Year End Musings : Vidur Acting Institute in 2016

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           JANUARY 30, 2017           11.40 P.M.

End of a year is the time to make plan for the coming year. But it is also the time to take into account the year gone by. People often forget this and they remain unaware of their downward slide if there are any. And thus they fail to make amends.

This is precisely the reason, I started chronicling my accomplishments and write about the year gone by. Here I am chronicling some shinning achievements of the past and also what happened to me on the career front in 2016.

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4 generations of NEW AGE Hindi film actors are my students. They are :

HRITIK ROSHAN – KAREENA KAPOOR

RANBIR KAPOOR – KATRINA KAIF

VARUN DHAWAN – ALIA BHATT

PULKIT SAMRAT – URVASHI RAUTELA

Apart from them, I have trained modern-day Telugu super stars like ; ANUSHKA SHETTY , ALLU ARJUN , NAG CHAITANYA , RAM CHARAN & ALLU SHIRISH . Current Bengali super star DEV is also my student.

 

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SUCCESS RATE : 2012 to 2016

Success Rate : 2012 – 2013 = 40 %

Success Rate : 2013 – 2015 = 55 %

Success Rate : 2015 = 62.35 %

Success Rate : 2016 = 72.60 %

 

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Films : Debut Till Date

Year ======== Actor’s Name ======== Film’s Name

[ From 2007  To 2016 ]

ARRMAAN RALHAN is the 24th student of Vidur Acting Institute, who is making debut as an Actor in a film called ” BEFIKRE “. It was released on December 09, 2016.

[ 24 Actors in 10 Years or more than 02 Actors every year ]

2007 = RANBIR KAPOOR – Saawariya // SONAM KAPOOR – Saawariya // NEIL NITIN MUKESH – Johnny Gaddar

2008 = ANUSHKA SHARMA – Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

2010 = KATRINA KAIF – Raajneeti

2011 = KARTIK AARYAN – Pyaar Ka Punchnama – 1 // ZOA MORANI – Always Kabhi Kabhi

2012 = PULKIT SAMRAT – Bittoo Boss // VARUN DHAWAN – Student of the Year

2013 = KALKI KOECHLIN – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani // URVASHI RAUTELA – Singh Saab The Great

2014 = DAISY SHAH – Jai Ho // PREETI DESAI – One by Two // TANVI RAO – Gulab Gang // BILAL AMROHI – O Teri ! // AYESHA KHANNA – Dishkiyaoon // ARMAAN JAIN – Lekar Hum Deewana Dil

2015 = TINA AHUJA – Second Hand Husband // ELLI AVRAM – Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon

2016 = SHEKHAR RAVJIANI – Neerja // PRAKASH JHA – Jai Gangaajal // SAIYAMI KHER – Mirzya // DIVYA SINGH – Ishq Junoon // ARRMAAN RALHAN – Befikre

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Serial : Total Debut

Year ======== Actor’s Name ======== Serial’s Name

[ From 2006 To 2016 ]

KRISH PATHAK is my 8th student to make debut in a serial in 11 years. It means more than 1 student every 2 years.

[ 08 Actors in 11 Years or more than 01 Actor every 2 years ]

2006 = PULKIT SAMRAT – KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi

2008 = GURMEET CHOUDHARY – Ramayan

2013 = ELLI AVRAM – Bigg Boss [ Season 7 ]

2014 = ROHIT SHETTY – Khatron Ke Khiladi [ Season 5 ]

2014 = PRANALI GHOGARE – Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali  // SAMRIDDHA BAWA – Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali

2015 = ROHIT SHETTY – Khatron Ke Khiladi [ Season 6 ]

2016 = KRISH PATHAK – P. O. W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke

 

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2014 = PAWNI PANDEY – Gulab Gang [ Playback Singer ]

[ sung the song ” ……… Sharm Laaj Moh Maar Kar , Hata De Ye Pallu Jhaad Kar ………. “  ]

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Bigg Boss [ Season – 1 to 10 ]

Total number of my students, who participated in Bigg Boss

Season – 1 to 10, is 25. 

