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…)

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…)

March 4, LIC-Zee Cine Awards 2006 function is being held in Mauritius, telecast live on Zee TV from 7pm and who is who of Bollywood is attending it. Are u Game?

Star Anchors:
The oomph girl Mallika Sherawat and the known director Karan Johar are hosting the Awards. Mallika is known for her peppy tongue and this time she will be unstoppable. Another interesting thing to look forward is her dressing which always creates shock. Karan who has hosted such events two times before will be a delight to look at. Those who have seen Karan’s hit TV talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’ know how naughty he is and if one remembers Mallika was the hot topic of discussion in more than one episode. It will be so much fun to watch them together. Arjun Rampal, Konkona SenSharma and Gulshan Grover are the other celebrity to hosts for the show. (more…)