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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I miss my bondhu': Prosenjit Chatterjee remembers Rituparno Ghosh on his death anniversary
Prosenjit Chatterjee fondly remembers Rituparno Ghosh on his death anniversary, reflecting on their collaborations like 'Unnishe April' and 'Doshor,' which earned him a National Award. He acknowledges Ghosh's impact on his career and personal life, missing their close bond and the guidance he provided. Chatterjee also identifies Atanu Ghosh as a key inheritor of Rituparno Ghosh's cinematic legacy. On Rituparno Ghosh's death anniversary, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee opens up in an exclusive conversation with ETimes about their deep bond, cinematic milestones, and the emotional void left behind by the iconic filmmaker. From Unnishe April to Doshor, Prosenjit reflects on how Ritu shaped his journey as an actor — and as a friend. Excerpts... When did you first meet Rituparno Ghosh? I think the first time I met him was at Rinaji's (Aparna Sen's) place, long back. He was a boy with long curly hair, very young. Later on, of course, I came to know he was doing a film with Debashree Roy . I was just married; he came to my place for a narration. That is how your first collaboration Unnishe April happened? Suddenly, he told me if I could do a guest role in that particular film, which I never took seriously. It was a very different kind of film with a small role for me after my first film with Debashree (Purushottam). So I just took it very lightly. But once I worked with Rituda in Unnishe April, after the film got released—though I had just two or three scenes in the film, though I was a superstar at that time, and I was doing all mainstream stuff—people started writing such good words and something like, 'We have not seen Prosenjit in this way. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Promoções imperdíveis de voos baratos Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo ' I think that gave me a very big kick. Among all your collaborations with Rituparno Ghosh, which do you think is the most important? Though all my films with him are superb, I think till today, people remember the film for which I got my National Award—and it was Doshor with Konkona Sen. I think that's the film people say I've done such a different kind of work in. And for me also, Doshor was one of those most challenging characters. I really wondered if I could do it. Ritu had made me—he really helped me to do that character. Who among the contemporary Bengali filmmakers are the true inheritors of Rituparno Ghosh's legacy? Every Bengali director of today's generation has a huge respect for Ritu—not only as a filmmaker, but his style and the way he used to tell the story. But of course, Atanu Ghosh, I think, is one of those directors who maintained a very different kind of cinema and carried forward Ritu's legacy. He is doing it very cautiously—not following Ritu's steps, I will say—but he has his own way of telling stories. Things have changed, and there's a more commercial consideration. But I think Atanu Ghosh has maintained that cinema which Ritu made, in the way he wants to do. And I still remember, when I used to ask Ritu who was his inheritor, he would say Atanu. Who else? There is Kaushik Ganguly—he is also a wonderful director. Srijit Mukherjee is also a great director. Everybody wants to do something. In fact, today, a trailer is going to be launched for a film dedicated to Ritu. I have to go just to bless them. They are dedicating this film to Rituparno Ghosh. So, and I'm going just as a friend. I was one of the closest friends of Ritu, apart from his directorial work, whatever we have done. Normally, I don't talk about Ritu, because he was my closest. I don't want to talk about Soumitra Kaku (Chatterjee) again, because I really feel sad. I don't want to believe that they are not in this world. I really miss Soumitra Kaku also—the same as Ritu. Soumitra Kaku was my father figure, like, he was my—my, I will say—guide. He was my inspiration. We all miss Rituparno Ghosh? I mean, honestly speaking, what I really miss after Ritu left me is that I don't have a place where I can go and open up. Like, you know, everybody is senior to me, or they're much younger to me. So I've become a father figure now. Ritu used to be somebody I could go to for guidance. He was a true friend. He was my ghar ka dost. Ritu made Chokher Bali long back, and that was a pan-India film. He practically helped me reinvent myself as an actor. I miss my Bondhu. 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 .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amit Kumar reveals Kishore Kumar was asked to pay a bribe by someone in the Ministry in exchange for a National Award: ‘He was told, give something, we'll nominate you'
Kishore Kumar 's legacy as one of India's most iconic and versatile playback singers is undisputed. But what continues to baffle fans and music lovers is the fact that the legendary artist never received a National Film Award. In a recent interview, his son and fellow singer Amit Kumar shed light on a shocking reason behind this: Kishore was once asked to pay a bribe in exchange for an award nomination. During a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Amit Kumar confirmed that his father came close to winning a National Award for his directorial venture Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein in 1964. The film, a commercial and critical success, marked a turning point in Kishore Kumar's career after his acting projects began faltering. Revealing the behind-the-scenes politics, Amit said, 'Yes, that happened. He got a call from Delhi from someone in the Ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the National Award). They told my father, 'If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.' My father was like, 'Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.'' Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which featured both Kishore and a young Amit Kumar in key roles, was an Indian adaptation of the 1958 Hollywood film The Proud Rebel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The Hindi version struck gold at the box office, especially in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, where it enjoyed a silver jubilee run. Ironically, while the Hindi version didn't win the National Award, its Tamil remake Ramu, made by a filmmaker to whom Kishore sold the rights, went on to win the prestigious honour. Kishore Kumar's Son Amit Kumar Opens Up On Leena Chandavarkar, Madhubala, Lataji, Bappida | #BigInterview 'The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the National Award,' Amit added, highlighting the bitter irony. Though best known for his soulful voice and unique singing style, Kishore Kumar was also a passionate filmmaker. He directed 12 films in his career, out of which eight were released and four remained incomplete. His final directorial, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, considered a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, was released posthumously in 1990 and featured Amit Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Leena Chandavarkar . 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 .
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet IAS officer who once worked in UN, quit high paying job, and became…, won a National Award for…, he is…
In India, the job of the Indian Administrative Service ( IAS ) is seen with great respect. The prestige comes to the person who achieves this position. Lakhs of youth dream of joining this service by passing the UPSC exam, where they get a chance to build the nation. In such a situation, if an established and senior IAS officer leaves this service and steps into some other field, then it is natural to be surprised and when that field is film production, then the surprise increases manifold. Today we will talk about one such IAS officer, who decided to leave his job for his passion for films, this decision was shocking to everyone, but what is more noteworthy is that the film maker decided to take a new direction, but also achieved success in it, which was not easily possible. Let us tell you about this IAS officer. An extraordinary professional journey This IAS officer is none other than Paparao Biyyala, formerly known as BVP Rao. He took this seemingly impossible step with confidence and that too when his administrative career was at its peak. Paparao Biyyala, a 1982 batch IAS officer, studied law from Osmania University. In his three-decade-long administrative career, he worked in important positions in different parts of the country. From 1994 to 1997, he held important responsibilities as the Home Secretary of Assam. After this, in 1999, he served as a civil affairs officer in Kosovo under the United Nations Mission. From 2014 to 2019, he was a policy advisor in the Telangana government, a post which was equal to the rank of a cabinet minister. The beginning of a passion for art Paparao Biyyala had an artist hidden inside him, waiting for his chance. In the late 90s, his close friend and character artist and theatre veteran Tom Alter introduced him to filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who had gained national and international fame. This is where Paparao Biyyala's film journey began. He also obtained a diploma in filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in 1996. His first short documentary, 'Willing to Sacrifice' won the National Award for the Best Non-Feature Film on environmental conservation, indicating that Paparao had a strong artistic vision. Although he returned to the administrative services after his initial film endeavor, the creative urge within him did not subside. Finally, in the year 2020, he resigned from the Sports Authority of India and said goodbye to administrative life and fully embraced the world of cinema. His first feature film, 'Music School' was released in the year 2023, starring Shriya Saran and Sharman Joshi in the lead roles. The film depicts the story of the pressure of the education system and the creativity of children through music and emotions. Although the film was praised by critics, it did not do much business at the box office, perhaps due to the absence of big stars and a lack of promotion. Biala's view on filmmaking In an interview to DNA, Paparao Biyyala said, 'Planning a Prime Minister's visit or any emergency crisis is administratively very complex. Making a film seems less challenging in comparison.' Now that he has fully moved on to filmmaking, Paparao Biyyala is set to return to the big screen with his next film soon. He has not yet announced his next film.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
