Indus Chronicles

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took a moment to celebrate the achievements of one of Indian cinema's visual storytellers, Santosh Sivan. Sivan, a renowned cinematographer and director, recently received the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award in Cinematography at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Asian to do so. Interestingly, in the video, one could see the script of SRK’s next project King.

Shah Rukh Khan, fondly addressing Sivan as "Santa," shared a congratulatory video message on social media.  The warmth in his voice reflected a deep respect for the veteran filmmaker. “I have had the good fortune of working with Santa very early on in my career," Khan said, "and like so many others, I have learnt a lot from him.” He reminisced about their collaborations on films like the iconic Dil Se and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, before highlighting Sivan's directorial brilliance in Asoka.

Khan's message went beyond acknowledging past collaborations. He spoke of the profound impact Sivan had on him as an artist. “During the course of making these films, there was so much learning from him,” Khan shared. “He taught me that genius is not thought of, it is felt.”

Shah Rukh Khan congratulates Santosh Sivan on receiving the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens award at Cannes. ????✨@iamsrk #ShahRukhKhan #SantoshSivan#KingKhan #cannes2024 #PierreAngenieuxExcelLens #CannesFilmFestival #AwardWinner pic.twitter.com/M39wEWeFN7

— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) May 28, 2024

The Pierre Angenieux Award is a recognition reserved for the true auteurs of visual storytelling. Past recipients include the likes of Roger Deakins and Christopher Doyle, and Sivan's inclusion in this elite company is a testament to his exceptional talent.

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will play a raw and rugged Don-style role in Sujoy Ghosh’s King, which will also star Suhana Khan. The project will go on floors by July 2024. ALSO READ: Amul celebrates KKRs IPL 2024 win with Shah Rukh Khan twist: Korbo, Lorbo, Eatbo!

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari's love affair with the Cannes Film Festival continues! On May 27, the actress shared yet another stunning look from her Cannes 2024 experience, leaving fans in awe. This time, she opted for a romantic and flowy one-shoulder peach gown by Avarofiglio.

The pictures showcase Hydari's versatility. In some, she embraces loose waves, channelling a carefree vibe. In others, she rocks a messy bun with a 90s-inspired scarf, adding a touch of retro chic. To complete the look, she sported statement ruby lips and elegant earrings. One picture captures Hydari in all her glory, posing against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera.

As L'Oreal's brand ambassador, this particular look was for a promotional shoot. Sharing the pictures, Hydari captioned them with the dreamy words, “Dream a little dream.”

Aditi Rao Hydari has truly impressed with her Cannes appearances this year. From her show-stopping black and white Gaurav Gupta gown on the red carpet to this romantic Avarofiglio number, she has showcased her impressive fashion sense.

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Meanwhile, Aditi Rao Hydari was most recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. ALSO READ: Kiara Advani, Bhumi Pednekar, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and others laud the victory of All We Imagine As Light at Grand Prix

Since 2022, multiplexes and most single-screen theatres in India have celebrated Cinema Lovers Day or National Cinema Day at regular intervals. The first edition took place in September 2022 when the tickets were sold for just Rs. 75. As expected, the move got a massive response. The second Cinema Lovers Day, held in September 2023, was also well-received. Meanwhile, Cinema Lovers Day was held on February 23 this year when the ticket rates were slashed to Rs. 75. Article 370 released on the same day and it had an advantage. And now, theatres are all set to celebrate Cinema Lovers Day again, that too, this Friday, May 31.

The big release this week is Mr & Mrs Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. A multiplex official said, “The film already has a buzz and the Rs. 99 offer will further give the film a boost. It’s also a great start to the movie-watching season again.” Since Eid, very few significant movies have been released due to elections. With the last phase of elections on Saturday, June 1, major films are all set to arrive in cinemas once again.

The other releases on May 31 are Divya Khossla-Anil Kapoor-Harshvardhan Rane starrer Savi, the kiddie flick Chhota Bheem And The Curse Of Damyaan and the Hollywood slasher film The Strangers: Chapter 1. These films, too, are expected to reap the benefits of Cinema Lovers Day.

Coming back to Mr & Mrs Mahi, it is directed by Sharan Sharma, whose debut directorial was Gunjan Saxena – The Kargil Girl (2020), and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Zee Studios. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report that Mr & Mrs Mahi is a rare film that is passed with a ‘U’ certificate, that too with zero cuts.

Interestingly, multiplexes were all set to celebrate Cinema Lovers Day last month, on April 19. In fact, the makers of Do Aur Do Pyaar even publicized the officer on their social media handles. The Vidya Balan-Pratik Gandhi-Ileana DCruz-Sendhil Ramamurthy starrer was all set to release on the same day. The offer was withdrawn one day before because of the elections.

Also Read: Does Janhvi Kapoor look through rumored boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya’s phone? The revelation of Mr. & Mrs. Mahi star is going viral

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan recently shared a promotional video for his upcoming film Chandu Champion that also playfully referenced his other project, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The video features Aaryan and his Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 co-star Rajpal Yadav dancing to ‘Satyanaas’, a song from Chandu Champion. Dressed as their respective characters from the horror-comedy, the duo flawlessly performs the catchy dance steps, their infectious enthusiasm shining through.

The caption on the post further emphasizes this connection, with Aaryan playfully stating, "Rooh Baba aur Chhota Pandit ne bhi kar diya #Satyanaas!!" (Even Rooh Baba and Chhota Pandit did the Satyanaas!)."

