Cannes Film Festival 2023

By: Amit kumaR Agarwal

Year after year, Indian actresses in particular go to Cannes Film Festival in the hope, a remote hope, that the Big-3 - The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Daily or Variety, might publish them - but these three it seems take note of only one Indian, and no points for guessing, Aishwarya Rai.

 

In fact, the writer won't be surprised if Aishwarya is awarded for making Cannes Film Festival a household name in India.

 

The opening day of 76th Cannes Film Festival saw many Indian actresses trying to make a mark and if anyone made the heads turn, it was none other than Sara Ali Khan. It is another matter though, her step-mother, Kareena, came a cropper at one of the earlier editions.

What remains to be seen is whether the Big-3 will by any remote chance take to Sara Ali Khan, just like they took to Aishwarya Rai - or will Sara Ali Khan end up - from sizzle to fizzle?

 

Sara Ali Khan makes her debut on the Opening Day of

the 76th Cannes Film Festival

Press Release l 6th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment

Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Government of India along with Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Government of Canada, co-chaired the the sixth India- Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI) on 8th May 2023 in Ottawa. The Ministers emphasized the solid foundation of the trade and economic relationship between Canada and India and recognized the significant opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and economic partnership.

 

 

Minister Mary Ng expressed her support for India as G20 Chair and the priorities pursued by India in the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group. She indicated that she is looking forward to participating in the upcoming G-20 Trade and Investment Ministerial meeting in India scheduled to take place in August 2023.

India-Canada bilateral trade in goods reached about US$ 8.2 billion in 2022, registering about 25% growth compared to 2021. The Ministers also underlined the contribution of the services sector in furthering the bilateral relationship and noted the significant potential for increasing bilateral services trade which stood at about US $6.6 billion in 2022.

The Ministers emphasized enhancing cooperation in sectors such as clean technologies for infrastructure development, critical minerals, electric vehicles and batteries, renewable energy/hydrogen, and AI. The Ministers asked their officials to discuss trade remedies issues of bilateral importance on a regular basis.

The Ministers reviewed the progress so far achieved in the India-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations in the seven rounds of negotiations so far. The Ministers reaffirmed that EPTA would cover, among others, high level commitments in goods, services, investment, rules of origin, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and dispute settlement, and may also cover others where mutual agreement is reached.

Key outcomes:

The two sides agreed to explore enhanced cooperation through measures such as coordinated investment promotion, information exchange and mutual support between the two parties in near future through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) preferably in Fall of 2023.

The Ministers agreed on the importance of G2G coordination to promote critical mineral supply chain resiliency and committed to an annual dialogue at the official level on the margins of the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference (PDAC) in Toronto to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Both Ministers agreed to rework and relaunch the Canada-India CEO Forum with renewed focus and a new set of priorities. The CEO Forum could be announced at a mutually-agreed early date. The CEO Forum would be a platform to enhance B2B engagement.

Minister Mary Ng announced that she would lead a Team Canada trade mission to India in October 2023. This will present an opportunity to further the trade and investment ties between the two countries as she is likely to bring a big business delegation for the same.

The Ministers noted the significant movement of professionals and skilled workers, students, and business travellers between the two countries, and its immense contribution to enhancing the bilateral economic partnership and in this context noted the desire for enhanced discussions in the area of migration and mobility.

The Ministers discussed appropriate mechanisms to discuss talent and innovation partnership to strengthen the bilateral innovation ecosystem.

In order to review the progress being made under mechanisms established under the MDTI and regular follow-up the both sides will come up with an annual work plan which would be reviewed and reported on a regular basis.

The Ministers agreed to remain engaged to provide sustained momentum to building linkages and strengthening cooperation across sectors to harness the full potential of the trade and investment relationship between India and Canada.

The Kerala Story l Jawaan l Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and more l Bollywood Gossip

By: Aanya

 

The Kerala Story as expected took an excellent opening and is one of those 1% films that are 'hit' on the opening day itself! Of course, a section of media with vested interest or calling it the know-all of box-office will attribute the success to propaganda, just like they did in, The Kashmir Files. The fact is, in India, propaganda films don't work else all political films released every year would have been hits or blockbusters.

 

Counter this with the BO show of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, the no-show film, scared the makers of Jawaan enough to resched the release to August 25. While many are speculating it is the time needed to market the film full-throttle. Many have reported, the film is being reshot and they are getting Deepika for an extended cameo, Shahrukh's lucky charm. There are few numerologists that are touting since Pathan released on the date 25, Shahrukh is releasing Jawaan on the date 25 again!

 

Pooja Hegde might be a huge superstar down south, but up in north all the films she has starred in barring Housefull 4 came croppers, in fact such is the polarity that the business of all her Hindi films other than Housefull 4 is less than Housefull 4! Reports are rife that she is really trying hard to get lead in Housefull 5! 

Meanwhile Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's brazen blazer look without anything underneath was supposed to be hot, but fizzled with a whimper.

Stay tuned for more Bollywood news, reviews, gossip and talks only on www.bol-news.com

Cannes Film Festival 2023 Official Poster Unveiled

By: Amit Kumar Agarwal

No other film event on planet earth; Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscars, included, create as much frenzy as Cannes Film Festival.

 

The Official Poster of the 76th Edition was recently released to an overwhelming response.

 

The poster features the cinema icon Catherine Deneuve. Star of many epic films, Catherine created a niche for herself both in French cinema and then in Hollywood to emerge a strong global icon!

 

In her legendary career she has worked with filmmakers right from Roman Polanski to Lars von Trier.

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan l View, not just Review

By: Amit Kumar Agarwal

 

 

Bollywood is an unabashed industry and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan bears an ironical testimony to it.

 

Why?

In one scene we have Bhagyashree, Himalaya and Abhimanyu Dassani, team up and pep Salman together with a montage from Maine Pyaar Kiya, reminding us the film came in 1989. Ironically, the female lead Pooja Hegde wasn't even born then! Himalaya, himself a hero (he did 6-films with Bhagyashree as lead) has now his son donning the mantle, but Salman is still up there for how long - well, till the Tiger franchise is there, because the film-industry has only one Golden-Rule

'अगर हिट हो तो फिट हो' 

If you give a hit, you are a good fit 

 

It's another matter though that Salman hasn't given a hit for quite sometime, one hit gives a fresh lease of 5-years! So will Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, be a hit! First of all, Kabhi Eid , Kabhi Diwali was a far better title than KKBKKJ.

 

Having said that the first 20-minutes or so of the film are good, but as soon as Bhagyshree cameo ends and the new Bhagya (Pooja Hegde) comes in - film falters. The reason for this could be, there is no chemistry between the characters of Salman and Pooja; and it is not because of the age. It is plain badly written romantic track that pulls the film down.

 

This is precisely the fault with the entire film, bad and bland writing - a story that could have been full of emotions is rendered lifeless because of superficial emotions.

 

Palak Tiwari, trying to break in Hindi Films as a lead, has to steer clear of such roles. These are not going to benefit her in any way, except probably become lead in a Salman movie like Daisy Shah. But where is Daisy today after playing lead in two Salman movies? 

 

If you are a Salman fan you will like the film, but if you are not this film will torture you to core!

The film might work at single-screens of UP, but beyond that this bhai will find the film running out of jaan.  

Talennt Ka Maha Utsav and #BNHAF Awards and Festival come together to scout new talent

The 10th #BNHAF Awards and Festival, US Edition saw the international announcement of Talennt Ka Maha Utsav Pre-Launch Season. The tie-up is to scout new talent and give them opportunities in film, fashion and media industry.

Amit R Agarwal, founder and creative producer, Talennt Ka Maha Utsav said that other than the creative outlet, Talennt Ka Maha Utsav also is a very potent tool to scale-up the profile. It helps find better education and employment opportunities in future.

Agarwal also made a short film under public service broadcast initiative on corona awareness with two young girls, Aanya and Mehak of an prestigious school in Delhi-NCR. This film will also be screened at the Annual Gala Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival.

 

Talennt Ka Maha Utsav and #BNHAF, Give Best Scientific Exhibit Award to Kiaan

Talennt Ka Maha Utsav (#TKMU) Pre-Season Launch is drawing tremendous response not only in India but across the world.

Parents and schools, both are entering unique talent of their children and/or students to be seen by everyone in the world, thanks to the outreach of #TKMU.

 

True to it's vision and essence of not just being limited to singing, dancing, acting or comedy - #TKMU showcases diverse and myriad talent and skills.

For example, Talennt Ka Maha Utsav awarded the Best Scientific Exhibit Award to Kiaan, son of Indian expatriates in the US for very effectively explaining the working of a Maglev Train.

The award was given for explaining the principles, the working and the deft execution of the complex execution of a Maglev Train.

The award was given in India at the gala edition of #BNHAF held at IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus).

Kiaan scored a double whammy, as he got the award again in front of audiences in US, at the US Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival held at the Secaucus Public Library, Secaucus, New Jersey, USA.

Talennt Ka Maha Utsav announced internationally at the 10th #BNHAF Awards and Festival

Lord Baden-Powell National Award 2020 winner, Amit R Agrwal launched the International Editions of #BNHAF Awards and Festival in the US with the 10th Edition that was simultaneously held in India, Australia, Poland and the US. Agrwal also the winner of Karmaveer Chakra Award given by iCONGO partnered with the United Nations, said that his vision when he started #BNHAF was to establish a global platform; he achieved it with the 10th edition.

 

Gem Mines and Rekha Vohraa Foundation that have been pillars of support of #BNHAF Awards and Festival since its inception felt proud that #BNHAF Awards and Festival is now a multi-continent entity.

 

Amit Gupta, founder Gem Mines said that just like Gem Mines is a global entity, #BNHAF Awards and Festival too is a global entity with in the 10th Edition. Gupta lauded Agarwal's efforts by taking the awards and festival out to the Americas, Europe and Oceania other than Asia.

 

 

Rekha Vohraa drew parallels of her NGO's work with that of #BNHAF. She said that just like she is nurturing the stray dogs by providing them a safe and conducive environment by giving them food and shelter; Agarwal is doing that through #BNHAF by nurturing indie-filmmakers.   

 

Agarwal said, "10th edition is especially special because I announced Talennt Ka Maha Utsav pre-launch Season on an international platform." The event saw awarding Talent Ka Maha Utsav Pre-Launch Season Awards. Two students of Indian origin were chosen for the awards in the categories of Best Scientific Exhibit (Kiaan) and Best Public Speaker (Suhaani).

 

Addressing the media about 'Talent Ka Maha Utsav' at the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Centre as Agarwal concluded the US-leg of the launch of his 2nd book, "The Making of Virgin.. Mira", Agarwal said he always wanted to fuse varied art-forms under one single entity. "Talent Ka Maha Utsav is the result of this idea Amit had," added Rekha over a zoom call.

 

With respect to his 2nd book, 'The Making of Virgin.. Mira', Agarwal thanked the Consul General, Dr. Angel Angelov, Consulate of Bulgaria, New York, as Dr. Angelov extended his support for the book by saying it is very important to nurture the fast eroding concept of writing and reading books in physical form.

 

The 10th Edition was curated by US based Prasan Kumar, author of the children's book "Alpacas Love Apples". He asked Agarwal to shed light on multi-creative pursuits - #BNHAF Awards and Festival, New York Fashion Week and Talent Ka Maha Utsav in particular.

 

Agarwal said that Talent Ka Maha Utsav is very dear to him, as he has seen the plethora of talent that lies untapped not only in India, but across the world. Parents too feel the severe constraints they have in getting their children the right platform to showcase talent. Like he saw the Magalev Train science-project done by Kiaan, which was simply wow! Or why do apples rust or get brown by a young-girl all of 10; or for that matter, the tsunami phenomenon by another girl in the same age-group - this too is talent! But after the science-fair these will be forgotten within a week! Agarwal wants these to go out to as many parents and children as possible, not only today or tomorrow but even after decades - this is where Talent Ka Maha Utsav comes in.

On being queried, is singing, dancing, acting; also a part of Talent Ka Maha Utsav?
Agarwal asserted that TKMU is a unique platform in film, entertainment, media and edutainment space. The thought is that anything unique is a talent, so celebrate any talent, anyone might have. This celebration also helps or might help the children in future to forge a formidable career!

On being queried, is TKMU a children specific talent platform?
Agarwal said the focus initially is on children, but as his septuagenarian aunt lightly said, "we too are talented"; so Talent Ka Maha Utsav is open to taking any person that is brimming with talent because a grand celebration is what Talent Ka Maha Utsav, in essence, is all about!

 

 

Speaking about New York Fashion Week, Agarwal said though he has been Jury-Head and Guest of Honor on various fashion weeks in India and Asian countries, he hasn't seen anything like New York Fashion Week, it is simply astounding. Since he has been a consultant with various fashion-shows and beauty-pageants, he said he will add his experience at the #NYFW to these shows and pageants.

 

Agarwal also announced the dates for the 11th #BNHAF Awards and Festival scheduled from 23 April '23 to 27 April '23.

Pride of India Awards Ceremony

Dr Mahima Chaturvedi, founder Satwik Foundation together with Praven Sharma of D'Jewels conducted the Pride of India Awards at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, India. 'Pride of India Awards' are constituted to acknowledge the contribution of various people from all spheres of life that have contributed to make the society and touched the lives of the people to make it better.

 

Satish Upadhyay, former president, Delhi BJP and Vice-Chairman, NDMC was the chief guest, he stressed on the need of giving back to the society, as it will help a larger community to prosper and live a happy life. In this direction he specially lauded the very kind gesture of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Supreet Kaur Sandhu, a couple from Amritsar. They donated the organs of their 39-days old child, after she passed away. He also made a special mention of Rekha Vohraa and Rekha Vohraa Foundation - Share to Care; he said Rekha is doing a wonderful job under this foundation by taking care of stray animals.

 

Bhojpuri superstar and MP from Delhi, Manoj Tiwari laid the stress on the importance of organ-donation that can be very useful in saving vital lives across the world.

Awarding a plethora of people from all walks of life, including, spiritual gurus, civil-servants, social workers; amongst the notable awardees at the event were, Rekha Vohraa, founder of Rekhaa Vohraa Foundation, a NGO that is supporting more than 1000 stray dogs in the heart of the capital of India, New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion Rekha said that she is happy that she has been successfully taking care of 1000 strays, her next initiative is to make a shelter-home for the strays.

 

Bol-news.Com founder and Artistic Director of #BNHAF Awards and Festival, Amit KumaR Agarwal told the media present, he just got an Honorable Mention at one of the awards in the US for pioneering 'media for cause' movement through #BNHAF Awards and Festival, he is now pioneering 'fashion for cause' movement by kick-starting a fashion show on body-shaming and look-shaming; an initiative he kick-started during the New York Fashion Week in February 2023, the 1st edition of the fashion week will be held in Goa in November 2023. 

 

Praven Sharma of D'Jewels stressed that his company always supports any initiative that can better the society, he further added that he felt proud in honoring both Rekha Vohraa and Amit KumaR Agarwal with 'Pride of India' Awards.