Ananya Panday has come a long way since making her debut in 2019 with 'Student of the Year 2' to the mega-successful Call Me Bae. Recently when speaking at Prime Video’s Maitri: Female First Collective, Ananya Panday recounted her initial years as a woman in the industry and opened up about finding her voice. Ananya also emphasized the importance of building a supportive environment for her contemporaries and shared her thoughts on the power of female friendships in showbiz. Ananya Panday on her bond with Sara and Janhvi in Bollywood “I think I've become a lot more vocal about what I stand for. What keeps me going is seeing change; knowing that speaking up or even through cinema you can actually make an impact. Even if one young girl comes up to me and says I am myself because you are yourself and I feel comfortable in my skin, for me that’s where I have done my job. I think seeing change is a huge reason why I keep going,” Ananya shared. She added, “They keep pitting women against each other, actresses against actresses, but with Sara and Jahnavi it's not a very conscious attempt, we constantly try to be there for each other and support each other very publicly, so that we are showing people this is how female friendships are supposed to be like, don’t believe any other way.” Launched in 2022, Maitri: Female First Collective is an initiative by Prime Video that aims to create a safe space for women in Indian media and entertainment, bringing them together to discuss their experiences, challenges and successes, and offer their perspective on bringing about a positive shift. Ananya Panday's Call Me Bae series debut Ananya Panday made her web series debut with a new show called 'Call Me Bae', where she plays an extremely rich young woman whose life turns upside down when she is disowned by her family. The new show, also stars Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. It is a Dharmatic Entertainment production with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra as executive producers. With the super glamorous setting and the mannerisms of Ananya, the show will remind you of Sonam Kapoor from Aisha.
20 September,2024 02:56 PM IST | MumbaiBollywood superstar Salman Khan has demanded an apology from news broadcasting agency ANI (Asian Network International), reported Live Law. The actor has also demanded the same from the legal team of the two accused booked in the firing case outside the actor's Bandra home in April this year, for defaming the actor by publishing an objectionable news article claiming that he has known relations with the underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim's group D-Company. The legal notice was sent through the Law firm DSK Legal where Khan took exception to the news article published by ANI on its website and supplied to other news portals and channels. In the said article, the news agency has also taken a short interview/byte of advocate Amit Mishra, who represents accused Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal in the firing case outside Khan's Galaxy apartments in Mumbai's push Bandra area. What the notice sent by Salman Khan's legal team reads: The legal notice states, "Our client (Khan) denies all the allegations made by Mishra against him in the Impugned Article and our client states that the allegations therein are absolutely false, baseless, malicious, grossly defamatory/derogatory, misleading, damaging and are made with an intent to malign the image and goodwill of our client before the public at large, which our client has painstakingly developed by him over the years. Our client states that in fact he is a victim of the criminal act that was perpetrated upon him by certain individuals. Our client states that he is absolutely not concerned with the accused persons in any manner whatsoever." "Our client states that the same is nothing but a tactic to gather sympathy from the public at large, and to distract their attention from the matter at hand. He states that the allegations made against him have no shred of truth and have been made with an intent to defame, malign and harm the reputation and goodwill of our client and to lower the moral and intellectual character of our client before the public at large and bring him to the ridicule," the notice reads.
