People say that you are flattering Narendra Modi, doing chamchagiri. I don’t care-
9:54 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 18, 2026)
Veteran actor Anant Nag has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Nag said he was “surprised” to learn that the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted about it and announced it on social media. “I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. When people said that the Prime Minister had tweeted it; I was doubly happy.”
Anant Nag, who is best known for his films such as Ankur (1974), Accident (1985), Beladingala Baale (1995) and Minchina Ota (1980), to name a few, mentioned that none of this would have been possible without the love and acceptance he has received from the people of Karnataka.
“It is the soil and cultural atmosphere of Karnataka that made me feel very much at home, and I felt that this is the ground to achieve whatever I have to... This is my karmabhoomi. This was all about 50 years ago. That is why I dedicate last year’s Padma Bhushan and this Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Karnataka and Kannadigas. I was in Mumbai, too, for 18 years, where I began my theatre career at Karnataka Kala Kendra,” he mentioned.
With more than five decades of experience, the veteran said that his art and craft were always appreciated. “I was called to work in all the neighbouring states. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, I have worked in all their languages, but I went there as an ambassador of Karnataka,” he shared. Having mentioned that he is honoured to see these recognitions come his way, the 78-year-old actor said that he has never really been the one to work for an award.
“One never really works for an award. Yes, we want to do well in our careers, but none of us works for an award, as it is made out to be. And of course, there is lobbying and other kinds of activities to get an award, but that is different, and that is not from an actor’s point of view,” he explained.
Anant in his previous statements to the media, also mentioned that Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi was responsible for getting rid of nepotism and favouritism.
Commenting further, he added, “Yes, that is true. There are so many fields of activity almost everywhere favouritism and nepotism stopped after 2014, when he took over... From A to Z, in every field, he has ensured that people [get recognized]. He said suggest names from your own surroundings who deserve the recognition. He has done a great job in that respect also.”
Anant also went on to admit that a certain section of the internet is criticizing him for supporting PM Narendra Modi: “People say that you are flattering him, doing chamchagiri. I don’t care. The more they abuse, the more it shows their calibre, that’s all. They are not able to do anything except this,” said the actor.
More than 30 years ago, in 1995, Kannada legend Dr Rajkumar received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Anant Nag is only the second Kannada actor to receive the honour. Ask him why the long gap, and he said, “As far as I understand, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award comes at the fag-end of one’s career. Nobody gets it in their 20s, 30s or even in the 60s. It comes much later. The point is that they have recognised many people in our country.”
Congratulating actor Anant Nag on this prestigious award, Chaluve Gowda, co-founder, Hombale Films, said, “Anant Nag sir receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a proud moment for Kannada cinema. For generations, his work has shown us that great acting is not about being larger than life, but about bringing truth, depth and authenticity to every character. His five-decade-plus journey is a remarkable part of the history of Indian cinema.”
Doing drama in court, Supreme Court tells Rajpal Yadav; gives final chance to deposit Rs. 2 cr
9:49 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 18, 2026)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed actor Rajpal Yadav’s request for a “last opportunity” to deposit Rs. 2 crore with its registry as part payment in a cheque-bounce case involving dues owed to a production house. He has two weeks to deposit the amount and furnish surety for the remaining dues. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, however, said Rajpal’s past conduct did not inspire confidence.
“Looking at his past conduct... how can anybody trust him? He’s perfect in doing drama and acting in Bollywood; he’s doing the same thing in Court also,” the CJI said.
Speaking to the press outside the court on Tuesday, Rajpal’s advocate Bhaskar Upadhyay said, “We welcome this order... The Court has graciously given us time to deposit this amount. Initially, it was Rs. 5 crores. Now the Court has reduced it to Rs. 2 crores. It’s a great relief for us, and we will comply with the orders and directions of this Court.”
Rajpal also continues to have protection from arrest until the next hearing, scheduled for October 5. But he has been directed to surrender his passport.HTC
How the legal battle unfolded
The case dates back to 2010, when Rajpal took a Rs. 5 crore loan from a Delhi-based company for his first directorial, Ata Pata Laapata (2012). His failure to repay the loan, which grew with interest and other charges, led to a cheque-bounce case. Despite multiple payment extensions from the court, the dues remain unsettled.
Musicians Sadhu Tiwari, Rishi Pathak, Dr Vishal Chaturvedi credit ‘honest and rooted music’ for Hanuman Ansh success
9:47 AM
Singer-composers Rishi Pathak, Sadhu Tiwari and Dr Vishal Chaturvedi (Photo: HT)
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 17, 2026)
Feature film Hanuman Ansh, based on the journey of saint Neeb Karori Baba, is hogging limelight due to its blockbuster collection, and one of the major pillars behind it has been its viral music.
Debutant director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, a trained musician and also a singer-composer of the track Hriday Mein Jinke Sita Ram, says, “The stars of the success are musicians and their honest and rooted compositions.”
The film’s composers include Sadhu Tiwari, Rishi Pathak, Dhirendra Mulkalwar, Shreyas Dharmadhikari and visually impaired singer-composer Suneel Lodhi (Maine Tere Hi Bharose), and they have used two tracks of American vocalist Krishna Das.
Speaking to HT City, Tiwari, who composed five viral tracks including Parvati, Bajrang Banka and Aavagaman, says, “I composed multiple tracks but knew which would suit the film and they got selected. They were composed with minimal music and regional flavour. I was not here just as a singer-lyricist-composer; we all worked owning the project. What happened thereafter is Baba’s blessings. I knew they would be liked but such virality is just magical.”
Sadhu and Vishal’s association dates back to Gulaab Gang (2014), where he sang Mauj Ki Malhare while Vishal was working in Anubhav Sinha’s production.
“That day I decided that I will use this voice, and we have also collaborated for another indie project. I honestly believe he is one of the top 10 voices in the Indian film industry.”
Singer-composer Rishi Pathak, who has also doubled as line-producer in the film and is part of three songs, says, “I am associated with the project from the start, and with Vishal ji have worked together for years and musically jammed too for his Hanuman Chalisa Club. I co-wrote and composed Jai Hanuman, sung and recomposed Vaishnav Jan To and wrote-composed Ram Bhajan Ki Or. Nothing in the film is due to personal relations, and probably due to this professionalism the film and its music connected with people.”
Hailing from Sitamarhi, Bihar, he has done multiple indie projects and wrote lyrics for R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, but in the end all songs were taken out from the film.
Himself a singer, Vishal says the rawness of the musician and language played a big role. “The songs are in Awadhi, Braj and Bundeli boli and part of culture. Its mithas (sweetness), mitti ki khushboo and soul probably reached the heart. Sadhu’s raw voice, Rishi’s khuli awaaz and deep composition, Suneel’s full of life voice, Krishna Das’s soaked in devotion compositions which we used as it is, and Dhirendra’s background music and song – that we used last moment – all are the hero of the film,” says Vishal.
He recently sung Parajay and Dhain Dhain in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s film Ghamasaan. He has received musical training from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow.
Ashutosh Gowariker meets 50 club and league cricketers for Aamir Khan’s Lalkaara
9:45 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 18, 2026)
The buzz around Aamir Khan’s ‘Lalkaara’ is gaining momentum ahead of the sports drama going on floors in October. According to sources, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker — who will chronicle the 1952 India-Pakistan Test cricket series, the first after the 1947 Partition — recently conducted an extensive look test and met around 50 cricketers at the Goregaon Sports Club in Mumbai.
The casting exercise was about finding cricketers who play at the club- and city-level and can be part of the movie, which sees Khan step into the role of celebrated Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath.
A source told mid-day, “‘Lalkaara’ will feature a mix of cricketers alongside its principal cast. Ashutosh met about 50 cricketers, who play in Mumbai’s clubs and various cricket leagues, for a test shoot, including those who regularly practise there. Actors posing as cricketers is not the approach he wants to take. While the actors will train for the crucial match sequences, he wants real sportsmen too.”
Sidhant Gupta of ‘Jubilee’ (2023) fame is also part of the sports drama.
Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda’s next with Mohit Suri to begin in October
9:42 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 17, 2026)
In April, director Mohit Suri announced that he would reunite with his Saiyaara (2025) stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for another romantic offering. Well, it’s almost time for the Saiyaara team to go back to the set. mid-day has found out that Suri will kick off the yet-untitled movie, backed by Yash Raj Films, in Mumbai in October before taking it to Goa.
A source shared, “It’s an unconventional and a quirky love story. Mohit conducted the look tests in July and August. From October, he will kick off the shoot at an indoor set at YRF Studios in Andheri.”
We’re told that the first schedule will focus on the lead characters’ introduction sequences and some scenes at their respective homes.
“Then the love story will move to Goa in November. Producer Akshaye Widhani was clear that he didn’t want a bubblegum romance. It’s a mature and unconventional love story that is right up Mohit’s alley. Unlike Saiyaara, this movie will have action as well,” added the source.
If things go as planned, the project will be wrapped up by December.
Lust Stories 3 creator Ashi Dua: "Women write about men they want to be with"
9:41 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 17, 2026)
Social media is filled with opinions and outrage over women — sometimes about her dressing choice, other times about her postpartum body. Such instances made creator-producer Ashi Dua wonder how Lust Stories 3, an anthology centred on female desire, would be received.
“We have to think 10 times before we put anything out there. The idea is not to offend anybody’s sensibilities, but to stay authentic to the reality. What’s unfortunate is that people get offended about reality,” she told mid-day over a call.
For Dua, however, the intention has never been to provoke for the sake of provocation. Instead, it is to tell meaningful stories sensitively. That sensitivity, she believes, begins with choosing filmmakers who understand what the Netflix franchise aims to do with female desire. This time, she has roped in Vishal Bhardwaj, Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, and Shakun Batra.
“‘Come watch my film because I have explicit things happening’ is never the idea. We want people to watch the stories because they are engaging, entertaining, and saying something. I’ve had the opportunity to work with great minds whom you can trust to take care of the subject in the most sensitive manner.”
Over its three instalments, Dua has also noticed an interesting pattern — that female directors, including Zoya Akhtar, Konkona Sensharma, and now Rao, not only tell women’s stories authentically, but also shape unique men.
“The way they write and portray men is beautiful. For instance, the way they will show a man reacting to a certain situation, or how a woman wants to be felt — only a woman can write that. They write about men they want to be with, or watch. You possibly won’t find a male [director] depicting a man like that.”
Four directors, four shorts
- Vishal Bhardwaj’s short is led by Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth
- Kiran Rao’s story is fronted by Gurfateh Pirzada and Sana Thampi
- Shakun Batra has cast Ali Fazal and Radhikka Madan in his film
- Vikramaditya Motwane’s film stars Radhika Apte, Vijay Varma, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Abhishek Banerjee
I am a privileged father who gets to stand on stage with both my sons and perform alongside them-Shankar Mahadevan
9:31 AM
Debarati S Sen (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 17, 2026)
For Shankar Mahadevan, music has always been more than a profession. A Grammy-winning artiste and four-time National Film Award winner, he has spent decades creating some of Indian cinema’s most memorable songs, with hits from Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Raazi, Dil Dhadakne Do and several others.
Today, one of his biggest joys is being able to share that musical journey with his sons, Shivam and Siddharth. Ask him what it feels like to share the stage with them as fellow musicians, and Mahadevan describes it as the greatest blessing of his life.
“Every single day, I say a prayer of gratitude for one reason: I am a privileged father who gets to stand on stage with both my sons and perform alongside them,” he says. “That is the greatest blessing, reward and earning of my life. Very few people get to experience something like this.”
For Shankar, the relationship goes beyond that of a father and his children. After years of pursuing music with sincerity, he feels fortunate to have found in his sons not just family, but creative partners with whom he can share his deepest passion.
“After spending so many years trying to be an honest and sincere musician, God has blessed me with not just two sons, but two musical companions, with whom I can talk, create, discuss and share music,” he says.
It is this companionship that makes performing together particularly special for the singer-composer. The stage becomes an extension of their relationship, a space where generations meet through music, ideas are exchanged and creativity becomes a shared experience. “For me, that is what a truly beautiful life looks like,” he adds.
And for an artiste who has spent decades on some of the biggest stages and earned some of the highest honours in Indian music, it is perhaps telling that his greatest reward is not another award or hit song, but the opportunity to make music alongside his sons.
(Crisp) Movie Review: RESIDENT EVIL by FENIL SETA
8:44 AM
Resident Evil is directed by Zach Cregger, who made the incredible Weapons last year. With this film, he brings his own touch, which is different from the rest of the films in the series. Yet, he ensures it stays in the same zone. He also uses a video-game-style approach, which would be loved by the OG fans, since Resident Evil originated as a video game. The first half is flawless, with no reason to complain; the jumpscares are just right. The gore is not added for the heck of it, as is often the case nowadays with both Indian and foreign filmmakers. However, things start to get repetitive. A few scenes, intended to add fear, fail to make a mark. Thankfully, the film picks up in the climax. The other issue with the film is the anti-smoking ticker on the bottom right-hand side. It’s too distracting and the studio should have opted for a smaller font. Austin Abrams dominates most of the screen time and plays an average Joe. He's vulnerable and not heroic, and that's what makes him relatable. Zach Cherry (Carl), Kali Reis (Maxine), Paul Walter Hauser (Paul; scientist) and Johnno Wilson (Wilson; sheriff) are superb in supporting roles. Andrea Miltnerová (the first zombie Bryan encounters) rocks the show with her performance and expressions. All in all, Resident Evil makes for a great, fun watch.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 952
10:30 PM
WILL VIBE AND DAAYRA MANAGE TO SUCCEED?
