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Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
As Sholay nears 50, Iran consulate pays a nostalgic tribute to film: 'We still remember'
As Sholay nears 50, Iran consulate pays a nostalgic tribute to film: 'We still remember' NEW DELHI: Reminiscing 'Sholay' in times of conflict, the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai Tuesday took to X (formerly Twitter) to post about an Iranian newspaper's coverage on the iconic Bollywood film awaiting its 50th anniversary. The Iranian embassy joined in, posting "Sholay turns 50 and Iran still remembers." While this nostalgic tribute highlighted the film's timeless appeal and cross-cultural resonance transcending borders, the gesture was also pleasantly surprising at a time when the country is recovering from a war. 'Sholay' was released on Aug 15, 1975, when India was under the Emergency. The Consulate General's post recalled how an Iranian newspaper dedicated a full-page tribute to 'Sholay', noting that the film's unforgettable story of friendship has become a cornerstone of cinematic memory in Iran. Interestingly, the iconic villain Gabbar Singh is known as Jabbar Singh in Iran. The post also mentioned Iranian actor Navid Mamza, who drew inspiration from Gabbar Singh's looks and menacing mannerisms. This gesture is significant given the historical and cultural ties between India and Iran. The two countries enjoyed a long-standing relationship rooted in their shared border until India's partition in 1947. 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 Indian cinema has been a common thread between the two nations, with films like 'Shree 420' and 'Sangam' gaining immense popularity in Iran. Raj Kapoor's visit to Iran for the premiere of Shree 420 was met with a grand welcome, with fans showering him with affection. A newsletter on the website of the Hinduja group - which played a role in the film's distribution in Tehran - quotes SP Hinduja saying that it was the eldest of Hinduja siblings, Girdhar, based in Iran in the 1950s, who came up with the idea of promoting Indian films in Iran. "As he (Kapoor) stepped on to the platform upon arrival in Tehran, the crowd - predominantly women - started screaming. The noise was incredible and then there was a surge as several women smothered him with kisses," it says.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bollywood movies have always loved the monsoon: Here's how the songs make it magical
Bollywood doesn't just welcome the monsoon, it throws a grand musical party for it. From dripping chiffon sarees and shy glances under umbrellas to full-blown dance-offs in puddles, Hindi films have always celebrated rain not as mere weather, but as a full-bodied emotion. As soon as the skies turn grey and the first drops hit the dusty ground, we find ourselves humming 'Tip tip barsa paani, paani ne aag lagayi' or feeling our hearts twist to 'Rimjhim gire sawan, sulag sulag jaaye mann'. These songs have soaked themselves into our very souls. So open your umbrella, or better still, toss it aside, because here's how Bollywood's timeless songs have turned monsoons into the ultimate season of love, longing, and playful chaos. Where love finds shelter It's impossible to speak of rain in Bollywood without first bowing to the iconic moment when Raj Kapoor and Nargis huddled under a black umbrella in 'Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua Hai' from 'Shree 420'. The umbrella wasn't just a prop; it was a cosy little world where two hearts confessed what words struggled to. Even today, couples sharing an umbrella on Mumbai streets can't help but feel a tingle of that same shy magic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo That melody from 1955 turned rain into the ultimate matchmaker. It whispered that love sometimes needs a little drizzle to bloom. Even decades later, we can't resist a sigh when we see two people awkwardly trying not to bump heads under an umbrella, hearts thumping just like Raj and Nargis once did. Then there's Kishore Kumar and Madhubala in 'Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si' from 'Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi' (1958), turning a car breakdown into a giggly flirt-fest. Kishore's playful mechanic didn't just fix the engine — he revved up hearts under that downpour. It's proof that sometimes, the sweetest love stories start with a little drizzle and a lot of mischief. When rain says, 'Come dance with me!' But rain in Bollywood isn't always about gentle sighs and shy glances. Sometimes, it wants to rip its hair loose, drag you outside, and dance till you're soaked to the skin. Think of Amitabh Bachchan and Smita Patil in 'Aaj Rapat Jaayen' from 'Namak Halal' (1982). No slow-motion eyelocks here — just the two superstars slipping, sliding, laughing like naughty schoolkids on drenched grass. The monsoon became a mischievous third character, egging them on to play, slip and get gloriously messy. Smita, often celebrated for her intense dramatic roles, revealed her playful side, while Amitabh danced as if no one was watching. It was rain roaring with laughter, not whispering sweet nothings. Then came the song that pretty much owned the 90s , 'Tip Tip Barsa Paani' from 'Mohra' (1994). Raveena Tandon, in that unforgettable yellow saree, had the entire country hooked. But behind the steamy visuals was a story of real grit. Raveena once candidly shared to Bombay Times, 'I remember shooting for that song wearing a yellow saree and, on the sets, they used chilled tanker water. I had a fever and had shot for the song despite that. At that time, it was all about how work came first. Also, I was always sure that I would never wear transparent or translucent clothes in my films. And romance in films, I feel, is always about expression than anything else. ' We make different kinds of films now, but romantic monsoon songs in films are eternal and will never lose their charm. Raveena Tandon, Actress Truer words haven't been spoken. Because let's face it, who hasn't tried a little slow twirl in the rain, hoping to feel just a bit like Raveena? If there's one monsoon song that makes you want to fling your shoes aside and dance till your heart explodes, it's 'Barso Re Megha' from 'Guru'. Watching Aishwarya Rai twirl on slippery stones, her maroon-blue lehenga swirling, hair plastered to her smiling face, eyes sparkling with pure joy, that's rain becoming a festival. Aishwarya once gushed,"The monsoon is so romantic! It always invokes wonderful memories." There are lots of rain songs that I love, but my favourite one is 'Barso Re Megha' from 'Guru'. I love the sheer exuberance, freshness, purity, innocence and celebration of nature and the spirit in the music. And the fact that Abhishek was also part of it added to the beautiful feeling." Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Actress When monsoon brings out the inner child Rain doesn't just belong to lovers in Bollywood. Sometimes it splashes into the streets to bring out the inner child in all of us. Take 'Chak Dhoom Dhoom' from 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (1997). Yes, the film gave us romantic monsoon moments too (hello 'Arre Re Arre Ye Kya Hua'), but this song was different. It was a burst of children breaking into spontaneous dance as the rain poured down. No silk sarees clinging to trembling hearts here, just the kind of puddle-splashing joy that reminds us why we loved rains as kids. The gentle and peaceful monsoon melodies Not all monsoon songs are wild dances or steamy glances. Some simply wrap around your shoulders like a soft shawl and feeling you get while sipping a hot cup of chai or coffee while watching the rain from your balcony, whispering of dreams and secret heartaches. 'Bhage Re Man' from 'Chameli' is one such gem. The visuals of Kareena Kapoor twirling on street, rain streaming down her face, red saree clinging to her like second skin , it's vulnerable and hopeful. Kareena once confessed, It has to be my song 'Bhage Re Man' from 'Chameli', 'Kehta Hai Man'... The lyrics are so beautiful and romantic! I like the way it is picturised, with me prancing in the rain, looking very sensuous in a red sari. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Actress And who can forget 'Iktara' from 'Wake Up Sid'? It may not explicitly show rain, but it feels drenched in it. Remember Ranbir Kapoor telling Konkona Sen Sharma, 'Actually Aisha, tumhe sab baarish mein dekhna chahiye. Bombay monsoons are to die for.' Kavita Seth, the soulful voice behind the song, once beautifully summed up how modern monsoon songs have evolved. In a past chat wth BT, she explained, "Today's generation is no longer keen on using rains as a prop to express sensuality. Hence, rain songs aren't about wet saris." Look at the lyrics of 'Iktara', 'Jo barse sapne boond boond...' That's quintessential rain lyrics for me. To the educated and sensitive audience, romance of the rains lies in unearthing hidden meanings in lyrics that are connected with Nature. Kavita Seth, Singer She's right. 'Iktara' doesn't need thunderclouds or drenched sarees, its poetry does the raining, one delicate droplet at a time. In the same chat, music composer Pritam Chakrabarty reflected on this shift, 'No director has ever given me such a brief. Even for the 'Tum Se Hi' number, Imtiaz (Ali) used the rains while filming the song. It's fine if the word 'barish' crops while penning the lyrics. But otherwise, there's no pressure to use the words.' Why we'll never stop swaying to monsoon tunes From umbrellas that hide shy confessions to yellow sarees that lit up a generation's fantasies, from playful dances on drenched lawns to quiet tears under streetlamps rain has been Bollywood's most versatile scene-stealer. Maybe it's because, like love, rain is unpredictable. It can whisper or roar, tease or console, hide or reveal. It makes ordinary streets sparkle, slows down racing hearts, and turns the simple act of getting soaked into a million stories of longing, laughter and sometimes even heartbreak. So every year when the skies darken and the air smells of wet earth, we automatically reach for these songs. We twirl a little in our balconies, hum 'Rimjhim gire sawan', maybe get misty-eyed remembering an old crush, or laugh thinking of slipping on muddy roads. That's the timeless monsoon spell Bollywood casts on us year after year, song after song. As Raveena wisely said, these rain melodies 'are eternal and will never lose their charm. ' And honestly, who are we to argue?
Economic Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
She was a Bollywood hit machine and national trendsetter, but fought allegations and lawsuits in final years
Sadhana Shivdasani, once one of Bollywood's most celebrated actresses, rose to fame in the 1960s with hit films and a style that defined an era. Known for her iconic "Sadhana cut" and memorable roles opposite top stars, she dominated the silver screen before health issues forced her into early retirement. Despite her success, Sadhana's later years were marked by financial hardship, legal disputes, and isolation following the death of her husband, filmmaker RK Nayyar. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early Life and Ambitions A Decade of Dominance Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Health Struggles and Career Slowdown Personal Loss and Isolation Legal Disputes and Final Years Bollywood has always been a world of glitz, glamour, and adoration — but behind the shimmering façade lies a history of forgotten stars. One such name is Sadhana Shivdasani, remembered not just for her cinematic success but also for the tragic solitude of her later years. Once among the most sought-after actresses of her time, Sadhana's life unfolded like a film script — filled with ambition, love, success, heartbreak, and eventual on September 2, 1941, in Karachi, Sadhana and her family moved to India during the Partition. Her childhood was spent across Delhi, Benaras, and Calcutta before finally settling in Mumbai in 1950. She joined the Auxilium Convent School in Wadala and had already decided to become an actress while still in school. Her journey into films began with a brief appearance in Shree 420 (1955) and a lead role in the Sindhi film Abaana (1958), for which she was reportedly paid just Rs later trained at the Filmalaya School of Acting, where she met filmmaker RK Nayyar. Their professional bond during Love in Simla (1960), her breakout film, eventually led to marriage. The movie's success catapulted her into stardom and gave rise to the iconic "Sadhana fringe" that became a national the 1960s, Sadhana ruled the silver screen. She delivered hit after hit, starring in acclaimed films like Parakh (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), and Mere Mehboob (1963). She worked with leading actors including Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, and Shammi Kapoor. Out of the 19 films she headlined during the decade, 11 turned out to be major box-office her stardom, she remained grounded. She once spoke about her camaraderie with male co-stars, preferring their company at social gatherings over female colleagues. Her bond with Rajendra Kumar was particularly close — a friendship her mother had once hoped would blossom into something more. But Sadhana was already committed to RK Nayyar, whom she married at just flourishing career was derailed in the late 1960s when she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, affecting both her health and vision. This forced her to take a break and seek treatment in Boston. The illness came at a cost — she lost out on key roles and felt deeply hurt when filmmakers replaced her without informing her. One such instance involved being dropped from Sunghursh (1968) despite initial she returned with successful films like Intaqam (1969) and Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), the momentum had shifted. She later tried directing with Geetaa Mera Naam (1974) but gradually faded from the passing of her husband in 1995 marked a devastating chapter in her life. The couple had no children, and she once shared that losing her unborn baby remained one of her deepest regrets. With RK Nayyar gone, Sadhana found herself increasingly later years, she relied on a close circle of contemporaries — including Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Helen, and Nanda — for emotional support. They would meet monthly for lunch, offering her a rare sense of belonging during a difficult last years of Sadhana's life were plagued by legal troubles. She was involved in multiple cases with the landlord of her Santacruz residence, which included allegations of harassment and a defamation lawsuit. Financial constraints and declining health added to her woes. Despite her once-iconic status, she received little to no help from the industry she had once passed away on December 25, 2015, at the age of 74, following a brief illness. As per accounts, only a handful from the film fraternity attended her funeral, marking a somber end to a life that once sparkled on her final years were marred by loneliness and neglect, Sadhana's legacy in Indian cinema remains untarnished. From defining fashion trends to delivering memorable performances, she carved a niche that continues to be celebrated.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
She was a Bollywood hit machine and national trendsetter, but fought allegations and lawsuits in final years
Bollywood has always been a world of glitz, glamour, and adoration — but behind the shimmering façade lies a history of forgotten stars. One such name is Sadhana Shivdasani, remembered not just for her cinematic success but also for the tragic solitude of her later years. Once among the most sought-after actresses of her time, Sadhana's life unfolded like a film script — filled with ambition, love, success, heartbreak, and eventual isolation. Early Life and Ambitions Born on September 2, 1941, in Karachi, Sadhana and her family moved to India during the Partition. Her childhood was spent across Delhi, Benaras, and Calcutta before finally settling in Mumbai in 1950. She joined the Auxilium Convent School in Wadala and had already decided to become an actress while still in school. Her journey into films began with a brief appearance in Shree 420 (1955) and a lead role in the Sindhi film Abaana (1958), for which she was reportedly paid just Rs 1. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Sadhana later trained at the Filmalaya School of Acting, where she met filmmaker RK Nayyar. Their professional bond during Love in Simla (1960), her breakout film, eventually led to marriage. The movie's success catapulted her into stardom and gave rise to the iconic "Sadhana fringe" that became a national trend. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo A Decade of Dominance Throughout the 1960s, Sadhana ruled the silver screen. She delivered hit after hit, starring in acclaimed films like Parakh (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), and Mere Mehboob (1963). She worked with leading actors including Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, and Shammi Kapoor. Out of the 19 films she headlined during the decade, 11 turned out to be major box-office successes. Despite her stardom, she remained grounded. She once spoke about her camaraderie with male co-stars, preferring their company at social gatherings over female colleagues. Her bond with Rajendra Kumar was particularly close — a friendship her mother had once hoped would blossom into something more. But Sadhana was already committed to RK Nayyar, whom she married at just 17. Health Struggles and Career Slowdown Sadhana's flourishing career was derailed in the late 1960s when she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, affecting both her health and vision. This forced her to take a break and seek treatment in Boston. The illness came at a cost — she lost out on key roles and felt deeply hurt when filmmakers replaced her without informing her. One such instance involved being dropped from Sunghursh (1968) despite initial assurances. Though she returned with successful films like Intaqam (1969) and Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), the momentum had shifted. She later tried directing with Geetaa Mera Naam (1974) but gradually faded from the limelight. Personal Loss and Isolation The passing of her husband in 1995 marked a devastating chapter in her life. The couple had no children, and she once shared that losing her unborn baby remained one of her deepest regrets. With RK Nayyar gone, Sadhana found herself increasingly isolated. In later years, she relied on a close circle of contemporaries — including Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Helen, and Nanda — for emotional support. They would meet monthly for lunch, offering her a rare sense of belonging during a difficult period. Legal Disputes and Final Years The last years of Sadhana's life were plagued by legal troubles. She was involved in multiple cases with the landlord of her Santacruz residence, which included allegations of harassment and a defamation lawsuit. Financial constraints and declining health added to her woes. Despite her once-iconic status, she received little to no help from the industry she had once illuminated. Sadhana passed away on December 25, 2015, at the age of 74, following a brief illness. As per accounts, only a handful from the film fraternity attended her funeral, marking a somber end to a life that once sparkled on screen. Though her final years were marred by loneliness and neglect, Sadhana's legacy in Indian cinema remains untarnished. From defining fashion trends to delivering memorable performances, she carved a niche that continues to be celebrated.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ranbir Kapoor's 'Awaara' look sparks rumours of a Raj Kapoor tribute; watch video
Raj Kapoor, born in 1924, was a legendary Indian actor, director, and producer, hailed as "The Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema" and often compared to Charlie Chaplin. His iconic films like Awaara and Shree 420 gained global acclaim. He passed away in 1988 due to asthma complications. Raj Kapoor , celebrated as Indian cinema's greatest showman and often compared to Charlie Chaplin, passed away in 1988. Now, his grandson Ranbir Kapoor is preparing a heartfelt tribute. A video of Ranbir, striking a resemblance to his grandfather's iconic look, is currently making waves across social media platforms. The Iconic Look Recreated Ranbir was spotted stepping out of his vanity van wearing a sleek black blazer over a matching black shirt and ankle-length trousers. He accessorized with a black hat and carried a cloth bundle tied to a stick, perfectly recreating the iconic look of his grandfather Raj Kapoor from the famous 1955 film 'Shree 420', especially reminiscent of the song "Mera Joota Hai Japani." The resemblance between grandfather and grandson was unmistakable in the clip. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@ Speculation and Silence The actor kept quiet about the reason behind his look, simply smiling warmly and waving at the cameras. Yet, fans are buzzing with speculation, wondering if he's honoring his grandfather or gearing up for a remake of the classic song. The official word is still awaited, leaving everyone eager for news. Remembering Raj Kapoor For the unversed, Raj Kapoor passed away on June 2, 1988, at the age of 63 due to complications arising from asthma, which led to kidney and heart failure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Automation Software Might Help You To Earn More Accounting Automation Software | Search ads Undo He suffered an acute asthma attack during a ceremony where he was to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and was hospitalized for about a month before his death in New Delhi. Ranbir's Upcoming Projects Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor is all set to star in the grand epic 'Ramayana', with the first part scheduled to release on Diwali 2026 and the second part following in Diwali 2027. He will take on the role of Ram, joined by Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, promising a spectacular retelling of the timeless saga.
