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Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Anurag Kashyap Backs Venice Indian Selection ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees' (EXCLUSIVE)
Indian auteur Anurag Kashyap is throwing his weight behind emerging talent, coming aboard as presenter for Anuparna Roy's feature directorial debut 'Songs of Forgotten Trees,' which will world premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. The human drama marks India's only selection in Venice's Horizons strand, joining the ranks of previous films including Chaitanya Tamhane's 'Court' and Karan Tejpal's 'Stolen,' the latter of which recently bowed on Prime Video. More from Variety LISTEN: Venice Film Festival Lineup is Platform for Awards Season Contenders as Alberto Barbera Competes Hard With Cannes for Buzzy Titles Venice Chief Alberto Barbera on Netflix, State of Global Cinema, and Why Dwayne Johnson Could be Headed for Oscar Glory Venice-Bound Elevated Horror Film 'The Holy Boy' Acquired by Fandango Sales as International Trailer Debuts (EXCLUSIVE) Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, the Mumbai-set feature is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi and Ranjan Singh, with co-production from Navin Shetty and Roy herself. The film follows Thooya, a migrant and aspiring actress who navigates Mumbai by leveraging beauty and wit, occasionally trading intimacy for opportunity. When she sublets her sugar daddy's upscale apartment to Swetha, a fellow migrant working a corporate job, the two women from seemingly different worlds begin sharing more than just living space. Amid Mumbai's relentless pulse, they discover silent empathy, though personal histories and wounds test their delicate connection in what the synopsis describes as 'a strange and tender unfolding – of selfhood, of survival, of unexpected kinship.' 'I have always believed in backing new talent, especially those who want to say something different, challenge the set norms by their ideas and beliefs,' Kashyap said in a statement. 'Ranjan and I have been associated with multiple such films over the years, and it's amazing to see such raw talent continuously coming up. Anuparna is definitely one such voice and we feel proud and happy to back her first feature.' Films where Kashyap and Singh have teamed on as producers include 'Little Thomas' and Berlin title 'Tiger's Pond.' Kashyap's endorsement comes as his own latest feature 'Bandar' (Monkey in a Cage), starring Bobby Deol and Sanya Malhotra, preps for its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Director Roy, who initially self-funded the project while juggling three corporate jobs in Mumbai, said she's drawn to stories mainstream cinema 'continues to ignore.' 'Despite having one of the largest film industries in the world by volume, we rarely tell stories of the marginalized – of those excluded by class, caste, and gender. I want to change that,' Roy said. 'I want to speak of the miseries I've witnessed and lived through, not just as an Indian but as a global citizen. I believe that telling these stories might give voice to the unheard, offer solace to some, and perhaps even inspire others.' The project carries deeply personal resonance for Roy, whose search for childhood friend Jhuma Nath – whose child marriage was carried out under what she calls 'a man-made social order and a failed government scheme' – sparked the story. 'This film carries her memories,' Roy added. Producer Ranjan Singh of Flip Films called Roy a 'unique voice' after seeing her short 'Run to the River' and hearing her one-line pitch at a film event. 'That stayed with me for the longest time,' Singh said. 'I am happy that her debut film is premiering at Venice, and I am confident that it'll definitely make a mark on the audience worldwide and in India as well.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
Khaleej Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
India: Veteran actor and TV pioneer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 80
Veteran actor, director, and producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 80. He had been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. "With profound grief and heavy hearts, we share the passing of veteran actor, producer, director, and beloved human being Dheeraj Kumar on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, around 12 noon, surrounded by his family," read an official press release. According to a statement from his family, Kumar had been in critical condition and placed on ventilator support in the intensive care unit. The family had earlier requested privacy and prayers during this difficult time. Dheeraj Kumar's career spanned multiple decades and left a lasting impact on Indian cinema and television. According to reports, he first gained national attention in 1965 as a finalist in a talent competition organised by United Producers and Filmfare, alongside future stars such as Subhash Ghai and Rajesh Khanna. He went on to act in 21 Punjabi films between 1970 and 1984 and appeared in several notable Hindi films, including Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja, and Shreeman Shrimati. Kumar was also a pioneer in Indian television. He founded Creative Eye Limited, where he served as chairman and managing director. The company produced a wide range of popular television shows that became mainstays in Indian households.
Khaleej Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE: From dubbing to acting, how these 8 Emiratis promote a love for Indian cinema
With Indian diaspora making up the largest expat community in UAE, it is no surprise that the two cultures have shared experiences, exchanged local art, and members of each community learning the languages of the other. As the Indian expat community came pouring in to UAE, many citizens found themselves drawn to the world of Indian cinema, with its unique storylines, song and dance numbers, and a sometimes flair for the dramatic. Emiratis who grew up watching Indian movies as a child became adults who contributed to the creation of these films. Here are some UAE-based talents who have showcased their love for Indian cinema by acting, dubbing, or even producing Indian movies. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 1. Khalid Al Ameri The Emirati influencer and content creator has been very open about his love for all things Indian; from music to food, his feed prominently features videos trying out different aspects of the South Asian culture, and collaborations with Indian content creators. Khalid Al Ameri recently shared a story announcing an appearance in upcoming Malayalam action film Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies. This will mark his debut in Indian cinema; as no character details are known, the intrigue remains for viewers who are curious about what role Ameri will be playing in the WWE-inspired drama set in the coastal city of Kochi. 2. Noora and Mariam Al Helali The two Emirati sisters in their 20s first garnered widespread attention on social media for their native-like fluency in Malayalam, and their deep knowledge of movies and cultural references. Growing up with Malayalam-speaking nannies and studying in a catholic school in Sharjah shaped their multicultural experience. The two sisters found that there were many similarities between Emirati, and Indian, specifically Keralite culture. The young adults who had grown up watching and adoring movies from Kerala got to work on a dream project when they lent their voice to several characters for Emirati-dubbed Malayalam film Turbo Arabic, which released in August 2024, starring Mammootty. 3. Ahmad Al Marzooqi Turbo Arabic was the first Emirati-dubbed Malayalam film to have a theatrical release in the region, and it brought on multiple Emiratis to voice the characters in the film, including content creator Ahmad Al Marzooqi. Al Marzooqi, sometimes called "Bollywood Wikipedia", first fell in love with Indian cinema when he watched Sanjay-Dutt starrer Khal Nayak with his mother, he earlier told Khaleej Times. He then began watching all Bollywood-related TV channels, and soon began to no longer need subtitles. The renowned Emirati personality had already been doing voice-overs for his own channel, which made him somewhat familiar with the process. 4. Nahla Al Fahad While some contribute to the film process by acting and dubbing, yet others support movies through roles that may not show on screen, but are crucial to the filmmaking process. Award-winning Emirati filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad's fondest childhood memories is that of watching a Bollywood film every week. Moved by the emotions that underpin Indian storylines, she said she connected to "Indian culture through the movies". The UAE filmmaker went on to co-produce the Malayalam film Momo in Dubai in 2023, alongside Indian producers Harris Desom and Anish PB. The film, much like the diversity among the producers, showcased a meeting of Indians with the UAE. It captured the dreams and aspirations of Keralite expats in the region despite financial hardships, portraying an age-old story of Indian diaspora in their new home. 5. Bader Ali Habib and Sakina Suhail This Emirati couple combined their love for 'desi' culture, and their fascination of Prithvi Theatre on a visit to Mumbai, to create a community in Dubai where "desi arts, stories, pop culture, and food could come together under one roof.' The husband-wife duo reflected on how the growing expat population in the 1990s led to stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Dharmendra, becoming household names among Emiratis. Called Saanjh Dubai, the community hosts movie nights and desi cultural and artistic gatherings. It also fosters a 'digital home' for popular characters, with posts on Instagram showcasing Simran's father waiting for a ride in the Dubai Metro; about to live a 'jee ley apni zindagi'(live your life, girl)! 6. Mansoor Al Feeli The legendary Emirati actor was the first to play a role in a Bollywood film, termed Dishoom. Mansoor Al Feeli is a prominent artist who has acted in several films, including Hub Malki (Royal Love) Leban Mutheleg and Do' Damis (The Light of Darkness). The movie has a special UAE connect, having filmed at 30 different locations in Abu Dhabi, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Liwa desert and Reem Island. Dishoom portrays the disappearance of Indian cricketer Viraj Sharma, a short time before an India vs. Pakistan match. The movie stars John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Varun Dhawan, with the two male actors playing cops that lead a chase through UAE to find the cricketer.
Khaleej Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
23 years of 'Devdas': Jackie Shroff remembers iconic film with throwback post
Devdas, with Shah Rukh Khan playing the heartbroken Devdas, Aishwarya Rai as Paro, and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi, released in 2002 and left a strong mark on Indian cinema. As the movie clocked 23 years last week, actor Jackie Shroff, who played Chunnilal in the film, shared his memories online. Taking to X, he posted a special video clip featuring some emotional scenes from the film. Along with the post, he wrote, "#23YearsOfDevdas." The video began with a powerful moment between SRK's Devdas and Jackie's Chunnilal, followed by scenes with Kirron Kher, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit. Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was based on the novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film was praised for its grand sets, music, and performances. The main crux of Devdas was its tragic ending. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Paro, and Madhuri Dixit-Nene as Chandramukhi gave flawless performances tugged at the heartstrings of audiences. Kirron Kher, Jackie Shroff, Smita Jaykar, too, played memorable roles in the movie.
Pink Villa
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Yash to have a full length role in Ramayana: Part One with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi
The Nitesh Tiwari-directed Ramayana is among the most awaited films of Indian Cinema riding on a stellar star-cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, and Sunny Deol in the lead roles. While Ranbir plays the part of Lord Ram, Yash has been cast to play Raavan, with Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol as Sita and Lord Hanuman respectively. Over the last few days, there are reports about the screen time of Yash in Ramayana: Part One. But Pinkvilla has exclusively learnt that Yash has a full-length role with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the Namit Malhotra-produced Ramayana: Part One. 'Yash started shooting for Ramayana: Part One on April 30, and has shot for over 50 days for just the first installment. He has a screen time in excess of one-hour in Ramayana: Part One, which acts as a build-up for battle royale for the second part. Ramayana: Part,' revealed a source close to the development. For those unaware, the shooting for Ramayana: Part One was wrapped up a week back with a schedule in Mumbai. The source further added that Nitesh Tiwari is treating Ramayana: Part One in a very interesting manner, as he is giving a proper build-up with back stories to the characters of Ram and Raavan, as that would make the impact of Ramayana: Part Two even bigger. 'The entire Ramayana team reunites for the second part from August. The sequences for part two needs a lot of combination dates from Ranbir, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Sai Pallavi. The entire team is excited to can the war sequences through the second half of 2025,' the source added. We hear, the edit and post production work for Ramayana: Part One is underway in full swing, and the makers are looking to lock a major chunk of the film by Summer 2026, keeping it all ready much in advance for a Diwali 2026 release. As the makers lock the edit for part one, the shooting for Ramayana: Part Two is expected to be concluded in the same window of Summer 2026. The second film from the Ramayana franchise will release on Diwali 2027. 'Ramayana is a meticulously planned franchise, shot in the most professional set-up, where the entire production team has lived onto the commitment of delivering a world-class product. The dates of actors have been aligned well in advance, and the team is aiming to pull off a shoot with the biggest ensemble for a feature film in India without any delays,' the source concluded. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates!
