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Ranjeet's driver's dead body found in his swimming pool

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Bollywood's veteran villain Ranjeet Wednesday said that his driver's dead body was found in his swimming pool here. However, whether it was an accident or a case of suicide is yet to be ascertained, said the actor.

The body of Nagraj Gowda was found Tuesday night.

"My wife went to monitor his sugar last night. She found his body in our swimming pool. We immediately pulled him out and took him to the hospital, but he was declared dead before admission," Ranjeet told IANS.

The driver was working with Ranjeet for the past 30 years.

"He was like our family," said the actor, who featured in films like "Laawaris" and "Namak Halal".

"We still don't know whether it was (a case of) suicide or by accident. The case is with Juhu police station right now. I really don't know whether he fell into the water or jumped. We don't how he slipped out of the room when his brother and son both were there."

According to reports, 44-year-old Gowda was suffering health issues and he was a patient of diabetes. He was also undergoing dialysis.

Gowda's last rites will take place in him hometown Karnataka.

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Director Chandrakala to edit 'Aashiqui 3' online

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Director Chandrakala, who plans to complete her upcoming Kannada directorial "Aashiqui 3" in a flat 20 days, will edit the film online and use live sound effects to save time.

"I plan to finish the film in 20 days. Usually post-production, especially editing takes a lot of time. To save time, I plan to edit online with available software during the shooting of the film," Chandrakala told IANS.

"Instead of composing and recording music, I plan to use live sound to also save on time. A lot of films in the west use live sound effects, but we haven't shown keen interest towards it. My film will bring forth the advantages of using it," she said.

She says "Aashiqui 3" has nothing to do with Hindi film "Aashiqui".

"I wanted to use the title 'Aashiqui' for my film, but since there are two Hindi films with the same title, I had to settle with 'Aashiqui 3'. It has no connection to the Hindi films. My title is most suitable to the story," she added.

Sandip Kumar and Adarsh play lead roles in the film, which is expected to go on floors soon. The hunt for the female lead is underway.

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There's an audience for films I do: Rajeev Khandelwal

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Rajeev Khandelwal, who made an unconventional film debut with "Aamir", will be seen in Rajshri Productions'"Samrat & Co.", a detective thriller, and he is confident that there is an audience for the kind of films he does.

"I am prepared for every film I do. I know my films have made money. 'Aamir', 'Shaitaan' and 'Table No.21', all have made money. I know there is an audience and if you have liked the trailer (of 'Samrat & Co.'), then I guarantee you the film is better," the 38-year-old said here Tuesday at the first look launch of the film.

"Samrat & Co." is produced by Sooraj Barjatya's cousin Kavita and directed by Kaushik Ghatak.

Rajeev hopes the film does good business and is also loved by the audience.

"The film will rock and I am hoping that it is really loved by the audience. I hope the producer makes money. The best thing is when a film makes money and it is loved by the audience. Sometimes films make money, but people don't like it," Rajeev said.

The film is expected to release April 25.

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Rajshri Productions will keep experimenting now: Sooraj Barjatya

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Sooraj Barjatya's home banner Rajshri Productions is known for family-oriented dramas, but it is now set to release a detective thriller titled "Samrat & Co.". The filmmaker says the new generation at his production house is free to make whatever they want.

His cousin Kavita is ready with her first production "Samrat & Co.", a detective thriller.

"May be I feel restricted because of my mindset, my upbringing. But the next generation at Rajshri Productions should not be restricted," the 50-year-old said here Tuesday at the first look launch of the film.

"When she (Kavita) told me about this film, I said, 'Please make it. It is something I would have liked to make, (but) you make it'," he added.

Rajshri Productions is known for films like "Chitchor", "Maine Pyaar Kiya", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun", "Hum Saath Saath Hain" and "Vivaah".

A detective film titled "Agent Vinod" under the banner came out in 1977.

Sooraj said: "We will keep experimenting now. I am also doing that. We should not be restricted, Rajshri should do everything."

Meanwhile, Rajeev Khandelwal, who plays the lead in "Samrat & Co.", says the latest entertainer still has everything one expects from the Rajshri Productions stable.

"Let me tell you - everything you expect from Rajshri is there in this film, certain values... whatever you expect," Rajeev said.

Sooraj's next directorial venture is with superstar Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor titled "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo". It was earlier titled "Bade Bhaiya."

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Stan Lee launches new superhero in English, Hindi

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Comic book legend Stan Lee, co-creator of some of the world's leading superhero characters like Spider-Man and Fantastic Four, has joined hands with Graphic India to launch a new superhero - "Chakra the Invincible".

Created by Lee, Graphic India and POW! Entertainment, the new series of animated shorts is available globally in English and will also be released in Hindi specifically for the Indian market, the two US companies announced Tuesday.

Launched on Rovio's ToonsTV, a streaming video platform, Chakra is also available to audiences around the world through the immensely popular Angry Birds game apps, at Toons.TV and on selected connected devices.

"Against the spectacular backdrop of the great Indian metropolis of Mumbai, we tell the incredible saga of Chakra, one of my latest and most exciting superhero creations, whose adventures will captivate audiences around the world," said Lee.

"Chakra - The Invincible," tells the story of Raju Rai, a young Indian boy living in Mumbai.

Determined to unlock the secrets of human potential through science, Raju and his mentor, the scientist Dr. Singh, develop a technology suit that activates the mystical chakras of the body.

When Raju accidentally activates the suit, he discovers he has superpowers and vows to use his new found abilities to protect the city.

Using his amazing powers, Chakra must save the city of Mumbai and the world from such supervillains as the shattering steelfist, Kildune, the destroyer, Agni, the Living Flame.and the most evil villain of them all, the Merciless, Boss Yama!

In addition to the partnership with Rovio, "Chakra" was recently launched on Cartoon Network India as an animated film.

Beyond animation, Graphic India is also releasing comic books, games, toys and merchandise based on the superhero.

Founded by media entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, Graphic India is owned by US comic book Company, Liquid Comics and CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group.

POW! Entertainment is a multi-media entertainment company founded by Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and the late intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman.

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Jagadambika Pal, Raju Srivastava join BJP

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Congress leader Jagadambika Pal and stand up comedian Raju Srivastava Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Pal, formerly a Congress MP and the Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, had earlier resigned from the Lok Sabha as well as the party.

Pal, 63, has been a three-time legislator and minister in Uttar Pradesh.

Srivastava was earlier offered a ticket by the Samajwadi Party to contest the Kanpur Lok Sabha seat but he opted to join the BJP.

BJP president Rajnath Singh welcomed both to the party.

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Old is gold!

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I wonder why filmmakers shy away from narrating tales about elderly people with senior actors in the lead roles.

Well-narrated stories revolving around ripe old age have takers, but such efforts are few and far between.

Remember how much everyone appreciated and enjoyed watching the funny mother-in-law and daughter-in-law's bantering and drinking sessions in "Vicky Donor" played by Kamlesh Gill and Dolly Ahluwalia respectively?

And how can we forget middle-aged doctor Baldev Chaddha, essayed by Annu Kapoor to the hilt, who was central to the hit movie on sperm donation that released in 2012 and pleased all and sundry.

Interestingly, viewers were not only in awe of the way-out story in Shoojit Sircar's directorial venture, they connected well with the humble and modest characters,
including Ayushmann Khurrana, a debutant then, in "Vicky Donor" and thanks to the positive reception, the Rs.5 crore film turned into a gold spinner at the box office with Rs.45 crore profit.

This was not the only one.

Equally entertaining was Farrukh Jaffar as the foul- mouthed and short-tempered Amma in 2010's highly acclaimed and moneymaking dark comedy "Peepli Live". Wrapped in rags, the 'bidi'-addicted and bed-ridden Amma's one-liners had the viewers in splits.

Sans glamour and big stars, the Rs.7 crore dusty drama, produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Anusha Rizvi, recovered its cost even before its release and upped the ante for the others.

So, it's just a myth that only big stars, glamorous actresses, opulent sets, bewitching backdrops and songs and dances can pull in the crowds!

Often viewers receive unwarranted blame for a dearth of such stories, but they indeed appreciate sincere efforts.

They adored Naseeruddin Shah as an ageing lover in "Ishqiya" and the song "Dil toh baccha hai ji" entered everyone's list of favourites. Even in "Dedh Ishqiya", his role as a lovestruck oldie struck the right chord with the viewers.

A middle-aged middle-class couple's tale in "Do Dooni Chaar", shot on a shoestring budget, did so well that it became one of the best films of 2010. The Neetu-Rishi Kapooor starrer even won a National Award for the best Hindi feature film and this was like the icing on the cake for director Habib Faisal.

In the mainstream, viewers related to the woes of a retired couple, essayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, in "Baghban". The emotional drama moved the
audiences to tears and turned into the biggest crowd- puller.

Recently, "Club 60" won appreciation.

These success stories are testimony to the fact that wrinkled-faced characters with salt and pepper hair never get in the way of a good yarn.

Forthcoming movie "Aankhon Dekhi" is one of those rare attempts by filmmaker Rajat Kapoor. Set in Old Delhi, the film will revolve around an old man, played by Sanjay Mishra.

Even the "Gang of Ghosts" cast is crowded with actors like Anupam Kher, Asrani, and Suarabh Shukla, other than Mahie Gill and Sharman Joshi.

According to the 2011 census, India is home to 100 million elderly, but the over $2 billion (Rs.120 billion) Indian film industry hardly reflects this in its narratives. At 3.09 percent, the growth rate of elderly is higher than that of the general population.

Spinning stories around the elderly, their plight and predicament, their hopes and aspirations should be a natural progression that out filmmakers should look at.

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Gabbar animated comic series on mobile phones

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An animated comic series inspired by iconic character Gabbar Singh from the movie "Sholay" is now available on mobile phones.

The exclusive content can be viewed via all Vuclip products, including the updated Vuclip Android App from any network and on any mobile device, said a statement.

The animated mobile comic series offers a fresh approach to storytelling that resonates with today’s youth on the platform that’s most relevant to them.

The Gabbar mobile series will be released in 20 episodes available exclusively on Vuclip in Hindi.

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Happy with my work in 'Bewakoofiyaan': Sonam Kapoor

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Yash Raj Films'"Bewakoofiyaan" may not have been received well but its lead actress Sonam is happy with her work in the romantic comedy.

"I am happy with the response to the film. If you get critical acclaim, it does not translate into box office success," Sonam told reporters here Tuesday at the launch of a ghazal album.

"There is not much you can do if it does average (business)...but I am happy with my work," she added.

Released March 14, the film has reportedly managed to earn a little above Rs.9 crore.

Directed by debutante Nupur Asthana, "Bewakoofiyaan" also features Ayushmann Khurrana and Rishi Kapoor.

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Take Salman's advice before signing films: Pulkit Samrat

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Three film-old Pulkit Samrat, whose next release is "O Teri", takes Salman Khan's advice before accepting a movie offer and praises the superstar for not imposing his opinion or decision on anyone.

Directed by Umesh Bist, "O Teri" has been produced by Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.

"I got the narration from the director. I consult Salman before signing films, so I met him and told him about the script and he found it interesting. Then I called Atul and (his wife) Alvira and it started from there," he said

Pulkit also shared screen space with Salman in "Jai Ho".

Talking about the experience, he said: "Salman bhai never forces anything on anybody and this is the best part about him. That he thought of me for the role is a big thing. I was happy they liked my work. It was a learning experience for me and sharing screen space with him was amazing. I can't say no to him. As far as respect goes, he gives you more respect if you are being honest."

"O Teri" also features Bilal Amrohi and Sarah Jane Dias among others.

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I am contesting on Nitish's request: Prakash Jha

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Filmmaker Prakash Jha said Wednesday that he was contesting the Lok Sabha polls from West Champaran in Bihar at the request of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

He said it was because of Nitish Kumar that he changed his earlier decision to give up politics.

"I was determined to retire from politics. But I have again entered politics after Nitish Kumar made a request," he told the media here.

Jha said he saw neither a Narendra Modi nor a Rahul Gandhi wave in Bihar while campaigning for the Lok Sabha election.

"There is only a wave for development, and Nitish Kumar has worked for development of the state."

The Janata Dal-United has fielded Jha, who lost the 2009 Lok Sabha battle on LJP ticket. He says he is now confident of winning.

Jha is known for making films like "Gangaajal", "Apaharan", "Raajneeti", "Satyagraha" and "Aarakhshan".

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I'm eagerly waiting to watch 'Singham 2': Kajol

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Actress Kajol, who loved her husband Ajay Devgn's performance in "Singham", says she is eagerly waiting to watch its sequel.

"I am looking forward to watch 'Singham 2'. I have not heard its script, but I have got to know that it's a very interesting film. He is working hard for the film and I am sure it's going to be good," Kajol told IANS in an excited tone.

"Singham" released in 2010 and featured Ajay and Kajal Aggarwal in the lead. Reportedly, Kajol was seen whistling while watching "Singham" in a single screen.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, "Singham 2" features Ajay and Kareena Kapoor.

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Protests didn't affect Kirron or me: Anupam Kher

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Anupam Kher says neither he and nor his wife Kirron Kher were disturbed when she was greeted with eggs and black flags on her arrival in Chandigarh as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Kirron landed in Chandigarh on Tuesday. She was reportedly greeted with slogans and had eggs thrown at her by protesters who felt she was an "outsider".

Anupam, who was with her in Chandigarh by chance, laughed off the importance given to the protesters.

"There were just maybe seven to eight protesters...a very negligible number of people. And I say, everyone has the right to protest in a democracy. Neither Kirron nor I minded the protest," he said.

But why the protests?

"They probably felt there were others more qualified for the tickets. But they must understand that if the high command thinks a particular candidate is eligible, then we must all respect that decision and not throw tantrums, like a child who has been denied a toy," said the veteran actor.

Anupam dismissed the enormity of the protests.

"It was nothing. So much hue and cry is being made about a handful of protesters. What about the 500 supporters came to support and cheer Kirron at the airport? As for reports that eggs were thrown at her, please show me those eggs. I'd like to make omelettes of them," he said.

Anupam says his wife is not the least shaken by the protests.

"She is a strong woman, She is getting ready for a long innings in politics," said the actor, who has "no plans of ever getting into active politics".

"One politician in the family is enough," he quipped.

Anupam was in Chandigarh to promote his film "Gang Of Ghosts", which releases Friday.

"What a beautiful coincidence. I am glad I could be here to see my wife take her initial steps in this new phase in her life," he said.

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'Palat' remix to be attached to 'Ragini MMS 2'

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In a unique initiative, a song from "Main Tera Hero" has been attached to "Ragini MMS 2" instead of the complete trailer.

A remixed version of the song “Palat” from the David Dhawan directorial “'Main Tera Hero’ will be attached to Sunny Leone-starrer “Ragini MMS 2”, which releases Friday, said a statement.

"Main Tera Hero" lead actor Varun Dhawan is excited about it.

“So, the trailer of ‘Palat’ remix will be out with ‘Ragini MMS 2’! This is the first time a movie’s song is being attached as a theatrical,” Varun tweeted Thursday.

“Main Tera Hero”, which also stars Ileana D’Cruz and Nargis Fakhri, is set for April 4 release.

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Easier for stars to spread awareness: Kajol

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An accomplished actress and a doting mother, Kajol, who backs a social mission - Lifebuoy 'Help A Child Reach 5', believes that the voice of stars like her reaches out to more people and spreads greater awareness.

The actress joined the 'Help A Child Reach 5' campaign last year. It's a mission to spread the importance of good handwashing habits around the world, to help more children reach their fifth birthday.

"I think it gets easier for an actress or a star to spread the awareness because people connect with familiar faces. They listen to them and it helps a lot to bring a difference," Kajol told IANS here.

The campaign began last year in Thesgora village in Madhya Pradesh and has demonstrated some encouraging results: Diarrhoea has dropped from 36 percent to five percent.

Backing the cause, Kajol says children's health is not taken seriously in the country.

"I strongly feel that children are not taken seriously in India. We have to give a lot of priority to their health. This is one of the aspects which needs to be solved.

"There are so many children who die from diarrhea or pneumonia every day. That is preventable. So I have been advocating the cause of handwashing and urging people to donate to handwashing programmes," she said.

She says the promising results of the campaign has given the team more confidence "that children can survive by inculcating the simple habit of hand washing with soap."

In India, over 600,000 children under the age of five are said to die from to pneumonia and diarrhoea annually. Handwashing with soap is regarded as one of the most cost effective ways to prevent child deaths.

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'Jal' music launched by Rajkumar Hirani

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Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has unveiled the music of Girish Malik's forthcoming film "Jal" here.

The film's debut music director duo - singer Sonu Nigam and percussionist-tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh, performed at the event held Wednesday night.

"When Bickram and I decided to turn music directors, it was very clear that though there were many films from which we could choose from, what we would only associate with would be a film with a strong script and which has music as an integral part," Sonu said in a statement.

"When it came to 'Jal', the choice was thus natural! Not just were we both really moved by the concept and planned scale of the film, but also with Girish Malik's vision and passion for the film.

"It also was the right platform to introduce the new sounds and music design that both Bickram and I were very excited about," he added.

The film's music is inspired by the Rann of Kutch, where the film was shot. The music directors have fused local Kutchi folk music with classical and soft rock elements, in addition to Bickram's percussions.

The album consists of three songs, features vocals of singers like Shubha Mudgal, Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Sonu.

The film, which stars Purab Kohli, Kirti Kulhari and Tannishtha Chatterjee, will hit the silver screen on April 4.

Saga Music has been signed on as the film's music partner and it will be digitally distributed by Unisys InfoSolutions.

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Ekta knows the pulse of the audience: Bhushan Patel

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"Ragini MMS 2" director Bhushan Patel seems to be impressed with the film's producer Ekta Kapoor and says she knows the pulse of the audience and often comes up with valuable tips.

"Ragini MMS 2" has been made under Ekta's banner Balaji Motion Pictures, which churned out hits like "Love Sex Dhoka", "The Dirty Picture" and "Ragini MMS".

The original, directed by Pawan Kripalani, had Kainaz Motivala and Raj Kumar Rao in the lead roles. But for "Ragini MMS 2", Ekta roped in Patel to helm it.

"Ekta gives interesting suggestions. She is so successful, so it's quite clear that she has a clarity about every thing," said Patel, who debuted as a director with horror film "1920".

"She knows the pulse of the audience. She knows exactly what the audience wants to see. She used to give a lot of suggestions during scripting," he added.

A horror film, "Ragini MMS 2", featuring Sunny Leone in a prominent role, is slated for Friday release.

Patel says that the only similarity between the two is that they were shot in the same location.

"It's not easy to make any film. For me it's not a sequel, it's a franchise. The story is entirely different and we have shot in the same location and that's the only similarity. We can't call it a sequel, it's a franchise," said Patel and admitted that "there is a lot of pressure".

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Will miss you Khushi uncle: grandniece Tisca Chopra

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Acclaimed actress Tisca Chopra Thursday mourned the death of her grand-uncle, celebrated writer-journalist Khushwant Singh. Her memories of him are about "candour humour and single malts".

"Candour humour and single malts, that's what you brought to us... may you find it wherever you are. Will miss you Khushi uncle," Tisca posted on her Twitter page.

Khushwant Singh, known for his witty and fearless writing, died quietly at his leafy Sujan Singh Park apartment here. He was in his 100th year.

Tisca too recently turned writer with her book "Acting Smart".

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Actors delivering in politics outnumber also rans: Nagma

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Actress Nagma is geared up to contest election from Meerut as Congress candidate in the Lok Sabha election and says that people shouldn't looked down upon artists as their success rate is higher than the failure in the political arena.

"Bollywood actors are looked upon with added suspicion. But what about the actors who have done well in politics like Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, (late) Sunil Dutt, Chiranjeevi, Shatrughan Sinha and Jayaprada? I think actors who have delivered in politics outnumber the ones who haven't delivered," she said the 39-year-old who has over two weeks to campaign.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What prompted you to take the plunge into politics?

A: It isn't as if it's an overnight decision. I've been in it for 10 years. I became interested in politics in 2003. I feel all educated people in the country should be part of the process to bring about change. We keep complaining that nothing is happening.

Q: You've been inching into politics for a while now?

A: I joined Congress I in 2004. At that time I was busy with my film career and I couldn't campaign actively for the party because active politics requires a hundred percent of your energy. But I started working for the party in 2004. I also became the AICC (All India Congress Committee) member twice over. I put my claims for a new constituency from Mumbai in 2009. I thought it would be easier for me to work for my party from Mumbai. But that didn't happen.

Q: Why Meerut?

A: I was asked to contest election from Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. From 2009, I started touring these areas extensively and started working at the grasroot level. In 2010, for the assembly elections, I personally visited over 150 constituencies in UP and Punjab. That gave me a lot more experience and insight. My party wanted me to contest the elections from UP only for quite a while.

Q: Could that be because of your connection with the Bhojpuri movie industry?

A: I don't think so. Bhojpuri is more popular in Eastern UP. I think it's more to do with my pan-India image. I've done films in nine languages. They (the Congress I leaders) thought I could carry this off because I've an all-India reach. Of course, it will be a tough contest in UP. And it would be a tough ground to fight on. Maybe they feel I'd give my opponent a good contest.

Q: What plans do you have for you chosen constituency Meerut? It is a very volatile area?

A: It is. There is a lot of scope for infrastructural development. Once there was a sports industry in Meerut and UP, even stronger than in Punjab. The education of the young and job opportunities are major problems in the area. We need to work on that. Then the connectivity between Meerut and Mumbai needs improvement. There are lots of problems plaguing the farmers's community. The government has allocated Rs.66,000 crore for them. But it hasn't reached from the government to the farmers. Issues regarding small-scale industries need immediate attention. The law and order situation and of course problems related to women and children need immediate attention.

Q: Are you ready for the battle ahead?

A: I need to plan. And I don't have enough time. My polling date is April 10. I believe in one thing: you can't learn how to swim unless you jump into the water. And I've always swum against the tide. I know it's not going to be easy. There are many issues that I need to raise in parliament. Law and order is a major issue in Meerut. A High Court bench needs to be established in Meerut. It is a long uphill struggle ahead.

Q: There is a deep sense of disappointment among people with politicians who offered a change?

A: There is. On top of that Bollywood actors are looked on with added suspicion. But what about the actors who have done well in politics like Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, (late) Sunil Dutt, Chiranjeevi, Shatrughan Sinha and Jayaprada? I think actors who have delivered in politics outnumber the ones who haven't delivered. I think individuals from the entertainment industry are better than lots of crass politicians roaming around. I think we should invite young and talented people, who want to make a difference, from all walks of life into politics. Rahul Gandhi is doing exactly that. He is inducting any young person who wants a change in our nation's politics.

Q: Are you done with your film career?

A: No, I can never say that. Films have given me everything. I am what I am today because of cinema.

Q: I wish you become another Jayalalitha?

A: (Laughs) It's too early to think that big. But I'll work as hard in politics as I did in movies.

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'Lakshmi' - gut-wrenching, raw and inspiring story of child sex worker (IANS Movie Review - Rating: ****)

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Film: "Lakshmi"; Cast: Monali Thakur, Shefali Shah, Satish Kaushik, Ram Kapoor; Writer-director: Nagesh Kukunoor; Rating: ****

Brothels are not pleasure dens. As we watch in horrified disbelief, Nagesh Kukunoor’s 14-year-old protagonist being bruised, violated and battered by men of all shapes and sizes, what emerges is a deep-rooted societal bias where the girl child is often treated as a liability.

The picture that emerges in this deeply disturbing film is that of absolutely insensitive brutality towards the weak and the poor.

This ain’t no sanitized brothel seen in our beautifully laid-our courtesan’s courtyard in highly romanticised portrayals of the 'Fallen Woman' in films like "Pakeezah" and "Amar Prem". Even Sudhir Mishra’s "Chameli" seems like a visit to the beauty parlour compared with the bestial brutality of brothels shown in "Lakshmi".

You can almost smell the stench of stale sweat and semen in this stifling world of sexual deprivation. A standing ovation for the film’s cinematographer Chirantan Das and editor Sanjib Dutta for making Kukunoor’s murky world look so real.

This is no place for an innocent 14-year-old girl. But then have we as the collective conscience keepers of the nation been able to foster a society where children, girls and women can feel safe? Lakshmi’s exploitation begins early....too early. Sold off by her own father to a female corporator, Lakshmi soon finds herself in the clutches of a vicious sleazy pimp, played with stupefying gusto by Kukunoor.

The tightly-wound narrative’s ingrained energy-level, owing a lot of its momentum to the dynamics of the exploiter and the exploited as shared bond between Monali Thakur’s Lakshmi and Kukunoor’s Chinna, propels the plot to a point of no return. The archetypal victim and the exploiter, Monali and Nagesh bring to the story a kind of compelling doom that dares you to flinch away in disgust and disbelief.

Lakshmi affords us no relief of escape or escapism. The brutality in the brothel is relentless. The 14-year heroine (a true hero in every sense) is ravaged repeatedly, sometimes by six-seven men within hours.

Shefali Shah is brilliantly ambivalent in her thankless role of the brothel's madam Jyoti. Kukunoor takes us through the 'badnaam gallis' of Hyderabad in search of reasons why we treat economically weaker sections of the female sex as playthings.

Till mid-point there is no respite from the relentless assault on the protagonist’s body and soul....Suddenly the narrative does a volte-face and we are face-to-face with an unexpected saga of vindication. Suddenly it’s payback time for Lakshmi’s tormentors as a kindly social worker and an out-of-work lawyer (Ram Kapoor, playing what we’ve seen Sunny Deol play in 'Damini') come together to get justice for the ravaged girl.

And you wonder if such good Samaritans really exist anywhere outside the movies. If they did, would the horrific saga of Lakshmi’s brutal exploitation ever happen?

Still, the passage into compassion is excusable, even welcome. You want the better side of life to show up in Lakshmi’s life. When it does, the girl embraces the spot of sunshine with heartbreaking gratitude.

There is this shared moment at the end between Laskhmi and her lawyer where she struggles to hide her tears with makeup as the media waits outside for her triumph over her tormentors. It’s a moment in the narrative that confronts the complexities of exploited gender with unexpected tenderness.

Yes, there is hope for the wretched and the exploited.

"Lakshmi" is a powerfully told inspirational tale that doesn’t brush the brutal reality of sexual exploitation under the rug. It pulls out uncomfortable home truths. There are portions of the narrative in the brothel involving Kukunoor and Shefali as the pimp and the madame that get unbearably violent and gruesome. Both come up with superlative fearless performances.

Satish Kaushik as a nauseating paedophile makes your skin crawl. He is that convincing.

But the film belongs to singer-turned-actress Monali Thakur. As the child forced into premature womanhood, Monali’s portrait of ravaged innocence will haunt you forever.

The folk songs in the background about treating the girl child with tender care mock Monali’s numbing pain and grief as she repeatedly tries to wash off the sticky blood of lust from her wounded private parts. It’s the most soul-baring performance I’ve seen since Seema Biswas in Shekhar Kapoor’s "Bandit Queen".

"Lakshmi" is not a film for the weak hearted and the squeamish. Isn’t the same true of life too?

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