It is impossible to discuss Asha Bhosle without mentioning the word 'versatility', notes Dinesh Raheja.
From sultry cabaret numbers to soul-stirring ghazals, Asha Bhosle crafted a sonic universe where boldness met beauty and mischief mingled with melancholy. Her voice didn't just soundtrack cinema, it liberated expression, challenged norms and gave generations permission to feel, flirt, ache and celebrate without restraint. Sukanya Verma salutes the legend.
'In almost every film, Shah Rukhbhai has done a lot of his own stunts.'
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.
A R Rahman feels a power shift may have happened in the past eight years, as 'people who are not creative have the power now to decide things.'
Actor-Writer-Director Tigmanshu Dhulia (known for films like Paan Singh Tomar, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Haasil and Charas) shared an interesting memory when he served tea to Shah Rukh Khan.
'We met Gulzar sahab at his residence to honour him with the Jnanpith Award. Gulzar sahab's son-in-law Govind Sandhu, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, his wife Rekha, and a few writers were present on this occasion.'
'Films like Roja and Bombay, at that point of time, were not something about which I would be too worried.' 'I thought if I'm honest and if I'm reflecting what a normal person like me is feeling, then that honesty will come through.'
Priyanka Chopra is in shaadi-mode, as her younger brother Siddharth gets married to Neelam Upadhyaya in Mumbai.
'She was the last of the diggaj kalakaars after Lataji, Kishoreda, Rafi saab and Mannada and with her demise, the golden era of Hindi film music has truly ended.'
From tears in the stands to songs in the airport, the India-Pakistan rivalry delivered agony and ecstasy in equal measure.
Smriti Irani, known for her work as both an actress and a politician, recently spoke honestly about the struggles she faced in her early television career. In a chat with Raj Shamani on his podcast, she shared emotional and challenging moments from her time on the popular show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and the talk show Kuch Dil Se.
When one of the most adored voices of India decided to hang up his boots as far as playback singing is concerned, fans and fraternity went in a tizzy. Sukanya Verma tells you why.
'Your warm protective hugs that felt like the cosiest blanket, holding your soft yet strong hands which had unspoken messages and your voice calling out my name that followed with endless conversations, laughter and shayaris.'
Banks and NBFCs are launching festival offers, including lower loan rates, cashback, EMI schemes and GST-linked benefits to tap rising demand ahead of Diwali
'What if a ring had gotten stolen, or a gem had fallen? There were uncut diamonds, rubies and emeralds. And the security from the jewellery shop came to watch the shoot.'
Because of Mukesh's much-hailed association with Raj Kapoor, it is often overlooked that the singer has also scored hits with almost all major heroes. On Mukesh's 102nd birth anniversary on July 22, Dinesh Raheja recalls some of his classic songs.
Check out the winners at the Zee Cine Awards.
Himesh knows his audience well and doesn't mind poking fun at himself. 'Yeh gaana main normal gaoon ya naak se?', he asked the crowd.
Preity Zinta is in Cannes to present the Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens in Cinematography honour to veteran cinematographer Santosh Sivan.
Renowned music director A R Rahman has been admitted to a corporate hospital in Chennai. Sources say he is doing fine, but details about his hospitalization are not yet available.
Singer-actress Sulakshana Pandit, 71, passed into the ages on November 6 after a prolonged illness. Besides her acting roles, she leaves behind some beautiful songs to remember her by.
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.
As much Preity would like to be relieved of everyone's ebullient expectations of her, truth is few have fizzed up the silver screen like she has.
'I am happy showing my age. I don't want to look 20 years younger than my age. Neither have I done any cosmetic surgery nor do I want to.'
Santosh Sivan Sivan is the first Asian to receive the prestigious Pierre Angénieux ExcelLens in Cinematography honour at the Cannes Film Festival, which celebrates outstanding contributions to the field of cinematography.
S D Burman enjoyed a productive partnership with Dev Anand's production house Navketan for two decades, but their collaboration reached its apogee with Guide.
'My mantra on set to actors has always been, 'Feel... feel'.' 'And Preity would say, 'Feeling... feeling'.'
Malaika dances down the ramp to her Dil Se.. song Chaiyya Chaiyya.
Kareena is off to work... Raashii shares a picture from the sets...Rajkummar is grateful...
'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.'
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.
'The new generation has heard Kishore Kumar's voice in Saiyaara or some other thing. That is not fair, man.' 'They should hear his songs that he has sung in his time, which came out of his throat, came out of his sensibilities.'
Film folk visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and take special blessings.
Bappi Lahiri realised disco was a winning ticket and escalated his game with several more dancefloor perennials. Soon, every film producer and music director in town was down with disco fever. On what would have been Bappi Lahiri's 73rd birthday this November 27, Dinesh Raheja rewinds to the late music composer's halcyon days.
'The best lessons are learned during setbacks.'
The Who's Who of the showbiz world attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar.
Dharmendra's demise means the loss of one of the biggest icons ever in the Hindi film firmament.
