'Preity Zinta is a businesswoman in her head'

September 14, 2012

preity-zintaShe is a successful actress, has represented many brands, co-owns an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise and is now ready with her debut film production. Preity Zinta has a good business sense, says Prem Raj, director of her home production "Ishkq In Paris".

"She is a taskmaster. She is a businesswoman in her head. She has worked a lot, owns an IPL team. So it is not possible that she will not have a business sense," Raj said during a media interaction.

He was particularly happy that Preity, who also plays the lead in the youthful romantic drama, was a director's producer. "She is not stingy at all. I am sure she will become a big producer some day," he said.

Preity, who co-owns IPL team Kings XI Punjab, was not just handling finances and didn't just focus on getting her shots right. She was also actively involved with the movie's creative side along with Raj, he says.

"We have no ego. We can say anything to each other. This is how we have been," he said of their chemistry and understanding. The movie marks Preity's comeback to films after 2008 film "Heroes". The director gaurantees it will showcase the actress at her best and says her chutzpah is the film's biggest USP.

"You will see her (Preity) in her elements. I don't remember when she did a romantic comedy earlier," he said. Preity was originally not a part of the cast and was just producing the film, but the director says he tricked her into the project.

"I didn't give her a choice. I said, 'You are acting and producing it.' I actually locked her up and said 'You have to do it. When do we start? Tell me the date'," recounted Raj.


"Ishkq In Paris" is Raj's second film as a director. He forayed into direction with  Salman Khan- and Kareena Kapoor-starrer "Main aurr Mrs Khanna". About "Ishkq In Paris", he said: "This is a youth film. The agenda and focus were straight. It is not a mature love story or a classic romantic film. We are talking about Paris, where there is a love story starting in every lane and by the way, finishing in every lane too."

"That is the pace there. It's very fast. So, this film is also quick and instant," Raj said. The film's fate will be decided once it releases Oct 5, but Raj says a strong script is of paramount importance these days.

"I feel that if you have the right script, then everything falls into place, but if you don't have the right script, then everything becomes a problem," he said. His movie features newcomer Rhehan Malliek. Explaining the importance of casting him, Raj said: "We could have taken any actor. Preity is a big star and knows people. She has a lot of goodwill in the industry. But the idea of the love story is fresh and if we didn't have a new actor, the film wouldn't have a fresh appeal," he said.



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News Network
June 22,2020

New Delhi, Jun 22: Musician Madonna, who is a mother of six, wished herself on the occasion of Father's Day on Sunday by posting adorable pictures with her kids.

Along with pictures, the 'Crazy For You' singer penned down a beautiful caption, wishing herself and every parent a 'Happy Father's Day' for nurturing and guiding their children in the best way possible.

"Happy Fathers Day to Me and to every parent out there doing their best to Nurture, Guide, Inspire, and Teach! #Lola #Rocco #David #Mercyjames #Estere #Stella," the 61-year-old singer wrote in the caption.

Madonna is the biological mother to two of her six children and has adopted the rest four.

She had adopted her first child Davida Banda back in 2006 and then she adopted a boy in 2009. The last addition to her family were the twins she adopted from Malawi.

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Agencies
July 11,2020

New Delhi, Jul 11: The COVID-19 triggered restrictions on cinema exhibition industry have not only disheartened movie goers, but axed several thousand jobs and costed the industry an estimated ₹ 5,000 crore in revenue.

The sector has been one of the hardest hit due to COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions implemented to curb its spread.

Presently, cinemas and multiplexes continue to remain in the list of prohibited activities under the Centre's Unlock 2.0 Guidelines.

In an interview to media persons, movie exhibition major Inox Leisure's Chief Executive Alok Tandon said, "The industry on an average collects about ₹ 1,000 crore a month of 'Box Office' and on an average generates about ₹ 500 crore a month of ancillary revenues."

"Keeping in mind that the lockdown has been effective for more than 100 days now, which is about 3.5 months, the cinema exhibition industry would have accumulated losses worth ₹ 5,000 crore so far."

According to Tandon, associated businesses such as pre and post-production, make-up artistes, graphics, film set fabrication, film crew, events, marketing, F&B services have all been impacted due to the restrictions.

"With the production and exhibition of movies coming to a halt, the industry was bound to witness some job losses," he said without divulging any estimates.

As per industry data, the multiplex industry in India employs more than 200,000 people directly and accounts for nearly 60 % of revenues of the film business.

On the way forward, Tandon elaborated that the industry expects to regain business momentum and sentiment post resumption of operations.

"We believe it will be a matter of a couple of blockbusters, and we will be back to our usual operational numbers," he said.

"We are rightfully relying on the unshakeable passion of the Indian movie lovers, who are yearning to step out and spend time enjoying the giant screen experience."

Furthermore, he cited that industry has sent representation to the Centre for immediate re-commencement of operations and a support package.

"We have requested for financial support in the form of salary subsidies during the lockdown period, interest-free loans for three years, exemptions from various taxes and duties, like 'GST, Show tax, LBETs and Property taxes' for a period of one year from the date of operations, waiver on electricity minimum demand charges for one year and auto renewal of licenses and permits for the next one year," he said.

"We have been talking to our mall developer partners and are working together with them to see through this phase."

However, even after re-commencement, the industry anticipates at least 3-6 months before things return anywhere close to normal.

"The cinema ecosystem is such that we will need all the aspects of the business to swing into action and fire together for us to see a resurgence, and we are highly optimistic about the same," he said.

In terms of global experience, Tandon pointed out that cinemas have started operating in more than 25 major countries, and some of those markets are witnessing a healthy response.

"India is a massive movie market and we are confident that the passionate and responsible movie lovers will turn up in huge numbers to enjoy their favourite form of entertainment and also follow the prevention guidelines at the same time, ensuring a safe and steady revival of the cinema exhibition sector," Tandon said.

The film exhibition industry in India is mainly comprised of single screen and multiplexes.

At present there are around 9,527 cinemas across the country, including 6,327 single and 3,200 multiplex screens.

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News Network
March 19,2020

New Delhi, Mar 19: Days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, 'Oblivion' actor Olga Kurylenko said that she is better as her fever has now gone.

The 40-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the health update with a picture of herself wearing a face mask.

"Hello everyone! I'm feeling better today. My fever is gone! I hear people can't figure out where I currently am. I'm in London!," she wrote in the caption.

The 'Quantum of Solace' actor also shared details about coronavirus with her Instafam.

"How do I know it's coronavirus and not just a flu? I did a test for coronavirus which came back positive. What are the medicines that doctors prescribed as treatment? NONE!" she wrote.

"I was told to take paracetamol in case my fever was too high and if I was in too much pain. However, I do take vitamins and supplements. Please note that these vitamins do NOT cure coronavirus but only help the immune system be stronger in order to fight!" Kurylenko added.

She also shared a detailed list of medicines that she is taking to deal with the condition.

The 'Oblivion' actor joined the growing list of entertainment figures who have contracted the highly contagious virus on Monday.

Other Hollywood personalities who were earlier diagnosed with COVID-19 are superstar couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. The celebrity couple has been discharged from the hospital and are under quarantine at their home.

Other celebrities that are currently battling with the coronavirus are music producer Andrew Watt, 'Game of Thrones' actor Kristofer Hivju, and actor Idris Elba.

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