The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has ordered the premature release of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli who was serving his life sentence in Nagpur Central Jail. In August 2012, a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court sentenced Gawli to life imprisonment for the murder of the Shiv Sena corporator in March 2008. Gangsters in Mumbai aren’t an old folks' tale. These individuals live and breathe the same air as any other citizen. Here’s a look at their lives encapsulated in the form of films. Daddy In ‘Daddy’, Arjun Rampal plays the role of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli. Set in the early '70s, the film shows the poor condition of mill and factory workers who slowly move towards the underworld. Three residents of Dagdi Chawl in Mumbai form a gang (B.R.A.) and soon become one of the most dreaded groups in Mumbai. Rampal is seen in the signature Maharashtrian attire and speaking with a perfect Marathi accent. Haseena Parkar In ‘Haseena Parkar’, Shraddha Kapoor plays the role of the dreaded 'Aapa' (as Haseena Parkar was called), who became an underworld ‘Mafia Queen’ after she was tried and persecuted because she was Dawood Ibrahim's sister. Parkar, who had 88 cases registered against her, but was taken to court only once in her life, was rumoured to have single-handedly run her brother's Rs.1000-crore underworld empire in the city. The film shows Haseena’s journey from a 17-year-old teenager to a 43-year-old. Shraddha underwent drastically different looks using prosthetics, body suits, and heavy make-up for this. Shootout At Lokhandwala In the 2007 multi-starrer action thriller 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' Vivek Anand Oberoi played the role of Maya Dolas, who used to work for Dawood Ibrahim. He was killed in an encounter during the 1991 Lokhandwala Complex shootout. Besides Vivek's villainous character, the movie's music became a super hit. The song 'Ganpat', with Vivek and his gangster buddies from the movie, became a massive hit and is played at parties and discos. Gangubai Kathiawadi Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' revolves around a maiden sold by a suitor into prostitution and how she becomes a prominent and celebrated figure in the underworld and Kamathipua red-light district. Alia's stellar performance in the film helped her bag a National Film Award. Ajay Devgn played the role of Rahim Lala based on Karim Lala, one of the famous mafia dons in Mumbai. Shootout at Wadala The film is based on the book Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia by Hussain Zaidi, and the film stars John Abraham as Manya Surve. Manya was a regular student who lands in prison after he kills a gangster who attacked his brother. Manya escapes jail and forms his gang to avenge his brother's death. The film traces his journey and how he was killed in an encounter by the Mumbai police. The encounter took place at the junction adjacent to Dr. Ambedkar College, Wadala, in 1982. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Helmed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ektaa Kapoor ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ also starred Prachi Desai and Randeep Hooda in pivotal roles. Set against the backdrop of the Mumbai underworld, the film garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. In the movie, Ajay portrayed the role of Sultan Mirza, a gangster, whereas Emraan played the role of Shoaib, who Sultan Mirza and his style inspired but later turned into his rival. The film is also loved for its amazing songs like ‘I am in Love’, ‘Pee Loon’, and ‘Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein’. Vaastav While talking about Sanjay Dutt’s remarkable career, ‘Vaastav’ cannot be missed. Mahesh Manjrekar’s directorial debut featured Namrata Shirodkar, Sanjay Narvekar, Mohnish Behl, Paresh Rawal, Reema Lagoo, and Shivaji Satam. His critically acclaimed character of Raghu helped him win the first-ever Best Actor award at the Filmfare Awards. The film is reportedly based on Mumbai's underworld gangster Chhota Rajan. (With inputs from ANI)
03 June,2024 02:30 PM IST | MumbaiVideos and photos from the luxurious four-day cruise party hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are doing the rounds on social media. A video shows Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam Khan interacting with Ranbir Kapoor on board the ship. The video also features Gauri Khan. Fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of their favourote celebrities from the party. However, it is Shah Rukh Khan's look that is grabbing attention. His long hair has caused netzines to compare him with Johnny Depp. In the videos doing the rounds on social media, Shah Rukh Khan is seen wearing a blue suit and a white scarf. He also sported glasses and pulled off a hairstyle and beard that reminded fans of Johnny Depp. One tweeted about Shah Rukh's look, "Kind of looking like Johnny Depp." The video was shared by a a fan page of the superstar on X. "Johnny depp banne ki kosis," wrote a user. Another person wrote, "He was looking Johnny Deep''. Check out the reactions: He was looking Johnny Deep ❤️💋😍🥵 https://t.co/Pczme4n9Si — SRKfanGirl ❤️👸♀️💋💫 (@merijaansrk555) June 3, 2024 Y’all telling me that’s not Johnny Depp? https://t.co/SxyPA3sjGc — 𝘚 (@StacySuperDuper) June 2, 2024 Khan back in the bay: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Monday morning returned to Mumbai with family after spending time in Italy. In the visuals captured by the local paps, he along with his wife Gauri Khan and kids Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan can be seen exiting the Mumbai airport. SRK's manager Pooja Dadlani was also spotted at the airport. The actor's staff covered his look using an umbrella as he stepped out of at the airport. A while ago, actors Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan and director Atlee were also spotted at the Mumbai airport as they returned home after vacationing in Italy. Pathaan back in town in a new dashing and killer looks that will take your breath away 🔥💥❤️@iamsrk #ShahRukhKhan #KingKhan #SRK pic.twitter.com/HXHlPLbPVX — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) June 3, 2024 Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, co-starring Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani. The film opened to largely positive reviews. The actor will reportedly begin shooting for his upcoming film 'King.' Recently, a video of SRK was widely shared on social media where eagle-eyed fans noticed the film's script lying on the table beside him. Reportedly, the film is also set to star Shah Rukh's daughter and actor, Suhana. The video happened to be from a clip of Shah Rukh congratulating cinematographer Santosh Sivan after he received the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival. In the aforementioned video, a section of the Internet spotted the script of 'King' on the table next to him. It also contained some additional details on its cover, which were not clearly visible in the video. If reports are to be believed, 'King' will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh. (with inputs from agencies)
03 June,2024 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid reports of Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor's breakup, the actress shared a cryptic post on her social media on Sunday. The reality TV judge and former VJ posted a picture on the Stories section of her Instagram, featuring a cryptic message written on a whiteboard. The text read, "When they say you can’t do it, do it twice, and take pics." Malaika’s message comes a day after Arjun posted a cryptic message on his social media. Arjun shared in his message that life is all about choices and how one can be either a prisoner of the past or can be an explorer of future possibilities. Malaika and Arjun made their relationship official in 2018 on her 45th birthday. The two have reportedly chosen to part ways amicably and aim to maintain a dignified silence on the matter. Meanwhile, on the work front, Arjun will be seen portraying the antagonist in the upcoming Rohit Shetty directorial 'Singham Again'. The film also stars Ajay Devgn in the titular role, along with Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff. 'Singham Again' marks the fifth instalment of Rohit's cop universe and is a sequel to 'Singham Returns'. 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
03 June,2024 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA day after Raveena Tandon was attacked by a group of people on the street of Bandra in Mumbai following a road rage outburst, actress Kangana Ranaut has extended her support. She took to her Instagram stories to register her reaction to the incident that was caught on CCTV camera and went viral. "Absolutely alarming," said Kangana about the incident. She added that the people responsible should be reprimanded. Kangana Ranaut wrote, "What happened to Raveena Tandon ji is absolutely alarming; had there been 5-6 more people in the opposite group, she would have been lynched; we condemn such road rage outbursts; those people must be reprimanded. They must not get away with such violent and poisonous behaviour." What the Mumbai Police said about the incident: Mumbai Police on Sunday clarified that a false complaint was filed against actor Raveena Tandon with the Khar Police, accusing her of being drunk, rash driving and assault. Tandon shared a screenshot of a post from 'Viral Bhayani' on 'X' saying that the complainant filed a false complaint in the case and after checking the CCTV footage it was found that Raveena's car did not hit anyone and she was not drunk. The post said that while speaking to a Mumbai-based daily, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajtilak Roshan of Zone 9 said that the complaint was false. "The complainant gave a false complaint in the alleged video. We checked the entire CCTV footage of the society and found that the actress's driver was reversing the car from the road into the society when this family was crossing the same lane. The family stopped the car and told the driver that he should check if people were behind the car before reversing and an argument started between them," the DCP said while speaking to the daily. When the argument got heated, Raveena came to the spot to check on her driver and tried to protect him from the mob. The duo went to the Khar police station to file complaints but subsequently withdrew them. "This argument escalated into abusive language, and actress Raveena Tandon arrived at the spot to check what had happened with her driver. The actress tried to protect the driver from the mob; however, the mob started abusing her. Both Raveena Tandon and the family went to the Khar police station and gave written complaints. Later, they both also submitted letters stating they did not want to register any complaints," DCP Rajtilak Roshan explained. DCP Rajtilak Roshan further stated, "Nobody was injured in this incident. We checked the CCTV footage, and the car did not hit anyone. The actress was not drunk." In another screenshot shared by Raveena in the same post, the Mumbai Police was quoted in an online portal saying that both parties denied making any complaints. "Tandon's driver was trying to reverse the car to park it, and three people from a family felt that they would get hit. After the argument, both parties left, and later, police reached the spot and questioned Tandon's staff. The other party was also called to the Police station. Both parties denied making any complaints," Mumbai Police was quoted as saying.
03 June,2024 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt reached back to Mumbai along with their daughter Raha early on Monday morning. The trio returned after a four-day cruise party that was held by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant as part of their pre-wedding festivities. While celebrities were seen returning to the bay early on Monday morning, Ranbir and Alia's daughter Raha's spirits were pretty high. The one-year-old was seen in her father's arms as the trio stepped out of the airport. Raha seemed to be in a jolly mood as she kept giving her father a peck on the cheek. Alia walked beside him. After the trio stepped into the car, Raha was comfortably seated on her father's lap and was looking around at the attention from the paparazzi in confusion. But her initial confusion soon turned into a wide smile. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) Ranbir and Alia wave and smile for the paparazzi: Despite a late night flight back home, Alia and Ranbir waved and smiled at the paparazzi before stepping into their car. For their travel back home, Ranbir wore a green sweatshirt, white shorts, a cap and shoes. Alia opted for an olive green top under a cape and matching pants. She tied her hair into a bun and also wore white sneakers. Raha was seen in a white dress. Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Atlee return to Mumbai: Apart from Alia and Ranbir, actors Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Atlee also returned to the bay on Monday morning. They were all returning after taking part in Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities on a cruise across the coast of Italy. About the luxurious cruise party: The celebrations took place onboard a luxury cruise in Italy and south of France. A total of 800 guests on the cruise got together to celebrate Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's upcoming wedding. Between May 28 and June 1, the celebrities were treated to a series of parties and events aboard the luxury cruise liner. On May 29, the celebration kicked off with a welcome lunch, followed by a 'Starry Night'- themed evening gala. The festivities ended on June 1 in Portofino, Italy. The star-studded guest list includes Shah Rukh Khan with his children Aryan Khan and Suhana Khan, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor with their daughter Raha, Ranveer Singh, the Kapoor sisters Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor, filmmaker Karan Johar, and actors like Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and Ananya Panday. Social media influencer Orry (Orhan Awatramani) is also reportedly among the guests.
03 June,2024 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSwara Bhaskar All the love A day out with mom Ujjala is perhaps all that Deepika Padukone needed on Sunday By my side Suniel Shetty and wife Mana are spotted up and about in the city over the weekend Like you like me Tejasswi Prakash and beau Karan Kundrra twin in white during a day out
03 June,2024 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamVeteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s cinematic offerings have been few and far in between in the recent past, but actor-producer Sonu Sood’s Fateh was not an offer he couldn’t refuse. “When I narrated the script and showed him the rushes, he liked them. He felt that it looked ‘international’, and said he’d love to be part of it. He plays a role that is integral to the story, and is layered and complex. No one else could have done justice to this role. If he had turned it down, I would have removed this character,” shares Sood, who was completing the post-production work on Fateh in the USA last month. The action-thriller revolving around cyber fraud marks Sood’s directorial debut. The actor, who is also producing the movie, shot with Shah a month ago in north India. “He is a director’s actor. I gave him the liberty to perform in the way he desired, and share his inputs.” Apart from Shah, the film also features Vijay Raaz, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Prakash Belawadi, and Jacqueline Fernandez. Referring to them as “an ensemble of the best of actors”, Sood says he is grateful to have got them on board. “As a first-time writer and director, there was a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, so I wanted to work with the best talent. I have tried to [showcase] whatever I have learned in the last 20 years.”
03 June,2024 05:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRThe last four years have been defining for actor Janhvi Kapoor, who says she has grown into her own after eight releases in the film industry. “I am sure of what I have to offer on a film set. I never had this confidence before. When you spend so much time on a set and know that your skills are valuable, you feel reassured. When your work is appreciated by seasoned directors, you know you [will do well],” says the actor, whose recent release, Mr & Mrs Mahi, bagged Rs 11.5 crore within two days of its release. Easily among the artistes that producers are willing to invest in, Kapoor—with films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, and Mili in her kitty—has been among the few female actors who have helmed the narrative of the projects that have come their way. “As an actor, I can now play with a scene and add my nuances. I have always been apologetic for my privilege. But now, I am at a place where I know I have a lot to offer on a film set.” Not one to give her nod to a project simply because it could “make me a star”, Kapoor will next be seen in Ulajh, which chronicles the story of a young IFS officer who gets embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. “I have done certain films because I wanted to be proud of the stories that I tell. Regardless of how these films are received on a Friday, they will matter in the long run. The choices I am making now will be noticed.”
03 June,2024 05:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuRajkummar Rao is upbeat with the response to his portrayal of visually-challenged businessman Srikant Bolla, in his biopic, Srikanth. Not one to rest on his laurels, the actor has moved on to his next, Bhul Chuk Maaf, which reunites him with his Stree franchise, Roohi and Hum Do Hamare Do producer Dinesh Vijan. Wamiqa Gabbi plays Raj’s leading lady in this love story set in small-town India. The actors have reached the holy city of Varanasi for Karan Sharma’s directorial venture that goes on floors this week. Featuring an interesting mix of supporting cast, the narrative promises a unique take on love in unusual circumstances. The makers plan to wrap up most of the shoot in the Uttar Pradesh temple city. New jodi on the big screens It is known that YRF is launching Ananya Panday’s cousin, Ahaan Pandayy, with Mohit Suri’s next directorial venture. He previously assisted director Shiv Ravail on the production house’s maiden web series, The Railway Men. Now, we hear that Aneet Padda, who earned praise for her performance in the show, Big Girls Don’t Cry, has been finalised as the leading lady of Mohit’s yet-untitled film. She reportedly impressed Aditya Chopra with her auditions. Subsequently, he signed her not only for a three-film deal, but also to be managed by his talent division. Mohit is slated to begin filming with Ahaan and Aneet later this year. Working b’day for Junaid Junaid Khan turned a year wiser yesterday. However, it was not all party for Aamir Khan’s son as he had a working birthday. Junaid is currently shooting for his third film, Loveyapa, co-starring Khushi Kapoor. Helmed by Advait Chandan, the movie is an adaptation of actor-director Pradeep Ranganathan’s Tamil romantic drama, Love Today (2022), which also starred Ivana. Advait is planning to complete most of the outdoor shoot by mid-June, before the onset of the monsoon season. New host promises new twists After multiple reports and hints, it is now clear that Anil Kapoor is stepping into Salman Khan’s shoes to host Bigg Boss OTT 3. AK features in the new promo released by JioCinema, the OTT platform on which the reality show will begin streaming soon. Alongside the video, the makers wrote, “A new host for the new season of Bigg Boss OTT! Aur Bigg Boss ki tarha, inki awaaz hi kaafi hai. PS—No prizes for guessing.” Even though they continue to keep Anil’s face in the dark, his walk, voice and the use of his catchphrase, ‘Jhakaas’ are giveaways. It appears that the reality show will have a new twist this season. The actor also can be heard saying, “Bahut ho gaya Jhakaas... Karte hain na kuchh aur khaas.” We will know in the coming days the new twists that Anil will bring to the show. European holiday Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya continue to make news even though they have declined to comment on their relationship status. Over the weekend, a picture from their European holiday caught netizens’ attention. The rumoured couple can be seen indulging in wine-tasting with other tourists in the image. Sources claim Naga and Sobhita had taken off to Europe to celebrate her 32nd birthday (May 31). Previously, the Made in Heaven actor is said to have flown directly to Hyderabad after attending the Cannes Film Festival, to meet the Dhootha star, before returning to Mumbai to fulfil her work commitments. Small role, big impact Even though Karan Veer Mehra has a small role in the television show, Pukaar: Dil Se Dil Tak, he is pleased with the experience. Talking about his character, Gautam, who is the brain behind the success of the Maheshwari family business in the narrative, the actor says, “Gautam is generous and kind to everyone; he is unable to see how the Maheshwaris use him to their advantage. It’s an out-and-out positive character, which I have not played in a long time.” The show also reunites him with Sayali Salunkhe, after Baatein Kuchh Ankahee Si. “While we portrayed a couple before, she is playing my daughter on this show. I often tease her about this,” he smiles. While his character has limited screen time, Karan promises, “The impact it creates will be a turning point for all the events that will unfold in the show.”
03 June,2024 05:30 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamA supervisor works with the composer, but doesn’t compose. He is like a guide who makes the song better, because, at times, a director may be unable to comprehend how to exact the required sound for a project,” says music supervisor Azeem Dayani as he attempts to highlight how his work differs from that of a composer on a film set. Dayani, who has put his might behind the Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao-starrer Mr & Mrs Mahi, says that while creating a song, he pays heed to the fact that the number must have an identity that isn’t attached to the film alone. “You want the song to live beyond the film. So, you need to identify how to strike the right balance when creating such a piece. That is where my skills come into play.” Azeem Dayani Despite the influx of talent that makes its way into Bollywood from singing reality shows, Dayani believes there is “a lot of need for fresh talent”. “For any industry to grow, new people need to enter it. In this film too, we worked with Mohammad Faiz, who is 17 years old. We took the risk of launching him.” Last week’s release was described as a “romantic film about relationships, and how two people stand up for each other”. “It had scope for great music. We started work on it in 2022, and made 60 songs. Of them, seven made it to the album. From then to now, our musical [sensibilities] also changed. That needed to be reflected in the [soundtrack]. We had to filter [the songs we desired] and identify the ones that were [worthy] of being in the album. Every track personally addresses [a character], because we were trying to build our world around these two individuals. I also wrote one number that stemmed from the transition that [I] went through. So, the album is personal in many ways.” An upcoming number, Tu hai toh, appears to hold a special place in his heart. “It’s a love song, and has a different format. There are two singers who have [rendered] the number, and, when you hear it, you will realise that it is relatable. It’s reminiscent of how individuals perform in live concerts. Although it deviates from the template, it was a risk that we were willing to take this year, because, it sounded appealing to us.”Mr & Mrs Mahi has been directed by Sharan Sharma, who previously collaborated with Kapoor in the 2020 film, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl.
03 June,2024 04:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaIt has been months since the report of Adah Sharma buying Sushant Singh Rajput's house surfaced, but the actress never reacted to such claims. Now, Adah Sharma has finally talked about buying the late actor's Bandra apartment (Mont Blanc Apartments, Bandra). While speaking to Bombay Times, Adah shared that she moved into Sushant's flat four months ago, but ever since, she has been busy promoting Bastar and Kerala Story. She later visited an elephant sanctuary in Mathura before finally settling in at her current flat with her mother and grandmother. She shared, “It’s only recently that I got some time off and have finally settled in. I have lived in the same house at Pali Hill (Bandra) all my life, and this is the first time I’ve moved out of there. I’m very sensitive to vibes, and this place gives me positive ones.” Sushant Singh Rajput's Case Sushant Singh Rajput was one of the most loved actors in the industry, and his suicide came as a shock to everyone. His loyal fans still miss him and make him trend on X time and again. Any news related to the late actor makes the fans teary-eyed. Sushant Singh Rajput's unfortunate demise occurred on June 14, 2020. The following year saw reports of his sea-facing Mumbai residence being offered for rent, commanding a monthly fee of ₹4.5 lakh for the duplex property. The case surrounding Sushant's passing was subsequently handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, despite the passage of three years, the CBI's investigation has yet to reach a definitive conclusion regarding the circumstances of his death. Adah Sharma's Work Front On the work front, Adah Sharma was recently seen in ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’. Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film was released in theatres on March 15. Shah and Sudipto's first collaboration, 'The Kerala Story', emerged as one of the most successful films at the box office in 2023 so far. It depicts how thousands of young women were allegedly brainwashed into joining the Islamic State (IS) and heading off to countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
02 June,2024 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
