Latest news with #MujhseDostiKaroge
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Not Jab We Met's Geet or K3G's Poo: 5 roles that quietly cemented ‘star' Kareena Kapoor Khan's legacy as an actor
'I don't want to do stardom anymore,' Kareena Kapoor Khan said ahead of the release of Jaane Jaan. Lately, she has consciously sought roles that move away from her star persona and add richness to her filmography. She has been a bona fide star ever since she stepped into the industry 25 years ago. Over the years, she has made shrewd career choices, signed the right films, collaborated with top filmmakers, and maintained a balanced public image. She's one of the rare actors who has seamlessly fit into the worlds of all the major male superstars — be it Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, or Ajay Devgn. At the same time, she's shaped her image across generations — from being the size-zero phenomenon to a feminist icon who walked the ramp while pregnant. There's no denying that Kareena's early performances weren't her best and came off as exaggerated (to say the least). Films like Khushi, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, and Yaadein became meme goldmines for their cringe-worthy performances. And dare I say, even the iconic Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham falls into that category. Following the massive success of Jab We Met, Kareena became synonymous with the loud, chirpy, self-assured girl — a persona that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Even Chameli, often cited as her first offbeat performance, didn't quite capture the full range of what she was capable of. And yet, it was always hard to ignore her. In recent years, she has become more intentional about the projects she takes up, but her journey of breaking free from the confines of mainstream stardom began long ago. Kareena has been quietly building a filmography that confirms longevity in film industry rather than seeking fleeting acclaim. As she completes 25 years in the film industry, here's a list of her 5 most underrates performances. Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara may have centred around Ajay Devgn's brooding Omkara Shukla, but it was Kareena Kapoor Khan's Dolly Mishra who quietly breathed life into the story. The innocence she brought to the soft-spoken yet quietly courageous Dolly left audiences deeply moved. Through Dolly's wide-eyed vulnerability, viewers were exposed to the harsh realities faced by women in traditional Indian society — where even after leaving behind their homes and identities post-marriage, they are still made to prove their fidelity and worth. Standing out in a solo film is one thing, but consistently delivering iconic performances in multi-starrers is another — especially when you're sharing the screen with someone like Alia Bhatt in a career-defining role. In Udta Punjab, Kareena once again proved that screen time isn't what defines a great performance. Playing a compassionate doctor who risks her life to combat Punjab's drug crisis, Kareena brought both strength and conviction to the role. Sporting a no-makeup look, she delivered some of the film's most powerful dialogues. While Kareena's performance in Chameli earned her widespread acclaim, her role in Govind Nihalani's Dev, released the same year, went largely overlooked. In the film, she played a distressed young Muslim woman caught in the crossfire of Hindu-Muslim tensions and toxic male egos. Though the narrative primarily focused on the conflict between Amitabh Bachchan and Om Puri's characters, Kareena brought quiet strength and emotional depth to her part and also serving as the moral compass that moves Fardeen Khan's character away from radicalisation. Unlike her often over-the-top performances in earlier films, her performance in Dev stood out for its subtlety. Reema Kagti's crime thriller Talaash left audiences divided. While some appreciated its storytelling, others were put off by its supernatural twist. Yet, amid the differing opinions, one thing most agreed on was Kareena Kapoor Khan's compelling performance. As Rosie, she seamlessly blended glamour with vulnerability. One of the film's most haunting moments is the night-time scene where she sits with Aamir Khan and reflects on her life as a sex worker: 'We don't exist in the eyes of the law — and if we don't exist, how can we disappear?' It's so well-balanced that it captures her pain but barely gives a hint of the climax. Sujoy Ghosh's Jaane Jaan stands out as Kareena Kapoor Khan's finest performance in recent years. She plays a single mother haunted by a dark past and an abusive ex-husband — and when that past comes knocking, she doesn't hesitate to fight back, even if it means killing to survive. What follows is a layered portrayal that sees Kareena in multiple shades: singing under disco lights while flirting with Vijay Varma's character, cautiously showing warmth to Jaideep Ahlawat's reclusive genius, and transforming into a fierce, protective mother when danger looms. It's a performance that keeps you hooked till the very end.
