Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Switzerland honestly felt like a postcard come to life-Aamna Sharif
9:38 AM
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 16, 2026)
Actor Aamna Sharif took off with her husband Amit Kapoor and son Arain to Europe last month to have a pre-birthday celebration ahead of her birthday today. While she had a certain itinerary in mind, the unprecedented heatwave that the continent is currently experiencing, made her look at Europe through a different lens as she experienced the rising mercury levels first hand.
Sharif and her family went to France and Switzerland during the two week trip, but they were taken by surprise by the scorching heat, as temperatures rocketed to near 41°C in various parts.
“I was aware of the heatwave, but no weather forecast can prepare you for experiencing it. After the first couple of days, I got more accustomed and realized that we needed to listen to our bodies instead of trying to race through a checklist,” she says, adding that they took more breaks, consumed cold coffee and gelato, and took things at a slower pace.
The different approach gave her a sense of calm too. “We had to be more flexible because of the heat. Instead of trying to pack too much into the afternoons, we started our days earlier and planned most of the sightseeing for the mornings and evenings. I also made sure to stay hydrated and keep my energy levels up,” says the actor who turns 44 today.
Ask her about the take back she had from this trip and Sharif shares, “France was all about culture, great food and beautiful streets, while Switzerland honestly felt like a postcard come to life.”
I’ve realized that Cannes is often misunderstood as a place of screenings, red carpets, and parties-Guneet Monga
9:44 AM
Guneet Monga (BOMBAY TIMES; June 12, 2026)
For those who’ve never been to Cannes, let me paint a picture with a familiar reference from home. Imagine a road by the beach in Juhu or Versova, Mumbai, a long stretch buzzing with activity. Now imagine that same road transformed into the epicentre of the global film industry for ten days. At Cannes, you walk constantly, between screenings, meetings, markets, and events. It’s a fitting metaphor for the journey itself: you walk for years, building relationships and credibility, so that one day your films can run.
That’s Cannes. It’s a place where filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, festival programmers, financiers, and industry stalwarts from across the world converge in one compact space. You’re not just there to pitch your project; you’re there to shape its future, finding collaborators, planning its festival journey, discovering opportunities, and building connections that can last a lifetime.
Few places bring together so much cinematic ambition, talent, and possibility under one roof, or rather, along one strip of land.
This year marked my 15th year attending Cannes. As I walked through the city, I found myself revisiting the places that have defined my journey there, the cafes where deals were first discussed, the meeting spots that led to lasting collaborations, and the theatres that hosted premieres of films that went on to become milestones in Indian cinema, including The Lunchbox, Gangs Of Wasseypur, and Masaan.
For almost two decades in the film industry, I’ve lived by instinct, courage, and a lot of hustle. Finding my way through spaces I had once only dreamed of entering, and slowly realizing that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop waiting for a seat at the table and build your own. That idea stayed with me for years. I’ve learned that talent was never the problem for women in cinema. Access was. Networks were. Exposure was.
Perhaps the most meaningful shift has been moving from navigating these rooms myself to helping others enter them. Through Women in Film India, we’ve been building bridges between Indian women filmmakers and the global film ecosystem, supporting three women at Cannes last year and four this year, creating opportunities for the kind of access and networks that can change the trajectory of a career.
This year, for the first time, two Indian women, out of just ten participants selected globally, were chosen to attend the impACT Lab at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Through a nationwide search conducted by Women in Film India, we were proud to support their journey to Cannes. In addition, two more Indian women producers were selected to participate in the prestigious Producers Network programme, further strengthening the presence of Indian women filmmakers and producers on one of the world’s most influential film industry platforms.
Not as guests, and definitely not as plus-ones. They walked in as scholars, selected through a national open call, evaluated by an industry jury, and sent there with the specific purpose of learning how the global film market actually works. They sat in rooms alongside filmmakers from across the world, participating in conversations that most Indian filmmakers never get access to at all.
That is the Cannes I come to every year. The one in the photographs is a different place entirely.
Over the years, I’ve realized that Cannes is often misunderstood as a place of screenings, red carpets, and parties. While all of that exists, the real value of Cannes lies elsewhere. It lies in the possibility of a conversation.
It is one of the few places in the world where every stakeholder in the film ecosystem comes together in one concentrated space. What matters is having the courage to walk up to someone, introduce yourself, share an idea, and begin a conversation. A single meeting can lead to a co-production partner, a festival strategy, financing support, international distribution, or a creative collaborator who stays with your project for years.
For independent filmmakers, especially, Cannes opens doors that may otherwise remain inaccessible. It is a place where films find advocates, where international partnerships are formed, and where entire futures can be shaped through a chance introduction. The connections you make there often outlast the festival itself and continue to influence your work for years to come.
