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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Amitabh Bachchan was in hospital, Parveen Babi was in therapy,' recalls producer Anwar Ali talking about ‘Khud-daar': ‘It released after his Coolie accident and became superhit'
Amitabh Bachchan 's 'Coolie' accident shook the entire nation because fans were worried about his health. While people prayed for him to get fine, his film 'Khud-daar' co-starring Parveen Babi had released when he was still recuperating in the hospital. There were a lot of hurdles during the making of 'Khud-daar' and as the film completes 43 years of release, producer Anwar Ali has opened up on it. For those not in the know, Anwar Ali is Mehmood's younger brother. 'Khud-daar' was directed by Raveena Tandon's father Ravi Tandon. Talking about the hurdles in the making of the film, Ali said during a chat with Screen, 'One lead artist was in therapy during the making of the film; the other lead artist was in the hospital during the release of the film. This was another unexpected challenge. 'Behna' Parveen, as I respectfully addressed her, had to stay in America for six long months for treatment, and many producers had terminated her contracts for various films. ' He added further, 'When I went up to her to discuss the same, she asked if I had come to ask for the signing amount back like the others. To her surprise, I replied on the contrary. I had gone to ask her how much time she needed and that we would wait for her. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo On her return, Yokohama Productions was the first to get Parveen's dates, a sign of her gratitude and graceful nature.' During the release of the film, Big B had an accident on the sets of 'Coolie' and the fact that he came back from that, was considered like a second life. Anwar Ali recalled the first thing which Bachchan asked him as he visited him at the hospital. He said, 'Amitabh's Coolie accident shook the entire nation. Everyone was praying; the queues outside the hospital to donate blood got longer by the day — seemed like eternity. Khud-Daar was released when he was still in the hospital. Five years from conceptualisation to film release—that's what it took for Khud-Daar to see the light of day. The two-rupee note took me on a five-year-long journey, nothing short of an adventure. One cannot say time just flew because time did not fly. For a first-time producer of sorts partnering with a strong risk taker of sorts, it was our courage of conviction that saw us through and how. As I entered Amitabh's hospital room, the first thing he asked was, 'Bidoo, how's the film doing?' I said it's a superhit.' 'Khud-daar' also starred Sanjeev Kumar , Vinod Mehra, Tanuja, Bindiya Goswami, Prem Chopra and Mehmood.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Amitabh Bachchan was in hospital, Parveen Babi in therapy': Anwar Ali recalls Khud-Daar shoot as film turns 43, how the film emerged a hit after Coolie accident
Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Khud-Daar (1982) turns 43 today. The film, produced by Mehmood's younger brother Anwar Ali, was among those to release after the actor's life-threatening Coolie accident. In fact, the film released while Big B was still in the hospital. However, that was not the only challenge facing the social drama — it's leading lady Parveen Babi also had to leave for the US for months to get therapy. Despite the challenges, the film emerges as a hit. Anwar Ali recalls how the first thing Bachchan asked him when he met him in the hospital was: 'How is the film doing?' How do you recall the experience of producing Khud-Daar? With any major hit or flop, it always seems like yesterday. You're either basking in the glory of achievement or reeling under debt because of the lack of glory in underachievement. So it isn't very different when I reminisce about the making and birthing of Khud-Daar, a hit! As the film completes 43 years, it seems just like yesterday when I set off on my own to make it as a filmmaker independent of family affiliations or associations, the silver spoon having been in the mouth long enough. What, according to you, were the film's USPs? An initial investment of Rs 2 was enough to trigger the joy of making something out of nothing. All I knew was I was going to produce a film. Did I have a story to tell? Well, at that stage, only my own. I had just bought a sea-facing apartment with all the money I had saved, and I was now left with two rupees in my pocket. Did you have a financier? Only a broker as desperate as me would be offering a meeting with a prospective financer as a result. My only story, my only strength, and probably my only bounty was that my best friend was my hero. You mean Amitabh Bachchan? Before I knew it, I was sitting across the table convincing the most dynamic businessman to diversify from his most conservative business. I had but one chance at this; it didn't matter that Farouq Rattonsey was a diamond magnate. We became partners despite the Rattonsey family's retaliation, and Yokohama Productions emerged. A lot of things happened just like that. I undertook to teach him the ropes of production with my extensive past experience and left him to handle the business side of things. Partners becoming friends strengthened the association further. ALSO READ: 'Asked Amitabh Bachchan to give me dates or I'll trash his film': Trishul producer's son recalls dad's conversation with Big B Amitabh Bachchan said an immediate yes to Khud-daar? Of course he did! Having lived under the same roof with Amitabh and, more importantly, having shared the same interests and experiences through seeking work together, working together, and growing in our respective spaces together, there was unconditional love, trust, and respect we shared with one another, an understanding in a language that was unique to us, and a subsequent co-existence that was naturally in sync. So when I had to narrate the story of Khud-Daar to him to get an official yes, it took the genius, witty, vociferous Kader Khan to narrate over a fleeting visit, 'It's a story of three brothers, and the hero is such a Khud-Daar.' Amitabh nodded in agreement. That was it. Was it a big help to have a superstar hero on your side? By now, many years into the industry, Amitabh had already established some precedents and traits, one of them being his focus on punctuality. Our 100-strong unit didn't always manage to comply. One such morning, at a huge 'basti' set we had constructed in Chandivali, for a 7 a.m. shift, we walked in half an hour late only to find Amitabh watering the plants and wishing each of us a smiling, sarcastic good morning! Fortunately, the work atmosphere was so harmonious that our entire unit was like family thanks to our director, Ravi Bhai Tandon, who ensured everybody's well-being. Everyone shared a common goal, to make a good film; everyone put their best foot forward. Khud-Daar was released without publicity, as Amitabh Bachchan didn't speak to the press at that time? Yes, those were the days when the press and Amitabh were not on the same side. Where films rely heavily on publicity and increased presence, there was a significant silence that was not showing signs of fading. As producers, we had to tactfully manage the prolonged situation whilst also balancing the commerce that went with the saleability and success of the film. This was an unprecedented phase that I had not been accustomed to in Mehmood Productions. ALSO READ: Mahesh Bhatt says Parveen Babi 'spiralled into madness', recalls her confessing 'darr lagta hai': 'What happened to her was an unimaginable tragedy' Parveen Babi was not well during that time? One lead artist was in therapy during the making of the film; the other lead artist was in the hospital during the release of the film. This was another unexpected challenge. 'Behna' Parveen, as I respectfully addressed her, had to stay in America for six long months for treatment, and many producers had terminated her contracts for various films. When I went up to her to discuss the same, she asked if I had come to ask for the signing amount back like the others. To her surprise, I replied on the contrary. I had gone to ask her how much time she needed and that we would wait for her. On her return, Yokohama Productions was the first to get Parveen's dates, a sign of her gratitude and graceful nature. Then there was the Coolie accident? Amitabh's Coolie accident shook the entire nation. Everyone was praying; the queues outside the hospital to donate blood got longer by the day — seemed like eternity. Khud-Daar was released when he was still in the hospital. Five years from conceptualisation to film release—that's what it took for Khud-Daar to see the light of day. The two-rupee note took me on a five-year-long journey, nothing short of an adventure. One cannot say time just flew because time did not fly. For a first-time producer of sorts partnering with a strong risk taker of sorts, it was our courage of conviction that saw us through and how. As I entered Amitabh's hospital room, the first thing he asked was, 'Bidoo, how's the film doing?' I said it's a superhit.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Cash, arms stolen from ex-councillor's office
Lucknow: Unidentified thieves broke into the office of former municipal councillor Anwar Ali in Chandan village under Indira Nagar police station limits and decamped with Rs 15 lakh in cash and two licenced revolvers. According to reports, the burglars entered the office by dismantling the AC unit. Once in, they looted the cash and firearms and fled the scene without raising suspicion. The office was found ransacked early Tuesday morning. The revolvers were kept in the office by Ali for personal protection. ACP, Ghazipur (Indira Nagar), Anindya Vikram Singh, said the police have registered a case and began an investigation. However, the amount of cash stolen is yet to be checked. This is not the first incident of its kind in the area. Residents allege that Chandan village and nearby sectors have witnessed a spurt in thefts, including the recent case where a half-loader parked along the roadside was stripped of its battery. Despite repeated complaints, the police response was lacklustre. "For the inspector, theft cases are too petty to merit action. Even as thieves operate fearlessly at night, police merely conduct routine patrols," said a resident.
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Last-minute penalty breaks Indian hearts in Hong Kong
Kowloon [Hong Kong], June 10 (ANI): A heartbreaking stoppage time penalty condemned India to a 0-1 defeat against Hong Kong, China, in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round at the Kai Tak Stadium, on Tuesday. In front of a raucous crowd of 42,570 at the newly opened stadium, substitute Stefan Pereira struck from the spot in the 94th minute, leaving the Blue Tigers with just one point from two matches in Group C. Singapore defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in Dhaka in the other match of the group to climb to the top of the table. Hong Kong, with the same number of points, are second, with Bangladesh and India occupying third and fourth spots, respectively. The atmosphere in Kowloon was electric. The Kai Tak Stadium, hosting its first football match, was packed to the rafters with fans vocally backing the home side. Energised by the occasion, Hong Kong started with tempo, purpose, and aggression. Their movement was sharp, and they worked the ball out wide, trying to stretch India's defence. However, despite their energy and possession, they struggled with penetration in the final third. India's defence, marshalled by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali, stood firm against repeated Hong Kong attacks, according to AIFF website. The hosts were forced into speculative long-range efforts, but India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith showed composure and positioning to deal with most attempts. On the rare occasions when Hong Kong slipped a ball through the defence, Kaith was quick off his line to smother the danger. India took time to grow into the match but found rhythm midway through the first half. Their approach was built on defensive discipline and counter-attacking bursts through the pace of Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Ashique Kuruniyan. Brandon Fernandes operated effectively in midfield, distributing with intent and winning key duels. India's best chance of the first half came in the 35th minute. Fernandes pounced on a loose pass and released Colaco down the left. Colaco delivered an inch-perfect cross across the face of goal, and Kuruniyan met it with a well-timed run only to sky his effort, failing to trouble the goalkeeper. Six minutes later, Hong Kong threatened. A deep free-kick from Soares Junior Walter floated dangerously into the box, bypassing defenders and reaching Oliver Gerbig at the far post. His flicked attempt was met by a swift reaction from Kaith, who came off his line to block the shot before Anwar Ali cleared the danger. India began the second half with renewed aggression. Kuruniyan had another sight of goal just outside the box but was again unable to keep his shot down. To inject more quality in the final third, India head coach Manolo Marquez introduced Sunil Chhetri with a little over an hour to go. Chhetri made an immediate impact, dropping deep to facilitate link-up play and carving out half-chances for teammates. In the 82nd minute, Chhangte surged down the right and cut back a precise ball for Chhetri. The talismanic striker's shot was goal-bound, but a block from a Hong Kong defender denied him. Just as the match appeared destined for a second successive goalless draw for India, disaster struck. A long hopeful ball was floated toward India's box in injury time. Kaith charged out in an attempt to clear but mistimed his jump and collided with Hong Kong forward Michael Udebuluzor instead of punching the ball. Referee Sheikh Ahmad Alaeddin had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Kaith, for his efforts, was shown a yellow card. Substitute Stefan Pereira stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending Kaith the wrong way and the home crowd into euphoria. For India, it was a cruel end to a match where they had held their own for 90 minutes. The focus now shifts to their fixture against Singapore in October. (ANI)
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Hong Kong punish India with injury-time penalty
India's Anwar Ali attempts to head the ball against Hong Kong on Tuesday Coach Ashley Westwood knows something about India's football team that most others don't. Formerly with Bengaluru FC , where he won a major trophy in each of his three seasons, in the three games that he fielded national teams against India, Westwood drew one and has ended up winning the other two. After the win with Afghanistan in March last year, which ended India's chances of direct qualification to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and led to the sacking of coach Igor Stimac, on Tuesday, Westwood guided Hong Kong to a crucial win over Manolo Marquez's India. Playing at the Kai Tak Stadium which attracted a capacity 50,000 crowd for its opening game, Westwood's men needed a stoppage-time penalty to dismantle India 1-0, a result that throws the visitors' AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign into jeopardy. For 90 minutes, India appeared to have done enough to return home with a point. But Stefan Pereira's 95th-minute penalty took Hong Kong to the top of the table while India remained rooted to the bottom. In both games, home and away, India failed to score, never mind the chances that fell at several players' feet. Only the group winners qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. For a side that hasn't scored in 180 minutes and embarrassingly missed chances from handshaking distance, it will be tough crawling out of what has seemed like a long, dark tunnel. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo The penalty came after Vishal Kaith rushed out of his position and fouled Michael Udebuluzor in the second minute of added time. 'Highly disappointed,' captain Sandesh Jhingan said after the loss. Coach Marquez threw a surprise with his lineup, opting to start with pacy wingers, while leaving the two recognised strikers – Sunil Chhetri and Edmund Lalrindika – on the bench. There was only one problem with the strategy, a familiar one: lack of finishing. Nowhere was this more evident than in the 35th minute when Brandon Fernandes dispossessed Leon Jones and laid it for Liston Colaco, who ran into the space down the left wing and played a delicious ball for Ashique Kuruniyan. A goal was there for the taking, but Ashique tried to push the ball inside the net with the outside of his left foot, only to turn it wide with the goal at his mercy. Liston and Chhangte, both cleverly picked up inside the box by Chhetri, also could not give finishing touches in the second half. While Liston skied his effort, Chhangte was thwarted by the keeper who dived at his feet. At the other end, Hong Kong, who fielded eight naturalised players – three born in Brazil, others in Spain, France, Scotland, Nigeria and Cameroon – had chances of their own but were denied by the centre-back pairing of Anwar Ali and Jhingan. Asish Rai hastily cleared Oliver Gerbig's attempt from close to the goalline. Just when it seemed like points would be split, there was disaster at the back. India conceded a penalty from a regulation long ball played inside the box as Kaith clattered into Udebuluzor. Hong Kong's Brazilian-born forward, Stefan stepped up and converted. 'There will be a dark mood back home, but there are four more games, we will never give up,' added Jhingan.
