Ash-Abhishek's wedding plans

A classical singer from Varanasi is currently on an extended practice session these days in preparation for the most talked about marriage of Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Channulal Mishra said that he has been invited by Amitabh Bachchan to perform at Abhishek's wedding.

"Amithabh Bachchan said that he wanted to organise a programme on the occasion of the wedding of Abhishek and Aishwarya. He said the date for the wedding was not fixed, but I have come to know that it will be sometime in March," Mishra said.

Families of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai on Monday said that both had got engaged at a private ceremony. Abhishek reportedly placed a diamond ring on Aishwarya's finger.

Speculation of a formal link gained ground after both families visited several temples to pray for them, as their stars were reportedly not in harmony.

Reports of an impending marriage were earlier fuelled after Ajitabh Bachchan, the younger brother of Amitabh, who met a Bangalore based astrologer Chandrashekhar Swami, to see if the couple's horoscopes matched.

The planets also seem to be blessing the couple. They were declared to be perfect by matched by the astrologer.

Abhishek was earlier engaged to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor in 2002, but the marriage was called off for unexplained reasons. Abhishek (30) and Aishwarya (33) have starred together in Hindi films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Kuch Na Kaho, Umrao Jaan and Dhoom II as also Mani Ratnam's "Guru". Aishwarya, who has acted in over 40 films, was crowned Miss World in 1994. Abhishek too has acted in about 40 films.

Rupak Memorial Week

Former FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) referee Late Rupak Sharma was one of the most prominent personalities in the History of Nepali sports. To commemorate his 53rd birth anniversary, Rupal Memorial Foundation (National Talent) shall be hosting Rupak Memorial Week to honor this respected person.

Late Rupak Sharma was not only actively involved in promoting sports in Nepal but was equally active in encouraging education, art and social deeds. Magh 10 will henceforth, be celebrated for which the event has already been planned together with various other programs throughout the week.

On Magh 7 and on Magh 8, Friendship Global Award Writing Competition (School Level) is taking place at Rupak International Higher Secondary School, Kupondol at 11 am. On Magh 9, again Friendship Global Award Writing Competition (School Level) will be held at Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan, Satdobato at 11am. On Magh 10, Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan at Satdobato will be inaugurated at 11am and on the same occasion, his statue will also be unveiled. On Magh 10 itself, Aasish Malla, veteran play artist will be honored for his contribution to the development of theatre. An art exhibition on the life and times of Rupak Sharma has also been scheduled. On Magh 11, a friendly football match is planned at the Stadium as well. This match will start at 1:00 pm. Come Magh 12, and there will be a cultural event taking place at Hotel Annapurna, Durbar Marg. This program will commence from 5 pm onwards. On Magh 13, Rupak Memorial Peace Walk will take place. This will start at 8 am from Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ground and will end at Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan, Satdobato. On the other hand, at the Rupak International Higher Secondary School, sports week has already started and will last till Magh 6.

Welcome Back Deepak Thapa

After the overwhelming success of the yesteryear hit "Bidesh Janey mayalu Timilai" (Included in the Collection album 'Avisekh' and released way back in 1995), Deepak Thapa seemed to have got rid of his microphone. The song became an instant hit and a regular chart topper. People waited anxiously for more music from him. However, he wished not to make anymore music and was even considered ‘a one hit wonder’!

We decided to talk to him and he shares that he is a "busy man" these days. He admits, "I have been tied up in doing guitar works and music arrangements. On an average I do about 22 guitar takes everyday. The entire day I am busy with it and in the evenings, I am engrossed in doing music arrangements especially for new artists." He also cares to share that he is planning to release his solo album very shortly. "This album will feature songs from my previous album 'Avisekh' along with some other songs. The songs that I have chosen from 'Avisekh' are "Bidesh Janey Mayalu Timilai", "Tesaile Mayalu", "Mera Nayanka Sagar" and "Timi Mero Maya Bani". Since I have a hectic schedule, I can't say right now when this album will be released. One thing which is definite is that I will release it some day soon since my family and my friends are keen to see me do it. I too want to go ahead as soon as I can take the time out to do so." states Deepak.

'Chor Sipahi' Running To Full Houses

Sovit Basnet's movie 'Chor Sipahi' is running to full houses in theatres outside the valley. He opines that this is the first time in the history of Nepali Films that a movie is being shown at 20 theatres simultaneously. "Altogether, we released out seven prints and distributed it to various theatres. Besides this, 13 other theatres are showing the movie on LCD projectors. Previously, the trend was to release out just six prints. The reason for going ahead with my idea is because people in general would be able to watch the movie at the same time and financial logistics can be handled much better without waiting for a long time. This is also the beginning of an “all Nepal release concept”, which is going to help the industry in the long run." shares Sovit.

'Chor Sipahi' is made at a budget of 40 lakhs and the actors in this movie are Bhuwan KC, Ramit Dhungana, Bijaya Lama, Nikhil Upreti, Rejina Upreti and Sanchita Luitel. This movie revolves around a deaf, a blind and physically handicapped men, and the way they fool the world. The flick is said to be comedy based and full of action and entertainment.

So far this movie has not hit the theatres in Kathmandu. However, according to Sovit, 'Chor Sipahi' will be released in the valley within two months. He says, "The movie has been really well received, loved and enjoyed by moviegoers. I am sure that viewers from Kathmandu will also like it since this can be categorized as a paisawasul movie." emphasizes Sovit.

'Lal Salaam' The movie

Everyone is aware of the fact that the Maoist have now joined mainstream politics and now they intend to take one step further (at least we would like to believe so) is that they are all geared to make a movie. According to information just received, this flick shall be titled 'Lal Salaam' and will be directed by Shivajee Lamichane.

As stated by the man himself, shuvamuhart of this movie was held today at the Academy Hall, Kamaladi. He elaborates, "This movie revolves around the struggle that the Maoist went through for the past 10 years. There will not be any typical hero as such in it or some melodrama to witness. Since this flick is based on real life tragedies and finally victory, it is going to be very different! The actors in this movie are the ones who had actually participated in real wars that the Maoists had initiated. Former brigade commander and a company commander will be seen in this movie and will portray incidents that occurred during the time of their right to speech." He also states that some of the actors however will be the professional artists. The names of the people who will be in this movie are Rajan Bam, Chhintan from the Maoist front and the professional actors involved are Ganesh Upreti, Sushil Pokharel and Chet Bahadur Singh among others. "Within ten days time, the entire crew of 'Lal Salam' is scheduled to leave for Baglung for the shoot. They will also be going to the Terai region and Jumla," informs Shivajee.

'Lal Salaam' will be presented by All Nepal Janasanskritik Mahasangh and will be produced by Chalchitra Ekai. Information has it that the movie will be released before the promulgation of the Constitutional Assembly. 'Lal Salam' is said to be completed at a whopping budget of one crore Nepali rupees.

Shivajee has so far produced four Kollywood movies. They are 'Kancha', 'Aago', 'Juni Bhari Lai' with the latest being 'Lal Salaam'. This particular movie is going to be his first flick as a director. He is the central member of All Nepal Janasanskritik Mahasangh and is the coordinator of Chalchitra Ekai and also the chairperson of Ganatantrik Chalchitra Karmi Morcha. Here's wishing luck to the 'Lal Salaam' crew!

Kiran Pradhan’s 'Gurudakshina'

Respected yesteryear singer and prominent musician Kiran Pradhan had established a music studio -- Music Network -- some months back. So, what’s the big deal? According to Kiran Pradhan himself, "Work at Music Network is getting such a response that though I own the company, I myself have not been able to record my songs on time. I am working on my fifth album 'Gurudakshina' but somehow have not been able to slot in time for my songs. I have only complete five songs so far! I intended to release it during Tihar but due to the time constraints at the studio I am definite that this is going to take longer."

His fourth album 'Saugat' was released in 2061 BS. However, no music videos from it were made and now he has three music videos from this new album in the pipeline. The songs are "Timilai Bhetne Rahar", "Arkai Maya Laune Bhaye" and "Sodhna Ma Aaya". The latter video has been directed by himself and the former were shot in London before last Dashain while he was there. "The reason for the delay concerning the music video is because of my hectic schedule!" shares Kiran Pradhan. He also has added responsibility as the principal of Holy Garden School located at Balaju.