We still discourage individual thought: Kalki Koechlin on mob mentality

Agencies
August 15, 2018

New Delhi, Aug 15:  Kalki Koechlin says mob mentality continues to thrive in India as independent thought is not given an environment to flourish in, something that can only change with education.

With incidents of lynching and vandalism on the rise, the actor feels there is no state of "social security" in the country.

"We have no social security. There is no system that's protecting us actually. Everybody is each to their own here. No government force is going to come and help you... There's so much population that it's difficult to provide services to all. 

"I think that makes people communal. We still discourage the individual (thought). It's still hard to find that individual voice. Take education for that matter - we still mug up, rather than thinking for ourselves. There's also this ignorance of 'the other'. We are fine within our groups. That's something that can only change with education," Koechlin told PTI in an interview.

The 34-year-old actor has explored the life of young Indian adults in the 21st century in the new BBC World Services podcast, "Kalki Presents: My Indian Life".

Bringing stories about "young Indians for young Indians" together, she says taking up the project was an eye-opening experience for her and helped her find different realities that make the country beautiful.

She firmly believes that the youth will have to lead by example to change things for the better.

"This was the first time I was doing a podcast. I got to know a lot about different people. I used to think I'm very knowledgeable and liberated. But even on social media, you follow the people you want to follow... So you kind of live in your bubble. When I see where these people come from... backgrounds starkly different from my thinking...

"When we listen to those stories, we realise we are not alone and that person who might have the opposite view might actually have a very similar personal point of view..." she says.

Known for speaking her mind, the actor-activist believes one's political outlook stems from their personal experiences and a change in the point of view overtime is natural progression.

"Whatever strong political opinion we have ultimately come from some experience, upbringing... where something was lacking, dissatisfying has made us feel this way...

"There's a thing about opinions... They are formulated over time. They tend to change with time and you are going to change your mind many times. (In student politics), so many of them are immediately slotted for their views. Even they feel a responsibility to stick to 'this political spectrum'. They are unable to speak up as there is so much backlash and vehemence. They fear if they change their stand, they will be called fickle." 

Koechlin, however, believes that today the country's youth is more independent and does not lead a "double life", unlike the earlier generations.

"They no longer feel the need to hide things from their parents. We are quite open about our choices. Our future depends a lot on how we are going to express ourselves... We are finally ready to take the responsibility of our independence.

"We haven't been doing that too much. We have been like 'This is freedom, we have it but now what do we do with it for our country?" she says.

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Agencies
July 31,2020

New Delhi, Jul 31: After an FIR was registered against her in various sections including abetment of suicide in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, actor Rhea Chakraborty on Friday said that she has faith in the judiciary and she will get justice.

In a video statement issued by her lawyers, the actor refrained from commenting on "horrible things" being said against her saying that the matter is sub judice. 

“I have immense faith in God and the judiciary. I believe that I will get justice. Even though horrible things are being said about me in the electronic media. I refrain from commenting on the advice of my lawyers as the matter is sub judice. Satyamev Jayate. The truth shall prevail," Chakraborty said in the video statement. 

An FIR was filed by Rajput's father KK Singh against Chakraborty in Bihar under several sections including abetment of suicide.

Days after Rajput's death, Chakraborty said she was the "girlfriend" of the 'Dil Bechara' actor while requesting a CBI inquiry in the case.

Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai residence on June 14.

Chakraborty has also approached the Supreme Court for transfer of investigation to Mumbai in the FIR registered against her in Patna. 

Earlier in the day, targeting Chakraborty over Rajput's death, Bihar Minister and JD-U leader Maheshwar Hazari said she played the role of "vishkanya" and alleged that there is a "big gang" behind the "killing" of the actor.

"There is a big gang behind the killing of Sushant Singh Rajput. Earlier also talented people who went to Mumbai for work were killed. This gang used Rhea Chakraborty. She trapped Sushant Singh Rajput in a love affair, got his money transferred. Later, she started drama of 'bhoot pret' (ghosts) and played the role of a 'vishkanya'. She sabotaged his talent and defamed love," Hazari said.

According to the Maharashtra police, statements of 41 people, including filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, film critic Rajeev Masand, director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and filmmaker Aditya Chopra have been recorded in the investigation so far.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had said that Mumbai Police are investigating the case and it will not be transferred to the CBI. 

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News Network
June 24,2020

Mumbai, Jun 24: Veteran choreographer Saroj Khan has been admitted to a hospital here after she complained of breathing problems.

According to a source close to her family, the 71-year old choreographer was rushed to Guru Nanak Hospital in Bandra on Saturday.

Following her hospitalisation, a mandatory Covid-19 test was done, which turned out to be negative.

"She is fine now and recovering. She had breathing issues and was taken to hospital for that. Her Covid test was done which turned out negative. She doesn't have any symptoms. She is likely to be discharged in a day or two," the source told PTI.

In a career spanning over four decades, Khan is credited with choreographing more than 2,000 songs.

The three-time National Award winner has choreographed for some of the most memorable tracks, including "Dola Re Dola" from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas", "Ek Do Teen" from Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Tezaab" and "Ye Ishq Haaye" from "Jab We Met" in 2007.

She last choreographed for "Tabaah Hogaye", featuring Madhuri from filmmaker Karan Johar's production "Kalank" in 2019.

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Agencies
January 5,2020

Los Angeles: Kevin Feige may have confirmed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will be getting its first transgender superhero but the Marvel Studios has said there is no definite timeline for that.

During a Q&A at the New York Film Academy, a fan had asked Feige about whether the studio plans to introduce LGBTQ characters into the MCU, "specifically the trans characters".

To this, the Marvel Studios president had replied, "Yes, absolutely, yes... And very soon. In a movie that we're shooting right now."

But sources in the company clarified to Variety that Feige only confirmed the first part of the comments that a trans character will appear in the MCU in future but he did not give a time period.

Though Feige did not reveal the name of the project that will introduce a LGBTQ character, fans speculate that he may have been referring to "The Eternals".

The film, which will feature an ensemble cast of Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington and others, is set to unveil a gay superhero in the MCU.

Marvel Studios has been making efforts to incorporate more diversity in its films after the success of "Black Panther", which featured a virtually all-black cast, and its first woman-fronted superhero movie "Captain Marvel".

"Avengers: Endgame", which became the highest grossing movie of all-time, had featured the MCU's first gay character, a cameo by director Joe Russo.

In 2020, the studio has two releases -- Scarlett Johansson-starrer "Black Widow" and "The Eternals" -- which have been helmed by women directors.

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