<p>Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah were seen participating in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Jail Bharo protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. Both were welcomed on stage by CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Azmi addressed the gathering and spoke about the right to vote and backed the organisation's demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The actor, who had earlier taken part in a students' protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, told the crowd that people should protest through democratic means if their names are removed from electoral rolls. The Mumbai gathering also saw several names from the film and music industry, including Vishal Dadlani, Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj.</p><h2>‘Voting is our right’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Azmi spoke to the reporters before heading to the stage and said, “Voting is our right. If anyone tries to take away our right to vote, we will do what is necessary through democratic means.”</p><p><br>She later addressed those gathered at Shivaji Park in Mumbai and said, “A very, very warm greeting to all of you. Since I am from Mumbai, seeing all of you present here in such large numbers brings me immense happiness.”</p><p><br>“Our vote is our right, it is our voice, we have been hearing this since childhood. But when our right is snatched away from us, when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. This is our right. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach, this is the victory of democracy. Because we have recognised our own strength, and we have realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong, because this is our country, our Constitution has given us this right. So, many congratulations to all of you,” she added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra | Veteran actress Shabana Azmi joins the CJP protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park against the Election Commission. <a href="https://t.co/Q9vVzrkS4O">pic.twitter.com/Q9vVzrkS4O</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2105995964335215010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The CJP has been protesting against the SIR exercise and has called for Gyanesh Kumar to step down as Chief Election Commissioner.</p><h2>Naseeruddin Shah thanks Dipke</h2><p>Shabana Azmi was not the only celebrity at Shivaji Park on Friday. Several prominent figures from the film industry joined the demonstration, including music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, and singer Rekha Bhardwaj.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was also seen at the protest, where he met Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. In a video shared by Dipke showing the two embracing, Shah expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank you.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Surprised by his presence, Dipke replied, “Sir, I am a huge fan. I had no idea that you were here.” Shah then added, “I knew you were here. I am a huge fan of yours. Whatever you are doing, please continue doing that.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Am I dreaming or what? <a href="https://t.co/NAA7ZdVPjz">pic.twitter.com/NAA7ZdVPjz</a></p>&mdash; Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) <a href="https://x.com/abhijeet_dipke/status/2105966451786203577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Actor Prakash Raj also voiced his solidarity with the cause through a video message, remarking, “Happy Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti. But as we celebrate, we should not forget there are certain goons who are celebrating Godse, who killed our Mahatma. And these are the same goons who are trying to kill our citizenship, our democracy through SIR. But the youth of this country, the civil society, the cockroaches will not let this happen.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cockroaches are back .. 💪💪💪. Happy Gandhi Jayanthi <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PeacefulProtests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeacefulProtests</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ScrapSIR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ScrapSIR</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SaveDemocracy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveDemocracy</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/justasking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justasking</a> <a href="https://t.co/yEFonpz3KV">pic.twitter.com/yEFonpz3KV</a></p>&mdash; Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) <a href="https://x.com/prakashraaj/status/2105885674012639625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Addressing the pushback over the demonstration at Shivaji Park, Shabana's husband and veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar reacted to concerns regarding noise pollution.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Writing on X, he noted, “I am so happy that some residences of Shivaji Park are getting sensitive about the noise pollution and asking the authorities to cancel the protest of CJP today at Shivaji Park. I am hundred percent sure that they will raise the same objection with the same intensity, if not more when ever there is any jalsa of any political party of Maharashtra is planned at Shivaji Park.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am so happy that some residences of Shivaji park are getting sensitive about the noise pollution and asking the authorities to cancel the protest of CJP today at Shivaji park . I am hundred percent sure that they will raise the same objection with the same intensity if not…</p>&mdash; Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://x.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/2105915149249118588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><h2>What is CJP protesting about?</h2><p>Outlining the CJP’s demands, founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed the crowd and sharply criticised the central government, emphasising that the group was forced to organise another demonstration just two months after their agitation at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue.</p><p> </p><p>Challenging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to send the protesters to jail, the agitation comes in the wake of media reports alleging objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.</p><p> </p><p>According to reports, objections were logged at least 14 times over a 10-month span, with certain orders allegedly issued without their prior knowledge. The Election Commission later clarified that all decisions, including those pertaining to the SIR, were made unanimously by the three-member panel. Meanwhile, police officials stated they were actively monitoring the situation to maintain law and order and keep local traffic flowing smoothly.</p>

On Gandhi Jayanti, veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Jail Bharo’ protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, alongside film fraternity members including Vishal Dadlani, Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj.

Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah were seen participating in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Jail Bharo protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Friday. Both were welcomed on stage by CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke. Azmi addressed the gathering and spoke about the right to vote and backed the organisation's demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The actor, who had earlier taken part in a students' protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, told the crowd that people should protest through democratic means if their names are removed from electoral rolls. The Mumbai gathering also saw several names from the film and music industry, including Vishal Dadlani, Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj. ‘Voting is our right’ Azmi spoke to the reporters before heading to the stage and said, “Voting is our right. If anyone tries to take away our right to vote, we will do what is necessary through democratic means.” She later addressed those gathered at Shivaji Park in Mumbai and said, “A very, very warm greeting to all of you. Since I am from Mumbai, seeing all of you present here in such large numbers brings me immense happiness.” “Our vote is our right, it is our voice, we have been hearing this since childhood. But when our right is snatched away from us, when our names are removed from the electoral rolls, what will we do? We will protest. This is our right. Today, look around and see how far your eyes can reach, this is the victory of democracy. Because we have recognised our own strength, and we have realised that we do not have to tolerate anything wrong, because this is our country, our Constitution has given us this right. So, many congratulations to all of you,” she added.

<p>On Gandhi Jayanti, veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Jail Bharo’ protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, alongside film fraternity members including Vishal Dadlani, Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj.</p>

'Voting is our right': Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah & other celebrities back CJP protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park

<p>Despite a star-studded cast led by Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, Batwara 1947 failed to make an impact at the box office after its Independence Day weekend release. As discussions around the film’s performance continue, Shabana Azmi recently claimed that audiences could not accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim character. Addressing Azmi’s theory about the film’s failure, director Rajkumar Santoshi has also weighed in on the debate.</p><h2>Rajkumar Santoshi reacts to Shabana Azmi's theory on Sunny Deol</h2><p>In a conversation with <i>Variety India, </i>Rajkumar Santoshi addressed Shabana Azmi’s theory for the film’s failure and pointed out that even a superstar like Amitabh Bachchan has played Muslim characters in the past. He said, “It makes no sense to me. Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim hero in Coolie. So many of Manmohan Desai’s films had Muslim heroes. Are we at a point where we cannot accept a hero from another community? We are sensible, good people, educated people. How are they saying there’s a big mistake in the film?”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/you-cannot-accept-sunny-deol-as-a-muslim-shabana-azmi-on-why-batwara-1947-flopped-1787990313495"><strong>'You cannot accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim': Shabana Azmi on why Batwara 1947 flopped</strong></a></p>

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<p>Santoshi also reflected on the changing landscape of cinema and how audience perceptions have evolved over the years. He emphasised that <i>Batwara 1947 </i>should be judged by its story and message, not the religion of its characters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said, “We have become far less tolerant and inclusive as a people. You should look at the filmmaker's intent and what the writer wants to say. I'm a Hindu. I go to the temple. My son's name is Ram. I am not against any faith. But I want to take the best of every faith. Whatever the saints have tried to say about faith, it is always about equality. Hinduism has always been about inclusiveness, not exclusion."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/batwara-1947-sunny-deol-shabana-azmi-s-film-delivers-a-powerful-message-on-secularism-1786701752768"><strong>Batwara 1947 review: Sunny Deol's film delivers a powerful message on secularism</strong></a></p><h2>What's Shabana Azmi's opinion on Batwara 1947's failure?</h2><p>In a conversation with <i>Zoom</i>, the veteran star talked about <i>Batwara 1947’s </i>performance, saying she was surprised to see the film sink at the box office. Azmi said, "Firstly, I am very surprised at the total box office disaster that Batwara 1947 has been because I am surrounded by people who come and tell me they have loved the film. They tell me that they loved the message. A lot of them feel that it is very important to speak about humanity in today’s environment. On the other hand, people didn’t go to the theatre and the ones who did, they walked out with confused reactions."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/awarapan-2-vs-batwara-1947-which-film-is-leading-the-advance-booking-battle-1786634460471"><strong>Awarapan 2 vs Batwara 1947: Which film is leading the advance booking battle?</strong></a></p>

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<p>Explaining her view, she said she was unable to understand this, pointing out how Amitabh Bachchan has comfortably played Muslim characters. She further explained, “The thing is that you cannot accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim character. In Coolie and in many other films, Amitabh Bachchan very comfortably played Muslim characters. In Deewaar, he put 786 and that was accepted. So how do we understand this? Are they creating an environment where such decisions are being taken on purpose? I am not able to understand.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/batwara-1947-cast-revealed-sunny-deol-shabana-azmi-ali-fazal-to-lead-aamir-khan-s-historical-drama-see-posters-1781689579483"><strong>Batwara 1947 cast: Sunny Deol, Ali Fazal to lead Aamir Khan's historical drama</strong></a></p><h2>About Batwara 1947</h2><p><i>Batwara 1947</i> is a historical period drama that marks the reunion of Rajkumar Santoshi and Deol after decades, following their hits <i>Ghatak </i>and <i>Gadar. </i>Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, the story explores the human toll of the 1947 partition of India. It follows Sikander Mirza (Sunny Deol), a businessman forced to leave his home and relocate to Lahore, Pakistan, during the chaos of Partition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The film faced a box office clash with Emraan Hashmi’s <i>Awarapan 2</i>, which marked the franchise’s return after 19 years. Deol’s film earned roughly Rs 53 crore worldwide and has been labelled a commercial failure.</p>

After Shabana Azmi claimed that audiences couldn’t accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim amid Batwara’s box-office failure, director Rajkumar Santoshi responded to the veteran actress’s remarks.

Despite a star-studded cast led by Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi, Batwara 1947 failed to make an impact at the box office after its Independence Day weekend release. As discussions around the film’s performance continue, Shabana Azmi recently claimed that audiences could not accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim character. Addressing Azmi’s theory about the film’s failure, director Rajkumar Santoshi has also weighed in on the debate. Rajkumar Santoshi reacts to Shabana Azmi's theory on Sunny Deol In a conversation with Variety India, Rajkumar Santoshi addressed Shabana Azmi’s theory for the film’s failure and pointed out that even a superstar like Amitabh Bachchan has played Muslim characters in the past. He said, “It makes no sense to me. Amitabh Bachchan played a Muslim hero in Coolie. So many of Manmohan Desai’s films had Muslim heroes. Are we at a point where we cannot accept a hero from another community? We are sensible, good people, educated people. How are they saying there’s a big mistake in the film?” Also Read: 'You cannot accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim': Shabana Azmi on why Batwara 1947 flopped

<p>After Shabana Azmi claimed that audiences couldn’t accept Sunny Deol as a Muslim amid Batwara’s box-office failure, director Rajkumar Santoshi responded to the veteran actress’s remarks.</p>

Did Sunny Deol’s Muslim role cause Batwara 1947 to flop? Rajkumar Santoshi responds to Shabana Azmi

<p>Shabana Azmi has recently offered a candid glimpse into her marriage with Javed Akhtar. The actor and writer-lyricist tied the knot in 1984, and over the years, the two have often been considered one of the most popular couples in the Hindi film industry. During an interview, Shabana revealed that their relationship has had its share of disagreements, just like any other marriage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-shabana-azmi-remembers-guru-dutt-says-i-used-to-find-him-extremely-attractive-665444"><strong> Shabana Azmi remembers Guru Dutt, says 'I used to find him extremely attractive'</strong></a></p><h2>What attracted Azmi to Akhtar</h2><p>Speaking to Zoom, she shared that Javed's intelligence and wit were among the qualities that initially drew her towards him. "What attracted me most about him is his wit and intelligence. He was one of the brightest minds that I have ever met. My father and Javed are very similar. In discovering Javed, I felt I was rediscovering my father. They have exactly the same kind of background. Their parents were progressive writers and were from the communist party. They loved Urdu poetry. Many people thought that ours should have been an arranged marriage. There are huge fights that Javed and I have. It’s not like it’s Hunky Dory. But our friendship is so strong, and our worldview is the same. Our ideologies are the same. That's what I feel is important," the actor said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-shabana-azmi-iconic-films-of-the-veteran-actress-you-must-watch-on-ott-1758192674099"><strong>Happy Birthday Shabana Azmi: Iconic films of the veteran actress you must watch on OTT</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The actor also spoke about Javed's personality, saying, “He is also the person who can be comfortable with any company. He has a very good ability to communicate with people. He is a very fair person, and I respect that a lot in him.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/after-backing-students-at-jantar-mantar-shabana-azmi-diagnosed-with-swine-flu-skips-mumbai-protest-1784956627311"><strong>After backing students at Jantar Mantar, Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu; skips Mumbai protest</strong></a></p><h2>Shabana Azmi on Honey Irani</h2><p>Opening up about her relationship with Irani, Akhtar's former wife, she added, "It was not easy. At that time, we chose to keep quiet. Having gone through that thing, my relationship with Honey Irani is an example of how people can get above their personal hurt and form a bond. Because for me, Honey is like a member of the family. She is like a sibling to Javed. Our relationship is very healthy."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/shabana-azmi-health-deteriorates-at-cjp-protest-suffers-dizziness-report-1784604723878"><strong>Shabana Azmi health deteriorated at CJP protest, suffered dizziness</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Akhtar and Irani were married before he tied the knot with Shabana and shared two children, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Praising Irani, she added, "She never filled the children's ears with hatred against me. She never badmouths her husband in front of their children. She didn't try to divide the children. She is a very sensible person. Because of her generosity and intelligence, it was very easy for me to do it. She is somebody I have deep respect for."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the work front, she was last seen in Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2, which arrived in theatres on the same day, August 14.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Shabana Azmi recently opened up about her marriage to Javed Akhtar and the challenges the couple faced initially. The actor also spoke about her bond with the writer-lyricist's former wife, Honey Irani.  

Shabana Azmi has recently offered a candid glimpse into her marriage with Javed Akhtar. The actor and writer-lyricist tied the knot in 1984, and over the years, the two have often been considered one of the most popular couples in the Hindi film industry. During an interview, Shabana revealed that their relationship has had its share of disagreements, just like any other marriage. Also Read: Shabana Azmi remembers Guru Dutt, says 'I used to find him extremely attractive' What attracted Azmi to Akhtar Speaking to Zoom, she shared that Javed's intelligence and wit were among the qualities that initially drew her towards him. "What attracted me most about him is his wit and intelligence. He was one of the brightest minds that I have ever met. My father and Javed are very similar. In discovering Javed, I felt I was rediscovering my father. They have exactly the same kind of background. Their parents were progressive writers and were from the communist party. They loved Urdu poetry. Many people thought that ours should have been an arranged marriage. There are huge fights that Javed and I have. It’s not like it’s Hunky Dory. But our friendship is so strong, and our worldview is the same. Our ideologies are the same. That's what I feel is important," the actor said. Also Read: Happy Birthday Shabana Azmi: Iconic films of the veteran actress you must watch on OTT The actor also spoke about Javed's personality, saying, “He is also the person who can be comfortable with any company. He has a very good ability to communicate with people. He is a very fair person, and I respect that a lot in him.” Also Read: After backing students at Jantar Mantar, Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu; skips Mumbai protest Shabana Azmi on Honey Irani Opening up about her relationship with Irani, Akhtar's former wife, she added, "It was not easy. At that time, we chose to keep quiet. Having gone through that thing, my relationship with Honey Irani is an example of how people can get above their personal hurt and form a bond. Because for me, Honey is like a member of the family. She is like a sibling to Javed. Our relationship is very healthy." Also Read: Shabana Azmi health deteriorated at CJP protest, suffered dizziness Akhtar and Irani were married before he tied the knot with Shabana and shared two children, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. Praising Irani, she added, "She never filled the children's ears with hatred against me. She never badmouths her husband in front of their children. She didn't try to divide the children. She is a very sensible person. Because of her generosity and intelligence, it was very easy for me to do it. She is somebody I have deep respect for." On the work front, she was last seen in Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2, which arrived in theatres on the same day, August 14.

<p>Shabana Azmi recently opened up about her marriage to Javed Akhtar and the challenges the couple faced initially. The actor also spoke about her bond with the writer-lyricist's former wife, Honey Irani. &nbsp;</p>

Shabana Azmi opens up about marriage to Javed Akhtar, bond with Honey Irani: ‘It was not easy’

<p>Just days after standing in solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, veteran actress Shabana Azmi has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu). The acclaimed actor revealed that her illness prevented her from joining a demonstration in Mumbai. However, her strong support still resonated through a heartfelt message on social media, where she expressed unwavering solidarity with the students and the fight for their rights.</p><h2>Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu</h2><p>Shabana was set to lend her strong support and voice to the Mumbai students' protest at Shivaji Park on Friday. However, the 75-year-old shared a note about her health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with H1N1, widely known as swine flu, and would not be able to mark her presence at the demonstration.</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbM262XomyP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to Instagram, the Neerja actress shared a photograph from the protest and wrote an emotional, heartfelt note addressing the protesters and updating them about her health. Her post read, "My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I’ve come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days. Even so, I want to express my solidarity and appreciation. I’m receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground; many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts. I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity." She concluded her note by referring to her father Kaifi Azmi’s poem titled "Naujawan."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/d4vd-murder-case-prosecutors-say-teen-victim-became-pregnant-had-an-abortion-before-death-1784952799785"><strong>D4vd murder case: Prosecutors say teen victim became pregnant, had an abortion before death</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to several reports, Shabana Azmi’s team has stated that doctors have recommended complete bed rest, as she is suffering from a 102-degree fever and is currently under the supervision of medical experts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/ramayana-at-comic-con-ranbir-kapoor-reveals-why-yash-was-the-perfect-choice-to-play-ravana-1784947341852"><strong>Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor reveals why Yash was the perfect choice to play Ravana</strong></a></p><h2>Shabana Azmi at Jantar Mantar</h2><p>Shabana Azmi spent three days on the ground supporting student protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Arriving on July 19, she joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and participated alongside thousands of students in the “Chalo Sansad march” towards Parliament on July 20.</p>

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<p>Speaking to the media, Azmi said, "All of us who are here have come for a peaceful protest, to exercise the right granted to us by our country's Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi taught us how to conduct a peaceful protest, and we have come here on that very foundation. We have absolutely no intention of causing any kind of violence, and we stand here firmly in that hope."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/paramount-agrees-to-pause-warner-bros-deal-as-states-legal-challenge-heads-to-trial-1784930733813"><strong>Paramount agrees to pause Warner Bros deal</strong></a></p><h2>What is the CJP protest about?</h2><p>Led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), in June 2026, the protests began over the 2026 NEET paper leak and irregularities in the examination system. As a result, several students and activists came forward, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a complete overhaul of the examination system following major paper leaks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/christopher-nolan-s-the-odyssey-in-trouble-viking-ship-owner-claims-studio-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-1784882450948"><strong>The Odyssey in trouble? Viking ship owner in payment dispute with studio</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This led Sonam Wangchuk, a celebrated Indian engineer, innovator, education reformer, and environmentalist from Ladakh, sat on a hunger strike, which he began on June 28 and continued for over three weeks. Wangchuk was forcibly taken to the hospital from the protest site due to severe health complications.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On July 23 (Thursday), activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of his wife and Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh. After receiving an assured commitment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wangchuk's days-long hunger strike has been called off. Earlier, Salman Khan had also made a direct appeal to the activist with his Instagram post, “Sonam, it’s done, bro,"&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu) days after supporting students' protests at Jantar Mantar. She was set to mark her presence at Mumbai's protest too, but the doctors have recommended complete bed rest.

Just days after standing in solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, veteran actress Shabana Azmi has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu). The acclaimed actor revealed that her illness prevented her from joining a demonstration in Mumbai. However, her strong support still resonated through a heartfelt message on social media, where she expressed unwavering solidarity with the students and the fight for their rights. Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu Shabana was set to lend her strong support and voice to the Mumbai students' protest at Shivaji Park on Friday. However, the 75-year-old shared a note about her health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with H1N1, widely known as swine flu, and would not be able to mark her presence at the demonstration.

<p>Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu) days after supporting students' protests at Jantar Mantar. She was set to mark her presence at Mumbai's protest too, but the doctors have recommended complete bed rest.</p>

After backing students at Jantar Mantar, Shabana Azmi diagnosed with swine flu; skips Mumbai protest

<p>As the protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET exam paper leak rages on, many prominent film celebrities have spoken out in support of the movement led by Cockroach Janta Party and condemned the hard police crackdown on demonstrators in the capital on Monday, July 20.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A day after violent confrontation on the streets of Delhi, several actors and singers have backed the students and called for dialogue. Here are some of the celebrities who have extended support to the CJP-led protest and condemned police violence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Diljit Dosanjh</h2><p>Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, who had earlier distanced himself from the protest, on Tuesday criticised the police action against students. "Whatever happened is sad. Students should not be treated like this," the singer posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning. Calling the "voice of the people" the "voice of God", Dosanjh urged authorities to "listen to the students' grievances". Pointing out that he was called "anti-national" for speaking out during the farmers' protest, the singer said he had to suffer a lot and "will again be called anti-national".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/people-s-voice-is-god-s-voice-diljit-dosanjh-reacts-to-student-protest-in-delhi-1784619196920">'People's voice is God's voice': Diljit Dosanjh reacts to student protest</a></p><h2>Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh</h2><p>Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza also expressed solidarity with the protesters and urged that their voices be heard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard - loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation's future. Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and dreams of our young people will shape the India we aspire to build," the couple posted on X.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country.<br>Their voices deserve to be heard — loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation’s future.<br>Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and…</p>&mdash; Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) <a href="https://x.com/Riteishd/status/2079249359523500424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Shabana Azmi</h2><p>The veteran actress was the only prominent celebrity at #SansadChalo protest march in New Delhi on Monday. Azmi stressed that the protest was peaceful and rooted in constitutional values. "All of us who are here have come for a peaceful protest, to exercise the right granted to us by our country's Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi taught us how to conduct a peaceful protest, and we have come here on that very foundation. We have absolutely no intention of causing any kind of violence, and we stand here firmly in that hope," she said.</p>

<p><h2>Prakash Raj</h2><p>A few days back, veteran actor Prakash Raj also spent a day at the Jantar Mantar protest site, showing his solidarity to the protestors and supporting Cockroach Janta Party.</p><p> </p><h2>Huma Qureshi</h2><p>After Monday's action against the protesters, a growing number of celebrities have spoken out against the use of force. Actor Huma Qureshi said the visuals from the protest would stay with her "for a very long time". She said seeing peaceful protesters met with "such brute force and lathis" had left her with "a deep sense of sadness".</p><p> </p></p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBMIejs3w0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBMIejs3w0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBMIejs3w0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Huma Qureshi (@iamhumaq)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>Nandita Das</h2><p>Actor and filmmaker Nandita Das said she stood in solidarity with those who believed democracy was strengthened when people could gather, speak, listen and be heard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Constructive dissent is what keeps a democracy alive," she wrote, adding that she was "in spirit with all those marching peacefully in Delhi for the India we believe in".</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbAN7Rsi_99/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nandita Das (@nanditadasofficial)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>Bhumi Pednekar</h2><p>In a detailed post on Instagram, actor Bhumi Pednekar said violence could not be the answer and urged that the focus remain on students affected by gaps in the education system.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBLwBjiOJp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBLwBjiOJp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbBLwBjiOJp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Bhumi Satish Pednekkar (@bhumisatishpednekkar)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Sonakshi Sinha</h2><p>Sinha had extended her support to activist Sonam Wangchuk last week. Since then Sonakshi has been actively sharing posts in support of the CJP protest. Sinha said protesters had continued to stand by their beliefs despite discomfort and challenges. She urged everyone participating in the planned Parliament march on July 20 to continue raising their voices peacefully.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbCqTXWgipb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbCqTXWgipb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbCqTXWgipb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>Ishaan Khatter</h2><p>Khatter shared an image from the protest that read as, “Loyalty to the government is not patriotism. Loyalty to the constitution is.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Ishaan Khatter's story

<p>Not just Bollywood, but several actors from south India, too have expressed concern over the violence that took place on Monday in what should have been a peaceful march. Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas took to Instagram and shared, "When the future generation of a nation speaks up, and their voices are met with repressive force, it is the future itself that is being stamped down. It is faith in democracy that is being drained away.<br><br>What did these students do wrong? Did they destroy property? Did they resort to violence? What exactly did they do to deserve this treatment?<br><br>To every person protesting for a just cause, peacefully, in any part of our country, I extend my wholehearted solidarity. The right to dissent is not a threat to democracy; in fact it is one of its foundations."</p>

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<p>Parvathy Thiruvothu shared videos of police crackdown on students protesting, questioning the government's lack of apathy for dialogue.&nbsp;</p>

A growing number of celebrities from the film fraternity have been expressing support and solidarity to the CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak controversy. From Shabana Azmi to Huma Qureshi to Diljit to Ishaan Khatter- many have spoken in support of students on social media. 

As the protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET exam paper leak rages on, many prominent film celebrities have spoken out in support of the movement led by Cockroach Janta Party and condemned the hard police crackdown on demonstrators in the capital on Monday, July 20. A day after violent confrontation on the streets of Delhi, several actors and singers have backed the students and called for dialogue. Here are some of the celebrities who have extended support to the CJP-led protest and condemned police violence. Diljit Dosanjh Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, who had earlier distanced himself from the protest, on Tuesday criticised the police action against students. "Whatever happened is sad. Students should not be treated like this," the singer posted on Instagram on Tuesday morning. Calling the "voice of the people" the "voice of God", Dosanjh urged authorities to "listen to the students' grievances". Pointing out that he was called "anti-national" for speaking out during the farmers' protest, the singer said he had to suffer a lot and "will again be called anti-national". Read: 'People's voice is God's voice': Diljit Dosanjh reacts to student protest Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh Actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza also expressed solidarity with the protesters and urged that their voices be heard. "We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard - loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation's future. Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and dreams of our young people will shape the India we aspire to build," the couple posted on X.

<p>A growing number of celebrities from the film fraternity have been expressing support and solidarity to the CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak controversy. From Shabana Azmi to Huma Qureshi to Diljit to Ishaan Khatter- many have spoken in support of students on social media.&nbsp;</p>

Voices deserve to be heard, they are the heartbeat of our democracy: Celebrities back CJP led student protest, condemn police crackdown

<p>Veteran actor Shabana Azmi took part in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s Parliament march. While actively participating in the protest, she reportedly fell ill.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Azmi had volunteered for the protest, which is against the NEET paper leak and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. She has been raising her voice for days ever since Sonam Wangchuk sat on a hunger strike, but on Monday, she stepped out and chose to be part of the protest on the ground.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While there has been no comment released by the actress yet, a video shared by the Instagram handle Tubelight shows the actress being escorted by a group of people inside the building. She reportedly felt dizzy while taking part in the protest on a humid day.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-come-to-us-cjp-resumes-protest-after-parliament-march-violence-calls-meeting-with-nadda-waste-of-time-1784595705612">'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda ‘waste of time’</a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After showering &#39;Firey&#39; kisses on Leftist Neha, Shabana Azmi reportedly experienced dizziness &amp; loose motions as well.<br><br>Sources say it was because of heat &amp; suffocation, but it was raining today. Avg temperature was 28°. Heat kahan se aayi?🤔 <a href="https://t.co/Nl9d1lfLmS">pic.twitter.com/Nl9d1lfLmS</a></p>&mdash; BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) <a href="https://x.com/MumbaichaDon/status/2079243372599054451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Azmi’s health deteriorated while she was out on the roads of the city. However, she received help from fellow protesters, who helped her get inside a building and rest in a security guard’s room, where she was given medical attention.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the video, a girl was seen fanning the actress with a hand fan as students and protesters asked the guard to open the gate and let the veteran actor rest.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protesters-turned-unruly-delhi-police-says-over-118-personnel-injured-during-parliament-march-chaos-1784597306735">Delhi Police says over 118 personnel injured during Parliament march chaos</a></p><h3>Shabana Azmi shares video from truck</h3><p>On July 19, Azmi visited Jantar Mantar, where the protest was held. On July 20, she took part in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and was actively sharing photos and videos from the site. Azmi, along with the actor Prakash Raj and NCP’s Anish Gawande, was in the truck as they, along with other protestors, took part in the protest. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sharing a video of her sitting in a truck, the actress is seen reciting Kaifi Azmi's verse, ‘’Alan e Haq mein khatra e daar o rasan tto hai lekin sawaal ye hai ke daar o rasan ke baad ?''</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sharing the video on her Instagram, she wrote,''Declaring the truth invites the threat of the scaffold and the rope. Yet the real question is: what lies beyond the scaffold and the rope?”</p>

<p>‘’The couplet reflects on the cost of speaking the truth. It acknowledges that standing for truth may lead to persecution or even death (“the gallows and the noose”), but then asks a deeper question: What happens after that? Depending on interpretation, it can suggest that truth outlives oppression, that martyrdom is not the end, or that those who wield punishment cannot ultimately silence the truth.''</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Azmi also shared a photo of herself and actor Prakash Raj as they both sat in a truck&nbsp;</p><p>during the protest march. Sharing the picture, she wrote, "In the truck . The govt has asked to have a dialogue finally. It is a peaceful @protest Jantar Mantar for educational reforms.''<br>&nbsp;</p>

Azmi had volunteered for the protest, which is against the NEET paper leak and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi took part in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s Parliament march. While actively participating in the protest, she reportedly fell ill. Azmi had volunteered for the protest, which is against the NEET paper leak and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. She has been raising her voice for days ever since Sonam Wangchuk sat on a hunger strike, but on Monday, she stepped out and chose to be part of the protest on the ground. While there has been no comment released by the actress yet, a video shared by the Instagram handle Tubelight shows the actress being escorted by a group of people inside the building. She reportedly felt dizzy while taking part in the protest on a humid day. Also read: 'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda ‘waste of time’

<p>On Monday, the National Capital saw thousands of protesters take to the streets as they marched towards Parliament, demanding action over the NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.</p>

Shabana Azmi health deteriorated at CJP protest, suffered dizziness: Report

<p>French&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting India, met personalities from the world of arts and culture in Mumbai on Tuesday. Indian film personalities, including Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan and Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Ke,j met the French President and first lady of France, Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron, in Mumbai and posed for photos.&nbsp;</p><h2>Macron meets Indian actors</h2><p>Macron took to his official X account and shared a series of photos from the meet-up and captioned the image as, “Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together.”</p><p>Director Kanu Behl and French designer Christian Louboutin were also present at the meet-up along with other celebrities.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alongside legends of Indian cinema.<br>Culture brings us together. <a href="https://t.co/ceuen6L4a7">pic.twitter.com/ceuen6L4a7</a></p>&mdash; Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2023708981722575173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><p>Anil Kapoor, who is known globally for films like Slumdog Millionaire and Mission Impossible, shared photos of his meeting with President Macron. </p><p> </p><p>“Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte, exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France. Here’s to India  x France And to many more stories waiting to be told,” Kapoor captioned the images. </p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France.<br><br>Here’s to India 🇮🇳 x France 🇫🇷<br>And to many more stories waiting to be told.… <a href="https://t.co/UkNzhcKxKG">pic.twitter.com/UkNzhcKxKG</a></p>&mdash; Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnilKapoor/status/2023716075163291830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-eyes-major-rafale-expansion-deal-amid-macron-modi-meeting-check-top-agenda-on-table-1771308383211">India eyes major Rafale expansion deal amid Macron-Modi meeting: Check top agenda on table</a></p><h2>Macron’s India visit</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) with First Lady Brigitte Macron for a three-day visit to India. President Macron will meet PM Narendra Modi for bilateral talks focusing especially on a potential multibillion-dollar Dassault Rafale fighter jet deal and cooperation in artificial intelligence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The French President will also participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India on February 18 and 19. Along with bilateral talks, they will also hold discussions on global issues like the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and Gaza.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Anil Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee and other celebrities from the Indian film industry met French President Macron on Tuesday. Macron and his wife are on a three-day visit to India. 

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting India, met personalities from the world of arts and culture in Mumbai on Tuesday. Indian film personalities, including Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan and Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Ke,j met the French President and first lady of France, Brigitte Marie-Claude Macron, in Mumbai and posed for photos. Macron meets Indian actors Macron took to his official X account and shared a series of photos from the meet-up and captioned the image as, “Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together.” Director Kanu Behl and French designer Christian Louboutin were also present at the meet-up along with other celebrities.

<p>Anil Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee and other celebrities from the Indian film industry met French President Macron on Tuesday. Macron and his wife are on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;</p>

French President Emmanuel Macron meets Indian cinema ‘legends’ Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Richa Chadha as he arrives in Mumbai; see pics

<p>Veteran actress Shabana Azmi and celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar rang in Diwali 2025 with an intimate yet grand gathering at their Juhu residence on Monday night. What started as a cozy family get-together soon turned into a vibrant Bollywood soirée filled with laughter, games, and delicious home-cooked food.&nbsp;</p>

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQCxSJeEurO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/happy-birthday-parineeti-chopra-how-an-ambala-girl-who-dreamed-of-finance-found-her-calling-in-bollywood-1761109310467"><strong>Happy Birthday Parineeti Chopra! Recalling her journey in Bollywood</strong></a></p><h2>The star-studded guest list</h2><p>The guest list had close friends and family, including Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Divya Dutta, Tabu, Tanvi Azmi, and Honey Irani. Shabana’s Instagram feed offered fans a peek into the celebrations, especially a rare photo featuring her with niece Tabu and sister-in-law Tanvi Azmi, which quickly went viral.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQC2i9wkpRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQC2i9wkpRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQC2i9wkpRR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kaun-banega-crorepati-17-young-contestant-apologises-days-after-facing-backlash-for-his-behaviour-towards-amitabh-bachchan-1761108237468"><strong>KBC 17 contestant apologises days after facing backlash for his behaviour</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the now-trending photo, Shabana looked radiant in a yellow ethnic suit, while Tabu dazzled in a regal brown-and-gold outfit. Captioning the moment, Shabana wrote, “Happy Diwali everyone. Sandwiched between niece #Tabu and Bhabhi #Tanviazmi on Diwali night. Thank you for the beautiful outfits #Baaraan and #Moonis Ijlal - two outstanding artists turned designers for me!”</p>

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQDbJa8AZgT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/deepika-padukone-and-ranveer-singh-share-first-photos-of-daughter-dua-on-the-occasion-of-diwali-see-pics-1761063080159"><strong>Deepika and Ranveer share FIRST photos of daughter Dua on the occasion of Diwali</strong></a></p><h2>A night of love and laughter</h2><p>Sharing another candid picture from the evening, the veteran actress wrote, “What a lovely moment! The best party is when you also have fun. What started off as a small family Diwali gathering turned into a grand celebration. Happy Diwali to all!”</p>

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP-rmCtARuv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aneet-padda-joins-maddock-s-horror-comedy-universe-in-shakti-shalini-replacing-kiara-advani-1761052337002"><strong>Aneet Padda joins Maddock’s horror-comedy universe in Shakti Shalini</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, the actress also reunited with her ‘Dher Saara Pyar’ gang, Vidya Balan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Dia Mirza, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Shahana Goswami, and Tannishtha Chatterjee, for another heartwarming Diwali get-together. The group celebrated Tannishtha’s recent Busan Award win and her courageous battle with cancer, making the evening even more meaningful.</p><h2>On the work front</h2><p>Shabana Azmi was last seen in the Netflix crime drama “Dabba Cartel” (2025). Before that, she appeared in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” and “Ghoomer.” The acclaimed actress will next feature in “Lahore 1947,” based on Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya Woh Jamiya Nahin.</p>

Shabana Azmi's Diwali party was filled with love, food, and close family friends. Read on to know more. 



Veteran actress Shabana Azmi and celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar rang in Diwali 2025 with an intimate yet grand gathering at their Juhu residence on Monday night. What started as a cozy family get-together soon turned into a vibrant Bollywood soirée filled with laughter, games, and delicious home-cooked food.

<p>Shabana Azmi's Diwali party was filled with love, food, and close family friends. Read on to know more.</p>

Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar host star-studded Diwali bash, Tabu, Farhan, Richa among guests

Shabana Azmi turns 76 today, a veteran and a noble public figure of Bollywood, showing her charm off over the years now. Today is her birthday and we decided to remember her notable movies he gave to the nation, let's look closely at the list now. 

<p>Shabana Azmi turns 76 today. On her special day, we take a look back at her career and commendable work, curating a list of her notable movies that one should definitely watch.</p>

Happy Birthday Shabana Azmi: Iconic films of the veteran actress you must watch on OTT

<p>Veteran actor Shabana Azmi will be honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, recognising her exceptional career spanning 50 years, the organisers announced on Friday.</p>

<p>The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), which organises the film gala every year, will present the award to Azmi on October 18, a press release said.</p>

<p>It will be followed by a masterclass on October 19 with National Award-winning actor Vidya Balan, offering insight into Azmi’s journey and experiences over five decades in the industry, a press release issued here said.</p>

<p>Known for her remarkable contributions to both parallel and mainstream cinema, Azmi started her career with Shyam Benegal's 1974 film "Ankur", followed by critically-acclaimed movies such as "Arth", "Swami", "Sparsh", "Mandi", "Masoom", "Ek Din Achanak", "Godmother", "Earth" and "Fire".</p>

<p>Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said it is a “privilege” to honour an iconic actor like Azmi. The Hindi cinema star is also the founding member of MAMI.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
“Her remarkable versatility and extraordinary body of work over 50 years, beginning with her award-winning debut in ‘Ankur’ in 1974, has enriched the fabric of Indian cinema with some of the most memorable women characters.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
"MAMI had the distinct pleasure of honouring her in 1999 for her remarkable contributions over 25 years, and we are fortunate to continue witnessing her work and celebrate her golden jubilee,” Dungarpur said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The 2024 edition of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is set to take place between October 19 and October 24.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The six-day gala, billed as a celebration of world cinema, community, creativity, and culture, will host a line-up of over 110 films in more than 50 languages, including features and non-features in all genres, from across the world to Mumbai.</p>


Veteran actor Shabana Azmi will be honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, recognising her exceptional career spanning 50 years, the organisers announced on Friday.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi will be honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, recognising her exceptional career spanning 50 years, the organisers announced on Friday. The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), which organises the film gala every year, will present the award to Azmi on October 18, a press release said. It will be followed by a masterclass on October 19 with National Award-winning actor Vidya Balan, offering insight into Azmi’s journey and experiences over five decades in the industry, a press release issued here said. Known for her remarkable contributions to both parallel and mainstream cinema, Azmi started her career with Shyam Benegal's 1974 film "Ankur", followed by critically-acclaimed movies such as "Arth", "Swami", "Sparsh", "Mandi", "Masoom", "Ek Din Achanak", "Godmother", "Earth" and "Fire". Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said it is a “privilege” to honour an iconic actor like Azmi. The Hindi cinema star is also the founding member of MAMI. “Her remarkable versatility and extraordinary body of work over 50 years, beginning with her award-winning debut in ‘Ankur’ in 1974, has enriched the fabric of Indian cinema with some of the most memorable women characters. "MAMI had the distinct pleasure of honouring her in 1999 for her remarkable contributions over 25 years, and we are fortunate to continue witnessing her work and celebrate her golden jubilee,” Dungarpur said. The 2024 edition of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is set to take place between October 19 and October 24. The six-day gala, billed as a celebration of world cinema, community, creativity, and culture, will host a line-up of over 110 films in more than 50 languages, including features and non-features in all genres, from across the world to Mumbai.

Shabana Azmi to receive Excellence in Cinema Award at MAMI Festival

<p>Bollywood star Urmila Matondkar gave a sweet tribute to her screen mother Shabana Azmi on her 74th birthday. Urmila posted&nbsp;a string of photos on Instagram to wish Azmi which included a BTS image from the sets of the 1983 Shekhar Kapur film <em>Masoom.</em> Azmi had played Matondkar's mother in the film which also featured Naseeruddin Shah and Jugal Hansraj.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In her caption, Urmila wrote, “The ‘Maa' that CineMa gave me..and cheesy as it may sound I can always say to anyone ‘Mere paas Maa hai' Happy Birthday dearest Shabanaji. It has been an absolute pleasure n an incredible privilege to have seen you, worked with you, understood n learnt a great deal from you which still continues.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nothing can precisely describe the bond that I share with you which both of us have so carefully woven over almost 4 decades n tremendously cherished. May you continue to brighten our paths n show us the way to love, life n great heights,” she added.</p>

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<p>Shabana Azmi turned&nbsp;74 on September 18.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shabana Azmi and Urmila Matondkar have shared screen space in multiple films including <em>Masoom, Tehzeeb, Karm</em> and <em>Bhavna.</em></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Shabana Azmi rang on her special day in New York with friends. The veteran actress shared a video on Instagram where she would be seen cutting a cake while others sang "Happy Birthday" for her. The side note read, “The birthday celebrations have started right from #New York . Thank you lovely friends.”<br />
<br />
The veteran actress also completed 50 years in the entertainment industry recently. To mark the big achievement, the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2024 will honour the actress' contributions to cinema during its 13th edition.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shabana Azmi was last seen in <em>Ghoomer </em>alongside Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan and in Karan Johar's <em>Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahani</em> alongside Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. She will next appear in <em>Bun Tikki </em>with Abhay Deol and Zeenat Aman.</p>


Bollywood star Urmila Matondkar gave a sweet tribute to her screen mother Shabana Azmi on her 74th birthday. Urmila posted a string of photos on Instagram to wish Azmi which included a BTS image from the sets of the 1983 Shekhar Kapur film Masoom.

Bollywood star Urmila Matondkar gave a sweet tribute to her screen mother Shabana Azmi on her 74th birthday. Urmila posted a string of photos on Instagram to wish Azmi which included a BTS image from the sets of the 1983 Shekhar Kapur film Masoom. Azmi had played Matondkar's mother in the film which also featured Naseeruddin Shah and Jugal Hansraj. In her caption, Urmila wrote, “The ‘Maa' that CineMa gave me..and cheesy as it may sound I can always say to anyone ‘Mere paas Maa hai' Happy Birthday dearest Shabanaji. It has been an absolute pleasure n an incredible privilege to have seen you, worked with you, understood n learnt a great deal from you which still continues.” “Nothing can precisely describe the bond that I share with you which both of us have so carefully woven over almost 4 decades n tremendously cherished. May you continue to brighten our paths n show us the way to love, life n great heights,” she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urmila Matondkar (@urmilamatondkarofficial) × Shabana Azmi turned 74 on September 18. Shabana Azmi and Urmila Matondkar have shared screen space in multiple films including Masoom, Tehzeeb, Karm and Bhavna. Meanwhile, Shabana Azmi rang on her special day in New York with friends. The veteran actress shared a video on Instagram where she would be seen cutting a cake while others sang "Happy Birthday" for her. The side note read, “The birthday celebrations have started right from #New York . Thank you lovely friends.” The veteran actress also completed 50 years in the entertainment industry recently. To mark the big achievement, the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2024 will honour the actress' contributions to cinema during its 13th edition. Shabana Azmi was last seen in Ghoomer alongside Saiyami Kher and Abhishek Bachchan and in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahani alongside Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. She will next appear in Bun Tikki with Abhay Deol and Zeenat Aman.

Urmila Matondkar wishes screen mom Shabana Azmi with a sweet post: The ‘Maa' that CineMa gave me

<p>Veteran actor Shabana Azmi says outrage over cases of crimes against women should not be selective and the society needs to work on the root cause of the menace.</p>

<p>Azmi said there is need to end the patriarchal mindset of the people as sexual assault cases have not decreased since the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case.</p>

<p>The actor attended the roundtable conference on 'Creating a Safer World for Children', organised by Pune-based Gravitas Foundation in association with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday evening.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-threatens-to-topple-modi-government-in-wake-of-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-protests-754165">Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi govt in wake of Kolkata protests</a></p>

<p>At the conference, the veteran was asked to comment on the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata as well as the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur in Maharashtra.</p>

<p>"There has to be an outrage and not just today, the outrage should have taken place way back. And it should not be selective that in one case, it is political... All these incidents are extremely dangerous. If we continue looking (at these incidents) selectively, we won't be able to go to the root. It is all very shameful," Azmi said.</p>

<p>Referring to the brutal gangrape of a physiotherapy intern in Delhi in 2012, the 73-year-old actor said the entire country came together to demand justice for her and after that, the Justice Verma Committee gave many recommendations but still the incidents have not been reduced.</p>

<p>"There is a need to do away with patriarchy and treating women as commodities and think that they also have equal rights. There are strict protocols in such cases and the death penalty has also been awarded in some cases but still the incidents are not decreasing. We need to work on the root cause of these incidents. We need to work on the protocols given by the Justice Verma Committee," Azmi said.</p>

<p>In Kolkata, the body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the RG Kar Medical College on August 9. She was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty, an incident that has sparked protests by doctors and medical students across the country.</p>

<p>Similarly, the Badlapur town in Thane district has been rocked by the sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls by a male attendant at a private school. The incident led to a massive protest, following which the Maharashtra government set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case.</p>

<p>(This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.)</p>


Veteran actor Shabana Azmi says outrage over cases of crimes against women should not be selective and the society needs to work on the root cause of the menace.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi says outrage over cases of crimes against women should not be selective and the society needs to work on the root cause of the menace. Azmi said there is need to end the patriarchal mindset of the people as sexual assault cases have not decreased since the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case. The actor attended the roundtable conference on 'Creating a Safer World for Children', organised by Pune-based Gravitas Foundation in association with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday evening. Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi govt in wake of Kolkata protests At the conference, the veteran was asked to comment on the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata as well as the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur in Maharashtra. "There has to be an outrage and not just today, the outrage should have taken place way back. And it should not be selective that in one case, it is political... All these incidents are extremely dangerous. If we continue looking (at these incidents) selectively, we won't be able to go to the root. It is all very shameful," Azmi said. Referring to the brutal gangrape of a physiotherapy intern in Delhi in 2012, the 73-year-old actor said the entire country came together to demand justice for her and after that, the Justice Verma Committee gave many recommendations but still the incidents have not been reduced. "There is a need to do away with patriarchy and treating women as commodities and think that they also have equal rights. There are strict protocols in such cases and the death penalty has also been awarded in some cases but still the incidents are not decreasing. We need to work on the root cause of these incidents. We need to work on the protocols given by the Justice Verma Committee," Azmi said. In Kolkata, the body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in the RG Kar Medical College on August 9. She was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty, an incident that has sparked protests by doctors and medical students across the country. Similarly, the Badlapur town in Thane district has been rocked by the sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls by a male attendant at a private school. The incident led to a massive protest, following which the Maharashtra government set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case. (This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

'It's very shameful': Shabana Azmi on rise in cases of crimes against women

<p>The Indian Film Festival Melbourne will celebrate 15 years of the film festival with a mega event. The news was announced by the Governor of Victoria,&nbsp;Margaret Gardner AC, at a&nbsp;IFFM industry event held in Mumbai. Among those that attended were Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, IFFM Festival Director, along with various leading films makers, studio heads, stars and stakeholders of the Indian film industry.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
IFFM 2024 will open on August 15, 2024 and will feature all the festival favourites including the Indian Independence Day Celebrations (flag hoisting), IFFM Awards night, IFFM Dance Competition and IFFM Closing Night.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The organisers also announced a new&nbsp;festival initiative called IFFM Baari, which means “House” in Bengali. IFFM Baari will be an inclusive space for founders and leaders from diverse creative industries to engage with emerging creative voices especially from the south Asian communities. The IFFM Baari will be a hub to support, empower and grow exciting and diverse creative narratives, with a variety of events, including a keynote speaker, panel discussions, networking events and comedy. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-members-rm-and-v-begin-their-mandatory-military-service-jimin-and-jung-kook-set-to-follow-suit-668601">BTS members RM and V begin their mandatory military service; Jimin and Jung Kook set to follow suit</a></p>

<p>At the event, veteran actress Shabana Azmi was given the IFFM Excellence Award. While it was announced in 2023, the actress was unable to accept the award at the time. Renowned for her powerful and versatile performances in Indian cinema, Azmi has received multiple accolades including five National Film Awards during her four-decade career.</p>

<p>Speaking of the event and the developments, the governor said, “Founded in 2010, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne brings Victorians together to experience the best of Indian Filmmaking, including the recent screen initiative, known as ‘My Melbourne.' This project has seen the Festival partner with renowned Indian filmmakers to create films reflecting the lived experience of the Indian Diaspora in Melbourne and highlight the diversity of those experiences. We are indeed fortunate to have this rich cultural event in Victoria. “</p>

<p>Shabana Azmi expressed of the honour, “I am so grateful I was here amongst this small yet important gathering of my peers from the industry. I always believe it’s the actors who get all the honours and attention, but I truly believe that actors and films are a result of all the teams behind the camera. I am thankful to every technician, spot boy, light guy, everyone who deserve to be celebrated. I’m grateful to the Governor, the Government of Victoria and IFFM to honour me with the Excellence in Cinema Award”.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
This year will premiere My Melbourne. Set in Melbourne with a local cast and crew, mentored by four of the world’s best film makers – Rima Das, Kabir Khan, Imtiaz and Onir, My Melbourne is a ground-breaking format with four relevant and timely stories celebrates diversity with new films celebrating the LGBTQAI+ community, disability, race and gender.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Working with the motto "a film with you, about you, and for you” the film series aims to authentically reflect the lived experiences and heartfelt stories of the community, drawing inspiration directly from their unique narratives. My Melbourne is a collaboration with Vic Screen and Screen Australia.</p>


The Indian Film Festival Melbourne will celebrate 15 years of the film festival with a mega event. The news was announced by the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at a IFFM industry event held in Mumbai.

The Indian Film Festival Melbourne will celebrate 15 years of the film festival with a mega event. The news was announced by the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at a IFFM industry event held in Mumbai. Among those that attended were Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, IFFM Festival Director, along with various leading films makers, studio heads, stars and stakeholders of the Indian film industry. IFFM 2024 will open on August 15, 2024 and will feature all the festival favourites including the Indian Independence Day Celebrations (flag hoisting), IFFM Awards night, IFFM Dance Competition and IFFM Closing Night. The organisers also announced a new festival initiative called IFFM Baari, which means “House” in Bengali. IFFM Baari will be an inclusive space for founders and leaders from diverse creative industries to engage with emerging creative voices especially from the south Asian communities. The IFFM Baari will be a hub to support, empower and grow exciting and diverse creative narratives, with a variety of events, including a keynote speaker, panel discussions, networking events and comedy. Also read: BTS members RM and V begin their mandatory military service; Jimin and Jung Kook set to follow suit At the event, veteran actress Shabana Azmi was given the IFFM Excellence Award. While it was announced in 2023, the actress was unable to accept the award at the time. Renowned for her powerful and versatile performances in Indian cinema, Azmi has received multiple accolades including five National Film Awards during her four-decade career. Speaking of the event and the developments, the governor said, “Founded in 2010, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne brings Victorians together to experience the best of Indian Filmmaking, including the recent screen initiative, known as ‘My Melbourne.' This project has seen the Festival partner with renowned Indian filmmakers to create films reflecting the lived experience of the Indian Diaspora in Melbourne and highlight the diversity of those experiences. We are indeed fortunate to have this rich cultural event in Victoria. “ Shabana Azmi expressed of the honour, “I am so grateful I was here amongst this small yet important gathering of my peers from the industry. I always believe it’s the actors who get all the honours and attention, but I truly believe that actors and films are a result of all the teams behind the camera. I am thankful to every technician, spot boy, light guy, everyone who deserve to be celebrated. I’m grateful to the Governor, the Government of Victoria and IFFM to honour me with the Excellence in Cinema Award”. This year will premiere My Melbourne. Set in Melbourne with a local cast and crew, mentored by four of the world’s best film makers – Rima Das, Kabir Khan, Imtiaz and Onir, My Melbourne is a ground-breaking format with four relevant and timely stories celebrates diversity with new films celebrating the LGBTQAI+ community, disability, race and gender. Working with the motto "a film with you, about you, and for you” the film series aims to authentically reflect the lived experiences and heartfelt stories of the community, drawing inspiration directly from their unique narratives. My Melbourne is a collaboration with Vic Screen and Screen Australia.

Indian Film Festival Melbourne: Fest to honour Shabana Azmi, premiere Kabir Khan's My Melbourne

<p>Veteran actor Shabana Azmi is hailed as one of the finest in Hindi cinema. Having grown up witnessing the golden era with her father and noted lyricist of that time - Kaifi Azmi, the actress has known Hindi cinema icons very closely.</p>

<p>In an interview with Film Companion’s Anupama Chopra recently, Shabana Azmi spoke about the legendary Guru Dutt, sharing that he was a ‘very shy’ person off camera while narrating inside stories about the actor on a special series titled <em>Golden Era of Hindi Cinema&nbsp;</em>(1948-1965) presented by Google Arts and Culture.<br />
<br />
Shabana Azmi also discussed the making of the iconic song "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam"&nbsp;from Guru Dutt's film <em>Kagaz Ke Phool.</em><br />
&nbsp;<br />
Talking about Guru Dutt, Shabana Azmi shared, “He was very shy and would speak very little. I used to find him extremely attractive but I would just sort of be in and out of the room.”</p>

<p>She further added, “My father said something really amazing. It’s very strange in those days, and in fact, it has started happening now again, you would imagine when a song is being written, a song as beautiful as ‘Waqt Ne Kia Kya Hasi Sitam’ or ‘Bichhre Sabhi Baari Baari’, you would imagine that the words would have been written first and then after that, it would be set to tune. But it wasn’t like that. First, the tune would be made, and then the words would be written. It would be written to the tune. So my father Kaifi Azmi always said it was like ‘as if you first dig a grave and then find a corpse that can fit into that grave. So sometimes the legs come out. Sometimes the head comes out. But people started giving me work because they felt that I was able to dig. He could fit it. I was able to fit corpses into the right grave.’ So that was the thing.”</p>

<p>Shabana Azmi also talked about Guru Dutt and the making of the <em>Kagaz Ke Phool</em>&nbsp;song ''Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam'',&nbsp;composed by SD Burman, sung by Geeta Dutt and penned by Kaifi Azmi.<br />
<br />
She said, “Guru Dutt fell in love with the song and he said that I really want this song. So they said, ‘There is no situation in the film.’ He said, ‘You make the whole song, and I will create the situation. And that’s how this iconic ‘Waqt Ne Kia Kya Haseen Sitam’ was made. Abba said that Guru Dutt had a very, very keen ear for music. See he didn’t know the language (Urdu) very well. There was something quite magical about what he wanted. It’s very interesting because SD Barman is also not known for his understanding of the Urdu language. Neither is Guru Dutt. But then look at the wonderful thing that came out of that era.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on the work front, Shabana Azmi was recently seen in <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani&nbsp;</em>and <em>Ghoomer</em>.</p>


Veteran actor Shabana Azmi is hailed as one of the finest in Hindi cinema. Having grown up witnessing the golden era with her father and noted lyricist of that time - Kaifi Azmi, the actress has known Hindi cinema icons very closely.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi is hailed as one of the finest in Hindi cinema. Having grown up witnessing the golden era with her father and noted lyricist of that time - Kaifi Azmi, the actress has known Hindi cinema icons very closely. In an interview with Film Companion’s Anupama Chopra recently, Shabana Azmi spoke about the legendary Guru Dutt, sharing that he was a ‘very shy’ person off camera while narrating inside stories about the actor on a special series titled Golden Era of Hindi Cinema (1948-1965) presented by Google Arts and Culture. Shabana Azmi also discussed the making of the iconic song "Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam" from Guru Dutt's film Kagaz Ke Phool. Talking about Guru Dutt, Shabana Azmi shared, “He was very shy and would speak very little. I used to find him extremely attractive but I would just sort of be in and out of the room.” She further added, “My father said something really amazing. It’s very strange in those days, and in fact, it has started happening now again, you would imagine when a song is being written, a song as beautiful as ‘Waqt Ne Kia Kya Hasi Sitam’ or ‘Bichhre Sabhi Baari Baari’, you would imagine that the words would have been written first and then after that, it would be set to tune. But it wasn’t like that. First, the tune would be made, and then the words would be written. It would be written to the tune. So my father Kaifi Azmi always said it was like ‘as if you first dig a grave and then find a corpse that can fit into that grave. So sometimes the legs come out. Sometimes the head comes out. But people started giving me work because they felt that I was able to dig. He could fit it. I was able to fit corpses into the right grave.’ So that was the thing.” Shabana Azmi also talked about Guru Dutt and the making of the Kagaz Ke Phool song ''Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam'', composed by SD Burman, sung by Geeta Dutt and penned by Kaifi Azmi. She said, “Guru Dutt fell in love with the song and he said that I really want this song. So they said, ‘There is no situation in the film.’ He said, ‘You make the whole song, and I will create the situation. And that’s how this iconic ‘Waqt Ne Kia Kya Haseen Sitam’ was made. Abba said that Guru Dutt had a very, very keen ear for music. See he didn’t know the language (Urdu) very well. There was something quite magical about what he wanted. It’s very interesting because SD Barman is also not known for his understanding of the Urdu language. Neither is Guru Dutt. But then look at the wonderful thing that came out of that era.” Meanwhile, on the work front, Shabana Azmi was recently seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Ghoomer.

Shabana Azmi remembers Guru Dutt, says 'I used to find him extremely attractive'

<p>Shabana Azmi, a beacon of cinematic brilliance and cultural significance, illuminated the Australian soil with the tri-colour symbolic of India's rich heritage. The occasion was the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, where the iconic actress hosted the flag-hoisting ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shabana Azmi, a globally acclaimed artist, has not only etched her name in Indian cinema but also transcended borders, capturing the hearts of audiences across continents.</p>

<p>Shabana Azmi is set to dazzle the screen in R&nbsp;Balki's highly anticipated film <em>Ghoomer</em> which made its world premiere at the festival. As the tricolour fluttered against the Melbourne skyline, the shared emotions of patriotism and unity resonated strongly with the attendees.</p>

<p><img alt="Shabana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c96ffe75-6657-4c88-a30f-3dd39ece5fdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Your%20paragraph%20text%20-%202023-08-14T142023.449.jpg" /></p>

<p>Commenting on the ceremony, Shabana Azmi said, "To be having this honour to hoist the Indian flag, the flag that I’m so proud of, the flag all of us present today are proud of in Melbourne is an honour I never believed I could have. I would like to reiterate that we are here to celebrate Indian cinema in Melbourne, and I truly believe that art knows no boundaries and cinema can be an instrument for social change”</p>

<p>Azmi was recently lauded for her performance in Karan Johar's <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>where she played Alia Bhatt's grandmother. She was paired opposite Dharmendra in the film and the duo's onscreen kiss became a talking point of the film.&nbsp;</p>


Shabana Azmi, a beacon of cinematic brilliance and cultural significance, illuminated the Australian soil with the tri-colour symbolic of India's rich heritage. The occasion was the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, where the iconic actress hosted the flag-hoisting ceremony.

Shabana Azmi, a beacon of cinematic brilliance and cultural significance, illuminated the Australian soil with the tri-colour symbolic of India's rich heritage. The occasion was the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023, where the iconic actress hosted the flag-hoisting ceremony. Shabana Azmi, a globally acclaimed artist, has not only etched her name in Indian cinema but also transcended borders, capturing the hearts of audiences across continents. Shabana Azmi is set to dazzle the screen in R Balki's highly anticipated film Ghoomer which made its world premiere at the festival. As the tricolour fluttered against the Melbourne skyline, the shared emotions of patriotism and unity resonated strongly with the attendees. Commenting on the ceremony, Shabana Azmi said, "To be having this honour to hoist the Indian flag, the flag that I’m so proud of, the flag all of us present today are proud of in Melbourne is an honour I never believed I could have. I would like to reiterate that we are here to celebrate Indian cinema in Melbourne, and I truly believe that art knows no boundaries and cinema can be an instrument for social change” Azmi was recently lauded for her performance in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani where she played Alia Bhatt's grandmother. She was paired opposite Dharmendra in the film and the duo's onscreen kiss became a talking point of the film.

Shabana Azmi hoists the tricolour in Melbourne ahead of Indian Independence Day

<p>While the world is raving about Dharmendra's performance in the recently released film <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,</em> the veteran actor's son, Sunny Deol has not watched the film yet. Deol, a well-known Bollywood actor himself, is busy promoting his upcoming film <em>Gadar 2. </em></p>

<p>During a recent interview with a new channel, Deol was asked about his father's performance in <em>Rocky Aur Rani </em>to which he revealed that he had not watched the film yet but added that he has heard about his father's kissing scene with Shabana Azmi in the film. The actor added his father can 'carry off everything with humbleness, honesty'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sunny on Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi's kiss</strong><br />
<br />
Sunny Deol told NDTV about Dharmendra, "My dad can do anything and he’s the only actor I would say, who can carry it off. I didn't see it, I have heard about it. I have not watched the film. <em>Filmein itni dekhta nahi hoon main </em>(I don't watch films much). <em>Main khud ki picture kayi baar nahi dekhta </em>(I often don't watch my own films)."<br />
<br />
When asked if he had spoken to his father about his onscreen kiss, Sunny Deol said, "No! I mean how can I talk to my dad about that? He is a personality, <em>who can... kuch bhi cheez carry kar sakte hain woh</em> (He can carry everything)... because of his humbleness, honesty..."<br />
<br />
<strong>About <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em></strong><br />
<br />
Actors Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra play lost lovers in <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,</em> who reunite after years all thanks to their grandchildren– Alia Bhatt's Rani Chatterjee and Ranveer Singh's Rocky Randhawa.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In the film, Jaya Bachchan is seen playing Dharmendra's wife while actors Tota Roy Chowdhury and Churni Ganguly as well as Shabana play Alia's family.<br />
<br />
Shabana and Dharmendra's on-screen kissing scene has been grabbing attention and has been appreciated by many.</p>

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<p><strong>Dharmendra on kissing scene with Shabana</strong><br />
<br />
Last week, during a press event post the release of the film, Dharmendra opened up about his kiss with Shabana Azmi and said that there was no awkwardness during the shoot. He in fact, cheekily, said that it was no big deal for him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“I am hearing that Shabana and I have surprised the audience with the kissing scene, and at the same time, they have even applauded it. I think people weren’t expecting it and it came very suddenly which is why it created an impact. The last time I did a kissing scene was in Life In A Metro with Nafisa Ali and at that time too people had appreciated it," Dharmendra had told a news channel.&nbsp;</p>

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While the world is raving about Dharmendra's performance in the recently released film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the veteran actor's son, Sunny Deol has not watched the film yet.

While the world is raving about Dharmendra's performance in the recently released film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the veteran actor's son, Sunny Deol has not watched the film yet. Deol, a well-known Bollywood actor himself, is busy promoting his upcoming film Gadar 2. During a recent interview with a new channel, Deol was asked about his father's performance in Rocky Aur Rani to which he revealed that he had not watched the film yet but added that he has heard about his father's kissing scene with Shabana Azmi in the film. The actor added his father can 'carry off everything with humbleness, honesty'. Sunny on Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi's kiss Sunny Deol told NDTV about Dharmendra, "My dad can do anything and he’s the only actor I would say, who can carry it off. I didn't see it, I have heard about it. I have not watched the film. Filmein itni dekhta nahi hoon main (I don't watch films much). Main khud ki picture kayi baar nahi dekhta (I often don't watch my own films)." When asked if he had spoken to his father about his onscreen kiss, Sunny Deol said, "No! I mean how can I talk to my dad about that? He is a personality, who can... kuch bhi cheez carry kar sakte hain woh (He can carry everything)... because of his humbleness, honesty..." About Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Actors Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra play lost lovers in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, who reunite after years all thanks to their grandchildren– Alia Bhatt's Rani Chatterjee and Ranveer Singh's Rocky Randhawa. In the film, Jaya Bachchan is seen playing Dharmendra's wife while actors Tota Roy Chowdhury and Churni Ganguly as well as Shabana play Alia's family. Shabana and Dharmendra's on-screen kissing scene has been grabbing attention and has been appreciated by many. Dharmendra on kissing scene with Shabana Last week, during a press event post the release of the film, Dharmendra opened up about his kiss with Shabana Azmi and said that there was no awkwardness during the shoot. He in fact, cheekily, said that it was no big deal for him. “I am hearing that Shabana and I have surprised the audience with the kissing scene, and at the same time, they have even applauded it. I think people weren’t expecting it and it came very suddenly which is why it created an impact. The last time I did a kissing scene was in Life In A Metro with Nafisa Ali and at that time too people had appreciated it," Dharmendra had told a news channel.

Sunny Deol on dad Dharmendra's kissing scene in Rocky Aur Rani: Only actor who can carry it off 

<p>Karan Johar's recent film <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>was appreciated for several things including a gender-bending performance on<em> Dola Re Dola </em>by Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury. Appreciations also came in for legendary actors Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi and their onscreen old-school romance. The two even share an onscreen kiss which has been also gained praise from the audience and critics alike. At the recent success meet of the film in Mumbai, veteran actor Dharmendra's reaction to the kiss left everyone in splits.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
When Dharmendra was asked about the viral kiss, the Sholay actor simply said, "<em>Yeh toh mere baayen haath ka khel hai&nbsp;</em>(This is such an easy task for me)," which left everyone in the room - including his co-actors from the film - in splits.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The veteran actor continued with his quick repartees and described his experience of working in the film as "<em>bohut maza aaya</em> (had a great deal of fun)," and "<em>Jab jab mauka milta hai, chhakka maar deta hoon</em> (whenever I get an opportunity, I make full use of it)."<br />
<br />
Besides narrating about his time on the set, Dharmendra was also all praise&nbsp;for director Karan Johar and co-star Ranveer Singh. He said, “<em>Captain achchha ho to team khub khelti hai </em>(If the captain is good, the team is bound to play well. When I heard the story, I felt this was something new. I enjoyed every bit of working with this unit."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Ranveer is a very good actor and a very emotional person" said Dharmendra about his onscreen grandson.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>has been doing good business at the box office, inching towards Rs 100 crore (1 billion) at the domestic box office. The film has received mostly good reviews with WION's Shomini Sen calling it a predictable but fun family entertainer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"There is a lot of cultural appropriation in the film and both Punjabis and Bengalis are shown with a generic lens. But the director and writers call out both communities fairly, the Punjabis for their lack of awareness and the Bengalis for their unnecessary stiff upper lip. The dialogues land on most occasions, but there are the occasional slips," writes Sen in her review. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-rocky-aur-rani-kii-prem-kahaani-review-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatt-shine-in-a-predictable-fun-family-film-620135">Read full review here</a><br />
<br />
<em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was&nbsp;</em>released on 28 July and marked Karan Johar's return as a director after seven long years.</p>

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Karan Johar's recent film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was appreciated for several things including a gender-bending performance on Dola Re Dola by Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury.

Karan Johar's recent film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was appreciated for several things including a gender-bending performance on Dola Re Dola by Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury. Appreciations also came in for legendary actors Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi and their onscreen old-school romance. The two even share an onscreen kiss which has been also gained praise from the audience and critics alike. At the recent success meet of the film in Mumbai, veteran actor Dharmendra's reaction to the kiss left everyone in splits. When Dharmendra was asked about the viral kiss, the Sholay actor simply said, "Yeh toh mere baayen haath ka khel hai (This is such an easy task for me)," which left everyone in the room - including his co-actors from the film - in splits. The veteran actor continued with his quick repartees and described his experience of working in the film as "bohut maza aaya (had a great deal of fun)," and "Jab jab mauka milta hai, chhakka maar deta hoon (whenever I get an opportunity, I make full use of it)." Besides narrating about his time on the set, Dharmendra was also all praise for director Karan Johar and co-star Ranveer Singh. He said, “Captain achchha ho to team khub khelti hai (If the captain is good, the team is bound to play well. When I heard the story, I felt this was something new. I enjoyed every bit of working with this unit." "Ranveer is a very good actor and a very emotional person" said Dharmendra about his onscreen grandson. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has been doing good business at the box office, inching towards Rs 100 crore (1 billion) at the domestic box office. The film has received mostly good reviews with WION's Shomini Sen calling it a predictable but fun family entertainer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani) × "There is a lot of cultural appropriation in the film and both Punjabis and Bengalis are shown with a generic lens. But the director and writers call out both communities fairly, the Punjabis for their lack of awareness and the Bengalis for their unnecessary stiff upper lip. The dialogues land on most occasions, but there are the occasional slips," writes Sen in her review. Read full review here Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was released on 28 July and marked Karan Johar's return as a director after seven long years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dharmendra reacts to his onscreen kiss with Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

<p>From addressing gender roles and patriarchy to body positivity- Karan Johar's <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em> is being lauded for its fresh take on family drama. "It's an upgrade on family dramas," quips writer Ishita Moitra. She has written the dialogues and co-written the screenplay along with Shashank Khaitan and Sudeep Roy for <em>Rocky Aur Rani. </em>For those who have been loving Ranveer's hilarious English in the film, Ishita Moitra is the person they should be lauding.</p>

<p>During a chat with WION, Moitra spoke at length about the film that is currently making waves for its entertainment and relevant messaging. The writer credits the film's director Karan Johar for having a very clear vision of how he wanted each of his characters to be. While writing the character of Rocky Randhawa, Ishita recalls she was told that he is the male version of Poo from Johar’s iconic <em>Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham</em> or Geet from <em>Jab We Met.</em></p>

<p>“We've seen women do these characters very well. They are iconic characters. Karan wanted that, wanted to turn it on its head. And we knew that Ranveer was going to do this. There’s nobody else who could have pulled it off with this much elan as he did.”</p>

<p>Ranveer Singh’s performance as Rocky Randhawa has been lauded by one and all. The actor plays the role of a loud Delhi boy from a rich business family who falls in love with a feisty, feminist Bengali girl, Rani Chatterjee played by Alia Bhatt.</p>

<h2>‘Ranveer is a chameleon’</h2>

<p>Moitra was all praise for the lead cast. When pointed out that Singh caught the Delhi lingo quite accurately, Moitra pointed out that it's not new for the actor to adapt to his characters. “He is a chameleon really. Whether he had to use a Marathi accent in <em>Bajirao Mastani</em> or the Gujju accent in <em>Jayeshbahi Jordaar</em>, he can do anything,” said Moitra.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-rocky-aur-rani-kii-prem-kahaani-review-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatt-shine-in-a-predictable-fun-family-film-620135">Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt shine in a predictable, fun family film</a></strong></p>

<p>As a viewer, Moitra admits she found more joy in watching Ranveer emote in between the lines. “If you remember the scene where Alia points out that whatever they had was consensual, the expression Ranveer has on his face before he says ‘Can you repeat?’ Or the laundry scene with Churni Ganguly, who plays Alia’s mother, and he goes ‘<em>Aunty aap Rani ki Mummy hai’</em>- all these expressions, the faces he made were hilarious. I think it's just fabulous what he's managed to do in the film,” said Moitra. "And Alia is Alia Bhatt. She can pull off almost anything,” added the writer.</p>

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<h2>‘The Kathak scene was Karan’s idea’</h2>

<p>"So the idea of Rani's father being a Kathak dancer was Karan’s. And the two dance sequences also, he knew what he wanted," revealed Moitra. She pointed out how Rani’s father Chandan and Rocky were similar just that they were from different ends of the spectrum.</p>

<p>“They both love to dance. They both have fathers who judge them. And yet they are from two different ends of the spectrum, even in terms of masculinity,” said Moitra.</p>

<p>“The two dance performances were pretty much like, I mean, even at the story level, it was something that we wanted to do. We thought a few times about what song it should be, etc. And then <em>Dola re Dola</em> was just perfect, especially because it was a Durga Puja setting. It all germinated from Karan's heart because this is the family drama that he knew what he wanted to put forth.”</p>

<h2>Favourite scene from <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em></h2>

<p>Being from an Army background, Ishita Moitra said she had lived in Amritsar and Delhi and was familiar with Punjabi and her mother tongue is Bengali. So bringing the essence of Delhi lingo was not so difficult for her. She admits that Ranveer’s meltdown scene where he talks of the cancel culture and apologises to Tota Roy Choudhury’s character was the toughest to write and added was her favourite scene in the film because of the way it was implemented.</p>

<p>“The cancel culture scene is an absolute favourite because it took me a while to write it.” Since the scene involved Ranveer first apologising and then talking about his personal issues and then cancel culture, Ishita says the conversation had to be free-flowing. “The conversation had to move organically from one topic to the other. At the same time, it had to be emotional. At the same time, it has to be funny. You have to use words like, what a bad, what a worst, what a shame. But it can't make people laugh. It should still make people emotional. Cracking that was hard. And eventually, once that was written out, I think Karan was also pretty happy with it. And then I think Rocky crushed it. He took it to another level with his performance.”</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6mdxy3zohEk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Moitra was also all praise&nbsp;for the supporting cast. She revealed how Tota Roy Chowdhury took only 35 classes to ace that Kathak performance, Shabana Azmi sang a Tagore song with absolute perfection and how Churni Ganguly brought the essence of a snob English professor correctly. ‘Shabana Ma’am is a masterclass in acting,” said Moitra admiringly.</p>

<p>Moitra was also all praise&nbsp;for Karan Johar and Dharma Production. Calling Johar a living legend, Moitra said that the creative freedom and respect that writers get working for Dharma is unmatched. “Working with Karan has been incredible. He is so democratic, such an intelligent man and open to feedback.“ Moitra came on board&nbsp;<em>Rocky Aur Rani </em>because of her Delhi background and because she is a Bengali. “I first wrote a script for a film that Anand Tiwari is directing and stars Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri and Amy Wirk. <em>Rocky Aur Rani</em> is my second project with Dharma.”</p>

<h2>On being compared to <em>Vicky Donor</em></h2>

<p>Ishita Moitra said while <em>Vicky Donor </em>and <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>had a similar backdrop, the films are not similar. “Rocky Aur Rani is not so much about diverse cultures as much as it is about rising above the differences and believing in the goodness of people,” she pointed out.</p>

<p>A certain section on social media also felt that the film’s wedding sequence and proposal sequences were lifted from a popular Indian TV show called <em>Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. </em>Was Moitra aware of it? “I think it’s a happy coincidence. I don’t think Karan would have watched the show. I am aware of the show- I know it’s a successful show but had no idea about the sequences."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The parallel🔥<br />
Shadi so grand that it actually looked like bollywood shadi,<br />
1 yr later cn't believe we'll hv a parallel of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhiRa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhiRa</a> Great Grand Wedding 🫶🏻💕🥺<br />
Indeed abhira wedding is d greatest itv wedding ever🫶🏻❤️‍🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarshadChopda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarshadChopda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranaliRathod?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranaliRathod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani</a> <a href="https://t.co/LSDuLrtn09">pic.twitter.com/LSDuLrtn09</a></p>
— abhirayrkkh🇮🇳( AbhiRa 'THE IDIOTS') (@genextharshali) <a href="https://twitter.com/genextharshali/status/1676220637139054592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Moitra who worked on TV (<em>Bade Achhe Lagte Hai</em>) and OTT (<em>Four More Shots! Please</em>) says the magic of seeing one’s name appear on the big screen in a dark theatre is unmatched. Moitra has written dialogues for films like <em>Shakuntala Devi. </em>“The thrill of the big screen is unmatched. Nothing can beat the excitement you get at seeing your name appear on the big screen,” says the writer.</p>

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<h2>On writer's strike in Hollywood</h2>

<p>When Moitra was asked to comment on the current writers' strike in Hollywood and if she saw something similar happening in India in the near future, she said that first, the writers association in India was trying to get basic contracts in place. Moitra revealed that in many cases there is no contract for the writers and hence no standard pay structure exist. The association is trying to get that corrected. Minimum wages that every writer should be paid needs to be set first, argued the writer and added, “Sometimes writers don’t even get credits properly. So we need to get the basics right. What Hollywood is protesting and the way actors are picketing is incredible but we first need to get basics rights.”</p>

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From addressing gender roles and patriarchy to body positivity- Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is being lauded for its fresh take on family drama.

From addressing gender roles and patriarchy to body positivity- Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is being lauded for its fresh take on family drama. "It's an upgrade on family dramas," quips writer Ishita Moitra. She has written the dialogues and co-written the screenplay along with Shashank Khaitan and Sudeep Roy for Rocky Aur Rani. For those who have been loving Ranveer's hilarious English in the film, Ishita Moitra is the person they should be lauding. During a chat with WION, Moitra spoke at length about the film that is currently making waves for its entertainment and relevant messaging. The writer credits the film's director Karan Johar for having a very clear vision of how he wanted each of his characters to be. While writing the character of Rocky Randhawa, Ishita recalls she was told that he is the male version of Poo from Johar’s iconic Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham or Geet from Jab We Met. “We've seen women do these characters very well. They are iconic characters. Karan wanted that, wanted to turn it on its head. And we knew that Ranveer was going to do this. There’s nobody else who could have pulled it off with this much elan as he did.” Ranveer Singh’s performance as Rocky Randhawa has been lauded by one and all. The actor plays the role of a loud Delhi boy from a rich business family who falls in love with a feisty, feminist Bengali girl, Rani Chatterjee played by Alia Bhatt. ‘Ranveer is a chameleon’ Moitra was all praise for the lead cast. When pointed out that Singh caught the Delhi lingo quite accurately, Moitra pointed out that it's not new for the actor to adapt to his characters. “He is a chameleon really. Whether he had to use a Marathi accent in Bajirao Mastani or the Gujju accent in Jayeshbahi Jordaar, he can do anything,” said Moitra. Also read: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt shine in a predictable, fun family film As a viewer, Moitra admits she found more joy in watching Ranveer emote in between the lines. “If you remember the scene where Alia points out that whatever they had was consensual, the expression Ranveer has on his face before he says ‘Can you repeat?’ Or the laundry scene with Churni Ganguly, who plays Alia’s mother, and he goes ‘Aunty aap Rani ki Mummy hai’- all these expressions, the faces he made were hilarious. I think it's just fabulous what he's managed to do in the film,” said Moitra. "And Alia is Alia Bhatt. She can pull off almost anything,” added the writer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by misschamko (@_ishita_moitra_) × ‘The Kathak scene was Karan’s idea’ "So the idea of Rani's father being a Kathak dancer was Karan’s. And the two dance sequences also, he knew what he wanted," revealed Moitra. She pointed out how Rani’s father Chandan and Rocky were similar just that they were from different ends of the spectrum. “They both love to dance. They both have fathers who judge them. And yet they are from two different ends of the spectrum, even in terms of masculinity,” said Moitra. “The two dance performances were pretty much like, I mean, even at the story level, it was something that we wanted to do. We thought a few times about what song it should be, etc. And then Dola re Dola was just perfect, especially because it was a Durga Puja setting. It all germinated from Karan's heart because this is the family drama that he knew what he wanted to put forth.” Favourite scene from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Being from an Army background, Ishita Moitra said she had lived in Amritsar and Delhi and was familiar with Punjabi and her mother tongue is Bengali. So bringing the essence of Delhi lingo was not so difficult for her. She admits that Ranveer’s meltdown scene where he talks of the cancel culture and apologises to Tota Roy Choudhury’s character was the toughest to write and added was her favourite scene in the film because of the way it was implemented. “The cancel culture scene is an absolute favourite because it took me a while to write it.” Since the scene involved Ranveer first apologising and then talking about his personal issues and then cancel culture, Ishita says the conversation had to be free-flowing. “The conversation had to move organically from one topic to the other. At the same time, it had to be emotional. At the same time, it has to be funny. You have to use words like, what a bad, what a worst, what a shame. But it can't make people laugh. It should still make people emotional. Cracking that was hard. And eventually, once that was written out, I think Karan was also pretty happy with it. And then I think Rocky crushed it. He took it to another level with his performance.” Moitra was also all praise for the supporting cast. She revealed how Tota Roy Chowdhury took only 35 classes to ace that Kathak performance, Shabana Azmi sang a Tagore song with absolute perfection and how Churni Ganguly brought the essence of a snob English professor correctly. ‘Shabana Ma’am is a masterclass in acting,” said Moitra admiringly. Moitra was also all praise for Karan Johar and Dharma Production. Calling Johar a living legend, Moitra said that the creative freedom and respect that writers get working for Dharma is unmatched. “Working with Karan has been incredible. He is so democratic, such an intelligent man and open to feedback.“ Moitra came on board Rocky Aur Rani because of her Delhi background and because she is a Bengali. “I first wrote a script for a film that Anand Tiwari is directing and stars Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri and Amy Wirk. Rocky Aur Rani is my second project with Dharma.” On being compared to Vicky Donor Ishita Moitra said while Vicky Donor and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani had a similar backdrop, the films are not similar. “Rocky Aur Rani is not so much about diverse cultures as much as it is about rising above the differences and believing in the goodness of people,” she pointed out. A certain section on social media also felt that the film’s wedding sequence and proposal sequences were lifted from a popular Indian TV show called Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Was Moitra aware of it? “I think it’s a happy coincidence. I don’t think Karan would have watched the show. I am aware of the show- I know it’s a successful show but had no idea about the sequences." The parallel🔥 Shadi so grand that it actually looked like bollywood shadi, 1 yr later cn't believe we'll hv a parallel of #AbhiRa Great Grand Wedding 🫶🏻💕🥺 Indeed abhira wedding is d greatest itv wedding ever🫶🏻❤️‍🔥#HarshadChopda #PranaliRathod #RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani pic.twitter.com/LSDuLrtn09 — abhirayrkkh🇮🇳( AbhiRa 'THE IDIOTS') (@genextharshali) July 4, 2023 × Moitra who worked on TV (Bade Achhe Lagte Hai) and OTT (Four More Shots! Please) says the magic of seeing one’s name appear on the big screen in a dark theatre is unmatched. Moitra has written dialogues for films like Shakuntala Devi. “The thrill of the big screen is unmatched. Nothing can beat the excitement you get at seeing your name appear on the big screen,” says the writer. On writer's strike in Hollywood When Moitra was asked to comment on the current writers' strike in Hollywood and if she saw something similar happening in India in the near future, she said that first, the writers association in India was trying to get basic contracts in place. Moitra revealed that in many cases there is no contract for the writers and hence no standard pay structure exist. The association is trying to get that corrected. Minimum wages that every writer should be paid needs to be set first, argued the writer and added, “Sometimes writers don’t even get credits properly. So we need to get the basics right. What Hollywood is protesting and the way actors are picketing is incredible but we first need to get basics rights.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: Kathak sequence was Karan's idea: Ishita Moitra on writing Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

<p><strong>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: </strong>Let's agree to this once and for all. Karan Johar makes the best family dramas in Bollywood. At the onset, his latest film, <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>may look like a love story but it is actually a story of two families from very diverse backgrounds coming together and adjusting to each other as their children fall in love. In his previous films, Johar talked about dysfunctional families, adultery, unrequited love and loving parents. All these films have had family dramas as the backdrop. His latest is an amalgamation of all these but unlike his previous films, R<em>ocky Aur&nbsp;Rani</em> also put in relevant messages on patriarchy, misogyny, sexism and much more in the nearly three-hour-long film.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The plot of <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em></strong><br />
<br />
Billed as a big-budget multi-starrer summer entertainer,<em> Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em> is quintessentially Bollywood in every sense of the term. Amid all the <em>showsha,</em> dialogue <em>baazi </em>lies a story of two very different people falling for each other. The lead pair is as different as chalk and cheese. He is a loud Punjabi boy from a conservative business family in Delhi while she is a successful TV journalist from a liberal, creative and modern-thinking Bengali family. One would never expect the two to fall in love and yet they do. Rocky (Ranveer Singh) reaches out to Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt) to help his grandfather (veteran actor Dharmendra) reconnect with his old flame, Rani's grandmother (Shabana Azmi). Rocky and Rani end up meeting regularly on the pretext of making their grandparents meet and fall in love.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Rocky falls first while Rani keeps calling it a fling as she can't fathom why would her heart yearn for a man who doesn't match her intellectual levels and doesn't know where West Bengal is located on the India map (he says in the West, obvio!). Yet, the heart does what the heart wants. The problem starts when they, after accepting their feelings for each other, realise that their families are very different and would never agree to their alliance. And so they decide to swap their homes. Rani goes to stay at the Randhawa Palace, where Dhanlakshmi Randhawa (Jaya Bachchan), Rocky's authoritative grandmother rules the household and Rocky goes to stay at the Chatterjee Villa where the gender roles are not so clearly defined. Rani's father (Tota Roychoudhury) is a dancer and mother (Churni Ganguly) is an English professor .</p>

<p><strong>The writing<br />
&nbsp;</strong><br />
Johar's families and their homes are always larger than life. <em>Rocky Aur Rani </em>in that sense is no different but writers Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan and Sudip Roy include conversations on mysogny, feminism, racism, body positivity and patriarchy within the two families. These make the film rather a hatke Johar film which is refreshing in every possible way. It helps that the dialogues, written by Moitra, are pretty on point and take ample jibes at both communities.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
There is a lot of cultural appropriation in the film and both Punjabis and Bengalis are shown with a generic lens. But the director and writers call out both communities fairly, the Punjabis for their lack of awareness and the Bengalis for their unnecessary&nbsp;stiff upper lip. The dialogues land on most occasions, but there are the occasional slips. A scene on how women should be treated equally is done in the most bizarre way at a lingerie shop which seems so out of place. Then there is a scene where Rani takes the higher moral ground and in a very elaborate way makes the Randhawas understand the concept of gender equality.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6mdxy3zohEk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
A decade ago, Shoojit Sircar's <em>Vicky Donor </em>had a similar premise- a Punjabi boy falling for a Bengali girl and their respective families taking their time to adjust to their cultural differences. The film's scenes were far more realistic&nbsp;and hence impactful. Rocky Aur Rani does not create the same impact because the premise may be similar but it has got Johar's opulence and unrealism written all over it.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>The cast of <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em></strong></p>

<p>Ranveer and Alia, the lead pair salvage a predictable script credibly. Alia looks stunning and plays the confidant, perfect Rani very well who is feisty and is the voice for those who need one. It is not a very complex role, especially for the incredibly talented &nbsp;Alia. She shines irrespective of the role, she owns Rani like it's an extension of herself.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Ranveer on the other hand sinks his teeth and flexes his muscles as Rocky Randhawa. Ranveer had made splashing debut years back as the Delhi boy in <em>Band Baaja Baraat</em>- he was so good that most thought he actually belonged to Delhi. Ranveer gets to play a richer version of his debut role in <em>Rocky Aur Rani </em>and owns his part. I feel Ranveer's role was more difficult to play on screen than ALia's but the actor, known for his versatality, nails it. Rocky is over the top in the beginning but has layers to his character where he wants to adapt to Rani's culture and unlearn a few things on the way just to be accepted by her family. Yet, he is also clear about his own culture and his roots. The buffonnery, the maturity to adapt and accept and some graceful Kathak movements make Rocky a lovable guy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Because it’s a Karan Johar film, he gets stalwarts like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan in supporting cast. Bachchan has collaborated with Johar in films like <em>Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham</em> and <em>Kal Ho Naa Ho</em> where she&nbsp; has played docile, submissive characters. In <em>Rocky Aur Rani </em>she is strikingly different and authoritative with shades of grey added. Bachchan soars in her role as an angry old woman- a tag that she has attained from media in real life as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="b" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f77ce24-bbf3-4432-a159-e38d91d60d71" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-28T101510.742.jpg" /><br />
<br />
It's refreshing to see Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra romancing each other. They even indulge in PDA on screen - a rarity for Hindi cinema, and their &nbsp;scenes have old classics &nbsp;playing in the background, which make the sequences extra special.<br />
<br />
Amir Bashir, Kshitee Jog, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly play the parents. All well-known faces and credible actors, they are cast perfectly and do justice to their roles. Watch out for the Durga Puja scene where Johar gives a hat tip to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's famous "Dola Re Dola" song from <em>Devdas</em> in his own style.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The length of the film&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
The film is tad too long. At two hours 48 minutes, it stretches on a bit too much with unnecessary scenes in the first half and a few melodramatic ones in the second half. It also is ultimately a very predictable story. The stereotypes, the way in which the story unfolds, and even the climax have a sense of familiarity. Some of the shots will remind you of <em>Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham</em>- Johar's other big budget, multi-starrer family drama.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Despite the predictability and its duration, <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em> is a wholesome family movie. It touches upon relevant topics but doesn't delve deeper and keeps entertainment as its primary focus. It's light, fun and just the kind of film that you would want to watch with your entire family. Go for it!&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: Let's agree to this once and for all. Karan Johar makes the best family dramas in Bollywood. At the onset, his latest film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani may look like a love story but it is actually a story of two families from very diverse backgrounds coming together and adjusting to each other as their children fall in love.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: Let's agree to this once and for all. Karan Johar makes the best family dramas in Bollywood. At the onset, his latest film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani may look like a love story but it is actually a story of two families from very diverse backgrounds coming together and adjusting to each other as their children fall in love. In his previous films, Johar talked about dysfunctional families, adultery, unrequited love and loving parents. All these films have had family dramas as the backdrop. His latest is an amalgamation of all these but unlike his previous films, Rocky Aur Rani also put in relevant messages on patriarchy, misogyny, sexism and much more in the nearly three-hour-long film. The plot of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Billed as a big-budget multi-starrer summer entertainer, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is quintessentially Bollywood in every sense of the term. Amid all the showsha, dialogue baazi lies a story of two very different people falling for each other. The lead pair is as different as chalk and cheese. He is a loud Punjabi boy from a conservative business family in Delhi while she is a successful TV journalist from a liberal, creative and modern-thinking Bengali family. One would never expect the two to fall in love and yet they do. Rocky (Ranveer Singh) reaches out to Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt) to help his grandfather (veteran actor Dharmendra) reconnect with his old flame, Rani's grandmother (Shabana Azmi). Rocky and Rani end up meeting regularly on the pretext of making their grandparents meet and fall in love. Rocky falls first while Rani keeps calling it a fling as she can't fathom why would her heart yearn for a man who doesn't match her intellectual levels and doesn't know where West Bengal is located on the India map (he says in the West, obvio!). Yet, the heart does what the heart wants. The problem starts when they, after accepting their feelings for each other, realise that their families are very different and would never agree to their alliance. And so they decide to swap their homes. Rani goes to stay at the Randhawa Palace, where Dhanlakshmi Randhawa (Jaya Bachchan), Rocky's authoritative grandmother rules the household and Rocky goes to stay at the Chatterjee Villa where the gender roles are not so clearly defined. Rani's father (Tota Roychoudhury) is a dancer and mother (Churni Ganguly) is an English professor . The writing Johar's families and their homes are always larger than life. Rocky Aur Rani in that sense is no different but writers Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan and Sudip Roy include conversations on mysogny, feminism, racism, body positivity and patriarchy within the two families. These make the film rather a hatke Johar film which is refreshing in every possible way. It helps that the dialogues, written by Moitra, are pretty on point and take ample jibes at both communities. There is a lot of cultural appropriation in the film and both Punjabis and Bengalis are shown with a generic lens. But the director and writers call out both communities fairly, the Punjabis for their lack of awareness and the Bengalis for their unnecessary stiff upper lip. The dialogues land on most occasions, but there are the occasional slips. A scene on how women should be treated equally is done in the most bizarre way at a lingerie shop which seems so out of place. Then there is a scene where Rani takes the higher moral ground and in a very elaborate way makes the Randhawas understand the concept of gender equality. A decade ago, Shoojit Sircar's Vicky Donor had a similar premise- a Punjabi boy falling for a Bengali girl and their respective families taking their time to adjust to their cultural differences. The film's scenes were far more realistic and hence impactful. Rocky Aur Rani does not create the same impact because the premise may be similar but it has got Johar's opulence and unrealism written all over it. The cast of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Ranveer and Alia, the lead pair salvage a predictable script credibly. Alia looks stunning and plays the confidant, perfect Rani very well who is feisty and is the voice for those who need one. It is not a very complex role, especially for the incredibly talented Alia. She shines irrespective of the role, she owns Rani like it's an extension of herself. Ranveer on the other hand sinks his teeth and flexes his muscles as Rocky Randhawa. Ranveer had made splashing debut years back as the Delhi boy in Band Baaja Baraat- he was so good that most thought he actually belonged to Delhi. Ranveer gets to play a richer version of his debut role in Rocky Aur Rani and owns his part. I feel Ranveer's role was more difficult to play on screen than ALia's but the actor, known for his versatality, nails it. Rocky is over the top in the beginning but has layers to his character where he wants to adapt to Rani's culture and unlearn a few things on the way just to be accepted by her family. Yet, he is also clear about his own culture and his roots. The buffonnery, the maturity to adapt and accept and some graceful Kathak movements make Rocky a lovable guy. Because it’s a Karan Johar film, he gets stalwarts like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan in supporting cast. Bachchan has collaborated with Johar in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho where she has played docile, submissive characters. In Rocky Aur Rani she is strikingly different and authoritative with shades of grey added. Bachchan soars in her role as an angry old woman- a tag that she has attained from media in real life as well. It's refreshing to see Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra romancing each other. They even indulge in PDA on screen - a rarity for Hindi cinema, and their scenes have old classics playing in the background, which make the sequences extra special. Amir Bashir, Kshitee Jog, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly play the parents. All well-known faces and credible actors, they are cast perfectly and do justice to their roles. Watch out for the Durga Puja scene where Johar gives a hat tip to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's famous "Dola Re Dola" song from Devdas in his own style. The length of the film The film is tad too long. At two hours 48 minutes, it stretches on a bit too much with unnecessary scenes in the first half and a few melodramatic ones in the second half. It also is ultimately a very predictable story. The stereotypes, the way in which the story unfolds, and even the climax have a sense of familiarity. Some of the shots will remind you of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham- Johar's other big budget, multi-starrer family drama. Despite the predictability and its duration, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a wholesome family movie. It touches upon relevant topics but doesn't delve deeper and keeps entertainment as its primary focus. It's light, fun and just the kind of film that you would want to watch with your entire family. Go for it!

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt shine in a predictable, fun family film

<p>Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has been busy with his upcoming film, <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em>. Nevertheless, how could he forget his lead Rocky aka Ranveer Singh's birthday? Wishing the B-town's heartthrob, KJo dropped a bunch of unseen pictures from the sets of his upcoming film. He wrote: "It's Rocky's day. Happiest birthday to this magnanimous force of nature. Thank you for giving all your heart to our kahaani, <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em>. Lots of love to you always." In these BTS pictures, Karan Johar can be seen explaining the scenes to Ranveer.</p>

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<p><em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em> is a star-studded film with Bollywood's bubbly actress Alia Bhatt and veterans like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. This film will mark the first collaboration between Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh, and will be the second film for both the lead actors after Zoya Akhtar’s <em>Gully Boy</em>. The trailer of <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em>, released earlier this week, received a good response from the audience. The film is all set to hit theatres on July 28.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-mission-impossible-7-reviews-what-critics-think-of-tom-cruises-latest-spy-action-adventure-612661">Mission Impossible 7 reviews: What critics think of Tom Cruise's latest spy action adventure</a></strong></p>

<h2>Ranveer Singh turned 38</h2>

<p>Ranveer Singh is celebrating his 38th birthday. On this special occasion, wishes have been pouring in from his friends, industry colleagues and fans on social media. Notable, the Pamaavat actor has featured in at least 29 Bollywood films, in his 13 years of acting career. He has also bagged five Filmfare Best Actor awards.</p>

<h2>On the work front</h2>

<p>Ranveer was last seen in Rohit Shetty's <em>Circus</em>, which was released last year. He also featured in Yash Raj Films' <em>Jayeshbhai Jordaar</em> in 2022 and World Cup-winning cricketer Kapil Dev’s biopic, <em>83</em> in 2021. These films, however, could not do wonders at the box office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-first-look-of-angad-bedi-with-saiyami-kher-from-r-balkis-ghoomer-612580">First look of Angad Bedi with Saiyami Kher from R Balki's Ghoomer</a></strong></p>

<p>Throughout his career, Ranveer Singh has worked in multiple successful and critically acclaimed films like <em>Lootera</em>, <em>Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela</em>, <em>Bajirao Mastani</em>, <em>Padmaavat</em>, <em>Simmba</em>, and <em>Band Baaja Baaraat</em> (his debut film). The Bollywood star, now, has high hopes from Karan Johar’s <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em>.</p>

<p>Ranveer Singh will next be seen in <em>Singham Again</em>, <em>Simmba 2</em>, <em>Baiju Bawra</em> and <em>Don 3</em>.</p>


Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has been busy with his upcoming film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Nevertheless, how could he forget his lead Rocky aka Ranveer Singh's birthday?

