Author: Ankita Singh

Filmmaker Kiran Rao, whose directorial venture ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has impressively bagged 13 Filmfare Awards, has recently shared insights into the film’s production design and art direction.

Visual Texture That Stands Out

One aspect that truly shines in the film—besides its compelling performances and engaging storyline—is the meticulously designed visual texture.

When probed further about the production design, Kiran Rao explained, “A lot of this film, I felt would work only, if we created this world that was textural. It had some of the beauty of Indian villages without being unrealistic, without trying to beautify it or make it glamorous. Also, we didn’t want it to be too culturally specific but draw from the various kinds of local art and craft that we have.”

She elaborated on the collaborative effort with her production designer, Vikram Singh, stating, “We worked for at least 6 months prior to the film.”

Kiran noted, “We were not just immersing ourselves in a lot of photographs of villages from the last 20 years because some things have changed in the last 20 years. We wanted villages that were on the cusp of change. Not too remote and not too much stuck in time. The district where Jaya comes to do her printing and all of that, we wanted to mimic in the sense of what a small town close to a village would be. So, a lot of time went into visual research; we studied a lot of photography and also looked into various local art forms, especially traditional painting on the outside and inside of village homes.”

Presented by Jio Studios, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film is a collaborative effort under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions.

American rapper Cardi B isn’t shy about celebrating her achievements. During her album release party for ‘Am I the Drama?’, she expressed feeling “very proud” of her success, showcasing visible emotion.

The 33-year-old artist reflected on her journey in the music industry, admitting she was amazed by what she has accomplished. “I was really emotional because I was very proud of myself,” she shared with Paper Magazine. “It wasn’t even just because I was putting the album out; it’s because I have worked so hard these past two months, nonstop, and I’ve been doing it all while I’m carrying (a baby). All those thoughts just came to my head.”

Cardi continued, “Like, ‘Wow, the album is about to come out, and I worked my a off.’ I just feel like nobody really understands when you say you’re working your a off, and you see the results. You see the love. You feel the energy of your hard work.”

Having released her debut album ‘Invasion of Privacy’ in 2018, Cardi feels she has come a long way since then. The chart-topping rapper, who worked as a stripper before her music career took off, explained, “When I put out my first album, people have to remember I didn’t even understand what the big deal was (about) putting out an album. I thought putting out an album was like, ‘Okay, you just got to put out a project.’”

“This time, I understood how serious it was, and I wanted it to be something that I love. All these songs I personally love. These are the songs I picked from out of a selection. When I did ‘Invasion of Privacy’, I didn’t have a selection. I was rushing to get it out of the way because I knew I had to do music videos and I was going to give birth to Kulture. This time, I took my time. Not only that, but in the past seven years, I have grown so much. I had a couple of kids. Now, I’m really in the industry. I was navigating it. I was understanding it. I was learning it. I was learning by myself. I was growing up,” she added.

The Grammy-nominated Lily Allen is making a comeback after a break, set to release her first album in seven years.

She wrote the record in just 10 days, anticipating a “real outpouring of emotions,” as reported by ‘Female First UK.’

New Beginnings with BMG
The 40-year-old singer has signed a deal with record label BMG for this secret project. A music insider shared with The Sun’s Bizarre column that “Lily wants to really surprise people with this new music and everyone has been sworn to secrecy.” The album will narrate her journey of moving to New York and coping with her marriage breakdown with David Harbour, showcasing deep emotional reflections. She’s ready to bare her soul after a challenging time.

Lily’s upcoming LP will be her first since the release of her fourth studio album, No Shame, in 2018. Between 2006 and 2018, she released four albums and enjoyed major hits like ‘Smile’, ‘The Fear’, and ‘Not Fair’.

Resurgence and Recognition
In June, she mentioned that her music was experiencing “an actual resurgence” online among younger audiences, which has reflected positively in her royalty payments.

During an episode of her ‘Miss Me?’ podcast, Lily explained, “I do find it hard listening to that music. I’m not ashamed of it because I think it was good for what it was at the time. And actually I think it still stands up. It’s having an actual resurgence on the internet. I know because my royalty payments are going up. There are young kids that are into my music now.”

Lily has been actively tracking the new wave of interest through streaming data. The hitmaker previously admitted that working on new material in the studio has been like “therapy,” especially after a tough year that included her split from husband David Harbour.

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is naturally gifted with the abilities of a racing driver, the director of his recent blockbuster F1 has shared.

The 61-year-old actor starred alongside Damson Idris in the hit sports drama film helmed by Joseph Kosinski earlier this year.

Director Praises Talent

Joseph feels fortunate to have worked with such talented performers. He told People magazine, “Luckily, Brad and Damson actually had a lot of natural talent, so we had a lot to work with. They were really, really good drivers, and you can see that when you see the film.”

Despite this, Joseph felt anxious while shooting scenes on the F1 street circuit in Las Vegas. He explained, “I would say Vegas was really where I was crossing my fingers because again, it was so cold and the tyres don’t have a lot of grip, and if he made one mistake, he’d be in the wall. It was by far the most dangerous thing we did. But (Brad) came through with flying colours, even though (his character) crashes in the film. On the shoot day, he was great.”

Box Office Success

F1 proved to be a big hit at the box office, grossing more than $600 million worldwide. Joseph has revealed that he’d jump at the opportunity to make a sequel.

He stated, “Based on the reception of the film, I would love to see what adventures Sonny Hayes is going on to next, and I think the audience would too. So we’re actually gonna start talking about that very soon, start kind of coming up with, ‘What could that next chapter of his story be?’”

Both Brad and Damson worked with Sir Lewis Hamilton on F1, and the 34-year-old actor previously revealed that he relished learning from the former Formula One World Champion, who served as an executive producer on the film.

Actor Sagar Parekh is making a heartfelt return to the beloved show Anupamaa, stepping back into the role of Samar after more than two years. His emotions are running high as he revisits this character, and he has expressed profound gratitude and nostalgia for the experience.

Sagar shared a touching moment on Instagram, posting a photo with actress Rupali Ganguly. In the picture, Rupali is sweetly kissing Sagar, who portrays Anupamaa’s son. He captioned the image, “Full circle moments hit different.”

Reflecting on his return, Sagar said, “After approximately two, two and a half years… stepping back into Samar’s shoes… even if just for a short while… felt like returning home. The emotions, the nostalgia, the energy… everything came rushing back the moment I walked onto the sets of Anupamaa.”

The actor emphasized the sentimental value of the shared photo, noting, “It’s an exact recreation of the last photo we took two years ago when I shot my final scene. And now, once again, this might just be the last picture of Samar and Anupamaa together… maybe, maybe not.”

He also hinted at some upcoming scenes that promise to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, stating, “But it carries the same warmth, love, and magic that this bond has always had… Plus we have some really exciting and heartwarming scenes coming up… which will definitely tickle your emotions!”

On working with Rupali, Sagar expressed his admiration: “Working with you, Rupali ma’am @rupaliganguly has always been an honour. Your dedication, your craft, and the love you bring to Anupamaa… both the character and the show… continue to inspire not just me, but millions!”

Sagar extended his gratitude to the show’s creators for this opportunity: “A heartfelt thank you to @rajan.shahi.543, @directorskutproduction, and @starplus for bringing Samar back, even if for a brief moment. It felt like coming back home! And of course, to all the fans who never stopped showering love on Samar and Anupamaa… this one’s for you.”

It was a moment of celebration on the sets of the television show ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ as the series reached the milestone of 100 episodes.

To commemorate this special occasion, the entire cast and crew joyfully participated in a cake-cutting ceremony, sharing heartfelt moments together on set.

Capturing Middle-Class Life

The show beautifully depicts the intricacies of middle-class life, exploring themes such as family bonds, aspirations, and the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. This has made it a genuine favorite among audiences.

Reflecting on the achievement, actor Sharad Kelkar expressed, “It has been an amazing journey till date, and the love and support from our viewers have made it truly memorable. On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our audience for connecting with our characters and sharing in their stories. Here’s to many more episodes brimming with emotion, laughter, and inspiration.”

Relatable Stories and Characters

Sharad’s powerful portrayal of Aryavardhan, along with Niharika Chouksey’s performance as Anu, has brought these relatable narratives to life, allowing viewers to see reflections of their own journeys. This deep emotional connection, rooted in real-life challenges and feelings, has transformed the show into more than just entertainment; it serves as a mirror to the lives and dreams of millions.

