#Actor#-writer # Girish Kulkarni turns #director

Girish Kulkarni 

The national award winning actor cum writer has proved his mettle through landmark films like Valu,Gandha,Vihir,Deool and Gabhricha Paus and Masala.

The multifacted actor cum writer who is best known for his powerhouse performances and ability of telling a story in an engaging manner is now making his debut in direction through Marathi film "Jau Dya Na Balasaheb".

Girish has written the story of the film and also plays the main protagonist in the film.

Jau Dya Na Balasaheb is produced by Ajay-Atul, Prashant Pethe, Poonam Shende, Vinay Ganu and Umesh Kulkarni.

When asked about his decision of venturing into direction,Girish says“ Before entering into films,I used
to write, direct and act in plays,so direction was not new to me. But Cinema is a different medium and since my friend Umesh Kulkarni has been formally trained in filmmaking and I am an untrained filmaker, so it was natural that Umesh had directed most of the movies that we have directed in the past .But when I wrote the story of Jau dya na Balasaheb,Umesh encouraged me into directing this film single handedly".

Girish's look in the film Jau Dya Balasaheb

Girish also added ,in order to direct a film it is very necessary that one should like the story and the urge to direct the film should come from within. “I always wanted to know the problems and pains the director goes through during making of a film. Plus when you take the whole responsibility of a film, you get to learn so much from the entire process of filmmaking. I got to
learn in detail about all the technical aspect of filmmaking such as production, editing, mixing, and post-production, sound et al. I had great fun learning these technicalities. “He reminisces.

Girish confesses that acting and directing at the same time was a bit difficult. However he also says“since I had already written
screenplay it didn’t clash with direction and acting.But giving equal attention to both acting and direction was tad challenging. Fortunately I had a great team of artists and technicians working along with me. At times,I used to feel that I am unable to give enough attention to acting due to my responsibilties as a director. Although, it was a bit hectic at times,but it gave me total satisfaction and joy.” Says Girish with a smile.


Talking about the challenges he faced during making of the film, Girish says, “Understanding the grammar of the film and searching for aesthetics while handling camera was definitely challenging. I also had to develop my own language of narrating a story. As a journey it was very exciting,offcourse the results are not in my hands. Only the audience will decide the fate of the film.”

According to Girish,Jau Dya Na Balasaheb is a comedy which is completely different from the films he has done earlier. “The film takes off in the rural area. It’s a story of a political leader's son. Although the father is a leader and the son an addict,he can’t seem to find his own path in life.  Meanwhile certain incidences take place which changes his life. It’s a story about his journey, to search and find his inner self.I have tried to attempt a new experiment in the film and also to tell the story in a very simple manner, so that it reaches to more people."

While Girish plays the main protagonist in the film ,the rest of the star cast of the film includes prominent actors such as Mohan Joshi,Sai Tamankar,Reema Lagoo,Nandakishore Chogule,Shrikant Yadav,Manava Naik and Bhau Kadam.

Although Girish’s films generally are sans songs, but Jau Dya Na Balasaheb is an exception. “There are five songs in the film and the music plays a vital role in the film."he informs.
Most of the films Girish has done in the past except Masala were directed by Umesh Kulkarni. Umesh is also one of the producers of the film.

When asked, did he take any tips from Umesh while directing his debut film.He said “Definitely,at times I used to consult Umesh. However it being my type of cinema, the style of Jau Dya Na Balasaheb was altogether different” informs Girish.

The Maverick actor, writer turned director had acted earlier in a Hindi film "Ugly" is now working in a another Hindi film Dangal with Aamir Khan. When asked "Was there any pressure of working with Aamir Khan who is known as Mr.Perfectionist"? He replied “He didn’t give me any such feeling or pressure. He is a very disciplined actor and I got to learn a lot while working in the film. It was a learning experience.”

When asked, if he plans to direct any other film in future,Girish says, “I never plan anything, I always act spontaneously. I just want to live in the moment but if there is any story that will touch my heart, then I might consider directing the film “he concludes.

Jau dya Na Balasaheb is slated for a release on October 7th.

