Bollywood
Review: ‘Badhaai Do’: Stretched narrative makes for tedious viewing
Film: ‘Badhaai Do’ (Running in Theatres); Duration: 147 minutes.
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni. Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Sheeba Chaddha, Seema Pahwa, Loveleen Mishra and Nitesh Pandey.
IANS Rating: **1/2
Bold themes reflecting the changing reality of our society are slowly but surely making their way into Hindi films.
While the honesty and intention are laudable, Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s ‘Badhai Do’ is forcefully stretched to make this point palatable to the audience. Also, somewhere down the line, the message loses its impact and earnestness.
Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar Rao) and Sumi Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) come from middle-class families where societal norms are expected to be complied with. The two of them however are ‘different’.
They belong to the queer community, and discovering a common goal, enter into a marriage of convenience, wherein each one leads his or her life freely while keeping up pretences of being a happily married couple.
The societal pressure of having a baby, and elders in the family trying hard to make it happen, make things spiral out of control, and a chance discovery of Sumi with her partner, Rimjhim (Chum Darang), causes the Pandora’s Box to be opened. How they explain to their families that they are born to be different and are not suffering from a ‘disease’ forms the crux of the film.
Rajkummar Rao, as the policeman, fixated upon fitness and body-building, flaunting his six-pack abs and an enviable physique, every inch looks his part. But somewhere, in his bid to be different and not use stereotypical mannerisms, as he essays this character, he tries too hard and fails to impress. One does not empathise with him and one cannot feel his predicament.
Bhumi Pednekar as Sumi, a Physical Education teacher, scores over Rao in her realistic portrayal and seems to be more comfortable portraying her bold character. Yet, somewhere, neither of them is deeply convincing.
The supporting cast of veteran actors deliver what is expected of them. The scene on the terrace where Shardul’s mother (Sheeba Chaddha) embraces her sobbing son in acceptance is poignant.
The plot is linear, with the narrative having a single-minded focus on delivering this message to its audience. The length of the film and the lacklustre chemistry between the lead cast, however, dilute this impact.
The setting of the film — middle-class small-town families and societal expectations — are a tad exaggerated, merely to drive home the point and heighten the contrast.
The LGBTQ+ rally towards the end, to reiterate their liberation and acceptance of who they are, is one of the several uncalled-for instances in the film, which merely adds to its length, not its gravitas.
Also, the sensitivity of the issue and the societal reactions, particularly those of middle-class families, are made to look trite, and with the several forced attempts to highlight the struggles of this community, somewhere along the way, the seriousness of the message is lost.
The music meshes well with the theme of the film. ‘Atak Gaya’ by Arijit Singh, in particular, encapsulates the essence of the film.
Overall, this film appears to be just another take on LGBTQ+ issues, this time adding the adoption angle to the otherwise commonplace matter of coming out of the closet and making your families understand. Mounted with moderate production values the film tends to get tedious at times.
Bollywood
Madhuri Dixit on reuniting with Amitabh Bachchan on KBC stage: ‘That familiar camaraderie came back’

Mumbai, Oct 6: Actress Madhuri Dixit is set to take on a new role as the host of the Marathi game show ‘Kon Honar Crorepati,’ and her journey has brought her back to the ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ hot seat with megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
Talking about her reunion with Amitabh on the KBC stage, Madhuri said there is a special warmth in meeting him that is difficult to express in words. Returning to the Kaun Banega Crorepati hotseat, Dixit shared, “There is a certain warmth in meeting Amitabh Sir on the KBC stage that is difficult to put into words. I have been a part of this journey as a guest before, and coming back now with Kon Honar Crorepati makes the moment even more special.”
“What stayed with me most was how naturally that familiar camaraderie came back. At the same time, I could feel that I was stepping into something completely new.”
Adding to this, Madhuri said, “Kon Honar Crorepati is my first journey as a game show host, and the fact that it is in Marathi makes it even closer to me. I am looking forward to meeting people through their stories, their dreams and, of course, their love for the game.”
Madhuri Dixit recently joined Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of “Kaun Banega Crorepati 18” for the show’s special birthday celebrations week. The actress appeared on the Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV quiz show to promote the upcoming Marathi edition of “Kon Honar Crorepati”, which is set to premiere on October 12.
“Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 airs every Monday to Friday on Sony Entertainment Television.
Madhuri Dixit had earlier said that what excited her most about the show was the opportunity to connect with contestants through their personal stories, dreams and aspirations.
She said, “What excited me immediately was wanting to connect with people through their stories and their dreams. Kon Honar Crorepati is more than simply answering questions and winning money, it is about the confidence and the courage to dream.”
Bollywood
Amitabh Bachchan reacts as KBC contestant recalls waiting for 5 hours outside Jalsa with his mother

Mumbai, Oct 6: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s massive fan following was highlighted during the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18.
Contestant Subhoto Bhattacharya recalled his experience of visiting the actor’s Mumbai residence, Jalsa, with his mother.
Contestant Subhoto Bhattacharya shared that he had visited Mumbai for the first time in 2024 with his mother. While they explored the city and even watched an IPL match, his mother’s biggest wish was to see Amitabh Bachchan in person.
Subhoto recalled that he knew about Amitabh Bachchan’s tradition of meeting fans outside Jalsa on Sundays, so they reached the residence at noon, several hours before the actor’s appearance.
He said, “2024 mein main pehli baar Mumbai aaya tha apne mata ji ko leke.. Yahan aakey maine bahut saare monuments wagera, Gateway of Mumbai dekha.. IPL match bhi dekha.. lekin phir Mummy ka asha poora nahi hua woh bol rahein the… Bachchan ji se kab milege? Mujhe maalum tha aap har Sunday 5 baje Jalsa main apne fans se milte hain toh hum Sunday mein 12 baje Jalsa ke aage khade ho gaye. Aur 12 baje iski maaniyan aap, fans ke sailaab aane lagi. Maine apne jeevan mein aisa fans ka sailaab kabhi nahi dekha tha… Toh hum 12 baje se leke 5 baje tak aapke Jalsa ke bahar the… aur jab 5 baje aapka darshan hua, woh main kabhi nahi bhool sakunga sir.”
(In 2024, I came to Mumbai for the first time with my mother. After coming here, I visited many monuments and places, including the Gateway of India. I also watched an IPL match. But my mother’s wish was still not fulfilled. She kept asking, ‘When will we meet Bachchan ji?’ I knew that you meet your fans at Jalsa every Sunday at 5 p.m., so we stood outside Jalsa at 12 noon that Sunday. And from 12 noon onwards, a sea of fans started arriving. I had never seen such a sea of fans in my life. So, we stayed outside Jalsa from 12 noon to 5 p.m., and when I finally got your darshan at 5 p.m., it is something I will never forget, sir)
Subhoto’s story left Bachchan touched. With his trademark warmth and humour, the actor told him, “Agar humko pehle pata hota ki aap aane wale hain, toh hum phatak khol dete aur aapko andar…”
He then turned towards Subhoto’s mother and warmly added, “Mata ji, agli baar aisa hi kijiyega. Humko pehle bata dijiyega ki aap aane wali hain.”
For the uninitiated, Sunday gathering outside Jalsa has been a long-standing tradition for Amitabh Bachchan and his fans.
The actor has previously said that the tradition dates back to 1982, with fans gathering outside his home every Sunday to see him.
Bollywood
‘Bigg Boss 20’: Qazi Touqeer battles fever, his team says he remains under medical care

Mumbai, Oct 6: ‘Bigg Boss 20’ contestant Qazi Touqeer has been unwell for the past few days after developing a fever inside the reality show house. His team has issued a statement sharing that he was recently taken to the medical room for a check-up after feeling low on energy.
The statement further mentioned that Qazi continues to remain inside the house while they stay in touch with the ‘Bigg Boss’ team regarding his well-being.
A statement was shared by “Team Qazi” on the contestant’s Instagram stories section which had a “heartfelt update for the Qazi family.”
The statement read: “Our rockstar Qazi has been dealing with fever for the past few days inside the Bigg Boss house and has been taking some much-needed rest whenever he gets the chance.”
“Recently, he was feeling a little low on energy and was taken to the medical room, where he was examined by the doctor. He continues to be inside the Bigg Boss house, and we remain in touch with the BB team regarding his well-being.”
The statement added: “Even while taking it a little easy, Qazi continues to participate, entertain everyone and bring his infectious positivity to the house. That’s our rockstar! We request everyone to stay calm, keep faith and continue showering Qazi with your love, prayers and positive energy.”
“We’ll keep you updated, and once he’s feeling completely back to himself, we know our most energetic rockstar will be back with his full aura and unstoppable energy! Until then, keep supporting him and keep the love coming. Rest. Recover. And roar back, rockstar!We’re all with you -Team Qazi.”
Meanwhile, the 20th edition of Bigg Boss started on September 6.It has a diverse lineup of 16 celebrity contestants including names such as MC Mary Kom, Kanika Mann, Mahhi Vij, Kushal Tanwar, Aman Gandhi, Arishfa Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Asif Khan, Aamrapali Dubey, Uditi Singh, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, Yung DSA and Love Gill.The show airs on JioHotstar and Colors.
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