The delightful and heartwarming trailer for the upcoming young adult drama, Dil Dosti Dilemma was unveiled by Prime Video today. An adaptation of the book ‘Asmara’s Summer’, published by Penguin Random House and authored by Andaleeb Wajid, this intriguing coming-of-age Original series has been produced by Ten Years Younger Productions with Seema Mohapatra and Jahanara Bhargava serving as Creative Producers. Directed by Debbie Rao and written by Anuradha Tiwari, Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Raghav Dutt, and Manjiri Vijay, the seven-part series is a feel-good drama that emphasizes the significance of embracing one's roots, nurturing relationships, and discovering oneself. The series boasts of a talented ensemble cast including Anushka Sen, Kush Jotwani, Tanvi Azmi, and Shishir Sharma in lead roles, supported by Shruti Seth, Suhasini Mulay, Vishakha Pandey, Revathi Pillai, and Elisha Mayor playing pivotal roles. The trailer introduces viewers to Asmara- a witty and charming young girl from a privileged family in Bengaluru, who is excited to spend her summer holidays in Canada. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she ends up at Tibbri Road, the middle-class neighborhood of her maternal grandparents. What she initially views as a punishment soon becomes a journey of new experiences and realizations. Through some mishaps, new friendships, a budding romance, and many heartwarming moments, Asmara begins to understand that there is more to life than material things and luxury vacations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Debbie Rao, the director of the series, shared, "Dil Dosti Dilemma is a special project for me, marking my second collaboration with my favorite streaming service – Prime Video, following our work on Pushpavalli. When I came across the script, what struck me was its ability to deliver a wholesome narrative that resonates with everyone featuring relatable characters one can truly connect with. Throughout the making of the series, we tried to stay true to the characters, their emotions, and the bonds between different generations – from teenagers to grandparents. I'm proud of what we've achieved, and I'm confident it will capture the audience's hearts worldwide, in more ways than one." Anushka Sen, who brings Asmara to life in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shares, “Reading the script of this series, was like finding a piece of myself in Asmara's character – she's both familiar and unique in her own way. What really drew me to this story, is that it is a celebration of friendships and the importance of family bonds. I believe Dil Dosti Dilemma is a fresh, relatable story that speaks to people of all ages. I'm grateful to our director Debbie, the producers, and the entire Prime Video team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to portray such a complex, endearing, and relatable character. I'm eagerly looking forward to the series’ launch on April 25, both in India and in over 240 countries, and I can't wait to see the audiences’ reaction to this beautifully crafted story." “I am so thrilled to make my acting debut as Farzaan in Dil Dosti Dilemma, which will always hold a special place in my heart. This show taught me some important life lessons like the significance of self-belief and staying true to oneself, no matter the situation or consequences. It also showed me the power of love and relationships, which have reflected in my performance, adding depth to my character. I'm excited to see how audiences react to my work in Dil Dosti Dilemma,” shared Kush Jotwani. Tanvi Azmi, who portrays Asmara’s Nani (maternal grandmother) in the series, shared, "Throughout my career, I've always gravitated towards roles that feel real because I believe that authenticity truly challenges an actor. My character in Dil Dosti Dilemma embodies pride in her roots, she embraces change gradually, and is sometimes stubborn but also sees the best in others. I was particularly impressed by the meticulous casting done by the creators and Prime Video, as I believe that it is the most crucial element in bringing a story to life. I have complete confidence that this series will resonate deeply with audiences. It has heart, soul, and relatability that will captivate their attention from the very beginning. I eagerly await the series’ premiere on April 25 on Prime Video and invite everyone to experience this beautiful narrative unfold." Shishir Sharma, who portrays Asmara’s Nana (maternal grandfather) in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shared his experience working on the series, saying, "Dil Dosti Dilemma marks my third collaboration with Prime Video after Made in Heaven and Permanent Roommates. When I was approached for this series, I learned about its origin in the book 'Asmara’s Summer' by Andaleeb Wajid, which immediately caught my attention. Dil Dosti Dilemma serves as a vibrant adaptation of this tale, skillfully capturing its authenticity and relatability while preserving its essence and conveying a touching message about relationships and community. I am confident that audiences, both in India and globally, will deeply appreciate this series for its portrayal of timeless emotions surrounding love, friendships, and embracing one's legacy and roots."
16 April,2024 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe name is Bond, James Bond. Closer home, it’s Pathaan, Tiger and so on. Movies and series on Indian intelligence agencies are plenty, complete with stylised weapons, complicated espionage tactics, and lots of action. But former Intelligence Bureau officer Prabhakar Aloka says real-life intelligence agencies are far removed from the fiction we see on screen. In order to bring the reality of these unknown heroes to light, he came on board as an advisor for Adrishyam: The Invisible Heroes, starring Divyanka Tripathi and Eijaz Khan. Director Anshuman Kishore Singh and Aloka share their creative journey and how they made Adrishyam a blend of fact and fiction. Genesis Aloka joined the team of the SonyLIV web series nine months before the shoot, aiding them in research and writing. In fact, it was he who suggested the title, Adrishyam. Singh, who previously helmed shows like Crime Patrol, Code Red Awaaz, and CID, says, “I had no idea how the Intelligence Bureau [IB] works. With Aloka sir’s input, we figured out the functioning of the IB. Eijaz Khan as BIA Agent Ravi Verma He gave us [ample] stories. In nine months, my entire perspective and the story changed. In the show, it is a fictionalised agency. It is an amalgamation of the Intelligence Bureau [IB] and the National Intelligence Agency [NIA].” Building a fictitious spy unit, Bharat Intelligence Agency (BIA), gave him the creative liberty to show his actors performing action and having gun-fights. Busting myths Adrishyam tells the story of the BIA’s undercover officers Ravi and Parvati, who track and neutralise terror risks, while posing as employees of the meteorological department to the outside world. The idea behind the show, Singh says, was to depict the working of an intelligence agency and how officers neutralise national threats, without the aam junta knowing about them. Aloka, who worked with the IB for 30 years, says that he wanted to bring the real world to the viewers. “People have different ideas about this world, which is now popularly called the spyverse. People have a very romantic idea of agents. [They believe spies to be like] James Bond, who takes his martini shaken but not stirred, can fight many people, and use gizmos and guns. Seeing that fictional world being propagated in the name of spy world made me feel, having spent about a quarter century plus in this profession, that I should at least try to present what the near truth is,” says Aloka, who has penned two books—Operation Haygreeva and Operation Sudarshan Chakra. Director Anshuman Kishore Singh on the set of Adrishyam However, the ex-officer understands that for a series to be entertaining, it needs to enjoy some creative freedom. “When you are dealing with hostile elements and don’t have weapons in your hand, it’s a very troubling scenario. I wanted to project that, but then there are limitations in modern presentation. You have to have some element of action so that it is commercially viable. Making a true spy movie, where the spies undergo psychological trauma and cognitive disruptions, is difficult.” Echoes of reality in fiction When asked exactly how much of the show is based on reality, Singh pegs it at nearly 75 per cent. He says that the torture sequences to get terrorists and their accomplices to spill the beans are borrowed from reality. “Aloka sir will not agree to it because of his official position, but everything happens. To get information out of a terrorist, a lot of techniques are applied. Yaseen Bhatkal, [a convicted Indian Islamist terrorist who was the co-founder and leader of the terrorist organisation Indian Mujahideen], was given truth serum injections to extract information. In one of the episodes, we introduced Saira, who is a spy in the Pakistani camp. The character is [inspired from] a real person, who spied on Pakistan [as a local] and gathered information.” An episode traces how new hires in the agency are put on the field with some physical and mental training; the rest of the learning happens on the job. Aloka seconds that. “In this trade, the training is different. We have to be mentally and physically prepared. Unless you are physically fit, you can’t be mentally active. When you are on the field, you have to be mentally prepared to take decisions on your own because you don’t have anybody to look back at,” explains the ex-officer, adding that as a spy, one has to use any means to get information. “Sometimes, we have to measure the consequences and then take action. We are not there to take the bull by the horns [every time]. Sometimes, we have to run away.” For Singh, the biggest challenge was to get his actors in line with the concept of the show. “The first thing that we had to do was tell the actors that this is not the police force or the Indian Army. Aloka sir told me that when he had just joined the IB, he had said ‘Jai Hind sir’ to his [superior], with a salute. His superior told him, ‘You have to be casual here because you have to become a common man. You have to become part of the crowd.’” The spy world so far While we have a plethora of movies and shows on spies, none have gotten the audience hooked like The Family Man and Special Ops. Singh agrees that the Manoj Bajpayee-led series takes a close look at the spy world. “I think Special Ops is raw and too stylised, which is not close to reality. The Family Man is closer to how things are. But Adrishyam is different because while the BIA collects intelligence, there will be action too. The backstories of their respective families and their emotional journeys have been well-placed. While in The Family Man, one story runs into 10 episodes, here we end the story in two to four episodes,” shares the director. However, Aloka believes that one cannot make comparisons with any show or film because there is nothing to compare. “I will only point out one aspect of this entire series. [In real life], we are dealing with an adversary who is equally competent, [unlike how they are often picturised], which is what we did in Adrishyam.”
16 April,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamPirates, ships, ill-fated people—these words always excite us, and Hansal Mehta's son, Jai Mehta, has combined all of these to deliver a spectacular crime drama, ‘Lootere’. The series, which marks Jai's directorial debut, has been receiving a good response from audiences and critics alike. Now, as the series garners rave reviews, midday.com sat down with the producer of the show, Shaailesh R Singh, and the captain of the ship himself, Jai Mehta, to discuss several things—from how Jai decided to make his debut with ‘Lootere’ to any fears of comparison with his father, Hansal Mehta. As we started off the conversation, we learned that ‘Lootere’ is Shaailesh's brainchild, which he entrusted to Jai. When asked why he trusted Mehta to direct the series, the producer of the show said, "Because I've known Jai for almost 20 or 30 years, and I knew he would make a fantastic directorial debut. It's also my OTT debut, so I wanted someone whom I am comfortable and confident with, someone I can trust 100%. I couldn't find someone better than Jai and Hansal. As it's my first time, I really wanted someone I could rely on. So, that's why I approached Jai and asked him to read it and come on board if he liked it." When you have a father who is known for his craft as a director, the fear of comparison often comes to mind, but with Jai, that was not the case, as he never felt like competing with his father, Hansal Mehta. "I don't fear comparison. If I make half of what he makes, it means I have achieved a lot. There is no comparison, no competition, and no pressure. Why would I want to compete with somebody who has taught me? Why would I want to compete with my father? We work together. We are not competitors. Honestly, there is no competition. We constantly share our learnings with each other. Whether I need to get in touch with any actor, I will call Shailesh ji or Suparna or Hansal sir. We are constantly sharing things with each other," Jai said. When we delved deeper into the conversation and asked him about feeling pressure to deliver the best, Jai told us, "When it comes to delivering, you know, a lot of people don't know where we come from. We don't come from a family which has a film background; we are all first-generation filmmakers, sort of. And my relationship with Hansal sir is... I have been working with him for as long as I have also been his son. I have been his assistant for 15 years; our working relation is as long as our father-son relation." He further continued and said, "What is the worst that will happen, yaar? We have been poor before; we will be poor again; there's no big deal; it's okay; at least we tried." To note, Jai Mehta's directorial debut series is available on Disney plus Hotstar. The series has been streaming on the platform since March 22nd. Hansal Mehta is a showrunner for 'Lootere'.
15 April,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediRecognised as the first Indian lead singer to feature in Coke Studio Pakistan, Sharmistha Chatterjee is set to present her latest work in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Asserting that “the music of the tawaifs” has been an abiding interest of hers, Chatterjee, who rendered Tilasmi bahein, says the music “revolves around the genre that I explore”. “This belongs to [the genre of] world music. The style that we explored is a fusion of elements from the Middle East and Spain. There’s a bit of Arabic or Bulgarian music too. When I first went into the studio, I was told to explore the song as I desired. Initially, the lyrics didn’t sit well, and I had to work on a part of it. But, because I was associated with the song from [the beginning], I could truly enjoy rendering it. The emotions of the character were conveyed to me. I was made to understand that it was about the power of womanhood, and celebrating it.” Sinha stars in the song composed by Bhansali Chatterjee’s association with Bhansali traces back to 2006 when she came on board as a backing vocalist for Saawariya. “That was my first time working on such a large [set], and recording with a large group.” To be “pulled out from a bunch of voices” and chosen as a solo vocalist for his film is certainly a defining moment for her. “For this number, the idea was to completely surrender to the director’s vision. Doing that was important in this case because we didn’t have the visuals before us. The song was shot after I sang it. I am experimental and enjoy world music. And while there may be many people who are skilled in it, adapting the genre to make it appropriate for a commercial Hindi project is something only Mr Bhansali could do. It was his masterstroke. He has an amazing ability to understand the audience, and is extremely passionate about everything that he does, especially the project’s music. Even though he has heard a lot of Bollywood music, he has the mind of an explorer and wants to [know more about] the classical and semi-classical genres. He will use his vision to find something new and extraordinary each time.” It’s perhaps his tendency to introduce a hint of novelty in his work that enables Bhansali to lead singers out of their comfort zone. “In the industry, singers are usually [bracketed] and called for the same kinds of songs. But, because of him, I got the opportunity to do something I hadn’t done before.”
15 April,2024 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaBhuvan Bam’s journey probably wouldn’t have started without social media. The content creator became an internet sensation thanks to his hilarious YouTube videos. But to credit it alone to the power of social media is seeing half the picture; after all, it was his flair for comedy that resonated with audiences. As he currently shoots for the second season of Taaza Khabar, he says his talent helped him graduate from YouTube star to an actor. “I believe in being cast for my talent, not for my number of followers,” he says. At a time when the industry is casting social media influencers in acting parts in the hope that their popularity will help their projects grab more eyeballs, Bam asserts that wants to continue building his career on his acting talent. “My social media career, built on sketches featuring multiple characters portrayed by me alone in self-recorded videos, has provided me with invaluable experience in front of the camera. I approach each role with dedication and passion, aiming to earn recognition in the industry based on merit.” Thrilled that his maiden web series Taaza Khabar got so much love, he is enjoying reprising his role in the second edition. “My character Vasya holds a special place in my heart. Exploring his psyche further has been a rewarding journey for me.”
15 April,2024 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuChamkilaOn: NetflixDir: Imtiaz AliCast: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti ChopraRating: 3.5/5 Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila is a full-on musical—down to translations of songs in Punjabi, flashing across the screen in Hindi, in Roman letters. If I recall right, Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) was the first mainstream movie to use Hindi subtitles in Roman script. Also, in this film’s opening credits, characters break the fourth wall—looking straight into the camera—while the song is on. The tone is sufficiently set. This is also a musical in a western sense, wherein the lead actor is also the lead singer. That is, Diljit Dosanjh, performing live, as the eponymous Amar Singh Chamkila, the most popular musician around the pinds of Punjab. Like Dosanjh himself! Opposite him, as Chamikla’s onstage duet partner, Amarjot Kaur, is Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra. Leading up to this film, Chopra had been quite badly trolled—catcalled “Lata Mat-gayakar”, “Very talented, but keep it hidden”—as a clip of hers screwing up Fareeda Khanum’s Aaj jaane ki zid na karo, at a full-fledged concert, emerged online. Chopra can sing to save her life, in Chamkila—enough to even reprise the hard life of Kaur. No, she can’t match the hero, of course. But that’s smartly built into the character, as Chamkila works on the voice of his singing partner, later wife—firstly, to rid her of the “shehri lehza” (urban twang). Kaur lost her life, along with Chamkila, to alleged terrorists, right before their concert, in 1988. That’s the opening shot. The picture focusses on his life, until their death; 1977 onwards. Flitting between childhood, chronologically flashing back to his youth, shifting to the present dead-body and those left behind, juxtaposing music, with graphic art, clever sound-cuts... This is a smartly edited film (Aarti Bajaj). It’s hard to figure, though, how many more minutes should’ve been hacked, further, to arrive at a much tighter narrative still. That said, there’s something instantly meditative about the moments, when Dosanjh strums the opening riffs of a ditty on the single-stringed toomba, before a live audience, in a village of a finely preserved, ’80s Punjab, that’s looking on, the same way, as those before the screen on Netflix! As if experiencing Chamkila himself. To begin with, this is hardly possible with desi flicks, when a song so weirdly modulates between actors and their playback voices. But that’s not all. It’s also the naturally sweet, innocent Dosanjh, so seamlessly transferring his soul to an imagined star, Chamkila, a fellow-singer, he probably himself grew up idolising. Feels as authentic as it gets. Chamkila wished to see himself on the screen once, his character says in the movie. So does the fellow he’s speaking to: “It’s a Punjab thing, I guess!” Dosanjh has over 80 credits on IMDb, many of which are blockbuster-budget music videos he’s starred in. Like most top Punjabi musicians. Among films, his other biopic in Hindi, Shaad Ali’s Soorma (2018), also set around Punjab violence, remains his most underrated/under-watched. I’m tempted to click on Ali Abbas Zafar’s Jogi (2022), that’s showed up on my Netflix timeline. Certainly not Dosanjh’s Jodi (2023), also based on Chamkila! Couldn’t even sit through the trailer. And that’s fine. Seldom do so many things fall into place, so aptly. The subject matching the star. AR Rahman delivering music, that’s totally as per the script’s milieu/brief. Rather than a generic, multi-genre soundtrack. Irshad Kamil on the writing keyboard—no lyricist could exude the earthy, ’80s pind better. And of course, Ali, co-writer (along with brother Sajid), and director—fully in control of the material—who’s similarly delved into vital questions of art vs artiste, fame and its pitfalls, within the phenomenal musical, Rockstar (2010), inspired by the Punjabi legend, Heer Ranjha. Ali’s had a strangely cold streak, aforementioned Jab Harry Met Sejal onwards—in particular, Love Aaj Kal (2020), or even stuff helmed as producer, Thai Massage (2022), series such as She (2020), Dr Arora (2022). Maybe he had little/nothing to say, besides the thought of getting on set, per se. Through the folk singer, Chamkila, known/derided for his vulgar lyrics—such a common motif of folk music, after all—Ali gathers a courageous voice to question, who defines obscenity, anyway? Apart from religious fanaticism and violence, the caste angle—although only briefly touched upon—lends Chamklia’s story an added layer. Dhani Ram, aka Amar Singh, aka Chamkila, belonged to the low/chamar caste. Something that must’ve permanently defined his position in a pind. Intense popularity, from sheer talent, helped him transcend his circumstances. The world is what it is. He learnt to be. And then they didn’t let him be. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of “sexila, tharkila, ganda banda” Chamkila—whether to see him as Ismat/Manto kinda iconoclast, or simply a chart-busting Bhojpuri, Lollyop singer, providing visceral joy to a willing public. I’m glad the film doesn’t influence you either way. Besides to see him in the context of a musician, dealing with stuff in his 20s. He died, 27, like the infamous 27 Club (Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Cobain). I didn’t know Chamkila, growing up in Delhi, when Gurdas Maan, Malkit Singh, were more popular. Punjabi music itself has only lately become immeasurably western mainstream, where Dosanjh gigs at Coachella, or jams with Ed Sheeran. That we access Chamkila through him should give this precious piece of pop-culture history an even greater global relevance/appeal.
14 April,2024 03:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharThe premiere date of the original series Dil Dosti Dilemma has been announced by Prime Video today. Adapted from the popular book ‘Asmara's Summer’, published by Penguin Random House and authored by Andaleeb Wajid, this heartwarming young adult series has Seema Mohapatra and Jahanara Bhargava serving as Creative Producers under the banner of Ten Years Younger Productions. It has been directed by Debbie Rao, and written by Anuradha Tiwari, Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Raghav Dutt, and Manjiri Pupala. The series boasts a talented ensemble cast of emerging and seasoned actors, with Anushka Sen, Kush Jotwani, Tanvi Azmi, Shishir Sharma in lead roles, and Shruti Seth, Vishakha Pandey, Revathi Pillai, Elisha Mayor, and Suhasini Mulay in pivotal roles. Dil Dosti Dilemma will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in Hindi, with dubs available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Dil Dosti Dilemma invites audiences into the world of Asmara, a popular, witty, and charming young girl. Her summer takes an unexpected turn when she is sent to her grandparents' neighborhood as a form of punishment. To maintain appearances with her friends, she pretends to be in Canada. Will this experience become a nightmare, a journey of personal growth, or both? Packed with plot twists and heartwarming revelations, join Asmara as she navigates a journey of self-discovery, nurtures family bonds, forges genuine friendships, and experiences the magic of first love, amidst the enchanting bylanes of Tibbri Road. "Young adults are in a phase of life where they are discovering themselves, facing multiple challenges and forming their identities. When they see their experiences reflected on screen, it validates their feelings, helping them feel understood. We have noticed a significant rise in our young adult viewership, both in India and globally. This success in the realm of young adult content strengthens our resolve to prioritize content tailored for this key audience cohort," said Aparna Purohit, Head of Originals, India and Southeast Asia, Prime Video. "We're thrilled to unveil our upcoming series, Dil Dosti Dilemma, a heartwarming exploration of the memorable teenage years that intricately examines the beautiful journey of relationships formed during these formative years. Collaborating with Ten Years Younger Productions has been a delight and we’re excited to present this captivating coming-of-age narrative, evoking familiarity and warmth that will undoubtedly strike a chord with not just our young audience but also resonate with their families." "Dil Dosti Dilemma holds a special place in our hearts for several reasons. To begin with, it marks our first collaboration with Prime Video, the preferred home for talent and creators to showcase their craft and creativity. We are thankful to the entire team at Prime Video for believing and embracing our vision for this series, and providing us the platform to reach millions of viewers worldwide. Further, this series reflects our dedication in bringing engaging stories that capture complexities and diverse experiences of today’s youth. These stories aim to entertain while also inspiring individuals to not only advocate for change but to actively embody it through their beliefs and actions," shared producers Seema Mohapatra and Jahanara Bhargava of Ten Years Young Productions. “Emphasizing universal themes of self–discovery, and relationships, Dil Dosti Dilemma reminds us of life's true priorities beyond material possessions. Heartwarming yet thought-provoking, we are sure that the series will connect deeply and emotionally with audiences worldwide. We are looking forward to its worldwide premiere on Prime Video, on April 25!”
12 April,2024 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe newsroom is expanding with Akshay Oberoi joining the second season of The Broken News. The actor plays Ronnie Sabarwal, the CEO of news channel Awaaz Bharati, in the Jaideep Ahlawat, Sonali Bendre and Shriya Pilgaonkar-starrer. What drew him to the ZEE5 series? First and foremost, the opportunity to reunite with director Vinay Waikul. “I had worked with Vinay on The Test Case. I had a great time then, and an even better time now. It’s always fun to collaborate with directors you have previously worked with and trusted. You know each other well enough to hit the ground running,” says the actor. It also offered Oberoi a chance to collaborate with actors he admires. Though he doesn’t have any scenes with Ahlawat, he feels honoured to be a part of the same show as him. “I don’t need to say it; the world knows that Jaideep is a tremendous talent. I have a lot of scenes with Sonali Bendre and Shriya. Sonali has done such good work, I’ve seen it over the years. Shriya has [shone] in the last couple of years. The experience of working with them was everything I thought it would be,” he smiles.
12 April,2024 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaWidely loved for his rap and music by millions, musician Munawar Faruqui has the perfect Eidi for all his devoted fans today, as he announced his acting debut in a web series titled ‘First Copy’ on this special occasion. A one-minute, forty-three-second teaser transports us back to the year 1999 when DVDs were a big trend. While movies hit theatres on Fridays, many eagerly created a ‘first copy’ of the film on DVD on Thursdays before the official release. Speaking of Munawar Faruqui, the musician is impressive in the teaser as an actor, portraying a grey character from the world of piracy, adding another feather to his cap. Taking to social media, Munawar unveiled the official teaser of the series, leaving fans thrilled and excited. He shared the same saying “Eid Mubarak🌙” Check it out here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Munawar Faruqui (@munawar.faruqui) Talking about the show, Munawar Faruqui said, “Over the years, my fans have always stood by me and supported me in everything I have done. Hence, I wanted to present them with a special gift this year by announcing this project where they’ll witness a new side of me. I’m eager to see everyone’s response to it.” Written and directed by Farhan P. Zamma, produced by Kurji Productions, and co-produced by Salt Media, the ‘First Copy’ teaser has received a positive response from netizens all across. Further, fans will have to wait a little longer to learn more details about the project. About Munawar Faruqui: Munawar started his journey as a stand-up comedian. He drew attention when he got arrested for a joke he allegedly did not crack. In 2021, he was accused of making malicious jokes about Hindu deities. He spent over a month in jail. After his jail term, he landed in the reality show 'Lock Upp' hosted by Kangana Ranaut. He won the show and hearts of many. He also made and starred in multiple music videos showcasing his musical talent. In 2023, he lifted the trophy of Bigg Boss 17 after a very controversial journey on the show hosted by Salman Khan. He often dominates the news with his appearance in the city and for the fan following he commands.
11 April,2024 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
It’s tough to separate Kasturba Gandhi from the shadow of her distinguished husband, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, looming large over her. But Hansal Mehta’s web series, Gandhi, attempts to dissect both—the man behind the Mahatma, as well as the woman who stood steadfast by his side as he led India’s fight for freedom against the British Raj. On her 155th birth anniversary today, Gandhi’s makers have shared the first look of the reel Kasturba, essayed by Bhamini Oza. What makes Oza’s casting interesting is that it marks her first on-screen collaboration with actor-husband Pratik Gandhi, who plays the titular role. “Stepping into Kasturba Gandhi’s shoes feels like a beautiful twist of fate in my acting journey. Working with Hansal Mehta is a dream come true, especially alongside my husband Pratik,” says Oza. With her roots firmly in theatre, the actor has featured in television shows and films, including Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery (2023). It was her long-time wish to share screen space with her actor-husband. “Now it’s finally happening. My attempt is to bring honesty to the character and a genuine connection to the story,” she smiles. Pratik Gandhi and Hansal Mehta The ambitious show is based on historian Ramachandra Guha’s books, Gandhi Before India, and Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World. Beginning with the Mahatma’s early years and his experiences in South Africa, the multi-season series will span decades, showing his evolution as a national leader and the price it came at. Through his incisive lens, the director will also capture how Kasturba played a pivotal role in shaping the Mahatma’s journey, and how his story is incomplete without her. The team is currently shooting in Film City, Goregaon. Having seen Oza’s work on the stage, Mehta knew she was an apt choice to bring Kasturba’s strength and grace to the screen. “I have known Bhamini as a terrific actor; she is formidable on stage. To showcase her playing the character of a lifetime is a privilege. Kastur is special, and to discover her through Bhamini’s performance is even more special,” he says. Sameer Nair, managing director, Applause Entertainment, adds, “The decision to cast the real-life couple adds a layer of authenticity to our series. Their shared understanding brings the depth of realism to the portrayal.”
11 April,2024 06:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Hiren KotwaniSanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ has made a wide and massive buzz across the country and the world as the show is all set to stream on Netflix next month. This series will see the comeback of many actors, including Fardeen Khan. It was just yesterday when the magnificent trailer of Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ was launched during a grand event in the city. After the trailer launch event, the cast of the series interacted with the media. During his interaction with the media, Fardeen got emotional and talked about his almost 14-year-long hiatus. While talking about the long gap, Fardeen said, “Firstly, it's been a very long gap for me. It's been almost about 14 years, to say the least. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity to work with this stellar star cast and a platform like Netflix and the man himself, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity as an actor to return to the screen.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) “For me, this was something I have never done and it was the perfect role for me. At the age I am in, to come back to the screen, you come with a certain amount of life experience, wisdom and you know you can really contribute to the layers that Sanjay writes into all his characters. His characters are very intricate, very complex. There's nobody like him who writes characters. He goes across the spectrum and emotions, and he has this intuitive understanding of it. It’s daunting to work with him, but at the same time, when you see it all together, it just all makes sense,” Fardeen continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) While being emotional, Fardeen said, “I'm getting emotional now… I am extremely grateful for this chance and so happy to be here.” About 'Heeramandi': Heeramandi marks the foray of the filmmaker into the digital space, and the ensemble cast of the show is as magnificent as the idea. The stellar cast of the show includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman.
10 April,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
