Latest news with #Mid-day
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dadasaheb Phalke's grandson reveals no producer was interested in biopic until Rajkumar Hirani came on board: ‘I'm sure Aamir Khan will do justice to my grandfather's role'
While Dadasaheb Phalke's contributions to Indian cinema are revered today, the story of how he made India's first feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), nearly went untold on the big screen. According to his grandson Chandrashekhar Srikrishna Pusalkar, despite years of research by writers Hindukush Bharadwaj and his son Avishkar, the project initially struggled to find backers. 'They had approached many producers earlier, but nobody was willing to take it on. The producers felt the story didn't have the masala of a mainstream entertainer,' Pusalkar told Mid-day. It was filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani who eventually saw value in the story and felt it was essential to honour the man often referred to as the 'Father of Indian cinema'. 'Mr Hirani said it was our duty to make a film on the man who put Indian cinema on the world map, and because of him, we have rozi-roti,' Pusalkar shared, adding that the acclaimed director was clear that this wasn't about profit but legacy. Set against the independence era, with Aamir Khan in the lead The biopic, which will be headlined by Aamir Khan, is set against the backdrop of India's independence movement and will trace how Phalke transitioned from being a curious onlooker to a pioneering filmmaker. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40세 넘고 PC만 있으면? 이 게임 완전 내 거임! Hero Wars 플레이하기 Undo Shooting for the film is expected to begin in January 2026. The script will chronicle not just Phalke's filmmaking journey but also his childhood in Trimbak near Nashik and the pivotal moment when he saw The Birth, the Life and the Death of Christ. 'He thought, why shouldn't our culture, gods, and goddesses be shown? That's how Raja Harishchandra happened,' said Pusalkar. Equally significant is the role of Saraswatibai Phalke, his second wife, in the story. 'My grandmother gave him her jewellery to help him go to London. She would sit in on the film's editing and help him with reflectors on outdoor shoots,' he recalled. Pusalkar expressed his joy over Aamir Khan taking on the titular role. 'He does everything with dedication and passion, and he will play Dadasaheb Phalke with the same sincerity. I'm sure he will do justice to my grandfather's role.' Aamir Khan Meets President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan for Special Screening The origin of 'Phalke'—a name rooted in service Interestingly, the surname 'Phalke' was not the family's original name. 'Our family's surname is Bhatt,' revealed Pusalkar. 'My grandfather's ancestors used to supply cut banana leaves to the Peshwa kings for serving food, and that process was called making 'phalke' in Marathi. That led to the name.' While SS Rajamouli and Jr NTR have also announced a film on Phalke, the Aamir-Hirani collaboration has already stirred major buzz as one of the most anticipated biopics in the making.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ram Kapoor excluded from the promotions of Mistry after making s*xually offensive and inappropriate remarks; Report
During the promotion of his upcoming show, Mistry, as reported by Mid-day, actor Ram Kapoor faced criticism for making several s*xually inappropriate and offensive remarks. After his statements, intended at publicists and the show's marketing team, made the crew uncomfortable, the actor was withdrawn from future promotions, with his co-star Mona Singh conducting solo interviews the next day. Ram Kapoor and Mona Singh appeared in numerous interviews throughout the day as the promotions for their show Mistry took place at a hotel in Mumbai. It was then seen amid the interviews where Ram Kapoor allegedly made repeated comments about kissing a male executive from the show's marketing team. He also went on to make another remark suggesting that his mother should have gone to sleep instead of conceiving him. He further joked about being 'gang-ra**d' in front of a journalist and discussed s*x positions. Ram also made comments on a female crew member's outfit at the venue. He said, 'If they are in my line of sight, how can I not look?'. This further sparked discomfort among the team members present for the interviews. As reported by Mid-day, the actor was then asked not to be part of the promotions, and the next day Mona did solo interviews for the show. The publication also shared the statement from the OTT platform, which read, "This workplace prioritises dignity and safety. After a complaint was formally raised and the incidents corroborated by eyewitnesses, the leadership moved promptly. The platform wants to distance itself from any behaviour that normalises workplace misconduct. The interviews are being held solely with Mona." Keep reading this space for more updates.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Randeep Hooda says Bollywood action is designed for Sunny Deol, Salman Khan; while in Hollywood, stars train for weeks
Randeep says actions is designed around Salman, Sunny In an interview with Mid-day, Randeep noted that action sequences in Bollywood are often crafted around the personas of stars like Salman and Sunny, rather than the stars adapting to the action. "The action is designed around them. When you see them, you feel like they can do what they are doing. Both of them were stars before the advent of the Internet. On the other hand, I have worked with Chris Hemsworth or John Cena, they have a different approach," Randeep said. Randeep has worked with Salman in Kick and Sultan, and with Sunny in Jaat. When comparing Bollywood to Hollywood, Randeep observed a key difference: rehearsals. He explained how actors like Chris Hemsworth and John Cena dedicate weeks to choreography and rehearsals, lending realism to their action. "The difference is that they all come and rehearse for weeks and weeks before they do it. Chris and I were rehearsing for six weeks before we did (in front of the camera), and it looks real. That happens with rehearsals like in theatre. They are not worshipped as Indian stars are, and that is what keeps it more real." Randeep recalled his first real action challenge during the 2019 shoot of Extraction. Despite a long career playing intense roles, he had never actually thrown a punch on camera. Working with director Sam Hargrave and Chris was a wake-up call. Randeep's upcoming projects Randeep Hooda will soon reunite with Sam Hargrave for Matchbox, an action-comedy co-starring John Cena, which will be released next year. The movie is inspired by Mattel's Matchbox toy vehicles and also stars Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, Teyonah Parris, Danai Gurira, and Correy Stoll. Back home, Randeep was recently seen with Sunny Deol in Jaat, which marked director Gopichand Malineni's Hindi film debut. Jaat also starred Regina Cassandra, Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, Ramya Krishnan, and Jagapathi Babu.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Randeep Hooda says Chris Hemsworth, John Cena rehearse for weeks while action is designed around Sunny Deol, Salman Khan: ‘They are more worshipped'
Over the last five years, Randeep Hooda has emerged as a formidable action star, whether it's in his Hollywood debut, Sam Hargrave's 2020 Netflix India action thriller Extraction or more recently, his antagonist turn in Gopichand Malineni's Bollywood directorial debut Jaat. Hooda has also worked with seasoned action stars across the globe, whether it's Chris Hemsworth and John Cena in the West, or Sunny Deol and Salman Khan back home. In an interview with Mid-day, Randeep said, 'The action is designed around them (Sunny Deol and Salman Khan). They're both great. When you see them, you feel they can do it.' He added, 'They're stars before the advent of the internet. They were rare commodities. Now, you know what every star is doing or eating, it's all available on their social media. They have their persona, and that's what I was trying to aim for.' Randeep Hooda also claimed that Sunny Deol and Salman Khan have reached a point in their careers when action is designed around them, instead of them trying to fit into the action choreography. He pointed out that Hollywood action stars like John Cena and Chris Hemsworth have a different approach in comparison. 'The difference is they come and rehearse for weeks and weeks before they do it. Me and Chris were rehearsing for six weeks before we did them. It looks real. That happens with rehearsals, like in theatre. They're not as worshipped as our Indian male stars are, and that's probably what keeps it somewhere real,' argued Randeep. When he went on the sets of Extraction and had a long action sequence with Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda realized he's never even punched anybody on a film set despite his macho onscreen image. 'That was 2019. So for 19 years, I had the image of this tough guy in various roles, but I never punched anybody. I had to learn how to take and give a punch. It's much like dance. You feel like you've done a lot, and then one morning, you wake up and realize, 'Man, I haven't done anything (laughs),'' said Randeep. Randeep will soon reunite with Extraction director Sam Hargrave for the latter's action adventure comedy Matchbox, which also stars John Cena. It's slated to release in cinemas next year. Randeep recently locked horns with Sunny Deol in Jaat, whereas he's worked with Salman Khan in three films so far — Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick (2014), Ali Abbas Zafar's Sultan (2016), and Prabhu Deva's Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021). Also Read — Randeep Hooda says Bollywood is 'threatened' by him, ignored his meaty role in Extraction while other actors do major campaigns for tiny parts in Hollywood: 'I got no work' Randeep Hooda also claimed that Salman Khan is a friend now. 'He's very intelligent and creative, and I think a bit isolated now. He's given me a lot of advice over the years, which I haven't followed, on how to be nice and helpful to people. But he gives it to you in all earnestness and wants the best for you,' added Randeep.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Darsheel Safary Says He's ‘Too Shy' to Ask Aamir Khan For Work: ‘He's Not My Brother'
Last Updated: Darsheel Safary reveals why he doesn't approach Aamir Khan for work post Taare Zameen Par, saying he feels shy and prefers building his career through auditions. Darsheel Safary, who rose to fame with Taare Zameen Par alongside Aamir Khan in 2007, is choosing to walk his own path in the film industry — even if it means turning away from easy access to big names. In a recent conversation with Mid-day, the actor opened up about why he's never reached out to Aamir for roles, despite their long-standing connection. 'Whatever work I've done after the pandemic has been through zero contacts. Auditions and screen tests allow me to understand whether I'm able to do [a role] and also help producers and directors understand if I fit it," Darsheel said, emphasising his preference to earn roles on merit. While fans often wonder why he doesn't collaborate again with Aamir or reach out for help, Darsheel admitted he finds the idea uncomfortable. 'People get upset that I don't ask Aamir for work. But I feel too shy to do that. He is not my brother so I can call him and say, 'Please get me a script.' My chosen path has been to [only] send him best wishes, like a text on his birthday. It's just how I preferred it," he explained. The actor also spoke briefly about Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan's upcoming film that is being called the spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par. While Darsheel is not part of the cast, he shared his thoughts about the movie. He wrote that the film doesn't rely on pity or preaching, but instead radiates presence, joy, and strength. He urged people to watch the film in theatres as it will not release on any OTT platform. Darsheel Safary took to his Instagram stories, and shared the poster of Sitaare Zameen Par. Sharing his review of the film, he wrote, 'My heart feels FULLER, SOFTER and HAPPIER. The film holds up a mirror with humor, grace and heart. No pity, no preaching. Just presence, joy and strength. You HAVE to watch this in theaters!! It won't stream. It's not meant to. Some stories ask for silence, a screen, and your full heart. You'll walk in curious and walk out a little more human." Directed and produced by Aamir Khan, Taare Zameen Par starred Darsheel as Ishaan Awasthi, a child with dyslexia whose life is transformed by a compassionate teacher. The film became a landmark in Indian cinema and earned both critical and commercial acclaim. First Published:
