Entertainment: Anupam Kher becomes new FTII Chairman

Anupam Kher, an actor with a repertoire of over 500 movies including international projects, was on Wednesday named Chairman of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. The film industry hailed the move.

Official sources confirmed Anupam's appointment. He will succeed the controversial Gajendra Chauhan, whose appointment had triggered student protests.

Anupam's wife Kirron Kher, an actress and BJP MP from Chandigarh, told Times NOW: “I'm very happy. Of course, it's a challenging job for anybody. It’s not going to be an easy job. These chairmanships are crown of thorns. Here, people do get against you, but I am sure Anupam will be able to take them along because he is an extremely talented person.”

Kirron said Anupam was the right choice to head the FTII, which provides training in acting, direction and other technical aspects of film making in a country which is one of the largest producers of movies.

“My husband is a very fine actor. He has been in the film industry for so many years. He is very capable of (being FTII head).

“He has been teaching acting for so long. He is the only person who earlier headed CBFC, then National School of Drama and now has been appointed Chairman of FTII.

“So, I am a very proud wife today. I would like to thank the government and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry,” she said.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted:

Filmmaker Pritish Nandy called it an “excellent change” at FTII

Wiz Khalifa to perform in India

Rapper-actor Wiz Khalifa is all set to perform in India for the first time.

Khalifa will head the day two of multi-genre music festival Time Out 72 in Goa this December.

“Hey India, I'm really excited for my debut performance in India. I can't wait to meet all my Indian fans at Time Out 72 this December in Goa,” Khalifa said in a statement.

He will be joining multi-platinum recording artist Jason Derulo and world number one DJ, Martin Garrix.

The artiste is best known for his numbers such as See You Again, Black and Yellow, Payphone and Young and Wild & Free.

Khalifa, 29, has six solo albums to his credit and has collaborated with acts like The Weeknd, Maroon 5 and Fall Out Boy.

“We believe there is a huge market for hip hop and rap which remains neglected in the festival arena. Wiz was our number one choice and we are extremely happy to host him in India for the very first time,” said Time Out 72 founder Vaishal Shah.

The three-day festival, which runs from December 27 to 29, is conceptualised and produced by Waterlemon Events LLP and Sudarshan Entertainment World.

Trends don't affect my choice of films: Aamir Khan

Superstar Aamir Khan has said although he would like to be aware of the newer trends in Bollywood, it does not have any impact on the kind of films he chooses to do.

The 52-year-old actor, who is known for his unusual choice of roles and subjects, said, as a creative person, he only trusts his instinct before signing a project.

“I like to know the trend, but when it comes to choosing films, I will go by my instinct. Trends don't affect my choice of films. As a creative person, I would like to follow my mind when it comes to doing films. It is very important for me to be excited about what I am taking and I have often picked subjects which are not a part of any trend.

“I like to surprise myself and the audience as I feel that is one important aspect of storytelling. It is always fun to give something unexpected to people. It is good to know trends. I don't know how I would like to use it personally, but I guess other filmmakers may consider it,” Aamir said.

The Dangal star was speaking on the sidelines of India's first fully digital loyalty programme by PVR cinemas.

Aamir's Secret Superstar co-star Zaira Wasim, Ajay Bijli, chairman and managing director, PVR Ltd, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, joint managing director, PVR Ltd and Kamal Gianchandani, chief of strategy, PVR Ltd were also present at the event.

with inputs from agencies