Rhea Chakraborty recalls being in jail after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death: “Every single day was about surviving. And each day felt like a year” https://ift.tt/dLhku3V

Rhea Chakraborty has been making headlines recently with her comeback through her podcast, Chapter 2. In a candid interview with Humans of Bombay, the actress shared her harrowing experience of being incarcerated following the tragic death of her former boyfriend, Sushant Singh Rajput.

A Public Enemy Overnight Rhea candidly described how her life took a dramatic turn after Sushant's passing. She revealed the immense pressure she faced, being vilified by the media and subjected to relentless online harassment. The trauma of personal loss, coupled with the public scrutiny, pushed her to her limits.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Rhea found the strength to persevere. She recalled, “Don't bend, don't cry, don't break. You have to take a bullet, you have to take it in the a**. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and saying, you're scared, right? It almost felt like the mirror said yes. Investigations every day, there was media and mobs under my building constantly, and it required a lot of strength to even make it to the investigation because I was worried that something would happen on the way.” The Truth as Her Shield Rhea revealed that her unwavering belief in the truth was a source of strength throughout her ordeal. She said, “When I walked out of prison, I knew I would never be the same person again. Jail is actually a very different world because there's no society in jail. It’s all about survival, you know? Every single day was about surviving. And each day felt like a year.”

Reflecting on her time in jail, Rhea admitted that she emerged as a different person. The experience taught her valuable lessons about survival, resilience, and the true nature of relationships. “I have not forgiven everybody. Some people are on my head now," she concluded.

For the unversed, a case of alleged abetment to suicide was registered against Rhea by Sushant's parents. Meanwhile, she was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a drug-related case which surfaced during Sushant's death probe.

Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty breaks silence on depression after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death; says, “It took me years to heal, there was pain, anxiety, PTSD, and what not”

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Karan Johar lauds Amitabh Bachchan's aura: "That is true power. Magnetism” https://ift.tt/KrMfAIj

In a recent appearance on the podcast Jaane Mann, renowned filmmaker Karan Johar shared his thoughts on power and peace, attributing these qualities to iconic figures in his life. When asked to relate the words “peace” and “power” to individuals he admires, Johar highlighted megastar Amitabh Bachchan and the late spiritual leader Dada Vaswani.

Amitabh Bachchan: A Symbol of Power KJo described Amitabh Bachchan as the epitome of power, emphasizing the legendary actor's commanding presence. Johar elaborated, "Amitabh Bachchan, I think he has the power of his being when he enters a room. I feel he has that power that most people will stand up, and they don’t know why they are standing up. He exudes an aura that is beyond your understanding of what an energy or power is. That is true power. Magnetism." Dada Vaswani: The Embodiment of Peace When the conversation shifted to peace, Karan Johar spoke of the late Dada Vaswani, a revered spiritual leader. Johar recalled a profound encounter with Vaswani during an event attended by 50,000 people, where he felt an unparalleled sense of tranquility. “I’ve never felt more at peace than I was with him... I had never really been moved by people in the spiritual world. But I was very moved by his presence, and I felt at peace," Johar remarked.

In addition to discussing power and peace, Karan Johar reflected on his personal journey, both as a filmmaker and an individual. Speaking candidly about his experiences, he expressed pride in the path he has chosen, despite the challenges. "I was never like the other boys—their interests, their style, their sports—it just wasn’t me. It took me years to understand that I don’t owe anyone an apology for being different. I’ve embraced who I am, and that’s become my power,” Johar shared.

This self-acceptance has been a cornerstone of Johar's success, allowing him to live authentically and without regret. "To this day, I have never regretted the way I’ve lived or the work I’ve pursued. Everything I do is for me, unapologetically. I just want to live my truth," he concluded.

Speaking of the professional front, Karan’s last directorial release was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer was released in July 2023. Currently, Karan is busy promoting Call Me Bae, an Amazon Prime Video series produced by Dharmatic Entertainment. The web show stars Ananya Panday in the lead and will start streaming from September 6. 

Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD: Nag Ashwin breaks down Amitabh Bachchan-Prabhas’ face-off, Deepika Padukone’s climax scene, Kamal Haasan bringing Supreme Yaskin to life in new video, watch

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How Maharaj could have brought Aamir Khan and Junaid Khan together in a FASCINATING historical crossover https://ift.tt/2KwQZgV

Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra’s Maharaj, which released earlier this year on Netflix, succeeded in getting positive reactions from audiences and critics alike. The film was also a launch for Junaid Khan, who gave an impressive performance after honing his skills by doing theatre for a number of years.

Maharaj is an adaptation of the Gujarati book of the same name written by author Saurabh Shah, first published in 2013. It is based on the real life Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 where the head priest of a major Vaishnav haveli (temple) Jadunathji Maharaj is accused of sexual misconduct with female devotees.

The story revolves around the fearless journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, played by Junaid, who is accused by the Maharaj of a haveli in Mumbai (Jaideep Ahlawat) of defamation after he writes about his misdeeds in the newspaper Satyaprakash.

There have been various films based on books. On most of the occasions, it is not possible to include all the incidents of a book into its film version because of the time constraints of a feature film. The same is the case with Maharaj too. The makers had to leave out various incidents from its original source.

One such occurrence in the book which didn’t make its way in the movie generated interest of this writer. The book has an incident where Karsandas Mulji mentions in his diary about a news report he read about the British soldier of Barrackpore regiment Mangal Pandey likely be sentenced to death by the British army court for killing a senior British army senior. The soldier resorted to the act to protest against the use of the cow fat in the cartridges of bullets given to the soldiers. Mangal’s rebellious act ultimately gives rise to the 1857 mutiny.

This incident brings an interesting possibility to light. In Ketan Mehta’s Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), Junaid’s father Aamir Khan played the titular character. If the makers of Maharaj had included the incident of Karsandas reading the aforementioned news item in the movie and if they had explored it, there could have been a chance of a crossover between Maharaj and Mangal Pandey.

This could have given us a chance of seeing the father-son duo of Aamir-Junaid in the same movie, if not the same frame. Both the father and son play different types of rebellious characters in their respective movies. Another reason why this could have been possible is that Yash Raj Films is the producer of Maharaj as well as one of the distributors of Mangal Pandey: The Rising.

Also Read: When Aamir Khan and family visited Maharaj sets to support Junaid Khan for his debut with Siddharth P Malhotra

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Shraddha Kapoor reflects on her 6-year bond with Amar Kaushik & Dinesh Vijan amid Stree 2’s blockbuster success: “Their vision and passion have brought this series to life” https://ift.tt/bWQXUET

As Stree 2 continues to remain a favourite amongst moviegoers, Shraddha Kapoor took to social media on Friday to express her gratitude for the journey that has spanned six years. The actress shared a heartfelt collage of photos from the first Stree film juxtaposed with more recent ones, capturing the evolution of her character and her bond with the creative team. In a caption, Kapoor acknowledged the pivotal role played by producer Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik in bringing the Stree series to life.

She expressed her heartfelt thanks for their belief in her and for including her in this extraordinary cinematic venture. "I am incredibly grateful to Dinoo and Amar for allowing me to be a part of the Stree franchise," Kapoor shared. "Their vision and passion have brought this series to life, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it."

 

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The Stree series, which follows the story of a mysterious spirit who haunts a small town, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. Kapoor's portrayal of the titular character has been widely praised for its nuance and authenticity.

Stree 2, which hit theatres on August 15, continued the franchise's winning streak, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. The film featured an ensemble cast, including Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee, and also featured special cameos by Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, and Tamannaah Bhatia. Released on Independence Day 2024, the film has garnered Rs. 453.60 crores at the box office till now. ALSO READ: Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao starrer Stree 2 continues to make waves at cinemas, woman dressed in red saree and veil surprises moviegoers in theatres amidst unique campaign

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Mirzapur 3 Bonus Episode: Divyenndu's Munna Bhaiya makes a return but in deleted scenes https://ift.tt/zEx28DA

Building on the success of Mirzapur’s first two seasons, the third season, which received mixed reviews, became one of the most-watched series on Prime Video. While Season 3 ended on a cliffhanger, Prime Video surprised Mirzapur fans with a special treat: a bonus episode featuring none other than their beloved Munna Tripathi (Divyenndu). One of the show's most iconic characters, Munna Bhaiya's absence in the latest season caused an uproar on social media, with ardent fans demanding his return to the fan-favourite show.

In the teaser, Divyenndu greets fans in his signature Munna Bhaiya style and shares, “Hum kya gaye pura bawaal mach gaya, suna hain hamare loyal fans bahut miss kiye humko. Sach kahen, miss toh hum bhi bahut kie aap log ko. Humare liye loyalty ki value sabse badhkar aur apki es loyalty ke lie royalty toh banti hai. Season 3 mein kuch cheeze miss kiye aap, woh hum khoj ke leke aaye, just for you Munna Tripathi ke saujanyay se.”

 

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The bonus episode, while promising a glimpse into the world of Mirzapur, failed to deliver the same level of excitement and satisfaction that the main seasons had consistently provided. The disappointment was particularly acute for fans who had been eagerly awaiting Munna Bhaiya's return. The character's charismatic presence and tragic demise in the second season had left a lasting impression on viewers, and many had hoped that the bonus episode would offer a satisfying conclusion to his story arc. However, the episode's portrayal of Munna Bhaiya was met with mixed reactions, with some fans feeling that his characterization was inconsistent with previous seasons.

Produced and created by Excel Media and Entertainment, Mirzapur Season 3 is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Anjumm Shharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chadha, Meghna Malik, and Manu Rishi Chadha. The gripping crime thriller is available to stream exclusively on Prime Video. ALSO READ: Ali Fazal announces Mirzapur season 3 bonus episode in Guddu Pandit style, watch

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Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao starrer Stree 2 continues to make waves at cinemas, woman dressed in red saree and veil surprises moviegoers in theatres amidst unique campaign https://ift.tt/KvCVYM1

The release of highly anticipated films often sparks a frenzy of promotional activities. While studios and filmmakers play a pivotal role in generating buzz, the cinema chains themselves can also contribute significantly to the hype. Roongta Cinemas recently demonstrated this with a unique and unforgettable campaign to promote the horror-comedy sequel, Stree 2.

Rather than relying on traditional billboards or social media ads, Roongta Cinemas devised a more immersive and interactive strategy. They transformed their multiplex theaters into a chilling playground for the film's titular character. A woman, dressed in the iconic red saree and veil of Shraddha Kapoor's character from Stree, would make surprise appearances during screenings of the film. The unexpected encounter sent shivers down the spines of unsuspecting moviegoers.  Many patrons, initially startled, quickly embraced the playful surprise, posing for selfies and capturing the moment on their phones.

The campaign's success was evident in the enthusiastic response on social media. Moviegoers shared their experiences and reactions to the surprise appearances, creating a viral buzz that extended far beyond the walls of Roongta Cinemas. The campaign effectively tapped into the film's horror-comedy genre, offering a thrilling and memorable experience for audiences.

Stree 2, helmed by Amar Kaushik, stars Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi. Released on Independence Day 2024, the film has garnered Rs. 453.60 crores at the box office till now.

ALSO READ: Amar Kaushik on the success of Stree 2, “It’s neither my film, nor just the producers’ film, nor any one actors”

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Zoya Akhtar admits she could have changed “certain things with The Archies’ screenplay, marketing” https://ift.tt/USuPBd2

The recent episode of Expresso featured a fascinating father-daughter duo, Javed Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, discussing poetry, screenwriting, and filmmaking. While Javed shared his vast experience, Zoya offered her unique insights. During a rapid-fire round, Zoya was asked about her experience making The Archies.

Zoya Akhtar's Reflections on The Archies When asked what she might have done differently in The Archies, Zoya admitted, “I think there are certain things with the screenplay, I could have done differently. And, certain things with the marketing.” While she didn't elaborate on the specific changes, it's clear she has some hindsight.

For the unversed, Zoya Akhtar is a renowned filmmaker with critically acclaimed movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Gully Boy, and segments in Lust Stories and Ghost Stories. She is also a board member of MAMI.

Speaking of The Archies, it marked the debut of Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan, Boney Kapoor-Sridevi’s daughter Khushi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda, among others. It was directly released on Netflix.  The Archies and OTT Censorship During the conversation, Zoya discussed the lack of censorship on OTT platforms and its impact on filmmaking. She believes that consensual intimacy should be showcased on screen without restrictions. However, she also acknowledges that artistic choices and cultural sensitivities play a significant role in how such content is portrayed.

Zoya Akhtar's insights offer a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and the challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating the complexities of storytelling and representation. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new narratives, her work remains a source of inspiration for audiences and aspiring filmmakers alike.

Also Read: Angry Young Men: Salim-Javed open up on their married lives; Shabana Azmi says, “Honey Irani could have very easily filled Farhan, Zoya Akhtar with tales against me. She assured them I am not an evil stepmother”

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Kangana Ranaut REACTS to claims of showing Indira Gandhi negatively in Emergency: “I’ve been judged so much that I’m fed up. This film will be a tight slap” https://ift.tt/QjihdsK

Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film, Emergency, is poised to be a significant milestone in her career. Ranaut not only stars as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but also takes on the role of director, following her previous experience co-directing Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019. With Emergency, Ranaut aims to present a nuanced portrayal of one of India's most complex political figures.

The Inspiration Behind Emergency As per a report by Mid-Day, when asked about her motivation to create a film on Indira Gandhi, Ranaut explains that her decision wasn’t driven by a simple fascination with the former Prime Minister’s persona. Instead, it was a result of her deep social and political awareness. Ranaut delved into extensive research, reading works like Coomi Kapoor’s The Emergency: A Personal History and Gandhi’s autobiography. One moment that struck her was Gandhi's conversation with her guru, Jiddu Krishnamurti, where she expressed her inner turmoil during the Emergency: “I feel I’m riding a beast, which I loved riding initially, but now I can’t get off it.”

Ranaut describes Gandhi's life as a Shakespearean tragedy, filled with internal and external conflicts, which further compelled her to explore these themes on screen. “Mrs. Gandhi’s life was such a beautiful Shakespearean tragedy. There is a throne, a person destined to be the queen, her opponents, and her internal battle with her conscience,” she says. Addressing the Controversy Given Ranaut’s association with the Bharatiya Janata Party, there has been speculation that her portrayal of Gandhi might be biassed. Many critics have questioned whether the film would depict Gandhi in a negative light. Ranaut responds firmly to these doubts, stating, “This film will be a tight slap on all those faces, who think I’ve projected her in a negative way! They didn’t even give my film a chance. It’s a week away, at least watch it before forming your judgement.”

Ranaut explained that the biopic aims to show Gandhi’s many facets, including her roles as a woman, a mother, and a politician. She touches on the deep pain Gandhi experienced, particularly the loss of her son, Sanjay Gandhi, which Ranaut found challenging to portray on screen. “Her life had so much pain, trauma, and drama. I was keen to make this film because people don’t know those aspects of her,” she adds. The Challenges of Directing Emergency Directing Emergency was not an easy task for Ranaut. She admits that taking on the dual role of actor and director came with significant sacrifices, both financially and creatively. “My revenue took a hit. As an actor, I can do three films in a year, but as a writer-director, I can only do one film in three years,” she explains. Ranaut also faced difficulties in selling the film due to its unconventional content and setting. “The protagonist is in her 60s, and everybody in the movie is wearing khadi kurta pyjamas, but luckily Zee Studios stepped in.”

The film is all set to release on September 6. 

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut shares she and Deepika Padukone went to the same driving achool: “Woh toh drive kar rahi hai, woh toh….”

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Sanjay Dutt pens emotional birthday note for sister Priya Dutt: "You have always been my...." https://ift.tt/UYtez3x

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, known for both his on-screen roles and as a devoted family man, recently took to social media to wish his sister Priya Dutt a happy birthday. On August 28, Sanjay shared a touching photograph of himself with Priya, capturing the close bond they share. The image shows Sanjay affectionately wrapping his arm around Priya as they both smile warmly for the camera.

An emotional birthday message

In his Instagram post, Sanjay wrote an emotional caption, expressing his gratitude and love for his sister. "Happy Birthday Pri, you have always been strength and support to me all my life, thank you for being such a wonderful sister, I wish all the happiness and success for you always, love you my sister, stay blessed," Sanjay wrote, tagging Priya Dutt. The heartfelt message resonated with fans, who flooded the post with birthday wishes for Priya.

 

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Family celebrations and sibling bonding

The post was further enriched by a comment from Sanjay’s daughter, Trishala Dutt, who added, "Happy Birthday Priya Bua," along with several red-heart emojis. The close-knit Dutt family often shares glimpses of their special moments together. Just a few days earlier, on Raksha Bandhan, Sanjay had posted photos with both Priya and his other sister, Namrata Kumar, celebrating their sibling bond with the caption, "Having you both by my side fills me with so much happiness."

Sanjay Dutt’s professional updates

On the professional front, Sanjay Dutt continues to make waves in the film industry. His latest South Indian film, Double iSmart, co-starring Ram Pothineni, was released earlier this month on August 14.

Also Read: Sanjay Dutt expresses gratitude to Puri Jagannadh for his role as Big Bull in Double iSmart

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Imtiaz Ali shares how Diljit Dosanjh’s past hit Jodi influenced Amar Singh Chamkila; "Strangely, when I went to tell him...." https://ift.tt/hMCAIuY

Imtiaz Ali, celebrated for his distinctive storytelling in films like Jab We Met and Rockstar, recently opened about his experience of working with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh. Ali, who directed Dosanjh in the biographical film Amar Singh Chamkila, shared an interesting anecdote during an interview with Mid-Day. The filmmaker revealed that before signing on for the role, Diljit narrated the story of his 2023 film Jodi to Imtiaz.

A surprise narration from Diljit

When Imtiaz approached Diljit to discuss the lead role in Amar Singh Chamkila, he was surprised by the actor's response. Diljit, who had already worked on Jodi, a film inspired by the life of Chamkila, wanted Imtiaz to understand his previous work before committing to the new project. "Strangely, when I went to tell him the story of Chamkila, he was like 'Dekhiye sir, aap chahoge toh main to kar raha hoon, but let me tell you the story of Jodi,'" Imtiaz shared, emphasizing the actor's deep connection with the character.

Understanding Chamkila through Jodi

Diljit's dedication to portraying Chamkila was evident in his desire to ensure that Imtiaz was fully aware of his prior work. The actor showed Imtiaz some portions of Jodi, a film where he played Amar Singh Sitaara, a character inspired by Chamkila's life. Imtiaz noted that Diljit had a profound understanding of Chamkila, which significantly influenced the direction of the biopic.

A deep-rooted connection

Imtiaz Ali praised Diljit's commitment to his craft, highlighting how the actor's prior experience with Jodi enriched his portrayal of Chamkila in the 2024 biopic. "Diljit knew more about Chamkila than I did," Imtiaz admitted, expressing his admiration for the actor's thorough preparation. This unique approach helped in creating an authentic and powerful representation of the legendary Punjabi folk musician.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali hopes Amar Singh Chamkila wins National Award after IFFM win: “It is made out of metros and mini-metros, and it goes into the heartland of India”

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Rajkummar Rao dons mini skirt in deleted Stree 2 scene, shares glimpses with fans: “Kya aap log dekhna chahte hain ye scene film mein?” https://ift.tt/ezbJdQh

Rajkummar Rao, whose latest film Stree 2 is making waves at the box office, recently treated fans to some behind-the-scenes glimpses that didn’t make it into the final cut. The actor shared a couple of unseen photos on his Instagram, sparking excitement and curiosity among his followers.

Rajkummar Rao Shares Unseen Photos from Stree 2 On Instagram, Rajkummar Rao posted two intriguing behind-the-scenes photos from Stree 2. In one of the photos, Rao is dressed as a woman, donning a purple sequin skirt, a red top, and a golden shrug. The second photo features Rao alongside the film’s director, Amar Kaushik. 

Along with the photos, Rao captioned the post, "#Stree2 One of my favourite scenes from the film which didn’t make it to the Final Cut. Kya aap log dekhna chahte hain ye scene film mein? Aap sab batao?"

 

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Co-stars and Fans React to the Post The post quickly garnered attention from fans and celebrities alike. Shraddha Kapoor, the female lead in Stree 2, enthusiastically expressed her desire to see the deleted scene. Abhishek Banerjee, another co-star, also left a comment, expressing his surprise and admiration. Several prominent figures in the industry, including Vijay Varma, Nimrat Kaur, Guneet Monga, and Niren Bhatt (the writer of the Stree franchise), also commented on the post.

