Latest news with #VadaPav
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director of Rs 800 crore blockbuster, once sold eggs, worked as a sweeper for a living. A look at Laxman Utekar's inspiring journey
First Steps into the World of Cinema Rising Through the Ranks A Director with a Midas Touch Today, he may be on top of the world, with a lot of blockbusters to his name, but do you know that ' Chhaava ' director Laxman Utekar once used to sell eggs to earn a living? In an interview with Mama's Couch, the filmmaker revealed his uncle brought him to Mumbai at the age of four, and he started selling eggs in front of a bar in Mumbai. He even operated a Vada Pav stall in Shivaji the Ganpati festival, Laxman found yet another way to contribute to his family's income. Many people, unwilling to step out of their air-conditioned cars, needed help immersing Ganesh idols into the water. Laxman and his friends seized the opportunity, offering to perform the ritual for a small fee of Rs. 5. They would then split the money among themselves—a small sum, but a big step for boys trying to get by in a big entry into the film industry was not through a glamorous audition or a film school degree. Instead, it began with a newspaper ad for a sweeper's job at a film studio. With no knowledge of filmmaking or the complex world behind the camera, he started by cleaning washrooms and mopping studio floors. Despite not understanding the technical jargon or the purpose behind each scene, Laxman remained he continued to work, he began delivering tea to the staff in the sound and editing rooms. That small task opened a window into a world he would one day dominate. His interest grew with each passing day, and he often stayed back after work, quietly observing the crew. He soaked in the atmosphere, watching closely, trying to make sense of every shot, every command, every scene. What began as a janitor's job slowly turned into an education in first professional break came in 2007, when he worked as a cinematographer in Khanna and Iyer. His talent soon earned him bigger projects, including the critically acclaimed English Vinglish, starring the legendary Sridevi, and Dear Zindagi, which further cemented his reputation. In 2014, he made his directorial debut with the Marathi film 2019, he struck gold with Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that earned Rs. 128 crore at the box office. But it was Chhaava, his historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, that redefined his career. The film grossed over Rs. 800 crore and became one of the year's biggest selling eggs to directing blockbusters, Laxman Utekar's life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the magic of dreams pursued relentlessly.
NDTV
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Viral Now: Woman Dining Alone At Spanish Cafe Gets A Cute And Unexpected Companion, Internet Approves
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Dining alone can be challenging for some individuals. A cafe in Spain surprised a solo diner with a teddy bear. The waiter positioned the bear to mimic a listening gesture. Dining alone at restaurants is not always easy for everyone. While some may enjoy the solitude, others may feel lonely in a room filled with people dining with someone else. Recently, a solo diner at a cafe in Spain got a sweet surprise when she told the waiter she had come alone. Instagram user @cameliakatz shared a video of her experience, and it has since gone viral. We see the waiter take up a giant teddy bear from nearby and place it on the chair in front of her at the same table. Also Read: Hong Kong Vlogger Speaks Marathi To Order Vada Pav In Mumbai, Wins Hearts Online That's not all. The waiter took pains to position the teddy bear's arms such that it mimicked a "listening pose" of sorts - one arm was placed below its chin while the other was on the armrest of the chair near its hip. "He's so cute," the woman says in delight. She can be seen smiling widely at the end of the clip. In the caption, she wrote, "PLEASE the way he posed it [teddy bear emoji]. I truly felt the love in Spain." Watch the complete viral video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camelia 💕 (@cameliakatz) The concept shown in the reel has won many hearts online. Here's how Instagram users reacted in the comments section: "The waiter is pookie coded." "I love this so much." "The more I rewatch, the bigger my smile is getting." "Hahaha, that's both sweet of him and also now I'm painfully embarrassed." "I would specifically go there alone just to experience that." "The teddy is listening very intently." "I think teddy is thinking something." "Honestly, it's super admirable that you're comfortable eating alone! Having solo meals can be really empowering. Keep shining, bestie!" "It is not for alone people, it is on every table. You can see that at the back, 3 people were sitting, but still it is there. Btw, it is still cute."
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Billionaire Sridhar Vembu tries his first vada pav in Mumbai, netizens react: ‘Bliss in summer'
Indian billionaire and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu recently tried Mumbai's beloved street food, vada pav, for the first time. In a post on X, Vembu shared the experience by attaching a photo of himself in the city, standing in front of a local snack stall and holding a vada pav. Vembu, who has a net worth of $5.8 billion according to Forbes, expressed surprise at never having tried the popular snack before. 'Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while pav,' he wrote. Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while 😁 — Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) April 24, 2025 With over three lakh views, the post quickly gained traction as many social media users were surprised about Vembu eating a vada pav for the first time. 'wow! first time? in all these years? damn,' a user wrote. 'My favourite snack – vada pav of mumbai. No other place can match that. I am already drooling,' another user commented. 'Did you enjoy it? Maharashtrian food is very simple. From leftover crisps of frying vada pav they make the chutney. It is filling and delicious,' a third user said. 'This is bliss in summers,' a fourth user commented. Other public figures who have been spotted enjoying vada pav during their time in Mumbai include Apple CEO Tim Cook and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. In 2023, during his visit to India for the launch of Apple Store BKC and Apple Store Saket, Cook was photographed the day before the BKC store's grand opening, sharing a vada pav with Madhuri Dixit at a popular vegetarian restaurant in South Mumbai's Tardeo area. Can't think of a better welcome to Mumbai than Vada Pav! — Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) April 17, 2023 During his visit to Mumbai in 2024 for his concert, Bryan Adams was seen eating the city's famous vada pav. He described it as 'the most delicious vegan street dish… so damn good!'
