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THE SHAPE OF WATER director Guillermo del Toro wins at DGA Awards

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Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has won the Directors Guild of Americas (DGA) top feature award for the fantasy drama THE SHAPE OF WATER, which is about love between a mute cleaning woman and a captured aquatic creature.

He won the award here on Saturday over Greta Gerwig (LADY BIRD), Martin McDonagh (THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI), Christopher Nolan (DUNKIRK) and Jordan Peele (GET OUT), reports variety.com.

“Inclusion is necessary if for no other reason than we’re not hearing all the stories that need to be heard,” he said in his acceptance speech.

The DGA Award — which honours outstanding achievement in directing for film and television — is one of the top indicators of Oscar sentiment, with all but seven of the DGA winners since 1948 going on to take the Best Director Oscar.

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Veep” and “Big Little Lies” won the major TV awards. Reed Morano won for top drama series for the “Offred” episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

Jean-Marc Vallee won the award for movies for television and mini-series award for “Big Little Lies”, while “Veep” took the best comedy series award for the “Chiclet” episode directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.

At the gala, DGA President Thomas Schlamme emphasized the guild’s commitment to opposing sexual harassment.

“This is not just a fight by women for women. They didn’t create this problem. It’s a fight for everyone for a better world for everyone. What’s clear is our decades-long fight to ensure the inclusion of women and people of colour in the director’s chair,” he said.

THE SHAPE OF WATER director Guillermo del Toro wins at DGA Awards

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Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has won the Directors Guild of Americas (DGA) top feature award for the fantasy drama THE SHAPE OF WATER, which is about love between a mute cleaning woman and a captured aquatic creature.

He won the award here on Saturday over Greta Gerwig (LADY BIRD), Martin McDonagh (THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI), Christopher Nolan (DUNKIRK) and Jordan Peele (GET OUT), reports variety.com.

“Inclusion is necessary if for no other reason than we’re not hearing all the stories that need to be heard,” he said in his acceptance speech.

The DGA Award — which honours outstanding achievement in directing for film and television — is one of the top indicators of Oscar sentiment, with all but seven of the DGA winners since 1948 going on to take the Best Director Oscar.

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Veep” and “Big Little Lies” won the major TV awards. Reed Morano won for top drama series for the “Offred” episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale”.

Jean-Marc Vallee won the award for movies for television and mini-series award for “Big Little Lies”, while “Veep” took the best comedy series award for the “Chiclet” episode directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.

At the gala, DGA President Thomas Schlamme emphasized the guild’s commitment to opposing sexual harassment.

“This is not just a fight by women for women. They didn’t create this problem. It’s a fight for everyone for a better world for everyone. What’s clear is our decades-long fight to ensure the inclusion of women and people of colour in the director’s chair,” he said.

Anjana Sukhani pens book for housewives’ budgeting blues

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Actress Anjana Sukhani, seen in films like SALAAM-E-ISHQ, GOLMAAL RETURNS and ALLAH KE BANDAY, is set to don another hat. She is busy putting finishing touches to a how-to book on household budgeting.

"It's called HISAAB KITAAB and it comes from my own experience living in a house of women," Anjana said.

"I've always felt that women are far more accomplished at household budgeting than they are given credit for. Experience shows that men are bigger spendthrifts while women count every penny that goes into the running of the kitchen and household expenses," she added.

The book would address itself to the dynamics of household budgeting.

"It is not a preachy book. It is a book that conducts a discourse with housewives and working women who run their homes with limited resources without seeming to cut corners. Women are very good at saving up for a rainy day. My book shows how we can maximize our savings without cutting corners," Anjana said.

[By Subhash K. Jha]

Anjana Sukhani pens book for housewives’ budgeting blues

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Actress Anjana Sukhani, seen in films like SALAAM-E-ISHQ, GOLMAAL RETURNS and ALLAH KE BANDAY, is set to don another hat. She is busy putting finishing touches to a how-to book on household budgeting.

"It's called HISAAB KITAAB and it comes from my own experience living in a house of women," Anjana said.

"I've always felt that women are far more accomplished at household budgeting than they are given credit for. Experience shows that men are bigger spendthrifts while women count every penny that goes into the running of the kitchen and household expenses," she added.

The book would address itself to the dynamics of household budgeting.

"It is not a preachy book. It is a book that conducts a discourse with housewives and working women who run their homes with limited resources without seeming to cut corners. Women are very good at saving up for a rainy day. My book shows how we can maximize our savings without cutting corners," Anjana said.

[By Subhash K. Jha]

Shibani Kashyap: We should detox from technology once in a while

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Singer song-writer Shibani Kashyap, whose latest single is 'Wanna Be Free', says people should get rid of their obsession with technology and social media.

Asked about her idea of 'feeling free', Shibani told IANS: "I prefer living a much organic life where I would rather spend time outside the digital world, interact with people face-to-face rather than on phone. We should detoxify from technology once in a while and in the song also also I tried to convey the same."

In the song's video, Shibani has featured Richa Chadha. She says Richa is one actress from the current generation who has the ability to communicate the message beautifully.

"She is a beautiful face and a talented actress. Honestly, I am a fan of Richa and when I shared the concept of the video, she liked it and agreed to collaborate. She narrated the story very nicely in the video," said the singer, known for tracks like 'Sajna aa bhi jaa' and 'Zinda'.

Shibani established herself as a pop star in the late 1990s.

Asked why she is not singing enough in films, she said: "Well, it is not in my hands because I am not the one who would go to music directors and ask for an opportunity. So I am making my songs.

"There are times when I sang the song and the film did not release or the song was not used. So I think instead of waiting for an opportunity to come, I am creating my path."

Shibani Kashyap: We should detox from technology once in a while

0

Singer song-writer Shibani Kashyap, whose latest single is 'Wanna Be Free', says people should get rid of their obsession with technology and social media.

Asked about her idea of 'feeling free', Shibani told IANS: "I prefer living a much organic life where I would rather spend time outside the digital world, interact with people face-to-face rather than on phone. We should detoxify from technology once in a while and in the song also also I tried to convey the same."

In the song's video, Shibani has featured Richa Chadha. She says Richa is one actress from the current generation who has the ability to communicate the message beautifully.

"She is a beautiful face and a talented actress. Honestly, I am a fan of Richa and when I shared the concept of the video, she liked it and agreed to collaborate. She narrated the story very nicely in the video," said the singer, known for tracks like 'Sajna aa bhi jaa' and 'Zinda'.

Shibani established herself as a pop star in the late 1990s.

Asked why she is not singing enough in films, she said: "Well, it is not in my hands because I am not the one who would go to music directors and ask for an opportunity. So I am making my songs.

"There are times when I sang the song and the film did not release or the song was not used. So I think instead of waiting for an opportunity to come, I am creating my path."

Sidharth Malhotra: Hope AIYAARY has a smooth release

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Actor Sidharth Malhotra, whose film AIYAARY set for release on February 9 was yet to receive a censor certificate, is hopeful the movie will have a smooth journey to the screens.

According to reports, since the movie is set against the army backdrop, the Defence Ministry wants to review the film. This comes after Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT was viewed by a special panel as part of the censor board's certification process.

Asked if these things will affect the way films are made and released, Sidharth said here: "Our producers are tackling it. It's in the process. Each film has its own reasons. We have seen what happened with that film (PADMAAVAT).

"Our film doesn't have severe issues as far as I know after talking with my producers. I have full faith that our producers will come up with a positive result, so I don't see any issue with that. I hope that our film have smooth release."

The actor launched Oppo F5 special edition as their brand ambassador here on Saturday.

On AIYAARY, which also features Manoj Bajpayee, he said: "The experience of shooting the film has been wonderful. For the first time, I am playing an army and military intelligence officer in an army uniform. We shot this film in Kashmir, London, Delhi, Mumbai and Cairo, so it has got very wide landscape.

"I am very excited and nervous for AIYAARY. Spy thriller is new zone for me and it is a very relevant film, so I am hoping the audience would like our film. I think with entertainment, audience can relate with the issue which we have shown in the film. So, our entire team of 'Aiyaary' is looking forward for the release of the film."

On rumours that AIYAARY could be released tax-free, Sidharth said: "No, we haven't spoken about it yet. But if that happens, it will be a great as more people will be able to enjoy the film. The result will come out only when the movie is released and the review comes out.

"According to me, the movie is very relevant, while it maintains the thriller vibe it also speaks about certain social issues."

The film, also featuring Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Rakulpreet Singh and Pooja Chopra, is produced by Motion Picture Capital and directed by Neeraj Pandey.

Sidharth Malhotra: Hope AIYAARY has a smooth release

0

Actor Sidharth Malhotra, whose film AIYAARY set for release on February 9 was yet to receive a censor certificate, is hopeful the movie will have a smooth journey to the screens.

According to reports, since the movie is set against the army backdrop, the Defence Ministry wants to review the film. This comes after Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT was viewed by a special panel as part of the censor board's certification process.

Asked if these things will affect the way films are made and released, Sidharth said here: "Our producers are tackling it. It's in the process. Each film has its own reasons. We have seen what happened with that film (PADMAAVAT).

"Our film doesn't have severe issues as far as I know after talking with my producers. I have full faith that our producers will come up with a positive result, so I don't see any issue with that. I hope that our film have smooth release."

The actor launched Oppo F5 special edition as their brand ambassador here on Saturday.

On AIYAARY, which also features Manoj Bajpayee, he said: "The experience of shooting the film has been wonderful. For the first time, I am playing an army and military intelligence officer in an army uniform. We shot this film in Kashmir, London, Delhi, Mumbai and Cairo, so it has got very wide landscape.

"I am very excited and nervous for AIYAARY. Spy thriller is new zone for me and it is a very relevant film, so I am hoping the audience would like our film. I think with entertainment, audience can relate with the issue which we have shown in the film. So, our entire team of 'Aiyaary' is looking forward for the release of the film."

On rumours that AIYAARY could be released tax-free, Sidharth said: "No, we haven't spoken about it yet. But if that happens, it will be a great as more people will be able to enjoy the film. The result will come out only when the movie is released and the review comes out.

"According to me, the movie is very relevant, while it maintains the thriller vibe it also speaks about certain social issues."

The film, also featuring Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Rakulpreet Singh and Pooja Chopra, is produced by Motion Picture Capital and directed by Neeraj Pandey.

Aditi Rao Hydari: Mehrusina in PADMAAVAT was tiny, but special part

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Actress Aditi Rao Hydari says her role as Mehrunisa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic drama PADMAAVAT may have been tiny, but was special and beautiful in many ways. She is overwhelmed by the response that she has received for it.

"It has been a childhood dream of mine to work with Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir. I am actually very overwhelmed by the response because Mehrunisa, I knew, has a very special part and Sanjay sir had always told me that anyone who reads the script always asks who is going to play Mehrunisa. So, I knew it was a special part but it was a very tiny part," Aditi told IANS here.

"The kind of response that Mehrunisa has got is incredible and I give full credit to Sanjay sir, the writers, the director of photography, the people who create that look for her. It's very complete part.

"In every scene, her character and how she comes out so beautifully in very few words (is beautiful), so full credit to people who created that character and I really enjoyed playing her," added Aditi.

PADMAAVAT, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in key roles, hit the screens after a string of controversies. Despite the hurdles, it is on its way to Rs 200 crore at the box office.

Aditi, who played wife to Ranveer's character as Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, says she was pleased to perform a character that was so strong.

"It's such a pleasure to play somebody who is not only vulnerable, delicate, regal, grace personified and pure, but also who is fearless and stands up for what is right at every stage and has absolutely no fear in doing so. I think it was a very beautiful character," said Aditi.

The actress walked the ramp for designer Payal Singhal on the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer-Resort 2018 in a lehenga-choli in pale rose, mint and lilac zardozi and filigree work, teamed with an embroidered tulle dupatta.

Singhal showcased her line 'Saira', which celebrates the synergy of art and culture, of design and legacy, of history and evolution.

The collection dips into history, tracing the influence of Islam on art, textiles and architecture in regions like Turkey, Morocco, Persia, Mughal India, Iran, and Afghanistan. There are intricate patterns, jaali work, filigree, and antique embroidery inspired from the era gone by.

The collection features luxurious silks, jamavars and brocades accentuated with delicate organzas and tulle. Embroideries like kasav, mukaish, fardi, zardosi and filigree work have been juxtaposed with new techniques on contemporary Indian wear silhouettes like lehengas, dhoti sarees, kurtas and jackets.

On roping in Aditi as a showstopper, the designer said: "Aditi has got a very princess-like look. She has got Indian features, but has a very new age international look also which is very rare."

Will she design for Aditi's films too?

"We do have done clothes for her. In fact, I have done some outfits for her film DAAS DEV, but we work with stylists," Singhal told IANS.

[By Nivedita]

Aditi Rao Hydari: Mehrusina in PADMAAVAT was tiny, but special part

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Actress Aditi Rao Hydari says her role as Mehrunisa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic drama PADMAAVAT may have been tiny, but was special and beautiful in many ways. She is overwhelmed by the response that she has received for it.

"It has been a childhood dream of mine to work with Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir. I am actually very overwhelmed by the response because Mehrunisa, I knew, has a very special part and Sanjay sir had always told me that anyone who reads the script always asks who is going to play Mehrunisa. So, I knew it was a special part but it was a very tiny part," Aditi told IANS here.

"The kind of response that Mehrunisa has got is incredible and I give full credit to Sanjay sir, the writers, the director of photography, the people who create that look for her. It's very complete part.

"In every scene, her character and how she comes out so beautifully in very few words (is beautiful), so full credit to people who created that character and I really enjoyed playing her," added Aditi.

PADMAAVAT, which stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in key roles, hit the screens after a string of controversies. Despite the hurdles, it is on its way to Rs 200 crore at the box office.

Aditi, who played wife to Ranveer's character as Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, says she was pleased to perform a character that was so strong.

"It's such a pleasure to play somebody who is not only vulnerable, delicate, regal, grace personified and pure, but also who is fearless and stands up for what is right at every stage and has absolutely no fear in doing so. I think it was a very beautiful character," said Aditi.

The actress walked the ramp for designer Payal Singhal on the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer-Resort 2018 in a lehenga-choli in pale rose, mint and lilac zardozi and filigree work, teamed with an embroidered tulle dupatta.

Singhal showcased her line 'Saira', which celebrates the synergy of art and culture, of design and legacy, of history and evolution.

The collection dips into history, tracing the influence of Islam on art, textiles and architecture in regions like Turkey, Morocco, Persia, Mughal India, Iran, and Afghanistan. There are intricate patterns, jaali work, filigree, and antique embroidery inspired from the era gone by.

The collection features luxurious silks, jamavars and brocades accentuated with delicate organzas and tulle. Embroideries like kasav, mukaish, fardi, zardosi and filigree work have been juxtaposed with new techniques on contemporary Indian wear silhouettes like lehengas, dhoti sarees, kurtas and jackets.

On roping in Aditi as a showstopper, the designer said: "Aditi has got a very princess-like look. She has got Indian features, but has a very new age international look also which is very rare."

Will she design for Aditi's films too?

"We do have done clothes for her. In fact, I have done some outfits for her film DAAS DEV, but we work with stylists," Singhal told IANS.

[By Nivedita]