Mumbai, March 10: Actor-filmmaker Kunal Kemmu, who took home the Best Directorial Debut for “Madgaon Express” at the 25th edition of IIFA, said this one is for every single person who believed and cheered for him.

Kunal took to his Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures posing with the award he won.

“Aaila, Iifa!! Mae abhi bhi debut kar raha hoon. Thank you so much @iifa for this honour (best directorial debut) for Madgaon Express. This one is for every single person who believed in me and cheered for me. Thank you for all the love for the film.

“Thank you @excelmovies @ritesh_sid @faroutakhtar@roo_cha @vishalrr @kassimjagmagia for believing in my script and me as a director and for backing my vision.”

“Thank you @divyenndu @pratikgandhiofficial@avinashtiwary15 @norafatehi @upendralimaye@chhaya.kadam.75 @remodsouza and every single actor in the film for having faith in me and surrendering yourself as an actor to my vision. You guys are incredible and made all my characters come to life in the best way possible @adilafsarz @hardik.sadhwani @sarveshshingre@prachi.deshpande @sabinahalder @sohelsanwari@zookthespook and all my technicians for trusting me and helping me bring my vision alive on screen”

He went on to thank his family for being his “forever cheerleaders and support system no matter what”.

“Thank you to all the creators on social media and YouTube for getting behind the film and spreading the good word Thank you to all the press and media for covering the film and giving it all the love and appreciation.”

“I take all your feedback and constructive criticism as well and promise to work harder and try to do better in the future And above all the audiences for giving the film the occupied seats in the theatre and the love that makes films and film makers who we are.”

Kunal’s sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan went on to congratulate him and wrote: “So so well deserved Mubarak ho …actor bhi Kamaal only.”

“Madgaon Express” released in 2024. The film is a dark comedy film written and directed by Kunal Khemu. It stars an ensemble cast of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye and Chhaya Kadam.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the finest filmmakers of Indian cinema, whose grand vision and powerful storytelling have given the industry a different height. What makes his films special is not just their grandeur, but the characters that stay in people’s hearts for years to come. What is most special about Bhansali’s films is the strength of his female characters. The women in his films are not just beautiful and graceful, but also strong, courageous and inspiring. Their struggles, their strength, their emotions—Bhansali presents everything in his own unique way, making his characters memorable forever. This Women’s Day, let’s salute the most powerful and iconic female characters from his films, who have left an indelible mark on the big screen!

Padmavati in Padmavat

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavat, Rani Padmavati is not just a queen but a living example of honor, courage and sacrifice. She faced every challenge without bowing down, without fear and proved that honour is greater than any fear. Bhansali presented her story with stunning visuals and deep emotions, making her not just a character but an immortal icon forever. Her sacrifice shows the power of unshakable courage, which will always live in history.

Leela in Ram Leela

Leela of Ram-Leela was not just a lover, but an example of passion and rebellion. Bhansali showed her as fearless, bindaas and firm on her principles – who loves wholeheartedly and also knows how to fight. Even amidst traditions and enmity, she listened to her heart, lived love and pain with equal intensity. Leela was not just a lover, but a warrior of the heart, who was ready to stake everything for her love.

Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani

In Bajirao Mastani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Kashibai not just as an unhappy wife, but as a strong, empowered and dignified woman. The deeper her pain, the more true her love. Kashibai’s character is not a story of revenge, but of dedication and self-respect. She loved Bajirao immensely, but never allowed herself to become weak. Her silent strength made her one of Bhansali’s most memorable and heart-touching characters.

Gangubai in Gangubai Kathiawadi

In Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali created his strongest and most fearless heroine till date. Gangubai was not just a woman victim of circumstances, but one who turned pain into strength and fought for her rights. Her strong presence and fiery attitude are evident in every scene—whether it is her fiery speeches or her determination to snatch respect and justice from society. Bhansali’s vision made this story not just inspiring but iconic. Gangubai will always be remembered—as the epitome of courage, bravery and rebellion.

Chandramukhi in Devdas

In Devdas, Sanjay Leela Bhansali presented Chandramukhi not just as a courtesan, but as an epitome of selfless love and indomitable dignity. She was radiant, kind and fiercely loyal—someone who lived to give, not to gain in love. Bhansali captured her pain and dignity through his gorgeous visuals and heart-touching dance sequences. She did not need anyone’s approval or recognition, but her love was her greatest strength. Thus, Chandramukhi will remain one of Bhansali’s most beautiful and memorable characters.

Paro in Devdas

In Devdas, Bhansali made Paro not just a woman in love but an example of love and sacrifice. Even after being separated, she could never separate Devdas from her heart. With grand sets, spectacular costumes and deep emotions, Bhansali showed the story of her transformation from an innocent girl to a responsible woman. Circumstances separated them, but their love never diminished, proving that true love does not need to be together. Paro’s silent pain and unwavering love make her one of Bhansali’s most memorable heroines.

Mallikajaan in Heeramandi

In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali showed Mallikajaan not just as a mistress of courtesans but as an example of courage, wisdom and strength. She was the ruler of her world, but more than that, the protector of the women who depended on her. Bhansali has portrayed her as both powerful and emotional—ruling with authority but hiding the pain of her sacrifice. With lavish sets, a powerful story and deep emotions, Mallika Jaan was not just a mistress, but a living warrior who never gave in to circumstances.

Bibojaan in Heeramandi

In Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has portrayed Bibojaan as a blend of tenderness, strength and unfulfilled desires. Caught in the game of power, yet standing firm with her dignity and courage. Bhansali has made her a symbol of sacrifice and hidden pain—where love was a dream and emotions a luxury. Her silence also had a deep story, making her one of the most distinctive and impactful characters in Heeramandi.

This shows how Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his female characters to life on screen – fearless, strong and memorable. He respects and supports women not only in films but also in real life. Associating his mother’s name with his own name is also a symbol of his deep respect and gratitude.

Mumbai: A Mumbai court has refused to take cognisance of “MeToo” allegations levelled against veteran actor Nana Patekar by his co-star Tanushree Dutta in 2018 after observing the complaint was filed “beyond the period of limitation” without explaining the reason for delay.

Judicial Magistrate First Class (Andheri) NV Bansal on Friday said that Dutta filed an FIR in 2018 over an incident that allegedly occurred on March 23, 2008.

About The Case

In her complaint filed in October 2018, Dutta accused Patekar and three others of harassing and misbehaving with her in 2008 while shooting a song on the sets of the film “Horn Ok Pleasss”.

The issue hit national headlines and sparked the #MeToo movement on social media.

The police, in 2019, filed its final report before a magistrate court stating that its probe did not find anything incriminating against any of the accused.

The FIR was found to be false, the police further said in its report. In legal terms, such a report is called a ‘B-summary’.

At the time, Dutta had filed a protest petition urging the court to reject the B-summary. She urged the court to order a further probe into her complaint.

The magistrate said Dutta filed an FIR in 2018 under the Indian Penal Code sections 354 and 509 over an incident that allegedly occurred on March 23, 2008.

Both offences have a limitation of three years as per provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), he said.

The purpose of the prescribing period of limitation is to put pressure on the organs of criminal prosecution to make every effort to ensure detection and punishment of the crime quickly, the court observed.

No application for condonation of delay has been filed by the prosecution and the informant to let the court know the reasons for delay, the order said.

Thus, there is “no reason before me to take cognisance after a long lapse of more than 7 years after the expiry of the period of limitation”, the magistrate said.

“If such a huge delay is condoned without any sufficient cause, then it will be against the principle of equity and true spirit of the law,” the magistrate said while concluding that the alleged incident “is not within limitation and the court is barred to take cognisance of the same”.

“The alleged first incidence cannot be said to be false nor can be said as true” as the court has not dealt with the facts of the alleged incident, it added.

The magistrate disposed of the B Summary report, saying it “cannot be dealt with due to bar of taking cognisance”.