Author: Ankita Singh

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, renowned for creating Bollywood’s classic film Sholay, recently shared insights about the iconic movie during a session at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Unveiling Gabbar

The session, titled “50 years of Sholay: Why Sholay still resonates,” saw Sippy delve into how the late supervillain Amjad Khan became the unforgettable Gabbar. He recounted, “Amjad Khan himself was a discovery. I had seen him earlier in a play with my sister about South Africa, and I remembered he was a good actor, but I had completely forgotten about him.”

He continued, “When Salim–Javed suggested we look at him, it clicked. He came in for the part, but only because Danny Denzongpa, who was originally signed for Gabbar, was in Afghanistan shooting with Mr. Feroz Khan and couldn’t return. We didn’t have to make changes anywhere because of the language or accent, especially for Gabbar. Amjad’s UP-style accent worked beautifully.”

Danny’s Absence and a New Icon

Sippy concluded, “Danny’s absence gave birth to Amjad Khan as Gabbar, and the rest is history.” He further discussed how the film’s spectacular locations, particularly the Rocky Mountains that became synonymous with Gabbar’s territory, contributed to its legacy.

Finding the Right Landscape

Ramesh shared the process of discovering the iconic location: “We chose that particular location because all the dacoit films until then had been shot in the North, Rajasthan, the Chambal Valley, and similar places. I felt it was time to find a new, fresh location.”

He elaborated, “We went down South, and I saw this rocky area around 50 kilometres out of Bangalore on the way to Mysore. I just stood there looking at it and felt, ‘this is the right place.’ I can’t explain it; it just happened. We faced many challenges there, but shooting in that location gave the film a whole new look. No set could have created that.”

He added, “People often say this was the first time a dacoit film wasn’t set in the typical Chambal region. For the first time, the backdrop was actually in the South, and this location was suggested by our art director, M.R. Achrekar. And I immediately liked the place. For the first time, people saw dacoits in a landscape completely different from what had always been shown before, bringing a fresh visual identity to the subject.”

The All-Star Cast

Regarding Sholay, the film featured an illustrious cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. Released in 1975, it is widely regarded as one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema.

The cult classic has not only given audiences memorable songs but also introduced legendary characters such as Jay, Veeru, Basanti, Thakur, and Gabbar, who continue to be celebrated as some of Bollywood’s finest onscreen personas even after 50 years.

The makers of director Mithun Balaji’s Tamil psychological thriller ‘Stephen’, featuring actors Gomathi Shankar and Smruthi Venkat, have revealed that the film’s inspiration came from a previous short film they had created.

In an exclusive conversation, director Mithun Balaji and actor Gomathi Shankar, who also co-wrote the script, shared that the short film centered on the character of Stephen had received numerous accolades, which motivated them to develop this project further. The film is set to stream on the OTT platform Netflix starting December 5.

The Inspiration Behind ‘Stephen’

Gomathi Shankar explained, “In around 2020, we created a short film that we co-wrote. This film was based on Stephen. We received a fantastic response across various short film festivals. It portrayed the character in a unique way, which resonated with audiences.” He added, “We didn’t expect much interest in serial killers, but we took a different approach.”

Unique Elements of the Short Film

So, what made it stand out? “There was no violence in that short film. It was about 10 minutes long and depicted a conversation between a serial killer and a psychiatrist. People found it intriguing. We received awards, including best actor, best director, and best film, which was unexpected but thrilling. This success inspired us to consider a sequel to the short film,” he said.

From Short to Feature

Gomathi continued, “As we worked on expanding the script, it grew to a runtime of 40 minutes. We shared it with our team of aspiring directors and writers, and everyone seemed to appreciate it. One team member suggested we develop it into a feature film. They told us, ‘You’ve written 40 minutes; just expand it a bit more!’ We thought adding 15 more minutes would be straightforward, but it took us years. We spent one-and-a-half years refining the script to create a complete feature film.”

What to Expect from ‘Stephen’

Produced by Jayakumar and Mohan, the film also features Michael Thangadurai in a significant role. The much-anticipated thriller is poised to make its debut on Netflix on December 5.

In a world where reality often eclipses fiction, the creators promise that ‘Stephen’ will challenge the audience’s preconceived notions of guilt and innocence. This tense, character-driven thriller will delve into the themes of guilt, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Actress Rukmini Vasanth, who garnered significant acclaim for her role in the recently released film ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1’, has shared her favorite titles across various genres. Among these is the beloved Farah Khan classic ‘Om Shanti Om’.

Everyday Life on Set

Rukmini’s daily routine consists of long shoot days, numerous costume changes, and scripts that demand her full attention. Yet, even in the midst of a busy schedule, she manages to find small moments of joy that keep her grounded. Whether it’s sketching between shots, revisiting cherished childhood comics, rewatching favorite films, or playing songs that resonate with her mood, the actress has several tricks to refresh her mind.

Discussing her approach, Rukmini stated, “One habit I’ve fostered is keeping my attention focused on one thing on set. Phones scatter focus. So I journal sometimes, or sketch. Sketching helps because for those minutes you are deeply focused on one object, without emotionally drifting away from the character.”

Throwback to Childhood

Reflecting on her childhood, she fondly recalled the days of reading Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics. “I used to enact Supandi for people; poor souls probably humored a five-year-old going ‘Supandi walks here, Supandi looks there’,” she reminisced.

Comfort Watches

Rukmini’s choice of comfort watches also reveals her personality. Proudly identifying as a “big re-watcher,” she enjoys different shows depending on her mood. For intensity, she turns to ‘Dark’. When she seeks laughter, ‘Derry Girls’ is her go-to. For warmth and nostalgia, she cherishes ‘Om Shanti Om’.

“It pokes fun at the industry with affection, never cynicism. I find something new every time,” she expressed.

Exciting Career Phase

As she prepares for her upcoming project ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups’ alongside Yash, and the highly anticipated film with Jr NTR, Rukmini’s career is entering an exhilarating new phase. Despite the scale and spectacle of her work, she remains connected to her favorite activities, reminding herself of what truly matters.

Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey, renowned for his role in the acclaimed series ‘House of Cards’, faces further challenges as he is set to confront three more sexual assault claims in a London civil court next year.

Three men have filed lawsuits against Spacey, alleging assaults that occurred between 2000 and 2013, as reported by Variety.

At a recent hearing in London’s High Court, a provisional trial date of October 12, 2026, was proposed. It remains unclear whether the claims will be consolidated into a single civil trial or addressed in three separate proceedings.

Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges from four men in a U.K. criminal trial in 2023, firmly denies all allegations.

According to Variety, the actor has officially denied two of the three civil claims in court but has yet to respond to the third. A representative for Spacey did not immediately provide a comment regarding the new civil trial.

One of the men pursuing the civil case against Spacey had previously made allegations in 2022, but the case was paused during the actor’s criminal trial. The man, granted anonymity by the court, claims he “suffered psychiatric damage and other financial loss” following an alleged sexual assault he says took place in August 2008.

Another plaintiff, Ruari Cannon, has waived his right to anonymity, alleging that Spacey groped him at a party in 2013 while he was performing at the Old Vic, where Spacey holds the position of artistic director. Cannon participated in last year’s Channel 4 docuseries ‘Spacey Unmasked’, to which Spacey responded, stating, “Each time I have been given the time and a proper forum to defend myself, the allegations have failed under scrutiny and I have been exonerated.”

In addition, Spacey was sued in New York civil court in 2022 by actor Anthony Rapp.

Aamir Khan recently shared a touching experience about taking his son Azad to meet veteran actor Dharmendra.

A Special Bond

At the 56th International Film Festival of India, Aamir expressed how he had developed a close relationship with Dharmendra in recent years, having met him around 7–8 times. He felt it was essential for Azad to meet the legendary actor, given that the young boy hadn’t truly experienced Dharmendra’s iconic work.

Aamir’s Tribute to Dharmendra

Reflecting on his admiration for Dharmendra, Aamir stated, “Well, I’ve grown up watching him. He was known as the action hero and the he-man. Of course, he was extremely good at portraying strong characters in action films. But I think people have not really noticed—he is underrated. His performances in romance and different genres have been remarkable.”

He continued, “He does amazing comedy, he does amazing romance, you know, dramas. So according to me, Dharamji was right up there as one of the finest actors we have. I’ve always looked up to him.”

Cherished Memories

Aamir added, “What a handsome person. Today, in fact, I’m not in Bombay, but today is his prayer meeting, and unfortunately, I’m missing it. I was very close to him; in the last year, I must have met him about 7-8 times. I used to really enjoy his company, so I went to sit with him. One day, I took Azad with me. I said, ‘I want you to meet someone,’ because Azad had not really seen his work. We spent a couple of hours with him, and it was wonderful. Dharamji was not only a fine actor but also a great human being.”

Aamir praised Dharmendra’s gentle nature, noting, “No matter who he would meet—whether a colleague or someone outside the industry—he was always warm and soft with people. He was a wonderful person, a great actor, and it’s a great loss for all of us.”

A Final Farewell

Aamir Khan was among the many celebrities who paid their respects at Dharmendra’s funeral. Legendary figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jeetendra, Sanjay Dutt, Abhay Deol, and Shatrughan Sinha were also present.

Remembered fondly as Bollywood’s He-Man, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89.

Director Ramesh Sippy, renowned for the cult classic Sholay, recently shared heartfelt memories of Bollywood’s beloved Veeru, the late superstar Dharmendra.

At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Ramesh participated in a session titled “50 years of Sholay: Why Sholay still resonates.”

Remembering Dharmendra

Reflecting on his co-stars, Ramesh remarked, “Three out of six great actors of Sholay – Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, and now Dharmendra – are no more. We definitely miss them.” For those unaware, Dharmendra, a cinematic legend, passed away on November 24, leaving a remarkable legacy of 60 years in Bollywood.

On the same day, Dharmendra’s wife and actress Hema Malini expressed her sorrow on social media. She wrote, “Dharam ji was many things to me. Loving husband, adoring father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need – in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”

Hema further stated, “As a public personality, his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever. My personal loss is indescribable, and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life. After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…”

Health Struggles

Dharmendra had been unwell for some time. He was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in mid-November and was on a ventilator before being discharged to continue treatment at home.

Legacy of Sholay

Sholay featured iconic performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. Since its release in 1975, the film is regarded as one of the most influential movies in Indian cinema.

Actress Bhagyashree Patwardhan, celebrated for her role in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, made a special appearance on the latest episode of the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’. She relived nostalgic moments from her film by wearing the iconic jacket of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.

Memorable Performances

During the episode, contestant Jyotirmayee performed the timeless song ‘Dil Deewana Bin Sajna Ke Mane Na’. Her soulful rendition not only rejuvenated the magic of the song but also created heartfelt connections with Bhagyashree. Jyotirmayee’s exceptional performance earned accolades from the judges and guests, establishing it as one of the episode’s standout acts.

A Magical Exchange

The evening took an emotional turn when Bhagyashree, moved by Jyotirmayee’s heartfelt performance, stepped into Salman Khan’s character by donning the jacket. She sweetly remarked, “Sangeet ke duniya ko Suman mil gayi,” linking herself beautifully to her beloved character from ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’.

Reflecting on her experience, Bhagyashree shared, “‘Indian Idol’ has a magical way of touching the heart, and the theme of Swag vs Sanskaari adds a nostalgic layer to the experience. Many of my songs are cherished for their innocence and emotional depth, and seeing today’s contestants infuse that ‘sanskaari’ warmth into their performances is truly beautiful.”

She further added, “It feels like reopening a treasured chapter from the past, brought to life through voices filled with new emotion and sincerity. I’m grateful to witness these young artists honour melodies that have meant so much to my journey.”

A Heartwarming Recreation

The emotional high point of the episode came when Bhagyashree and Jyotirmayee recreated a cherished scene from the film. Jyotirmayee stepped into Suman’s role while Bhagyashree playfully portrayed Salman Khan’s character. Their warm camaraderie lit up the stage, culminating in a delightful, impromptu dance to the iconic track.

‘Indian Idol’ season 16 airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Actor and director Sanjay Khan recently took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about a memorable experience with Dharmendra on the sets of ‘Haqeeqat.’

Reflecting on a Dramatic Moment

Sanjay recounted how a routine walk to the officers’ mess in Leh took a dramatic turn when a rifle was unexpectedly aimed at them. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, he honored the memory of his late friend and co-star Dharmendra, recalling their early days in Leh back in 1966, long before Dharmendra became the superstar we know today.

Sanjay fondly remembered Dharmendra’s mischievous and fun-loving spirit, which could brighten even the coldest Ladakhi nights. He expressed that those who truly knew him will always keep his memory alive.

Cherished Memories

Sharing a throwback photo, Sanjay Khan wrote, “Long before the world knew him as a star, I knew Dharam as the young man who could turn a freezing Ladakhi night into pure mischief. We were in Leh in 1966, shooting Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat, when a simple walk back to the officers’ mess ended with a rifle aimed at us and a sentry screaming in the dark.”

He added, “Between our drunken bravado, a mountain of laughter, and that sudden brush with danger, a lifelong friendship took shape. Those who knew you will never forget you. Rest in peace my friend!”

In the nostalgic image, Sanjay Khan and Dharmendra are seen together, joined by Salman Khan for a memorable moment. The photo also features Sanjay’s late wife, Zarine Khan, sitting alongside them.

About ‘Haqeeqat’

The film “Haqeeqat” starred Dharmendra, Balraj Sahni, Priya Rajvansh, Sudhir, Sanjay Khan, and Vijay Anand in prominent roles. Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Rezang La in Ladakh, it offers a fictionalized portrayal of the 5 JAT soldiers’ heroics during the 1962 war and is celebrated as one of India’s most iconic black-and-white war films.

Actor Shekhar Suman recently shared a heartfelt tribute to the late superstar Dharmendra on his social media account. In a poignant video, Shekhar fondly remembered Dharmendra and reflected on the impact he had on those around him.

Shekhar’s Thoughts on Life and Loss

In the video, Shekhar expressed, “The only difference between cricket and life is that in cricket you are sometimes not out. But in the innings of life, everyone has to be out one day. When someone leaves, there is a lot of sadness. It should be, because that person has a heart-to-heart relationship with you. There is sadness for him leaving and sadness for the loss itself.”

He elaborated further, saying, “But the thing to consider is that the one you love, you don’t want to see him in a state you never imagined. I am talking about Dharamji. A heart-to-heart person like Dharamji, a happy-go-lucky person, he was an unparalleled personality in himself. It is said that when a person’s heart is pure and beautiful, it shines through on his face. And that was true for Dharamji.”

A Unique Personality

Shekhar continued to praise the late superstar’s character, stating, “He was a unique person, truthful and honest. Whatever was inside was outside. And he had a very rare combination—a beautiful face and a great physique. This combination is very rare; usually either the body or the face is good. Both together are found in very few people. Dharamji was as good a human being as he was an actor. He gave a lot of love, and he received a lot of love. No one ever criticised him.”

On Dharmendra’s lasting popularity, Shekhar said, “As far as his popularity is concerned, from 1960 to his last film, Rocky Aur Rani, he was unshakeable. No one could challenge his stardom. The best thing is that Dharamji had no opposition, no rivals. I say ‘strange’ because how can anyone be such a good person? Whoever he met, he met with a smile, with warmth, with a hug. We’ve watched him for many years. To see him in the condition he was in towards the end… we couldn’t bear it.”

Honoring an Extraordinary Life

Shekhar urged everyone to remember the superstar by saying, “Like in cricket, when someone finishes a great innings, even if he gets out and walks back to the pavilion, the entire stadium stands up and claps for him. Dharamji played such a magnificent innings. We are sad at his passing, but for the incredible life he lived, we should all stand up and salute him. ‘Wah, Dharamji, wah. What a game you played.’”

He added, “And none of us wanted to see him in a state where his body was stiff, his voice trembling, unable to stand properly, lonely or alone. Did you want to see your Dharamji like that? No. It is better that a person leaves before reaching such a state. And one special thing about actors is that they leave their bodies, but through their work and their characters, they remain alive forever. Always. We wanted to remember Dharamji as beautiful, lively and youthful as he always was. We didn’t want to see him in that final condition.”

A Legacy of Inspiration

Reflecting on Dharmendra’s admirable life, Suman said, “He lived a clean, beautiful, exemplary life. And he played a very long and admirable innings. We should be grateful for that. If someone lives a life, it should be like his. So, Dharamji, we salute you as an example. We should all follow you. We should try to become like you—though no one ever can. No one can look like you. But we will try. Thank you from our hearts for the inspiration and encouragement. As long as the world exists, your name—Dharmendra’s name—will shine in the sky like the sun and the moon.”

Shekhar Suman captioned the video with a moving message: “My heartfelt tribute to the man who taught us love and humanity, who taught us how to live life kingsize, with a heart that was as pure as 24-carat gold. The magnificent, generous, kind and compassionate human being. An Adonis with the most endearing and infectious smile that touched a billion lives. A tremendous and incomparable actor and the biggest star of them all, who will live in our hearts forever… Dharmendra.”

For those unaware, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. A prayer meet for the late superstar has been organized by the Deol family.

On the professional front, Dharmendra will also be seen posthumously in the movie ‘Ikkis’, directed by Sriram Raghavan, which stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia.

After reports surfaced about the film ‘Apne 2’ being shelved, the producer, Deepak Mukut, has confirmed that the project is indeed happening and will serve as a tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra.

A Family Affair

‘Apne’ featured the Deol family, including Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, and Bobby Deol, and has been under speculation following Dharmendra’s passing. The film held immense significance for the late actor.

Regarding the sequel, Deepak Mukut stated, “People need to stop spreading unverified rumours. ‘Apne 2’ is NOT shelved. This film is happening, and it is happening with full conviction. We have been working quietly but consistently, and there has never been a question of dropping the project. ‘Apne 2’ is not only on track but remains one of the most emotionally significant projects undertaken by our banner.”

He added, “‘Apne’ belonged to Dharamji. His presence, his warmth, his soul—everything he stood for made that film what it became. ‘Apne 2’ is extremely close to my heart. In many ways, the film will be a shradhanjali, a heartfelt homage to Dharamji. We want the sequel to celebrate him, his values, and the emotional world he created with the Deol family on screen.”

Focus on Legacy

The sequel, which includes Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Karan Deol, has undergone some creative restructuring. However, the core intention remains unchanged: to continue the emotional legacy of one of Hindi cinema’s most treasured family dramas.

For fans of the Deol family and admirers of Dharmendra’s timeless charm, the confirmation of the film’s release is certainly a delight. ‘Apne 2’ is not just a project; it is being crafted as a tribute worthy of the legend who defined the franchise.