Latest news with #KabirSingh
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Men in ads need more nuanced portrayal
Brands riding on Father's Day celebrations last Sunday launched their print and digital campaigns to capitalize on emotions linked to the occasion to influence customers. Companies, across categories, that released special communication marking Father's Day included SBI Life, Instamart, Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Myntra, De Beers and Zomato among others. The Zomato campaign stood out for its storytelling and collaboration with other leading digital brands, said communications strategy consultant Karthik Srinivasan. While Zomato, Blinkit and District are part of the same company, other apps which collaborated on the ad included Urban Company, Uber and Spotify. Its quintessential message was that 'Appa' (dad) works harder than all these apps put together as he repairs home appliances, sings lullabies and transports his child on his two-wheeler. 'The caring father evokes the sentiment that before you used apps to do things, there was only 'Appa,' Srinivasan said. Diamond company De Beers' print ad was a hand-written note of appreciation from a GenZ daughter to her dad thanking him for starting to understand her lingo, binge-watching K-dramas with her and accepting her fashion sense. 'Not just in Father's Day campaigns, but usually brands showcase only the ideal version of men in ads. Unlike in films, there is no place for a hero or a villain in advertising,' Srinivasan said. Toxic masculinity may be on display in films like 'Kabir Singh' or 'Animal' since movies reflect at least some reality while ads are aspirational, he added. Lately though, the depiction of men in advertising and films has become a subject of great debate. Based on research by Kantar, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Academy released a report in March titled 'Manifest: Masculinities Beyond the Mask, in collaboration with the Unstereotype Alliance and Religious Brands. 'Today, masculinity -- and the patriarchal structures that organise society -- are facing a crisis… Simultaneously, women are rising as equals and competitors,' the report said. In certain categories like e-commerce, tech, and menswear, there's a more evolved depiction of men -- softer, more caring, and less driven by ego. 'However, this seems to be a re-working of the traditional gentleman role, rather than a substantial challenge to the predictable man script. Some of these narratives that, at first glance, seem progressive, may also create more pressure by asking men to live up to both the protector and the caregiver, instead of un-stereotyping masculinity,' it said. Srinivas noted that the nearly 30 Father's Day ads he saw, pitched dad as the caregiver and provider, with no new thought. Ekta Relan, chief strategy officer, Saatchi & Saatchi India, agreed that the archetypical father ads, except Zomato, were underwhelming. The ASCI Academy report focused on the 'crisis' in traditional masculinity, with men feeling increasingly alienated, insecure and confused owing to societal changes and rise in gender equality. It sought a nuanced approach to depicting men in ads given the pressures they are facing. At a webinar organised by the Market Research Society of India (MRSI) on the same theme, Ekta Relan said that the reasons for men's identity crisis are rooted in women's empowerment journey over decades. 'In redefining the role of a woman, a man's role at home, in the family and society also got redefined. And they aren't conditioned for it,' she said. One response to this identity crisis was the resurgence of the alpha male seen in films like 'Animal'. 'The other was masculinity taking pride in sharing the load,' Relan said. For decades, there was a hero who never died, a father who never changed diapers and a professional who never failed. 'But now we see a father tearing up at his daughter's graduation ceremony and a CEO posting about his anxiety on social media,' she said. When 'Animal' succeeds, it raises questions about their real identity. But Relan said the future of masculinity isn't singular. 'Variations will co-exist which is an opportunity for brands. They must choose and sharply project the core of masculinity they want to represent because a male consumer today is not choosing a product, but an identity,' she said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Drug's di maa d": Shahid Kapoor marks 9 years of playing the unforgettable Tommy Singh in ‘Udta Punjab'
Picture Credit: X Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor took a moment to reflect on one of the most transformative roles of his career as "Udta Punjab" completed nine years on Tuesday. The actor, who portrayed the wild and troubled rockstar Tommy Singh, shared a special post to celebrate the film and the impact the character had on his journey as a performer. Known for pushing boundaries, Shahid's portrayal of Tommy remains one of his most acclaimed and talked-about performances to date. Taking to Instagram, the 'Jab We Met' actor shared an image of his character and penned a heartfelt note, describing the role as "another one of the flawed protagonists" he has always enjoyed portraying. The actor noted how such complex roles seem to have become more popular over time. Shahid also extended his gratitude to director Abhishek Chaubey , producers Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Vikas Bahl, and the entire team for making the journey memorable. The ' Kabir Singh ' actor wrote, "9 yrs. Another special character. Another one of the flawed protagonists that I always loved to play. They seem to be in fashion now. Thank you @abhishekchaubey, @anuragkashyap10, @motwayne, Vikas Bahl, and the entire team for making this journey so special. And of course. Drug's di maa d." "Udta Punjab," the 2016 crime drama, was directed by Abhishek Chaubey and co-written with Sudip Sharma. The film was jointly produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Sameer Nair, and Aman Gill under Balaji Motion Pictures, in collaboration with Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, and Vikramaditya Motwane of Phantom Films. 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 Set against the backdrop of rampant drug abuse among the youth in Punjab, the story delved into the dark realities and underlying conspiracies surrounding the crisis. The film featured a powerful ensemble cast, including Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt , Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh. The crime drama, which received widespread criticism in Punjab, was released on 17 June 2016.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Delhi University's new course ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships' on love, heartbreak: Are students welcoming it?
Wish you could major in not texting your ex back? Or get graded on knowing when to walk away from a red flag? Delhi University just heard your silent screams. Starting the 2025–26 academic year, DU is set to roll out a brand-new elective called Negotiating Intimate Relationships — a legit classroom course on love, heartbreak and everything messy in between. Think of it as Relationship 101. From decoding why you ghost, to understanding emotional baggage, the course promises to teach students how to do feelings right. With modules on the psychology of attraction, jealousy, emotional bonding and even film reviews of Titanic and Kabir Singh (yes, really), students will get to deep-dive into the science and pop culture of romance. 'It's tougher to handle relationships in our generation,' says Vanya Gupta, a CUET candidate eyeing Psychology (Hons). 'There's dating apps, social media drama… it gets overwhelming. A course like this could actually help us understand what we're feeling and why.' Aditya Tiwari, a final-year psychology student at Aryabhatta College, is already catching FOMO. 'I so wish this course had come a year earlier,' he shares, adding, 'Learning how to navigate relationships properly is a life skill. But I'm graduating, so tough luck for me.' Not everyone's hearting it, though. Anushka Dasgupta, a final-year law student, feels the syllabus could be more chill: 'Making this a full-blown academic course just adds pressure. People will probably cram from guides the night before the exam like it's any other subject. Maybe focus on having trained therapists on campus instead?' But experts are giving the course a big green flag. 'This is a progressive and much-needed step,' says Delhi-based psychologist and relationship expert Shivani Misri Sadhoo, adding, 'Young adults often struggle with communication, boundaries and emotional awareness. Teaching emotional intelligence and healthy relationship patterns early on can support not just better partnerships, but also mental well-being.' So yes, while love can't be taught entirely in a classroom, at least DU's trying.
