Latest news with #Zubeidaa
News18
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘You Live On In Every Pore': Shabana Azmi's Message To Late Father Kaifi Azmi
Last Updated: Shabana Azmi shared a throwback photo with her late father, Kaifi Azmi, to mark his death anniversary. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, known for her illustrious five-decade career and multiple accolades, is just as admired for her humility. Beyond her professional achievements, she shares a deep bond with her parents: renowned poet Kaifi Azmi and stage actress Shaukat Azmi. On May 10, marking her father's death anniversary, the Arth actress posted a heartfelt photo with him, along with a touching tribute. On Instagram, Shabana Azmi dropped a monochrome photo from her albums featuring her father, Kaifi Azmi. The snap was from the veteran star's childhood days. Alongside the priceless gem, Shabana Azmi penned a meaningful message to mark her father's 23rd death anniversary. 'Abba .. 23 years since you left but you live on in every pore of my being," read her caption. The post shared by the veteran star stirred a wave of emotions among her friends from the industry and fans alike. Reacting to this, eminent actress Lillete Dubey, renowned for her roles in Zubeidaa, Chalte Chalte, Baghban, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and others, expressed, 'What a lovely pic! Ah! Dads… mould breaks with them .. big hug." Veteran journalist Bhawana Somayaa penned, 'Lovely pic. Aaj socha toh aansoo bhar aaye." Director Faraz Arif Ansari, known for films like Sheer Qorma, Bun Tikki, and Gippi, penned, 'Sending lots of love to you." Kaifi Azmi is widely credited with bringing the richness of Urdu literature to Indian cinema. Apart from penning iconic ghazals and poems, he contributed to several films as a lyricist, screenwriter, and even actor. A recipient of the Padma Shri, he was honoured with numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. Many years after his demise, in 2015, a documentary film titled Diksha was made based on his life and directed by Raman Kumar. Afterwards, Shabana Azmi and her husband, Javed Akhtar, also wrote and performed on Kaifi Aur Mein, a play based on the Urdu poet's life, works and the memoir of his wife, Shaukat Azmi – Yadon Ki Rahguzar (Down Memory Lane). Coming to Shabana Azmi's professional front, she was last seen in the Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh starrer movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. First Published:
News18
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday's Co-Star Seema Pahwa Refuses To Teach Acting To Nepo Kids: 'Why Not Use Trained Actors?'
Seema Pahwa isn't against nepotism; rather, she argued that there should be a balance of investment when it comes to star kids. Actress and filmmaker Seema Pahwa has spent nearly 40 years in the Indian film industry. She has been a part of films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Dream Girl 2, Badhaai Do and Zubeidaa among others. As a reputed actress and director, Seema believes that Bollywood today has become a business about selling faces, rather than telling stories. As such, Seema revealed that she won't be training nepo kids who lack talent just so they can be launched. Speaking to Bollywood Thikana, Seema revealed that despite being acting graduates and theatre-trained actors, her kids haven't gotten a chance in Bollywood. Seema said, 'They believe their decision is wrong. They say nothing that we've taught them has any value in the present system. They rue the fact that we made them actors, and not stars… We asked them to train more, do theatre more, and even though they are doing all of it, they are nowhere." Seema isn't against nepotism; rather, she argued that there should be a balance of investment when it comes to star kids. 'Why would I say star kids shouldn't come to cinema. Just like how I want my kids to move ahead, even others would have similar expectations, right?" asked Seema. She elaborated, 'There are so many actors who are trained from FTII or NSD, etc, why aren't they getting cast in any film. I know of someone who is an acting graduate and a theatre artist, who quit acting and left the city because of lack of offers." 'Earlier, directors and producers had the say, and that's why you had talent coming in from all over. Now, it is more of a package system that is brought into place to launch someone into films. In fact, some filmmakers reach out to me to train an actor, and do workshops with them. But I flatly refuse to do so," Seema said. Seema continued, 'Why not just use trained actors instead of bringing untrained people on board, and then teaching them acting. Give the deserving a chance. What new are these untrained actors going to bring to cinema? Why waste that money and investment?" She added, 'Of course, those who are really talented and have gone through the grind wouldn't have the resources to spend on grooming. They might not be beautiful, but they are definitely talented." 'They are here after a lot of struggle, and parents spend money on them too. They are rattled by guilt and pick up some non-acting jobs, but the actor in them is never dead. But yeah, there is no point beating around the bush. Our industry is not about art anymore. It is all about business," the actress concluded. First Published:
