Bollywood
Kanwar Dhillon opens up about an injury he suffered on the sets of his TV show Udne Ki Aasha; says, “It was the wishes and blessings of my fans that motivated me to deliver my best”
The popular Star Plus characters Sachin and Sailee played by starring Kanwar Dhillon and Neha Harsora respectively in the ongoing show seems to be winning the hearts of audience with their cute chemistry. Set against a Marathi backdrop, the recently released promo of the show gave the audience a glimpse of an action-packed sequence of Sachin and Sailee as the duo get stuck in the factory.
And audiences rooting for the couple were thrilled to witness how Sachin and Sailee became each other's saviours and safeguarded one another from the unforeseen circumstances. Along with romance, the viewers also get an opportunity to get a glimpse of action sequences, and one among them was where Kanwar Dhillon gave the audience a chance to witness his daredevil stunts. While it was surely a visual treat for his fans, it seems that the actor sustained injuries while doing the same.
Kanwar Dhillon, aka Sachin from the Star Plus show Udne Ki Aasha, recalled the same and shared, "The action-fire sequence that we shot for the show Udne Ki Aasha was one kind of an experience; just a day prior to the action sequence, I had suffered an injury, and it was the wishes and blessings of my fans that motivated me to deliver my best, be it the sneak peek images or videos from the sets, which definitely left the fan intrigued and have been receiving immense love from the viewers. In the show, along with drama and emotions, the audience will get to witness romance building up between Sachin and Sailee as the tragedy that they have been befallen will bring them close. Shooting for this action-fire sequence was thrilling and exciting. Keep showering your love and appreciation on Sachin, Sailee, and Udne Ki Aasha!"
Udne Ki Aasha depicts the tale of Sachin and Sailee and also the intricacies of the relationships and equations. The show features how a wife faces roadblock in the form of a non-cooperative husband and her challenge to make him transform for the sake of her and the family's progress. Kanwar Dhillon, who is a taxi driver and earns his livelihood with it, essays the character of Sachin, while on the other hand, Neha Harsora portrays the role of Sailee, a florist who dabbles in various small businesses and makes a living out of her other chores.
Produced by Rahul Kumar Tewary, Udne Ki Aasha airs on Star Plus at 9 pm from Monday to Sunday.
Also Read: Udne Ki Aasha actress Neha Harsora opens up about an upcoming plot twist; says, “Sailee will take a stand for herself and her self-respect”
read moreKaran Vohra opens up about his daredevil stunt for Main Hoon Saath Tere; says, “These daring stunts test our limits and go a long way in making us more versatile”
The acting profession often requires actors to push themselves beyond their comfort zones and take on difficult challenges. A recent example is Karan Vohra who plays the lead in the Zee TV show Main Hoon Saath Tere. He was required to jump over fire to save his onscreen son Kian (Nihan Jain). While it was a calculated risks taken with utmost care and precaution and under the watchful eye of an expert crew, the actor was appreciated after he decided to do it by himself without using any body double.
Recalling the experience of shooting this particular sequence and the adrenaline rush he experienced, Karan Vohra said, “Jumping across an entire stretch of real fire was initially very frightening, but I had complete faith in my team and their safety measures. Seeing Nihan face this challenging task so positively also gave me extra strength. These daring stunts test our limits and go a long way in making us more versatile artistes. It gave me an adrenalin rush, another level of satisfaction as an actor, which can only be felt and not expressed in words. Aryaman, as a character constantly demands that I push the envelope and try things I’ve never attempted before and I can only thank the makers – producer Sonali Jaffer and Zee TV for the opportunity.”
On the show, after Aryaman rescues Kian, Janvi (Ulka Gupta) realizes that his intentions are pure and love for Kian is authentic. He professes his love to her and expresses a desire to marry her. Slamming down all opposition towards their match at home, he stands up to his father Brij and insists on tying the knot with Janvi. After a dramatic set of pheras that Arya takes with Janvi in a fit of defiant rage with the whole family and guests watching on awe-struck, viewers can now look forward to Arya and Janvi getting officially married amidst a grand celebration on July 22.
Main Hoon Saath Tere airs every day at 7:30 pm on Zee TV.
Also Read: Main Hoon Saath Tere actress Ulka Gupta opens up about her rapport with Karan Vohra and Nihan Jain; says, “Karan and Nihan play a lot of pranks on me”
read moreUnion Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat unveils commemorative stamp for Mukesh on 101st birth anniversary
In a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most cherished musical icons, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat unveiled a commemorative stamp honouring the singer Mukesh on his 101st birth anniversary in New Delhi on July 25. The ceremony, held in the presence of Mukesh’s family and an audience of music enthusiasts, celebrated the singer’s remarkable legacy and his unparalleled contribution to Indian music.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Shekhawat lauded Mukesh for his extraordinary impact on the music industry. “Mukesh ji’s voice was a gift to the world, and his songs continue to resonate deeply with audiences across generations,” Shekhawat remarked, as reported by News On Air.
The Minister highlighted Mukesh’s incredible repertoire, noting that the singer had gifted the world with over 1,300 soulful melodies.
Singer Nitin Mukesh, Mukesh’s son, spoke with deep emotion about his father’s musical journey. He acknowledged the profound impact of his father’s work and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the enduring love and support of fans over the years. “It’s deeply moving to see my father’s legacy celebrated in such a meaningful way,” Nitin Mukesh said. “The love and admiration of his fans have been a constant source of inspiration for our family.” ALSO READ: Nitin Mukesh on his legendary father Mukesh’s 101st birth anniversary, “I wish I could be half the human being and quarter the singer that my father was”
read moreGhuspaithiya trailer launch: Susi Ganeshan talks about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Se: “He took care of each and every member; got the whole unit to compel me to drink Bacardi”
The trailer launch of the film Ghuspaithiya was launched at a multiplex in Mumbai in the presence of its actors Vineet Kumar Singh, Urvashi Rautela and Akshay Oberoi along with director Susi Ganeshan and the producers. One of the most memorable moments of the event was when the director was asked about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Mani Ratnam's acclaimed film Dil Se (1998), co-starring Manisha Koirala.
Susi Ganeshan said, “I was the associate director on Dil Se. He (Shah Rukh Khan) has a quantum of energy. During the shoot of the song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya', we planned to shoot in Assam as the story is set there. But shooting there would have been very difficult. Hence, we changed the colour of the train so that it looks like a train from Assam.” The iconic song was shot in the Nilgiris in the South of India.
Shooting the track, however, wasn’t easy. Susi said, “Normally, in tunnels, stones might fall. And the train in the song passes through a lot of tunnels. We physically checked each tunnel.”
What made the experience joyful, according to him, was Shah Rukh Khan’s attitude. Susi Ganeshan revealed, “During the whole shoot, he took care of each and every member. He would stand with us and walk with us. When a superstar is working with you like this, the whole unit will also enjoy working on the film. His energy would transfer into the whole unit.”
The filmmaker then raised laughs as he revealed, “We also shot the film in Dharamshala. Once we had a party there and a lot of booze was ordered. Now, I drink but then, I was a teetotaller. Shah Rukh's favourite drink was Bacardi. He got the whole unit to compel me to drink. But he failed (smiles)!” He ended the answer by saying, “He was a wonderful person.”
Distributed by AA Films, Ghuspaithiya releases in cinemas on August 9.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan honoured with exclusive gold coin by Paris’ Grevin Museum
read moreNidhi Dutta commemorates 25 years of the Kargil War with a BTS reel from her father JP Dutta’s film LOC Kargil
As India commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, J.P. Films, the production house known for its cinematic tributes to the Indian Armed Forces, decided to commemorate the day by paying a tribute to the sacrifices made by our soldiers. The social media platform of the production house, along with filmmaker JP Dutta and his daughter Nidhi Dutta, shared an emotional BTS reel from their war film, LOC Kargil, featuring an ensemble cast in the spirit of celebrating patriotism.
Nidhi Dutta, daughter of JP Dutta who’s taken the baton forward from her father, posted the reel along with a beautiful note that honours the courage and bravery of Indian soldiers. She wrote, “Kargil Vijay Diwas… day of Victory… Victory at the cost for the men we lost.. To the Boys that stood and fought… THANK YOU WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH… To the Boys who left us… WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU… To the families who sacrificed their sons for our safe tomorrow… WE ARE FOREVER INDEBTED… and to the Nation… we at J.P. Films will always live by the motto of #NATIONFIRST. THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE TEAM THAT WORKED TO MAKE THIS FILM POSSIBLE AND IMMORTALISE OUR HEROES ON CELLULOID FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME #kargilvijaydiwas #25yearsofkargil”
She went on to add in her note, "Our films are a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers," said J.P. Dutta, the maker of iconic war dramas. "Today, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, it serves as a reminder of their unparalleled courage. It is our duty to keep their stories alive for generations to come. Every frame of our films is a homage to their bravery and sacrifice."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nidhi Dutta (@nidhiduttaofficial)
LOC Kargil has not only entertained audiences but also served as tools in educating the nation about the challenges and sacrifices faced by our soldiers. The film featured popular actors like Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, Nagarjuna, Manoj Bajpayee, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Esha Deol, Mahima Chaudhary, among others.
Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra pays tribute with a special video about 25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Radhikka Madan DEFENDS age gap with Akshay Kumar in Sarfira: “The relationship was not superficial. It was way deeper because…”
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has a massive fan following for his undeniable charm, fitness, and acting prowess. However, his recent pairing with a much younger actress in a film has sparked discussions about the age gap. And the latest actress to join the list is Radhikka Madan in Sarfira. For the unversed, Radhikka is 27 years younger than 56-year-old Akshay.
In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Radhika Madan opened up about the reactions to her on-screen romance with Akshay Kumar. While acknowledging the initial wave of comments and criticisms upon the film's trailer release, she stated that the narrative effectively addresses the age gap.
She said, “We did get a lot of such comments when the trailer was released, but as soon as the film was released, it changed. Because if you see the film, everything is addressed. It’s not only about an older actor romancing a young actress. The film goes beyond that. My opening team addresses the fact that he is much older than me, my parents are against it. When I visited him in his village… The relationship was not superficial. It was way deeper because they both are fighting for their own dreams.”
This is not the first time that Akshay’s young co-actor has come forward to extend their support to him. Previously, Manushi Chhillar, who is 30 years younger to Akshay, had also reacted to the debate. During promotions of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Manushi, in a conversation with Zoom, said, “Working with a superstar is good. You get a certain amount of visibility. If I talk about my first film, there was an age gap. They wanted to play the whole thing. In this film, there was no pairing. We did songs for marketing.”
Also Read: Akshay Kumar opens up about the low response for Sarfira; says, “It is heart-breaking to see any film fail”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Sharmin Segal on the success of Heeramandi, “I will always be grateful that I got to be a part of this magical world”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut show, Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar, which released on Netflix, created a stir with its release. While the show arrived with a grand canvas, larger-than-life visuals, enthralling music, and an engaging story, it also witnessed some of the cast’s most amazing performances. The portrayal of Alamzeb by Sharmin Segal made her a talking point. While the show is making waves with the release of Netflix's Q2 2024 earnings, Sharmin is immensely grateful for its commercial success.
While expressing her happiness for the grand success of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Sharmin Segal said, “It fills my heart with so much joy to see the love Heeramandi has been garnering worldwide. I will always be grateful that I got to be a part of this magical world. It feels amazing to see the show creating a benchmark globally. I hope the love continues to grow over time.”
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, an eight-part series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is streaming on Netflix across 190 countries. This is Bhansali's first series, involving 14 years of planning to bring his vision to life. After a massive response from audiences worldwide, Bhansali and Netflix announced a second season of the show just a month after its release.
Also Read: Sharvari Wagh reflects on Bajirao Mastani days and shared dreams with Sharmin Segal: “We had so much fun”
read moreJacqueline Fernandez makes a stunning comeback on the ramp at India Couture Week 2024, after a long break
On July 25, Jacqueline Fernandez stole the show for designer Isha Jajodia at India Couture Week 2024. After walking the ramp, she spoke exclusively with IndiaToday.in about her experience, admitting that she was pretty scared. For those who were unaware, the actor returned to the ramp after an extended absence. She also discussed 10 years of Kick with Salman Khan.
Jacqueliene looked stunning in an embroidered black gown and a sheer cloak of the same colour. Her hair was tied into a top knot. She paired her attire with a bold neckpiece and a sparkly watch. She chose crimson lips to complete her outfit.
