Latest news with #FilmistanStudios
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Saira Banu Meets Hema Malini For Janmashtami, Explains Why The Festival Is Important
Veteran actress Saira Banu reminisces about her memories with Hema Malini, and a Janmashtami moment that led to her marriage with Dilip Kumar. As the world celebrates the most cherished festival, Janmashtami, veteran actress Saira Banu has taken a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The actress, who reunited with fellow Bollywood legend Hema Malini after years, shared heartfelt moments and memories from their film days, festive celebrations, and one unforgettable Janmashtami that changed the course of her life forever. Posting a couple of pictures on Instagram, Saira reflected on their special meeting and recounted never-before-heard stories of their friendship. Saira Banu's post 'You see, Hema and I had been wishing to meet each other for a very long time, but life, in its own way, kept us apart," Saira wrote in her post, adding, 'Not so long ago, she called me, and before I knew it, she was at my doorstep." Upon meeting, the actress revealed they spent hours reminiscing about their golden days in cinema, sharing laughter and touching stories that time hadn't erased. Among them, Saira stated that she recalled a Janmashtami memory that was life-changing for her. 'We spent a beautiful few hours together, immersed in memories, and reliving those golden days that time can never erase. Among them, we revisited a Janmashtami incident—one so profound that it changed the course of my life within weeks." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu) Saira Banu and Hema Malini's first meeting Recalling their first meeting in 1966 on the sets of Deewana, Saira reminisced about being instantly struck by Hema's beauty. Their bond strengthened during a joint shoot at Krishna Raj Sagar Dam, where their adjoining rooms and shared evenings with their mothers led to close conversations and beauty tips. Saira Banu wrote, 'She had come along with her producer, Anantswamy, to RK Studios, Chembur, and I remember being instantly impressed by her lovely looks. Soon after, we met again while we were simultaneously shooting at the scenic Krishna Raj Sagar Dam in the South. Our rooms were adjoining, and in the evenings my mother, Hema, her mother and I would sit together in the large verandahs, exchanging beauty secrets." 'I reminded her how Amma would put lobaan in her hair for freshness and khushboo, a detail that made her laugh in surprise at how much I remembered," she added. Saira Banu's Proposal To Dilip Kumar During their meeting, Saira also shared another Janmashtami anecdote close to her heart. The actress recalled the filming of the iconic Kanha song at Filmistan Studios, coinciding with Janmashtami night, and how she proposed to Dilip Kumar. One night, as she sang the bhajan before Lord Krishna's idol with playback legend Lata Mangeshkar's enchanting voice filling the set, Saira cheekily asked co-star Nazir Hussain, who was also filming with Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam, to pass on a playful message to the actor. She added, 'I mischievously told Nazir Sahab, 'You are working with Dilip Sahab. Oh, how lucky you are! Please tell him that Saira is dying to work with him… And if he refuses, then ask him to marry me!" Dilip Kumar's reaction Nazir Hussain, though initially stunned, burst into that booming laughter and dutifully delivered my playful message to Dilip Sahab. The rest, as Saira puts it, was destiny. 'I'm told Dilip Sahab smiled gracefully, perhaps to hide his embarrassment. But wonder of wonders, within days, he walked into my life, looked into my eyes, and asked my grandmother and mother for my hand in marriage." Recalling all these beautiful memories, Saira concluded her post writing, 'Janmashtami has always brought me precious blessings, friendships, cherished memories, and the love of my life. And sharing these stories with Hema made the memories all the more sweet." 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.
Economic Times
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
‘Pretty little girl': Saif Ali Khan's resurfaced comment on first meeting with Kareena Kapoor stirs buzz online
Synopsis A resurfaced video clip featuring Saif Ali Khan recalling his initial encounter with Kareena Kapoor on a game show has ignited controversy. Saif described noticing a young Kareena at Filmistan Studios, sparking unease among viewers due to the age gap. Agencies Saif and Kareena: A Retrospective Glimpse at a Controversial Moment in a Celebrated Love Story Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan are often seen as one of Bollywood's most admired couples. Over the years, their relationship has blossomed both in public and private, with fans appreciating their chemistry on-screen and their strong bond off it. But a resurfaced video clip from a game show has sparked renewed conversations about their early encounters and the fine line between nostalgia and problematic an old episode of the game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?, hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan recalled a moment from the start of his acting journey. During this segment, Saif shared a personal memory that predated his romantic relationship with Kareena. He described an early encounter at Filmistan Studios where he had noticed Kareena Kapoor sitting silently outside a makeup room. She was alone, leaning against a wall, and watching him. Curious, he asked someone about her identity and was told that she was Karisma Kapoor's younger sister. At that time, Kareena was still a child, far from her own stardom. Saif admitted feeling drawn to her beauty even then. 'The first time I saw her, I was shooting at Filmistan studio when I noticed a little girl sitting alone outside the makeup room, leaning against the wall. She was looking at me. I asked someone who she was, and they said she's Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor's younger sister. I thought she was very pretty. I think I liked her from that moment," he said. Saif narrating about how he met young Kareena in Filmistaan studio and found her "acchi" from then. by inBollyBlindsNGossip While his statement may have been delivered with innocent intent or fondness in hindsight, it has triggered unease among many viewers due to the age gap and the context of the the video surfaced on the Reddit forum BollyBlindsGossip, it swiftly gained traction. Numerous users voiced discomfort, pointing out the troubling implications of an adult recalling a young girl in such affectionate terms. While Saif may have intended to reflect on how early their paths crossed, his recollection was received by many as inappropriate, given that Kareena was a minor at the Redditor reacted harshly, describing the comment as unsettling and labeling it as 'creepy.' Another user made a sarcastic remark about 'eugenics,' indirectly referencing Saif's past backlash also reignited memories of Saif's earlier statements on nepotism and genetics. After facing criticism for joking about nepotism during the 2017 IIFA Awards, Saif had written an open letter published by DNA. In it, he argued that success in Bollywood stems from inherited traits rather than favoritism, referring to the industry as a merit-based system. He even claimed that producers invest in actors based on their lineage and background, citing his own mother, Sharmila Tagore, as an example of genetic influence rather than meant to defend his career path, this reasoning too was met with skepticism, and many questioned the ethics of linking talent and success to biological entire episode has stirred important reflections on how adults recall early interactions with children, especially in an industry rife with power imbalances. It forces viewers to reassess how nostalgia can sometimes sanitize or romanticize moments that, in retrospect, raise ethical concerns. The line between affection and inappropriateness is thin, especially when viewed through the lens of changing societal standards.
Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Mujhe laga ki bahut khoobsurat hain': When Saif Ali Khan recalled the time he first met Kareena Kapoor and called her ‘chhoti ladki'; expert on boundaries for adults
An old video of Saif Ali Khan recalling his first encounter with Kareena Kapoor Khan has resurfaced, sparking mixed reactions online. In the clip, Saif describes seeing Kareena as a 'chhoti ladki' (little girl) when he first noticed her at Filmistan Studios in Mumbai. His words — meant to express admiration — have left many viewers unsettled, particularly because he was an adult working in the industry at the time, while Kareena was still a child. In the clip, Saif recalls, 'Actually, pehli baar jab maine unhein dekha tha, main Filmistan studio mein shooting kar raha tha toh ek chhoti ladki baithi thi makeup room ke baahar, deewar pe akeli baithi thi. Aur dekh rahi thi meri taraf. Maine poocha kisi se ki, 'Yeh kaun hai?' Toh unhonein kaha ki yeh Kareena Kapoor hain, Karisma Kapoor ki chhoti behen. Mujhe laga ki bahut khoobsurat hain. Aur mere khayal se tabse woh mujhe kaafi achchi lagi. (The first time I saw her, I was shooting at Filmistan studio when I noticed a little girl sitting alone outside the makeup room, leaning against the wall. She was looking at me. I asked someone who she was, and they said she's Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor's younger sister. I thought she was very pretty. I think I liked her from that moment).' However, Saif and Kareena's love story began much later on the sets of Tashan in 2008. Since then, the couple was spotted together several times and eventually married each other in 2012. This highlights broader themes of how adults perceive childhood admiration, power dynamics in interactions between different age groups, and the way nostalgia can sometimes reshape our memories. Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells 'Our emotions, present perspectives, and the passage of time shape our recollections of past interactions. Over time, memory undergoes reconstruction, where details get altered, forgotten, or romanticised based on our current emotions and life experiences.' Nostalgia filters out negative aspects and highlights emotions that reinforce our current beliefs or relationships. A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) 'For example, in Saif's case, his memory of first seeing Kareena might have been a fleeting moment at the time, but looking back — especially given their deep relationship now — it takes on a romantic and poetic quality. His mind fills in details that align with his love and admiration for her. This is why people often recall 'first meetings' with a tinge of fate or magic, even if they seemed unremarkable in the moment,' Gursahaney reveals. Gursahaney explains, 'Power dynamics between children and adults are inherently imbalanced because children are in a developmental stage where they lack the autonomy, experience, and social power of adults.' When recalling moments from the past, the framing matters — especially when discussing a child or a teenager from an adult's perspective. 'If the memory is narrated with a lens that romanticises or retrospectively assigns adult-like qualities to a child, it can come across as inappropriate, even if unintentional. In Saif's recollection, his description is mostly innocent, but if the same memory were framed with deeper attraction or emotional weight at that moment, it could be problematic,' she stresses. The ethical boundary here is ensuring that past interactions are remembered in a way that respects the developmental stage of the younger person at that time.
Economic Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Kajol and Rani Mukerji's grandfather's 82-year-old studio will be turned into Rs 3,000 crore luxury apartments
Transition to Real Estate: The Studio's Fate Sealed Emotional Response and Protests from Industry Workers A Living Symbol of Bollywood's Past Current Work by the Mukherjee Family Established in 1943 by the visionary Sashadhar Mukherjee—grandfather to Bollywood divas Kajol and Rani Mukerji—Filmistan Studios emerged as a foundational pillar of the Indian film industry. Located in Goregaon West, Mumbai, the studio was co-founded with legendary figures like Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal. Together, they helped shape what would become one of Bollywood's most iconic creative spaces. Filmistan broke away from Bombay Talkies to form an independent platform for filmmaking, and for decades, it wasn't just a set location—it functioned as a full-scale production house where artists and technical staff were employed with stable, monthly reported by Times Now Digital, on July 3, 2025, Filmistan Studios was officially acquired by Arkade Developers Limited for a transaction valued at approximately ₹183 crore. This purchase marks a pivotal moment, signaling the symbolic conclusion of Hindi cinema's so-called golden period. The new owners plan to transform the property into a high-end residential to a report in the Economic Times, Arkade Developers is preparing to launch a luxurious real estate project on the site, slated for 2026. The project is projected to cost around ₹3,000 crore and will feature two towering 50-storey buildings comprising premium 3, 4, and 5 BHK apartments. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Arkade Developers, confirmed the development on LinkedIn, stating that the acquisition aligns with the company's vision for upscale urban sale has sparked significant outcry among members of the Indian film fraternity. The All Indian Cine Workers Association ( AICWA ) has publicly expressed its discontent, calling on Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to step in and prevent the destruction of Filmistan Studios. The organization emphasized that the studio represents not just an architectural landmark but a rich cultural heritage built on the relentless dedication of thousands of behind-the-scenes warned that the redevelopment would result in widespread job loss for technicians, camera operators, and daily-wage laborers who have long depended on the studio for their livelihood. Their letter also highlighted that several other historic film studios are facing similar threats, posing a broader risk to employment across the entertainment generations, Filmistan Studios served as a nucleus for creativity in Hindi cinema. More than a workplace, it stood as a testament to collaboration and passion, sheltering not only celebrated stars but also an army of skilled professionals whose contributions were often unseen but vital. Its conversion into a luxury complex signifies a dramatic shift in priorities—one that places real estate over artistic Kajol, one of Sashadhar Mukherjee 's most prominent descendants, continues her journey in Indian cinema. Her recent performance was in Maa, a supernatural thriller linked to the Shaitaan cinematic universe. The film follows a mother battling dark forces to protect her child, mirroring the emotional tension that now surrounds the fate of her family's historic Studios may soon exist only in memories and archived footage, but for those whose lives it touched, its walls carried more than echoes—they carried dreams.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kajol and Rani Mukerji's grandfather's 82-year-old studio will be turned into Rs 3,000 crore luxury apartments
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Transition to Real Estate: The Studio's Fate Sealed Emotional Response and Protests from Industry Workers Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Living Symbol of Bollywood's Past Popular in Panache Current Work by the Mukherjee Family Established in 1943 by the visionary Sashadhar Mukherjee—grandfather to Bollywood divas Kajol and Rani Mukerji—Filmistan Studios emerged as a foundational pillar of the Indian film industry. Located in Goregaon West, Mumbai, the studio was co-founded with legendary figures like Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal. Together, they helped shape what would become one of Bollywood's most iconic creative spaces. Filmistan broke away from Bombay Talkies to form an independent platform for filmmaking, and for decades, it wasn't just a set location—it functioned as a full-scale production house where artists and technical staff were employed with stable, monthly reported by Times Now Digital, on July 3, 2025, Filmistan Studios was officially acquired by Arkade Developers Limited for a transaction valued at approximately ₹183 crore. This purchase marks a pivotal moment, signaling the symbolic conclusion of Hindi cinema's so-called golden period. The new owners plan to transform the property into a high-end residential to a report in the Economic Times, Arkade Developers is preparing to launch a luxurious real estate project on the site, slated for 2026. The project is projected to cost around ₹3,000 crore and will feature two towering 50-storey buildings comprising premium 3, 4, and 5 BHK apartments. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Arkade Developers, confirmed the development on LinkedIn, stating that the acquisition aligns with the company's vision for upscale urban sale has sparked significant outcry among members of the Indian film fraternity. The All Indian Cine Workers Association ( AICWA ) has publicly expressed its discontent, calling on Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to step in and prevent the destruction of Filmistan Studios. The organization emphasized that the studio represents not just an architectural landmark but a rich cultural heritage built on the relentless dedication of thousands of behind-the-scenes warned that the redevelopment would result in widespread job loss for technicians, camera operators, and daily-wage laborers who have long depended on the studio for their livelihood. Their letter also highlighted that several other historic film studios are facing similar threats, posing a broader risk to employment across the entertainment generations, Filmistan Studios served as a nucleus for creativity in Hindi cinema. More than a workplace, it stood as a testament to collaboration and passion, sheltering not only celebrated stars but also an army of skilled professionals whose contributions were often unseen but vital. Its conversion into a luxury complex signifies a dramatic shift in priorities—one that places real estate over artistic Kajol, one of Sashadhar Mukherjee 's most prominent descendants, continues her journey in Indian cinema. Her recent performance was in Maa, a supernatural thriller linked to the Shaitaan cinematic universe. The film follows a mother battling dark forces to protect her child, mirroring the emotional tension that now surrounds the fate of her family's historic Studios may soon exist only in memories and archived footage, but for those whose lives it touched, its walls carried more than echoes—they carried dreams.
