In his over half-a-century-long Hindi film career, he sang more than a thousand songs, but just three serve to demonstrate his position in the industry’s scheme of things – the madcap “Ek Chatur Naar” where Kishore Kumar beats him; the enchanting qawwali “Na to karvaan ki talash hai” where Mohammed Rafi emerges triumphant eventually; and the classical contest “Ketaki gulab juhi”, where he beats Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
This was part of the misfortune of Prabodh Chandra ‘Manna’ Dey, born on this day (May 1) in 1919 in Calcutta. His classical training, innate talent, and “masculine” voice made him perfect for all shades of songs – romantic (including those for the vintage-aged), folk ballads, philosophical musings, and more, but he was never deemed a top-notch singer.
A nephew of gifted blind singer-composer Krishna Chandra Dey, who paved his way into music and films, Manna Dey’s forte was challenging, classical-based songs, especially those that his contemporaries considered difficult,...
This was part of the misfortune of Prabodh Chandra ‘Manna’ Dey, born on this day (May 1) in 1919 in Calcutta. His classical training, innate talent, and “masculine” voice made him perfect for all shades of songs – romantic (including those for the vintage-aged), folk ballads, philosophical musings, and more, but he was never deemed a top-notch singer.
A nephew of gifted blind singer-composer Krishna Chandra Dey, who paved his way into music and films, Manna Dey’s forte was challenging, classical-based songs, especially those that his contemporaries considered difficult,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, May 1 (Ians) More than three decades before Aamir Khan’s train stunt in “Ghulam” (1998), this actor, renowned for his natural performances, had already done such a hazardous exploit, not just a daredevil challenge on the screen, but to inject reality into the scene and save the filmmaker the “bother of back projection”.
Balraj Sahni also involved Meena Kumari in his risky ruse in “Pinjre ke Panchhi” (1966), which — in another strange resemblance with Aamir’s film — was shot at Khandala. The scene had her walking on the rail tracks in a bid to commit suicide, even as he ran after her and managed to pull her aside from the rushing train at the last minute.
The filmmaker only wanted shots of him running after her and pulling her away; those of the were to be juxtapositioned. Sahni, however, knew that a train would pass the spot soon, and if they moved fast,...
Balraj Sahni also involved Meena Kumari in his risky ruse in “Pinjre ke Panchhi” (1966), which — in another strange resemblance with Aamir’s film — was shot at Khandala. The scene had her walking on the rail tracks in a bid to commit suicide, even as he ran after her and managed to pull her aside from the rushing train at the last minute.
The filmmaker only wanted shots of him running after her and pulling her away; those of the were to be juxtapositioned. Sahni, however, knew that a train would pass the spot soon, and if they moved fast,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
It was still some years before he attained iconic status as a Bollywood villain while revealing his real identity to the bemused hero in his trademark soft yet menacing drawl, but before Ajit, whose birth anniversary falls on January 27, became the “Loin”, he had to receive a salutary lesson in dealing with big cats onscreen – from Balraj Sahni.
Ajit recalled they were shooting for costume swashbuckler “Dharti” (1970) – a remake of Tamil film “Sivandha Mann” with Rajendra Kumar stepping into the shoes of Sivaji Ganesan, and a scene had him, as the evil Diwan, coming down on a lift with a tiger on a leash to where Sahni was waiting.
However, Sahni refused to go along, noting that he had agreed to “work with humans, not beasts”, and the scene had to be shot without him.
After this, Ajit, in an article for Urdu film magazine ‘Shama’ in 1975, said that he...
Ajit recalled they were shooting for costume swashbuckler “Dharti” (1970) – a remake of Tamil film “Sivandha Mann” with Rajendra Kumar stepping into the shoes of Sivaji Ganesan, and a scene had him, as the evil Diwan, coming down on a lift with a tiger on a leash to where Sahni was waiting.
However, Sahni refused to go along, noting that he had agreed to “work with humans, not beasts”, and the scene had to be shot without him.
After this, Ajit, in an article for Urdu film magazine ‘Shama’ in 1975, said that he...
- 1/27/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Versatile singer Arijit Singh’s soulful rendition of the track ‘Bhaabo Jodi’ from the movie ‘Kabuliwala’ is not only a melodious, but also an emotionally resonant song, making it a must-listen for the music enthusiasts.
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty helmed the role of ‘Rahmat’ in ‘Kabuliwala’, a cinematic marvel from the depths of history, penned by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore.
Mithun’s character Rahmat from Tagore’s masterpiece, deeply connects with audiences of all ages. ‘Kabuliwala’ is the timeless tale of Rahmat, a story of a middle-aged Afghan man, whose heart overflows with fatherly love for a little girl, Mini, in the bustling city of Kolkata set in the year of 1965.
The end credit song ‘Bhaabo Jodi’ composed by Indraadip Das Gupta, ‘features actors Mithun, Anumegha Kahali, Abir Chatterjee, and Sohini Sarkar. It beautifully encapsulates the heartwarming tale of Rahmat and the endearing idiosyncrasies shared between Mini and him.
For the unversed,...
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty helmed the role of ‘Rahmat’ in ‘Kabuliwala’, a cinematic marvel from the depths of history, penned by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore.
Mithun’s character Rahmat from Tagore’s masterpiece, deeply connects with audiences of all ages. ‘Kabuliwala’ is the timeless tale of Rahmat, a story of a middle-aged Afghan man, whose heart overflows with fatherly love for a little girl, Mini, in the bustling city of Kolkata set in the year of 1965.
