Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Actress Mahima Makwana, who is gearing up for the new episodes of her streaming show ‘Showtime’, has shared that she was inspired by Gauri Khan and Guneet Monga for her role of a producer.

The actress essays the role of Mahika Nandy, a journalist turned producer in the show. She shared that for a female producer to carve her niche in a male-dominated film industry is a daunting task. There are always new challenges for female producers in an industry which is so dynamic.

Mahima said: “It is not easy to survive, let alone rise up to be the leading producer in the male dominated business of entertainment. Mahika was merely an outsider covering the twisted games of the industry as a journalist but circumstances made her an insider playing those games. This shift came with a lot of vulnerabilities and self-reflection.”

She added: “When I was reflecting on Mahika’s journey and how she’s standing her ground as a female producer, I couldn’t help but look up to female producers like Gauri Khan and Guneet Monga who have established themselves in this industry. I was inspired and knew exactly how Mahika will figure her way out of the producer war that is at play now.”

The show also stars Emraan Hashmi, Mouni Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, Vishal Vashishtha, Neeraj Madhav and Vijay Raaz in pivotal roles.

‘Showtime’ is set to stream on July 12 on Disney+ Hotstar.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, July 11 (IANS) ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘Sex Education’ star Edward Bluemel, who was most recently seen in the fantasy show ‘My Lady Jane’, has joined the cast of the upcoming Agatha Christie series ‘The Seven Dials Mystery’.

Bluemel joins ‘How to Have Sex’ star Mia McKenna-Bruce, who would lead the whodunnit, written by ‘Broadchurch’ creator and former ‘Doctor Who’ showrunner Chris Chibnall.

Set in 1925, ‘The Seven Dials Mystery’ follows a lavish country house party where a practical joke appears to have gone murderously wrong. It’s down to the fizzingly inquisitive Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent to unravel a chilling plot that will change her life, cracking wide open the country house mystery, reports variety.com.

The actor will play Jimmy Thesiger, a charming yet witty man who becomes Bundle’s ally in the murder investigation.

The series also stars Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman.

Alongside ‘The Seven Dials Mystery’, Bluemel also has a lead role in the upcoming limited series ‘Washington Black’ alongside Sterling K. Brown, and will be seen in the drama ‘We Might Regret This’.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) As their film “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania” clocked 10 years since its release in Hindi cinema, actress Alia Bhatt said that she cannot believe it.

“Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania” released in 2014 was a romantic comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan. It also stars Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Shukla.

Khaitan took to Instagram, where he shared a picture with Varun and Alia. He captioned: “10 years… Wow… Only gratitude… Thank you universe…”

Alia re-shared the post on her Instagram story and wrote: “Can’t believe it.”

Alia then shared moments from the film and captioned it: “#10yearsofHumptySharmaKiDulhania.”

Varun took to his Instagram stories, where he shared the poster of the film and reshared the post by the director and added a heart to it.

“Humpty Ki Dulhania” is the first instalment of the Dulhania franchise. The sequel is titled “Badrinath Ki Dulhania”, which traces the story of an aspiring independent air hostess from a small town who refuses to conform to the patriarchal expectations of her fiance.

Talking about their upcoming slate of work, Alia will next be seen in “Jigra”, which also stars Vedang Raina. It is touted as a drama about a sister’s love for her brother and how she would go to any length to protect him.

She then has “Alpha”, directed by Shiv Rawail. Also starring Sharvari, the film from the Spy Universe film was officially titled on July 5.

A video shared during the title unveiling featured Alia saying, “Greek alphabet ka sabse pehla akshar Aur humare program ka motive, sabse pehle, sabse tez, sabse veer. Dhyaan se dekho toh har sheher mein ek jungle hai. Aur jungle mein hamesha Raj karega Alpha.”

Varun is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film “Baby John” directed by Kalees. He then has “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari” with Janhvi Kapoor.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Actress Vidisha Srivastava shared her tried-and-true monsoon makeup tips, revealing that she prefers using a mattifying primer to control excess skin oil, waterproof products, and light and non-greasy formula during the rainy season.

The monsoon season brings a refreshing change and unique challenges for maintaining flawless skin and makeup.

Vidisha, who essays the role of Anita Bhabi in the sitcom ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ advises: “During monsoon season, it’s important to adjust your regular makeup routine. The humidity and rain can cause your makeup to smudge, melt, and wear off quickly. Changing your makeup routine to adapt to the season will help your makeup last longer and keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.”

“I prefer using a good primer, waterproof products, and light and non-greasy formula. I opt for a mattifying primer to control excess skin oil. Heavy foundations can feel cakey and melt off in the humidity, so I choose lightweight, water-based foundation or BB cream that provides coverage without feeling heavy,” shared Vidisha.

She added: “Investing in waterproof makeup products, especially mascara and eyeliner, is crucial to prevent smudging and keep my eye makeup intact, even in a sudden downpour. For my lips, I prefer matte lipsticks that stay put longer and give a chic finish, less likely to bleed in the rain.”

“A makeup setting spray is essential to lock everything in place, ensuring my makeup stays fresh and lasts throughout the day regardless of the weather,” concluded Vidisha.

‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ airs on &TV.

On the work front, Vidisha made her film debut in 2007 with SP Entertainments’s Telugu film ‘Maa Iddari Madhya’. She also starred in other Telugu projects like ‘Alaa’, ‘Prem’, ‘Athili Sattibabu LKG’.

She has featured in Kannada movie ‘Nali Naliyutha’, Tamil drama ‘Kathavarayan’, and Malayalam film ‘Lucky Jokers’.

Vidisha has also been a part of TV shows like ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’, ‘Meri Gudiya’, ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran’, ‘Durga-Mata Ki Chhaya’, and ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’.

–IANS

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Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) Actor Anuj Arora loves to follow fashion trends, mentioning that it brings positivity and energy. He also revealed that his go-to clothing includes harem pants and an oversized T-shirt.

Anuj, who has been a part of TV shows like ‘Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum’, ‘Bandini’, says fashion for him is a personal choice, and believes it’s a reflection of one’s personality.

“Fashion for me is very personal. It’s a reflection of your own self and state of mind. Fashion is what actually portrays you, your personality, and your statement,” he said.

He feels it is quite normal for people to follow trends each season.

Anuj shared: “For those who love clothes and experimenting, it’s always an opportunity to change with the season. Actors and influencers are expected to keep trying new things, which also brings in a personal touch.”

“I love clothes and trying new styles because wearing something fresh and seasonal brings a lot of positivity and energy. My go-to clothing includes harem pants and an oversized T-shirt,” he said.

He loves to experiment and enjoys when he is playing a character whose fashion sense is completely opposite to his.

He added: “In one of my web series, I played a very different character with a style rooted in the 80s, featuring boot cuts, bell bottoms, and silk printed shirts—things I wouldn’t normally wear due to the loud colour combinations. However, these elements made a huge difference in the character and contributed significantly to the characterisation. I am willing to go to any lengths to make my character look the way it should.”

And he doesn’t mind promoting such characters in their costumes on public forums or at events.

“If it’s important for the marketing and promotion of the films, and I have to don the costume according to my character, I don’t mind it. However, I enjoy wearing trendy clothes because it brings out my true self. It’s not necessary to be in character all the time. If I am attending a public or private gathering, I prefer wearing something different to break the monotony and let me be myself,” he said.

Though he is not much of an accessory person, he wears things that make him feel comfortable and confident.

He added, “I have close friends with whom I discuss what to wear, and if they advise something, I follow that.”

–IANS

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