BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) Fun chat shows to informative sessions, actors like Kartik Aaryan, Sunny Leone, Shruti Haasan, and Rashami Desai are flaunting their hosting skills in the digital space to while away their lockdown hours and fans are loving it.## Kartik's talk show on YouTube, "Koki Poochega", is surely among the most popular efforts. On the show, he interacts with frontline warriors in the COVID-19 battle, including doctors and health workers, and also with survivors of the novel coronavirus pandemic.## Kartik's trademark humorous style, at the same time engaging and informative, has already won the show a huge fan base, including Bollywood stars such as Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor, who have heaped praises on Kartik's effort on social media.## In his first episode of "Koki Poochega", Kartik interviewed India's first COVID-19 survivor Sumit Singh. The interaction gave an insight into what a person with symptoms of the virus should do and not do.## Shruti, who has been sharing recipes along with hair and skincare tips on social media, also goes live on Instagram for interactions with select guests.## Ways to stay strong, maintain mental balance, and keeping patience have been some of the topics of discussion.## "I have a close group of women who are my friends, but I also have a larger circle of women whom I have been interacting with that have been inspiring me. They are from different walks of life," said Shruti.## "I thought it would be lovely to interact with them on various topics and I like that they are from different places, different topics, and different professions," she added.## Sunny Leone has also started her chat show on Instagram.## Titled "Lockdown with Sunny", it sees Sunny in conversation with several celebrities, including Daboo Ratnani and Mandana Karimi.## "It was my idea to just have fun with our fans and people on Insta. It is all about light-hearted conversations with funny things and details about the guest," Sunny said.## "Bigg Boss 13" contestant Rashami Desai has also started her own digital show titled "The RDShhow".## "It's not your regular chat show. It's being made with an intent to educate people on different fields of career. I'll be inviting eminent personalities from various fields as guests on my show. We'll be discussing each field, with its possible career opportunities and the skills required to be successful in those particular fields," said Rashami.## Also making good use of the digital platform, actor Karanvir Bohra has started a fun-filled and informative live series titled "Lockdown with KV".## "The idea right now is to keep people engaged, talking, and importantly listening and watching good content to keep their minds diverted from the ongoing stressful situation," he said.## "So that's what my second live series 'Lockdown with KV' is aiming at. The first main idea which is to just talk to people from different walks of life and understand their lives and routines and importantly coping skills during these trying and testing times" added the actor, who had earlier brought in his celebrity friends for a 21-question series on Instagram.## Actress-producer Dia Mirza's digital session, "#DownToEarthWithDee", features celebrity guests who share a common love for nature. The session is held every Wednesday.## Dia's first conversation with filmmaker Zoya Akhtar dwelt on a number of things, from their shared love for nature to how they are both dealing with the lockdown.## "I hope these conversations on '#DownToEarthWithDee' every Wednesday will help all those seeking ways to live in better harmony with nature despite living in cities. I hope they find some magic, inspiration, and solutions in our conversations,'' Dia said.## Joining the list is actress Urvashi Dholakia, who has a digital chat show called "Trending Now".## Through the course of the show, Urvashi will be seen chatting up with personalities from diverse fields.## She has interviewed celebrities like Tony Kakkar, Sriti Jha, and Sumona Chakravarti.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani starrer Laxmmi Bomb might not release in theaters now as some reports suggest that the movie can directly go to digital platforms due to coronavirus pandemic and extended lockdown in India. However, the official announcement yet to happen but it is highly to release on OTT platform.## Movie critic and trade analyst Joginder Tuteja also gives a hint that one of the most awaited movies of the year may not release in theaters. ## Yes, it is highly probable now that @akshaykumar and @advani_kiara starrer #LaxmmiBomb will release straight on OTT.Sad (for people like me who love to watch the smallest of films on the big screen) but true! pic.twitter.com/AbMAyhZpXN— Joginder Tuteja (@Tutejajoginder) April 26, 2020 ## Laxmmi Bomb was originally slated to release on Eid (22 May) along with Salman Khan's Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai but the coronavirus pandemic and the extended lockdown till May 3 in India has ruined all the plans of the makers to get an original release date.## Laxmmi Bomb is a Hindi remake of 2011 Tamil horror comedy Muni 2: Kanchana. Akshay Kumar plays the role of timid-natured Raghav, who suffers from a fear of ghosts and undergoes a personality transformation after being possessed by the spirit of a transgender named Laxmmi in the film. Laxmmi Bomb is directed by Raghava Lawrence who also directed and played a lead role in Tamil film Muni 2: Kanchana. ## Due to the pandemic, many film projects have been postponed indefinitely including Salman Khan's Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai which was slated to release along with Akshay's Laxmmi Bomb on Eid (22 May), 2020.## For more and latest news about Bollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Rajeev Khandelwal says his role in his debut play "Court Martial" is an ode to his father.## "Growing up in an army family, I've always seen my father and brother proudly don their uniforms and it's no news to people that I also had aspirations to join the army," Rajeev said.## "In my career, I've played characters in uniforms before and I decided to keep this one of Capt. Bikash Roy. My role in ‘Court Martial' I'd like to believe is an ode to my father," he added.## The Zee Theatre teleplay "Court Martial" follows the unusual trial of a junior-ranked army man convicted of murdering his senior officer. Rajeev plays the role of Bikash Roy, an extremely sharp defense lawyer who goes deep into the shocking truth behind the assault.## Written by Swadesh Deepak, the play also stars Govind Pandey, Bhagwan Tiwari, Saksham Dayma and Swapnil Kotiwar.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actor Pankaj Tripathi has found an interesting way of engaging with fans during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.## In a series started by the actor on his Facebook page, Pankaj narrates slice-of-life stories from his own experiences that changed his perspective of life. He talks about memories of his growing-up years.## In one of the stories he narrated, the actor spoke about how the train and its sounds evoke in him bittersweet childhood memories.## "I didn't start it with a script in mind. It's a conversational series where I talk to my fans about the things that matter to me. It's more often than not the simple things in life that we end up caring for the most," said Pankaj.## "Locked down at home, waiting for these tough times to pass should remind people where their priorities lie," he added.## As for films, he has projects like "Ludo" and "Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl" in his kitty.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) The release date of Anushka Sharma's debut digital production, the thriller web series "Paatal Lok", has been locked as May 15.## Anushka on Friday shared a high-pitch, CGI-loaded teaser on her social media accounts, announcing the release date and also teasing the plotline of the show.## "From the underbelly comes a crime thriller that will change how you look at the world you live in. #PaatalLok #NewSeriesOnPrime, May 15," she wrote while sharing the short clip.## The show has Neeraj Kabi, Gul Panag, and Jaideep Ahlawat in key roles, and the teaser suggests it will be about the dormant, dark and dangerous underbelly -- or 'paatal lok' -- of the seemingly peaceful world we live in.## Coupled with a somber narration, the teaser puts a spotlight on the darker side of humanity.## Without revealing characters, the video uses dark graphics and animation to paint a sordid picture and shows how truth and justice are shunned when demons roam the earth in the garb of humans.## In the teaser, a bespectacled and suited newscaster morphs into a ten-headed demon and spreads hatred, and the blind lady of justice is soaked in blood. A park becomes a cemetery and a city catches fire.## Exploring the dark recesses of immorality, the series aims at being neo-noir entertainment that is inspired by the traditional concepts of Swargalok (heaven), Dharti Lok (earth), and Patal Lok (netherworld), and delves into the interplay within the four estates of democracy.## Earlier this week, Anushka had shared another teaser for the series. It showed blood spattering on-screen with the narrator saying: "The countdown has begun. To change the laws of the land, worms have crept in, who will spread terror and shed blood. They will turn the world into a living hell."## The show is produced by Anushka's banner, Clean Slate Films, and it will stream on Amazon Prime Video.## For more and latest news about digital media, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Randeep Hooda is glad to be the first Indian male actor doing a Hollywood action film, and the Bollywood star says it feels great to be able to break stereotypical references of Indian characters in the West.## Randeep will be entering Hollywood as Saju in Netflix's "Extraction", starring Chris Hemsworth and David Harbour. Randeep has stepped out of his comfort zone to make an action-packed entry in the West.## "I was glad to get the movie on two to three levels. I got to feature as the first Indian male actor doing the action in a Hollywood film. Breaking the stereotypes of IT professionals, millionaires or comic relief in a film. It was great that I was able to break that barrier," Randeep told IANS.## He continued: "I haven't done hand to hand action much. I have an action image but haven't done much action (on-screen). So, this was a new thing. It was new territory for me as an actor, to be able to use other factors as an actor and not just drama, and to be able to use my body and to be able to learn new things. I really enjoyed it... And feeling safe while doing it because they were so well prepared. I was elated and grateful that I got to do this part."## In the film, Saju is the one who brings Hemsworth's Tyler Rake on board to the extraction of his boss' child. The character is layered, with an emotional vein adding a touch of sensitivity in the action-packed story.## "The layers in the part are a result of discussions, and Sam Hargrave's vision from discussions, ranging from mutually favorite movies and writers. And then (it was a result of) adding a universal emotional angle, which is the family. It deals a lot with that and wanting to create a difference from the point you first see this guy to the last time you see this guy. His journey was a very gratifying experience," Randeep said while explaining his role.## Originally titled "Dhaka", the film revolves around Tyler Rake (essayed by Hemsworth), a fearless, black market mercenary, who embarks on the most deadly extraction of his career when he is enlisted to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. It has been shot extensively in India, along with other places around the world.## It also stars Indian actors Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyulli, and Rudraksh Jaiswal. The screenplay of the film is done by Joe Russo. The film is produced by Russo Brothers (Joe and Anthony Russo), Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Eric Gitter, and Peter Schwerin. "Extraction" will release on Netflix on April 24.## Talking about bonding with Hemsworth, Randeep said: "I grew up in Australia, where Chris is from. So, there was a lot of Australian way of talking and humor. Chris has a lot of energy. He is a sweet guy. I enjoyed working with him. I think this is one of his best and finest performances, which I'm sure people will be bowled over by."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Actor Arjun Bijlani is overwhelmed with the positive response that his web series "State Of Siege: 26/11" amid the coronavirus outbreak in India.## "It's ironic how this has worked out so beautifully because first, we faced hurdles on the release date and when we actually released, coronavirus in India had only just broken out," Arjun said.## "It's been a surreal experience from then to now and I'd like to congratulate the entire team - the cast, crew and Abhimanyu Singh, Roopali Kadyan and our Director Matthew who have put a great piece together. This story had to be told and we're glad audiences are streaming in and positively receiving it, without them it wouldn't have been possible," he added.## Arjun along with Arjan Bajwa and Vivek Dahiya are seen as NSG Commandos in "State of Siege: 26/11". The series is based on Sandeep Unnithan's book "Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11". The show tells untold stories and the different events that took place during the attacks of 26/11. The Contiloe Pictures' show recently became the "Most Watched Original Content (New)" on Zee5.## Talking about the success, Arjan said: "‘?State of Siege 26/11' is the top rated and most watched show on ZEE5 India!! When all of us are locked in our homes, demotivated, this news couldn't have come at a better time. Lots of love to everyone who made it possible and especially all my fans!"## To this, Abhimanyu Singh, Founder-CEO at Contiloe Pictures, added: "I am glad our effort to showcase the effort of the commandos in neutralizing the 26/11 terror attacks has been liked extensively."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Actress Lara Dutta is excited to play a police officer for the first time in the comedy-action web series "Hundred", and says her character is trying hard to survive in a man's world.## In the series, Lara will be seen as ACP Saumya Shukla.## "The show is a fun and entertaining story of a dysfunctional Jodi and the chaos that ensues in their lives. The makers have carefully scripted the show to bring alive action and humor in a very entertaining way," Lara said.## "One of the many reasons I chose to do the show is because I have never played a cop on screen and my character is trying hard to survive in a man's world. She has very interesting dynamics with the people in her life and the more complex a situation, the more she thrives. She is nothing like me in real life," she added.## The Hotstar Specials show chronicles the misadventures of two contrasting women, set in the backdrop of Mumbai, its chawls and crime gangs. Being described as a masala entertainer, the show also stars Rinku Rajguru.## It is co-directed by Ruchi Narain, Ashutosh Shah, and Taher Shabbir. The cast includes names like Karan Wahi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Parmeet Sethi, Rohini Hattangidi, Arun Nalawde, and Makarand Deshpande. The eight-episode series will launch on April 25 on Disney+ Hotstar VIP.## Talking about making digital as well Hindi debut, "Sairat" star Rinku said: "It's been a roller-coaster ride making my digital debut with ‘Hundred' -- a show that has equal measures of comedy and crime. I portray the character of Netra Patil - a bindaas Marathi mulgi who is trying to live her life to the fullest. What drew me towards the show is the way this character has been molded - people will see a different side of her in each episode."