Latest news with #Chaalbaaz
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
When Saroj Khan Wrote A Letter To Sridevi During ChaalBaaz Shoot: "We Are Too Close To Be Fighting"
On Sridevi's 62nd birth anniversary, filmmaker Pankaj Parashar takes us back to the making of Chaalbaaz, the cult classic that cemented her status as a performer par excellence and shares never-heard-before anecdotes about the star who left everyone in awe. It was the late 80s, and Pankaj Parashar was at Film City when he witnessed something unforgettable. He recalls, "There was Vinod Khanna, Rajinikanth, Rishi Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor. They were all shooting for different movies, but there was one common table set for lunch because everybody had got some good food. I was asked to join them for lunch. And suddenly, all of them stood up. Can you imagine? There was Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Rajinikanth, Shakti Kapoor. All stood up like students. I turned around and I see Sridevi had walked in. She just bowed down, smiled and left." She was only 24 then, but the respect she commanded was unmatched. Yet, behind that image of a superstar was a shy young woman. "There was something about her that made you feel she was arrogant, that she thinks too much of herself, but that was not the case. She was shy. Also, she was shy because she was not sure of her language... She told me this, 'Still learning English and Hindi sir, no dubbing in real life.'" When Chaalbaaz began, Parashar admits he thought she was aloof. "In the first schedule, I felt she is arrogant, she would not talk. So I thought if she is a star, I understand. My work was happening and everything was going fine." But everything changed after she saw the edit of the first schedule. "It was a 12-minute clip. There was dead silence. We played it once, then she said again, so we played it again. After that, she turned and looked at me and she had changed. A girl who had already done more than 250 films, you can imagine what her sixth sense will be like! She sensed it. She said this is different. That was the first time she smiled at me. And then when we started shooting, she was different. She started communicating, giving inputs. The change was 180 degrees." Her dedication was unmatched, and her collaboration skills surprised even the director. Sridevi had a deep creative streak that came alive during song sequences. "She and Saroj Khan were bum chums... The first song that we were shooting was Bhoot Raja with Rajinikanth. They wouldn't talk to me. What they were used to was director sitting on the side and choreographer and heroine shooting the song. And I didn't want that." So he took charge. "I told her, Ma'am, I want to shoot it my way. So Sridevi said, Okay, go ahead. Later, when we were planning the rain song, she called me and Saroj and said what will you do with this song tell me. So I took one day's time, I got the whole song story-boarded and Sridevi did sketches of the costume of that song, that plastic raincoat, cap and all. We met and she showed me her sketches and I showed her my storyboard. She started clapping and said, Saroj now you tell us what are you doing? We both have done our homework." She gave her all, even when unwell. "She had 101 fever but she kept dancing. After every shot she used to come and ask, 'Wasn't I good?'" But the bond between Sridevi and Saroj Khan wasn't without friction. The two had a fallout, and Parashar became the unlikely mediator. "Saroj came to my house one day and said, I need a favour. She gave me a letter addressed to Sridevi... It said, Dear Sri... we are too close to be fighting... let's move on. I read it out to Sridevi in her van. Believe it or not, she got tears in her eyes and turned away. Then I asked her, Can I bring her over? Will you meet her? And she said okay. I brought Saroj and made sure they were friends again." Later, Sridevi called Pankaj Parashar her favorite director, and specifically mentioned ChaalBaaz as her favorite film. Parashar also credits Sridevi for spotting talent early like a newcomer named Akshay Kumar. "I was doing a film with her, Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahi. She said, let's take Anil Kapoor as the lead. But I told her there is not much of a big role for Anil. So that time there was this boy who used to come to our office every day. I took him to meet Sridevi. It was Akshay Kumar. And the moment he entered, she looked at him and said, 'He's a star.' Bang on." Of course, even Sridevi had her moments of temper. "She had a temper and I only saw it once. A magazine journalist asked me about my most favourite heroine. I thought they were asking about upcoming heroines, so I said Tabu. Of course, the best heroine is Sridevi. From number 1 to 10, it's only Sridevi. But the article came out and in that, 10 directors were interviewed, 9 said Sridevi, and I was the one who said Tabu. Then what? She was dubbing at Anand and called me. She was sitting there with that magazine in her hand. And she was glaring at me... She said, See what you had to say about me? Forget about praising, you didn't even mention me! She just didn't let me talk." Two weeks later, all was forgiven. They laughed about it. Because that was Sridevi, passionate, proud, and yet, deeply human. A superstar who could make Rajinikanth stand up, yet shyly admit she was still learning her lines. On her birth anniversary, Pankaj Parashar's memories remind us why Sridevi was, and always will be, irreplaceable.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
7 must-watch movies of Sridevi
7 must-watch movies of Sridevi August 12, 2025 Sridevi left an unforgettable treasure of films. From romantic films to fantasy drama, she always gave a memorable performance. Here are her 7 must-watch films. This film revolves around the story of a young girl whose mental state regresses to a 6-year-old child after an accident. This role shows Sridevi's versatility as an actor. Sadma (1983) This is a fantasy film about a woman with shape-shifting ability seeking revenge. Sridevi was praised for her acting, expression, and dancing in the film. Nagina (1986) Starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, this film follows a man who uses an invisibility device to fight crime. Sridevi plays the role of Seema, a fearless journalist in the film. Mr. India (1987) This film is about a girl named Chandni whose life takes an unexpected turn when her fiance meets with an accident. She faces a dilemma between her past love and her new life. Chandni (1989) Sridevi plays a double role in this film. The story is about two sisters who were separated at birth and have grown up in different circumstances. Chaalbaaz (1989) Starring Anil Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, and Sridevi, this film is about a greedy woman who gets lured by wealth. She asks her husband to marry another woman, in exchange for money, but later regrets her decision. Judaai (1997) This film is about a homemaker who learns English, which helps her to rediscover herself and regain her lost confidence. Her role in the film was very inspiring and heartfelt. English Vinglish (2012)
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A Tamil superstar went to Sridevi's house to propose her but a power cut ruined everything. What had happened?
Rajinikanth's unrequited love for Sridevi Rajinikanth and Sridevi sharing the screen together Rajinikanth mourns the loss of legendary Sridevi Superstar Rajinikanth is currently gearing up for the release of his much-awaited film of the year, Coolie . Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is set to have a massive clash with Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani's War 2. While fans eagerly await the return of the Thalaivar to the big screen, we take a trip down memory lane and pick this lesser-known but heartfelt chapter from Rajinikanth's life. It's about his deep, unspoken bond with the late superstar Sridevi Rajinikanth and Sridevi shared an iconic on-screen pairing, having starred together in as many as 18 films, including blockbusters like Ranuva Veeran, Pokkiri Raja, and Chaalbaaz. Their strong screen presence and chemistry made them one of the most beloved duos in Indian cinema. But what many don't know is that behind the camera, Rajinikanth reportedly developed strong feelings for Sridevi over the to several reports, he grew close to her family and even expressed a desire to marry her when she was just 16 years old. Earlier, filmmaker K. Balachander, who played a major role in shaping the superstar's career, once revealed a heartfelt story. He said Rajinikanth once decided to propose to Sridevi during a visit to her house for a housewarming ceremony. However, just as he arrived, a sudden power outage plunged the house into darkness. Known to be quite superstitious, Rajinikanth took it as a bad omen and left without saying a word. That moment passed, and he never spoke of his feelings to her later, in 1996, Sridevi went on to marry film producer Boney Kapoor. Yet, despite this, the mutual respect between Sridevi and Rajinikanth remained strong throughout their friendship was built on care and admiration. During the shoot of Rana, Rajinikanth reportedly fell seriously ill, and in a gesture of concern, Sridevi fasted for seven days for his Sridevi passed away in 2018, Rajinikanth was deeply affected. He cancelled his 37th wedding anniversary celebrations and mourned the demise of "dear friend' and 'a true legend.' He took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "I'm shocked and very disturbed. I've lost a dear friend and the industry has lost a true legend. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I feel the pain with them #RIPSridev ... you will be missed."For the unversed, Rajinikanth got married to Latha Rangachari on February 26th, 1981. They have two daughters: Aishwarya Rajinikanth and Soundarya Rajinikanth.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher reflects on Tanvi The Great's struggles at book launch: ‘What I achieved, no one could in a thousand years'
Anupam Kher , who recently returned to directing after 23 years with Tanvi The Great, is making a comeback, this time as an author. Different But No Less, Anupam's fourth book, launched in Mumbai on Wednesday. The book follows the creation of Tanvi the Great, a movie that was almost never made. From early rejections to casting stories, the book records the project's challenges and illuminates the motivation behind Anupam's decision to base his comeback on the tale of an autistic girl. Anupam stated, "I wrote this film because I needed strength more than money to write it and then make it. That's how this book came out, and it's the strongest thing I have done in my life.' A star-studded assembly of friends, coworkers, and collaborators attended the launch event. Filmmaker and longtime mentor Mahesh Bhatt , actor Boman Irani , who also served as the event's host, Gajraj Rao, Anang Desai, and director Pankuj Parashar, with whom Anupam collaborated on Chaalbaaz, were among those in presence. Mahesh Bhatt gave an emotional analysis of Anupam's journey. 'One of the greatest strengths of this kid—I call him a kid because when I met him he was 28, although I was only 34, but still—is his vulnerability,' Bhatt remarked. 'I don't know any other attribute apart from vulnerability when it comes to him. And a person who cannot be vulnerable cannot be courageous. I'm proud that a journey we began all those years back has landed us in this moment. I can wholeheartedly claim, proudly, that I have contributed somewhere in his journey, and I think his flight has just begun.' The movie, however, encountered challenges at the box office and clashed with Saiyaara, a musical directed by Mohit Suri . While discussing the movie's performance, Boman questioned Anupam about his thoughts on the disappointing box office arrival. 'To everyone present here, if I had to ask you what your top three films of all time are, I'm sure nobody would even remember the box office business they did when they released," he said unquestionably, as he always does. "What I have achieved with this film, no other person could achieve in a hundred thousand years. ' With typical wit, Boman joked that none of the actors, including himself, received compensation for their work on Tanvi the Great because they were only carrying out Anupam's vision, which was in turn carrying out his heart.
Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Anupam Kher opens up about Tanvi the Great's financial debacle as he launches new book: ‘What I have achieved with this, no one could achieve in a thousand years'
Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher, who recently made his return to direction after 23 years with Tanvi The Great, is back in the spotlight, this time as an author. Anupam launched his fourth book in Mumbai on Wednesday, titled Different But No Less. The book documents the making of Tanvi The Great, a film that almost never got made. The book captures the struggles behind the project, from initial rejections to casting stories, and sheds light on the inspiration that led Anupam to center his comeback around the story of an autistic girl. 'I wrote this film because I needed strength more than money to write it and then eventually make it,' said Anupam. 'That's how this book came out, and it's the strongest thing I have done in my life.' The launch event was a star-studded gathering of friends, colleagues, and collaborators. Among those present were filmmaker and long-time mentor Mahesh Bhatt, actor Boman Irani, who also hosted the event, Gajraj Rao, Anang Desai, and director Pankuj Parashar, with whom Anupam worked in films like Chaalbaaz. Speaking about Anupam's journey, Mahesh Bhatt offered an emotional reflection. 'One of the greatest strengths of this kid, I call him a kid because when I met him he was 28, although I was only 34, but still, is his vulnerability,' Bhatt said. 'I don't know any other attribute apart from vulnerability when it comes to him. And a person who cannot be vulnerable cannot be courageous. I'm proud that a journey we began all those years back has landed us in this moment. I can wholeheartedly claim, proudly, that I have contributed somewhere in his journey, and I think his flight has just begun.' However, the film has struggled at the box office, clashing with Mohit Suri's musical Saiyaara. Addressing the film's performance, Boman asked Anupam how he felt about the underwhelming commercial response. To that, he responded with characteristic conviction: 'To everyone present here, if I had to ask you what your top three films of all time are, I'm sure nobody would even remember the box office business they did when they released. What I have achieved with this film, no other person could achieve in a hundred, thousand years.' Boman, in his trademark wit, joked that none of the actors, including himself, were paid for working on Tanvi The Great, as they were simply following Anupam's vision, who, in turn, was following his heart. Also present was actress Shubhangi, who played the titular role of Tanvi in the film, and she read a chapter from the book for the audience. Her performance in the film was praised by Boman, who said, 'This is your Saaransh moment. What Bhatt Saab did for Anupam is what he has done for you.'