Niharika Chouksey shared her thoughts: “Reaching 100 episodes of ‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ feels like a dream come true. This journey has been about embracing Anu’s spirit, her simplicity, her dreams, and her unwavering belief in love. A special thank you to Sharad Sir, whose guidance and humility have been invaluable. To our viewers, your love and support have been our strength. Here’s to many more stories, emotions, and moments together.”

Engaging Storylines Ahead

This milestone is a testament to heartfelt storytelling, resonating deeply with viewers by accurately portraying the essence of the great Indian middle class.

As the celebrations continue, the on-screen drama is intensifying. In the current storyline, Anu is being followed by a mysterious man. Meanwhile, Jalandhar’s revenge plot thickens as he manipulates Neel into his scheme, setting the stage for an emotional storm ahead.

‘Tumm Se Tumm Tak’ airs on Zee TV.

Television actress Sayantani Ghosh, who is set to appear in Zee TV’s upcoming fiction drama “Jagadhatri,” is continuing her shooting schedule despite dealing with a fractured foot.

Sayantani’s Role in “Jagadhatri”

In “Jagadhatri,” Sayantani plays the character Maya, a role she describes as both a privilege and a challenge. She shares, “Playing Maya in Jagadhatri is both a privilege and a challenge because she is such a layered character: fierce, disciplined, and yet silently vulnerable.” Despite her recent injury, she remains committed to her craft, stating, “as they say, the show must go on. I didn’t want this setback to come in the way of my craft or my commitment to the audience.”

Support from the Team

Sayantani emphasizes the support she has received from her team during this time. She expresses gratitude for the network and production teams, noting, “The network and production team has been extremely considerate and caring, ensuring all safety measures are in place on set.” This includes arrangements for extra support on her shooting days, such as wheelchairs and the modification of shots to minimize any discomfort. “The scenes have been designed in such a way that I have limited to no movement so that there is no strain to my foot at all. They are always keeping my health a priority,” she adds.

Her co-actors and crew members have also been understanding, ensuring she can perform her scenes without compromising their impact. “Their encouragement gives me the strength to give my best every single day. I truly believe that as an actor, it’s our passion and dedication that keep us going, no matter the obstacles,” she remarks.

About “Jagadhatri”

“Jagadhatri” tells the story of a young girl who feels invisible within her own home but becomes unstoppable as a fearless undercover agent dedicated to fighting crime and reclaiming her identity.

Along with Sayantani Ghosh as Maya, the show features Sonakshi Batra as Jagadhatri and Farman Haider as Shivay.

Backed by Rahul Tewary Productions, “Jagadhatri” is anticipated to premiere shortly.

Actor Ajith Kumar, whose racing team, Ajith Kumar Racing, has proudly represented India by participating in four challenging international racing championships and earning numerous accolades, recently announced the end of this racing season with a heartfelt note of gratitude.

### Conclusion of the Racing Season

Ajith Kumar Racing shared the announcement on its X timeline, reflecting on the team’s journey throughout the year. In his message, Ajith Kumar stated, “We could write countless stories from this incredible year, but that’s for another day. What matters most is that we grew stronger with every lap and every challenge. This is only the beginning.”

### Reflecting on the Journey

The team highlighted that each race weekend was backed by extensive preparation and dedication. They expressed, “The mechanics and engineers spent sleepless nights fine-tuning machinery that demanded perfection. The drivers adapted to new tracks, new teams, and new weather conditions, pushing through physical and mental limits.”

They noted the emotional ups and downs faced during the season: “There were moments of heartbreak, mechanical issues, missed opportunities, and races that didn’t go as planned. But each disappointment became a stepping stone. Every lap, win or loss, contributed to the team’s growing strength and understanding of what it takes to compete internationally.”

### A Historic Year

Ajith Kumar Racing’s debut year was marked by significant milestones. The team became the first Indian outfit to race full-time across several European and Middle Eastern endurance series and even secured its first international podium.

### Gratitude and Future Endeavors

The racing team expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported them on this journey. “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the people and organizations who believed in the journey,” they stated. They extended thanks to series organizers, partner teams, team members, support staff, and their fans for their immense love and encouragement throughout every race.