Mein Hoon Yusuf Aur Yeh Hai Mera Bhai

The on-going conflict between Israeli and Palestinians over the Gaza strip has been going on since decades. The conflict which was started in mid-20^th century is adversely affecting both the countries and its citizens. When such a wide ranging conflict goes on endlessly between two warring countries who are hell bent on playing power games its mostly the common people who are suffering due to the century old war.Aasakta, theatre group from city which is renowned for staging experimental plays tries to bring forth the plight of the common people and how their lives are affected due to decade old conflict through the Hindi-Urdu play Mein Hoon Yusuf Aur Yeh Hai Mera Bhai.”

Mein Hoon n Yusuf Aur Yeh Hai Mera Bhai is a Salima Raza’s Hindi-Urdu translation of Amir Nizar Zuabi’s play,directed by Mohit Takalkar.Winner of META 2016 , “Mein Hoon Yusuf Aur Yeh Hain Mera Bhai” has won many  awards such as Best play, Best director, best actor, best sound design and best light design and was staged at prominent festivals such as Rang Shankara festival,Prithvi festival,META,Vinod Doshi Festival,B V Karanth festival,Navrang festival,Genius festival,Rashtriya Rangostav, Rang-E-Mahaul festival et al. “ It was well appreciated in all these festivals. We have done 18 shows of the play all over India  in cities like Delhi,Jaipur,Banglore,Begusarai,Gulbarga and Nashik .  When it was staged in Pune during Vinod Doshi festival in February, the auditorium was jam packed ”informs Mohit.

Talking about how he thought of staging the play based on the decades old international conflict, Mohit says, “It is originally a Palestinian play and we have translated it in Hindi and Urdu. I found the script when I was in London. I was planning to adapt the play in Marathi. Initially I thought that it should revolve around today's Kashmir which is going through similar conflict. We wrote the draft in Marathi but after writing the draft we realized Marathi language is not suitable for that particular socio-political scenario.so last year we modified the draft. We also realized though the conflict in Kashmir and its social scenario, cultural and political references are very different from Palestine. Keeping that in mind instead of drafting it on the backdrop of Kashmir, we just translated the play in Hindi and Urdu.” 

The play is set in 1948 Palestine and the story is told through the point of view of Yusuf, an adult who has an IQ of a child. The play is not only about the international politics and power games which keeps the war going but it is also about the people who scapegoat of the war and how they are living in the constant fear.

“Initially we were little apprehensive about whether the layman will get the politics that is shown in the play which is the crux of the story, but even in small towns like Gulbarga, common people understood  and appreciated the play. Today people are very aware about the latest happenings in the world and read about the scene in Palestine on social media.”

While usually Aaskata’s most of the plays have actors from their own theatre Group, this play is an exception “We have casted two actors from Jaipur. Amit Singh one of them portrays the main protagonist Yusuf.” The cast also includes Marathi actors Jitendra Joshi, Mrunmayee Godbole and Sandip Shekhar.

Though the play talks about the conflict and how it affects the socio-political scenario in Palestine, however it doesn’t try to convey any message. “It’s an account of what happened in 1948, how lives are torn, villages razed, loved ones dead. It asks us to get up and feel for the people of Palestine, to question the politics and to be more humane and sensitive.” explains Mohit.

You can catch the play “Mein Hoon Yusuf Aur Yeh Hain Mera Bhai”on Sunday September 18^th at 9pm at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Kothrud.

Mediagalpallavi: #Holistic health guru# Mickey Mehta# workout DVD# ...

 Mediagalpallavi: #Holistic health guru# Mickey Mehta# workout DVD# ...:   The DVD cover featuring Sunny Leone! Leading holistic health guru, Mickey Mehta dons many hats. He is a life coach, Phi...

#Holistic health guru# Mickey Mehta# workout DVD# Sunny Leone# Superhot Sunny Mornings#

 

The DVD cover featuring Sunny Leone!

Leading holistic health guru, Mickey Mehta dons many hats. He is a life coach, Philosopher and author. Mickey has trained numerous Bollywood actors such as Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu.Mickey has recently launched a work out DVD introducing Bollywood actress Sunny Leone called "Superhot Sunny Mornings! "He has also introduced a new work out called Yo! Workouts! Mickey Mehta spoke to us about the experience of making a work out DVD with Sunny Leone and YO work outs!

1. You have recently launched a DVD featuring Sunny Leone named as Super-Hot Sunny Mornings. What is the DVD all about? What was the purpose of taking Sunny Leone for the DVD?

Ans: Sunny Leone wanted to do a video on easy, simple workouts. Her team and The Times Wellness group got in touch with me to design a workout schedule that can be performed by anybody. Full marks to her and her husband Daniel for their creative inputs and  cooperation. 

2. Considering Sunny Leone’s image and the title of the DVD, don’t you think people might misinterpret it?

Ans: Our objective was to get Sunny Leone’s hidden part of her personality out. She is extremely sweet, noble and a great fitness enthusiast. She is a very pleasant with an ever - smiling personality.  And you will be surprised at the inputs she brought to the table with her creativity for the video to be successful.

3. What is the inspiration and thought process behind introducing Yo! Workouts. How they are different from the earlier workouts you have designed or the other work outs that are in practice?

Ans: Yo workouts have been conceptualised and created on the principles, science and spirituality of yoga. I have altered them in such a way to ensure that the essence of mind, body and the spirit connection is kept intact bringing about wholeness and evolution. These are functional exercises aesthetically designed and created to address the entire body in totality to bring about total wellness and good health. These workouts connect the body to the mind, the mind to the spirit and the spirit to the body bringing about wholeness and evolution.  

4. In what way these workshops help the youth and people from all age groups to keep their bodies and mind fit and healthy?

Ans: These exercises are available at all my 360 degrees Wellness Temples and I am using this opportunity to give the world a synergy of health to revolutionise the very concept of health, wellbeing, wellness and fitness. It is an initiative to make wellness “the religion No 1” to make the world free of diseases and ailments. These exercises are cool, trendy workouts for the youth and easy and appealing for elderly people. The exercises are termed as – Flow-Yo, Card-Yo, Stretch-Yo, Strength Yo, Ab-Yo, Cross-Yo, Cool Yo. They are easy and creative solutions that can boost one’s energy and wellness quotient to get your potential maximised. I call this whole process as“getting Mickeymized”!!!   

Mickey Mehta with Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan

5. You have given fitness training to most of the top Bollywood actors/Celebrities, Share some of the memorable experiences with them.

Ans: Have trained many Film and Television personalities, super models, industrialists etc. Have always been impressed with the dedication of Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu to name a few. Have been very awed and impressed by their dedication, focus and discipline. They sport excellent physiques, and the fact that they are vibrant and wonderful human beings with a lot of charisma matter a lot. Their happy and secure persona speaks volumes about their overall wellness. These are key parameters of holistic wellness and living.

6. Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra or Bipasha Basu, who is more focused and disciplined when it comes to fitness training? Do share their special traits and fitness routines. Who is your personal favourite among all the Bollywood stars/ celebrities you have worked with so far? Any Bollywood/Hollywood star/player/ Celeb, you would like to work with in future?

Ans: For me, there are no favourites. They are like any other regular person when I train. The rapport and closeness that I develop with them as a wellness coach and mentor helps to reduce any distance or formality between us. Their training consisted of warm ups, a combination of boot camp, agility drill, yoga, cross and strength training with a lot of emphasis on meditation and pranayama, eating sensibly and connecting with nature. Yes, I would love to be a part of their wellness journey, no doubt.

Aamir Khan was trained for swimming for the movie “Talash” as he had some under water sequences. Due to his hectic schedules we sometimes used to workout at 2 Am. To initiate his breathing techniques, we had used a tub (the same blue barrel that was seen in his movie the 3 idiots). He used to enter the tub immersed in it. He would fill the tub with hot water for comfort and take a breath into his mouth above the water and release it under water through the nose. We carried on with this drill for 3 days. And he mastered the technique quite easily.

7) You have interwoven various philosophies like Zen, Tao and Ved together while spreading the message of holistic health. Pl explain the concept of holistic health and how these ancient philosophies can contribute to achieve it?

Ans: Wellness and wellbeing addresses you in 360 degrees perspective and is total integration of mind, body and soul. It helps create and maintain a healthy quality of life, promotes tolerance, positivity and encourages you to eat well, sleep well, rest well, be positive and frees you from negative thoughts and diseases. Health is defined as ‘organic wellness’ and is a state of complete physical, physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being and is a process of evolution. Achieving this state is a lifelong process consisting of lifestyle corrections, incorporating conscious breathing, intelligent food habits, productive physical activity, yoga, meditation, rest, relaxation and prayers.

7. These days most of us have very stressed and unhealthy lifestyles, what is the advice you will give or how one can lead a stress free and healthy life?

Ans: Modern life with its stresses and demands can put an individual under a lot of pressure that can be challenging, My health mantra to everybody is to stay focused on exercising regularly, eat consciously and opt for healthy, wholesome and natural foods by incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, sprouts etc. A daily dose of pranayama and meditation and adequate sleep and rest along with the above mentioned recommendation will lead to optimal wellness.

9. After introducing many innovative fitness regimes, what are your plans for future? Are you planning to introduce/focus on any other innovative workout or fusion or reinvention of any ancient philosophy?

Ans: I plan to put up more centres and academies to support it. It is my vision to rework and create more exciting workout modules in future with a keenness to get into health and fitness apparels and accessories. Write books and do lots more for making wellness the religion No 1 and help as many people as possible to stay energised, maximised and Mickeymised!!!

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#India #Superbike festival #to be held at # Pune in # December

 

The Triumph Rocket III

 The huge Triumph  rocket-3, 600 CC Superbike which was  kept on a display in the hotel lobby was the star of the event. All those who present seemed to be mesmerized with the sheer beauty of the mean machine which weighted 400 kg. Cameras were clicking non-stop and all the invitees couldn’t resist taking selfies with the black beauty. Now there is a treat in store for Superbike lovers as they will get the opportunity to be part of Indian Superbike festival and to get acquainted with superbikes of international brands which are 600 CC and above.

Pune which was once called as a city of cycles is now boasts of a huge number of superbikes. Super bikes of international brands zooming through roads have become a very common sight in Pune.  The 5^th edition of superbikes India Superbike festival (ISF) will be held on December 5 th and 6^th at Amanora Park town, Pune. The festival will be held on the bigger scale than the earlier editions. The announcement was made in a Press conference.

 Amol Talpade, Bike enthusiast and organiser of the event said, “India Superbike Festival is a unique festival of superbikes of 600 CC and above.  It is based on the concept of get-together of the the Superbike owners to display their proud possessions.”

Elaborating upon the exclusivity of the festival, he further added. “The India Superbike festival can’t be compared to other bike and car expos.Most of the bike and the car expos are organised by the manufacturers to show off their motorcycles. They are serious events which are only focused on the business part of the motorcycles but the India Superbike festival goes beyond the motorcycles, it also comprises of an added segment of lifestyle auto products, accessories, supercars and superbikes. In a nutshell it will be a one stop shop for superbike enthusiasts.  Since it’s a festival and not expo, there will be music, food and other fun elements as well.”

The price range of the superbikes participating in the festival will be from four and half Lakh to 80 lakh Rs.

India’s Super bikers, biking groups and clubs across nation will be participating in the festival. There will be exciting competitions such as best accessorized motorcycle, King of burnouts, loudest motorcycle in different categories such as 600 CC to 800 CC, 800 CC to 1000 CC and more than 1000cc.

Amol Talpade(L),Founder India Superbike Festival and Aniruddha Deshpande,Managing director City Corporation with the Triumph Rocket III

Renowned superbike manufacturers like Suzuki,Triumph,Indian Motorcycles,Harley Davidson,Benelli,Hyosung,Aprillia,Motoguzzi,Vespa,TVS and Mahindra will be showcasing their latest range of bikes during the festivals. Biking Super marketers such as Café Racer, Adventure Moto, Biking Superstore, Atmosphere India, 100 KMPH displaying their collection of bike accessories.

Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director City Corporation, Aditya Deshpande Sales and Marketing City Corporation, Harjeet Singh Makkar, Distributor of Alpinestars in India were also present.

 Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director, City Corporation said, “ Till last year ISF was being held inside Amanora Town Centre but this time we will host it  bigger and better form at a very huge field spread across Amanora Park Town.”

# Sonali Kulkarni# Bollywood # actress# complete make over# glam looks# hourglass figure#

Picture Perfect: Sonali Kulkarni

“Our romantic life is lot more happening now”- Sonali Kulkarni

The national award winning actress has proved her talent time and again in Bollywood as well as in regional films. Whether it’s commercial films like Singham or Dil Chahta Hain,Aga Bai Arechyaa 2 or critically acclaimed films like Dr Prakash Baba Amte: The Real Hero,The Good Road,Deool, Gabhricha Paus,Devrai,Mukta and Cheluvi ,Sonali Kulkarni has made her mark in films from various genres.

Post her marriage to Nachiket Pantvaidya and the birth of her daughter Kaveri, Sonali was in a happy space but there was only one thing which spoiled her picture perfect life and career… Even though her acting skills and the roles she portrayed brought her accolades and awards, Sonali’s weight played a spoilsport. Sonali says, “I have always received loads of love from the audience. But I had to listen to nasty comments such as you are a fantastic actor but... Sometime later I understood the hidden meaning behind the meaningful pause. I had weight issues and I had my own reasons for it. Once I had taken steroids unknowingly, then I had put on weight after marriage as I was in a very happy space and my weight increased more after my daughter was born.”

While Sonali had her reasons behind her weight gain but the callous attitude of people and their insensitive remarks used to hurt the sensitive actress. “People can be very insensitive sometimes and they used to make mean and nasty comments about my weight. Once when I attended a wedding, one man just commented loudly about how I have become very fat when in reality my daughter was just born. I was so busy looking after my daughter that I hadn’t got time to take care of myself. “She rues.

That’s was the time Sonali decided to do something about her weight. “I was immensely satisfied after doing a film based on the life of Prakash Amte and I was wondering what to do next. That’s when I got the offer to do a Marathi film with Kedar Shinde. I took the initiative of getting into shape and doing a total makeover. I was at such a stage that my career was going great guns, I was earning well and I was happily married with a cute kid. It took me over a year to lose 13 kg. Dr. Sarita Davare is my lifestyle coach and I started my weight loss program under her guidance.” she informs.

She adds“Along with guiding me about my diet, Dr. Davare also taught me how one should appease one’s taste buds even while dieting. She had given me schedule for exercise which comprises of walks, cycling, weight training, cardio et al.”

Sonali followed a diet which was a perfect balance of carbohydrates and proteins. “I make it a point to take four basic meals during the day.  Early morning, I have my green tea and fruits. I have early dinner with my daughter that is at 7.30 pm.”She informs.

Getting into shape

Along with getting into shape, Sonali totally changed her wardrobe and hired renowned fashion stylist Prachi Khadye for selecting her wardrobe. “I was on lookout for the perfect stylist. I was always apologetic about my looks. Due to my weight issues, I had become very critical of my looks. I had an apt fashion sense when I was in college. Now that I have the money and confidence about my own capabilities, I decided to pick up detailed knowledge about fashion and style. I asked Prachi whether she would like to work for me. We both worked together and did loads of research. I told her I don’t want any drastic changes in my look. I always had this simple, girl next door image and I wanted to retain it. Both of us did lot of shopping together for my clothes and accessories.”

Sonali confessed that her wardrobe was overloaded with too many unnecessary clothes which had gone out of fashion. “I used to carry the burden of storing clothes just for the sake of memory or because I had got them as a gift. For instance I couldn’t throw a sari which I had worn when I got national award or a dress which I had got as a present or may be the attire was just too expensive. It was Prachi who helped me in getting rid of all the clutter in my wardrobe. Now my wardrobe comprises of clothes which are a perfect blend of brand and style. They fit me perfectly and compliment my new look as well as toned figure.”

Style diva

The result of the efforts taken by Sonali and Prachi  is just amazing. Sonali not only looks slim,glamorous  and stylish but she is looking fitter and younger.

Ask her about her husband’s reaction about her new dazzling looks? “He is super happy. He has been a fitness freak. He has always loved me but he is happy to see me happier and fitter. Though I have always been super active but my agility and endurance has been increased. He is finding me a hotter and it goes without saying that our romantic life is lot more happening now. “She quips.