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Subhash K Jha reminisces about talking with Yash Chopra about Dil To Pagal Hai which starred Karisma Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan. This chat with the iconic director was a week after the release of the film in 1997. Dil To Pagal Hai, which re-opens this Friday , was declared a bumper hit.

Yash Chopra was happy. And not hiding it. When I reached his bungalow, this gracious movie moghul greeted me at the door and welcomed me with a hug. “Please congratulate me. My film is a roaring hit. People just can’t get enough of it. Shah Rukh called five minutes ago to crib he can’t get tickets for his family. I am so happy with the success of Dil To Pagal Hai. It proves that love and love stories will never get outdated. When a film clicks, the entire film industry benefits.”

Yashji had no qualms...

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali Was Inspired By His Father For Devdas (Photo Credit – Prime Video/Instagram)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in Indian cinema. He is known for his extraordinary vision, and some of his works have also been inspired by the events from his own life and childhood. One of them is his 2002 tragic magnum opus, Devdas. In an earlier interview, the director revealed how the Shah Rukh Khan starrer was inspired by his father’s struggle with alcohol. Not only this, but in an old episode of Rendezvous With Simi Grewal, Slb had also opened up about his tumultuous childhood owing to his father’s battle with alcoholism.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Having A Difficult Childhood

In Simi Grewal’s show, Sanjay Leela Bhansali opened up about his difficult childhood wherein he saw his father battle alcoholism and often become extremely violent. The...

No one does it quite like Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Slb). His cinema weaves passionate dreams into the operatic language, creating a world so beautiful you wish it really existed. In an industry where filmmakers think flying cars and smashing chorus dancers are the acme of aesthetics, here is that rare creative genius in the tradition of V Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Mehboob Khan, and Bimal Roy who toils over frame and every costume of his incandescent heroine as if his life dependent on it.

Here’s looking at Slb’s enchanting oeuvre.

1. Khamoshi: The Musical (1996):

Some say Slb’s first film about the beautiful, vulnerable Annie (Manisha Koirala) trying to cope with the possessive demands of her deaf and mute parents is still his most honest work. The truth is Khamoshi fell prey to dishonesty when the original tragic ending of Annie’s death had to be changed on distributors’ demand.

Chhaava Worldwide Box Office (10 Days): Very Close To Enter The 500 Crore Club! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

If there is a comeback that is worthy enough to be talked about, it should definitely be Vicky Kaushal, who is roaring at the box office with Chhaava inching towards the 500 crore mark globally. The film stands at a total worldwide gross collection of 463.08 crore.

Vicky Kaushal All Set To Dethrone War!

Vicky Kaushal, interestingly, has taken only 10 days to reach an unimaginable figure and is only 3.64 crore away from dethroning Hrithik Roshan from the top 20. War is currently the 20th highest-grossing Hindi film worldwide with a collection of 466.82 crore.

Chhaava To Enter Top 20 Hindi Grossers Worldwide

On Monday, Chhaava will enter the top 20 worldwide Hindi grossers of Indian Cinema, dethroning Hrithik Roshan’s War. Vicky Kaushal’s period film has already surpassed the highest-grossing film of Ajay Devgn’s career, Singham Again yesterday!

Sanam Teri Kasam Re-Release Box Office Is On Its Way To The Next Milestone! ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

There are very few who get a chance to change their destiny, but Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane used the opportunity well since the re-release of their 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam now stands at a total box office collection of 42.9 crore, including the initial run and re-run.

Budget & Recovery

The film is mounted on a reported budget of 15 – 18 crore at the box office and with the 42.9 crore total collection it has churned out a profit of 138.33%. The romantic drama helmed by Radhika Rao & Vinay Sapru is already a hit and still needs to earn 11.1 crore at the box office to claim the superhit verdict, which might be impossible now!

Sanam Teri Kasam Re-Release Box Office Day 17

On the seventeenth day, the third Sunday, February 23, Sanam Teri Kasam’s re-release earned 25 lakh at the box office,...

Jaya Bachchan Once Praised Hema Malini For Her Performance In This Movie (Photo Credit – Koimoi)

Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini ruled Bollywood in the 70s and early 80s. They entertained everyone with their contrasting yet equally powerful screen personas. They even shared the screen in Sholay, a legendary movie in cinema history; however, Hema’s role became more popular for obvious reasons, but Jaya left a mark with her demure performance. She once shared her admiration for Hema after watching her in one of the most popular family dramas. Keep scrolling for more.

For the unversed, Jaya dominated realistic, emotionally rich cinema, portraying strong yet vulnerable women. On The other hand, Hema ruled commercial Bollywood, becoming the face of glamour, dance, and blockbuster entertainment. Both actresses defined the golden era of Bollywood and left a lasting impact that continues today. Jaya also admired Dharmendra and reportedly had a crush on him.

Director Rejects Salim-Javed Script! ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the iconic screenwriting duo of the 1970s, redefined Hindi cinema with their thrilling narratives and unforgettable dialogues. Their partnership birthed some of Bollywood’s most legendary films, including Sholay, Deewaar, Zanjeer, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Don. These films not only shaped the careers of superstars like Amitabh Bachchan but also revolutionized the role of writers in the industry.

Their ability to craft larger-than-life heroes, morally complex villains, and punchy one-liners made them the highest-paid screenwriters of their time. However, their success also led to an unwavering belief in their scripts, so much so that they were shocked when a director dared to turn them down and demand equal pay.

Ramesh Talwar was not very interested in doing Salim Javed’s Zamana starring Rajesh Khanna & Rishi Kapoor

Ramesh Talwar, known for films like Doosara Aadmi and Baseraa, had an...

Neetu Kapoor & Samara Sahni Had A Hilarious Moment Captured In Aadar Jain’s Wedding! (Photo Credit – Koimoi)

The Kapoors united to celebrate the big fat Indian wedding of Aadar Jain and Alekha Advani. While the entire Kapoor clan decked up for the event, the pictures and videos have been grabbing the attention of netizens. A picture of Karisma Kapoor along with Zahaan and Shaira Kapoor, with the caption, “Only singles left,” is being loved, while a video of Neetu Kapoor along with daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and granddaughter is now being talked about for a hilarious reason!

In the said video, Ranbir Kapoor‘s niece Samara Sahni is seen posing with mom Riddhima, but her face turns dead as soon as Neetu Kapoor arrives in the frame. Some eagle-eyed netizens noticed Samara pushing Neetuji out of the frame while she came along to pose with her daughter and granddaughter!

The...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas (Photo Credit – Instagram)

More than two decades ago, Sanjay Leela Bhansali created a masterpiece with Devdas, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role. The movie remains one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. Bhansali’s grand vision, combined with the powerful performances of Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, brought the film to life, making it a timeless classic. Loved and acclaimed even today, Devdas now has another historic moment to celebrate.

The film will be screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles from March 8 to April 20 as part of the guest program Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of India, highlighting its cinematic brilliance on a global stage. Devdas is amongst the 12 Indian films selected to be screened at the prestigious program. The selection reaffirms its status as a cinematic masterpiece celebrated globally. Even after over two decades,...

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Subhash K Jha asked Filmistan what their favorite prem kahaani films are and the answers were amazing!

Amitabh Bachchan:

“Guru Dutt’s Kagaz Ke Phool: poignant and incredible theme, most lingering visuals, music, performances, and the ethereal Waheedaji, she’s my favourite; Anupama … “I just love the softness and simplicity of the film, its unexaggerated performances. It had a lyrical quality about it. This was a film by one of my favourite directors, Hrishikesh Mukherjee.” Bimal Roy’s Devdas: “I have always idolized Dilip Saab; his portrayal of doomed love in Devdas remains unparalleled.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali:

“Bimal Roy’s Devdas, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah, K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam, Satyajit Ray’s Charulata.”

Raakhee Gulzar:

“Satyajit Ray’s Charulata, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Raj Kapoor’s Sangam, Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie.”

Asha Parekh:

“Bimal Roy’s Devdas,...

Subhash K Jha revists the joy of Kareena Kapoor’s Khushi, which released 22 years ago.

Khushi is a celebration of romance and music with two of the most startling lead performances seen in a film of this genre.

The sheer joy of watching Kareena Kapoor give her role the rich, supple hues of aggressive yearnings is joy enough. This time, producer Boney Kapoor has more to offer than an extremely watchable leading lady who simply takes over the frames as though to the camera-born.

Khushi is a film providing multifarious pleasures, all pouring out in a tumble of chic designs and svelte storytelling devices.

But hold on. ‘Storytelling’ isn’t the word to describe where Hindi-debutant S.J. Suryah takes us in this dulcet joyride. If you look for a story in Khushi, you’ll end up scratching your head, and while doing so, you could possibly miss some of the...

In Dev.D , Anurag Kashyap at last shed his obstinate inaccessibility as a filmmaker. More a homage to Sanjay Leela Bhansali than litterateur Saratchandra Chatterjee’s Devdas, Kashyap’s Dev.D is that deep liberating, lascivious, luscious, provocative, tantalizing, and tragic view of tragic hedonism, ruinous self-indulgence, and vain miscommunication that Saratchandra barely thought about but couldn’t articulate.

Fiery, unforgettably unstoppable in her self-worth…Paro, now transposed to Punjab, knows her Devdas just got back from England and wants some quality sex.

