On Friday, superstar Aamir Khan recently graced the trailer launch event of Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi's upcoming 'Thandel'. The event was also graced by south producer Allu Aravind. During the event, Khan and Aravind dropped a massive hint about the much-discussed sequel, 'Ghajini 2'. Ghajini 2 on the cards? Addressing the media, Allu Aravind shared, "I should make 1000 crore film with you. Maybe 'Ghajini 2'. Reacting to this, Aamir Khan said, "A lot on the net has been going around Ghajini 2". Reports have been doing rounds for some time now that Allu Aravind is planning to make the sequel in both Tamil and Hindi. If the reports are to be believed, Suriya will play the lead role in the Tamil version of 'Ghajini 2', whereas Aamir Khan will be roped in for the Hindi rendition. What Suriya said about Ghajini 2 According to Pinkvilla, Suriya will play the lead role in the Tamil version, while Aamir will reprise his role for the Hindi version. In conversation with the portal, Suriya said, "It's surprising that you asked me about 'Ghajini 2' now. After a long time, Allu Aravind approached me with the idea of a sequel and asked if it would be possible. I said, 'Definitely, sir, we can consider it.' Yes, the talks have started, and things are in process. 'Ghajini 2' might happen." The news portal also quoted a source saying, "With the rise of pan-India films, remakes of cult movies with popular stars are becoming a thing of the past. Both Suriya and Aamir Khan are excited about 'Ghajini 2', but they don't want the 'remake' label attached to the film. They are also concerned that releasing one version before the other could take away from the novelty factor, and they have expressed these concerns to the producers. After hearing both actors out, Allu Aravind and Madhu Mantena proposed a solution: shoot the two versions of 'Ghajini 2' simultaneously and release them on the same day." "Creating a sequel to a cult classic like 'Ghajini' comes with significant responsibility, as the first part was a game-changer for both actors. Their priority is to ensure that the sequel feels organic and isn't made purely for financial gain. They both like the concept but are awaiting narrations at various stages of development. The script is currently being worked on, and we should have a clearer idea of the progress by mid-2025," the report further added. About Ghajini The 2008 action thriller 'Ghajini' was made under the direction of A. R. Murugadoss. The project also marked the Bollywood debut of the filmmaker. Theatrically released on 25th December 2008, it became the highest-grossing Indian film of the year and the first Bollywood film to cross the ₹100 crore mark. "Ghajini" talks about a rich business tycoon, Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) who suffers from short-term memory loss due to being hit by a metal pole during an attempt to save his girlfriend Kalpana Shetty (Asin).
31 January,2025 10:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilm: DevaDirector: Rosshan AndrrewsActors: Shahid Kapur, Pavail GulatiRating: 2/5 Of course, I don’t know better, but this is the sort of film that, I suspect, starts with the semi-profound idea! That is, let’s make a buddy-cop actioner, and cast Shahid Kapoor at the centre of it. Everything else is meant to follow. Alas, it doesn’t, always. To be fair, during some parts, it does—beginning with montage shots and similar scenes (shot by Amit Roy), capturing the chaos of lower-deck South Mumbai, followed by a few cracker sequences similarly set in live locations. Such as that police raid inside a Dongri-type ilaaka, using drones, wherein the entire neighbourhood, emerging from hideouts, turns against the armed police-force—driving them out, while the villain to be nabbed, casually exits from the ensuing confusion/congestion. Sadly, such moments of speed and scale are too few and far between. What remains are such long passages of nothingness that you have little choice but to sometimes contemplate sleep instead. This is also the kinda movie that people who’ve watched it will inevitably say fans of Shahid must. Which, they would, anyway, no? That is, if they’re truly fans of the star; in this case, going by the collective noun, ‘shanatics’, I’m told. It’s easy to tell why the lead actor picked up this script—it is a Shahid showcase/showreel. There are, in some ways, two Shahids in the cinema, for the price of one. The first, you can see, sufficiently channelling his inner, dark, drunk Kabir Singh (2019)—that’s the aggro, angry young man that he hit big with, from the remake of the Telugu, Arjun Reddy (2017). Shahid followed up this action hero image/avatar, with Bloody Daddy (2023). There’s something to be minted out there. The chain-smoking character rolls over his lit cigarette inside his mouth; rides motor-bike with one hand; sleeps with a married woman next-door; dares dangerous politicians in public. He barges into a newspaper office to beat the living daylights of whoever wrote an unflattering diary-item on him. Often, he blurts out stuff bordering on the inane, “I am the mafia,” or, “Mumbai kisi ke baap ka nahin hai, Mumbai police ka hai,” implying, of course, that the cops hold a monopoly over violence (true). The swag/tashan is complete. This bloke, who’s a Mumbai cop, though, loses memory in a road accident. What returns is a more introspective Shahid; sharp, well-mannered, even if looking clueless. Beyond nature and nurture, I guess, memory must play a big part in how we behave! There is reference to the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don, through the title song, in the film. That was another study in contrasts, wasn’t it? All said, Deva is an actioner, yes. But it is all the more a murder mystery, where everybody is a suspect, until proven guilty. If it stuck to being the former, then the story in a big-budget theatrical, circa 2025, wouldn’t matter—audiences go in for bone-crushing actioners, chiefly for the grand sequences, I’m half-convinced. If it’s the latter, though, you’d need a lot of layers, sub-plots and backstories, to wonder throughout, who killed whom, how, and why; something that could be a fine multiplex release, circa 2008. Sadly, the film, totally confused in its tone and purpose, between the two, follows through neither path. To the point that a cop (calm and collected, Pavail Gulati), has been shot dead, at point-blank range, at a public event of the police itself! Shahid’s eponymous lead is investigating the case, under his boss (Pravessh Rana; so sincere). Somehow, the leads in the case don’t matter. Multiple characters simply slip in and out of the screen, including the heroine (Pooja Hegde). The crucial question is, “Who killed ACP Rohan D’Silva?” The constant thought going through my head is, “Who cares!” Deva is a remake of the Malayalam, Mumbai Police, which was the same director, Rosshan Andrrews’s debut, in 2013, starring Prithiviraj Sukumaran. The credit for story still belongs to Bobby-Sanjay (a writing duo). As it is, what’s a Malayalam movie doing with the title Mumbai Police? That said, the best scripts get written in Kerala. I’m still unsure pure action is their strong suit. Consider the dumbass Rifle Club that dropped on Netflix the same week as this film. Deva would be on Netflix soon too. Mumbai Police is easily available on Hotstar. The original attained some cult status, I’m told, mainly because of its climax, or the ending. The twist in the tale that, again, Malayalam movies are rather good at—none can match Iratta (2023); or even Drishyam 2 (2021), also remade in Hindi. I speed-watched Mumbai Police. I feel Deva has kinda bettered that climax, in the sense of how dated the point of the original was. The film, in that sense, suffers from a problem that’s opposite of several scripts. They have a solid finale. Most don’t. They had to work the screenplay backwards, thereafter. Couldn’t crack that bit, engagingly enough. So, you wait out 130/154 vacant, meandering minutes to reach the end; feeling nothing, but bored, most of the way, anyway. Ah, so be it.
31 January,2025 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharIt seems like superstar Aamir Khan has got lucky in love once again. According to latest reports, the actor is dating a woman from Bengaluru and the two are pretty serious about their relationship. According to report in Filmfare, Aamir Khan's new partner hails from the southern city of Bengaluru and has introduce her to his family as well. A source revealed to that portal that the 59-year-old has introduced his ladylove to his entire family and the meeting went very well. As of now the details of Aamir's new partner has not come to the forefront. Aamir Khan divorced his partner Kiran Rao in 2021 after 15 years of marriage. The duo had met on the sets of 'Lagaan' and tied the knot on December 28, 2005. They welcomed their son Azad through surrogacy in 2011. They had an amicable separation and continue to remain friends. In fact, Khan backed Kiran Rao's critically acclaimed directorial 'Laapataa Ladies' in 2024. Before Kiran Rao, Aamir was married to Reena Dutta in 1986. The two, who share a daughter Ira, and a son Junaid Khan, and divorced after 16 years of marriage. Aamir Khan on his third marriage Talking on Rhea Chakraborty's podcast Chapter 2', Aamir Khan got candid about his two failed marriages and also spilled the beans if he’s up to tying the knot for the third time. Aamir jokingly said, “I have had two unsuccessful marriages, so don’t ask for marriage advice from me. I don’t like living alone, I need a partner. I am not a loner, I like companionship. I am very close to both my ex-wives Reena (Dutta) and Kiran (Rao), we are like one family. Life is unpredictable, so how can we trust it? So marriages working depends from person to person.” When asked if he would consider marrying for the third time, Aamir added, “I am 59 now, where will I get married again, mushkil lag raha hai (looks difficult). I have so many relationships in my life right now, I have reconnected with my family, my kids, etc. I am very happy just being with people who are close to me. I am working towards being a better person.” Aamir Khan's work front On the other hand, Aamir Khan has been busy with the promotions of his son Junaid Khan's upcoming film Loveyapa with Khushi Kapoor. The film, the official remake of Tamil film Love Today has been directed by Advait Chandan. Khan has been actively participating in the promotions of the film that marks the first theatrical release of Junaid and Khushi. The film will hit the theatres on February 7. He will next be seen in the film 'Sitare Zameen Par' which will be released on Christmas 2025.
