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Sunny Deol finds himself both under the glare of the media and at the centre of a massive cinematic gamble. After the commercial success of Jaat, directed by Gopi Chand Malineni, the veteran actor is reportedly lined up for six major projects in 2026 — a slate that trade sources estimate represents roughly Rs 750–800 crore of production value riding on his presence. Leading the pack is Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and said to boast an ensemble including Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan and Sonam Bajwa alongside Deol. Industry estimates peg its budget at around Rs 90 crore. The most eye-catching commitment is Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari — a highly ambitious epic that reports suggest could cost close to Rs 400 crore, making it one of the landmark productions on the horizon. Other noteworthy films on Deol’s plate include Lahore 1947, backed by Aamir Khan’s production house and expected to be a substantial project; M Padmakumar’s Soorya, a Hindi remake of the Malayalam thriller Joseph, which trades estimate at about Rs 60 crore; and Jaat 2, already announced and anticipated in the region of Rs 50 crore. Rounding out the list is Baap, directed by Vivek Singh Chauhan and reportedly featuring Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt and Mithun Chakraborty in supporting roles — another mid-to-large-budget venture. Taken together, these six titles — Border 2, Ramayana: Part One, Lahore 1947, Soorya, Jaat 2 and Baap — place an unprecedented financial spotlight on Deol. While not all budgets and release plans are final, the sheer scale of this slate underscores his continued bankability and the high stakes studios are placing on his draw. With paparazzi headlines and production calendars both heating up, 2026 promises to be a defining year for Sunny Deol.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)has perhaps forgotten the adage – once bitten, twice shy. Despite its humiliating defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections just a year ago, MVA partners have failed to team up to take on the saffron Mahayuti, led by the BJP. While voting for the local body elections is scheduled to take place on December 3, only three days are left for campaigning. However, the Congress has refused to include the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray into the MVA fold. The NCP-SP led by veteran Sharad Pawar is hardly visible except in certain pockets in Pune and Satara districts. Moreover, it has aligned with the NCP faction led by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who split the parent party three years ago. Thereby, confusing signals about the Pawar clan in particular and about MVA in general are becoming viral, adding to the vexation of the voting public. Surprisingly, no prominent MVA leader has ventured out for campaigning against the Mahayuti. On the other hand, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and both deputy CMs, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, are combing the countryside tirelessly. MVA leaders are visible only in front of TV cameras or through press notes, making impossible demands. Perhaps sensing the verdict, they have started shouting in chorus against EVMs and charging that the electoral rolls are suspicious. Re-enactment of Bihar is, thus, feared by the rank and file of MVA.
Manish Bansal, an old timer at the Welspun Group heading its operations as CFO in the UK, Europe and the USA begins this New Year with a bang. Bansal has been promoted as President & CFO of Welspun Living Ltd, a part of the $ 3.6 bn Welspun Group. This new title sees Bansal moving from the Land of Blighty to Aamchi Mumbai. Bansal moves from Manchester to the Welspun office at Kamala Mills in Lower Parel. Bansal has been recognised by his colleagues and peers as a key strategist for the global operations of the company. In his new role Bansal will steer Welspun Living’s financial strategy, capital structure, and governance initiatives, positioning the company for sustained growth, improved value creation, and robust financial discipline. With growth in America under the Trump regime not so conducive and the UK not too encouraging for the home furnishing business, Bansal, it is learnt, has drawn up plans to aggressively penetrate into the South East Asian markets and tap countries like Australia and New Zealand too. While in the UK Bansal was actively responsible for developing Christy’s brand to lure the retail market with Welspun products.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has consciously made clear distinction (course correction) for BJP’s further growth in the state. With elections for over 29 municipal corporations, a higher number of municipal councils and even more local self-bodies due imminently, Maharashtra’s Chanakya has put his party first, over alliance considerations. During the 2024 Lok Sabha polls political alliance-Dharma exuberance saw BJP suffering sharp losses in Maharashtra, down to a single digit victory figure of nine MPs despite contesting 28 seats as against the tally of 23 enjoyed in 2019 after pitting 25 candidates back then. The Sena similarly won 18 of the 23 seats it contested in alliance with BJP in 2019. The bifurcated Shiv Sena faction under former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray (UBT) contested 21 seats in 2024, sending only nine MPs to parliament. Just before the subsequent state assembly elections Fadnavis was anointed ‘Maharashtra’s Sarvashri’ by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Fadnavis micromanaged the whole process, putting up BJP candidates to include Nilesh Rane, Shaina NC to contest even as alliance partner Shiv Sena candidates (deputy CM Eknath Shinde led party). The result was an overwhelming victory for the Mahayuti alliance, with BJP bagging 132 by itself, the NDA alliance securing 235 out of 288 assembly seats in all. And yet, post facto analysis of the Lok Sabha debacle clearly revealed to Fadnavis that alliance partner NCP’s vote share (led by deputy CM Ajit Pawar) did not transfer to BJP candidates. Now, Fadnavis has made it clear that no micromanagement, political exuberance will be shown in an each-party-for-itself political showdown though alliance understanding will decide seats to be contested in the civic polls. Poaching of Eknath Shinde’s men in Thane by the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s recent political embarrassments only point in this direction.
The Trinamool Congress’ internal dynamics have once again brought its simmering generational rifts into sharp focus. A routine review of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has instead revived questions about the shifting balance of authority within the party. TMC’s National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s pointed remarks have taken on significance beyond administrative evaluation, highlighting renewed tension with the so-called Didi faction — Kolkata’s influential old guard long viewed as chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s core circle. The party had earlier instructed booth-level agents (BLAs) to coordinate with the Election Commission–appointed booth-level officers (BLOs) and update daily enumeration progress on the ‘Didir Doot’ app. Abhishek’s sharp reprimand came during a massive virtual meeting with around 25,000 leaders, where he identified eight Assembly constituencies as the poorest performers in voter-list verification. Six of these are in Kolkata — traditionally the base of Mamata’s closest lieutenants. The numbers were strikingly low: BLA activity was only 22% in Kolkata Port (represented by Firhad Hakim), 24% in Kashipur–Belgachhia (Atin Ghosh), 34% in Ballygunge (Babul Supriyo), and similarly low in Beleghata, Entally, Madhyamgram and Chowringhee. His assertion that performance was “non-negotiable” — along with the mention that Mamata Banerjee reviews his reports every 15 days — signalled that his expanding organisational authority carries the Chief Minister’s sanction. His decision to explicitly name certain leaders, including ministers Malay Ghatak and Manoj Tiwary, separate conversations with Hakim and Biswas, and plans for a follow-up meeting with Kolkata MLAs and councillors have reinforced the perception that the National General Secretary is tightening oversight over a region historically dominated by Mamata’s earliest loyalists. As the party shifts toward a data-driven, app-based organisational culture under Abhishek, Kolkata...
In Odisha, the chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is hitting headlines every other day by announcing various schemes, measures and policies to pitch-fork the state into the big league. His latest vision is to make Odisha a $500 bn economy in the next 10 years from the current $120 bn. The five-fold growth seems over ambitious, feel experts. To achieve his vision, CM is pulling out all stops, ensuring seamless integration among various government departments. Party insiders say CM is busy with how his team will work cross-functionally holding one another accountable for delivering on commitments. To achieve this target, Odisha has to focus big time on infrastructure, industry and skill development. Meanwhile, the opposition – Biju Janata Dal and Congress – have been critical. They say Majhi government is selling lofty dreams through compelling narratives to cover up his government’s failures. These promises are designed just to appeal to the hopes and aspirations of the electorate. Sure, dreams sell but the true measure of Odisha BJP party’s success lies not in the promises it makes or the eloquence with which it presents its platform, but rather in the tangible impact it has on the lives of Odisha people.
While love and pride for Marathi is the basis of both Shiv Sena factions and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the same factor can play a decisive role in determining the final seat sharing between cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. Both have held repeated meetings to hammer out a solution, which still seems elusive as both are trying to claim certain civic constituencies in Mumbai having predominant Marathi-speaking population. This also covers nearly two dozen civic wards which were won by the Sena (UBT) in the last municipal election. Given the possibility of an electoral understanding, MNS leader Raj Thackeray, too, is learnt to be desirous of fielding his candidates from these areas, for the same reason. At present, the Sena (UBT) is a decimated force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since most of its elected corporators have joined the Sena faction led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Their wards, too, are on the bargaining block, demanded by both sides. In any case, MNS has a sizable presence in at least 30 wards. Assessing the overall scenario, Uddhav drove to Raj’s Shivaji Park residence on November 27 in a bid to take the talks further. As the Congress has refused to accept MNS in the Maha Vikas Aghadi fold, it will be a tough challenge for the cousins to decide their future course of action. Moreover, the Marathi factor has also potential to influence the outcome of the election for the most affluent civic corporation in India.
The Congress high command is expected to take a decisive call on the political situation in Karnataka before the Winter Session of Parliament begins on December 1. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is set to meet Rahul Gandhi, with the crucial discussion likely to take place in a day or two, according to those familiar with the developments. It is being said that party leadership is worried about the perception of a power struggle over the CM’s post .Clarity is expected before the Parliament session opens, with the high command keen to avoid any perception of instability in the party’s only major southern bastion. While the CM Siddaramaiah camp is pushing to maintain the status quo at least until March and wants a cabinet reshuffle, supporters of Dy CM Shivakumar are pushing for the Congress to clearly outline a transition plan— the sort that was informally agreed upon during government formation in 2023. Of course, the final word decision will be made by Rahul Gandhi. Party sources aired concern about the manner in which DKS was increasingly becoming rude and insolent — he had apparently refused to acknowledge CM Siddaramaiah’s presence at the same venue. A KPCC leader says, “We must go beyond the binaries of DKS and Siddaramaiah and opt for a Dalit CM. Rahulji should opt for G Parameshwara — he is an educated Dalit leader; he is someone like Dr BR Ambedkar; he has served the party well and occupied many capacities.” His elevation will have the same the impact for the Congress as what Sushil Kumar Shinde’s rise as CM in Maharashtra in January 2003, did for the Congress in May 2004 Lok Sabha polls across India. UPA I came to power. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav had also promised to push for a Dalit CM with Rahul Gandhi. It is being said Siddaramaiah will happily back a Dalit CM, particularly Parameshwara.
Former Minister KA Sengottaiyan, who was expelled from the AIADMK, tendered his resignation as Gobichettipalayam MLA on November 26. The nine-term MLA handed over his resignation to Assembly Speaker M Appavu at the Secretariat in Chennai. Sengottaiyan is the second MLA of the AIADMK to tender resignation this month. Earlier on November 4, PH Manoj Pandian resigned as Alangulam MLA hours after joining the DMK. While Sengottaiyan refused to disclose to the media about his future course of action, there is speculation that he may soon join actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). A Gounder like AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), his exit from the AIADMK is something that would weaken the AIADMK alliance. Initially, it was felt Sengottaiyan was headed towards DMK as he already had a word with DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin. He had also met with Stalin’s closest minister Sekarbabu. Sengottaiyan’s political decision is being viewed as an initiative pushed by Stalin to engineer splits in AIADMK, to spite EPS and Amit Shah. The rebel AIADMK leader is also known to be advised by BJP leader K Annamalai on his career moves to achieve their common goal of preventing EPS coming back as CM in Tamil Nadu.
A parody site put up a seemingly convincing post from Gautam Gambhir saying he was resigning from his post as he could not tolerate what was happening to the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Another site declared April Fool early with a parody post from Kapil Dev that said what you are getting is what you will get if a political appointee is made the chief coach. All that may be in the kind of fun that the social media pokes at Indian cricket in the bad days in which it gets pummelled on pitches made up of Indian soil. The fact remains that the lens is on Gambhir who is staring at the wrong end of the barrel as pundits, social media humorists and cricket fans are taking aim at him. Team India is on the cusp of losing a second major series at home, this time to South Africa after having folded 3-0 against New Zealand last year. Gambhir’s way of chopping and changing the playing XIs, peculiar strategies thrust on a fledgling captain like Rishabh Pant who leads in place of the injured Shubman Gill and shuffling of the batting order are valid points being made against him. Pant’s handling of the attack on a vital and decisive morning’s play in the first Test when he opened the bowling with Axar Patel instead of Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Siraj was the fatal slip that has led to India losing the series to South Africa. But it is the blood of the coach that everyone is praying for. Are there any odds on GG surviving as the chief coach in the Test format?
Ever since Abhishek Bachchan entered Bollywood in 2000, critics and viewers have been uncharitably comparing him with his iconic father Amitabh Bachchan. The surname did weigh heavily on him. But, he did not lose heart. He soldiered on and was recognized for his talent in movies like Refugee, Yuva, Zameen and Sarkar. Impressed by his performance, acclaimed director Mani Ratnam cast him in Guru to play the character of Dhirubhai Ambani which won him accolades. But the very next film Raavan bombed big time at the box office and apparently Big B was slightly upset with Mani Ratnam. With not many films offers on hand Abhishek looked at an alternative career; he focused on sports which is doing reasonably well. Then came another opportunity with a movie on stock market scamster Harshad Mehta. Abhishek was banking heavily on Big Bull to boost his sagging acting career. But Pratik Gandhi starrer 10-part OTT series Scam 1992 on a similar subject pre-empted his movie which did not do well. Now, once again Abhishek is hoping that the crime thriller Bob Biswas will boost his filmy career. He was certainly missed in Bunty Aur Babli 2 as Saif Ali Khan had replaced him. Reason insiders say is because of his past relationship with Rani Mukherji and both preferred not to work together. Incidentally, his web series Breathe seems to have done well, it is now into Season 2.
How many recollect Hema Malini was rejected by Kollywood at the very beginning of her career. After Raj Kapoor’s Discovery of the Dream Girl, Bollywood top heroes Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and others vied to be paired with her. Garam Dharam went on to claim permanent ownership rights. But somewhere this Iyengar beauty who spoke Shudh Tam Bram Tamizh (as Shudh as the Shudh Kent Paani she promotes), must have craved for that mass adulation from her own tribe. The dream is now taking shape in the hands of genius director Bala, he of Tamil hits Nanda and Pitha Magan, too many classy hits with Suriya, in which they are collaborating. Jai Bhim, the gripping chronicle of caste exploitation that has kicked awake the collective conscience of our Teflon nation, Suriya is now a pan Indian name. Bala’s cinematic magic instinct is to work on a casting coup …Surya and Hema as the elderly couple in an under-production movie. Dream Girls are distinct divas too…Bala surely worked on the script to make her role strong and stunning, though Suriya followers were a bit sceptical by this odd pairing. But wait…73-year-old classic, temple sculpture beauties don’t have to be in cold storage mode… given the custom-made script, casting and an icon who breaks barriers in film direction, this movie is bound to be riveting.
Ulaga Nayakan (global hero) recently celebrated his 67th birthday. This year, Kamal Haasan on the cusp, strode two worlds — cinema and politics. His cinematic popularity has not waned. Kamal’s meteoric rise to the pinnacle of Tamil cinema is entirely on his awe inspiring talent. Unfortunately, he too was smitten by the political bug but only to find his party Makkal Needhi Maiam totally rejected. But Kamal being Kamaal has spread his talented tentacles in several directions. Samuel Becket’s Waiting for Godot could be Kamal’s too. His Bigg Boss reality show is on its Fifth Season, saucy and spicy. The much talked about come back film, Vikram has set his fans agog. It was Indian 2 — muhurat in 2017 — that had set off an avalanche of expectations. But this movie in the making faced one too many calamities. Three members of the crew died at the shooting as a set caved in, production powerhouse and major financier Lyca and mega budget Director Shankar went on a collision course, the lockdown put paid to any further shooting, comedian Vivek died of Covid complications, and the final straw was heroine Kajal Aggarwal backing out citing pregnancy. And now Kamal is hospitalized for testing Covid positive. Is this a jinx or hex? Just wait…this iconic powerhouse is merely pausing, to return as the unchallenged Master of all skills.
Vaccine hesitancy mindset seems to be the biggest challenge for both the Central and State governments. And, this hesitancy is more pronounced in Muslim-dominated areas, says Maharashtra’s Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope. With a view to address this issue, the Maharashtra government sought Salman Khan’s help to convince people to take jab. On his part, Salman very quickly put out a short video and appealed to people to take vaccines. Salman’s mass appeal should certainly help. On Twitter alone he has 43.2 million followers. It is quite well known that both he and his father, the well-known script writer Salim Khan are close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. During the Uttarayan Festival both Salman and Modi were seen flying kites. Yet, Salman surprised everybody visiting Shah Rukh Khan’s house when his son Aryan was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in connection with the drugs-on-cruise case. Many stars did not show their solidarity openly for the fear of incurring wrath of the Central government but not Salman. Surprisingly, nobody trolled him for that. He is the only Khan who is known to be non-political and that has worked to his advantage. Yes, he has strong views but he does not hesitate to pick up the phone and talk to any politicians if he can help somebody.
South Indian star couple Suriya and Jyotika have bagged unheard of recognition and accolades for their home production, Jai Bhim. It is rumoured that they had to pledge jewellery for completing this film, which has overtaken classics like The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather in IMDb ratings since its release on November 2. It has no kickass glamour, song and dance titillation, near naked costumes and all the B town masala elements to salivate over. Just a stark, gut wrenching and conscience hitting real life incident of 1993 about the socially marginalised, oppressed and downtrodden Irular caste of TN. The protagonist, retired Justice Chandru played by Suriya is not only surprised at all the encomiums flooding his mailbox but also shocked by political reactions. The most telling objection and angry angst came from PMK party head and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss. Some remote areas where Jai Bhim was screened erupted in violence. PMK leader A Palanisamy offered a bounty of Rs 1 lakh for kicking Suriya! And there was a death threat too. A calendar depicting a PMK symbol was hastily deleted from the film. Iconic film director Bharathi Raja, President of South India Film Chamber and scores of directors have taken strong objection to Anbumani saying, “At this rate, it looks like we creative guys have to go to every two-bit political outfit to get our scripts okayed.”
For long, India grudged and griped about political dynasties and how big boss politician heirs moved seamlessly into powerful gaddis. The Gandhi clan, the DMK dynasty, Telangana’s TRS and Son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, the Scindias ,Pilots, Abdullas, and the UP Yadav clan. The list goes on like Hanumanji’s tail. Bollywood is not far behind with several star progeny aiming for stardom, name, fame and mega bucks. So it is a natural progression! If you are one such, the happy news …three star kids have been launched, all in the same film to be directed by Zoya Akhtar. A casting coup that can make the BO (Box Office not body odour) jingle with music as stompy as Bhappi Lahiris Disco Dancer. So folks, wait and watch out for Suhana Khan, King Khan’s Bitiya, Khushi Kapoor, late Sridevi’s younger daughter, and yes, the best catch for last mention, Agastya Nanda, Big B’s grandson and Shweta Bachan’s son. We hope he comes fitted with that signature baritone, and the same disarming charm, apart from the bells and whistles that are embedded in the Bollywood DNA. Can Kollywood, Tollywood and Mollywood lag behind with Udhayanidhi Stalin, Dulquer Salman (Mammootty’s son), Naga Chaitanya (Nagarjuna’s son) and the likes?
The poster of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s new film Tiku Weds Sheru reiterates that this ordinary-looking man is an extraordinary actor. He is one of the few actors who has acted with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan and enjoys good equations with them. But he did not see eye to eye with the late Irrfan Khan with whom he acted in The Lunch Box. This 47-year old alumunus of National School Of Drama made his debut in 1999 with a small role in the Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh. Since then he has acted in scores of films like The Lunchbox, Manto and Raman Raghav. Perhaps, he is the only actor in the world to have eight films officially selected and screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Of course, no one can forget his pioneering role in the OTT platform with Sacred Games. Be it in Kick or Munna Michael he has done justice to the roles offered to him. Industry For now, he has quite a few films on hand — Heropanti 2 with Tiger Shroff starrer; Sejal Shah’s film and there is a buzz that he may be part of Hrithik Roshan starrer Krrish 4. Well, his journey in the reel world has been quite satisfying but one cannot say that about the real world. His marriage with Aaliya was on the verge of divorce but they have now reconciled.
It was an occult October for superstar Rajinikant. He was chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema: stellar recognition for the bus conductor from Bengaluru who made it big in films. Driven by his passion and undiluted dedication, he is still in the superstar bracket at 70, paid Rs 100 crore per film, with a phenomenal fan following. This year’s Diwali release, the much touted and promoted Annathe, by Sun Films whipped up a crescendo of expectation. Rajini viewed his magnum opus with family on October 28. If one were to believe in déjà vu, his falling ill hours later with a carotid stenosis, hospitalisation and angioplasty set tongues wagging. Did Annathe disappoint? We cannot guess what his reaction was. But the film with all the marketing blitz, opened to tepid response — with a diehard fan mourning, “What a fall Thalaiva.” The film received negative reviews from critics and audiences but reportedly performed well at the box office. Legendary Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman said: “The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit.” Rajini, you have achieved far more than many privileged stars; wish you had ridden into the sunset, stylishly with a white Stetson on like the Marlboro Man. Films and casinos are alike; quit when you are up.
There are any number of behind-the-scenes stories when the great historical epic Mughal-e-Azam was being shot in the late fifties. The film, starring greats like Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Durga Khote and Dilip Kumar, broke all box office records in 1960 and is considered a milestone in Indian cinema. Well known director K Asif was shooting a scene for the movie somewhere in the deserts of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The scene required hundreds of horses and scores of elephants. Hearing this requirement, a local animal supplier (for films) approached Asif and said he could supply any number of horses and elephants for the shoot. It would cost around Rs 20,000 but he needed an advance of Rs 10,000. The advance money was a big amount in the fifties. But, without batting an eyelid, Asif turned to his production manager and said, “Give him 10,000 rupees.” When the man left, a worried production manager said, “Asif sab, suppose this man is a cheat and he does not come back, your money is gone!” Asif laughed and said, “Arrey…woh dus hazaar rupaiah ley gaya hai, kismat to nahi le gaya!” He told him, don’t worry he will come; and the man did turn dutifully as promised with horses and elephants.
Tamil Nadu’s powerful political family which has stranglehold on the film business is going all out to promote Rajini starrer Annathe this Diwali. Marans are leaving no cinema seat vacant to promote Annathe. Timing could not have been better. Superstar has just won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Besides, the overdrive is largely because one of the distributors is Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Minister’s son and promoter of Red Giant Movies — production and distribution house. Marans and Stalin call shots in all things entertainment in the State. Stalin Junior, according to Kollywood sources, is bargaining for a higher take from cinemas with a target of 700 screens all over TN. But is Annathe the one and only release this Diwali? No! A number of producers who have completed their films are praying anxiously for theatres to open but are scared to release their films as they do not want to take on the might of Rajini-SUN combo. But there are exceptions. Vishal and Arya starrer Enemy is planning to take on the behemoth as a me-too Diwali release. Flashback to 2019, when Rajini starrer Petta and Ajit’s Viswasam collided at the box office. Petta earned Rs 50 crore less than factored. Viswasam hit the finish line with critical acclaim and money.
Twenty-three year old Ananya Panday is probably one of the most promising millennial actors who won accolades from the audience right from the first film Student of the Year 2. Ananya who played a lead role in Pati Patni Aur Woh has already won two awards for ‘Best Female Debut’. The actress, daughter of the popular actor, Chunky Panday, has been quite vocal about social issues which is rarely a case with today’s younger actors in Bollywood. Ananya’s initiative – So Positive – seeks to create awareness about social media bullying, prevent negativity and build a positive community. This initiative has touched a chord with Bollywood. Ananya has over 20 million social media followers with almost all top youth brands in her kitty. She is also the first female brand ambassador for Skechers India. Currently, she is in the dock over a drug case and was summoned by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) post the arrest of Aryan Khan and others. But, people who are close to her say that the young actor was not nervous when summoned by the NCB. She not only appeared before NCB officials but post that she went about meeting her professional commitments — shooting for her forthcoming films and promoting brands. Clearly, Ananya knows how to balance the two worlds.
It is a wager within Bollywood that once Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan comes out of the jail there will be any number of producers willing to sign him as a hero. “He is bound to become a big star,” predicts an industry insider. Really? Twenty-three-year-old Aryan had already made his intent clear that he wants to be behind the camera. So, one has to wait-and-watch whether he succumbs to producers’ pressure and becomes a reel life hero. How do the public at large react to those stars serving jail terms? Salman Khan has two cases against him: a fatal hit-and-run case in Mumbai; and a blackbuck poaching case in Rajasthan. Salman’s brush with the law is in sharp contrast to his softer image supported via the Being Human foundation’s charity work. Also, reality show Bigg Boss helped him build a positive image. Likewise, Sanjay Dutt who served a jail term under the Arms Act continues to be Munnabhai for the people. Rhea Chakraborty – out on bail in a narcotics case – is also getting offers. So too Sooraj Pancholi post Jiah Khan’s suicide. But some careers were damaged: like Shiney Ahuja (out on bail in a rape case); and Monica Bedi, girl friend of gangster Abu Salem (who is serving life sentence) didn’t get any offers after a Big Boss show. Is it fear, one wonders!
In popular TV serials the on-screen characters played by actors seem so real that it becomes difficult to separate the two. Audience not only falls in love with these screen characters but start empathizing, sympathizing and identifying with them. So be it Tulsi (Smriti Irani) in Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi; Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput) in Pavitra Rishta or Dayaben (Disha Vakani) in Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma they all became synonymous with the characters. So, this brings us to the larger question, can these stars be replaced? When Shaheer Shaikh was announced as a replacement for Manav in the popular TV serial Pavitra Rishta 2 played by Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) the producers, pressurized by SSR’s fan club, had to clarify that Shaheer was replacing Hiten Tejwani, the second Manav as he was not accepted by the audience. Likewise Smriti Irani had to come back as the audience refused to accept Gautami as Tulsi in Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu. The makers of Tarak Mehta Ka Olthah Chashma have been waiting for over three years for Dayaben (Disha Vakani) to return to the show instead of replacing her. In Ballika Vadhu Shashank Vyas as Jagya was a huge hit. So, when he decided to move out of the serial, the makers showed him going to the US so that the audience continues to wait for him to return to the show.
Sitting next to SK on the metro, you could easily take him for just another middle-class commuter. His simple, boy next door, no airs looks hide a volcano of talent and dedication to cinema. Currently, he commands Rs 35 crore per movie, overtaking his finder and mentor Dhanush at Rs 28 crore. Thirty-six-year-old Sivakarthikeyan made his debut in Tamil cinema in 2012. With over 22 movies, this stand-up comedian and TV show host has seamlessly transformed himself into a saleable star, singer, lyricist and film producer. Yet, he has not lost his simplicity and humility, and wins over his audience with his tongue-in-cheek portrayals of the accidental hero. His just released Doctor in cinemas after a gap of nearly two years of lockdown is already wowing his fans. As its producer, SK had a few serious financial hiccups prior to release, he was bailed out by a well-known production house. Doctor is drawing appreciation as just the right prognosis for a good cinema house run, post Corona blues. The black comedy is all set to rake in the Dhan, though audiences are a bit baffled by a new look SK — all stern and serious throughout the movie. Oh, well, the director must have wanted him to play a serious comedian.
A few years back, when Shah Rukh Khan was targeted by the Shiv Sena for speaking in favor of Pakistan’s inclusion in the IPL, his film My Name Is Khan was almost banned by the Sena in Mumbai. Then, he had to fight his own battle; the film fraternity did not come out in the open to support him for the fear of incurring the wrath of Sena. SRK too never spoke why he was targeted but in one of his interviews he obliquely hinted at the religion factor. Likewise, when Aamir Khan in an interaction with the Indian Express said that his wife had told him that she wanted to leave the country over an ‘intolerant’ issue, he faced a lot of flak. The actor had to do a lot of firefighting via social media till the issue simmered down. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was attacked by the conservatives during the making of Padmavat. Bhansali did not speak a word about it; he quietly made changes and released the film. It was Sushant Singh Rajput’s death that brought to fore that Bollywood is not united and that they don’t speak in one voice to fight the injustices done to them. Most of them admit, they fear being singled out by politicians or government agencies and this is why they don’t openly show their solidarity or express their views.
Two leading stars from the south – Nag Chaitanya and Samantha – have realised that they are not made for each other after all… Nearly a decade of courtship and four years of marriage later. Samantha’s OTT series, The Family Man brought her worldwide fame, and infamy when Tamils resented her playing the role of a Sri Lankan terrorist. Badnaam tho hua, magar naam tho kamaya! Critics acclaimed her stellar performance, and her stock went up. Coincidentally, Chaitanya hadn’t had a hit for some time, and the chasm only widened! Fate has a way of even-stevening things! On September 24, Nag Chaitanya and the adorable Sai Pallavi’s Telugu movie, Love Story released to rave reviews. A simple story of inter-caste marriage and child abuse were woven into a gripping movie by director Sekhar Kammula. Audience identified closely with the hero and heroine, some openly shedding tears. This reel love story has put Nag on top of bankable heroes, but the real life love story between the couple, went bust. Divorce is nothing new in film families. Nagarjuna, Telugu film Superstar Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s son, had divorced his first wife Lakshmi Daggubatti, and married Amala. Tinsel town marriages may be made in heaven, often break down on ground once the stardust wears off.
In Bollywood most marriages between co-stars have worked even though ‘other woman’ and ‘doosra aadmi’ in some cases have created rift – which could be seen for a brief period before the status return to ‘happily married.’ It happened with Bollywood’s legendary couple Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu. Their marriage survived and thrived except for the entry of the other woman Asma that fortunately didn’t last long. So was the case with Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. Rishi’s link to another star almost derailed the marriage. Same can be said of Big B-Jaya — and here the other woman was Rekha. In the case of Randhir Kapoor-Babita and Rajesh Khanna-Dimple Kapadia they separated but were not divorced. But stars like Mithun Chakraborty-Yogita Bali, Shatrughan Sinha-Poonam Sinha did not allow anybody to come into their married lives. Before marriage Akshay Kumar had several affairs but after marriage with Twinkle Khanna, he is said to have turned into an ideal husband. In the last few years, a handful of stars and marriages between the co-stars have gone sour but maintain they are ‘friends’. Some of them are: Hrithik Roshan-Suzanne Khan, Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao, Arbaaz Khan-Malaika Arora and Saif Ali Khan-Amrita Singh. Unlike the olden days when star couples did everything to save their marriages, today’s stars prefer to separate and find new partners. Long Live Bollywood.
The buzz again is all about James Bond, a character born in a book in 1952 and who came to films 10 years later. Delayed by 18 months because of the pandemic, the spy caper is about to take the world for a billion dollars at the box office, with a premiere in the UK on September 28 and worldwide release September 30. Daniel Craig, the latest to play the Bond character with great success, prepares to take his bow even as the talk is about his successor who could be a woman going by the plot of the film in which a black female character inherits the 007 designation. As the world grapples with the rise of women power, there is a demand for a female Bond but Craig and the film’s executive producer, Barbara Broccoli, inheritor of the family franchise from granddad Albert, are convinced that the central role should remain male. This despite a debate on Bond triggered by the film’s director Cary Fukunaga expressing the opinion that the early Bonds were rapists as portrayed on screen. Sean Connery was seen thrusting himself on a nurse in the 1965 Thunderball and virtually blackmailing her into sleeping with him while in Goldfinger, the heroine was named Pussy Galore and the subject of Bond’s sex drive. The age of Bond’s endless libido may be over.
When 46-year-old Vijay Antony announced his movie Kodiyil Oruvan, eyebrows shot up! Was he on par with the legendary MGR and his Aayirathil Oruvan which swashbuckled its way to commercial success? No, Antony is too introverted and underplayed. Rightly so. He is a singer, music composer, lyricist, sound engineer, actor and producer-director. His take, I am a Jack of All trades, but master of none. His trademark ….Masala formulas that tell the story as not obvious masala, but with an inherent empathetic twist, that audience relate to, anchored in strong Indian sentiments. Take his runaway hit Pichaikaran (The Beggar), a simple story of a seriously ill mother. Her son vows to beg on the streets for a year, incognito to make her live. The twists and turns made for a very authentic story. Audience cried at Antony’s fall from rich man to beggar. Movie a hit, including multiple TV runs. It is not surprising that among the four movies released in September (including Thalaivi), Kodiyil Oruvan has already fetched 4.5 crore in a short span. The producers who preferred to release without the distributor link, are already bean counting. Antony has not hankered after that razzmatazz Star title…but he is soon to add that title to his quiver.
Salman Khan’s popularity on the small screen continues to soar with every passing year. Reportedly, the actor will be paid around Rs 350 crore for the new season of Bigg Boss 15 that premieres on October 1 and will run for 14 weeks. Well, eyebrows were raised over this number but Bollywood analysts say that Salman Khan who has over 42 million Twitter followers, plus other social media assets, knows how to connect with his audiences via movies, small screen and social media. And his valuation is based on those plus the intangibles he brings to the table. Well, it is the small screen that has played a big role in making him hugely popular with the masses. That was probably the reason the actor took the risk of releasing Radhe although the theatres shut just before the release of his film. The actor kept his promise he made to his loyal fans and released the film on OTT and later in cinema halls. The actor is back on set completing the third instalment of his film Tiger which is one of the most successful franchises and Salman is surely looking forward to a huge hit at the box office. But for now, the audience wants the actor returning on Bigg Boss 15 with Rekha playing a proxy for Bigg Boss voice.
Tamil film’s enfant terrible, 38-year-old Trisha Krishnan had media build-up as a gamin imp, couldn’t-care-less brat for conservative chin wags. All the more striking as she is from a TamBrahm (Tamil Brahmin) family. But she built up a loyal fan base for her sophistication and strong roles, topping her career with a memorable performance in the film, 96, pitted against the formidable Vijay Sethupathi whose huge physique starkly contrasted with Trisha’s elfin looks. Trisha has also held media attention for her mercurial love interests: she had STR Simbu wrapped around her after the commercial success of Gautam Menon’s Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya. For a long time after, she and Rana Daggubati were an item, as the slow and steady twosome. She almost got engaged to Varun Manian but walked out, and much talked about! She is a free spirit, and her escapades with close friends and spirits is the stuff midnight masala is made of on Besant Nagar beach. But recently she has not signed any new movies. Have the offers fallen? The Kollywood world sprouts new and sexy females like mushrooms in the monsoon. It is rumoured… finally Trisha has found her love and will soon sashay into marital bliss. What goes up, has to come down. Beached film careers lead to the altar.
BR Chopra’s younger brother Dharam Chopra (elder to Yash Chopra) was learning cinematography. So as to give him a chance to become a full-fledged cameraman (now called director of photography), BR launched Dhool Ka Phool in 1960. Since it was Dharam’s first film as a cameraman, no star readily agreed to sign on for the film. Even Rajendra Kumar, popularly known as Jubilee Kumar, did not respond when approached. Those days Dharam used to stay in a building called Parchhaiyan in Juhu, which was built by lyricist Sahir Ludhiyanvi. One night around 11 pm, Dharam heard somebody shouting out his name. When he looked out, the person was none other than Rajendra Kumar. He shouted “Dharam me kar riyan teri picture! Don’t worry!” And that one yes from Rajendra Kumar changed Dharam’s life forever. Dhool Ka Phool was a runaway hit and thereafter Dharam was on a roll. It was Dharamputra (1961), T Prakash Rao’s College Girl (1962), PL Santoshi’s Dil Hi to Hai (1964), BR Chopra’s Waqt (1965) and many more. For Waqt he bagged Filmfare’s best cinematographer award. Dharam, who was ranked among top five cinematographers in the country, predominantly worked for his brother BR Chopra. He passed away in 2002.
For the past two years, versatile actor Govinda who has given any number of hits in the past has been playing the waiting game to stage a big comeback. But alas! Luck seems to elude this talented actor who in the recent past worked in Rangeela Raja and FryDay. Surprisingly, the actor who is in popular demand for reality shows does not have the same pull today when it comes to the box office. Both the movies failed miserably. Actually, times have changed, cinema has changed and so too has audiences’ tastes. There is a place in Bollywood only for those who can reinvent themselves. Big B smartly staged a comeback via the small screen by hosting KBC. This sense of rejection has made him bitter and philosophical. He feels there is a conspiracy to keep him out. But many industry insiders say there is no merit in this argument. Well, there are plenty of guesses and theories peddled to explain what’s coming in the way for any producer wanting to sign him up. But what has added to his cup of sorrow is the public spat between his family and nephew Krushna Abhishek’s family. Producers feel Govinda who has the potential should rather focus on his career. Recognizing his talent, Salman Khan offered him a film but Govinda turned it down for reasons best known to him.
A biopic, Thalaivi, of the avowed stormy petrel of Indian politics, late J Jayalalithaa (former CM of Tamil Nadu, reigning Queen of Kollywood of the 80’s) was one of the most awaited releases. Kangana Ranaut, who plays the lead is also a firebrand in her own right. The budget for Thalaivi was Rs 90 crore. But, OTT signing, music rights and cinema advances have already netted Rs 110 crore, and whatever overflows now is money for jam. Meanwhile, there is a fight royal between the top cinemas — PVR, Inox and Cinepolis and Netflix. The Hindi version rights have been awarded to these entities, and cinemas are adamant that they need at least four weeks between their shows and OTT. Netflix is bent on immediate release. What about the original Tamil and Telugu prints? Thankfully, Amazon Prime is more yielding and agreed to wait for the cooling period. Any surprise that Kangana made a whirlwind promo trip to Chennai, to cool all tempers on the political front. She visited the memorials of JJ, MGR and Kalaignar to ensure all round peace! Thalaivi shows that ignoble public display of crass behaviour in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, some 35 years ago, when Kalaignar was the CM and a DMK MLA pulled her saree. Is DMK ready to squirm when Thalaivi hits the Tamil audience?
Kiara Advani, with that girl-next-door look, innocent face and endearing smile, is one of the most sought after Bolllywood actresses. Kiara who made her debut in 2014 has acted in over 14 films that includes Hindi, Telugu and Netflix. She is currently working on four films with top stars like Kartik Aaryan, Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh. This 29-year-old glam doll who has a high visibility on small screen, thanks to her brand endorsements for Colgate, Myntra, among others, is considered a lucky mascot by many producers. Critics hold that what goes in her favour is that she gets her fellow actors perform to the fullest — be it in Kabir Singh or Shershaah which eventually wins audiences too. Her performance as Dimple Cheema, girlfriend of Param Vir Chakra-awardee Captain Vikram Batra (martyred in the Kargil war) in Shershaah won her accolades. Not many know that Kiara has a Bollywood connection. Legendary actor Dada Muni and Saeed Jaffrey are step-great grandfather and great-uncle. Her debut wasn’t great with films like Fugly and Machine although many liked her role as Sakshi Rawat in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. In most movies till date, Kiara has not bagged lengthy roles nor has had the opportunities to experiment like Alia Bhatt who has been doing it right from her second film. But, for now Kiara has arrived.
According to cine raconteur and news caster Bayilvan Ranganathan, the iconic Tamil film superstar-turned-chief minister MG Ramachandran was a teetotaller whereas the legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan had to amp up his spirits after the day’s shooting. The late SS Rajendran, a DMK pillar, had a peculiar drinking ritual; he would have a glass full of egg whites, and sip alternately from both glasses. Villain MR Radha was just as rambunctious in his alcohol intake but could stand rock steady and perform. These are the yesteryear’s cine brigade. Superstar Rajinikanth is known not to chomp into any side dish or fritters; he just pays full attention to the elixir of life. At a press conference, where the media was served drinks, the gathered had to demand short eats! Suave Ajith Kumar socialises with his Martini’s and exotic cocktails while the emerging superstar Vijay never drinks in social gatherings. The women brigade are not far behind. The late Savitri was a known alcoholic, many a time she could outrank the romantic hero Gemini Ganesan (Rekha’s father) in a contest. Among the younger stars, Trisha is a rebel. She is a free spirit reveller on the Bessy beach congregating with her feline female friends to have a blast. For these easy spirits, it is Dil Mange More. Live life king size with a Patiala peg.
While the male actors of Bollywood are reluctant to experiment with their roles, it is the women brigade that has taken the lead in attempting different roles and even shouldering the risk of spearheading them too. Hrithik Roshan who was offered an adaptation of Night Manager reportedly opted out because of his comfort with conventional films versus the web series that requires long working hours. Experimental endeavours like Tubelight and Zero have forced Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan to go back to doing commercial cinema, their strongholds. Whereas Aamir Khan continues to script new hits with experimental creativity as his USP. Other names that feature prominently in the experimental genre are Saif Ali Khan, who today is one of those who play characters rather than conventional heroes in the film; and Shahid Kapoor, who has taken risks with a whole-hearted plunge into the webspace. Still, the most sought-after actors are concerned about the image and worried about losing their audiences if they drifted away from formula films. At the same time more and more actresses are coming forward to experiment; striving to “be the change” in the cinema, just like what Vidya Balan once promised to her fans. Today, a Kangana Ranaut, Taapsee, Deepika Padukone, and Alia don’t really need a hero as they prefer to play the heroes in their respective films
Mughal-e-Azam is considered a masterpiece in Indian cinema. This all-time hit epic historical drama directed by the renowned K Asif starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Durga Khote and Dilip Kumar was released in 1960. The character of Prince Salim played by Dilip Kumar has been immortalized. But not many know this great masterpiece was made in fits and starts. It took 10 years to complete it. And there were several reasons for it. One was director Asif fell in love with Dilip Kumar’s sister Akhtar and this incensed Dilip Kumar who refused to shoot till the matter was finally resolved. Besides, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala had an affair that ended around the making of this film and this took a toll on the shoots as their on-screen chemistry went awry. Finally, the pearls that were used in the shoot would break every time it fell on the floor, and the shooting had to be cancelled. It was then decided to import unbreakable pearls from Belgium and getting those in the sixties took months. It was finally released with all the fanfare at Maratha Mandir. By evening it was declared flop. This news depressed the cast which met at Asif’s house near Opera House after the premiere. Looking at all of them Asif said, “Kyon, Chehre Latak Gaye! Dekhna Ye Film Zabardast Hit Hogi.“ And it did.
Tamil film Master with Vijay as a hero and Vijay Sethupathi as the villain directed by Lokesh Kanakaraj turned out to be the 2021 blockbuster despite the lockdown. A very restricted cinema release and the earliest to mount the OTT platform (Amazon Prime), Master grossed, according to industry sources, Rs 300 crore with its fast and furious story and screenplay that Kanakaraj penned. A tad lengthy, critics wished it could have been trimmed to match Vijay’s fit persona! This South Indian director is no flash in the pan, as his earlier movie Managaram (now shaping up in Hindi as Mumbaikar) and Kaithee’s success proved. Salman Khan was approached for the Hindi remake of Master. Even as the pre-production details were sewn up, Salman Khan opted out. Apparently, Salman Khan was not quite happy with the story and screenplay, and suggested some changes. But, director Kanakaraj, sources say, did not agree to be involved with the project after those changes. He has taken up another assignment to direct a film featuring Vijay, Kamal Haasan and Fahadh Faasil. The producer who has the Hindi remake rights will have to wait for now. Post the release of Master, it is rumoured, Vijay’s earnings have skyrocketed to the Rs 120 crore fee bracket. Opportunity and luck do not knock often at the doors of supplicants.
Finally, the controversy-hit Rhea Chakraborty will see the release of her film Chehre this month. It was during the making of this film, the idea to act in a film opposite Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) was mooted. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen with the mysterious death of SSR. Rhea, one of the main accused, faced trial by the media for more than a year. But the young star managed to weather it all and get her life back. Rhea is now confidently socializing, focusing on fitness and talking to producers. She seems to get her PR right as the personal attacks vis a vis SSR coverage have reduced except on Twitter where SSR continues to trend. Although the industry is not spelling it out, but it seems they have accepted her and some announcements may be made soon. Director of Chhere Rumi Jaffery may sign her for his next film. Speaking to a cross-section of people, the general thinking is: Rhea deserves a second chance – just like actor Sanjay Dutt, who spent five years in prison under Arms Act after the TADA Court acquitted him in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast case. The audience has accepted him, and he continues to be the most sought-after actor in Bollywood. Well, Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi-starrer Chehre looks like a ‘thodi si lift kara de’ moment for Rhea, which may open up new possibilities for the budding star.
Post Chennai Express Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s other movies like Fan, Raees, Jab Harry Met Sejal and Zero did not do well. So what does he do? Turn South and rope in one of the most successful young directors of Tamil movies, Atlee (Arun Kumar) for that magic touch, a fail-safe formula film designed to make stakeholders laugh all the way to the bank. And for added kick, two winsome and talented leading ladies have also been signed on. Tamil films’ top paid heroine Nayantara and the young bubbly Sanya Malhotra to provide the glamour quotient. Who is this Atlee? What is his track record as a hot and hip director to call the shots especially when SRK is decidedly wanting an encore of the Chennai Express? Thirty-five-year-old Atlee first worked as S Shankar’s assistant in Enthiran and Nanban, sculpted himself as a box office brand. Soon, he went solo and directed his debut film, Raja Rani with Nayantara in the lead, and secured his place as one of the most promising debut directors of 2016. For those who may be sceptical about a Tamil director’s dexterity, he made three successive films, Theri, Mercel and Bigil, all starring Vijay that rocked the box office, making Vijay the Number 2 after Rajnikant. Don’t underestimate these quiet non-flamboyant South Indian types. They know their cinema inside out.
Top star Deepika Padukone lost a role in Sanjay Leela Bansali’s Baiju Bawra as she demanded more remuneration than Ranveer Singh. And Deepika is not the first heroine to do so. Kareena Kapoor Khan demanded Rs 12 crore to play the lead role in Alaukik Desai’s film Sita. Earlier, her close friend Karan Johar replaced her with Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Naa Ho for demanding more remuneration. A few years back Aishwarya Rai Bachchan lost an important role opposite Aamir Khan in Mangal Pandey because she demanded Rs 1 crore. Effectively, both Kareena and Deepika have lost opportunity to play iconic roles for asking what they deserve. This brings us back to the burning question of pay disparity in Bollywood. The general thinking in Bollywood is heroes (read men) have box office draw and female stars don’t have that kind of pull. A top producer clarifies, “Pay cheques are decided on the basis of how much business he or she rakes in. It is not based on the gender.” Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit got higher remuneration because audience went to the theatre to watch their performances. And of course, one heroine who has managed to single-handedly become a big hit is Kangana Ranaut. With Queen she proved it. She has made it clear that she prefers not to work with the Khans because “she would get over shadowed”.
Barely had the dust settled down on the cringe worthy indictment meted out to top Tamil star Vijay for evading tax on the import of his Rolls Royce Ghost, when the same Bench of Justice SM Subramaniam had to come down hard on actor K Dhanush for a similar tax evasion. Both these highly bankable stars had coveted the ultra-luxury Rolls Royce Ghost as their preferred wheels to match their status and style, paid Rs 5 crore plus for the car. This raises several questions amongst us, the common, run of the mill Aam Aadmi. Is tax payment selective and evasion even more selective? Why put a burden on with such preposterous pleas when the law of the land clearly states what tax is to be paid? Do film celebrities think that they are extraordinary people with extraordinary status? To add insult to injury, the highly bankable hero, Vijay (rumoured to earn the second highest of Rs 70 crore per film, next only to Rajinikant topping the spreadsheet at Rs 100 crore) baffled the judge some more. Under the question, occupation, Vijay did not think it needed a response! These are the filmy heroes whose every stunt, song and dance movement and thunderous dialogues are greeted with whistles and approval by a swarming, swooning audience. Hope they don’t emulate their heroes and evade tax!
Mani Ratnam’s cinematic genius and the late Amarar Kalki’s literary genius merge in the soon to be released magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan (The son of Ponni). But which screen? Cinema lovers wait with bated breath for a Mani Ratnam movie; his every script and film have riveted audience to an amazing creative spark, unparalleled in Tamil cinema, and in the Hindi adaptations. So, we are justified in speculating, will Ponniyin Selvan stride the premium screens, like the cult Spartacus? Or OTT, if the pandemic plays foul? Such challenges are sleight of hand for Ratnam. Cine buffs are goggle eyed about the omnibus ensemble cast. The joke doing the rounds, except Rajini and Kamal, most Kollywood top stars are in the film: Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Sarath Kumar, Prakash Raj, Trisha, Keerthi Suresh, Nayantara, Aishwarya Lekshmi and more top rung names. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is in the lead. With AR Rahman‘s mesmerising music, palace intrigues, conquests and empire building, awe inspiring temples that still stand as testament to the Chola era artistic genius, beautiful women and intricate costumes, audience expectation is sky high. Ponniyin Selvan, we expect, will match the grandeur and scale of the Tanjore Big Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola, an architectural feat unmatched so far
A few months back, when the 30-year old Kartik Aaryan lost three films in a row there were murmurs in the film trade especially the big production houses that the actor’s career is over and he may not get work as he was ousted from both Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar productions. On the contrary, the opposite has happened. A few well-known production houses who were chasing him have quickly signed him on. Among them is well known producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Likewise Ekta Kapoor who is supposedly to be a close friend of Karan has taken over the project that was once to be produced by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Interestingly, Kartik seems to have carved a niche within Bollywood. He has support from award winning filmmakers like Hansal Mehta who is also directing him. Besides, producer-director-writer Anubhav Sinha has been praising Kartik on social media. The proof of the pudding is in eating and it is learnt that the actor’s remuneration too has gone up. This proves that he is a bankable star and his box office track record proves he is a big draw as a solo hero. Kartik who started his journey in Bollywood with multi-starrers It is his track record with Lukka Chhupi and Pati Patni Aur Who that won him the confidence of producers like Sinha, Mehta and Nadiadwala.
Everybody deserves a second chance. In Bollywood, yesteryear’s stars are padding up for a second innings. Mandakini of Ram Teri Ganga Maili fame, Kalpana Iyer who predominantly played a vamp role, and Farheen Prabhakar, a Madhuri Dixit look alike who married cricketer Manoj Prabhakar, are keen to return to acting, and don’t mind playing their age. Big B was lucky. Kaun Banega Crorepati launched him into the stratosphere and there was no looking back. But, not everybody is lucky. Superstar Rajesh Khanna tried very hard to make a comeback but alas. Ditto: Popular star Mumtaz. Versatile star Govinda who is making guest appearances on reality shows, is yet to get the big break on the silver screen. Fardeen Khan is also knocking at producers’ doors and may sign up for a web series. For Madhuri Dixit-Nene the return was not a cakewalk. She has now come to terms, and settled down to judging a dance reality show, acting in a web series for Dharma Productions and occasionally cutting an album. Effectively, she is in the limelight. Shilpa Shetty had a high visibility thanks to a reality show Super Dancer, and her Yoga album, but got a break in the big screen after a gap of 11 years. Bhagyashree of Maine Pyar Kiya fame will be seen in Thalavi, a biopic on J Jayalalithaa played by Kangana Ranaut.
Sashadhar Mukerji became a legend in his own lifetime. Popularly known as S Mukherji, his contribution to the Indian film industry remains unparalleled. Mukerji, who initially joined Bombay Talkies and went on to create Filmistan and Filmalaya Studios was known as the man with Midas touch. Everything was a hit – his movies, stars, songs. In fact, people who worked closely with Mukerji say that he had an ear for music. They say he had the knack of picking the right ones when a music director gave him a choice of 10 tunes for a song. Naturally this success created a lot of enemies within the industry, and they would spread rumours about his movie. A similar thing happened in 1954 when he released Nagin, famous for its song Man Dole Mera, Tan Dole Mera sung by Lata Mangeshkar to the accompaniment of Been music. His rivals said snakes were entering the cinema halls the moment Been music played. This rumour kept the audience away from the theatres for a few days. But, not for long. Not only was the movie a super hit but the Been music became synonymous with snakes and snake charmers. And of course, the movie established Vyjayanthimala’s career as a star.
The #MeToo movement seems to have resurfaced in Bollywood but in a new avatar with the arrest of Raj Kundra, husband of film star Shilpa Shetty, for allegedly exploiting young girls and actresses to make adult content for his mobile app. Not many cases of #MeToo were reported during the Lockdown but a couple of high-profile cases of sexual assault and exploitation were filed. FIRs were filed against Bhushan Kumar of T Series fame; and Ajit Thakur, former head of content, Reliance Industries. But, no action was taken as both have stated they were ‘victims’ of extortion. Tanushree Datta, who led the #MeToo movement against veteran actor Nana Patekar (the charge failed in the court); and Payal Ghosh against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap are trying to keep the issue alive via media. In the past names of Alok Nath, Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan, Kailash Kher, Rajat Kapoor, Subhash Ghai and Anu Malik surfaced. Recently, actress Prachi Desai talked about her #MeToo experience. And so did Priyanka Chopra in her book Unfinished though without dropping any names. An actress confides that most people who had spoken out against big names have settled the issue for “consideration”. This is the reason the entire movement within Bollywood has gone kaput. So, will the adult stars like Poonam Pandey, Gehna Vashishth and Sherlyn Chopra revive the #MeToo movement
The raging pandemic has triggered in its wake a social distancing of an unusual kind. That has reconfigured the relationships. While relatives staying afar have become digital friends, immediate neighbours have become close relatives. Indeed, the world has changed so much since the outbreak of the virus early last year. Well, that has brought connectivity issues for many religious institutions. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu has now sought to overcome this by embracing the digital platform. It is all set to launch a web TV in the name and style of Kamakoti TV. Coming up with the blessings of the current Shankaracharya, it will go live on the auspicious Vyasa Puja Day – July 24. The ostensible objective of launching a TV is to reach the programmes and events of the Mutt to devotees across the globe. Also, the devotees are assured of an ad-free experience of watching the Mutt programmes. Mutt followers – young and old alike – can now hope for a round-the-clock spiritual delight with the advent of Kamakoti TV. Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham was established by Sri Adi Sankara in the year 482 BC and has the distinction of an unbroken line of 70 Acharyas.
Popular Tamil star Suriya’s Soorarai Pottru boldly released on Amazon Prime in November 2020 brought him and his home production house, a number of accolades. While most were left trying to understand the esoteric Tamil title (Hail The Brave), the film’s treatment of the subject Simply Fly and its impact on the audience was terrific. Suriya played the role of Capt GR Gopinath, who introduced the concept of low-cost flying experience to the not so well-heeled, his struggles for raising the money, get the needed approvals to get Air Deccan on flight mode. Suriya struggled just as much with his ambitious movie which Sudha Kongara Prasad directed so brilliantly. Apart from Paresh Rawal and Urvashi, the other actors were not so well known. Suriya has just announced a pan Indian Hindi version, with Kongara to direct this intense subject that has transited to cinema with telling impact. So far, the cast and other components have not been finalised. May be he wants to keep it a suspense and reveal all once the project is buttoned up. Sudha Kongara had a fully ready script before shooting started for the Tamil version. The Hindi version of Simply Fly, Capt Gopinath’s dream airline will take off before long with Suriya’s determination and passion for perfection. Any takers for a campaign to guess the cast from Bollywood?
For star kids getting entry into Bollywood is easy. But, how many make it big – like Hrithik, Aamir, Kajol and Ranbir in past three decades? The cine fans are pinning hopes on a new crop of star kids. Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana who has performed in plays will soon face the camera; while son Aaryan who has done a voice over for The Lion King is keen to stay behind the camera, for now. Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan who debuts in Tadap may be signed for Aashiqui3. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s son Subhan is all set to debut. Shashi Kapoor’s grandson Zahan (Kunal’s son) has just started shooting for Hansal Mehta’s film. Meezan Jaffrey, son of actor Javed Jaffrey, made his debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Malal, and is already into his second film Hungama2.. Abhimanyu Dassani, son of Bhagyashree of Maine Pyar Kiya fame, who made his debut in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, eagerly awaits the release of Nikamma with Shirley Setia as heroine. Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya gets a lead role in a Karan Johar film. Salman Khan’s niece Alizeh and nephew Nirvaan are all set to dab the grease paint. Waiting in the wings are Sridevi’s daughter Khushi and Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim. So, who will survive the star race? Only talent will tell!
Sai Pallavi, all of 29 years, is on a high. Why not? Her chartbuster 2019 Rowdy Baby from Tamil film Maari2 with Dhanush as her lead garnered 5 million likes (and over a billion views), an unheard of popularity for a Tamil film song and dance. This racy, raunchy and rambunctious number has amazingly inane lyrics…For Sai, Dhanush is her Goli Soda (the flying fizz), and she, his Kari Kuzhambe (spicy hot curry)! Who cares for such over the top lyrics? Sai has danced her way in frame to frame, all the way to fame. Dhanush who has sung the song and played the lead, comes off as a timid foil to the high voltage Sai Pallavi. From a Badaga family of Nilgiris with an MBBS from Georgia University, this youthful charmer has already tucked away two Filmfare and several other film awards, for her electrifying performances in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films. Premam, Fidaa, Athiran, Kali, and Maari2 have zoomed her to the top. She comes across as innocent and sparkling as a mountain stream, hardly needs any makeup as her envious skin is inner lit. Watch out for this bubbly.
Dilip Kumar was not just a legendary actor but was also a writer and producer who made the blockbuster movie Ganga Jamuna in 1961 and played the title role of Ganga in that film. The heroine was Vyayanthimala. It was a tale of two brothers one — an uneducated, simple human being who is forced by the circumstances to take the law in his own hands and the other Jamuna who is educated, urbanized and who tilts on the side of the law of the land. The movie Ganga Jamuna was inspiration for the famous duo Salim-Javed while scripting for Deewar. So too it was for Amitabh Bachchan. Well, when Ganga Jamuna was to be released it went to the Censor Board for clearance. They recommended a cut of the scene where Ganga is shot and utters Hey Ram! When asked why should it be cut? The Sarkari Babu said it was Gandhi who uttered Hey Ram…so how can you utter the same words? Dilip Kumar was shocked by his logic and said every Hindu when he dies might utter Hey Ram! Come to think of it one must admire the creative guys from Bollywood who have had to put up with idiosyncrasies of babus and politicians for decades now.
Is it chemistry or mental harassment or the classic story of doosra aadmi or pati, patni aur woh? The morality in most of us is intact because of sheer lack of opportunities but in the case of celebrities — film stars and cricketers — they have opportunities galore. Money, fame and with that comes women and men. So, Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao deciding to go in for a divorce should not raise eyebrows. They have more than survived a seven-year itch. Well, one can say… 16-year itch. Insiders say it has been simmering for over two years now. So much so that Kiran moved to Goa. So, what was the final nail in the coffin? Again, close circles point out it is another woman. In the past many marriages were almost on the rocks because of linkup — Shah Rukh Khan-Priyanka Chopra, Amitabh-Rekha. In the case of yesteryear’s superstar Rajesh Khanna, it was one too many affairs. Again, in the case of a well-known star, his wife’s affair rocked his marriage of two kids. Women alone cannot be blamed. A respected star confessed: “It is difficult not to have an affair with our co-stars as we work in close proximity.” Some stars did not call off their marriages because of sheer societal pressure and kept it under wraps. Others did not: Hrithik Rohan, Karishma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal.
Some may mark Wednesday, June 30 as the day of “Justice for Black America” when Bill Cosby — an American stand-up comedian, actor and author famous for his TV show, The Cosby Show — walked free after serving just three years of a 10-year sentence on three counts of aggravated sexual attack. Half the world will mourn it as the day the #metoo movement died. When “America’s Dad” was convicted in 2018, it seemed a landmark moment when a famous and powerful man was held to account for abusing his position to exploit women. Women exulted as their movement gained traction with the Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby cases. Cosby used the classic Black card, much like American football legend OJ Simpson did to exploit racial divisions splitting the court of public opinion. The court decided that Cosby had been unfairly prosecuted three years ago but a 12-person jury had found him guilty. The climax in this cause celebre shows the American legal system is flawed and that the rich and famous can find their way out. But what it does for the women’s movement against sexual assault is a sad commentary on what is still a man’s world in which power and money can make a mockery of justice.
Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari, famously known as the Film City, is getting ready for a makeover in phases. This integrated film studio complex, spread over 520 acres, is located in Mumbai’s western suburb at Goregaon East. It has over 42 outdoor shooting locations and 16 studios of various sizes. Now, the latest news is that Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation (MFSCDC) is keen to equip the Film City with technologically advanced infrastructure. According to squarefeatindia.com – a leading real estate website, MFSCDC intends to undertake the development of 22 acres of the Film City via the PPP route. It will develop sound stages, post production facilities, and related infrastructure. It has invited Expression of Interest and the cost envisaged is around Rs 391.6 crore. With big demand coming from commercial cinema, TV and now OTT, most state governments see business opportunities in creating a hub for film shooting. It may be recalled that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with several leading Bollywood bigwigs when he was in Mumbai a few months back, inviting them to shoot in UP. Perhaps not wishing to lose out business to other states, the Maharashtra government is going all out to ensure that the Film City is equipped with latest state-of-art technology that makes life easier for film makers. About time too.
The lockdown seems to be a boon for Bollywood actresses, especially the newcomers who are active on social media. Ananya Panday who has 19 million Instagram followers has been cashing on it by running some social media campaigns. Sara Ali Khan has been promoting fitness videos through a fitness app, Power. But on Instagram she has been regularly promoting brands like Vivo and Colgate. Janhvi Kapoor posts only activity videos like dancing and fitness apart from paid partnerships like Nykaa. Sara Ali Khan’s Hello Darshako which predominantly posts shayaris and random videos has gained her good many followers. Encouraged by this response, Sara has roped in her mother Amrita Singh, a former actress on this platform. And today we see mother-daughter doing commercials together. Disha Patani actively engages with her followers by posting action video almost every hour. Her popularity has gone up ever since she has been dating Tiger Shroff. Interestingly, a new starlet has been openly saying that she makes enough money (Rs 3-5 lakh per month) to pay her entire year’s rent by being active on social media. No, wonder these starlets are heavily focused on social media. Incidentally, most of the top actresses may not be getting big billing from films they sign but on social media they have more followers than the Khans and the Kumars.
It was the quietest of birthdays for the emerging superstar of Tamil cinema. In normal times, his fans would also have indulged in shows of grand affection by holding charity events in honour of Vijay. In pandemic times, the star has been content to keep a low profile but his phenomenal record in the 2010s marks him out as the industry’s undisputed money spinner. His co-stars held a Twitter chat event on his 47th birthday that was a super hit in terms of numbers. As Total Unlock nears with the second wave waning, Vijay awaits the opening of theatres to continue his domination of the big screens. In the last decade, he churned out nine films that grossed over Rs 100 crore, a record that surpassed the industry’s ageing Superstar, the one and only Rajinikanth who is now in the US for medical checkup. Vijay’s last four releases – Bigil, Sarkar, Mersal and Master – saw business in excess of Rs 350 crore worldwide with Master a Superhit even in the pandemic year of 2020. And now Beast is getting ready as the star’s next with Pooja Hegde and Yogi Babu in supporting roles. Beast may usher in the next wave of theatre-going cinema fans.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, now Samantha Akkineni, has put in a once in a lifetime performance as the LTTE woman in a very highly acclaimed Season 2 of The Family Man, on Amazon Prime. The central antagonist, Srikant Tiwari who carried Season 1 entirely on his talent and skill, playing the role of a covert operator of TASC (a fictional NIA), is pushed to play second fiddle to Samantha as Raji. In trying to tar her in sepia tones as a Sri Lankan, the brown make up has totally gone haywire…but this does not diminish from her brooding, menacing , almost other worldly countenance as she takes on the suicide mission of bombing the venue for a crucial meet of the two neighbouring country’s Prime Ministers. Her kill skills, spycraft and totally frigid inhuman approach to the enemy spies and mission…chilling. Samantha has pirouetted through many inane films that showcased her good looks. In The Family Man Season 2, she conveys every nuance needed to prove what it takes to be a suicide missionary, whatever the cause.
The D Gang’s clout was all pervading. All top stars – heroes, heroines and producers – were forced to fly to Dubai and perform for bhai’s events. There is video footage of stars hobnobbing with the Don at a Sharjah cricket match. A ‘No’ was not an option. And the job of terrorizing the film industry was entrusted to the handsome gangster Abu Salem, now languishing in Taloja jail, on the outskirts of Mumbai. Abu Salem almost threatened every top actor and producer. One of the early victims was Rajiv Rai, son of Gulshan Rai of Trimurti Films fame. He fled to the UK with his wife Sonam and son after a failed attempt on his life by Abu Salem’s henchmen. Gulshan Kumar of T Series fame was chased and gunned down. Bollywood biggies – producer-director Subhash Ghai, Manmohan Shetty, and Rakesh Roshan received threatening calls from Abu Salem. Rakesh Roshan survived a brutal murderous attack, and luckily recovered from gunshots wounds. Not unlike Haji Mastan, Abu Salem too needed his share of Bollywood beauties – and he got Monica Bedi. His threat forced producers to cast her opposite big stars in movies like Jodi No 1, and Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat. In September 2002, Monica Bedi and Abu Salem were arrested in Portugal. After serving prison sentences there, they were deported to India. To cut to the chase, the gangsters had paid informers in the film industry who tipped them about stars’ financials – movie signing amount, movie release date etc. Armed with this information, the underworld would make extortion calls. The Bollywood-Underworld nexus became apparent when Mumbai serial blasts of 1993 was investigated. READ PART 4
High on money and muscle power, the underworld started dominating Bollywood. The money was routed through financiers and big stars who often visited Dubai to meet the Don. In the late 90s, early 2000s photographs of top actors, musicians and singers performing at Dawood’s Darbar were published by the media. These photographs exposed the nexus between Bollywood-Underworld. And proof of that was tapped telephonic conversation between Dawood’s right hand man Chhota Shakeel and various film personalities. This nexus pressurised Mumbai police to arrest diamond merchant cum film financier Bharat Shah under MCOCA. Reportedly, Shah was arrested for aiding Chhota Shakeel. Somebody like Rakesh Roshan had a narrow escape on the eve of the release of Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai, his son Hrithik’s first movie. The sharp shooters fired two rounds at him for not paying Rs 5 crore. This incident shook the film world. The Mumbai police came forward to provide them protection. But, things started ebbing with Dawood not keeping well; Abu Salem incarcerated, and Chhota Rajan too cooling his heels in Tihar jail. Insiders say the extortion cases have come down. Though there were sporadic incidents like gangster Ravi Pujari trying to take advantage of the situation. Now, he too has been arrested. Now the underworld has almost stopped extortion but continues with its piracy business. Ironically, the fraternity which complains about the underworld are the same people who glamorize the underworld, making them larger than life. CONCLUDED
TRENDS & VIEWS
Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.