Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Bollywood premiere of film ‘Kaun Kitney Paani Mein’

Bollywood film ‘Kaun Kitney Paani Mein’ starring Kunal Kapoor, Radhika Apte, Gulshan Grover and Saurabh Shukla, produced by one drop foundation in association with eleeanora images and beyond dreams productions, deals with the most critical challenge faced by the 21st Century i.e. WATER!

Several A-listers of the Indian film industry came forward to support the film and their friend Kunal Kapoor at a private screening held at Mumbai. Present at the event were Hrithik Roshan, Imran Khan, Kiran Rao, Dia Mirza and many more and the film received great reviews from all of them.

Actors Hrithik Roshan, Kunal Kapoor and Imran Khan at the premiere
Everyone encouraging the attempt and cause praised the film after watching it. One of the Bollywood’s superstar and Kunal Kapoor’s best friend Hrithik said “Kunal is been an inspiration to me, he is one guy I know who doesn't give up, he is a bulldozer, unstoppable. He has proved himself, he is a great actor and I love him." he added laughing "You have to enjoy the film if you have someone that good looking on screen. Whatever is going on, you would still want to watch it, you know, it’s going to work.”

Imran Khan said “I am a big fan of satire; I think we don't make enough satire films in India. I am really excited to see that someone has tried their hand” when asked about who would he recommend the film to, he added,”Kunu is a very dear friend of mine, I will recommend this film to all of you, to the entire country.”

Dia Mirza at the premiere
Kiran Rao said “Bohot Umda film hai, it talks about a very important resource that is water. How it can lead to discrimination and how people fight for water. The performances in the film are classy, Saurabh Shukla, Gulshan Ji, Radhika, Kunal has done a very good job, I really enjoyed it.”

Dia said “A very interesting film on a very relevant subject for our country. A very simply put but a very pertinent message for all. ”

Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra said “Bohot mazeydaar film hai. Satire is not easy, it makes you laugh but somewhere it also makes you think about the subject and the film is like that. A very good attempt, Kunal and Radhika have worked with all their heart, all the best to the film and all of them.

The film is directed by Nila Madhab Panda (award-winning Director of ‘I am Kalam’) set in a hypothetical village in Odisha. The film is a satire on the issue of water scarcity set against the backdrop of a traditional Bollywood love story. The film seeks to entertain viewers but leave them thinking about the importance of water conservation long after they leave theaters. The film was produced by One Drop, an international organization in the water sector, with the generous contribution of the Royal Bank of Canada and United Technologies, as part of its unique social arts-oriented approach to behavior change with respect to water and sanitation. Radhika Apte, Kunal Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla and Gulshan Grover star in the film that is slated for an all -India release on 28 August 2015.

“Water is a crucial resource for all of us. We should not only conserve water but also use it effectively”, said Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Delhi, at the premiere.

“We are so very pleased and proud to have our film released in theaters. What started as an idea to reach more people than ever before with our social arts approach to water has become a reality thanks to the hard work and brilliant creativity of Nila Madhab Panda, the actors, and everyone who worked on the film, said Catherine B. Bachand, CEO, ONE DROP. “I hope that everyone who sees the film is inspired towards change, because it is only in this way that we can truly resolve the critical water issue in India and beyond.”

It feels good to be a part of a film that is focused on such a critical issue that our country is facing currently. I believe that there is enough water for everyone, everywhere and can be made available to all if we use it judiciously. I would request everyone to watch the film and take the key message to heart: Please do not waste water. It is a finite precious resource”, said Kunal Kapoor.

The film is slated to release on 28th August, 2015.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Law and order situation in Gujarat

Gujarat on 25th Aug 2015 (Photo: Basant)
The situation of Gujarat has turned violent. As per the latest media reports, rioting was reported from some parts of Ahmedabad and Surat after agitation by the Patel community seeking reservation under OBC quota.

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convenor Hardik Patel on Tuesday gave Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel 48 hours to accept the group's demand for Other Backward Class (OBC) status.

On Tuesday evening, the Ahmedabad police arrested Hardik Patel, along with five others, under section 151 of the Indian Penal Code for “knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after being commanded to disperse”.

The situation became more complex by evening after police took Hardik Patel, the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti into custody. He was release later,however, but then violence had spread into several parts of Gujarat.

According to a PTI (Press Trust of India) report, clashes took places in Vadaj, Vastrapur, Nikol and Paldi areas of Ahmedabad. The police lathi-charged the agitators and lobbed tear-gas shells to control the situation.