The festival may command the headlines, but the market is where possibilities are created and where films truly begin their journey into the world.
India makes more films than almost any other country on earth, and yet our presence in these rooms remains disproportionately small. The reason is structural. Cannes operates on relationships built over years, on institutional backing, and on a deep understanding of how the global film ecosystem functions.
Think about what it takes to build that kind of presence. France has spent decades negotiating bilateral co-production treaties, funding international distribution, and maintaining a permanent infrastructure at Cannes that works on behalf of its filmmakers every single year.
If India is serious about strengthening its place in these global conversations, there is much to learn from countries that have approached international markets strategically. South Korea offers the clearest example. At this year’s Cannes, the Korean Film Council’s KO-PICK programme placed Korean producers directly within the Producers Network, backed by government funding, structured market access, and long-term international relationships. This is the result of decades of strategic investment, not just in producing films, but in ensuring those films have pathways to travel, find partners, and compete globally.
The lesson is not that India should replicate Korea’s model exactly, but that global success is rarely accidental. It is built through sustained participation, institutional support, and a commitment to creating opportunities for filmmakers beyond national borders. India’s support for independent cinema on the international stage is still evolving, but if we want our stories to travel further, we must invest not only in making films but also in building the networks, partnerships, and market presence that allow them to thrive internationally.
Co-productions fundamentally expand what is possible for a film. They unlock access to international financing, public funds, distribution networks, and long-term partnerships that are often unavailable to purely domestic productions. For a country with extraordinary stories and filmmaking talent, India’s next challenge is building the infrastructure around that talent, the market relationships, institutional support, and global presence that enable films to travel. Every producer who enters spaces like the impACT Lab or the Producers Network contributes to building that ecosystem, one conversation, partnership, and opportunity at a time.
The future of Indian cinema on the global stage will require filmmakers and producers to view Cannes not as a destination, but as an ongoing investment in their work. It means saving up to be there year after year, preparing months in advance, setting up meetings before boarding a flight, attending networking events with purpose, following up relentlessly, and understanding what international partners, programmers, and financiers are looking for rather than simply asking them to look at our projects. The opportunity is already there. The stories are certainly there. The talent has never been in question. What remains is our willingness as an industry to engage with the global ecosystem strategically, patiently, and collectively. If we do that consistently, the next decade of Indian cinema will not just be about taking films to the world, it will be about helping shape the future of world cinema itself.
And then there is the magic of Cannes that no schedule can account for. One of our scholars casually ran into Pedro Almodóvar. I found myself crossing paths with Pan Nalin, whom I had interned with nearly twenty years ago. That’s the thing about Cannes: every step of the way, you run into people you’ve admired for years, and people who may become part of your journey in the years ahead. The distance between a chance encounter and a life-changing opportunity can sometimes be just a few steps. At Cannes, you never really know what might happen next, and that’s precisely what keeps people coming back.
Ashim Samanta to reimagine An Evening In Paris following Indo-French cinema tie-up
9:04 AM
Chaitanya Padukone (MID-DAY; February 20, 2026)
Was it Shammi Kapoor’s charm, filmmaker Shakti Samanta’s storytelling, or Shankar-Jaikishan’s music? Maybe it was all of these that made ‘An Evening In Paris’ (1967) a jubilee hit on its release. And it looks like the Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore-led musical, which has remained much loved over the decades, might have a sequel of sorts.
With French President Emmanuel Macron’s India visit putting the spotlight on Indo-French collaborations in cinema, Samanta’s son and filmmaker Ashim Samanta has revealed to mid-day that French national Georges-Emmanuel Morali has proposed “relaunching” the movie in France.
“If all goes well, and with the backing of proactive financial, creative, and governmental support, there is a possibility of a modern spiritual sequel, ‘An Evening In Paris’. Our home production has influenced French national Georges-Emmanuel Morali to consider relaunching this romantic film in France,” said Ashim.
The film has been envisioned as a love story between a French boy and an Indian girl. “The girl visits Paris after watching ‘An Evening In Paris’, and desires to see every heritage spot shown in the film. The French boy takes her to all those locations, and in the process, both fall in love. The clips of the scenes and songs from ‘An Evening In Paris’ would be seen in this movie,” explained Ashim.
Emmanuel Macron was actively thinking of solutions to the problems being raised-Richa Chadha
8:34 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2026)
French President Emmanuel Macron on his three-day India tour ahead of inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, met several Bollywood biggies on Tuesday, including actors Richa Chadha, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, and Manoj Bajpayee for a conversation on cinema and cultural collaborations. For Richa, it was “as thrilling as it gets”.
