Category: ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Filmmaker Payal Kapadia, whose film ‘All We Imagine as Light’ has been scooping critical acclaim, has shared her opinion on the representation of women in media.

The filmmaker said that the female representation in cinema and media is very one dimensional, and is often shaped by male gaze.

She said, “The representation of women in the media is so one-dimensional, often shaped by a male gaze. Even in something as simple as waxing ads, women are portrayed without hair, which speaks to the unrealistic standards set by society. In my film, we wanted to step away from that and just be ourselves, authentic and true to how we are in everyday life”.

She further mentioned, “It’s about whose gaze is at the center of the narrative. For instance, when you see Anu in the city, everything looks romantic and picturesque. But when it’s Prabha, it’s just normal, because the lens changes everything”.

Payal Kapadia boasts of a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and the historic Golden Globe nominations for Best Director in Motion Picture, making her the first-ever Indian woman nominated in this category. The film also won Best Film Not in the English Language from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

The film, which stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam, explores themes of individuality, female friendships, and struggles against the male gaze and patriarchy. It is a powerful reflection of contemporary Indian cinema.

This film is an official Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth from India. The film is being distributed in India by Spirit Media.

Earlier, Payal, who won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for ‘All We Imagine As Light’, lauded Chhaya Kadam. She said that the actress brings her own lyricism to the dialogues and improvises what’s written on paper to make it more sharp and better. Chhaya Kadam is a phenomenal performer, and boasts of a diverse filmography that cuts across the audience.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Lovebirds Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma are making the most of their time together, enjoying a romantic getaway in Goa.

On Monday, the ‘Baahubali’ actress took to her Instagram to share photos and videos from the trip. In one of the clips, Tamannaah and Vijay can be seen playing a video game with their other friends.

Bhatia also shared her solo and candid photos. Based on the actress’s post, it’s clear that she is currently holidaying in Goa with her boyfriend Vijay and their close friends.

Sharing the post, the ‘Rebel’ actress captioned it, “Goa getaway.”

Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia reportedly began dating during the filming of Netflix’s anthology “Lust Stories 2.” Rumours about their relationship started circulating after they were spotted together at a New Year’s party in Goa. However, Vijay clarified that they did not start dating during the shoot of the film.

In an earlier interview with Tanmay Bhat on Netflix India’s YouTube channel, the actor called “Lust Stories 2” a cupid, revealing that their real-life love story began much later.

Vijay was quoted as saying, “Lust Stories was cupid, but it wasn’t during the shoot that we started dating. There was talk of a wrap party happening, but it never took place. So, we wanted to have a wrap party, and only four people showed up. That day, I feel I told her I wanted to hang out more with you. It took 20-25 days for the first date to happen after that.”

In 2024, Tamannaah officially confirmed her romance with Vijay in an interview in June. Since then, the couple has been openly affectionate, regularly commenting on each other’s social media posts and making public appearances together at various events.

Last month, they served major couple goals when they arrived together at Manish Malhotra’s star-studded Diwali bash.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt celebrated eight years of sobriety after quitting alcohol.

The actress took to social media to share her journey, expressing that the opposite of addiction is not just sobriety but connection.

On Monday, Pooja posted a candid photo of herself with the caption, “8 years sober today. Gratitude. Gravitas. Grace. ‘You’re not alone, we love you’ has to be at every level of how we respond to addicts socially, politically, and individually. For one hundred years now, we’ve been singing war songs about addicts. I think all along we should have been singing love songs to them… because the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” – Johann Hari #onestepatatime #onedayatatime #sobrietyrocks #soberissexy #soberliving #8yearssober #gratitude #gravitas #grace #johannhari #lostconnections #poojabhatt.

The ‘Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin’ actress gave up alcohol around 2016. Pooja Bhatt, daughter of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has been candid about her struggles with alcohol. She had previously shared that she decided to quit drinking after realizing she had fallen into the “trap of addiction” and understood that the only way to break free was to acknowledge it to herself.

During her stint on the reality show “Bigg Boss OTT 2,” the ‘Sadak’ actress admitted she had a drinking problem, which prompted her to acknowledge her addiction and make the decision to quit.

Pooja also pointed out how women often don’t have the same freedom as men to openly discuss addiction in society.

She said on the show, “Society gives a license to men, and thus they can openly speak about being addicted and recovering from alcoholism. However, women don’t openly drink, and so they don’t openly recover. I used to drink openly, so when I thought of recovering from alcoholism, I realized that why should I recover in the closet? People used to call me an alcoholic, but then I said, ‘I’m a recovering alcoholic.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actor Akshay Oberoi is all set to showcase his darker side once again in “Kisko Tha Pata”, has heaped praise on director Ratnaa Sinha and said that he has always believed female directors bring sensitivity to the romance genre.

He says, “Working with Ratnaa Sinha on Kisko Tha Pata has been an absolute privilege. I’ve always believed that female directors bring an unparalleled depth and sensitivity to the romance genre, and Ratnaa ma’am has truly set a benchmark with her work on this film.”

“Her ability to weave intricate emotions with relatable characters is what makes her storytelling so compelling. “

The film also stars internet sensation Ashnoor Kaur and Aadil Khan.

What struck Akshay, he revealed that it was “her understanding of relationships and human dynamics.”

“She doesn’t just focus on the surface-level aspects of romance but dives deep into the complexities and vulnerabilities that come with it. Her direction brings a unique freshness to the film, and she has crafted a narrative that is both heartfelt and thrilling.”

Akshay continues, “Playing a villain for the third time consecutively was a challenge, but Ratnaa ma’am’s guidance made the process seamless.”

“My character in Kisko Tha Pata has a duality—a lover who starts off as endearing but becomes dangerously obsessive. It was her nuanced vision that helped me bring out the layers of this character, ensuring he wasn’t just another antagonist but someone with a deeply emotional and relatable backstory.”

“Kisko Tha Pata” is an emotionally charged romantic drama that delves into themes of love, obsession, and morality.

He had earlier shared his thoughts on working with the young internet sensation Ashnoor Kaur and said that he has never been very savvy when it comes to social media.

Reflecting on his experience working with Ashnoor, Akshay shared, “Working with Ashnoor Kaur has been truly inspiring. She brings not only immense talent and energy to the set but also a deep understanding of how to leverage social media as a powerful tool.”

“Her massive online presence and technical expertise in navigating social media platforms have taught me so much about how actors today are using these mediums to connect with fans, market their projects, and build their personal brand.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Singer Anuv Jain has revealed that he has collaborated with AP Dhillon and Shinda for a track titled “Afsos”, which will be out in 2025.

Anuv, who performed in Dhillon’s concert, took to Instagram, where he shared a video of his performance. Ahead of his performance he said: “The next one that I’m going to sing to you guys, the next song, this is the first time that I’m working with someone and I’m so, so, so happy that it’s A.P. and Shinda Let’s go. It’s called Afsos. What do you guys think? Do you guys like it?”

He shared more details in the caption section.

Anuv wrote: “Afsos – AJ x AP 2025… AP and I got in touch a couple of months ago and we had such a great conversion and realised that we both love each other’s work. From there to finally being able to work on something together feels surreal.

“If you’ve been following my work then you know that this one’s going to be my FIRST collaboration ever! PERIOD. And I’m so happy that it’s AP and Shinda. These guys are literally changing the game! x Can’t wait to put this one out! Can’t wait to talk more about it. The thirteenth one. A VERY VERY VERY special one! I haven’t been this excited.”

In other news, Dhillon recently accused Diljit Dosanjh of blocking him on social media. In response to Diljit’s categorical denial, Dhillon shared ‘proof’ to back his claim that he was indeed blocked by the ‘Lover’ singer.

Taking to his Instagram handle on Sunday, Dhillon posted a screen recording showing his attempt to view Diljit’s profile, only to discover he had been blocked. However, it later appeared that Diljit had unblocked Dhillon, as the profile was accessible once again.

Sharing the clip, the singer wrote, “I wasn’t planning on saying sh*t knowing everyone will hate on me anyway, but at least we know what’s real and what’s not (sic).”

The feud began when Diljit, during his concert in Indore, gave a shoutout to singers Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, who were also performing in India.

However, Dhillon responded during his Chandigarh concert, saying, “I just want to say one small thing, brother. First, unblock me on Instagram and then talk to me. I don’t want to talk about what marketing is happening, but first unblock me. I’ve been working for three years. Have you ever seen me in any controversy?”

The ‘Honsla Rakh’ actor responded on Instagram by sharing a screenshot of Dhillon’s profile. Along with it, he wrote, “I never blocked you… I might have issues with the government, but not with artists.”

In response, the ‘Dil Nu’ singer shared his ‘proof’ video, while Diljit has yet to address the matter further.

During his concert in Indore, Diljit mentioned Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, saying, “Mere aur do bhaiyon ne tour shuru kiya hai Karan Aujla aur AP Dhillon ne, unke liye bhi best of luck (Two of my brothers, Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, have started their tours; best of luck to them, too).”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Choreographer Mudassar Khan and his wife, Riya Kishanchandani, have welcomed a baby girl.

Mudassar took to his Instagram handle to announce the arrival of their baby girl and expressed his gratitude, saying, “Alhumdulillah.” He thanked both his and Riya’s families and friends for their prayers and blessings.

Sharing the good news, the choreographer wrote, “Alhumdulillah. I thank both our families and friends for all the duas and blessings. A big thank you to the noble team of Dr. Anjum @hfhbandra #HolyFamilyHospital #BismillahiMashaAllahuLaQuwataIllahbillaah.”

The text on the announcement video read: “With the blessings of Almighty and the prayers of family and friends, we, Mr. & Mrs. Khan, are proud to announce that we are blessed with a baby girl. Alhumdulillah.”

Many of Mudassar’s friends from the industry took to the comments section to shower love and blessings on the couple. Television actress Drashti Dhami commented, “Congratulations.” Akanksha Puri wrote, “Omgggggggggg, this is such happy news! Congratulations, God bless you all.” Azma Fallah wrote, “MashAllah tabarak Allah rehman. Biggest congratulations on the arrival of your little angel.”

On December 3, Mudassar shared pictures from his wedding to Riya. The couple, who got married on December 3, 2024, looked regal as they coordinated in traditional white outfits. Mudassar looked dashing in a white sherwani, while Riya wore a white sharara adorned with intricate golden embroidery.

Sharing the photos, Mudassar wrote an emotional post that read, “Alhumdulillah, married to the most beautiful person in the world @riya_kishanchandani. Thank you to both of our families for all the support and love from all of our friends and loved ones. Dua mein yaad rakhna..”

Salman Khan attended the wedding reception of Mudassar, who had choreographed the popular song “Humka Peeni Hai” from “Dabangg” and also worked with him on films like “Ready” and “Bodyguard.”

Mudassar is widely recognized for choreographing popular songs like “Dhinka Chika” from “Ready”, “Chalao Na Naino Se” from “Bol Bachchan”, and “Party All Night from Boss”. He also earned acclaim as one of the top mentors and judges on the hit reality show “Dance India Dance Season 4.”

–IANS

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Vishwas was speaking at a poetry event in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where he made the comments.

He said: “Teach your children about the Ramayana, otherwise, it might happen that your house is named ‘Ramayana’, but the ‘Lakshmi’ of your house is taken by someone else.”

A clip has now gone viral, where he is seen making the comment, which seems to be satire on Shatrughan as his Mumbai residence is named ‘Ramayana’. His daughter Sonakshi recently married her boyfriend of seven years Zaheer Iqbal.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has come out in support of the Sinhas and criticised Vishwas’s comment. She asked Vishwas that if he had a daughter in his own home, would he make such derogatory comments about “someone else’s daughter”.

Taking to X, she wrote in Hindi: “Kumar Vishwas ji, not only did you make a disgusting remark about Sonakshi Sinha’s interfaith marriage, but you also revealed your true thoughts about women.

“Your words, “Otherwise, someone else will take your home’s Lakshmi away” — do you think a woman is an object that anyone can just take away? How long will people like you continue to treat women as property of their father and then their husband?

“The foundation of marriage and companionship is equality, mutual trust, and love. No one ‘takes’ anyone away. And in 2024, you are questioning someone’s upbringing just because they marry someone of their own choice?!”

She questioned Vishwas if a woman doesn’t have the right to marry whoever she wants.

“Or will self-appointed guardians of religion decide who eats what, who wears what, who loves whom, and whom they marry? And by the way, no one should be questioning upbringing when your own bouncers beat up a respected doctor—this is your failure if such things happen under your watch.”

She added: Neither Shatrughan Sinha ji nor his successful daughter Sonakshi need your certification, but your comment on a girl 17 years younger than you exposes your narrow thinking. Neither Lord Ram nor the Ramayana belong to anyone’s inheritance, nor does any associated name.”

“You, who give sermons about other people’s children reading the Ramayana and Gita, forgot that in the Ramayana, there is mutual love. Had you truly studied it, you would understand love. You are eager to be a storyteller of Ram Katha, but you have none of Lord Ram’s grace and decorum.”

She urged him to apologize, “realizing your mistake, to both a father and his daughter.”

Supriya Shrinate also shared a video message of the same and said: ” Your recent distasteful comment on Sonakshi Sinha’s interfaith marriage was not just a cheap jibe but it also revealed your deeply ingrained misogynistic mindset…”

Recently, actor Mukesh Khanna, who played “Shaktimaan”, had taken a dig at Sonakshi. However, he was later schooled by the actress.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is known for discipline on the sets, and his penchant for rehearsing the scenes. However, there was a time when Big B let go of the discipline in him for momentary fun.

The veteran actor revealed on the quiz based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ that he used to bunk his school.

The reality show brings an exciting twist to the format with ‘India Challenger Week’. This week, out of 10 play-along contestants, the top two from the Fastest Finger First (FFF) round competed in the ‘Jaldi 5 Buzzer Round’ to secure their place on the hotseat. The winner of this buzzer challenge then continued with the game, starting with the money tree at the 6th question. Jaspal Singh from Punjab, a Science Lab Assistant with a sharp mind and quick reflexes left the audiences impressed with his knowledge.

During the show, a curious Jaspal asked Amitabh Bachchan, “You had a role as the principal in the movie ‘Mohabbatein’, where you portrayed a character who was all about ‘Parampara, Prathishta, Anushashan’ (Tradition, Prestige, Discipline). I’m curious, if you were truly a principal, would you have been that strict? And, did you ever skip classes?”

Responding to the same, Amitabh Bachchan said, “Where did you get the idea that I could have been a principal? Padhaai-likhaai mein zero the hum… so I could never have become a principal. But yes, the principal at my school was very strict. I used to bunk school, not just classes! I was in a boarding school in Nainital, and we couldn’t leave the campus. But at night, when everyone else was asleep, I would sneak out. If I got caught, I would be punished”.

Jaspal adds, “In that movie, your students did the same thing, didn’t they?” Amitabh Bachchan said, “Yes, and when they got caught, they too were punished”.

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ season 16 airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actress Sonam Kapoor remembers her beloved ‘dadu’ Surinder Kapoor on what would have been his 99th birthday today.

The actress took to her Instagram stories to reflect on the cherished memories and the impact her grandfather had on her life. Sonam shared a black-and-white photo of her grandfather and wrote, “Happy, happy birthday, dadu…miss you.”

Anil Kapoor also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, a renowned producer. The ‘Mr. India’ star fondly remembered him, highlighting that his simplicity, honesty, and joyful nature not only defined who he was but also gave meaning to his life.

Anil shared a series of vintage monochrome photos on Instagram, featuring his father alongside legendary icons like Raj Kapoor, R.D. Burman, Shashi Kapoor, and Parveen Babi, among many others.

For the caption, he wrote, “Celebrating my dad’s 99th birthday today. His simplicity, honesty, and joy not only defined him but gave all our lives meaning. His presence was so magnetic, and though I miss him deeply, his memories and lessons guide me every day, filling my life with strength and warmth. Here’s to the legacy of a remarkable man who will always be my greatest inspiration…”

Surinder Kapoor, the father of Anil, Boney, and Sanjay Kapoor, passed away in September 2011 at the age of 85 due to a cardiac arrest.

Surinder Kapoor began his film career as a secretary to Geeta Bali, a prominent Hindi film star of the 1950s and the wife of his nephew, Shammi Kapoor. In 2009, he was honoured with the prestigious Shri L V Prasad Phalke award by the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy for his contributions to the film industry.

His first major success as a producer came with the 1963 Hindi film “Shehzada,” directed by K. Shankar. The film was a remake of the Tamil film “Idhu Sathiyam.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam will next be seen in “Battle of Bittora,” produced by her father Anil Kapoor and sister Rhea Kapoor.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actress Kiara Advani has recently revealed that she shot a song sequence over an extensive 13-day schedule for the first time.

On Monday, the Kabir Singh actress took to her Instagram handle and posted a video of her rehearsing for the song ‘Dhop ‘from her upcoming film “Game Changer.” In the caption, Kiara revealed that this was the first time she filmed a movie song for 13 days on a set that felt like being in Disneyland.

Sharing the clip, Advani wrote, “Here’s a sneak peek of my first day at rehearsal for the first schedule of Game Changer. We started the film with the shoot of the song #Dhop beautifully conceptualised by @shanmughamshankar Sir.”

The actress added, “It was the first time I shot a movie song for 13 days on a set that made me feel like I was in Disneyland (can’t wait for you guys to see it in cinemas soon) I remember seeing @alwaysjani masters choreography and thinking how are we going to do this, but that’s the beauty of our job , always learning something new.. a new style of dance is it dubstep/classical/robotic/hip hop you can answer that in the comments below it’s always fun matching steps with the extremely talented and one of the best dancers I know RC!! @alwaysramcharan and with @musicthamann giving us these unique beats we were all hooked. What a wonderful team of people I got to work with for this song, with @manishmalhotra05 creating the most fantastical costumes and @mehakoberoi fancy hair and makeup let’s just say I had a blast! Will share some more bts from the film soon.”

Yesterday, the makers released the teaser of “Dhop,” the fourth single from the album on producer Dil Raju’s birthday. Sung by Thaman, Roshini JKV, and Prudhvi Sruthi Ranjani, with lyrics by Saraswathi Puthra Rama Jogayya Sastry, the foot-tapping number showed Ram Charan and Kiara flaunting their energetic dance moves.

“Game Changer” stars Charan in a dual role, alongside a stellar cast including Kiara, Anjali, SJ Suryah, Srikanth, and Samuthirakani. The film is set to release on January 10, 2025, in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.

–IANS

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