IIFA and AquaKraft announce Be Water+ve program for Earth Day for water security in India's villages

International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) and AquaKraft on the occasion of World Earth Day announced the launch of a unique Water advocacy and influencer program called Be Water+ve which endeavours to incubate a movement to make India’s villages Water +ve. The program is inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and inspiration of achieving water security by 2047.

The Be Water +ve movement will be a composite of active advocacy addressing water security, on-ground interventions in drinking water, sanitation and  water recycling, community participation and governance, guided by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and several knowledge partners.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “Looking ahead the need for water is increasing manifold. While the Jal Shakti Ministry has been doing extensive work that is being recognized as an inspiring effort across the world, it can only succeed when people join hands with government efforts. As our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has said, Jal Jan Abhiyaan and Jan Bhagidaari are needed simultaneously to achieve India’s Water Vision 2047 thereby ensuring longevity and permanent solutions.”

“The participation of corporate India and civil society only amplify the effort and would give a definite sense of ownership. I take this opportunity to laud the campaign BE WATER+ve  jointly launched by IIFA and AquaKraft. The most notable part of this campaign is the on-ground water management interventions proposed with inclusive participation by Corporates and Civil Society that would be amplified by celebrity ambassadors. I invite Corporates to join this campaign and contribute towards making India Water +ve. I congratulate IIFA & AquaKraft for curating such a unique initiative to activate public effort to Be Water +ve and commit to providing them all needed guidance and active support from the Jal Shakti Ministry”, Minister Shekhawatji added.

“Working together, IIFA and AquaKraft will create an informative and exciting campaign that would enlist support from civil society, corporate India and global corporates, while at the same time ensuring that the technologies deployed are world-class, sustainable and easy to implement over long periods accommodating climatic changes in line with the vision of Water SECURITY 2047”, said Dr Subramanya Kusnur speaking on behalf of the Be Water +ve initiative.

IIFA is the biggest film awards celebration that has been held for 23 years across the world and enjoys a viewership of 800m globally. The cinema celebration platform has been the largest celebrity advocacy platform and has been consistently activating social advocacy campaigns about the environment since 2007. 

AquaKraft has been at the forefront of advocating water sustainability since its inception in 2010. Over the decade it has innovated and implemented green, energy efficient and water +ve technologies in the area of drinking water and sanitation across the length and breadth of India.

Also Read: IIFA 2023 to continue with the Green Carpet tradition

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The Sound of Music rights acquired for Paparao Biyyala's film Music School starring Shriya Saran, Sharman Joshi

58 years after the iconic, Oscar award-winning and only official film adaptation of the classic musical play The Sound of Music, an Indian IAS officer turned filmmaker Paparao Biyyala is gearing up for the release of his debut film ‘Music School, which marks to be the first Indian film to obtain the rights of the classical play.

The timeless classic Broadway production The Sound of Music written and composed by Rodgers, and Hammerstein in 1959, has been etched in the history of popular culture ever since. Over a decade later, Robert Wise presented the first film adaptation of the musical with the same name in 1965 and won five academy awards. Almost six decades later, writer- Director Paparao Biyyala has obtained the official rights of the music for the broadway musical for his debut film “Music School’.

Recreating three songs from the musical- 'Do Re Mi', 'So Long Farewell' and 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' beautifully woven for different situations in the film Music School, Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja scored the original musical notes by Richard Rodgers by the London Philharmonic Orchestra for their film.

 

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  A post shared by Shriya Saran (@shriya_saran1109)

Getting the best team on board, Music School roped in Hollywood choreographer Adam Murray to choreograph multiple songs for the multi-lingual film Music School, in addition, the makers also roped two of India’s best choreographers Chinni Prakash and Raju Sundaram for film to choreograph the other songs.

Music School is a musical narration of the sensitive and prevailing concern of academic pressure subjected to young students by society, parents and teachers. Of eleven songs in the film, three of them have been recreated from The Sound of Music, situationally woven beautifully in the film to suit the sensibilities of the Indian audience.

The grandeur look of the film was captured by ace cinematographer Kiran Deohans. The cast includes Shriya Saran, Sharman Joshi and Prakash Raj in lead roles in addition to debutant Ozu Barua and Gracy Goswamy in critical roles. The other cast comprises Benjamin Gilani, Suhasini Mulay, Mona Ambeognkar, Leela Samson, Bugs Bhargava, Vinay Varma, Sreekanth Iyengar, Vaquar Sheikh, Phani and many other child actors.

Presented by Yamini Films, Hyderabad, this multi-lingual film is shot in Hindi and Telugu, and dubbed in Tamil. It is releasing on 12th May 2023 by PVR in Hindi - Tamil and Dil Raju in Telugu. ALSO READ: Shriya Saran takes the fashion bar a notch higher in bronze metallic gown for Hello! Hall of fame awards

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Bhumi Pednekar aims to clean The Himalayas through an ecological preservation campaign

Climate Warrior Bhumi Pednekar is setting herself on a massive mission to clean The Himalayas! On the occasion of World Earth Day, Bhumi announced that she is partnering with a non-profit, Healing Himalayas, that does extensive and exemplary work towards the preservation of ecology in the mountain range. Bhumi, who is also the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ambassador, will now become the Goodwill Ambassador of Healing Himalayas! Bhumi’s work with Healing Himalayas will see her travelling to these mountainous regions and participating in cleanliness drives aimed at keeping The Himalayas clean.

Healing Himalayas Foundation is a seven-year-old organization formed to address the problem of garbage in a rather unique way - they are committed to restoring the pristine natural environment of the Himalayas. The organization has taken over the onerous task of cleaning out trash from the picturesque Himalayas. Their primary mission being - to dissolve the problem of waste management by collecting tons of non-biodegradable items discarded by the trekkers or pilgrims and disposing it properly at the base town/city where it can also be recycled.

To handle the collected waste through their cleanup campaigns & multiple panchayats which are a part of our Zero waste villages, they have built five material recovery facilities at locations (Mansari- Kullu district, Rakcham & Pooh village in Kinnaur, Tabo in Spiti & Narkanda in Shimla district) where tourist footfall is quite substantial. All the five facilities are operational and since last year they have collect 4-5 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily which is approximately 550 tonnes.

Speaking about this association Bhumi Pednekar said, “The motto of Healing Himalayas ‘Don't Wait for Change, Be the Change’ truly resonated with me. I believe that each one of us must realise our responsibility towards the planet and actively strive to reduce the impact of pollution and global warming. The time to act is now! This campaign gives me a chance to speak on the urgent need to preserve The Himalayas and its delicate yet essential ecosystem. I am honoured to be the Goodwill Ambassador of the Healing Himalayas. I will do my absolute best to visit as many sites as possible during my tenure and also participate in raising awareness about this important cause.”

Pradeep Sangwan, the founder and promoter of the Healing Himalayas Foundation added, “Bhumi Pednekar has persistently and relentlessly advocated against climate change and pollution. She is an aware individual who is followed by the youth of the country. So, having her as a part of this campaign enables us to raise more awareness towards keeping our mountains clean and how preserving its eco-system is an absolute necessity. We are sure that we will do good work together to keep The Himalayas clean.”

As a climate change advocate, Bhumi has been speaking up constantly through her social media platforms and has regularly drawn attention to the work of climate activists at the grassroots level. She has also spoken at the prestigious Harvard University on the need to protect our planet. ALSO READ: Bhumi Pednekar’s Mugler black dress with zig-zag detailing is all the inspiration we need for stylish dinner dates

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Madhu Mantena to tie the knot with Yoga Acharya Ira Trivedi

It was love at first sight for producer Madhu Mantena (Ghajini, Queen, Lootera, NH10, Masaan, Udta Punjab and Super 30) and writer, philanthropist and Yoga Acharya Ira Trivedi. He met her ten years ago. And now, they are ready to take the plunge.

Madhu and Ira will tie the knot on June 11 at the ISKCON temple in Juhu, Mumbai. The venue chosen is in keeping with the bride’s spiritual side. A close friend of Madhu reveals, “They want a temple wedding and not the usual 5-star hotel venue, surrounded by all their close family and friends. Yes, it is going to be large wedding. Although Ira is a private person Madhu is naturally gregarious and known to have a large circle of friends. He wants all of them to share in this blissful moment of his life.”

After the wedding on June 11, Ira and Madhu will host a wedding reception on June 12. We wish the lovely couple a lifelong togetherness.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan extends best wishes to Madhu Mantena for Mahabharata: ‘What a start to this magnum opus unveiling’

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RIP Pamela Chopra: Amitabh Bachchan pens emotional note, says “One by one they all leave us and all left with the pleasant times spent”

Late producer-director Yash Chopra's wife Pamela Chopra, who was a writer and singer, has passed away at the age of 74. The news was reported on April 20, 2023. As per reports, she was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital for the past 15 days and passed away due to age-related illnesses. As industry mourned the loss of the writer-singer, many visited the Chopra house before the last rites. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan took to social media to pen an emotional note for Pamela Chopra.

Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Yash Chopra in films like Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie, Deewaar, Trishul, Silsila and Kaala Patthar, had the privilege of knowing Pamela Chopra as well who had penned the story of Kabhie Kabhie. Taking to his blog on April 21, Amitabh wrote, “Life is so unpredictable and tough. The first days are ever a day of expectation and unknown elements .. and the first day today was no different .. the look, the people, the crew, the work itself … all alien and in a wonder .. and the topping , the very first scene of the film and a demanding appearance. In the middle of the efforts made to achieve .. comes the sudden news of the passing of Pamela Chopra, wife of Yash Chopra .. and life comes to a standstill!”

Reminiscing his music sittings with Pamela Chopra, he added, “So much to have spent with her and the film making and the music sittings and the outdoors and the homely get-togethers.. all gone in a breath. And one by one they all leave us. All left with the pleasant times spent...And after this ordeal of the first day. a quick visit to Yash ji's home and meeting the family and reliving all those years of the past. Life is so unpredictable and tough.”

Amitabh Bachchan and Yash Chopra were close friends. Their kids grew up together. A day prior, YRF released an official statement from Yash Raj Films of Pamela Chopra’s passing. It read, “With heavy hearts, the Chopra family would like to inform that Pamela Chopra, 74, passed away this morning. Her cremation took place at 11 am today in Mumbai. We are grateful for your prayers and the family would like to request for privacy in this moment of deep sadness and reflection.”

Pamela Chopra was admitted to Lilavati Hospital. “She passed away today early morning due to pneumonia with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). She had been admitted to the hospital for 15 days in the ICU," Dr. Prahlad Prabhudesai told PTI.

Pamela Chopra worked as a singer, costume designer, and writer and was credited as a co-producer in many Yash Raj Films' production. She was credited as the writer of Kabhie Kabhie and dress designer in Silsila and Sawaal. She crooned several songs for movies like Kabhie Kabhie, Noorie, Kaala Patthar, Chandni, Silsila, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, among others. Chopra was last seen in the YRF's docu-series The Romantics to celebrate 50 years of the studio. She spoke about her journey, Yash Chopra's long-lasting career, and how Aditya Chopra took the legacy forward. ALSO READ: RIP Pamela Chopra: Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt pen heartfelt condolence remembering Yash Chopra's wife

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Twitter's Blue Tick removal sparks responses from Vir Das, Nargis Fakhri and others

Twitter has initiated the removal of the blue verification badges from profiles that have not subscribed to the Twitter Blue service. The CEO of the company, Elon Musk, had previously announced this development earlier in the month. Among many other Twitter users, a bunch of Indian celebrities have also lost the blue tick as per the new mandate launched by the micro-blogging site, including Vir Das, Nargis Fakhri and more. 

Vir expressed his opinion on Twitter through multiple tweets, stating that he prefers the concept of buying tickets to verify an artist rather than verifying through blue ticks. He also mentioned that he does not mind being impersonated on the platform. He further added that users can differentiate the real him from impersonators based on whether they agree or disagree with his tweets. 

According to his suggestion, if someone is unhappy with his tweets and wishes to take action or report him to higher authorities, then the account in question belongs to an unverified impersonator.

How about this? If you like what I’m saying…it’s the real me. If you’re pissed off/offended/looking to take action/going to complain to some sort of metaphorical papa…..this account belongs to an unverified impersonator. Cool? — Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 21, 2023

Meanwhile, Nargis Fakhri tweeted, “I never really come on here. i just noticed I’m no longer verified with that blue thingy. So now everyone with a blue check pays a fee for it. Hmm okay. if anyone can buy it then what’s the point.” 

I never really come on here. i just noticed I’m no longer verified with that blue thingy. So now everyone with a blue check pays a fee for it. Hmm okay. if anyone can buy it then what’s the point. — Nargis (@NargisFakhri) April 21, 2023

Actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj wrote, "Bye bye #BlueTick …. It was nice having you….my journey ..my conversations..my sharing…will continue with my people … you take care #justasking,” on the micro blogging site, while actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan tweeted, "Why me ..???? Blue tick gone ????????????? Mr musk ????,” in his response. 

Bye bye #BlueTick …. It was nice having you….my journey ..my conversations..my sharing…will continue with my people … you take care #justasking — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) April 20, 2023

Why me ..???? Blue tick gone ????????????? Mr musk ???? https://t.co/diJOmGhxJC — Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) April 21, 2023

According to the announcement, users who were verified under the previous system would lose their blue tick if they failed to subscribe to Twitter Blue prior to April 20. For the unversed, to obtain a blue badge on your profile, payment is now required. In India, Twitter Blue is available for a monthly fee of ₹650 on the web and ₹900 on mobile devices. 

Also Read: Vir Das fan names his son after him, comedian drops a witty response

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Honey Singh denies allegations of kidnapping and assault; calls it “an attempt” to tarnish his image

In a shocking turn of events, a complaint has been filed against popular singer-rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh and his team members for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting the owner of an event management agency. The complaint was lodged by the victim himself on Wednesday. Reportedly, a dispute arose between the event management agency and Honey Singh's team over the cancellation of an event. However, Honey Singh has denied the allegations and issued a statement through an Instagram post.

On Thursday evening, a day after the complaint was lodged, the rapper-singer took to his verified social media handle and stated that the allegations against him are "false" and "baseless." “The complaint and the allegations are false and baseless. There is no connection or agreement between my company or the complainant which the media is showing since morning,” read his note post.

Explaining it further, Singh wrote, “I was engaged for the Mumbai Show through a company named Tribevibe which is a reputed company and a sister concern of Bookmyshow. I did my performance for whatever time the permission was there for.” He signed off by stating, “Rest all such allegations are false and an attempt to tarnish my image. My Legal Team is already working to file a defamation case against such miscreants.”

 

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  A post shared by Yo Yo Honey Singh (@yoyohoneysingh)

For the unversed, according to the complaint filed with the BKC police, Vivek Ravi Raman, the organiser of a music festival called Yo Yo Honey Singh 3.0, alleged that Honey Singh and his associates were displeased with the event's cancellation. The complainant claimed that the singer-rapper and his associates subsequently kidnapped him, held him captive at a Mumbai hotel, and assaulted him. The music festival was scheduled to take place on April 15 at the MMRDA Grounds in BKC.

Also Read: Yo Yo Honey Singh and Tina Thadani call it quits: Reports

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