All those who were creating a ruckus over Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’, can finally mellow down and let everyone just be, because there is utterly and absolutely nothing in the film that could hurt the proud Rajput clan’s sabhyata and sanskar. 

This film is more like the director’s love letter to the Rajputs showing them in the most glorious light, something that the Karni Sena will happy with (if only they would see it in the first place). This magnum opus is a 2 hour 43 minute saga of Rajputi ‘aan baan shaan’.  

Talking about the conflict; the political clash, royal families coming into the picture, the demand for Deepika Padukone’s nose and Bhansali’s head and finally the movie releasing, sadly makes for a more interesting tale than the film itself. While many went bonkers over the release, the end result was a like famous Hindi saying, “khoda pahad nikala chuha.”

© Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions

It’s not that the director doesn’t try. But most of the frame will remind you of his previous films like ‘Devdas’, ‘Baajirao Mastani’ and ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’.

For those who don’t know the story, it is loosely based on the poem of the same name by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The historic film tells the story of King Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor), who is true to his word and believes in archaic codes of honour. On the other hand, you have Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh), who is brutally terrifying and wants everything that is valuable in his possession. The breathtaking beauty, Rani Padmavati, who is the wife of Ratan Singh becomes the latest name to join Khilji’s list of things that he ‘wants’, which then leads him to lay siege to the Chittor fort. 

To put it simply, the tale is about ‘ek tha raja, ek thi rani, dono mar gaye khatam kahaani’, where by the end, the queen commits ‘jauhar’ (the act of sacrificing oneself in fire) along with all the women in the castle.  

To be precise, the whole Sena fracas gave us two things: a flawless view of Deepika Padukone’s CGI enhanced midriff and a flawed script.

© Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions

It takes almost the entire first half of the film to set things in motion. You have characters that look damn appealing but at the same moment, they also test your patience.

For people who love window shopping, this is your one-stop shop. But boy, after a point, you just don’t give a damn about these amazingly dressed characters. 

The forced romance between Deepika and Shahid hardly blossoms and leaves you yawning. Instead, you end up remembering and craving Ranveer and Deepika’s chemistry from ‘Baajirao Mastani’ and ‘Ram Leela’ time and again. Blame it on the maker for splitting the couple up for his third project. 

Talking about performances, the film would have been an epic bore if it wasn’t for Ranveer Singh. He, as Khilji, is electric and steals the show. The man is epic and unpredictable in a good manner. He is extremely villainous and makes sure that you can’t take your eyes away from him. He enjoys vandalism, giggles, laughs like a maniac, and dances like a free-spirit. He is gruesome, lusty, and unethical and doesn’t mind being vocal about it. 

© Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions

Ranveer amuses you with his stunning performance because he is the only one who makes all the sense in the film. He makes you dislike him but that’s what is exactly needed. There is a hint of him being a bisexual in the most minimal manner. Jim Sarbh who plays a role of Khilji’s most trusted mate Malik Kafur is spot on and gives an effective performance which leaves you impressed.

Shahid, on the other hand, is more like a mannequin in the film. He is stiff most of the time with an oddly pursed stern mouth. He is supposed to be the core of the film, but is not as appealing as he should be. 

Deepika Padukone is gorgeous and plays a strong character that personifies strength and dignity, clearing fitting the ‘good Indian girl’ and later, the ‘wife’ bill. In fact, there also comes a part where she asks her husband the permission to kill herself if Khilji ends up winning the war, which is the most likely scenario.

© Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions

Bhansali’s work is spectacular and no one can make larger than life films like he does, but despite the glorious scenes, the film fails to leave an imprint in your mind.

It’s sad to say that this film falls flat. Unlike ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Ram Leela’, where he did a commendable job, despite a heavy and complex storyline, the plot of ‘Padmaavat’ is too vague and even the wonderful cast can’t save it from the bargain bin.  

Being an ardent Bhansali fan, what I would like to ask Bhansali is why does ‘Padmaavat’ look more like a rehash of his older, better films? Or should we blame the CBFC for the brutal cuts that almost ruined the film and left it with so many gaping holes?

Bollywood is an interesting industry. Hopes, aspirations, and dreams are galore but very few get a chance to make it big in the tinsel town. 2017 wasn’t a great year for Bollywood but 2018 brings hopes not just in terms of good films but also in the category of fresh faces and new talent.

While a lot has been spoken about Sara Ali Khan, Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor’s debut, very less is known about some talents who are all set to make their big debut this year. These are those who have come a long way on their own without any big name or a godfather to launch them on the silver screen.

This year will be full of raw talents from outside the industry who aim to entertain us and make their space in this big, glamorous town.

Here is a look at the fresh talent who are waiting for their big day. Making it to the list are some model-turned-actors, TV stars and newbies who have landed here out of sheer love for acting and passion.

Mrunal Thakur

If my strength intimidates you , I hope you realise that’s a weakness of yours ! . . . . . #notjustsaying #imeanit #sunday #wakeupandmakeup #instapicture #instagood #instadaily #yellow #intimidating

A post shared by Mrunalthakur (@mrunalofficial2016) on Dec 23, 2017 at 9:16pm PST

Known for her roles in soap operas, Mrunal Thakur will debut in a lead role in Tabrez Noorani and David Womark’s 2018 film ‘Love Sonia’. The film also features Richa Chadda and Freida Pinto in lead roles. That’s quite a combination and a great start we must say! 

Banita Sandhu

See you in #October

A post shared by Banita Sandhu (@banita.sandhu) on Sep 3, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

Varun Dhawan’s ‘October’ is a much talked-about film but it is Banita Sandhu who will be seen along with him. While most people have to wait before they get a huge chance like this, Banita is making her big debut with Shoojit Sircar’s film. The 18-year-old actress is an NRI and has been acting since the age of 11. Before this, she was seen in Doublemint ad commercial.

Nora Fatehi

Throwback to this lovely picture shot by @nandininm �� Hair and makeup @marcepedrozo #norafatehi #photography #photooftheday

A post shared by Nora Fatehi (@norafatehi) on Jan 4, 2018 at 11:03pm PST

Well, she made her Bollywood debut with ‘Roar’ but not many know about her. She is an Indo-Canadian dancer and model who will be seen in Sameer Soni’s ‘My Birthday Song’ in a full-fledged role. It is a psychological thriller which features Sanjay Suri as the protagonist and the trailer has received some positive response. We have seen Nora in various special appearances or dance numbers on movies, but seeing her playing a pivotal role would be fun.

Zain Khan Durrani

What should I say? We keep speaking all the time as it is. Now for me to write and fill your mind, when you’re own thoughts are probably stuck, lost, numb or just utterly chaotic… would be exactly the job of a writer. But my mind too has been restless. Full of doubts and chaos and noise. Sometimes just hollow actually. The kind of hollow in the chest that you can’t cry out, or let out, fill up, express or even coat in some tears. No, it stays. Like it’s going to be there for good. I stopped fighting it. Recently. Only recently. When I found out how important this hollow was for me. I shout into it every now and then and the echo reminds me of my existence in a spectacular way. It’s not an adventure out in the woods, but one within me. It’s a gradual, slow and steady acceptance of my demons. Of my flaws and my errors and my misgivings and my innate fallible nature. I will desist from using lofty poetic terms like flight and freedom here because I want to keep it as dark as it is. Its dark, yes but it’s sweet. It’s honey tasted in the dark. I don’t know if that means anything, but I don’t know if this hollow means anything beyond reminding me of the resonance of nothing inside me. As everything lives, nothing too breathes. And it’s illicit. It’s within. It’s here that the birth of you and me occurs. Inside our dark. It’s very kind. Actually. The big abyss. It’s takes you in from one end and let’s you out at the other. Like telling you; it’s not always important to be just feeling and running and chasing and even struggling. Sometimes it’s utterly important to be unimportant. Within yourself. That’s when you start the truest love. That’s not the beginning of life as such. But that’s the hug of that utmost despair and sadness and the warmth under its cheek. And then I begin walking back. The hollow and the sea both inside me. I walk in the middle. The good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes choosing, sometimes chosen. Mostly, just struggling to remain true. #writer #writing #writer #words #wordporn #love #writeup #shorts #life #philosophy #void #acceptance #mind #aspire #dream #hollow #actor #artist #art #literature #poet #poetry #poem #zkd

A post shared by Zain Khan Durrani (@zainkhandurrani) on Sep 16, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

Grey-eyed handsome model Zain Khan Durrani will be next seen in an upcoming SaReGaMa production Toodlee films movie ‘Kuch Bheege Alfaaz’. It’s been a while since we saw a new male face, so we are really looking forward to this debut.

Mithila Palkar

� Props @varshaharlalka Also, big shout out to @veromodaindia for sending in the holiday cheer! 📸 @pratikvatkar #Australia2017

A post shared by Mithila Palkar (@mipalkarofficial) on Dec 24, 2017 at 12:33am PST

YouTube sensation Mithila Palkar created a stir on the web world with her cheeky acting in ‘Girl In The City’.  She was also seen in a small role in ‘Katti Bati’. Mithila already has a Marathi film in her kitty and will be seen sharing screen space in a Bollywood film with Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salman in ‘Karwaan’. Yes, we know many of you have already blocked your date for this film.

His character in ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ was too relatable and had dialogues that every guy could swear by. Kartik Aaryan is making his own niche and often ends up impressing us with his quirky style.

And Kartik is back again with not just a new film but has also undergone an incredible transformation, stunning everyone around.

Styled by the coolest @ishabhansali #Sonuketitukisweety 👊� #TrailerLaunch

A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) on Dec 22, 2017 at 9:17pm PST

The chocolate boy unveils his never seen before avatar with his perfectly chiselled body and ripped abs on Instagram. 

Trained hard for this And will train even harder 💪� Thank you @prashantsixpack n @rohanbodysculptor @bodysculptorofficial

A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) on Jan 16, 2018 at 8:30pm PST

It’s obvious that the actor was sweating it out in the gym and this body is the result of it. 

© Twitter

If you have followed Karthik you will know at one point the actor was really skinny and had a lean body, but his new avatar can give any actor a run for his money. 

© Twitter

The actor went through some serious training to get this physique for his forthcoming movie ‘Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety’. The trailer has already created quite a buzz in the tinsel town for all the right reasons. This time director Luv Ranjan’s film is all about bromance Vs romance and we love it. 

His fans will get a glimpse of his body in Yo Yo Honey Singh’s new song ‘Chhote Chhote Peg’. The song apparently required some closeup of his body and that’s why the actor decided to transform his look. 

Our Next Song by #YoYoHoneySingh to release in 2 days!! 🤘� Song out on 18th January #SonuKeTituKiSweety @yyhsofficial @NushratBharucha @mesunnysingh @boscomartis @TSeries @luv_films #luvranjan @gargankur82

A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:31pm PST

For people who wonder who helped Karthik get this bod, it’s none other than famous celebrity trainer Prashant Sawant who has in past also trained some big actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan and Ajay Devgn. 

Be Unreal 😎 Captured by the amazing @rohanshrestha

A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) on Aug 3, 2017 at 7:46pm PDT

Karthik’s new hunk look and perfectly cut washboard abs have left us impressed. It’s time people start taking their New Year gymming resolution seriously. 

When he appeared in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, a dreamy looking young Salman Khan melted everyone with his innocent looking face and charming smile. It’s one of those films that still brings a smile to your lips every time you watch it. What if we could get to see Salman’s old avatar once again? Wouldn’t that be a treat for all his fans?

Salman Khan’s next film ‘Bharat’ will give you a glimpse of the actor’s journey from the age of 18-70. This project of his has been in the news for a very long time and finally the actor will soon start shooting for it as well.

The film will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Atul Agnihotri. If reports are to be believed, the makers have decided to use prosthetics to make him look like a young lad. 

© Rajshri Films

Talking to the media Ali said, “We have just locked the script. The idea is to make Salman look the way he appeared in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ — from the time he began his career to now. But we will know how much we can achieve only after our complete research is done.”

To get the best result and look, the makers are already in talks with the VFX team of ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. It is the same team that even worked with Shah Rukh Khan for his film ‘Fan’. 

According to reports, the team is planning to use an age reduction technique to achieve the younger look. 

Talking about it, Ali also mentioned, “I know Salman doesn’t like a lot of prosthetics and make-up, so we will have to design something that doesn’t bother him too much because he’s the central character. We are figuring out other ways of doing it. Benjamin Button came a decade ago and during this time, a lot has happened with respect to technology. Many things can be done with VFX. So, we might not need too much prosthetics or make-up.”

All the elements for ‘Bharat’ are being designed keeping Salman’s need in mind as he has mentioned that such things lead to his nerve disorder (trigeminal neuralgia). 

Ali also believes that even this time, Salman will surprise his fans with this new avatar. In fact, Salman might also lose weight for this film. At present, the team is busy with the groundwork. The concept already sounds pretty interesting and we are sure that the Sultan’s fans are already looking forward to this one.  

Milind Sonam and Anita Komwar’s love saga is a beautiful story to look at. Breaking down barriers, the duo has been with each other despite all the ups and downs, giving the rest of the country some serious relationship and fitness goals. So, when Milind fells in love once again, the news literally broke hundreds of hearts.

Did you do your pushups today ? #Fitterin2018 #100BeforeYouSleep #Live2Inspire #FitnessStartsintheMind

A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Jan 7, 2018 at 3:54am PST

The 51-year old is enjoying every bit of this new phase in life, just like a giddy teenager. When the world found out about their relationship, they attracted various trolls. But when two people are head over heels in love, nothing matters.

Milind and Ankita are going steady and judgmental people who can’t stop looking for reasons to criticise them should definitely take some running lessons.

12k with @earthy_5 on beach road and up dolphin hill in Vizag ! #VizagGoingPINK on 7th #LadiesBeTHERE !!!

A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Jan 4, 2018 at 8:54pm PST

While there were speculations about the two getting hitched, we truly can’t get over how they display their love and affection to the whole world without any hesitation.

Love is a beautiful feeling and Milind proves that with every photo he shares of Anita. One glance at those snaps and you can see how happy and content he looks around her.

Getting back to marriage, Milind finally went on record and talked about his wedding plans with his lady love. Recently, at the cover launch of Health & Nutrition magazine, Milind was asked about his plans to get married to Anita.

Find your sunshine ! #BetterHabits4BetterLife #Fitterin2018 Make every choice count 🙂

A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Jan 3, 2018 at 2:29am PST

Without even thinking twice he said:

“Marriage is always in the offering. Ankita and I have discussed marriage. There’s no finalized date yet but we have discussed marriage. I’ll be happy to get married to her. She is an amazing person. I often keep telling her how lucky she is to have a hot boyfriend like me.”

How simple and lovely! Well, one can expect an official announcement soon.