'Badhshala' finally to hit screens

Audiences can now watch “Badhshala” in theatres on April 19. The film was scheduled to be released on March 8 across the nation but was held back due to the army’s issue with the film’s use of army uniform.

Towards the end of January, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) had written to the Ministry of Information and Communications instructing it to ban the screening of the film, stating that the filmmaker had not sought permission from Nepal Army to use the uniform before filming.

The filmmakers then requested the army to watch the film before making any decision and had even said that they would approach the court to seek justice. Manoj Pandit, director of the film said, “The army sent a no-objection letter last Monday after which the Censor Board watched the film on Friday. ‘Badhshala’ was finally passed through the Censor Board yesterday.”

Pandit confirmed the release date of the film on April 19 and said, “I would like to request everyone who comes to watch ‘Badhshala’ to come with an open mind. I hope they don’t carry the last few months’ issues of the film with me. Without any prejudice or expectations, I’m sure they will enjoy the film more.”

The film was released in the UK and Australia towards the end of March and was well received by audiences there. It is also set to be released in the US in a couple of days.

The film stars Anup Baral, Dayahang Rai, Sarita Giri, Saugat Malla, Arpan Thapa, and Samuna KC.

source:repubica,3 april 2013

Sundance rocks the mountains!

The 8th Sundance Music Festival, held at Last Resort located on top a green river gorge close to the Tibetan border, rocked the mountains on March 16 and 17. A crowd totaling to 300 plus attended the festival, according to the organizers.

The fest officially started with a tabla and drums mix fusion music followed by the Boyz Next Door who covered Nepali and English singles leaving the crowd wooing and singing along.

Subani moktan, who was also seen enjoying the thrilling Canyon Swing on Sunday, entertained the audience with some originals numbers and English singles cover. Also playing during the festival was Albatross with some covers and songs from their previous albums. DJ Rabbit and DJ BPM kept the night alive with heart thumping music till 1 in the morning.

“The festival has been a success and it’s great to see you all here on a Sunday morning,” said Nirakar Yakthumba of Moksh, who coordinated and directed the musicians for the event. He further added that Last Resort and Moksh will be back next year and the year after that and will continue the tradition of the festival.

source: republica,18 March 2013

Karkash: An entertainer to watch out for

Karkash, according to director Asif Shah, is a dark comedy that captures the rawness of Kathmandu and presents a ‘new genre’ to Nepali audiences

ASIF Shah is not a new name in the country’s television and media scenes. He is a singer, has directed a number of hit music videos, has worked as video jockey, and is quite a familiar name in the advertisement world. Shah directed a short film in 2008. Sonam won an award in the video competition You Are No Exception, organised by USAID Nepal that year. The short film—built around the central HIV AIDS theme—won Shah numerous accolades. The director is now all set to make his big screen debut with Karkash. The film is slated (tentatively) for a May release, and its first look and its trailer are set to be launched by the end of this month.

The film’s script, screenplay and dialogues have all been co-written by Shah and Abhinash Bikram Shah. The original soundtrack for the film has been composed by Karma band and Susan Prajapati is its cinematographer. Karkash has been produced by G21 Productions and its director says that it is a dark comedy. “The film has a lot of dark humour in it,” he says. “It starts with its characters in a bad situation to begin with. The condition only gets worse as the film progresses. It is the in-between incidents and situations that create the humour.” Karkash stars Satya Raj Acharya, Raymon Das Shrestha and Dayahang Rai, all well-known names in the Nepali film industry. The film also marks the film debut of popular media personality Suraj Singh Thakuri.

The four will be seen playing characters who, while attempting to achieve their goals, find themselves facing several entangling problems. This, the director says, is what creates an entertaining watch for the audiences. “The film is basically about these four members of a music band in Thamel,” Shah says. Other pivotal roles in the movie have been played by Harshika Shrestha and Ragini Khadgi. “I’ve tried to make my debut film entertaining,” he says. “I hope my efforts will be appreciated by the audience.” Apart from the humour and entertainment quotients in the movie Shah says audiences will be quite thrilled to see some of the most well-known faces in popular media in completely different avatars. The actors went through a 20-day workshop before the film’s shooting began. This training will hopefully reflect in the characters they portray on screen. The director himself found the process of making his movie emancipating. “The film was a breath of fresh air for me,” he says. “I used to have to work my way through various reservations, but this gave me complete creative freedom.” The film is still an ‘experimental’ one though and so the director hopes its newness and novelty will be welcomed by audiences. “The film shows the rawness of Kathmandu and we all know that our audience wants to watch a good film,” he says. “The genre is a new one, but that dœsn’t really matter when the film itself is good. I believe I have made a good film with Karkash.”

source: The Kathmandu Post, 12 march 2013

Kai Po Che: A bag of goodies

Kai Po Che is an entertainer. Abhishek Kapoor delivers yet again after the resounding success of ‘Rock On!!’ in 2008. Adapted for the screen from Chetan Bhagat’s novel ‘The Three Mistakes of My Life’, the film is set in Ahmedabad, India and is centered on the lives of three friends Ishaan, Omkar and Govind.

Ishaan is the passionate cricket lover who never managed to get beyond playing for the district level, Omi is the town Pandit’s son and Gobi is the one with a burning desire to earn money and make it big. There is Ali, the boy who promises sixers every time he picks up a batand this talent infuses Ishaan with a new passion.

The friends open a shop cum sports coaching cum tuition place for Maths, and dream gleefully of bigger things. The boys’ earnestness will make us want to root for them as they traverse around the challenges life has to offer. As the friends push each other and start to focus their attention on what they individually do best, their friendships and beliefs get tested.

Like in the book, the film touches upon the beginning of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Omi’s uncle is the local party leader whose political rival is Ali’s father. The boys, especially Omi, unwittingly get entrenched into politics and it is then we see Omi slowly transform into a man with a purpose.

A successful TV actor, this is Sushant Singh Rajput’s film debut and he’s done a fine job, leaving the viewer appreciating his presence. Amit Sadh and Raj Kumar Yadav take us along in the perfectly believable daily going on of their small town life that is punctuated with little victories and big catastrophes. In fact, the cast of the film develop into credible characters and their lives in the small town are ordinary without any speck of glamour.

What works in ‘Kai Po Che’ is the effort to present the characters within the image of the small town boy. Ishaan’s frustration with his inability to take his love for cricket further and the subsequent squabbles with his father over the lack of any apparent ambition; the hardworking Gobi whose sole intention is to earn money and move on to better things; Omi who is very attached to Ishaan but is slowly drawn into his uncle’s way of seeing things. The focus of the film remains the friendship amongst the boys, which though tried and tested, manages to come through.

There are no routine Bollywood dances, just some pleasing music. After ‘Three Idiots’ and ‘Kai Po Che’ perhaps it would be safe to assume that Chetan Bhagat’s books are better suited to the big screen?
Screening at QFX cinemas

source: Rai, Pramila(2013),"Kai Po Che: A bag of goodies ", republica,11 March 2013

MoMA awards prestige to 'Highway'

Deepak Rauniyar’s film ‘Highway’ staring Dayahang Rai, Reecha Sharma, Saugat Malla has recently been honored by New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Highway has been chosen to inaugurate MoMA’s ContemporAsian, a program showcasing contemporary Asian cinema. MoMA will also screen the film for a week at Roy and Niuta Titus cinema theatre from April 25 to May 1.

Director Rauniyar and co-producer Danny Glover will be at hand to present the film in New York. Actor Asha Magrati, executive producer Mita Hosali, co-producer Joslyn Barnes and editor David Barker will also be present at the first screening of the film.

source: republica,11 march 2013

KCM Girls on Wheels

KCM Girls on Wheels
KCM Girls on Wheels a treasre hunt journey across the city. (KCM) is proud to present the 3rd edition of ‘Girls on Wheels ‘. This is a fun filled treasure hunt for girls with scooty. There will be competition between many teams in which a team will consist of two members, a rider and a navigator.

This time we are letting the girls ride, and letting anyone, boy or girl, sit behind.

First Prize worth: Rs.50,000*
Second Price worth Rs. 30,000*
Third Prize worth Rs. 20,000*
and many more prizes to win through out the hunt (* condition apply)

Registration Fee: Rs. 1500
Satrday,April 6th
Registration forms available at: Civil Mall and KCM(Gwarko)

For more inquiry:
9851061065,9841146444

link:
http://www.educatenepal.com/notice_announcements/event/kcm-girls-on-wheels

In tune with Farhan Akhtar -To perform with Deep Purple in Kathmandu

Director turned screenwriter, producer, actor, playback singer, lyricist and a television host; he doesn’t have a bucket list to follow but just goes with the flow. Farhan Akhtar, at the moment, is all set to perform with the international rock band, Deep Purple, in Kathmandu on March 15. The concert is being organized jointly by Jet Set PR Entertainment and ODC Entertainment and is being promoted by Utsav Events.
Republica caught up with Farhan Akhtar for an interview. Excerpts:

How much of a Deep Purple fan are you? And how excited are you?
I’m a big fan of Deep Purple and I have been into their music since my teen years. We had this vinyl record, as I recall now, of the band’s album ‘Machine Head’ and I used to listen to that. I’m very excited to be sharing a stage with them in Kathmandu.

Are you excited to visit Nepal as well?
The last time I visited Nepal was in 1989, so I’m quite sure it has changed a lot. Also, the people love Deep Purple’s music and so do I. I’m already excited to visit Kathmandu and meet Deep Purple. This is like a dream come true for me.

What’s in the pipeline for you? What are you busy with at the moment?
I just finished shooting for ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ in Ladakh and I’m also working on this romantic comedy movie with Vidya Balan. A few projects and collaborations with other musicians are also in the pipeline. When I’m not working and busy, I just like to go sky diving (laughs).

How did the shooting for ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ in Ladakh go?
It was challenging to shoot in Ladakh. I’m extremely fortunate to be acting as Milkha Singh, a former Indian athlete. The shoot was an intense experience and had a lot of challenges. But as an actor, you want to take on new challenges and try something new. That’s just what I did.

Dil Chahta Hai was a turning point in your career and now whatever you do makes it to the news. How do you feel?
Frankly, I just feel old and I keep convincing myself that I’m not that old (laughs). Looking back 12 years to ‘Dil Chahata Hain’, it was an unplanned venture but definitely a dream come true for sure. It makes me so happy when people still say that they remember the film and that they can associate with it. As a director, I could not be more proud.

Are you planning to take on the director’s seat anytime soon?
Writing and directing are my first love and I will definitely do it. But one cannot push something and make it happen just because one loves it. It has to be the right story and the right script and everything should fall in the right place. May be that will happen soon, only time will tell.

You are a public figure and you’re surrounded with rumors and negative news. How do you deal with it?
I just don’t react. Thankfully I have not been involved in big scandals (smiles) but if the rumor or news has no truth in it, it will die its natural death. The best thing to do is not reacting.

You are a director, singer, lyricist, screen writer, actor, producer and television host. Not that there is much remaining but what else do you want to do in life?
I don’t want to have a bucket list of things I want to do or want to be. I think you have to work towards what you want in life. At the moment, I’m enjoying what I’m doing and I haven’t given a thought about what I want to do more.

Tickets for the Deep Purple concert are available at: t City Centre, Kamalpokhari; Bakery Café, Bhatbhateni Super Store, Bhatbhateni; Saleways, all stores; New Orleans Restaurant & Bar, Thamel and Jhamel, CT, Bauddha, New Road, Kirtipur; Casapagoda, Durbar Square; Saurav Music, Thamel; Buzz Café, Baluwater; Blue Note, Suwal Video, Bhumi and Trisara Restaurant, Lazimpat; Sulux Centre, Durbar Marg; Sherpa Mall, Coffee Express, Durbar Marg; Road House Café, all outlets; Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat; Puma Showroom, Durbar Marg; Vesper Café and 8 Degrees, Jhamel; Testi n Tipsy, Jamal; Game Station, New Road; Camellion, Freak Street, Basantapur; Tashi, Bauddha; Blink, Kumaripati; Sweet16, Bagbazar; Susimine, Kupondole; Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka; DMC Building, Pulchowk and Rangsansar, Kalanki.

source: republica,10 March 2013

Link:
http://www.tourismkathmandu.com/events/music_and_dance/details/405

Nepal Int'l trade fair starts Friday

Aiming to promote Nepal´s international trade relations, the 2nd Nepal International Trade Fair 2013 is starting at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu from Friday.

Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai is scheduled to inaugurate the five-day festival.

A statement issued by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) states that a variety of goods and services from a multitude of countries including Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the US will be showcased through 400 stalls at the fair.

FNCCI, with support of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS), is organizing the event, which is to be observed also by a huge number of Chinese and German business people as well as high ranking office bearers of SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The organizers have hoped that the fair will help enhance business relations between local and foreign business people and promote Nepal´s foreign trade and encourage investment in Nepal.

The annual fair will promote 19 products included in the list of Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) – a national policy document of sectors that need attention for foreign trade promotion -- as highly potential. Around 200,000 visitors are expected to observe the event.

The organizers expect transactions worth Rs 150 million during the festival that ends on Tuesday.

source: republica,7 march 2013

First Look of Nepali Film- Superhit

First Look  of Nepali Film- Superhit

18 girls ready to take the stage -Miss Nepal 2013 on March 20

After postponing twice, the finale of this year’s Miss Nepal has been set for March 20 and is scheduled to take place at Nepal Academy Hall in Kathmandu.

Since February 11, the rigorous grooming sessions have kept the 18 finalists absolutely busy. Republica caught up with them just after one of their sessions with Rachana Gurung Sharma, Trainer of Miss Nepal.

This year’s list of contestants comprises of many known faces. Many of them have had brief stints in modeling but what’s striking is the different educational backgrounds these girls come from. Samikshya Shrestha, 21, just returned after completing her two-year diploma in Language and Communication in Japan and says if she wins, she’ll help her grandfather’s organization for underprivileged children - Peace Wave Nepal.

National volleyball player Sipora Gurung, who is also one of the contestants this year and is awaiting the release of her film, Ghalek ‘The Sign of Love’, said, “Miss Nepal was one of the things in my bucket list and this is every Nepali girl’s dream and I’m no different.”

Similarly, Ishani Shrestha, said, “I have been watching Miss Nepal on TV since 1994 and I remember I used to try walking like the contestants. This has always been a dream for me.”

She also cites the training sessions as absolutely fruitful, “We have had visitors from even unexpected fields like spirituality apart from the usual fields like communication and photography; and we have been visiting different places like Maiti Nepal, WWF Nepal and Bottlers Nepal.”

Familiar faces also included Ashmita Sitoula who is also a VJ for Mountain TV and was one of the participants of Miss Teen 2011. “I look for satisfaction more than success and I’m satisfied when I’m helping someone,” said the student of Social Work at Thames College, adding “I like to meet people and my career plans will benefit a lot from this platform and what it has to offer.”

Apart from those with modeling experience, a few of the contestants also have had other beauty pageant experiences before Miss Nepal. Like 22-year old Meghna Shrestha who was the 1st runner-up of Miss Teen College 2008, Sumi Lama (Moktan) who won the title of Miss Tamang 2012, Riju Shrestha who was one of the top 5 finalists of Miss Global 2012, Bindu KC who won the ‘Face of the Year’ in 2012 in Bangalore and Oshima Banu who won the ‘Classic Face’ of Classic Diamonds Jewelry in 2012.

With experiences of this sort, competition is tough but the 18 finalists look anything but nervous. While the country is anticipating the finale, the ladies are going through daily grooming sessions at International Club, Sanepa from morning to evening.
May the best one win!

source: republica, 5 March

Deep Purple Live in Nepal

"Deep Purple Live in Nepal"
Date: 15th Match 2013 (Friday)
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Dasarath Rangasala (Stadium)
Ticket Price:
Rs. 500/- (Bronze), Rs. 1,000 (Silver), Rs. 2000 (Gold)

Link:
http://www.tourismkathmandu.com/events/music_and_dance/details/405

Darjeeling Girl Sagarika Chhetri at Femina Miss India 2013

Twenty-three year old Sagarika Chhetri from Darjeeling will be participating at the Femina Miss India 2013. The grand pageant will take place in Mumbai on the 24th March. On January 28, the North East Indian beauty clinched the title of Femina Miss India Kolkota 2013. The title win has instantly given her the fast-track entry into the grand finale event. In addition to that she also received sub-titles for Miss Fashion Icon, Miss Timeless Beauty and Miss Glowing Skin. Sounds like she’s quite an all-rounder.

Wishing Sagarika all the best for Miss India!

Interview :
Sagarika Chettri grew up in Mumbai but her summer vacations were compulsorily spent in Darjeeling. After having worked as a flight attendant for 6 long years, she was sure about her love for flying until Miss India happened. Now, with the crown of Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013 on her head, she is prepared to achieve greater heights.

In an exclusive interview, she tells us about her journey from flying to modelling, her life in Darjeeling, and her preparations for the approaching pageant, Ponds Femina Miss India 2013.

You've recently won yourself the title of Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013. How do you feel and how has been the experience so far?
Wow! I feel like a princess and on top of the world! It's definitely a great feeling and I feel proud, honoured and very thrilled to be the title holder and being addressed as Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013, representing the east zone. The entire journey was a great learning experience. Since I am not from the modelling world, I learned so much about the walk, talk, posture, poise and grooming. I see a great change in myself and all thanks to Alecia Raut, our grooming team and Mr Marc Robinson for training us and making our journey so encouraging. This is just the beginning and I am passionate to win the crown!

You belong to Darjeeling, a place world famous for its teas. Tell us a little about your growing up years in Darjeeling?Well my dad was a naval officer hence I grew up in Mumbai but we would visit Darjeeling during summer vacations. As a kid, my favourite game would be plucking tea leaves and going for a joy ride in the toy train that took us through the hills. We would go on treks and that is how I developed interest in adventure sports. We used to bring back a whole suitcase filled with Darjeeling tea and stock it in Mumbai because I loved the tea from our garden. I remember our days would remain incomplete without hogging on momos and thukpa. I have beautiful memories of Darjeeling.

You were working as a flight attendant before Miss India happened. What inspired you to change your field of work?
Sometimes, inspirational words are enough to start believing in you and that is exactly what happened to me. Femina Miss India was a great opportunity that came my way and I believe making a move at the right time is advisable. I always had a strong liking for modelling and when I got the golden opportunity to be a part of the most prestigious platform, Femina Miss India, I couldn't stop myself from showcasing my talent. After flying for almost 6 years, I thought I was in love with flying but looks like I found my new love! Besides, the two beautiful ladies in my life - my mother and my sister have a great role in inspiring me and making me believe that I am born to do this.

The next big step is Miss India 2013 to be held in Mumbai. How are you preparing for it?
Yes, the journey has begun and is very close. I am focussing on all the aspects needed to be a perfect Miss India. From maintaining a healthy diet to following an intense fitness regime, reading, staying updated with current affairs, working on styling, practising my walk, and following the tips and guidance given by Ritika Ramtri, the pageant coach.

Every state winner is different and will have a unique approach. What would be your strategy to crack the pageant? How confident are you of winning?
Being my self and giving my best shot throughout the journey will be my strategy to crack the pageant and I am very confident of winning it!

Along with the main title, you've also won Max Femina Miss Fashion Icon, PCJ Femina Miss Timeless Beauty and Pond's Femina Miss Glowing Skin. What all sub-titles are you aiming to win in the main pageant?
Given a chance, I would love to aim on all the subtitles but I don't want to restrict myself by aiming on any title in particular. I want to give my best shot and let's see what all subtitles I take home!

In the world of Miss Indias, who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Every Miss India has inspired me in their own way with their talent and beauty. But I have to admit Aishwarya Rai has been my all time favourite. Her beauty is breathtaking and the way she composes herself sets her apart from everyone else. The way she has represented India globally, I aspire to do the same. She is a great source of inspiration to me!

With reference to the recent Delhi gang rape case, how do you think one can bring about changes in the society? What is your take on the issue?
It saddens me immensely that such cruelty exists in our society even today and that we raise our voices only after innocent lives have been taken. These crimes take place because these men were never taught to respect women. One can bring a change in the society only through education. If the concept of right and wrong, equality of sexes, respect, kindness and forgiveness are instilled in children from the very beginning, only then society will gradually begin to change. But we cannot wait for an entire generation waiting to see a change; hence strict judicial laws should also be enforced to bring immediate fear in the minds of people. I really hope and pray that our country will be a better and a safer place for women to live in.

Do you really think that women are the weaker sex as popular belief would have it?
After thousands of years of male dominance, we now stand at the beginning of the feminine era when women will rise to their appropriate prominence and the entire world will recognise the harmony between man and woman.

Women were never weak and will never be. Women have proved themselves in every field and have made a mark for themselves in the society. Men are physically stronger and externally oriented by nature. In contrast, women usually embody the ideal of inner dignity. Women by nature are subtle and not weak while men are aggressive, not brutish. For man and woman to be complete they must possess both the energies in my opinion I feel men and women should celebrate their differences rather than proving who's superior.

Do you think India is ready to accept things like homosexuality, lesbianism, unwed/single parenthood and live-in relationships outside wedlock?
In my opinion, India should broaden their horizon in terms of thinking and accept sensitive topics like homosexuality and lesbianism. Every individual has the right to choose and live their life the way they want and we are nobody to dictate them. Acceptance in big cities has taken place but the real success will be when even the smaller cities start accepting their existence. Also, I don't understand how single parenting would affect in the growth of a child. As far as love and good values are inculcated in the child, single parenting is absolutely fine.

With the growing number of divorce cases and failed relationships, if live-in relationships help in knowing the person better and be sure he or she is the one you want to spend your whole life with then I guess live in relationships are okay and India has to an extent accepted it all.

Any final thoughts...
A person is like a treasure box and his/her jewel of talent is hidden in the treasure box of life and one has to find the right combination to open it. I am here to discover my talents, abilities and have the time of my life. I am all geared up to win the coveted title and make my country proud!!

source:http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com

Miss Nepal 2013

Hidden Treasures Fanta Miss Nepal 2013, the 18th Miss Nepal beauty pageant, is going to be held on March 20, 2013 at the Hotel Del Annapurna in Kathmandu. Miss Nepal 2012 Shristi Shrestha will crown her successor as Miss Nepal World 2013, who will represent Nepal at Miss World 2013 with two other winners who will be sent to Miss Earth 2013 and Miss International 2013.

According to the press conference the winner of Miss Nepal 2013 will be selected as the brand ambassador of drink, Fanta; WWF Nepal for a year and win Rs 50,000. The auditions of Miss Nepal will be held in various cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, Narayangad and Kathmandu resulting with top 20 chosen finalists from different cities.

The 26 shortlisted young women aged 19 years and above competed for the main title and the pageant will be held on live telecast on NTV.

Venue:
Hotel Del Annapurna, Kathmandu