SC clears Padmaavat for release: Bollywood heaves sigh of relief

 Celebrities
Jan 182018
 

As first reported in mid-day, Padmaavat makers cite Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan as precedent to overturn state governments’ ban

Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in a still from Padmaavat
Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in a still from Padmaavat

It was a victory of freedom of expression as the Supreme Court yesterday cleared Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat for release, by staying the ban imposed by the governments of several states including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, the bench said it is the duty of states to maintain law and order and that the creative content is an inseparable aspect of Article 19 (1), freedom of speech and expression.

Hansal Mehta
Hansal Mehta

As told to mid-day (January 18 edition), the producers’ counsel cited the example of Prakash Jha’s caste-reservation drama Aarakshan (2011), which was banned in certain states until the SC overturned the decision. Using that as precedent, the legal team argued that once the Censor Board has certified a movie, no state can ban it. It also argued that the makers had complied with the changes recommended by the Censor Board.

For an industry that largely shied away from commenting on the Padmaavat issue through Bhansali’s months-long battle, it welcomed the SC decision with open arms. Shabana Azmi, one of the few actors to initiate a petition asking PM Narendra Modi to offer protection to Deepika Padukone, said, “I welcome the decision. But there remains the unresolved matter of no action being taken against those who placed a bounty on Deepika’s head. Immediate action needs to be taken against these criminal elements so as to send out a clear signal to the country that the dignity of women is supreme and neither abusive language nor violent threats will go unpunished.”

Shabana Azmi
Shabana Azmi

Director Hansal Mehta reiterated how the banning of a film that has been cleared by the CBFC in the first place, is unconstitutional. “It’s a good sign that the Supreme Court has upheld the decision. The entire team of Padmaavat can heave a sigh of relief.”

Raza Murad, who plays Jalaluddin Khilji in the magnum opus, described it as a “victory of democracy.” “I think true change can be brought about when the government deals with people who create nuisance with an iron hand.”

With inputs from Bharati Dubey

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'Padman' to release as per schedule, say makers on likely clash with 'Padmavati'

 Celebrities
Jan 072018
 

Padman’s makers have said the film’s January 25 release date will not change amid speculation that Padmavati may hit theatres the same day

Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in Padmavati
Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in Padmavati

Putting all speculations to rest, the makers of Padman have said the film’s January 25 release date will not change. Speculations were rife that Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Padmavati may hit theatres the same day. B-town is abuzz that Padmavati, which has been making headlines due to its plot line, is set to release on January 25 – the same day as the Akshay Kumar-starrer Padman. The producers of the film, however, said they have no clue about Padmavati release or the possible box-office clash between the two films.

“I am clueless what is happening… with clash. I have no idea about it. Even we have heard about it. All we know is Padman is releasing on January 25. Akshay announced it officially. Padmavati is a very important film. It’s a beautiful film and it should release soon. I am also looking forward to seeing it. It depends on Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions to decide on the date,” Prerna Arora, one of the producers of Padman, told PTI.

Asked if the makers will push the release date of Padman to avoid any potential box-office clash with the big-budget period drama, Prerna said, “We are coming on January 25.” Sources close to the team of Padman said no one from the team of Padmavati has had any talks about the possible clash. Some reports even suggest that Padmavati might come out on February 9.

Sonam Kapoor and Akshay Kumar in Padman
Sonam Kapoor and Akshay Kumar in Padman

Anushka Sharma’s next home production venture Pari and director Luv Ranjan’s Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, starring Kartik Aaryan, are slated to release on February 9. “I see no sense in clashing with a big film like ‘Padmavati’ and harming the best release my film can get. If ‘Padmavati’ comes on February 9 I will change the release date of my film,” Luv Ranjan told PTI.

“We are coming on February 9, we are waiting for the official announcement on ‘Padmavati’ release date, so till then we cannot comment,” said Prerna. Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions remained unavailable for comment regarding the speculation over the release date of Padmavati. The film, which was earlier scheduled to hit cinema houses on December 1, features Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead.

Recently, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) decided to give the film a U/A certification along with some modifications and suggested change of the film’s title to ‘Padmavat’.

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Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor given Nothing to Hide award, twitter goes berserk

 Celebrities
Jan 022018
 

On the show aired on the New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31, there was a special category introduced to bestow Kriti and Shahid Kapoor. Both of them were introduced to the category ‘Nothing to Hide’ award

Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon thanked the audience for her popularity.

Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor were bestowed with a unique- ‘Nothing to Hide’ award at a popular award function held recently. On the show aired on the New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31, there was a special category introduced to bestow Kriti and Shahid Kapoor. Both of them were introduced to the category ‘Nothing to Hide’ award. And Twitter is going bonkers stressing on the aspect that the award category was forcefully created and is rather hilarious. In fact, singer Benny Dayal also took a dig at the awards show and tweeted, “Nothing to hide that this award was named and planned that very moment.”

Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor couldn’t make it to the award show but accepted the award via a video call.

Many of the users asked assistance in guiding them the award category. A user wrote, “So what exactly is a ‘nothing to hide’ award?” The ‘Udta Punjab’ actor wasn’t physically present at the ceremony but joined the audience virtually with his acceptance speech. Kriti Sanon, who was in attendance at the do, thanked her fans and audience for her popularity. Knowing the ruthless and sarcastic Tweeple, they took a dig at Kriti, “Many congratulations to Kriti Sanon for this achievement, now please tell the audience what does it even mean (sic).”

The channel of the show aired on congratulated both the actors and soon after, the Internet was flooded with jokes around this topic.

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Katrina Kaif walks out of Shahid Kapoor's film citing date issues

 Celebrities
Dec 282017
 

Katrina Kaif has opted out of the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Batti Gul Meter Chalu due to paucity of time to prep for the role due to her choc a bloc schedule

Katrina Kaif has opted out of the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Batti Gul Meter Chalu due to paucity of time to prep for the role. Blame it on her busy schedule as she is shooting back-to-back for Aanand L Rai’s untitled next with Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Krishna Acharya’s Thugs Of Hindostan, which stars Aamir Khan.

Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif

Says a source from the creative team, “The director [Shree Narayan Singh] had given her a script narration. She loved the story and asked her team to work out further details.”

As Kapoor plays the protagonist — a lawyer — the makers were looking for a top A-list female actor opposite him. The source adds. “She has an equally strong role as she plays his friend, philosopher and guide. Kaif seemed to fit the bill. Also, this was the first time Shahid and she would be working together.” But things appeared to fall apart after the narration.

The source continues, “It’s a challenging role and the character mouths dialogues in a particular style as the film is set in Uttarakhand. Kaif would not just have to look the desi character, but also learn the diction, which would be tough given the time constraints, hence she thought it would be better to say no right at the outset. She was keen on being part of the project, but there was no way she could juggle the dates. She tried to work out the schedule, but it looked tough to fit in the prep along with the shooting of the two films.”

Singh, who is on a recce in Uttarakhand, remained unavalibale for comment. Producer Prernaa Arora says, “We approached Katrina as she was our first choice. She loved the subject and the character. We were ready to work together, but there was a clash of dates. There were workshops she couldn’t attend as she’s shooting continuously for Aanand L Rai’s film and Thugs Of Hindostan till March next year.”

Arora further adds, “Batti Gul Meter Chalu needs to be shot in cold climes on outdoor locations in January and February. The story demands a winter backdrop. As Katrina will not be free till March, we couldn’t wait for Katrina.”

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Finally Katrina Kaif and Shahid Kapoor to work together after many failed attempts

 Celebrities
Dec 282017
 

kat_shahidFor years they’ve been missing the opportunity to work together. But finally, Shahid Kapoor and Katrina Kaif will work together in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha director Shree Narayan Singh’s next, Batti Gul Meter Chalu.

The pair has missed being together for years now. Katrina was offered Rajkumar Santoshi’s Phata Poster Nikla Hero and Vikas Bahl’s Shaandaar opposite Shahid. But she opted out citing date problems.

Apparently, Shahid had told mutual friends he felt Katrina was deliberately avoiding working with him. “So this time, although Katrina again had a date issue, she decided to do Narayan’s film, more so because it gives her a chance to play a small-town girl. She will brush up her Hindi to sound convincing.”

Katrina has apparently beaten Shraddha Kapoor and Bhumi Pedneker to grab the role opposite Shahid Kapoor in the movie.

Shahid Kapoor: Someone very famous once cheated on me

 Celebrities
Dec 212017
 

Actor Shahid Kapoor admitted having fallen in love twice with his co-actors. He made this revelation at a chat show with host Neha Dhupia

Shahid Kapoorhas found the love of his life in Mira Rajput and has an adorable daughter, Misha together. However, before tying the knot with Mira, the actor would get romantically linked to most of his co-actors. In a chat show with Neha Dhupia, the sassy couple was on fire while answering the questions. A Mumbai Mirror report states that Shahid Kapoor revealed that he fell in love with two of his co-actors.

Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor

A source told the publication that Shahid divulged, “Someone very famous once cheated on me.” His wife, Mira Rajput was at her usual best. Her answers were straight-forward. When host Neha Dhupia questioned her which actress needs a stylist, she immediately answered, Vidya Balan.

Shahid was in a long-term relationship with actress Kareena Kapoor. Their much-hyped relationship went kaput during the shoot of ‘Jab We Met’. The reason is however unknown but speculations were rife that the actress cheated on him for his ‘Tashan’ co-actor, Saif Ali Khan, to whom she is married now with a kid, Taimur Ali Khan.

On the professional front, Shahid is awaiting the releasing of the controversy-laden film, ‘Padmavati’. He plays the Rajput king, Maharawal Ratan Singh in the film. He has started shooting for his next film, ‘Batti Gul Mete Chalu’. After ‘Jab We Met’, the actor is all set to reunite with director Imtiaz Ali for a film.

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Padmavati should get its release date by year-end, says a hopeful Shahid Kapoor

 Celebrities
Dec 202017
 

Shahid Kapoor met the media persons at a recent award function and gave some deets about the controversy-laden film ‘Padmavati’. The film is currently with the CBFC for certification

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum-opus historical drama, ‘Padmavati‘, which was scheduled to release on December 1, 2017, got caught in a political storm, thus delaying its release. The film features Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singhas Sultan Alauddin Khilji. The film’s release was opposed by fringe groups on the accusation of distorting historical facts. Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was even mobbed on the film’s set and dismantled the sets. A delay from the filmmaker’s end to submit the movie to CBFC for certification further brought obstacles in the film’s release. The film is currently with the Central Board of Certification (CBFC) and there is constant speculation about its release.

Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor

When the film’s cast Shahid Kapoor met the media at a recent award function, he sounded hopeful that the film would get its final release date in the coming 10 days. The actor said, “I am sure we will have clarity by the end of this year about when the film is releasing but we want it to release as soon as possible.” He was also asked if the controversy has affected him or his career in any way, to which he said that 2017 has been a great year for him and credited Bhansali for it.

“It has been a great year. Of course, there has been the whole controversy around Padmavati, but it is such a special film. When I look back at this year, it has been one of the most exciting years in my career. To be doing Padmavati, which I really believe is going to be a historic and memorable film. That’s how I feel about the film. I am very happy with this year. The wait is killing me. I am dying for the film to come out,” said Shahid.

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Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khattar is a mama's boy! Here's proof

 Celebrities
Nov 282017
 

Yesterday, Ishaan Khattar bagged his first award. He won the Best Actor award for Beyond The Clouds at the International Bosphorus Film Festival in Turkey

Yesterday, Ishaan Khattar bagged his first award. He won the Best Actor award for Beyond The Clouds at the International Bosphorus Film Festival in Turkey. The 22-year-old dedicated it to mother Neelima Azeem. He has reportedly said everything he earns from his work will always, first and foremost, be dedicated to her. Ishaan is truly a mama’s boy.

Neelima Azeem with son Ishaan Khattar
Neelima Azeem with son Ishaan Khattar

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Shahid Kapoor requests everyone to give Padmavati a chance

 Celebrities
Nov 132017
 

‘Give the film a chance,’ urges Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor in response to the ongoing controversy around his upcoming film ‘Padmavati’. Shahid, who plays Maharawal Ratan Singh in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum-opus, has also requested everyone to not form preconceived notions. The period drama starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid has been facing protests from various communal groups, including Shree Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering with historical facts.

Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor

While addressing the issue at a GQ event, the ‘Haider’ star said, ‘From the past few months, I have been saying the same thing, watch the film first and then decide for yourself. Give the film a chance. Don’t form preconceived notions.’ He further said the whole team of ‘Padmavati’ is ‘extremely proud’ of the film. ‘It’s going to be a very special cinematic experience. It’s something that, I hope, the whole fraternity will be proud of.’

‘Since the release of the trailer, everyone from the film industry has come together to support the film. Everyone is proud that a film like this is being made in India… the visuals are larger than life, the film speaks for itself,’ the 36-year-old concluded. The movie is slated to hit the theatres on December 1.

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