Latest news with #Movified
The Wire
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Movified Digital Awards 2.0 Announces This Year's Winners; A Tribute to Excellence in Storytelling and Performance
The curtain has officially lifted on the winners of the Movified Digital Awards 2.0, as the much-awaited second edition concludes with a resounding celebration of talent, cinematic brilliance, and the voices that have redefined entertainment across OTT platforms. From groundbreaking performances in series to visionary direction, Movified Digital Awards continues to honour those who make storytelling unforgettable. Following tradition, this year too, the winners are chosen entirely by public vote, reflecting not just popularity but also the impact these stories have made on audiences across the globe. The Promoter of Movified, Sudhanshu Kumar, stated: "It brings me great joy to present the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards. This initiative began with a single purpose — to give heartfelt recognition to those whose talent truly deserves the spotlight. It's not just about awards; it's about honouring the passion, dedication, and creativity that go into every story. To the winners and nominees — congratulations. And to our growing Movified community — thank you for making this vision come alive. Here's to meaningful cinema, to voices that matter, and to celebrating the magic of storytelling — always." Announcing the winners, Neekita Singh, Director of Movified, stated: "As the Director of Movified, it brings me great pride to present the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards - a celebration of pure talent, passion, and cinamatic excellence. This initiative was born out of a desire to recognize and celebrate the talent that truly deserves the applause—both in front of the camera and behind it. We're here with the second edition of the Movified Digital Awards and with every edition, our purpose remains clear - to recognize and uplift true talent. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners & nominees and our ever growing Movified community for making this vision a reality. Here's to cinema, to stories that stay with us, and to the power of recognition. The journey continues, and Movified will always be here to celebrate the spirit of the screen.' With categories ranging from Best Actor to Best Director, Best Debutant to Breakthrough Performance, the Movified Digital Awards 2.0 has once again proved that honest, audience-led recognition still holds immense value in the world of entertainment. Stay tuned to @movifiedbollywood on Instagram for all exclusive winner moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt acceptance reactions, because this celebration is all about you, the audience, and the creators who moved you. Facebook Link: Instagram Link: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Movies, money, motherhood: Why can't Bollywood's women have it all?
It's unusual for the film industry to debate what kind of support a new mother needs or the importance of work-life balance. However, the recent controversy over actor Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next film, Spirit, as well as a series of comments and observations made by different celebrities on working hours, has put the spotlight on issues that are often brushed under the carpet. It has been almost three weeks since Padukone, one of India's top stars, reportedly walked out of Spirit because her demand for a paycheck of Rs 20 crore (some reports say Rs 25 crore), a cut of the profits, and, most significantly, an eight-hour shift was allegedly not met. Earlier reports of her joining the Spirit cast and commanding an astronomical fee were projected as a 'hurrah moment' for Padukone, personally, as well as more broadly, for the film industry, where a huge gender-based pay disparity is the norm. In a rapid turn of events, Padukone, who was hailed as a 'game-changer', was obliquely referred to as a 'frustrated cat' by Vanga in his now-viral tweet. The dispute has, as expected, drawn polarised reactions, with the actor being both trolled and lauded for her demands. Any support expressed by Padukone's colleagues has either been storified or widely shared on social media platforms. Inadvertently, the episode marks a rare moment when the requirements and choices of a working mother become industry talking points. In a welcome change, the discourse acknowledges Padukone's demand for high remuneration, instead of merely questioning her commercial value. These exchanges indicate that perceptions about women stars — their demands and their status — have shifted. Director Kabir Khan, while speaking to Movified, asked that when top male actors like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar work an eight-hour shift, why couldn't the same provision be extended to Padukone? Commenting on the high remuneration that she was supposedly charging, he said 'Deepika consistently pulls crowds, so she rightly commands the fee she does.' Actor Neha Dhupia too posted: 'For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration. Instead, we often get shamed or sidelined.' It is no secret that, thanks to an entrenched patriarchal mindset and sexist practices in the film industry, marriage was seen as a career setback for female stars, weakening their star power. Motherhood is the other dreaded M-word, long perceived as substantially reducing the value of female stars who are under constant pressure to be 'objects of desire'. Popular stars such as Sridevi and Kajol either slowed down or shifted their focus away from movies for some years after embracing motherhood. Actor Kiara Advani, who showed off her baby bump at her MET Gala debut last month, had earlier bowed out of Farhan Akhtar's next directorial outing Don 3, making way for Sharvari Wagh to star opposite Ranveer Singh. Yet, change has been building, one woman at a time. Years ago, Kareena Kapoor made the refreshing choice to not hide her 'live-in' relationship with Saif Ali Khan or her pregnancies. She normalised these developments as a part of her life and career trajectory. So did Alia Bhatt, who worked through her pregnancy, and promoted Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022) sporting an outfit with the words 'Baby on Board' written on the back. Padukone, too, shot for Kalki 2898 AD and promoted it during her pregnancy, notwithstanding the constant trolling that she was 'faking her pregnancy'. While Padukone has not addressed speculation about her fallout with Vanga, she has hinted at her stand on this issue. Having earlier stated that she would raise her daughter Dua herself, the actor told Vogue Arabia, following the Spirit controversy, 'Whenever I'm faced with complicated or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace is when I feel most in equilibrium.' This was followed by a slick video shared on Instagram on June 7 which revealed that Padukone will play a fierce warrior in an Atlee-directed project, titled 'AA22 x A6'. The message of the video was loud and clear: 'The Queen marches to conquer,' said the caption. In a highly competitive industry, retaining status and star-power, without sacrificing personal priorities, requires constant hustle. By sticking to her guns, Padukone sends out a strong message about claiming what she is worth even as she remains a hand-on mother. This, more than commanding a hefty fee for acting in Vanga's project, is likely to be the real 'game-changing moment'.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kabir Khan defends Deepika Padukone's demands for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit: ‘If Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar get 8-hour shifts, why not her?'
Kabir Khan has stepped into the ongoing industry debate sparked by Deepika Padukone 's alleged fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her reported demands for the upcoming film Spirit starring Prabhas . While rumours suggested that Deepika asked for an eight-hour workday and a Rs 25 crore fee, Kabir has come out in strong support of the actress, citing fairness, precedent, and the well-being of film crews. In an interview with Movified, Kabir emphasized the importance of structured working hours in the entertainment industry. 'I work with 500 crew members who each have families and their own lives,' he said. 'Their well-being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health.' Backing Deepika's request, the 83 director added, 'It's a fair point. Aamir Khan works on an 8-hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don't see why Deepika should be denied the same.' Kabir further asserted that if a director expects longer work hours, they should offer a valid reason: 'It's that simple.' Kabir on why personal sacrifice isn't a must Rejecting the notion that productivity in cinema must come at the cost of personal sacrifice, Kabir pointed to his own filmmaking practices. 'I've never shot beyond a 12-hour day, never done overtime, and never worked on Sundays,' he said. 'These are basic and reasonable rules.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Deepika Padukone launches badminton school to celebrate father's legacy on his 70th birthday When asked about Deepika's reported Rs 25 crore remuneration demand, Kabir maintained that pay should be based on star power and audience pull. 'Whoever brings in the viewers, whether an actor, director, man or woman... they deserve to be paid what they're worth,' he said, noting that Deepika consistently draws crowds and thus commands her market value.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar work on an 8-hour shift too,' says Kabir Khan defending Deepika Padukone amid Spirit controversy
Deepika Padukone's reported feud with Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her demand for an 8-hour workday made headlines recently. Since then, several people from the film industry have come out in support of the actor. Now, director Kabir Khan, who is also a friend of Deepika, has defended her. He also revealed that even male actors, including Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, work on an 8-hour shift. In an interview with Movified, Kabir spoke about the need for proper working hours in the film industry, citing mental health and better efficiency. 'I work with 500 crew members who each have families and their own lives. Their well‑being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health,' he said. While defending Deepika's demands, Kabir added, 'It's a fair point. Aamir Khan works on an 8‑hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don't see why Deepika should be denied the same. If a filmmaker doesn't agree, they should have a valid reason. It's that simple.' ALSO READ | Rana Daggubati weighs in on Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga's limited working hours controversy: 'There are actors who shoot for 4 hours' The Chandu Champion director also rejected the notion that filmmaking comes at the cost and sacrifice of personal life. According to him, work should have a structure. Kabir revealed that he himself has never shot more than 12 hours, never worked overtime, and never worked on Sundays. 'These are basic rules,' he asserted. When asked about Deepika Padukone's reported fee demand of Rs 25 crore, Kabir Khan said that remuneration should align with audience appeal and box office draw, noting that she attracts huge crowds to theatres. 'Whoever brings in the viewers, whether an actor, director, man or woman… they deserve to be paid what they're worth,' he said. On the professional front, Deepika was last seen in Rohit Shetty's Singham Again. She has Atlee and Allu Arjun's next AA22 X A6 in her kitty. The announcement video hinted that she will play the role of a warrior princess in the film.
News18
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kabir Khan Backs Deepika Amid Spirit Row: ‘Aamir, Akshay Work 8-Hr Shifts, Why Shouldn't She?'
Last Updated: Addressing Deepika's reported Rs 25 crore fee demand for Spirit, Kabir clarified the ongoing debate around male actors earning more. Filmmaker Kabir Khan has come out in strong support of Deepika Padukone amid her reported fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her demand for an 8-hour work shift. Speaking to Movified, Kabir backed Deepika's stance and revealed that even industry stalwarts like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar follow similar routines. The Chandu Champion director emphasized the need for work-life balance on film sets. 'I work with 500 people on a set—each has a family and a life beyond work. Mental health and efficiency are just as important," he said. Kabir called Deepika's demand for a structured 8-hour workday a 'fair point." He went on to add, 'Aamir Khan works on an 8-hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don't see why Deepika should be denied the same." Kabir also shut down the idea that filmmaking should come at the cost of personal time, sharing that he avoids overtime, restricts shoot hours, and never works on the 7th day of the week. 'These are basic rules," he added. Addressing Deepika's reported Rs 25 crore fee demand for Spirit, Kabir clarified the ongoing debate around male actors earning more. He stated that such assumptions are often misunderstood and stressed the importance of star power. 'Whoever brings in the viewers, whether it's an actor, director, man or woman… they deserve to be paid what they're worth. Deepika consistently pulls crowds, so she rightly commands the fee she does." Kabir concluded by saying that every actor has the right to set professional boundaries. 'If a filmmaker doesn't agree, they should have a valid reason. It's that simple." On the work front, Deepika was recently announced as part of Atlee and Allu Arjun's upcoming film AA22 X A6. Judging by the teaser, she appears to play a warrior princess in the action-packed venture. First Published:
