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Anees Bazmi’s No Entry managed to do the near-impossible. It was a sex comedy without overt sex and vulgarity. The upmarket, high-profile star cast ensures a high-quality, cleaned-out satirical scenario freed of annoying innuendos. Nonetheless, the swiftly flowing slapstick replete with grossly overblown dollops of mistaken identity and other intensely corny contrivances takes the comedy this farce and no more.

Farcical comedies about infidelity are not alien to Hindi cinema. B.R. Chopra’s Pati Patni Aur Woh gave the late and great Sanjeev Kumar a chance to do the incorrigible flirtatious husband with a deadpan ingenuity that his successors have found hard to replicate. The men are constantly chasing the women, while their spouses are constantly chasing their skirt-chasing husbands. The confusions of infidelity are gross examples of political incorrectness.

Recalling the No Entry experience, Anees says, “No Entry got a lot of love. Everybody started saying that because of No Entry,...

As with any time I try to explain a massive figure in Indian film to the uninitiated, the temptation rises quickly to compare director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to someone in Hollywood.

And, as with any time I actually make these comparisons, everything falls short. Bhansali depicts spectacle evocative of the work of Baz Luhrmann, but even that is a pale imitation (no disrespect to either). There is no one literally anywhere in the world creating cinema with the scale and grandeur that Bhansali has cultivated as his signature, a style so distinct that his own peers pay homage to it while he’s still alive and working.

But at the top of IndieWire’s conversation about Bhansali’s career, he’s quick to shake the larger-than-life visual splendor of his creations, emphasizing — as writer, director and producer, among his many hats — that the stories themselves evoke that scope.

“It’s...

A unique combination of circumstances led to him landing in Bombay soon after the Partition and being tasked with directing a film, though his cinematic experience was limited to being a film journalist. He even managed to rope in a top actor – and on the very first day, questioned his rendition of a crucial scene.

Recalling the episode decades later, veteran Hindi film director and producer B.R. Chopra revealed that Ashok Kumar, who had somehow agreed to act in the film despite his misgivings at its totally green director, was taken aback.

“He then suggested that he would do the shot again in the way I suggested, and prints of both this and the way he had done, should be made, and he would check them the next day to see which was better,” he told Bollywood personality and chronicler Shashi Ranjan in an interview.

As a nervous Chopra arrived...

It is one of Hindi films’ most cherished and eternal romantic songs, featuring the urbane Guru Dutt and the ethereal Waheeda Rehman, but the dream-like music for “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho” was scored by its composer within 10 minutes and its opening lyrics took even lesser time. Music director Ravi, to whom we owe this melody, revealed the tune came to him as he was returning home from work and it took him “just 5 to 7 minutes” to refine it.

Stopping there, he called up lyricist Shakeel Badayuni and recited “Chaudvin ka chand ho…”. In a minute, Shakeel responded with “Ya aftaab ho…” and after another couple of minutes, added “Jo bhi ho tum khuda ki kasam, laajawab ho”.

“Chaudvin ka Chand” (1960) proved to be a pace-setter for Ravi, who was born in Delhi on this day (March 3) in 1926, for it established his reputation, and he went on to score for many...

Actor Puneet Issar, who is known for essaying the role of Duryodhana in B. R. Chopra’s television series ‘Mahabharat’, is set to tell the Indian epic tale of ‘Ramayana’ in a Broadway-style musical.

The show titled ‘Jai Shri Ram – Ramayan’, will be premiered in the US and Canada after successful exhibition across India.

The show, created, written, produced, and directed by Puneet Issar & Siddhant Issar, offers a captivating rendition of the epic and presents its highlights in a poetic format.

The duration of the play is 2 hours and 45 minutes inclusive of 15-minute intervals. This musical Broadway-style theatrical show has 13 original sound tracks and a live background score.

Talking about the musical show, Puneet Issar shared: “I am thrilled to premiere this grandeur, offering audiences in the US and Canada a glimpse of Indian artistry and talent through this unforgettable epic narrative. This is not only an ancient Indian epic,...

Fighter

Starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone , Anil Kapoor

Directed by Siddharth Anand

Hrithik Roshan does a homegrown Tom Cruise in Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan without its jaan, Shah Rukh Khan.

It is a rollercoaster ride for those who are not fans of airborne disasters. You may enjoy Hrithik and Deepika, together for the first and blast time, flying war planes across the LoC. But hell, you know it is not them in the planes. Even if it is they, the stress is more creating a midair Cruise than focussing on the relationships.

Most fatally, Roshan and Padukone seem to have very little us-time together. Most of the time their characters Patty and Mini move in a group with their other airforce chums, doing so many slo-mo shots together it feels like an ad for war wear. Speaking of ads, Deepika tells Roshan at some point in their pointless prattle, “I’ve heard you like Zomato.

Actress Dipika Chikhlia, who along with other celebrities attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, shared some unseen photos with Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Nitish Bharadwaj, and Sunil Lahri.

The senior actress Dipika is best known for portraying Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s ‘Ramayan’. The epic show featured Arun Govil as Lord Ram, and Sunil as Lakshman.

Dipika, who is avid social media user, and enjoys 2.5 million followers on Instagram, shared a Reel video, wherein she can be seen posing with others stars amid the backdrop of the beautiful Ram Mandir.

The actress is wearing an orange coloured saree and opted for gold jewellery. The video shows Dipika posing Nitish Bharadwaj, who is best known for his role as Lord Krishna in B R Chopra’s TV show ‘Mahabharat’.

Dipika is also posing with her ‘Ramayan’ co-star Sunil. There are happy pictures with Anupam Kher, Kangana, and Bjp MP Manoj Tiwari.

Senior actress Sheela Sharma, who is known for her work in shows like ‘Mahabharat’, ‘Junoon’, and others, has opened up on the rising demand of Ott projects, and shared how she thinks television is still in demand, and it is no less than any other medium.

The TV industry is going through a transition phase for the last few years due to stiff competition given by Ott platforms.

Sharing her views on the same, Sheela, who portrayed Devaki in the 1988 B. R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, said that television as a medium is still very close to audiences and it touches and reaches every household in rural and urban areas.

“Ott platforms are coming up with really good concepts. Their budget is also good and everything is nice about it. But TV would never stop. There are so many shows which people are hooked to. There are shows which have been...

Yash Chopra & Family’s Staggering 7,500 Crore Net Worth: From Aditya Chorpa To Rani Mukerji, Here’s How Much Each Member Contributes!(Photo Credit –YouTube/koimoi/wikimedia)

Film families in India hold their rich legacy close to their hearts. From Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor following in the footsteps of their father, Prithviraj Kapoor, to Nagarjuna paving the way for sons, Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni, the cinema business in India is predominantly run by such well-established families. While most of these clans have been leading from the front, enchanting the audience with their screen presence, there’s also one joint film family whose leading man gets all the work done from behind the camera. Yes, we are talking about the Yash Chopra family and Aditya Chopra.

Aditya Chopra, filling his father Yash Chopra’s shoes, has created an empire of his own. The man known for creating magic...

The play ‘Chakravyuh’ starring iconic Nitish Bharadwaj written and directed by Atul Satya Koushik reaches its 100th and 101st shows in Mumbai on September 17th at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra. Starring the iconic Nitish Bharadwaj, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Lord Krishna in B R Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, this production has enchanted audiences across the nation, has been performed at the Indian parliament, respected L K Advani’s residence and has received acclaim at some of the most renowned festivals of India.

This play unfolds the narrative of the momentous thirteenth day in the grand scheme of the Mahabharata’s great battle. It transcends the mere essence of ‘Chakravyuh’ as a war-craft, ascending to the realm of profound philosophy. Delving into the intricacies of Abhimanyu’s demise within the labyrinthine formation unveils a multitude of inquiries, myths, ideologies, and convictions spanning diverse planes of existence.

Crafted in the ethereal verses,...

The play ‘Chakravyuh’ starring iconic Nitish Bharadwaj written and directed by Atul Satya Koushik reaches its 100th and 101st shows in Mumbai on September 17th at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra. Starring the iconic Nitish Bharadwaj, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Lord Krishna in B R Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, this production has enchanted audiences across the nation, has been performed at the Indian parliament, respected L K Advani’s residence and has received acclaim at some of the most renowned festivals of India.

This play unfolds the narrative of the momentous thirteenth day in the grand scheme of the Mahabharata’s great battle. It transcends the mere essence of ‘Chakravyuh’ as a war-craft, ascending to the realm of profound philosophy. Delving into the intricacies of Abhimanyu’s demise within the labyrinthine formation unveils a multitude of inquiries, myths, ideologies, and convictions spanning diverse planes of existence.

Crafted in the ethereal verses,...

By celebrating her 90th birthday with a live performance in Dubai on September 8, Asha Bhosle will be proving yet again that she not only has a tremendous zest for life, but also an ebullience that has enabled her to rule Hindi film music across many genres, from classical to cabaret numbers, sing for generations of composers and audiences, and bring home every award that counts, barring the Bharat Ratna, which she rightfully deserves.

I first met Asha Bhosle after the release of ‘Hare Krishna Hare Ram’ (1971), where I was assisting Dev Anand, and met her last as recently as in 2019 at a music festival in Jaipur, where she was surrounded by friends and admirers, and yet she mentioned to all those present how long our association has been.

I have had the good fortune of writing the lyrics of two of her ageless hit numbers — ‘Jab Chhaye Mera Jadoo’ (‘Lootmaar’; 1980) and ‘Suniye,...