The 39-year-old tells us that the exchange focused on paving the way for many more successful Indo-French productions, citing her film Masaan (2015) as an example. “I hope these synergies between the two democracies continue. Strengthening these collaborations can open doors for richer storytelling and a wider global reach for independent cinema,” she shares.
She also included Girls Will Be Girls (2024) and All We Imagine As Light (2024) as examples of what sustained partnerships can achieve: “France and India have a very good relationship in terms of producing films together. The discussion was about how to strengthen those ties.”
Gushing about “the youngest President” Richa appreciated how Macron was more focused on solving issues than just listening to problems. “He wasn’t passively listening. He was actively thinking of solutions to the problems being raised,” she says.
Speaking about the challenges faced by Kanu Behl’s Indo-French co-production Agra, she noted that despite premiering at Cannes, it secured only a limited release in India. “Globally, traditional theatre-going has dropped, but cinema attendance has risen in interesting ways. There needs to be an adaptive distribution model.”
Emmanuel Macron and I talked about our indie cinema crisis-Manoj Bajpayee
8:32 AM
Manoj Bajpayee, who met French President Emmanuel Macron, says the leader welcomed ideas on how a collaboration between the countries would aid Indian films
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 19, 2026)
Currently on a three-day visit to India, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron spent the afternoon of February 17 with artistes of the Hindi film industry. The luncheon was attended by actors Manoj Bajpayee, Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Richa Chadha, filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, and Neeraj Ghaywan, among others. Bajpayee, who was invited by the Consulate General of France in Mumbai to be part of the interaction, has walked away touched by the French President’s keen interest in the arts.
Talking to mid-day, he shared, “The French President believes in the soft power of art. He wanted to meet the representatives of this film industry, mainly those who belong to the middle-of-the-road and independent cinema. President Macron is most graceful, and informal in his conversation. He gave complete attention to everyone who had a suggestion about the exchanges that can take place [between France and India].”
France, over the decades, has had a rich movie culture where independent cinema thrives. In contrast, indie films in India struggle to co-exist alongside the big-budget mainstream entertainers. That, Bajpayee revealed, was a key point of discussion as they spoke about cinema bridging the two countries.
“We talked about the crisis that independent cinema is facing in our country, and how the collaboration can help its growth. France is known for pursuing storytelling in its purest form. When you have a country like this, you know every suggestion is being paid heed to.”
Vikrant Massey underwent 5 hours of prosthetics daily to become Sri Sri Ravi Shankar-Montoo Bassi
10:29 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 31, 2026)
Actor Vikrant Massey is gearing up for his first international project, White, in which he portrays spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Set against the backdrop of the 2015-16 Colombian peace process, where the spiritual leader performed the role of a mediator, the film required the actor to undergo extensive preparation and prosthetics for the role, director Montoo Bassi reveals.
“He is supremely talented. He’s been known for playing meaningful characters on screen and this is one of those. It was challenging, but he gave it his 100%. When it comes to the makeover and his transformation, he gave five hours of prosthetics and then 12 hours of shoot daily,” Montoo says.
The director adds that the film features a global cast and extensive international production. “We shot in Latin America and I was fortunate to get the best talent from Bolivia, Panama, Colombia, France, Argentina, and India. It was a great experience” Montoo says.
He also highlights the linguistic challenges involved: “The film is in Spanish and English, with the Spanish characters speaking their language. I myself had to prepare a lot to understand Spanish to be able to direct actors in their own language. I did not want it to be like an outsider’s view. It took almost five to six years for this film to be made because of the language barrier.”
Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya robbed of their passports and money in Florence
8:09 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; July 12, 2024)
Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya have been sharing stunning pictures and videos on their social media from their trip to Europe, enjoying an amazing time until recently. The couple arrived in Florence yesterday, looking forward to exploring the city. Unfortunately, their joy turned into a nightmare when they were robbed of their passports, wallets, and other valuable items worth Rs 10 lakh.
Vivek told us, “Everything about this trip has been incredible, except for this incident. We arrived in Florence yesterday and planned to stay for a day. We went to check out a property we liked for our stay and left all our belongings in a car parked outside at a secure parking location. However, when we returned to get our stuff, we were shocked to find that the car had been broken into, and our passports, wallets, money, shopping, and all our valuable items were gone. Fortunately, they left behind some old clothes and food items.”
The actor reached out to the local police but found no help. He said, “We tried contacting the local police, but they dismissed our case, saying that without CCTV cameras in that specific area, they can’t help us. They even felt there was no point in them visiting the location. The police station shuts at 6 pm, and after that, they can’t offer any assistance. We also tried reaching out to the embassy, but unfortunately, they had already closed for the day.”
Divyanka and Vivek are scheduled to return to India in a couple of days and are in desperate need of bureaucratic intervention. “We are in a small town near Florence. The hotel staff has been kind and helpful to us. But we are stuck without any cash and urgently need the embassy’s assistance. We require temporary passports and substantial help from the embassy to get back to India, as we have nothing with us,” he said.
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s Girls Will Be Girls to now release in the UK and France on September 20
8:34 AM
After Sundance win, Girls Will Be Girls bags Grand Jury Prize at film festivals in Romania and France
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 27, 2024)
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s maiden production, Girls Will Be Girls, seems to be a gift that keeps on giving. In January, the movie, starring Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi, won two awards at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Now, it has been honoured with the Grand Jury Prize at two festivals—the Transilvania International Film Festival in Romania that wrapped up on June 24, and the Biarritz Film Festival in France.
As a first-time producer, Chadha is elated that Shuchi Talati’s directorial venture is resonating far and wide. “Winning the Grand Jury Prize at two festivals is a testament to the hard work and passion that everyone has poured into this project. The film is all set now for its UK and France release. We are so proud of our baby from our production house making waves across the globe. We are grateful to Shuchi and our actors for their incredible work,” she says.
Earlier slated to release by the month-end in the UK and France, Girls Will Be Girls will now première on September 20 in both countries after target groups screenings. The coming-of-age drama delves into the life of 16-year-old Mira, portrayed by Panigrahi, and her complex relationship with her mother.
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's first production Girls Will Be Girls to release in UK, France by end of June
2:34 PM
Richa-Ali’s Girls Will Be Girls to hit screens in UK, France by end of June; India release yet to be decided
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 18, 2024)
In January, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal tasted success as their maiden production Girls Will Be Girls bagged two awards —the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category, and Special Jury Award for Acting—at the Sundance Film Festival 2024. Now, with the festival rounds done, it’s time for them to take their film to the audience.
While Indian viewers will have to wait a while, the Kani Kusruti and Preeti Panigrahi-starrer is set to hit the marquee in France, followed by a UK release by June-end.
Director Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls garnered attention in international circles after its double win at Sundance and its screening at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. That it is led by Kusruti, who also features in Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix-winning film All We Imagine As Light, only fuelled further interest.
Chadha is naturally excited about the movie’s international release as she says, “It’s a moment of immense pride for us. The film’s themes are universal, and we are thrilled that audiences in France and the UK will be among the first to experience it. I can’t wait for people in India to watch it as well.”
Set in a boarding school, the drama explores the life of 16-year-old Mira, played by Panigrahi, and her tense relationship with her mother.
We need indie film fund like the French one that made Cannes win possible-Payal Kapadia
9:22 AM
Basking in the afterglow of bagging a historic Cannes Grand Prix, ‘All We Imagine As Light’ director Payal Kapadia speaks to Ardhra Nair about what made it possible, the various influences that have inspired her, and why filmmaking is like stitching a quilt
Ardhra Nair (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 2, 2024)
Can you share your experience of making an independent film without the support of big banners?
The reason I was able to make this film is because of the French public funding system, and I would like to take a moment to talk about this system. In France, a small tax is levied on every film ticket sale and a tax is levied on TV channels as well. From this, a fund is created that allows independent producers and directors to apply for funding. Distributors and exhibitors also get funding to distribute these films once they are complete. In our country, charging audiences a tax would be rather unfair. However, a tax on the profits made on blockbuster films can surely help in funding an independent film fund. If such a system was made in our country with an autonomous body to run the fund, it would only encourage more independent filmmaking. For a democracy to thrive, voices need to remain independent from big studios that are run by rich industrialists.
Looking back, how do you feel about the FTII protests? Do you stand by what you all stood up for?
The protest at FTII was one of the early student protests that took place. It was followed by many others. I am happy that we could be part of the larger discourse of the relevance of public institutions in India. Being a student of FTII was very important to me. It was a space where we could not only formulate our thoughts about filmmaking, but also about the world we inhabit. Filmmaking does not exist in a vacuum. It is through debates and discussions, questions and self-reflection that we move closer to the films we choose to make. FTII was a place that encouraged independent thought. One reason this was possible was because of affordable public education. Unfortunately, public institutes are becoming more and more expensive nowadays. These spaces can only remain relevant and encourage discourse if they remain accessible to all. If they become elitist spaces like various public universities have over many years, it will be useless to the nation. There are many private institutions that are made only to give opportunities to the elite. A space like FTII is somewhere in between at this point in time. We should strive for it to be even more accessible than the direction in which it is headed.
One of your professors, Sandeep Chatterjee, mentioned that you are grounded in poetry, and this is reflected in your filmmaking. Can you tell us more about how poetry influences your work and your approach to filmmaking?
I am influenced by many different forms of art — poetry, painting, music, animation — all find their way into my work. I think of filmmaking like stitching a quilt with many small fragments that come together to give us a whole new feeling.
What kind of cinema do you like?
I am a huge cinephile and I love watching all kinds of films. However, the cinema that excites me the most is one that mixes forms of fiction and nonfiction, and sometimes even fantasy. I like when all these forms merge into one another. For some reason in India, we have a strong urge to compartmentalize each of these types of films. But I love to mix them all up and see where it takes me.
You’ve spoken before about the importance of sisterhood in your film. Can you elaborate on how sisterhood shapes the narratives you create and why this theme is so significant to you?
I have been thinking a lot about friendship in this film. It is a very open relationship that is defined only by you and your friend. In our society, women are made to feel as if they are being pitted against one another. That is very unfortunate. I think friendship can lead to greater inclusivity and solidarity. Perhaps my time at FTII has taught me that.
What do you think about the current state of the Indian film industry, and where do you see it heading?
We don’t have just one film industry in India! We have so many different industries. Especially remarkable to me is the cinema from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra. In these states, there is a range of films that are really taking on a lot of important questions. Recently, Kerala govt started a fund that supports female filmmakers as well as filmmakers from under-represented castes. I think this is the need of the hour. I hope more states start doing the same.
What stories are you looking forward to telling next?
I am interested in seeing how I can incorporate more nonfiction into my films. I am planning on doing some short experiments as a learning exercise. Let’s see where it takes me.
How do you think winning at Cannes will impact your career?
I don’t know yet! I am hoping that the next film won’t take five years to fund like the previous one did.
If your life were a movie, what genre would it be?
If my life were a movie, it would be a tragic comedy!
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BOMBAY TIMES (June 2, 2024)
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light recently won the Grand Prix, the second-highest honour at Cannes Film Festival. The filmmaker, who has been showered with congratulatory messages since the win, has released a statement and shared what steps can be taken to make such accolades more common for the Indian film industry.
Addressing how the selection for Cannes made the team both “excited and nervous”, she said, “We were in the middle of completing the postproduction when we found out that it was selected for competition at Cannes. This was beyond what we had expected. It made us both excited and nervous. Just one year ago we had started preparation on the film and now exactly one year later we were all together again but in a completely different context and a completely different world. It’s always a pleasure when a unit can be like a family of friends. And this is an extension of what our film is about.”
‘WHY CAN WE NOT SUPPORT MORE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS?’
Reflecting on why it took 30 years for an Indian film to be selected in Cannes’ main competition section, she said, “People at Cannes asked me why it is taking 30 years for a film to be selected. While I did ask the selection committee this question, we should also ask ourselves this as well. Why can we not support more independent filmmakers? One of the reasons I was able to make this film is because of the French Public funding system – a small tax is levied on each and every ticket sale of a film as well as a tax levied on TV channels... In our country, charging audiences a tax would be rather unfair. However, a tax on the profits made on blockbuster films can surely help in funding an independent film fund. If such a system was made in our country with an autonomous body to run the fund, & would only encourage more and more independent filmmaking. For a democracy to thrive, voices need to remain independent from big studios that are run by rich industrialists.” Payal also lauded the Kerala government’s initiative of starting “a fund that supports female filmmaker’s as well as filmmaker’s from under-represented castes. I think this is the need of the hour... I’m thankful to people in the Kerala film industry. So many well established actors and producers were very supportive to our team.”
Richa Chadha to be honored by the French government and the Counsel General of France to India
8:58 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 27, 2023)
In a momentous event set to take place on the 28th of October in Mumbai, actress Richa Chadha will be honored by the French government and the Counsel General of France to India.
At this special occasion, Richa will be conferred with the prestigious 'Chevalier Des Arts et des Lettres,' one of the highest orders given by the French government to artists in the realms of cinema, arts, and fashion worldwide. This honor places her in the esteemed company of Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Oscar winner Guneet Monga recognizing her contribution to the cinema.
The ceremony, scheduled during the upcoming MAMI film festival, promises to be a celebration of Richa Chadha's remarkable journey, highlighting her significant impact on the global stage.
Reacting to the honour, Richa said, “It is truly an overwhelming and humbling moment for me to be recognized by the French government and the Counsel General of France to India with the prestigious 'Chevalier Des Arts et des Lettres' award. To stand in the esteemed company of legends such as Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact cinema can have on bridging cultures and societies. My journey in the film industry has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. Receiving this honor is not just a personal achievement; it is a recognition of the collective efforts of everyone who believed in my vision, from my family and friends to my mentors and collaborators. This accolade reaffirms my belief that storytelling knows no boundaries, and it is my responsibility as an artist to contribute meaningfully to the global dialogue. Thank you to the French government and the Counsel General of France to India for this honor, which only motivates me to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the world through my work.”
Hailing from a modest family of educators, Richa Chadha has carved her unique niche in the entertainment industry on her own terms, consistently defying norms and expectations. She has collaborated with esteemed filmmakers such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Neeraj Ghaywan, Mira Nair, Dibakar Bannerjee and Anurag Kashyap in her decade long career. Richa's filmography boasts internationally acclaimed films, including the Indo-French production 'Masaan,' which clinched two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. As a producer, her first film 'Girls Will Be girls' is an Indo-French Co-production under the official co-production treaty between the two countries.
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The French government will confer Richa Chadha with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. She joins SRK, Aishwarya who were previously felicitated
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 27, 2023)
Weeks after she enjoyed a hit in Fukrey 3, comes another milestone for Richa Chadha. The actor will be conferred with the prestigious Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, one of the highest orders given by the French government to achievers in the realms of cinema, arts, and literature. With this honour, she joins the ranks of Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Oscar winner Guneet Monga, who have previously been recognised for their contribution to Hindi cinema.
The ceremony, which will take place tomorrow at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, promises to be a celebration of Chadha’s Bollywood journey. In the past 15 years, the actor has collaborated with esteemed filmmakers such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Ghaywan and Dibakar Banerjee, with films like Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) and Masaan (2015) going to the Cannes Film Festival.
Chadha’s influence extends beyond the silver screen as she advocates for women’s rights and gender equality. Her activism goes hand-in-hand with her actions—the newly-turned producer recently established The Undercurrent Lab, which trains women to be gaffers in the film industry.
Reacting to the honour, Chadha says, “It is an overwhelming and humbling moment for me to be recognised by the French government and the Counsel General of France to India. To stand in the company of legends such as Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a testament to the power of storytelling, and the impact cinema can have on bridging cultures and societies. This accolade reaffirms my belief that storytelling knows no boundaries, and it’s my responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the global dialogue.”
I am really concerned about my team's safety-Urvashi Rautela
8:38 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 12, 2023)
As protests and rioting continue in Paris, getting stranded in the French capital has actor Urvashi Rautela shaken and anxious about how things would turn out. The 29-year-old is especially worried about her team, who are grounded in the city on her account.
“I have them here with me, and I am really concerned about their safety. In fact, our families back in India are also worried about our safety because they are reading about the news,” shares the Inspector Avinash actor.
Rautela, who attended the Paris Fashion Week 2023 (July 3-6), flew in even as rioting picked up pace in the city suburbs. On June 28, violence and protests broke out in the Paris region after a cop fatally shot a teen during a traffic stop late last month.
“Everything in Paris is okay and smooth, for which I am really grateful. Earlier, with the news coming in when I arrived in the city, I was petrified, but now, I am okay,” Rautela says, adding that she was happy that she was able to fulfil her professional commitments.
Despairing at the situation in the city, Rautela expresses hope that Paris will emerge out of the unrest soon. “It saddens me deeply to witness the turmoil and divisiveness that have gripped this beautiful country. The power of unity and understanding is important now more than ever. Violence only breeds more violence but compassion and empathy can heal wounds,” she says, adding, “My thoughts and prayers are with those affected. Stay strong and we will rise above this adversity.”
We stayed in Paris for five days and didn’t witness any riots-Geeta Basra
3:17 PM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 8, 2023)
Actor Geeta Basra was rethinking her holiday plans to Paris (France) after seeing the visuals of the riots as people protested the killing of a teen by a cop. But, she is happy she didn’t cancel her vacation since it wasn’t “as terrifying” as it was portrayed in the news.
Accompanied by her husband, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, and their kids, daughter Hinaya Heer Plaha and son Jovan Veer Singh Plaha, Paris was the last stop of her vacation in Europe. “We stayed in Paris for five days and didn’t witness any riots. It was very peaceful. There were police across the city, but there was nothing to worry about,” says Basra, who is back home in London.
The 39-year-old was in Monte Carlo (Monaco) when she heard the news about the riots from her family. “I called my friends in Paris, who assured me that things were fine. I’m thankful that we had five fabulous days there. We walked the city’s streets and saw the Eiffel Tower,” she says.
For those planning a trip to the French capital, the actor suggests “do your own research”. She adds, “Make sure you ask those living in Paris about the situation. Don’t go by just what you’re hearing or seeing.”
