Latest news with #LaapataaLadies'
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ravi Kishan opens up about childhood struggles: ‘Fed up with extreme poverty and father's ridicule: "We slept on top of each other in a 10×12 room"
Ravi Kishan, a veteran actor with over 30 years of experience, gained renewed Bollywood recognition through 2023's 'Laapataa Ladies'. Rising from extreme poverty and overcoming caste barriers, he credits discipline and perseverance for success. He will next appear in Son of 'Sardaar 2', sharing the screen with Ajay Devgn. Ravi Kishan has been acting for over 30 years in movies and TV shows. But it was the 2023 comedy-drama 'Laapataa Ladies' by director Kiran Rao that made people notice his talent in Bollywood. Even though he is a big star in Bhojpuri films, it's surprising that a small film like this helped him become popular again in Hindi cinema. From an Outsider to a Beloved Star Coming from outside the film industry, Kishan began his acting career in 1992 with the Bollywood movie 'Pitambar', which featured Mithun Chakraborty in the lead role. His journey to success was difficult, but now, as an actor and politician, he says that many people who face hardships see him as their 'hero' because he represents their struggles. He believes his life story serves to 'inspire' others. During a recent conversation on Raj Shamani's podcast, Kishan shared that he started with nothing but has been visible everywhere over the years—on stage, television, and in multiple languages. He said, 'Yet, people have been watching me for years now. They have seen me everywhere: on stage, on television, and that too across various languages. Where have I not been there? 750 films is a huge number. You go anywhere, you can see me or hear my voice. I consider that Mahadev's blessing.' Facing Extreme Poverty and Family Struggles Reflecting on the hardships he endured before achieving success as an actor, Kishan shared, 'I have seen a lot of poverty. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo I saw so much poverty that I was disgusted by it. I grew up seeing as many as 12 people (his family) eating the same Khichdi that contained only a little bit of rice and so much water. We all slept in a 10×12 room, sometimes even on top of each other. Even the toilet was situated outside the house. I was extremely poor and was fed up with poverty as well as the taunts. I did not want to hear my father being ridiculed any more.' On Casteism and Personal Destiny When questioned about the impact of casteism on his life and whether things might have been different if he belonged to another caste, the actor-turned-politician firmly stated that his destiny was independent of his caste background. 'Ravi Kishan would have been Ravi Kishan no matter which caste he belonged to. This is because I was blessed by Lord Shiva. And I didn't want to die an anonymous man. Once I decided that I didn't want to die unknown, I was ready to do whatever it took. What's the benefit of you coming to earth if even your neighbour doesn't know that you passed away? You are not here to just make children or buy a bungalow. Recognition is what matters, and money will follow. Name or price? Name! Once you attain a name, everything will come running after you,' he explained. Advice on Discipline and Success When asked about the key to gaining recognition and building a strong foundation, Ravi emphasizes the importance of daily discipline and healthy habits. He advises, 'Go to gym every day. If you don't have money to join a gym, go for a run every day on the road. Run for at least 3-5 km. Hit 200 pushups. Soak chana in water overnight, and the next morning, drink the water and eat the soaked chana. Even if you are poor, you get these things for free from the government; make use of them. At least, wake up before sunrise and exercise daily. Watch sunrise every day, and that itself will bring about all the changes.' Upcoming Projects On the work front, Ravi Kishan is gearing up to star in 'Son of Sardaar 2', directed by Vijay Kumar Arora , where he will share the screen with Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur. This film is a spiritual follow-up to the 2012 action-comedy directed by Ashwni Dhir . Notably, Kishan is stepping into a role that was first meant for Sanjay Dutt in the sequel.
