Have you heard? Fashion on screen please

Sonam K Ahuja

Sonam K Ahuja said filmmakers have preferred to cast her in less glamorous roles rather than give her the chance to star in movies that will require her to wear heavy costumes and jewellery. At the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival panel discussion on The Art of Costume Design - Celebrating the book and the legacy of Bhanu Athaiya, the actor, known for her sartorial fashion choices off the screen, said she feels boxed in the image of a simpleton in films. "I've done period dramas but for some reason, even though I'm known for my [sartorial choices], every director likes me in simple clothes and no make-up [look]. I'm always [playing] the girl next door. I've never done a period film with jewellery and Indian clothes. I'm always wearing a simple salwar kameez. So, my dream is to do a period drama, one day," she said. Kapoor believes movies have inspired people's fashion choices for years. The brand ambassador for the festival's Word To Screen section, Kapoor said, "As actors, we are constantly looking for compelling, disruptive and engaging stories that touch the hearts of the people. By supporting a platform like Word to Screen, I am taking a step towards ensuring the industry benefits from this initiative and we tell a lot more meaningful stories to our audience." Kapoor last featured in the film, Blind.

Unwilling to face the music?

The organisers of the audio launch event of Vijay's upcoming movie, Leo have offered a rather strange reason for cancelling the event. "Considering overflowing passes requests and safety constraints, we have decided not to conduct the Leo audio launch. In respect of fans' wishes, we will keep you engaged with frequent updates (sic)," the studio posted on X. The event was set to be held in Chennai on September 30. It stressed that the cancellation was not "due to political pressure or any other reasons". It comes weeks after the organisers of music maestro AR Rahman's concert received backlash over poor set-up, overcrowding, and complains of harassment.

Bheed actor braves real bheed

Rajkummar Rao along with actor-wife Patralekhaa offered prayers at the famous Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai yesterday. Dressed traditionally, the couple walked hand in hand for the visit. Rao donned a white kurta, while Patralekhaa wore a yellow suit with a blue dupatta.

More than words

Javed Akhtar says that today, lyrics don't work the way they did earlier because they are not rooted in a film's story and its emotions. The writer, 78, has written immortal lyrics for songs in films like Silsila, 1942: A Love Story, and Jodhaa Akbar. Commenting on the writing in film music today, he says, "It is not that writers can't write good songs. It's that they are not getting an opportunity to do so. There are a number of reasons why songs have become forgettable. One, the tempo is too fast. Two, most songs are [used] in the background. When a character lip-syncs, songs become part of the drama."

Adding some variety

Tahir Raj Bhasin is gearing up for the release of his next project, Sultan of Delhi, which will see him in the role of a gangster. Commenting on his varied choice of roles, he says, "I have never conformed to doing one type of role in cinema. Growth lies outside one's comfort zone, and I don't want to be limited in the kinds of roles I play. The essence of stardom is in lending your voice to a part and making it memorable."

Stories that matter

Alia Bhatt, who recently announced her production venture Jigra, in which she will also be seen playing the title role, says she turned producer to tell stories that evoke emotions and leave an impact. "I believe stories are everywhere, and stories are everything! I turned producer with Eternal Sunshine to tell some of these stories, ones that evoke emotions and leave an impact. Our first production, Darlings, got so much love that it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time."

Watcha takin' about?

Farah Khan shared a post hinting at an upcoming biopic which is speculated to be made on businessman Raj Kundra. Taking to Instagram, Khan shared a reel with comedian and rapper Munawar Faruqui. In the video, the duo talks about making a biopic on ‘Raj', leaving fans playing the guessing game. When Khan realises he is referring to Raj Kundra, she says, "Uski picture toh Shilpa Shetty bhi nahin dekhegi."