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Still quite the bangers
KARACHI: Every wedding season brings with it the latest chartbusters, setting dance floors alight. Yet, as we grow older, it's hard to leave behind the songs that defined our adolescent years. Nostalgia keeps them alive, ensuring they make frequent comebacks at wedding celebrations. Here's a selection of timeless wedding anthems from the 2000s that continue to be crowd favorites. Mehndi Hai Rachne Wali (2000) A quintessential mehndi classic, this song from Zubeidaa isn't necessarily the go-to choice for choreographed sangeet performances, but it remains a staple at henna celebrations. With its rhythmic beats and traditional charm, it's a track that tempts everyone to clap along. Bole Chudiyan (2001) No wedding playlist is complete without a song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.... While the film boasts several memorable tracks, this is the one you'll hear every wedding season. Whether or not you plan to dance to it, this song is nearly impossible to escape. Mehndi Ki Yeh Raat (2003) A perfect addition to an intimate dholki night, this track by Jawad Ahmad is ideal for gatherings filled with mithai and marigolds. Unlike many wedding songs, it isn't tied to either the bride's or the groom's side, making it a unifying melody for the celebration. Maahi Ve (2003) With weeks of wedding festivities, an upbeat anthem is essential to keep the energy high. This Kal Ho Naa Ho song ensures that family members - young and old - find their way to the dance floor. Tumse Milke Dilka Jo Haal (2004) When it comes to Bollywood's king of romance, Shah Rukh Khan, the hits extend beyond love ballads to wedding anthems. This track from Main Hoon Na is a testament to his influence, frequently appearing in wedding dance routines. Tenu Leke (2007) A perfect choice for the larke waale making their grand entrance, this Salaame Ishq song's bold declaration of love and celebration makes it an easy pick for an impromptu bhangra performance. Teri Ore (2008) Weddings aren't just about high-energy dance tracks - romantic melodies set the tone for heartfelt moments. This song from Singh is Kinng remains a go-to for couples looking to slow down and savor the magic of their big day. Twist (2009) For those seeking a high-energy throwback to set the dance floor on fire, this Love Aaj Kal track is unstoppable. It continues to be a top choice for choreographed wedding performances. Nagada Sang Dhol (2013) For those wanting to add a fast-paced traditional twist to their wedding festivities, this track from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela is a must. Grab some dandiyas and a group of enthusiastic dancers, and you'll be the highlight of the night. Punjabi Wedding Song (2014) No wedding playlist is complete without a song that allows for effortless, carefree dancing. Whether or not you're a seasoned performer, this track from Hasee Toh Phasee guarantees a fun-filled dance session with family and friends. Shakar Wandaan Re (2015) Since its release, this song has been a staple for group performances. Whether it's friends or siblings hitting the dance floor, its easy-to-follow choreography makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. After the Ho Mann Jahaan cast recently revived this song at Sheheryar's wedding, it only makes sense for you to do the same. Afreen Afreen (2016) Between the endless wedding events, moments of downtime are inevitable. Revived by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan for Coke Studio, this song is perfect for mellow jam sessions with cousins and friends, its soothing melody making it an effortless favorite. Mere Rashke Qamar (2017) Qawwali nights remain an integral part of wedding culture, and this track is a staple for those intimate musical evenings. A mesmerizing melody, this Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan track adds a soulful touch to any wedding gathering. Dilbaro (2018) The larki waale always find it hard to say goodbye to the bride, and this song perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet emotions of rukhsati. While it may bring tears, this track from Raazi also signifies the start of a beautiful new journey. Haye Dil Bechara (2019) After the exhaustion of endless dance performances and emotional goodbyes, the wedding reception calls for an uplifting note. This Parey Hut Love track, with its soft yet groovy beats, serves as the perfect ending to the festivities.
