VIDUR&#039;s Blog

Alas ………. Eros Cinema is also gone !!

Posted on December 29, 2018 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

Eros Cinema Hall at Churchgate

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA December 29, 2018 04.45 P.M.

I’m so sad , crestfallen and heartbroken today.

Last month on November 28, 2018, I wrote about closure of Rhythm House and Cafe Samovar . I felt deep sense of loss at that time.

Now comes news of closure of Eros Cinema hall. When I saw the photograph of the gate of this majestic building being locked, my heart melted.

Eros Cinema Hall at Churchgate being locked

I had so many warm memories of this particular cinema hall. In 1972, I went there to watch a Hollywood film ” KLUTE ‘ [ 1971 ] starring Jane Fonda , Donald Sutherland and Roy Scheider. Sylvester Stallone was also in the film but as an extra. Jane Fonda won an Academy Award for Best Actress. ” KLUTE ” was huge hit .

When I reached there to watch the movie, ticket windows were closed. I stood on the staircase and was very disappointed. There was a man in sky blue top and denim pants and he gently said, ” do you want to watch the film? ” I simply nodded. He gave me one ticket saying that he bought it for his friend but it seems he won’t be able to make it. So you take this ticket and enjoy the film. When I offered to pay the price, he politely refused. Few days later, I watched the same man in a Satyadev Dubey directed play ” AADHE ADHURE ” at Patkar Hall.

Three years later, while in my native place Deoria, Uttar Pradesh , I went to watch a Hindi movie ” SALAAKHEN ” [ 1975 ]. This Shashi Kapoor and Sulakshana Pandit starrer movie had a villain. I suddenly recognized the man. He was the same person who offered me a ticket of ” KLUTE ” and whom I watched in ” AADHE ADHURE “. Then I got to know his name. His name was Amrish Puri. Those days he was known as the younger brother of Madan Puri. Few years later he became a huge , gigantic star and later on a legend.

Many years later, when I became an acting trainer, I trained his grand-son Vardhan Puri , who is making his debut in a Hindi film called ” PAAGAL “.

Eros Cinema Hall at Churchgate

Later on I watched many Hollywood and Bollywood films at Eros. If I am remembering correctly, Amir Khan and Urmila Matondkar starrer film ” RANGEELA ” [ 1995 ] , was the last film , which I watched there. There after multiplex boom hit Mumbai and many swanky plexes sprung up in suburbs. So Sunday routine of watching film at South Mumbai single screen theatres lost its charm . And I got busy in my acting training activities and watching films at Eros and other single screen theatres was discontinued.

But when I heard the news of its closure and saw the gate being locked, I was devastated.

One more iconic place of my struggling days is going to be finished for ever.

There won’t be another Eros. There won’t be same movie watching experience again.

But journey of life moves ahead.

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VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

Filed under: Sunset Boulevards | Tagged: Aadhe Adhure, Acting Institute, Acting Trainer, AMIR KHAN, Amrish Puri, Bollywood, Cafe Samovar, Churchgate, Deoria, Diction Trainer, Donald Sutherland, Eros, Eros Cinema Hall, Film, Hindi Teacher, India, Jane Fonda, Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi, Klute, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Paagal, Pandit Satyadev Dubey, Patkar Hall, Rangeela, Rhythm House, Salaakhen, Shashi Kapoor, Silvester Stallone, South Mumbai, Sulakshana Pandit, Urmila Matondkar, Uttar Pradesh, Vardhan Puri, Vidur, VIDUR Acting Institute, Vidur Chaturvedi, Vidur's Blog, Vidur's Students | Leave a comment »

Peter O’Toole : An Icon Passes Away

Posted on December 8, 2018 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

English: Cropped screenshot of Peter O'Toole f...

Peter O’Toole in the film Lawrence of Arabia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Peter James O’Toole

2 August 1932 – 14 December 2013

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA December 08, 2018 03.30 P.M.

Peter James O’Tool aka Peter O’Tool was a British stage and film actor of Irish and Scottish descent. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began working in the theatre, gaining recognition as a Shakespearean actor at the Bristol Old Vic and with the English Stage Company before making his film debut in 1959.

He achieved international recognition playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) for which he received his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was nominated for this award another seven times – for Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), The Ruling Class (1972), The Stunt Man(1980), My Favorite Year (1982), and Venus (2006) – and holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for acting without a win. In 2002, O’Toole was awarded the Academy Honorary Award for his career achievements. He was additionally the recipient of four Golden Globe Awards, one British Academy Film Award and one Primetime Emmy Award.

Peter O’Tool with Richard Burton in ” BECKET “

I came to know about him in 1973. I was studying in Prayagraj [ then known as Allahabad ] , Uttar Pradesh. A Hindi film ” NAMAK HARAM ” was released in 1973 in Vishwambhar cinema hall. I, along with my friends, went to swatch it. It was huge hit and everyone was praising Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna’s acting. One day I read an article about ” NAMAK HARAM ” in Northern India Patrika, a popular daily of those days. It was written that this film is based on the iconic Hollywood film ” BECKET ” and how Richard Burton and Peter O’Tool were so brilliant. Richard Burton’s role was played by Rajesh Khanna and Peter O’Tool’s role was essayed by Amitabh Bachchan.

Soon ” Becket ” was re-released in cinema halls and I saw the film. I had already watched many films of Richard Burton but this was my first brush with Peter O’Tool. I was awe-struck. Later on I watched his first film ” Lawrence of Arabia “. My admiration for his craft grew manifold.

After completing my studies I left Prayagraj [ then named as Allahabad ] , and after spending 15 years in my native town Deoria, I settled in Mumbai [ then know as Bombay ] . Here in 1990 I watched his film ” THE LAST EMPEROR ” ( 1987 ) . One day while roaming around Hutatma Chowk, [ earlier known as Flora Fountain ] , I got his biography in a road side bookstore. After reading it , I became a life-long admirer.

So when I read about his death, I felt a vacuum in my life. Life is cruel. I got to know about Peter O’Tool in 1973. And in December 2013, I was reading his obituary. A relationship of 40 years came to a sudden end.

Movie business will go on. Many stars will come and fade away. But stars like Peter O’Tool are rare. As is the saying, they don’t make people like him any more.

Peter O’Tool in his sunset years

Peter O’Toole will never return to enthrall us by his histrionics in cinema. There will be many great actors but there will never be another Peter O’Tool.

[ Some personal information and nuggets about his career is taken from Wikipedia. I express my gratitude. ]

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On behalf of all the students & staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , VIDUR Editing Studio , VIDUR Club and VIDUR Merchandise, I offer my deep condolences.

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

Filed under: Obituary | Tagged: Academy Award, Acting Institute, Acting Trainer, Allahabad, Amitabh Bachchan, Becket, Bollywood, Bristol Old Vic, Deoria, Diction Trainer, Film, Flora Fountain, Golden Globe Award, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Hindi Teacher, Hutatma Chowk, India, Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi, Lawrence of Arabia, Maharashtra, Mumbai, My Favorite Year, Namak Haram, Northern India Patrika, Obituary, Peter O'Tool, Prayagraj, R.A.D.A., Rajesh Khanna, Richard Burton, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, T. E. Lawrence, The Lion in Winter, The ruling Class, The Stunt Man, Uttar Pradesh, Venus, Vidur, VIDUR Acting Institute, Vidur Chaturvedi, Vidur's Blog, Vishwambhar Cinema Hall | Leave a comment »

Life Without ” Rhythm House ” & ” Cafe Samovar “

Posted on November 28, 2018 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

RHYTHM HOUSE at Kala Ghoda

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA November 28, 2018 01.30 P.M.

On November 29, 2015 I read in the newspapers that RHYTHM HOUSE ” , the iconic music shop at Kala Ghoda area of south Mumbai , is going to be closed.

It finally got closed in February 2016.

What is so special that even after 2 years I am forced by emotions to write about this shop. After all it was just a shop.

Today’s generation can’t imagine it’s importance. It was lifeline of Mumbai’s cultural world. Long before Bombay became Mumbai, it was a must visit place for all the connoisseurs and aficionados of music world. In Bombay city of early 70s, 80s and 90s , it was a happening place , where all the connoisseurs of music used to descend every day.

Interior of Iconic RHYTHM HOUSE

There are talks to revive this place but in today’s world, when you can download any song for free , who will go and buy LP, EP, records, cassettes and CDs.

I have so many fond memories of this place. Though I didn’t have much money those days but still I used to go there to buy cassettes and CDs of old Hindi films, old songs of Lata Mangeshkar, Bengali songs, Robindro Sangeet and song of Elvis Presley. Alas! those days are just memory.

Rhythm House is not alone. In the same year when it got closed, another iconic south Mumbai place CAFE SAMOVAR also got close in March 2015. Started by Usha Khanna in 1964, Cafe Samovar in Jehangir Art Gallery has been an icon of Mumbai’s cultural landscape for decades.

One by one all the iconic places of old Bombay are becoming memories. After Bombay became Mumbai, I feel there is no love lost for old icons of the city. I feel sad . Government of the day should try to preserve the heritage of old city.

The new Mumbai doesn’t mean that old Bombay should fade away from the landscape.

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VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com

Filed under: Sunset Boulevards | Tagged: Acting Institute, Acting Trainer, Cafe Samovar, Diction Trainer, Elvis Presley, Hindi Teacher, Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi, Lata Mangeshkar, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Rhythm House, Robindro Sangeet, South Mumbai, Usha Khanna, Vidur, VIDUR Acting Institute, Vidur Chaturvedi, Vidur's Blog | Leave a comment »

Vidur’s Film Diary – April 2017

Posted on August 30, 2017 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA August 30, 2017 07.10 P.M.

[ MILESTONE : Vidur’s Film Diary is now in the 8th year of its existence. 8 long and uninterrupted years! ]

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VIDUR ACTING INSTITUTE

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 %

It is evident that my success rate is increasing every year. It is unprecedented.

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Actors, whom I trained and who hit the screen as lead actors [ Hero & Villain ] in films

January 2017 to April 2017 :

YAMI GAUTAM – Kaabil [ Hindi ]

MEHERENE KAUR PIRZADA – Phillauri [ Hindi ]

CHIRAG JANI – Rogue [ Telugu ]

VISHAL PATNI – Maa Abbai [ Telugu ]

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Obituary :

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Kishori Amonkar

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A classical singer of repute, Kishori Amonkar died in Mumbai on April 03, 2017 at the age of 85 . A performer of classical music, she also excelled in khayal, Thumri & Bhajan singing.

She gave play back for only 2 Hindi films and in total sang just 6 songs. 1st was V. Shantaram’s ” Geet Gaya Patharon Ne ” [ 1965 ] , which was incidentally Jeetendra’s debut movie. She sang the title song in the film.

Her 2nd film was ” Dristi ” [ 1991 ]. She sang all the 5 songs and also composed music.

Vinod Khanna

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A mighty super-star during Amitabh Bachchan era, Vinod Khanna succumbed to cancer and died in Mumbai hospital on April 27, 2017. He was 71 at the time of his death.

He made debut as the main villain with ” Man Ka Meet ” [ 1968 ]. This film was directed by A. Subba Rao and produced by Sunil Dutt. Later on he acted in supporting roles; as an angry young man in the movie Mere Apne, as the main villain in the super-hit movie Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and as the military officer turned fugitive in the critically acclaimed movie Achanak .

After above mentioned films, Vinod Khanna played lead roles in many films and is best remembered for his performances in Kuchhe Dhaage, Gaddaar, Imtihaan, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Inkaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rajput, The Burning Train, Qurbani, Kudrat, Parvarish, Khoon Pasina, Dayavan, Chandni and Jurm.

In 1982, at the peak of his film career, he temporarily quit the film industry to follow his spiritual guru Osho . After a 5-year hiatus, he returned to the Hindi film industry with two hit films; Insaaf and Satyamev Jayate.

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Hindi Films in April & Vidur Acting Institute :

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First Week – April 07

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1 – Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana ….. Gurmeet Choudhary

2 – Mirza Juuliet ……………………………………………………………………………… X

3 – Mukti Bhawan …………………………………………………………………………… X

4 – The Mountains ………………………………………………………………………….. X

Second Week – April 14

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1 – Begum Jaan ………………………………………………………………………………… X

2 – Romeo – N – Bullet ………………………………………………………………………. X

3 – Saanjh …………………………………………………………………………………………. X

Third Week – April 21
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1 – Ajab Samajh Ki Gajab Kahani ………………………………………………….. X

2 – Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi …………………………………………………………………… X

3 – Maatr ………………………………………………………………………………………….. X

4 – Noor ……………………………………………………………………………………………. X

Fourth Week – April 28
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1 – Baahubali 2 : The Conclusion ……………………………. Anushka Shetty

In total ………..……… 12 ………..….. films got released in April 2017 . Out of these ……………..….. 12 …………………… released films ………………….. 03 ……………………… films have …………… 03 ……………. artistes , who are trained by me .

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Summary of April 2017

My 03 students appeared in 03 films.

Total number of students working in the month of April 2017 is 03.

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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 03 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

I am indebted and I express gratitude. ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

Filed under: Film Diaries | Tagged: Acting Institute, Acting Trainer, Amitabh Bachchan, Anushka Shetty, Bollywood, Diction Trainer, Film, Film Diary, Gurmeet Choudhary, Hindi Teacher, India, Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi, Kishori Amonkar, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Obituary, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Vidur, VIDUR Acting Institute, Vidur Chaturvedi, VIDUR Club, VIDUR Editing Studio, VIDUR Merchandise, Vidur's Blog, Vidur's Film Diary, Vidur's Students, Vinod Khanna | Leave a comment »

Vidur’s Film Diary – March 2017

Posted on August 26, 2017 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA August 26, 2017 05.10 P.M.

[ MILESTONE : Vidur’s Film Diary is now in the 8th year of its existence. 8 long and uninterrupted years! ]

I’m posting this blog after 4 months gap. Reasons are many. One is writer’s block. I never ever thought that one day I could also be a victim of this dreaded writer’s block. But it struck me with all ferocity. Anyhow I fought a valiant battle and overcame that. So now I am ready with this much delayed version of Vidur’s Film Diary.

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VIDUR ACTING INSTITUTE

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 %

It is evident that my success rate is increasing every year. It is unprecedented.

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Obituary :

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Katy Mirza

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An actress of some repute and 1970s sensation, Katy Mirza died in London on 16 March 2017. She was 67 at the time of her death.

An aspiring graphic designer in 1972-73, Katy was working as receptionist at the London Hilton hotel when a Playboy employee saw her and asked her to audition. Katy soon became a Playboy “Bunny” in 1973. Fame and stardom brought her to Mumbai and soon Katy started getting work in films. Among other films, she worked in Amitabh Bachchan starrer blockbuster “Kasme Vaade” [ 1978 ] & “Kissa Kursi Ka” [ 1978 ].

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Hindi Films in March & Vidur Acting Institute :

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First Week – March 03

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1 – Commando 2 ……………………………………………………….. Dhaval Gada

2 – Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai ………………………………………… Arbaaz Khan

3 – Luvs Shv Pyar Vyar ………………………………………………………………… X

Second Week – March 10

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1 – Aagaya Hero ……………………………………………………………………………. X

2 – Badrinath Ki Dulhania ……………………………………… Varun Dhawan

…………………………………………………………………………………………… Alia Bhatt

3 – Mantra ………………………………………………………………… Kalki Koechlin

Third Week – March 17

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1 – Machine …………………………………………………………………………………….. X

2 – Trapped ……………………………………………………………………………………… X

Fourth Week – March 24
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1 – Anaarkali of Aarah ……………………………………………………………………. X

2 – M. A. Pass ……………………………………………………… Indraneil Sengupta

3 – Phillauri ……………………………………………………………. Anushka Sharma

…………………………………………………………………………………. Mehreen Pirzada

Fifth Week – March 31

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1 – Naam Shabana …………………………………………………………….. Elli Avram

2 – Poorna…………………………………………………………………………………………… X

In total ………..……… 13 ………..….. films got released in March 2017 . Out of these ……………..….. 13 …………………… released films ………………….. 07 ……………………… films have …………… 09 ……………. artistes , who are trained by me .

Out of these ………………… 09 ………………… persons , …………… 08 ……… are actors and the remaining …………. 01 ……………….. Dhaval Gada is the Producer of ” Commando 2 “ .

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Summary of March 2017

My 09 students appeared in 07 films .

Total number of students working in the month of March 2017 is 09 .

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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 09 students .

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

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.

[ 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

Filed under: Film Diaries | Tagged: Acting Institute, Acting Trainer, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, Diction Trainer, ELLI AVRAM, Film, Film Diary, Hindi Teacher, Kalki Koechlin, Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Varun Dhawan, Vidur, VIDUR Acting Institute, Vidur Chaturvedi, VIDUR Club, VIDUR Editing Studio, Vidur's Blog, Vidur's Film Diary, Vidur's Students | Leave a comment »

Vidur’s Film Diary – February 2017

Posted on March 27, 2017 by VIDUR [ Kamal Nayan Chaturvedi ]

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA March 27, 2017 00.35 A.M.

[ MILESTONE : Vidur’s Film Diary is now in the 8th year of its existence. 8 long and uninterrupted years! ]

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VIDUR ACTING INSTITUTE

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 %

It is evident that my success rate is increasing every year.

Year 2017 also started on a good note. I did workshop with YAMI GAUTAM for her role in “Kaabil”. She is my 1st student to hit the screen in 2017.

JOYVEER GHOSH made appearance in a serial “Dil Se Dil Tak” on Colors TV.

Thus 02 students of mine have already made debut in 2017. And yes, there are many more to come.

1 – YAMI GAUTAM = [ 2017 Kaabil ]

1 – JOYVEER GHOSH – [ 2017 Dil Se Dil Tak – Serial ]

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Hindi Films in February & Vidur Acting Institute :

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First Week – February 10

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1 – Jolly LLB 2 ………………………………………………………………………………. X

2 – MSG Lion Hearted 2 ……………………………………………………………….. X

Second Week – February 17

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1 – Irada ……………………………………………………………………….. Divya Dutta

2 – Chauhar …………………………………………………………………………………… X

3 – Runningshaadi.com ……………………………………………………. Amit Sadh

4 – The Ghazi Attack …………………………………………………………………….. X

Third Week – February 24
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1 – Mona Darling ……………………………………………………………. Sanjay Suri

2 – Rangoon …………………………………………………………………. Saif Ali Khan

3 – Wedding Anniversary ……………………………….. Priyanshu Chatterjee

In total ………..……… 09 ………..….. films got released in February 2017 . Out of these ……………..….. 09 …………………… released films ………………….. 05 ……………………… films have …………… 05 ……………. artistes , who are trained by me .

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Commercials in February & Vidur Acting Institute :

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1 – Hritik Roshan is the Brand Ambassador of ” Flair Desire Pen ” .

2 – Priyanka Chopra is the Brand Ambassador of ” Pro.Ease “ .

3 – Sonam Kapoor is the Brand Ambassador of ” Cera Tiles “ .

My ………….. 03 …………… students in …………… 03 …………… commercial campaigns .

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Summary of February 2017

My 05 students appeared in 05 films and 03 students appeared in 03 Ads .

Thus total number of students working in the month of February 2017 comes to 08 .

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AWARDS – ACCOLADES – DEBUTS

Filmfare AWARDS 2017

1 – Sonam Kapoor won Critics Best Actor [ Female ] for ” Neerja “.

2 – Alia Bhatt won Best Actor [ Female ] for “Udta Punjab”.

BAFTA AWARDS 2017

70th British Academy Film Awards

1 – Dev Patel won Best Supporting Actor [ Male ] for “Lion”.

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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 08 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