71st National Film Awards 2025: SRK wins first National Award; Vikrant Massey, Rani Mukerji bag acting honours
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Indian Express
41 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Shilpa Shetty's break up with Akshay Kumar had director making last minute casting calls so his film doesn't turn into Kaagaz Ke Phool: 25 years of Dhadkan
There's a time in one's life when even the most mundane memories start gaining a special status. For 90s kids, this time came a few years ago when they began romanticising landline phones, cassette tapes, and Nadeem-Shravan's music of the decade that was shamelessly copied. These parcels of the past are a reminder of simpler times – the times when life was largely about finding ways to skip school, sweating over exams, and calling teenage crushes over those same landline phones. These moments from the past are often reminisced with fondness, even if they weren't exactly lovely to experience at the time, and it is with this romantic lens that many movies from the past gain some sort of popularity, even if they have aged poorly; and are sometimes discussed as if they are a part of some cinematic history. One such film is Dharmesh Darshan's 2000 film Dhadkan, starring Shilpa Shetty, Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar, which released 25 years ago. Shilpa, Suniel and Akshay, who started working in the movies in the early 1990s, have spoken at length about one of the most popular films of their careers, which has generated a ton of memes. This is the film where Suniel said his much-memed dialogue, 'Anjali tum sirf meri ho', and Akshay tried too hard to play a version of Lord Rama, years before Prabhas failed at it, and Ranbir Kapoor attempted it. This was also the film where Shilpa got her heart broken in real life, and supplied enough fodder to the film tabloids that 25 years later, eyebrows are raised when Akshay and Shilpa greet each other in public. Dhadkan released in the same year as Mohabbatein and Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, so clearly, the audience wasn't starved for romantic films. Yet, Dhadkan gained some popularity with its music, composed by Nadeem-Shravan. The film had been in the making for almost three years and by the year 2000, Nadeem-Shravan had stopped composing actively, as Nadeem was embroiled in the Gulshan Kumar murder case. It is now famously known that the songs 'Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se', and 'Aksar Is Duniya Mein' were plagiarised but that was the era where no one would have found out anything about it. The film was a love triangle, which was pretty much similar to Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in spirit, but looked like a badly lit Balaji TV serial. ALSO READ | Madhuri Dixit's 'Dhak Dhak': Plagiarised music, CBFC's censorship and the song that originally belonged to Sridevi Dhadkan was also the film whose release opened a can of worms for its lead actors – Akshay and Shilpa. They had been famously dating for years and broke up while filming. It was after the film's release that Shilpa opened her heart and accused Akshay of cheating on her with Twinkle, whom he eventually married. In an interview with in 2000, Shilpa said that she loved Akshay deeply, but he cheated on her. 'When you love someone and all along don't realise that you are being taken for a ride, it can be very annoying. I never imagined that he could two-time me, and that too, all along our relationship,' she said. Shilpa said that she had decided to stay quiet until the release of Dhadkan so the film wouldn't suffer, but immediately after that, she held nothing back. Shilpa was clearly asked if she blamed Twinkle for this ordeal, but she categorically refused to villainise her. 'What's her fault if my man was cheating on me? There is no point blaming any other woman; it was entirely his fault. Akshay Kumar used me and conveniently dropped me after he found someone else. The only person I was upset with was him,' she said. Akshay acknowledged their break-up in another interview with Subhash K Jha and said, 'So okay, we broke up. Heartbreaks are a part of life. I think she should get on with her life and let me get on with mine.' He did not address her accusations of infidelity and implied that she was being misled by those around her. 'Shilpa and I have separated… She has made sure that the world knows it. Now that she has beaten her drums loud enough, she should stop lashing out at me. I feel very sorry for the way she has been speaking. There's so much bitterness in her. My advice is, please go ahead with your life and let me go ahead with mine,' he said. ALSO READ | Bollywood actor who played James Bond villain had an open marriage with first wife, ended in divorce: 'My wife's relationships with other men bothered me' Dharmesh claimed that the filming of Dhadkan extended over three years because he was keeping busy with Aamir Khan's Mela but tabloids and film magazines of the time suggested that it had a lot to do with the growing discomfort between Shilpa and Akshay. Not just these two, even Akshay and Suniel were at odds with each other. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Dharmesh said, 'Akshay ji and Suniel had a major problem, probably after working in Mohra. Nevertheless, I was fixated with Suniel Shetty. I saw him as Dev.' The casting that looked promising on paper proved to be a logistical challenge for the makers and to rescue their sinking ship, they brought in Mahima Chaudhary. In a chat with Lehren Retro, Dharmesh said that he wanted to sprinkle some life into the film's second half. 'I was worried picture Kaagaz Ke Phool na ban jaye,' he said as if Dhadkan could ever be compared to the Guru Dutt classic. In the years since, Dhadkan has had enough reruns on satellite television, and much like Sooryavansham, or any other film that's played enough number of times on TV, it has become a popular film, despite its quality. Dhadkan doesn't represent the best of its era, but perhaps it holds too much meaning to those who saved their pocket money and bought its cassette, and in trying to justify that memory, Dhadkan is still being celebrated in the books of nostalgia.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
War 2's Jr NTR On Being Accepted In Bollywood: 'Every South Indian Has Doubts'
