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The Jagran Film Festival (Jff), celebrated as the world’s largest traveling film festival, returns with its 13th edition, carrying forward its philosophy of Good Cinema for Everyone. Presented by Rajnigandha, the festival will kickstart on September 4 in Delhi, travel across 14 cities, and culminate in Mumbai on November 16 — making it India’s largest and most far-reaching cinematic celebration. Since its inception, the Jagran Film Festival (Jff) has become a landmark celebration of storytelling, cultural exchange, and cinematic excellence.

This year, Jff pays tribute to cinematic legends with special celebrations including the centenary of Guru Dutt, 50 years of Shabana Azmi in cinema, 50 years of the iconic film Sholay, and more. It also honours industry stalwarts Shyam Benegal, Manoj Kumar, Shaji N. Karun, and Pritish Nandy for their lasting contributions to Indian cinema.

Guided by mentors like Subhash Ghai, Khusboo Sundar, Adil Hussain, and A. Sreekar Prasad, and curated by Srinivasa Santhanam,...

Amitabh Bachchan speaks with Subhash K Jha about working on Shah Rukh Khan’s Paheli and the reason he did the special apperance for free.

Shah Rukh Khan’s experimental production Paheli which was directed by Amol Palekar clocked 20 years on June 24.

Amitabh Bachchan who had an interesting cameo in Paheli recalls not accepting any remuneration from Shah Rukh for the film. “Why should I charge any money from Shah Rukh? Even today if he asks me to work for him I’d happily do it. Money won’t be discussed. He’s a friend. When he asked me to do a small role in Paheli, I immediately agreed. These are little gestures that one makes for friends. Paise to aate hi rehenge. Where does money come into it?”

Mr Bachchan recalls how Shah Rukh insisted on paying him after shooting. “After my three-day shooting of Paheli when I was...

10 Bollywood Sports Films ( Photo Credit – Prime Video; Facebook )

Whether you are looking for edge-of-the-seat thrills or are fond of watching feel-good stories about underdogs competing against all odds, these Bollywood sports films have something for everyone. From Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic hockey drama Chak De! India to Vineet Kumar Singh’s compelling performance in Mukkabaaz, these ten sports movies are absolute must-watches and perfect for your next weekend binge.

For this listicle, we have ranked a unique mix of popular and overlooked sports films according to their IMDb ratings. We have included only those films that are currently streaming on Ott.

10. ‘83 Release Year – 2021 Director – Kabir Khan IMDb Rating – 7.5/10 Streaming On – Jio Hotstar & Netflix

Plot: The inspiring biographical film tells the true story of how the Indian cricket team, led by captain Kapil Dev (played by Ranveer Singh), beat all odds to defeat the mighty West Indies and won the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

Subhash K Jha revisits R Balki’s Cheeni Kum, which started Amitabh Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Tabu. Plus, as a bonus, in a throwback conversation Amitabh Bachchan talks about the film and working with Tabu.

Cheeni Kum is probably the sauciest, slickest, and most scrumptious romantic comedy you’ll see in the Hindi language in a long time.

She’s in London for a holiday. He, Amitabh Bachchan, is a cantankerous sarcastic chef who can’t take a snub even when it’s served up on a platter. She , Tabu, serves him a biryani he cannot forget. Cheeni Kum makes you forget there’s a difference of 30 years between the woman and the man. That’s the magic of pure acting. The magic of two of the finest actors at work as they create an ebullient alchemy.

Also in this mellow ode to love, are an 85-year-old mom (Zohra Sehgal) living life king-sized,...

Subhash K Jha looks back at Balki’s Ki & Ka, which starred Kateen Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor, which released in 2016. As a bonus, we also hear from the director, R Balki, who talks about working on what he calls a ‘happy movie’ and working with Kareena and Arjun!

The streeling is pulling Arjun Kapoor into the kitchen. And Kareena Kapoor doesn’t mind as long he is fully functional in the bedroom. That dear audience, in a nutshell, is Ki & Ka. A film about role reversal between the sexes where the ambitious wife Kiya (Kareena) goes out to earn the bread and butter, while the husband Kabir (Arjun) is blissfully happy looking after the home.

Immediately, there is an infectious charm to the proceedings. Every scene is a joy to behold. It could have something to do with Kareena Kapoor’s presence. She lights up every frame as only she can.

The Embassy of India in Tashkent recently hosted a grand Film Festival from, in honor of of the month celebration International Women’s Day, showcasing acclaimed women-centric films that highlight inspiring female characters and their achievements in shaping societal perspectives. Among the stellar lineup of films, Saiyami Kher’s ‘Ghoomer’ was selected for a special premiere at the prestigious festival.

