Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

One of the much appreciated villain characters of Malayalam cinema, actor Kollam Ajith passed away today morning in Kochi. According to reports, the actor had been battling stomach related illness.

Source: Youtube

Having made his debut in Malayalam cinema through director Padmarajan’s film Parannu Parannu Parannu in 1983, Ajith was a prominent face in the films of the ‘80s and ‘90s, such as Nadodikaattu, No. 20 Madras Mail, Aaraam Thampuran, Olympiyan Anthony Adam, Valliettan, etc. He had the chance of playing the lead role in the 1989 film Agnipravesham. The prolific actor who has acted in more than 500 films was also active in other South Indian film industries such as in Tamil and Telegu, and also in Hindi. He was last seen in the 2012 film Ivan Ardhanaari. He has also had a stint with writing and directing, with the 2016 film Calling Bell.

Source: Youtube

Kollam Ajith is survived by wife Prameela and children Gayathri and Sreehari.

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Text credit: Rheanna Mathews

The actor, known for his unaffectedly humorous roles, Neeraj Madhav, tied the knot with on Monday, 2 April, 2018, at a temple in the rustic and lush green environs of Kannur. At the traditional veli ceremony, both the bride and groom wore the quintessential mundu endged in gold Kerala kasav.

From the images, it is easy to glean, Neeraj seemed ecstatic to be marrying Deepthi. Just look at that grin!

The wedding seemed to involve the many rituals and traditions of a Namboodiri nuptial ceremony, with the images charmingly capturing the many nuances. This shot of the newlyweds seems to hark back to simpler days when life was lived closer to the green of the earth.

At a reception held later in the day, Deepthi, as is usual for brides, was glowing in her wedding finery. Meanwhile, Neeraj himself seemed to be basking in her reflected light with a small smile playing on his lips.

Here’s another look at him gazing down at his Kozhikodan bride, as they exchange the typical flower garlands.

Neeraj posted more of those wedding moments on facebook beautifully captured by Magsmen Stories. Take a look!

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Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

After the biggest news of retirement from the world of superheroes last year, where Hugh Jackman announced the end of his portrayal of the beloved Wolverine; 2018 is off to a start with perhaps another news of a comic hero exit. Chris Evans, who has been the face of Marvel’s Captain America, has hinted at the yet to be titled ‘Avengers 4’ being his last stint in the suit of the shield-bearing superhero.

Inarguably the most anticipated film from the stables of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Avengers: Infinity War has been hitting the top news headlines ever since the movie was announced. From its first glimpse to the final trailer, fans of the comic series have been following every update about the franchise conscientiously, and no surprises that it is one of the most awaited movies to look forward to this 2018.

Source: screenrant.com

But as the excitement builds, comes the speculation of Chris hanging his suit. In a latest interview with The New York Times, the actor dropped the hint of a dampener for his fans when he said, “You want to get off the train before they push you off.”

Chris has played the role of Steve Rogers and his alter ego Captain America since 2011, when he burst upon the Marvel world through Captain America: The First Avenger. Since then, his assignment with the group has seen him in The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016). He will be next seen in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and its untitled sequel next year.

Source: wallpaper.wiki

Fellow Avenger Iron Man played by actor Robert Downey Junior too had sparked off rumours of a change in suit, when he indicated last year that he would not be seen in the red and gold suit for too long. “I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing.”

There have been only a few actors who have succeeded in their roles of superheroes and it is certainly a loss for fans and the cinema world when an actor chooses to pullout from the role. While Hugh Jackman sent his fans into misery with his last representation of Wolverine in Logan last year; it was Toby Maguire as Spiderman who made his absence felt when his stint with the character ended. However, the actors’ decision to move on at the peak of their act is always commendable, and something that other actors, especially those back home in Bollywood and Malayalam cinema, need to take a cue from.

Meanwhile, 2018 is going to be a feast for Marvel fans as a spate of movies comes out on the heels of the blockbuster hit Black Panther – Ant-Man and the Wasp, Deadpool 2, and Venom. Avengers: Infinity War releases worldwide on April 27.