The plot of Stree 2 continues the story from the first film, with a new demonic entity terrorizing the town of Chanderi. The same group of friends must once again unite to save the day, facing new challenges and the powerful threat of the new entity.

The horror-comedy sequel features the same cast, including Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. It was released on August 15 and is performing well at the box office. 

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao reveals manifesting a role in Kai Po Che!; says, “It’s surreal but true”

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19 years of Sarkar EXCLUSIVE: Ram Gopal Varma fought with producers to cast THIS actor in a prominent role https://ift.tt/wlq9aec

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar remains one of the iconic films from mainstream Bollywood. It was inspired from the Hollywood classic Godfather and it starred Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Katrina Kaif, among others. The movie completed 19 years last month on July 1.

The film is also known for a group of baddies who gang up against Subhash Nagre aka Sarkar (Amitabh Bachchan). One of them was the character of Rashid played convincingly by Zakir Hussain, who was a newcomer back then. During an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, the actor looked back at the shoot of the film.

“It was a struggle period for me,” said Hussain. “There was a strong desire to get a good opportunity. At that time, Ram Gopal Varma’s company was the only one that was giving opportunities to newcomers. I was hopeful that I would get in somehow. Before him, there were 1-2 banners that used to give a chance to new people.”

On how he got the role, the actor said, “I had done a film called Ek Hasina Thi (2004). I had one scene in that movie. He (RGV) saw that scene and called me and had a conversation. I was selected. He then trained me for 4-5 months in his own way. There was a lot of hard-work with regards to what level of performance he wanted for that character.”

Despite getting selected for the pivotal role, the road wasn’t smooth for Hussain. He said that the film’s producers didn’t want a newcomer to play an antagonist against someone like Amitabh Bachchan. “In a way, he (RGV) fought with the producers saying that he only wants me for the role. He said that if I won’t be in the film, someone else would be but it will always be a newcomer. Producers were like, Bachchan sahab hai toh ek naya ladka kaise hoga? In a way, it was like a blind gamble, which worked,” laughed Hussain.

Varma also became like a guide for Hussain after they shot Sarkar together. The actor recalled a funny incident with RGV before the release of the film. “I asked RGV what should I do next. He said, ‘Don’t do anything. Let this film release’. After the release, I asked him the same. He said, ‘Do some work, what else?’ (laughs) He said I should do films with good director, production and role,” he said.

Hussain revealed that he kept getting villainous roles after Sarkar. The shackles were finally broken for him by filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi. “Rajkumar Santoshi sahab also gave me a villainous role but it was also comic in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Then people came to know that I can do comedy as well, so I started getting comic roles,” he said.

Zakir Hussain will next be seen in the ZEE5 web series Murshid alongside Kay Kay Menon and Tanuj Virwani. The show will stream from August 30 onwards.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma reacts to the box office performance of Stree 2, calls it “more scary than the film”

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Kabir Khan SPEAKS ON Chandu Champion's box-office failure: “It’s not the only parameter to judge a film” https://ift.tt/YDxk57F

During his appearance at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, renowned filmmaker Kabir Khan addressed the underperformance of his latest film, Chandu Champion. While the film's box office collection fell short of expectations, Khan expressed pride in Kartik Aaryan's performance and the film's lasting impact.

“Box office numbers don't define a film's success” Speaking to Mid-Day, Kabir Khan explained that box office numbers are not the sole indicator of a film's success. He stated, "Any filmmaker who says that box office doesn’t matter is not speaking the truth; it does. But it’s not the only parameter to judge a film. The most important thing for me is how much the film is remembered and spoken about, after some time passes. With Chandu Champion now and 83 (2021) earlier, there have been repeat viewings on OTT.”

The director continued, “People kept going back to the film. That shows a film’s legacy and how long it stays in people’s memory. In terms of box office numbers, my first film, Kabul Express, was the lowest out of all my films. But after 18 years, people come up to me and say they loved it. So, there are lots of different parameters today through which you judge how deeply a film has connected.”

Chandu Champion collected less than Rs 100 crores at the global box office. The film faced competition from other releases, including Munjya and the subsequent release of Prabhas's Kalki 2898 AD.

Also Read: Kabir Khan receives Best Director award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 for Chandu Champion

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Farhan Akhtar calls Ranbir Kapoor's character in Animal “Problematic”: “The film didn't do much for me” https://ift.tt/fYmU1P2

The buzz around Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 2023 film, Animal, continues to stir conversations even months after its release. While the film received a mixed response from the audience, with some highlighting its portrayal of toxic masculinity and misogyny, it has also garnered praise for its intense narrative and Ranbir Kapoor's powerful performance.

Farhan Akhtar's Take on Animal Now, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has added his voice to the discussion. In a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, Akhtar shared his personal perspective on the film, stating that Animal "didn't work" for him. While he acknowledged Ranbir Kapoor's performance, the background score, and Vanga's dedication to the project, he expressed reservations about the film's overall message.

In Farhan’s words: “The film didn't do much for me. Is it something that I would recommend somebody to watch? I guess not.” When asked if he gets an opportunity to produce a similar kind of project, he asserted, “No, I won't. It doesn't resonate with me. For me, I feel that the character is problematic.”

While Akhtar may not have connected with the film, he did praise Sandeep Reddy Vanga's passion and commitment to his vision. The director's unwavering belief in the project is a testament to his artistic drive. When Ranbir Kapoor REACTED to Animal being called misogynistic This comes weeks after Ranbir Kapoor broke his silence on Animal being called misogyny. In Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, RK explained, “Social media played havoc. They needed something to talk about, so they really went to town claiming it was a misogynistic film. What happens is that the hard work that you put in… I know the director had made Kabir Singh, who also faced the same thing, the hard work gets diminished. Because it gets this tag, which isn’t true, the perception stayed with this film.”

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar reflects on childhood experiences with divorced parents amidst his own divorce; says, “It’s never going to entirely go away”

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Sitara Ghattamaneni reveals she often bunks school due to dad Mahesh Babu: "On days he doesn't have work…” https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sitara-Ghattamaneni-reveals-she-often-bunks-school-due-to-dad-Mahesh-Babu-On-days-he-doesnt-have-work…-1.jpg

In an interview with iDream Media, Sitara Ghattamaneni, daughter of Tollywood star Mahesh Babu, revealed a playful side of her relationship with her father. The 12-year-old confessed that she often bunks school, and the reason behind it is none other than her father. Sitara shared that whenever Mahesh Babu has time off work, he loves to spend it with her, even if it means persuading her mother, Namrata Shirodkar, to let her skip school.

A special father-daughter bond

Sitara's comments highlighted the special bond she shares with her superstar dad. She fondly described how Mahesh Babu convinces her mother to let her take a break from school, allowing them to enjoy quality time together. "Half the time I bunk school is because of my dad," she admitted. "On days he doesn't have work… I don't know how he does it; he persuades my mother to let me not go to school. It's great and lovely, we have fun together."

Sitara also mentioned that she watches all of her father's films in theatres, including the recent re-release of Murari. "Honestly, everyone thinks of my dad as a hero. I feel that way when I watch his films. But at home, he's just my dad," she added, showing the difference between Mahesh Babu’s on-screen persona and his role as a father.

Following in their parents' footsteps

Sitara also shared her aspirations to follow in her parents’ footsteps and pursue a career in acting. She mentioned that her brother, Gautham, who already made his on-screen debut as a child artist in 1: Nenokkadine, is currently at New York University (NYU) studying drama. Sitara expressed her excitement for her brother’s future as an actor and revealed that she too is taking acting classes. "I used to have stage fright a year back, but I’m over it now," she said, hinting at her own future in the industry.

Mahesh Babu's upcoming projects

As for Mahesh Babu, he was last seen in Trivikram Srinivas' Guntur Kaaram, which was released for Sankranthi this year but received a lukewarm response at the box office. The actor is now gearing up for an action-adventure film directed by SS Rajamouli, which is highly anticipated by fans. The project, penned by Rajamouli’s father Vijayendra Prasad, is still in its early stages, with the cast and crew yet to be revealed.

Also Read: Mahesh Babu to voice Mufasa in Telugu version of Mufasa: The Lion King: “An experience I will cherish with my children”

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Aparshakti Khurana reacts to Stree 2 credit war between Shraddha Kapoor – Rajkummar Rao, calls it ‘PR Game’ and ‘slightly unpleasant’ https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aparshakti-Khurana-reacts-to-Stree-2-credit-war-between-Shraddha-Kapoor-–-Rajkummar-Rao-calls-it-‘PR-Game-and-‘slightly-unpleasant-1.jpg

The success of Stree 2 has been overshadowed by a growing controversy over who deserves the most credit for the film's success. While the horror-comedy, directed by Amar Kaushik, continues to break box office records, a tussle for perception credits between the lead stars, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has emerged, stirring discussions in the industry. Released on August 15, Stree 2 quickly became a blockbuster, grossing over Rs. 500 crores worldwide. Despite the film's massive success, a debate has sparked within the industry and among fans regarding which lead actor—Rajkummar or Shraddha—should be credited with pulling in the audience. This debate has led to an awkward PR battle, with both camps allegedly trying to tilt the perception in their favour.

In a recent interview with Zoom, Aparshakti Khurana, who plays a significant role in Stree 2, addressed this ongoing credit war. When suggested that Shraddha Kapoor has gained more popularity following the release of the film, despite not having as much screen time as Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti appeared to agree but with reservations.

“See, this is a PR game. If your channel goes and asks the original audience on the street, are they saying this? I want to know that. So, this is a PR game, I don’t want to comment on it,” Aparshakti responded.

Aparshakti expressed his discomfort with the timing of this controversy, stating, “I love each and every actor of my film. I am attached to them. In such a happy space, where the film has gotten so much love and success, this can come across as slightly unpleasant.”

He further elaborated on his stance, pointing out the unfortunate nature of such disputes at a time when the entire team should be celebrating their success. “It shouldn’t have happened now, when everyone is in a happy space, celebrating the film. Amidst that, when this happens, then you have to also take a side, but I don’t want that. They are all equally close to me, and I respect their journeys. Someone can dance well, act well, look well, or maybe do PR well. So there exists talent of all kinds, which help you in your journey. I wouldn’t call PR my most strong part,” Aparshakti added.

As the film continues to draw audiences to theaters, it remains to be seen whether the focus will shift back to celebrating the team’s success as a whole or if the debate over individual credit will continue to dominate headlines. ALSO READ: Aparshakti Khurana reflects on journey from financial struggles to success; says, “I had just Rs 556 in my bank account”

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Kriti Sanon finds Shah Rukh Khan “Cool”: “He can make you laugh in a serious conversation” https://ift.tt/HUIjuKw

Kriti Sanon has revealed her admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, the superstar she shared the screen with in the film Dilwale. In a recent podcast with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath, Kriti opened up about what makes SRK so cool. Kriti described Shah Rukh Khan as "cool," stating his unique blend of confidence, intelligence, wit, and humility.

“Shah Rukh Khan is cool”: Kriti Sanon Kriti asserted, “I think Shah Rukh Khan is cool. He has this sense of confidence in him while he is intelligent, he is witty, and he can make you laugh and also laugh at himself. He can be charming and mold himself based on where he is. He can make you laugh in a serious conversation.”  SRK’s ability to project “humility and arrogance” Nikhil Kamath echoed Kriti's sentiments, highlighting SRK's remarkable ability to “project humility and arrogance in the same conversation” without offending anyone. He described SRK's tact as "incredible to watch" and spoke about the importance of adding an "anti-thesis" to one's personality for depth.

Nikhil Kamath shared his personal experiences with SRK, revealing that he enjoys visiting the superstar's home for long conversations. He described SRK's advice as "incredible" and spoke about the value of seeking guidance from such experienced individuals. Kriti Sanon’s upcoming projects  On the work front, Kriti Sanon has been busy with multiple releases in 2024. Her recent films include Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew. She also has upcoming projects like Housefull 5 and the No Entry sequel in her pipeline.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon and Badshah express admiration for Shah Rukh Khan: “I love him”

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Aamir Khan blames his “poor performance” on Laal Singh Chaddha, ADMITS he didn’t like Thugs Of Hindostan; speaks about working on Sitaare Zameen Par: “Bahot kamaal ki film hai” https://ift.tt/astbmgK

Aamir Khan recently reflected on the failures of his highly anticipated films, Laal Singh Chaddha and Thugs of Hindostan. In an interview with Rhea Chakraborty on her podcast Chapter 2, the actor candidly discussed the impact these box office flops had on him.

Laal Singh Chaddha: A Heartbreaking Setback Laal Singh Chaddha, a 2022 film co-starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh, was an Indian adaptation of the iconic American film Forrest Gump. Despite high expectations, the movie failed to resonate with audiences. Khan admitted that the film's failure was a significant emotional blow, saying, "When Laal Singh Chaddha didn't work, mujhe bohot bada dhakka mila (it hit me hard)." He explained that the dedication and passion the team poured into the project, made the disappointment even more profound. Thugs of Hindostan: A Miscalculation Khan also addressed the underperformance of his 2018 film, Thugs of Hindostan. He acknowledged that he and the team had made mistakes in the film's execution. "When Thugs of Hindostan was made, mujhe bhi theek nahi lagi thi (I didn't like it). I had discussions with Adi and Victor but they liked the film. But it was a teamwork. We went wrong in that one," he confessed. Despite differing opinions among the team, Khan admitted that the film ultimately fell short. Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations Following the failures of these two films, Khan said he raised his performance standards even higher for Laal Singh Chaddha. He also highlighted the importance of a strong performance in making a film successful. He asserted, “The original one was successful. The reason was that though the writing structure was not for the mainstream, but Tom Hanks' performance was so brilliant that he pulled you with him.” He added, “My performance let the film down. My performance wasn't good. This is my reading. I've learned a lot from it. My performance will hopefully be better in the next film.”

As Khan prepares for his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, co-starring Genelia Deshmukh, he remains enthusiastic about his work and the lessons he has learned as he said, “I really enjoyed working in Sitaare Zameen Par. Bahot kamaal ki film hai.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Exhibitor Vishek Chauhan says Akshay Kumar was the biggest beneficiary as well as causality of elitist cinema; also says that Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan are forced to work with South filmmakers in the absence of mass directors in Bollywood

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Dream Girl 2 Turns 1: Ayushmann Khurrana shares a hilarious video: "Asli Pooja sirf ek hi hai" https://ift.tt/no05DFc

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana tasted massive box-office success with his last release Dream Girl 2. The film collected over Rs. 100 crore in India making it Ayushmann’s biggest opening to date. Marking the one-year anniversary of his super hit film, Khurrana took to Instagram to express his gratitude for all the love he has received.

He posted a hilarious video on his Instagram today where he receives a surprise box, with Pooja’s belongings, only to then get a call from another Pooja, selling a credit card!

 

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Talking about the one-year anniversary in the video Ayushmann says, “The love and appreciation that Dream Girl 2 keeps on garnering has truly been a delight! The film will always hold a special place in my heart, not only because of the success it has achieved but also because of the joy it has spread amongst people. As an actor, if you can evoke a sense of happiness in your audience and bring a smile to their faces, I feel it’s half the job done, and that’s what Dream Girl 2 did.”

Dream Girl 2 is directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa and stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Ananya Panday in titular roles. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Aparshakti Khurana on working with brother Ayushmann Khurrana in the horror-comedy universe after Stree 2, “It’s a very quirky script. When all the worlds from the universe would merge together…”

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EXCLUSIVE: Zakir Hussain on his underworld show Murshid, “We haven’t glorified the characters” https://ift.tt/YgPkRCI

ZEE5’s upcoming web series Murshid will see veteran actor Kay Kay Menon in the titular role of an underworld don. Zakir Hussain, another seasoned actor, will be seen playing his nemesis. The show is directed by Shravan Tiwari, and it also stars Tanuj Virvani and Rajesh Shringarpure. It tells the story of Menon and Hussain’s characters who are forced to take up weapons after ‘retiring’ from the underworld.

Mumbai has had a history of the underworld and a part of the story of Murshid also takes place 20 years ago. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Zakir Hussain answered whether the story is inspired from any real underworld occurrence from Mumbai’s history. He said, “Not exactly. I don’t think so. This is a fictional story based on Mumbai’s history. I feel we have seen so many stories based on the underworld, and I have acted in some. So, this is a fictional story like them.”

Menon’s Murshid and Hussain’s Farid are at loggerheads in the show. “There comes a point where they clash,” he said. “The story is such that something happens with them at a personal level, and they are forced to pick up weapons again after they had retired.”

Sharing about their respective characters’ past, Hussain added, “So, Farid was Murshid’s partner once. Murshid has only nourished him. Murshid is supposed to be a senior in that arena. Then, like we know a lot of stories, the lust for power kicks in and one person becomes bigger than the other and vice versa. Then the guy (Farid) goes against his own guru.”

Hussain admitted that there have been plenty of underworld stories over the decades. He said that the newness in the show is in terms of how the story is presented. “The characters are people from around us, but we haven’t glorified them,” he said. “We know such type of people are found in our society. They survive and also do their work by being a part of the system and against as well. So, this is about this nexus between the underworld and politics. We have tried to show how they grow their nexus, come out of it and later are compelled to return to it.”

In real life, Hussain and Menon are unlike their onscreen characters in Murshid. “We are very old friends. We know and understand each other. We see each other’s work and we have worked together as well. So, there are no issues in working together. You know what will come from the other side and things get done easily,” he said.

When asked what he looks into a project before saying yes, Zakir Hussain recalled a funny incident with Ram Gopal Varma before the release of Sarkar, the first film that got him noticed. “When I started off around Sarkar, I asked RGV what next should I do next. He said, ‘Don’t do anything. Let this film release’. After the release, I asked him the same. He said, ‘Do some work, what else?’ (laughs) He said I should do films with good director, production and role. So, there is not much into it (criteria for selecting projects). Very rarely does it happen when I don’t like to take up a project,” he said.

Hussain admitted that he kept receiving a lot of negative characters after that, maybe because of his personality. But he is thankful to Rajkumar Santoshi for breaking the shackles for him. “Rajkumar Santoshi sahab also gave me a villainous role but it was also comic in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Then people came to know that I can do comedy as well, so I started getting comic roles. So, I just see if it’s interesting and I try doing it differently. Otherwise, I am not choosy,” he said.

Murshid is all set to stream on ZEE5 from August 30.

Also Read: Murshid Trailer: Kay Kay Menon is all set to unleash hell in this ZEE5 original web-series on Mumbai mafia

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5 times Sidhant Gupta displayed perfect Instagram aesthetics https://ift.tt/XdT9abO

Actor Sidhant Gupta has made a significant impact in the digital space with his compelling performances in projects like Jubilee. Beyond his acting, he’s also known for his impeccable Instagram aesthetics. His feed consistently grabs attention for its unique and visually captivating posts.

Let’s take a look at some of his best posts to draw inspiration for creating your own perfect Instagram aesthetic.

Winning an award wasn’t this aesthetic unless it was Sidhant

 

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The perfect glitter and Gen Z posing

 

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Cherry-like monochrome

 

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Classy whites for the win

 

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Caffeine—the perfect aesthetic and companion

 

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Take cues from these stunning posts to elevate your own Instagram game and bring a touch of Sidhant's signature style to your feed!

On the work front, Sidhant Gupta will be seen portraying the historical character of Jawaharlal Nehru in Sony LIV's upcoming web series Freedom At Night.

Also Read: Jubilee actor Sidhant Gupta takes on the role of Jawaharlal Nehru in Nikkhil Advani’s Freedom at Midnight, watch teaser

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EXCLUSIVE: Seema Biswas talks about Chalti Rahe Zindagi; reveals she was offered role of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother: “If I asked for script, they used to think ‘Na shakal, na soorat hai. Bachchan ji ke saath kaam karne ka mauka de raha hai aur yeh script maang rahi hai’” https://ift.tt/PSEwmWg

The film Chalti Rahe Zindagi was released last month on Zee5 and has been loved for its wonderful performances and touching moments. It stars Seema Biswas, Manjari Fadnnis, Siddhant Kapoor, Indraneil Sengupta and Barkha Sengupta and is the story of society residents grappling with the COVID-induced lockdown in 2020. Seema Biswas was an exception; her performance of a person suffering from OCD and anxiety was one of the best acts in recent times. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the National Award-winning actress spoke about her performance in the film and a lot more.

What feedback did you get for your performance in Chalti Rahe Zindagi? People have liked it. Every time, I feel I am the worst actor in the film! I get very nervous. But I got a good very good response. This made me realize that maine accha kaam kiya hai film mein (smiles).

Did you take inspiration from your own life or from your loved ones for playing the role? Yes. In fact, I have faced a lot during the COVID period. I was shooting in Banaras while my mother was in Guwahati. The shoot was cancelled due to rising cases. Meanwhile, the lockdown was imposed and my mother got stuck in Assam. Then every day, we used to chat on video call. She used to assure me that she was fine and would tell me that she was doing padmasana (smiles). Sometime later, she fell down and suffered a fracture. As a result, she even had to undergo an operation. I rushed to meet her. I could see her only from a distance in the hospital as I was quarantined.

So, it was a sad depressing time. But others suffered much more than us. Many got homeless and jobless. A few of my friends passed away or went through a critical time in the hospital. The hospitals, meanwhile, were charging exorbitantly. Hum koi Adani-Ambani toh hai nahin ki itna paise de sake? I pooled money along with others to help our loved ones who were suffering in the hospitals. Some of them lost their homes and I accommodated them in my humble 2 BHK flat. It was scary as you don’t know if they have COVID. At one point, even I tested positive. But I am lucky I didn’t go through hell like others.

In such sad times, working in films was quite relaxing. This is how I did Chalti Rahe Zindagi.

Chalti Rahe Zindagi had a direct release on OTT and didn’t arrive in cinemas. It’s a trend that became common thanks to the lockdown. How do you look at this trend? During that period, even I consumed a lot of films on various digital platforms. Initially, films had to be sold to OTT as there was no guarantee when theatres would reopen. At first, I was okay with it but later, I realized that I was missing the cinema hall experience. Crores of money are spent with the idea that the film will be seen by the audience in all its glory in theatres. Hence, this trend saddens me. Once in a while, if you see a film at home, it’s fine. But a film is meant to be experienced on the big screen.

The entourage debate has become the talking point in the industry. What are your views? I don’t agree with it. I am the kind of person who feels that asking more than what you want is like a crime. I don’t like spending too much on anything, be it clothes, cars, etc. My friends and sister complain a lot about this habit. But then, isn’t it criminal to have such wants in a country like India where 70-80% of people are poor?

Do you feel at times that you got typecast? After doing Khamoshi (1996) and Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998), I didn’t take up roles for the next 3-4 years. I was sitting without work. And I am a shy person; I don’t approach anyone for work.

Why didn’t you take up roles? That’s because I used to be offered the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother! I used to still ask them, ‘Role kya hai?’. They would simply stay, ‘Amitabh Bachchan ji ki mother ka role hai’! I was also offered to play Anil Kapoor and Aamir Khan’s mother.

I remember, once I met Shekhar Kapur and he complained about why I was not taking up work. I explained to him how I am given the mother’s role. He said, ‘So what? Didn’t Nargis also work in Mother India (1957)?’. I replied, ‘I am ready to work in Great Grandmother India. But koi mujhe role toh bataye!’

When I used to ask for the script, the filmmakers had reservations. They used to not say, ‘Na shakal, na soorat hai. Amitabh Bachchan ji ke saath kaam karne ka mauka de raha hai aur yeh script maang rahi hai’!

This is when I decided that I wouldn’t work in such films and would take up a project only if my heart was in it. Even recently, I wasn’t happy with some of the scripts offered to me. I invested my time doing a solo performance as a tribute to my parents.

You played PM Basu in The Family Man 2. Are you a part of Season 3 as well? Yes, I am a part of it. 70-80% of my portions are done. The next leg of the shoot will take place in September.

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Kriti Sanon and Badshah express admiration for Shah Rukh Khan: “I love him” https://ift.tt/BotHbNY

Kriti Sanon, KL Rahul and Badshah – recently found themselves guests on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, People By WTF. The conversation delved deeper than investment strategies and box office numbers, revealing a surprising connection – their mutual admiration for Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan.

Nikhil Kamath, a self-made billionaire and investment maverick, has disrupted the traditional financial landscape. Little known, however, is his close connection to Shah Rukh Khan. “Every time I come to Bombay,” Nikhil revealed, “one night, I go to Shah Rukh Khan's house. Both of us sit down and chat for four to five hours.” He went on to praise the superstar's intellect, saying, “The kind of advice the man gives, it's incredible. I go to him just for his 'gyan' (wisdom).”

Sharing Nikhil's sentiment, Kriti Sanon enthusiastically joined the conversation about Shah Rukh Khan. “He is one of those few people you are a fan of and then you meet him and become a bigger fan,” she stated.

The conversation then shifted to Badshah. While everyone knew him as Badshah, the episode unveiled a fascinating backstory. Originally christened Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, the rapper adopted his stage name due to his immense admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. As Nikhil probed him about the name change, Badshah confessed, “I am a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan.” This revelation sparked a wave of agreement, with Kriti adding, “I love him.”

The conversation then took a hilarious turn when Badshah revealed his pre-Badshah stage name: Cool Equal. “Prior to this, I used to rap in English and my name used to be Cool Equal,” he said, much to the amusement of his co-guests. “coolequal@hotmail.com was my email id back then,” he added, sending everyone into a fit of laughter. With the stage name Cool Equal clearly out of the running, Badshah decided on Badshah, a choice he described as a "conscious decision." ALSO READ: Badshah reveals how he approached Shah Rukh Khan for his album Ek Tha Raja, received his voice narrations within a day: “He gives his 200 percent”

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Saswata Chatterjee Calls Kalki 2898 AD co-star Prabhas the “Best choice for his role,” amid Arshad Warsi's “Joker” remark: “His screen presence is extraordinary” https://ift.tt/Dx49qI0

The recent controversy surrounding Arshad Warsi's comment on Kalki 2898 AD star Prabhas continues to spark debate within the film industry. While Warsi has faced criticism for his remark, actor Saswata Chatterjee has now come out in defense of Prabhas, calling him the best choice for the role.

Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD Co-Star Defends Him  Chatterjee, who played the role of Commander Manas in the Nag Ashwin directorial, expressed his disagreement with Warsi's opinion. "I don't want to say anything about him (Arshad), that's his opinion, not mine. As a matter of fact, Prabhas looks like a larger-than-life man. His screen presence is extraordinary. He was the best choice for this role. He is absolutely amazing in the film," Chatterjee told India Today.

Chatterjee is not the first actor to voice his disapproval of Warsi's comment. Previously, Sudheer Babu and Nani had also criticized Warsi for his remarks, calling them unprofessional and unnecessary. Director Ajay Bhupathi had also expressed his outrage, accusing Warsi of being jealous of Prabhas' success. Background of Arshad Warsi’s “Joker” Remark Controversy  Arshad Warsi's controversial statement was made during an interview for a YouTube channel called Unfiltered by Samdish. He expressed his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan's performance in the film but was not impressed by Prabhas' look. "I watched Kalki 2898 AD which I didn't like. Mujhe bahut takleef hoti hai jab... Amit ji was unbelievable! I cannot understand that man. I swear, jitna power unmein hai, thoda sa mil jaaye toh life ban jaaye. He's unreal," Warsi said. 

"Prabhas, I am really sad but, why was he like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana diya yaar. Kyun karte hai aisa mujhe nahi samaj mein aata hai (What have you made it. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand)," he added.

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Boney Kapoor SLAMS Arshad Warsi over his allegations on being paid Rs. 25,000 less for Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja: “At that time, he was not a star. Who would have paid him such a huge amount?”; Pankaj Parashar says, “Arshad didn’t control the shoot, I did”

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TMKOC’s Dilip Joshi, aka Jethalal, visits Olympic champion Aman Sehrawat, shares Fafda-Jalebi https://ift.tt/BEg23CW

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat had a dream come true when he met the iconic actor Dilip Joshi, best known for his role as Jethalal in the popular television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The heartwarming encounter took place recently, and Sehrawat shared pictures and details of the meeting on Instagram.

When Aman Sehrawat met TMKOC’s Jethalal Sehrawat, who won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, expressed his admiration for Joshi and the joy he brings through his work. In his Instagram post, Sehrawat wrote, "Today I felt great meeting Jethalal (Dilip Joshiji) @maakasamdilipjoshi Seeing these always makes me laugh and happiness in 'Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma,' thank you so much for visiting me."

The pictures shared by Sehrawat show him and Joshi engaged in a warm conversation over a plate of fafda-jalebi, a popular Gujarati snack. Joshi also presented Sehrawat with a goody bag to celebrate his Olympic victory.

 

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Sehrawat's fans and followers were delighted to see the two icons together. One user commented, "Bast bahi aman ," while another wrote, "2 Legends!" Many expressed their admiration for Sehrawat's achievement and his genuine appreciation for Joshi's work. Aman Sehrawat in Paris Olympics 2024 Aman Sehrawat's bronze medal win at the Olympics 2024 was a significant milestone for Indian wrestling. The athlete's dedication and hard work paid off as he secured a podium finish in the men's freestyle 57 kg wrestling match. Upon his return to India, Sehrawat was honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries for his exceptional achievement.

Also Read: Goli says goodbye: Kush Shah quits Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah after 16 years

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Sanya Malhotra gets standing ovation at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne after Mrs screening https://ift.tt/E3hRqZl

Sanya Malhotra, who attended the premiere of Mrs at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, is on cloud nine. The actress received a standing ovation for her performance in the film, which is directed by Arati Kadav. A video featured Sanya getting emotional as audiences stood up and applauded the film as well as Sanya's performance.

Post the premiere, the actress expressed how she prepped for the role of Richa in Mrs. She said she met several women and took help of a very close friend, who had similar experiences as shown in the film.

"She graciously shared her therapy notes, which I used to read almost every day and used to feel anger and sadness, as I was very close to her. It pains me to know that some women are going through this, has accepted it and has given up on their dreams and their want," the actress shared, adding that every day on the sets of 'Mrs' was "brilliant". She also spoke about how she wants to do films that leave an impact and inspire, especially women.