Intrinsically talented, both, separately and jointly, gave a new direction to Hindi film music. But to achieve this, Asha Bhosle and Rahul Dev Burman had to surmount a major “hurdle” – creating a new identity distinct from their illustrious and established kin: elder sibling Lata Mangeshkar and father Sachin Dev Burman.

And both succeeded – with a combination of luck, support, their own undeniable virtuosity, and above all, their first joint effort.

AshaBhosle – who is still going strong at 90, having worked with four generations of music composers from O P Nayyar to A R Rehman – added a sensuous allure and element of forthrightness for the Hindi film heroine, without becoming risque or boisterous, even as Burman adroitly used pop and jazz to good effect in electrifying film music – bringing the age of Elvis Presley and the Beatles to India.

Rejected at a trial for a film in 1947 as the sound recording engineer...

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan hilariously sparked a “saas-bahu” competition on the 15th season of quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ with a contestant by asking him who cooks better his mother or his wife. In the latest episode of the show, Amitabh was seen asking the contestant what he likes to eat.

To which the contestant replied: “I like the food prepared by my mother. Aloo matar ki sabji, aloo paratha, aur paneer ki sabji.”

Pointing to the contestant’s wife, the cine icon said: “I won’t say anything more. Because I’m receiving glares from that end. Your wife is asking why you like your mother’s food and not hers?”

Contestant said: “Since childhood I’ve had food made by my mom. My wife is a recent addition to the family. So l’ll eat the food prepared by her also.”

The thespian then quipped: “Sir, you’re saying this to please everyone.

The young contestant Jaskaran Singh, who became the first crorepati on the ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ season 15, could not win Rs seven crore, as he failed to answer the question on Indian mythology.

The 21-year-old Jaskaran, who hails from a small village Khalra, Punjab, which is at the cusp of the Indian border, aspires to become an Ias officer.

In the episode 17th of the quiz-based reality show, hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Jaskaran won the hearts of the actor as well as the audience with his display of knowledge.

However, after winning Rs one crore, Jaskaran was not able to answer the Rs seven crore question and he decided to quit the game. Big B lauded his decision to quit the game at the high risk point.

The question of Rs 7 crore was: According to the Padma Purana, which king had to live as a tiger for a hundred years...

New Delhi, Sep 4 (Ians) Actor Siddhant Issar, who is playing ‘Tarkasur’ in the show ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’, thanked his father Puneet Issar for being his biggest cheerleader, and guru.

Magnum opus ‘Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyag Tandav’ revolves around two of the revered deities –Shiv and Shakti. It traces their journey of duty, sacrifice, and separation that leads to tap, tyag, and tandav. The show is a grand depiction of the universe’s first love story between Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

Siddhant is seen as ‘Tarkasur’, the son of Vajranga and Vajrangi. He dons a unique look curated to signify the demon king’s enigmatic and evil energy.

Siddhant is the son of Puneet Issar, who is known for his portrayal of Duryodhana in B R Chopra’s television series ‘Mahabharat’.

Talking about his father, Siddhant shared: “I would like to thank my father Puneet on ‘Teacher’s Day’. He’s my biggest cheerleader,...

New Delhi, Aug 16 (Ians) Actor Siddhant Issar, who is playing ‘Tarkasur’ in the show ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’, said his father Puneet Issar is his biggest inspiration, and he is proud of taking his legacy in the mythological genre ahead.

Magnum opus ‘Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyag Tandav’ revolves around two of the revered deities –Shiv and Shakti. It traces their journey of duty, sacrifice, and separation that leads to tap, tyag, and tandav. The show is a grand depiction of the universe’s first love story between Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

Siddhant is seen as ‘Tarkasur’, the son of Vajranga and Vajrangi. He dons a unique look curated to signify the demon king’s enigmatic and evil energy. The show will capture Tarkasur undergoing arduous penance for a long time to wield the power to defeat Indra and the Devas and conquer Swarg Lok. A legendary chapter will unfold...

A lot of films have been at the centre of controversies in all the years I have been an observer of the film trade. Some, because they chose a subject where a certain community was at the centre of the story, some, while they were attempting a realistic film, and some others who loved a book penned by a renowned writer, decided it was worth retelling it as a film and getting brickbats in return.

Take, for instance, ‘Ramnagari’ by Ram Nagarkar. The film was made by the National Award-winning filmmaker Kantilal Rathod in 1982. Objections were raised against certain references in the film and the Censor Board stalled its release. The problem Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Billu Barber’ faced some 27 years later was similar. The community known as Nayi or Hajam is called Barber in English.

In later years, these examples were followed by communities on a larger scale and somewhere along the way,...

Veteran actor Raza Murad, who has been friends with late actor Gufi Paintal, fondly remembered his life and on-screen presence. Known for playing Sakuni Mama in the epic television serial ‘Mahabharat’, Gufi Paintal passed away due to prolonged illness in Mumbai on Monday.

His body has been moved from the hospital to his home, where Raza Muard was among the first to reach and be around to help the family.

Talking to the media about his friend, Raza Murad said: “I was friends with him for 50 years. Filmmaker Rahul Ravail made the movie ‘Gunhegaar’. I was the actor in the film and Gufi was assistant director. In those days he was remembered for being Paintal Saab’s brother.” He was referring to Kanwaljeet Paintal, the popular comedian and better known of the two brothers.

Remembering his friend, Raza Murad said: “There was another movie, ‘Laila Majnu’, where he was handling the production.

Mumbai, June 5 (Ians) Veteran actor and film-maker Sarabjeet Singh alias ‘Gufi’ Paintal – the elder brother of the noted comedian Kanwarjit Singh Paintal – passed away due to old-age related problems here on Monday, Bollywood sources said.

Gufi was 78 and is best remembered for his role as the cunning ‘Shakuni Mama’ in the mega-teleserial by the late B. R. Chopra, ‘Mahabharat’ (1988-1990) which was a rage on Doordarshan.

Born on October 4, 1944 in the pilgrim town of Tarn Taran in Punjab, he also worked in films like ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, ‘Dillagi’, ‘Des Pardes’, ‘Suhaag’, and more, besides nearly 18 teleserials in various genres and roles.

Last week, his nephew and actor Hiten Paintal had told mediapersons that his uncle Gufi was serious and had been rushed to a private hospital in Andheri for heart and kidney related problems.

After an unsuccessful battle for life, Gufi breathed his last this morning, a second major Bollywood tragedy...

Mumbai, April 22 (Ians) Veteran actor Puneet Issar, who is best known for his role of Duryodhana in B. R. Chopra’s ‘Mahabharat’, will now be seen essaying a patriarch Bhanupratap in the new show ‘Vanshaj’.

Talking about his role, Puneet said: “As one of the living elders of this family who has witnessed the ascent of the empire, Bhanupratap has held it together and prevented it from crumbling despite the undercurrent of family dynamics.”

Puneet has been part of a number of films and TV shows. He acted in films like ‘Chandra Mukhi’, ‘Prem Shakti’, ‘Ram Jaane’, ‘Border’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Krrish’, ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’, ‘Ready’, among others. He was also part of TV shows such as ‘Param Vir Chakra’, ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’, ‘Junoon’, ‘Noorjahan’, ‘Choti Sarrdaarni’, ‘Bigg Boss 8’, and many more.

The 63-year-old actor further said that the values and ideals of his on-screen character are quite relatable and he personally finds a connection with Bhanupratap.

NewsPamela Chopra who sang in Hindi and Punjabi is remembered for several popular numbers like the vivacious 'Main sasural nahin jaoongi' (Chandni) and the folk song 'Banno ki aayegi baraat' (Aaina).IANSProducer and playback singer Pamela Chopra - wife of filmmaker late Yash Chopra - passed away in Mumbai, her family announced here on Thursday. She was 74. "With heavy hearts, the Chopra family would like to inform you that Pamela Chopra, 74, passed away this morning,” said the family statement. Her cremation took place at 11 am on April 20 in Mumbai, it said. The family also requested "for privacy in this moment of deep sadness and reflection" and expressed gratitude to all for their prayers. Pamela nee Singh, was ailing for a couple of weeks and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment where she breathed her last this morning, a Bollywood source said. She is survived by her two sons - Aditya Chopra,...

Pamela Chopra, widow of the Czar of romantic films, Yash Chopra, passed away in Mumbai today. She was 85.

She was ailing for a couple of weeks and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment where she breathed her last this morning, an industry source said.

Pamela is survived by her two sons – Aditya Chopra, film-maker who is married to actress Rani Mukherjee, and actor-producer Uday Chopra.

Pamela Singh – a cousin of the renowned actress Simi Garewal, was married in 1970 to Yash Chopra, the younger brother of the legendary film-maker B. R. Chopra.

Yash Chopra, a multiple National Award winner and a Dadasaheb Phalke Award laureate passed away in Mumbai in October 2012, aged 80, due to Dengue.

The youngest of Bollywood’s famous Kapoor brothers, he did not have their one defining and enduring cinematic image – Raj’s naive "tramp" identity in the Charlie Chaplin tradition or Shammi’s Elvis-like jiving, rebellious "playboy" persona, but went to surpass both in sheer diversity of his acting.

With his copybook good looks, rakish smile, infectious charm, toothy grin and languid drawl, or the air of earnestness, playing romantic roles, be they of businessmen, police inspectors, college students, et al came naturally to him, but Shashi Kapoor went on to play more ‘common man’ roles, decadent princes, aging poets and even angels with the same charm and intensity.

Born on March 18, 1938 in the then Calcutta to Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarn ‘Rama’ Devi, Balbir Raj ‘Shashi’ Kapoor was destined to walk in his family’s footsteps on the silver screen.

Though he first appeared on screen as a child artiste in...

For a self-taught musician, it is rather impressive how his melodies underscored popular culture for a range of occasions in late 20th century India – be it children’s lullabies “Chandamama door ke” or “Chal mere ghode”, “Ham bhi agar bachche hote” for their birthdays, “Mera yaar bana hai dulha” and “Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai” for marriages, as well introducing Afghan and Arab strains into Hindi film music.

That was the talent of music composer Ravi, whose contributions went beyond providing enthralling music in films such as “Chaudhvin ka Chand” (1960), “Gharana” (1961), “Waqt” (1965), “Do Badan” (1966), and “Hamraaz” (1967).

To Ravi also goes credit for giving Asha Bhosle a prominent place in playback with songs ranging from playful “C A T cat, cat maane billii” to wistfully romantic “Jab chali thandi hawa” (“Do Badan”) to the entrancingly philosophical “Aage bhi na jaane tu” (“Waqt”), as well helping Mahendra Kapoor evolve from yet another Mohd Rafi clone,...

Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar – the intense, multi-faceted actor who rose to be not just a superstar but a supergiantstar – and inspired generations of future actors and filmmakers with the art and science of his acting talents, remains glowing brightly in the starry film galaxy. On his 100th birth anniversary on Sunday, here’s a quick view of a few of his top, timeless, superhit films which still enthrall movie buffs, now mostly on the small screen.

In his acting career spanning 55 years, Dilip Kumar performed in an estimated 57 films with an awesome success rate of around 65 per cent.

The eternal mega-blockbuster was, of course, “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960), directed by the legendary Asif Karim (better known as K Asif), which shattered records and created new ones, many which still stand unbroken today.

In the film, Dilip Kumar essayed the role of a bohemian Prince Salim, who later became fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir,...

His life seems right out of a Bollywood potboiler. Pulled out of school and put to work on his family’s agricultural land, he is married off young but frustrated at the bickering between wife and mother, he goes abroad to make a career. In a few short years, he is not only a celebrity sportsman and a popular film star, but a cultural icon.

This was the life of Deedar Singh Randhawa, or Dara Singh, as we better know him.

Capable of tossing villains around without breaking a sweat, stopping airplanes with his bare hands, and chasing criminals to the moon in his onscreen persona, and in real life, boasting of a long bout as an unbeaten wrestler in both the amateur and professional circuits, and once lifting up a portly Raj Kapoor in his trademark “aeroplane” spin move in public, his very name was synonymous with sheer strength...

Introduction: The year was 2013. I got an invite to attend a programme in the Sahir Ludhianvi auditorium in Govt. College Ludhiana. It was a pleasant surprise. I found the auditorium full of fans of Sahir Ludhianvi who created such a visible memoir for this son of soil, that four hours just slipped like a blip and there was no hurry to conclude it! I had then decided to write about this legendary poet and lyricist and the brain gave a gentle nudge to write about him as a part of the series celebrating 75 years of Independence through cinema. The occasion served when his death anniversary was celebrated on 24 October 2022.

After having returned from Pakistan good, he came to Mumbai to try his luck as a lyricist. Though he made his debut as a lyricist in 1948 with Azadi Kee Rah Mein. 1950 was the year when he announced his arrival with a...

From a family of prominent lawyers, he was expected to follow in their footsteps, but instead chose a career in the fledgling Hindi film industry – and uncharacteristically, not as a hero. Virtually dragooned by his legendary boss taking over a lead role, despite the director’s opposition, he, in his first-ever take, muffed up a simple scene with the heroine, and then, left the villain with a fractured leg.

That, in 1936, was the rather farcical start of the career of Ashok Kumar, who was born on this day in 1911.

Undaunted, he went on to establish himself not only as Hindi cinema’s first superstar as the 1940s began, but also one who was known for his air of naturalness and his willingness to reinvent himself and experiment with playing morally ambiguous or anti-hero roles.

At the appropriate time, he moved on to playing more mature roles in line with his age,...

By Vikas Datta

He still strides Bollywood like a colossus in his 80th year, with his stellar over half a century long career speaking for itself. But Amitabh Bachchan’s entry into the cinematic industry was far from easy, as he faced only dismissive reactions, outright rejection, and even a brawl (indirectly) when he made his initial foray in 1967 – despite being championed by a star couple and the then Prime Minister.

He was dismissed as “not star material”, “someone no heroine would like to work with”, and even advised to “write poetry like his father”, recalls Raaj Grover, the production-in-charge of Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts, who was tasked to take him around to producers and directors that time.

In his book of reminiscences “The Legends of Bollywood” (2018), he says that the process began when in August-September 1967, when Amitabh’s younger brother Ajitabh, who knew of his brother’s desire to become a star,...

