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Bollywood Icons Rally For Gender Inclusivity In Cinema...

Mumbai :  Bollywood celebrities highlighted the need for promoting gender inclusivity in films at an event organized by Breakthrough Trust in Mumbai. The event “Reframe by Breakthrough: Reimagining Pop Culture” featured prominent figures, including actor Huma Qureshi, writer and director Vijay Krishna Acharya, director Vikramaditya Motwane, writer and director Varun Grover, film editor Shweta Venkat Mathew, screenwriter and director Nitya Mehra, screenwriter Atika Chouhan, and film critic Mayank Shekhar.

The event witnessed the coming together of many influential voices from Bollywood, who collectively underscored the powerful impact of cinema in shaping societal attitudes and cultural norms. They emphasized that films have the ability not only to entertain but also to reflect and influence how gender roles and relationships are understood in society. The speakers called for an urgent transformation within the industry, advocating for the creation of a more gender-sensitive environment that promotes equal opportunities, diverse representation, and inclusive narratives. They stressed that fostering such a culture is essential for dismantling long-standing stereotypes and biases, ultimately driving positive social change through storytelling.

Acclaimed actor Huma Qureshi said, “A lot of choices I make today are because of the shifts that have come in the industry. There is a shift and I can sense this when I am discussing a script with someone. I should have that choice as an artist. We were told you have to work with heroes to become a star. But do I get to be the hero?” We have examples of men being okay with not being macho, being in their ‘soft boy era’ as we call it. But still a lot needs to be done.” Vijay Krishna Acharya pointed out, “We need to understand why something is working. Why is something that is reprehensible to me, working for the larger audience? People will be patriarchal and all of it, but name calling will not get us to change anything.”

Vikramaditya Motwane said, “Compared to where we were 15 years ago, industry has witnessed progressive evolution. But one size- fits all does not apply anymore. Women have been leads in many shows and movies. To be able to have women as leads for a lot of content is a sign of progress change.”

As the entertainment landscape continues to develop, the demand for gender-sensitive content has never been more pressing. Sohini Bhattacharya, CEO, Breakthrough Trust said, “As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, we want to partner with it to enable more gender-sensitive content. I think this call in not ours alone but women themselves are demanding such content. This call to action marks a significant step toward reshaping the future of cinema and promoting gender equality in the industry. We are trying to build a community and find a common ground to work on the value of gender progressive stories and why they matter, together as a group. Building allyship is the first step towards this.”

The event marked the beginning of meaningful change in partnership with the most influential voices of Bollywood, ensuring that inclusive storytelling becomes the standard rather than the exception. This unified call to action marks a significant step toward reshaping the future of cinema and promoting gender equality in the industry. The path ahead is clear: by amplifying inclusive storytelling, Bollywood can lead the charge in redefining societal norms and inspiring positive change.

Bollywood Icons Rally For Gender Inclusivity In Cinema

4 Titles Winner Mrs Almas Anfar Kathuria Charity Queen For Highest Contribution Towards Charity Thailand...

Meet Mrs Almas Anfar Kathuria, India Middle East 2024

Mrs India Middle East 2024 (Dubai)

Mrs Tourism International 2024 (Thailand)representing India.

Almas is the proud winner of Charity Queen (For highest contribution towards charity charity)Thailand  and also the Regent Smart City Queen (Thailand).

Almas based out in Dubai, is privileged to have crowned four times  – title-winner.

Almas is an entrepreneur and firmly believes in charity and as  kind-hearted any generous person she does a lot of charity.

She is above all a magnanimous personality ever smiling to always be of help to persons in dire need anytime and anywhere.

Above all Almas is wedded to the hospitality industry and her husband Tarun Kathuria is the proud owner of chain of hotels in Dubai,Georgia,Russia ,Thailand

He gives an able support to her and stands by her charity and brand endorsements. Almas is into launch of her own make-up brand in December 2024.

 

4 Titles Winner Mrs Almas Anfar Kathuria Charity Queen For Highest Contribution Towards Charity Thailand

“UUNCHAI Took Me to New Heights, Both Literally and Creatively” – Sooraj Barjatya on Winning National Award for Best Director...

At the 70th National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi, Sooraj Barjatya and Neena Gupta proudly accepted their awards from President Droupadi Murmu, marking yet another milestone in their illustrious careers. Barjatya, the iconic filmmaker known for his grand family dramas, has won the prestigious National Award for Best Director for his film Uunchai. The film, produced by Rajshri Productions in collaboration with Mahaveer Jain Films and Boundless Media, has been celebrated for its emotional depth and breathtaking visuals. Alongside Barjatya’s win, Uunchai also brought recognition to veteran actress Neena Gupta, who won her second National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.

Reflecting on his journey with Uunchai, Barjatya shared, “Uunchai wasn’t the kind of film people expected from me. It didn’t have the usual grandeur of my earlier works, but it came from my heart. I didn’t choose Uunchai; it chose me. Today, this award is the perfect culmination of that journey.”

A Bold Cinematic Adventure

Uunchai, the 60th film from Rajshri Productions, was conceived and shot during the pandemic, a time of great uncertainty for filmmakers and audiences alike. The film tells the poignant story of friendship, hope, and resilience, shot against the backdrop of the Himalayas. It was the first Hindi film to be shot at Everest Base Camp, over 17,000 feet above sea level, making it both a physical and creative challenge for the entire cast and crew.

“This film pushed me to new heights, both literally and creatively,” Barjatya said, recounting the risks involved in shooting in such extreme conditions. The film’s emotional resonance and stunning visuals connected deeply with audiences, proving once again that a great story can transcend conventional filmmaking expectations.

National Recognition and Reflection

Thirty years after Hum Aapke Hain Koun won the National Award for Best Popular Film, Barjatya once again stood on the prestigious stage, this time honored as Best Director. “Back then, as a young director, the rush of excitement was overwhelming. Today, the feeling is one of deep gratitude and calm,” Barjatya reflected. He dedicated the award to Rajshri Productions, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and to the mentors who helped shape his career, including Shri Mahesh Bhatt, Shri N. Chandra, and Shri Hiren Nag.

Neena Gupta’s Triumph

In addition to Barjatya’s win, Uunchai earned Neena Gupta her second National Award for Best Supporting Actress. Gupta’s portrayal of Shabina Siddique brought an emotional richness and depth to the film, which was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. “Neena Gupta’s performance in Uunchai is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. Her win is well deserved, and it only adds to the joy of this recognition,” Barjatya commented.

A Collaborative Win

Uunchai was the result of a successful collaboration between Rajshri Productions, Mahaveer Jain Films, and Boundless Media. The film’s success was a testament to the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved, from the production team to the star-studded cast, which included Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Sarika, and Parineeti Chopra.

“My entire cast was my backbone during the making of Uunchai,” Barjatya said. “Their belief in me and the film, and their willingness to endure such challenging conditions, made this journey unforgettable.”

A Legacy Reimagined

With Uunchai, Sooraj Barjatya has once again demonstrated his ability to evolve as a filmmaker while staying true to the core values that have defined his career. His National Award win, along with Neena Gupta’s, reinforces the lasting impact of the film and its message of hope, perseverance, and friendship. As Uunchai continues to inspire audiences, Barjatya is already looking ahead.

“I’m not done yet,” he said with a smile. “There are many more stories to tell and many more heights to reach.”


Veteran Director Sooraj Barjatya Wins The Best Director Award For His Film Uunchai At The 70th National Film Awards.

The Honourable President Of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Presented The Highest Award For Cinema In India, Today In New Delhi. Many Congratulations To Soorajji For This Milestone Win! BIG Celebration At @rajshrifilms!


“UUNCHAI Took Me to New Heights, Both Literally and Creatively” – Sooraj Barjatya on Winning National Award for Best Director

 

Marking 155 Years Of Mahatma Gandhi: Rizwan Adatia’s Tribute To Peace And Nonviolence...

Dubai, UAE – October 2, 2024: The world unites in honoring Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation in India and a global symbol of peace and nonviolence. October 2nd, also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations since 2007, serves as a day to commemorate Gandhi’s enduring contributions to humanity and the spread of his principles worldwide.

In a collaborative effort to mark this occasion, Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Rizwan Adatia, through his “Human for Humans” initiative, joined forces with the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies (ESRC) to celebrate the 155th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth at Swissotel in Dubai. The event was held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council and Chancellor of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies.

In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE’s deep commitment to being a global hub of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. saying, “As a nation that proudly welcomes all civilizations and cultures, the UAE embodies the principles of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.

He added, “In an increasingly divided world, the UAE stands as a beacon of tolerance, a place where people of diverse backgrounds come together to build a shared future.

Reflecting on his personal connection to Gandhi, Mr. Rizwan Adatia recounted his own birth in 1969, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, and his upbringing in Porbandar, India—Gandhi’s hometown. He fondly recalled the streets where he grew up, near Gandhi’s former residence, now a Museum, and the profound impact of Gandhi’s legacy on his life.

Mr. Adatia also shared experiences from his interactions with global leaders, including India’s Prime Minister and Mozambique’s President, among others. He underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing global challenges. “What better day than Gandhi Jayanti to remind ourselves that together, we have the power to reshape the world. The challenges we face today may seem enormous, but through development and a commitment to helping our fellow human beings, we can overcome them,” he remarked.

Dr. Firas Habbal, President of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, paid tribute to Gandhi’s enduring contributions and called upon the business community to support ESRC’s research initiatives. He highlighted the UAE’s multicultural environment, home to over 200 nationalities, and praised the Indian community’s significant contributions. Dr. Habbal also encouraged Indian universities to deepen their partnerships in education and research with the UAE.

The event was graced by a distinguished audience, including UAE officials, business leaders, members of the Indian diaspora, embassy representatives, media professionals, and other esteemed guests.

This commemorative event served as a poignant reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s lasting influence and the crucial need to uphold the values of peace, unity, and humanity in today’s complex world.

Marking 155 Years Of Mahatma Gandhi: Rizwan Adatia’s Tribute To Peace And Nonviolence

Sudev Production Has Announced Their Big Bollywood Entry THE HOUND With Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla And Tanvi Nimbhorkar...

The applause celebrates the evening of “The Hound” debut with a massive blast entry of Sudev Production following the title screening. The exhilaration, the rush, and the shouts convey all. The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) saw another Bollywood blockbuster go through its journey. In front of the filmmakers, actors, and media representatives, Sudev Production presented a unique “cine-vision” of their movie universe. The film’s producer, Mrs. Shahenaz Shaikh, shared her opinions about filmmaker Krishan Halder’s imaginative and unconventional ideas, also “The Hound”. She also praised Tanvi Nimbhorkar and Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla for their exceptional craftsmanship.

About Director:

From the city of art and craft, Kolkata, started as an animated filmmaker to Bollywood debut, Indian film director Krishan Halder made an extraordinary journey.He is also among those whose stories on children’s TV shows, OTTs, and comic books delighted a lot of us. In addition to his work as a screenwriter, he has directed films such as “The God,” “Metaphor: Another Story,” “Let It forever,” and others. He added that his passion for movies stems from his appreciation of all the arts that go into making a film, in addition to his emotive love for visual storytelling.

About Sudhanshu:

Actor Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla is well-known in India for having appeared in web series. In the 2025 release of the Hindi feature film “The Hound,” he will make his screen debut alongside Tanvi Nimbhorkar. Like most actors pursuing their dream of becoming an action hero, he was ecstatic about getting his start. His debut will also serve as another proof that perseverance pays off. A memorable trip from the alleyway of Lucknow to the Bollywood big screen.

About Tanvi:

Maharashtra-born actress Tanvi Nimbhorkar is well-known for her appearances on Indian television and web series. She was also very excitedly enjoying her debut with Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla. She can anticipate numerous career affirmations from her transition from the silver screen to the big screen.

Visions Of Sudev Production:

Producer Mr. Satish K. Rao and Mr. Varun Puri responded to this query by mentioning the Sudev production’s values. Gathering innovative concepts and introducing fresh talent can increase the opportunities for excellent movies and Sudev production, paving the way for them. Rather than a film production firm, they want to ensure that the voyage of Sudev production will be contributions of long stories of creative individuals or teamworks. Long live Cinema!!!

Sudev Production Has Announced Their Big Bollywood Entry THE HOUND With Sudhanshu Shekhar Shukla And Tanvi Nimbhorkar.