Acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and noted Bollywood producer Siddharth Roy Kapur recently came together for a fundraiser titled Dare To Dream for Yeh Ballet actor Achintya Bose's education.
The critically acclaimed film Yeh Ballet, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, is backed by Kapur under his production house Roy Kapur Films.
Achintya, who made his acting debut in the Netflix original film, has received a partial scholarship to the prestigious Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts. However, he needs additional financial support to fully realise his dreams.
Kapur presented the fundraiser evening along with the Ardea Foundation, at which the film was screened. The fundraiser was attended by screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala and directors Anusha Rizvi and Bhaskar Hazarika.
Philanthropists like Monsoon Bissell, Aditi Jaitly from the Performing Arts, Aseem Vadehra from the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, and Vidyun Singh and Sunit Tandon from the India Habitat Centre were also in attendance.
Achintya, who was also present at the fundraiser, surprised those in attendance with a dance performance choreographed by him before the film's screening.
Speaking after the event, Siddharth said, "It is gratifying that the audience here recognised and appreciated Achintya as a performer and as someone that they clearly would like to support because it is incredible how his real-life story is mirroring the character in the film and the fact he’s got admission to Cal Arts, which is a wonderful school. I think we should all get together to support it, and I hope that this screening enables us to be able to send him on a journey that he was born to be on.”
Filmmaker Mira Nair, who lent her support to the fundraising initiative, said, "It gives me great joy to be here and support Achintya through his remarkable performance and this remarkable film. It dares me and encourages us all, especially the young people, to go with the impulse of their love and passion."
Yeh Ballet writer and director Sooni Taraporevala said, “Achintya is a remarkable young man, with boundless talent and a passion for hard work. For Yeh Ballet, he learned ballet, breakdancing, and acting all in a short period of time, earning him the title I gave him: my miracle boy. I am certain he will make them and all of us proud.”
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.