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Text Credits : Shibul Pavithran 

Shah Rukh Khan and Anand L Rai finally released the title of their much-awaited film, portraying the talented actor in a new avatar of a dwarf. The title is named as Zero and the video has a duration of one minute.

Image Source :

The teaser opens with numerous adjectives such as ‘paagal’ (mad), ‘aashiq’ (lover), ‘shaayar’ (poet), ‘makkar’ (trickster), mental, among many others, giving an insight into the character of Shah Rukh, who plays a vertically-challenged man in the film. Singing Mohammed Rafi’s classic track Iss Diwane Dilne Kya Jadoo Chalaya, SRK’s character makes a solid entry.

Image Source

The film, produced by Gauri Khan releases on December 21, also features Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. However, the teaser does not reveal anything about their roles. The trio had earlier worked together in Yash Chopra’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan(2012).

Shah Rukh Khan flaunts his dance moves in a typical ‘tapori’ style and in the end says, “Hum jiske peeche lag jaate hain, life bana dete hai .”

The post Even if you see Shah Rukh Khan in half his size, he’d still stand tall appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text: Nikhil Wilson

Legendary veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passes away at the age of 79 and here are a few facts about this great actor.

1) Balbir Prithviraj Kapoor was his real name and later he changed his name to Shashi Kapoor.

2) He started his film career as a child artist.

3) He has worked not just as a Film actor, but also proved his talent as Film Director, Assistant Director and Producer.

4) He is known as the Bollywoods Romantic hero and here is a video of Shashi Kapoor showing the world, he really knows how to flirt in the movie ‘Trishul’

5) He has acted in more than 100 films during his film career

6) He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan award along with other major awards.

7) He never invested his money in any other business than the film industry and theatre.

8) He has played almost every character in the Bollywood film industry and most of the times it was a romantic hero .

The world has suffered yet another great lose, with Veteran actors bidding farewell. Here are a few of the many songs which made Shashi Kapoor Bollywoods Romantic hero

– Sharmeeli

– Aa Gale Lag Jaa

– Deewar

– Aa Gale Lag Jaa

– Haseena Maan Jaayegi

Featured image sources: wikimedia.org1, wikimedia.org

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Words by Charishma Thankappan   Images: Parava    Featured image: Soubin Shahir

Mattancherry is not just a place; it’s a feeling, a culture, a way of life. And Soubin Shahir wears his heart on his sleeve in depicting his love for the place in his directorial debut Parava.

It was sometime in mid-2016 that I first got the hint of the film through Soubin’s Instagram posts. Thanks to his active presence on the social media platform, I got a peek into the creative side of this actor who was beginning to emerge as my favourite comedian in present day Malayalam cinema. Having followed his performances from Annayum Rasoolum till Comrade in America, I was highly curious about Parava and eagerly looked forward to it.

With absolutely no idea as to what the film would be about, I went to the movie theatre with high expectations. I was not really worried about how the film would fare as I went in with a blank mind and a secret wish that the film turns out to be a success.

A riot of colours greeted me right from the opening credits of the film. Using real, raw images of the different elements that constitute the microcosm of Mattancherry, Parava gained an entry into my heart. The offbeat song Vadakele Pathune, with its funky beats set the tone for the rest of the film.

Parava gripped me right from the first scene. The introduction of the two boys, Ichappi and Haseeb is one of the most memorable visuals among recent films. I was unaware that these are the two characters that will dominate the length of the film, while unknowingly wanting to see more of them as the film progressed. Amal Shah as Ichappi, and Govind Pai as Haseeb deliver an incredible performance in what is undoubtedly one of the best among children’s performances in Malalayam cinema. The incredulity of their acts, which is on par with seasoned actors, was augmented when I learned that it’s the first time that the two have ever acted, let alone face a camera!

The friendship of the two best friends, Ichappi and Haseeb, is one of the purest in its forms, one which inspires through its innocence and evokes admiration through its resilience. Ichappi is the apparent hero of the film in all manners – from being the spurned high school lover to the winner of the pigeon flying competition in the end of the film. Amal exudes a supreme confidence befitting a future hero as he carries a large chunk of the film on his shoulders, or rather, wings.

Sharing Amal’s onus is Govind, who is a delightful find, displaying natural humour that instantly endeared him to me. But while Ichappi takes the upper hand as the unlikely hero, Haseeb generates great appreciation for his understated role as the ever supportive companion. He distresses over Ichappi’s pains, and celebrates his victories perhaps more intensely. His constant presence in Ichappi’s life, always beside him in rain and sunshine, lends a semblance worth respect to his otherwise happy-go-lucky nature.

Dulquer Salmaan ruled the promotional billboards and posters of the film, but that anticipation of seeing him in the entirety of the film was dulled when it was revealed that he is present only in an extended cameo appearance for 25 minutes. I was a little disappointed in knowing that I wouldn’t get to see enough of DQ in the film, but somehow, Parava was always about Soubin and nothing was going to stop me from watching it.

The beauty of Parava lies in the importance given to each character in the film, no matter how small a screen-time they may have. Shane Nigam, Arjun Ashokan, Zinil Zainuddin, Siddique, Ashokan, Indrans, Jaffer Idukki, Srindaa, Jacob Gregory, and the several new faces lend wholehearted performances that are commendable. As perhaps the central character around whom the film revolves, Shane displays a resolute performance, bettering his previous acts. As the film progressed, I almost forgot the presence of Dulquer in the film, and was pleasantly surprised when he made his entry. His character as Imran is most charming and perhaps, flawless. As the wise and more mature leader of his group of friends, he elicits approbation. It is no wonder then, that I plunged into agony at his loss. The scene where Ashiq Abu in the role of a police inspector breaks the news to Ashokan is one of the high points of the film, praiseworthy for the sheer simplicity with which it breaks the heart. That the filmmakers chose to do away with the dramatic portrayal of the death at that point in the film is laudable. It was also a way of levelling Dulquer’s presence, which otherwise shined exemplarily even in the short screen time that he got.

Parava is a film that has hit the right notes in various aspects. As a film based entirely in Mattancherry, it breaks the stereotype of viewing the place as a hub of dopers and goons, as has been generally depicted so far in Malayalam films. It draws the viewers pleasantly into the everyday lives of the inhabitants of the place, portrayed in an authentic and crude form. Here is where Soubin succeeds the most in bringing out the intricacies, whether it is the rivalries between the gangs of pigeon fliers, the speedy shots through the narrow lanes, or the real as real can be shot of saliva threading out of Haseeb’s mouth as he relishes the beef pathiri made by Ichappi’s umma. The director should also be credited with keeping the language as is spoken in the place, instead of ‘machanising’ it as is done in other films that depict Mattancherry and Fort Kochi as the centre of “freakanmaar”.

In the end, Parava is a resounding success from Soubin and meets the high expectations that I had from it. A balanced mix of comedy, drama, and action; complemented with excellent music, in particular the background score; makes this a complete film.

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Words by Suhas KM, Charishma Thankappan, Shilpa Ann Stanley  Images: Vishnu Thandassery

He made his arrival in the Malayalam film industry with his debut movie Orkut oru Ormakoot. After a gap of five years, Arjun Ashokan, son of seasoned actor Harisree Ashokan returns to films with Soubin Shahir’s directorial debut, Parava. He gives an insight into his work and life so far in this exclusive interview.

Parava is your second film. How did it happen to you?

I didn’t know Soubinikka very well personally, but we had met a few times. When my dad got to know that Soubinikka was doing a film, he called him. That’s when Soubinikka asked me to meet him. From then till now, it has been a long journey for me.

Tell us about your role in the film?

My character’s name is Hakkim, who is a typical Mattancherry youth who indulges in all sorts of mischief. I shan’t reveal more as the character is intrinsically linked to the story, so it’s better for you to watch and find out.

Image source

How was your experience working with the film? And as we all know it was Soubin’s directorial debut movie, so, how was it working with him?

It was a really great experience working with Parava’s team. Before the shooting started we all stayed together as the team. Working together gave us all a great energy.

Talking about Soubinikka, I was a little short on confidence in the beginning, but he moulded me slowly into Hakkim. I got a few references from him about the character. I got hold of all the costumes beforehand so that I could familiarise myself more with the character. I was able to learn a lot about movie making because each one of us was given complete freedom. Towards the latter part of the shoot, Soubinikka handed over the whole set into our hands just because of the trust he had in us.

