‘Salakaar' trailer: An Indian spy finds a secret nuclear facility in Pakistan
Faruk Kabir's Hindi show stars Naveen Kasturia, Mouni Roy, Mukesh Rishi, Surya Sharma and Purnendu Bhattacharya. The show will be out on August 8 on JioHotstar.
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Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
When Amitabh Bachchan shared why marrying Jaya was his life's greatest blessing: ' She is a very spontaneous person...'
Before they became one of India's most admired couples, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri were just two promising actors finding their place in Hindi cinema . Their first meeting happened on the sets of Guddi, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee . It was Jaya who was first struck by Big B's presence. In an old interview, Jaya recalled, 'I was introduced to him on the sets of Guddi. I was impressed by him and somewhat in awe as he was Harivanshrai Bachchan's son. I fell in love with him very soon.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management Digital Marketing Healthcare Data Science Technology Degree Project Management PGDM Product Management Design Thinking Public Policy Data Analytics MCA Data Science Others Finance Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence CXO Leadership healthcare Management MBA others Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details Their bond deepened on the sets of Ek Nazar (1972), and the two tied the knot in 1973. It's now been over five decades since that union—one that continues to endure quietly but firmly through the waves of time and fame. "It's a boon to have her" In a candid interview with Stardust magazine years ago, Amitabh Bachchan offered a rare glimpse into his relationship with Jaya Bachchan. The Don actor said that being married to someone from the same profession gave their relationship a sense of understanding and depth that few outside the industry could comprehend. 'Jaya is a very spontaneous person. Not at all like me. And it's just very fortunate for me that she's from the same profession as me and so she understands... It's a boon to have her,' he remarked, speaking fondly of the companionship they shared through the highs and lows of stardom. You Might Also Like: How Javed Akhtar and Anjaan saved Amitabh Bachchan's classic 'Don' with a Kishore Kumar song that was almost dropped Breaking the myth: Marriage in the spotlight Contrary to the often-cited fragility of relationships in showbiz, Amitabh stood firm in his belief that lasting bonds are possible. In the same interview, he challenged the idea that celebrity marriages are doomed. 'You say that marriages in this industry don't last. But with all due apologies and all due respect to others, how do you put me in the same category?' he said, reaffirming his commitment to Jaya and their life together. A relationship built on space and simplicity One of the more revealing aspects of the interview was Amitabh's view on how their individual traits complemented rather than conflicted. While he described himself as someone who preferred solitude, he appreciated Jaya's openness and emotional honesty. 'Jaya is extremely open and very straight. Sometimes embarrassingly straight but that's how her nature is. I've never tried to disturb that quality of hers and she's not disturbed my quality of being to myself. When I want to be left alone, she leaves me alone,' he said, drawing a parallel with the quiet understanding his parents shared. You Might Also Like: Amitabh Bachchan doubted Kajol's role in Gupt. Here's how the '90s director responded At the time of their marriage, Jaya was already a star, while Amitabh was still climbing the ladder. Despite the eventual fame and fortune, he always rejected the notion that success should come with extravagance. Thankfully, Jaya felt the same. 'I appreciate a more normal and simple relationship. That is what attracted me to Jaya. She's very simple and very down-to-earth. Away from all this,' he said, referring to the world of expensive gifts and flashy gestures.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
From the India Today archives (1988)
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 31, 1988)He is not handsome by conventional standards. He is short, dark and can easily be ignored in a crowd. But for all that, he is the undisputed superstar of the South, a man whose name spells box-office magic, the Midas of the eight long years, Rajinikanth has occupied the number one slot in south Indian films. Now, 115 films and almost as many hits later, he has reached a stage where he can choose his roles and, more significantly, restrict himself to four Tamil films a year. The remaining time is spent in Bombay acting in Hindi the late M.G. Ramachandran could compete with that phenomenal box-office record. But Rajinikanth is also the hero from the South—which has traditionally produced leading ladies for the Hindi screen—who has survived in the competitive world of Bombay films. Next month, Rajinikanth's first English movie, Bloodstone, in which he plays a taxi-driver, will hit the screen in 1,500 theatres all over the US. Shot mainly in Bangalore, the action packed entertainer has been co-produced by Amritraj Productions and the NRI Metro Film Corporation, owned by Dr Murali Manohar, a film film is about an American couple on a visit to India who get involved with a gang of smugglers. Rajinikanth, a local taxi-driver, comes to their aid. Made at a cost of one million dollars (Rs 1.30 crore) the film will be distributed worldwide by Columbia film fits in perfectly with the superstar's designs for the future. "I have reached a dead-end as far as Tamil films are concerned. Through Hindi movies, I have got a national image. What I want today is worldwide recognition," says Rajinikanth. In any event, by 1990, he plans to take a break from Tamil films and start directing his own even his most ardent fans believe that Rajinikanth's real talent lies in Tamil films which have made him what he is today. He is the only Tamil hero whose films are sold even before shooting starts. He is reported to get Rs 25 lakh per film, the highest paid to any hero in the Manithan (human being) released last Diwali is a box-office success, while his latest Guru Shishiya (master-pupil) is drawing packed houses. Says G. Venkateswarao, producer, distributor and president of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce: "He is a goldmine for producers and distributors."No wonder producers form an endless queue outside his door. The average cost of making a Rajinikanth film in Tamil is around Rs 70 lakh. But the film is sold by the producer to the distributor for over Rs 1 crore. A super-successful Rajinikanth film can do business for over Rs 2 crore. Some producers are even buying and dubbing some of his earlier, run-of-the-mill Hindi films into Tamil. Last week, yet another Hindi film of his, Asli Naqli, was dubbed into Tamil as Njane Valabhan. What then is the secret of the success of a man who rose from an ordinary bus conductor to be a megastar? In one word, charisma, Rajinikanth has a screen presence which is awe inspiring. In the Tamil context, his exaggerated swagger and his trademark gimmicks like tossing a cigarette in the air and catching it in his lips have made him a household Mani, an auto-driver who has seen Guru Shishya four times: "Rajani saar is my hero. All his films may look alike but his style is terrific." In Tamil Nadu, millions of children not only imitate the 'Rajani style' but also make him out to be a superman. Says AVM's Saravanan, the biggest producer in the South: "There is no need of a story in his films. There should be a chance for him to do comedy, drama and action. His screen presence and powerful delivery make him a bearer cheque of a crore rupees for producers."advertisementBut Rajinikanth the man is even more appealing to his fans than the star. There has always been a reckless and defiant quality about him that provided, during his early years of stardom, unending grist for the gossip mill. His personal life was embellished by widely-publicised drinking bouts and public brawls. His favourite targets were film journalists who wrote about his "eccentric" lifestyle. In at least one case, he tried to kill a journalist by driving a car straight at him. There were also stories of how he wrecked a five-star hotel's restaurant in in 1981, he had a nervous breakdown and had to be hospitalised. After that he cut down his film assignments, the next year quietly married Latha, a local college girl, and settled down. Recalls the star: "I could not cope with the pressures of stardom. A few years earlier I was making Rs 320 as a conductor and suddenly I was getting Rs 5 lakh per movie. The fame, money and overwork pushed me to a breaking point."Then followed his spiritual phase from 1986 onwards when he became a devotee of Raghavendra Swami (the Madhwa saint). He even acted in the movie Raghavendra, where he almost made the saint a cult figure. He also became an admirer of the Hare Krishna (ISKON) group, and talked about wanting to take up sanyas. His marriage according to film magazines, was then on the rocks, due to his involvement with all this only added to the mystique. Says Sujatha, a Madras housewife: "It's his personal life that makes him interesting. Everybody has a soft corner for him, mainly due to his background." The common man can identify with Rajinikanth's rags to riches story—one reason why his films do well in Rajinikanth does not have a Tamil background. He was born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, a Maharashtrian, and spent his childhood at Basvangudi, a lower middle class suburb in Bangalore. His mother died when he was eight. His father and brother never cared for him and he took to the streets. He studied up to the pre-university stage. Poverty forced him to do all manner of odd jobs—he even worked as a coolie in 1973 he landed a job as a bus conductor with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. Three years later, bit by the acting bug, he hopped on a train to Madras where he joined a film acting course run by the South Indian Film Chamber. It was here that director K. Balachandar spotted changed his name from Sivaji Rao to Rajinikanth and gave him a break in Apoorva Raagangal (strange melodies) in a villain's role. His next film was Moondru Mudichu (three knots) where he was again a villain, but with innovative mannerisms. Says Balachandar: "Rajani was the first actor I met who insisted that he be taken as a villain. He was a unique villain, with specialised mannerisms that went down well with the masses."But it was Bharati Raaja's 16 Vayadhinile (16 years of age)—released in 1977—which earned him super stardom. The movie also catapulted into fame its hero Kamalahasan and heroine Sridevi. It was as an anti-hero that "the Rajani style" created waves at the box-office. But stardom also meant switching roles from villain to hero, which he did successfully in Dharmayudham, a major next big role was in K. Balaji's Billa, a Tamil remake of Amitabh Bachchan's Don that saw him overtaking Kamalahasan as the number one star in the South. Says Bharati Raaja: "Kamalahasan is a great artiste, but Rajinikanth is the hero of the masses. Since 16 Vayadhinile, I have made many award winning movies which bombed in the box-office. To cover my losses I am forced to make a Rajani film."But the tragedy is that the megastar is in reality lonely and aloof. A mellowed man, he is wary of the press. He does not have any close friends and even on the sets, keeps to himself. Apart from shooting assignments, he rarely moves out of his simply-furnished three-bed roomed house at Poes Garden, a posh locality in Rajinikanth: "I am a simple man. I don't believe that just because you are a star you should have imported things." He drives himself to work in a 1980 model Premier Padmini. He had built himself a huge house at Velacheri, a suburb of Madras, but only stayed there a week before shifting back to Poes Latha, his plump and homely wife: "He is a changed man, a spiritual person in quest of the truth. He is almost like a son to me, and I am a mother figure for him." Latha says the press has exaggerated the stories regarding their differences. The Rajinikanths have two daughters—Aiswarya, six, and Soundarya, three. Says Rajani: "We hardly socialise and generally keep to ourselves." He describes himself as a man in pursuit of spiritual solace who reads many books on philosophy. He has invested the bulk of his earnings in real estate and is constructing a Rs 1 crore marriage hall in co-stars have only admiration for him. Says Radha, a popular Tamil heroine: "He is not only a great box-office draw but also a fine person." Adds producer Saravanan: "He is very disciplined on the sets and a producer's dream."Rajinikanth today will not touch a movie which will go against his image on the screen. He has also been criticised for taking minor roles in Hindi films. But the superstar is unfazed. "I cannot do more than four Tamil films a year otherwise I will be overexposed. Hindi films give me a national audience...I am an alcoholic but at the same time a workaholic."With the kind of hysteria he generates, it is inevitable that the star would be avidly sought after by every political party in the state. But he has made it clear that politics is not his cup of tea. "I hate the prevailing political climate. I will never be identified with any political party." Having achieved stardom at home—at last count, there were 8,000 Rajinikanth fan clubs in Tamil Nadu—he is now seeking international recognition. Apart from Bloodstone, Rajinikanth is to star in a thriller to be shot in Australia by Mani Retnam, the director of Nayakan, that won Kamalahasan the best actor he is convinced that he should quit while he is ahead. Says he: "By 1990, I want to quit. The thrill of being a star is fading out." Rajinikanth, however, has a reputation of being moody and unpredictable. Something that hundreds of producers are banking on, determined as they are to ensure that the goose does not stop laying its golden to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7: Full Contestant List Out, Mohanlal Returns As Host
Last Updated: Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 returns with Mohanlal as host and a bold new lineup including Binny Sebastian, Appani Sarath, Sarika, and more. The stage is set, the cameras are ready, and the buzz is louder than ever—Bigg Boss Malayalam is back with its seventh season, and once again, superstar Mohanlal returns as the charismatic host. As anticipation soars ahead of the big premiere, the confirmed list of contestants has been revealed, promising an electrifying mix of personalities, professions, and personal stories that are sure to ignite drama inside the house. One of the most high-profile names this season is Binny Sebastian, who made a mark with her role in Geetha Govindam. A doctor by profession and actress by passion, Binny is expected to bring a unique blend of brains and boldness to the reality show, already earning praise as a standout contestant to watch. Joining her is popular digital creator Sarika, known for her celebrity interviews on her YouTube show Hot Seat. With her confident screen presence and social media clout, Sarika's entry is sure to appeal to the online generation and spark lively debates in the house. Another noteworthy addition is real-life couple Adhila and Noora, who gained national attention for their courageous legal battle to stay together despite societal resistance. Their presence in the Bigg Boss house is not only historic but emotionally charged, with audiences eager to see their story unfold in a high-stakes environment. Adding some cinematic flair is Appani Sarath, the versatile actor known for his impactful performances in Malayalam cinema. With his calm demeanor and calculating mind, Sarath is expected to be a strategic player and could very well become a fan favorite. He's joined by Shanavas Shanu, the former reel-life villain who has since reinvented himself as one of the most beloved faces on Malayalam television. Shanu enters the house with a solid fan base and the aura of a seasoned performer. The contestant roster also includes television actress Anumol, whose popularity among daily soap viewers makes her an instantly recognizable face. From the fashion world, Nevin Cappresious, a name known in modeling circuits, brings a touch of style and flamboyance to the show. RJ Bincy, known for her magnetic voice and relatable personality, is another exciting entry. Her radio-honed communication skills might give her an edge in the game of wit and alliances. Completing this vibrant lineup is 19-year-old influencer Rena Fathima, the youngest contestant this season. A rising digital star, Rena is expected to shake things up with her youthful energy and social media-savvy gameplan. Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 premieres at 7 PM on Asianet and JioCinema (JioHotstar). With a stellar cast of celebrities and changemakers, and Mohanlal's commanding presence at the helm, this season promises emotional fireworks, strategic clashes, and unforgettable television. Let the mind games begin. First Published: August 03, 2025, 21:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
