In recent highlights from the world of Bollywood and beyond, noteworthy artists have been making significant contributions, marking their presence in the film industry. Actor-singer Ammy Virk attributes a substantial part of his success and the progressive strides of Punjabi actors in Bollywood to the trailblazing efforts of Diljit Dosanjh. Recognized as a formidable force in music and cinema, Dosanjh broke the entrenched stereotype of Punjabi actors. “Earlier, Diljit paaji came and broke the stereotype of Punjabi actors, which allowed us to get good work here. I hope to make Punjab and all of you proud with my work,” commented Virk, who is set to appear in the film “Bad Newz.” Known for his role in “83,” he heralds “Bad Newz” as his first true commercial venture in Bollywood, humorously comparing the dynamics of the Punjabi and Hindi film industries. Dosanjh’s Bollywood debut came with the critically acclaimed “Udta Punjab” in 2016, setting new precedents for Punjabi actors.
Meanwhile, Junaid Khan, who debuted with the film “Maharaj,” sheds light on his unique relationship with his superstar father, Aamir Khan. While audiences might assume that their conversations are filled with film-centric dialogues, Junaid reveals otherwise. “It is not much about films. Dad liked [Maharaj] when he saw it a few months ago. But, beyond that, there has not been much of a conversation,” he shared. This sentiment resonates with an earlier light-hearted exchange where Aamir disclosed that his children seldom heed his advice, even as contemporaries frequently seek his guidance for their progeny. “Maharaj” delves deep into historical events, specifically the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case.
The film landscape anticipates another intriguing release with Kareena Kapoor Khan’s “The Buckingham Murders.” The filmmakers have enthusiastically revealed the poster and announced a release date of September 13, 2024, via Instagram. Directed by Hansal Mehta, this murder mystery also marks Kapoor’s foray into production. Following her previous comedic success, “Crew,” which starred Tabu and Kriti Sanon, “The Buckingham Murders” has already made waves by premiering at the 67th BFI London Film Festival in October 2023. Additionally, it graced the opening of the MAMI Film Festival 2023, receiving warm acclaim for kickstarting the awaited festival on a high note.
Adding to the cinematic grandeur, Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer AR Rahman ventures into documentary filmmaking with “Headhunting to Beatboxing,” directed by Rohit Gupta. This documentary champions the cultural and musical heritage of Nagaland and will have its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 in Australia.
. Rahman expressed his enthusiasm, “The film is very special to us, as it throws light on the beautiful state of Nagaland and highlights the rich cultural and musical history it contains. Rohit and I are looking forward to the premiere and showcasing it to the audiences in Melbourne.”
In another corner of Bollywood, speculation around Shatrughan Sinha’s health had fans in a frenzy until his son clarified the situation. Addressing the rumors, Luv Sinha utilized social media to provide reassurance: “In regard to my father’s health, I’d like to clarify that there was no surgical procedure, and one shouldn’t believe unverified news. We took my father to the hospital for his annual check-up and because he had a [high] fever. Thank you to everyone who has been concerned.” The stir began when Shatrughan’s daughter, Sonakshi Sinha, was spotted visiting the hospital, leading to widespread conjecture.
Meanwhile, actress Hina Khan has been a beacon of resilience and hope. After revealing her stage three breast cancer diagnosis, Khan delivered a powerful piece of motivation to her supporters. “This is to all those courageous women and men who are fighting this tough battle. I wish my journey could be courageous and motivating enough for people out there to turn a page in their own stories for good. We may be scarred, but we must not be scared,” she penned. On June 28, Khan shared her diagnosis with fans, signaling the start of her public battle against the disease.
Actor Chunky Panday recently walked down memory lane, recalling the relentless struggle and hustle of his early days in the film industry. “My struggling days were very different; there were no casting directors or digital media, so we had to wait in long queues in front of producers’ offices. Apart from going to meet them and showing them albums with photographs, we also had to dance in front of them and enact scenes from popular films. It was not easy, but it was fun. I was a part-time car dealer, so I used to get the chance to drive cars around. Every day, I was in a different car, visiting producers’ offices,” said Panday, who debuted with the multi-starrer film “Aag Hi Aag” in 1987.
These narratives collectively paint a dynamic and evolving picture of Bollywood, highlighting the breakthroughs, new beginnings, and steadfast spirits of the industry’s stalwarts and emerging talents alike.
