Priyanka Chopra kicks off special campaign of women empowerment for her dating-cum-networking app, ropes in influencers Neha Dhupia, Kubbra Sait, Lily Singh, Mithila Palkar to drive change
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 17, 2019)

While the world at large was happy to term it the 'feminist Tinder', Priyanka Chopra Jonas insisted that Bumble - the social networking app backed by her - was essentially another step towards women empowerment. Her argument - it gave the female population the power of choice. Upon its launch in India last month, the actor also unveiled the #EqualNotLoose campaign that championed the cause of gender equality.

Now, in a bid to take the idea further, Chopra has roped in social media influencers Neha Dhupia (right), Kubbra Sait (left; below), Lilly Singh (right; below), Mithila Palkar (bottom) and Saloni Chopra to initiate conversations about women empowerment.

A source close to the development reveals, "The idea was to promote equality and challenge gender stereotypes through the promotions. The 'Equal Not Loose' tagline is an attempt to challenge the judgment that often accompanies women's pursuit of independence, and professional and relationship goals. We'll kick off a week-long campaign that will see Neha, Kubbra and others interact with their social media followers to exchange stories and ideas about women empowerment."

Chopra, who has often batted for women power - be it through her film choices or the female-friendly initiatives in her production house - says the app is a natural extension of her ethos. "Whitney Wolfe Herd [founder] and I share a relentless passion for empowering women. I'm proud to be able to showcase that in our first campaign," says the actor.

Sait, who joins the drive this week, says, "It's a unique campaign that not only draws in the new perspective of women, but also addresses the myth of how if you aren't a certain way, a woman would be considered 'loose'. I'm thrilled that the campaign celebrates individuality."

Subhash Kapoor lands in soup after Aamir Khan distances himself from Mogul
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 12, 2018) 

Even as the #MeToo fire rages on, filmmaker Subhash Kapoor has become the latest member of the film industry to face the heat. Sources close to the development have confirmed to Mirror that T-Series is going to ask Kapoor to step down as the director of their upcoming production, Mogul.

Earlier this week, actress Geetika Tyagi, who had accused Kapoor of sexual assault in 2014, lauded MAMI film festival, which is chaired by Kiran Rao, for dropping films by alleged sexual offenders from its upcoming line-up. She also urged Kiran, and her husband Aamir, to do the right thing.

While Aamir responded to the tweet by stepping down as the co-producer of the biopic, Kapoor issued a statement, saying, “Since the matter (of the assault) is sub judice, I intend to prove my innocence in a court of law.”

Meanwhile, veteran actor-lyricist Piyush Mishra made it to the growing list of alleged offenders when a former journalist accused him of misbehaving with her at a party. When Mirror reached out to Mishra, he said that he didn’t know the lady in question. “Or maybe I’ve seen her around, but I don’t remember her. I have no memory of this incident but if it ever happened, I would like to apologise,” he told Mirror. Later, he issued a statement, saying, “I don’t remember the stated incident as I was probably a few drinks down but nevertheless I would like to extend my apology for making the lady uncomfortable either with my words or actions.”

On Thursday, actress Saloni Chopra named Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan and Onir’s protégé Zain Durrani as her harassers in a long blog post. At least three more women came forward to level sexual misconduct allegations against Sajid, while an anonymous survivor who identified herself as a former employee of Subhash Ghai, accused the filmmaker of drugging and raping her a few years ago. Ghai put out a statement, saying, “It’s very sad that it’s becoming a trend to malign people by bringing up some stories from the past which don’t have any truth to them… I deny strictly and firmly all false allegation like these. I have always respected every woman in my life and at the workplace… If she (accuser) claims this way, she should go to court of law and prove it.”

Months after Onir informed Vidhu Vinod Chopra of physical assault allegations levelled against Zain Khan Durrani, latter to take measures against lead of his next
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 12, 2018)

Zain Khan Durrani, who features in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's yet-untitled next, was accused of physical assault ­by former girlfriend Saloni Chopra in a social media blog, in May (without the person being explicitly named). Incidentally, director Onir, who had launched Durrani with Kuch Bheege Alfaaz, had taken note of Saloni's post in the same month. The director points out that though he had brought these allegations to Vidhu's attention, the studio continued to collaborate with Durrani.

Onir says, "When I got to know about Zain assaulting the girls, I informed those working at Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production about Zain."

When we reached out to Vinod Chopra Films (VCF), the studio issued a statement that read, "By the time, Onir brought the matter to our attention on May 21, we had already shot a substantial portion of the film. VCF confronted Zain who refuted the allegations. If the aggrieved person shares her grievances with us, we are willing to take harsh action against Zain. We condemn any abuse and are committed to creating a safe workplace for men and women."

However, the studio remained unavailable for comment after Saloni went public with her accusations last evening.

Nandita Das on creating promo videos with influencers whose free speech was curtailed
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 14, 2018)

It is no coincidence that director Nandita Das has timed the trailer release of Manto - the biopic on celebrated writer Saadat Hasan Manto who was the flagbearer of freedom of speech - for Independence Day. In keeping with the film's theme, the makers launched a series of videos yesterday featuring several influencers whose free speech has been challenged in the past.

The series features stand-up comic Tanmay Bhat whose AIB roast in 2015 had landed him in legal trouble, Malishka Mendonsa who was sent a notice by the BMC after she poked fun at the civic body's ill-preparedness during monsoon last year, rapper Divine and social media influencer Saloni Chopra, among others.

Das says that the video, which sees the youngsters with tape on their mouth, will emphasise the frustration one feels to have their freedom of speech curtailed. "It was Viacom18's [producer] idea to rope in influencers. Manto is for anyone who believes that truth matters, and seeks courage to uphold it."



Divine in the video, Saloni Chopra and Tanmay Bhat