Tag: Anupam Kher

Entertainment, News

COVID 19: Bollywood Stars Promoter Rajender Singh Continues To Provide Medical Aide to India

Aug 20, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Aamir Khan, #AishwaryaRai, #Amitabh Bachchan, #Anil Kapoor, #Anupam Kher, #Bollywood Stars Promoter, #Deepika Padukone, #Kapil Sharma, #Katrina Kaif, #Preity Zinta, #Rajender Singh, #Rekha, #Salman Khan, #Shah Rukh Khan

Rajender Singh, a notable bigwig amongst the Bollywood fraternity, is well known as the Bollywood Stars Promoter. In over two decades, he has promoted the Indian culture and heritage by successfully organizing over 125 concerts across the U.S. and about 12 internationally. Some of the high-profile stars that he has collaborated with include Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Anupam Kher, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, AishwaryaRai, Preity Zinta, Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Rekha, and Kapil Sharma, among others.

The President of Star Promotions Inc.is now on a noteworthy mission of providing medical assistance to as many as possible in India. When India was battling against the devastating second wave of the coronavirus, Indian-American entrepreneur Rajender Singh began offering relief for Indians struggling with this deadly disease.

In his efforts to save lives, Rajenderhas been consistently providing help in India by shipping over 200 oxygen concentrators, 50 oxygen cylinders and several oximeters to the country.

1. Tell us about your incredible experience of being a Bollywood stars promoter?

Ans.I am a proud Indian and this is what I love the most about what I do. Through my work as a Bollywood stars promoter, I get to promote Indian culture and heritage internationally. I have organized over 95 major Bollywood events across the US and my incredible journey of organizing events in US began in 1996 with superstar Dharmendra, Sonu Nigam and Mamata Kulkerni. My journey has been fabulous as I have had an honour of working with legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amir Khan.

2. Memories that stand out?

Working with Amitabh Sir has been really inspirational. I remember once, there was a show in Houston, Texas which was obviously sold-out following Amitabh Sir’s stardom. Usually, the star of the show approaches the organizers if they need any tickets for personal use but Amitabh sir is so humble that he bought over a 100 tickets for his friends himself for his own show. He is an inspiration.

3. You have been a great inspiration for many as you have shown how help can be provided anywhere irrespective of your own location. How did it all begin?

Ans. The second wave of the Coronavirus was an overwhelming period for us all. My phone was flooded with messages from relatives, friends in India seeking his help. Seeing Americans walking around without masks and dining indoors at restaurants, I felt like I was betraying my country by being here. I felt paralyzed by powerlessness and I knew something has to be done for those in need.I was getting calls from many states in India for help. Once the momentum picked up and the process got streamlined, one lead led to another since the need was so great.

4. How did you manage to send the help across India?

Ans.My routine had gone for a toss. After sleepless nights, I was compulsively following headlines about what is happening in India, tweeting requests for help, and video conferencing with my friends and family.

Whenever I get a call from someone in distress, I tell them ‘Don’t worry. It’ll be alright.’ That’s half the battle won.

I got in touch with my contacts in the Health Ministry, both at the central and state level, the Indian Medical Association, local consulate, doctors, bureaucrats, politicians, and celebrities, to make it easy for many patients who needed help during this crisis.

I am also thankful to Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, who helped me in procuring several oxygen concentrators in the shortest time when needed critically.

At times, it took 50 calls to get a single bed in a hospital. Every life saved gave me fresh energy to help more. I am constantly in touch with Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma, Union Minister ArjunMeghwal, BMC Commissioner IS Chahal, and several others who have helped me help the people in crisis during these testing times.

5. How was the situation in Houston?

Well, a lot many Indian-American families in Houston metropolitan area, are mourning the deaths of family members, checking on relatives with growing alarm. I worked with a panel of COVID-19 experts in Houston to provide free consultations to patients and overwhelmed doctors in India.

6. What is the current scenario?

Ans. In a good sign, the frantic calls for help have become less. Now the needs have also changed as the demand is grown for the black fungus medication.

7. What are your thoughts about the vaccination?

Ans. The fight against Covid seems to be a long one and we can’t win this battle without vaccination. I hope people understand how crucially important it is to get vaccinated.

Rajender, who grew up in the state of Rajasthan, India, moved to the United States to begin his career in event management. He gradually gained popularity and now he is widely recognized as the man who brings the entire Bollywood industry together. He has led the promotion of the celebrity of Hindi cinema not only in the country but even internationally. He has promoted the very Indian culture and heritage internationally.

Business World

BAFTA announces Jury for Breakthrough India 2021

Apr 19, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Anupam Kher, #Mira Nair, #Monika Shergill and Siddharth Roy Kapur

Jurors for 2021 include Anupam Kher, Mira Nair, Monika Shergill and Siddharth Roy Kapur among others

India-wide release, Monday 19 April 2021: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced the illustrious list of jury members for its debut BAFTA Breakthrough India initiative, supported by Netflix. Distinguished professionals from across the film, games and television industries came together to select this year’s talented honourees. The Jury was chaired by BAFTA Breakthrough India Ambassador, A R Rahman.

BAFTA invited candidates from across the country to apply for their flagship talent initiative ‘BAFTA Breakthrough India’. Due to an overwhelming number of quality applications from the films, games and television industries nationwide, the initiative will recognise not five but ten emerging Indian talents across the three industries.

The ten chosen BAFTA Breakthrough India honourees will receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance, full voting BAFTA membership and access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities, both in the UK and internationally.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the jury met virtually, bringing together a diverse mix of national and international knowledge across the film, games and television industries.

List of Jurors 2021 include:

  1. A R Rahman – Jury Chair (Music Composer)

  2. Anupam Kher (Actor)

  3. Charu Desodt (Former BAFTA Breakthrough & Games Producer)

  4. Krishnendu Majumdar (BAFTA Chair and TV Producer)

  5. Mira Nair (Director/Writer/Producer)

  6. Monika Shergill (VP, Content, Netflix India)

  7. Shonali Bose (Director/Writer/Producer)

  8. Siddharth Roy Kapur (Founder & Producer at Roy Kapur Films)

BAFTA Breakthrough India Ambassador and Jury Chair, A R Rahman, said, “BAFTA is a platform where artists from around the world, including the best from India, are represented and celebrated, and it’s my honour to be a part of its Breakthrough India jury. There are many creatives in India who are looking to bring their art to the world, to showcase India’s vibrant and diverse culture, but unfortunately, they face traps both mental and external. The opportunity to discuss these blocks, to engage on issues of creativity, to make the right connections, to network and grow, would greatly benefit the plethora of talent we have in our country. Through Breakthrough, we offer artists our knowledge and connectivity, as well as opportunities that’ll hopefully nurture their craft and help them leave their mark on the world. India is home to incredible artists and I’m proud of us. It’s time we make our names known, it’s time we all shine.”

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive at BAFTA, said, “India has one of the most fascinating creative industries and is home to so many talented film, games and television practitioners. The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative will facilitate meaningful collaborations between creative communities globally and that is the one of most exciting, extraordinary parts of the initiative. We are so excited to be supporting the next generation of talent in India and look forward to working with them and offering unique career development, networking and promotion on a global stage.”

Breakthrough India marks BAFTA’s arrival in India, showcasing and propelling the upcoming generation of creative talent in film, games and television globally alongside selected talent from the UK and USA. BAFTA Breakthrough India, launched in November 2020, is BAFTA’s flagship, global new talent initiative that showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television. Previously known as Breakthrough Brits, the initiative has been running in the UK since 2013 and in China in 2019, but this year marks the first time the initiative is recognising talent globally across the UK, US and India. It has championed over 165 talented newcomers in its history, including actors Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, Josh O’Connor, Malachi Kirby, Ray Panthaki and Molly Windsor, reality television producer Coco Jackson, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce. Previous Breakthrough alumni have gone on to flourish within their respective disciplines, with over 50% going on to become BAFTA Winners and Nominees.

Additional Juror Quote:

Siddharth Roy Kapur, BAFTA Breakthrough India juror said, “ “There is such depth of talent in India with an incredible diversity of life experience and very often this talent does not find an outlet to shine, without access to those who can facilitate and encourage them. The BAFTA Breakthrough India programme will give emerging talent unprecedented opportunities to connect with and learn from the very best in the world. I was proud to be part of such an intensive, well intentioned and substantive jury deliberation process, with all my fellow jurors having taken the time and effort to review each candidate so closely. The final selection was difficult because there was so much outstanding talent to choose from, but I am incredibly excited with the final list of chosen honourees, each of whom I believe has the ability to make their mark on the global stage in the years to come. “

The final list of honourees will be announced in early May 2021.

Business World

My Work rejuvenates me. I never took off from my work-life in so many years: Anupam Kher

Apr 1, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Anupam Kher

Hyderabad: Anupam Kher addressed FLO & YFLO members at their Annual General Session held at Hotel Grand Kakatiya on Tuesday and spoke on ‘The Power of Positivity’

He was at his best in his witty conversation and cute remarks. The 100 plus audience split into laughter several times during his talk.

Moderated by Usharani Manne and Apurva Jain, Chairpersons of FLO and YFLO, Mr Kher started off sharing his thoughts he has gone through the phase of his debut film he said, “I graduated from National School of Drama. I never got more than 38% marks in my studies. I learnt then that acting could be taught’.

Mr Kher seen unveiling Connect House Magazine of FLO

Showing his head, he said, ‘it is shaved look and not bald head. Recalling his initial days of acting career, he said an actor was not supposed to be bald. Those were the times where ‘hair was more important than talent’ he remarked wittily.

Acting is emoting 9 rasas. What is the difference between an actor and a normal person is, actor know emotions before he has to portray them”, he said. It helps trained actor to do all kinds of roles, he added.

On speaking about our young actors, he said, they easily play the roles of Brad Pitt and the likes but not the other way round. That is the beauty of Indians acting talent.

I am happy to be myself he declared. Not many actors get an opportunity to represent their country like sports stars do. But I have that privilege he said and added, ‘I give my best. That makes me feel better’.

People in our country started describing me as thespian, legend and all such superlatives. It was frightening. That is when I excused myself to pursue more challenging role in New York, Mr Kher informed.

On personal note about his relationship with his spouse Kiran, Mr Anupam Kher said, ‘she is much more talented than I am, she is better artist than I am. She is a Post Graduate, MA first class. I am BA 3rd class. She has long hair; I have no hair. Once you accept all these, life is easier he shared amidst peals of laughter from the audience. We have mutual respect for each other. It is better to treat partner/spouse as a friend. That solves all problems, he shared his secret of relationship.

When asked him about time management as he has been wearing many hats, he said busy man has time for everything. I am sick of using words such as busy, bore, mood etc. They give false sense about a person he said.

I love life. I don’t judge people. Life is beautiful. My work rejuvenates me. I never took off from my work life in so many years.

Replying to a question on physical pain he was going through with his twisted face while shooting for Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Mr Kher said he took decision against doctors’ advice to go for shooting. Fear of fear stops us. I wanted to go ahead with it because life is about how we find our courage. And he said not just me, India as a country has done well. We have been the world’s guru not just medically in the current crisis but also on courage front.

We have planned well but COVID had disposed. Though beginning found to be foggy road ahead. We made technology our weapon of peace and forged ahead undeterred, focused on reaching old milestones and creating new ones, said Usharani Manne, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad

‘The Power of Positivity’ prevails…despite everything, that is why today’s topic for our guest speaker Mr Anupam Kher, she said.

Speaking further Usha added, Hyderabad is the largest Chapter in the FICCI FLO universe. With over 800 members most of who are entrepreneurs, and professionals who have made a mark in the business and corporate world.

Ms Apurva Jain, Chairperson of YFLO briefly highlighted various programs she has taken up during the past one year

Mr. Kher unveiled Internal/house magazines of FLO & YFLO.

News

Witness the valor showcased by the citizens as they fearlessly faced the terrorist attacks at the famed Taj hotel in the Zee Cinema premiere of Hotel Mumbai

Sep 24, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Anupam Kher, #Hotel Mumbai., #Suhail Nayyar

The terror that struck the heart of India on 26th November 2008, be it the blasts at Taj hotel, the gunfire sound or that one image of Kasab at CST, every moment of that day is etched in the minds of the entire nation. While the visuals of the Taj Hotel burning still give goosebumps, imagine what the situation would have been like inside the hotel at that time. Experience this life-changing moment this 27th September as Zee Cinema brings forth the untold story of what brewed inside the Taj Mahal hotel and how the people braved the crossfire together, in the channel premiere of Hotel Mumbai.

Based on true events, the visually breathtaking movie recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel in Mumbai and how the fearless staff risked their lives to protect their guests who they treated like God. This compelling masterpiece was brought to life under the direction of Anthony Maras along with a stellar cast, veteran actor, Anupam Kher as the renowned chef Hemant Oberoi and the globally acclaimed Dev Patel as Arjun. The film also features Suhail Nayyar, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi and Jason Isaacs amongst others. Witness this gut-wrenching tale of the undying spirit of the people under attack at the prestigious Taj Hotel on Sunday at 3 pm with the premiere of Hotel Mumbai.

Talking about the film, Suhail Nayyar said, “This was one of the most difficult characters I have ever played. The amount of blood and sweat that have gone into creating “Abdullah” is immeasurable. I had to play a character that defies every moral fabric that I stand for or any average common person can fathom. It is a role that I will forever hold dear to my heart owing to the amazing people I worked with and the importance of the film in itself. I am exceptionally proud to be a part of a film like this, it is a story that needed to be told and I’m really looking forward to this premiere on Zee Cinema and celebrating the heroes amongst us!”

Talking about the film, Anupam Kher said, “The events of 26/11 have left a scar that is still healing. Hotel Mumbai has given me the experience of a lifetime! I felt a roller coaster of emotions while shooting for it and by the end of it, the experience taught me the power of emotional endurance and to value humanity at all cost. Most of us have only known the attacks at surface level, with this film, we have tried to tell the undiluted tale of this horrific incident from a newer perspective. I salute the brave heroes amongst us who fought without any second thought.”

Watch the hair-raising event that shook Taj hotel but also united the citizens who fearlessly faced the terrorist attack in the premiere of Hotel Mumbai on Sunday, 27th September at 3pm only on Zee Cinema!

News

Vardhan Puri announces his next project, ‘The Last Show’ alongside Anupam Kher and Satish Kaushik

Sep 23, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Anupam Kher, #Satish Kaushik, #The Last Show, #Vardhan Puri

Amrish Puri’s grandson, Vardhan Puri, who made his Bollywood debut with ‘Yeh Saali Aashiqui’, announced his second film ‘The Last Show’ where he will star alongside Anupam Kher and Satish Kaushik.

Lauded as an upcoming heartthrob in the industry, Vardhan wowed us with his unconventional debut performance and received high acclamation from fans and critics everywhere. With a huge amount of experience in theatre, the actor is full of promise and talent. And now, the rising star has started working on his next project,  ‘The Last Show’, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and written by Rumi Jaffery, and has a talented cast with legendary actors.

Vardhan is going to be starring alongside Bollywood veterans and legends, paragons of talent in just his second project in the industry, an opportunity well earned on his part.

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Vardhan comments on social media, ‘Elated to be working with an extremely esteemed cast including Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Pallavi Joshi, Vrinda Kher, Godaan Kumar. Blessed with this opportunity. I cannot wait to share this brilliant story with you all. Thank you so much, Universe’

The young star has won hearts all over the world with just 1 performance, and we are sure that this next film will also be a huge success for the up and coming actor. A powerhouse of charm and talent, we are eager to see what more he has in store for us!

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFWzDtoJ5wk/?igshid=z6oavd54806s