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has been busy with his upcoming film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Nevertheless, how could he forget his lead Rocky aka Ranveer Singh's birthday? Wishing the B-town's heartthrob, KJo dropped a bunch of unseen pictures from the sets of his upcoming film. He wrote: "It's Rocky's day. Happiest birthday to this magnanimous force of nature. Thank you for giving all your heart to our kahaani, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Lots of love to you always." In these BTS pictures, Karan Johar can be seen explaining the scenes to Ranveer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) × Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a star-studded film with Bollywood's bubbly actress Alia Bhatt and veterans like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. This film will mark the first collaboration between Karan Johar and Ranveer Singh, and will be the second film for both the lead actors after Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. The trailer of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, released earlier this week, received a good response from the audience. The film is all set to hit theatres on July 28. Also read: Mission Impossible 7 reviews: What critics think of Tom Cruise's latest spy action adventure Ranveer Singh turned 38 Ranveer Singh is celebrating his 38th birthday. On this special occasion, wishes have been pouring in from his friends, industry colleagues and fans on social media. Notable, the Pamaavat actor has featured in at least 29 Bollywood films, in his 13 years of acting career. He has also bagged five Filmfare Best Actor awards. On the work front Ranveer was last seen in Rohit Shetty's Circus, which was released last year. He also featured in Yash Raj Films' Jayeshbhai Jordaar in 2022 and World Cup-winning cricketer Kapil Dev’s biopic, 83 in 2021. These films, however, could not do wonders at the box office. Also read: First look of Angad Bedi with Saiyami Kher from R Balki's Ghoomer Throughout his career, Ranveer Singh has worked in multiple successful and critically acclaimed films like Lootera, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Simmba, and Band Baaja Baaraat (his debut film). The Bollywood star, now, has high hopes from Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Ranveer Singh will next be seen in Singham Again, Simmba 2, Baiju Bawra and Don 3.

Ranveer Singh birthday: Karan Johar wishes 'Rocky' with unseen pictures

<p>Bollywood's bubbly actress Alia Bhatt recreated her latest song Tum Kya Mile from her upcoming release, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Currently, the actor is enjoying her vacation with husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor, and daughter Raha. Alia posted a video on Instagram, lip-syncing to the song Tum Kya Mile. The video, which is shot at a beach, has the caption: “Pehle pahado mein aur ab beach pe. Hum toh gaate rahenge #TumKyaMile”</p>

<p>Alia can be seen in a floral dress, singing and enjoying to the song sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh. Her fans have loved the video and her comment section was bombarded with heart emojis.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuEjh4jgxTN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-sonam-kapoor-looks-gorgeous-in-a-floral-saree-as-she-attends-uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-reception-610181">Sonam Kapoor looks gorgeous in a floral saree as she attends UK PM Rishi Sunak's reception&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Tum Kya Mille was released on Wednesday</strong></h2>

<p>Tum Kya Mile from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was out on Wednesday. Ranveer Singh-Alia Bhatt’s chemistry and the beautiful locations of Kashmir have, meanwhile, won several hearts. The song is written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Tum Kya Mile is composed by Pritam. Alia looks stunning throughout the song in Manish Malhotra’s chiffon saree, while Ranveer Singh appears dapper in winter wear.</p>

<p>Before the song was about to release, director Karan Johar wrote a long note saying that this song has been dedicated to his mentor Yash Chopra. He also credited the choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant for doing justice to the song and apologised to Alia for asking her to shoot in a saree in such cold climatic conditions. Karan also revealed that this was Alia’s first shoot after she delivered baby Raha.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dharmendra-shares-a-special-message-for-wife-hema-malini-daughters-esha-and-ahana-stst-610109">Dharmendra posts emotional note for Hema Malini, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Rocky Aur Rani Ki Premkahani release date</strong></h2>

<p>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will release on July 28 in theatres. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt will be seen in the lead roles. Veteran actors like Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, and Dharmendra will be seen playing pivotal roles in the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is Ranveer and Alia’s second collaboration after Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. Karan Johar was back to the director’s chair after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His last directorial was Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.</p>


Bollywood's bubbly actress Alia Bhatt recreated her latest song Tum Kya Mile from her upcoming release, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Currently, the actor is enjoying her vacation with husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor, and daughter Raha.

Bollywood's bubbly actress Alia Bhatt recreated her latest song Tum Kya Mile from her upcoming release, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Currently, the actor is enjoying her vacation with husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor, and daughter Raha. Alia posted a video on Instagram, lip-syncing to the song Tum Kya Mile. The video, which is shot at a beach, has the caption: “Pehle pahado mein aur ab beach pe. Hum toh gaate rahenge #TumKyaMile” Alia can be seen in a floral dress, singing and enjoying to the song sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh. Her fans have loved the video and her comment section was bombarded with heart emojis. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt 💛 (@aliaabhatt) × Also read: Sonam Kapoor looks gorgeous in a floral saree as she attends UK PM Rishi Sunak's reception Tum Kya Mille was released on Wednesday Tum Kya Mile from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was out on Wednesday. Ranveer Singh-Alia Bhatt’s chemistry and the beautiful locations of Kashmir have, meanwhile, won several hearts. The song is written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, and sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Tum Kya Mile is composed by Pritam. Alia looks stunning throughout the song in Manish Malhotra’s chiffon saree, while Ranveer Singh appears dapper in winter wear. Before the song was about to release, director Karan Johar wrote a long note saying that this song has been dedicated to his mentor Yash Chopra. He also credited the choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant for doing justice to the song and apologised to Alia for asking her to shoot in a saree in such cold climatic conditions. Karan also revealed that this was Alia’s first shoot after she delivered baby Raha. Also read: Dharmendra posts emotional note for Hema Malini, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Rocky Aur Rani Ki Premkahani release date Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will release on July 28 in theatres. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt will be seen in the lead roles. Veteran actors like Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, and Dharmendra will be seen playing pivotal roles in the film. This is Ranveer and Alia’s second collaboration after Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. Karan Johar was back to the director’s chair after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His last directorial was Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Alia Bhatt recreates Tum Kya Mile at beach

<p>Trust Karan Johar to bring back larger-than-life, quintessential Bollywood romance to screen. While we have all loved the recent shift in the narrative in Hindi cinema, with more and more filmmakers opting for real stories - mostly told from the smaller towns of India, there is no denying that we all have missed a true blue Bollywood romance complete with elaborate dance sequences etc on the big screen. Well, the wait seems to be over as Karan Johar dropped the first teaser of his new project <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>on Tuesday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead, the teaser gives a glimpse at the family drama that is set to unfold on the big screens on July 28. The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Churni Ganguly among others.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A burst of colours, opulent sets and designer wears dominate the 1:19 minute-long teaser. Not much is divulged about the plot though but the teaser shows multiple celebrations happening.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film is special as Karan Johar is celebrating his 25th year in the movies as a filmmaker. His friend, superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared the teaser on Instagram and wrote, "Wow Karan 25 years as a filmmaker. You've come a long way baby!! Your father and my friend Tom uncle must be seeing this from heaven and feeling extremely happy and proud."</p>

<p>"Have always told you to make more and more films because we need the ethereal magic of love being brought to life... like only u can do. #RockyAurRanikiPremKahaani teaser is looking beautiful. Love you and best wishes to the cast and crew...," he concluded.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the trailer of <em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani</em> here:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZAyjBMTiaM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<em>Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani </em>will be releasing in theatres on 28 July, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
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Trust Karan Johar to bring back larger-than-life, quintessential Bollywood romance to screen. While we have all loved the recent shift in the narrative in Hindi cinema, with more and more filmmakers opting for real stories - mostly told from the smaller towns of India, there is no denying that we all have missed a true blue Bollywood romance complete with elaborate dance sequences etc on the big screen.

Trust Karan Johar to bring back larger-than-life, quintessential Bollywood romance to screen. While we have all loved the recent shift in the narrative in Hindi cinema, with more and more filmmakers opting for real stories - mostly told from the smaller towns of India, there is no denying that we all have missed a true blue Bollywood romance complete with elaborate dance sequences etc on the big screen. Well, the wait seems to be over as Karan Johar dropped the first teaser of his new project Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on Tuesday. Featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead, the teaser gives a glimpse at the family drama that is set to unfold on the big screens on July 28. The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Churni Ganguly among others. A burst of colours, opulent sets and designer wears dominate the 1:19 minute-long teaser. Not much is divulged about the plot though but the teaser shows multiple celebrations happening. The film is special as Karan Johar is celebrating his 25th year in the movies as a filmmaker. His friend, superstar Shah Rukh Khan shared the teaser on Instagram and wrote, "Wow Karan 25 years as a filmmaker. You've come a long way baby!! Your father and my friend Tom uncle must be seeing this from heaven and feeling extremely happy and proud." "Have always told you to make more and more films because we need the ethereal magic of love being brought to life... like only u can do. #RockyAurRanikiPremKahaani teaser is looking beautiful. Love you and best wishes to the cast and crew...," he concluded. Watch the trailer of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani here: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will be releasing in theatres on 28 July, 2023.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani teaser: Karan Johar brings back quintessential Bollywood romance

<p>Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's latest film, 'What Love Got To Do With It?' will open Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film, which stars Pakistani actor Shazad Latif and British star Lily James in the lead has been written by Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The film also stars Emma Thomson, Sajal Aly and Shabana Azmi and was screened earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival.<br />
<br />
According to reports, the Red Sea International Film Festival will take place in Jeddah, on the eastern bank of the Red Sea, from December 1 to 10, and will be the first full-fledged film festival and market in Saudi Arabia with international ambitions since the nation ended its ban on movies because of religion in late 2017.</p>

<p>Variety quoted the CEO of Red Sea fest Mohammed Al Turki who said, "Our programmers have curated the best of Arab and international cinema, talent-led galas of some of the most anticipated films of the year, and an exceptional selection from astonishing new Saudi talents who are paving the way in our country's flourishing industry."<br />
<br />
The festival will also see premieres of Saudi director Fahad Alammari's 'Alkhallat+,' a film adaptation of his digital series 'Alkhallat,' and Lebanese director Lara Saba's romantic comedy "All Roads Lead to Rome," in which a well-known young actor is asked to audition for a role in a movie as a young pope.</p>


Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's latest film, 'What Love Got To Do With It?' will open Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival. The film, which stars Pakistani actor Shazad Latif and British star Lily James in the lead has been written by Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's latest film, 'What Love Got To Do With It?' will open Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival. The film, which stars Pakistani actor Shazad Latif and British star Lily James in the lead has been written by Jemima Goldsmith, ex-wife of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. The film also stars Emma Thomson, Sajal Aly and Shabana Azmi and was screened earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to reports, the Red Sea International Film Festival will take place in Jeddah, on the eastern bank of the Red Sea, from December 1 to 10, and will be the first full-fledged film festival and market in Saudi Arabia with international ambitions since the nation ended its ban on movies because of religion in late 2017. Variety quoted the CEO of Red Sea fest Mohammed Al Turki who said, "Our programmers have curated the best of Arab and international cinema, talent-led galas of some of the most anticipated films of the year, and an exceptional selection from astonishing new Saudi talents who are paving the way in our country's flourishing industry." The festival will also see premieres of Saudi director Fahad Alammari's 'Alkhallat+,' a film adaptation of his digital series 'Alkhallat,' and Lebanese director Lara Saba's romantic comedy "All Roads Lead to Rome," in which a well-known young actor is asked to audition for a role in a movie as a young pope.

Shekhar Kapur's 'What's Love Got To Do WIth It' to open Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Festival

<p>Renowned actress Shabana Azmi recently jetted off to Budapest to begin filming&nbsp;for the second season of the American military sci-fi series 'Halo'.&nbsp;The 72-year-old star posted a picture on her official Instagram handle to&nbsp;share the work update with her fans and followers.</p>

<p>While posting the snap, she wrote, "The sun is out and life is good .. in Budapest for HALO season 2. (sic)" In the picture, she is seen taking a selfie on the streets of the Hungarian capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Azmi's post, Dia Mirza wrote, "Adaab Miss you! Have a wonderful shoot!" Boney Kapoor commented, "Looking lovely," on the post. Meanwhile, a fan wrote, "Can't wait to see Margaret Parangosky back in the second season!"</p>

<p>Check out the post here!</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkDXlXGohwq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)</a></p>
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<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/fawad-khans-the-legend-of-maula-jatt-creates-history-at-the-global-box-office-527914" hreflang="en">Fawad Khan's 'The Legend Of Maula Jatt' creates history at the global box office</a></p>

<p>Azmi plays the role of&nbsp;the head of the Office of Naval Intelligence, Admiral Margaret Paragonsky, in the Paramount+ show, which is&nbsp;based on the video game franchise of the same name.</p>

<p>The first season of 'Halo', which has been produced by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, premiered on an OTT platform in India earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The series follows "a 26th-century war between the United Nations Space Command and the Covenant, a theocratic-military alliance of several advanced alien races determined to eradicate the human race".</p>

<p>Coming to Azmi's other projects, she is all set to feature in&nbsp;a rom-com movie directed by Shekhar Kapur titled&nbsp;'What's Love Got To Do With It?'. She will also play a pivotal role in Karan Johar's romance film 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'.</p>


Renowned actress Shabana Azmi recently jetted off to Budapest to begin filming for the second season of the American military sci-fi series 'Halo'. The 72-year-old star posted a picture on her official Instagram handle to share the work update with her fans and followers.

Renowned actress Shabana Azmi recently jetted off to Budapest to begin filming for the second season of the American military sci-fi series 'Halo'. The 72-year-old star posted a picture on her official Instagram handle to share the work update with her fans and followers. While posting the snap, she wrote, "The sun is out and life is good .. in Budapest for HALO season 2. (sic)" In the picture, she is seen taking a selfie on the streets of the Hungarian capital. Reacting to Azmi's post, Dia Mirza wrote, "Adaab Miss you! Have a wonderful shoot!" Boney Kapoor commented, "Looking lovely," on the post. Meanwhile, a fan wrote, "Can't wait to see Margaret Parangosky back in the second season!" Check out the post here! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) Also read: Fawad Khan's 'The Legend Of Maula Jatt' creates history at the global box office Azmi plays the role of the head of the Office of Naval Intelligence, Admiral Margaret Paragonsky, in the Paramount+ show, which is based on the video game franchise of the same name. The first season of 'Halo', which has been produced by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, premiered on an OTT platform in India earlier this year. The series follows "a 26th-century war between the United Nations Space Command and the Covenant, a theocratic-military alliance of several advanced alien races determined to eradicate the human race". Coming to Azmi's other projects, she is all set to feature in a rom-com movie directed by Shekhar Kapur titled 'What's Love Got To Do With It?'. She will also play a pivotal role in Karan Johar's romance film 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'.

Shabana Azmi begins shooting for 'Halo' season 2 in Budapest

Veteran Indian film actress Shabana Azmi walked the red carpet at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival during the premiere of her new film 'What's Love got to do with it'.

Veteran Indian film actress Shabana Azmi walked the red carpet at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival during the premiere of her new film 'What's Love got to do with it'. The film has been directed by Shekhar Kapur and has a screenplay written by Jemima Goldsmith who was earlier married to former Pakistan PM, Imran Khan. Azmi co-stars in the film with Pakistani actress Sajal Aly and British actress Lily James. The veteran star took to Instagram to share photos from the red carpet event and wrote, "With the lovely Lily James and Sajal Aly at the Toronto Film festival where our film Shekhar Kapur`s what`s love got to do with it received 2 standing ovations !" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) × The film will hit theatres in the UK on January 27, 2023. The film also features Shazad Latif and Emma Thompson. Toronto International Film Festival 2022: Best-dressed divas at red carpet Apart from this international project, Shabana Azmi will be seen in R Balki`s 'Ghoomer' alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Angad Bedi and Saiyami Kher. Shabana Azmi is also a part of Karan Johar`s 'Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani' which has Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. Talking about Sajal Aly, she was last seen in the Pakistani Military drama 'Sinf-E-Aahan'. She also did an Indian project with Zee5 - 'Dhoop Ki Deewar' alongside her ex-husband Ahad Raza Mir.Sajal is best known for her portrayal of Sridevi`s daughter in 'Mom'. Major fashion misses of Toronto International Film Festival 2022

Shabana Azmi's film co-starring Sajal Aly and Lily James screened at TIFF

<p>The ongoing Karnataka hijab controversy continues to draw reactions from Bollywood celebrities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the matter. Taking to her Instagram stories, the actress shared a post reading, "Iran. 1973 and now. From Bikini to Burqa in fifty years flat. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." The first half of the picture shows a group of girls sitting in a bikini, while the other half of the picture shows women wearing burqas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-remember-burkini-the-other-controversial-outfit-before-hijab-row-452193" hreflang="en">Remember Burkini? The other controversial outfit before Hijab row</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS” . What a pity</p>
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/1491652911541424131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sharing the post, Kangana wrote, “If you want to show courage, show it by not wearing burqua in Afghanistan… Learn to break free, not cage yourself.” She was reacting to a tweet about how things had changed in Iran after the revolution, particularly for women.<br />
<br />
Now, slamming Ranaut's comment, veteran actress Shabana Azmi wrote in a tweet, “Correct me if Im wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic ?!!”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/explainer-hijab-niqab-burqa-the-different-islamic-clothing-for-women-451678" hreflang="en">Explainer: Hijab, Niqab, Burqa, the different Islamic clothing for women</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Correct me if Im wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic ?!! <a href="https://t.co/0bVUxK9Uq7">pic.twitter.com/0bVUxK9Uq7</a></p>
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/1491965518844432388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Bollywood veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, in a series of tweets reacted to the hijab row, saying that he has, and remains, against ‘burqa and hijab’, but has ‘nothing but deep contempt for the ‘mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully’.<br />
<br />
''I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time, I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of 'MANLINESS'. What a pity,'' he tweeted.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan had also reacted to the controversial matter on Twitter, writing, "What is happening in Karnataka is provoking unrest. A religious poison wall is being erected among the students who are not lying. What is happening in the neighbouring state beyond the single wall should not come to Tamil Nadu. It is time for the progressive forces to be more careful."<br />
<br />
A number of celebrities, including Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker have shared their views on the hijab row.<br />
<br />
For the unversed, the Hijab row began in January at a government PU College in Udupi, Karnataka, where six students who attended classes wearing headscarves were asked to leave the campus.&nbsp;</p>


The ongoing Karnataka hijab controversy continues to draw reactions from Bollywood celebrities. On Thursday, Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the matter. Taking to her Instagram stories, the actress shared a post reading, "Iran.

The ongoing Karnataka hijab controversy continues to draw reactions from Bollywood celebrities. On Thursday, Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the matter. Taking to her Instagram stories, the actress shared a post reading, "Iran. 1973 and now. From Bikini to Burqa in fifty years flat. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." The first half of the picture shows a group of girls sitting in a bikini, while the other half of the picture shows women wearing burqas. Also read: Remember Burkini? The other controversial outfit before Hijab row I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS” . What a pity — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 10, 2022 × Sharing the post, Kangana wrote, “If you want to show courage, show it by not wearing burqua in Afghanistan… Learn to break free, not cage yourself.” She was reacting to a tweet about how things had changed in Iran after the revolution, particularly for women. Now, slamming Ranaut's comment, veteran actress Shabana Azmi wrote in a tweet, “Correct me if Im wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic ?!!” Also read: Explainer: Hijab, Niqab, Burqa, the different Islamic clothing for women Correct me if Im wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic ?!! pic.twitter.com/0bVUxK9Uq7 — Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) February 11, 2022 × Earlier, Bollywood veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, in a series of tweets reacted to the hijab row, saying that he has, and remains, against ‘burqa and hijab’, but has ‘nothing but deep contempt for the ‘mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully’. ''I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time, I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of 'MANLINESS'. What a pity,'' he tweeted. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan had also reacted to the controversial matter on Twitter, writing, "What is happening in Karnataka is provoking unrest. A religious poison wall is being erected among the students who are not lying. What is happening in the neighbouring state beyond the single wall should not come to Tamil Nadu. It is time for the progressive forces to be more careful." A number of celebrities, including Richa Chadha, Swara Bhasker have shared their views on the hijab row. For the unversed, the Hijab row began in January at a government PU College in Udupi, Karnataka, where six students who attended classes wearing headscarves were asked to leave the campus.

Shabana Azmi reacts to Kangana Ranaut's comment on hijab row

<p>Jaya Bachchan who was spared the COVID 19 virus when her entire family—her husband Amitabh, son &nbsp;Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya—were infected in 2020 has got the virus.<br />
<br />
The project that gets most directly affected is Karan Johar’s multi-starrer 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' where Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan stars in a pivotal role. The shooting of the next schedule in Delhi has been postponed.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-shabana-azmi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-449367">Shabana Azmi tests positive for COVID-19</a><br />
<br />
Says a source, “The shooting schedule for 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' &nbsp;was to begin on 2 February and end on 14 February. First Shabana Azmi tested positive and now Jaya Bachchan. Karan has now called off the schedule. He doesn’t want to take a risk with the rest &nbsp;of the cast and crew.”<br />
<br />
Johar wrapped up a schedule in Delhi in December 2021. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead role with Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi playing pivotal roles.&nbsp;</p>


Jaya Bachchan who was spared the COVID 19 virus when her entire family—her husband Amitabh, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya—were infected in 2020 has got the virus.

Jaya Bachchan who was spared the COVID 19 virus when her entire family—her husband Amitabh, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya—were infected in 2020 has got the virus. The project that gets most directly affected is Karan Johar’s multi-starrer 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' where Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan stars in a pivotal role. The shooting of the next schedule in Delhi has been postponed. Shabana Azmi tests positive for COVID-19 Says a source, “The shooting schedule for 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' was to begin on 2 February and end on 14 February. First Shabana Azmi tested positive and now Jaya Bachchan. Karan has now called off the schedule. He doesn’t want to take a risk with the rest of the cast and crew.” Johar wrapped up a schedule in Delhi in December 2021. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead role with Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi playing pivotal roles.

Jaya Bachchan tests Covid positive, Karan Johar's shooting postponed again

<p>Veteran star Shabana Azmi is one of the recent celebrities to test positive for COVID-19. Taking to her Instagram handle, the actor shared her health update with her fans and followers.</p>

<p>"Have tested positive for Covid today Have isolated myself at home and Request all those who were in close contact with me to please get tested," she wrote in the caption.</p>

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<p>Well-wishers from the film industry flooded the comments section with get-well-soon wishes.</p>

<p>"Get well soon shabanaji," actor Divya Dutta wrote."Take care. Get well soon," designer Manish Malhotra added."Oh God, please stay away from JAVED Saab," producer Boney Kapoor chimed in.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor will be seen in the Karan Johar directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'&nbsp;which also stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan.&nbsp;</p>


Veteran star Shabana Azmi is one of the recent celebrities to test positive for COVID-19. Taking to her Instagram handle, the actor shared her health update with her fans and followers.

Veteran star Shabana Azmi is one of the recent celebrities to test positive for COVID-19. Taking to her Instagram handle, the actor shared her health update with her fans and followers. "Have tested positive for Covid today Have isolated myself at home and Request all those who were in close contact with me to please get tested," she wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18) × Well-wishers from the film industry flooded the comments section with get-well-soon wishes. "Get well soon shabanaji," actor Divya Dutta wrote."Take care. Get well soon," designer Manish Malhotra added."Oh God, please stay away from JAVED Saab," producer Boney Kapoor chimed in. Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor will be seen in the Karan Johar directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' which also stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan.

Shabana Azmi tests positive for COVID-19

<p>For the first time in her entire career, Jaya Bachchan is playing a negative role. The film is Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' where she plays Ranveer Singh’s scheming manipulative grandmother.</p>

<p>According to a source close to the film, it is an out and out negative role.<br />
<br />
"Jaya has never played a negative role in her entire career. Not even a slightly grey character. When she was offered &nbsp;this really evil character her first reaction was, ‘Why me?’&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-karan-johar-to-direct-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatt-in-rocky-aur-rani-ki-prem-kahani-396122">Karan Johar to direct Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt in 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'</a><br />
<br />
Karan had to work really hard on convincing Jaya to take up the offer. In the beginning, she had some difficulties in understanding how her character’s devilish mind worked. Being the seasoned actress that she is, she soon got a &nbsp;hang of it. She’s having a &nbsp;blast playing this evil woman,” says a &nbsp;source in the know.<br />
<br />
Interestingly Jaya's daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is also playing a negative character in her next film Mani Ratnam's&nbsp; 'Ponniyin Selvan.'</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatt-kickstart-shooting-for-rocky-aur-rani-ki-prem-kahani-407131">Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt kickstart shooting for 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'</a></p>


For the first time in her entire career, Jaya Bachchan is playing a negative role. The film is Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' where she plays Ranveer Singh’s scheming manipulative grandmother.

For the first time in her entire career, Jaya Bachchan is playing a negative role. The film is Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' where she plays Ranveer Singh’s scheming manipulative grandmother. According to a source close to the film, it is an out and out negative role. "Jaya has never played a negative role in her entire career. Not even a slightly grey character. When she was offered this really evil character her first reaction was, ‘Why me?’ Karan Johar to direct Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt in 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' Karan had to work really hard on convincing Jaya to take up the offer. In the beginning, she had some difficulties in understanding how her character’s devilish mind worked. Being the seasoned actress that she is, she soon got a hang of it. She’s having a blast playing this evil woman,” says a source in the know. Interestingly Jaya's daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is also playing a negative character in her next film Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan.' Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt kickstart shooting for 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'

Jaya Bachchan to play negative role in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani'

<p>In a massive boost to Indian films on the LGBTQ society, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta and Swara Bhasker’s film won Best Short Film Audience Award at the Frameline Fest. With this, the short film has also qualified for BAFTA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to social media, Shabana Azmi shared: “WE WON THE BIGGEST QUEER FILM FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD! HUGE!!! #SheerQorma becomes the 1st Indian film to win @framelinefest in the festival’s 37 years!!! #SheerQorma wins @framelinefest— the #BAFTA qualifying, longest running, largest l queer film exhibition in the world!”</p>

<p>Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, the short film was screened at the Frameline Fest as part of the Enby Love shorts program. The film also recently won the Best Short Film, Audience award at the 34th Connecticut LGBT Festival.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WE WON THE BIGGEST QUEER FILM FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD!<br />
HUGE!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SheerQorma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SheerQorma</a> becomes the 1st Indian film to win <a href="https://twitter.com/framelinefest?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@framelinefest</a> in the festival’s 37 years!!! 🌈✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SheerQorma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SheerQorma</a> wins <a href="https://twitter.com/framelinefest?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@framelinefest</a> — the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAFTA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAFTA</a> qualifying, longest running, largest l queer film exhibition in the world! <a href="https://t.co/pR3E1QRfyM">pic.twitter.com/pR3E1QRfyM</a></p>
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1410529274990252033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>For those unversed, ‘Sheer Qorma’ is a romantic drama that showcases how love is judged in society based on gender and how people have preconceived notions about sexuality. It has Swara playing the role of a Pakistani-Canadian citizen who travels to India with her lover (Divya Dutta). But Dutta’s mother, played by Shabana Azmi, finds it difficult to come to terms with her daughter’s choices.<br />
Sheer Qorma is yet to release in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch trailer here:</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2yA8NXwL7Ac" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></p>


In a massive boost to Indian films on the LGBTQ society, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta and Swara Bhasker’s film won Best Short Film Audience Award at the Frameline Fest.

In a massive boost to Indian films on the LGBTQ society, Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta and Swara Bhasker’s film won Best Short Film Audience Award at the Frameline Fest. With this, the short film has also qualified for BAFTA. Taking to social media, Shabana Azmi shared: “WE WON THE BIGGEST QUEER FILM FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD! HUGE!!! #SheerQorma becomes the 1st Indian film to win @framelinefest in the festival’s 37 years!!! #SheerQorma wins @framelinefest— the #BAFTA qualifying, longest running, largest l queer film exhibition in the world!” Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, the short film was screened at the Frameline Fest as part of the Enby Love shorts program. The film also recently won the Best Short Film, Audience award at the 34th Connecticut LGBT Festival. WE WON THE BIGGEST QUEER FILM FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD! HUGE!!! #SheerQorma becomes the 1st Indian film to win @framelinefest in the festival’s 37 years!!! 🌈✨#SheerQorma wins @framelinefest — the #BAFTA qualifying, longest running, largest l queer film exhibition in the world! pic.twitter.com/pR3E1QRfyM — Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) July 1, 2021 × For those unversed, ‘Sheer Qorma’ is a romantic drama that showcases how love is judged in society based on gender and how people have preconceived notions about sexuality. It has Swara playing the role of a Pakistani-Canadian citizen who travels to India with her lover (Divya Dutta). But Dutta’s mother, played by Shabana Azmi, finds it difficult to come to terms with her daughter’s choices. Sheer Qorma is yet to release in India. Watch trailer here:

'Sheer Qorma' wins at Frameline Fest, qualifies for BAFTA

<p>The short film 'Sheer Qorma', starring Swara Bhasker, Divya Dutta and Shabana Azmi, will have its world premiere at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The festival, regarded as the largest queer film exhibition event in the world, is scheduled from June 10 to 27.<br />
<br />
The film is based on an LGBTQ+ theme and it narrates a story of love and acceptance, revolving around its leads Swara, Divya and Shabana Azmi.</p>

<p>"Love shouldn`t be judged, love shouldn`t be restrictive, love shouldn`t be confined. `Sheer Qorma` is one such tender story that the freedom to choose who you love. We are extremely happy to see our labour of love transcending across borders and getting recognition at a global platform like the Frameline Film Festival. In these gloomy times, this has come as a ray of happiness and hope," Shabana Azmi told IANS.</p>

<p>Swara Bhasker added, "(I am) Super excited for the fact that the world premiere of `Sheer Qorma` is going to be at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline. It`s a story that needs to be platformed well, a story that needs to be presented well, a story that needs to reach out to as many people as possible within India, outside of India because again it`s such a universal tale of our time. I think is very important for these stories to be heard."</p>

<p>Divya Dutta said, "I think it`s a huge deal to qualify for Frameline at the BAFTA. BAFTA itself is the most prestigious festival we have and it`s not easy to qualify at Frameline. So, I think to get out there and be the first to be there -- that is the biggest platform for us."</p>

<p>Directed Ansari said, "I am elated and grateful to have such a prestigious world premiere for Sheer Qorma. It is such a massive honour and feels like such a huge win for us. Frameline is the world`s biggest queer exhibition that celebrates the best queer cinema from across the world. I don`t think I could`ve asked for a better platform for our film to takes its first steps into the world."</p>

<p>Producer Marijke Desouza added, "What drew me to the film is I liked how Faraz at the scripting level itself had delicately handled the topic of a non-binary &amp; a queer person`s love story while concentrating on the relationship on a parent and child. It made me feel this could be anyone`s love story. It does not have to fit into a queer box but it does so effortlessly and naturally. So I was confident we had a beautiful film to share with everyone."</p>

<p>The trailer of the film was released early last year. The short film`s release date is yet to be announced.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The short film 'Sheer Qorma', starring Swara Bhasker, Divya Dutta and Shabana Azmi, will have its world premiere at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

The short film 'Sheer Qorma', starring Swara Bhasker, Divya Dutta and Shabana Azmi, will have its world premiere at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The festival, regarded as the largest queer film exhibition event in the world, is scheduled from June 10 to 27. The film is based on an LGBTQ+ theme and it narrates a story of love and acceptance, revolving around its leads Swara, Divya and Shabana Azmi. "Love shouldn`t be judged, love shouldn`t be restrictive, love shouldn`t be confined. `Sheer Qorma` is one such tender story that the freedom to choose who you love. We are extremely happy to see our labour of love transcending across borders and getting recognition at a global platform like the Frameline Film Festival. In these gloomy times, this has come as a ray of happiness and hope," Shabana Azmi told IANS. Swara Bhasker added, "(I am) Super excited for the fact that the world premiere of `Sheer Qorma` is going to be at the BAFTA Qualifying Frameline. It`s a story that needs to be platformed well, a story that needs to be presented well, a story that needs to reach out to as many people as possible within India, outside of India because again it`s such a universal tale of our time. I think is very important for these stories to be heard." Divya Dutta said, "I think it`s a huge deal to qualify for Frameline at the BAFTA. BAFTA itself is the most prestigious festival we have and it`s not easy to qualify at Frameline. So, I think to get out there and be the first to be there -- that is the biggest platform for us." Directed Ansari said, "I am elated and grateful to have such a prestigious world premiere for Sheer Qorma. It is such a massive honour and feels like such a huge win for us. Frameline is the world`s biggest queer exhibition that celebrates the best queer cinema from across the world. I don`t think I could`ve asked for a better platform for our film to takes its first steps into the world." Producer Marijke Desouza added, "What drew me to the film is I liked how Faraz at the scripting level itself had delicately handled the topic of a non-binary & a queer person`s love story while concentrating on the relationship on a parent and child. It made me feel this could be anyone`s love story. It does not have to fit into a queer box but it does so effortlessly and naturally. So I was confident we had a beautiful film to share with everyone." The trailer of the film was released early last year. The short film`s release date is yet to be announced.

'Sheer Qorma' world premiere at BAFTA Qualifying Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival

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