The Elephant Whisperers couple Bomman and Bellie accuse filmmakers of financial exploitation; send legal notice asking for Rs. 2 crore as ‘goodwill gesture’

Months after The Elephant Whisperers won Oscar at the 2023 Academy Awards, the mahout couple Bomman and Bellie, whose lives were shown in the documentary about their unique bond with elephants and conservation, have alleged financial exploitation and neglect against the makers of the documentary. The couple has alleged that they spent a large sum during the making of the docu-film but the makers failed to remunerate. They also alleged that the makers have ignored their calls ever after Oscar win. Now, the couple is seeking Rs. 2 crore as a goodwill gesture from the makers.

The Elephant Whisperers couple Bomman and Bellie accuse filmmakers of financial exploitation; send legal notice asking for Rs. 2 crore as ‘goodwill gesture’

A copy of the legal notice was obtained by PTI which stated that the couple was allegedly promised “a house, an all-terrain multi-purpose vehicle, and a lump sum one-time payment as financial support based on the income generated by the project.”

Chennai-based social activist Pravin Raj, a lawyer by profession, said, “Both Bomman and Bellie are disappointed with Gonsalves, who had promised them monetary help as well as help with the education of Bellie’s granddaughter while making the film. But she now refuses to give even a fraction of the enormous profits made by the film.” He also said that the couple followed the filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves around during promotions in the hope that if the project does well, all of them will do well together. However, Raj said, “Instead, Gonsalves is not even picking up the phone when Bomman calls.”

Advocate Mohammed Mansoor is handling the case on behalf of Bomman and Bellie and said that they received a response from Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd, on behalf of Gonsalves. “In that, she has flatly refused any more help stating that she has already given money to the couple. I will be sending her a rejoinder in a couple of days after consulting with my clients,” said Mansoor.

Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd issued a statement to PTI which read, “The goal in creating ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ has always been to highlight elephant conservation, the tremendous efforts of the forest department and its mahouts Bomman and Bellie. Since its launch, the documentary has raised awareness of the cause and had a real impact on the mahouts and cavadis community. Chief minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin has made donations towards assisting the 91 mahouts and cavadis who look after the state’s elephants, constructing eco-friendly houses for the caretakers and developing an elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. The documentary has been celebrated by heads of state across India, and the Academy Award is a moment of national pride that has brought widespread recognition for the work of mahouts like Bomman and Bellie. All claims made are untrue. We have deep respect for all of the contributors of this story, and remain driven by the desire to create positive change.”

The Elephant Whisperers is a heartwarming story of an indigenous couple who have been given an orphaned elephant, Raghu to look after. The story follows the couple’s journey as they relentlessly work to ensure Raghu’s recovery and survival. The short documentary beautifully stitches the tale of how the couple falls in love with the majestic creature over the course of time. Set against the background of life in the wild spaces of South India The Elephant Whisperers highlights the beauty of exotic wildlife, unforgettable wild spaces, and the people and animals who share this space.

ALSO READ: The Elephant Whisperers’ Guneet Monga and Kartiki Gonsalves celebrate their Oscar win with Bomman and Bellie, see photos and video

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Ishaan Khatter says Nicole Kidman is one of the most iconic film stars as he forays into Hollywood with The Perfect Couple: “It’s been a great experience”

Back in March 2023, it was reported that Ishaan Khatter will make his Hollywood debut in an upcoming Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple. Starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber, the series also stars Eve Hewson, Billy Howle, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy, Jack Reynor, Sam Nivola, Mia Isac, Donna Lynne Champlin, and Isabelle Adjani. Marking his Hollywood debut, the actor is excited about this project.

Ishaan Khatter says Nicole Kidman is one of the most iconic film stars as he forays into Hollywood with The Perfect Couple: “It’s been a great experience”

During an interview with PTI, Ishaan Khatter said, “I’ve shot a large part of it and it’s my foray into Hollywood. It’s been a great experience. Of course, Nicole is one of the most iconic film stars that we all know and we love in India as well. So, I understand that there’s a lot of curiosity about her. And there are many more awesome cast members, wonderful actors. And that will also be out for the people to see on Netflix next year.”

He added, “Working there is not very different from what it’s like to make movies and tell stories in India. It’s just a great opportunity. I taped my audition and they liked it which is why they called me I guess.”

Ishaan Khatter will essay the role of Shooter Dival, the best man of the groom played by Benji Winbury. It will be a six-episode limited series which was greenlit in August 2022.

As per Variety, the official logline reads, “Amelia Sacks (Hewson) is about to marry into one of the wealthiest families on Nantucket. Her disapproving future mother-in-law, famous novelist Greer Garrison Winbury (Kidman), has spared no expense in planning what promises to be the premiere wedding of the season — until a body turns up on the beach. As secrets come to light, the stage is set for a real-life investigation that feels plucked from the pages of one of Greer’s novels. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect.”

The Perfect Couple began the shoot on the series in April 2023. Shawn Levy and Josh Barry of 21 Laps Entertainment will executive produce along with Sussanne Bier who is directing as well. Jenna Lamia will serve as showrunner and executive producer.

Meanwhile, Ishaan Khatter is set to star in Pippa. Based on ‘The Burning Chaffees’ written by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta and scored by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, Pippa is a tank battle film that underscores the bravery of Brigadier Mehta, a veteran of the 45th Cavalry tank squadron, who, along with his siblings, fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which led to the liberation of India’s neighbour Bangladesh. Produced by RSVP and Roy Kapur Films, Pippa stars Ishaan Khatter, Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan.

ALSO READ: Ishaan Khatter to join Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber in Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple

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Ranveer Singh drops a comment on Deepika Padukone’s post about ‘marrying your best friend’ on Friendship Day

The world was celebrating Friendship Day on August 6 and sharing moments with their loved ones. Just like them, Deepika Padukone too celebrated the day by sharing a quote dedicated to Ranveer Singh. She talked about marrying one’s best friend and shared a lovely quote tagging the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor.

Ranveer Singh drops a comment on Deepika Padukone’s post about ‘marrying your best friend’ on Friendship Day

Taking to her Instagram stories on Sunday, Deepika Padukone shared a quote that read, “Marry your best friend. I do not say that lightly. Really, truly find the strongest, happiest friendship in the person you fall in love with. Someone who speaks highly of you. Someone you can laugh with. The kind of laughs that make your belly ache, and your nose snort. The embarrassing, earnest, healing kind of laughs. Wit is important. Life is too short not to love someone who lets you be a fool with them. Make sure they are somebody who lets you cry, too. Despair will come. Find someone that you want to be there with you through those times. Most importantly, marry the one that makes passion, love, and madness combine and course through you. A love that will never dilute – even when the waters get deep, and dark.” Ranveer Singh was at a loss for words as he left a comment with emojis of an evil eye, a heart and an infinity.

 Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is yet to announce his following projects after Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Still, he is reportedly starring in the third instalment of the Don franchise, which will be a reboot. He has also signed Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Baiju Bawra alongside Alia Bhatt. Both projects are yet to be announced.

On the other hand, Deepika Padukone will next star in Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD with Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, a project with Rohit Shetty and Fighter with Hrithik Roshan.

ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone grooves to ‘What Jhumka’ after watching Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, recites Ranveer Singh’s Rocky Randhawa dialogues

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Photos: Vaani Kapoor and Mamta Bhatia Anand snapped at Mizu in Bandra

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30 Years of Khalnayak EXCLUSIVE: Subhash Ghai reveals that it was tough to convince Sanjay Dutt to wear a choli in the male version of ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’: “But he enjoyed it thoroughly”

The action entertainer, Khalnayak (1993), completes 30 years today. Bollywood Hungama had a brief exclusive interaction with Subhash Ghai about the Sanjay Dutt-Madhuri Dixit-Jackie Shroff starrer and his fond memories.

30 Years of Khalnayak EXCLUSIVE Subhash Ghai reveals that it was tough to convince Sanjay Dutt to wear a choli in the male version of 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai' “But he enjoyed it thoroughly”

Was it tough to convince Mr Sanjay Dutt to wear a choli in the male version of ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’?
Yes. The whole concept was funny. My situation demanded that Khalnayak’s gang harass Madhuri Dixit’s character by exposing her own tricks. But I told Sanju on the set and played a re-recorded version of ‘Choli Ke Peeche’. Suddenly, Sanju started laughing. Then I revealed that he needs to wear a choli. But he enjoyed it thoroughly!

What made you have as many as 11 premieres for Khalnayak? How was the response?
I was sure after watching the first edit that we have a great film in hand and that we must celebrate it in the biggest way possible. We decided to have premieres at 10 to 12 theatres in three cities, that is, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, with the top ten directors of the industry headed by Shekhar Kapur and Ramesh Sippy. And they all came to Delhi to surprise the audience and spoke about Khalnayak. There were more than 10,000 fans outside each theatre and the response was like never before! We Mumbai directors were united and would participate in each other’s celebrations. That made a lot of difference.

Have you ever visited cinema halls? Do you recall the moments when there were maximum seetis and taalis?
I always visited theatres to watch the reactions to my film scenes and songs. It was so satisfying to watch the audience clapping on songs and crying during the emotional scenes. That’s the best award we directors can receive from the audience.

In an interview in 2016, you revealed that you had initially conceived Khalnayak as a Hollywood film. You had titled it Negatives, which you planned to make in association with Ashok Amritraj. This report states Audie Murphy was to play the notorious criminal (essayed by Sanjay Dutt in Khalnayak) and Omar Sharif the cop (ultimately played by Jackie Shroff). You ultimately didn’t go for it as you felt that you won’t enjoy the autonomous power in Hollywood which you did in India. Nevertheless, had you signed Audie Murphy and Omar Sharif?
No, we did not sign them but we did send our synopsis to their agents and got a positive response from them. It was a different narrative with the same plot as Khalnayak.

Also Read: Sanjay Dutt celebrates 30 years of Khalnayak, Subhash Ghai corrects him; promises fans to drop “surprise” on August 6

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Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani shows 75 percent jump on second Saturday; collects Rs. 12 crores

Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is carving its own unique journey at the India Box Office. The Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt film is showing a 75 percent jump in collections on its second Saturday, as estimates indicate the 9th day figure in the range of Rs. 11.75 to 12.25 crores. This takes the nine day total to Rs. 90 crores and the film is now on its way to hit a century on Sunday.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani shows 75 percent jump on second Saturday; collects Rs. 12 crores

The growth on Saturday as come in the national chains, as after collecting Rs. 4.38 crores on 2nd Friday, the chains jumped to Rs. 8.10 crores on Saturday. It’s not doing much outside of the metros, but given the word of mouth, a hold in metros will be good enough to help the film sail through and emerge a successful venture. With this sort of jump on Saturday, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has a real chance of entering the Rs. 150 crore club in the long run.

The film will see another spike in collections on Sunday, and that should take the 10-Day total in the range of Rs. 103 crores. The weekdays should also hold steady as the two week total is expected to be in the range of Rs. 115 crores. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will be facing competition from Gadar 2 and OMG 2 in its third week and its the hold in collections on third friday, that will determine the lifetime figures of the film in long run.

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Photos: Celebs arrive at film producer Amritpal Singh Bindra’s party

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