CELEBS’ TALK
Traditionally, the ghoonghat or the veil was the protectionist gear in a bridal ensemble.
However, for the postcovid-19 bride, it’s not just about matching her jewellery or shoes to her outfit, but also a designer mask. With the lockdown eased and bridal inquiries pouring in, designer masks seem to be the new wedding essential with an array of brands showcasing them in vibrant prints, sequins and appliques. While designers Rohit Bal, Namrata Joshipura, Payal Singhal, Rimple and Harpreet Narula and Shivan and Narresh have introduced a range of masks reflecting their label’s core insignias, there are design houses like Rahul Mishra, who’re only making them as per bridal requests. However, there’s a debate raging over the pricing of these masks and their statement-making appeal, which according to some, trivialises the seriousness of the health scare. Also, some style mavens opine that they’re in bad taste and brides should opt for a medicated mask instead.
Designer Suneet Varma says, “It’s obnoxious. The pandemic is severe and you have to respect the gravity of the situation. I’d suggest wearing a medicated one.”
Designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock are offering complementary masks with every bridal purchase. “If you’re opting for a beautiful outfit and coordinating it with a clinical or an austere looking mask, how would it look? Your wedding picture will be there with you for a lifetime. I believe that every element of a bridal outfit has to be perfect,” says Falguni.
Designer Rahul Mishra sees masks as a key bridal utility and not a frivolous statement. He says, “I’ve made some printed masks, which are reusable. It’s better than the disposable medical ones, which cause environmental hazards. Bridal masks become part of one’s ensemble. Designers should ensure that masks are not just a wrapping fabric across the face.”
nIt goes without saying that the lockdown has badly impacted the economy, including the movie business. That’s why, many filmmakers have decided to skip the theatrical release of their films, and go straight to OTT platforms. Although, Boney Kapoor realises that these are “extraordinary times”, the veteran producer plans to stick to the ‘big screen’ for his three new films.
“In my 40-year-long career (as a film producer), I’ve made over 35 films, and all of them have released in theatres. Going by my experience, I can
After the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, bigwigs of Bollywood have been getting trolled by the late actor’s fans. Salman Khan, too, is being targeted for the same. But now, Khan has taken to Twitter to say that Rajput’s
Actor Nimrat Kaur says she has never been one to take any pressure. “Many times, I choose to be silent, and know confidently say that all kinds of platforms — be it OTT, cinema halls or televison — will coexist, and thrive,” says Kapoor, who has Ajay Devgn-starrer Maidaan, Valimai (Tamil actioner starring Ajith Kumar) and Pawan Kalyan-starrer Vakeel Saab (Telugu remake of Pink) in his kitty.
“I strongly believe there are certain films, which are meant for the larger-than-life, theatrical experience, and so, they should go to cinema halls first. As for me, I am extremely excited to bring my (new) films to the big screen,” says Kapoor, who is yet to complete work on all his three films, including the ambitious sports-drama, Maidaan, which recounts the story of the ‘golden era of Indian football (1952-1962).’
But what’s his take on a few filmmakers choosing OTT players over big screen? “See, these are extraordinary times (due to Covid-19 pandemic) that none of us have witnessed before. Talking about movies, if a certain producer is ready with his/her film and can’t afford to wait (for theatres to reopen) then OTT platforms can be a big blessing for them as they can easily recover their
fans’ pain must be respected. “A request to all my fans to stand with sushant’s fans n not to go by the language n the curses used but to go with the emotion behind it...,” he wrote.
Many are seeing this as a PR activity, while some feel Khan has done a “sensible thing”. Singer Sona Mohapatra, tweeted, “A ‘large hearted’ PR move from the one & only poster boy of toxic masculinity! Of course he felt no such need to tweet or apologise for the vile threats that his digital paid army sent out to intimidate & bully others in the past...”
But filmmaker Ashoke Pandit doesn’t agree. “Though Salman is being targeted for no rhyme or reason, he has done the sensible, humane thing as he doesn’t want things to go in the negative zone, when someone has passed away.”htc investments,” he says.
At the same time, Kapoor is aware that “exhibitors and distributors are not happy about films going straight” to OTT platforms. “But they should understand the overall, situation and look at things practically. I am sure there will be enough and more content once theatres reopen. We are in it together, and will come out with flying colours,” he says.
After actor Ansel Elgort was accused of sexual assault, Danielle, who chose to not disclose her last name, has come forward with her story of being sexually assaulted by singer Justin Bieber. Following this, another woman, Kadi has said that she believes Danielle’s story, as she too, was sexually assaulted by Bieber five years ago. Kadi posted a lengthy account of her trauma on Twitter, and wrote, “...He started kissing me, touching my body. I asked him to stop but he pinned me down...” Kadi further wrote the details of her alleged sexual assault by Bieber.