The internet has been abuzz ever since musician AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu announced their separation recently. Surprisingly, a few hours after Rahman and his wife Saira broke the news about their separation, the 'Jai Ho' singer's bassist Mohini Dey also revealed the end of her marriage with Mark Hartsuch. As the two announcements came within hours of each other, netizens speculated about a possible link between Rahman and Saira's separation and Mohini's break up with her husband. Now, Dey has strongly reacted to the rumours and called them baseless allegations. She also said that she refers to AR Rahman as a father figure. Mohini Dey on her equation with AR Rahman Dey posted a video of herself clearing the air around the rumours and the divorce announcements. "I have a lot of father figures, role models in my life, and I've been really fortunate and grateful to have had them play vital roles in my upbringing. AR happens to be one of them. By AR, I mean AR Rahman. I respect him a lot. He is just like my father. He is actually a little bit younger than my dad. His daughter is exactly my age, I think. We have a lot of respect and love for each other," Mohini Dey said in the clip. She further said, "I worked with him in his band as his bassist for eight and a half years. Until five years ago I moved to the US and I associated myself with other pop artistes in the US. I have my own band as well and my own music that I tour with. Anyway, long story short. Please be kind and respect our privacy. It's a personal matter, and it's painful. It's a painful process. So please be kind". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohini Dey (@dey_bass) Mohini criticises misinformation and lack of empathy Along with the video, she wrote, "It is utterly unbelievable to see the amount of misinformation and baseless assumptions/claims against me & @arrahman. It feels criminal that the media has vulgarised the two events. I honour my times as a kid working with @arrahman throughout my 8.5 years of working with him for his movies, tours, etc. It's disheartening to see that people have no respect, sympathy or empathy towards emotional matters like this. It saddens me to see people’s state of mind. @arrahman is a legend and he is just like father to me!" "I have many role models & father figures in life that have played vital roles in my career and upbringing. To name a few- My dad who taught me everything music (who I lost a year ago) and then @ranjitbarot1 who introduced me to the industry, @louizbanksofficial who shaped me & @arrahman who gave me the freedom to shine in his shows and his musical arrangements during recording sessions. I cherish and treasure that and will always do!" she added. "Media/Paps do not understand the effect it has on people’s minds and lives. Be sensitive. I don't owe anyone any explanations but also, I don't want this to brew and interrupt my day so, Kindly stop with the false claims & Respect our privacy. Love, Mo," concluded her note.
26 November,2024 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Saiyami Kher is giving her best to bring authenticity to her role as a firefighter in the upcoming film 'Agni', directed by Rahul Dholakia. She shared her experience of getting trained with real-life firefighters for her project. "As an actor with every film I have done I have gotten to learn a new skill. And I take immense pride in that. Be it horse riding for 'Mirzya', counting notes like a banker for choked, cricket for ghoomer and now firefighting for 'Agni'. Preparing for this role was deeply inspiring and exciting," said Saiyami in a statement. She elaborated about her preparation work and said, "Preparing for this role was deeply inspiring and exciting. Spending time with real firefighters gave me an understanding of how little I knew about firefighters in our city and what all they have to endure. The number of female firefighters also was an eye opener." Terming her experience as "exciting", she said, "The training sessions were very exciting. I learned how to handle equipment, did the drills the firefighter do. Seeing the sacrifices these men and women make every day often at great risk to themselves was incredibly humbling. We want people witness the world of firefighters and the bravery it takes to do what they do. I wish and hope we have done justice to their commitment." Recently, the trailer of Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu-starrer 'Agni' has been unveiled. Makers described the film as a "cinematic salute to the fearless spirit, honor, and sacrifices of firefighters." Directed and written by Rahul Dholakia, the Excel Entertainment production also features Saiyami Kher, Sai Tamhankar, Jitendra Joshi, Udit Arora, and Kabir Shah in pivotal roles. Sharing details about the film, Rahul Dholakia said earlier, "With 'Agni', I am thrilled to bring a story to life that not only celebrates the bravery of our firefighters but also delves into their emotional journeys. Firefighters are real-life heroes who go beyond battling fires--they rescue lives, respond to disasters, and take on countless high-risk challenges with unwavering dedication. Their courage often puts them in challenging and dangerous situations, sometimes intensified by our own actions." He added, "This story is a tribute to their sacrifice, loyalty, and resilience, and I hope it inspires audiences to recognize and appreciate these selfless protectors in our society."'Agni' will be out on Prime Video on December 6. 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
26 November,2024 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIStar couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, who never miss a chance to spend quality time with their little one Raha, were spotted stepping out on Monday. The trio were papped leaving their Mumbai residence in a car. The 'Raazi' actress opted for a simple white sweatshirt paired with loose blue pants, while he 'Animal' star kept it casual in a green t-shirt, black pants, and a cap. Little Raha looked adorable in a white t-shirt and blue slacks, accessorized with a cute white bow hairband. Alia Bhatt with daughter Raha 📸 pic.twitter.com/X7XN508bOe — Alia's nation (@Aliasnation) November 25, 2024 Alia and Ranbir tied the knot in April 2022 after several years of dating. Their daughter Raha was born in November 2022. On Christmas 2023, Ranbir and Alia surprised fans by making their first public appearance with their little one. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is set to appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film 'Love and War,' which also stars Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt. 'Love and War' will be the first collaboration between Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali since the actor's 2007 debut Saawariya. While Vicky Kaushal has never worked with the filmmaker, Alia Bhatt collaborated with Bhansali in the 2022 drama Gangubai Kathiawadi. The film was officially announced in January 2024. The original announcement on Instagram read, "We Bring You Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Epic Saga 'Love & War.' See You At The Movies Christmas 2025." It was accompanied by the signatures of the lead trio, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. 'Love and War' is expected to go on floors in the coming months. 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
26 November,2024 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIPunjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is entertaining fans across the country with his 'Dil-Luminati Tour,' performed an energetic concert in Pune on Sunday, where Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur was also seen enjoying the live show. Nimrat took to Instagram on Monday to share her experience, calling it the "BESTESSSSSTTTTT" concert she had ever attended. The post included a selfie of Nimrat winking and a couple of videos where she danced to Diljit's hit tracks, including 'Vibe', 'Kinni Kinni', 'Lemonade', 'Naina', 'Hass Hass', and the title track of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'. Nimrat also posed with security personnel at the event. Keeping her outfit casual yet stylish, the 'Airlift' actress wore a white crop top paired with a printed red and white shirt, blue denim jeans, and white sneakers. She completed her look with a red sling bag and loose hair as she joined the crowd in cheering for the singing sensation. Along with the pictures, Nimrat wrote, "Hona ni main recover...Simply the BESTESSSSSTTTTT concert I've EVER been to. @diljitdosanjh chardi kalaan, tuhada koi mukabla nahin!! Wahe guru mehr karan hamesha...." Reacting to the post, Diljit wrote, "Tusi Aeye c? Stage te aa jana c." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nimrat Kaur (@nimratofficial) Meanwhile, Diljit commenced the India leg of his much-talked-about Dil-Luminati Tour 2024 in New Delhi in October. The Dil-Luminati Tour will continue to entertain fans across India, with upcoming shows scheduled in cities including Kolkata (November 30), Bengaluru (December 6), Indore (December 8), Chandigarh (December 14), and Guwahati (December 29). 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
26 November,2024 08:07 AM IST | Pune | ANIActor 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. Actress Shreya Chaudhry, who plays a role in the movie, expressed her excitement about being at IFFI for the first time. "Very excited to be here. Super, super thrilled. Always wanted to come to IFFI, so it's my first time, and it's very special because I'm here with The Mehta Boys, a film of mine," Shreya told media. Talking about her experience working with Boman Irani, Shreya said, "Oh my god, I mean, I think anyone who meets him, spends even 5 minutes with him, falls in love with him. So imagine getting to do an entire film with him as not just a co-actor, which was my dream, but even being directed by him. It's like so many dreams come true. Watching his films, Alexander's films, who is his co-writer on the film, I grew up and I dreamt that I also want to be an actor. So life came a full circle, you know, working with them and collaborating with them." Actor Avinash Tiwary too shared his excitement about attending the festival for the second time. "IFFI is amazing. This is the second time I've come to IFFI. The first time I was here with my show Khakee, and I still have to enter to really know how it's like this time. But the last time, it was amazing energy. I think there are a lot of people who are shouting and screaming. They gave us so much love. And in fact, our show too. I hope it happens the same this time as well," he said while speaking to media. In the movie, Boman portrays a father who navigates the emotional ups and downs of his relationship with his son. Meanwhile, IFFI 2024, which began on November 20, is showcasing over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and 109 Indian premieres. Notably, the organisers have also included a tribute programme to honour the 100th birth anniversaries of four Indian cinema legends: actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, Telugu cinema star Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and singer Mohammed Rafi, as per Variety. The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will run until 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
26 November,2024 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActor and producer Kriti Sanon recently shared her thoughts on nepotism while speaking at the 55th International Film Festival in Goa. Kriti, who has carved her place in Bollywood without connections in the film industry, spoke candidly during a masterclass about the struggles faced by outsiders and how the "media" and "audiences" contribute to the nepotism conversation. During her conversation, Kriti said that it takes time for someone without a "film background" to get the opportunities they dream of. "The industry has given me a very warm welcome since the time I have come. Of course, when you don't belong to a film background, it takes time for you to get there. It takes time for you to get those opportunities you crave for. It takes time for you to even get those magazine covers. So everything is a bit of a struggle. But after 2-3 films, if you keep working hard and if you are at it, nothing can stop you," said the 'Do Patti' actress. Kriti also shared her view that the Bollywood industry itself is not entirely to blame for nepotism and pointed out that the audience and media have a role in promoting star kids. Kriti said, "I feel the industry is not so much responsible for nepotism. It's also the media and the audience. The audiences want to watch what the media is putting about certain star kids. Because the audience is interested in them, the industry feels that since the audience is interested let's make a movie with them. So I think it's a circle. But I feel if you are talented, you will get there. If you're not talented, and if the connect is not there with the audiences you will not get there." Meanwhile, on the work front, Kriti was last seen in 'Do Patti', alongside Kajol and Shaheer Sheikh. Directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, the film was released on Netflix on October 25. 'Do Patti' is produced by Kanika Dhillon and Kriti. 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
26 November,2024 07:58 AM IST | Panaji | ANIWhile Ranbir Kapoor was regaling the audience during his session at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Sunday, work on his next, Love & War, was on in full swing in Mumbai. mid-day has learnt that over the weekend, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali filmed an elaborate sequence featuring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal at Studio 2 in Film City, Goregaon. A set of a disco has been constructed where the two leads will continue to shoot over the next seven days. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Bhansali is known for grandeur as well as his keen eye for detail. So, it’s not surprising when sources describe the set as a spectacle. A crew member involved in the shoot reveals, “The set has been designed to replicate an ’80s disco. Sanjay sir wanted a setting that was both nostalgic and fantastical. The scene sees about 30 soldiers enjoying their time on the dance floor as retro songs, including Laila main Laila, play in the background. In contrast, Alia and Vicky’s characters are seen having an intense conversation, as they share the inner turmoil they are going through.” Bhatt has allotted the next 10 days to Love & War, which marks her second collaboration with the filmmaker after Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). A source says, “Alia has been rehearsing intensively, making sure she is in tune with her character in Love & War. In early December, she will go back to the world of Alpha as the team starts the next schedule.”
26 November,2024 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuMore power to women Aptly lauding the fact that a large number of female artistes in Bollywood have transitioned to taking on positions of power behind the cameras, Madhuri Dixit Nene says that “a lot has changed for the better” in the past few decades. Pointing out that during the ’90s, women would only take on the roles of actors and hairdressers, she says, “Today, when I walk in on a set, women are everywhere. [They may be] the DoP, ADs, writers, and action masters. I couldn’t have imagined that they would be in these fields, which is amazing. We are also seeing women in action roles, which is amazing. But we need to make more commercial movies that are women-centric. A lot of [female] actors are also turning producers. More power to them.” Another take by Ranbir Tales of one of the most beloved families of the Indian film industry, the Kapoors, rarely make it to the masses. So, when Ranbir Kapoor got talking at a Sunday event, fans of the family wholeheartedly indulged in his stories. Among the various tales he shared about his family, the actor revealed that while he doesn’t believe in remaking films, he would revisit his filmmaker-grandfather Raj Kapoor’s movie Shree 420, should he be compelled to do so. Speaking at the International Film Festival of India, he said that the black-and-white movie was his “favourite”. Kapoor also spoke of how his ancestors prepared for their iconic roles in cinema. Wrapped up Ali Fazal has wrapped his portion of Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, which marks the actor’s Tamil film debut. The pan-India project also stars Kamal Haasan. Fazal called working with Ratnam and Haasan an honour, and said that he enjoyed the experience of learning Tamil and exploring a new cinematic culture. Set to release on June 5, 2025, Thug Life, which is being composed by AR Rahman, promises to be a visual spectacle.
26 November,2024 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamWhen Vidya Balan portrayed a survivor of child sexual abuse in Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (2016), the team of Arpan, India’s largest NGO fighting the issue, roped her in as the goodwill ambassador. Over the years, the actor has used her voice to shed light on the issue. This year, to mark Child Safety Week between November 14 and 20, Balan and the NGO teamed up for a powerful campaign that is aimed directly at offenders. In the 57-second video, the actor emphasises that child sexual abuse is a punishable offense and can lead offenders to serve a prison sentence from three years to a lifetime. Pooja Taparia Pooja Taparia, founder-CEO, Arpan, says the campaign—titled Protected By POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences)—is designed to deter offenders by instilling fear of punishment. “Protected By POCSO carries a clear message: child sexual abuse is a punishable offense; stop right now or get caught. By creating widespread awareness of the laws and protections, we aim to deter offenders from continuing these crimes. They need to understand that they will be held accountable. Vidya’s video message on Instagram has already sparked widespread engagement,” states Taparia. The founder is grateful to Balan, who has supported the NGO’s initiatives over the years and made them reach a wider audience. Pleased with the actor’s six-year association, Taparia adds, “Her commitment is genuine, and her involvement has added immense value to the cause. Her association is not limited to a single campaign. She headlines Child Safety Week annually. Her continued advocacy [lends] visibility and credibility to the campaign.” Kalki Koechlin, Tisca Chopra, and Kanika Dhillon also threw their weight behind the campaign this year.
26 November,2024 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRGlamour and style are the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Manish Malhotra. But after over three decades of creating fashion statements for movies, the couturier has acquired a new identity—of a filmmaker. As his maiden production, Saali Mohabbat, premièred at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 22, it was easy to see that his bent of storytelling is far removed from his work as a designer. “My dream with Stage 5 was to start a different narrative from what’s expected out of me. [People expected] my films to star Kareena [Kapoor Khan] or the young girls, with lots of glamour. But this is not an extension of my brand. I can do glamorous storytelling tomorrow itself. But the most important thing is the script,” emphasises the new producer. The story takes centre-stage in Saali Mohabbat, starring Radhika Apte, Divyenndu and Anurag Kashyap, and helmed by Tisca Chopra. The thriller revolves around a homemaker who is telling a story of infidelity and deceit to a group of people. Backing a middle-of-the-road film is not easy. Did Malhotra seek advice from his industry friends, especially filmmaker Karan Johar? “When I told Karan about Saali Mohabbat, he was surprised. But he also knows if I’ve said yes to something, I will do it. I didn’t ask anyone anything. I just wanted it to be mine, be it good, bad or ugly. Friends are always protective about you and will say, ‘Make something else.’ But this had to be my voice.” Have Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor or other actor-friends asked him to make movies with them too? “I think when they see my work, they may say this,” he chuckles. It’s not every day that a fashion designer turns filmmaker. But filmmaking was a natural step for him. “All fashion designers don’t have a film sense, but some do. With me, it was organic because I was in love with films since childhood, watching Mughal-e-Azam [1960] or the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. I love the ’70s, their songs and costumes. I am steeped in films. That’s why I get how it works,” says Malhotra, who also has Bun Tikki and Ul Jalool Ishq in the pipeline. At the end of our chat, we ask him for an update on the Meena Kumar biopic that he was to direct with Kriti Sanon playing the late actor. He says, “I’m no longer doing the biopic. I’ll direct something else. Directing is one dream that remains unfulfilled.”
26 November,2024 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaBollywood's handsome hunk Arjun Rampal, celebrates his birthday on November 26. The actor, who prefers maintaining a low profile in the media, has starred in over 40 films during his career. Although he kick-started his acting venture with Rajiv Rai's Pyaar 'Ishq Aur Mohabbat' in 2001, it was the year 2002 that marked a turning point in his career when Arjun starred in his first commercially successful film 'Aankhen'. Following that, he has been a part of several blockbusters including 'Om Shanti Om', 'Don', 'Raajneeti' and 'Ra.One' among others. We look back at the time the actor revealed to mid-day.com what is that one thing that makes him cringe. What makes Arjun Rampal cringe Arjun Rampal’s ladylove Gabriella Demetriades collaborated on his last film ‘Crakk’ by turning costume designer. On how she agreed to do the project, Arjun said, “When this part came to me, I wanted the guy to be very edgy, quirky, and different, be stylish but not like the clothes screaming out at you. I asked Gabriella, ‘What do you think?’ Her first answer was not ‘Yeah I'd love to style you.’ She said, ‘I'd like to read the script.’ I was like, 'Wow, that's great.' He added, "She read the script and said, ‘I know exactly what I'm going to do with you'.' That really helped me. I think she did a spectacular job. And everybody was so impressed with her. I feel really proud that she did it. I didn't want to be that guy who is saying, ‘Take my wife or take my partner in this film for me’. It just kind of makes me cringe when something like that would happen if I was a producer.” Arjun Rampal’s relationships over the years Arjun Rampal tied the knot with model Mehr Jesia in 1998 but confirmed their separation in May 2018. They share two daughters, Mahikaa and Myra. Arjun has been in a relationship with digital content creator and model Gabriella Demetriades for a few years. They announced their pregnancy in April 2019, and Gabriella gave birth to their son, Arik, on July 18, 2019. The couple welcomed their second child, a boy, in July 2023.
26 November,2024 07:08 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
