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Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Adar Poonawalla echoes Khushi Kapoor's vaccine argument from Nadaaniyan, says he's allowed to make creative inputs in Dharma movies
In the widely panned film Nadaaninyan, Khushi Kapoor's character tells her parents that she has been practicing her debating skills, and proceeds to make an argument for pharma companies charging money for vaccines during the pandemic. Nadaaniyan was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, whose new co-owner is the Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla. In the movie, Khushi's character says that the pharma sector needs to be funded in order to innovate, and that providing free vaccines would ultimately harm the industry. In a new interview, Adar Poonawalla made the same arguments. He told journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he needs the money not for personal reasons, but to fund further innovation in the sector. In Nadaaniyan, Khushi's character says that she has taken a keen interest in debating, which prompts her father, played by Suniel Shetty, to ask what her latest subject was. She says, 'It was a debate around the morality of private healthcare. Was it right to sell vaccines during the pandemic, or should they have been distributed for free.' She tells him that she chose to argue for the motion, because she wanted to give herself a 'challenge'. Her father remarks, 'You were for it, really? Arguing against it would've been easier. You would've got moral brownie points. So, what was your argument?' Also read – Nadaaniyan: Ibrahim Ali Khan makes one of the worst debuts in years; is Karan Johar determined to set fire to his career before it even begins? She says, 'I wanted a challenge, so I argued that the raw materials for vaccines are expensive. Syringes and serums obviously don't grow on trees. Not to mention the compensation deserved by scientists who've devoted their entire lives to finding a cure for this virus in such a short time. If the government or some charitable trust can cover these costs, we can distribute the vaccines to the public for free. Otherwise, pharmaceutical companies will go bankrupt, and no one will ever invest in finding the cure for any disease. Honestly, it's really the only sustainable way to fund and incentivise scientific development.' Her impressed father reacts, 'Was that my baby princess arguing? Look at you! You kept it so balanced and nuanced.' In his interview with Barkha Dutt, Poonwalla spoke about charging money for vaccines during the pandemic, and offered some context first, 'If you really look at where people are spending money today, on consumer goods, on beauty, on clothes, on cars, phones, bikes, paying Rs 400 for a vaccine as opposed to Rs 200 is not a significant increase. Even today there's a battle about price-capping being controlled by the government. If you want a Pfizer, GSK or a big company that can make, create, and innovate in India, instead of us having to partner with foreign institutes that create these molecules, you need this industry to thrive. Look at the IT or auto industries; the average company is making $1 billion in profits in a quarter. Our turnover, despite being the largest in the world, is just $1 billion. A Pfizer or GSK is 100 times that.' He continued, 'If I want to spend $500 million to create a new molecule for a vaccine, where do I get the money? My profit is some $300 million, and that's not enough for even one product. For example, we funded our malaria vaccine over five years, and managed that way. India has the best talent, the most hardworking people. Our costs in all other infrastructure are quite low. All we need is the ability to price our products in a way which is fair, and make enough profits. What are we going to do with the profits? I can't take it to heaven. I'm going to make more vaccines with it. People say, 'You're going to make more money'. But what am I going to do with that money? I'm making new vaccines to protect you only. We want to make in India, create in India, and innovate in India, but how are we going to do that?' In the same interview, he said that Karan Johar continues to hold complete creative freedom over Dharma projects, but that he will also be open to any inputs that he, Adar, were to make.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Karan Johar will still have creative control': Adar Poonawalla reveals Dharma Productions' future plans, says overspending is an issue
Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla, who recently bought a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, opened up about scaling the business up. He said that creative control will remain in Karan Johar's hands, and that they want to open a music label in the near future, while attempting to penetrate smaller towns in India. Adar Poonawalla entered the business for Rs 1,000 crore, and said in a recent interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he'd known Karan for over a decade. 'We're quite well aligned, and it was easy for us to partner,' he said. He continued, 'The reason I did it was that I felt our ability to tell stories, to show the world what's happening in our nation, and bringing to light what would have been missed, he's very good at doing that. He's told a lot of emotional stories in movies on family, on romance. It's also a soft power, and it gives you access to people you wouldn't normally come across… It's a very interesting space, and don't forget, we're very under-penetrated today. People will start watching films on pay-per-view, if you start looking at the data… The penetration of our screens is just 15 or 20%.' Also read – 'No ego between Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh': Karan Johar says stars hang out together; reveals he has no 'gile-shikve' with Kartik Aaryan anymore Adar said that Karan will have creative control, but that he has the freedom to chime in with creative inputs from time to time. 'Traditionally, it was theatres, then came OTT. I think it can further penetrate in the rural areas, where business will do well… It's all about having the right budgets for films, and not overspending… One of our understandings was that Karan will have full creative freedom. We're building other verticals of distribution, like a music label that he's working on. Increasing production of content is also the name of the game.' In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Karan highlighted the 'herd mentality' of the film industry as one of the biggest reasons why movies aren't doing as well as they used to. 'We see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier two and tier three audiences. Suddenly there'll be 20 others wanting to do the same. You see Chhaava working, and everybody will want to make historical dramas. After Stree, everybody wants to make horror comedies. Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. And it was a unique thought that made those films work. We all have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves,' he said.
Pink Villa
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
5 love lessons from Bollywood couples and secrets behind their happy relationships
In a world where celebrity romances often burn bright and fade fast, a few Bollywood couples have managed to hold onto something rare and lasting: genuine companionship. From Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt to Madhuri Dixit and Dr. Shriram Nene, these stars have opened up about the little things that make their love stories so special. What they reveal may not be what you'd expect; it isn't just grand gestures or glamorous vacations, but quiet understanding, mutual respect, and heartfelt connection. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt Ranbir Kapoor appeared on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath's podcast, where he spoke candidly about his bond with Alia Bhatt. The couple, who tied the knot in April 2022, spent the entire lockdown together, a phase that could challenge even the strongest relationships. However, Ranbir fondly remembered that time as smooth and comforting. He shared that he never felt frustrated being around her, and that period only deepened their connection. He described Alia not just as his wife but as his closest friend, someone with whom he could talk, laugh, and even vent without judgment. That ease and openness, he said, made him feel incredibly lucky in love. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa's wedding in 2021 was full of personal touches, one of which went viral for all the right reasons. During the ceremony, Patralekhaa applied sindoor to Rajkummar's forehead, a symbolic gesture that defied traditional gender roles. Rajkummar later explained in a conversation with Mojo Story that he wanted their wedding rituals to reflect equality. He questioned why only the bride should wear symbols of marriage like sindoor or a mangalsutra, while the groom wore nothing more than a ring. The couple also asked their priest to explain the meaning behind each mantra during the ceremony, refusing to follow rituals blindly. Their decision to marry on their own terms stemmed from a partnership built on shared values and mutual respect. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif have remained mostly private about their relationship, but when they do speak, it reveals a profound sense of calm and maturity. As per Cosmopolitan India, Vicky has described his life with Katrina as deeply fulfilling, crediting their marriage for helping him grow emotionally. He reflected that the personal growth he experienced in the past two years far exceeded anything he had achieved in his life before that. The Chhaava actor shared how even the smallest decisions, from ordering food to planning vacations, are made through thoughtful discussions, always seeking a balance that works for both of them. Being with Katrina, he said, gives him a feeling of peace and stillness, like being present in a quiet moment on a rainy day. He cherishes how comfortable their silence feels and how she makes him feel at home. Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's relationship blossomed on the sets of Fukrey and eventually led to a quiet marriage in 2020 under the Special Marriage Act. Coming from different faiths, they stood strong in their belief that love knows no labels. Richa has spoken about how falling in love doesn't happen with filters or boundaries; it just happens. When she was ready, she introduced Ali to her family, preferring to keep their relationship private until it felt right to open up. She recalled the moment they decided to go public. It was when she was invited as Ali's guest to the Venice Film Festival, where Victoria & Abdul premiered. Richa knew she couldn't miss walking the red carpet with him, even if it meant telling the world about their love. Madhuri Dixit and Dr. Shriram Nene Madhuri Dixit's love story with Dr. Shriram Nene didn't begin with glitz and glamor. It was her brother who played matchmaker, inviting Shriram to a family dinner without revealing Madhuri's star status. Madhuri, fresh from a heartbreak, wasn't looking for love. But after meeting Shriram, she found herself unexpectedly drawn to his charm and simplicity. Shriram, on the other hand, was unaware of Madhuri's immense stardom. All he knew was that she worked in films. This lack of pretense allowed their relationship to grow organically. They eventually married in a private ceremony in the United States in 1999. Madhuri was at the peak of her career but chose love over fame, taking a break from acting to embrace a new chapter with the right partner by her side. What ties these stories together isn't fame or fairy-tale weddings, but an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Whether it's Ranbir and Alia finding comfort in friendship, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa breaking traditions for equality, or Vicky and Katrina embracing emotional stillness, each couple's journey reveals that the real secret to a happy relationship is being true to yourself and your partner.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Kareena Kapoor REACTED to being labelled as the 'ultimate insider' and 'privileged girl' in Bollywood: 'My 21 years of working would not have happened with nepotism'
Kareena Kapoor Khan once spoke about the constant spotlight on her privileged background . The actress acknowledged being tagged as the 'ultimate insider' and a 'privileged girl.' She offered a candid take on what it really means to grow up in the industry, navigating fame, expectations, and scrutiny that come with the Kapoor legacy . In conversation with with Mojo Story in 2021, Kareena pointed out that people often rush to judge without fully understanding the context, especially when it comes to those from privileged or elite backgrounds. She noted that there's a tendency to view fame, success, and wealth as negative traits, without considering the bigger picture. Kareena emphasized that her two-decade-long career couldn't have been sustained by nepotism alone—implying that hard work, talent, and perseverance played a significant role in her journey. 'A Famous Surname Doesn't Guarantee Success' The actress highlighted that having a famous surname doesn't automatically ensure success in Bollywood. She pointed out that there are plenty of instances where children of superstars haven't managed to leave a lasting impact in the industry. Drawing a parallel, she explained that just as doctors might hope their children become doctors, it's natural for those in Bollywood to want their kids to follow a similar path. However, she also acknowledged that celebrities often become soft targets simply because their lives and opinions are constantly in the public eye, making them a source of constant scrutiny and entertainment. "Every Story Is Valid — Even If It's Not a Struggle Tale" She also addressed Janhvi Kapoor 's remark about feeling guilty for her privilege. Reflecting on the ongoing debate, Kareena acknowledged that while her journey may not be as dramatic as someone who arrives in the city with nothing but a dream and ₹10 in their pocket, it doesn't mean her experience is invalid. She emphasized that everyone has a story worth telling, and comparing struggles or deciding which one is more "interesting" is unfair. Kareena also pointed out the irony in the nepotism conversation — that the very audience criticizing star kids is the same one that watches their films and contributes to their success. No one is being forced to support them, she added — it's the public that ultimately makes or breaks a star. 'Outsiders and Insiders — Both Have to Work Hard' Kareena further shared that many of Bollywood's biggest stars — including Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan , and Rajkummar Rao — are outsiders who have earned their place through sheer hard work. At the same time, she pointed out that actors like herself and Alia Bhatt , despite coming from film families, have also put in years of effort to prove themselves. In the end, she stressed, it's the audience that holds the power — they decide who succeeds and who doesn't, regardless of background. 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 .
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When Kareena Kapoor reacted to being called ‘ultimate insider': Same people pointing fingers are making nepotistic stars
As more star kids step into the spotlight, the nepotism debate in Bollywood continues to intensify, with young actors frequently facing harsh criticism for their performances. Back in 2021, Kareena Kapoor addressed nepotism in an interview with Mojo Story, where she reflected on being labelled the "ultimate insider" and a "privileged girl." (Also Read: Kareena Kapoor scolds Jeh for not holding hands during outing, fans defend her: 'She's just being a mum') When asked about her thoughts on being called the "ultimate insider" and the "ultimate privileged girl", Kareena said, "We are not used to understanding what the situation is; we are used to just attacking people, whether they are from a privileged background or whether they are elitist. I think it's this idea that if someone has a name, fame, money, success — it's bad. The larger picture is not being looked at. Honestly, I want to say that my 21 years of working would not have happened with just nepotism — it's not possible." Kareena pointed out that being a star kid doesn't guarantee success in the film industry. She said there are many examples of superstar children who haven't been able to make a mark. She acknowledged that it's natural for a doctor to want their child to become a doctor, and similarly, people in Bollywood may hope for their children to follow in their footsteps. She added that Bollywood celebrities often become easy targets because their lives and opinions make for an "interesting watch". Kareena also reacted to Janhvi Kapoor, saying she "feels guilty about her privilege" and said, "My struggle is there, but my struggle is not as interesting as somebody who comes on a train with ₹10 in his pocket. Yeah, it's not been that, and I can't be apologetic about it. But I also have a story to tell; every human being has a story to tell. But to tell someone that your story is smaller or bigger or more interesting — that pointing finger is just terrible, it's just wrong on every level. The audience has made us. Nobody else has made us. The same people pointing fingers are making these nepotistic stars, right? You are going to watch the movies. Don't go — nobody has forced you." Kareena further stated that most of the biggest stars in Bollywood — like Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajkummar Rao — are all outsiders and they have worked hard. But similarly, whether it's Alia Bhatt or herself, they have also worked hard, and it is the audience who can make or break them. Kareena Kapoor will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar's film Daayra. The film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. The actor shared a couple of pictures on Instagram and wrote, 'I've always said that I'm a director's actor… and this time I cannot wait to work with one of the finest directors we have, @meghnagulzar, and alongside the magnificent @therealprithvi, whose work I deeply admire. To my dream team, #Daayra — let's do this.'
