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 SharmaRanbir 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 correspondentAmong 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 SharmaRanbir 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 correspondentIt 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 correspondentSaira 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 correspondentSwara 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 correspondentAnushka 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 correspondentRenowned 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 correspondentCelebrated filmmaker Subhash Ghai is set to make his mark in the short film genre with 'Gandhi', featuring the versatile Manoj Bajpayee in the lead. The film premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), showcasing Ghai's unique cinematic perspective. Sharing his thoughts on the project, Subhash Ghai remarked, "Filmmaking is all about perspective. Wars and conflicts in the world have often stemmed from a difference in perspectives. My short film Gandhi is not just a story but an exploration of viewpoints. The idea was sparked by a conversation when a18-year-old student from Whistling Woods International expressed this about celebrating Gandhi Jayanti. He says, ‘Sir, I won't play guitar to celebrate this occasion as I don't believe in Gandhi Jayanti,’ and that honest expression inspired me to delve deeper into Gandhi’s relevance today. I am grateful to my friend and one of the great actors we have right now Manoj Bajpayee, for being a part of this film. Manoj hasn't charged a single rupee for this film and was keen for the younger generations to understand 'Gandhi.' Manoj Bajpayee on his short film and working with Subhash Ji states, "Thank you Subhash ji for saying, 'Gandhi' is a perspective. Gandhi dada is an icon for all of us, but there's a generation that's growing up that has misconceptions about him. I have wanted to work with Subhash ji ever since I landed in Mumbai, it was certainly a dream come true to finally work with Subhash ji in this short film 'Gandhi'. I got to spend a lot of time with him as a director and me as an actor, I have always learnt from his films. Such a subject coming from Subhash Ji, getting his views and take where the 2 generations are trying to understand GANDHI and having their own perspective completely corrected and sorted about the enigma called GANDHI. It was lovely and very educational to be a part of this project" With Gandhi, Subhash Ghai steps into a new territory of storytelling as this is the first short format film made by the legendary showman blending contemporary reflections with historical context. The short promises to leave audiences with a thought-provoking interpretation of Gandhi's ideals in today’s world.
24 November,2024 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPowerhouse Ranveer Singh and acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Dhar visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar to seek blessings before commencing the next schedule of their highly anticipated film in the city. The visit to the holy temple is a heartfelt gesture from the duo, who paid homage to the sanctity of the city and its rich heritage. For generations, Amritsar has been a beacon of spiritual strength for people and the actor-director duo wanted to visit the Temple before starting the next schedule of the film. The team shot for an elaborate schedule in Bangkok earlier and this will be their second schedule. The actor has also posted a picture of his visit with a caption that reads: जाको राखे साइयाँ, मार सके न कोय ⚔️ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) About Ranveer Singh-Aditya Dhar collaboration This upcoming project brings together two powerhouses in Indian cinema—Aditya Dhar, whose debut URI: The Surgical Strike became a record-breaking phenomenon, and Ranveer Singh, celebrated as one of the most versatile actors of his generation who is basking in the love from the audience for his portrayal of Simmba in recently released ‘Singham Again’. Following the super-hit success of his last feature film ‘Rocky aur Rani ki prem kahani’, the chameleonic and charismatic Singh is ready to deliver another career-defining performance under Dhar’s meticulous direction. The actor will reportedly portray a R&AW (Research & Analysis) agent in the action thriller. The filmmaker has reportedly based the drama on one of the key missions that current National Security Advisor of India (NSA), Ajit Doval, undertook in his younger days. Details of the plot remain under wraps. Sources claim that Aditya’s cinematic translation of Doval’s story will release in cinemas next year. To meet the requirements of his character from Punjab, Ranveer is sporting a beard. Akshaye, Maddy, and Arjun play intelligence officers in Ranveer’s mission, while Sanju is the main antagonist. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar under their banner B62 Studios. This follows their recent super hit collaboration “Article 370”. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. With such a powerhouse ensemble and Dhar’s exceptional storytelling, this project is set to be one of the anticipated theatrical releases in recent years.
24 November,2024 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
