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.
None of R D Burman's collaborations was as rewarding and resplendent as with Gulzar, who turns 89 today, August 18, 2023, says Subhash K Jha.
Asrani may have never been a marquee name up in sparkling lights or on outsized posters but the sheer proficiency with which he realised his characters has unleashed gales of laughter over five decades and made a significant contribution to several landmark films. Dinesh Raheja salutes the iconic actor.
'I'm so grateful Kathal is getting the recognition it deserves.'
Javed Akhtar is a treasure chest, full of stories. Some of the stories may touch your heart, like his struggle to become a writer in Hindi cinema, and others, where people still don't recognise him, even after all these years.
'That a song can carry the weight of a people's dreams and move hearts across the world.' On Bhupen Hazarika's 99th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays rich tribute to the legendary singer and composer.
'...you won't have to announce it yourself -- people around you will tell you it's time.'
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran have signed up a new film to be directed by Meghna Gulzar.
By today's standards, when the cynicism about the corrupt system is rampant, New Delhi Times seems mild. But it was upsetting enough to have problems with film distributors. Even television refused to run it. Deepa Gahlot re-introduces you to this 1986 classic.
Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Film Award for best actor for Jawan, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji was named best actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. 12th Fail was adjudged best feature film.
For the 17 people who perished in a blaze near the historic Charminar in Hyderabad on Sunday, the house located in a tunnel-like alley with a narrow entrance and staircase proved to be the death trap as it prevented them from escaping to safety.
'People ask me about my biggest action sequence; this is it, because it involved two giants of Indian cinema.'
A blaze triggered by a suspected short circuit in a building near the iconic Charminar here on Sunday left 17 people dead, with a majority of them being children.
The launch took place at the Mumbai Press Club.
As Gulzar turns 86 on August 18, Subhash K Jha celebrates the iconic figure by picking his five favourite songs.
'I am not playing someone's mother or grandmother just because a big director is offering a role. Believe me, I have many got such offers but they don't persuade me.'
A fanciful air envelopes Aap Jaisa Koi's modest drama, of a story lost in its own bubble that's only burst by villains in the form of judgemental jerks and heroes in need of rescuing, observes Sukanya Verma..
It's been three years since Meghna Gulzar's espionage thriller Raazi released on May 11.
'Gulzarsaab's words are lucid and singing them is like painting a picture.'
As a uniquely multi-hyphenated writer-director-lyricist-author, Gulzar has built a reputation across multiple spheres of film-making and literary creative endeavours. Dinesh Raheja salutes the Master who turns 90 on Sunday.
'We were asked to add a dialogue where the politician says she admires Mrs Gandhi.'
There were many revelations at the launch of Because He Is... Meghna Gulzar's book about her father, the much-loved Gulzar.
'Do films today even have the courage to question the establishment?'
The 62-year-old former deputy chief minister was first elected the party president in 2008. His re-election at the outfit's general delegate session in Amritsar comes barely four months after he quit after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government from 2007 to 2017.
Gulzar, best known for penning memorable hits like 'Tujhse Naaraaz Nahi' and 'Tere Bina Zindagi Se' besides directing critically acclaimed films like 'Aandhi' and 'Mausam', was on Saturday chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest official recognition for film personalities in India.
'The subject is controversial, very controversial.' 'But then Alia is Mahesh Bhatt's daughter.
The praise for A R Rahman, who won two Oscars for India, continues. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who has worked with the maestro, says he was sure that Rahman would win. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi who has worked with the maestro was sure that he would win an Oscar. He also looks up to Gulzar's work and hails him high.
In #InstaStories, we show you a different side to Bollywood.
Gulzar has been penning beautiful songs for Hindi movies through the years. But it took a Slumdog Millionaire -- and A R Rahman's brilliant music in it -- to get Gulzar his first Oscar nomination.
At a time when angry young man reigned supreme, the delicacy of Gulzar's Meera was lost on viewers looking for gyaan-free masala.
Gulzar sahab's celebration looked so much fun.
Film folk exercise their right to at the Maharashtra assembly elections.
'I believe this song became a hit because of Aishwarya Rai. She is totally responsible for its success.' 'People would go to see the film all over the country, just to see her dance.'
He was seen wearing a plaque around his neck while sitting in a wheelchair because of a fractured leg.
Sukanya Verma celebrates Hrithik Roshan's silver work anniversary with a playlist of 25 of his chartbusters.
Once again Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj have conspired to give us a soundtrack to marvel at, that one intoxicatingly warm song leading the way.
Raakhee, who turns 77 on August 15, remains an enigma wrapped in a riddle. Dinesh Raheja remembers Raakhee telling him how she loves the rains and how she would drive down to Tulsi Lake in the 1970s and float paper boats in the water. He would like to imagine that Raakhee still does that at her farmhouse.
Sid has a new project in hand: Balwinder Singh Janjua's action film, Mitti, being shot in Uttarakhand.
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