The Sanya-starrer Mrs is an official adaptation of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. The film has been receiving an incredible response at international film festivals. Earlier this year, Sanya won the Best Actress award at the New York Indian Film Festival, which has amped up excitement among her fans to witness the film in theatres. While Mrs continues to make waves nationally and internationally, Sanya Malhotra is gearing up for an interesting line-up of projects. She is currently prepping for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Thug Life. She also has an untitled film with Anurag Kashyap in the pipeline.

Also Read: Sanya Malhotra shares behind-the-scenes photos from Mrs ahead of IFFM premiere: “Every day on the set was unique and memorable”

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Hansal Mehta congratulates Scoop actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub for bagging Best Asian Actor at Septimius Awards: “Much delayed but very richly deserved” https://ift.tt/nub8YDs

Acclaimed actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has added another feather to his cap, winning the Best Asian Actor award at the prestigious Septimius Awards for his remarkable performance in the Netflix original series, Scoop. The series, directed by Hansal Mehta, has garnered critical acclaim and has been lauded for its gripping narrative and stellar performances.

Hansal Mehta Congratulates Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub Upon hearing the news of Zeeshan Ayyub's win, director Hansal Mehta took to Twitter to express his delight and congratulate the talented actor. Mehta tweeted, "You can't keep a good man down. Congratulations @Mdzeeshanayyub for this much delayed but very richly deserved award. This one's for all those juries that chose to ignore your stellar performance in #Scoop. Best Asian Actor #Scoop at the Septimius Awards, Amsterdam. @SeptimiusAwards."

You can’t keep a good man down. Congratulations @Mdzeeshanayyub for this much delayed but very richly deserved award. This one’s for all those juries that chose to ignore your stellar performance in #Scoop. Best Asian Actor #Scoop at the Septimius Awards, Amsterdam.… pic.twitter.com/L4vrdfUFwq

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) August 22, 2024

Winners At Septimius Awards The Septimius Awards, held in Amsterdam, recognize exceptional talent from around the globe. Other notable winners at this year's ceremony include Cristiana Dell'Anna (Best European Actress), Cyriel Guds (Best European Actor), Nika King (Best American Actress), Demetrius Grosse (Best American Actor), Elham Ali (Best Asian Actress), Gideon Okeke (Best African Actor), Leila Mcdougall (Best Oceanian Actress), and John Jarratt (Best Oceanian Actor). About Scoop Produced by Matchbox Shots, season one of the series is inspired by real events and Jigna Vora’s book, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison. Besides Zeeshan, it also stars Karishma Tanna and Harman Baweja in the lead along with a blink-and-miss cameo of Scam 1992 fame Pratik Gandhi. The series showcases society’s rush to judgement as Jagruti, a headline-writing journalist is caught between the nexus of the police, the underworld, and the media. One single phone call sets off a chain of events.

Also Read: Amid Bangladesh crisis, Hansal Mehta says Sheikh Hasina’s government banned Faraaz to “Cover their bloodied hands” 

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Rasika Dugal speaks on Little Thomas' world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne: "I was delighted to see the audience keenly engaging with the film" https://ift.tt/4sUekWm

It was an evening of celebrating the many shades of childhood on Monday as director Kaushal Oza's children's comedy-drama Little Thomas had its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The Anurag Kashyap-backed film, starring Gulshan Devaiah, Rasika Dugal and child artiste Hridansh Parekh, was screened at Hoyts Melbourne Central, as part of the prestigious international film festival.

The comedy-drama, revolving around the misadventures of a seven-year-old boy, had audiences laughing, applauding, and cheering along. The screening also saw the attendance of ace filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Shoojit Sircar, and Rima Das.

Oza, Dugal, and co-producer Ranjan Singh happily interacted with the audience and opened up about their journey with the charming film. Chatting about her experience, Duggal shared that she was thrilled to be able to exhibit this labor of love at such a prestigious festival. “It was quite an experience watching the film alongside the viewers at IFFM. I was delighted to see the audience keenly engaging with the film, often giggling in the comedic moments. They also made astute observations and their questions brought back fond memories of the shoot,” she said.

The actor expressed that she was also thrilled to see her favorite filmmakers — Imtiaz Ali, Shoojit Sircar and Rima Das — at the screening. “To be on a platform like this, celebrating Indian films and sharing one's own work with a global audience as well as with directors one looks up to — it's an unforgettable moment. It will always be etched in my mind,” she said.

Set in Goa, the movie revolves around seven-year-old Thomas and his attempts to unite his bickering parents — all in the hopes of getting a baby brother. “It's a film with a big heart. I'm so glad it has touched audiences here and got such a wonderful kick-off. I'm hopeful that it will be loved by viewers everywhere,” Duggal added.

The film marks Kashyap's return to the children's film genre in about 17 years. Little Thomas is produced by Kashyap, Ranjan Singh, Rajnikant Oza, Charu Oza, Anushka Shah and Kabir Ahuja.

Also Read: Rasika Duggal takes on the challenge of dual accents in Mirzapur and Little Thomas; says, “The switch in accents was the confusing bit but also an interesting challenge”

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A.R. Rahman unveils soundtrack of his next film Le Musk; deets inside https://ift.tt/8LQGUFZ

Renowned composer and Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has released the highly anticipated soundtrack of his groundbreaking immersive film, Le Musk. The soundtrack with 12 soulful and varied tracks, launched globally today on Believe Music, promises to captivate listeners with a fusion of ethereal compositions that transcend boundaries, much like Rahman’s iconic body of work. Le Musk, an innovative sensory cinematic experience directed by A.R. Rahman himself, merges music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to immerse audiences in a new kind of film and narrative. The soundtrack, created to complement the immersive experience, features Rahman’s signature style — a blend of Jazz, Orchestra and eclectic elements combined with soulful melodies.

Speaking about the soundtrack launch, award-winning composer A.R. Rahman said, "Music is the heartbeat of Le Musk. It carries the soul of the film, guiding the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The film is a labour of a lot of hard work and love, where we tried to push the boundaries of how we use technology to create something truly immersive and I am thrilled to finally share this soundtrack with the world and offer a glimpse into the world we’ve created.”

The Le Musk soundtrack takes listeners on an evocative journey, blending Jazz, orchestral, and world music influences to create an atmospheric soundscape. With tracks that echo the film's story of love, memory, and sensory exploration, this album promises to be a one-of-a-kind listening experience for both long-time Rahman fans and newcomers.

 

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Collaborating on the 12 varied tracks with notable names, including Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, Linda Lind, Mayssa Karaa, Hiral Viradia, Simona Gilbert, The Firdaus orchestra and the Budapest Orchestra, the soundtrack of Le Musk also marks the association with the award-winning music engineer Greg penny. Global Impact and Collaboration The album's global release on Believe Music underscores Rahman’s vision to bring his innovative works to an international audience. Le Musk not only marks Rahman’s directorial debut but also sets a new standard for immersive storytelling. Speaking about showcasing the film to a larger world audience Rahman said “We are in the process of setting up immersive experience studios across the world to bring Le Musk to audiences the world over. The film would not have been possible if not for my team who worked tirelessly to push the boundary of what was known to be possible.”

The Le Musk soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms via Believe Music.

Also Read: Javed Akhtar praises AR Rahman’s collaborative approach: “He never imposes anything on his singers and lyricists”

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Nikkhil Advani recalls addressing Salman Khan as Shah Rukh Khan on first day of Salaam-E-Ishq: “He gave me a look and the whole set went quiet” https://ift.tt/Ofq5McS

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has shared a hilarious anecdote from the first day of shooting for his film Salaam-e-Ishq. The director revealed that he accidentally addressed Salman Khan as Shah Rukh Khan during the muhurat shot.

When Nikkhil Advani Addressed Salman Khan as Shah Rukh Khan On his appearance on Aapka Apna Zakir, Nikkhil recalled that the incident occurred amidst the bustling energy of the set, with over 500 junior artists, 200 dancers, and renowned choreographers Bosco-Caesar present. He said, “Salman was standing there and I was looking at the monitor and I said ‘Shah Rukh, ready?'”

Nikkhil previously directed Shah Rukh in Kal Ho Naa Ho. In addition to this, he had previously assisted Karan Johar on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which also starred Shah Rukh in the lead role. 

Coming back to Nikkhil’s story, the awkward moment was immediately met with silence from the entire crew. “Salman gave me a look and the whole set went quiet. Then he said, ‘Yeah Karan, I am ready,'” he added. Nikkhil Advani Praises Salman Khan  Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that ever since Nikkhil started promoting his latest directorial venture, Vedaa, he was often seen talking about his equation with Salman Khan. Previously, in a chat with Galatta Plus, the filmmaker said, “Salman Khan prides himself on being the messiah of the industry, so the minute I walked out of the doors of Dharma Productions, I got a call from Salman saying, ‘Come and meet me’. (He then said) ‘Now you will work for me, you will make a film for me’. And I appreciate that.”

Speaking of Vedaa, it stars Sharvari Wagh and John Abraham in the lead while Abhishek Banerjee plays the antagonist. The film was released along with Maddock horror-comedy universe’s Stree 2 and Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein. 

Also Read: Vedaa trailer launch: Nikkhil Advani says, “If second part of Kal Ho Naa Ho is made today, people will question “6 din ladki in”; speaks on taking John Abraham-starrer a step ahead of D-Day “in terms of action” amid constant request of making Kal Ho Naa Ho sequel

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Angry Young Men: Javed Akhtar gets emotional recalling his struggles in Mumbai: “I slept at railway stations, studio compounds, in corridors, on benches” https://ift.tt/qPZeAGg

Legendary screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, renowned for his work as part of the iconic duo Salim-Javed as a writer and lyricist, recently opened up about the hardships he faced during his early days in Mumbai, then Bombay. In the three-part docu-series Angry Young Men, Akhtar took a trip down memory lane, recounting the challenges he endured in pursuing a career in the film industry.

Reflecting on his youthful optimism, Akhtar shared, “When you’re a teenager, life is easy, and you can do anything. That’s what I believed. I decided after my graduation that I’d move to Bombay to work as an assistant director, either with Guru Dutt or Raj Kapoor. They were directors I admired at that time. I was sure I’d become a director myself in a short time.”

