Anurag Kashyap, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in Indian cinema, was very close to the legendary filmmaker, the late Shyam Benegal. As the industry and every film enthusiast mourn the demise of the legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, we have unearthed a treasured memory from when Mid-Day interviewed Shyam Benegal and Anurag Kashyap at his office in Tardeo. During the chat, Anurag Kashyap revealed that it was just his second day in Mumbai when he barged into Benegal’s office to ask for work, and what happened next will bring a smile to your face. When Anurag Barged Into Shyam Benegal's Office In conversation with Mayank Shekhar for Mid-Day, Anurag Kashyap shared the memory of walking into Benegal’s office. He told this story while sitting next to the Manthan maker and shared, “In 1993, I came to Bombay, and it was my second day in the city. I found a place to stay in Dadar, and I remember wearing my jeans as it was raining—it was June 4th. The first thing I did was find his office address. I came from Dadar, searched for the Everest building, and met Mr. Ravi Khemu there, but Shyam Ji wasn’t available.” He further continued, stating, “Ravi Ji, Kunal Kemmu’s father, was very kind. He sat with me and talked to me. He asked, ‘Why do you want to do this? What have you done?’ He realized that I had just graduated and had only watched movies at film festivals. He recommended that I go to FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). He also gave me addresses of other offices, and that’s when I realized I would need to do something significant before getting a job in Shyam Benegal's office.” Kunal Kemmu Paid Respect to Shyam Benegal As Shyam Benegal took his last breath last night, actor Kunal Kemmu took to social media to pay a moving tribute to the legendary filmmaker, who passed away, leaving behind an indelible legacy in Indian cinema. In his post, Kunal shared a personal anecdote that highlighted the profound impact Benegal had on his life and career. "The first film set I went to was Shyam Babu's," Kunal wrote. Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of meaningful cinema, has left behind a rich legacy of critically acclaimed films, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika. His work not only elevated Indian cinema but also brought stories of social relevance to the forefront.
24 December,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharVarun Dhawan is one of the most loved actors in Bollywood. Varun is known for his over-enthusiastic behaviour and often catches headlines for it. Varun recently found himself in the midst of controversy after several videos allegedly showing him making his female co-stars uncomfortable went viral. In one video, he was seen kissing Kiara Advani's cheek during a photoshoot, which raised eyebrows, while another clip of him touching Alia Bhatt's belly raised questions. Now, while some have tagged these videos as healthy 'teasing,' others argue that he crossed his limits. Varun Dhawan reacted to kissing Kiara during a photoshoot As Varun Dhawan is currently promoting his film Baby John, he has reacted to these videos and denied having any inappropriate intentions towards his female co-stars. He further addressed these videos as 'harmless fun.' Appearing on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Varun was asked if he enjoys being naughty with his female co-stars, to which he replied, “Chhedam-chhaadi, if it is done in a happy space, a good space, whether it is a man or a woman… I have fun with my male co-stars as well, but nobody mentions that.” While specifically addressing the kissing incident with Kiara during a photoshoot, he said, "I’m glad you asked me this. It was planned. Both Kiara and I posted that clip. It was for a digital cover, and they wanted some movement and action, so we planned that." This kiss is so soft 🤌❤️🥰 Kiara Varun 😂❤️🥰 pic.twitter.com/T1ilUgKF3v — kavya (@rashee_14) January 28, 2024 When further asked about Kiara looking evidently shocked in the clip, Varun defended himself, saying, “She’s a good actress. It was completely planned. I’ll admit when things weren’t planned.” 1st video: Varun Dhawan asking Alia Bhatt before keeping his hand on his waist while posing for a photoshoot.2nd video: Varun asking Shraddha Kapoor her permission before lifting her up in a show. You are saying this guy har@sses his costars? Really?pic.twitter.com/4nPH32bMoK — Annesha (@ApnaaVarun) April 3, 2023 Baby John Advance Booking Update Varun's upcoming film Baby John, starring Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff, will hit theatres on Christmas. Advance bookings for the much-anticipated Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John have opened, and trade analysts believe the film looks promising. The actioner, they claim, is expected to rake in Rs 16 crore on its opening day, with collections over the first weekend likely to cross Rs 50 crore. That the film—directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee—aims to cater to the masses implies that it is a strong contender at the box office. However, trade experts exercise restraint when pitting it against other offerings of the year. Girish Wankhede tells Mid-Day, “It’s too early to know the exact [figures] because the bookings are picking up as we speak.”
24 December,2024 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at Mumbai's Fortune Enclave building in Bandra (W), where ace singer Shaan lives. While Shaan lives on the 11th floor of the building, the fire broke out on the seventh floor. Now the singer has reacted to the ordeal and shared that he was asleep when the fire broke out, and by the time they realised, most of the people in the building had already gone down. He also stated that he was stuck on the 14th floor at a neighbour's house for about 40 minutes until firefighters came up and took them down. Shaan & family were stuck in the building for about 40 mins Shaan, in his statement to HT, said, “The fire broke out on the seventh floor around 12:30 a.m. We were asleep and were woken up around 1 a.m. Most of the people in the building, on the seventh floor and below, had gone down. We were told to go to the terrace, but since the terrace was locked and the smoke was mounting, we took refuge at our neighbour, Mrs Kazi’s home, on the 14th floor. Unfortunately, they were stuck too. We were there for about 40 minutes until the firemen came up and took us down.” The fire didn’t damage the building He further revealed that the fire hadn't done any major damage to the building, but the seventh floor is completely gutted while the sixth and eighth floors are partially burnt. Shaan stated, “The seventh floor is completely gutted with fire. The sixth and eighth floors are partially burnt, but there hasn’t been much damage to the building. Our home is fine.” Everything is fine at their house Radhika Mukherji, Shaan's wife, also reacted to the shocking incident and stated, "We are fine. Our younger son, Maahi, was out, and it was Soham (elder son) who woke us up. The three of us had to be rescued besides our two house helps and two fur babies. Panic is inevitable in such situations, but we tried to stay as informed and prepared as possible. The first thing we did as a family was switch off all the mains and cover our faces with wet cloths to minimize smoke inhalation. We made three attempts to get to higher floors. Initially, we managed to reach the 15th floor, but the smoke was too overwhelming to go further." With God’s grace, everything is fine at their house, with no damage caused by smoke or fire to their abode.
24 December,2024 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Video, in collaboration with Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), today treated fans to a spectacular surprise on the occasion of Anil Kapoor’s birthday—a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Original movie, 'Subedaar'. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. Featuring the dynamic Anil Kapoor, alongside the talented Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter, Subedaar is helmed by the acclaimed director Suresh Triveni. An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, this masala action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January. The first look kicks-off with gritty visuals, accompanied by an adrenaline-pumping Subedaar theme track that captivates from the very beginning and keeps you hooked until the end. Anil Kapoor’s commanding presence is electrifying as he embodies a rugged and intense persona with absolute finesse. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle, powerhouse performance by Kapoor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Netizens react to Subedaar teaser "Superb," wrote Sanjay Kapoor reacting to the teaser video. Neil Nitin Mukesh dropped fire emojis A fan commented, "Feels like a South Movie for me but looks promising need a full trailer." Some also pointed out it felt like a remake of Rajinikanth's Tamil film 'Jailer' A user wrote in the comment section, "Balbir Singh in his early days" connecting the role with his character with that of Animal. Anil Kapoor talks about Subedaar Anil Kapoor shares, "Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life. I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life. Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years! Helming this much-awaited film, Suresh Triveni said. “Subedaar is a homage to the films I have grown up watching. As a maker I want to dabble with all possible genres I connect with. It’s been an absolute honour to collaborate with Anil Kapoor who remains a true hero in every sense of the word. Subedaar is about honour, courage and the spirit of never backing down, values embodied by a solider – on duty or off. I am delighted to share the first look on this special day as a return gift for millions of Anil Kapoor fans all over the world.” Subedaar, is an Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production. Directed by Suresh Triveni, the Original movie is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni. The compelling narrative is written by Suresh Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar.
24 December,2024 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith his highly anticipated Christmas entertainer 'Baby John' set to release tomorrow, Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi along with Presenter Atlee, producer Priya Atlee and director Kalees sought blessings at the revered Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain. The team participated in the sacred Bhasma Aarti, a unique and spiritually significant ritual at the temple. Speaking about the experience, Varun Dhawan said, "Visiting Mahakaleshwar has always been a dream. Being here feels surreal—the energy is so powerful and calming that it left me truly at peace. I'm leaving with a sense of positivity and gratitude." Varun took to Instagram, where he shared a picture of himself dressed in a dhoti and kurta. He has chandan on his forehead. The actor can be seen sitting on the pavement and is looking away from the camera. For the caption, he wrote: “Feeling blessed Jai Mahakal.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva.The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. Baby John Advance booking update Advance bookings for the much-anticipated Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John have opened, and trade analysts believe the film looks promising. The actioner, they claim, is expected to rake in Rs 16 crore on its opening day, with collections over the first weekend likely to cross Rs 50 crore. That the film—directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee—aims to cater to the masses implies that it is a strong contender at the box-office. However, trade experts exercise restraint when pitting it against other offerings of the year. Girish Wankhede tells mid-day, “It’s too early to know the exact [figures] because the bookings are picking up as we speak. Since it is set to release soon after the release of Pushpa 2—The Rule, they couldn’t open booking earlier. That has compromised the [collections]. It cannot match [the collections] of Stree 2 or Pushpa 2. But, it has great music, Atlee’s name, and Varun’s star power. There is a good chance that the film will pick up from Monday.” A remake of Atlee’s 2016 Tamil film Theri, Baby John also features Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff.
24 December,2024 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShyam Benegal’s last work, Mujib (2023), was possibly the most important film for Bangladesh; a biopic on the neigbouring nation’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was 89, when the movie released. You did well, Mr Benegal. His first feature, Ankur (1974), was possibly the most important Hindi film for India’s art-house movement, heralding the Indian New Wave, from Bombay. In between is a life so full of all kinds of cinema—shorts, documentaries, features, TV movies, series—that his CV alone, let alone its range, might be longer than an obituary can do justice. This would include a series of firsts; again, starting with Ankur itself, that was actor Shabana Azmi’s screen debut. Nishant (1975) was Naseeruddin Shah’s. He picked both actors, after they’d graduated from Pune’s Film & Television Institute of India. Shyam Benegal. Pic/AFP One evening, while watching news on television, the anchor caught his eye, and he cast her in his children’s film, Charandas Chor (1975). That was Smita Patil. Bhumika remains, arguably, her greatest performance. Between Naseer, Shabana and Smita, forming an alternate, Bombay star-system of their own—besides Om Puri (Susman, Arohan), Anant Nag (Konduran, Kalyug), Rajit Kapur (The Making of the Mahatma, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda), and so many others—Benegal didn’t just make films. He built an entire eco-system, for what came to be known as Hindi parallel cinema. Named such, because it did not intersect with the Bombay mainstream—remaining true to its realism, social consciousness, barely appeasing to audience’s baser instincts, or ignoring its intellect, while staying within commercial cinema, after all, for his features were still mostly privately funded (Blaze Productions, in particular). An unassuming, gentle soul, gifted with gravitas, foremost, Benegal was a young mind. How else do you explain a career scripted over seven decades. Consider that when he made his first short, in 1962 (Ghar Betha Ganga), Jawaharlal Nehru was still India’s Prime Minister; man was several years away from stepping on the moon; and it’d be 20 years before we’d get Doordarshan (DD) for a proper national broadcaster. Last checked, Benegal was still making movies. His partner, Nira, both in life and films, was his sounding board. He gave DD, and indeed Indian television, its greatest OTT slow-burn, decades before there was OTT, with Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), based on Nehru’s Discovery of India. He made India’s crowd-funded film, Manthan (1976), based on the life of dairy engineer, Verghese Kurien, with contribution of 500,000 farmers, decades before crowd funding became a term. With Junoon (1979), he made the sharpest effort, until then, to take art-house into a big-budget space, with stalwarts of the time, adapting Ruskin Bond’s A Flight of Pigeons. At the turn of the century, when multiplexes offered a short-lived window into exploring meaningful yet entertaining content, beyond simply the starry space, he brought forward intelligent comedies, Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008), Well Done Abba! (2009). This is before he swiftly switched gear, and embarked on the astoundingly ambitious series, on the making of the Indian Constitution, Samvidhaan (2014), for Rajya Sabha TV. Yup, Benegal has always been there. Not just in terms of works, but also for how he inspired. What’s the final shot in Nagraj Manjule’s Fandry (2013), if not the stone-throwing finale of Ankur! Given the widest possible gamut, surely, everybody has a Benegal Top 10. And each might read so different from the other. Kalyug (1981), modern adaptation of Mahabharat, set in Bombay’s corporate world, tops mine; Mammo (1994) might be a second; Mandi (1983) could be yours, or Zubeidaa (2001), if you’re younger. A cousin of Guru Dutt, who got interested in cinema, because of his photographer-father Sridhar Benegal, who gave him access to a movie camera, when he was only 12—once Benegal moved to Bombay, from Hyderabad, he started out as a man of advertising. It’s something he shared with Satyajit Ray, his inspiration of sorts. One of the most enlightening conversations on cinema that Benegal left behind for film buffs was his interview with Ray himself, for a documentary (that occasionally appears and disappears from YouTube). It’s where you see Benegal for simply a curious movie mind. And a consummate movie buff, you would always spot at screenings at cinemas and festivals. The last I met him, in 2019, at his Tardeo office, which is a shrine of sorts in filmmakers in Mumbai—it was right after his Manthan actor and long-time associate, Girish Karnad, had passed on. “Everybody’s leaving now,” he said. The very next minute, he began revealing how the then Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Haseena, had entrusted him with a film on her father, Mujib, along the lines of Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi. Benegal was 85 then—speaking about recommendations to the Indian censor board that never got implemented, or his public commitments in Goa, initiated from his Member of Parliament fund. We discussed movies as a changing medium. He told me the cellphone was the best way to watch films—the eye’s distance should, anyway, be one and half times the length of the screen’s diagonal, and the sound doesn’t get better than a headphone. I’ve followed his advice since. There was so much more to learn. The movies remain. He lives on forever.
24 December,2024 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar"We always want our greats to live on forever,” says Manoj Bajpayee, moments into our call with him. On Monday evening, that wish was shattered as Shyam Benegal, one of the finest filmmakers of Hindi cinema, passed away at 90. For Bajpayee, Benegal, who cast him as the male lead in Zubeidaa (2001), represented someone who made him confident about his looks. “When nobody could understand why he cast me as a prince in Zubeidaa, he had his own idea. For him, I was a better-looking guy than all the real princes at that time. He gave me a lot of confidence when I didn’t have confidence in my own looks. Every day, I would rush to be on the sets with him, to listen to him and be directed by him. It was a time that I will never be able to forget,” recounts the actor. Amol Palekar Bajpayee echoes the sentiments of many in the film industry when he describes Benegal as “a pioneer, a pathbreaker, and a guiding light for so many filmmakers of this generation”. “It was all started by that great man. It’s a sad day for all of us, who define cinema not as a commercial medium, but as one of art. He never compromised with the art of cinema. He kept changing the grammar of cinema. I admire him because he was existing in the extreme times when mainstream cinema was ruling the roost, where Mr Amitabh Bachchan came like a tsunami. Here was a man quietly carving a niche for himself, carving a new path for all the new generations to come.” Amol Palekar fondly remembered the filmmaker with whom he collaborated on Bhumika (1977), which was fronted by the late Smita Patil. Saddened by the loss, Palekar said, “The film industry should bow to the last Trojan! I do.” The rich legacy Ankur (1974)Nishant (1975)Manthan (1976)Bhumika (1977)Junoon (1979)Kalyug (1981)Mandi (1983)Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1993)Mammo (1994)Zubeidaa (2001)Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023)
24 December,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBR | Priyanka SharmaBack in the early 1970s, during the black n' white Doordarshan era, one often saw actor Bharat Bhushan in the song ‘Man Tadapat’ from the 1952 film ‘Baiju Bawra’. Over time, the other details became familiar—it was sung by Mohammed Rafi to the tune composed in raag Malkauns by Naushad for words written by Shakeel Badayuni. Those days, another song was popular on the radio. ‘O Haseena Zulfonwali’, also sung by Rafi, but this time for an R D Burman creation written by Majrooh Sultanpuri in the 1966 film ‘Teesri Manzil’, was a complete contrast, with its sheer energy depicted by Shammi Kapoor. Though it was the period Rajesh Khanna was ruling the screen, with most of his hits sung by Kishore Kumar, there were many Rafi songs that ruled the airwaves. Those melodies are popular even today, as we celebrate the legendary singer's birth centenary. Some 60 or 70 years after they were recorded, the tunes are still part of talent hunt contests, prominent on streaming platform playlists and sung at tribute shows by singers a couple of generations younger. Rafi lives on, and will continue to do so. The two songs mentioned above are evidence enough to prove the maestro's versatility. Of course, that was one of his main qualities. From a humour-laced song like ‘Sar Jo Tera Chakraye’ from ‘Pyaasa’ (1957) and the drunken slur of ‘Chalka Yeh Jaam’ from ‘Mere Humdum Mere Dost’ (1968) to the filmi Qawwali ‘Parda Hai Parda’ (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977) and the sheer poetry of Mirza Ghalib's non-film ghazal ‘Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismat’, his palette was filled with a variety of colours. And there were those numerous duets with Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt and Suman Kalyanpur, which still fill the ears and hearts of fans with romantic, youth-reminiscing nostalgia. There were other features that made Rafi unique. Starting from the very basics, there was the very texture of his voice. Divine. A singer's timbre is like his or her autograph, and Rafi had a distinct one. What was equally significant was the way he used that voice to express emotion. Listeners would feel the words, get gooseflesh from the nuances, sing along. Just check four of his songs closely and that connection is obvious—‘Insaaf Ka Mandir Hai Yeh’ (Amar, 1954), ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho’ (Chaudhvin Ka Chand, 1960), ‘Yaad Na Jaaye’ (Dil Ek Mandir, 1963) and ‘Din Dhal Jaaye’ (Guide, 1965). If one takes only these four songs, one notices two other things besides the voice texture and expression. They have been composed by four different music directors—Naushad, Ravi, Shankar-Jaikishen and S D Burman—and filmed on four different actors—Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Dev Anand. And these were Rafi's other hallmarks. He sang for a variety of music directors, and his voice suited many actors, from Dev Anand, Bharat Bhushan and Shammi Kapoor to Guru Dutt, Joy Mukherjee and Rishi Kapoor. Even for these actors, he would sing in contrasting styles, depending on the moods they portrayed in the film. Take the 1961 movie ‘Junglee’, for instance, where he sang for Shammi Kapoor under Shankar-Jaikishen's baton. On the one hand, there were the exuberant ‘Chaahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahe’ and ‘Karoon Main Kya Suku Suku’, which had listeners screaming ‘Yahoo’ and ‘Ai Yai Ya’ (the latter was inspired by a song by Bolivian singer Tarateno Rojas). In a totally opposite style, he sang ‘Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujhpar’. Likewise, there was ‘Pyaasa’, composed by S D Burman. Both ‘Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye’ and the Geeta Dutt duet ‘Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein’ were picturised on Guru Dutt. But see the difference in styles. The first relied on the brilliance of Sahir Ludhianvi's poetry and the other was a melodious romantic tune. In the 1956 film ‘CID’, composed by O P Nayyar, he had one tone for Dev Anand in ‘Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein’ and another for Johnny Walker in ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’. And there were those actors who were identified largely by Rafi songs—Vijay Arora for ‘Chura Liya’ in ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’ (1973) and Tariq for ‘Kya Hua Tera Vaada’ in ‘Hum Kisise Kum Naheen’ (1977). Rafi's other trademark was his use of classical raags. In ‘Baiju Bawra’, besides Malkauns in ‘Man Tadapat’, he rendered a brilliant Darbari in ‘O Duniya Ke Rakhwale’. His rendition of raag Hameer in ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika’ (Kohinoor, 1960) and Shivranjini in ‘Baharon Phool Barsao’ (Suraj, 1966) are exemplary. Music directors of the 1950s and 1960s had a soft corner for Pahadi, and Rafi delivered many hits in this raag—‘Jo Vaada Kiya Who’ (with Lata in Taj Mahal, 1963), ‘Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere’ (Dosti, 1964), ‘Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salaami Lelo’ (Ram Aur Shyam, 1967), ‘Chalo Dildar Chalo’ (with Lata in Pakeezah, 1972). A combination of these factors makes Rafi's songs memorable to this day. Though each fan would have a different set of favourites, time hasn't diluted the impact of these charming melodies. On his birth centenary, it would be appropriate to spend the day in the company of his magical voice. There can be ‘Savere Wali Gaadi’ (Laat Saheb, 1967) in the morning, ‘Din Dhal Jaaye’ in the afternoon, ‘Hui Shaam Unka Khayal Aaya’ (Mere Humdum Mere Dost) in the evening and ‘Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salaami Le Lelo’ at night, with ‘Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere’ at any time. There's a Rafi song for every time of the day, every mood, everyoccasion.
24 December,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Narendra KusnurActor Junaid Khan says three of Bollywood's biggest icons -- his father Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan -- have done "fantastic work" for decades and that's the reason behind their longevity in showbiz. Junaid, who made his acting debut with the 2024 period drama "Maharaj", was recently in Lucknow for the staging of his play "Runaway Brides". "They've all been at the top of their game not just for years but for almost three decades, close to 40 years. That is no small feat. They've done fantastic work for decades, which isn't easy," the actor told PTI when asked about the trio's enduring legacy. Do comparisons with his father burden him? Dismissing the notion, Junaid said: "It hasn't happened to me so far. Papa and I are physically very different, so we'd never play similar kinds of characters. It doesn't bother me, and I haven't experienced it yet." The actor was in Lucknow for the 12th edition of the Repertwahr festival. Junaid, 31, expressed delight at the reception of his comedy drama "Runaway Brides", directed by Faezeh Jalali. "It was a lovely experience here. The energy was great, and the audience has been fantastic," he said. This marked his third visit to the city, following previous trips for a friend's wedding and his 2019 play, "Bone of Contention", staged at the Sangeet Natak Akademi. On balancing his passion for theatre with a growing film career, the newcomer said, "For stage plays, you need to dedicate about six to eight weeks. After that, it's about taking out a couple of days for rehearsals and performances." Despite juggling projects across mediums, he emphasised that theatre remains his first love. "Theatre is my passion. I've been performing in India since 2017, after training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and briefly working for their repertory company. Since then, I've done about seven to eight plays and a hundred shows," he added. Junaid also shared his admiration for actors across generations. "There are so many fantastic actors like (Amitabh) Bachchan sahab, Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh, Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Rani (Mukerji), and Shabana Azmi, who excels both on screen and stage," he said. However, assessing performances, especially in films, isn't something he engages in. "A film performance depends so heavily on the director and the technical setup. On stage, you can evaluate a performance, but it doesn't hold much value for films," he remarked. Junaid has two theatrical releases lined up for 2025. "I have a film produced by Phantom Films releasing on February 7. It's a fun rom-com starring Khushi Kapoor, quite different from my last period drama 'Maharaj'," he said. The other project is a film directed by Sunil Pandey and backed by his father's banner Aamir Khan Productions. 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
24 December,2024 07:51 AM IST | Lucknow | ANIBollywood actor and BJP Lok Sabha MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut on Monday inaugurated the Craft Handloom village at Sharan in Himachal's Kullu district and inspected the local craft and handloom produced by women. She also visited a local craft and handloom exhibition and distributed certificates and tools to women entrepreneurs. The craft village is a modern-day concept to promote craft and Handloom products and tourism as a destination with artisans and weavers living and working at the same place provided with the opportunity to sell their products. The village scheme would prove to be a boon for craftsmen engaged in weaving and producing traditional products like shawls and pattoo, as there is a huge demand for these products across the country, and the products are exported to 30 countries, she said while talking to reporters. "It is a big step taken by the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the local artisans of Himachal Pradesh. He understands that Himachal is more than its mountains, rivers and scenic beauty...We want our locally designed and made woollens to be cherished by the people of India," Ranaut noted. The traditional shoes of Manali, locally called 'pule', are unique specimens of craftsmanship, and besides being comfortable, it is also environment friendly, she added. Local Congress MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur and Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish were also present on the occasion. 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
24 December,2024 07:42 AM IST | Shimla | PTIVeteran director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal has passed away at the age of 90. He breathed his last today at 6:38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, where he was undergoing treatment for chronic kidney disease. From Chiranjeevi to Akshay Kumar, actors expressed their grief over the passing away of the legendary filmmaker. Taking to X, actor Chiranjeevi wrote, "Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India's greatest cultural treasure!! A fellow Hyderabadi & former Rajya Sabha member, Benegal Sab's masterful works will always be held in great esteem in Indian Cinema! Rest In Peace Sir!!" Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural… — Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) December 23, 2024 Bollywood star Akshay Kumar also mourned the demise of the veteran filmmaker and wrote, "Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji's demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti" Pained to know of Shyam Benegal ji’s demise. One of the finest filmmakers in our country, truly a legend. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/FGbMf0l0jO — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 23, 2024 "He created 'the new wave' cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide," filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wrote on X. He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx — Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2024 Veteran actor Anupam Kher said he was deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of the legendary filmmaker. "He was the messiah for actors, writers and technicians of alternative cinema in #India. He told stories differently. When I went to meet him to ask for a role during the making of #Mandi, he looked at me and said, "I don't have anything substantial for you in this film. And I don't think you should do a smaller role! Why don't you wait. May be something substantial will come your way!" And when #Saaransh happened he was extremely happy for me!! Goodbye #ShyamBabu. Thanks for your brilliance and generosity. Will miss you and your infectious smile." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) For Manoj Bajpayee, it is a "heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema." "Shyam Benegal wasn't just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced understanding of performances. I'll forever be grateful for the lessons I learned under his direction. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to work with him. His legacy will live on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. Rest in peace Shyam Babu, Om Shanti" A heartbreaking loss for Indian cinema. Shyam Benegal wasn’t just a legend, he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations. Working with him in Zubeidaa was a transformative experience for me, exposing me to his unique style of storytelling & nuanced… pic.twitter.com/EH0eosqkAR — manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) December 23, 2024 Filmmaker Subhash Ghai remembered the late filmmaker and called him an inspiration for young generation. "The Pioneer master of indian parallel cinema shri # SHAM BENEGAL is no more with us but his teachings inspirations n definitions of cinema with social issues will always remain with us n younger generations of film makers - he has been our mentor n founder architect of all the courses in film making at #WHISTLINGWOODS since 2006 - specially to me in my growth as mainstream film maker.Sir you will always live with us as a master n guide both in the growth of indian cinema. Your contribution in indian cinema is invaluable for good.RIP. WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS. WITH GRATITUDE" View this post on Instagram A post shared by SG (@subhashghai1) Director Karan Johar wrote on his Instagram stories, "RIP Sir, Thank you for your Cinema... for stories that shaped incredible talent and for pushing boundaries and creating pride in Indian Cinema." Kajol expressed grief over the demise of the filmmaker and wrote, "Deeply saddened by the loss of legendary Shyam Benegal. His contribution to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work". "Much will be written about Shyam Benegal but for me not many talk about the fact that there was a lament in his films and a sadness about the fact we were not living in the best of all possible Worlds," wrote filmmaker Sudhir Mishra. Much will be written about Shyam Benegal but for me not many talk about the fact that there was a lament in his films and a sadness about the fact we were not living in the best of all possible Worlds . — Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) December 23, 2024 Benegal's films, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika, established him as a pioneer of the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Benegal was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times and received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri.His films left an indelible impact on audiences, addressing relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. His most recent project, Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), was an India-Bangladesh co-production depicting the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Shot extensively in both countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the biographical film added another feather to his illustrious cap. In addition to feature films, Benegal contributed significantly to documentaries and television. His iconic series Bharat Ek Khoj and Samvidhaan remain benchmarks in Indian television. He also served as the Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) from 1980 to 1986 and was a member of prestigious juries, including the 14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985) and the 35th National Film Awards (1988). 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
24 December,2024 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIADVERTISEMENT
