गोव्यातील कला अकादमी येथे 54 व्या भारतीय आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट महोत्सवात (इफ्फी) एका ‘इन- कन्व्हर्सेशन’ संवाद सत्रादरम्यान, प्रख्यात अभिनेते विजय सेतुपती यांनी  ज्येष्ठ अभिनेत्री खुशबू सुंदर यांच्याबरोबर चित्रपट क्षेत्रातील त्यांच्या प्रवासातील अनुभव आणि विचार सामायिक केले.विजय सेतुपती हे भारतीय चित्रपट उद्योगातील सर्वात अष्टपैलू अभिनेत्यांपैकी एक आहेत. त्यांनी 50 हून अधिक चित्रपटांमध्ये काम केले आहे. त्यांची पहिली मुख्य भूमिका सीनू रामासामी यांच्या थेनमेरकु पारुवकत्रूमध्ये होती ज्याने तीन राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार जिंकले होते.  अभिनय कौशल्याच्या प्रवासाबाबत विजय सेतुपती म्हणाले, “मला माहित आहे की मला माहित नाही”. भारतीय चित्रपट उद्योगातील एक अष्टपैलू व्यक्तिमत्व म्हणून, त्यांनी स्पष्ट केले की भूमिकांसाठी तयारी करताना ते  चित्रपट क्षेत्रातील दिग्गजांबरोबर चर्चा आणि तर्क-वितर्कातून  शिकत गेले.विविध भूमिकांमधील आपल्या प्रतिमेबद्दल विचारलेल्या प्रश्नाला उत्तर देताना सेतुपती म्हणाले की  चित्रपटातील प्रमुख कलाकारापेक्षा प्रेक्षकच कथा आणि व्यक्तिरेखांकडे आकर्षित होतात. अभिनयाबद्दल विचारले असता त्यांनी मनाला स्वातंत्र्य देण्याचे आणि ‘प्रवाहासोबत जाण्यावर’ त्यांनी भर दिला. “अभिनयाचे कोणतेही वेगळे सूत्र नाही” असे सांगताना  कलाकारांनी व्यक्तिरेखा पूर्णपणे जगण्याची गरज अधोरेखित केली.
राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार मिळवून दिलेल्या सुपर डिलक्स या चित्रपटातील एका ट्रान्सजेंडरच्या व्यक्तिरेखेबाबत सेतुपती यांनी अधोरेखित केले की त्यांनी ट्रान्सजेंडर व्यक्तींना सामोरे जावे लागत असलेल्या  वास्तविक जीवनातील संघर्षांचे चित्रण करण्याचा प्रयत्न केला.उपस्थितांशी  संवाद साधताना, त्यांनी इथे टिकून राहण्यासाठी शिकण्याची वृत्ती जिवंत ठेवण्याचे महत्त्व अधोरेखित केले.खलनायकाच्या भूमिकेच्या निवडीबद्दल विचारले असता सेतुपती यांनी विशिष्ट भूमिकांपुरते मर्यादित न राहण्याची इच्छा व्यक्त केली. पटकथेच्या आधारे विविध भूमिकांची चाचपणी करण्याचे स्वातंत्र्य असायला हवे यावर  त्यांनी भर दिला.
छायाकार : रमाकांत मुंडे मुंबई

Vicky Jain, recognized for being a steadfast pillar of support to wife and actress Ankita Lokhande, is currently making waves alongside her in the Bigg Boss 17 house, setting remarkable couple goals. The power couple’s dynamic has recently taken a protective turn, highlighting Vicky’s unwavering love and respect for Ankita.

Vicky Jain was seen confronting a fellow contestant Abhishek Kumar who had insulted Ankita Lokhande in a recent episode. It was clear from his strong stance and firm warning how much he loves and cares for his wife. This event not only shows how much Vicky loves Ankita, but it also shows how the couple stands together when things go wrong in the Bigg Boss house.

The way Vicky has shown his protective side in public has moved fans and made them admire the couple’s strong bond. It shows how close Vicky and Ankita are to each other and how much they respect and support each other. As they navigate the complexities of the Bigg Boss 17 house, Vicky and Ankita continue to be an embodiment of love, resilience, and unity, leaving fans eager to witness more of their journey in the reality show.

अभिनेत्री अदिति राव हैदरी ने गोवा में 54वें भारतीय अंतर्राष्ट्रीय फिल्म महोत्सव (IFFI) में एक बेहद प्रतिष्ठित पैनल चर्चा में भाग लिया। फोरम को फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में यूके और भारत के बीच सहयोगात्मक पहल पर चर्चा करने के लिए आयोजित किया गया था, जिसका विषय “फिल्म फेलिशिटेशन: यूके एंड इंडिया 2023 को-प्रोडक्शन जर्नी” थी। अदिति इस गठबंधन के तहत पहली फीचर फिल्म – ‘लायनेस’ में मुख्य भूमिका निभा रही हैं।

गोवा में आयोजित हो रहे 54वें भारतीय अंतर्राष्ट्रीय फिल्म फेस्टिवल में पहले आधिकारिक इंडो-ब्रिटिश को-प्रोडक्शन “लायनेस” की घोषणा की गई, जिसे नेशनल फिल्म डेवलपमेंट कॉरपोरेशन और ब्रिटिश फिल्म इंस्टिट्यूट संयुक्त रूप से प्रस्तुत कर रहे हैं। फिल्म का निर्देशन अदिति राव हैदरी और पेज संधू ने किया है। अदिति राव हैदरी सहयोग और वैश्विक सिनेमा पर इसके प्रभाव पर चर्चा के लिए एक पैनल चर्चा का हिस्सा थीं। पैनल में फिल्म के निर्देशक, कजरी बब्बर, निर्माता शाहनाब आलम, बीएफआई हेड ऑफ इंटरनेशनल रिलेशन्स, अग्निज़्का मूडी और जॉइंट सेक्रेटरी फिल्म्स एंड मैनेजिंग डायरेक्टर एनएफडीसी श्री पृथुल कुमार भी शामिल थे। पैनल का संचालन वेरायटी के वरिष्ठ पत्रकार नमन रामचन्द्रन ने किया। इस अवसर पर फिल्म लायनेस के एक पोस्टर का भी अनावरण किया गया। साथ ही एक अनोखे मार्केटिंग स्ट्रेटेजी के तहत पोस्टर का एक डिजिटल वर्जन एनएफटी के रूप में उपलब्ध होगा। इसके अलावा, संगीत उस्ताद ए. आर रहमान की प्रतिभाशाली बेटी खतीजा रहमान, लायनेस के साथ एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय फिल्म में म्यूजिक कंपोजर के रूप में अपनी शुरुआत कर रही हैं।

इसके साथ ही, बहुप्रतीक्षित साइलेंट फिल्म “गांधी टॉक्स” को IFFI में प्रदर्शित किया गया, जिसके लिए पूरी टीम एक साथ आई और रेड कार्पेट की शोभा बढ़ाई। इसमें विजय सेतुपति, अदिति राव हैदरी, प्रसिद्ध संगीतकार एआर रहमान, सिद्दार्थ जाधव, निर्देशक किशोर बेलेकर, निर्माता राजेश केजरीवाल और ज़ी स्टूडियो के हेड शारिक पटेल शामिल थे। अभिनेता अरविंद स्वामी भी गांधी टॉक्स का हिस्सा हैं, लेकिन कुछ कमिटमेंट्स के कारण गाला प्रीमियर में शामिल नहीं हो सके।

In 2020, the COVID-19 hit the world so hard that the world came to a standstill. There were many brilliant minds trying to find a cure or prevention, India was not behind. A high level experts committee was set up by the Ministry of health and family welfare, ICMR and Bharat Biotech to fight against all odds. The experts together invented a vaccination when everything was against us; made in India, for India. Disney+ Hotstar brings this inspiring story of India’s COVID-19 vaccination, ‘The Vaccine War’, directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Pallavi Joshi and I am Buddha Productions releases exclusively on the platform on November 24, 2023. The Vaccine War script has been officially selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Library.

The vaccine project was headed by Director General of ICMR Dr. Balram Bhargava along with the scientific team of bioengineers led by Dr. Priya Abraham, Director of ICMR-National Institute of Virology, consists of Virologists Dr. Sreelekshmy Mohandas, Dr. Nivedita Gupta, and Dr. Pragya Yadav; Epidemiologists and Infectious Disease Scientists Dr. Rajni Kant Srivastava, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, Dr. Samiran Panda, Dr. Varsha Potdar and Dr. Enna Dogra Gupta.

The film stars an ensemble cast featuring Nana Patekar, Pallavi Joshi, Raima Sen, Anupam Kher, Girija Oak, Nivedita Bhattacharya, Sapthami Gowda, and Mohan Kapur and is set to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.

*Talking about the release, Director Vivek Agnihotri said,* _“The Covid-19 pandemic was a tough time for everyone across the globe, with no one knowing what truly hit us. More than that, the difficult part was to find a cure, a vaccine that ensured none of us ever succumbed to this disease again. In this war against time, the medical brains of our country left no stone unturned to save humankind. These unsung heroes are truly the ones who got us through this war, a war against a virus that was so difficult to understand. This movie for me is a tribute to all these heroes and I am so glad with The Vaccine War coming to Disney+ Hotstar as viewers across the world will come to know the lengths our doctors went to, to find this vaccine.”

Talking about the film, Anupam Kher said,* _“The Vaccine War showcases India’s strength in front of the world, when everyone was struggling with their daily routines. The brilliant team of Indian Biotech engineers were busy finding out the vaccine to keep us safe from the COVID-19. Vivek Agnihotri and his team have brilliantly captured their struggle, fight and motivation to achieve. I am extremely happy that the film is releasing on Disney+ Hotstar and this story of unsung heroes will reach many Indians.”_

*Talking about the film, veteran actor Nana Patekar said,* _“The Vaccine War is a story that definitely needed to be told – the one about the people that risked their lives to find a solution to a deadly pandemic. When Vivek came to me with the script of this film, there was no question, in the blink of an eye my response was yes! For me, telling the stories of these doctors was so important because no one really knew what they were going through for almost two years. We as citizens had the option to stay at home, but they didn’t, they still had to go out there, risking their lives so there would be a stop to this pandemic. With this film streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, many more people across the globe will now discover the medical geniuses India has and how they stood strong against the pandemic to find a vaccine.”_

_Unravel the unknown facts of the deadly pandemic with The Vaccine War set to stream on November 24, 2023 exclusively with Disney+ Hotstar_

Produced by Euphoria Productions, the show will feature a cast comprising Vyom Thakkar as ‘Young Atal’; Neha Joshi as Atal’s mother, ‘Krishna Devi Vajpayee’ –
Ashutosh Kulkarni as the father, ‘Krishna Bihari Vajpayee’; Milind Dastane as the grandfather ‘Shyam Lal Vajpayee’, Rahul Jethva as the elder brother, ‘Awadh Bihari Vajpayee’, Aarya Joshi as Sister-in-law, ‘Awadh’s wife’ Priyanshu Gandhi as ‘Sada Bihari Vajpayee’; Saksham Shringirishi as ‘Prem Bihari Vajpayee’, and Alina as ‘Urmila Bihari Vajpayee’, Aline as ‘Kamla Bihari Vajpayee’ amongst others~

National, November 21, 2023: In the annals of Indian history, several Prime Ministers have emerged as transformative leaders, steering their nation through pivotal moments with great vision and resolve. Their tenures were marked by a series of monumental decisions that shaped the country’s destiny and propelled it to the forefront of global influence. Through strategic vision and decisive actions, these leaders etched their names in history, leaving an indelible legacy that defined an era of unprecedented success and progress. One such prominent leader was the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an influential statesman, and Indians hold his legacy in high regard. &TV is set to explore the untold aspects of his childhood through its new show, ‘Atal’. Produced by Euphoria Productions, the show will deep dive into the formative years of the leader who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s destiny. Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule in India, the show will delve into the intricacies of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s childhood, shedding light on the incidents, beliefs, and challenges that moulded him into the leader that he was. The storyline will highlight his relationship with his mother, who deeply influenced his beliefs, values and thinking. On one hand, India was facing slavery under British rule and on the other, it was facing internal strife and division of wealth, caste, and discrimination. A dream envisioned by Atal’s mother of a united India was a dream he deeply cherished. This storyline unfolds the inspiring story of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a boy from humble beginnings who became one of India’s most prominent leaders.

On &TV’s new show ‘Atal’, Vishnu Shankar, Business Head – &TV, commented, “At &TV, we strive to create content that resonates deeply with our audience and inspires them through relatable and meaningful storytelling. Our latest offering, ‘Atal’, is a compelling story of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s formative years. His image as an eminent leader, poet and orator is known to everyone, but most are unfamiliar with his childhood. The storyline offers a unique perspective on the early experiences and challenges that shaped his beliefs and values and moulded him into the leader and human being he was. We are honoured to be sharing his story with our audience and we hope they are equally entertained and inspired.”

The show’s Producer, Aarrav Jindal of Euphoria Productions, added, “Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a luminary of eloquence and wit, imprinted an enduring legacy on Indian politics. Fusing political acumen, personal charm, and unwavering commitment to national welfare, he stands tall as a revered leader in India’s history. Vajpayee reshaped the political canvas, aligning it seamlessly with our cultural roots. A statesman fostering economic growth, he bridged diverse factions, earning admiration across people. His decisions propelled India’s global ascent, embodying profound wisdom and foresight. Vajpayee’s inclusive leadership, promoting progress and unity, remains an everlasting inspiration, transcending political boundaries. Our show, ‘Atal’, seeks to kindle today’s generation with his timeless legacy and charismatic persona, unveiling his untold childhood narrative.”

Shanti Bhushan, Writer of ‘Atal’ show, shared, “Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee reshaped Indian politics, infusing it with a fresh perspective rooted in our cultural heritage. His deep connection to Indian values and traditions gave mainstream politics a distinct identity. Vajpayee’s political legacy, built on pride, love for the country, and patriotism, laid the foundation for a united India. In today’s globalised world, preserving our identity and nationalism is a crucial challenge. Our show, Atal, aims to inspire today’s generation, providing a platform to nurture ideas that uphold our country’s pride on the world stage. Vajpayee’s life story is a compelling narrative, guiding today’s youth to contribute globally to India’s cultural vibrancy and significance.”

Talking about his role as Young Atal, Vyom Thakkar commented, “I am very excited and equally thankful to depict Young Atal’s role. I had only heard about him in our history books and from my parents, but I never imagined that someday I would portray his childhood role in a television show!” Sharing details on Krishna Devi Vajpayee’s role, Neha Joshi commented, “I am honoured to portray the significant role of Krishna Devi, Atal’s mother. Despite Krishna Devi’s profound passion for history and politics, she gracefully transitioned into a devoted supporter of her husband, Vajpayee Ji. Her life’s mission is to maintain harmony within her family, standing firmly behind her husband’s choices. With a rock-solid resolve and deep religious conviction, she silently opposes British colonial rule, fervently desiring India’s liberation. Krishna Devi is the foundation that shapes her son, Atal. She instils in him her unyielding vision and a natural inclination to question the status quo. She may not vocalise her views to the world, but she embodies a genuine desire to see her beloved country, India, break free. Her unyielding commitment to her family, unspoken defiance against colonial oppression, and influential role in shaping her son’s destiny make Krishna an exceptional character.”

On Krishna Bihari Vajpayee’s role, Ashutosh Kulkarni commented, “It is a proud moment for me to portray young Atal’s father on screen. In 1930, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, a devout educator and nationalist, led a Brahmin household with four sons and three daughters. A devoted nationalist, Krishna Bihari firmly believes in the permanence of British rule in India, advocating for cooperation and respect towards the colonial powers. His aspirations for his family are deeply rooted in education, emphasising the mastery of English, academic excellence, and the pursuit of government employment.”

Tune in to watch ‘Atal’, premiering on Dec 5th at 8:00 pm only on &TV!