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Usha Uthup: When they see me sing Skyfall in a sari, they wonder how I handle it

For Usha Uthup, the opportunity to be part of NH7 Weekender was special owing to the diverse lineup that she was set to join. “The variety that will be seen and the passion with which it has been created motivated me to be part of it. This is the opportunity to get music lovers from across the country to listen to good music, and not everyone would like the same kind of music,” says the veteran, who will join musicians like Amit Trivedi, King, Raftaar, and Dhvani Bhanushali, among others, at the December festival. Uthup’s name inarguably appears to be a seamless fit among a lineup of younger composers owing to her ability to strike a chord with listeners across generations. She credits the knowledge she receives from her grandchildren on the music tastes of the young generation, as well as her own ability to speak their language, for her popularity among them. “When they see me sing Skyfall in a sari, or sing songs like Ramba ho and Shaan [Doston se pyaar kiya], they wonder how I handle it. Because I’ve been a nightclub singer, it comes to me naturally. Then, I also render [English] songs like Miley Cyrus’s Flowers, which my daughter insists I should sing. So, my family keeps me grounded. Today, [singers] should be grounded to listen to what children are saying because the kids will teach you what you ought to know. The younger generation considers me as their elder sister, mother, aunt, or grandmother. It doesn’t matter, because after a point, once they hear the music, they forget everything. I talk their language. I don’t look down upon them or speak to them [without respect]. I treat them like I do my contemporaries. And that’s important when you want to be part of their lives.” Uthup may not be an avid consumer of English music, but she adheres to the suggestions of her grandchildren when it comes to selecting songs for her shows. “I also listen to music on YouTube and pick songs that I think our band could perform well. [Music by] Daft Punk is like that. [Their music has] also won the Grammy Award. These things matter when it comes to song selection.”

25 November,2024 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia Lulla
Sanya Malhotra. Pics/Instagram

Sanya Malhotra at 'Mrs' premiere: ‘Cooking isn’t a way of proving love’ | IFFI

When she watched The Great Indian Kitchen (2021), Sanya Malhotra could see Jeo Baby’s film doing what good cinema does—asking questions that haven’t been raised before. So, when the actor was offered its Hindi adaptation, Mrs, she took no time to say yes to it. “My yes to the film was both as an actor and a woman,” she tells us, at the movie’s Asia première at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI).  Mrs features (left) Sanya Malhotra and (right) Kanwaljit Singh Nimisha Sajayan was widely praised for her performance in the Malayalam original, which told the story of a young dancer whose life becomes restricted to the kitchen after marriage. Did Malhotra feel the pressure of stepping into her shoes? “I never compare myself with anyone. If I put myself in this mindset, I will be leading with fear, which I don’t want to do,” she explains, adding that director Arati Kadav and writer Anu Singh Choudhary made Mrs personal and novel. “We have made this personal and palatable to the north Indian audience. Arati and Anu have brought their own lived-in experiences to the script. All I thought about was I have to do it in a way that it travels far and wide, and people take away something from it.” If the acclaim and love from various festivals is any indication, Malhotra’s efforts have already paid off. As she awaits the film’s release in January, she says Mrs has already brought a change in her. “The process of interviewing women for the character opened up a lot of things in me, and I’m constantly questioning and correcting myself,” she says, sharing a personal anecdote about how her view on gender roles has changed. “Whenever I used to go back home, my mother felt pressured to cook for me. Having worked in the kitchen all these years, she has an aversion to it now. [At the same time] she’d be apologetic about it, saying, ‘I didn’t cook anything good for you.’ To date, I tell her that cooking is not a way of proving her love to me. Everyone around us says maa ke haath ka khana is ultimate love. That’s there. But no one should feel pressured to do it.”

25 November,2024 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
In Pic: Ranbir Kapoor in Animal

Ranbir Kapoor on Animal, glorification of violence on screen

Ranbir Kapoor's last release, Animal (2023), is one of the most successful yet polarising films of recent times. While Kapoor's perfomance as a son, who turns revengeful in his obsession for his father, was appreciated, the film was criticised representation of violence and misogyny. Even as 2024 comes to an end, the discourse around the Sandeep Reddy Vanga-directorial continues. So, when Kapoor graced the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to speak at a session dedicated to celebrate the life and work of his grandfather-filmmaker-actor late Raj Kapoor, an audience member stated how contemporary Hindi films, including Animal, show excessive violence that can leave a negative impact on the society. He went on to ask the Bollywood star his opinion on the social responsibility of film artistes.  To which, the actor replied, "I completely agree with your opinion. As actors, this is our responsibility to bring movies that makes a positive impact to the society. But having said that, as an actor, it’s important for me to dabble in different genres and characters, and play varied roles. But what you are saying is absolutely true. We have to be more responsible towards the kind of films we make." While making his point, the audience member also referred to the times when Kapoor's late grandfather Raj Kapoor made movies, saying that the bygones era didn't have movies showing violence.   Kapoor was speaking at the ongoing 55th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where he attended a session to discuss the works and life of his grandfather. The actor revealed that a Raj Kapoor film festival would be held next month, which would including a re-release of his classics.  "With NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India), NFAI (National Film Archive of India), my uncle Kunal Kapoor and Film Heritage Foundation, we have started restoring his films.We have done 10 films so far and we have much more to do. So we are going to have a film festival from 13th to 15th December. All over India, we are going to release his movies. So, I am really hopeful, you guys will check out his work because there are so many people who haven't seen his work," he said.

24 November,2024 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
In Pic: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

Ranbir reveals Alia Bhatt didn't know who Kishore Kumar is, netizens react

Ranbir Kapoor addressed a conference at IFFI 2024, where he announced that there is going to be a Raj Kapoor Film Festival, where 10 films of the legendary actor will be restored. While addressing the conference, he revealed something that has left a lot of people shocked. The actor revealed that the first time he met his now-wife Alia Bhatt, she asked him, "Who is Kishore Kumar?" "I remember the first time I met Alia, she asked me, 'Who's Kishore Kumar?' It's just a circle of life, people are forgotten. It's important we remember our roots," he added. Netizens react to Ranbir Kapoor’s revelation   Ranbir’s revelation left netizens divided. While one section trolled Alia for her lack of knowledge, another backed her, saying that when she first met the actor, she was just 9 years old. One user wrote, "He took revenge for 'wipe it off.'" While another shared, "He is giving it back to Alia for making him the bad guy on Insta." A third one wrote, "Lol. He is her personal troll right there." "He just dissed Alia," one comment reads. While another said, “Why do these both seem like they settle scores with each other via these so called 'candid' tidbits or they just know what will make noise and say things to keep the discussion and outrage going.” While a few came out in support of the actress, one said, “Alia was only 9 years old when she met him, so you losers, do you expect her to know who Kishore Kumar is?” Another user wrote, “Alia was just 9 years old when she asked the question. You don’t expect a 9-year-old to know everything.” “Not everyone knows everything. Glad Alia asks questions and is eager to learn,” another comment reads. About Raj Kapoor Film Festival While announcing the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, the actor shared, "We are going to organize the Raj Kapoor Film Festival from December 13–December 15 all over India. We will show the restored version of 10 of Raj Kapoor's films," Ranbir said to a jam-packed auditorium at the Kala Academy here. Ranbir Kapoor talks about Raj Kapoor’s biopic Further, he talked about discussing Raj Kapoor's biopic with his "godfather" and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and shared, "I talk to a lot of people, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali, about how to make a biopic on Mr. Raj Kapoor. A biopic is not just something that highlights the success in a person’s life; you truly have to portray someone’s life honestly—the lows, struggles, relationship dynamics."

24 November,2024 10:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
In Pic: Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor opens up on reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Love and War

Among several highlights of the much-anticipated Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directorial, Love and War, is his reunion with actor Ranbir Kapoor after 17 years. Since Bhansali announced the film earlier this year, his lead star remained tight-lipped about featuring in the love story, until today when Kapoor opened up about his excitement to go back to sets with the filmmaker, who launched in him in the movies. Speaking during a session at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Kapoor, who began shooting for Love and War earlier this month, mentioned how he continues to remain in awe of Bhansali.  "I am extremely excited to go back to sets with him. He is my godfather. Everything I know about films, everything I know about acting, it is something I learnt from him. So, for me, I am working with him again after 17 years, it still feels the same. I am still in awe of him. I respect him so much," the actor said. Kapoor further shared that Bhansali is as obsessed about the movies, his characters and stories as he was when they shot Sawariya.  "He hasn't changed at all. He is extremely hard working, all he thinks about is his movies, he just wants to speak about the character, he wants you to create, do something different. So I am extremely excited," the actor smiled as the crowd cheered on. Besides Kapoor, Love and War also stars actor-wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Though the film's announcement left fans excited for the multiple reunions the romantic drama ensures, they were surprised with the collaboration between Kapoor and Bhansali, courtesy the conflicting history they have shared. While the actor has always maintained that the filmmaker was his guidebook to acting, on several occasions, Kapoor has also spoken candidly about his difficult experience working with Bhansali, saying that he used to yell and scold him on Sawariya sets.

