Mayank Shekhar

Predominantly writes on desi mass/pop-culture. Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @mayankw14

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All the world’s a phase; films too!

Hits and flops come and go, as they will. So do notions about Bollywood’s decline. Could the way a movie industry functions be worth a relook, if not a reset, though?... [Read More]

26 March,2025 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar

Sooraj Barjatya: The family man | Sit With Hitlist

One of Bollywood’s top blockbuster directors, Rajshri bossman, Sooraj Barjatya, 61, dives deep into his film journey as he switches into web-series with Bada Naam Karenge... [Read More]

22 March,2025 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar

Brilliance in the ‘Belgium of Bihar’!

Almost 70 percent Indians live in villages. Almost none in mainstream series. Gen Z comedy, Dupahiya, addresses misbalance beautifully... [Read More]

19 March,2025 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar

The Diplomat review: John Abraham starrer is actually, a 10-minute news reel

Especially, if it concerns India pitted against its errant/devious neighbour, Pakistan, in a Gadar kinda way, if you like. ... [Read More]

15 March,2025 06:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar

The fandom of the opera!

Can you watch the same stand-up comedy gig twice? No. The same, great musical, though? Again, and again! Why?... [Read More]

12 March,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank Shekhar

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Photos

In Pics: 7 stunning looks of Shamita Shetty that prove she is ageing in reverse

Shamita Shetty turned 46 today. With a disciplined diet and workout life, the actress seems to be ageing in reverse. These 7 looks of the actress prove the same... [Read More]

02 February,2025 12:27 PM IST

IN PHOTOS: Robbers loot gold worth Rs 40 lakh from Vasai jewellery shop

A robbery took place on Friday night at Mayank Jewellers in Vasai’s Kaul Heritage City, Agarwal & Dosti Complex. The incident occurred at around 9:15 PM when the shop owner, Ratanlalji Sanghvi, was preparing to close the store. (Pic/Hanif Patel)... [Read More]

11 January,2025 12:49 PM IST

12 Indian web series that need to be in your watchlist, 2024 edition

The year 2024 saw the audience choosing OTT over cinemas. As the audience gravitated toward digital streaming platforms, a lot of web series were released this year. If you are confused about which ones were the best, here`s a list of the Indian web series that ruled 2024... [Read More]

28 December,2024 04:44 PM IST

IN PHOTOS: Leaders pay homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary

Chaudhary Charan Singh was born in 1902. He became the Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant`s Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, Justice, Information, etc. (Text/ANI, Pics/PTI)... [Read More]

23 December,2024 05:57 PM IST

IN PHOTOS: PM Modi arrive in Jaipur for Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jaipur to attend the `Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh` programme, marking one year of BJP governance in Rajasthan. PM Modi was welcomed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, with the crowd chanting "Modi! Modi!" (Pics/PTI) ... [Read More]

17 December,2024 02:21 PM IST

46 held following violence during Ganesh idol procession in Karnataka's Mandya

Police have arrested 46 individuals in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during a Ganesh idol procession in Nagamangala town, Mandya. Pics/ PTI... [Read More]

12 September,2024 02:51 PM IST

MP Chandra Shekhar Azad leads protest at Jantar Mantar amid Bharat Bandh

A nationwide strike, known as `Bharat Bandh`, has erupted in response to the Supreme Court`s recent ruling on SC/ST reservations. Organised by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, the bandh has led to widespread protests across the country. Pics/ PTI... [Read More]

21 August,2024 05:46 PM IST

Latest OTT releases to watch this week: Shekhar Home to Emily in Paris Season 4

Latest OTT releases to watch this week: It`s that time of the week again when we bring you the freshest updates from the world of over-the-top (OTT) entertainment. The next seven days are packed with a delightful mix of movies and TV shows that promise to satisfy all your binge-watching cravings. So, grab your popcorn, and let`s dive into the exciting lineup.... [Read More]

14 August,2024 04:39 PM IST

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Videos

Kangana Ranaut Shares Her Rags-to-Riches Story, Struggles in Mumbai, & Gangster

As Kangana Ranaut celebrates her 39th birthday, we revisit one of her most loved and viral interviews on Mid-Day`s Sit With Hitlist. In this candid conversation, the Emergency actress opened up about her early days in Mumbai and her inspiring rags-to-riches journey. Kangana recalled her life in Mandi, Himachal, and the culture shock she experienced when she first arrived in Mumbai in 2005. She also shared a fascinating story about her debut film, which she found "sleazy" and ultimately ghosted the makers due to its uncomfortable demands, leading to its never being released. Additionally, Kangana spoke about her role in Gangster, the film that marked her Bollywood debut, and how it changed her career trajectory.... [Read More]

22 March,2025 09:11 PM IST

Sooraj Barjatya: I was not myself during Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon

In 2003, Sooraj Barjatya came out with the romantic musical Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon starring Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. On the latest episode of Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, Sooraj sheds light on the film that became a meme material with the advent of social media. He also delves into the legacy of Rajshri films and his blockbusters with Salman Khan like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun. ... [Read More]

22 March,2025 12:00 AM IST

Rani Mukerji on Motherhood, Her Voice, & Aamir Khan's Request to Dub | Birthday

As Rani Mukerji turns 47, we revisit a gem from our Sit With Hitlist vault. In this throwback, she opened up about how motherhood has transformed her, her initial insecurities about her voice, and a memorable story about Aamir Khan asking her to dub for `Ghulam.` She also shared how Aamir later regretted it when Karan Johar made Rani use her own voice in the iconic superhit movie Kuch `Kuch Hota Hai.` ... [Read More]

20 March,2025 06:30 PM IST

Sooraj Barjatya on visiting a nightclub, shooting for Hum Aapke Hain Koun

On the latest episode of Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series, ace filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya shares interesting anecdotes from Hum Aapke Hain Koun, following the Rajshri rulebook for no drinking or violence. He also reveals visiting the nightclub Fire N Ice in the early aughts, only to be told by Farah Khan and the regulars that he was too susheel for it. Join in as the director recalls little-known anecdotes about his movies and life.... [Read More]

20 March,2025 12:00 AM IST | Mumbai

Rakesh Roshan on Mortgaging His House for Hrithik's Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai

Legendary filmmaker Rakesh Roshan reveals how he mortgaged his house and car to make Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, launching Hrithik Roshan into superstardom. In this exclusive conversation with Mayank Shekhar on Mid-Day`s The Bombay Film Story Podcast, he shares untold stories about Bollywood`s evolution, the rise of Hrithik Mania, and the changing dynamics of film financing. #hrithikroshan #kahonapyarhai #rakeshroshan #entertainment #bollywood ... [Read More]

23 February,2025 06:00 PM IST

Rakesh Roshan on Krrish 4, Hrithik Roshan & Underworld Scare | Exclusive

In this exclusive interview from Mid-Day`s Mayank Shekhar – The Bombay Film Story Podcast, Rakesh Roshan opens up about Krrish 4, Hrithik Roshan’s journey, the evolution of Bollywood, and past struggles with the underworld. He shares insights on superstardom, filmmaking, and why the South Indian industry is thriving. Plus, a special moment where he reenacts his iconic CUT. Watch till the end for big revelations.... [Read More]

22 February,2025 06:00 PM IST

How Rakesh Roshan transformed from flop Actor to blockbuster filmmaker

Rakesh Roshan`s journey from a struggling actor to one of Bollywood`s most successful filmmakers is nothing short of inspiring! Discover who suggested he name all his films with the letter `K,` and why he traveled the world before beginning Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai with his son, Hrithik Roshan. Watch as Roshan shares his story of triumph and how he became a visionary director who shaped the careers of some of Bollywood`s biggest stars. ... [Read More]

13 February,2025 12:15 PM IST

Vicky Kaushal's thrilling return to action genre in 'Chhaava' after 'Uri'

Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal is back in the action genre with his upcoming film Chhaava. After his stellar performance in Uri: The Surgical Strike, fans have been eagerly waiting to see him in another action-packed role. Watch this exclusive throwback to his insights from the Sit With Hitlist interview where he discussed the challenges of performing intense action scenes. Don’t miss this sneak peek into his exciting journey.... [Read More]

23 January,2025 05:01 PM IST

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Podcast

Episode 16 : The Bombay Film Story ft. Boman Irani

How did Boman Irani go from waiting on Shashi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar at the Taj, to co-writing with an Oscar winner? How did he begin his third career, acting, at 40 and fourth, direction, in his 60s? Plug in as Irani talks about his love for movies that began at Alexandra Cinema and took him to the big screen... [Read More]

25 February,2025 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 15 : The Bombay Film Story ft. Rakesh Roshan

Who suggested that Rakesh Roshan name all his films with the letter ‘K’? Why did the director travel around the world before beginning the shoot of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai with son Hrithik Roshan? Plug in as Roshan traces his journey from a not-so-successful actor to a blockbuster filmmaker and star maker... [Read More]

11 February,2025 08:00 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 14 : The Bombay Film Story ft Manoj Bajpayee

From Bhikhu Mhatre in Satya (1998) to Joy Bag in Despatch (2024), actor Manoj Bajpayee takes you through his Mumbai madness — both personal, and onscreen; especially exploring this city as the crime scene, from his first hit, to his last film. Plug in, as we have fun with the Family Man, discussing everything, including the good ol’ Delhi-Mumbai debate!... [Read More]

07 January,2025 08:17 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 13 : The Bombay Film Story ft Guneet Monga Kapoor

Did you know that a "broke" Guneet Monga Kapoor had e-mailed Richard Branson and Ratan Tata, requesting them to sponsor her maiden trip to Oscars in 2010? Or that she had sold her Delhi house to finance Monsoon Shootout? Plug into our latest episode as she breaks down the hustle, heartbreak and jugaad it takes to go from indie producer to two-time Oscar winner.... [Read More]

26 September,2024 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 12 : The Bombay Film Story ft Hansal and Jai Mehta

Did you know that Hansal Mehta was to direct Gangs of Wasseypur before Anurag Kashyap? Or that he left Mumbai after a spate of flops and resurrected his flagging career with Shahid from the outskirts of Lonavala? Plug in as Lootere creator Hansal, with his filmmaker-son Jai, charts his journey from helming TV’s most popular cookery show to delivering one of Indian OTT’s biggest series in Scam 1992.... [Read More]

18 June,2024 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 11 : The Bombay Film Story Ft. Sonali Bendre

How did a home in a rough Mumbai neighbourhood propel Sonali Bendre’s acting career? How did she land Humma humma, the mother of all item songs? Plug into our latest episode as the actor takes us back to the ’90s when a star’s X-factor was as important as talent, and actresses sometimes needed to “dumb themselves down” as a survival tactic.... [Read More]

14 June,2024 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 10 : The Bombay Film Story Ft. Prosenjit Chatterjee

Which director was the first to call Prosenjit Chatterjee after watching Jubilee? Which Hindi film did he turn down, only for it to be picked up by Salman Khan? Plug in to our Durga Puja special episode where we have an “adda” with Bengal’s biggest star, as he takes us from Kolkata’s Park Street to Chembur’s RK Studios and Juhu’s Sun-n-Sand... [Read More]

22 October,2023 01:15 PM IST | Mumbai

Episode 9 : The Bombay Film Story Ft. Smriti Mundhra

How did filmmaker Jag Mundhra’s daughter reveal Yash Chopra’s son, Yashraj scion, Aditya, actually exists? What was it like to be the last to interview Rishi Kapoor, for the Netflix series, The Romantics? How did Oscar nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra find ‘Sima Aunty’ for Indian Matchmaking? Plug in for more!... [Read More]

02 March,2023 06:00 PM IST | Mumbai

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All the world’s a phase; films too!

Hits and flops come and go, as they will. So do notions about Bollywood’s decline. Could the way a movie industry functions be worth a relook, if not a reset, though?