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With the 4K restoration of master Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigha Zamin” (Two Acres of Land) set for its world premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival’s Classics section, India’s Film Heritage Foundation director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur is reflecting on the monumental effort to restore the 1953 Indian cinema landmark — and why the film remains essential viewing seven decades later.

“Bimal Roy made ‘Do Bigha Zamin’ two years before Satyajit Ray’s ‘Pather Panchali,'” Dungarpur tells Variety. “Satyajit Ray said about Bimal Roy that he was able to sweep aside the cobwebs of the old tradition and introduce a realism and subtlety that was wholly suited to the cinema.”

For Dungarpur, Roy’s film represents cinema’s power to endure across generations. “The deep humanism and compassion that he showed in the film highlighted the plight of the marginalized, the issues of the migrant labor, and the...

As it completes 29 years since it hit the big screen, Subhash K Jha revisits Sunny-Salman-Karisma-Tabu’s Jeet.

When director Raj Kanwar’s Jeet was on release, this writer reminded Karisma Kapoor that her mother Babita had also done a film titled Jeet with her future husband, Karisma father, Randhir Kapoor.

Karisma had reacted rather strangely. “This Jeet is very different from my mother’s Jeet, not that I’ve seen my parents’ Jeet. But that was so long ago. Our Jeet is actually a fresh take on Devdas.”

Actually, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Raj Kanwar’s entertaining potboiler couldn’t hope to be that ambitious.

10 Bollywood Stars Who Changed Their Names to Make It Big in the Industry ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, many of the biggest stars have chosen to create a new identity by tweaking the spelling of their name, revising it, or by eliminating their surnames before entering the industry. The reason may vary for each A-lister actor but is primarily affected by numerology or a desire to stand out and bring fame, and success. Let’s check out famous celebrities who reinvented themselves.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra

Shilpa Shetty is one of the most loved actresses in Bollywood. Shilpa Shetty’s original name is Ashwini Shetty. Her astrologer mother, Sunanda Shetty, changed her name before entering Bollywood to enhance her career in acting.

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Akshay Kumar

Born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, Akshay Kumar is one...

Jackie Shroff Revisits Tragic Day He Lost His Brother At 17 (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Jackie Shroff is one of the most loved actors in Bollywood. He is known for his unique personality and has a powerful screen presence. Jackie started his acting career by modelling in a few commercials and has been in showbiz for over four decades. Let’s revisit the time when he recalled losing his elder brother at a very young age. Read on to know more.

Jackie Shroff On Losing Brother At A Young Age

In an interview with Simi Garewal on her chat show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Jackie Shroff opened up on his brother’s death by drowning in the sea and called it horrible. He shared, “He drowned. He tried to save somebody without knowing how to swim, and he just dragged him. Some people came and took him out, but it was too late.

When Dilip Kumar And Vyjayanthimala’s Friendship Had Gone Sour (Photo Credit – YouTube)

The Hindi film industry is not uncommon with fallouts. However, some friendships that are destined to thrive often manage to mend their ways. One such bond was of Vyjayanthimala and the late Dilip Kumar. The duo was touted to be one of the most loved onscreen pairs during the 50s and the 60s. They also shared a warm friendship offscreen but they had an infamous fallout once which had led to their equation being tarnished for a brief period of time.

What Had Gone Wrong Between Vyjayanthimala And Dilip Kumar?

According to Etimes, Vyjayanthimala was originally cast for the 1967 film, Ram Aur Shyam opposite Dilip Kumar and had also shot for a few scenes of the movie. However, the producer of the movie, Nagi Reddy felt that the actress was being too fussy about things like her costume and jewelry.

Rajkummar Rao And Patralekhaa Announce Pregnancy (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa took to their social media handle to announce their pregnancy, leaving their fans and friends from the industry buzzing with happiness. Congratulations have been pouring in for the duo who are often touted to be one of the most adorable couples out there. On this occasion, here’s a revisit to an incident from their sweet love story when the actor had made up his mind to marry his ladylove.

When Rajkummar Rao Was Sure That Patralekhaa Was The Woman Of His Dreams

While Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa’s love story is nothing less than a rollercoaster ride wherein the latter went from detesting him to falling in love with him, it also began with an advertisement for a phone network. Yes, you heard that right! According to a report in Hindustan Times, in a throwback interview with Humans Of Bombay,...

When Jeetendra Recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s Condition After His Fatal Accident (Photo Facebook/Youtube)

In the backdrop of some nasty controversies and fights, Bollywood also boasts of some close-knit friendships between your favorite celebrities. One such bond is between Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra. Despite being contemporaries, they have always shared an endearing equation. The duo had shared the screen space in the 1973 film, Gehri Chaal.