24 November,2024 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka Sharma
In Pic: Ranbir Kapoor and Raha

Ranbir Kapoor reveals FIRST song of Raj Kapoor he introduced Raha to

Ranbir Kapoor, who likes to keep his personal life private, opened up about his admiration for his grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024. During the chat with the media, the actor not only talked about the legendary Raj Kapoor but also shared Raj Kapoor's first song, which he introduced to his daughter, Raha. The actor revealed that there is one all-time favourite of Raj Kapoor that he has made his daughter listen to.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Raha's first Raj Kapoor song During a media interaction, a journalist delighted Ranbir by singing the iconic track “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar” from the 1959 film Anari. As the actor was left mesmerised by the moment, he revealed that this song is his all-time favourite and it holds a very special place in his heart. Kapoor also disclosed that “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar” is Raj Kapoor's first song to which he made his baby daughter, Raha, listen. He further announced that a film festival featuring restored movies of his grandfather, veteran filmmaker Raj Kapoor, will be held across the country to celebrate his birth centenary in December. Raj Kapoor Film Festival "We are going to organize the Raj Kapoor Film Festival from December 13 to December 15 all over India. We will show the restored versions of 10 of Raj Kapoor's films," Ranbir said to a jam-packed auditorium at the Kala Academy. Further, he talked about discussing Raj Kapoor's biopic with his "godfather" and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and shared, "I talk to a lot of people, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali, about how to make a biopic on Mr Raj Kapoor. A biopic is not just something which highlights the success in a person's life; you truly have to portray someone's life honestly—the lows, struggles, relationship dynamics." He further continued and shared, "It's a very tough biopic to make. I don't know if my family would also agree to most of the things, to show this side of Raj Kapoor. But I think it would really make a great movie." Ranbir is also excited to reunite with Bhansali in Love & War. The director gave him his first break as an actor in 2007's Saawariya. (With inputs from PTI)

24 November,2024 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda

Vijay Deverakonda & Rashmika Mandanna enjoy lunch date, pic goes viral

It was just a few days back when Vijay Deverakonda confirmed that he is not single anymore, and just when fans were speculating that he is in a relationship with Rashmika Mandanna, a picture of the duo surfaced on social media. A picture of Vijay and Rashmika having lunch has circulated online. In one picture, Vijay was seen enjoying his lunch while a girl was seen seated across the table wearing a blue top. While the first picture couldn't clarify who the lady seated with Vijay was, the next picture proved that it is none other than Rashmika.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) Vijay Deverakonda & Rashmika Mandanna enjoy lunch date In the next picture going viral, we could see Rashmika dressed in the same blue top as she enjoys her meal. These two pictures have convinced netizens that they are definitely more than 'just friends.' While reacting to these pictures, one fan wrote, "This is one of the most openly secretive relationships currently. They know that we know. We know that they know. Yet they still wanna play Hide and Seek." Another fan gushed over Rashmika and shared, "Damn bro, someone please feature Rashmika in a female-centric action movie, she looks jacked af. She’s definitely not skipping back day." “They just don’t want to talk about it and ruin a good thing. They don’t care that we know, but they will not publicly come out either," a fan shared. Vijay Deverakonda confirms being in a relationship Earlier in an interview with Curly Tales, Vijay went candid about his love life and shared, “I know what it is to be loved, and I know what it is to love. I don’t know if it’s unconditional because my love comes with expectations. I don’t know of any love that comes…maybe there is, maybe it’s my ignorance of it. At the end of the day, it’s a good thing to be loved. Everything else is over-romanticised. I think it’s okay to be conditional in love.” Further, while admitting that he is not single anymore, he stated, “I have (dated a co-star before). I'm 35; you think I would be single? We all have to (get married) at some point unless it's a choice not to.” More about Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s dating rumours Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have been rumoured to be in a relationship ever since they shared the screen in the 2018 hit Geetha Govindam and the 2019 film Dear Comrade. The couple, who have been tight-lipped about their relationship, have never declined these rumours.

24 November,2024 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AR Rahman with Saira Banu Pic/AFP

Saira Banu reveals real reason behind her divorce from AR Rahman

Saira Banu recently announced her separation from music maestro AR Rahman, which led to him being subjected to severe social media trolling. Now, Saira has come out in support of Rahman and shared the reason behind why she wants to call this wedding quits. She also backed Rahman by calling him “a gem of a person, the best man in the world.” Saira shared a voice note requesting people not to tarnish the music maestro's name. Saira Banu reveals reason behind divorce Saira, in an official voice note, shared, "This is Saira Rahman here. I'm currently in Bombay. I've been physically unwell for the last couple of months. So that's the reason I just wanted to take a break from AR, but I would request the entire YouTube YouTubers, the Tamil Media, please please do not say anything bad against him. He's a gem of a person, the best man in the world." "Yes, it's it's just because of, my health issues I had to leave Chennai because I knew if I'm not in Chennai, you people will wonder where Sarah is. And I've come here to Bombay. I'm going ahead with my treatment, and this wouldn't have been possible with AR's busy schedule in Chennai, and I didn't want to disturb anybody, neither my children nor him," she further added. Saira Banu praise AR Rahman While showering AR Rahman with praise and clarifying that he isn't linked to anyone and said, "But he's an amazing human being. And all I would request is please just let him be the way he is. He is not linked with, I trust him with my life. That's how much I love him, and that's how much he does. So I kindly request you to stop all the false allegations against him, and God bless. And my sincere prayers that we are left alone and given space at this moment, not announced officially anything yet" She further concluded her note saying, "I'll be coming back to Chennai soon, but I have to complete my treatment and then come. Okay? So, I request you to kindly stop tarnishing his name, which is absolutely rubbish. And, like I said, he's a gem of a person. Thank you" AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s separation The news of AR Rahman and Saira Banu's separation was initially shared through a joint statement issued by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah. The couple stated that their decision was due to "significant emotional strain" in their relationship. The Mozart of Madras, who married Saira in 1995, shares three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. After Vandana, Rahman also put out an official statement and wrote, "We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again.  To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

24 November,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad

Swara Bhasker accepts Fahad Ahmad's loss in Maharashtra assembly elections

Swara Bhasker's husband Fahad Ahmad lost  his maiden election during the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. He contested from the Anushakti Nagar seat in the state on ticket by Sharad Pawar led Nationalist Congress Party. The couple who campaigned together in the days leading to the election  have accepted their defeat. Swara took to social media and spoke about the defeat but also praised Fahad for going down with a fight. Swara Bhasker accepts poll results Swara took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of herself breaking down as Fahad held her. She also shared a congratulatory note posted by her husband on X, formerly called Twitter, which read: “We accept the election result. Congratulations to Ms. Sana Malik. I hope you will serve our constituency without discrimination or favour Thanks to all my voters, supporters & team. I will always stand by you and be there for you. This is just the beginning”. The actress took to the caption section, where she penned down her thoughts. “Fahad contested and lost the Maharashtra assembly election on Anushakti Nagar seat by a very slim margin of 3378 votes in a bitter contest that he led for the first 17 of 19 rounds. Yes… it’s disappointing but he got more than 45,000 votes which is no mean achievement.” “We fought tooth and nail in a David-Goliath battle and there’s some solace in knowing that we went down fighting! Thank you so much for your help and support. We deeply appreciate it. Best, Swara and Fahad,” she wrote. Swara Bhasker's first reaction after elections results  On November 23, the Maharashtra election results were announced with the Mahayuti (an alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar) sweeped the polls. After the poll results, Swara accused of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) being faulty as her husband, Fahad Ahmad lost from Anushakti Nagar in Mumbai. She said that he was leading in majority rounds, only to lose towards the end.  On Saturday, the actress took to her X and raised questions on the authenticity of EVMs. She wrote, “In #AnushaktiNagar vidhaan sabha after a steady lead by @FahadZirarAhmad of NCP-SP.. round 17, 18, 19 suddenly 99% battery charger EVMs are opened and BJP supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes lead. How can machines that have been voted on ALL day long have 99% charged batteries? Why do all 99% charged batteries give votes to BJP and its allies? @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @NCPspeaks @supriya_sule @rautsanjay61 @OfficeofUT @INCIndia @RahulGandhi”.

24 November,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli

Was Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's son Akaay spotted during Ind vs Aus match?

