Writer-producer Lal Chand Singh of ‘Banaras - A Mystic Love Story’ wants to give tribute to Banaras by this film. He has demanded a tax free status for the film across Uttar Pradesh. The film is also an attempt to re-discover unrivalled Banaras from the present Varanasi.

Singh, CEO of Pune-based IT company, was in Lucknow to promote the film. He said, “Banaras has been the center of spirituality for over 600 years. Every Indian spiritual leader from Buddha and Kabir to Adi Shankaracharya has lived here in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This film also attempts to extract the lost character of Banaras from the modern Varanasi and establish the abode of Shiva on the world film map”.

Singh, also demanded that his spiritually romantic film be awarded tax free status in UP, as 90 per cent of it has been shot at various locations in Varanasi including BHU campus, Ganga ghats and the famous Chunar Fort. “I have put my best and it is now up to the UP government to grant a tax-free status to the film to link the mystic charm of the cultural capital to every commoner,” He said. (more…)

Subhash Ghai ‘Shaadi se Pehle’, Saawan Kumar Tak’s ‘Saawan - the Love Season’ and Pankaj Parashar’s ‘Banaras - A Mystic Love Story’ are ready for competition as all these films are releasing this Thursday (06.04.2006) on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navmi.

It keeps happening every once in a while that filmmakers try to outwit each other by releasing their films a day or two before a conventional Friday to encash on the holidays.

What’s interesting is that Saawan Kumar who way back in 1993 released his thriller ‘Khalnaika’ along with Subhash Ghai’s ‘Khalnayak’ which created a sort of controversy (Ghai had accused him of cashing in on the popularity of his film), has no apprehension even this time too to schedule his romantic thriller on the same day as the release of Mukta Arts film. (more…)

After her power packed performance in ‘Pingar’, Urmila Matondkar is back to show her acting genius in forthcoming film ‘Banaras’ where she plays a role of hermit.

Do you play the role of a hermit in this film?

Yes, that’s partly true. I play a physics student studying at the Banaras Hindu University who undergoes some turmoil in her life and meets, in the course of time, various people who inspire her to lead the life of a recluse. It was certainly challenging for me as an actor because I have never played such roles and I don’t think any other Indian woman has played such shades of character in our film industry. But I would like to clearly state that this film is not a period drama and it is truly contemporary in its presentation and content. My role hardly involves any melodrama. I have realised that melodrama is considered to be ‘good’ acting in our country, but I think playing a subtle character is more difficult.

How would people react to see you as Sanyasin after your glamorous image in item numbers like 'Chamma chamma' and 'Kambaqt ishq'?

I am an actor, and accepting any kind role is my forte. I have no qualms about playing an unusual role, if I am sure that I can carry it off capably. Banaras is an exciting subject. (more…)

Dimple Kapadia wants to play different kind of roles (Dil Chahta Hai, Leela) and now she will be seen as Katy - a Parsi woman romancing a young man (Saif Ali Khan) in her forthcoming film ‘Being Cyrus’ made by debutant director Homi Adajania.

Being Cyrus has also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Saif Ali Khan and Boman Irani. Talking about the film she also says she is not averse to play a role opposite her ex husband Rajesh Khanna.

Is Being Cyrus on relationships?
It is not on complications in relationships. It is not on dysfunctional marriage either. How would I describe the film? I would say it has a lot of black humour in it. (more…)