In Search of 'Potha'

Future of  India struggling for survival 

After the recent announcement about the short film ‘Potha’, Ath Entertainments has begun the caste and location hunting. “Potha” is a short film which will unveil the street life in the metro cities. It will show the plight and struggles of street children who are bound to a grim fate.  “We have to make it as real as possible, so it is best to explore the street life before we begin with the movie.” , said Producer Apoorva Bajaj.

Young Writer-Director Pankaj Narayan

Street children have been neglected by the society form the beginning. There is no concern, no compassion and no care whatsoever. “The closer you look, the clearer it gets. Lives of those dwelling on streets are far worse than imagined.” , she added.  As the research process is speeding up, many disturbing facts are surfacing. Who knows what else could be found!

Ath Production team is stalking each and every possible corner of Delhi in order to get the perfect locations. Young writer- director Pankaj Narayan is himself digging hard to get the best for his film. “We need such locations which will bring our story to life in a heartbeat. We can’t put anything to chance.” he said. 

It looks as though, we must be ready for our cheeks to get wet and our hearts to be filled with pain and remorse as ‘Potha’ is about to unfold the bitter truth of our society.  The brutality that has prevailed for so long will no longer be hidden under the veil.

Ath's new short film on Street Children

Who is responsible for them?

India is home to 400,000 - 800,000 street children. The seventh largest and second most populous country on the globe has the maximum number of child laborers in the world. Call it lack of political will, accelerating economy or intense poverty, India has the largest number of street kids. Where is government? Where are human rights?  

 As Ath Entertainment works on the documentary “Keetnashak” to aware the public and farmers about the harmful effects of pesticides, it has also stepped up for all neglected street children. Young writer-director Pankaj Narayan has announced to make a short film “Potha” on the very issue. “I feel it is our duty to raise social issues and bring them to light.” , he said. Eminent TV journalist and writer Anuraag Muskaan also extended his hands in support of the noble cause and wrote the screenplay and dialogues of “Potha”. He has also contributed a lot to the development of the story. 
"learning is not a play but it is best when learn while playing, similarly films are best ways to create social awareness, our efforts are the same" , said Anuraag Muskaan. 

Potha is the life story of a street child who struggles to survive in a metro city. He is torn and ripped by the unfair society, yet he survives. He is abused and tortured, yet he survives. This film will make you question your sanity. It will raise questions on the system. And above all it will make you search for humanity. “If a single child gets a better life because of this, It would feel like heaven to me” , said producer Apoorva Bajaj.  

Well known actor Hemant Pandey who will be seen in a very prominent role in the film said, “Street children are very much neglected and they must be put to justice. It feels great to be a part of this noble cause”.  

“When we set out to make this film, we realized that we must dig a little deeper. And what we found was so disturbing…awful…” , Said Pankaj Narayan. According to a report in Mumbai alone, thousands of children are illegally employed by hotels, restaurants, canteens, tea shops, and

eating places. The situation is no different in any other metro city. As they lack protection from family and the law, employers often exploit them, making them virtual prisoners, sometimes with holding pay, and abusing them.

Dear god, where are all humans! 

 Let’s hope that “Potha” will make a difference. Let’s hope that there will be at least ‘one less street child’. 

Apoorva Bajaj-New Starlet added to the film Galaxy

Producer-Director Apoorva Bajaj

When dreams begin to take shape in open eyes and sky seems too close to touch, that’s when you know, you are meant to do something great in life.  Apoorva Bajaj -the director of ‘Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.’ is such a person. She is a dreamer, visionary and passionate young lady. A bright new starlet added to the galaxy of film Industry.

She was born and brought up in Delhi. During her graduation and post-graduation in mass communication and film making, she worked for several NGOs as a reporter. She also worked in PR and Event Companies for some time. And then it was time to work on her dream, film making. Her first project as a film maker was “Anjaan”, a short film. “Khizaan” was her second short film which won award in international women’s film festival.

Every year a thousand of younglings enter the magical film industry, but only a few survive. “You have to be stubborn and passionate to survive the competition in film industry. There is no room for weakness, not in this industry…” , she said once in an interview.

   

Year 2012, Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. was established, her very own production house.  Soon after, she organized Ballets Ganga Avtaran, Yog Yatra and Sajda as Producer. She worked as Associate director for “Savdhan India” on Life OK. She also produced the Advertisement for Patanjali Aayurveda Products.  She is currently working on a documentary film “Keetnashak” and has also started planning for a feature film which will be released next year, positively.

This might seem quite surprising to see such young lady attain a position in film Industry, but she is well deserved. “I have worked day and night to get here. And will continue to work hard until I reach the top. Let’s just say that this is the beginning” , says Apoorva.  After everything said and done, there is nothing more important than hard work, is it? 

Ath on the floor of keetnashak

Pankaj Narayan and Apoorva Bajaj; Shooting For Keetnashak

Every single breath, every sip of water and every bite of food, is killing you inside! Your daily rice can make you paralyzed!  Your favorite fruit is more likely to give you cancer!  Scary as is sounds, it’s the tragic reality.  Pesticides and fertilizers used in cultivation of the crops are now cultivating diseases.

While shooting for the new documentary film “Keetnashak” in the farms of Hariyana, Ath Production team discovered the ugly truth about all farming practices in India. After knowing the deadly effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers the whole team went alarmed. “When we set out to make this documentary, we were sure to find some bitter facts, but this is ugly or rather ugliest truth ever known”, said writer-director Pankaj Narayan.

Pesticides enter our bodies through dust and vapor, by consuming food and water and by direct contact of pesticides with skin. When they are sprayed onto food, especially fruits and vegetables, they secrete into soils and groundwater which can end up in drinking water. Also, pesticide spray can drift and pollute the air. Sure it feels like we are poisoning ourselves. And whatever we do, this killer will catch up to us.

“The whole situation seems hopeless. Farmers are bound to use pesticides, no matter what. And we are compelled to eat the poisonous food. I wish situation could change a little, I wish” , said producer Apoorva Bajaj.

Producer Apoorva Bajaj; In the fields of Hisar (Hariyana)

 Well, situation may seem hopeless, but there is always a silver line above the clouds. A certain group of farmers in the country are determined to turn the tables around. They have started using the natural fertilizers and natural pest controllers in their farms.  Farmers of ‘Hisar’, Hariyana are well aware of the dangers of using pesticides and chemicals and have turned towards natural ways.

“Organic food is the only way to have a healthy life. Now farmers can give us pesticide free organic food and we should get on with it without delay. Doctor’s den or healthy life, we have to decide” ,Said Trilok Sharma, Social worker.   

During the whole research process Ath team also discovered about “Jaivik Chaubutra”, a platform for farmers which provides assistance in creating natural fertilizes and pest controllers from easily available recourses. “Jaivik chaubutra is very effective and beneficial for one and all. Farmers can save money, and we can save our livies”, said Ketan Ramavat, actor.

Once every farmer starts natural practices, India will be the healthiest place on earth. Let’s hope this beautiful vision turn to be true someday. 

Ath honors Sandeep Marwah

Writer director Pankaj Narayan Honoring Sandeep Marwah, Chairman AAFT 

Young writer director Pankaj Narayan and producer director Apoorva Bajaj on behalf of Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Honored Sandeep Marwah, Chairman AAFT for his untiring efforts in the world of cinema and congratulated him for AAFT Festival

 of Short Digital Films for being the only festival which has touched the 75th edition in the World. For being the only festival which happened four times in a year. The festival has given golden opportunity to 1100 new directors from to show case their debut films in last 19 years of its existence.

Sandeep Marwah also wished Ath for its Upcoming projects and appreciated the young team for their hard working spirit.

Sandeep Marwah is a man of records, there is a parallel film industry emerging in Delhi in which is lead by him. He is an inspiration for youth and an icon for young film makers. He always appreciates a young talent and also provides them a learning and performing platform Said Pankaj Narayan

Ath Entertainment expresses gratitude for his kind support and admiration.

Pankaj Narayan - a man of talent and creativity

He began as a poet, turned towards writing, then became a journalist and now we see him as a film director. Pankaj Narayan - a man of talent and creativity. A small town boy who became an inspiration for all. A self made man. 

He was born and brought up in Muzaffarpur a district of Bihar and completed his basic education from there.  But as destiny would have it, he moved to Delhi in search a better future.  Searching for work in an absolute strange city and struggle to make a living was not quite easy, but who can stop a star that is born to shine.  Soon he started writing for Outlook magazine as a freelance writer.  One things lead to another and he became a freelance journalist. Finally fate was smiling.

When he wrote about political and social issues, it made people think.  His writings had the power to make you smile, laugh and even cry. From politics to education, from society to culture, nothing remained untouched for Pankaj Narayan. It may come as a surprise, but he never took up any post or job in any firm. He remained a freelancer through his entire writing career. “I could never work under someone…taking orders is not   my thing…I work freely, without pressure” , he once said in an interview  .

Along with writing he also joined anchoring and event business. He coordinated  for many world class events, such as “7th Antrashtriya Hindi Utsav”, organized by Aksharam and first pravasi film festival organized by pravasi today group.  

Life took another turn when he decided to try his hand in film business.  He joined the industry as a scriptwriter and learnt minute details of production. “You must learn before you start up a new thing…that’s why I decided to know the film Industry before actually try my hand” he said.

Year 2012, he joined Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. as a writer- director. It was the beginning of a new age. Soon after the joining, he directed some ad films and documentaries. He is currently working on a multistarer feature film as writer-director, which will get on the floor next year. 

He is quite active on the social networking sites such as facebook and twitter. He is popular for his satirist one-liners. He has fan following, mostly youngsters, who love his work.

He has achieved great many things in such short period. And is determined to excel in all his works ahead.  “I am young, and I have much left to do...” he said. For such a man of enthusiasm and talent, sky has to be the only limit. This is just the beginning. 

Ath Shri Hemant Pandey Katha

Actor Hemant Panday recently visited Ath Entertainment office in New Delhi. Producer Apoorva Bajaj, writer-director Pankaj Narayan and actor Chandrabhushan Singh were present on the occasion. Apart from his obvious humor, he shared his views about Ath with the production team.

The actor has already worked with Ath Entertainment in an Advertisement and seemed quite happy about the team. “When I decided to work with Ath, I thought I am simply working with a bunch of people…but now, I feel like a family, and I m Proud to be a Part of this family ” ,he said.

With the vision of making Delhi into new film production hub, Ath Entertainment was established. Being pleased by this very idea, Hement said, “We have all known Bombay as Sapno ki Nagri….but the day is not far when Delhi will become the base camp for film making…Ath entertainment has sown the seed of new a beginning” . 

When asked, what he felt about the future success of Ath as a production house, he said, “I am sure, Ath Entertainment will flourish and bring many entertaining films in the coming time…and of course Lord Ganesha is the leader of Ath, so it is bound to succeed…”.

All in all, the actor enjoyed his visit, or rather made others enjoy with his witty comments and humor. He also disclosed his desires to work with Ath in the coming time.  “I wish, Ath creates history in the field of entertainment...make great films and entertain the viewers with all force” he said. 

Watch the exclusive interview here! 

Once again Supriya becomes ‘Ganv ki Gori’

Supriya as Gnav Ki Gori

Now, there is a pretty a face! Well known television actress Supriya is about to portray a phenomenal character in the new ad film of Patanjali Aayurveda Products, which is produced by Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Supriya gained popularity with Balaji telefilms serial Bari piya, where she essayed the lead character of ‘Amoli’. The show went on to become a huge success, and Amoli received enormous fame.  And now, the diva is ready to pull off another magnificent role of a carefree village girl.

While Supriya will become a rebellious yet confident ganv ki gori, Aditya lakhiya will portray the character of her poor Father. The complete act is based on the age old story of ‘Ramu kaka’. A poor farmer whose beloved daughter is all grown up to get married, but unfortunately, he has no money. 

The actress had many great things to say about the shoot, which she shared with production team in an interview. “It was more fun than work, we would eat together and enjoy each other’s company…in short it was an amazing shoot..”, she said.

Feeling good about the whole concept of the ad film she said, “I don’t think there was any best way to do this ad film…in fact, the best concept to sell a product”. So we can take that the actress had a great time while shooting huh!

The Ad will soon reach your television sets. Until then, have a look at the making. 

Ramu Kaka's Dreams came true!

Ramu Kaka ki beti badi ho gayi, aur khet chote ho gaye

Of course you remember our match winner ‘Kachra’ from Ashutosh Gowarikar‘s epic drama Lagan.  Yes, the one who took a ‘hatrick’ in the fascinating cricket match is now ready to upraise the ‘Ramu Kaka’ phenomena. The former spin bowler is now to be seen as ‘Ramu Kaka’ in the latest Ad film of Patanjali Aayurveda products, which is produced by Ath Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.  

Aditya Lakhia as 'Ramu Kaka'

The story of ‘Ramu kaka’ is age old; it has been told and retold again and again. A poor farmer, whose beloved daughter is grown to the age of marriage, and he is running short of money. So you might ask; what’s new?  Well, this time you will see a new treatment, a positive approach and some brilliant acting performances by cast.  This Ramu Kaka does not sit and cry over his plight, but find his way through the dark. That’s something you haven’t seen before!

While shooting on the hills of ‘Malar ganv’, the actor shared his experiences with Ath Production team. “I am really enjoying, everyone in the cast and crew is very friendly…”,he said . 

The Ad will soon hit the screen. So, let’s wait till we see Aditya as the new revived ‘Ramu kaka’.

And the way he has performed, we can tell, he looks absolutely convincing. Have doubts? Then see it for yourselves in ‘the making’. 

Nattha becomes Hariya

Photo: Omkar Das Manikpuri 

‘Peepli Live’ fame Omakar Das Manikpuri is all set for a new avatar, Hariya.  He will be seen in the new ad film of ‘Patanjali Aayurveda Products’ which is produced by Ath Entertainment  Pvt. Ltd. During the shoot, in a relaxing moment, the actor shared his experiences with the team.  

When everyone’s favorite Nattha spoke about his ventures with the Ath Production team, he said, “Working with such young and energetic team has been a delight...”

Speaking of delight, the actor was also overwhelmed with the kind of hospitality and work environment provided by the production team. “Making the actors perform so peacefully and giving them such comforts, oh! I like it very much…”, said Omakar.

 Most of the filming for the ad was done in ‘Malar Ganv’, a small yet beautiful hilly village near Nilkanth in Uttarakhand. He seemed rather fascinated about this prime location and said, “This is a huge location. It’s very creative of the production team to select such a beautiful place for shooting…”

So, we can take that his is brief journey with Ath entertainment was quite a spin.  “I give my hearty wishes to Ath Entertainment. May it flourish and go on to become the leading production house in the industry…”, he said .

The Ad is going to hit the screen very soon. Sure, it will be a thrill to see our Nattha onscreen, as Hariya. Meanwhile, let’s feast our eyes with this interview, which will showcase Omkar’s great venture as Hariya.