The end credit song ‘Bhaabo Jodi’ composed by Indraadip Das Gupta, ‘features actors Mithun, Anumegha Kahali, Abir Chatterjee, and Sohini Sarkar. It beautifully encapsulates the heartwarming tale of Rahmat and the endearing idiosyncrasies shared between Mini and him.
For the unversed,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Dev Anand was forever on our TV screens. My mother and aunts were huge fans. But my mother also had bundles of Filmfare magazines, and large black discs of gramophones with beautiful covers of Indian actors and actresses.
Her favourite was Dilip Kumar and a close second was Dev Anand. Dev Anand lit up the screen with his perfect groomed hair, perfectly fitted clothes and the aura he gave off of wealth and sophistication other stars of his time lacked. Dev Anand could be playing an alcoholic and he would have not a single hair out of place like in “Sharabi” (1964).
When I went to Government College University Lahore for my MPhil, my mother’s response was: “Dev Anand went to Government College.” How cool was I!
Dev Anand did his BA in English from the college – and fell in love with a classmate too, according to his autobiography, but...
Her favourite was Dilip Kumar and a close second was Dev Anand. Dev Anand lit up the screen with his perfect groomed hair, perfectly fitted clothes and the aura he gave off of wealth and sophistication other stars of his time lacked. Dev Anand could be playing an alcoholic and he would have not a single hair out of place like in “Sharabi” (1964).
When I went to Government College University Lahore for my MPhil, my mother’s response was: “Dev Anand went to Government College.” How cool was I!
Dev Anand did his BA in English from the college – and fell in love with a classmate too, according to his autobiography, but...
- 9/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Dev Anand was forever on our TV screens. My mother and aunts were huge fans. But my mother also had bundles of Filmfare magazines, and large black discs of gramophones with beautiful covers of Indian actors and actresses.
Her favourite was Dilip Kumar and a close second was Dev Anand. Dev Anand lit up the screen with his perfect groomed hair, perfectly fitted clothes and the aura he gave off of wealth and sophistication other stars of his time lacked. Dev Anand could be playing an alcoholic and he would have not a single hair out of place like in “Sharabi” (1964).
When I went to Government College University Lahore for my MPhil, my mother’s response was: “Dev Anand went to Government College.” How cool was I!
Dev Anand did his BA in English from the college – and fell in love with a classmate too, according to his autobiography, but...
Her favourite was Dilip Kumar and a close second was Dev Anand. Dev Anand lit up the screen with his perfect groomed hair, perfectly fitted clothes and the aura he gave off of wealth and sophistication other stars of his time lacked. Dev Anand could be playing an alcoholic and he would have not a single hair out of place like in “Sharabi” (1964).
When I went to Government College University Lahore for my MPhil, my mother’s response was: “Dev Anand went to Government College.” How cool was I!
Dev Anand did his BA in English from the college – and fell in love with a classmate too, according to his autobiography, but...
- 9/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
In his youth, he had gone from his home in Gurdaspur to Amritsar to get medicines for his ailing mother. To quench his thirst, he ordered a glass of sugarcane juice from a stall near the Golden Temple. When the vendor took a closer look at him, he exclaimed that Dev Anand had the sun on his forehead, foretelling greatness.
The prediction did come true Dev Anand did become a star that burnt bright across an over six-decade-long career.
With his undeniable charm, fast diction, the slight lopsided gait, trademark nodding to add emphasis, the winning winsome smile, and the flamboyant sartorial style, Dev Anand sparkled in a career that began before Independence and lasted into the second decade of the 21st century.
Included in the pantheon of the top three heroes of Hindi cinema in the 1950s, he not only outpaced his peers Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who did around 70-odd films each,...
The prediction did come true Dev Anand did become a star that burnt bright across an over six-decade-long career.
With his undeniable charm, fast diction, the slight lopsided gait, trademark nodding to add emphasis, the winning winsome smile, and the flamboyant sartorial style, Dev Anand sparkled in a career that began before Independence and lasted into the second decade of the 21st century.
Included in the pantheon of the top three heroes of Hindi cinema in the 1950s, he not only outpaced his peers Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who did around 70-odd films each,...
- 9/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
In his youth, he had gone from his home in Gurdaspur to Amritsar to get medicines for his ailing mother. To quench his thirst, he ordered a glass of sugarcane juice from a stall near the Golden Temple. When the vendor took a closer look at him, he exclaimed that Dev Anand had the sun on his forehead, foretelling greatness.
The prediction did come true Dev Anand did become a star that burnt bright across an over six-decade-long career.
With his undeniable charm, fast diction, the slight lopsided gait, trademark nodding to add emphasis, the winning winsome smile, and the flamboyant sartorial style, Dev Anand sparkled in a career that began before Independence and lasted into the second decade of the 21st century.
Included in the pantheon of the top three heroes of Hindi cinema in the 1950s, he not only outpaced his peers Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who did around 70-odd films each,...
The prediction did come true Dev Anand did become a star that burnt bright across an over six-decade-long career.
With his undeniable charm, fast diction, the slight lopsided gait, trademark nodding to add emphasis, the winning winsome smile, and the flamboyant sartorial style, Dev Anand sparkled in a career that began before Independence and lasted into the second decade of the 21st century.
Included in the pantheon of the top three heroes of Hindi cinema in the 1950s, he not only outpaced his peers Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who did around 70-odd films each,...
- 9/24/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Mumbai, Sep 12 (Ians) Actor Sooraj Pancholi, who stars in the new and fresh avatar of the 1970s iconic track ‘Jaane Jaa’, said he is thrilled to be the part of the song, and shared the reason for doing the project.
The song ‘Jaane Jaa’ is from the 1972 movie ‘Jawani Diwani’, starring Randhir Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan, Balraj Sahni, and Nirupa Roy in the lead. The original track was sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle.
The new version of ‘Jaane Jaa’ features the soulful voices of Atif Aslam and Asees Kaur and has been reimagined by DJ Chetas. Sooraj and TV actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia engage the audiences in the music video.
Sooraj, who is delighted to be back on screen with ‘Jaane Jaa’, said: “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of this iconic track Jaane Jaa’s re-creation. The theme and the storyline of the music video are...
The song ‘Jaane Jaa’ is from the 1972 movie ‘Jawani Diwani’, starring Randhir Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan, Balraj Sahni, and Nirupa Roy in the lead. The original track was sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle.
The new version of ‘Jaane Jaa’ features the soulful voices of Atif Aslam and Asees Kaur and has been reimagined by DJ Chetas. Sooraj and TV actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia engage the audiences in the music video.
Sooraj, who is delighted to be back on screen with ‘Jaane Jaa’, said: “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of this iconic track Jaane Jaa’s re-creation. The theme and the storyline of the music video are...
- 9/12/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Aug 30 (Ians) Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, is the time of joyous celebrations where sisters cherish their bond by tying rakhi around the wrist of their brothers, a symbol of mutual trust, friendship and love.
Our siblings may be the people who annoy us the most, but they are also the people who are sometimes the biggest figures of influence in our lives, their role in our lives actively shapes us and without them, life may just become a bit too empty.
To commemorate this joyous occasion, Ians has put together Top 10 Hindi songs celebrating the spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
1. ‘Phoolon ka taaron ka’: An icon of Indian cinema and music, this track from the 1971 film ‘Hare Ram, Hare Krishna’, is indeed a timeless Raksha Bandhan classic that has defined the Raksha Bandhan and touched the hearts of generations. The song is picturised on Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman.
Our siblings may be the people who annoy us the most, but they are also the people who are sometimes the biggest figures of influence in our lives, their role in our lives actively shapes us and without them, life may just become a bit too empty.
To commemorate this joyous occasion, Ians has put together Top 10 Hindi songs celebrating the spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
1. ‘Phoolon ka taaron ka’: An icon of Indian cinema and music, this track from the 1971 film ‘Hare Ram, Hare Krishna’, is indeed a timeless Raksha Bandhan classic that has defined the Raksha Bandhan and touched the hearts of generations. The song is picturised on Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman.
- 8/30/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is one of the most awaited festivals for the Indians and the diaspora. The festival, which is celebrated on a full moon day during the Hindu month of Sawan, has a special place in the hearts of all the siblings and cousins.
Cinema, too, has given an ode to the festival in different forms, most notably in the form of relationship dynamics between the characters: a special scene which becomes the essence of storytelling or a song that outlives its artistes and the film itself.
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Wednesday, here are 5 films that celebrate the spirit of this ocassion:
1. ‘Rakhi’: The film which was released in 1962 stars Raju (played by Ashok Kumar) and his little sister Radha (played by Waheeda Rehman) as orphaned siblings, who look after each other. However, in the course of the narrative, the two have a rift...
Cinema, too, has given an ode to the festival in different forms, most notably in the form of relationship dynamics between the characters: a special scene which becomes the essence of storytelling or a song that outlives its artistes and the film itself.
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan on Wednesday, here are 5 films that celebrate the spirit of this ocassion:
1. ‘Rakhi’: The film which was released in 1962 stars Raju (played by Ashok Kumar) and his little sister Radha (played by Waheeda Rehman) as orphaned siblings, who look after each other. However, in the course of the narrative, the two have a rift...
- 8/30/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
"I found Bimal Roy at his desk, writing something, when I entered his cabin. As he stopped writing and looked up, he appeared to be taken aback. He fixed me with a steady gaze and kept staring at me in silence… After a while, he turned to the people seated at the rear end of the cabin and said to them in Bengali: ‘Is this the man you had in mind? What sort of a joke are you playing on me?’
"Apparently, he wasn’t aware that I knew Bengali. Without even offering me a seat, he said to me, ‘Mr. Sahni, my men have made a mistake. I can see that you are totally unsuited to play the sort of role I wish to present in my film’," Balraj Sahni wrote in his autobiography ‘Meri Filmi Atamkatha’.
A shattered Sahni managed to ask what role it was and Roy...
"Apparently, he wasn’t aware that I knew Bengali. Without even offering me a seat, he said to me, ‘Mr. Sahni, my men have made a mistake. I can see that you are totally unsuited to play the sort of role I wish to present in my film’," Balraj Sahni wrote in his autobiography ‘Meri Filmi Atamkatha’.
A shattered Sahni managed to ask what role it was and Roy...
- 5/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
By numbers, her work in the Hindi film industry seems quite scanty — at 33 films in around a decade and a half. But the statistics fail to reveal that, save around five, all were box-office hits, and some of them broke new ground, making her one of the most popular and successful actresses of all times — and a fashion icon too.
Though she struck gold right from her debut as female lead, and went on to become an “in demand” actress for everything, from frothy romances to tear-jerkers, Sadhana is most remembered for her trademark hairstyle — the famous “Sadhana cut” of fringes or short bangs (itself inspired by the elfin and charming Audrey Hepburn) — and pioneering form-fitting kurtas and churidar pyjamas.
But in her comparatively limited outings, Sadhana, who was born on this day in 1941, showcased her acting prowess. She could essay roles of a rich heiress to a village belle...
Though she struck gold right from her debut as female lead, and went on to become an “in demand” actress for everything, from frothy romances to tear-jerkers, Sadhana is most remembered for her trademark hairstyle — the famous “Sadhana cut” of fringes or short bangs (itself inspired by the elfin and charming Audrey Hepburn) — and pioneering form-fitting kurtas and churidar pyjamas.
But in her comparatively limited outings, Sadhana, who was born on this day in 1941, showcased her acting prowess. She could essay roles of a rich heiress to a village belle...
- 9/2/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Raj Kapoor’s naive innocence, as seen in “Mera joota hai Japani” to “Sab kuch seekha hamne”, Dilip Kumar’s restrained sorrow in “Toote hue khwabon” or “Yeh mera diwanapan hai”, Shammi Kapoor’s exuberant ebullience in “Chahe koi mujhe jungli kahe”, or Dev Anand’s cheerful jauntiness in “Khoya khoya chand” to “Gaata rahe mera dil” — all owe their origin to one man.
One of Hindi cinema’s most inspired, capable yet self-effacing wordsmiths, acknowledged duly by his peers — Raj Kapoor called him his “Pushkin” — and seen as inspiration by a later generation of lyricists, especially Gulzar, Shailendra, born Shankardas Kesarilal on this day (August 30) in 1923, left an indelible impact on film songs.
His oeuvre may not even add up to four figures in a career cut short by his untimely death, but in the span of a decade and half, his richness of thought entwined with an endearing...
One of Hindi cinema’s most inspired, capable yet self-effacing wordsmiths, acknowledged duly by his peers — Raj Kapoor called him his “Pushkin” — and seen as inspiration by a later generation of lyricists, especially Gulzar, Shailendra, born Shankardas Kesarilal on this day (August 30) in 1923, left an indelible impact on film songs.
His oeuvre may not even add up to four figures in a career cut short by his untimely death, but in the span of a decade and half, his richness of thought entwined with an endearing...
- 8/30/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.Garam Hava.“The land is divided, lives are shattered. Storms rage in every heart; it’s the same here or there. Funeral pyres in every home, the flames mount higher. Every city is deserted; it’s the same here or there.”Thus begins M.S. Sathyu’s seminal historical drama Garam Hava (Scorching Winds, 1974), one of the most insightful films about the 1947 Partition of India. The Partition was a cataclysmic migration event in the histories of both India and Pakistan—the “here or there” referenced in these lines by screenwriter and poet Kaifi Azmi, though it’s purposefully not made explicit which refers to which. In Garam Hava, a shoe manufacturer named Salim Mirza (an eloquent final performance in the legendary career of actor Balraj Sahni) watches his family migrate to...
- 8/19/2022
- MUBI
The eighth edition of the International Film Festival of Shimla will be held from August 26-28 at Gaiety Theatre in Himachal Pradesh capital with Bollywood actress Divya Dutta as the celebrity guest, it was announced on Thursday.
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur said the screening of Divya Dutta’s transgender-based film Sheer Korma at the film festival will be presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
This time, 81 films will be screened at the International Film Festival of Shimla. Twenty-seven films in the international category, 34 Indian films, 4 Himachali films and 15 national award winning films will be screened in the three-day festival.
This time, films from 17 countries including Canada, the US, Spain, Iran, Brazil, Iceland, Mexico, Australia, Greece, Russia — will be screened. These include documentary, animation feature and short films.
Gujarati feature film ’21 M U Tiffin’ directed by Vijay Giri Baba, Hindi feature film ‘Alpha Beta Gama’ directed by Shankar Sri Kumar,...
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur said the screening of Divya Dutta’s transgender-based film Sheer Korma at the film festival will be presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
This time, 81 films will be screened at the International Film Festival of Shimla. Twenty-seven films in the international category, 34 Indian films, 4 Himachali films and 15 national award winning films will be screened in the three-day festival.
This time, films from 17 countries including Canada, the US, Spain, Iran, Brazil, Iceland, Mexico, Australia, Greece, Russia — will be screened. These include documentary, animation feature and short films.
Gujarati feature film ’21 M U Tiffin’ directed by Vijay Giri Baba, Hindi feature film ‘Alpha Beta Gama’ directed by Shankar Sri Kumar,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
By Ahana Bhattacharya
Kolkata, Nov 20 (Ians) Belashuru, the last film of Bangla cinema legend Soumitra Chattopadhyay, could release on his birthday, January 19, if things normalise in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.
The film is directed by the acclaimed duo of Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy. On Friday, speaking to Ians, Mukherjee spoke of release plans of the film.
"Belashuru is the sequel to Bela Seshe (2015) and it is also Soumitra Da's last film, which makes it really close to our heart. The film was ready to be released on the 5th of June this year, but the pandemic had other plans and we had to postpone release. We are waiting for things to normalise and once 100 per cent audience is allowed in the theatres, we will release the film. Now we are planning to release the film on January 19, 2021, on Soumitra Da's birthday. If that doesn't work out then,...
Kolkata, Nov 20 (Ians) Belashuru, the last film of Bangla cinema legend Soumitra Chattopadhyay, could release on his birthday, January 19, if things normalise in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.
The film is directed by the acclaimed duo of Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy. On Friday, speaking to Ians, Mukherjee spoke of release plans of the film.
"Belashuru is the sequel to Bela Seshe (2015) and it is also Soumitra Da's last film, which makes it really close to our heart. The film was ready to be released on the 5th of June this year, but the pandemic had other plans and we had to postpone release. We are waiting for things to normalise and once 100 per cent audience is allowed in the theatres, we will release the film. Now we are planning to release the film on January 19, 2021, on Soumitra Da's birthday. If that doesn't work out then,...
- 11/20/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Ludo (Netflix)
Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rajkummar Rao, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Suresh Saraf, Pearle Maaney, Inayat Verma, Paritosh Tripathi, Asha Negi, Shalini Vatsa
Cinematography and Directed by Anurag Basu
“When luck suck, everyone f…k, ” drawls Pankaj Tripathy, delightfully droll and wickedly wise as a chawl-level ganglord. The grammatical gaffe notwithstanding, every character in the film would have to agree with Pankaj Bhaiyya. Who would dare not to?!
Look at what life rolls out for Akash Chauhan. He had just about put to rest his feelings for the brazenly materialistic Ahana (Sanya Malhotra) when a video clip of their nocturnal activities crops up on everyone’s phone. If you consider the fact that Akash has a talent for ventriloquism you would know what the couple is in for with the voyeuristic video.
Aditya Roy Kapoor is just splendid as Akash. What a fine...
Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rajkummar Rao, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Suresh Saraf, Pearle Maaney, Inayat Verma, Paritosh Tripathi, Asha Negi, Shalini Vatsa
Cinematography and Directed by Anurag Basu
“When luck suck, everyone f…k, ” drawls Pankaj Tripathy, delightfully droll and wickedly wise as a chawl-level ganglord. The grammatical gaffe notwithstanding, every character in the film would have to agree with Pankaj Bhaiyya. Who would dare not to?!
Look at what life rolls out for Akash Chauhan. He had just about put to rest his feelings for the brazenly materialistic Ahana (Sanya Malhotra) when a video clip of their nocturnal activities crops up on everyone’s phone. If you consider the fact that Akash has a talent for ventriloquism you would know what the couple is in for with the voyeuristic video.
Aditya Roy Kapoor is just splendid as Akash. What a fine...
- 11/12/2020
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Whose land is it anyway? At a time when the Indian Muslim finds himself isolated like never before, Anubhav Sinha’s Mulk serves as a jolting reminder of how far into the darkest recesses of distrust and animosity, terrorism has taken the blame game.
First of all, it is very hard to believe that Sinha, whose earlier credits include fluff stuff like Tum Bin and Ra.One, has actually created this modern political masterpiece which attempts very successfully to humanize a community that has been demonized by some negative elements. And yet Mulk doesn’t take sides, doesn’t make the Indian Muslim community a portrait of injured innocence.
What it does do—and full-marks to Anubhav Sinha for writing a script that doesn’t bend backwards to humanize the community under siege—is to lay bare the layers of deception that mars a truly fruitful dialogue between sane rational...
First of all, it is very hard to believe that Sinha, whose earlier credits include fluff stuff like Tum Bin and Ra.One, has actually created this modern political masterpiece which attempts very successfully to humanize a community that has been demonized by some negative elements. And yet Mulk doesn’t take sides, doesn’t make the Indian Muslim community a portrait of injured innocence.
What it does do—and full-marks to Anubhav Sinha for writing a script that doesn’t bend backwards to humanize the community under siege—is to lay bare the layers of deception that mars a truly fruitful dialogue between sane rational...
- 8/2/2018
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Starring: Raghuvir Yadav, Veerendra Saxena, Shoaib Nikash Shah, Sonali Sehgal
Directed by Rahat Kazmi
The stories of Saadat Hassan Manto are not pretty evening-time entertainment to be ingested with a glass of ‘read’ wine. They are gut-wrenching nauseating, stomach-churning renditions of a time when India was split into two.
So were human skulls and while many fled to the new country nextdoor, a lot of legs were forcibly parted by marauders masquerading as political vigilantes. Yes, rape is not pretty and when a young gangraped girl responds to the simple request ‘Khol de’ by reflexively loosening her salwaar we know the times that this film takes us back to must never be visited again.
This cinematic visit to those troubled times serves up a telling warning.
Director Rahat Kazmi must be commended for bringing to life 4 of Manto’s most savage depictions of the pains of Partition. Rather than narrate...
Directed by Rahat Kazmi
The stories of Saadat Hassan Manto are not pretty evening-time entertainment to be ingested with a glass of ‘read’ wine. They are gut-wrenching nauseating, stomach-churning renditions of a time when India was split into two.
So were human skulls and while many fled to the new country nextdoor, a lot of legs were forcibly parted by marauders masquerading as political vigilantes. Yes, rape is not pretty and when a young gangraped girl responds to the simple request ‘Khol de’ by reflexively loosening her salwaar we know the times that this film takes us back to must never be visited again.
This cinematic visit to those troubled times serves up a telling warning.
Director Rahat Kazmi must be commended for bringing to life 4 of Manto’s most savage depictions of the pains of Partition. Rather than narrate...
- 5/7/2017
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Remember the evergreen song 'Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen' by Manna Dey? It came at the beginning of Yash Chopra's film Waqt when Balraj Sahni playing a prosperous entrepreneur breaks into a celebratory song and dance in sheer contentment.
Akshay's character's pride and predicament in director Raja Krishna Menon's Airlift is modeled on Balraj Sahni in Yash Chopra's Waqt whose life and family fell apart after a devastating earthquake.
Airlift even has Akshay Kumar singing a song like 'Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen' in the beginning before the invasion of Kuwai by Saddam Hussain.
Says the film's producer Vikram Malhotra, "The film shows how the poshest most affluent and cushy life can come apart within seconds. We wanted to show Akshay as a rich happy family man who feels like having a good time at a party, flirting with his wife (Nimrat Kaur), just like in the song 'Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen' in Waqt.
Akshay's character's pride and predicament in director Raja Krishna Menon's Airlift is modeled on Balraj Sahni in Yash Chopra's Waqt whose life and family fell apart after a devastating earthquake.
Airlift even has Akshay Kumar singing a song like 'Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen' in the beginning before the invasion of Kuwai by Saddam Hussain.
Says the film's producer Vikram Malhotra, "The film shows how the poshest most affluent and cushy life can come apart within seconds. We wanted to show Akshay as a rich happy family man who feels like having a good time at a party, flirting with his wife (Nimrat Kaur), just like in the song 'Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen' in Waqt.
- 12/15/2015
- by Subhash K. Jha
- BollywoodHungama
It’s where Amitabh Bachchan took Jaya on one of their first dates, where Infosys co founder Nandan Nilekeni had proposed to his wife, where artists like Mf Hussain and Tyeb Mehta would sit doodling for hours, where poet Nissim Ezekiel would hold fort with young students from Elphinstone college next door and where cartoonists like Mario Miranda, writers like Behram (Busybee) Contractor and filmmakers like Shyam Benegal would measure out their lives in tea spoons dreaming of their next creative venture.
And now after 50 glorious years, is bidding adieu, downing its shutters, shutting shop, saying goodbye. And in an age of fast food, ephemeral relationships and franchise coffee it will be the end of an era.
An era of grace, hospitality and good wholesome food, when a young Usha Khanna, back from a stint in France where her husband the documentary film maker Rajbans Khanna had been awarded the...
And now after 50 glorious years, is bidding adieu, downing its shutters, shutting shop, saying goodbye. And in an age of fast food, ephemeral relationships and franchise coffee it will be the end of an era.
An era of grace, hospitality and good wholesome food, when a young Usha Khanna, back from a stint in France where her husband the documentary film maker Rajbans Khanna had been awarded the...
- 3/21/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Dilip Kumar has the privilege of acting opposite great actors of Indian cinema. From Prithviraj Kapoor (Mughal-e-azam), Sohrab Modi (Yahudi) , Moti Lal (Devdas), Balraj Sahni (Sangharsh), Raaj Kumar (Saudagar) and Amitabh Bachchan (Shakti). However, the only actor who has overshadowed Dilip Kumar till date has been, any guess.? Yes, you have rightly guessed. He is none other but the exceptional Sanjeev Kumar. And what's amazing is that Dilip Kumar has no regrets, instead the...
- 12/11/2013
- GlamSham
After the recent news about him not featuring in Nh 10, Rajkumar Yadav is said to have bagged the remake of Bimal Roy's classic Do Bigha Zameen, titled City Lights to be produced by Bhatts and Fox Star Studios. While we hear that Rajkumar opted out of the Anushka Sharma starrer citing date issues, the actor seems to have had no problem in striking a deal for this Hansal Mehta directorial. Raj Kumar will be essaying the role of Balraj Sahni from the original. The film has also been a victim of controversy after director Ajay Bahl walked out of it. The B A Pass fame director Ajay was initially roped in by the Bhatts for this ambitious venture but he backed out citing creative differences. Now, Hansal Mehta has been brought in, to direct the movie. However, now with the director and lead actor in place, the movie is...
- 11/5/2013
- BollywoodHungama
Cinema Beyond Boundaries wrapped its weekend stretch in New York on September 29 at Sva (School of Visual Arts)with educational sessions redefining the world cinema for film enthusiasts. The two- day conference was attended by filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar from east and well- known panelists including film director Micheal Canzoniero and Dan Fogler, music composer Wayne Sharpe, director and producer Vladan Nikolic and actors Reshma Shetty and Ajay Naidu.
Other panelists were Aroon Shivdasani, School of Visual Arts NYC president Reeves Lehmann and Tanuj Chopra with moderators Anna Swanson and Vishesh Sharma.
The event was presented by Molecule Communications whose founders, brother- sister duo, Ajay Shrivastav and Kiren Shrivastav aimed at educating guests on the inside workings of the industry from contracts, to unions, to first hand experiences of actors, directors, screenwriters and producers from different kind of cinema starting with Indian and American cinema. Event was attended by film students,...
Other panelists were Aroon Shivdasani, School of Visual Arts NYC president Reeves Lehmann and Tanuj Chopra with moderators Anna Swanson and Vishesh Sharma.
The event was presented by Molecule Communications whose founders, brother- sister duo, Ajay Shrivastav and Kiren Shrivastav aimed at educating guests on the inside workings of the industry from contracts, to unions, to first hand experiences of actors, directors, screenwriters and producers from different kind of cinema starting with Indian and American cinema. Event was attended by film students,...
- 10/3/2013
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
New Delhi, June 4: Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar will share screen space with veteran film and TV actor Parikshit Sahni for a commercial. She says it was an humbling experience.
The two will be seen together in Tara Jewellers' first TV campaign.
"It was a great honour to be acting with Parikshit sir. He is such a senior and experienced actor, and it was a very humbling and learning experience to be acting with him," Swara, who was last seen in "Aurangzeb", said in a statement.
The veteran actor, who plays Gyaneshwar in Zee TV's show "Aaj Ki Housewife Hai... Sab Jaanti Hai", is the son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni.
The two will be seen together in Tara Jewellers' first TV campaign.
"It was a great honour to be acting with Parikshit sir. He is such a senior and experienced actor, and it was a very humbling and learning experience to be acting with him," Swara, who was last seen in "Aurangzeb", said in a statement.
The veteran actor, who plays Gyaneshwar in Zee TV's show "Aaj Ki Housewife Hai... Sab Jaanti Hai", is the son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni.
- 6/4/2013
- by Diksha Singh
- RealBollywood.com
Mumbai, May 26: Films about Indian cinema's legendary personalities are still a rarity. And one of those rare attempts is being made by Deepti Naval - she is keenly interested in making a non-fictional film on the life and times of that amazingly naturalistic actor Balraj Sahni, but facing certain problems.
Deepti, who is aesthetically motivated by Balraj Sahni's effortless performances, has been researching his life for years. Just when she was ready to put all her research material on screen for the immortal actor's birth centenary this month, a hurdle has placed in Deepti's plans by Balraj Sahni's son Parikshat Sahni.
Explains.
Deepti, who is aesthetically motivated by Balraj Sahni's effortless performances, has been researching his life for years. Just when she was ready to put all her research material on screen for the immortal actor's birth centenary this month, a hurdle has placed in Deepti's plans by Balraj Sahni's son Parikshat Sahni.
Explains.
- 5/26/2013
- by Meeta Kabra
- RealBollywood.com
Recently, the 13th Annual New York Indian Film Festival (Nyiff) announced the lineup for their “100 Years of Indian Cinema” series presented by Incredible India! Ever since pioneer filmmaker D.G Phalke released his first feature film Raja Harishchandra on May 3, 1913, India has continued to be the most prolific and diverse film industry in the world. To mark the global celebration of 100 years of Indian Cinema, Nyiff is featuring an exceptionally compelling array of films preceding Cannes. The lineup includes three rarely seen masterpieces from different time periods, as well as two world-premiere documentaries that explore different facets of Indian filmmaking.
These classic films will celebrate recent efforts at film restoration, which are bringing some of India’s greatest cinematic treasures to an international audience. According to Film Festival Director Aseem Chhabra, “In the recent years, many scholars, film programmers and archivists have expressed deep concerns about the state of old Indian films.
These classic films will celebrate recent efforts at film restoration, which are bringing some of India’s greatest cinematic treasures to an international audience. According to Film Festival Director Aseem Chhabra, “In the recent years, many scholars, film programmers and archivists have expressed deep concerns about the state of old Indian films.
- 4/22/2013
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
After Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro it’s the turn of M.S. Sathyu’s Garam Hawa to be re-released after restoration. The film has been restored, its soundtrack has been digitally re-mastered to Dolby stereo format, and it is all set to be released on January 18, 2013, on 100 screens across India by Dar Films. The 1973 Hindi-Urdu film was based on an unpublished Urdu short story by Ismat Chughtai and adapted for screen by Kaifi Azmi, who also wrote its lyrics. The film was the last film of the late Balraj Sahni. It was India's official entry to the Academy Award's Read More...
- 11/26/2012
- Bollywood Trade
“I always believe that my films should give some hope to the man who comes to watch them for those three hours. If he goes home on an optimistic note, I would feel satisfied at having done my duty.” – Yash Chopra
It was indeed a sad day when news spread that one of India’s finest filmmakers, Mr. Yash Chopra, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 80. Mr. Chopra is an undisputable legend and he has crafted some of the finest commercial films the Bollywood audiences have ever feasted their eyes upon. If Satyajit Ray is considered by Indian film enthusiasts to be the supreme director when it comes to art-house cinema, Yash Chopra can be classified as the definitive director when it comes to mainstream cinema. Yash Chopra is largely famous for making wonderful romantic films, though he has directed a handful of non-romantic films also. Yet no director...
It was indeed a sad day when news spread that one of India’s finest filmmakers, Mr. Yash Chopra, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 80. Mr. Chopra is an undisputable legend and he has crafted some of the finest commercial films the Bollywood audiences have ever feasted their eyes upon. If Satyajit Ray is considered by Indian film enthusiasts to be the supreme director when it comes to art-house cinema, Yash Chopra can be classified as the definitive director when it comes to mainstream cinema. Yash Chopra is largely famous for making wonderful romantic films, though he has directed a handful of non-romantic films also. Yet no director...
- 10/24/2012
- by Bodrul Chaudhury
- Bollyspice
Mumbai, Aug 26: Indian People's Theatre Association (Ipta) will pay tribute to the works of veteran actor A.K. Hangal, who started his acting journey with theatre, at a ceremony at the Prithvi Theatre Monday.
Hangal, who was involved with Ipta along with other veterans inclduing Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi, passed away here Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 97.
"Tomorrow Aug 27 between 4-5 p.m., ceremony for A.K. Hangal Saheb at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. All are welcome..
Hangal, who was involved with Ipta along with other veterans inclduing Balraj Sahni and Kaifi Azmi, passed away here Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 97.
"Tomorrow Aug 27 between 4-5 p.m., ceremony for A.K. Hangal Saheb at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. All are welcome..
- 8/26/2012
- by Rahul Kapoor
- RealBollywood.com
Shimla, May 9: Screen legend Balraj Sahni was very fond of the hills and now his actor-son Parikshit Sahni is paying him a tribute by setting his first production venture - with the army as its theme - in Himachal Pradesh.
"My father loved Shimla's tranquillity so much that he used to spend most of his time reading books here," said Parikshit, himself a veteran of over 90 films.
His movie, with three characters, is inspired by Sharad Kumar's novel "Shikhar Aur Seemayan". He plans to shoot the film in Rohtang Pass (3,978 metres) in the Pir Panjal range, 51.
"My father loved Shimla's tranquillity so much that he used to spend most of his time reading books here," said Parikshit, himself a veteran of over 90 films.
His movie, with three characters, is inspired by Sharad Kumar's novel "Shikhar Aur Seemayan". He plans to shoot the film in Rohtang Pass (3,978 metres) in the Pir Panjal range, 51.
- 5/9/2012
- by Leon David
- RealBollywood.com
Veteran actress Achala Sachdev, who is best known for her portrayal of Balraj Sahni's wife in Waqt, passed away early this morning. The actress, who was 91 years old, breathed her last at a Pune hospital. Achala had been unwell for a while and her condition became extremely critical few days ago after which she was put on ventilator support. The actress was last seen in films like Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Bollywood Hungama offers its condolences to her family members.
- 4/30/2012
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Soumitra Chatterjee
Soumitra Chatterjee has been my way of life. He is, for many Bengalis even if he passed our stage of life three decades ago. This is one classic test that he endured like his mentor Satyajit Ray. But even apart from the towering shadow of Ray, Soumitra carved out an image for himself which he fostered over a period of time, so much so that even younger generations can’t but try to emulate him.
Be it the dreamer in Apu (Apur Sansar) or Amal (Charulata), the charismatic sleuth in Feluda (Sonar Kella), the casual romantic in Teen Bhuvaner Paare (twisting his way to impress Tanuja) and Basanta Bilap or the fairy-tale villain Mayur Bahan in Jhinder Bandi, Soumitra has played it all. He had been a successful hero, second only to Uttam Kumar in popularity perhaps but never shied away from doing character roles even then. How...
Soumitra Chatterjee has been my way of life. He is, for many Bengalis even if he passed our stage of life three decades ago. This is one classic test that he endured like his mentor Satyajit Ray. But even apart from the towering shadow of Ray, Soumitra carved out an image for himself which he fostered over a period of time, so much so that even younger generations can’t but try to emulate him.
Be it the dreamer in Apu (Apur Sansar) or Amal (Charulata), the charismatic sleuth in Feluda (Sonar Kella), the casual romantic in Teen Bhuvaner Paare (twisting his way to impress Tanuja) and Basanta Bilap or the fairy-tale villain Mayur Bahan in Jhinder Bandi, Soumitra has played it all. He had been a successful hero, second only to Uttam Kumar in popularity perhaps but never shied away from doing character roles even then. How...
- 3/22/2012
- by Amitava Nag
- DearCinema.com
Farhan Akhtar has not only begun to grow his hair and beard to be ready to play a Sikh athlete in .Bhag Milkha Bhag., he has also changed his lifestyle. Every morning he is up early to put in those extra hours of practice for his role as Milkha Singh and says he has to get it right..I am playing someone who is iconic. I can.t afford to get it wrong. But the role.s authenticity is what makes it exciting for me. If I can pick roles that can surprise me and the audience, I.ve achieved what I set out to as an actor,. said Farhan..Yes, there is a radical change in my lifestyle. I.ve a training session every morning from 6.45 to 8. I wrap up my athletic activities by 9 in the morning. In any case, the film industry is not awake before 9 a.m.
- 1/17/2012
- Filmicafe
He broke all the rules of stardom and yet was a star, a romantic hero and an all-rounder par excellence. 47 was no age for one of Hindi cinema's brightest talents to go, but on November 6, 1985, Sanjeev Kumar passed away, leaving fans, friends and the Hindi film shell-shocked. Gulzar remembers Sanjeev Kumar "For me, he was the complete actor. I have always said that I had two anchors - one was Sanjeev Kumar, and the other was R.D.Burman. What most people do not know is that I knew Haribhai (as I called him) from the late 1950s. We were both with the Indian National Theatre where I would write for the plays and he was a stage actor. Sanjeev was a student of P.D.Shenoy, who was also teaching at the Filmalaya School of Acting and later turned film director. Sanjeev was just over 20 years old, and he was playing a father!
- 11/4/2010
- by Rajiv Vijayakar (Screen Weekly)
- BollywoodHungama
Caralisa Monteiro + Nikhil D’souza When: August 4Venue: Blue Frog, D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, Nm Joshi Marg, Lower ParelTime: 9.30 onwardsEntry: Rs 300Call: 61586158, 65251716/18 Nikhil D'Souza was the Sutasi winner for Solo Artistes South Asia and the grand finalist for the Pan Asian Sutasi competition. The strength of his songs, the beautiful tones and range of his voice. He is heavily influenced by Sting, Jeff Buckley, Damien Rice. Retro nightsWhen: August 4Venue: Gadda da Vida, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach Time: 10 pm onwardsEntry: FreeCall: 6693 4444 This August, Gadda da Vida, at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, will host ...
- 8/4/2010
- Hindustan Times - Cinema
Another actress who is going to put her life in a book is the glamour queen Rekha. There are many others who have done it so far, and Rekkha will join the list of Dev Anand, Vyjayanthimala, the late Balraj Sahni and Sanjay Dutt.
Sanjay Dutt has named his autobiography 'The Lion Roars.' When Dev Anand wrote his book named 'Romancing With Life', people were a little disappointed as the facts there were tamed down and the author had avoided putting down several controversies. Now we are wondering whether Rekha will also do the same.
Here's what we already know...she wants to talk about all the people who have helped her shape her life, beginning with her mother, who she felt loved her the most.
Rekha would also like to make a film on the same.
by Domain55.com...
Sanjay Dutt has named his autobiography 'The Lion Roars.' When Dev Anand wrote his book named 'Romancing With Life', people were a little disappointed as the facts there were tamed down and the author had avoided putting down several controversies. Now we are wondering whether Rekha will also do the same.
Here's what we already know...she wants to talk about all the people who have helped her shape her life, beginning with her mother, who she felt loved her the most.
Rekha would also like to make a film on the same.
by Domain55.com...
- 10/27/2009
- by Ajit
- BollywoodBuzz
A product of Delhi's famous St. Columbus school and the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce, Anuj Sawhney did his Mba from Us in International Corporate Finance and International Corporate Marketing. He comes from a highly well placed family and has a good export business going. However, acting runs in his blood. Not many will know (as the shy and humble actor does not like to reveal) that his acting lineage goes back to the master actor, the late Balraj Sahni and his well...
- 8/29/2009
- GlamSham
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