'The Debut 2014' Regional Round At NIFT, Kolkata

Kolkata, March 05: Premium fashion brand from ITC, Wills Lifestyle announced their 8^th edition of an initiative to recognize promising young talent in fashion design; “The Debut”. The first regional round concluded at Kolkata Campus of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The winner will be chosen in the basis of Creativity, Technicality and Commercial Viability. Theme for the year was ‘Urban Strokes’.

            The shortlisted finalists from the regional rounds will be competing in the final in New Delhi. 15 candidates were judged by eminent fashion designer Pali and Manisha Dey.

DISH TV Launches Regional Brand "ZING"

Kolkata, March 05: Asia's largest DTH service provider DISH TV launched their new brand “ZING” which has been specially conceptualized for the regional viewers. ZING starts its journey from West Bengal as it will be followed by the other states starting from Orissa. It will provide 26 superb quality Bengali Channels and Services to the people in an affordable rate. The starter pack named as “Shubharambh”; then “Anando” and “Utsav” will be the high end packs. The minimum packs with around 140+ channels will cost about 149 rupees and those who are the existing customer of DISH TV will enjoy the all 26 Bengali Channels with their monthly pack of 220 rupees but there is no option to upgrade DISH TV to ZING directly. For using ZING anyone should have to purchase a ZING Box.

            Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DISH TV India Mr. R.C. Venkatesh said that. “The cable digitization process has fueled the growth of all DTH operators in the country with more households shifting to a digital base. DISH TV has always been at the forefront of offering unique services and innovative products to its viewers. As industry leaders and pioneers of the DTH sector we are again thrilled to be the first to introduce an entirely new brand ZING for the benefit of our esteemed customers in West Bengal.”

            On the other hand Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DISH TV India Mr. Salil Kapoor said that, “TV contain consumption preferences are different across various states of India. ZING is a unique initiative from DISH TV. Here not only packages cater to specific audiences across states, but even communication will be in the customer’s language of choice.”

Indrani Halder Coming With a New looks in 'CULTURE CONNECTION'

Kolkata, March 05: After a long time leading tolly-beauty Indrani Halder will be seen on screen in a brand new looks on her upcoming comedy venture ‘CULTURE CONNECTION’. The film directed by Jeet Dutta who worked in Mumbai for a long time and this time doing some off-beat works in his own language.

“I know that Indrani Di is high-profile and serious actor but I think this change on her looks and character will be appreciated as her other ventures. During the entire shoot I treated Indrani Di as Monalisa; the name of the character she played and this is a must say that she is tremendously dedicated to her work and her timing and sense of acting is just awesome.  As this is a comedy film but it also have some seriousness and most of all we will be able to deliver a strong message to the people”; said Jeet.  He also added, “We, as a team worked for the project whole-heartedly and we made it within 1hour and 50minutes approximately. That’s why there will be no chance to feel bore in the theatre.” The film also starring Kanchan Mullick(Dhana), Biswanath Basu(Jaga), Prasun Gayen(Bumba) and Disha Ganguly(Mim). In fact the story was written by Prasun Gayen and this is interesting that the story of an actor is going to hit the screen on August tentatively.

“I am enjoying doing a comedy movie as I wanted a break for myself and my audience too. Jeet is new director but he is very confident and I love to work with Kanchan and Biswanath as my co-actor. Hope people will love my look in this film as I am looking different”; said Indrani.

Interview: RADHIKA APTE

Q. 2009 (Antaheen), 2013 (Rupkatha Noy) and now 2014 for ‘Pendulum – A Tale of Time’; how do you feel in Kolkata? How much it differs with time?

Radhika: I always like the city. And for shooting I stayed here for over 2 months. It is a great experience to be in Kolkata.

Q. Say something about your character in your upcoming flick ‘Pendulum – A Tale of Time’.

Radhika: Well, the film is about time and space. There is an accident and all the characters and the story also revolves around it. I am an ad-agency girl named Nandini; having a relationship with Kolkata student of Bengali. It is great playing the character. I have lots of fun portraying the character.

Q. In ‘Antaheen’ you play a Journalist; in ‘Rupkatha Noy’ you played an IT Engineer and this time you are an Ad-Agency personnel. Al l the characters have a corporate touch. Is it intentional or the roles came to you are all like that?

Radhika: Nah. It’s not pre-planned or intentional that I will do a corporate woman character in all of my films. I also have played role of simple village girl or like that in many of my theatre project and also in south Indian movies.

Q. Your first Bengali film got the ‘National Award’ but next film does not run well in houses, are you feeling any pressure this time?

Radhika: I never feel the pressure. When the film releasing as Pendulum is due to release on 7^th March, I am always very relaxed. Because what my part is when I am doing the film and when the film is done, my part is over. And how people like it; is my concern no doubt and I feel worried about that. When I was doing the film that was a pressure point for me but now it is producer’s head-ache... (Laugh out loud). I am just joking.

Q. So it too was never in your mind that you are working with a debutante director?

Radhika: Actually there is a pressure because Soukarya is the new director and this is his first film. So basically it’s very important that people likes it or refuse it. It is new effort and new experiment also. For all of us it is very important film and I hope people will take it openly. But honestly, it is not a matter of worry because if the person is working well then it’s all right. Is it really matters then?

Q. How much you like the script?

Radhika: The script I liked really; but I haven’t seen the film yet.

Q. You have a theatre stage background and there are buzz that the actors from the theatre background are technically and tactically sound than others. Does that theatre mindset help you to some extent to choose roles?

Radhika: No, it doesn’t matter I think. There are so many actors who are not stage actors but they are excellent actors. Actually its different media, of-course both are acting but one help the other sometime and sometimes one is a problem for other.

Q. You have worked with Anirudhha Roy Chowdhury and Atanu Ghosh earlier and this time with debutante Soukarya Ghoshal. Do you have some other Bengali projects in pipeline?

Radhika: No, I am not doing any Bengali films now. I mean I haven’t chosen one yet.

Q. But when you will decide to do your next is it will be parallel film again or it may be a commercial too?

Radhika: There is no hard and fast rule. If I got some interesting script then what’s the problem to do a commercial film?

Q. Your previous bollywood films, I mean ‘Shor In The City’ and ‘Rakth Charitra’ are well acclaimed and your acting in Bengali ‘Rupkatha Noy’ also have been acclaimed by the critics. So, do you always keep it in mind when you sign a film that, you have set up a genre of yourself?

Radhika: No. I, actually treat any script as fresh script and it the script convince me then I sign it otherwise I will not.

Q. Your father is a doctor. Had you ever face any problem in your family with your profession?

Radhika: Actually, my family is very liberal family and they respect each other’s decision.

Q. You are a trained dancer too. Is this is in your to-do list to perform in dance shows or doing some sort of dance programmes?

Radhika: I do my own work. I do my practice and I do my dance for myself more than programmes.

Q. How much Radhika Apte’s expectation with ‘Pendulum - A Tale of Time’?

Radhika: I think it will be received very well because it is very fresh idea and also very intriguing and different from others. I think people will like the film.

  

Rituparna And Paoli First Time Coming Together With 'PARAPAR - THE CROSSING'

Kolkata, February 28: National Award winning director Sanjoy Nag is ready to come up with his next film 'Parapar – The Crossing', based on the novel 'Puber Janala' by Moti Nandi. Sanjoy earlier directed ‘Memories in March’. Last time he casted Late Rituparno Ghosh and this time two icon of tollywood Rituparna Sengupta and Paoli Dam would have been share the screen for the first time and their male counterpart will be Bratya Basu and Bangladeshi actor Rubel respectively.

            'Parapar – The Crossing'; the story of a Rudra (Rubel) who returns to his wife Urmila (Paoli) after 14 years of conviction and that ultimately changes their relationship. Rudra killed his friend Gopal (Bratya) and raped his wife Damini (Rituparna). The story continues with a struggle for survival.

For more picture please click here.

Kingfisher Ultra Bengal Fashion Week 2014

Kolkata, February 27: Designers paradise, Kingfisher Ultra Bengal Fashion Week this year has some electrifying design from ace designers. Designers like AD Singh, Rocky S, Jattinn Kochchar, Jyoti Sachdev Iyer and Kolkata’s very own Jaya Mishra, Agni Mitra Paul, Mona Pali have showed their collections. There are so many themes while Jaya Mishra presented her ‘Rang-Rasiya’ and ‘Gaja Gamini’ collection then Agnimitra showcased ‘Woman of Substance’. Mona Pali inspired from the colours and symbols of political parties while AD Singh added spunk with his ‘Crystallized’ collection. Jattinn Kochchar showcased ‘Me & I’ and Rocky S launched Rocky Star Resort collection.

                                Jaya Mishra had a galaxy of showstoppers like actor Richa Chadda , Mumtaz Sorcar and Kingfisher Supermodel Leno. Agnimitra Paul surprisingly brought Dr. Sashi Panja in the ramp along with showstopper Poulami Ghatak. AD Singh projected Kolkata’s very own Reshmi Ghosh as showstopper while model turned actor Meera Chopra walks for Jattinn Kochchar. Tollywood diva Koel Mallick featured as Rocky S’ showstopper.

For more picture please click here.

KONKONA SEN SHARMA LAUNCHED SHYAM SUNDAR CO. JEWELLER'S BISHNUPUR COLLECTIONS

Kolkata, February 25: Celebrated Actor Konkona Sen Sharma, the brand ambassador of Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers launched the all new Bishnupur Collection of Gold Jewellery “Golden Tributes to a Great Heritage”. They also launched the first ever gold-coin that reflects the pride and glory of Bishnupur. In programme Konkona unveils the replica of the coin. “After the success of our ‘Adi-Kriti’ and ‘Samudra’ collection, it is a great challenge for us to maintain the flow and meet the expectation”; said Mr. Rupak Saha, Director of Shyam Sundar Co. Jewellers. By launching the collectables Konkona said, “It gives me great pleasure to release these golden tributes to the heritage of Bishnupur and more so because it is being presented by a house that I am happily associated with for three long years.” Co-Director of the house Arpita Saha along with noted artist Modhumonti Moitra was also present on the launching programme.

MADHURI DIXIT Will Lead GULAAB GANG From 7th March

Kolkata, February 21: Bolly-Queens Madhuri Dixit Nene and Juhi Chawla working together for the first time in debutante director Soumik Sen’s “GULAAB GANG”.  The film is about women empowerment in a lot ways. It is first time Juhi portraying a dark shade character in his long career. The film is slotted to release on 7^th March, the day before International Women’s Day.

Masaba Gupta Richards Launches Her Maiden Store In Eastern India

Kolkata, February 20: Young Fashion Designer Masaba Gupta Richards, daughter of Vivian Richards and Neena Gupta; launches her maiden fashion venture in eastern India, “MASABA” at Quest Mall in South Kolkata. Gorgeous mother-daughter duo Munmun and Riya Sen inaugurated the store while mother of Masaba, Neena Gupta who also is a celebrated actor also present in the celebration.

            Actor Munmun Sen said that, “I have visited so many fashion stores in the city and outside but Masaba is something special for me as she is the friend of my daughter Riya and undoubtedly the store Masaba has a large variety of designs.”

           Masaba said that, “I am very excited to be opening a store in Kolkata. It is the city that has inspired me at various levels through the years and I look forward to retailing from here. The colors, the vibrancy and the impeccably dressed women will enjoy our styles now.”