KGF star Yash recently opened up about his upcoming magnum opus Ramayan for which he also turned co-producer. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in pivotal roles. Yash co-produces the film along with Namit Malhotra, who has emerged as a key figure in Hollywood over the past 30 years, linking Bollywood and international cinema. Unlike many Indian talents, he has led major projects like The Garfield Movie and The Angry Birds Movie 3 through his companies, DNEG and Prime Focus, establishing himself as a leading Indian name in Hollywood. Yash on the vision for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana Yash recently shared how he became involved in Malhotra’s ambitious project, b. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Yash recounted their first meeting, explaining that he was in Los Angeles, discussing VFX for Toxic when he met Namit. As they talked, Namit shared his vision for Ramayana, a project they had been working on for years. “I liked Namit and his vision. We both shared the same goal—to bring Indian films to international platforms. With the kind of support we’ve received from our audience, our visions were aligned. During our discussion, he just asked me, ‘Do you want to be part of this?’ I immediately understood the value he would add to my vision. He’s a great guy with huge potential, and not many people are aware of his achievements. His company has won 5-6 Oscars, and it’s amazing that an Indian has taken over and is doing such wonderful things. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have such great partners,” Yash said. Yash on playing Ravana in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer In the same interview, Yash confirmed playing the role of Ravana in the film. Ram will be essayed by Ranbir Kapoor while Sai Pallavi essays the role of Sita. The KGF star opened up about the character of Ravana and revealed what tempted him take up the role. He said, "It’s a very fascinating character. I wouldn’t have done it for any other reason. In Ramayana, if you had asked me, ‘Would you play any other character?’ Probably not." Furthermore, he continued, "For me, Ravana is the most exciting character to play as an actor so I really like the shades and the nuances of a particular character. There’s vast scope to present it in a very different way. As an actor, I am very excited. Hopefully, it’s going to be a very unique approach to it."
24 October,2024 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMallika Sherawat turns a year older. She has been a part of the film industry for over two decades and is largely remembered for her bold roles on screen which are often referred to as 'films ahead of its time'. Apart from her screen presence, Mallika has also led quite the vocal lifestyle and has therefore been at the center of controversial incidents now and then. But the actress has never shied away from being true to herself and owning up and talking about her life and incidents of the past. On her birthday, we take a look at some of the notable controversies surrounding Mallika Sherawat. Bold Image and Film Roles: One of the earliest controversies surrounding Mallika Sherawat was related to her provocative roles in films like Murder (2004), which featured intimate scenes and bold content. Her on-screen persona was considered scandalous in conservative circles, and she often faced criticism from sections of the public and the media for pushing the boundaries of decency in Indian cinema. Time and again she has spoken up about the same. More recently, the actress said that she was looked down upon by her contemporaries after she gained success through Murder. Comments on Indian Society: In 2013, during an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, Mallika referred to India as a "regressive" and "depressing" place for women, pointing to issues like gender inequality and societal conservatism. Evidently, her comments did not sit well among citizens of the country who called her out for tarnishing India’s image on an international platform. However, she defended her remarks, stating that she was simply highlighting the harsh realities faced by women in the country. More recently, in the aftermath of the Kolkata rape and murder case, Mallika highlighted her statement by bringing back the video. This time around, netizens praised her for bravely speaking up for the women in the country. Controversial Kissing Scene at Cannes: Mallika shared a kiss with Hollywood star Antonio Banderas at a Cannes party in 2012 which made headlines. Back then it was also reported that Banderas’ wife at the time, Melanie Griffith, was upset by the news. Reacting to the controversial incident, Sherawat said that it was a casual encounter blown out of proportion. 'Dirty Politics' Poster: In 2015, Sherawat got into a controversy for the poster of her film Dirty Politics'. In the poster, Mallika was depicted sitting on top of a car draped in the Indian national flag, wearing a politician’s turban. Many found this image disrespectful to the national flag, and it led to legal complaints being filed against her. Some right-wing groups also protested, accusing her and the filmmakers of hurting patriotic sentiments. The film also starred Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Om Puri and Naseerudddin Shah. Paris Apartment Assault In 2016, Mallika Sherawat and her French boyfriend Cyrille Auxenfans were reportedly attacked and tear-gassed by masked intruders outside her Paris apartment. Later, however, local French media reported that Sherawat had made false claims about the attack to delay eviction from her apartment due to unpaid rent, which Mallika’s representatives denied. Mallika's secret marriage The actress maintained that she led a life of a single, independent woman. However, much later in her career it was revealed that she was married to a pilot named Karan Singh Gill in the late 1990s before she joined the industry. However, the marriage ended when Mallika expressed desire to pursue a career in the movies. In multiple interviews, Mallika stated that the conservative expectations from her husband and his family clashed with her ambitions to enter the film industry. The secretive nature of her marital status grabbed quite the eyeballs back in the day.
24 October,2024 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA recent video featuring Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has sparked a lot of buzz on social media. The clip shows Balan approaching a crowd during an event, where fellow actress Triptii Dimri was also present. The video allegedly showcased the OG Manjulika giving Triptii the cold shoulder. Vidya Balan ignores Triptii Dimri at a recent event? What caught viewers' attention was the moment when Triptii Dimri reached out her hand in greeting, but Balan appeared to overlook her, instead acknowledging everyone else around her. As the video circulated, many fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Some expressed disappointment, suggesting that it seemed like a deliberate snub, while others defended Balan, stating that it might have been an honest mistake in the midst of the bustling crowd. One fan wrote, "Aisa kuch bhi nhi hai …sometimes happens mere sth bhi ho jata hai …tum log kewal judge karye raho sabko …🤘🏻" "Maybe they had greeted each other already," wrote another. "Kya notice karna tha yeh bhi batado," said another. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) Kartik Aaryan gushes about Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' will always remain special for Kartik Aaryan for various reasons, especially for getting an opportunity to work with ace actresses Madhuri Dixit Nene and Vidya Balan. In an interview with ANI, Kartik shared his experience working on the third instalment of the successful franchise and how his dream of working with Madhuri and Vidya was fulfilled. "I felt like I was in a dream...could not be more grateful that I got the chance to share screen space with Vidya ji and Madhuri ji in the film and that too with them in one frame. I will always remember this. I have learnt so much from them. I have always been a big fan of Madhuri ji and Vidya ji. From having lunch together with them on sets to acting with them, I will remember the moments spent with them on 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' sets for a lifetime," he expressed. Helmed by Anees Bazmee, 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is scheduled to be released this Diwali. In the horror-comedy film, Kartik will be seen reprising his role of 'Rooh Baba'. On receiving positive response for the film's assets unveiled by the makers so far, Kartik said, "There's so much excitement among the audience for 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'. For the trailer and title track, they have given us so much love, and I truly feel blessed. Now, wherever I go for promotions audience especially kids are calling me 'Rooh Baba'...they are doing 'spooky slide' step...internet is flooded with memes also...I am loving this promotional phase a lot."
24 October,2024 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFarah Khan’s Main Hoon Na, which came out in 2004, had Shah Rukh Khan in the lead alongside a cast that included Zayed Khan, Suniel Shetty, and Sushmita Sen. Recently, Zayed talked about how he got the role in an interview with the YouTube channel Couple of Things. He mentioned that before the final casting, Shah Rukh had even asked him, “Can you act?” Zayed confessed that this question hurt his feelings at the time. Shah Rukh Khan questioned Zayed Khan’s acting before Main Hoon Na During the interview, Zayed Khan recalled how Farah called him to meet at Shah Rukh Khan's office. He said, “Farah looks at me and I tell her that ‘Farah, firstly, I don’t know why am I here but… She says ‘just shut up for two minutes’. I felt she is very rude. I am like trying my level best to make conversation and Shah Rukh walks in. He is usual Shah Rukh, very sweet, very loving, very well-mannered” He continued, “I was just listening to him but couldn’t really compute. Then he says that we have called you about the second lead part in Main Hoon Na I couldn’t say anything so he goes ‘yeh sab idhar udhar ki baatein band karte hain (Let's leave all these unimportant things), I just want to ask one question ‘Kya tum actor ho? Acting kar sakte ho?’ Mujhe bada bura laga ki aise mujhse kisine aise baat kia (I felt bad when he asked whether I can act). Maine bola I was born to act. It came from a point of view that I wasn’t trying to be arrogant or anything. I was feeling very bad that he asked me that can you act? I wanted to ask him can you act? When I answered, he just chucked the question.” About Shah Rukh Khan's Main Hoon Na Main Hoon Na (which means "I'm Here") is a 2004 Hindi movie directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment. It was Farah's first time directing a film. The cast includes Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Suniel Shetty, Amrita Rao, and Zayed Khan, along with Kirron Kher, Murali Sharma, Kabir Bedi, Boman Irani, and Naseeruddin Shah. The story follows Major Ram Prasad Sharma, who goes undercover as a college student to protect a general's daughter from a dangerous ex-soldier.
24 October,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKick-starting Diwali festivities Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra; Suhana Khan; Alia Bhatt and Gauri Khan Manish Malhotra flagged off the Diwali parties with a star-studded bash that also saw Karan Johar introduce his new investor-partner Adar Poonawalla to the Bollywood brigade. Kajol; Kriti Sanon; Shahid and Mira Kapoor Urmila Matondkar; Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalal; Tamannaah and Vijay Varma just in Rush hour: Virat Kohli south side story Bobby Deol and Disha Patani are getting ready for the pan-India release of their Tamil period drama with Suriya. it's show time Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty stepped out for a promotional activity of their upcoming festival offering.
24 October,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamHorror comedies shone this year when many promising Hindi movies tanked at the box office. While Munjya became a sleeper hit, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2 became the highest grosser of the year so far. Just a few days away is another horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, led by Kartik Aaryan. Does director Anees Bazmee feel the pressure of matching up to the humongous box office of Stree 2? He has a different perspective. “Luckily, people are watching horror comedies a lot these days. Naturally, we will benefit a little from that [Stree 2’s success]. But in the end, it doesn’t matter which genre you make your film in. It has to be an entertaining movie,” states the director. Anees Bazmee Bazmee promises that the franchise’s third instalment, which also stars Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Triptii Dimri, delivers on that count. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has his single-minded attention at the moment, the director will move on to No Entry Mein Entry soon. The comedy, a sequel to Salman Khan’s hit No Entry (2005), brings together Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Arjun Kapoor. “I will be working with a wonderful cast. Once Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 releases on November 1, I will put all my energies into No Entry Mein Entry. If all goes well, we will go on floors next February-March.” Crafting the sequel 20 years after No Entry is an exciting prospect. But there is another reason why the director is looking forward to the comedy—it gives him the opportunity to explore the genre with the current crop of actors. “A lot of the new-age actors have amazing comic skills. I love Varun’s comic timing,” says Bazmee, happy to team up with him. In fact, the director has two actors, besides Dhawan, with whom he wants to collaborate. “The same stands true for Ayushmann [Khurrana] and Rajkummar! Rajkummar is a very good actor. I have liked his work even in films that haven’t worked at the box office. I think if a film is made with these three actors, the audience will see them in a new avatar.”
24 October,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaOwner of Rhythm House! Weeks after her father-in-law purchased a London property for a whopping Rs 231.4 crore, Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja bought Mumbai’s iconic music store, Rhythm House, as reported by Bloomberg. The duo’s Bhaane Group shelled out Rs 47.8 crore to buy the 3,600-square-foot landmark, which had been shuttered in 2018 after previous owner Nirav Modi defaulted on billions of dollars of bank loans. Modi had bought the iconic music store from the original owners, the Curmallys, in 2017 for Rs 32 crore. It is reported that a spokesperson for Bhaane confirmed the purchase. Rhythm House, established in 1940, once hosted musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, and a bevy of stars. Meanwhile, yesterday, Sonam was also announced as the face of luxury brand Dior, and will represent Dior’s womens-wear creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collections. New work While there is no certainty on whether Indian fans will be able to watch him on the big screens in the country, Fawad Khan is set to feature in two new projects. The ventures were announced at the inaugural Tasveer Film Market (TFM), which was held in Seattle on the sidelines of the 19th Tasveer Film Festival that ran from October 15 to 20. Khan, 42, will feature in Behind the Scenes, a darkly comic newsroom thriller, a press release said. He will also be seen in The Prisoner, a Pakistani episodic series. The show, which will feature the actor in a pivotal role, is adapted from Omar Shahid’s best-selling novel of the same name. Building desi businesses Perhaps inspired by the attention paid by Indian audiences to the entrepreneurship-based show Shark Tank, producer Goldie Behl is set to make the desi adaptation of the retail reality show, Buy it Now. Known for its innovative format and engaging content, the fast-paced show promises to not only provide Indian inventors with a platform to pitch their creations but also spotlight local creativity. Behl, who is also the husband of Sonali Bendre, is producing the show. No truth to the rumours Reports about Jaya Bachchan’s mother Indira Bhaduri’s death are false, clarified sources close to the Bachchan family. Bhaduri is currently in Bhopal. An official note from Abhishek Bachchan’s team has clarified that Indira Bhaduri is well. “Recently, several media reports have claimed that Jaya Bachchan’s mother, Indira Bhaduri, has passed away, stating that her son Abhishek Bachchan rushed to Bhopal in response to this tragic news. However, these reports have been confirmed as false,” read the note from Bachchan’s family, adding that she is “alive and well”. Making a franchise bigger and better Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn have made the Singham franchise “bigger and better” in Hindi, says actor Suriya, who portrayed the titular cop in the original Tamil film series, Singam. After Suriya’s 2010 movie was released, Shetty and Devgn joined hands to make its Hindi remake, which was released a year later. The duo has since expanded the franchise into an ambitious copverse, also starring Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh. Suriya said, “Everywhere I travel in India, they recognise me, and connect with Singam. They recreated it in Hindi and made it even bigger and better. It only makes you happy when legends give you mutual respect and say, ‘We would want to recreate it.’” Ektaa to appear before cops? Filmmaker Ektaa R Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have been asked to appear before Mumbai Police today in connection with a POCSO case registered against them over the alleged obscene portrayal of minor girls in a web series, an official said. A notice had previously been issued to them to face the investigation. ALT Digital Media Entertainment Ltd, meanwhile, stated that references to the engagement of minors by the company are incorrect. According to the statement, issued on behalf of Alt Balaji Telefilm Limited, Shobha and Ektaa are “not involved” in daily operations. Separate teams are involved in content strategy, it said. The FIR was registered in connection with the alleged streaming of inappropriate scenes involving minor girls in an episode of ALT Balaji’s web series, Gandi Baat. Pak actor criticises Kriti’s song Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui has accused the makers of Do Patti of “tearing apart” a classic song by Reshma for the upcoming Kajol and Kriti Sanon-starrer. He said the music by the legendary folk singer deserved a more dignified reiteration. For Do Patti, Reshma’s popular folk track Akhiyan nu rehan de, has been reimagined as Akhiyaan de kol, a pacey dance number featuring Sanon in a red leather bodysuit. Siddiqui, known for his roles in Pakistani dramas, shared, “Imitation can be flattering, but not when it means tearing apart a classic by a legend. Please show some respect for Reshma ji and the legacy she left behind. Her music deserves to be treated with the dignity it commands, not reduced to just another sordid rip-off.” Next up soon Abhishek Bachchan’s next, I Want to Talk, which has been directed by filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, is set to hit the big screens on November 22. The makers unveiled the title along with a teaser featuring Bachchan’s voice. He is heard saying, “I just don’t love to talk; I live to talk. Zinda hone main aur marne main mujhe bas yeh ek basic difference dikhta hai. Zinda log bol paate hai. Mare huye bol nahi paate.” The production banner captioned the teaser: “We all know that one person who lives to talk. Here’s the story of a man who always looks at the brighter side of life, no matter what life throws at him!” Bachchan was last seen in the sports drama Ghoomer (2023), directed by R Balki.
24 October,2024 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamIf you ask Akshay Oberoi the biggest highlight of working on Two Zero One Four, the actor will name Jackie Shroff. His first collaboration with the veteran actor has been nothing short of “transformative”, and his biggest takeaway from the experience is to imbibe Shroff’s humility and warmth. The actor recounts that when they were shooting for director Shravan Tiwari’s action thriller in Delhi in September, fans had flocked to the venue to see Shroff in action. Despite the day’s hectic shoot, the senior actor took time to meet them, recalls Oberoi. “Watching Jackie sir interact with his fans was inspiring. His humility and grounded nature struck me. It was during this moment that I realised the true value of staying connected with people, no matter where life takes you,” he says. Oberoi recalls that after meeting the admirers, Shroff told him that actors owe their success to their fans. “Jackie sir told me, ‘If an actor gives himself credit for his success, then he is nothing less than stupid.’ It was a lesson that goes beyond acting—it’s about life. From a man like him, you learn the value of craft, hard work, and humility.”
24 October,2024 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuRobust security, limited movement, and a singular priority—Salman Khan’s safety. That has been the producers’ common approach as the actor is juggling three projects, Sikandar, Bigg Boss 18, and a cameo in Singham Again, even as the shadow of threat looms large on him in the wake of Baba Siddique’s murder. Salman Khan After the politician’s murder on October 12, Khan had reportedly conveyed to the makers of Sikandar and Bigg Boss that he would continue filming despite the threats made to his life by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Now, mid-day has learnt that the sets of the reality show and AR Murugadoss’ directorial venture have been built in close proximity at a suburban location, keeping the actor’s safety in mind. Not just that, even as Khan kicked off the shoot of his Singham Again cameo on October 22, filmmaker Rohit Shetty ensured that the set-up for the cop actioner was in the same venue. Rohit Shetty and Sajid Nadiadwala Sources from the set told us that besides the Y+ security detail that has been given to Khan, the superstar has an additional 50 private security guards. A source revealed, “The Singham Again set was highly secured, with almost 70 guards monitoring every movement on the floor. There were checks at every entry and exit point. Salman had a solo shoot, for which he reported at 10 pm and work went on till late at night. In fact, he was shooting for a Bigg Boss episode before reporting to Rohit’s set.” The actor—who reprises his Chulbul Pandey role in the Ajay Devgn-led film—is expected to shoot for one more day. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is said to be ensuring that similar protocols are followed on the Sikandar set too. Another source told us, “Mobile phones have been banned from the premises. Surveillance cameras were put in place on both Sikandar and Singham Again’s sets to monitor the vicinity.” Over the past few days, Khan has been filming an elaborate action sequence for Murugadoss’ action fare. On Tuesday, aided by the fact that the sets are only a few minutes away from each other, the superstar apparently reported to duty after wrapping up Singham Again’s shoot for the day. “There was a chroma screen shoot. They have created the backdrop of a railway track against which Salman’s character fights an army of 35-40 baddies. He shot till 6.30 am before calling it a day.”
24 October,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuVeteran actor Anupam Kher has shared a fun-filled video with the renowned singer Kailash Kher. In the video, the 'Saaransh' actor can be seen sharing some light-hearted moments with the ace singer. The hilarious caption with the video reads, "Kher kher mein.. #HairTodayGoneTomorrow." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) It seems as if the video was made while they were travelling. Kailash Kher has sung hit tracks such as 'Teri Deewani', 'Saiyyan', 'Chand Sifarish', 'Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi', 'Ya Rabba' and 'Arziyan' among others. Meanwhile, on the work front, Anupam is currently seen in 'The Signature' which premiered on Zee5 on October 4. The film explores the emotional trials of a devoted husband, essayed by Anupam Kher as he grapples with a life-altering crisis. Produced by KC Bokadia and Anupam Kher Studio, the film features an impressive cast of Mahima Chaudhry, Neena Kulkarni, Annu Kapoor, and Ranvir Shorey. Kher 's film 'Vijay 69' is all set to be released on Netflix on November 8. The heartwarming slice-of-life film is written and directed by Akshay Roy. As per the makers, 'Vijay 69' "promises to be a must-watch family entertainer that will inspire audiences of all ages." It follows the remarkable journey of Vijay, a 69-year-old man who defies societal expectations by training for a triathlon and refusing to let age limit his ambitions. With its playful spirit and heartfelt message, the film taps into those universal "pick yourself up" moments, blending humour and emotion as it explores the relationships that sustain us. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 October,2024 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIBollywood diva Malaika Arora on Wednesday turned a year older. Marking her birthday special, her close friends Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor penned love-filled posts for her. Kareena Kapoor took to Instagram Story and shared an adorable picture with "Malla". "Happy birthday our darling Malla (red heart and rainbow emojis)," she wrote. In another post, Kareena wished Malaika a life filled with "happiness", "love" and "laughter". "Happiness, love and laughter is what I wish for you forever. Love you tons," she added. Karisma Kapoor dropped a picture with her girl gang featuring Malaika, Kareena and Amrita Arora. "Happy birthday Malla," Karisma posted. Malaika is best known for her dance numbers 'Gur Naal Ishq Mitha', 'Chaiyya Chaiyya', 'Rangilo Maro Dholna', and 'Munni Badnaam Hui' among others. She is currently one of the biggest advocates of yoga in B-town. She recently took to social media and shared yoga poses known to promote mental peace and tranquillity that would calm the mind. Malaika captioned the video, "This part of my life is called PEACE!" . She also owns a yoga studio in Mumbai called Diva Yoga Centre. She co-founded the studio with SARVA, a celebrity management and entertainment marketing company. The studio opened in late 2018 and is exclusively for women Malaika has also appeared on several reality TV shows as a judge including Zara Nachke Dikha, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and India's Got Talent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 October,2024 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIADVERTISEMENT
