Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, who made his acting debut with the 2000 film Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai directed by Rakesh Roshan, was unaware that his father had mortgaged their house and cars for the movie. In the Netflix docuseries The Roshans, Hrithik recalls having a heated argument with Rakesh during which he learned about their financial woes. Rakesh Roshan mortgaged house and cars for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai Hrithik shared, “My father was, is, and always will be someone who loves deeply. But his expression of love was the kind that was taught to him when he was growing up. I don’t think that he was granted the kind of compassion from the world, so the only way he learned was to be hard on himself. And that is how he expresses his love, and it’s often misunderstood.” He added, “I always saw the glass half-full. I had not colour-corrected in two or three scenes, because I was handling that. And the overseas prints had already been sent. So, I came to my dad, really upset that, ‘How could you let that go?’ And I think that was the first time that my dad gave it back to me. He gave it back to me in my face. He turned to my mom, and he said, ‘I am doing everything for him, and he’s sitting here and he’s complaining’. And that’s the night I found out, my mom told me, that the house was mortgaged, the cars were mortgaged… I realised how much was at stake.” About Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai originally released in January 2000, and directed by Rakesh Roshan, marked the debut of Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel. The film became an instant blockbuster, with Hrithik's iconic double role, dashing looks, and unmatchable dance skills grabbing the attention of the audience. The movie, which was a blend of romance, drama, and thrilling action, also featured a stellar supporting cast, including Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Mohnish Behl, Dalip Tahil, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Vrajesh Hirjee. The film's songs, including ‘Chand Sitare’, ‘Na Tum Jano Na Hum’, 'Pyaar ki Kashti Mein', and 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena', are still fan favorites.
18 January,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Netflix dropped the docuseries ‘The Roshans’, actor Hrithik Roshan in its final episode recalled the time his father Rakesh Roshan was shot by the underworld in broad daylight. For those unversed, Hrithik became a star overnight with the success of his debut film ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’. However, a week after its release in January 2000, Rakesh was shot with two bullets while leaving his office. He somehow drove himself to the hospital and recovered. Hrithik Roshan on Rakesh Roshan getting shot The final episode of ‘The Roshans’ shows archive footage of Hrithik Roshan speaking after the incident. He states, “As you all know, in the past few weeks, my family has been through a lot. My father, who has always believed in doing good work, was recently attacked by unknown assailants. I was losing faith in people, in goodness, in the world. I saw no point in all the hard work that we people put in. Basically, nothing made sense. I just wanted to quit before things had even begun for me… I’m up here this evening to let people know that no matter how much some people might want to put us down, we will rise. We believe in one thought, that the show must go on.” Hrithik Roshan was scared seeing blood-red sheets In the episode, Hrithik recalls, “God, it was a hard time, of course. But I still can’t remember me feeling afraid for my dad. He was Superman. Even when he was in the hospital, I remember seeing a glimpse of blood-red sheets, and it made me scared for a second. But just the next moment, my dad was conversing, laughing, and it seemed like he could handle this. It was only a month after that, my mom narrated what had happened the previous night, that my dad had woken up screaming, screaming for help, thinking that he’d been shot at. That was when I realised the vulnerability behind that Superman. He had such a strong facade, he just never let his soft side out.” 'The Roshans' includes candid interviews with industry peers, friends, and colleagues, sharing their insights on the family's remarkable influence. Directed by Shashi Ranjan, the documentary will trace the legacy of the Roshans, starting with the patriarch, the legendary music composer Roshan Lal Nagrath.
18 January,2025 10:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Urvashi Rautela, who is currently on a promotional spree for her latest release Daaku Maharaaj has apologised to Saif Ali Khan for her insensitive statement when asked about the brutal attack on the actor. Saif was attacked by an intruder at his Bandra flat in the early hours of Thursday who stabbed him multiple times which led to hospitalisation. Urvashi faced flak for deviating the conversation towards her expensive gifts. What Urvashi Rautela said about Saif Ali Khan’s attack In an interview with ANI, Urvashi Rautela was asked about her take on the incident, to which she replied, “It is very unfortunate. Now Daaku Maharaaj has crossed ₹105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex, while my father gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don't feel confident wearing it outside openly. There is this insecurity that anybody can attack us. Whatever happened was very unfortunate." #WATCH | Mumbai: On the attack on actor #SaifAliKhan, actor Urvashi Rautela says, "...It is very unfortunate...This creates an insecurity that anybody can attack us. What happened is very unfortunate...All my prayers are with them (Saif Ali Khan and his family)." pic.twitter.com/fcLtGsWSvG — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2025 Urvashi Rautela apologises to Saif Ali Khan As the video went viral, Urvashi received flak for being insensitive. She shared a note on Instagram apologising for the same. Urvashi wrote, “Dear Saif Ali Khan sir, I hope this message finds you in strength. I am writing with a deep sense of regret and heartfelt apology. Until now, I was completely unaware of the intensity of the situation you are facing. I feel ashamed that I allowed myself to be consumed by the excitement surrounding Daaku Maharaaj and the gifts I was receiving, instead of pausing to acknowledge and understand what you are going through.” First Indian female actress in the universe to apologise to saif ali khan on 17th January #UrvashiRautela pic.twitter.com/Fl62IBgZzt — Dr.Bhavesh Varandani (@11GoGetter11) January 17, 2025 She added, “Please accept my sincerest apologies for being so ignorant and insensitive. Now that I know the gravity of your case, I am deeply moved and want to extend my unwavering support. Your grace, dignity, and resilience during such a challenging time are truly admirable, and I have nothing but immense respect for your strength.” Saif Ali Khan underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital. According to the doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a knife lodged in his spine. Surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long blade from the actor's spine and repair his leaking spinal fluid. While Saif is "out of danger," doctors continue to monitor him.
18 January,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood power couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone stepped out on Friday night to attend the former’s cousin’s wedding celebrations in Mumbai. A video shared by the paparazzi shows the duo exiting the banquet hand-in-hand wearing magnificent traditional ensembles. Ranveer wore a beige sherwani suit, while Deepika looked bespoke in a hot pink ethnic attire. Watch the video below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Ranveer and Deepika welcomed their first child in 2024 Deepika and Ranveer announced the birth of their baby in September 2024 with a heartfelt post, expressing their gratitude and excitement as they embraced the joys of parenthood. On Diwali, Deepika and Ranveer introduced their daughter to the world, revealing her name 'Dua Padukone Singh' with a meaningful message. The couple wrote, "Dua: meaning a prayer. Because she is the answer to our prayers. Our hearts are filled with love & gratitude." View this post on Instagram A post shared by दीपिका पादुकोण (@deepikapadukone) The Bollywood power couple tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years and the duo never fails to shower love on each other on social media. Ranveer and Deepika first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama film 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela' and later also starred in 'Bajirao Mastani' and 'Padmaavat'. The pair was last seen together on-screen in Rohit Shetty's cop drama, 'Singham Again', where Deepika played the fierce Shakti Shetty, aka Lady Singham and Ranveer reprised his role as Simmba. The film also stars a powerhouse ensemble including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and Akshay Kumar. Deepika and Ranveer’s work front Deepika will reportedly be seen in the second part of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. She also has the solo cop drama with Rohit Shetty. Ranveer Singh has finally resumed work after his paternity break. He is shooting for Aditya Dhar’s next, tentatively titled 'Dhurandhar'. In July, Ranveer announced the new project, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Yami Gautam Dhar, and Arjun Rampal. Besides Aditya Dhar’s film, he will also star in Farhan Akhtar's upcoming 'Don 3' with Kiara Advani. While announcing the film, Farhan requested the audience to give the same love to Ranveer as they showered on previous Don installments.
18 January,2025 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Kartik Aaryan congratulated Paralympic Gold medalist Murlikant Petkar as he received the Arjuna Award on Friday. Kartik shared a video on Instagram featuring a scene from the film 'Chandu Champion' and Murlikant Petkar receiving the award in real. He wrote a long note that read, "From living your incredible life on the big screen to witnessing you receive, Arjuna Lifetime Achievement Award, at Rashtrapati Bhawan today, It felt surreal." "Every moment was like a dream. Now our film #ChanduChampion, seems to have found its perfect ending (it started with you fighting for The Arjuna award) but knowing you, an unstoppable champion, this can't be the climax... Keep inspiring Sir," he added. He also felt proud and wrote, "Feeling so proud to be present in this moment framed in history with you and the honourable president of India.... Salute to you and congratulations to all the Arjuna awardees..." View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) As soon as the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' actor dropped the post, netizens chimed in the comment section with congratulatory messages. A user wrote, "Congratulations sir god bless u..." Another fan commented, "More power to Murli Sir and to you too Kartik.." Murlikant Petkar has received his award from President Droupadi Murmu at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. Kartik was present with filmmaker Kabir Khan in the event. Earlier, Murlikant Petkar on Thursday expressed his feelings about getting recognition after the release of the film 'Chandu Champion'. As he is all set to receive the Arjuna Award, the legendary sportsperson gave full credit to producer Sajid Nadiadwala "These awards are declared due to Sajid Nadiadwala because no one gives such a big honour to handicaps. I am getting recognised in the world because of Sajid Nadiadwala," Murlikant Petkar told ANI. He also shared that it's recognition that he "longed for throughout his journey as an Olympic gold medalist and a proud member of the Indian Army." "This award is a testament to the support I received from the Government of India, Maharashtra State, Rotary Clubs and many others who believed in me and helped me elevate the recognition of athletes with disabilities. The film about my journey, directed by Kabir Khan and starring Kartik Aaryan, is the first of its kind to highlight the life of a handicapped athlete, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts. This movie has brought recognition to the struggles and achievements of athletes with disabilities, making it a milestone in raising awareness," Murlikant Petkar told ANI. Earlier, filmmaker Kabir Khan, who directed Chandu Champion, expressed happiness over the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports' decision to award the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) to para-swimmer Murlikant Rajaram Petkar. Speaking to ANI, Kabir Khan, who brought Murlikant Petkar's story to the big screen with the film 'Chandu Champion', said he is glad for the recognition of the athlete. "I am just really, really happy that this is happening with Murlikant Petkar because the one thing that I did feel which in a certain way I also represented at the beginning of the film is that he kinda felt let down by the country. You know, when I met him, he was not the kind of person who would complain. But you could make out that there's a man who's feeling why didn't I get the recognition that was due to me? And I'm so glad that after over 50 years he's getting that recognition which he deserved," Kabir Khan said During the 1965 war with Pakistan, Murlikant Petkar suffered nine bullet wounds. However, he opted not to give up once his injuries healed and began participating in swimming and other sports again. Despite setbacks, he never quit and always remained focused on achieving his goals and making India proud. In 1972, he created history by becoming India's first Paralympic gold medalist. The 'never give up' attitude of Murlikant Petkar, which resonated with the viewers of 'Chandu Champion', has added to the popularity of the para-swimmer. Kartik Aaryan, who played the role of Murlikant Petkar in the film Chandu Champion, also expressed his happiness about the para-swimmer being conferred for Arjuna Award. "So, so, so happy to hear this news! While working on his biopic, I came to know about his life in such great detail and up close and personal that his win feels deeply personal. He has remained unbreakable and solid throughout his life, despite all the challenges destiny threw at him," the actor said. Kartik Aaryan further called the news the "best way to start the year." "I have met many sports personalities, but Murlikant sir's sportsmanship and headstrong attitude are unmatched. Hearing about this honour is the best way to start the year. Murlikant sir, you are our country's finest champion - truly one of a kind," he added. 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
18 January,2025 08:21 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIActor Kareena Kapoor Khan recorded her statement with Bandra Police, regarding the attack on her husband and actor, Saif Ali Khan, at their Bandra residence early Thursday morning. The statement was recorded on Friday evening at her residence in the presence of police officers. So far, over 30 statements have been recorded in connection with the attack. Additionally, the Mumbai Police has formed 20 teams, along with 10 teams from the Crime Branch, to investigate. CCTV footage from the Bandra area has been seized, and three suspects are being questioned. However, no arrests have been made yet in connection with the incident. Earlier, Saif's staff members were brought to the Bandra Police Station for questioning regarding the case but were later allowed to leave. Meanwhile, the auto-rickshaw driver who rushed the actor to the hospital also shared details of what happened and how he stepped in to help. Speaking to ANI, the driver explained that he saw a woman trying to hire an auto-rickshaw at 2 a.m. on Thursday. Soon after, he approached the scene and saw the 'Hum Tum' actor covered in "blood," coming out of the gate, accompanied by a few others. The actor was "bleeding" from his "neck and back," the driver said. "I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 a.m. when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto, but nobody stopped. I also heard calls for a rickshaw from inside the gate. I took a U-turn and stopped my vehicle near the gate. A man covered in blood came out, along with 2-4 others. They put him in the auto and decided to go to Lilavati Hospital. I dropped them there, and later I came to know that he was Saif Ali Khan. I saw him bleeding from his neck and back," Rana told ANI. Saif was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred when the intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene, the situation escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital. According to the doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a knife lodged in his spine. Surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long blade from the actor's spine and repair his leaking spinal fluid. While Saif is "out of danger," doctors are continuing to monitor him. 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
18 January,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIActress Priyanka Chopra arrived in Hyderabad from Toronto via Dubai on Friday morning. After her arrival, the fans of the actress are expecting her highly anticipated return with the untitled film with Mahesh Babu. The project is expected to be directed by 'Baahubali' fame director SS Rajamouli. Taking to her Instagram handle, Priyanka shared a video which showcased her flight journey from Toronto, Canada to Hyderabad. In the clip, the 'Krrish' fame actress was seen resting on a seat on the flight with her legs stretched as she zoomed in on the ticket details of her trip. It was a flight ticket from Toronto to Dubai. The actress then shared scenic views from the window of her flight as she landed in Dubai. After a tasty lunch at Dubai airport, the actress takes off for her next destination. The 'Dostana' actress was then seen riding in a car in Hyderabad as she showcased autos and Indian people walking on the road. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Her fans expressed their excitement for the potential collaboration in the comment section. Priyanka Chopra is set to join her husband Nick Jonas and his brothers, Joe and Kevin Jonas, for an upcoming holiday film. The project, which is expected to premiere on Disney+, brings the Jonas family together for a memorable 2025 holiday season, as per E! News. Filming for the untitled movie began on January 13 in Toronto. As per E! News, Priyanka was spotted on the set alongside her husband Nick and the Jonas brothers. The 'Citadel' actress was spotted wearing a black hoodie and a long black coat with grey and white stripes, while Nick, donned a dark puffy jacket, with his hood pulled over to shield him from the snow, as per E! News. The set atmosphere was filled with festive cheer as Priyanka shed her winter coat to reveal a holiday-inspired look, featuring a cream-coloured long-sleeve top paired with a red floor-length skirt. 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
18 January,2025 08:15 AM IST | Hyderabad | ANIActors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia were seen at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on Friday, where Saif Ali Khan is being admitted after he was attacked at his Bandra residence early Thursday. Saif's daughter, actress Sara Ali Khan, was also spotted arriving at the hospital later in the evening. Earlier, Saif's staff members were brought to the Bandra Police Station for questioning regarding the case but were later allowed to leave. The Mumbai Police has clarified that no arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the auto-rickshaw driver who rushed the actor to the hospital shared details of what happened and how he stepped in to help. Speaking to ANI, the driver shared that he saw a woman trying to hire an auto-rickshaw at 2 a.m. on Thursday. Soon after, he approached the scene and saw the 'Hum Tum' actor covered in "blood," coming out of the gate, accompanied by a few others. The actor was "bleeding" from his "neck and back," the driver said. "I drive my vehicle at night. It was around 2-3 a.m. when I saw a woman trying to hire an auto, but nobody stopped. I also heard calls for a rickshaw from inside the gate. I took a U-turn and stopped my vehicle near the gate. A man covered in blood came out, along with 2-4 others. They put him in the auto and decided to go to Lilavati Hospital. I dropped them there, and later I came to know that he was Saif Ali Khan. I saw him bleeding from his neck and back," Rana told ANI. Saif was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred when the intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene, the situation escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif underwent surgery at Lilavati. According to the doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a knife lodged in his spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long blade from the actor's spine and repair his leaking spinal fluid. While Saif is "out of danger," doctors are continuing to monitor him. 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
18 January,2025 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIOn Friday, Saif Ali Khan, who suffered multiple injuries after he was stabbed by an intruder in his Bandra residence a day earlier, was shifted out of the intensive care unit of Lilavati Hospital. The actor has been advised rest and restricted movement for a week by his team of doctors. With Khan’s recovery being the top priority of his family and collaborators, we have heard that director Rahul Dholakia and producer Nikkhil Advani have deferred their yet-untitled Netflix film with him that was to kick off on January 20. Rahul Dholakia and Nikkhil Advani Sources tell us that a set was built at Madh Island for the project that also stars Pratik Gandhi and Deepak Dobriyal. But in light of recent events, the makers informed the team that the shoot has been pushed until he recuperates. A unit hand tells us, “Originally, we were supposed to shoot in April, but because things progressed fast, the filming was advanced to January 20. Given the unfortunate incident, the team has reverted to the original plan of shooting by March-end or early April. It can be pushed further ahead as the makers want to give Saif sir as much time as he wants for his recovery. After he has healed, Nikkhil sir and Rahul sir will meet him and chalk out the plan as per his convenience.” The film is reportedly a historical drama chronicling India’s first general elections that were held between October 1951 and February 1952. Khan will portray Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, who played a pivotal role in executing the country’s landmark democratic process.
18 January,2025 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuMembers of the Indian film industry have come forward to support Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan following the attack on the actor at his Bandra residence early Thursday morning. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 a.m., left the actor injured and required emergency surgery. Actor Sonu Sood, while speaking to the media persons, called the incident "very sad" and "unfortunate," and said that although he believes Mumbai is a "very safe city," such incidents are a wake-up call to be more alert. "It is very sad. He is okay right now, but I think it is an unfortunate incident. Mumbai is a very safe place, but incidents like this remind us to be more alert. Security guards in buildings must be more attentive," said the actor. Earlier, Saif's staff members were brought to the Bandra Police Station for questioning regarding the case but were later allowed to leave. The Mumbai Police has clarified that no arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing. The actor was attacked by an intruder in his 11th-floor Bandra flat at around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday. The incident occurred when an intruder allegedly confronted the actor's maid at his residence. As Saif attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, it escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in the actor sustaining several stab wounds. Saif was immediately taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital after being stabbed by the intruder, where he underwent surgery under the supervision of a team of doctors. According to doctors, Saif sustained a major injury to the thoracic spinal cord due to a knife lodged in his spine, and surgery was performed to remove a 2.5-inch-long knife from the actor's spine and repair his leaking spinal fluid. While Saif is "out of danger," doctors are continuing to monitor him. 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
18 January,2025 08:05 AM IST | Ranchi | ANIFilm: EmergencyU/A: DramaDir: Kangana RanautCast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam KherRating: 3 stars Emergency exit—that’s the door, I thought, I’d be eyeing in the theatre, sooner or later, in this film. Pardon that I prejudge. But then, you mostly get to hear/read about propaganda pictures; I’ve to watch them (for a living). No knock on the genre. To each their own. Given the purpose is usually separate from entertainment—political propaganda pix can poke a hole in your head. They’re often shoddily shot, with near spoofs for scripts. Consider the likes of Indu Sarkar (2017) or The Accidental Prime Minister (2019). There are some elements of that, over a few minutes here and there, in this movie too. For instance, Atal Bihari Vajpayee talking himself up as the future Prime Minister of India, while thumping the desk a little later, that turns into a song he sings in parliament, which then spreads to General Manekshaw lip-syncing, similarly, in another room! This is only matched by the fully bombast, marching entry of Gen Manekshaw (Milind Soman) himself. More of such was my honest-to-god expectation from Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, starring Ranaut, a BJP politician, playing Indira Gandhi, the late queen of Congress (I), the rival political party, itself once named after her! In that sense, Emergency didn’t meet my expectations at all. Of course, I mean that as much as a compliment as a pleasant surprise! It’s a pretty solid biopic of Indira Gandhi—packed with historical events, and human empathy. Right from the opening scenes of li’l Ms Gandhi, lost in the Nehru household, Allahabad’s Anand Bhawan, while her weak mother, Kamala, is sidelined; suffering from tuberculosis. Down to Gandhi as India’s first woman PM, assassinated by her own gunmen, inside 1, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi. Pupul Jayakar is Gandhi’s friend/confidante through it all. It’s great to see actor Mahima Chaudhary back on screen with that role! You could piercingly fact-check a lot of what’s there in this pic, and there’s plenty—to figure if they fall squarely into the bracket of creative liberty. I will leave that vetting to more qualified historians. It’s another matter, if this movie merits a response. An obvious glitch is the protagonist claiming more than once, “Indira is India; India is Indira!” As if she coined it herself. That’s actually a line from DK Barooah, the Congress president then. That said, the filmmakers may be looking for a commercial hit. By no means is Emergency a hit-job. Ranaut, in fact, plays the lead role with sufficient care/compassion. Once you get used to her squeaky voice and constant twitching of the lower-lip, that is. It borders on mimicry, initially. But, certainly, grows on you, eventually. A better template to follow might be Shreyas Talpade as Vajpayee—he plays it straight, without burdening himself with needless mannerisms. As do Satish Kaushik for Jagjivan Ram, or Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan. Ranaut already has the advantage of super-fine prosthetic make-up (by Dennis Malinowski). The look suits her, totally—to play a quiet, dignified lady, known for her prime-ministerial poise. Ranaut’s taken a leap of faith, and seen it through. That’s no mean achievement, already. The fact that your attention doesn’t waver from the screen is hugely to the credit of Ritesh Shah (Pink, Raid, Sardar Udham), who’s scripted this piece of contemporary history for a mass audience. We switch from one important event to another—1962 Indo-China war, 1971 Indo-Pak war, local unrest and the creation of Bangladesh, Shimla Agreement, Operation Blue Star… Over all of the above, it’s almost baffling to me that the film’s titled Emergency. Which, as an event in India’s history, indeed Gandhi’s career, in 1975, lasted 21 months. It felt to me that it occurs in the film for no longer than 20-odd minutes. Emergency being euphemism for dictatorship, what else? That dictator was, by all accounts, the PM’s son, Sanjay Gandhi (Vishak Nair). You could almost liken this character to Saddam’s son Uday Hussein, in Iraq, from the movie, Devil’s Double (2011)! Except, Gandhi Jr is not excessively lampooned either. PM Gandhi was also cornered then by the Allahabad High Court judge, one Jaganmohan Sinha, who barred her from parliament for six frickin’ years! This was over electoral malpractices. If I recall right, it had to do with an official from the PM secretariat (Yashpal Kapoor) found to have been employed as an election agent in Gandhi’s constituency, Rae Bareilly. The film’s made it about Gandhi using the Air Force plane during campaign. That the HC judge could look the PM in the eye says much about India’s democracy. What followed with the Emergency, as you watch in this film, and I quote, is “news management”, i.e. manipulation, subservience and muzzling of the press. There was “fear created among people from speaking out; their tongues locked, hence.” A ‘bulldozer government’ went about destroying ordinary people’s homes. Even Article 21, that is right to life, was abrogated. This happened under the watch of Indian public. This picture is a warning sign for India then, and chiefly the reason I liked this film. I wasn’t born during Emergency. I think the film argues that we must guard against similarly losing our rights/privileges as citizens to a despot. This can become the norm under any leader. The one in this picture, as we witness, is a true patriot as well.
18 January,2025 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharADVERTISEMENT
