Latest news with #Zanjeer
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Akshay Kumar steals and hides people's watches, Ajay Devgn dressed up as a ghost to scare me': Shilpa Shirodkar on Bollywood's ‘biggest pranksters'
No one can truly understand what it means to share the screen with the biggest Bollywood stars until you actually get the chance to do it. Actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who has recently been very vocal about her personal life, career and challenges, had that experience with some of the biggest names in this industry. During a recent interview the actor shared some anecdotes about sharing the film set with people like Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar and Govinda. She first shared her time with Amitabh and told Pinkvilla that the Zanjeer star is one of the most humble human beings she has ever met. She said, 'There are too many memories I have from working with people from this beautiful industry. It stars with Amitabh ji, who taught me the value of discipline and the importance of being on time. One day we were shooting this action scene, and he said, 'For me, the director of the film is like the captain of the ship; I will do whatever he tells me to do.' He never made anyone feel that he was 'Big-B'. On the set of Hum, I was shooting this dance sequence, and I met with an accident. I couldn't walk for a week, and Amit ji had sent me these beautiful flowers, which was really nice.' ALSO READ: Shilpa Shirodkar says she's 10th fail, married a man who is 'double MBA' and a banker; quit films to live with him in New Zealand: 'I never felt small' Shilpa added that Rajinikanth was also very similar to Amitabh in terms of their nature and how she would often have casual conversations with him in Marathi. When asked about some fun stories from movie sets and which actor was the biggest instigator of mischief, Shilpa quickly pointed towards Devgn and Akshay Kumar. Shipla said, 'Ajay was like a real prankster. We were shooting in Shimla, and he had made up this elaborate story of there being a ghost in our hotel. In the middle of the night, there were knocks on my door, and I was sharing a room with both my parents and my hairdresser. People were running in the lobby wearing white bed sheets, and we got to know in the morning that it was Ajay.' She then went on to give an example of how Akshay's pranks used to delay shooting and make people genuinely upset. 'Akshay does this thing where he will steal and hide other people's watches. So he would swipe someone's watch and then tell me to ask them the time. Now I wasn't part of the prank, so I was equally confused when the person would frantically start looking for their watch. People used to get mad, and the shooting used to get halted, but it was still a good bit of fun,' added Shilpa. Talking about delays in shooting, Shilpa was asked to reveal the name of her co-star who was constantly late to shooting and held up schedules. Shilpa laughed and admitted that she knew that people wanted to hear her say Govinda's name, but the actor actually defended him and said that she couldn't remember a single instance where he was late to set. ALSO READ: Shilpa Shirodkar recalls how Mithun Chakraborty rescued her from 'jinxed' tag: 'I am here because of him' She said, 'I know what you want me to say, but I am not going to say his (Govinda) name. I have worked with him a lot, and it would be wrong of me to say that he used to show up late. Never was my shooting, a particular scene or schedule cancelled or delayed because of him. I never had to sit there and wait for him. Everyone has their own experiences, but for me that time was also good, and all of the films we did with each other were completed and released on time.' Shilpa gave props to all her co-stars and said that whoever she worked with were all very professional individuals. The actor also gave a shout-out to Anil Kapoor for being a foodie just like her and said that he used to bring the best food for them from his house.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Amitabh Bachchan Mourns Don Director Chandra Barots Demise, Pens Emotional Note
Mumbai: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has mourned the passing of Chandra Barot, the director of his iconic 1978 film, 'Don.' Barot, who was 86, passed away on Sunday morning. In a blog post, the 'Zanjeer' actor extended his prayers in an emotional note as he remembered Barot as his family friend. "Another and another sad moment... Dear friend and my director of DON - Chandra Barot passed away this morning... It is difficult to put in words the loss... we worked together yes, but he was more a family friend than any else...I can only pray," Big B wrote in his post. Chandra Barot made his directorial debut with Don in 1978. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, has gained cult status over the years. The movie's popularity led to several remakes and sequels, including the Don franchise featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead. The remake was directed by Farhan Akhtar, and also starred Priyanka Chopra. Its sequel, also helmed by Akhtar, was released in 2011. Apart from Don, Chandra Barot was also known for directing Aashrita in 1989. Earlier, Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar also mourned the death of 'Don' director Chandra Barot. Taking to his Instagram, Farhan Akhtar paid tribute to the filmmaker by calling him the "OG Don". He also expressed his condolences to Barot's family. His post read, "Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family." Celebrities like Farah Khan and Isha Koppikar reacted to the post. Apart from 'Don,' Chandra Barot assisted on films like 'Purab Aur Pachhim,' 'Yaadgaar,' 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan,' and 'Shor.' He also directed the 1989 Bengali film, 'Aashrita.'
