Lot to be done to address malnutrition: Aamir Khan

Bollywood star Aamir Khan on Wednesday said the issue of malnutrition is "foremost" to him and that there is a lot be done to tackle the problem which is severely affecting children all over the country.

"I realize there is a lot to be done and I hope that by lending my voice I can make a
difference to the lives of children and thereby to the future of our country," Aamir told reporters here after being appointed as UNICEF's brand ambassador to promote nutrition for children.

"This issue is foremost to me and I hope this initiative is successful," he added.

The nationwide campaign, which plans to reach millions of children in the country, would use popular mediums like TV, newspapers, radio, paintings and collaboration with the Anganvadi scheme for maximum exposure.

"If a newborn child is not physically and mentally healthy, we start on a bad foot," said the 46-year-old star who has been attached to the cause for the past year.

"I have worked with UNICEF, government, ad filmmaker Prasoon Joshi and the citizen's alliance against malnutrition -- a group of MP's from various political outfits on the issue," said Aamir known for his films like Taare Zameen Par, Ghajini and 3 Idiots.

UNICEF representative in India, Karin Hulshof, appreciating Khan's commitment towards the cause and kids said: "India is an emerging superpower but rights of children remain to be fulfilled. With Aamir's help we can reach out to more parents and children."

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Lot-to-be-done-to-address-malnutrition-Aamir-Khan/Article1-776605.aspx

Mr Bean inspires Ranbir?s outing in Barfee?

He delivered a heavy-duty performance in Rockstar, and now, Ranbir Kapoor is set to charm audiences with his ?romantic-comic? outing in Barfee. Even as Anurag Basu?s film nears completion, word is out that it?s an Indian interpretation of popular British TV comic character, Mr Bean.

not a direct copy of Mr Bean (played by Rowan Atkinson). But you?ll find the elements of Ranbir?s character a bit similar to him. Anurag and Ranbir have worked very hard on making sure that the film is entertaining and not serious,? says a team member involved with Barfee.

Ranbir too contends that Barfee isn?t a serious film. ?People have a lot of misconceptions about Barfee. It?s a romantic comedy set in the ?70s. And I am playing a Mr Bean kind of a character. It has been very interesting and challenging,? he says, adding, ?Anurag has been a wonderful director. And I hope we make an endearing, feel-good film, which family audiences can enjoy.?

The actor plays a deaf and mute person in the film, while Priyanka Chopra will be seen as a mentally challenged girl and Ileana D`Cruz will narrate the story. But Ranbir clarifies that he isn?t copying Mr Bean, Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton.

He says, ?I have grown up with these characters. So from the start, they have been deep influences on me. It?s not like I am trying to copy someone, because the character is my own take and personal adaptation. It?s absolutely original and not influenced by any of them.?

Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Mr-Bean-inspires-Ranbir-s-outing-in-Barfee/Article1-776410.aspx