Latest news with #Shubhchintak
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Language no bar: Pan-India actors take over D-Town
Swwapnil Joshi in a still from Shubhchintak Supriya Pathak was seen in Auntypreneur recently Mukesh Khanna , who recently made his D-Town debut with an intriguing film, told us, 'Usually, I don't do regional films. However, I felt comfortable when the team told me that my character would be speaking only in Hindi. Also, it's a very different kind of film.' It's not a one-off. Recently, Deepak Tijori started shooting for a Gujarati film in Ahmedabad, which marks his D-Town comeback after more than two decades. In recent times, several pan-India actors like Helly Shah, Vatsal Sheth, Hiten Tejwani , Swwapnil Joshi and Deven Bhojani have made their debut in Gujarati cinema, while several other big names are also doing Gujarati films regularly. Hiten Tejwani in Sanghavi and Sons 'It is a great time to enter a progressive regional industry like Gujarati' Swwapnil Joshi, who was seen in Shubhchintak, says, 'I have seen the kind of content being explored here and the growth this industry has seen in the last decade. It is a great time to enter a progressive regional industry like Gujarati.' Agrees Helly Shah, who was recently seen in Deda and Surprise, 'Gujarati cinema is coming up with very good content now, and the production value is excellent too. I like the vision that the makers have. It felt wonderful to do films in my mother tongue after so many years in showbiz. We are finally getting to see content that's very different from typical, cliched stuff.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo Asked about how this momentum can be sustained, Deven Bhojani, who made his D-Town debut with Udan Chhoo last year, shares, 'With so much good content now, we need more support from the audiences. The audience has to be loyal to their language.' Vatsal Sheth feels, 'It's amazing to see Gujarati cinema doing so well. My family loves watching Gujarati films now. Being a Gujarati, I always wanted to do a Gujarati film but unfortunately, nobody offered me one earlier. I was a bit nervous while shooting for Surprise , but overall, it was a great experience.' Deven Bhojani made his D-Town debut with Udan Chhoo last year 'Young filmmakers here are flexible and willing to explore new genres' Actors like Supriya Pathak, Manav Gohil and many others are now regularly doing Gujarati films. Pathak, who was seen in Auntypreneur recently, feels, 'In Gujarati films, young directors are willing to explore new genres and I like their way of working, as they are very flexible and open to experimentation. They know their craft well.' 'I had a great time while shooting for Sanghavi and Sons. I learnt Gujarati for the film, and it was an exciting experience. I had been hearing good things about the industry (D-Town)-how it has revived itself, and I have always been eager to do good regional films,' says Hiten Tejwani. Stars are game for cameos & comebacks Talking of memorable cameos, none other than Amitabh Bachchan has featured in Fakt Purusho Maate (2024) and Fakt Mahilao Maate (2022). Even Jackie Shroff (Ventilator, 2018), Naseeruddin Shah (Dhh, 2017) and Amitabh with Jaya Bachchan (Carry On Kesar, 2017) have played memorable cameos earlier. When it comes to long-awaited comebacks, Rashami Desai made a D-Town comeback after eight years with Mom Tane Nai Samjay this year, while Paresh Rawal made a D-Town comeback after 40 years with Dear Father (2022). Rashami says, 'I am happy to see the changes in the filmmaking process and the kind of content being explored in our films now. Having worked in television for so many years, I wish to be welcomed more in Gujarati films now.' Deepak Tijori, currently shooting for Get Set Go , says, 'I have been watching Gujarati films and fortunately, things have changed for the better and interesting concepts are being explored.' Memorable D-Town debuts in recent times: · Mukesh Khanna (Vishwaguru, 2025) · Helly Shah and Vatsal Sheth (Surprise, 2025) · Swwapnil Joshi (Shubhchintak , 2025) · Hiten Tejwani (Sanghavi and Sons, 2025) · Deven Bhojani (Udan Chhoo, 2024) · Ratna Pathak Shah (Kutch Express, 2023) -Inputs from Kanksha Vasavada, Yesha Bhatt and Ancela Jamindar "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Post National Award, am getting the kind of subjects I want to do: Manasi Parekh
Manasi Parekh Manasi Parekh , whose performance in Maharani has been appreciated, says, 'When Viral Shah (the film's director) narrated the script, I was thrilled. It was a fun story with a good message, just the kind of film I love to watch. Also, it was exciting to work with Shraddha Dangar , Sanjay Goradia and Ojas Rawal .' She adds, 'The concept (a story on house helps) was very relatable. It was a story that conveyed a lot.' 'I feel calmer when I am just an actor in a project' Manasi, who was also seen in Shubhchintak (she produced it too) this year, says, 'I am calmer when I am just an actor in a project. As a producer, you are associated with the film from the scripting level to filmmaking, promotions, releasing it in the theatres and on OTT. But in projects where I am just an actor, I am relaxed and calmer as I don't have to worry about anything else.' She adds, 'But I get attached to every project I do. So, even as an actor, I take part in planning strategies on how to make films reach a larger audience. As a producer, I am creating a new landscape and doing stories which I want to tell by collaborating with makers who have similar vision.' 'Movies kitna bhi promote karo, kam hi hai' Manasi believes 'film promotions are extremely important now.' S he elaborates, 'Movies kitna bhi promote karo, kam hi hai. Today, audiences have so many options that if you don't go all out while promoting, it won't work. There have been so many good films that didn't do well at the box office because they weren't promoted well. In a growing regional industry like ours, promoting a film well is extremely important. Otherwise, there are other projects that will find more screens. ' 'The National Award win had a good domino effect on my career' After winning the National Award (Best Actress for Kutch Express), Manasi has been doing a lot more films. She says, 'The National Award win has had a great domino effect on my career, with so many good films and challenging characters coming my way. People recognise me nationally, so some producers are suggesting my name for projects, and I have received several offers. Also, I am getting the kind of subjects and roles I wanted for a long time. ' Talking about working with another lead actress, "Working with another lead actress has never been challenging for me. We are artistes who work together to make a good film. Shraddha (Dangar) and I bonded on the set (of Maharani) from the first day and shared a great offscreen chemistry too." Is she open to explore other mediums? She says, "I am open to working in all the mediums, including OTT. But being a mother, I would like to do projects that I can watch with my daughter. She shouldn't feel embarrassed even if she watches them after years. There are such shows (without adult content) that are doing well. I would like to remake Nithya Menen 's south films in Gujarati. Also, maybe Julie and Julia can have a Gujarati remake someday (laughs)."
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Maharani' teaser out now: Manasi Parekh and Shraddha Dangar starrer is a much awaited social comedy flick
1 2 The much awaited Gujarati film teaser called 'Maharani'. The announcement of the film was released 2 months ago and it received a lot of anticipation from the Gujarati audience. 'Maharani' teaser is out now and it is a packed up social comedy drama as presented by the filmmaker. 'Maharani' is a film that rightly depicts the relationship between a modern woman and her house help. It is a social comedy with drama that revolves around a house help and her presence compared to as a 'queen' of the house. This is a film full of chaos, humour and the everyday magic that is often present between the most underrated relationships. The film has the perfect cast including Mansi Parekh, Shraddha Dangar , Ojas Rawal and Sanjay Goradia amongst many others. Directed by Viral Shah , a National award winner and a very successful filmmaker. The story is written by Raam Mori and Hardik Sangani . A few days back, the makers had released the poster on which shows Manasi and Shraddha, one sitting in front of a laptop, and another standing behind her with multiple arms. Manasi sitting seems to be working on a computer, a modern working woman. Whereas, Shraddha (with many arms) is holding various household items like a pan, duster, iron, food container, cup, and phone, handling the responsibilities at once. The film targets the comedy genre and the teaser is already garnering love. Professionally, Manasi was last seen in the film 'Shubhchintak',the Gujarati thriller where she played a bold role of a woman named Meghana who traps and kidnaps a man. The film is full of suspense and is releasing on May 30, 2025. Interestingly, the famous Marathi star Swwapnil Joshi, known for his versatile performances in films, television, and theater had also debut with this film in Gujarati cinema. The film directed by Nisarg features Viraf Patel, Esha Kansara, Deep Vaidya, and Tusharika. On the other hand, Shraddha's upcoming project is Vishwaguru, a Gujarati mystery-drama slated for release on 1 August 2025, where she plays the role of Chitra. This VIDEO of Manasi Parekh Gohil and daughter Nirvi Gohil is all things cute
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Manasi Parekh on balancing creative worlds
Actress, singer, and producer Manasi Parekh is no stranger to donning multiple creative hats—and doing so with remarkable finesse. With her latest Gujarati film, 'Shubhchintak', Manasi takes on the challenging dual role of actor and producer, blending artistic passion with strategic vision to shape a story that's already turning heads. 'Every project I work on introduces me to new people, new perspectives, and new challenges. And all of those experiences come together when I approach a character like Meghna in 'Shubhchintak',' she shares. 'The layering she needs, the emotional range she has—I've drawn from life and everything I've lived through as a performer.' Her deep involvement in 'Shubhchintak' reflects her evolution not only as an actor but as a filmmaker shaping the future of regional cinema. 'I want Gujarati cinema to reach a level where non-Gujarati people recommend Gujarati films and say, 'You should watch this, it's a really good film,'' she says. 'Language should never limit good storytelling. That's the vision Parthiv and I share.' Working closely with her husband and musical maestro Parthiv Gohil, Manasi brings both heart and discipline to their joint production efforts. 'Parthiv and I are artists striving to push boundaries in Gujarati cinema. We aim to take risks and present never-seen-before concepts,' she says. 'His support in creative decisions is invaluable.' Their collaborative spirit guided the film from concept to screen, despite significant hurdles. 'The scripting phase alone took nearly a year,' Manasi recalls. 'We had 17 different locations, and it's an expensive film to make. Parthiv focused on the budgeting while I was deeply involved in the creative side—ensuring that we stayed true to the script without compromising quality.' From casting to sound design and visual aesthetics, Manasi made it a point that 'Shubhchintak' didn't 'look like a Gujarati film,' but simply, 'a good, well-made film.' The effort paid off. 'When Farah Khan saw the trailer, she was impressed. She didn't even realize it was a Gujarati film until we told her. That's exactly the reaction we wanted.' For Manasi, selecting the right stories to produce requires more than a catchy premise. 'A story has to be compelling right from the one-liner. But when you dive into a deeper narration, I look for a commercial appeal that's also dynamic and meaningful,' she explains. 'It has to entertain, but also say something.' Her grounded approach is rooted in a strong support system. 'My family—my parents, my husband, and my daughter—are my biggest grounding force,' she says. 'They give me a reality check constantly, and I'm grateful for that.' Having worked in acclaimed films like 'Kutch Express', 'Uri', 'Golkeri', and 'Jhamkudi', Manasi knows the value of discipline and staying focused. 'When you work hard and work well, opportunities come your way. That's how I won the National Award. That's how our films are doing well—by cutting out the frills and focusing on the work.' The journey of filming 'Shubhchintak' brought its own share of unforgettable memories. 'We were on the move so much across the 17 locations—I actually lost weight during the shoot!' she laughs. 'But the camaraderie on set was beautiful. After long days, we'd celebrate together, and yes—I'd always bring Undhiyu, Dhokla, and Ras for the team. Swapnil loved the Undhiyu!' One of the more unique challenges? 'We were shooting with a one-year-old baby! That's a different kind of complexity, but it brought so much joy and spontaneity to the project,' she says. With each role she takes on, Manasi Parekh is not just building her own legacy—she's clearing a path for future generations of female artists in regional cinema. Passionate, hands-on, and fiercely creative, her journey through 'Shubhchintak' is as layered and heartfelt as the film itself.
Economic Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Farah Khan admits Katrina Kaif's ‘Sheila Ki Jawani' is the 'cheapest song' she ever worked on
Behind the Scenes: No Set, Just 10 Dancers Quick Production with Limited Resources Comparing Budgets and Impact Released in 2010 as part of the film Tees Maar Khan, 'Sheila Ki Jawani' quickly became one of Bollywood's most celebrated dance numbers. With Katrina Kaif in the lead and Farah Khan handling choreography, the song became a chartbuster. Its infectious rhythm, composed by the duo Vishal-Shekhar, and Sunidhi Chauhan's powerful vocals helped it secure numerous awards, including Best Female Playback Singer and Best Choreography. More than a decade later, the song continues to be a crowd favorite at weddings, college events, and dance its glitzy appearance and iconic status, Farah Khan recently revealed that 'Sheila Ki Jawani' was produced on a surprisingly minimal budget. Speaking in a vlog filmed at actress Manasi Parekh's residence, Farah discussed their upcoming film Shubhchintak and expressed amazement at its low production cost. When Manasi shared that their entire film was made for Rs 5 crore, Farah responded by saying that in today's times, many individual songs cost more than went on to recall her own experience, noting that elaborate budgets don't necessarily guarantee quality. She said that when people flaunt the cost of producing a song, it doesn't impress her. According to her, 'the lesser budget you have, the better you think.' She revealed that Sheila Ki Jawani remains the cheapest song she has ever worked revelation shocked both Manasi Parekh and actor Swapnil Joshi, who were also part of the discussion. Farah shared that the song had no set at all, and was completed with just ten dancers. The entire shoot was wrapped up in three and a half days. She described it as not just the cheapest but also one of the biggest hits of her career, ranking it among her top three or four most successful while the song turned into a cultural phenomenon, Tees Maar Khan itself failed to meet box office expectations. Featuring Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar in lead roles, the film also included cameos by stars like Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor. Despite a hefty production budget of Rs 45 crore, it grossed Rs 101.89 crore globally. However, due to negative reviews and high costs, it was labeled a commercial perspective offers a contrast to current industry trends, where budgets continue to soar. For instance, actor Ram Charan's film Game Changer made headlines for spending nearly Rs 75 crore on just four songs, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and involving over 1000 dancers. Despite the massive investment, neither the songs nor the film managed to capture audience 15 years after its release, Sheila Ki Jawani remains etched in public memory. Katrina Kaif's performance, paired with memorable music and choreography, helped the song transcend the limitations of the film it belonged to.