Jeetendra Had Recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s Plight After The Latter’s Fatal Accident

It was in 1982 that Amitabh Bachchan suffered a fatal injury while shooting for the movie Coolie. While some believe that it happened during the fight sequence with Puneet Issar, others feel that it was worsened because of the negligence of his doctors. The superstar underwent a treatment due to a severe internal bleeding.

In a throwback interview with Filmfare, Jeetendra recalled visiting Amitabh Bachchan in the Breach Candy Hospital wherein he was undergoing his treatment.

AA22xA6: Atlee’s Film With Allu Arjun Might Feature A Hollywood Star As The Villain(Photo Credit –Facebook)

The name Allu Arjun is familiar to almost every Indian, thanks to his Pushpa franchise. So, anticipation for his next project is naturally very high. The project is tentatively titled AA22xA6 and is directed by Atlee Kumar. Previously, the production house Sun Pictures confirmed the involvement of VFX studios from Hollywood.

Gear up for the Landmark Cinematic Event⚡✨#AA22xA6 – A Magnum Opus from Sun Pictures...

When The Making Of Pakeezah Was Surrounded By Dark Tragedies (Photo Credit – Youtube)

Meena Kumari is a name synonymous with tragedy. It is not unnatural that she was bestowed with the title of ‘tragedy queen’. Not only were her roles full of pathos and intensity but even her personal life was marred by a sad darkness. One such story includes the making of her cult classic 1972 movie, Pakeezah. The movie is considered to be one of the most timeless classics of Hindi cinema but the story behind it is marred with tragedy.

Pakeezah Was Kamal Amrohi’s Passion Project

According to a report in Mensxp, Meena Kumari tied the knot with Kamal Amrohi on February 14, 1952, who was 19 years elder to her. Not only this but Amrohi was already married at that time to his first wife with whom he also had children. However, the Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam actress found solace in the director,...

The iconic Rekha spoke to Subhash K Jha about the making one of her classic films, Umrao Jaan in this fascinating feature.

Muzaffar Ali’s classic study of the Kotha culture in the Lucknow of the 1850s Umrao Jaan is all set to release on June 27. Rekha, who received the National Award for her mellow, muted meditative performance, doesn’t think much of herself in this, her most celebrated work.

There is a supreme stillness that shrouds Rekha’s character, Umrao Jaan Adaa; an inexplicable tranquillity which Rekha famously called “doing nothing”. Not too many of our actors know much about the art of doing nothing. In Indian cinema, the more you do on screen, the more your chances of being noticed. Rekha took the risk and sailed through a character which is dreamy, distant, sensuous, and impregnable. I don’t think any of the men who cross her path...

Pakeezah director Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar says the authorized bio-pic on his mother the mythic Meena Kumari, is likely to star Kiara Advani.

“She hasn’t been signed as yet. But she is likely to play my mother,” says Tajdar.

Siddharth P Malhotra who will direct the bio-pic entitled Kamal Aur Meena also confirms the casting likelihood. “Kiara is in consideration. But I will lock in the casting in August. For now, I am off to the USA for a month. Casting for Meena Kumariji part is relatively easy. The harder part is casting for Kamal Amrohi Saab. I need to lock in the hero first. I will lock in Meenaji only after I find the perfect Kamal Amrohi.”

Malhotra says he is making a bio-pic on Kamal Amrohi’s love for Meena Kumari. “Kamal Aur Meena is my Romeo & Juliet on the love between the greatest director-actress pair of Indian cinema.

When Meena Kumari’s Family Struggled To Release Her Mortal Remains From The Hospital (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Not only was legendary actress Meena Kumari called “The Tragedy Queen” because of her pensive and intense roles, but her personal life was also a harrowing reflection of her tag. From her troubled marriage with filmmaker Kamal Amrohi to her becoming an alcoholic while battling depression, and finally succumbing to liver cirrhosis in March 1972 at the age of 38. However, even after her sad demise, her family had to undergo a struggle to even get hold of her mortal remains.

The Actress’s Family Struggled To Pay Rs 3,500 To Release Her Mortal Remains From The Hospital

Meena Kumari passed away just a month after the release of her cult classic film, Pakeezah after a prolonged battle with liver cirrhosis on March 31, 1972. According to Bollywood Shaadi, in a throwback 2014 interview with Reddit, director Bimal Roy...

