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Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Has he gone mad?': Ram Gopal Varma recalls Mani Ratnam's blunt reaction to changing Dil Se climax
's 'Dil Se' stands as a significant film in Hindi cinema, but its initial release was met with mixed reactions, largely due to its tragic ending where Shah Rukh Khan's character dies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a recent interaction, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who co-produced the film, revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes conflict where he acted as a mediator between Ratnam and another producer, Bharat Shah. The proposed alternate ending RGV recalled that producer Bharat Shah was profoundly unhappy with Dil Se's poignant climax. Following the film's initial negative audience feedback, Shah even suggested a drastically different ending to Mani Ratnam. Speaking on IndiaTV ShowBiz, RGV recounted Shah's exact proposition: "When Dil Se released and there was massive negative talk, initially Bharat Shah said that people didn't like Shah Rukh being killed. He asked not to make it a tragedy. After the film released, he told me that we should cut the bomb blast scene. He said that the moment Shah Rukh and Manisha hug each other, we should switch to the 'Chaiya Chaiya' song.' Shah's intention was for the audience to perceive a happy ending if a popular song played after the lead characters embraced. Mani Ratnam's blunt response RGV, acting as the intermediary, conveyed Bharat Shah's unconventional suggestion to Mani Ratnam. He recalled the director's unequivocal and blunt reaction: "Mani told me, 'Has he gone mad or what? How can Shah Rukh hug Manisha and in the next moment imagine Malaika Arora.'" This humorous yet firm dismissal underscored Ratnam's commitment to his artistic vision for the film's tragic narrative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dil Se concludes with Manisha Koirala's character, a suicide bomber, being embraced by her lover, played by Shah Rukh Khan, just as the bomb detonates, killing both of them. The reason behind the unusual suggestion During the interview, it was also revealed that Bharat Shah's unusual idea to end the film with 'Chaiya Chaiya' wasn't random. It stemmed from feedback he received directly from exhibitors. Apparently, a significant number of people purchase tickets primarily to watch the immensely popular 'Chaiya Chaiya' song, which plays approximately ten minutes into the film, and then leave the theatre shortly thereafter. This practice caused financial issues for theatre owners, particularly impacting sales of snacks like popcorn, cola, and samosas. Exhibitors had reportedly suggested moving the hit song to a post-interval slot to encourage audiences to stay longer and boost concession sales. Despite its initial box office challenges in India, Dil Se garnered positive reviews from critics and achieved significant success overseas, cementing its status as a cult classic.


Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ram Gopal Verma says Mani Ratnam called Dil Se co-producer ‘mad' for wanting to change film's climax: ‘We should switch to Chaiya Chaiya'
Mani Ratnam's Dil Se remains one of the most important films in Hindi cinema. However, the film initially received negative feedback from the audience upon its release, primarily due to its tragic ending in which Shah Rukh Khan's character is killed. In a recent interaction, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who was also the co-producer of Dil Se, revealed how he acted as a mediator between the film's director Mani Ratnam and another producer, Bharat Shah. RGV recalled that Bharat was unhappy with the film's tragic climax and even suggested an alternate ending to Mani—only to be dismissed by the filmmaker. Speaking about the incident on IndiaTV ShowBiz, RGV shared, 'When Dil Se released and there was massive negative talk, initially Bharat Shah said that people didn't like Shah Rukh being killed. He asked not to make it a tragedy. After the film released, he told me that we should cut the bomb blast scene. He said that the moment Shah Rukh and Manisha hug each other, we should switch to the 'Chaiya Chaiya' song.' Ram Gopal Varma said he took Bharat Shah's suggestion to Mani Ratnam, and recalled the director's blunt reaction, 'Mani told me, 'Has he gone mad or what? How can Shah Rukh hug Manisha and in the next moment imagine Malaika Arora.' Bharat's intention was that when people will see a hit song play again after the lead characters had hugged, they will think it's a love story and a happy ending.' For context, Dil Se ends with Manisha Koirala's character, who is a suicide bomber, being stopped by her lover (played by Shah Rukh Khan). In a desperate attempt to stop her, he embraces her just as the bomb detonates — killing both of them. During the interview, it was also revealed that Bharat Shah's unusual idea of ending the film with 'Chaiya Chaiya' actually stemmed from feedback he received from exhibitors. Apparently, many people would buy tickets primarily to watch the hit song, which plays ten minutes into the film, and then leave the theatre soon after. This caused issues for theatre owners because it meant that there were fewer purchases of snacks like popcorn, cola, and samosas. Exhibitors suggested moving the song post-interval to ensure that people stayed longer. Dil Se received positive reviews from critics but it performed moderately at the box office. The film, however, was a success overseas.


Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Ranbir Kapoor doesn't mind standing in queues or eating alone in cafes': Former film journalist praises star's humility
Actor Ranbir Kapoor prefers to keep a low profile, especially when it comes to his personal life. Now, new details have emerged about his off-screen persona, offering a glimpse into his down-to-earth nature. It has been revealed that he likes going to the airport without his team and eating at cafes alone. Also read: Ranbir Kapoor's fame, praise for Animal doesn't matter, says brother-in-law Rahul Bhatt: 'Bas ek cheez matter karti hai' During a conversation with IndiaTV ShowBiz, former film journalist and Dharma Cornerstone Agency COO Rajeev Masand spoke about Ranbir's nature and his habit of walking around without an entourage. Rajeev said, 'I was standing in a queue at an airport and I saw Ranbir standing there alone. It's not a sight that you see of actors; they are never alone. I asked him, 'Where is your team?' He said, 'What team?' This might sound strange to common people, but I would like to tell them that actors don't stand alone; they have an army of people. Then he stepped outside the airport, and he had someone waiting for him outside, but he was all alone at the airport.' He further shared that several filmmakers have expressed similar sentiments about Ranbir. Rajeev added, 'I have heard from filmmakers that when they would break for lunch while shooting abroad, they would find him eating food alone at some cafe. That's the mark of an intelligent actor. It stems from the fact that he thinks that he needs to be in touch with the real world to be able to play those characters authentically". Earlier in an interview with Biz Asia, Ranbir, who is married to Alia Bhatt, admitted that staying off social media is a conscious decision. He said, 'I agree that through social media, you have a reach to the larger audience, but I don't miss it and I am fine being away from it. Never say never, maybe tomorrow, I will come, but right now, I am happy being away from it.' At the moment, Ranbir is busy with Nitesh Tiwari's screen adaptation of Ramayan. Ranbir is all set to play the role of Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi will be playing Sita. If the latest reports are to believed Kajal Aggarwal has also joined the star-studded cast of the film. She is said to be on board for the role of Mandodari. Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana boasts an ensemble cast, including Sai Pallavi as Sita, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana. The film also stars Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey, and Lara Dutta in pivotal roles. It is set to release in two parts, with the first part scheduled for Diwali 2026 and the second part in 2027.

Pink Villa
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
'I have heard from filmmakers...': Ranbir Kapoor eats alone at cafes while shooting abroad, doesn't have team; reveals Dharma Cornerstone Agency COO
Ranbir Kapoor is known for maintaining a low-key life, away from the limelight of showbiz, especially when he is not promoting his movies. The actor, with no official social media presence, is barely seen making appearances at star-studded events. While several Bollywood stars like to travel with their army of entourage, Kapoor prefers to ditch them. He even enjoys eating food alone at a café while shooting abroad. During an interaction with IndiaTV ShowBiz, Rajeev Masand, the COO of Dharma Cornerstone Agency, made some interesting revelations about Ranbir Kapoor. He said that the Saawariya debutant doesn't prefer to be constantly surrounded by his team, unlike many B-town celebs who travel with a big entourage. Recalling an encounter with RK at the airport, Masand stated that he saw the Rockstar actor standing quietly in a queue at an airport, alone. 'It's not a sight that you see of actors; they are never alone,' he opined. When Rajeev asked the superstar about his team, Kapoor politely responded, 'What team?' clarifying that he was there all by himself. The actor then exited the airport and was received by someone. Rajeev went on to state that while this is normal for common people, celebs as successful and popular as Ranbir have an army of people. The COO shared another story that would make you respect the Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actor even more. Rajeev stated that he has heard from filmmakers that when they would break for lunch while shooting abroad, they would find Neetu Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor's son eating food alone at some cafe. 'That's the mark of an intelligent actor,' stated Masand, adding that this proves that RK needs to be in touch with the real world to be able to play those characters authentically. Coming to Ranbir Kapoor's work front, he will be next seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, alongside his wife and actress, Alia Bhatt. The couple will also be joined by Vicky Kaushal in the upcoming entertainer. Apart from that, he will also be part of Nitesh Tiwari-directed Ramayana with actors Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol.


Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Film critic praises Ranbir Kapoor for keeping low-key approach to stardom by not having PR team or social media presence: 'He stands in queues, eats alone at cafés'
In an industry where stars are often surrounded by massive entourages and social media strategists, Ranbir Kapoor marches to his own beat. He has no PR machinery, no official presence on social media, and prefers to handle his schedule himself. Despite steering clear of the usual celebrity playbook, Ranbir continues to command massive star power and fan love — proof that sometimes, doing less can still leave a big impact. A Star Without the Usual Trappings During a recent interaction on IndiaTV ShowBiz, former journalist and film critic , Rajeev Masand , spoke about Ranbir's refreshingly low-key approach to stardom. He noted that Ranbir's decision to forgo an entourage isn't for show — it's simply a reflection of his personality and how he chooses to navigate fame on his own terms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo Lone Airports and Quiet Cafés He also shared a telling anecdote that highlighted Ranbir Kapoor's unusual approach to fame. He recalled spotting the actor quietly waiting in line at an airport — completely on his own. It struck him as odd, considering most celebrities are rarely seen without a full entourage. While someone was there to pick Ranbir up outside, he had navigated the entire airport experience solo, a rarity in an industry where stars are typically surrounded by assistants and handlers. Rajeev also mentioned that many filmmakers have observed similar behavior from Ranbir Kapoor while working with him. During shoots abroad, they'd often spot the Barfi! actor grabbing lunch alone at a quiet café instead of sticking with the crew. This habit, according to them, reflects his thoughtful nature — a conscious effort to stay connected with the real world, which ultimately helps him bring authenticity to the characters he portrays on screen. Social Media? Not His Scene (Yet) Ranbir has addressed his absence from social media in the past, explaining that while he understands the platform's massive reach, he simply doesn't feel the need to be a part of it. He admitted he's content staying away for now, though he didn't completely rule out the possibility of joining someday in the future. 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 .