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Shilpa Shetty distances herself from ED raids on husband Raj Kundra

Shilpa Shetty's lawyer has issued an official statement distancing the actress from the Enforcement Directorate's raids on her husband Raj Kundra. The statement says that the actress has nothing to with any 'any offence of whatsoever nature'. The statement comes after The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations associated with businessman Raj Kundra in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged production and distribution of pornographic and adult content. Shilpa Shetty's lawyer issues statement The official statement of Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s lawyer, advocate Prashant Patil, read, "There have been reports in the media saying that my client Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been raided by the Enforcement Directorate. These reports are not true and are misleading. As per my instructions, there is no Enforcement Directorate raid on Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with any offence of whatsoever nature.  "However , the case in question is an ongoing investigation regarding Mr Raj Kundra and he is cooperating with the investigation for truth to come out. Would request the electronic and print media to refrain from using the videos , pictures and name of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra as she has nothing to do with the case. Strict cognisance shall be taken against irresponsible journalism wherein the pictures or videos of Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra are shared on this matter." Enforcement Directorate's raids on Raj Kundra Around 15 locations in Mumbai and some cities in Uttar Pradesh are being searched, including the home and office of 49-year-old Kundra and some other persons, the sources said. The agency is understood to be questioning Kundra at one of these premises. This money laundering case of May, 2022 stems from at least two Mumbai police FIRs and chargesheets filed against Kundra and others. The businessman and some others were arrested in the case by the police and later granted bail. This is the second money laundering case against Kundra. Early this year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 98 crore of Kundra and Shetty in a crypto currency case. The couple, however, obtained relief from the Bombay High Court against this ED attachment order. (With PTI inputs)

29 November,2024 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai
Boman Irani

Boman Irani's family gives him an early birthday surprise at the airport

Ace Bollywood actor Boman Irani, celebrated for his remarkable performances spanning over two decades, is cherished by fans not only for his craft but also for his warm and endearing personality. As he gears up to turn a year older on December 2nd, his family gave him a heartwarming surprise that left him speechless.   Boman’s wife, children, grandchildren, and close friends came together at the airport to surprise him with an early birthday celebration. The highlight was revealing a special birthday trip to Goa. The celebration further became even more memorable when Boman cut a birthday cake with his family and friends at the airport, spreading joy among everyone, including the paparazzi, who captured the heartfelt moments.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by BollywoodNow (@bollywoodnow) This pre-birthday celebration reflects Boman's close relationship with his family, who couldn't wait until his actual birthday to show him love and affection. The trip to Goa promises to be a joyous experience full of laughter, bonding, and treasured memories. Boman Irani's work front Boman Irani has had an exceptional year, both personally and professionally. He is set to make his directorial debut with the much-anticipated film The Mehta Boys. The film has already garnered international acclaim, winning the prestigious Best Feature Film award at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival. Additionally, The Mehta Boys premiered at the IFFSA Film Festival in Canada, where Boman conducted a workshop and was honored with the Best Actor award for his outstanding performance. Actor Boman Irani shared his journey of making film 'The Mehta Boys' during its screening at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Speaking to the media, Boman said the story started with an idea given to him by Sujoy Ghosh a decade ago. "This movie was given to me by Sujoy Ghosh 10 years ago. He gave me one line for the picture, which was the beginning of the story. Then I started writing. I said I will direct it. He gave me a one-liner," Boman said. "I met my friend Alex Denelaris in New York. I sat with him, and it took me many years to write this story. In the end, the story was made. And today I will present it to you. It is very close to my heart. Alex Denelaris, he is an Oscar-winning writer. He became a brother. He felt the same way about this film as I do. It is a film about family, and we have now become family. So we had to be more truthful than ever to make this film, The Mehta Boys," he added.

29 November,2024 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shalini Passi

This is what Shalini Passi did with her 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives' fee

Shalini Passi, a Delhi socialite shot to fame with her appearance in 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives' which is currently streaming on Netflix. The popular reality show's third season primarily features Bollywood wives Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari, Maheep Kapoor, and Seema Sajdeh. While the first two seasons centered around them and their lives in Mumbai, the third season saw the entry of Delhi-based socialites Shalini Passi, Kalyani Saha, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. Shalini Passi is married to a millionaire and leads a lavish life but also has benevolent heart. She revealed what she did with the money she earned through the Netflix show. "This is a question that I've been asking everybody: Why am a I born here? What is my purpose? As a human being, you do your best. My entire acting fee actually goes to a village through UNICEF in Bihar. Everything that I do, all my earnings go to charity. I work diligently with them," Shalini said in an interview with Aaj Tak.  "Beyond that also, I've been trying to create a show about women's voices, and another one representing Indian culture. However, I have often received feedback that there's not enough audience to watch these shows. I am ready to show India its culture, the power of women, but the audiences have to be ready. It's just not about my time, it's about production and the cost as well," she added. Who is Shalini Passi?  Shalini is a Delhi resident who is an artist, art collector and philanthropist. She is also the founder of MASH, an organisation which brings the world of art, architecture, craft, design, and fashion closer. She is married to Sanjay Passi, chairman of Pasco Group, a dominant name in Tata Motors-certified dealerships in North India. They have one son named Robin. The three live together in their plush 20,000 sq ft palatial home in New Delhi. See inside pics from the house here.  Reportedly, Shalini got married at the early age of 20. Details of her current age is not available on the internet. Shalini Passi is a deeply spiritual and religious person. She along with her husband Sanjay, has been linked with a high-profile donation of INR 10 crore for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which oversees Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati in February 2021.  

29 November,2024 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sai Tamhankar in Agni

Sai Tamhankar: 'Agni has made me more aware and responsible as a citizen'

Actress Sai Tamhankar, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming streaming movie Agni, has said that the film has made her more aware as a citizen and has reminded her of her responsibilities. The actress essays the role of the wife of a firefighter, essayed by Pratik Gandhi, in the film. She called the firefighters the "unsung heroes" and an integral part of any society. Talking about the film, she told IANS, “I feel we haven't seen any film about firefighters in Hindi cinema. They are the underdogs and the unsung heroes of our society, often taken for granted. I am proud to be part of a project that celebrates them. Working with Excel Entertainment was a fabulous experience, and this project holds a special place in my heart." She further mentioned that she considers herself the ‘phool’ of Agni because her character brings warmth and love to this fiery world. She continued, “Just like a flower evokes happiness and calm, my character adds love and joy to the intense narrative of Agni. Ever since I started shooting for this film, I ask a question to myself, ‘PaGaL?’ Pa for Paani, Ga for Gas, and L for Light. It’s a reminder to always check and turn these off before leaving home. Thus, Agni has made me more aware and responsible as a citizen." Discussing her preparation, the actress met with the families of firefighters, especially homemakers, and realised their unwavering support comes from the belief that their husbands contribute significantly to society and the nation. That sense of pride is their biggest motivation, and it’s truly inspiring and humbling. She added, “My character in the film is deeply committed to her family’s well-being. Portraying this mentality was a challenge for me because it’s such a unique perspective. I also met firefighter couples whose lives are so unpredictable. Playing this role was not only fun but also incredibly fulfilling. I’m grateful to be part of such a meaningful and special film”. In addition to ‘Agni’, the actress also has ‘Ground Zero’, ‘Matka King’, directed by Nagraj Manjule of ‘Sairat’ fame, and ‘Dabba Cartel’ in the pipeline.

29 November,2024 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Tishaa Kumar

T-series head Bhushan Kumar's cousin Tishaa died due to medical negligence

Producer Krishan Kumar’s wife Tanya Singh has claimed that their 20-year-old daughter Tishaa didn't die of cancer. She claimed on social media that her family were “sucked into the medical trap”. Tishaa passed away aged 20 in July 2024. At that time, reports claimed that she succumbed to cancer. On Thursday night, Tanya posted a lengthy note on Instagram about her daughter’s death. She also shared a video of some old pictures and videos of Tishaa from her childhood to the final months.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tanya A Singh 🧿 (@tanyasingghofficial) Talking about her death, she wrote in the caption: "A lot of people have been writing and asking me to tell what happened. Truth is subjective and relative to how one perceives it. When a pure, innocent soul goes through injustice due to someone / some other bad doings, things get complicated and confusing & suddenly it’s too late!" She talked about medical malpractice and misdiagnosis in her post and said that 'no one can escape the wrath of their Karmic deeds'. “Having said that, my daughter TISHAA, no matter what went down, she never, not once gave in to fear or depression. She has been the bravest version of brave, the most fearless and cool 20-year-old ever, and that’s what TISHAA wanted to spread to kids her age/ younger/older… how to ‘not’ let medical diagnosis etc scare you, coz she knew that the body is a biological being for whom immunity is key and she wanted to help spread the word through her experience of overcoming a misdiagnosis, dealing with ‘chemo SIDE EFFECTS' with BIOMEDICINE.” She said: ‘truth’ is that my daughter did not have ‘cancer’ to begin with. she had a vaccine at age 15 n 1/2 which possibly triggered an autoimmune situation , which was wrongly diagnosed(we did not know this at the time)” Tanya added that parents show get a second opinion for their children if they have ‘lymph node swellings’. “ PLEASE make sure to get a second & third opinion before going in for a ‘bone-marrow’test or a biopsy. Lymph nodes are the body’s defence guards & they can also swell due to emotional trauma ,etc, or due to a previous infection not treated fully. we were already sucked into the ‘medical trap’ much before all this information found us. I pray daily that no kid should ever have to face this cruel world of medical traps or hidden negative forces”. 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

29 November,2024 03:48 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Pic/Instagram

Anil Kapoor's romantic moment with wife Sunita Kapoor at the Taj Mahal

Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and his wife Sunita Kapoor recently visited the iconic Taj Mahal and treated fans to a glimpse of their special outing. Anil took to his Instagram account to share pictures from the trip, where the couple looked both happy and stylish. In one of the pictures, Anil and Sunita are seen posing sweetly together. Anil sported an all-black outfit, while Sunita dressed warmly for the winter weather. Along with the pictures, Anil Kapoor added a caption, quoting Alain de Botton's On Love: "Perhaps it is true that we do not really exist until there is someone there to see us existing, we cannot properly speak until there is someone who can understand what we are saying in essence, we are not wholly alive until we are loved."           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by anilskapoor (@anilskapoor) The post received love and compliments from friends and family. Filmmaker Farah Khan jokingly asked, "Deep papaji! Who wrote it?" Actor Varun Dhawan left a heart emoji, and designer Masaba Gupta complimented Sunita's necklace. Shilpa Shetty wrote, "Awww," while Anand Ahuja and Rhea Kapoor also dropped heart emojis. Meanwhile, on the work front, Meanwhile, on the work front, Anil Kapoor will be seen in the action-drama 'Subedaar'. The film is directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously directed T-Series' comedy-drama Tumhari Sulu (2017) and Jalsa, both headlined by Vidya Balan. Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni, and Anil Kapoor serve as producers for the film. 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

29 November,2024 02:33 PM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Shriya Saran

IFFI 2024: Shriya Saran shares her experience of shooting for a song with Suriya

South Indian actress Shriya Saran opened up on her upcoming song with Tamil cinema superstar Suriya and shared her experience of shooting for the track. While speaking to the media at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Thursday, Shriya said, "I did a song in Surya sir's movie. It was lovely shooting for it. I think the song is coming out in December. That's what I was told last." As for IFFI 2024, the closing ceremony saw the attendance of eminent personalities such as director Ramesh Sippy, actor Pratik Gandhi, actress and politician Jaya Prada, Rupali Ganguly and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, among others. Sharing her experience of attending the festival, actress and politician Jaya Prada shared, "I am feeling proud and grateful that I have been invited to attend such a big platform." Rupali added, " I am so proud to be a part of it. And it's my first time here and coming here as a jury member for the Web series. It feels I just feel so honoured." The festival, which began on November 20, showcased over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, three international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. Notably, the organisers paid tribute to four Indian cinema legends to mark their 100th birth anniversaries: actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, Telugu cinema star Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and singer Mohammed Rafi. The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concludes today, November 28. 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

29 November,2024 08:15 AM IST | Panaji | ANI
Ramesh Sippy. Pic/Satej Shinde

IFFI: Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Joneja share their experience at the closing ceremony

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy shared his experience of attending the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and spoke about what makes the festival special every year. Director Ramesh Sippy has given hits like 'Sholay', 'Shakti', 'Saagar', and many others. "All the enthusiasts who have come to Goa for the festival or the local population, youngsters and enthusiasts, all of them have come together and I'm sure they all welcomed some of the nice work that has already come up at the festival," he told the media. Actor Kiran Joneja, wife of Ramesh Sippy, who is known for her works in serials such as 'Ye Jo Hai Zindagi', 'Kismat',and 'Junoon' added, "It was a wonderful experience and especially got an opportunity to see Dadasaheb Phalke's first film, which was 105 years old and it was restored. And it was an amazing experience. I was just so fascinated I think for his time how advanced he must have been and how he used VFX in his way how he created those scenes is a mystery. I must go back and read on it." As for IFFI 2024, the closing ceremony saw the attendance of eminent personalities such as director Ramesh Sippy, actor Pratik Gandhi, actress and politician Jaya Prada, Rupali Ganguly and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, among others. Sharing her experience of attending the festival, actress and politician Jaya Prada shared, "I am feeling proud and grateful that I have been invited to attend such a big platform." Rupali added, " I am so proud to be a part of it. And it's my first time here and coming here as a jury member for the Web series. It feels I just feel so honoured." The festival, which began on November 20, showcased over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, three international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. Notably, the organisers paid tribute to four Indian cinema legends to mark their 100th birth anniversaries: actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, Telugu cinema star Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and singer Mohammed Rafi. The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concludes today, November 28. 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

29 November,2024 08:12 AM IST | Panaji | ANI
Vikrant Massey

Vikrant Massey: I am interested in doing entertainment and inspiring cinema

Actor Vikrant Massey, who garnered significant attention for 12th Fail and the recently released The Sabarmati Report, discussed his approach to choosing projects, expressing his preference for "entertainment and inspiring cinema." Speaking to the media at the closing ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he said, "I always try to work responsibly. Whether it is 12th Fail, Sector 36, or The Sabarmati Report, there is always an effort to entertain people while also being part of responsible cinema." Commenting on the current filmmaking landscape and audience responses, he added, "I am interested in doing entertainment and inspiring cinema. Even today, cinema remains a highly influential medium. Many in society draw inspiration from it. In India, we produce about 1,800 to 2,000 films annually, encompassing all genres. While all kinds of films should be made, responsible cinema is thriving, and audiences are appreciating it." 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Anant Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee, captivated viewers with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The film provides behind-the-scenes insights into its evolution, from inception to completion. The recently released The Sabarmati Report has created waves nationwide, with high-profile screenings and endorsements from prominent political figures and industry veterans. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the cast of The Sabarmati Report, a film based on the burning of the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra station in Gujarat on February 27, 2002. The incident claimed the lives of at least 59 Hindu devotees returning from Ayodhya and triggered widespread riots in the state. In visuals shared, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is seen interacting with Ektaa R Kapoor, Vikrant Massey, and others. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also attended a screening of the film during the 55th edition of IFFI in Goa. Following the screening on Thursday, Sawant conveyed his best wishes to Ektaa R Kapoor and the The Sabarmati Report team via a phone call facilitated by producer Mahaveer Jain. "I really liked the film; it's extremely well-made. Congratulations to the entire team," said the Chief Minister. He further announced his consideration of granting the film tax-free status in Goa. "After watching this movie, I am considering making it tax-free in Goa. We will implement this decision in a few days. Very few filmmakers focus on real facts, and this film is based on a true incident. I congratulate the producer and actors for their commendable work," he told ANI. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended a screening of the film in Lucknow with the cast. He praised the movie and its lead actor, Vikrant Massey, saying, "Vikrant Massey and his team have made a commendable effort. I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Uttar Pradesh. The people of the country have the right to know the truth about the efforts made to create animosity in society. We will make this film tax-free in the state to promote it further." The film also stars Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra in pivotal roles. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, and Anshul Mohan, The Sabarmati Report is based on the real-life events surrounding the Godhra train incident. As for IFFI 2024, the closing ceremony saw the attendance of eminent personalities such as director Ramesh Sippy, actor Pratik Gandhi, actress and politician Jaya Prada, and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, among others. The festival, which began on November 20, showcased over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, three international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. Notably, the organisers paid tribute to four Indian cinema legends to mark their 100th birth anniversaries: actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, Telugu cinema star Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and singer Mohammed Rafi. The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concludes today, November 28.  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

29 November,2024 08:06 AM IST | Goa | ANI
Salman Khan, Thalapathy Vijay, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shah Rukh Khan

Have you heard? SRK becomes highest taxpayer; Zaheer 'hurt' by Sonakshi's remark

Show me the money Several celebrities paid hefty taxes this year, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the list. He reportedly paid R92 crore in taxes, thanks to a phenomenal year with Pathaan (2023) and Jawan (2023), both of which grossed over Rs 1,000 crore at the box office. Close behind was south star Thalapathy Vijay, whose The Greatest of All Time (2023) earned over Rs 600 crore. Vijay paid Rs 80 crore in taxes. Salman Khan followed with R75 crore, and Amitabh Bachchan paid R71 crore. Cricketer Virat Kohli came next with Rs 66 crore, while Kareena Kapoor Khan was the only female celebrity on the list, contributing R10 crore. These figures, reported by Fortune India, are based on advance tax payments made by the stars. When Farah is being Farah Tom Cruise and Farah Khan Farah Khan proved that almost everyone is a fan of Tom Cruise as she openly expressed her admiration for the Hollywood star. She commented on Tom’s behind-the-scenes pictures from Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, writing, “TOMMMMMMMMM... waiting to work with you (sic),” followed by a heart and folded hands emoji. While her comment sparked rumours of a potential collaboration, it seems more like a classic case of Farah fangirling. We all hope Tom notices it and makes Farah’s day. Measuring love The Sinhas, along with Zaheer Iqbal, recently appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show. A statement made by Poonam Sinha on the show seems to have sparked controversy. Poonam discussed the concept of marrying someone who loves you more than you love them. She cited her own example before commenting on her daughter, Sonakshi Sinha, stating that she married a man she loves more than he loves her. While Sonakshi was caught off guard, she quickly smoothed over the moment, saying, “Zaheer feels he loves me more; I feel I love him more. Who can settle this one?” Her response deflected the awkwardness, but sharp-eyed viewers noticed the tension. On Reddit, users commented, “Oh God! That was so sad and awkward to watch. They thought her statement was heading in a completely different direction and celebrated a little too early. You can see he was a bit hurt by where that went.” Another user added, “Sona handled it really well. You could see she sensed that he felt bad about it.”   Pretty please Excitement is in the air as fans prepare to see Dua Lipa perform in Mumbai. The singer-songwriter arrived in the city ahead of her November 30 concert, where Jonita Gandhi will open the show. On Thursday, Dua was spotted at the Kalina airport wearing a yellow T-shirt and black trousers. This marks Dua’s second visit to India, but it will be her first performance. Her previous trip was a quiet holiday in Rajasthan, where she went unnoticed. This time, however, the spotlight is on her. Speculation is already brewing over which Bollywood star might host her post-concert celebration.  Poems for Diljit There’s nothing like being acknowledged by a legend. Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, currently on a music tour, received a special autographed book of poems from celebrated writer-lyricist Gulzar. Diljit shared a picture of the book, 89 Autumns of Poems, with a personal note from Gulzar that read, “Dear Diljit, with love & regards!” The book celebrates the illustrious poetry career of the writer. Next, Diljit is set to perform in Kolkata on November 30.  

29 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist Team
Girls Will Be Girls stars (centre) Kani Kusruti and (right) Preeti Panigrahi

Girls Will Be Girls director Shuchi Talati on how Richa Chadha agreed to produce

Why is that skirt so short? Why are you bending over the desk like that? Who is calling you so many times? Shuchi Talati remembers these questions being thrown at her constantly during her teenage years. Those years of being questioned and her defiance have led to her maiden feature film, Girls Will Be Girls. “I started to make this film from a place of anger and rebellion. As teenagers, [girls] are subjected to constant policing and surveillance, which instills in them a deep shame about desire or sexuality. I wanted to tell a story about a young girl’s first romance, her sexual awakening, but treat it as a normal part of growing up. I wanted to do it in a way where the storytelling doesn’t shame it at all,” starts the director. (From left) Producer Richa Chadha with Shuchi Talati Girls Will Be Girls—which won two awards at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival—tells the story of 16-year-old Meera, essayed by Preeti Panigrahi, and her complex relationship with her mother, played by Kani Kusruti. Their friction only increases when the daughter’s boyfriend starts showering attention on the mother. Talati reveals that the mother’s track came to her much later. She recalls, “The character of the mother appeared in a later draft. It was so rich because I was closer in age to the mom. I felt, ‘This woman is in her late 30s. Why should she not have desire? Why should she not have fun?’ This boy is giving her attention. Nobody else in her life did that. So, I started feeling a lot of empathy for her. The film became about the two generations of women, who are trying to break out of the box that society [imposes] on them. They are trying to subvert, circumvent, and somehow live their life with more freedom.” She adds, “Their friction is key to our story [because initially] Meera looks down on her mother, who stays at home and seems unfulfilled. Through the film, she grows up to see her mother as a full person. That kinship comes to them eventually.” To Talati, the movie is of much emotional value, not only because it is her first feature film, but also because it comes from a personal space. However, she points out that it is not autobiographical in nature, as she says, “With first-time women filmmakers, people assume that they’re writing about their life. This film is deeply personal. Not because any of these things happened to me, but because I felt all of these things. For instance, Meera gets worried that her boyfriend is getting close to her mother. I have felt [a similar] insecurity when my boyfriend was talking to some girl who seemed older, cooler and more interesting. I have felt [that pang of sadness] that the mother feels when she sees that someone is going to have so many more opportunities than her.” Filmmaking is a career that happened by chance to the Baroda-born writer-director, who was almost on her way to become a doctor. But a conversation with a friend made her realise that her calling is in the arts. It is in journalism school that she met classmate Richa Chadha, who, years later, along with actor-husband Ali Fazal, backed Girls Will Be Girls as their maiden production. “Richa was the first person to come on board. I was pitching it at Film Bazaar at the co-production market. I called Richa as she is the only person I knew in the industry. She read the script and loved it. She said, ‘I wanted to produce for a long time. What could be better than backing one of my oldest friends’ scripts that I love!’” In the past few weeks, All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia has shed light on the challenges of indie filmmakers in India. Talati chooses to be optimistic as she gears up for her movie’s 2025 release. “Hopefully, people will hire me to do other films. I am hoping to write something new. The thing is people misunderstand nuance. People think that a nuanced, quiet film means it’s slow and boring. But since we all observe humans all our lives, we understand nuance. So even though this film is nuanced, it’s extremely accessible,” she states.

29 November,2024 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
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