Latest news with #Ugly
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Women need to be stories, not just mere parts in it: Actor Surveen Chawla
Mumbai, Surveen Chawla, known for her performances in big OTT hit shows like 'Scared Games', 'Rana Naidu', 'Criminal Justice', says even though she would like to be part of films, women-centric stories are hard to come by. Women need to be stories, not just mere parts in it: Actor Surveen Chawla Chawla said the industry is a work in progress when it comes to opportunities for women, both on and off screen. 'Women need to be stories, not just mere parts in it. The industry is evolving where we're eventually getting into a space where you want to aspire to have equality on every aspect whether it is equality on quality or in storytelling, pay parity or on how you're treated, keeping the hierarchy aside,' the actor told PTI. Good roles are plenty in the OTT space and that's what she is currently focused on, said the actor, who has acted in films such as 'Ugly', 'Hate Story 2', and 'Parched'. "I feel like there is scarcity of such parts being written in films, which is what draws you to doing this here . If I've an opportunity to do one or five or ten such films where it satisfies my hunger that I've been able to contribute to a project in a large way then I'll do it,' Chawla added. The 40-year-old actor, who will next appear in Netflix series 'Mandala Murders', said she is seeking roles that challenge her. 'A lot of work doesn't mean there's a queue. So, from that little basket of work that you get, you try to pick the most exciting one, challenging and unique one, something that you've not done in the past. "I need to feel that joy from within when I'm waking up on a day of shooting that spring in your step that today I'm going to surmount a small little peak." Headlined by Vaani Kapoor, 'Mandala Murders' is a mythological crime-thriller. Set in the quaint, mysterious town of Charandaspur, the series will see Kapoor as a no-nonsense investigative officer, Rhea Thomas, who unravels a chilling conspiracy of ritualistic killings tied to a centuries-old secret society. It is directed by Gopi Puthran of 'Mardaani 2' fame and Manan Rawat. Chawla's co-star from the show, Vaibhav Raj Gupta of 'Gullak' fame, said the upcoming show is a 'big opportunity' for him. 'I've been waiting for three years for this trailer to come, for this show to come. I was telling myself I was like as soon as 'Gullak' is there, 'Mandala...' will reach further than that because of so many things. All the things were amazing in this show and it was a big opportunity for me to reach people because they were only seeing me as Anu for a long time. "So, it was very tough for me to break that thing because then you need somebody like Gopi sir or Manan sir who can see you doing something different. So I'm asking them, 'how did you think that I can do Vikram Singh because I couldn't see myself',' he said. 'Madala Murders', produced by YRF Entertainment, will premiere on July 25 on Netflix. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Anurag Kashyap-Nikhil Dwivedi's 'Bandar' starring Bobby Deol-Sanya Malhotra to have World Premiere at TIFF 2025
Director Anurag Kashyap, known for cult classics like 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' 'Black Friday,' and 'Ugly,' brings his signature raw storytelling style to this new project read more Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's latest directorial venture 'Bandar' / 'Monkey in a Cage' has been selected for world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, running September 4-14, 2025. The film, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi, features Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, in pivotal roles. This marks the first official announcement about the project, revealing both the title and star cast. The makers posted the first ever glimpse of actor Bobby Deol's intense look from the film, announcing the film's official selection at Tiff STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They captioned it, 'The Story that should not have been told… But is the Offical Selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025. Our Film inspired from True Events is Premiering at #tiff50' 'Bandar' will screen as part of TIFF's Special Presentations programme, which celebrates contemporary cinema from across the globe. The selection represents a significant milestone for Indian cinema at one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. Director Anurag Kashyap, known for cult classics like 'Gangs of Wasseypur,' 'Black Friday,' and 'Ugly,' brings his signature raw storytelling style to this new project. Bobby Deol, who has been experiencing a remarkable career resurgence, leads the ensemble cast alongside acclaimed actresses Sanya Malhotra, Saba Azad and Sapna Pabbi. Producer Nikhil Dwivedi, who has backed successful films including 'Veere Di Wedding' (2018) and 'CTRL' (2024), continues his track record of backing unique stories. Dwivedi is also producing the upcoming fantasy drama 'Naagin' starring Shraddha Kapoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 50th edition of TIFF, presented by Rogers, will showcase films from over 30 countries. 'Monkey in a Cage' joins an impressive lineup of world premieres and international titles competing for attention at the festival.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bobby Deol stuns in 'Bandar' first look; Anurag Kashyap returns with grit; check out
Actor Bobby Deol 's intense first look from 'Bandar', directed by Anurag Kashyap , is out and it has already sparked buzz among cinephiles. Shared on Instagram by Deol himself, the poster features him seated solemnly in a jail cell while other prisoners sleep around him. The line on the poster reads: 'The story that should not have been told…' hinting at the dark and controversial nature of the film. 'Our film, inspired from true events, is premiering at #tiff50,' Bobby captioned the post. The film is an official selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025, a significant feat that further cements Deol's artistic resurgence. A story rooted in truth and grit Helmed by Kashyap, known for critically acclaimed works like 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Black Friday', and 'Ugly—Bandar is expected to follow in the same vein of hard-hitting realism. The film reportedly delves into complex themes and is inspired by real incidents. the film will be also promising a narrative that challenges, disturbs, and engages, which is Anurag Kashyap's trademark style. The ensemble cast includes Sanya Malhotra , Saba Azad , and Sapna Pabbi . Fans are especially excited about the Deol-Kashyap collaboration, with one user commenting: 'Acting masterclass by Lord Bobby himself… can't wait for this!' One comment read, "That's amazing! Congratulations and best wishes." A third comment read, "Woow congratulations bobby bhaiya ." Overall the expectations are quite high for the film. Check out the poster here Bobby Deol's powerhouse phase continues Deol, who had a brief but talked-about cameo in 'Housefull 5', is clearly riding high on his recent resurgence. Apart from 'Bandar', he has multiple projects lined up across languages: the Telugu period drama 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1', the Hindi action-thriller 'Alpha', and the much-awaited Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan', slated for release in 2026. Bobby Deol Gets Emotional On Winning IIFA Award, Talks About 'Hard Phase' Of Life
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards 2025 Winners' Announcement
Bookseller's Business Acumen Rewarded with a Top Industry Prize The Martinborough Books & Post has won the Ugly Hill Press Bookshop of the Year at the 2025 Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards for all round excellence and successfully diversifying its store offering to secure its future. The award was presented to the store's owner manager Brenda Channer at a gala dinner ceremony emceed by Mike McRoberts held in the AUT Atrium, Auckland this evening. The prize was among 14 honours presented to booksellers, publishers and book trade stalwarts for excellence, success and innovation in work carried out in the industry between April 2024 and March 2025. The judges said The Martinborough Books & Post demonstrated strong evidence of changed practice to a more sustainable retail model with great results. 'Martinborough Books & Post is an exceptional provincial bookstore, skilfully curating a selection of books and services to a vast community. Its inclusion of a mixed revenue stream, with postal integration, has created a more resilient business model to weather future change and it's rebranding has cemented its position in the local market.' HarperCollins Aotearoa New Zealand has won the Nielsen IQ BookData NZ Publisher of the year. The judges said HarperCollins' range of books and their bold publishing initiatives gave them the edge. 'HarperCollins' list had real depth and breadth this year. It's market growth leveraged as opposed to depended on overseas titles; and its cultural commitment is noticeable, demonstrated by the publication of much-deserved Ockham 2025 General Non-Fiction Award winner Hine Toa: A story of bravery by Ngāhuia te Awekotuku. HarperCollins' shift to a New Zealand-based managing editor has made a big difference,' said the judges. Tasty by Chelsea Winter published by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand has taken out the Nielsen BookData NZ Award for the bestselling New Zealand title. The Sales Professional of the Year Award was won by Ross Lorimer of Archetype Book Agents. The judges said Ross Lorimer was an exceptional talent; an experienced sales person who maintains the energy levels of someone fresh to the industry. 'Ross's skill at tailoring book offerings to each store's market with knowledge built up over many years is second-to-none, and his familiarity of new titles, using data to back up recommendations, is legendary.' The Marketing and Publicity Strategy of the Year Award has gone to Penguin Random House New Zealand for their campaign to launch The Bookshop Detectives: Dead Girl Gone. The judges agreed that the marketing of The Bookshop Detectives was faultless. 'Penguin Random House's campaign to launch the first The Bookshop Detectives title was very ambitious and it achieved all its objectives, doing so with great verve and originality. The Instagram campaign was fun and immersive, and the launch party was brilliant. The book didn't seem to be a natural bestseller but the marketing really got this across the line. 'We loved the publisher's determination to see the book succeed.' The 'cosy crime' novel The Bookstore Detectives: Dead Girl Gone, written by and loosely based on the lives of actual bookstore owners Louise Ward and Gareth Ward of Wardini Books in Hawke's Bay, also won the Booksellers' Choice Adult Award. Mid-grade fantasy adventure novel The Grimmelings by Rachael King published by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand took out the Hayden + Rollett Booksellers Choice Children's Book Award. The two titles were decided in a vote by the booksellers of Aotearoa as the books they'll always keep on the shelf, that are considered modern classics, and are loved by customers and booksellers. The Publishing Trailblazer of the Year Award went to Jasmine Sargent (Ngāti Porou), editor at Te Herenga Waka University Press The judges said Jasmine stood out in a very strong field of contenders for her intense and concentrated editing work, and her commitment towards Māori literature. 'In the six years of her role as editor, Jasmine has demonstrated incredible tenacity and an ambition to give more. She has carved out an important cultural role, providing a safe harbour, and caring for her authors – many of whom gave her their deep thanks. 'She has made a real impact as a Māori editor of Māori writing.' Mandy Myles of online retailer Bookety Book Books has won the Titlepage Bookselling Trailblazer of the year The judges commented that Mandy's initiative, smart thinking and sheer hard work saw her stand out from the other very worthy contenders. 'Mandy has made some bold business decisions that have paid off. She has consciously, and self-reflectively, learned to work smarter not harder as a crucial lesson for long-term success. She has skilfully procured sponsorship and strategically beneficial partnerships, and her marketing and programming skills are among the best in the industry.' Simon and Schuster's audiobook Return to Blood by Michael Bennett narrated by Miriama McDowell has won the Audiobook of the Year Award. An honourable mention was given to Penguin Random House New Zealand's audio adaptation of The Bone People by Keri Hulme. The judges said listening to the six audiobooks nominated this year was truly a pleasure. 'Each title offered a surprise, from production to narration, to the calibre of the content. But it was Michael Bennett's Return to Blood narrated by Miriama McDowell that swept the competition. From the crystal-clear production to the captivating prose, captured perfectly by superstar narrator McDowell, there was never any doubt who should win,' they said. Karen Ferns has been honoured with the Publishers Association of NZ Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms Ferns is respected across the industry for her strategic focus, unremitting commitment to NZ authors, and determination to maximise sales for the publishers she has worked for over many years in leadership roles which include Penguin Random House NZ and HarperCollins Aotearoa New Zealand. Bruce McKenzie of Bruce McKenzie Books in Palmerston North, an outstanding general bookseller whose career spans over 65 years in the book trade; Jo McColl, who has one of the longest institutional memories of bookselling in Aotearoa and has been instrumental in building and shaping the internationally recognised and award-winning Unity as its co-founder; and Tony Moores of Poppies Howick who is retiring this year after extensive experience across the trade in bookselling, publishing and governance, making him one of the most storied booksellers have received Booksellers Association of Aotearoa New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Awards. Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand (BSANZ) association manager Renee Rowland says she is delighted for each of this year's winners in what has been a challenging year for booksellers. 'Booksellers, like most retailers, are impacted by the incredibly challenging retail environment across the motu. The winners and finalists celebrated this evening have shown excellence and encourage amongst their peers by lifting bar, demonstrating best practice and pivoting strategically in response to their markets. 'To survive, let alone thrive in this environment requires hard work, innovation and a lot of creativity. Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners,' says Ms Rowland. Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) director Courtney Sina-Meredith commends the determination and innovation shown by each of this year's recipients. 'These award winners are among the very many significant achievers in an industry that understands what it takes to publish, sell and promote winning books. 'By listening to the market, and nurturing this country's diverse writing talent, we continue to build a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand literature. Congratulations to you all,' says Ms Sina-Meredith. The 2025 Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards were judged by Anna Burkey (Australia Reads) and Steve Braunias (author and literary editor, Newsroom), joined by Anita Kingston, last year's winner of the Book Retailer of the Year award in judging the Publisher awards, and Kevin Chapman (Upstart Press) in judging the bookseller awards. BSANZ and PANZ sincerely thanks this year's award sponsors and funders for their generous support. The Aotearoa New Zealand Book Industry Awards have been recognising the best New Zealand publishers, booksellers and industry stalwarts connecting Aotearoa books and readers for more than 20 years.
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Youth performers star in production of Honk! Jr. at Lake Zurich HS Performing Arts Center, July 24-25
The Cricket Theatre Company is presenting its summer youth production of Honk! Jr., on July 24 and 25. According to a news release, the production is a charming and uplifting musical performed by local children ages 7 to 12. Audiences are invited to enjoy the show at 7 p.m. on July 24 and July 25 in the LZHS Performing Arts Center, 300 Church Street, Lake Zurich. Honk! Jr. tells the delightful story of Ugly, a uniquely different duckling on a journey to find his mother, the release said. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters and learns that being different is something to be celebrated. The release said Hon! Jr. is filled with humor, heart, and a memorable score and promises to entertain audiences of all ages with its wit, warmth, and message of acceptance. Directed by seasoned theater educators Vince OBrill and Robin Kern, the production is the result of an intensive eight-week workshop where young performers explored acting, storytelling, and stagecraft, according to the release. 'The dedication and enthusiasm these kids bring to the stage is truly inspiring,' Kern said. 'They've poured their hearts into this production.' Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit:
