For Shabana Azmi, the voice of late Asha Bhosle has always been more than music — it is a feeling, a memory and a lifelong companion. Her tribute reflects not just admiration for an extraordinary artiste, but deep affection for someone who became family over the years.

For Azmi, Asha Bhosle is far more than a celebrated playback singer - she is an irreplaceable artistic force. “Asha ji has been my most favourite singer of all times. Unki aawaz mein jo ras hai jo shararat hai — it’s unmatched,” she says, capturing the essence of a voice that brought emotion, playfulness, and depth to every song.

Over the years, the legendary singer lent her voice to several songs picturised on Azmi, elevating her performances on screen. Memorable collaborations include Phir Se Aaiyo Badra Bidesi from Namkeen and Ambar Ki Ek Paak Surahi from Kadambari, where Asha’s evocative singing perfectly complemented Azmi’s nuanced acting. In Sameera (1981), Bhosle sang multiple tracks, including Zindagi Hum Tere Haal Par and Jaane Na Doongi, further strengthening their artistic association.

While their professional collaborations were significant, it is the personal moments that Azmi cherishes most. “During Covid we became very close because we were stuck in Khandala and she with family were in Lonavala,” she recalls. “She would cook the most delicious meals for us and between Javed and her we would be regaled with hilarious anecdotes from the industry and cheeky humour,” she says.

These shared experiences reveal another side of the legendary singer — one marked by warmth, wit, and generosity. “Her memory is phenomenal and she could be very candid,” Azmi adds, evoking evenings filled with laughter, storytelling, and companionship.

What stands out most for Azmi is not just Bhosle’s voice, but her fearless approach to life and music. “What I admire most is her gumption, her fearlessness and her desire to take risks and push her own parameters,” she says.

This spirit of constant reinvention has defined Bhosle’s remarkable career, allowing her to experiment across genres and remain relevant across decades — qualities that Azmi deeply admires. “Her voice will remain immortal but what I will cherish are the memories she has left behind for us,” she says.

Some voices are heard, and some, felt. Asha Bhosle was always felt. She had that rare gift of turning every song into a lived emotion. For all of us in music, she was a benchmark we measured ourselves against. Not just for her range or versatility, but for her courage. She never allowed herself to be defined by one sound or era. She kept pushing boundaries.

She and Pancham da [R D Burman] were close to my father, PL Raj. I still remember the first time I met her — this was at Duke’s Retreat in Khandala. When my father told her I liked playing the guitar, she didn’t indulge me with polite praise. She simply said, ‘Music is not for everyone. Focus on your studies.’

Years later, I was approached to work on a project with Asha ji. Initially, I was hesitant, but I was told that R D Burman had wanted to recreate his old songs in a new style with me. That’s how the remix project, Rahul & I, began. The brief was simple: introduce Asha ji to a new generation. 

Working with her wasn’t easy at first. She was used to a different recording style, where the voice dominated and the arrangement followed. I was [using] tighter grooves, modern production, and a new sonic space. Initially, she resisted. She even walked out at one point, saying, ‘This is not how I sing’.

To her credit, she came back. She gave it a chance. Slowly, she began to understand that the sound was fresh and exciting. 

When the album released, suddenly, Asha ji was ‘young’ again in the eyes of a new audience. 

Working with Asha tai was like going to school every day. Legends like her understand the composer’s thought, and then gently elevate it without ever overpowering it. 

Today, there is a sense of loss. But her music will never pause. It will keep inspiring generations. Because artistes like Asha ji don’t belong to a time — they become time itself.

Portraying a jawan on screen entails intense preparation. Salman Khan is finding that out, having dived into the prep for his next with director Apoorva Lakhia. In the yet-untitled war drama, Khan steps into the shoes of late Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was killed during the India-China Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. mid-day has learnt that the superstar kicked off his physical training from early June, focusing on two areas — general fitness, and high altitude acclimatization. And who is training him? Well, Khan himself.

That’s not surprising considering the superstar has been a fitness enthusiast for decades. A source reveals,

“Salman has refurbished his two gyms — a sprawling one at his Khandala farmhouse, and a smaller one at his Bandra apartment — to suit the current requirements. He trains for four hours daily and is undergoing circuit training focusing on different muscle groups. The exercises are designed to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular improvement, the latter being important for high-altitude travellers.”

Lakhia has apparently slotted a look test for early July, and the first schedule for August. In the window between the two, the leading man will begin altitude training as a chunk of the film will be shot in Ladakh.

The source adds, “The training includes periodically exposing the body to higher altitudes, thus giving it time to adjust to the lower oxygen level. Oxygen saturation level can be achieved at home through altitude simulation tents, chambers, or hypoxic masks. Salman may join an altitude training studio because at 59, he needs to be fighting fit to shoot combat sequences in Ladakh.”

Javed Akhtar received the Dostoevsky Star Order – a literary award given to those promoting Russian literature and culture – in a ceremony held at the Russian House in Delhi on Friday. The ceremony coincided with Russian Language Day, celebrated annually on June 6, the birthday of the legendary Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

Drawing a parallel across cultures, the lyricist added, “I believe that Pushkin was the Ghalib of Russia and Ghalib was the Pushkin of India.”

Akhtar, accompanied by Shabana Azmi, spoke about the importance of translation, comparing Pushkin to Ghalib.

Talking about the power and paradox of language, Akhtar said, “It’s strange that languages were made for communication, and more often than not, languages become a barrier in communication. But in the barrier, there are windows of translation. I shudder to think that if there had not been any translations then I would not have been able to read (works of) so many great writers of Europe. I would not have read Balzac.”

Talking about India’s deep-rooted literary ties with Russia, the lyricist spoke about the Progressive Writers Movement that gained momentum in India in the 1930s.

He said, “There was a great writing movement in India in 1936, and it was greatly influenced by Russian literature. There is influence of Russian literature in the modern Urdu novels and Urdu short stories as well.”

------------------------------------

As a teenager, Javed Akhtar would devour Urdu translation of Russian literature, particularly Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works. Had someone told him then that he would be honoured with the Dostoevsky Star Award later in life, he wouldn’t have believed it. Last week, the noted screenwriter, poet and lyricist was felicitated with the award by the Russian House for promoting cultural dialogue and preserving literary heritage. 

For Akhtar, 80, it’s a matter of pride to receive the Dostoevsky Star Award. “Dostoevsky is one of the most respected novelists and journalists. In our Khandala house, we have his portrait on the door of our study. I don’t think any Indian writer has received the Dostoevsky Star Award before. One of my books, where my poems have been translated by Ramdas Akella in the Russian language, was released at the function,” says the veteran writer.

Akhtar — who has shaped Indian cinema with movies like Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), Mashaal (1984), and Lakshya (2004), among others — notes that Indian and Russian literature have been inspired by each other over centuries.

“The novel structure and short stories of Anton Chekhov, Maxim Gorky, or Dostoevsky inspired our writers. Similarly, Indian writers inspired them as some of our classics, including the Bhagavad Gita, were translated in Russian. At an impressionable age, I was introduced to Russian literature because they were translated in Urdu and English. My thinking and dramatic structure got influenced by them.”

The event, which took place on June 6 in Mumbai, was a bittersweet moment for Shabana Azmi, actor and Akhtar’s wife. She says, “I wish his father Jan Nisar Akhtar, and my father Kaifi Azmi were here to see him receive it.”

Mumbai’s local trains are aptly known as the lifeline of the city. They cover the length and breadth of the city, packing in millions of passengers daily, pausing only for a few hours at night and back on track by early morning. Mumbai’s electric trains complete a century this February (the first electric-powered train in India operated between CSMT and Kurla on February 3). The local trains have also been used as a backdrop for several Bollywood films. We spoke to those working behind the camera about how they pulled off shooting elaborate scenes and songs amidst the unstoppable chaos of daily commuters.

Action director Parvez Shaikh, along with international stunt directors, worked on the massive action sequence on a Mumbai local in Anubhav Sinha’s Ra.One featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Parvez recalled, “We had to acquire various permissions to take the Mumbai local train to Khandala for the shoot. The main action sequences were shot there and then we also shot all the way from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Churchgate and Borivali Station. It would have been inconvenient for commuters if we had shot the stunts involving SRK in Mumbai. Also, we wanted to avoid electrical wires in some shots. Kareena’s portions were shot by a duplicate on the real train and later filmed with her on a set in Mumbai. We used around 100 cameras all over the train for the sequence.”

The idea behind the romantic song Ishq Bulaava from Hasee Toh Phasee, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra, was to show the subculture of Mumbai that unfolds after office hours.

Director Vinil Mathew explains, “Ishq Bulaava came at a time where the lead characters begin to spend time together. We shot the sequence at Goregaon Station. The challenge was to create special moments in the train sequence despite the separate ladies and gents’ compartments. Hasee Toh Phasee was shot on a limited budget, so we didn’t have the luxury of blocking trains. We had 40 minutes to shoot, and it was a functional train, so we just blocked one bogie and completed our shoot.”

Choreographer Longinus Fernandes recalls they visited various studios to find a set for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, but none matched director Danny Boyle’s expectations. Finally, they decided on CSMT for its architecture, ample space and lavishness and Jai Ho was shot over four days.

He said, “We received a lot of support from the railway authorities who ensured there was less crowd from 12 am to 5 am and they got the first train of the day ready for our shoot. We started with rehearsals five-six days prior to the shoot. Dev Patel and Freida Pinto were newcomers and dealing with such a crowd was something new for them as well, but Danny Boyle maintained that rawness that was evident on their faces.”

Aamir Khan pulled off one of the most dangerous stunts in film history, which had him running towards a speeding train in Ghulam. Director Vikram Bhatt recalls that the scene was filmed at Sanpada Station. 

He shared, “It was one of the last scenes of the film and we shot in January, so it was really cold, and we shot over 9-10 nights. At Sanpada station we had the railway yard, garage and tin sheds on one side and the railway track on the other side. We shot the scene in such a way that Aamir and the train were running on the same side because we could not show the yard. Aamir missed getting hit by the train by one second and that was scary. After that I put my foot down that all the other stunts in the film would be done using VFX.”

The young romance between Rani Mukerji’s Suhani and Vivek Oberoi’s Aditya in Saathiya (2002) that blooms on a Mumbai’s local train remains an audience favourite. Director Shaad Ali told us that in Saathiya one of the most important parts of the story was to show how their love story sparks while they are in two trains heading in opposite directions.

He said, “The scenes had to look dramatic and cinematic, with a touch of middle-class romance. Being a debut director I didn’t have a grand budget and had to wrap up the shoot in two days, so we worked on a 28-hour shift and shot at Marine Lines and Andheri Station. Crowd management was another task, as we had about 10,000 passengers at the station when we were shooting.”

Suresh Selvarajan has caught everyone’s attention with the monstrous machine gun that he designed for Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal. Just like his big creations, his small pieces too will leave you marvelling. Hrithik Roshan will vouch for it. After all, the production designer has created many miniature pieces for the superstar. Recently, he designed a monkey bar for the actor’s children, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, at the Roshans’ farmhouse in Khandala.

“Earlier, I had designed a smaller diving board for his children at his Juhu residence. Hrithik asked me to design a similar monkey bar for his swimming pool at the Khandala farmhouse. Constructing it was tricky as Hrithik wanted it done without drilling holes or breaking the pool,” says Selvarajan.

His association with Roshan goes back years, as he remembers that the actor was the first to appreciate his work. On seeing how he recycles junk materials to create art, the superstar asked him to make a few pieces for him.

“I design [using] recycled materials, and have made a miniature grasshopper from a spray bottle, and a Star Wars futuristic vehicle from a sewing machine. One day, Hrithik asked me to design a one-foot miniature bike [made out of old razors, pens, nibs and blades] and a fantasy typewriter for him. The work he commissioned helped me financially during my struggling period.”

Selvarajan has seen a side of Roshan that is hidden from many— of an art connoisseur. “He is an enthusiastic art collector, [picking up] paintings, sculptures and miniature art. He also encourages new artists,” says the production designer, adding that the actor was among the first to congratulate him after seeing his work in Animal.

The customized bike has been made out of recycled materials

The first big celeb wedding of 2023 has finally happened. Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul got married in an intimate ceremony held on Monday (January 23) at Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty’s Khandala (Maharashtra) farmhouse. Only select celebs such as actors Diana Penty, Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal, and cricketer Ishant Sharma were spotted at the do.

The wedding took place around 4:00 pm and the couple looked dreamy in designer Anamika Khanna ensembles. While Athiya, 30, wore a blush pink lehenga, Rahul, 30, complemented her in an ivory sherwani. Suniel, who donned a traditional Mangalorean outfit, greeted the media after the wedding and distributed sweets.

“Very beautiful, small, very close family event. Bohot achha raha aur abhi phere bhi ho gaye hain. Abhi shaadi officially ho chuki hai toh officially father-in-law bhi ban chuka hoon (sic),” the 61-year-old said. Athiya’s brother, actor Ahan Shetty, said, “I am super, super happy. Rahul has always been like a brother to me. So, I am so glad he is part of the family now.”

The newlyweds, who dated for a while and made their relationship Insta official in 2019, were all smiles as they posed for the paps. They shared a glimpse of the wedding on social media and wrote, “In your light, I learn how to love… Today, with our most loved ones, we got married in the home that’s given us immense joy and serenity. With a heart full of gratitude and love, we seek your blessings on this journey of togetherness (sic).”

Actors Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Vicky Kaushal, among others, wished the couple on social media. Suniel said a reception will happen after Rahul is done with this year’s leg of the Indian Premiere League that starts in March.

Cricketer K L Rahul tied the knot with his actress girlfriend Athiya Shetty yesterday at Suniel Shetty’s Khandala bungalow. The ceremony was a private affair with just the family and close friends in attendance. Among the guests present for the shaadi was cricketer Ishant Sharma, and Athiya’s friends from the industry, including Krishna Shroff, Diana Penty, Anshula Kapoor, Aditya Seal and his wife Anushka Ranjan.

The father of the bride, Suniel, along with his son Ahan stepped out to greet the media and distribute sweets after the wedding. Talking about the ceremony, he said, “It was surreal. It was a beautiful event. Very small; there were just close family members. Bahut accha raha. Shaadi officially ho chuki hai, so main father-in-law bhi ban chuka hoon.”

He further added that he would like to do away with the ‘in-law’ part of his new role. “In-law ka chakkar agar hat jaye, aur agar father hi rahoon toh bahut khoobsurat hai, kyunki woh part main bahut achhe se nibhaata hoon,” he said.

Speaking about his brother-in-law, Ahan said, “Rahul has been like a brother to me. I am glad he is now a part of our family.”

Suniel confirmed that they plan to host a grand reception post the IPL for members of the cricketing world and film industry.

Bollywood’s first big shaadi of the year is here. For months, fans were speculating about the dates of the Athiya Shetty-K L Rahul wedding, with the buzz getting stronger last week as the cricketer’s Bandra house was bedecked with lights. It is now confirmed that the actor-cricketer jodi — who have been in a steady relationship since 2019 — will tie the knot on January 23 at Suniel Shetty’s sprawling farmhouse Jahaan in Khandala. The pre-wedding festivities will kick off today at the farmhouse with the mehndi and sangeet ceremony.

While the lovebirds kept mum about their impending nuptials over the past months, we hear the wedding preparation began last November. Athiya’s parents Suniel and Mana Shetty personally called their industry friends, requesting them to block their dates from January 21 to 23.

“The shaadi will be a grand, traditional affair, in keeping with the rituals of the Bunt community that the Shettys belong to. The pre-wedding festivities will kick off today with the Madarengee, where the bride’s hands are adorned with mehndi. On D-Day, the bride will perform Murthasese that entails praying to the sacred tulsi plant, followed by the aarti that will mark the beginning of the wedding ceremony. It will be followed by the Dhareyeruna [kanyadaan] and the homa, which sees the couple taking the saat pheras,” reveals a source.

The two families have drawn up a list of 100 guests, comprising their extended family and friends. A mélange of movie stars and cricketers will head to the hill station over the weekend. The source adds, 

“Salman Khan, who had launched Athiya in Bollywood with Hero (2015), will be present. Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie and daughter Krishna Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Sajid and Warda Nadiadwala are on the guest list, as are Arjun and Anshula Kapoor. The groom’s cricketer-friends Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya won’t be able to attend as they are part of the one-day series against New Zealand.” 

While some guests will be put up at their luxurious farmhouse, others will stay at the Radisson hotel in Khandala, and another lavish property a few kilometres away from Suniel’s estate.

Rahul, who is joining the Indian cricket team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy next month, will head for training within days of the wedding. Given his chock-a-block schedule, the newly-weds will host an elaborate reception in Mumbai only after the 2023 Indian Premier League is wrapped up.

The invites have been sent, the decor is set, and the date has been sealed — we are less than 10 days from actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul’s wedding, which will take place on January 23. Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty, will host the three-day affair at his farmhouse in Khandala, near Mumbai.

Our sources tell us that a ladies’ night is slotted for January 21. “Athiya’s closest female friends, including actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, will be a part of this,” says a source.

Other guests will join the following day, when a sangeet ceremony will take place. One can expect Athiya’s brother, actor Ahan Shetty, their parents Suniel and Mana Shetty, and friends to perform. “It is an extremely close-knit affair. Only friends and family members will be a part of the wedding. It’s most likely that you may not see many industry peeps,” adds the insider.

One may wonder how all the guests will be accommodated at Suniel’s almost two-decade-old Khandala house, Jahaan. We have learnt that the guests will stay at a five-star property near the venue and not at Jahaan.

Our source adds that stylist Ami Patel will style the to-be bride, and stylist Rahul Vijay will style the to-be groom. The wedding will feature traditional Mangalorean cuisine as one of the highlights.

Even as the buzz around KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty’s upcoming wedding gathers momentum, her father Suniel Shetty denies the reports. When we reached out to papa Shetty, he casually responded, “Let me know when you get the confirmed dates so I can attend (the wedding).”

Stories about the couple’s wedding have been doing the rounds for a while now, and according to insiders, there’s a big fat south Indian wedding planned. The celebrations, which will include haldi, mehendi and sangeet ceremonies, are likely to take place from January 21 to 23 at the Shetty residence in Khandala. 

Sources say that prep for the wedding is underway and there’s much excitement in both households as the families gear up for the celebrations. Reportedly, the cricketer has taken personal leave in January 2023, and his application for the same was approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

If reports are to be believed, wedding bells might ring for actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer K L Rahul in January next year. And Athiya’s father, actor Suniel Shetty is in no mood to confirm, and asserts that the family is trying hard to figure out a date.

As per a report by Pinkvilla, preps are going on in full swing at Suniel’s Khandala bungalow for his daughter’s wedding. It has been a few days since Rahul returned to Mumbai after playing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the pace of things seems to have sped up on this front.

“Rahul and Athiya will tie the knot in January. They visited the Khandala house recently. While the exact dates are under the wraps, the couple will have a traditional wedding,” a source said, adding, “The soon-to-be bride and groom have finalised their outfits for the big day.”

When we spoke to Suniel last week about the wedding, before this report came in, he told us, “I am looking at the possible dates. With both their schedules, we are figuring out things. Hopefully soon, we will know when and where will it (wedding) happen.”

The 61-year-old adds that they are a close-knit family and do not have long conversations. But he assured us, “I guess at the right time, everyone will know [details about the wedding].”

Opening up about Athiya’s and his son actor Ahan Shetty’s relationships, Suniel said, “My kids’ respective partners are very simple and humble kids. I always tell my wife that we are blessed to have them in our lives.”

Athiya and Rahul have been dating for quite some time now, and while the duo has never discussed their love life in public, they have made their relationship official on social media platforms on several occasions by dropping pictures together.

Rakesh Roshan practises the electrical muscle stimulation technique, after being encouraged by Sanjay Dutt to give it a shot

A series of posts shared by Hrithik Roshan in 2018 brought his father Rakesh Roshan’s dedication towards his fitness regimen, to the fore. Highlighting that in the hours that preceded his surgery to treat tongue cancer, Roshan senior had been sweating it out at his home gym, the actor pointed out that his father had served as an inspiration on his fitness journey too. 

Rakesh Roshan, evidently in great shape as he inches towards his 73rd birthday in September, reveals that he decided to treat his cancer diagnosis like he would “any other illness”. “When I learnt that I have carcinoma of the tongue, I did get a jolt. But then I decided to turn the tide in my favour. I treated it like a common illness, and did not let it drag me down. I would take radiation and chemo, and head to the office. Yes, it did affect my fitness levels. I couldn’t train for eight months due to the weakness, and also lost 12 kilos. I lost my muscle mass, and my skin became loose. But then I started to push myself to exercise and it took me three months to return to my daily routine,” says Roshan. 

Given that Hrithik has, over his two decade-long career, established himself as among the fittest stars of the industry, it’s easy to conclude that the actor was instrumental in egging his parents to adopt healthier habits. However, Roshan points out that he amended his habits ever since he got admitted to military school. “I have been exercising for years. I developed a fitness-conscious lifestyle since I studied in a military school, so I would train a lot. I was a sports-person and at the top when it came to sports, be it cricket, hockey, football, horse-riding, or volleyball. Today, I wake up at 7.30 am and practise yoga, and pranayams [breathing exercises]. From 8.30 am to 9.30 am, I walk, either on the treadmill, or on the terrace. Every weekend, I head to my Khandala home, and walk and train there.”

At buddy Sanjay Dutt’s behest, he adopted the Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology. “While exercising, it stimulates the body through electric currents. It promotes weight loss by building muscle mass, and boosting metabolism, and enhances toning. I started practising it a few months ago and I have seen a lot of changes. Sanjay encouraged me to do it.”

While Hrithik rectifies his form if they train together, Roshan senior says he exercises on his own accord. “I try to stay fit because I don’t want to be a burden on anyone, or lead an unhealthy life. I have worked for over 50 years, since the age of 16, when my father passed on. Now, I just want to lead a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy myself. Being fit adds positivity to your life. Subsequently, it becomes easier to achieve things. Post the surgery, it’s been a tough journey, but, I braved it sportingly. If you are not strong, you are failing somewhere, and that can get you depressed. Fitness also makes a difference to my work. I can overcome challenging circumstances in life.”

Discussion on fitness is commonplace at his home. Roshan says even his grandkids, Suranika, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, exercise together. “Everybody has their own trainers, and it’s like attending a picnic. When I see my grandsons perform acrobatics, I have the desire to go back to my childhood. Being healthy is not just fun, but is the best way to live life.”

We can’t let him go without asking him the reason behind his new look. “I just started growing a beard as I wanted to try a new look. I might return to the screen, if I get a good character to play, and it’s worth my while.”

Breakfast: It is a heavy meal comprising six eggs with toast.

Lunch: I will have a non-vegetarian dish comprising boiled or grilled foods. None of this is cooked in oil.

Dinner: At about 5.30 pm, I will have a sandwich, upma or a bowl of poha. I avoid eating anything at night. 

Post dinner: If I feel hungry, I may have a salad, peanuts, makhana, or kurmura.

Even as Tiger Shroff has begun promotions for Heropanti 2, another project is vying for his attention. We hear the actor will have to report to the set of Ganapath next month. While a chunk of the actioner was shot in London over the past few months, director Vikas Bahl has lined up the final schedule in Mumbai.

A source reveals that an elaborate set is being erected at Film City where leads Shroff and Kriti Sanon will can a song and some major action sequences. “The last leg will be shot at Khandala Ghat in Film City. The production design team is building a set of a church in the premises. With the set-up expected to be ready in the next few days, Tiger will face the camera by the first week of April. He will juggle the shoot with the promotional activities of Heropanti 2, which will go into overdrive ahead of its April 29 release.” 

Ganapath is said to be a dystopian thriller, with high-octane action sequences choreographed by international stunt directors.

After four years of dating, Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar tied the knot in Khandala yesterday. The low key affair held at the Akhtar family’s bungalow was attended by the close friends of the couple including Shibani’s sister Anushka, Rhea Chakraborty, Hrithik Roshan and family, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Amrita Arora among others.

A source informs, “They decided to forgo traditional rituals and read vows to each other. The bride wore a red ensemble and the groom was in a black bandhgala suit. Javed Akhtar recited a poem for the couple.” Musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy performed for the guests belting out their hits from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara, Rock On and Dil Chahta Hai.

“Keeping COVID-19 protocols in mind, the guest list was kept to a minimal crowd of 50. The couple will register the marriage with a court wedding in Mumbai this week and host a reception later in the month,” added the source.

The mehendi and sangeet ceremony was held last evening and the haldi was earlier in the day.

The Roshans; Amrita Arora; Shankar Mahadevan; Javed Akhtar and Rhea Chakraborty

While it has been reported that actors Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar will get married in a civil ceremony on February 21, it seems that a Maharashtrian wedding is also scheduled on February 19. We have exclusively learned that an intimate traditional ceremony is scheduled on Saturday at Akhtar’s farmhouse in Khandala, Maharashtra.

An insider discloses, “The family has been extremely discreet about this wedding as they don’t wish the media to turn up at the venue. Only family members have been invited. It is still unclear how things are planned, as everything is under wraps. But in most probability, it will be a Maharashtrian wedding.”

We have also gathered that the family will leave for Khandala on the evening of February 18, and the wedding is touted to be a daytime affair the next day. Dandekar’s sisters and close friends are believed to be in charge of the pre-wedding festivities and bachelorette, which will take place between February 17 (today) and 18. Dating for about four years, the couple will register the wedding at their Bandra house on February 21. A reception of sorts is to be held for friends and colleagues in the evening.

Recently, Akhtar shared a picture with his friends on Insta, which got people wondering if it was from his bachelor bash. Interestingly, Dandekar was also part of the party.

While Alibaug has always been favoured by Mumbaikars for short holidays, in the last two years, due to the pandemic, it became one of the preferred destinations for a quick getaway from the city to soak in the sun and sand. Recently, actor-couple Ram Kapoor and his wife Gautami bought a sprawling holiday home in Alibaug. Ram says that the pandemic was not the reason to invest in a property at the lovely locale.

He shares, “I have holiday homes in Goa and Khandala, so there was no reason to find one more. But, since 2017, I was looking for a property, which would be an extension of my home in South Mumbai, and now, given the quick access to Alibaug, I thought it would be a good idea to buy this home. The plan was to find a place that wouldn’t be too far where I could relax on weekends with my family. Goa and Khandala are great, but they are not close to home. It was a dream to buy a home where I can see my grandchildren enjoy their time.”

He further added, “Alibaug has developed a lot in the past two years. Today, you find the best eateries, good services and facilities there, so I found it a convenient option. Finally, my dream to own a second home near Mumbai has come true.”

Ask Ram if he plans to ring in the New Year at his new home and he says, “No, I had booked a holiday to the Maldives before I bought this property, so I am spending my New Year there. But, my wife and kids are looking forward to spending their weekends in Alibaug now. I plan to go there every Thursday evening and come back on Sunday.”

“Today, people are so worried, tensed and harassed. I never imagined that I’d see my country in this condition,” says lyricist Javed Akhtar adding that the second wave of Coronavirus has left him reeling with survivor’s guilt. He’s currently isolating with wife, actor Shabana Azmi at his house in Khandala, Maharashtra.

“There are big houses here, which are separate from each other. So, people can restrain themselves. Groceries and items come on the gate, and are sanitized. The whole staff has tested negative,” he tells us.

He adds that all this doesn’t keep the stress away. “The news these days is so disturbing. As a matter of fact, it’s so bad that if you’re safe, you feel guilty,” confesses Akhtar, 76. Despite such anxious moments, the veteran writer-poet is finding his strength to go on with the will to help people. “We are doing whatever we can, without putting ourselves in danger. I can be of help as long as I’m healthy,” says Akhtar.

As the chairman of Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), he’s initiating release of funds to the authors and composers’ community. Last year, too, he helped musicians and technicians in dire financial need. “We can expect a lot from a government — the centre or state. But this is a time where every decision is to also think about what we can do as a group or as individuals,” he adds.

He gives a special mention to his son, actor Farhan Akhtar. “Farhan, when he does something, doesn’t mention, not even to us,” says Akhtar.

The lyricist adds that the second wave of the crisis has been a big blow for the showbiz sector. “It has been unbelievably bad. But I’m relieved that we have people like Salman Khan who’re helping daily wage workers,” he says.

Akhtar feels one has to move on with lessons, and not let time wipe away the sour notes of the present realities. “We’ve to see what the national budget for health is. Health has never been given any priority and that’s why all this is happening today. We’ll have to revise our priorities. Health has to come high up,” he concludes.

“It’s very hard to maintain your sanity at a time like this. Every day we hear about a known one gone. But we cannot give in to despair,” says Shabana Azmi. She believes that having her family around is helping her cope with the grim situation as she asserts, “This is the time to pull out all the stops and do whatever we can to alleviate suffering.”

As she is spending the lockdown at her farmhouse in Khandala, Azmi is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that there are no loopholes in the Covid relief work which she is overseeing in the remote areas of Uttar Pradesh. “We’re working in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. Our Covid Rahat Program entails work related to supplying food, arranging oxygen concentrators and escalating the vaccination drive,” she says.

The veteran actor adds that she is actively involved in spreading awareness about the importance of vaccines to fight Coronavirus among those living in rural areas.

“Javed (Akhtar; husband) and I’ve had considerable experience in the polio vaccination drive which happened a couple of years ago in the hinterlands of UP. Apart from making motivational videos urging people to take the vaccine, our team is taking door to door surveys,” she explains.

With many celebrities receiving flak for posing for a camera while doing charitable work, Azmi opines, “I think that if the photos are taken with sensitivity and we are mindful, it can help. I remember during the Latur earthquake, I took a tour of a hospital in Solapur and was horrified at the way the survivors were asked to relate their tragedy for the benefit of the cameras! The camera is a double edged weapon.”