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have the same vision-Elnaaz Norouzi
8:48 AM
Eagerly waiting for the second edition of Made In Heaven, Elnaaz Norouzi on working with Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 23, 2023)
It’s been four years since the first season of Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s Made In Heaven dropped on Amazon Prime Video, but the wait for the second edition seems endless. However, Iranian-German model-actor Elnaaz Norouzi revealed that the show may finally come sometime in July this year, adding, “It is not entirely confirmed. We don’t have a date as yet, but we know that if anything goes wrong [in July], it should be released by August.”
Eagerly waiting to see her episode, Norouzi shares that her story is the “only one shot in France”. “The episode has beautiful visuals and a fantastic story that is relatable. I love my character, [as] it is different from anything I have done before,” she says, refusing to divulge any further details on the wedding drama that would follow.
“While we were dubbing for it, we were laughing and enjoying [the episode]. We received great feedback. I am just waiting for Zoya to finish, so I can watch it.”
Ask her if Akhtar runs a tight ship on sets, and Norouzi claims that she had a “fantastic time with so many women in the crew”. “Zoya provides a great working environment. When you are working, everyone is [on point] and concentrating on the shot, but the moment there is a break, it is all happy and fun. That is the way I prefer to work. Although I didn’t get to work much with Reema, as Zoya was directing my episode, they are not very different from each other. They have the same vision and both know where they are going,” she says.
I think it’s very important that there be parity in promotions of films-Milind Soman
8:37 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 28, 2023)
Among the several tactics tried by filmmakers to promote their projects to ensure a grand opening and good numbers, talk around their massive budgets is currently a favourite. Be it Brahmastra (2022) or Prabhas-starrer Adipurush, buzz around the massive amounts spent on their making has been a major talking point.
Actor Milind Soman, who recently wrapped up the shoot of his new film Emergency, feels that while this strategy works for big-budget projects, it could also mean running smaller films out of the market. “When you are marketing, you have to use everything that you have and if one of the things is ‘Oh, we have spent a lot of money,’ then you have to say it. But then, unfortunately, for those who have not spent a lot of money, the perception is that it’s not a good film... or it’s a small film.”
Elaborating his point on small and big projects, the 57-year-old says that the general impression among viewers is that if a project is really captivating, it has to be on big scale. “Small films are also mind-blowing, and we have several examples of that, but the consensus is that it has to be something as grand as Avatar — which required a lot of money to make. Because then, people will go to watch it, irrespective of the reviews it gets. The curiosity that the makers have spent a billion dollars and what did they spend so much money on, is what brings the audience to theatres,” he notes.
On a different note, talking about how productions often spend massive budgets on promotions, Soman illustrates his point with an example from France: “They do not allow Hollywood movies to spend more money (on promotions). It has to be the same that the French spend to promote their films, because otherwise they will get washed out. I think it’s very important that there be parity in promotions of films — big and small,” he wraps up.
"What a match, absolutely amazing" Raveena Tandon ecstatic about attending FIFA finals
8:02 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 20, 2022)
As he sent the ball flying past the goal line, Argentinian right-back Gonzalo Montiel, with his historic, World Cup-clinching penalty, sent the whole world into delirium. For those present at the gilded Lusail Stadium in Doha — like actor Raveena Tandon — the excitement was something else.
“The atmosphere here was so electric... It is a vibe! People were laughing, crying, dancing. And all that happened especially when France scored those two goals back-to-back,” she told us moments later, the thrill palpable in her voice.
The 48-year-old was in Qatar to attend the FIFA World Cup 2022 with son Ranbir. Her good friend, filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder was there with son Czar, too, apart from a host of other celebs, including actors Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan. “I bumped into a lot of friends from all over. But Farah and I rightly get the ‘mothers of the year award’, as we went solely for our sons and to see them happy and excited. That is all what we wanted,” she laughed.
Joy, heartbreak and madness — Tandon witnessed it all at the game, like when Argentinian fans cried after France scored those two game-changing goals, to equalise in the final minutes of the second half. “What a fight, man! Mbappe, he scored thrice for France, and it was pretty awesome. France really fought well, but the stadium was full of Argentinians. They were the hot favourites. Messi scoring a goal was what most people were waiting for, and that happened right at the start. What a match, absolutely amazing,” she exclaimed.
With Pathaan, our aim was to create a film that would raise the bar of action movies in India-Siddharth Anand
8:09 AM
Pathaan director on taking his cast across eight countries to film sequences for Khan’s return vehicle
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 2, 2022)
With Pathaan marking Shah Rukh Khan’s first film in four years, director Siddharth Anand was keen to create an offering that befit his stardom. In a bid to make Pathaan a “visual spectacle”, Anand took his cast and crew, including Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham across eight countries for the shoot of the actioner.
“The selection of the right locations is always an important part of making a film, and it was more crucial for an actioner like this one. We wanted to create a spectacle for audiences; one that they have never seen before,” says Anand, whose previous offerings include dramas like War, Bang Bang, and Bachana Ae Haseeno.
Filming for Aditya Chopra’s production took place across Spain, UAE, Turkey, Russia and Siberia, Italy, France, and Afghanistan. “This was done to achieve a variation in the [settings]. A lot of planning went into deciding how we would go about filming.”
Pre-production for the film, which also releases in Tamil and Telugu, took nearly two years to complete. “Our aim was to create a film that would raise the bar of action movies in India. We have shot in remote and exquisite spaces so as to make the film both immersive and outlandish,” says the director of the January 25 release that was shot near Paris’s Eiffel Tower, and Siberia’s snow-clad mountains.
Aamir Khan plans to release Laal Singh Chaddha worldwide with subtitles in corresponding languages
8:54 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 16, 2022)
Even if one does not comprehend the Hindi language and wish to watch Laal Singh Chaddha, fret not, for Aamir Khan has thought ahead. The actor has decided to release the film worldwide to cater every Bollywood fan. To tackle the language barrier across the globe, producers Aamir Khan Productions, Viacom18 Studios and Paramount Pictures will showcase the film in corresponding languages.
A trailer of Laal Singh Chaddha, an adaptation of Forrest Gump (1994) starring Tom Hanks, in French, has already released in France. A trade source informed, “In France, they released the two-minute-48-seconds trailer this week with French subtitles. Apart from France, Middle-East, and South-East Asia, Paramount is exploring other European countries, including Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. The movie will reach out to a wider audience and connect on an emotional level.”
Hoping that people around the globe will witness Indian culture, Mark Weinstock, Paramount Pictures, president of worldwide marketing and distribution says, “Like the original, this movie is full of heart and hope and universally relatable themes. We can’t wait for audiences everywhere to meet Laal and see India’s culture and history through his unique lens.”
Directed by Advait Chandan, Laal Singh Chaddha also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Mona Singh and Naga Chiatanya.
I felt so helpless, says Annu Kapoor on being robbed of cash and other valuables in France
8:22 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2022)
Actor and anchor Annu Kapoor and his wife Anupama Patel met with an unfortunate incident on their Europe holiday. The actor was robbed while he was boarding a train from Dijon-Ville station in France on June 18. They lost their expensive bag, credit cards, iPad, diary and money.
Speaking exclusively to BT from Switzerland, Annu Kapoor said, “My wife Anupama and I were waiting on platform H of Dijon-Ville railway station to board the 1:28 pm train to Paris Gare de Lyon. Most of the trains in France do not have space to put heavy bags, and sometimes you find people to help you with luggage. Two men suddenly came to us and offered to help with the two suitcases we had. While I tried to pick up one suitcase and he helped, they immediately grabbed my wife’s bag, got hold of my pouch, which had credit cards and cash, iPad and diary, and fled. Nobody tried to go after them and we stood there helpless. Thankfully, they did not take my passport, so my wife and I boarded the train, reached the Paris Gare de Lyon station and registered a complaint with the police.”
The actor, who will travel to London from Switzerland, is slated to return to Mumbai on June 29. He said, “This was a very unfortunate incident. I have been travelling to Europe for the last 26 years, but I guess this was destined to happen now. Thankfully, my friends in Paris and other locals who I know, came forward to help me. It was a long procedure to block my cards and I have lost around 10-15 lakh rupees. ”
He added, “My advice to all travellers is to always be alert. People who travel should always have their medical and theft insurance in place otherwise, their holiday can turn into a nightmare.”
Made In Heaven team leaves for France today after a year-long delay
8:20 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 21, 2021)
The two-year-long wait has been testing the patience of people who loved Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s Made in Heaven. The team was scheduled to kick-start the shoot for the second instalment in April 2020, but the Coronavirus pandemic played spoilsport and derailed the plans for a year-and-a-half.
Earlier this week, Akhtar and her team of co-directors and production unit landed in France to wrap-up an extensive, long-pending schedule. A source informs that the shoot for the Amazon Prime Video series will be canned in different locations within France. “Sobhita [Dhulipala] left for France on November 19. They will be shooting in Nice and Cannes, among other places, before returning to Mumbai. It’s a 21-day schedule for now, but the team is hoping to finish early with days to spare.”
The shoot will revolve around an elaborate destination wedding sequence organised by Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur’s characters. The second season will also feature Dia Mirza, Radhika Apte, Jacqueline Fernandez, Mrunal Thakur and Neelam Kothari in different episodes.
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