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When Sajid Khan Blamed Sanjeev Kumar For His Late Father Going Bankrupt (Photo Credit – Instagram/YouTube)

Actor Sanjeev Kumar was known for his versatile roles and intense performances in his glorious career spanning many critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies. However, there was a time when a pretty serious allegation was thrust on him. We are talking about director Sajid Khan, who alleged that his late father had become bankrupt and succumbed to alcoholism because of Kumar.

What Had Gone Wrong Between Sanjeev Kumar And Sajid Khan’s Father?

In a throwback conversation with the YouTube channel Timeout With Ankit, Sajid Khan recalled how he and his sister, Farah Khan, suffered a difficult trajectory after their father became bankrupt. However, he added how it started after their late father, Kamran Khan, decided to make an A-grade film with Sanjeev Kumar. But, Sanjeev left the movie mid-way, and this resulted in...

Manorama, who was known for her comic and negative roles, never got her due from the Hindi film industry. Now when, seventeen years after her death, memes are devoted to her comic virtuosity. It is emphatically tragic that she died in penury.

Hema Malini, who was ‘tortured’ by Manorama in Ramesh Sippy’s Seeta Aur Geeta, remembers the senior actress fondly. “She was so convincing as my wicked aunt; the audience hated her for torturing poor Seeta, and that was me. I remember there was a scene where she makes me undrape my saree. I was shaken after that scene. So evil on screen! But such a warm, friendly human being in real life.”

Sadly, the Indian moviegoing audience largely confuses the actor for the character and the character for the performance. Another brilliant actress, Shashikala, was hated by the public as she largely played negative characters. Sharmila Tagore once...

In this special feature for Valentine’s Day Subhash K Jha reveals who he thinks are the 10 most romantic on-screen couples of all time.

1. Raj Kapoor-Nargis: They did a number of notable films together, the most celebrated among them being Awara. The sizzling chemistry between them set the screen on fire. While later in the history of Bollywood coupling, real-life jodis got bland and boring, Raj-Nargis continued to enthrall audiences until the bitter end…Their bitter end when they called off their relationship. Nargis’s last shot with Raj Kapoor was in Jagte Raho, where in the song ‘Jaago mohan pyare’, she poured water into the parched Kapoor’s mouth.

2. Dilip Kumar-Madhubala: Their real-life chemistry spilled into Mughal-e-Azam, creating the most amazing chemistry. Though they did other films together, including the very thought-provoking Amar, their togetherness continues to be celebrated through this all-time classic.

Sharvari Wagh is taking the industry by storm with her unstoppable streak of hits. Since her debut in the Ott series ‘The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye’ in 2020, directed by the legendary Kabir Khan, Sharvari has been steadily climbing the ranks. She first caught everyone’s eye with her knockout performance in ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’ in 2021. Fast forward to 2024, and her second big-screen outing, the horror-comedy ‘Munjya’, has become a runaway success, finally giving her the spotlight she’s been hustling for over the past three years. Her recent Netflix hit, ‘Maharaj’, directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, has further cemented her status as Bollywood’s rising star.

Reflecting on her blockbuster film ‘Munjya’, Sharvari shared, “I think it’s been an overwhelming year so far, but I’m so grateful for it. ‘Munjya’ was my second film in theatres, and it’s a big blessing that the film did what it did.

Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, has enjoyed a prolific career spanning several decades. He rose to prominence in the mid-1960s with a string of successful films that established him as one of the leading stars of the era. His memorable performances in movies like Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Ankhen, Shikar, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Sholay, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag, and The Burning Train cemented his status as a versatile and beloved actor.

As his career progressed into the late 1990s, Dharmendra transitioned into character roles, continuing to impress audiences with his performances in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, and Yamla Pagla Deewana. These roles showcased his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of...

Rising Indian star Taha Shah Badussha, known for his breakout role in Netflix’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” has signed a three-film deal with Ramesh Sippy Entertainment. The actor played Tajdar Baloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s global hit series.

Ramesh Sippy is one of the giants of Indian cinema, best known for “Sholay” (1975), one of the country’s all time hits. His credits as a director also include “Andaz” (1971), “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972), “Shaan” (1980), “Shakti” (1982), “Saagar” (1985) and television magnum opus “Buniyaad” (1987).

Projects produced under the Ramesh Sippy Entertainment banner include films “Bluffmaster” (2005), “Taxi No. 9 2 11: Nau Do Gyarah” (2006), “Dum Maaro Dum” (2011) and “Nautanki Saala” (2013) and hit Netflix series “Aranyak.”

Badussha’s credits also include ZEE5 Mughal empire saga “Taj: Divided by Blood” (2023), where he played prince Murad, and he has “Paro: The Untold Story of Slavery” coming up.

The first of Badussha’s three films with Ramesh Sippy...

Anupamaa’ star Rupali Ganguly’s decision to join the Bjp and enter politics makes her the newest addition to a galaxy of women celebrities from Mumbai’s entertainment world who have taken the political plunge in the tradition of Nargis Dutt and Vyjayanthimala Bali. Who are the others still active in politics, albeit with mixed lucky? Here’s a list:

Dipika Chikhlia Topiwala: Best known for playing Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s show ‘Ramayan’, Chikhlia was the first of the then new-generation TV stars to pursue a political career, albeit briefly. She was elected MP from Baroda on a Bjp ticket in 1991.

On the big screen, Chikhlia made her Hindi cinema debut as lead in ‘Sun Meri Laila’, cast opposite Raj Kiran, in 1983, and later acted in films with Rajesh Khanna at a time when he had long ceased to be a superstar.

Chikhlia appeared with Mammootty in the Malayalam...

Actress and politician Hema Malini penned a heartwarming note as she and her star husband Dharmendra completed 44 years of marital bliss on Thursday. Hema took to X and shared a video made by a fan featuring pictures of the couple.

“Our wedding anniversary today! 44 years of togetherness, two beautiful girls, lovely grandchildren surrounding us and drowning us with their love!” she wrote.

Hema added: “Our fans and their limitless adulation! What more can I ask of life? Our eternal gratitude to the Almighty for this gift of happiness. Video by a fan.”

Dharmendra and Hema have shared screen space in almost 28 films. They first met on the sets of ‘Tum Haseen Main Jawan’ in 1970 and fell in love.

After ‘Tum Haseen Main Jawan’, they appeared together in movies such as ‘Naya Zamana’, ‘Raja Jani’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Charas’, ‘Jugnu’, ‘Azaad’, and ‘Dillagi’, among many others.

Their last film together...

In his over half-a-century-long Hindi film career, he sang more than a thousand songs, but just three serve to demonstrate his position in the industry’s scheme of things – the madcap “Ek Chatur Naar” where Kishore Kumar beats him; the enchanting qawwali “Na to karvaan ki talash hai” where Mohammed Rafi emerges triumphant eventually; and the classical contest “Ketaki gulab juhi”, where he beats Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

This was part of the misfortune of Prabodh Chandra ‘Manna’ Dey, born on this day (May 1) in 1919 in Calcutta. His classical training, innate talent, and “masculine” voice made him perfect for all shades of songs – romantic (including those for the vintage-aged), folk ballads, philosophical musings, and more, but he was never deemed a top-notch singer.

A nephew of gifted blind singer-composer Krishna Chandra Dey, who paved his way into music and films, Manna Dey’s forte was challenging, classical-based songs, especially those that his contemporaries considered difficult,...

Mumbai, April 12 (Ians) Veteran Bollywood actress-turned-politician ‘Dreamgirl’ Hema Malini left many Mumbaikars rubbing their eyes with disbelief when she hopped onto a Mumbai Metro train for a ride and later commuted in an auto-rickshaw.

The 74-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha MP from Mathura shared pictures and videos of her memorable journey on the public transport – the lifeline of over eight million Mumbaikars – on social media.

En route, sporting a pink shirt and creamy-white trousers with a handbag slung on her shoulder, Malini warmly smiled and interacted casually with several commuters, and even posed for selfies with her fans on the Mumbai Metro ride, and then shot her experiences during an autorickshaw commute to her home.

“I must share with all of you my unique, wonderful experience. Drove 2 hours to reach Dahisar by car, so tiring! In the evening decided I would try the Metro and Omg! What a joy it was!

Salman Khan along with Zoya and Farhan Akhtar are among producers of the upcoming documentary titled "Angry Young Men", based on their fathers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar.

Directed by Namrata Rao, the project will capture the essence of Salim-Javed, who together redefined Bollywood cinema with a long list of hits in the seventies and the eighties, introducing the elements of angst, violence and machismo in consecutive hero-centric hits that gave Bollywood its greatest icon ever - Amitabh Bachchan as the Angry Young Man.

Noted for being the first Indian screenwriters to achieve star status, Salim-Javed wrote a slew of Bachchan blockbuster classics as "Zanjeer" (1973), "Deewar" (1975), "Sholay" (1975), "Trishul" (1978), "Don" (1978), "Kaala Patthar" (1979), "Dostana" (1980), "Shaan" (1980) and "Shakti" (1982).

Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar

Although identified primarily due to their Big B-starrer Angry Young Man scripts, their memorable works extend beyond the template. They started out with films like "Andaaz", "Haathi Mere Saath" and...

Iconic filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and actresses Radhika Apte and Shabana Azmi were among the screen talents and creatives to be honoured at the Closing Flame Awards Gala of the world’s longest running South Asian film festival outside India, UK Asian Film Festival. The ceremony took place on Sunday 7th April at one of the world’s most iconic venues to celebrate international and homegrown filmmaking, BAFTA 195, Piccadilly.

The evening also featured an In Conversation with Ramesh Sippy, discussing his cinematic journey from one of Indian cinema’s most iconic films of all time, Sholay, to other timeless classics such as Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti and Saagar. One of the most sought after, new gen Indian actresses, Radhika Apte, discussed onstage the changing face of Indian film and entertainment consumption globally and shifting audience habits.

UK Asian Film Festival 2019 had screenings in five cities across the UK, Edinburgh,...

What started as an amusing speculative idea has now reached the realm of reality. The idea of making a sequel to Ramesh Sippy’s 1972 blockbuster Seeta Aur Geeta which came to its leading lady Hema Malini when she went to Russia earlier this month is now being seriously taken up by director Ramesh Sippy, aRead More

The post Ramesh Sippy considering sequel to Seeta Aur Geeta with Hema Malini appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

Dream Girl Hema Malini is all set to return to a feature-film assignment, a film directed by Ramesh Sippy where she co-stars with the very talented Rajkummar Rao. She giggles at the mention of the film. "In the midst of all that is happening in the sansad and my constituency, this film offer came to me. Normally I wouldn't have said yes, given my grueling schedules in parliament and my obligations in my constituency. But this film is not the usual run-of-the-mill stuff." Hemaji says she loved the script. "It's light-hearted comedy with a very unusual role for me. I am sure it will turn out to be something very special. Also, the offer came from Rameshji (director Ramesh Sippy) who is returning to direction after many years. I couldn't say no to him. Some of my most important films, be it Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta or Sholay have been with Rameshji.

Legendary director, Ramesh Sippy is going back to the floor with a cool new film that what we hear is a quirky romance. Titled Shimla Mirchi, the film has a very interesting cast that includes one of his favorite heroines.

Ramesh Sippy’s cult classic Sholay was released 39 years ago in 1975. In that film, he created the character of Basanti with his favourite actress Hema Malini. Now, after almost 4 decades, the duo will be working together once again in Shimla Mirchi.

Ramesh Sippy always chose to make diverse films right through his career with many blockbusters to his name. To begin with the mature love story Andaz, to the comedy Seeta aur Geeta, to an action adventure Sholay, to the slick action Shaan to the family drama with Shakti to the romantic love story Saagar. Like many of his films, this new project will follow the path of titles beginning with S.

Director Ramesh Sippy who has given Bollywood some of its biggest hits like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Saagar and many more will soon be returning back to film direction. Sippy's next directorial venture has been titled Shimla Mirchi and it will star star Hema Malini and Rajkummar Rao. While the actress opposite Rajkummar Rao is yet to be finalized, the film will go on the floor in August and is said to be a sweet, romantic story with its quirky twists. Interestingly, this film will mark Sippy's reunion with Hema Malani after 39 years since Sholay. The film is also said to be the reason behind Rao opting out of Chetan Bhagat's Revolution 2020.

Mathura, April 18: Hema Malini, who is busy campaigning as the Bharatiya Janata Party (Bjp) candidate from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency, says she feels "wonderful" to have the support of her family members.

"(My daughters) Esha and Ahana have arrived and are ready to leave for their campaign in Baldeo. It is wonderful to see my entire family rally round me - daughters, sons-in-law, brothers and bhabhis (sisters-in-law) are all here to give me moral support," the 65-year-old posted on her Twitter page.

The actress, who featured in movies like "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay" and "Baghban", was recently miffed over reports.

Mathura, April 16: Actress Hema Malini, Bharatiya Janata Party (Bjp) candidate from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency, says her years of toil in the film industry have helped her survive as a politician.

"All my years in movies - all the hard work, tough outdoor schedules, long hours - have all helped me in my new avatar as politician! Off to Baldeo kshetra (area) today with all your good wishes and blessings," the 65-year-old posted on her Twitter page Wednesday.

The star of films like "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay" said she received a warm welcome in Baldeo.

"Women coming out in hordes to welcome me - all promising.

'D'day for younger daughter Ahana is around the corner. And 'Dream Girl' Hema Malini is fully into preparing for the event. Says the radiant mother of the bride-to-be, "The wedding is on February 2. We're all so excited. I don't feel as if I am giving away another daughter in marriage. Instead it feels like two sons are being added to my family. Both Esha and Ahana's partners are so loving, caring and affectionate towards both me and Dharamji." Hema has double reason to celebrate, as Sholay has opened in a new 3D avatar. Says Hema Malini, "I saw parts of the 3D version. Dharamji has seen the whole film in 3D. We both love what they've done. All those bullets flying into the audiences' faces and horses galloping out of the screen adds to the excitement of the original. See, we have to move on with the times gracefully." The...

Unarguably one of Indian cinema's greatest films, Sholay which released in 1975 is all set for a new release in the 3D format. Producer Jayantilal Gada is responsible for taking Sholay to a new level. But without the director's consent. The technological conversion has not gone down well with this monumental film's director Ramesh Sippy who has not only decided to dissociate himself completely from the project but also opted to take the producers of Sholay 3D to court. Speaking for the first time on the issue, the soft spoken Ramesh Sippy said, "My logic for taking the matter to court is very simple. No one asked me before converting my film to a new format. No one took me into confidence. There was no attempt to contact me. I read about it in the papers. I had no choice but to go to court." Mr. Sippy says he has no...

Mumbai, Dec 9: Veteran actress Hema Malini, who has been married to Dharmendra for over three decades, says he is still "child-like".

At his 78th birthday Sunday, the actor was excitedly waiting for his gift from Hema.

"Age does not matter. One has to be child-like always, like Dharamji, who was so excited to receive a gift from me for his birthday last evening," tweeted Hema, who worked with him in hits like "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay".

Hema and Dharmendra got married in 1979 and have two daughters - Esha and Ahana.

Dharmendra is known for his work in movies like "Phool Aur Patthar", "Sholay", "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Chupke Chupke".

In recent times, the actor starred alongside his sons - Sunny.

Mumbai, Nov 23: Actor Sunny Deol, who is back in action with "Singh Saab The Great", believes there's no point in remaking any of his father Dharmendra's films as they are "iconic".

When Ians asked Sunny if he'd like to join the remake brigade and bring back any of his father's films to the big screen, he said: "I wouldn't do it for any other reason because dad's films have been such iconic films."

Veteran star Dharmendra, 77, is known for movies like "Phool Aur Paththar", "Sholay", "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Chupke Chupke".

Sunny said: "There is magic in them. The way the directors directed them, it's wonderful! We.

B hiwani is one of the twenty-three films selected for the co- production market of Film Bazaar 2013. We spoke to the director Mahendra Jakhar:

Mahendra Jakhar

Tell us about your project. What language will it be in?

Bhiwani is set in the deep, dark abyss of Haryana, and is about a family with a teenage boy as the sole bread-winner. He is a part of the harsh world where Jats, Khap Panchayat and politicians rule the society. He stands against it only to be boycotted by the whole community. He takes up boxing and the sport of boxing itself becomes a fight against the society he lives in. The sport of boxing slowly works a process of change in the society, asking questions that no one dared to ask before.

Which stage of development is it in currently?

We have completed the first draft of the script, and still have a long way to go.

Though they scripted some of Bollywood's biggest of hits like Deewar, Zanjeer, Seeta Aur Geeta, Majboor, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, etc before penning down Sholay, it was Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra starrer Sholay which earned Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan the star-writers status and interestingly it is Sholay's 3D version which has brought back the duo together, who had split after 15 years of long successful association. Indeed, Sholay has been a landmark film for everyone attached to...

Every major actor and actress in Bollywood will at one stage attempt the double role. It is up there on every distinguished star’s curriculum vitae. There a countless examples Hum Dono (Dev Anand), Ram aur Shyam (Dilip Kumar), Seeta aur Geeta (Hema Malini), Apu Raja (Kamal Hassan), Chaalbaaz (Sri Devi), Kishan Kanhaiya (Anil Kapoor) and many many more. In addition to these we have Amitabh Bachchan’s own contributions to the double role genre, but to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema and its great tradition of double roles, we thought we would choose a slightly different film – Mahaan.

A triple role! Now that is is a completely different level and there is only one actor, the superstar of Indian cinema, who has truly attempted and achieved that – Amitabh Bachchan. Father, son and son – that was Mahaan. The father donned a beard, one son a moustache, the other clean shaven.

Ayushmann Khurana who instantly hit to fame with his super hit debut Vicky Donor in 2012 is said to have been showing his starry tantrums. If the rumors are to be believed, Khurana has backed out from Ramesh Sippy’s untitled film. Sippy has directed blockbusters like Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Sholay amongst many others with Zamana Deewana being the last movie directed by him 18 years ago. However, Ramesh Sippy continued to be the producer for movies like Kuch Naa Kaho, Bluffmaster, Dum Maaro Dum directed by his son Rohan Sippy. The VJ turned actor was last seen in Nautanki Saala, another flick directed and produced by the father-son duo.

Sr. Sippy, who announced his return to directing films two years back, finalized Ayushmaan for the lead role of his film – a remake of a foreign movie. But the actor who confirmed the film has supposedly backed out at the last moment.

Mumbai, May 9: Yesteryears He Man Dharmendra, who has been in the industry for more than five decades and has worked in over 250 films, says these days people are giving more importance to the promotion of a film.

"Nowadays, it has become a trend that more and more pressure and effort is put on a film's release rather than on its making," Dharmendra said here Wednesday.

In his five-decade career, the 77-year-old has given numerous hits like "Phool Aur Patthar", "Anupama", "Raja Jani", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sharafat", "Charas", "Chupke Chukpe", "Satyakam" and Sholay" among others.

"We all want to be loved, liked and admired.

Zee Classic will re-release four evergreen Hindi films Sholay, Karz, Seeta Aur Geeta & Deewar as part of ‘The Classic Cut’ Film Festival in theatres in Mumbai & Delhi.

“This is a rare opportunity for all the cinema aficionados to watch cult movies in theatres. The festival will begin in Mumbai and Delhi and will be taken to other towns subsequently,” said Mohan Gopinath, Business Head, Hindi Movie Cluster, Zeel.

Tickets will be available free of cost in theatres on first-come-first-served basis. The festival will be held at PVR theatres in Mumbai and Delhi on the following days:-

Mumbai:

21st Apr Deewar 9pm PVR Juhu

22nd Apr Seeta Aur Geeta 9pm PVR Juhu

23rd Apr Karz 9pm PVR Juhu

24th Apr Sholay 9pm PVR Juhu

Delhi:

28th Apr Deewar 9pm PVR Select City

29th Apr Seeta Aur Geeta 9pm PVR Select City

30th Apr Karz 9pm PVR Select City

1st May Sholay...

Mumbai, March 27: Filmmaker Rohan Sippy, son of renowned producer-director Ramesh Sippy, doesn't want to remake any of his father's films.

Ramesh Sippy is known for his memorable films "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay", "Shakti" and "Saagar", among others.

"I would always like to do original films. My wish is that I should never remake my dad's film, only then one would understand what is the difference between both of us. I would never want to touch my father's films," said Rohan who debuted as a director with "Kuch Naa Kaho".

"So many of his films were perfect. Where will you find actors like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh.

Katrina Kaif’s fans will get to experience double maaza. The diva is going to step into veteran actress Hema Malini’s shoes and will reprise Hema’s role in the remake of yesteryear blockbuster ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’. In this movie, Kat like Hema will enact double role. Highly impressed by the role, at one time, Katrina even thought of producing it. It was once rumored that the original director of ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ Ramesh Sippy will direct the movie but his son Rohan Sippy denied the news. His son-director Rohan Sippy denied the news saying. "Dad is not directing the movie," he was quoted as saying. But there is a new twist in t...

Bollywood's lucky mascot Katrina Kaif will now appear in a double role on screen, where she is likely to step into Hema Malini's shoes.If reports are to be believed, Katrina Kaif will be seen playing the twin protagonists in the remake of the 70s hit Seeta Aur Geeta.The actress, who is apparently very fond of the original movie starring Hema Malini, at one point of time, even harboured intentions of producing the remake, as reported by leading publication.Rumours su...

Javed Akhtar is perhaps one of the most articulate and well-respected lyricists in the Indian film industry today. Prior to becoming a lyricist however, he was known for having jointly written screenplays for major films such as Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975) and Sholay (1975) with his colleague Salim Khan under the title Salim-Javed. Whilst paying tribute to his close friend Yash Chopra, who died last weekend, Mr. Akhtar stated in a video interview with CNN-ibn that Chopra was the one who forced him into pursing a song writing career. He made his debut as a lyricist with Chopra’s classic film Silsila (1981), which is still regarded as one of the greatest soundtracks ever made. In his interview, Mr. Akhtar stated the following: “I should thank him and keep thanking him forever because I was very reluctant and I did not want to become a lyricist. Perhaps he was so sure...

Actress, producer, director and dancer Hema Malini turned 64 today.Born as Hema Malini Chakravarty into a Tamil family, she started her career opposite the late Showman of Bollywood, Raj Kapoor in Sapno Ka Saudagar. The actress won her first Filmfare Award for her movie Seeta Aur Geeta where she was cast opposite Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar in a double role. She starred in films like Sanyasi, Dharmatma, Pratigya, Sholay, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Naya Zamana and others. Read More...

Actress, producer, director and dancer Hema Malini turned 64 today.Born as Hema Malini Chakravarty into a Tamil family, she started her career opposite the late Showman of Bollywood, Raj Kapoor in Sapno Ka Saudagar. The actress won her first Filmfare Award for her movie Seeta Aur Geeta where she was cast opposite Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar in a double role. She starred in films like Sanyasi, Dharmatma, Pratigya, Sholay, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Naya Zamana and others.

Finally, after years of abstinence from what he was born to do, Ramesh Sippy is all set to return to direction. For the fans of Sippy's timeless cinema-and we refer not just to the pioneering Sholay but also to the equally powerful Shakti, Saagar, Seeta Aur Geeta and Andaz - the return of the maestro to movie-making is a significant sign of the changing time in Bollywood where the giants had lost the will and the way to create landmarks. Says Sippy, "I am aware I haven't directed a film for many years. But, I saw no reason to jump into it just because of a time lapse. I've made films out of very powerful scripts in the past. Then I directed Zamana Deewana in 1995, which was not that strong in content. Then I decided if I found no script worth shooting, I won't direct another film if I didn't get the right script.

Finally, the licensing hassle for the yesteryears remake ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ is over and as per report the film will go on floor very soon. As said earlier, Katrina Kaif has been zeroed to play the role of Hema Malini in the remake and the plan remains the same. The film is all set to go on floors and it will be made by Sunil Bohra and Viacom 18. Insiders reveal that Abhay Deol and Akshay Kumar are being considered for the role of Sanjeev Kumar and Dharmendra respectively. It was Katrina Kaif’s dream role to play the dream girl. Kat always speaks in admiration of Hema Malini and expressed her desire to enact the role. Hema...

Noted film director Ramesh Sippy has been appointed Chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc). He replaces veteran actor Om Puri.

The I&B ministry has also appointed Jawahar Wattal and Odiya cinematographer A K Bir as independent directors.

Ramesh Sippy is well known for directing films like Sholay (1975), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Andaz (1971). Recently he had produced films like Dum Maaro Dum (2011) and Chandni Chowk to China (2009).

New Delhi, Jan 17: Well-known filmmaker Ramesh Sippy has been appointed the new chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation (Nfdc).

"Yes, Mr. Sippy has been appointed the new chairperson of Nfdc. The order came out yesterday (Monday)," an Information and Broadcasting ministry source told Ians. He will take charge from the outgoing chairperson, veteran actor Om Puri.

The 65-year-old, who has been part of the Hindi film industry for the past four decades, is known for making films like "Andaz", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay" and "Shakti".

Ians...

As some of you may have heard, actress Ameesha Patel has launched her production company Ameesha Patel Productions (App) on 23rd April last year and she announced her line up a couple of months later; two untitled projects with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan respectively. However, it appears that Ameesha and her business partner Kuunal Goomer had a change of plans and will now begin a film titled Same 2 Same first, featuring Ameesha in a double role. According to sources, Goomer came up with the idea of a modern take on Seeta Aur Geeta and ChaalBaaz in which Patel will be donning both Indian and Western avatars. Goomer, however denied any similarity between the films but did say that they will pay homage to a popular 90′s number in this film. They are currently in the scripting stages and will announce the director and the principal cast this month itself and...

The memoirs of Manu, a cinema-loving flight attendant, who over 30 years in the air, encountered some of the biggest, finest and funniest Bollywood stars?

Ever Beautiful: Hema Malini

On one of our international flights we learnt that the extremely popular film actress, the darling of the masses, and the ultimate Dream Girl of the film industry, Hema Malini was slated to travel with us on that day.

The excitement it created among most of the crew-members had to be seen to be believed. She was the star of numerous films like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Naya Zamana (1971), Naseeb (1981) , Andaz (1971), Sholay (1975), etc. For me, her role in Sholay, that of a loud-mouthed and gossipy tonga- riding Basanti, actually stood out from her exploits on the big-screen.

Flying with us: Meha Malini

Hema Malini Boards the Flight

When Hemaji finally came on board, she was dressed in a green sari and sported a...

New York: Growing upin the nineties, girls had only 2 idols. It was either the Roop Ki Rani Sridevior the Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri. Sri can be truly called the first female superstar of Bollywood. Who can forget her mischievous take on ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ in ‘Chaalbaaz’.

As Sri was climbing up the silvery staircase to stardom, following quietly behind with determination and talent was Mumbai ki Mulgi, Madhuri. Nobody guessed that the ‘Ek do teen’ girl from ‘Tezaab’would become number ‘ek’ soon. Powerful performances in ‘Dil’ and‘Beta’ put Madhuri at the top and reigning queen.

Mumbai, May 4: Dharmendra and Hema Malini were the most popular couple of the Hindi films in the 1970s. The pair appeared in memorable movies such as Sholay, Jugnu, Dost, The Burning Train and Seeta Aur Geeta. Dharmendra was the He-Man of his time and Hema Malini was the beautiful dream girl of the lovelorn nation. The perfect couple got married in 1980. After a long gap of almost.

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who donned the director's hat 16 years ago for Zamana Deewana, is planning to go behind the camera soon. "Now I think it's important that I take a step in that direction again and I'll try that something like this happens. We are working on a script; when it completes, I'll announce the film formally. So direction will happen soon," said Sippy, director of cult classic Sholay.He also helmed films like Saagar, Shakti, Shaan, Seeta Aur Geeta and Andaz among others. ...

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who donned the director's hat 16 years ago for Zamana Deewana, is planning to go behind the camera soon. "Now I think it's important that I take a step in that direction again and I'll try that something like this happens. We are working on a script; when it completes, I'll announce the film formally. So direction will happen soon," said Sippy, director of cult classic Sholay.He also helmed films like Saagar, Shakti, Shaan, Seeta Aur Geeta and Andaz among others. ...

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who donned the director's hat 16 years ago for Zamana Deewana, is planning to go behind the camera soon. "Now I think it's important that I take a step in that direction again and I'll try that something like this happens. We are working on a script; when it completes, I'll announce the film formally. So direction will happen soon," said Sippy, director of cult classic Sholay.He also helmed films like Saagar, Shakti, Shaan, Seeta Aur Geeta and Andaz among others. ...

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, who donned the director's hat 16 years ago for Zamana Deewana, is planning to go behind the camera soon. "Now I think it's important that I take a step in that direction again and I'll try that something like this happens. We are working on a script; when it completes, I'll announce the film formally. So direction will happen soon," said Sippy, director of cult classic Sholay.He also helmed films like Saagar, Shakti, Shaan, Seeta Aur Geeta and Andaz among others. ...

When your surname is Sippy and your grandfather and father are the names behind hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti and Sholay, can your career ever be in doubt? Not for Rohan Sippy, who may have studied philosophy at Stanford University, but, "when it came to working, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do. I have never felt passionately about anything besides filmmaking," says Ramesh Sippy's son and Gp Sippy's grandson.After spending some years learning the ropes, Sippy directed his first feature Kuch Naa Kaho in 2003. He followed it up with Bluffmaster in 2005. On ...

When your surname is Sippy and your grandfather and father are the names behind hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti and Sholay, can your career ever be in doubt? Not for Rohan Sippy, who may have studied philosophy at Stanford University, but, "when it came to working, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do. I have never felt passionately about anything besides filmmaking," says Ramesh Sippy's son and Gp Sippy's grandson.After spending some years learning the ropes, Sippy directed his first feature Kuch Naa Kaho in 2003. He followed it up with Bluffmaster in 2005. On ...

When your surname is Sippy and your grandfather and father are the names behind hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti and Sholay, can your career ever be in doubt? Not for Rohan Sippy, who may have studied philosophy at Stanford University, but, "when it came to working, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do. I have never felt passionately about anything besides filmmaking," says Ramesh Sippy's son and Gp Sippy's grandson.After spending some years learning the ropes, Sippy directed his first feature Kuch Naa Kaho in 2003. He followed it up with Bluffmaster in 2005. On ...

When your surname is Sippy and your grandfather and father are the names behind hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti and Sholay, can your career ever be in doubt? Not for Rohan Sippy, who may have studied philosophy at Stanford University, but, "when it came to working, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do. I have never felt passionately about anything besides filmmaking," says Ramesh Sippy's son and Gp Sippy's grandson.After spending some years learning the ropes, Sippy directed his first feature Kuch Naa Kaho in 2003. He followed it up with Bluffmaster in 2005. On ...