TV host-actor Rannvijay Singha, who is currently busy with MTV’s Roadies Xtreme, says reality shows have evolved, but the audience is getting attracted to fiction entertainers once again.

The growth of reality shows is a lot, said Rannvijay, who shot to popularity as the winner of Roadies and then hosted multiple editions of the show.

“I think everything has a time. But I feel fiction will come back again,” he said, adding that people watch fiction because they like to relate themselves with the situations they show.

“People have started to watch a lot of fiction web series and before this, people were very much into reality shows because it is human tendency to see what other people are going through and they feel good or bad as you are invested in people who you are watching,” he added.

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's maiden India-set project BEYOND THE CLOUDS, featuring Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor's younger brother Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan, will release in 34 territories, including Pakistan.

Zee Studios International is taking the film to the foreign shores.

The film will see a 34 territory release including a wide release in Iran as well as over 70 screens in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions including Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, read a statement.

Apart from the GCC region, the film will also open in the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Maldives, Luxembourg, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, East West and South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan.

BEYOND THE CLOUDS narrates a heart-warming tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent times. The film celebrates the triumph and adoration of life against a Mumbai backdrop.

Produced by Zee Studios and Namah Pictures, the film will open in UAE and GCC regions on April 19. In North America, UK and Singapore, the film will release on April 20.

The release date for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji is yet to be confirmed.

Vibha Chopra, Head – Zee Studios International (Film Marketing, Distribution and Acquisition), said: "The popularity of Indian cinema, Hindi as well as other regional films, is rising at rapid pace. Majid Majidi's films are those that are awaited by Indians as well as non-diaspora audience worldwide.

"And that is why the different approach to the film. The film has been marketed keeping in mind both these type of movie-goers. Content is what is key, around the globe. We have tapped 34 territories in the first phase of release for the film and are looking to go wider in phase two."

In the phase two, the film will open in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Russia.

With music by A.R. Rahman, cinematography by Anil Mehta and Hindi dialogues by Vishal Bhardwaj, it will open in India on April 20.

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's maiden India-set project BEYOND THE CLOUDS, featuring Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor's younger brother Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan, will release in 34 territories, including Pakistan.

Zee Studios International is taking the film to the foreign shores.

The film will see a 34 territory release including a wide release in Iran as well as over 70 screens in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions including Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, read a statement.

Apart from the GCC region, the film will also open in the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Maldives, Luxembourg, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, East West and South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan.

BEYOND THE CLOUDS narrates a heart-warming tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent times. The film celebrates the triumph and adoration of life against a Mumbai backdrop.

Produced by Zee Studios and Namah Pictures, the film will open in UAE and GCC regions on April 19. In North America, UK and Singapore, the film will release on April 20.

The release date for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji is yet to be confirmed.

Vibha Chopra, Head – Zee Studios International (Film Marketing, Distribution and Acquisition), said: "The popularity of Indian cinema, Hindi as well as other regional films, is rising at rapid pace. Majid Majidi's films are those that are awaited by Indians as well as non-diaspora audience worldwide.

"And that is why the different approach to the film. The film has been marketed keeping in mind both these type of movie-goers. Content is what is key, around the globe. We have tapped 34 territories in the first phase of release for the film and are looking to go wider in phase two."

In the phase two, the film will open in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Russia.

With music by A.R. Rahman, cinematography by Anil Mehta and Hindi dialogues by Vishal Bhardwaj, it will open in India on April 20.

Deepika, Kangana, Vidya who is apt to play India’s first female doctor on screen.

Thanks to GoogleDoodle, everybody including the flag bearers of women empowerment remembered Anandi Gopal Joshi – India’s first female doctor. Google Doodle honored her on her 153rd birth anniversary with an illustration holding a degree and wearing a stethoscope around her neck.

The story of Anandi Gopal Joshi is a perfect as a period motivational saga that has its odes to women empowerment and gender equality with layers that comments on rigid customs like child marriage etc.

Anandi Gopal Joshi was born on March 31, 1865, to a Brahmin family in Kalyan in present-day Maharashtra. As was the practice back then, Yamuna was married to a widower almost 20 years her senior when she was just nine years old. She was renamed Anandi after her marriage. Her husband encouraged her to continue her education.

At the age of 16, her two year old son died due to lack of proper medical care, Joshi went to the United States. She earned her medical degree from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania – now known as Drexel University College of Medicine – and returned to India in 1886. Her dream was to open a medical college for women.

She was only 19 when she became the physician in charge of the female ward at Albert Edward Hospital in Kolhapur. Unfortunately, she died at a very young age at 21.

To portray Anandi Gopal Joshi will be a challenge for Deepika, Kangana and Vidya but knowing their caliber, we think they can pull it, it will be more difficult to depict the exact age but some liberties can be taken as the story of Anandi Gopal Joshi is certainly a story that needs to be told. Especially at times when Bollywood is frequently getting involved in making biopic on people who made a difference.

Kangana will be seen playing Rani Laxmibai in MANIKARNIKA : THE QUEEN OF JHANSI, Deepika has already proven her mettle as Rani Padmavati in PADMAAVAT and who can forget Vidya Balan as PARINEETA

So, who it can be – Deepika, Kangana or Vidya, post your choice

An inspiring moment awaits Bollywood ‘Queen’ Kangana Ranaut as she sets to share the stage with three American legends – former First Lady of the US Michelle Obama, American advocate Martin Luther King III and talk show host-actress philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey.

In August, she will fly to New Jersey, to be a part of Gandhi Going Global initiative, which aims to spread Gandhian philosophy through educational programs, and interactive activities. Representing India, Kangana will share the stage with the above mentioned dignitaries.

“For me, it’s always been about the impact you make on society and how you contribute to it. Sharing the stage with Michelle and Oprah will be inspiring. I’ve never been anybody’s fan but I admire and idolise women like Oprah. Once I get back to Mumbai, I will know exactly what I will be talking on and for how long, depending on which I will prepare my speech,” said Kangana.

Kangana will resume shooting for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi on April 6. She will also start work on MENTAL HAI KYA, which stars Rajkummar Rao.

An inspiring moment awaits Bollywood ‘Queen’ Kangana Ranaut as she sets to share the stage with three American legends – former First Lady of the US Michelle Obama, American advocate Martin Luther King III and talk show host-actress philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey.

In August, she will fly to New Jersey, to be a part of Gandhi Going Global initiative, which aims to spread Gandhian philosophy through educational programs, and interactive activities. Representing India, Kangana will share the stage with the above mentioned dignitaries.

“For me, it’s always been about the impact you make on society and how you contribute to it. Sharing the stage with Michelle and Oprah will be inspiring. I’ve never been anybody’s fan but I admire and idolise women like Oprah. Once I get back to Mumbai, I will know exactly what I will be talking on and for how long, depending on which I will prepare my speech,” said Kangana.

Kangana will resume shooting for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi on April 6. She will also start work on MENTAL HAI KYA, which stars Rajkummar Rao.

The controversial state funeral accorded to veteran Bollywood actress Sridevi last month, was under the instructions of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a RTI query has revealed on Friday.

RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought to know from the General Administration Department’s Protocol Department, which comes under Fadnavis, as to who had the power to authorize the state funeral for Sridevi and past recipients of it.

In its response, the department informed that the discretionary powers to grant a funeral with full state honours was vested with the Chief Minister and it was not related with the conferment of any national honours or Padma honours on the deceased personality, he said.

“With regards to the full state honours for the late Amma Yangar Ayyappan, known as the famed actress Sridevi, verbal ordered were received from the CMO on February 25, 2018 and conveyed to the Mumbai Suburban District Collector and Mumbai Police Commissioner the following day to do the needful,” Galgali said, quoting the RTI reply.

Asked the reasons for filing the RTI query, the activist said that it was to clear the confusion created on who is entitled to a state funeral and who is authorized to permit it.

Sridevi died in her room in Hotel Jemeirah Emirates Towers due to “accidental drowning” on February 24, and was later honoured by a state funeral on February 28, leading to massive debates on social media questioning the measure.

“Among the speculation was that state funeral can be accorded to a person who is conferred with a National award or a Padma honour, but now a new information has come to light that it actually falls within the CM’s discretion,” Galgali said.

Besides Sridevi, 40 other eminent personalities were given a funeral with full state honours between June 22, 2012-March 26, 2018, according to the RTI reply.

Prominent among them were former Chief Ministers and Union Ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and A.R. Antulay, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Vipassana Guru Satyanarayan Goenka, Dawoodi Bohra spiritual head Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, former Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil, farmers leader and ex-MP Sharad Joshi, Marathi literatteur Mangesh Padgaonkar, former Union Minister Jaywantiben Mehta, senior journalist Muzaffar Hussain, and eminent cardiologist B. K. Goyal.

The controversial state funeral accorded to veteran Bollywood actress Sridevi last month, was under the instructions of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a RTI query has revealed on Friday.

RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought to know from the General Administration Department’s Protocol Department, which comes under Fadnavis, as to who had the power to authorize the state funeral for Sridevi and past recipients of it.

In its response, the department informed that the discretionary powers to grant a funeral with full state honours was vested with the Chief Minister and it was not related with the conferment of any national honours or Padma honours on the deceased personality, he said.

“With regards to the full state honours for the late Amma Yangar Ayyappan, known as the famed actress Sridevi, verbal ordered were received from the CMO on February 25, 2018 and conveyed to the Mumbai Suburban District Collector and Mumbai Police Commissioner the following day to do the needful,” Galgali said, quoting the RTI reply.

Asked the reasons for filing the RTI query, the activist said that it was to clear the confusion created on who is entitled to a state funeral and who is authorized to permit it.

Sridevi died in her room in Hotel Jemeirah Emirates Towers due to “accidental drowning” on February 24, and was later honoured by a state funeral on February 28, leading to massive debates on social media questioning the measure.

“Among the speculation was that state funeral can be accorded to a person who is conferred with a National award or a Padma honour, but now a new information has come to light that it actually falls within the CM’s discretion,” Galgali said.

Besides Sridevi, 40 other eminent personalities were given a funeral with full state honours between June 22, 2012-March 26, 2018, according to the RTI reply.

Prominent among them were former Chief Ministers and Union Ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and A.R. Antulay, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, Vipassana Guru Satyanarayan Goenka, Dawoodi Bohra spiritual head Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, former Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil, farmers leader and ex-MP Sharad Joshi, Marathi literatteur Mangesh Padgaonkar, former Union Minister Jaywantiben Mehta, senior journalist Muzaffar Hussain, and eminent cardiologist B. K. Goyal.

Actress Raima Sen, who is doing a balancing act between Bollywood, Tollywood and digital entertainment, says she will continue working in Bengali cinema.

She says working in Bengali cinema not only teaches her the craft but also gives her a chance to collaborate with great filmmakers.

“I will never stop working in Bengali films; because I have learnt a lot of things as an actor from the Bengali film industry. I am fortunate to work with some of the iconic film directors like late Rituparno Ghosh who taught me a lot,” Raima told IANS in an interview.

“I have worked with many young filmmakers in Bengal where the stories are very good, women-oriented films and very progressive interesting work…Bengali films have given me a lot,” she added.

As her new short film, MEHMAAN will soon be out on the OTT platform ZEE5, she gave a little insight into the character.

She said: “Since it is a short film, I won’t talk much about my character but I am playing a wife who is loved by her husband very much. He is ready to do anything to keep her happy. But is actually a bizarre…how the story unveils that.”

This is not the first time she acted in digital content as she mentioned, “there is a Bengali OTT platform called ‘Hoichoi’ where I acted in a web series. But, Zee is huge, it has the audience not only across India but overseas”.

“So, when they approached me, I was more than happy. I think the web is the next big thing where we can do all the interesting things, experiment with our creativity. Digital audience is more receptive to experimental content compared to television.”

Raima is one of those actresses who managed to get the best of both worlds regional cinema and Bollywood. Being the granddaughter of iconic star of Bengali cinema Suchitra Sen, Raima chose unconventional films to start her career with.

In 1999, Raima started her career as an actress with Shabana Azmi starrer Hindi film GODMOTHER. She went on to do films like PARINEETA, DUS, EKLAVYA: THE ROYAL GUARD, HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT.LTD, CHILDREN OF WAR among many others.

In between, she acted in some of the celebrated Bengali films like CHOKHER BALI, THE BONG CONNECTION, ANURANAN, KHELA, THE JAPANESE WIFE, MEMORIES IN MARCH, MAACH MISHTI & MORE to name a few.

“I think I am really lucky that I always get good film offers and I choose best out of them. I am not getting 100 of films but fortunate to be part of the good content. I keep working in films which travel to various festivals and from there I get not only a certain amount of visibility but also good film offers. I think now makers know my potential,” said Raima.

“I would say that I have worked with some of the best directors and that shaped up my craft, I think for an actress especially in cinema which is a director’s medium, working with good directors helps a lot,” she added.

Though she started her career in Bollywood, asked about what made her take a sabbatical of three years from Bollywood, Raima said: “See, I stay in Mumbai, I have my proper house, a dog everything here. But in between, I was getting a lot of offers from Bengal and as an actress, those roles were really lucrative. So I was just focusing a bit more on there.”

However, she is quite excited about her upcoming films.

“This year, already my film VODKA DIARIES released. Two more films are in pipeline- 3 DEV and VARANASI. In 3 DEV, the casting is very interesting, it is an ensemble cast of KK Menon, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Karan Singh Grover where I am paired opposite Kunaal. VARANASI is Om Puri ji’s last film. I am looking forward to both the films.”

Actress Raima Sen, who is doing a balancing act between Bollywood, Tollywood and digital entertainment, says she will continue working in Bengali cinema.

She says working in Bengali cinema not only teaches her the craft but also gives her a chance to collaborate with great filmmakers.

“I will never stop working in Bengali films; because I have learnt a lot of things as an actor from the Bengali film industry. I am fortunate to work with some of the iconic film directors like late Rituparno Ghosh who taught me a lot,” Raima told IANS in an interview.

“I have worked with many young filmmakers in Bengal where the stories are very good, women-oriented films and very progressive interesting work…Bengali films have given me a lot,” she added.

As her new short film, MEHMAAN will soon be out on the OTT platform ZEE5, she gave a little insight into the character.

She said: “Since it is a short film, I won’t talk much about my character but I am playing a wife who is loved by her husband very much. He is ready to do anything to keep her happy. But is actually a bizarre…how the story unveils that.”

This is not the first time she acted in digital content as she mentioned, “there is a Bengali OTT platform called ‘Hoichoi’ where I acted in a web series. But, Zee is huge, it has the audience not only across India but overseas”.

“So, when they approached me, I was more than happy. I think the web is the next big thing where we can do all the interesting things, experiment with our creativity. Digital audience is more receptive to experimental content compared to television.”

Raima is one of those actresses who managed to get the best of both worlds regional cinema and Bollywood. Being the granddaughter of iconic star of Bengali cinema Suchitra Sen, Raima chose unconventional films to start her career with.

In 1999, Raima started her career as an actress with Shabana Azmi starrer Hindi film GODMOTHER. She went on to do films like PARINEETA, DUS, EKLAVYA: THE ROYAL GUARD, HONEYMOON TRAVELS PVT.LTD, CHILDREN OF WAR among many others.

In between, she acted in some of the celebrated Bengali films like CHOKHER BALI, THE BONG CONNECTION, ANURANAN, KHELA, THE JAPANESE WIFE, MEMORIES IN MARCH, MAACH MISHTI & MORE to name a few.

“I think I am really lucky that I always get good film offers and I choose best out of them. I am not getting 100 of films but fortunate to be part of the good content. I keep working in films which travel to various festivals and from there I get not only a certain amount of visibility but also good film offers. I think now makers know my potential,” said Raima.

“I would say that I have worked with some of the best directors and that shaped up my craft, I think for an actress especially in cinema which is a director’s medium, working with good directors helps a lot,” she added.

Though she started her career in Bollywood, asked about what made her take a sabbatical of three years from Bollywood, Raima said: “See, I stay in Mumbai, I have my proper house, a dog everything here. But in between, I was getting a lot of offers from Bengal and as an actress, those roles were really lucrative. So I was just focusing a bit more on there.”

However, she is quite excited about her upcoming films.

“This year, already my film VODKA DIARIES released. Two more films are in pipeline- 3 DEV and VARANASI. In 3 DEV, the casting is very interesting, it is an ensemble cast of KK Menon, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Karan Singh Grover where I am paired opposite Kunaal. VARANASI is Om Puri ji’s last film. I am looking forward to both the films.”