For Ira Khan, mental health has never been a straight road. There are good days and bad ones, periods when treatment works and moments when she knows she needs to ask for help again. After nearly nine years in therapy, she says she’s in a steadier place with her depression now, though she knows that stability won’t last forever. Today, as a mental health advocate, she is interested in something much bigger than therapy — how we learn, build relationships, cope with change and simply get through life.

In an interview with Bangalore Times, she reflects on her childhood, growing up in the public eye and why AI can never replace human connection. Excerpts:

One of the earliest internal dialogues Ira had with herself was about what kind of person deserved love. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a broken person who was physically very strong,” she says, describing childhood fantasies shaped by spy films like the James Bond series. She imagined being someone who could keep other people’s secrets no matter what happened to her. Her therapist later helped her recognize the pattern: “It seemed like I thought that the only way to be loved is if you’re a slightly broken person who then saves the day.”

She connects this partly to how she processed her parents’ divorce. Although her parents, actor Aamir Khan and producer Reena Dutta, made sure the family stayed close and that there was stability for their children, Ira says she interpreted the absence of conflict as a sign that the divorce was “not bad enough.”

She recalls, “In my perception, it was so normalized that I thought it was not bad enough. I began telling myself not to show when I was upset and to simply carry on. So I feel like I kind of walked myself into isolating, keeping things inside,” she says. She remembers even telling herself to “bottle this up so that one day it’ll burst.”

Ira realized she needed professional help during college when she stopped eating. “Everything else I could still pass off as, ‘I don’t understand why this is happening. I don’t know what’s going on,’” she recalls, “But when I stopped eating, I was like, people are not supposed to stop eating.”

That was when she reached out to her mother. “I’ve had to ask for help multiple times, not just once, because it’s not a linear journey,” she says, adding, “Whenever I need, they come with me to the psychiatrist. I feel completely comfortable with my parents.”

Ira doesn’t feel her mental health struggles are solely due to her in the public eye. But it has had an impact. One lesson she learnt early was to be careful about what she put out into the world. If she was uncomfortable with a photograph, she learnt not to take it in the first place.

“When I turned 18, I started getting objectified...if anything is ever on the internet, it’s going to be on the internet forever,” she adds. Her response was to shut the noise out. “I told myself, ‘Don’t look, don’t read.’ It’s the only way to survive. I shut it out completely, I don’t read comments, I don’t check any of those things,” Ira shares.

On the growing use of AI chatbots for emotional support, Ira sees both the appeal and the danger. “I think AI is a tool. Like all tools, it has pros and cons,” she says. But she remains wary of technology that is still poorly understood: “The worry about AI is that it’s a tool that we don’t understand.”

She also understands why people turn to chatbots, particularly when professional help can be expensive, difficult to access or limited by short appointments. “I see why someone would talk to a chatbot,” she says. AI, she suggests, can be useful for information or helping someone prepare for professional care — for example, figuring out “the top five questions I should ask” when there are only 10 minutes with a clinician.

But she draws the line at replacing human connection. “I would strongly encourage people to go out and make friends,” she says, adding, “Everybody’s sad and lonely and everybody wants friends.”

Ira’s battle with depression became the foundation for her mental health advocacy. “Because of my depression, I got really scared of the whole concept,” she says.

Her privilege also made her question how people with fewer resources cope. “If I have so much privilege, and it was so horrible for me, then I don’t know how other people are surviving this.”

She founded the Agatsu Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping people seek care for mental illness, in 2021. The early years were difficult. “I didn’t realize that I was going through a depressive episode at that time,” she says, describing symptoms including difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness and low confidence — all of which made running an organization harder. Now, she says, “it’s going really well.”

She also urges people to seek support early. “If today’s a bad day, wake up tomorrow and try again. It’s really important to get help early because the chances of you getting better are higher,” she says, comparing it to getting off the wrong train sooner rather than later. “Having good mental health makes your life much easier,” she adds.

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.

Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi have given Hindi cinema some of the most popular films of the ‘90s. As the actor-director duo reunites for Batwara 1947, a retrospective celebrating their collaboration will see three of their classics – Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993) and Ghatak (1996) – re-released in theatres from July 24. In an exclusive conversation with us, the duo reflects on their enduring partnership, iconic characters and why stories of ordinary people fighting injustice continue to resonate.

Speaking about the re-releases and reuniting with Santoshi, Sunny says, “Our journey began with Ghayal, followed by Damini, Ghatak and now Batwara. We understand each other without having to explain too much, and that’s why our partnership works. There’s an unspoken understanding between us. All three films are about ordinary people standing up against injustice. Times and circumstances may have changed, but that fight never grows old.”

