Deepika Padukone loves Romi Dev’s candour as she plays on screen wife of Ranveer Singh starrer ’83
Deepika Padukone is all set to star as Romi Dev, wife of former Indian Cricket Team Captain Kapil Dev, alongside real life hubby Ranveer Singh who is headlining their upcoming project ‘83, which is based on India’s way to the world cup victory of 1983 Cricket World Cup.
Having seen the life of a sportsman at close quarters and living with an internationally acclaimed player, her father former Badminton player Prakash Padukone, it helped her understand the role of Romi Dev better. She has seen exactly what it took for her mother to be a wife to a sportsman who has to dedicate a majority of his life to his sport and bring glory to the country on representing it abroad and knows all the sacrifices and the toll it takes on their personal lives.
Upon meeting her, Deepika shared with us, “I feel so inspired every time i meet her. She has extremely refreshing energy, is intelligent, knowledgeable, and funny”. Talking about one quality she admires about Romi’s muse she said, “I like her candour. Romi ji is someone who is extremely honest and when she needs to express herself, she does it with a lot of dignity. I like the way she conducts herself with so much grace”.
When asked whether her real life chemistry with her husband Ranveer Singh will reflect onscreen considering this is their fifth movie together, Deepika said that as actors, they don’t think about their personal equation while doing the film. One is only focused on the character and the moment. She said that you only live the character. She added that their personal equation won’t have any part to play in the film.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone got hitched on November 14 and 15, 2018 in two different ceremonies in Italy. They have starred in three Sanjay Leela Bhansali films – Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat and Homi Adajania’s Finding Fanny.
Apart from this, the actress is playing the role of an acid attack survivor in her upcoming film Chhapaak, which is based on the life of Laxmi Aggarwal. The actress is deeply involved with both the real-life characters Laxmi and Romi Dev and has actively been involved in prepping for both the characters and grasp the nuances to get into the skin of both which also happen to be in stark contrast with each other.
PHOTOS: Sara Ali Khan celebrates her 24th birthday with Varun Dhawan and Coolie No 1 team in Bangkok
This past weekend, Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan kicked off the shooting of Coolie No 1, directed by David Dhawan. It is a remake of 90s hit starring Govinda, Karisma Kapoor and Kader Khan. The film went on floor in Bangkok. And also the second day of the shooting was Sara Ali Khan’s birthday.
Making her 24th birthday special, the makers unveiled the first posters of Coolie No 1. The film’s first look posters capture the original masti vibe, while the look and feel seem all set to rule the new age millennial hearts.
And yesterday, Pooja Entertainment shared photos and video from her birthday celebration from the sets of the film. She was seen cutting a cake as the team celebrated her day. Varun even fed her some cake before they kickstarted their shoot. Varun was dressed in a printed blue shirt whereas Sara was wearing a beige dress. Her look is different from her first two films as she has highlights in the photos and seems like she is playing a modern-day girl.
Sara Ali Khan also had her mother on her special day. They visited Brahma temple to seek the blessings of the lord.
The Coolie No 1 remake will be the third collaboration between the father-son duo. They have earlier worked together in Main Tera Hero (2014) and Judwaa 2 (2017), both of which were commercially successful ventures.
Pooja Entertainment presents, directed by David Dhawan, Coolie No 1 starring Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh, is all set to release on May 1, 2020.
Janhvi Kapoor remembers her mother late Sridevi on her 56th birth anniversary
The world lost the iconic star Sridevi on February 24, 2018, in Dubai. The untimely passing away of the first female superstar of India left the nation in shock. While the actress is remembered through her work, Janhvi Kapoor always shares beautiful moments from her past to reminisce about her times with her mom.
On her 56th birth anniversary, Janhvi Kapoor shared a lovely post for her mother. “Happy birthday Mumma, I love you,” she wrote alongside a photo of Sridevi which looked like a poster from English Vinglish.
The legendary Sridevi was the first female superstar of the Indian film industry. She began acting since the age of 4. The late actress became a household name during the 80s. She starred in several iconic films including Chandni, Chaalbaaz, Lamhe, Mr India, Judaai, Laadla to name a few. Her second innings surely got her great accolades as well. She made her comeback with English Vinglish. She was last seen in 2017 film Mom in the lead role. Her last onscreen appearance was in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Zero in a guest appearance.
Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor wrapped up the Georgia schedule of Kargil Girl which is a biopic on Gunjan Saxena. She will next be starring in RoohiAfza alongside Rajkummar Rao.
Vicky Kaushal calls National Award partner Ayushmann Khurrana ‘wonderful’
It’s been a wonderful couple of years for the film industry since content-driven films have done extremely well at the box office and stars like Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal have really excelled well. With two of the riding high on their individual successes, they were honoured to receive the National Award for Best Actor for Andhadhun and Uri: The Surgical Strike respectively.
When asked how it feels sharing the award with the modern-day hero Ayushmann Khurrana, Vicky Kaushal shared that he admires his work. He said that Ayushmann is a wonderful person.
Furthermore, when asked whether it has registered that he won a National Award, Vicky Kaushal added that people say that destiny is a star-maker but it won’t be possible without hard work. He said that his parents have been asking him how he is feeling but it is yet to sink in for him.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Vicky Kaushal has a couple of movies next year including Takht, Sardar Udham Singh, horror-comedy starring Bhumi Pednekar among others.
Kartik Aaryan wishes ‘princess’ Sara Ali Khan on her 24th birthday
Ever since Sara Ali Khan confessed that she would like to date Kartik Aaryan on Koffee With Karan 6, they continue to spend time together even after the wrap up of their film. While they are already starring in Imtiaz Ali‘s romance drama Aaj Kalwhich is reportedly a sequel to Love Aaj Kal, the rumours around their relationship are increasing day by day.
Sara Ali Khan turned 24 on Monday and had a special wish from her co-star Kartik Aaryan. He shared a photo with the birthday girl and it seems like the actor has joined her in Bangkok to celebrate her day. Posing for a selfie before cutting the cake, he captioned it as, “Happy Birthday Princess @saraalikhan95 ❤️ And Eid Mubarak (this time without the mask ).” Kartik was referring to the time when they visited a mosque while hiding their faces.
Coming back to their film which is reportedly titled Aaj Kal, it is set for February 14, 2020 release. Jio Studios, Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Imtiaz Ali & Reliance Entertainment’s Window Seat Films will present the film.
SACRED GAMES 2: Nawazuddin Siddiqui introduces Ganesh Gaitonde’s master, mistress and muse
It is said that behind every man (successful or not), there is a woman. For Ganesh Gaitonde, there are three. Whether or not that makes him lucky, find out on August 15, 2019, only on Netflix. Gaitonde’s holy trinity — his Master, KD Yadav (Amruta Subhash), his Mistress, Zoya (Elnaaz Norouzi), and his Muse, Jojo (Surveen Chawla) have had deep impacts on his story arc and play pivotal roles in shaping his character. Each woman shares a unique relationship with him, helping him in surprising ways, and using him to further their own personal agendas.
Sacred Games has been lauded for its portrayal of strong female characters in the series. Besides these three women, every female character plays an integral role to push the story forward — they are powerful, layered, and truly badass. Whether it’s the extremely headstrong Kanta Bai (Shalini Vatsa), or Guruji’s most devoted disciple, Batya Abelman (Kalki Koechlin), these women know what they want and will go to any length to make sure they get it.
Speaking on the dynamic her character shares with Gaitonde, the Master, Amruta Subhash, says, “As much as Nawaz loves me, Gaitonde hates my character, KD Yadav. She is a RAW agent who controls him, keeps him away from his beloved Mumbai, and makes him a pawn in her bigger game.”
The Mistress, Elnaaz Norouzi, shares, “Zoya’s only dream is to become a movie star. She meets a rich Gaitonde and relies on him to fulfil her dream. Gaitonde casts her in the movie he produces on his life. But it’s not as simple as it seems — their relationship will see an upheaval of sorts this season.”
The Muse, Surveen Chawla, says, “Jojo becomes Gaitonde’s one trusted friend when every other relationship fails him. She is fearless and speaks her mind, and always gives it back to him, which is what he appreciates about her. In some ways, she is his muse, his inspiration, and his safety net. But her life has been far from a cakewalk, and that is what has hardened her in many ways. The bond between Gaitonde and Jojo is unique and quite special.”
If you thought the first season was riveting, wait and watch Sacred Games 2 — this time, it’s bigger, better, grittier, more layered, and even more exciting. This season, we continue to follow Mumbai cop Sartaj Singh’s quest to find out the truth about gangster Ganesh Gaitonde’s past and thereby save his city. Gaitonde, meanwhile, goes international this season, and we get an insight into what made him into the hardened, crime boss he is. The story unfolds gradually, with dramatic twists and turns, keeping you hooked till the very end.
With just a few more days to go, the adrenaline is high and the excitement is infectious. Sacred Games 2 premieres exclusively on Netflix on August 15, 2019.
Mohnish Bahl opens up about making a comeback on TV with Sanjivani
Mohnish Bahl is known for his iconic roles of the 90’s and the extremely loved show Sanjivani which is making a comeback on the small screen after 17 years. Sanjivani was a show that left a deep impact on people and their lives and the fact that it’s going to make a comeback has left people really excited. The show revolves around the personal and professional lives of doctors and the kind of positivity that surrounds them and the positive aura they exude and how they help their patients and keep them above their own lives! Here’s what the actor has to say about his return. 
You were a part of the previous installment of Sanjivani and now that the makers have decided to bring back the show, how do you feel?
“I am really excited and happy that the makers have decided to bring back a show like Sanjivani, that had made its way into the hearts of the audience and has stayed until today even after 17 years. Now that the show is going on-air really soon, I am very nervous but hopeful that the audience will accept me again as Dr. Shashank.”
How does it feel working with Gurdeep Kohli again?
“I was delighted to know that Gurdeep, too, was going to be a part of the show. We are the only two people from the previous season who have been retained to be a part of this installment and I feel blessed. When Gurdeep and I met for the first, nostalgia hit us really hard and all we said to each other was, “Where did the last 17 years go?” and we laughed. Some things don’t change and I am glad our equation is still the same even today.”
There are a lot of young actors who are a part of the show, how is it working with them?
“Yes, there is a lot of young talent who is a part of the show and it is very nice to have such fresh energy on the sets which makes work so much fun. I feel they are better versed than we were 2 decades ago since they have access to social media, internet so I am very impressed with them. Working with Surbhi aka Dr. Ishani and Namit aka Dr. Siddhanth has been great and it doesn’t feel like I am their senior or their new in the business, it’s just so easy with them.”
How are you preparing for your role?
When Siddharth P Malhotra told me that he wants to make Sanjivani again, I told him I was on board immediately. I feel I didn’t have to prepare for that character because Dr. Shashank has lived with me all these years. The day I stepped on the sets, I felt like I took a step back in time and I remembered my first day on set 18 years ago. So, everything came to me naturally and easily, I honestly didn’t even have to watch the previous episodes to catch up because everything is still so fresh in my mind.
You started your television career with Sanjivani, and now you are returning on the small screen after 6 years, how does it feel?
“Yes, I started my television career with Sanjivani in 2001, and had just finished shooting for Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hai, so it was like trying something for the first time and there was a lot at stake. Back then, if an actor had a few flops, you were forgiven but today, if one show or one movie doesn’t work, it can cost you your entire carrier that’s why I am very choosy about my work. I work on a particular project only if I am confident about the content. I strongly feel Sanjivani is good content and a breath of fresh air that our audience needs today, hence I decided to take up a daily soap after 6 years.”
How do you think will this season of Sanjivani be accepted by the audience?
“I feel for Sanjivani, content is the hero and it was relevant back then, and it is relevant even today. It is a combination of medical drama as well as it concentrates on their personal lives which is so real and relatable. So, I feel content is the hero and I am hoping the audience will find it as refreshing as it was back then.
This video of Arjun Kapoor standing up for Malaika Arora is breaking the internet
Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora have been making heads turn. From their recent outings in the city to their holiday the two have quit literally taken over the internet. Now, a video of Arjun Kapoor standing up for Malaika is doing the rounds on social media and we have to say that the actor’s witty comment is garnering him many more fans.
The incident in question happened on the opening night of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2019, where Karan Tacker went up to Arora and commended her on her looks saying, “I must say that even after a 20-hour flight, you look absolutely gorgeous”. Later moving to Arjun, Tacker exclaimed how lucky he was to be seated next to Malaika to which Arjun responded, “Woh peeche wali ke saath flirt kar na”.
Well not questions asked, but the audience were left in splits by Arjun’s comment and it seems like the internet cannot get enough of the clip.
Athiya Shetty wishes her dad Suniel Shetty for his birthday with this throwback image
Athiya Shetty who made her debut with the film Hero was last seen in the film Mubarakan and later in a special appearance in the track ‘Tere Naal Nachna’ from Nawabzaade. Currently Athiya is working on her next venture titled Motichoor Chaknachoor. But away from films, Athiya recently took to social networking sites to wish her dad Suniel Shetty on his birthday.
Sharing a throwback image from her childhood, Athiya Shetty added, “happy birthday to my best friend, i love you, papa! i wish you so much joy and laughter ♥️ thank you for always having my back, and i hope you know we have yours, always!”. The image sees her posing with father Suniel Shetty for the camera.
Rishi Kapoor unveils Anupam Kher’s autobiography in New York
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades and 500 plus films in several languages, actor and motivational speaker Anupam Kher’s journey as an accomplished artist has been nothing short of exemplary. Hailing from a lower-middle-class family in Shimla to becoming one of the most versatile and admired actors globally, Anupam Kher has certainly made his country proud at an international level with his numerous achievements and recognition over the years.
The distinguished actor’s journey has truly been an inspiration to many who nurture the dream to become an actor. While his first book, ‘The Best Thing About You Is You’ that draws inspiration from his life still stands tall at the bestseller shelves in bookstores, he’s set to launch his second book aptly titled – ‘Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly’ in USA this past weekend.
Anupam Kher’s close friend and actor Rishi Kapoor launched the book. The highpoint of the evening will be the reading of the book’s excerpts by the cast of NBC’s hit TV series New Amsterdam, in which Kher plays an Indian-origin Dr Vijay Kapoor.
The high-profile event will be streamlined live on Facebook and other social media platforms. The launch followed by dinner is a strictly-by-invitation and a formal black-tie affair hosted by the Honorable Indian Consul General in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty, at the Consulate’s Ballroom.
Always the one to have a direct and emotional connect with his fans on social media, the actor will also interact with his fans and avid readers at the event. While his popular play, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, was a visual delight, his new book talks about yet another inspiring and glorious phase of his remarkable journey.
Talking about the book, Anupam Kher says, “I am thrilled to have my friend Rishi Kapoor release my autobiography as he is not just a fine actor, but also a symbol of courage and hope in his fight, and recovery from disease. I am also extremely gratified to have my friends from New Amsterdam participate in the event and add an entertaining dimension to this evening. That my book is being launched in this consulate in New York, through the good offices of the Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, is something I could have never dreamt about. For a small-town boy from Shimla to making a mark in the Indian film industry and then to come here and be accepted in the City of Dreams only proves the maxim of my life….Kuchh Bhi Ho Sakta Hai!”
WATCH: This Malaysia University gets students to perform on Shah Rukh and Salman Khan’s songs on convocation day!
It’s common knowledge by now that Bollywood films are not just enjoyed by the Indian diaspora overseas. Even the local residents have been slowly warming up to the entertainment provided by our movies. With the advent of social media and WhatsApp, we have often come across videos depicting fans singing popular Hindi songs. When our celebrities go to foreign lands, half of the admirers waiting for them at airports or performance venues turn out to be non-Indians. A few years ago, the Hindi film business boomed in China thanks to Aamir Khan-starrers like Dangal and Secret Superstar. Whenever he goes there, the Chinese fans flock to see him from far and wide. It was also a surprise to see a couple of China residents who travelled all the way to Mumbai to catch the first day first show of his Diwali release, Thugs Of Hindostan!
In short, we have seen it all. Yet, when we chanced upon these videos posted by a Malaysian educational institute on its YouTube channel, we were left amazed. The first video clip we witnessed was posted by Management & Science University (MSU), situated in Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, was uploaded in March this year. The occasion was the 24th convocation of the students and the MSU Choir team performed on two songs of Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan, ‘Tu Jo Mila’ and ‘Chicken Kuk-Doo-Koo’. The performance of ‘Tu Jo Mila’ is a bit serious and mellow as per the song’s feel. But for ‘Chicken Kuk-Doo-Koo’, the performers go all out and even perform the Chicken dance of Salman. The students witnessing the show are quite happy with some even replicating the moves.
The other videos of Hindi song performances were dominated by Shah Rukh Khan. The recent one, uploaded in May 2019, is of students performing on ‘Yeh Ladka Hai Allah’, from Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol-Hrithik Roshan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Another song of this 2001 Karan Johar starrer, ‘Bole Chudiyan’, was also performed wonderfully by these students in August 2018. For their 2017 performance, they selected ‘Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai’ from Karan Johar’s first directorial venture, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
But the best reception to the performance of MSU Choir team is reserved for the songs of Dilwale. This 2015 starrer, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, was an underperformer at the box office but its songs have become quite memorable. In the beginning of 2016, MSU had two such ceremonies. For the January event, they performed on ‘Janam Janam’ while for the April convocation, they sang ‘Gerua’. The audiences too got excited when these performers began to croon ‘Gerua’. Some Indian-origin students could also be seen in the video in the audience who obviously are rejoicing upon seeing how songs of a Bollywood film have generated tremendous excitement in foreign shores.
For years, Bollywood was looked down even by a section of Indians for its song-and-dance routine. But seeing these videos will surely make you proud as to how our content is touching lives thousands of kilometres away. And that a prestigious educational institute is allowing the performance of Bollywood songs for their convocation ceremonies is like an icing on the cake!
Viewers gate-crashing, record black marketing, ladies-only shows: The craze generated by Hum Aapke Hai Koun remains UNPARALLELED!
It’s been a week since Hum Aapke Hai Koun completed 25 weeks but the celebrations and the euphoria refuses to die down. Moreover, a special screening of the film was held on August 9 at the same cinema hall where it released in 1994 – Liberty cinema in Mumbai – and it was attended by Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Renuka Shahane, Mohnish Bahl, Sooraj Barjatya etc. The event was unforgettable and its pictures, videos and articles went viral.
Taking the craze forward, Bollywood Hungama now brings some unknown and lost trivia about the film. Take a look at the unusual release strategy adopted by the producers, how audiences went crazy over the film and a lot more:
1. It was the norm then that the video cassettes of the film would be out simultaneously with the theatrical release. But Barjatyas didn’t follow this trend. The film was released only in cinemas. The artistes and technicians associated with Hum Aapke Hai Koun appealed to the audiences to watch this film only in cinemas.
2. Initially, the Rajshri team released only 30 prints of Hum Aapke Hai Koun. Out of which only 1 theatre – Liberty cinema – was chosen to screen in Mumbai. But in the Bombay (present-day Mumbai) circuit, they released 8 prints in all. In Delhi, Kolkata and Nagpur, 2 prints each were released. Hum Aapke Hai Koun didn’t release in East Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on August 5. However, the film had an overseas release in United Kingdom on the same day.
3. The Barjatyas then substantially increased the number of prints from Week 4, that is, from August 26, 1994 onwards. Naturally, this decision was met with mixed reactions from the trade. Some applauded Rajshri for the bold and unconventional move. But there were those who felt such a policy can backfire. However, trade magazines observed that Rajshi saved crores of rupees for a couple of weeks with their move since more prints means more money spent.
4. The initial running time of Hum Aapke Hai Koun was 3 hours 27 minutes. Two prints were released however with running time of 3 hours and 34 minutes. But after some complaints over long length, two songs – ‘Chocolate Lime Juice’ and ‘Mujhse Juda Hokar’ were removed along with two antaras of ‘Dhiktana’. The edited parts of the reel totalled 1100 feet. The running time of the film was now 3 hours 14 minutes. These cuts came into effect in Mumbai from August 10 and it was implemented later in other places
5. The norm of having inflated ticket rates nowadays was applied for Hum Aapke Hai Koun too. The ticket prices in Liberty were increased and were as follows:
Dress Circle (150 seats): Rs 50
Balcony (257 seats): Rs 40
Upper Stall (741 seats): Rs 20
Lower Stall (68 seats): Rs 10
The film earned Rs 32,280 per show, when fully sold out, while weekly with 21 sold-out shows, it earned Rs 3,38,940 nett.
6. Watching Hum Aapke Hai Koun at Liberty was a novel experience. The theatre was revamped and it added to the experience. Viewers came out not only complementing the film but also the theatre. The Barjatyas installed special moving lights all around the screen and these were switched on during ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ and ‘Joote De Do Paise Le Lo’ songs. Also, audiences marvelled as the air conditioner was kept switched on continuously! The entire premise was kept neat and tidy throughout the day. Even the sound system was first-class. The official merchandise of the film was sold near the ticket counters and it was in huge demand. If all these weren’t enough, the Liberty management went a step ahead and made an executive lounge with catering by Croissants. The youngsters and family audience lapped it up. Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan even remarked, “For once, I felt I was watching a film in a cinema abroad!”
7. Not just in Liberty but the film generated craze nationwide. Audience showering coins on the screen during the ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ song was a common sight. On day of release, youngsters danced on the ‘Joote De Do Paise Le Lo’ song in a cinema hall in Indore.
8. Not a single hoarding, banner, or poster of Hum Aapke Hai Koun was displayed in Hyderabad and its twin city Secundarabad. Yet, there was heavy black marketing of tickets from Day 1 and all the shows were sold out in advance for days. The female audiences at Maheshwari cinema in Hyderabad were seen carrying their lunch boxes with them. If the current show was sold out, they’d eat their meal in the cinema premises itself while waiting for the next show.
9. At Jayshree cinema in Vapi, a lady in the audience in the last show of the film on Sunday August 7 fell unconscious in the scene where Renuka Shahane falls and dies. She had to be immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
10. In Kolkata, 200 people gatecrashed without tickets at Hind Cinema for a late night show of Hum Aapke Hai Koun. The exhibitor had to call the police to control the situation. The show which was to commence at 8:45 pm started only at 9:30 pm.
11. Abhinay cinema in Aurangabad ran special ladies-only show of Hum Aapke Hai Koun every morning from August 15, 1994 onwards.
12. An old lady, the mother of Deep Jain, distributor from Delhi, had stopped going to cinema since 22 years. But she made an exception for Hum Aapke Hai Koun.