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The vibrant song showcases Kartik Aaryan and his on-screen comrades celebrating a new chapter in their lives. Composed by the maestro Pritam, 'Satyanaas' boasts the soulful voices of Arijit Singh, Nakash Aziz, and Dev Negi, complemented by impactful lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The duo Bosco-Caesar elevates the song further with their dynamic and energetic choreography.

Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan and co-produced by Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, will be released in cinemas on June 14, 2024. ALSO READ: REVEALED: Meet Bhagyashri Borse, the mystery girl who features in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL 2024 finals, defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan's presence and heartwarming gesture towards his wife Gauri Khan stole the show. Just days after being hospitalized for heatstroke, a fully recovered Shah Rukh Khan, along with his family and friends, cheered on KKR from the stands.

The doting husband was captured on camera in a heartwarming moment, embracing Gauri Khan and planting a kiss on her head as KKR clinched the trophy. This sweet gesture quickly became viral on social media. Clad in a KKR jersey, he sported a mask.

The Adorable celebration of King Khan & Gauri Khan After Winning IPL 2024 ????????@iamsrk @KKRiders @KKRUniverse #ShahRukhKhan #SRHvsKKR #KKR #IPL2024 #IPL #KingKhan #IPLWinnerpic.twitter.com/6NlLETxPeX — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) May 26, 2024

The IPL 2024 trophy found its rightful place with the Kolkata Knight Riders after their dominant performance throughout the season. KKR displayed remarkable consistency, excelling in both batting and bowling. Their impressive run continued into the playoffs, culminating in a convincing win over SRH in both the eliminator and the final.

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As KKR secured victory by a margin of 8 wickets, SRK’s joy was palpable. He expressed his elation with hugs, kisses, and handshakes with everyone around him. The celebratory mood saw him remove his mask and sport sunglasses.

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Pictures capturing him celebrating with KKR players on the field went viral.  Following a group photo with Captain Shreyas Iyer and the team, Shah Rukh Khan seemingly recreated a photo from a decade ago, when KKR last won the IPL title. Sharing the photo on Instagram, Gauri captioned it with a simple yet powerful word, "Winners."

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Shah Rukh's emotions overflowed as he received a hug from his daughter Suhana Khan. The actress, seemingly fighting back tears, congratulated her father and expressed her own delight at the win. Little AbRam Khan and older son Aryan Khan also rushed to SRK to hug him. Suhana remained a constant source of support for her father throughout the entire IPL season. Even Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor were in the stands next to Suhana at the finale.

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KKR’s co-owners Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta were elated during the celebrations. SRK gestured for the entire KKR team and the crew to do the viral Harshit Rana flying kiss pose during the presentation ceremony. It was a triumphant night for the team.

The entire KKR team were doing Harshit Rana flying kiss celebration ???? pic.twitter.com/MwSKRaYxAY — R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 26, 2024

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ALSO READ: Drake places $250,000 high-stakes bet on Shah Rukh Khans Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL finals

Actress Natasa Stankovic recently left a heartwarming comment on Krunal Pandya's Instagram post, featuring her and her son Agastya with Krunal's own son, Kavir. This gesture comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting trouble in Natasa's marriage to Hardik Pandya. The Indian cricketer shared a series of photos on Saturday, capturing tender moments with the two children as they enjoyed some playful time together. Despite speculation surrounding her personal life, Natasa's interaction on social media indicates a continued bond with her extended family, fostering a sense of warmth and connection amidst the ongoing rumors.

“Happy place♥️,” Krunal captioned the post. Natasa shared her reaction to the pictures. She not only liked the post but also dropped a smiling face with heart-eyes emoji to show her love to the trio.

Natasa and Hardik have been married for 4 years. The pair announced their engagement on January 1, 2020 and married in May 2020. They also have a three-year-old son named Agastya Pandya. Rumours of their breakup spread online after netizens observed that the model had deleted the 'Pandya' surname from her Instagram username.

However, their purported separation received widespread notice after a Reddit post titled "Natasa and Hardik separated?" went viral. The article stated that the two had not been sharing photos with each other and questioned Natasa's absence during IPL 2024 matches. “This is just speculation. But both of them aren’t posting each other on stories (Instagram Stories). Earlier, Natasa used to have Natasa Stankovic Pandya on her Instagram, but now she completely removed his name,” the post read.

“Her birthday was on 4th March, and there was no post from Hardik on that day; she also removed all recent posts of her and Hardik except the one where Agastya was with them. Also, she isn’t seen in stands this IPL or post stories regarding the team. While Krunal and Pankhuri still comment on her posts, something is definitely off between both of them,” it added.

Meanwhile, Natasa was asked about the allegations during her recent excursion, but she opted not to respond.

Also Read : Are Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya separated? Here’s what we know 

Days after disclosing that she had to endure 99 takes for a dance sequence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," Richa Chadha shared her emotional state during the challenging process. She admitted feeling "totally demolished" as the filmmaker's patience wore thin, but remained determined to perfect her performance. Despite the pressure, Richa resolved to get it right, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Richa described her position on set, while she was fighting to get the photo correct, to Galatta Plus, “He (SLB) is a master because he is a classically trained Odissi dancer, so he knows the taal, he knows the rhythm. I am trained in Kathak, which is a very different form. So, for that scene, I think he did a mixture of like Kubrick and Spielberg because he did 99 takes, he didn’t get it and he said ‘pack up’, and he left. Then, after a few days, he was like, ‘I am not happy with that take,’ and I was like, ‘I know, what do you want me to do?’ So he said, ‘let’s do it!’ and we canned it in 20 minutes.”

When asked what she was required to do while performing and what directions Bhansali gave her, Richa stated that she was entrusted with completing the dance steps, humiliation, and intoxication all at once.

She shared that SLB wanted her to "live up to something" like Pakeezah, she said, “I think, he and I were doing a song for the first time. The song per say is not just a song. The premise of that is very sacred to him. It’s like from Pakeezah being invited to her lover’s wedding to perform a mujra, which in itself is a very humiliating premise. So he was very like, ‘you got to live up to something,’ and he wanted… he is not just happy with the dance, he wants the drunkenness to come through, he wants the delusion to come through that she is dressed like a bride, he wants the Kathak, the footwork and everything to be perfect, but he wants a breakdown in real time and in a single round trolley shot where the camera is slowly zooming in. The thing is I give him full credit because he is a master. So, he definitely knows what he is doing, just that the standards are high.”

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Richa then revealed that her struggle to perfect the shot was so intense that she asked the crew for a quarter of gin to authentically portray drunkenness while dancing. She shared, “For me, I’ll tell you, on that day, after take 20, which was normal, because I am not hitting the mark and he also put this big guldasta (bouquet) on my head, it is very heavy, so when I was turning, I was balancing and the roses were hitting me, the costume was very heavy. So when I’d spin I wouldn’t land on the mark. So he was kind of losing patience with me.”

She also shared the sharp critique and feedback that Bhansali was giving her while directing her. She shared, “He was like ‘in this take, there is no drunkenness and in this take, the dance is not good, in this take, the eyebrow didn’t arch at this point of time’. So, there was always something. He is not from the school of thought that you can cut and shoot dance. He wants long takes. So I even thought that I wasn’t drunk so I called for a gin after 6 pm when there were only three hours left for the shift. I asked for a quarter of gin, wondering what if I’d need to get drunk for real. So there I am, the AD’s are giving me looks and I am slowly swinging it. I am like, ‘I am not used to alcohol, this is going to make me pee. I don’t know what I am going to do in this dress, I can’t even get out of it’. I just sucked it up and just didn’t move from there for those… I think it took 8 hours for the 99 takes to happen.”

Also Read : Richa Chadha on financial independence: “Women must invest in Mutual Funds and…”

Filmmaker Karan Johar celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday with a star-studded bash hosted by his friends Tanya Dubash and Kajal Anand, as reported by Pinkvilla. The celebration saw numerous celebrities in attendance, including actors Anil Kapoor and Kajol, making it a night to remember.

Several photos and videos of the celebs were posted on social media sites. Karan Johar came for the birthday celebration in his vehicle dressed in all black. Kajol was seen in her car as the paparazzi clicked her photos.

Farah Khan, a film director and choreographer, also joined the celebration. She wore a navy blue dress to the occasion. She waved to the paparazzi from her car.

Anil Kapoor attended the event with his wife, Sunita Kapoor. Both were spotted wearing black clothing together. Natasha and Adar Poonawalla were also present at the gathering. Natasha donned a white dress, but Adar wore a black and white ensemble. Shakun Batra, too, attended the party with a black and white shirt and jeans.

Karan is scheduled to produce the next sports drama Mr & Mrs Mahi, which stars Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao in pivotal roles. The film is set to launch on May 31.

He will also produce an action comedy starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan. Sikhya Entertainment, which is owned by Karan Guneet Monga, will also produce the film. Karan and Guneet are reuniting for their third theatrical partnership. Aakash Kaushik will direct the picture, which is yet to be titled.

Taran Adarsh, a trading expert, recently relayed the news on Instagram. The caption said, "AYUSHMANN - SARA ALI KHAN TO STAR IN DHARMA - SIKHYA'S ACTION-COMEDY." Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment reunite for an action comedy starring AyushmannKhurrana and SaraAliKhan. Aakash Kaushik wrote and directed Dharma and Sikhya's third theatrical collaboration. Shooting has started. The title will be disclosed soon.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar reunite for Myntra ad, engage in playful banter, watch

Actor Kunal Kemmu turns a year older today. The actor recently made waves with his directorial debut in Madgaon Express, which earned critical acclaim as well as box office success. Before venturing into direction, Kunal delivered some of the greatest performances in his career spanning almost two decades. From the dark and gritty alleys of Kalyug to the laugh riots of the Golmaal series, and the nuanced performances in Traffic Signal and Lootcase, Kemmu has continually pushed the boundaries of his acting prowess.

Today, as we celebrate his birthday, it's the perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit his most memorable films.

Kemmu demonstrated his ability to take on diverse roles in the film Traffic Signal. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Traffic Signal delves into the lives of people who earn their livelihood around a traffic signal in Mumbai. Kemmu played Silsila, a street-smart young man managing the daily struggles and politics of life on the streets. His realistic portrayal earned him praise from both audiences and critics, showcasing his ability to adapt to gritty, real-life characters.

Kunal Kemmu started his film career as a child actor with notable roles in movies like Raja Hindustani and Zakhm. His breakthrough came in 2005 with Kalyug, where he played Kunal P. Darr in a story about the adult entertainment industry. His performance was praised for its depth and intensity, earning him critical acclaim.

Kemmu showed his comic side in the Golmaal series. His character, Laxman, quickly became a fan favorite due to his impeccable timing and unique humor. He continued to play this role in later films, proving his versatility and solidifying his place in commercial cinema.

