For Sanjeev Kumar, it was the role, and what he could do with it, that mattered.
A government primary school teacher in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district has been arrested after being accused of molesting three young girls.
'It didn't matter to him if he was not the focus of attention in a film.'
In #InstaStories, we show you a different side to Bollywood.
'Sulakshanadidi was never the same after Sanjeev Kumar turned her down.'
In our special series re-visiting great Hindi film classics, we look back at Sanjeev Kumar's Dastak (1970).
The Central Information Commission (CIC) attains its full strength after nine years with the appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as chief and eight other information commissioners.
CBI officers who supervised investigations into the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata and the killing of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar are among those awarded police medals on Republic Day.
'One day, I was working in my office late in the evening when suddenly the peon comes and says Saif Ali Khan has come to meet you.' 'Saif told me, "I'm desperate. I've been thrown out by Sattee Shourie, I'm homeless and penniless. Can you do a film with me?"' 'I thought about it and saw him in the character which I was writing.' 'So I gave him a cheque of Rs 5,000 and said, "We'll work together".'
Veteran playback singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit passed away on Thursday evening after a prolonged illness, her family said. She was 71.
In 1973, several major leading ladies like Mumtaz, Raakhee, Jaya Bhaduri, Dimple Kapadia, Tanuja, had married and retired from films. Producers wanted a new heroine as a replacement. Many thought Sulakshana was a Mumtaz lookalike and was soon persuaded to sign on multiple films as a leading lady.
In half a century, actors have aged or passed away, the shape of the city has altered, the film industry has changed beyond recognition, most single screens have made way for multiplexes, audiences tastes have changed, rural life is very different now, and inflation has devalued the rupee. But a great film is forever. Deepa Gahlot salutes Sholay, as it re-releases in theatres.
Hema's father couldn't contain his rage and almost physically pushed Dharmendra out of the house. 'Why don't you get out of my daughter's life? You are a married man, you can't marry my daughter,' he repeatedly yelled. But a pleading, helplessly sentimental and slightly inebriated Dharam could not be budged.
Indrani Mukerjea, in pure white, sporting dancing pearl jhumkas, bobbed about the accused box, occasionally floating up front to whisper urgent suggestions to her lawyer Ranjeet Sangle as retired cop and prosecution witness Dinesh Kadam gave her a long look. Vaihayasi Pande Daniel returns to cover the Sheena Bora murder trial after 18 months.
Dharmendra got his He Man image with Phool Aur Patthar, which was so strong that he never managed to fully shrug it off.
'I felt I didn't understand the film industry at all.'
Shatranj Ke Khilari was Satyajit Ray's first Hindi film. The Master set the Premchand story against the backdrop of the First War of Independence in 1857. Bijoya Ray, his wife, reveals fascinating glimpses behind the making of the epic in this exclusive excerpt from her memoir.
'Sholay had a sargam of human emotions.'
Delhi Police have arrested a suspected gangster linked to the firing incident at comedian Kapil Sharma's restaurant in Canada. The accused is allegedly associated with a Canada-based gangster involved in extortion rackets.
'It was Kishoreda who suggested to Sulakshanadidi that she should become an actress and sing her own songs in her films. This transformed her life and career.'
'The seats which we would be contesting have been identified. Respective candidates have also been finalised. Four non-performing sitting MLAs will be replaced with fresh faces.'
Shatranj Ke Khilari was Satyajit Ray's first Hindi film. The Master set the Premchand story against the backdrop of the First War of Independence in 1857. Bijoya Ray, his wife, reveals fascinating glimpses behind the making of the epic in this exclusive excerpt from her memoir.
'Every film had its challenges, but Mr India, Sadak and Gandhi were the toughest.' 'Mr India needed imagination, Sadak needed sensitivity and Gandhi demanded historical authenticity.'
Deven Verma passed away into the ages on December 2. We re-publish an interview done with the veteran actor.
'I don't regret anything I've done in my life.'
Following the deaths of at least four people due to water contamination in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken action, including removing the municipal commissioner and suspending senior officials. The government has also submitted a status report to the High Court and is implementing measures to control the outbreak and provide assistance to affected families.
'It's there in everyone's heart. That's the beauty of masterpieces.'
This divergence is likely to intensify political dynamics both within the party and across the state, particularly as the opposition Mahagathbandhan -- comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress, and Left parties -- has been aggressively protesting the SIR and demanding its immediate scrapping.
'The Indian consumer is moving so quickly and they have so many options.'
'Salman has never been given a reason to change his ways.'
After the grand wedding reception of Vedant Birla (son of businessman Yashovardhan (Yash) and Avanti Birla), and Tejal Kulkarni (Supriya and Sanjeev Kulkarni's daughter), the Birlas threw a private party for selected celebs.
The song that best encapsulates Geeta Dutt's unfairly abbreviated life would probably be: Yaad Karoge, Yaad Karoge, Ek Din Humko Yaad Karoge. On her 95th birth anniversary on November 23, Dinesh Raheja pieces together the life of this talented singer.
'Last year, we had about 10 to 12 per cent of Hollywood films as a box-office contribution. This year already, it has jumped up to 24 per cent because the lineup is very strong.'
A 40-year-old Dalit man was allegedly lynched by villagers in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, who mistook him for a thief. The incident occurred amid rumours of drone surveillance being used to mark houses for robberies. Five persons have been arrested, and three police personnel have been suspended for alleged negligence. The Congress party has demanded a SIT probe and the resignation of the Chief Minister.
'Theatrics replace analysis. Public spectacle takes the place of public service.'
Moushumi Chatterjee on her co-stars and how they guided her throughout her career.
The Congress party has released its initial list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, including key state leaders. The announcement precedes the finalization of seat-sharing arrangements with Mahagathbandhan allies.
'I owe what Shakti became as much to Mr Bachchan as Salim-Javed.'
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) expelled 16 leaders, including a sitting MLA and two former ministers, for anti-party activities ahead of the assembly elections. The expelled leaders were charged with violating the party's ideology and working against official NDA candidates.