ENTERTAINMENT

"If we don't die of the coronavirus, we will definitely die of depression," says Kirat Kaur, an actor, currently residing in Oshiwara, Mumbai. Kirat is one among many, who arrived in the Maximum City with dreams, but the tumultuous last year has exacerbated their struggles. Junior actors, make-up artists, background dancers, lightmen and spotboys -- many of these artistes and technicians are daily wage earners and are crumbling under the weight of constant despair. With minimal help coming -- the last one year has not been kind to anyone in the industry -- they are staring at a bleak future.

The coronavirus-induced lockdown last year had caused them enough misery -- most of them lost their livelihood, forcing them to return to their native places. They returned earlier this year on the wings of hope, but rising Covid-19 numbers have brought back the ghosts of past year. Many of them are wondering if they should return to their homes, this time permanently.

NT Rama Rao is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema and one of the two legends of Telugu cinema, along with Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Besides his legendary status in the film world, NTR also served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. His children have carried forward is legacy in both films and politics. His sons Nandamuri Harikrishna and Nandamuri Balakrishna, as well as grandsons Kalyan Ram and N.T.R Jr are prominent figures in Telugu cinema. We’re looking at the prominent film personalities from the Nandamuri family as part of our clans in Indian cinema series.

NT Rama Rao: Starring in over 300 films, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Telugu cinema. He gained popularity in the 1950s for his portrayals of Hindu deities, especially Krishna and Rama, roles which made him a “messiah of the masses”. He portrayed Lord Vishnu in films such as Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960) among others and Lord Shiva in Dakshayagnam (1962). His films enduring classics Mayabazar (1957) and Nartanasala (1963) went on to become enduring classics. He later started playing roles of a poor yet heroic young man fighting against the existing system. Some of these films are Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973), Adavi Ramudu (1977), Driver Ramudu (1979), Vetagadu (1979), Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980), and Bobbili Puli (1982).

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Tuesday penned a note on the current Covid-19 situation in India, terming it 'grave'. She urged people to stay at home, adding that the situation cannot be taken lightly.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote, "The Covid 19 situation across India is grave. I'm seeing images and stories coming in from different parts of the country that are so scary... the situation is out of control and our medical fraternity is at a breaking point. Please stay home...I beg you to stay home. Do it for yourself, your family, friends, neighbours, community, and also our frontline workers. Every doctor and frontline worker is saying the exact same thing: • Stay home • Ensure everyone you know stays home • If you have to step out, wear a mask • Talk to those around you and help them understand this situation... we cannot take this lightly. • Get the vaccine when it's your turn. Doing this will help us ease the immense pressure on our medical system."

Alia Bhatt has ended her home quarantine. The actor, who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, is now heading for a vacation. Accompanying the actor for her leisure trip is boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. On Monday morning, Alia and Ranbir were spotted at the Mumbai airport. As per the reports, the couple is heading to the Maldives. This is for the first time when the photographers clicked Alia and Ranbir together after the two recovered from the coronavirus.

Last week, Alia shared that she tested negative for Covid-19. With a happy picture of herself, the actor wrote, “the only time being negative is a good thing” with two emojis that expressed her joy and how she is feeling health wise.

The concept of an intimacy coordinator is fairly niche in Bollywood. After the #MeToo movement in the west, several international projects roped in an intimacy coordinator who would help choreograph scenes involving nudity or sexual content. India, too, witnessed the #MeToo movement but hiring an intimacy coordinator is still not as regular practice as in the west.

Pooja Bhatt has recently revealed that she tried to be an intimacy coordinator in her movies much before the term became popular.

Speaking with media, Pooja recalled that when she was directing her movie Jism, with Bipasha Basu and John Abraham in the lead, she was not only a director but the intimacy coordinator for Bipasha to ensure she was comfortable in the scene.