Shatrughan Sinha against online pinda daan

After two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers, now actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha of the party has also come out against the Bihar government’s proposal for an online facility for Hindus to offer ‘pinda daan’ ritual, terming it a “short cut method” minus any “feeling”.

“It is neither proper nor practical to go for an online facility to offer pinda daan. I am against online pinda daan,” Sinha said of the ritual performed by Hindus for the dead.

Sinha performed the ritual Sunday for his parents and ancestors at the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya.

“The proposed online pinda daan is a shortcut method to perform the rituals without any real touch and feeling. But physical presence to perform the rite gives peace of mind. I favour that people should visit Gaya and in person perform the pinda daan,” Sinha said.

The actor said the ritual for his parents was overdue for a long time because he had been busy despite regularly visiting Patna, his native town, but he was able to perform the pinda daan personally at last. “It was an amazing experience, I fulfilled my duty,” he said.

Sinha’s view has been welcomed by Hindu priests who are against the proposed online facility.

In June, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi had announced the government’s decision to introduce a video-conferencing facility for Indians abroad to perform pinda daan.

However, priests in the holy town of Gaya who have been conducting the ritual described the government’s decision as “interference” and an “attack on an age-old religious service”.

The priests won support from a section of the BJP, with ministers Ashwani Kumar Choubey and Prem Kumar asking the government to reverse its decision.

Last month, the Bihar government decided to postpone its plan for an online facility.

Thousands of Hindus from across India and abroad gather in Gaya to offer pinda daan during the fortnight-long Pitrapaksh period that began last week. Legend has it that Lord Rama and his wife Sita performed this religious rite for his father, King Dasharath in Gaya.

Shoot at least a portion of Dabangg in Bihar : Shatrughan Sinha

Producer Arbaaz Khan has decided to stay away from the state for Dabangg. A source close to the unit said, “We’ve heard many shocking stories about Bihar. So it seems very risky for Salman, debutante Sonakshi Sinha and the rest of the unit to work in Bihar.” A faux-Bihar will be created in Wai, Nasik and the suburbs of Mumbai, for the film.

However, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi’s father, is aghast at the thought. Born in the state, he recently contested the election and won a seat from Bihar. He said, “What better occasion to prove that Bihar is safe, than my own daughter’s film? I’m certainly going to suggest to Salman and Arbaaz that they shoot at least a portion of Dabangg in Bihar.”

Not many know that Shatrughan Sinha has submitted a proposal for a film city in Patna to Bihar’s chief minister Nitish Kumar. Talking about his pet project, he said, “I don’t know why that proposal was brushed under the carpet. I feel a culture centre in Bihar which would include cinema, theatre and television would encourage and cultivate local talent. It would also encourage Bollywood to visit Bihar. Sadly even our Bihari filmmaker in Bollywood, Prakash Jha, has shot all his Bihar-based films like Mrityudand, Apaharan and Gangaajal outside Bihar. I’d like to change this.”

Neetu Chandra paired opposite Chirag Paswan?

Of late there have been murmurs around Neetu Chandra being paired opposite Chirag Paswan. For the uninitiated, Chirag is the son of politician Ram Vilas Paswan and has been nurturing Bollywood dreams for quite some time now.

A source close to Neetu stated, "She may or not be a part of the project. It would be interesting though if Chirag and Neetu come together since it would be a unique pairing. Considering the fact that both of them hail from Bihar, it would be a full-on Bihar force in the offering."

The source goes on to add, "From the current generation, Neetu and Chirag are the new entrants and it would be quite an interesting preposition. They both look good together and if things work out then there is a good probability of the two being paired together for this film. In any case quite a few film personalities today are hailing from Bihar."

"We know about Madhavan and Imtiaz Ali. Other than that Jehangir Surti (director of AA DEKHEN ZARA) also hails from Bihar. Shatrughan Sinha's son and daughter would be seen on the big screen soon, Shekhar Suman has already made a good name for himself while Adhyayan Suman is showing a good rise in stocks as well", he rattles down a few names here, "It's pretty much a 'Jai Bihar' situation currently."

When contacted, Neetu refused to comment and neither agree nor deny being a part of the project. For the records, she is currently working with Tanushree Dutta, who again hails from Bihar, in Jagmohan Mundra directed APARTMENT.link

Even I can succeed Advani, says Shatrughan Sinha

With raging dissent in BJP coming out in the open, a senior party MP felt all is not well within the party where some leaders have been divulging to the media matters transpiring inside party fora.

Film star-turned-MP, Shatrughan Sinha said there were some leaders whose dreams have been shattered after the party's poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls and they were leaking matters raised at the party fora to the media.

"Leakage of matters raised inside the party reflects that all is not well within the organisation," the MP from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar told reporters.

On who will succeed L K Advani, who is at present leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sinha said, "It can be anyone. May be even me. But Advani is not leaving. He is acceptable to all workers and will be leading the party."

Sinha said points raised by senior party leaders Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and Jaswant Singh should be given due importance.

"They have been with BJP since its inception and hence the party leadership should seriously deliberate on the points raised by them," he said.

The three leaders had attacked the party leadership for not taking responsibility for BJP's debacle and opened the can of worms by airing their views in the media while analysing the defeat.link

Being dad's replica won't be good for my career: Luv Sinha

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha's son is all set to debut with director Raj Kanwar's "Sadiyaan". Luv is naturally a fan of his dad and has seen all his films, but says he will never copy his style.

"I love his style. But I won't even dare to copy him. Being called my dad's replica is the worst thing that can happen to my career. I love my dad's performance in 'Kalicharan', 'Vishwanath', 'Khudgarz', 'Kala Patthar' and 'Kalka'. I also freak out on Amit uncle's (Amitabh Bachchan) cinema," Luv told.

Luv will be seen as Rekha's son in cross-border drama "Sadiyaan", which also stars Hema Malini.

If all had gone according to plan, Shatrughan Sinha's twins, Luv and Kush, would have made their simultaneous debut in a home production. But the scarcity of good script to accommodate the twins prompted Luv to sign a film away from the family.

"Not surprisingly I'm very very close to my twin brother. We aren't identical twins. But if you see us together the resemblance is uncanny. The thought of being cast together did cross our family's mind. But what can we do together? A comedy with both the brothers falling in love with the same girl? Nah... Too common.

"We must be the only twin actors in the whole world. When we come together the vehicle has to be just right," said Luv, who walked straight into acting.

Brother Kush has taken the long winding road - he learnt acting and direction in New York, assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali on "Saawariya" and then decided to be an actor.

"Sadiyaan" is complete and ready for release but it was delayed by the revenue-sharing row between producers and multiplex owners, which however ended last week.

"Please don't ask me when it will be released. But I'm not worried. This is what comes from being born in a family where cinema is a given. You've seen your dad go through so many ups and downs; a little bit of delay in your first film's release causes no concern," he said.

Luv says shooting "Sadiyaan" was a cakewalk.

"Hema (Malini) aunty, who's like a member, and Rekha-ji... (yes, it's Hema aunty and Rekha-ji for me, I don't call her aunty) really looked after me, pampered me and made me feel totally at home. I guess it comes from being who I am," he said.

The film is set in the 1970s and Luv says he had to get familiar with the 70s style for his role.

"This was when I wasn't even a passing thought in my parents' mind. A long way from being born. So I had to get familiar with the fashion, lingo, etc. It was a challenge. But you must remember both my parents are actors," he said.

Talk veers to sister Sonakshi and he said: "She's more interested in modelling at the moment than acting. Let's see."

The whole Sinha family was in Patna a little while ago to support the patriarch during the assembly elections. Sinha Senior defeated actor and Congress candidate Shekhar Suman in the Lok Sabha polls from Bihar's Patna Saheb parliamentary constituency.

"Actually my dad didn't need us to get the votes. We just wanted to be with him for support. The best thing about being Shatrughan Sinha's son is you feel a positive pride from within. Beyond that, he has made sure to let me make my way in the industry on my own. My father has never worked with Raj Kanwar-ji. I got 'Sadiyaan' on my own," he said. link

Shatrughan Sinha tells Shekhar Suman, Khamosh!

“Khamosh!” Shatrughan Sinha warns his selfstyled electoral rival Shekhar Suman after defeating him by a massive mandate in Patna.

The man’s goodwill is contagious and endearing. Hours after his victory his familial residence in the Kadam Kuan area of Rajendranagar is a beehive of animated activity. There’s a festive atmosphere in the house as party workers , well wishers and favour-seekers rejoice in every corner of the large home.

Shatrughan Sinha’s charming wife Poonam Sinha is all over the place. “More overhwleming than the victory is the response of people all around us. Everyone thinks my husband can now fix things in their life, ” Mrs Sinha glow of pride is dazzling as she manoeuvres her way with a smile and a salaam through the mass of humanity.

The man at the centre of attention is happy tired and relieved. For the first time he feels free to vent his indignance at political rival Shekhar Suman’s aggressive campaigning tactics.

“I’d just like to tell him, Khamosh!” Shatru bellows in true Shatrughan Sinha style. Now that I’ve been brought back with such aan, baan and shaan by the people of Bihar could Shekhar Suman please shut up?He should not have stooped so low in his effort to gain votes.

In the last lap of his campaign his slanderous comments about me worked completely againt him. They were personal, illegal, illogical and immoral. It’s fine to campaign for your own cause. But why hit out so viciously at someone who in the past has treated him like a brother and friend?

Desperate attempts to win votes no longer work. This election proves it.The political tsunami that’s this elections should rightfully shut up all the undesitable elements in politics who were here only to make hay while the elections were on. The people refused to vote for chamchas of political parties. ”

Remind the affable witty man of a ‘phew’ words that his party the BJP fared very poorly and that it seems people this time voted for individuals rather than parties, and Shatru unfazed by the swarming wellwishers, ponders.

“Hmmmm. I’d say people have voted for both individuals and the parties that they believe in. I’ve to admit I’m dismayed by our party’s performance.

Yes, we’ve failed. We all need to sit down and introspect on what went wrong so that we don’t make the same mistakes again.”

Just hours after victory Shatrughan Sinha already has a clear idea of what he wants to do for Bihar. “I’d like to join hands with the NDA and my friend Nitish Kumar.

We need to clean the Ganga, get a central status for Patna University and focus on getting a special package from the Centre for Bihar. I’d never like to forget that the mandate is from the people of Bihar. Yes, the Bihari Babu has come home again. It’s time to make all my dreams for my state come true.”

An evening dedicated to mothers of Patna

At a glittering function, full of musique concrete and fun, a number of moms in different age-groups sashayed down the ramp to mark Mother's Day on Sunday at Chanakya Hotel here. The vibrant programme was jointly organised by The Times of India and Radio Mirchi. The chief guest on the occasion was Bollywood producer and actor Poonam Sinha, better known as wife of actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha. Also present on the occasion was Meera Srivastava, mother of actress Neetu Chandra.

The special evening was dedicated to the mothers of Patna who came with their kids and participated in the three-hour-long programme. The title of Super Mom went to Sushmita Mukherjee and the first and second runners-up were Nisha Agarwal and Anita Rathee respectively. They were awarded by Poonam Sinha, who too, possibly for the first time, walked on the ramp in a black sari amid much applause.

Super Mom Sushmita said, "I am feeling very nice and I never expected to be adjudged the Super Mom." She gave credit for this to her daughters, Ishani and Indrani, who were also present on the occasion. The first runner-up Nisha said, "My entire family is delighted. I too had not expected this award." Nisha has two children -- Ritwik and Ananya.

Poonam Sinha, who was there for over one and a half hours and enjoyed the evening, said this was the first time she was away from her children Luv, Kush and Sonakshi on Mother's Day. She, however, was hopeful to reach Mumbai before midnight to be with her children to accept their greetings. But she was happy to be in the midst of a good number of mothers and children and said they belong to her extended family.

The programme, full of fun, entertainment, humour, games, food and music was anchored by Radio Mirchi's RJs who successfully tried to involve all the mothers present there. All participants, including children, were given away prizes. A few mothers also shared their views and spoke about their hubbies and children. Others who were involved in hosting this programme included Advantage Services, Chanakya Hotel, VLCC and Sudha.link

I will do anything for Bihar: Neetu Chandra

Bollywood actor Neetu Chandra is fierce about her Bihar roots. "For Bihar I will do anything," she stressed. Chandra has come to perform in `Fantasians-2009' scheduled on Saturday at the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir.

The event is being organized by the Notre Dame Academy Almuni Association and Chandra is an almuna of this school and Bihar's only girl in Bollywood. "My director was pressing to go ahead with the shooting. But I cancelled the shooting to be here," she remarked and pointed out that this would be the first time she would be performing in Bihar. The proceedings of the show will go to her school for upgrading its computer lab.

The `Garam Masala' girl has a busy 2009. Her next film `13th B' is scheduled for next year. Other films `Khusat Prasad' and `Sandy' - the film launching Shatrughan Sinha's son Luv - are also scheduled to be released this year. "In Bollywood, I have to fight for my career and my image as a Bihari," she said, pointing out that she was often asked in Bollywood if she lived in a village in Bihar where farming was done.

"That's the image Bihar has," Chandra, who has lived in Patna throughout her life before shifting to Mumbai, stressed. She said that it took quite a lot of persuasion in Bollywood to make other stars to come to Patna. "Perhaps it is because of their past experience in Bihar," she said.

Though Bihar has thrown up quite a few male actors in Bollywood - Shatughan Sinha, Manoj Bajpayee and Shekhar Suman - to name a few, Chandra happens to be the only female actor, "Perhaps more women from Bihar will come to Bollywood if we change our mentality. The parents, schools and teachers all have to contribute. I was encouraged in school and by my parents. There are Bihari girls working for theatres in Delhi. Perhaps they will come," she said.

Talking about `exposing her body', Chandra stressed that she had no hesitation in dressing as per the demand of the character played by her. "If I have to wear a swimming suit I will wear it. There is a protocol which has to be adhered to or else there are thousands of others who will do it," she remarked. She said that she has no objection to working in Bhojpuri films. "But I have asked the directors to make a film which a child can see with his grandfather," she stressed, pointing out that it was the presentation which mattered. "One can look decent in a swim suit and vulgar in a saree," she stressed.link