Predominantly writes on desi mass/pop-culture. Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @mayankw14
Director Dibakar Banerjee’s film, traversing three generations of an Indian family between 1989 and 2042, would’ve killed it among audiences; it got killed on arrival instead... [Read More]
03 December,2025 06:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharYou go in for Dhanush, ideally, but stay for the music. This is an AR Rahman musical, after all. On the first hearing, frankly, none of the songs stick. Their picturisations do, besides Rai’s sense of scale, of course... [Read More]
28 November,2025 09:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharIf distribution is the issue with films as independent filmmakers are rightly cribbing about, now; then, really, where are the distributors? ... [Read More]
26 November,2025 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharTo the point that I felt the seventh episode was gonna lead up to the eighth, for a finale, since most shows/seasons end on an even number of episodes. That’s not how it worked... [Read More]
26 November,2025 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharThis whole lot, as a genre — Masti, Dhamaal, Golmaal, Malamaal Weekly, Garam Masala, No Entry, et al — belong to the turn of the century, when rando funny flicks hit the spot, with audiences, as a welcome break from cerebrum of the human brain... [Read More]
21 November,2025 10:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharPolling 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 ISTFrom a shy romantic in Eeshwar to a larger-than-life force in The Raja Saab, Prabhas’ cinematic journey spans over two decades of transformation and triumph. As the Pan-India superstar turns 46, we look back at how his onscreen roles have evolved, reflecting his growth as both an actor and a phenomenon ... [Read More]
23 October,2025 11:21 AM ISTWhat was meant to be a concert turned into Mumbai’s biggest desi shaadi carnival as Bollywood’s iconic duo, Vishal and Sheykhar, set the stage ablaze with their Silver Jubilee Tour. From Deewangi Deewangi to back-to-back dance hits, the night felt like a grand wedding celebration, complete with baraat vibes, dhol-taasha, and unforgettable musical memories. (Pics/Tarun Verma) ... [Read More]
15 September,2025 05:41 PM ISTHere are all the records to watch out for from the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Pic: File Pic)... [Read More]
29 May,2025 04:39 PM ISTNot many are aware that a 20-year-old Mayank Agarwal had once made his IPL debut, and it was for the franchise of his home state RCB, whose colours he is donning against Sunrisers Hyderabad during their IPL 2025 clash on Friday (Photos: IPL... [Read More]
23 May,2025 10:06 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]
28 April,2025 06:53 PM ISTShamita Shetty turned 46 today. With a disciplined diet and workout life, the actress seems to be ageing in reverse. These 7 looks of the actress prove the same... [Read More]
02 February,2025 12:27 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 ISTGet ready for a candid, unscripted conversation with the brilliant actor and director, Konkona Sensharma! In this episode of Sit with HitList, Konkona opens up to Mayank Shekhar about her accidental journey in cinema, from being St. Stephen`s College alumna to becoming a National Award-winning artist. The acclaimed actress, known for her powerful roles in Page 3, Wake Up Sid, and Luck by Chance (the famous Bombay Trilogy), discusses why she never saw herself as a mainstream star and what it means to be an outsider in the Bollywood industry. She candidly defines her own "snob" label, shares her mother Aparna Sen`s influence, and reveals details about her process working with directors like Rituparno Ghosh and Vishal Bhardwaj (Omkara). Konkona also reflects on the early days of her career, getting her famous nickname Koko from Shabana Azmi, and the prep for Mr. and Mrs. Iyer.... [Read More]
03 November,2025 12:17 PM ISTIsrael launched a “targeted strike” in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahia, claiming it hit a weapons storage site amid renewed fighting that killed at least 104 people, including 46 children. The Israeli military says it’s now “enforcing the ceasefire” again, blaming Hamas for violations. U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel “hit back” after a soldier was attacked but insisted “nothing will jeopardize the truce.” The fragile ceasefire now hangs by a thread as tensions flare across Gaza.... [Read More]
29 October,2025 12:46 AM ISTFrom being stopped on Dhadak sets to navigating life in Hollywood with no luxuries, Ishaan Khatter opens up like never before! On mid-day’s podcast The Bombay Film Story, the actor shares behind-the-scenes moments — like how Majid Majidi kept him isolated during Beyond the Clouds, what it was like travelling in Mumbai locals for a year, and cooking his own meals while shooting abroad. Catch this honest, heartfelt conversation that traces Ishaan`s evolution from an indie debut to the international stage.... [Read More]
05 July,2025 06:56 PM ISTIn this candid episode of Sit With Hitlist, Randeep Hooda opens up about the life-changing audition that landed him a role in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding. From recovering after a major accident to nervously auditioning with no idea who Mira Nair was, Randeep takes us through the serendipitous series of events that launched his film career. Watch as he reflects on theatre, working with Naseeruddin Shah, and the defining moment with Mira that changed everything.... [Read More]
25 June,2025 07:52 PM ISTIn this explosive episode of Midday Presents Sit With Hitlist, Randeep Hooda gets brutally honest about his life`s best experiences. From throwing out someone from his house at 2 AM, to calling out the vanity of showbiz, Hooda opens up about battles, breakthroughs, and bonding with icons like Salman Khan and Naseeruddin Shah. ... [Read More]
21 June,2025 12:47 AM ISTIt’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 | MumbaiFrom Bhikhu Mhatre in Satya (1998) to Joy Bag in Despatch (2024), actor Manoj Bajpayee takes you through his Mumbai madness — both personal, and onscreen; especially exploring this city as the crime scene, from his first hit, to his last film. Plug in, as we have fun with the Family Man, discussing everything, including the good ol’ Delhi-Mumbai debate!... [Read More]
07 January,2025 08:17 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that a "broke" Guneet Monga Kapoor had e-mailed Richard Branson and Ratan Tata, requesting them to sponsor her maiden trip to Oscars in 2010? Or that she had sold her Delhi house to finance Monsoon Shootout? Plug into our latest episode as she breaks down the hustle, heartbreak and jugaad it takes to go from indie producer to two-time Oscar winner.... [Read More]
26 September,2024 07:36 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
