Showing posts with label Raksha Bandhan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raksha Bandhan. Show all posts
Kiara Advani, Sidharth Malhotra to clash at the box office in August last week
9:57 AM
After several delays, Toxic gets a new release date, which will see it clash with Sidharth Malhotra’s Vvan and several other films
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; June 22, 2026)
After months of speculation, the makers of Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups have finally locked a new release date. Headlined by Yash, also starring Kiara Advani, and directed by Geetu Mohandas, the pan-India action spectacle will now hit theatres worldwide on August 26.
While Toxic arrives on a Wednesday, coinciding with Onam and giving it a two-day head start before the weekend, it will still face competition at the box office. On August 28, three other films — Khosla Ka Ghosla 2, Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha and Sidharth Malhotra’s Vvan — are currently slated to release, setting up one of the busiest weekends on the 2026 release calendar. Interestingly, if the films release as planned, real-life couple Sidharth and Kiara will see their films clash at the box office.
Toxic was originally slated for an earlier release before undergoing several date changes. Industry buzz linked one of the shifts to a crowded release calendar and a clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar The Revenge, which eventually secured the March 19 release slot. Toxic was later set for a June 4 release, but Yash confirmed in April that the team needed more time to align its global distribution strategy and international partnerships ahead of its worldwide rollout.
Akkshay Rathie, Director, Ashirwad Theatres Pvt Ltd, believes the situation remains fluid and that producers may still rethink their release strategies. “Two films with the ability to create a significant impact across the length and breadth of India ideally shouldn’t arrive together because every stakeholder wants to optimize revenues. Toxic is undoubtedly the bigger pan-India film in terms of geographical reach. Eetha may have stronger relevance in Maharashtra and certain markets, but Toxic has the potential to perform across urban as well as rural India,” he says.
Rathie adds that the announcement has caught the industry off guard and could trigger further movement on the release calendar. “This announcement has come completely out of the blue. There is still time and everyone will do whatever it takes to protect the best interests of their respective films,” he explains.
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR, believes that even if the clash is not averted, four films can be accommodated. He shares, “Cinemas have enough and more capacity to accommodate three or more films, especially when the movies are varied in sizes. We’ll see what decision other producers take on their release dates, because they often go back to the drawing board and rethink their dates.”
Sameer Munshi, VP, Miraj Entertainment Ltd, adds, “From an exhibitor’s perspective, this is a good clash to have. A packed release calendar indicates confidence in the theatrical business and gives audiences more choice. If the content works, all films can find an audience, even though Toxic is likely to be the clear opening-weekend leader.”
‘All filmmakers want to showcase their work well’
Deepak Mishra, director of Vvan, confirms that the movie is set to release on August 28, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. On the clash, he says, “We are the same industry. As artistes, we all want to showcase our work well. Eventually, the audience is the king. My best wishes to the Toxic team.”
When asked if there is a possibility that Vvan could be pushed to another date, Mishra says, “That will be a call that the makers will take. I am only focused on my work.”
Even when I go back to Mumbai penthouse, I have to remind myself that 'Tu Dilli ka middle-class ladka hai'-Aanand L Rai
9:08 AM
Anshul Chaturvedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2025)
In an industry fixated with figuring out what the audience will opt for next, director Aanand L Rai insists that the real crisis isn’t of misreading the audience, but of diminishing honesty and genuineness from the filmmakers. It wasn’t the audience that changed, he says – it was the filmmakers whose conviction began to wobble. From his learnings from the success of Raanjhanaa and Tanu Weds Manu, and the failure of Raksha Bandhan, to the coming full circle and trying to reconnect to his middle-class grounding, the director opens up about an internal battle that many artists face, but few admit to.
Why are Hindi filmmakers often struggling to predict audience behaviour?
The audience has become very – how do I put it – woh thodi se bhi beimaani ab nahi le pa rahe hain storytelling mein.
What does that mean? Audience ka imaan jaag gaya hai ab?
Nahi, I think woh toh aise hi thay, hum (filmmakers) beimann ho gaye. Humko lagne laga, achcha, unka yeh emotion exploit kiya ja sakta hai. Iss tarah ki kahani, uss tarah ki kahani unko pasand aayegi. But in all that, joh ek cheez chali gayi in filmmaking, woh thi conviction – jo ki ek Pushpa ya KGF ya Kantara – inmein hai. They have proved that conviction works.
Define conviction. What’s the difference here?
Our approach to the film was just to please the audience. Their approach was to tell a story. There is a huge, huge difference between the two. I can speak for myself – kahani hi banayi thi na Tanu Weds Manu, kahani hi banayi thi na Raanjhanaa. But jahan mujhe laga ki audience ko yeh pasand aayega – Raksha Bandhan – nahi! It didn’t work for anyone.
So, when you made an audience-led film, it didn’t work because it was not with your personal conviction?
My conviction was that they will like it.
‘Maine detour liya toh mujhe sab yaad aaya’
When I was shooting last in Delhi, over a year back, I was staying near Nehru Place. And early morning I was on my way to the shooting location when I asked my driver to take a short detour to Sadiq Nagar. Our family stayed in Sadiq Nagar, government quarters – a Type III Quarter – that was allotted to my mother. I stayed there till my Class XII and then went to do my engineering. So on an impulse I told my driver, idhar le chal, main zara dekhoon Flat 152, Sector 1, kaisa dikh raha hai. Maine neeche khade ho kar dekha.
I remembered all those days. Roz wahin se nikalna, peeche bus stop se bus pakadna, uss window pe baithna, 2:45 pe ek ladki ka wahan se cross kar ke jaana, school uniform mein…that was such a memory. Maa ka chale jaana pyaaz ki rotiyan bana ke. Mera ghar aana, fridge mein se chhachh ka jug uthana…But if I don’t go there, all this is not happening to me. Main toh bhool gaya tha. Maine woh detour liya toh sab mujhe yaad aaya.
But the story was not your conviction?
No. Even if I make a film that I want to make, there is no assurance that it will work – but at least ek jana to khush hoga! Doosre tareeke mein toh dono hi khush nahi hain. This theory is easy, the practical – not so much. But when I think like this – mujhe mazaa aa raha hai – I can see the difference in how things go when I change the approach.
What is your learning curve of the last half a decade or so? What is your selfeducation in this journey?
My self-education is that when I was telling stories fearlessly, and at the same time, main apne pe kabhi successful film ka pressure nahi le raha tha, sirf kahani sunane ka pressure le raha tha – achche se sunane ka – tab tak meri duniya theek thi. Jab mujhe laga ki there are these growing expectations from this director, and I should go bigger – I started faltering.
That ‘formula’ work has been the reason for many an artiste to lose touch with their original craft.
Haan. At the end of the day, we are human – but at the end of the day, artiste jitna apni fakeeri mein reh jaye, utna achcha…
Artiste ki fitrat badal jaati hai toh uske kaam mein bhi farak aa jaata hai?
Aa jaata hai! Mujhe khud ko hi lagne laga ki bolta rehta hai middle class, middle class, but it doesn’t reflect in your work anymore – but it used to, earlier.
Achanak se sab badal gaya. So you keep talking about middle class, middle class, but you didn’t nurture the middle-class sensibility inside of you. My holidays changed – I began holidaying in Europe. I’m not saying that is wrong. If God has given you that success, you have to enjoy, there is nothing wrong with that. But it is a professional hazard – this profession makes you lose touch with your roots, and you have to understand that, and to hold on to it, if you want to remain in that space.
Midway nahi hai yahan. Ya toh aisa kar lo, ya toh phir udd jao. Be clear ki main toh aaya hi paise kamane ke liye tha. That is a different direction, a different track. But if you want to tell the stories that are inside you, then you have to stay grounded, stay in that world, and tell your stories.
And where are you placed – returning back to your original world?
Yes, I feel I am coming back to my world, jahan mujhe maza aayega.
What has changed in your approach to filmmaking now, as you come back?
I think if I am evolving, I should try to have my audience evolve with me. I will never be scared of telling an old story in a new way. I think the man-woman relationship was not depicted as an equal one for a long time. Many filmmakers got it wrong, and I need to make it right – that is my learning. Shayad main Tanu Weds Manu ya Raanjhanaa ke waqt iss tarike se nahi sochta tha, lekin ab sochta hoon.
You got a fair amount of flak for Raanjhanaa – not entirely unfair – in terms of your depiction of how a man behaved with a woman.
Yes, yes, and I took it. I understood. Ho sakta hai ki mere kaam mein going ahead you will see that I understood.
Hasn’t cinema sold the male entitlement pitch so often while making money at the box office? There is also a view that many of the blockbusters from the south have worked by playing that up while relatively more woke multiplex-ish Bollywood stories struggled.
I don’t disagree that many of the hits have a strong male perspective, they are very macho, and all that, but at the same time I think we cannot be the masters who decide beforehand what the audience should or should not watch.
I disagree with the thought that if we show them a lot of aggressive, macho male characters it will reflect in their behaviour. Because the reverse does not happen, does it? If I make films on Swami Vivekananda tomorrow, will all of them start doing sadhna? If they will not emulate what he does after watching a film on him, then they will not emulate the macho aggressive character either, will they?
Now you have seen me with my success and failures and trajectory. Obviously, success and failure matter, but at the end of the day, I enjoy the process. I am trying to not be afraid. I am trying to experiment. When I was making Raksha Bandhan I was thinking we don’t make enough cinema for the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. I thought I had it all clear in my head. But my judgement was wrong.
Staying connected is very important. Meri zameen chhoot jaati hai, phir mujhe pakadna padta hai, phir mai apne penthouse mein chala jaata hoon, phir mujhe yaad dilana padta hai apne ko Tu woh Dilli ka ladka hai, teri aadhi zindagi unn peele gharon mein guzri hai. Teri apni kahaniyan woh hain! Tu soch kyun nahi raha hai!
Isn’t it true that a lot of names, after they enter Bollywood, tend to forget the USPs or the nuances that brought them into Bollywood in the first place. Even if you’re circling back to the place you started from, mentally, that’s also part of any artiste’s graph, perhaps? And nothing teaches us more than failures, always, right?
Obviously (laughs)! The problem is that, fortunately or unfortunately, even when you have failures, so to say, your bank balance does not change dramatically. Your lifestyle does not change. So, you feel ki theek toh chal raha hai sab. After a point you have to realize that it does not matter how much you made or how much you lost in a project. You need to sit down and introspect and see how far you have drifted from your original path. If you don’t do that then even failure is teaching you nothing.
Right now I am enjoying myself. I am also relishing making films for other directors as a producer. I can’t compete with the big houses, but I will try to pick the stories that others won’t. I will search for an identity, something that is original, not a copy of anything ‘successful’. I have not reached a 200-crore movie ever. But I ask myself, what is a better option? To make something that I have fun making and have something that is still not a bad return, or to chase that number? I am not chasing that number. I am not chasing any number. I will keep my middle-class approach. Mujhe khana achcha chahiye, lekin mujhe chaandi ki thaali nahi chahiye.
It’s not just directors, though, is it?
Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh – they played some very relatable, everyday; then paused and said: Main dhoond raha hoon Vinod Mehra in this character. Tu mujhe bana ke de raha hai Vinod Khanna. If I do that, the character itself will change and you may not be the right fit for that version of it! Some directors complete the circle, like we were discussing, and come back to a more grounded version. But actors, if they do the same, wapas aa hi nahi paate hain. They reach a point of no return and sometimes they are neither grounded, nor superstars either.
Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh – they played some very relatable, everyday; then paused and said: Main dhoond raha hoon Vinod Mehra in this character. Tu mujhe bana ke de raha hai Vinod Khanna. If I do that, the character itself will change and you may not be the right fit for that version of it! Some directors complete the circle, like we were discussing, and come back to a more grounded version. But actors, if they do the same, wapas aa hi nahi paate hain. They reach a point of no return and sometimes they are neither grounded, nor superstars either.
Irrfan went to Hollywood but stayed capable of playing the everyday character, though.
Bilkul. Woh chala gaya, phir bhi aaj bhi kahaani bolte-bolte aap ruk jaate ho aur kehte ho, ‘Irrfan sahab hone chahiye thay…’ (Pauses) Bahut kahaniyan directors ke andar maar gaye woh. Ab aap suna hi nahi sakte, unke bina.
To wrap up what we’ve been talking about: Your USP, that you are rooted, gives you a nuance, an audience connect and also gives you commercial success. However, that success means that shortly thereafter, you are no longer rooted. So you lose your ability to repeat the original connect, and to do the same sort of work that brought you success in the first place.
Yes (laughs)! Yeh ajeeb sa circle hai! When you talk about great makers – and when I say great makers, I mean Hrishikesh Mukherjee or Bimal Roy, names like that – they somehow never lost connect with their roots or their storytelling. Even the Hollywood names who have taught us things about filmmaking – they have kept a consistency in their storytelling. I hope more of us can do that.
My sister can go up against the world for me-Bhumi Pednekar
8:25 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 9, 2025)
Bhumi and Samiksha Pednekar are not just sisters, but each other’s best friends, confidantes and now business partners, too. This Raksha Bandhan, as they continue their personal tradition of tying rakhis to each other, the Pednekar sisters open up about how their bond has deepened over the years — especially after losing their father at a young age. The siblings talk about how they fiercely stand by each other, even while knowing their boundaries.
How long has it been since the two of you have been tying each other rakhis?
Bhumi: My mom has our pictures of us tying rakhis from the time when we were little kids. Over the years, the meaning of the ritual has changed for us. At its core, Raksha Bandhan for us is all about supporting your sibling, protecting them and just being there for each other.
Samiksha: Rakhi would start 10 days before the festival. We would go rakhi shopping and send rakhis via post to our cousin brothers. In fact, to this date, we do that.
Bhumi: Through the years, we met some incredible people who are now our rakhi brothers. I have so many rakhi brothers. It just happens naturally sometimes that you meet some people, and they feel like family. Nikhil Shetty, who I bonded with during my initial years as an actor, is my rakhi brother. He was Shanoo Sharma’s (casting director) rakhi brother and that’s how I met him. He’s one of the strongest people I know, and he’s supported me so much. I lost my father, and he just took on that role so beautifully in my life.
You lost your father at a very young age. As the elder sister, did you feel a sense of responsibility to take care of the family? What was that phase of life like for you?
Samiksha: When dad passed away, Bhumi transformed so quickly. She took over my pain. She took over the responsibility of the house. I really felt that protection.
Bhumi: It just happened very organically. It was the correct thing for me to do for my family. We all stood up for each other. We all had our days and our moments. That’s what a family unit does. You stand up for each other when the other person is falling. To date, the only person who truly, even emotionally, protects me from the world is my sister. Nobody can say anything about me in front of Samiksha. She can go up against the world for me. Now, we are just not sisters, we are co-founders of a venture we started. Without defining boundaries, we have figured out each other’s boundaries. On a lighter note, the beauty of our relationship is that we fight every five minutes. They might look like fights to the world, but to us, it is a way of communication (laughs).
Bhumi chose a career in showbiz — a space that can be overwhelming with constant scrutiny, social media chatter, and relentless judgment. As her sister, how have you been protective of her through it all?
Samiksha: When she became an actor, social media was new. Somewhere in the middle of her career, it picked up, and the trolls came about. I would go on their page, report and even comment back. Bhumi always told me not to engage with the trolls, but then how do you not engage when you see something like that? I would engage without telling her.
Quick takes:
If you could associate your sister with a Bollywood character, who would that be and why?
Samiksha: Bhumi would be Jaadu (Koi… Mil Gaya) because she’s magical.
Bhumi: She’s quite fiery… I would say Damini.
If you swapped lives with each other on Raksha Bandhan, you would be…
Bhumi: If I became Samiksha, then I would be a lot more disciplined.
Samiksha: If I were Bhumi, then I would have better style!
Bhumi: Oh my God… this answer is my best rakhi gift (laughs).
Upgrading my brother's phone to the latest model has always been my job-Kritika Kamra
8:16 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 9, 2025)
As she prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with her younger brother, nutritionist Rahul Kamra, actor Kritika Kamra says he is her “go-to person”.
Speaking about their bond, she says, “Rahul is five years younger, so kitna bhi bada ho jaye, he will always be my baby brother.” The actor reflects, “I was very protective of him, even though we used to fight a lot. Some siblings are besties since childhood, while others become best friends with time. We’re the latter.”
Kritika notes that their relationship evolved once she moved to Mumbai. “I moved first and five years later, he began college here. We lived together all those years; I’ve always had a sense of responsibility towards him. Now, we’re at a stage where sab kuch ulta ho gaya hai.”
Now that Rahul is married, Kritika is hosting a party for him and their cousins to mark Raksha Bandhan. While she explains that the duo isn’t big on gifting, the actor has one special tradition. “Upgrading his phone to the latest model has always been my job,” she laughs.
Are there some childhood traditions she looks back on fondly? “Mum would insist that Rahul touch my feet. She was like ‘Badi behan hai tumhari,’ and he would do so reluctantly.” Despite the teasing the 36-year-old says Raksha Bandhan is her favourite festival: “Rahul once drove to Ahmedabad to be with me for the day. It’s a special day as we get to celebrate together.”
Showikk and I have experienced things that most siblings never have-Rhea Chakraborty
8:15 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 9, 2025)
Think of a classic sibling duo from ’80s Bollywood with a pinch of Tom-and-Jerry-style banter and you’ve got actor Rhea Chakraborty and her brother, entrepreneur Showikk Chakraborty. Their fun equation is evident through their constant teasing, but on Raksha Bandhan, love and admiration take centre stage.
“Raksha Bandhan is deeply meaningful to me,” says Rhea, adding, “I used to make rakhis with coloured wool as a child. It’s the one day I can tell my brother, ‘Aaj to achhe se baat kar le, lad mat’.”
Reflecting on their journey, she adds, “Showikk has stood by me through thick and thin. We’ve experienced things that most siblings never have. That’s forged an unbreakable bond.”
Showikk chimes in, “As kids, she protected me. But over the past few years, we’ve begun protecting each other. Having her is like having a sister, best friend, and sometimes even a mother rolled into one, which can get annoying!”
While Rhea may be the public figure, she jokes that her brother often steals the spotlight: “He gets a lot of female attention! At events, I’ll find girls being unusually sweet to me, just because they want to impress him. Since he calls me ‘Rhea di,’ at least 30 girls in Mumbai do the same, hoping it’ll help!”
I would tell my mother, 'Yeh (her brother) bhel puri khaata hai kisi ke saath’-Radhika Madan
9:19 AM
On Raksha Bandhan today, actor Radhikka Madan and her elder brother, Arjun, pose for HT City, as they take us through their childhood and bond
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 19, 2024)
This year, Radhikka Madan and her elder brother, Arjun Madan, had three Raksha Bandhan celebrations. The first one took place earlier this month, when Arjun, a businessman in Canada, was visiting India. The second one was for our special Rakhi shoot at their Gurugram home. And on Raksha Bandhan today, they will be celebrating their bond for the third time.
“I grew up with five brothers, four being our cousins. I used to play cricket with them. Everyone practised chokeslams on me,” Radhikka laughs, as she goes on to talk about her brother.
Naughty sister
Arjun, 33, says, “My mum once said, ‘You can’t raise a hand on your sister’.” And the actor took that as a reason to tease him. “I used to hit him a lot, he couldn’t do a thing,” Radhikka recalls, adding, “He was always very good at studies and excelled in everything, be it sports or academics. I was the oddball.”
Arjun reflects on his sister’s academic journey, revealing that Radhikka, 29, often sought his guidance. “I was and still am her go-to person. We both went to Delhi Public School in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). She says she wasn’t good in studies, but she was.”
Arjun adds that Radhikka would keep an eye on him and report back to their mother: “She used to come home and say, ‘Arjun was bunking classes today with this girl’.”
Radhikka interjects, “I was trying to be destructive as I was chhoti. I was fascinated with senior school and would go to see his class. He was dating his then-girlfriend and now-wife. I would tell mum, ‘Yeh bhel puri khaata hai kisi ke saath.’ But she would say, ‘Yeh pagal ho gayi hai.’ I would insist, ‘Koi lambi si ladki hai, he plays basketball with her.’ I would constantly poke him.”
Always got your back!
Talking about his sister’s journey in showbiz as an outsider, Arjun shares: “The easy thing for me is I boycotted social media a long time back. Being a coder before and now running my own business, I never take social media comments seriously. As far as she is concerned, I haven’t seen one project of hers I felt bad about.”
Radhikka adds, “He’s my bouncing board. I discuss every film offered to me with him. He’s my harshest critic and biggest cheerleader.”
We tie rakhi to Aamir Khan and he ties to us-Nikhat Khan
9:14 AM
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 18, 2024)
Actor Nikhat Khan, who was last seen in the film Pathaan (2023), says her family follows Raksha Bandhan “with shiddat”. In the run-up to the festival, the actor tells us it’s one of the family’s cherished occasions, and which they look forward to celebrating at younger brother, actor-producer Aamir Khan’s house.
“Raksha Bandhan is something we always celebrate with a lot of joy. This time, too, we will be celebrating, but my sister Farhat (the youngest of the four Khan siblings) is abroad, so we will miss her and I will do the rituals on her behalf. Last year, I was travelling, so she did it for me. Usually, we go to Aamir’s house and we do the little ritual of tika, with diya and mithai. Us din sweets ka bhi koi parhez nahin rehta, khila hi dete hain!” beams Nikhat.
Like every family, the Khan clan, too, has their unique twist to the festival. “Aamir ties us Rakhi too — ki aisa nahin hai ki only he has to protect us; we, too, have to protect him. So, hum unko aur woh humko Rakhi bandhtey hain, which is very sweet,” Nikhat says.
What does she feel is the best part of celebrating Raksha Bandhan? “That we remind each other, ki hum hain! It’s a nice feeling. Special ho jata hai. Shiddat ke saath karte hain and when kids also see all this, they also understand our social fabric,” she tells us.
Khan says the bond between the siblings has deepened over the years. “Thankfully, we get the opportunity to meet each other frequently as we stay in the same building, all of us — me, Aamir and Faisal. Only my sister is not here as she has moved to London. Our ammi (Zeenat Hussain) is also here, and mashallah, she is 90 now. Her not keeping well in the past two years has brought us even closer together,” she wraps up.
We are poles apart & yet, each other’s safe space, say Kartik Aaryan and sister Kritika Tiwari
8:35 AM
A day before Raksha Bandhan, Kartik Aaryan and his younger sister, Dr Kritika Tiwari, talk about their beautiful bond that goes beyond the usual sibling nok-jhok
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 18, 2024)
We know of Kartik Aaryan as an actor, but what is he like when the cameras aren’t rolling? Only a sister can give us a glimpse into his world beyond cinema. Family has a way of keeping you rooted, after all, and keeping all your secrets, or do they not? We chatted with Kartik and his younger sister, Dr Kritika Tiwari, to uncover their special bond ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Read on...
Friendship, trust, confidante – what does the brother-sister bond mean to you today?
Kartik: This relationship has the purest form of trust and selflessness. I have to say, having a sister is a blessing and it’s sonay pe suhaga if she becomes your best friend. Sisters are the best secret keepers. Even today, I have that comfort with Kittu where I share everything with her. Despite my shooting schedule and her professional and academic life, we are constantly in touch with each other over messages and calls.
Kritika: It’s good to have a person in your life who is there for you no matter what. Even if it does not solve things, having this sort of safe space is important. As Kartik said, we are always in touch. We have our long conversations over random phone calls at odd hours to share the stuff we’re going through. The feeling is good. I am his confidante, but it’s not so much the other way around because he is a momma’s boy, so I know he will tell mom sooner or later.
Kartik, is Kittu your biggest critic or your biggest fan, and why?
Kartik: She is my cheerleader, but she is also honest about her thoughts and feedback. If she likes something, she will appreciate it, and if she doesn’t like something, she will say it openly. She will never sugarcoat anything just to make me feel better. And I always wait to hear her thoughts as her views are clear and unbiased. Also, whenever I’m going through something personal or having a bad day, she is my go-to person because just by talking to her or spending some time with her, things start looking better. She is younger but wiser than me. She has a solution to all the problems in the world. I am blessed to have a sister like Kittu.
How different or similar are you two as people, and what binds the two of you?
Kartik: Kittu is very practical, while I think from my heart. I don’t know how, but she has more friends than I do (laughs). We do have one similarity, and that is, we both love the mountains, but sadly, I get to visit the mountains less while she manages to make her trips.
Kritika: We are poles apart as individuals. I am more outdoorsy, loud and talkative, and he’s mostly quiet, composed and a workaholic. As much as I appreciate how hardworking he is, I do wish he could find ways to let go and chill a little bit more. We’re a perfect combo of calm and chaos.
Take us through your fond Raksha Bandhan memories. Is Kartik a good gift giver?
Kritika: Raksha Bandhan has always been a special and awaited day every year for us. As a kid, I got chocolates as gifts, which we would share. I remember him having a box in which he’d save coins (any change that he found lying around). We called it the “sikka bank”. Receiving a 1, 2 or 5 rupees coin on rakhi out of the sikka bank made me the happiest! It was money for candies. When he went to college and I was in Bhopal doing my MBBS, I would write him letters every year. As much as I missed celebrating Raksha Bandhan together, writing Rakhi letters to him became one of my favourite things to do. Now that we’re all in the same city, there is no room for excuses. We have to find time and celebrate Rakhi together. About his gifts, it’s mostly him being thoughtful and getting me something close to my heart after picking up on my dropped hints. But if and when it’s a new phone, I know he remembered at the last moment.
Any Raksha Bandhan ritual that you follow even today?
Kartik: We both are busy with our respective commitments, but we just try to make sure that we celebrate the festival together, no matter what. This year, I am out of the country for a work commitment, but I made sure before leaving that we celebrate Rakhi together and had our favourite mom ke hath ka bana khaana, especially halwa.
Tying each other rakhis has become an annual ritual for Krystle Dsouza and I-Nia Sharma
8:48 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 10, 2024)
Their on-screen camaraderie may have ended when Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai wrapped up in 2013, but Nia Sharma and Krystle Dsouza have effortlessly translated their on-screen chemistry into a strong off-screen bond, nurturing it over the years. This Raksha Bandhan, they will celebrate their relationship by tying the sacred thread of love and protection to each other for the fourth consecutive year.
‘Tying each other rakhis has become an annual ritual for us’
Nia recalls, “One Raksha Bandhan, my brother Vinay, who is based in Bengaluru, couldn’t make it. Krystle, who became my neighbour in 2021, surprised me by showing up with a rakhi and a beautiful hamper. That’s how it started, and it has since become an annual ritual for us. We are continuing the legacy we created as sisters on our TV show years ago.”
Krystle says, “I have an elder brother, but he moved to Canada around 10 years ago, so I haven’t been able to tie him a rakhi. Since the show, I have always felt a special connection with Nia. On the show, we would tie each other rakhis, and I felt the need to keep this tradition going. Once we became neighbours, I thought it was the universe’s way of telling us we were meant to be together (smiles).”
‘Despite others trying to pit us against each other, it never affected us’
Reflecting on how they developed a strong bond, Nia shares, “I was just six months into the industry, while Krystle had already done a few shows. We would attend workshops together for Ek Hazaaron Mein.... She would pick me up in her car since I didn’t have one. Then, during a month-long outdoor schedule in Rishikesh, we shared a room, and that’s how our bond grew. There was a brief period when a slight rivalry emerged because our on-screen characters were pitted against each other, but we were mature enough never to let it affect our friendship.”
Krystle says, “When we started, we didn’t receive the star treatment we might get today. During our outdoor schedule, we shared one hotel room and had to wake up at 4 am for a 5 am shoot. I was more punctual, so I would wake up early. I would drag Nia to the washroom and throw her in the shower so we could get to the set on time. We always made sure to take care of each other. On days when I wasn’t well, she would ride a bike in Rishikesh to take me to the set. Our bond was strong from the start, and despite others trying to pit us against each other, it never affected us. I like to believe we have a past-life connection.”
‘Both of us are crazy, wild, and like to live life to the fullest’
Despite their different personalities, it’s the similarities they share that have strengthened their bond over the years. Nia says, “Even though Krystle played the older sister, and I played the naughtier one in the show, in real life, we are the same age. Both of us are crazy, wild, and like to live life to the fullest. We don’t get to meet often because we are busy with our own lives and friend circles, but whenever we do, we can laugh about anything. Hum aankhon aankhon mein kisi ko dekh kar hassna hota hai hass lete hain. I am a little louder, and she has become calmer (laughs!).”
Krystle believes the differences are the best part of their relationship. She adds, “We are very different and that’s the best part. I am the calm, and she is the chaos. She is really chaotic! Though we are very different, we share some similarities – we have our values in place, we are both hardworking, and independent, and we have worked hard to achieve something for ourselves. Somewhere in those similarities, we meet. But yes, we are very different in terms of personality.”
Kitchen confessions:
Talking about their skills in the kitchen, Krystle shares, “I see myself as the more responsible sibling in life, while Nia is the more skilled one in the kitchen. I remember inviting her over for tea and making the worst tea possible. She drank it, cursing with every sip, but still finished it (laughs!). The next day, she invited me over for tea, and that’s when I realised she was the better cook.”
Currently, Nia is busy shooting for her TV show, Suhagan Chudail, while Krystle has been travelling for over a week. So, how does she plan to tie rakhi to Nia this year? “It’s a ritual I can’t miss at any cost. So, I will fly back to be with Nia on Raksha Bandhan,” Krystle affirms.
From Mehrauli to Mukherjee Nagar: Over 44 shoots in Delhi since 2022
8:28 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; February 6, 2024)
The recently released film 12th Fail features long sequences shot in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar. Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has said that he wanted Vikrant Massey to feel the energy of the space, leading to the decision to shoot in the area rather than creating a set in Mumbai. Sidharth Malhotra’s Indian Police Force was also shot extensively in Delhi – from Humanyun’s Tomb to Greater Noida.
Delhi Tourism officials say that while Chandni Chowk and CP are most popular filming locations, Mehrauli Archaeological Park (near Qutub Minar) and Baansera have become new favourites.
Old Delhi and Paharganj continue to charm foreign filmmakers. For instance, director Neil Burger shot his spy thriller Inheritance starring Bridgerton actor Phoebe Dynevor in Paharganj, Chandni Chowk, and surrounding areas.
Shooting permissions streamlined now
Despite Delhi being a favourite filming location, shooting in Delhi has had its challenges over the years. Filmmakers and line producers would complain that they needed approval from 17-18 agencies. Over the last six-seven years, the I&B Ministry’s Film Facilitation Office has been working to streamline the process, which is now evident in the increasing number of film shooting applications. Delhi Tourism formed a film tourism policy in 2022, leading to rise in number of shoots in the capital.
‘SHOOTING IN DELHI IS EASIER NOW DUE TO STREAMLINED PROCESS’
Delhi Tourism, which is the nodal agency for film shooting permissions, introduced its film policy and single-window clearance in 2022. From 2022 to the beginning of 2024, the department received 64 applications for film shootings in Delhi, and 44 have already completed.
Sources from the department say that they conducted presentations for Producers’ Guild of India, Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, and production house to inform them about Delhi Tourism’s single-window mechanism, which led to more applications for shoots.
Regarding location permissions, a source explains, “Different locations in Delhi have different owners. For example, scenes from Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandhan shot at Yamuna Ghat, owned by DDA required permission from them. 12th Fail UPSC building scenes needed permission from them. The Delhi Tourism department sends applications to Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, and the relevant agency based on the location.”
I was five years old when Sahaj, Shivang were born, so I felt like a second mother to them-Parineeti Chopra
8:36 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 30, 2023)
The relationship between Parineeti Chopra and her brothers, Sahaj and Shivang, is setting major goals on social media. Getting candid about the siblings’ ever-evolving bond, Parineeti (34), in her first interview after her engagement, says, “By virtue of our careers, we live in three separate cities of the world. Sahaj (30) lives in Delhi, I live in Mumbai, and Shivang (29) lives in London (UK). For years, we weren’t together on Raksha Bandhan, but we have never missed a celebration.”
How do you celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Parineeti: I start planning their rakhis and gifts in advance. I must mention that they have never given me a rakhi gift till now. I am still waiting. When they were growing up, they were obsessed with cars, so I bought them rakhis with car toys, which they kept for the longest time.
Sahaj: Shivang’s was a red car and mine was blue. I took care of it and still have the car with me.
Is it going to be a virtual celebration this year?
Parineeti: Yes. If they don’t call me by 10 am or 11 am, I will call them to make sure they’ve tied the rakhi I sent them.
Shivang: Didi has been sending us rakhis all these years, and we wear them for as long as we can.
Sahaj: For me, today is even more special because we are hardly together. When we get a rakhi from her, we wait for the day we can tie it.
How would you describe your bond?
Sahaj: I have always been very protective of Parineeti. Our bond has grown over the years and, today, we can speak about everything. We truly are each other’s closest friends.
Shivang: We don’t keep any secrets. We bully and protect each other.
Parineeti: How we talk to each other is a measure of how much we like the other [at that moment]. If we are roasting and making fun of each other, that means everything is fine. When we start talking formally, that means something’s wrong, which is rare. We probably fight once in two years.
Do you ever feel the age gap among the three of you?
Parineeti: The age gap has disappeared. We seem to be the same age. I was five years old when they were born, so I felt like a second mother to them. They have trained me for motherhood. We have our own individual bonds [with each other]. Shivang is the guy I travel with and Sahaj is the one I talk to when I need advice.
You’d marry Raghav Chadha soon. Did you first confide in your brothers about your relationship?
Parineeti: Any new chapter in my life is never for the public first and then my family. It’s always the opposite. So, if I’m thinking of getting engaged, there’s no way I won’t involve my family. Marriage is a big decision. And it is not only about my family, both the families [were involved]. They had to meet and talk.
Ridhi and I have never actually fought; most amazing thing about our bond-Akshay Dogra
8:33 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 30, 2023)
Sibling duo, actors Ridhi Dogra (38) and Akshay Dogra (41), feel their bond is like a “rubber band”. “No matter how much we are going in the opposite direction, we end up coming together eventually,” says Akshay, as the two speak to us during a Raksha Bandhan special shoot.
Biggest argument
Ridhi tells us, “Recently, we had a disagreement, and that was probably the first time we fought in our entire life.” To this, Akshay adds, “Thoda bahut irritate hona is different, but we have never actually fought. That’s the most amazing thing about our bond.”
MOST CHERISHED GIFT
“I have only one tattoo and it was a gift from him. I love everything that he’s given me, but this tattoo has to be my favourite present. This was many years ago, though, so I think it needs a redo,” quips Ridhi.
For Akshay, the most special gift he has received from Ridhi is a perfume: “It was so nice, but the bottle broke. That was heartbreaking.”
No secrets!
“We are sibling goals,” exclaims Akshay, adding, “If we have told each other anything, it always stays between the two of us.”
Ridhi is quick to chime in: “But, if I give him an exciting news about work, it goes to four other people. I always tell him it's unfair!” Her brother chuckles and adds, “I am an over-sharer and I get excited. If I am proud of that person, I will tell other people.”
Professional advice they have given each other
“We get each other,” shares Ridhi, adding, “Since we are in the same profession, we can talk about many things that other people may not understand. It’s also important that we are able to rant in front of each other. I told him once, ‘Be careful and don’t trust people.’”
Akshay, on the other hand, says, “The one advice that I give her is, ‘Be patient and stay the course.’”
On Raksha Bandhan, Abhimanyu has no choice but to be nice to me-Avantika Dassani
8:30 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 30, 2023)
They may argue at the silliest of issues, from the TV remote to shared spaces. They may not be on the same page in everything. But, they can’t stay away from one another for long — this sums up the bond that actors Abhimanyu (33) and Avantika Dassani (28) share.
What does a typical Rakhi day look like for the siblings — children of actor Bhagyashree and producer-businessman Himalay Dassani? “We usually have a family lunch at our home, with rasawala aloo and puri,” says Abhimanyu.
Apart from being a family affair, Raksha Bandhan serves as a reminder about the sibling bond and its sanctity. “It is a reminder for one of those relationships we take the most for granted. Even if you’re going through a disagreement, Raksha Bandhan reminds you that you always love each other,” says the Nikamma (2022) actor, while his sister adds, “On Raksha Bandhan, Abhimanyu has no choice but to be nice to me!”
Brothers are usually protective about their sisters, and in Abhimanyu’s case, the same holds true. “I love irritating her. But, if someone else makes her cry, they might end up with a broken jaw,” he quips. Avantika, on the other hand, credits her brother as well as cousins for making her a stronger person: “All my brothers have taught me to be tough. For that, I am really grateful.”
Ask how she’d summarise the bond and the Mithya (2022) actor says, “Die or try. We’d either die for each other or try to kill each other!”
If required, I can break people’s noses to protect my sisters-Akriti Kakar
8:14 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 30, 2023)
Bollywood singer Akriti Kakar and her twin sisters Sukriti and Prakriti are celebrating Raksha Bandhan in a special way this year.
“For us Raksha Bandhan has always been about us. This auspicious day is about the sisters tying Rakhi to their brothers and he is entrusted with the responsibility to protect them irrespective of whether he is older or younger than them. But hum toh teen behenein hain and honestly, I, as the elder one, never missed having a brother or having a boy for a sibling. As a kid, I was determined to have a sibling and maine mannatein maangi, aur itne prayers kiye ki Bhagwan ji ne kaha hoga, ‘You take one plus one free’ and when I was eight, my sisters were born. We were raised in such a way that we never missed having a brother. If required, I can break people’s noses to protect my sisters! Protecting and standing up for each other came naturally to us,” says Akriti who is known for hits like Saturday Saturday (Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania), Iski Uski (2 States), Khudaya Khair (Billu).
Sukriti, who has worked on peppy numbers like Jhoome Jo Pathaan (Pathaan), Kar Gayi Chull (Kapoor & Sons) and others, confesses that their upbringing was such that they never missed a brother. She says, “I have been in a lot of situations when I don’t think even if I had a brother, I would be more protected than I have been with them. These two can say anything to me but if someone else says something then they will pounce. We have been raised thinking we are no less than men and that we are everything that we can be. Our parents would constantly make us believe in ourselves. We never needed a brother.”
‘There is no void in our lives because we don’t have a brother’
With songs like Katra Katra (Alone), Hawa Hawa (Mubarakan) and other hits, the youngest sister, Prakriti too, has made a name for herself in the Hindi film music industry. She says, “There is no void in our lives because we don’t have a brother. I have two fiery sisters and so you cannot mess with me or with them! There have been so many situations when they have stood up for me in so many ways.”
‘This festival has always been very special for all of us’
The Kakar sisters have grown up tying rakhi to their father. “Raksha Bandhan is a sweet little celebration for all of us. All these years we have been tying rakhi on our Dad’s wrist as he is our bro and our father. Later, we began tying Rakhi to our brother-in-law Chirag and our pet dogs Audio and Popcorn. They remove in just ten seconds though!” says Prakriti.
Akriti adds, “Over the years we have created our own traditions and Rakhi is special for us. We anyway do what we are meant to do for Raksha Bandhan between the three of us and this year we also start our own new tradition and tie Rakhis to each other. It took a while to calculate how many rakhis we would all need.”
Prakriti adds, “Raksha Bandhan is all about protecting people you love and that is what we are celebrating this year. Whether it is our dad, our brother-in-law or each other.” Akriti quips, “And the best thing is that it is not just about the men in the family protecting us, it is vice-versa too!”
My voice suits:
Akriti: Everyone! Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt. But if Rekha ji ever does a movie, I would love to be her voice. Toh phir jeevan safal.
Prakriti: I think it's Priyanka Chopra. I’ve met her twice and the conversation I had with her was, ‘I really want to sing for you!’.
Sukriti: My voice would suit Kareena Kapoor Khan the most, I think. I have been a huge fan of hers all my life.
Composers I would love to work with:
Akriti: I really want to work with Vishal Bharadwaj Ji. Not just because his music has a timeless quality but hamesha se I’ve been an ardent fan of the life that his music has, right from ‘Paani Paani Re’ days. And of course, A R Rahman Sir. I feel he brings out the best tonal quality and singing ability in every singer. Most singers sound different when singing for him than for other composers.
Sukriti: I have always had a dream to see myself as a singer in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. I’ve always dreamed about how my tonal quality would sound with him as a composer and what he would do with my voice. I’d love to work with him.
Prakriti: For me, it's Pritam Da any day! I have sung a few for him here and there but nothing has been released yet. I really love the way he casts his singers in a movie. It is amazing and it would be my life’s honour to sing something crazy for Pritam Da!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 790
2:24 PM
GADAR 2 GOES BEYOND EXPECTATIONS; OMG 2 EXPECTED TO JUMP FROM SATURDAY
Last year, Bollywood had a poor Independence Day week as both Laal Singh Chaddha and Raksha Bandhan failed and how. It was the lowest point of the industry after which slowly, things got better. Now 365 days later, the mood is euphoric. Gadar 2 is all set for a smashing opening while OMG 2 might also surprise.
Gadar, as we all know, is one of the greatest hits of Indian cinema. During its release, it broke all records. Yet, there were apprehensions that the sequel might not get a huge response as Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel are not that big anymore. Hence, the sceptics got the shock of their lives as the tickets started selling like hot cakes as soon as the advance booking opened. In smaller towns, moviegoers don’t book in advance. But for this film, many preferred to buy tickets days before release. As days passed, the ticket sales increased. 2 days back, it seemed like the film would open at Rs. 20-25 crores. Now, there’s a possibility that Gadar 2 can open at Rs. 35 crores or even Rs. 40 crores!
The advance booking for Saturday and Sunday is also strong. And then there’s the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, August 15 which can also be huge. Hence, if the reports are positive, Gadar 2 can enter the Rs. 200 crore or even Rs. 300 crore club! And if the film is bad, the buzz is so much that it can still do business of a minimum Rs. 150 crores!
OMG 2, meanwhile, stars Pankaj Tripathi in the lead and has Akshay Kumar in a supporting part. The film faced negativity due to the issues it faced at the Censor Board. A lot of cuts have been imposed on the film. This has made viewers apprehensive as they fear that the film might be recklessly cut. The ‘A’ rating has also added to the challenge. At the same time, a certain curiosity has been built around the film due to the controversy. The Gadar 2 wave will definitely affect the opening. Yet, it can open at Rs. 7-8 crores. If the word of mouth is positive, it can emerge as Akshay Kumar’s first hit in almost two years.
Last year, Bollywood had a poor Independence Day week as both Laal Singh Chaddha and Raksha Bandhan failed and how. It was the lowest point of the industry after which slowly, things got better. Now 365 days later, the mood is euphoric. Gadar 2 is all set for a smashing opening while OMG 2 might also surprise.
Gadar, as we all know, is one of the greatest hits of Indian cinema. During its release, it broke all records. Yet, there were apprehensions that the sequel might not get a huge response as Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel are not that big anymore. Hence, the sceptics got the shock of their lives as the tickets started selling like hot cakes as soon as the advance booking opened. In smaller towns, moviegoers don’t book in advance. But for this film, many preferred to buy tickets days before release. As days passed, the ticket sales increased. 2 days back, it seemed like the film would open at Rs. 20-25 crores. Now, there’s a possibility that Gadar 2 can open at Rs. 35 crores or even Rs. 40 crores!
The advance booking for Saturday and Sunday is also strong. And then there’s the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, August 15 which can also be huge. Hence, if the reports are positive, Gadar 2 can enter the Rs. 200 crore or even Rs. 300 crore club! And if the film is bad, the buzz is so much that it can still do business of a minimum Rs. 150 crores!
OMG 2, meanwhile, stars Pankaj Tripathi in the lead and has Akshay Kumar in a supporting part. The film faced negativity due to the issues it faced at the Censor Board. A lot of cuts have been imposed on the film. This has made viewers apprehensive as they fear that the film might be recklessly cut. The ‘A’ rating has also added to the challenge. At the same time, a certain curiosity has been built around the film due to the controversy. The Gadar 2 wave will definitely affect the opening. Yet, it can open at Rs. 7-8 crores. If the word of mouth is positive, it can emerge as Akshay Kumar’s first hit in almost two years.
I know my intentions were right, whether it was Zero or Raksha Bandhan-Aanand L Rai
8:12 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 28, 2023)
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai says that box-office collections never impact his film choices. Rai, who celebrates his birthday today, admits that the constant change in audiences’ likes and dislikes keeps everyone “on their toes”.
He shares, “Every decade, there’s a change of audience and taste. As a filmmaker, you will face these obstacles. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) got everything right. The audience loved Dhanush (actor) as the protagonist in Raanjhanaa (2013). This is a sign of changing times.”
Interestingly, Rai is looking forward to collaborating with Dhanush for the third time with his next directorial, Tere Ishk Mein. Earlier, they worked together in Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re (2021).
Rai’s last release, Raksha Bandhan (2022), didn’t manage to impress moviegoers. Ask how he keeps himself motivated and starts afresh after a film fails to rake in the moolah, and the 52-year-old says, “I am a student. There will be times when my thesis will not get everything right. The only time my confidence can be broken is if I falter in my intention. I know my intentions were right, whether it was Zero (2018; the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer) or Raksha Bandhan. I scored brilliantly with Tanu Weds Manu Returns. My intentions were the same for all the projects.”
Except Sooryavanshi, all holiday releases post pandemic fail to work at the box office
8:08 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The holiday releases have seen disaster results though it was off to a great start with SOORYAVANSHI last Diwali. Since SOORYAVANSHI, there have been five major holidays with four this year and one last year. Last year there was 83 on Christmas, which failed badly.
Then on Republic Day, there were no releases while Eid in April proved a total disaster with HEROPANTI 2 and RUNWAY 34 as both films took in just 58 crore nett combined. On the Raksha Bandhan/Independence Day, the industry probably saw its lowest point of all time as LAAL SINGH CHADDHA and RAKSHA BANDHAN took in just 105 crore nett combined with multiple holidays and on top LAAL SINGH CHADDHA was an event film.
Now Diwali is not much better as both RAM SETU and THANK GOD will hit 110 crore nett between them and that is best case scenario as final totals could be under 110 crore nett. The Diwali performance is not as bad as Independence Day as neither RAM SETU or THANK GOD were event films like LAAL SINGH CHADDHA.
There have been four event films post the pandemic and they are SOORYAVANSHI, '83, LAAL SINGH CHADDHA and BRAHMASTRA; two have worked while the other two tanked. BRAHMASTRA missed a holiday period; so, if it had worked out for this film and it got a Diwali or Raksha Bandhan/Independence Day, it could have done 15-20% more even with a clash.
The results of major holiday releases this year are as follows.
Eid
Heropanti 2 - 24,91,00,000
Runway 34 - 33,51,00,000
TOTAL - 58,42,00,000
Raksha Bandhan/Independence Day
Laal Singh Chaddha - 59,58,00,000
Raksha Bandhan - 45,23,00,000
TOTAL - 1,04,81,00,000
Diwali
Ram Setu - 75,00,00,000 (expected)
Thank God - 35,00,00,000 (expected)
TOTAL - 1,10,00,00,000 (expected)
We chose a regressive narrative for Raksha Bandhan so that we could arrive at a progressive one-Kanika Dhillon
8:32 AM
The writer says while a section criticized the makers for showing a social evil like dowry, the film had ‘people from the interior Hindi belts’ in mind
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 27, 2022)
Actor Kanika Dhillon is content with the response her projects over the last one year, including Haseen Dillruba (2021) and Rashmi Rocket (2021), received. However, it was her this year’s outing as a writer, Raksha Bandhan, which ignited a lot of discussion, as the film’s subject revolved around the practice of dowry. A section criticised the makers for showing the social evil.
The actor-writer says, “Aanand (L Rai, filmmaker) sir, Himanshu (Sharma, co-writer) and I set a goal, not to educate the people on Twitter and the metros, who know that dowry is not good. They know a woman should be self-reliant. We were talking to people from the interior Hindi belts, where these concepts are still alive. We have the statistics. Women dowry deaths are rampant, mostly happening in the interiors,” says the 40-year-old.
The protagonist of the film, played by actor Akshay Kumar, represented the section that didn’t know that dowry is a social evil, continues Dhillon.
“His character didn’t know anything about women’s empowerment. So, we had to take the focus there. We chose a regressive narrative so that we could arrive at a progressive one. I totally understand why the viewers felt it was regressive. But as a writer, we can’t talk to the same audience all the time,” Dhillon reasons.
She cites the example of her own other film, Kedarnath, which was set in the heartland.
She adds, “The section that found it weird is the one that’s educated and empowered, so some things will make them uncomfortable. If we are not making you feel that, that means we are not doing something right. Discomfort is a good thing. If there’s no reaction, there’s no piece of work.”
When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, only then I will slow down-Bhumi Pednekar
8:14 AM
Bhumi Pednekar wants to make up for the time lost due to the pandemic
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2022)
Back-to-back shooting schedules have kept Bhumi Pednekar very busy this year, and she has no intention of slowing down. The actor says she is currently in “revenge work mode” and making up for all the time she missed due to the pandemic-related lockdowns.
“I feel me-time is extremely important, but this year I have not had a lot of that. But I’m a workaholic and I want to catch up on lost time,” says the actor, who was last seen in Raksha Bandhan, adding, “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I have that I don’t feel like slowing down at the moment. When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, I think only then I will slow down. But at the moment, I’m on a high. I’m having a blast.”
About her projects, the 33-year-old informs, “I have recently worked on Afwaah, which stars (actor) Nawazuddin Siddiqui sir, and is directed by Sudhir Mishra. It is such a wonderful project. It is actually my fourth film this year. I have already finished The Ladykiller and Bhakshak. My year started with a bang with Badhaai Do. The second half of the year is going to be super packed too. I have back-to-back shooting schedules and will start filming for two new projects.”
Ask her if she also plans on expanding her horizons in the industry — for instance, taking up direction, production, or writing — and Pednekar shares, “I don’t feel the need for it right now because my hands are so full at the moment. But because I love cinema so much, I’m sure I will diversify at some point, and that could be directing, producing, or singing.”
For Brahmastra we are expecting massive bookings despite September 9 being Anant Chaturdashi-Manoj Desai
8:14 AM
Rubbishing rumours that Gaiety-Galaxy has shut down after back-to-back duds, owner says he is counting on Ranbir-Alia’s Brahmastra to end dry spell
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 5, 2022)
Those staying in the Bandra-Andheri stretch will tell you how Friday movie nights mean a quick drive to Gaiety-Galaxy, Bandra’s popular single-screen theatre. For actors and filmmakers too, G7 Cinemas has long become the yardstick of their movies’ mass appeal. Naturally then, recent rumours of the movie hall shutting down sent shockwaves across the industry and among cinephiles. Reports stated that following the poor performance of Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha, Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandhan, Liger and Dobaaraa, Manoj Desai — executive director of G7 Cinemas — decided to temporarily bring down the curtain on Gaiety.
However, when mid-day contacted Desai, he rubbished the rumours. “The theatre is fully functional,” he asserted, although admitting that the past two-and-a-half years have been hard on the Bandra hotspot.
Single-screen theatres across the country have been struggling to stay afloat since the pandemic-induced lockdowns. While exhibitors hoped that things would improve this year, Bollywood has not seen a hit besides Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
Desai laments, “Nothing after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has worked. The running cost of the theatre is so humongous that if a show is selling less than 15 tickets, it’s not worth it. Now, all our hopes are pinned on Brahmastra. We will run the film across all screens of Gaiety-Galaxy. The film will be allotted three shows at Maratha Mandir as well.”
While exhibitors are counting on Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt’s ambitious superhero project to turn the tide, single-screen theatre owners are at a disadvantage. In an unusual move, distributors enabled multiplexes across the country to open Brahmastra’s advance bookings on Friday, since they bring higher revenue.
The benefit hasn’t been extended to single screens, which will open their booking windows only today. As per early trends, the three multiplex chains — PVR Cinemas, INOX and Cinepolis — have sold around 50,000 tickets, of which over 30,000 are for the opening day.
Desai is perturbed by the discrimination. “The multiplexes get an upper hand. Such politics has to end. I don’t see a problem if single screens and multiplexes start advance bookings together. That said, we have 2,000 seats [across the two theatres], and are expecting massive bookings despite September 9 being Anant Chaturdashi.”
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