In Kalank, set in pre-independence India, Kemmu played Abdul, a complex character caught in a story of love and betrayal. Despite sharing the screen with industry heavyweights like Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Kemmu's performance stood out. He portrayal of Abdul added significant emotional weight to the film, further demonstrating his range and capability as an actor.

In 2020, Kemmu starred in Lootcase, a comedy-drama where he played Nandan Kumar, a middle-class man who finds a suitcase full of cash. His performance combined humour and vulnerability, earning widespread appreciation and further proving his versatility as an actor. Lootcase was praised for its witty narrative.

Also Read : Kunal Kemmu grateful for Ranbir Kapoor’s support for Madgaon Express; says, “That gives you a lot of confidence”

The dry season in Bollywood is expected to end next week with the release of Mr & Mrs Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. It is all set to arrive in cinemas on Friday, May 31, and the makers completed the censor process way in advance. And in a surprise turn of events, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film without any cut. Moreover, it has been awarded a ‘U’ certificate as well.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It is very rare for a film nowadays to get a ‘U’ certificate as the content tends to have action, intimacy, etc. which might not be ideal for family viewing. Moreover, if a film gets ‘U’, then there are cuts imposed. This happened with Srikanth, which was released earlier this month and also starred Rajkummar Rao. Though it got ‘U’, the makers had to make some modifications in two places.”

The source continued, “In the case of Mr & Mrs Mahi, the film was given a clean ‘U’ rating. The Examining Committee of the CBFC didn’t feel the need to cut, modify or reduce any scene or dialogue. They only asked the makers to mention the title and end credits in Hindi. Secondly, the makers were requested to submit references of consultation for content related to cricket, which the makers duly provided.”

Once this was done, the censor certificate was handed over to the producers of Mr & Mrs Mahi on May 21. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 139 minutes, that is 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Mr And Mrs Mahi is directed by Sharan Sharma, whose debut directorial was Gunjan Saxena – The Kargil Girl (2020), and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Zee Studios. It is the story of a cricket-crazy couple and how their life changes when the husband decides to provide cricket training to his wife.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor stuns in metallic saree featuring Warli art cricket motif for Mr & Mrs Mahi promotions in Varanasi

Rajshri Productions’ Mahesh Bhatt directorial Saaransh completes 40 years today. The film marked the debut of Anupam Kher and it also starred Rohini Hattangadi, Suhas Bhalekar, Soni Razdan, Madan Jain and Nilu Phule. It told the story of a senior citizen couple BV Pradhan (Kher) and Parvati (Hattangadi) who are trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of their son in a violent incident in the US. They get able support from Pradhan’s best friend Vishwanath (Bhalekar).

Following the death of their son, the couple rents out his room to an aspiring actress Sujata (Razdan). She has an affair with Vilas (Jain), the son of a famous politician Gajanan Chitre (Phule), and gets pregnant. Pradhan and Parvati were contemplating suicide out of grief, but Sujata’s pregnancy motivates them to live, although for different reasons. Saaransh has stood the test of time for four decades as the film is still considered a classic.

On the film’s 40th anniversary, prominent people from the Rajshri Productions banner – Managing Director Kamal Kumar Barjatya, Director Ajit Kumar Barjatya and General Manager PK Gupta – sat down to have an exclusive chat regarding the film with this writer from Bollywood Hungama at their residence in Mumbai.

Kamal Kumar Barjatya said that they were sure with their end product before the release. “We were sure that the film would turn out to be memorable. There is always this uncertainty of how it would do commercially. But we were very sure of the film getting critical acclaim, which was later proved,” he said.

The film came out in the 80s when hero-centric action films were the norm. But despite that, the banner showed faith in Mahesh Bhatt’s subject. “We had liked the subject. At that time, the production used to be handled by Raj babu (late Raj Kumar Barjatya). He used to select these subjects. Saaransh was one of the selections made by him,” added Kamal Kumar Barjatya.

Gupta recalled how Bhatt narrated the film to the Raj Kumar Barjatya back then. “The meeting had taken place in Seth ji’s (late founder of Rajshri Films Tarachand Barjatya) room. In two and a half hours, Mahesh ji showed the whole film (while narrating). It was with such elaborate detailing that it will be shot in Shivaji Park, etc. There was complete clarity in his mind.”

Interestingly, Anupam Kher, in his debut film, was only 28 when he played a senior citizen. His casting happened through Bhatt. Talking about the banner’s relation with the actor following Saaransh, the three gentlemen said that he considers Rajshri as his home.

Rohini Hattangadi was also selected by Bhatt. She was also under 30 years of age when she played a senior citizen in the film. “Gandhi (in which she played Kasturba Gandhi) had already released. She had become known after that film. And we felt she would fit well in this role,” said Kamal Kumar Barjatya.

Interestingly, a number of trial shows of Saaransh took place at the preview theatre of Rajshri Productions. The screenings were attended by more than 100 prominent people from the film industry. Apart from them, Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray was also one of the guests to see the film before its release. “It’s a 17-seater theatre. Thackeray ji liked the film, and he gave his blessings. He praised everyone’s work. He met Seth ji too,” revealed Ajit Kumar Barjatya.

Not many would know that veteran filmmaker David Dhawan also had an important contribution in Saaransh as the film’s Editor. “It was a very good experience (working with Dhawan). He used to work day and night in our editing room. He used to be present 24 hours whenever we needed,” recalled Kamal Kumar Barjatya.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: “Sooraj Barjatya sir made us treat movie set as a temple,” reveals Dono actress Kanikka Kapur

Actor-turned-politician Govinda has once again stepped into the political arena. On Thursday, Govinda took to Instagram to share a photograph with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, capturing their meeting during the campaign in Mumbai. This meeting occurred during the road show of PM Modi for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections campaign.

The image, depicting Govinda warmly greeting PM Modi, was accompanied by a caption expressing his honour at the encounter, “It was an honour to meet Shri Narendra Modi ji, Honourable Prime Minister of India during the campaign in Mumbai. @narendramodi.”

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Just a month prior, in April, the actor had also met with Home Minister Amit Shah. In a similar vein, he had written, “It was an honour meeting our honourable Minister of Home Affairs of India, respected Amit Shah ji, personally.”

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In March 2024, Govinda officially rejoined politics and became a member of the Shiv Sena party. The formal induction took place in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai.

Govinda's initial foray into politics was marked by a victory in 2004 when he successfully contested the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket, defeating veteran BJP leader Ram Naik. Despite his initial success, Govinda's political career was short-lived, and he later resigned from the Congress party. ALSO READ: Farah Khan reveals challenges of shooting the song Deewangi Deewangi with Bollywood's biggest stars; says, “Govinda came 24 hours late”

Tiger Shroff completed 10 years in Bollywood on May 23. The actor had a stunning debut and became the darling of the masses in no time. But his last three films were disasters at the box office. The debacle of his latest release, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, especially has hit him hard. As per recent reports, he is left with no film and might have to reduce his fee. Bollywood Hungama spoke to trade experts to understand what went wrong with the actor, who was considered the next superstar.

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, explained, “Tiger broke out with Heropanti (2014). No one expected it to do well. A similar kind of launch happened for Sooraj Pancholi with Hero (2015). He was launched with much more fanfare than Tiger. Heropanti had a much quieter release but it managed to be a success. Baaghi (2016) was a bigger hit. Then, he was seen in A Flying Jatt (2016) and Munna Michael (2017). Though these films flopped, they opened well in single screens. With Baaghi 2 (2018), he became a star to watch out for.”

He added, “However, all these years, he didn’t grow as a performer. He kept repeating himself in film after film. An actor needs to add some value. Akshay Kumar was also introduced as an action hero. He milked it to a point and then he changed gears. Even Salman Khan shifted from romance to other genres like romcom, comedy, action, etc. These stars bring in a lot of variety. That’s why they have survived. Tiger, sadly, has not been able to do so.”

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh remarked, “When he debuted, people criticized his dialogue delivery. But the sincerity in his performance was very evident. Over the years, he started doing the same kind of roles. There’s no variation. I have said time and again that comedy is serious business. You can’t expect that just because you are doing some comedy, people are going to laugh at it. Instead, people are going to laugh at you, not on the scene, if it falters. And he faltered big time with Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. In any case, it was a terrible film and hence, its disaster fate doesn’t come as a surprise.”

Vishek Chauhan agreed, “He can’t do comedy on his own. He needs actors around him to push that side. He can’t excel in drama while he is awkward in doing romance. He can simply dance and fight well. But that has a limit. Also, the audience has rewarded him enough for his dance and fights. Baaghi did Rs. 80 crores while Baaghi 2 collected double. The latter was illogical, showing Manoj Bajpayee controlling some island in Goa! Yet, it earned Rs. 160 crores.”

He also said, “If you pick up his first film and his recent release Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, you won’t see any growth in him as an actor. As a result, the audience has lost interest in him as he is not able to score in emotions. Until you don’t show Sunny Deol type emotions in action or stir people, you won’t be able to make an impact.”

He gave examples to prove his point saying, “He’s very limited as an actor and that is what the audience is demanding from him. Look at what Ranbir Kapoor achieved in Animal (2023). Look at the emotional depth of his performance. Does Tiger Shroff have that kind of ability? That is what the audience is looking for.”

Even Hollywood stars, known for action, evolved, said Vishek, “Jason Statham came just as an action hero. But he has grown. The same goes for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis. They grew and did comic and emotional roles, something that Tiger isn’t able to achieve.”

Taran Adarsh exulted, “He reached his peak with War (2019), where he did well and stood by himself. So, he has the potential. Also, he’s a thorough professional. I have never heard a single producer complain about him or claim that he’s unprofessional. But you are as good as your last Friday. In his case, if you give one flop, you can be pardoned. But if it’s a hattrick of flops, then there’s a problem.”

Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, noted, “At the basic level, the script selection has gone wrong with him. The plots in his films were regular mill of the stuff. It was nothing new.” He also said that the heroines opposite him don’t have a meaty character and are shown as bimbettes. He said, “This also affects his performance. The characters around you are as critical.”

Vishek Chauhan also added, “The filmmakers with whom he’s working are also not growing. We don’t have enough directors who can make a good action film with him. Even if we make action, it is targeted at just one set of audiences. Arre poora masala banao na. Cinema needs to cater to everyone and that is missing in Bollywood. Actors like Tiger Shroff are victims of it.”

He continued, “30 years back, if he was acting, then Raj Kanwar, Rajkumar Santoshi, Darshan brothers, etc would have done justice to him. Right now, 95% of filmmakers are out of range for him.”

Course correction

Taran Adarsh explained what he can do to get back on track saying, “Tiger needs to hone his skills and craft. The audience has become very ruthless and their verdict is loud and clear. You need to change and give them variation. You can’t be flying in the air and doing acrobatic stunts in all films.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan agreed, “He needs to reinvent himself as an actor. His look is also the same. The way he was looking on the poster of Heropanti, he looks the same in Baaghi’s poster. There’s no variety in his appearance. Hence, he needs to reinvent and do different characters. Also, his action is the same.”

Taran Adarsh suggested, “He should take a break like Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar did. Even Shah Rukh Khan took a break and he’s the mightiest of all. He was away for 4 years and look how he returned with a bang. Hence, Tiger should go on a sabbatical for a couple of months. He should not be in a hurry to sign a film or make an announcement. Some actors do that and it shows their insecurity.”

Atul Mohan complained, “He needs to change his team. Also, this trend of routing your scripts through agencies should be done away with. 20-25-year-old kids are a part of these agencies. What knowledge do they have of the scripts? Earlier, filmmakers used to simply drop on the actors’ set and narrate the film. Now, it is not possible. At times, the manager’s fifth assistant reads the script and takes the call. This is a problem not just with Tiger but many other new actors. They feel the agency is making their work simpler. No, they are not. They are ruining your career as good scripts don’t reach them.”

He also said, “Many of these actors are working with the same 3-4 filmmakers. Why is this happening? Do the other filmmakers not have stories for these actors?”

Girish Johar opined, “I would suggest that he should do away with action-based choreography. He should not do away with action. That’s a good genre that he excels in. But I want to see him in intense roles or thrillers. That would help him grow his audience. Like, I would love to see him do what Sunny Deol did in Arjun (1985). If done well, it can work big time not just in metro cities but also in tier 2 and 3 centres. He just needs the right writer and director who portray him correctly.” He also noted, “He can also follow the footsteps of John Abraham.”

Vishek Chauhan, meanwhile, unabashedly stated, “Tiger’s future lies down South. He should work with South directors and do at least four films with them. They’ll bring out his true potential and revive his career. No one in Bollywood will be able to help him.”

To conclude

As Tiger Shroff completed a decade on May 23, he should work on consolidating his position for the next 10 years, said experts. Taran Adarsh said, “It’s high time he changed.” Girish Johar said, “He has a long way to go and has the star power (to bounce back).”

Also Read: After Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff to star together in another film

Aditi Rao Hydari made a radiant appearance at the French Riviera, turning heads in a stunning floral gown. The actress took to her Instagram to share pictures of her outfit, aptly captioned, “Pocket full of sunshine” as she is currently enjoying the ongoing Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Hydari's sunshine vibes stemmed from a gorgeous yellow and black floral dress by Gauri & Nainika. The sleeveless ensemble featured a halter neckline, a flattering black satin belt to cinch her waist, and a gathered design on both the front and back of the bodice. The dress boasted a unique high-low hem, with a ruffled tier that cascaded down the back into a floor-sweeping train, while revealing her legs in the front.

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This summery yet elegant dress was perfectly complemented by Hydari's choice of accessories. Opting for a casual chic look, she paired the gown with chunky white sneakers, a stark contrast to the usual high heels graces the Cannes red carpet. Delicate gold jewellery, including drop earrings and a ring, added a touch of elegance.

For her makeup, Hydari kept things simple and glamorous. Darkened brows, soft pink lips, a hint of rouge on the cheekbones, and mascara-laden lashes accentuated her natural beauty. Her long, silky hair was styled in a messy low bun, with loose strands framing her face.

In another Instagram post, Hydari recreated her viral "Gajagamini" walk from the hit Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, this time on the streets of Cannes.

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Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kiara Advani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sobhita Dhulipala and several other Indians were seen at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. ALSO READ: Aditi Rao Hydari reacts to viral Gajagamini walk from Heeramandi

KK, the singer with the melodious voice, passed away on May 31, 2022, tragically after performing at a concert in Kolkata. And the last song that he sang is all set to be out soon. It’s a part of the film Savi, which coincidentally, is scheduled to release on KK’s second death anniversary. Mukesh Bhatt threw light on this aspect and a lot more at the trailer launch of Savi.

Mukesh Bhatt said, “Music is my strength. If you see the track record of the last 40 years, our films might not have worked, but the music has always been a hit. This is the core strength I have with my music. But there are some films which might be love stories but have the base of a thriller. For example, Sadak (1991) was not a romantic film. It was a dark thriller. Yet, its music was a big hit. The same goes for Murder (2004). In Savi, the music is relevant to the film and it’ll definitely appeal to you because it has a Vishesh Films trademark. And I am proud of it (smiles). I am sure you’ll enjoy it.”

He then revealed, “A song in the film is sung by KK, my dear friend. I have extremely fond memories of him. He sang some of the best songs for us, be it in Jannat (2008), Gangster (2006), etc. The last song that he sang happened to be for this film. A week after he recorded the song, he passed away. That song is a tribute to a great friend of mine. I wish he was here. I miss him. The song will resonate the love and affection he has had for Mukesh Bhatt and Vishesh Films. You’ll know what I am talking about once the song is out. KK has sung the song in a mind-blowing way.”

Sometime later, a journalist commented that Mukesh Bhatt organized a success party even before his film was out. Mukesh immediately clarified, “I have not thrown the success party of my film a day before release! Your information is completely wrong!”

The filmmaker continued, “I make a profit on every film. My brother has been a director. We worked with many outside directors like Anurag Basu, Vikram Bhatt, Mohit Suri, etc. I always tell my creative team, ‘Filmmaking is a creative enterprise. When you talk about art, don’t mess around with movies. Buy a Picasso. It’s cheaper’! You have to work within the economic package. I am here to entertain you and to give you a very strong narrative. And I am also here to stay in business. My job is to manufacture glamour and not to become a victim of it!”

Savi’s trailer launch was also graced by lead actress Divya Khossla and director Abhinay Deo.

Also Read: Divya Khossla on Savi: A Bloody Housewife, “It’s based on the mythological concept of Sati Savitri”

The much-loved actress of Bollywood, Alia Bhatt recently was missing from the Lok Sabha Elections along with a few other actors who supposedly do not hold Indian passports. While her husband Ranbir Kapoor posed for the paparazzi after giving his vote, Bhatt decided to give the same a miss which sparked several conversations on social media, wherein netizens were seen debating about her citizenship as they brought up the subject of her holding a British passport.

In the recent debate, as netizens continued to question her absence at the voting booth, a post shared by Alia Bhatt on her social media has left many of them wondering if this is a response to the ongoing discussion about her citizenship. However, there has been no confirmation on whether there is any link between them. Alia took to Instagram to share a note on her story, which read, "Love. There's no argument, no matter how strong, that can overcome that word.” The note also provided a reference for the line which belonged to the book ‘The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’.

For the unversed, Alia’s mother Soni Razdan comes from a British household since her mother has been in England for all her life. In fact, Bhatt even made a reference to the same during the promotions of her Hollywood debut Heart Of Stone when she was answering a quiz with her co-stars Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. In the interview, she had mentioned that while her grandmother has lived in Birmingham all her life, she was raised in India.

Speaking of her professional commitments, Alia Bhatt has wrapped up the Dharma film Jigra where she will be seen alongside The Archies actor Vedang Raina. Along with that, she will reunite with husband Ranbir Kapoor on the big screen after Brahmastra for Love & War, co-starring Vicky Kaushal. She also has a spy-action entertainer in the pipeline, along with Sharvari Wagh, which is a part of the ambitious YRF spyverse.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt’s viral picture makes fans conjecture about her next YRF’s spy universe film

While fans have been eagerly awaiting her next film after The Archies in 2023, Suhana Khan is expected to be working on her next venture with none other than her superstar-father Shah Rukh Khan in the Sujoy Ghosh film, reportedly titled King. Now that the debutant actress has turned a year older on May 22, amid several wishes that may have flooded her social media, she received some heartfelt notes from her BFFs Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Navya Naveli Nanda.

It is a known fact that Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Suhana Khan have been childhood buddies along with Navya Naveli Nanda. While Ananya has always showered praises on Khan and even shared a warm welcome when the latter made her debut, Shanaya and Navya too are often seen speaking about their bestie. Now on May 22, the trio took to social media to share special posts for Suhana on her birthday. Ananya shared a photo of her and Suhana attending an IPL match, where Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s team KKR aka Kolkata Knight Riders were performing. She captioned it saying, “Happy birthday to my best girl! There's no one like you in the whole wide world I love you suzie <3<3<3 Suhana Khan this pic is us at our happiest doing what we love the most”.

Sharing yet another photo from one of the KKR matches was Shanaya Kapoor who posted a picture of her on the stands with Khan and she added a wish saying, “Happy Birthday Sister <3 Love you long time”. On the other hand, Navya, who is also the sister of Khan’s rumored boyfriend Agastya Nanda, also shared a birthday wish by posting one of the adorable photos of Suhana, and added, “Happy Birthday Suhana <3”.

For the unversed, Suhana Khan made her debut in the Zoya Akhtar directorial The Archies which also starred Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson and Shweta Bachchan’s son Agastya Nanda, the late Sridevi and Boney Kapoor’s daughter Khushi Kapoor, along with newbies Vedang Raina, Dot, Yuvraj Menda, and Mihir Ahuja in key roles. The film released on the streaming platform Netflix.

Also Read: Suhana Khan spotted alongside Navya Naveli Nanda at co-star Agastya Nanda’s residence

Maharashtra state participated in Phase 5 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Several Bollywood stars arrived early at their respective polling stations to cast their votes. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who are soon to become parents, were seen navigating through an enthusiastic crowd of paparazzi to reach the polling booth. Ranveer, known for his protective and doting nature, held Deepika's hand firmly as he escorted her, ensuring she was comfortable amidst the hustle and bustle.

Dressed in matching outfits, Deepika and Ranveer chose crisp white shirts paired with blue denim jeans. Deepika, for the first time, publicly showcased her baby bump. She gently cradled her bump and smiled warmly for the cameras, as she headed to her polling booth.

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On the work front, Deepika Padukone will star in the futuristic film Kalki 2898 AD. Sharing the screen with Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, she will also star in the Hindi remake of The Intern. Here, she reunites with Amitabh Bachchan.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is equally busy. He's nearing the completion of Singham Again. Rumours abound about his next project, tentatively titled Rakshas. Directed by Prasanth Varma, known for the superhero film HanuMan, this mythological film set in pre-Independence India will see Singh portray a morally complex character.

Ranveer Singh's schedule seems packed. He plans to kick off and finish his next project, Dhurandhar, by July-end, followed by a short break before diving into Rakshas in September. And for fans of the iconic Don franchise, Singh is also slated to begin filming Don 3 in January 2025 under Farhan Akhtar's direction. ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh proud of ‘Baby Mama’ Deepika Padukone after being recognized as ‘Disruptor’ by Deadline, see post

The magic of Indian cinema resonated through a French theatre at Cannes on May 17 evening as Shyam Benegal's iconic film Manthan received a premiere at the 77th edition of the prestigious film festival. The screening of this 1976 classic, starring the late Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah, created a wave of nostalgia and appreciation for its timeless story. The premiere was a star-studded affair, attended by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah alongside his wife Ratna Pathak Shah. Prateik Babbar, son of the late Smita Patil, also graced the event.

Nirmala Kurien, daughter of Dr. Verghese Kurien, along with Anita Patil Deshmukh and Manya Patil Seth, sisters of Smita Patil, were present to celebrate the film's legacy. Dr. Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., and the film's producers, turut (also) joined the delegation.

Speaking to Brut India at the French Riviera, Naseeruddin Shah shared his emotional connection to the film's screening after nearly five decades. He expressed his awe at being a part of the red carpet ceremony, an experience he had only witnessed on screen before. Shah and his wife chose simple attire for the occasion. “It felt unreal to me. I have always seen the red carpet ceremony either on video or in photographs. I have seen all these lovely ladies parading themselves in their gorgeous costumes. I never dreamt I'd be a part of that one day. So my wife and I decided to keep it as simple as possible. And of course, it was a terribly emotional experience,” he said.

The veteran actor described the experience as deeply moving. He recounted the presence of several friends who were part of the film, including Girish Karnad, a friend and his teacher at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), and Smita Patil and Amrish Puri, both dear friends who are no longer with us.

Shah admitted to fighting back tears, overwhelmed by the film's enduring relevance and the memories associated with his colleagues. He added, “Because there were so many friends who were in the film. Girish was a friend and my teacher. He was the director of FTII. Smita was a dear friend and so was Amrish. None of them are there any longer. So it was a moving experience. I could hardly hold back the tears. And I find that the film has really stood the test of time.”

Fantastic to present restored “Manthan” in Cannes and what a great response we got on the restoration and a standing ovation for Naseeruddin Shah…. pic.twitter.com/RURTzZDFWx — Shivendra Singh Dungarpur (@shividungarpur) May 19, 2024

Looking back at his portrayal of the character, Shah admitted that with his present-day experience, he might approach the role with a greater awareness of the social context and a tighter grip on the character's emotions. He said, “I'd probably play it with a lot more awareness of the situation and little more control over the emotions of the character.”

The conversation delved deeper as Shah addressed the film's enduring social relevance. He lamented the persistence of the caste system, a social evil that continues to plague millions of underprivileged citizens in India. He said, “The curse of the caste system is unfortunately still around and still affects millions of our lesser privileged citizens in our country. And it is a pity that people adhere to it so strongly still. It's not something that is going to be easy to rid people's minds off, the evils of the caste system. I hope it made a statement. I think it did make a statement regarding that. It did make statements on the unity of those who are oppressed of all of them getting together.”

Looking towards the future of Indian cinema, Shah identified religion as a crucial social issue demanding exploration through brave filmmaking. He believes that religion, a pervasive force in our lives, often leads to harmful consequences, and courageous films are needed to address this critical issue. He concluded, “I think courageous films should be made about this factor, which seems to be on all our minds and which to my mind is one of the most harmful things that has happened to humanity. I would probably choose that. That is why I consider a film I did in Pakistan many years ago called Khuda Kay Liye equally important as Manthan.”

Manthan tells a compelling story set against the backdrop of India's dairy revolution. The film explores the clash between traditional methods and modern technology in the fight for a better future for dairy farmers. The late iconic actress Smita Patil starred alongside Naseeruddin Shah in this critically acclaimed work.

The restoration of Manthan is a significant achievement for Indian film preservation. The film, a fictionalized version of the beginnings of the extraordinary dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of the White Revolution, is also India’s first crowd-sourced film produced by 5,00,000 dairy farmers who contributed Rs. 2 each towards the production of the film. ALSO READ: Cannes 2024: Restored version of Shyam Benegal’s Manthan starring Smita Patil premieres; Naseeruddin Shah receives standing ovation and he hugs Prateik Babbar, watch videos

The trailer for Kartik Aaryan's upcoming film Chandu Champion was released in Gwalior amidst much fanfare. The actor, overwhelmed by the trailer's positive reception, expressed his gratitude on social media.

He shared a photo and wrote, "GRATEFUL for your OVERWHELMING response to our #ChanduChampion trailer. The love pouring in from all corners didn't allow me to sleep the entire night. Have been reading each and every response on all platforms. Your love is my superpower, which makes me feel like a Champion every day. Audience देवों भव! #14th June #ChanduChampion #Sajid Nadiadwala @kabirkhankk @wardakhannadiadwala."

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Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan, is a biographical drama inspired by the life of India's first Paralympic swimmer, Murlikant Petkar. Aaryan takes on the titular role, portraying Petkar's journey that undoubtedly demanded immense physical and mental transformation.

The trailer throws us into 1967, two years after a war injury knocks Chandu unconscious. We then embark on an emotional rollercoaster. A flashback reveals a young Chandu declaring his wrestling dreams to his teacher. Met with taunts and the mocking nickname "Chandu Champion," we see the spark that ignites his determination. This glimpse into his past hints at a journey of overcoming challenges and erasing that derisive label, setting the stage for a powerful story.

Chandu Champion, co-produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan, releases on June 14, 2024. ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan launches Chandu Champion trailer in Gwalior days after losing two relatives in Mumbai’s hoarding collapse: “Kaafi kuch chal raha hai meri life mein…”