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are among the most popular couples in India. The couple who got married in 2017 like to lead a private life and have so far maintained to hide the face of their kids from public glare. They have time and again requested to maintain the privacy of their kids- Vamika and Akaay. It briefly seemed to have been threatened when a footage from dugout of the India vs Australia test match in Perth went viral. In the footage, Anushka Sharma was seen sitting in the stands cheering for her husband and team India. Audience noticed a baby nestled in a man's arms sitting behind Anushka. It was soon assumed that thet little boy is Akaay, second child of the couple.  Is it really Akaay Kohli? Turns out the little baby is not Akaay Kohli. A source revealed that the baby seen in the viral pictures and videos from the Perth studio is not Akaay Kohli.  Netizens slam broadcasters  When it was assumed that the baby in question was Akaay, fans of the couple slammed the broadcasters for being reckless. The fans asked the broadcasters to e considerate of the couple's privacy when they have repeatedly requested the same for their kids. Check out what netizens had to say  Don't post Akaay's pics. Let them have privacy. Just respect their decision — A (@_shortarmjab_) November 24, 2024 @StarSportsIndia deserves some bashing for showing Anushka Sharma with Akaay Kohli. This is direct intervention of privacy. Stop this sensationalism and spice in broadcasting for some fame. Respect everyone's privacy plz.#AkaayKohli #AnushkaSharma #StarSports #AUSvIND #BGT2024 — Dipanjan Chatterjee (@I_am_DipCh) November 24, 2024 @FoxCricket @CricketAus I'm sure you guys know and understand the privacy concerns of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. When they're definitely not okay with their children getting clicked, please respect that https://t.co/nHntLuJwvz — Rocking_Wanderer (@RohitRoxz) November 24, 2024 Why Virushka does not show their kids face After the birth of their daughter Vamika in 2021, Kohli revealed the good news on his Instagram and a fan asked about if he will be showing a glimpse of the bday. However, Kohli replied - “No we have decided as a couple to not expose our child to social media before she has an understanding of what social media is and can make her own choice,” he said. The couple quietly welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Akaay Kohli, in February this year. They welcomed him in London where they currently reside. 

24 November,2024 03:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi receives standing ovation at the 46th Festival des 3 Continents

Renowned Indian actress and activist Shabana Azmi is currently in France, participating in the prestigious 46th Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, where she is being honoured with a special retrospective celebrating her remarkable 50-year career in Hindi cinema. The retrospective, which features a curated selection of her most iconic films, marks a significant milestone in Azmi’s illustrious journey, highlighting her enduring impact on global cinema. Shabana Azmi gets emotional The retrospective includes some of Azmi’s most acclaimed works, such as Ankur (1974), Mandi (1983), Masoom (1983), and Arth (1982), each showcasing her exceptional versatility and depth as an actress. Shabana Azmi shared a moving moment on social media today, posting a video of herself receiving a standing ovation at the festival. In the heartfelt message, she humbly thanked the audience, expressing her gratitude for the warm reception.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) The honour of this retrospective in Nantes is a testament to Azmi's legacy in the French film world, where her films have long resonated with audiences. She has previously earned recognition at esteemed cultural venues such as the Centre Pompidou and the Cinémathèque, and the Nantes Festival des 3 Continents, where her film Godmother (1999) was the opening night feature. This year marks a monumental achievement for Azmi, who has captivated audiences with her powerful performances across both Indian and international cinema. In addition to the retrospective, Azmi was recently awarded the prestigious Excellence in Cinema award at the Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI) in recognition of her 50 years in the industry. A five-time winner of the National Film Award for Best Actress, Azmi's career spans a vast array of genres and languages, earning her acclaim both in India and abroad. Throughout her career, Azmi has received numerous accolades, including India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012. Her ongoing commitment to both the arts and social causes has made her one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema and beyond. About Festival des 3 Continents The Festival des 3 Continents, held annually in Nantes, showcases cinema from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, celebrating cultural diversity and fostering dialogue among filmmakers and audiences worldwide. This year, Azmi’s retrospective further cements her status as one of the finest actresses of her generation and a global ambassador for cinema’s power to transcend borders and inspire change. Taking to social media, she writes “It was overwhelming. Standing ovation and the respect was palpable. So energising to speak to young filmmakers who have mortgaged their houses, resorted to stealing mother's jewellery, will be on the streets if the films don't recover the money and yet all they can do is, think, breathe is CINEMA. As Shabana Azmi celebrates this landmark in her career, her presence at the Festival des 3 Continents is a poignant reminder of the lasting influence she has had on cinema, both in India and across the globe.

24 November,2024 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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