Author: Ankita Singh

As one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema, “Shaan” celebrated 45 years of its release recently. Actor Dalip Tahil marked this milestone by sharing a delightful anecdote from the Ramesh Sippy-directed movie.

Memorable First Scene

Tahil disclosed that the famous shaving scene in “Shaan,” featuring his confrontation with Amitabh Bachchan, was his first shot for a mainstream Bollywood film.

Expressing his joy at the film’s anniversary, Tahil posted on his Instagram, “Shaan completes 45 years today and marks the anniversary of my entry into the movies.” He added, “Here’s a little fun fact for you all: the shaving sequence in ‘Shaan’ was the first scene I ever shot in mainstream Bollywood, with none less than Amitji (@amitabhbachchan) himself (started with the crème de la crème). Thank you Ramesh Sippy, Bachchan Saab for your patience 🙏🌸 #45YearsOfShaan #DT #digiphin.”

Classic Production

Backed by G. P. Sippy under the production banner of Sippy Films, the film’s story was crafted by the renowned writer duo Salim–Javed.

Star-Studded Cast

“Shaan” was one of the most expensive films of its era and featured an impressive ensemble cast that includes Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Raakhee Gulzar, Parveen Babi, Bindiya Goswami, Mazhar Khan, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in key roles.

Plot Overview

The crime drama centers around the murder of a police officer named Shiv, portrayed by Sunil Dutt. Shiv’s two conman brothers, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor), transform and ally with marksman Rakesh (Shatrughan Sinha) to avenge the death caused by the villain Shakaal (played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda).

Interestingly, the character of Shakaal is believed to have been inspired by Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the James Bond film series. “Shaan” also holds the distinction of being the last film featuring songs sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, recently shared her thoughts on the film ‘Dhurandhar’ via social media.

In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Iltija described the movie as “pretty good,” commending it for ‘portraying women without reducing them to mere props.’ She emphasized the casting, calling it ‘perfect’.

Iltija Mufti stated, “Much outrage over Dhurandhar, but I quite liked the movie & found it interesting. The casting especially is perfection. Women, for once, as is the case in most violent Bollywood movies, weren’t used as props. Very well made.”

Since its release, ‘Dhurandhar’ has ignited considerable debate online, creating a divide among viewers.

– One group criticizes the film, accusing it of being propaganda and distorting facts.
– Another group praises it for portraying real-life events and tragedies honestly and highlighting the impact of terrorism on the country and beyond.

The movie was released nationwide on December 5 and is directed by Aditya Dhar, known for his work on sociopolitical dramas. It features Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan in key roles.

One notable scene featuring Akshaye Khanna’s entry dance has gone viral across social media platforms.

Many Bollywood celebrities have lauded the film, including Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Vicky Kaushal, Allu Arjun, and Rohit Shetty, all of whom have praised the movie and the performances of the star cast on their respective social media accounts.

Megastar Rajinikanth turned 75 today, receiving heartfelt wishes from fans and celebrities worldwide on this special occasion.

Birthday Tributes from Fellow Actors

Actors Anil Kapoor and Kajol celebrated the legendary star’s milestone birthday on their social media accounts. Both shared iconic photos of Rajinikanth along with warm messages.

Anil Kapoor expressed his admiration in a touching tribute, stating, “75 years. Half a decade of absolute cinematic domination. One name, one phenomenon, @rajinikanth. Happy 75th to the eternal Thalaivar.”

Kajol also extended her best wishes, posting a stylish image of Rajinikanth and writing, “Forever a legend! Many happy returns of the day, @rajinikanth sir.”

A Glimpse into Past Collaborations

For those unfamiliar, Anil Kapoor worked with Rajinikanth in the 2000 action-drama Bulandi. Directed by Rama Rao Tatineni, the film featured an ensemble cast, including Anil Kapoor, Rajinikanth, Raveena Tandon, and Rekha.

The storyline revolved around a principled village head, delving into themes of honour, justice, and family loyalty. Anil Kapoor showcased his versatility by playing a double role—a noble zamindar and his modern-era descendant. Rajinikanth made a memorable appearance in an extended special role.

Though Kajol hasn’t worked directly with Rajinikanth, she shared screen space with his former son-in-law, actor Dhanush, in the 2015 family drama VIP 2, where she portrayed an ambitious businesswoman opposite him.

Rajinikanth’s Legacy in Indian Cinema

Rajinikanth is hailed as one of the top megastars in the South Indian film industry. His illustrious career in Bollywood includes collaborations with iconic actors like Amitabh Bachchan and many others, solidifying his status as a cinema legend.

Actress Tridha Choudhury, known for her recent role in “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2,” has shared her profound admiration for global superstar Priyanka Chopra.

Admiration for Priyanka Chopra

In an exclusive conversation, Tridha emphasized Chopra’s unwavering strength and determination. She praised Priyanka’s focus and self-belief, particularly during challenging times. For Tridha, Chopra serves as a powerful example of resilience, illustrating how faith in oneself can lead to overcoming setbacks and achieving remarkable success. Tridha expressed her thoughts, stating, “I admire her resilience. Even when she felt everything was falling apart, she had faith in her talent. She never backed down.”

Inspiration Drawn from Chopra’s Journey

Tridha considers Priyanka one of her biggest inspirations and has frequently expressed how she draws motivation from the actress’s global journey. She admires the way Priyanka remains grounded while achieving international fame.

Transitioning to Comedy

Tridha recently appeared alongside Kapil Sharma in Anukalp Goswami’s comedy-drama “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2,” which also features Hira Warina, Parul Gulati, and Ayesha Khan. When asked about her transition from intense and bold roles to comedy, Tridha explained, “I believe actors choose roles where the script feels stronger. If you’ve watched Ashram, you must have noticed how Babita’s character evolves. Her arc becomes deeply political, and that shift was part of the writing. After that, I never felt people were typecasting me as ‘bold,’ though yes, sometimes the roles offered were more for eye candy. But whether I’m punching someone or kissing someone, both are still acting. At the end of the day, everything we do is performance.”

The Challenge of Comedy

She further noted, “Comedy, however, is a different kind of challenge. People think it’s easy because you just have to make others laugh. But comedy is extremely tough. The timing, the nervousness, the emotions—everything requires precision. Through this film, I got to explore that zone, and I’m still learning.”

The upcoming episode of Indian Idol season 16 is set to be a nostalgic celebration for music enthusiasts, featuring two of India’s most iconic voices: Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy.

As they took the stage, Udit shared a fun story and heartwarming memories from the recording of the hit song “Koi Mil Gaya” from the film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. This song, originally performed by the legendary trio of Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Alka Yagnik, is one of the most cherished melodies in Hindi cinema.

Udit’s Recording Anecdote

Reflecting on the recording session, Udit Narayan recalled an amusing incident. He expressed feeling extremely nervous before entering the studio, saying, “Jatin-Lalit ne mujhe do sherniyon ke beech khada kar diya.” He humorously asked the music directors if he could record his part later.

However, Jatin and Lalit, known for their persuasive nature, responded, “Do Sherri ke beech ek sher toh aa jaye,” which encouraged him to sing.

Kavita’s Fond Memories

Kavita Krishnamurthy added to this nostalgic moment, mentioning how Udit often praises both her and Alka Yagnik. Yet, when the mic is on, it’s Udit who shines the brightest.

She noted that Udit simply needs to hum a “hey,” and the power of his voice “reaches the mountains of the Himalayas.” Kavita also reminisced about the extensive rehearsals she and Alka would undertake to perfect each note, while Udit delivered his parts with an ease that seemed almost effortless.

Bollywood playback stalwarts Sonu Nigam, Amit Kumar, and Sudesh Bhosle recently reunited for a delightful gathering.

They were joined by the veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar and superstar comedian Johnny Lever at a private musical event. Singer Sudesh Bhosle took to social media to share glimpses of the memorable evening, describing the reunion as “to be cherished for a lifetime.” In the photos, all the star artists are seen together, sharing hearty laughs.

In the snapshots, Sonu Nigam is captured singing alongside Amit Kumar and Sudesh Bhosle. Another picture shows Johnny Lever engaging in a comic act, showcasing his signature humor. Veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar also joined the singers during the session, marking a joyful multi-generational reunion of industry legends.

Amit Kumar, the son of the legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar, is recognized as one of the prominent voices from the 1980s and 1990s. He is known for timeless hits like “Bade Acche Lagte Hain” from the popular movie Balika Vadhu, along with a series of successful duets. Amit continues to honor his father’s musical legacy through concert performances and recordings.

Sudesh Bhosle, celebrated for his mimicry talents, is particularly famous for emulating the voice of megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He has lent his vocals to many beloved tracks, including “Jumma Chumma De De” and “Shava Shava.”

Sachin Pilgaonkar, a veteran actor and singer with an illustrious career spanning over five decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema, is renowned for films such as “Balika Badhu” and “Satte Pe Satta,” among others.

In a significant ruling reinforcing artistic freedom, the Kerala High Court dismissed appeals filed by the Union Government and the Catholic Congress that challenged a single judge’s order quashing the A-certificate and six mandated cuts for the Malayalam film “Haal.”

Key Details of the Ruling

A division bench comprising Justice Arvind Sushrut Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan delivered the verdict. The Catholic Congress contended in its appeal that the film inaccurately portrayed the Bishop of Thamarassery regarding his public opposition to interfaith marriages. They argued that the film served as “propaganda” aimed at minimizing concerns about so-called “Love Jihad.”

The single judge’s bench had earlier asserted that the film’s depiction fell well within the realm of creative expression, emphasizing that films should not be censored based on the beliefs or sensitivities of individual groups.

The Union Government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) separately questioned the maintainability of the filmmakers’ writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. Both appeals were heard together after the division bench chose to watch the film before making its ruling.

Background on “Haal”

“Haal,” featuring Shane Nigam, was initially set for release on September 12. However, delays in certification prompted the filmmakers to approach the High Court. The CBFC’s Revising Committee ultimately issued an A-certificate with six cuts, including the contentious beef biriyani scene. The producers and director then returned to court, challenging both the certification and the required cuts.

During hearings before the single judge’s bench, the Catholic Congress and an RSS office-bearer were impleaded to present their objections. After viewing the film and hearing extensive arguments, the single judge found that four of the six cuts were unwarranted. These cuts included scenes of a Christian heroine dancing in a burqa, visuals of the Thamarassery Bishop’s residence, police interrogation sequences, and a suggestion to blur the name of a Christian institution.

The filmmakers had already agreed to remove the fifth and sixth cuts, including the beef biriyani scene and certain dialogues referencing a cultural organization, which meant those were not evaluated on their merits.

The single judge’s bench ultimately directed the CBFC to reconsider certification without the contested cuts.

In response, the Catholic Congress and later the Union Government appealed to the division bench, which upheld the earlier order, marking another judicial endorsement of filmmakers’ constitutionally protected creative space.

Actress Rishita Kothari, currently starring as the lead in the show Sehar, is making a significant mark with her television debut through a strong yet nuanced portrayal of her character.

A Deep Connection

Rishita expressed her emotions regarding her debut role, stating, “This show is extremely close to my heart because Sehar feels like a part of me. When I first read the script, I felt an instant connection.”

Living the Dream

She shared her exhilaration about landing the lead role in her first TV show, describing it as an overwhelming experience. “Playing a lead role in my very first TV show is overwhelming, and I am grateful that I get to live this dream in such a meaningful story.”

Perfect Timing

The actress believes that this project came to her at the ideal time, as she was ready to embrace a character with profound emotional layers. Reflecting on her preparation, Rishita mentioned, “Sehar is layered, emotional, and very human. To bring her alive, I spent time understanding her backstory, her fears, her strength, and her vulnerabilities. I didn’t want to act; I wanted to be her. Every scene pushes me to grow, both as an actor and as a person.”

Challenging Yet Rewarding

She added that the challenge of embodying such a deep character has been the most significant learning experience of her debut. Rishita credited her team for shaping her journey, saying, “My director, co-actors, and the entire crew have been pillars of support. They guided me, encouraged me, and helped me explore Sehar in ways I couldn’t have imagined. A show becomes special when the people behind it believe in you wholeheartedly, and that belief has made me more confident as an artist.”

Motivation from a Supportive Environment

The nurturing atmosphere on set motivates her to give her best every day. Sharing what audiences can expect, she added, “Sehar Hone Ko Hai is more than just a show; it’s an emotional experience. It reflects real struggles, love, hope, and resilience. I want people to see a bit of themselves in Sehar. If the audience feels even a fraction of what I felt while portraying her, I’ll consider my job truly done.”

New Beginnings

Expressing her gratitude and excitement, she concluded, “This show marks a new chapter in my life. Debuting with such a beautiful story is a blessing. I hope the audience embraces Sehar the way I have – and continues walking with me on this beautiful journey.”

Sehar Hone Ko Hai also features the return of TV stars Mahhi Vij and Parth Samthaan. The show at its core illustrates a mother’s relentless battle against patriarchal pressures and rigid societal norms to forge a brighter future for her daughter.

Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has delivered numerous hits and proven himself as an outstanding performer. In a recent conversation, he opened up about his deep love for cinema and his apprehension towards the real world.

Immersing in a Character

“Playing Jatil Yadav in Raat Akeli Hai, a storyline so intense, was a very difficult process,” Nawazuddin shared. He added, “But I enjoyed staying in that world. Sometimes the real world scares me more, so I run away from it. I enjoy living in the film’s bubble for those three or more months until shooting is done and I am fully immersed in that character.”

Intense Scenes and Their Aftermath

When asked about breaking out of intense scenes once the camera stops rolling, he explained, “I won’t say it’s easy. I am not the kind of actor who can switch on and switch off instantly. If I am shooting for two or three months, the character stays with me. It’s not just about the mood; somewhere in the back of my mind, the character remains.”

He continued, “Until the film is complete, there’s always a bit of uneasiness. Honestly, I want to be someone who can switch on and off, but I am not able to do it, and frankly, if you ask, I don’t even want to. I like remaining in character.”

Chitrangada Singh’s Experience

Chitrangada Singh, who plays Meera in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, also shared her challenges in stepping away from intense character portrayals. “For me, it was difficult because the entire script is very intense, revolving around these people, the murders, and the investigation. It’s all too deep. You don’t want to come out of that zone because you know you have to get back into it immediately. It’s not like the camera cuts and you start laughing or listening to music. None of us felt like that on set,” she noted.

She also mentioned, “The director creates an atmosphere that keeps you in that emotional space. On the drive back home, I would listen to music to detach a little. In the morning, while getting ready, I would listen to music again to tune myself back into that emotion. Music helps me shift frequencies. But yes, staying intense for long is tough. You can get tired of one emotion. I mean, how long can you stay happy or sad? So you need breaks to come back fresh.”

About Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders

Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, directed by Honey Trehan and penned by Smita Singh, features a stellar cast including Radhika Apte, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun Bajpai, Revathy Asha Kelluni, Rajat Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Priyanka Setia, Shridhar Dubey, Akhilendra Mishra, and more.

Amruta Fadnavis has lent her voice to the anthem of Roopa Iyer’s upcoming drama “Azad Bharath,” a heartfelt tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

A Multifaceted Project

Discussing the project, Amruta praised Roopa Iyer for expertly managing three roles: director, producer, and actor. She remarked, “It’s an honour to be here. Azad Bharath is a beautiful film, and it gloriously conveys the story of Neera Arya. Roopa Iyer has not only portrayed the character in the film but also directed and produced it. Wearing three hats in a single project is definitely commendable! Suresh ji (Suresh Oberoi) is an inspiration to all of us.”

Pride in Contribution

Expressing her excitement about being involved, Amruta stated, “It has been an honour to lend my voice for the national anthem in the film. I feel lucky to have a small contribution to such a prestigious project that honours Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji’s legacy.”

She highlighted that one of the most inspiring aspects of Netaji’s legacy is his empowerment of women by forming the Rani Jhansi regiment, a chapter often overlooked in history. “There’s no mention of Neera Arya in history; big thanks to Roopa for bringing such untold stories to the forefront.”

Anticipation for Release

The film is set to release on 2nd January, coinciding with the month when we celebrate Netaji’s birthday. Amruta encouraged, “We can pay our tributes to him by watching the film.”

In “Azad Bharath,” Shreyas Talpade will portray Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, while Suresh Oberoi will play revolutionary freedom fighter Chhaju Ramji, alongside Roopa Iyer as Neera Arya.

The film will have a worldwide release on 2nd January 2026, the same month celebrating Netaji’s 129th birth anniversary on 23rd January.