Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Actor Sanjay Mishra, who is known for films like ‘Golmaal’, ‘Phas Gaye Re Obama’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Masaan’ and several others, has spoken up on the importance of literature and cinema in a common man’s life.

The actor attended the Himachal International Film Festival in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday and interacted with the media at the Sanskriti Sadan at Kangnidhar.

He said, “People should be involved in films, literature and paintings. They teach a lot of good things to people.”

The actor also thanked the government for the Himalayan Expressway as it has helped the people of Himachal Pradesh connect seamlessly with other parts of India in the north.

Talking about the motive of film festivals, he said, “The purpose of any film festival is to help a certain kind of cinema reach the audience. The mainstream films get the benefit of market and exhibition but the smaller films or independent films, which are equally important to our pop culture, need to be taken to the audience that they deserve.”

He further mentioned that such a kind of cinema appeals to people and can bring in new talents into the industry which ultimately helps the overall ecosystem of cinema to thrive and evolve.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) After an old video of Jim Sarbh talking about actors talking about going for “mental therapy” over portraying characters on screen, has now come out with a clarification stating that it was not meant for Ranveer Singh.

Sarbh’s comment had gone viral and several netizens assumed it was for his “Padmaavat” co-star Ranveer.

The actor has now come out with a clarification on Instagram, which read: “I find this almost absurd to have to clarify, but since folks are running wild with the videos and the articles: Nothing I said refers to Ranveer Singh.”

He said that the viral video byte being shared is from “Made in Heaven” Season 2 promotions.

Jim added: “5 whole years since Padmaavat came out. 5 years.”

He then said that he had only “lovely” things to talk about Ranveer. “I only had lovely things to say about Ranveer as a co-actor — look it up. I still do,” he added.

Sarbh continued, “Also: it is not an attack on process. I love the process, and I love actors. The video is making fun of actors who exaggerate their process.”

“I’m sure you’ve all met people who talk about their work more than do their work. Can’t wait for the next article or video shooting off my shoulder.”

Jim captioned the post: “I usually don’t respond to speculative videos and articles, because they’re boring and I assume people know better. Of course, just like some of you, I assumed wrong.

“Too many people have forwarded me things, and now journalists/interviewers are ‘identifying’ me as a ‘critic’, despite me never having mentioned anyone at all, let alone @ranveersingh. @ranveersingh ‘Spiders’ by System of a Down.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Veteran Tamil megastar Rajinikanth has heaped praise on the recently released movie ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.

Directed by Nag Ashwin, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ boasts a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani.

Rajinikanth took to his X, erstwhile Twitter account, on Saturday and penned a note for the film’s team. He wrote, “Watched Kalki. WOW! What an epic movie! Director @nagashwin7 has taken Indian Cinema to a different level. Hearty congratulations to my dear friend @AswiniDutt @SrBachchan @PrabhasRaju @ikamalhaasan @deepikapadukone and the team of #Kalki2898AD. Eagerly awaiting Part 2. God Bless.”

Nag Ashwin, who has directed the sci-fi epic, was overwhelmed by the praise from the senior actor. He replied to the tweet saying, “Sir… speechless ….blessed….from our whole team.”

The film has already been lauded by other big names in the industry, including SS Rajamouli, Yash, Vijay Devarakonda, Rishabh Shetty, Nagarjuna, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and more who have all expressed their admiration on social media.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is set to reunite with Big B after 33 years. The two will be seen sharing the screen in the upcoming film ‘Vettaiyan’.

Prior to the upcoming film, Big B and Thalaivar last worked together in the Hindi film ‘Hum’, directed by Mukul Anand which was released in 1991. The film was a rage in the 1990s. It starred Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Anupam Kher, Kimi Katkar, Deepa Sahi, Shilpa Shirodkar, Danny Denzongpa, and Kader Khan in pivotal roles. The film is also very well remembered for its song ‘Jooma Chumma De De’.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Comedian-actor Zakir Khan is coming up with a new television show ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’. The makers of the show unveiled the teaser on Saturday.

The show promises to offer an enthralling experience that combines laughter, shaayari and philosophical tips to living the best life into one compelling package.

Zakir will be seen delivering the aforementioned with captivating wit and undeniable charisma. This distinctive offering promises to stand out with Zakir’s infectious humour and insightful anecdotes adding a special touch, providing a refreshing and delightful experience that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

‘Aapka Apna Zakir’ is set to premiere on Sony Entertainment Television.

Last year in December, Zakir released his streaming comedy special ‘Mann Pasand’ in which he reminisced about his days with his boy gang from school, and how male friendships are frugal with no foresight as an operative requirement for such friendships.

The comedy special was very well received by the audience and marked a different narrative style compared to his earlier special of ‘Tathastu’ which involved more drama than comedy. ‘Tathastu’ was about Zakir’s grandfather Ustad Moinuddin Khan, a sarangi legend.

Zakir, who was born in Indore, rose to prominence by winning ‘Comedy Central’. He has also been a part of a news comedy show, ‘On Air with AIB’. However, his claim to fame was the viral ‘AIB Diwas’ video.

He has released four-hour-length standup specials, ‘Haq Se Single’, ‘Kaksha Gyarvi’ in addition to ‘Tathastu and ‘Mannpasand’ on Prime Video.

–IANS

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Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Actor Vijay Deverakonda, who had a special appearance in Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, said that Indian cinema has unlocked a new level.

Vijay took to X and said that he was speechless after watching the film, where he has a cameo appearance as Arjuna, the third Pandava brother and a powerful archer.

“Just watched the film. I don’t know what to say… Overwhelmed. Indian cinema new level unlocked… Wth was that! I hope it makes 1000 crore and more… #Kalki2898AD,” he said.

On Saturday, veteran star Nagarjuna Akkineni also heaped praise on the Prabhas-starrer film.

The actor tweeted: “Congratulations to the team of Super duper #Kalki2898AD!! Naagi, you took us to another time and another place, entwining fiction with mythology and history so effortlessly!”

Nagarjuna then went on to talk about Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, writing: “Amith Ji, the original mass hero… Sir, you are on fire. Can’t wait to see Kamalji in the sequel… did not get enough of him! Prabhas you did it all over again!! Deepika ji you look so ethereal and convincing as the divine mother!! And the rest of the team. Ashwini Dutt Garu, dear sweety and Swapna, God bless you! Indian cinema has done it again!!”

‘Kalki 2898 AD’, which was released on June 27, revolves around the tale of a select few who are on a mission to save the unborn child, Kalki.

–IANS

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