Start seeking for seeker
Applause Entertainment, an Aditya Birla Group venture, the content studio led by media veteran Sameer Nair has announced its first International partnership with the highly acclaimed Gurinder Chadha’s Bend It Films & TV and Sunder Aaron's Locomotive Global, to expand its global footprint.
Under this partnership the companies are developing an original, multi-season, drama series chronicling the life of an Indian Guru. This show titled Seeker witnesses the journey of a man who starts with noble intentions, his incredible rise to global fame and following even as he evolves into a grey mystic. The simple ashram gradually turns into an empire, soon too complicated for him to handle. With a colourful cast of characters and dark, complex layers, the series is currently under development and a multi-national writers room has been set up for it. It will feature an International Indian cast and be shot at various locations within and outside of India.
Commenting on this exciting partnership, Sameer Nair, CEO, Applause Entertainment said: “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Gurinder Chadha and Sunder Aaron. Gurinder’s passion for telling stories and the global expertise of Locomotive Global aligns well with our philosophy and strength for investing in and creating outstanding premium content. This is an incredible time to tell this particular story, about the faith of the human race in a higher power, and in the telling, to cater to a universal, global sensibility.”
Award-winning filmmaker and Chairperson, Bend It Films & TV Gurinder Chadha said, “As an International Director and Producer, I have been inspired to witness the strong appetite that both Indian and global audiences have for original, ambitious, border-crossing drama series. I am excited about this creative collaboration with Sameer Nair and his team at Applause along with Sunder Aaron. "
shubha all set to play a mother
The dazzle of small screen finally seems to return on the floor and Sony Entertainment Television is also all set to bring back its shows for the audience. Fans over the past months have not failed to express their love for Ek Duje ke Vaaste 2, where they constantly wished for the show to return back on screen soon. Produced by StudioNEXT, the show brings to the viewers the story of two star-crossed lovers Suman and Shravan. Now, when the show is finally set to broadcast its new episodes, Shubha Saxena and Ahtesham Azad Khan will make their entries in the show. Shubha will be seen in the role of Anjali Tiwari (Suman’s mother) and Ahtesham will play the role of Rajendra Malhotra (Shravan’s Chachu).
In the upcoming episodes of the show, audience will see a twist as the Summer holidays begin in school and the army kids decide to form a study circle. Shravan, in the attempts to impress Suman also joins the circle and while the friendship between the two would be seen budding, enmity drives in between their families. In between these family conflicts, Shubha and Ahtessham would also play a major role in supporting their respective families.
Excited to enter the show Shubha Saxena said: “Ek Duje ke Vaaste 2 is a beautiful show and the place it has made in the hearts and minds of the viewers in such a short term of its run is commendable. I would be seen in the role of Anjali Tiwari who is the mother of Suman and belongs to an army family. Army wives generally have a different poise and politeness in their attitude, and I am glad that I am getting to play such a character. The role is very different from the past roles I have essayed.”
On his entry in the show, Ahtesham Azad Khan said: “I am excited to be a part of the family. The cast is shooting in Bhopal, staying together and away from their families is a new experience in itself”.
alka & himesh dazzle stage
With the lockdown gradually lifting and people across the country stepping out into the new normal, Zee TV's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs season 8 is all set to make a comeback, but with a fresh new look as Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali join Alka Yagnik as judges and popular actor and anchor, Maniesh Paul continues as the host. However, what truly makes the first episode post lockdown exceptional is the franchise's tribute to the Covid Warriors, India's unsung heroes. The upcoming episode will put the spotlight on heroic doctors, police officer and workers and their inspirational stories during this pandemic. But that's not it! Viewers are in for a treat as the three judges will be making some really exceptional revelations during the show as well.
During this unique episode, contestants Ananya Sharma and Saumya Sharma will be seen singing Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu's beautiful song Odh Li Chunariya Tere Naam Ki from the movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. Coincidentally, the song was composed by Himesh Reshammiya, and not just that it was also Himesh's first project ever. However, post the performance, Alka ji made a statement that left everyone surprised. There was a time when she had actually avoided Himesh.
Talking about the time when she didn't know who Himesh Reshammiya was, Alka Yagnik said: “This is the first song I worked with Himesh, some 22 years ago and to be honest, I didn't know much about him. My diary was filled with dates of recording songs for multiple movies day after day. When I got a call and was told he's a new guy (HR), who wishes to record a song with me but since my calendar was full I did not entertain him. Then Vipin Reshammiya called me and said his son was composing for me for the first time and he's a huge fan, that's when I actually met HR and as soon as I heard this song, I knew it would top the charts.”
web series on Vikas Dubey’s life
Filmmaker Manish Vatssalya is all set to direct a web series based on the life of late Kanpur-based gangster Vikas Dubey who was killed allegedly in police encounter last week. The thriller crime series has been titled Hanak.
“As a filmmaker, I feel bound to show the paradigm of our social compass. Vikas Dubey epitomises the vice of human existence. What drew me towards his character is the flaws that define its entity and how they can be picturised to inculcate the values of virtues in our society,” Oscar Eligible director Manish Vatssalya.
Which actors are on his mind for the role of the notorious gangster as well as that of the police personnel? “The concept and the structure of the story is something I was approached with but its nuances have to be conceived and redefined. We will be taking guidelines from the facts, which are in public domain or non-classified police records. Once the details fall into their logical place, the actors who fit the bill will be approached. However, I assure you that you will see the masters of their craft featuring in this series,”replied the director.
Filming begins in October this year. Due to social distancing regulations, "the new norms will be adhered and adopted without compromising on our artistic canvas," informed the director.
The web series will be produced by Aditya Kashyap and Awadhesh Tiwari while the story has been penned by Mridul Kapil and Subodh Pandey.