31 January,2025 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian actors Patralekhaa and Rajkummar Rao have officially launched their own production house, Kampa Films. The name Kampa holds personal significance, combining the initials of their mothers’ names, reflecting the couple’s Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa announce their production house Kampa represents their dedication to producing content that has a lasting impact, with a vision to create stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling,” said Patralekhaa. “With KAMPA, we’re looking forward to sharing these stories with the world.” Rajkummar Rao added, “For Patralekhaa and I, Kampa is a natural extension of our love for cinema. We’ve always believed in the magic of storytelling, and KAMPA gives us the chance to bring stories we care about to life. We’re excited to take this step together.” The production house has already begun work on an exciting slate of projects, with more details to be revealed soon. With their passion for storytelling and commitment to quality filmmaking, Kampa is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cinema. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌸 Patralekhaa 🌸 (@patralekhaa) About Kampa's first project In November, Mid-day had repoted about Rajkummar and Patralekhaa's plans to produce a film. Their first project is a yet-untitled film that will be helmed by Vivek Daschaudhary, who served as an assistant director on Guns & Gulaabs (2023). While Rajkummar was toying with the idea of production for some time, the phenomenal success of Stree 2 cemented his decision. An insider shared, “Raj has been passionate about exploring different dimensions of filmmaking. It was Patralekhaa’s idea that they graduate to production, and after Stree 2’s smashing success, he felt it was the perfect time to dive in.” It’s interesting that for their maiden production, Rao and Patralekhaa are backing the vision of Daschaudhary, who will foray into feature films with the project. It turns out the director’s fresh cinematic approach resonated with the couple, who want to bet on novel stories and new voices. Another source working on the film told us, “It’s an unconventional drama. Raj and Vivek both have a deep respect for meaningful stories and want to bring such narratives to the fore. While Raj and Patralekhaa have multiple productions in the works right now, this will be the first to roll in January. It’s a direct-to-web film for Netflix.”
31 January,2025 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna are currently gearing up for the release of their film 'Chhaava'. Despite a foot injury, Rashmika has been honouring her work commitments and arriving for the promotions of Chhaava with a wide smile. Vicky on his part has been making sure his co-star comfortable. Earlier today, the du graced an event in Hyderabad to promote the film. Rashmika was seen using a wheelchair for ease of movement. Rashmika Mandanna navigates on wheelchair In a video doing rounds on social media, Vicky Kaushal was seen helping Rashmika Mandanna, who is in a wheelchair post a severe leg injury on her right foot during a gym session. Being a true gentleman, he was seen pushing his co-star's wheelchair and helping her navigate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Vicky looked sharp in a purple kurta and pyjama set, while Rashmika stunned in an orange and red suit set during their promotion of Chhaava. Vicky was also seen attempting to talk to the audience in Telugu with the help of Rashmika. Take a look View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) About Chaava's first song Vijay and Rashmika were in Hyderabad for the launch of the first song from their film titled 'Jaane Tu'. Composed by music maestro AR Rahman, the track has been crooned by Arijit Singh. Meanwhile, Irshad Kamil has penned the soulful lyrics for the song. The song captures the electrifying chemistry between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) and his better half Maharani Yesubai (Rashmika Mandanna). Speaking about working on 'Jaane Tu', A.R Rahman revealed, “For Jaane Tu, I wanted the music to echo the timeless devotion-like love between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Yesubai, while also speaking to the modern soul. The endeavor was to craft something that feels like a bridge between two worlds – historical and contemporary. Arijit Singh’s textured and emotionally laden voice wraps around the composition, carrying the listener into a world of yearning and hope. His classical expertise and heartfelt delivery elevates the song to a realm very few singers can unlock.” Additionally, Arijit Singh stated, 'Jaane Tu' is divine and sincere. The melody hits right in the center. I feel blessed that Rahman sir has given me the opportunity I am grateful. I feel his music transcends time and I feel lucky to experience his music. Singing this song, I felt pure and passionate.”
31 January,2025 05:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSwara Bhasker recently criticised X for suspending her account basis two posts one of which included a picture of her daughter holing the national flag on Republic Day. Now there is some more drama to Bhasker's X account. The actress suspects that the account has been hacked after she got locked out. Unaware to her, people have been receiving invite requests from her handle. Swara took to Instagram to share screenshots of suspicious activities happening from her account and the multiple emails she received from the platform. "“More drama with my X account," read the first slide of Bhasker's account. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swara Bhasker (@reallyswara) In another slide, she wrote, "I was locked out of my account on 30th Jan following a copyright violation charge that I've appealed against. Following this I tried to change my password and re-access my X account but was unable. Then I received an email claiming that two factor authentication was turned off." Following the suspension, Bhasker received an email which said that an unknown account had accepted a delegation invite for her handle and now has the access to post, send DMs and create lists and groups. "I have not sent anyone any such invitations. The blue tick verified account @ReallySara is still visible on X but I now have no access to it. It seems my account has been hacked," she stressed. Swara Bhasker's account gets suspended In an earlier post, the Swara slammed X after her account was suspended over alleged copyright violations. In a detailed post, she outlined the reasons behind the suspension, stating that one of the flagged images featured the popular slogan “Gandhi Hum Sharmindaa Hain, Tere Qaatil Zindagi Hain,” a well-known slogan from the progressive movement in India. The actress also defended the use of the image, claiming it was an urban, modern folk idiom with no copyright attached to it. Sharing a screenshot of her suspended X account, Swara wrote, “You can’t make this stuff up!!!!) Dear X, Two images from two tweets have been marked as ‘copyright infringements’. Basis which my X account is locked / disabled, I can’t access it and permanent suspension has been approved by your teams.One with an orange background and text in Hindi Devnaagri script reading “Gandhi Hum Sharmindaa hain, Tere qaatil zindagi hain” is a popular slogan of the progressive movement in India. There is no copyright violation. It is akin to urban modern folk idiom.” Her post further read, “The second image marked as a violation is an image of MY OWN child with her face concealed waving an Indian flag and with writing ‘HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY India. How can this possibly be a copyright infringement ???? Who has a copyright on my child’s likeness??? Both of these complaints are ridiculous and untenable by any rational, logical and objective understanding of any legal definition of copyright. If these tweets have been mass reported they are aimed to harass the user I.e. myself and are aimed at suppressing my freedom of speech and expression. Kindly review and reverse your decision.”
31 January,2025 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAll eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who will be reading out the Budget plans for 2025-2026 on February 1, Saturday in the Parliament. The budget plan for different sectors from health, defence, railways, income tax, and entertainment among others will be laid out tomorrow. Ahead of the budget session in the parliament, mid-day reached out to some stakeholders in the entertainment industry to understand what their expectations are from the forthcoming budget. ‘Rationalise GST’ Gaurav Sharma, Chief Financial Officer, PVR INOX Ltd says, "We urge the government to rationalize GST on cinema tickets to enhance affordability and drive footfalls while also simplifying the tax framework to reduce litigation and improve the ease of doing business. A more predictable and streamlined regulatory environment will enable sustained investments in cinema infrastructure, fostering long-term growth for the industry." On the other hand, film trade analyst Atul Mohan says that the GST has brought uniformity in taxation on ticket prices across streams as earlier the taxation on tickets varied from state to state with Maharashtra alone levying 40 percent. “Some states also levied 100 percent tax. But that has been changed with the GST in place bringing uniformity on the tax front on ticket prices,” he said. ‘No hope from the budget’ Mohan does not have much hope from the budget for the entertainment sector. Ask him why and he shares, “Every year around 4-5 months before the budget session, a delegation from the entertainment industry visits the central government and expresses their concerns regarding the business. However, no such thing happened last year,” he said. He stressed that the glittery box office numbers seen in 2024 will paint a picture that all is well in the industry and that there isn't problems that needs to be addressed. Girish Johar, producer and film business expert hopes for rebates in the cinema and exhibition segment, administration expenses and day-to-day maintenance at the production level. “We have been ignored in the past couple of years. If something comes up in the budget this year, it will be a big boost to the soft power that is being appreciated in the country." 'Single window clearance' Another issue that stakeholders have commonly expressed is the need to ease process of shooting in the country. States have been providing subsidies to filmmakers to shoot as it also boosts tourism and local employment. But experts believe more can be done to ease the process. “A single window clearance should be promoted so shooting can happen conveniently,” Johar said adding, “The government has taken steps to provide subsidy to shooting at live locations but a little proactiveness and little more concession will definitely add to it.” “From the consumer level, people need more disposable income,” he added saying that a lesser GST on tickets, food and beverages will only be enticing to movie goers.
31 January,2025 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Athulya NambiarShahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde’s much-anticipated movie Deva finally hit the big screens on Friday. While the early reviews took over social media, a lip-lock scene from the film was leaked as well. It showed Shahid and Pooja sharing a steamy kiss for about 23 seconds. Watch the video below. Pooja sambhavam🥵❤️#PoojaHegde #Deva pic.twitter.com/IndZGRCGni — EL 🦋 (@ElEpanjo) January 31, 2025 CBFC trims kissing scene in Deva The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed Deva with a U/A certificate. It was earlier reported that the film had to undergo three modifications as per recommendations by the CBFC. The Censor Board asked the makers to trim the lip-lock sequence by 6 seconds and asked the 'foul gestures' to be suitably modified. In multiple places, profane words were replaced with their milder versions. Deva director didn’t share the climax with actors Rosshan Andrrews ensured that the final scene of the film was kept a complete mystery. A source informed, “The scripts shared with Shahid, Pooja, Kubbra, Pavail, and others didn’t have the climax scene written. The director wanted to create the same sense of intrigue and anticipation among the cast that the audience will feel when the film releases”. This decision was part of Rosshan’s strategy to maintain the element of surprise during the shoot and to ensure genuine, unfiltered performances from the cast. By keeping everyone in suspense, the director aimed to preserve the authenticity of their reactions and heighten the thrill of the narrative. About Shahid Kapoor’s Deva Deva shows Shahid Kapoor as a fearless cop walking the thin line between justice and rebellion. It also stars Pooja Hegde as a journalist in a pivotal role. The action-thriller also marks Shahid's return to the big screen after almost a year, following his last appearance in the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Earlier, the song ‘Bhasad Macha’ from the movie was released. It features a catchy rhythm coupled with a thumping groove and has been crooned by Mika Singh, Vishal Mishra, and Jyotica Tangri. The song has been choreographed by Bosco Leslie Martis. The iconic “Ala Re Ala, Deva Ala” chant intensifies the vibe, creating an electrifying experience that demands to be replayed.
31 January,2025 02:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer actor Mamta Kulkarni, who embarked on a spiritual journey after she was christened at the Kinnar Akhara during the Maha Kumbh 2025 with the new name Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, has been expelled by its founder Rishi Ajay Das. He has also expelled Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi for inducting the Karan Arjun star. She has been accused of treason to the Akhara for designating Mamta as Mahamandaleshwar without his knowledge. Rishi Ajay Das, founder of Kinnar Akhara, expels Mamta Kulkarni from the Akhara. He has also expelled Mahamandaleshwar Laxminarayan Tripathi from the Kinnar Akhara for inducting Mamta Kulkarni, who is accused of treason, to the Akhara and designating her as Mahamandaleshwar… pic.twitter.com/Hhzezst49r — ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2025 Mamta Kulkarni’s spiritual journey Earlier Mamta told ANI, "...This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything." Laxmi Narayan Tripathi stated, “She (Mamta) has been in touch with Kinnar Akhada and me for the last one and a half years... She is allowed to perform the character of any devotional figure if she wants as we do not prohibit anyone from performing their art.” Mamta Kulkarni returned to India after 25 years Mamta Kulkarni gained fame in the 1990s with her performances in hit films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. The actress has worked with top stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan during her career. However, in the early 2000s, Mamta stepped away from Bollywood and moved abroad, leading a life away from the limelight. She returned to Mumbai in December 2024. She told IANS, “The reason for me leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I became inclined towards spirituality, and during that time, I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. After his arrival, my interest in spirituality grew, and my penance began. However, I believe Bollywood gave me both name and fame. After that, I quit Bollywood. From 2000 to 2012, I continued my penance. I spent many years in Dubai, where I lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years.” Drug case against Mamta Kulkarni In 2017, Thane Police issued a non-bailable warrant against actress Mamta Kulkarni and drug lord Vicky Goswami in connection with a drug haul case. The name of the duo surfaced in the connection based on which a chargesheet was filed. In January, Goswami, Ibrahim, and Baktash Akasha as well as Gulam Hussein were extradited from Kenya to the U.S. All of them were arrested in November 2014 in a sting operation by the U.S.Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) who was posing as Colombian drug dealers.
31 January,2025 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRapper Raftaar, whose real name is Dilin Nair married for the second time. He tied the knot with fashion stylist Manraj Jawanda in an intimate South Indian ceremony. Pictures from their special day have surfaced on social media which show the couple all smiles as they’re surrounded by friends and family. The two twinned in beige and golden outfits. Check out the pictures below. Congratulations Raftaar bhai😍 pic.twitter.com/q4tBBTRAP3 — Govind (@saygovind) January 31, 2025 Raftaar, who hails from Kerala was previously married to television actors Karan Vohra and Kunal Vohra's sister Komal Vohra. They filed for a divorce in 2020 which was finalised in 2022. Raftaar would get dejected in love quite easily In an earlier interview, Raftaar said that he was quite romantic in his teenage years, adding that he used to get dejected in love quite easily. Reflecting on his younger self, he told IANS, "I was quite romantic in my teenage years and I would get dejected in love quite easily because I was more heart than head." "Today when I reflect back, I feel as teenagers we all believe in fairy-tale romances and happily ever after endings, but when the going gets tough our perspective changes and makes things that matter count," he added. Raftaar on his nepotism Raftaar feels muscle and money power are great tools to intimidate those who are fresh in the music business, adding that we need to give an equal chance to everyone irrespective of their lineage. "We need to stop this whole insider-outsider debate. We need to start looking at talent for what it really is and give an equal chance to everyone irrespective of their lineage. Yes, unlike the West, India has a fair share of favouritism and nepotism, and we must eradicate the problem from its roots," he shared. Raftaar’s work front Raftaar commenced his career as a dancer on Dance India Dance. He went on to work with fellow rappers like Yo Yo Honey Singh and Ikka. He is known for songs like Restart from 12th Fail, Bandook Meri Laila from A Gentleman, and Dhaakad from Dangal to name a few. In 2024, he was seen as a judge on MTV Hustle: Hip Hop Don't Stop season 4.
31 January,2025 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBollywood actor Ameesha Patel, who made a return to the movies with Gadar 2 in 2023 recently spoke about being chosen for the original film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha which was released in 2001, and its box office clash with Aamir Khan’s Lagaan. Interestingly, Ameesha also shed light on being rejected last minute to play the female lead in Ashutosh Gowariker’s directorial for looking “too educated”. Ameesha Patel on being rejected for Lagaan In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Ameesha recalled, “During Lagaan, I was finalized for the film. The dates were fixed, and everything was set. The reason I was chosen for Gadar was because of my education, inherent sophistication, a certain posture, and body language. And my background of coming from a political family. Sakina’s character, which in real life also was a background for Ameesha, was an educated, English-educated girl, someone who went to an English school. So, all these things, I was the correct choice for Gadar.” ‘I was foreign-educated’ The actor continued, “I got selected for Lagaan, and I was shooting for Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in New Zealand when my secretary called me and said that the Lagaan dates were shifted for Gadar. I said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘They don’t feel you’re right for the casting for no apparent reason, but she has to play a village belle, and you don’t look convincing enough for that.’ I looked too educated for that, too well-exposed to the world, which I was. I was well-read and well-travelled from a very young age, and I was foreign-educated. “So maybe my director felt that would interfere with getting the characterization on screen. Of course, if given a chance, I’m sure I would have worked around it and done a good job. But no hard feelings because Gracy Singh did a fabulous job,” added Ameesha. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Lagaan were released on the same day, June 15, 2001. Lagaan follows the story of Indian village men who protested against the high taxes by British officials during the pre-independence era. In Gadar, Sunny Deol played the role of Tara Singh, a truck driver, while Ameesha Patel played Sakina in the film that was set during the partition of India in 1947.
31 January,2025 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
Shot Videos 
