Sohum Shah has carved a unique space in Indian cinema, known for his powerful performances and groundbreaking storytelling. His magnum opus, Tumbbad, remains a landmark in Indian filmmaking, celebrated for its visually rich narrative and innovative approach. The film’s recent re-release garnered renewed praise, once again highlighting Sohum’s ability to push creative boundaries. Sohum Shah shares his wildest dream At HR College’s annual fest, Sohum shared a profound glimpse into his love for cinema. When asked about his wildest dream, he said:“What is your wildest dream? What do you dream about? I have only one dream, which is a very cliché answer. I want to die on the set. Whenever I die, I want to die on the set of a film. That would be the most fun. Everything else is clear.” The actor also shared a post mentioning his experience at HR College and expressed his happiness. he further said that he had a lot of fun interacting with students at the college. The actor also reminisced about his college days. He also mentioned the fun questions he was asked about his much-awaited film Tumbbad 2. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sohum Shah (@shah_sohum) This candid admission speaks volumes about Sohum’s devotion to his craft. For him, cinema is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong passion and purpose. His words left the audience inspired, offering insight into the mind of an artist driven by an insatiable love for storytelling. Looking ahead, Sohum is preparing for his upcoming big project. Tumbbad 2 promises to continue the spellbinding saga of its predecessor. Sohum Shah's next release is titled Crazxy, will release on 7th March 2025 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sohum Shah (@shah_sohum) Soham's next project is titled Crazxy, a Sohum Shah Films production, which is set to release on March 7, 2025. The motion poster for Crazxy has already stirred excitement, hinting at yet another unique cinematic marvel. Crazxy is written and directed by Girish Kohli and produced by Sohum Shah, Mukesh Shah, Amrita Shah, and Adesh Prasad. The film's music is produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and the lyrics are penned by Gulzar.
14 December,2024 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA year after the release of '12th Fail', filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra released the documentary 'Zero Se Restart'. The eighty-eight-minute film provides a detailed insight into the filming of Chopra's critically acclaimed super hit film '12th Fail'. The documentary is directed by Jaskunwar Singh Kohli who was one of the editors, writers, and associate directors of '12th Fail'. Vikrant Massey was not the first choice for Manoj in 12th Fail The film was released on December 13. One major revelation in the documentary was that Vikrant Massey was not the first choice for the lead role of Manoj Kumar Sharma. The film is based on Anurag Pathak's book 'Twelfth Fail: Hara Wahi Jo Ladaa Nahi' and even Anurag preferred Varun Dhawan's casting over anyone else. Many other team members felt the same too. In the movie, we can see that Vidhu Vinod Chopra had his doubts about casting the 'Bhediya' actor. Chopra is seen praising Varun Dhawan but also explains his logic behind why he thinks he is not the correct choice for this role and film. Finally, Vikrant Massey was chosen for the role of IAS Manoj Sharma who worked day and night to change his poverty-laden life. The film also delves into how the love story blossomed between Manoj Kumar Sharma and his wife Shraddha Joshi who also appeared for IAS exams and went on to become an IRS officer and later married Manoj Kumar Sharma. Shraddha's character was portrayed by actress Medha Shankar. Workfront of Vikrant Massey and Varun Dhawan Vikrant Massey was last seen in Ekta Kapoor's 'The Sabarmati Report' alongside Raashi Khanna and Riddhi Dogra. The film was based on the 2002 Godhra riots. After the film's release, Massey also announced an indefinite break from films after his two releases in 2025. The actor made this decision to fulfill his other duties as a father, husband, and son. He will next be seen with Shanaya Kapoor in 'Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan'. Meanwhile, Varun Dhawan is preparing for his upcoming film 'Baby John' releasing on 25th December. The film stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroff, and Sanya Malhotra. The film's story is presented by Atlee and directed by Kalees.
14 December,2024 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Jhanak Shukla who is popularly known for her work in the movie 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and the TV show Karishma Ka Karishma is now a married woman. The actress tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Swapnil Suryawanshi on December 12. The couple had an intimate ceremony. Video from the wedding and pre-wedding ceremonies are on Shukla's Instagram feed. On Friday, the official photographers of Jhanak and Swapnil's wedding shared a video from the ceremony. The video gave glimpses of the fun and emotional moments of the couple at the wedding. After exchanging varmalas, Jhanak planted a kiss on Surya's cheek. Her mother, actress Supriya Shukla was seen getting emotional during her daughter's pheras. The coupe had a blend of Kashmiri and Maharashtrian rituals for the wedding ceremony. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamlesh Pithava (@bhagvati_photostudio) For the ceremony, Jhanak opted for a red saree with a golden border instead of the traditional lehenga, while Swapnil complemented her look in an elegant off-white sherwani. The intimate event was attended by close family and friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamlesh Pithava (@bhagvati_photostudio) About Jhanak Shukla She was a popular child actress and is the daughter of senior actress Supriya Shukla. Jhanak has a Masters' degree in Archeology. She started her acting journey very young. It was in 2003, when she gained the spotlight with the show 'Karishma Ka Karishma' and her character 'Gia Kapur' in the Bollywood movie Kal Ho Na Ho', alongside Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, where she plays the adopted daughter of Jenny Kapur, played by Jaya Bachchan. In 2006, she starred with Rajit Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma and Irrfan Khan in the movie 'Deadline: Sirf 24 Ghante' as the kidnapped daughter Anishka Goenka. Jhanak also acted in the Hollywood movie 'One Night with the King'. Jhanak Shukla has starred in television shows such as 'Son Pari', 'Hatim' and 'Gumrah'. In an interview with the Times of India, speaking about quitting acting, she said, "I didn’t quit acting intentionally; it happened on its own. I was a child artiste, but after a point, my parents told me that I should also focus on my studies and pursue acting post-graduation if I wanted to. So, I immersed myself in my studies, and by the time I completed my graduation, I wasn’t interested in acting."
14 December,2024 10:13 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWriter and director Meghna Gulzar has turned 51 years old today. Fans and celebrities have extended their heartfelt birthday wishes for the filmmaker. Marking the occasion, the actress Rakul Preet Singh wished the filmmaker a 'joyful year' and penned an adorable birthday wish for the 'Sam Bahadur' director. Taking to her Instagram stories, the 'De De Pyaar De' actress wrote, "Happy Birthday, Meghna Ma'am! May your special day be as wonderful as the moments you create. Wishing you a joyful year ahead!" Along with the caption, Rakul Preet shared a beautiful portrait of Meghna Gulzar on her Instagram story in which she was seen wearing a blue dress and matching glasses. Meghna Gulzar is the daughter of poet and lyricist Gulzar who has directed some commercially and critically acclaimed films during her career, carving a niche for herself in the industry. Before making her directorial debut in 2002, she served as an assistant director on films such as Maachis and Hu Tu Tu. With films like Raazi and Talvar released over the previous years, she has established herself as one of the country's best directors. Meghna Gulzar's last directorial was Sam Bahadur. It starred Vicky Kaushal in the titular role alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neera Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. It was released in 2023. 'Sam Bahadur' is based on the life of India's first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. His career in the army spanned over four decades and five wars. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. Manekshaw, fondly called 'Sam Bahadur,' led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. In his military career, Manekshaw also played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and the liberation of Hyderabad in 1948. 'Sam Bahadur' marked Vicky's second collaboration with Meghna Gulazar after 'Raazi'. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 December,2024 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIBollywood actor Varun Dhawan who is popular as a romantic hero revealed that his upcoming movie ‘Baby John’ is all about the personality transformation of a father with an “innocent face” when pushed to the limits - an analogy that’s likely to remind the viewers of a “serious character” he played in revenge-drama ‘Badlapur’ starring Nawazuddin Siddique. The actor told IANS that ‘Baby John’ revolves around women’s safety and explores how an innocent father is driven to extreme lengths to protect his daughter. "They cast me for this role because they wanted someone with an innocent face, to show the transformation of a father pushed to his limits," the actor IANS. Recalling real-life incidents like the Nirbhaya case, Dhawan explained that such issues are woven into the film's narrative. He described one of his powerful dialogues, “Haath laga ke bata mere beti ko” (Just try to harm my daughter), which he said came straight from the heart and was approved in a single take. On a personal note, Dhawan also revealed an emotional milestone in his life. "Today is a special day for me because my six-month-old daughter, Lara, started eating solid food for the first time. I missed it because I’m here in Jaipur, but my wife sent me a video," he shared. Reflecting on fatherhood, Dhawan joked about inventing a term for paternal love: "We’ve all heard of mamta (mother’s love); this is baapta (father’s love)." Varun Dhawan tied the knot with his childhood friend Natasha Dalal in January 2021. The couple welcomed their daughter Lara on June 3, 2024. Meanwhile, ‘Baby John’ is set to release this Christmas. Dhawan also spoke on Allu Arjun's arrest in Hyderabad and said, "An actor is not responsible for implementing safety protocols and cannot be solely blamed for an unfortunate incident." His remarks followed the arrest of Telugu superstar Allu Arjun in connection with a tragic incident at a promotional event for his latest movie. Arjun was taken into custody under tight security from his residence and transported to Chikkadpally police station. The incident, which occurred on the night of December 4, claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son hospitalized. A large crowd of fans had gathered at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad to catch a glimpse of the actor. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSFrom 'Sexy Sam' to 'Messy Mama', Sameera Reddy has definitely come a long way. Today, a mother of two, Sameera uses social media to champion body positivity and openly addresses topics that people on social media usually shy away from. From flaunting her flabs to showing her grey hair, Sameera's social media handle is a welcome space from the otherwise pretentious virtual world. Sameera on self-acceptance journey In an earlier interview while talking to mid-day.com about how her self-acceptance journey began, she said, “I think it began when I didn't have anybody who was guiding me through one of my major breakdowns, which happened postpartum. I remember slipping into a very bad, dark space about my body, my career, about being perceived as successful or how fast I could bounce back after motherhood and I cracked. I actually hid inside the house and I didn't talk to anybody. I cut off from people and I didn't have the right mindset and I wasn't getting the right messages from social media and society at that time." She added, "So when I kind of pulled myself out which almost took me two-three years, I think my first aim was I need to at least let one person who is struggling out there to know that they are not alone. That they can get past it and that it is normal, and that's where the journey began. It began with wanting to be there for somebody who didn't have anybody.” Sameera Reddy on starving, corrective surgeries Sameera Reddy made her film debut with the 2002 film 'Maine Dil Tujhko Diya' opposite Sohail Khan. Soon she was tagged as 'Sexy Sam' owing to her glamorous roles onscreen. But looking a certain way did not come easy. The actress revealed she would starve herself and have one idli a day and ensured she did not gain weight. She was also suggested to have corrective surgeries on her body and face. "I think there was a crazy phase about 10 years ago where everybody was getting plastic surgery, boob job, change nose or bone structure. I had to always pad my chest and was told to get a boob job done. Many times, I would think, 'Should I? Is this the norm?' because it was so openly spoken about and as an actor I questioned if I had to do it. But I didn't and I am so grateful to God I didn't because today I wouldn't have been comfortable about it," she said. While the actress feels the perception has changed, it is an individual choice today. "There are many people who choose corrective surgery and it is their choice. If it makes them happy, I say live and let live, who are we to judge," she added.
14 December,2024 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarInspired by life Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has made a career of films that present the humane side of notorious gangsters, and now, he revealed that his decision to do so stemmed from a personal experience. “It struck me how, for gangsters, power defines everything—even grief comes out as anger. Taking a real-life trait and making it into a story is an exercise that I truly love,” he said after revealing that a gangster’s emotional outburst after the death of his brother left a lasting impression on him. On The Rana Daggubati Show, he said that his film, Company (2002) was not inspired by infamous underworld dons but rather his own rift with filmmaker Krishna Vamsi. He stated, “Whether it is the underworld or a film company, the ego wars remain the same.” One more season Prime Video has officially announced the new season of the web series, Paatal Lok. The announcement, made via a teaser shared on their social media platforms, has generated significant buzz among fans eagerly awaiting the next instalment of the crime thriller. Aired in 2020, the series, starring Jaideep Ahlawat (R) and Ishwak Singh, garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storyline and performances. It delves into the dark and gritty underbelly of Indian society, exploring themes of crime and corruption. The upcoming season is expected to build on this narrative, introducing new challenges and unravelling fresh mysteries. Will the real Dev Patel stand up? Some interesting stories come out of lookalike contests of Hollywood actors. Naturally, then, when Dev Patel learnt of a contest being held for him in November, he was in awe. The event drew more than 500 people, and Patel addressed questions on it at the Red Sea Film Festival. “Most of the men who showed up were far more handsome and qualified than I am. I would have lost at my own lookalike contest,” he shared.
14 December,2024 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamFrom the streets of Mumbai in Satya (1998) to the streets of Aligarh in Aligarh (2015), my career in acting has been more than just a profession. In Shool (1999), I portrayed a police officer, grappling with a system drowning in corruption. In Aligarh, I stepped into the life of a man, Professor Siras, fighting for dignity and acceptance. Each of these roles compelled me to confront larger societal truths, while asking myself uncomfortable questions: What does it mean to fight for what is right? How does one reconcile personal beliefs with external realities? These questions have always intrigued me, both as actor and person. Philosophers like Aristotle argued that virtue lies in the Golden Mean, a balance between extremes. In our complex world, this balance often blurs, leaving us navigating morally grey zones. My roles have given me the opportunity to explore these nuances, often reflecting on struggles of individuals, caught between what is legal, and what is just. Some of them resonate deeply enough to stay with me long after cameras stop rolling. Manoj Bajpayee in Despatch This intersection of law, justice, and truth has been a recurring theme. In Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023), I portrayed a steadfast lawyer, fighting a powerful adversary, in a case that demanded immense moral and emotional resilience. Such roles often delve into questions philosophers have debated for centuries: Is justice absolute, or does it adapt to the context? How do power dynamics shape our understanding of right, and wrong? As an actor, embodying these dilemmas allowed me to bring to life the complexities of the systems we live in, and the individuals who navigate them. When the opportunity to play Joy, an investigative journalist [in a Mumbai tabloid] in Despatch, came my way, it felt like a natural extension of this ongoing exploration. Investigative journalism has historically been a powerful force for uncovering societal injustice. From the muckrakers of the early 20th century to today’s reporters, risking everything to expose corruption, journalists have often operated at the crossroads of personal safety and public responsibility. Journalism is the fourth pillar of India’s democracy. Playing Joy made me understand why. Journalists venture into the most dangerous and uncertain territories, both physical and ideological, to seek the truth. From exposing corruption to uncovering crimes that threaten the fabric of society, their work is essential, yet fraught with personal and professional risks. Stories of reporters working in conflict zones, or investigating systemic corruption, highlight the incredible resilience and courage it takes to be a journalist. To prepare for the role, I turned to my long-standing friendships with journalists. Some of whom I’ve known since theatre days in Delhi. Our conversations offered me a window into their lives, revealing the immense pressures they face, from maintaining work-life balance, to battling mental health challenges. The emotional toll of consistently confronting the darker sides of humanity is a weight few professions bear. Yet, they do so because of an unwavering commitment to truth and accountability. Cinema, at its best, has the power to hold a mirror to society. As Plato once remarked, storytelling shapes the soul, offering lessons that transcend time. Looking back, I see my acting journey as one of constant learning. Each character has taught me something new. The roles that resonate most deeply are those that force me to ask questions that have no easy answers. Playing Joy in Despatch reaffirmed my belief in the importance of journalists as defenders of truth, working at the cost of their personal life. Journalists are not just professionals. Their pursuit of truth is a deeply human endeavour, and a service to society. Despatch gave me a renewed appreciation for the critical role they play in shaping a just and informed world. Greed is one thing; job is another, but knowing that there is a risk of losing your life is a different ballgame altogether. Salute to all journalists, driven by passion, for what they do, and how they do it. I hope that the fourth pillar survives all the oddities, obstacles, greed; standing straight, and strong in the country.As an actor, I hope to continue telling stories that illuminate the complexities of the human experience. Because in the end, art is not just about reflecting life; it’s about helping us live it more meaningfully.
14 December,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Manoj BajpayeeParul Gulati remembers starting her hair extension brand, Nish Hair, in 2017 from her living room. While it stands as a successful business venture with a team of 30 employees today, the actor-entrepreneur knows the struggles she faced as the founder of a start-up. That’s why she has decided to mentor budding female entrepreneurs with her new initiative, Support Women Businesses. For her programme that will launch in early 2025, Gulati will choose 20 aspiring businesswomen and guide them in areas of business strategy, branding, financial management and networking. “As someone who has walked the path of entrepreneurship, I know how daunting it can be to navigate the challenges of starting something new. But I also know the joy it brings when dreams take flight. I want to create a platform where young women feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. My goal is to be a mentor who not only guides them, but also inspires them to dream big, take risks, and create their unique mark in the world of business,” says Gulati, who was seen in the second season of Made in Heaven. As the first step, the actor-entrepreneur has begun highlighting certain homegrown brands of women’s bags, footwear and skincare on her Instagram handle. In the next few weeks, she will pick 20 brands for the four-month programme. She aims to help them network, while also inspiring confidence and building leadership skills in them. She adds, “It’s about equipping them with actionable strategies and problem-solving skills, so they can confidently tackle challenges and build sustainable ventures.”
14 December,2024 07:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuRaj Kapoor, the legendary filmmaker, is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential personalities in the history of Indian cinema, delivered cinematic masterpieces throughout his illustrious career. These films were adorned with evergreen songs that continue to bridge generations. The songs in his films are true cinematic and melodic masterpieces that resonate with audiences even years later. On Raj Kapoor's birth centenary, we take a nostalgic journey through the timeless songs of this legendary filmmaker. Raj Kapoor's evergreen films feature the most iconic songs Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan is a Raj Kapoor classic from the iconic film Mera Naam Joker. Sung by Mukesh, this song embodies the essence of life’s complexities and internal struggles. Decades later, it remains the perfect anthem of resilience, inspiring generations to persevere through life’s challenges. Dost Dost Na Raha from the evergreen film Sangam captures the bittersweet essence of friendship. Sung by Mukesh, this heartfelt track resonates deeply even today, proving its timeless appeal. Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua sees Raj Kapoor striking an eternal chord with audiences through this romantic song from Shree 420. Sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey, and composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, this iconic track reflects the innocence and complexity of love. Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ke Mol from the film Dharam Karam is a soulful and reflective song. Sung by Mukesh and Sushma Shrestha, it reminds listeners to cherish each moment and embrace the fleeting nature of life. Jahaan Main Jaati Hoon from the classic film Chori Chori is one of Raj Kapoor’s most playfully romantic songs. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey, it beautifully captures the essence of youthful love and remains a favorite on romantic playlists even today. Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar from Raj Kapoor's 1959 film Anari carries an important message about loving everyone and enjoying the little joys of life. The song, voiced by Mukesh, focuses on living life happily by appreciating small moments and making an effort to bring happiness to others through kind gestures. Recently, Ranbir Kapoor, the grandson of the legendary filmmaker, mentioned that this was the first song he introduced to his daughter, Raha. The actor shared this in a candid conversation at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
13 December,2024 10:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRaj Kapoor was one of the most iconic and legendary actors Indian cinema could ever have. The actor delivered some of the greatest hits like Mera Naam Joker, Barsaat, Awaara, and Shree 420. December 14 marks Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary, and on this occasion, we are here to share a fascinating fact about the GOAT actor that will leave you surprised. For decades, Raj Kapoor has been synonymous with "iconic," but what if we told you Raj Kapoor was not his real name? Shocked? Yes, you read that right—Raj Kapoor is the legendary actor's stage name. What is Raj Kapoor's real name? Raj Kapoor's birth name was Ranbir Raj Kapoor (Raj was the given middle name for all his brothers). Interestingly, his grandson Ranbir Kapoor shares his first name with him. Born on December 14, 1924, to Prithviraj Kapoor in Peshawar (now Pakistan), Raj Kapoor made his official acting debut with the 1947 film Neel Kamal and went on to become "the greatest showman of Indian cinema." He made a mark as an actor with films like Shree 420, Awaara, and Barsaat. Another interesting fact about Raj Kapoor is that he became the youngest filmmaker of his time when he made his directorial debut with Aag (1948), featuring himself alongside Nargis, Kamini Kaushal, and Premnath. When Raj Kapoor passed away in 1988, he was in the midst of working on a film titled Henna. The project was later completed by his sons, Randhir and Rishi Kapoor, and released in 1991. Raj Kapoor (1924–1988) is regarded as one of the most global filmmakers India has had, leaving an indelible mark on world cinema. Fondly referred to as 'The Greatest Showman', Kapoor was a filmmaker, actor, and producer who built an unparalleled legacy through his storytelling and vision. Raj Kapoor Film Festival On the momentous occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Raj Kapoor, R.K. Films, Film Heritage Foundation, and NFDC-National Film Archive of India, proudly present Raj Kapoor 100 –Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman. This grand retrospective will showcase ten iconic films by the celebrated producer, director, and actor across 40 cities and 135 cinemas in India from December 13 to December 15, 2024.
13 December,2024 09:52 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