The actress shared a photo of her ramp walk from last night and thanked her designer on the event. "Dear @isha___13 your collection yesterday was a dream come true @roseroom__official has always been a favourite of mine with it’s ethereal charm! Congrats for another stunning show! Thank you @dia_logues for the most exquisite jewellery! (sic)."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)
Following the event, Jacqueliene spoke exclusively with IndiaToday.in about returning to the runway after a long absence. She said, "I was really nervous. My line was wobbling and I was really nervous. I haven't been on the ramp for a while now. It was a bit nerve-wracking. Finally, when I started walking, I had a lot of fun. People were great, the energy was good and the dress was so beautiful. It was for my dear friend, Isha [Jajodia], whose work I really love. It was great to be back."
On July 25, Kick turned ten years old. Talking about the same, she said, "Today is a very special day. Being back on the ramp but also 10 years to Kick. Time has just flown. But I see a lot more to happen, a lot more to come. So, I am really excited about that."
Sharing her favourite anecdote during the shoot days of Kick, she said, "I was just shooting for a few days for 'Kick' and Salman was not there and then. He made an entrance and I remember the whole set stopped. And I remember being like 'Oh my gosh', I am so grateful to have this film.' It was amazing."
On the work front, Jacqueliene Fernandez's upcoming projects include Fateh and Welcome To The Jungle.
Also Read : Jacqueline Fernandez sets stage for OTT’s biggest dance sequence with 200 background dancers in thriller series Goat: Report
read moreJunaid Khan feels "overwhelmed" as Maharaj trends on Netflix in 5th week, thanks fans for its "incredible success"
Junaid Khan is basking in the successful debut film which has continued to captivate audiences globally even into its 5th week on Netflix. Celebrating the film's enduring popularity, Malhotra took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video that reveals the meticulous craft and dedication that shaped Maharaj into a beloved cinematic experience.
Overwhelmed and happy about this, Junaid recently expressed his feelings "I’m overwhelmed by the incredible success of Maharaj and its remarkable journey on the global charts. I’m excited for what lies ahead and deeply thankful to all the fans around the world who have embraced the film".
Even director, Siddharth P Malhotra expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming love and recognition that Maharaj continues to receive not only in India but across international audiences. Taking to Instagram, Director Siddharth P Malhotra said, "Gratitude for the love Maharaj is still getting and trending not only in India but globally as well in its 5th week on Netflix. Here is a short glimpse of the making that went behind this labor of love that’s getting the love from the audiences world over."
As Maharaj continues to garner acclaim and maintain its momentum on streaming platforms, Junaid's exciting lineup of projects is eagerly awaited by fans.
Also Read: Junaid Khan credits mom Reena Dutta for upbringing, says Aamir Khan “would be busy a lot in life”: “If you need it, he will have all the time in the world you want”
read moreJanhvi Kapoor calls Mr. India as one of ‘best films to have come out of Indian cinema’; speaks about the sequel: “Don’t know if a film like that should ever be remade or touched again”
Janhvi Kapoor has firmly established herself as an actor to watch. With a string of critically acclaimed performances in films like Dhadak, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, and Mili, she has carved a niche for herself in the industry. As she gears up for the release of her upcoming thriller, Ulajh, the actress opened up about her career, family, and the iconic legacy of her mother, Sridevi.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Janhvi delved into her thoughts on the possibility of a Mr. India sequel, the legendary film that catapulted her mother to stardom. When asked if she would be interested in being part of the much-anticipated sequel, the actress expressed her reservations. “Mr. India is one of the best films to have come out of Indian cinema. I don't know if a film like that should ever be remade or touched again,” she stated. “I don't know what the plans for that are. Again, I think the makers know best. Whoever the director would be, he will know best. Something as pure as that, you can't enforce things on that.”
Despite being the daughter of filmmaker Boney Kapoor and the late legendary actress Sridevi, Janhvi maintains a healthy distance from her father's professional life. She shares, “Never have I been like, 'No, I don't want to do this film'. I trust his judgement, too much. I never reject it. But I have never put that pressure on him to have me in his film. I am his daughter first and an actress speaking to a producer, second. It's not even in my head. As a daughter, I want him to make decisions that are best for his business model; for his movie. And I only want him to operate in that way, so I haven't ever been like, 'Please take me (in your film)'.”
With Ulajh set to release on August 2, 2024, and several other promising projects in the pipeline, including Devara: Part 1, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and RC 16. ALSO READ: Shikhu ka kya reaction tha?: Janhvi Kapoor blushes when asked about Shikhar Pahariya at Ulajhs Meet The Shaukans event
read moreVardhan Puri reflects on nepotism and cherished memories with grandfather Amrish Puri ahead of Bloody Ishq premiere
Vardhan Puri, the grandson of late legendary actor Amrish Puri, who is preparing to premiere his film Bloody Ishq, starring Avika Gor, has talked up about nepotism and his cherished recollections of learning from Amrish.
Vardhaan told The Free Press Journal that most of his recollections with his grandfather included viewing excellent cinema, cartoons, and Charlie Chaplin flicks, as well as eating a lot of food together.
His favourite memory of his grandparents was lying next to him every night, and he especially missed the cuddles and snuggles when his grandfather was in town.
The actor expressed pleasure in his grandfather's heritage, mentioning that he had appeared in over 500 films and was a versatile performer. He stated that, while he is proud of his grandfather and considers him his God, he is working to forge his own path and identity. He likewise aims to work in several genres and give his all, hoping to acquire a similar level of variety as he grows.
When asked about his thoughts on nepotism, the actor recognised that it exists in every industry, noting that it may assist someone get in faster than others. However, he emphasised that staying within the door is dependent on one's ability. He compared it to a player on a pitch with varying levels, where everything is based on merit. He stated that if someone is truly good, they will always shine.
On the work front, Shyam Kishore and Jeniffer Piccinato play crucial parts in Bloody Ishq. The thriller is planned to release on the OTT platform on July 26, 2024.
Also Read : Vardhan Puri celebrates re-release of Shyam Benegal’s Manthan; says, “One of my favourite performances of my grandfather Mr. Amrish Puri”
read more"Shikhu ka kya reaction tha?": Janhvi Kapoor blushes when asked about Shikhar Pahariya at Ulajh's 'Meet The Shaukans' event
Janhvi Kapoor, Roshan Mathew, director Sudhanshu Saria, singer Jubin Nautiyal, music composer Shashwat Sachdev and producer Amrita Pandey attended an event of their upcoming film Ulajh in a multiplex in Mumbai. They promoted the popular song from their film ‘Shaukan’. Interestingly, the event was named as ‘Meet The Shaukans’. The highlight of the event was Shashwat Sachdev and Jubin Nautiyal performing live. The other memorable moment was when Janhvi Kapoor was asked about her boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya. The journalist referred him as Shikhu and it raised laughs.
A journalist point-blank asked “Yeh gaana sunn ke Shikhu ka kya reaction tha?”. Janhvi immediately blushed and then laughed when Sudhanshu Saria asked aloud “Who is Shikhu?”. Upon realizing what the journalist meant, he took over, “Ma’am, you have asked a very good question. Shikhu was one of the first ones to hear the song.”
He also revealed, “Shashwat definitely created this song for Ulajh. But at the same time, he would keep Jahnvi in mind before composing. So the journey of the music that took 1 ½ years, woh specifically inke liye chali hai because in every song, she is present.” Janhvi Kapoor interestingly didn’t answer the question and the anchor made sure that a journalist quickly got the chance to ask the next question.
Recently, at a masterclass held by Pinkvilla, Janhvi Kapoor declared, “I am very happy in my life right now. Neither I nor him (Shikhar) has any time for multiplication right now.”
In an interview with Hauterfly, she hinted that she had only ever felt heartbroken once—when she and Shikhar had broken up earlier. She stated, “I have genuinely experienced heartbreak only one time in life, but the same person came back and put my heart together. So, it was all good.”
Backed by Junglee Pictures, Ulajh also stars Gulshan Devaiah, Rajesh Tailang and Meiyang Chang and releases in cinemas on August 2.
Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor shares inspiring post hospital recovery video, set to devour challenges
read moreRanveer Singh and Hardik Pandya steal the show at Anant Ambani's Haldi Ceremony with their dhol and dance performances
The Ambani wedding fever continues as videos from the lavish affair continue to find its way on social media. The recent clip that is going viral on the platform is the Haldi ceremony of the bride and groom, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani which was held in the city of dreams, Mumbai. While readers would be aware that all the functions of the Ambani wedding were starry affair, this one too was no exception. But apart from the Ambani family having candid fun, the video also featured Ranveer Singh and Hardik Pandya having a time of their life.
Ranveer Singh plays dhol; Hardik Pandya dances like no one is watching
As he continues to ride high on the success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and enjoying his soon-to-be a father phase, a thrilled Ranveer Singh was seen letting loose at the Ambani wedding festivities. While several videos of him dancing at the baarat went viral, it seems that the actor was definitely the show-stealer at the Haldi too. The inside video of the Ambani Haldi function featured the actor taking center stage with his dance, mike, and later, he was also seen playing dhol. Along with him, cricketer Hardik Pandya, who was going through divorce rumours, was seen rejoicing in the Haldi fun and celebrating the success of India’s win at the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Ambani family too was seen being their candid selves. Groom Anant Ambani was seen pouring Haldi paste on everybody including his brother Akash Ambani, mother Nita Ambani, among many others.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)
Ranveer Singh attends all functions of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
Along with the actor, his pregnant wife Deepika Padukone too attended the sangeet, the wedding and a few other festivities too. The two actors were seen clicking photos with many fans who were a part of these celebrations. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, are expected to have their first child in September 2024.
Also Read: Ranveer Singh smeared in haldi, enjoys paan as he leaves Anant Ambani – Radhika Merchant’s wedding festivities, watch
read moreFrankly Speaking: How Bollywood’s scandalous practices & manipulative tactics are CORRUPTING the film industry and ruining Bollywood’s credibility - Part 2
Bollywood’s marketing strategy has evolved with time. This is evident with the way the makers are coming up with new ideas to grab eyeballs and sell tickets. For the longest time, it was all organic but in recent times, it has entered the ‘Sab ganda hai par dhanda hai’ route. Now, the makers are willing to go to any lengths to ensure that the tickets are sold by hook or by crook. Bollywood Hungama, in this two-part hard-hitting article, exposes the harmful models adopted by the industry that do more harm than good.
5. Buying views It is common to see makers claiming that the trailer of their upcoming film has garnered record views. In some cases, the claim is genuine; trailers of some films do catch attention and go viral. But for certain movies, that doesn’t happen and this is when makers resort to buying views. The video-sharing website works in such a manner that if the views are not encouraging, it won’t be featured on the home page or won’t come under the ‘Trending’ section for obvious reasons. Again, the rival fan clubs or skeptics can use this excuse to damage the film, resulting in this tactic.
Moreover, the producers use the ‘record breaking’ figures to show distributors how garam their movie is and thereby clinch deals at higher values. This trick is also used at times to get better digital release deals.
Trade analyst Amod Mehra revealed, “There was a singer whose videos used to touch 2-3 million views in a day. She was seen as the next big thing. Then she switched to a different music company and now suddenly, her views are not as much. If you remember, one artist allegedly paid Rs. 74 lakhs for 72 lakh views on his song.”
He added, “This manipulation usually happens in music videos and then trailers. Some have even manipulated subscriptions as the more subscribers you have, the more revenue you can earn from YouTube.”
6. Fake Rebate scam This is a bubble waiting to burst. Certain foreign countries provide a cash rebate if a major chunk of the film is shot in their territory. Many producers follow the rules honestly. However, some of them started to misuse and started demanding higher rebates than what they were eligible for. Several times, the foreign country’s government got scammed. But now, it is said that they have realized how they are being looted and have stopped giving rebates to questionable producers. It’s too late as hundreds of crores have already been siphoned off.
A producer, on condition of anonymity, said, “Rebates help several filmmakers bring down their costs. But sadly, there are some who take advantage of it by not following it in its right spirit. At times, you might get lucky and get away with it but at times, you won’t be and it’ll only add to your woes.”
A producer who released his film this year applied for a rebate from an overseas country. However, the film commission of that country rejected the rebate after going through the submitted documents and labelled it a scam!
Amod Mehra revealed, “There’s a change in the law in the UK. Now, you have to be registered in the country and also, the films should be such that they promote the country. I know many filmmakers, some of whom made Marathi films, who are not getting the rebate (after the change in rules).” He stated that this led to a few producers setting up a base in the European country to get the gains.
Yet, it’s still not easy. Amod Mehra told us about a murder mystery, released a few years ago, that failed to get the rebate. Reason? The UK was passed off as India in the film. He stated, “The film commission out there now is very clear – you can’t shoot in their country and tell viewers that it’s some other place. They are not doing charity work. They have now shut the loopholes.”
7. Foreign junkets/gifts Earlier, foreign junkets involved having a leisurely time with the celebrities, getting interviews from them etc. Now, the journalists are enrolled in the foreign trip in return for favourable stars.
A Bada movie that was released this year had taken media for one such junket and it was massively talked about. What added to the incessant trolling was the presence of two Samosa Critics on this trip. The rest were all credible names but the mere presence of those two ‘critics’ gave a very bad name not just to the junket but also to the foreign location.
Trade analyst Atul Mohan, who coined the word ‘Samosa Critics’ talked about the good old days of junkets, “Vinod Khanna took a huge contingent of the media to Dalhousie for three days for the shoot of his son Akshaye Khanna’s debut film, Himalay Putra (1997). Yash Chopra invited the media during the shoot of the Holi song of Darr (1993) in Lonavala. There are many such examples. It was done out of mutual love and respect for each other. There was no commercial transaction or medianet. The journalists would write about the happenings on the sets, interacting with the actors etc. It was a normal practice.”
He added, “Junkets are never wrong but you need to see who you are taking with you. Maybe, the producer didn’t even know them or their credentials.”
Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst agreed, “Junkets are a promotional tool used by the producers so that the word can spread through genuine journalists about what goes into the making of the film.” Talking about the recent fiasco, he opined, “The makers and PR company should have ascertained who are the reporters that are being invited rather than inviting any tom, dick and harry who is not aligned to any publication and who add no value.”
Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi thundered, “For the longest time, the studios and producers have been bargaining with the exhibition sector over 1 or 2% of the revenue share. The exhibitors are your partners. They take your film to the audience and are investing in building and maintaining infrastructure. Yet, with these partners, you are willing to go to war, haggle and strike, all this for a minuscule share in revenues. On the other hand, you are spending lakhs of rupees on cartoons like these whose tweets and posts don’t just have a zero impact. But by now, they have lost so much credibility that when you see their names with 3 or 4 stars on a film poster, the audience has now become smart enough to realize that it’s a paid activity. It’s not just irrelevant but also damaging to the film’s prospects.”
He continued, “It’s an open secret that they have become what they have not on merit. They don’t have the brains or the abilities to have such clout and impact. These are the fronts of the PR agencies through which they exploit the fears and insecurities of producers by offering useless services of good reviews or positive conversations on social media. If the producers are going to spend money on them, then God bless them. Beyond a point, I can’t even feel sorry for them for the state of affairs they are in. Their priorities are feeding these sorts of destructive monsters and making them bigger and more relevant for their insecurities. Had they spent the same amount of money on the ground with exhibitors, the impact would be so much more.”
He also said, “Maybe, there’s corruption in the ecosystem at the deepest level, where everyone has a vested interest. I don’t know what it really is but it's definitely amusing, sad and stupid.”
Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal said along the same lines, “On one hand, the producers complain about the entourage of actors. But they are okay with such junkets. The makers and PR team should take only reputed journalists with credential backgrounds and who are working for known publications. What’s the use of taking these people? At the most, they’ll tweet.”
Amod Mehra noted that foreign junkets since the beginning have had a quid pro quo arrangement, “The directive given by the PRO is that since they are taking you abroad, you can’t write anything negative about the film.”
Gifting sometimes can also work instead of spending several lakhs on taking reports to foreign lands. An actor this year handed over expensive mobile phones to selected journalists to praise his movie. At times, these stars openly tell them, “The film is not great but make sure to praise my performance”. Amod Mehra said, “It’s an old practice and this trend started in the South.”
He continued, “Select journalists get huge Diwali presents from reputed producers. The message is clear through these gestures – I scratch your back and you scratch mine.” An industry insider, however, said that gifting during festivals is a norm and might not always be done for any favours.
8. Entourage and vanity vans Earlier, an actor would arrive on a set with just a spot boy, manager and make-up person. Now, it is common to see several A-listers arriving with a huge entourage. Worse, the producer has to pay through his nose for their per-day charges.
Some actors are also not satisfied with just one vanity van. Recently, an actor, who was shooting for an ad for a financial institution, clearly mentioned in his contract that he would need 2 vanity vans and of course his vast team. The brand had to bear their cost. What enraged them was to see that a person was hired by the actor just to adjust the AC temperature in his vanity van! And guess how much did this AC guy charge per day? A whopping Rs. 1.50 lakhs!
Girish Johar explained, “A small entourage has always been there. But it became this big in the early 2010s when the film industry started booming. The producers wanted to pamper stars by providing them with each and every facility.”
Atul Mohan said, “Earlier, the driver would be paid a fixed amount of Rs. 500. An actor would also be accompanied by an assistant. He’d run around for the actor and get him tea, coffee, cigarettes, pan masala etc. Even his conveyance would be fixed and would be a nominal amount. It used not to pinch the producer when he’s making films worth crores. Then slowly, the producer also started paying for the petrol. Slowly, these overhead costs started increasing.”
Girish exulted, “The South industries have come with a diktat that the entourage cost will be born within the fees of the actor and not additionally. If something like this can happen here as well, then nothing like it.”
While entourage has been a recent phenomenon, crazy demands from actors have always been there. A noted producer said, on condition of anonymity, “Once we were shooting in Film City with an actress, known for her intense performances. She craved idli available in some food joint in 7 Bungalows. That’s like 12-13 km away!”
He also narrated, “Many years ago, we were in Filmistan and the shoot got over at around 11 pm. The actor, who was in a good mood, demanded that the whole unit should be treated with gulab jamun. And there were 150 people in the unit. We were wondering how we would get such a huge amount of the sweet that too so late in the night. These were the days when quick delivery apps were not in existence. At the most, we could have got 20 or 30 pieces of gulab jamun. But since the actor made the demand, we had no choice but to give in.”
He continued, “I sent 4 of my men to different parts of western suburbs, between Goregaon and Bandra. They went to all the sweet shops and restaurants they came across. Some places had 10 pieces while a few of them had lesser gulab jamuns. They started buying them. Finally, we were able to achieve the target of 150 gulab jamuns which were then handed over to the cast and crew.”
He also said, “I would say this is still fine. It doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket. An actor asking for his meal from Candies or Copper Chimney is also okay. At the most, it’ll cost me Rs. 2000 or Rs. 3000. But spending Rs. 1 lakh a day or more on his actor’s staff is unacceptable. But many of us give in as there are very few stars left. And these stars know that very well and exploit us without any shame.”
Atul Mohan rued, “The actors earn in crores. Can’t they afford to pay their staff from their own pockets for their services on the film? The actors anyway do pay them a fixed salary and still want the producers to bear their cost too. It is unjustified. The poor producer is already struggling to make a film. He has paid the actor as per his or her wishes. And on top of that, you ask for more.”
Conclusion These tricks will continue and who knows, new strategies can also come into play in future. Ultimately, it all boils down to a lack of confidence in the product. It has been proven time and again that when a film is well-made and gets audiences’ love, then nothing can stop it from becoming a hit – neither the ‘Boycott’ movement nor threats by these ‘critics’. Sadly, our fraternity members are themselves not sure of their own film and resort to such tactics. An industry insider rightly pointed out, “When stars don’t sell, they buy stars!”
Also Read: Frankly Speaking: How Bollywood's scandalous practices & manipulative tactics are CORRUPTING the film industry and ruining Bollywood's credibility – Part 1
read moreKaran Johar caught off guard in London by TikToker who calls him ‘Uncle’; see his hilarious reaction
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar had an unexpected encounter with a TikToker that has taken the internet by storm. UK-based Zane Thadani stumbled upon the director on a London street and couldn't resist capturing the moment on video.
The viral clip begins with Thadani excitedly exclaiming, "Oh my God, oh my God, guys I just met Karan Johar man! What do I call him? KJo? Karan? Karan Johar? Mr Johar? Mr Karan?" As he approaches the filmmaker, who is surrounded by friends and children, he opts for a bold, if unconventional, greeting: "Hi, uncle!"
Karan's surprised reaction is palpable as he responds, "Uncle? Did you just call me uncle?" before turning and walking away. The brief but comical exchange has since garnered significant attention online, with the video racking up thousands of views and shares.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @zanethad
Thadani, who boasts a following of 15.5K on TikTok and 5K on Instagram, even counts star kids Suhana Khan and Navya Nanda among his followers. The video has sparked a flurry of comments, with many users amused by the unexpected turn of events.
Interestingly, Karan Johar himself seemed to have found the encounter amusing, as he re-shared the video on his Instagram Stories, writing, "Was happy meeting you Zane."
The incident comes as Karan Johar’s latest production, Bad Newz. Directed by Anand Tiwari and starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, Ammy Virk, and Neha Dhupia, the film also features cameos by Ananya Panday and Neha Sharma. ALSO READ: Shweta Tiwari reveals her next project with Karan Johar; says, “I play a don-like character”
read moreTaapsee Pannu Stuns in Yellow at Khel Khel Mein’s 'Hauli Hauli' song launch
Taapsee Pannu is preparing for two consecutive releases next month, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba and Khel Khel Mein. Yesterday, the filmmakers of Khel Khel Mein released a new song from the movie. It is called ‘Hauli Hauli.’ The filmmakers held a special celebration for the song's premiere, which was attended by the film's cast and crew. Taapsee Pannu appeared at the occasion, adding to the stardust. A video of the actress has recently leaked online.
Taapsee Pannu arrived at the event and showed off her million-dollar smile as she posed for the photographers. The actress looked stunning in a strapless yellow dress while holding a rose.
The bouncy Punjabi number ‘Hauli Hauli’ includes Akshay Kumar, Ammy Virk, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan dressed in traditional garb and grooving to the song's rhythms. Guru Randhawa, Yo Yo Honey Singh, and Neha Kakkar have all performed ‘Hauli Hauli.’
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Instant Celebrities (@instant_celebrities)
Meanwhile, Khel Khel Mein is Taapsee Pannu's fourth collaboration with Akshay Kumar, following Baby, Naam Shabana and Mission Mangal. Notably, their last effort, Mission Mangal, was released on Independence Day. Khel Khel Mein, too, is set to enter theatres on August 15.
Taapsee Pannu discussed the reasons for signing Khel Khel Mein at the song's release event. She said, “There were two reasons to do the film – kisko comedy karne mein maza nahin aata? Aur dusra reason yeh ki kisko Mudassar Aziz ki line bolne mein mazaa nahin aayega?”
Taapsee Pannu added, “I enjoy doing ensemble cast films. I’ll share a trivia. 5 years ago, on August 15, Mission Mangal had released. It featured Akshay sir and I and it was also a multi-starrer. So I am hoping (for a repeat of Mission Mangal’s success); fingers crossed.”
Taapsee Pannu's romantic thriller, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba, will be available on Netflix on August 9. The film, a sequel to Hassen Dillruba's 2021, stars Vikrant Massey, Sunny Kaushal, and Jimmy Shergill in leading parts. On July 25, the film's makers released the much-anticipated teaser, promising an exciting tale as Rani Kashyap and Rishu Saxena seek a fresh start following the incident that ruined their lives in the last installment.
Also Read : Khel Khel Mein’s ‘Hauli Hauli’ song launch: Taapsee Pannu hopes to be fourth time lucky with Akshay Kumar: “Our last film Mission Mangal was also a multi-starrer and released on August 15”
read moreBloody Ishq filmmaker Vikram Bhatt addresses Mahesh Bhatt as his ‘mentor, guru, and writer’; says, “Working with him is like making music, you won't hear a discordant note”
Unhinged horror, thrilling twists and turns, and a story that is set to send chills down your spine, Disney+ Hotstar recently dropped the trailer of Bloody Ishq. Directed by popular filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, who is also known for several horror dramas and franchises, the film is written by Mahesh Bhatt, with Avika Gor as the leading lady. As the Bhatt duo reunite for another spooky tale of love, lust, and horror, Vikram Bhatt opens up about his relationship with Mahesh Bhatt.
Known for giving some of the most iconic films, Bloody Ishq is yet another addition to their long-lived saga. Vikram Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt are household names when it comes to horror films and audience have always hailed their creative forte they share with each other. Addressing the same, director Vikram Bhatt said, “I have been working with Mahesh Bhatt for such a long time. He plays many different roles in my life; he is my mentor, my guru, my writer and he has been my producer. I think in terms of the creative aspect I think we really vibe well. He understands what I am trying to say and I understand where he's coming from. Working with him is like making music, you won't hear a discordant note we are completely in unison which is not even surprising anymore.”
Speaking of the film, Bloody Ishq is all set to unlock new fears as evil is set to take control of all your emotions. Will love hold everything together and stand strong against all fears and spirits? Sometimes, love can turn into a horrifying nightmare and you never know what is going to happen next. The film is releasing on July 26, 2024 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
Also Read: Vikram Bhatt shares photos and dedicates a song to daughter Krishna Bhatt as she gets engaged to Vedant Sarda: ‘Laiden with happiness and tears’
read moreRajkumar Hirani joins TOIFA OTT 2023 Advisory Council; says, “Awards matter when they are credible”
Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani is a part of the advisory council of The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) OTT Edition 2023. Hirani, known for his films like 3 idiots, PK, Sanju, The Munna Bhai franchise, and more, brings his perspective and experience to TOIFA, reinforcing its goal of honoring true talent and hard work. The event will be held on 27th July in Mumbai.
Hirani said, “The realisation that credibility matters is a good start.” He believes that acknowledging the credibility matters, is the first step towards restoring faith in the awards process. Even though he rarely attends awards shows, TOIFA’s focus on credibility convinced him to be a part of its advisory council. This realization sets the foundation for a trustworthy and respected awards show.
Hirani further praises TOIFA’s efforts, stated, “I feel there is an effort being made to create credible awards shows, and that effort counts. Coming from someone as big as The Times of India, to realise that awards have lost credibility and there’s a need to reinstate that means a lot.”
Hirani concludes his statement by calling for collective support from the industry and the public, “If someone is making that effort, it should be supported.” His statement encourages everyone to rally behind initiatives aimed at restoring credibility, ensuring that awards shows continue to inspire excellence, continued creativity and hard work.
Also Read : Boman Irani applauds director Rajkumar Hirani’s work ethic: “He puts his entire being into the film”
read moreRajeev Khandelwal recalls being ghosted by Sanjay Leela Bhansali after signing Chenab Gandhi: “I did feel time waste ho raha hai mera…”
Television heartthrob turned Bollywood actor Rajeev Khandelwal has opened up about a rather unpleasant experience with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The actor revealed that he was left in the lurch for almost a year after being signed on for Bhansali’s ambitious project, Chenab Gandhi. The film, which was also slated to star megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan, never materialized.
Ranjeev Khandelwal, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, expressed his frustration, stating, “He signed me for a film, called Chenab Gandhi, and kept me around for nine months, almost a year. But the film never took off. Because I was bound by contract, I couldn’t do anything else either. As soon as this chapter ended, I did Sach Ka Saamna.”
The actor admitted that he didn't receive a satisfactory explanation from Bhansali regarding the abrupt cancellation of the project. “After Aamir, I wanted to do projects that had a life. If they didn’t work out, I moved on. The only problem I had was that I was being kept in the dark,” he said.
He added, “I moved on. There was no depression. There were no complaints whatsoever. I did feel that time waste ho raha hai mera, ek saal hogaya hai. But then, I was willing to invest that time, but this is a part of life. I know it sounds unreal when I say I wasn’t affected, but it’s true.”
Khandewal also said that he was told by Vibhu Puri, “Rajeev, move on. It’s not happening. When asked if he ever reached to Bhansali for a response, he said, “I did ask, but I didn’t get a response.”
He added that he is sure Bhansali didn't delay the project on purpose. Rajeev said, “It’s not like he said that he will keep me around for a year and ruin my career. I’m sure he didn’t have a vested interest, it wasn’t deliberate. It could’ve been funding, or any other reason, but he didn’t have an answer. I told him, ‘This is a crucial time for me…'”
On the work front, Rajeev Khandelwal is currently seen in Showtime, starring alongside Emraan Hashmi, Mouni Roy and others. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on maintaining friendship with Salman Khan despite Inshallah fallout: “After one month, he called me and I called him and we talked”
read moreArjun Kapoor shares motivational 'Work in Progress' photos, amidst split rumours with Malaika Arora
Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora, who had dated for several years, split up this year. While the ex-couple has not formally acknowledged it, their detractors' posts have hinted at their alleged split. Having said that, Arjun Kapoor recently turned to Instagram to post a series of images and demonstrate that he is still a work in progress.
Arjun shared the images and wrote, “Blending work and play #workcationvibes #workinprogress.”
Meanwhile, Malaika Arora has fuelled dating suspicions following claims that she and Arjun Kapoor had split up. The ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ girl is now vacationing in Spain and has been bombarding our timelines with photographs from her trip. While she's been raising heats with her bikini-clad images, she's also eating well on the vacation.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor)
Just a few days ago, Maliaka appeared to share a snapshot of an unknown man. She sent a snapshot of a dish of clams, a beach vista, and a man with a pixelated face. The photograph has fuelled speculation that Malaika is dating again.
Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor have been dating since 2018. While they have kept their romance private, they have revealed snippets of their time together on social media, including romantic vacation images and emotional birthday wishes. Malaika previously married Arbaaz Khan, with whom she has a son, Arhaan. The pair divorced in May 2017, and Arbaaz just remarried Sshura Khan.
Arjun Kapoor's Bollywood journey began with his debut in "Ishaqzaade," and he has since made his mark with roles in Aurangzeb, 2 States, Gunday, Finding Fanny, Half Girlfriend, Ki and Ka, Mubarakan, Namastey England, India’s Most Wanted, Panipat, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Ek Villain Returns, Kuttey, and The Lady Killer.
Fans are excited about Arjun's next projects, including Mudassar Aziz's version of 'Meri Patni Ka', in which he will act with Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh. Arjun will also appear in Rohit Shetty's highly awaited film Singham Again, which stars Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Ranveer Singh, and Akshay Kumar.
Also Read : Arjun Kapoor shares Stree 2 teaser on Instagram; says, “Can’t wait to watch this on the big screen
read moreCrowd gushes over Rashmika Mandanna’s charm as she visits Kerala for an event, see pictures
Rashmika Mandanna is an actress whose beauty and acting chops have been admired by many. Effortlessly known as the Golden Girl of Bollywood, she has been ruling the film world with her bewitching charm and engrossing projects. Her enchanting persona has already made a special place in our hearts that made her a nation-wide phenomenon.
Recently, Rashmika Mandanna attended an event in Kerala where she received immense amounts of love and adoration from her fans. The actress looked stunning in a bottle green saree adorned with intricate golden zari work. The rich color and elegant design of the saree highlighted her beauty. The sleeveless blouse complimented her look and added a modern touch.
Our #Ranjithame - @iamRashmika ♥️ #RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/Rdokt9gqVc
— Rashmika Trends (@RashmikaTrends) July 25, 2024
It was a grand event attended by more than 2000 people. The large number of crowd that flocked the street was seen to be believed. Delighted by the turn out, Rashmika was in her element as she couldn’t stop waving and giving her love to her fans, as is evident from the pictures that have surfaced from the occasion and gone viral. Rashmika Mandanna’s fans adore her not only for her talent but also the unwavering connections she has with her fans.
#Crushmika in Kerala ????????@iamRashmika ????#RashmikaMandanna pic.twitter.com/Rx6cc5srTn — Rashmika Mandanna FC (@Rushie_FC) July 25, 2024
On the work front, the actor will be next seen in Pushpa 2- The Rule, which is slated to release on December 6. This will be followed by Chhaava with Vicky Kaushal. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the movie is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. She also has Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal Park, the sequel to Animal, with Ranbir Kapoor.
Also Read: Vicky Kaushal gushes about Chhaava co-star Rashmika Mandanna; says, “She looks like a true Maharashtrian and no Maharashtrian can look the way she does in the film”
read moreAnupam Kher gives heartfelt tribute to Neeraj Pandey ahead of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha release
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has recently captivated his audience with a soul-stirring recitation of the title track from the upcoming film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. He captivated his audience with a reaction of the title track from the film.
Sharing the poetic piece on his social media, Kher expressed his admiration, he captioned the post in Hindi and said, “I really liked this poem from the upcoming film ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’. That’s why I am presenting it to you. And the director of the film is my friend and my favorite director Neeraj Pandey, so there is one more reason to share it with you!! The film is releasing on 2nd August. Do watch it in your nearest theatre. Jai Ho!! #AuroMeinKahanDumTha @ajaydevgn@neerajpofficial@FridayFilmworks, (loosely translated)”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)
Presented by NH Studioz, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is a Friday Filmworks production, produced by Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios), Sangeeta Ahir, and Shital Bhatia.
The film, directed by his close friend and favorite director Neeraj Pandey, is set to hit theaters on August 2nd. While sharing the post Anupam Kher urged his fans and followers to go and watch Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha in Theatres.
Previously, it was set to release on July 5 and compete with Nikhil Nagesh Bhat's action thriller Kill. However, the producers opted to postpone the film "on the request of the exhibitors and the distribution fraternity."
On the work front, Kher is preparing for the film Tanvi the Great. On his birthday, the actor unveiled the film Tanvi The Great.
Also Read : Anupam Kher expresses heartfelt gratitude to Mumbai Police for quick arrest of office robbers
read moreSidharth Malhotra pays tribute with a special video about 25 Years of Kargil Vijay Diwas
Sidharth Malhotra, who himself has essayed the role of a Kargil soldier in his 2021 film Shershaah, recently took to social media to share a video that commemorates and pays tribute to the immense sacrifice made by Indian soldiers in the war. The actor took to the platform to share a video as well as a message that dedicated to 25 years of the war on Kargil Vijay Diwas, which is on July 26.
Sidharth Malhotra celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas with a special post
Readers would be recall that Sidharth Malhotra essayed the role of late Major and Kargil War soldier Vikram Batra in the 2021 film. On Friday, as the country came together to celebrate the victory of India as well as pay tribute to the soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in guarding India and its citizens, Sidharth Malhotra too decided to join in by sharing a video highlighting the events of the war. The video posted by him on his Instagram feed featured several montages from the war, celebrating the Tiranga aka the Indian National Flag.
Sidharth captioned the video saying, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I honour the brave heroes who gave their lives for our country. Their bravery inspires us every day. Jai Hind! ???? #25YearsOfKargilVijay”. In the video, Sidharth is seen honoring the ‘’sacrifices’ and the ‘indominable spirit’ of Indian soldiers wherein he also highlighted the bravery of Major Vikram Batra, who played a key role in the war.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra)
Sidharth Malhotra shares a close bond with Vikram Batra’s family
Sidharth Malhotra underwent extensive prep and research for his role in Shershaah including spending a lot of time with Vikram Batra’s family. The latter also attended the wedding of Sidharth and Kiara in 2023. In fact, the actor had opened up about his emotional connect with the film and had mentioned how he had learnt about the immense sacrifices and courage of our Indian soldiers during its filming and hence, he has showcased his respect and honored the works of Indian soldiers during several occasions in the past too.
Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani share ‘Throwback Thursday’ moment with David Beckham
read moreRiddhima Kapoor opens up about Raha's resemblance; says, “Raha looks a lot like Alia and my dad”
Raha Kapoor, the daughter of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, has become a fan favourite since her celebrity parents posed for a family photo last year. She is frequently seen with her parents when they make public engagements. Her aunt, Riddhima Kapoor, has spoken out about Raha, claiming that the infant resembles Alia and her late father, Rishi Kapoor.
Riddhima Kapoor, the daughter of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, works as a fashion designer and socialite. She will appear in season 3 of Netflix's Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.
Riddhima mentioned the delight Raha has brought to their family. Riddhima compared Raha to her late father Rishi Kapoor, calling her a 'wonderful baby'. "She calls me Boo," Riddhima stated in an interview with UK-based radio DJ Anushka Arora. “Like Samara calls Ranbir RK, that’s how he wanted her to address him. I would tell her that she should call him mamu, or uncle, or something, not mama ji (chuckles). He said she can call me RK, (same way) Raha calls me Boo. She’s too cute. We all FaceTime because I am in Delhi, she is in Mumbai. She FaceTimes us every now and then, she loves my dog. I have the most adorable Shih Tzu at home, his name is Kilian. Poor thing can’t say Kilian, so she says, Kili Boo, Kili Boo; that’s so cute, my heart melts.”
She concluded, “She looks a little bit like all of us in the family. At times she looks like Samara, it’s strange because Samara looks a lot like my brother. Actually she’s a mix between my brother, my husband, my father and my mum. She doesn’t look like me at all. Raha looks a lot like Alia and my dad. She is so cute, and she is a good baby.”
Also Read : Riddhima Kapoor Sahni hails Alia Bhatt’s support: says “She’s been a great source of comfort”
read moreJaved Akhtar criticises Yash Chopra's Jab Tak Hai Jaan for misguided feminism: “They are not very clear what is an empowered girl so they are exaggerating”
In a recent interview, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar did not hold back when discussing the portrayal of modern Indian women in cinema. During an episode of Be A Man, Yaar!, Akhtar highlighted a specific dialogue from Yash Chopra's Jab Tak Hai Jaan to illustrate his point.
Javed Akhtar Questions Jab Tak Hai Jaan Dialogue Javed Akhtar pointed out a dialogue from Jab Tak Hai Jaan that he found problematic. He recounted, "There was a Yash Chopra film named Jab Tak Hai Jaan, in which there is a dialogue where one of the heroines says that I will marry you after I sleep with one man from all the nationalities. But why would you do so much hard work? Are you empowered and modern and cool? We agree so you let go of that hard work. There are a lot of nationalities.”
Akhtar's critique underscores his confusion about why a character would go to such lengths to prove empowerment. He further elaborated, “Ab ye kya hain? Is dialogue ka kya matlab hain? Kahan aa rahi hain? Yash Chopra ki film mein! Because they want to fake that this is an empowered girl. They are not very clear what is an empowered girl so they are exaggerating.” Misconceptions About Modern Indian Women Javed Akhtar believes that filmmakers today are still struggling to accurately represent the modern Indian woman. He argues that the portrayal often veers into exaggeration because of a lack of clear understanding. This, he suggests, leads to the inclusion of unrealistic dialogues and scenarios in films that are meant to depict empowered women.
For the unversed, Jab Tak Hai Jaan was Yash Chora’s last directorial project, which stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma. The film was released in 2012.
Coming to Javed’s professional front, his last movie as a lyricist was Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, which was directly streamed on Netflix.
Also Read: Javed Akhtar SLAMS Animal’s boot-licking scene AGAIN; calls it “caricature of an angry young man”
read more5 times Vijay Varma, the dapper, stole the show with his suit game
Versatile actor Vijay Varma has an impressive style of fashion like his choice of work. He steals every show with his chic suit look, leaving us smitten and heading over heels in love with him.
Take cue from the handsome actor to ace the suit look at any event, and here are our top 5 picks from the actor's suit collection.
Bold in beige
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)
Vijay Varma looks absolutely suave in this beige suit channelling boss vibes. Adding the extra allure to the look is that pendant, perfect to appear in style for an evening date.
Classic in black
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)
When it comes to suits, nothing can actually beat the charm of a black suit. It is timeless and classic, and Vijay looks incredible in this look. We definitely love how he adds an extra edge to the look with his pair of goggles that we are absolutely eyeing on.
Rule in Grey
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)
The oversized grey suit is our all-time favorite. Vijay looks killer in this trendy yet quite fashionable suit that surely makes him stand out. The best part about the look is how comfy it appears and yet has that appeal.
Dapper in a tuxedo
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)
An absolutely bookmark worthy look of Vijay Varma in this tuxedo that is a mix of grey and black. We love how his persona gets captured perfectly in this suit look.
Unique in Navy Blue
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma)
This navy-blue suit is very different with its deep neck and unique design that knots above the torso. Vijay Varma accessorizes it perfectly with a locket and chain, adding an extra touch of elegance and sophistication. The overall look is striking and innovative, making a bold fashion statement.
Also Read: Vijay Varma shares a heartfelt note post the premiere of Mirzapur Season 3; says, “Thank you for all the love”
read moreTriptii Dimri enjoys a family night out as she steps out with her parents, watch
Bollywood actress Triptii Dimri was recently spotted enjoying a heartwarming evening with her parents in the heart of Mumbai. The actress stepped out in style and made time for a family outing amidst her busy schedule.
Paparazzi caught up with the trio as they made their way through the city. Dressed effortlessly chic, Triptii exuded a radiant charm that was perfectly complemented by the loving company of her parents. The actress happily posed for the cameras, showcasing the strong bond she shares with her family. As the paparazzi captured the delightful moments, Triptii's infectious smile and genuine affection for her parents were evident.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)
On the work front, Triptii Dimri is currently seen in Bad Newz. She will next star in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Vicky Vidya Ka Who Wala Video. ALSO READ: Avinash Tiwary and Triptii Dimri starrer Laila Majnu to relive its magic on Kashmir screens; re-release set for August 2 in cinemas
read moreDiljit Dosanjh and NLE Choppa deliver high-energy anthem 'Muhammad Ali', watch
Global phenomenon Diljit Dosanjh has teamed up with American rapper NLE Choppa for a new hip-hop track ‘Muhammad Ali’. Combining Diljit's Punjabi flair with NLE Choppa's electrifying verses, ‘Muhammad Ali’ emerges as an urban pop anthem that's both invigorating and motivational, encouraging listeners to dance, dream, and defy the odds. The track debuts alongside an official music video that seamlessly merges cultures with an infectious rhythm. Diljit Dosanjh, NLE Choppa, and Chani Nattan contributed the lyrics, while Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. is the producer of the song.
Diljit Dosanjh continues to solidify his stature as a global Punjabi icon, showcased by his sold-out Dil-luminati Tour spanning the United States and Canada. His recent appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a surprise performance featuring pop sensation Saweetie in LA underscore his international appeal.
At just 21 years old, NLE Choppa has left an indelible mark on music, achieving multi-platinum status and championing Memphis both locally and globally. Known for his 2019 platinum-certified hit "Shotta Flow," which soared into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, NLE Choppa brings his distinct hip hop and drill sound to this exhilarating new collaboration.
Talking about the collaboration Diljit expressed, “‘Muhammad Ali’ celebrates the spirit of resilience and empowerment. Collaborating with NLE Choppa on this anthem has been incredibly inspiring. I'm thrilled to share another vibrant Punjabi sound with the world.”
NLE Choppa shared, ”This collaboration with Diljit on ‘Muhammad Ali’ has been a true honour. Combining our styles to honour such an iconic figure has been a memorable journey. I'm eager for our Indian fans to make this track their own."
‘Muhammad Ali’ is Diljit’s second global collaboration this year and sees his verses pay homage to the legendary Muhammad Ali’s power and charisma, while NLE Choppa’s dynamic style injects an electrifying edge.
ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh announces Sardaarji 3, third installment in hit horror-comedy franchise set to release on June 27, 2025
read moreAditya Roy Kapur's trainer Rohit Nair gives a peek into his "comprehensive MMA training regimen"; deets inside
Bollywood heartthrob Aditya Roy Kapur is taking his physical regimen to the next level by partnering with renowned fitness expert Rohit Nair. Rohit Nair, who has previously worked with Ali Fazal and Mrunal Thakur, is set to guide Aditya through an intensive training program focusing on kickboxing and regular boxing.
Aditya Roy Kapur has always been a trendsetter when it comes to fitness. His lean and fit physique often garners attention and admiration. With Rohit Nair's expertise, Aditya aims to further enhance his physical prowess and maintain his enviable physique.
Rohit Nair expressed his enthusiasm about training Aditya. "Aditya is incredibly dedicated and disciplined. His commitment to his fitness goals is inspiring, and I am thrilled to work with him. We are focusing on a comprehensive MMA training regimen that emphasizes kickboxing and regular boxing, which will not only boost his agility and strength but also enhance his endurance and overall fitness levels."
Sharing details of his fitness plans for the actor, Rohit further added, "Aditya’s openness to trying new techniques and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him an ideal trainee. Together, we aim to reach new heights in his fitness journey and set new benchmarks for fitness in the industry."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rohit Nair (@rohityson_)
As Aditya Roy Kapur embarks on this new chapter, fans can expect to see even more impressive feats from the actor, both on-screen and in his fitness endeavors.
Speaking of the professional front, Aditya was last seen in Disney+ Hotstar's show The Night Manager, which also starred Anil Kapoor and Sobhita Dhulipala. He will be next seen sharing the screen space with Sara Ali Khan for the first time in Anurag Basu's Metro... In Dino. In addition to this, Aditya, reportedly, also has an exciting show in the pipeline.
Also Read: Ali Fazal to share screen with Samantha Ruth Prabhu for Raj and DK’s 6-part limited show Rakht Brahmand, Aditya Roy Kapur and Wamiqa Gabbi to play key roles; deets inside!
read moreAparna Sen on the release of The Rapist, “Policy of OTT platforms has shifted drastically towards mainstream content”
The ever-gorgeous Aparna Sen won’t be seen too often on screen. “I would rather make films than star in them. I was happy to direct my daughter Konkona (Sen Sharma) in The Rapist. I can’t wait for the world to see it,” she said.
According to reports in a section of the media, Aparna Sen’s next film is Her Indian Summer. An Indo-U.K. co-production, it is an Indo-British love story set during the 1947 partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan.
When I reached out to the gorgeous Aparna Sen about the project, she replied, “Thank you for your interest in my forthcoming film. But nothing is finalised yet and I’m superstitious about talking about a project that has not yet been greenlit. I promise to talk to you about it in detail once things advance some more.”
Aparna Sen’s next release is The Rapist, co-produced by Applause Entertainment. A hard-hitting elucidation on the gangrape of a white-collar woman (Konkona Sen Sharma), it will leave you shattered. It is brutal and beautiful. Fiercely relevant to our times, and timeless for this reason only.
The producers Applause Entertainment are looking at a release window that will do justice to this important chronicle of our times. Konkona Sen Sharma is the rape survivor. Arjun Rampal as the silently supportive spouse will remind audiences of Sanjeev Kumar in Aandhi. Naina Malik (Konkona) has a supportive husband (Arjun Rampal) to manoeuvre their troubled marriage through the brutal act of sexual violation. The sensitive subject has been touched upon in the past in a Hindi film, Manik Chatterjee’s 1976 film Ghar in which the raped woman’s marriage is split wide open by the trauma.
Konkona Sen Sharma in The Rapist is all there. She is so invested in her role that at times it feels like we are watching a woman being sucked into the vortex of an existential crisis from which no therapy can pull her out. She is deeply immersed in her character’s pain and makes The Rapist the most significant film on the subject of rape in Indian cinema.
Speaking on the release of The Rapist, Aparna said, “We don’t know anything yet about the release of The Rapist. So many award-winning films are sitting on the shelf today, as the policy of the OTT platforms have shifted drastically towards mainstream content!”
At the moment Aparna reveals she is between projects. “I am not doing anything right now. Many offers to direct, but I am choosy and cannot work with anyone else’s script! Also, many offers to act that I have declined. Except for one that I did with Anjan Dutt as my co-actor directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay. It’s called A Raat Tomar Amaar. The film, produced by SVF, is ready and awaiting release,” she said.
Also Read: Aparna Sen’s partition love story Her Indian Summer to be India – UK co-production
read moreWamiqa Gabbi redefines style on her own terms: “I don't take airport-look pressure”
Several celebrities from Hollywood are now frequently under pressure to appear beautiful, even at airports, due to the advent of paparazzi culture and the constant criticism on social media.
But Wamiqa Gabbi, the actress, redefines the idea in her own unique way, unconcerned with such a culture.
Wamiqa told ANI, “I don't take airport-look pressure. I dress up for myself. Earlier, I used to feel that good clothes are meant for good days only but life is too short. I dress up for myself. I will dress up every day if I want to. There's no pressure as such, nobody should take the pressure. It's nonsense.”
Wamiqa walked as a showstopper for acclaimed designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla on the first day of India Couture Week 2024 at the Taj Palace in Delhi on Wednesday.
Wamiqa opened the show in an ivory trail lehenga from the 'Botanical Bloom' collection, which featured Resham embroidery on ivory silk threads embellished with pearls and crystals. She finished the show as a regal bride wearing a crimson lehenga from the 'Bridal Gota' collection, which was created with Gota, Zardozi, and crystals.
Interestingly, with this show, Wamiqa made her runway debut.
Wamiqa stated during her first ramp walk, "I never imagined that my first ramp walk would be for Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. It was like a dream. I was scared before hitting the ramp but once I entered the stage everything went well."
On the work front, Wamiqa will appear alongside Varun Dhawan in Baby John. The film is set for release in December 2024.
Also Read : Wamiqa Gabbi announced as first Indian brand ambassador for Korean beauty brand INNISFREE
read moreFrom Janhvi Kapoor to Sara Ali Khan to Diana Penty: 5 jaw dropping golden glam moments at the Ambani-Merchant wedding
It won't be wrong to say that the wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant were nothing less than Bollywood’s own Met Gala! From the rich hue of red to the glam of golden, there was a fashion and color parade! However, one color that stood out more prominent than the other was Golden. One can’t deny that golden ethnic wear holds a different level of charm, radiating elegance, glam, and sophistication.
And our Bollywood's leading divas painted the town gold with their astonishing outfits, making all the spotlights shine on them! Here are 5 stunning instances where Bollywood actresses dazzled in golden outfits.
Janhvi Kapoor
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor)
Janhvi Kapoor looked nothing short of regal in her exquisite golden lehenga. The bralete-style blouse had intricate embellishments using temple jewellery. The actor paired it with an equally beautiful lehenga skirt and tulle dupatta. The actor went all out with her accessories. She accessorized the look with statement jhumkas, choker necklace, a tikli, pair of stunning bracelets, and rings. For makeup, Janhvi chose the traditional Indian glam look and completed stole the show with a tiny red bindi.
Diana Penty
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Diana Penty (@dianapenty)
Maximalism is the mantra for 2024, and Diana Penty sure knows how to ace it! She turned heads with her beautiful take on the golden saree. The delicate French lace saree with an equally stunning cape sleeved blouse made for the perfect look for the evening. The blouse was easily the highlight of the look. With bejewelled crystal and bead work on the front and layers of pearl strings at the back, it was a moment to be noted! Her look was completed with red lips, bold eyeliner, and pearl accessories. A small, crystal bindi finished the look perfectly.
Ananya Panday
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ananya ???? (@ananyapanday)
That one actor who never fails to reflect her personal styling and youthful charm in every look is Ananya Panday. The actor brought a youthful and fresh vibe to the golden saree trend. Sequins, shimmers, mirrors, and glitter are the perfect descriptions of the outfit. Ananya gave the saree a more quirky and trendy turn by pairing the saree with a bejewelled tube blouse. With a soft glam look, loose wavy hair let down, and crystal statement accessories, Ananya looked straight out of a film!
Sara Ali Khan
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sara Ali Khan (@saraalikhan95)
Sara Ali Khan embraced a modern chic look with her golden saree. The detailed mirror patterns and quirky draping highlighted her style. Sara complimented her heavy outfit with a dainty earring, making the whole look balanced and pleasing. With smokey eye makeup and an elegant top knot, Sara's look was a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary elegance.
Aditi Rao Hydari
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari)
Aditi Rao Hydari exuded timeless grace in a resplendent golden lehenga ensemble. Heavy embroidered half-sleeve blouse, featuring a deep V-neck cut, struck a perfect balance between elegance and trendiness. It was paired with an equally grand, well pleated lehenga skirt and a sheer tissue dupatta. She accessorized the look with statement jhumkas, a graceful golden bracelet, and a beautiful golden potli.
Thanks to these Bollywood divas who breathe new life into the classic golden attires at the Ambani wedding. From blings and shimmers to traditional fabrics, these stars have showcased how this luminous number can transcend traditional boundaries and shine in today’s fashion landscape. It's safe to say that the ‘golden era’ is never leaving the Bollywood centre stage!
Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor on being hospitalized, “I felt completely handicapped and paralyzed, wasn’t being able to go to the restroom on my own”
read moreTahira Kashyap Khurrana used to get rattled by being called Ayushmann Khurrana's wife
Sharmajee Ki Beti was recently directed by author-filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, who is married to actor Ayushmann Khurrana. Saiyami Kher, Divya Dutta, and Sakshi Tanwar starred in the recently released movie, which celebrated womanhood.
Tahira Kashyap on being labelled as Ayushmann's wife
During an interview with Midday, Tahira Kashyap recently laughed off certain critics who branded her Ayushmann Khurrana's wife in the reviews of Sharmajee Ki Beti.
Tahira said, “I've been addressed as Ayushman's wife, Tahira, who's directed a film. It used to bother me a long time back, and I was like, why can't people see for the person that I am? I'm Tahira. I'm Tahira Kashyap, and I'm not Tahira Khurrana or Mrs. Khurrana.”
The filmmaker also mentioned that she used to get "worked up" in the past and that this was a result of her "self-evolution".
She shared, “It's because I'm not sure of myself right now I need to be sure of myself to such an extent that a random person's way of addressing me does not affect me at all.”
Tahira went on to say that she shouldn't "feel bad" about herself because the incorrect prefix "doesn't define" the director.
Tahira Kashyap proudly embraces her roles as Ayushmann Khurrana's wife
Tahira Kashyap went on to say that she had been working on herself and that she was now proud to be Ayushmann Khurrana's wife.
"That work in progress took me to such an extent that a day came when people said Ayushman's wife or Viraj or Varushka's mother and I just took pride in that because these are my relationships; these are the people that I root for always," the filmmaker shared.
Tahira continued, saying "they're doing well in life" and how essential her family is. The director ended by stating that she doesn't mind if people refer to her as their "relative".
Tahira and Ayushmann's journey
In 2008, Tahira Kashyap and Ayushmann Khurrana got married. Ayushmann and Tahira were childhood pals. The two children of the couple are Varushka and Viraaj.
On June 28, Sharmajee Ki Beti became available on Amazon Prime.
Also Read : Tahira Kashyap on managing household chores with Ayushmann Khurrana: “Ayushmann has to be home in the first place to…”
read moreTabu reflects on missed opportunities with Shekhar Kapur and their unfinished projects: “He ran away”
Tabu, celebrated for her versatility in Hindi cinema, recently shared insights into her early career interactions with renowned director Shekhar Kapur. Despite being eager to work together, their collaborations never came to fruition. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Tabu recounted how Kapur noticed her at her aunt Shabana Azmi’s house during her teenage years and expressed a keen interest in casting her for his film Dushmani in 1987.
The unfulfilled promise of Dushmani
At the time, Tabu was in the 10th standard and was apprehensive about signing the film. However, Shekhar Kapur convinced her to take on the role opposite Sunny Deol. Unfortunately, after she agreed, the project was abruptly shut down, and Tabu decided to focus on her education, joining college soon after.
Prem: A project that almost was
Two years into her college life, Shekhar Kapur approached Tabu again with a new offer. This time, he wanted her to star in his film Prem, after having auditioned numerous girls for the role. Despite initial reluctance, Tabu was persuaded to sign on, with Shekhar promising to support her higher studies abroad. The actress initially refused his offer and remembered saying, "Dushmani ka haan bolke I have pachtaoed (I nodded for Dushmani and now I regret my decision) I don't want to act, I want to study and go abroad."
Reflections and regrets
While Tabu agreed to sign Prem, Shekhar left the film midway. "Shekhar ne hi film chhod di and he ran away," she recounted. Tabu couldn't confront the director as he wasn't available. The actress added that she regretted the decision to sign Prem thinking she could have utilized it in her studies. Late actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik was finalized to direct Prem. It also starred Sanjay Kapoor, Aruna Irani, and Amrish Puri.
Continued success and upcoming projects
Despite these early setbacks, Tabu rose to prominence with films like Vijaypath (1994) and continued to establish her legacy with notable works such as Hum Saath Saath Hain, Chandni Bar, and Drishyam. She was last seen in Crew with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon and is gearing up for the release of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha on August 2. Additionally, Tabu will appear in the American TV series Dune: The Prophecy, playing the role of Sister Francesca.
Also Read: Tabu reveals Ajay Devgn once scolded her driver for slow driving; says, “Bailgaadi chala raha hai kya? Jaldi chala”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Madhur Bhandarkar’s next is the sequel to Priyanka Chopra-Kangana Ranaut starrer Fashion
Acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar gave a double treat to his fans in 2022. This was when he had 2 releases, both on OTT – the Tamannaah Bhatia-starrer Babli Bouncer and the intense drama thriller India Lockdown. The award-winning director-producer hasn’t been in the news in a while and Bollywood Hungama has learned that he’s busy preparing for his next project. And this venture happens to be the sequel to one of his much-loved films, Fashion (2008).
The source told Bollywood Hungama, “Madhur Bhandarkar is working on the script of the sequel. It would be based on the current times and would throw light on changes in the fashion industry. The first part was released 16 years ago and since then, the industry has transformed. Madhur wants to throw light on these aspects in his style while also telling a compelling story.”
The source also revealed, “He is already in touch with a studio that is willing to produce Fashion 2. However, at the same time, an OTT platform has reached out to him and shown interest in the sequel. But they wish to have it as a series.”
The source continued, “Hence, Madhur Bhandarkar is now mulling whether the sequel to Fashion should be a film or a web series. He is expected to take a call in a couple of weeks. After that, he’ll start the process of signing actors.”
Fashion starred Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut and both won the National Award in the categories of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively. It told the story of Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra), a small-town girl who became a supermodel and how her life took a turn for the worse. Kangana Ranaut, meanwhile, essayed Shonali Gujral, a top model who suffered a downfall. The other actors in the film were Mugdha Godse, Arjan Bajwa, Samir Soni, Arbaaz Khan, Chitrashi Rawat and others. Fashion was released on Diwali in 2008 and was loved for its writing, execution, performances and soulful music score by Salim-Sulaiman.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra recalls being told actresses do films like Fashion at the end of their careers; says, “I was just three-four years into movies”
read moreJanhvi Kapoor opens up about wedding plans with Shikhar Pahariya; says, “No time for multiplication right now”
The romance between Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya frequently draws notice from the public. Shikar and Janhvi don't hesitate to show off their relationship, whether it's by going to weddings together or wearing a necklace with his name on it. The actress was recently questioned about her upcoming wedding amid all of this.
At Pinkvilla's masterclass, Janhvi Kapoor declared, “I am very happy in my life right now. Neither I nor him has any time for multiplication right now.” When a fan of the actress said that Janhvi and Shikhar’s ship name or hashtag should be ‘Jassie’, the actress said, “Oh no, I don’t like this.” She added that the hashtag should be ‘Janhvar’.
Janhvi made a hint in a recent conversation that she had only ever felt heartbroken once—when she and Shikhar had broken up earlier. Janhvi Kapoor also revealed her thoughts on what she took away from going through heartbreak in a love relationship in a recent interview with Hautterfly. She disclosed that she had only experienced heartbreak once, but thankfully the same person came back and helped heal her heart, lessening the impact of the event on her. She stated, “I have genuinely experienced heartbreak only one time in life, but the same person came back and put my heart together. So, it was all good.”
Janhvi Kapoor is now maintaining a high level of professional activity. She is currently getting ready for her next film, Ulajh, after receiving excellent feedback for her performance in Sharan Sharma's Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, in which she starred alongside Rajkummar Rao.
In this gripping story, Janhvi Kapoor plays Suhana, a young diplomat caught up in a cunning personal plot while on a critical mission in the London embassy. She finds herself burdened by her legacy and embroiled in a web of deceit, where every ally could be an enemy, as she works through the challenges of her role that will define her career.
As Ulajh reveals its captivating story of traps, conspiracies, and betrayals, viewers can anticipate heart-stopping scenes and suspenseful drama. The film promises to be an unparalleled cinematic experience with its fascinating storyline and outstanding performances.
Her next movie, Ulajh, is helmed by Sudhanshu Saria and stars Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Adil Hussain, Rajendra Gupta, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, and Jitendra Joshi in pivotal parts. August 2, 2024, is when the thriller, which is co-produced by Amrita Pandey and Vineet Jain, is scheduled to open in theaters. August 2, 2024, is when Ulajh is scheduled to be released.
Also Read : Janhvi Kapoor on being hospitalized, “I felt completely handicapped and paralyzed, wasn’t being able to go to the restroom on my own”
read moreDeepika Padukone declares July as National self-care month, shares skincare routine for glowing skin
Deepika Padukone is using a number of Instagram postings to declare July to be National Self-Care Month. In her most recent Instagram post, the actor shared her skincare routine with her followers along with a ton of brand-new selfies.
In her new post, Deepika began in the captioned, “It’s Self-Care Month! But why celebrate ‘Self-Care Month’ when you can practice simple acts of Self-Care every day? Now, when it comes to Skincare, of course eating right, sleeping well, adequate hydration and movement are the key pillars of maintaining healthy skin, but a Simple yet Consistent Skincare Routine is what has truly worked for me! It consists of 3 simple steps: Cleanse, Hydrate and Protect.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by दीपिका पादुकोण (@deepikapadukone)
She continued, “Then, there is that one day in the week where I like to Indulge and do just a little bit more…A full body massage, a face mask, a hair mask.” After locating the list of products she uses on a daily basis for skincare, she acknowledged that she has been following this routinely and deliberately because it is the only method she is aware of.
Concluding her post, she wrote, “Additional Disclaimers:-I’m not a picture/ selfie person so kindly appreciate the fact that I’m sharing soo many with you’ll! I'm even wondering when and why I took these!? (laughing face emoticons)-I just HAD to use this track because I love it and anyway it’s coming out of peoples ears!”
Deepika and Ranveer Singh are expecting their first child. She was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, Nag Ashwin's masterpiece. The movie, which stars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Shobana, is doing incredibly well at the box office. It is already in its fifth week and has earned over ₹1100 crore globally.
Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Jaw-Dropping star fees of Bollywood’s leading ladies revealed – Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor are the HIGHEST PAID actresses
read moreKhel Khel Mein: Fardeen Khan calls Akshay Kumar’s discipline ‘inspiring’; pumped about his first theatrical release in 14 years: “I'm just really happy to be a part of it”
The first track, ‘Hauli Hauli’, from the upcoming comedy-drama Khel Khel Mein has officially dropped, setting the tone for a fun-filled and energetic ride. The song, composed and penned by Guru Randhawa, boasts vocals from the singer himself, Neha Kakkar, and Yo Yo Honey Singh. This trio has previously delivered chart-topping hits like ‘Banja Tu Meri Rani’ and ‘Morni Banke,’ and ‘Hauli Hauli’ is poised to follow in their footsteps.
Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal come together on screen to create a vibrant and lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the upbeat track. The song's launch in Mumbai on July 25 was a star-studded affair, albeit without the presence of the film's leading man, Akshay Kumar.
Fardeen Khan, who is making his theatrical comeback after 14 years with this film, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and his co-stars. “The warmth and love that you saw in the song is what we try to recreate, and I think we've achieved that successfully. We've become friends in the process. We've had a lot of fun working with each other, working off each other, and it's a film about friendships. It's a film about getting to know each other better. And that's exactly how and when we all met, we were kind of strangers. There were lots of things I'm sure we've discovered about each other, which some things I can't say on this stage for obvious reasons, but there's been an absolute pleasure.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)
He lauded Akshay Kumar's dedication and discipline, emphasizing his inspiring influence on the set. “But of course, I got to acknowledge Akshay Kumar’s discipline. This will be his 151st film. He is leading the star cast and his passion, dedication, his discipline have to be seen, to believe. So I mean, having worked with him before, it's always inspiring. And it's such a great opportunity for me to work with him again after so long,” Khan said.
Khan also praised director Mudassar Aziz for his ability to infuse genuine emotions into the film. He added, “And of course, the director is the captain of the ship, and it all starts from him, and what the story he's trying to say. Mudassar is always, as far as I know, the best and his films are very true to himself. That's what he's tried to say and that's the spirit in which this film has been made.”
He concluded by saying, “Then very truthfully, I'm just really happy to be a part of it, and, it's going to be my first theatrical in 14 years, and my last theatrical. And the irony is, my last theatrical was with Mudassar so thank you for bringing me back, and I love you, man.”
The launch event was a high-energy affair with Guru Randhawa, Neha Kakkar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and director Mudassar Aziz setting the stage on fire with their performances.
Khel Khel Mein is slated to hit theaters on August 15, 2024, promising a perfect blend of humour and emotions. The film is a joint venture between Gulshan Kumar's T-Series and Wakaoo Films, and is produced by a stellar team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashwin Varde, Vipul D. Shah, Rajesh Bahl, Shashikant Sinha, and Ajay Rai. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu & Khel Khel Mein team groove to Punjabi beats in ‘Hauli Hauli’ song, watch
read moreKhel Khel Mein’s ‘Hauli Hauli’ song launch: Taapsee Pannu hopes to be fourth time lucky with Akshay Kumar: “Our last film Mission Mangal was also a multi-starrer and released on August 15”
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Thursday, July 25. Yet, the media turned up in full force for the launch of Khel Khel Mein’s first song, ‘Hauli Hauli’, at a restobar in Mumbai. It was attended by the film’s actors – Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal – along with singer Neha Kakkar and director Mudassar Aziz. Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor were unavailable and hence, couldn’t make it.
Taapsee Pannu reminded the media that her last film with Akshay Kumar, Mission Mangal (2019), released on Independence Day. Incidentally, Khel Khel Mein, too, arrives in cinemas on August 15.
Taapsee began by saying why she signed the film, “There were two reasons to do the film – kisko comedy karne mein maza nahin aata? Aur dusra reason yeh ki kisko Mudassar Aziz ki line bolne mein mazaa nahin aayega?”
She added, “I enjoy doing ensemble cast films. I’ll share a trivia. 5 years ago, on August 15, Mission Mangal had released. It featured Akshay sir and I and it was also a multi-starrer. So I am hoping (for a repeat of Mission Mangal’s success); fingers crossed.”
Taapsee continued, “I have been very lucky with the films that I have done with Akshay sir. It started with Baby (2015) followed by Naam Shabana (2017) and Mission Mangal. Khel Khel Mein is my fourth film with him. I only hope it’s going to get bigger and bigger!”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)
Before Khel Khel Mein, Taapsee Pannu would have one more release – Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba. It also stars Vikrant Massey and Sunny Kaushal and releases directly on Netflix on August 9.
Also Read: Stree 2 trailer launch: Jyoti Deshpande BREAKS silence on clash with Khel Khel Mein, Vedaa: “We are coming with the feeling of jo jeeta, wohi sikandar; it’s not like rumaal daal diya aur date kisi ka ho gaya”
read moreKhel Khel Mein’s ‘Hauli Hauli’ song launch: Aditya Seal aptly imitates Akshay Kumar; Ammy Virk jokes, “Khaana khaane gaye the hum toh aur film bana ke aa gaye”
Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Thursday, July 25. Yet, the media turned up in full force for the launch of Khel Khel Mein’s first song, ‘Hauli Hauli’, at a restobar in Mumbai. It was attended by the film’s actors – Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal – along with singer Neha Kakkar and director Mudassar Aziz. Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor were unavailable and hence, couldn’t make it.
Aditya Seal raised laughs as he wonderfully imitated Akshay Kumar in his intro speech. He said, “This song is one side and the fun we had while doing the film is on another. We were doing a table read of the script. One of the first things that Akshay sir told us during the session was, ‘Dekho, khel khel mein picture khatam kar denge. Tension mat lena tum’. I said, ‘Okay, sir!’” Taapsee Pannu and Pragya Jaiswal couldn’t stop laughing at his apt imitation.
He continued, "So we made this film khel khel mein and you’ll see the result on August 15.”
Ammy Virk raised laughs in his trademark style. He began by saying how Mudassar Aziz offered him the film, “We just gave our word to each other 2-3 years ago. Mudassar paaji was sitting and I asked him to consider me for a Hindi film. He said ‘Done’. The matter got over there. What is the film, when will we do – all that became secondary. I hope I sit with him again and bag his next film as well!”
He then said, "I must have done some good deed or it’s the result of someone’s blessings that itna acche bande iss film mein mile. Everyone gave me so much love that you can’t even imagine.”
Ammy Virk further stated, “Akshay paaji was our senior. When the senior most person treats everyone with love, then nothing like it. He has this habit that everyone should have lunch together. Pragya would order fish, Vaani ne kuch alag mangaya hota tha. Akshay paaji ne bhi kuch mangaya hota tha. I am the biryani saag type. We would eat from their plate.”
Pointing at Pragya Jaiswal, he revealed, “She would order healthy food as she is the heroine! But even she would consume biryani and lift food from Akshay paaji’s plate.”
Ammy Virk ended by remarking, “In short, it was a chill atmosphere. Khaana khaane gaye the hum toh aur film bana ke aa gaye maze maze mein!”
Khel Khel Mein releases in cinemas on August 15.
Also Read: Single-screen exhibitors seethe with RAGE over the clash of Stree 2, Vedaa, Khel Khel Mein; fear blackmailing by distributors and bloodbath over screen sharing: “Yeh log toh single screens ki vaat laga denge. We’ll be arm-twisted the MAXIMUM”
read more10 Years of Kick: DOP Ayananka Bose reveals that Salman Khan’s ICONIC train scene was executed without VFX: “Sajid Nadiadwala was most worried about the safety of Salman sir”
One of the most loved films of Salman Khan, Kick (2014), was released 10 years ago, on July 25. A few months after its release, the makers of the film released a special coffee table book ‘Kick: A Karizmatic Journey’. It consists of not just rare BTS images but also some fascinating trivia. At the very start, the book informs readers about the iconic shot of Salman Khan walking coolly on a track though he is inches away from the train.
As per cinematographer Ayananka Bose’s quotes in the book, it was executed without VFX. He began by saying, “The ironic part of this iconic sequence is that it was never a part of the original plan.”
He explained, “Mr Khan was supposed to ride across the tracks on the cycle but just before he was about to perform the shot, he came up with the idea that he would dismount the cycle, push it ahead and just walk across the tracks nonchalantly without even looking at the train which was a fraction of an inch away from him.”
Ayananka Bose continued, “Initially, Sajid sir (producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala) was not sure as to how this sequence would look but since this shot was up for filming close to sunset and the crew was losing light drastically, he asked the team to film both the options – first what Salman had suggested and second being the original idea of cycling across the tracks.”
The acclaimed DOP then said, “It sounded impossible to place a camera on the path of an oncoming train without the help of VFX for such a sequence. That is when we decided to dig a hole and place it right in the middle of the tracks onto the path of the train. In those failing light conditions, the crew worked frantically including Sajid sir, who was most worried about the safety of Salman sir. With the failing light conditions, it was a one-shot ‘now or never’ moment.”
He further stated, “What followed was history. Once the walk across the track was filmed, the original idea was never filmed.”
Another famous action scene in the film is when Devil (Salman Khan) escapes in the famous London double-decker bus. Interestingly, the scene was not shot in the British capital but far away in Warsaw, Poland.
On this, Sajid Nadiadwala said, “The Red Buses had a great journey because we started from London, then Glasgow and then Warsaw. Thank god, we got permission to shoot in Warsaw. Otherwise, we would have to shoot in Bangkok or Hong Kong. We put both buses on trucks to transport them from the UK to Poland as they were not allowed to drive on the highway.”
Also Read: 10 Years of Kick: Sajid Nadiadwala reveals that Randeep Hooda on the first day gave 27 takes and never gave a second take later on; also says “Many of my HODs did not agree on Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s casting but I was very sure”
read moreAkshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu & Khel Khel Mein team groove to Punjabi beats in 'Hauli Hauli' song, watch
The first song 'Hauli Hauli', from the upcoming comedy-drama Khel Khel Mein, has been unveiled! Composed and penned by the talented Guru Randhawa, this track features electrifying vocals by Guru Randhawa and the sensational Neha Kakkar along with the hip hop king, Yo Yo Honey Singh. Guru Randhawa and Neha Kakkar have previously given us chartbusters like 'Banja Tu Meri Rani' and 'Morni Banke', which have been well appreciated by audiences.
The video showcases the charming chemistry between the lead actors Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal and their infectious energy brings the up-tempo song to life, making it an instant hit for every wedding playlist.
'Hauli Hauli' was launched by Guru Randhawa, Neha Kakkar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal and director Mudassar Aziz who had the audience on their feet.
Directed by Mudassar Aziz, Khel Khel Mein is set to hit the screens on August 15, 2024. The film promises a perfect blend of humor and emotions aiming to redefine the comedy-drama genre with unforgettable performances and heartwarming moments.
Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, and Wakaoo Films present Khel Khel Mein. A T-Series Film, Wakaoo Films, and KKM Film production, Khel Khel Mein is directed by Mudassar Aziz and is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashwin Varde, Vipul D. Shah, Rajesh Bahl, Shashikant Sinha, and Ajay Rai.
ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar unveils motion poster of Khel Khel Mein featuring Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan and more
read more10 Years of Kick: Suresh Selvarajan, who designed Salman Khan’s COOL mask, also created monstrous war machine in Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal; says “With Kick, we used 3D print technology in India for the FIRST time”
One of the most loved films of Salman Khan, Kick, was released 10 years ago, on July 25. The film is memorable for many reasons, one of them being the cool mask worn by the superstar when his character Devi turns into Devil. A few months after its release, the makers of the film released a special coffee table book ‘Kick: A Karizmatic Journey’. It consists of not just rare BTS images but also some fascinating trivia and cast and crew members talking about their experiences. Suresh Selvarajan who designed the mask, opened up on the whole process.
Suresh Selvarajan said, “When we decided on making a mask for the film, the first thing that came to my mind was it should be ‘a first time ever or a never before’ mask. We made nearly 300 different masks before settling for this one. Once the hard part of choosing the design was over, we did an 8-month-long research on the material.”
He further said, “This is the first time that the mask was made using a 3D print technology in India. The mask-making process flow is equal to that of a Hollywood mask-making.” He also added, “We tried 50 colour and texture options before arriving at the final one.”
Incidentally, Suresh Selvarajan is the same person who went on to create the iconic war machine gun in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in December 2023, Suresh explained the effort that went into making the weapon saying, “If it was like a statue, I could have made it in 2 months. But it’s a working model. You can accelerate, turn and rotate the weapon. It took almost 4-5 months to make the gun. We also made 15,000-16,000 dummy bullets. Almost 100 people worked quite hard to bring the gun to life.”
He also designed the masks worn by the goons in the same scene. At this point, he drew parallels with Kick, “I am lucky when it comes to masks! I made the first 3D mask for Salman Khan’s Kick (2014). The introductory poster of the film featured just the mask. It was a huge hit.”
Also Read: 10 Years of Kick: “We worked like mad scientists trying to get the COMPLICATED double-flashback structure right. When making a Salman Khan movie, one not only has to tell the story but also make Salman fans happy” – Chetan Bhagat
read moreAnmol Bishnoi ordered shooter to smoke while firing outside Salman Khan's house, reveals chargesheet: “Aise lage ki bekhauf chalate hai”
Actor Salman Khan experienced a major scare in April this year after two bike-borne men opened fire outside his Mumbai house on the instructions of Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Excerpts from the chargesheet have now surfaced online, shedding light on the chilling details of the incident.
Anmol Bishnoi's Disturbing Instructions According to a report in the Indian Express, the 1,735-page chargesheet includes a transcript of an audio conversation between Anmol Bishnoi and one of the shooters, Vickykumar Gupta. Bishnoi instructed Gupta to fire the rounds in a manner that would intimidate Salman Khan.
The transcript reveals Bishnoi's directive: "Waha pe goliya bade soch samajh kar aur saari jagah tatatat chalani hai. Us waqt cigarette peete peete hi chalana taki camera mein aaye… ki aise lage ki bekhauf chalate hai ji." This translates to Bishnoi asking the shooter to fire thoughtfully and to smoke while shooting to appear fearless on camera. Orders to Avoid Helmets and Appear Fearless Bishnoi further instructed the shooters to avoid wearing helmets during the act, emphasizing that their goal was to show the world their fearlessness. This directive aimed to create an impression of audacity and defiance. Salman Khan's Statement Salman Khan's statement has also been recorded in the chargesheet. During the interrogation, Khan expressed his belief that the Bishnoi gang had targeted him with lethal intent and that multiple attempts had been made in the past to scare and harm his family. "I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartment's first-floor balcony," Khan recounted. Previous Threats and Bounty Earlier reports revealed that the Bishnoi gang had issued a bounty of Rs 25 lakh to kill Salman Khan and had planned to murder him in 'Sidhu Moosewala style'. The constant threats have kept the actor and his family on high alert, heightening their security measures.
Also Read: 10 Years of Kick: “We worked like mad scientists trying to get the COMPLICATED double-flashback structure right. When making a Salman Khan movie, one not only has to tell the story but also make Salman fans happy” – Chetan Bhagat
read moreKushal Tandon joins Alibaug's Elite at Sol de Alibaug: Now neighbors with Kriti Sanon & Amitabh Bachchan
Actor Kushal Tandon has joined the ranks of celebrities drawn to the serene town of Alibaug, becoming neighbors to Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Kriti Sanon. A recent report suggests that Tandon purchased a plot in Alibaug, a town known for its tranquil beaches and proximity to Mumbai.
Joining Elite company
Tandon’s acquisition follows headlines about Amitabh Bachchan and Kriti Sanon also buying land in Alibaug, placing him among esteemed companies. This move signifies Tandon's desire for a more personalized and peaceful retreat, with plans to construct a spacious bungalow on his newly acquired property.
Alibaug: A celebrity haven
Alibaug has become a favored destination for many celebrities seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The town's picturesque beaches and serene environment make it an ideal location for those looking for tranquility while still being close to the city.
Kushal Tandon's recent ventures
This property purchase happened right after Tandon’s latest TV show, Barsatein, ended. He is known for being selective about his acting roles and has been a regular face on TV. He has appeared in web series, reality shows like Nach Baliye, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Bigg Boss, and acted in dramas such as Beyhadh and Barsatein – Mausam Pyaar Ka.
Kushal Tandon's new property purchase in Alibaug marks another milestone in his journey, joining the ranks of Bollywood's elite in this picturesque locale. As he embarks on building his new home, fans and followers can look forward to more updates from this serene celebrity enclave
Also Read: Kushal Tandon demands action against Armaan Malik for slapping Vishal Pandey
read moreShweta Tiwari reveals her next project with Karan Johar; says, “I play a don-like character”
Shweta Tiwari appeared earlier this year in Rohit Shetty's Indian Police Force. In her next role, she will portray an intelligence officer under Ajay Devgn's Sangram Bhalerao in Singham Again. But that's not it. The Kasautii Zindagii Kay actor is now also working with Karan Johar. Karan has recently collaborated with well-known television performers such as Lakshya in Kill and Kshitee Jog, Arjun Bijlani, Bharti Singh, Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Shraddha Arya, Sriti Jha, and Arjit Taneja in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Shweta reveals her next project with the filmmaker's production house and said “I’m doing Dharma Productions’ upcoming web series. In that, I play a don-like character who wears a saree and smokes cigarettes (laughs). It was a very challenging role and that’s why I wanted to do it.”
Though she is tight-lipped about other details, she says she is prepared for smaller roles in this next chapter of her career. She shared, “I’ve always told myself – ‘do what you like.’ I’ve been a lead face in television but when I’m stepping out and foraying into something else, I want to explore different parts. I know that I’ve to accept smaller roles if I want to work with a certain director or an actor. I want to make my debut in different avenues every five years.”
For the uninitiated, she has dabbled in filmmaking throughout her broadcast career. However, it was not an easy ride, as she encountered discrimination'many times in multiple places'. Shweta recalls one episode and said, “There’s this very famous director who I don’t want to name. This one time he called me for a role in his film. He told me the character perfectly suited me and that he really wanted me to do it. And then he said, ‘But the problem is, you’re a TV actor. Kaise bechunga main? Kaise bolunga main producers ko ki yeh TV waali actress hai?’”
She continued, “I told him that if that’s the case, why did you call me in the first place? He only called me to narrate the story and to say it to me that I’m just a TV actor! I don’t know why he even asked me to meet him. I said to him, ‘Okay, fine.’ And left. In my mind, I kept thinking ki, abhi aap ko yaad aaya ki main TV karti hoon, phone karte waqt yaad nahi tha?”
Shweta has recently been rejecting down assignments owing to low remuneration, but she is willing to make an exception on one condition. “I’m very content in my life today. Be it personal life or work, I’m very much at peace with everything. Jo mann ko bhaata hai, woh hi karti hoon. If the project is very good, then I don’t look at money, I just do it. There’s this greed to do good work even today. Sometimes when I see that producers don’t have the budget to afford me, I even offer to work for free,” she stated.
Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Shweta Tiwari SLAMS unrealistic TV shows: “It doesn’t seem real. You can’t even relate”
read more1 Year of 'Heeriye': Inside Dulquer Salmaan and Taani Tanvir's celebration
It's been one year since the release of the hit song ‘Heeriye’, starring Dulquer Salmaan and beautifully directed by Taani Tanvir. This enchanting track, featuring the mesmerizing chemistry of Dulquer Salmaan and Jasleen Royal, continues to garner immense love and remains a favorite among listeners. Taani Tanvir crafted a love anthem that resonates deeply, celebrating the affection one has for their partner. On the first anniversary of 'Heeriye’, it’s clear that it still holds a special place in our playlists.
The enduring magic of 'Heeriye'
'Heeriye,' directed by Taani Tanvir, continues to captivate souls with its endearing melody. Sung by Arijit Singh and Jasleen Royal, and composed by Jasleen Royal, the song remains a chartbuster with over 300 million views and counting. This soulful romantic track radiates pure love, making it timeless. Fans can now enjoy some unseen behind-the-scenes pictures from the shooting days of 'Heeriye,' offering a glimpse into the magic that brought this song to life.
Taani Tanvir: A journey of resilience and talent
Reflecting on Taani Tanvir's journey, which skyrocketed with 'Heeriye,' she has emerged as a talent worth reckoning with. Under the mentorship of renowned filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf and musical maestro AR Rahman, Taani has shown remarkable resilience and self-learning. Growing up in the tumultuous 90s in Jammu & Kashmir, she overcame immense challenges to become the first woman film director from the state. Her story is one of inspiration and determination, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers.
Celebrating success: Dulquer Salmaan and Taani Tanvir
As 'Heeriye' celebrates its first anniversary, unseen pictures from the success bash featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Taani Tanvir have surfaced. These images capture the joyous moments and camaraderie shared by the team, reflecting the hard work and passion that went into creating this hit song.
read moreSalman Khan celebrates rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur’s birthday with his family, see photos
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's family came together to make Iulia Vantur's 44th birthday a truly memorable affair. The Romanian beauty, who shares a deep-rooted bond with the Khan family, was showered with love and affection by her rumoured beau and his clan.
A heartwarming glimpse into the celebration was shared by Salman's brother-in-law, Atul Agnihotri, on his Instagram story. The photo captured the essence of the joyous occasion, featuring Salman, his sisters Arpita Khan Sharma and Alvira Agnihotri, their respective spouses Aayush Sharma and Atul, and their adorable children.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were Arbaaz Khan's son Arhaan and Sohail Khan's son Nirvaan. Atul's simple yet heartfelt caption, “Happy Birthday, @vanturiulia,” accompanied by tags of the family members.
Iulia has become an integral part of the Khan family. Her musical collaborations with Salman, including the chart-topping tracks ‘Jag Ghoomeya’ from Sultan and Seeti Maar from Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai.
On the work front, Salman Khan will next star in Sikandar, set for Eid 2025 release. ALSO READ: Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt to reunite soon: Report
read moreJaved Akhtar SLAMS Animal’s boot-licking scene AGAIN; calls it “caricature of an angry young man”
Renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has expressed his disapproval of the portrayal of the “angry young man” character in the recent film Animal. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has been the subject of much debate for its controversial scenes.
Akhtar, who, along with his collaborator Salim Khan, is credited with introducing the “angry young man” archetype in Hindi cinema with films like Zanjeer, believes that the character has been distorted in recent times. He criticised the trend of depicting the male protagonist as a domineering and aggressive figure, citing a particular scene in Animal where the female lead is asked to lick the male protagonist's shoe.
In a recent interview with We Are Yuvaa, Javed said, “In the south also, he (the hero) is turning into a caricature. Now he is the kind of man who wants a woman to lick his shoe. He is already starting to turn into a caricature of an angry young man or a strong man.” Later, the interviewer asked him if he had watched the film. The lyricist said, "No, thank god."
The lyricist further spoke about the difference between the “angry young man” characters he and Salim Khan created and the ones portrayed in contemporary cinema. While the former were deeply rooted in social and economic realities, the latter seem to be mere caricatures driven by toxic masculinity.
Javed Akhtar also highlighted the importance of strong female characters in his and Salim Khan's films, stating that women were portrayed as independent and opinionated individuals.
Also Read: Javed Akhtar reacts to Sandeep Reddy Vanga taking a dig at him; says, “53 years ke career mein tum kuch bhi nahi nikaal paye”
read moreAmidst the upcoming release of Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, here’s looking at Taapsee Pannu’s Rani inspired rainbow sarees
Taapsee Pannu and her saree looks are simply sizzling. The Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba actress is truly one of a kind as far as fashion is concerned, never failing to make our jaws drop every time she appears in a saree. She leaves her fans drooling over her pictures, proving her unmatched charm and elegance.
Here are 6 saree looks of Taapsee Pannu that are mesmerizing:
Violet Love
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
Taapsee Pannu in this violet saree is absolutely irresistible. She carries this silky saree effortlessly and looks enchanting, reminiscent of her captivating role in Haseen Dillruba.
Indigo Magic
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
One of our favorite looks of Taapsee Pannu is in an indigo saree with her hair open. She completes her look with red bangles, keeping it minimalistic yet stunning.
Beat the Blues
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
Those soft curls and a saree adorned with a red rose make for a look to die for. Taapsee looks charismatic in this avatar, evoking the intense emotions of her character Rani.
Green Dust
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
A bottle-green saree can never go wrong, and this look of Taapsee Pannu is both enchanting and attractive. She exudes a magical vibe, much like the allure she brings to her films.
As Bright as Sunshine in Yellow
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
Fans are in awe of Taapsee Pannu in a yellow saree. Her charm and beauty are irresistible, just like the radiant energy she brings to the screen.
Never Going Wrong with a Red Saree
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)
Taapsee Pannu in red is a deadly combination. She looks chic and elegant in these pictures, paired with a slightly darker blouse. Taapsee looks stunning in this look, ready to captivate us once again.
As we admire these stunning saree moments, we eagerly await Taapsee's return as Rani in the upcoming Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba. With her vibrant saree choices reflecting the colors of the rainbow, she continues to prove that she is the one to watch, both on and off the screen.
Also Read: “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is the craziest story we’ve told so far,” reveals Aanand L Rai
read more