Namit Das

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the popular Japanese animated series 'Dragon Ball Z' passed away at the age of 68. His demise has left his fans in shock. Ajay Devgn's son Yug is also a huge admirer of Akira and is "heartbroken" according to the ace actor.Ajay took to X and wrote, "Watching Yug heartbroken makes me feel like if we held all the Dragon Balls, bringing back Akira Toriyama would be our heartfelt wish. He remains a Super Saiyan of inspiration whose legacy influences generations. Rest in POWER, Akira Toriyama."Toriyama died due to acute subdural hematoma.Taking to X, the Makers of 'Dragon Ball Z' confirmed the news on their handle."We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68," the post said. "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."The makers said funeral service for Toriyama had already been held "with his family and very few relatives."His family has asked for privacy during their time of mourning, requesting that individuals refrain from sending flowers or other gifts."We inform you this sad news, with gratefulness for your kindness during his lifetime. Funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives. Following his wishes for tranquility, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visiting, offerings and others. Also, we ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family. Future plan for commemorate gathering is not decided, we will let you know when it's confirmed. We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always," the post added.As per People, 'Dragon Ball Z' originally debuted in Japan in the 1980s, before also becoming popular in the United States.Talking about Ajay Devgn's work, he is donning the hat of a football coach in Boney Kapoor's 'Maidaan'.'Maidaan' revolves around the life of Syed Abdul Rahim, who brought pride to India through football.Based on a true story, 'Maidaan' is directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, and also features Priyamani, and Gajraj Rao along with Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh in pivotal roles.The film boasts a musical score by Oscar-winner AR Rahman. In 2020, producer Boney Kapoor had to dismantle the film set due to the lockdown imposed to curb the novel coronavirus pandemic. In May 2021, the set of Maidaan was destroyed by Cyclone Tauktae.The movie is all set to be released in theatres in April 2024.

Lachit The Warrior', an animation film written and directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta and produced by Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, has been awarded the Best Animated Short Film in the Indo-French International Film Festival in Pondicherry.This is a collaborative film festival of the Government of India and the Government of France for filmmakers from across the globe.The narration in 'Lachit The Warrior' is by Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury and music is by Rupam Talukdar.Anupam Mahanta is the creative director; storyboarding and illustration by Hrishikesh Bora and VFX is by Ratul Dutta.'Lachit The Warrior' has been screened and awarded at eight international film festivals so far, including the ones in Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Mumbai North-East Film Festival in Mumbai.The film has also been selected for the prestigious Indian Panorama at the upcoming International Film Festival of India at Goa.

Jack Black announced his return to the Kung Fu Panda franchise in the new animated series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight on TikTok on Wednesday (March 16). In honor of National Panda Day, DreamWorks and Netflix has officially announced the upcoming animated series set in the universe of Kung Fu Panda.Jack Black announces his return as Po in new animated series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight at Netflix"Trivia question," the actor said in the TikTok video. "What's black and white and knows kung fu? It's me. Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, new Kung Fu Panda series, coming to Netflix July 2022. It's so good; it will blow your mind."The streaming giant also tweeted announcing Blacks return writing, "Get ready for PANDA-monium. No better way to celebrate National Panda Day than by announcing Jack Black's return as Po in the new animated series, Kung Fu Panda: the Dragon Knight."Get ready for PANDA-monium.No better way to celebrate National Panda Day than by announcing Jack Black's return as Po in the new animated series, Kung Fu Panda: the Dragon Knight. According to a press release, when a mysterious pair of weasels set their sights on a collection of four powerful weapons, Po must leave his home to embark on a globe-trotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English knight named Wandering Blade. Together, these two mismatched warriors set out on an epic adventure to find the magical weapons first and save the world from destruction and they may even learn a thing or two from each other along the way.Jack Black is returning to voice the panda protagonist, Po. He first voiced the beloved panda in 2018s box office hit OG Kung Fu Panda, followed by two sequels, Kung Fu Panda 2 in 2011 and Kung Fu Panda 3 in 2016. The first two movies were nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars and after its commercial success; the trilogy became the tenth highest grossing animated franchise ever.While there have been several Kung Fu Panda television shows, Nickelodeons Legends of Awesomeness and Amazons The Paws of Destiny, this is the first series to have Black reprise his role. Black is the only cast member confirmed for the upcoming feature. DreamWorks Animation is producing the series, with Peter Hastings and Shaunt Nigoghossian attached as executive producers and Chris Amick and Ben Mekler as co-executive producers.

The most popular show of television Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is all set to be streamed in an animated version on Netflix. The sitcom enjoys an enormous fan base and is widely cherished by the audience. Last year, the producers of the show launched its animated version which will now be available on Netflix as well from 24th February 2022. The animated series of Indias most darling comedy TV show has already aired two successful seasons on television since 2021. The animated series too has Gokuldham Societys characters in hyperbolic cartoon avatars and is a major hit among the kids.For the uninformed, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is produced and directed by Asit Kumarr Modi. Talking about the premiere of the animated edition on Netflix, Asit Kumarr Modi said, It is becoming more and more evident that so long as the content is great, it can be seamlessly adapted across mediums. Last month, a report by Amazon revealed Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as the most searched TV show in Hindi on its Fire TV Device. Now, the shows animated version, Taarak Mehta Ka Chhota Chashmah will be available to our viewers on Netflix. It also reiterates that pure humor can bring a positive transformation in our society and at Neela Film Productions, spreading joy is pivotal to our ethos. Were glad that our viewers especially, kids will get to enjoy Taarak Mehta Ka Chhota Chashmah on OTT as well.Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the worlds longest-running daily comedy show. Over the years, its characters and personalities have become family names in the country. The exhibit premiered in July 2008 for the first time and has been operating successfully for over 13 years now and has completed over 3300 episodes so far.

Indias first female comic book superhero, Priya, is gearing up to dive into a brand-new riveting adventure. The fourth edition of Indias first pioneering comic book series, Priyas Mask this time tackles the unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged everyone in India and around the world. The comic book and film will be released worldwide on December 2, 2020 on multiple platforms.Released as an augmented reality comic book, the installment is paired with an animated short film featuring the voices of feminist leaders from the U.S. and India, including icon Vidya Balan, Rosanna Arquette, Mrunal Thakur, and Sairah Kabir.Named a gender equality champion by UN Women, the series was created by U.S.-based media house Rattapallax founder, documentary filmmaker, and technologist Ram Devineni. Priyas Mask is produced by Tanvi Gandhi, Indrani Ray, and Monika Samtani, written by Shubhra Prakash, with illustrations and animation by Syd Fini, Hamid Bahrami and Neda Kazemifar. The project was funded through a grant from the North India Office (NIO) of U.S. Embassy New Delhi, in coordination with the Regional English Language Office (RELO), as part of U.S.-India cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.In an unprecedented and historic collaboration, the installment will present a debut alliance between two hugely successful female comic book superheroes from neighboring countries, with Priya collaborating with Pakistans female superhero, Burka Avenger in their fight against the deadly virus. The virus does not understand or respect borders, adds writer Shubhra Prakash, so this was a natural synergy between both cultural heroes.Voiced by Mrunal Thakur, Priya will be remodelled for the very first time, shedding away from her former salwar-kameez clad avatar and embracing a feisty teenage demeanour seen in young women around the world. Preserving the time-honoured tradition, she will be escorted by the flying tiger, Sahas voiced by Vidya Balan. Set against the rustic backdrop of Jodhpur, the narrative weaves around the escapades of an 8-year-old Meena voiced by Sairah Kabir and her working mother who nurses COVID-19 infected patients and their cumulative sacrifices.The India-born U.S.-based Ram Devineni, whose childhood memories largely consist of reading Amar Chitra Katha comic books, says, It was important to understand the emotional toll the pandemic and isolation has on young people, and provide a message of hope in the comic and film. Devineni adds that false information around the virus is creating an atmosphere of fear and speculation among citizens, making it harder to focus on the facts to fight the pandemic.Mrunal Thakur states, As an avid comic book lover, I resonated strongly with Priyas superhero character and realised she is someone I would like to bring to life through the creative medium. I have always aspired to be that superwoman who spreads awareness around social issues and it couldnt be more exciting than to be a part of an animation character who is the voice of reason. Characters like Priya and Sahas are putting forth the message of how we need the world to become a more inclusive place to live in. I want to tell children of frontline workers that even though their parents aren't wearing capes, they are heroes in their own ways. They too are saving lives and taking care of the nation. This is the first time I am lending my voice to a character especially to a superhero. Infact my entire contribution was recorded over zoom call whilst I was shooting for Jersey in Dehradun. I really wish Priya grows from strength to strength here on. She has the potential of being more than a mere 92 second video and her voice needs to reach every corner of the globe. Love Sonia helped me in my evolutionary journey as a human and as an actor as it allowed me to empathise more strongly with the miseries of the feminine community. I realised I imbibed the power to positively impact community thinking with my work and that will be a constant endeavour for me.Vidya Balan states, Clearly I have a thing for tigers! Jokes aside though what Priya stands for resonated with me at so many levels and its the essence of Sahas that connected with me - her strength, her empathy, her confidence. The animation apart from being a nod to caregivers globally which in itself is wonderful and timely and necessary, carries a strong message of solidarity - so it was an easy yes for me and I'm happy to be part of this wonderful film.Sairah Kabir states, I jumped at this opportunity as I found great merit in being part of it. A lot of kids my age will be able to relate to this story since their parents are working round the clock and juggling between so many responsibilities. In times like these, roles get reversed and children become pillars of strength for their parents by encouraging them to continue doing the praiseworthy work. On a sidenote, it was an enjoyable experience voicing a cartoon as Ive never done that and its one thing ticked off my bucket list.The U.S. Embassys North India Office said, This exciting book is both the newest chapter in the Priya series and the latest example of the United States and India working together to confront global health challenges, drawing on the deep talents of both of our peoples.The pathbreaking comic book series is available as a free download, and has been acknowledged by over 26 million people worldwide through multiple platforms, books, and exhibitions with over 500,000 downloads and 30,000 printed copies distributed.Priya was introduced to audiences in 2014, two years after the terrible gang-rape on a bus in New Delhi. The augmented reality comic book has over the years brought to attention issues like rape, acid-attacks, and sex-trafficking. The first volume launched in 2014, Priya's Shakti shattered social stigmas surrounding rape survivors and was funded by the Tribeca Film Institute, Ms. Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. The success of the maiden edition led to the release of the second volume Priya's Mirror which premiered at New York Film Festival in 2016, inspired by the story of Laxmi Agarwal it centered around acid attack survivors and was funded by the World Bank. The ensuing third volume Priya and The Lost Girls which premiered in 2019 shed light on the issue of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.Basking in the exceptional legacy of being the one of the very few comic books specifically constructed to generate awareness on social perils amongst the youth community, the series has unswervingly offered an empathetic narrative of illuminating attitudes towards gender-based violence, creating empathy and identification with survivors so they can pursue justice without shame leading to emancipation from disabling restrictions imposed by an unempathetic society.