Category Archives: People

Lakshmi Manchu channels her warrior Spirit with Naga Ink

Lakshmi Manchu recently unveiled her latest form of self-expression- a stunning Naga tattoo, crafted by acclaimed tattoo artist Mo Naga. Embracing the rich cultural heritage and profound symbolism of the Naga tribe, Lakshmi’s tattoo embodies the ethos of empathy, kindness, compassion and the warrior spirit. Lakshmi got inked on her sternum and shoulders.

Mo Naga, known for his intricate designs and deep understanding of tribal aesthetics, shared insights into the profound meaning behind Lakshmi’s tattoo. Mo Naga shared, “Lakshmi’s Tattoo is a Naga tattoo that carries strong tribal aesthetics and deep meanings borrowed from the philosophy and the old way of life of Naga culture. It speaks to the warrior spirit, tough love and the quest for protection.”

The journey towards this meaningful tattoo began months ago when Lakshmi booked an appointment with Mo Naga. Over the course of four hours, they delved into the rich tapestry of Naga culture, discussing its philosophy, warrior way of life and ancestral wisdom. Despite her busy schedule, Lakshmi displayed patience and kindness, fully immersing herself in the process of conceptualizing the tattoo.

Reflecting on the experience, Mo Naga shared, “It was a lovely experience that involved a lot of patience, trust, and sharing. Lakshmi’s dedication to expressing herself authentically through this tattoo was truly inspiring.”

For Lakshmi, the tattoo represents a source of empowerment and personal transformation. Lakshmi shared, “I’ve been getting tattoos since my college days, and as I’m getting older, I’m getting bolder. I have been following Mo Naga’s work for a long time, I made a plan when I heard he was coming to Mumbai. We spent four hours discussing the significance and process of getting this tattoo. It was a deep dive into tattoo culture, its roots, and the importance of embracing our own traditional tribal art. Mo Naga doesn’t just replicate art; he invests time in understanding you. I’m thrilled with what I now have on my body. I feel powerful about it. The tattoo evolved as we discussed, reflecting my desires and aspirations. It’s more than just ink on skin—it’s a manifestation of my inner strength and values and Mo just got it right. He ended our session and told me, “What this tattoo will come to mean for you will reveal itself when the time is right,” and I cannot wait for it to unleash.”

The south belle is gearing up for a spiritual sojourn to Sao Paolo. On the work front Lakshmi has three Telugu films under various stages of production, a Hotstar series slated for release and a Tamil film as well.

Lakshmi Manchu Advocates for Women’s Right to Ask for What They Want

Renowned actress, producer, and philanthropist Lakshmi Manchu has sparked a vital conversation on gender equality and the women’s right to express their desires without fear of judgment or societal backlash. In her recent Instagram post, inspired by a social media viral story of a woman seeking a groom with specific qualifications and income bracket, Lakshmi addressed the prevalent mentality that confines women to fit into predefined roles and expectations set by society.

Lakshmi fearlessly questioned “When will women be allowed to voice their preferences without facing scrutiny or being labelled as unreasonable. She said in her video, “When are we going to get over this mentality that women should only fit into a man’s idea? We’re also human beings, with the same heart, same lungs, same kidneys….When are we going to make it okay for a woman to ask what she wants?”

She emphasized the need to break free from traditional gender norms. “It is a partnership of equals. We want to be with each other because we choose to be with each other,” She also highlighted some standard matrimonial ads placed by men seeking a bride where they have freely expressed their requirements and expectations from their partner, citing these ads, Lakshmi pertinently put, “If men can have their expectations from their partner, why can’t women have? “

The post received widespread support from Lakshmi’s actor friends, fans, media, influencers with actress Seerat Kapoor expressing gratitude for shedding light on the subject and Rakulpreet affirming the right of every individual to ask for what they want in life.  Seerat Kapoor said, “Thank you for drawing light to this subject. May many more heal and grow from the collective wisdom and enlightenment shared. More power and courage to you @lakshmimanchu.” Rakul Preet commented, “Woman power you said it !! Every human being has the right to ask for what they want in their life .. man or woman.. period”

Check out what Lakshmi Manchu said-

Paresh Pahuja on his experience of working on “Operation Valentine”: Embracing the Skies

Paresh Pahuja, celebrated for his remarkable performances in projects, is soaring to new heights as he embodies the role of Squadron Leader Yash Sharma in the  film Operation Valentine, streaming live on Amazon Prime. Fresh from his notable performance in Kadak Singh, Pahuja has now portrayed  a role of a courageous and dynamic squadron leader

Operation Valentine, which had its theatrical release in March is now thrilling audiences on OTT. Paresh’s portrayal of Squadron Leader Yash Sharma, a character deeply entrenched in the fabric of the story, is poised to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Reflecting on his attraction to the role, Paresh Pahuja shared, “There was something cool about playing a squadron leader. The idea of seeing myself enacting the role of a fighter pilot in an air force uniform, feeling that pride for the country—it was truly enticing.” 

Delving into the depths of the script, Pahuja was captivated by the intricate human story that serves as the heart of Operation Valentine. “The script was really good, but what truly drew me in was the human story at its core. Despite being based on a real incident, ‘Operation Valentine’ explores the complex emotions and interpersonal relationships of its characters.” said Paresh 

Preparation for the role was an immersive and exhilarating experience for Pahuja, who delved deep into the world of the air force to understand his character’s motivations and personal background. “I had to understand the drive and the want of the character. Why would Yash be in the air force? What’s his family like?”, shared Paresh. 

Describing his character as full of life, Pahuja eagerly embraced the challenge of bringing Yash Sharma to life on screen, infusing the role with authenticity and depth. As Operation Valentine has taken flight on Amazon Prime, audiences can anticipate a thrilling cinematic experience. The bilingual film, also starring Varun Tej and Manushi Chillar, promises to captivate viewers with its gripping narrative and stellar performances.

Paresh’s next is  Lord Curzon Ki Haveli which is currently doing festival rounds. The film also stars Arjun Mathur and Rasika Duggal.

On “Morya Karo Mangal” and More: In Conversation with Singer Vipin Aneja

Popular singer Vipin Aneja has been noticed for his Bollywood numbers as well as his non film music work. Most recently Vipin has collaborated with Akriti Kakar for the Ganpati special song and music video, Morya Karo Mangal. In a freewheeling conversation with MAM recently, Vipin spoke about Morya Karo Mangal and a lot many more things. Here’s an excerpt from that conversation-

Continue reading “On “Morya Karo Mangal” and More: In Conversation with Singer Vipin Aneja”

Celebrations Galore for Lakshmi Manchu in Mumbai

Lakshmi Manchu decided to ring in her birthday in grand style this year, and what better place to do it than the lively city of Mumbai, which she now calls her new home after moving from Hyderabad. With her magnetic charm and charisma, she curated an impressive guest list, ensuring that her celebration would be one to remember.

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Why did Kennedy Actor Abhilash Thapliyal play a prank on Anurag Kashyap?

Up and coming actor Abhilash Thapliyal is riding high on the wave of success as two of his exceptional films, Blurr and Kennedy, will be taking center stage at the prestigious Film Festival of South Asia in Toronto. This achievement marks yet another milestone in his flourishing career and underlines his versatility as an actor.

About working with Anurag Kashyap Abhilash shared, “When it comes to my experience working alongside Anurag Kashyap, I can’t help but express my profound affection and admiration for Anurag Sir. He consistently offers unwavering support to his actors, both on and off the camera. I truly consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be under his guidance. Even prior to my involvement in Kennedy, there was a memorable incident when I visited the sets of Dobaaraa where Anurag Sir was directing Taapsee and Pavail. I had just met him a day prior to this incident, and I decided to playfully approach him as a fan. This playful act led to some confusion with the security, and Anurag Sir joined in on the fun by pretending not to recognize me. It took me intervening to reveal my true identity to the security personnel and both Anurag Sir and I laughed over this banter. I greatly appreciate his approachability and down-to-earth nature. Back then, I couldn’t have imagined that our paths would cross again and next thing I know is I’m being directed by him in Kennedy.”

Abhilash Thapliyal, known for his remarkable performances and dedication to his craft, is no stranger to the spotlight. His journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of remarkable, with each project adding a layer of depth to his repertoire. Speaking about his experience,  Abhilash expressed his gratitude for being directed by esteemed filmmakers, including Ajay Bahl and Anurag Kashyap, saying, “I have just started, and it gives me a lot of confidence to choose stories that I relate to and experiment with my skills.”

Kennedy was recently premiered at the Canned film Festival, reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, Abhilash added, “Never mind the idea of going to Cannes; I couldn’t even fathom becoming an actor at one point. My Mumbai dream was to be a part of the Kapil Sharma Show, which, hilariously, never materialized. Fast forward, I’ve strolled down the illustrious Cannes red carpet, an experience that felt utterly surreal. I’m yet to receive invitations for Indian award shows, but I am glad my debut was on an international stage at Cannes, and it was a truly enchanting experience. I’m hopeful that this is just the beginning of many such moments.”

Despite his growing stature in the industry, Abhilash Thapliyal remains grounded and continues to audition for roles. He acknowledges the directors who have recognized his versatility and talent, including Anurag Kashyap, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Navdeep Singh, Ajay Bahl, and Amit Sharma. Abhilash Thapliyal’s contributions to the world of OTT platforms have not gone unnoticed. His roles in projects like Aspirants and SK Sir ki class (which recently won the Asian Academy Creative Awards) have garnered immense love from the audience. Speaking about the much-anticipated Aspirants 2, he said, “Hopefully, people will get to see Aspirants 2 before the end of 2023.”

Looking forward to the future, Abhilash Thapliyal is excited about his next project, Maidaan, where he will be portraying a character that aligns with his ‘RJ’ skills. He is also collaborating with Navdeep Singh, of NH10fame, on another intriguing OTT project. The fourth and final season of the TVF series Hostel Daze is now streaming live on Amazon Prime and Abhilash is seen in a special appearance in the series. Also following the critical acclamation received at Cannes, he eagerly anticipates the Indian release of Kennedy.

Lakshmi Manchu and other celebrities cheer for the introduction of the Historic Women’s Reservation Bil

Renowned actor and philanthropist Lakshmi Manchu, along with fellow actresses Tamannah Bhatia, Divya Dutta, and other prominent figures, visited the new Parliament building to witness the historic moment when the Women’s Reservation Bill, titled the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ was moved by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in the Rajya Sabha. The momentous occasion was a celebration of progress towards gender equality and representation in the Indian political landscape. The Women’s Reservation Bill, when implemented, is set to bring about a significant increase in female members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, rising from the current 82 to 181, as announced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal during the bill’s introduction.

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Sanchay Goswami Sees His Dream Come True: Getting to work with Raj & DK

Actor Sanchay Goswami has been receiving an outpouring of appreciation for his portrayal of Nirmal in Netflix’s Guns and Gulaabs. In Guns and Gulaabs, Sanchay Goswami takes on the role of Nirmal, a character deeply rooted in the middle-class ethos of the 90s. Drawing from his personal experiences and his father’s life, Sanchay embraced Nirmal’s simplicity and empathy, making the character an extension of his own life journey. The show’s setting in the 90s allowed him to relive nostalgic moments and authentically portray the era on screen.

Reflecting on his experience working with esteemed directors Raj & DK and acting powerhouse Rajkummar Rao, Sanchay shares, “Being a film student and cinema lover I have been very fanatic about both the directors and I wanted to avoid being over excited in the first meet but I couldn’t contain it. It was a dream come true to be directed by them. While I tend to be a little introverted individual on set, both of them put me at ease, enabling me to express myself uninhibitedly and explore nuances within the character’s framework. I fondly recall an instance when Raj sir thoughtfully provided me with a blanket during a chilly outdoor night shoot in Dehra Dun. Although I initially attempted to conceal it while performing, their genuine concern and empathy for every member of the cast and crew was out there. Rajkumar Rao sir gives out this remarkable energy which is so infectious on set. He is extremely talented and definitely as source of inspiration.”

Sanchay further added, “Sharing the screen with Adarsh Gourav, my co-actor from TVF Hostel Daze, was a seamless experience. Our previous collaboration enabled us to establish a natural rapport that translated effortlessly into our characters on Guns and Gulaabs.”

Amidst his recent success, Sanchay’s film project Naanera is creating waves on the international film festival circuit. The film, which has secured numerous awards at festivals including the Kolkata International Film Festival, OIFFA Canada, and AIFF India, has been praised for its realistic approach and deep cultural exploration.

Sanchay’s dedication to his art has also been evident in his willingness to undergo physical transformations for his roles. Shedding light on the same, Sanchay said, “While my perspective might be subjective, I believe that many emerging actors often feel compelled to conform to certain beauty standards, which can sometimes compromise the authenticity of an artist. This is why, for instance, in the Amazon Mini Show Staff Room, which was released in April this year, I intentionally embraced an appearance that defied typical notions of fitness. In the show, I portrayed an ordinary school teacher. Similarly, for my role in Naanera, I underwent a deliberate weight loss of 5-6 kgs to accurately portray a young boy and even shaved my head to convey the theme of a father’s demise. My primary motivation behind these physical transformations for various roles is rooted in my desire to remain faithful and genuine in my artistic visions. These alterations enable me to immerse myself more deeply in the mindset of a character, fostering a stronger connection between me and the role I’m portraying.”

From Roger Binny in ‘83 to Rafiq in Akelli: Actor Nishant Dahiya talks about his Bollywood journey

Actor Nishant Dahiya, who played Roger Binny in Ranveer Singh’s 83 is now excited about the theatrical release of his highly anticipated film Akelli, where he will be starring opposite Nushrratt Bharuccha. This much-awaited movie, skilfully helmed by director Pranay Meshram, promises an enthralling cinematic journey and is slated for a theatrical release. Akelli stands as a blend of drama and thriller, tracing the path of an average Indian girl caught within the clutches of a conflict-ravaged landscape, wherein her battle for survival takes centre stage.

Continue reading “From Roger Binny in ‘83 to Rafiq in Akelli: Actor Nishant Dahiya talks about his Bollywood journey”