Latest news with #Hansal
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta calls for investigation of ‘predatory behaviour' in film industry after allegations against Pratik Shah
Homebound cinematographer Pratik Shah faced serious allegations of abuse and inappropriate conduct on Friday. Now filmmaker Hansal Mehta has called for a 'thorough investigation' of predatory behaviour by men in positions of power. The directors behind films like Shahid and Citylights shared a long note on X (formerly Twitter) to comment on how there needs to be accountability and victims cannot suffer in silence. (Also read: Dharma Productions addresses abuse allegations against Homebound DoP: 'Our internal committee didn't receive complaints') In his X post, Hansal began, 'Abuse thrives in silence. It festers in fear. Predatory behaviour by men in positions of power must be investigated thoroughly, and if found true, must be called out — unequivocally, and without delay. For too long, predators have weaponised influence, privilege, and fear to silence survivors. That silence must be broken.' He went on to add, 'But let's be clear — abuse of power is not confined to one gender. Women in positions of authority, too, have inflicted harm. Abuse has many forms. It is not always sexual. Mental, emotional and psychological abuse can be just as scarring. Just as violating. Workspaces — especially creative ones — often cloak toxicity in the name of 'passion' or 'genius.' That must stop. No art, no film, no script is worth the cost of someone's safety or sanity.' The note further read, 'Victims need voice. They need redress. They need a system that listens — and acts. Accountability is not cancel culture. It is culture correction. We owe it to ourselves, and to those who come after us, to make our spaces safer. Cleaner. Kinder. Call out the predators. Call out the habitual abuser. Hold them accountable. Let no power be above decency.' On Friday, Hansal had released a statement via his Instagram Stories saying, 'Serious allegations of predatory behaviour have emerged against cinematographer Pratik Shah. These must be hard. Because if they aren't, like so many before, this too will fade – and once again, predatory behaviour will be forgiven in the name of art.' He added, 'I say this with a sense of deep scepticism- because hypocrisy is everywhere. Predators will flourish, as they always have. Abusers will be celebrated for their 'art'. And the survivors? They'll be left to carry their trauma alone, trying to make sense of their shattered careers and stolen safety.' Pratik Shah deleted his Instagram account after allegations surfaced on social media. He is yet to respond to the allegations in a statement. He shot Homebound, the only Indian feature film which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. It is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta wants you to watch Seth Rogen's The Studio. Know all about the acclaimed new series here
Bollywood director Hansal Mehta has reviewed Seth Rogen's new TV show The Studio. It stars Seth as a struggling Hollywood studio head trying to balance corporate demands with his personal passion for producing quality films. The show has been critically acclaimed for its stinging satire, cinematography and performances. (Also read: Seth Rogen opens up about directing Martin Scorsese in The Studio: 'Worst nightmare in the entire world') Hansal took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account and posted a detailed review of the show. The first episode didn't impress the director and he started to question if the show was worth all the hype. However, as he went past it, Hansal started to get engrossed in the underlining irony and pathos of the show. Hansal wrote, 'I saw the trailers and I was kicked. This looked like the show — sharp, satirical, self-aware. I read the early reviews, and the buzz was real. So I dove in, eager, almost giddy with anticipation. Then came Episode 1. And I was… underwhelmed. Slapstick? Superficial? Was this really it? I wondered — had the PR outpaced the product? Or was I just not getting it? But then… the magic unfolded. Gradually. Subtly. Smartly.' 'The cast is uniformly excellent — not in that polished, prestige-TV way, but in a raw, lived-in, gloriously messy manner that suits the chaos they inhabit. Each actor seems to understand the absurdity of their world and yet plays it with complete conviction. There's a rhythm to their performances — breathless, jagged, and sometimes heartbreakingly still. The shooting style embraces this chaos — long, frantic takes that swing between backstage frenzy and intimate implosions. The camera doesn't just observe; it crashes into rooms, lingers on silent defeat, and dances with delusion. What they've pulled off is a spectacle — but not the kind the industry usually sells. This is a spectacle that feels real. Real in its pain, its absurdity, its backstage drama. And in doing so, The Studio becomes a mirror to a world that thrives on illusion — and yet somehow delivers truth," Hansal concluded. The main cast of The Studio has Seth Rogen starring as Matt Remick, the president of Continental Studios and Catherine O'Hara as veteran producer Patty. It also stars Ike Barinholtz as Matt's right-hand colleague Sal while Kathryn Hahn plays the unhinged marketing lead Maya, along with newcomer Chase Sui Wonders as creative executive Quinn. Directed, written and produced by Seth, the show boasts of memorable cameos from none-other-than Martin Scorsese and Netflix CEO Ted Sarando. Other notable special appearances include from stars like Zack Efron, Anthon Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Kravitz, Adam Scott and director Ron Howard. The Studio has been renewed for season 2 on Apple TV+.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
After Mukul Dev's death, close friend Hansal Mehta reveals what ‘chipped away at his spirit'
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who worked with late actor Mukul Dev for Omerta, expressed his grief with a long emotional note as he remembered the time they spent together. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Hansal also posted a bunch of pictures of Mukul. He wrote that Mukul's career became a "collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs". Hansal talked about what he feels 'chipped away' at Mukul's spirit. (Also Read | Grieving Anupam Kher remembers 'zinda dil insaan' Mukul Dev, says his death is unbelievable: 'Humesha hasta rehta tha') Hansal remembered Mukul's booming laughter, their inside jokes and his storytelling gift. He said, "As the weight of this loss settles in, I realise there's still so much more I want to say about my friend Mukul. I will miss Mukul deeply. His booming laughter at our inside jokes, his unmatched gift for storytelling, that unmistakable voice…" He wrote about Mukul being a part of his projects. "He acted in two of my unreleased films and a TV show—somehow in the shadows of it all, we became very close. We bonded over booze, broken hearts, and the foolish hope that things would one day make sense. For years, we were gym buddies, pushing each other through reps and regrets," he added. A post shared by Hansal Mehta (@hansalmehta) Hansal wrote about Mukul's not-so-successful career and what didn't make him happy. "Mukul was devastatingly handsome—his presence could light up a stadium, his charm could hold a room in thrall. He had what most people only dream of: a dream launch, big directors, prominent co-stars. He had the look, the talent, the pedigree. But his career became a collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs. A story of what could've been. A string of 'what ifs'," he further said. He added, "And I think those what ifs chipped away at his spirit. Slowly, quietly, they filled him with a sense of defeat and resignation—an ache that often found its only solace in booze. Behind the laughter and bravado was a man struggling to reconcile with the dreams that eluded him." Talking about their film Omerta, Hansal added, "He was also a gifted writer. He gave me the story of Omertà back in 2003. I remember the joy in his voice when the film was finally made, the pride when he saw it with festival audiences, and that infectious excitement when his name came up in the writing credits. Every time we spoke, he'd chuckle and say, 'Hansie, kya film banayi yaar (What a film you have made). International. Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein (I can't believe) I'd have a writing credit (in such a film). This is so good for me.' That credit made him feel seen. Respected. Validated. I just wish we had done more together." Hansal also recalled the last time he spoke with Mukul. "The last time we spoke was a few months ago. The same gregarious laugh, the same fake Feroz Khan accent we always used with each other. But behind the laughter, I sensed something heavier—a quiet sadness, an air of disappointment, a kind of loneliness he never really shared. Go well, my beautiful, broken, brilliant friend. Phir milenge (We will meet soon)," concluded his note. Mukul died in New Delhi on Friday at the age of 54. He appeared in several popular television shows, including Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. His filmography also boasts notable roles in movies such as Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. His final project, Son of Sardaar 2, is yet to be released.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
'He had what most people only dream of...': Hansal Mehta mourns untimely passing of actor Mukul Dev
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 25 (ANI): Actor Mukul Dev's sudden passing at the age of 54 has left fans and industry colleagues in deep shock and grief. Known for his versatile roles across Hindi, Punjabi, South Indian cinema, and television, Dev's death has left a void that is hard to fill. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who worked with Mukul in film 'Omerta', took to social media on Sunday to express his profound sorrow. Hansal shared an emotional post on Instagram, reflecting on his close friendship with the late actor. The filmmaker, who collaborated with Mukul on two unreleased films and a TV show, wrote, "As the weight of this loss settles in, I realise there's still so much more I want to say about my friend Mukul. I will miss him deeply. His booming laughter at our inside jokes, his unmatched gift for storytelling, that unmistakable voice... He acted in two of my unreleased films and a TV show, somehow in the shadows of it all, we became very close." Their friendship, Hansal shared, was built on shared moments of both joy and struggle. "We bonded over booze, broken hearts, and the foolish hope that things would one day make sense," Hansal said, reminiscing about their gym sessions together where they pushed each other through reps and regrets. Their relationship, which spanned years, was marked by both professional collaboration and personal camaraderie. Hansal, who has long been known for his candid expressions, further described Mukul as a man with immense potential who never truly reached the heights he deserved in the film industry. "Mukul was devastatingly handsome--his presence could light up a stadium, his charm could hold a room in thrall," Hansal wrote. "He had what most people only dream of: a dream launch, big directors, prominent co-stars. He had the look, the talent, the pedigree. But his career became a collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs. A story of what could've been." Despite his promising beginnings, Mukul's career was riddled with missed opportunities. The actor's journey in the industry often felt like a series of "what ifs", decisions that, in retrospect, seemed to derail a promising trajectory. Hansal Mehta reflected on how these missed chances chipped away at Mukul's spirit, leaving him with a sense of quiet resignation. Behind his vibrant persona, Mukul was often struggling to come to terms with his unrealised dreams, a battle that he sought to drown in alcohol, according to Hansal. Hansal recalled, "I think those what ifs chipped away at his spirit. Slowly, quietly, they filled him with a sense of defeat and resignation--an ache that often found its only solace in booze." Yet, amidst these struggles, Mehta cherished their lighter moments, especially the joy Mukul found when he was acknowledged for his talents. Mukul Dev wasn't just an actor; he was also a talented writer. Mehta fondly recalled how Mukul had given him the story for 'Omerta' back in 2003. Hansal wrote, "He gave me the story of Omerta back in 2003. I remember the joy in his voice when the film was finally made, the pride when he saw it with festival audiences, and that infectious excitement when his name came up in the writing credits. Every time we spoke, he'd chuckle and say, 'Hansie, kya film banayi yaar. International. Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein I'd have a writing credit. This is so good for me.'" For Hansal, this writing credit was not just a professional achievement but also a personal triumph. It validated his place in the world of cinema, a rare moment of recognition for someone who had often been relegated to the sidelines. Mukul's sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Indian film industry. Actor Ajay Devgn, who worked with Mukul on the 2012 comedy 'Son of Sardaar', expressed his shock and sadness via Instagram, saying, "Still trying to process it... Mukul It's all too soon and sudden. You had a way of making everything lighter, even on the heaviest days. Om Shanti." Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who shared screen space with Mukul in the 1996 film Dastak, described the late actor as a "brother in spirit" and a gifted artist whose warmth and passion were unmatched. Bajpayee expressed his grief on Instagram, writing, "It's impossible to put into words what I'm feeling. Mukul was a brother in spirit, an artist whose warmth and passion were unmatched. Gone too soon, too young. Praying for strength and healing for his family and everyone grieving this loss. Miss you meri we meet again, Om Shanti." Mukul Dev's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both television and cinema. He appeared in several popular television shows, including Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Koi Hai, and Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. His filmography also boasts notable roles in movies like Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R... Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. His final project, 'Son of Sardaar 2', is yet to be released. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta reveals secret to 10 kg weight loss: Mounjaro, intermittent fasting, high-protein meals and less alcohol
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta got candid with fans and social media followers about his weight loss. On May 1, he took to X to open up about his experience with Mounjaro, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, which also leads to weight loss. Apart from starting Mounjaro, Hansal shared that 'high-protein meals, minimal sugar and alcohol, regular strength training, proper hydration, 14-18 hour intermittent fasting' helped him lose 'nearly 10 kilos in just a few months'. Also read | Karan Johar breaks silence on rumours of 'using Ozempic for fast weight loss' Sharing recent pictures of his leaned physique, Hansal shared that he started Mounjaro because of health concerns, and said, 'Under medical guidance, I began Mounjaro to address rising blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range and to manage my steadily increasing weight. Paired with a committed lifestyle shift — high-protein meals, minimal sugar and alcohol, regular strength training, proper hydration, 14-18 hour intermittent fasting, NMN + Resveratrol supplements, and better sleep — I've seen tangible results.' He added, 'In just a few months, I'm down nearly 10 kilos. My muscle mass has significantly improved, my energy levels are higher, and my blood sugar readings are now well within the normal range. Insulin resistance has dropped, and yes, the old clothes are falling off!' Check out his tweet: GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, have become popular among celebs for weight loss, both for those who only need to lose a few pounds as well as for those who have been open about their long-term weight struggles. Hansal is among the few Indian celebs who have been honest about using these weight loss drugs. The filmmaker further opened up about the reasons he was going public with his Mounjaro journey: 'I'm sharing this because there's unnecessary stigma around these new medications and people who do use them falsely connect their new found health to ambiguous and often frustrating fitness regimens. There's no shame in taking charge of your health with the tools available to you—especially when done responsibly and under supervision. If you're struggling with similar issues, speak to your healthcare provider. It might just be the beginning of a journey you'll be grateful for. I'm on that journey—and I'm genuinely enjoying the ride. Here are some random pictures from the journey…' Mounjaro, a weight loss drug launched by Eli Lilly in India, could be a game-changer and has been making waves lately. Click here to know everything about it. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
