Latest news with #Basu
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bengal college admissions in limbo: 2024 HC order on OBC certificates causes delay
The fate of 4,82,948 students who appeared for the Higher Secondary (Uccha Madhyamik) exams in Bengal remains uncertain, as undergraduate admissions through the Centralised Admission Portal (CAP) to around 460 government colleges and universities across the state have been stalled. This is because in May 2024, the Calcutta High Court had dismissed all Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates issued since 2010. The court directed that a new OBC list be prepared under the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. According to sources in the Education Department, officials have written to the state's Advocate General regarding the commencement of admissions. Education Minister Bratya Basu recently told mediapersons, 'It is an ongoing legal matter; the higher authority is looking into it. We are waiting for the final nod to start admissions. The centralised admission portal was launched last year, and this year too, admissions will be conducted on it smoothly. Legal issues will not impact the overall admission process.' According to Basu, UG admissions through CAP will begin soon. In contrast, private and autonomous colleges not under the centralised portal, such as Scottish Church College, St. Xavier's College, and Ramakrishna Mission institutes, have already begun their admission processes. The Principal of Scottish Church College said, 'We are a minority institution and not under CAP. Our admissions began after Class 12 results were declared and will continue till June.'A senior official said that the CAP portal is ready and will be activated once the Higher Education Department gives its clearance. Officials also hinted at possibly eliminating the OBC category from UG admissions to avoid further legal complications, pending the Advocate General's advice. Asutosh College principal and general secretary of the All Bengal Principals Council Manas Kabi told The Indian Express, 'We have full faith in the government and hope the process will start soon. The Education Minister is trying his best to open the online portal following all legal advice. Since the case is in the Supreme Court, legal counsel is essential.' Calcutta University Registrar Debasish Das said, 'We have sought a legal opinion. Currently, no admissions are taking place. We wrote to the Backward Classes Department but have not received a response. If the process doesn't begin soon, students may turn to private institutions or seek admissions in other states.' Jadavpur University's Acting Registrar Indrajit Banerjee said, 'We have received a letter from the Backward Classes Department and are proceeding as per legal advice.' Rupayan Pal, who topped this year's Higher Secondary examinations, told The Indian Express, 'Just for one section, everyone shouldn't be affected. I want to pursue research and study medicine. The results aren't out yet, but I hope the issue will be resolved by then.' Meanwhile, students and guardians are growing increasingly anxious. Rabindranath Pal, Rupayan's father, told The Indian Express, 'Students will obviously be affected, but what can we common people do except wait for the court's decision? This delay is unfair; it will impact my son's future. Only the Supreme Court can resolve it.' Bhagtodan Ghoshal, father of Srijita Ghoshal who secured the fourth rank, said, 'This is a sad situation and must be resolved quickly. Education is the foundation of society. Many students are leaving Bengal. If my daughter gets a seat in another state, I'll send her there.' The Supreme Court had, in its judgment last year, termed the post-2010 OBC list 'illegal' but clarified that its ruling would not affect those already employed or benefitted under existing OBC West Bengal government has challenged the verdict and moved the Supreme Court. The verdict followed PILs filed since 2011, challenging the classification of 77 communities as OBCs under executive orders issued between March 2010 and May 2012. The petitioners also questioned the constitutional validity of sections of the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than SC and ST) (Reservation in Posts) Act of 2012.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Moon Knight' season 2? Creator gives long-awaited update
Anurag Basu launched the first song from his upcoming film, Metro In Dino, at a Mumbai event, attended by the cast and musicians. The song, Zamaana Lage, was unveiled, with Basu and Konkona Sen Sharma reflecting on the late Irrfan Khan's absence. The film, a spiritual sequel to Life In a Metro, releases on July 4, 2025.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bridesmaid Alia Bhatt grooves to dhol beats, London Thumakda at a friend's wedding in Spain. Watch
Anurag Basu launched the first song from his upcoming film, Metro In Dino, at a Mumbai event, attended by the cast and musicians. The song, Zamaana Lage, was unveiled, with Basu and Konkona Sen Sharma reflecting on the late Irrfan Khan's absence. The film, a spiritual sequel to Life In a Metro, releases on July 4, 2025.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan saw me freaking out on day 1 of Metro In Dino, recalls Ali Fazal: ‘The film is inside Anurag Basu's head, no one knows what's happening'
Anurag Basu is all set to return with the follow up to his 2007 romance anthology Life… in a Metro, Metro In Dino, slated to release in cinemas on July 4. It consists of almost an entirely new cast, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, and Ali Fazal. Fazal recently revealed he initially struggled with Basu's style of filmmaking. 'Basu sir has a very interesting way. The whole film is inside his head. So nobody knows what's happening. And that's another exhilarating experience because you don't know what's coming,' said Fazal, adding, 'I remember Adi (Kapur), Sara and all these guy are on set the first day, and they can see me freaking out! Kya karein, scene nahi hai (What to do, there's no scene paper). But that's how he works.' In the interview with Galatta Plus, Fazal explained further, 'The scene paper comes in very last minute. Of course, there's a whole script, and he's got the whole thing down.' But he also pointed out that nobody could access the full script because Basu's approach to Metro In Dino is quite different from its first part. 'This particular construction of Metro is pretty different. And I think for that very reason, he didn't want us to read the script. It really helped! When the film is out, I'd love to talk about it. It's surprising that even in a very light, romantic film, he's managed to bring his swing. And I enjoy that,' added Fazal. He claimed that collaborating with Basu can be both unsettling and rewarding. 'He pushes you! He'll throw in a word or an emotion, and just give me a little different perspective. Most times, when he gets it, he doesn't. That's another problem directors don't realize — Mani (Ratnam) sir, Basu, they are lovely directors, but actors love it when the director goes, 'Good!' But there's nothing. He just says, 'Next shot,'' said Fazal. Fazal will be next seen in his debut Tamil film, Mani Ratnam's crime thriller Thug Life, in which he stars alongside Kamal Haasan, Simbu, Trisha, and Nasser among others. The film is slated to release in cinemas next Thursday on June 5. Going back to Metro In Dino, Fazal revealed it's a musical so Basu works around that. Also Read — Ali Fazal on Mirzapur The Film: 'It is like going back to the start…' 'He'll give you a rhythm, literally a rhythm, sometimes as a beat! For me, that's like nectar because then I can map everything. We don't use beats or rhythm much. That's the way I learnt. I never got to learn acting. Hence, Adishakti. It's the one place where I managed to learn anything. Which is why I keep going back there,' said Fazal, referring to Adishakti Theatre Arts, a laboratory for theatre art research based in Tamil Nadu.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Romance is returning to Bollywood, and Here's how
Bollywood is gearing up for a romantic resurgence in 2025, with a lineup of films promising to revive classic love stories with modern twists. Several films like Param Sundari, Metro… In Dino, and Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri are set to explore diverse relationships and fresh pairings. For decades, Bollywood was synonymous with sweeping romances — couples dancing in mustard fields, monsoon-drenched confessions of love, and grand airport reunions. Love stories formed the emotional core of Indian cinema, shaping generations of audiences who believed in the magic of filmy pyaar. While recent years saw a shift towards action spectacles and thrillers. But 2025 seems poised to bring romance back to the forefront. A slew of upcoming films, star-studded casts, and heartwarming narratives are set to reintroduce classic Bollywood love stories — with a modern, sometimes quirky, twist. At the helm of this romantic resurgence is Param Sundari, an ambitious love story directed by Tushar Jalota, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor . The film is a quintessential North meets South saga, echoing the rich tradition of regional cross-cultural romances in Hindi cinema, from Ek Duuje Ke Liye to 2 States. Malhotra, playing a charming Punjabi boy, finds himself entangled in a fiery, unconventional romance with Kapoor's spirited South Indian heroine. Set against the backdrop of lush backwaters, bustling metros, and small-town festivities, Param Sundari promises a heady mix of humor, family drama, and passionate romance — the kind that once defined Bollywood's golden era. Another major offering that celebrates the complexity and charm of modern relationships is Anurag Basu's much-awaited ensemble film, Metro… In Dino. Serving as a spiritual successor to his 2007 hit Life in a… Metro, the film weaves together multiple love stories set in contemporary urban India. Featuring a stellar cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan , Ali Fazal, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Pankaj Tripathi, the film explores the myriad ways people connect, fall in love, and confront heartbreak in a city that never sleeps. Known for his lyrical storytelling and soul-stirring music, Basu's take on modern-day relationships often balances bittersweet realities with moments of unexpected tenderness. Metro… In Dino is expected to be no different — a poignant, romantic mosaic capturing love in its many forms: unrequited, rekindled, accidental, and fateful. Interestingly, Basu isn't stopping there. He has another untitled romantic film in the pipeline, headlined by Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela , slated for a Diwali 2025 release. Not much is known about the plot, but given Basu's flair for creating textured, emotionally rich characters, this pairing promises an engaging blend of humor, drama, and old-school romance. It's a fresh pairing to watch out for, with Sreeleela, fresh off her regional successes, making notable inroads into mainstream Bollywood. Kartik Aaryan, often dubbed the modern-day poster boy of romantic comedies, seems to be on a love story spree. Apart from Basu's project, he reunites with Ananya Panday in Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by Sameer Vidwans. The film is said to be a throwback to breezy, feel-good Bollywood romances of the early 2000s — think Mujhse Dosti Karoge! or Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?. Aaryan and Panday, whose on-screen chemistry in Pati Patni Aur Woh received praise, are expected to deliver a charming, light-hearted romance laced with witty banter and vibrant music. Adding to the rom-com revival is Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hone Hai, a 2026 release marking the return of veteran director David Dhawan to the genre he once dominated. Starring Varun Dhawan , Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur , the film promises to be a riotous, colorful celebration of young love, mistaken identities, and over-the-top family drama — a signature David Dhawan concoction. With his track record of delivering blockbuster rom-coms like Coolie No.1, Judwaa, and Biwi No.1, expectations are high for this one to deliver a nostalgic yet contemporary love story. Meanwhile, Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni, pairs Ananya Panday and Lakshya in a romantic drama said to explore love across different socioeconomic backgrounds. Soni, who made a sensitive debut with Meenakshi Sundareshwar, is expected to approach this urban romance with an eye for detail and emotional authenticity. For Lakshya, who made his debut with the actioner Kill this film could be a defining moment for his entry into romantic roles. Another interesting project adding depth to this romantic wave is Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Positioned as a mature love story and rediscovering oneself through love. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by youthful pairings, Aap Jaisa Koi stands out for spotlighting different-aged protagonists navigating the messy, beautiful terrain of human connection, this film could prove to be a heartfelt ode to enduring love. Talking about the film at its announcement Madhavan said 'I have done two or three romantic films in Hindi and that's because I was looking for age appropriate romance. When I heard this story, I thought I won't get any better opportunity than this. " While Fatima stated , "I read the script and I was in awe of it. Every moment is special. It's something I completely relate to every moment." Why the Romantic Resurgence Now? The recent years of Bollywood have been dominated by action extravaganzas, thrillers, and issue-based cinema. While these films had their place and audience, somewhere along the way, simple, feel-good romances took a backseat. Yet, even amidst these trends, films like Satyaprem Ki Katha, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke found surprising success, signaling that audiences still crave well-told love stories. The pandemic years perhaps also played a role in this shift. With people isolated and yearning for emotional connection, romantic narratives — with their promise of hope, passion, and belonging — started resonating again. The box-office success of romantic dramas in regional cinema further hinted at a demand Bollywood could no longer ignore. Producers and directors have now recognized that while audiences enjoy high-octane spectacles, nothing quite matches the universal appeal of a good love story. Be it a grand romance or an intimate character drama, love remains Bollywood's most beloved theme. The new crop of films indicates not just a quantity increase but also variety — from ensemble romances and nostalgic comedies to mature love stories and culturally rooted dramas. New Pairings, New Possibilities What's also refreshing about this romantic revival is the number of fresh on-screen pairings it offers. From Sidharth-Janhvi to Kartik-Sreeleela, Ananya-Lakshya to Varun-Pooja-Mrunal, these combinations infuse new energy into familiar templates. Casting directors and filmmakers seem willing to experiment with chemistry and dynamics rather than relying solely on tried-and-tested jodis. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
