A different gospel: Reimagining Jesus Christ
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India Today
6 hours ago
- India Today
A different gospel: Reimagining Jesus Christ
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated August 18, 2025)In Benyamin's novel The Second Book of Prophets (a re-imagining of the lives of Jesus Christ and his followers), there's a scene where Jesus is struggling to overcome a moment of self-doubt. The Jews think of him as a saviour foretold. But Jesus himself doesn't believe that true freedom (religious or political) can be achieved without a transformation of society, in a way that protects the poor masses. 'For a man burdened with agony and suffering, there's no liberation,' he thinks. The scene signals the central conceit of the book—writing the character of Jesus Christ as a young, angst-fuelled revolutionary who wants social reform not as a means to power but as an aspirational goal all by about the novel during an interview, Benyamin says, 'This novel happened after I read studies on recent discoveries related to the history of Christianity, like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library. These new texts challenge our preconceptions of what that time would have looked like.' In previous novels like Yellow Lights of Death (2015) and Body and Blood (2020), Benyamin had used Christian theology and history as pivotal plot The Second Book of Prophets, he has joined Anatole France, Jose Saramago, Norman Mailer et al, writers who produced fictionalisations of the life of Christ. There's a sense you get that Benyamin is focusing on the parts of Christ's journey that are readily applicable to modern-day socio-political contexts. 'When readers get something relevant to the current context, it's easier for them to stay invested in the story,' he says. 'I wanted to show how Jesus a social reformer. He wanted to change the way we live and not just change the way we pray.' Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Param Sundari Trailer: Sidharth Malhotra And Janhvi Kapoor To Take Over Screens With Their Cross-Cultural Romance
New Delhi: The trailer of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor's Param Sundari released on August 12, 2025. The film marks their first collaboration on screen. Sidharth plays Param, a Punjabi boy, who falls in love with Sundari, a South Indian girl, played by Janhvi Kapoor. The trailer offers a glimpse of their love story that transcends geography, language and cultural backgrounds. The 2 minutes and 40 seconds trailer begins with Param and Sundari flirting inside a church. Their initial interactions are playful and filled with references to Bollywood and regional films. However, things take a turn when Sundari accuses Param of playing with everyone's emotions. The drama unfolds as Param tries to convince Sundari and others of his genuine intentions. In a pivotal scene, Sundari lashes out at Param and his friend, labeling them "arrogant, entitled, and prejudiced North Indians." She takes the opportunity to educate them about South Indian cinema. Watch the trailer here: Talking about her character Sundari in the film, Janhvi Kapoor said, 'Sundari is deeply personal to me. Her grace, quiet strength, and love for her roots resonate with my own South Indian heritage. Shooting in Kerala, surrounded by such beauty, I felt an emotional connection to her world that I hope the audience will feel too,' as quoted by India Today. Sidharth Malhotra said, 'With Param Sundari, I feel like I'm revisiting the kind of romance I grew up loving, but telling it in a way that feels fresh and relatable. Param has that Delhi boy charm, with a love story that makes you cross worlds. We wanted it to look as beautiful as it feels, and Kerala's magic really made that happen. I hope the audience feels the same warmth and joy we felt while making it.' Directed by Tushar Jalota, Param Sundari also features Rajeev Khandelwal, Aakash Dahiya and Manjot Singh in key roles. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 29, 2025.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Why John Abraham Has Always Avoided Bollywood Parties: "I Have A Problem With Alcohol, I Also Sleep Very Early"
New Delhi: John Abraham is one of those Bollywood stars who is rarely seen out and about socialising, if not promoting his film. The actor shared that he has been that way even before he was married. His wife, Priya Runchal, too has the same nature, as the actor reiterates that it is a very "conscious decision" that they both took. What's Happening John Abraham recently addressed the question of not attending Bollywood parties because it has nothing to do with his films. He told India Today, "I never went to parties even before I got married. I have always chosen to stay out because the music is too loud, and I don't drink alcohol. I have a problem with alcohol because my father loves his single malt. Also, I sleep very early and I wake up at 4-4:30 am. I read as much as I can after waking up, and I devour world news." Furthermore, he added, "That is a very conscious decision, because my films have nothing to do with my personal life. In all these years, I have never had a publicist or an agent. I don't have someone who is manufacturing stuff for me out there. So the minute my films are over, I become not newsworthy and I go into my shell and I come out to speak only when I have something relevant to say." About Tehran John Abraham's last release was The Diplomat. He is now gearing up for the release of Tehran. Tehran is based on the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats. The film will premiere on ZEE5 on August 15, 2025. Tehran is directed by Arun Gopalan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Shobhna Yadav, Vipin Agnihotri and Sandeep Leyzell. Along with John Abraham, the film stars Neeru Bajwa and Manushi Chhillar. In A Nutshell John Abraham spoke on a series of topics recently as he is gearing up for the release of Tehran. The actor mentioned how he sleeps early and wakes up at 4:30 AM to read as much about world news as he can. He also revealed why he does not party and has an issue with alcohol.
