'He treated stars and assistants with the same unfailing courtesy.'
Rehana Sultan was all set to be a path-breaker. The time was right. Hindi cinema had emerged from the 1960s musicals era. But somehow, leading film-makers of the time did not believe Rehana had that cachet. It was Zeenat Aman who ended up being the definitive taboo-trasher of the era. Dinesh Raheja salutes the trendsetter of the 1970s, Rehana Sultan.
It was a hit and miss for some but each one of them revelled in the opportunity to showcase their talent.
Aseem Chhabra lists his favourite films, most of them shown at international film festivals held virtually (Berlinale and Rotterdam), hybrid (Toronto) or physical (Cannes and Venice).
Divya Nair lists 2023's Malayalam movies that can be enjoyed by all ages.
'When they took my name, I went numb.' 'Before I went on stage, my dress got caught in my shoe!' 'I said, stay calm.' 'Then I started walking and was like, okay, now think of what you're going to say, quickly!'
The eulogies will pour for Ustad Zakir Hussain. There will be those who recount his genius, his enterprise, his achievements, his grace, and his charm. I have no selfies or autographs to remember him by, but I will never forget his most generous and gracious gift to me -- one day in heaven, among the celestial ensemble of Indian music.
Aseem Chhabra lists the best non-Hindi language films he watched in 2020, with the hope that they will have a wider reach in the new year.
'Sudip sir keeps telling me that what I have done is very Hollywood.'
The 66th National Awards have been announced, and Hindi cinema has emerged a major winner.
The action entertainer Marco is a well shot, gnarly bloodfest that packs some lackluster thrills, notes Arjun Menon.
Tovino Thomas' big budget action entertainer is a middling, tonally inconsistent watch that keeps you hooked, observes Arjun Menon.
'While we've seen some standout series over the past year, few have been as captivating and binge-worthy as this.'
The band was launched last month to mark Rahman's 48th birthday
Shailendra's songs were attuned to Raj Kapoor's explorations of the themes and dreams of the Everyman.
A R Rahman and SP Balasubramanyam win the top awards.
It is said money doesn't buy happiness, and the show proves it -- there is romance, heartbreak, affairs and murder. A place that should be heavenly quickly turns into a hell of misery, observes Deepa Gahlot.
'After Om's untimely demise, he would call us every Sunday for the next two years to ask, "How are you doing my dear? How's the young fella?"'
Deepa Gahlot lists the most popular Yash Chopra films -- the ones he directed, not produced (yes, so that means no DDLJ) -- that can be watched on OTT.
Citadel: Honey Bunny is a decent watch with an average story, sharp stunts and brilliant music, observes Divya Nair.
Celebrities from the worlds of sports, fashion, music and film converged on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the 'The Prelude To The Olympics' party at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.
The unconventional music of the Nobel Laureate might have nothing connecting Indians to it, but there is a reason he has a following here, notes T C A Srinivasa Raghavan.
'I was completely in awe of him. After the shot was okayed, I would quickly run back to my chair and sit quietly till I was called again.'
'This is an event where Indian forces are trying to liberate other countries from a genocide and liberate from a power to give them their freedom.'
'She is the gorgeous Lata, the love of my life.'
Leo is a good entertainer with interesting twists you wouldn't guess, applauds Divya Nair.
'Rekha and my wife were close friends, and my so-called cold war with Rekha was causing difficulties in my wife's friendship with her.' 'She patched us up for her own selfish reason.'
The 10-member jury was headed by filmmaker Vipul Shah. The awards were announced by jury member Dharam Gulati.
Santosh Sivan has become truly an international filmmaker. His eighth directorial venture, Before the Rains, a Hollywood film made in Kerala has made it to a number of international film festivals namely Edinburgh, Toronto, Pusan and Palm Springs. Now, the latest feather in his cap is a feature on the film which appeared in the prestigious American Cinematographer magazine.
Mithun Chakraborty started from scratch in bit roles and had no Godfather backing him. Yet, remarkably, his career now straddles six decades and he continues to win acclaim, observes Dinesh Raheja.
Marilyn Monroe, Minions, musicals and mean-spirited witches, it's quite a spread on OTT this week. Sukanya Verma offers her picks.
Mehmood and R D Burman shiver, wail and flail when they encounter a stuffed tiger that wags its tail, furniture that moves on its own volition and dancing skeletons and mummies. Dinesh Raheja revisits a must-watch.
Bigg Boss 18 is all set to return to our screens on October 6. Hosted by Salman Khan, the names of the contestants who will be participating are not revealed yet.
'It's such a mishmash of wonderful things, so many different cultures, subsections of society and weird histories.'
'Film shooting is a long process, and it is important to have a good bonding with the person you are going to spend six to eight months of your life.' 'Baaki, film toh bann jaati hain.'
Steadily marching ahead for almost a decade now on the strength of his unassuming versatility, the 35 year old is ready to showcase his mettle in one of the most challenging roles of his career as India's first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Meghna Gulzar's biopic, Sam Bahadur.
Aseem Chhabra gives us the top films that enriched his year.
'I have no family (in the industry), no network, no mentor.' 'Still, I'm consistently working since 20 years and now I have a National Award.' 'It may take time, but if you're consistently at it, nothing can stop you.'
Shreekant Sambrani tells himself over and over again, don't lose heart in these dire times, there is asha (hope) still, in the divine voice of Asha Bhosle.
'When my mom saw my performance in Dhoka, she loved it.' 'She said, "I don't know why I stopped you for so many years. Ab jaa beta, jee le apni zindagi".'
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