Latest news with #Aarya
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is Shah Rukh Khan the king of romance? Sushmita Sen reveals what it is really like to be romanced by SRK
Some films don't just age well, they become cinematic comfort, replayed for nostalgia, warmth, and unforgettable moments. Main Hoon Na is one such film, and nearly two decades later, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans and its actors. In an exclusive chat, actress Sushmita Sen opened up about her cherished memories of working alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2004 blockbuster and why he remains the King of romance. While speaking about Main Hoon Na, Sushmita Sen in an interview with Bollywood Hungama described Main Hoon Na as one of her most memorable films with Shah Rukh Khan. She recalled how every moment on set felt magical and praised Shah Rukh for being a genuinely protective co-star. She further credited the star for his graceful and considerate nature, as he ensured that his female co-stars were comfortable and well taken care of. She also mentioned that some of the film's most iconic moments, like the famous open-arms gesture when Chandni walks in, weren't even scripted but improvised by Shah Rukh on the spot, adding to the film's enduring charm. For Sushmita, he remains one of her most cherished co-stars, and she proudly calls herself a fan of his. A still from Main Hoon Na. About Main Hoon Na Directed by Farah Khan, Main Hoon Na was a genre-bending masala entertainer that marked her directorial debut. Released on April 30, 2004, the film featured a stellar ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Suniel Shetty, Amrita Rao, and Zayed Khan. The story was about Major Ram Sharma, a soldier who goes undercover at a college to protect a general's daughter and reconcile with his estranged family. It emerged as the second-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. About Sushmita Sen and Shah Rukh Khan's works Sushmita Sen has since continued her evolution as an actor, with acclaimed performances in web series like Aarya and the recent Taali , where she portrayed activist Gauri Sawant. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next big-screen appearance in King, a high-octane film now being helmed by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand. Originally slated to be directed by Sujoy Ghosh, the film recently went on floors in Mumbai and reportedly features Abhishek Bachchan in a key role.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ram Madhvani On Sensitivity in Filmmaking: "It's Not The Times, It's Who You Choose to Be"
New Delhi: As Indian cinema walks a cultural tightrope in a hypersensitive socio-political climate, filmmakers often find themselves second-guessing every line of dialogue, visual metaphor, or character arc. With outrage just a tweet away, is it becoming harder to be a filmmaker today? Ram Madhvani, known for nuanced storytelling in Neerja and Aarya, offers a refreshingly grounded perspective. In an exclusive chat, when asked whether navigating this climate of heightened sensitivity impacts creative choices, Madhvani steered the conversation inward. "Why would I not be sensitive all the time?" he said. "That's my character. I don't want to be someone who says something insensitive-not just because of the times we live in, but because that's not who I am." Rather than adapting to external pressures, Madhvani believes it's about staying rooted in personal integrity. He resists the idea that filmmakers should be selectively sensitive based on prevailing social sentiment. "It's not about the current moment," he explained. "It depends on your internal makeup-on who you are. I'd like to think of myself as someone who doesn't want to be controversial." In a time when creators are expected to be hyper-aware of every potential trigger, Madhvani's response cuts through the noise. His view reinforces the idea that sensitivity in storytelling shouldn't be a response to censorship or fear but a reflection of intent, empathy, and accountability. As outrage culture and cancel trends loom over Indian cinema, Madhvani's approach is a quiet but powerful reminder: authenticity doesn't need to shout it just needs to stay true.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ram Madhvani Backs Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Workday Request: "It Is Fair, I Would Like My People To Go Home Too"
New Delhi: As the debate around Deepika Padukone's reported request for an 8-hour workday continues to simmer in Bollywood circles, filmmaker Ram Madhvani has offered a calm, supportive perspective - one that stands in contrast to the backlash the actress has faced, particularly from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Madhvani, known for critically acclaimed projects like Neerja and Aarya, weighed in on whether Deepika's demand for shorter work hours - as a new mom - was unreasonable. "No," he said simply when asked if her ask was too much. "Personally, I think that everybody should work a certain number of hours. If somebody says upfront, 'I can only give these many hours,' then that is only fair. I would like my people to go home. I want to give them lunch breaks on time, dinner on time, and I want them to sleep." Madhvani added that planning around limited working hours isn't unusual for him - in fact, it's how he prefers to work. "If it's a 12-hour day then it's a 12-hour day. If it's a 10-hour day, then it's a 10-hour day. If the actress is there for 8 hours, then I have to make sure yes, I'm working within those 8 hours." He also reminded the industry of the collaborative nature of filmmaking, "I am nobody without my actor. I come from advertising, so if you're giving me that much time, I'm prepared. I respect it." The issue gained traction after reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had stepped away from Vanga's upcoming film Spirit due to a disagreement over her working hours post motherhood. While the filmmaker didn't name her directly, he appeared to criticize the actress in a now-viral post. Shortly after, Vanga announced Triptii Dimri as the new lead. Madhvani's stance echoes the growing support within the industry for more balanced and empathetic work environments - especially for actors navigating new phases in their personal lives. Other prominent voices, including filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and actors such as Ajay Devgn and Pankaj Tripathi, have also expressed similar views. They believe that accommodating reasonable boundaries, like an 8-hour workday, is not only fair but also essential for the overall well-being of a cast and crew - and ultimately, the success of the project.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sushmita Sen reveals Bollywood only cared about heroes when she started her career; calls herself a 'terrible actress' then
Sushmita Sen candidly discussed her Bollywood journey, acknowledging her initial struggles and the industry's focus on male leads during the '90s. She highlighted the transformative impact of OTT platforms, which provided her with meaningful roles and a career resurgence in 'Aarya'. Sen also emphasized her approach to vulnerability, prioritizing inner strength and embracing life beyond acting. Sushmita Sen stepped into Bollywood at an early age of 21. Nearly three decades into her career, Sushmita candidly admits she wasn't a natural actor at the start—and that early Bollywood seemed more interested in 'which hero' was headlining the film than in the heroine herself. A Humble Beginning and a Steep Learning Curve At a recent INWEC event, Sushmita looked back on her early days in the film industry with refreshing honesty. She admitted that her acting skills were far from polished when she began and often finds her early performances cringeworthy in hindsight. However, she acknowledged that winning Miss Universe opened unexpected doors—including the chance to step into acting. For her, it was a blessing to be paid while learning the craft, even if the journey demanded immense effort and growth over the years. Lack of Meaningful Roles in the '90s Despite her success, she revealed that she never quite got the kind of roles she truly desired as an actor. Reflecting on the evolution of cinema, she pointed out the stark contrast between the '90s and today's OTT-driven content. Back then, she recalled, the focus was rarely on the depth of a female character. Instead, it was all about who the male lead was, how many songs the heroine had, the number of dramatic scenes, and which designer outfits she wore. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo That was the standard measure of a heroine's presence in a film during that era. After appearing in a string of films up until 2015, Sushmita Sen stepped away from the spotlight for several years. Her hiatus ended with a bang in 2020 when she made a powerful comeback with her OTT debut in Aarya. The gripping drama not only marked her return but also earned her widespread critical acclaim, reaffirming her place as a formidable talent in the industry. How OTT Gave Her a Second Innings Sushmita further expressed her deep appreciation for the rise of OTT platforms, crediting them for giving her a much-desired second innings in her acting career. She shared that streaming content allowed her to explore meaningful roles she had long been hungry for. Being able to connect with audiences for 45-minute episodes across an entire series, she said, is a rare and rewarding opportunity—one she considers a true blessing as an actor. On Vulnerability and Finding Strength In the same conversation, the actress opened up about dealing with vulnerability and tough days. She reflected on how today's world constantly pushes people to compare themselves with others, often at the cost of authenticity. Admitting that she, too, has her share of low days, Sushmita shared that turning to meditation, conscious breathing, and faith helps her regain perspective. Over time, she's grown emotionally stronger—what once unsettled her no longer holds the same power. For her, peace of mind has become non-negotiable. Keeping Her Struggles Private She also revealed a deeply personal side, admitting that while she often feels vulnerable, she chooses to keep it hidden—even from her family. She shared that expressing such emotions doesn't always feel helpful, so she prefers to keep her struggles private, confiding only in herself and her faith. For her, that quiet strength has become a way of navigating life's challenges with grace. Sushmita shared that she truly loves living life to the fullest, and a moment from The Kapil Sharma Show perfectly sums up her outlook. Recalling the episode, she mentioned how Kapil jokingly asked why she appears in fewer films. Her candid reply was, 'Main zindagi zyada jeeti hoon' (I live life more), a statement she says reflects the reality of how she chooses to live—embracing experiences beyond just the screen. 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 .
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sushmita Sen calls herself a ‘terrible' actress when she started, says Bollywood only cared about heroes then: ‘Kya hi kar rahe the hum'
Today marks the 31st anniversary of Sushmita Sen winning the Miss Universe title for the first time in India's history. She was just 18 when she wore the crown and at 21, she marked her acting debut with the Tamil film Ratchagan. With almost a career spanning three decades, Sushmita believes she was a terrible actress when she started and Bollywood, anyway, was only interested in 'which hero' was in the film. Speaking at a recent event hosted by INWEC, Sushmita recalled her initial days as an actor and said, 'I was a very bad actor when I started–like terrible. Now, when I look at some of my early works, I am like 'Kya hi kar rahe the hum?' But in all fairness, I hit the road running. I have to acknowledge the fact that if Miss Universe got an acting opportunity, I took it up. It was very big blessing that I was paid to learn the job. It has taken a lot of work.' However, Sushmita Sen never got the role she craved as an actor. 'I have seen the 90s cinema and now of course OTT, it's a huge change. 90s cinema is all about, 'Who is the hero? Heroine ke kitne gaane hai? Kitne conflicting scenes hai? Kaunsa designer ke kapde pehen rahi hai?' (What are the number of songs, who is she wearing) This was the look and feel of actor back then', said the actress. A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) After appearing in several films up until 2015, Sushmita took a long break. In 2020, she made a powerful comeback with her OTT debut show Aarya, which gained her critical acclaim. She said, 'I am a big fan of OTT because it has given me my second innings as an actor. It has given me the kind of work that I was so hungry for many years. The ability to be part of my audience life for 45 minutes for about ten episodes. As an actor that's a huge blessing.' ALSO READ | Shah Rukh Khan left quietly after I told him 'nas kaat lungi', recalls Wamiqa Gabbi: 'There was pin-drop silence on the sets of Baby John' In the same conversation, Sushmita Sen also talked about having bad days and feeling vulnerable. 'We live in a world where we are constantly told to compare ourselves with other people. It's like you are losing the ability to be authentic. I personally think when I have not so great day, and I do have them often, God helps. I meditate, I breathe and I come back to the present moment. And then I realise I am better off than most of the people in the world. I have just got tougher with time. Earlier things used to shake me a lot more. Your peace of mind is non-negotiable.' The actress confessed that she is vulnerable all the time but hides it from her family. 'I am vulnerable all the time, but I don't like to show it. I don't even share it with my family as it is not very helpful. I like to keep that vulnerability between me and God.' Sushmita Sen said she loves to live her life and said her statement at Kapil Sharma show is the reality of her life. 'Did you guys see the show of Kapil Sharma? When he asked me, 'Ap picturo mein kam dikhti hai', I said, 'Mai zindagi zyada jeeti hu'. Because it is a fact.'
