Latest news with #Padmaavat
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
No thug life moment for film releases
Thug Life, the Kamal Haasan-starrer, is set for a theatre release in Karnataka after the Supreme Court observed that mobs can't decide if a film certified by the Central Board of Film Certification should have a public screening. A day after the Court's strong words on the matter, protestors said they will accept the Court's wisdom. Earlier, pro-Kannada outfits insisted they would allow the screening of Thug Life in the state only after Haasan apologised for his remark that Kannada was derived from the Tamil language. Kannada scholars contend that Kannada and Tamil are sister languages. The apex court wisely stayed out of the language debate and rightly framed the issue as one of free speech. First, it stated that the rule of law must prevail and mobs and vigilante groups cannot be allowed to impose their will. Second, it took objection to the Karnataka High Court, which held that the situation was of Haasan's making and he should have apologised. The apex court's remark that 'it is not the business of the court to seek apology from anybody just because he's expressed a view' should henceforth guide both the lower judiciary and public officials, who often prefer to side with the populist, majoritarian or conservative viewpoint on matters involving the right to freedom of speech and expression. Filmmakers in India are vulnerable to mob and vigilante action, especially when they engage with subjects that deal with history and identity. Films including Padmaavat (2018), Haasan's own Vishwaroopam (2013), and Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and artistes associated with these productions have faced the threat of physical violence and bans by caste and communal groups that claimed these works (even before they were completed or screened) distorted their collective identity and lineage. The fact is those uncomfortable with a film have the freedom not to watch it but have no right to disrupt its public exhibition once cleared by a State agency. This due process can't be compromised: Any disruption would result in anarchy and the denial of Constitutional freedoms to artistes. Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Deepika Padukone had no idea about JNU politics': Vivek Agnihotri recalls her 2020 visit, says her PR misled her
Back in 2020, just days before the release of her film 'Chhapaak', Deepika Padukone made a surprise visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University ( JNU ) in Delhi. She stood in silence to support students who were protesting after a violent attack by goons on campus. Although she didn't speak at the protest, the 'Piku' actress' quiet presence created buzz across the country. Many praised her bold move, while others blamed her for mixing politics with film promotions. This silent political gesture became a major talking point and, according to many, affected the film's box office numbers. 'Deepika had no idea about JNU politics' In a new interview with Shubhankar Mishra, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri spoke about the incident. He said Deepika probably didn't understand the political nature of her actions and was wrongly advised by her PR team. 'I can guarantee that Deepika had no idea about JNU politics when she went there,' he said. According to him, no political act goes without backlash, and the whole plan might have been a misjudgement. When asked if he was calling Deepika 'dumb', he quickly clarified, 'It's not about being dumb. Her PR must've told her that this is a good opportunity to promote her film, because the university is associated with politics, and the film is also political. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo If she had known, she wouldn't have come.' 'You play with fire, you get burned' Agnihotri also said that the ' Padmaavat ' actress is still dealing with the backlash from that one moment. 'You play with fire, you get burned,' he added. Despite his criticism, he also described the 'Om Shanti Om' actress as smart and intelligent. 'I don't know her personally, so I don't know what ideology she aligns with. I do know that she is a very smart and intelligent woman. Had she known that this is a politically sensitive place and that it might impact her career, she would've definitely not gone.' 'Her PR thought it was an event' Agnihotri went on to say that during film promotions, actors are pulled in many directions. He believes Deepika was simply following advice that didn't turn out well. 'During film promotions, there are too many voices telling stars what to do and who to speak to. Her PR was mistaken; they thought it was an event. But it wasn't an event. Bigger fish than her have been fried for getting involved in politics,' he said. Deepika Padukone launches badminton school to celebrate father's legacy on his 70th birthday
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bollywood hair designer Darshan Yewalekar: Vicky Kaushal is chill and Ranveer Singh surrenders to your vision
Darshan Yewalekar styles Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan From dreaming of the stars as an aspiring aeronautical engineer to shaping some of Bollywood's most iconic looks, Darshan Yewalekar's journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, he's a noted hair designer known for crafting unforgettable styles in cinematic spectacles like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, Laal Kaptaan, and 83. But his beginnings were humble—a small-town boy from Bhusawal (Maharashtra), raised in a family of modest means. He recalls, 'I scored 60% in my 12th science exams and dreamt of studying further in a big city. But due to financial constraints, my father sat me down and said we couldn't afford it. My mom was a beautician, and when one door closed, I thought of giving hairstyling a shot. I didn't know anything, but I had seen her work. That's how it all started.' With a monthly salary of just ₹2,000 at his first job in a local salon, Darshan moved to Pune to train and eventually made his way to Mumbai under the guidance of a senior stylist. It was there that fate intervened, landing him on the sets of Subhash Ghai's Yuvvraaj, styling none other than Salman Khan . Darshan Yewalekar styles Ranveer Singh The Ranveer Singh era and a decade of transformation: Darshan's long-standing creative partnership with Ranveer Singh began soon after, culminating in a decade of bold, radical transformations — both on and off screen. He says, 'Ranveer has perfect hair, and more importantly, he surrenders completely to the process. He gives 500 per cent to your vision and showcases it with 1000 per cent conviction. He's not afraid of experimentation. From twin ponytails to asymmetrical quiffs and even mohawks, he's carried it all with style. ' One unforgettable moment was during Bajirao Mastani, when they debated whether Ranveer should shave his head. 'I told him, let's not fake it. Let's do this for real. If you want to feel like Bajirao, this is the way. And we shaved it off. It was a surreal, unforgettable moment.' Styling the stars: Saif Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and more Besides Ranveer, Darshan has worked with stars like Saif Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Akshay Kumar. 'Saif is a thorough professional. I remember before the shoot of Laal Kaptaan, I felt the beard wasn't working. I told him I needed to redo it. It was already 6 pm. He calmly said, 'Go for it'. That kind of trust is rare,' he shares, and adds, 'Vicky is the most chill. I once took over an hour styling him for a shoot, and he patiently let me work. When I needed five more minutes, he smiled and said, 'Take your time'. That humility makes all the difference.' Crafting period drama perfection Designing for historical dramas like Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani brought their own set of challenges. 'There are few authentic references, so you have to imagine and interpret. For Khilji, we went with wild, unruly hair to reflect his menacing nature. Bajirao's look evolved through the film, mirroring his emotional and psychological journey,' explains Darshan. Even in modern historicals like Kesari 2, in which he styled Akshay Kumar and R Madhavan, the attention to detail was paramount. He shares, 'We had to get the British characters right too—like General Dyer. That meant wigs, moustaches, and era-appropriate styling for characters like Regina Cassandra's Parvathy, who transitions from South Indian traditions to Victorian elegance.' Behind-the-scenes stories and dream collaborations Darshan has his fair share of on-set stories. 'Once, while trimming Salman bhai's hair, he turned his head and the trimmer nicked his ear. I panicked, but he just dabbed some cologne and told me to continue,' he laughs. He also fondly remembers Berlin, where he styled Ranveer for Gully Boy's international premiere. 'I dressed up too, just to take a photo with him. That pose became our signature — we recreate it every time now.' What's next? With a growing list of film projects and a wish list that includes working with Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Rajamouli, and Mani Ratnam, Darshan shows no signs of slowing down. 'I fell in love with this craft. The joy of transforming someone and watching them light up — that's irreplaceable. I didn't choose this path — it chose me. And I surrendered to it completely,' he concludes.
India.com
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Ajay Devgn rejected this blockbuster due to…, another superstar was offered, it earned Rs 585 crore, film is..., his name is…
Ajay Devgan is among the most accomplished actors in Bollywood and has caused a sensation at the box office numerous times with his movies. Nonetheless, Ajay Devgan made certain choices in his career that he could still regret. Ajay Devgan turned down several major and notable films that later turned into cult-classic. However, this film, which was later did by another superstar, made it a gigantic blockbuster of Indian Cinema. Let's see who this star was. Bollywood Actor… Here we are talking about Shahid Kapoor, whose name does not need any kind of introduction. Shahid played a significant role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Padmaavat, which also featured Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. However, makers did not approach Shahid for the film as they wanted Ajay Devgn to play the role. When Ajay Refused Padmaavat As per reports, Sanjay Leela Bhansali extended a significant role to Ajay Devgan in the movie Padmavat, Shahid Kapoor portrayed Maharwal Ratan Singh in the movie, which was initially presented to Ajay Devgan but, due to his scheduling conflicts with films like Golmaal Again and Raid, he refused to be the part of it. However, it has also been said that Ajay did not like the character, due to which he declined to feature in Padmaavat. The budget for Padmaavat stood at Rs 215 crore. It made Rs 19 crore at the Indian box office on its opening day. On the second day, it generated a revenue of Rs 32 crore. On the third day, it amassed Rs 27 crore. The movie, which made approximately 80 crore in its first three days, accumulated a total of Rs 302.15 crore in India and became a hit by grossing Rs 585 crore globally. Controversies Related To Padmaavat Padmaavat faced numerous controversies throughout its production. Multiple Rajput caste groups, such as the Shri Rajput Karni Sena and its supporters, staged protests and subsequently damaged the film sets, asserting that the movie depicts Padmavati, a Rajput queen, negatively. They had likewise attacked Bhansali on a movie set. The Sena issued additional threats of violence. During the shooting of a scene at Masai Plateau in Kolhapur at night in October 2017, a group of people assaulted and ignited the set, harming animals and ruining numerous costumes. Bhansali and Deepika Padukone faced threats of violence and death many times while shooting this film.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupria Goenka imagines herself doing a romantic song with Ranbir Kapoor in a sari!
Anupria Goenka and Ranbir Kapoor In a recent candid chat, when we asked Anupria Goenka about the actor she wants to romance on screen, she said, 'Ranbir Kapoor.' She added, 'I have never worked with him or even met him, but I think he is a fabulous actor. He also has a charm that makes his co-actors comfortable. Imagine doing a romantic song with him in a sari!' Talking about her love for saris, the actress shares, 'I love saris, they make you feel feminine and complete. I have worn them to the most unexpected places. Once, I wore a sari to a pub. I had come from a function wearing one of those heavy saris, and I ended up going to a pub after that. I was, of course, a little conscious because I was the only one wearing it. I just grabbed the gher, tucked in my pallu and danced on Ghoomar (from Padmaavat). Later, people came up and complimented me.' In an earlier chat with us, Anupria opened up about how the digital boom gave a push to her acting career. She said, "I am really happy to have got an opportunity to play these prominent roles in films like Tiger Zinda Hai, Padmaavat, War among others. Likewise, I also got to play some promising parts in web shows like Aashram, Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side, Criminal Justice and The Final Call. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Simple. Clean. Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo OTT did play a big role in shaping up my career. I got to play such diverse characters on these shows, which somehow went on to become the flagship shows of their respective platforms. This resulted into my OTT identity becoming so strong today. Had the OTT space wouldn't have opened up, all of us actors would have been feeling far more restless and anxious. With the digital medium, one can see an overnight success. We can show our talent, reach out to the masses with web shows. I stopped acting in ads because there's so much work in the digital space. Otherwise when I started off, for the first five years, ads gave me my bread and butter."
