Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
What Mumbai is now, the stars of that time used to stay in Lahore-Vedang Raina
10:19 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2026)
Vedang Raina has been riding high after the success of Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga. The 26-year-old actor has been praised for his strong performance in the romantic drama that revolves around the partition period in 1947. It wasn’t just a film for Raina, but a redemption after Jigra (2024), and an eye-opener in a lot of ways, as he holds the film responsible for changing his perspective on the significance of Independence Day and what it meant for the country back then. Excerpt:
What a year you have had with Main Vaapas Aaunga. Did you always anticipate it becoming the biggest movie of the year?
No, I still don’t think it’s the biggest movie of the year. But it’s done its bit and found its audience. I’m very grateful for that. While shooting the only thing I understood at that time was that it’s an honour to be part of a film in which Imtiaz Ali is directing, and to be playing the younger version of Naseeruddin Shah. I think those two things were like the highlight of my journey in this industry.
What was Imtiaz Ali’s process like?
It wasn’t really like a narration, not in the typical sense. With him, it was like he had certain ideas in his head. It lasted maybe two minutes, and he spoke about the concept of the film. And this is the character I want you to play. And for me, it was the fact that Imtiaz sir was making it. I said, okay, fine. Like, I’m on it. Let me know when we start.
What does Independence Day mean to you after Main Vaapas Aaunga?
I feel this immense sense of belonging to the country and an immense sense of pride. After Main Vaapas Aaunga, I’ve had a different outlook on what that day meant, how much it means to the people and how important it was in the history of our country. As a kid, I did not get into it that much. But now, I really got in-depth into what that day was like for so many people. And what it stands for now.
You also went to the partition museum. Did that open up a different world to you of what actually happened decades ago?
Yes, 100%. That was probably the most important thing that I did in pre-production. Sharvari and I went to the partition museum in Amritsar. We spent four hours there. The museum was amazing, but it was those anecdotes from the people. There were 15-20 minute videos of actual people who went through that partition journey. And what that migration was like for them. That experience was really important.
What were the things that you found that we don’t talk about when we talk about Independence Day and partition?
The Radcliffe Line [drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe] that we know of: I didn’t know that Sir Radcliffe hadn’t ever been in India before. He came here for a few weeks, and he was in his hotel room. And he had so much pressure from the higher-ups to make the line between India and Pakistan that he didn’t really get to go talk to the people, understand what it means, what those areas mean, what those people are like in those places. And for them, it was kind of just like a line that they drew. Which sounds so terrible. Lahore was such a big part of Indian culture. It was the heart of India. What we call Madhya Pradesh right now was Lahore because that was kind of central India. It was not the capital, but it was the hub of culture, art, music and movies. What Mumbai is now, the stars of that time used to stay in Lahore and everything used to come from there... And I’m thinking just that line could have changed the lives of maybe 1000s of people.
Have you heard anything about partition or the freedom struggle from your grandparents or parents?
I must have heard stories about the partition, but also we are from Kashmir. My grandparents were in Kashmir at that time. So, it was different for them. They didn’t experience any migration at that time. Later they did, of course. My nana used to talk about how things were, what Mahatma Gandhi was doing, what Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru ji was doing, and what the political climate was. He is very politically aware. He’s always had very strong opinions on politics.
Do you have strong political views as well?
Yeah, I’d say not as extreme as him. I do have political opinions, and I do have strong opinions.
Diljit, in Main Vaapas Aaunga, says the major problem in partition was that there was no social media. If we had to go through something similar now, how do you think the Gen Z would react? Will they ‘clock it’?
(Laughs) 100 per cent they will. We’ve seen a little whiff of what social media and something that is an important subject to our country means in recent times, right? And just imagine something like the partition [happening]. Well, there would be one side where Gen Z would be making those reels, but also we are such a strong collective voice now. And not just Gen Z, but all generations. Because of social media, we have a strong, collective voice that cannot be ignored. That is something that we’ve proven.
Surpanakha can be a tricky character, but Rakul Preet Singh has played it with elegance-Jackky Bhagnani
4:06 PM
After six years, actor-turned-producer Jackky Bhagnani is set to return in front of the camera with the song ‘Tere Rang Mein’, released days ahead of Independence Day
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 14, 2026)
Six years after featuring in a music video, actor-turned-producer Jackky Bhagnani has returned to the screen with another song, Tere Rang Mein. Fronting musician B Show’s track, which was released days ahead of Independence Day, was an emotional decision.
“I am a patriot by heart. It’s been quite some time since I faced the camera. So, I thought the best way to come back is with the right cause,” said Bhagnani.
The past eight years saw him dive deep into the role of a producer at Pooja Entertainment. Staying away from acting was an intentional move. “I realized that I should produce my own films because if I do that, no one will question it. I felt that even in the films that were working, I wasn’t getting credibility. I wanted the street credibility and respect of Gen Z, they should see that this is made by me,” shared Bhagnani, who is looking for something “disruptive” to sign as an actor.
Meanwhile, his actor-wife Rakul Preet Singh has a big release in Ramayana: Part 1, which sees her as Surpanakha.
Praising her in the trailer of the Nitesh Tiwari-directed epic, Bhagnani said, “Rakul is my superstar. She has seen superstardom in the South. She has so much more to offer to the Hindi audience, and Ramayana will do that for her. Surpanakha can be a tricky character, but she has played it with elegance.”
Hope 29 yrs from now, another generation is still watching Border-J P Dutta
2:59 PM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 16, 2026)
Nearly three decades after its release, Border remains more than a war film — for many Indians, it is an Independence Day ritual. As the 1997 classic continues to find new audiences across generations, filmmaker J P Dutta looks back at the emotion that made the film endure, his deeply personal understanding of patriotism, and the responsibility of cinema to keep the stories of India’s soldiers alive.
For many families, watching Border has become an Independence Day ritual. What do you think keeps audiences returning to the film year after year?
I think people return to Border because the film carries an emotion that resonated deeply with them. Somewhere along the way, it stopped belonging to just one generation. Parents showed it to their children, those children grew up and showed it to theirs, and the emotion was strong enough to travel from one generation to the next. I don’t think it is about saying that today’s cinema has lost something or that patriotic films today are any less sincere. Every filmmaker has their own narrative and way of telling a story. Perhaps Border simply touched a certain place in people’s hearts and stayed with them. They remember the battles, the songs and the dialogues, but ultimately, I think they still remember how the film made them feel.
Do you think the meaning of patriotism changed since you made Border? If you were making the film today, what, if anything, would you do differently?
Times have changed, and naturally the way patriotism is expressed in cinema has changed too. But I don’t believe its fundamental meaning or feeling can ever change. For me, patriotism was never about aggression; it was about pride, sacrifice and duty. It was about a young man standing at the border, knowing his family was hundreds of kilometres away, yet choosing to protect something larger than himself. That is what our soldiers have always done, and I felt that emotion needed to reach every home. Cinema was the medium through which I could do that. I come from an Armed Forces background. Many of my cousins and uncles served, and my younger brother was also in the forces. So, I have seen and understood that sacrifice closely. That is why, for me, whether then or today, the emotion and meaning of patriotism remain the same. If I were making Border today, it would perhaps be technically different because I would have access to more technology. But the language, narrative and, most importantly, the emotion would remain exactly the same. Emotionally, I would not change the film if I were to make it today. That is where patriotism lives for me.
Some might believe that watching Border every Independence Day has turned the memory of war into nostalgia. Do you see it that way, or do you think the film continues to keep the sacrifice of our soldiers alive? What responsibility does cinema have in preserving that memory?
If Border has become a film families watch together every Independence Day, I don’t think that trivializes the sacrifice. In many homes, the soldiers depicted in the film have become almost household names. Generation after generation knows their stories - who Bhairon Singh was, who Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri was, and for me, that itself is a triumph. I don’t see it as the trauma of war being turned into entertainment. Cinema is a medium, and I used it to tell the story of these men. It has been almost 29 years, and I can only hope that 29 years from today, another generation will still be watching Border and remembering the soldiers. The film has immortalized those soldiers forever. And, somewhere, I think it has given me a little immortality too.
Kartik Aaryan denies attending USA event with Pakistan connect
8:55 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (August 4, 2025)
Actor Kartik Aaryan, 34, has denied any involvement with an Independence Day event in Houston (USA) after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) raised concerns over the organizers.
In an official letter, FWICE claimed that the event, Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, is being organised by Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, a “Pakistani-owned restaurant”. The body further pointed out that the same organisers are also promoting Jashn-e-Azadi, a Pakistan Independence Day celebration, along with a concert by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.
Responding to that, the actor’s team issued a clarification that read: “Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. We have contacted the organisers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image.”
FWICE’s letter also stated that “the simultaneous promotion of Indian and Pakistani national events by the same establishment not only creates a conflict of interest, but also violates the ongoing national sentiment and directives”.
I have to think twice before I post anything on social media; I want freedom from judgement-Triptii Dimri
9:11 AM
On India’s 78th Independence Day today, actor Triptii Dimri tells us about her admiration for the country’s outspoken young guns
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2024)
Triptii Dimri’s excitement for Independence Day, stems not just from the nostalgia it evokes, but also the promise of a better tomorrow.
In an exclusive shoot with HT City, the actor shares that the day for her is “attached to the feeling of fulfilment”. As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day today, Dimri says independence is “to live your life the way you want”. “I am glad people can express themselves through social media and other mediums, that they are voicing their opinions; that’s where independence lies for me. You can say what you want and live the life you want without thinking about what others would say about your decisions,” explains Dimri, who was recently seen in Bad Newz. What’s the one thing she hopes people can find freedom from? “Fear of judgment,” replies the 30-year-old.
“It is also very personal to me, as I am fearful of people judging me,” she elaborates. “I have to think twice before I post anything, as I don’t know how people will perceive it. That’s why I want freedom from judgment. Everyone has the right to present their opinions, but when you post something and it is taken in the wrong way, it breaks your heart. You can’t explain everything to everyone,” she says.
Dimri, who has been labelled India’s ‘national crush’, notes that India’s young guns are “so well-informed and educated”: “They today are very opinionated about everything. This is important; youngsters of today are the leaders of tomorrow. I am glad they are taking their voice seriously and don’t shy away from speaking up when needed.”
On Independence Day today, actor Triptii Dimri talks about the one thing she would want freedom from. The actor, who is known for films like Laila Majnu (2018) and Animal (2023) reveals that she pauses before posting anything on social platform media for the fear of judgement.
“I have to think twice before I post anything on social media, as I don’t know how people will perceive it. That’s why I want freedom from judgement. Everyone has the right to present their opinions, but sometimes when you post something and it is taken in the wrong way, it breaks your heart. You can’t explain everything to everyone,” says the actor.
Talking about how she celebrates Independence Day, Dimri says, “When at home, I watch the festivities, flag hoisting and patriotic performances on TV. We also wait for the Prime Minister’s speech at Red Fort,” she tells us, adding that she has “wonderful memories” of celebrating I-Day while growing up.
“I still feel the same excitement [about I-Day] I had as a kid. Every year, our school would have many cultural events where everyone participated, won prizes and went home with goodies. Back home, my dad was the head of our [residential] society in the Air India colony, Vasant Vihar, Delhi. He used to organise functions with themes and games for every age group. Now that we have moved out, we [fondly] remember those celebrations that made us feel like a part of the community; they bring a smile to my face. That is something I miss even today,” Dimri concludes.
365 days too little to celebrate what we have as a country-Sara Ali Khan
8:23 AM
As she poses for HT City exclusively on Independence Day, Sara Ali Khan gets talking to Rishabh Suri about her definition of freedom
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2023)
Keeping the Indian tricolour close to her heart in the form of a dupatta, actor Sara Ali Khan, 28, represents the youth of India — aware, educated, confident — as we chat with her after an exclusive Independence Day photoshoot. “India is a democracy and the first step is recognizing that you should always have the freedom of choice. That, for me, is at the heart of independence. As a youth of this country, I want the freedom to choose what I want. I feel everyone’s opinion should be respected,” she says.
Ask if we, as a society, are there yet, or somewhere close even, and she responds, “I don’t think it (freedom of choice and opinion) is a destination; it is a journey. You can always grow and have more equality, more diversity and more respect.”
WHAT DO WE NEED INDEPENDENCE FROM?
“Judgement,” says Khan, adding, “I am a female actor and I believe we have come a long way, but still have a long way to go. From judging women to actors, there’s always so much judgement in our country. I would like independence from these stereotypes.”
NOT JUST ANOTHER HOLIDAY
Khan will be seen essaying the role of a freedom fighter in the upcoming film Ae Watan Mere Watan. “I just finished shooting for the film. There are so many facets of our Indian history, especially the freedom struggle, which we don’t understand. It is not just the freedom fighters we may not know about, it was a generation of sacrifice, bravery and constant endeavour. It is not just one day. I feel 365 days are too less to celebrate and be thankful and grateful for what we have as a country today,” she ends.
I wanted to be an IAS officer to serve my country-Raashii Khanna
8:21 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2023)
Raashii Khanna calls herself a “patriot by heart”, who has always felt a strong inclination towards serving her nation in various capacities. On Independence Day, the actor says that the sense of patriotism has always been high for her, so much that she wanted be a civil servant. “I wanted to be an IAS officer to serve my country,” she reveals.
However, Khanna feels “God’s plans were better” than hers! “As an actor I can be an IAS or a politician on screen. What’s better than that?” quips the actor who would love to play a role like actor Kangana Ranaut’s in Emergency.
When asked about films made on India’s freedom struggle and whether they are accurate, the 32-year-old whose favourite patriotic film is The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002), says, “I know filmmakers go an extra mile while making such movies, but I don’t think facts are manipulated.”
The actor, who will be seen in Yodha next, also reminisces her fondest childhood memory of Independence Day. “I was part of the school choir and we used to sing patriotic songs for I-Day functions. My favourite was Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon and it was always such a challenge to get it right because it was sung by the late Lata Mangeshkar. It was so difficult to get the notes correct,” she recounts.
For the Madras Cafe (2013) actor “Freedom is when your mind does not control you”. She continues, “I’d like to be free from my fears, which are mostly about losing my family and loved ones.”
Khanna urges everyone to celebrate Independence Day beyond just a national holiday. “Your love towards the country should reflect in your actions. This emotion of patriotism should flow from your heart every day of the year. However, there is no harm in having a day to celebrate it. It let’s you collectively celebrate the efforts of our freedom fighters and pay them respect,” she ends.
Indian youth is brimming with potential-Kartik Aaryan
8:55 AM
In an exclusive interview on the occasion of Independence Day, Kartik Aaryan shares what the day and freedom mean to him
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2022)
Actor Kartik Aaryan is the man of the moment, and he has the youth of the country hanging on to his every word. When we take him to Juhu beach, Mumbai, for this exclusive shoot, a crowd gathers in no time. But the Tricolour has all his attention! As we celebrate the 75th year of India’s independence, the 31-year-old gets talking to us about freedom. Excerpts:
From just being another holiday in school to now, how much has the way you look at Independence Day changed?
I remember the flag hoisting ceremonies in school, special programmes, waiting for laddoos, listening to patriotic songs... But when you learn more of the history, it gets more real. The idea of it then shifted from a fun holiday to a sense of responsibility and gratitude for those who made it possible. There’s also immense love for Bharat Mata — a feeling that exists everyday, but gets super special on I-Day. A few years ago, I was invited to my old school in Gwalior as a chief guest for flag hoisting. It was a special feeling, with nostalgia and so much love from students. It felt like life came full circle for me.
What do you feel the current generation wants from their country?
Opportunity! I feel the youth in India, which has the highest youth population in the world, is brimming with potential and advanced skills. They’re hardworking to the core, always looking for opportunities to soar, aspiring for a better life. With the right opportunities, there is nothing that we as Young India can’t do.
What’s that one thing you feel we still need freedom from in today’s time?
I don’t know if we can say ‘freedom’ from it, but what needs to be erased is the pressure on young minds. The stream they should pick, the profession they should opt for... often, these decisions are not made by the kids but by their family. Such pressure isn’t healthy for their mental state.
Your every word is scrutinized on social media and in public. Does that take away from your freedom?
I wouldn’t say it takes away from my freedom. I am still being myself there. But yes, one must be conscious of what you say there, whether a star or not. Social media has the power to influence the people who follow you. Think twice before you speak.
HT city wishes our readers a happy independence day
Abhishek Bachchan, Kapil Dev to hoist the Tricolour in Melbourne
8:17 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 27, 2022)
To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, actor Abhishek Bachchan and former cricketer Kapil Dev will be hoisting the Tricolour in Melbourne, Australia on August 13. The two, who are key speakers at the upcoming edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, will hoist the National Flag at Federation Square.
Every year, a representative from Indian cinema hoists the Tricolour, and Bachchan is eager to revel in patriotic spirit along with Dev.
“It is a great honour to be a part of the 75th year celebrations of Indian independence in Melbourne. It’s a matter of pride for me to hoist the National Flag,” says Bachchan, 46, pointing out how the event also highlights the merging of cinema and cricket on a global arena. “This is a mark of the friendship between Australia and India,” he notes.
He continues, “To share this platform with Kapil sir is momentous for me and the event also marks the coming together of cinema and cricket, two things that have often united us Indians. I am looking forward to celebrating India, Indians and the spirit of our country among hundreds of people in attendance.”
On being a part of the festival, Dev had earlier said, “It’s a deep-rooted emotional connection we have for both cinema and sports, and when they come together, it’s a rewarding experience.”
The film fest, which will be held from August 12-20, is returning after two years of being held virtually due to the pandemic.
It was my destiny to be an Indian-Adnan Sami
7:57 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2021)
For musician Adnan Sami, his birthday falling on the same date as India’s Independence Day is not a coincidence. The Lahore-born singer firmly believes that he was always meant to be an Indian citizen and is grateful to share his birthday with his country.
“Today, I’m a firm believer that there’s no such thing as a coincidence. My destiny was written in India. My future and my dharmabhoomi were all connected to India. The love I have for India was so rooted from my childhood that it was like the angels were telling me. ‘You need to shift your focus over there’. I can’t write off this part of my life as mere coincidence. It’s far deeper than that,” he shares.
Sami, who turns 50 this year, says, “The way God created my destiny, it was almost as if it was planned that I was supposed to be an Indian. It was my destiny to be an Indian. It was unfortunate that the Partition happened, but God had his own way of telling me that I belong here. It’s like my birthday was the biggest hint that I belonged to India.”
The musician may have got his Indian citizenship only in 2016, but he admits that his relationship with India started the day he landed in the country for the first time in 1999 for work. “That was a start of an incredible love affair, and it continues, and reflects in my music and in everything I do. I’m a romantic at heart, I write love songs. And the ultimate love story I have is with India,” he muses.
However, Sami can never forget the struggle he had to face in order to get through the citizenship process and the fact that his application got rejected for technical reasons.
He recalls, “I never lost hope, I never gave up. I said, ‘I’ll do it again’. And that’s why it took me 16 years to do it. People think that one fine day, I became an Indian citizen. They have no idea how long I had to wait. And it was worth the struggle. I’d have waited another 16 years,” the Padma Shree awardee continues, “I just felt that this was home, right from the moment I landed here for the first time. This was the missing piece of the puzzle which made my life complete. I’ll never take it for granted.”
While the singer-composer is overseas with his wife Roya and daughter Medina, he says they do have some big plans for his 50th birthday. “Agar meri taraf se celebration mein koi kami aati hai toh woh pura desh poora kar deta hai. Everybody has a reason to smile on my birthday and I love that! It’s very special,” Sami concludes.
Big screens miss their date with patriotic films this Independence Day
9:03 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; August 15, 2020)
Every Independence Day, movie buffs head to theatres to watch the latest releases. That’s why films released on I-Day have seen 80-90% occupancy. In the last 15-20 years, holiday weekends at the box office have usually been occupied by at least one major release, most often a patriotic film. However, this year, as cinemas remain shut due to the Coronavirus pandemic, exhibitors and distributors hope that by Diwali or the next national holiday, their businesses can resume.
INDEPENDENCE DAY RELEASES ENCASH EXTENDED WEEKEND
Advance bookings for I-Day releases, extended weekend and at least 75-80% occupancy are among the reasons why I-Day is one of the most profitable weekends for filmmakers. In the last two decades, from Chak De! India to Aarakshan, Ek Tha Tiger, Singham Returns to last year’s Batla House and Mission Mangal, several major films have released on or around Independence Day. Shaaminder Mallik, a distributor, says, “It’s not just one day, but the whole week between August 11-18 that films are scheduled, to benefit from the holiday. In fact, most of these releases perform well at the box office and have good collections.”
Usually, the slots for I-Day releases are booked a year in advance, with filmmakers and actors announcing the project and the release date. John Abraham, whose film Batla House released on Independence Day last year, said in a November 2019 interview that he feels the day belongs to him. Announcing his next, Attack, which was to be released on August 14, 2020, John had said, “I’ve come to believe that the day belongs to me, not just because it’s a national holiday, but also for the feeling it brings forth. Attack is an apt I-Day release, patriotic without being jingoistic.”
‘I-DAY HAS ALWAYS BEEN BIG FOR CINEMAS’
At a panel discussion on the reopening of cinemas in April, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani had said that he was optimistic that cinemas will reopen by August 15. Last month, before the announcement of Unlock 3.0, when we spoke to exhibitors, they, too, said they were expecting to reopen before I-Day. But that did not happen.
Akshaye Rathi, the Director of Saroj Cinemas, says, “August 15 is one of the most exciting release slots after Diwali. All of us in the film trade are missing the fire that we would usually witness on the I-Day weekend. It’s unfortunate that we are shut this year, but hopefully, that will change soon.”
Yogesh Raizada, Corporate Head, Wave Cinemas, says, “While August 15 is reserved for a single major release, last year, we had two movies — Batla House and Mission Mangal. I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years, and I remember that I-Day has always been a big day for cinemas. Every year, we would have over 80-90% bookings for I-Day. And with anticipated releases, such as a Salman Khan or an Akshay Kumar film, we would have 60-70% advance bookings. This year is a historic low for the industry, as theatres have never been shut on I-Day in the last 25-30 years.”
EXHIBITORS UNSURE IF BUSINESS WILL PICK UP BEFORE THE NEXT NATIONAL HOLIDAY
Exhibitors say that even if cinemas reopen, they are “unsure if they will be housefull even during the next national holiday.” They are not very hopeful about Diwali, while some are even unsure if business will pick up by January 26, 2021. Tinku Singh, Group President, SRS Cinemas, says, “Ticket bookings for I-Day releases are usually high because of the holiday. And, with Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami falling around August 15 every year, an I-Day release would usually mean a weekend release. Cinemas have special pricing for such profitable weekends, but this year, the box office has been shut. Back in April-May, we didn’t expect that we won’t be operational even in August. Now, I don’t know if we’ll even reopen by January 26 next year.”
With inputs from Rachana Dubey
Whether I’m in the country or not I feel close to our roots-Mouni Roy
8:49 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2020)
Mouni Roy has been away from Mumbai since the Coronavirus lockdown. She was stationed in UAE till last month when she flew to London, United Kingdom, to shoot for an upcoming film. The actor says she is missing her home and her country especially since it is Independence Day. “What I miss most on Independence Day every year are my school days. The flag hoisting, singing patriotic songs and dancing to them — it was such joy. Whether I am in the country or not, I feel very close to our roots and culture. It’s my only sense of belonging. I love my country,” she states hoping, we get “independence from negativity, negative thoughts, influences, people, and other stuff that doesn’t matter at all but still bother us”.
On August 15, 2018, her debut film Gold, co-starring Akshay Kumar had released. Roy feels grateful for the opportunities she got in these two years. She has had two releases since then — Romeo Akbar Walter and Made In China (both 2019) and is working on Brahmastra next. Talking about her debut she says, “As a journey, Gold has been invigorating as well as a roller coaster ride. There have been moments where I have felt lost at times in an attempt to figure out what lies next. But, in the end you have to live in the present and count your blessings every single day. I am happy and grateful that I am getting to do what I love.”
Roy, who has been shooting in the last couple of weeks in the new normal, says she didn’t know what to expect. “The experience has been different but fulfilling. It’s different to speak with everyone with masks and face shields on and rehearsing while maintaining distance. What’s nice to see is that everyone is aware and is following protocols. I am extremely grateful to have resumed work and be on a set,” she says.
With most movies releasing on OTT right now, the box office barometer of a film’s success is absent. Ask her how it will affect an actor’s standing in the industry as a movie’s box office success impacts careers, and she says, “That’s an interesting question. A movie’s box-office success is just going to be replaced with other metrics like online engagement, number of OTT platforms carrying the movie, how long these movies stay on the OTT platforms etc. Social media engagement and traction will also be a part of it, I think. Moreover, we have only just stepped into a new world. We need to wait and see how it goes,” she concludes.
Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmmi Bomb to release on OTT on August 15?
8:49 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 16, 2020)
It seems that due to the ongoing lockdown and the rise of Coronavirus cases, theatres won’t be opening anytime soon. So, the latest actor to join the OTT bandwagon after Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vidya Balan is Akshay Kumar.
Latest reports around the film have confirmed that Laxmmi Bomb will now release on the OTT platform and skip a theatrical release. According to reports Akshay has decided to come out with his film on Independence Day, August 15, 2020.
The film is directed by Raghava Lawrence and is a remake of his 2011 Tamil hit Muni 2: Kanchana. It also stars Kiara Advani and Tussar Kapoor.
Image: Shabana Azmi throws an Independence Day house bash for the girls; Anil Kapoor does special appearance
7:39 AM
The actress and her guests tucked into kebabs and biryani and sang Hindi film songs during a house party, while Anil Kapoor showed up briefly
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 17, 2019)
On Thursday, Independence Day, Konkona Sen Sharma, Divya Dutta, Dia Mirza, Sandhya Mridul, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Shahana Goswami and Richa Chadha gathered for a party at Shabana Azmi’s suburban residence.
The hostess admits the celebration was Sandhya’s idea and her only regret is that Vidya Balan who is caught up in promotions and Urmila Matondkar who took off on a flood relief campaign couldn’t make it. “The two of them we missed, but the rest of them were there and were horrid to me. The get-together was supposed to be in my honour but these wicked girls get a kick out of making fun of me but I love each one of them. Most of them have played my daughter, including Konkona, Shahana and Divya, while Tannishtha, Urmila and I have done a play together. So, there is a real connection and its beautiful when girls get together and have a blast. I don’t think I have laughed so much in my life, we were all in a silly mood and I feel rejuvenated,” admits Shabana.
Divya endorses this saying it’s been ages since they have laughed so much. “It’s amazing to be with like-minded women and not discuss work but turn into laughing little girls,” informs the actress who is presently working with Shabana in writer-director Faraz Arif Ansari’s Sheer Qorma on the LGBTQ community’s struggles for love and acceptance, which begins at home. “I am extremely fond of her. When I was growing up, if someone asked me my favourite film it was always Arth and Mandi so sharing screen space with her is an amazing feeling,” says Divya, who was last seen with Shabana in the 2016 drama Chalk n Duster. At the party, Divya informs that they tucked into kebabs, biryani and a dessert made of dates “which was delicious”. And they sang songs. “For some strange reason almost, all actors have good voices and they can sing. I can’t remember which songs we sang on Thursday but they were Hindi songs. It was so relaxing,” smiles Shabana.
Pictures from the bash have the internet buzzing and Divya admits that the adaab pose is a favourite though Shabana often complains that the girls still can’t get it right. “For another picture, we all used Shahana’s red lipstick to pout. How many times do you do that with co-actors who happen to be friends?” Divya laughs.
Shabana’s writer-lyricist husband Javed Akhtar and old friend Anil Kapoor made 10-minute appearances each at the all-girls party. “Anil and we get together once in a while. He is the gorgeous young man among all the women and when he learnt the girls were there, he turned up for a little while. All of them adore him and he adores them, so it was too much fun,” beams Shabana.
So, when is the next get-together happening? “These fun dos are always impromptu. As soon as one of us has a reason to celebrate, we will go crazy again,” Divya promises.
This Independence Day is even more special-Ayushmann Khurrana
8:32 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 15, 2019)
Ayushmann Khurrana is basking in the glory of the National Award win for his brilliant performance as the visually-impaired pianist in AndhaDhun. If that’s not enough, his June release, Article 15, not only got critical acclaim but was also a box-office winner. “Yes, Article 15 had a kind of social responsibility for me as an artiste. I am glad the film delivered at the ticket counters. The good BO collection is solid validation that our country has evolved a lot and the society is prepared for a change. We have become introspective and feel that a belief system, which has been there for years, has to change for the better. Independence Day is always special, but this makes it more special for me,” smiles the actor. About his Best Actor Award, the 34-year-old says, “I was shooting last Friday when between takes, I saw my phone buzzing. I had 20-25 missed calls! I got to know that Andhadhun had won an award, and I was happy. But then, somebody told me I had won the Best Actor! That made it special and the feeling is yet to sink in!”
PATRIOTIC FILMS ON THE RISE
There is a marked increase in films that rouse patriotic fervour, talk about issues that the country faces or those that are based on ordinary people who have turned out to be the real heroes with their extraordinary deeds. Ayushamann, however, feels that every era has had such films like Border (1997) or Lagaan (2001). “I remember, there was a time when two films on Bhagat Singh released on the same day. But, yes, a lot of movies are being made in this day and age, so, there is a rise in the patriotic genre, too. There’s Akshay (Kumar) sir who makes films on patriotism or something on those lines, as does Vicky (Kaushal). My movie Article 15 is one of a kind for me — this is my first film based on a social cause,” he shares.
Elaborating, the actor says, “There are different kinds of patriotic films like Uri: The Surgical Strike which was about the armed forces and their sacrifices. We need to celebrate our defence personnel and love our country. On the other hand, we have Article 15, which talks about uplifting the society and making it free from flaws. We need to do something for society. The idea is not to blindly love our country. We have many flaws; we need to change that and build our nation.”
CELEBRATING AUGUST 15
The actor, who hails from Chandigarh, Punjab, recalls that they used to go for the flag hoisting ceremony in schools and colleges. “In Mumbai, it is also done in societies, which is endearing as kids dress up in traditional outfits. I am glad that it is celebrated because it is a reminder that we belong to this country and have a certain responsibility, which we forget in our busy lives,” he signs off.
Anupam Kher off to the UN for India's Independence Day celebrations
10:03 AM
Anupam Kher to mark Independence Day with flag hoisting ceremony at headquarters, and then at the Indian Consulate in New York
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 15, 2018)
Days after celebrating the spirit of India at the India Day Parade in New Jersey, Anupam Kher made his way to the United Nations headquarters where he will hoist the tri-colour flag to mark India's Independence Day today.
The actor, who is currently shooting for an international series, the medical drama, New Amsterdam, will also head to the Indian Consulate office later for another I-Day ceremony.
"This can be counted as one of my proudest moments. As children, we did this [hoisted the flag] in school and college, but to officially be part of such a ceremony, and represent your country on a special day is an honour," the actor tells mid-day. Set to slip into a traditional white kurta pajama for the special day, he says he expects the top dignitaries of the consulate to be present. "I will head to the UN [headquarters] at 8.30 am. A number of Indians are also expected to be there."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)