Bigg Boss – Season – 1 : Amit Sadh / Ragini Shetty

Bigg Boss – Season – 2 : Monica Bedi / Zulfi Syed

Bigg Boss – Season – 3 : Aditi Govitrikar / Shamita Shetty

Bigg Boss – Season – 4 : Ashmit Patel / Samir Soni

Bigg Boss – Season – 5 : Mahek Chahal / Amar Upadhyay

Bigg Boss – Season – 6 : Niketan Madhok / Karishma Kotak

Bigg Boss – Season – 7 : Tanishaa Mukerji / Hazel Keech / Apurva Agnihotri / Elli Avram

But ” Bigg Boss – Season 8 “ surpasses all the other seasons. It has 5 participants who are my students :

Bigg Boss – Season – 8 : Karishma Tanna / Minissha Lamba / Aarya Babbar / Pritam Pyaare / Upen Patel

Bigg Boss – Season – 9 : Kishwar Merchant / Rimii Sen / Vikas Bhalla

Bigg Boss – Season – 10 : Rahul Dev

 

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WORKING STUDENTS in FILMS : 2016

In total 172 Hindi films got released in 2016. It is heartening that 125 actors trained by me have appeared in lead role in these films. This makes my success rate 72.60 % in 2016.

I am providing the complete list.

January = Films Released : 18 / My Students : 11

February = Films Released : 16 / My Students : 19

March = Films Released : 18 / My Students : 07

April = Films Released : 17 / My Students : 07

May = Films Released : 17 / My Students : 07

June = Films Released : 17 / My Students : 14

July = Films Released : 14 / My Students : 17

August = Films Released : 16 / My Students : 07

September = Films Released : 13 / My Students : 08

October = Films Released : 13 / My Students : 08

November = Films Released :  09 / My Students : 13

December = Films Released : 04 / My Students : 07

If anyone would like to cross check, they can refer to Vidur’s Film Diary from January 2016 to December 2016. They can get names of the films and release date also.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS STUDENTS : 2016

1 – TV = My 29 students worked in various serials on various channels in 2016.

2 – AD = My 40 students worked as Brand Ambassadors of various products in 2016.

3 – THEATRE = My 16 students appeared in various plays in 2016.

4 – REGIONAL FILMS = My 6 students did lead roles in regional  films in 2016.

Thus in total 91 students worked in TV, AD, THEATRE & REGIONAL FILMS. If you add 125 students of films , this number comes to a whopping  216. 01 more than 2015 .

 

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SPECIAL PROJECTS : 2016

1 – Did workshop with YAMI GAUTAM for the role of a blind girl in the film ” Kaabil ” in February 2016.

 

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100 CRORE CLUB : 2016

Till date 50 Hindi films have earned 100 crore or more at the box office. Out of these 50 films, my 47 students are there in 44 films. Only ” Ghajini “, ” Holiday ” , ” Ek Villain ” , ” M. S. Dhoni : The Untold Story ” , ” Shivaay ” & ” Dangal “ are the films, which have no students of mine. In this field my success rate is unbelievably whopping 94 % .

 

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LIST OF NATIONAL FILM AWARD WINNER STUDENTS

Till date my 10 students have won NATIONAL FILM AWARDS in different categories. Out of these 10 recipients, 04 are actors, 03 are directors, 02 are producers and 01 is screenplay writer. Prakash Jha won the awards thrice. 02 as director [ SONAL & GANGAAJAL ] and 01 as screenplay writer [ APAHARAN ].

1 – 49th NATIONAL AWARDS 2002 : Prakash Jha – Director “ SONAL “

2 – 51st NATIONAL AWARDS 2004 : Prakash Jha – Director “ GANGAAJAL “

3 – 52nd NATIONAL AWARDS 2005 : Saif Ali Khan – Actor “ HUM TUM “

4 – 53rd NATIONAL AWARDS 2006 : Prakash Jha – Writer “ APAHARAN “

5 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Priyanka Chopra – Actor “ Fashion “

6 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Arjun Rampal – Actor “ ROCK ON “

7 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Jugal Hansraj – Director “ ROADSIDE ROMEO “

8 – 58th NATIONAL AWARDS 2011 : Arbaaz Khan – Producer “ DABANGG “

9 – 60th NATIONAL AWARDS 2013 : John Abraham – Producer “ VICKY DONOR “

10 – 63rd NATIONAL AWARDS 2016 : Kalki Koechlin – Actor “ MARGARITA WITH A STRAW “

 

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BATCHES : 2016

In 2016, Vidur Acting Institute churned out 07 Batches. [ 01 less than the previous year ] and 38 students got trained [ 05 less than previous year ] .

 

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AWARDS & ACCOLADES : 2014 to 2016

1 – Nagari Pracharini Sabha , Deoria conferred ” NAGARI SHRI ” Samman on September 14, 2014.

2 – Vishwa Hindi Sanstha, Canada gave ” SAMMAN PATRA ” on November 2015.

3 – M4U Entertainment , conferred  ” Top 50 Indian Icon Awards 2016 ” on July 29, 2016.

 

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VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.viduractinginstitute.com

www.facebook.com/vidur.chaturvedi

www.vidurfilms.com

www.youtube.com/ividur

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

google.com/+VidurChaturvedi

Vidur’s Film Diary – December 2016

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           January 28, 2017           11.50 P.M.

[ MILESTONE : Vidur’s Film Diary is now in the 8th year of its existence. In all these 8 years, unlike so-called “Best Acting Institutes of Mumbai” // “Best Acting Institutes of India” // “Best Acting Trainers of Mumbai” // “Best Acting Trainers of India” // “Best Acting Trainers of the World”, I have endured my journey with truth, tenacity and belligerence.

Surprisingly “Top Acting Institutes of Mumbai” // “Top Acting Institutes of India” // “Top Acting Trainers of Mumbai” // “Top Acting Trainers of India” // “Top Acting Trainers of the World” are conspicuous by their absolute silence on this front.  ]

 

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VIDUR ACTING INSTITUTE

SUCCESS RATE : 2012 to 2015

Success Rate : 2012 – 2013 = 40 %

Success Rate : 2013 – 2015 = 55 %

Success Rate : 2015= = = = = 62.35 %

For the full understanding of my body of work in 2013 – 2014 / 2014 – 2015  &  2015 – 2016 , please watch my videos on my YouTube channel. Here is the link : www.youtube.com/ividur

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2016 is gone. It has been a watershed year in my career. In total 06 students of mine made debut in 2016 as lead actors. 05 in films and 01 student made debut in a serial. Here is the list :

1 – SHEKHAR RAVJIANI = [ 2016 Neerja ]

2 – PRAKASH JHA  = [ 2016 Jai Gangaajal ]

3 – SAIYAMI KHER = [ 2016 Mirzya ]

4 – DIVYA SINGH = [ 2016 Ishq Junoon ]

5 – ARRMAAN RALHAN = [ 2016 Befikre ]

&

1 – KRISH PATHAK  – [ 2016 P.O.W. – Bandi Yuddh Ke – Serial ]

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Obituary :

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Ajit Varman

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Also known as Ajit Singh Varman or Ajit Verman, was a talented Hindi film music director, who died on December 15, 2016 at the age of 69.

He worked with Govind Nihlani in films like; “Aakrosh” [ 1980 ] , “Vijeta” [ 1982 ] & “Ardh Satya” [ 1983 ] and with Mahesh Bhatt in films like; “Saaransh” [ 1984 ] & “Janam” [ 1985 ].

 

Abis Rizvi

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On December 31, 2016 , when the world was celebrating the arrival of 2017, this young film maker and builder was gunned down by terrorists in the Reina nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, where he went to usher in new year.

Abis Rizvi was the CEO of Rizvi Builders. He also produced a Hindi film called; ” Roar : Tigers of the Sunderbans ” [ 2014 ].

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Hindi Films in December & Vidur Acting Institute :

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First Week – December 02

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1 – Kahani 2 ……………………………………………………………….. Arjun Rampal

…………………………………………………………………………………… Jugal Hansraj

 

Second Week – December 09

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1 – Befikre ……………………………………………………………… Arrmaan Ralhan

………………………………………………………………………………… Shekhar Ravjiani

 

Third Week – December 16 
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1 – Wajah Tum Ho …………………………………………………. Rajneish Duggall

………………………………………………………………………. Gurmeet Chaoudhary

………………………………………………………………………………… Krishan Kumar

 

Fourth  Week – December 23 
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1 – Dangal …………………………………………………………………………………….. X

 

In total ………..……… 04 ………..….. films got released in December 2016 . Out of these ……………..….. 04 …………………… released films ………………….. 03 ……………………… films have …………… 07 ……………. artistes , who are trained by me .

Out of these ………………… 07 ………………… persons , …………… 05 ……… are actors and among the remaining …………. 02 ……………….. Shekhar Ravjiani is the Music Director of ” Befikre “ and Krishan Kumar is the Co-Producer of  ” Wajah Tum Ho ” .

 

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TV Trivia in December & Vidur Acting Institute :

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1 – Samriddha Bawa is playing lead in ” Ek Shringaar Swabhimaan ” on Colors TV.

2 – Vinay Jain is playing an important role in ” Ek Shringaar Swabhimaan ” on Colors TV.

My …………. 02 ………….. students in ………… 01 ………….TV show .

 

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Commercials in December & Vidur Acting Institute :

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1 – Varun Dhawan is the Brand Ambassador of  ” Buffalow ” fashion brand.

1 – Hritik Roshan is the Brand Ambassador of  ” Nirma “ washing powder.

My ………….. 02 …………… students in …………… 02  …………… commercial campaigns .

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Summary of December 2016

My 07 students appeared in 03 films , 02 students in 01 TV show and 02 students appeared in 02 Ads .

Thus total number of students working in the month of December 2016 comes to 11 . 

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On behalf of all the students & staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , VIDUR Editing Studio , VIDUR Club and VIDUR Merchandise, I congratulate my above mentioned 11 students .

May God bless them for making me proud and they shine in their chosen field .

[ List of released films,  dates and other information have been taken from http://www.bollywoodhungama.com 

I am indebted and I express gratitude. ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.viduractinginstitute.com

www.facebook.com/vidur.chaturvedi

www.vidurfilms.com

www.youtube.com/ividur

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

google.com/+VidurChaturvedi

Vidur Acting Institute & 10 National Film Awards

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           May 22 , 2016           11.00 P.M.

With this post, I want to tell the world that VIDUR Acting Institute  has a wonderful presence in the arena of NATIONAL FILM AWARDS.

This year in 2016 my student Kalki Koechlin won Jury Best Actor Award for her film ” MARGARITA WITH A STRAW “. When I read the news and started counting , I was surprised to note that till date my 10 students have won NATIONAL FILM AWARDS in different categories.

With Kalki Koechlin on the terrace of her apartment

Out of these 10 recipients, 04 are actors, 03 are directors, 02 are producers and 01 is screenplay writer. Prakash Jha won the awards thrice. 02 as director [ SONAL & GANGAAJAL ] and 01 as screenplay writer [ APAHARAN ].

With Prakash Jha at the launch party of Jai Gangaajal

As I have decide to be truthful in all my reporting, I would like to confess that out of 10 NATIONAL FILM AWARD winning personalities, I have to share credit of 05 with Mr. Kishore Namit Kapoor as I trained them there as their personal acting coach. They are : Saif Ali Khan , Priyanka Chopra , Arjun Rampal , Arbaaz Khan & John Abraham . 

But the remaining 05 are my own students. They are : Prakash Jha [ 03 Time Winner ] Jugal Hansraj & Kalki Koechlin .

Kalki is a wonderful actor and her portrayals are always very poignant and sensitive. After her debut film ” Dev D ” , she was memorable in ” Margarita With A Straw “.

Satyameva Jayate

 सत्यमेव जयते

In the era of falsehood, VIDUR Acting Institute has chosen the tortuous path of truthfulness. In the season of deceit, VIDUR Acting Institute  has taken the pledge of being factually correct. You can go to the National Film Award website and can check and verify the below mentioned names of winners and their films. But do check the tall claims of so many other so-called “Best Acting Institutes of Mumbai” or “Best Acting Institutes of India”. Grill the so-called “Best Acting Trainers of Mumbai” or “Best Acting Trainers of India” and you will see through their hollow claims. That is the reason I say ;

सत्यमेव जयते नानृतम् ,
सत्येन पन्था विततो देवयानः ।
येनाक्रमन्त्यृषयो ह्याप्तकामा ,
यत्र तत् सत्यस्य परमं निधानम् ॥

……………….. मुण्डक उपनिषद्

English Translation

Truth alone triumphs ; not falsehood.
Through truth the divine path is spread out ,
by which the sages , whose desires have been completely fulfilled, reach where that supreme treasure of Truth resides.

…………………………………… Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad

LIST OF NATIONAL FILM AWARD WINNERS

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1 – 49th NATIONAL AWARDS 2002 : Prakash Jha – Director “ SONAL “

2 – 51st NATIONAL AWARDS 2004 : Prakash Jha – Director “ GANGAAJAL “

3 – 52nd NATIONAL AWARDS 2005 : Saif Ali Khan – Actor “ HUM TUM “

4 – 53rd NATIONAL AWARDS 2006 : Prakash Jha – Writer “ APAHARAN “

5 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Priyanka Chopra – Actor “ Fashion “

6 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Arjun Rampal – Actor “ ROCK ON “

7 – 56th NATIONAL AWARDS 2009 : Jugal Hansraj – Director “ ROADSIDE ROMEO “

8 – 58th NATIONAL AWARDS 2011 : Arbaaz Khan – Producer “ DABANGG “

9 – 60th NATIONAL AWARDS 2013 : John Abraham – Producer “ VICKY DONOR “

10 – 63rd NATIONAL AWARDS 2016 : Kalki Koechlin – Actor “ MARGARITA WITH A STRAW “

Kalki Koechlin receiving award from President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee

I am so happy that my students are winning National Film Awards in such a large numbers. These awards are prestigious and are very much respected. Presence of my students in this list make me humble and motivates me to work hard and keep on reinventing myself again and again.

 

[ List of the award-winning films and actors has been taken from the website of National Film Awards. I express gratitude. ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.viduractinginstitute.com

www.facebook.com/vidur.chaturvedi

www.vidurfilms.com

www.youtube.com/ividur

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

google.com/+VidurChaturvedi

My Association With Animation Films of India

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           JANUARY 04 , 2013           11.55 P.M.

Hollywood has long tradition of successful animation films . In India it is the recent phenomenon . ” Roadside Romeo ” [ 2008 ] , ” Arjun – The Warrior Prince ” [ 2009 ] and ” Delhi Safari ” [ 2012 ] are the most successful and well – known animation films of India . But they are new compared to the 100 years old Indian Cinema .

” Roadside Romeo “ was produced by Yash Raj Films & Walt Disney Company .  ” Arjun – The Warrior Prince “ was made by UTV & Disney . ” Delhi Safari “ was a film by Nikil Advani .

Roadside Romeo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Poster of Arjun (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though , in India , animation films are latest phenomenon , but it all started in 1974 . ” Ek Anek Aur Ekta ” [ 1974 ] is considered to be the first animation film of India . But the first 3D animation film of India and till date the most talked about animation film is ” Roadside Romeo ” [ 2008 ] .

” Roadside Romeo “ , technically most perfect animation film of India till date , was produced by Yash Raj Films and was written & Directed by Jugal Hansraj . Voice for the lead characters were given by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor . Saif and Kareena are my old students . Jugal , who was trained by me for Yash Raj Films ” Mohabbatein ” [ 2000 ] , made his directorial debut with this film .

Through ” Roadside Romeo ” , I made my contribution in the world of Indian animation films also . It is so heartening .

List of Indian animated movies

• Ek Anek Aur Ekta (1974)
• Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1992)
• Pandavas – The Five Warriors (2000) – National Award in the category of Best Feature Film in English 2000 & Second Best Animated Feature Film Award in Vancouver Effects & Animation Festival, 2001.
• Hanuman (2005)
• The legend of Lord Buddha (animated film) (2005)
• Kittu (2006)
• Krishna (2006)
• Inimey Nangathan (2007)
• Return of Hanuman (2007)
• Roadside Romeo (2008)
• Dashavatar (2008)
• Ghatothkach (2008)
• Cheenti Cheenti Bang Bang (2008)
• Jumbo (2008)
• Arjun – The Warrior Prince (2009)
• Bal Ganesh (2009)
• Lav Kush – The Warrior Twins (2010)
• Toonpur Ka Superrhero (2010)
• Ramayana: The Epic (2010)
• Koochie Koochie Hota Hain (2011)
• Alibaba Aur 41 Chor (2011)
• Delhi Safari (2012)
• My home is Green (2011)

List of animated TV series produced in India

• The Adventures of Tenali Raman:The Adventures of Tenali Raman (26 X 11 min) is India’s first animated 2D television series by Toonz Animation India.
• Little Krishna: 13 episodes 3D animated series produced for global audience by BIG Animation (I) Pvt. Ltd. and The Indian Heritage Foundation in both languages Hindi and English. Aired on Nickelodeon on May 2009.
• Chhota Bheem:Super hit series on Pogo ‘Chhota Bheem’ produced by Green Gold(co-production with Turner International). It started as a 13-episode TV series, and based on the popularity it got extended and till date more than 60 episodes were delivered and work is underway on more episodes.
• Krishna Balram: 26 stories, of 22 minutes duration each, follow through the capers of Krishna, Balram and Radha. Once again by Green Gold Animation. This series aired on Cartoon Network.
• Shaktimaan Animated: It is the animated version of the hugely successful Shaktimaan series of the 1990s. The animated series is aired on SONIC.

[ I have taken the above list of animation films and serials from Wikipedia . I express my gratitude . ]

I am happy that my 3 students contributed in the first and most successful 3D animation film of India . I wish and hope that in future more students of my acting class Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  should take part in such endeavour .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.youtube.com/ividur

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

Related articles

• Arjun: The Warrior Prince (2012) (canadiancinephile.com)
• Delhi Safari premiered Monday in Los Angeles (sunsetdaily.wordpress.com)
• If Your Kids Liked “Madagascar”, They’ll LOVE Delhi Safari! (mommyofamonster.com)
• Melbourne International Animation Festival (noentryfeefestivals.com)
• Oscar nominations include Indian animated films (dawn.com)

Yash Chopra : ” Waqt ” Stopped ; ” Silsila ” Snapped

Yash Chopra at Suzanne Roshan’s The Charcoal Project Launch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           OCTOBER 23, 2012           11.59 P.M.

Yash Chopra , the eternal romantic died on October 21 , 2012 . He was 80 years young at the time of his death .

On Sunday night , I was sitting in my study and was writing blog about Karan Johar’s  film ” Student Of The Year “ , I suddenly checked my twitter handle and was shocked beyond words . There were spate of tweets about the demise of legendary film maker Yash Raj Chopra .

Within moments several posters of his films , many scenes of his all – time classics rushed to the firmament of my memory lane . Though unaware of his greatness then , first Yash Chopra film , which I watched was ” Waqt ” [ 1965 ] . I watched it in Amarjyoti Talkies , Deoria . During my years in Allahabad , I watched many of his films and became aware of his greatness . This ” Silsila ” [ 1981 ] continued till ” Veer Zaara ” [ 2004 ] .