By Vikas Datta

He still strides Bollywood like a colossus in his 80th year, with his stellar over half a century long career speaking for itself. But Amitabh Bachchan’s entry into the cinematic industry was far from easy, as he faced only dismissive reactions, outright rejection, and even a brawl (indirectly) when he made his initial foray in 1967 – despite being championed by a star couple and the then Prime Minister.

He was dismissed as “not star material”, “someone no heroine would like to work with”, and even advised to “write poetry like his father”, recalls Raaj Grover, the production-in-charge of Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts, who was tasked to take him around to producers and directors that time.

In his book of reminiscences “The Legends of Bollywood” (2018), he says that the process began when in August-September 1967, when Amitabh’s younger brother Ajitabh, who knew of his brother’s desire to become a star,...

By Vikas Datta

He still strides Bollywood like a colossus in his 80th year, with his stellar over half a century long career speaking for itself. But Amitabh Bachchan’s entry into the cinematic industry was far from easy, as he faced only dismissive reactions, outright rejection, and even a brawl (indirectly) when he made his initial foray in 1967 – despite being championed by a star couple and the then Prime Minister.

He was dismissed as “not star material”, “someone no heroine would like to work with”, and even advised to “write poetry like his father”, recalls Raaj Grover, the production-in-charge of Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts, who was tasked to take him around to producers and directors that time.

In his book of reminiscences “The Legends of Bollywood” (2018), he says that the process began when in August-September 1967, when Amitabh’s younger brother Ajitabh, who knew of his brother’s desire to become a star,...

He still strides Bollywood like a colossus in his 80th year, with his stellar over half a century long career speaking for itself. But Amitabh Bachchan’s entry into the cinematic industry was far from easy, as he faced only dismissive reactions, outright rejection, and even a brawl (indirectly) when he made his initial foray in 1967 – despite being championed by a star couple and the then Prime Minister.

He was dismissed as “not star material”, “someone no heroine would like to work with”, and even advised to “write poetry like his father”, recalls Raaj Grover, the production-in-charge of Sunil Dutt’s Ajanta Arts, who was tasked to take him around to producers and directors that time.

In his book of reminiscences “The Legends of Bollywood” (2018), he says that the process began when in August-September 1967, when Amitabh’s younger brother Ajitabh, who knew of his brother’s desire to become a star,...

The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.Garam Hava.“The land is divided, lives are shattered. Storms rage in every heart; it’s the same here or there. Funeral pyres in every home, the flames mount higher. Every city is deserted; it’s the same here or there.”Thus begins M.S. Sathyu’s seminal historical drama Garam Hava (Scorching Winds, 1974), one of the most insightful films about the 1947 Partition of India. The Partition was a cataclysmic migration event in the histories of both India and Pakistan—the “here or there” referenced in these lines by screenwriter and poet Kaifi Azmi, though it’s purposefully not made explicit which refers to which. In Garam Hava, a shoe manufacturer named Salim Mirza (an eloquent final performance in the legendary career of actor Balraj Sahni) watches his family migrate to...

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has released a patriotic song, titled ‘Tiranaga’ which is composed and written by him. He shared that it was an enriching experience to compose and to pen a song for the motherland

The song is not only a tribute to freedom fighters but it also remembers legendary personalities of the film industry like Raj Kapoor, B R Chopra and many more. On the contemporary beats, the track tries to capture the essence of brotherhood and unity of the nation.

He says: “The glory of our magnificent motherland is indescribable. This year we complete 75 years of Independence. ‘Tiranga’ is an ode to my India, a country known for its incomparable cultural diversity and illustrious history. Kids, faculty at Whistling Woods were very pumped up when I first read out a couplet from the song.”

The veteran director further talks about the hard work and contribution by the students...

Following a turbulent year plagued by Covid-19 and an industry reckoning following the suicide of a high-profile actor, the Producers Guild of India (Pgi) is again stepping outside its remit to get the entertainment industry back on track.

The Pgi has begun disbursing relief funds to daily wage workers in India’s entertainment industry, who have been the hardest hit group in an industry devastated by Covid-19 since March 2020. Through this drive, funded by Pgi member Netflix, the guild is transferring funds directly into the bank accounts of thousands of active technicians affiliated to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, the umbrella association with which most film workers are affiliated.

Earlier this month, funded by members, the Pgi conducted a mass vaccination camp for industry workers in Mumbai.

These efforts aren’t part of the organization’s remit and aren’t enshrined in its charter, which is mainly to champion producers’ causes,...

Filmmaker Aditya Chopra has unveiled a new logo of Yash Raj Films that marks the beginning of the 50-year celebrations of the production house.

The company, in the logo, captures the history of Yrf that has worked with superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan and entertained audiences with movies such as "Chandni", "Silsila", "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Dhoom" and "War".

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5 decades of capturing your hearts...and we have only just begun. Reserve your seats as we promise to entertain you for the next 50. #YRF50

A post shared by Yash Raj Films (@yrf) on Sep 27, 2020 at 1:30am Pdt

Aditya revealed the logo on September 27, the 88th birth anniversary of his late father and filmmaker Yash Chopra.

In a note that was released earlier by Aditya to kickstart the 50-year celebrations, he had said: "In 1970, my father Yash Chopra, left the security and comfort...

Pati Patni Aur Woh movie review is here. The remake of the 1978 classic comedy by the legendary B.R. Chopra that starred Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha, and Ranjeeta, stars Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday in the new age version.

Directed by Mudassar Aziz, Pati Patni Aur Woh is releasing on December 06, 209. Does the new age version does justice?. Let?s find out in the movie review of Pati Patni Aur Woh

Immediate reaction when the end credits roll

Remakes, adaptations is a tricky business, especially if you touch classics like Pati Patni Aur Woh, an extra care is a must as the soul of the original needs to be protected.

Thankfully writer-director Mudassar Aziz brings in the fresh charm and wit in this out rightly funny and winningly emotional adaptation of B.R. Chopra?s classic comedy that is cheerfully in sync with today?s time and the movie?...

As the murder mystery "Ittefaq" completed two years on Sunday, its lead actor Sidharth Malhotra became nostalgic, reminiscing the film's journey.

"No matter how many ever films you work on, the experience is always unique! Celebrating #2YearsOfIttefaq thinking about the fun times I had while shooting with the amazing team," Sidharth wrote on Instagram.

Also Read:?Sidharth Malhotra gives an insight into his character Raghu

He also posted a video in which he shared some behind the scenes moments.

Helmed by B.R. Chopra's grandson Abhay Chopra and jointly produced by Srk's Red Chillies Entertainment, Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Br Films, "Ittefaq" also featured Sonakshi Sinha and Akshaye Khanna. The movie is an adaptation of a 1969 film of the same name starring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda.

Sidharth will be next seen in "Marjaavaan" along with Riteish Deshmukh and Tara Sutaria. The film will release on November 22.

Actress Ananya Panday, who is sharing screen space with Kartik Aaryan for the first time in their upcoming film titled 'Pati, Patni Aur Woh', has said that her 29-year-old co-star is really funny and always makes everyone laugh on the set.

Ananya Panday was interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week, which celebrated its 20 years in Mumbai on Saturday.

Also Read:?Kartik Aaryan to give a sneak peek into his personal and professional life

A remake of the 1978 original film 'Pati Patni Aur Woh' directed by B.R. Chopra, the new version will see Kartik play the husband, a role which was earlier essayed by Sanjeev Kumar. Bhumi Pednekar will enact the wife's character played by Vidya Sinha. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the remake also stars Ananya Panday as the other woman, which was originally played by Ranjeeta.

"I am very excited for this film.

Actor Kartik Aaryan, who has just wrapped up shooting for filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal 2, found himself a new best friend in Himachal Pradesh.

Kartik took to Instagram on Monday where he shared a video, where he is seen playing with a school girl. He captioned it: "Playing around with my new bff."

Also Read:?Kartik Aaryan calls Imtiaz Ali a "Dream Director"

Love Aaj Kal 2 also stars actress Sara Ali Khan.

Love Aaj Kal, a romantic-comedy film released in 2009, stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Rishi Kapoor in key roles.

Kartik Aaryan?is currently shoting?for his next titled Pati Patni Aur Woh. The film is an adaptation of B.R. Chopra's 1978 film with the same title.

The original film starred late actor Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha and Ranjeeta Kaur in the lead roles. The film is a comical take on extra-marital affairs.

Actor Arjun Kapoor has pointed out the need of gender equality in news headlines. On Twitter, Arjun pointed to an article which read: "It's Kartik Aaryan vs Arjun Kapoor! Pati Patni Aur Woh to clash with Panipat on December 6, 2019." He then commented: "I think we ought to include Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday's names when we refer to our films. It's high time, equality (should) begin with headlines."

Arjun has often spoken on women empowerment. He also starred in a film titled Ki and Ka, which delved upon gender stereotyping.

In Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Panipat, he will feature with Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt. The historical period drama will see Arjun in the role of Sadashivrao Bhau who served as the Sardar Senapati (commander-in-chief) of the Maratha army during the third battle of Panipat.

On box office, it will clash with Pati Patni Aur Woh, an adaptation of...

Phir Ussi Mod Par movie review : Earnest idea..but

Phir Ussi Mod Par movie review is here. The movie is the last offering of late Lekh Tandon who made classics like Amrapali starring Vyjanthimala, Professor, Prince both starring Shammi Kapoor, Agar Tum Na Hote starring Rajesh Khanna. Does Phir Ussi Mod Par recreates the prolific Lekh Tandon?s magic in his final offering?. Find out in Phir Ussi Mod Par movie review.

What is unique about Phir Ussi Mod Par about?

An earnest debate on Triple Talaq ? the practice which is now on hold by the Supreme Court judgment with a request lying in Parliament to pass a law that abolishes this practice in all forms. Probably after the great B.R. Chopra?s 1982 blockbuster Nikaah (1982) initially titled ?Talaq Talaq Talaq? that starred Raj Babbar, Deepak Parashar and introduced Salma Agha, Phir Ussi Mod Par triggers the debate on Triple Talaq in the mainstream format.

Filmmaker Karan Johar says that his next home production movie Ittefaq will bring back gripping entertainers. Johar recently shared that Ittefaq will bring back the age of edge-of-the-seat entertainers in Bollywood and that the film will hold the audience’s attention until the very end.

“Sidharth’s character (Vikram) seems to be the first suspect, there is Maya (played by Sonakshi)… Her character seems to have layers as she comes with a well-thought story that may or may not have happened. Both of them have different stories to tell, which keeps the guess going.”

“As both Vikram and Maya lose their spouses, this could be just a coincidence or it could be a well-plotted plan by the two of them to get rid of their partners and start a new life,” Karan said.

The makers of the movie unveiled the trailer of Ittefaq last week and features Sonakshi Sinha, Sidharth Malhotra and Akshaye Khanna.

The much-awaited trailer of Sonakshi Sinha and Sidharth Malhotra starrer Ittefaq is out now. The film revolves around two murders, which puts Vikram, played by Sidharth, and Maya, essayed by Sonakshi, under the limelight of what happened that night.

The trailer takes the audience through the duo’s journey on the night that turns their lives around. Enters Akshaye Khanna, who play’s a cop on mission to solve the case. “There are three versions of the story. His side. Her side. And the truth. We have to find the truth,” he proclaims in the trailer.

Dev (Akshaye Khanna), a police officer, is investigating a double murder case that has only two witnesses, who are also the prime suspects. The suspects – Vikram (Siddharth Malhotra), an acclaimed writer, and Maya (Sonakshi Sinha), a young homemaker, have different narratives about the events of that fateful night. Both the stories seem true but...

We have the first look posters into a very intriguing film. Titled Ittefaq – It Happened One Night, the film stars Sonakshi Sinha, Siddharth Malhotra and Akshaye Khanna.

Check out the posters!

Helmed by Abhay Chopra, the grandson of B.R. Chopra, Ittefaq – It Happened One Night is slated to releases in cinemas on 3rd November 2017...

The most striking thing that will arrest your eyes at filmmaker Yash Chopra's office is the portrait of eminent lyricist and his dear friend Sahir Ludhianvi, reminding about their eternal friendship that stood rock solid even during crisis.

Though their relation dates back to early 50s when young Yash Chopra assisted his elder brother B. R. Chopra at B.R. Films. However the their friendship consolidated into strong bound when Sahir helped Yash Chopra at a time, when the film industry folks had deserted him and his elder brother B. R. Chopra parted ways.

Readers may be aware that in the early 70s the two Chopra brothers parted ways and Yash Chopra had to start from the scratch. However, Yash Chopra was confident of making it on his own with his experience and esteem in Bollywood. But alas his confidence was left jolted when the financers and the near...

Mumbai, March 27: Yesteryear actress Saira Banu remembers Nanda as "gentle, soft spoken and so unassuming" and added that she saw a lot of her mother's traits in the late actress.

"I met her very late. We began interacting when my husband worked with her in B.R. Chopra's "Mazdoor" in 1982. But we struck an instant rapport," said Saira Banu.

"Nanda baaji, that's what I called her, was a Capricorn just like my mother. I saw a lot of my mother's beautiful traits in Nanda baaji. She was gentle, soft spoken and so unassuming.

"She would always say, 'When I have to go, I want to go without getting in a hospital.

New Delhi, Sep 14: With B.R. Chopra's "Mahabharat" being the reference point, the new "Mahabharat" will be far more technically superior, says costume designer Nidhi Yasha and added that the makers have left no stone unturned to make the show "perfect".

"Right now, we are technically more superior in every field than what we were when the old 'Mahabharat' came. I am not in a position to comment on the older 'Mahabharat' as I was very young then. But we have exploited every possible aspect in every field in terms of quality," Yasha told Ians.

Mythological shows often have heavy costumes and there are techniques to make these garments more wearable, she said.

"There are techniques to distribute the weight so that it.

Ravi Chopra, the well known Indian movie maker and producer was hospitalized at the Breach Candy hospital due to s severe lungs ailment. Mr Ravi Chopra is the son of the legendary producer – director Mr. B.R. Chopra. He is known for directing the famous Indian television series of Maha Bharat and later on the miniseries of Ramayan that was aired in 2002. Ravi has directed famous movie like The Burning Train, Mazdoor, Dahleez, Baghban and Babul to name a few. His movies gained approval and accolades for the exceptional work that was put into them in terms of the strong story, script, direction and the cinematography. Rav...