Saiyami Kher, who delivered a power-packed performance in R. Balki’s ‘Ghoomer’, attended the festival along with Abhishek Bachchan and R Balki to celebrate this momentous occasion. The film Ghoomer even after a year and half of its release is still relevant and making waves. Expressing her excitement, Saiyami shared “‘Ghoomer’ is not just a film for me; it’s an emotion. The journey of playing a differently-abled sportsperson who defies all odds to pursue her dreams was a transformative experience, and I am thrilled that the film was screened...

Subhash K Jha revisits R Balki’s Pad Man, which featured Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor. The film, which was released in 2018, was revolutionary in many ways, shining the light on social injustice.

One man in Tamil Nadu, who is miraculously a convincingly-transformed North Indian in Balki’s endearing Pad Man, decided to do something about making sanitary pads affordable to poor women. The thought was not just unmentionable but also outrageous. It still is. The pain, humiliation, strife, and final victory of Laxmikant Chauhan is narrated in a series of quickly-cut quirky, bitterly humorous episodes (editor Chandan Arora can take a bow) that could easily have become caricatured, preachy, and propagandist.

Pad Man is none of the above. It celebrates the spirit of enterprise with enrapturing integrity and tempered gusto, rendering the saga of Laxmikant Chauhan’s journey from familial humiliation and spouse-dissertation to a Padma Shri addressing the United Nations.

With quotes from The Amitabh Bachchan, Subhash K Jha focuses on R Balki’s brilliant Shamitabh, which was released 10 years ago.

R Balki’s third feature film is perhaps his most audacious cinematic journey yet. The writer-director takes the voice of Mr Bachchan and puts it on Dhanush, that intelligent Tamil actor who is rapidly emerging as the inheritor to Kamal Haasan. It really can’t be any more audacious than this…though admittedly, there’s no telling what Balki would dare to do next.

Shamitabh is not just a homage to the great Bachchan baritone; it is also a magnificent ode to the theme of human mortality. The love of Filmistan runs across the plot in frenzied rhythms. The two principal actors play out their conjoined karmas with a passion that burns your soul. Mr Bachchan rages and towers over the proceedings as only he can. Is there no end to his brilliance?...

R. Balki has been hating on the recent Bollywood blockbusters (Photo Credit – Facebook)

Filmmaker R. Balki thinks the Bollywood films that have turned out to be blockbusters in recent years are boring. In an interview, the director expressed his views on films that have done massive business in the last five years. Balki, known for his unconventional and acclaimed films like Paa, Pad Man, and Cheeni Kum, said that the recent blockbusters neither have entertainment nor intellectual or artistic value. He went on to call these the ‘worst’ movies he has seen.

R. Balki says recent Bollywood blockbusters are the worst

R. Balki recently interacted at MIT World Peace University, discussing Bollywood blockbusters released in the last five years. He called them the worst films, “A few blockbusters that have happened in the last four or five years, or whatever, have been the worst films.”

Balki pointed out that the...

As his “better half”, Jaya Bachchan, turned 76 on Tuesday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan penned a note expressing his love and gratitude for her. The actor also shared that it was a “quiet family bring in” at midnight.

Taking to the blog, Big B shared: “It is in the morn of another family birth… of which that has required no explanation… the better half celebrates her birthday Today, and all the greetings for her are recognised and shown gratitude, as always.”

“A quiet family ‘bring in’ for the 9th on the midnight hour… and the love of immediate family presence,” he added.

In June 1973, Big B and Jaya Bachchan got married. The two have a daughter, Shweta, and a son, Abhishek Bachchan.

The two have worked together in films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Mili’, and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, among others.

The two were last seen together on screen in...

The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 brought together the glitz of Bollywood and the dynamism of the Ott world in a spectacular event. Hosted by the dynamic duo Aparshakti Khurana and Neha Dhupia, the evening celebrated the best of content and talents across films and web series, guided by a distinguished panel of jury members including Prasoon Joshi, Aanand L Rai, Kabir Bedi, Meenakshi Seshadri, Ramesh S Taurani, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Tavishi Paitanday. The event was a grand spectacle, honouring the art of storytelling and recognizing outstanding contributions.

The festivities commenced with a scintillating performance by Threeory Band, known for their Animal fame, setting the stage on fire with a mix of chart-topping hits and timeless classics. The event witnessed the presence of luminaries from the entertainment industry, including Karan Johar, Rani Mukherjee, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Sharmila Tagore,...

Amitabh Bachchan-Abhishek Bachchan Enjoy Majhi Mumbai Match: Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, renowned for their exceptional acting and endearing father-son relationship, delighted fans as they cheered fervently for Majhi Mumbai at a recent cricket match. Abhishek’s Instagram post captured their joyous camaraderie, clad in matching Majhi Mumbai sweatshirts, epitomizing their shared passion for the sport.

Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan’s Enthusiastic Support

The image shared by Abhishek depicted the iconic duo sporting radiant smiles while passionately supporting their team. Amitabh’s unwavering encouragement and Abhishek’s spirited applause showcased their infectious enthusiasm, resonating with fans worldwide.

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A post shared by Abhishek Bachchan (@bachchan)

Amitabh Bachchan’s Latest Projects

Amitabh Bachchan’s recent stint in the action-packed film “Ganapath” alongside Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon garnered acclaim. His upcoming venture, the sci-fi action flick “Kalki 2898 Ad,” promises excitement with a stellar ensemble cast featuring Prabhas,...

Mumbai, March 7 (Ians) In an industry where films have traditionally been scripted around men, and woman-centric films have been the exceptions rather than the rule, a new generation of directors and screenwriters have overturned the gender imbalance, and delivered successful films centred around female protagonists.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, here’s a selection of seven Bollywood films that celebrate woman power.

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Alia Bhatt (2022): The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, a biopic based on the life of ‘mafia queen’ Gangubai Kothewali, is centred around Alia Bhatt’s character, who was cheated and sold to a brothel in Kamathipura, Mumbai. From there, she allied with local politicians and the underworld to become a ‘don’ who was dreaded as much as she was respected for her good deeds.

The movie made news for being the first female-centric production to rake in a hefty Rs 210 crore in a...

Actress Saiyami Kher is set to headline director Neeraj Pandey’s upcoming film. The project is an author-backed role exploring a woman-oriented subject, is poised to captivate audiences and is scheduled to be a Netflix Original. Neeraj Pandey handpicked Saiyami for the pivotal role following her outstanding performance in ‘Ghoomer’. Their successful partnership in the hit series ‘Special Ops’ has paved the way for their reunion in the upcoming season.

According to sources: “The film will begin shooting from February 15, the production team gears up for a 30-day shooting schedule, ensuring the film’s timely completion and delivery of a high-quality cinematic masterpiece.”

“They are planning to shoot the entire film in one go. There will be no break. It will be a Netflix original.”

Saiyami made her 2015 in debut with Telugu film Rey and appeared in Rakesh Omprakash Mehra’s Punjabi folklore Mirza Sahiban based Hindi film ‘Mirzya’.

In...

Mumbai, Jan 31 (Ians) Actor Sachin Parikh, who is known for his work in ‘Pk’, ‘Aligarh’, among others, shared that he believes that he is yet to explore the best within him, adding that an artist is always hungry for better roles with good filmmakers.

Sachin, who was recently seen in a pivotal role in Ravi Jadhav’s ‘Main Atal Hoon’, feels that he has not yet explored his full potential in Hindi films.

Talking about the same, the actor who was a part of ‘Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji’ said: “An actor is always hungry for better roles with good makers. Our industry has fantastic makers and I am glad to work under their direction.”

“I have worked with eminent directors like Rajkumar Hirani (Pk), Hansal Mehta (Aligarh), Madhur Bhandarkar (Dil Toh Bachha Hai Ji), Ravi Jadhav (Main Atal Hoon), R. Balki (Paa), etc. But I still believe that I...

Actress Saiyami Kher is all set to witness the excitement of the ongoing Australian Open, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Saiyami shared, “I have always been an ardent sports lover. And I am genuinely thrilled and honoured to receive this special invitation from Tourism Australia to experience the Grand Slam spectacle at the Australian Open. Sport is my first love. And I have traveled to watch the Wimbledon, US Open, so the Australian Open was a bucket list I wanted to do.”“I see it not just as a game but as a celebration of the human spirit, determination, and sheer athleticism. I am here rooting for Rohan Bopanna, he is someone who has given us so much but we don’t celebrate him enough. And in the men’s Singals I really hope Alcaraz wins! I feel he’s the future”.

Saiyami finds...

Known to be part of projects like ‘Bombay Begums’, ‘Haddi’, actor and choreographer Ivanka Das has called Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher-starrer ‘Ghoomer’-the turning point of her career, and feels grateful to have great screen time in it.

Ivanka said that while all her projects have been close to her heart, ‘Ghoomer’ has been the one she treasures.

She says that it changed a lot of things for her.

“My first project was a Facebook ad. I auditioned and I got finalised and I agreed on doing it and that’s how my journey started. Later, I did a show for Netflix called Bombay Begums. That also happened through auditions only,” said Ivanka.

The ‘Maja Ma’ actor said: “My most prominent project is ‘Ghoomer’ and that is I think was the turning point. ‘Ghoomer’ is not my debut. I have worked before. but I am grateful and I...

Top 10 Films Of 2023 (Ott): From Lust Stories 2 To Kareena Kapoor’s Jaane Jaan – IMDb Drops The List (Picture Credit: IMDb)

IMDb has dropped the list of top 10 films released on Ott platforms, and right from Kajol to Kareena Kapoor Khan, leading ladies of B’town have been ruling this arena. Young actors like Sidharth Malhotra, Sara Ali Khan, Sanya Malhotra, and Janhvi Kapoor also took their films straight to the platform.

Although direct-to-ott releases have been a thing of the past since the theaters have been functional, it has started a new genre of films exclusively made for the Ott platforms. This year, directors like Nitesh Tiwari and Sujoy Ghosh have offered brilliant films on Ott.

The Most Popular Indian Movies of 2023 (Streaming) list represents five subscription-based services, with five titles from Netflix, two from Zee5, and one each from Prime Video, JioCinema, and Disney+ Hotstar. The Most...

Actress Saiyami Kher, who portrayed the paraplegic sportsperson in ‘Ghoomer’, said she doesn’t give much importance to the social media validation, revealing her influences that have shaped her acting career.

With an inspiring storyline, the movie features a stellar cast of Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher, Angad Bedi and a special appearance by Amitabh Bachchan.

In ‘Ghoomer’, Saiyami plays Anina Dixit, a talented cricketer whose dreams are shattered by a tragic accident leading to the loss of her right arm. Paddy (played by Abhishek), a former test cricketer, becomes her coach and helps her become the first-ever one-armed spinner, propelling her to play for the Indian national team.

Is social media validation important for the 29-year-old actress? Saiyami told: “I don’t give much importance to social media validation. I take it with a pinch of salt — the love and hatred. The validation I look for is within my friends and family.

Actress Saiyami Kher, who portrayed the paraplegic sportsperson in ‘Ghoomer’, said she doesn’t give much importance to the social media validation, revealing her influences that have shaped her acting career.

With an inspiring storyline, the movie features a stellar cast of Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher, Angad Bedi and a special appearance by Amitabh Bachchan.

In ‘Ghoomer’, Saiyami plays Anina Dixit, a talented cricketer whose dreams are shattered by a tragic accident leading to the loss of her right arm. Paddy (played by Abhishek), a former test cricketer, becomes her coach and helps her become the first-ever one-armed spinner, propelling her to play for the Indian national team.

Is social media validation important for the 29-year-old actress? Saiyami told: “I don’t give much importance to social media validation. I take it with a pinch of salt — the love and hatred. The validation I look for is within my friends and family.

Actress, best-selling author and columnist Twinkle Khanna unveiled her fourth book, ‘Welcome To Paradise’ (Juggernaut) on Wednesday. The event was attended by her husband Akshay Kumar, mother Dimple Kapadia, filmmaker Karan Johar, and the actresses Vidya Balan and Kiara Advani, among others.

According to the book’s promotional blurb, ‘Welcome To Paradise’ offers “rich narratives that explore the depth of loneliness, heartbreak and deception”.

The blurb goes on to describe the quartet of stories on offer, noting: “Huma’s divided family — Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium — clash hilariously over matters involving pigs and penises as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation.

“Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her...

Actress, best-selling author and columnist Twinkle Khanna unveiled her fourth book, ‘Welcome To Paradise’ (Juggernaut) on Wednesday. The event was attended by her husband Akshay Kumar, mother Dimple Kapadia, filmmaker Karan Johar, and the actresses Vidya Balan and Kiara Advani, among others.

According to the book’s promotional blurb, ‘Welcome To Paradise’ offers “rich narratives that explore the depth of loneliness, heartbreak and deception”.

The blurb goes on to describe the quartet of stories on offer, noting: “Huma’s divided family — Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium — clash hilariously over matters involving pigs and penises as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation.

“Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her...

The film Ghoomer is dedicated to disabled sportsmen who have not given up on their hopes of achieving something great in their lives. The real-life incident of Károly Takács, a left-handed shooter who had won two Olympic medals in 25-meter rapid-fire pistol, has been taken as inspiration. Under the able direction of R. Balki, along with the capable acting of Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, Shabana Azmi, and others, the film has gained momentum. Amitabh Bachchan has also graced the film with his cameo role! The film revolves around the story of a skilled woman cricket player and how an incident changes her life, bringing out the skills of a spinner in her. The batsman-turned-spinner is gilded under the able craftsmanship of a retired sportsman who recognizes her true talents. Will Anina be able to overcome the challenges that she faces? Who supports her in overcoming her despair? Let us find out!

Ahead of the festival of lights, the digital platforms are brimming with fresh exciting titles, that will keep you on the edge-of-your seat. From Ishaan Khatter-starrer ‘Pippa’, to inspiring tale ‘Ghoomer’ featuring Abhishek Bachchan, here is a list of five titles on various Ott platforms that have caught the attention.

‘Valatty’

A tale of tails, ‘Valatty’ is a Malayalam adventure comedy drama written and directed by Devan Jayakumar. It stars the voices of Roshan Mathew, Raveena Ravi, Soubin Shahir, Sunny Wayne, Saiju Kurup, and Aju Varghese. The makers have used real dogs as actors without VFX in the movie. It will be streaming from November 7 on Disney+Hotstar in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

‘Vigilante’

The Korean series ‘Vigilante’ stars Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Kim So-jin. Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kim Gyu-sam, it follows a model student from the...

Ahead of the festival of lights, the digital platforms are brimming with fresh exciting titles, that will keep you on the edge-of-your seat. From Ishaan Khatter-starrer ‘Pippa’, to inspiring tale ‘Ghoomer’ featuring Abhishek Bachchan, here is a list of five titles on various Ott platforms that have caught the attention.

‘Valatty’

A tale of tails, ‘Valatty’ is a Malayalam adventure comedy drama written and directed by Devan Jayakumar. It stars the voices of Roshan Mathew, Raveena Ravi, Soubin Shahir, Sunny Wayne, Saiju Kurup, and Aju Varghese. The makers have used real dogs as actors without VFX in the movie. It will be streaming from November 7 on Disney+Hotstar in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

‘Vigilante’

The Korean series ‘Vigilante’ stars Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Joon-hyuk, and Kim So-jin. Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Kim Gyu-sam, it follows a model student from the...

The 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc) witnessed the renowned Indian film director, R Balki, sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations. Balki, a visionary filmmaker with a passion for authenticity, emphasized the significance of ideal locations and highlighted how he shot ‘Padman’ in Madhya Pradesh.

In a thought-provoking address on the second evening of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for filmmakers shying away from touching subjects that are considered taboo.

In a fireside chat, he mentioned, “When I thought of MP as a location for Padman, I and Swanand Kirkire went to Ujjain and Bhopal and didn’t find them to be the right fit for the script. Finally, the local production unit guy asked us about our vision and took us to a distant place where we could see...

The 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc) witnessed the renowned Indian film director, R Balki, sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations. Balki, a visionary filmmaker with a passion for authenticity, emphasized the significance of ideal locations and highlighted how he shot ‘Padman’ in Madhya Pradesh.

In a thought-provoking address on the second evening of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for filmmakers shying away from touching subjects that are considered taboo.

In a fireside chat, he mentioned, “When I thought of MP as a location for Padman, I and Swanand Kirkire went to Ujjain and Bhopal and didn’t find them to be the right fit for the script. Finally, the local production unit guy asked us about our vision and took us to a distant place where we could see...

Mumbai, Oct 23 (Ians) Filmmaker R Balki, who was part of the address in the 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc), has shared his dream of shooting in an old-school theme park and on train journeys.

Iiftc witnessed the renowned film director R Balki sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations.

The filmmaker emphasised the significance of ideal locations, and the need for film commissions to prioritise the essence of a place over economic incentives.

During the panel discussion of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for a more holistic approach to choosing filming locations.

He said: “Incentives are secondary; the primary concern is the right location. Film commissions should stop offering incentives as a way to market to filmmakers. Instead, they should focus on preserving the authentic character of the location. Rather than only economics,...

Mumbai, Oct 23 (Ians) Filmmaker R Balki, who was part of the address in the 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc), has shared his dream of shooting in an old-school theme park and on train journeys.

Iiftc witnessed the renowned film director R Balki sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations.

The filmmaker emphasised the significance of ideal locations, and the need for film commissions to prioritise the essence of a place over economic incentives.

During the panel discussion of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for a more holistic approach to choosing filming locations.

He said: “Incentives are secondary; the primary concern is the right location. Film commissions should stop offering incentives as a way to market to filmmakers. Instead, they should focus on preserving the authentic character of the location. Rather than only economics,...

The 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc) witnessed the renowned Indian film director, R Balki, sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations. Balki, a visionary filmmaker with a passion for authenticity, emphasized the significance of ideal locations and the need for film commissions to prioritize the essence of a place over economic incentives.

In a thought-provoking address on the second evening of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for a more holistic approach to choosing filming locations.

In a fireside chat, he mentioned, “Incentives are secondary; the primary concern is the right location. Film commissions should stop offering incentives as a way to market to filmmakers. Instead, they should focus on preserving the authentic character of the location. Rather than only economics, one should look at locations holistically.”

Balki further stressed the...

The 10th edition of the India International Foreign Tourism Conclave (Iiftc) witnessed the renowned Indian film director, R Balki, sharing invaluable insights on the art of filmmaking and its close association with the right locations. Balki, a visionary filmmaker with a passion for authenticity, emphasized the significance of ideal locations and the need for film commissions to prioritize the essence of a place over economic incentives.

In a thought-provoking address on the second evening of the three-day mega film tourism event, Balki made a compelling case for a more holistic approach to choosing filming locations.

In a fireside chat, he mentioned, “Incentives are secondary; the primary concern is the right location. Film commissions should stop offering incentives as a way to market to filmmakers. Instead, they should focus on preserving the authentic character of the location. Rather than only economics, one should look at locations holistically.”

Balki further stressed the...

On the occasion of “International Coffee Day” on Sunday, actor Abhishek Bachchan shared a social media post, expressing his fond love for the beverage. “International Coffee Day” is celebrated to promote coffee as a beverage. This day is also used to promote fair trade coffee, and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers. On this day, many businesses offer free or discounted cups of coffee.

Taking to photo-sharing application, Abhishek shared a string of photos, wherein he can be seen in a deep thought.

The first photo has a note, which reads as: “on the way…”.

The second picture, which is a still from his project, features him in an irritated mood. The note reads: “Still on the way…”

The last picture shows him drinking a cup of coffee in a copper glass. The note read: “delivered!”

Abhishek captioned the post as: “every sip worth the wait.

On the occasion of “International Coffee Day” on Sunday, actor Abhishek Bachchan shared a social media post, expressing his fond love for the beverage. “International Coffee Day” is celebrated to promote coffee as a beverage. This day is also used to promote fair trade coffee, and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers. On this day, many businesses offer free or discounted cups of coffee.

Taking to photo-sharing application, Abhishek shared a string of photos, wherein he can be seen in a deep thought.

The first photo has a note, which reads as: “on the way…”.

The second picture, which is a still from his project, features him in an irritated mood. The note reads: “Still on the way…”

The last picture shows him drinking a cup of coffee in a copper glass. The note read: “delivered!”

Abhishek captioned the post as: “every sip worth the wait.

Actress Saiyami Kher, who has tied up with an Ngo for clean-up drive at Juhu Beach, post Ganpati Visarjan, here, said “it’s important we honour our traditions and culture while also respecting the need to save the environment.”

This endeavour is in partnership with the dedicated volunteers from the Bhamla Foundation, known for their relentless efforts in environmental conservation. Mumbai’s beaches witness a substantial influx of devotees and revelers during the festive season, and ensuring the cleanliness of these pristine shores post-Visarjan poses a substantial challenge.

Saiyami has taken it upon herself to address this issue and contribute to the city she calls home, and shared a powerful message for all Mumbaikars, emphasising the importance of environmental responsibility.

The actress said: “Bappa will certainly not like seeing our beaches filled with litter post the festivities. I have worked with Afroz Shah who has been doing incredible work the last seven years.

Actress Saiyami Kher, who has tied up with an Ngo for clean-up drive at Juhu Beach, post Ganpati Visarjan, here, said “it’s important we honour our traditions and culture while also respecting the need to save the environment.”

This endeavour is in partnership with the dedicated volunteers from the Bhamla Foundation, known for their relentless efforts in environmental conservation. Mumbai’s beaches witness a substantial influx of devotees and revelers during the festive season, and ensuring the cleanliness of these pristine shores post-Visarjan poses a substantial challenge.

Saiyami has taken it upon herself to address this issue and contribute to the city she calls home, and shared a powerful message for all Mumbaikars, emphasising the importance of environmental responsibility.

The actress said: “Bappa will certainly not like seeing our beaches filled with litter post the festivities. I have worked with Afroz Shah who has been doing incredible work the last seven years.

Mumbai, Sep 12 (Ians) Actress Saiyami Kher, who has been enjoying the response to her latest theatrical release ‘Ghoomer’, reflected on her transformative journey and on the shift from facing back to back rejection to working alongside some of the best filmmaking talents in the Hindi film industry.

The actress said that she developed a thick skin with patience as the key which helped her navigate her path.

For Saiyami, the turning point came when acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap cast her in the lead role for the streaming film ‘Choked’.

Speaking about her journey, the actress said: “The path hasn’t been smooth, and there were times when the rejections were disheartening. However, I held onto the belief that my time would come.”

Saiyamifurther mentioned that for her, working with filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Ashwiny Iyer tiwari, Neeraj Pandey, and Balki has been a dream come true.

The actress added: “Their...

Actor Piyush Raina, who was recently seen in the Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan-starrer ‘Ghoomer’, has shared that he gave his audition for the film in -3 °C. Piyush plays the character of Anuj, Anina’s (Saiyami’s) brother in the film, and is her biggest cheerleader.

Talking about how he got the part, the actor said: “It’s quite a story actually. I was in Kashmir for my anniversary and I received a call from the fabulous Shruti Mahajan’s Casting Team. They wanted to audition me, but being in Kashmir I sent them a self test with my wife doing the camera work while I performed at -3 °C. Thankfully, the director liked what he saw and I was in”.

The actor shared that working with director R. Balki was like a dream. He further mentioned: “I saw his process and was just eager to be there...

Mumbai, Aug 22 (Ians) Actress Saiyami Kher hosted a screening of ‘Ghoomer’, where the God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar himself saw the film and praised her performance in the movie.

Post the screening, he even requested Saiyami to show him the Ghoomer bowling.

Saiyami gladly obliged leaving Sachin speechless.

He even appreciated Saiyami’s performance saying, “Saiyami look very authentic. Her love for cricket and her ability to understand the character was amazing.”

Saiyami posted the video on social media, saying, “What’s the one dream you had as a child that you never thought could never come true? Mine was that someday, I would get to meet my hero, my inspiration, my teacher. I have loved and learnt this game watching him play. I’ve bunked college to watch him play.”

She said that she had the loudest “Sachinnn Sachhhin” chant in the North Stand.

“So, I can’t seem...

Mumbai, Aug 21 (Ians) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has sent a heartwarming appreciation note to actress Saiyami Kher for her performance in the latest release ‘Ghoomer’, directed by R. Balki.

In the film, Saiyami essays the role of Anina, a determined athlete who, due to an unfortunate accident loses her right arm, finds strength again to become a history-defying sportsperson.

Saiyami took to social media, sharing the letter which expressed: “In admiration – your grit, your sincerity, your level-headed performance and the brilliance of your presence in Ghoomer. May the accolades never diminish for you” said Big B in the letter.

Saiyami said on social media: “I remember seeing a short film called “Looking for Amitabh” on how the visually challenged perceive this icon. From describing his trademark baritone to the sound of his shoes, or the scent of his perfume.

“We don’t even see Mr. Bachchan, but we can experience the impact created by this superstar.

Ghoomer co-stars Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan recently appeared on the IMDb exclusive segment “Ask Each Other Anything,” where they shared their candid experiences of being on set together.

Let’s find out what they revealed.

Saiyami Kher on Bachchan’s uncanny resemblance to director R Balki in the movie, “Your first day as Paddy, I almost felt like I was seeing Balki sir again because he was the inspiration behind the look. It felt very homely watching the two of you together.”

Kher reveals to Bachchan that her first day on set was overwhelming because of him, “I remember the day because you were talking to your father, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, and he very graciously and kindly spoke to me and wished me luck. Therefore I got even more nervous.”

On his first impression of Kher, Bachchan said, “I was very eager to see you as Anina because I...

Actor Abhishek Bachchan and megastar Amitabh Bachchan presented a “drunken act” on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’, leaving everyone in splits. In the special episode, the star cast of ‘Ghoomer’- Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and filmmaker R Balki, were present on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ (Kbc).

Before the ‘Super Sandook’ section began, R Balki said, “Abhishek is playing a drunk coach in Ghoomer.” The filmmaker says to Amitabh Bachchan “you are an icon ‘Sharaabi’”, referring to his character in the movie 1984 movie ‘Sharaabi’, in which Amitabh played the character of Vicky Kapoor. Balki requested that the father-son duo recreate one drunk scene.

The crowd cheered and shouted ‘Ab’. Abhishek said, “dekhiye Og to yeh hain”, pointing to Amitabh. He says there are so many scenes where he has played the drunk character like in movies ‘Satte Pe Satta’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’. But my favourite is from...

Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who graced the stage of quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’, spun the game show and took the seat of the host, replacing his father and megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

In the special episode, the star cast of ‘Ghoomer’- Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and filmmaker R. Balki, were present on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ (Kbc).

Abhishek, who wore a blue suit with blue tie paired with yellow glasses, made a smooth transition from the contestant’s hotseat to the host’s seat, orchestrating a unique role reversal with father Amitabh.

During the episode, Big B says: “I ran out of breath”. To which Abhishek says: “Now you can rest since you ran out of breath. Since we are here for ‘Ghoomer’, I thought that it’s a great chance to spin the game.” He says to Amitabh you can come and sit here in my place,...

New Delhi, Aug 19 (Ians) Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has expressed her desire to sit on the hot seat of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ someday, hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

In the special episode, the star cast of ‘Ghoomer’ — Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and filmmaker R Balki, were present on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15′(Kbc).

During the episode, a tune of the bugle was played. Big B says responding to the sound: “badlaav ke iss daur me, desh ke sath sath Kbc me bhi ek badlaav ki pehel shuru ho chuki hai, jisme desh ki janta hamare studio audience se sawal karti hai.”

“Let’s see which citizen of India has asked the question today,” he said. The location in the video played on the screen shows of Maharashtra.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi appears on screen and says, “Adaab Amitabh ji. Itne saalon ke baad finally I am on Kbc.

New Delhi, Aug 19 (Ians) Actress Saiyami Kher went down the memory lane and recalled how her maternal grandmother used to dedicate her love for ‘one hour’ to megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

In the special episode, the star cast of ‘Ghoomer’ — Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and R Balki, were present on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ (Kbc).

The host of the quiz reality show, Big B introduced the filmmaker R Balki, Saiyami to the audiences, and then said indicating to his son and actor Abhishek: “I don’t know who is he”. Hearing this, the audience and Junior Bachchan gave a hearty laugh.

Abhishek imitates Big B’s voice and says latter’s famous dialogue ‘Rishte me to ham tumhare… “, to which Big B says ‘aye…’ and they shared a laugh.

The signature dialogue “Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hai, naam hai Shahenshah”, is from Amitabh’s 1988 vigilante...

New Delhi, Aug 19 (Ians) Actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is also an ardent football lover has revealed how his father and megastar Amitabh Bachchan becomes a ‘commentator’, while they watch the match of Chelsea Fc.

In the special episode, the star cast of ‘Ghoomer’- Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and filmmaker R Balki, were present on the set of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 15’ (Kbc).

The host of the quiz based reality show – Big B asked the ‘Ghoomer’ team: “Who was appointed the manager of Chelsea Fc at the start of the 2023-24 season?”

The options given to them were — Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Erik ten Hag, and Mauricio Pochettino.

Saiyami indicates to Abhishek and says, “Sir, hamare Chelsea fan ko options ki zaroorat nahi hai.” Abhishek said the right answer which was Mauricio Pochettino. They won Rs 20,000.

Big B said: “Chelsea 2022-23 season was very disappointing, and that’s why they have...

Mumbai, Aug 18 (Ians) Actor Abhishek Bachchan has revealed a funny anecdote about his megastar father Amitabh Bachchan on the quiz-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ Season 15.

A clip shared on Instagram from the channel Sony Entertainment, Abhishek shared what happens in a Bachchan household during a movie night.

Abhishek, who wore a blue suit with blue tie paired with chunky glasses, was heard saying: “Humare parivaar mein sabse favourite hai ki mil baith ke film dekhte hai…Dad every night says, ‘Ya…picture dekhte hain…lets watch a film , action film lagao kuch achi si, halfway interval mein aap dekhen…”

The actor then does the action of sleeping. Intending to say that his father dozes off while watching the film. This leads the to audience to break into laughter.

Abhishek was promoting ‘Ghoomer’ along with Saiyami Kher and R. Balki on the sets of the quiz-based show.

Prior to this conversation,...

After Cheeni Kum, Paa & Shamitabh, Ghoomer is R Balki’s fourth venture with the Bachchan’s and it pretty much appears that the Balki-Bachchan combination proves to be a success formula. R Balki’s ‘Ghoomer’, is about Anina (Saiyami Kher), a batter inching towards a place in the National side; where Abhishek Bachchan (as Padam Singh Sodhi aka Paddy) takes centre stage in a role that defies conventions and expectations. The two are ably supported by Shabana Azmi (as Anina’s Dadi) and Angad Bedi.

R Balki reunites with Abhishek Bachchan

With Ghoomer, Balki has tried to fit in quite a few inspiring examples stitched into one in the form of a single narrative. There have been sports films in the past too featuring a guru-shishya model with a very strict guru imparting training with his own ways so the shishya achieves what the guru could not or was unable to.

Ghoomer

Ghoomer is a very odd title for a film about a one-handed female bowler who learns the hard way to beat the odds. Like all of R. Balki’s unconventional yet mainstream films , this gem of a film moves at its own volition.

Outwardly Ghoomer looks like yet another rise-and-shine sports drama about a karma-traumatized cricketer and a burnt-out cricket coach who lives with his trans-gender adopted sister in a cottage in the wilderness . The location is a significant detail . It is here, far away from the deafening crowd that the emotionally gutted Anina (her name can be spelt forward and backward: a significant detail considering how determinedly she moves forward after life flings her backward) regains her mojo.

Watching Abhishek’s gruff act as the alcoholic former cricketer on an emotional slow-burn brings the actor closer to his darkest emotions than he has ever been before. Abhishek’s Padam Singh Sodhi,...

Saiyami Kher mentions a lot of preparation – physical and mental – went into creating her character in her upcoming movie ‘Ghoomer’, where she is playing a cricketer, a para athlete who has lost one arm. One of the biggest inspirations was ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh. The explosive batsman helped her prepare mentally for the role.

Saiyami says, “For me Ghoomer is a film about triumph. And Yuvi’s career has been an inspiring triumph. A sports person does not just prepare physically but also mentally. I feel Yuvraj’s story has been a story that has inspired me and many like me. To be at the peak of his career and then go through cancer and come back from there speaks volumes about his mental tenacity. Yuvi has known my love for cricket, I can’t wait for him to see it.”

The movie is directed by R Balki and the story,...

Mumbai, Aug 17 (Ians) In R. Balki’s latest, Abhishek Bachchan takes centre stage in a role that defies conventions and expectations. Supported by Saiyami Kher and Angad Bedi, he goes on to deliver an inspiring performance that cements his position as an acting powerhouse.

‘Ghoomer’ depicts an extraordinary journey of a cricketer whose life meets tragedy with an unexpected accident that leaves Saiyami with only one hand. Post the accident, Saiyami becomes a lefty and contemplates ending her life, but that’s when Abhishek enters it.

Playing the coach, Abhishek’s versatility shines. Saiyami’s transformation is brilliant. Despite his character’s persona, Abhishek infuses the narrative with renewed energy, aiding Saiyami’s character development from a promising batter to an innovative spinner.

Her character makes you feel the pain with every shot and angle. It is also a perfect example of how with the right grit and determination, everything is possible.