Pink Villa
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Barkha Singh? From mini Kareena Kapoor in Bollywood to YouTube star, here's everything about Lafangey's Ishita
If you are someone who has just binge-watched Lafangey, then we bet your thoughts must be revolving around the show. Although every character is quite relatable and will win your heart, fans are in awe of Ishita, Gagan's girlfriend in the show, portrayed by Barkha Singh. If you loved her too, then we have got everything you need to know about her. Barkha Singh's childhood and education Barkha Singh was born in Rajasthan's Bikaner on August 3, 1992. Although she was born there, the actress was raised in Mumbai. After finishing her schooling, Singh did her bachelor's degree in mass media from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. Later, she pursued a master's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkley. When and where did Barkha Singh make her debut? Remember Mujhse Dosti Karoge starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Rani Mukerji? Well, if you have seen the film, then you must be remembering the younger version of Bebo in the movie. That is Barkha Singh! She made her debut as a child artist in this 2002 film. Then she was seen in Samay: When Time Strikes in 2003. In 2016, the actress was seen in MTV India's Girls On Top. She played the role of a young journalist and gained a lot of popularity. She has been a part of several web shows like Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan, Engineering Girls, Breathe, Home Sweet Office, Please Find Attached, and Murder Meri Jaan. Some of the most popular shows include Masaba Masaba Season 2, The Great Weddings Of Munnes and now Criminal Justice 4. Barkha Singh's YouTube journey Singh started her own YouTube channel in 2018. Her content was focused on travel and fashion. Barkha Singh's Bollywood films Singh was seen in Silence…Can You Hear It? Starring Manoj Bajpayee in 2021, 36 Farmhouse and Maja Maa in 2022. She also made a cameo appearance in The Sabarmati Report starring Vikrant Massey. About Lafangey The show revolves around the story of 3 childhood friends and how they navigate through the challenges life throws at them. The coming-of-age show stars Harsh Beniwal, Gagan Arora, Barkha Singh, Anud Singh Dhaka, Ranjan Raj and Saloni Gaur in pivotal roles.
India.com
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This film was rejected by Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, Vivek Oberoi, role went to..., film became a hit, actor won a National Award, film is...
Do you remember Saif Ali Khan's iconic 2004 film Hum Tum featuring Rani Mukerji in the lead role? The film proved to be a huge box office success for the producers. Today, we will tell you interesting facts about Hum Tum. You will be surprised to know that Saif Ali Khan was not the first choice for Hum Tum. Yes, you read it correctly, the actor who played the role nearly perfectly was not even the second or the third option for the makers. In an inter, Hum Tum director Kunal Kohli revealed interesting details about his iconic film. During the early 2000s, Saif Ali Khan had a tough time getting a break. The actor was yet to deliver a solo hit and make his name in the industry. It turns out that the film, Hum Tum, was crafted according to his needs. However, Saif was not even on the preferred list of actors. While Saif made his stardom grow with Hum Tum, the script was first offered to Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, and then Vivek Oberoi. The director of this film revealed that all three actors had some other reason to reject Hum Tum. Kunal Kohli further revealed that Hrithik was the first choice for the film. Hrithik Roshan was the first choice for Hum Tum During a conversation with Radio Nasha, Hum Tum director revealed that he first called Hrithik to offer Hum Tum, since the two had previously collaborated in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge', which was backed by Yash Raj Films. Kunal revealed that Hrithik Roshan loved the script but wasn't confident enough to do the film, since he was yet to make a mark in Bollywood after giving back-to-back flops. The actor accepted his fate and realised that many of his upcoming films won't do business, since it was a bad time for him. Aamir Khan rejected the film as well After HRK rejected Hum Tum, Kunal Kohli's second choice was Aamir Khan. During this time, Aamir was heading for a divorce from his first wife, Reena Dutta. It is believed that Aamir Khan was not even interested in the script and ignored it. Since he was going through a tough period, Aamir Khan refused to read the script, due to his mental state, dealing with this personal relationship. He said, 'Friend, I am not in such a mental state that I can even listen to the script, so I will not even listen to it.' Vivek Oberoi was offered Hum Tum, but… After two top actors rejected that film, Kunal Kohli's third choice was none other than Vive Oberoi, initially the actor gave the dates but late refrained to the film since he wanted to make slight changes in the script, and then the two never talked about it. Now that the three top actors rejected doing Hum Tum, it was Aditya Chopra's suggestion to rope in Saif Ali Khan for the lead role in Hum Tum. Kunal said, 'I immediately visualised him (Saif Ali Khan) in every scene of the film, and I felt that he would look great in it. Saif had not done any solo hero hit film till that time. But Aditya Chopra said, 'I am completely confident.' Kunal said that when Hrithik Roshan came to the trial show of the film, he also agreed that Saif was the perfect choice for this character.
News18
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji's Hum Tum Was Almost Shelved? Yash Chopra Gave Small Budget, Reveals Director
Last Updated: As Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji's beloved rom-com Hum Tum returns to theatres, Kunal Kohli reflects on how Yash Chopra initially doubted the project, gave it a minimal budget. As Hum Tum gears up for its theatrical re-release, filmmaker Kunal Kohli is revisiting the rollercoaster journey behind the beloved 2004 romantic comedy. While the film has since become a cult favorite, starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji as a modern-day rom-com couple, its road to success was far from smooth. In a candid conversation with Radio Nasha, Kohli revealed that Hum Tum wasn't well-received at first—at least not by critics. 'If you go back and read the reviews, there wasn't a single good one," he admitted. 'I was so scared, I didn't even have the courage to ask why people didn't like it." Kunal also shed light on the film's shoestring budget, granted by the late Yash Chopra. 'We had a fixed budget of Rs 7.5 crore, and Yash ji told me—once this amount is used up, the film will release as is. That was the deal," he said. To put that in perspective, other Yash Raj Films of the time had much larger budgets: Mujhse Dosti Karoge was made for Rs 17 crore, Dhoom for around Rs 16 crore, and Veer Zaara cost a whopping Rs 35 crore. Even Salaam Namaste, which came out just after Hum Tum, was budgeted between Rs 18-19 crore. 'And I had to shoot outdoor scenes in Delhi and abroad—within that limited amount," Kohli added. One of the most debated elements during production was the use of animation. 'We had a Rs 2.5 crore allocation just for animation," he revealed. 'A lot of people said the story was strong enough and didn't need it. But we pushed ahead and found a new animation studio that did it for just Rs 50 lakhs. We shifted from 3D to 2D, used static backgrounds—basically got creative within our constraints." The turning point came when Yash Chopra watched the final cut. 'He called me and Adi (Aditya Chopra) to his room. Adi warned me that I might get scolded. But Yash ji surprised us—he said, 'You were right, I was wrong. This is a beautiful film.' I started crying. He hugged me and said, 'I will proudly put my name on this.' That meant the world to me." Despite all odds, Hum Tum went on to become a box office hit, and that same year, Kohli won the Filmfare Award for Best Director—ironically in a category that also featured Yash Chopra himself for Veer Zaara. 'I felt awkward," Kunal laughed. 'Just being nominated alongside him was enough for me." Two decades later, Hum Tum remains a landmark rom-com in Bollywood, known for its charming characters, witty writing, and its iconic animated sequences—proving that sometimes, the biggest wins come from the smallest beginnings. First Published:
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Yash Chopra didn't want his name on Hum Tum, gave small budget', reveals Kunal Kohli
Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji's 2004 rom-com Hum Tum is all set to re-release in theatres soon. In a recent interview, director Kunal Kohli reflected on the film's modest budget, provided by the late Yash Chopra, and the challenges he faced during its making. During a conversation with Radio Nasha Official, Kunal shared that contrary to the film's popularity, it didn't receive positive feedback initially. 'Even if I take out Hum Tum's reviews today, we won't even see a single good review. Not even one person gave it a positive review. I was so scared. I didn't even have to courage to call and ask people why they didn't like it,' he said. The director shared that Yash Chopra gave him a small budget to work on. 'There was nothing, only a fixed budget of Rs 7.5 crores. Yash ji gave a deadline with the budget, saying that as soon as this amount is finished, I will release the film as is. Right after Hum Tum, Saif and Preity's Salaam Namastey was made by YRF, it had a budget of around Rs 8-19 crores,' he said. Kunal added, 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge was made in Rs 17 crores, Dhoom was Rs 15-16 crores and Veer Zaara had a budget of around Rs 30-35 crores. So, Hum Tum's budget was really small in front of all these, and I had to do a foreign outdoor and Delhi outdoor shoot within that amount.' ALSO READ | Aamir Khan rejected Hum Tum because he was going through divorce, Hrithik Roshan was delivering flop after flop, recalls Kunal Kohli Hum Tum's shooting came with its own set of challenges. 'There was also a Rs 2.5 crore budget allotted for animation. Many people said that don't put animation, story is good, and there's no requirement. But then, we got a new animation studio that did it in Rs 50 lakhs. We came from 3D to 2D, and kept the background static in a few scenes. However, everything changed when Yash Chopra saw the final cut of Hum Tum. 'Yash ji saw the final output in the editing room and he asked me and Adi to come to his room with him. Adi said that now you have made your film, get ready to get scolded by him. Yash ji said, 'You all were right, I was wrong, this is a beautiful film',' he revealed. Kunal Kohli continued, 'I started crying. He got up and hugged me. He said that he will proudly put my name on this. He had to mention that because he had a thought process that if he doesn't like the film, he won't put his name on it. He said that I haven't seen such a film ever. Ab chale na chale, upar waale par hai.' That same year, Kunal Kohli won the Best Director award for Hum Tum—a moment he admitted felt awkward, as he accepted it in front of industry stalwarts, including Yash Chopra, who was also nominated for Veer-Zaara. 'Hum Tum got the best director award in that year, when Yash ji was also nominated for Veer Zaara. I felt a little embarassed, because I was even happy being nominated with such names.'