'Mass Jathara' Set for Grand Ganesh Chaturthi Release
The much-awaited film 'Mass Jathara' is officially set to release on August 27th, coinciding with the Ganesh Chaturthi weekend, promising a celebration of full-on entertainment! With vintage vibes and a pakka commercial setup, this film is poised to deliver a mass festival experience in theatres. Every piece of content released so far has struck the perfect entertainment note, building anticipation for a total blast. The makers recently unveiled the first song, which received unanimous applause for its high-energy beats and infectious vibe. Sreeleela stars as the female lead, and every time the Ravi Teja – Sreeleela combo hits the screens, fireworks at the box office are guaranteed. Chart-topping and crowd-favorite music director Bheems Ceciroleo is composing the soundtrack, striking the perfect chord yet again with the mass audience. Director Bhanu Bhogavarapu is crafting every detail with a perfect setup and has successfully hooked audiences and fans by showcasing the energetic avatar we're all excited to see Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja in. Cinematographer Vidhu Ayyanna has so far delivered vibrant commercial vibes through his visuals. And with National Award winner Navin Nooli on the edit, you can expect precision and punch—his experience always adds that extra edge, making this the perfect festival film! Produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the prestigious banners of Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas, and Srikara Studios—names that need no introduction as they're riding high on a streak of blockbusters. This time, they are all set to quench fans' thirst with a film that's going to create massive euphoria this festive season.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress who was called 'the fattest girl', delivered more than 150 films
In our film industry, there have been many actors and actresses who came from a very influential background and later made a powerful impact, which simply created a special space for them. But, there was this one actress who actually had a very powerful background in the industry, but started her journey at the age of 12 so that she could save her family from the financial burden. The Queen Of Bollywood In her starting phase, this actress was criticised for her weight and her dark complexion; she was called by many 'the fattest girl' and 'the ugly duckling' in her school. The legendary actress we are talking about has done more than 150 films in her dynamic career and won a National Award and Three Filmfare Awards. The actress we are talking about is none other than Rekha, who is also referred to as 'Rekhaji' by her ardent fans. She was born to the Tamil industry's iconic actor Gemini Ganesan and Telugu actress Pushpavalli who are known as stalwarts of the South Indian Cinema. Despite being from such an influential background, Rekha grew up without her father's presence which later became a liability for her so that she could support the education of her siblings. When Rekha Shared About The Complicated Relationship With Her Father Earlier, during an interview with Simi Garewal on her talk show, Rendezvous with Simi Garewal , Rekha opened up about her parent's relationship with her. The actress revealed that she has no childhood memory with her father as he left her at a very early age. However, his absence never made her broken because her mother used to share the stories about her father that were enchanted by his love and charm. Rekha's Ray Of Hope Since Rekha's mother was a big name in the industry, she was often busy with the shoot schedule of her big projects and that is why Rekha's most of childhood was spent under the shadows of her grandmother and aunt who were always there to support her. Later, the actress found a ray of hope in her life as she found a father figure in filmmaker Mohan Segal, whose influence in film industry helped Rekha to take acting as a career, however, it was not her choice but because of the financial hardships due to which she entered into showbiz. Apart from Pushpavalli, Rekha's father also had an affair known as Savitri who is referred as 'the queen of Telugu cinema' that later turned into marriage. As per media reports, it has been said that Gemini made his wife addicted to alcohol and after a while, differences between the two started increasing that later became the reason for their separation.