Dulquer Salmaan is playing an extended cameo appearance in this movie. How was your experience working with him?

Mammookka is my favuorite actor, and I admire Dulquer a lot. Initially, I wondered about how it would be to interact with DQ. But I met him in a café after my first day’s shoot. From there, we started talking and I was very comfortable with him, he is a very cool person. It was a great experience working with him.

At the time when Parava was announced, it was highlighted in the news as the film in which the sons of three famous comedy artists – Abhi’s son Shane Nigam, Zainuddin’s son Zinil, and yourself – would be making a joint appearance. How was it working with them?

I didn’t know Shane initially, but I knew Zinil beforehand. We all interacted with each other before the shoot for Parava started, and were thus able to get very close to each other. Even now, we keep meeting. It was a great opportunity that I got to work with all of them.

Your debut movie was Orkut oru Ormakootu in 2012. How did that happen to you? You are doing Parava after a long gap. Why did you take such a long break between the two movies?

I was very active in various arts during school. Once, while dancing for a school programme, the brother of the director duo of Orkut oru Ormakoot, Manoj and Vinod, saw me and suggested my name for the film. That’s how I got my first film.

I used to go to the shooting locations with my father but I learned so many things after acting in the movie. I was not actually prepared to act in a movie as I was interested in music and DJing.

I thought of taking a break from movies because I wanted complete my education and become stable in my business. Parava came to me at the right time.

What was the advice you got from your father as you entered films?

He didn’t give me any particular advice. When I got this offer from Soubinikka, my father handed me over to Soubinikka entirely to mould me in whatever manner he deemed fit for his film.

Which is your favourite movie of your father Harisree Ashokan?

I love all of his movies. But he has done a different role in Baavuttiyude Naamathil and I liked his performance in that movie the most.

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Text by: Susmitha Suresh      Photos: Various Sources

Neerja was a movie that was critically acclaimed and has received many accolades both for the movie and for the stellar acting as well. It was also the debut of Jim Sarbh, who played the hijacker Khalil in the movie, into the film industry. An Indian theater actor/director and film actor based in Mumbai, Jim Sarbh was no novice to the field of acting.

FWD Life got in touch with him to ask a few quick questions about his upcoming releases, ‘Raabta’ & ‘A Death In The Gunj’. The light-hearted actor replied with a dash of humor thrown in through the answers.

Can you tell me about your upcoming projects ‘A Death In The Gunj’ and ‘Raabta’?

‘A Death In The Gunj’ is about a little sprite type fellow trying to play with the big kids and not being equipped. There’s a pain in the sprite like there always is and old friends reunited are often oblivious.
Raabta is all kinds of films wrapped up in one.

Your first movie Neerja was based on a real incident, Raabta is a fantasy-themed movie. How different was it from one another?

One was trying to be gritty documentary style, the other is full masala type.

In Raabta, you play characters set in different time periods. How was the experience?

Two characters for the price of one. Past life guy: some wood who wants to play with fire, present life guy: fire trying to burn through the water. Shot in Budapest (present) and Mauritius (past): that was sweet.

How was working with Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon? Can you recall the whole experience for us?

No, I can’t recall the whole experience for you. Yeah, it was dandy. Sushant very funny and responsive. Kriti, earnest and driven.

How did you prepare for the role in Raabta?

Worked out and ate a lot. Straightened my hair. Tried to learn the lines and imbue them with meaning and style.

I didn’t lock myself up in a room for three weeks drawing pictures of Kriti under extreme sleep deprivation or anything.

What do you like more? Theater/film? Acting/direction?

Film. Acting.

You’ve got upcoming projects with some big names in the industry, like Sanjay Dutt’s biopic with Ranbir Kapoor, Padmavati with Ranveer Singh & Shahid Kapoor and Anand L Rai movie with Shahrukh Khan. Can you tell a bit about the projects?

Currently on the sets of Sanjay Dutt biopic as we speak. Ranbir’s cool. Rajkumar Hirani Sir is cool. Generally cool situation.

Padmavati: can’t wait to see how this film shapes up!

But how they’re going? That’s a secret. Especially the last one with Anand Rai, that one’s a secret from even me (I’m not in it.).

Recently you were in Kochi for the play by Kalki. How was your experience at Kochi?

Recently? Ages ago man. I was playing a new character in that play without enough preparation so obviously, I acted badly.

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Words by: Devika V Menon   Photographs from: Various Sources

With a heavy heart, many celebrities took to social media to express their sorrow as the multi-faceted actor Vinod Khanna passed away after a long battle with illness on April 27. Vinod Khanna’s hat dons several feathers, including that of a producer and politician.

After making his debut in 1966 with Man Ka Meet, Khanna acted in small second lead roles or negative roles. His ‘angry young man’ role in the superhit movie Mere Apne, his negative role as the main villain in the superhit movie Mera Gaon Mera Desh and his role in the critically acclaimed movie Achanak as the military officer turned fugitive, received tremendous applause from both the film industry and his fans.

In 1982, at the peak of his film career, Khanna temporarily quit the film industry to follow his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh.After a 5 year hiatus, he returned to the Hindi film industry giving two back to back hit films Insaaf and Satyamev Jayate. Vinod also starred in 47 multi hero films.

Here’s a look at all the tweets from celebrities expressing their sorrow over the loss of this multi-talented man:

Arjun Rampal: “Heartbreaking news.We lose a legend and the handsomest,most charismatic,stylish and awesome actor. #VinodKhanna a sad sad day. #RIPvinodji,”

Mohammed Kaif: “Unbelievable loss. Deepest condolences on the passing away of a wonderful man and such a jubilant being #VinodKhanna ji. RIP. ”

Radha Mohan Singh: My heartfelt condolences on the demise of great actor and #BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji. May his soul rest in peace.

Pranab Mukherjee: Heartfelt condolences on. the passing away of Shri Vinod Khanna, a highly talented and acclaimed actor & MP

Rajinikanth: My dear friend Vinod Khanna… will miss you, RIP. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Rishi Kapoor: Remembering the good times with you,Vinod. Thank you for being my friend.

Anupam Kher: Will remember #VinodKhanna ji for his larger than life performances & his graciousness. There r very few people like him. Will miss u Sir.

Varun Dhawan: #Vinodkhanna will always remain the coolest and most good looking actor to grace the Indian screens.The industry has lost a legend today.

Karan Johar: His screen presence is unparalleled even today…his super star swag is what we grew up on….RIP #VinodKhanna …thoughts and prayers….

Harbhajan Singh: An amazing actor #VinodKhanna leaves us. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family.

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Words: Devika V Menon   Images: FWD Media

Known for being the angry young man of the film industry, Unni Mukundan has worked in 24 movies, out of which two are in Tamil and Telugu. Did you know his debut film was a Tamil movie named Seedan, which is a remake of the Malayalam movie Nandanam.

Out of the 24 movies, 4 are yet to hit the theatres. His latest movie Achayans has been creating quite a buzz around since he’s sung a song in the movie and that video has crossed over 6 lakh views on YouTube. Unni’s handwriting was his stroke of fate as he got a reply from the late director Lohithadas claiming Unni had good penmanship. This was during the time he sent out several letters to some of the big names in the industry, expressing his interest to be a part of the film fraternity.

Though he describes the cine world as ‘magical’, he also agrees that the term magical could also mean deceptive. For some reason he’s turned on by a woman’s nose. For him, Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha’s nose is perfect. Unni was not always the man he is today. He has had his fair share of struggles, including a battle with speech disorder, for which he admitted that he had help to rectify.

Unni’s decision to join college back in 2014 was a bold statement, as he added that it was never too late. Currently working on his thesis for BA Journalism and Mass communication, Unni says his topic is about superheroes. Why doesn’t that come as a surprise to us? Well, because the fact that he’s a Superman aficionado is not a secret anymore.

It’s been a great journey with Unni so far. Feel like something’s brewing? Me thinks so too! Wait and watch, people. Wait and watch. Till then, ciao!

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