Like many young dreamers who flock to Mumbai, he had envisioned a smooth ascent to success, but the reality proved far more daunting. Akhtar recalled the grim reality of his early days in the city, where he struggled to find even the most basic necessities. “I slept at railway stations, studio compounds, in corridors, on benches, and so on,” he recounted. “Sometimes I had to walk miles from Dadar to Bandra because I didn’t have money for the bus fare. Sometimes I realised I hadn’t eaten for two days.” Despite these hardships, Akhtar maintained a sense of hope and resilience. “I used to always think the day I wrote my autobiography or if someone did, this day would make for an amazing moment. This thought never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t make it.”

At just 15 years old, Akhtar had left his family behind to chase his dreams in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. He emphasized his refusal to seek financial help, even during the most desperate times. “When I was 18, I realised I had nothing to wear. Now how that’s possible? Obviously, I’ve been wearing clothes for 18 years. So how could I have nothing to wear? But that’s how it was. My last trousers and the only trousers I had were torn to the extent that they couldn’t be worn anymore, and I had no other trousers,” he shared.

As he continued to recount his struggles, Akhtar became visibly emotional. He described how the deprivation of basic needs like food and sleep left an indelible mark on him. “If you have been deprived of food or sleep in your life, it leaves a deep mark on you that you will never forget,” he said. “When I go to a five-star hotel with large sprawling double beds, and sometimes when I am lying there, I remember coming to Bombay in the third-class train compartment. It used to take two days. There was no place to sit in the compartment, not even a place to lean against and I was deprived of sleep, and how tired I was, if only I had a little stretch of that double bed.”

Even today, despite his success, Akhtar finds it difficult to reconcile his current reality with his past struggles. “Sometimes I’m served breakfast on a trolley with butter, jam, half-fried eggs, and coffee. I think if I deserve this even now. I think this breakfast can’t be for me, it must be someone else’s. I can’t get over that.”

Angry Young Men premiered on Prime Video in India on August 20, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of writer duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. The docu-series has been directed by Namrata Rao. ALSO READ: Angry Young Men: Javed Akhtar says Salman Khan was ‘exceptionally good-looking child’; Arbaaz Khan was a ‘regular seducer’: “Badmaash baccha toh woh tha”

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Karan Johar’s twins Yash and Roohi are every brother-sister duo ever on Raksha Bandhan, watch https://ift.tt/cDnmwMI

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a heartwarming glimpse into his family life on Raksha Bandhan. The director posted a delightful video showcasing the adorable antics of his twins, Yash and Roohi, as they participated in the traditional Rakhi ceremony.

A Playful Rakhi Ritual The video captures the essence of sibling rivalry as Yash playfully tries to escape Roohi's attempts to tie the Rakhi on his wrist. Karan's amused yet firm voice in the background adds to the charm of the video. The presence of their grandmother, Hiroo Johar, watching over the siblings with a warm smile completes the picture-perfect family moment.

Johar's caption humorously encapsulates the chaos and love that filled the room during the Rakhi celebration. He wrote, “Rakhee love !!!! It’s always a process to get the tradition of this beautiful festival of love accurately on point! The mothership contributed and the son was in a tearing hurry to go nowhere! The daughter was dutifully doing her best and I was trying to be the master of ceremonies with not much success!!! Happy Raksha Bandhan to all!!! Take care of each other and spread the joy.”

 

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The post has garnered immense love and appreciation from fans, who found the video to be an endearing portrayal of family life. Karan Johar's Recent Success Apart from his personal life, Karan Johar recently received the People's Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for his directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, was released last year. Currently, KJo is awaiting the releases of two of his productional ventures, Call Me Bae (a web show, starring Ananya Panday) and Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor’s first on-screen collaboration Devara Part 1. 

Also Read: Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Tamannaah Bhatia and others celebrate Raksha Bandhan with heartfelt tributes to their siblings

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Imtiaz Ali hopes Amar Singh Chamkila wins National Award after IFFM win: “It is made out of metros and mini-metros, and it goes into the heartland of India” https://ift.tt/T1vqoef

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is riding high on the success of his directorial venture, Amar Singh Chamkila. The biopic on the legendary Punjabi singer has garnered critical acclaim and a strong following since its release on Netflix. The film recently bagged the prestigious Breakout Film of the Year award at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). This recognition has further solidified the film's position as a critical and commercial success. 

Breakout Film of the Year Encouraged by the positive response, Ali expressed his hope that Amar Singh Chamkila will continue its winning streak at the National Awards during a chat with PTI in Melbourne. He drew a parallel with his previous film, Gulmohar, which won multiple National Awards despite being a direct-to-digital release.

In his words, “There was confusion about whether films that are released direct-to-digital will be allowed to participate in National Awards but I think there’s a verdict on that now which is in favour of direct-to-digital films. I’m hoping the National Awards will look kindly on Amar Singh Chamkila.”

Ali further added, “What I personally liked about the film is that it is made out of metros and mini-metros, and it goes into the heartland of India, where most of the country lives. I’m hopeful that the population of the country will appreciate that.”

The filmmaker also shared his gratitude for the love and support the film has received, acknowledging that the Breakout Film Award is a significant milestone for the entire team. Future Projects Beyond the success of Amar Singh Chamkila, Ali is already working on new projects. While details are still under wraps, he revealed that his next film will explore a unique and unconventional love story.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals that John Abraham was the original choice for Rockstar; expresses surprise that Nargis Fakhri got flak but has been accepted without complaints during re-release

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Arshad Warsi SLAMS Prabhas’ look in Kalki 2898 AD: “Why was he was like a joker? I want to see a Mad Max, Mel Gibson” https://ift.tt/cRNEaHW

Actor Arshad Warsi has openly expressed his disappointment with the sci-fi film, Kalki 2898 AD. While the film has garnered immense success at the box office, Warsi's candid opinion has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike.

Arshad Warsi Expresses His Disappointment with Kalki 2898 AD In a recent chat on Unfiltered by Samdish YouTube channel, Arshad shared his thoughts on the film, stating that he found it underwhelming. While he praised Amitabh Bachchan's performance, he expressed his confusion over Prabhas' characterization. Warsi expressed his desire to see a more gritty and intense portrayal of the protagonist, similar to iconic characters like Mad Max.

In his words: “Meine Kalki 2898 AD, jo mujhe achi nahin lagi. Amit Ji (Bachchan) was unbelievable! I cannot believe it.” While talking about Prabhas he said, “I am really sad but, why was he was like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. What have you made it. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand.”  Appreciation for Rajkummar Rao Despite his critique of Kalki 2898 AD, Arshad was quick to acknowledge the exceptional performances in other projects. He lauded Rajkummar Rao's Srikant, calling it outstanding. He also praised Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma's performances in Munjya and Lakshay Lalwani’s debut film Kill. Upcoming Projects On the work front, Arshad Warsi is currently gearing up for the release of Jolly LLB 3, where he will reprise his iconic role alongside Akshay Kumar. He also has the comedy film Welcome To The Jungle in the pipeline, which boasts a star-studded cast.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi starrer Jolly LLB 3 to release on April 10, 2025: Report

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EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh on all 3 supernatural films of 2024 – Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – working at the box office, “This has been a very underutilized genre. We are making different types of films. Why not horror?” https://ift.tt/PRWQpky

This year may not have been as successful as last year. But it has turned out to be super successful for films belonging to the supernatural genre. So far, we have seen three of them – Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – and all three have worked big time at the box office. In fact, these three films are also a part of the 10 highest grossers of the year. Stree 2  that has entered the coveted Rs. 100 cr club by the end of its second day running looks posied to see it's business grow by leaps. Interestingly, two out of the three films – Munjya and Stree 2 – are from Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.

The triumph of this genre this year was pointed out by veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Twitter. Bollywood Hungama spoke with him exclusively on this trend. He said, “This genre has had 100% track record (in 2024). This has been very underutilized genre. Years ago, I distinctly remember watching a film called Jaani Dushman (1979) by Rajkumar Kohli in theatre. It was a huge hit. Also, Ramsay brothers made films like Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche, Darwaza, Purana Mandir, Hotel, etc. I know they were money-spinners because my father was one of the distributors of these films. They were like lottery. People were crazy for those films. There used to be horror films in those days, but it was still an underutilized genre.”

He added, “Ram Gopal Varma also made films like Bhoot and Phoonk and they worked. So, I feel it’s the return of this genre in a very big way this year. Stree 2 was riding on a franchise and over a period of time Stree has cultivated a huge fan base with the term like ‘Vicky Pleej’ by Rajkummar and Stree ki choti. This is desi entertainment. Even Rohit Shetty tried it, and it worked in a very big way in Golmaal Again. So, this is a completely underutilized and forgotten genre, should I say. We are making different types of films. Why not horror?”

Taran Adarsh also revealed the reactions he got after his tweet. “Last night after I posted that, you won’t believe I have got calls from three producers till now who have said ki yeh toh khayal hi nahin aaya,” he said. “We are always chasing love stories and after Jawan and Pathaan did well, we are making action films with south tadka also. Also, if you notice, all three films are not imported from the south. They are hardcore Mumbai based films made my Mumbai based production houses. And they have worked and how!”

Adarsh also added that supernatural stories find takers in India also because of the beliefs by the people of the country. “If you tell a westerner that a person would get possessed after eating a laddoo, he won’t believe it,” he said. “But we believed it in Shaitaan because right from our childhood, we are told not to eat anything given by a stranger. I remember my grandmother warning me not to eat anything sweet offered by a stranger. Even what is shown in Munjya, we have heard such stories like there are ghosts and spirits. We have also heard about haunted houses.”

Bollywood’s next shot at this genre isn’t far away and Taran Adarsh is excited for the same. “And now we have Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 coming in in Diwali. The expectations will be huge again,” he said.

Also Read: Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – all 3 supernatural films of 2024 – turn out to be successes, 2 out of the 3 films belong to Maddock Films

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Imtiaz Ali reveals he had thought of casting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Highway; reveals how he signed Alia Bhatt for the coveted role https://ift.tt/UhjLDOp

Alia Bhatt had a decent debut with Student Of The Year (2012) but she got accepted as a fine performer with her second film Highway (2014), directed by Imtiaz Ali. During an interaction with Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day, the acclaimed director revealed how Alia was not the first choice and that the character of Veera was of a different age.

Imtiaz said that he was looking to cast a woman in her 30s and that he was looking to cast “Aishwarya Rai, without the make-up, maybe. It was that kinda film.”

He explained how he changed his mind, “I met Alia at the screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012). Alia’s film had been released by then but I had not seen it. I started talking to her and realized that there’s a lot of warmth in her and her emotional quotient was high.”

He continued, “I stirred the conversation towards Highway. I started talking to her about home, society etc. I started to then hear her true voice. This is the voice that doesn’t change that much with age.”

He also said, “I wanted to cast a woman in her 30s who was more mature and who had had experiences in life that she was going to talk about in the film. But after meeting her, I realized that this is the emotional depth I was looking for.”

Imtiaz Ali added, “I gave her the 20-30 pager script. It was written like a novella. She didn’t call me for a day. Later, I realized that she was actually hesitant. I asked her if she liked it. She said, ‘I loved it’. The way she said ‘loved’ had a very hard feeling to it. When I asked her if she would do it, she replied, ‘Can we talk about it?’. This usually means that the actor doesn’t want to do it.”

But Imtiaz decided to speak to her, “I went to her house. Bhatt saab (father Mahesh Bhatt) told her, ‘You should do it. He’s a nice director (smiles)’!”

He also explained, “She was hesitant as she was not sure if she’d be able to do whatever was written in the script. She said, ‘There’s no scene in which I am not there’. I assured her not to worry.”

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali recalls feeling “Strange melancholy” after Jab Harry Met Sejal debacle: “I was trying to make a light, easy film”

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Alia Bhatt celebrates Brahmastra's National Film Awards victory, congratulates team with winning poster https://ift.tt/RkGr8MK

At the 70th National Film Awards, Brahmastra made a strong statement by winning numerous important awards, a landmark milestone for Indian film. The fantasy action adventure film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, won prizes for Best Music Direction, Best Male Playback Singer, and Best Film in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) category. These victories solidify the film's influence in the business. Brahmastra, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Amitabh Bachchan, has received critical acclaim for its cutting-edge visual effects, creative narrative, and outstanding performances. Alia Bhatt resorted to social media to express her joy and happiness at her great achievement.

Alia Bhatt celebrated Brahmastra's National Film Awards victory by uploading the official winning poster on her Instagram stories, which was initially shared by Dharma Productions.

In her Instagram stories, she tagged all of the film's key stakeholders and wrote a touching remark, "Only love and light," expressing her excitement and admiration for the team's combined accomplishment.

Last year, in an interview with Zoom, Ranbir stated that Ayan Mukerji is now working on War 2, another highly anticipated movie, and that after the film is completed, he would begin Brahmastra 2. He said, “Brahmastra Part 2 is heavy into writing. We are working on it all the time. It’s just last week that Ayan narrated the film to me and he has gone 10 times bigger than Part 1 – his idea, his thought, the character. He is working on War 2 right now. So the plan is to finish War 2 by mid next year and we start shooting hopefully by the end of next year or the beginning of 2025. But definitely a lot of work is already been happening on the film. We understood the kind of criticism for the film, what worked for it and what didn’t. So we have put everything into consideration, the dialogue and comments on Shiva and Isha’s missing chemistry. A lot of criticism was constructive and we have taken that into our stride and we are trying to understand that and go beyond that.”

Talking about Brahmastra, the film's unique blend of mythology, fantasy, and contemporary storytelling has already earned it a following. Part one stars Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mouni Roy.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt playfully shows ‘angry’ side as she reunites with Ranbir Kapoor in viral ad video

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Jackie Shroff stars in Zee TV’s Sahi Jagah Judge Karo campaign for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa https://ift.tt/dimAz4Z

We all make judgments, whether it's a quick remark about someone's outfit or a comment on a couple's dynamics. Recognizing this human tendency, Zee TV has launched a new campaign for the upcoming season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, titled "Sahi Jagah Judge Karo." The series of videos is led by Jackie Shroff, who brings attention to how these instincts can be redirected in a positive way. The campaign encourages viewers to channel their judgment toward selecting the most deserving contestants from the show's audition videos, integrating them into the decision-making process from the outset.

This videos encourage people to channel their natural judgmental tendencies toward something positive. Audiences are invited to help select the most deserving contestants from over 50 audition videos posted on the show's official Instagram page, making them an integral part of the show right from the beginning.

 

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In the first video, Jackie Shroff is seen confronting two aunties gossiping about a mismatched couple in a restaurant. He surprises them by joining their table and encouraging them to put their judging instincts to better use by choosing contestants on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s Instagram page. In another video, Jackie brushes off unsolicited singing critiques from his neighbors, reminding them to focus their judging skills on the audition videos posted online instead. These moments highlight the key message of directing judgment toward something constructive.

Jackie Shroff said, “Arre, yaar, we all judge—whether it’s someone’s singing, dressing, or even their chai-sipping style! It's human nature. When Zee TV came to me with this idea of channeling that judgment into something useful, like picking the best voices for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, I thought, kya mast thought hai! The audience now gets to be a part of the action, selecting the most deserving singers from 50+ audition videos. It’s a fun and fab way to get viewers involved, and I loved that.”

These videos reflect Zee TV’s focus on creating interactive content that resonates the audience, ensuring their voice plays a crucial role in the show’s journey. Follow Sa Re Ga Ma Pa's Instagram page to participate in selecting the next big singing sensation.

Also Read : Vidya Balan receives sweet gift from Jackie Shroff

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Saif Ali Khan on turning 54, "I'm in a place where I feel very happy" https://ift.tt/vyPLix8

As Saif Ali Khan turned 54, he shared his earliest birthday memories. “My earliest birthday memories are in my Mum’s flat in Carmichael Road in town where I grew up. I remember my fifth birthday… magicians and balloons and cake … and cartoons on the screen … lots of people would come … I remember my father looking very lean and handsome … quietly smoking a cigarette in the background and then participating in some tricks … someone gave me a toy car with 007 on it,” he said.

Now it is his sons who get excited on Saif’s birthday. “They wake me up with cards that I’ve seen them making them but pretend I haven’t,” he said. “And they’ve told me my present: a batman action figure. I will never open the box. Then we have breakfast together and god willing a lovely day. My priorities in life have always been what they are. I am committed to work, and I want to make more money and invest it well to support my lifestyle and my ideas for celebration. I also love doing interesting work. And not missing out on too much precious family time is paramount to me. So it’s a balance… and I think we do it well.”

Saif has plans. “I now want to do some things … take my mum on the Orient Express to Venice. She wants to go to Florence …dinners and travels with good friends … wine and chats in lovely places … The mantra now is ‘Do good work and bounce! Take a fab holiday … travel to new places and eat well and laugh with friends’. I would like my sons Taimur and Jeh to be aware of things and exposed to the world. They have been swimming in cold waterholes abroad and been farming and hiking in their own country… We teach them that the most important thing is to be a good person ... and we value that quality. They have been presented a way of living and seeing things with us. Now they must choose,” he said.

Saif continued, “Tim says the idea of speaking lines to a crowd is petrifying. I will support that. He wants to be footballer! I think he can be a teacher … a photographer … whatever he wants. He is lucky. He can choose. The same for Jeh. After a good education, you must choose your own path. And it needn’t be the golden road to millions. It can be a peaceful quiet job! An art dealer, perhaps? There must be options beyond our own jobs. But our job is amazing. But you have to feel it, and you have to know how to be happy within the limits you set for yourself.”

That said Sif is happy with his life. “I’m in a place where I feel very happy,” he said. “I could be a bit more organised in what I read and how I learn. My French is still at basic level. I should have been fluent by now. The same with my guitar playing. I’m feeling good … a lot of people have faith in my work… I know what I want to do … how to live … where I want to travel… really good friends and good basic food in a lovely place with atmosphere is a heaven … So I’m excited about the year … pray it continues well, please. Because that’s the main thing. I’m incredibly lucky.”

Also Read: Sara Ali Khan shares heartwarming moments from Saif Ali Khan’s 54th Birthday celebration with family

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Kabir Khan and Imtiaz Ali share experience of working on "brand new" format as My Melbourne opens IFFM 2024: "It was incredible honor" https://ift.tt/OUtj07P

The 15th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) opened in spectacular fashion last night with the premiere of the anthology film My Melbourne. The event saw the presence of some of India’s most esteemed filmmakers, including Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Rima Das, who served as mentors on this ambitious project.

My Melbourne is an anthology of short films that brings together four prolific Indian filmmakers—Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das—to explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Each short film is inspired by stories of several migrants and people that belong and make the fabric of a city they call home. Each of these stories reflects the diverse, inclusive spirit that both the city of Melbourne and the festival embody.

The opening ceremony began with the traditional Indian lamp-lighting, symbolizing the start of the festival. The premiere witnessed a plethora of Indian stars and directors who graced the opening night ceremony. From Kartik Aaryan to Rajkumar Hirani to Karan Johar to Malaika Arora. Mitu Bhowmik Lange, Festival Director, along with the filmmakers and other Victorian delegates, inaugurated the festival with great fanfare.

In her opening remarks, Mitu Bhowmik Lange expressed her enthusiasm for the festival’s 15th edition, stating, "This year’s opening night film, My Melbourne, perfectly encapsulates the essence of what the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne stands for—diversity, inclusivity, and storytelling that transcends boundaries. There’s a real democratisation of content at the moment which has helped us to make the film in 5 languages. These are all very important stories that our important directors have picked carefully. It’s an honor to have such distinguished filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, and Onir contributing to this unique project that highlights the vibrant culture of Melbourne”.

Kabir Khan added, “On behalf of the Hindi film industry I’m grateful. We got to work with such incredible cast and crew on the film. It was a brand new format for me and the learning experience was so enriching on the sets of this film. We drew inspiration from stories of people who live in Melbourne and for me, it was such an honor to meet Setara and tell her story on celluloid”.

Imtiaz Ali concluded, “I feel it was me who truly learned from this film. It felt like going back to school and learning something brand new each day. It was incredible honor to work with everyone on this project and truly collaborate together”.

With the opening night concluded, the festival will run till August 25, 2024, featuring a wide array of films that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Indian cinema.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Kartik Aaryan, Kabir Khan, and others officially commence the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

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