Predominantly writes on desi mass/pop-culture. Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @mayankw14
Spoke to two of India’s most influential filmmakers to figure how separate they are from each other!... [Read More]
25 March,2026 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharAs the story stunningly completes the circle, sequel seems better than the film’s fuzzy first part!... [Read More]
20 March,2026 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharDespite an unclear narrative, Sankalp remains watchable for its strong performances, especially Nana Patekar’s Chanakya-like mentor navigating power, ambition and long-term political strategy... [Read More]
18 March,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharTwo films and Academy nominations, in separate categories; same filmmaker! What’s up? I ask director Geeta Gandbhir...... [Read More]
11 March,2026 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharDo save your money for this sweet minimalism from Manipur…... [Read More]
07 March,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharIndian LPG carrier Shivalik arrived at Gujarat’s Mundra Port on Monday carrying about 46,000 metric tonnes (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas ordered by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Of the total cargo, around 20,000 MT will be unloaded at Mundra while the remaining 26,000 MT will be discharged at Mangalore after the vessel safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT... [Read More]
16 March,2026 10:04 PM ISTIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Sri Lanka, England posted a total of 146 runs. Here`s all you need to know (Pics: X)... [Read More]
22 February,2026 04:57 PM ISTEntertainment Top Stories: End your day with the most happening highlights. It`s time to relax and take a look at the latest news and events.... [Read More]
20 February,2026 06:30 PM ISTOn January 30, 2026, Mumbai woke up to heavy smog, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 246, categorized as “Unhealthy.” Areas like Sion and Wadala experienced even higher pollution levels, reaching “Severe” and “Hazardous,” prompting health warnings for residents PICS/ASHISH RAJE... [Read More]
31 January,2026 10:50 AM ISTIn the WPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants posted a total of 167 runs. Here`s all you need to know (Pics: File Pic/X)... [Read More]
30 January,2026 09:07 PM ISTThe death toll from Iran`s nationwide protests has reached at least 646 people killed, activists said Tuesday, with the number expected to rise further. (Pics/AFP)... [Read More]
13 January,2026 09:35 AM ISTPolling booths across constituencies that went to polls in Phase-1 of the Bihar Election 2025 witnessed lively scenes on Thursday, with voters turning out in record numbers. By 6 pm, 64.46 per cent of the electorate had cast their votes across 121 seats, exercising their democratic right (PICS/PTI)... [Read More]
06 November,2025 08:52 PM ISTElections for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats across Maharashtra will be held on December 2, with counting scheduled for December 3, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare announced on Tuesday. (PIC/ SATEJ SHINDE)... [Read More]
04 November,2025 06:56 PM ISTIn this episode of Sit with Hitlist, the maverick filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recounts the chaotic journey of making his latest film, Kennedy. He reveals how a chance encounter with Francis Ford Coppola changed his perspective on "masterpieces" and why he believes the current streaming era is killing complex storytelling.... [Read More]
11 March,2026 01:49 AM ISTBefore she was a star, Bhumi Pednekkar was a star-maker—a casting agent at Yash Raj Films who helped discover the likes of Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal. In this deep-dive interview with Mayank Shekhar, Bhumi looks back at her life on the other side of the camera and the harsh reality of delivering one of Hindi cinema’s biggest washouts.... [Read More]
13 February,2026 09:31 AM ISTDid you know Neha Dhupia was almost named Nirvana? In this candid "no bullsh*t" conversation, Neha reveals the surprising reason her parents changed her name last minute to honor a Deepti Naval character. She also drops a bombshell about her acting debut—which didn`t happen in India, but in a Japanese film! From the Miss India stage to the podcasting throne, Neha talks about the relentless hustle of staying relevant in a changing industry.... [Read More]
22 January,2026 04:55 PM ISTMadhuri Dixit Nene reveals the untold secrets behind her iconic `Dhak Dhak` song, the hilarious reason her U.S. neighbors almost called the cops, and her brand-new avatar in `Mrs. Deshpande.` In this exclusive episode of `Sit With Hitlist,` the legendary Madhuri Dixit joins Mayank Shekhar to take a deep dive into her journey from being India’s ultimate sweetheart to her life in Denver and her big return to the screen. ... [Read More]
19 December,2025 01:03 PM ISTIn this heartfelt episode of The Bollywood Film Story, singer Shilpa Rao sits down with Mayank Shekhar for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. Shilpa opens up about growing up with a father who quietly shaped her musical journey, her early struggles after arriving in Mumbai, and why she believes “Bombay people are not starstruck.” She reflects on life-altering failures, the importance of constantly learning, and the moment her first song changed everything. ... [Read More]
29 December,2025 08:20 PM ISTWhat if a celebrated Bollywood film almost never saw the light of day? Farhan Akhtar recently opened up about how the script of Luck By Chance — written in the early 2000s by Zoya Akhtar — lay dormant for seven years. Even though the story was ready, they couldn’t find a willing lead actor. Multiple stars rejected it. Finally, after years of struggle and uncertainty, Farhan decided to don the lead role himself — turning a stalled dream into a film that went on to resonate deeply with those who understand the harsh realities of making it in Bollywood. Here’s why the film’s journey to release was as dramatic as the struggle it portrayed. He also opened up about his very first date with Shibani Dandekar. Here’s how a painfully still first date turned into one of Bollywood’s most talked-about love stories."... [Read More]
26 November,2025 04:59 PM ISTHuma Qureshi joins Mayank Shekhar on Sit With Hitlist for a candid, no-filter conversation about her journey in Mumbai, from being a Delhite to carving her space in Bollywood with films like Maharani and Monica, O My Darling. In this episode, Huma opens up about rejection, bias, and what it truly means to stay authentic in a world obsessed with perfection.... [Read More]
12 November,2025 02:11 PM ISTIn a reversal of decades-long hostility, U.S. President Donald Trump formally welcomes Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to the White House, marking Syria`s first official state visit to Washington since 1946. The meeting symbolizes a major diplomatic shift, as Syria joins the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State under new leadership following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The White House also announced the lifting of long-standing economic sanctions on Damascus and the reopening of bilateral channels that had been frozen for decades. WATCH ... [Read More]
10 November,2025 06:24 PM ISTDid you know that Neha Dhupia was almost named Nirvana, until her parents decided to name her after Deepti Naval’s character in Chashme Buddoor? Or that she made her acting debut in a Japanese film way before she forayed into Bollywood? Plug in as Dhupia – no filter, no bullsh*t, and all fun – talks about hustling her way from Miss India winner to an actor to a podcaster, and acing every role.... [Read More]
21 January,2026 07:13 PM IST | MumbaiWhy did Shilpa Rao change her name from Apeksha at 15? How did a scratch recording of Tose Naina turn into a timeless Hindi film song? From growing up in Jamshedpur to meeting Hariharan at 13, plug in as the Grammy-nominated singer traces her journey to becoming one of Bollywood’s most distinctive voices—and explains why music, for her, is connected to maths too!... [Read More]
26 December,2025 03:31 PM IST | MumbaiIt’s impossible to imagine anyone other than Abhishek Banerjee as Janaa of Stree. But what if we told you the actor was initially rejected for the role? Or that his goofy act in the comedy made Sudip Sharma cast him as the violent Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok? Plug in as Banerjee talks about taking the long route to success, from an aspiring actor to casting director to an unconventional hero in Stolen.... [Read More]
12 September,2025 06:14 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that Ali Fazal wore his own shirt in the 3 Idiots song and asked the film`s team to "raffu" it? Or that he lost out on Homeland to do a forgettable Hindi film? In a freewheeling chat, the actor takes us from Mirzapur to Hollywood, from being launched by Shah Rukh Khan to working with Gerard Butler and his buddy Judi Dench... [Read More]
25 July,2025 06:14 PM IST | MumbaiWhy did Ishaan Khatter make a short film of sorts as an audition for filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds? Why did his half-brother Shahid Kapoor refuse to rope him in as an intern for Udta Punjab? Plug in as Khatter breaks down how he went from being A Suitable Boy to a thirst trap in The Royals, and hustled from Hindi cinema to Hollywood, all in seven years!... [Read More]
04 July,2025 07:55 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that Gajraj Rao initially worked as a journalist, interviewing Yash Chopra and Mehmood? Or that the actor, who became Internet’s favourite father thanks to TVF’s Tech Conversations with Dad, wanted to abandon the shoot midway? Plug in as Rao charts his journey, from being a little-known actor who would be mistaken for Loy of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy fame to becoming hero, post Badhaai Ho.... [Read More]
30 May,2025 06:30 PM IST | MumbaiHow did Boman Irani go from waiting on Shashi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar at the Taj, to co-writing with an Oscar winner? How did he begin his third career, acting, at 40 and fourth, direction, in his 60s? Plug in as Irani talks about his love for movies that began at Alexandra Cinema and took him to the big screen... [Read More]
25 February,2025 07:01 PM IST | MumbaiWho suggested that Rakesh Roshan name all his films with the letter ‘K’? Why did the director travel around the world before beginning the shoot of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai with son Hrithik Roshan? Plug in as Roshan traces his journey from a not-so-successful actor to a blockbuster filmmaker and star maker... [Read More]
11 February,2025 08:00 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
