Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who as FTII chairman was himself gheraoed by students, gives us his point of view on the crisis facing India's premier film school.
The government constituted a committee headed by eminent filmmaker Shyam Benegal to look into the revamp of the Censor Board which has been mired in controversies in recent past.
'The censor board asked me for some strange cuts.' 'Otherwise, they would have given me an 'A' certificate.' 'One cut was where Girish Karnad was explaining artificial insemination in cattle.' 'These cuts never made any sense to me.'
Even after three decades, Mandi proves its lasting relevance and powerful impact on cinephile memory by inviting comparisons to Vidya Balan's Begum Jaan.
'He is one of the most down-to-earth and hardworking guys I know, and that's true of all superstars, including Bachchan sahab.'
'Do films today even have the courage to question the establishment?'
"Telling the story of the birth of a nation is never easy. Especially if that nation is as big and diverse as India," said Shyam Benegal about 'Samvidhaan -- The Making of the Constitution of India'.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was spotted at Mumbai airport as she left for Cannes.
Film certification guidelines need contemporary interpretation and should be as non-discretionary as possible, Information and Broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday as he met the government-appointed Shyam Benegal panel to look into the revamp of Censor Board, in Mumbai.
'I have no idea why I was so many film-makers' choice for Jinnah. I assume it is because I was born and bred in Mumbai and speak English.' 'There's also my name, people tend to believe that a Muslim character can best be played by a Muslim actor.'
'I don't think Waheeda had the confidence that I could pull it off, so she said no.'
On her 50th birthday on June 25, Sukanya Verma celebrates some of her most significant works.
Gandhi will now be seen in two upcoming OTT series -- Hansal Mehta's Gandhi, starring Pratik Gandhi in the title role, and Freedom at Midnight by Nikkhil Advani.
Nearly half a century later, Shyam Benegal's Manthan will be showcased in restored print at this year's Cannes Film Festival. It still serves as a much-needed reminder of setting aside differences in the favour of combined progress and profit, notes Sukanya Verma.
'The problems that the film explores still remain. It was a different time when we made the film. We were young and we thought we could change the world.'
'...be it a comedy, thriller or a love story.' 'The bhindi costs Rs 30 per kilo, but the price of potato remains unchanged.'
'India mattered to him and he wanted to matter to India.'
Angry Young Men misses some important elements of the Salim-Javed story including an understanding of the duo's creative process. In fact, the two men do not even appear together in the same space in the series.
'I have had my share of unpleasant situations being a woman, like so many other actors have gone through.' 'I took it in my stride because I knew it happens.' 'What saved me was what my mother used to say: Education.'
Never before in history have Cannes and its sidebars found space for eight Indian, or India-themed, films.
Deepa Gahlot lists Hindi biopics about Indian political leaders: Some worked, some did not, but they managed to avoid controversy.
Karisma meets Maonj Bajpayee... Juhi wishes Alka Yagnik... Namrata enjoys a Parisian breakfast...
Disha's great grandfather directed Karan's grandfather in Bandini.
Shekhar is in Sydney. Urmila is in Jammu. Urvashi is in Paris...
All India Rank achieves a fine balance of authenticity and sensitivity in the fine portrayals of its young actors and old.
'You suddenly realise that in this entire big scheme of things, you're just one speck.'
'How many voices from that time have stood the test of time?' 'There have been RJs before him and after him, but no one has enjoyed his popularity and longevity.'
'I'm talking about that predator in your house, and how one should protect one's children from him.'
Shabana Azmi has lost more than 10 kilos for Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, where she plays Alia Bhatt's grandmother.
'We think we know him because he's written about everyday.' 'But how many of us know him as a person?'
'I remember that when I was about seven years old, a doctor saw me and told my family that I would only survive for six months and that the disease had no cure. But my mother never gave up. She would always say, 'My son is born to become a renowned wrestler'.'
Girish Karnad's demise leaves Shabana Azmi shattered.
As Indian cinema turns 100, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, one of India's greatest directors, lists some of his personal favourites.
On her 72nd birthday on September 18, Sukanya Verma gives three cheers to the legend and lists 20 of her stellar performances.
'I grew up in a place that used to be the best city in India: Allahabad.' 'The city has given some of the best writers, politicians and musicians to the country. 'Today, it has gone to the dogs.'
A sense of practicality and idealism mingle in the works of veteran director Shyam Benegal, says Abhilasha Ojha.
Latest updates from Bollywood.
It would be unfair, even impossible not to compare Welcome to Sajjanpur with Benegal's previous Mandi, which has its own share of issues, idiosyncrasies and intended comedy. While Mandi it's not, Welcome to Sajjanpur is worth a trip, flaws inclusive, for its nifty funniness and curious concept.
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