Monday, December 23, 2024

RIP Shyam Benegal: The filmmaker once said “You CAN’T look away when Shah Rukh Khan is on screen”; wanted Hrithik Roshan to play Gautam Buddha in an ambitious biopic

One of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema, Shyam Benegal, passed away on December 23. Fans were disheartened at the loss and also over the fact that the legendary director recently celebrated his 90th birthday, on December 14, with gusto in the presence of industry friends - Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur and Kunal Kapoor, among others. Since his passing, various newspapers and news websites have talked about his immense contribution to cinema and for starting a new wave in Bollywood. Bollywood Hungama, in this special feature, will focus on some of the lesser-known instances and his views on mainstream actors.

In a 2009 interview, Shyam Benegal expressed his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan's acting prowess and screen presence. While talking to PTI, he said, “Shah Rukh is a truly brilliant actor. When he comes on the screen, you hardly look anywhere else but at him - he is that kind of an actor.”

When asked if Shyam Benegal would like to cast the superstar, the filmmaker replied, “How can I cast him? I don't have a subject that might even interest him.”

Hrithik Roshan in and as Gautam Buddha

More than a year before he spoke about Shah Rukh Khan, Shyam Benegal, opened up about Hrithik Roshan. This was a time when he wanted to make a film on Gautam Buddha and wanted to cast the Fighter (2024) actor in the lead role.

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror on December 25, 2007, Shyam Benegal confirmed that he had approached Hrithik Roshan and that the actor seemed keen to work on the film. He said, “Hrithik is quite keen to do the film and has asked for the script. Right now, we are working on putting the script together.”

Shyam Benegal continued, “We will take some time to get the script in place. But yes, I am keen on casting Hrithik. I feel he will suit the character of Buddha. His facial features are appropriate for the role.”

In the same interview, he also mentioned that the Gautam Buddha film would be a very expensive project. Benegal planned to produce himself along with a production house from Sri Lanka. Sadly, the film never materialized.

Also Read: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away at 90



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Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone introduce their daughter Dua to paparazzi; watch viral video

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, who tied the knot over six years ago, welcomed their first child in September this year. The happy couple, ever since then, has been enjoying their parenthood journey. While they have been making rare public appearances, recently they surprised the paparazzi by inviting them to their residence to introduce the cameramen to their daughter Dua Padukone Singh.

While they are yet to introduce her to the social media fam, the paparazzi were thrilled to receive this honor with many of them going to describe her as a ‘little angel’. The actors, however, requested the cameramen and photographers to refrain from clicking her. However, the couple decided to have a brief interaction with the paps, where they were also seen showering love on each other. Ranveer created a moment as he fondly kissed his wife on her cheek leaving DeepVeer fans enthralled with their PDA.

 

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For the unversed, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, who tied the knot in November 2018, became proud parents to a baby girl on September 8. During the occasion of Diwali, the couple unveiled the name of their daughter as Dua Padukone Singh on social media where they shared an adorable photo of their little angel’s baby feet and said, “‘Dua’ : meaning a Prayer. Because She is the Answer to our Prayers. Our hearts are filled with Love & Gratitude. Deepika & Ranveer”.

 

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Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika Padukone seems to have taken a break to enjoy motherhood and will be announcing her upcoming projects soon. Whereas, Ranveer Singh is collaborating with Aditya Dhar in a one-of-a-kind project where he will be seen sharing screen space with Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and others in a film reportedly titled Dhurandar. The actor is also expected to have Don 3 and other films in pipeline but there has been no update regarding the same.

Also Read: Photos: Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone introduce their daughter Dua to the paparazzi



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Sunday, December 22, 2024

Boney Kapoor calls Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan “Shocker” despite critical praise: “Some have compared it to Mr. India”

Ajay Devgn’s sports drama Maidaan, released in April 2024, received critical acclaim but struggled to draw audiences to theatres. Reflecting on the unexpected failure, producer Boney Kapoor shared his disappointment, calling it “a shocker” given the film’s strong pre-release buzz.

A Producer’s Disappointment Speaking to News18 Showsha, Boney Kapoor revealed, “Naturally, I was upset. I was very upset for a few days, but then you’ve got to move on. Raj Kapoor, one of the most prolific filmmakers, also had films that didn’t meet his expectations.”

Despite the setback, Kapoor emphasized the quality of Maidaan and its potential long-term impact. “Even today, filmmakers call me to praise the film and express their disappointment over its box office performance. Some have compared it to Mr. India and believe it could become iconic in times to come,” he added. Ajay Devgn’s Best Performance Kapoor lauded Ajay Devgn’s portrayal in the film, calling it his “best performance to date.” He further praised the cast and crew, including Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and director Amit Sharma, for their exceptional contributions. “Every moment of the film seemed real. It looked like it was happening in front of you,” he remarked. Speculating the Reasons Behind the Failure When asked why the film did not succeed at the box office, Kapoor admitted there is no surefire formula for a hit movie. “Somehow, it didn’t draw enough crowd to the theatres. Maybe we lacked some kind of promotional activity or didn’t pitch it rightly. Perhaps, people thought the film had come and gone because it took four years to make, with three years lost to COVID,” he explained. Proud Despite the Outcome Despite the underwhelming box office performance, Kapoor remains proud of Maidaan. “All in all, I remain proud of that film and will always be proud of it,” he concluded.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor recalls sharing post featuring Javed Akhtar with a witty caption about hair; says doctors assured him of better hair than Anil Kapoor: “I’m going to challenge them to make my hair better than Arjun Kapoor’s”



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Nana Patekar DEFENDS Akshay Kumar’s acting style, compares him to Marlon Brando: “He needs a board to read. But how is it a problem?”

Nana Patekar has come to the defense of his Welcome co-star Akshay Kumar, dismissing criticism of Kumar’s habit of reading lines off a board during shoots. Patekar shared his thoughts in an interview with The Lallantop, stating that every actor has their own style and preferences.

Nana Patekar Praises Akshay Kumar’s Versatility “Everybody has their own style and preferences,” Nana said. “For me, I don’t look at the screen; for him, he needs a board to read. But how is it a problem? At the end of the day, it is difficult to read and emote at the same time. It is something I can’t do, and he is a great actor.”

The two actors previously worked together in the beloved Welcome franchise. Marlon Brando Reference Strengthens Argument To underline his point, Nana Patekar cited the example of Hollywood legend Marlon Brando. “In the film Last Tango in Paris, Marlon Brando was shooting for an intimate scene and couldn’t remember his lines. What he did was, he wrote his lines on the back of his co-star and read it aloud. Today, it is regarded as one of the best scenes of all time,” Nana explained.

He added, “People say, ‘What chemistry he had, the way he was looking into his co-star’s eyes…’ In reality, he was only reading. It’s all about one’s style and preference.” Akshay Kumar and the Future of the Welcome Franchise While Nana Patekar will not appear in the upcoming Welcome 3, Akshay Kumar is reprising his role. The new installment boasts an ensemble cast, including Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Sanjay Dutt, and others.

Also Read: Nana Patekar recalls Sooraj Barjatya picking up his shoes on Pratighaat sets: “He saw me coming and again bowed down with his hands folded”



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Salman Khan reveals Yo Yo Honey Singh finished Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan track in 30 minutes: “I requested him to come and be in the song with us”

Salman Khan revealed in Yo Yo Honey Singh’s Netflix documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous that the rapper-composer created a rap for Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan in just half an hour. The song, ‘Let’s Dance Chotu Motu,’ features a rap segment composed and performed by Honey Singh, who Salman was also invited to appear in the music video.

Honey Singh’s Quick Turnaround for Salman Khan In the documentary, Honey Singh shared his excitement about the opportunity. “Salman Khan sent me this song. It was already made, and he asked if I wanted to rap in it. He was shooting for the song in two days,” Honey Singh said. The documentary showed him brainstorming and composing the lyrics with his team.

Recalling the experience, Salman Khan said, “He went to the studio, and in half an hour, he finished the rap. Then I requested Honey to come and be in the song with us. It’s a really cool song for kids.” Insights from the Documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, which premiered on December 20, 2024, on Netflix, chronicles the rapper’s journey to stardom, struggles with bipolar disorder, and his return to the music scene. Directed by Mozez Singh and produced by Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment, the documentary gives fans an intimate look into Honey Singh’s highs and lows.

“For years, there have been countless conjectures about me in the media, and I have never really shared my side of the story. This documentary is the right opportunity to tell my story,” said Honey Singh.

Also Read: Salman Khan speaks on reuniting with Sajid Nadiadwala after 10 years for Sikandar instead of Kick 2; calls AR Murugadoss directorial “irresistible”



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Mamta Kulkarni DENIES connection with the drug world and Vicky Goswami: “I spent 12 years in dhyan, tap, and puja path. When he came out of jail…”

Former actress Mamta Kulkarni recently returned to Mumbai after 25 years. In a conversation with ANI, she clarified that her return was not related to Bollywood. “I have not come back for Bollywood and I am not planning to make a return as an actress,” she stated.

On Her Connection with Vicky Goswami Addressing her alleged ties to drug lord Vicky Goswami, Mamta said, “I have no connection with the drug world as I never met these people. Yes, I got connected with Vicky Goswami… In 1996, my spiritual journey started, and a guru came into my life during that time.”

Recounting her association with Goswami, she revealed, “Vicky called me when he was in jail in Dubai to come and meet him. I spent 12 years in dhyan, tap, and puja path. When he came out of jail in 2012, my desires were finished — to fall in love or get married, nothing was left. I had decided until he would come out, I wouldn’t go back to India.”

She added that while Goswami went to Kenya, she returned to India briefly in 2012 for the Kumbh Mela before heading back to Dubai. Controversies and Allegations In 2017, Thane Police issued a non-bailable warrant against Mamta Kulkarni and Vicky Goswami in a drug haul case. The duo’s names surfaced based on evidence that led to a chargesheet. Goswami was extradited to the US in 2017 alongside other associates and faced drug trafficking charges following a sting operation by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Mamta clarified her position, saying, “Vicky went back to Kenya, and once or twice I went to meet him and came back to Dubai. He had already been accused in Kenya, and I was not with him during that time. From 2016 to 2024, I focused on my spiritual practices.” She stated that she last contacted Goswami in 2016 and has no current ties with him.

Mamta Kulkarni rose to fame in the 1990s with films like Karan Arjun and Baazi.

Also Read: Karan Arjun actress Mamta Kulkarni returns to Mumbai after the court clears the Rs. 200 crore drug-trafficking case; former actress shares emotional video



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Laughter, cots, and courtroom jokes: The hilarious mahurat of Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

On 22nd December 1997, Bollywood witnessed one of its most entertaining mahurat ceremonies at Hotel Centaur, marking the beginning of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The film, directed by David Dhawan and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda, was already creating buzz as one of the most exciting announcements of the time. The mahurat shot, however, added an extra dose of laughter and energy, setting the tone for what promised to be a blockbuster entertainer.

The two miyans, Amitabh and Govinda, faced the camera for a hilarious scene that had everyone in splits. The scene revolved around a lighthearted discussion between the two about their future plans. Amitabh shared his intention to become a neta (politician), to which Govinda humorously cautioned him against the pitfalls of politics, citing scams, court battles, and eventual imprisonment. Taking Govinda’s advice, Amitabh decided instead to become an abhineta (actor). What followed was a comedic tug-of-war, with both vying for the role of the actor and insisting the other become their secretary.

When it was finally agreed that Amitabh would become the bade miyan abhineta, Govinda inquired what he would do next. Amitabh declared he would earn plenty of money and then sleep peacefully. Govinda, with his impeccable comic timing, quipped, “But that’s what we’re already doing - sleeping. So why bother doing anything else?” The scene concluded with both actors hilariously deciding to return to their khatiya (cot) to resume their slumber, leaving the audience in splits.

The mahurat was met with thunderous applause and roaring laughter, with the scene’s witty references to scams, legal troubles, and even a cheeky nod to the recent income-tax raid on David Dhawan adding a layer of topical humor.

The film, produced by Sheetal Jain in association with Vashu Bhagnani, boasted an impressive team, including writer Rumi Jafri, music composer Viju Shah, lyricist Sameer, cinematographer K.S. Prakash Rao, and choreographer B.H. Tharun Kumar. The art direction by R. Verman and editing by A. Muthu further rounded out the talented crew. With such a formidable cast and crew, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was poised to be a memorable cinematic experience.

Looking back, this day not only marked the start of a beloved film but also reminded us of the unparalleled charm and humor of Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda, who brought the house down with their comic chemistry.

Also Read: 25 Years of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan EXCLUSIVE: “The response in the theatres was FANTASTIC. People would dance and throw coins during the songs, especially ‘Kisi Disco Mein Jaaye’ and ‘Makhna’” – Raveena Tandon



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Saturday, December 21, 2024

Tears, cheers and Tauba Tauba: Vicky Kaushal makes Karan Aujla teary-eyed with heartfelt praise at Mumbai concert

The Mumbai leg of ‘It Was All A Dream’ tour of Karan Aujla was held in Mumbai on Saturday, December 21 at the sprawling R2 Ground in BKC and as expected, it was a rocking affair. Several Bollywood stars have made an appearance at Karan’s shows held in other cities. Hence, the anticipation was high that Vicky Kaushal would join the popular singer-performer in Mumbai. And that’s what happened, leading to a frenzy at the venue.

Karan Aujla’s debut Bollywood song, ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the film Bad Newz (2024), featured Vicky Kaushal in a rocking avatar and is arguably the most popular Hindi film song of 2024. Hence, the demand was tremendous for Vicky to appear and perform with Karan. His appearance details were kept a secret but once he came on stage suddenly, the joy of the attendees knew no bounds. Bollywood Hungama was present at the concert and first hand saw the craze and excitement not just during ‘Tauba Tauba’ but also when Karan Aujla performed his other hit songs.

After the performance, Vicky Kaushal and Karan Aujla addressed the crowd. Karan told the attendees, “Tell him, ‘We love you, Vicky’.” The crowd followed his instructions and showered their love on the dashing, talented actor. Vicky Kaushal then took the mic and asked “Kasa kai Mumbai?” He also joined the fans and chanted, “Aujla Aujla Aujla.”

Vicky Kaushal then said, “Before this beautiful year 2024 ends, we want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making ‘Tauba Tauba’ the song of the year! I am so happy that my brother Karan Aujla made his first song for Bollywood with me. I have been a huge fan of him as a writer, singer and everybody out there.”

Vicky continued, “Karan, my brother, is a bit younger than me.” Karan laughed and said, “I am much younger than you!” Vicky smiled and added, “He is much younger than me but he has seen a lot more life than me. The journey that this man has had, he truly deserves to shine like the star that he’s shining today. I am so proud of him.”

At this point, Karan Aujla was moved to tears. Vicky Kaushal further stated, “Mumbai loves you, India knows you and every desi person across the globe loves you!” The crowd couldn’t stop hooting for Karan.

Vicky Kaushal then revealed, “I was standing backstage, waiting for my entry aur bhai softly baja raha tha. Mere se raha nahin ja raha tha. I started dancing backstage!” Karan Aujla asked him, “Would you like to dance here?” Vicky agreed and Karan Aujla asked his team to put on soft music. Both danced after which Vicky exited.

#KaranAujla's Mumbai concert: @vickykaushal09 makes a surprise entry; performs on 'Tauba Tauba'. Crowd goes crazy pic.twitter.com/aSNYLw2HTS — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) December 22, 2024

Vicky Kaushal’s appearance was expected but what caught everyone unaware was Parineeti Chopra’s entry on stage. She and Karan Aujla performed a song from her acclaimed Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila (2024).

After the performance, Parineeti Chopra said, “He’s my brother and my friend. I sleep early but if I need a 3 am friend, toh main sirf issi ko phone kar sakti hoon. Because he doesn’t sleep!” She added, “He’s a sweetheart. I love interacting with you guys. Thank you for loving Chamkila!”

Ikky paaji rocks the show

The opening act for the show was done by Ikky and he also succeeded in exciting the audience. Vicky Kaushal made a special mention about him and it got a great response from the audience.

#ParineetiChopra's entry caught everyone unaware at #KaranAujla's Mumbai concert pic.twitter.com/z8otWXgf2o — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) December 22, 2024

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Karan Aujla BREAKS silence on HARROWING Coldplay ticket experience: “We need more organized structures; NOTHING should come between artist and fan”



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Barack Obama lists All We Imagine As Light as one of his top watches of 2024; Payal Kapadia and Divya Prabha REACT!

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again shared his much-anticipated annual list of favourite films, offering cinephiles a curated guide to exceptional cinema. Topping his 2024 recommendations is Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light, a Golden Globe-nominated Indian film that has garnered widespread acclaim on the global stage.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obama wrote, “Here are a few movies I'd recommend checking out this year,” alongside a list featuring critically lauded titles such as Conclave, The Piano Lesson, The Promised Land, Dune Part Two, Anora, Didi, Sugarcane, The Complete Unknown, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig.

Payal Kapadia and Divya Prabha React

Director Payal Kapadia and lead actress Divya Prabha expressed their joy on Instagram following the recognition. “Honored to see our film @allweimagineaslightfilm on @barackobama’s favorite movies of 2024! Soooo Grateful for the love and recognition. #SurrealMoments #CinemaMagic,” they wrote, marking a celebratory moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

 

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About All We Imagine As Light

The film, released in India on November 22 after a successful international run, follows the lives of three women working in a Mumbai hospital. Starring Divya Prabha, Kani Kusruti, and Chhaya Kadam, it delicately explores themes of friendship, resilience, and human connection.

The story centres on Prabha’s (Kani) character, who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and Anu (Divya), her young roommate navigating an intimate relationship. The narrative captures the challenges and emotional depth of urban life while celebrating the bond between the women.

All We Imagine As Light has achieved significant milestones in the international film circuit. It premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making history as the first Indian film in 30 years to compete in the main competition, where it won the Grand Prix.

The accolades continued with wins at the New York Film Critics Circle for Best International and the Gotham Awards for Best International Feature. The film also earned two nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Vikramaditya Motwane shares why he doesn’t think Laapataa Ladies was the right choice for Oscars; explains why All We Imagine As Light could have been a better choice



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Friday, December 20, 2024

“Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are not delulu”: Varun Dhawan critiques Bollywood leadership, calls for reinvention and diversity

Varun Dhawan, currently promoting his upcoming film Baby John, recently shared candid insights about the state of Bollywood in a chat with Ranveer Allahabadia for his podcast. He highlighted the pressing need for the industry to embrace change and welcome voices from tier two and tier three cities. He also acknowledged the challenges of reinvention for those in influential positions.

Varun Dhawan on Industry Representation Speaking about the lack of diverse representation in Bollywood, Varun stressed the importance of including talents from smaller cities. "It used to happen earlier, isn’t it? Now why is it not happening? Because it’s become a bit tough to not only enter the industry but also decide whether one wants to become an actor or an influencer or be on OTT. There are too many options now," he remarked, addressing the hurdles faced by aspiring artists today. Reinvention is the Key to Relevance Varun expressed that the industry’s leadership, often dominated by veterans, must evolve to keep up with changing times. “We will all have to go ahead. People who are in powerful positions right now, there is an age limit, those who are doing the same thing for years. They are only at the helm. I am not sure if they recognise it but it is important to change with time. We all will have to do it or we’ll lose relevance, including me.”

While he admitted that reinvention can be challenging, Varun noted its necessity for long-term success. “It is difficult because you don’t want to change,” he said. The Reality Check for Bollywood Stars Varun also shed light on the dynamics of stardom, revealing how younger actors and aspirants often surround themselves with "yes-men," unlike seasoned icons. Praising Bollywood stalwarts Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, he shared, “The upcoming stars or the ones who are still aspiring have these circles but those who are already on that stature, they don’t have these people around them. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, they are not delulu (delusional). They are aware of what’s happening.”

Speaking of Baby John, directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee, the film, slated for a theatrical release on December 25, also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and Keerthy Suresh.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors dialogues on Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mahatma Phule in Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John; modifies three violent scenes



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Urmila Matondkar gives a peek into her wellness getaway: “Since it’s De-cember... time to Destress, Declutter"

Actor and politician Urmila Matondkar recently visited Atmantan Wellness Centre, a premier destination for holistic well-being nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Mulshi. Known for her vibrant energy and commitment to balanced living, Urmila embraced Atmantan’s integrative wellness offerings during her stay.

In an Instagram post reflecting on her experience, Urmila shared glimpses of her rejuvenating journey at the wellness retreat, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere and carefully crafted programs that supported her well-being. Her visit included a blend of customized therapies designed to align mind, body, and spirit, reinforcing her belief in the importance of self-care and mindful living.

