Latest news with #PremRatanDhanPayo
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ayushmann Khurrana's next with Sooraj Barjatya to go on floors in November: Report
Ayushmann Khurrana is set to work with director Sooraj Barjatya for the first time. He will play the lead role of 'Prem' in Barjatya's next big family entertainer. The shooting will begin in November 2025 and the film is expected to release in the second half of to reports by Pinkvilla, 'Ayushmann is excited to play Prem on the big screen, and will play the titular character for Sooraj Barjatya from November 2025. He will be joined by Sharvari in the month of December,' revealed a source close to the Barjatya's next is shaping up as a funny romantic saga set against the backdrop of nuclear families. The script is locked and the maverick is now proceeding to cast the ensemble. Like always, the film will have seasoned actors on board, and the casting is under way,' the source added. This will be Sooraj Barjatya's eighth film as a director. He is known for making iconic family films like 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun', 'Vivah', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', and 'Uunchai'. Just like his previous films, this one too will focus on emotions, love, and family from this project, Ayushmann has a packed lineup including 'Thama' (produced by Dinesh Vijan), a spy comedy with Karan Johar, and a dark comedy with YRF. Meanwhile, Sharvari will next be seen in 'Alpha' and is also in talks for other big Watch
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The unsung heroes of Bollywood: Supporting roles are no longer just ‘support' — they are the new heroes of our stories
In the dazzling world of Bollywood, where stardom and celebrity often dominate headlines, it's easy to overlook the consistent, nuanced, and sometimes transformative work of supporting actors. Yet, scratch beneath the surface of any memorable film, and you'll find a character actor who anchored the story with authenticity, grace, and gravitas. These actors, often relegated to the background of red carpets and marquee posters, are the beating heart of storytelling. Their roles are not just supplementary—they are essential. Veteran actor Deepraj Rana , a stalwart of Hindi cinema and television since the late 1980s, puts it best: 'I've kept getting roles—not because of a 'breakthrough' moment but because people felt I could do justice to a character.' His journey, marked by powerful performances in films like Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, Aarakshan, and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo , is not defined by stardom but by substance. He doesn't boast of a single defining moment; rather, his career is a testament to the enduring power of persistence and craft. 'From Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, work kept coming. Maybe people think I should've gone further, but I've lived my life, I've worked continuously, and I'm content,' Rana told ETimes. Supporting roles leave a lasting impression by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo The misconception that only lead actors drive a film is slowly, but steadily, being dismantled. Deepraj Rana recalls a one-scene role opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Aarakshan that left an impact. He also played the iconic freedom fighter Tatya Tope in Mangal Pandey, where a single performance carried historical and emotional weight. He shared a special memory from Sitaare Zameen Par: 'I had worked with Aamir Khan 20 years ago in Mangal Pandey. On the first day of shoot for Sitaare Zameen Par , he remembered me. That's what stays with you—when people remember your work.' Durgesh, another seasoned actor, has performed in over 45 supporting roles, including the widely appreciated Bhushan Sharma aka Banrakas in Panchayat. Yet, his journey remains an uphill battle. 'We do this out of love, but if production houses and the industry don't appreciate us or offer us work, how are we supposed to grow?' he asks, encapsulating the frustration of countless actors whose talent goes unrecognized. "When I came to Bombay, I had a significant role in Highway directed by Imtiaz Ali. The public appreciated it—I used to get noticed on the streets. But despite the praise, the industry never really offered me work,' he shared with us. Despite more than two decades in the industry and rigorous training through institutions like NSD and Repertory theatre, Durgesh admits that recognition is rare: 'In 25 years, only four people have taken my name or appreciated my work—Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui , Adah Sharma, and Jeetu Bhaiyya (Jeetendra Kumar).' Chandan K Anand , who has made a lasting impression with his performances in movies like The Body, Gunjan Saxena and Fighter, added, 'Cinema is changing. Look at the web space, or films like Laapataa Ladies — every character has a story, every character contributes. Ravi Kishan's character was a hero. The girls were heroes. We're finally understanding that it's not just about one man carrying a film on his shoulders.' The quiet revolution of ensemble storytelling In recent years, films like Laapataa Ladies and shows like Mirzapur and Panchayat have shifted the cinematic landscape. These projects are ensemble-driven, where every character has an arc and every role carries weight. Deepraj Rana points to Sitaare Zameen Par, where the lead is a neurodivergent child, as an example of this evolution. 'Aamir plays a pivotal role, but the story belongs to the boy,' he says. When asked how does he view the evolution of roles over the decades? Rana reflected, 'Roles depend on the script. Where your character enters the story, what's happening at that moment—it all matters. I've been lucky to get roles where I could stand strong, even opposite stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, or Ajay Devgn. Those scenes had weight.' Actor Chandan K Anand echoes the same sentiment: 'We didn't even think of roles as 'supporting' or 'lead'. We just wanted to act.' Coming from a theatre background, Anand likens supporting roles to the 'masalas' in a pulao—the spices that make the dish flavorful. 'You see Paresh Rawal, Amrish Puri, Vijay Raaz... You know you're in for something special,' he told ETimes. Sajid Khan Discusses Bollywood's Hero Decline When asked if the industry has changed in its approach toward supporting actors, Durgesh was blunt: 'No. Nothing has changed. If your role stands out, 10 people will praise you. If it doesn't, no one notices. That's the reality.' He shared that only a few directors like Asit Kumarr Modi (Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah), Pulkit (with whom he worked on Do Bigha Zameen and The Great Indian Protector), and Deepak Kumar Mishra (TVF) have consistently given him opportunities. 'Because of Deepak and writer Chandan Kumar, my career found some direction. Otherwise, it's been a thankless journey.' The craft beyond the credit The brilliance of supporting actors lies in their ability to breathe life into fleeting moments. A single line, a glance, or a monologue can turn into a career-defining moment. When Sooraj Barjatya cast Deepraj in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo after seeing his work in Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, it was a quiet nod to the idea that work speaks louder than fame. Chandan K Anand puts it poignantly: 'If there's no salt in a pulao, no one will eat it—no matter how much ghee you put in. That's the importance of these so-called supporting roles.' Durgesh spoke highly of fellow actors who rose through the ranks, including Pankaj Tripathi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. 'Pankaj sir is like a grandfather figure. I've seen him rise from theatre to films. Nawazuddin's journey from small roles to lead actor is commendable. But personally, I've never had the chance to lead. I've been boxed into supporting roles.' Durgesh emphasized the significance of character roles: 'Even if a character has just one line in a play, it's equally important as the lead. But that's not how films work. The audience only sees the hero and heroine. That's the harsh truth.' Changing audience sensibilities Today's viewer is evolving. They're not just looking for glam and glitter but for storytelling that reflects reality. Characters like Pankaj Tripathi's in Gangs of Wasseypur or Vijay Raaz's in Chandu Champion resonate because they're rooted in truth. Audiences now crave performances that feel lived-in, not manufactured. So what has changed in the industry? Chandan states, 'Earlier, producers believed only 'big stars' could sell a movie. But now, even they are seeing that the economics don't add up. You can spend crores on a hero, or you can make 10 beautiful films with 10 solid actors. And audiences are ready for this shift.' He added that directors like Anurag Kashyap and Ram Gopal Varma have already paved the way by casting actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Vineet Kumar Singh — talents who weren't conventional stars but became household names through powerful performances. As he rightly puts it: 'The script should be the hero. If your story is strong, your characters — no matter how big or small — will shine. Cinema is no longer about glamour alone. Today's audience wants stories rooted in reality — stories that speak to their lives. Whether it's a 12th-grade student, a maid, or a truck driver — everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be told.' Toward a future of equal footing Cinema, like life, is not led by one hero alone. It's a collection of voices, journeys, and faces. The quiet coach, the overworked maid, the cynical uncle, the resilient teacher—these roles may not get top billing, but they reflect society more accurately than any larger-than-life protagonist ever could. The industry is at a crossroads. With the rise of streaming platforms, indie filmmaking, and an audience hungry for authenticity, there's never been a better time to celebrate the real heroes of storytelling—the supporting actors who carry the weight of emotion, humour, and humanity on their capable shoulders. As Deepraj Rana says, 'When directors like Sooraj ji or actors like Aamir remember you after decades, you feel seen. You feel validated.' It's high time the entire industry—and the viewing public—echoed that validation. Chandan adds, 'This is a golden time for storytelling. You look at series like Mirzapur, Superboys of Malegaon, Laapataa Ladies — these are ensemble projects where every character matters. That's the kind of cinema audiences are embracing now. The term 'supporting role' will soon become outdated. We are all actors. Every well-played character becomes the hero of their own arc.' Because in the end, a story isn't just about who stands at the center. It's about everyone who holds up the frame. 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
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Protective mom Swara Bhasker says daughter Raabiyaa is 'discovering dangerous new games every day'
Swara Bhasker is loving every moment of being a mom to her baby girl, Raabiyaa . The actress, who has never shied away from sharing her child's journey, recently let fans in on another sweet update. On May 8, 2025, the actress took to her Instagram Stories to share a sweet glimpse of her daughter. In the photo, the little one is seen playfully sitting on top of a wooden cabinet, exploring her mom's skincare and makeup items. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far While Raabiyaa enjoyed her playtime, Swara paused her tea break to capture the adorable moment. The post was captioned as, 'Meanwhile, Rabbu ji is living on the edge… discovering dangerous new games every day.' Bhasker's family life On the personal front, actress Swara tied the knot with politician and activist Fahad Ahmad in February 2023. Later that year, in September, the couple welcomed their baby girl, Raabiyaa. To celebrate her first birthday, Swara and Fahad hosted a big party surrounded by close friends and family. Penning a note of love to her little one, the actress wrote in a previous post, "You are the answer to all my prayers, and I promise to make you feel loved and safe every day that I live. I have felt blessed every single day of this past year and everyday you are more delightful than you've ever been! I love you more than I will ever be able to express! Now say 'Mumma'.' Professional front Swara has been a part of several hit films throughout her career, showcasing her versatile acting talent. Some of her notable films include 'Raanjhanaa', Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo , Nil Battey Sannata, Anaarkali of Aarah, and Sheer Qorma. 'Paranoid parent' Swara Bhasker takes a 'break' from Diwali party: 'Unfortunately, I am in Delhi and the quality of air...'
India.com
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Sonam Kapoor Writes A Heartwarming Anniversary Note For ‘Love Of His Life' Anand Ahuja
Mumbai: Actress Sonam Kapoor took to social media to share a heartfelt anniversary tribute to her husband, entrepreneur Anand Ahuja, as the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary on May 8. Marking seven years of togetherness, Sonam expressed her deep love and admiration with a touching note that read, 'Sonam Kapoor post -Absolutely no one compares to you. The love of my life. Always find me. @anandahuja eternity and beyond.#everydayphenomenal Happy Anniversary.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonam A Kapoor (@sonamkapoor) The Neerja actress also shared a series of photos, including precious moments from their wedding day and heartwarming glimpses with their son, Vayu. Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja tied the knot on May 8, 2018, in a lavish ceremony in Mumbai, which was attended by several A-list celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. The couple, who now reside in London, welcomed their first son, Vayu, on August 20, 2023. Last year, the couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary by dropping unseen pictures from their marital journey, accompanied by a heartfelt message. Sonam had written, 'To the love of my life. My everything , Happy Anniversary. Your unconditional love and support is my anchor and safe place. Getting married to you was the best decision of my life. We live in heaven. I love you more than I can express. #everydayphenomenal.' Anand commented on the actress' sweet post, 'Sona ! This photo selection is not my most favorable! (teary-eyed laughter emoji) … love you (infinity emojis).' Replying to this, Kapoor said, 'Love you (red heart emojis).' For the unversed, Sonam and Anand first met through a casual setup arranged by Sonam's friends. At the time, the actress was busy with the promotions of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) and wasn't in the mood to go out. However, her friends convinced her to visit a bar at the Taj, where she reluctantly agreed to go. When she arrived, she realized that her friends had invited a few people she wasn't particularly interested in meeting, leaving her even more annoyed. It was then that Sonam noticed Anand and his friend. Little did Sonam know, this seemingly casual encounter would mark the start of their beautiful journey together.
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First Post
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
‘Kull' web series review: Nimrat Kaur and Amol Parashar shine in a show that's mostly hit and miss
Nimrat Kaur adds a brooding and beautiful aura to her character that suggests something suspicious and secretive. Amol Parashar is your hyper aggressive and over zealous blue-blooded Rajput read more Cast: Ridhi Dogra, Amol Parashar, Nimrat Kaur, Gaurav Arora, Rohit Tiwari, and Rahul Vohra Director: Sahir Raza Language: Hindi Traditional families are no longer as pious as Teju used to be in films and now web series. Sooraj Barjatya has milked the kindred sentiments long enough till the time crime and grim took over in the streaming landscape. Which is why every other web show is either about lust or a murder mystery. The new show on Jio Hotstar is titled Kull and rightly so because it's about the Kull and Maryada of a modern traditional family that's not only obnoxious but the complete opposite of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. It's not easy to unearth the evil in them the way the conversations unfold and the way the screenplay unfolds. What works is the ensemble playing their respective characters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nimrat Kaur adds a brooding and beautiful aura to her character that suggests something suspicious and secretive. Amol Parashar is your hyper aggressive and over zealous blue-blooded Rajput. And Ridhi Dogra is also a lot of mystery to the already murky narrative. A murder has taken place and we have to find the killer. Who is it? Think of Kull as a hybrid of Amitabh Bachchan's Mohabbatein and Daniel Craig's Knives Out with middling results. And because we are going to consume this show on our mobile phones and television, the grandeur never explodes the way it should. The good thing is that director Sahir Raza gets to explore every character's arc as he has done all the time in the world. There are long shots of the palace the family owns, stunning attires, sprawling landscapes, and tried and tested dialogues about honour and horror. The only thing that stops this show from being a breakout one is the familiarity with the story. It will be interesting to see how the viewers receive it. It has everything going for it and yet you feel there is something missing. But we must talk about the star cast again. All the actors that the director has chosen have shown immense potential in their previous performances. Kaur in The Lunchbox and Parashar in Sardar Udham are two of the most memorable choices an actor has made in recent memory. They truly deserve to be much busier than they are. As for Kull, it's mostly hit-and-miss. If there's a season two, it should be more engaging, complex and compelling. Rating: 2.5 (out of 5 stars) Kull is now streaming on Jio Hotstar
