shot-button

Rajpal Yadav claims he has work worth Rs 1200 crore amid cheque bounce row

Rajpal Yadav was recently imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court’s verdict in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. He later got bail, after which he thanked those who supported him. Days after the controversy, Rajpal, at a press conference, made startling claims about his finances, projects and influence. His lawyer claimed attempts were made to malign his image and insisted he was always willing to settle the matter legally. Rajpal Yadav on his assets During the conference, Rajpal claimed, “If Rajpal doesn’t even have a single rupee in his pocket, believe me, for the next 10 years, there are 36 guest houses in this country for us, for love, not for position.” He added, “If we go to any district, there are sometimes 15 vehicles, sometimes 10 vehicles, in which I never have to put diesel. So, at the very least, Rajpal Yadav owns 7,000 vehicles in this country.” He also claimed that wherever he goes, a DM and commissioner are present in the district to assist him. He said, “In the next seven years, I have work worth Rs 1,200 crore for branding. I have four agreements with me. This does not include films. Some projects are worth Rs 200 crore, some are worth Rs 2,000 crore. Some of it is fees and some of it is shares in the projects. I have 10 films in line.” During the press conference, Rajpal Yadav also thanked everyone who came forward and helped him in this tough phase. Rajpal Yadav’s lawyer accuses complainant of tarnishing reputation Rajpal’s lawyer said, “They had said in the press conference that they never intended to send Rajpal to jail. That is not true. In 2018, Rajpal had submitted a security amount in court, and he was also ready to attach his property papers, but Madhav Gopal Agarwal refused the same and chose to send him to jail.” He added, “He is spreading lies and maligning Rajpal’s image. If he had taken the security amount, the case would have closed in 2018 itself. His intention was never the money; it was to see Rajpal in jail.” On the work front, he will next feature in Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar. It is slated to hit theatres on April 10, 2026.

28 February,2026 07:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Boong director Lakshmipriya Devi

Boong: BAFTA deletes director Lakshmipriya Devi's speech, later reuploads

The Manipuri-language film Boong made history at the BAFTA Awards 2026. The film won the award for Best Children’s and Family Film, becoming the first Indian movie ever to claim the honour in this category. In her acceptance speech, director Lakshmipriya Devi urged everyone to pray for peace in Manipur. However, her speech was pulled down by BAFTA from its official platforms, which irked netizens. Boong director Lakshmipriya Devi’s speech pulled down by BAFTA Devi delivered the speech after her film Boong won the Best Children’s and Family Film award on the international stage. The speech was originally broadcast on BBC during the awards ceremony and later shared on BAFTA’s official X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts. Days after the ceremony, the acceptance speech appeared to have been removed from BAFTA’s X and Instagram pages. A social media user on X raised the issue in a post that read, “Hello @BAFTA, why was Lakshmi Priya’s winning speech for the film Boong quietly removed from your official social media platforms today? This is deeply disappointing.” Filmmaker Onir also questioned the organisation, writing, “Why is @BAFTA silent? Is such a heartfelt, simple but powerful speech so unsettling? Who does it threaten?” Hours after netizens took cognisance of it, the video reappeared on BAFTA’s YouTube channel. Why is @BAFTA silent. Is such a heartfelt simple but powerful speech so unsettling.... who does it threaten? https://t.co/nGpq1a7R1O — iamOnir (@IamOnir) February 28, 2026 About Lakshmipriya Devi’s acceptance speech In her acceptance speech, Lakshmipriya Devi had said, “The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach the summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place. I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dreams once again.” After earning global acclaim and bringing home a landmark BAFTA honour for India, Boong now gears up for its big-screen journey, arriving in cinemas again on March 6. Boong secured the prestigious win while competing against major international titles such as Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Arco, marking a defining moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

28 February,2026 05:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Karan Johar

Karan Johar calls actors insecure and nobodies: 'Handling people is not easy'

Karan Johar never shies away from speaking about his personal and professional struggles on social media. The filmmaker recently took a dig at actors for lacking loyalty and being insecure. He also called them out for switching agencies despite the immense hard work invested in them and referred to artistes as ‘nobodies.’ The comment comes months after Janhvi Kapoor left DCAA. Karan Johar on insecurity among others In a recent interview with podcaster Sarthak Ahuja, Johar described talent management as a thankless job. Without taking any names, he said, “Every two years, people are shifting from one agency to another because they are so insecure that they feel we are time-bound. Nobody is loyal in this business; actors just keep hopping and skipping. So you put two years of your life into a talent and they suddenly move somewhere else — and then they don't like it there and want to come back. This is a vicious circle.” Johar went on to call artistes ‘nobodies.’ “Just commission on artists is going to give you nothing because artists are nobodies. They are absolutely nobodies, voh kisi ke nahi hain,” he said. He stated that artist management is all about “handling people, egos, insecurities, and it’s not easy.” “If you look at talent management as a business opportunity, nothing is going to happen. After being in the business for 31 years, I have become zen about success and failure because I feel like my joy and sorrow cannot be the result of my success and failure; otherwise, I will be in an ICU,” he added. It should be noted that Karan Johar’s comments come months after Janhvi Kapoor left his DCAA and moved to Collective Artist Network. For now, Karan’s agency handles actors like Rohit Saraf, Sara Ali Khan, Shanaya Kapoor, and Rasha Thadani, among others. KJo on his bank balance A few days back, he also opened up about his earnings and said, “You look at my bank balance. I am nothing compared to a gazillion business heads, but there is a love that people have for the work we do, and that kind of glory cannot be monetised,” he said, and added, “I may live a certain life and project a certain lifestyle, but please look at my accounts and it will be ‘yeh toh naam bada hai darshan chote hain.’”

28 February,2026 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Kerala Story 2

Amid HC relief, The Kerala Story 2 faces fresh protests in Kerala

After getting mired in major controversy, Vipul Shah’s The Kerala Story 2 has finally seen the light of day and released in theatres. A day after the Kerala High Court paved the way for the release of the film, ticket sales have been slow. Amid this, a scheduled screening of the film in Kannur was cancelled on Saturday following a protest by activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). The Kerala Story 2 screening halted The demonstration began when DYFI activists, led by DYFI Thrissur District Committee Secretary K. S. Russal Raj, marched to the Thrissur Fun Movies theatre, pouring charcoal on posters of The Kerala Story 2 in a symbolic act of protest. The protest saw the tearing and burning of movie posters outside theatres, leading to clashes and forcing organisers to refund ticket holders. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Cinepolis, Mall of Travancore, cancels the screening of the movie 'The Kerala Story 2' after the DYFI (Democratic Youth Federation of India) holds a protest against its release. pic.twitter.com/SnE0dYxPjz — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2026 The march was part of a wider campaign by the organisation against the film, which follows the lives of three young women who, according to the movie, fall into deceptive marriages and face alleged forced religious conversions. As a result of the protest, the screening was abandoned due to a lack of audience, with theatre management initiating refunds and confirming that no live screenings would take place inside the mall. Similar cancellations have also been reported at Cinepolis in Mall of Travancore, Thiruvananthapuram, where rescheduled screenings were halted in the wake of protests. About The Kerala Story 2 controversy Ever since the trailer for the sequel was released, the film has been drawing strong reactions from various quarters and several social media users. Owing to multiple pleas, the release was halted for 15 days by the Kerala High Court. A division bench of Justices Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and P. V. Balakrishnan stayed a single judge’s order that had put the film’s screening on hold for 15 days. The bench passed the interim order on an appeal moved by Shah late Thursday night, shortly after the stay on the movie’s release was granted. Addressing a press conference shortly after the Kerala High Court order, Shah, who has co-written and produced the film under his banner Sunshine Pictures, said the film has been made with a lot of hard work and honesty. “Neither our film nor I, nor my crew members, are against the state of Kerala, God’s Own Country. It’s a beautiful and wonderful state, but if something wrong is happening there, then I’m just bringing it to people’s notice. Once you watch the film, you will see that we’ve not said anything negative about Kerala or the people of Kerala,” Shah told reporters.

28 February,2026 03:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut takes dig at Karan Johar, says her standards are not that low

Actor politician Kangana Ranaut made headlines once again with her candid remarks at the Rising Bharat Summit 2026 in Mumbai. Known for her outspoken views on the film industry, Kangana did not hold back during a rapid fire session where she was asked to choose between several prominent filmmakers. Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Karan Johar When prompted to pick the better director among Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Aditya Chopra, Kangana declined to select any of them. Instead, she remarked that her standards in filmmaking and acting were not that low, suggesting she did not align creatively with the choices presented. Her response drew attention for its sharp tone and apparent swipe at some of Bollywood’s most influential names. Kangana’s history with Karan Johar in particular has been widely documented. Their public disagreement began years ago when she accused him of promoting nepotism in the industry. Since then, she has frequently criticised what she describes as the inner circle of Bollywood, often referring to it as a closed network that sidelines outsiders. During the same session, Kangana was also asked lighter questions about her industry peers. When given the option to name a good friend among leading stars, she clarified that none of them had suddenly become close friends but described Salman Khan as quite cool. The comment marked a relatively warm note in an otherwise pointed exchange. She was also asked to pick the better actress among younger stars including Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan. Kangana chose Ananya, adding a playful touch to the conversation. The session once again highlighted Kangana’s reputation as one of Bollywood’s most vocal and unfiltered personalities. Whether praising or criticising, she continues to speak her mind on the workings of the film industry, ensuring that her comments remain part of larger conversations about power, influence and creative standards in Hindi cinema. Kangana Ranaut's recent cryptic note Kangana had recently dropped a cryptic note on her social media handle talking about staying away from the zombies. The note read as, "I don’t usually give gyan, but just in case you need to read this” advising people to seek those 'smarter than you' for growth. She warned against zombies without any ambitions or emotional intelligence. Stay away from those who make you feel apologetic for being successful."

28 February,2026 03:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vipul Shah and Anurag Kashyap

Vipul Shah breaks silence on Anurag Kashyap's jibe at The Kerala Story 2

Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has responded sharply to criticism from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap over The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, saying Kashyap has not answered a rebuttal raised by the film’s team. Vipul Shah reacts to Anurag Kashyap's comment The sequel has reignited controversy since its announcement, with Kashyap reportedly calling it “propaganda” and describing it as divisive. Addressing the remarks at a press interaction, Shah said, “When asked whether he believed the film was propaganda, Kashyap had responded, ‘Absolutely.’” He then questioned the credibility of the criticism directed at his project. Defending his film, Shah stated, “My director had made a valid point about Anurag. Anurag Kashyap has made a film called The Girl in Yellow Boots, where an inappropriate relationship between a father and his daughter was portrayed. So, can his opinions be taken seriously on a topic like this?” He added that the team had expected a response to their counter-argument. “We are hoping he will say something in the next few days,” Shah remarked. Shah also dismissed claims that The Kerala Story 2 is intended to defame Kerala or portray the state negatively. He maintained that the film focuses on criminal activities and larger issues rather than targeting a particular community. “On Twitter, people from all over India speak in favour of the film, but the opposition is only from Kerala. Their argument is that there are no such stories in Kerala and what we are showing is a lie, whereas the reality is that these are widely discussed issues,” he said. On the controversy regarding The Kerala Story 2 The filmmaker earlier mentioned, "Neither our film, nor I, nor anyone in my team is against the state of Kerala or the people of Kerala. Kerala is a beautiful place, a God-loving country, but if something wrong is happening in this God-loving country, it is our endeavour to bring it to the notice of the people and correct it." The exchange highlights the deep divide within the film fraternity regarding politically and socially sensitive subjects. While supporters argue that the film sheds light on uncomfortable realities, critics believe it amplifies polarising narratives. With the debate continuing to unfold publicly, Shah’s pointed remarks suggest that the controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 is far from over. As of now, Kashyap has not issued a fresh statement responding to Shah’s latest comments.

