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Shabana Azmi at 75: Mahesh Bhatt reflects on a journey that began with Arth

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The conscience of Indian cinema: Shabana at 75… Mahesh Bhatt reflects on a journey that began with Arth and celebrates the woman whose generosity and artistry remain unmatched. As told to Subhash K Jha How do you begin to tell the story of a girl who became the heartbeat of India’s parallel cinema? Shyam Benegal, one of our greatest filmmakers, discovered her. She was born into the home of Kaifi Azmi and Shaukat Azmi, where poetry and theatre were daily bread, and where legends like Saeed Jaffrey often walked through the door. She was shaped further at the Film and Television Institute of India, where craft met conviction. From there, Shabana Azmi walked straight into history. I do not think of age when I think of Shabana. I think of a young woman whose eyes could silence a hall full of people. I remember Metro Cinema in Bombay, with its 1100-plus seats, and that unforgettable song from Arth —  Koi Yeh Kaise Bataye.  My DOP, Pravin Bhatt, lit her in such a way tha...

“Series toh ban gayi beta… Picture abhi baaki hai”: Karan Johar calls Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood “dream, vision, passion” ahead of release

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September 18, 2025, marks a milestone for Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan as his directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, begins streaming on Netflix. Ahead of the release, Shah Rukh Khan hosted a special screening on September 17, which saw several industry members extend their support to Aryan. Among them, filmmaker Karan Johar once again stood out as one of Aryan’s most vocal cheerleaders. Taking to social media, Johar shared an emotional note addressed to Aryan, writing, “Shine on son!!! Tonight is your big night… when your family, friends and the fraternity will welcome you to the movies with their arms wide out (your father made that a national gesture)… you treaded a path that many never believed you would … the daunting task of being behind the camera… of being a story teller and the captain of its execution.” He further added, “have seen you work tirelessly and passionately for over 2 years and never once taking the opportunity given to you for granted…. You have an in...

Robert Redford passes away at 89: Bollywood celebs Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor and others pay emotional tributes

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Legendary actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, famous for classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid , The Sting , All the President’s Men , and Ordinary People , has passed away at the age of 89, his death confirmed in a statement by PR firm Rogers & Cowan PMK. According to the statement shared with the New York Times and Variety, Redford “had died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Utah.” His death prompted an outpouring of grief and tribute from around the world, including notable Bollywood personalities. Kareena Kapoor took to her Instagram Story, sharing a quote from Redford, writing “‘Storytelling is important. Part of human continuity’ – Robert Redford.” She also posted a picture of the actor with the words “In Power Legend.” Priyanka Chopra shared a simpler yet heartfelt tribute, dropping a picture of Redford with the caption, “Icon” accompanied by a sad and hand-folding (folded hands) emoji. Other Indian celebrities also paid their respects. A...

Malaika Arora gets candid on being trolled for clothes, career and relationships; says, “I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free”

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Bollywood actor, model, and fitness icon Malaika Arora has opened up about the many judgments she has faced throughout her life for her work, her appearance, and her personal life. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, she revealed how labels like “too bold” or “too outspoken” followed her career until she decided to refuse to live by others’ expectations. Malaika said, “It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be. I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships you name it. But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.” She described how, for years, societal norms attempted to confine her from what she wore to who she associated with. But now, she claims, she wears those criticisms “like a crown.” As she puts it: “I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now. If I’m “too mu...

Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam’s courtroom drama HAQ set for November 7 release: Report

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Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are teaming up for the first time in director Suparn Varma’s upcoming film HAQ , a hard-hitting courtroom drama inspired by one of the most debated cases in India’s legal history. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the film takes inspiration from the landmark Supreme Court judgement in the Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case, which triggered nationwide conversations on personal laws and women’s rights. Produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, the project is said to delve into themes that promise to stir strong public discourse. A source quoted in the report revealed, “ HAQ has been produced by Junglee Pictures in association with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios. It is inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgement of Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan – a case that shook the nation. The exact details have been kept under wraps, but the controversial theme and the courtroom proceedings have the potential to stir a public di...

SCOOP: Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 expected to have paid previews from the evening of October 1

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Less than three weeks are left for the release of one of the most-awaited films of 2025, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 , and the excitement is slowly building around the film. The much-anticipated theatrical trailer will arrive this week, after which the buzz for the film is expected to increase considerably. The film releases in cinemas on October 2 and Bollywood Hungama has learned that there’s a possibility that fans might get to watch Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 a day before. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama , “The banner, Hombale Films, is toying with the idea of organizing paid previews across the country in various languages a day before the theatrical release, that is, Thursday, October 1. They want to start the show from evening onwards. They believe that it would add to their collections and also help in spreading the word of mouth faster.” The source continued, “There’s no major film releasing on September 26. Hence, getting showcasing on October 1 won’t be a pro...

Yogi Adityanath assures security to Disha Patani’s family after firing incident in Bareilly

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Days after unidentified assailants opened fire outside actress Disha Patani’s residence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally assured the Patani family of their safety. Jagdish Patani, the actress’s father and a retired deputy superintendent of police, revealed in a video statement that the Chief Minister reached out to him late at night. “I received a call from the Honorable Chief Minister. He offered his condolences to my entire family and said that the whole state stands with us. The Chief Minister assured that there will be no negligence whatsoever in ensuring our security,” he said. He further added that the Chief Minister was firm about the investigation. “CM Yogi said the culprits would be tracked down even from the depths of the earth,” Patani shared. Bareilly, UP: CM Yogi Adityanath spoke to Disha Patani’s father Jagdish Patani, assuring security and ordering a swift investigation after Goldy Brar’s gang fired seven rounds at their house...