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Subhash K Jha celebrates Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s timeless classic, Devdas, starring ShahRukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.

Something very unusual and unprecedented happened on July 12, 2002 at the end of this 3-hour long homage to the spirit of romantic love. The audiences in the front stalls stood up and clapped. They had never done that before at the end of a film.

Never before, never again. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s astute and exquisite adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s classic romantic tragedy leaves us with a feeling of deep elation and satiation. It confirms the director’s strong faith in the power of the visual medium to create poetry out of melodrama, and our faith in Bhansali as one of the five most gifted filmmakers mainstream filmmakers Hindi cinema has ever produced.

Straightaway, it must be said that after Hum Dil de Chuke Sanam, Bhansali created yet another achingly...

Subhash K Jha lists the best performances by Girish Karnad in this special feature.

He was a man of many talents: scholar, academician, activist, political commentator, theatre and film actor. But Bollywood knows him for his understated performances in unforgettable films in the 1970s and 80s, which changed the way we look at mainstream acting. Here’s a list of his best Bollywood films.

1. Nishant (1975): Playing the docile, helpless school teacher whose wife (Shabana Azmi) is abducted by the village zamindar, Karnad brought dignity and restraint into a situation which screamed for dramatic eruptions. Karnad never overacted. He was measured at a time when drama flourished.

2. Swami (1977): This was the second film where Girish Karnad starred as the silent, undemanding, doting spouse to Shabana Azmi, and this time he was even more of a brilliant projectile, hitting the right emotions. In this superb adaptation of Saratchandra Chatterjee’s novel,...

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali Was Inspired By His Father For Devdas (Photo Credit – Prime Video/Instagram)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in Indian cinema. He is known for his extraordinary vision, and some of his works have also been inspired by the events from his own life and childhood. One of them is his 2002 tragic magnum opus, Devdas. In an earlier interview, the director revealed how the Shah Rukh Khan starrer was inspired by his father’s struggle with alcohol. Not only this, but in an old episode of Rendezvous With Simi Grewal, Slb had also opened up about his tumultuous childhood owing to his father’s battle with alcoholism.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Having A Difficult Childhood

In Simi Grewal’s show, Sanjay Leela Bhansali opened up about his difficult childhood wherein he saw his father battle alcoholism and often become extremely violent. The...

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...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas (Photo Credit – Instagram)

More than two decades ago, Sanjay Leela Bhansali created a masterpiece with Devdas, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role. The movie remains one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. Bhansali’s grand vision, combined with the powerful performances of Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, brought the film to life, making it a timeless classic. Loved and acclaimed even today, Devdas now has another historic moment to celebrate.

The film will be screened at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles from March 8 to April 20 as part of the guest program Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of India, highlighting its cinematic brilliance on a global stage. Devdas is amongst the 12 Indian films selected to be screened at the prestigious program. The selection reaffirms its status as a cinematic masterpiece celebrated globally. Even after over two decades,...

In Dev.D , Anurag Kashyap at last shed his obstinate inaccessibility as a filmmaker. More a homage to Sanjay Leela Bhansali than litterateur Saratchandra Chatterjee’s Devdas, Kashyap’s Dev.D is that deep liberating, lascivious, luscious, provocative, tantalizing, and tragic view of tragic hedonism, ruinous self-indulgence, and vain miscommunication that Saratchandra barely thought about but couldn’t articulate.

Fiery, unforgettably unstoppable in her self-worth…Paro, now transposed to Punjab, knows her Devdas just got back from England and wants some quality sex.

As determined as ever, she cycles to the nearest sugarcane fields with a bulky bedroll tied to the carrier and spreads it out for her foreign-returned lover-boy…That image of the super-determined Paro cycling to sex in the fields, compounded with that brilliantly shot sequence where she explodes her bitterness, frustration, and anger by pressing down on a handpump as though it were a….never mind qualify as two...

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Was Once Advised To Quit Making This Film (Photo Credit – Koimoi)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the most prestigious filmmakers in the Indian film industry. Cinephiles wait eagerly for his movies. His films have great content, and the sets mesmerize the fans. His movies are among the most expensive ones, and imagine when things go wrong and people advise you to stop making the film. Bhansali once faced such a situation when making one of his most popular movies, from set burning to producer landing hot water. However, the filmmaker was determined to complete it, and his fans are glad he did so!

He has a multifaceted personality and is an adept music composer. In addition to winning several Indian awards, including multiple National Film Awards and Padma Shri, he was also nominated for a BAFTA Award. Bhansali excels in period dramas and musicals with grand sets.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan revealed that his production company Red Chillies Entertainment has acquired the rights to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 film “Devdas.” Khan starred in the 2002 film, which appeared at the Cannes Film Festival.

Khan was at the Locarno Film Festival to accept a career achievement award and deliver a masterclass. He made the announcement during a special screening of the film. “We as a production company bought the rights of this film back, and I’m very, very proud that it belongs to our company now,” Khan told the audience before the screening

The 2002 adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1917 novel is just one in a long line of film versions of the tragic tale. Khan acknowledged this rich history, noting, “By the time I got to see the film, I think they’d made 18 films based on the same novel, or 20, and lots of other plays and songs.

Nearly two decades have passed since the release of the song ‘Kabhi aana tu meri gali’ by pop band Euphoria, featuring Vidya Balan. Vidya Balan recently reminisced about how her first Bollywood film, ‘Parineeta’, directed by Pradeep Sarkar in 2005, came her way.

Reflecting on her experiences while shooting the song alongside Palash Sen and under Sarkar’s direction, Vidya told Ians: “I remember when I shot ‘Kabhi aana tu meri gali’, it was over five nights. When I say nights, the shoot was supposed to be from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. But dada (Sarkar) would shoot beyond that.”

The National-Award-winning actress used to reside two hours away in Chembur, Mumbai, from the shoot location in Boisar.

“For five days, I did not come back home. I had a model friend living close by, and I would go to her house, bathe, come back, and sleep on location,” she recalled with laughter.

Cesar Award-winning French actress Guslagie Malanda is currently in the national capital Delhi to attend the European Union Film Festival. Guslagie, whose film ‘Saint Omer’ marked the opening of the film fest, shared that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Devdas’ is her most favourite Hindi film of all times.

The actress is immersing herself in the city’s vibrant culture and has also fallen for Delhi’s culinary delights.

During her 5-day stay in Delhi, Malanda will be absorbing the local culture of the city.

When asked about Bollywood, Guslagie Malanda shared her love for the timeless classic, ‘Devdas’. The French actress revealed that she’s watched the movie multiple times and admires every actor’s performance. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial holds a special place in her heart as one of her favourite Bollywood films.

The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film is based on the 1917 novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay,...

Cesar Award-winning French actress Guslagie Malanda is currently in the national capital Delhi to attend the European Union Film Festival. Guslagie, whose film ‘Saint Omer’ marked the opening of the film fest, shared that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Devdas’ is her most favourite Hindi film of all times.

The actress is immersing herself in the city’s vibrant culture and has also fallen for Delhi’s culinary delights.

During her 5-day stay in Delhi, Malanda will be absorbing the local culture of the city.

When asked about Bollywood, Guslagie Malanda shared her love for the timeless classic, ‘Devdas’. The French actress revealed that she’s watched the movie multiple times and admires every actor’s performance. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial holds a special place in her heart as one of her favourite Bollywood films.

The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film is based on the 1917 novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay,...

It’s the day of ‘Badshah’ of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, who stands tall as the epitome of romance, and has painted the silver screen with a myriad of love stories that have become immortal classics.

The actor turned 58 on Thursday, and his magnetic presence, soulful eyes, and enchanting dimpled smile has charmed his way into our hearts from the past more than three decades.

From iconic ‘Rahul’ of ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ to the passionate ‘Raj’ of ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, Srk’s characters have etched unforgettable moments in the hearts of movie lovers across the globe.

Through the lens of movies like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Mohabbatien’, and ‘Devdas’, Srk has not only made us believe in the power of love, but has also taught us that true romance knows no limits.

From the passionate lover to the devoted husband, Srk’s journey is a saga of love,...

It’s the day of ‘Badshah’ of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, who stands tall as the epitome of romance, and has painted the silver screen with a myriad of love stories that have become immortal classics.

The actor turned 58 on Thursday, and his magnetic presence, soulful eyes, and enchanting dimpled smile has charmed his way into our hearts from the past more than three decades.

From iconic ‘Rahul’ of ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ to the passionate ‘Raj’ of ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, Srk’s characters have etched unforgettable moments in the hearts of movie lovers across the globe.

Through the lens of movies like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Mohabbatien’, and ‘Devdas’, Srk has not only made us believe in the power of love, but has also taught us that true romance knows no limits.

From the passionate lover to the devoted husband, Srk’s journey is a saga of love,...

Bengali-language focused streamer Hoichoi has unveiled a 24-strong slate on the occasion of its sixth anniversary of operations.

The platform has seen a 40% surge in direct subscriptions and a 60% rise in individual watch time per subscriber compared to 2022, Hoichoi said. The streamer’s monthly active users have doubled, it said. Apart from India and Bangladesh, its footprint is across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, U.S. and U.K. and international subscriber revenues have increased by 40%. The average engagement time per active user is 59 minutes.

The streamer is introducing a new segment Best of Bengal and a new addition to its World Classics strand, which will feature literary adaptations from Bengal and the rest of the world, respectively.

Hoichoi recently established a partnership with Mukesh Ambani’s Jio Cinema for its Hindi-dubbed content. One of the key strategic initiatives for the year ahead will involve exploring opportunities to

make content...

Sujoy Ghosh’s Netflix original film “Jaane Jaan,” headlined by Bollywood royalty Kareena Kapoor Khan, has become the number one non-English film globally for the streamer. With 8.1 million views, the Hindi-language film is also in the Top 10 in 52 countries.

“Jaane Jaan” is the Indian adaptation of Japanese author Higashino Keigo’s bestselling 2005 novel “The Devotion of Suspect X.” It follows a single mother and her daughter who commit a crime and a neighbor who helps them cover it up amidst a police investigation. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat (“Paatal Lok”) and Vijay Varma (“Dahaad”).

“I am so excited and thrilled to hear that the film has reached number 1 globally in the non-English section and is currently trending in 52 countries,” Kapoor Khan told Variety. “My Ott [streaming] debut with Netflix and working on a film like ‘Jaane Jaan’ has been so rewarding. The reactions, messages from fans and audiences around the...

“Devdas,” the 1917 novella by Bengali author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, is one of the most commonly adapted stories in Indian cinema, and the tale's star-crossed romance and harsh critique of contemporary social mores have served as an influence for countless books and films. By the time then up-and-coming auteur Anurag Kashyap began conceiving his own take on “Devdas,” there had been at least fifteen movies directly or indirectly based on the novel, and the wildly popular Shah Rukh Khan version had recently been released in 2002. Not wanting to merely copy what came before, Kashyap decided to alter the story to reflect 21st-century social issues. This resulted in 2009's “Dev. D,” a bold adaptation that brought an arthouse style to general audiences.

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The basic plot outline stays loyal to the source material. A rich young man named Dev (Abhay Deol) is...

[Editor’s note: This story contains spoilers for “Polite Society.”]

It took everything I had not to yell out loud during “Polite Society.”

Not because of the intense fight sequences, killer martial arts, or even that twist — what had this reporter out of her seat was a dance sequence that unfolds during the film’s final act. As Ria (Priya Kansara) dances at sister Lena’s (Ritu Arya) wedding, she aims to “distract” the assembled guests while her friends are busy executing a master plan that’s consumed most of the film’s running time. Dressed in an emerald-green outfit, Ria takes the stage, and the opening notes of “Maar Dala” begin to play.

Composed by Ismail Darbar with lyrics by Nusrat Badr, “Maar Dala” first appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2002 film “Devdas,” based on 1917 Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel of the same name. In the film, Madhuri Dixit-Nene performs the number (sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy and K.K.) as courtesan Chandramukhi,...

Exclusive: Leading Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his banner Bhansali Productions have signed with U.S. agency WME.

One of the most well-known filmmakers out of India, Bhansali has worked as a screenwriter, music composer, editor, and producer across his three-decade career.

His 2002 film Devdas, an adaptation of author Sarat Chandra’s novel of the same name, premiered at Cannes and received a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

In 2005, his film Black, inspired by the life of Hellen Keller and starring Bollywood titans Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, won the Indian National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Since beginning to compose music for his own films back in 2010, Bhansali has been recognized in the music space as well. In 2019, he won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for his work in his film Padmaavat. He also recently released an album of self-composed...

Exclusive: Delhi Crime Season 2 showrunner and director Tanuj Chopra has signed with WME.

The deal comes following the launch of the buzzy second run of Netflix’s crime procedural, whose first season made history in 2020 by becoming the first Indian show to win the Outstanding Drama Series award at the International Emmys.

Chopra took over showrunning duties from creator Richie Mehta for the second run, which debuted on the streamer August 26 and is from Sk Global Entertainment, Golden Karavan and Film Karavan.

Previously an indie filmmaker, Chopra has written, directed and produced four grand jury prize-winning features including Punching at the Sun, a gritty movie about teens coming of age in post-9/11 Queens that was the first South Asian American film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. He also picked up awards for Chee and T, Grass and the improvised dark comedy Staycation, which won the LA Muse Fiction...

by Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri

(The article was published initially in Projectorhead.in)

The Early Years

While exhibition of films in Calcutta can be dated back to 1896, when one Professor Stevens screened the Lumiere programmes at Star Theatre, it was only in the first decade of the twentieth century that Bengal had its first indigenous film-maker—Hiralal Sen. Calcutta at the time had a strong tradition of professional theatre, and theatre houses served as outlets for films. The earliest screenings were held in theatre houses where films appeared as a double bill attraction alongside the plays. Influential theatre owners, like for example Amarendra Nath Dutta of Classic Theatre, encouraged the production of films by allowing Hiralal Sen to photograph his stage productions, which were then advertised as ‘superfine pictures from our world-renowned plays’ and exhibited. At the same time, given the Bengali’s natural propensity for topical and newsy items, it...

Having established herself as a bankable Bollywood star, actor Richa Chadha has been exploring different mediums of filmmaking. Her performance in the web series Inside Edge was highly appreciated. Now, we will see her next in another contemporary adaptation of the Saratchandra Chattopadhyay’s classic ‘Devdas’. Director Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming film Daasdev follows a path contraryRead More

The post Confirmed: Richa Chadha to play Paro in Sudhir Mishra’s Daasdev appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

The Nampally Sessions Court on Monday asked Tollywood actor Mahesh Babu to appear personally in court over the Sreemanthudu copyright case which was filed by M Sarat Chandra, a novelist.

The Court also stated that they cannot exempt the superstar from appearing in court, as per the actor's request.

The Court had summoned Mahesh Babu, director Koratala Siva and producer Y Naveen for alleged copyright violation in connection with the film ‘Srimanthudu’ on February 3.

Sudhir Mishra, who completed a long schedule of Aur Devdas in Lucknow, says he has decided to dedicate the film to the litterateur Saratchandra Chatterjee. Says Sudhir, "I am dedicating the film to both Saratchandra and Shakespeare. Though my film is a take on Saratchandra's Devdas, it moves completely away from the original text. Still, my film is born out of Saratchandra's novels. It then moves into Shakespearean territory, no particular play, but all the Shakespearean tragedies about the virus of ambition and the lust for power." In truth, adds Sudhir, the film has little connection with either Saratchandra or Shakespeare, and yet there's a very deep-rooted connection. "If they were to see my film, they may not recognize their work in Aur Devdas. But, I know where I've been inspired by them." Curiously, this is the first occasion when Sudhir has referenced his cinema to literature. "I...

The classic Bengali novella Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay has been told countless times in Bollywood. Well now director Sudhir Mishra is making a new film based on the story which will be told in a unique style.

Actress Richa Chadha has told the Indian press that she watched 8 versions of Devdas as part of her preparation in playing the memorable character Paro. “Essaying a role of a timeless character like Paro is a great responsibility,” said Richa. “I had only seen the two Hindi adaptations till date but when I did my homework for Sudhir sir’s film I felt it was a great opportunity to study all the movies. I have done my best by adding newness to my character.”

The character of Paro has been played by renowned actresses like Suchitra Sen and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Richa is now the new addition to a character which many actresses dream of portraying.

Being a classic tale of romance, tragedy and betrayal, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 'Devdas' has been the love of filmmakers since decades. Time and again, there have been several adaptations of 'Devdas' which was made in several different languages and yet again, it is now Sudhir Mishra who has decided to re-tell the story in his own style.

Although it is believed that Mishra's adaptation is a mix of many films like Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Devdas and even has shades of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', it is set in contemporary times and will be a refreshing approach from what people may have seen of the classic. Richa Chadda, who plays the role of Paro, saw as many as 8 versions of Devdas, simply to bring a difference to her portrayal and to understand the story's depth much better. Having said that, the 'Paro' in this film...

The bottle-friendly anti-hero Devdas from Saratchandra Chatterjee's immortal saga is no longer an incorrigible incurable alcoholic.

Aur Devdas, Sudhir Mishra's revisionist version of the story features a Devdas played by the talented Rahul Bhat (Anurag Kashyap's discovery said to be outstanding in Ugly) who is trying to kick the alcoholic habit and goes into a rehabilitation centre for rigorous detoxification.

This makes Mishra's Devdas the most unique interpretation of Saratchandra's tragic and doomed lover hero, so far played by Dilip Kumar in Bimal Roy's Devdas, Shah Rukh Khan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas and Abhay Deol in Anurag Kashyap's crisp and kinky Dev D.

Rahul Bhat went through rigorous training to get his role right.

Says the promising new actor, "Devdas is an alcoholic. But in Sudhir Sir's version he is trying his utmost to fight his addiction."

Bhat's Devdas tries to get himself rehabilitated repeatedly.

We have a very special treat for all you Bollywood fanatics. BollySpice presents to you an exclusive excerpt from the newly released book Bollywood’s India: Hindi Cinema as a Guide to Contemporary India. Written by Indian Cinema scholar Professor Rachel Dwyer and published by Reaktion Books, Bollywood’s India examines the importance of Hindi Cinema over the last two decades and how it can help us to interpret the social aspects of India as we know it today. Be it religion, human behaviour as well as social, political and economic issues which have affected the country in recent years; Dwyer looks at how all these have been depicted in Hindi films and the important link between films and reality. The book is available to buy now and has also been released in India as Picture Abhi Baaki Hai by Hachette India. This is a must for any movie buff...

New Delhi, Dec 26: Typical saas-bhau or family dramas have outlived their sell-by date! The collapse of "Chhanchhan" and "Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat" sent out a loud and clear message that viewers want fresh and innovative content.

Old and boring saas-bahu tales were given the thumbs down by fans of Hindi general entertainment channels who lapped up shows like thriller "24", and "Comedy Nights With Kapil". In the drama section, they appreciated "Qubool Hai", a show about two Muslim families and "Tumhari Pakhi", based on Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Naba Bidhan".

Ians lists the shows that started with a bang,.

From its opening montage of a young rustic girl watching her callous husband bring home another wife, to the dying moments when the woman, now in her twilight years, is taken away to the relative comfort of her foster-son’s home as the festivities of Durga Puja break out on the streets of Kolkata… Amar Prem is a glorious homage to that favourite Bollywood archetype: the golden-hearted prostitute.

That Sharmila Tagore plays the woman whom men of all ages gravitate to in pursuit of some heavy duty nurturing is a very happy situation for the screenplay. In the film a 7-year old boy and a 30-plus man both desire the same kind of emotional attention from her.This prostitute is not about sex. She is about soul. Sharmila brings to this timeless adaptation of Bibhutibushan Bandhopaddhyay’s story, a kind of simpering beauty that levitates the lyricism of the tragic...

Mumbai, Oct 30: Popular playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan recorded the title song of upcoming TV show "Tumhari Pakhi". She said she enjoyed singing the number that talks about longing.

Based on Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Naba Bidhan", "Tumhari Pakhi" will revolve around Pakhi, who has been waiting for her love to come back.

"The song is about longing and has been composed beautifully. I had a great time singing it. It is a song with mixed feelings," Sunidhi said.

"The song is from Pakhi's perspective. She has been waiting for Anshuman, her true love, to come back for the past many years," she added.

Sachin.

Mumbai, Oct 21: Playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan will lend her voice for the title song of the upcoming TV show "Tumhari Pakhi", based on Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Naba Bidhan".

Sunidhi has been signed for the title track and she will record it soon, said a source.

Sachin Gupta, who has composed for films like "Prince", will score the music for the song.

Ready to go on air Nov 11 on Life Ok, "Tumhari Pakhi", a love story, features Iqbal Khan and Sharddha Arya in the lead roles.

Produced under Shashi and Sumeet Mittal's banner Shashi Sumeet Productions, it has been shot in Chittor, Shimla, Panchgani.

The novelist discovered the classics when popular Hindi film was in the doldrums. But two gangland takes on Shakespeare started a new wave of indie cinema whose irreverence endures today

It wasn't until I was a graduate student, in Oxford, in the late 1980s, that I began to discover Hindi cinema. (The word "Bollywood" existed then, but it wasn't a catch-all term to describe a cinematic tradition of great, contradictory variety, and one that was only a strand – albeit the most publicised one – in Indian cinema as a whole.)

What drew me were the black-and-white movies of the 50s and 60s; movies I hadn't seen either because they'd been made before I was born or when I was too small, or because my middle-class upbringing prohibited me from taking them seriously. I grew up on Hollywood movies. When I was a teenager, I became aware of the astonishing work of Satyajit Ray,...

Devdas, released in 2002, was based on a 1917 Bengali romance novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. As this was the third Hindi film adaptation of the famous story, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had large shoes to fill – the 1955 film directed by Bimal Roy and starring Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Vyjayanthimala is often revered as one of the best Bollywood films of all time. With an ultimate star cast of Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, superb screenplay, stunning sets, gorgeous costumes and fabulous songs, Bhansali more than fulfilled his duty.

Set in early 20th century Kolkatta, the film is the entangled love story of Devdas (Khan) and Paro (Rai), childhood sweethearts who are torn apart as a result of their families’ pride, jealousy and differing socio-economic status. Devdas turns to a life of roaming and alcoholism and falls into the arms of a beautiful courtesan, Chandramukhi (Dixit). However, Chandramukhi...

Mumbai, Jan 9: Composer-singer Amit Trivedi, who last sung for Anurag Kashyap's "Dev D" four years ago, returns to singing with "Kai Po Che!".

Confirming the same, the film's director Abhishek Kapoor said Trivedi has "sung two songs titled 'Manjha' and 'Meethi boliyaan'".

"His voice texture suited the film to the T and the songs are sounding just brilliant. We can't wait for the music launch, being planned by (producer) Utv Motion Pictures. The songs are soulful and meaningful," Kapoor told Ians.

Trivedi made it big in Bollywood by composing music for "Dev D", a modern take on Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novella,.

“We actors are completely oblivious of ourselves and our surroundings while we perform and even when we watch our work in the rushes shown to us, our senses and vision are trained to detect shortcomings more than accomplishments. That’s the only way we know to improve and render performances that come close to our own satisfaction. And it is always the audience who have the absolute right to acclaim or reject our work, however hard we may have worked to achieve perfection and excellence.” – Dilip Kumar in a letter to Amitabh Bachchan on 14 December 2011

One article alone is not enough to write about the profound impact which Mr Dilip Kumar has had on many people and on Indian films. He himself may not have been aware of the fact that working in films would someday result in him being branded by film personalities and by fans worldwide as one...

Shahrukh Khan has indeed come a long way since he made his entry into Bollywood films over twenty years ago. He is one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry today and has a global fan following which only few actors have managed to secure. He has greatly modernised the romantic hero persona for the new generation of audiences. This has given him such overwhelming success that any aspiring actor is most likely to be in deep envy of. His varied characters have led to young women loving him and young men wanting to be like him. His star image has been strengthened over the years as a result of being an ambassador for numerous commercial products, from Tag Heuer watches to Pepsi cola drinks. His body of television work has added to his success and has allowed his popularity to cultivate both in India and overseas.

Ah decisions, decisions, so many decisions! I had the unenviable task of choosing which my favourite Bollywood scene was and as an avid Bollywood fan as you can imagine, I have a lot of favorite films and consequently an unholy amount of favourite scenes. Trying to narrow it down to just one scene from a Bollywood film, was probably one of the most difficult things you could have asked me – a girl who’s been watching Bollywood films ever since she can remember - to do, but just for all you BollySpice fans, I did it. One of the most colourful, dramatic and romantic tragedies ever to be made in modern-day Bollywood, Devdas is probably my only favourite Bollywood film in which everything is magnificent; the sets, the costumes, the characters, the storyline, the songs and of course the actors! Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s adaptation of Bengali author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel,...

'Time' magazine ranked Bollywood film 'Devdas' (2002)—starring Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit—among the top 10 movies of the millennium so far.

'Devdas,' directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, took the No. 8 spot and was the only Indian film on the list, which was published in May.

'Time' film critic Richard Corliss also picked such films as 'Avatar' (2009), 'The Hurt Locker' (2009), 'Moulin Rouge' (2001), 'The Artist' (2011), and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' (2000).

Corliss described Khan as an "all-world charismatist" and Madhuri as "a hot number who had danced flamenco on men's libidos for a decade or so before appearing in this worldly-wise role."

"'Devdas' is a visual ravishment, with sumptuous sets, fabulous frocks and beautiful people to fill them; it has a grandeur the old Hollywood moguls would have loved," Corliss wrote.

At the time of its release, 'Devdas' was...

Surpassing the Oscar winning French film The Artist and Luhrmann's musical Moulin Rouge, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's adaptation of the 1917 Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Devdas stood on the number 8 slot on the coveted Times Magazines' 10 Greatest Movies of the Millennium list.Says an excited Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "The news couldn't have come at a better time, Devdas completes 10 momentous years...It's a very proud and happy moment for me. When Devdas released, it was sla...

Mumbai, May 21: Sanjay leela Bhansali's 2002 film "Devdas" is the only Indian film to feature in Time magazine's list of the millenium's 10 greatest movies, and the filmmaker says the honour couldn't have been better timed.

"The news couldn't have come at a better time as 'Devdas' completes 10 momentous years. It is a very proud and happy moment for me," Bhansali told reporters here.

"Devdas", inspired by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1901 novel, featured Shah Rukh Khan as Devdas, Aishwarya Rai as Paro and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi in key roles..

A potent mix of sleek production, inspiration from literary works, sex and high quality music are behind a resurgent commercial Bengali cinema, which is again giving tough competition to Bollywood films in West Bengal..Bengali cinema has been going through an excellent phase for the last two-three years. But there is no place for complacency and we need to build up and improve on it,. filmmaker Sandip Ray told Ians.His latest film .Royal Bengal Rahasya., based on the detective series Feluda created by his father Satyajit Ray, has been a blockbuster hit.The year 2008-09 was the year of renaissance of the Bengali film industry as the new genre of talented directors with their fresh ideas and challenging attitudes changed the tide of the industry.Movies like .Antaheen., .Kalbela., .Autograph., .Aparajita Tumi., .Abohoman., .Moner Manush., .Arekti Premer Golpo., .Chalo Lets Go., and .Mahanagar@Kolkata. created a rage among the urban audience,...

Actress Vidya Balan has been rechristened .Bombaat Balan. by her fans after her sensuous avatar as Silk in her forthcoming movie .The Dirty Picture...Bombaat Balan, people have started calling me Bombat Balan! I found it quite funny the first time, but now I am used to it. Great!,. said the actress in an interview.After having been seen in graceful and classy roles like .Parineeta. and .Paa., Vidya suprised everyone when she decided to play a sex symbol in Milan Luthria.s .The Dirty Picutre., but it was not a cakewalk for her..I would have to say that Silk (her character name in the film) has been an extremely demanding, exhausting, tiring and yet very fulfilling and exhilarating role for me to have played...It.s like a workout. Sometimes you kill yourself during the workout and you feel dead after that. But it.s also extremely exhilarating...

Netflix has revolutionized the home movie experience for fans of film with its instant streaming technology. Netflix Nuggets is my way of spreading the word about independent, classic and foreign films being made available by Netflix for instant streaming. Important Note: There may be some films that do not become available on the specified dates. This is merely a report of the most accurate release dates I can find, but is not directly confirmed by Netflix themselves.

Dev.D (2009)

Streaming Available: 06/14/2011

Synopsis: Because they come from different castes, Dev (Abhay Deol), the son of a tax collector, and his true love, Paro (Mahie Gill), are not allowed to marry. After Paro’s family sends her to Calcutta, where she marries an older, wealthy widower, Dev despairs. He soon meets prostitute Chanda (Kalki Koechlin) and gradually spirals down into a life of overindulgence in this adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s best-selling novel Devdas.

'Parineeta' (2005)

Starring Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt

It's almost unfair to criticize a film for not being as good as the book—because they almost never are. It's simply the nature of adaptation from one medium to another—something has to be sacrificed in order to make it work. But what's sacrificed in the commercially palatable 'Parineeta'—the 2005 film adaptation of the 1914 Bengali novella of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay—doesn't have to be. What's retained, which is a superb story, nearly makes up for what's lost in the characterizations.

The author's most famous work—and the one most often adapted for film—is 'Devdas.' His romances are fraught with social complications—classic upstairs man/downstairs woman love stories—and his male characters are confounding and frustrating to say the least. They are not heroic, but compelling nonetheless because they are so very familiar.

Click above for more movie stills The lovely Sen sisters, Riya and Raima, are caught in a dilemma. The bone of contention between Ghai and Ghosh, and by extension involving Riya and Raima is the film that brings the two sisters together, a wide-screen adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's controversial novel Nauka Dubi which casts Raima and Riya in a bold wife-swapping tale. In the novel, as too in Ghosh's Hindi-Bengali adaptation, the two women protagonists played by Riya and Raima never come together, not even for a passing shot. Apparently, Ghai who has produced the film, feels the audiences specially in the Hindi belt would feel cheated if the two hotties are not brought together at least once in the film. Says a source, "Ghai belongs to the hardcore commercial school of filmmaking whereas Rituparno Ghosh's sensitivities are far more arty. This is the first time that the...

The lovely Sen sisters, Riya and Raima, are caught in a dilemma. The bone of contention between Ghai and Ghosh, and by extension involving Riya and Raima is the film that brings the two sisters together, a wide-screen adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's controversial novel Nauka Dubi which casts Raima and Riya in a bold wife-swapping tale. In the novel, as too in Ghosh's Hindi-Bengali adaptation, the two women protagonists played by Riya and Raima never come together, not even for a passing shot. Apparently, Ghai who has produced the film, feels the audiences specially in the Hindi belt would feel cheated if the two hotties are not brought together at least once in the film. Says a source, "Ghai belongs to the hardcore commercial school of filmmaking whereas Rituparno Ghosh's sensitivities are far more arty. This is the first time that the two sisters Raima and Riya are coming together.

'Devdas' (2002)

Starring Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit

At the time of its release, 'Devdas' was the most expensive Bollywood film ever made—and every rupee shows. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali—whose prior film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' (1999) and later project 'Saawariya' (2007) were equally lavish productions—spared no detail here, from the costumes to the choreography. The sumptuous sets literally shimmer, enhanced by artful cinematography.

But what's most engaging about the film is its wrenching story of separated lovers. Not a new story, to be sure, but a magnificent melodrama all the same and one that's more emotionally complicated than most stories about parental opposition to love.

The novella 'Devdas' was written in 1917 by esteemed Bengali author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and it's so beloved by Indians it has been made into a film 12 times, in various Indian languages, including three Hindi versions.

October 15, 2010: Vidya Balan is in Kolkata, shooting for the film ‘Kahaani’ and the actress is delighted to be present in the city during Durga Puja. Balan has a strong bond with Bengal and the Bengali festival for quite some time now.

First time appeared on-screen was in a music video of Euphoria where she got married to the band’s lead singer Palash Sen in Bengali style next she made her film debut in a Bengali film named Bhalo Theko. Soon it was followed by an ad film which saw her with Soumitra Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee and it was shot had the setting was of Durga Puja.

Next in her Hindi film debut Vidya was seen in Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta a film inspired by Benglai novelist Sarat Chandra Chattophadhyay’s.

October 15, 2010: Vidya Balan is in Kolkata, shooting for the film ‘Kahaani’ and the actress is delighted to be present in the city during Durga Puja. Balan has a strong bond with Bengal and the Bengali festival for quite some time now.

First time appeared on-screen was in a music video of Euphoria where she got married to the band’s lead singer Palash Sen in Bengali style next she made her film debut in a Bengali film named Bhalo Theko. Soon it was followed by an ad film which saw her with Soumitra Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee and it was shot had the setting was of Durga Puja.

Next in her Hindi film debut Vidya was seen in Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta a film inspired by Benglai novelist Sarat Chandra Chattophadhyay’s.

Dhaka, July 16 – Veteran Bangladeshi film actor Bulbul Ahmed who portrayed memorable roles based on Bengali literary classics, including ‘Devdas’, is dead. He was 69.

Tabarruk Ahmed Bulbul died Thursday after fighting prolonged illness.

‘Actor Rahman, popularly known as Chunilal, left me several years back. And this time, Devdas has left me,’ said Chashi Nazrul Islam, director of the film ‘Devdas’.

Based on a novel by Saratchandra Chatttopadhyaya, ‘Devdas’.