She is just 15, but is already following in her father's footsteps. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's daughter Ida Ali, who wrote and directed the recently released short film LEFT, says there's a clear understanding between them that she has to make her own path.

Besides, she feels it won't be a good idea for her and the JAB WE MET filmmaker to work together "at least for now because it makes things sticky".

"Firstly, we both have an understanding that I have to make it on my own. He believes that I have it in me to do so. And also, there is always the fear of our relationship getting between our work; it is better to stay clear of that," Ida told IANS in an email interview.

She believes she thinks of stories in a different way from Imtiaz, who has a unique knack of romancing the emotion of love on-screen.

"I write them (stories) separately and I don't think there is any influence in them from him. However, because we are in the same atmosphere a lot, we may have a similar outlook on life that reflects in our films," said Ida.

Ida does not deny that she got in touch with people in the production line for the film due to her father's connections.

"I did get in touch with people in production because of him, I am not going to lie. But the rest of it, I did myself, all with my crew. He was not involved. I would really like to stress on that, because I know how people might think it is nepotism and all that. But all the risk of the film, the planning, the shooting, the editing; I did myself," said Ida.

LEFT is shot inside a lift where a love story originates, flourishes, withers and sparks again.

Asked what kind of subjects attract her, Ida said: "I am interested in many types of films. I watch all genres and would love to make all genres too. What is important is that every film should have something unique and engaging.

"I like films which are not predictable, they keep the audience engaged. Now that I have made a love story type of film, I would like to try another genre. And maybe later, I might find a subject that attracts me the most."

A number of actors and filmmakers have started exploring the short films space which can be accessed by Internet users freely. Ida believes the platform "provides more opportunity for people to share their ideas and for people to view more films with great content".

"I am so glad that Indian cinema has started translating stories in the short film/online platforms. Many short films also help open out the society to some taboo topics while still being entertaining. I myself have been watching some great short films recently, so I feel like this space is really exciting," said Ida.

Clustered with schoolwork at the moment, Ida hopes to make a short film during her summer break this year.

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh says his multilingual film SAAHO, which also stars Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor, is shaping up really well.

"SAAHO is shaping up really well. It is a bit difficult to shoot for that film because at one time, you have to shoot for Hindi, Tamil and Telugu as it's a multilingual film. But I am learning a lot during the course of its shooting," Neil said at the celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani's calendar launch 2018 on Wednesday here.

Neil will also be seen playing a pivotal role in FIRRKIE.

"About 75 per cent shoot of ‘Firrkie' has been completed. It has been a very good shoot. We don't realise how time flies when you are busy shooting," he said.

"The entire team of FIRRKIE bonded really well on the sets. I am working with (actor) Karan Singh Grover in that film so (actress) Bipasha (Basu) also came there at the shooting location. I have worked with Bipasha earlier. (Actress) Sandeepa Dhar is also there in our film so, I feel ‘Firrkie' is shaping up really well," he added.

Commenting on Ratnani's calendar, Neil said: "My favourite will be (superstar) Shah Rukh (Khan) sir's photograph because it's very dark and I like dark stuff. It's very different to see him like that."

"I liked (actors) Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan's shots. I also like (actress) Sonakshi's (Sinha) picture in which she is looking very different."

Actors like Rekha, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Singh Grover, Karan Kundra, Sonal Chauhan, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sunny Leone, Surveen Chawla and Anupam Kher also attended the event.

Singer Ricky Martin says he didn't come out as gay until he was 38 in an effort to preserve his career.

Martin visited 'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah' and opened up about his own personal struggles with coming out as gay, reports eonline.com.

He said: "My friend, you have no idea how it took me a while. The thing is that I was surrounded by friends that were telling me, ‘Don't! Don't come out that will be the end of your career.'

"It was people that love me, people that mean well and people that were just victims of homophobia. You know, I grew up in this culture that told me that my feelings were horrible, that my feelings were evil. And if you add to that, you know, that I was like a heartthrob, like a sex symbol".

The SHE BANGS hitmaker said everyone around him told him that it would end his career.

"It was extremely painful for me until I said, ‘I can't take it anymore. It's all about me now, it's not about what's happening outside, it's about what I need in order to be happy.'"

Two influential people entered Martin's life and gave him the strength he needed.

"Then I had my kids, and I said, ‘I have to come out.' I mean, I'm not going to lie to these beautiful kids. To lie? No, that's not the point. And you know, life works in cycles, it's very interesting. Look at what I'm doing today, I'm talking on behalf of people that continue to hurt and through acting," Martin said.

The star, 46, is extremely busy while raising his family, performing at his Las Vegas residency and raising funds through his organization for hurricane victims of Puerto Rico.

Singer Ricky Martin says he didn't come out as gay until he was 38 in an effort to preserve his career.

Martin visited 'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah' and opened up about his own personal struggles with coming out as gay, reports eonline.com.

He said: "My friend, you have no idea how it took me a while. The thing is that I was surrounded by friends that were telling me, ‘Don't! Don't come out that will be the end of your career.'

"It was people that love me, people that mean well and people that were just victims of homophobia. You know, I grew up in this culture that told me that my feelings were horrible, that my feelings were evil. And if you add to that, you know, that I was like a heartthrob, like a sex symbol".

The SHE BANGS hitmaker said everyone around him told him that it would end his career.

"It was extremely painful for me until I said, ‘I can't take it anymore. It's all about me now, it's not about what's happening outside, it's about what I need in order to be happy.'"

Two influential people entered Martin's life and gave him the strength he needed.

"Then I had my kids, and I said, ‘I have to come out.' I mean, I'm not going to lie to these beautiful kids. To lie? No, that's not the point. And you know, life works in cycles, it's very interesting. Look at what I'm doing today, I'm talking on behalf of people that continue to hurt and through acting," Martin said.

The star, 46, is extremely busy while raising his family, performing at his Las Vegas residency and raising funds through his organization for hurricane victims of Puerto Rico.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal on Thursday hailed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the ban against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT in some states, saying it is clearly the victory of freedom of expression in the country.

Benegal, who chaired a Ministry of Information and Broadcasting committee to propose ways to revamp the censor board, told IANS that once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Supreme Court have given the movie a go-ahead, nothing can stop its release.

The Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments had banned the movie's release in their states.

As for the organisations that are threatening to protest ahead of and when PADMAAVAT releases on January 25 over alleged distortion of historical facts, the state governments must intervene and ensure law and order is maintained, he said.

"The controversy is over. The film will be shown all over the country. The CBFC has anyway cleared the film and the Supreme Court has endorsed it. There is nothing to stop it except some people like (those from) Karni Sena and whoever they are… If they prevent it, then there will be a law and order situation, and the state government can take action against them," Benegal told IANS over phone.

"Quite clearly, it's a win for freedom of expression," he added.

The 83-year-old director, known for his socially relevant movies like ANKUR, NISHANT, MANTHAN and BHUMIKA, wonders why questions are being raised against the movie, which the makers have clearly stated is based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem 'Padmavat'.

"After all, the simple thing is that PADMAVAT is a classic. It was written in 1526 and not written yesterday or today. It is a classic work. We have accepted the literary classic which has been there since 1526 when Malik wrote it, and now the fact is that so many years later, some little organisation is saying that it is offending them and their sentiments. Does it make sense?

"It doesn't make sense to anybody expcept for that little group of people who are creeating all the noise," Benegal said, applauding the CBFC and Supreme Court's correct step for the Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor starrer.

CBFC on December 30 last year decided to grant a U/A certificate to the movie, subject to five modifications, including title change from PADMAVATI to PADMAVAT. The makers — Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures — finally went with PADMAAVAT, and agreed to the other four points, maintaining that the movie glorifies Rajput pride, valour and honour.

However, Rajput outfit Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been adamant in its demand that the movie must not be screened.

Benegal said: "There is nothing to stop the state governments to act against these groups who are causing this problem, unless they are hand in glove with the group… What is going to prevent them?"

[By Sugandha Rawal]

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal on Thursday hailed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the ban against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's PADMAAVAT in some states, saying it is clearly the victory of freedom of expression in the country.

Benegal, who chaired a Ministry of Information and Broadcasting committee to propose ways to revamp the censor board, told IANS that once the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Supreme Court have given the movie a go-ahead, nothing can stop its release.

The Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana governments had banned the movie's release in their states.

As for the organisations that are threatening to protest ahead of and when PADMAAVAT releases on January 25 over alleged distortion of historical facts, the state governments must intervene and ensure law and order is maintained, he said.

"The controversy is over. The film will be shown all over the country. The CBFC has anyway cleared the film and the Supreme Court has endorsed it. There is nothing to stop it except some people like (those from) Karni Sena and whoever they are… If they prevent it, then there will be a law and order situation, and the state government can take action against them," Benegal told IANS over phone.

"Quite clearly, it's a win for freedom of expression," he added.

The 83-year-old director, known for his socially relevant movies like ANKUR, NISHANT, MANTHAN and BHUMIKA, wonders why questions are being raised against the movie, which the makers have clearly stated is based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem 'Padmavat'.

"After all, the simple thing is that PADMAVAT is a classic. It was written in 1526 and not written yesterday or today. It is a classic work. We have accepted the literary classic which has been there since 1526 when Malik wrote it, and now the fact is that so many years later, some little organisation is saying that it is offending them and their sentiments. Does it make sense?

"It doesn't make sense to anybody expcept for that little group of people who are creeating all the noise," Benegal said, applauding the CBFC and Supreme Court's correct step for the Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor starrer.

CBFC on December 30 last year decided to grant a U/A certificate to the movie, subject to five modifications, including title change from PADMAVATI to PADMAVAT. The makers — Bhansali Productions and Viacom18 Motion Pictures — finally went with PADMAAVAT, and agreed to the other four points, maintaining that the movie glorifies Rajput pride, valour and honour.

However, Rajput outfit Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been adamant in its demand that the movie must not be screened.

Benegal said: "There is nothing to stop the state governments to act against these groups who are causing this problem, unless they are hand in glove with the group… What is going to prevent them?"

[By Sugandha Rawal]

He is a singing sensation, a celebrated name in the Punjabi film industry and has won over Bollywood fans with his roles in films like UDTA PUNJAB and PHILLAURI. However, Diljit Dosanjh says he does not feel he has become a star yet.

With critics and audiences loving his performances, he still doesn't feel he has achieved stardom?

"No, I have not become a star yet… I do not feel like that currently," Diljit told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Diljit made his acting debut in 2011 with THE LION OF PUNJAB and ventured into Bollywood in 2016 with UDTA PUNJAB. He has also sung numbers like ‘Proper patola’, ‘This Singh is so stylish’, ‘Do you know’ and ‘5 taara’, which have been chart-toppers.

"I have miles to go. Right now, it is not the time that I look back and see what I have done or where I started from or where I have reached. When I reach a stage, maybe after the age of 60, then I would look back and see where I started from and what I have done," he said.

As he is gaining popularity in Bollywood, will Punjabi films take a backseat?

"No. Two of my Hindi films will release this year. But my love for Punjabi films is more. This year, my Punjabi film RANGROOT will release. It is based on World War I. So, every year a Punjabi film by me will come," said Diljit, who has earlier starred in films like JATT & JULIET, SARDAARJI, AMBARSARIYA and SUPER SINGH in his native language.

Diljit, 34, said the common factor in the Hindi and Punjabi film industries remains that "you get a good opportunity to make money in both Bollywood and the Punjabi film industry."

As of now, he is exploring the small screen too. He will be seen — once again — as a mentor in the second season of singing reality show ‘Rising Star’, to be aired on Colors channel.

"Firstly, the similarity between the two seasons will be that it is live like the last time. I think this is the only show that does a live telecast and there is not even a difference of a second… This time there will be new singers, songs and new stories. The set is also new. This time it will be more fun," he said.

Diljit finds both TV and films are ‘strong mediums’.

"A good film will be etched in the minds of people. A film has its own spectacular journey and television has a quick response. I am doing this show because of the way I perform live on stage and get a quick response," he added.

On the film front, he will next be seen playing former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh in the upcoming biopic SOORMA, which also stars Taapsee Pannu.

"I had never played hockey and I am doing a film on hockey. I thought I'd only be able to do films that I can relate to, but since I am in this field, I would have to do new subjects that are not close to my real life. I have learnt hockey under the guidance of Sandeep Singh."

Diljit also has ARJUN PATIALA with Kriti Sanon.

"The film is a small-town comedy," he said of the movie in which he essays a policeman yet again after JATT & JULIET 2.

[By Durga Chakravarty]

He is a singing sensation, a celebrated name in the Punjabi film industry and has won over Bollywood fans with his roles in films like UDTA PUNJAB and PHILLAURI. However, Diljit Dosanjh says he does not feel he has become a star yet.

With critics and audiences loving his performances, he still doesn't feel he has achieved stardom?

"No, I have not become a star yet… I do not feel like that currently," Diljit told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Diljit made his acting debut in 2011 with THE LION OF PUNJAB and ventured into Bollywood in 2016 with UDTA PUNJAB. He has also sung numbers like ‘Proper patola’, ‘This Singh is so stylish’, ‘Do you know’ and ‘5 taara’, which have been chart-toppers.

"I have miles to go. Right now, it is not the time that I look back and see what I have done or where I started from or where I have reached. When I reach a stage, maybe after the age of 60, then I would look back and see where I started from and what I have done," he said.

As he is gaining popularity in Bollywood, will Punjabi films take a backseat?

"No. Two of my Hindi films will release this year. But my love for Punjabi films is more. This year, my Punjabi film RANGROOT will release. It is based on World War I. So, every year a Punjabi film by me will come," said Diljit, who has earlier starred in films like JATT & JULIET, SARDAARJI, AMBARSARIYA and SUPER SINGH in his native language.

Diljit, 34, said the common factor in the Hindi and Punjabi film industries remains that "you get a good opportunity to make money in both Bollywood and the Punjabi film industry."

As of now, he is exploring the small screen too. He will be seen — once again — as a mentor in the second season of singing reality show ‘Rising Star’, to be aired on Colors channel.

"Firstly, the similarity between the two seasons will be that it is live like the last time. I think this is the only show that does a live telecast and there is not even a difference of a second… This time there will be new singers, songs and new stories. The set is also new. This time it will be more fun," he said.

Diljit finds both TV and films are ‘strong mediums’.

"A good film will be etched in the minds of people. A film has its own spectacular journey and television has a quick response. I am doing this show because of the way I perform live on stage and get a quick response," he added.

On the film front, he will next be seen playing former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh in the upcoming biopic SOORMA, which also stars Taapsee Pannu.

"I had never played hockey and I am doing a film on hockey. I thought I'd only be able to do films that I can relate to, but since I am in this field, I would have to do new subjects that are not close to my real life. I have learnt hockey under the guidance of Sandeep Singh."

Diljit also has ARJUN PATIALA with Kriti Sanon.

"The film is a small-town comedy," he said of the movie in which he essays a policeman yet again after JATT & JULIET 2.

[By Durga Chakravarty]

Veteran actor and B-town’s favorite grandma Ava Mukherjee passed away last Monday. The cause of the death of the 92-year-old actress is yet to be known.

The thespian had been part of various TV commercials, movies and television shows. She is most remembered for her roles in Shah Rukh Khan starrer DEVDAS, DARNA ZAROORI HAI and DETECTIVE NAANI.

The first lead role of her career was given to her by her daughter Romilla Mukherjee who was the director of DETECTIVE NAANI.

Before venturing into films Ava had even worked as copywriter and writer. 

May her soul rest in peace.

Veteran actor and B-town’s favorite grandma Ava Mukherjee passed away last Monday. The cause of the death of the 92-year-old actress is yet to be known.

The thespian had been part of various TV commercials, movies and television shows. She is most remembered for her roles in Shah Rukh Khan starrer DEVDAS, DARNA ZAROORI HAI and DETECTIVE NAANI.

The first lead role of her career was given to her by her daughter Romilla Mukherjee who was the director of DETECTIVE NAANI.

Before venturing into films Ava had even worked as copywriter and writer. 

May her soul rest in peace.