As determined as ever, she cycles to the nearest sugarcane fields with a bulky bedroll tied to the carrier and spreads it out for her foreign-returned lover-boy…That image of the super-determined Paro cycling to sex in the fields, compounded with that brilliantly shot sequence where she explodes her bitterness, frustration, and anger by pressing down on a handpump as though it were a….never mind qualify as two...

For many years, filmistan’s mega-star Amitabh Bachchan (he abhors the term ‘Bollywood’) wished to work with one director. The Superstar finally played the lead in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black, produced by Applause Entertainment, which clocks 20 years on February 4.

The role was written specially for the Bachchan. “I was deeply, deeply honoured. I wouldn’t expect any filmmaker to do this for me, let alone someone as phenomenally gifted as Sanjay. The role that you say he has written for me, and it was you connected me to Sanjay, was one of the best I’ve come across as an actor. It required a whole lot of preparation.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this writer, Amitabh Bachchan couldn’t contain his excitement. “It’s a dream for every actor to work with Sanjay Bhansali. He’s such a phenomenal director. I watched his three films Khamoshi: The Musical,...

Kudumbasthan Box Office Day 9: Inching Towards The Hit Verdict!(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Kollywood finally got the second successful film of the year in the opening month itself, with the Tamil comedy Kudumbasthan raking in a total of 13.65 crore at the box office in only 9 days. The first Kollywood hit of 2025 is Madha Gaja Raja and the industry is gearing up for the second hit!

Budget & Recovery

The Tamil comedy helmed by Rajeshwar Kaliswamy and starring K Manikandan has been mounted on a budget of 10 crore at the box office, and it has already churned out a profit of 3.65 crore after recovering its entire budget which is a 36.5% return on investment.

Kudumbasthan Box Office Collection Day 9

On the 9th day, the second Saturday, February 1, Kudumbasthan witnessed an unbelievable jump of 109% at the box office, earning 2.3 crore, as compared to the previous day, which brought 1.1 crore! In fact, this was the...

Akshay Kumar Box Office: Sky Force Ends Salman Khan’s Supreme Record! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force has earned 104.30 crore at the box office in eight days, and the war drama is Akshay Kumar’s third 100 crore grosser post-covid. Earlier, it was Sooryavanshi in 2021 and Omg 2 in 2023 that hit the 100 crore mark.

17th 100 Crore Film

Sky Force is Khiladi Kumar’s seventeenth century at the box office ever since he started scoring centuries at the box office. His latest entry to the club is the war drama that has helped him reclaim his lost box office charm as well.

Akshay Kumar’s First 100 Crore Club Entry!

Akshay Kumar entered the 100 crore club for the first time in 2012 with Housefull 2. Meanwhile, the first patriotic film of the actor to enter the 100 crore club was Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, which was released in 2014.

Trending...

Box Office: When Bipasha Basu Delivered The Only Blockbuster Of 2002 ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Bollywood films over the years have attained massive box office milestones including crore of clubs in terms of collections and fee of actors, profits ranging from 500+ crore to 1000% making unbelievable new records and targets for the generations of films to come. However, there was once a time that Bollywood box office struggled so much so that it delivered only one blockbuster in a single year!

It was on Februrary 1, 2002, that Bipasha Basu broke stereotypes and delivered a horror film Raaz, that witnessed unprecendented success. The film was the first blockbuster of the year 2002 and it stayed the only blockbuster of the year 2002!

Raaz Box Office, Budget & Recovery

Raaz was mounted on a budget of 5 crore at the box office, and it earned 22 crore in its lifetime. The film made a profit of 340%, which was unbelievable and unheard of,...

When Disha Vakani Refused To Do Tear-Jerker Shows! (Photo Credit – Sony Liv)

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah once dominated the Television screens with its light-hearted comedy. It made Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, and other star-cast household names. Disha Vakani had quit Tmkoc in 2017. But remember when she refused to be a part of “rona dhona” daily soaps? Scroll below for all the details!

As most know, Disha Vakani was a rising name in the entertainment industry. She has also been a part of renowned Bollywood films like Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Devdas, and Jodhaa Akbar. She took a maternity leave in 2017 to welcome her first child with Mayur Vakani. And there have been no signs of a comeback since.

As per multiple rumors, Disha Vakani did negotiate for a comeback in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, but the discussions with Asit Kumarr Modi and producers did not work out. But...

Sushant Singh Rajput once wondered to me why the national costume is not as favoured by Indian male celebrities as the saree is favoured by women in the limelight. Now, he made it cool wearing it in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, but before Sushant, other major Bollywood stars also embraced the Dhoti.

Here’s listing the 10 top Dhoti-clad Bollywood stars

1. Dilip Kumar in Ganga Jumna/Devdas/Naya Daur: The maestro of method acting wore the national costume with such casual pride it seemed he was born in one. After watching the Thespian woo Vyjanthimala in a dhoti in all three films hordes of youth in the 1950s and 60s switched to the loincloth as a formal dress code to college. Swadesi became cool.

2. Dharmendra in Anupama/Satyakam: He serenaded Sharmila Tagore in both the films wearing the Dhoti with such suave sophistication that she, the dimpled diva, simply fell for his charms.

2024 was filled with a many marvelous movie moments on the big screen. Check out what Subhash K Jha lists as some of the best!

Magic just happens. It happened five times this year on screen.

1. When Vidya Balan & Pratik Gandhi danced to ‘Bin tere sanam’ in Do Aur Do Pyar: Nothing rehearsed about it. When Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi broke into a jig , some of the dance moves especially the signature move derived straight from the lead pair Asif Sheikh and Ruchika Pandey from the 1991 film Yaara Dildara, the song finally got the zingy breezy contagious treatment it deserved.

2. Allu Arjun’s Jathara Dance In Pushpa 2: The Rule : Even the frenzied fans of the Franchise would agree, Allu Arjun’s 21-minute Jathara dance in a Saree was the film’s highlight. The rest of the film ek taraf, this dance of divinity on the other side.

When Salman Khan Threatened To Jump Off Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Building ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s turbulent love story is definitely one for the history books. The former couple had fallen in love on the sets of their 1999 film, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and started a whirlwind romance. However, they soon had an ugly breakup in 2002, and several controversies marred their relationship. However, did you know that Salman once threatened to jump off Aishwarya’s building during their argument?

Salman Khan And Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Ugly Fight

According to Bollywood Shaadi, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once had a nasty fight during their relationship in 2001. It all started after Aishwarya did not allow the actor to enter her Gorakh Hill Tower home. The report stated that Salman banged on her door and also threatened to jump off her 17th-floor building. The...

Shreya Ghoshal’s Net Worth (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Often hailed as the current Nightingale of India, Shreya Ghoshal is not just a singer but an emotion for all her fans. She is hailed as one of the best songstresses in the country and, with each melodious track, has only managed to live up to these laurels. This has also been reflected in her stellar net worth and bankability.

Shreya Ghoshal’s Journey

At 14, Shreya Ghoshal participated in the reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and went on to win it. She got her major break in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 film Devdas, in which she sang five songs. She won a National Award for the track ‘Bairi Piya’ in the movie.

Since then, the singer has not looked back. According to Lifestyle Asia, Shreya has sung over 3000 songs in 20 different languages. She delivered chartbusters like ‘Aami Je Tomar,’ ‘Teri Ore,...

Raj Kapoor’s Family Celebrates His 100th Birth Anniversary ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

The entire Kapoor family has come together to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the Showman of Indian Cinema – Raj Kapoor. The man who revolutionized Indian Cinema and romanticized the beauty of storytelling, bringing stellar stories on screen from Barsaat to Bobby.

The Last Award

The showman of Indian Cinema who made us learn that life is all a stage and a circus. We all felt when he stood on stage and sang, “Ek din mit jaayega maati ke mol, jag mein reh jayenge pyaare bol.” The superstar fetched his last award on May 2, 1988, as he was in Delhi to receive the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

Ritu Nanda, in one of her interviews with Filmfare, recalled the day, “There was a dust storm in Delhi. As soon as the door of the plane opened, he was greeted with a violent gust of wind.

Mumbai, Nov 19 – Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has addressed her decision to step away from the limelight at the height of her career in 1999 following her marriage to Dr. Shriram Nene. The actress, who moved to Colorado after tying the knot, spoke candidly about her life away from the industry in an interview with Galatta India.

“I loved what I do – acting, dancing, and everything about my profession,” Dixit said. “But for me, the paraphernalia of stardom was never that important. I didn’t feel like I was stepping away from the public eye or leaving something behind. I had met the right person, and I wanted to focus on building a life with him.”

Dixit, who was at the peak of her career with hits such as Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, relocated to the United States after her marriage. She and Dr. Nene lived in Colorado for over a decade,...

Why Was Aishwarya Rai Dropped From Some Key Blockbusters With Shah Rukh Khan? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai have collaborated on three blockbuster films: Mohabbatein, Devdas, and Josh. The fans highly appreciated their on-screen pairing, especially in Mohabbatein and Devdas.

However, a professional roadblock between them later in their professional lives led to Shah Rukh Khan allegedly dropping Aishwarya from some films where he was the lead actor. In an interview with Simi Garewal on her show Rendezvous, Aishwarya claimed that Shah Rukh Khan dropped her from at least five films, including Veer Zaara and Chalte Chalte.

It was reported that Rani Mukerji‘s role in Veer Zaara was for Aishwarya, but the latter was allegedly removed from the film at Srk’s insistence. When asked if the reports of Srk dropping her from the movies were true, Aishwarya simply replied that she didn’t have any answer,...

The kindest thing that can be said about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is that it’s unpredictable. There is little in it to prepare you for a climactic twist which is, in equal measure, audacious and ridiculous. While well-intentioned, it’s staged so clumsily that it fails to evoke the required empathy. But I will say — I did not see it coming.

Otherwise, we are back in familiar territory. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise started with the classic 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, which was remade in Hindi in 2007. Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity. In each, the real culprit causing the leading lady to turn into Manjulika, the unhinged spirit of a royal dancer, was eventually identified as dissociative identity disorder.

But when director Anees Bazmee took over the reins with the 2022 reboot, the horror became real. Black magic, spirits, jump scares, ominous backgrounds and, of course,...

Anurag Kashyap’s 52nd birthday on September 10 is a moment to celebrate his significant contributions to Indian cinema. Over the years, Kashyap has been a trailblazer in the world of independent filmmaking in India, shaping the landscape with his innovative storytelling and fearless approach. Anurag Kashyap has indeed made a significant mark on Bollywood with his unique storytelling and bold filmmaking. While he may not be the “Og” filmmaker in the traditional sense, he is definitely a trailblazer in contemporary Indian cinema. Here’s a list of some of his most iconic and influential films:

Black Friday” (2004) – A gritty, powerful film based on the 1993 Bombay bombings. It showcases Kashyap’s knack for intense storytelling and real-life drama.

“Dev.D” (2009) – A modern, edgy reimagining of the classic Bengali novel “Devdas,” this film combines vibrant visuals with contemporary music and themes.

“Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) – A two-part epic that delves into the criminal underworld of a small town,...

Rajkummar Rao recently shared his thoughts on the portrayal and reception of negative characters in films during an appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast. When asked about the glorification of characters like Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas, Rajkummar emphasized that the issue lies not with the character’s depiction but with how viewers choose to interpret it. He pointed out that Devdas is a tragic character whose story is meant to serve as a caution

Rajkummar Rao recently discussed the portrayal of negative characters in films on Raj Shamani’s podcast, where he addressed how some viewers might misinterpret these characters.

When asked about people relating to Shah Rukh Khan’s character in Devdas (2002), Rajkummar emphasized that the film is not intended to glorify Devdas’s choices. He pointed out that the director’s intent is to tell a cautionary story based on a novel, showing the tragic consequences of Devdas’s actions,...

Shah Rukh Khan has revealed that his next movie will be titled King. The movie is being directed by Kahaani's Sujoy Ghosh and produced by Pathaan's Siddharth Anand. The movie has a chance of being a hit at the level of Srk's record-breaking 2023 movies Pathaan and Jawan.

Shah Rukh Khan has revealed what his next movie will be. The Indian actor and producer is an international superstar who is best known for his works in Bollywood cinema. Major Shah Rukh Khan movies include 1995's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 2002's Devdas, and 2007's Om Shanti Om. After a commercial slump in the mid-2010s and a years-long acting hiatus, the star - who is also known by the acronym Srk - returned to the big screen in a major way by starring in a pair of hit action movies, Pathaan and Jawan, both of which were released in 2023.

Variety recently...

Shah Rukh Khan, one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars, once again enchanted audiences, this time at the 77th Locarno Film Festival. A video capturing the actor singing his iconic song “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” during the festival has gone viral, sparking joy among fans worldwide. The heartwarming moment unfolded when the crowd, already singing the song in unison, was joined by Shah Rukh himself, sending the audience into a frenzy of cheers.

On August 10, Shah Rukh Khan made history by becoming the first Indian personality to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, also known as the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Leopard), at the Locarno Film Festival. His presence at the event was nothing short of electrifying, with several visuals circulating online showing the actor captivating the audience with his charisma.

Shah Rukh Khan pushes old man in this viral video; Fans share an unseen video in support of him...

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan revealed that his production company Red Chillies Entertainment has acquired the rights to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 film “Devdas.” Khan starred in the 2002 film, which appeared at the Cannes Film Festival.

Khan was at the Locarno Film Festival to accept a career achievement award and deliver a masterclass. He made the announcement during a special screening of the film. “We as a production company bought the rights of this film back, and I’m very, very proud that it belongs to our company now,” Khan told the audience before the screening

The 2002 adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel is just one in a long line of film versions of the tragic tale. Khan acknowledged this rich history, noting, “By the time I got to see the film, I think they’d made 18 films based on the same novel, or 20, and lots of other plays and songs.

There was a spontaneous singalong, shrieks of “I love you” and the clanking of a cowbell one audience member had brought to remind Shah Rukh Khan of the film he made long ago in the Alps: the Indian megastar’s masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival was the closest Switzerland comes to pandemonium. Facing a capacity crowd at Locarno’s venerable Gran Rex cinema, Srk accepted the adulation and declarations of love with the gracious fan-friendliness that has made him beloved for 35 years.

Stardom, he insisted, really doesn’t matter. “Being able to entertain people when they come into contact with me is the most important thing,” he said during an hour-long interview with festival director Giona Nazzaro. “I want them to take away something entertaining. It could be sad entertainment, it could be good entertainment, it could be romantic entertainment. But for me, I’ve never understood the stardom part of it.

“King Khan” ruled the Piazza Grande, the iconic big square in the center of picturesque Swiss town Locarno, on Saturday night. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan brought his global star power to the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival as he was honored with a lifetime achievement award, the so-called Pardo alla Carriera, or Career Leopard.

The fans, including those in the 8,000 seats on the square and more in various spots around it, gave the star of films like Panthaan, Don 2 and Om Shanti Om a rousing ovation and thunderous applause. Even when the big movie screen in the square first showed him arriving on the red carpet around 9:20 p.m. local time and shaking hands with Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro, a roar went through the crowd.

Just before 10 p.m., the screen showed a highlight video of many of Khan’s films, which drew...

“I don’t want to sound like a fanboy,” Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival says sheepishly, “but Shah Rukh Khan is the quintessential power of cinema. There is no cynicism, there is no manipulation. Just this basic faith that you can tell a story through your persona and touch on the very profound building blocks of emotions.”

Nazzaro, it is fair to say, is a Khan fanboy. Discussing the Bollywood superstar — winner of Locarno’s 2024 lifetime achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism — he compares Khan to the “popular glamor of a hero of the working class, like Marcello Mastroianni” combined with the “elegance, the arrogant elegance, of someone like Alain Delon…. In Shah Ruhk Khan, I can see the trajectory from Rudolph Valentino to Tom Cruise, and it’s all there in one person. And this guy doesn’t even seem to break...

As Shah Rukh Khan steps onto the stage at the Locarno Film Festival to receive his career achievement award, it marks another milestone in a vocation that has spanned three decades and redefined Indian cinema on the world stage.

Khan, often referred to by his initials Srk, has been a dominant force in Bollywood since his breakthrough role in the 1993 thriller “Baazigar.” His charisma and versatility quickly established him as a leading man, with romantic comedies like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995) cementing his status as Bollywood’s “King of Romance.”

Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, Khan’s star power seemed unstoppable. He delivered a string of box office hits, including “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), “Devdas” (2002), and “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003). These films not only dominated the domestic market but also found significant audiences in the Indian diaspora, helping to expand Bollywood’s global footprint. Notably, his 1998 film “Dil Se...

Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s iconic superstar, will be honored with the prestigious Career Achievement Award at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s Artistic Director, praised Khan as a “Living Legend” and announced the award celebrating his remarkable career in Indian cinema.

To welcome a living legend like #ShahRukhKhan in Locarno is a dream come true.

The actor and film producer – a true Indian superstar, a symbol of the vitality of Hindi-language cinema – will receive our career achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera, at #Locarno77. pic.twitter.com/NGxbLbgxTS

— Locarno Film Festival (@FilmFestLocarno) July 2, 2024 Shah Rukh Khan will receive Career Achievement Award

The festival’s official statement confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan will accept the award, known as the Pardo alla Carriera, on August 10 at the grand open-air venue, Piazza Grande.

As part of the tribute, one of Khan’s most celebrated films,...

Why Luv Sinha Missed Sonakshi’s Wedding; Hina Khan’s First Chemo Session ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

In a week filled with significant events in the entertainment industry, Luv Sinha explained his absence from his sister Sonakshi Sinha’s wedding, while Hina Khan revealed her emotional journey from an award show to her first chemotherapy session. Deepika Padukone received praise from Jawan director Atlee for her performance in Kalki 2898 Ad, and Shah Rukh Khan was honored with a prestigious award at the Locarno Film Festival.

Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan made a big debut with Maharaj, which is now trending No. 1 on Netflix. Additionally, Rhea Chakraborty launched her new podcast “Chapter 2,” featuring Sushmita Sen as the first guest. Meanwhile, Nawazuddin Siddiqui opened up about his experiences with colorism, candidly describing himself as Bollywood’s “ugliest actor.”

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Trending Son of Sardaar 2: Mrunal Thakur Replaces...

Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be honored with the lifetime achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera, or career leopard, at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival.

The Panthaan, Don 2 and Om Shanti Om star, known to his fans as “King Khan,” will receive the prize at Locarno’s iconic Piazza Grande on Aug. 10.

As part of the tribute, the festival will screen Khan’s 2002 hit Devdas from director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Khan will also take part in a public Q&a at the Forum @Spazio Cinema on Aug. 11.

The 58-year-old actor has been a box office draw and global ambassador for Indian cinema since his breakthrough performances in Baazigar (1993) and the romantic classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). He won critical praise for such films as Devadas, where he plays an alcoholic, and for his portrayal of a man with Asperger syndrome in My Name Is Khan (2010).

Locarno Film Festival artistic director...

Indian star Shah Rukh Khan is to receive the Pardo Alla Carriera award at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, which runs from August 7-17.

The award will pay tribute Rukh Khan’s career in Indian cinema spanning more than 100 films across multiple genres.

The actor - popularly known in India as ‘King Khan’ - will receive the award on the evening of August 10 on Piazza Grande.

A key film from Khan’s career – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 feature Devdas – will be also screened during the Festival, and Rukh Khan will appear at the Forum @Spazio Cinema for...

Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be feted by the upcoming Locarno Film Festival with a career achievement award, celebrating his more than 100 credits across a multitude of genres.

The Bollywood star will receive the award in the festival’s Piazza Grande on August 10. He will then also participate in a public conversation the next day.

The festival will also screen 2002 hit costume drama Devdas, in which Khan plays a man whose life spirals out of control after his family forbids him from marrying his childhood sweetheart.

Previous winners of Locarno’s Pardo alla Carriera include Francesco Rosi, Bruno Ganz, Claudia Cardinale, Johnnie To, Harry Belafonte, Peter-Christian Fueter, Sergio Castellitto, Víctor Erice,, Jane Birkin, Dante Spinotti, Costa-Gavras, and, most recently in 2023, Tsai Ming-liang.

“To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan in Locarno is a dream come true. The wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be honoured by the Locarno Film Festival with its Honorary Leopard achievement award in recognition of his outstanding career in Indian cinema spanning more than 100 films “in a breathtaking multitude of genres,” it announced on Tuesday.

Khan, who is known in India as “King Khan,” will be making the trek to receive the award on Aug. 10 on the Swiss fest’s 8,000-seat Piazza Grande open-air venue where his 2022 love triangle drama “Devdas” – in which Khan plays the titular character, a tragic romantic alcoholic – will screen, followed by an onstage conversation on Aug. 11. “Devdas,” which scored a BAFTA nomination and won numerous Indian awards, marked the first time many Western audience members were exposed to mainstream Bollywood.

“To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Kahn in Locarno is a dream come true!” said Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro in a statement.

Nazzaro went...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s hit Netflix drama Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been renewed for a second season.

The series, which debuted on the streaming platform on May 1, climbed Netflix’s top 10 non-English TV list in 43 countries, becoming the most-viewed Indian series globally. The period drama has ranked number one on Netflix in India since its launch.

Set from 1920 into the 1940s, the series follows the lives of courtesans in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore against a backdrop of the Indian independence movement against British rule in India.

The cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari,...

Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delighted fans with behind-the-scenes snapshots from her Cannes experience. She shared a series of black-and-white images capturing her makeup session before gracing the prestigious Cannes red carpet.

In the photos, Aishwarya stuns in a bathrobe with her hair flowing freely. The elegant snapshots garnered admiration from fans, overshadowing the mixed reactions to her actual red-carpet appearances.

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A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)

At Cannes, Aishwarya dazzled in two distinct ensembles by designers Falguni and Shane. The first, a black and white gown adorned with golden flowers, followed by a shimmery turquoise-green dress on subsequent days.

Despite her Cannes looks sparking debate, Aishwarya’s BTS pictures won hearts, with fans showering her with love and praise. A regular attendee since her film “Devdas” premiered in 2002, Aishwarya continues to captivate audiences with her timeless elegance and grace on the international stage.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Next Love & War Stars Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal & Ranbir Kapoor In Lead Roles. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Slb is ready to dive back into love stories, and we are here for it. The maestro is excited about his big feature film, Love & War—the buzz around Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor & Vicky Kaushal starrer love triangle. There has been a lot of anticipation about Bhansali’s next. He is crowned king of the love triangle genre with movies like Devdas, Bajirao Mastaani, and more. In a rare interview, Slb is opening up about diving into new beginnings.

The announcement of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War shook the internet with just the announcement of its casting alone. Slb’s new muse, Alia Bhatt, retakes center stage, with Ranbir Kapoor and Bhansali reuniting after his debut. Vicky Kaushal is also making his debut in the Slb universe with Love & War.

'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', available on Netflix, appears not just as a film but as a celebration of cinematic brilliance and depth. Directed by the legendary Hindi filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the movie transports its audience into the lavish, boisterous world of pre-independent India. The film is presented in a narrative rich with culture, conflict, and the abiding mental struggle between personal desires and societal expectations. I want to dive into the intricate layers of ‘Heeramandi’, exploring its profound narrative, aesthetic brilliance, and the culture it weaves through its storytelling. The series having been put on Netflix is significant to cultural representation and film diversity and opens viewers' eyes to a world outside of their own. Not to mention, Bhansali is reintroducing a much-needed and longed-for series of long episodes on Netflix. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time...

Madhuri Dixit remains an eternal favorite among Bollywood aficionados, captivating hearts with her grace, charm, and timeless beauty. As the beloved actress celebrates her birthday today, fans worldwide shower her with love and admiration.

Throughout her illustrious career, Madhuri Dixit has delivered numerous unforgettable performances, solidifying her status as one of Bollywood’s most iconic leading ladies. Here, we reminisce about five of her most iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema:

Mohini in “Tezaab” (1988):

“Tezaab” catapulted Madhuri Dixit to stardom in 1988. Playing Mohini, she portrayed a young woman compelled to dance in nightclubs to aid her father. The film’s hit song “Ek Do Teen” skyrocketed her fame, remaining one of her most cherished tracks to date.

Nisha in “Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!” (1994):

Madhuri Dixit’s portrayal of Nisha in this blockbuster family drama captured the essence of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Her...

The sixth episode was the second-best episode of the season, after the Aamir Khan one. Sunny and Bobby Deol in the last episode elicited some genuine laughs from the audience and the viewers. For the first time, Sunny Deol seemed casual talking about his failures and successes over the years and how the Deol family had a stellar 2023, with each member delivering path-breaking record-shattering box offices at the cinemas. It was rare to find them comfortable in their own skin, which made the episode memorable, coupled with some intelligent gags put forward by every supporting actor on the show.

The seventh episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show is graced by the leads of the number one trending show on Netflix, Heeramandi. Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and the amazing Richa Chadha graced the stage to promote their acclaimed web series that is based...

Renowned veteran actress Vyjayanthimala Bala was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, for her exceptional contributions. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award upon the 90-year-old actress at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Vyjayanthimala, a luminary of Indian cinema’s golden era, mesmerized audiences with her acting prowess and graceful dance performances. Her illustrious career includes iconic films like “Devdas,” “Naya Daur,” “Aasha,” and “Jewel Thief,” spanning multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.

President Droupadi Murmu presents Padma Vibhushan in the field of Art to Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali. She is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and played leading roles in popular Hindi and Tamil movies. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honours. Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali has also… pic.twitter.com/HaPEUZbY4o

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 9, 2024

Having received the Padma Shri in 1968, this latest recognition underscores her enduring legacy and immense impact on Indian cinema.

Back in 2019, on a visit to Los Angeles, celebrated Indian director Sanjay Leela Bhansali stopped in at the offices of Netflix. In his informal five-minute meeting with CEO Ted Sarandos, Bhansali pitched an idea — it would be an opulent tale of warring courtesans set amid India’s struggle for independence. Sarandos greenlit the project on the spot.

Now Bhansali’s Hindi-language series, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” is making its U.S. debut (episodes dropped on May 1). Spanning 1920 through 1947, the lavish story is set in the Heeramandi district of Lahore, British India, the milieu of the tawaifs. As with the geisha of Japan, tawaifs were trained in music and dance and courted by nobility. At the show’s center are Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala), the scheming queen of Heeramandi, and her vindictive niece Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha), who has ambitions to take her aunt’s place.

The project’s development took somewhat longer than that Netflix visit.

As with any time I try to explain a massive figure in Indian film to the uninitiated, the temptation rises quickly to compare director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to someone in Hollywood.

And, as with any time I actually make these comparisons, everything falls short. Bhansali depicts spectacle evocative of the work of Baz Luhrmann, but even that is a pale imitation (no disrespect to either). There is no one literally anywhere in the world creating cinema with the scale and grandeur that Bhansali has cultivated as his signature, a style so distinct that his own peers pay homage to it while he’s still alive and working.

But at the top of IndieWire’s conversation about Bhansali’s career, he’s quick to shake the larger-than-life visual splendor of his creations, emphasizing — as writer, director and producer, among his many hats — that the stories themselves evoke that scope.

“It’s...

Actress Richa Chadha, who is garnering praise for her work in auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ott debut ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, shared that she was offered a different role in the show but she chose the character of Lajjo.

The actress shared that despite being offered a role with more screen time, she decided to portray Lajjo owing to her heartbreaking arc in the show.

Richa felt that the resemblance of her character in the show to Meena Kumari from ‘Pakeezah’ and a female version of Devdas would definitely leave an impact.

Reflecting on her decision, Richa said: “When I was approached for ‘Heeramandi’, at the time Sanjay was the showrunner, and I had been offered another part, the one with more screen time for sure. But because an actor also needs to see what’s in here that’s new for me, I chose Lajjo.”

She continued, “I...