Latest news with #PonniyinSelvan
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ram Gopal Varma reveals he does not like Mani Ratnam's films: 'He didn't listen to one idea of mine and doesn't like my films'
Filmmakers Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Varma are some of the well-known filmmakers in the South, and the duo have also made their mark in Bollywood. In a recent interview, Ram Gopal revealed that he does not like Mani Ratnam's movies, and the 'Ponniyin Selvan' director also does not like Ram Gopal's films. He also shared that there is no chance of them collaborating in the future. Ram Gopal Varma and Mani Ratnam do not like each other's movies In a candid conversation on the MPower podcast, Ram Gopal said, 'I'm not really a fan of Nayakan. Actually, Mani doesn't like any of my films. I don't like Mani's films. That's like our relationship,' he stated. Actor Kamal Haasan Loses Cool Over Sword Gift Stunt at MNM Meet Amid Language Row Fallout Varma shared that Kamal Haasan 's performance in Nayakan stood out, but the film as a whole didn't resonate with him. The filmmaker added that it might have happened due to his keen knowledge about Kamal's character in the movie, Varadarajan Mudaliar. Ram had already explored a lot about Varadarajan, the Mumbai underworld don, on his own. Ram Gopal Varma about creative differences with Mani Ratnam Varma credits the late veteran filmmaker K. Balachander as a source of cinematic inspiration. Balachander, who also produced Ratnam's Roja, left a lasting impression on Varma's approach to storytelling and editing. 'In fact, recently, I was watching a Tamil/Telugu film of his, I don't remember. I was surprised to see how similar my cuts are. Obviously, because I learnt from him,' Varma noted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Varma and Mani Ratnam worked together on Gaayam and Thiruda Thiruda as co-writers. In 1998, they teamed up as co-producers on 'Dil Se'. 'We like each other as people. I think we both wanted to make our own films. He didn't listen to one idea of mine, and I didn't listen to one idea of his. So we made our own films,' Varma shared. He further noted that they are both very song-minded people with a unique way of filmmaking. Ram was certain about the impracticality of 'two strong-minded creative people collaborating'. Mani Ratnam's Thug Life Mani Ratnam's recent release Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, struggled to leave a mark at the box office and among critics and fans alike.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amitabh Bachchan explains why he avoids publicly praising Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, unlike son Abhishek Bachchan: 'Yes I shall...'
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to queries about why he publicly praises his son Abhishek but not his wife Jaya or daughter-in-law Aishwarya. He stated that he respects the ladies in his heart rather than publicly. Abhishek was recently seen in Housefull 5, Jaya in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Aishwarya in Ponniyin Selvan series. Amitabh Bachchan is no stranger to praising his son Abhishek Bachchan on social media, often celebrating his achievements with pride. However, fans have long wondered why he doesn't extend the same public admiration to his wife Jaya Bachchan or daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai . The legendary actor has now addressed the question, offering a thoughtful explanation that sheds light on his personal approach to showing respect for the women in his family. In a recent post, Big B shared photos of himself greeting fans outside his residence, Jalsa. Alongside the images, he addressed the question head-on with a crisp caption: 'Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?'—a subtle yet pointed response to those questioning his selective public appreciation. In the comments, a user wrote, 'Toh you should also praise your daughter, daughter in law, wife the same way.' In response, Amitabh responded, 'Yes I shall praise them in my heart.. not publicly.. respect for the ladies.' A second fan called Abhishek a 'mature and responsible person in the whole family' in the comments. Amitabh replied, 'He has love and respect and dignity and care for all.' On the work front, Abhishek Bachchan was recently seen in Housefull 5, a star-studded comedy directed by Tarun Mansukhani, featuring Akshay Kumar , Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, and others. Jaya Bachchan was last seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared in Mani Ratnam's epic sagas Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 and Part 2.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sanjay Leela Bhansali on working with Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam sets: ‘Love was in the air'
As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam completes 26 years, the director spoke about his experience of working on the film. In a conversation with the Times of India, he called it a fulfilling experience, and also spoke about Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's chemistry in the film. Sanjay Leela Bhansali said that they were all like one big family while they shot for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. In the interview, Sanjay shared that there was pressure to show Aishwarya Rai's character end up with Salman Khan instead of Ajay Devgn; however, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a film where he chose not to succumb to any pressures and compromise on the story. Bhansali also revealed how Aishwarya perfectly fit the bill to play Nandini. He said that she perfectly matched his vision, and that is a very rare experience for any filmmaker. A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions) Also Read: 'Angry Sanjay Leela Bhansali would hurl objects at me if I moved even slightly': Sooraj Pancholi recalls experience as SLB's assistant on Guzaarish Talking about Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's chemistry both on-screen and off-screen, Bhansali revealed that 'there was love in the air'. He further went on to explain that not just Salman and Aishwarya, but all the cast members were quite affectionate towards each other — Zohra Sehgalji, Helen, Salman, Aishwarya, Vikram Gokhale, and Smita Jayekar were all like one big family. The filmmaker also went on to say that shooting for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was one of his most fulfilling experiences. A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions) As per reports, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were dating around the film; however, it was later said that the actress decided to part ways with Salman as their relationship got abusive. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam emerged as one of the landmark films of Hindi cinema and established Sanjay Leela Bhansali as an auteur. During the promotions of Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan, Aishwarya had reflected on how both these character's names were Nandini. 'It's amazing na? Even Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was very very memorable. She ruled over people's heart and I'm so so thankful that I got to play Nandini then too. She had remained special to the audience and, of course, to me'.
Pink Villa
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why did Mani Ratnam drop first version of Ponniyin Selvan starring Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu?
The Ponniyin Selvan franchise by Mani Ratnam, starring Chiyaan Vikram, Ravi Mohan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Trisha Krishnan, has been considered super-successful for several reasons. The epic historical drama was a two-part film series released between 2022 and 2023. However, did you know that the filmmaker had a completely different cast in mind initially when he had planned out the movie back in 2010? Yes, you read that right. Ponniyin Selvan was supposed to be made in 2010 In an old Tamil interview, Mani Ratnam's assistant and director Dhana had revealed that the former had plans to make Ponniyin Selvan as far back as 2010. He said that the filmmaker had already begun the pre-production work for the project, and several discussions had taken place. Most importantly, Dhana mentioned that Mani Ratnam had an altogether different idea about the cast of the film in mind, which did not include any of the names with whom Ponniyin Selvan was eventually made. Were Mahesh Babu, Thalapathy Vijay first choice for Ponniyin Selvan? Well, yes, Mahesh Babu and Thalapathy Vijay were the first ones to be signed to play the leads in Ponniyin Selvan. The two of them had signed the project, and a brief shooting had also taken place. However, it was Mani Ratnam who decided to stall the project, since he believed the availability of advanced VFX was not so readily abundant back then. It was dropped and then taken up almost a decade later. When Mahesh Babu confirmed brief stint with Thalapathy Vijay for Ponniyin Selvan Later on, Mahesh Babu also confirmed the same, speaking about the brief period he spent working with Thalapathy Vijay on a small photoshoot for the Mani Ratnam film. He said, 'Before seven days of the principal shoot, there was a photo shoot session with Vijay in Chennai, but unfortunately, the project got shelved. Even now, I share a close rapport with Vijay; he is a good friend."
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Throwback: When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan silenced David Letterman over ‘living with parents' jibe
has long been admired not just for her beauty and talent, but for her grace under pressure, and one memorable moment from her international media appearances continues to prove just that. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Back in 2005, while promoting Bride and Prejudice on The Late Show with David Letterman , the Bollywood icon found herself on the receiving end of a culturally loaded question. The host asked, 'Do you still live with your parents, and is that common in India?' Without skipping a beat, Aishwarya delivered a poised and razor-sharp response that drew thunderous applause from the studio audience. 'It's fine to live with your parents,' she said coolly. 'Because in India, we don't have to make appointments with our parents for dinner.' The clip, which has since become a viral favourite, resurfaced on social media once again, reigniting praise for the Ponniyin Selvan actress's composed confidence and cultural pride. Nearly two decades later, the exchange still resonates as a reminder of how Bachchan's intelligence and dignity often speak louder than any scripted line. Netizens laud the smart reply Aishwarya Rai's answer was as much a cultural primer as it was a comeback. By turning the question on its head with her wit, she highlighted the warmth of multigenerational households while deflating the notion that such arrangements are somehow regressive. One Reddit user wrote, 'Aishwarya Rai has so much class. She has dealt with so much nonsense being hurled at her over the years in the most civil way possible. A great ambassador for my country along with currently, who is also someone that's constantly under scrutiny and a recipient of vitriol.' Another one wrote, 'Living with your parents is also normal in Eastern Europe too.' Work front On the professional front, Aishwarya's previous hit film was 's directorial epic drama movie 'Ponniyin Selvan 2'. The actress played the role of Oomai Rani and Nandini in this epic drama film directed by the veteran. This Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's doppelganger is Aishwarya Rai Ultra Pro Max
