Latest news with #GullyBoy
News18
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Abhishek Banerjee Knew Siddhant Chaturvedi Had A Spark Even Before Gully Boy
Last Updated: Abhishek Banerjee noted that Siddhant Chaturvedi embodies a new generation of Bollywood actors who blend style with depth and aren't afraid to take bold creative risks. Abhishek Banerjee, known for his compelling performances and experience as a casting director, recently shared his thoughts on rising talent in the entertainment industry. Speaking fondly of Siddhant Chaturvedi, Banerjee described him as a standout performer, someone he considers a rare find with the potential to leave a lasting mark in the industry. In conversation with Raj Shamani, Abhishek Banerjee said, 'Siddhant Chaturvedi is my rarest find. I'll take his name because he has given very important performances. We cast him in Inside Edge as the character of a Dalit bowler — and that choice is deliberate and important to highlight." Expressing his admiration further for Chaturvedi, Banerjee said, 'The first time I saw him, I knew there is something remarkable about this man. Siddhant who is a hero today, and imagined in all different stylish, glamorous roles — we had envisioned him as a lower-caste sportsman, someone who was oppressed and bullied." Banerjee added that Siddhant Chaturvedi represents a refreshing new wave in Bollywood — performers who blend style with substance and aren't afraid to push creative boundaries. He recalled first casting Chaturvedi in a Coca-Cola commercial, followed by a role in Inside Edge, before the actor went on to earn widespread acclaim for his breakout performance in Gully Boy. This endorsement only fuels the excitement surrounding Chaturvedi, whose upcoming projects are already generating buzz. He is set to star in Dhadak 2 opposite Triptii Dimri, and will also appear alongside Jaya Bachchan and Wamiqa Gabbi in the comedy Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling. Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee continues to make his own mark in cinema, best known for his role in the Stree franchise. His recent film Stolen has earned global attention, breaking into the top 10 trending films on Prime Video in both India and the United States. First Published:
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How Reddit Reacted To Wamiqa Gabbi Wanting To Steal Karan Johar From Alia Bhatt
New Delhi: Actresses such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Kriti Sanon, have always mentioned how Karan Johar has been a solid support to Alia Bhatt in her journey to stardom. The latest actress to have voiced the same opinion is Wamiqa Gabbi who said that the one thing she would like to steal from Alia Bhatt, is Karan Johar. Alia Bhatt made her big Bollywood debut with Karan Johar's Student Of The Year in 2012. Since then Alia Bhatt has turned out to be a bonafide star with movies like Highway, Dear Zindagi, Gully Boy, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, to name a few. Karan Johar has been her mentor, and the two have always been vocal about the love and respect they have for each other. What's Happening In conversation with journalist Nayandeep Rakshit, Wamiqa Gabbi recently revealed the one thing she would like to steal from Alia Bhatt. The Bhool Chuk Maaf actress said, "Karan Johar, because he has been her biggest supporter, and I think to have someone that powerful, talented and in that position - and to have that love that you share with that person, to have that person in your life - isn't that a beautiful thing?" Wamiqa Gabbi further expressed her admiration for Ananya Panday's skin, Varun Dhawan's energy, Kriti Sanon's height, and Keerthy Suresh's humility. How Reddit Reacted Redditors were impressed with Wamiqa Gabbi's guts to express her thoughts so honestly. One internet user wrote, "Ash ki beti Wamiqa has more guts than nepo chaplus (She has more guts than nepo kids)." Someone else mentioned, "Alia won't like this compliment. Aishwarya to Aishwarya's lookalike - they're all saying the same thing." While another added, "It's true though. Alia would've been launched by the Bhatts if not for KJo. She wouldn't have her current career without his constant lobbying and support." Another comment read, "Finally, a celeb said it aloud about KJo and Alia - lol." Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Comment On Alia Bhatt Having Karan Johar's Support From The Beginning Earlier in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had shed light on how comforting it is for Alia to have someone like Karan Johar's support so early on. She had said, "I've said this to her also - it's fantastic for you, the kind of support Karan has given to her from the beginning. To have that kind of establishment with you is very comforting. It's not tough to have it laid out for you for the longest time." "It's great for you as an actor, as there is only good work and good opportunities ahead. What's nice is she's also doing good work along with great opportunities, which are virtually there on her lap, literally, regularly. So, it's nice she is doing good work within that. So kudos," concluded the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actress. Alia Bhatt And Wamiqa Gabbi's Upcoming Projects On the work front, Alia Bhatt is currently busy shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. She also has Alpha with Sharvari Wagh from the YRF (Yash Raj Films) spy verse. Wamiqa Gabbi's last release was Bhool Chuk Maaf with Rajkummar Rao. She will next be seen in Netflix's Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. Wamiqa Gabbi recently revealed that she would like to steal Karan Johar from Alia Bhatt because he has been her biggest supporter since the beginning, and that it's a beautiful bond.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thug Life, Animal, Chhaava: How Bollywood costume design is changing the way stories are told on screen
Bollywood costumes have transformed from mere glamour to integral storytelling tools. Designers now collaborate closely with directors and actors, embedding character arcs into every outfit. Films like 'Gully Boy' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' showcase this evolution, where clothing reflects socio-economic status and emotional journeys. This shift emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and regional influences, making costumes a powerful form of visual dialogue. Costumes in Bollywood have long been eye candy—designed to dazzle, trend, and sell. But over the last decade, a quiet revolution has been reshaping this notion. Today, wardrobes are no longer just decorative; they are deliberate, deeply researched extensions of the script. From socio-economic markers to emotional cues, costumes in Hindi films are becoming powerful tools of storytelling—often saying more than dialogue itself. From Fashion to Function: The Rise of Character-First Style Costume design in Bollywood has evolved from glamour-driven spectacle to immersive storytelling. Designers like Poornamrita Singh and Arjun Bhasin redefined this approach in Gully Boy (2019). Murad's look—a mix of streetwear knock-offs, ragged hoodies, fake Adidas sneakers, surma, and talismans—visually anchored him in Dharavi's reality and mirrored his emotional journey from underdog to underground icon. Similarly, in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), designer Sheetal Sharma wove character arc into every look. From monochrome sarees with gold-buttoned blouses to elaborate Kathiawadi jewellery, even the way Alia Bhatt draped her pallu signaled Gangu's transformation—from brothel girl to mafia matriarch. The New Collaborators: Designing in Sync with Directors and Actors Bollywood's costuming process is now an ensemble effort. Designers are no longer brought in just to dress stars—they're embedded early into the creative process, becoming part of the visual storytelling team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Costume Designer Amritha Ram, who worked on Thug Life with Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam, shared with ETimes her detailed process of crafting looks that trace the protagonist's journey from youth to emotional and physical transformation. In her own words: "So with this film, I had three different stages of his character, and each stage was very clear. The first one was a very young look—it was a 90s look. So we focused on tones and everything, and it turned out to work well. The second and third looks were very important. You move from the younger look to the middle-aged look where he resides in Delhi. We looked at what a thug would generally wear in Delhi. Mani sir was very clear about keeping it minimal—not over-exaggerating or adding too much. He said Kamal sir's character speaks for itself. He's an actor who needs to be kept absolutely minimalistic. So we added one signature watch. Back then, digital watches were really fashionable and easily available in the black markets and bazaars, so we gave him a capsule digital watch—which you'll observe in the second look. Initially, he wears a gold watch that he gifts to Mr Simbu. Then, after he gets back from jail, we go with the digital watch and a very simple, understated khada. Not the regular one, but something slightly similar—we kept it very simple and clean. Everything else is just what you see—it all fell into place. The colour palettes were designed to be very neutral—white, beige, brown—and of course, midnight blue and black. We used warm and cool tones for that particular look, and hair that went with it. Mani sir had even given me an illustration of how he wanted everything else to look apart from the clothes. How Mani sir works is—first I come up with a costume board, then we sit and work on it together. He picks what he wants, and then we go ahead and make everything. Then we have a trial day—which is more than just a trial day. It's a day we finalize the looks. We try everything on Kamal sir, Mani sir takes pictures, and then we shortlist. There might be one more round, or we may end it there. By the time we reach the shoot, we know exactly what we want. Auditions and improvs are always there, but most of it is set—and if we need to do something extra, we know what that might be. Look three follows the character's journey completely. He's in Nepal, untamed—his beard grows bigger and wider. He grows his hair long and textured. We tried a lot with the hair. For the aesthetic, we looked at what comes from Nepal. It had to be understated but very relaxed. I prepared a board again, and sir went through it. We had two days of shoot for this look. On the first day, we made a set of outfits, tried them out, and then the director chose a bunch. We worked more on those. For this look, we decided on 'no color'—you'll see green and black, and that's about it. It had to reflect the mindset of the character. There was one more detail we focused on: for a man who lives in Delhi, who has always worn simple suits—shirts and trousers since his young age—to move into this look, we didn't want anything too stylish. We wanted something appropriate. There's even a dialogue in the film where his wife says, 'Oh my god, is this new? Did you pick all this for me? This looks like a costume for a movie.' That's how deeply it's woven in. Everything fell into place. It was a great process for me.' Eka Lakhani, known for her work in Sanju and Rocket Boys, took collaboration a step further. She reportedly met real people connected to the biopics to replicate wardrobes that felt lived-in, not curated. Costume designers today are no longer stylists—they're storytellers who work hand-in-hand with DOPs, directors, and actors to visually script a character's arc. Case Studies: When Costumes Become Characters: Gully Boy Murad's journey is visible in every outfit. From second-hand hoodies to upgraded stage-wear, his clothing evolves with his confidence and ambition. Poornamrita Singh and Arjun Bhasin's detailing—be it a threadbare backpack or MC Sher's layered accessories—spoke volumes without words. Gangubai Kathiawadi Sheetal Sharma referenced Mughal silhouettes and regional Kathiawad traditions. Her shift from cotton sarees to jadau-embellished ensembles mirrored Gangubai's rise in power—and isolation. Animal Ranbir Kapoor 's wardrobe—distressed leather, wolfpack-inspired jackets, and sharp western silhouettes—mirrored the protagonist's internal chaos. Costumes here didn't scream; they simmered. Chhaava This upcoming historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna is a standout example of character-first styling in 2025. Costume designer Sheetal Sharma invested an entire year researching 17th-century Maratha attire—traveling to Paithani textile hubs like Paithan and Narayanpeth, restoring 500-year-old saree borders, and sourcing authentic accessories from Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. . The result? A visually rich, culturally rooted wardrobe where every Paithani drape and heavy ornament underscores the protagonist's royal lineage and emotional depth. Sardar Udham Period authenticity was crucial. Designers employed vintage watches from Delhi's black markets and rural khadi textures to recreate the socio-political reality of the freedom fighter's world. Accessories That Talk Tiny details often carry the heaviest emotional weight. In Thug Life, a watch sourced from Delhi's grey markets hinted at the character's link to illicit survival economies. In Gully Boy, MC Sher's layered chains contrasted Murad's bare essentials—highlighting class difference even in friendship. In Gangubai, ornate jadau shoes and Kathiawadi shenan jewellery offered glimpses into Gangu's loneliness masked as grandeur. Trial Day: The Creative Rehearsal Trial days—early wardrobe testing on set—are now treated like emotional rehearsals. Actors and designers use this time to explore silhouettes, fabric textures, and styling that feel 'right' for the character. These sessions also help DOPs test how fabrics move under light or camera setups. It's no longer about what 'looks good' but what feels truthful. Minimalism vs. Commercial Hero Styling Despite progress, a creative tug-of-war continues between character-first styling and glamorous hero-centric wardrobes. Directors like Mani Ratnam or Shoojit Sircar lean toward authenticity, often opting for subtle, layered looks that communicate without spectacle. Others—particularly in masala cinema—still chase high-impact visuals. Designers navigating both worlds often read the script in depth to create style that emerges from the character rather than imposing glam for glam's sake. This duality is visible in films like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, where traditional opulence is balanced with personality-driven quirks. Sustainability and Regional Authenticity Another shift is towards conscious costuming. Designers like Manoshi Nath and Rushi Sharma (of Fool's Paradise) introduced sustainable practices in PK, using recycled fabrics and pre-loved clothing from rural communities. They also forged direct relationships with local artisans, ensuring authenticity and livelihood. In Bajirao Mastani , designer Anju Modi crafted intricate wardrobes with real Persian influences—embroidered angrakhas, zardozi detailing, and authentic turbans—to reflect the mixed Maratha-Mughal heritage of the characters. Final Stitch: Costumes Are the New Dialogue Costumes in Bollywood today are no longer just eye-candy or trend statements. They're quiet yet commanding voices in the story—amplifying emotion, exposing subtext, and adding regional or historical weight. With each drape, accessory, or fabric choice, designers are not just dressing actors—they're writing screenplays in silk and denim. Because sometimes, what a character wears says what they can't.
News18
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Meet Financial Brain Behind Bollywood Royalty — Bimal Parekh, CA To Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Others
Last Updated: Over the past several decades, Bimal Parekh has been working with several Bollywood celebrities, beginning with Zeenat Aman and continuing with Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan. Ever thought about who could be the most powerful individual in Bollywood, with control over some of the biggest finances in the industry? Not any Bollywood producers or blockbuster-generating superstars, but Bimal Parekh, a chartered accountant and financial advisor to celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. In a career spanning several decades, Parekh has managed the finances for almost every Bollywood star and has even offered his insights in films like Gully Boy, Andhadhun, Dangal and Bajirao Mastani. Parekh is also associated with leading production houses, including Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment, Zoya Akhtar's Tiger Baby, Ashutosh Gowariker Production, Bhansali Productions, Raj and DK's D2R Films and Hansal Mehta's Karma Pictures, among others. Bimal Parekh's CA Journey Into Bollywood Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Parekh opened up on how the journey of becoming a celebrity-favourite CA. 'I don't consider myself powerful. I became a CA because my father was one. Your power comes from the people you work with, not of your own accord. One must always remember that here," he explained. Parekh gave insights about his beginning in the mid-80s when he worked with a character accountancy firm handling stars like Zeenat Aman, BR Chopra and Nasir Hussain's family. Four years after gaining experience, Parekh decided to part ways and work on his own and this is when he got two clients as his parting gifts. 'Zeenat Aman, whose work I used to handle and the second was a yet-to-debut young actor, Aamir Khan," he added. The CA's journey didn't just end but only got bigger as more and more people came to know about him. He had more stars in the kitty, including Katrina Kaif, who came through a talent management agency and Ranbir Kapoor, because of Parekh's common friendship with Rishi Kapoor. Parekh's association with Ranbir Kapoor isn't just limited to being his financial advisor; he is also the co-owner of the actor's football team. Parekh revealed how the late Rishi Kapoor was the decision-maker behind buying the football team and giving him a stake in exchange for handling the operations. Having worked with many Bollywood celebrities, Bimal Parekh believes Katrina Kaif to be the sharpest of all, while Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor are 'least bothered." He also praised Ritesh Sidhwani and Krishna DK for being smart about money decisions. First Published: June 12, 2025, 10:53 IST
India.com
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress, whose great grandfather had connection with Adolf Hitler, her mother was forced to leave the country, she is now..., her name is...
From making her debut in Karan Johar's Student of the Year and being called a product of nepotism to now becoming one of the most loved 'products of nepotism' after delivering some of the most iconic performances in Raazi, Gully Boy, and Gangubai Kathiawadi — Alia Bhatt is more than just a film industry legacy kid. Alia Bhatt's maternal bloodline holds a riveting and rather grim chapter from pre-WWII Germany Behind the stardom, glam, and blockbuster films lies a chilling slice of history that even Alia Bhatt's most devoted fans might not know. Yes, you read it right! Her maternal bloodline holds a riveting and rather grim chapter from pre-WWII Germany. According to a report, in an interview, Alia shared that her maternal great-grandfather, Karl Hoelzer, wasn't just a German citizen during the Adolf Hitler era—he was a rebel in hiding. As fascism swept across Europe, Hoelzer bravely ran an underground newspaper opposing Hitler's regime. It was an act that nearly cost him his life. He was arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp, but escaped death thanks to a sharp lawyer. Forced to flee Germany, he relocated to England, where Alia's grandmother was eventually born. Well, after a while, Alia's mother, actress Soni Razdan, added deeper context to the story. Though the family wasn't Jewish, Karl's anti-Nazi stance made him a target. Years later, that legacy of resilience would echo in Alia's cinematic portrayals of strong, defiant women. According to the reports, Alia Bhatt's grandmother, Gertrude Hoelzer, and her mother, Soni Razdan, were forced to leave Germany in 1937 due to political persecution. Gertrude's father was an anti-Nazi activist and ran an underground newspaper against Hitler, which led the family to flee to Czechoslovakia and eventually find refuge in England as political refugees. Alia Bhatt's net worth Today, Alia Bhatt sits on an empire. With an estimated net worth of Rs 520 crore, she's not just ruling the box office but also fashion racks. Alia Bhatt's entrepreneurial journey Acting wasn't enough for her, and that's why she launched her very own brand, Ed-a-Mamma, which is aimed at kids and maternity wear. It soon caught the eye of Reliance Retail, which bought a 51% stake in 2023. It's a business win that hints at her ties to the Ambani circle—not surprising given her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, is close friends with Akash Ambani. Alia's personal life has been equally headline-worthy. She married Ranbir in 2022, and the two welcomed daughter Raha later that year. But the actress is not slowing down. She's set to appear in Alpha, a new entry in the YRF Spy Universe, releasing Christmas 2025. The film also stars Sharvari Wagh, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor. From a great-grandfather who defied a dictator to a granddaughter rewriting what stardom looks like—Alia Bhatt's journey is more layered than any film role she's ever played.
