Factual
Creative Eye ropes in director Roger Christian for English film venture
MUMBAI: In what could be the first instance of a television software production house producing an out-and-out English film, Creative Eye has signed up Academy Award winning director Roger Christian for its new project.
The Dheeraj Kumar promoted Creative Eye, which recently patented an indigenously developed 3D plus technology, using which it is creating India’s first 3D film Aabra Ka Dabra that will not entail modifying cinema screens, is now on the threshold of launching Behind the Painted Veil with Christian as the director.
Kumar says the deal, that got signed only over the weekend, is targeted at an international market, though it will also be released in India. The film will have two scriptwriters, one of them an Indian, Milind Ukki. Christian, who won an Oscar for set decoration on Star Wars, will start shooting in Hrishikesh this December. The film is scheduled for an August 2004 launch, says Kumar, while pointing out this will not be a crossover film, but a pure English film, funded by an Indian production house.
A medium budget film, this will be the second feature film from the Creative Eye stable, which has thus far made its fortune by churning out a series of mythological series for Doordarshan as well as satellite channels.
The story of Behind the Painted Veil, says Kumar, revolves around a girl, Sophia and her journey to India. “It’s a ‘scientific supernatural film’ revolving around her mystic journey,” is all Kumar will reveal at present.
The cast, which could include a few Indian names like Gulshan Grover and Irfan Khan, could also have the likes of Susan Lynch and Madchen Amik as part of the line up.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
