SRIDEVI THE REIGNING QUEEN OF BOLLYWOOD TO RECEIVE AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INDIAN CINEMA IIFA AWARDS

 

A name that has been synonymous to talent and effortless style, Sridevi has been an actress par excellence who is deservedly known as the first ever Female Superstar since the start of her career. A career that spans a spectrum of films in multiple genres and languages, it comes as no surprise as the International Indian Film Academy will be honoring Sridevi with an IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema. The Award will be presented to the superstar at the NEXA IIFA Awards held during the four day long Videocon D2h IIFA Weekend from 23rd to 26th June 2016 in Madrid, Spain.

 

A longtime friend of IIFA, the actress previously performed on the IIFA Stage and this time, fans will get to see her at Madrid once again as she receives the IIFA Award honoring her past work and the lasting imprint it has left on Indian Cinema. The IIFA 2013 stage saw Sridevi take on dance guru, Prabhu Deva and the two enthralled audiences with their fancy footwork to some of the icons biggest hits.

 

Sridevi has had a long and impactful career in the Indian film industry with a number of her films receiving cult classic statuses.  Her work in films has been recognized and applauded in not only the Hindi film genre but also for her work in the South Film Industry and she is a personality that is appreciated by the Indian diaspora not only in India but across the world. A true veteran, she is the only actor to have made a successful comeback even post getting married, who can still land a lead role and continues to make an impact in the industry through films like 'English Vinglish'.

 

By Azhar Khan

 

This Father's Day, Ariel India partners with Akshara Centre, to launch the World's first #ShareTheLoad Course, to ensure the next generation of Dads - #ShareTheLoad!

The conversation of inequality within the household, particularly when it comes to housework and chores is one of growing social importance for women across the country and indeed the world. In India alone, more than 80% of women believe that - men feel household chores are ONLY a woman's job**! Ariel India was proud to join the conversation on – Is Laundry Only A Woman's Job? back in January 2015.

 

As the social debate continues to evolve, a study by an independent third party reveals that 2 out of every 3 children believe that household chores are a mother's job*, with the stereotype of gender roles being passed down from one generation to the next. With more than 70% of men believing that laundry and housework are their wife's job*, the message of gender equality within the household takes even greater importance today. With the objective of supporting women in their debate, and bringing to surface this important social cause, Ariel India joined women across the country and indeed the globe in asking Dads to #ShareTheLoad. The movement has already received global success with the #ShareTheLoad film receiving over 50MM views around the world and close to 2MM men and dads in India pledging to #ShareTheLoad

 

First of Its Kind - Taking #ShareTheLoad to Gen Next!

 

In continuation with its effort to further this cause, Ariel India has joined hands with one of India's leading women's empowerment and women's equality advocate – Akshara Centre. The nationally renowned NGO, will be supported by Ariel India in launching the World's first #ShareTheLoad course, which will be taken to universities to help educate the next generation on gender biases within the household.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Associate Brand Director, Sharat Verma said, "We are delighted to have a renowned NGO like Akshara Centre partner with Ariel India on our Dads#ShareTheLoad movement to further spread awareness on the issue of household inequality. With 2 out of every 3 children believing that laundry is ONLY a mother's task, the conditioning of gender stereotypes is being subconsciously passed down to the next generation. The launch of this unique course will go a long way in addressing this issue. Ariel India will continue to join women across the country to address this cycle of prejudice, by encouraging more dads and husbands to #ShareTheLoad, since with Ariel Matic anyone can get great laundry results."

Randeep Hooda, Mary Kom & Onler Kom, join Ariel's Dads#ShareTheLoad movement to ensure the next generation is free from gender bias within the household!

 

Bollywood superstar Randeep Hooda goes on to add, "What better occasion than with the onset of Father's Day, to launch such a poignant initiative for the next generation of Dads! The #ShareTheLoad course launched by Akshara Centre and Ariel India can play a significant role in educating Gen Next on the importance of equality within the household. The stat that - 2 out of 3 children believe that laundry is a mother's job, is a worrying one and I am glad that this movement aims at ending this cycle of social conditioning and prejudice! From the best stain removal in the first wash, to the World's first #ShareTheLoad course, Ariel India continues to be the brand of progress!"

 

Power couple Mary Kom and Onler Kom also graced the event, as Ariel India's Dads #ShareTheLoad film continues to build worldwide acclaim with over 50MM views since launch. "Onler and I are delighted to be here today with Father's  Day on the horizon and join Ariel India in this very important conversation",  said the veteran athlete who went on to add, "we as a society need to prevent the social conditioning of gender roles from being passed down to the next generation. As someone who is fortunate to have a partner who believes in the value of #ShareTheLoad, day in and day out, I can testify to its importance. We need to ensure the next generation leaves with this message. This is why I am thrilled to support Akshara Centre and Ariel in launching the World's first #ShareTheLoad course, to address gender biases for the next generation of Dads!"

 

The ever insightful Onler Kom noted the importance of how the next generation is affected by the role play within the home, "2 out of every 3 children taking away the message that laundry and housework is a mother's job, is of grave concern! We need to remove the stereotypes of gender roles from the education we provide the next generation both within and outside the household. I am glad that Ariel India has amplified this very important conversation both nationally and globally and thrilled to partner the Dads #ShareTheLoad movement. The launch of this course with a renowned national NGO like Akshara Centre will go a long way in spreading the importance of this message to the next generation!" Onler was also joined on stage by 16 Dads who took the pledge to #ShareTheLoad with Ariel Matic, because with a detergent like Ariel Matic anyone can do the laundry and get great stain removal results.

By Azhar Khan

ONE-WOMAN GLAMOUR

"Hand creativity, her thinking and her visualization are her favorite tools" Meet the makeup expert and the owner of PAM Salon, Spa & Makeup-- Pinky Asnani Pam

When you think of Pinky Asnani PAM, the first word that pops into your mind is 'magician'. The effortless ease with which she paints faces of the most beautiful women in the world with a minimalistic touch often seems like sheer magic. In a world obsessed with fair skin, bright, loud colours and overdone pancake make-up, Pinky Asnani PAM is a breath of fresh air.

Having an experience of more than 20 years in Lifestyle, Hospitality & Beauty Industry- Pinky Asnani PAM has always been fascinated by beautiful, aesthetic things. She started her career in Aviation as a Flight Attendant but her passion and dedication for makeup gave her a chance to explore her credentials. Her interest in the field of makeup ignited when she got an opportunity to groom over 7000 employees for Makeup, Styling, Etiquette and Presentation. 

The curiosity grew as years passed by; hence she decided to brush up her inherited skills. Touted as a one-woman glamour machine bringing Indian beauty trends, Pinky Asnani PAM is a trained and certified pioneer in makeup from Bharat & Dorris and Marvie Anne Beck Academy and in Hair Styling from Nalini & Yasmin Hair Academy.

Panelist Makeup Trainer for Femina Believe, Pinky Asnani PAM wore the hat of a trainer for a couple of makeup & grooming academies including- Isra Grooming School and Marvie and Beck's Makeup Academy. She also conducted makeup and grooming corporate training for retail brands like -Globus and Bestsellers (Vero Moda, Jack and Jones and Only).

An avid believer of "Looking attractive is an art" Pinky Asnani PAM conducts one on one and group makeup training sessions for house wives, college students, working women & teenagers. For those who would like to commence their careers in the makeup industry, Pinky Asnani PAM conducts professional makeup training classes.

After establishing herself as a renowned celebrity makeup artist, she decided to take the entrepreneurial route in 2013 and thus established her signature salon in Bandra- PAM Salon, Spa & Makeup. Proud owner of PAM Salon, Spa & Makeup , Pinky Asnani PAM  mentions "PAM is a state of the art makeup and makeover salon.I  take pride in the difference I made to the overall grooming of my clients and enjoyed dolling brides and women for their special occasion and transforming models for shoots By : Azhar Khan

Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor turns the spotlight on child labour

 

Eminent actor and philanthropist Anil Kapoor will front a new campaign that brings much needed attention to child labour in India.

One of the world's fastest growing economies, India is home to the largest population of child labourers in the world.   

The actor, who is the Goodwill Ambassador for child rights organisation Plan India, will campaign for the NGO's new initiative to raise awareness and inspire action to pull millions of children out of all forms of labour.

"Every morning over 8 million children in India go to work instead of going to school. Our economic progress loses a lot of meaning if hundreds of thousands of children have no hopes of a future," said Mr Kapoor addressing the media in Mumbai to mark the International Day Against Child Labour, which is commemorated on June 12.

According to India's 2011 Census, out of 8.2 million child labourers under the age of 14 years, over 2 million are very young children between 5 and 9 years. Millions of children have no access to basic food, shelter, education, medical care or security. They endure extreme poverty and are constantly at risk of exploitation and danger, living and working in circumstances simply unfit for a child. 

Ms. Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director, Plan India said: "As part of our vision for 2020, Plan India is committed to improving the lives of 2 million children and youth, through direct programme interventions and by working in close collaboration with the Government and other partners to ensure that no child is left behind.

"Plan India has worked with thousands of children who were forced into labour over the past ten years and has seen a transformational change in their lives through interventions at the family and community levels. At Plan India we strive to ensure that no child is left in difficult situations and is ensured of her or his right to protection, education and health care."

Mr. Kapoor also announced that a National Conference on Children in Difficult Circumstances will be held in New Delhi in November 2016. When the basic needs such as food, shelter, education, medical care and protection, are not met, children are considered to be in difficult circumstances.

The Conference will be the first ever gathering on the issue where child rights organisations, development practitioners, researchers and policy makers from across India and the world will exchange ideas and best practice in tackling the root causes of inequality and injustices faced by children.

As part of announcing this engagement with the initiative, Mr. Kapoor met with children from Mumbai's slums who work to support their families and are therefore unable to attend regular schools. However, the children are able to continue their education with the help of a mobile classroom that travels to their localities. It is part of Plan India's innovative programme - School on Wheels that uses a bus designed as a mobile school to provide alternate educational facilities for slum children who don't go to school in order to earn an income. The project is being implemented in South Mumbai slums and around 3,000 children benefit from the project every year.

Bharti, 15, works before and after class, but School on Wheels remains the highlight of her day. "I like coming to school. I like studying. The teacher looks after us," she says. Her friend Yasmeen, who works as a domestic worker in the morning, agrees it is a good way to escape a life fraught with poverty. "After work, I come to school and I sing songs and draw pictures."

Mr. Kapoor added: "Having been associated with Plan India all these years, we've been able to improve the lives of over a million children and their families. But there is still a long way to go, and one resounding imperative - child labour and exploitation must end. We are all responsible for coming generations and the world we leave to them. It is time our movement became everybody's movement."

Mr. Kapoor also unveiled an exhibition documenting the lives of children in difficult circumstances at the Atrium, Palladium Hotel.

Photo by : Azhar Khan

A doomsday conspiracy is brewing. A billion lives are at stake. And the only man who can save the country is nowhere to be found! Where is Jai Singh Rathod? The pieces of this puzzle will start to fall into place this July. As the nation teeters on a medical terrorism plot of mass proportions, a pulse-pounding tussle of power and respect will embroil an entire judicial and bureaucratic system. With Jai Singh Rathod at its helm, 24: Season 2 is the ultimate battle to save innocent civilians from becoming collateral damage. COLORS today unveiled the first look of its much-anticipated espionage thriller 24: Season 2. In the midst of the entire cast and the crew, the trailer was revealed in the presence of the show's most vocal supporter, Aamir Khan at a suburban Commenting on the trailer, Raj Nayak, CEO - COLORS said, "The first edition of 24 was an unprecedented game-changer; it conquered the Indian television industry with its freshness and gripping narrative. The show pushed traditional narrative boundaries with the device of presenting the plot within a real time format. We are in an environment where we cannot sit back and enjoy the customer's loyalty. We need to take steps to differentiate ourselves from competition and ensure that our product has a high positioning in the viewers' minds. The story bears terrific relevance because such situations might get real in today's day and age. In times when terrorism is so pronounced, a bio-war is not a very far-fetched idea. As we return with the second season of the show, our challenge stands magnified. Anil Kapoor and the team have done an incredible job as the second season looks even more riveting in terms of storytelling and very international in terms of look and feel."

Adding further, he said, "Our partners on the show, especially Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and Oppo Mobiles have been extremely supportive throughout this journey. The show has enabled us to create multiple integration opportunities for them, further strengthening their brand proposition and promise." Divulging details about Season 2 of the show, Actor and Producer Anil Kapoor aka Jai Singh Rathod said, "I have said from the beginning that the real star of 24 is the concept which will compel viewers to think about national sensibility and sentiment. We have devised a complex plot which when combined with Jai Singh Rathod's volatile relationships, strong instincts and adrenalin-fueled action, will be the perfect setting to foil a devastating terrorist plot. We are exploring different plotlines to enhance content relatability, shooting at multiple real locations outside Mumbai, and amping up the production scale to enhance the overall television viewing experience. Like last year, we have got on-board a stellar line-up of cast whose dedication towards the show has made this my best creation. I also thank the entire team of COLORS for being with us in this journey and see our labor of love fructify."

24: Season 2 picks up three years after the conclusion of Season 1. As the curtains rise, it's evident that Jai Singh Rathod (Anil Kapoor) has isolated himself from the world to become a recluse on a self-imposed exile. His dark past has made him a fugitive from justice; and while his daughter Kiran (Sapna Pabbi) supports him, his son Veer (Akshay Ajit Singh), now a part of the Intelligence Bureau, does not. The iconic clock resets as druglord Haroon Sherchan (Sikander Kher) threatens to release a contagious airborne virus which will eradicate humanity, unless his brother Roshan (Ashish Vidyarthi) is released from prison. As radical groups and their potentially catastrophic plots unfold, the new ATU Chief - Shibani Mallick (Sakshi Tanwar) reaches out to Prime Minister Aditya Singhania (Neil Bhoopalam) to discuss preventive measures. Confident that only Jai Singh Rathod can prevent this brutality, Aditya Singhania calls upon him to ensure that reality is restored to its proper order. Setting in motion a series of events, the one-man- army Jai Singh Rathod returns to thwart every sabotage attempt in the face of political blackmail battling an unseen enemy with a personal vendetta. Much like the first season, 24: Season 2 has also created much buzz in the entertainment industry. Every member and artiste is waiting to witness the blockbuster unfold before their eyes. One staunch supporter of Anil Kapoor and this season of 24: Season 2, is 'perfectionist' Aamir Khan who stands deeply impressed by the exclusive rushes of the show.

Speaking about 24: Season 2, Aamir Khan said, "What Anil has achieved with 24: Season 2 is absolutely phenomenal. He's the first person in the industry to decode the fine balance between film and television audience, and their viewing needs. The second season of 24 highlights the hazards of biological warfare and medical terrorism, a concept that reminds me of my experience while shooting for Sarfarosh. Having played a cop and an outcast in my films, I know exactly how difficult it is to pull these roles off convincingly, and Anil has done a fabulous job. The rushes look really promising and I'm sure that the audience will support this new season of 24 too!"

Photo By : Azhar Khan

Tamannah Bhatia learns horse riding for Baahubali 2

The talented and beautiful Tamannah Bhatia, who is juggling between Bollywood and Tollywood world, is leaving no stone unturned towards her performance in her upcoming movies.   The stylish diva, who is currently shooting for Baahubali 2 and Prabhu Deva's next, is known to be learning various art forms for the two flicks.  The actress for the first time is learning the art of horse riding for the sequel of the blockbuster film Baahubali : The Beginning.

 According to an insider, in Baahubali 2 audiences will witness Tamannah performing some high action sequences including intense sword fights and horse ridings. It is known that the actress will be trained by Jeetu Varma, who has also trained some of the finest actors from the Bollywood world like Kangana Ranut and Sonakshi Sinha.  The gorgeous actress who has never done horse riding has started with her training and is completely dedicated and excited for it.  That's not all! Simultaneously the actress is known to be rehearsing passionately for a hard core dance number in Prabhu Deva's next.


Talking about it Tamannah Bhatia says, "This is my first attempt in learning horse riding, so initially it took me a little time to connect with the horse and catch his rhythm and to learn how to control him, but once I started getting that, it became a lot of fun.  Apart from horse riding I am also doing a lot of sword fighting and action scenes for a sequence in Baahubali, which I am definitely looking forward to."


The dedicated actress is known to be a real perfectionist, be it mastering the art of horse riding or dancing, the actress always goes out of her way to justify her role.

By Azhar Khan