Captioning the post, she wrote, "Good morning beautiful people / Since it’s De-cember..time to Destress, Declutter. What better way to get ready for a new year than to bring in inner peace n connect with your body n soul on a deeper level. Feel Gratitude n Goodness that surround us. Feel Grateful, Empathetic, Kind n Positive at all times."

 

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Atmantan Wellness Centre, celebrated for its evidence-based detoxification, fitness, and stress management programs, continues attracting notable personalities seeking transformative health solutions. Urmila’s visit further highlights the growing appeal of wellness tourism in India, where meaningful retreats create lasting impacts on physical and mental health.

Also Read: 25 Years of Mast EXCLUSIVE: Aftab Shivdasani talks about Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘special appearance’ and Amitabh Bachchan connection; reveals, “I received letters saying, ‘The way you went to Mumbai to meet Urmila Matondkar in the film, I have come all the way to meet you'”



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Thursday, December 19, 2024

Mukesh Khanna REACTS to Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Ram in Ramayana; says, “Whoever plays Ram must embody Ram; he shouldn’t look like Raavan”

Mukesh Khanna has voiced his reservations about Ranbir Kapoor being cast as Lord Ram in the upcoming Ramayana adaptation. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is set to release in two parts, with the first installment scheduled for Diwali 2026. The project, which also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, has garnered significant attention, particularly for its high-profile casting.

"Comparisons with Arun Govil Are Inevitable" In a candid interview with Mid-Day, Mukesh Khanna highlighted the challenges of portraying a character as revered as Lord Ram. “If they’re making a Ramayana, comparisons with Arun Govil will be inevitable,” he said, referencing the actor who famously played Ram in the classic television adaptation.

"Whoever Plays Ram Must Embody Ram" Elaborating further, Khanna expressed his belief that the actor playing Ram must possess certain virtues. “What Arun Govil did with the role has become the gold standard. All I can say is that whoever plays Ram must embody Ram; he shouldn’t look like Raavan. In their real life, if they are a lampat chhichhora (lewd hooligan), then it will show on screen,” he asserted. “If you’re playing Ram, you’re not allowed to party and drink. But who am I to decide who plays Ram?” he added.

Concerns About Ranbir Kapoor’s Image Khanna’s comments also touched on Ranbir Kapoor’s recent work, particularly his role in Animal. “The actor playing Ram now is the beacon of the Kapoor family. He’s a fine actor… But I will look at his face, and he should look like Ram. He’s just done Animal, and his negative personality was highlighted in that movie. I hope that doesn’t disturb this,” Khanna remarked.

"Be Careful With Casting" Cautioning filmmakers, Khanna pointed to past instances where casting choices backfired. “Prabhas wasn’t accepted by the public as Ram in Adipurush, despite being such a huge star. Not because he’s a bad actor, but because he doesn’t look like Ram,” he said.

Also Read: Mukesh Khanna clarifies comments on Shatrughan Sinha’s upbringing after Sonakshi Sinha’s sharp response: “I had no malicious intention to malign her or her father”



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EXCLUSIVE: Neha Dhupia on the subject of Bad Newz, “Didn’t know it was biologically possible, got to know very late in my life via this film”

Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk starrer Bad Newz is all set to premiere on Star Gold on December 22 at 8 pm. Directed by Anand Tiwari, the movie also starred Neha Dhupia in an important role. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, she said that TV telecast of films matter even in today’s OTT era.

“It is much important,” she said. “There is an audience. We are talking about it, there are film rights that are being taken. If it exists, there is an audience. And if there is an audience, you want to be everywhere, right? As actors, makers, producers, directors, we are always hungry for an audience.”

Bad Newz is based on an out-of-the-box concept of heteropaternal superfecundation. It’s a condition where a woman is pregnant with twins of two different fathers. Dhupia admitted that she didn’t know about this concept till the time she heard the film’s narration. “I didn’t know biologically it was possible,” she said. “I got to know very late in my life via this film. So, I am glad. It was a moment of enlightenment for me when I heard it. Complete enlightenment (laughs).”

The subject was also a reason why it was interesting for her to be a part of this film. “I didn’t have a large part,” she said. “When you are doing a comedy film and you are not a big part of it, you don’t have to over-intellectualize it, you just have to go with the flow, you just want a large audience. I feel that it made the right move, be it successful music or large stars in it or having a fabulous producer.”

Sharing how she came on board, Dhupia said, “You know films like these have a reach, they have an audience. That’s when you don’t question it too much and you just nosedive into it, and you have faith in the director. Anand is a part. He asked me to do this part, and I was like, sure, why not?”

Dhupia believes that after a hard day at work, films like Bad Newz play an important role for one to unwind. “Bad Newz is a very light film. One doesn’t have to go to the depths of it. It’s active and passive viewing. That’s what comedies are,” she said.

Also Read: Neha Dhupia expresses gratitude for unwavering support from husband Angad Bedi; says, “He makes it possible for me to pursue my passions without worrying about home”



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Mufasa: The Lion King's Hindi version: Shah Rukh Khan pays tribute to Main Hoon Na; AbRam Khan makes a confident voiceover debut

The much-awaited film Mufasa: The Lion King is all set to release tomorrow, December 20, and the excitement is there as The Lion King (2019), was a smash hit in India. The previous instalment worked well not just because of its visual grandeur and subject but also because the Hindi version was voiced by Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan for the lead characters. For Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney has gone one step ahead and got SRK’s youngest son, AbRam Khan, as a voiceover actor.

It turns out that AbRam Khan has managed to do an impressive job as the young Mufasa. To see the young son voicing a character whose adult version is voiced by AbRam’s father Shah Rukh added to the entertainment value and also authenticity.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Shah Rukh Khan has referenced his 2004 memorable film, Main Hoon Na, for a crucial scene in the film. Interestingly, in the English version, the dialogue is slightly different but writer Mayur Puri has smartly tweaked it to insert the Main Hoon Na homage.

Another USP of the film is the voiceovers of Shreyas Talpade and Sanjay Mishra for the characters of Timon and Pumbaa respectively. They bring the house down with their voices and also funny one-liners. Meanwhile, Makarand Deshpande voices the good old Rafiki. Mufasa and Rafiki’s interaction in a way brought back memories of Shah Rukh Khan and Makarand’s collaboration in Swades (2004). Coincidentally, Swades completed 20 years just 2 days ago.

Asrani voiced Zasu in The Lion King and for Mufasa: The Lion King, he has been replaced by Rajesh Kava. The other voice actors are Meiyang Chang as Taka, Raaya Gill Tewary as Kiara, Vikrant Chaturvedi as Kiros, Manini De as Eshe, Uday Sabnis as Obasi, Amritesh Pandey as young Taka, Neha Gargava as Nala and Asif Ali Beg as Chigaru.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan reveals another reason why he relates to Mufasa: The King as Disney drops new video of the iconic collaboration



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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

6 game-changing lessons from Pushpa 2 that Bollywood must embrace to stay relevant – The Blueprint for a Blockbuster Revival

The unprecedented box office success of Pushpa 2 – The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, has not only redefined the benchmarks of cinematic triumph but also delivered a masterclass in connecting with audiences across demographics. The film’s meteoric rise to becoming a Pan-India sensation underscores its innovative approach to storytelling, marketing, and character development. In this special feature, Bollywood Hungama dives deep into the six key lessons that the Bollywood fraternity can glean from this historic blockbuster to revive its mass appeal and remain relevant in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

 1. The Power of mass appeal and relatable storytelling Pushpa 2 – The Rule is a mass entertainer unabashedly. The makers peppered the film with tons of mass-elevation scenes and showcased Allu Arjun’s character like a demigod. At the same time, the film has its share of family drama and love story. The dynamics between Pushpa and his step-brother and the bond shared by Pushpa and step-niece worked wonders, that too, with all sections of the audience. Lesson for Bollywood: We need to showcase our heroes like heroes and add conflicts that can resonate not just with the elites but also with the masses. Pushpa’s desperation for acceptance by his father’s family was easy to understand to a Pan-India audience, unlike many films where the central conflict is often too niche.

2. Superstar branding and consistent characterization The character of Pushpa is well-fleshed out. His style and swagger are its USPs, be it his humped shoulder, his beard, and of course his takiya kalam, ‘Apun jhukega nahin saala’. Also, from the first part to the sequel, the character seems consistent and the makers never take any detours and add elements that don't suit what Pushpa truly stands for. Lesson for Bollywood: We need to make our heroes not just massy but also popular among the masses. When was the last time we saw people across the country imitating a Bollywood hero and mouthing his dialogues? Also, the balance between showing the hero indulging in illegal activities and yet making him likable needs to be achieved. In Raees (2017), for instance, the protagonist suddenly starts building low-income housing in the second half and it took the charm away from the character. Such blunders need to be avoided.

3. High-Octane music and strategic marketing Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s music hasn’t met expectations but its placement did. Also, every track is shot mesmerizingly. 'Angaaron', especially, took the film to dizzying heights, and no wonder, the views on these songs have gone up considerably after the film’s release as the audience can’t get enough of it. Moreover, in a rare instance, the songs were released many months before and interestingly, they chose to show the BTS version instead of the visuals. The experiment worked as the audience was in for a surprise to see a saree-clad Allu Arjun shaking a leg with Rashmika Mandanna in 'Angaaron'. Lesson for Bollywood: It’s time for our filmmakers to have songs and then use them creatively. They need to go extra length to ensure that the song’s picturization stands out and also that its placement is strategic. And we need not necessarily look at the South. Animal is a classic example of how one can go creative while using songs to take the narrative further.

4. Regional integration for pan-India success Pushpa 2 – The Rule used basic themes and moreover packaged it in a mass-appealing manner. It showed Indian culture at its best and the dialect used is very desi at heart. As a result, every part of India accepted it whole-heartedly. Lesson for Bollywood: The film proves that authenticity sells and the more you cater to the lowest common denominator, the more your film can do numbers. Moreover, as shown by Shah Rukh Khan with Jawan or Salman Khan with Sikandar, it can be a good idea to collaborate with South filmmakers to make a real Pan-India film, in case our Bollywood filmmakers are unable to do.

5. Engaging narratives over star power Pushpa 2 – The Rule features a big star but more than that, it had a powerful script. Without the script, the star power alone could have just guaranteed an opening. It wouldn’t have led to record level trends and this proves yet again why script and heroism should go hand-in-hand. Lesson for Bollywood: Having a top hero or heroes is not enough. Let’s work hard on our scripts and let’s give the audience an experience they’ll never forget. In return, they’ll help break records that the world will never forget!

6. Heroine need not be eye-candy Srivalli, the character of Rashmika Mandanna in the sequel, has a separate fan base. She’s not there for the heck of it. Her desire to see her husband clicking a picture with the Chief Minister leads to the collapse of the government in the film! She initiates sex and moreover, when her husband is publicly humiliated, she stands up for him and how. Lesson for Bollywood: Those days are gone when the heroines were merely eye candy in action films. They need to be an important part of the narrative. You don’t need to necessarily show them doing action but in their own way, they can impact the storyline. In return, it can further add to the box office collections. 

To conclude: The success of Pushpa 2 – The Rule is a wake-up call for Bollywood to reinvent itself by focusing on authenticity, diversity, and storytelling excellence. By learning from its Pan-India appeal, the industry can break free from formulaic content and cater to a global audience hungry for fresh, innovative cinema.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s FIRST statement after being released from jail in Pushpa 2 stampede case: “It was totally out of my personal control”



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Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Hrithik Roshan applaud Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s film Girls Will Be Girls; Konkana Sen Sharma and Dia Mirza turn emotional

Readers would be aware that Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal turned producers with the Indo-French film Girls Will Be Girls which is a coming-of-age drama film, directed by Shuchi Talati. It seems that the film which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday, December 18, have won hearts of many celebrities including that of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Hrithik Roshan. The Krrish actors took to their respective social medias to applaud the film and share their review.

Actor-producer, Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared her heartfelt word, calling the film “an honest and beautifully crafted story of desire, rebellion, and coming of age.” Priyanka, who has made a significant mark in the global entertainment industry as both an actor and producer, expressed her admiration for the dynamic couple's venture into storytelling. On her social media, Priyanka wrote, “Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Girls Will Be Girls. This is such an honest and beautifully crafted story of desire, rebellion, and coming of age. Kudos to Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal for bringing this masterpiece to life. Can’t wait for everyone to experience this incredible film!”

On the other hand, Hritihk expressed, “Saw GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS at the MAMI festival. Very rarely have I been so moved and so impacted by a film. This work is just pure genius. Believe it’s out on Amazon prime now. If you like good cinema, please don’t miss this one”.

Meanwhile, ace actors Konkona Sen Sharma and Dia Mirza attended the screening of the film and a clip of theirs has gone viral. In this beautiful moment captured post the screening of the film, the actors hugged, cried, laughed and were left emotional post watching the film.

 

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Girls Will Be Girls marks the first production venture under Richa and Ali’s banner, Pushing Buttons Studios and stars Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, and Kesav Binoy Kiron. It has already garnered attention on the international film festival circuit for its poignant narrative and powerful performances.

The story explores the complex dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship against the backdrop of desire and rebellion, making it a deeply relatable and universally compelling tale. The film released in India after two major wins at Sundance and is currently streaming on Prime Video.

Also Read: Kani Kusruti is surprised at the global acclaim of All We Imagine As Light; says, “I am also discovering it while it’s happening”



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Anand Tiwari speaks on Arjun Rampal’s cameo in Bandish Bandits Season 2: “I wanted to break stereotype"

The second season of Bandish Bandits premiered on December 13 on Prime Video, continuing the musical journey of Radhe and Tamanna. Among the many highlights of the new season is Arjun Rampal’s cameo as Imroz Dehelvi, a writer who has left audiences intrigued. Director Anand Tiwari shared insights into crafting this unexpected character and why Rampal was his ideal choice for the role.

Breaking Stereotypes With Imroz Dehelvi Speaking about Imroz’s character, Tiwari explained his intent to challenge clichés around writers and poets on screen. “We often picture writers and poets in kurta-pajamas, barefoot, carrying a bag. But they can be anything, come from anywhere—even a music school. I wanted Imroz Dehelvi to surprise the audience, to challenge expectations, and seeing Arjun Rampal as that poet definitely breaks the stereotype,” Tiwari said.

On working with Rampal, he added, “Arjun is a dear friend who graciously said yes without knowing much about the role. His depth, security, and gravitas are qualities I have seen him portray in so many films. While working with him on Nail Polish, I discovered even more that made him the ideal Imroz.” Subtle Chemistry Between Imroz and Nandini Tiwari also discussed the dynamic between Rampal’s Imroz and Divya Dutta’s Nandini. Drawing parallels with their earlier collaboration in Dhaakad, he said, “What struck me was the chemistry they shared—it was understated yet magnetic. Their connection is defined by what’s unsaid. A simple exchange like ‘I’ve come,’ or ‘All the best’ carries layers of meaning. That’s the beauty of a mature relationship—the unspoken emotions create the most profound bond.” A Stellar Ensemble Cast The new season, created by Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari, features an ensemble cast including Ritwik Bhowmik, Shreya Chaudhry, Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, and Rajesh Tailang. It also introduces Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, Yashaswini Dayama, and others in pivotal roles.

Also Read: Bandish Bandits star Shreya Chaudhry credits Imtiaz Ali for inspiring her: “The amount of learning I had while working with him is truly invaluable”



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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Laapataa Ladies out from Oscars 2025 race: Grammy-award winner Ricky Tej calls Aamir Khan-backed film “wrong choice”; says, “We live in a ‘Mainstream Bollywood’ bubble”

Three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej has expressed disappointment over India’s selection of Laapataa Ladies as the official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2025. Following the announcement that the film failed to make it to the final shortlist of 15 films, Kej took to social media to share his opinion.

Ricky Kej Critiques India’s Oscar Strategy

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kej acknowledged that Laapataa Ladies was a “well-made and entertaining movie” but argued that it was not suitable to represent India at the Academy Awards. “As expected, it lost,” he wrote, reflecting the sentiments of several cinephiles.

The musician elaborated on his concerns about India’s approach to Oscar submissions. “When are we going to realize... year after year... we are choosing the wrong films?” he asked. Kej lamented that India often selects films that cater to a “mainstream Bollywood bubble,” rather than exploring diverse cinematic gems made by uncompromising filmmakers. “Instead, we should just look for good films... low budget or big budget... star or no star... just great artistic cinema,” he concluded. "Dismissed by Posters": Kej’s View on Presentation Kej also criticized the presentation of Laapataa Ladies, sharing its official posters and stating that the visuals likely led to its dismissal by Oscar voters. “I am sure most Academy voting members dismissed the film just by looking at these,” he remarked.

So, the @TheAcademy Oscars shortlist is out. #LaapataaLadies is a very well made, entertaining movie (I enjoyed it), but was absolutely the wrong choice to represent India for the best #InternationalFeatureFilm category. As expected, it lost. When are we going to realize.. year… pic.twitter.com/iWGpSXY1KD — Ricky Kej (@rickykej) December 18, 2024

India’s Oscars 2025 Journey Ends for Laapataa Ladies Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Laapataa Ladies (submitted as Lost Ladies) tells the story of two brides swapped in rural India during the 1990s. The film featured performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Ravi Kishan. Despite its critical acclaim and engaging storyline, the movie failed to secure a spot on the prestigious shortlist.

Out of 85 entries worldwide, the Academy has selected 15 films for the Best International Feature Film shortlist. India’s Oscar journey, however, has another point of pride in Santosh, a UK-based Hindi film that secured its place on the list as the United Kingdom’s official entry.

Also Read: Aamir Khan-produced Laapataa Ladies OUT from Oscars 2025 race



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Mahira Khan recalls backlash over smoking with Ranbir Kapoor photo: "I remember reading it and thinking, 'Is my career over?'"

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan recently revisited the turbulent time in her life following the viral picture of her smoking with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor on the streets of New York. Speaking with BBC Asian Network, Mahira admitted she feared for her career and faced immense emotional turmoil, saying, “I wouldn’t get out of bed; I was crying daily.”

Mahira Khan recalls asking herself "Is my career over?" The Humsafar actress revealed that the controversy surrounding the viral photo deeply impacted both her personal and professional life. Mahira recalled reading an article titled The Little White Dress, published by the BBC, after the picture went viral. "I remember reading it and thinking, 'Is my career over?'" she said.

The article analyzed Mahira’s meteoric rise to fame and questioned if the backlash from the incident would lead to her downfall. "I told myself, 'Are you mad? This is going to end,' but I won't lie — that time was very tough," Mahira confessed. Mahira Khan says “Affected my professional and personal life” The viral photo not only sparked rumors of a relationship between Mahira and Ranbir Kapoor but also led to a significant backlash against the actress for smoking in public. "It affected my professional and personal life. Lots happened on my personal side," Mahira said, adding that she chose to remain silent despite the controversy.

On a personal level, Mahira leaned on her role as a mother to her son Azlan and made decisions that prioritized his well-being. Professionally, she chose to stay quiet, trusting that time would eventually heal the situation. “All the brands called me and said, ‘We are with you,’” Mahira recalled, expressing gratitude for the support she received.

Despite the challenges, Mahira Khan has consistently bounced back. Last year, she married Salim Karim, moving forward from her previous marriage to Ali Askari, with whom she shares her 13-year-old son. The actress is also preparing for her next big project, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, a Netflix series set to release next year. The show reunites her with co-stars Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed.

Also Read: Mahira Khan recalls son Azlan walking her down the aisle: “It was a very big moment”



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Monday, December 16, 2024

Mahira Khan recalls son Azlan walking her down the aisle: “It was a very big moment”

Pakistani actor Mahira Khan has opened up about one of the most emotional moments from her wedding to Salim Karim: her son Azlan walking her down the aisle. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Mahira shared her thoughts on the significance of the moment, calling it a profound blessing.

Mahira Khan Shares Heartfelt Memories of Son Azlan at Her Wedding “It felt like every single thing that went wrong… Let me put it in a better way… for every time that I was good in some way, I was kind, or looked after people around me. It was as if God put it all together and blessed me and said, ‘Here this is for the good that you have done,’” Mahira said.

The Raees actor added, “I was constantly saying Alhamdulillah. It was a very big moment for me because I had always imagined my life to be me and Azlan.” A Dreamy Wedding and a Special Bond Mahira Khan tied the knot with businessman Salim Karim in an intimate ceremony in October last year. The wedding, held at the picturesque Pearl Continental Hotel in Bhurban, Pakistan, was attended by close friends and family.

Sharing glimpses of her big day on Instagram, Mahira posted a heartwarming video of her son Azlan walking her to the altar. Dressed in coordinating outfits, the mother-son duo captured hearts online. Mahira affectionately referred to her husband as “My Shehzada, Salim (my prince)” in the caption.

 

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Reflecting further on Azlan’s role in the ceremony, Mahira said, “This was a very big moment. I was very proud of my child… I wanted him to walk me down the aisle, so he did!”

For the unversed, Mahira shares Azlan with her former husband, Ali Askari. The couple, who were married in 2007, parted ways in 2015. Azlan, born in 2009, remains a central part of Mahira’s life.

Also Read: Mahira Khan defends herself against accusations of using Shah Rukh Khan’s name for attention; says, “Logon ko lagta hai ke main unke baare mein baat kar rahi hoon”



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Aamir Khan confesses being “scared” of making his dream project Mahabharat: “It’s a huge responsibility because, as Indians…”

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has revealed fresh insights into his long-discussed dream project, Mahabharata. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Khan described the mythological adaptation as both exciting and daunting, underscoring its cultural importance to Indians.

“Well, that’s my dream project, and it’s a very scary project. It’s so huge, and I am scared of getting it wrong. It’s a huge responsibility because, as Indians, it’s something so close to us, it’s in our blood. So I want to get it right. I want to make every Indian proud. I also want to show the world what India has,” Aamir shared. He admitted uncertainty about when or if the project will come to fruition but maintained his commitment to the idea. “I don’t know if it will happen, but it’s something I want to work towards. So let’s see,” he added. Updates on Sitaare Zameen Par Aamir Khan is currently busy wrapping up Sitaare Zameen Par, which has been described as a spiritual sequel to his 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. Originally scheduled for release in December 2024, the film has been postponed to a summer 2025 release.

Yesterday, it was reported that Aamir concluded the shoot of the RS Prasanna-directed movie. A report by Mid-Day claimed that it was a patch shoot that began in the afternoon and lasted until late at night. “Aamir wanted to make sure the film was wrapped up on Sunday. With the shoot done, Sitaare Zameen Par has now reached the finish line,” said a source close to the production.

The post-production phase, which will involve intensive editing, visual effects, and sound design, is set to begin soon. Reports suggest Aamir plans to hold focus-group screenings as early as February to fine-tune the final cut. The movie, an official adaptation of the Spanish sports comedy Campeones (2018), stars Genelia Deshmukh and Darsheel Safary alongside Khan.

Also Read: Aamir Khan concludes Sitaare Zameen Par shooting, moves to post-production: Report



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Shyam Benegal Turns 90: Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah share glimpses of celebration

Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, renowned for iconic films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon, and Mandi, celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday. The occasion was marked by a gathering of industry stalwarts like Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, and Naseeruddin Shah, who later shared glimpses of the special evening on Instagram.

In a touching photograph, the veteran actress was seen alongside Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and filmmaker-actor Kunal Kapoor, son of Shashi Kapoor. In another post, Azmi posed with her frequent co-star Naseeruddin Shah, while raising an intriguing question.

Whenever Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah shared the screen, their performances created cinematic magic, captivating audiences. Reflecting on their iconic collaborations, Azmi shared a picture with Naseeruddin and Shyam Benegal, accompanied by a brief but meaningful note.

The caption read, “On Shyam Benegal’s 90th birthday with my co-actor of many films and my favorite actor, Naseeruddin Shah. Why aren’t more people casting us together?" For the glamorous evening, Azmi donned a vibrant pink saree, exuding elegance, while Naseeruddin looked dashing in a beige suit. Benegal completed the trio in a blue shirt paired with a traditional black waistcoat.

 

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Divya Dutta shared more glimpses of the intimate birthday celebration through a heartfelt montage on Instagram, capturing the essence of the evening. The clip showcased cherished moments with the talented stars who attended the party. Clad in a stunning traditional saree, Dutta looked radiant, effortlessly making a fashion statement.

Divya captioned her post, “And the legend turns 90.ill never forget my first film with him.i went to the outdoors for a dance sequence .he made me choreograph the song with the local dancers and shot it in one go with the entire unit up all night cheering me!! I was all of 18. But someone like shyam benegal entrusting me with it gave me confidence for llife.happy bday Shyambabu!! Luckiest to have done 5 projects with you…lots of love.”

 

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Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah have shared the screen in several iconic films, including Nishant, Junoon, Sparsh, Arth, Masoom, Mandi, and Paar. These films are celebrated as milestones in Indian cinema.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi on Shyam Benegal as he turns 90, “He is my mentor and guru, albeit a reluctant one”



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Aditya Sarpotdar calls Shah Rukh Khan perfect fit for horror thrillers as he speaks about Heretic

PVRINOX Pictures proudly presents Heretic from A24 Films, an intense psychological horror-thriller from the creators of A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film stars Hugh Grant as the enigmatic Mr. Reed, with Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as two missionaries ensnared in a deadly game of survival. Set to release on Friday, the December 13, Heretic promises to redefine the boundaries of psychological horror.

Acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar recently attended a special screening of Heretic and couldn’t stop raving about the film. Known for his keen eye for storytelling, Aditya described the movie as a refreshing treat for horror enthusiasts, sharing that he loved the experience of watching a “good horror film in the theatre after a long time”.

A particular highlight for him was the unexpected casting of Hugh Grant in a genre entirely unlike his previous work. “The USP of the film is Hugh Grant, saying he's one of his favourite actors and he's never seen him in this genre. He's done romantic cinema all his life and he’s so sweet and so endearing. To see him in this avatar is so great,” Sarpotdar remarked, emphasizing how Grant’s performance added a fresh dynamic to the film.

Drawing a parallel to Indian cinema, Sarpotdar remarked that Shah Rukh Khan would be the ideal choice for a similar role in India. “There couldn’t be better casting than Shah Rukh Khan for a film like Heretic… and who better than him in India to do something like this.”

Heretic follows the gripping journey of Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), whose seemingly routine day turns into a nightmare after they knock on the wrong door. What starts as an innocent encounter quickly escalates into a deadly psychological battle with the diabolical Mr. Reed. As the story unfolds, the girls are forced to navigate a harrowing test of faith, where belief becomes both a source of strength and a life-altering trap.

Also Read: Rajeev Khandelwal on his next with Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar, “It’s shot all over Maharashtra on all major historical locations”



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Sunday, December 15, 2024

Aaman Devgan, Rasha Thadani, and Abhishek Kapoor seek blessings in Varanasi for Azaad; attend Ganga Aarti

Aaman Devgan and Rasha Thadani’s Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, has been making waves with the release of its first song, 'Birangay.' After receiving an overwhelming response from fans in Jaipur and Prayagraj, Abhishek Kapoor, Aaman Devgan, and Rasha Thadani have visited the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi.

After a great conversation with fans about the film, the trio headed for the enchanting - Ganga Aarti followed by a visit to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Abhishek Kapoor, expressing his happiness, said, “I am very grateful to witness and perform the Ganga Aarti and seek blessings at Kashi Vishwanath. It feels like a complete circle for me - having done Kedarnath and now starting another chapter with Azaad, under Mahadev’s blessings.”

 

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Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Azaad also stars Ajay Devgn in a powerful role, alongside Diana Penty. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Pragya Kapoor, the film promises an intense journey of love and loyalty. Set to release in theatres on January 17 2025, Azaad is a cinematic adventure that fans have eagerly been waiting for.

Also Read: Makers of Abhishek Kapoor’s Azaad set to launch first song ‘Birangay’ in grand event in Jaipur on December 12



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Table Maestro Zakir Hussain passes away in US: Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, AR Rahman, Kangana Ranaut, and others mourn the loss

The music world is reeling from the loss of globally celebrated tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, who passed away at 73 in San Francisco on Monday. Known for his exceptional contributions to Indian classical music and his role as a cultural ambassador, Hussain’s demise has left a void that many believe can never be filled. The maestro succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease, as confirmed by his family in an official statement.

Celebrities Pay Tribute To Zakir Hussain The news of Hussain’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from Bollywood celebrities, musicians, and global artists. Notable figures from the entertainment and music industry have taken to social media to express their sorrow and share personal anecdotes. Amitabh Bachchan

T 5224 - .. a very sad day ..???? — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 15, 2024

Kamal Haasan

Zakir Bhai ! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you.#ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/ln1cmID5LV — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 16, 2024

Akshay Kumar

Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti ???? pic.twitter.com/a5TWDMymfZ — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 16, 2024

AR Rahman

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim ????????. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned… — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) December 16, 2024

Salim Merchant

Heartbroken beyond words ????. The world has lost a maestro, and we’ve lost our musical father. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s rhythms will echo in our hearts forever, but today, the silence is unbearable. Rest in Rhythm Zakir Bhai ????Ustad Zakir Hussain Qureshi @ZakirHtabla — salim merchant (@salim_merchant) December 16, 2024

Hansal Mehta

The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustadji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe. pic.twitter.com/JiObDgjtjs — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 16, 2024

Kangana Ranaut

Dia Mirza

The full moon embraced the golden heartbeat of India. Ustaad Zakir Hussain the tabla maestro was not just a musical genius, he was easily one of the kindest, most loving and generous human beings i have ever had the privilege of meeting ????????✨His light will shine on and his smile… pic.twitter.com/pjgzj6rbJF

— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) December 16, 2024

Family Statement and Legacy Hussain’s family, in their official statement, emphasized his role as a teacher and mentor, saying, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further.”

Survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, and siblings Taufiq, Fazal Qureshi, and Khurshid Aulia, Hussain’s legacy lives on in his contributions to Indian classical music and his ability to bring global audiences closer to Indian traditions.

Also Read: Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain dies at 73, confirms family



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Varun Dhawan says Salman Khan’s cameo in Baby John is “unlike anything seen before”; promises a long-lasting impact

Varun Dhawan’s upcoming action thriller Baby John has already created a buzz with its star-studded cast and intriguing storyline. Adding to the excitement is Salman Khan’s special cameo in the A. Kaleeswaran-directed film. At a recent press conference in New Delhi, Varun Dhawan shared insights about the film and lauded Khan’s unique role, promising that it will be a memorable one for audiences.

Salman Khan’s Unique Character During the press meet, Dhawan expressed his excitement about Khan’s role in Baby John. “There’s nothing like this character that’s been seen before,” he said, highlighting the originality of the character crafted by filmmaker Atlee specifically for Khan. “The impact of his role will be long-lasting,” he added, without divulging too many details. Dhawan’s enthusiasm suggests that the cameo will be more than just a fleeting moment in the narrative. Collaborating with Salman Khan The Bhediya actor spoke fondly of his experience of working with Salman Khan, calling it a privilege to share screen space with the Bollywood megastar. “I think whenever you get a chance to work with such a big superstar, a megastar, such a magnanimous human being, it’s amazing,” Dhawan remarked. He also hinted that audiences would be in for a treat with Khan’s performance. About Baby John Directed by A. Kaleeswaran, Baby John tells the gripping story of DCP Satya Verma IPS, portrayed by Varun Dhawan, who goes underground in Kerala to raise his daughter, Khushi, away from a tumultuous past. However, unresolved conflicts resurface, leading to intense drama and action.

The film also marks the Hindi debut of acclaimed actress Keerthy Suresh, who stars alongside Dhawan, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and Rajpal Yadav. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Murad Khetani, Atlee, and Priya Atlee, the movie promises a blend of emotional depth and high-octane action.

Besides Salman Khan, the movie features cameos by Sanya Malhotra, Diljit Dosanjh, and S. Thaman. The trailer, released a few days ago, offered a glimpse into Varun Dhawan’s powerful portrayal of John, a determined police officer trying to reconcile his past. Baby John is slated for a theatrical release on December 25, 2024, making it one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season.

Also Read: Baby John trailer out: Varun Dhawan brings the heat, Salman Khan’s cameo steals the spotlight



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Sidhant Gupta’s top style moments that prove he’s a fashion trailblazer

Actor Sidhant Gupta has swiftly become one of the most admired and sought-after names in the fashion world. Known for his compelling performances in Jubilee and Freedom At Midnight, he also sets major fashion goals with every trend he embraces. With an aesthetic that seamlessly blends sophistication and creativity, Sidhant’s sartorial choices often turn heads and even win approval from fashion watchdogs like Diet Sabya.

Here’s a glimpse at five of his most striking Instagram posts that highlight his impeccable style: Timeless Elegance in classic Rohit Bal Outfit Sidhant Gupta paid a heartfelt tribute to the late ace fashion designer Rohit Bal with his impeccable sense of style. At the premiere of Freedom at Midnight, Sidhant turned heads in an elegant navy-blue ensemble from Rohit Bal’s collection. He donned tapered pants paired with a navy-blue jacket featuring leather accents and accessorized the look with a red rose.

 

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Blue Grace Redefining aesthetics, Sidhant Gupta donned a color-blocked blue co-ord set comprising loose-fitted pants and a jacket. He added a touch of elegance with a silver chain and completed the look with white sneakers.

 

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Slaying Glitter & how Sidhant proves that men can slay glitter effortlessly, and this outfit is a true reflection of his bold and confident style.

 

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Red Hot In this outfit, Sidhant made a striking statement with a monochrome look featuring a red suit. Adding a layer of boldness, he opted for a no-shirt look, which turned up the heat.

 

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White Magic A color synonymous with elegance, white was made even more sophisticated by Sidhant with this stunning look. He wore an all-white double-breasted tuxedo set, paired it with a crisp white shirt, and accessorized with a blue printed tie that elevated the ensemble to another level.

 

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Leather Weather Sidhant embraced the chilly weather in style with this aesthetic look. He paired black trousers with a white shirt and a biker leather jacket, creating a perfect blend of edgy and classy vibes.

 

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Velvet suit for the win Velvet suits are always a winning choice, especially for Sidhant. He recently grabbed eyeballs in a cropped blazer and high-waist velvet pants, featuring intricate threadwork that added an exquisite touch to the outfit.

 

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Also Read: Sidhant Gupta charms social media users with suave avatar in a black suit; Arjun Kapoor turns fanboy



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Alia Bhatt shares star-studded moments from Raj Kapoor’s 100th anniversary: “Coming together to celebrate the eternal showman”

December 14 marked a significant day in the history of Indian cinema as the country and the film industry came together to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor. The grand event saw Alia Bhatt taking on the role of a gracious hostess, alongside her husband Ranbir Kapoor, in a night dedicated to the “Showman of Indian Cinema.”

Alia Bhatt’s Tribute to Raj Kapoor On December 15, Alia Bhatt shared a video on her social media, offering fans an inside look at the star-studded celebration. The montage captured heartwarming moments from the event, showcasing her interactions with legendary actress Rekha, Kartik Aaryan, and other notable industry figures. Captioning the video, Alia wrote: “Time isn’t measured by days, but by memories. Coming together to celebrate the eternal showman, loved by audiences of all ages and countries — the unparalleled Raj Kapoor. #100YearsOfRajKapoor.”

 

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  A post shared by Alia Bhatt ???? (@aliaabhatt)

As part of the grand celebration, R.K. Films, the Film Heritage Foundation, and NFDC-National Film Archive of India are presenting the festival Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman. This festival will feature curated screenings of ten iconic Raj Kapoor films across 40 cities and 135 cinemas, including PVR-Inox and Cinepolis theaters. Tickets are priced at an accessible Rs 100, reflecting Raj Kapoor’s belief in inclusivity and his vision to make cinema a universal experience.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt steals the spotlight at Raj Kapoor’s 100th Birth Anniversary Film Festival in style: “Mud mud ke na dekh”



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Saturday, December 14, 2024

"Badla ka part 2 ban sakta hai": Taapsee Pannu reveals conversations with Sujoy Ghosh

Taapsee Pannu has carved a niche with her penchant for selecting unconventional roles and delivering powerful performances. Taapsee has consistently pushed boundaries, proving mainstream cinema can coexist with thought-provoking narratives. She stands apart as one of the few actresses in the industry with a successful franchise to her name, Haseen Dillruba. The thrilling blend of romance and mystery in the first two installments has left fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in the franchise.

In a recent appearance, Taapsee dropped some intriguing hints about potential sequels to her past films. When asked which of her movies could see a part two, she shared her thoughts on Badla, the gripping 2019 thriller directed by Sujoy Ghosh. She said, "Haan, meri kuch picture hain jiska part 2 ban sakta hai. Main kaafi time Sujoy se hi poochti rehti hoon yeh baat."

She further added, "Badla ka log kaafi part 2 expect karte hain, kyunki jis tareeke se ant hua tha, uss picture ka part 2 expected lagta hai logo ko. Sujoy aur main kaafi baat bhi karte hain, ab dekhte hain unke dimaag mein kabhi idea aata hai."Taapsee also hinted at Haseen Dillruba’s future, stating, "Haseen Dillruba ka toh next part expected hi hai, ki woh ayegi hi ayegi."With such exciting possibilities, fans can look forward to more riveting stories from these franchises.

On the work front, Taapsee is set to take on another compelling role in the upcoming film Gandhari. Taapsee continues to prove her mettle as an actress who balances artistic credibility with box-office appeal.

Also Read: Taapsee Pannu reveals she wasn’t paid much for Dunki and Judwaa 2, says male stars control casting decisions



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EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh lauds Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan’s potential to become stars; urges Mumbai filmmakers to focus on “Desi entertainment”

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, veteran film critic Taran Adarsh offered his perspective on the current crop of Bollywood stars and their potential to achieve lasting stardom. Adarsh, known for his candid views, shared his thoughts on Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, and the factors shaping Bollywood’s trajectory in the face of competition from South Indian cinema.

Ranbir Kapoor: A Star with Potential, but Consistency Needed When asked about actors with the potential to become the next big stars, Taran Adarsh singled out Ranbir Kapoor. However, he didn’t shy away from critiquing Kapoor’s film choices.

“My only request to Ranbir Kapoor is that he should not do subpar films like Jagga Jasoos. Such horrible films will leave a stain on his filmography,” Adarsh stated. Translating his remarks, he said, “The hard work he has put in and the position he has reached today will be undermined by films like these. It’s better if he chooses projects that resonate with the masses and the audience.”

Adarsh explained the importance of connecting with viewers, highlighting that films are ultimately made for the audience. He added, “Who are you making films for? You’re making them for the audience. Ranbir needs to focus on films that take him to the masses, not those that pull him back.” Kartik Aaryan: A Star on the Rise Adarsh also acknowledged Kartik Aaryan’s growing appeal, particularly with his performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. “Kartik has taken a step forward and reached out to the masses with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. He’s on the right track, but consistency is key,” he said. The Importance of Desi Entertainment Taran Adarsh didn’t hold back in analyzing Bollywood’s struggles in comparison to South Indian cinema. He argued that Bollywood has often strayed from its roots, opting for experimental storytelling that doesn’t always resonate with the Indian audience.

“South Indian cinema is scoring because it gives us our desi entertainment. I prefer desi food. If you give me French, Italian, or Spanish cuisine, it won’t go down well with me,” Adarsh remarked. He continued, “Our Mumbai filmmakers need to understand this. Desi entertainment has always worked and will continue to do so. This is India, and we will watch the kind of films we enjoy—authentic Indian cinema.”

A Call for Audience-Centric Cinema In his closing thoughts, Adarsh spoke about the importance of creating films that cater to Indian sensibilities. “Most of the audience prefers Indian films, desi films. That’s where Bollywood must focus if it wants to reclaim its dominance.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh reveals why franchises are a safe bet for actors in Bollywood; says, “You are assured of an audience and recall value”



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Friday, December 13, 2024

On Raj Kapoor’s centenary, a look at his amazing music: "You just cannot uproot music from Indian life"

A rarer-than-the-rarest human being and an extraordinarily versatile artiste, Raj Kapoor could—and often did—pick up the harmonium and compose a tune on the spot. Most RK admirers believe he was such an extraordinary artiste because he was a musician by nature. His music sense was so sharpened, he could sniff out ragas and identify them by name even without prompting from academic sources.

RK played a huge hand in the music of his cinema. The music of his cinema always carried a distinctive stamp. From the time he directed his first film Aag in 1948, RK began to collect a team of like-minded musicians – sound recordist Allauddin, lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri, composers Shankar and Jaikishan, singers Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar. These musical geniuses formed the core group of what came to be known as the RK style of musicianship. Distinctive, dynamic and unforgettable and unbeatable. Raj Kapoor simply stumbled onto hits, and the hits tumbled out of his repertoire willynilly.

RK reminisced fondly about his musical background in Calcutta. He once said, “As a fat chubby child, I would always be there in the studio with my father. Later when we came back to Bombay, Papaji put me in Narayan Rao Vyas’s Academy Of Music where I learnt classical music for three years.”

That’s when RK imbibed a musical heritage which afforded the illustrious musical scores of not just the R.K. Films but also RK starrers. Even when RK wasn’t in the filmmaker’s chair, his contribution to the songs and music of his starrers went much beyond a mere cursory interest as a professional. Songs in his starrers like Aashiq, Kanhaiya and Chhalia were immediately identifiable as ‘RK products’.

Music was within RK. He was an assistant with composer Anil Biswas for some time. Once when he was a clapper boy at Bombay Talkies studio (RK even gave the clap for Dilip Kumar in Jwar Bhata), he was fired from his job for a week for being away in a music hall during working hours.

Some years before his death on June 2 ,1988, RK spoke about the importance of music to the fabric of his films: “From Barsaat onwards, my music is an integral part of the fabric. Film is one means of entertainment which reaches to millions in this poor developing country… And music being an inherent part of our cultural life, you just cannot uproot music from Indian life.”

Even in Jagte Raho, RK included songs as an afterthought. And what fabulous songs Salil Chowdhary created for the film. Who can forget Motilal sauntering drunkenly through the steeets singing ‘Zindagi khwab hai’? Or Nargis suddenly appearing at the last minute like a goddess from heaven to offer the thirsty Raj Kapoor water with Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Jago mohan pyare’ swimming on her tender lips?

Music was always woven into RK’s stories. If he ever felt the plot’s movement to be impeded by a song, he simply cut it off.  Said RK, “For me music is very important because it’s within me.” Songs sometimes came to him in a jiffy. At other times the process of creating a complete song took time. For Bobby’s chartbuster ‘Hum tum ek kamre mein bandh ho’ everything was ready. But RK found something to be missing. Until he appended the rider, ‘Socho kabhi aisa ho to kya ho’ to the playful love song.

To Raj Kapoor songs were a natural extension of the characters’ emotions. When words failed, they sang. For ‘Bhawre ne khilaya phool’ in Prem Rog, RK wanted a location with thousands of flowers. He flew the entire unit to Holland among the tulip gardens.

To those who objected to his passionate excesses RK protested, “Music from time immemorial has played an important part in our commercial cinema. People of this country like to sing songs. What’s wrong with that?”

Nothing to do with song could ever be wrong for RK. In Kolkata, a young RK learnt to speak Bangla fluently. RK faced the camera for the first time as a child in Kolkata in 1935 when he was directed by Debaki Bose in the film Inquilaab, which starred his father Prithviraj, along with Durga Khote and K.C. Dey. Much later in RK’s life, K.C. Dey’s nephew Manna Dey sang some of RKs most memorable hits in Chori Chori and Shri 420.

In Kolkata’s New Theatre, RK’s music sense became immeasurably sharpened when he came into contact with singers and composers like K.L. Saigal, Kanan Devi and Pankaj Mullick. In Mumbai, RK became clapper-boy and assistant to filmmaker Kidar Sharma who gave RK his first break as a hero in Neel Kamal. In it, RK played the sculptor Madhushudhan who falls in love with two lovely ladies Madhubala and Begum Para.

RK spent the rest of his career falling in love….with love. This love for love showed in his songs which were always intensely passionate and emotional. Take the film Bawre Nain. The heightened expressionism of Mukesh’s singing in ‘Teri duniya mein dil lagta nahin’ was further expanded by Raj Kapoor’s passionate portrayal of heartbreak. He was very good at conveying lost love. And the songs that came with the grief were always outstanding. ‘Hum tujhse mohabbat karke sanam rotey bhi rahe hanste bhi rahe’ in Aawara, ‘Aaja re ab mera dil pukara’ in Aah, ‘Aansoon bhari hain yeh jeevan ki raahein’ in Parvarish, ‘Mujhe tumse kuch bhi na chahiye’ in Kanhaiya and ‘Mere toote huye dil’ se in Chhalia were melodious cries of heartbreak which Mukesh sang with romantic resonance for Raj Kapoor.

Warmth was the key to RK’s art and life. He exuded unfathomable warmth in person and on screen even when he was intoning those sad and ponderable moments of life in Mukesh’s sober tones. Take ‘Aansoon bhari hai yeh jeevan ki raahen’ from the RK-Mala Sinha starrer Parvarish. It put the stamp on Mukesh’s career as the best disciple of K.L. Saigal.

Mukesh is crucial and all-pervasive. RK always referred to his constant ghost voice as his soul. He first saw Mukesh at Ranjit Studios on the sets of Jayant Desai’s Bansri. RK was very fond of recalling this encounter with Mukesh. He was an assistant and a junior artiste in Bansri, when one day he saw a fair, thin and handsome young man sitting on the sets playing the piano and humming to himself. RK was introduced to the singer as Prithviraj Kapoor’s son, and they became friends instantly. RK insisted on calling him ‘Mukesh Chand’. Their friendship cemented. When RK became a leading man in Kidar Sharma’s Neel Kamal, Mukesh was asked to do the playback. When RK launched his first feature film Aag as director Mukesh was there to lend his voice to the actor.

The song ‘Zinda hoon is terah gham-e-zindagi nahin’ from Aag became a pioneering achievement. Aptly it opens this magnificent ode to the Showman’s musical reservoir. After Aag when RK launched Barsaat, composers Shankar-Jaikishan and singer Lata Mangeshkar joined RK and Mukesh. An unmatchable music-making team thus came into being. The endless music sittings in the RK cottage on his farm in the outskirts of Mumbai yielded some of the most memorable Hindi films songs we’ve ever hummed.

Unforgettable music is associated with Raj Kapoor not just in his dual capacities as director and producer, but also as an actor. His vast storehouse of ghost-voiced screen melodies virtually screamed their excellence into the charts and hearts of humanity without seeming to strain at the seams.

A lot of the music and songs for, by and through Raj Kapoor are historically relevant to any serious evaluation of film music in Hindi cinema. Often Raj Kapoor would be asked by friends why he didn’t turn into an official music composer. “I don’t want to kick at the stomach of professional singers,” he would reply, before returning to the harmonium for another ‘O basanti pawan pagal’ or ‘Hum tujhse mohabbat karke sanam’.

In Mehboob’s Andaz, RK’s trademark ghost voice of Mukesh was given over to Dilip Kumar while Raj Kapoor sang only one song, and that too in Mohammed Rafi’s voice. The number? A duet with Lataji ‘Yun to aapas mein bigadte hain khwafa hote hain’ sung in blithe-spirited splendor.

Though we identify RK with the music of the lovelorn heart, there was no dearth of blithe celebrations of life’s quirks and foibles in the songs that RK sang on screen. Take the jaunty ‘Awaara hoon’. The anthem- like paces of this forward-march song brought joy and sunshine into two continents. Breaking all cultural and geopolitical barriers, the song along with the film, became a rage in the USSR as well as India.

From ‘Zinda hoon iss terah’ in 1948 in Aag to Meri zindagi mujhpe roye in Khan Dost in 1976, Raj Kapoor continuously ‘sang’ imperishable songs about love and life. As an actor and a filmmaker he saw music to be an integral part of the Indian psyche.

Son Randhir Kapoor once recalled how his father booked Ravindra Jain to do the music for Ram Teri Ganga Maili after hearing the composer singing ‘Ek radha ek meera’ at a function in Delhi. The song finally made it to screen in Raj Kapoor’s Mata Saraswati Lata Mangeshkar’s golden voice. The last song that was recorded during RK’s lifetime was ‘Chitthiye’ in Henna, aptly in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. It was a memorable recording where RK showed his showmanship to full advantage. RK’s journey from Aag to Henna is a dreamscape of musical glory.

Also Read: From father Prithviraj Kapoor to brother-in-law Prem Chopra: Raj Kapoor’s ‘professional’ associations with his family



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Kangana Ranaut REACTS to Allu Arjun’s arrest in stampede case: “Everybody should have accountability”

Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her thoughts on Pushpa 2: The Rule star Allu Arjun’s recent arrest in connection with the Sandhya Theatre stampede case. Speaking to Aaj Tak, Ranaut described the incident as “very unfortunate” and highlighted the importance of accountability in such situations.

Allu Arjun’s Arrest and Interim Bail Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday morning in Hyderabad, following a stampede at Sandhya Theatre that led to the tragic death of a woman named Revathi. The incident occurred during a surprise visit by the actor to the theatre, where incomplete exit arrangements reportedly caused chaos. Revathi’s son remains in critical condition due to injuries sustained during the stampede.

The Hyderabad court remanded Arjun to 14-day judicial custody. However, the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail later in the day. Despite the bail order, Arjun had to spend the night in jail due to procedural delays in processing the release. Kangana Ranaut Calls for Accountability Kangana Ranaut, who is also a Member of Parliament from Mandi, addressed the incident in an interview with Aaj Tak. She stated, “It is very unfortunate. I am a very big supporter of Allu Arjun ji. Having said that, you have to set an example. He has got the bail. But just because we are high-profile people, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have any consequences.”

Ranaut further stressed the value of human life, saying, “People’s lives are very precious, be it smoking ads or a crowded theatre. I think they (the Pushpa 2 team) were present at the event. Everybody should have accountability.”

The incident unfolded just days after the release of Pushpa 2, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The film hit cinemas on December 5 and has been garnering significant attention.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan defends Allu Arjun amid Pushpa 2 stampede backlash; says, “Aap blame sirf ek insaan pe nahin daal sakte”



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23 years of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham EXCLUSIVE: When Nikkhil Advani had to search for a sea in Cairo to shoot just 1 line of ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham remains one of the biggest hits of his over two-decade long career. The film is also one of the biggest multi-starrers ever as it brought together Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor Khan in a single film. The movie was an emotional tear-jerker with its story rooted in the romance between the characters of Shah Rukh and Kajol.

One of the high points of the romance between both the characters was the superhit song ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’, which was composed by Sandesh Shandilya and sung by Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik. Jatin-Lalit and Aadesh Shrivastava were the other two composers for the film. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was one of the earliest films to have more than one music composer on board.

Shandilya was a newcomer back then. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, he said that he was highly impressed by Karan Johar, who was directing just his second film after the mega success of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). “I learnt from Karan Johar a lot because he is a very passionate human being,” he said. “He goes so much into detailing and does so much of homework that he had narrated each and every scene to me in ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’.”

Shandilya was amazed by how Karan went great lengths to find a sea in Cairo, Egypt near the pyramids just for one line from the song. “There is a line in the song, ‘Sagar Hua Pyasa, Raat Jagne Lagi’,” said Shandilya. “The whole song was shot in Cairo, Egypt. At a place where there were pyramids, he wanted a sea for this one line because that place has desert and sea both. So, me and his assistant Nikkhil Advani (who is today a well-known filmmaker) went to do a recce in a helicopter. We found a sea and Nikkhil instructed, ‘Wait wait, there’s water and desert both. Land over there’. We shot over there. Karan did all this just for one line in the song. This was a major experience for me.”

As Shandilya was a newcomer back then, he was asked how he landed an opportunity to compose music for such a big film. Interestingly, he didn’t have just one answer for this. “There are two answers to this question,” he said. “If you had asked this question around 20 years ago, I would have said that I called up Karan bhai and said that I make music and would like to work with him. He came and listened to this song, he liked it very much and took it for the film. But if you ask this today, I will say that it is someone else who makes the music and does the hard work and gave me this break; I didn’t do anything. He (God) does everything. We just observe. Today I can say with guarantee that I didn’t do anything.”

Also Read: Karan Johar pens inspiring note on International Men’s Day featuring Ranveer Singh’s Rocky: “Today is for the men who champion feminism”



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Thursday, December 12, 2024

Web Series Review: BANDISH BANDITS SEASON 2 rests on supreme performances and memorable music but it suffers due to its length

Star Cast: Ritwik Bhowmik, Shreya Chaudhary, Divya Dutta, Atul Kulkarni

Director: Anand Tiwari

Synopsis: BANDISH BANDITS SEASON 2 is the story of two ex-lovers meeting again amid some musical chaos. Three months after Radhe Rathod (Ritwik Bhowmik) is crowned as 'Sangeet Samrat', his grandfather, Pandit Radhemohan Rathod (Naseeruddin Shah) passes away. Radhe, his father Rajendra (Rajesh Tailang), mother Mohini (Sheeba Chadha) and uncle Devendra (Saurabh Nayyar) try to take Pandit ji's legacy forward. Tamanna (Shreya Chaudhary) ghosts Radhe and secures admission in the Royal Himalayan Music School, Kasauli. Here, she comes across Nandini Singh (Divya Dutta), a teacher with unconventional methods, and a senior student Ayaan (Rohan Gurbaxani), who charms Tamanna. Arghya (Kunaal Roy Kapur), Radhe's manager, asks the latter to be a part of a famous band called Rage And Raga. But Radhe declines the offer. Meanwhile, the Rathod family faces public humiliation when Kailash Mandrekar (Suyash Tilak) writes a book on Pandit ji and how he stopped Mohini from singing. The students stop attending their classes and their music shows are cancelled. With no other choice, Radhe accepts the Rage And Raga offer. The band is headed by Mahi (Paresh Pahuja), whose way of functioning is very different from that of Radhe. Rage And Raga decides to participate in the India Band Championship and so do the students of Royal Himalayan Music School. Radhe leaves Mahi's band as he feels the latter disrespects Pandit ji's compositions. Radhe decides to participate in the India Band Championship and asks his family for help. What happens next forms the rest of the series.

Bandish Bandits Season 2 Story Review: Atmika Didwania, Karan Singh Tyagi, Digant Patil and Anand Tiwari's story is superb and introduces new challenges and characters as well, which add to the entertainment. Atmika Didwania, Karan Singh Tyagi, Digant Patil and Anand Tiwari's screenplay is unhurried and beautifully blends music and drama. However, the pacing is too slow and might not be accepted by a section of the audience. A few developments are also not convincing. Atmika Didwania, Karan Singh Tyagi, Digant Patil and Anand Tiwari's dialogues are simple and sharp. The one-liners mouthed by Kunaal Roy Kapur are too funny and deserve a special mention.

Anand Tiwari's direction is neat. This is a one-of-its-kind show, and he keeps this aspect intact. Songs are a mainstay, and he ensures that it remains the focus of the narrative. There’s a lot of drama and confrontational sequences that keep the interest going. What’s also interesting to see is how the dynamics change between characters at different points. A few scenes that stand out are Rajendra confessing that he unintentionally leaked out the family secrets, Nandini’s entry, Radhe and Tamanna’s first meeting at the championship, Mahi’s outburst, Mohini and Digvijay's (Atul Kulkarni) face-off, the Bikaner sequence, etc. The scene where the ‘students’ touch Mahi's feet is moving and praiseworthy.

On the flipside, this season, like Season 1, is excessively long. But Season 1 episodes were short. Here, some episodes are 50 minutes plus while the last two episodes have a run time of more than an hour. This makes for a tedious watch, and it feels like watching two seasons. A few scenes and tracks could have been done away with, like Ananya's (Aaliyah Qureishi) family track. Also, the pacing is not consistent. The elimination round gets over in no time as if the makers wanted to rush through the sequence and move on to the next one. Moreover, the equation between Radhe and Tamanna is confusing and some of their actions will bewilder the audience. Lastly, the Rathod family was boycotted due to the book; this aspect is conveniently forgotten, and we don’t see anyone reacting over Radhe’s presence in the championship.

Bandish Bandits Season 2 Performances: Ritwik Bhowmik yet again plays the lead role effortlessly. He uses his innocent face and fine acting talent to deliver a great performance. Shreya Chaudhary has a stunning screen presence and this time, her performance is way more impressive compared to Season 1. Rajesh Tailang and Sheeba Chadha, as always, are dependable. Saurabh Nayyar replaces the late Amit Mistry; though he gives his best, his performance is just alright. Divya Dutta rocks the show, thanks to her performance and well-fleshed-out character. Kunaal Roy Kapur brings the house down whenever he opens his mouth. Rohan Gurbaxani looks dashing and leaves a mark. Paresh Pahuja shines and how. Suyash Tilak, Aaliyah Qureishi and Yashaswini Dayama (Soumya Mehta) are impressive. The others who do well are Meghna Malik (Avantika; Tamanna's mother), the late Rituraj Singh (Harshvardhan Sharma, Tamanna's father), Pawan Uttam (Prashant; who works in music school), KCD (Karan Chitra Deshmukh; part of Rathod band) and Arvind Wahi (Bhairav Singh). Mane Khan (Alaap sir) is lovely in a cameo while Arjun Rampal’s special appearance (Imroz Dahelvi) is a surprise.

Bandish Bandits Season 2 music and other technical aspects: The songs are the show’s USP. The songs that work big time are 'Araj', 'Garaj Garaj Rock', 'Saavan Mohe Tarasaaye', 'Nirmohiya', 'Sakhi Mori' and 'Ghar Aa Maahi (I’m Waiting for You)'.

Souumil Shringarpure's background score is in sync with the musical theme. Anubhav Bansal's cinematography is outstanding, especially in the music performance scenes. Hazel Paul's costumes are appealing and yet realistic. Manini Mishra's production design is classy. Tanupriya Sharma's editing is not up to the mark as it's too dragging.

Bandish Bandits Season 2 Conclusion: On the whole, BANDISH BANDITS SEASON 2 rests on superb casting, supreme performances, memorable songs and well-executed dramatic scenes. However, the show suffers due to excessive length.

Rating: 3 stars



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Kalki Koechlin celebrates ex-husband Anurag Kashyap’s daughter Aaliyah’s wedding with a poetic note: “All I got is a bunch of stuff other people said…”

Actor Kalki Koechlin shared a heartfelt note to congratulate newlyweds Aaliyah Kashyap and Shane Gregoire. Aaliyah, the daughter of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, married her longtime partner Shane in a traditional wedding ceremony in Mumbai on Wednesday. The intimate event was attended by close family and friends, and the couple’s radiant wedding pictures have since gone viral on social media.

Kalki’s Poetic Blessings for the Couple On Thursday, Kalki took to Instagram to share a series of photos of the newlyweds, along with a beautifully crafted note that included excerpts from literature, music, and poetry. An excerpt of Kalki’s message read: “All I got is a bunch of stuff other people said. You’re ‘Just Kids’ (Patti Smith’s autobiography) ‘Two drifters off to see the world, there’s such a lot of world to see’ (B’fast @Tiffany’s, infinite rewatch value). So ‘trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backwards’ (E.E. Cummings, a favorite poet of mine). Remember ‘time brings roses’ (Portuguese proverb).”

 

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Aaliyah and Shane’s Love Story Aaliyah Kashyap and Shane Gregoire have been together for several years and got engaged in May 2023 during a private ceremony in Mumbai. Their wedding was a blend of traditional customs and modern celebrations, reflecting their deep bond and shared values. Aaliyah shared stunning snapshots from the wedding on Instagram, captioning them, “Now and forever.” Kalki’s Connection with Anurag Kashyap’s Family Kalki Koechlin and Anurag Kashyap were married from 2011 to 2015 and have remained on amicable terms post-divorce. Kalki’s close bond with Anurag’s daughter Aaliyah has been evident over the years, with the two frequently sharing moments of affection and mutual admiration.

Also Read: Aaliyah Kashyap calls Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding “circus” and claims she received PR invite: “Why will I go and make PR reels for that?”



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Shraddha Kapoor teases Rahul Mody in post four months after unfollowing him: “May I always bully you into…”

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor has once again set social media abuzz with her recent Instagram post. On December 12, 2024, Shraddha shared a playful photo of herself holding Mumbai’s iconic snack, Vada Pav, while tagging Rahul Mody, her rumoured boyfriend.

Captioning the picture, Shraddha wrote, “May I always bully you into taking me for vada pav,” and added a nostalgic touch by setting the post to Kishore Kumar’s classic tune Yeh Vaada Raha. The lighthearted post quickly went viral, sparking renewed interest in the duo’s relationship.

From Unfollowing to Refollowing: A Timeline of Their Speculated Relationship

The buzz around Shraddha Kapoor and Rahul Mody’s relationship began earlier this year when the two were frequently spotted together at various events. However, reports in August 2024 suggested a fallout, as Shraddha unfollowed Rahul and his close circle on Instagram. Despite this, Rahul continued to follow her, leaving fans speculating about the nature of their bond. Observant fans recently noticed that Shraddha has refollowed Rahul on the platform, adding fuel to the fire. Shraddha Kapoor’s Take on Relationships While Shraddha has not publicly addressed the rumours, she recently hinted at being in a relationship during an interview with Cosmopolitan. She revealed, “I really love spending time with my partner, doing things like watching a movie, going for dinner, or traveling. I like spending time together or even not doing things together.”

Professional Highlights

On the professional front, Shraddha Kapoor was last seen in Stree 2, the much-awaited sequel to her 2018 horror-comedy hit with Rajkummar Rao. The film received critical acclaim and was a blockbuster at the box office. Meanwhile, Rahul Mody, a screenwriter and assistant director, worked on the film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, which starred Shraddha alongside Ranbir Kapoor.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor’s Abu Dhabi escapade: Chic looks, culture, and the thrill of Formula 1



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