20 September,2024 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIrrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are among India’s most celebrated actors, both revered for their exceptional talent and contributions to cinema. The two talents came together in the movie The Lunchbox, delivering performances that was so rooted in Mumbai yet resonated globally. Irrfan's portrayal of Saajan Fernandes in The Lunchbox was a masterclass in restrained emotion, while Nawazuddin's Shaikh brought a sense of warmth and optimism to the screen. Their nuanced interactions, filled with silent understanding, added layers to the film’s emotional core. Together, they created a memorable bond that highlighted the beauty of understated performances. Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivered subtle yet powerful performances in The Lunchbox, capturing the depth of their characters with minimal dialogue. As we commemorate 11 years of The Lunchbox, the dynamic between Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui remains a powerful example of how contrasting characters can create a deeply resonant and enduring camaraderie. 1. Symbolism of Optimism and RealityNawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Shaikh, with his hopeful perspective and famous line, “Meri ammi hamesha kaha karti thi ki kabhi kabhi galat train bhi sahi jagah phaucha deti hai,” offers a stark contrast to Irrfan Khan’s more pragmatic Saajan. Their differing worldviews create a compelling narrative that explores how optimism and realism can intersect. 2. Mentor and Mentee DynamicsShaikh’s view of Saajan as a mentor is central to their relationship. This dynamic is poignantly highlighted when Shaikh asks Saajan to be his wedding guardian, reflecting his deep respect and need for guidance. This mentorship adds emotional depth to their interactions, enriching the film’s narrative. 3. The Bond of Shared SolitudeBoth Shaikh and Saajan experience profound loneliness in their lives. Shaikh’s background as an orphan and Saajan’s solitary routine provide a common ground for their connection. Their mutual understanding of isolation forms a heartfelt bond that transcends their initial differences. 4. Moments of Emotional VulnerabilityShaikh’s request for Saajan’s support at his wedding reveals his emotional vulnerability and desire for familial acceptance. This moment underscores the depth of Shaikh’s need for validation and highlights the genuine connection he seeks with Saajan. 5. Wisdom Through ExperienceDespite his relatively small role, Shaikh’s wisdom, shaped by his struggles as an orphan and his insights into societal expectations, significantly impacts Saajan. The line, “Kabhi kabhi galat train bhi sahi jagah phaucha deti hai,” captures the essence of Shaikh’s perspective and the life lessons he imparts to Saajan. 6. Building a Bond Through Everyday MomentsThe film’s portrayal of Shaikh and Saajan’s relationship is built through their interactions during mundane activities - sharing lunch, train rides, and personal conversations. These seemingly simple moments are crucial in establishing a meaningful connection between them. 7. Contrast of Personalities Shaikh’s exuberant curiosity and optimism sharply contrast with Saajan’s reserved and practical demeanour. This interplay of personalities adds depth to their relationship, demonstrating how their differences complement and enhance each other’s lives. 8. Subtle and Intimate ConnectionsThe film’s slow-paced narrative emphasizes the subtleties of Shaikh and Saajan’s relationship. The focus on small, intimate interactions rather than overt exposition allows their bond to develop organically and become one of the film’s most memorable aspects.
20 September,2024 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent‘Aunty’? Is it a derogatory term? Should we get offended hearing this term for ourselves? Zeenat Aman thinks certainly not. The actress took to Instagram and dropped a picture of herself wearing a T-shirt with ‘aunty’ written on it and attached a long caption. Aman’s caption has inspired Karan Johar as well, who is ready to be addressed as ‘uncle.’ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman) While writing the inspiring caption, Aman wrote, “Which genius decided that ‘aunty’ is a derogatory term? It certainly wasn’t me. Where would we be without those ubiquitous older women who make our lives comfortable and warm and secure? The Indian aunty is everywhere, and she doesn’t even have to be related to you. She provides a shoulder to lean on, an ear for your problems, a hot meal, a silly joke, a welcoming home, a righteous scolding, a pearl of wisdom.” ‘I’m an aunty and proud’ She further continued, “When you hear the word ‘aunty,’ you can imagine a frumpy nag, or you can truly think about the older women in your life and see what I see. Me? I’m an aunty and proud. It’s a tag I’ll happily wear on my sleeve, or in this case, across my chest.” “In my life, I had my stepmother, Shamim aunty, who was a huge support to me when my sons were young. She would cook us meals, babysit the boys, and check in on me every day. Now tell me about the extraordinary aunty or aunties in your life! It’s as good a day as any to tag an aunty, credit an aunty, celebrate an aunty,” the actress concluded. Karan Johar Reacts to Zeenat Aman’s post This piece of advice has inspired none other than Karan Johar, who shared that he is ready to be addressed as ‘uncle.’ The filmmaker reacted to the post and commented, “This piece has inspired me to accept and welcome being addressed as ‘uncle.’ It’s time to embrace the inevitable and also acknowledge the positives of being a worldly-wise uncle.” About Zeenat Aman Zeenat Aman is the veteran actress who rose to fame in the 1970s. Known for breaking stereotypes with bold, modern roles, she became an icon in films like 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' and 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna'. Her progressive image reshaped Bollywood's portrayal of women.
20 September,2024 01:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who was last seen in a cameo appearance in 'Stree 2' and a full-fledged role in Khel Khel Mein, is a fiercely disciplined man, and meanders in the same space as Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan when it comes to focus. However, when it comes to lifestyle choices, Akshay is the one with healthier ones. A glimpse of the same was experienced by Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi when he went to Akshay’s house for dinner along with fellow actor Riteish Deshmukh. Vivek Oberoi was talking to Entertainment Live when he shared an interesting bit from his dinner meet with Riteish Deshmukh at host Akshay Kumar's house. The anecdote speaks volume of Kumar's dedication to his disciplined lifestyle. In the interview, Vivek said, "We were having a good time at Akki bhai’s place. At 9:30 p.m., he got up and walked away. We thought he must have gone to the washroom. We saw the clock, it was 10:30 pm, he wasn’t there. Then we saw the clock again at 11:00 p.m., he still wasn’t there. Then his wife came, and told us, ‘You guys may head home, as he has slept’." “We thought, ‘Oh the host has gone to sleep’. He is so committed, he is so focused, and he is very clear in his mind that he has to wake up early in the morning, work out and reach the sets on time. For all of that to happen, he has to sleep on time”, he added. When Akshay Kumar supported Vivek Oberoi In a earlier interview with Mirchi Plus, Vivek had revealed how Akshay came to his aide when his career was an all-time low and he felt boycotted by the industry. He received a call from Akshay Kumar during those days and the superstar offered him practical advice. “‘Bata kya problem chal rahi hai teri life mein?’ he asked me and then let me vent out, air my problems, pain. He heard me patiently and said, ‘I can help you with a positive mindset. There are several shows going on, and you have blockbuster songs. I am shooting a lot, so I can’t do these shows, but whatever enquiries come to me, I will divert it to you. You do it.’" recalled Vivek about his call with Akshay. “Who does that! Because of that I started getting back on stage, fans started cheering and a good positive energy was around me. My frustration was I was doing hit films, was getting awards, but why was I not getting work. Why was I getting boycotted like this? He didn’t say I will stand up with you, fight this war against this lobby. He gave a practical, simple solution, which gave me money, good feeling, love and a lot of fun,” the actor said.
20 September,2024 12:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTriptii Dimri is currently one of the most sought-after actresses in the Hindi film industry. After proving her mettle as an actor with films like 'Qala' and 'Bulbul', she gained fame with her brief appearance in Ranbir Kapoor-led 'Animal' with termed her 'national crush'. The actress recently spoke about the ups and downs she faced on her journey to the silver screen. Dimri hails from Uttarakhand and before becoming a noted actor she had to face several mean comments. Triptii Dimri recalls negative comments from relatives when she moved to Mumbai Triptii was talking during an interview on Katrina Kaif's brand Kay Beauty's YouTube channel. She spoke about her roots and how people said mean things to her parents when she opted to become an actor. "I am from Uttarakhand, but I was born and brought up in Delhi, so my parents and family are in Delhi... it was difficult for me when I moved to Bombay (Mumbai), you know, to go out every day in front of more than 50-60 people in a room. There are people in the society and in my family also who said mean things to my parents. Things like 'Why have you sent your daughter to this profession? She is going to get spoiled; she will hang out with the wrong people, she is going to make wrong choices for herself, no one is going to want to marry her, she is not going to get married now." She added, "There was a point when I was confused, because, you know, you lose hope when you get up and there is no work. But one thing I knew was that I could not go back to my parents and tell them, 'No, I have not done it'." The actress made her big screen debut with 'Laila Majnu' in 2018 and she revealed that he parents were proud with her work in the film. Triptii Dimri on being called a national crush From her relatives questioning her marriage prospects to becoming the national crush, Triptii sure has shut down her naysayers. At an event in Mumbai while talking about the national crush tag, the actress said, "In my experience, luckily, I would like to thank God, because in my experience, it has been the other way around, as many films I have done in my career, whether they are the older films that I did earlier, or the ones that have released recently, I have received a lot of love from my audience. People have liked my work and have spoken about it.” “Initially, when I came into the industry, I always wanted people should talk about my work and nothing else. Luckily, when my films have released, they have spoken about my work. I think these things motivate us actors to do better in life and to keep working on our craft and I think, that way I have been very fortunate.” Triptii was last seen in the recently released film 'Bad Newz' co-starring Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk. She is currently gearing up for the release of 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' with Rajkummar Rao. Post that she will be seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' alongside Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit. She recently onboarded a Vishal Bharadwaj directorial opposite Shahid Kapoor.
20 September,2024 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAlia Bhatt has been a part of the Hindi film industry for over a decade now and is among the finest actors in the country. The actress recently named three actors who have influenced her with their craft in Indian cinema. The actress, in an interview with Allure, opened up about how these actors namely Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Rekha influenced her through her decade-long journey. Alia Bhatt on getting inspired by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's dance “When it comes to learning or being inspired by someone who has embodied dance in the most beautiful way on screen, I can't help but think of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She was absolutely, and still is, just mesmerizing. (She) also gave me a lot of direction and intellect. Whenever I had a song, I'd go to YouTube, type ‘Aishwarya Rai songs,’ and it'd come, and I'd be looking at all her songs just to catch the expressions and just the way she moves from one move to another, the ease, the way she just lets herself be, but at the same time, it's just so perfect and so precise. And she's beautiful to look at,” Alia said. Alia Bhatt calls Rekha an icon for ages When it comes to beauty, Alia said that she has been influenced by the veteran actress Rekha. "When it comes to Indian cinema, there's one person who redefined/defined beauty, and that is Rekha. She's just an icon for the ages. Whether it was her red lips or her long hair or the way she did her eyes, the iconic flowers or gajras in her hair, that look in her eyes, which obviously you can't create; it only comes from within. But she's truly left the largest impact in India and all over the world with the beauty standards she's set,” Alia added. She said she's always struggled with her “gait” and “how to hold herself” in crowded, high-pressure moments. It's Rekha who has helped her on that front. Alia Bhatt about her 'Dear Zindagi' co-star Shah Rukh Khan The 'Student of the Year' actress said that the first name that comes to her mind when one says Indian cinema is Shah Rukh Khan. She then went on to talk about Khan and Kajol's 'Palat' scene from DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge). Alia explained the moment and revealed how she felt about it. She said, “Then he’s waiting for her to turn, ‘Palat,’ and then suddenly on cue like she turns, and then the music just swells, and it's like butterflies, goosebumps, everything put together.” “But I think every girl has wanted that sort of recreation in her life where you look back and there's a guy looking at you or he’s waiting for you to look at him.," she added. On the work front, Alia is gearing up for the release of her film 'Jigra'.
20 September,2024 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actress Manushi Chhillar, who was last seen in the box-office debacle ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, seems to be in love with Ukadiche Modak. Recently, the actress took to her Instagram and conducted an AMA (ask me anything) session with her 6.6 million followers. One of her followers popped up a question asking her out on a date. The social media user wrote, “What if I ask you out for a date? Will you ever cater seeing this comment? (sic)”. Responding to the same, the actress shared a picture of a different type of Modaks. She wrote on the picture, “On a date with these, and my film set. No time baba”. Recently, the actress had shared as to what happened inside her vanity van. Sharing a video from her vanity van, the actress had asked her make-up artiste Kinchangthui Bariamtak the meaning of a ghazal she read. Manushi asks the celebrity make-up artist if he or her hairstylist can decipher the meaning of the ghazal. She then explained, “She is talking about something that is giving him pain from the past but she is not able to move on from… Aesai lag raha hai na.” “Love…. Kin got it?” She captioned it: “We’re upto no good in the vanity”. Manushi made her debut in 2022 when she made her debut in Hindi cinema in the historical drama ‘Samrat Prithviraj’, directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi. The film, which also stars Akshay Kumar, was based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, a king from the Chahamana dynasty. She then went on to star in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer ‘The Great Indian Family’, which was directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. After two years, she starred in the Hindi-Telugu bilingual action drama movie ‘Operation Valentine’, opposite Varun Tej. She played a wing commander in the Hindi-Telugu bilingual. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 September,2024 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth got married on September 16 in an intimate ceremony at a temple in Telangana. The couple surprised all with their wedding announcement. Despite being celebrated stars, the couple managed to keep their wedding a secret. On Thursday night, the couple was seen making their first public appearance after their marriage. Siddharth and Aditi were seen arriving back in the city and were spotted at the Mumbai airport. The couple was all smiles as they walked out of the airport holding hands. While Aditi looked stunning as ever in a pink anarkali suit, Siddharth kept it casual in a denim shirt and blue pants. He had headphones around his neck. The couple posed for the paps before exiting from the airport. Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth get married in Telangana Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth married on September 16. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Srirangapur, Wanaparthy district, Telangana. As per reports, Aditi Rao Hydari's maternal grandfather was the last ruler of Wanaparthy Sansthanam, and their family continue to pray at this well-known temple. In an interview with Vogue India, Aditi had revealed that she and Siddharth would get married at this 400-year-old temple in Wanaparthy. “The wedding will be centred around a 400-year-old temple in Wanaparthy that is of significance to my family,” Aditi had shared. Sharing the pictures from the wedding, Aditi wrote, "You are my Sun, my Moon, and all my Stars… To being Pixie Soulmates for eternity… to laughter, to never growing up… To Eternal Love, Light & Magic. Mrs. & Mr. Adu-Siddhu." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari) Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth’s First Meeting They met on the sets of the Telugu film Maha Samudram, back in 2021. Recalling their meeting, Hydari shared with Vogue India, “He walked in and said, ‘Hello, beautiful girl.’ Usually, when someone says something like this, it does not work. But he was being genuine. By the end of the day, he had me and pretty much everyone on the set in splits. He also ensured that my team and I had ghee idlis whipped up by his cook every day for the rest of the shoot.”
20 September,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFinally, the makers of 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' unveiled the romantic song 'Tum Jo Mile Ho' starring RajKummar Rao and Triptii Dimri on Thursday. After teasing fans with a teaser of the song, RajKummar dropped the full song video on his Instagram handle. Titled Tum Jo Mile Ho, the song is composed by Sachin-Jigar and sung by Vishal Mishra along with the duo. The lyrics are beautifully penned by Priya Saraiya. Giving 90s vibe, the video shows the romantic chemistry between Rajkummar and Triptii. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) Sharing the video, he wrote, "90s ka wahi andaaz, lagega aur bhi khaas, aapke apne Vicky Vidya ke saath!#TumJoMileHo song out now! #VickyVideoKaWohWalaVideo in cinemas on 11th October." A few days ago, the makers also released the film's trailer, which offers a sneak peek into the hilarious journey of Vicky (RajKummar) and Vidya (Triptii), as they, along with their family, go all out to recover their missing "suhagraat CD" in the scenic town of Rishikesh. With help from Mallika Sherawat and the rest of the family, the couple leaves no stone unturned, from appealing to the police and family elders to even venturing into graveyards at night. Helmed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' promises a "perfect blend of laughter and drama, immersing viewers in the charm and energy of the swinging 90s. RajKummar and Triptii Dimri starrer 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' is all set to clash with Alia Bhatt's Jigra. Both films are releasing on October 11. Talking about RajKummar's other projects, the actor will be next seen in 'Maalik'. Earlier in August, RajKummar announced his new project on his birthday. The film is being directed by Pulkit and its shoot has already commenced. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 September,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | ANICinephiles will tell you that true magic happens on a theatre’s big screen. Filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore showed us that there is as much magic in the projection booth too, as his Cinema Paradiso (1988) told the story of a boy whose friendship with a projectionist leads to his fascination with movies. Naturally, when it comes to honouring projectionists, who better than the famed Italian director? The Oscar-winning director is slated to visit India on September 27 to headline Film Heritage Foundation’s (FHF) festival, Cinema Italian Style—Celebrating Tornatore and the Masters of Italian Cinema. As part of the fest, he will present the FHF Lifetime Achievement Award for Cinema Projection to two Indian projectionists. A still from Cinema Paradiso Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, President, FHF, says the recognition is a part of his effort to bring the men, who get lost behind cinema’s lustre, to the forefront. “Projectionists are the back-end. When you go to see a film, you don’t care who is projecting it. But they are working tirelessly. Last year, Naseeruddin Shah gave away the awards. This time, who better than Tornatore to honour them?” Dungarpur The two awardees have been selected from six projectionists across the country, on the basis of their experience and range of work. Dungarpur adds, “Two came from Kolkata, and one each from Meerut, Raipur, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. A lot of research goes into shortlisting the projectionists.” The three-day festival—running from September 27 to 29—will screen iconic Italian films, including Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso and Malèna (2000), at Regal Cinema.
20 September,2024 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaADVERTISEMENT
