Producer Ashok Amritraj to Receive Indian Cinematic Icon Honor (EXCLUSIVE) – Global Bulletin
MOGUL’S MARCH
International film producer Ashok Amritraj will be honored with the Global Indian Cinematic Icon Award at the upcoming India International Film Tourism Conclave in Mumbai. The ceremony will host diplomatic representatives from more than 50 nations, including Norway, Sweden, Indonesia, Spain, and Ecuador.
The Hyde Park Entertainment Group founder, whose films have generated over $2 billion worldwide, is set to be recognized for his four-decade career spanning more than 100 productions. His notable credits include “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” “Bringing Down the House,” and “99 Homes,” alongside international co-productions like the Hindi-Tamil hit “Jeans.”
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The International Emmy-winning producer, who chronicled his career transition from Wimbledon tennis player to Hollywood producer in his autobiography “Advantage Hollywood,” also serves as United Nations India goodwill ambassador. His accolades include France’s Chevalier De L’Ordre National Du Merite and an honorary doctorate from the University of East London.
“Over the past four decades, my journey has taken me from India to the tennis courts of Wimbledon and on to Hollywood,” Amritraj said. “While the reality of my two wonderful careers I’ve been blessed with has far exceeded my dreams, for me the global image of India and building bridges between India and other nations has always been uppermost in my mind. I am thrilled and humbled to receive this singular honor from such an eminent group and all I would like to say is, thank you and stay tuned – much more to come.”
COP CROSSOVER
Bollywood star Salman Khan will appear in a cameo in Rohit Shetty‘s “Singham Again,” bringing his character Chulbul Pandey from the “Dabangg” series into India’s expanding cop universe. The casting marks the first crossover between the “Dabangg” and “Singham” franchises, with Khan joining Ajay Devgn, who returns as Bajirao Singham.
The pic marks the fifth entry in Shetty’s popular cop universe. The franchise – initially based on Hari’s 2010 Tamil-language “Singam,” starring Suriya – kicked off with “Singham” (2011) and “Singham Returns” (2014), both centering on Singham, a straight-arrow Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) from the Goa-Maharashtra border town of Shivgarh. “Simmba” (2018) shifted focus to Sangram “Simmba” Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh), a corrupt inspector from Singham’s hometown. The series expanded further with “Sooryavanshi” (2021), introducing Akshay Kumar as DCP Veer Sooryavanshi.
“Singham Again” boasts an A-list ensemble including Devgn, Singh, Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff and Arjun Kapoor.
The “Dabangg” franchise has seen three films, in 2010, 2012 and 2019, and an animated spinoff in 2021.
“Singham Again” is scheduled for a Nov. 1 release during the Diwali holiday frame.
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