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Was there an actress more enchanting and engaging than Nutan? One thing is for sure. Nutan was unlike any other screen legend. She wasn’t a conventional beauty like Madhubala, nor as sprightly and spontaneous as Geeta Bali, or as graceful and rhythmic as Vyjayanthimala.

And yet, there was something about Nutan. Something deep and knowledgeable, as though she had unearthed the secret of the universe and couldn’t live with the burden of the knowledge. Born in 1931, Nutan Samarth was introduced to the screen by her mother, the legendary-in-her-own-right Shobhana Samarth, in a film aptly entitled Hamari Beti. Earlier stalwarts like Chandulal Shah and K Asif had offered her roles. But the doting mother took it upon herself to launch her beti.

Ironically, Nutan fell out with her mother over property disputes. The two women didn’t speak to each other for nearly two decades. Nutan was a fascinating mixture of steel and satin.

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia reflects on 21 years Of his crime drama Charas, what it was like working with the late Irrfan Khan and also reveals what is coming next in this special conversation with Subhash K Jha.

Your sophomore film Charas was not as well received as your first film Haasil. Was that a disappointment?

It was twenty-one years ago, my second film Charas got released. Expectations were high. But it did not come close to the kind of admiration my debut film Haasil received.

Was Charas a challenge to make?

I loved making it. Visually it is one of my best works because the canvas was enormous. I think it was ahead of its time. The plot was too thick and twisted many just did not get it. It happens when the filmmaker is trying too hard and feeling superior to his audience. My bad.

This is the first time...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s dazzling achievement in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar cannot be undermined. At a time when Netflix has touched the rock bottom of creativity with Jewel Thief, this brilliant series is a reminder of the epic dimensions that the Ott space can achieve in the right hands.

Heeramandi is everything that Bhansali has come to be associated with, then some more. It is a feast for the eyes and soul, with a gallery of female actors giving their best to every shot. At times, the best of these actresses is not good enough. One of the lead actresses pretending to be drunken dancing is ludicrously caricatural. But then there is Aditi Rao Hydari looking every inch the ethereal kothewali, a distant cousin to Rekha in Umrao Jaan. And Shruti Sharma, as ill-fated-in-love Saima, makes her space. I must also mention Jayati Bhatia as Manisha Koirala’s faithful woman Friday.

In this very special birthday feature noted director Sanjay Leela Bhansali reminiscences and shares fascinating thoughts and insight on the films he grew up watching. You do not want to miss this!

1. Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960): “The way Ritwick Ghatak used Rabindra Sangeet and the level of performance he got out of the leading lady Supriya Chowdhary act remain etched in my mind. Ritwick was so ahead of his times. He himself never knew why he was taking a shot in a particular way. Years later, someone like me, watching the film, discovered the emotional content, which was so potent that it survived all the ravages of time. Ritwick Ghatak understood the power of sound and image.”

2. Mirch Masala (1985): “For the sheer power of the folk tale. The folk tale is told in such vibrant colours. The use of colour red and the tribute to woman power. And at...

After seeing the epic historic spectacle of Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, Subhash K Jha revisits Jodhaa-Akbar celebrating the brilliant film that starred Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. As a special bonus, the director reveals some fascinating facts about the making of the film.

Jodhaa-Akbar is watchable as a splendidly spiced-up slice of history. Or just savour the chemistry between the warrior and the princess, with hundreds of junior artistes, elephants, rabbits, and parrots accompanying the couple’s journey. This historic moment that takes us beyond the dynasties of Mughal history couldn’t have been possible without Hrithik’s amazing capacity to infiltrate the portals of divinity through dance movements.

As we traverse the simply stunning spectacle of Ashutosh Gowariker’s historical epic, often wonder-eyed and open-mouthed, we end up looking at Akbar as interpreted by Hrithik rather than as what the Mughal legend might have been.

The body language of...

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Subhash K Jha asked Filmistan what their favorite prem kahaani films are and the answers were amazing!

Amitabh Bachchan:

“Guru Dutt’s Kagaz Ke Phool: poignant and incredible theme, most lingering visuals, music, performances, and the ethereal Waheedaji, she’s my favourite; Anupama … “I just love the softness and simplicity of the film, its unexaggerated performances. It had a lyrical quality about it. This was a film by one of my favourite directors, Hrishikesh Mukherjee.” Bimal Roy’s Devdas: “I have always idolized Dilip Saab; his portrayal of doomed love in Devdas remains unparalleled.”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali:

“Bimal Roy’s Devdas, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah, K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam, Satyajit Ray’s Charulata.”

Raakhee Gulzar:

“Satyajit Ray’s Charulata, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Raj Kapoor’s Sangam, Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie.”

Asha Parekh:

“Bimal Roy’s Devdas,...

Padmaavat

Starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim S​a​rbh

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali

As Sanjay Bhansali’s stunning Padmaavat re-opens in theatres, Subhash K Jha looks back at this seminal celluloid creation.

Padmaavat created a storm much before its release when the Karni Seva took it upon itself to stage violent protests against the masterpiece. Padmaavat was a labour of love. As in all of Bhansali’s films, there are visuals in Padmaavat that will be remembered for all times to come. And this is as opportune a time as any to salute Bhansali’s cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee, who is a magician, a visionary par excellence who can put on-screen images that poets and painters put into their creations when at the acme of inspiration.

Almost every moment in the story that Bhansali tells of the royal Queen Padmavati and the Islamic invader...

Siddharth, the doting fiance, recently took to social media to shower praise on Aditi Rao Hydari’s performance in “Heeramandi.” Sharing a screengrab of Aditi from the movie, Siddharth congratulated the entire cast for their outstanding performances.

Expressing gratitude for living in the era of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Siddharth lauded the film’s cinematography and storytelling. He described the movie as a masterpiece that would make legendary filmmaker K Asif proud.

The couple’s engagement announcement on social media garnered immense attention, with fans showering them with compliments and best wishes. Siddharth’s public display of admiration for Aditi’s work not only highlights their strong bond but also underscores the support and encouragement they share with each other in their respective careers.

As Siddharth continues to gush over Aditi’s achievements, their engagement serves as a symbol of love and companionship, resonating with fans who eagerly anticipate their journey together.

As with any time I try to explain a massive figure in Indian film to the uninitiated, the temptation rises quickly to compare director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to someone in Hollywood.

And, as with any time I actually make these comparisons, everything falls short. Bhansali depicts spectacle evocative of the work of Baz Luhrmann, but even that is a pale imitation (no disrespect to either). There is no one literally anywhere in the world creating cinema with the scale and grandeur that Bhansali has cultivated as his signature, a style so distinct that his own peers pay homage to it while he’s still alive and working.

But at the top of IndieWire’s conversation about Bhansali’s career, he’s quick to shake the larger-than-life visual splendor of his creations, emphasizing — as writer, director and producer, among his many hats — that the stories themselves evoke that scope.

“It’s...

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, now on Netflix in eight episodes is everything that Bhansali has come to be associated with, then some more. It is a feast for the eyes and soul with a gallery of female actors giving their best to every shot. At times the best of these actresses is not good enough. One of the lead actresses pretending to be drunken dancing is ludicrously caricatural. But then there is Aditi Rao Hydari looking every inch the ethereal kothewali, a distant cousin to Rekha in Umrao Jaan. And Shruti Sharma as ill-fated-in-love Saima makes her space. I must also mention Jayati Bhatia as Manisha Koirala’s faithful woman-Friday. Even when in the background she makes her presence felt.

Bhansali’s vision and execution are impeccable so much so that you wonder what this kotha classic would look like on the big screen.

On...

New Delhi, May 1 (Ians) More than three decades before Aamir Khan’s train stunt in “Ghulam” (1998), this actor, renowned for his natural performances, had already done such a hazardous exploit, not just a daredevil challenge on the screen, but to inject reality into the scene and save the filmmaker the “bother of back projection”.

Balraj Sahni also involved Meena Kumari in his risky ruse in “Pinjre ke Panchhi” (1966), which — in another strange resemblance with Aamir’s film — was shot at Khandala. The scene had her walking on the rail tracks in a bid to commit suicide, even as he ran after her and managed to pull her aside from the rushing train at the last minute.

The filmmaker only wanted shots of him running after her and pulling her away; those of the were to be juxtapositioned. Sahni, however, knew that a train would pass the spot soon, and if they moved fast,...

Shekhar Suman Defends Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Anger Issues! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his larger-than-life universes. Whether Devdas, Gangubai Kathiawadi, or Bajirao Mastani, his films have mesmerized us with their grandeur and exceptional storytelling. He’s all set to treat us to his periodic series, Heeramandi. Shekhar Suman, a part of the cast, is defending Slb’s anger issues.

Fans and cine-goers are aware Bhansali is a perfectionist. He takes his craft very seriously and expects perfect execution from his actors. Rumors have previously suggested that Inshallah got shelved because Salman Khan wanted to cast his own set of actors, and the ace director was not okay with that. None of the sides budged, eventually shelving the Alia Bhatt co-starrer.

Shekhar Suman defends Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s short temper!

Asked about Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s temperament issues, Shekhar Suman told Siddharth Kannan, “So what? How does it matter?...

Celebrated theatre auteur Feroz Abbas Khan, who is gearing up for the exhibition of his upcoming play ‘Letters of Suresh’ in India, has shared that his latest artwork will challenge the imagination of the audience.

He said that he spent many sleepless nights putting together the play and often wondered how it would turn out.

Feroz Abbas Khan’s oeuvre encompasses K. Asif’s flamboyance in ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’.

He has also helmed the spectacular and stunning, ‘Civilisation to Nation‘, the tragedy of Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ (in ‘Salesman Ramlal’), ‘Gandhi, My Father’ and others.

For ‘Letters of Suresh’, he teamed up with Pulitzer nominee and Obie Award winning playwright Rajiv Joseph.

Explaining why he chose an intimate format after the larger-than-life splendour of his recent successes ‘Civilisation to Nation’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam : The Musical’, Feroz Abbas Khan said: “Rajiv’s writing is poetic, poignant and haunting.

Finally, a biopic on K. Asif, the director and screen writer who helmed ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, the 1960 Hindi cinema classic, is on its way.

Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia is planning the biopic that will delve into Asif’s brief but brilliant cinematic career. Asif, incidentally, was born in Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.

Dhulia, 56, who was here to participate in a literary festival, said there are not many films or documentaries that talk about directors from that era at length.

“Though I have been asked not to talk much about it, but a movie on him (Asif) is in the pipeline,” said the director who has made acclaimed movies such as ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ and ‘Haasil’.

“If I make a movie, it will be a grand one. The subject will be big but not the actor,” he said referring to the trend in recent movies.

Explaining further, Tigmanshu Dhulia said, “K. Asif saw struggles.

After the recently-concluded ‘Bachchanalia’ where Amitabh Bachchan memorabilia went under the hammer, the auction house DeRivaz & Ives has announced a similar tribute to ‘feminine icons’ of Indian cinema.

Vintage souvenirs of Bollywood actresses that will also celebrate a saga of beauty and their acting prowess will be auctioned in Mumbai.

The auction will celebrate actresses like Nadia, Jayashree, Devika Rani, Noor Jahan, Suraiya, Nargis, Geeta Bali, Bina Rai, Madhubala, Madhabi Mukherjee, Mala Sinha, Suchitra Sen, Shashikala, Sharmila Tagore, Meena Kumari, Jaya Bhaduri, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman, Rekha, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and many more.

Titled ‘Feminine Icons of Indian Cinema’, the auction will be held on November 23-25, and a variety of iconic photographs, film posters, lobby cards and other original artworks will be on offer for film buffs.

Among them will be a rare ‘The Light of Asia’ original publicity still in silver gelatin, of the classic 1925 Indian silent film...

After the recently-concluded ‘Bachchanalia’ where Amitabh Bachchan memorabilia went under the hammer, the auction house DeRivaz & Ives has announced a similar tribute to ‘feminine icons’ of Indian cinema.

Vintage souvenirs of Bollywood actresses that will also celebrate a saga of beauty and their acting prowess will be auctioned in Mumbai.

The auction will celebrate actresses like Nadia, Jayashree, Devika Rani, Noor Jahan, Suraiya, Nargis, Geeta Bali, Bina Rai, Madhubala, Madhabi Mukherjee, Mala Sinha, Suchitra Sen, Shashikala, Sharmila Tagore, Meena Kumari, Jaya Bhaduri, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman, Rekha, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and many more.

Titled ‘Feminine Icons of Indian Cinema’, the auction will be held on November 23-25, and a variety of iconic photographs, film posters, lobby cards and other original artworks will be on offer for film buffs.

Among them will be a rare ‘The Light of Asia’ original publicity still in silver gelatin, of the classic 1925 Indian silent film...

On the occasion of the 63rd anniversary (5th August) of epic historical drama ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, veteran actress Saira Banu penned a heartfelt note, saying that the “mesmerising” portrayal of Prince Salim by late actor Dilip Kumar “added an extra layer of brilliance to the magnum opus.” Produced and directed by K Asif ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ is a 1960 film, which starred Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote in the lead.

The story follows the love affair between Mughal Prince Salim (who went on to become Emperor Jahangir) and Anarkali (played by Madhubala), a court dancer. Salim’s father, Emperor Akbar (played by Prithviraj) disapproves of the relationship, which leads to a war between father and son.

Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar _ pic courtesy instagram

Saira took to Instagram and shared a video, wherein we can see glimpses of the cult movie. The Reel video shows both black and white, and coloured snippets from the film.

Kathak dancers from ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ performed to music composer Naushad’s ‘Pyaar kiya toh darna kya’ at the Niagara Falls. The group of three waterfalls spanning the border between Ontario (Canada) and New York (US) became the backdrop against which team ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ announced the beginning of their Canada tour. The stage musical will put up performances in Toronto and Vancouver.

Earlier, the dancers performed the same song in New York’s Times Square on May 24.

Director Feroz Abbas Khan said in a statement: “It is thrilling that even more than 60 years after its release, the music from K Asif’s ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ continues to move and stir even those who don’t understand Hindi or Urdu.”

Deepesh Salgia, who helms the Creative & Strategic Vision for the musical, added: “I will never be able to forget the expressions of awe and wonder on the faces of the onlookers at Niagara Falls.

‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical,’ a Broadway-style extravaganza based on K. Asif’s timeless classic began its 13-city tour of the US with a sensational flash mob in New York’s Times Square. The musical, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji Group will regale audiences across North America. The 13 city tour kicks off in Atlanta on Friday, May 26.

However, it was at Times Square that the dancers gave onlookers a glimpse into the magnificence that has made this musical a long running success around the world. The vintage score and the lyrical choreography mesmerized people from all nationalities in a location that is known to be the world’s biggest melting pot.

https://bollyspice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mughal-e-Azam-Times-Square-Promo.mp4

Says director Feroz Abbas Khan, “A carnival-like atmosphere was created as passersby joined the dancers. It was thrilling to see the unifying power of art and music, bringing so many people together,...

"I found Bimal Roy at his desk, writing something, when I entered his cabin. As he stopped writing and looked up, he appeared to be taken aback. He fixed me with a steady gaze and kept staring at me in silence… After a while, he turned to the people seated at the rear end of the cabin and said to them in Bengali: ‘Is this the man you had in mind? What sort of a joke are you playing on me?’

"Apparently, he wasn’t aware that I knew Bengali. Without even offering me a seat, he said to me, ‘Mr. Sahni, my men have made a mistake. I can see that you are totally unsuited to play the sort of role I wish to present in my film’," Balraj Sahni wrote in his autobiography ‘Meri Filmi Atamkatha’.

A shattered Sahni managed to ask what role it was and Roy...

She had a film named after her even before she hit her career’s peak, was being parodied when she was still active, and is the only Indian film actress who has a song to her played at the Olympics. That was the spell of Madhubala, whose angelic features, beguiling yet enigmatic smile, and incandescent beauty, coupled with her restrained but undeniable talent, made her part of some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic films.

While she is imprinted in the hearts and minds of film-watchers as the winsome, entrancing but star-crossed Anarkali of “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960), as the entrancing nightclub singer in “Howrah Bridge”, and for her exuberant, effusive, and elfin charm in romantic comedies “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi” (1958), “Jhumroo” (1961) and “Half Ticket” (1962), she left her mark across film genres from ghost/gothic stories to comic crime capers to film noir, beyond the usual romantic dramas in a relatively short career.

The eternal combination of music with films and stars, many a times their fate intertwined, with each giving a boost to the other, is considered a hallmark of Indian movies. This has been the tradition of almost all films produced in India – since the humble beginning made with “Raja Harishchandra” (1913) by the venerable Father of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind ‘Dadasaheb’ Phalke.

Among the sackful of musical blockbusters churned out by Bollywood, one of the front-rankers is K Asif’s National Award winner “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960) with a dozen unforgettable scores by the Master of the Baton, Naushad Ali. Surprisingly, this all-time megabuster did not see Dilip Kumar, the winsome Prince Salim, singing a single song on the silver screen.

All the 12 songs in “Mughal-e-Azam” were left to other characters such as the besotted Madhubala (Anarkali) and the jealous Bahar Begum (Nigar Sultana), a wandering soothsayer, or royal court musician Tansen, in the...

Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar – the intense, multi-faceted actor who rose to be not just a superstar but a supergiantstar – and inspired generations of future actors and filmmakers with the art and science of his acting talents, remains glowing brightly in the starry film galaxy. On his 100th birth anniversary on Sunday, here’s a quick view of a few of his top, timeless, superhit films which still enthrall movie buffs, now mostly on the small screen.

In his acting career spanning 55 years, Dilip Kumar performed in an estimated 57 films with an awesome success rate of around 65 per cent.

The eternal mega-blockbuster was, of course, “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960), directed by the legendary Asif Karim (better known as K Asif), which shattered records and created new ones, many which still stand unbroken today.

In the film, Dilip Kumar essayed the role of a bohemian Prince Salim, who later became fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir,...

The announcement of our engagement on October 2, 1966, reverberated with sensational and joyous tidings all over the country. It was an indescribable experience. The media was splashing the news all over and the radio stations kept on announcing the event every couple of hours. There was an air of great festivity in Bombay (and probably elsewhere as well) as all available loudspeakers belted out our favourite film songs!

The news of our forthcoming marriage came as a surprise to all those who had thought I was an unrelenting, highly eligible bachelor who would never settle down. My fans and also my friends, such as Satish Bhalla, Raj Kapoor, producer Ved Puri, Hiten Choudhary, Pran and Balraj Kohli, were agog with ‘how did this happen’? Saira’s career was just five years old; we had never worked together and were never linked romantically. Consequently, there literally was a storm in the minds of people,...

He carved himself into the history of Bollywood playing – in his first major role – a foul-mouthed, sadistic, and vicious brigand, but there was much more to him than just being Gabbar Singh of “Sholay”. While Amjad Khan’s oeuvre of over 220 films has him playing the villainous ‘heavy’, usually against Amitabh Bachchan, he also excelled in more positive and even comic roles.

And then, he was capable enough to hold a long discussion on various issues with Satyajit Ray.

Take his Filmfare Awards nominations as one metric. Amjad Khan was nominated seven times in the prime of his acting career from 1976 to 1986 – five times for Best Supporting Actor (including two nominations in one year once) and two times as Best Performance in a Comic Role (both in the same year), and won twice in the first category and once in the second.

In the first category, apart from “Sholay” in...

K Asif’s musical masterpiece ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ completes over 60 glittering years in 2022 but its influence on popular culture, theatre, and cinema refuses to fade away. Feroz Abbas Khan’s ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ is a soulful and spectacular tribute to the classic and does complete justice to its stature and majesty.

For over 6 years, the lavishly mounted musical has travelled the world and won over legions of fans, but the pandemic proved to be challenging for its cast and crew. In its 18th season, it will now return once again to grace the Mumbai stage after a span of two difficult years due to the pandemic. Fourteen shows of ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ will be staged between 21st and 30th October 2022 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West, Mumbai.

Director Feroz Abbas Khan says, “Our country and the people have gone through a lot during these two years of the pandemic. The worst...

Mumbai, Sep 16 (Ians) Feroz Abbas Khan’s ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ is all set to return to the stage in Mumbai after two years due to the pandemic.

Fourteen shows of ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ will be staged between October 21 and 30 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West, Mumbai.

Director Feroz Abbas Khan said: “Our country and the people have gone through a lot during these two years of the pandemic. The worst is now behind us and all of us can finally come together to celebrate music, poetry, and timeless, magical stories once again. I feel this is the perfect time for ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ to return to Mumbai where we will kick off our 18th season.”

Deepesh Salgia, who steers the Creative and Strategic Vision of ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ added: “With Mughal-e-Azam, Shapoorji Pallonji has worked with K Asif in 1950s and now with Feroz Abbas Khan. In every season,...

Feroz Abbas Khan’s ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ is all set to return to the stage in Mumbai after two years due to the pandemic.

Fourteen shows of ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ will be staged between October 21 and 30 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West, Mumbai.

Director Feroz Abbas Khan said: “Our country and the people have gone through a lot during these two years of the pandemic. The worst is now behind us and all of us can finally come together to celebrate music, poetry, and timeless, magical stories once again. I feel this is the perfect time for ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ to return to Mumbai where we will kick off our 18th season.”

Deepesh Salgia, who steers the Creative and Strategic Vision of ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ added: “With Mughal-e-Azam, Shapoorji Pallonji has worked with K Asif in 1950s and now with Feroz Abbas Khan. In every season, this musical has...

In his over three-decade-long career as a Bollywood director-producer, K Asif had just half-a-dozen pictures to his credit, out of which two remained incomplete. Yet, “Mughal-e-Azam”, finally completed and released in 1960 after what seemed like an interminable gestation period, is enough to cement K. Asif’s reputation. “Mughal-e-Azam” had everything a successful film could need […]...

Glamsham introduces Classic Rewind series where movie critic, feature writer and columnist Vishal Verma will revisit Indian / World cinema since its origin and highlight its relevance in today?s times.

Beginning from where cinema became an undying passion in our lives and created livelihood for generations after generations, Raja Harishchandra by the father of Indian cinema Dada Saheb Phalke.

History

Raja Harishchandra the 1913 Indian silent film, directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, is recognized by Government of India as the first Indian feature film. Raja Harishchandra features Dattatraya Damodar Dabke, Anna Salunke, Bhalchandra Phalke, and Gajanan Vasudev Sane and is based on the legend of Harishchandra, with Dabke portraying the title character. The film, being silent, had English and Hindi-language slates coming in between.

Significance/relevance in today?s times

It was the decision taken by a painter after watching The Life Of Christ (1906) at a theatre in Mumbai, the...

It’s been over five decades, since its release but Indian cinema’s magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam still rules every cine-lover’s heart. And now, film enthusiasts can relive the magic as the epic historical love story is coming back to enthrall the audiences as a spectacular musical play.

Acclaimed director Feroz Abbas Khan is bringing India’s greatest motion picture, whose grandeur and enormity remains untouched till date, as a Broadway-style musical play. The makers have just released its teaser poster.

The poster just shows Anarkali’s shackle-bound delicate hands, which keeps the intrigue factor intact. It has Mughal Empire’s most beautiful court dancer’s chain bound, henna painted hands with the words ‘pyar kiya toh darna kya’ written on it and that instantly reminds you of Anarkali and Salim’s epic love story and makes you travel back in time. The poster looks like an enchanting painting from the Mughal era itself.

K. Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, which was the most expensive film made at the time (in 1960), is still considered the greatest Indian motion picture ever and now, we have some good news for fans of the eternal love story.

Acclaimed director Feroz Abbas Khan, known for his award-winning film Gandhi, My Father and successful plays like ‘Tumhari Amrita’, ‘Salesman Ramlal’ and ‘Mahatma Vs Gandhi’, will soon helm ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, a Broadway-style musical play, which will be a tribute to the original film and is being prepared on a grand scale to be performed at the Ncpa (National Centre For Performing Arts), where it will play daily from October 21 till first week of November for a limited engagement of two weeks followed by the staging in end November for another two weeks into December at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi.

Readers will be delighted to...

Movie Mogul K. Asif, who became immortal with his magnum opus Mughal E Azam (1960), shared an exceptional bond of father and son with late actor Sanjeev Kumar.

The bond between them started when K. Asif was making Love And God with actor Guru Dutt in the lead, while Sanjeev Kumar was a struggling actor who was working in as an extra. However, Asif was bowled over by Sanjeev Kumar's utter dedication and passion towards his profession. Hence, after Guru Dutt expired Asif promoted Sanjeev Kumar as the film's hero much against the discontent of distributors and surprise of the unit. However, Asif was confident of Sanjeev Kumar's success.

True to Asif's prediction Sanjeev Kumar soon became a star but Asif's movie Love And God got delayed due to Asif's eye for perfection. As a result Asif was under heavy debt and his health started deteriorating. During Asif's downfall...

As a film journalist, it is common practice for us to regularly speak to actors and actresses about their upcoming film or project. Yet as someone who is passionate about Hindi Cinema, I consider it an incredibly rare treat to be able to speak to either a director or a producer who has played a fundamental role in orchestrating the making of a film. BollySpice had the absolute pleasure to speak with one of India’s most acclaimed filmmakers Mr Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He is the man who has directed several hit films such as Parinda (1989), 1942: A Love Story (1993) and Mission Kashmir (2000). Mr Chopra has also worked with director Rajkumar Hirani as a producer in films such as Munnabhai Mbbs (2004), Lage Raho Munnabhai (2007) and of course the global blockbuster 3 Idiots (2009).

We spoke to Mr Chopra about the upcoming film Pk, starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt, Sushant Singh Rajput and Boman Irani.

At a staggering budget of Rs 210 crores, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani may well be the most costly Indian film to be ever produced. The period epic to be co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Eros International goes on the floors at the end of the year. The film is expected to recreate a chapter of Maratha history that would require mammoth expenses. Says a core member of the team, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali has earlier made a very lavish period film Devdas. But there he could allow his imagination to control his budget somewhat (although at Rs. 65 crores Devdas was one of the most expensive films then). But In Bajrao Mastani, there can be no compromises. Every detail has to be authentic." Apparently, Bhansali intends to dress Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in costumes woven from threads used in the era of Bajirao Peshwa. Says the source,...

London Lgbt film festival reveals full programme; Sundance/Berlin winner 52 Tuesdays booked as closing film; VoD plans.Scroll down for programme highlights

The long-running London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (Llgff) is to be renamed BFI Flare: London Lgbt Film Festival in a bid to “reflect the increasing diversity of the programme”.

The British Film Institute (BFI) will also launch a BFI Flare collection on its VoD platform, BFI Player, as well as a monthly screening programme at its BFI Southbank base in London.

The announcements were made last night (Feb 19) at the launch of the 28th edition of the festival, where the full programme was also unveiled. This year’s festival runs March 20-30.

Speaking to ScreenDaily about the name change, BFI deputy head of festivals Tricia Tuttle said: “The festival had outgrown the name. Following an audience consultation last year, 70% came back saying it was time for a change.

“Options considered...

They have managed to take their first baby step into the industry and share a resolve to stay on in the game. K. Asif and Aatef Khan, brothers-in-arms who paired up with Anjum Rizvi for their first outing John Day are happy with the critical acclaim that the film has generated as well as a respectable release that they managed to give to the film. Read More...

They have managed to take their first baby step into the industry and share a resolve to stay on in the game. K. Asif and Aatef Khan, brothers-in-arms who paired up with Anjum Rizvi for their first outing John Day are happy with the critical acclaim that the film has generated as well as a respectable release that they managed to give to the film.Says K. Asif, We were always sure of one thing that whatever we make, it had to be a classy affair. There was going to be no cuttin...

While Anjum Rizvi is one of the producers of John Day, the film is also backed by Aatef A Khan and his elder brother K. Asif who have just diversified into filmmaking. While this is their first stint into making movies, not many are aware that Aatef has worked extensively with Shahid Kapoor. The connect comes from the fact that he was the Chief Assistant Director in Fool N Final as well as Paathshaala, both featuring Shahid. Read More...

While Anjum Rizvi is one of the producers of John Day, the film is also backed by Aatef A Khan and his elder brother K. Asif who have just diversified into filmmaking. While this is their first stint into making movies, not many are aware that Aatef has worked extensively with Shahid Kapoor. The connect comes from the fact that he was the Chief Assistant Director in Fool N Final as well as Paathshaala, both featuring Shahid. "I was assisting Ahmed Khan back then. Though I and...

A few years back Naseeruddin Shah had played a central role in A Wednesday which turned out to be a cult outing. In fact the film is a major success amongst audience till date. The film also succeeding in forging a good relationship between the actor and producer Anjum Rizvi. Now that the two are returning with John Day, is seems quite apparent that this relationship came in handy to result in yet another outing.

“Well, relationship and all of course matters. If that wouldn’t have been the case toh phir meri shakal dekh kar hi bhaga dete,” laughs Rizvi, “Having said that, everyone knows Naseer saab. Just because of the fact that we had collaborated earlier on A Wednesday isn’t a reason good enough for him to do another film with me. If the script of John Day wouldn’t have excited him, he would have still turned me away.

In a poll conducted in the UK to decide the greatest piece of cinema that Bollywood has offered in its 100 years of existence, the 1960s classic Mughal –e-Azam emerged as the winner. The poll was conducted by a British Asian weekly newspaper named Eastern Eye. Mughal-e-Azam had a narrow victory over Bollywood’s take on Western movies – Sholay.Mughal-e-Azam, which translates to ‘The Greatest of the Mughals’ was directed by K. Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. The movie had a star cast comprising of Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Durga Khote. It revolves around the life of the Mughal Prince Salim, who eventual...

“Pyaasa” at Jagran Film Festival

The 4th edition of the Jagran Film Festival will be held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi from July 5-9, 2013.

The festival will celebrate Hundred Years of Indian Cinema with the screening of films like Kundan Shah’s Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy , Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay , Bimal Roy’s Madhumati and Do Bigha Zameen, Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa, Mani Ratnam’s Nayagan, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anand , Vijay Anand’s Guide , K. Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam among others.

The Jagran Film Festival is scheduled to cover 16 cities in India. The festival will begin from Delhi, travel through Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Agra, Meerut, Dehradun, Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Indore, Bhopal and finally culminate in Mumbai.

This year’s festival will feature movies in sections like World Panorama, Indian Showcase, Indian Premiers, Jagran Shorts, Cinema of the Sellers that is an Indian Competition for Advertising Films.

New Delhi, June 24: The fourth edition of Jagran Film Festival, to be held July 5-9, will celebrate 100 glorious years of Indian cinema. As many as 20 classics, including "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" and "Madhumati", will be screened for movie buffs.

The fest, scheduled at the Siri Fort Auditorium here, will also screen films like Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, Ramesh Sippy's "Sholay", Bimal Roy's "Do Biga Zameen", Guru Dutt's "Pyaasa", Mani Ratnam's "Nayagan", Hrishikesh Mukherjee's "Anand", Vijay Anand's "Guide" and K. Asif's "Mughal-e-Azam".

The movies will be showcased under categories like World Panorama, Indian Showcase, Indian Premiers,.

Who would have known that forty-four years after Raja Harishchandra (1913), India would be subjected to one of the most powerful and touching epics to have ever released from their film industry. This film was of course Mehboob Khan’s magnum opus Mother India (1957). A remake of Khan’s previous film Aurat (1940), Mother India has renowned actress Nargis playing the role of Radha; who is by far one of the greatest characters to have graced the big screen. The film was released 10 years after India’s independence and partition from British colonial rule. It is centred on the social and economic conditions of the country during the post-independence era and met with unanimous acclaim both from the critics and the public.

The story is based on Radha, Shamu (Raaj Kumar) and their children, who are subjected to extreme exploitation from Sukhilala (Kanhaiyalal) after Shamu’s mother takes a 500 rupee loan from...

It would be wrong of us to celebrate one hundred years of Indian Cinema if we did not acknowledge one of the greatest epics to have ever been made. Directed by K. Asif, Mughal-e-Azam (1960) is a film oozing with grandeur, romance and drama. Starring Dilip Kumar, Prithviraj Kapoor and Madhubala in central roles, it is based on the 16th century mythical love tale between a Mughal prince named Saleem (Dilip Kumar) and the court’s maidservant Anarkali (Madhubala). After seeing the two lovers together, Emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor) attempts to separate them, as he does not want a commoner to become the future Queen of India. Without a doubt, you are not a true fan of Indian Cinema until you have seen the phenomenal beauty that is Mughal-e-Azam.

Initially having received a lukewarm response from the critics, Mughal-e-Azam rapidly became one of the biggest hits in Indian box office history...

New Delhi, Dec 17: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who played Father Braganza in "Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa" went back to shoot in the same church here for his film "John Day" after 18 years.

In Kundan Shah's "Kabhi Haan...", featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Suchitra Krishnamurthy, and Deepak Tijori, the 62-year-old played a peace loving priest. However, in the new film his role is completely opposite.

In "John Day", he plays an angry old man seeking revenge. It is directed by debutant Ahishor Solomon.

Produced by "A Wednesday" director Anjum Rizvi along with K. Asif, "John Day" is an edge-of-the-seat revenge drama.

Actors.

Anyone who is a devoted Bollywood fan knows the name Kapoor. The eminent Kapoor clan is considered to be one of the most powerful dynasties in the Bombay film industry. They are a dynasty which is full of talent and over the past eighty years, their cinematic presence has been seen by generations of audiences. The majority of the actors and actresses to have emerged from the Kapoor family have had immensely successful careers and have starred in some of the finest films India has produced. They have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest directors and production houses in the country. It can be asserted with confidence that Bollywood is not complete without the presence of at least one Kapoor figure within the industry! We now take a look into the history of the Kapoor khandaan(family) and how their contribution to films has made them...

Mumbai, Jul 12: Hanif Sheikh, who composed music for Shahid Kapoor-starrer "Paathshaala", is set to score the soundtrack for the movie "John Day".

The thriller, directed by debutant Solomon Ahishor, will have five songs of different genres.

"I am very happy to be associated with a film like 'John Day'," Sheikh said in a statement.

The movie, produced by Anjum Rizvi and K. Asif, features Naseeruddin Shah, Randeep Hooda,.

After playing vigilante ready to change the system in .A Wednesday., veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah would be seen fighting corruption in his new film .John Day..Produced by Anjum Rizvi and K. Asif and directed by Solomon Ahishor, the film is a revenge drama..The film is an edge-of-a-seat revenge drama where Naseer saab plays a common man who fights against the corrupt system, thematically though it has no resemblance to .A Wednesday. at all,. Solomon said in a statement..John Day. also features Randeep Hooda, Vipin Sharma, Shernaz Patel and Salim Ghouse.