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Showing posts from December, 2024

Anurag Kashyap calls Hindi film industry “Desperate” for blockbusters, praises Malayalam cinema's humble approach: “There was zero one-upmanship among the actors”

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has taken a bold stance against what he perceives as a toxic and insecure atmosphere within the Hindi film industry. Speaking out about the growing obsession with producing blockbuster films, Kashyap sheds light on how this fixation is stifling creativity and damaging the industry's overall spirit. The Insecurity Plaguing Hindi Cinema In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap shared his frustration with the pressures that have come to dominate the industry, particularly the need to create mass-appeal films. He pointed out that this focus on commercial success has led to a culture where actors and filmmakers are increasingly insecure. "That’s what got a lot, and instead of focusing on making the film we started focusing on being treated like a star somewhere in Hindi," he noted. Kashyap attributes this shift to the rise of streaming platforms, which, in his view, brought an American-style work culture that places undue emph...

Sonakshi Sinha gets a wakeup call from a lion; Zaheer Iqbal shares video of him ordering the lion

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have been on vacay mode in the second half of 2024 and often share about their travel shenanigans with their excited fans. Considering that they are ending the year on a romantic note, having tied the knot in June this year, the couple planned to ring it in style – not by partying and dancing away through the night but by exploring nature and wildlife as they are seen enjoying their time in Australia. Sonakshi Sinha calls the lion’s roar her ‘new alarm’ Sonakshi Sinha took to her Instagram to share that the couple are currently holidaying in Canberra where they were seen enjoying the wildlife around. Sharing a glimpse of the same, the actress shared a shocking video of a lion standing right outside their bedroom door and roaring. Calling it ‘Aaj subah ka alarm (the alarm this morning)’, the actress posted this video leaving her social media fam surprised and concerned. The video featured how the lion kept roaring as the couple woke up to the view. ...

Trade experts discuss Kartik Aaryan hiking his fees to Rs. 50 crores: "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has catapulted him into the hearts of the masses"

2024 has escalated Kartik Aaryan’s fortunes radically. It was by chance that this writer got to know about Kartik Aaryan’s radically revised remuneration. A high-profile filmmaker let out the fiscal fact unknowingly saying, “We are in the final stages of negotiating with Kartik. He is now charging Rs. 50 crores after Bhool Bhulaiya 3. And he deserves it. He is as indispensable to the franchise as Salman Khan for Tiger.” Significantly there is only one other actor from Kartik’s generation to charge in the same range , and it’s Ranbir Kapoor who apparently gets Rs. 55-60 crores. Trade analyst Atul Mohan commented, “If a producer or studio believes Kartik Aaryan at Rs. 50 crores is a viable choice for their project, they are free to proceed. No one enters a venture aiming for a loss. However, a lead actor commanding Rs. 50 crores means the project's landing cost will likely exceed Rs. 150 crores. This requires the film to achieve a box office collection of at least Rs. 250–300 crore...

Asha Bhosle brings her charm to ‘Tauba Tauba,’ grooves to Vicky Kaushal’s dance steps; singer Karan Aujla REACTS

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle took to the stage and delivered a captivating performance of Karan Aujla’s hit song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the film Bad Newz. The song, which features Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri, has been a chart-topping success, and Bhosle’s rendition added a layer of charm that only she could bring. Fans were further amazed when she not only sang the track with her signature grace but also matched Vicky Kaushal’s viral dance steps from the song’s music video. The performance, captured in a viral Instagram video, shows Bhosle grooving to the music, executing Kaushal's now-iconic hook step with effortless style. Her natural flair and magnetic stage presence made for a truly unforgettable moment. Karan Aujla’s Emotional Reaction The song's composer and writer, Karan Aujla, was quick to react to the video, sharing his admiration for Asha Bhosle's performance on Instagram. He called the moment “iconic” and expressed his gratitude.   View this post on Instagram ...

The Family Man 3 shoot wraps up; Manoj Bajpayee teases fans with a post that says, “Aur Thoda Intezar”

As Manoj Bajpayee fans excitedly await the premiere of Season 3 of his popular web-series The Family Man, the actor has dropped a major update that will definitely leave them intrigued. Manoj, who was expected to be shooting for a major schedule of the highly awaited Raj and DK web-show, has wrapped up the same and decided to share about it on his social media handle. Much to the excitement of fans, Manoj Bajpayee took to his Instagram page to share a story, announcing the wrap up of The Family Man Season 3. The actor posted a picture of the cake that read, “2024 Shoot Wrap Up” and the actor along with his co-star Sharib Hashmi, were tagged. Apart from that, the actor also penned a message teasing the audience about the wait for the new season as he wrote, “Shooting Wrapped!! For Family Man 3! Aur Thoda Intezar..” and also added a hourglass emoji. It seems that the actor wants the fans to guess the date of the premiere of The Family Man 3. Readers would be aware that The Family Man f...

20 Years of Musafir EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Gupta reveals Sanjay Dutt had hearty laugh when Oliver Stone praised his role of Billa and left Anil Kapoor stunned; opens up on light-hearted dig at Sholay: “I didn’t mean any disrespect. I can never do that”

The stylish action film Musafir (2004) completed 20 years earlier this month. It was Sanjay Gupta’s next directorial after Kaante (2002) and hence, it generated huge excitement. The coming together of Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor and the casting of Sameera Reddy and Koena Mitra added to the buzz. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Sanjay Gupta spoke about the film and a lot more. What made you make this film after Kaante, especially when the industry probably expected you to make a grander commercial film? I never made a film thinking, ‘Now that I have delivered a Kaante or Aatish (1994), let me do something bigger’. I make whatever comes to me organically. Moreover, dark noir was a space rarely visited that too on a grander, larger-than-life scale with great music and great actors. Also, I was just having fun while making this film. Sanjay Dutt’s look was dashing. His sidelocks extended to his beard and it had become a rage after Salman Khan’s haircut in Tere Naam (200...

#2024Recap: 9 Trends of 2024 we are FED UP of and don’t want to see in 2025 – Self-buying of tickets, hypocrisy of the so-called intellectuals, giving away important scenes in the trailer…

In this special feature, Bollywood Hungama lists 8 trends that we are fed up with and would not like to see again in 2025. 1. Corporate booking, self-buying tickets At one point, it was easy for makers to buy tickets of their own films and put a ‘House Full’ board outside the theatre.; not many would know the truth. But in today’s BookMyShow era, it is easy for a layman to expose the makers. The makers, instead of booking a certain number of tickets in every show, prefer to buy all tickets of a single show. Hence, eyebrows and questions are bound to be raised when a 4:00 pm is ‘sold out’ while the 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm shows of the same film are running with 5% occupancy. 2. Niche films made at high costs and bombing at the box office One should have the right to make niche films if it suits their sensibilities and interest levels. But to spend a bomb into making them is just not done, especially at a time when the industry is struggling to reduce losses and also at a time when such fi...

28 years of Ajay: Suneel Darshan on his fallout with Sunny Deol, “I landed into a trap that almost destroyed my very financial existence”

Suneel Darshan turned director with the Sunny Deol and Karisma Kapoor starrer Ajay. Before this film, he had been a producer on movies Inteqam (1988) and Lootere (1993), both starring Sunny in the lead. Ajay was a romantic action drama, which also starred Mohnish Bahl, Reena Roy, Kiran Kumar and Sadashiv Amrupurkar. On the film’s 28th anniversary, which was on December 20, Suneel Darshan looks back at the film in an interview with us. Ajay, your first film as director is 28 While every movie is a pleasurable experience, this was a true challenge to take on right from its outset. Sunny Deol, who was the leading man of my earlier productions Inteqaam and Lootere, had evolved as a performer with Ghayal and was emerging as the first choice as an ‘angry young man’ but I attempted to add versatility to this dimension by projecting him as a complete entertainer where he danced (his ‘Chhammak Chhallo’ steps are popular even today), and portrayed multi-dimensional human emotions. Karisma...

Sobhita Dhulipala reflects on fond memories from 2024: From Hollywood debut Monkey Man to Love, Sitara

As 2024 draws to a close, Sobhita Dhulipala looks back on a year that has been nothing short of extraordinary. The actress, who recently entered a new phase of life as a wife after tying the knot with Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya, took to social media to share about her journey as the year comes to an end. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared several moments in a reel that comprised her journey. In a heartfelt post, she shared a montage of moments that defined her work journey this year, captioning it with the words: “Fulfilling, Energising, Zing Zing #2024 Thank you.” The reel is a celebration of milestones, starting with her Hollywood debut in Monkey Man. Directed by Dev Patel, the film premiered at the prestigious Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, marking a significant global achievement for Sobhita. Behind-the-scenes glimpses and the movie’s poster highlight the dedication she poured into this project.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sobhita (@sobhitad...

#2024Recap: A to Z of Bollywood in 2024: C for Corporate Booking, J for Joker, K for Kidnapping, U for Unnecessary clashes and more…

Like any other year, 2024 was a roller-coaster ride filled with some significant, pleasantly surprising as well as astonishing events that took place and the manner in which some films performed at the box office. In a bid to understand this tumultuous and exciting year, we at Bollywood Hungama, on a lighter note, decided to redevelop the English alphabets from A-Z keeping in mind the important events of the year. A – Alamzeb This character of Stree 2,  was in the news for the wrong reasons for several weeks. B – Baba Siddique The untimely demise of the much-loved politician sent shockwaves and gripped the industry in a wave of fear. C – Corporate Booking This term was widely used throughout the year by netizens to diss rival fans and to prove that the collections of their favourite star’s films are not organic. D – Diljit Dosanjh The performer was constantly in the news first for Amar Singh Chamkila and for the happenings during his India concerts. E – Extreme box office coll...

#2024Recap: Bollywood's 27 BIGGEST and SHOCKING Controversies of 2024 - Salman Khan's firing incident, Allu Arjun's arrest, Arshad Warsi's Joker comment, Singham Again vs Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Like every year, 2024, too, was riddled with some big controversies involving our film stars and film fraternity members. Bollywood Hungama, in this special report, brings to you the major controversies that made the maximum news this year. 1. Baba Siddique’s death; Salman firing incident Lawrence Bishnoi gave a hard time to Salman Khan. His gang members opened fire outside his house in April. His security was heightened when politician Baba Siddique, who had close connections with Salman and other industry members, was assassinated in October. 2. Allu Arjun’s arrest A week after the release of Pushpa 2, superstar Allu Arjun was arrested over the stampede incident on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad. The actor had to spend a night in jail. The issue still persists and has assumed a political colour. 3. Arshad Warsi’s ‘Joker’ comment Arshad Warsi was slammed when he stated in an interview that Prabhas looked like a joker in Kalki 2898 AD. South actors like Nani and Sudheer B...

Varun Dhawan ADMITS being “insecure” of Student Of The Year co-star Sidharth Malhotra: “He was tall and wide, good looking”

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently revealed that he felt insecure about his co-star Sidharth Malhotra during the making of their debut film, Student Of The Year (SOTY), in 2012. Directed by Karan Johar, the film marked the Bollywood debut of Varun, Sidharth, and Alia Bhatt, becoming a launchpad for all three actors. Varun’s Struggles During SOTY In a candid conversation with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra, Varun Dhawan spoke about the challenges he faced while shooting for SOTY. The actor admitted that his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, had noticed his struggles. Reflecting on his insecurities, Varun said, “He (Sidharth) was tall and wide, good looking, and there were two heroes in the film. At that time, I felt that he is amazing and looks handsome, so people will only watch him. Will people even notice me or not? What if my dream only stays a dream?” The Shadow of Nepotism Adding to his concerns was the growing debate around nepotism in Bollywood. Varun acknowledged the nega...

EXCLUSIVE: Manoj Bajpayee on the regular dose of larger-than-life action films, "It is a trend, no innovation is made, only money is minted"

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, some of the most respected names in the film industry like Manoj Bajpayee, Manisha Koirala, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Kritika Kamra weighed in on the prevalence of action, crime, and thriller genres in today’s entertainment landscape. The Post-Pandemic Obsession with Action Films Veteran actor Manisha Koirala linked the surge in such films to a global phenomenon, saying, “I think after COVID, more of the superhero films are made.” The pandemic, she suggested, might have created a demand for larger-than-life stories, fueling a rise in action-packed narratives. The Action-Thriller Trend Faces Creative Fatigue Manoj Bajpayee mentioned, “It is a trend, no innovation is made, only money is minted”. Elaborating further, he added, “It is a formula which does not work after four to five films.” Bajpayee also touched upon the impact of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s work, stating, “After Nawazuddin’s Sacred Games, the platforms were filled with action an...

Fateh song 'Ruaa Ruaa' out: Stebin Ben and Rupali Moghe lend their soulful voices to Sonu Sood and Jacqueline Fernandez, watch

Zee Studios and Sonu Sood have unveiled ‘Ruaa Ruaa,’ the latest track from their highly anticipated action-drama Fateh. Sung by Stebin Ben and Rupali Moghe, composed by Haroon-Gavin, and penned by Mandeep Khurana, the song beautifully portrays the budding romance between the characters played by Sonu Sood and Jacqueline Fernandez. The video takes viewers through heartfelt moments, including bike rides through Delhi, walks past vintage architecture, sharing tea, and enjoying ice cream together, encapsulating the warmth and butterflies of falling in love. Ahead of its release, Sonu Sood and Stebin Ben surprised students at IIT Bombay with a live performance of ‘Ruaa Ruaa.’ Reflecting on the experience, Sonu shared, “While Fateh is a story of a man with a dark past and a bloody present, ‘Ruaa Ruaa’ brings to it the softness and essence of love. The song fills the air with romance, and I hope ‘Ruaa Ruaa’ becomes a special anthem for everyone who believes in the power of love.” Stebin Ben...

EXCLUSIVE: "Baby John isn't just a character, it's an emotion and a dream role for me," shares Varun Dhawan

The action entertainer Baby John released in theatres yesterday. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Varun Dhawan, Wamiqa Gabbi and filmmaker Kelees spoke about the film and shared why they believe it will set new standards in both regional and Bollywood cinema. Atlee and Kalees Reveal Why They Chose a Stellar Cast for Baby John Sharing the reason for choosing Varun in the lead role, Kalees said, “Varun has always had this magnetic screen presence. His versatility, be it in action or emotional roles, makes him the perfect fit for Baby John,” he said. Varun Dhawan, who is one of the biggest names in Bollywood today, also shared his excitement for the film. “When Atlee and Kalees approached me with this role, I was thrilled. Baby John isn't just a character; it's an experience. I am excited to push my limits and bring something fresh to the screen for the audience,” he shared. Dynamic Cast Assembled for Baby John Alongside Varun, Baby John also stars Keerthy and W...

Mahesh Bhatt on 26 years of Zakhm, "Ajay Devgn gave his soul to this story, a performance that still burns with quiet intensity"

Mahesh Bhatt gave up direction after Zakhm. Said the filmmaker, “This was my last directorial venture before I laid down the baton, my final offering as a filmmaker. Zakhm gave me back my dignity after a spate of forgettable films, reasserting my identity as a storyteller who draws from the well of his own living, throbbing wounds. It was a reckoning, an exorcism, and a hymn to love’s endurance in a fractured world. At this dimension, we are done. But Zakhm? It endures, whispering its truths to those brave enough to listen.” He added, “In the first quarter of the second century of cinema, Zakhm remains more than a film. It is a wound, unhealed and unhidden, that throbs beneath the skin of a nation. Its story, drawn from the deepest fissures of one man’s life—one man who is me—unfurls like a confession whispered in a storm: raw, unadorned, and stripped of all pretence.” Ajay Devgan, who played a character based on Mahesh Bhatt himself, won the National award for best actor for this fi...

EXCLUSIVE: Atlee on casting Varun Dhawan in Baby John, “I needed a protagonist who could bond with the baby and show the depth of fatherhood”

Varun Dhawan is known for his boundless energy and charming presence on screen. But in his latest release Baby John, he takes on a role that taps into a deeper, more emotional aspect of his personality—fatherhood. The actor along with his co-stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Keethy Suresh, director Kalees and producer Atlee sat down for an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama. Varun Dhawan Explores the Complexities of Fatherhood In Baby John, Varun Dhawan takes on a role that delves into a more emotional and profound aspect of his acting—fatherhood. Known for his high-energy performances and charming presence in romantic comedies, Dhawan transitions into a role that explores the complexities of being a parent. Directed by Atlee, the film centres around fatherhood, and Dhawan’s real-life experience as a new father gives his portrayal a genuine, heartfelt quality that resonates deeply with audiences. Atlee specifically sought out an actor who could balance both the playful and serious sides of fathe...

Varun Dhawan BREAKS SILENCE on misconduct allegations with Kiara Advani: “I have fun with my male co-stars as well, but nobody mentions that”

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has responded to allegations of inappropriate behavior with his female co-stars, Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani. The actor recently came under scrutiny after videos of him interacting with actresses during promotional events and photoshoots went viral. The clips, which sparked debate on social media, showed Varun kissing Kiara on the cheek during a photoshoot and touching Alia’s belly in another instance. Varun Denies Inappropriate Intentions Reacting to the controversy during his appearance on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Varun clarified that his actions were misinterpreted. When asked if he enjoys being playful with his co-stars, Varun said, “Chhedam-chhaadi, if it is done in a happy space, a good space, whether it is a man or a woman… I have fun with my male co-stars as well, but nobody mentions that.” Clarification on Kiara Advani’s Kissing Incident Addressing the specific incident with Kiara Advani during a photoshoot, Varun explained, “I’m glad you aske...

Rashmika Mandanna reacts to Yash Raj Films congratulating the team of Pushpa 2

Rashmika Mandanna, who is on a new career high, with back-to-back blockbusters in her kitty was in for a special treat when the team of the renowned Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films took to social media to pen a congratulatory note for the success of Pushpa 2. While Allu Arjun was one of the first members to have responded to this sweet gesture of Aditya Chopra’s production house, Srivalli aka Rashmika too has taken to the platform to reciprocate the love. Rashmika Mandanna expresses gratitude towards YRF On Monday night, Yash Raj Films took to the social media platform X, aka Twitter to share a note saying, “Records are meant to be broken and new ones push everyone towards excellence. Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheRule team for rewriting history books. Fire nahi, Wildfire!!!!!” Responding to the same, Rashmika Mandanna too shared a note of gratitude on the platform saying, “Thank you @yrf. <3 This is huge coming for you. <3 Truly honoured. <3” . Thankyo...

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix India’s Tanya Bami shares, “Indian films and series featured in the Global Top 10 for non-English lists every single week of the year”

As the year 2024 comes to a close, we take a look at how it fared for the streaming giant Netflix India. It was a year of diverse storytelling, with a variety of genres, formats, and narratives. Especially in series, Netflix provided a wide array of high-quality content, catering to different tastes and preferences for viewers to choose from. Some of these include, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein Season 2, Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives Season 3, Mismatched Season 3 and Kota Factory Season 3. Bollywood Hungama got talking to the people who contributed to Netflix India’s success this year. Tanya Bami, series head Netflix India, said that it has been an unprecedented year for them. “Starting with the breakout success of Maamla Legal Hai. This series set the tone for the year ahead, only to be followed by the magnanimous response to The Great Indian Kapil Show worldwide. We have completed two successful seasons of the show, with the finale just having launched...

EXCLUSIVE: Sonu Nigam credits success of ‘Mere Dholna 3.0’ to “divine blessing”; CONFESSES not being emotional during the recording of Kartik Aaryan-starrer track

Singer Sonu Nigam recently spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about his experience of singing ‘Mere Dholna 3.0’ for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, starring Kartik Aaryan. The song, a reimagined version of the popular track from the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has generated significant buzz, and Nigam's contribution to the track has been a key highlight. The Preparation Behind the Song Nigam shared how he prepared for the challenging song. "I went very prepared. I knew the song was very tough," he said. "I sat at home, wrote down the entire sargam (musical scale), and made some corrections. I memorized the whole song and when I went to the mic, I just sang it in one go." However, what truly moved Nigam was the emotional response he received from his fans and listeners. The Emotional Impact of Success Speaking about the compliments he received after the song's release, Nigam became visibly emotional. "I became emotional when I received compliments from people,...

Mamta Kulkarni DENIES connection with the drug world and Vicky Goswami: “I spent 12 years in dhyan, tap, and puja path. When he came out of jail…”

Former actress Mamta Kulkarni recently returned to Mumbai after 25 years. In a conversation with ANI, she clarified that her return was not related to Bollywood. “I have not come back for Bollywood and I am not planning to make a return as an actress,” she stated. On Her Connection with Vicky Goswami Addressing her alleged ties to drug lord Vicky Goswami, Mamta said, “I have no connection with the drug world as I never met these people. Yes, I got connected with Vicky Goswami… In 1996, my spiritual journey started, and a guru came into my life during that time.” Recounting her association with Goswami, she revealed, “Vicky called me when he was in jail in Dubai to come and meet him. I spent 12 years in dhyan, tap, and puja path. When he came out of jail in 2012, my desires were finished — to fall in love or get married, nothing was left. I had decided until he would come out, I wouldn’t go back to India.” She added that while Goswami went to Kenya, she returned to India briefly in 2...

Laughter, cots, and courtroom jokes: The hilarious mahurat of Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda's Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

On 22nd December 1997, Bollywood witnessed one of its most entertaining mahurat ceremonies at Hotel Centaur, marking the beginning of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The film, directed by David Dhawan and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda, was already creating buzz as one of the most exciting announcements of the time. The mahurat shot, however, added an extra dose of laughter and energy, setting the tone for what promised to be a blockbuster entertainer. The two miyans, Amitabh and Govinda, faced the camera for a hilarious scene that had everyone in splits. The scene revolved around a lighthearted discussion between the two about their future plans. Amitabh shared his intention to become a neta (politician), to which Govinda humorously cautioned him against the pitfalls of politics, citing scams, court battles, and eventual imprisonment. Taking Govinda’s advice, Amitabh decided instead to become an abhineta (actor). What followed was a comedic tug-of-war...

Boney Kapoor says his female following has increased after hair transplant; says, “Who doesn’t like female attention?”

As we are aware, earlier in the year, producer Boney Kapoor revealed that he had gone for hair transplant. He recently held a press conference in Mumbai where he spoke about his successful hair growth journey following the procedure. The well-known film producer said that he lost weight and is now in a much better shape. Following this, he said that he went for hair transplant and that has increased his female following. “Now, after growing hair, I am looking even better,” he said speaking at the press conference. “My female following has also increased. Whenever I pass through an airport, some people take photos with me. Earlier, only boys or those who knew me used to ask for photos. But nowadays females also approach me for the same. That makes me feel good. Who doesn’t like female attention? All in all, it has been a wonderful experience.” Kapoor also named a few cricketers who have gone through hair transplant from his doctor. “If you see Mohammed Shami, (Mohammad) Azharuddin and...

“Hit film isn't all you need to build a franchise”: Pankaj Tripathi speaks about Bollywood's obsession with sequels, highlights factors contributing to Stree 2’s success

Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who recently featured in the blockbuster Stree 2, shared his candid thoughts on Bollywood's growing obsession with sequels. Despite the success of the film, he maintains a grounded perspective on its impact and highlights the essential ingredients needed to create a successful franchise. The Secret to Stree 2's Success Stree 2, a sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, became one of the biggest Hindi film releases of the year. While the film’s impressive box office performance was celebrated, Pankaj Tripathi emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm mindset amidst the success. A report by Hindustan Times, quoted the actor saying, “It is a thing of great joy that a film of such a nominal budget became such a big blockbuster. Par ye success se aapka dimaag kharab nahin hona chahiye. Ek thehraav rehna chahiye.” The actor also acknowledged that the film’s success was, in part, due to its connection to the Stree franchise. “The happiness the audience got after w...

EXCLUSIVE: Mozez Singh looks back at launching Vicky Kaushal with Zubaan: “If I had not found him, I don’t know if I would have made the film”; also reveals, “Will Smith LOVED Zubaan”

Vicky Kaushal began his career as a full-fledged actor with Masaan (2015). Zubaan (2016) was his second release but it’s a film he had signed before Masaan. The musical entertainer was directed by Mozez Singh and thus, he’s the one who launched one of the most promising actors in our industry. Zubaan was released at a time when Vicky was not as popular as he is today and didn’t do well though the word of mouth was strong. Hence, can one expect Zubaan to be back in cinemas in this era of re-releases? Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke about this aspect with Mozez Singh during the promotions of his Netflix documentary, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous. Mozez Singh replied, “I would love to see it being re-released. We (he and Sikhya Entertainment, which produced Zubaan as well as Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous) even discussed it internally. However, we were all busy with Famous but hopefully, we’ll do it. I feel th...

Abhijeet Bhattacharya reveals Shah Rukh Khan’s contemporaries mocked him behind his back: “A few stars told me, ‘You are singing for the stammerer’”

Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the voice behind some of Shah Rukh Khan's most iconic songs, recently opened up about their estranged relationship during an appearance on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast. It has been 17 years since the veteran singer last sang for the Bollywood superstar, and his reflections reveal a mix of longing, hurt, and admiration. Abhijeet Reflects on Their Association “I sang for him when he was very young. My voice is still very young,” Abhijeet reminisced. Despite their professional chemistry, the singer admitted that their personal relationship was distant, limited to work-related interactions. “We never met too often. We were never friends. I go to the studio and return home. I don’t meet people and party like filmy log,” he said. Fallout and Lingering Hurt The fallout between Abhijeet and Shah Rukh Khan left the singer feeling ignored. He shared that while others who insulted Shah Rukh reconciled with him, no such effort was made in their case. “Being a senior, age...

Shah Rukh Khan enjoys performances on his songs from Baadshah and Swades as he attends AbRam’s annual day function; videos go viral

Marking his presence and playing the doting father to AbRam, Shah Rukh Khan, who has expressed his immense love for his youngest born, was seen attending the annual day function at his son’s school, ahead of the Christmas holidays. He was joined by wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana Khan who also cheered for AbRam. Not only did the actor win hearts by playing the perfect dad who recorded his son’s performances, but we saw the superstar in his elements as he enjoyed other performances with enthusiasm and even shook a leg or two with everyone at the after-party. Shah Rukh Khan dances with everyone at AbRam’s school party On many occasions, stars have confessed about the kind nature of Shah Rukh Khan. Yet again showcasing his sweet side, the superstar left everyone around him impressed when he decided to join everyone at the after-party of the annual function and even danced with other parents and kids on songs. Along with him, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also joined t...

Karan Johar reviews Bandish Bandits season 2, describes it as a "Gharana of love, anguish, and tradition"

Over the past week, Bandish Bandits Season 2 has emerged as one of the most talked-about series in the entertainment industry. The musical drama, which has already won the hearts of fans and critics alike, has received widespread acclaim from prominent Bollywood personalities. Among the many stars expressing their admiration is filmmaker Karan Johar, who recently shared his thoughts on the show, highlighting its emotional depth and unique approach to music. In his signature eloquent style, Karan Johar described Bandish Bandits as "a gharana of love, anguish, and tradition." He praised the series for its portrayal of the age-old conflict between preserving India’s classical musical heritage and the growing influence of contemporary genres like K-pop and hip-hop. "The series struck a deep chord with me, making me ponder and admire in equal measure," Johar remarked. A Heartfelt Exploration of Love and Tradition Johar went on to appreciate the series' narrative, pa...

Anees Bazmee on 45 years in film industry, "It's been a long, rewarding journey filled with countless stories, incredible collaborations and a lot of learning"

2024 has been an unforgettable year for Anees Bazmee, not only because of the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 but also as he completed 45 years in the film industry. Speaking to this writer with humility and gratitude, Anees said, “It’s been a long, rewarding journey filled with countless stories, incredible collaborations, and a lot of learning. I’m deeply humbled by the love and support I’ve received from the audience over the years. This milestone reminds me of why I fell in love with filmmaking in the first place, and I’m excited to continue creating more films that connect with people. Having assisted Raj Kapoor Saab extensively, I have imbibed lessons that have enriched my craft, and for me, the ability to grow and adapt has been the greatest gift of this journey.” He added, “As a writer first and then a director, my journey has been one of continuous learning. Over the past 45 years, I have remained in a seeking mode, constantly evolving and...