Showing posts with label Wallpapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wallpapers. Show all posts
Check out Govinda on Krushna Abhishek's The Great Indian Kapil Show
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Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 26, 2024)
Actor Govinda and his nephew, actor-comedian Krushna Abhishek were in a family feud for seven years. While Abhishek has apologized and tried to reconcile with him multiple times, he didn’t get the desired reciprocation from either Govinda or his wife Sunita Ahuja. But things seemed to have gotten better as Govinda made an appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, which also stars Abhishek, for an episode that’ll air on November 30.
Ask the nephew about this reunion and he calls it “one of my best experiences after such a long time”. He says, “Maine stage par bhi bola ki mera saat (7) saal ka vanwas khatam ho gaya.”
Last month, when Govinda accidentally shot himself, Abhishek reveals, the incident only helped bring the family closer. “After mama’s leg injury, things changed. I was in Sydney (Australia) for a show and I even told my organizer to cancel the show. But then Kashmera (Shah, actor; his wife) was here, and she was the first person from the family to go and visit him in the hospital. He was very nice to her, and she spoke to him for a while in the ICU. After that, I realised that things are going to get better now,” Krushna shares.
In 2018, the relationship between nephew and uncle soured after Shah shared a tweet about “people who dance for money,” and Govinda’s wife, Ahuja, criticized the move, alleging that it was directed at Govinda.
Check out Richa Chadha's daughter meeting 'maasis' Shabana Azmi, Dia Mirza, Urmila Matondkar, Tanvi Azmi
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Richa-Ali’s daughter meets her khaalas and maasis Shabana Azmi, Dia Mirza, Urmila Matondkar and Tanvi Azmi
BOMBAY TIMES (July 31, 2024)
Shabana Azmi, Dia Mirza, Urmila Matondkar and Tanvi Azmi visited new parents Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha at their Mumbai residence on Monday to meet the duo’s daughter. The couple welcomed their first child on July 16.
Sharing photos from the evening, Richa wrote, “An evening drenched in rain and love, with piping hot khaalas/maasik and sabudana wadas. I think the tea was too cold for @tanveazmi apologies! How lucky is this little girl to be blessed and touched by the most loving and the very best! How happy is Guddu Pandit! How pampered is the mom!”
She added, “Thank the heavens for bonds like these! A big thanks to Dia, for sorting me out… I mean A to Z pregnancy wise! Forever indebted and grateful! Love you all!!! (sic).”
Shabana Azmi too shared some photos from her visit and wrote, “With the khala/masis of the new mum and baby (sic).”
Check out Kajol's badass avatar in Maharagni
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Directing Kajol in her maiden pan-India film Maharagni, filmmaker Charan on how the actor was thrilled about leading her first actioner in 32-year career
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 24, 2024)
Kicking ass on screen can be a thrilling affair. Kajol is discovering it as she shoots Maharagni: Queen of Queens, helmed by Telugu director Charan Tej Uppalapati. In May, the actor had unveiled the film’s teaser that saw her in a fierce avatar as she took on baddies single-handedly. On the surface, Maharagni is a revenge story with the protagonist rising against all odds to claim power. There is more to it, promises Uppalapati. He says that at its core, it is a story of women empowerment, while exploring the parent-child bond.
The director, who kicked off the shoot in Hyderabad in February, shares, “In today’s times, women are an avatar of Goddess Durga, and have the qualities of Lakshmi and Saraswati. Kajol plays Maya, a woman who rises from Dharavi’s slums and becomes one of the most powerful women in Maharashtra. The central theme is about loving your parents. Through the movie, we want to tell the audience to take care of their parents.”
In her three-decade-plus career, Kajol flirted with Tamil movies with Minsara Kanavu (1997) and Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017). Maharagni marks her first pan-India offering, with the director shooting it in Hindi and planning to dub it in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. Making it an anticipated project is its powerful cast that includes Naseeruddin Shah, Prabhudheva, Samyuktha Menon and Jisshu Sengupta.
“I wanted to tell a story that everyone across India would connect to. So, I [roped in] actors from different states. Kajol ma’am is leading a [mainstream] action entertainer like this for the first time. When I narrated the script to her, she was excited. I am a director from Hyderabad who has come down to Mumbai to do something; it’s only because of Kajol ma’am’s support and guidance that I could do this. Once she gets into the character, she is immersed in it, and is a fabulous actor. She spends time on the sets and lives the character.”
With a chunk of Maharagni shot in Hyderabad, the unit will begin the final schedule in Mumbai next month. Uppalapati is particularly excited about presenting his leading lady in an action avatar for the first time. “Kajol prepped [hard] for the action sequences. For me, action has to make sense and [go beyond] looking good. There should be an emotion behind each action set-piece.”
Tom Cruises's words of wisdom really left me feeling motivated-Taha Shah Badussha
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Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; July 12, 2024)
Actor Taha Shah Badussha, who was seen in Heeramandi, had a "pinch-me" moment when he recently met Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise in London. The actor, who visited a studio there, shared a photo and a video on Instagram with Tom. "Pinch me! Just met my lifelong idol. The one and only Tom Cruise! (sic)," Taaha wrote.
While talking to us from London, Taha said, "Meeting him was like such an incredible surprise. Truly in awe of this man. He is my inspiration and definitely the greatest superstar of our time." He further added, "Speaking to him felt unreal. His words of wisdom really left me feeling motivated and encouraged. It's definitely a lifelong memory."
The Taj actor met Tom on Monday at the European premiere of Lee Isaac Chung's movie Twisters at Cineworld Leicester Square. Tom wore a white T-shirt, while Taha donned a suit. The Mission Impossible actor as well shared a picture from the special screening on Instagram. He posed with Glen Powell, who plays the role of Tyler Owens in Twisters.
Coming to Taha the actor who was also seen at Cannes Film Festival, spoke about networking at such film events. "I may not need to do this but I know where I come from. I always say that one day, you'll find one golden person, who will change your life. Out of the 500-600 people I met in Cannes and got the numbers of, I need one person to believe in me. I'll keep hustling. I'll keep building relationships and putting in my hundred percent," he had said in an interview.
Pooja Bhatt joins Suniel Shetty’s upcoming yet-untitled web series
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Pooja Bhatt joins Suniel Shetty’s upcoming yet-untitled web series; says the character’s sheer power resonated with her
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 10, 2024)
When Pooja Bhatt returned to acting with Bombay Begums (2021) after a gap of 21 years, was she surprised by the diversity of roles being written? Absolutely. It has been a pleasant ride since then as the actor has carefully chosen her parts, picking only those that speak to her, most recently that of a principal in Big Girls Don’t Cry. Now, Bhatt has given her nod to a yet-untitled web series that sees her alongside Suniel Shetty.
mid-day got its hands on an image that shows Bhatt’s look in the Lionsgate offering. For the actor, it was the character’s “sheer power” that drew her to the role.
“I have always had the privilege and made the choice to portray empowered women on screen. I was immediately drawn to this character for the sheer power, depth and empathy she exudes. Her ability to take a stand for what she believes in and face challenges head-on is something I connect with on a personal level,” she shares.
While details of her role are being kept under wraps, her co-star Shetty recently posted an image of himself on a snow-capped mountain, announcing that the show has taken him back to the action genre.
Check out Sidhant Gupta as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in Nikkhil Advani's Freedom At Midnight
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Sharing exclusive picture of Sidhant as Nehru, Freedom at Midnight creator on how the series adapted from the eponymous book looks at India’s independence struggle through personal accounts
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 3, 2024)
There is something about history that draws Nikkhil Advani, something about real-life events that make for compelling storytelling. A case in point—Rocket Boys that focused on Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. Now, the director-showrunner is gearing up to bring the most important chapter of Indian history to the screen with Freedom At Midnight.
In June 2022, Advani had announced the historical drama that is based on Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins’ acclaimed book of the same name. Almost two years on, he has shared the series’ first look with mid-day, which sees actor Sidhant Gupta as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
“This show is a profound tribute to the luminaries of our freedom movement—Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,” says Advani. While Gupta will be seen on screen after his breakout role in Jubilee (2023), Chirag Vohra and Rajendra Chawla will slip into the roles of Gandhi and Patel respectively. The Sony LIV series took birth over a simple conversation between Danish Khan, the platform’s business head, and Advani.
“Over the course of interacting on [shows], Danish sir and I have become not just collaborators, but also friends. He took one second after hearing the initial pitch of Rocket Boys to greenlight it. For Freedom, he came to me with a sparkle in his eye and asked, ‘How would you like to make your favourite book into a show?’”
The rest, as they say, is history. The team took the project on floors in late January this year. Besides being an ode to the heroes, Advani says Freedom at Midnight is also a means to take the audiences back to their roots, as they view India’s freedom struggle and the Partition through untold tales.
“We know the major sacrifices and struggles that led to our independence. What Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins got was access to Lord Louis Mountbatten’s diaries and notes. So, in between all those milestones, we have some personal accounts that make that time come alive. We have tried to capture that.”
Check out the regal poster of Suyash Pachauri's short film Meeraj
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In Meeraj, Suyash Pachauri masterfully crafts a poignant narrative of love's ebb and flow amidst the frenetic pace of modern life. Through the lives of Raj and Meera, a couple ensnared in the grip of routine and neglect, we are witness to a profound transformation that is as stirring as it is heartening.
Raj, a driven business magnate, is consumed by his relentless pursuit of success, while Meera, his devoted wife, endeavours to bridge the growing chasm in their relationship with her steadfast care and affection. Despite her tireless efforts, Meera finds herself relegated to the periphery of Raj’s bustling world, her acts of love and support lost in the din of his ambition.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Meera, disenchanted and yearning for the affection she craves, resolves to divorce Raj, citing her love for another who cherishes her more deeply. This revelation acts as a jolt for Raj, shaking him from his single-minded focus on business to confront the reality of his neglected marriage.
What ensues is a tender and heartfelt journey of rediscovery as Raj strives to reignite the flame of love that once illuminated their lives. From romantic midnight strolls along the shoreline to shared moments of reminiscence over ice cream, Raj and Meera embark on a voyage of self-discovery and mutual appreciation.
The beauty of Meeraj lies in its nuanced exploration of the intricacies of love and human relationships. Through Raj’s awakening to the significance of cherishing his partner and Meera’s capacity to forgive and embrace him anew, the story imparts a timeless lesson on the transformative power of love.
The metaphorical resonance of the title, Meeraj poignantly captures the essence of the narrative, likening Raj’s relentless pursuit of wealth to a mirage in the desert— fleeting and illusory. Ultimately, what truly matters is not the material wealth he seeks, but the invaluable bond he shares with Meera, his steadfast companion on life’s journey.
Meeraj is a spellbinding and soul-stirring tale that lingers in the heart long after its conclusion. With its richly drawn characters, evocative imagery, and profound exploration of love’s enduring strength, it is a story that speaks to the very core of the human experience, reminding us of the profound beauty of genuine connection.
The short film, MEERAJ: Rediscovering Love Amidst Life's Turmoil, is written, directed and produced by Suyash Pachauri.
Check out Tamannaah Bhatia as a sadhavi on the sets of Odela 2 in Varanasi
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Meera Vohra (BOMBAY TIMES; March 4, 2024)
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was spotted in a sadhavi attire shooting at Chet Singh Fort in Varanasi. The Baahubali actress was shooting for the inaugural scene of the Telugu project titled Odela 2, which is a sequel to the film Odela Railway Station.
The actress, along with a group of local artists as sadhus, canned several scenes on the ghat. Several onlookers, including foreigners, were really intrigued to see the shooting happening.
Later, the shooting shifted to inside of the fort and some scenes were filmed on the terrace of the fort. The crew also took some montage shots of the area. As the lights became low, lanterns were used to shoot a sequence on the boat.
Despite a tight schedule, Tamannaah shared photographs of her spiritual outings in the city on her social media account. She also had darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and shared images of a tranquil moment on the ghat.
On the sets of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in Jordan
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mid-day brings all the dope from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’s Jordan shoot as Akshay-Tiger wrap up movie with a colourful number in Wadi Rum’s sand dunes
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 3, 2024)
Why would the makers of a big-budget tentpole movie, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, decide to shoot it in the middle of nowhere? That was our first thought when we landed on the set of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan near Wadi Rum in Jordan, on the last day of the shoot. The term ‘in the middle of nowhere’ is not being used lightly here—wish we could show you images from the shoot; unfortunately, they are under embargo. But picture this: dramatic clouds against the blue sky, unending desert and rugged mountain ranges as far as the eye can see.
From Mumbai, it took us two flights and a four-hour drive from Amman to reach Wadi Rum. From there, Mohammed, also known as Michael Schumacher, drove us down to the location for another 30 minutes as we battled gusts of cold wind and three degree temperature. Then, there was a trek to the spot where the unit was shooting. Enough to make a fellow scribe joke, “Only Akshay and Tiger are cut out to do this every day.” He was right.
Soon, there was respite as we heard some Hindi in the air. Sure enough, we had reached the set —a 250-people unit shooting a song with Kumar, Shroff and leading ladies Manushi Chhillar and Alaya F. On this day, choreographer Bosco Martis was running the set, discussing steps with director Ali Abbas Zafar for the final okay.
While we shivered underneath our two jackets, Shroff was practicing his steps shirtless. “I’m loving the warmth of the sun,” he told us enthusiastically. This is perhaps the passion that goes behind making an action extravaganza —actors, director and the crew going to any lengths to give you the big-scale feel. The big-screen magic comes at a price.
Though in Jordan, the price is significantly less. In the past few years, the country has been the site of some major productions, including Dennis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
Producer Jackky Bhagnani explains that the local crew is trained, cheap and easily available. It’s inexpensive to shoot here with the rebates the government offers, even allowing 10 months of shoot without any additional taxes. What lures Zafar though is the stunning visual palette, from the sea to the mountains, from the rustic to the grand.
After an eight-hour shoot, we all headed to the film’s wrap-up party, where we watched the action thriller’s making. If the teaser was action-packed, the film promises much more—tanks, a helicopter, some cars being blown up, all of which Jordan has in surplus supplies. The country’s military has helped the Royal Film Commission of Jordan maintain replicas and real weaponry from as far as World War I. For the Indian audience, Zafar and Bhagnani have found untapped locations. What helps is the seamless functioning since the locals have an undying love for Hindi movies.
We experienced it first-hand as we headed to Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city, on our last day of the visit. Aqaba is marked by a strange confluence; to its south is Saudi Arabia, to its west Egypt and not too far away is Israel. As we had coffee at a waterfront, the owners played the song, Bole Chudiyaan, for us.
Evading talk of how the region has been a hotbed of activity in recent times, they discussed how they can’t get enough of Bollywood. A shopkeeper at Petra, which is barely a two-hour ride from Aqaba, even offered us a few freebies since we come from the land of Kareena Kapoor Khan, making us realize that Bollywood is bigger than we think.
Check out Adah Sharma as a ‘sweet yet evil’ bar dancer in Sunflower Season 2
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Priyanka Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; February 3, 2024)
Last year, Adah Sharma tasted success with The Kerala Story, which became a box-office hit despite being widely panned by critics and some sections of the audience. Now, she is gearing up to tickle the audience’s funny bone with the second season of Sunflower.
The first edition of the Sunil Grover and Mukul Chadda-led black comedy was centred on a murder that takes place in a residential building called Sunflower. Sharma, the latest addition to the ZEE5 series, plays bar dancer Rosie. The actor says portraying Rosie gave her a chance to be someone far removed from herself.
“Rosie is funny, scary, sarcastic, sweet, evil, all of it put together. Saying such wicked things and doing things that I’d never do in real life is a little intoxicating,” grins Sharma. Understanding Rosie’s psyche was a big part of bringing her to life.
The actor adds, “To bring her uniqueness to life, I watched documentaries about psychopaths, serial killers and persons with multiple personality disorders. In terms of physical training, I had to learn to break walls with a hammer.”
Check out Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan rapping in the devotional song Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram
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Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan, who has rapped in Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram, says song is tribute to the lord ahead of Ram Mandir’s opening
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 18, 2024)
Rap isn’t the first thing you associate with Ravi Kishan. But going behind the mic comes easy to the Bhojpuri actor. He previously tried his hand at rapping with the 2022 number, UP Mein Sab Ba, and the Gujarati-Bhojpuri track, Gujarat Ma Modi Chhe, later in the same year.
Now, the actor has not only featured in the devotional song, Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram, but also rapped in it. For him, the song, which released yesterday, carries “the hopes of millions.” “It isn’t just a song, it’s a homecoming. Every verse thrums with the joy of a dream coming true,” says Kishan, who plays a devotee of Lord Ram in Mahak Chaudhury’s music video.
“I am a Ram bhakt in real life, and there is nothing more gratifying than getting an opportunity to play the role of Lord Ram’s devotee. So, I immediately said yes to the music video. The construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a historical event. Ayodhya Ke Shri Ram is a small tribute to Lord Ram.”
The actor-MP, who was recently seen in Mission Raniganj (2023), won’t be able to attend the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested us to light a lamp at our nearest temple. So, I’ll be engaged in the temple cleanliness drive in my constituency, Gorakhpur. But I’ll surely visit the Ram Mandir soon.”
HT City Special: An exclusive look into Randeep Hooda, Lin Laishram’s Meitei wedding
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Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 4, 2023)
Actors Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram tied the knot in Imphal, Manipur in a blend of rituals and traditions. Despite being new to the Meitei customs, an insider tells us Hooda was excited and “never for a moment, did the smile leave his face”. “His family was equally captivated by the local rituals. They chose to embrace traditional outfits over designer names,” the source adds.
The ceremony started in the second half of November 29, from 1 pm and went on till 8 pm. To ensure Hooda understood the rituals, they had a Hindi-speaking arangpham, a person who makes arrangements for the bor-jatra (initial rites of the groom) and Bor Shennaba, a personal guide to Hooda, who helped him throughout the wedding. At the venue, he was greeted with a traditional torch made of bamboo, flowers, incense sticks and puffed rice showers. Laishram’s mum blessed the couple by tying their hands with the sacred thread, which was followed by lei-koiba and kundo hukpa (an exchange of garlands), which are “considered to be the most important rituals on this day,” says the insider.
“At the end of the ceremony, the kwa lannaba (exchange of the betel leaves and nut) followed, which is a formal introduction of the bride and the groom as a lifelong couple in front of the people gathered. Lastly, the ritual of kangshubi chaba was performed, where the pandit passed the kangshubi (a sweet made of peril seeds) to Randeep, who fed it to Lin. It is symbolic of the love and affection that he will shower on her through life,” the source shares.
Mumbai reception on December 11
Not forgetting their industry friends and colleagues in Mumbai, Hooda and Laishram will throw a reception on December 11, we’ve exclusively learnt. They have started sending out invites, but aren’t disclosing the venue. A source tells us: “They have a huge circle of friends as they have worked extensively in Mumbai. So all of them have been invited. Lin’s immediate family will travel to Mumbai to attend the reception. Just like their wedding, the couple will stick to their culture and don ethnic Manipuri outfits.”
Kajol plays a cop for the first time in Do Patti; picture from the shoot location out
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mid-day lays its hands on pictures from Do Patti shoot that sees Kajol playing a cop for the first time in her 31-year career; the actor chases Kriti Sanon’s character in the thriller
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 18, 2023)
For the past 12 years, we’ve seen Ajay Devgn roar on screen as the no-nonsense cop Bajirao Singham, a role that he is reprising in Singham Again. But it looks like he has another fierce cop right at home. One hears that Kajol plays a tough-as-nails police officer in Do Patti, which also stars Kriti Sanon and Shaheer Sheikh. Sanon and writer Kanika Dhillon’s maiden production went on floors on August 18 with a brief shoot in Mumbai, before the unit headed to Nainital. On Saturday, the unit wrapped up the Uttarakhand schedule.
mid-day laid its hands on a few pictures from the shoot, which have Kajol sporting the khaki uniform and shades. Those in the know say that the actor plays a fiery character in Shashanka Chaturvedi’s directorial venture. That’s not surprising considering Dhillon has a knack for writing strong-minded female protagonists—be it Rumi from Manmarziyaan (2018), or Rani in Haseen Dillruba (2021).
A source reveals, “Kajol portrays a tough-talking, sassy police officer from north India in the mystery thriller. Kriti’s role is equally exciting. In the movie, Kajol’s character is in hot pursuit of Kriti, chasing her across Mussoorie, Landour and Nainital. In her three-decade career, the actor has essayed diverse roles, but the opportunity to play a cop never arose before. She was immediately drawn to this complex role.”
While Kajol was an integral part of the Uttarakhand schedule, Sanon and Sheikh joined her last week. “The two actresses filmed some dramatic scenes. Brijendra Kala too was a part of these sequences. On Saturday, the unit wrapped up the schedule with a party,” adds the source.
The film’s third leg will begin in Mumbai by the month-end. It is Kajol’s third Netflix offering after Tribhanga (2021) and Lust Stories 2. In July, the actor made her web series debut with The Trial.
On Navaratri, it’s all about women's power, voice and standing in society-Rakul Preet Singh
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Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 16, 2023)
Rakul Preet Singh cherishes memories of celebrating Navaratri in a grand way as a kid. But over the years, she has gained a different perspective on the relevance of these glorious Indian festivals and their significance in our lives. As a self-made, successful actress in Bollywood, she looks at Navaratri as a celebration of the spirit of womanhood.
She says, “In our mythology, there is so much importance given to the power of women and there are festivals celebrating that. Somewhere, we probably lost our way and became a patriarchal society. I feel these festivals remind us of the power each woman possesses. Women are the most beautiful beings on the planet. We are strong and empathetic. Each woman should rise above the rituals of a festival and understand its true significance. On Navaratri, it’s all about her power, voice, and standing in society.”
However, she can’t wait to revel in the festive feeling of a deluge of people coming together as one, irrespective of state, religion, or language, and just exuding pure joy to mark the festival. “It’s beautiful to see so many people forget their daily struggles, their differences, dancing to the vibe around and sharing so much happiness, which is special. And that’s how I like celebrating my festivals,” she shares, adding, “For Navaratri, if I get time off from my schedule, I plan to go for a garba or dandiya night where I can be part of this oneness that Indian festivals embody. And what better place to do that than Mumbai!”
And what about her Navaratri OOTDs? Well, for festivals, Rakul believes in keeping it traditional yet comfortable. “Festivals are about sharing joy with people, not about getting stuck in a dress so bad that you can’t move around freely! For Navaratri, I opt for easy, free-flowing Indian outfits, lighter earrings, pops of bright colours… so I can feel close to my Indian roots, but at the same time, enjoy,” she signs off.
Check out Sundas Farhan as Fatima Jinnah in Danial K Afzal's biopic series
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With first volume of Fatima Jinnah biopic tracing her years in Bombay, director on how he recreated leader’s Malabar Hill home and city’s landmarks in Islamabad
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 19, 2023)
It’s a mix of anticipation and excitement for Pakistani director Danial K Afzal, as his ambitious web series, Fatima Jinnah: Volume One readies for release. The director has envisioned the biopic on the late Fatima Jinnah in three volumes. In its maiden season, Sundas Farhan steps into the titular role as the series explores Fatima’s early years in Bombay and delves into her dynamic with statesman-brother Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Afzal admits that filming the first season was a challenge because he had to recreate Bombay of the pre-Partition era, a city he has never visited. Aiding him in the endeavour was south Mumbai-raised entrepreneur Neha Kumthekar, whom he knows since their college days in the US.
“Neha helped me turn Islamabad into Bombay. Fatima Jinnah was a classic Bombay girl. She went to a convent school in south Bombay, and a boarding school in Khandala. Neha helped me recreate various locations—from the Jinnahs’ home in Malabar Hill, to [the city’s landscape]. For instance, we had installed a fireplace in the house. Neha got it removed, noting that Bombay homes have no fireplaces,” he recounts.
Before taking the series on floors last year, another major area of research for Afzal was the Petits. Muhammad Ali’s Jinnah’s wife was Rattanbhai Petit, hailing from the distinguished Petit family. He adds, “Fatima Jinnah had a strained relationship with Ruttie Petit. Also, we needed to capture the exuberance of Petit Hall for a scene.”
Besides Farhan, the series stars Aamir Qureshi as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sarmad Khoosat as Mahatma Gandhi and Aamna Ilyas as Sarojini Naidu. In the maiden season that plays out from 1910 to mid-1920s, Afzal insists Bombay plays a crucial role.
“The Jinnahs could never get Bombay out of their systems; they brought the city back with them. We consulted many books, including Reza Pirbhai’s Fatima Jinnah: Mother of the Nation. Neha helped me with the research. My art director was on Facetime calls with her every night. We used to show her fabrics, architecture and everything.”
The next season was originally supposed to star Sajal Aly of Mom (2017) fame, but there has been a casting change. “We will announce the replacement in a few weeks. This is a clutter-breaking series for us, and we want to do everything right.” The second volume will be shot in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.
Fatima Jinnah, Sarmad Khoosat, Danial K Afzal
Check out Sharib Hashmi, Daisy Shah shooting for The Ghost Of Gandhi
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Sharib to play a social activist in The Ghost Of Gandhi, which revolves around the Mahatma’s spirit visiting the corrupt
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 14, 2023)
Sharib Hashmi continues his pursuit for different roles. Only a month after playing a supportive husband in Tarla, the actor will now be seen as a social activist in the upcoming web series, The Ghost Of Gandhi. The drama, helmed by Manish Kishore, will mark the OTT debut of Jai Ho (2014) actor Daisy Shah. The director says that through the web series, he wants to remind viewers of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
“In the show, we are bringing back Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophies and how they can [be applied] to make India a better nation. While in Lage Raho Munna Bhai [2006], Gandhiji was visible only to Munna Bhai, here his ghost is visible to every corrupt human being. I cast Sharib and Daisy as they connected to the script immediately. People who cannot resonate with the show’s ideology may not be able to deliver what I want,” says Kishore.
The series went on floors last month in Mumbai. Before that, the director conducted 14-day workshops with Hashmi and Shah, who plays a journalist. What drew Hashmi to the project, he says, are the premise and his character. “How my character collates all the stories about Gandhi-ji’s ghost [and takes them] to the media are elements that I found attractive about the series. It’s an interesting take on today’s times,” explains the actor.
Check out the first look of the song 'Zinda Banda' from Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan
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After Jawan’s preview, SRK-Atlee to kick off promotional run with song Zinda banda, which was shot over five days with 1,000 dancers
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 26, 2023)
What was the most striking part of Jawan’s preview? Shah Rukh Khan’s bald avatar, most will agree, with the action sequences coming a close second. Having caught everyone’s attention with the teaser, the superstar and director Atlee are ready to up the ante—instead of unveiling the film’s trailer, the duo will first launch the song, Zinda Banda, this week.
mid-day got a sneak peek into the dance number that sees Khan shake a leg with over 1,000 dancers.
We hear the track is designed as a massive celebration number. A source reveals, “Atlee wanted a song mounted on a grand scale that does justice to the leading man’s aura and endless energy. He roped in music director Anirudh Ravichander to compose and render a foot-tapping number. Anirudh and choreographer Shobi then imagined Zinda Banda, which was shot over five days in Chennai, with over 1,000 dancers flown in from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Madurai and Mumbai. It is produced on a whopping budget of over Rs 15 crore.”
With the first song, the team will kick off the promotional run of Jawan, leading up to its September 7 release. The actioner not only marks Atlee’s Bollywood debut, but also sees Tamil stars Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara foray into Hindi cinema.
Image: Manoj Bajpayee kicks off the shoot of Silence 2 in south Mumbai
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Two years after Silence, Manoj kicks off the shoot of sequel in south Mumbai; to wrap up the murder mystery by September
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 26, 2023)
There is something about whodunits that lends itself well to a franchise. Manoj Bajpayee would agree. In 2021, the actor headlined Silence, a thriller that saw him as a cop investigating the murder of a retired judge’s daughter.
Now, director Aban Bharucha Deohans, who had helmed the first part, has developed its sequel. The second part will see Bajpayee reprising his role of ACP Avinash Verma, who is tasked with a new case. Prachi Desai and Arjun Mathur will join him in the thriller.
Yesterday, Bajpayee kicked off the shoot in south Mumbai. Many of the locations used in the first instalment, including the police station, will be replicated. The director plans to shoot Silence 2 in a start-to-finish schedule in Mumbai, wrapping it up by September.
Bajpayee is ecstatic to return to the world of the ZEE5 film. To him, it not only marks his reunion with the director, but also presents the opportunity to lead a gripping suspense thriller—a genre that he personally enjoys. He says the compelling plot made him instantly give his nod.
“The love and appreciation I had received for Silence was overwhelming, and it motivates me to deliver my best with this new project as well. As an actor, I always seek to challenge myself and explore diverse characters. ACP Avinash has been one such remarkable journey.”
Image: Geeta Basra is back in Hindi films with Awasthi vs Awasthi
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Producer Alankar Pandian and filmmaker Pavan Kumar Wadeyar are collaborating to produce the upcoming movie
BOMBAY TIMES (July 10, 2023)
Producer Alankar Pandian, who has backed pan-India films like Kabzaa and Vikrant Rona, is now joining hands with filmmaker Pavan Kumar Wadeyar for the upcoming movie Awasthi vs Awasthi.
Talking about the collaboration, Alankar says, “While viewing the showreels of Awasthi vs Awasthi, one character — Sheetal – caught my attention.”
Impressed with the way Geeta Basra has essayed the character, Alankar made the decision to come on board as co-producer. Fueled by his excitement and recognising the potential of the film, Alankar is determined to present it to a global audience. With his expertise and passion, he aims to give the film a bigger platform.
Awasthi vs Awasthi also marks Geeta Basra’s return to Hindi films. Filmmaker Pavan shares that Geeta’s husband, cricketer Harbhajan Singh, was thrilled when he heard the story, and Geeta immediately agreed to portray the powerful character. She plays the role of a homemaker with immense strength. The project, backed by Alankar’s Invenio Origin Production and Pavan’s Wadeyar Movies is headlined by Parambrata Chattopadhyay.
BT Exclusive: Tom Holland and Zendaya fascinated by the sea and Mumbai’s skyline
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The Hollywood couple enjoyed an hour-long yacht ride during their stay in the city. Details revealed...
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2023)
Hollywood sweethearts — British actor and our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, Tom Holland and his girlfriend, American singer-actress Zendaya — landed in Mumbai on Friday morning. Amid engagement rumours, everyone wanted to know more about the duo and their plans in the city.
Staying at a south Mumbai five-star, thecouple took off for a relaxing sea tour on a luxury yacht in the city on Saturday afternoon. While they were successful in quietly sneaking aboard a speedboat (transfer boat) that took them to the yacht from the Gateway Of India via a private entry, a few fans did spot them as they hurried back into their car after the boat ride.
Bombay Times spoke to Meherzad Kajanwalla, co-owner of a luxury yacht charter service, along with Gautam Bhatia, who took the couple cruising along the Arabian sea.
Elaborating on how it all worked out, given how private the couple is, Meherzad shared, “We got a booking on Friday evening for Saturday noon from an event management company. We initially thought the booking was for a Bollywood celebrity. Later that night, we discovered that it was for Tom Holland and Zendaya. It took some time for that to sink in! They were supposed to be at the yacht at noon on Saturday, but there was some delay given the security protocols, so they reached at 12:45 pm. We are pioneers of yacht charter in the city and have been doing this for the last 15 years. We were thrilled to discover that we would be taking Tom Holland and Zendaya on an hour-long sea tour in our luxury yacht.”
He further adds, “There was no massive entourage or starry tantrums when they arrived. There were around 8-10 people. Just water and soft drinks were served. Tom and Zendaya were humble, and they were kind enough to shoot a video for their guide’s son, who is a fan. They even posed for a picture with us. They were great listeners and were keen to soak in the sights and sounds of the city. The tour lasted for an hour, and though it was quite sunny, it’s always pleasantly breezy at sea. They checked out the Mumbai skyline, the harbour, Sassoon Dock and admired the architectural beauty of The Gateway of India. They intently listened to the guide talk about Mumbai’s history, the Maratha empire, the story behind Victorian names (of prominent buildings) being changed and more. They spoke fondly about Indian food.”
We also heard Holland was particularly fascinated by Indian cricket. Meherzad agreed and added, “Tom, who is extremely soft-spoken, wanted to know about the culture of cricket in India — the number of clubs we have, the IPL and the national team. ‘India is all about cricket, isn’t it?’, Tom curiously asked. They were totally engaged in the experience and not once did they check their phones. The two also spoke about how they liked cutting chai.”
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