The actor is delighted that younger audiences will now get to experience these films on the big screen. “I don’t usually sit and watch my own films because I immediately start noticing what I could have done better. But seeing audiences, especially younger people, discover these films today is emotional. It tells you that an honest film never grows old.”

Talking about the characters he has played, Sunny says, “People remember the action, but I believe my real strength has always been emotion. The anger worked because there was pain, love or injustice behind it.”

Recalling his first meeting with Sunny, Santoshi says it wasn’t the actor’s physique or screen image that impressed him the most.

“It was his honesty. There was an innocence, emotional sincerity and a quiet confidence about him. People see the anger, the action and the larger-than-life moments, but I’ve always seen the vulnerable man behind that strength. That fascinated me. Whether it was Ajay Mehra in Ghayal, Govind Srivastav in Damini or Kashi Nath in Ghatak, they were never superheroes. They were ordinary men pushed to extraordinary limits.”

For Santoshi, reuniting with Sunny after three decades felt surprisingly effortless. “It never felt like 30 years had passed. Both of us have lived through success, disappointments and personal growth.

He adds, “Sunny never tries to impress people. He listens more than he speaks and never wears a mask, which allows a director to shape the character instead of fighting the actor’s personality. He also represents a kind of masculinity that is becoming increasingly rare.”

Santoshi believes audiences may have changed, but human emotions haven’t. “Today’s audiences have access to stories from every corner of the world, but human emotions remain the same. People still experience injustice and betrayal. Earlier, cinema externalized anger through powerful confrontations. Today, it is more internal and psychological, but anger itself hasn’t disappeared. If Ghayal or Damini were made today, I would make them differently because cinema has evolved. But their emotional core would remain exactly the same,” he says.

Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol have come together for Batwara 1947 — directed by Santoshi, starring Sunny and produced by Aamir. The collaboration is particularly interesting given their legendary box-office clashes over the years — Dil versus Ghayal, Raja Hindustani versus Ghatak, and Lagaan versus Gadar. How different is their relationship today?

Sunny smiles, “I never saw Aamir as a rival. Our films competed at the box office; we never did. Today, it feels wonderful that the same history has brought us together. He heard the story, believed in it immediately and backed it with complete conviction. We may be very different people, but our love for cinema is the same.”

Actor Aamir Khan broke silence on his recent wedding to entrepreneur Gauri Spratt after it drew criticism from political figures. Minister of Ports Development of Maharashtra Nitesh Rane labelled the marriage “love jihad”, whereas Maulana Ibrahim Hussain, the Shahi Chief Mufti of the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta, issued a fatwa against Khan.

Responding to these allegations Khan told Rediff, “The truth is that ours is a very inclusive family. Both my sisters are married to Hindus; my daughter is also married to a Hindu. My cousin Mansoor is married to a Christian,” clarifying that neither of his ex-wives — Reena Dutta (married in 1986) and Kiran Rao (married in 2005) — nor Gauri converted to Islam, because all three marriages were civil.

As per the fatwa, Ifta stated that a Muslim man cannot marry a non-Muslim woman under Sharia law unless she converts to Islam, calling the marriage “impermissible”. “Gauri is not even Hindu, she is Christian, and not even a practicing Christian at that. Life is getting more comical as time passes,” Khan added.

The couple had a private wedding at his Mumbai residence on July 5, registered under the Special Marriage Act. It was attended by around 150 guests, including his children Junaid Khan, Ira Khan and Azad Rao Khan, as well as Gauri’s son Quinn.

Nearly a decade after Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ showed that Indian cinema could take China by storm, another ambitious Hindi film is eyeing the world’s second largest theatrical market. Sources have informed mid-day that director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra are exploring a promotional campaign for ‘Ramayana: Part 1’ in China ahead of the magnum opus’s release. This signals renewed efforts to tap into a market that has largely remained shut to Bollywood since 2020.

According to sources, discussions are underway with Chinese exhibitors and distributors for a four-day promotional tour led by Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi.

A source revealed, “The tentative itinerary includes a press event and screening at the Pingyao International Film Festival on September 24, followed by a multi-city promotional run during China’s Golden Week beginning October 1.”

The plan is awaiting approvals and has yet to be finalized.

China’s potential addition to the promotion and release plans further indicates how Malhotra and Tiwari intend to take ‘Ramayana’ — touted as the biggest film in Indian cinema — on a global stage.

mid-day reached out to the film’s production team, which didn’t respond till press time.

Actor Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt kept their July 5 wedding intimate, but the bride’s ring came with a royal story. Crafted by jewellery brand QWEEN, the bespoke wedding ring features a rare Madagascar ruby set in a crown-inspired gold design.

Sharing details of the piece, QWEEN co-founder Amit Kumar tells us, “It took more than three months to source the ruby,” adding that the ring required over 256 hours of craftsmanship by 131 pairs of artisans. Describing the gemstone as exceptionally rare, he says, “This is a Madagascar ruby, which is rarer than one in a million. The wedding ring is designed to look, quite literally, like royalty.”

Kumar adds that the intention was to create “something that did not look as if it had been picked off a shelf”, but rather an heirloom piece that could be passed down through generations. The cabochon-cut ruby is housed in a crown-like gold setting, with handcrafted detailing inspired by royal jewellery traditions. “The ruby is held by a scalloped gold gallery that echoes the shape of an actual crown,” he says.

It’s an unusual situation for an actor. Come August 14, Shabana Azmi will have two of her films — Batwara 1947, also starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Awarapan 2, led by Emraan Hashmi — clashing at the box office. Does that make the senior actor apprehensive about their box office fate?

“The box office is in nobody’s control,” said Azmi, matter-of-factly, before adding that she views it as an exciting coincidence. “What’s exciting is to be given the opportunity to do diametrically different roles. I am grateful for that. I don’t remember if it has happened to me earlier. I remember there was a time when I got four out of five nominations for a prestigious award!”

Besides Azmi and the release date, Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 have almost nothing in common. While director Rajkumar Santoshi’s film is a Partition story, Nitin Kakkar’s directorial venture is an action drama. Many feel the audience prefers certain genres like action in the post-pandemic market, but Azmi is having none of that.

“I think we lose our nerve all too quickly. One film does well at the box office, and we rush to make only that kind of film! Instead of producing movies that lie in the cans, the government should create smaller theatres to facilitate a distribution network that guarantees release,” she stated.

So, which of the two does she think will leave a mark? She exclaimed, “That’s like asking me to choose between my children! I hope both [films] are impactful.”

Batwara 1947 is produced by Aamir Khan. While the superstar has a reputation of being creatively involved, the senior actor said, “He came on the sets only once as he trusted the director’s vision completely.”

On one of Mumbai’s rainiest days, Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt wrote a new romantic song as they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at his Pali Hill home on Sunday (July 5).

Staying true to his promise of a “gharelu shaadi”, Aamir kept the celebrations away from Bollywood’s trademark extravagance. “Around 100 to 150 guests, comprising immediate family, childhood friends, and a handful of industry colleagues, attended the ceremony, which was solemnised under the Special Marriage Act before a private lunch. The signing was done by 12 pm,” a source told mid-day.

Among those in attendance were filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, politician Raj Thackeray, cricketer Zaheer Khan, and actor Rhea Chakraborty. Khan’s children — Junaid, Ira, and Azad — and Gauri’s son, Quin, were also present.

The official photograph was released by the family on social media. In one of the videos on Instagram, Khan was seen singing and dancing with his family. “The couple had hoped for a low-key vibe. The home was tastefully decorated, lit by fairy lights, and adorned in elegant white décor,” the source added. Despite heavy showers causing traffic snarls in Bandra, the festivities went ahead as planned.

Heavy rain led to a tree collapsing near Aamir Khan’s Pali Hill residence, briefly halting Mukesh Ambani’s convoy and delaying vehicles headed to the wedding venue. The obstruction was cleared soon after, allowing guests to reach the ceremony as the celebrations continued uninterrupted

Aamir first married Reena Dutta in 1986. The couple divorced in 2002. He married Kiran Rao in 2005. They announced their separation in 2021

Filmmaker and trade expert, Girish Johar recalls that Gadar was already carrying tremendous buzz before its release. Its music had become popular and audience anticipation was high. In comparison, Lagaan appeared to be lagging initially.

“People couldn’t quite understand what Lagaan was about from its early promotional material. The creative images showed 11 men in rural costumes. And at the time, (Gadar director) Anil Sharma was a far more commercially successful director than (Lagaan director) Ashutosh Gowariker, so the odds were largely in Gadar’s favour,” he says.

Johar adds that Lagaan’s lengthy runtime also posed challenges. “Being a three-hour film, only a limited number of shows could be accommodated. There was also confusion over whether the film would have one interval or two. But the clash itself was incredibly exciting. Exhibitors were eager to screen both films, but show-sharing wasn’t common in single-screen theatres then. It was a tough call which film to screen, but all these are now fond memories.”

Nitin Datar, former president of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, recalls that many single-screen theatres preferred allocating more shows to Gadar during its initial run.

Explaining the reason, he says, “Gadar was an action film in which the protagonist takes on Pakistan’s police and political leaders. It evoked national sentiments among the audiences. I still remember people shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ inside theatres.”

He points out that Lagaan also carried a patriotic undercurrent, though in a very different way. “Lagaan was also rooted in national pride, but the conflict was against the British and was expressed through a cricket match rather than direct action. But ultimately both the films did well.”

- Lagaan became the first Hindi film to be shot using sync sound which means that dialogues and sounds were recorded live during the shoot itself.

- Lagaan travelled to various international film festivals across the world but more importantly, it was nominated in the Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars 2001. The film’s selection was a moment of pride for Hindi cinema as it was for the first time that a commercial film had been nominated at the Oscars.

- Lagaan was the maiden production of Aamir Khan’s production house.

To mark its 25th anniversary, Lagaan returned to theatres for a limited three-day re-release on June 12, 13 and 14.

“Twenty-five years on, Lagaan remains one of Indian cinema’s defining achievements. Its return to theatres is both a celebration of the film and an opportunity for audiences to experience the scale, ambition and storytelling that make cinema timeless,” says Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited.

Meanwhile, Gadar enjoyed a successful re-release in 2023, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood re-releases in India. According to trade experts, the film earned an impressive Rs. 7.78 crore during its repeat theatrical run.

Sunny Deol’s ‘handpump scene’ in Gadar: where his character Tara Singh uproots a hand pump and uses it as a weapon became iconic. What was intended as an over-the-top display of emotion and strength became one of the most recognizable images in Indian pop culture.

- Natasha Coutinho

Wedding bells are ringing for actor Aamir Khan and his partner Gauri Spratt. On Wednesday, social media was abuzz with reports that the couple are set to tie the knot, with July 5 being widely cited as the big day.

According to the several reports, Aamir and Gauri are planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends and are likely to opt for a simple signing ceremony rather than a star-studded Bollywood reception. The reported wedding comes over a year after Aamir introduced Gauri to the media on his 60th birthday and confirmed their relationship.

“Aamir and Gauri have been living together as a family for a little over a year now. They have built a happy, stable life together and decided to mark it formally with their families present,” a source told Hauterrfly.

Aamir, 61, was previously married to Reena Dutta, 57, with whom he shares son Junaid, 32, and daughter Ira, 29. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao, 52, in 2005. Despite their separation in 2021, Aamir and Kiran continue to co-parent their son Azad, 14. Gauri, 47, is also a mother to a seven-year-old son from a previous marriage.

A day after rumours of an upcoming wedding began circulating, actor-producer Aamir Khan confirmed that he will marry partner Gauri Spratt next month.

“The news about the marriage is true. It’s on July 5,” Aamir told Variety.

Earlier, the actor had said that marriage was not something the couple actively thought about. Explaining the change, he said, “Yes, that is true. But now we both feel we are ready to take our relationship to the next level. I am at peace. Gauri and I are serious about each other and we are in a very committed space. We are partners, we are together. In my heart, I’m already married to her. So, to formalize our togetherness just seems like a natural progression of our partnership.”

Aamir publicly introduced Gauri as his partner for the first time during his 60th birthday celebrations in Mumbai on March 14 last year. At the time, the actor had said he was “already married” to her in his heart and that they were enjoying each other’s company. Since then, the couple has made several public appearances together. Gauri is from Bengaluru and works in the wellness and beauty sector.

Aamir, 61, was previously married to Reena Dutta for 16 years, with whom he has two children, Junaid, 32, and Ira, 29. He was later married to filmmaker Kiran Rao for 16 years, and they share a son, Azad, 14. Gauri, 47, also has a seven-year-old son from a previous marriage.

The pieces are quickly falling in place for Aamir Khan and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker’s ambitious cricket drama based on the 1952 India-Pakistan Test series. Days after mid-day reported that Farhan Akhtar is being considered for the role of a Pakistani cricketer, it has now come to light that the superstar and Gowariker have zeroed in on the film’s release window. The makers are apparently eyeing a December 2027 release to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the landmark Test series that concluded in December 1952.

Sources close to the development reveal that the yet-untitled film — which sees Khan step into the role of independent India’s first cricket captain, Lala Amarnath — is expected to go on floors in late October 2026. 

An insider told mid-day, “Ashutosh has been researching the period for a long time. The idea is to recreate not only the cricketing rivalry, but also the emotional and political atmosphere of the early years after the Partition.”

Pre-production work, including casting and location recce, is underway. An extensive shooting schedule is being planned across India and select international locations. “The target is clear: finish by mid-2027 and arrive in theatres in December 2027,” added the insider.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker’s next has become one of the most talked about projects in the industry, and for good reason. It sees the director reunite with Aamir Khan over two decades after their classic ‘Lagaan’ (2001).

Now, word is that Farhan Akhtar may have a special appearance in the film that is set against the backdrop of India’s Partition and will chronicle the life of Lala Amarnath, independent India’s first cricket captain.

Akhtar has been attached to the project as a producer, along with Aamir Khan Productions. But he is not ruling out the possibility of stepping in front of the camera. 

A source told mid-day that he is likely to slip into the role of a celebrated Pakistani cricketer. “Even though it’s an extended cameo, Farhan’s role is emotionally pivotal to the narrative. He plays Lala Amarnath’s close friend, who remains in Pakistan after the Partition. The film isn’t just about cricket; it’s about friendship during one of the most turbulent moments in the subcontinent’s history. Ashutosh has asked Farhan to consider the role, but it’s not locked yet,” shared a source.

Actor Aamir Khan reflected on the box office failure of his 2018 film Thugs Of Hindostan at a Mumbai event on Friday. The 61-year-old compared the film to Ramesh Sippy’s classic Sholay (1975) and revealed that repeated script changes caused the story to lose its essence.

Aamir shared, “Thugs Of Hindostan is (basically) Sholay. In Sholay, you have Sanjeev Kumar’s Thakur, who needs to take revenge for his family being wiped out. And two people, Jai and Veeru, come in to help. Over here, it’s Zafira (Fatima Shaikh) needs same help and Firangi (Aamir) comes in.”

Admitting that while he usually prioritises the story above all else, here he placed his character above the story, which “bounced back badly”.

Speaking at the Screen Academy Masterclass, he shared, “For casting reasons, we kept changing the script. I wouldn’t know I’d make a fundamental error. We should not have changed the script. So, when you’ve seen Thugs, you haven’t seen the original script that Victor wrote.”

Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, Thugs Of Hindostan was made on a reported budget of over Rs. 300 crore, and ended up as a massive box office failure.

A wave of nostalgia swept across social media recently when Pooja Bhatt shared the poster of her 1993 film Pehla Nasha. The post not only revived memories of the cult thriller but also transported many back to a phase when several now-established names were still finding their place in the industry.

For Deepak Tijori, the film remains especially close to his heart. While speaking to us, the actor admitted that Pooja’s gesture caught him by surprise and stirred a flood of emotions.

“I was surprised to see the post. But I can expect that out of Pooja; she has always been that kind of person. She has always been there for me, and seeing her put up that poster just brought back so many memories from that phase of my life,” he says warmly.

Back in the early ’90s, Deepak was still navigating his way through the industry. He recalls, “In 1993, I was still getting there as an actor. I had been doing supporting roles, and this was a big moment for me. What made it even more special was that Pooja, who was already a star at that time, immediately said yes to the film. Even with Raveena Tandon, there was no hesitation; she came on board with complete conviction. That kind of support meant a lot to me back then.”

The film also marked the directorial debut of Ashutosh Gowariker, making the experience even more memorable for the team. Deepak remembers the atmosphere on set as one filled with youthful energy and genuine camaraderie.

“This was Ashutosh’s first film, my first as a lead — it was a very sentimental journey for all of us. Honestly, we were having a blast more than we were shooting a film. There was so much energy, so much enthusiasm. It remains one of those rare experiences in my life that I will always cherish,” he shares.

One of the film’s most talked-about sequences featured an impressive line-up of stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rahul Roy and Sudesh Berry. “Even that sequence was a treat. To have all these actors come together — it added a certain charm to the film. It felt like everyone was rooting for us,” he says.

Despite the passion and promise behind the project, Pehla Nasha struggled at the box office. According to Deepak, external circumstances heavily impacted the film’s release.

“At the time of release, the film ran into complications with distribution. Around the same time, the 1993 blasts had happened, so naturally people were not going to theatres the way they normally would. The film didn’t get the kind of release it deserved, and it wasn’t a box office success. But for us, it was never just about numbers — it was a very emotional project,” he explains.

During the 2020 lockdown, actor and director Boman Irani began Spiral Bound, an initiative that trained aspiring screenwriters. Six years on, it has grown into a nurturing hub for writers. The actor, who had announced a writing competition after conducting 870 sessions, is set to felicitate the winners at a special gala in Bandra on April 30.

Irani told mid-day that the idea of the competition was to instill confidence in the writers. He explained, “Many of them are afraid to share their work. They are unsure whether the writing is good or bad. So, I told them to just write, send it ahead, and come for the gala.”

Noted writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar will felicitate the winners. Other attendees include Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, Sooraj Barjatya, and Anupam Kher.

Irani added, “I told the students that so many people are turning up to support writers. If we don’t support writers, we can’t complain that we are not getting [good] stories.” We got to support the writers, pay them well and give them a place on that stage. They set the ball rolling, and if you don't respect and encourage that, we have no right to complain,” he said

Top 10 among the applicants will be announced at the event, while the best three will be rewarded with a trip to Moscow.

Irani shared. “The Russian Film Confederation is sponsoring them a trip to Moscow. The trip will take place in June. And it’s not just about the trip, what matters is that they can turn around and say that their writing got them there, something that everyone say has no money and gratification. But there is a prize, a victory and gratification. And that’s what I'm proud of, because what it's doing is waking up people. Finally you get messages from people, saying, ‘I'm so glad you did this. Finally I'm not afraid to put pen on paper’,” he said, adding that Spiral Bound precisely aims to make writers more confident about their skills. 

“No one is ever scolded or reprimanded in the class, even if they ask stupid questions. Ask the questions. Clarify your doubts. There's so much of learning. It's not just a community. It's not a support group. It's where serious, hardcore, high-level learning happens. I've been trained by Oscar-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr, whose next is with Tom Cruise. He teaches me, I share. It’s as simple as that,” Irani said.

Apart from teaching, Irani also makes sure he helps students earn opportunities by recommending them to the right people in the industry.

“It has to be done, right? Otherwise what’s the point of all of this? We had a girl in our class in 2020. I have her a prompt to write a scene. She wrote the scene and it had four-five lines in it. But I told her to apply what we teach. Today, she is writing multiple web series. I'm not trying to be ‘Mr Nice Guy’. I have a great love for cinema and I'm looking forward to good movies. So, this is out of a very selfish reason.”

Adding Aamir Khan’s production, the tentatively titled Batwara 1947, to his filmography has been a moment of pride for Ali Fazal. But being part of an intense Partition drama takes a toll. The actor admitted that it wasn’t easy to leave the story behind after wrapping the film.

“It’s not something you can switch off from easily at the end of the day. The role stayed [with me] as it’s heavy, internal, and required sustained emotional investment,” he said.

Fortunately, he found a light-hearted offering in Lust Stories 3, giving him just the right contrast after the intense movie. To Fazal, director Shakun Batra’s segment with Radhikka Madan offered a different creative rhythm, allowing him to explore more personal shades.

Speaking about the contrast, the actor added, “You should constantly put yourself in uncomfortable spaces, and this year was [just that]. What excites me is this constant shift in energy. I’m enjoying that directors are making us see ourselves in a different light.”

I remember the single happiest day of my teenage years. I came back from school and found a pink letter on my table. It was a friendship band that was sent by Jasmeet Walia, aka Jassi. At 12, I genuinely thought of Jassi [the lead in the show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin (2003–2006)] as my friend. And there began my love for Mona Singh. Many years later, during an interview, I told her this story and she laughed. “That innocence of Jassi is something I hope we always carry with ourselves,” she’d told me.

In the past few years, everywhere we look, we see Singh. She is the tough cop in Sudeep Sharma’s Kohrra. She is a don in Vir Das’s wacky Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. She is the hero’s warm mother in Aryan Khan’s Ba***ds Of Bollywood (2025). She is the doctor who can save the world in Netflix’s Kaala Paani (2023). She is also Sunny Deol’s bantering wife in Border 2. And she is the menacing Babli Didi, a mafia queen in Suresh Triveni’s Subedaar. It raises the same question in everyone’s mind — how is she in so many things all at once, never looking out of place in any of these diverse set ups?

The best answer I found to this, came from a late night conversation with Saurabh Khanna, writer of Yeh Meri Family (2018), and the producer of Kaala Paani (2023). He said, quite-matter-of-factly, “She is a Bachchan! Aap koi bhi film dekh lo, Bachchan sahab ki, film kaisi bhi ho, Bachchan sahab kabhi kharab nahin hotey!”

Khanna’s Yeh Meri Family is considered to be Singh’s turning point. She played a mother to three kids in ’90s small town India. What about that show made Khanna think of Singh? “When we started casting, we knew we wanted familiar faces. This wasn’t a show about big lines, big drama. It was about everyday stories. She has this unique quality that she can shine in whatever you give her. Very rarely do we get actors who take punt on fresh ideas, who don’t ask ‘mere opposite kaun hai?’”

Singh broke out with her iconic role Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin in 2003. The role itself was a risk. Television boom had seen an influx of interesting new actors but for any avid TV viewer of that era, Jassi was a revelation. An unofficial adaptation of Ugly Betty, Jassi too was the story of how a spirited young hard working woman is constantly admonished because she does not meet the traditional standards of beauty.  At its peak, the show touched a TRP of 9.2 making it among the most-watched television programs in the country. In Jassi, young women saw their own story of being reduced to just their looks.

But success, especially of that magnitude, comes with its own design to pigeonhole someone. For Singh, the shadow of Jassi wouldn’t leave so easy. For years after the show ended, the industry struggled to see her beyond the braces.

“There was a time when people only saw me as Jassi,” she has said. Breaking that image took a lot of courage from her end, which also meant fresh punts. Between 2006 (after Jassi ended) and 2009, Singh was on both Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa and 3 Idiots (2009) — her first film with Aamir Khan, trying her hand at evolving in whatever way she could. She hosted reality shows, did her work in TV but she was made for greater things and it was the advent of OTT that put the spotlight back on her craft.

But it was Khanna’s Ye Meri Family and Ekta Kapoor’s Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai (2018–2020), that was the first of her big OTT outings. In the latter, Singh plays an independent artiste in a relationship with a married man. Written by Neena Gupta, the show portrays Singh with grace.

In 2018, Singh had told mid-day, “It is a tricky part. Ekta Kapoor (the show’s producer) was very sure from the beginning that she will not project her as a vamp. She is a modern woman who happens to fall in love with a married man.” It ties in with what Khanna had told us about Singh’s choices, “Expect the unexpected from her. That’s what she is seeking.”

It’s this very tryst that took her to play Aamir Khan’s mother in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). As Singh had once corrected me, she is Laal’s mother, defending her decision of agreeing to play a mom to a man well her senior. During his drive from Goa to Mumbai, Adavait Chandan, director of Laal Singh Chaddha, called us to chat about what makes Singh such a phenomenal actor.

“There is a scene where she is crying when Aamir’s character is graduating. Even when I was directing that scene, I had tears in my eyes. It is my favourite scene of hers. She did become Laal’s mother. I find that loyalty she has her for work and craft, her most defining quality. She is a really great person and that energy feeds every character she plays. When our film didn’t work, she held me and we cried together. She taught me so much about how resilient an actor can be.”

But co-stars remember something entirely different about Singh. It’s her big laugh, that stays with those she meets on set, and her ability to remain calm under pressure.

Co-star Aditya Rawal, who worked with her on Subedaar, tells us, “This one day we had a big shoot sequence for Subedaar. We were shooting in Chembur and had ordered for chole bhature from somewhere. And then we had this really intense scene. No matter what Mona is shooting, she has this ability to stay calm. She can switch on and off between scenes. She is seamless in front of the camera. And as someone who was working with her, that I felt is the reason why she has endured across mediums, formats,” Rawal tells us.

Aditya Sarpotdar who directed her in the hit film Munjya (2024), told us, “She has always been a very secure actor. She would always encourage the new younger talent and was very approachable for all the young actors around her.”

But no one can read you better than the one who gave you your break. Rajan Shahi, who directed Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, says the secret to her evolution is quite simple. It’s the one virtue she has had all along in her life, “When I think of Mona, the thing that stands out is she is a selfless soul. She is a true artiste. I remember something from her pre-Jassi success days.  She was a nervous student, sitting with script, learning lines, scared before exams. Till date, she is still that nervous student wanting to do well. After the show broke out, Mona was the biggest TV star back then. I remember one day SRK was crossing our set, he and his children waved at her and she waved back. We then got a call from Yash Chopra saying Shah Rukh and his kids want to meet Mona. So many people change after success. They slow down creatively, fame corrupts them. But Mona has stayed grounded. She is humble and kind. When I watched Kohrra season two, I was so surprised that the same young girl is this fine actor today. You know why Mona jaisi koi nahin, because Mona remains unfazed by fame!”

If anyone can slip into the skin of Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, or even Gulzar saab with uncanny ease, it is Sunil Grover. His razor-sharp impersonations routinely set the internet buzzing, and his take on Aamir Khan drew praise from the actor himself. In this conversation, Sunil reflects on craft, pressure, admiration and the slow burn of stardom.

Asked about his ability to capture voices and mannerisms, Sunil admits he does not fully understand how it happens. He says, “It just happens. Hum toh karte rehte hain aur kayi baar cheezein click kar jaati hain. It’s instinctive. I see it as a gift, and I try to preserve and nurture it. Even I surprise myself sometimes and think, ‘Did I really do that?’ Sometimes it doesn’t land, but that’s part of the journey. Jab nahi hota, tab samajh lena chahiye ki abhi taiyaari chal rahi hai.”

Despite bringing so many characters to life, he acknowledges that the nervousness never disappears. He says, “It’s not just butterflies in the stomach; sometimes it feels like huge birds are flying inside! Pressure should only be to the extent that it helps you give your best. If you take too much pressure, you won’t perform well. Our job is to enjoy what we do. The only real pressure is when there is no work.”

Sunil remembers hesitating before performing one of his most talked-about acts. He says, “There was an impersonation of Gulzar saab. I kept wondering at night whether I should attempt it and how it would be received. He is such a respected and celebrated poet and writer. Presenting him in a comic light had to be done carefully, especially since we were blending humour with reverence.”

His recent impersonation of Aamir became a talking point when the actor himself called it fantastic and said he laughed the loudest while watching it. Sunil describes that appreciation as deeply affirming. He shares, “When appreciation comes from someone like Aamir Khan, whom I admire, it feels deeply rewarding. I respect his passion for his craft and the love he has for his work.”

For Sunil, however, it is never about fame. He says, “Stardom bohot achhi cheez hai aur popularity mil jaati hai, par main unki skills ka fan hoon. Mujhe artiste ki art intimidate karti hai, their approach to art, their talent and what they do with it. That amazes me more than a person’s popularity. Stardom doesn’t make any difference to me.”

His journey began early. Sunil recalls, “I was in class six when I first impersonated veteran actor Rajendra Nath. He remains my favourite. Watching him brought me immense joy. Of course, I was copying teachers and relatives. That’s how it all began.”

Did that lay the foundation for his comedy? He reflects, “Kayi baar aap woh karne lagte ho jisme log aapko pasand karte hain. I didn’t know people would enjoy my impersonations. There was a phase of Gutthi and Mashoor Gulati. Abhi impersonation ka phase chal raha hai, toh dekhte hain kab tak uska maza le sakte hain. Kabhi kabhi darr bhi hota hai ki audience ko achha lagega ki nahi.”

In an era where celebrities are protective of their personality rights, Sunil takes a light-hearted view. “Jis kaam ko main kar raha hoon, main chahta hoon koi rokk na lagaye,” he jokes, adding, “A colleague once suggested that I secure my personality rights. I told him, ‘Main khud doosron ki copy kar raha hoon, tu mujhe kya bol raha hai personality rights ka. Main kisi ko kaise rokunga?’”

For him, impersonation is rooted in admiration. “Unless I genuinely like someone, I cannot impersonate them. There has to be something distinct about them that fascinates me. I must enjoy the process of becoming them. I don’t see it as mere mimicry. It’s a celebration of people,” he emphasizes.

The internet often calls him ‘exceptional’, compares him to a chameleon and describes him as someone who redefined the word behroopiya. Ask him about his stardom and he laughs, “Yeh itna dheere dheere hua hai ki mujhe pata hi nahi chala. When it comes to popularity and its ups and downs, I relate to Sahir Ludhianvi’s line, ‘Main pal do pal ka shaayar hoon’. It sums it up. Although it reflects reality, woh reality sunn kar aap kaam nahi kar sakte.”

He adds, “I feel fortunate and grateful for all this love. Sometimes I wonder whether I deserve it. The joy lies in seeing something you once enjoyed privately beginning to resonate with others. When people connect with it, that makes me truly happy. I’m simply grateful and hope to continue doing what I love.”

At a time when actors such as Kajol, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan, among others, are increasingly moving court to safeguard their personality rights, Sunil Grover has a clear take. The actor-comedian, who is known for mimicking several celebrities, believes mimicry, when done right, is a celebration, not a violation.

The 48-year-old shares, “When I impersonate them, it’s a tribute and is not meant to make fun in any way. I understand the problem when someone misuses it to endorse a brand or a thought which the artiste doesn’t want. But these personalities have become so big ke ab wo public ke bhi ho gaye hain and we celebrate them.”

The comedian reveals that his latest act, a mimicry of Aamir Khan on The Great Indian Kapil Show, had received praise from the actor himself, who called it “priceless” and “authentic.” Sunil recalls the experience fondly: “It felt good. People even referred to me as ‘Aamir sir.’ I am a big fan of Aamir and his work, and it’s his greatness that he also took it all in zest.”

While he advocates for such acts to continue as a form of celebration, Sunil draws a clear line at offensive humour. He says, “I don’t support below-the-belt and offensive jokes. I don’t like to talk about their personal lives too. Jo garima mein hai, wo theek hai; hum koshish karte hain ki uske paar na jaye.”

On a lighter note, he shares, “One of my friends told me that I should get an order for my personality rights and I told him, ‘Sharam nahin aati hai. Main duniya bhar ke logon ki nakal kar raha hun aur tu mujhe bol raha hai.’”