It’s tough to negate the fact that Naezy became popular among Bollywood fans after the release of Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy, apparently inspired by his life. But the rapper says the Ranveer Singh-starrer did not aid his career. “Zoya ma’am heard my first song, Aafat, and discovered me through that. She loved the song and the genre. The film was a work of fiction based on the entire community. I became famous through the film. Though my debut song was a hit, this film got me recognition among mainstream audiences. However, the film did worse for me than good. Despite the makers clarifying that it is a work of fiction, a large section of the viewers continued to think of it as my story. People started seeing me in a negative light, and comparing my journey to that of the character in the film,” said Naezy. The 2019 offering is inspired by the lives of Divine and Naezy, and chronicles an aspiring street rapper’s rise from the slums of Mumbai.
The emergence of Naezy in Bollywood’s mainstream circles can be defined as both a blessing and a curse. Known for his raw and impactful lyrics that resonate with the struggle and spirit of Mumbai’s streets, Naezy found his identity challenged because of a fictional portrayal. When Gully Boy hit the theaters in 2019, the general perception was that it mirrored Naezy’s life story. This association seemed to pigeonhole him into a narrative built by cinema rather than his music. Despite the filmmakers repeatedly clarifying the fictional elements of the movie, a considerable portion of the audience failed to separate the artist from the character on screen.
Amid these complexities, Naezy maintains that his recognition among the mainstream came largely due to the success of Gully Boy. The film drew the limelight onto the underground rap scene and Naezy, having already built a foundation with hits like Aafat, saw increased visibility. Still, this visibility did not translate into the appreciative recognition he sought. Instead, it brought challenges that impacted his image negatively.
On a different note, young actor Rohit Saraf has joined the powerhouse cast of Thug Life, directed by the venerable Mani Ratnam. Saraf now shares the screen with legends like Kamal Haasan and Ali Fazal. An insider revealed, “Rohit has already started shooting for the film and will be seen playing a key catalyst in the film. Mani Ratnam is expected to wrap up the shoot by August 2024. The makers are eyeing a December release.” While details about Saraf’s role remain undisclosed, his recent stint in Ishq Vishk Rebound adds to his growing repertoire.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to new luminaries this year, including veteran actor Shabana Azmi, famed RRR director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and celebrated cinematographer Ravi Varman.
. According to a statement shared by the Academy, the list features individuals who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. The selection process emphasizes professional qualifications with a continuous commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.
Meanwhile, as the film New York celebrates 15 years since its release, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh revisits the significant impact the film had on his career. Calling it a “turning point,” he expressed, “Fifteen years later, the story feels just as relevant, and I’m proud to have been a part of it. Working with [director] Kabir Khan and acting alongside John [Abraham], Katrina [Kaif], Irrfan ji, and the rest of the cast was an incredible learning experience. I’m grateful for the friendships we formed.” The narrative of three New York-based students whose lives change post the September 11 attacks remains timelessly poignant for Mukesh.
In the world of reality TV, Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary of Bigg Boss 9 fame are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, shared their joyous news via a joint statement on Instagram. Narula wrote, “I am happy, nervous, and thankful to God, because Privika baby is going to come very soon.” He also expressed gratitude to his wife for what he referred to as the “best gift” of his life. Known for their appearances in Bigg Boss 9 and Nach Baliye 9, the duo has earned a significant fan following.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan recently made headlines with his bold statements during a promotional event, acknowledging the inherent “risk” in crafting films that question the government. He pointed out that this challenge has persisted since the British era. “People were making films even then. We will continue to make those kinds of films; it doesn’t matter who is at the top of the establishment. [It’s the right of] not only the filmmaker, but also the citizens to ask those questions. We, as artistes, represent so many of you. Hence, we talk boldly, without thinking of the guillotine. Yes, there is a risk; the government can get angry, but your applause puts out that fire,” declared Haasan.
Finally, actor Chunky Pandey reflected on his role as Rakesh Raman in the drama series Industry. Playing a character he describes as “willing to go to any lengths to secure opportunities,” Pandey said, “Rakesh Raman is a resourceful producer. I have encountered a few producers who resemble Rakesh. He is not only a producer but also a part-time broker and car dealer, who is willing to go to any length to secure opportunities. I believe, without a competent producer, the writer’s success is unattainable. The portrayal of the film industry in our series is refreshingly candid.”
From Naezy’s struggle with public perception to new ventures in film and television, the entertainment industry continues to evolve, bringing forth stories both inspiring and cautionary.