Last Updated: Jr NTR talks about his Hindi debut in War 2, releasing on August 14. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, it stars Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. With War 2 gearing up for its Independence Day release on August 14, Telugu superstar Jr NTR has opened up about his journey into Hindi cinema and the support he received from co-star Hrithik Roshan. The highly anticipated action-thriller, also starring Kiara Advani, is directed by Ayan Mukerji and is expected to face a major box office showdown with Rajinikanth's Coolie. Speaking at a pre-release event in Hyderabad on August 10, Jr NTR candidly addressed his initial apprehensions about entering Bollywood. Kiara Advani was absent from the event, having recently welcomed her daughter with Sidharth Malhotra in July. 'I come from South India, and thanks to SS Rajamouli for erasing many boundaries between South and North, which are just films. But every South Indian has a doubt: 'Kya accept karenge yeh log?' Thank you for accepting me with wide and open arms, and for that beautiful hug you gave me on the first day. This is not a movie about NTR going into Hindi cinema, but Hrithik equally coming into Telugu cinema," he said. #JrNTR – 'I come from South India and there is a little fear whether they will accept us or not , but thanks to Hrithik sir , he hugged me on the first day and made me very comfortable and treated me as his brother Love you Hrithik sir" #War2 #HrithikRoshan — A N K I T (@Ankitaker) August 10, 2025 The actor revealed that his seventy-five days of working alongside Hrithik Roshan proved to be an invaluable experience. 'I have learned a lot from Hrithik and often see myself in him… I can't wait to get back on set with him," he added. Praise for director Ayan Mukerji Jr NTR also reserved high praise for filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, calling him the perfect choice to direct War 2. 'Ayan has spent sleepless nights carving this visual extravaganza. Thank you for being a guiding force. As I promised you, 2025 will have another blockbuster from this country, and his name is going to be Ayan Mukerji," he said, adding that Mukerji would be remembered for helming one of the greatest films of the era. CBFC troubles According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the CBFC examined the film closely and asked the makers to carry out multiple audio and visual modifications. The most notable changes include muting 'inappropriate references" in six separate places in the film. An 'obscene" dialogue was completely replaced with an approved, toned-down sentence. Additionally, a two-second 'obscene" gesture—occurring roughly a minute after the controversial dialogue—was ordered to be removed entirely. In another directive, the CBFC asked the team to tone down the sensual imagery by 50%, amounting to a cut of approximately nine seconds. These visuals are speculated to be from Kiara Advani's bikini sequence in the film. While these edits were carried out, the board granted War 2 a U/A 16+ certificate on August 6, with its original runtime clocking in at 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 49 seconds (179.49 minutes). About War 2 The story of War 2 brings a powerful showdown between Hrithik Roshan's Major Kabir Dhaliwal and Jr NTR's Vikram. Both play Indian spies, but they see patriotism in completely different ways. This difference sets the stage for a battle that's not just about action, but also about beliefs. Kiara Advani plays Kavya Luthra, a key character who will have an important part in how the story unfolds. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film is a sequel to the 2019 hit War, which featured Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, and Vaani Kapoor. The first movie was loved for its high-octane action and stylish storytelling. War 2 is also part of the YRF Spy Universe, which connects stories and characters from other big films like Pathaan and Tiger Zinda Hai. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Shah Rukh Khan Shot Pardes Song Amid Gauri Khan's Pregnancy Complications: 'He Said He Can't Extend'
Shah Rukh Khan hurried to Delhi due to family emergency during Yeh Dil Deewana shoot, director Subhash Ghai reveals. During the filming of Pardes in 1997, Shah Rukh Khan faced an unexpected personal crisis. His wife, Gauri Khan, was dealing with pregnancy complications, which forced SRK to urgently return to Delhi. Yet, even under pressure, Shah Rukh managed to complete the close-up shots for the iconic song Yeh Dil Deewana in just two hours before leaving. Director Subhash Ghai shared these behind-the-scenes details in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. He revealed that the song was one of the last sequences to be filmed, with only two days remaining on the schedule. Shah Rukh was cooperative throughout the shoot but had to cut short his time due to his wife's condition. 'We kept this song for the last. We had two days left. Shah Rukh Khan was cooperative throughout the movie but towards the end, he had to leave two days before because I think Gauri was probably pregnant. He said that he needs to go to Delhi and cannot extend for another 2-3 days," Ghai said. The first day of shooting the song took place in Los Angeles. Shah Rukh had to leave the very next day, so Ghai asked him to come early. 'I asked him to come at 7 in the morning and the car was ready and I asked him to just give three close-up shots. I picturised the song in 2 hours that morning," the director recalled. The rest of the scenes, including the car driving shots across various locations, were filmed with a body double. This allowed the entire song to be completed without delay. Pardes was released in August 1997, just a few months before Shah Rukh and Gauri welcomed their first son, Aryan, in November. The song Yeh Dil Deewana became an instant hit and marked the start of a long partnership between Shah Rukh Khan and singer Sonu Nigam, who went on to lend his voice to many of the actor's biggest hits. Pardes (1997), directed by Subhash Ghai, is a heartfelt drama that explores the clash between traditional Indian values and Western culture. The story follows Arjun (Shah Rukh Khan), a devoted and kind-hearted man who comes to India from abroad to protect the family interests of a wealthy NRI. Amidst cultural conflicts and emotional turmoil, Arjun falls in love with Ganga, a village girl, while navigating challenges that test his loyalty and love. The film is remembered for its emotional depth, memorable music, and strong performances. Shah Rukh Khan children Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan have three children: their eldest son Aryan, born in 1997, daughter Suhana, born in 2000, and youngest son AbRam, born in 2013. Shah Rukh Khan National Award Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Jawan (2023). In the film, he played a strong and brave hero fighting for justice. This award was an important moment in his career and showed he can do many different kinds of roles. He will be next seen in King alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan. First Published: August 11, 2025, 08:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