India Today
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sitaare Zameen Par writer says Aamir never interfered: He respects the written word
Aamir Khan's latest release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' created a stir at the box office, having already earned over Rs 160 crore. The superstar also took a bold move by having a cinema-only release, which, as per trade experts, was the ace-card to the film's the performances, especially by people with neurodivergent conditions, impressed audiences, it was also the sweet and simple writing by Divy Nidhi Sharma that made an impact. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the writer opened up about the film, why they took the humour lane for this emotional drama and whether Aamir Khan is the interfering actor, as it's rumoured to we asked the writer if Aamir Khan, touted to be a perfectionist, interfered in the creative process of his writers and director, he replied with a firm no. Talking about his experience and interaction with the superstar, Sharma said, "Honestly, I had also heard about these things, but after being part of 'Laapataa Ladies' writing team, and now 'Sitaare Zameen Par', I can assure that while he remains involved, there is no interference." He added, "Because I was also on set during the shoot, I can even say from Prasanna's side that there was zero interference. It was perhaps one of the finest experiences of our lives. He does take time to trust, but when it's been built, it's a smooth ride. Even if he has a counterpoint, it never came from Aamir Khan as there was room for discussion and debate, and he was even more than willing to concede. He is one of the few actors who respects the written word. Even if he had to change a comma, he would ask the writer, and not once did he impose himself on the director." Several reviews stated that the film was trying to push the message too loudly. It tried to underline every emotion and expression for people to comprehend, almost as if doubting their intelligence. Defending his work, Divy Nidhi Sharma said that he, too, read those reviews, only carried by the 'elite English press'. He said, "I am an Indian writer, and also a typical audience. We like our emotions to be underlined.""Even in the last scene, many felt that Aamir need not have had a dialogue, but as an audience, and a writer, I instinctively felt that he needed to say something. I would like to believe that the majority of the audience shared that emotion. Today, a lot of reviewers have gone so far from the public; they don't speak their language. They are physically compelled to be in Mumbai, but their minds have already shifted to New York (laughs). Even then, I have taken their feedback, and I hope they will like my work in the next projects," he though at the core it's an emotional drama, 'Sitaare Zameen Par's' humour was much appreciated. The writer shared that they didn't want to show these characters as "sorry figures". "We didn't want to make them cry or force audiences to cry with or for them. And secondly, we didn't even want to put them on any pedestal. We treated them how we would treat any neurotypical character; we didn't want to put them in a bracket. We gave them regular attributes and even flaws. Hence, it's all very situational humour based around their kind of normal. If you've seen the film, it's Gulshan who is the butt of all jokes. It's always laudable for Aamir sir, because he's always done saviour roles, so it was also refreshing for the audience," Sharma by RS Prasanna, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' also stars Genelia D'souza. It's still running in theatres, almost four weeks since its release.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Aamir Khan
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'The Revolutionaries' first look out: Nikkhil Advani's period drama pays tribute to young Indian freedom fighters
The makers of Nikkhil Advdirectorial ' The Revolutionaries ' have shared the first look of the series, boasting a power-packed cast of emerging stars including Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf , Pratibha Ranta , Gurfateh Pirzada and Jason Shah . Amazon Prime Video has shared the first look at Nikkhil Advani 's upcoming period drama series, which has been adapted from Sanjeev Sanyal's novel of the same name, 'Revoltunaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom. Slated to premiere in 2026, the series is currently in production, as per the press note shared by the makers of this OTT series. According to the press note, the series tells the powerful story of brave young Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. The Revolutionaries is a stirring tribute to their extraordinary lives, sacrifices, and their unwavering, undying love for their country. Currently on floors, the series is being mounted on a grand scale, with filming underway across multiple locations in India, including Mumbai, Amritsar, Varanasi, Dehradun, and more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 'The Revolutionaries' will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 2026, added the press note. The first look features Rohit Saraf's new avatar, where he is seen exercising at the centre of a wrestling ground, while Bhuvan Bam impresses his fans with his never-seen-before look in the video. 'Laapataa Ladies' fame actress Pratibha Ranta also appears to be involved in the fight against the British in the series, as per the first look shared by Prime Video. The OTT platform has shared the first look of the series on their Instagram handle. Nikkhil Advani shared his experience working on this upcoming drama. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Video for their support and praised the cast of the movie for "breathing life" into the iconic characters of the series. "For me, The Revolutionaries is a deeply enriching and enlightening experience. Sanjeev Sanyal's powerful book has given us a compelling foundation to tell the untold stories of these extraordinary young patriots," said director Nikkhil Advani. "We're thrilled to work once again with our long-standing collaborators at Prime Video, who are wholly supportive and encouraging of our vision. We have brought together an exceptional crew and cast, led by Bhuvan, Rohit, Pratibha and Gurfateh, who are ready to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of this story and breathe life into these iconic characters. We are committed to crafting a narrative that is both authentic and impactful for audiences across the globe," added Nikkhil Advani as quoted in a press note shared by the makers. 'The Revoltunaries' is a second drama series in a row for director Nikkhil Advani, which is based on the freedom struggle of India. Advani's last directorial was 'Freedom At Midnight'. It was released in 2024.
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
'The Revolutionaries' first look out: Nikkhil Advani's period drama pays tribute to young Indian freedom fighters
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 14 (ANI): The makers of Nikkhil Advani directorial 'The Revolutionaries' have shared the first look of the series, boasting a power-packed cast of emerging stars including Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada and Jason Shah. Amazon Prime Video has shared the first look at Nikkhil Advani's upcoming period drama series, which has been adapted from Sanjeev Sanyal's novel of the same name, 'Revoltunaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom. Slated to premiere in 2026, the series is currently in production, as per the press note shared by the makers of this OTT series. According to the press note, the series tells the powerful story of brave young Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. The Revolutionaries is a stirring tribute to their extraordinary lives, sacrifices, and their unwavering, undying love for their country. Currently on floors, the series is being mounted on a grand scale, with filming underway across multiple locations in India, including Mumbai, Amritsar, Varanasi, Dehradun, and more. 'The Revolutionaries' will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 2026, added the press note. The first look features Rohit Saraf's new avatar, where he is seen exercising at the centre of a wrestling ground, while Bhuvan Bam impresses his fans with his never-seen-before look in the video. 'Laapataa Ladies' fame actress Pratibha Ranta also appears to be involved in the fight against the British in the series, as per the first look shared by Prime Video. The OTT platform has shared the first look of the series on their Instagram handle. Nikkhil Advani shared his experience working on this upcoming drama. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Video for their support and praised the cast of the movie for 'breathing life' into the iconic characters of the series. 'For me, The Revolutionaries is a deeply enriching and enlightening experience. Sanjeev Sanyal's powerful book has given us a compelling foundation to tell the untold stories of these extraordinary young patriots,' said director Nikkhil Advani. 'We're thrilled to work once again with our long-standing collaborators at Prime Video, who are wholly supportive and encouraging of our vision. We have brought together an exceptional crew and cast, led by Bhuvan, Rohit, Pratibha and Gurfateh, who are ready to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of this story and breathe life into these iconic characters. We are committed to crafting a narrative that is both authentic and impactful for audiences across the globe,' added Nikkhil Advani as quoted in a press note shared by the makers. 'The Revoltunaries' is a second drama series in a row for director Nikkhil Advani, which is based on the freedom struggle of India. Advani's last directorial was 'Freedom At Midnight'. It was released in 2024. (ANI)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao broke their silence on their divorce: 'Hamare rishte mein change aaya hai, lekin hum log...'
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao publicly discussed their divorce, emphasizing their enduring friendship, respect, and family bond. The former couple, married for 16 years, addressed the transformation of their relationship while maintaining a sense of closeness. Aamir, now reportedly in a relationship with Gauri Spratt, was recently seen in 'Sitaare Zameen Par' and co-produced 'Laapataa Ladies' with Kiran. Aamir Khan has always maintained a deeply private approach to his personal life, but when he and Kiran Rao chose to speak publicly about their divorce, it offered rare insight into their evolved relationship. In a heartfelt conversation, the former couple addressed the shift in their bond while reaffirming the mutual respect, friendship, and family dynamic they continue to share. During a conversation with the Paani Foundation, Aamir and Kiran opened up about their relationship post-divorce. They addressed public curiosity around their split, explaining that while their relationship had transformed, their bond remained intact. The two highlighted their continued respect, friendship, and sense of family, even sharing a moment of physical closeness that reflected their comfort and mutual understanding. The superstar was married to filmmaker Kiran Rao for 16 years—they tied the knot in 2005 and parted ways in 2021. Before that, he was married to Reena Dutta from 1986 to 2002, with whom he shares two children: daughter Ira Khan and son Junaid Khan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Calcule cuánto podría ganar invirtiendo $200 en Amazon CFD's y otras acciones de indetenible Undo Now, at 60, Aamir is reportedly in a relationship with Gauri Spratt, marking his third significant romantic chapter. On the work front, Aamir Khan was recently seen in RS Prasanna's film, Sitaare Zameen Par. Aamir and Kiran last co-produced Laapataa Ladies in 2024. Meanwhile, Aamir has also confirmed he will begin work on his ambitious project Mahabharat in August. The actor revealed that the epic will not feature any well-known faces, as he wants the audience to connect with the characters rather than the actors.
