Sonam Kapoor's Neerja banned in Pakistan

The latest Bollywood updates.

Ram Madhvani's directorial venture Neerja, starring Sonam Kapoor, is all to release worldwide on February 19.

However, the biopic has been banned in Pakistan.

Sonam isn't happy with this latest development and took to Twitter to express her views.

'Extremely disheartened that #Neerja isn't releasing this Friday in Pakistan. She was awarded by them & I hope they will salute her again,' she tweeted.

'She saved Pakistani lives, and I can guarantee that Pakistan hasn't been shown in a poor light, I really hope and pray #Neerja releases.'

'When #Neerja releases worldwide and people see how fair the film is, I'm hopeful that it will result in a solution to a release in Pakistan,' added the actress.

Bollywood, meanwhile, has watched the film, and heaped a lot of praise on it.

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Aamir joins hands with Maharashtra government for water conversation programme

Aamir Khan, whose comments on 'intolerance' sparked a row last year and invited the wrath of right-wing outfits, is partnering with the BJP-led government in Maharashtra for its flagship water conservation and drought-mitigation programme.

Aamir and wife Kiran Rao, along with the team of his popular television show Satyamev Jayate, have formed Paani Foundation, which will work in association with the government to solve water crisis in the drought-affected state.

"When we did the Satyamev Jayate programme, we saw the on ground results which were very strong. But we didn't work on ground then. We thought we should take a step forward and focus on one topic till we solve it," Aamir said at a press conference where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and industrialists were present. 

"Satyajit Bhatkal (the show's director) and I chose water because it's very important and Maharashtra because we were born here. We thought we should begin with this."

The actor announced Satyamev Jayate Water Cup, which will work for Jal Yukt Shivar, the Fadnavis government's flagship scheme aimed at making villages drought-free in five years through water conservation programmes.

The actor said he won't be the only face of the initiative and plans to rope in Marathi celebrities to push the cause.

Text courtesy: PTI

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Music maestro Khayyam turns 90

Legendary music composer Khayyaam saab celebrated his 90th birthday in the presence of his family and loved ones.

On the special occasion, Khayyam saab's wife announced the formation of Khayyam Pradeep Jagjit Kaur Trust. 

Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, better known as Khayyam in the industry, started his music career in 1953 which spanned over four decades. He has composed music for films like Noorie, Trishul, Kabhie Kabhie and Umrao Jaan.

In 2011, the iconic musician was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar