Wife swapping has become a reality: Paoli Dam

May 1, 2012

Paoli_Dam

She created a stir with the bare back poster in Hate Story. But Bengali beauty Paoli Dam has no qualms about playing bold characters. Paoli will be seen next in Vikram Bhatt's 'Love Games', a film on wife- swapping.

You play a sex worker in Hate Story. Love Games is another bold film. Aren't you uncomfortable doing intimate bold scenes? How did your family react to Hate Story?

No not at all. I knew very well what character I was playing. Hate Story is a bold film so there will be bold scenes in the film. I loved playing Kavya because she is like any girl of today's generation who will take her revenge. In Hate Story, Kavya uses her body to do so. Hate Story has become a success and there have been very positive reviews. People have loved the film and they are not talking about the erotic aspect of the film but my performance. As for my mom, she is my biggest critic but even she loved the film!

After the release of Hate Story, are you riding high on the success? What does success mean to you?

I'm not riding high on success. I have really enjoyed the entire process of shooting for the film. I came from Kolkata to Mumbai and stayed here for three months. I had a lot of fun and success is more like a personal thing. It just feels good that I am being appreciated.

Did you have more friends before you became an actress? Or do you find that people are more interested in becoming your friend now that you've become an actress?

I still have my old friends. They have been there for me from the beginning. But I'm also making new friends and my circle is widening so that feels good too.

The bare back poster controversy is most talked about and your posters were painted blue in Bengal. Were you hurt by these reactions, especially in your homeland?

Frankly, I was not happy and was a bit sad because I had worked so hard on my body. That poster reveals everything: hatred, power and revenge. It was very impactful. But at the same time, I know the censor board is doing its job. There are certain rules that need to be implemented.

You also lost 10 kilos for the role in your first film. Is it essential to be skinny to survive in Bollywood? Any intentions on gaining the weight back on?

I don't think it's essential to be skinny to survive in Bollywood. I lost weight because Vikram Bhatt had a certain look in mind for this character. There are many types of actresses in Bollywood and as long as you look good, you will survive in the industry. I'm putting on a little weight for my next character but let me tell you, maintaing this body is not easy because I'm a foodie. But heroines should be flexible with their bodies.

What if a role demanded you to put on an obnoxious amount of weight, would you accept the role?

I really can't say right now. It all depends on the director, script and character.

What sets Paoli Dam apart from other sexy actresses who have bared before the camera?

Everyone has their own identity and I don't like comparing myself to others because I'm still new in Bollywood. All the others are my seniors. I only focus on giving my 100% to a film because I'm a perfectionist.

Love Games, your next film, is based on 'wife-swapping', an act very much prevalent today. Your thoughts on wife-swapping? Is it a healthy practice?

I have yet to sit with Vikram and decide on the script and my character. I need to research more on the topic as I'm not too familiar with it but I do realize that it has become a reality today.

Will you get typecast in the Bhatt camp or will you move onto working with other directors?

I am very thankful to Vikram Bhatt for giving me Hate Story. I believe in doing all genres of films and would love to work with all directors, producers and actors. I'm a filmaholic and love Bollywood so I wouldn't want to be typecast.

Who do you think will swipe away the female debutant award this year? You or other newcomers like Esha Gupta?

Laughs. You are the first person to ask me this question! I haven't thought about it and I don't really know. All I can say is that I have given my best-performance.

What league of Bengali actresses does Paoli belong to - the commercially successful ones like Bipasha, Rani and Kajol or the arty ones like Nandana and Konkona Sen Sharma?

I don't like to get categorized because I believe I belong to all kinds of cinema.

You have been linked to a few Bengali actors (like Parambrata). Are you dating anyone currently? Do you see yourself dating someone connected to the film industry or outside it?

No I'm happy single. I am not dating anybody and at this point, I cannot comment on who I'd like to date.

How was it working with Vivek Agnihotri in your debut film? Did you enjoy working more with Gulshan Devaiah or Nikhil Dwivedi?

I was very happy to have done my first film with Vivek and couldn't have asked for anything more. Without him, Kavya would not have been possible. He was so encouraging, positive and supportive. He's a very good director. Nikhil is my senior and I had few scenes with him but he was equally supportive. With Gulshan, I had complicated sequences and we worked well together! I also want to thank my dialogue writer Rohit Malhotra for helping me out.

The one actor in Bollywood that you'd really like to romance on screen?

Not one but many! Aamir, Salman, Shahrukh, Ranbir, Emraan and Abhay Deol.

Any crazy fan experience recently?

This was in Kanpur while we were promoting the film. There were so many people screaming my name and people were jumping with joy. They were trying to grab me. It was absolutely crazy and I had to be pulled out of there but I was happy with that experience. It was the sheer thrill of so many people recognizing me.

You have come a long way from doing Bengali Television and cinema to Bollywood. Will you ever return to TV? What about Regional cinema?

I started my career with regional films and have worked with some of the best names in Bengali cinema. But I'm not focusing on TV right now because it requires time and commitment which I won't be able to give at this point. Maybe sometime later but right now its Bollywood for me.


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Agencies
June 7,2020

Washington D.C., Jun 7: South Korean pop band BTS and their record label Big Hit Entertainment have donated USD one million to support Black Lives Matter.

According to Variety, the donation was transferred earlier this week, with Black Lives Matter confirming receipt to the label on Friday.

"Black people all over the world are in pain at this moment from the trauma of centuries of oppression. We are moved by the generosity of BTS and allies all over the world who stand in solidarity in the fight for Black lives," the outlet quoted Kailee Scales, managing director for Black Lives Matter as saying.

The widely lauded band, earlier on Wednesday, took to Twitter to show their solidarity with the people fighting against the social injustice.

"We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together," the tweet read.

The pledge of the donation from the Korean boy band and its label comes during a time when people and celebrities from the industry have come forward to demonstrate their support for the black community.

Several big names from the music and acting industry also observed 'Blackout Tuesday' earlier the week as a message of solidarity in response o the death of George Floyd, an African-American man in the United States.

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News Network
July 26,2020

Washington, Jul 26: Regis Philbin, the iconic television personality best-known for his hosting duties on 'Live!' with co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa, and 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,' has died. The beloved star was 88.

According to People Magazine, the longtime television host died on July 24. His family shared a statement on Saturday, "We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday,"
"His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him - for his warmth, his legendary sense of humour, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. 

We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss," the Philbin family says.

Philbin began his iconic career in 1988, as the host of 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee' alongside TV presenter Kathie Lee Gifford. After 15 years, Gifford left the ABC show but the pair remained close after her departure.

In 2001, the franchise became 'Live! with Regis and Kelly', co-starring Kelly Ripa before he left in 2011 after 23 years on-air.

From 1999 to 2002, Philbin also served as the original host of the widely popular game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.' In addition, the New York City native's hosting credits include 'Million Dollar Password', the first season of 'America's Got Talent', as well as a reoccurring co-host seat on 'Rachael Ray'.

Born on August 25, 1931, Philbin was raised in the Bronx and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1949 before attending the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a sociology degree in 1953.

After serving in the Navy, Philbin began his career in show business as a writer and made his way in front of the camera in 1961 with a local talk show in San Diego called 'The Regis Philbin Show'. Then in 1967, he became widely known as Joey Bishop's sidekick on 'The Joey Bishop Show'.

After a string of local talk shows, including 'A.M. Los Angeles' and 'Regis Philbin's Saturday Night in St. Louis', the star moved to New York in 1983 to host 'The Morning Show', which was renamed three years later as 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee'.

His accolades include Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding talk show host for 'Live!' in 2001 and 2011 as well as an outstanding game show host for 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'. He also received a Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2008.

Throughout his career, Philbin had various health issues. He underwent an angioplasty in 1993, followed by triple bypass surgery due to plaque in his arteries in March 2007. In December 2009, the television personality had his hip replaced.

Married twice, Philbin is survived by daughters J.J. Philbin and Joanna Philbin, whom he shared with his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin. He was also father to daughter Amy Philbin, whom he shared with his first wife Catherine Faylen. Philbin and Faylen had another child, son Daniel Philbin, who died in 2014.

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News Network
March 26,2020

Mumbai, Mar 25: Filmmakers and actors, including Karan Johar, Taapsee Pannu and Ayushmann Khurrana, have pledged their support to a new initiative aimed at supporting the daily wage-earners who have been severely affected by the lockdown imposed to combat coronavirus.
The country is witnessing a 21-day lockdown, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to contain the spread of the virus, which has claimed the lives of over 20,000 people globally.

The initiative, I Stand With Humanity, started by organisations -- the International Association for Human Values, the Art of Living Foundation and the Indian Film and TV Industry, will provide families of daily wage workers with 10 days of essential food supplies.

"I pledge to contribute and support this initiative! This is a situation that needs all our help, love, care and support," Karan posted on Twitter.

Taapsee said everyone must come forward to help the daily wage workers.

"This one for the daily wage workers. Because we need to do our bit for the ones who work with/for us. If not corona, lack of basic food might take them down. Let's help them to get through this," the actor wrote.

Ayushmann described the initiative as "truly noble".

"I vow to support this and contribute. India and Indians are under threat and each one of us have the power to make a difference. Let's support and care for each other as much as we can in this time of crisis. #Istandwithhumanity," he tweeted.

Kiara Advani and Rakul Preet Singh also pledged to contribute towards the initiative.

"Let's contribute! While some of us are safe at home, we can help those struggling right now... donate," Kiara said.

Rakul tweeted, "I support this noble initiative. Happy to contribute for this humanitarian cause. While staying safe at home, I urge every one else also to contribute online."

Actor Varun Sharma said, "I pledge to contribute & support this initiative #iStandWithHumanity"

"In times like these, we need to step up for the ones in need. I'm happy to contribute for this humanitarian cause. And guys whoever can help, you all can also contribute online," actor Sidharth Malhotra tweeted.

Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari wrote, "There are a lot of daily wage earners who need our help during this tough time. Please help as much as you can. Here's the link to contribute online."

Actor Bhumi Pednekar said it was important to get together and help those who are "vulnerable and in need".

Actor Dia Mirza said, "We are in this together. YES we will help #DailyWageEarners get through this with hope and dignity. I am contributing to this effort and I hope many others in our fraternity will do as well."

Filmmakers Aanand L Rai and Sanjay Gupta have also backed the cause.

"One of the greatest gift a person can give another, is support. I whole heartily support this noble initiative. While staying safe at home, I urge every one else also to contribute online," Aanand tweeted.

Gupta called upon the public to help the daily wage-earners through the initiative.

On March 18, the Producers Guild of India had announced that they have set up a relief fund for daily wage-earners impacted by the shutdown of film, television and web productions amid coronavirus pandemic.

Their decision came after many filmmakers, including Sudhir Mishra, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, raised concerns over the impact of shutdown on the daily wage workers.

South star Pawan Kalyan announced on Twitter that he will donate Rs 1 crore to PM relief fund.

B N Tiwari, President of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), however, claimed there has been no help from Bollywood personalities or the Producers Guild of India so far.

"In the South, Rajinikanth has donated Rs 50 lakh which is a great thing. But here, we haven't received any call or help from anyone from Bollywood yet."

"There is one production company called Frames that produces TV shows, they have given ration worth Rs 25 lakh but it is stuck at Navi Mumbai and we haven't been able to give that to workers as they can't come here. We are toying with the idea of taking help of police authorities to give the ration to the workers," Tiwari told news agency.

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