Entertainment: Suchitra Krishnamoorthi reignites Azaan debate

Azaan debate is reignited after Bollywood actress-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi has criticised the ‘azaan’, saying she does not need public loudspeakers to remind her of God. Her tweets were met with both praise and scorn. While some commended her for talking about the issue, others called her an attention-seeker.

According to Hindustan Times, the tweet evoked angry reactions, with Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi saying: “Those who sing and dance till early hours, drink at 2 a.m. in parties in hotels, and sit with their arms on shoulders of strange men and talk, who have spoilt Indian culture have suddenly started criticising.” Azmi has come under attack on social media for using such language.

Saying that people like Sonu Nigam and Suchitra had no right to criticise ‘azaan’ or even tolling of temple bells, Azmi advised them to go to bed at 8 pm instead and get up early in the morning. Terming her statement “irresonsible”, another SP leader asked whether the prayer call was more important or her sleep.

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi has hit back at Abu Azmi sexist comments. While talking to a leading channel, the actress said, “Abu Azmi holding a public office is a national shame.”

A few months ago, Sonu Nigam’s tweet on the morning Azaan led to a lot of controversies that saw him getting shaved his head eventually after a Fatwa was issued against him.

Kajol to venture into film production

Kajol is all set to launch her home production in September and hopes to come up with a film early next year.

The actress, who is currently gearing up for the release of her Tamil film VIP 2, says she was planning to foray into production for some time but it got delayed.

“My home production is finally starting. We'll most probably be starting in September. And I'm excited about it.”

The actress, however, says she does not know what kind of projects she will be supporting.

Currently, the actress is excited about her upcoming film VIP 2. She is returning to Tamil cinema after 20 years and she says there is a little pressure regarding how the audience will respond to her performance.

Directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth, the film will be released in three languages- Hindi, Tamil and Telegu.

Varun joins Shoojit Sircar for a love story October

Varun Dhawan and Shoojit Sircar are collaborating on a love story October, which will be shot in Delhi. The production is set to begin this September.

The movie also brings back Sircar’s dream team of writer Juhi Chaturvedi and co-producer Ronnie Lahiri after Vicky Donor and Piku.

Sircar, who grew up in Delhi and is familiar with the city like the back of his hands, said he always wanted to explore the concept of love in one of his films.

“The title of the film is October. I cannot reveal much at this point but I am really looking forward to this story. I usually work with an idea and this time I am exploring the idea of love or how I see it. This one came from a newspaper clipping that I happened to read,” said Sircar.

Varun and Sircar were already in discussion about a possible collaboration and this story seemed like a natural fit for the actor.

The leading lady of the film is yet to be finalised but producer Lahiri, who runs Rising Sun Films with Sircar, hopes to release the film sometime early next year.

With inputs from PTI