Actress Charlize Theron says she used to shy away from the term feminist, but she can now admit it proudly.

"I'm proud to say that I am a f**king feminist," hollywoodreporter.com quoted Theron as saying.

Theron, a South African native, was addressing a fundraiser at the Geffen Playhouse here.

She added: "I remember always saying being a feminist meant a different thing to everybody. And I would apologise for it. And I had to ask, why was that? Why couldn't I just say, 'Yes, I'm a feminist?'"

Theron mentioned the flap over "The Huntsman: Winter's War", for which she demanded and got equal pay (over $10 million) to co-star Chris Hemsworth.

"I am in a position where I could put my foot down and say, I want equal pay to my male co-star, who I had billed another movie with. We were doing a sequel, we had done it together, why not?

"What was interesting about it was I had a studio that said all right. And I was like, oh? We just need to say this? We just need to not be so polite about it and say what we want?"

The actress feels it is easy to link the demand for equal pay and movements like #MeToo directly to Nelson Mandela's legacy.

"The amount of traction and the amount of women who are being empowered by other women to step forward and actually speak their truth, I know in my life I've never seen anything like that," said Theron.

"I think success for us as women is going to come out of the support that we give each other, out of not stopping this moment. This is a rock rolling down a mountain really fast, and I'm quite enjoying watching it," she added.

Actress Charlize Theron says she used to shy away from the term feminist, but she can now admit it proudly.

"I'm proud to say that I am a f**king feminist," hollywoodreporter.com quoted Theron as saying.

Theron, a South African native, was addressing a fundraiser at the Geffen Playhouse here.

She added: "I remember always saying being a feminist meant a different thing to everybody. And I would apologise for it. And I had to ask, why was that? Why couldn't I just say, 'Yes, I'm a feminist?'"

Theron mentioned the flap over "The Huntsman: Winter's War", for which she demanded and got equal pay (over $10 million) to co-star Chris Hemsworth.

"I am in a position where I could put my foot down and say, I want equal pay to my male co-star, who I had billed another movie with. We were doing a sequel, we had done it together, why not?

"What was interesting about it was I had a studio that said all right. And I was like, oh? We just need to say this? We just need to not be so polite about it and say what we want?"

The actress feels it is easy to link the demand for equal pay and movements like #MeToo directly to Nelson Mandela's legacy.

"The amount of traction and the amount of women who are being empowered by other women to step forward and actually speak their truth, I know in my life I've never seen anything like that," said Theron.

"I think success for us as women is going to come out of the support that we give each other, out of not stopping this moment. This is a rock rolling down a mountain really fast, and I'm quite enjoying watching it," she added.

Superstar and now a politician, Kamal Haasan has been invited by Harvard University to give a keynote speech. This was the second time the legendary actor will be seen speaking at the prestigious B-School. He had earlier spoken at Harvard in 2016 on the topic of freedom of speech. This time Haasan spoke about the various issues afflicting Tamil Nadu in his speech at Harvard University.

Talking about his decision to enter Politician, the actor also spoke about what all changes he wants to bring in his state Tamil Nadu. You can read his entire speech
below:

“People of my larger global family. Good day, good evening and much more. I come from a global village called Tamil Nadu. Part of a cluster of villages called India.That’s all we are -we can be nothing more or nothing less except in arrogance. Tamil Nadu as a state has many things to be proud of ranging from our rich heritage,culture, language, architecture, food, social justice, pioneers in world trade and many such remarkable achievements. However, all is not well. More on that later.

As I stand on this podium, I can boldly say I dare to have a vision. The new BRAVE is being “Bold with a Purpose”. My true purpose today is to “challenge the status quo and mediocrity in polity that is plaguing our state of Tamil Nadu”. I have often said that when avaricious businessmen and politicians set mediocrity as standard then rubbish becomes acceptable, ordinary becomes extra-ordinary and extra- ordinary becomes genius. Genius itself, if it exists at all, is relegated to a state that needs psychiatric monitoring. Fortunately my vision in these climes is just extra-ordinary. Extra- Ordinary only when compared to the policy paralysis and the lack of imagination that exists in Tamil Nadu today. To make this address specific rather than a wandering generality, the 3 big things plaguing my state today are:

1) The apathy shown by the political class on the state’s financial health and management, with the revenue deficit at its all-time high of Rs 160 billion and a growing State Gross Fiscal Deficit which stands at approx Rs. 405 Billion (the 3rd highest in the country) in 2016-2017. A large part of this deficit is driven by ineffective public spending and the lethargy and the lack of vision by people in government

2) Inability to manage our state treasures namely our water ways which for decades have been neglected. If only we have managed this better, we would be water self-sufficient;

3) The gradual lowering of the bar in every aspect of society, from education & skilling to healthcare to social justice to creating employment.

To move on, in these regressive times, what I propose may just be a dream, but it is much akin to that sheer necessity that led our ancestors to come up with the wheel. The new wheel is an old concept, eons old. It is an idea of creating virtuous cycles to weave its magic on the populace. A cycle that we have to re-craft and maybe humbly re-invent. My firm belief is that the business of a new age politician should be to set a context and be an enabler to embed this new wheel within our
society. However small that wheel, maybe, it should ripple across our placid social lake.
My mentor once stated and I quote "If the villages perish, India will perish too. It will be no more India. Her own mission in the world will get lost". For him rebuilding of the nation could be achieved only by reconstructing self-reliant/ self-sustained villages. My mentor was none other than MK Gandhi.

I am shameless in plagiarizing his idea for the benefit of my people and my society. On February 21, 2018, as I embark on my political journey, I am announcing a plan to adopt one village in every district of Tamil Nadu with the vision and aspiration for them to be “the best villages ever in India and later why not in the World”. An exemplar of sorts for my state and country. These villages will be planned with an intention to be holistically sustainable, economically, ecologically, sociologically,
technologically, and high on education, skilling and health”. All are key faculties for a healthy society. With this we will set in motion a series of virtuous cycles in Tamil Nadu by “Being the Change”. I truly believe that a strong Tamil Nadu augurs well for a strong India.

Now, I am practical enough to understand that every journey begins with a single step. Therefore, as a first measure we will take one village and re-imagine it for excellence. Later, we will scale it across the state. Let’s re-imagine our villages, let’s reimagine society and let’s leave a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu and India for posterity.

All Indians and even global citizens are welcome to contribute to this idea. Being a Tamilian is not a prerequisite or a condition, but as I have often said is merely a postal code. Some skeptics might think, “Oh! You rookie politician, I know where you are taking this. You are here with a begging bowl for money.”

Begging bowl? Yes. For money? No.I seek something more valuable than your money, your ideas, your imagination your intellect to re-imagine our villages, your time and participation in pursuit of excellence. My political campaign begins here with the aspiration of forming a brain trust with my Tamil women and men here at Harvard.

It is my firm belief that immediate action with good intent is better than theories of utopia and armchair politics. I have embarked on a journey towards electoral politics. I used to mimic the wary intelligentsia that looked down with disdain at electoral politics and later through learning and kind tutoring understood that politics need not be something below us. On the contrary it can and should be a civic duty. A duty that we have neglected and hence, are suffering its atrophying
consequences. I am fed up of complaining about governmental inaction. Demanding good governance is my right and no government need take umbrage.

This address is only a preamble, a primer for that dialogue that I want to have with my people. I am actually rehearsing it with vibrant minds, hopefully kind critics and partners in attendance here.Help me help Tamil Nadu! I am, just the medium, a tool offered for your use, sharpen me, and shape me to sculpt our little village. The time for lamenting is over.

Everyone is in agreement that Tamil Nadu has touched its Nadir. It is time to recraft the polity. I recently signed, in a college’s guest register, as “Politician”. On second thoughts I should have signed as a “Polity-Culturist” – someone cultivating a new Polity.

