Latest news with #Laxman
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director of Rs 800 crore blockbuster, once sold eggs, worked as a sweeper for a living. A look at Laxman Utekar's inspiring journey
First Steps into the World of Cinema Rising Through the Ranks A Director with a Midas Touch Today, he may be on top of the world, with a lot of blockbusters to his name, but do you know that ' Chhaava ' director Laxman Utekar once used to sell eggs to earn a living? In an interview with Mama's Couch, the filmmaker revealed his uncle brought him to Mumbai at the age of four, and he started selling eggs in front of a bar in Mumbai. He even operated a Vada Pav stall in Shivaji the Ganpati festival, Laxman found yet another way to contribute to his family's income. Many people, unwilling to step out of their air-conditioned cars, needed help immersing Ganesh idols into the water. Laxman and his friends seized the opportunity, offering to perform the ritual for a small fee of Rs. 5. They would then split the money among themselves—a small sum, but a big step for boys trying to get by in a big entry into the film industry was not through a glamorous audition or a film school degree. Instead, it began with a newspaper ad for a sweeper's job at a film studio. With no knowledge of filmmaking or the complex world behind the camera, he started by cleaning washrooms and mopping studio floors. Despite not understanding the technical jargon or the purpose behind each scene, Laxman remained he continued to work, he began delivering tea to the staff in the sound and editing rooms. That small task opened a window into a world he would one day dominate. His interest grew with each passing day, and he often stayed back after work, quietly observing the crew. He soaked in the atmosphere, watching closely, trying to make sense of every shot, every command, every scene. What began as a janitor's job slowly turned into an education in first professional break came in 2007, when he worked as a cinematographer in Khanna and Iyer. His talent soon earned him bigger projects, including the critically acclaimed English Vinglish, starring the legendary Sridevi, and Dear Zindagi, which further cemented his reputation. In 2014, he made his directorial debut with the Marathi film 2019, he struck gold with Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that earned Rs. 128 crore at the box office. But it was Chhaava, his historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, that redefined his career. The film grossed over Rs. 800 crore and became one of the year's biggest selling eggs to directing blockbusters, Laxman Utekar's life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the magic of dreams pursued relentlessly.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Laxman Utekar says nobody is stopping Anurag Kashyap from leaving Bollywood: ‘Unki sensibility nahi hai'
Filmmaker Laxman Utekar recently tasted success with the movie Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal. In a recent interview with Mama's Couch, Laxman reacted to Anurag Kashyap's decision to leave Bollywood and also took a dig at his criticism of Hindi cinema. (Also Read: Anurag Kashyap says Bollywood lacks the 'brains' to make a film like Pushpa: 'Everyone is trying to create a universe') Laxman criticised filmmakers who claimed that the audience didn't understand their films and suggested that they shouldn't make such films in the first place. He advised them to write a book on their story instead of avoiding criticism. He also pointed out that no one had asked these filmmakers to bring about a revolution or change the government with their films, and urged them not to act like 'gyanis' but to simply entertain the audience. Laxman then responded to Anurag Kashyap's decision to quit Bollywood and said, "Chale jao chod kar, beshak chale jao, jisko nahi rehna, chale jao koi zabadasti nahi kar raha hai. See, ye industry aisi hai ki you have to be mentally and creatively happy, then only we can make a great… agar aapka mann nahi hai yahan rehne ka toh aap great film kaise banaoge? Aap chale jao, isse acha (Leave if you want to, nobody is forcing you to stay. You can only make movies if you are creatively happy, and there's no point in forcing yourself if you can't put your heart in it. You should leave).' He also addressed Anurag's claim that audiences lack the sensibility to appreciate the kind of cinema he makes, saying, "Woh galat bol rahe hai jab woh kehte hai ki audience ko sensibilities nahi hai unki film accept karne ki… balki unki sensibility nahi hai audience ka taste accept karne ki. Aaj 700-800 crore tak business kar rahi hai films… how can you say cinema is dying? Aap collection toh dekho Baahubali ka, RRR ka, Pushpa ka—1200 crore tak ka collection tha. Ya phir Chhaava ka ₹800 crore ka collection hai. Sensibility aapki change honi chahiye kyunki aap wahin par aatke huye ho. (How can you say cinema is dying when movies are doing business of over ₹1000 crore? You should change your sensibilities instead of telling the audience to change themselves).' He further noted how cinema is constantly evolving every three years, and that filmmakers need to adapt rather than remain fixated on one approach. He emphasised that films should at least connect with middle- and lower-class audiences who come to watch them in theatres. Earlier, in an interview with The Hindu, Anurag expressed his disappointment with Hindi cinema and said, "I want to stay away from film people. The industry has become too toxic. Everyone is chasing unrealistic targets, trying to make the next ₹500 or ₹800 crore film. The creative atmosphere is gone." In the same interview, Anurag also revealed that he has moved out of Mumbai and is now working on establishing himself in the South. Meanwhile, Laxman's Chhaava turned out to be a massive success at the box office. The movie, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yasubai, and Akshaye Khanna as Emperor Aurangzeb, collected ₹807 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Laxman condemns Revanth's comments on Operation Sindoor
