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Review: ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’: Alia steals hearts as Gangubai

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Film: ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ (Running in Theatres); Duration: 157 minutes

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Huma Qureshi, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Jim Sarbh, Chhaya Kadam, Mitali Jagtap, Indira Tiwari, Shantanu Maheshwari

Rating: ****

Auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest oeuvre, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is based on the chapter, ‘The Matriarch of Kamatipura’ from the book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai – Stories of Women from the Ganglands’ authored by S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges.

This is the compelling story of Ganga Harjivandas Kathiawadi, the daughter of a barrister from Kathiawar, who with stardust in her eyes, ran away from home to become an actress only to find herself sold in the brothel of Kamathipura, a neighbourhood of Mumbai famous for flesh-trade. This film unravels Ganga’s journey from a brothel worker to an activist fighting for the rights of the sex workers. In the film, Ganga calls herself “Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi.”

While Ganga’s story is filled with pain and pathos, the narrative effortless makes the film appear like a sunshine film that motivates. “Gangubai mahaan nahin thi, woh shaitan bhi nahi thi,” and despite this, Bhansali brilliantly manages to portray her as a larger-than-life character, and you empathise with her when she puts forth her point of view regarding the women of her tribe.

The film is loaded with admirable performances from its ace star cast.

The film is an outright Alia Bhatt’s canvas where she delivers a flawless performance showcasing a gamut of emotions and her dancing skills with aplomb. She steals the show on several counts, be it while speaking to her mother over the phone, or headbutting with Raziabai (Vijay Raaz) the eunuch who is standing for the local elections, or flirting with the apprentice tailor Afshan Razak (Shantanu Maheshwari), or dancing during the Navratri celebrations where she delivers complex steps to an intense song in a seamlessly one lengthy shot.

It is impossible to take your eyes off Ajay Devgn who, in a significantly minor role as the principled mafia don Rahimlala is intense and intimidating all at the same time. Seema Pahwa, who as Sheelamaasi, the madam of the brothel, is fascinating. Similarly, Vijay Raaz as the eunuch Raziabai is enthralling, and Shantanu Maheshwari as Gangubai’s love interest Afshan Razak is charming.

Unfortunately, Huma Qureshi in a stage performance is wasted.

This engaging biopic contains all the tropes of a typical SLB film. Bhansali astutely manages to put his inimitable stamp into every frame of the film, which appears like poetry on the screen, emotionally expressive and attractive. The screenplay is water-tight and engaging, keeping you riveted to the screen for over two and a half hours. The dialogues full of wit and hard-hitting messages are fresh and worth mentioning. Sample this, when Razia challenges Gangubai before the election campaign, Gangubai tells her, “Tuje kyon tevar dikhaongi mein tuje din main tare dikhaongi.”

Mounted with brilliant production qualities the film is visually captivating with well-etched characters, resplendent sets, and period costumes. While the timelines in the film are ambiguous and blurred, it nevertheless captures the period from the mid-1950s to the 1960s, with film posters from that era, prominent among them being ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ and ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand.’

The music, as usual, is exceptional but a bit low-key compared to SBL’s previous films. Two songs cater to the Garba audience, and they are both fabulously choreographed and picturised.

Overall, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ is worth watching on the big screen.

Bollywood

Farah Khan says ‘enjoy this beautiful phase’ as Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa welcome their baby girl

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Mumbai, Nov 15: Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan congratulated the new parents on the block, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, as they welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on Saturday.

Dropping a couple of lovely photos from Patralekhaa’s baby shower on social media, Farah advised Rajkummar and Patralekhaa to enjoy this beautiful phase of their life.

Taking to her official Instagram handle, Farah wrote, “The Baby is here!! Congratulations @patralekhaa n @rajkummar_rao .. enjoy this beautiful phase of life (sparkling heart emojis) n remember for any baby advice.. main hoon na.. (winking face with tongue emoji) (sic).”

“p.s.- @iamhumaq luckily we just about did the baby shower in time (face with tears of joy emoji),” she added.

The images show the couple twinning in yellow as they posed in the middle of a cake, balloons, and a giant teddy bear.

Rajkummar and Patralekhaa made the happy announcement on social media with a sweet Insta post that read, “We are over the moon God has blessed us with a Baby girl…Blessed parents Patralekhaa and Rajkumaar(sic).”

“(red heart and folded hands emoji) The greatest blessing God has given us on our 4th wedding anniversary. (sic),” they captioned the joint post.

Several big names from Bollywood congratulated the new parents in the comment section.

Actor Varun Dhawan commented, “(red heart emoji) welcome to the club guys@(red heart emoji)”

Actress Neha Dhupia said, “Congratulations you guys (red heart emojis) welcome to the best hood … parenthood(red heart emoji).”

Actor Ali Fazal shared, “Oh my goddddd!!!! So so happy to hear this . Congratulations you two beautiful people. Mubaarak…(red heart emojis).”

Rajkummar and Patralekhaa announced their first pregnancy back in July this year.

The couple uploaded a joint post on their official Instagram accounts saying, “Baby on the way – Patralekhaa & Rajkummar (sic).”

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Tabu’s Bold Ramp Walk For Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla In Black Cape Steals The Show At Fashion Event In Mumbai

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Bollywood star Tabu once again showcased that style truly transcends age as she turned showstopper for the celebrated designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Her commanding runway presence-sharp posture, confident stride, and fierce gaze, left the audience spellbound.

The 54-year-old actor, who celebrated her birthday on November 4, made a powerful statement in a monochrome ensemble. She wore parallel black trousers, a cowl-neck tunic, and a long architectural jacket embellished with luxurious silver crystals and intricate hand embroidery. The outfit beautifully blended Indian craftsmanship with contemporary glamour.

Her styling elevated the drama- a sleek high bun, bold red lipstick, and intense kohl-lined eyes added to her striking aura. Tabu completed her look with classic shiny black loafers, perfectly balancing comfort and timeless elegance.

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla shared stunning photos of Tabu from the event on Instagram, describing the show’s theme as “A Thousand and One Nights”, imagined through nocturnal celebration and opulence.

The designers highlighted that the coat was a reinvented edition of their maximal signature piece, featuring thousands of sequins hand-embroidered on a black base, crafted from pure chamois satin and crepe de chine.

The show was attended by prominent Bollywood names including Jaya Bachchan, Neetu Kapoor, and Soni Razdan, who cheered on as Tabu lit up the runway.

The comments section quickly filled with admiration, with fans calling her “regal,” “stunning,” “gorgeous” and “fantabulous.” Many applauded her effortless grace and ability to deliver unforgettable style moments every single time she steps into the spotlight.

From red carpets to high-fashion ramps, Tabu continues to prove why she remains one of Bollywood’s most respected and celebrated fashion icons. Her latest showstopper moment reinforces that confidence, craft, and elegance are her signature style, always age-defying and always iconic.

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Dharmendra’s Fan, An Auto-Rickshaw Driver, Breaks Down Outside Actor’s Mumbai Home After His Discharge, Says ‘Admired Him Since Childhood

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Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, 89, was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning and will continue his treatment at home, bringing immense relief to fans who had been anxiously following his health updates. The actor, who was admitted over a week ago after complaining of breathlessness, had been under constant medical supervision for several days.

As news of his discharge spread, a large crowd of admirers gathered outside the actor’s Juhu residence today morning to catch a glimpse of their beloved ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema. Among them stood an auto-rickshaw driver, clutching a handmade poster, wiping his teary eyes and offering prayers for the actor’s recovery, a moment that perfectly captured the emotional bond between Dharmendra and his fans.

The auto driver, speaking to reporters, said with deep affection, “As soon as I heard that Dharmendra had arrived home, I immediately came here with my rickshaw. I couldn’t resist, I have admired his pictures since childhood. Even at his age, his personality is remarkable; he still swims, which is not easy. I pray for his speedy recovery.”

A video shared by paparazzi accounts earlier today showed an ambulance arriving at Dharmendra’s residence, followed by his son Bobby Deol’s car. Moments later, fans were seen cheering as word spread that the actor had safely reached home.

Dr. Pratit Samdani from Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the development, saying, “He was discharged at 7:30 am. His recovery and treatment will continue at home.” Dr. Rajiv Sharma added that Dharmendra “left fully satisfied,” and that his family had made all necessary arrangements for his continued care. “He is in stable condition,” Sharma assured.

Though the Deol family has not yet issued an official statement, sources close to the family said that Dharmendra’s condition has stabilised and he will be closely monitored by doctors at home. Messages of love and prayers have poured in across social media, with fans sharing old movie clips, heartfelt notes and pictures of the actor.

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