It’s a fantastic time for film actresses

ANUSHKA Sharma, pictured, who has portrayed characters ranging from a betrayed lover to a wrestler in movies, says she can play any role if the right opportunities come her way.

“As an actress, I think I can do anything, but it depends on what kind of opportunities you get. I am lucky in that way. I

ACTRESS and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, pictured, says the change in the roles essayed by women in the Hindi film industry is fantastic.

“It’s a fantastic time for women actors in the film industry because I have seen in the past 13 years alone the whole concept of a womancentric film being the centre of all the attention,” Sushmita told IANS.

Sushmita, who is a single mother to two daughters, Renee and Alisah, said the Indian audience is getting more educated regarding such films.

“We’re a lovely film-going nation,” she said.

“I do feel very strongly that more and more opportunities such as these should arise through a good script, great makers and an audience that is willing to learn and enjoy different kinds of cinema,” she added.

Having featured in films like Biwi No 1 and Main Hoon have been given the kind of opportunities and done those kinds of roles. People have liked those portrayals. I think that is more important,” Anushka said.

“As an actor, you constantly try to do more diverse work because, ultimately, you can only impress people with your roles.

“The characters that we portray on screen, people fall in love with that. Therefore, we all look for good and different characters and I am happy that I got those opportunities in my career,” added the actressproducer, who will now be seen in Phillauri.

Her first production was the gritty thriller NH10. Na, Sushmita’s last big screen appearances were in the 2010 Bollywood film No Problem and the Bengali film Nirbak.

Asked if it was a conscious decision to stay away from the big screen, Sushmita said: “As far as a conscious decision goes, it’s really an amalgamation of a lot of things. It’s just that I made a choice this time.

“To be a mother, that was very much a part of every little detail of a second child being brought up, and she (Alisah) is now seven.”

Sushmita also said the kind of scripts and films that came her way was another reason why she preferred to stay away from doing movies.

“I chose to utilise my time more productively.

“I understand and respect the need for us to constantly follow a system of film after film, but the truth of the matter is, I had to choose and prioritise, and I chose… this,” the 41-year-old said.

The actress was recently in Manila to judge the Miss Universe 2016 contest, and she also became a showstopper at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 for designer Sashi Vangapalli. – IANS

While asked about choosing an out-of-the-box subject, Anushka said: “I think the idea came out because Karnesh (her brother Karnesh Sharma) and I wanted to tell a different story and present a new idea as well. That is why NH10 was made, which was well-received by people.

“The vision is to create good content and introduce new talent. I have tried to be honest playing the role. Finally, it depends on the audience and how they react to the film.”

The film is directed by Anshai Lal, and also features Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma and Mehreen Pirzada.

It is scheduled for release on March 24. – IANS DIRECTOR and choreographer Farah Khan, pictured with her triplets, has encouraged couples who can’t conceive to go for specialised treatment and says she underwent the IVF procedure, which proved to be a blessing for her.

Farah, who is married to Shirish Kunder, said they tried to have a baby naturally for two years. Now they are parents to triplets: a son and two daughters.

“IVF is a blessing and I am really thankful because it has changed my life.

“Being persistent, positive and patient towards the procedure paid off.

“And if IVF can change my life, it could change yours too,” said Farah, who became a mother at the age of 43.

Merck released a video as part of their “Parents of ACTRESS Tamannaah Bhatia, pictured, who has an interesting line-up of films in her kitty this year, is excited to team up with actor Vikram for the first time in an upcoming yet-untitled Tamil actioner.

“I’m thrilled to be finally joining hands with Vikram. Although I can’t talk about my role yet, I can say that I was blown away when I heard Fertility” awareness initiative that helps and supports couples in India through this journey of parenthood.

Speaking about the campaign, Anand Nambiar, managing director, of Merck India, said: “We are happy to share that our awareness efforts now have a new face and voice with actor, director and choreographer Farah Khan coming on board as a cause ambassador for our ‘Parents of Fertility’ digital awareness initiative.” – IANS the story,” said Tamannaah, who has the Tamil remake of Queen and the Telugu film Pellichoopulu in the offing.

Vikram will be juggling this project and Gautham Menon’s Dhruva Natchathiram.

Popular Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan will be making his industry debut with this project. SS Thaman has been roped in to compose music. – IANS THE first teaser of Allu Arjunstarrer Telugu action-drama Duvvada Jagannadham aka DJ will be released to co-incide with Maha Shivaratri later this month, a source said.

“The makers are planning to release the teaser on February 24 to coincide with Maha Shivaratri,” the source from the film’s unit said, and added the film’s shoot is in full swing.

Also starring Pooja Hegde and directed by Harish Shankar, Duvvada Jagannadham is being produced by Dil Raju.

The film marks the debut of popular Bollywood cinematographer Ayananka Bose, who has worked in films such as Student of the Year, Kick and Dishoom. – IANS