Last week’s release, Haiwaan, has emerged as a disaster of epic proportions. The trailer seemed disappointing. But due to the casting, an opening of Rs. 3-4 crores was expected. However, it had an opening of just Rs. 2.50 crores. From such a low opening, a film should ideally jump. However, Haiwaan dropped on its second day of release and earned just Rs. 2.25 crores. On Sunday, the drop was even more, as it earned a mere Rs. 1.75 crores. Hence, the three-day collections were just Rs. 6.50 crores. As a result, the lifetime will be less than Rs. 12-13 crores, which is unimaginable for a film starring Akshay Kumar. A positive word of mouth would have proven to be of great help. However, the reports were not encouraging at all.
This week will see the release of two multiplex films, albeit of diverse genres. Vibe stars Kunal Kemmu who’s also the film’s director. He’s joined by Preity Zinta and Sparsh Srivastava. The trailer has been appreciated by the target audience. But that segment is limited. Hopefully, they’ll turn up in large numbers to check out the film.
Kunal Kemmu’s last directorial, Madgaon Express, opened at Rs. 1.50 crores that too thanks to the Buy One Get One Ticket Free offer. Here, there’s no such offer thankfully and it can open at Rs. 2-2.50 crores. A growth on Saturday and Sunday is a must with the target being that the weekend should be in double digits.
Daayra stars Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is directed by Meghna Gulzar. The trailer is intriguing and the casting is solid. However, it looks like a niche fare. Viewers will adopt a wait-and-watch scenario, that is, they’ll consider the reports before booking the ticket.
Kareena Kapoor’s last such serious film, The Buckingham Murders, opened at Rs. 1.25 crores. Daayra should do more than that and hopefully open at Rs. 2 crores.
Last week’s release, Haiwaan, has emerged as a disaster of epic proportions. The trailer seemed disappointing. But due to the casting, an opening of Rs. 3-4 crores was expected. However, it had an opening of just Rs. 2.50 crores. From such a low opening, a film should ideally jump. However, Haiwaan dropped on its second day of release and earned just Rs. 2.25 crores. On Sunday, the drop was even more, as it earned a mere Rs. 1.75 crores. Hence, the three-day collections were just Rs. 6.50 crores. As a result, the lifetime will be less than Rs. 12-13 crores, which is unimaginable for a film starring Akshay Kumar. A positive word of mouth would have proven to be of great help. However, the reports were not encouraging at all.
This week will see the release of two multiplex films, albeit of diverse genres. Vibe stars Kunal Kemmu who’s also the film’s director. He’s joined by Preity Zinta and Sparsh Srivastava. The trailer has been appreciated by the target audience. But that segment is limited. Hopefully, they’ll turn up in large numbers to check out the film.
Kunal Kemmu’s last directorial, Madgaon Express, opened at Rs. 1.50 crores that too thanks to the Buy One Get One Ticket Free offer. Here, there’s no such offer thankfully and it can open at Rs. 2-2.50 crores. A growth on Saturday and Sunday is a must with the target being that the weekend should be in double digits.
Daayra stars Kareena Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is directed by Meghna Gulzar. The trailer is intriguing and the casting is solid. However, it looks like a niche fare. Viewers will adopt a wait-and-watch scenario, that is, they’ll consider the reports before booking the ticket.
Kareena Kapoor’s last such serious film, The Buckingham Murders, opened at Rs. 1.25 crores. Daayra should do more than that and hopefully open at Rs. 2 crores.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali plans exclusive jewellery collection launch ahead of Love & War release
9:25 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 16, 2026)
In a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie, you can be assured of three things — moving storytelling, visual grandeur, and swoon-worthy costumes and jewellery. The filmmaker’s upcoming project, ‘Love & War’, is expected to be no different.
We’ve heard that an exclusive jewellery collection inspired by the film is being planned for a December launch. The line is expected to feature pieces drawn from the period jewellery created for Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, and other actors in the movie.
Bhansali had joined forces with the leading jewellery brand, Tanishq, ahead of the release of ‘Padmaavat’ (2018).
A source shared, “The brand had launched a special collection in collaboration with the film, recreating jewellery inspired by the pieces worn by its characters. The same will be done with ‘Love & War’ as Bhansali has brought 1950’s jewellery — from chokers to elaborate bracelets and exquisite pearl pieces — with the love triangle, set in the 1950s and 1960s. It will be launched a month before the film’s January 2027 release.”
The filmmaker is currently locking the movie’s final edit, teasers, and deciding between the three different trailer cuts. “The jewellery line will be finalized by November-end after the trailer has been released,” added the source.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali had launched a special jewellery collection ahead of ‘Padmaavat’ (2018) release as well.
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