Latest news with #PriyankaChopra
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra's voice reminded Andaaz producer Suneel Darshan of Rekha: ‘Nobody had faith in her'
After winning the Miss World title, Priyanka Chopra began her Bollywood journey with the film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. She followed it with Andaaz, for which she was praised for her performance. Now, in an interview with India Today, Andaaz producer Suneel Darshan has revealed how Priyanka's voice reminded him of Rekha. (Also Read: Priyanka Chopra shot Fashion amid her father's cancer diagnosis, says co-star Arjan Bajwa: 'She is a very strong girl') Suneel shared that the search for the second lead required someone who could match Lara Dutta's presence. The filmmaker recalled sitting in his chamber when he received a call — an actor's secretary had arrived with a young woman he wanted to introduce to him. Following his usual practice of meeting newcomers personally, he agreed to the meeting. That day, the visitor was Prakash Jaju, the secretary of none other than Miss World, Priyanka Chopra. Suneel admitted that he wasn't particularly impressed initially. He said, 'My first response was not wow. But later, she groomed herself - evolved is the right word. Fifteen minutes into the conversation, I observed her eyes and said to myself, 'Iski aankhein kya kamaal hai, aur iski awaaz Rekha ki yaad dilati hai (She has such beautiful eyes and her voice reminds of Rekha).'' He added, 'That day I was sure - this is Rekha coming back. I had known Rekha ji earlier. But except for me, nobody else involved in the film saw that or had faith. They were more supportive of Lara and her personality. Priyanka was a different ball game. But I was very sure Priyanka Chopra was going to be a top star.' Directed by Raj Kanwar and produced by Suneel Darshan, Andaaz was a romantic musical starring Lara Dutta, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. The film revolves around Raj (Akshay), a young man who falls in love with his best friend, Kajal (Lara). However, his love remains unspoken, and Kajal ends up marrying someone else. Heartbroken, Raj moves on with life and eventually meets Jiya (Priyanka), a vibrant and independent woman who falls in love with him. Just as Raj begins to consider a future with Jiya, his past resurfaces, complicating their relationship. The film was a major box office success.
India Today
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Nobody had faith in Priyanka Chopra: Director Suneel Darshan on Andaaz casting
When 'Andaaz' was released in 2003, it not only became a box office hit but also marked the Bollywood debut of two beauty queens - Miss Universe Lara Dutta and Miss World Priyanka Chopra. Now, more than two decades later, director Suneel Darshan is shedding light on the unexpected casting decisions that helped launch both actors' an exclusive conversation with India Today, Darshan revealed, "They were not in the film. When the film was planned, it only had Akshay Kumar. He was a part of everything that was happening."advertisementDarshan explained that, initially, he had envisioned established stars for the female leads. 'It was a foregone conclusion that either Karisma Kapoor or Kareena Kapoor would play one of the leads. Then, there was another big female star who wanted to be a part of the film - I won't name her,' he said. 'But I just thought there was no freshness coming out of it as a proposal. I said I need to do something about it,' he continued. 'There was a little bit of difference on certain issues with one of them. Also, I felt they were not complimenting each other in the film. So, I had to find two girls who could compliment each other," he said as he explained his LARA DUTTA LANDED THE ROLESpeaking about how Lara Dutta came on board, Darshan said, 'Destiny played its game. Lara was known. She had done a photo shoot with Akshay Kumar for a Filmfare cover, and I had seen that. I said, 'That was interesting.' So, I called for her. She was in Bangalore, where her parents lived. She came in immediately.'advertisementHe continued, 'The next morning, she was in town and we spoke. She was more than happy to be a part of the cinema because she had actually done videos before that - which I didn't know at the time. Maybe if I had known, I would have had second thoughts. But I thought she was fresh, she was available, and we wanted to make a movie in a quick timeframe.' PRIYANKA CHOPRA - 'THIS IS REKHA COMING BACK'Darshan went on to recount how Priyanka Chopra came into the picture. 'The second lead had to be someone who could match Lara. And out of the blue, again destiny played its game. I was sitting in my chamber, and I got a call. An actor's secretary had come with a girl he wanted to introduce me to.''My system is - when a newcomer comes in, I meet them. That day, it was Prakash Jaju, who was Priyanka Chopra's secretary. She was Miss World,' he Darshan admitted he wasn't particularly impressed. 'My first response was not wow. But later, she groomed herself - evolved is the right word. Fifteen minutes into the conversation, I observed her eyes and said to myself, 'Iski aankhein kya kamaal hai, aur iski awaaz Rekha ki yaad dilati hai.''advertisementHe added, 'That day I was sure - this is Rekha coming back. I had known Rekha ji earlier. But except for me, nobody else involved in the film saw that or had faith. They were more supportive of Lara and her personality. Priyanka was a different ball game. But I was very sure Priyanka Chopra was going to be a top star."'AKSHAY KUMAR WAS SUPPORTIVE'Speaking about Akshay Kumar's response to the casting, Darshan said, 'Akshay's reactions to all his heroines have always been very pleasant and courteous. He's never said, 'No, I don't want to work with someone.' Never. He never told me anything like that, ever.'WERE PRIYANKA AND LARA FRIENDS ON SET?On their equation during the shoot, Darshan remarked, 'They were Punjabi kudis. Whatever the competition was between them, on set it felt like an all-Punjabi crew — Akshay talking Punjabi, Lara talking Punjabi, Priyanka talking Punjabi. It was quite funny, but that's the way it was.'He further stated, 'They were buddies. Lara, Priyanka, Bipasha, Celina - five or six of them had come around the same time. I thought they were basically friends in their own right. The competition may have been there, but it never showed on the sets.'Must Watch
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Top 6 bikinis inspired by Bollywood's hottest swimsuit moments; Best picks to turn up the heat this summer
Some walked out of the ocean, others danced on the beach but all of them served iconic swimsuit looks that made history. Bollywood isn't just about sarees and sequins, darling. Sometimes, it's about slow-mo walks, sunglasses, sand, and swimsuits that made us all want to dive into style! So, if you're off to Goa, Maldives, or just the nearest rooftop pool, here's how to recreate six of Bollywood's most unforgettable swimwear slays with a click, a cart, and a little confidence. That golden moment on the Miami beach is one of the most unforgettable Bollywood bikini entries ever. Priyanka Chopra stunned in Dostana with her toned silhouette, beachy waves, and metallic two-piece that caught the sun and everyone's attention. It was bold, glamorous, and effortlessly cool; a true movie moment that made gold bikinis a nationwide trend. Recreate that golden goddess vibe with theSECRETS BY ZEROKAATA Metallic Beachwear Bikini Set. With its shimmering finish, halter neckline, and high-style edge, this bikini set is perfect for soaking up sun while looking like a total stunner. Whether it's a beach party or a poolside selfie sesh, this one ensures your inner diva shines through. Anushka's beach scene in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl gave us major sporty-girl glam. Her look wasn't about over-the-top styling but about owning it with confidence, minimal effort, and sun-kissed skin. With tousled hair and a fuss-free bikini bottom, she captured the effortless beauty of a modern-day con-queen on vacation. The Lemonlords Textured Ring Bikini Bottom nails that exact vibe. Its subtle ring detail adds a modern twist, and the textured fabric gives it an elevated feel. Mix it with a bold or classic top to make it your own. It's the perfect piece for anyone who wants to look laid-back, yet totally pulled together. Bebo's sizzling Chhaliya performance in a metallic bikini and sarong was a bold Bollywood revolution. It was sexy, unapologetic, and iconic. Her ultra-fit frame, golden tan, and fierce dance moves set the bar high for every swimsuit scene that followed. Pure glam, pure attitude, pure Kareena. Bring that fire to your wardrobe with the BAESD 6-Ring Halter Triangle Two Piece Swim Bikini Set. The bold ring detailing, triangle cut, and halter fit give it that extra edge you need to recreate your own Chhaliya moment. Shilpa Shetty owned every frame of Shut Up and Bounce with her sculpted figure and cool-girl charm. Her striped bikini, paired with that carefree dance energy, became an instant vibe for beach lovers. It was sporty, fun, and flirty; just like the track itself. The EROTISSCH Striped Halter Neck Swimwear Bikini Set brings that retro-cool energy back with a modern twist. The stripes elongate the body, and the halter neckline offers great support and style. It's made for movement,whether you're grooving on the sand or sipping smoothies poolside. Bipasha Basu in Dhoom 2 gave us full-on island goddess vibes. Her printed bikinis, glowing tan, and confident presence made her beach look a standout in this high-energy film. She wasn't just styled for fashion; she was styled to dominate the screen. Recreate that tropical boldness with the EROTISSCH Printed Two Piece Swim Set. The vivid print and classic two-piece cut make it ideal for beach vacations, pool parties, or even as a layering piece under sheer beach dresses. This one is for the fierce and fearless. Deepika in Cocktail defined chill-girl beachwear with her boho bikinis and breezy sarongs. She