Hyderabad: BJP Rajya Sabha member and OBC Morcha National President Dr K Laxman strongly condemned the comments made by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding Operation Sindoor. On Friday, Dr Laxman stated that Revanth Reddy had claimed that the Rafale fighter jets of India were destroyed by Pakistan, and had asked how many Rafale fighter jets were lost. The BJP MP said that it was inappropriate to speak disparagingly about the Indian Army. He emphasised that such comments undermine the morale of the country's defence forces and tarnish the nation's honour. Laxman also criticised Congress leaders for channelling their anger against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP towards the Indian Army and the nation. Dr Laxman urged both the public and political leaders to take note of these comments and respond accordingly. He demanded the Congress leaders to explain their stance that favours Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu BJP co-incharge, criticized Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's remarks regarding Operation Sindoor. He stated that Reddy and other Congress leaders are consistently making negative comments about national security for their political advantage. 'It is outrageous that Congress is making such comments when an all-party MP delegation is abroad showcasing the success of Operation Sindoor and the atrocities of Pakistan. Congress should apologise immediately,' he said.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Laxman castigates Kharge for ‘undeclared emergency' jibe at Modi's governance
Hyderabad: Rajya Sabha member and National President of the BJP OBC Morcha, Dr K Laxman, criticised AICC Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asserting that the 11 years of governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been mischaracterised as an 'undeclared emergency.' He emphasised that these years reflect a strong commitment to development, which he believes the Congress Party struggles to accept in light of its recent electoral defeats. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dr Laxman highlighted the historical context of media freedom, recalling the real emergency that occurred in 1975 during Congress rule. In contrast, he argued that democratic institutions have been reinforced under Modi's administration, with an independent judiciary and a commitment to media freedom. Dr Laxman noted that the election of a Prime Minister from a humble background for the third consecutive time illustrates the strength of Indian democracy. He pointed out that numerous employment opportunities have emerged under the Modi government through initiatives such as Startup India, Standup India, and Make in India. Furthermore, significant investments in infrastructure—encompassing roads, railways, and airports—have contributed to enhanced sector-based employment. He also reported an increase in farmers' income, citing a rise in the support price of paddy from Rs 1,310 to Rs 2,300, along with benefits from schemes like free urea, soil health cards, and crop insurance. Dr Laxman praised women's empowerment initiatives such as BetiBachaoBetiPadhao, Matru Vandana Yojana, and the introduction of a 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative assemblies, along with extensions to maternity leave. He emphasised the positive changes regarding India's foreign policy, noting the strengthening of relations with countries like the United States, Russia, Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he commended the Indian Army for its decisive actions against terrorism, including operations like 'Operation Sindoor.' Despite political strife among Congress and BRS leaders in Telangana, Dr Laxman asserted that Prime Minister Modi remains committed to treating all state Chief Ministers equally and continues to allocate resources and projects to states regardless of political affiliations. Dr Laxman stated that the BJP's focus will remain on national development beyond electoral politics and reiterated the party's determination to support the people of Telangana and address their concerns. He asked Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress party to recognise these facts.
United News of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Cong resorting to falsehoods as Modi Govt's success grows: Dr K Laxman
Hyderabad, May 28 (UNI) Rajya Sabha member and BJP OBC Morcha National President Dr K Laxman on Tuesday evening lambasted the Congress party for what he termed as 'false propaganda' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's achievements over the past 11 years. Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Nampally, Hyderabad, Dr Laxman condemned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks calling Modi's tenure an 'undeclared emergency.' He asserted that it was Congress that imposed an actual emergency in 1975, while Modi's leadership has strengthened democratic institutions and preserved media freedom. Highlighting Modi's transformative governance, Dr Laxman noted that India has risen from the 10th to the 4th largest economy globally, overtaking Japan, and credited this growth to schemes such as Startup India, Make in India, and major infrastructure investments worth Rs 11.5 lakh crore. He said over 160,000 startups and 118 unicorns have emerged under Modi's leadership, creating crores of jobs. More than 10 lakh central government appointments have been made through the Rozgar Mela. For farmers, he highlighted the increased Minimum Support Price for paddy—from Rs 1,310 in 2014 to Rs 2,300 now—and initiatives like soil health cards, free urea, and crop insurance. On women's empowerment, he cited schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, 33 per cent reservation in legislatures, and Swachh Bharat, asserting that these initiatives have improved the dignity and participation of women in society. Dr Laxman also emphasised India's rising stature on the global stage, growing strategic ties with the US, Russia, Israel, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. He hailed the Indian Army's successful "Operation Sindoor" and counter-terror actions like surgical strikes as examples of strong national defence. He criticised the Congress and BRS in Telangana for engaging in divisive, dynastic politics, while affirming that the BJP remains committed to public welfare beyond electoral goals. 'Whether or not Congress cooperates, PM Modi is committed to the development of every state, treating all Chief Ministers equally,' he said. Senior BJP leaders, including Dugyala Pradeep Kumar, N V Subhash, Gangapuram Venkat Reddy, and others were present at the press conference. UNI VV GNK 1922