Enough said, I guess to indicate the direction of my journey:

It is simple.
A slave called Spartacus who dared to think of freedom when slavery was a social address and norm in Republican Rome. A man called Genghis Khan who dared to dream of an Empire knowing fully well he was nothing but a nomad tribal. And closer home, to my forefathers, the Tamil Chera, Chozha & Paandiyan Kings who domineered the spirit of language, administration and world trade.
Each of them over time have left behind some great ideas, some faulty, yet it is there for us to improve upon. Even recent leaders have left behind lessons to be learnt. Their endeavors, success and failures, are specimens in our socio-political laboratory. I have the humility to learn and keep learning. Partner with me on this epic journey of re-imagining & re-building Tamil Nadu and hopefully one day our country for a better tomorrow!”

Thank You!

Superstar and now a politician, Kamal Haasan has been invited by Harvard University to give a keynote speech. This was the second time the legendary actor will be seen speaking at the prestigious B-School. He had earlier spoken at Harvard in 2016 on the topic of freedom of speech. This time Haasan spoke about the various issues afflicting Tamil Nadu in his speech at Harvard University.

Talking about his decision to enter Politician, the actor also spoke about what all changes he wants to bring in his state Tamil Nadu. You can read his entire speech
below:

“People of my larger global family. Good day, good evening and much more. I come from a global village called Tamil Nadu. Part of a cluster of villages called India.That’s all we are -we can be nothing more or nothing less except in arrogance. Tamil Nadu as a state has many things to be proud of ranging from our rich heritage,culture, language, architecture, food, social justice, pioneers in world trade and many such remarkable achievements. However, all is not well. More on that later.

As I stand on this podium, I can boldly say I dare to have a vision. The new BRAVE is being “Bold with a Purpose”. My true purpose today is to “challenge the status quo and mediocrity in polity that is plaguing our state of Tamil Nadu”. I have often said that when avaricious businessmen and politicians set mediocrity as standard then rubbish becomes acceptable, ordinary becomes extra-ordinary and extra- ordinary becomes genius. Genius itself, if it exists at all, is relegated to a state that needs psychiatric monitoring. Fortunately my vision in these climes is just extra-ordinary. Extra- Ordinary only when compared to the policy paralysis and the lack of imagination that exists in Tamil Nadu today. To make this address specific rather than a wandering generality, the 3 big things plaguing my state today are:

1) The apathy shown by the political class on the state’s financial health and management, with the revenue deficit at its all-time high of Rs 160 billion and a growing State Gross Fiscal Deficit which stands at approx Rs. 405 Billion (the 3rd highest in the country) in 2016-2017. A large part of this deficit is driven by ineffective public spending and the lethargy and the lack of vision by people in government

2) Inability to manage our state treasures namely our water ways which for decades have been neglected. If only we have managed this better, we would be water self-sufficient;

3) The gradual lowering of the bar in every aspect of society, from education & skilling to healthcare to social justice to creating employment.

To move on, in these regressive times, what I propose may just be a dream, but it is much akin to that sheer necessity that led our ancestors to come up with the wheel. The new wheel is an old concept, eons old. It is an idea of creating virtuous cycles to weave its magic on the populace. A cycle that we have to re-craft and maybe humbly re-invent. My firm belief is that the business of a new age politician should be to set a context and be an enabler to embed this new wheel within our
society. However small that wheel, maybe, it should ripple across our placid social lake.
My mentor once stated and I quote "If the villages perish, India will perish too. It will be no more India. Her own mission in the world will get lost". For him rebuilding of the nation could be achieved only by reconstructing self-reliant/ self-sustained villages. My mentor was none other than MK Gandhi.

I am shameless in plagiarizing his idea for the benefit of my people and my society. On February 21, 2018, as I embark on my political journey, I am announcing a plan to adopt one village in every district of Tamil Nadu with the vision and aspiration for them to be “the best villages ever in India and later why not in the World”. An exemplar of sorts for my state and country. These villages will be planned with an intention to be holistically sustainable, economically, ecologically, sociologically,
technologically, and high on education, skilling and health”. All are key faculties for a healthy society. With this we will set in motion a series of virtuous cycles in Tamil Nadu by “Being the Change”. I truly believe that a strong Tamil Nadu augurs well for a strong India.

Now, I am practical enough to understand that every journey begins with a single step. Therefore, as a first measure we will take one village and re-imagine it for excellence. Later, we will scale it across the state. Let’s re-imagine our villages, let’s reimagine society and let’s leave a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu and India for posterity.

All Indians and even global citizens are welcome to contribute to this idea. Being a Tamilian is not a prerequisite or a condition, but as I have often said is merely a postal code. Some skeptics might think, “Oh! You rookie politician, I know where you are taking this. You are here with a begging bowl for money.”

Begging bowl? Yes. For money? No.I seek something more valuable than your money, your ideas, your imagination your intellect to re-imagine our villages, your time and participation in pursuit of excellence. My political campaign begins here with the aspiration of forming a brain trust with my Tamil women and men here at Harvard.

It is my firm belief that immediate action with good intent is better than theories of utopia and armchair politics. I have embarked on a journey towards electoral politics. I used to mimic the wary intelligentsia that looked down with disdain at electoral politics and later through learning and kind tutoring understood that politics need not be something below us. On the contrary it can and should be a civic duty. A duty that we have neglected and hence, are suffering its atrophying
consequences. I am fed up of complaining about governmental inaction. Demanding good governance is my right and no government need take umbrage.

This address is only a preamble, a primer for that dialogue that I want to have with my people. I am actually rehearsing it with vibrant minds, hopefully kind critics and partners in attendance here.Help me help Tamil Nadu! I am, just the medium, a tool offered for your use, sharpen me, and shape me to sculpt our little village. The time for lamenting is over.

Everyone is in agreement that Tamil Nadu has touched its Nadir. It is time to recraft the polity. I recently signed, in a college’s guest register, as “Politician”. On second thoughts I should have signed as a “Polity-Culturist” – someone cultivating a new Polity.

Enough said, I guess to indicate the direction of my journey:

It is simple.
A slave called Spartacus who dared to think of freedom when slavery was a social address and norm in Republican Rome. A man called Genghis Khan who dared to dream of an Empire knowing fully well he was nothing but a nomad tribal. And closer home, to my forefathers, the Tamil Chera, Chozha & Paandiyan Kings who domineered the spirit of language, administration and world trade.
Each of them over time have left behind some great ideas, some faulty, yet it is there for us to improve upon. Even recent leaders have left behind lessons to be learnt. Their endeavors, success and failures, are specimens in our socio-political laboratory. I have the humility to learn and keep learning. Partner with me on this epic journey of re-imagining & re-building Tamil Nadu and hopefully one day our country for a better tomorrow!”

Thank You!

Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who directed the classic blockbuster SHOLAY and tele-serial BUNIYAAD, would be conferred the first 'Raj Kapoor Award for Excellence in Cinema', an official said here on Monday.

Instituted by the Asian Centre for Entertainment Education (ACEE) with various international organisations like World Bank, UNICEF, USC Annenberg Normal Lear Cenre, Hollywood Health and Society, Cinepolis Foundation and CMS, the 'Raj Kapoor Trophy' will be unveiled here on Wednesday.

"The global awards are being launched in memory of Raj Kapoor, the quintessential 'Showman of Post-Independent India', who was a rare filmmaker to have placed mainstream and popular entertainment which he created in contemporary social contexts," said ACEE Co-Founder Vinta Nanda.

Raj Kapoor was making films from virtually the official birth of India onwards, when the violence of Partition marked the translation from British rule to democracy, and even without a close reading of history, it is clear that undercurrents in his work often measured the changes, both economic and social, in Indian society, she explained.

Sippy, 71, will receive the first Raj Kapoor Award for Excellence in Cinema at the two-day 'Elevate 2K18' bi-annual conclave of ACEE's programme, The Third Eye in Mumbai, she added.

Honoured with a Padma Shri, Sippy has attained legendary status with his memorable film SHOLAY (1975) and later the popular serial on Doordarshan, 'Buniyaad' (1987), based on the Partition of India.

Veteran actors and sons of Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, will take part in a discussion on 'The Unparalleled Social Commentator, The Showman Raj Kapoor', which will be moderated by journalist Shekhar Gupta.

Besides the launch of the global award and trophy at the 'Elevate 2K18', Nanda said the team behind the latest Bollywood release PAD MAN, including producer Twinkle Khanna and director R. Balki shall be felicitated at the conclave.

The first trailer of the upcoming film, 102 NOT OUT directed by Umesh Shukla of OMG – OH MY GOD! fame – which brings together industry veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor together on screen after a 27 year gap – shall be released at the conclave.

Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who directed the classic blockbuster SHOLAY and tele-serial BUNIYAAD, would be conferred the first 'Raj Kapoor Award for Excellence in Cinema', an official said here on Monday.

Instituted by the Asian Centre for Entertainment Education (ACEE) with various international organisations like World Bank, UNICEF, USC Annenberg Normal Lear Cenre, Hollywood Health and Society, Cinepolis Foundation and CMS, the 'Raj Kapoor Trophy' will be unveiled here on Wednesday.

"The global awards are being launched in memory of Raj Kapoor, the quintessential 'Showman of Post-Independent India', who was a rare filmmaker to have placed mainstream and popular entertainment which he created in contemporary social contexts," said ACEE Co-Founder Vinta Nanda.

Raj Kapoor was making films from virtually the official birth of India onwards, when the violence of Partition marked the translation from British rule to democracy, and even without a close reading of history, it is clear that undercurrents in his work often measured the changes, both economic and social, in Indian society, she explained.

Sippy, 71, will receive the first Raj Kapoor Award for Excellence in Cinema at the two-day 'Elevate 2K18' bi-annual conclave of ACEE's programme, The Third Eye in Mumbai, she added.

Honoured with a Padma Shri, Sippy has attained legendary status with his memorable film SHOLAY (1975) and later the popular serial on Doordarshan, 'Buniyaad' (1987), based on the Partition of India.

Veteran actors and sons of Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, will take part in a discussion on 'The Unparalleled Social Commentator, The Showman Raj Kapoor', which will be moderated by journalist Shekhar Gupta.

Besides the launch of the global award and trophy at the 'Elevate 2K18', Nanda said the team behind the latest Bollywood release PAD MAN, including producer Twinkle Khanna and director R. Balki shall be felicitated at the conclave.

The first trailer of the upcoming film, 102 NOT OUT directed by Umesh Shukla of OMG – OH MY GOD! fame – which brings together industry veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor together on screen after a 27 year gap – shall be released at the conclave.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Monday revealed more details of their forthcoming wedding on May 19.

The couple will marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, at midday and, at 1 p.m., they will travel through Windsor, Berkshire, in a carriage, the BBC reported.

Kensington Palace said the couple are "hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received".

The palace also confirmed that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will marry the prince and Markle.

The Rt Rev David Conner, dean of Windsor, will conduct the service at St George's Chapel.

The chapel holds about 800 people, making it a more intimate setting than the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in Westminster Abbey.

The couple will then return to a reception for guests from the congregation at St. George's Hall.

That evening, Prince Charles will give a private evening reception for the couple and close friends and family, the BBC reported.

Markle will be baptised into the Church of England and confirmed before the wedding.

The wedding will take place just a month after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to welcome their third child.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Monday revealed more details of their forthcoming wedding on May 19.

The couple will marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, at midday and, at 1 p.m., they will travel through Windsor, Berkshire, in a carriage, the BBC reported.

Kensington Palace said the couple are "hugely grateful for the many good wishes they have received".

The palace also confirmed that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will marry the prince and Markle.

The Rt Rev David Conner, dean of Windsor, will conduct the service at St George's Chapel.

The chapel holds about 800 people, making it a more intimate setting than the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in Westminster Abbey.

The couple will then return to a reception for guests from the congregation at St. George's Hall.

That evening, Prince Charles will give a private evening reception for the couple and close friends and family, the BBC reported.

Markle will be baptised into the Church of England and confirmed before the wedding.

The wedding will take place just a month after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to welcome their third child.

Akshay Kumar is a man on mission and we are not complaining. On the lines of Amitabh Bachchan, who appears in most of government’s social awareness campaigns, it is now Akshay Kumar who seems to have taken it seriously too; earlier the actor focused on the patriotism aspect and now when it comes to highlight any social cause then Akki is definitely our “go-to” man these days.

Akshay Kumar’s last two releases – TOILET: EK PREM KATHA and PAD MAN, both seem to be taking the “social awareness” baton ahead by making a full length feature film on the topics usually not spoken so openly about (or topics that are usually brushed under the carpet). In both these films, Akshay has played a good husband wanting to do good for his wives (in respective movies) by constructing a toilet in one and making sasta sanitary napkins in the second… On the same lines; how we wish seeing yet another topic that needs mass awareness and who better than our ‘Masses ka Hero’ to do the honours? I’m told Akshay did mention in one of his media interactions that he is open to suggestions and ideas so that he can make more such films…now that’s what maketh a ‘real hero’.

Now we don’t just have a suitable topic for him, in fact we even have an apt title ready for his next ‘Mission’- TOBACCO: DOSTI KI DASTAAN. Now you must we wondering why this title? Well read on to find out.

I’m sure we all have seen, till recent past, the ‘Mukesh ki Kahani’ (Anti-Smoking) rolling before any film that is screened in cinema halls. It is a subject that is taken so seriously that it was and is still being (mostly) played before the film screenings in various narratives; whether the Mukesh story, or the Rahul Dravid’s wall story and a couple more. Taking a cue from these two (and may be more) outings I guess it could form a good fodder for Ad filmmakers like R Balki to make full length features with probably Akshay playing the lead whose (side kick) friend is a tobacco addict and our hero wants him to quit the vice (addiction). The story will have opportunities to show friendship, side effects of addiction like poverty, medical expenses, products that help in quitting the vice and a happy ending, where our hero will be seen gifting everyone anti-tobacco products on their birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This could be a great opportunity for these products too. And the Nation will again standup and laud the efforts by Akshay and his selection of themes of films he is doing. Finally a win-win situation for everyone… if you know what that means.

So Akki if you are wondering which socially relevant topic you should take up next then here it is.

Indian actor Akshay Kumar's PAD MAN a film highlighting awareness on menstrual hygiene, has not yet been released in Pakistan. But a senior official says it has not been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import into Pakistan.

PAD MAN tells a story of a Arunachalam Muruganantham's journey to make affordable sanitary napkins. A section of the media have said that it has been banned in Pakistan due to its sensitive subject.

But Pakistan Censor Board chief Mobashir Hasan says the decision on NOC was yet to be taken as the film had not yet been "pre-viewed by the Central Board of Film Censors".

A statement, posted on Hasan's Twitter account and shared with IANS via a messaging app, read: "The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film PAD MAN as the film has not yet been pre-viewed by the … Censors."

A Pakistani media report said Pakistani film importers have come under attack over the Akshay Kumar-starrer on grounds of ruining Islamic traditions, history and culture.

Hasan then said: "The decision to grant NOC to the subject film will be based on the merit and criteria of the … Censors, not vexatious, false and irresponsible political motives being created on various media platforms on the back of the film.

"It is advisable to maintain principles of integrity whilst making statements on any issues… Good values are the foundation upon which we will build a prosperous Pakistan, not upon a decision of releasing a solitary film," he added.

Directed by R. Balki, PAD MAN is based on a short story from Twinkle Khanna's book "The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad". It released in India, Russia, Ivory Coast and Iraq on Friday.