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Ranbir Kapoor Vs Deepika Padukone Vs Sonam Kapoor: Who Is Ruling After 17 Years Of Their Debut? ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

17 years ago, on November 9, 2007, Bollywood welcomed three newcomers who turned superstars in their own sense over the years. Sonam Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, made their debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya, meanwhile Deepika Padukone had a dream debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s Om Shanti Om.

The three youngsters then ruled the industry as per their capacities. While Ranbir, after stumbling on certain commercial choices, found his footing with a blockbuster like Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani, Deepika was the sensational queen ruling hearts. Sonam, in the meanwhile, turned into a fashion icon until she proved her mettle in Raanjhana and Neerja.

During these 17 years, all three of them have witnessed highs and lows in their careers, and currently, while Sonam has distanced herself from the film business actively, Ranbir...

This is a throwback to Sonam Kapoor’s opening up about her pregnancy and saying, “It took 16 months.” (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Bollywood diva Sonam Kapoor revealed her post-partum journey after embracing motherhood. In May 2018, she married businessman Anand Ahuja. The couple welcomed their first child, Vaayu Kapoor Ahuja, in August 2022.

Since becoming pregnant, Sonam Kapoor has been missing from the big screen. In an interview, the Delhi-6 actress openly shared her journey of embracing motherhood. She shared that she gained 15 kilos in the first trimester and how it took 16 months to ‘feel like herself’ after giving birth to her child. “I was 36 when I got pregnant, and I had to take a lot of progesterone. In the first three months of pregnancy, I put on 15 kilos. And after that, it was not ending; I returned to my heaviest ever. Which was still okay while I was pregnant, but when the baby comes out,...

Bollywood has seen several actresses deliver remarkable performances in period roles, bringing historical figures and settings to life with depth and authenticity. Here are some notable Bollywood divas who have excelled in period dramas:

1. Deepika Padukone- Padmaavat (2018)

– Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Rani Padmavati in Padmaavat was both powerful and graceful. Her performance captured the queen’s strength, beauty, and tragic fate, and the film itself was noted for its lavish production and historical detail.

2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

– Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played the role of Jodhaa Bai, the Rajput princess and wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar, in Jodhaa Akbar. Her performance was praised for its elegance and emotional depth, set against a backdrop of historical grandeur.

3. Kangana Ranaut – Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)

– Kangana Ranaut portrayed Rani Lakshmibai, the valiant queen of Jhansi, in Manikarnika. Her portrayal of the warrior queen was both fierce and inspiring, showcasing...

For six gripping and flab-free episodes of Anubhav Sinha’s revisitation of the Kandahar hijacking, I forgot to breathe. Yes, it is that engaging. So for those who may want to ask, ‘Why another series on the oft-visited Kandahar hijack episode?’ the answer is elementary: no matter how many times you visit a shameful chapter of history, for example the holocaust, you come up with a new perspective on what precipitates a historic mess up of this magnitude.

In this case, the hijacked plane had landed for emergency fuelling in Amritsar. The hijackers could have been nabbed at this point in the crisis. Redtapism blew our chances. As it often does.

Anubhav Sinha doesn’t make the same mistake. He reconstructs the entire episode with a vigour that repudiates any technical error. Sinha is in his element here, mixing the authenticity of documentation with the rigours of fictionalization. The end-result is steady ….and heady.

How Much Did Salman Khan & Anushka Sharma Get Paid For Sultan? ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Salman Khan went through a drastic transformation for the 2016 sports drama Sultan. Anushka Sharma beautifully supported him by undergoing intensive training to portray the role of his love interest as a state-level wrestler. But do you know how much the leading actors were paid? Scroll below for a detailed box office analysis, profits, and more!

Released in July 2016, Sultan received massive praise from audiences and critics alike. It opened up to an earth-shattering sum of 36.54 crores and surpassed all prior Eid releases, including Chennai Express, Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Kick.

Sultan Budget & Box Office Collection

Yash Raj Films splurged a massive sum of 90 crores for Sultan. As opposed to the budget, the film made box office collections of 300.45 crores in India. It was declared a super duper hit. The magic wasn’t restricted nationwide but also globally.

Mumbai, March 8 (Ians) Hindi cinema has always been known for impactful dialogues, and despite its old male bias (which is tilting in the right direction lately!), it is no longer the men who deliver a punch in the lines they mouth.

The women of Hindi cinema have delivered some of its iconic dialogues over the years that have left an indelible mark on the subconscious of the audience.

Ians takes a look at some of the most iconic dialogues by Bollywood women that have defined power, resilience and pride.

The first dialogue on the list is by Sonam Kapoor from her film ‘Neerja’ in which she says, “Haunsla rakh, usse saari samasya hal ho jaati hai.” The dialogue beautifully conveys that when the going is tough, courage is what gets people going. Courage changes the character of a person and makes them better equipped to deal with any situation.

The...

Actress Sushmita Sen expressed her delight in working with director Ram Madhvani, and shared how the latter has revealed new layers in her acting that she never knew existed. Sushmita is seen as the lead in Ram Madhvani’s crime thriller series ‘Aarya’.

Sharing insights on working with the ‘Neerja’ director, Sushmita said: “Working with Ram Madhvani is always a delight. I truly admire his genius. He transformed Aarya from a naive, sheltered woman to someone resilient in facing life’s challenges.”

“Off-screen, Ram revealed new layers in my acting that I never knew existed. The trust he has in me is incredible; he saw Aarya in me before I could,” said the former Miss Universe.

Sushmita added: “For ‘Aarya Antim Vaar’, Ram and I spent time understanding Aarya’s soul. When he asked me to look into my soul, I followed his advice and isolated myself. You can see...

A picture of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan from “many moons ago” has been shared by photographer-producer Atul Kasbekar, which he says was from an ad shoot. Kasbekar took to Instagram, where he shared the old picture. It has Shah Rukh Khan sitting in the middle. It also has late filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, Kasbekar and many others looking into the camera lens and smiling.

It seems the picture was taken around the time when Shah Rukh was working on or had the release of ‘Yes Boss’ in 1997 as Kasbekar had the song ‘Chand Taare’ from the film playing in the background.

Kasbekar wrote: “Post some ad shoot with Srk and @pradeepsarkar at my studio many moons ago The late Pradeep-da was an art director in those days with Contract Advtg in Delhi and we did loads of print work together.”

He added: “Also in frame the brilliant makeup artist @michelletung5, production designer Chetana Prabhu,...

New Delhi, Feb 4 (Ians) The Indian diaspora spread all over the world has mostly stayed connected to its roots. And one of the institutions that keeps this connection alive is Indian cinema. These films could be in Hindi or in any of the South Indian languages.

The Indian film market is spread far and wide, but Indian films also have to conform to the local culture and sensibilities, mainly of the religious kind. We do not make films that are against any other country or its culture, but when it comes to religious sentiments, considering the mixed population we have, Indian films feature characters from different religious backgrounds. Yet, Indian films cannot always please all people.

Almost all countries exhibiting films have their own censorship bodies. It is also not uncommon for them to occasionally ban films from theatrical release. The reason could be a vulgarity, nudity or religious sentiments being hurt.

The creator of ‘Aarya: Antim Vaar’, Ram Madhvani has shared his driving force behind the remarkable journey of the Sushmita Sen-starrer thriller series ‘Aarya’, saying that it’s only through moulding the clay that one truly understands filmmaking.

In sharing his aspirations for ‘Aarya’, Ram said: “Firstly, we’re grateful to have produced three seasons. Namit Das, our actor portraying Jawahar in season one, was told by his father, ‘Ye, karne ki vidya hai.’ So, gaining experience, practice, and wisdom only comes through doing.”

The ‘Neerja’ director shared: “It’s only through moulding the clay that you truly understand filmmaking. What’s great is that I’ve practiced filmmaking in my voice, the life I wanted and chose at age 16. It’s a significant achievement that we’re out there and reaching people.”

“I aspire to reach millions. The remarkable thing about Aarya is that it has reached and touched people.

Actors Toral Rasputra, Tanvi Dogra, Rajveer Singh, Shagun Pandey, and Kanika Mann have shared their thoughts about their journey in the year 2023, expressing gratitude and saying that it was “delightful”.

Toral plays the role of Mansi in ‘Doree’.

Opening up about her journey in the year 2023, she said: “The year began with an air of mystery, but it turned out to be full of delightful surprises for me. This year was about exploring different avenues of entertainment and exciting opportunities. One among them is ‘Doree’ that raised awareness about girl child abandonment and continues to create conversation about regressive norms.”

“I think one of the highlights of being on the show was visiting the holy city of Varanasi and soaking in the beauty of the Ganga ghat. As I welcome 2024, I seek blessings from my parents and look forward to celebrating 2024 with Doree’s team. Living by the mantra of live,...

The maestros of suspense genre filmmakers Ram Madhvani, Homi Adajania and Sandeep Modi have revealed what makes the thriller genre tick, and decoded their secrets of thrillers.

The year 2023 has been the year of suspense, mystery and emotion-packed stories, with adrenaline-pumping shows like ‘The Night Manager 1 and 2’, ‘Aarya’ and ‘Saas Bahu aur Flamingo’.

The mastermind behind ‘Aarya’ — Ram Madhvani — provided insights into decoding the thriller genre, saying: “I don’t think I’m making a thriller, I don’t think I’m making a crime show. I’m making a show about a family. I’m making a show about a character who’s put into difficult situations. The backdrop of it may be or whatever that she’s going through. It could have been any other backdrop. It could have been an industrial kind of backdrop. So I think that is just the backdrop.”

Starring Sushmita Sen in the titular role,...

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is known for her work in ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, ‘Raanjhanaa’, ‘Neerja’, ‘Aisha’ and others, has strong affinity towards handmade clothing, and likes to buy items that are “made by local artisans, are vintage, and even resold.”

Sonam is one of the most influential voices in fashion globally and has attended the Cannes Film Festival as a fashion icon.

Elaborating on her purchasing habits with regard to fashion and clothing, the actress said: “To me, having a product with longevity is luxury. Back in the day, my mother and grandmother would preserve expensive saris in a mal mal (muslin) cloth, masterji (tailor) would create made-to-measure outfits, juttis (shoes) would be created to fit our feet. I’m also doing the same. So, you see, I grew up appreciating the value of personalisation and the handmade. This to me is true luxury. I consciously buy items that are made by local artisans,...

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is known for her work in ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, ‘Raanjhanaa’, ‘Neerja’, ‘Aisha’ and others, has strong affinity towards handmade clothing, and likes to buy items that are “made by local artisans, are vintage, and even resold.”

Sonam is one of the most influential voices in fashion globally and has attended the Cannes Film Festival as a fashion icon.

Elaborating on her purchasing habits with regard to fashion and clothing, the actress said: “To me, having a product with longevity is luxury. Back in the day, my mother and grandmother would preserve expensive saris in a mal mal (muslin) cloth, masterji (tailor) would create made-to-measure outfits, juttis (shoes) would be created to fit our feet. I’m also doing the same. So, you see, I grew up appreciating the value of personalisation and the handmade. This to me is true luxury. I consciously buy items that are made by local artisans,...

Fashionista and actress Sonam Kapoor credits her mother Sunita Kapoor, for instilling an inherent sense of style and fashion in her.

The actress said it was her mother who encouraged her passion for style which has propelled her to become the fashion icon that she is today.

The ‘Neerja actress said: “You know, being born in the film industry, you are so used to seeing beautiful people in and out of your house, and I feel films have such a big hand in dictating trends, especially in a country like India. I feel that was one of the reasons that I got so much into film and fashion.”

“My Mom – she was a model, and then she became a very successful fashion designer, and now she is a jewellery designer.”

Sonam added: “I grew up around Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla, Tarun Tahiliani, Anamika Khanna, Anuradha Wakil, and all these amazing fashion designers,...

Fashionista and actress Sonam Kapoor credits her mother Sunita Kapoor, for instilling an inherent sense of style and fashion in her.

The actress said it was her mother who encouraged her passion for style which has propelled her to become the fashion icon that she is today.

The ‘Neerja actress said: “You know, being born in the film industry, you are so used to seeing beautiful people in and out of your house, and I feel films have such a big hand in dictating trends, especially in a country like India. I feel that was one of the reasons that I got so much into film and fashion.”

“My Mom – she was a model, and then she became a very successful fashion designer, and now she is a jewellery designer.”

Sonam added: “I grew up around Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla, Tarun Tahiliani, Anamika Khanna, Anuradha Wakil, and all these amazing fashion designers,...

On the occasion of Vijayadashami, actors Aastha Sharma, Puneet Vashist, Raghav Thakur, and Anchal Sahu expressed their greetings for the festival, and shared their memories of the celebration.

Vijayadashami which is also called Dussehra is celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, marking the end of Durga Puja. It is also celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.

Aastha, who essays the role of ‘Neerja’ in the show ‘Neerja…Ek Nayi Pehchaan’ said: “Dussehra brings back the memories of dressing in traditional clothes and watching Ram Leela with family and friends.”

“We’d also get toy swords and Hanuman ji’s gada and decorate our homes with torans and flowers. On this Dussehra, may the good in us always win, and may any negativity be gone forever,” she added.

Puneet plays the...

On the occasion of Vijayadashami, actors Aastha Sharma, Puneet Vashist, Raghav Thakur, and Anchal Sahu expressed their greetings for the festival, and shared their memories of the celebration.

Vijayadashami which is also called Dussehra is celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, marking the end of Durga Puja. It is also celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.

Aastha, who essays the role of ‘Neerja’ in the show ‘Neerja…Ek Nayi Pehchaan’ said: “Dussehra brings back the memories of dressing in traditional clothes and watching Ram Leela with family and friends.”

“We’d also get toy swords and Hanuman ji’s gada and decorate our homes with torans and flowers. On this Dussehra, may the good in us always win, and may any negativity be gone forever,” she added.

Puneet plays the...

Indian actor Jim Sarbh has been recognized with an International Emmy best actor nomination for hit SonyLIV series “Rocket Boys.”

In the series, created by Nikkhil Advani, directed by Abhay Pannu and produced by Roy Kapur Films and Emmay Entertainment, Sarbh plays Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, credited as the father of the Indian nuclear program. Alongside him is Ishwak Singh playing Vikram Sarabhai who pioneered India’s space research program.

Since debuting in 2014 with “Shuruaat Ka Interval,” Sarbh has racked up an impressive array of credits including the acclaimed “Neerja” (2016), Toronto title “A Death in the Gunj” (2017), hits “Padmaavat” and “Sanju,” Rotterdam film “Jonaki,” Toronto selection “The Wedding Guest” (all 2018), Sundance film “Photograph” (2019) and 2023 hit “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.” He also has a recurring lead role in the immensely popular Prime Video series “Made in Heaven.”

Next up for Sarbh are: an interview show with Zoya Hussain; a new film with Pannu,...

Actor Sneha Wagh has opened up on the current track of the show ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’, and remarked that how daughters like Neerja are cycle-breakers of their families. Shedding light on socially relevant issues, ‘Neerja’ has held viewers attention with its storyline of Neerja trying to secure a life of dignity and step out of Sonagachi.

In its current track, Neerja (Aastha Sharma) feels betrayed by her mother Protima (Sneha) after finding out that she’s a sex worker.

Instead of succumbing to despair, she resolves to support her mother and rehabilitate their circumstances. Protima, who was anxious about the toll this revelation might take on her, is now proud to have her daughter stand by her.

Talking about the same, Sneha said: “As Protima, I have witnessed an incredible journey of a mother and daughter. The real and reel lives have come together for me because I’m...

Actor Sneha Wagh has opened up on the current track of the show ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’, and remarked that how daughters like Neerja are cycle-breakers of their families. Shedding light on socially relevant issues, ‘Neerja’ has held viewers attention with its storyline of Neerja trying to secure a life of dignity and step out of Sonagachi.

In its current track, Neerja (Aastha Sharma) feels betrayed by her mother Protima (Sneha) after finding out that she’s a sex worker.

Instead of succumbing to despair, she resolves to support her mother and rehabilitate their circumstances. Protima, who was anxious about the toll this revelation might take on her, is now proud to have her daughter stand by her.

Talking about the same, Sneha said: “As Protima, I have witnessed an incredible journey of a mother and daughter. The real and reel lives have come together for me because I’m...

Mumbai, Sep 19 (Ians) Actor Rajveer Singh will be seen shaking his legs on the song of his favourite Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, in the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi track of ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’.

In the vibrant world of ‘Neerja’, the anticipation for Ganesh Chaturthi is palpable as the Bagchi family gears up to welcome the beloved Lord Ganesha into their home.

But what adds an extra layer of excitement to this joyous occasion is the infectious enthusiasm of Rajveer a.k.a Abeer, who will be dancing to Hrithik’s song.

In a heartwarming twist of fate within the show’s gripping storyline, Neerja, portrayed by Aastha Sharma, has succeeded in rekindling Abeer’s memory.

However, a cruel twist of fate has erased the love they once shared from Abeer’s heart, leaving Neerja to grapple with the painful loss.

In the current track, Neerja is struggling to secure a...

Mumbai, Sep 19 (Ians) Actor Rajveer Singh will be seen shaking his legs on the song of his favourite Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, in the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi track of ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’.

In the vibrant world of ‘Neerja’, the anticipation for Ganesh Chaturthi is palpable as the Bagchi family gears up to welcome the beloved Lord Ganesha into their home.

But what adds an extra layer of excitement to this joyous occasion is the infectious enthusiasm of Rajveer a.k.a Abeer, who will be dancing to Hrithik’s song.

In a heartwarming twist of fate within the show’s gripping storyline, Neerja, portrayed by Aastha Sharma, has succeeded in rekindling Abeer’s memory.

However, a cruel twist of fate has erased the love they once shared from Abeer’s heart, leaving Neerja to grapple with the painful loss.

In the current track, Neerja is struggling to secure a...

Actor Ayub Khan, who is known for his versatile portrayal of characters on the screen, shared how Hindi language has played an instrumental role in his showbiz journey. The senior actor is currently seen playing the role of Bijoy Bagchi in the show ‘Neerja….Ek Nayi Pehchaan’. The country is set to celebrate ‘Hindi Diwas’ on September 14. One of the most widely spoken languages, Hindi rules the hearts of citizens of the world. ‘Hindi Diwas’ stands out as an occasion that underlines the significance of the Hindi language.

Talking about the same, Ayub shared: “I’m fluent in Hindi and Urdu, but I try to speak in Hindi most of the time. This endearing language has played an instrumental role in making my journey fruitful in the world of Hindi cinema and television.”

Known for his works in projects like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Gangaajal’, ‘Mela’, ‘Uttaran’, among many others, Ayub...

New Delhi, Sep 3 (Ians) Actress Aastha Sharma, who is currently playing the lead in the show ‘Neerja…Ek Nayi Pehchaan’, said watching her co-star Sneha Wagh enact a scene, is like getting a front-row seat to a masterclass in acting.

Aastha is playing the role of Neerja in the show, which is a captivating family drama that shows the lengths Protima (played by Sneha Wagh), a mother will go to secure her daughter, Neerja’s (younger Neerja played by Myra Vaikul) future, while residing in Kolkata’s infamous red-light district, Sonagachi.

As she comes of age, sparks of love fly between Neerja (played by Aastha Sharma) and Abeer Bagchi (played by Rajveer Singh), a scion of a reputed family.

Talking about her on-screen mother Sneha, Aastha said: “While working on the set of ‘Neerja…Ek Nayi Pehchaan,’ I discovered a mentor in my co-actor and on-screen mom, Sneha Wagh aka Protima.

Veteran actor Ayub Khan went down memory lane, witnessing Aastha Sharma ace her scenes in ‘Neerja’, with the finesse of a seasoned performer. As the show continues to entertain the audiences, Ayub, who essays the role of Neerja’s (played by Aastha) father-in-law, credits a part of its success to Aastha’s impeccable performance.

Ayub said that he is reminded of his formative years in the acting profession as he watched Aastha embody Neerja to perfection.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see the new generation of actors shine and do a fantastic job and bring their characters to life onscreen. I’m thoroughly impressed with the professionalism with which Aastha conducts herself and the nuances of Neerja she presents.”

“When I began my journey as an actor, I had the drive to fulfill my potential. I see in her the same passion for acting that drove me at the beginning of my career.

Production

An estimated £617.4 million ($781.8 million) was spent on the production of film, TV and other audiovisual content in Scotland in 2021, compared to £398.6 million in 2019, up 55%, a new report has revealed. Commissioned by Screen Scotland and produced by Saffery Champness and Nordicity, the independent report titled The Economic Value of the Screen Sector in Scotland in 2021 found that significant growth was found in all areas of production, particularly inward investment film and High-End TV (Hetv) production. Inward investment film and Hetv production spend increased by 110%, from £165.3 million in 2019 to £347.4 million in 2021. This included content made by Scotland-based producers, producers based outside of Scotland filming in Scotland and public service broadcasters commissioned content.

The growth is in large part due to sector development work undertaken since Screen Scotland’s formation in 2018, including skills development work and the opening of new or expanded studio facilities, the report found. Prime Video’s “The Rig,...

As the world gears up to celebrate the ‘Friendship Day’, actress Aastha Sharma shared that her father is her first best friend, and she can talk to him about anything under the sun. Talking about her sweet bond with her father, Aastha said: “My father is my first best friend. He’s the first one on the list of people I call when I’m in trouble or seeking an opinion on something that matters to me.”

“When you are friends with someone, you create a very exclusive language and my dad and I have our own dialect and inside jokes. I can talk to him about anything under the sun,” shared Aastha.

Aastha, who is currently playing the role of Neerja in ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’, said that her father is always present with her on sets, when she is shooting for her show.

“He tries to be as tech-savvy as I am,...

Television actor Rajveer Singh, who has earned admiration for his performance as Abeer in ‘Neerja’, attributed his success to the unwavering support, and insights provided by his wife. In a heartfelt acknowledgment, Rajveer shares how his wife’s perspective and empathy have been instrumental in shaping his portrayal of Abeer, making this show a worth watching experience for viewers.

Talking about his wife, Rajveer says: “My wife’s love and understanding have been instrumental in shaping my character of Abeer in ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan.’ She regularly follows the show and deeply connects with its message, particularly the determination of women to rise above their circumstances.”

“She totally understands the complexities of my character and empathizes with the journey of Abeer. Her insightful opinions on every scene I shoot breathe life into Abeer’s journey, adding a new dimension to my performance. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have her...

In the latest episode of socially relevant drama ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan,’ Aastha Sharma’s character, Neerja finds herself at a pivotal crossroads, facing the prospect of an unwanted marriage with Abeer (essayed by Rajveer Singh).

As the scenes unfolded on set during a wedding sequence, something truly magical happened, leaving everyone present touched and emotional. Aastha’s real-life father, who was present during the shoot, couldn’t hold back his tears as he witnessed his beloved daughter stepping into the bridal avatar for the show.

The heartfelt moment became a testament to the deep bond shared between a doting father and his talented daughter, making it a memory to cherish forever.

Sharing her sentiments about her father, Aastha said: “My heart was deeply moved when my real and reel lives merged in a beautiful moment on the set of ‘Neerja’. That happened when my father got teary-eyed right after...

New Delhi, July 26 (Ians) Actor Ayub Khan, who is essaying the role of Bijoy Bagchi in ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’, said through his character’s portrayal, he seeks to convey the importance of love and acceptance, over societal norms and prejudices.

The show is a captivating family drama that shows the lengths Protima (played by Sneha Wagh), a mother will go to secure her daughter, Neerja’s (younger Neerja played by Myra Vaikul) future, while residing in Kolkata’s infamous red-light district, Sonagachi.

As she comes of age, sparks of love fly between Neerja (played by Aastha Sharma) and Abeer Bagchi (played by Rajveer Singh), a scion of a reputed family. This bond is opposed by Didun (played by Kamya Panjabi), the madam of Sonagachi; Bijoy (played by Ayub), Abeer’s father; and Shubhra Bagchi (played by Vibha Chibber) Abeer’s paternal aunt. What remains to be seen is if a life of dignity,...

New Delhi, July 25 (Ians) Actress Sonam Kapoor, who has been a part of films like ‘Raanjhanaa’, ‘Neerja’, ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, among others, said she wants to pick commercial, family entertainers for her comeback to the cinemas.

Post her pregnancy, Sonam is back to the movies, and she was last seen in Sujoy Ghosh’s crime thriller ‘Blind’.

Directed by Shome Makhija, Sonam played the lead in the movie as ‘Gia’, which was a remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name.

The flick centred around a blind police officer in search of a serial killer. It had released on July 7.

This was Sonam’s return to the silver screen after her 2019 release ‘The Zoya Factor’, and ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’, which released the same year.

The actress said she has always loved to be a part of projects that have entertained audiences.

“As I return to the cinemas post pregnancy,...

New Delhi, July 20 (Ians) Actress Sneha Wagh went down the memory lane, and fondly remembered her childhood days, as she plays a mother to child actor Myra Vaikul in ‘Neerja’, and wished to have a daughter like her in real life.

Sneha confessed that she was just as energetic and inquisitive as Myra. ‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’ shows adorable bond between Protima (played by Sneha) and her daughter Neerja (played by Myra).

The social drama traces the journey of Protima, a sex worker who will do anything to secure a bright future for her daughter Neerja, and protect her from Didun (played by Kamya Panjabi), the madam of Kolkata’s red-light area, Sonagachi, where they reside.

Reminiscing about her childhood, Sneha reveals, “As an actor, I’m happy to walk on the road less travelled and be part of stories that are told with sensitivity and the intention to make an impact.

New Delhi, July 17 (Ians) TV actress Sneha Wagh, who is seen essaying the role of Protima in family drama ‘Neerja’, said the show marked a turning point in her career, and it was an opportunity to test her mettle in a fresh role.

‘Neerja… Ek Nayi Pehchaan’ shows the lengths Protima, a mother and sex worker, will go to secure her daughter, Neerja’s future, while residing in Kolkata’s infamous red-light district, Sonagachi.

Talking about the character, Sneha said, “This show marks a turning point in my career. I decided to take on this role because it was an opportunity to test my mettle in a fresh role. Moreover, the storyline of a mother and daughter fighting against all odds struck a chord with me.”

“This show brought a chance to draw inspiration from my mother, who will move heaven and earth to give me the best of everything.

New Delhi, July 14 (Ians) Filmmaker R. Balki whose highly-anticipated film ‘Ghoomer’ will open the prestigious 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm), said it’s a tribute to sport and the reservoir of human resilience.

The festival, known for its celebration of Indian cinema on an international platform, has consistently showcased exceptional films in the past, including blockbusters like ‘Ms Dhoni: The Untold Story’, ‘Neerja’, ‘Kapoor & Sons’, ‘Dangal’, and ‘Baahubali’.

Adding to this illustrious lineup, ‘Ghoomer’ brings together an incredible ensemble cast under the expert direction of R Balki with Abhishek Bachchan at the forefront.

Talking about the same, Balki said: “It’s indeed an honour and pleasure for us that ‘Ghoomer’ will be the opening film at the Iffm. It is a story of turning adversity into advantage.”

“Ghoomer is a tribute to sport and the reservoir of human resilience. It’s only fitting for a film that believes...

Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor has spoken out against the gender pay gap that exists in the industry, in which male Bollywood stars are typically paid much more than their female counterparts.

Kapoor was speaking at the Creative Industries and Cultural Economy Summit at London’s Nehru Centre as part of India Global Forum’s U.K.-India Week on Wednesday. She was in conversation with Amish Tripathi, minister (culture and education), Indian High Commission and director Nehru Centre, who is also a bestselling author.

Kapoor said that while Bollywood is changing, the change isn’t quick enough. “The gender pay gap is humongous. And I don’t think that will be narrowing very soon, unfortunately, but the roles are getting meatier for sure,” Kapoor said, adding that her contemporaries like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone have pursued films where they could play the central character.

The Bollywood gender pay gap...

Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor has signed with leading Indian studio Yash Raj Films’ talent management division, Yrf Talent.

Kapoor made her acting debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” (2007) and has won critical and commercial acclaim for “Aisha” (2010), “Raanjhanaa” (2013), “Khoobsurat” (2014), “Neerja” (2016), “Veere Di Wedding” (2018) and “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga” (2019). The actor is also a regular on the Cannes red carpet as an ambassador for global brands.

In 2020, Kapoor took a career hiatus to start a family. Her return will begin with two tentpole projects, details of which are currently under wraps.

Yrf Talent has historically managed actors like Rani Mukerji, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar and also represents emerging stars Sharvari and Ahaan Panday. Kapoor is the first actress that Yrf hasn’t launched.

Yrf Talent will work closely with Kapoor to “craft a disruptive brand identity, which stands for all things cool...

Indian media and entertainment company IN10 Media Network has launched its film division, MovieVerse Studios.

The film studio aims to “produce fresh and engaging content in Hindi and regional languages that connect with theatre-going audiences and those on streaming platforms,” the studio said in a statement.

The studio has revealed a diverse slate across genres. These include an action survival rescue drama based on a true story in partnership with Bake My Cake Films, a company headed by Sandeep Leyzell and Shobhna Yadav and which has hit films like “Batla House,” “Dasvi” and the upcoming “Tehran” to its credit. It will be directed by Umang Vyas.

The slate also includes a thriller in partnership with Faith Films’ Viki Rajani, producer of “Table No. 21,” “R…Rajkumar” and “Munna Michael,” which will be directed by Pavan Kripalani; and a supernatural drama with Ding Entertainment, whose Tanveer Bookwala has produced series “Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side...

‘The Night Manager’ director Sandeep Modi talks about the three different looks of Aditya Roy Kapur in the web series, which is a Hindi adaptation of John le Carré’s novel ‘The Night Manager’.

He shared: “The story was set across five years, and five different emotional stages for our character. Shaan’s character is the longest arc of the story. He starts with ‘The Night Manager’ in Dhaka, to Shimla, he goes to Sri Lanka, he goes through so much, eventually the climax.”

Sandeep, who is known for ‘Aarya’, ‘The Lottery’,and ‘Neerja’, added further how challenging it was to give him different looks that goes well with the storyline of the series.

“We decided to go with three looks for him, he’s clean shaven, he’s bearded, he has stubble. So it was tough trying to figure out how to manage each look because each look required 5-7 days to prep right.

Making his debut in Bollywood ‘Neerja’ as an antagonist, Jim Sarbh is one of the actors, says he has always been keen on doing voice acting. While his recent work as a voice-over character Wiz for the Netflix series ‘Eternally Confused and Eager for Love’, in a conversation, Jim shares why he took up the […]...

The biographical thriller film ‘Neerja’ clocked six years on Saturday as filmmaker Ram Madhvani recalled his meeting with Neerja Bhanot’s mother, Rama Bhanot. He shares, “In remembering Neerja, one always has to remember Neerja’s mother and her family. When we went to Chandigarh to meet the family, one of the most spirited women that I […]...

Starring Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin, Looop Lapeta directed by Aakash Bhatia is getting ready to make its Ott debut on 4th February, only on Netflix.

Looop Lapeta is said to be a new-age, intriguing roller-coaster ride of a film that is centered around a girl (Savi) who finds herself in a sticky situation when her boyfriend (Satya) gets unknowingly trapped in a crisis.

Looop Lapeta: One loop binds multiple lives. Every action changes their fate. Will they all have a happy ending? Or will they get stuck with whatever falls in their lap? Aur kahan jaayenge 50 lakh? Will they be able to save themselves or will time outrun them? We can’t wait to know!

Check out the trailer to give you a hint of what is in store for you with this cool film!

Looop Lapeta comes from the makers of “Neerja”, “102 Not Out”, “Padman...

Vidya Balan (Tumhari Sulu), Pratik Gandhi (Scam 1992), Ileana D’ Cruz (Barfi!) and Never Have I Ever’s Sendhil Ramamurthy have been boarded to headline Applause Entertainment and Ellipsis Entertainment’s upcoming film. Ad filmmaker Shirsha Guha Thakurta is directing.

The project, which is currently filming in Mumbai and Ooty, marks the second collaboration between Applause and Ellipsis after Tahira Kashyap’s feature Sharma Ji Ki Beti.

Set for a 2022 release, the currently untitled movie is a progressive, uninhibited take on modern relationships. “The film is a sparkling, sophisticated romance that subverts all notions of love and fidelity in modern times,” said Sameer Nair, CEO at Applause Entertainment, the outfit which has produced hit digital shows such as Criminal Justice and Hostages.

Ellipsis partners Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar and Swati Iyer have bankrolled critically-acclaimed titles such as Neerja and Why Cheat India. They described the new movie’s concept as “probably...

BellBottom

Starring Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta

Directed by Ranjit Tiwary

I braved Covid to see Bell Bottom. The attendance was not unimpressive. Considering…. The atmosphere was subdued, almost reverent. I could hear murmurs all around me about returning after two years, etc etc.

The mood was that of a temple. Sadly BellBottom rings too many familiar bells. It doesn’t really match up to the expectation of the expectant crowds, some of who had almost forgotten what a movie feels like in a theatre. BellBottom is halfway exhilarating.

Aptly, much of the plotting and planning takes place in the prime minister’s chamber. Prime Minster Indira Gandhi, that is. Yes, this is the 1980s when bell bottoms were already on the way out. Perhaps the fact that the hero, a reluctant Raw agent named Anshul Malhotra, played by the habitually equanimous Akshay Kumar, goes by the code-name BellBottom is an...

The first look of the Taapsee Pannu in Looop Lapeta was certainly captivating with it’s cool look. It made audiences eager to see the film, that also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin. Directed by Aakash Bhatia, the drama is all set to release in cinemas on October 22, 2021.

Looop Lapeta is being touted as a new-age, intriguing roller-coaster ride centered around a girl (Savi) who finds herself in a sticky situation when her boyfriend (Savi) gets unknowingly trapped in a crisis.

Looop Lapeta is produced by Sony Pictures Films India, Ellipsis Entertainment and Aayush Maheshwari. It comes from the makers of “Neerja”, “102 Not Out”, “Padman”, “Tumhari Sulu” and “Shakuntala Devi”.

The makers were among the first to take the plunge to resume production in October last year. The film was shot in Mumbai and Goa from November and wrapped on schedule. It is currently in post-production.

Producer Tanuj Garg wrote on Instagram,...

Mumbai, Feb 22: The horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is all set to hit theatres on November 19, it was announced on Monday. The film stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani and Tabu.

"The edge-of-the seat comedy psychological thriller starring Kartik Aaryan, Tabu and Kiara Advani will release in theatres on 19th November 2021. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Murad Khetani and Krishan Kumar under the banner of T-Series and Cine 1 Studios, the film is directed by Anees Bazmee & written by Farhad Samji and Aakash Kaushik." tseriesfilms tweeted confirming the news.

The Anees Bazmee directorial film follows the 2007 horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which starred Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja, Vidya Balan and Ameesha Patel. The film is expected to be a different tale with new characters. However, it will reportedly include two songs from the original film.

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Apart from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kartik also...

Sonam Kapoor says playing Neerja Bhanot was a life-altering experience for her. Monday was the birth anniversary of the late flight purser Bhanot on whose story the acclaimed Sonam-starrer Neerja narrated, and the actress took out time to paid a tribute to her.

Neerja Bhanot had given up her life saving passengers during a terrorist hijack of a Pan-Am flight at Karachi international airport in Pakistan on September 5, 1986.

She was born on September 7, 1963.

Her life story was brought alive on the big screen in the 2016 film "Neerja", with Sonam playing the title role.

"Celebrating Neerja's courage, charm and outlandish love for life - on her birth anniversary. Playing her was a life-altering experience for me, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have honoured her legacy in my own way. Everytime I talk about Neerja, I just go on and on, and rightfully so - for her story till date,...

Actress Bhagyashree's son Abhimanyu will be seen with Mrunal Thakur in family entertainer "Aankh Micholi", which is being helmed by Umesh Shukla.

After the success of "102 Not Out", Sony Pictures Films India and Shukla have come together for "Aankh Micholi". The film revolves around a family of misfits. It is expected to be a Diwali 2020 release.

Also Read:?Sonam Kapoor gets nostalgic as 'Neerja' clocks 4th anniversary

Talking about the film, director and producer Shukla said: "The film is very close to my heart and I am proud to have been able to bring such an exciting cast together for the film.

"The family entertainer is a story of a family of misfits. Since it's a complete family entertainer, we thought of releasing the film in Diwali and I can promise that the audiences will be in for a laugh riot."

The film also stars Paresh Rawal,...

Bollywood actress Sonam K. Ahuja says playing flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in the 2016 biopic "Neerja" was challenging, but it also a great honour to live the role on screen.

On September 5 1986, Neerja Bhanot died while saving 359 passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked by terrorists during a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan. Bhanot was posthumously honoured with the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. She became the youngest recipient of the honour, at the age of 22. She was also honoured with several awards in the United States and Pakistan.

Also Read:?Malaika Arora reminisces about her days of struggle

"Portraying a young girl from Bombay who saved the lives of the 359 passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73 was not only challenging but also a great honour. As the movie completes its 4th anniversary, I would want people to recall how fear gave courage to the young Neerja Bhanot,...

Taapsee Pannu and Tahir Raj Bhasin (Mardaani) will head the cast.

Sony Pictures Films India and Indian production house Ellipsis Entertainment are set to produce a Hindi-language remake of Tom Tykwer’s 1998 high-concept hit, Run Lola Run.

Indian actress Taapsee Pannu, renowned for roles in films such as Pink and Bull’s Eye, will head the cast, along with Tahir Raj Bhasin (Mardaani). Aayush Maheshwari, who first approached Ellipsis with the remake rights, will also produce.

Produced by Germany’s X-Filme Creative Pool, the original Run Lola Run starred Franka Potente as a woman who has 20 minutes to save her boyfriend’s life.