Showing posts with label Haryana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haryana. Show all posts
Mouni Roy alleges harassment by male guests at Haryana event
8:16 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (January 25, 2026)
Actor Mouni Roy spoke out on Saturday about a disturbing incident at a recent event in Karnal, Haryana, where she says she faced inappropriate behaviour from several male guests.
Taking to her Insta Stories, the 40-year-old wrote, “I’m disgusted with the behaviour of the guests, especially two uncles who are old enough to be grandparents. As the event started and I walked towards the stage, they put their hands on my waist to click pictures.”
According to Mouni, the situation escalated once she reached the stage: “Two uncles stood right in front, making lewd remarks, showing me lewd hand gestures, and name-calling. I politely gestured to them not to do it, after which they started throwing roses at me. No family or organizers moved them from up front.”
Expressing concern for other women in the industry, the actor added, “If someone like me has to go through this, I can only imagine what new girls starting to work and do shows must be going through. I’m humiliated, traumatized, and want the authorities to take action.”
In another Story, she highlighted additional details about the incident, writing, “Have to also mention that the stage was at a height and these uncles were making videos at a low angle... The guts. The entitlement of being men. We are their guests, and they harass us like this.”
Mulk 2: Taapsee Pannu shoots intense scene in Bandra church; Anubhav Sinha plans outdoor schedule
3:07 PM
Sources say Taapsee Pannu shooting Mulk 2’s courtroom scenes in a Bandra church; unit to head to UP and Haryana for the next leg
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 17, 2025)
In April, mid-day reported that Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Anubhav Sinha had kicked off Mulk 2, the sequel to their hard-hitting 2018 courtroom drama (Court mein phir se haazir ho, April 14). Over a month on, work on the drama is on in full swing. The actor, over the past two weeks, has been filming pivotal scenes at a Bandra church, which has been transformed into a courtroom for the shoot.
Like Mulk, the sequel will explore themes of identity, faith, and civil liberties. It remains unclear whether Pannu is reprising her role of lawyer Aarti.
A source from the unit reveals, “Taapsee has been shooting courtroom portions over the past few days. The emotionally charged sequences see her delivering lengthy monologues. She is fully prepped, and one can see how deeply she is invested in the material.”
From what we’ve heard, the Mumbai leg will go on for another four days. After that, Sinha is apparently planning an intensive 20-day outdoor schedule in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Another insider tells us, “Anubhav’s past films are proof that he tells his stories in a gritty and realistic manner. He wants to root Mulk 2’s story in its social and geographical context. Locations have been finalised in Lucknow, Meerut, and Karnal, where the director will film some rally and courtroom scenes. The movie will have another 20-25 days of work before he calls it a wrap.”
After Mulk 2, Pannu will move to Haseen Dillruba 3.
It’s been 18 years since I quit politics, I won’t slyly tweet to get back into it-Govinda
8:38 AM
The actor has disowned the tweet, which urged for “aman aur shanti”, and said that he hadn’t used the account in a while
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 4, 2023)
On Wednesday, a tweet from Govinda’s handle, condemning the communal violence in Haryana, went viral, but the account was soon deactivated. A day later, Govinda posted a video on Instagram and claimed that he didn’t post the tweet and that his Twitter account was hacked.
In the video, Govinda said, “Please do not attribute this Haryana tweet to me, as I have not done this. Somebody has hacked my account. I am just doing a complaint to the cybercrime (department) now. I will look into the matter. (sic)”
Talking to us, the actor said, “I don’t even know how these social media things like Twitter operate. I haven’t tweeted for ages. That was not my tweet at all. My account has been hacked and I will inform the Cyber Crime Police so that they can look into this.”
He added, “It’s been 18 years since I quit politics, I won’t slyly tweet to get back into it. This sort of fake news is dangerous as it can lead to people making assumptions about me. Mujhe Haryana mein shows na mile, kaam na mile... maybe someone has an ulterior motive. Logon ko khapta nahi aisa insaan jisko har jagah prem mile. I want people to keep me out of their politics and agendas. Na main kisike politics mein gaya, na mujhe kisika support mila. Meri films ko theatres nahi mile. I have suffered enough.”
People are not talking about floods in Haryana, Punjab-Randeep Hooda
8:37 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 20, 2023)
While flood-like situations and waterlogging in Delhi-NCR have been hogging the headlines, Randeep Hooda, who hails from Haryana, feels there isn’t much awareness about how rains have ravaged his home state and Punjab. The actor has been going the extra mile to help those impacted in the affected regions of these states by distributing essentials.
“People are not talking about these floods and how they’re affecting people and animals in Haryana and Punjab. So, I went on the ground to create awareness and encourage the Khalsa Aid volunteers and others to donate. Also, doing groundwork is the ultimate seva that I have admired in the Khalsa Aid volunteers since I associated with them a few years ago,” says the 46-year-old.
Although he is back in Mumbai now, he continues to be in touch with those on the ground. “I will keep donating, supporting and bringing into the public’s consciousness their (Khalsa Aid’s) relentless efforts to aid those in need,” adds the actor, last seen in Sergeant.
Having seen the situation in Haryana and Punjab, parts of which are “totally submerged in water”, Hooda gives us the details: “Farmlands have become an ocean of water, and the people staying in the fields are isolated and hard to reach. The volunteers have arranged for boats and tractors [to rescue people]; some are even swimming to provide relief to those in need. [Lack of] Drinking water, bare necessities and sanitation-related problems loom large, which might cause the loss of human and animal lives.”
I was a tomboy in school; for a certain film, they taught me how to walk like a heroine-Tamannaah Bhatia
11:14 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 21, 2022)
Tamannaah Bhatia is all set to surprise the audience as a bouncer in Madhur Bhandarkar’s upcoming film Babli Bouncer. She has often portrayed the quintessential Bollywood heroine, and now, the actress taps into another aspect of her personality that she hasn’t explored before on screen. Produced by Star Studios and Junglee Pictures, the film also stars Saurabh Shukla, Abhishek Bajaj and Sahil Vaid in pivotal roles. Babli Bouncer releases on September 23 on Disney+ Hotstar in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
In a conversation with Bombay Times, Tamannaah opens up about reinventing herself and what she expects from her experiments as an actor. Excerpts:
The Hindi-speaking audience has more often seen you in glamorous roles on the screen. What pushed you to take up a role that has you playing a woman in a field that is dominated by men?
When I heard this role, I could associate with the character as I was a tomboy in school. I was a dada in my head. I began gravitating towards my feminine side when I grew up and started pursuing a career in movies. I started working when I was 16 years old. I remember for a certain film, they taught me how to walk like a heroine. Bachpan se jo mere main woh dada wala energy tha, I never got a chance to channel it into a character. With Babli Bouncer, I got that opportunity. I didn’t have to go out of my way (in terms of traits) as it came organically to me. What was interesting was that I could balance the other facets of Babli. I think most women would be able to relate to Babli because, today, most of us are like her. Today, women are strong, career-driven, goal-oriented and manage a family, and tapping into their masculine side just adds that little more zest.
You play a titular role in a film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, who’s known to set his stories around female protagonists. What kind of prep did you have to do to essay this character?
Madhur sir has evolved and stayed relevant even after so many years in the industry. He has consistently given his female protagonists strong roles and some of their career’s best performances. He is a director who is very consistent, and I think it comes from the fact that he lets everyone do their job, and he doesn’t micromanage. The films that Madhur sir has made have always had a very serious undertone or drama at the centre of it. I had always imagined what the process would be. He could have made my process far more tedious. I didn’t know how approachable he would be, or what kind of prep I would have to put in to approach this character from his perspective. Although there was a lot of pressure as I had to do many things to get into the skin of the character — learn Haryanvi, ride a bullet and learn to beatbox — he never let me feel it. He definitely got the most nuanced performance out of me. I think this is my career’s best in terms of my performance.
As an actor, you are surrounded by bouncers for security at events. Did you learn any nuances from any of the female bouncers you have come across in real life?
I have always had female bouncers around me. In fact, during an event down South, I remember that there were 12 male bouncers and an equal number of female bouncers. There are so many women who feel comfortable around female bouncers. It breaks the idea that it is a very male-centric field. With Babli Bouncer, I tapped into a different side of my personality. As far as the prep is concerned, Madhur sir had interacted more closely with them than I did. We weren’t really seeking inspiration from anyone in particular. As far as learning Haryanvi is concerned, I took some inspiration from my bhabhi, who is from Haryana. I was exposed to that culture way before the prep of the film. In fact, I think my bhabhi is quite like Babli, and I can’t wait for her to watch this film.
Of late, you have been taking up roles that defied the title conferred upon you — milk beauty — by the audience down South. From playing a kabaddi coach in Seetimaarr (Telugu) to pretending to be a boy in F3 (Telugu), and now, a bouncer — is this a deliberate attempt to break your image?
As an actor, I get bored if I do something too many times. I have a very short attention span, and I need to be entertained while I do my job. So, I prefer picking up these different characters so that I have to completely rework my process and present myself in a new way. Then, organically, my audience also sees a different facet of me, and then, more such films come my way.
Do you think Hindi filmmakers have been very receptive towards the different kinds of roles you have been doing recently? What has the response been?
I think it is a very nascent stage for me to see how people react here (the Hindi film industry). I think Babli Bouncer will definitely give me that chance. That apart, I have a show that will be released next year on an OTT platform. People will get to see me in a variety of roles in the next six to eight months and they will see me doing a variety of characters. I am looking forward to doing a lot of new things, like maybe a dance film. I would also like to be a part of an out-and-out action film and a cute love story, too, as I haven’t done that in a while.
Randeep Hooda sponsors ice skater Vishwaraj Jadeja, who will represent India at World Cup
8:34 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 14, 2022)
During the recently concluded Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022, Randeep Hooda was seen constantly cheering on the athletes and the winners on social media. He keenly followed the various matches and India’s performance at the sporting event held in Birmingham.
“It gives me great satisfaction to see our sportspersons do so well. This time around, we got a lot of medals in various new sports, especially in athletics, which is a very tough discipline,” says Randeep, congratulating the athletes who ensured India grabbed the fourth spot on the list of countries with the maximum number of medals this year.
Proud of the talent coming from various states of India, as well as his home state Haryana, an overjoyed Randeep says, “Athletes from Haryana have always done well in sports. Sports is a part of the culture there. People start participating in various sports at a young age. So, it’s a little bit of genetics and a lot of hard work.”
The actor, who studied at Motilal Nehru School of Sports (in Rai), is a sportsman himself. Randeep says that he has seen the trials and tribulations that sportspersons face right from his childhood. “I know the discipline and the hard work that they put in. You do very well in one competition, and as a result, people get to know you and then, you face the burden of expectations. You have to live up to their expectations. In their sporting career, athletes have to deal with injuries, too.”
Randeep, who participates in equestrian events like show jumping and dressage, has won several medals in the National Equestrian Championship over the years. He has battled severe injuries, but he has never let the pain deter him. Reflecting on the process of suffering injuries, recovering from them and regaining form post-recovery, he stresses on how it is important to stand by the players not only during their highs, but also their lows.
He opines, “We clap when our players win medals and make us proud, but we should be there for them through their journey, especially when they fail, get injured or do not live up to their potential. During situations like these, if we support them emotionally, financially or in any other way, it will give them a big boost. I think it is already happening. A lot of help is being given to them.”
The Highway actor has always gone out of his way to stand by the players that make India proud. Last year, he met and congratulated the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (pictured above). This year, Randeep along with entrepreneur and philanthropist Jay Patel sponsored ice skater Vishwaraj Jadeja, who will represent India at World Cup 2022 for long track speed skating.
“I can only be a facilitator or someone who encourages athletes. In Vishwaraj’s case, his sport is very different, and there was no support for that sport in India. He was doing everything on his own, so we thought of supporting him. If he does well in this sport, other people will join in, too. We have to encourage this (a sport that isn’t among the popular ones) because every bit of support is a step towards bringing it into the mainstream. For many years, especially after the Indian cricket team won the World Cup in 1983, all our focus and attention has been on cricket. I am happy that today this focus is shifting towards other sports, too,” he says.
During his school days, Randeep was a swimmer and played equestrian sports. He’s happy that though work as an actor keeps him busy, he’s managed to balance his passion for sports. “In school, I used to do drama and ride horses, and today, I am doing the same thing (laughs). Playing sports is a relief as I have an obsessive personality, so I need another passion to offset my passion for acting or cinema.”
We did tapasya to make Dada Lakhmi, says Yashpal Sharma as his directorial debut won the National Award
8:03 AM
Ankur Batra (BOMBAY TIMES; July 27, 2022)
Bringing the inspirational life journey of poet, philosopher Pandit Lakhmi Chand, also known as Kalidas of Haryana, to the silver screen involved years of rigorous research work. For director-actor Yashpal Sharma, who also essayed Pandit ji’s character in the film Dada Lakhmi, the execution of the biopic has been the most challenging part.
Pandit Lakhmi Chand, referred to as Dada Lakhmi, is known to have popularised folk theatre of Haryana, Saang. He was also accorded the honour of the Surya Har of Haryanvi music for his work in Raagni. And now when the movie Dada Lakhmi: A Musical Journey of Pandit Lakhmi Chandhas won the Best Haryanvi Film in the 68th National Film Awards for 2020, announced on Friday, the Hisar born actor is elated.
“It took me more than five years to make the film,” says Sharma, who made his directorial debut with this film. He adds, “The groundwork for the film started even earlier. Life of such a great personality could not be summed up in one project. The second part is on anvil.”
Sharma made back-to-back visits to villages across Haryana, sifting through records and documenting information from elderly people across rural belts. “We did tapasya to make this film. Haryanvi films have a great potential. The state is a treasure trove of stories, mostly gone untold.”
Even before the project was conceptualized, Sharma had planned to make the project award worthy. “I wanted to make it an award-winning film. I am happy it came out that way.”
He adds, “It’s important to attract audiences. I feel Haryanvi cinema is on a strong revival path. Now, we need more screens to exhibit our work. Many movies were being made in the past but they could not reach the festival platform due to lack of screens.”
Haryanvi films which picked up awards in the past include, Gulaabo (1986), Chandrawal (1984), Laado (2000), Pagdi: The Honour (2014) and Satrangi (2016). Next, Sharma is exploring stories that need to be narrated. “The state has given many legends. Par unki kahaani ya kaam zyada bahar nahin aaye. I am researching on topics to highlight our rich history to our future generations,” he says.
Our parents are old and we have to do things to make them happy-Payal Rohatgi
8:16 AM
Payal Rohatgi and Sangram Singh have set July 9 as the date for their D-day and have been travelling around NCR and Ahmedabad to finalize their wedding venue
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; June 6, 2022)
Wrestler and motivational speaker Sangram Singh and actress Payal Rohatgi, who have been together for 12 years, will be getting married on July 9. The couple announced their wedding date online and are now searching for a venue. “We wanted to do a destination wedding in Rajasthan or Uttarakhand, but then realized that it would be difficult for our parents, who are very old now, to travel so much for the wedding. So, we thought that NCR would be the most convenient location for our families, and are looking at venues there. If things don’t work out in NCR, then we will have the wedding in Ahmedabad, where Payal’s family is based. Also, there will be a small celebration at my village in Haryana. People there have been waiting for my marriage as much as my parents (laughs)!” says Sangram.
I WANTED A WEDDING WITH ALL THE REETI-RIVAAZ: PAYAL ROHATGI
Payal adds that they have decided to have an intimate, traditional wedding, followed by a reception in Delhi and Mumbai for their friends. “We are certain that the wedding will just be attended by our families and a few close friends. We are planning to host a reception in Delhi and Mumbai a few days later for our friends. Sangram initially wanted to have a court marriage or a temple wedding and surprise our families, but I wanted a traditional wedding with all the reeti-rivaaz in the presence of our families. I think every woman wants to make her wedding day special and memorable in every way possible, and look her best. So, I want all traditions and rituals to be followed. I want to look pretty as it’s going to be a life-long memory. It will be a three-day celebration, and the wedding rituals will take place during the day on July 9,” says Payal.
MOST PEOPLE IN MY VILLAGE, GET MARRIED BY 22-24: SANGRAM SINGH
Both of them say that their marriage is the most-awaited occasion for their families. “There was a time when our families had given up on us. But we realize that our parents are old and we have to do things to make them happy. His mother’s dream is to see Sangram married,” says Payal.
Sangram adds, “I thought this was the right time. My mother has been waiting for this day for years. She started looking for brides as soon as I started working. Every Sunday, there would be a prospective bride’s family sitting at home. My mother would make excuses to make me come home early from work. Actually, most people in our village get married when they turn 22-24. Also, this time it was a spontaneous decision to get married. Payal was a part of a reality show, where I saw that her co-contestants would often tease her with my name and she even cried. I didn’t like that, and we have been together for years now, so I thought that let’s get married. I wanted July 21 as our wedding date as that’s also my birthday, but my mother said that there is no mahurat for weddings after July 9, so I had to agree on that.”
Until a few days ago, I didn’t know that a case had been filed against me-Yuvika Chaudhary
8:35 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; October 21, 2021)
Yuvika Chaudhary was arrested on Monday by the Haryana Police in a case pertaining to offensive remarks against Scheduled Castes on a social media platform. The actress, who was booked under the SC/ST Act, was later granted interim bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The actress, who is now back in Mumbai, says, “Until a few days ago, I didn’t know that a case had been filed against me. When I got a notice, I was in Pune shooting. I left everything and went for the investigation. As a law-abiding citizen, law comes above everything else for me. I travelled immediately to Haryana. There, the police asked me several questions and they even have the phone through which the video was uploaded. I am back in Mumbai now, but I hope everything gets sorted soon.”
The actress says there are many other important issues in the country, which need to be addressed, but she has had to pay a price for being a public figure. “Six months ago, too, I had said that I didn’t use the word for anyone and I didn’t even know the meaning of it. I would never want to hurt anyone, but now that it has happened, I can only apologise,” she says.
The actress’ husband Prince Narula has stood by her like a rock. “He is my partner and has been there with me throughout this. I am glad that I have him as my husband,” Yuvika signs off.
Yuvika Chaudhary arrested under SC/ST Act; out on interim bail
7:51 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (October 20, 2021)
Actor Yuvika Chaudhary has been arrested under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 (SC/ST Act) over remarks she made against scheduled castes in her vlog earlier this year. The actor, who was arrested on Monday by Haryana Police, is now out on interim bail.
“My client has joined the investigation as per the guidelines given by the High Court and she is on interim bail now in a case of alleged offensive remarks against Scheduled Castes on a social media platform,” said Chaudhary’s lawyer Ashok Bishnoi.
A case was filed against her by Rajat Kalsan in Hansi, Haryana, under the SC/ST Act over the usage of the word ‘bhangi’ in her vlog. In his complaint, Kalsan claimed that the actor made derogatory, objectionable remarks about scheduled caste community in her video.
Soon after facing backlash, Chaudhary took to Twitter to apologize, saying she didn’t know the meaning of the word. “Hi guys I didn’t know the meaning of that word that I used in my last vlog. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone and I can never do that to hurt someone. I apologize to each and everyone. I hope you understand, love you all,” she had tweeted in May.
A look at the states which are allowing 100% and 50% occupancy in cinemas
9:25 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
Jharkhand will be the last state to open cinemas with cinemas being
allowed to open on 1st March in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad etc. It will
be a 50% occupancy but that should be pushed up to 100% in time like in
most places.
India now has 100% occupancy allowed in most places with the real
concern as far as Hindi cinema goes being Maharashtra which is close to
30% of the Indian theatrical business for a Hindi film. The state has
seen a rise in case lately which means the 50% occupancy rule likely to
stay in Maharashtra for the time being.
There is one month to go till the release of some Hindi releases which
can bring in some footfalls so the hopefully the Coronavirus trajectory in
Maharashtra will be downward by then.
The situation across India in
terms of occupancy at the moment is as follows.
Maharashtra - 50%
Gujarat - 100%
Delhi - 100%
UP - 50% (Noida and Lucknow operating at 100% but most cities are still at 50%)
Punjab - 100%
Chandigarh - 100%
Haryana - 50%
Himachal Pradesh - 50%
Jammu / Kashmir - 100%
Rajasthan - 50%
Madhya Pradesh - 100%
Chhattisgarh - 100%
West Bengal - 100%
Bihar - 100%
Jharkhand - 50%
Assam - 100%
Odisha - 50%
Andhra Pradesh - 100%
Karnataka - 100%
Tamil Nadu - 100%
Kerala - 50%
This leaves Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha and Kerala as the only states in the country to fully allow 100%. The above places contribute around 50-55% of the all India business for a Hindi film.
Gujarat - 100%
Delhi - 100%
UP - 50% (Noida and Lucknow operating at 100% but most cities are still at 50%)
Punjab - 100%
Chandigarh - 100%
Haryana - 50%
Himachal Pradesh - 50%
Jammu / Kashmir - 100%
Rajasthan - 50%
Madhya Pradesh - 100%
Chhattisgarh - 100%
West Bengal - 100%
Bihar - 100%
Jharkhand - 50%
Assam - 100%
Odisha - 50%
Andhra Pradesh - 100%
Karnataka - 100%
Tamil Nadu - 100%
Kerala - 50%
This leaves Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha and Kerala as the only states in the country to fully allow 100%. The above places contribute around 50-55% of the all India business for a Hindi film.
So what if I'm 40? I have a heart-Sonali Phogat
8:10 AM
Hissar politico Sonali Phogat exits the Bigg Boss house to realise she can swing merrily between netagiri and Bollywood, because both take guts, performance and some good luck
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; January 31, 2021)
Rajkumar Jangra, a BJP party worker in Hissar district of Haryana, is unsure about how Sonali Phogat, who has just exited the Bigg Boss house, will be received when she gets back to active political work. "It's her good luck that she reached where she did, and we, as party workers, are only happy for her. But everyone has their own point of view."
Ask him if he is referring to the conservative nature of politics in Haryana, and he agrees. "Dehaat mein [rural India] people are conservative. So, of course, the masses may have a problem. But we can deal with it. Madam has always been a person who takes people along as she moves ahead. She gets along well with everyone, and gets the work done. She finds solutions," he says of Phogat, who held the position of National Vice President of BJP's Mahila Morcha.
Phogat agrees with Jangra. She think it's what saw her through the last 33 days on what's considered one of India's toughest reality show challenges. Phogat was eliminated last weekend from the hit show's 14th season, and while we had expected her to be back in Hissar, Phogat intends to hang on in Mumbai and explore work opportunities. Last Wednesday in fact, she was at a post-show press conference posing for photographers in a red pant suit, eager to talk. It's not the garb you expect a conventional politico to be in. But then, Phogat doesn't seem to play by the rules.
She didn't inside the house either, when she confessed to on-off friend Arshi Khan that she had the hots for fellow paticipant, television actor Aly Goni. "Just because I am in politics, will I be targeted for my feelings? I've also always liked Dharam ji [Dharmendra] and had told my husband to organise a meeting with him. When I used to talk to him for hours, my husband got jealous. I feel that about Salman Khan as well. I like them. Aly is a nice guy," she says, adding after a pause, "I want to tell all the kids who are trolling me that they will be 40 one day. Will they not have feelings then?"
Phogat's straight talk has been discussed even before she decided to try her hand at reality television. Born into a farmer family in Haryana, she was married right after Class X, and lost her husband early. She became an actor on the small screen with Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma and made a big-screen debut with Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti. Phogat has also been an active performer on popular video app, TikTok. But it was in 2019 that she made headlines when she received a BJP ticket to contest the state elections from the Adampur constituency. In 2020, she was caught on camera assaulting Sultan Singh, the market committee secretary in Haryana, whom she claimed had made a derogatory pass at her.
In the house, the aggression was on display on few rare occasions, including a bizarrely quirky moment when she decided on a whim to pour water over Arshi Khan for shooting her mouth without a thought. Also, her fights with actress Niki Tamboli have been acidic, and her verbal repartee with Rubina Dilaik has ended with Phogat using the choicest expletives in Hindi.
In the early days of her joining, Phogat didn't manage too much screen time, with the likes or Tamboli branding her a nobody. After a few wise words from superstar Salman Khan, who headlines the show, she seemed to step up her game by speaking up, picking a fight if needed, and admitting that she had a soft corner for Goni. "In politics," she says, "we have to abide by certain beliefs and toe the line. Here, [on the show] it was the opposite. You can move ahead by cheating people, which you shouldn't do in politics. On the show, things just happen to you; you react in a way you didn't know you would. So, I learnt a lot about myself this last month. When I get angry, I break the rules. And it did happen a couple of times on the show too, but I was being myself. I don't fake it. I am sure that will take me far in politics." Politics, which Phogat says took up most of her time until now, may have to wait a bit. While her team is carrying on with work in Hissar, Phogat is in the mood to act some more.
Jangra says they will be happy when she returns as it's always good when a party worker shines elsewhere too. The messages from female party workers that came to her once she was out is proof that she was entertaining enough for them to have watched the show with their children. "My daughter said, 'I didn't think you would even last one week'," Phogat says of her 14 year-old.
Politics and Bollywood make happy bedfellows, she knows, making her plan to divide her time between her interests a feasible one. "I lasted 33 days in the house, so people must have liked me. I think they saw that I tried to take people along, and help them bond. That matters in politics. But I was discriminated against. Niki said, 'Who is she?' Well, I must be someone and that's why I was called on the show. My aim now is to make sure no one gets discriminated. Neither in Haryana, nor in the country."
Sonali uncensored
The contestant with the worse personal hygiene
Arshi Khan.
Rate Rakhi Sawant's intelligence on 1 to 10
Seven.
Aly Goni's sex appeal lies in his...
Personality.
Rubina Dilaik's most irritating habit is...
Attitude and fake laughter.
Who plays it safe and is a yes man to Salman Khan?
Aly Goni.
Who according to you is winning BB 14?
Rubina Dilaik.
Gul Panag hopes protesting farmers can celebrate Lohri with families
3:34 PM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 13, 2021)
After a long time, actor Gul Panag will be spending Lohri with her parents in her village Mahadian, Punjab. That this is going to be her three-year-old son Nihal’s first Lohri in Punjab with grandparents makes the celebration special.
“Since I’m mostly in Mumbai, celebrating Lohri with my parents had become a rarity. After many years, I’m hoping to relive those earlier days once again,” she says.
“As we go around the fire and throw sesame seeds into it, we usually say ‘Ishar aaye, dalidar jaye…’, meaning, leave the laziness behind because winter is ending and let’s get back to work with new vigour. Good thing about being in Delhi is that my parents’ house in Punjab isn’t far, so I’m able to meet them more often,” says the Pataal Lok actor, who has been in Delhi since the beginning of the farmer’s protest.
She was among the many Bollywood celebrities who extended support to farmers protesting against the Centre’s three farm bills.
Considering Lohri is an important festival for farmers in Punjab and Haryana, Panag adds, “They’re celebrating any which way, lighting fire every day to keep warm. Kabse hi to chal rahi hai unki Lohri. Since the protest is happening in Haryana, the whole thing is yeh Punjab ka protest hai. But you’ve to go on the ground to see kitne alag alag log shaamil hai. I’ve been there, I know.”
Hoping that the farmers are able to be with their family for Lohri, Panag says everything depends on “what decision the Government” takes. “They haven’t left their families out of choice. They would rather be home than here,” she adds.
Ending on a positive note, Panag says, “Let’s leave the past behind and look towards a new future with hope.”
No cricket in Chandigarh for Shahid Kapoor due to ongoing farmers' protest?
8:22 AM
Sources say Shahid Kapoor's Jersey shoot in north Indian city deferred due to ongoing farmers' protest; unit heads to Dehradun
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 8, 2020)
Shahid Kapoor and the makers of Jersey had carefully charted out the final schedule before heading out to Chandigarh on November 20. As per the plan, the unit was to film a major portion of the sports drama in the north Indian city before making its way to Kasauli and Dehradun. However, with the farmers' protests at its peak in Punjab and Haryana, director Gowtam Tinnanuri and the makers have had to defer the Chandigarh schedule.
"Days into the shoot in Chandigarh, the makers felt it would be difficult to pull off the remaining shoot amid the current scenario. So, the team quickly changed their plan and headed to Dehradun last week. Shahid, Mrunal Thakur and the cast will film certain portions in the Uttarakhand capital over the next few days and will return to Chandigarh in the last leg of the schedule. They have about three days' work left in the city," reveals a source. The drama, an official adaptation of the 2019 Telugu hit of the same name, will see Kapoor play a retired cricketer who strives to make a comeback.
mid-day reached out to the film's spokesperson, who remained unavailable till press time.
I represented Haryana in martial arts at the National level in school-Rajkummar Rao
8:08 AM
Rajkummar Rao on being teachers’ blue-eyed boy and living his childhood dream every day since making his debut 10 years ago
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2020)
After months of staying put at home in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Rajkummar Rao is back on the sets. Speaking from Chandigarh, where he’s shooting for a yet-untitled film with Kriti Sanon, Paresh Rawal, Ratna Pathak Shah, the actor sounds upbeat about reclaiming his place in front of the camera. 2020 marks 10 years of his Bollywood debut and he remembers how, as a student of Class 10th, he would mimic Shah Rukh Khan and Manoj Bajpayee from Shool, believing everything he saw on screen was real, and wanting to do what they were doing. “Sitting in a small town, thinking of becoming a Hindi film actor and pursuing the passion without a Plan B was the biggest leap of faith I could have taken,” he admits, hoping he gets to do more challenging roles in the next decade.
Raj’s upcoming film, Chhalaang, with frequent collaborator Hansal Mehta is a comedy, and the actor insists that the director is a quirky guy even though he makes intense dramas. “Meet him at a party where he is in his elements and you will know all about his comic timing and what fun he can be! We were shooting in a school and there were kids around. We actually played volleyball, basketball, and cricket with them,” he relays. Recalling his own school days, Raj reveals that his PT teachers were very supportive of him. “I was good at sports and represented Haryana in martial arts at the National level in school. I took part in all extra-curricular activities, including dance and plays, and still cleared all my exams. The eight hours of school were an adventure!” he shares.
In the film, Raj is Mahinder Hooda, a PT teacher, who falls in love with the computer teacher, Neelima, played by Nushrratt Bharuccha, but has to defeat arch-rival Zeeshan Ayyub’s I M Singh, to win her and keep his job. Despite his turn as a coach, the actor didn’t have to prep physically. “Mahinder is a laidback guy who doesn’t believe in physical training. Even in real life, PT teachers are not necessarily the epitome of fitness. In fact, many double up as science or maths teachers,” he reasons. What he did do was listen to Raginis, Haryanvi folk songs, and interacted with locals to get into the character.
Interestingly, in his other Diwali release, Ludo, Raj plays a diehard Mithun Chakraborty fan and reveals that even in his real life he practices Dada’s dance moves but had to learn some new ones for the film. “We are both from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and I had met him a couple of times when he regaled me with stories. There can’t be a party without a Mithun song,” he chuckles.
After three years of working almost non-stop, the lockdown gave the actor the time to focus on the nuances of his craft through online workshops. “I have lots of story ideas but writing requires patience, so I’ll ask a professional to write them,” he muses. He also used the downtime to hone his culinary skills, sticking to soul food like desserts and khichdi. He shared many throwback vacation pics, and admits he’ll take off as soon as the pandemic allows it, besides becoming the internet’s favourite boyfriend after snipping girlfriend Patralekhaa’s tresses. Wedding bells to ring soon? “You’ll get to know whenever that happens,” he says shortly, and returns to the camera.
Randeep Hooda heads to Karnal to shoot for Unfair And Lovely
8:02 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 30, 2020)
On Thursday, Randeep Hooda headed to Karnal in Haryana to kick off the 20-day schedule of his upcoming romcom, Unfair And Lovely. On a pit stop at Murthal, the actor connected with Mirror to inform that the ride to the North was unusual.
“You are suspicious of anything that is given to you and then close your eyes, hoping for the best,” he laughed, adding, “Since I am from the state, my first priority was to ensure that not too many get wind of my presence, and those who do, have been asked to meet me only after the shoot is over keeping everyone’s safety in mind.”
Romcom is a new genre for Randeep who’s hoping it will give a new direction to his career. He’s known the director, Balwinder Singh Janjua, for a long time and they’ve been discussing the project for a while. “It took some time to take shape and now I’m excited to run with it,” he acknowledges.
Before this, he wrapped up Salman Khan’s Radhe in early October. Ask him what lessons he’s learnt on that shoot to survive in the new normal and pat comes the reply, “Just do it, don’t talk.” He describes Prabhudheva as a “sorted director” and hopes his third collaboration with Salman, after Kick and Sultan, works as well as the other two and Radhe arrives in the theatres to give everyone, from the exhibitors to the film industry, a much-needed push.
Randeep had got tested multiple times for Coronavirus because of these shoots. Was he scared? “What’s the point of being scared, the aim of getting tested is to know and if positive, control it’s spread. Unfortunately, if someone does test positive, there will be some scheduling hassles, but we’ll deal with that when it comes,” he says, asserting that it’s time to move forward.
The actor underwent a surgery in August and insists it didn’t impact him during the Radhe shoot. “The gravitas is still there, rest we’ll find out as we go along,” he chuckles, saying he wants to do an action film now. “I haven’t fully explored the physical action genre and quite enjoy it. I hope to get to do that in a film soon.”
After completing the shoot, Randeep plans to go to the jungle which he misses. “Hopefully, I will get some amazing landscape and wildlife clicks before I move to my next project,” he says wistfully.
Cinemas to open next week in almost all markets
8:22 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
There is a good chance that cinemas will be allowed to open next week
(15th October) in nearly all the Hindi markets. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat and Chandigarh have
been given the green light. Major contributing areas in the South
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also have the green light.
The wait is for Maharashtra and there is a chance that the green light will be given officially here also to open next week. If this happens it will mean around 90% of the Hindi market can open cinemas. This does not mean all cinemas in these states will open next week as being allowed and actually opening are two different things.
The wait is for Maharashtra and there is a chance that the green light will be given officially here also to open next week. If this happens it will mean around 90% of the Hindi market can open cinemas. This does not mean all cinemas in these states will open next week as being allowed and actually opening are two different things.
The openings will depend on the content available and when it is available. Its futile to open every cinema in each state when there is not enough content. Hollywood was expected to be the main source of content but all the tentpole releases have been pushed to next year now so now there will be only TENET. The news from Hollywood is a killer as the Hindi content was going to be limited. The states where there is more regional content may be able to do better.
I am sending Akshay Kumar the pictures of all my preparations of Ganesh Chaturthi-Manushi Chhillar
8:44 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 22, 2020)
Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, who hails from Haryana, came to Mumbai nearly three years ago, to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. For the first time this year, she has brought Lord Ganesha home to participate in the state’s most prominent festival. Manushi, who will be making her Bollywood debut opposite Akshay Kumar soon, has opted for an eco-friendly murti, and even the decoration follows a similar theme. In an interview with Bombay Times, she talks about the festivities, how she is missing her family and more. Excerpts:
This is the first year you are bringing home a Ganesha idol. What inspired you to host a five-day celebration?
I came to Mumbai almost three years ago to take part in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant. At that time, along with a few suitcases, I carried a small Ganpati idol with me. When I was competing in the Femina Miss India pageant, my parents and my friends, too, had gifted me a small Ganpati idol. When I set off for my Miss World journey, even at that time, I was given a Ganesha idol for luck and prosperity. During all the important occasions of my life, Lord Ganesha has always been there with me. After being in the city for nearly three years, I have closely seen how Maharashtrians celebrate this festival. This year, as I was home due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I thought that I could devote a lot of time for the preparations and rituals.
Though you are from Haryana, you have also spent many years in Bengaluru and Delhi. What are your early memories of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Although we are originally from Haryana, due to my father’s job in the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) we travelled a lot. I spent seven years of my early life in Bengaluru, and we also lived in Delhi. I was always surrounded by a cosmopolitan crowd and army kids. We did celebrate the festival then, but the way we did it was different from how it is celebrated in Maharashtra. This is very new for me. I am very excited about it, but due to the pandemic, I can’t invite people, and I’m doing it in a humble setting. It is such a lovely tradition, and I wish to continue to do it year after year.
Tell us about the preparations at your home for the festival...
I have been staying with my dad here. I miss my siblings and my mother, who are away. I wish they were a part of the celebrations, too. My dad and I set this up on our own. The theme is eco-friendly. We have a lot of plants at home, so the décor has been done using plants and a lot of genda phool (marigold flowers). Also, the murti is a tree Ganesha, which is eco-friendly. The visarjan will be done at home as the murti will dissolve in water, and later, blossom into a beautiful plant. Due to the pandemic, I have invited only my neighbours, the rest of my relatives and friends will do the darshan over video calls. As far as my colleagues are concerned, Akshay Kumar is busy shooting. I am sending him the pictures of all my preparations. I am happy that I managed to pull this off. Talking about sweets, both my father and I have a sweet tooth, and we are excited that during these five days, we will be getting to eat a lot of them. My all-time favourite is Kaju Katli and Motichoor Laddoos. Honestly, I come from a family of halwais. My great-grandfather used to own a sweet house in Delhi.
How did you keep yourself busy when work came to a standstill during the pandemic?
When I realised that the city was going in for a lockdown, I took stock of my paints and canvases. I enjoy painting and that kept me going. I am also utilising this time to finish my studies. I have enrolled for an online course in English literature. Luckily, I had my father here with me. I think if there is anyone in my life, who has influenced me and inspired me to think big, it’s my father.
Were you disappointed that the lockdown came at a time when you had just started your journey in Bollywood?
I think this period was tough not only for those who were starting out, but everybody at large. In fact, it felt like a small break, and now, it’s time to get back to your routine. A lot has happened in the last three years. Imagine, this was a city that I had never visited before I landed here for the Femina Miss India beauty pageant. From being an unknown city, I happily refer to it as home now. I still don’t feel that I have begun my journey in movies, maybe once I see myself on the big screen, I will realise that.
Anushka Sharma-backed Paatal Lok was shot in 110 locations across six Indian cities
8:37 AM
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 8, 2020)
Sudip Sharma's Paatal Lok, which is produced by Anushka Sharma and will drop on Amazon Prime Video on May 15, was shot in 110 locations across six Indian cities. "We wanted to explore different cultures, and perspectives, and [narrate] tales from various regions of India. The idea was to present to the audience what they possibly didn't know, or at least, in a manner they weren't familiar with. It is set in parts of Delhi and Punjab," says Sharma of the nine-part investigative crime drama that follows an inspector chasing four suspects nabbed in the assassination of a renowned journalist, and the subsequent dangerous fate he is met with.
"I have spent a lot of time in Delhi, Punjab, Bundelkhand, and UP while researching for previous projects. Delhi is also the apex of Indian politics, and where the power centres lie. That most media channels operate out of Delhi was another reason to set the series there. The city is fascinating owing to its location too. It has the feel of a frontier town, bordering certain lawless parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan."Gurgaon, and parts of Haryana, particularly Rohtak, were the primary areas where the Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, and Gul Panag starrer was filmed.
"While 70 per cent of the show has been shot at actual locations, the rest was done in Mumbai, where we recreated certain areas. We researched on various aspects, like what a cop station actually looks like, and the design and aesthetics of a Delhi policeman's home, and [integrated] that into the show to make it authentic," says Sharma, who filmed in Delhi, Gurgaon, Rohtak, Chitrakoot, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
Rishi Kapoor's first film Bobby was a 500-crore grosser at the average ticket rate of 2018
8:26 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
Rishi Kapoor is among the ten actors in the Hindi film industry to have given 25 HITS as male lead in the 100 year history of Hindi cinema. The other nine being Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. This is not counting the HITS given as character artistes which will add to the numbers. These actors are the biggest that the Hindi film industry has ever seen.
The biggest BLOCKBUSTER of Rishi Kapoor is BOBBY (1973) which was also his first film as main lead. The film will have business of 500 crore nett plus based on its footfalls at the average ticket rate of 2018. The film was a huge craze celebrating around 30 silver jubilees across the country. In Mumbai it went silver at Metro and Broadway while in Delhi it hit 25 weeks at Regal and Moti. The film actually had a late release in Delhi as the initial release came in Mumbai and East Punjab circuits and both circuits saw record breaking initial. The East Punjab centres of Haryana like Gurgaon and Rohtak saw groups of youths coming from Delhi (where the film was yet to be released) to watch the film only to struggle for tickets. But the East Punjab exhibitors were famous for allowing the theatres to go over capacity by putting seats up on the sides and aisles which meant some of the Delhi crowd was able to watch.
Many of the Rishi Kapoor blockbusters are musicals and this is where the actor scored heavily. A sign of a popular actor in India is the comfortabilty in songs and Rishi Kapoor excelled here. The songs are the toughest part in Hindi cinema because it is very easy to look out of place and very few have managed to succeed here and this is proven by the fact that every generation has so few genuinely popular actors. Actually in India its the ability to perform in songs that separates the greats with the others. Its one of the reasons that in the 100 year history of Hindi cinema that many actors have been called great by the media but the audience never put them on the same pedestal and this will continue in the future also as the audience demands the near perfect hero. All the actors in the 25 plus HIT group above were supremely comfortable in songs whether they could dance or not;
The list of Rishi Kapoor films which will have a value of 200 crore nett or today is below. All the films listed below will have a classification of SUPER HIT or higher. The numbers are apprx and grouped as the films have not been entered into the database to get the exact number.
500 crore plus
1. Bobby (1973)
400 crore plus
2. Coolie (1983)
3. Naseeb (1981)
300 crore plus
4. Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
5. Laila Majnu (1976)
250 crore plus
7. Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
8. Prem Rog (1982)
9. Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
10. Sargam (1979)
11. Nagina (1986)
200 crore plus
12. Kaatilon Ke Kaatil (1981)
13. Henna (1991)
14. Chandni (1989)
15. Deewana (1992)
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