed to the district collector to instruct the police to help release him from the money lender’s hold, but according to reports, the police harassed Esakkimuthu. Feeling that he had no options left, Esakkimuthu set his wife and two young daughters (one an infant) on fire, and set himself on fire too.

While the police and the collector rushed the family to hospital, his wife and daughters succumbed to the burns, and Esakkimuthu himself is in critical condition at the hospital.

There has been silence, however, from the majority of Tamil cinema industry members. Suseenthiran is the first one to issue a statement, while Khushbu tweeted:

Earlier, film producer Sathishkumar had sought police action against a financier for extortion.

I Don’t Want To Get Stuck In Women-Oriented Films, Says Tabu

BY IANS On

 Acclaimed actress Tabu says she enjoys essaying strong women characters on screen but she doesn’t want to limit herself in the formula of “women-oriented” movie.

She feels taking the responsibility of a whole film could affect her creative mind. So, she is cautious with her choice at this point of her career.

As ‘women-oriented’ films are changing the narrative of new age Indian cinema, why has she not appeared in such films in recent times? Tabu said: “Now, taking a decision on films is not that black and white like earlier.

“In the beginning of my career, I have done many films where the tag of ‘women-oriented’ film was not there… I chose the films because the character was substantial.

“Now, if producers and directors are coming to me with the formula of ‘women-oriented’ films, with the idea of putting the responsibility of a film on my shoulder, I do not want to get stuck in there.

“The focus should be on my work, as in on my performance, not that I sell in this category of film.”

Starting her career in 1980 with Bazaar with a small part, Tabu shared screen space with the iconic Dev Anand in Hum Naujawan. She also acted in films like Vijaypath, Maachis, Kalapani, Border, Chandni Bar, Maqbool, The Namesake, Life of Pi, Haider and Fitoor. The actress has bagged six National Awards and received Padma Shri in 2011.

Asked if she ever gets a hangover of her character off the camera, Tabu said: “Well, yes. But the intensity depends on how much that character has impacted your mind. When I play a character, physically and mentally I go through a process. So it is obvious to get impacted.

“But some characters just stay back for long in my system. Like the one from Hu Tu Tu. That character was poles apart of who I am. It was grey and later, it becomes totally dark.

“Then, my characters in Maqbool, Haider or The Namesake... Those were so larger than life that they shook your equilibrium.”

But Tabu insists she is fun loving and always keen to explore the genre of comedy films. After her latest Golmaal Again, she will be seen in Luv Ranjan’s upcoming rom-com alongside Ajay Devgn.

Asked about her opinion on the comedy genre not being taken seriously in filmmaking, she said: “Yes, comedy is a genre has been taken with a pinch of salt and it is good. You cannot take every genre of films so seriously.

“In fact, I think that is what reflects life… We should take life with a pinch of salt, you cannot be serious all the time, you need a break from a drudgery of life at times.”

Prakash Raj Hits Out At Trolls, Tweets ‘I Will Continue To Question’

Amidst the Mersal row and attempts of the BJP to censor scenes critical of it, Prakash Raj has reasserted his right to dissent, via a tweet.

The actor posted:

In his message, the actor calls out those who abuse him on Twitter and other social networking platforms, and says that their behaviour only strengthens his resolve to question the wrongs.

As Silverscreen earlier reported, Prakash Raj had expressed his disappointment over the Prime Minister’s silence in the Gauri Lankesh killing case, and claimed that Modi was a better actor than he was. He had said he was considering returning his national awards. The statement was misreported and quoted out of context by many. A case was also registered against the actor for his statements.

His tweet, therefore, comes at a time when actors and actresses are being scrutinised and trolled severely for their statements, (with women celebrities bearing the brunt of abusive, sexist, violent trolling) and many asking if the cinema and other arts do not have the right to express their opinion.

Kamal Haasan, Dubai’s Ruler Likely To Attend ‘2.0’ Audio Launch

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Actor Kamal Haasan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the Ruler of Dubai, are expected to be the chief guests at the audio launch of Shankar’s 2.0. Kamal will collaborate with Shankar for Indian 2 next.

Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson have indicated that they would attend the event (to be held at Burj Park, downtown Dubai) on October 27. The presence of two of South India’s biggest stars – Rajini and Kamal together onstage is expected to add a lot of value to the event.

VIP tickets for the launch are being sold for as high as Rs 4 lakhs, with fans getting the option to walk away with complimentary passes as well. According to a spokesperson for the film, AR Rahman is scheduled to give a live performance along with 125 symphony artists. Rahman will also compose a song for 2.0 live for the film.

Pankaj Tripathi Awarded Best Actor At Cape Town Film Festival

BY IANS On

Pankaj Tripathi, who has won the Best Actor title at the Cape Town International Film Market and Festival for Mango Dreams, says appreciation of talent anywhere in the world always feels good.

“If an actor’s work is appreciated anywhere in the world, it always feels good. A lot of hard work goes behind every project and it takes years of perseverance and dedication to achieve success. The fact that I have been recognised on an international level, is very humbling,” Pankaj told IANS over phone from Mohali where he is currently shooting a new film.

Mango Dreams, directed by John Upchurch, is about a Hindu doctor with dementia, and a Muslim auto-rickshaw driver, who form an unlikely friendship as they cross India in search of the doctor’s childhood home.

Pankaj essays the auto-rickshaw driver, while the role of the doctor is essayed by theatre veteran Ram Gopal Bajaj. The actor’s work in Newton and Bareilly Ki Barfi has been widely appreciated in the recent past. He is also excited about the selection of Newton as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars.

Dhanush Paternity Case: Melur Couple Try Again, Claim The Actor Filed False Papers

Kathiresan and Meenakshi, the couple who claimed Dhanush was their son, have once again appealed to the Chennai Commissioner of Police to intervene on their behalf.

The Times Of India reports that the couple have claimed that Dhanush has filed false papers in the court, and have asked the commissioner to instruct the K Pudur police station to register the case. This is the couple’s third attempt to quash the documentary evidence Dhanush has produced in court. As Silverscreen earlier reported, the couple had complained at the K Pudur police station directly, and said that Dhanush had filed fake documents in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, to prove he was the son of Kasthuriraja.

The couple had also made the same complaint in the Madurai court, but the court had stayed the case. The actor had filed a birth certificate provided by the Corporation of Chennai which identified him as being born to director Kasthuriraja and wife, at the Egmore Children’s Hospital in Chennai. The HC later ruled in his favour and dismissed all proceedings.

Fashion Photographer Terry Richardson Banned By High-End Magazines Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Fashion photographer Terry Richardson has been unofficially banned from working with Vogue and other high-end fashion magazines. According to a report by The Telegraph, UK, media group Conde Nast International in a closed email circulated within its company, announced that it would no longer work with Richardson.

Staff were told that any work already commissioned from Richardson but not yet published should be “killed or substituted with other material”.

This email is seen as a response to an article that appeared in the UK newspaper The Sunday Times that asked why Richardson was still being feted by fashionistas in the wake of allegations against Harvey Weinstein.

Richardson has been dogged by claims of sexual harassment for years. The photographer has been accused of inappropriate on-set behaviour by a number of models, who say that he assaulted them under the guise of using them for photoshoots.

He has consistently denied the claims so far.

 

Image Courtesy: Change.org

Women, Cinema & Sexism: The Life Of A Dance Assistant In The South

BY Janani Karthik On

‘Women, Cinema & Sexism’ features stories of women who work in the film industry and documents their experiences on sets – the good, the bad and the ugly 

“I haven’t heard of the #MeToo campaign,” Vidya*, a 35-year-old dance assistant tells me when I call her one morning to talk about her experience in the film industry. She has been dancing for a living for 15 years, having been a part of several songs and sets. Currently in Kerala, shooting for a Malayalam film, she speaks in between teaching her troupe a few steps. She doesn’t want to be identified, not even a distant connect that can perhaps be traced to her.

Vidya’s years in the industry have largely been uneventful, “thanks to FEFSI,” she says. “From the moment we enter the production van to go to the location till the time they drop us back home, everything will be taken care of. If there are issues, they will be addressed immediately.”

But, you need a lot of patience to survive here, she adds. Having worked as a background dancer for ten years, before being moved up the rung, it’s been five years since she was promoted as an ‘Assistant Dance Director’. Vidya quit school at 15 to support her family – consisting of a mother and two siblings – and was the sole-breadwinner. Her first pay, Vidya recalls, was Rs 350 for a shoot; she didn’t know dancing, and learnt to match moves to the music on the job. “I had the …veri [passion],” she declares, “to do well, and stay in the industry which was and still is largely male-dominated.” Now married, with a young daughter, Vidya travels quite a bit on the job. “My mother takes care of the child when I am away,” she says.

Her work day, which begins early in the morning – as early as 5 am for a 9 am shooting schedule – would involve helping other dancers gear up for the shoot. “The dance master would explain the movies and then I would teach the girls. We will have our costumes and make-up done and be ready for the shoot by 8.30 am.”

Her team aside, Vidya would teach the heroines, too. “I have to make sure they get their steps right,” she says, “We may be perfect with our moves, but we have to wait until the actors get them right. Some learn quickly, but there are others who take a couple of days or even a week’s time.” There have been many a time when Vidya and her troupe would wait indefinitely with costumes and make-up on till the director gets the shot he wants. “But we always make sure we don’t delay the proceedings,” Vidya adds, “Not once has a shoot been delayed because a background dancer didn’t get her steps right!”

When the shoot is done for the day, Vidya rehearses till 10 pm along with her team. “Later, I’d visit the troupe in their rooms to ensure that they have had their dinner.”

Unsurprisingly, neither Vidya nor her team have a say in the costumes that they wear. A background dancer who doesn’t want to be identified, explains that dancers don’t have that liberty. “Not like the lead actors,” she says. “But when someone is uncomfortable with a certain glamorous outfit, they can opt out of the shoot and will be replaced by other dancers.”

But I have never said ‘no’ to any costume, says Vidya. “Largely because it would be unprofessional to do so. I can’t really say ‘I won’t wear this costume’ after committing to a job.” Dancing is what I love, she smiles, “I have no other ambition, I can dance the whole day if I like.”

*Name withheld to protect identity

*****

Read Part 1: Harvey Weinstein Has Opened Pandora’s Box & We Need To Deal With It

Read Part 2: When Film Sets Are Designed For Men & Other Struggles As Reported By The Female Crew 

Read Part 3: Speaking Up Is Not A Practical Option In Kollywood, Say Actresses

Noted Malayalam Filmmaker IV Sasi Dies At 69 In Chennai

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Acclaimed Malayalam film director IV Sasi died in Chennai on Tuesday. He was 69. The filmmaker had been ailing for sometime.

In a career spanning close to four decades, he directed more than 150 films. Particularly known for his Malayalam films between 1970 and 1990, Sasi was best known for films like Devasuram, Mrigaya, Adiyozhukkukal among others. He also made iconic Tamil films such as the Kamal Haasan and Sridevi-starrer Guru in 1980, and the Rajinikanth film Kaali in the same year.

He made Hindi films, too, such as Patita, Karishma, and Ankhon Ki Rishta. A director considered way ahead of his times, he was instrumental in introducing new aspects to filmmaking, and has been the recipient of awards such as National Film Awards and the Nargis Dutt award. He even served as the festival director of the second edition All Lights India International Film Festival, which was held at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. He was also known for being the filmmaker introducing actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty to the film industry.

He is survived by his wife, the popular yesteryear actress Seema, a son and a daughter.

Tributes have since been pouring for him on social media:

 

(with inputs from IANS)

Feature Image: Deccan Abroad

First Look Of Saaho, Starring Prabhas, Bears Striking Similarity With Ryan Gosling’s Blade Runner 2049

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Saaho’s first look generated quite a buzz when it was released on Prabhas’ birthday. However, people soon released that the poster bears a striking similarity with Ryan Gosling’s recently released thriller, Blade Runner 2049.

The film is slated to hit the screens May next year. 

Disappointed fans tweeted:

Supreme Court On National Anthem In Theatres: ‘No Need To Stand Up To Prove Patriotism’

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

The Supreme Court on Monday stated that one needn’t stand up for the National Anthem in movie halls to prove their patriotism. Further, the Supreme Court has requested the Centre to consider amending the rules to regulate the playing of the National Anthem before a film.

PTI News reports that a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the next time “the government will want people to stop wearing T-shirts and shorts to cinemas saying this would disrespect the National Anthem.” The bench further said that it will not allow the government to “shoot from its shoulder” and asked it to take a call either way on the issue of regulating the playing of the anthem before a film.

The bench, also comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud, said:

“People go to cinema halls for undiluted entertainment. Society needs entertainment. We cannot allow you (Centre) to shoot from our shoulders. People do not need to stand up in cinema halls to prove their patriotism. Desirability is one thing but making it mandatory is another. Citizens cannot be forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves and courts cannot inculcate patriotism among people through its order.”

The debate of standing for the National Anthem in movie halls was reignited after a petition was filed by Kodungallur Film Society, Kerala to recall the November order passed on a PIL filed last year by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the National Anthem should be played in all the cinema halls before a film begins.

Adding more to the debate, Justice Chandrachud further said that cultural and social values are inculcated by parents and teachers and not through court orders. “If the court is supposed to enforce respect for the National Anthem on citizens, it should also enforce the other fundamental duties in Article 51A,” he was quoted as saying.

The court has asked the Centre to consider taking a call by 9 January on amending the National Flag code for regulating the playing of National Anthem in cinema halls across the country.

In November 2016, the Supreme Court had issued an interim order to all cinemas to play the National Anthem before the screening of a film “in order to imbibe the love of the motherland”. The order said that all present must “stand up in respect” till the anthem ended, to “instill a feeling within one a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism.”

Balakrishna’s Next Likely To Be Titled ‘Jai Simha’

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Balakrishna’s next film is likely to have the title Jai Simha. Earlier, it was rumoured that the film would be titled Karna. Dismissing the rumours, the film’s director, KS Ravi Kumar, told Deccan Chronicle:

“We never chose or thought about the title Karna. Probably it came out when we registered a few titles, but it is not the final title for our film.”

The final title will be announced once Balakrishna gives it the go-ahead, KS Ravi Kumar said.

Nayanthara is the female lead of this film that went on the floors in August this year.

The shooting of Balakrishna’s film is presently underway in Araku near Visakhapatnam.

Never Seen Before: Tamil Film Fraternity Comes Together To Support Mersal & Vijay

BY Subha J Rao On

There are very few things that can make fans of Ajith and Vijay come together on the same page. Except probably, insisting on calling the latter Joseph Vijay. And, presuming his film Mersal has anti-GST and anti-demonetisation dialogues because he belongs to another faith.

Not just fans. Actors, known to belong to different camps, all came together to support a movie that would have otherwise just done well at the box office, and later on television too. Now, many people across the country, irrespective of the language divide, want to watch the movie. Just to hear how the makers, while taking cinematic license when it comes to fact, have torn into two very unpopular policies. And so, the film is now blazing its way to box office glory, with analysts speaking of how it has garnered business worth Rs. 150 crore in about six days.

While, in the past, actors and creators who’ve faced flak for their themes have had to fight it out alone or with a close bunch of friends and well-wishers, this time around, the entire industry has come out in support of the movie, and Vijay. To think, that just a few months ago, the actor and his fans were trolled for not calling out the online abuse of a journalist.

Just goes on to show that in Tamil Nadu, public memory is short. But, more importantly, that in present-day Tamil Nadu, when someone’s patriotism is questioned, everyone rises as one.

Cut back to a few years ago, from when Kamal Haasan has been hounded during almost every release of his. He fought mostly alone. This time around, even Rajinikanth and Kamal tweeted in support of Mersal. If anyone can harbor any resentment at how the industry stands as one now, he could. The hurt that Virumandi/Sandiyar, Vishwaroopam, and even Big Boss caused must still be fresh.

Be it the Jallikattu agitation of January this year or the NEET controversy and Anitha’s suicide, Tamil pride has taken centrestage, and that’s what has helped Mersal too. People and celebrities see the criticism and interference in the censoring process as hitting below the belt, and questioning their identity. In fact, Ruben, who edited the film, tweeted that the film already had an editor — him — and did not need to be re-edited, as demanded, to remove the “offending” portions. The tweet has now been deleted.

Part of the reason why everyone, barring a few actors who choose to remain quiet, is so vocal in their criticism is that Tamil Nadu has largely been unaffected by any attempts to saffronise it. For a state and people who proudly claim to be leaders in regional/federal autonomy, and where religious clashes are not very common, using faith to cast aspersions on someone’s patriotism may have rankled. After all, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu was propelled to fight the divisive trappings of the caste system and instill Tamil pride. BJP leader H Raja’s communally coloured tweet that said: “Bitter Truth” and his accusing ‘Thalapathy’ of having an anti-Hindu agenda was an opportunity that came almost gift wrapped — a North Indian party trying to silence the Tamil voice. As an aside, it also showed that electoral identity cards could be easily brought into the public gaze, just to prove someone’s complete name.

A probable reason why Kamal did not ever experience this kind of support is because the political groups that attacked his films were ‘home grown­­­’ ones that espoused the Tamil or regional cause. Here, a national party was attacking a much-loved star. We all love to support the underdog.

Raja precipitated matters further by admitting he watched portions of the film online. That led to Vishal, president of the Nadigar Sangam, asking him how he could support piracy. Now, The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce has written to the Prime Minister and I&B Minister Smriti Irani that Raja must be punished under the Tamil Nadu Video Piracy Act.

Rumours were rife on Monday morning that Vishal’s office was being raided because he spoke the way he did. But, the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGSTI) says there was no such raid. Later, Vishal confirmed the same.

Till about three-four months ago, when it was conclusively established the repercussions of demonetisation, and that GST has affected a reasonable number of people, films stayed clear of political references. But now, the controversy has seen the birth of the hashtag #MersalvsModi. A movie versus a Prime Minister. Ironically, though the first call against the film came from state BJP Chief Tamilisai Soundararajan, the anger is no longer directed at the state unit, but the Centre.

No one knows where the controversy is headed. But, the movie, we all know, is heading for blockbuster status. Aided by the most unlikely of publicity agents!

Salman Khan’s ‘Bharat’ To Have An Eid Release In 2019

BY Silverscreen India Staff On

Salman Khan’s film Bharat, reportedly an official remake of a South Korean film titled An Ode To My Father, has been booked for Eid release in 2019. Film insider Taran Adarsh reported the news this morning, sharing that the film will go on floors in April next year.

The film will be produced by Atul Agnihotri and directed by Salman’s Tiger Zinda Hai director, Ali Abbas Zafar.

Agnihotri, speaking to Mumbai Mirror, watched the original film at the Busan International Film Festival and thought it would make a good Bollywood film.

“That film is just the starting point for ours but since it was an inspiration, we wanted in all fairness to officially own it and acquired the remake rights before going ahead with Bharat. It starts in 1947 and ends in 2000 and is the journey of a country and also a person, both of whom go by the name of Bharat,” he said.

The film’s shooting will take place in Abu Dhabi and Spain, besides Punjab and Delhi. The next three months, the team has dedicated it for casting.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan has Tiger Zinda Hai, a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger (2012), starring him and Katrina Kaif. The film is scheduled for a December 22 release this year.

Atharvaa’s Next Will Have Two Heroines; ‘Bharat’ Likely For Eid 2019

BY Vandhana On

A quick look at everything making news in the world of cinema today!

Sign On

Atharvaa’s next with Kannan will have two heroines

Salman Khan has booked Eid 2019 for his Bharat, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar

Krrish 4 is expected to go on the floors by the end of 2018

Newsworthy

Esha Deol and husband, Bharat Takhtani, became parents to a baby girl recently. They have named her Radhya.

Kamal Haasan is expected to help launch the music of 2.0 in Dubai

Spotlight

The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, in a letter to PM Narendra Modi, has asked for strict action against BJP Leader H Raja for watching a pirated version of Mersal. 

“Mr H.Raja a national executive committee member of the BJP confessed before a press reporter that he saw the aforesaid Tamil film on the internet which is obviously a pirated version shown on the internet. We, South Indian Film Industry are ashamed to read the statement that a leading political personality has seen the film on the internet which is a pirated version or quoting a forwarded version and the pirated version,” the statement read.

In a strongly worded statement, the body has condemned backlash on the film saying that no political party has the right to demand changes in a movie that has been censored. “Once the film is certified by the CBFC, then the copyrights of the film vests with the producer/copyright owner. When such being the case, we are aghast at the suggestion of changing dialogues of the film produced by Thenandal Studios Ltd, at the whims and fancies of some political leader.”

Let them eat cake!

Actors Mallika Sherawat, Laila Mehdin, Jeevan, Vikas Bhalla will all turn a year older today!