Hollywood
Sartaaj & Azmi film ‘Black Prince’s India & global release on 21 July
MUMBAI: As India and the UK celebrates 70 years of partnership, the film The Black Prince, produced by Brillstein Entertainment (Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave) is set to tell the poignant life story of the last King of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh – also known as The Black Prince.
The film is a historical biopic, based on the fascinating true story and legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his relationship with Queen Victoria, Godmother to his children, set for international release on 21 July 2017.
*The film is poised to create a wave of intrigue in India and the UK as the story touches upon the historically significant and priceless Kohinoor diamond, which was purportedly gifted by a young 13-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh to Queen Victoria in a ceremony held in 1850, at Buckingham Palace, London.*
The film stars acclaimed Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj who plays the role of Maharajah Duleep Singh, and the legendary screen actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother. They are joined by a respected cast including Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), David Essex, and Amanda Root (Their Finest).
• The Black Prince is a period drama, filmed widely across the UK and India
• As the last King of Punjab, The Black Prince chronicles Maharajah Duleep Singh’s lifelong struggle and daring journey of self-discovery in order to reclaim his identity, his faith, and the Kingdom that was rightfully his.
• This ultimately leads him to meeting his mother after 13 years of her being in exile. The Black Prince spotlights Queen Victoria’s cordial relationship with Maharajah Duleep Singh, as he begins adjusting and embracing the English culture he was drawn to at the age of 15.
• He had a fragile relationship with Queen Victoria, who was Godmother to his children
• The film also sheds light into his upbringing as an aristocrat in the UK who converts to Christianity under the influence of his foster parents, but later longs to return to his Kingdom, mother and roots.
• His character, as it evolves is torn between two contrasting cultures – his royal ancestry from the Kingdom of Punjab as its last King, set against his upbringing in the UK as he embarks in a new journey of exile, away from his mother.
The cast includes:
• Acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj marks his acting debut in The Black Prince, essaying the character of Maharajah Duleep Singh
• Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch) as Dr. Login, the foster parent for the Maharajah
• English stage, screen actress Amanda Root (The Iron Lady), who portrays the bold role of Queen Victoria
• veteran actress Shabana Azmi (City of Joy) as Rani Jindan, the exiled King’s mother.
• The film also features Keith Duffy, David Essex OBE, Canadian actor Rup Magon in supporting roles.
Hollywood
Disney unifies streaming, film, TV and games under Dana Walden
Debra O’Connell to chair Disney Entertainment Television in new setup
LOS ANGELES: The Walt Disney Company is pressing play on a more tightly woven future. As audiences hop between cinema screens, streaming apps and game worlds, the media giant is stitching its storytelling arms into one coordinated machine under Dana Walden.
Set to take charge as president and chief creative officer on March 18, Walden will oversee a newly unified Disney Entertainment structure that brings together streaming, film, television and the company’s fast-expanding games and digital business. She will report directly to incoming chief executive officer Josh D’Amaro.
The thinking is simple. Whether viewers are watching on Disney+, heading to the cinema or diving into a game, Disney wants the experience to feel like chapters of the same story. Walden summed it up as strengthening the emotional thread between Disney’s characters and its audiences, wherever they choose to engage.
The leadership reshuffle reads like a carefully cast ensemble. Alan Bergman continues as chairman of Disney Entertainment, studios, steering film production, marketing and distribution while sharing oversight of direct to consumer.
Streaming gets a dual command. Joe Earley and Adam Smith step in as co-presidents of direct to consumer, jointly handling strategy and financial performance across Disney+ and Hulu. Earley will also guide content strategy, while Smith retains his role as chief product and technology officer across Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
A new chair enters the frame with Debra O’Connell taking on the role of chairman, Disney Entertainment Television. She will oversee an expansive slate that includes ABC Entertainment, National Geographic and Hulu Originals, while continuing to supervise ABC News and owned stations.
Gaming, once a side quest, is now a central storyline. Sean Shoptaw, executive vice president, games and digital entertainment, moves into the Disney Entertainment fold. His remit includes partnerships such as the collaboration with Epic Games, aimed at building a Disney universe linked to Fortnite.
Elsewhere, John Landgraf remains chairman of FX, reporting to Walden, while Asad Ayaz continues as chief marketing and brand officer, reporting to both D’Amaro and Walden.
The message behind the reshuffle is clear. Disney is no longer thinking in silos of screens but in stories that travel. And with Walden at the creative helm, the company is betting that a single, seamless narrative can keep audiences hooked, whether they are watching, scrolling or playing.
