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Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Distributors abandoned Raj Kapoor after Mera Naam Joker, same people who'd beg for his movies were making demands': Raza Murad
Actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor was often compared to Orson Welles. After being hailed as a maestro early in his career, he struggled to live up to that massive success with every subsequent project. He established RK Studios, and his cinema came to define post-Independence India. But his passion project, the four-hour-long Mera Naam Joker, flopped after being in production for six years and Raj was on the verge of losing it all. He took a financial hit because of the film's performance, which also led to the industry losing faith in him as he mounted his next film, Bobby. In an interview, his frequent collaborator, actor Raza Murad, recalled working with 'The Showman', and said that distributors who would once fall over themselves to secure the rights to his movies refused to buy them sight unseen. In an interview with Filmy Charcha, Raza Murad recalled what Raj Kapoor was like as a person and an artiste, and said that he could play any musical instrument under the sun without practice. He was also a devotee of Lord Shiva, and frequently alluded to this by referencing the Ganga in his films. He would also abstain from drinking alcohol after he finished shooting his films, and wouldn't start drinking again until his film received its censor certificate. 'He loved his drinks and meat, but he would quit before getting a censor certificate,' Raza Murad recalled. Also read – Bollywood's most celebrated Golden Age writer died penniless, burdened by heavy debts; Javed Akhtar blamed Raj Kapoor He continued, 'He would sacrifice everything for his films, including time with his family, and his children. He would become absolutely consumed by films. He had the mind of a 14-year-old. He would fall ill a week before his film's release, because he would be so tensed about its reception. He was aware that his reputation was at stake. It wasn't about the money. He would put everything on the line. After Mera Naam Joker, he was in tremendous debt. Things got so bad that distributors refused to buy Bobby without seeing it first. These were the same people who were once desperate to secure the rights to his movies. But after Mera Naam Joker, everything changed. He refused to show them the movie, but he agreed to show them the songs.' In an interview with Zoom Entertainment last year, the veteran actor Prem Chopra reflected on the difficulties that Raj Kapoor faced after Mera Naam Joker bombed. 'Raj Kapoor was finished! Unka sab kuch bik gaya (He was compelled to sell everything he had). Mera Naam Joker failed miserably at the box office. Raj saab was under a tremendous financial crisis. He not only mortgaged RK Studios but also had to sell off his family properties, but he didn't give up on his love for filmmaking,' he said. In a 2018 press interaction, Raj Kapoor's son, the late Rishi Kapoor, spoke about the problems that they faced after Mera Naam Joker. 'When Mera Naam Joker was about to release, our studio and all our assets were mortgaged to release that film, and the picture bombed. We were in severe problems. Then he made a film called Bobby with new boy and new girl, which was a huge risk after seeing the failure of Mera Naam Joker. But it became super hit and that is when his friends and my uncles insisted that he should to buy a house,' he said, making a reference to the film that launched him and Dimple Kapadia.
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
After apologising, Ram Kapoor brushes off inappropriate sexual remarks controversy as ‘not a big deal', but admits his family ‘went berserk'
Actor Ram Kapoor has opened up about his family and friends' reaction to what he describes as first controversy in 25 years of working in the entertainment industry. He was recently sidelined from the promotions of his new show, Mistry, after he made inappropriate sexual remarks during an interview. He later admitted that he behaved in an obnoxious manner, and said that he would have stopped had he been told that his comments weren't acceptable. In a new interview, he said that his family went 'berserk' after the controversy broke out, and that his friends said that they knew this day would come. Speaking to Zoom Entertainment, the actor admitted that he was 'nervous' this time, even though he isn't the kind of person who gets frazzled easily. Admitting that he stepped out of line, he said that he refuses to let this incident impact his life in a major way. 'When this news hit, my family and my network and my staff went berserk. And I was telling everyone, 'Why are you all reacting so much? I will handle it.' And I did handle it. For me, it was definitely a situation that needed to be handled, but it was not a big deal.' he said. Also read – Ram Kapoor reveals how he got 'richer and richer', says 'you'll have more money than you can imagine' with right investments Using the incident as a teachable moment for his children, he told them that difficult situations in life should be handled calmly. 'I don't want to sound as if I'm preaching because I have nobody to preach to. But if you don't allow anything to become a big deal, then you will not let anything affect you too much, which is good. Because small, unnecessary things affect us and waste our lives. We don't realise it. So my thought process is a bit like this,' he said. The actor claimed to have received support from members of the industry, as he seemed to step further away from his initial apologetic tone. Suggesting that his comments wouldn't have been taken in the wrong spirit had he been around people who know and understand him, he said, 'Everybody who knows me and has worked with me called and just laughed on the phone, saying, 'I told you one day, this would happen'. So the fact is, I got a lot of support from the press, from my directors, from my actors.' In recent interviews, the actor has also been speaking openly about the wealth that he has accrued for himself over the years, saying that he has made enough money for four generations. He also said that he is doubling his money every three years at this point in his life, and that he can afford to buy cars worth crores of rupees without thinking too much about it.
News18
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kartik Aaryan Shares Photo Dump From Vis Island Amid Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri Shoot
Last Updated: Recently, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday were spotted shooting for the film in Europe. Their video had gone viral on social media. Kartik Aaryan has given fans a peek into his off-screen adventures—this time straight from the Vis Island in Croatia. Currently busy shooting for his upcoming romantic film Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, the actor treated his followers to a picturesque photo dump. In no time, it went viral. Ananya Panday will be seen reuniting with him in the film. The actor took to Instagram to share a series of stunning snaps from the island destination, offering glimpses of crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked landscapes, and candid moments in between takes. Dressed casually yet effortlessly dapper, Kartik looked relaxed and enjoying the scenic surroundings while juggling a busy shoot schedule. Fans dropped heart emojis in the comment section. One of the fans wrote, '#KartikAaryan looks so fit & handsome Ray will be his most good looking character hands down." Another wrote, 'Can't wait to meet Rayyy!!" Recently, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday were spotted shooting for the film in Europe. Their video had gone viral on social media. Zoom Entertainment shared a video in which Kartik is seen walking into a roadside café while Ananya is spotted sitting with her friend. Taran Adarsh has confirmed the release date of Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri. The romantic comedy will release on February 13, 2026. The film is being directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures. Recently, Kartik shared a series of pictures on Instagram, announcing that the film has gone on floor. He was seen donning a fresh new look as 'Ray'. The first picture showed him posing against a beautiful scenic backdrop in Europe, with the clapperboard next to him that read 'Mahurat'. Meanwhile, one picture showed a few chunks of his chopped hair – revealing his transformation from the long-haired look in Anurag Basu's film to a shorter hairstyle for this new role. 'Ray is Raydyyyy #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri," he wrote, while sharing the post. Ananya has earned plaudits from both fans and critics for her performance in the recently released Kesari Chapter 2, where she played Dilreet Gill opposite veteran actor, Akshay Kumar. The historical drama, also starring R. Madhavan and directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, has been a box-office hit, minting around Rs 81.5 crore in its first three weeks. Ananya will also star opposite Kill fame Lakshya in a Vivek Soni-directorial, Chand Mera Dil. First Published: June 01, 2025, 10:09 IST
Mint
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Suniel Shetty comes out swinging over alleged ‘smear campaign' targeting son Ahan ahead of Border 2 release
In a candid and emotionally charged interview, Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty has spoken out against what he describes as a 'deliberate and malicious' smear campaign targeting his son, actor Ahan Shetty. The younger Shetty, who is currently working on Border 2 - a sequel to the iconic 1997 war film in which Suniel played a defining role - is allegedly facing industry backlash for prioritising the patriotic project over other film offers. Speaking to Zoom Entertainment, Suniel Shetty warned that he would not stay silent if the negativity continues, and made it clear that he would expose the individuals responsible for sabotaging Ahan's career. 'If this continues, I will hold a press conference and expose each and every person's name. Jiski dhajjiyan udani hain, uda dunga. That child's obsession is Border,' he declared. According to Shetty, Ahan had several film offers on the table but chose Border 2 due to its emotional and national significance. Suniel revealed that he advised his son to treat the film as if it were his final role - so lasting and iconic is the legacy of the original Border, which continues to be revisited on national holidays like Independence Day and Republic Day. 'He missed out on a lot because of the ego of others. He was thrown out of those films, and he was blamed for it in the press. They said that he has a 10-person entourage; people paid lots of money to get negative articles written about him,' said Suniel. What particularly angers Shetty is the suggestion that Ahan maintains a large entourage - something he attributes to jealousy from those upset over the younger actor's decision to prioritise Border 2. Suniel suggested that the negativity was orchestrated to damage Ahan's image and pave the way for competing projects. Dismissing any claims of entitlement or nepotism, Suniel added, 'I still pay for my own food. I spend my own money to this day, not the producer's. And that's how Ahan has been raised. Do you think I don't have connections? Do you think I can't do the same thing?' Border 2 was announced on June 13, 2024. It was revealed that Sunny Deol will be returning in the sequel. The film will be helmed by Kesari director Anurag Singh, and will also feature Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, and Kapil Sharma, in the lead roles. The film is scheduled to release on Republic Day 2026.
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Wasted half my life waiting for Shatrughan Sinha': When Poonam Dhillon revealed who the tardiest Bollywood star was
Shatrughan Sinha's tardiness has been well-documented by his co-stars. In fact, the actor has himself admitted that he was purposefully late to work, because he felt that it would add to his aura. In an old appearance on Kapil Sharma's comedy show, his frequent co-star Poonam Dhillon identified him as one of Bollywood's worst offenders on this front. Asked to name the tardiest hero that she has worked with, she said, 'There were two top heroes; Govinda and Shatrughan Sinha. I've worked often with them both. With Shatru ji, I did five or six films. I think I've wasted half my life waiting for him. He would show up at 4 pm for a 9 am shift.' In a recent interview, Chunky Panday recalled that Shatrughan Sinha advised him never to be on time to work. 'Shatru ji told me something very nice, which I follow to date. He said, 'Son, whatever you do, never arrive on time anywhere. If you are punctual, no one will value you. Even if you happen to be early somehow, stay in the car for 15 minutes or so. Make people wait.' That was the old-school method — people eagerly waiting for a star. Once the star arrives, what's the point,' Chunky shared during a chat with Radio Nasha. He made his acting debut in the film Aag Hi Aag, which also featured the veteran star. Also read – Geeta Dutt 'believed in ghosts', forced Guru Dutt to demolish their 'haunted' Pali Hill bungalow because she felt it was bringing misfortune Describing Shatrughan Sinha as 'overconfident' in an interview with Bollywood Bubble, filmmaker Subhash Ghai echoed everybody else's sentiments. 'His biggest problem was that he would never be on time. For a 9 am shift, he would show up only at 1 pm. For a 1 pm shift, he would come at 4. This used to be a big problem. I once told him that 'Shatrughan, we are friends, we have done a few films together. This is your nature so I won't be able to carry on with this',' he said. The famously punctual Amitabh Bachchan learned to work around Shatrughan's tardiness. Poking fun at his habit of being late, he once shared at a book launch event, 'Back in those days, we were working together on two films, Shaan and Naseeb. We used to do three different shifts on the same day, but for different movies. We used to shoot for Shaan from 7 in the morning to 2 in the noon. At 2, we both used to leave the set in our respective cars to reach the set of Naseeb. I would reach the set by 2:30 pm, but Shatru used to reach after 5-7 hours. Yeh bhai sahab kaha gayab hojate the, aaj tak humein nahi pata (Till date, we don't have a clue where he used to disappear).' At a SCREEN Live event, Sharmila Tagore joked that when Bachchan would leave set after having completed his work, Shatrughan would arrive. In an interview with Zoom Entertainment, Shatrughan addressed allegations of being perpetually late, and said, 'They (heroes) would say, 'He comes late'. Arre late bhi aata hun toh tumhare pitaaji ka kya jaata hai (Even if I am late, how does it matter to you?) The work that you finish in 10 hours, everyone praises me that I finish that work in two-three hours. I was a one-take artist. People used to say that I read 10-page dialogues just a couple of times and do direct take. They used to be happy with me.'