Sonam Kapoor Talked About Starting Out Alongside Deepika & Anushka (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor is often hailed as a true fashion icon. Whether it’s the red carpet, a classic saree, or a structured suit, she carries every look with unmatched confidence. Over the years, she has also been refreshingly candid about the pressures of being in the spotlight—including the constant comparisons with contemporaries like Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma.

Sonam Kapoor On Dealing Pressure While Debuting In Films

In an interview with Vogue, Sonam was quizzed about the pressure she dealt with as she debuted in films. The Neerja star shared, “Around the same time, a size zero situation was happening. At the same time, there was Deepika, Anushka; they were all supermodels, who were debuting along with me. They came from modelling (background). And I am tall. I am probably the same height as them,...

Rekha’s Bold Take On Marriage & Independence (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

Rekha is one of the most admired actresses in Bollywood. Known for her beauty, charm, and talent, her personal life has always been a topic of discussion. However, her name was linked to veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. She once explained the reason for not remarrying. Read on to know more.

For those unaware, Rekha was married to Mukesh Agarwal, a businessman, in March 1990. However, Mukesh soon passed away after their marriage, and since then, Rekha remained single. In an interview with Rediff, Rekha opened up on remaining single despite being a devoted wife. The Khoobsurat star shared, “I don’t feel the longing anymore. Even if I were to find a perfect man to raise children with, it wouldn’t be fair to my values. I’m not someone who can dedicate myself solely to one person. If I had a child,...

When Rishi Kapoor’s Controversial Tweets Sparked a Protest Outside His Home, Leaving Neetu Kapoor Tense(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Rishi Kapoor was one of the biggest movie stars in the Indian film industry. He had a vivacious personality and was not afraid to speak his mind, which sometimes got him in trouble. His wife, Neetu Kapoor, once shared an incident when his controversial social media post worried Neetu. Keep scrolling for more.

Neetu and Rishi became friends while filming Zehreela Insaan, which soon turned into a relationship, and they got married in 1980. They have two children, Riddhima and Ranbir. The couple had their share of struggles in the relationship. However, she stayed by him through thick and thin, including being by Rishi’s side during his health issues and death. She was also by his side when he landed in controversies for his

Rishi Kapoor’s controversial social media post...

Shilpa Shetty Recalled Being Typecast In The ’90s: “Nobody Took Me Seriously”(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Shilpa Shetty, one of Bollywood’s most iconic names, once opened up about her journey in the industry and how she transitioned from being typecast to finally being taken seriously as an actor.

In a conversation with Neha Dhupia on her chat show No Filter Neha (Via Miss Malini), Shilpa candidly spoke about being typecast in the industry and the film that changed her game. The actress shared, “Back in the 1990’s, I’ve to be honest, we were all typecast; either you were a very good actress, and you would get those kinds of films, or you would be typecast in those glamorous roles. And I was the latter, so nobody really took me seriously to offer me the main protagonist role.”

Shilpa Shetty Looks Back: Struggles, Stereotypes & Stardom

“The game changer for me was ‘Dhadkan,...

Subhash K Jha curates a special list of 8 brilliant films to watch for this festive weekend.

Silvat (2018):

Playing a Muslim darzi in Tanuja Chandra 40-minute film situated in the crowded gully of what looks like Mumbai’s Haji Ali locality, Kartik is every bit Anwar, the shy sensitive tailor who develops a secret passion for his favourite client: a lonely abandoned wife Noor (Meher Mistry) whose husband has migrated to Riyadh for a job with nary a glance back for the woman he has left behind. The focus of the passionate plot, pulsating with unspoken ardour, is Noor. But it’s Kartik’s Anwar who silently steals the show. There is no exhibition of outward passion here. And yet so much is said through Anwar’s eyes. Every stolen glance is laden with longing. The film is shot on location in a Muslim locality with streetside vendors frying parathas and malpuas,...

Kiran Kumar Once Recalled Rajesh Khanna’s Reign Of Stardom(Photo Credit – Prime Video/Instagram)

Rajesh Khanna, fondly known as Kaka, became a cultural phenomenon. He is credited as the first superstar of Indian cinema to have around fifteen solo hits—a record that is still unmatched. He had an immense fan following, especially the women who did extreme things for him, such as writing letters in blood and more. Eminent actor Kiran Kumar, who worked with Khanna in Savera, once shared interesting trivia about the late star.

Khanna’s films featured some of the greatest soundtracks, especially with Kishore Kumar and Rd Burman. He is famous for his unique dialogue delivery, emotional intensity, and romantic screen presence. Savera was released in 1972, and around that time, Kumar spent a lot of time with Rajesh, and that is when he witnessed what real stardom looked like.

Kira Kumar also mentioned that...

Amitabh Bachchan Called Jaya Bachchan’s Father 10 Days Before Their Wedding (Photo Credit – Instagram)

In this age of situationships, breakups, and casual dating, couples like Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan showcase how beautiful love can be. They have endured so much over the years and are still going strong. Their love story is not unknown to us, but Jaya’s father, Taroon Coomar Bhaduri, once shared an unknown incident when Big B called him ten days before his and Jaya’s wedding.

Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan’s relationship timeline

Jaya and Amitabh met on the sets of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film Guddi, and their romance blossomed during the filming of Ek Nazar. According to reports, Jaya was already an established star, but Amitabh was still finding his footing in Bollywood. They tied the knot on June 3, 1973. The couple has been together for over fifty years and has two children, Shweta Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Director Mehran Amrohi, talks with Subhash K Jha about his brilliant film on lost childhood Chidiya.

What are your feelings as Chidiya has finally been released after a ten-year wait?

Honestly, Sir, I’m very emotional. I may be a writer, but I don’t think I have the words to express it. This is my first film, and I shot it nearly 10 years ago. The fact that it’s finally releasing means a lot to me. At the same time, I’m also nervous — just like a student before an exam. Your steps feel unsure, your words feel jumbled… but somewhere inside, there’s hope.

Child labour is a sensitive subject. How did you handle it in your film?

Chidiya isn’t about just one issue. It’s a story about ordinary lives, the kind many people live every day, especially in financially weaker sections. Yes, child labour exists...

Sunil Dutt Sent His Last Letter Before His Death! (Photo Credit – Wikipedia)

Sunil Dutt was one of the greatest people in Indian Cinema. The man was class apart, and whoever knows him in person vouched for the fact. It was in 2005 that the superstar passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 75. Years later, Paresh Rawal was immediately chosen to play the actor in Sanjay Dutt’s biopic, Sanju, helmed by Rajkumar Hirani!

Dutt senior, shared screen with his son Sanjay Dutt in Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai Mbbs in 2003. It was a surreal experience for the father and son and their only film together. Two years, later Sanjay Dutt lost his father, but Paresh Rawal somehow made him alive through his stellar performance in Sanju. But what if we tell you that the Hera Pheri star playing Sanjay Dutt’s father in his biopic had a divine connection with Dutt senior?...

Actor Mukul Dev Passes Away At 54! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Actor Mukul Dev who is known for his work in Son Of Sardar 2, K Street Pali Hill, Gharwali Uparwali has passed away at the age of 54. The reason of his death is still not known and his family including his actor brother Rahul Dev is yet to issue an official statement regarding the same.

His passing has come as a shock to his friends and family. Actress Deepshikha Nagpal mourned his demise and paid tribute to the actor through her Instagram account. His friend Vindu Dara Singh also expressed grief on X.

Mukul Dev’s Reason For Death

Talking to Aaj Tak, Vindu Dara Singh confirmed Mukul Dev’s death and informed that the actor had not been keeping well for the past few days and was in the hospital. He had distanced himself from everyone after his parents passed away...

Anne Émond’s Peak Everything opens on Adam Tremblay, a 45-year-old kennel owner whose days bleed together under a cloud of climate dread. Shot in Quebec’s outlying countryside, the film marries a light romance to the rumble of storms and tremors—real and imagined—suggesting that personal hope can emerge even as the world feels unmoored.

When Adam’s therapeutic lamp fails, he dials customer service and meets Tina, a spirited support agent whose sunny voice pierces his gloom. Their phone exchanges—underscored by distant thunder—set a tone where grounded emotion meets surreal spectacle.

Émond balances a small-town feel with hints of looming disaster, inviting viewers to consider how love and anxiety coexist in an era when global cinema, from Bollywood to European art houses, is embracing stories of inner and outer turmoil.

Characters in Contrast

At the center is Patrick Hivon’s Adam, whose quiet routine—walking dogs,...

Amjad Khan As Gabbar Singh (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Gabbar Singh is one of the most iconic villains ever seen on the Indian screen. His chilling lines, rugged look, and terrifying presence have been immortalized in Bollywood history. But there’s a surprise fact: Amjad Khan, who made the role legendary, was never the first choice to play Gabbar in Sholay.

Danny Denzongpa Was the First Choice for Gabbar Singh

The role of Gabbar Singh was initially offered to Danny Denzongpa. However, owing to previous commitments with Feroz Khan’s Dharmatma, he could not pursue the opportunity. It was a tough call, especially because Gabbar was such a strong character. However, Danny later said he had no regrets, adding that the role went to the right person.

He recalled (Via Spotboye), “I knew the Gabbar character was fabulous but my conscience guided me to take the right decision. I have no regrets at all.

Hema Malini, Jeetendra, Dharmendra & Shobha Kapoor Were In A Weird Love Square! (Photo Credit – YouTube)

Dharmendra and Hema Malini are two superstars who made sure that their love found a fate, and the two married each other despite the actress’s family’s disapproval of marrying an already-married woman. It was during such a time that the Basanti of Hindi Cinema was told to get married to superstar Jeetendra!

Yes, you read that right! The Himmatwala actor’s alliance was fixed with the Sholay actress, despite the two of them dating other people! While Dharmendra was the love of Hema’s life, Ekta Kapoor’s father was dating Ekta’s now mother and then a cabin crew – Shobha Sippy!

When Hema Malini’s family learned about her affair with the married actor Dharmendra, her mother made sure that Jeetendra‘s wedding was fixed. She met his parents, and the alliance was fixed.

When Meena Kumari’s Stepson Tajdar Amrohi Wanted To Marry Her ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Meena Kumari made a glorious contribution to Indian cinema. But the actress was not only the ‘Queen Of Tragedies’ onscreen but in her personal life too. Her failed marriage with filmmaker Kamal Amrohi grabbed several eyeballs. But did you know that she rather shared a beautiful relationship with her former stepson, Tajdar Amrohi? Yes, you heard it right! He had also playfully expressed his wish to marry her.

Before your imaginations run wild, according to a report in Bollywood Shaadi, Tajdar Amrohi had said this to Meena Kumari innocently when he was a kid. In a throwback interview with Pinkvilla, he said, “Choti Ammi (Meena Kumari) enjoyed having paan with kimam. She looked pyaari when she laughed, her lips red with color. Once as a kid I innocently remarked, ‘Choti Ammi, kaash mein itna chota nahin hota.

Suchitra Sen Once Refused To Work With Raj Kapoor! ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Suchitra Sen is a name that is synonymous with Indira Gandhi. The actress played a version of the powerful leader in a fictional film by Gulzar called Aandhi. However, fans love her for being the feminine yet strong Paro she played to a charming yet tragic Dilip Kumar in the 1955 film Devdas!

Devdas, directed by Bimal Roy, was Sen’s debut in the Hindi Cinema. The actress, turned into one of the most sought after actresses in Hindi Cinema and of course, showman Raj Kapoor became too eager to work with her!

However, to everyone’s surprise, they never worked together, and the reason was Raj Kapoor himself. Suchitra Sen, in one of her very early interviews, revealed she did not like Raj Kapoor as a person and refused to work with him in any Hindi film!

Trending...

Is Salman Khan Struggling For Good Films Because Of Filmmakers?(Photo Credit –Facebook)

It was in 1989 when a shy looking boy said, “Dosti ka ek usool hai madam, no Sorry, no Thank You.” We all fell in love with Prem, and he continued to rule our hearts as the lover boy of Hindi Cinema, till he decided to take a 180 degree turn and he teased, “Swagat Nahi Karoge Hamara?” That is Salman Khan for us. The only superstar who is Dabangg but still has a lot of Prem inside him.

Bhai is the rarest combination of a superstar Indian Cinema has. He is the only superstar who has ruled with his lover boy image and has impressed with his action avatar, a niche that took years for Shah Rukh Khan to decode! Lately, however, filmmakers have been taking Bhaijaan way too lightly!

Just because his Eid releases bring tons of money,...

When Amitabh Bachchan And Amjad Khan’s Friendship Went Downhill (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan was known to share a warm camaraderie with some of his co-actors. This also included his Sholay co-star Amjad Khan who had immortalized the role of Gabbar Singh in the film. The duo also went on to star in many other films which solidified their bond. In fact, Amitabh had also signed the hospital papers for Amjad’s tracheostomy surgery in 1979 after he and his wife had met with an accident. However, it was in the 90s that their friendship hit a rough patch.

Amitabh Bachchan And Amjad Khan’s Friendship Went Downhill During The Shooting Of Ajooba

It all began during the shooting of the 1990 superhero film Ajooba which starred Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. According to Masala.com, Amjad Khan was roped in for a pivotal role in the film which...

Nargis Celebrated The Death Of Superstar Meena Kumari For A Heartbreaking Reason! (Photo Credit – Instagram/YouTube)

Meena Kumari and her tragic end is one of the most heartbreaking stories from the dark chapters of Bollywood. A superstar, who died young, at the age of 38, after she completely immersed herself in alcohol and addiction. Reports say that when she died, her family could not afford even Rs 3500 to pay the hospital. The doctor who treated her settled the bills so that the family could take the dead body!

When the Pakeezah actress died, her contemporary and close friend Nargis congratulated her in an open letter, which was the most heartbreaking tribute by a contemporary to her friend and competitor! In the letter, Sanjay Dutt’s mother also recalled what pushed her friend towards death!

Maut Mubarak Ho Meena!

On Meena Kumari’s death, Nargis wrote an open letter, which was published...

‘Chalte chalte yuhi koi mil gaya ttha’, ‘Thare rahiyo ho baqe yaar re’, ‘Inhi logon ne le lee na dupatta mera’, ‘Aaj hum apni duawon ka assar dekhenge’, ‘Chalo dildar chalo chand ke paar chalo…’and then there were the sublime solos by Lataji that were not in the film: ‘Tanhai sunaya karti hai, Pyare babul tumhari duhai’ and ’Pee ke chale’….Every song by Lataji in Pakeezah is an exquisite jewel in the croon.

To imagine this ageless ode to romance and music without that voice is as inconceivable as Agra without the Taj Mahal. Director Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar Amrohi said, “It was always my Choti Ammi (Meena Kumari) and Lataji in Pakeezah. If either one of them said no, Pakeezah wouldn’t have happened.”

Lataji who sang the immortal songs of Pakeezah reveals that there is a whole album of her songs in Pakeezah that never made it into the film.

In this very special birthday feature noted director Sanjay Leela Bhansali reminiscences and shares fascinating thoughts and insight on the films he grew up watching. You do not want to miss this!

1. Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960): “The way Ritwick Ghatak used Rabindra Sangeet and the level of performance he got out of the leading lady Supriya Chowdhary act remain etched in my mind. Ritwick was so ahead of his times. He himself never knew why he was taking a shot in a particular way. Years later, someone like me, watching the film, discovered the emotional content, which was so potent that it survived all the ravages of time. Ritwick Ghatak understood the power of sound and image.”

2. Mirch Masala (1985): “For the sheer power of the folk tale. The folk tale is told in such vibrant colours. The use of colour red and the tribute to woman power. And at...

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,...

There was much more to filmmaker Kamal Amrohi than Pakeezah. Daaera, which Amrohi directed a decade before Pakeezah, was the story of a very young woman married to a man old enough to be her father. And before Daaera, there was Mahal, Indian cinema’s first ghost story to attain blockbuster status.

Kamal Amrohi’s proud son, Tajdar Amrohi, feels injustice has been done to his father’s memory. “It pains me to say this. Both the film industry and the government of India never gave him his due recognition. My father learnt to write from his mother’s womb.Iss aadmi ne likhna apni maa ki doodh peekar sikha. He never assisted anyone. At age 17, he wrote Pukar and became a big-name writer in Hindi cinema.”

Adding, “My father was a pioneer and a trendsetter. In Mahal, he brought the suspense genre to Indian cinema. And if in Mahal...

When Meena Kumari’s Estranged Husband Kamal Amrohi Took An Alleged Revenge From Dharmendra ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Tragedy queen Meena Kumari’s life was marred by several tragedies, especially in her personal life. Despite tasting stardom with around 90 films in her glorious film career, it was her troubled marriage with director Kamal Amrohi that grabbed several eyeballs. However, did you know that the actress was also rumored to have been in a relationship with Dharmendra? This speculation had also not gone down well with Amrohi who had allegedly taken revenge from the actor on the sets of the film Razia Sultan.

According to Bollywood Shaadi, the actress was rumored to have an affair with Dharmendra after her marriage with Kamal Amrohi had hit a rough patch. This left the latter enraged, who was speculated to have taken revenge on the Sholay actor on the sets of Razia Sultan. The movie...

Grand Praemium

Taiwan-born film director Ang Lee has been named as one of the five recipients of the Praemium Imperiale award of the Japan Art Association. The awards ceremony will take place in Tokyo on Nov. 19.

Each recipient will receive JPY15 million alongside a testimonial letter and a medal. This year’s other recipients are: Sophie Calle (painting, France); Doris Salcedo (sculpture, Colombia); Shigeru Ban (architecture, Japan); and Maria João Pires (music, Portugal/Switzerland).

The Praemium Imperiale is the world’s largest and most prestigious art award in the five disciplines of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and theatre/film. Now in its 35th year, it gives international recognition to the arts, much as the Nobel Prizes do to the sciences.

Previous film sector winners include Ingmar Berman, Jean-Luc Godard and Kurosawa Akira.

Kiwi Figures

The 2024 New Zealand International Film Festival (Nziff) has completed its marathon tour around the country. Its...

Kangana Slapped By Cisf Personnel, Sharmin Channels Pakeezah’s ‘Nothingness’ In Heeramandi – Top Trending News(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Craving the hottest entertainment news? Look no further! This is your one-stop shop for all the latest buzz on Bollywood celebs and the sizzling South Indian scene!

Bollywood is buzzing with news today! Sharmin Sehgal reveals she drew inspiration from the classic film “Pakeezah” for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new series “Heeramandi.” Arjun Kapoor’s health has fans concerned after a photo surfaced showing him hooked up to an IV drip. There’s a spiritual sequel in the works for the comedy “Jug Jugg Jeeyo.” Anusha Dandekar refutes her ex Jason Shah’s claims about their breakup, and we get the first look at Siddharth’s new film “Miss You Out!” Fans of the horror-comedy “Kanchana” will be happy to hear Raghava Lawrence is gearing up for a fourth installment.

Over the last few years, globally, there has been a significant increase in our degree of viewership due to the proliferation of various Ott platforms. As it has embraced niche audiences and content, it has empowered filmmakers and emerging talent to showcase their work to a wider audience. In India too, the wave has been felt with web series such as Sacred Games (2018), Scam 1992 (2020), Paatal Lok (2020), Jubilee(2023), and The Railway Man (2023), among others. The recent Netflix extravaganza, Heeramandi, directed by auteur filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose image among cinephiles and general viewers is held with respect, also roused similar expectations. Unfolding across eight episodes, the ambitious series centers around the lives of tawaifs (nautch girls) in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, before the partition of India. The series has all the signature styles of the filmmaker of displaying exuberance and is crammed with exquisitely choreographed songs,...

Bollywood actress Richa Chadha, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming streaming series ‘Heeramandi – The Diamond Bazaar’, has revealed that she referred to the iconic performance of legendary actress Meena Kumari to craft her character in the series.

In the series, Richa essays the role of Lajjo, a courtesan with a captivating persona. She shared that she found inspiration in Meena Kumari’s portrayal of Shahibjaan in the timeless classic ‘Pakeezah’. She studied Meena Kumari’s character, drawing parallels between Sahibjaan and Lajjo.

Talking about her preparations for the character, Richa said: “Carefully observing, learning from and taking lessons from Meena Kumari ji’s character in ‘Pakeezah’ was a truly enriching and deeply transforming experience for me ahead of shooting for ‘Heeramandi’. In ‘Paakezah’, Meena Kumari’s character has a certain tragic depth and complexity that resonated with Lajjo, the character that I play in the show.

Singer Asha Bhosle, who carved out her own independent niche and ruled the roost over the world of music, turns a ripe old 90 on Friday, and notwithstanding a long and eventful musical journey of eight decades, neither her vocal cords are tired nor has she retired…

It was back way, some 80 years ago, when a petite 10-year-old girl Asha Mangeshkar earnestly stood before a studio microphone and recorded her first playback song for composer Datta S. Davjekar, ‘Chala Chala Nav Bal…’ for a Marathi film (‘Majha Bal’ – 1943).

Though it came just a year after her father Pt. Deenanath Mangeshkar’s passing (1942), Asha’s maiden number did not exactly set the film industry on fire but she continued to get humdrum singing assignments, and like her older sibling Lata Mangeshkar, continued the uphill musical sojourn.

After many Marathi songs, she finally landed a Hind film song assignment for ‘Chunariya’ (1948), and then...

Bilal Amrohi, the grandson of the renowned filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, will be working on a fictional series that will portray the love story between Kamal Amrohi and his muse – Meena Kumari that came alive during the sixteen-year journey of the making of ‘Pakeezah’. Talking about the series, Bilal Amrohi said: “It will be a […]...

The concept of “the prostitute” has been fascinating directors all over the world for quite some time, with the psychosynthesis of the sex professionals drawing as much interest as the opportunity to use the concept as a metaphor for various sociopolitical comments. Despite the fact that such themes always had issues with censorship, an abundance of movies about the subject can be also found in Asian cinema, and particularly in countries like Japan, S. Korea and India.