India.com
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Ranveer Singh rejected this film, called it ‘too dark', the role then went to this actor who got his career's biggest superhit, his name is…, the film was…
Even though he is a Star kid, he started his journey with a scratch. A background dancer in the late '90s, he then entered his sweet chocolate boy era, officially stepping into the spotlight in 2003 with Ishq Vishq, a teen romance that turned into a sleeper hit. But the road ahead wasn't smooth! But not every Bollywood star begins with a grand launch or a string of hits — some build their legacy one stumble at a time. And Shahid Kapoor's story in B-town is pretty similar. Despite making his fans and critics go gaga over his performance in a handful of movies like Kaminey, Haider, and Badmaash Company, Shahid's career remained inconsistent, peppered with more flops than hits — until 2019 changed everything. Enter Kabir Singh — a film that rewrote his destiny. The Bollywood remake of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Telugu cult hit Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, had everything riding against it: controversy, bold content, and high expectations. But it shattered all doubts. Kabir Singh's budget and earnings Made on a modest Rs 60 crore budget, the film stormed the box office and minted Rs 379 crore globally, becoming the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. More importantly, it reestablished Shahid Kapoor as a bankable leading man. Was Shahid Kapoor not the first choice for the film? But wait a minute. Did you know Shahid Kapoor wasn't the first choice for the film? Yep! Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga initially wanted Ranveer Singh to step into the role. However, Ranveer turned down the offer, reportedly finding the script 'too dark', according to reports. Ironically, Vanga's intensity and storytelling would later give Ranbir Kapoor the biggest hit of his career with Animal (2023). Seems like Ranveer took notes — he's now set to appear in the gritty action drama Dhurandhar. Meanwhile, Kabir Singh didn't just revive Shahid's career — it also marked Vanga's explosive Bollywood debut. The film stirred debates, sparked memes, and divided critics, but one thing was certain: it struck a chord with the masses. From dancing in the shadows to headlining a Rs 379 crore sensation, Shahid Kapoor's journey is a Bollywood plot twist in itself — one that almost belonged to someone else.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
DU goes full Gen Z mode, gives nod to ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships' course at undergraduate level
Delhi University to launch 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' course: In a bold and surprising move, Delhi University (DU) has embraced the evolving cultural timeline by launching a new undergraduate course (credit based) titled 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships.' This initiative resonates deeply with Gen Z's quest for understanding complex emotional and romantic dynamics. This signifies a much needed shift in academic towards real-life relationship skills. The course arrives at a time when popular cinema, including recent adolescent-centric films and intense romantic dramas like "Kabir Singh", ''Raanjhanaa" and "Animal," has notably influenced public conversations about love, intimacy, friendship and relationship challenges. Delhi University to launch a course on 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' to help students tackle heartbreaks, spot red flags & manage toxic ties—aimed at curbing youth crimes in the dating app era. A timely & bold move! #DelhiUniversity #rajaraghuvanshi #SonamRaghuvanshi Note: DU's Department of Psychology offers this four-credit elective to all undergraduates, regardless of their discipline. DU Gets Real About Love: Launches 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' for Gen Z Modern love is messy. And Bollywood has never shied away from showing that chaos on screen. But sometimes, it does more harm than good. Delhi University's new undergraduate course, 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships,' is a bold step. It's designed for Gen Z, who are navigating love through dating apps, emotional burnout, and social media drama. The course blends psychology, real-life examples, and class debates. And honestly, it's long overdue. Kabir Singh (2019): A blockbuster, yes. But a red flag parade. Shahid Kapoor's character slaps his girlfriend, spirals into self-destruction, and calls it love. One chilling scene shows him screaming at Preeti for marrying someone else. That's not love. That's control. This film screams why we need to talk about boundaries and emotional regulation. Raanjhanaa (2013): Dhanush plays a boy who never takes no for an answer. Even after Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) repeatedly rejects him, he stalks her, fakes suicide, and begs for attention. It's played off as romantic. But it's a textbook case of ignoring consent. Scenes like this normalise obsession. This is where the DU course steps in—to teach that no means no, no matter how poetic the pursuit. The Adolescence Series: These films get real about teenage confusion. But often, they confuse toxicity with passion. Breakups, jealousy, and emotional manipulation are treated like rites of passage. One movie even shows a boy hacking his ex's phone "for closure." The line between love and invasion of privacy? Completely blurred. That's why emotional maturity is a must-have lesson. Animal (2024): Ranbir Kapoor's brooding character deals with trauma and love in violent ways. One intense scene shows him lashing out physically—confusing pain with passion. It's powerful cinema, yes, but also a warning. When love turns into rage, it's no longer love. This film forces us to confront how mental health impacts relationships. Why DU's Move Matters? Because it's time we stop learning about love from broken characters. And start learning how to build healthy, balanced, real relationships. Why 'Negotiating Intimate Relationships' Matters for Gen Z? Gen Z, often termed the 'Zen G youth,' faces unique challenges in relationships, influenced by digital connectivity, shifting social norms, and mental health awareness. DU's course addresses these by combining theoretical frameworks with relatable cultural references: Key topics likely covered in the course include: Communication skills and emotional intelligence in relationships Consent and boundaries, informed by real-life and cinematic scenarios The impact of social media and digital communication on intimacy Managing conflicts and understanding toxic behaviors, as seen in films like Kabir Singh Mental health awareness and support within intimate relationships.
