Akshara Centre in association with the Government of Maharashtra

Akshara Centre in association with the Government of Maharashtra urges all citizens to put #LockdownOnDomesticViolence

Link – https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Kzmq0H21L/?igshid=ya6q7njr1nk2
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Kvy_fniNS/?igshid=n93gjalcp3ya
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Kmt6KnOBR/?igshid=1rbh4uj2plcuy

Since there has been a nationwide lockdown and people have been directed to “stay home” to prevent the virus spread, cases of domestic violence have surged. Predominantly women who are mistreated are now confined to homes with abusive partners whose physically violent tendencies are further inflamed by economic stressors. This situation is now recognized as a ‘Shadow Pandemic’ by UN Women and countries across the world are seeing a surge in domestic violence   

Akshara Centre along with Special Cell for Women and Children with support from Government, the Police and supported by celebrities have come together to create awareness about the current situation. With a powerful video in English, Hindi, as well as Marathi, #LockdownOnDomesticViolence, urges citizens to fight and raise their voice against the brutality taking place in their houses.

The National Commission for Women record shows up to 257 cases in the first week of April and this has created great concern amongst women’s groups and activists to address the needs of women from all spheres of life who are playing an indispensable role on the front line in the war against COVID-19. Akshara Centre along with the Special Cell for Women and Children (a project of DWCD GOM, supported by TISS) has come together to set up priority measures to help domestic violence survivors, without detracting from the overall anti-COVID-19 strategy of lockdown. A detailed backend plan along with compilation mobile numbers of 127 Special Cells, 358 protection officers and many other services are collated and shared with 100 so that police and other service providers work together and all burden is not only on police in the current time. With support by The Government of Maharashtra, steps to protect survivors of domestic violence have been made a part of overall anti-COVID-19 action plans.

Eminent personalities from the sports and entertainment industry such as Ajinkya Rahane, Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Mithali Raj, Nandita Das, Rahul Bose, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Sakshi Tanwar, Shabana Azmi, Shreyas Talpade, Sonali Kulkarni, Sunil Shetty, Vidya Balan and Virat Kohli have come together asking women to take a stand against abusers and perpetrators of gender-based crimes. They urge people to not be bystanders but to report and help women seek help. Their passionate support to be a part this cause will be significant to educate and spread awareness about social crimes like domestic violence in our country.

Talking about this initiative Nandita Shah, Co-Director of Akshara Centre said, “This increase in domestic violence during lockdowns is not just an Indian phenomenon; is being reported all over the world. We know that containment measures and quarantine are essential to overcome COVID-19 but we cannot have women entrapped in violent homes where even making a phone call is difficult. The government of Maharashtra has extended their support to help prevent this violence. We would also like to thank our long-standing supporter Rahul Bose who has been extending his endless support to the organization.”

Commenting on his association with Akshara Centre, Rahul Bose said, “From my first-hand experiences from the 2004 Tsunami to the times of this present Covid19 crisis it is a devastating fact that calamities, natural or manmade, hit women hardest. During this lockdown period incidences of domestic violence against women have spiked alarmingly across not just the country, but the world. It has been my privilege to be a part of this campaign (which, crucially, is in three languages, Marathi, Hindi, and English) created by the wonderful people at Akshara Centre in partnership with the Special Services Cell and the Government of Maharashtra. A campaign that seeks to shine a light for battered women across Maharashtra, telling them that we are listening, women’s groups across the state are listening, the government is listening.”

Akshara Centre in the past has also worked with the government to ensure Gender inclusion in Development Plan of Mumbai, the safety of women in transport, setting up of Gender Resource Centre with MCGM, setting up of police helpline 100. It is well documented that during this war on COVID 19, women’s bodies are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Akshara Centre, working relentlessly towards gender justice has joined hands with the Government of Maharashtra to put an end to domestic violence during this period of lockdown.

www.standupagainstviolence.org

Nandita Shah - 9821898676

Nandita Gandhi - 9819109023  

The Kudi Tribe of Wonder Women

The Kudi Tribe of Wonder Women

Usually a normal affair involving greeting cards and social media posts, this Women’s Day sees the Angrezi Medium family present a unique souvenir to the ladies all over.

The makers have roped in some very inspiring faces to deliver an empowering message. The film’s latest song, “Kudi nu nachne de” asks us to just let the women be and have the freedom to live on their own terms.

What makes this number different is that, not one, not two, but eight top female B-town stars shine in it together for the cause. It features Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, Jhanvi Kapoor and Kiara Advani and the film’s lead Radhika Madan.

Speaking of the tune’s relevance, Alia Bhatt shares, “The song is important for today’s generation. It talks about letting a girl be, let her dream, let her achieve and once she does, she will do wonders and take over the world. Just let her fly.”

Talking about its message, Anushka Sharma says “I have grown up in an environment where I was allowed to do whatever I wanted. My father gave me that. It’s sad that even now in so many homes in India, you don’t let the girl just be free.  This is what the song is saying, to let the girl make mistakes and discover herself.”

On what the track means to her, Katrina Kaif states, “The song is about celebration of life.  Of course, the lyrics say ‘Let Her Dance’ but for me dance is an expression of joy. The message of the song is also about letting a girl express her true self.”

Ananya Panday swears by it too, adding, “The song stands for letting the girl sway to her own tunes and I am glad that my parents let me groove to my own beat my entire life. I hope that all parents let their girls dance to their own wish.”

Kiara Advani is also vocal about her liking, “The song is every single girl’s inner voice. It talks of girls hoping to change the mindset of people, so that they live and let us live, let us be however we want.” she says.

Sharing her fondness for the song, Kriti Sanon deduces, “I absolutely loved the song; it is not only catchy but also meaningful. I completely relate to it. This song is about freedom. That’s one of the reasons I did it.”

Janhvi Kapoor shares a similar opinion, adding “I wanted to support this movie. It stands for letting the girl breathe free, and I am a firm believer of that. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to be part of the song.”

Last but not the least, leading lady Radhika Madan concludes, “The song is about empowerment. Let the girl dance, let her be and she will make the world a magical place.”

Looks like these “Womaniyas” have wrapped the perfect Women’s day gift for all the “Kudis”. The message is loud and clear: Don’t clip their wings, let them soar and this world will be a happier place.

Jio Studios and Prem Vijan present Dinesh Vijan's Angrezi Medium, a Maddock Films production, directed by Homi Adajania, releases on March 13th, 2020.

 

Here are few Brother-Sister producers of Bollywood who will give you sibling goals

The auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the beautiful bond between a brother and sister. It is a day when siblings pray for each other’s wellbeing and wish for each other’s happiness and goodwill. The festival commends the unbreakable bond of affection between a brother and sister.

The Bollywood industry has always adored the relationship whether it’s onscreen or off-screen. Here we have listed down few Producer's brother-sister duos on the block who gives us major kin goals:

1.            Zoya Akhtar – Farhan Akhtar: The gifted brother-sister duo, Farhan and Zoya have given the Bollywood industry striking films like Dil Dhadakne Do, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara together. They have claimed to be each other’s strength and share an endearing bond.

2.            Deepshikha Deshmukh - Jackky Bhagnani: Taking the family legacy ahead, this multi-faceted sibling jodi has produced the poignant Sarbjit, and will be following this up with Coolie No 1 starring Varun Dhawan & Sara Ali Khan. Both Jackky and Deepshikha juggle many hats with Jackky being an actor-producer - Jjust music founder, and Deepshikha being a hands-on mom, Love Organically founder, producer & an active social worker. Must say that's a commendable balancing act.

3.            Alvira Agnihotri - Salman Khan: Bollywood’s Bhaijaan Salman Khan is known as the most protective elder brother in the industry. With having a very big ‘Khaandaan’, Salman Khan has produced numerous movie along with his sister Alvira Agnihotri. Recently released Bharat was a big hit which has likewise outperformed 200 cr club.

4.            Anushka Sharma - Karnesh Sharma: Not known to many, Karnesh is the elder brother to Anushka Sharma who is also the co-founder of the Clean Slate films. The duo has produced NH10, Phillauri, and Pari.

Varun-Anushka cycled for 10 hours

Varun-Anushka cycled for 10 hours daily in summer heat! 

 

Varun Dhawan plays an innocent tailor from heartland India in YRF's upcoming entertainer Sui Dhaaga – Made in India. The superstar essays the role of Mauji who dreams to make a name for himself. Rooted in heartland India, the film demanded it to be shot as authentically and as genuinely as possible. Cycle is the most common mode of transportation in small towns and director Sharat Katariya wanted Mauji to have a cycle to enhance the visual appeal of the location and the character.

“Mauji loves his cycle. He takes it everywhere he goes. Cycle is the most preferred transportation option in rural India and we had to include it because the cycle adds so much visual appeal to Mauji’s character. He chills on his cycle, he dreams on his cycle, he laughs, he cries on his cycle. Mauji and Mamta (Anushka Sharma) have some really beautiful moments with each other – bonding, talking and getting to know each other – when they go for the rides together. The cycle captures the beautiful, innocence of small town life and romance,” says Varun.

Anushka adds, 'We were in the peak summers of North India. I had to sit crossed legged on the cycle, which I was not used to. My body twisted the whole time cause I had to sit in a particular way. Sharat had said, never are you guys going to touch each other in the film, but I was somehow  holding the (seat) to save my life. We were sweaty, we were in aches and pains, my back was gone. "

Varun further adds, “We were shooting in the summer heat in Chanderi and Delhi and I was required to sometimes cycle for nearly  10  hours at a stretch. It was tough. I had to ride it daily for about 15 days and I was exhausted. There was a scene of Anushka and I falling down from the cycle. We fell right near the cliff and the crew came running to see if we were ok. For Mauji, the cycle is a symbol of struggle as well as aspiration. It is an invaluable addition to the character sketch of Mauji.”

A film about finding love and respect through self-reliance, Varun and Anushka have been paired for the first time and have become the most-awaited, freshest on-screen jodi of 2018. Sui Dhaaga - Made in India is set to release on September 28 this year. It brings together National Award winning producer-director combo of Maneesh Sharma and Sharat Katariya after their blockbuster Dum Laga Ke Haisha. The film is a special salute to the inherent entrepreneurial spirit that the youth of India and our local artisans have.

Varun-Anushka to celebrate homegrown entrepreneurs!

Varun-Anushka to celebrate homegrown entrepreneurs!

Mauji and Mamta, Aka Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma play homegrown craftsmen and small scale entrepreneurs chasing a dream for better life, wanting to take pride in their creations in YRF's upcoming entertainer Sui Dhaaga – Made in India. A film that brings together National Award winning producer-director combo of Maneesh Sharma and Sharat Katariya, Sui Dhaaga is a special salute to the inherent entrepreneurial spirit that the youth of India and our local artisans have. 

Maneesh Sharma says, “Our film is a celebration of entrepreneurship. The youth of the country is looking to stand tall on their own feet by using their talents. 

They are restless, disruptive and have a zing of entrepreneurship in them. Sui Dhaaga – Made in India champions that spirit. India is one of the youngest countries in the world and we have outstanding stories of success that will touch the hearts of everyone. Through our marketing campaign, we want to celebrate this young India that’s bursting with ideas and incredible talent.”

Varun adds, “We want to meet as many young entrepreneurs who are making a huge difference to the society they live in. We want to bring out their success stories so that they can be an inspiration for others.”

Anushka says, “We would like to meet these young entrepreneurs from across the country and celebrate the spirit of excellence in entrepreneurship.”

A film about finding love and respect through self-reliance, Varun and Anushka starrer Sui Dhaaga - Made in India is a heart-warming story that celebrates the spirit of self-reliance. 

The film’s plot is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and takes a leaf out of the hugely acclaimed Make In India campaign. While Varun plays the role of a tailor, Anushka plays an embroiderer in the film. 

Both champion actors, Varun and Anushka have been paired for the first time and are definitely the most-awaited on-screen jodis of 2018. 

The National Award-winning, dream-team of director Sharat Katariya and producer Maneesh Sharma seems to have taken the bar of perfectionism several notches higher with the looks they have crafted for their leading actors.

Yash Raj Films’ entertainer Sui Dhaaga - Made in India is set to release on September 28 this year, just before Gandhi Jayanti.