Science is everywhere, we just have to recognize it - Varun Mehta

The power of storytelling never lies in the medium but instead the way you present it. You should be passionate enough to tell your story with such conviction that it touches your heart right in the place. No matter how simple or ordinary it is. The power lies in the concept of the storytelling. Continuing this trend is Internationally Acclaimed Award winning animation filmmaker Varun Mehta whose film 'A Dream that defined Science' was recently screened and honored at the 7th National Science Film Festival held at Kolkata from 14th February to 18th February. Ace Bollywood Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar graced the event as Chief Guest. The Science festival featured shortlisted award winning films from all over the country. The idea of this festival was to promote science in terms of filmmaking. Mehta's film was screened on 17th of February with a delightful response and now he aims to hold the premiere of his film on an online platform. Mehta is known for his critically animated award winning shorts 'The Unknown World' 'Save Trees' and 'The Wonder Stone'. He has also won numerous International and National awards for his short films also. We contacted Varun for a brief Interview to know about his achievements and future plans.

















*Congratulations on this new achievement of yours. Please elaborate more about this film and the Science film festival you attended?

* The festival was organized by 'Vigyan Prasar' which is a division of government that promotes science through filmmaking. The festival was held at Birla Museum, Kolkata from 14th of Feb to 18th of Feb. The festival featured films from all over the world discussing issues related to health, environment, nature and of course Science. Our film 'A Dream that defined Science' was shortlisted in category D. It was screened on 17th of February at the Festival. 

* How was your experience regarding the whole film fest?
* It was exciting and engaging. Film Festivals are always encouraging for artists and budding filmmakers. Not only they bring amazing films around the country but also some great filmmakers on the board. I got to meet amazing talents that participated in this event. The zeal, the environment, the energy was of course, an amazing experience.

*Despite so much talent in the country, there isn't much support for film festivals? Why is that?
* It's related with the general interest. Film Festivals target niche audience with people having great taste for films and Art. It's not everyone's cup of tea. But yes, the problem also lies in the acceptance. Film Festivals can only grow if our government starts taking initiatives just like Vigyan Prasar is doing. Also, festivals regarding all sort of films should be encouraged. A change begins from home and it takes time.

*Tell us what 'A Dream that defined Science' is about?
* Its a short film about few students who are stressed about science tests they are going to appear the next day. They find the subject extremely difficult and suffocating. They don't understand it and hence panicking that they would fail the tests. Since they have been studying since morning they decide to take a nap. As luck would have it, they experience a similar dream where an Imaginary character comes to life and tell the kids the Importance of Science and its uniqueness. The kids understand that Science is about knowledge rather than blind learning. They all perform well in the tests the next day thanking the character that enriched their tiny minds with the usefulness of the subject.

* How do you see 'Science' as a tool in filmmaking?
* Science is everywhere not just in films. But since we are talking about filmmaking, science is itself a part. The camera, lighting, graphics all technical part we see around is Science. Its just we need to recognize more of Science in films. There are hardly films made based on it and I think these film festivals are great a medium to promote & enlighten Science in terms of filmmaking in the best way possible.

*Animation in India targets mostly children. Also you have made a lot of films targeting kids. Does the genre of kid films excite you in general.
* Its not like that. I have been a part of corporate filmmaking where I have made short films, documentaries, ads etc with adults. It's just the productions that target children find more appreciation and exposure. Also working with children in particular is quite difficult, whatever looks easy on screen has a backstory behind it. I am comfortable with all genres of filmmaking. In fact, I would love to make a suspense thriller if I come across a great script.

*Regarding the Film Festivals, what does an average filmmaker usually expect - awards, exposure or networking?
* I think all of them - they all are equally Important. Having your film shortlisted is a big thing. You travel through the country with pride with the feeling of having your film screened in between prestigious people. Awards boost a filmmaker's morale and helps him to do better. And networking of course brings a lot of further opportunities. But personally if you ask me, having your film shortlisted and screened is the biggest reward because at the end you have already competed with so many films that came on board and made it into the finals. Rest all depends on your dedication and conviction. 

*Can you please elaborate about your future projects?
* There is a lot in pipeline. I am currently working on an environmental short. After that I shall start working on an animated short film that is based on a love story. It is likely to be released this year. Also we are having a digital online premiere for 'A Dream that defined Science' soon. 

We at youthbuzz team wishes Varun with the best of luck ! 

E!Feed Awards Voting Concluded : Results to be announced on 28th Feb!

E!Feed Awards - The online platform that celebrates the excellence of talent on Indian Television and Bollywood has concluded its first voting session successfully. The First set of awards was launched last month to honor various artists from last year according to public voting. The award polls especially the ones based on Indian Television shows and stars opened to a heart whelming response. So much so that the voting lines for the polls were extended for some time.

E!Feed recently announced the winners of their Bollywood award polls on their Twitter Handle. Aamir Khan (Dangal) and Sonam Kapoor (Neerja) won the top honors for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. While Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor won honors for their performances in Kapoor and Sons and Baaghi respectively. While the voting for Indian Television category continued till 25th of Feb 2017.

The Results for rest of the polls shall be declared on 28th of February 2017. EFeed Awards are offering certificates and trophies to the winners for which they would be connecting with the respective actors after the results. E!Feed Awards shall continue with its next season honoring the talents from current year.

Birthday Special : Happy Birthday Urmila Matondkar

Today is the Birthday of Bollywood's Ultra Glamorous and beautiful actress Urmila Matondkar. Every 90's teen is familiar of her exotic dance moves and glamour. But she was much ahead of a 'sex symbol'. Her acting skills in various performances proved what a versatile actress she truly was. It's highly shameful that bollywood today isn't having much of her. Instead some of the so called heroines who replaced her today can't even act let alone performing. Urmila was in the league of herself. Commercial and Mainstream Cinema wasn't for her and that led her to experiment in various mediums which showed an array of her great performances. Today we present her 10 knockout performances which any actress shall find difficult to match quite literary.




























11. Rangeela : Let's face it. Rangeela shall be always be Urmila's shinning pride. Not because its her biggest commercial success to date but the glamour factor and the aura it brought to Urmila, we doubt a film can really bring to an actress. Urmila was totally unrecognizable in Rangeela from her past movies. It was a new Urmila. The one who will take on the world with her oomph, style and sexy moves. Who can forget 'Tanha Tanha' & 'Rangeela Re'. But despite the glamour factor, Urmila acted in the film and much of her acting went into the cackling chemistry she shared with legendary Aamir Khan who gave an unforgettable performance as Munna. You can't help yourself but fall in love everytime when Munna and Mili shared a fight. Their cute nok-jhok made Rangeela a splendid watch. This factor brought women to the theater. While Urmila's dances entertained the male factor more. The beauty of the film lies in the fact that both Munna and Mili were in love with each other but destiny kept playing games with them. Watch this film if you haven't. You will not regret. Urmila received a filmfare nomination for this one.


10. Judaai : Matching an ace actress like Sridevi is not a BIG Joke but Urmila proved she is no lesser. Incidentally Urmila's role was offered to Karishma who rejected the film due to 'Dil to Pagal hai' the same movie that was offered to Urmila but she took Judaai instead. Judaai was indeed a gamble as it looked out an out a women centric film. The film opened slow but with fantastic word of mouth it went on to become Super-Hit at the Box office. Not only that Urmila received worldwide acclaim for her role of 'Jhanvi'. Her last scene in the movie shall definitely leave you in tears. Urmila again received a nomination for her role in FilmFare.




























9. Masoom : The Cute Urmila who sang 'Lakdi ki Kaathi Kaathi ka ghoda' is so lovable in this movie you can't just get over. She acted as a child artist. Although the film centers Jugal Hansraj and his journey of acceptance as a child. It was Urmila who gave an ace performance of a sister that stands by his illegitimate brother till the end. Unfortunately, she hasn't given much prominence in the film for her acting than mentioning that she just acted as a 'child artist'. You need to watch the film and understand how amazing an actress she was ... even as a child.


8. Karzzzz : Now this is one film people just like to put down mainly because of Himesh Reshmaiyaa. We get it but you can't take out someone's hard work and passion from something they invested upon. Urmila as Kamini was riveting in Karzzzz. No we are not comparing it with Simi Grewal because Karz was 10x better than this waste. But Urmila gave it what she could. Whoever watched the film did appreciate and from the performance point of view, she didn't disappoint. Urmila received a nomination as Best Villian in StarDust Awards.



7. Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara : When Anupam Kher was casting for the female lead for this film, he told in an Interview that he had only Urmila's name in his mind because it was only her that could understand the complexity of the character. Indeed ! Whoever seen this film will understand what a performer she really is. Watch her in the scene when Anupam suffering from dementia and receiving hallucinations and Urmila tries to control the situation trying to sort things out in the world created by Anupam. Kudos to the director Jhanu Barua as well. The film was a critical success but obviously a commercial failure as our Indian Aam Junta doesn't have that much of a taste of such classic films. Nevertheless Urmila found major nominations for her act in all Award shows. She even won Bollywood Movie Award for her performance.



6. Satya : Satya mainly belonged to the men of this film. You can say that but when you look into it clearly you would find that Urmila's Vidya had played a catalyst in the film. If Satya has any sort of good trait in his character. It's all because of Vidya. Satya proved that Urmila was not just a sex symbol. She can put up a traditional avatar and rock the character totally. She looked beautiful throughout. The song from the film 'Sapne me milti hai' remains popular to this date. The film was a major hit and Urmila found nominations as Best Actress in all popular awards.




























5. Pinjar : What a performance ! You can only say after watching the film till the end. The film was based on the novel of 'Amrita Pritam'. Urmila played a rape victim who is torn between the partition of India. We are truly baffled on the fact that despite so much acclaim she received, she wasn't well received on the awards front. Not even nominations? This year Alia Bhatt won nominations both for her act in Dear Zindagi and Udta Punjab. This is so evident how favoritism works in Bollywood. Had Urmila been an 'Insider' of Bollywood things would have been different.



4. Bhoot : Bhoot remains one of Urmila's top notched performances. The pain that she brings to her body as a possessed woman would leave you with goosebumps. She literary ate all the big stars that featured in the film whether it was Ajay Devgn, Rekha, Nana Patekar etc. It was one hell of a Urmila show all the way. Urmila found worldwide critical acclaim but won numerous awards for her act.



3. Ek Hasina Thi : Dilrubbaa....Ek Hassiinnnaaa Thhhii..... Revenge is always bittersweet and that's how it should be. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this film didn't even get half the appreciation which it deserved. Sure the film was a success but it was mainly due to the low budget. Unimpressive promotions and marketing could also have added up to the cause. But performance wise, This is Urmila at her best. She displays two persona in the film. One where she is a simple working woman who gets trapped in an underworld fiasco and second where she is a hardened woman out to destroy the one who ruined her. Urmila's histrionics comes to fore in many sequences. Especially watch that scene where she comes over fear of the mouse and attacks him with a plate. That is sure-short brilliant. A performance of a lifetime. You would be making a mistake if you miss out on this film. Highly Recommended.


2. Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya : Urmila's act of an obsessed lover received worldwide acclaim. It was perhaps at that time, Urmila's career best performance. She literary went into the skin of the character and despite her character being rude, crazy and mean. You feel for her. What more amazing can it be. The legacy of PTKK is so strong that even actresses of Today's times look up to her. TV actresses like Sara Khan and Jennifer Winget are literary taking inspiration from her act in their TV shows Jamai Raja and Beyhadh. Urmila did receive a lot of acclaim and won Most Sensational Actress award at Bollywood Movie Awards.

1. Kaun : Although its pretty arguable whether we could put KAUN as Urmila's best performance or not because the film starts slow gains momentum and ends with a spine chilling climax. This film is both scary and thrilling and perhaps one of India's best suspense thriller. The film has received cult status over the years much more than the time it was released. Obviously it was ahead of its time. Urmila's performance as 'MAM' is thrilling to the core. We would recommend you watching this film instead of wasting our words here. Seeing the acclaim all over, we suggest Ramgopal Verma should re-release it again. Who knows it becomes a superhit now.  

NOTE : Originally the film ends with a black screen with white titles displaying about Urmila's character and what happened after the incidents. This feature was removed in DVD's. So in case if you have seen it. you are surely lucky. HIGHLY recommended.

After all these films, we can surely say that Urmila needs to make a comeback. It's definitely not good that a talented actress like her remains far from the screen. Something she had loved, Something we had loved too and would love again...

Happy Birthday Urmila !