As the first season wraps up, Ajith Kumar Racing emphasized its growth: “We couldn’t have done it without everyone who stood by us. This season was built on hard work and humility. We’ll carry forward everything we’ve learned into the next chapter with even greater focus and dedication,” Ajith Kumar concluded.

Actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda, who stars alongside actresses Srinidhi Shetty and Raashi Khanna in director Neeraja Kona’s upcoming romantic drama ‘Telusu Kada’, has confirmed that all scenes shown in the film’s trailer, except for the last one featuring Viva Harsha, will be part of the movie.

His confirmation comes after some media speculation suggested that the bold scenes in the trailer were exclusive to it and would not appear in the film. At a recent press conference, when asked about these claims, Siddhu clarified that besides the Viva Harsha scene at the end of the trailer, all other scenes shown will indeed be included in the film.

The trailer for ‘Telusu Kada’ was released recently and has garnered attention for its bold content. People Media Factory, the production house behind the film, shared the trailer link on their social media with the message, “This Diwali, love will be UNAPOLOGETICALLY RADICAL. #TelusuKadaTrailer out now! #TelusuKada in cinemas October 17th. #LoveU2 #UnapologeticallyRadical.”

The trailer opens with Siddhu Jonnalagadda sharing his views on power dynamics in relationships. He states, “The day you show your pain and tears to a woman is the day you place your hair in her hands for her to wield control over you. Never allow them to control. The power center should always be here,” pointing to his heart.

In a captivating exchange, Srinidhi Shetty’s character tells him, “You scare me,” to which he responds, “Then, be scared.” Raashi Khanna’s character poses a question, “Can you guarantee a good life if I marry you?” Siddhu replies, “I’m not a salesman to give you guarantees or warranties.”

The trailer features Siddhu’s character in heated verbal confrontations with friends. In one scene, he asserts, “If you and your social circle can’t accept this truth, all of you are welcome to come and stand in a line.” In another, a friend warns him, “If I give you a heads up before slapping you, is it going to hurt any less? In fact, the anticipation of the slap will scare you more.” To this, Siddhu smiles and says, “Let’s see!”

Overall, the trailer suggests that ‘Telusu Kada’ will explore themes of power and control in relationships rather than focusing solely on romance.

Srinidhi Shetty portrays a character named Raaga, while Raashi Khanna plays Anjali. ‘Telusu Kada’ is set to release on October 17, coinciding with the Deepavali festival this year.

Director Shanmugam Muthusamy, known for his upcoming film ‘Diesel,’ delves into the intricacies of a petrol-diesel scam and the mafia operating within it. He revealed that his investigation into this network led to multiple death threats from certain individuals.

At a pre-release event for the film, which stars Harish Kalyan and Athulya Ravi in lead roles, Muthusamy shared the journey of his decade-long research and storytelling process. He recounted the incident that sparked the idea for ‘Diesel’: “While traveling on the highway, I stopped at a motel and noticed young boys in their teens stealing bucketfuls of petrol and diesel from a parked tanker lorry.”

Intrigued, he further investigated the incident. “The more I uncovered, the more shocked I became. Some people threatened me, while others chased me. During my research for this film, I even received explicit death threats,” he remarked.

Muthusamy emphasized the importance of sharing this story, stating, “I realized that a mere increase of Rs 2 per litre in petrol can inflate our monthly budgets by anywhere between Rs 5,000 to 10,000. The public is directly impacted by this scam and the mafia behind it. Hence, I felt compelled to tell this story.”

He believes the film provides answers to critical questions, such as “To whom do the ill-gotten gains go? How are common people like me affected by this issue?”

Besides Harish Kalyan and Athulya Ravi, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Vinay Rai, Sachin Kedhekar, Sai Kumar, Ananya, Karunaas, Bose Venkat, Ramesh Tilak, Kaali Venkat, Vivek Prasanna, Zakir Husain, Thangadurai, Maaran, KPY Dheena, and Apoorva Singh, among others.

Written and directed by Shanmugam Muthusamy, ‘Diesel’ is set to release on October 17. The film is produced by Third Eye Entertainment with music composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas. Cinematography is handled by M.S. Prabhu and Richard M. Nathan, while editing is done by San Lokesh.