Latest news with #ShammiKapoor
India.com
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
'It was more than affair...', This actress made shocking revelations while talking about Shammi Kapoor's wife, her name is...
Veteran actress Mumtaz has once again spoken about Late Shammi Kapoor. However, this time she refrained from talking about their relationship, citing the late actor's wife Neela Devi. The actress said that her comments about Kapoor were not liked by his wife. Mumtaz On Relationship With Shammi Kapoor In a recent conversation with the Times of India, Mumtaz explained her reasons for staying silent on the topic. The actress said, 'Everyone keeps asking me the same old things. My sister got some calls from people who told her, 'Mumtaz should not answer those questions.' But how many times can I say 'no comments'? My sister told me, 'You are hurting people in the industry.' I don't want to hurt anyone. They are my family.' 'I Had No Regrets' The actress further said that even the children of the people she has spoken about feel uncomfortable. She said, 'I have no regrets about speaking the truth but it gets boring. Everyone only wants to ask about Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor. It gets very repetitive. His (Shammi's) wife feels bad, she asks, 'Why is she talking about my husband?' So, I have decided not to hurt anyone.' 'It Wasn't Just An Affair' Shammi Kapoor lost his first wife Geeta Bali in 1965. He later met Mumtaz on the sets of 'Brahmachari' and the two grew close. However, their relationship did not progress to marriage. According to her, Kapoor asked her to quit the film industry – something she was not ready to do at that time. 'He wanted me to give up my career when I was just 17. I don't think anyone could love me the way he did. I have never forgotten him. Even today when someone mentions his name, I get teary-eyed. It wasn't just an affair. It was much more than that. We loved each other very much. But at that time, women in the Kapoor family didn't work. They had to respect their family's wishes and I had to respect my career.' For the unversed, Shammi Kapoor married Neela Devi in 1969. Shammi and Neela parted ways in 2011 with the death of the legendary actor.
The Print
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Chenab Bridge is a ‘mile sur mera tumhara' moment. Now Bollywood should return to Kashmir
He has promised our Kashmiri brothers and sisters a vision of a Kashmir free of terrorism, a 'location for shooting films and a hub of sports'. Due to the neglect by political parties pushing their own agenda, the people of Jammu and Kashmir had stopped dreaming and had accepted terrorism as their fate. With certain vested interests in cahoots with Pakistan, terrorism had been perpetrated in the snow-covered slopes of Kashmir. PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah have stood firm and tall in the face of opposition and taunts. Today, their commitment to the region stands vindicated in the form of the structural marvel of the Chenab Bridge, soaring 359 metres above the riverbed. This week brought a new bridge to the divine valley of Shiva and Parvati, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest rail bridge, a wonder of sorts. Jammu and Kashmir's development and the aspirations of its youth will not be shaken by the Pahalgam terror attack, he said. All eyes are truly on Reasi now, which, exactly a year ago on 9 June, was the scene of a dastardly terror attack on Hindu pilgrims by the TRF—the very perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. PM Modi has given a befitting reply to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism by inaugurating the highest rail bridge in the world. Bridge to peace The Kashmir Valley has remained mostly cut off from the rest of the country due to the obsolete Article 370, as well as physical barriers. The Chenab Bridge has forged a connection, the missing link on the Jammu–Baramullah train route, which in turn connects the Valley with the rest of India. After 1947, the Valley saw periods of alternating peace and turmoil until 1989, when it spiralled into a vortex of Pakistan–sponsored terrorism, after targeted killings of Hindus by militant groups such as the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. This led to a mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the region. Prior to this period, the Kashmir Valley saw a period of peace, when it was the favoured location for Yash Chopra—my favourite director—who filmed iconic scenes from classics like Daag and Silsila. Who can forget Shammi Kapoor's song, Yahoo Chahe Mujhe Koi Junglee Kahen? Today, the breathtaking Baisaran Valley has gained infamy due to the tragic terror attack, but it once formed the backdrop against which Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore romanced in the 1964 hit Kashmir ki Kali. It was also the setting for Arzoo and Jab Jab Phool Khile. In the 1970s, iconic hits such as Kabhi Kabhie and Roti had scenes that were shot in the valley. And who can forget the musical Neela Aasman So Gaya? After 1990, a period of insurgency restricted access to the Valley, and only a handful of films were shot well up to the early 2000s, including Roja and Mission Kashmir. These blockbusters had the Kashmir unrest and insurgency as the primary theme. Even in relatively recent films such as Haider and The Kashmir Files, the focus has been on the post-1990 suffering of the Kashmir Valley. The hope is that the Chenab Bridge and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link will bring Bollywood and other film industries back to the Valley. The film–tourism synergy is substantial, and Kashmir's annual tourism industry is worth Rs 12,000 crore. Also read: Srinagar train reminds us Kashmir was secured by iron and rock, that's how soldiers moved in Bridge to national integration The Chenab Bridge is a prime example of India's unity. There was no North-South, Hindu-Muslim divide at play during the execution of the iconic structure. The entire country worked as one for its construction and execution. Rock engineering specialist G Madhavi Latha, a professor at IISc, Bengaluru, spent 17 years working on the stability of the foundation. Her team used a 'design as you go' approach—the terrain was so complex and challenging that the team had to keep modifying calculations and the design was continuously evolving. IIT Delhi professor KJ Rao was a project consultant, and IISc professor TG Sitharam was the geotechnical consultant during 2005-2020. 'The Chenab Bridge is more than a technical achievement — it is a story of human endeavour, of teamwork, of innovation under pressure, and above all, of patriotic purpose,' Sitharam wrote. His words echo the pride of all Indians. Researchers and engineers like Sitharam across the country take pride in this monument to India's technical talent. The steel used in the columns was manufactured by engineers from Steel Authority of India Limited in their plant in Bhilai, including 5,922 tonnes of TMT Steel, 6,454 tonnes of plates and 56 tonnes of structural steel. The remaining steel was brought in from SAIL's Bokaro, Rourkala, and Durgapur plants. Afcons Infrastructure Limited, headquartered in Mumbai, was the contractor for the construction. The project provided employment to over 1,000 Reasi locals. And while the area comes under Northern Railways, the branch was only pleased to partner with Konkan Railways, given the latter's expertise in railroad construction in difficult terrain. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) provided inputs to make the bridge blast-proof. We can safely state that the Chenab Bridge is a mile sur mera tumhara moment in Indian history. Bridge to self-governance I have been told by friends and acquaintances in the Valley that the Governor's rule ensured a period of peace and stability in Kashmir. However, conducting free and fair elections is one of the main pillars of democracy. And the BJP government fulfilled its commitment to democracy by ensuring that elections were peacefully held for 90 Legislative Assembly seats in 2024. The INDIA bloc won 49 seats, leading to Kashmir's first elected government after the abrogation of Article 370, which paved the way for self–governance for the Kashmiri people. Critics of the BJP's handling of Kashmir may read my piece, which appeared in ThePrint on 14 October 2024. Omar Abdullah was elected CM in a peaceful election process that saw a whopping 63.8 per cent turnout. 'Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British could not do, you [PM Modi] got it completed, and Kashmir Valley has now been connected with the rest of the country,' CM Abdullah said during the inauguration ceremony. The bridge will now serve as a gateway for the process of self-governance for the Kashmiri people, with Panchayat elections on the anvil as the electoral rolls have been updated in January. Also read: 'Modi made our dream honeymoon possible'—couple on board the Srinagar Vande Bharat Bridge to prosperity On the day of the Pahalgam terror attack, there was an unprecedented footfall of tourists in Kashmir. Tourism had surged in recent years, peaking at 3.5 million in 2024, and in 2025, was expected to breach that number by the end of the summer holidays. The Chenab Bridge is predicted to boost tourism in the region, as the rail link from Srinagar to Jammu will connect onward to New Delhi and provide a more economical travel option for tourists. Apple growers are also likely to benefit. Over 75 per cent of the country's apple production comes from the Valley, which also accounts for 8 per cent of Kashmir's GDP. 'Poor connectivity has negatively impacted the economic development of 70 percent of the Valley's population, which is dependent on farming and perishable fruit cultivation,' read the article by Ayjaz Wani in ORF's 'Expert Speak'. Beyond apples and plums, all–weather rail connectivity and access to rail cargo services will provide access to newer markets for Kashmiri almonds, walnuts, saffron, cherries, and other fruit. The Chenab Bridge will serve as much more than a connection between two banks of the Chenab River. It will become the lifeline to the Kashmiri economy, linking the once–isolated Valley to the rest of the country. The bridge and the rail link provides a physical manifestation of what every Indian lived by—Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it won't be left behind on the highway to Viksit Bharat 2047. Our Kashmiri brethren will walk into a new dawn of development and prosperity, unlike their neighbours in the Pakistan-occupied part of Kashmir. Bridge of technology India supplies the world with STEM talent. Why should this technical talent not be used for the advancement of our national interest? The Chenab Bridge is 35 times the height of the Eiffel Tower and 1,315 m long, with an imposing steel arch span of 467 m. Designed to withstand zone V earthquakes and wind speeds of 256 km/hr, it straddles a seismologically rugged Himalayan terrain in the comparatively young mountains of the Pir Panjal Range and is connected with two steel pylons. The bridge has a lifespan of 120 years and can support a train speed of up to 100 km/hr. This technological marvel is capable of withstanding high-intensity explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT and extreme temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius. Also read: Anubrata Mondal threatened a police officer & may go scot-free. It's a blot on TMC Bridge of gender equality Symbolically, the Chenab Bridge is also a bridge to gender equality in India. The presence of women in leadership roles, such as G Madhavi Latha, challenged stereotypes and inspired a generation of young women to pursue careers in STEM. Latha has been a trailblazer her entire life. 'At a particular slope cutting, I remember spending sleepless nights as my inputs were required at every stage,' she said while sharing the challenges her team faced in executing the project. The Jammu–Srinagar travel time has been reduced to around three hours, and the Vande Bharat trains are a safe and convenient way to travel. Thus, the bridge is critical for the autonomy and mobility of women in the region. Even critics like Iltija Mufti have admitted that the bridge is a 'welcome step'. The photo of PM Modi holding the Tricolour and marching confidently on the bridge showcases India's resolve and resilience: Nothing can deter us from achieving our goals of prosperity and peaceful coexistence. Like the steel used in the construction of the Chenab Bridge, Indians have forged a new future that is different from the traps set for us. Our stellar resolve will take us forward. This grateful citizen thanks all the researchers, engineers, workers, and agencies involved in the execution of this project, but most of all, our honourable prime minister, who helped bring it to fruition despite the many challenges. Meenakashi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shammi Kapoor once reminisced his first encounter with Madhubala: 'I could not take my eyes off her... I was like hit by a thunderbolt'
Behind the charming persona and iconic dance moves, once carried a silent affection for one of the most celebrated actresses of Indian cinema—Madhubala. As we remember the beloved actor on his 10th death anniversary, a look back at his heartfelt recollections reveals a lesser-known, poignant chapter from his early days in film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On his 10th death anniversary, it's worth revisiting Shammi Kapoor's candid reflections on his feelings for . In an old interview with he recalled being instantly captivated when he first met her on the sets of Rail Ka Dibba. Her presence left him so awestruck that he struggled to remember his lines, while she, fully aware of the impact she had on him, seemed to enjoy the moment. In the same interview, Shammi Kapoor reflected on how Madhubala was already romantically linked with and Prem Nath at the time. Despite knowing she was in love, he admitted he couldn't stop himself from falling for her. As a newcomer with no fame then, he felt invisible in comparison and humorously questioned how he had ended up entangled in such a situation. Still, his feelings for Madhubala remained intense and undeniable. Shammi Kapoor eventually married fellow actor , one of the leading stars of that era. In a conversation with journalist Rauf Ahmed, he shared how their relationship unfolded. Though Geeta was a year older than him and had acted with both his father Prithvi and brother Raj Kapoor, Shammi was certain she was the one he wanted to marry. While he was briefly unsure of how his family would respond, his conviction never wavered. Ironically, it was Geeta who hesitated. A practical and grounded person, she loved Shammi deeply but was reluctant to marry him out of concern for her family's dependence on her. Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali got married in 1955 and had two children—Aditya Raj Kapoor and Kanchan. Shammi passed away on August 14, 2011.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Mumtaz admitted to having an extra-marital affair after her husband confessed to cheating on her during US trip: 'I felt hurt, you do get carried away'
Mumtaz , one of Hindi cinema's most iconic and versatile actresses, has seen a life full of dazzling stardom and personal storms. From her humble beginnings in a Mumbai slum to becoming the highest-paid actress of her era, her story is as dramatic and compelling as the films she once ruled. Making her debut at just 11 in Sone Ki Chidiya, Mumtaz went on to star in cult classics like Bandhan, Sachaa Jhutha, Khilona, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, becoming a favorite across top male leads of the 70s. But beyond the limelight, her personal life was far from perfect. Mumtaz on heartbreak and her brief affair Despite marrying industrialist Mayur Madhvani in 1974 and raising two daughters with him, Mumtaz's marriage saw turbulent times. In a previous interview with Pinkvilla, she revealed that her husband confessed to an affair during a trip to the United States. His honesty shattered her, but she chose to forgive him. Still, the betrayal left its scars. 'Honestly, after the episode, I began feeling lonely. Main thodi rubabwali thi. I felt hurt. So, I flew down to India,' Mumtaz admitted. 'When you're amidst thorns and someone comes along with a rose, you do get carried away. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle Undo But it was nothing serious. Just a temporary phase, which ended soon." The actress clarified that her own extra-marital relationship was short-lived and not serious, a way to process the pain and emotional abandonment she had experienced. Silent struggles: Miscarriages and medical complications While Mumtaz is often remembered for her radiant smile and unforgettable performances, her journey into motherhood was marked by grief and endurance. She revealed suffering through three to four miscarriages before successfully carrying her pregnancy to term. What happened when Mumtaz refused Shammi Kapoor's marriage proposal? Actress reveals! Doctors had advised complete bed rest, and Mumtaz recalled spending her days lying flat, only moving to use the washroom. 'I had to take hormone injections in the morning and tablets in the evening,' she revealed, underlining the mental and physical toll of the experience. The love that could've been: Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz Before marrying Mayur Madhvani, Mumtaz had fallen for her Brahmachari co-star, Shammi Kapoor. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Shammi even proposed. But she turned him down. 'I was just 17 and didn't want to give up my career,' she had once stated in an earlier interview. At the peak of her success, Mumtaz wasn't ready to let marriage cut her career short — something that was often expected of actresses at the time. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mumtaz opens up on the time she spent with Shammi Kapoor when they were dating: 'Aisa nahi hua ke din aur raat saath bitaye'
Mumtaz has admitted to being in love with Shammi Kapoor at several instances. She has also revealed that they were to get married but could not. In a recent interview she was asked about how Shammi was as a lover and how it was to spend time with him. However, Mumtaz confessed that in those days, her parents were very strict and it was not like how relationships work today. She said in an interview with Filmybeat, "Hamare zamaaane mein aisa nahi tha ke pure din saath mein baithe rahe because I was also busy working and even him. I would come home from work and entertain his guests. Dekh liya, khana vana ho gaya sab ho gaya. Then I would say, I will go now because my mother will wait for me and she would scold me. Uss zamaane mein parents were very strict, I come from a Muslim family, Iranians are very strict. I never went shooting alone. My mother was always with me. Toh aisa kabhi nahi hua ke poore poore din aur raat saath bitaye ho. (During our times it wasn't like we will spend the whole day together because we were both busy working. I would come home from work though, go to his house, look after things, entertain his guests, look at all the arrangements for him and his guests. Then I would quickly rush back home as my mom would scold me. Our parents used to be very strict. I never went on a film shoot alone. There was never a time when we spent days and nights together)." She further spoke about choosing her career over love. "I have said this many times that we didn't get married because Papaji (Shammi Kapoor's father) didn't allow the women in his family to work. I was ambititious. They didn't allow women in their house to work. Uss wakhat Geeta ji (Geeta Bali) ne bhi kaam chhod diya tha. Agar kuch hona hai shadi ke baad bhi, pichle darwaaze se jaake bhi insaan ishq kar sakta tha. He was right and I respect him immensely for that. Jinko pyaar ho jaata hai, woh karte hi hai. (I respected him (Shammi Kapoor's father) for his decision for not allowing the women in his family or his daughter-in-laws to work. But I feel that if someone wants to cheat in a marriage, they can go out and do it in anway. He was right though in taking his measures and I truly respected him)." In this interview, she also mentioned that Shammi was married to a very good woman and she feels good that she was by his side when he passed away. Shammi Kapoor was married to Geeta Bali. After she passed away, Shammi had met Mumtaz. Later after they parted ways, Shammi married Neila Devi. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
