Yo Yo Honey Singh: FamousOn: NetflixGenre: DocumentaryDir: Mozez SinghRating: 3/5 Nothing is usual about hip-hop star Hirdesh Singh. Starting with his stage name, Yo Yo Honey Singh, that I don’t know where he picked up from. Particularly the two Yos. Perhaps inspired by the double honorific, Sri Sri (Ravi Shankar); who knows? What we also didn’t know, for sure—until the latest Netflix documentary—is how this music sensation fell through the cracks, altogether disappearing from the scene, while at the peak of his career, as India’s richest rapper, back in 2014. That’s the point of Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, piloted by Oscar-winning doc-producer, Guneet Monga. That point also makes one wonder about other things that this film could’ve been. To begin with, it’s not a hagiographical biopic. The only other doc on a Punjabi hip-hop star that I’ve watched, AP Dhillon: First of a Kind (Prime Video), was one such—to the extent that they ought to have tagged ‘paid partnership’ to the title, for fair disclosure. And just as most meetings are actually emails, and all emails should be WhatsApp texts—there is a tendency to pass off straightforward interview/s as documentaries! Notably, the last Netflix, desi pop-culture flick, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli. The camera in Famous seldom zooms out for a wider social perspective. Whether that be exploring the larger, lively hip-hop scene that curiously birthed in West Delhi in the 2000s (may I recommend you Google a piece from Caravan magazine on that). Honey is from Karampura neighbourhood in the same area. He shows you around, going, “Ma city, ma hood…” Awrightie, yo! The windowless home he grew up in, that you watch in the film, modelled on a train compartment, is modest alright. In contrast to his African-American bling, fast-car, designer-label, derivative image. But it is still middle-class. Hardly rags, even for the riches that followed. The film’s commentary is chiefly restricted to two voices, that’s it. One’s a music critic, Bhanuj Kappal, who I enjoyed listening to. Wherein he frames Honey’s early career through a series of experiments, with an eye on audiences—“Bhagat Singh thing, hip-hop, Eminem-style gangster rap, party rap…” Until he arrived at the most acceptable, new sound, with folk into the mix. Hence, Honey’s debut studio album, International Villager, that made him, overnight, a national star. Kappal calls out the misogyny in Honey’s songs. He firstly got accused for a track ‘Mein hoon balatkaari’ that he evidently never sang. There’s another track on female anatomy, attributed to Honey’s band/platform, Mafia Mundeer, that he says, never released. Honey has his say on the matter. I remember defending him before news anchor Arnab Goswami in 2012, after the Nirbhaya incident, when mainstream media were looking for convenient villains to nail for a gruesome crime by deranged maniacs. The issue with burdening entertainment with societal ills, besides being left with only bores on this planet—you will find an easy solution, you still won’t know the problem. Not that this debate ever ends. I recently found myself on a TV station arguing against Telangana government banning songs to do with alcohol, from Honey’s former colleague Diljit Dosanjh’s concert-playlist. I mean, seriously? Forget Harivanshrai Bachchan’s Madhushala, what about gazillion ghazals, in praise of booze—where do you start from, let alone end up with. The only other commentator in Famous is actor Salman Khan. Not a surprise. Maybe the empathy comes from personal experience, he has a thing for getting behind fallen stars—TV host Kapil Sharma, when he was struggling with alcohol; or actor Sooraj Pancholi, embroiled in the Jiah Khan suicide-abetment case. There’s a fine moment in the film, when Honey gets sent a scratch from Salman. The track (Twinkle twinkle little star) is ready. Salman asks Honey to add rap portions to it. He stars in the song sequence, with Salman, in the film, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023). It’s Honey’s Bollywood onscreen comeback of sorts. The way Honey and his homies insert a chorus to that number is a delight to savour. It’s these in-studio BTS footage that make music documentaries so alluring for the outsider’s eye. If only there were more such, even if from archives. Now that we’ve delved enough into what Famous, competently directed by Mozez Singh (Zubaan), could have also been, let’s shine a sincere light on what the film is. It is tight, and to the point. It sharply zeroes in on perils of extreme fame. I don’t think any young human is capable of indifference, when God-like status is thrust upon them, suddenly, by a fawning public, while they’re basically talented plus lucky musicians or sportspersons, at best. Surely that takes a needless toll. That said, and this is unrelated to fame, per se—what the documentary draws you in with are aspects of mental health. Honey fell off the map, because he got diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, with psychotic symptoms. He stayed in for over three years. Doing nothing, after dominating India’s soundscape, where he could do nothing wrong. It’s only while watching Famous, I realised, that golden phase was merely between 2012-2014. Badshah perhaps became the new Honey. Diljit is the reigning Badshah. Karan Aujla is probably the new kid on the block. Music, in the age of 15-second Insta Reels, seems the shortest-lived game, ever. Honey looks lost; says he wants to return with Dr Dre, at some point. Who knows? *YUCK **WHATEVER ***GOOD ****SUPER *****AWESOME
21 December,2024 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharFifteen minutes into his Mumbai concert, Punjabi pop icon Diljit Dosanjh said, “There is nothing greater for any artiste than the love of their fans.” Probably this love is driving his Dil-Luminati Tour even as he faces multitudes of advisories before each concert, starting from Hyderabad to even the Maximum City. Diljit Dosanjh Before his December 19 concert at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, the Maharashtra government issued an advisory, restricting him from performing songs that promoted alcohol, drugs and violence. Dosanjh, in his defiant style, addressed the elephant in the metaphorical room. “I’ve just returned from Kashmir. Our fauji brothers are taking such great care of everyone. It’s right when they say Kashmir is the jannat on earth. When I returned, I was wondering [about] the next advisory. You don’t worry about it; the advisory is for me. I’ll make sure you have double the fun,” he promised his cheering fans, whose enthusiasm couldn’t be dampened by the winter smog, or the long walk they had to undertake from the race course’s gate. Dosanjh, easily one of India’s most popular exports to the West today, referred to the Sagar Manthan to hit back at the negativity that has been brought upon his India concerts. He said, “The poison was taken by Shiv. But Shiv did not consume the poison; he held it in his throat. So, I have learnt that life and the world might throw poison at you, but you should never take it in you. Don’t let your work suffer.” Diljit Dosanjh Starting his gig at 8 pm, the musician performed his biggest chartbusters, Lover, Naina, and even the contentious Patiala peg by tweaking its lyrics. He cheekily said, “This is the song they have the maximum issues with. How can I not perform this one?” Clearly, he isn’t designed to toe the line. The establishment might need to get used to it, because the crowds cheered the loudest for that one. The advisory barred him from bringing children on stage. So, Dosanjh had ladders erected around the stage, and towards the end of the concert, went down to pose for selfies with the fans. The evening’s highlight was his performance of Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s Ikk kudi. The stage turned blue and bubbles filled the sky as the singer, with his rendition, transported the crowd to another realm. Amidst bhangra and beers —thankfully, the liquor license in Mumbai wasn’t cancelled, unlike in a few other cities—the concert was winsome! But the bigger win is that a desi musician has charted his way to become one of the biggest in the world today. That deserves the loudest cheer. Next time, to facilitate the cheering that left my throat parched, may we request the organisers to serve water by the bottle. To pay R50 per glass is a bit steep!
21 December,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuGulmohar (2023) reminded us how much we had missed seeing Sharmila Tagore on screen. Over a year later, the veteran actor has faced the camera again for Outhouse, teaming up with her Mississippi Masala (1991) co-star Dr Mohan Agashe. In Sunil Sukthankar’s directorial venture, Tagore plays a successful illustrator, who develops an unlikely friendship with an elderly neighbour while babysitting her grandson over a weekend. It was the director’s sensitive gaze towards the plight of senior citizens that drew her to Outhouse. “The film brings forth the different needs of old age, and how the intergenerational gaps can be filled by communicating, with some humour and understanding,” starts Tagore. The film, which hit the screens yesterday, marks Agashe’s last collaboration with writer Sumitra Bhave, who passed away in 2021. Having worked together in notable Marathi films, including Kaasav (2017) and Dithee (2019), the senior actor wanted Bhave to explore how the lives of elderly people are impacted by the breakdown of traditional family dynamics and a change in the caregiving system. But Agashe had a caveat—it should not be a tear-jerker. Remembering Bhave, he says, “After I read the script, Sumitra asked me, ‘Do you think Sharmila would act in this?’ I told Sumitra that I would ask her. Fortunately, Sharmila liked the script.” At a time of big-scale entertainers, the slice-of-life film comes as a fresh breath of air. Tagore believes it is a much-needed departure from the actioners that are currently dominating the box office. “A lot of violent films have done well. I don’t mind violent films. If it has a theme or there is a reason for that violence, I’m open to seeing it. I can’t stomach films that are violent for the sake of violence. At the moment, films are going through a rough time. The actors are charging so much money. From what I hear, bigger films like Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmāstra: Part One—Shiva [2022] attract the audience. But personally, I like smaller movies like Laapataa Ladies,” she smiles. Agashe echoes her sentiment, adding that “the world of movies is becoming a bit toxic”. “There is a lot of violence and sex in today’s films. When it hits a certain threshold of toxicity, it needs a good detox. I preferred this film because there is no sex, violence, killings or religious propaganda. It’s about the pure friendship between a child and a puppy, and the lives of two elderly singles.”
21 December,2024 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRTelling stories is content creator Dolly Singh’s first love. It has taken on a new form with Best Worst Date, an Instagram sketch series that is written by and stars her. As the second season dropped on the photo-sharing app on December 16, Singh says she has enjoyed creating the five-minute episodes. “My love for writing has grown over the years. I like telling my own stories. My voice is more long-form oriented. I wanted to do that on an app where short form is being pushed. This idea allows me to write my own story and use it in bits,” says Singh, who was recently seen in Thank You for Coming (2023). The seven-episode series, directed by Anurag Baruah, chronicles the protagonist’s experiences on blind dates. Singh is enjoying juggling acting, writing and content creation. Having put a decade into content creation, she has seen how the landscape has changed. She reflects, “The internet is hard to catch up with. Too much is changing too quickly. Whatever I try, it is to make my dreams come true. I want to act more in bigger productions next year.”
21 December,2024 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuActor Govinda turned 61 today. The actor is well-known for his comic timing and his dance moves. The ' Coolie No 1' actor had several hit songs from the 90s to his credit where his stellar dance was also at display. It's not just his dance moves but the expressions accompanying them made one jump from the seat and groove with him. On his birthday, we look at some of best dance songs that are evergreen and can still be the heart of any dance party. Govinda's top songs What is mobile number (Haseena Maan Jaayegi) Sung by Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam, this is one peppy dance number which is also a banter between a man and a woman as the former tries to woo the latter. Govinda and Karisma's pairing was an iconic one as both the stars were known for their exemplary dancing skills UP Wala Thumka (Hero No. 1) This is yet another song featuring Karisma and Govinda and voiced by Sonu Nigam. Govinda's ability to infuse humour with his fiance is the stand-out element f the song. Performances like these prove that there is none like chi-chi. Soni De Nakhre (Partner) Who can ever forget Govinda's floor wiggle at the beginning of the song which he does to impress Katrina Kaif's character While it leaves Salman Khan's character in shock, it also amuses the audience and Katrina. The song gets better with each minute as Govinda and Salman dance together. Meri Pant bhi Sexy (Dulaara) This a song that generations to come will remember and yet another from Govinda-Karisma pairing. Govinda brings his 90s charm to this contemporary song. Govinda and Alka Yagnik lent their voice to the song. Main toh raste se jaa rhaa tha (Coolie No.1) Narrating a story in song and dance form is the most creative and effective format. Who can ever forget Govinda's bhel puri eating journey and all thanks to this song. This joyful number was sung by Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu with Karisma Kapoor opposite Govinda. Kisi Disco mein jaaye (Bade Miyan Chote Miyan) Sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, the song is picturized on Govinda and Raveena Tandon. This song has it all, vibrant costumes, majestic sets, and the charm of Govind and Raveena. Husnn Hai Suhaana (Coolie No. 1) This song shows the brilliant chemistry between Govinda and Karisma Kapoor who play characters from very different families. However, they fall in love and their bond blossoms when they run away from their respective families. The song is a whirlwind of emotions, synchronized dance moves and an absolute visual treat.
20 December,2024 07:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFans of Bhagam Bhag (2006) cheered hard when Shemaroo Entertainment and producer Sarita Ashwin Varde announced the sequel to the comedy, last month. Reports suggested that the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Paresh Rawal—would reprise their roles in the second instalment. But now, there is a plot twist. Govinda says he hasn’t even been offered the laugh riot. “Nobody has approached me for Bhagam Bhag 2, or sat down for a discussion. There are stories of me doing not just Bhagam Bhag 2, but many other sequels, including Partner,” says the actor, amused by the developments. Many filmmakers are jumping on the bandwagon of franchise films. The sequel to Priyadarshan’s Bhagam Bhag, which is expected to roll next year, comes 18 years after the original’s release. Quiz Govinda whether he would like to be a part of it, and he says his decision will depend on various factors. “I know sequels are popular today, but one should not go by beliefs, suggestions and popularity. If I do a project, I must discuss it in its entirety—from the remuneration to the script, my character and the director,” he points out. (From left) Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Govinda in Bhagam Bhag Regardless of whether he stars in Bhagam Bhag 2 or not, the actor is making his way back to the movies. On the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, Govinda announced that he has signed three new films, Bayen Haath Ka Khel, Pinky Darling, and Len Den: It’s All About Business. After his sporadic appearances on screen over the past decade, it will be refreshing to see the senior actor—easily one of the best in Hindi cinema when it comes to comedy—in front of the camera again. His excitement is palpable as he says, “We’ve selected the best scripts. After Aa Gaya Hero [2019], we hadn’t announced more films, but now the time is right.” The senior actor hit headlines this October, when he sustained injuries on his leg after his gun accidentally went off. Asked if he has recovered completely, he says, “It was important for me to come on Kapil’s show and perform because people were saying a lot of things. [They were wondering] whether I can dance like I used to earlier. So, I appeared on the show and spoke about the accident hasi mazaak mein. [On October 1], I was to catch a morning flight to Kolkata for a special darshan to Dakshina Maha Kali. The [revolver] case was made of plastic, and the gun slipped from the case and accidentally fired on my knee. Now that I’m better, I’ll visit all the places where I had taken mannat.”
20 December,2024 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRAmitabh Bachchan, along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, went to attend his granddaughter Aaradhya's school Annual Day performance in Mumbai on Thursday. Now, after seeing his granddaughter perform on stage, Big B, who is beaming with pride, has put out his thoughts about how special it was for him to watch the performance. He penned down another blog sharing his experience of attending Aaradhya’s annual day at her school with his son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) Amitabh Bachchan blog Amitabh Bachchan penned a blog about attending Aaradhya's annual day. In his blog, he wrote, “Children... their innocence and desire to be at their best in the presence of parents... such a delight... and when they are in the company of thousands performing for you... it is the most exhilarating experience. Today was one such." He further continued and added, "Back to work tomorrow after a day's rest... but work did not stop... and then working for the future needed attention and consent and affirmation. Now the time to learn is depleted... shall make efforts to perhaps be in the company of them that compel one to be in touch with the basics of the craft." Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s daughter Aaradhya has an inclination for the performing arts, just like her parents and grandparents. Aaradhya and AbRam were part of the same play, and glimpses of the act are doing the rounds on social media. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were seated together in the front row. Several visuals showing the proud parents recording Aaradhya’s performance on their phones are doing the rounds on social media. About Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s divorce rumours Reports of possible tension in Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's marriage have been circulating for some time. The couple, who tied the knot in a high-profile wedding in 2007, has been making headlines due to divorce speculations. They share a daughter named Aaradhya. Abhishek’s alleged closeness to his Dasvi co-star, Nimrat Kaur, along with complex family dynamics involving Shweta and Jaya Bachchan, are said to be contributing factors to the rumoured troubles. Let me know if you need further assistance!
20 December,2024 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSaif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's elder one and paparazzi favourite, Taimur Ali Khan, turned a year older today. The star kid, who is celebrating his birthday, has a fun day ahead as his parents have planned a play date for him. To celebrate Taimur's 8th birthday, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan took him for a sports day along with his little brother Jeh and Karan Johar’s son Yash Johar. The video of the actors taking the kids to the playground has gone viral. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) Saif Ali Khan and Kareena celebrate Taimur's b-day In the video, shared by Manav Manglani, Kareena and Saif can be seen at the playground. The couple was surrounded by kids, who could be Taimur's friends. While sharing the video, the paparazzi account wrote, "Celebrating #TaimurAliKhan’s special day with laughter, games, and friends in Mumbai! ❤️🎉 A perfect day filled with love and joy. #KareenaKapoor #SaifAliKhan with Jeh Yash Johar #BirthdayVibes." Reacting to the video, one fan wrote, "Has anyone noticed Jeh opening the cup trophy 🏆 and drinking from it 🤭🤣😁 so cute." Soha Ali Khan's birthday wish for Taimur Earlier, Soha Ali Khan also took to her Instagram and dropped a cute video compilation for Taimur and Inaaya. While sharing the video, she wrote, "From jumping on the bed to racing freestyle we have come a long way - here's to a lifetime of family, food, and prezzies!! 🎂🎁❤️ Happy Birthday Tim bhai." In the video, we could see the cousins enjoying and playing together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) As soon as Soha dropped the video, fans started reacting to it. One wrote, "Cousins growing up together is the best gift." "Aweee so sweet. Happiest Birthday, Tim," another one commented. Kareena & Saif at Taimur's annual day Yesterday, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan attended the annual day of their children at the Dhirubhai Ambani school. Several videos of them later circulated on Instagram. One video of them turning cheerleaders for their son Taimur melted hearts. Kareena was seen recording the performance, clapping for Taimur, and even waving at him from the audience. The annual festival became a star-studded event when celebrities came together to cheer for their kids. From Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Shahid Kapoor, many attended the event last night.
20 December,2024 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing its highly successful inaugural run, Red Lorry Film Festival, the country’s premiere international film festival curated by BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, is set to mesmerise cinephiles once more. This year’s festival lineup promises a breathtaking exploration of world cinema, with Red Lorry Film Festival: Take 2 in Mumbai and an exciting debut chapter, Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse, in one of India’s most movie loving cities, Hyderabad. The second edition of Red Lorry Film Festival is brought to you by BookAChange, by BookMyShow Foundation, empowering emerging artists through the transformative power of cinema. Scheduled from March 21st to 23rd, 2025 in Mumbai and Hyderabad, offering audiences a window into the vibrant diversity of global cinema with over 120 titles, including critically acclaimed films across languages, genres, and cultures, the festival remains steadfast in its commitment to cinematic excellence. As the international festival expands its cinematic universe, cinephiles can now purchase their passes exclusively on BookMyShow, starting at just Rs. 750/-. Red Lorry Film Festival will unveil a stellar lineup of cinematic masterpieces in collaboration with renowned global studios and production powerhouses such as Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, PVR Pictures, Lionsgate, Filmax, mk2, Film Factory, Latido Films, Blue Finch Entertainment, Global Screen, Charades, Les Films Du Losange, alief SAS, IndieSales, Vision Distribution, Pyramide Productions, Memento Films, Film Constellation, The Party Film Sales, Protagonist Pictures, Cercamon, Cinephil, Visit Films, One Tree Entertainment, Incredible Film, Go2Films, among others for this edition. Films you can watch at the Red Lorry Film Festival The first slate of titles at Red Lorry Film Festival will showcase an impressive lineup of globally celebrated films including an array of thrillers, dramas, comedies, horror, sci-fi, documentaries and more promising a unique cinematic journey. Leading the pack are the two recently announced Academy Award shortlisted titles, ‘Universal Language’, for the ‘Best International Feature Film’, an absurdist comedy-drama film where, in a mysterious and surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg, multiple lives interweave in surprising and mysterious ways and ‘Hollywoodgate’, shortlisted in the ‘Documentary Feature Film’ category, from the award-winning producers of Navalny, that provides an intense, on-the-ground look at post-2021 Taliban-ruled Kabul, merging documentary filmmaking with urgent, real-world stakes. ‘This Time Next Year’, is a heartwarming English rom-com drama that weaves humour and tenderness as it shadows a rekindled friendship and serendipitous chance at love. ‘To Die Alone’, a powerful LGBTQ+ story of love and isolation, earned the Audience Award at SF Indie Fest 2024. ‘Failure!’, a Mexican-American crime comedy film follows James who has a big debt with the bank and is given one hour to choose between financial ruin or murder in order to protect his family. On the documentary front, ‘999: The Forgotten Girls’, winner of the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival, sheds light on a harrowing chapter of history, telling forgotten stories as 999 Jewish girls are secretly deported on the first Jewish transport to Auschwitz, ordered to register for government work service as volunteers. ‘I’m Nevenka’ screened at BFI London Film Festival, centers on true happenings of Nevenka Fernández, a young woman in 1990s Spain who courageously reported sexual harassment by her employer, marking a turning point in the history of Spain and signalling a change in the legal system across the world. The festival will also feature ‘Mom’ delving into the psychological horror genre, following a mother who must confront her dark, buried past in an acclaimed chilling and suspenseful tale. In contrast, ‘When The Light Breaks’, the opening film for the Un Certain Regard selection of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, depicts a long summer's day in Iceland from one sunset to another as Una, a young art student, encounters love, friendship, sorrow and beauty. After creating buzz at San Sebastian International Film Festival, ‘Filmlovers!’, a French autofiction essay film divided into different chapters that discuss the spectacular nature of cinema as memories, fiction and discoveries intertwine. About the film festival Commenting on this, Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said, "The success of the inaugural Red Lorry Film Festival has reinforced our belief in the growing demand for world cinema among Indian audiences, fuelling their excitement to enjoy quality films on the big screen. For our second edition, we’ve curated a powerful lineup of films that push the boundaries of storytelling, exploring themes of love, loss, identity and survival. As we expand to Hyderabad and continue to receive love in Mumbai, our goal is to create unforgettable cinematic experiences that showcase the transformative power of storytelling. We remain committed to connecting audiences with the magic of cinema in its most impactful form." This year, Red Lorry Film Festival is gearing up to make an even bigger splash with the launch of an all-new competition segment! Honouring exceptional talent and films across various categories, these awards will shine a spotlight on the most outstanding achievements in film. Calling all filmmakers; This is your moment to shine; don’t miss the chance to showcase your artistry and vie for top honours. Unleash your cinematic genius and make your mark in the world of films. Head to the ‘Submit your film’ section on the website for the detailed submission process. The final deadline to submit your masterpiece is January 7th 2025. Don’t miss out on the chance to revel in the best of global cinema; get your tickets, mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
20 December,2024 03:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGovinda's first screen appearance after accidentally shooting himself in the leg was on The Great India Kapil Show. On the show, the actor spoke about the accident in a lighter vein on the show. He also revealed what Shilpa Shetty asked him when she visited him. Shilpa Shetty's hilarious reaction to Govinda's gunshot accident Govinda revealed that when Shilpa Shetty came to visit him in the hospital, she asked the whereabouts of wife Sunita. When Govinda informed her that Sunita had gone to the temple at the time, her response was: “To goli kissne maari (Who shot you)?”. About Govinda's accident In September this year, actor Govinda accidentally shot himself in the foot from his licensed revolver. He was immediately hospitalised following the accident. In his first statement talking about the accident, he had said, "Namaskar, pranam, main hoon Govinda. Aap sabke aashirwad, mata-pita ke aashirwad aur guru ki kripa se, jo goli lagi thi, ab vah nikaal di gayi hai. Main yahaan ke Doctor Agarwal ji ka aur aap sabki duaon ka dhanyavaad deta hoon. (Namashkar, Pranam, I am Govinda. With all your blessings, the blessings of my parents, and the grace of my guru, the bullet that had hit me has now been removed. I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Agarwal here and to all of you for your prayers.)" Reportedly, Govinda was checking the revolver before heading out when the mishap occurred. Govinda's manager, Shashi Sinha, told ANI over the phone, "Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata and was putting his licensed revolver back in the cupboard when it slipped from his hand, and the gun went off, hitting him in the leg. The doctor has removed the bullet, and his condition is stable. He is still in the hospital." About actor and politician Govinda Govinda was born on December 21, 1963, and his full name is Govind Arun Ahuja (also fondly called 'Chichi'). Both his parents Arun Kumar Ahuja and Nirmala Devi were actors. Govinda's father Arun was active in the Bollywood film industry in the 1940s and early 1950s appearing in over 20 films. Arun Kumar Ahuja was best known for acting in Mehboob Khan's 1940 film Aurat. Interestingly, Aurat was the predecessor of the Oscar-nominated 1957 remake Mother India. Govinda made his Bollywood debut in 1986 with 'Ilzaam' and has worked in over 140 films. Known for his comic skills, the actor says there was a time when he was not good at doing romantic scenes in films. "I was not very good at romantic scenes. In my very first movie Ilzaam, there was a dance sequence where I was supposed to run and get close with my co-star Neelam but I could not do it. I started shivering and started feeling feverish. Our choreographer Saroj Khan noticed it and she asked me if I ever had a girlfriend. I said no. She smiled and said she would teach me how to romance on screen," recalled Govinda in one of his early interviews with mid-day. Govinda has delivered several hits like 'Hero No 1', 'Dulhe Raja', 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', 'Raja Babu', 'Saajan Chale Sasural' and 'Partner'. The actor had confessed that never imagined that he would become such a big star. "I never thought I would become so famous and people would shower their love and blessings. I hope this unconditional love continues. The actor is not a flop actor till the time he thinks he is finished. I have never been scared or felt I have failed. I don't turn back and whatever the phase and time, I am still working and I will continue to do so," Govinda said
20 December,2024 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRajkumar Hirani’s Munnabhai MBBS is not just a film; it’s a revolution in Bollywood storytelling. With his unique approach to combining humour, heart, and social issues, Hirani crafted a film that became an instant classic. Munnabhai MBBS wasn’t just about a medical student’s quest to prove himself; it was about love, friendship, redemption, and finding joy in the simplest moments. It introduced us to Munnabhai’s lovable, carefree philosophy of life, beautifully expressed through his interactions with the people around him. Over the past two decades, the film’s quirky dialogues have lived on in popular culture, remaining as fresh and relevant as ever. Here are some of the most iconic ones that have left a mark on Bollywood’s storytelling. Popular dialogues from Munnabhai MBBS “Aye Mamu… jadoo ki jhappi de daal aur baat khatam” “Jab tum smile karta hai na… toh aisa lagta hai ki kya mast life hai” “Life mein jab time kam rehta hai na… double jeene ka, double” “Aye chili chicken tera height kya hai re, how long how long?” “Bhai ne bola karne ka matlab karne ka” “Tum bahut mast kaam karta hai” “Bohot kuch life mein first time hota hai re” “6 feet ka ek hain na do do feet ke teen bana dalunga.” “Doctor banna hai toh doctor bhi ban jaa, par insaan banna zaroori hai” “Full confidence mein janeka aur ekdum vinamrata ke saath baat karneka.” Rajkumar Hirani’s Munnabhai MBBS remains a testament to the power of storytelling that blends humor, heart, and social consciousness. The film’s dialogues continue to resonate with audiences, proving that great cinema is not just about entertainment, but also about leaving a lasting impact on the way we think and live. As we celebrate 21 years of this iconic film, it’s clear that Munnabhai’s world, with all its quirky charm and heartfelt wisdom, will continue to inspire for generations to come. When Sanjay Dutt celebrated 20 years of the film Sanjay Dutt took to his Instagram handle to celebrate the milestone last year. Sharing montages from the film, he wrote, "Two decades of laughter, emotions, and a whole lot of jadoo ki jhappi! Celebrating 20 years of Munna Bhai MBBS, a journey filled with unforgettable moments. Grateful for the love and support that made this film a timeless classic. Hoping that Munna Bhai 3 will be made soon!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) In 2006 the makers of the film came up with the sequel titled 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' bringing back Munna and circuit with a new adventure. While the makers had promised a third part to the franchise it was never made. Looking at Dutt's post, it seems that the hope for a third part is still alive.
20 December,2024 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
