The Mumbai International Film Festival 2024 honoured legendary actress Shabana Azmi with the Excellence in Cinema Award, a fitting tribute as she celebrates 50 years in the industry. The award was presented by Waheeda Rehman, marking a career that has transformed the landscape of Indian cinema. The festival also commemorated Azmi's illustrious career with a special screening of her iconic film Arth. Shabana Azmi's post after receiving the award Shabana Azmi shared a heartfelt moment with Waheeda Rehman from the MAMI Festival stage and wrote, "Thank you to @MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for presenting me with the Excellence in Cinema Award, made all the more special because the wonderful #WaheedaRehman handed it to me. Thank you also to @zoieakhtar @tigerbabyofficial team and #NamrataGoyal for all the hard work they put in. Missed you #ShyamBenegal (sic)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) While addressing the audience after receiving the award, the actress said, "My best is yet to come. Dil tham kar baithiye, meri baari aane hi waali hai.” Earlier, while speaking to ANI, Shabana Azmi candidly reflected on her achievements in the film industry and her journey from her debut film to the present day. She said, "I’m overwhelmed because when my first film, Ankur, was released on September 24, 1974, you could have knocked me down with a feather if you had told me I’d still be working 50 years later. So I’m really grateful for being in the right place at the right time and very grateful that I’m still getting meaningful work." Shabana Azmi’s Upcoming Work to Look Forward To Azmi was last seen on the big screen in the film 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani'. She essayed the role of Alia Bhatt's grandmother, who rekindles an old romance with the character played by Dharmendra. She was lauded for her nuanced performance in the film, which was a box office hit. She will next be seen in the film 'Bun Tikki', backed by designer Manish Malhotra. The film stands out as the most anticipated debut picture of the year, bringing together two renowned actors, Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman, on the big screen. The film is directed by Faraz Arif Ansari and also stars actor Abhay Deol. Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, and Marijke Desouza will produce the film under the umbrella of Manish Malhotra’s Stage 5 Productions.
19 October,2024 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRajkumar Hirani holds the record for delivering hits throughout his career, but one film that remains among his most loved is the 'Munna Bhai' franchise. Starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, 'Munna Bhai' has become a cult classic and a fan favourite. Recently, at an event in Mumbai, Hirani teased fans by revealing his plans for the next instalment in the 'Munna Bhai' series. Rajkumar Hirani on Munna Bhai script Speaking to the audience, Rajkumar Hirani disclosed that he is juggling multiple projects related to 'Munna Bhai'. “I have five half-finished scripts for 'Munna Bhai'. I spent six months on a script, got to the interval, and then it just wouldn’t move forward. There’s 'Munna Bhai LLB', 'Munna Bhai Chal Base', 'Munna Bhai Chale Amreeka', and more." He also acknowledged the challenge of creating the next story, adding, "The most important factor is that the next instalment has to be better than the previous films. But now, I have a unique idea. Of course, over 100 years of cinema, everything has been said. But yeah, I’m working on that idea.” Sanjay Dutt is extremely eager for Munna Bhai 3 Hirani humorously shared how Sanjay Dutt is extremely eager to make the third part of the film, saying, "I think Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) might just come to my house and threaten me to finish the next film. He really wants to do another 'Munna Bhai' movie." On a more serious note, Hirani assured fans that he is “seriously” considering it. Rajkumar Hirani on work front Meanwhile, Rajkumar Hirani is receiving praise for his latest directorial, 'Dunki', headlined by Shah Rukh Khan. Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar also star in 'Dunki', which addresses the issue of immigration. The title is derived from the term "donkey journey," which refers to the long and often dangerous routes people take to immigrate. The film hit theatres on December 21 and performed decently at the box office. About Munna Bhai franchise Hirani’s directorial debut was the blockbuster film 'Munnabhai MBBS', starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi. Three years later, the sequel 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' was released, with Vidya Balan joining the cast. Although the second part ended with a teaser for the third installment, 'Munna Bhai Chale America', that film never came to fruition.
19 October,2024 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Secret Superstar celebrates its 7th anniversary, Aamir Khan Productions' heartfelt film continues to resonate with worldwide audiences. Released in 2017, the film beautifully weaves together themes of motherhood, the empowerment of the girl child, and the inspiration to pursue one’s dreams. On the 7 years of Secret Superstar, starring Aamir Khan and Zaira Wasim, here are five reasons why you should re-watch this modern classic: Celebration of Motherhood At the heart of 'Secret Superstar' lies the powerful portrayal of a mother’s unwavering support. The film’s protagonist, Insia (played by Zaira Wasim), dreams of becoming a singer, and it’s her mother, Najma (played by Meher Vij), who quietly becomes her biggest strength. Despite the oppressive environment of their home, Najma’s sacrifices and quiet resilience underline the transformative power of a mother’s love, showcasing how mothers play an instrumental role in shaping their children’s futures. Empowerment of the Girl Child 'Secret Superstar' is a celebration of a young girl’s journey toward breaking societal barriers. Insia dreams of becoming a famous singer despite her father’s harsh restrictions. Her rise to success, despite adversity, speaks volumes about the empowerment of girls and the importance of encouraging them to follow their passions. The film highlights the need for society to break free from patriarchal norms that limit the potential of the girl child. Inspiration to Pursue Your Dreams The film is an inspiration to anyone who has dared to dream big. Insia’s journey from anonymity to stardom, driven by her relentless passion for music, showcases how no dream is too big, and no hurdle too high when you have the determination to chase it. Memorable Music The music of 'Secret Superstar', composed by Amit Trivedi, is integral to the film’s emotional depth. Songs like "Main Kaun Hoon" and "Meri Pyaari Ammi" elevate the film’s themes of love, aspiration, and self-discovery. Heartwarming Storytelling At its core, 'Secret Superstar' is a story about hope, love, and resilience. The film masterfully tells a poignant tale that touches the hearts of viewers, combining powerful performances, touching dialogues, and emotional depth. Aamir Khan Productions, with director Advait Chandan at the helm, crafted a story that continues to inspire seven years later, reminding us of the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit.
19 October,2024 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Karan Johar took to his social media to mark 12 years of his directorial film 'Student Of The Year' that marked the acting debut of Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan. He shared some unseen pictures with the team of the film including Kajol who made a special appearance in the song 'Disco Deewane' from the film. Sharing the precious memories from the film, he also shared some old pictures from the sets of the film. Along with the picture, he added the caption “Let’s start with...there’s something about ‘today’, something very special!!! 12 years, and I look back at the film I embarked on, solely to have the best time of my life. And the best time, it was! #SOTY” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) Karan also posted a group picture with Kajol Devgn, Niranjan Iyengar, Manish Malhotra, and Mickey Contractor. Additionally, he shared a video in which he could be heard saying, “SOTY is to me to celebrate everything that I love about cinema, the youth, the gen, the zing, the music, the energy, the comic timing, everything that I always love about Hindi cinema is part of the student of the year." 'Student of the Year', released in October 2012, is a teen sports romantic comedy film directed by Karan Johar. The film features Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Siddharth Malhotra, along with Rishi Kapoor, Sana Saeed, Ram Kapoor, Farida Jalal, Sahil Anand, and Ronit Roy. The film marked the debut of Alia, Varun, and Siddhartha. Alia then went on to do multiple Dharma films like 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya', 'Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya', 'Kalak', 'Raazi' and many more. The most recent is 'Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' which was commercially successful. Karan Johar's directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai completes 26 years On the professional front, Karan Johar made his own directorial debut with ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', a romantic comedy-drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and Kajol. He won several awards, such as the Filmfare Award for Best Director, the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay, and many more. Recently Karna Johar celebrated 26 years of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and shared emotional anecdotes related to the film. Check out that post
19 October,2024 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentToday marks a special occasion as we celebrate the birthday of the action superstar Sunny Deol with a grand reveal of the action-packed first look poster and the official title of his much-anticipated film, 'Jaat'. Directed by the dynamic Gopichand Malineni and produced by the renowned Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, 'Jaat' promises to be a cinematic spectacle like no other. The first look poster, unveiled today, showcases Sunny Deol in a powerful and intense avatar, setting the tone for what audiences can expect from this action-packed film. The poster hints at the high-octane drama and larger-than-life action sequences that are set to redefine the genre. The poster sees him hold something that looks like a helicopter rotor. Looking at this, it reminded netizens of his popular 'Handpump ukhaadna scene'. Netizens pointed out: 'Handpump ke baad pankha ukhaad diya'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) Sunny Deol, known for his commanding screen presence and impactful performances, teams up with Gopichand Malineni, a director celebrated for his ability to blend intense action with compelling narratives. This collaboration is set to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience that will captivate audiences nationwide. 'Jaat' features a stellar cast including Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher and Regina Cassandra in pivotal roles, adding depth and dynamism to the film. The production is being handled on a grand scale by leading production houses, Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, ensuring top-notch quality and entertainment. Jaat to present Sunny Deol in a never-seen-before avatar Coming off two hits in Krack (2021) and Veera Simha Reddy (2023), Malineni has designed a massive action entertainer for his maiden Hindi offering. Though Deol built his career largely as an action hero, the director is confident that his film will showcase a new facet of the actor. “I’ll present him in a never-before-seen action avatar. After Gadar 2 released, I narrated the story to Sunny sir. He said yes immediately, adding that he was looking for this kind of a role. Sunny sir doesn’t play a man in uniform. While it is the story of a common man who takes on [the system] to fight for what is right, it is an unusual concept. The story is inspired from various real-life incidents, which people will [understand] when they watch the movie,” says the director. The Hindi movie will be dubbed in Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. The film's music is composed by the sensational Thaman S, with Rishi Punjabi handling the cinematography, Navin Nooli overseeing the editing, and Avinash Kolla in charge of production design. The technical crew, including action choreographers Anl Arasu, Ram Laxman, and Venkat, promises to deliver breathtaking stunts and action sequences.
19 October,2024 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Salman Khan's security by the Mumbai police has been tightened after the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang claimed responsibility for his murder and said that anyone helping Khan would be on their list. Amid this, Salman has also personally increased his security by importing a bulletproof car from Dubai worth Rs 2 cr. Salman Khan's security has been beefed up amid a death threat from the gangster who has recently asked the actor to pay up Rs 5 crore to end enmity with Bishnoi. The actor has been on the gangster's radar for his alleged involvement in a blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community considers the blackbuck sacred. Now, Salman has upgraded his security by investing in a bulletproof Nissan Patrol SUV worth Rs 2 crore. Since the car is not available in the Indian market, the star is reportedly getting it imported from Dubai. Reportedly, the car has advanced safety features including explosive alert indicators, thick glass shields to prevent point-blank bullet shots, and camouflage black shades to prevent the driver or passenger from being identified. Last year too, Salman had imported a bulletproof car from UAE after he and his father received death threat from Bishnoi for the first time. Salman Khan resumes shoot of Bigg Boss 18 Even amid death threat, Khan continues to honour his work commitments. He recently returned to the set of the reality show Bigg Boss 18 of which he is a host. As per reports, the production team has beefed up Salman’s security to ensure the superstar's safety. He shot a new episode of 'Weekend Ka Vaar' recently. According to a report in 'India Today', Salman Khan shot a new episode of 'Bigg Boss 18'. The actor arrived on set with heavy security. As per the report, Salman Khan stayed at a chalet within the premises on Thursday night so that he could shoot for the new episode on Friday. Salman's filming schedule will continue uninterrupted, despite the heightened security concerns. With 60 personnel deployed to safeguard the area and guards instructed to check Aadhaar cards before allowing anyone inside the compound, Salman's team has been doing their 100% to ensure the actor's safety. In addition to this, the 'Bigg Boss 18' crew has been given clear instructions to remain on-site until the shoot ends.
19 October,2024 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Salman Khan's safety continues to make headlines this year. The superstar has been on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's radar for his alleged involvement in the Blackbuck poaching case. After claiming responsibility for NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder, the gangster has threatened the superstar to pay and apologise or be ready for dire consequences. Bishnoi has said that Salman humiliated his community by allegedly killing a blackbuck. Now, Salman Khan's father veteran screenwriter Salim Khan has reacted to the matter. He claimed that his son has no reason to apologise to anyone as he never killed any animal. He said that he had asked his son if he was involved in the blackbuck case to which he denied being even in the car when the poaching happened. Salim said that his son never lies to him. "I asked Salman who did it, and he said that he was not even present at the spot. He said he was not even in the car when the incident happened. And he never lies to me," he said in a interview with ABP. Salman has never killed a cockroach also, says father Salim Khan Salim further said that his son has no reason to apologise as he never killed any animal and apologising would mean agreeing to have committed a crime. "Mafi mangna, ye accept karna hai ki maine maara hai. Salman ney kabhi kisi jaanwar ko nahi maara. Humne kabhi kisi coackroach ko bhi nahi maara. Hum inn cheejo me believe hi nhi karte (Apologising means admitting. Salman never killed any animal. We have never even killed any cockroach. We do not believe in these things)," he said. He further questioned, "Salman kissey jaake maafi maangey? Aapne kitne logo sey maafi mangi hai, kitne jaanwaro ki aapne jaan bachai hai? (Who should Salman apologise to? How many people have you apologised to, how many animals' lives have you saved?)" The screenwriter further defended his son by saying, "Koi gunaah kiya hai? Aapne dekha hai? Aapko maloom hai, jaanch padtaal ki hai? Humne toh kabhi bandook bhi use nahi ki (Has he committed any crime? Have you seen him? Have you investigated the matter? We have never even used a gun)."
19 October,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt took two decades of sheer hard work and determination for actor and producer Manasi Parekh to win not one but three National Film Awards for her Gujarati film ‘Kutch Express’ (2023). She marked her acting debut with ‘India Calling’ and went on to feature in shows like ‘Gulaal’ and ‘Sumit Sambhal Lega’. In an exclusive interaction with mid-day.com, Manasi gets candid about her journey in showbiz and why she chose the regional route instead of pursuing the typical Bollywood dream. Manasi Parekh on breaking the glass ceiling Manasi Parekh, who switched to production likens the process to parenting. She explains, “I have a lot of grit, and being a mother has made me grittier. Once you become a parent, no challenge is big enough. I became a parent at the same time that I became a producer. I think parenting and production are pretty similar. Every day there's a new challenge. No matter how prepared you are, something will go wrong. And both require tremendous amounts of patience. Mansi is somebody who is a quintessential underdog. You cannot slot me in any box because a lot of people were like, ‘You're married, you have a daughter, how are you going to continue your career?’, especially in an industry that is looks-obsessed, age-obsessed.” Manasi Parekh recalls her struggles and hardships Manasi Parekh was discovered by Ektaa Kapoor. However, she asserts that in this industry you’re only as good as your last show, and you need to keep working and figuring out your next gig. She says, “I've gotten out of my home at 8 am with three pairs of different clothes and gone from one audition to the other, waited with 150 people for that same role. There's always been struggle and hardship and I've embraced it. Because I think struggle is what defines you. And only because I've done all that and I've been through all that, does the victory seem even sweeter because it's not handed over to you. You've earned every bit of it.” Manasi Parekh on being typecast after ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ Manasi Parekh recalls moments when she wasn’t doing any work and how the hunger to do better led her to become a producer. You're always in a space of either work and then gaps when there is no work. When it was new, I was not used to the gaps. I would deal with it in a very sad way. I'd get very cranky. I realised it was just a pattern, that's how this industry functions,’ she says. In ‘Uri’, Manasi essayed the role of Vicky Kaushal’s sister. When asked why she did not pursue Bollywood further, she avers, “Because I played a sister in that, suddenly everybody was calling me for sister roles. That's what happens sometimes in Bollywood. They just typecast you. I was like, ‘Yaar, I'm capable of so much more’. And that's when I turned producer. I'm going to create my own opportunities. Why wait for somebody to cast us?” Manasi signs off by sharing her mantra for anyone who wants to make it big. “No matter what you're feeling, no matter what you're going through, just show up for what you believe in, it might take time but it will always come to you,” she concludes.
