New Delhi: Amidst the jubilation surrounding her historic win of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 for her debut fiction film, ‘All We Imagine As Light’, filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s journey has not been devoid of challenges. A closer look reveals her past activism during her days as a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

Back in 2015, Kapadia found herself at the center of a prolonged protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan, a television actor-turned-politician, as the institute’s chairman. Leading a 139-day agitation, she and fellow protestors voiced concerns over Chauhan’s perceived lack of qualifications for the role. Kapadia’s involvement led to disciplinary action by FTII, resulting in the revocation of her scholarship after she boycotted classes in protest.

During the height of the agitation, tensions escalated when the then-director of FTII issued notices for the evacuation of hostel rooms and assessment of incomplete film projects. In response, students, including Kapadia, confronted the director, leading to arrests and further disciplinary measures.

Despite facing adversity, Kapadia’s talent shone through with her short film ‘Afternoon Clouds’ earning recognition at the Cannes International Festival in 2017. FTII eventually reversed its decision, offering support for her endeavors, including participation in international programs.

Kapadia’s commitment to storytelling and social commentary continued with her documentary ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’, exploring themes of love and estrangement against the backdrop of the protest.

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia made history at the Cannes Film Festival by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Prix award for her film “All We Imagine as Light”. The film, a Malayalam-Hindi feature, captivated audiences with its narrative about friendship and dreams unfolding against the backdrop of urban life. Kapadia’s directorial debut received widespread acclaim, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

In addition to Kapadia’s win, Indian talent shone brightly across multiple categories at Cannes. FTII student Chidananda S. Naik’s “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know…” clinched the La Cinef first prize, while production designer Anasuya Sengupta made history as the first Indian to win the best actress prize for her role in “The Shameless”.

Mumbai: A special court here on Tuesday rejected a plea moved by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking a stay on the broadcast of a documentary series on Indrani Mukerjea, a prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, citing that it does not have “inherent powers” to pass such a direction.

CBI special judge S P Naik-Nimbalkar said the probe agency could approach an appropriate legal remedy if advised.

The judge held that the prosecution had not brought to his notice any legal provision for such directions.

The docu-series, titled The Indrani Mukerjea Story: The Buried Truth’, delves into the disappearance of 25-year-old Bora and is scheduled to premiere on streaming platform Netflix on February 23.

In its application filed through public prosecutor C J Nandode, the CBI had asked the court “to issue direction to accused and others concerned for staying/stopping the featuring of the accused persons and the persons connected with the case in the documentary by Netflix and its broadcasting on any platform till the conclusion of the ongoing trial”.

The probe agency on Tuesday argued that the documentary, with its promotional claims of “new revelations” without providing evidence, can create a prejudicial atmosphere and mislead the public, especially prosecution witnesses when the case is pending trial before the court and is at the crucial stage of prosecution evidence.

It further submitted that the motive to feature in the documentary and its release is malafide.

The CBI claimed that this posed a direct threat to the safety and protection of witnesses by potentially disclosing their identities, compromising their security, and deterring them from giving truthful testimony.

Advocate Abad Ponda, appearing for Netflix, contended that only the high courts and the Supreme Court had jurisdiction to pass a direction on such a plea.

He submitted that the provisions of witness protection are available in TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) and Maharashtra Protection of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) matters and not in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The judge, after hearing both sides, held that the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) has the remedy for the exigency of the situation, for which the CBI has called upon his court to invoke its inherent power, “which I fear is not vested with this court”.

The Supreme Court had granted bail to Indrani and laid down certain conditions for her release. However, the CBI has not contended that she has violated the bail conditions, the court said.

“As there is no legal provision brought to my notice and as this court has no inherent power to pass any such order, the application is rejected,” the court said.

The CBI may take the recourse to appropriate legal remedy if advised, it added.

Bora was allegedly strangled to death in a car by Indrani, her then driver Shyamvar Rai and former husband Sanjeev Khanna in April 2012.

Bora was Indrani’s daughter from her previous relationship. Her body was burnt in a forest in the neighbouring Raigad district.

The murder came to light in 2015 after Rai revealed about the killing following his arrest in another case.

Indrani was arrested in August 2015 and granted bail in May 2022.

The other accused in the case, Rai, Khanna and Peter Mukerjea, are also out on bail.

Shankar Mahadevan, from left, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan of Shakti pose in the press room with the award for best global music album for “This Moment” during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. Shakti, a fusion music group comprising tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and singer Shankar Mahadevan, has won the 2024 Grammy Award for best global music album for ‘This Moment’.

The 2024 Grammy Awards were held on late Sunday night at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.

‘This Moment’ features Shakti founding member, guitarist John McLaughlin alongside Hussain, Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.

Shakti’s ‘This Moment’, the group’s first studio album in more than 45 years, was released to critical acclaim in June 2023.

The Recording Academy, which conducts the Grammy Awards, made the announcement on its X page.

“Congrats Best Global Music Album winner – ‘This Moment’ Shakti. #GRAMMYs,” the post read.

Mahadevan, who took the stage alongside Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh, gave a shout-out to McLaughlin and Hussain.

While McLaughlin gave the ceremony a miss, Hussain was backstage as he had won another Grammy.

“We miss you John ji. Zakir Hussain, he just had another Grammy today. Thank you boys, God, family, friends and India. We are proud of you, India,” said Mahadevan in the speech, dedicating the win to his wife Sangeeta.

Rajagopalan thanked the Recording Academy for the recognition.

Thane: The police in Maharashtra’s Thane district have registered a case against eight persons, including actor Nayanthara, over allegations that certain scenes in her newly released film ‘Annapoorani’ have hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, an official said on Friday.

In his complaint to the Naya Nagar police station, the 48-year-old complainant, a resident of Mira-Bhayander, said the film also promotes ‘love jihad’. The movie has been removed from Netflix.

The station house officer at the Naya Nagar police station said a case was registered on Thursday against eight persons, including the actor and the film’s producer, under Indian Penal Code sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) and 505 (2) (offence committed in place of worship) read with 34 (common intention).

The Mumbai police had said on Thursday that activists of two right-wing outfits had filed separate complaints against actor Nayanthara and others associated with the film, alleging that certain scenes in it hurt religious sentiments of Hindus.

“A complaint was submitted by the activists of Bajrang Dal to the Oshiwara police station in western suburbs two days ago, and an inquiry in this connection is underway,” an official had said.

A second complaint was filed at the Lokmanya Tilak Marg police station in South Mumbai by Ramesh Solanki, founder of Hindu IT Cell, annother official said. Solanki has alleged that the film demeans Lord Ram and it was intentionally released to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

PankajShuklaa

“Dhoom” director Sanjay Gadhvi died on Sunday morning at his residence here, his elder daughter Sanjina said. He was 56.

Gadhvi, who was three days shy of his 57th birthday, is best known for helming two blockbuster hits in the Yash Raj Films’ “Dhoom” franchise — “Dhoom” (2004) and “Dhoom 2” (2006).

According to Gadhvi’s daughter, the director was “perfectly healthy”.

“He passed away at 9.30 am this morning at his residence. We are not sure what it is, but it is most likely a heart attack. He wasn’t unwell, he was perfectly healthy,” Sanjina told PTI.

Gadhvi made his directorial debut in 2000 with “Tere Liye”, which he followed up with 2002’s “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai”, his first project with Yash Raj Films (YRF).

In a statement shared on X, the studio said the “magic Gadhvi created on screen will be cherished forever”. “May his soul rest in peace. #SanjayGadhvi,” it further read.

Gadhvi gained prominence with his third directorial, the stylish action thriller “Dhoom”, which made motorbiking a rage among Indian youth in the early 2000s.

The 2002 film followed the story of a cat and mouse game between a gang of motorbike robbers, led by Kabir (John Abraham), and Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan), a Mumbai cop who teams up with Ali (Uday Chopra), a motorbike dealer to stop them. It also starred Esha Deol and Rimi Sen.

The success of “Dhoom” spawned a film franchise.

Gadhvi also directed its superhit sequel “Dhoom 2”. The 2006 film starred Abhishek, Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.

Abhishek said he was shocked beyond belief by the filmmaker’s sudden demise.

“Sanju, when I spoke to you last week and we were reminiscing about our shoots and memories I would never have imagined even in my craziest dreams that I would have to write a post like this. I’m shocked beyond belief,” the actor wrote on Instagram alongside a photo he took of Gadhvi while they were filming the climax of “Dhoom 2” in South Africa.

“You had faith in me, even when I didn’t. You gave me my first ever hit! I can never ever forget that or be able express what it meant to me. I will cherish your friendship always. Rest in peace my brother,” Abhishek added.

Bipasha shared a picture of Gadhvi on Instagram Stories and wrote, “Rip my friend Om Shanti @sanjaygadhvi4 Gone too soon.”

The third installment of “Dhoom” franchise was directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. The 2013 movie featured Bachchan, Chopra, Aamir Khan, and Katrina Kaif.

Shibasish Sarkar , president, Producers Guild of India wrote on X: “It’s shocking…. Sanjay is no more!! Pray to God for his soul to rest in peace and give all the strength to his family.”

Kunal Kohli, director of “Hum Tum” and “Fanaa”, was one of the first film personalities to condole Gadhvi’s demise on social media.

“This is beyond shocking. #SanjayGadhvi RIP never thought I’d have to write your obituary. Shared an office for many years at YRF, lunch dubbas, discussions. Will miss you my friend. This is too hard to accept,” Kohli wrote in an X post.

Tusshar Kapoor said Gadhvi was a “trailblazing director”.

“RIP #Sanjaygadhvi .gone too soon! A trailblazing director of the blockbuster #Dhoom franchise!” he posted.

Gadhvi’s other film credits are “Kidnap” (2008), “Ajab Gazabb Love” (2012) and “Operation Parindey”, his last directorial which was released in 2020.

Besides Sanjini, Gadhvi is survived by his wife and another daughter.

Actor Chandra Mohan, who has regaled Telugu audiences with his performances for nearly five decades, is no more.

The 82-year-old actor breathed his last at 9:45 am on Saturday. The actor suffered a cardiac arrest in Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Memorable outings of the actor in his heyday include Kurukshetram (1977), Siri Siri Muvva (1976), Sangham Chekkina Silpalu (1976), Padaharella Vayasu (1978), Sukha Dukhalu (1968), Seetamalakshmi (1978) and Sitapati Samsaram (1978). Chandra Mohan has also essayed supporting roles later in iconic Telugu films like Sankarabharanam (1980), Chantabbai (1986) and Aditya 369 (1991). 

The second innings of Chandra Mohan’s career in the 2000s, where he became a character actor, proved to be equally significant as his first, with him becoming the go-to choice for uncle and father roles in many a film.

The actor is best known for his portrayal of a frustrated father in 7G Brindavan Colony (2004). Some of his notable appearances include Manasantha Nuvve (2001), Nuvvu Naaku Nachav (2001), Manmadhudu (2002), Sankranti (2005) and Dhee (2007). Chandra Mohan stopped working after 2017, after having appeared in four films that year, including the Allu Arjun starrer DJ.

Chandra Mohan is survived by his wife Jalandhara and their two daughters. His final rites will take place  in Hyderabad on Monday.

MUMBAI: I am but a mere actor, said Shah Rukh Khan, bowled over by the enduring love of fans who waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the superstar as he turned 58 on Thursday.

In what has become an annual affair, hundreds of fans from different corners of the country gathered outside Mannat, Shah Rukh’s Bandra home, to celebrate his birthday, according to videos on social media.

And Shah Rukh didn’t disappoint them.

The actor, dressed in a black T-shirt and cargo pants, appeared on the elevated ramp constructed at his residence. He greeted the fans with folded hands, flying kisses and struck his signature arms wide open pose.

Shah Rukh, who made a spectacular comeback to movies with blockbusters “Pathaan” and “Jawan”, later posted a heartfelt message for his fans on X.

SRK’s back-to-back blockbusters ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawaan’

SRK’s “Pathaan”, which released in January, turned out to be a bonafide blockbuster, raking in more than Rs 1,000 crore at the worldwide box office. The film marked his first leading man role in four years.

In September, the actor delivered another hit with Atlee-directed “Jawan”. The film did a stupendous business at the ticket window and also amassed over Rs 1,000 crore in global collections.

To celebrate Shah Rukh’s 58th birthday, Netflix announced that an extended cut of “Jawan” is now streaming on the platform.

Teaser of SRK’s ‘Dunki’ out

The actor’s fans are now eagerly waiting for his third release of 2023 directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

The film’s makers released a teaser of the film on Thursday to honour SRK’s birthday.

Also featuring actor Taapsee Pannu, “Dunki” is directed by Hirani from a script he co-wrote with Abhijaat Joshi and Kanika Dhillon.

The movie is currently set for release on December 22 this year

Mumbai: Actor Deepika Padukone on Friday said she never thought about the length of her role in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Jawan” as she has a lot of love for the actor and would always be there for him.

Deepika, who made her debut opposite Shah Rukh in “Om Shanti Om” in 2007 and has collaborated on films like “Chennai Express”, “Happy New Year” and “Pathaan”, had an extended cameo as Aishwarya Rathore in the Atlee directorial, which has become a blockbuster at the ticket window, raising close to Rs 700 crore in worldwide gross.

At the film’s success press conference, Shah Rukh joked that he and Atlee “fooled” Deepika into believing that she had a cameo in the film when she was one of the main characters.

“Deepika is feeling the most awkward, I will tell you why, because she feels, “main to dosti me chhota so role karne aa gayi thi’, but between me and Atlee, we fooled her and shot a full length movie with her.

“When she saw the film she was like, ‘Oh I am one of the main characters’…. but thank you Deepika from the bottom of our heart for being part of this film,” he said, calling the actor “a family”.

Deepika said the team of “Jawan” approached her with the part when she was shooting for Nag Ashwin’s “Project K”, now titled “Kalki 2898 AD”, in Hyderabad.

“They narrated the whole story to me and told me this very important part of Aishwarya and for me, it was not about the length of the role. It was the impact that this character is going to have on the entire film. So it was two-fold for me, one is everyone knows my love for him (SRK). Whenever he wants, I will always be there.

“But also, the movie was so special that as any actor, not just me, if offered the part, they would say yes to it because it was about the vision. I think all of us, everyone here has invested in that vision. It’s not about how big or small your role was. It was about the story we were telling, the impact that this movie was going to have on the lives of this amazing audience.”

“Jawan” features Shah Rukh in the role of Vikram Rathore and his son Azad. The movie highlights various social and political issues through the story.

Deepika’s Aishwarya is the wife of Vikram Rathore and mother of Azad. Her scenes are played out in the flashback.

Shah Rukh said he thought about Deepika playing a mother while they were shooting “Besharam rang” track for “Pathaan”.

“… I am sitting, and I look at Pooja (Dadlani, his manager) and I said, ‘ye maa ka role karegi kya?’ so I am looking at Deepika during the ‘Besharam rang’ and thinking ‘She will be very good as a mother, no,’.”

SRK said when Pooja asked Deepika, she instantly agreed.

“For her to have done this role, also as an actor, is very gutsy. I always say ‘there are no small roles, there are only small actors’. I think with this film, Deepika proves to everybody that she really is a large size actor, big size actor. Thank you Deepika,” he added.

Asked whether there were any apprehensions about playing an onscreen mother, Deepika said there were none.

“I don’t think that I am playing sultry in one movie, and a mother in the next. I personally didn’t approach it like that. I invested in the vision, in the story, if that meant I play the role of a mother, to enable the storytelling, so be it,” she said.

Shah Rukh and Deepika were joined by the film’s director Atlee as well as co-star Vijay Sethupathi at the event.

Actor Nayanthara, who played Narmada in the movie, was absent due to her mother’s birthday and SRK led the crowd to sing happy birthday for them.

The team later played a video message that she sent to express her gratitude for all the love coming her way.

“Namaste Mumbai, it is an absolute honour to be addressing all of you. Even though I’m not there in person, I want to send a big hug to my friends and fans. I wanted to be there but today there is a special occasion for my family and I wanted to spend this time with them.

“I have been reading all of your messages and I have to say it is absolutely overwhelming. Your support means the world to me and I am extremely grateful for it. And of course, a big thank you to my co-star and the entire team for giving me the opportunity to play Narmada,” the actor said.

Working on “Jawan” was a journey “filled with laughter, challenges and growth”, she added.

“Speaking of growth, I want to thank Shah Rukh sir. To share the screen with him and witness his exceptional talent and lively energy in person was truly fabulous,” she added.

The film also stars Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Girija Oak, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Lehar Khan, Aaliyah Qureshi, Ridhi Dogra, Sunil Grover and Mukesh Chhabra as well as Sanjay Dutt in a cameo appearance.

A Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, “Jawan” is produced by Gauri Khan and co-produced by Gaurav Verma.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film-TV actor Aparna P Nair (31) was found dead here late on Thursday. According to police, the body was found in her house at Karamana. A case of unnatural death has been registered. 

The actor’s mother and sister were reportedly present at the house when the incident occurred. She was rushed to a private hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police have begun an investigation and have recorded the statements of the relatives. 

She also essayed roles in TV serials such as Chandanamazha, Aatmasakhi and Maidhili Veendum Varunnu. 

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the filmmakers of the Rajnikanth-starrer movie “Jailer,” stipulating that starting from September 1, none of the theaters should display the jersey of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in any form. This comes in response to a scene in the film where a contract killer is depicted wearing the RCB team jersey.

Regarding the film’s release on television, satellite, or any OTT platform, Justice Prathiba M Singh has ordered that an altered version of the movie should be broadcasted or telecasted prior to such releases.

Justice Singh’s decision was based on a lawsuit filed by the IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, against the filmmakers. The IPL team raised concerns about scenes in which its jersey was used in a derogatory manner. The contract killer wearing the RCB jersey reportedly made disparaging and misogynistic remarks about a woman in the movie. The RCB contended that the unauthorized use of the jersey in a negative context could damage its brand image and harm its brand equity.

The court observed that after the filing of the lawsuit, the filmmakers and the IPL team engaged in discussions and resolved their disputes. Both parties agreed that the filmmakers would alter the scenes featuring the team jersey to ensure that it is not identifiable as the RCB jersey. This alteration includes removing the primary colors of the RCB jersey and any branding of sponsors present on it.

Additionally, it was resolved that the film’s producers would carry out the necessary alterations before releasing the movie on television, satellite, or any OTT platform.

Since the film “Jailer” was already released in theaters on August 10, 2023, the filmmakers are required to make the alterations for theatrical showings by September 1, 2023, as part of the settlement.

Justice Singh has mandated that the filmmakers and all involved parties adhere to the terms and conditions agreed upon by both sides. Due to the settlement reached on the first hearing of the case, the court has directed the full court fee to be refunded to the plaintiff through their counsel.

Advocates Majumder, Priya Adlakha, and Vardaan Anand represented the plaintiff, while advocates Deepak Biswas, Harsh Buch, and Srishti Gupta appeared on behalf of the defendants.