Aahana Kumra on resuming work: I can’t sit at home and make viral videos, that’s not my job

30/10/2020
Everyone is in the restart phase, and slowly resuming normal daily life, including actors, who’re heading back to sets to shoot their incomplete, or new projects. Aahana Kumra also has been shooting back-to-back for her various projects amid the pandemic. “We’ve to live with this now,” she exclaims when asked if she’s fearful of stepping out. The 35-year-old adds, “It’s just even we’re fearlessly going to work. We all are going to work, who’s going to stop work if the nature of our work is su...

As an actor, my profession comes with a certain responsibility: Bhumi

30/10/2020
In 2020, she has completed five years as a Bollywood actor. After facing the arc lights for the first time in Dum Laga Ka Haisha (2015), Bhumi Pednekar has had an exciting journey with several successful yet meaningful and high-concept films. And the actor admits she is “extremely satisfied” with her career trajectory. “I feel very fortunate that I’ve never been on a film set, and felt like, ‘why am I here?’ I’ve never been a part of the film where I’ve been like, ‘it’s not correct’,” she say...

I would have liked to explore dance more in the movies: Manoj Bajpayee

30/10/2020
Actor Manoj Bajpayee has impressed many with his acting skills, but dancing in the movies is something he would have liked to explore more. Bajpayee shakes a leg after a long time before the camera, for the song "Basanti" in his upcoming film, "Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari". "I would have liked to explore dance in movies more, but there was little scope for it in my choice of movies. I did enjoy dancing to the catchy beats of 'Basanti'. It reminded me of 'Satya'," Manoj said referring to his 1998 fi...

Since the pandemic, my approach in life has changed. I have become more positive: Fatima Sana Sheikh

30/10/2020
Fatima Sana Shaikh is pleased that her film Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is releasing soon. The cherry on the cake for her is that it is releasing in the theatres. Intimidated by co-star Manoj Bajpayee, she shares, “When I heard the script, I was blown up by the cast. I signed the film as I wanted to work with Manoj sir, Diljit (Dosanj) and director Abhishek Sharma. Working with the talented Manoj sir is was quite enriching. I was quite nervous about how performing in front of him but he made me q...

Since the pandemic, my approach in life has changed. I have become more positive: Fatima Sana Sheikh

30/10/2020
Fatima Sana Shaikh is pleased that her film Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is releasing soon. The cherry on the cake for her is that it is releasing in the theatres. Intimidated by co-star Manoj Bajpayee, she shares, “When I heard the script, I was blown up by the cast. I signed the film as I wanted to work with Manoj sir, Diljit (Dosanj) and director Abhishek Sharma. Working with the talented Manoj sir is was quite enriching. I was quite nervous about how performing in front of him but he made me q...

Sonu Sood dismisses those who doubt his good intentions, says ‘to be negative is in their DNA’

30/10/2020
Actor Sonu Sood has dismissed those questioning the intentions behind his charitable ventures. Sonu has been at the forefront of several aid measures since the coronavirus-induced lockdown. In an interview, Sonu said that he doesn’t bother about the negativity, since he is only answerable to the ‘common man’. Sonu has been helping those who’ve suffered because of the pandemic. He told SpotboyE, “I am not really going out of my way to justify my behaviour to people who doubt my intentions. To ...

OTT is very freeing, I am enjoying it a lot: Rahul Dev

30/10/2020
Like many actors, Rahul Dev, too, decided to dabble with the OTT medium, not because of lack of film opportunities but because if the variety and interesting roles coming his way. The actor says he is glad to have joined the OTT bandwagon early given how big it has become now. Noting how the OTT platforms have changed the game in the entertainment world amid the pandemic, Dev says, “OTT nahi hota toh kya hota. I also think that. As the time changes so does entertainment modes and the best that...

It’s an advantage that I know every Bigg Boss 14 contestant inside out: Naina Singh

30/10/2020
Naina Singh, Kavita Kaushik and Shardul Pandit entered the Bigg Boss 14 house as wild card contestants. As host Salman Khan quizzed the ladies about the season, he was highly impressed by Naina’s knowledge of the contestants. The young actor also left him in splits as she and Shardul got into an argument even before entering the show. Having started her career by winning Splitsvilla, Singh then participated in Karan Johar-Rohit Shetty judged India’s Next Superstar. The 25-year-old was one of t...

Hope to get work after Bigg Boss 14: Shardul Pandit

27/10/2020
Shardul Pandit, Kavita Kaushik and Naina Singh on Sunday entered Bigg Boss 14 as wild card contestants. Pandit has been part of TV shows like Bandini, Kuldeepak, Sidhi Vinayak among others. Also a radio jockey by profession, he made headlines during the lockdown after announcing he was moving back to his hometown as there was no work for him. Before entering the Bigg Boss 14 house, Pandit spoke exclusively giving more details about his low phase, why he thinks the show would open new doors for...

It would be a lie if I said the film industry is an easy place to be in, it’s a tough one: Elli AvrRam

27/10/2020
Actor Elli AvrRam started off her Bollywood career with Mickey Virus (2013), but it was seven years later, in Malang, that she was noticed for her acting chops. The web show, The Verdict State vs Nanavati, too, gave her a chance to showcase her range as an actor, and she says it’s indeed “only now” that people are giving her chances. “Casting directors contacted me after seeing my performance in Nanavati. Even after they saw me in Malang, talking in Hindi. I think it has opened up more for me,...

Nawazuddin to star with Elnaaz Norouzi in ‘Sangeen’

27/10/2020
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is set to star in director Jaideep Chopra's "Sangeen", featuring his "Sacred Games" co-star Elnaaz Norouzi, the makers announced Monday. The film will be shot across London and Mumbai and will go on floors in January 2021. Siddiqui described "Sangeen" as a "unique film" and said he is thrilled to be essaying a "thought-provoking character". "I am looking forward to teaming up once again with Elnaaz Norouzi after 'Sacred Games'. The script is an experimental one and I...

Not disappointed at not getting to act in more Hindi films: Shruti Haasan

27/10/2020
Popular actress Shruti Haasan doesn’t seem to be too worried about not having acted in more Bollywood movies since debuting with the Soham Shah directed Hindi film Luck in 2009. Her last Hindi film release was Tigmanshu Dhulia directorial Yaara, which is currently streaming on Zee5. Shruti, daughter of versatile actor Kamal Haasan, however, has carved a niche for herself in South Indian cinema with several successful films in both Tamil and Telugu. So she wasn’t amused when asked if she was d...

Projects like Lockdown Rishtey require people you can trust blindly: Rohit Roy

27/10/2020
For actor Rohit Roy, his new web show Lockdown Rishtey will provide the much-needed respite amid the overdose of thrillers we see on the digital platform. “You don’t a love story or a human interest story,” he says. An MX Exclusive, Lockdown Rishtey is a collection of five stories exploring human relationships during the global pandemic. The Abhijit Das directorial also stars Gurdip Kohli, Anjum Fakih, Indraneel Bhattacharya, Abhishek Kapur and others, along with Rithvik Dhanjani, Suchitra Pil...

My character has been handled wisely, sensitively: Akshay Kumar

27/10/2020
Akshay Kumar’s next project is Laxmmi Bomb, a comedy-horror film that is directed by Raghava Lawrence. It is the Hindi remake of Lawrence’s own 2011 Tamil film Muni 2: Kanchana. While speaking to Maniesh Paul in a promotional interview for the film, Akshay said, “I’ve been in my career for 30 years. But the character of Laxmmi has been the most mentally intensive role I’ve ever played. But somehow I managed it. And I thank my director. He is behind everything about this character — how it move...

If Bollywood been that bad a place then most of us wouldn’t have survived: Mrunal Thakur

26/10/2020
Discussions around biases in Bollywood have been on for a long time now. Industry insiders have expressed displeasure regarding the negative image that’s being painted, and feel that judgements on social media and trials conducted by a certain section of the media, are only adding to the chaos. Actor Mrunal Thakur couldn’t agree more. “Today, people think they’re going to influence and change the world via social media, and whatever they’re saying is right. What many don’t realise is that thes...

Bollywood stars extend warm wishes on Dussehra

26/10/2020
As the nation celebrates the auspicious occasion of Dussehra or Vijay Dashmi, Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Kajol, Kangana Ranaut among many others extended warm greetings to their fans on social media. The 'Kalank' actor Madhuri shared a picture on Twitter that featured Lord Rama with a bow and arrow. It read, "Celebrate the victory of good over evil, today and always, Happy Dussehra." Alongside the post she wrote, "May the joyous occasion of #Dussehr...

Taapsee Pannu shares her struggles with 'curly hair,' as an actor

26/10/2020
Sharing a picture of herself from the sets of her upcoming film 'Haseen Dilruba,' actor Taapsee Pannu on Saturday shared the major "curly hair issues," with her fans. The 'Manmarziyan,' actor who is known for her perfectly curly locks is seen with her completely straightened in the picture. She penned down a short caption about how she has to get her hair "roasted," to get them straightened every day for the shoot of the film. "Last few days on #HaseenDilruba and That's my face when I have to...

After Sanjay announces recovery from cancer, Sonu Sood awaits his arrival on Prithviraj sets

26/10/2020
After Akshay Kumar, Sonu Sood has also expressed his happiness for Sanjay Dutt , who recently announced that he has ‘come out victorious’ months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Sonu said that he is awaiting Sanjay’s arrival on the sets of their film, Prithviraj. Reacting to Sanjay’s announcement, Sonu wrote on Twitter, “Love you Baba.. I am waiting for you on our sets. #prithviraj.” Earlier, Akshay had reacted to Sanjay’s note, saying, “Best news! So good to hear this baba. Looking fo...

Amyra denies drug accusations made by Luviena Lodh, who says she’s related to Mahesh Bhatt

26/10/2020
Actor Amyra Dastur’s lawyer has refuted claims made by a woman claiming to be Mahesh Bhatt’s relative that Amyra used to procure drugs. In a statement, the lawyer wrote that Amyra is contemplating legal action. Luviena Lodh had said in an Instagram post that she is considering divorcing Mahesh Bhatt’s nephew Sumit Sabharwal because, she alleged, that he is involved in drugs and flesh trade in the film industry. She also mentioned Amyra and actor Sapna Pabbi in her comments. Bhatt’s daughter, P...

She doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage, reveals why she got married: Radhika

26/10/2020
Actor Radhika Apte revealed that she married British musician Benedict Taylor in 2012 only because it was ‘easier to get a visa’. She added that she is not a believer in the institution of marriage. Radhika, who is currently in London with Benedict, was talking to actor Vikrant Massey. The two were answering ‘other’ questions about themselves that they are not usually asked in interviews. In response to the question ‘When did Radhika Apte get married?’, she said, “Well, when I realised that it...

Discussion around issues in Bollywood was required but that shouldn’t happen under the garb of personal vendetta: Aftab Shivdasani

26/10/2020
As strong talks around nepotism and favouritism in Bollywood continue to brew, many industry insiders have been vocal about their experiences. As an outsiders, actor Aftab Shivdasani says he too faced the music but managed to be at the periphery of things to survive this long. “I tried staying at the edges, meaning I never got into a rut. Such biases exist everywhere. Because Bollywood is the glamour industry it’s just becomes the talking point. I’ve faced many things but chose not to talk abo...

Kiara Advani gets candid with Neha Dhupia on JioSaavn No Filter Neha Season 5

25/10/2020
Kiara Advani who is all set to charm us with her upcoming Bollywood film 'Laxmmi Bomb' along with Akshay Kumar, recently opened up on No Filter Neha Season 5. Here's what the diva talked about. Kiara on being a Home-bird Haan kabhi kabhi it feels like that ki bahot ho gaya ab nikal na hai ghar se, but I feel this time has also given me the leeway to do things that I wasn't able to do. Let's be honest we have to be on this particular healthy eating diet and when I was shooting last year, I bar...

I am excited and happy to resume work: Malti Chahar

25/10/2020
Malti Chahar is all geared up to be seen in Mohaan Nadaar’s ‘Hush.’ The actress who is the sister of cricketer Deepak Chahar, says, “I am extremely excited and happy to resume work. Due to this pandemic, everyone is going through difficult times. I am happy that the makers of our film have decided to commence the shoot of 'Hush.' It is a new beginning for all of us as we are trying to overcome this situation. Shooting on sets has been a lot of fun." The shooting of 'Hush' is being wrapped...

I’m not dying to get any validation from Hollywood that I’m a good actor: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

25/10/2020
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been around in the film industry for long enough to have a take on what’s that one thing he wants to change about Bollywood. And considering the recognition he enjoys both in Indian and abroad, what he says is indeed a fair point. “Yes, I want to change one thing, the name ‘Bollywood’ itself. Yeh jo udhaar ka naam le rakha hai, sabse pehle humein yeh badalna chahiye,” he quips. Hollywood clearly was the inspiration behind the name given to Indian film industry. W...

Kriti Kharbanda would love to do a female-centric action film

25/10/2020
Actress Kharbanda enjoys watching action sequences on screen, and says that she would like to star in a female-centric action film. "I would love to do a female action film. Action sequences are something I not only like watching, but also taking part in. I have been an outdoors person for as long as I can remember. I have dabbled in many kinds of sports. I play tennis, basketball and I played kho-kho back in school," Kriti told. When she learnt pole dancing, and trained in sword fighting for...

There’s no nepotism, but there’s favouritism in the OTT space: Sanchita Puri

25/10/2020
Actor Sanchita Puri is indebted to web space for providing her with a platform to showcase her talent. Having garnered positive response for her performances in Baarish, The Final Call, Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story and now with Ginny Weds Sunny, she’s hopeful to continue a good her run on digital medium. “OTT platforms give a lot of opportunities to aspiring actors. In these last two years, the medium has shown enough faith on my capabilities. Even for a small role in Scam 1992: The Hars...

I’m a small-town girl with dreams bigger than I was supposed to have: Priyanka Chopra Jonas

24/10/2020
A wide-eyed girl from Bareilly became Miss World in 2000. She took Bollywood by storm before establishing herself as a global star and a powerful voice for women across the world. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ journey and ability to reinvent herself and defy boundaries is fascinating. Beneath the confidence and swag, are there things that can rattle this desi girl? In her memoir, Unfinished, that will release next year, she hopes to reveal that and more. Priyanka talks about her book and life beyond...

One by one I’m checking off directors from my wish list: Ankur Rathee

24/10/2020
Actor Ankur Rathee, who is currently geared up for his next big release, Taish, excitedly recounts his experience shooting with Bejoy Nambiar. Rathee will be playing the role of a British Indian young man who discovers a secret about his fiancé amidst the chaos of their own wedding. Add to their precarious situation an emotionally tumultuous family and you get the revenge drama that is Taish. Recalling how he bagged the role, Ankur said, "I got a call from Karan Mally and Nandini Shrikent,...

I had to go door-to-door for auditions, wait outside offices and say I’m an actor, give me work: Pankaj Tripathi

24/10/2020
Actor Pankaj Tripathi has seen a lot of ups and downs in his career. From smaller parts in Gangs of Wasseypur, Dilwale, and Omkara, to meatier roles in Stree, Newton and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl among others, his career trajectory has been quite interesting. The actor, however, reveals that there was a point when he had to search for roles, literally. “My career has changed over the past few years. Earlier, I had to search for work, and now it searches me. I had to go door-to-door for a...

I miss offering anjali to Ma Durga at our own pandal: Rituparna Sengupta

24/10/2020
Actress Rituparna Sengupta has had a long connect with Mumbai’s Durga Puja. The actress has been the ambassador of some, performed and been a part of many of the city’s biggest pandals. However, this year, the actress has been with her family in Singapore since the last seven months and talking about her Durga Puja plans she says, “My days in Singapore during the Pujo will be all about little outings on Pujo days with friends- five only at one time, that’s the rule here! I will wear saris, off...

Stereotyping always happens, if you look good in a saree, people can’t visualise you in western clothes: Anangsha Biswas

24/10/2020
Actor Anangsha Biswas has had quite some experience working on the OTT medium. Popular shows such as Hostages and Mirzapur figure on her resume, and the second season of the latter is set to air, too. However, she still feels till date, she hasn’t got her due as an actor. “I come from a theatre background, and trained in acting from Australia. What I was expecting, we are not there yet,” she confesses. “It has been a good beginning. I started as Zarina with Mirzapur’s first season, it was my ...

I think there’s a power dynamic that operates in movies theatres too: Swara Bhasker

24/10/2020
Be it commercial potboilers such as Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015) and Veere Di Wedding (2018) or issue based cinema such as Nil Battey Sannata (2015) and Anarkali of Aarah (2017), Swara Bhasker has proved her acting prowess in both the departments. And the battle for the number of screens each category of film gets, has always been a topic of discussion. Asked if it’s indeed true that smaller films get the raw end of the deal, and she says, “I think there’s a power dynamic that operates there a...