19 October,2024 10:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Oshin FernandesMusic producer and singer Honey Singh took to his social media and shared an Insta story taking a dig at Badshah's rapping skills. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Yo Yo Honey Singh shared a promo video from Indian Idol 15. The promo video showed Badshah showing his freestyle rapping skills along with Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal. The rapper can be heard rapping, “Dilli ka golgappa, Mumbai se bhelpuri, Chandigarh ki lassi ko gadd gadd pi jaate hai." Sharing this video, Honey Singh made a sarcastic remark. He wrote, “Aise lyrics likhwane hai bass taqdeer ban jayegi meri (Such lyrics will make my fortune)." He also added a laughing emoji with the text. Honey Singh, Badshah, Raftaar, Lil Golu, and Ikka were part of the group called ‘Mafia Mundeer’. In 2009, Badshah left the group due to recognition of his song ‘Get Up Jawani’. Also, he said Honey Singh was only focusing on his solo career and doesn't give credit to other band members. Later, Ikka also left due to internal politics in 2012, and then Rftaar because he did not get the credit for the ‘Dope Shope’ song. Recently, Badshah ended his feud with Honey Singh in May 2024 during his concert in Dehradun. He said that he had held grudges against Honey Singh, but he wanted to move on and end this fight. The 15-year fight between the two rappers and singers appeared to have finally ended, but Honey Singh's recent Instagram story once again reignited their rivalry. Honey Singh was born in 1986 in a Sikh family. He started his career as a hip-hop music producer in 2003. Then, he released his debut studio album, International Villager. There are several popular songs, including Brown Rang, Love Dose, Desi Kalkar, Sunny Sunny, and many more. 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
19 October,2024 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood star Sara Ali Khan is one of the young artistes in the industry who enjoys a huge fan following on social media, especially for her graceful fashion sense. On Friday, she came to Delhi for designer Abhinav Mishra's show, where she walked the ramp in an ivory lehenga adorned with mirror work and undoubtedly exuded elegance. After making heads turn with her showstopper look, Sara briefly spoke with ANI and discussed how her relationship with fashion changed over the years. She also shared her views when asked about the impact of social media on her fashion choices. "I don't think much (that social media has impacted my fashion choices). Maybe I am more aware through social media, but not really. I think I've always been kind of organic in who I am and even though sometimes it can get pressurizing, but I really try to continue to do that....Experimenting has been something that I always do. I think that it's something that changes from time to time...something works, something doesn't work but one should always have fun and try to be a little different," Sara emphasised. #WATCH | Delhi | On ramp walk showcasing a creation of fashion designer Abhinav Mishra, actor Sara Ali Khan says, "It's all the outfit. I think the silhouette is very, very elegant. It's traditional, but it's also comfortable. It has a modern twist to it. I'm definitely… pic.twitter.com/Ts2i5ggLDd — ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2024 Sara's showstopper look was totally eye-catching. Her ensemble featured intricate floral motifs and mirror work. The design was beautifully embellished with mirrors, sequins, and crystals, adding a touch of opulence to the muted tones, all thanks to Abhinav Mishra's creativity. Sharing her experience walking the ramp, Sara said, "I think the silhouette is very, very elegant. It's traditional, but it's also comfortable. It has a modern twist to it. (Before the show) I was nervous... I an always nervous. Anything that you love, anything that you value creates nerves and I love what I do and this is part of it." Not only did Sara add Bollywood glam to Abhinav's show but actors Lakshya and Gurfateh Singh Pirzada also showcased their "fashion ka jalwa". Abhinav, the couturier known for his signature mirror work, presented a showcase featuring maximalism set against an ethereal, desert-inspired backdrop. 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
19 October,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIAlia Bhatt, who is currently busy shooting in Kashmir for her upcoming film 'Alpha' took a moment to treat her with glimpses of her time in the scenic place. Taking to her Instagram account on Friday, Alia dropped two adorable pictures where she can be seen basking in the sun. One picture included a cute selfie where the 'Jigra' actress is seen wearing a woollen cap, looking cosy and warm. Along with the pictures, Alia added a simple caption that read, "Kashmir #Alpha." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) The film, directed by Shiv Rawail, marks a significant addition to Yash Raj Films' esteemed spy universe. It also stars Sharvari. The film is set to release on December 25. Meanwhile, the actress is currently seen in Jigra which hit the theatres on October 11. Produced under the banner of Dharma Productions and presented by Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, 'Jigra' is co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala. 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
19 October,2024 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIADVERTISEMENT
