Latest news with #Hema
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chilanka: Yes, I slapped the 60-plus-year-old popular Malayalam TV serial director on the set; I couldn't take the torture for rejecting his sexual advances
Malayalam TV actress Chilanka bravely revealed facing harassment from a serial director, including inappropriate touching and obscene messages. After she blocked him, she faced mental harassment and slut-shaming. Supported by the crew and channel, the director was removed. Chilanka now speaks out to protect other actresses, as the director is employed by another channel, despite his past misconduct. As women's safety, particularly in the workplace, continues to be a prominent societal concern, the recent revelation from TV actress Chilanka has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam television industry. Amidst the ongoing discussions sparked by the Hema committee report in the movie industry, the actress known for her roles in popular shows like Athmasakhi and Kanalpoovu has come forward to reveal the troubling experiences she endured on a Malayalam serial set, involving the show's director. 'At first, I was cast for a different role in the show, and we even shot pilot episodes for it. But one morning, when I arrived for the shoot, I found out the director had given me a different, less important character. I didn't understand why at the time, but later realized it was his way of trying to manipulate me, hoping I would please him to get the better role. As an artist, I believe in doing my best no matter the role, and that's exactly what I did,' she said. Chilanka shared that the director began treating her with indifference soon after she blocked him for sending obscene messages on WhatsApp. "He used to make filthy comments and touch inappropriately during the shoot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AC Installation & Repair from Certified Pros Search7 Learn More Undo I tried to ignore most of it. One night, he sent me links to porn videos along with some vulgar pictures. I was shocked and immediately I blocked him. From that point on, the mental harassment became unbearable. He publicly humiliated me by constantly criticizing my acting, made slut-shaming comments , and spoke badly about my family. He even threatened to ruin my career. I put up with it all for months, focusing on my work. But one day, he crossed the line, and I couldn't take it anymore. Yes, I slapped him, the 60-plus-year-old popular Malayalam TV serial director,' she revealed. Chilanka said she is deeply grateful to the crew and channel officials for supporting her, even though the director is a well-known figure in the industry. 'Right after the incident, I was sure I wanted to leave the serial. But the entire team stood by me. Within minutes, I got a call from a senior channel official asking about the situation. When I explained everything, she assured me, 'Chilanka, this director will no longer be part of the serial, or any other work with our channel.' Those words gave me a comfort I can't put into words. I didn't want to harm the project or the channel's reputation—I just wanted to teach the harasser a strong lesson. So, I stayed on and completed the project, right up to the final episode,' she said. Soon after Chilanka's revelation, while many have praised her courage, some are still questioning why she stayed silent for so long. However, the actress has a clear response to that. 'A person who goes through such trauma takes months to heal, that's natural. But I'm not someone who stayed silent or didn't react. I took action when it was needed and found a solution. Still, I kept quiet in public for the sake of the serial because I knew it was the livelihood of many people. I also didn't want to damage the reputation of the channel that supported me," she said. "Now, you might ask why I'm speaking out publicly. I have my reasons. First, I found out that this man is trying to get me banned in the industry by stopping producers from offering me work. I don't mind that because I have my own business to support myself. But the bigger reason is this: the director, who was suspended by one channel for workplace harassment, is now working on a prime-time serial on another well-known channel. And the decision-maker for that project is a woman! It's such an irony. I don't want any more women to fall into his trap and suffer like I did. So, I'm speaking out now to protect my fellow actresses,' she added. Chilanka also advises aspiring actors to stay strong and be cautious so they don't fall into such traps. 'The industry as a whole isn't bad, there are just a few toxic people like him. If you have talent, you don't have to tolerate any of that to succeed. Believe in your talent, and the right opportunities will come to you,' the actress concluded.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hema Malini spends touching day with widows in Vrindavan, donates golf cart to ease temple visits
Veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini recently spent a heartfelt day with the widows living at Krishna Kutir, a shelter home in Vrindavan. Describing the visit as emotionally stirring, she engaged with both the elderly and younger residents, listening to their stories and offering her support. The actress and politician not only interacted warmly with the women but also gifted them a golf cart to make their visits to nearby temples in Mathura and Vrindavan more comfortable. She assured them that their concerns would be addressed. On Thursday, the 'Sholay' actress shared a series of photos from her visit on Instagram. In the images, Hema Malini is seen delivering a speech, while others capture her warmly interacting with elderly widows, holding their hands and offering comfort. One particularly touching photo shows her affectionately hugging an elderly woman. For the caption, the 'Seeta Aur Geeta' actress wrote, "Yesterday was a heart wrenching time spent with young and old Vrindavan widows in the shelter built for them - Krishna Kutir. I have gifted them with a golf cart to take them to the temples in Mathura - Vrindavan. They were so happy to interact with me and I promised to help them with their complaints. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience next-level CPAP comfort with Resmed AirSense 11 ResMed Enquire Now Undo #mathuravrindavan." Today, on National Reading Day, Hema Malini also voiced her concerns about the diminishing habit of reading in today's digitally driven era. Highlighting the enduring importance of books, she encouraged the younger generation to rediscover the joy of reading, describing it as vital for nurturing imagination and self-growth. Hema took to Instagram to post a photo of herself engrossed in a book, reflecting on how reading-especially spiritual literature-has offered her a sense of balance and calm amid her dynamic lifestyle. Hema Malini also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of National Reading Day, observed in memory of P.N. Panicker-widely regarded as the "Library Man of India" for his contributions to promoting literacy. --IANS ps/
India.com
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
'Blouse tight silna...': Hema Malini demanded this during Baghban to enhance chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan, said 'that touch...'
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the on-screen chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini in Baghban. Their powerful performances earned widespread praise, and the duo was honoured with the Screen Award for Jodi No. 1. Both Bachchan and Malini also received nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress at the 49th Filmfare Awards. Both actors brought life to their characters in this film. Released in 2003, Hema and Amitabh played the role of parents of four children. Amitabh Bachchan's character was Raj Malhotra, and Hema played the role of Pooja Malhotra. Filmmaker Ravi Chopra's wife, Renu Chopra, recently shared an anecdote. She said that Hema was wholeheartedly attached to the project and was completely immersed in the character of Pooja. She even improvised in many scenes. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Renuka spoke about various aspects of the film. She also revealed how Hema Malini requested to have her blouse stitched much tighter than usual. Renuka explained that in one of the scenes where Amitabh Bachchan had to fasten Hema's blouse, the veteran actress wanted a certain look on her face to deliver the best emotional impact. During the conversation, Renuka said, 'There was a scene where she was getting ready, standing in front of a mirror. At that time, Raj comes from behind and, upon seeing her, says, 'Wow.' Hema asked me to stitch her blouse a bit tighter so that when Amit ji comes, he can fasten it tightly. She said, 'That touch would give me the look I want'—one that conveyed, 'He's touched me. After so many years of being married, it meant so much.' She is a very romantic person in real life.' Let us tell you, Pooja Malhotra's role was first offered to Tabu, but she refused because she was only 36 years old at that time and did not want to play the role of a mother of 4 children. Later, she worked with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Cheeni Kum'. Baghban also had a cameo by Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhary. Salman's role was added especially for distributors so that the film could find a buyer. The film had a slow start, but word of mouth publicity changed its fortunes, and it became a superhit. The movie, made in Rs 10 crore, earned Rs 43.11 crore.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Tabu REJECTED Hema Malini's role in Baghban opposite Amitabh Bachchan as she didn't want to play mother of four kids at the age of 36?
Baghban is a cherished film in many Indian middle-class homes, praised for its emotional story and strong performances by and . But not many know that Hema almost rejected the role. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an old interview with Lehren Retro, she revealed that when director Ravi Chopra came to narrate the script at her home, her mother was also present — and that moment made her hesitant to say yes. Hema Malini once shared that she was unsure about doing Baghban when Ravi Chopra offered her the role of a mother to four grown-up sons. She found it hard to imagine herself in that part. But her mother, who was present during the narration, insisted she take it up, saying the story was strong and the role would suit her well. Though Hema had doubts, especially after being away from films for a while, her mother's encouragement convinced her to say yes. Interestingly, the Sholay actress wasn't the only actor who had to be convinced to do Baghban. The role of Pooja Malhotra was first offered to Tabu. Although she liked the script, she turned it down, unwilling to play the mother of four children at just 36. She later starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Cheeni Kum. Even Big B wasn't the original choice—director Ravi Chopra had initially approached veteran actor , who declined the role.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi MCD's Standing Committee inches closer to formation
The long-delayed formation of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) Standing Committee inched closer to completion on Tuesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Satya Sharma won the election for the committee's last vacant seat. Sharma, a councillor from Gautampuri ward, secured 130 of the 227 votes cast, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) candidate, Hema from Jaitpur, who received 95 votes. Two votes were declared invalid. The seat was previously held by Gajendra Daral, who vacated it after winning in the recent Assembly elections, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh congratulated Sharma on her victory, stating that her 'extensive political experience will greatly benefit the Corporation'. He also commended AAP's Hema for putting up a strong fight. With all 18 seats of the Standing Committee now filled, the MCD is set to hold elections for its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson on June 12. The nomination process for these key posts will remain open until June 6. The formation of the Standing Committee, which is the sole decision-making body of the MCD in vetting proposals exceeding Rs 5 crore, was in limbo for over 2.5 years due to several legal and political roadblocks, and constant scuffles between the BJP and the AAP. Several civic projects had been stalled due to the absence of this committee, which serves as the corporation's decision-making arm. The BJP, which won the mayoral elections in April, had pledged to expedite the completion of the committee and restart pending development work. With the BJP now holding a majority —11 of 18 members— in the Standing Committee, the upcoming leadership elections are likely to consolidate its control over MCD's most powerful panel.