28 February,2026 03:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shivaleeka Oberoi and Abhishek Pathak

Shivaleeka Oberoi calls her pregnancy a 'co-production' with Abhishek Pathak

Shivaleeka Oberoi has described her pregnancy as a “co-production” with Abhishek Pathak. The actress went on to reveal that while her filmmaker husband is busy with the third instalment of Drishyam starring Ajay Devgn, she is focused on preparing for motherhood. Shivaleeka took to Instagram on Saturday and shared a string of images from her recent maternity shoot along with her husband, Abhishek. Calling it a joint venture, the actress quipped that “deals were made” between the two.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Shivaleeka Oberoi Pathak (@shivaleekaoberoi) “Call it a co-production. He’s busy making thrillers. I’m busy making a human. Deals were made,” she wrote as the caption. As Abhishek shoots Drishyam 3 during her pregnancy, Shivaleeka ensured they would document the journey with as many maternity photographs as she wished. “He shoots Drishyam3 during the pregnancy, We shoot as many Maternity photos as I want. Both productions running successfully!” said the actress. Shivaleeka and Abhishek first met while working on the 2020 Vidyut Jammwal-starrer Khuda Hafiz, which follows the story of Sameer, a young man who leads a content life with Nargis, his wife. However, when she is kidnapped by human traffickers, he must rescue her. The duo exchanged rings in July 2022 and finally tied the knot in February 2023. Shivaleeka made her acting debut with the 2019 release Yeh Saali Aashiqui and later rose to fame with Khuda Haafiz in 2020. She was last seen in Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2 – Agni Pariksha in 2022, where both she and Vidyut reprised their characters Nargis and Sameer from the original drama. On the other hand, Abhishek directed Drishyam 2, featuring Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu, and Akshaye Khanna. He has also directed Ujda Chaman. Abhishek has also produced movies such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Section 375 and Khuda Haafiz. Talking about Drishyam 3, the makers of the upcoming film started the Goa schedule in December. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has also joined the franchise. Drishyam tells the gripping tale of a family caught in the shadow of a shocking disappearance, a policewoman’s son goes missing, and she threatens to destroy Vijay’s family. Determined to protect his loved ones, Vijay spares no effort in keeping them safe. Seven years later, in the sequel, the Salgaonkars have tried to move on from the traumatic events of their past. But just when life seems to have found its rhythm, unexpected circumstances arise, threatening to unearth dark truths long buried. The film is a Hindi remake of the Malayalam film of the same name. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 February,2026 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Rajpal Yadav

Rajpal Yadav creates YouTube Channel, begins new journey post bail

Actor Rajpal Yadav has set out on a new journey after being granted bail, announcing the launch of his official YouTube channel. The actor shared a video on his social media account, seeking the blessings of his fans as he begins this fresh chapter on YouTube. In a video message, he said, “Hi friends, I am your Rajpal and I am very happy to tell you that I have been preparing for a long time to start a new chapter. That moment has come, I need your blessings.”           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) Revealing his new chapter, Rajpal said, “My YouTube channel is being launched from today and the name of this channel is Rajpal Naurang Yadav.” Explaining the vision behind the platform, he added, “The mission of the Rajpal Naurang Yadav YouTube channel is only that children, old, young, everyone should have the same entertainment. A lot of healthy entertainment for good blood circulation. This channel is yours, enjoy it, share it a lot, subscribe.” A few days ago, Rajpal Yadav who was granted bail, had shared his first post on social media where he expressed his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers. Taking to his social media account, the actor posted a simple yet heartfelt message written in Hindi. The message further translated into English read, “Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love and support.” The actor, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances in films such as Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Chup Chup Ke and many more, has remained a popular figure in Bollywood for over two decades. Unfortunately, his recent legal troubles had made headlines, and news of his recent bail was widely reported. Rajpal stepped out of the Tihar Jail a week ago, after being granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court in the cheque bounce case. Addressing the media after his release from jail, Rajpal said that he has the support of the entire country with him - from children to the elderly, everyone loves him dearly. He added that in his tenure spanning 3 decades in the industry, he has been a part of more than 2OO movies, something which has been possible only because of the love of people. Rajpal shared, "If you need any legal information, you can ask our lawyer, Mr. Bhaskar. Otherwise, I would like to say in general that I will complete 30 years in Bollywood soon. Every child across the country has been with me, and that’s why I was able to do 200–250 films. This journey commenced in 2012-13, and by 2026, I have been a part of around 250 movies. Every citizen of this country was and continues to be with me." "In the last 10 years, whenever the honorable High Court has issued orders, I have appeared, and I will continue to appear whenever further orders are given...," he added. He shared, "Bachpan se 55 tak sab pyaar karte hain". For the uninitiated, Rajpal has been granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court till March 18, to attend his niece's wedding in Shahjahanpur. Rajpal's lawyer informed the High Court that he has submitted a DD of Rs 1.5 crore. Additionally, the actor has also been asked to surrender his passport. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled to take place on March 18.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

28 February,2026 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Taapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu says she lost films because heroes did not want her opposite them

Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken candidly about the realities of Bollywood, revealing that she has at times lost films because a leading hero did not want her cast opposite him. In a recent conversation, she addressed whether her outspoken nature has ever cost her work and admitted that industry politics often play a role in casting decisions. Taapsee Pannu on losing out on projects Taapsee shared that while she is not always told the exact reason why a project slips away, she has come to understand that in some cases the male lead’s preference influences the final decision. She explained that in many mainstream films built around a conventional hero heroine pairing, the hero’s comfort and choice can weigh heavily on who gets selected. Sometimes, she said plainly, the hero does not want you in the film. Reflecting on her journey, Taapsee pointed out that strong directors who are confident about their vision can change that narrative. She cited her casting in Dunki as an example of how a filmmaker’s conviction can override typical industry assumptions. In projects where the director truly believes an actor fits the part, things tend to fall into place regardless of outside perceptions. On choosing unconventional roles The actor also addressed the occasional label of being difficult to work with. She dismissed such claims, saying her filmography speaks for itself. Repeated collaborations with filmmakers, she argued, would not happen if she were genuinely hard to manage on set. According to her, such perceptions are often formed by those who have not worked with her personally. Taapsee acknowledged that she is not someone who socialises extensively within the industry and prefers to maintain a degree of distance off camera. However, she believes in letting her work define her rather than networking or fitting into expected equations. She added that she is not anyone’s regular pairing and does not chase projects simply to align with a particular star. Known for choosing unconventional and performance driven roles, Taapsee said she has learned to accept the ups and downs that come with the industry. For her, staying true to her choices matters more than fitting into established formulas.

28 February,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Diana Penty at Tod's Fall-Winter Show 26/27

Diana Penty brings refined elegance to Milan Fashion Week 2026

Diana Penty made a striking appearance at the Tod’s Women’s Fall-Winter 26/27 show during the Milan Fashion Week, embodying the house’s signature blend of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary elegance. Diana Penty attends Tod’s Fall-Winter show Set within an immersive environment celebrating Italy’s rich artisanal heritage, the presentation unfolded as a collective performance where gesture and craftsmanship took center stage. Alongside Tod’s artisans, masters from diverse creative disciplines demonstrated their expertise live, showcasing the savoir-faire that defines the excellence of Made in Italy. This dialogue between crafts reaffirmed Tod’s enduring philosophy of Artisanal Intelligence — a legacy rooted in quality, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Creative Director Matteo Tamburini envisioned a Fall–Winter wardrobe shaped by exceptional materials and refined artisanal techniques. Leather emerged as the defining narrative element, uniting traditional saddlery methods with modern lightness and material depth. Diana Penty’s look perfectly captured this vision. She carried the Di Bag Folio, paired with elegant slingback footwear, and wore Look 20 from the Spring–Summer 2026 collection — a sophisticated ensemble that reflected the brand’s seamless fusion of heritage and modernity. Her presence at the showcase highlighted a refined, confident aesthetic that resonated with Tod’s dedication to craftsmanship and contemporary design. Diana Penty on her bond with Tamannah Bhatia Talking about her camaraderie with her Do You Wanna Partner co-star Tamannaah Bhatia, she said, “I don't think we struggled with that at all. It just flowed very naturally and we were able to improvise a lot in the scenes as well because we had a great rapport and chemistry off-screen”. “We were comfortable enough with each other to be able to take that liberty to say things to each other, you know, you know, whatever it was not like this formal equation where we have to be careful of what we're going to say to each other. So, I think that really helped and we were lucky that, you know, we had that equation. But it's very interesting”, she added.

28 February,2026 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sriram Raghavan

Sriram Raghavan reveals Dharmendra & Zeenat Aman were to be part of Agent Vinod

The Screenwriters Association’s (SWA) first event of the year, Vartalaap, opened with an unfiltered and craft-focused conversation with filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, who reflected not only on his films but on the writing decisions, missteps and professional relationships that shaped his journey. The event began with a rare screening of Raghavan’s FTII student diploma film The Eight Column Affair. The filmmaker then went on a trip down memory lane, talking about how long before his breakout directorial debut with Ek Hasina Thi, he was working in Mumbai covering the film industry in his early days. Sriram Raghavan reveals he worked as a writer before making films The job took him from Stardust to a trade magazine.  “If you look at the articles today, you can blackmail me! They used to be so bad,” Raghavan joked. While his stint as a journalist didn’t last long, he met filmmaker Mukul Anand and instantly knew he wanted to make movies.  “I had asked Mukul Anand, ‘Should I join the film institute or work with you?’ He told me if I work with him it’ll take me five years to make my first film, whereas it’s be quicker to do the same after FTII. That said, it took me 17 years to make my debut!” Raghavan laughed.  But before his feature directorial materialised, Raghavan worked on TV, writing for shows, especially the long-running CID. He recalled how the show’s producer, BP Singh, would call him to write episodes for CID, and he had to wing a story in one night.  “But writing for CID ensured that the next two months’ money would be sorted,” he said about sailing through financially uncertain periods at the start of his career. Sriram Raghavan shares Ram Gopal Varma's advice For a filmmaker widely regarded as a master of the thriller genre, Raghavan surprised many by stating that he never treated logic as his guiding principle. Recalling advice from Ram Gopal Varma during the making of Ek Hasina Thi, he said: “Don’t worry about logic, shoot with conviction.” At the same time, Raghavan was candid about missteps. Speaking about Agent Vinod, he admitted that he made a mistake at the writing table for the big-budget actioner headlined by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.  “I focused more on individual sequences rather than the whole story and a solid character, which would have been the spine of the film,” he said, noting that a strong, cohesive narrative must anchor even the most stylish set pieces. The lesson, he emphasised, was one he carried forward into later projects. Sriram Raghavan on casting Dharmendra in Ikkis A highlight of the evening was Raghavan’s recollection of his creative equation with Dharmendra. “Dharamji was among the first people I narrated Ikkis to and he loved it unconditionally,” he said, referring to his war-drama that marked the final screen appearance of the legend.  He also revealed that during the writing stage of Agent Vinod, he had conceived a role for the head of RAW with Dharmendra in mind. The film, he explained, initially had younger and older narrative tracks, and discussions were held at the scripting stage — including meetings with Zeenat Aman for a key part in the Russia portion. The track was eventually not pursued. Sriram Raghavan on creative relevance The conversation also turned to the industry’s shifting landscape and the oft-repeated anxiety around theatrical decline and creative relevance, a concern Raghavan dismissed with characteristic ease. “I don’t have that fear. There are many films today that I don’t want to make or can’t make or don’t even enjoy. But every year I find five or ten films I love. Sometimes you wish you had got that story. That happens to me a lot. I watched Marty Supreme, I loved it, but it’s not a story I would tell. I don’t feel irrelevant.” He acknowledged that he has seen ups and downs in his career but stressed the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships with producers. “It is important to develop this bond with producers. They are the ones putting money behind one’s craft.” For writers navigating an unpredictable industry, his advice was pragmatic: in times when films may not work commercially, a “fabulous script” will always hold a screenwriter in good stead. “No producer will say no to it,” he said, urging writers to keep honing their craft. The session was attended by SWA President Charudutt Acharya, Lyricist Raj Shekhar (General Secretary, SWA), filmmakers Hitesh Kewalya, Anu Singh Chaudhary, Hardik Mehta, Arati Kadav, Amrit Raj Gupta & writers Arshad Syed, Gunjit Chopra  among several members of the writing community.

28 February,2026 12:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK