Fashion designer Masaba Gupta is cherishing motherhood with her daughter, Matara, while her mother, veteran actor Neena Gupta, is delighting in her new role as a grandmother. They've shared heartwarming glimpses of their special bond, showcasing the joy and love they share with little Matara. On Monday, Masaba and Neena posted a video on Instagram where the mother-daughter duo are playing a game with their baby girl, Matara. They wrote, "entertaining Matara...Only the 5th time we are doing this since 5pm @neena_gupta." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masaba (@masabagupta) Earlier, Neena opened up on the adorable bond she shares with her granddaughter and said that she doesn't feel like a grandmother and instead prefers to be called by her name. In a conversation with ANI, she said, "I don't feel like a grandmother. In fact, I have told the little one not to call me naani but 'call me Neena'." On October 12, Neena's daughter, Masaba Gupta and her husband, Satyadeep Misra, announced the arrival of their baby girl with a joint Instagram post. Masaba shared an adorable monochrome photo of her baby's little feet. They also posted a picture of a white lotus and a moon set against a blue backdrop with their announcement written on it. The post read: "Our very special little girl arrived on a very special day. 11.10.2024. Masaba & Satyadeep." Meanwhile, on the work front, Neena was last seen in 'Panchayat Season 4', which currently streaming on Prime Video. She has also been seen in Anurag Basu's directorial 'Metro...In Dino'. The movie has been released in theatres. 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
08 July,2025 09:34 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIYash Raj Films’ War 2 has been creating a lot of buzz. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film marks the Bollywood debut of south superstar Jr NTR as he faces off against Hrithik Roshan in the action thriller. The most awaited film of 2025, it is expected to be a pan-India action spectacle produced by Aditya Chopra, marking the sixth film from the fabled YRF Spy Universe franchise. As the film gears up to hit the big screen, the team recently wrapped up the shooting of the film. As they ended their schedules, both Hrithik and NTR shared the update on social media with their fans by penning emotional notes. Hrithik Roshan pens an emotional note Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hrithik shared a post on X, wherein he wrote, "Feeling a mixed bag of emotions as the cameras stopped rolling for #War2. 149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries... and it was all WORTH IT!" He penned words of appreciation for Jr NTR, saying, "@tarak9999 sir it has been an honor to work alongside you and create something so special together." Feeling a mixed bag of emotions as the cameras stopped rolling for #War2. 149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries... and it was all WORTH IT!@tarak9999 sir it has been an honor to work alongside you and create something so special together.… pic.twitter.com/MWCm4QMPyd — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) July 8, 2025 Praising Kiara Advani, he mentioned, "@advani_kiara I'm so excited for the world to witness the lethal side of you, you've been spectacular to share screen with. I cannot wait for you all to witness the incredible cinematic vision of Adi & Ayan!! To the entire cast & crew of War 2." "Thank you for sharing your brilliance and giving it your all every single day. Lastly, it's always bitter-sweet to call it a wrap for Kabir, it will take a couple of days to feel like myself again. Now onto the journey of presenting our film to you all on August 14th, 2025 ," Hrithik concluded. NTR wrapped the shoot Similarly, NTR shared the news of the wrap-up on his Instagram story earlier today. He wrote, "And it's a wrap for #War2! So much to take back from this one... It's always a blast being on set with @hrithikroshan Sir. His energy is something I have always admired. There is so much I have learned from him on this journey of 'War 2'. @ayan_mukerii has been amazing. He has truly set the stage for a big surprise package for the audience." And It’s a wrap for #War2!So much to take back from this one…It’s always a blast being on set with @iHrithik Sir. His energy is something I have always admired. There is so much I have learned from him on this journey of War 2. Ayan has been amazing. He has truly set the… — Jr NTR (@tarak9999) July 7, 2025 "A big thanks to the entire @yrf team and all our crew for the love and effort. Can't wait for all of you to experience this high on August 14th," the RRR star concluded.
08 July,2025 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut is currently serving as a Member of Parliament for the BJP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency after she was elected with a majority in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. After completing a year in office, the actress has now admitted that she is not fully enjoying her political career. She also went on to add that although she has always stood up for women's rights and women's empowerment, politics was more of a social service, which is not something she had done or was her background. Kangana Ranaut says she is not enjoying politics During a recent podcast appearance on Atman in Ravi (AIR), Kangana confessed, "I’m getting a hang of it. I wouldn’t say that I am enjoying it (politics). It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service. This hasn’t been my background. I’ve never thought of serving people." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) She further added, "I’ve fought for women’s rights, but that’s different... Somebody’s naali is broken, and I’m like, ‘But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems’. They don’t care. When they see you, they come to you with problems like broken roads, and I tell them that’s a state government issue, and they say, ‘You have money, you use your own money’." Will Kangana Ranaut contest for Prime Minister? She was also asked if she aspires to be the Prime Minister of India someday. To this, she replied, "I don’t think I’m competent to be the PM of India, nor do I have the necessary passion or inclination." She further continued, "Social work has never been my background. I’ve lived a very selfish kind of life. I want to have a big house, a big car, and I want to have diamonds. I want to look good. That’s the kind of life I’ve lived." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) "I don’t know what purpose God chose me for, but I don’t see my life as this grand sacrifice... I don’t fancy that kind of life, and I don’t wish that upon anyone... I don’t have it in me," she added. For the unversed, Kangana was recently criticised for not visiting her own constituency, Mandi, after it was affected by a cloudburst and heavy downpour. The actress later visited the site and interacted with the locals.
08 July,2025 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAamir Khan is currently riding high on the success of his latest film Sitaare Zameen Par. The actor has been in the news for his film, as well as for his personal life for quite some time now. Ever since Aamir Khan made his relationship with Gauri Spratt official, there has been a lot of buzz around the couple. A day before his 60th birthday in March this year, the actor introduced his girlfriend to the world, making his relationship official nearly four years after his divorce from Kiran Rao. Aamir Khan's marriage plans For the unversed, before meeting and falling in love with Gauri Spratt, Aamir Khan was married twice. He was first married to Reena Datta, with whom Aamir has two children, namely, Ira Khan and Junaid Khan. After separating from Reena, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao, with whom he has a son named Azad Rao Khan. Aamir and Kiran got divorced in 2021 after 16 years of marriage. Now that he has another love in his life, everyone is curious about when the 60-year-old actor will tie the knot with her. Aamir Khan grabbed attention when he introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to the media on his 60th birthday. Now, the actor has taken her along to the second Macau International Comedy Festival. Pictures and videos of Aamir affectionately holding Gauri have been making… pic.twitter.com/Vis5VAFSAr — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 13, 2025 Responding to the curiosity in an interview with the Indian Express, Aamir shared, “Well, Gauri and I are really serious about each other and we are in a very committed space. And we are, you know, we are partners. We are together. Marriage is something, I mean, in my heart, I’m already married to her. So whether it’s, whether we formalise it or not is something that I will decide as we go along.” Aamir Khan and Gauri Spratt relationship Back in March on the eve of his birthday, Aamir held a special meeting with the media where he answered their questions and also introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt to the world. He revealed that they had met years ago but had lost touch. The two got in touch again a couple of years ago and have been dating for 18 months. Aamir Khan grabbed attention when he introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to the media on his 60th birthday. Now, the actor has taken her along to the second Macau International Comedy Festival. Pictures and videos of Aamir affectionately holding Gauri have been making… pic.twitter.com/Vis5VAFSAr — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 13, 2025 After making it official, Gauri and Aamir have been spotted together on multiple occasions. They have made appearances at the airport and at events together. Recently, they even walked in together, hand in hand, for the premiere of Aamir's latest release Sitaare Zameen Par. Notably, Aamir Khan is 60 years old while Gauri is 46. They have a 14-year age difference between them
08 July,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral celebrities have been spotted attending the ongoing Wimbledon Championships. The latest to join the list are actor-cricketer couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dressed sharply in formals, the celebrity Indian couple was seen in the stands enjoying the match between Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Anushka and Virat at Wimbledon Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have a home in London and spend most of their time living there with their two kids. After securing the IPL title for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat has been in London to spend quality time with his family. Earlier, he had announced his retirement from Test cricket. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma at Wimbledon. pic.twitter.com/dxJPgdpzrW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 7, 2025 Virat and Anushka looked elegant in their formal attire as they attended the Wimbledon Championships. In fact, Virat also took to his Instagram Stories to congratulate Novak Djokovic on his win. “What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator. @djokernole,” Kohli wrote. About the Match Former champion Novak Djokovic recovered from a shaky start to defeat Australia’s Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday, booking his place in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2025 for a remarkable 16th time. The seven-time champion was far from his best in the early exchanges but showed trademark resilience and composure to claw back control and move closer to a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club. De Minaur, who was forced to withdraw before facing Djokovic in the quarterfinals last year due to an injury, started strong in windy conditions on Centre Court. The World No. 11 broke Djokovic three times to dominate the opening set, while the 37-year-old Serb struggled to find rhythm and cope with the swirling gusts. But as he’s done countless times in his career, Djokovic found a way back. At 4-5 down in the second set, he saved break points and held firm to level the match. That proved to be the turning point, as he tightened up his baseline game, reduced errors, and moved De Minaur side to side in classic fashion. He eventually sealed the victory after three hours and 18 minutes, rallying from 1-4 down in the fourth set. With the win, Djokovic improved his Wimbledon match record to 101-11, trailing only Roger Federer’s 105 wins at the tournament. Federer, who watched from the Royal Box, even got a cheeky mention. “Sometimes, I wish I had a serve-and-volley game and a nice touch from the gentleman who is standing right there,” Djokovic joked, pointing to Federer.
08 July,2025 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Shefali Shah recently caught Brad Pitt's latest release "F1", and she cannot stop praising the Hollywood sports drama. Urging everyone to 'just go watch it', Shefali posted an appreciation note for Joseph Kosinski's directorial on social media. The 'Dil Dhadakne Do' actress wrote on her IG, "If you haven’t watched F1, do yourself a favour and go right now. Whether you’re interested in sports or not, whether you know anything about racing or not, whether you care about racing cars or not—just go watch it." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shefali Shah (@shefalishahofficial) Sharing what "F1" is really about, Shefali added, "Yes, it is about racing, but it’s also about rising and falling and rising again. About friendship, drive (metaphorically and literally), unbridled passion, and a wish that drives one to insanity. And it’s about team spirit." She further disclosed what one might feel after witnessing the drama. "It’s also about very witty lines, comebacks, sexy cars, adrenaline, moments that’ll have you dig your nails into your palms, cross your fingers, say a silent prayer, and scream within as you win along with the cast. A choke in your throat and a ball in your stomach throughout—and finally, the explosion and roar of a win, tears of joy, and the strong urge to start jumping and cheering loudly," the 'Jalsa' actor added. Shefali concluded the post by praising director Javier Bardem and protagonist Brad Pitt for their work. "Oh, did I not mention @bardemantarctic and Brad Pitt? Can’t. No words to. Just go watch the film," the post ended. Previously, actress Ananya Panday also used social media to shower appreciation on "F1". Dropping an image of the screen, along with a tub of popcorn on her Insta stories, Ananya penned, "I love the movies!! I love f1!! I love caramel and cheese popcorn!! And I LOVE Brad Pitt." Furthermore, Karan Johar wrote, "Familiar Tropes, predictable beats, one-liners you see coming a mile away and Yet. SO MUCH FUN! You can't stop yourself from reaching the edge of your seat or gasping out loud, Brad Pitt seems to have approached the role with a self-reflecting Zen mode movie star swag! So effective and landed every beat!" 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
08 July,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra is remembering the Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra on the day he attained martyrdom. On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a picture of Captain Vikram Batra in which he can be seen standing against the backdrop of the Himalayas. He wrote in the caption, “To Captain Vikram Batra, your story continues to move and inspire us. Thank you for showing us the meaning of true strength. Remembering you today, on the day you gave everything for the nation”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@sidmalhotra) Sid essayed the role of Vikram Batra in the 2021 film ‘Shershaah’. The biographical war film was based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra. The film was directed by Vishnuvardhan in his Hindi film debut and written by Sandeep Shrivastava, and also starred Sid’s wife Kiara Advani. Captain Vikram Batra joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun, in June 1996 in the Manekshaw Battalion, named after India’s war hero Sam Manekshaw. He completed his 19-month training course, and later graduated from the IMA on December 6, 1997. He was commissioned as a lieutenant into the Indian Army He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian military decoration, for his actions during the Kargil War, on 7 July 1999. He fought valiantly during the Kargil War, and was martyred while fighting Pakistani troops around Area Ledge, Point 4875, in the Kargil district of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Sid was last seen in the film ‘Yodha’. The film is inspired by the various aircraft hijackings in Indian history, particularly Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. He also has ‘Param Sundari’ in the pipeline. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the film is set to release on July 25, 2025. 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
08 July,2025 02:47 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor Ajay Devgn met Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the latter’s residence in New Delhi, and has shown keen interest in establishing a world-class film studio in Telangana. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Ajay Devgan proposed the development of an international-standard film studio equipped with state-of-the-art Animation, VFX, and AI-powered smart studios. The actor also expressed willingness to set up a skill development institute to train professionals across various domains of the film industry. Ajay Devgan requested the Chief Minister to facilitate the necessary support for setting up the studio in Telangana, highlighting the state’s potential as a premier destination for cinema infrastructure in India. He shared his vision of contributing to the growth of the film ecosystem by bringing in global expertise and cutting-edge technology. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy briefed the actor on the steps being taken by the Telangana Government for overall development across sectors, including media and entertainment. Ajay Devgan appreciated the proactive initiatives of the state and assured that he would act as a brand ambassador in promoting ‘Rising Telangana’ through the lens of cinema and media. The meeting was also attended by Ajit Reddy, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Dr Gaurav Uppal, Secretary for Coordination of Central Schemes. Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev also met the Chief Minister in New Delhi. They discussed the proposal to establish a Sports University in Hyderabad to promote excellence in sports and nurture future champions. Earlier, the Chief Minister met Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, and requested him to conduct the Khelo India Games 2026 in Telangana. During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to allocate the hosting rights for the Khelo India Games 2026. The Chief Minister also urged him to consider Telangana as the host state for the prestigious national games event and to extend the opportunity to conduct not only the Khelo India Games but also other national and international-level competitions in the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed the development of sports infrastructure in Telangana and sought the allocation of central funds for the creation of comprehensive sports infrastructure and athlete training programmes under the Khelo India scheme. He proposed funding of Rs 100 crore for key infrastructure projects like construction of a synthetic athletic track in Bhuvanagiri, establishment of a multipurpose indoor stadium and a swimming pool in Rayagiri, construction of a synthetic athletic track at Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar, development of a multipurpose indoor hall at Satavahana University, Karimnagar, establishment of an archery range at Hakimpet, Hyderabad, installation of a synthetic hockey field and squash court at LB Stadium, development of a natural football field and renovation of the hockey ground at Gachibowli Sports Complex and construction of a synthetic athletic track at Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda. The Chief Minister emphasised that the Telangana State Government is committed to enhancing sports facilities and nurturing athletic talent. He appealed for greater cooperation and support from the Central Government in this regard. Revanth Reddy requested that Telangana be considered to host at least two events during the 2036 Olympic Games if they are held in India. He also called for the reintroduction of fare concessions in train travel for athletes participating in national-level competitions, as was the practice in the past. 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
08 July,2025 02:41 PM IST | Hyderabad | IANSActress and sports enthusiast Saiyami Kher has once again made the nation proud by successfully completing her second Ironman 70.3 Triathlon on July 6th, 2025, in Jönköping, Sweden. With this achievement, Saiyami becomes the only Indian actor to have completed the prestigious Ironman 70.3 race twice within a year, reinforcing her reputation as a rare force in both film and fitness. About Ironman 70.3 The Ironman 70.3, is one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the world, testing athletes across 1.9 km of open water swimming, 90 km of cycling, and a 21.1 km half marathon run all within a single day. Saiyami had earlier completed her first Ironman 70.3 in September 2024, marking her debut in the international endurance racing circuit. Her second race in Sweden was the European championship and came with additional challenges, including cold waters, relentless hills, strong headwinds. Yet Saiyami managed to finish 32 minutes faster than her previous race, showing not just endurance but remarkable growth and resilience as an athlete. 'A race against my own doubts' “People often ask why I put myself through this kind of torture. The truth is, it’s not about proving anything to the world. I’ve never thrived on external validation. For me, endurance sport is deeply personal — it’s a race against my own doubts. This year, my only goal was to be better than I was last year. And I did just that,” said Saiyami in a heartfelt post after the race. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saiyami Kher (@saiyami) “As a women it’s additionally a big pain to do such a physically challenging activity with your period but it’s just a reminder that it’s always mind over matter. There’s a strange, quiet pride in finishing something that once felt impossible. A deep joy.” A known sports enthusiast, Saiyami has consistently advocated for physical fitness and mental toughness, often crediting sport for shaping her outlook on life. Her journey from the silver screen to the finish line continues to challenge norms, inspire women, and encourage a generation to embrace the power of consistent hard work and courage. Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for India, especially in a space where few Indian celebrities have dared to tread. With her second Ironman 70.3 finish, Saiyami Kher cements her position as a symbol of grit, determination, and limitless potential.
08 July,2025 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA new song 'Pehla Tu Duja Tu' from Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur-starrer 'Son of Sardaar 2' has been unveiled. Set against the stunning streets of Scotland, Ajay and Mrunal bring a fresh and heartwarming energy in Pehla Tu Duja Tu. Sung by Vishal Mishra and composed and penned by acclaimed Jaani, this is the second song from Son of Sardaar 2. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, the film also stars Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Mrunal Thakur, Neeru Bajwa, Chunky Panday, Kubbra Sait, Deepak Dobriyal, Vindu Dara Singh, Roshni Walia, Sharat Saxena, Sahil Mehta and the late Mukul Dev. Son of Sardar 2 will be released on 25th July 2025. The first instalment of 'Son of Sardaar' was directed by Ashwani Dhir. It featured Devgn alongside Sonakshi Sinha and tells the story of Jassi, a man who returns to his ancestral village in Punjab and becomes embroiled in a family feud. The film was known for its mix of humour, action, and romance. While it received mixed reviews, it was praised for its lively performances and engaging soundtrack. 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
08 July,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIWhen this reporter saw Kaalidhar Laapata, our first reaction was to go home and ask our parents what is on their bucket list. When we ask the same of Abhishek Bachchan, who headlines the Zee5 film, he says there are too many things he wants to do but refuses to tell us what exactly. “I feel if I talk about it, then it doesn’t happen.” The film, written and directed by Madhumita, is the Hindi adaptation of the Tamil film K.D (2019). It follows a middle-aged man experiencing memory loss and a sense of abandonment after overhearing his family’s plan to leave him behind during a religious gathering. He then embarks on a journey during which he meets an eight-year-old orphan, and they set out to fulfil items on his bucket list. In conversation with mid-day, Bachchan talks about what drew him to the film, why Daivik Bhagela was the right choice as his co-star, and why understanding the economics of films is important. What was your initial reaction to the narration of the story of Kaalidhar Laapata?I just loved the way Madhumita had written the film and the way she wanted to tell the story more than just the subject matter. I loved her approach to it; she made it very human. I loved the fact that she was going to end up saying some very profound things — things that stay with you long after the film is over. But [she said] it in such a casual manner. The conduit of all of this is a 10-year-old kid. I found that very interesting. We’ve often noticed that you have great chemistry with child co-stars. It somehow brings out the child in you. Do you agree?You feel that? [Laughs] They do, right? I mean, just by their countenance alone, they kind of make you very carefree because they’re so innocent and not inhibited at all. So I think that does bring out a lot of the child in you. Is that how you felt working with Bhagela?Daivik is very sweet, but he’s an old soul. Immensely well-prepared. He’s a wonderful actor and has got a very bright future ahead of him. A lot of that has got to do with the fact that he comes from a very renowned theatre troupe in Bhopal, where we shot the film. His confidence is something else. When we were casting, Madhumita said that she needed a kid who just has to be the character — confident to the point of being overconfident and chalu. How do you cast a kid like that? And in walked Daivik. Before he could say anything, we were sure this is the guy. He had that X-factor in him, which was brilliant. What was his reaction to you?I don’t think it was anything much. Everybody told me that he might be intimidated, so I’d have to be careful and make it casual for him. So I thought I would have to handle him. Daivik walked in — he was totally cool. I was very happy with that. You always think, with kids you have to behave in a particular way. He was like a normal co-star. I’m not saying he’s mature or that he has grown up too fast. I’m saying that he was very well-prepared and embodied all the qualities that the character needed. He was not precocious at all. What was it like working under Madhumita’s vision?I had a truly wonderful time working with Madhumita. Her crystal-clear vision for the film, and especially how she intended to adapt the script from page to screen, was something I thoroughly enjoyed and found incredibly inspiring. I also deeply appreciated her insightful notes and her consistent focus on the emotional depth of the characters in every moment. It was a genuine pleasure collaborating with her. What do you want people to see in Kaalidhar Laapata — the film, your performance, the child actor?It’s always the film. It can’t be about me or the kid. No one aspect of the film is larger than the entire film. I just hope they enjoy it. If they have a smile on their face at the end of it, I’m already happy. I’m going to go tell Nikkhil [Advani, producer] and Madhumita that I’m done. [If people have] watched the film, gone home and asked their parents, ‘Hey, I’ve never asked you. You’ve done so much for me. What can I do for you? What’s on your bucket list?’ Then we’re flying. Do you follow the economics of moviemaking?Of course. You have to. I think it’s very important for people within the film industry too. I don’t agree that it’s important for people outside the film industry, though. When I go to a movie, I’m not going to see a hit or flop film. I go to see a good film or a bad film, and that’s what the audience should do too. I’m not too fond of the fact that today a lot of the film industry and media houses have made it into a business to report the numbers. That can’t be the discussion. The discussion has to be around: did you enjoy the film or not? I’ve seen Amar Akbar Anthony [1977]. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen it. I don’t know the collections of the film. I just know that it’s a very entertaining and fun film. So that’s the way a film should be for the audience. But as an actor or somebody who is part of the film industry, it’s very important to be cognisant of the economics because it is a commercial art. You’re selling a ticket; you owe them their money’s worth. So you have to be aware of that. Did you know? The original Tamil film starred Mu Ramaswamy and child actor Naga Vishal. He later won the National Award for the Best Child Actor in 2021 and Best Actor Award at the Jagran Film Festival 2019.
08 July,2025 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamADVERTISEMENT
