Latest news with #Simi
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Simi Garewal: I had given up that dream of Cannes long ago
Simi Garewal Simi Garewal recently made her Cannes red carpet debut, more than five decades after shooting Aranyer Din Ratri . The Satyajit Ray classic was restored in 4K and screened at the Cannes Classics section. 'It's something I never dared to hope for! I gave up that dream long ago and for this to suddenly happen now it's more than a dream – it's a gift from the universe,' she says. In a conversation, the veteran actress talks about the film, the roles for women in cinema and more. 'FROM A MODERN, WESTERNISED GIRL, I TRANSFORMED INTO A RUSTIC, UNINHIBITED ADIVASI' Simi played Duli, a tribal woman in the Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) – a role that was far from her real-life image. But Satyajit Ray saw something in her. 'Manik da , so gentle yet intense, led me to portray a character so different to who I am. I mean here was I, a modern, westernised girl transformed into a rustic, uninhibited adivasi ! It doesn't get more challenging than that,' she says. She remembers watching the film again, decades later, and being shocked by how fully she had disappeared into Duli. 'For an actor, it's creative fulfillment to 'become' another person. When I watched the film I couldn't see even a jhalak of Simi anywhere. It was Duli.' She adds, 'I loved the film, the comedy, the slice of life. It looked so natural, so organic. But that's Ray's forte, capturing reality on celluloid.' 'IT SEEMS CINEMA CATERS PRIMARILY TO MALE AUDIENCES' Simi says she has not watched too many recent films. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Protegé a toda tu familia con Verisure Alarmas. ¡30% OFF y Zerovision 100% GRATIS! Alarmas Verisure Ver oferta Undo 'But I will ask – where are the roles for women in cinema?' she questions, adding, 'It's all male-oriented. The female is simply decorative, and always the hero's sidekick. And that's not representative of today's India, where women are strong, independent and achievers in their own right. So, it seems cinema caters primarily to male audiences. The only roles for women are on OTT, and TV, with its serials, caters to women. A gender divide.' 'AT THE MOMENT, I'M WRITING MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY' Simi says that she's currently working on her autobiography. 'At the moment, I'm writing my autobiography. I am writing every single word myself. Nobody else has read it, nor looked over my shoulder while I write. It's between my keyboard and me. It's very personal. I haven't held back. I'm on the last few chapters now, presently on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal . You will read everything about my life in my autobiography – from my childhood in London to my joining films (against great family opposition) Every detail about working with Raj Kapoor, Manik da , my films, my private life, my loves, my marriage – my whole life is written in these pages. ' 'WHITE IS A HAPPY COLOUR FOR ME' Simi chose to wear her signature white at Cannes too. Talking about its significance in her life, the actress says, 'Why white? I feel good when I'm wearing it. Sometimes I put on another colour, yellow or blue, and I immediately take it off because it disturbs my sensibility. White is a happy colour for me,' says Simi. Her thoughts on walking the red carpet? 'I wish Manik da was here to see this...' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
TechCrunch
5 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Litehaus raises €1.46M pre-seed to build home-building platform
All Thibault Launay and his wife Simi wanted nearly five years ago was to build a dream home in Portugal, where they both now live. But what they encountered instead was a broken system. 'Fourteen months of delays, 20% budget overruns, and endless stress managing over 10 subcontractors,' Thibault recalled. They bought the land in December 2020, got the construction license in early 2022, and started building that year. 'That was supposed to finish in February 2024,' he said. But it's May 2025, and the home still isn't done. 'We realized,' he continued, 'if we're struggling with this, so are millions of others.' So Thibault, himself a serial founder and entrepreneur, and Simi, a consultant and also a founder, launched Litehaus, a company that touts to help landowners and property developers build homes in a more efficient and sustainable way. It tackles a pressing need in both the U.S. and the European markets: the ability to build affordable homes. Litehaus, which launched early last year, calls itself the 'Uber of construction,' with Thibault saying the company just wants to connect all the currently fragmented parts of the home-building process. It matches landowners and property developers with other professionals such as construction companies, architects, contractors, and interior designers. The company allows users to track costs, coordinate schedules with the hired workers, and track the progress of the building in real time. 'As a go-to-market strategy, we decided to focus mainly on modular construction, allowing us to build 30% cheaper, 40% faster, and 60% more sustainably,' Thibault said, adding that meant 90% less waste and 50% less CO2 emissions compared with traditional construction. Others in the modular construction space include the US-based Ginosko Modular and Flummerfelt and the India-based Schnelle Prefabs, according to Pitchbook. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Litehaus has at least one U.S. construction company in its network as it looks to further its expansion in the country. Right now, it is focused on becoming 'Europe's fastest-growing construction tech startup,' Thibault said. Plus, the European construction industry could use more innovation. Investors in America pour billions of dollars into rising construction technology, and, as usual, there is much room for the European tech industry to catch up. Investors here and across the pond clearly agree. Last week, Litehaus announced a €1.46 million pre-seed round, led by the U.K.'s Cornerstone VC, with participation from Explorer Fund, one of Portugal's largest private equity funds; Claster Group, a Luxembourgish family office; and angel investor Pascal Levy, a venture partner at Long Journey Ventures here in the U.S. 'The shortage of housing across Europe has triggered a crisis, driving up the cost of living as home ownership becomes increasingly out of reach,' Rodney Appiah, a managing partner at Cornerstone VC, said. 'When I first met Thibault and Simi, I was struck by their compelling vision: to make building a home as simple as buying one, catalysing the construction industry to bring greater transparency, sustainability, quality, and trust to the home-building process.' Image Credits:Courtesy of Thibault and Simi Launay Thibault called the fundraising journey 'intense.' He said he and Simi had known their lead investors for years through mutual friends. Thibault, who is from France, is the founder of an immersive gaming studio in Portugal, but has also invested in numerous companies, both as an angel investor and through his work at firms 50 Partners and Origins, based in France and New York, respectively. Before that, he worked at a French mining company and in green tech. Simi, meanwhile, was born in Nigeria and grew up in London. She ran a contemporary art gallery, a wellness brand for women of color, and worked as a consultant and strategist for various firms on law and Africa. 'I've always wanted to build businesses that change people's lives,' Simi told TechCrunch. 'Providing affordable homes at scale isn't just a market opportunity—it's one of the most meaningful ways we can create deep, lasting impact.' She is now in charge of marketing, communication, and design at Litehaus; her husband, Thibault, handles fundraising, business development, and tech. 'When it came time to raise, we moved quickly with partners who already knew us and shared our vision from day one,' Thibault said. He said the fresh capital will be used to help scale the money and hire more talent in engineering, product, marketing, and operations. It's quite funny that Thibault and Simi built a company, raised over a million euros, and had two kids, before their home, a process they started working on over four years ago, was finally finished. 'We are actually moving in next month,' Thibault said. 'We move in next month after a 14-month delay on completion. This is the pain point we are trying to solve for millions of people.'
News18
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Simi Garewal Makes A ‘Powerful Statement' At Cannes 2025
Last Updated: Simi Garewal makes a sustainable Cannes red carpet debut in custom Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz couture. Captivating in couture, Simi Garewal looked like a vision in white when she made her Cannes red carpet debut with a sustainable twist. Gracing the Cannes red carpet in an ethereal ensemble designed by Mumbai-based couture brand, Karleo by Karan Berry and Leon Vaz, Simi's custom-couture ensemble featured a full-sleeved embellished coat with pearl detailing paired with a long, voluminous skirt and corset. Making a powerful, sustainable statement by repeating her clothes, Simi Garewal 's Cannes debut is just like her 'Iconic and Classic'. Simi's corset was first styled on her in 2022 at a fashion awards ceremony in Mumbai. Celebrating Satyajit Ray's Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest) at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, evergreen star Simi Garewal, along with her legendary co-star Sharmila Tagore and American filmmaker Wes Anderson, attended the Highest 2 Lowest red carpet on May 19, 2025 wearing the iconic, custom piece. Sharing his opinion on Simi's decision to repeat the garment, designer Leon Vaz says, 'We believe it's a powerful statement about sustainable fashion and timeless style. It showcases the enduring quality of our designs at the same time, making it more normal for celebrities to repeat clothes." Simi has had a long-standing relationship with Leon Vaz and Karan Berry of Karleo, and having her wear their designs for her Cannes debut is special. 'Our association with Simi [Garewal] has been a long and collaborative one, spanning several years. Working on her Cannes debut was an absolute pleasure," says Leon, adding, 'As a brand that takes pride in its evening and bridal gowns and accessories we were glad to take inspiration from India to design this red carpet look since it's an Indian film (Aranyer Din Ratri) represented by an iconic Indian celebrity at one of the biggest film event of the year." Speaking about celebrating her signature colour palette, Leon shares, 'White has always been a symbol of elegance and sophistication for Simi. This year, we wanted to create a look that was both classic and modern, and that reflects her style. Also, as a brand in India for white weddings, this is the perfect pairing. But we have still taken different shades of white – beige, off white, creme, pearl white and ivory, snowy white – and brought them all together in one outfit." Inspired by the classic Elizabethan style and crafted in silk satin and crepe de chine from India, the corset was embellished with caviar beads and cut bugles to add a mirror shine to the mother-of-pearl finished embroidery materials. The corset was further highlighted with tiny lochrosen crystals. First Published:
India.com
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Cannes 2025: Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal Attend Screening Of Satyajit Rays Film Aranyer Din Ratri
Cannes: Adding grace to the 78th edition of Cannes Film Festival, veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal on Monday evening marked an exquisite appearance on the red carpet. A while ago, Diet Sabya shared an adorable picture from the icons' reunion at the French Riviera. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DietSabya® (@dietsabya) For the special premiere of their film 'Aranyer Din Ratri' at Cannes, both Sharmila and Simi were dressed to the nines. Sharmila donned a stunning green saree, while Simi walked the red carpet in an ivory outfit. Sharmila was accompanied by her daughter Saba Pataudi. Interestingly, this marked Simi's debut at Cannes. Legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's film Aranyer Din Ratri was restored over six years under the leadership of American filmmaker Wes Anderson. The restoration project began in 2019 when Anderson, through his position on the board of Martin Scorsese's The Film Foundation, initiated discussions about preserving the film. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" director's passion for Ray's work drove the collaborative effort between The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project, Film Heritage Foundation, Janus Films and The Criterion Collection, with funding provided by the Golden Globe Foundation, as per Variety. "Anything signed by Satyajit Ray must be cherished and preserved, but the nearly-forgotten 'Days and Nights in the Forest' is a special/particular gem," Anderson said. Made in 1970. Modern and novelistic. Ray worked in terrain perhaps more familiar to Cassavetes. A clash/negotiation between castes and sexes. Urbans and rurals. Selfish men and their hopes and cruelties and spectacular lack of wisdom. Women who see through them. The great Soumitra Chatterjee: lost but searching. The great Sharmila Tagore: mysterious, cerebral, mesmerizing. From the master, another masterpiece," he said. Kicktstarted from May 13, Cannes 2025 will conclude on May 24.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Cannes 2025: Simi Garewal at 76 stuns in graceful white look that blends Indian craftsmanship with global sophistication
Simi Garewal, along with actor Sharmila Tagore and filmmaker Wes Anderson, walked the red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 19. Simi was in Cannes for the screening of her 1970 film Aranyer Din Ratri, directed by Satyajit Ray. She made her Cannes Film Festival debut in a custom ivory ensemble by the designer label, Karleo. In a May 20 interview with Vogue India, Karleo's head designer Leon Vaz shared details of Simi's Cannes look. Also read | Simi Garewal announces her Cannes debut at 76 with 'iconic' video The veteran actor and host of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal loves the colour white and expectedly wore the shade for her Cannes debut. Simi chose a voluminous ivory skirt, highlighted with rose montes and intricate silk threadwork. It was paired with a modern, cascading jacket that was crafted from raw silk and adorned with Indian motifs, and a matching corset. Simi completed the look with a statement floral necklace and elegant pearl earrings. Simi also sported a bunch of bold rings. A post shared by VOGUE India (@vogueindia) Designer Leon Vaz told Vogue India he 'brought her vision to life' and how the dress 'had a lot of changes due to the new rules by the Cannes Film Festival'. He said, 'The idea was simple — to represent India on the global platform — it's all India fabrics like raw silks and Indian motifs, but applied on a modern cascading jacket. There is a freshwater pearl corset finished with a voluminous skirt highlighted with rose montes and silk threads. They are also made in different shades, ranging from dark ivory to light ivory.' Speaking about the hidden details of Simi's look people might have missed at first glance, he added, 'A lot of time viewers miss the details on the garments. There are a lot of textures which are needed when colours are limited and you have to work with just one family of colours. But the joy is in noticing these textures along with everything else. One interesting fact is that we upcycled one of our older corsets and paired with the new jacket and skirt. This statement by an iconic celebrity provides a fresh point of view.'