## To this, Karan added: "The show will hopefully give people a hundred reasons to smile and uplift their mood in these unprecedented times - it's just what the doctor ordered!"## Narain feels the show "has all the elements of a family entertainer - action, drama, comedy, thrill and more!"## "It's a story where desperation leads two unlikely women - one bindass and the other badass - to team up as they chase their own personal goals," she said.## The show is about a terminally ill girl looking for thrills, who is hired to be an undercover agent by an ambitious female cop looking for a promotion. It will tell their story as they get together to accomplish their own goal in 100 days.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Actress Anushka Sharma has shared a short teaser of her upcoming web project.## The project is said to be a cop-based crime drama and although produced by her banner, Clean Slate Films, Anushka will not act in the show. The series is created by "NH10" writer Sudip Sharma and is said to be an investigative thriller that also acts as a scathing commentary of modern-day Indian society and politics.## The short clip the actress posted on Instagram gives an intense glimpse of the narrative.## "The countdown has begun. To change the laws of the land, worms have crept in, who will spread terror and shed blood. They will turn the world into a living hell," said the narrator in the clip.## The video hints that the project will be gory. At the end of the clip, out of the blooded screen appears a silhouette with a sharp blunt weapon -- suggesting that he will be the person behind the bloodshed.## "Sab badlega, samay, log aur lok (Everything is about to change - time, people and era)," Anushka wrote along the video.## She shared details about the new series, tagging screenplay writer Sudip Sharma and actors Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi and Gul Panag and Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee among others.## Anushka is backing the project for Amazon Prime Video. Sometime back, the streaming platform had announced that Anushka is making a show for them.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 21 (IANS) Actress Sayani Gupta, who currently appears in the second season of "Four More Shots Please!", has recalled how, while shooting for the show, the cast once spent hours at a small cafe in Instanbul.## "We practically lived in this cafe, did our hair and make-up, changed outfits in the tiny loo, ate three meals and all kinds of juices, tea, coffee, desserts, cut birthday cakes and still loved shooting here through rain and sunshine with my girls! I will never forget this place in Istanbul. It's so beautiful how places become such an integral character of a show/film," Sayani shared.## Nupur Asthana directs the second season of the show that features Sayani along with Kirti Kulhari, Bani J. and Maanvi Gagroo in the lead roles.## "Four More Shots Please!" is streaming on Amazon Prime.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) "Sairat" actress Rinku Rajguru is set to enter the Hindi film industry with the digital web series "Hundred".## In the show, she will play a character named Netra Patil, and her role is said to have action as well as the comic strains.## " 'Hundred' is my first ever digital show and it's been a great experience working. This medium is on boom right now and is one of the major sources of entertainment for most of us in these trying times," Rinku said.## The Hotstar Specials show also stars Lara Dutta and Karan Wahi.## Talking about the show, Rinku said: "It is a pleasure to be a part of this digital world, especially a platform like Hotstar that has such wide reach. What drew me towards the character of Netra is that people will see a new side in each episode."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress Esha Gupta is excited about her digital debut with "REJCTX 2", and says he had fun shooting for the series.## "Our ‘REJCTX2' teaser looks fantastic! All the characters have done a fabulous job and I had a great time shooting with them and the entire crew," Esha said.## Esha will be playing the role of a Singaporean police officer. The second season of the series, directed and produced by Goldie Behl, promises to be high on action and drama. ZEE5 released "REJCTX2" teaser on Friday.## The teaser gives a glimpse of the "privileged rich kids of the Jefferson World School" from Esha's character's viewpoint.## "Goldie has been a delight to work with. My character is quite interesting. Even though I have played the role of a police officer before, this one is glamorous yet strong. I would like everyone to watch Season 1 on ZEE5 and catch up because Season 2 is coming soon. Can't wait to hear what everyone has to say about this one, god willing, the audience would give us as much love in this as they've given me all these years," she added.## The show will also feature Masi Wali, Anisha Victor, Saadhika Syal, Ayush Khurana, Ridhi Khakhar, Prabhneet Singh, Pooja Shetty and Tanvi Shinde besides Esha and Sumeet Vyas.## For more and latest news about Digital Media, stay tuned with us.