Rani Mukerji to conduct a masterclass on her illustrious journey as an actor at IFFM 2023

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is thrilled to announce that the immensely talented and celebrated actor, Rani Mukerji, will be conducting an exclusive masterclass on her illustrious journey in the world of cinema. The special event will take place a day ahead of the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, on August 10th, 2023.

Over the years, Rani Mukerji has made an incredible impact on the Indian film industry and has emerged as one of the most revered and beloved actors of modern-day cinema. From her debut in the late 90s to her recent works, Rani has consistently amazed audiences with her impeccable performances and path-breaking roles. The masterclass promises to be an enthralling and engaging session, where Rani Mukerji will be in conversation with a live audience comprising of fans and cinephiles. This intimate discussion will delve into some of her most iconic roles and films, providing attendees with valuable insights into her craft and experiences as an actor.

From her early breakthroughs in acclaimed films like Raja Ke Aayegi Baraat and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain to her captivating performances in Saathiya, Yuva, Hum Tum, Black, No One Killed Jessica, Mardaani, and Hichki, Rani Mukerji's career boasts a plethora of remarkable cinematic achievements. The masterclass will be held at the prestigious Immigration Museum in Melbourne, selected as a fitting tribute to Rani's latest film Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. In the film, she brilliantly portrayed the character of an Indian immigrant mother, challenging the Norwegian foster care system and legal machinery after losing custody of her children. This poignant film has not only resonated with audiences but also earned Rani a Best Actress nomination for the prestigious awards at IFFM 2023, scheduled for August 11th.

Rani Mukerji said in a statement, “I’m honoured to have been invited to the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. As an actor, I have been fortunate enough to receive incredible love from people in Australia and I’m looking forward to sharing my journey in Indian cinema through a masterclass that I have been invited to conduct.”

She adds, “I think it will be a beautiful experience to connect with my fans and cinephiles during this event. I'm ready to delve into some of the most memorable characters from my filmography and try to peel off layers of emotions and nostalgia attached to those characters and scenes. I’m humbled that the film festival feels such roles and films have had an everlasting impact in the history of Indian cinema and that they should be discussed with audiences, fans and media in Australia.”

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, a significant cultural event celebrating Indian cinema, is set to captivate audiences with a diverse range of films and events, including the highly anticipated masterclass by Rani Mukerji. ALSO READ: Rani Mukerji: “I love to be a part of stories where the woman shatters the glass ceiling!”

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Nitin Desai’s last rites to be held at ND Studios after his family arrives from the US

Art director Nitin Desai passed away on Wednesday, August 2 morning. It was reported that he died by suicide at his ND Studios in Karjat. Condolence messages and tributes have been pouring in from all corners for the late art director who was a vital part in creating some of the most memorable set designs in the biggest productions. His last rites will be held at his studio after his family arrives from the US.

As per a report in News18, Somnath Gharge, SP, Raigad said on Wednesday, “Today morning, Shri Nitin Desai’s body was found hanging in ND Studios. We are investigating all angles.” It is being claimed that the art director had financial distress.

As per Etimes, Desai’s close associate Nitin Kulkarni said, “We are taking him for post-mortem to JJ hospital, but his last rites will be performed after his children who live in America. It will be on Friday.”

The 74-year-old artist had been facing financial woes, struggling to repay a staggering Rs 252-crore loan, leading to a bankruptcy court admitting an insolvency petition against his company, ND's Art World Pvt Ltd, according to a report by PTI.

Nitin Desai had won four National Awards for Best Art Direction. He had worked with several filmmakers including Rajkummar Hirani, Ashutosh Gowariker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vidhu Vinod Chopra among others. It was in 2005 when he opened the ND Studio in Karjat which eventually became a hub for shoot locations.

Nitin Desai had made his debut as an art director in 1989 with Parinda. He went onto work in several projects including 1942: A Love Story (1993), Khamoshi: The Musical (1995), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Mission Kashmir (2000), Devdas (2002), Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Dostana (2008), and Once Upon a Time in Mumbai (2010). The last film that Nitin Desai worked on as the art director was the 2019 period drama Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. ALSO READ: Late art director Nitin Desai defaulted on Rs 252 crore loan: Report

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Jacqueline Fernandez' lawyer speaks up after Nora Fatehi records statement in defamation case: "My client reserves the right to sue for malicious prosecution"

Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi recorded her statement on July 31 in a defamation case filed by her against actress Jacqueline Fernandez at Delhi's Patiala High Court. The actress claims she is being made a scapegoat in the Rs. 200 crore money laundering case linked to conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Fernandez has allegedly been accused in the case and has been questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“They have called me a gold digger and accused me of having a relationship with a con artist (Sukesh Chandrasekhar) and included my name in an ongoing criminal case to divert attention away from them," Nora said, as reported by News18.

Following Fatehi's statement recording, Jacqueline Fernandez' lawyer released a statement which read, “We have not received any official communication from Honourable Courts so we cannot confirm any such developments. It is a matter of admitted fact that Jacqueline has never ever made any statement against anyone for that matter before any electronic , print or social media. Jacqueline has always maintained a dignified and graceful silence about the case as the matter is sub-judice and pending before Honourable Courts for adjudication. However, that does not mean that she can be dragged into certain unwarranted legal proceedings for no fault of hers. Whenever legal Arguments are advanced or written notes filed before Judicial Forums for the purpose of adjudication. Such arguments cannot be discussed like this before the public domain. That itself is an act of civil and criminal Contempt of the respective legal proceedings. The Judicial proceedings have certain sanctity which has to be respected. However, if Jacqueline is compelled into an unwarranted litigation or dragged into a fake litigation against her Will, She shall approach the Honourable Delhi High Court for her rightful legal remedy for protecting and safeguarding her Fundamental Right as Guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Separate Legal Action for contempt of Courts can be considered if the records of Court are leaked and used to initiate legal proceedings wherein certain people are not even party to that proceedings. My client reserves the right to sue for malicious prosecution in criminal courts against the people responsible for such illegal and malicious Act which kindly note."

Nora Fatehi had filed a case of defamation against Jacqueline Fernandez for allegedly making “defamatory imputations against her due to malicious reasons.” Besides that, the actress and reality show judge also sued at least 15 media organizations for making defamatory comments against her. ALSO READ: Jacqueline Fernandez goes street style chic in Rs.65K Prada Denim Bralette and red trousers

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Late art director Nitin Desai defaulted on Rs 252 crore loan: Report

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the film industry, noted art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai was found dead at his studio in Raigad, Maharashtra. The 74-year-old artist had been facing financial woes, struggling to repay a staggering Rs 252-crore loan, leading to a bankruptcy court admitting an insolvency petition against his company, ND's Art World Pvt Ltd, according to a report by PTI.

Desai's financial troubles began in January 2020, and his company had reportedly borrowed Rs 185 crore through two loans from ECL Finance in 2016 and 2018. The sprawling ND Studio was one of his notable ventures in the Khalapur taluka on the outskirts of Mumbai.

ND's Art World Pvt Ltd was not just an art direction company but was also involved in organising, maintaining, and operating replicas of historical monuments, as well as providing facilities and services related to hotels, theme restaurants, shopping malls, and recreation centres.

On July 25, the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal admitted a petition filed by Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company to initiate a corporate insolvency resolution process against Nitin Desai's company. The tribunal appointed Jitender Kothari as the interim resolution professional, with the responsibility of ensuring that creditors receive their dues by selling securities and overseeing the day-to-day business operations.

The creditors had reportedly classified the account as a non-performing asset (NPA) on March 31, 2021, and the total default amount reached Rs 252.48 crore as of June 30, 2022. In its reply, ND's Art World reportedly cited a fire at the studio on May 7, 2021, as the reason for property loss and expressed dissatisfaction with creditors for issuing a recovery notice on the same day.

Also Read: Nitin Desai death: Hansal Mehta recalls “scary time” when the cycle of debt led him to “very dark place”; expresses grief

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Nitin Desai death: Hansal Mehta recalls “scary time” when the cycle of debt led him to “very dark place”; expresses grief

The sudden demise of acclaimed art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, whose body was found at his studio in Raigad, Maharashtra, has sent shockwaves through the film fraternity. As details surrounding his passing away emerge, it has been reported that Desai was grappling with financial difficulties, including a massive Rs. 252-crore loan and an insolvency petition filed against his company.

Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to Twitter to express his condolences and reflect on the mental health challenges prevalent in the entertainment industry. Mehta shared his own experiences, citing the struggles he faced after the failure of his films Omertà and Simran. The burden of debt and the involvement of powerful intermediaries added to his distress, leading him to a dark place.

Hansal Mehta bravely revealed that he had frequently fought impulses to harm himself during that difficult period. However, the support from his family and true friends, along with seeking professional help and immersing himself in work, helped him emerge from the depths of despair.

The tragic passing of Nitin Desai has brought back haunting memories for Mehta, reminding him of the importance of addressing mental health challenges in the film industry. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a remarkable artist and urged for mental health awareness and support within the fraternity.

Financial pressures in an industry run on emotions can be debilitating. I have faced many a crisis particularly after Omertà and Simran. The failure of the film and the cycle of debt I got into had led me towards a very dark place. The involvement of ‘powerful’ mediators or shall… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) August 2, 2023

Nitin Desai was renowned for his exceptional contributions to the art direction in Indian cinema and had worked on several prestigious projects.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar postpones OMG 2 trailer launch out of respect for late art director Nitin Desai: “This is a huge loss”

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Akshay Kumar postpones OMG 2 trailer launch out of respect for late art director Nitin Desai: “This is a huge loss”

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who will be starring in OMG 2, has decided to postpone the release of the trailer of the upcoming movie today out of respect to the late Nitin Desai. The art director was found dead at his ND Studio in Karjat on Wednesday morning. The trailer will be out tomorrow at 11 am instead.

Akshay Kumar shared the news on his Twitter account and paid his condolences to Desai. He wrote, “Unbelievably sad to know about the demise of Nitin Desai. He was a stalwart in production design and such a big part of our cinema fraternity. He worked on so many of my films… this is a huge loss. Out of respect, we are not releasing the OMG 2 trailer today. Will launch it tomorrow at 11 am. Om Shanti.”

Unbelievably sad to know about the demise of Nitin Desai. He was a stalwart in production design and such a big part of our cinema fraternity. He worked on so many of my films… this is a huge loss. Out of respect, we are not releasing the OMG 2 trailer today. Will launch it… — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 2, 2023

Nitin Desai, who had worked on films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Jodha Akbar, and Lagaan, passed away at age 57. The art director reportedly died by suicide at ND Studio in Karjat on Wednesday morning, at 4:30 am on August 2.

OMG 2 has been cleared by the CBFC, though it was asked for 27 cuts in the movie. Bollywood Hungama had reported in detail on what parts were asked to be truncated from the movie. The film starring Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam is 2 hours and 36 minutes long. It releases in cinemas on August 11. ALSO READ: BREAKING: 27 cuts ordered by CBFC in OMG Oh My God 2; Akshay Kumar’s character changed from Lord Shiva to Messenger Of God; Ujjain’s reference removed (FULL DETAILS INSIDE)

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Art Director Nitin Desai dies by suicide at ND Studio in Karjat

Art Director Nitin Desai, who had worked on films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Jodha Akbar, and Lagaan, has passed away at age 57. The art director reportedly died by suicide at ND Studio in Karjat on Wednesday morning, at 4:30 am on August 2. As per early updates, he hung himself to death at the studio and police have arrived for further investigation. Nitin would have turned 58 on August 9.

As reported by India Today, BJP Local MLA from Karjat, Mahesh Baldi, confirmed the death of Nitin Desai. Baldi said, "Nitin Desai's ND studio comes in my constituency, the financial crisis was going on for many days and due to that, he committed suicide in ND studio this morning."

Nitin Desai had won four National Awards for Best Art Direction. He had worked with several filmmakers including Rajkummar Hirani, Ashutosh Gowariker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Vidhu Vinod Chopra among others. It was in 2005 when he opened the ND Studio in Karjat which eventually became a hub for shoot locations.

The last film that Nitin Desai worked on as the art director was the 2019 period drama Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

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