Entertainment: Secret Superstar opens to rave reviews

This Diwali, the Aamir Khan and Zaira Wasim starrer Secret Superstar has come on screen as a soulful feat and has won much praise from the critics. Writer-director Advait Chandan brings to us the story of 15-year-old gujarati Insia Malik, resident of Akota in the city of Vadodara. Insia is a student of Class X, a singer and guitarist who quietly practises her craft as her father is a regressive and abusive person but her mother Najma encourages her.

Insia dreams of becoming a famous singer. And here is the rub. Her strict and orthodox father wouldn’t let her.

Secret Superstar tells the tale of Insia’s view that everyone should be allowed to dream and hope and make an effort to make those dreams come true.

The film deals with the issue of domestic violence too. Even the footsteps of Insia’s father approaching the house creates an environment of terror which reminds one of the film Udaan.

That female bonding between Insia and her mother is a joy particularly because it is not often portrayed in Hindi cinema which otherwise, seems obssessed with male bonding. Insia and her mother Najma come across more as friends bound together by their shared pain as much as they are mother and daughter. The film is expected to do well on the box office.

Tabu will not mind a film with Ajay Devgn

Tabu says she will not say no to a film with Ajay Devgn as that is the equation she shares with the superstar. The two actors have worked together in films like Takshak, Haqeeqat, Vijaypath, Drishyam and Golmaal Again.

“Ajay and I are childhood friends. It is always an added benefit to be working with him. I will not say no to a film with Ajay,” Tabu said. Tabu has stepped into the Golmaal franchise for the first time and she credits the film's leading men for making the series successful.

“The boys and all those who have been regularly associated with Golmaal franchise have made it a brand. The most attractive thing for me was to be a visitor in their house (referring to the sets) and have fun,” the actor said.

The Golmaal series is helmed by Rohit Shetty, had Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor in all the four parts, while Shreyas Talpade joined the team in the second installment and Kunal Khemu in the third one.

Golmaal Again is set for October 20 release.

Friends & family pay tribute to Om Puri on his birth anniversary

Fans, friends and family members paid tribute to veteran actor Om Puri, who passed away in January this year, on his 67th birth anniversary on Wednesday.

Om Puri's former wife Nandita Puri, who marked the occasion by listening to the actor's favourite songs.

Om Puri, whose career reflected a rare realism, died after suffering a heart attack. His demise had triggered a nationwide outpouring of condolences from top leaders, fans and the film fraternity.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher tweeted: “Lovable Om Puri. Happy birthday to you in your new world. Wherever you are, stay happy. I miss you a lot.”

Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda wrote:

Om Puri, who was best known for his socially relevant movies, is remembered for films like Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Dharavi and Mirch Masala.

A National School of Drama alumnus, he also appeared in comedy movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Chachi 420, Hera Pheri, Malamaal Weekly and more.

Besides Indian cinema, he also nurtured an international career, which started with a cameo in Richard Attenborough's iconic 1982 film Gandhi. Among some of his British films were My Son the Fanatic, East Is East and The Parole Officer. He also appeared in Hollywood films including City of Joy, Wolf and The Ghost and the Darkness.

With inputs from agencies