Waqt (1965 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kaala Patthar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Silsila (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dil To Pagal Hai (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cover via Amazon

I have nothing new to say about Yash Chopra . Everything is there in news papers . What I would like to say is , I had honour and privilege to meet Yash ji , as he is fondly called, several times .

Mohabbatein (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was called by Aditya Chopra to train 6 new – comers of  ” Mohabbatein ” [ 2000 ] . One day when I finished class with Jimmy Sheirgill , Uday Chopra , Jugal Hansraj , Shamita Shetty , Preeti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma and came out of the room , I saw Yash ji sitting there in the outer room . I rushed to greet him . He fondly shook hand with me and said , ” I am hearing great things about you .” I was overwhelmed . ” Mohabbatein “ was my first big film . And Yash Raj Films was my first big banner , I was sure that after the release of this film I would be able to come out of my obscurity . And here was a legend complimenting me about my training , I felt ecstatic .

It was not a compliment by some wannabe . It was from The Legend himself . To understand my feelings and elated state after Yash ji’s compliment just look at his credentials .

FILMS AS DIRECTOR :

” Dhool Ka Phool ” [ 1959 ] , ” Dharmputra ” [ 1961 ] , ” Waqt ” [ 1965 ] , ” Aadmi Aur Insaan ” [ 1969 ] , ” Ittefaq ” [ 1969 ] , ” Daag ” [ 1973 ] , ” Joshila ” [ 1973 ] , ” Deewar ” [ 1975 ] , ” Kabhi Kabhie ” [ 1976 ] , ” Trishul ” [ 1978 ] , ” Kaala Patthar ” [ 1989 ] , ” Silsila “[ 1981 ] , ” Mashaal ” [ 1984 ] , ” Faasle ” [ 1985 ] , ” Vijay ” [ 1988 ] , ” Chandni ” [ 1989 ] , ” Lamhe ” [ 1991 ] , ” Parampara ” [ 1992 ] , ” Darr ” [ 1993 ] , ” Dil To Pagal Hai ” [ 1997 ] , ” Veer – Zaara ” [ 2004 ] and ” Jab Tak Hai Jaan ” [ 2012 ] .

FILMFARE AWARDS :

1965 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Waqt “

1969 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Ittefaq “

1973 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Daag “

1975 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Deewar “

1991 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Lamhe “

1975 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge “

1997 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Dil To Pagal Hai “

2004 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Veer – Zaara “

2006 , Filmfare Power Award

2007 , Filmfare Power Award

2008 , Filmfare Power Award

NATIONAL FILM AWARDS :

1998 , Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment , ” Dil To Pagal Hai “

2005 , Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment , ” Veer – Zaara “

AWARDS & HONOURS :

2001 , Dadasaheb Phalke Award

2005 , Padma Bhushan

2008 , Officier de la Legion d’Honneur

FILMS AS PRODUCER :

Daag (1973) Kabhi Kabhie (1976) Doosra Aadmi (1977) Trishul (1978) Noorie (1979) Kaala Pathar (1979) Silsila (1981) Nakhuda (1981) Sawaal (1982) Mashaal (1984) Faasle (1985) Vijay (1988) Chandni (1989) Lamhe (1991)

Darr (1993) Aaina (1993) Yeh Dillagi (1994) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) Humko Ishq Ne Maara (Telefilm) (1997) Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) Mohabbatein (2000) Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002) Saathiya (2002) Hum Tum (2004) Dhoom (2004) Veer-Zaara (2004)

Bunty Aur Babli (2005) Salaam Namaste (2005) Neal N Nikki (2005) Fanaa (2006) Dhoom 2 (2006) Kabul Express (2006) Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007) Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) Chak De India (2007) Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007) Aaja Nachle (2007) Tashan (2008) Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008) Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)

Roadside Romeo (2008) Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) New York (2009) Dil Bole Hadippa (2009) Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) Pyaar Impossible (2010) Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011) Ishaqzaade (2012) Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

When I was working with Uday Chopra as his private tutor , I used to go to Yash ji’s iconic bungalow in Juhu . I bumped into him several times . He was always gracious , always kind . Though he was a legend and I was not even a spec in the scheme of universe .

Once , years later , I went to meet Uday Chopra at Yash Raj Studio . I came out of his office after meeting him and approached the lift . Yash ji was standing there . Door of lift opened . Yash ji went in . I hesitated to enter and was standing still in front of the door . To my utter surprise Yash ji told me to come in . I went in and was almost numb that I am standing so close to him . I am sharing the space with him . Any other person of his stature would have ignored a non – entity like me . But Yash ji , in spite of being a legend , was kind enough to gesture me to come in . I will never forget that moment .

I am honoured that I got an opportunity to work with his banner . It was an experience to remember . Today as I am writing this blog , I remember several fond memories of the legend , who was so kind , ever smiling and always benevolent .

Apart from Mr. Dev Anand , Mr. Yash Raj Chopra is the most important factor in my life . He , along with Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra , helped an obscure Acting Trainer and thus made me what I am today .Vidur’s Kreating Charakters ,  as an Acting Institute and Acting Trainer Vidur , as a person owe their existence to Yash ji and his Yash Raj Films .

Thank you sir ! I will always be grateful to you because you never made me feel small in your presence . I always got love from you , though I deserved none . You were always condescending , though I was not worthy of anything . You were always kind , though I was just a pigmy in front of a titan like you .

Rest in peace sir !

[ List of his films have been taken from Wikipedia . I express my gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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An Evening With Shweta Pandit

 

January 09, 2011. What a Sunday ! After a long time , almost after five years, on this very cold , windy and dreary Sunday of Mumbai, I got an opportunity to meet famous playback singer Shweta Pandit. Her brother Yash Pandit is my student and because of him I know her personally. I am a huge admirer of her grand-uncle Pandit Jasraj ji, who is the real brother of her grandfather Pandit Pratap Ji.

Image via Wikipedia - Pandit Jasraj Ji

I used to like her Bua Sulakshan Pandit, who was a famous singer-actor of her time. I am a huge fan of her famous uncles and notable music director duo Jatin-Lalit also. Who is not a fan of hit musical scores of blockbuster films like ” Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge ” , ” Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai ” and ” Mohabbatein ” . All these films have Jatin-Lalit compositions. Recent hit ” Munni Badnam Hui ” of ” Dabangg ” is also a creation of Lalit Pandit. Shweta Pandit’s  father Mandhir Pandit gave music for some of Dev Anand films under the name of Mandhir-Jatin.

Image via Wikipedia

” Mohabbatein ” [ 2000 ] reminds me of Shweta Pandit because it was her debut film. She sang two songs – ” Sab Darwaze Kar Lo Band, Dekho Aaye Aaye Chor  ” and  ” Chalte Chalte Yun Hi ” at the age of 12. It was a Yash Raj film. It was Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan starrer. She gave voice to Shamita Shetty in this film. As a trainer ” Mohabbatein ” was a big and important film for me too. I was called by Aditya Chopra to train 6 artistes, who were making their debut with this film. They were – Uday Chopra, Jugal Hansraj, Jimmy Sheirgill, Shamita Shetty, Priti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma. That time I didn’t know that Shweta Pandit is also making her debut with this film. ” Mohabbatein “ changed my life completely. From being an unknown and insignificant player in the field of acting training, I became a known figure in this field. And from being a 12 years old debutant singer, Shweta Pandit became an international sensation, who hops around the world along with A. R. Rehman for his concerts.

 

Image via Wikipedia - Logo of Yash Raj Films

Shweta called me on Saturday night to inform me that she would be coming to my institute on Sunday. It was nice seeing her after 5 years. She is same courteous, vibrant and energetic girl, who met me years ago with his brother Yash Pandit and who had now matured as a singer and as an international performer.

It was nice meeting you Shweta. We both started our major film journey from ” Mohabbatein “. It is an eleven year old relationship. We share a kind of professional umbilical cord. I pray to God that this umbilical cord should not and would never be snapped.

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi