Latest news with #ShaadAli
Mint
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Muzaffar Ali, the artist who created Umrao Jaan: 'I've never been a conventional filmmaker waiting for the market'
It isn't every day that one gets to listen to a man who weaves poetry into film and history into frame. Muzaffar Ali, the visionary behind Umrao Jaan, remains a rare voice in Indian cinema—elegant, introspective and unapologetically rooted in art. In this candid conversation, he speaks not just as a filmmaker but as a cultural custodian whose every word carries the weight of legacy and the grace of lyric. Q: Umrao Jaan still casts a spell after four decades—did you ever imagine this courtesan's voice would echo across generations, even into 2025? A: One always imagines and then embarks on such journeys. It begins with faith—in the idea, in oneself, and in those around you. That chain of conviction is what creates a lasting spell. When that chain breaks, so does the magic. In India, the real challenge has always been to uphold cinema as an elevated art form. For a film to hold its freshness and resonance over four decades—it is nothing short of a miracle. And a blessing. I've never needed to be in the marketplace Q: Your cinema gave Urdu its most luminous screen presence—ghazals, nazms, tehzeeb. Was that your rebellion against the mainstream, or simply your way of preserving what you loved? A: Urdu is, at its heart, a language of love and interconnectedness. When used in cinema in its authentic, unembellished form, it gains a profound ability to touch the soul. Any attempt to exaggerate it only dilutes its power. Urdu has always been the invisible thread running through Indian cinema—it has endured, even when the winds blew against it. My love for poetry has helped me shape characters, emotions and above all, humour. It has given me an edge—a sculptor's eye for the human spirit. Q: Each of your films feels more like a painting than a product—slow, rich, deliberate. Do you think the pace of your art made it timeless, even if it made your filmography rare? A: I think like a painter before I think like a director. I deliberate on light, texture and frame before I invite movement. Once I have my cultural vision in place, I choreograph cinema like an orchestral composition—with rhythm, shade and detail. That's where the poetry begins. Q: Zooni was once your dream—Kashmir, poetry, history—but it remains unreleased. Does its silence haunt you, or have you made peace with what never saw light? A: To me, nothing is ever incomplete. I have dreamt Zooni through… deeply and fully. With my son (filmmaker Shaad Ali), I've even taken it to the next level. One day, I believe, its silence will speak volumes. The lost voices of that legend will find their echo again. 'We must place India on the global map not just as an economic power but as a beacon of love, harmony and understanding.' Q: Between Anjuman (1986) and Jaanisaar (2015), you vanished from cinema but immersed yourself in craft, couture, and cultural revival. Was this a creative exile—or a conscious expansion? A: I immersed myself in the world of Sufi poetry and music, creating Jahan-e-Khusrau, a world Sufi music festival that became a kind of seamless cinema, staged in ruins, illuminated by light and shadow, captured through multiple lenses. My relationship with the camera has never waned. I've made over 30 films on craft, poetry and spirituality, explored countless scripts—including a biopic on Rumi. My time has always been devoted to art: painting, sculpture and the pursuit of meaning. I've never been a conventional filmmaker waiting for the market. I create only when an idea completely possesses me. Q: In an age when filmmakers release multiple projects in a decade, your fans often wonder: Why did you choose such long silences between films? A: There are many ways to find me. I've never needed to be in the marketplace. My work speaks through other forms. Q: Do you feel Indian cinema missed out on the many stories Muzaffar Ali could've told—or did your stories just find other canvases: textiles, poetry, festivals? A: The world would have been richer if more of my films had seen the light of day. But the stories have lived through music, dance, theatre, design, and craft. All the elements that cinema is made of have continued to shape my journey. Q: Many believe only you could have created an anthology of Awadh's lost souls—musicians, rebels, artisans. Did that vision ever tempt you in these streaming-hungry times? A: I follow my heart. In these troubled times, art must serve a higher purpose—to bring peace. My next dream is to create Rumi as a symbol of world peace on Indian soil. We must place India on the global map not just as an economic power but as a beacon of love, harmony and understanding. Q: If you were to remake Umrao Jaan today—not as a film, but as an idea—what would change in the way you portray womanhood, longing, or dignity? A: I did what I could then, and I believe it was for all time. Today, my deepest concern is world peace and cultural understanding. That is the idea I would now reimagine and reshape. My time has always been devoted to art Q: Finally, with Umrao Jaan re-releasing in theatres on June 27, do you feel like a filmmaker revisiting his magnum opus—or a poet returning to a beloved verse that the world is only just beginning to understand? A: People have to believe in me—as a person and as an artist—for the work to remain relevant. At least Umrao Jaan has shown what it means to withstand the test of time. Perhaps, in its return, the world is finally ready to hear the music between the silences.
India.com
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
India's biggest flop film, even Amitabh h Bachchan failed to save it, film earned just Rs...., lead actors were....
Sometimes when a movie is released, and if it is helmed by a known director, has a massive budget, and features a star-studded cast, it is expected to be a superhit. However, the ingredients that are said to be the right formula for success don't always work. Similarly, when director Shaad Ali decided to make Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, fans thought the same. However, things turned out to be completely different. After the successful run of Saathiya and Bunty Aur Babli, director Shaad Ali decided to make another film, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. The movie was produced by Aditya Chopra under his banner Yash Raj Films and was one of the most anticipated films. Interestingly, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom had a talented star cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Bobby Deol, and Lara Dutta, with Amitabh Bachchan in a special appearance. The soundtrack was among the top-selling albums of 2007, yet Jhoom Barabar Jhoom underperformed at the box office and turned out to be one of the year's biggest disappointments. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Budget and Box Office Collection According to media reports, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom was made for Rs 25 crore. However, the storyline fell short for the audience, and it only earned Rs 27 crore net in India and Rs 38 crore worldwide. After Jhoom Barabar Jhoom flopped, Shaad Ali took a seven-year hiatus from filmmaking and made his directorial comeback with Kill Dil. Starring Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar, Parineeti Chopra, and Govinda, the film also failed to impress at the box office. Despite having music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy with lyrics written by Gulzar, the film could not resonate with the audience. Some of the hit tracks from the film are Bol Na Halke Halke, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and more.
News18
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shaad Ali Recalls Amitabh Bachchan Reluctantly Smoking In ‘Bunty Aur Babli'
Director Shaad Ali recalled Amitabh Bachchan's reluctance to smoke in Bunty Aur Babli, but shared that the veteran actor eventually gave in when told it was crucial for the character. As the film celebrates its 20th anniversary, Shaad Ali opened up about his experience working on the now-iconic project. Watch the video to know more. news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
India.com
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Amitabh Bachchan refused to shoot THIS song with lead actress, told director to call it off
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has delivered countless memorable films and songs during his illustrious career spanning over 55 years. Some of his songs have become even more iconic than the films he starred in, and fans still enjoy listening to them with great enthusiasm. However, today we share the back story about one such iconic song that Big B initially was skeptical about featuring in and asked not shoot it. It was the famous song Kajra Re from the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli . The song featured Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Abhishek Bachchan together on-screen. Meanwhile, at first, Amitabh Bachchan had doubts about the song's potential and believed it might not work. However, little did he know that it would go on to capture the hearts of millions. During a conversation, director Shaad Ali shared that the moment he heard the first eight seconds of the song's music, he was confident it would be a hit. but the team from Yash Raj Films believed it might be the least-liked track of the movie or might not work at all. Shaad recalled that when he first played the song to Amitabh Bachchan, the actor immediately responded that it wouldn't work and felt it needed more effort. When Shaad Ali Urged Amitabh To Sing The Song Furthermore, Shaad revealed that he initially wanted Amitabh Bachchan to sing the starting portion. However, the superstar declined and suggested that it should sung by Shankar Mahadevan instead. Eventually, Amitabh agreed to shoot the song, although he wasn't completely convinced about it. Despite the initial doubts, Shaad Ali was thrilled that the song was created. When the film was released, Kajra Re became an instant hit and had audiences dancing along. Amitabh Bachchan Messaged Shaad Ali After The Response Shaad further told that after witnessing the overwhelming response, Amitabh Bachchan messaged him personally and said 'I'm sorry, I misjudged it.'' Aishwarya Rai's stunning performance, expressive dance moves, and charm added to the song's appeal, while Abhishek Bachchan's flair and Amitabh's presence made it unforgettable. Even today, the song continues to captivate listeners. Bunty Aur Babli also featured the stellar cast including Rani Mukerji, Puneet Issar, Talluri Rameshwari, Kiran Juneja, Pratima Kazmi, Brijendra Kala and Prem Chopra.
