Connect with us
Monday,23-December-2024
Breaking News

Bollywood

Charan and I are proud to bring back stardom on screen: Jr NTR on ‘RRR’

Published

on

Telugu star Jr NTR is geared up for the release of director S.S. Rajamouli’s epic ‘RRR’, co-starring Ram Charan, and he shares his thoughts on the film.

The ‘Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava’ actor, who has been quite busy promoting ‘RRR’ had an exclusive chat with IANS.

Jr NTR explains how Rajamouli has evolved as a filmmaker.

Having worked with Rajamouli when he was just getting started, Jr NTR believes that Rajamouli has only grown hungrier to make more movies of great significance.

“The success quotient of S.S. Rajamouli has become exponentially bigger. His vision has become a macro-scale. But, as a person, he is still the same ‘Jakkanna’ to me,” Jr NTR said.

Ram Charan’s plays Alluri Seetharama Raju, which has a few cinematic references. But, for Komaram Bheem played by Jr NTR, there is no single reference about the character.

When quizzed about the same, Jr NTR said, “It is true that Komaram Bheem has no cinematic references.”

“We all grew up hearing the stories about these heroes. We all would have imagined a figure and its characteristics, right? For a Rajamouli movie, you have to undo almost every detail you ever have imagined or assumed.”

He further explained, “So, even though there is a reference, we have to undo those details.”

“So, it was totally Rajamouli’s imagination that you will see on the screen. Only the characters are real, the story surrounding them is totally fictional. We did multiple workshops together, to get into the skin of the characters.”

Jr NTR explains that Rajamouli has imbibed realistic features of the ‘Gond Veer’ Komaram Bheem, while the story is completely fictional.

On being asked about his bond with Ram Charan and their director complaining about their ‘pointless brawls’ on the sets of ‘RRR’, Jr NTR said they had a well-grounded explanation.

“When we have such a big project we are working on, everything gets intense on the sets. As I am an intense person myself, I get deeply engrossed in the work.”

“So, it is legit that we have such fun-filled breaks,” he said.

Jr NTR further explained, “There were times where we all used to break out in laughter. As Ram Charan and I were friends from earlier times, there were no boundaries.”

“We had to take breaks because the pressure of working for a mammoth venture, needs to be in equilibrium.”

“There are a lot of inhibitions for the actors to come together to make movies. I am proud to say that Charan and I have worked together to bring back the lost culture of two big stars working together for a movie.”

“The first two minutes will be Ram Charan’s and NTR’s individual fans watching the movie. But, the third minute, it is the movie fan, the audience, leaving behind the fandom”, Jr. NTR said, when he talks about their individual fandoms.

On January 7, ‘RRR’ will hit the screens. Jr NTR plays Komaram Bheem, while Ram Charan plays Alluri Seetharama Raju.

Bollywood

Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Exit: This is not the end but a step forward

Published

on

Mumbai, Dec 18: The producers of “Laapataa Ladies,” Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their reactions following the film’s exit from the Oscars 2025 race.

As India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies held high hopes but unfortunately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist. While the producers admitted to being disappointed by the outcome, they remain proud of the film’s journey and the recognition it garnered along the way.

In a statement, Aamir Khan Productions said, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”

“To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey,” the statement further read.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. Unfortunately, India’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), did not make the cut.

Directed by Kiran Rao, the film had been unanimously chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s entry, but its selection stirred debate. Many critics argued that Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” would have been a more competitive choice for the prestigious category.

Continue Reading

Bollywood

‘Pushpa 2’ fever grips Akshay Kumar

Published

on

Mumbai, Dec 17: As “Pushpa 2” fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined in on the excitement by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, “Wildfire hu.”

In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, “Wildfire hu.” Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. One netizen commented, “Wow, amazing @akshaykumar sir, wildfire pose of mega superstar @alluarjun from #Pushpa2TheRule, great!” Another said, “I remember he supported Pushpa 1 also.”

Not to forget, in 2021, Akshay had penned a congratulatory note for Allu Arjun after the success of “Pushpa: The Rise.”

The ‘Airlift’ actor had written, “Congratulations @alluarjun on the massive response you have received from all over India for #PushpaTheRise, another big win for our industry… planning to watch it real soon. @GTelefilms.” In response, Allu Arjun replied, “Thank you very much, Akshay ji. Nice of you to send your warm wishes. Congratulations to you too. Glad people are coming back to theatres & the Indian film industry is shining again.”

“Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, features Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Released in theatres on December 5, the movie has crossed a remarkable Rs 1000 crore globally within just seven days. The sequel to the 2021 hit has reportedly earned Rs 902 crore at the India box office. It also became the first Hindi film to collect over Rs 100 crore in its second weekend.

Recently, Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the premiere of “Pushpa 2.” He was released from jail, with several stars visiting his residence afterward.

In a statement, the actor revealed that his legal team has advised him not to meet anyone or visit his family at this time.

In his note, the actor wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident.”

Continue Reading

Bollywood

Zakir Hussain: Film industry veterans mourn the demise of the legend

Published

on

Mumbai, Dec 16: The tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain left for the heavenly abode on December 15, leaving a huge void in India’s music. With his excellence and humility, the Ustad touched many lives, young and old, people in positions of power and the common man. Such is the impact of one of the greatest tabla players that his demise feels like a personal loss to many.

Several members of the film fraternity like Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, A. R. Rahman, Mohanlal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hansal Mehta, and others shared their condolences on his demise.

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar took to his social media and shared an image of Zakir Hussain. He wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti”.

Veteran Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter and shared an old image in which Zakir Hussain could be seen giving the taal to the actor as the latter plays tabla. He wrote, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you”.

Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman called Zakir an inspiration and expressed his regret for not collaborating with him in recent years. He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed.

May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss”. Veteran Malayalam superstar Mohanlal wrote on his X, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music. His rhythms united hearts across borders. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers”.

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was recently seen along with Akshay Kumar in ‘Singham Again’, also paid tribute to the legendary musician with a heartfelt image that featured her alongside Zakir Hussain and her father, Randhir Kapoor. She wrote, “Maestro forever”.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who recently directed Kareena in ‘The Buckingham Murders’ also took to his X, and wrote, “The maestro who made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain”.

Playback singer Sonu Nigam expressed his shock at the demise of the late musician, as he took to his Instagram, and wrote, “Zakir bhai… What is this?”.

Actress Nimrat Kaur recalled the last time she saw Ustad Zakir Hussain perform live earlier this year. She took to her Instagram, and shared a picture and a video of the late musician. She wrote in the caption, “On Feb 28th, ’24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart beating to the beats of the sheer flawless genius of his talent. His international superstardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energize us”.

“As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious, and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a life goal in my heart. Your kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another”, she added.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending