Imagine an angry, not-so-young man standing up for his rights. That was Javed Akhtar in 2012, as he had the Copyright Amendment Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha – a move that drew the ire of Bollywood producers and music labels. In a tell-all chat on Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, the noted scriptwriter recalls how he rescripted the future of Indian musicians by fighting for their royalties. Full episode to be out on May 10.
09 May,2025 10:32 AM IST
A young husband-wife duo from Kerala, dubbed the modern-day ‘Bunty and Babli’, have been arrested by Khar Police for stealing ₹53,500 from a clothing store on Mumbai’s Linking Road. The couple, Athulya Milan Vathiyat and Milan Baiju Vathiyat, pulled off the theft using a clever distraction trick — while the woman pretended to shop and kept the salesman busy, her partner quietly slipped behind the counter and took the cash. But this wasn’t their first time. Since their release from jail in September 2024, they’ve been on a nationwide theft spree, targeting major retail stores in cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bhopal, and Bengaluru. Police say the duo has pulled off over 50 similar heists, always during early store hours when staff is minimal. To avoid getting caught, they regularly changed phones and SIM cards, erasing their digital trail. However, their run came to an end in Mumbai's Khar, where investigators finally tracked them down and uncovered their long list of crimes.
08 May,2025 12:58 PM IST
Doing the rounds of studios with only the shirt on his back, being paid less than a peon in a job, and not knowing where his next meal would come from – that was Javed Akhtar’s life between 1965 and 1970. What kept him going? The belief that success would be his. Join the multi-hyphenate on Mid-day's Sit With Hitlist series, as he chronicles his journey from arriving at Mumbai Central station with Rs 27 to owning a Bandra bungalow. Full episode to release on May 10.
08 May,2025 12:00 AM IST
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, during the Samvidhan Bachao rally, accused PM Modi of ignoring prior intelligence about the Pahalgam terror attack. He claimed the government admitted to an intelligence failure and questioned why no action was taken if threats were known. Kharge alleged that PM Modi canceled a planned Kashmir visit after receiving a report three days before the attack, raising concerns over selective safety and negligence in protecting civilians. He emphasized that the deaths could have been prevented if timely action had been taken. These strong allegations come in the wake of a deadly assault in Pahalgam that left multiple casualties and sparked nationwide outrage over security lapses.
06 May,2025 03:05 PM IST
Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has shared rare insights into how he manages the legacy of Rajshri Productions while staying true to his creative instincts. Unlike many in the industry, Barjatya doesn't chase magnum opuses. Instead, he values creative freedom and simplicity. He emphasises the importance of finding joy in the little things, whether it's engaging in fun activities during family functions or simply spending time alone with a good book. Despite running one of India's most respected production houses, Barjatya says he's having the most fun when he's by himself, reading and recharging.
04 May,2025 06:51 PM IST
Sooraj Barjatya reflected on how Vivah became a silver jubilee success through powerful word of mouth, holding its ground even against Dhoom 2, which was a blockbuster. He emphasised that while audiences may be drawn to different genres, they always return to family-centric stories for their emotional resonance and enduring charm. Barjatya also drew parallels with films like Kedarnath and Chhaava, highlighting how their emotional core and rooted storytelling contributed to their success.
01 May,2025 02:49 PM IST
Sooraj Barjatya reflected on why Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon didn’t work for him, admitting it was a wake-up call for stepping out of his comfort zone. Despite full support from stars Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, and Abhishek Bachchan, the film became a box office failure. Barjatya also shared an anecdote involving Govinda post-release and stressed how, over time, marketing had started overshadowing creativity in filmmaking
28 April,2025 05:20 PM IST
Did you know that Rajshri Productions’ rule book dictates that a fight scene cannot have more than 14 punches? Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya during his appearance on Sit With Hitlist, elaborated on his banner’s working, beyond its songs and shaadis.
26 April,2025 01:43 PM IST
In an exclusive interview with Mayank Shekhar, Philip Barantini, the director of Adolescence, reflected on its unexpected global success, driven by universal themes like social media’s impact on youth. The show’s one-take format was chosen to fully immerse viewers, creating an intense, uninterrupted experience. Despite technical challenges, the approach added authenticity. The opening credits feature childhood photos of characters and highlight human fragility and innocence lost. The director expressed pride in the project and its powerful storytelling.
04 April,2025 04:08 PM IST
As Kangana Ranaut celebrates her 39th birthday, we revisit one of her most loved and viral interviews on Mid-Day's Sit With Hitlist. In this candid conversation, the Emergency actress opened up about her early days in Mumbai and her inspiring rags-to-riches journey. Kangana recalled her life in Mandi, Himachal, and the culture shock she experienced when she first arrived in Mumbai in 2005. She also shared a fascinating story about her debut film, which she found "sleazy" and ultimately ghosted the makers due to its uncomfortable demands, leading to its never being released. Additionally, Kangana spoke about her role in Gangster, the film that marked her Bollywood debut, and how it changed her career trajectory.
22 March,2025 09:11 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