gave us that easy elegance, the kind that doesn't need to try too hard to turn heads. Her bikini look in the film was understated, yet incredibly impactful. She wasn't dressing up for anyone but herself. Tap into that vibe with the Dahr Halter Neck Swim Bikini Set. With its soft, flattering design and minimal detailing, it's ideal for anyone who prefers elegance over excess. Pair it with layered necklaces and a floppy hat to complete your own Cocktail look. Bollywood gave us more than just love stories, it gave us style goals for every beach vacay. These 6 swimsuit moments are more than just hot, they're historic. So go ahead, recreate your favourite screen siren's look and turn the beach into your personal film set. Shilpa Shetty's style saga: Recreate her iconic looks to channel your inner diva Shah Rukh Khan kurta looks: Recreate SRK's Desi fits and feel like film royalty Sex and The City style guide: Recreate iconic looks one stiletto at a time Yes, all these looks are perfect for beach holidays and poolside parties. Definitely! Create your own signature style by pairing tops and bottoms across sets. Hand wash gently in cold water and dry flat to retain colour and elasticity. Absolutely! The cuts and designs are versatile, but always check the size chart for the best fit. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
South Asian Fashion Designer Manish Malhotra Is Making Global Waves
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Manish Malhotra attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: ... More Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) South Asian fashion represents one of the world's most vibrant and historically rich design traditions. From the flowing elegance of saris to the intricate craftsmanship of lehengas and the versatile beauty of salwars, the region has been home to centuries of textile artistry that spans ancient weaving techniques, elaborate embroidery, and timeless silhouettes. This fashion heritage, steeped in cultural significance, is now making unprecedented waves on the global stage. Leading this charge is fashion powerhouse Manish Malhotra. Malhotra's journey from the film studios of Mumbai to the red carpets of Cannes and the Met Gala represents a seismic shift in how the world perceives and celebrates South Asian fashion. No longer confined to Bollywood, his designs now grace the wardrobes of Priyanka Chopra, Naomi Campbell, Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna, while his recent triumphant return to the 78th Cannes Film Festival signals his arrival on the world stage. NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Recording artist Priyanka Chopra (L) and designer Manish Malhotra attend ... More the "I Can't Make You Love Me" video premiere at Tribeca Grand Hotel on April 28, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by) "You know, my journey has been anything but conventional," Malhotra tells Forbes. 'I didn't attend a design school, nor was I formally trained in design. What I did have was an innate eye for aesthetics, cinema, a deep reverence for Indian textiles, and a relentless drive to create.' Malhotra's reverence for Indian craftsmanship and heritage textiles is reflected in his menswear and ... More women's ready-to-wear collections and bridal trousseaus. Starting as a model in Mumbai during the 1990s, Malhotra's pivot to costume design was fueled by his deep love for cinema and narrative storytelling. His breakthrough moment arrived with a pivotal film in the '90s, where he revolutionized on-screen fashion for women by creating looks that struck a delicate balance of modernity and traditional values. This approach proved particularly powerful in Bollywood, where the billion-dollar industry's signature blend of romance, drama, and musical spectacle demands costumes that can carry both story and sentiment. The organic evolution from costume design to global fashion wasn't a calculated business move but a natural progression shaped by his commitment to showcasing Indian craftsmanship on an international scale. When he launched his eponymous brand in 2005, Malhotra brought the same cinematic storytelling approach to bridal and luxury fashion, setting new standards with his rich color palettes and intricate embroidery. Today, his brand is a staple among brides who are preparing for their big day. At the heart of his success lies his dedication to India's traditional crafts; accordingly, Malhotra has aided in the revival of ancient techniques that have been the framework of Indian artistry for centuries. "For me, the true luxury lies in our heritage, the intricacy of hand embroidery, the legacy of textiles like zardosi, chikankari, and Banarasi, and the artistry passed down through generations," he explains to Forbes. "My brand stands as a custodian of these traditions and appreciating them in a contemporary way.' Besides clothing, his brilliance is also reflected in his jewelry collection which it both opulent and couture. This philosophy has not only elevated his brand but has also provided sustainable livelihoods for countless Indian artisans, ensuring that ancient techniques continue to thrive today and are carried through generations. Malhotra's brand includes an exquisite jewelry collection featuring statement necklaces, ornate ... More bracelets, dramatic earrings, and elaborate bridal jewelry. Malhotra's international breakthrough reached new heights in 2025 with his historic appearances at the world's most prestigious fashion events. His return to the 78th Cannes Film Festival marked a particularly triumphant moment, where he created show-stopping pieces including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's custom white saree which she paired with rubies and sindoor (vermillion on her forehead). CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 21: Aishwarya Rai attends the "The History Of Sound" red carpet at the 78th ... More annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by) "Cannes and the Met Gala aren't just red carpets, but global galleries of culture and craft,' Malhotra adds. "To see Indian fashion not just included, but celebrated on these prestigious stages, is deeply affirming and recognition of our history.' His Met Gala debut in 2025 was equally noteworthy, as he became the first Indian designer to present four original couture looks in a single year. Each ensemble served as what he calls "a voice" that was unapologetically Indian yet universally resonant. Malhotra's influence extends far beyond the runway. With over 8.4 million Instagram followers, he was among India's earliest fashion influencers, using social media to democratize luxury fashion and bring Indian aesthetics to global audiences. His high-profile projects include designing 1,200 costumes for the grand opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre and serving as Creative Director for what was dubbed "the wedding of the century" last July for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's star-studded celebration which included dressing guests like Kim and Khloe Kardashian in his designs. MUMBAI, INDIA - JULY 12: Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian are seen arriving at the Anant Ambani ... More wedding on July 12, 2024 in Mumbai, India. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images) His commercial collaborations with global brands like Google, Starbucks, and American Express demonstrate his versatility, while his work on ceremonial uniforms for Air India's cabin and cockpit crew, showcases his commitment to bringing Indian design sensibilities to everyday contexts. Malhotra's collaboration with Air India resulted in a new uniform line in deep red, burgundy, ... More aubergine, and accents of gold for female and male cabin and cockpit crew. "I want the brand to shape perceptions by showing that Indian fashion is not defined by nostalgia but by innovation, intention, and immense artistry," he shares. "I want our fashion not just admired, but recognized as timeless and indispensable." This vision extends beyond personal achievement to cultural impact. Malhotra sees his work as part of a larger movement to ensure that Indian craftsmanship gains recognition not in fragments but in its entirety and depth. "I suppose the most meaningful part of this transition is that it's no longer my journey alone, but about elevating heritage, amplifying identity, and reminding the world that India has always been, and continues to be, a crucible of timeless style and craft." The fashion icon returns to the 78th Cannes Film Festival and prepared to redefine Indian fashion's ... More global impact. As Manish Malhotra continues to dress global superstars and grace international red carpets, he carries with him the dreams and craftsmanship of countless Indian artisans. His journey from Bollywood costume designer to global fashion icon represents the arrival of Indian fashion as an undeniable force on the world stage.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Miss World 2025 Finale in Hyderabad – Winner to Take Home This Much Money
The Miss World 2025 beauty contest is now in its final stage. The Grand Finale will be held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad. Many beautiful women from different countries are taking part in this event. People all over India are excited, and the city of Hyderabad is full of celebration as it proudly hosts this big event. Miss World Prize Money The winner of the Miss World title will receive a lot of fame and money. The first prize is $1 million (about ₹8.5 crore). This money will be given by the Miss World organization and its sponsors. The winner will also get special gifts from sponsors and honors from the Telangana government. Chances for Movies and Modeling Winning Miss World brings many chances. The winner may get to work in films, modeling, and brand ads. In the past, Indian winners like Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar became very famous. So, the crown also brings a chance to earn a lot of money and build a great career.