In this list, we will present 20 of the greatest Asian films about prostitutes in chronological order, with a focus on diversity regarding countries, directors and style of presentation.

1. Gate of Flesh

Mini-militias of prostitutes create their own code to survive in “Gates Of Flesh”, by selling themselves in an organised gang fashion, protecting their turf, of bombed out Tokyo, viciously. This was no time for romanticism, frivolity or even love; this is a brutal game of survival.

?Filmfare awards 2020 is a spiritual awakening for this country?, says Mani Kapoor ?note?d filmmaker and spokesperson of Filmfare awards in an exclusive chat with this author. Excerpts from the conversation.

It?s the morning after the coveted night at Guwahati, as the twitterati are losing their cool and keeping my phone hysterically buzzing with post ranting for what is believed to be the most namakool (ridiculous) award?s night. Zoya Akhtar directed Gully Boy starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt has swept the awards night by bagging best picture, actor, director, and actress etc, leaving the much deserving Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sonchiriya, Hamid, The Tashkent Files, Batla House, and Section 375 way behind in the race. The nonstop vibration on my phone gets interrupted by a ring tone. It?s noted producer Mani Kapoor on the line and is highly elated.

Hello Mani this side, many many congrats he says,...

One of India’s most iconic films that took 14 years to hit the silver screen, Kamal Amrohi’s classic Pakeezah starring his former wife Meena Kumari is currently facing legal issues. After Amrohi’s children sold their production house Mahal Pictures along with the famous Kamalistan studio, located in suburban Mumbai, to Pune based builder Avinash Bhosale,Read More

The post Pakeezah faces legal trouble, case against Amrohi family over ownership issues appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

The 1972 film had music by Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad while lyrics were penned by Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kamal Amrohi and Kaif Bhopali. Pakeezah had some iconic songs like Inhi Logon Ne, Chalo Dildar Chalo and Chalte Chalte Yun Hi...

After the heart wrenching story of the yesteryear actress Geeta Kapoor came in the limelight, there were innumerable hearts which got melted and cried looking at the present day of the veteran actress Geeta Kapoor. For the uninitiated, Geeta Kapoor is the same beautiful lady who had done films like Pakeezah and Razia Sultan andRead More

The post Good News! Veteran actress Geeta Kapoor shifted to an old-age home appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

The shocking case of the abandoned mother who was left in the hospital for almost a month by her son has shaken the nation. When investigated further, the woman turned out to be one of the veteran actresses from the film industry. Geeta Kapoor had worked in Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah and Razia Sultan. Kamal Amrohi’sRead More

The post Pakeezah actress Geeta Kapoor granted an Noc; to be now shifted to an old age home appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

Veteran actress Geeta Kapoor, who has been best known for her role in Pakeezah, was allegedly abandoned by her son in a hospital halfway through her treatment. In a heartbreaking incident, the 58-year-old yesteryear actress informed that she was beaten by her son as well. According to a report, Geeta Kapoor’s son Raja, who isRead More

The post Shocking: Pakeezah actress Geeta Kapoor beaten and abandoned by son in hospital appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

Kicking off in London, UK from the 20th- 30th March 2014, is BFI Flare: London Lgbt (lesbian; gay; bisexual; transgender) Film Festival.

The wide selection of films from around the globe will explore the depths of human emotion and experience: the desire for love, the pain and happiness, the adventure and gamble.

Under the categories of “heart”, “body” and “mind”, the festival includes award winning French lesbian drama, Blue is the Warmest Colour- a rollercoaster of emotions that leave the viewer both petrified and in awe of love. Portraying the struggle and perseverance for the human right to be yourself, are a number of powerful documentaries including: The Abominable Crime – two thought-provoking documentary films portraying gay lives in Jamaica and Nigeria.

Reflecting South Asia, the festival will be screening poignant Nepalese lesbian love story, Soongava: Dance of the Orchids, as well as legendary Bollywood classics Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah.

It is...

Film: "Rajjo"; Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Paras Arora, Prakash Raj and Mahesh Manjrekar; Director: Vishwas Patil; Rating: *1/2 - falls flat.

Films about prostitutes, with or without a heart of gold, have fascinated filmmakers and viewers from the time Nargis and Meena Kumari did "Adalat" and "Pakeezah", respectively.

Then there was Sharmila Tagore carrying the concept of the pristine prostitute to the peaks of sublimity in Shakti Samanta's "Amar Prem".

With time, the concept of the prostitute with a halo has lost its sheen. Virginity and sexual sacrifices are no longer the sacrosanct commodities they once.