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rekha Once Slammed Jaya for Excluding Her From Amitabh Bachchan's Wedding: 'She Wants to Dominate…'
Last Updated: Rekha once felt snubbed after she was not invited to Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan's wedding despite her bond with the latter and residing in the same building. Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan were headline-makers of the 80s and continue to remain one to date. Rekha, in multiple interviews in the past, had openly expressed her love for already-married Amitabh. Interestingly, it was through Jaya Bachchan that she met her Silsila co-star for the first time. It all started when Rekha moved into the same building as the Mili actor, and a sisterly bond developed between them. Despite the closeness, Jaya snubbed Rekha at her wedding to Amitabh. Rekha and Jaya Bachchan, then Jaya Bhaduri, would often spend time with each other and talk about life and career when not in shoots. Jaya was already a big name in the film industry and Rekha was steadily finding her ground. It was during once such day that Rekha first met Jaya's then-boyfriend, Amitabh Bachchan, at Beach Apartments in Mumbai. As written by Yasser Usman in his book Rekha: The Untold Story, published by Juggernaut, Amitabh Bachchan decided to marry Jaya right after he delivered a blockbuster, Zanjeer, after a series of flops. However, Rekha, who was close friends with Jaya, was not invited. An excerpt from the book read: 'On 3 June 1973, their wedding was solemnized. Rekha, however, was not invited, which left her feeling sour. In an interview, Rekha said, 'There was a time when I looked on Jaya as a sister… I used to think she was genuine, because she often spoke very seriously and gave me lots of loving advice. But now I realize that Jaya is a 'general advisor" to every Tom, Dick and Harry. All she wants to do is to dominate people and that too, for only as long as it suits her.'" It was further mentioned: 'Rekha did not stop there. She expressed resentment at not being called for the wedding: 'In spite of all her affectionate show of friendship and all that, she didn't even bother to invite me for her marriage – and my house was in the same building.'" Back in 1981, Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan came together on screen – a bold casting move that only Yash Chopra could have pulled off. Interestingly, the film's storyline reflected the real-life dynamics of its lead trio, which is perhaps why it remains so talked about even today. First Published: July 19, 2025, 15:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Made for Rs 5 crore, this movie was a huge hit, but still ruined the producer's life due to..., movie was...
Behind the swagger of Don, which was made for 5 crore, and the swagger of 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala' lies a story steeped in debt, desperation, and an unexpected tragedy. What you saw on screen was silver, but off-screen, it was survival. After a bunch of hits like Zanjeer, Deewaar, and Sholay, Amitabh Bachchan cemented his place in Bollywood with Don. But behind the camera, producer Nariman Irani was drowning in debt. This would tragically become his last film, despite it being a hit. The profits from Don didn't make him rich; they were used to pay off everything he owed. Who insisted on 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala'? That one iconic song rarely happened. Lyricist Sameer Anjaan recalled that Javed Akhtar was adamant the film needed a new song in the second half to break the monotony of action. But the problem? The production had zero budget. 'The poor producer was in such a bad state because of the film that he didn't even have money for food,' Sameer said. Nariman Irani resisted. There was no money, no time, no set. But Javed wouldn't budge. Eventually, the team shot the song in a makeshift tabela (a rural cow shed) in Goregaon, just a day before Bachchan was set to leave the country. It was rushed, raw, and unplanned—yet it became one of the most beloved songs in Indian cinema. What happened to Nariman Irani? Despite Don becoming a commercial success, Irani didn't live to see its premiere. Just weeks before its release, he died in a freak accident, crushed by a wall during a cloudburst on the set of another film. His death left the cast and crew heartbroken. Director Chandra Barot later shared that Don was made by friends trying to help Nariman clear his debts. Even with a modest budget of Rs 25 lakh, they created something truly magical. What did the cast say about Irani? Zeenat Aman, who starred opposite Amitabh Bachchan, remembered the film as a family project. 'When he passed away, I did not take any of my remuneration. I just wrote all of it off,' she said. Barot and others ensured the money made from the film was handed to Irani's widow, Salma, to help her repay the debts he left behind. A legacy bigger than its Box Office Don didn't just boost Amitabh's superstardom; it became a franchise. Shah Rukh Khan starred in the 2006 remake and its sequel, and a reboot with Ranveer Singh is currently in the works. But the soul of the original Don lies in what the audience never saw: a producer's struggle, a friend's stubbornness, and an industry that came together like family.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
He produced Amitabh Bachchan's blockbuster ‘Don' but did not have money to buy food, died penniless before its release. Who was Nariman Irani?
Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan, was a hit film. Nariman Irani produced it. He faced financial troubles. Industry friends helped him make the film. The song 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala' was added later. Irani died in an accident before the film's release. Don became a success. Profits cleared Irani's debts. The film spawned a franchise. Irani's legacy lives on. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Career-Crowning Role for Bachchan, A Financial Wreck for Irani A Song That Was Never in the Script A Producer on the Brink of Collapse Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Tabela Shoot That Made History Music That Made the Film a Classic A Tragic Turn of Fate Friends Who Rallied Behind a Vision A Legacy Larger Than Life Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Remembering Nariman Irani: The Man Behind the Vision When Don hit theatres in 1978, it wasn't just another Bollywood release. It was the latest chapter in the meteoric rise of Amitabh Bachchan, following blockbuster hits like Zanjeer, Deewaar, and Sholay. Directed by Chandra Barot and crafted by the legendary writing duo Salim–Javed, Don became a roaring commercial success. Yet, behind its triumph lay a tale of financial despair and personal tragedy—particularly that of its producer, Nariman A. Irani For Amitabh Bachchan, Don was another feather in an already crowded cap, but for Nariman Irani, the man who backed the film, it was a last-ditch effort to salvage his career. After his previous venture, Zindagi Zindagi (starring Sunil Dutt), had failed to generate revenue, Irani found himself burdened with debt. As director Chandra Barot revealed in a 2006 interview with Rediff, several industry stalwarts—including Amitabh Bachchan, Pran, Zeenat Aman, and the writing pair Salim–Javed—collaborated on Don out of loyalty and goodwill toward Irani. According to Barot, the film's development stretched over three and a half years, with numerous hurdles and tight budgetary one of the film's most iconic elements—its unforgettable song 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala'—wasn't part of the original plan. In an interview with DD Urdu, lyricist Sameer Anjaan recounted how his father, the renowned lyricist Anjaan, came to be associated with what would become a signature tune for Amitabh explained that after watching the film's final cut, screenwriter Javed Akhtar felt that the second half of the movie had become overly saturated with action and lacked an emotional or cultural pause. To counteract the dryness, Akhtar suggested the addition of a lighthearted song. Despite the film already being completed and the release date confirmed, Akhtar pushed strongly for the inclusion of this new the time, Nariman Irani's financial situation had deteriorated to such an extent that he reportedly lacked even the money for basic needs. As Sameer Anjaan recalled, Irani told Javed Akhtar that he simply couldn't afford to shoot another scene. However, Akhtar remained insistent. The creative team understood that the right song could bring balance to the film's tone and enhance its appeal. Eventually, despite his reservations and constraints, Irani more obstacles lay ahead. Amitabh Bachchan was set to leave India for an overseas commitment, and only a single day was available to shoot the new song. Moreover, there was no budget to build a set. Faced with the logistical nightmare, the team improvised. They chose a real cattle stable, or 'tabela,' in Goregaon—a locality in Mumbai known for housing workers from Uttar Pradesh . With barely any preparation, the team rolled cameras at this makeshift location and managed to film the entire song within a few resulted was cinematic magic. 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala,' composed by Kalyanji-Anandji with lyrics by Anjaan, became a cultural sensation. It not only boosted the film's popularity but became eternally tied to Amitabh Bachchan's on-screen soundtrack played a pivotal role in its success. Kalyanji-Anandji's composition, alongside lyrics from Anjaan and Indeevar , gave the movie its memorable musical identity. Apart from 'Khaike Paan Banaras Wala,' the film featured other chartbusters like 'Yeh Mera Dil,' performed by Asha Bhosle. These songs helped elevate Don from just another thriller to an iconic Bollywood offering that would influence generations of Don turning into a box office hit—it was the third highest-grossing Indian film of 1978 and achieved the prestigious golden jubilee status—Nariman Irani never lived to see its triumph. Just weeks before the movie's release, he was involved in a tragic working as a cinematographer on Manoj Kumar's film Kranti at the Rajkamal Kalamandir studios in Bombay, Irani was caught in a sudden cloudburst. During the chaos, a wall collapsed and fell on him, resulting in a serious hip injury. Though he was rushed to the hospital, he did not survive. Irani passed away in December 1977, leaving the film incomplete and his family devastated. The profits from Don were later used to repay the debts he had Chandra Barot reiterated in his Rediff interview that Don was born not just out of creative ambition, but as a rescue mission for a friend in dire need. Irani, whose work as a cinematographer was well regarded—he had even won the National Award and the Filmfare Award for Saraswatichandra (1968)—was experiencing one of the lowest points of his professional life. His friends in the film industry didn't abandon him. Instead, they pooled their talents to create something that could lift him out of crisis. Tragically, he would never enjoy the fruits of their A. Irani might not have witnessed the release of Don, but his name lives on through its legacy. The movie sparked a successful franchise that has evolved through decades. A remake starring Shah Rukh Khan arrived in 2006, followed by a sequel, Don 2. Now, a new reboot featuring Ranveer Singh is in development, proving the staying power of the character and story Irani helped bring to initial concept for Don reportedly drew inspiration from his own previous work as a cinematographer on Chhailla Babu (1977), as per historical sources. He discussed a revamped story idea with Chandra Barot, who took the project forward. Though he never saw its completion, his creative fingerprints remain all over the A. Irani's contributions to Indian cinema extend beyond his tragic story. As a cinematographer, he brought visual poetry to films like Talash, Phool Aur Patthar, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and of course, Saraswatichandra. His work was critically acclaimed, and he was regarded as a master of black-and-white cinematography during a time of transition in ambition to become a producer may have led to financial hardship, but it also resulted in one of the most iconic thrillers in Indian cinematic history. Though he never saw the applause or reaped the financial success of Don, his influence echoes through every frame of the film and every beat of its unforgettable songs.
