Rupali Suri to flare up the red carpet at IIFA

Actress and fashionista Rupali Suri has been chosen to be the official anchor at the red carpet for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) gala in Madrid, Spain this year. Rupali will cover a city tour for digital space content of the celebrations.

Rupali Suri - Pic 28 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

With close to 150 Bollywood celebrities attending, an expected audience of around 20,000, and a business forum to facilitate talks of trade and collaborations, besides attractions integrating talent from India and Spain – the 17th IIFA event is poised to be a celebration of 60 years of the countries’ diplomatic relations.

Rupali Suri - Pic 19 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

The Gladrags MegaModel winner will soon be making her big screen debut, playing a key role in director Arun Frank’s first feature film ‘Dad… Hold My Hand’.

Rupali Suri - Pic 20 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

Rupali plays the lead’s fiancé Ria in the film starring Denzil Smith, Ratna Pathak and Jayesh Kodwani. Produced by Wet Grass Films and presented in association with Bad Girl Films (UK), ‘Dad… Hold My Hand’ is made entirely in English and shot in London and Mumbai. The film is expected to do more rounds of festival circuits, before releasing in India and the West.

Rupali Suri starrer gets warm reception in Sweden

 

Fashionista and theatre actress Rupali Suri’s film ‘Dad… Hold My Hand’ recently premiered to a warm reception at Cinema Indien; a film festival organized under the India Unlimited programme by the Embassy of India at Stockholm in Sweden. The movie was so appreciated that a repeat screening was also arranged.

Rupali Suri - Pic 22 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

But Rupali who plays a key role, does not sound ecstatic about the praise. Reason being, the writer-director of the movie Arun Frank is no more.

 

Frank, who spearheaded more than a dozen TV projects earlier, was no ordinary director. In the late 90s, Frank was dubbed ‘the most successful success machine’ for Indian television. He churned out serial after serial, soap after soap, like nobody’s business.

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In fact, there was a time when he simultaneously directed television projects, rushing to and fro from one set to another and shooting with various production units at the same time. It was as if Frank was in a race against time. Little did he realize that his life actually would not give him much more time.

 

“This feature film is Mr Frank’s directorial debut in Bollywood. It was a project extremely close and special to him,” reminisces Rupali, mourning the maker’s demise. “I wish he was there to witness the response his film is getting,” she says.

Rupali Suri - Pic 17 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

Rupali plays the lead’s fiancé Ria in the film starring Denzil Smith, Ratna Pathak and Jayesh Kodwani. Produced by Wet Grass Films and presented in association with Bad Girl Films (UK), ‘Dad… Hold My Hand’ is made entirely in English and shot in London and Mumbai. The film is expected to do more rounds of festival circuits, before releasing in India and the West.

 

Fashionista Rupali Suri reveals hot showstopper traits!

 

With the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2016 fever refusing to die down, we can’t help but look at that certain magic that metamorphoses our Indian models into spectacular ramp queens.

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Chic Bollywood sensations Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra have been some of the hot favourites of our designers for the runway.

 

Fashionista Rupali Suri who has been a new-age showstopper feels, that “though the fashion industry is a bit biased towards actresses, it’s also a boon to a whole lot of new entrants” on the glam scene. An actress herself, Rupali points out that it takes quite a few stunning qualities in a model to emerge as a showstopper.

Rupali Suri - Pic 5 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

So what are the basic requisites of dazzling on the runway? “First of all one has to have that feminine charisma and persona, a decent height and electrifying stage presence. Plus, one has to carry herself in the designer’s grand attire with exuberance and confidence, at the same time, effortlessly match with the theme of the show,” says Rupali.

 

True that! An intelligent supermodel is the one who understands the brand sensibilities and is in step with the brand image of the designer and his designs. After all, that’s the element which brings in the eyeballs and the business for the fashion industry.

Iran, Italy and India to get together for ‘an eternal love story’

 

Children of Heaven maker Majid Majidi to watch Akbar Khan’s Taj Mahal

 

An earlier screening of Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story

 

Iranian award winning director Majid Majidi who is internationally acclaimed for movies like Children of Heaven, The Color of Paradise, Baran and his latest Muhammad: The Messenger of God, will attend a special screening of Akbar Khan’s National Award winning film Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story along with Iranian, Italian and Indian dignitaries at a private theatre in Juhu, Mumbai, this week.

 

A file pic of filmmaker Akbar Khan with the lead cast of Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story.

 

Majidi will be joined by the Consul General of Iran, His Excellency Masood E Khaleghi, Director General, Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mr Habib Ildeygi and Iranian actor Mohammad Reza Golzar (touted as Iran’s George Clooney) along with diplomats, businessmen and Indian actors Dia Mirza and Poonam Dhillon, as well as stalwarts from the Italian film industry.

 

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“India and Iran share historic relations. A cultural exchange through the medium of cinema is a great way to strengthen this bond,” says director-producer-actor Akbar Khan, who has arranged an event to honour and felicitate the Iranian dignitaries.

 

It can be noted that on its release a few years ago, Khan’s magnum opus Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story created history when it broke the 40-year-old ban on Indian movies in Pakistan. Then, Akbar Khan headed a momentous delegation along with illustrious filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt to Pakistan and opened the floodgates for the Indian film industry there.

 

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“It’s a great time for India to establish relations with the world,” remarks Khan, who is set to embark on two new projects soon. Titled Taxi Driver, the first is a thriller to be shot entirely in London. The second is yet another magnum opus, a historical epic on Genghis Khan; founder of the Mongol Empire, one of the largest empires in the history of the world.

Rupali Suri owns a HUNDRED pairs of shoes

 

Cinderella would never have been married to Prince Charming if it wasn’t for those glass slippers and Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City had her share of shoes. There is no denying that women are fascinated with shoes. But most guys don’t even attempt to understand the profound relationship between a woman and her shoes.

Rupali Suri - Pic 14 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

For Gladrags MegaModel winner, television anchor, actress and event host Rupali Suri, shoes are much more than part of personality or attitude. “I have a fetish for them,” she reveals. “If I’d count my pairs, they may be around 100 to 105 by now. I own all kinds. I keep picking up shoes, bags and accessories like a collector. In a few years, I may need a separate house to stock all of it,” she laughs.

Rupali Suri - Pic 1 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

Sure! Good clothes and shoes are investments for actors and fashion people. But Rupali also admits that getting her hands, or rather her feet, on some perfect fitting stilettos, is quite a task. She adds that apart from shoes, no girl should forget the accessory that further defines personality. “Keep a watch on those watches you wear. Good ones can go a long way in making style statements.”

 

Her Hollywood style icon is J.Lo. “She styles herself with élan. Bollywood comes near with Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.”

Rupali Suri - Pic 7 (Image Courtesy - Dale Bhagwagar Media Group)

So what are the brands Rupali can’t do without? “Though my latest addition are Louis Vuitton pearl earrings, I never buy brands for the heck of it. I go for the ones which suit my tastes and often mix and match. Being happy with how I carry myself is a luxury I cherish.” Atta girl!

 

Bhaag Johnny girl Mandana Karimi reveals her fitness secrets!

The gorgeous Mandana Karimi who is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Vikram Bhatt’s thriller Bhaag Johnny, has revealed her fitness secrets in a cover feature with Krunch Today magazine this month.

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The cover girl says she works out four times a week with weights for two days and cardio for two other. When shooting or traveling, Mandana does twenty minutes of online-stimulated workout in her room.

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“I eat healthy and eat a lot,” she admits. “But I’m very active throughout the day. Plus I don’t mind becoming a bit fuller,” she winks.

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What’s surprising is that the shapely gal has no diet plan at all! “I’ve never had one,” she reveals. “I’m blessed with very high metabolism. But recently, when I returned to my routine after a break, I was asked to eat chocolates only once in a week.”

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Bananas, almonds, salmon, dark chocolate and eggs are Mandana’s energy boosters. For a zero-flab diet, the girl recommends eating breakfast regularly and snacking throughout the day; as well as drinking lots of water to keep energy levels high.

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But talk to her about her lifestyle and she says “it’s boring”. She doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol. Neither does she enjoy nightlife much! “I try to sleep and wake up early and love to have lots of baby sleep in my free time. I also try to get as many massages I can, as they are fab for blood circulation.”

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But what Mandana craves for is a nice meal at her favourite quaint restaurants on weekends. Come Sundays, and she also plays table tennis. Makes us wonder if we can call her a homely firebrand!

 

India’s gets its first martial arts comedy Local Kung Fu

Jackie Chan once explored comedy within the action genre and won the hearts of millions. Now India is attempting a similar feat, starting off with a humble beginning.

 

This week, the country will get its first own full-blown ‘martial arts comedy’ in the form of Kenny Basumatary’s Assamese feature film Local Kung Fu which boasts of some fabulously choreographed action sequences amidst rip-roaring humour.

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What’s more! This is one of the most inexpensive action films ever made, with a budget less than a lakh of rupees! The film’s team neither had a great budget nor the need to use trickery-like wires etc to execute their fights. All the fighters of Local Kung Fu are genuine martial artists who’ve trained for several years.

 

Kenny Basumatary has not only written and directed the film, but also plays the main protagonist along with other cast comprising Utkal Hazowary, Sangeeta Nair, Bonny Deori, Bibhash Sinha, Ronnie Deori, Johny Deori and AS Deori.

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Come September 27 and Local Kung Fu will release in seven prominent cities in the country with English subtitles for audiences outside Assam. The film will be screened by PVR in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Chennai, apart from an independent release in Assam.

 

Anita Advani has no agenda for Bigg Boss!

 

When Anita Advani got in touch with Bollywood PR specialist Dale Bhagwagar about Bigg Boss, the best advice he probably gave her was to be herself on the show.

 

The publicist, who handled all the hype and controversy about Advani’s Rajesh Khanna connection after the superstar’s demise, says she is an “overtly emotional person” and “would very likely have multiple breakdowns in the cutthroat atmosphere of the Bigg Boss house.”

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“But mind you, she also has a lot of inner strength and can bounce back with great clarity. Basically, she’s a fighter, so don’t underestimate her as a weak contestant just because of the overflowing sentiments or tears,” reveals the publicist.

 

“Anitaji was wondering what could be in store for her in the house of scandal. I could have told her many things to guide her, but all I asked her to be, is herself.” Dale gave this simple advice to her for a reason.

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He explains, “Many contestants go on Bigg Boss with an agenda. Normally, there is a PR plan in place to help them reach the finals. But Anitaji has gone there to face her past and move on in life. There is no plan; no agenda. Neither am I handling her PR while she is in Bigg Boss. So, to be herself, was the best advice I could have given her, knowing well the person she is.”

 

For the record, Dale was himself invited as a contestant for BB7, but he chose not to take it up. Now, let’s see how far Anita Advani goes without a PR plan in Bigg Boss.

 

Cyber cops rescue Evelyn Sharma from errant website

The Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actress Evelyn Sharma has heaved a sigh of relief, with Cyber Crime Cell of Lucknow Police, Uttar Pradesh, taking up her case on war footing. Following swift action by the cops, the website has publicly apologized and removed all objectionable content.

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“Honestly, we did not expect such speed from the cops in resolving the matter. But Mr Dinesh Yadav, nodal officer and head of Cyber Crime Cell in the city was cooperation personified,” reveals Evelyn’s publicist Dale Bhagwagar, who filed the complaint on behalf of the actress.

 

Evelyn was facing constant persecution through falsities in articles by a Lucknow-based website bollygupshup.org run by one Gagan Deep Mishra alias Akash Deep Mishra, when she complained to the cyber cops.

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Within a span of a week, the website repeatedly attacked the actress with different statements, incorrectly claiming that she had undergone plastic surgery, was part of a film titled Joker, as well as put up a false age, on the pretext of picking content from Wikipedia and IMDB, without verification.

 

Moreover, it ‘tagged’ Evelyn on her Twitter account in the web links of these articles containing the fabricated information, in an apparent attempt to intimidate the actress on social media.

 

Evelyn Sharma files complaint with Cyber Crime Cell in Lucknow

The people of Lucknow are known for their tehzeeb (etiquettes). But Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actress and fashionista Evelyn Sharma’s experience with a locally run website from the city, has been quite different.

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Following constant harassment through falsities in articles on a website called bollygupshup.org, Evelyn has filed a complaint with Mr Dinesh Yadav, nodal officer, and head of Cyber Crime Cell of Lucknow Police, Uttar Pradesh.

The said website, run by Lucknow-based Gagan Deep Mishra alias Akash Deep Mishra, had put up various articles on Evelyn within a span of a week, attacking her with false statements.

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They incorrectly claimed that the actress has undergone plastic surgery, was part of a film titled Joker, as well as put up a false age, on the pretext of picking content from Wikipedia and IMDB, without verification.

Moreover, the website often ‘tagged’ Evelyn on her Twitter account in the web links of these articles containing the fabricated information, in an apparent attempt to intimidate the actress on social media.

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Requests for corrections by Evelyn’s publicist Dale Bhagwagar were ignored by the website, after which he filed a complaint with the cyber cops on behalf of the actress.

Since Evelyn is residing in Mumbai, the Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC) in Mumbai has also been informed. The Police complaints may be followed up with legal action for defamation.

Bhaag Johnny girl Mandana Karimi wants to promote Being Human

Salman Khan has a new diehard fan! And this time its an actress! The gorgeous Mandana Karimi, who is set to make her debut in Bollywood with Vikram Bhatt’s Bhaag Johnny, is super-charmed by Sallu’s superbrand Being Human.

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“She’s keen to find out how she can be associated with Salman’s noble cause in some way or the other,” reveals her publicist Dale Bhagwagar.

 

And if you think Mandana is enamoured by Salman’s looks, marital status or movies, you’re wrong!

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“All she wants is to reach out and help people grow in their endeavours and be their best. She’s a good soul and thus identifies with Being Human,” Bhagwagar adds.

 

But why the special interest in Salman’s brand? “It’s not about Salman; it’s about the cause he’s been working for. See, Mandana hails from Iran and has seen a lot of conflict and emotional upheavals while growing up. That’s a huge reason why being human comes above everything else in her life,” explains the PR specialist. Now we see the point! Indeed.

 

Rakul Preet’s discipline stems from her army connection!

Actress Rakul Preet who is set to make her foray into Bollywood with Yaariyaan; the directorial debut of T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Kumar, has a habit of reaching her sets half an hour before time!

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When asked about it, she credits her tendency to her army connection. Rakul’s dad is a colonel in the army and she has done her final years of schooling from Army Public School in Delhi. A mathematics graduate, she has studied financial management.

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“They say discipline is the soul of an army. I have grown up inculcating the values of timeliness, obedience, restraint and commitment. I’m realizing that qualities like these go a long way in shaping life,” she says with dreams in her eyes.

 

Rakul’s family background puts the gal in a unique league of Bollywood beauties like Preity Zinta, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen, Anushka Sharma, Chitrangada Singh and Lara Dutta; all of whom hail from military backgrounds; with parents posted in various rungs of the military hierarchy.