- Sonam Kapoor- Giraffe
Sonam Kapoor is one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry and is the recipient of several awards, including a Filmfare and a National Film Award.The daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, when asked what was her memorable moment from childhood and whether she had a nickname, Sonam said, “My father used to call me giraffe because I had a really long neck. Now, my family and friends call me Senior as in Senior Kapoor.” Well, that’s interesting to know.
- Alia Bhatt - AaluAlia Bhatt was known as the cute and plump girl in her childhood. Alia Bhatt is the daughter of famous filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Her mother Soni Razdan was also an actress. She is known as Aalu at home. Her mother likes to call her daughter Aloo Kachaalu and her sister calls her Alools. She is called with different names like Aloo Kalu, Batata vada and Aloo Baalu among her friends.
- Aishwarya Rai- GulluClaimed by many to be the most beautiful woman in the world, the Bachchan bahu, and former Miss World has many accolades in her bouquet. While a Netherlands tulip is named after her, Bollywood prefers calling her Ash, shortening her name. But, her actual nickname is Gullu. Although it sounds so funny, it is true!
- Bipasha Basu - BonnieIn an interview, Bipasha Basu shared that she loves her nickname. She said, "Bonnie is my pet name. I was born a bonnie baby, round plump and healthy, so my name is Bonnie! Media and fans call me Bips! By far I think I have maximum nicknames! Most people have nicknames for me; Bippy, Bipsy, B, Bip, BB, Bipshaw, Bhopu, Basu, Baby Basu, Bona, Beeps! Even though I have a beautiful name Bipasha! Nicknames are out of affection so I am not complaining."
- Shraddha Kapoor – ChirkootShraddha Kapoor, actor-singer Shraddha Kapoor is the daughter of veteran actor-comedian Shakti Kapoor. Kapoor gained wide recognition for playing a singer in the commercially successful romantic drama Aashiqui 2 (2013), for which she received several accolades including a Filmfare nomination for the Best Actress. Shraddha Kapoor was given the weird nickname Chirkoot by Varun Dhawan.
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Great movies that made a major impact in 2024
ASJAD NAZIR
Jan 10, 2025
FROM commercial blockbusters to indie gems and international festival favourites, 2024 offered a diverse array of films that entertained and resonated with audiences.
Featuring a strong south Asian presence, these movies explored various themes in multiple languages, showcasing the immense possibilities of cinema. Eastern Eye reflects on the year with a list of the 21 best films of 2024.
Manjummel Boys: The highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time, this gripping tale is based on reallife events. It follows a group of friends venturing into restricted caves, where a rescue mission to save a friend who has fallen into a deep hole becomes a race against time. With tension, innovative storytelling, and a powerful portrayal of friendship, this surprise super hit captured hearts and broke records.
Manjummel Boys
Pushpa 2: The Rule:The record-breaking sequel ignited the box office upon its release. Allu Arjun shines as a notorious gangster on a meteoric rise to power, taking on politicians, law enforcement, and the criminal underworld. This visually stunning entertainer delivered a perfect blend of high drama, spectacular action, and catchy musical numbers. Its immense entertainment value made the lengthy runtime fly by, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the inevitable part three.
The Queen of My Dreams:This Canadian film, released in cinemas in 2024 after a successful run on the international festival circuit, follows a Pakistani Canadian woman with a white girlfriend who embarks on a journey of self-discovery during an unexpected trip to Pakistan. Through flashbacks, the audience learns that her conservative mother was also rebellious in her youth. Amrit Kaur delivers a brilliant dual performance as the protagonist and the younger version of her mother. Writer/director Fawzia Mirza crafts a visually stunning mother-daughter story, exploring the commonalities between generations with rich symbolism and emotional depth.
The Queen of My Dreams
Amar Singh Chamkila:This Bollywood biopic, which premiered directly on Netflix, beautifully chronicles the lives of the late singing duo Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur. Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra deliver outstanding performances as the Punjabi singers who rise rapidly to fame before meeting a tragic and mysterious end. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film combines clever narrative touches, surprising elements, and captivating music with an engaging setting, compelling characters, and remarkable performances to tell a deeply fascinating story.
Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life:This survival drama became the third-highest-grossing Malayalam movie in history upon its release. Based on actual events, the film follows an Indian migrant labourer forced into slavery in Saudi Arabia who makes a daring escape across a desert. Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a remarkable performance as the resilient protagonist battling harsh conditions to return home. The powerful drama sheds light on the exploitation faced by migrant workers and underscores the strength of perseverance and the will to survive against all odds.
Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life
Merry Christmas:Maverick filmmaker Sriram Raghavan delivers another masterful, twist-laden tale set in the late 1980s. The story follows a grieving man (Vijay Sethupathi) who returns to Bombay and encounters a woman (Katrina Kaif) with a mute daughter. As their paths intertwine, unexpected revelations lead them into uncharted territory. Adapted from Frederic Dard’s classic novel Le Monte-Charge, this mystery thriller, made simultaneously in Hindi and Tamil, is a sensory feast with stellar performances, atmospheric music, surprising twists, and stunning cinematography.
Monkey Man:Dev Patel showcases his multifaceted talent as a writer, producer, director, and lead actor in this India-set action entertainer. Inspired by the John Wick style, the film follows a young man on a quest to avenge his mother’s murder. From participating in illegal underground fights to executing a calculated plan against a powerful crime lord, his fiery path to vengeance is filled with gripping action. With intense set pieces and a compelling narrative, this violent yet thrilling movie marks a bold new chapter in Dev Patel’s illustrious career.
Monkey Man
Monkey ManThis powerful drama, based on a true story, deeply resonated with audiences on the international film festival circuit. It follows a young Gujarati American in a long-term relationship with his Chinese American girlfriend, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. As his family, friends, and loved ones come to terms with the diagnosis, he chooses to embrace life fully, leaving a lasting positive impact on those around him. Combining themes of family, true love, and friendship, this ultimately life-affirming film delivers a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the human spirit.
Paper Flowers
Stree 2: The smash-hit sequel Stree 2 shattered box office records to become the most successful Bollywood movie of 2024. The story picks up where the first film left off, with the small village confronting a new spooky threat and receiving help from a familiar yet unexpected source. Returning with the same charm, the engaging characters entertain audiences once again in a film that masterfully blends humour, horror, suspense, and surprises. Stellar performances from the cast, led by Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, add an extra layer.
Stree 2
Premalu:The Malayalam-language romantic comedy proved that major stars are not essential to achieve box office success. This resounding hit revolves around two young people with contrasting personalities who are unexpectedly drawn to one another. The film combines humour, emotional depth, clever dialogues, a picturesque setting, and likeable characters to deliver a heartfelt story filled with entertaining moments. Outstanding lead performances by Naslen K Gafoor and Mamitha Baiju further elevate this relatable and charming movie.
Premalu
Aavesham:This Malayalam mega-hit follows the story of three college students who enlist a gangster to help them take revenge on a bully, only to find themselves in over their heads. The film masterfully blends comedy, action, and satire, with a standout performance by acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil. His portrayal of an eccentric and unpredictable gangster is simply brilliant and richly deserving of accolades. Supported by a strong cast, this entertaining action comedy is beautifully shot and skilfully weaves together multiple themes, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Aavesham
Laapataa Ladies: India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars revolves around a mix-up that occurs when a groom brings home the wrong bride. What follows is two brides in unexpected surroundings, which subsequently triggers a desperate search and a journey of self-discovery. The rural social satire uses realistic characters and a captivating setting to tell an engaging story infused with insightful social commentary, including on gender equality and the patriarchy. The multi-layered movie has clever touches and great comic moments.
Laapataa Ladies
Hanu-Man: The sleeper super hit Hanu-Man took Pan-Indian audiences by surprise with its refreshing take on the superhero genre, rooted in mythology and connected to Lord Hanuman. This Telugulanguage adventure tells the story of an underdog who unexpectedly gains superpowers, blending action, mythological elements, and humour in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages. Teja Sajja delivers a star-making performance as the heroic protagonist. With its stunning visuals and widespread acclaim, it’s no surprise that a sequel is already in the works.
Santosh:British Asian filmmaker Sandhya Suri makes an accomplished directorial debut with Santosh, a gripping crime drama that left a strong impression on the international festival circuit. Set in India, the story follows a widow who reluctantly takes on her late husband’s job as a police officer and becomes embroiled in a hard-hitting murder case. Suri expertly blends a police procedural with a thoughtful exploration of caste and communal divisions. Shahana Goswami delivers a phenomenal performance in this compelling drama that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Santosh
Maharaja:The twist-laden Tamil action thriller Maharaja features a stellar performance by Vijay Sethupathi in his 50th film. Set across multiple time periods, the story follows a barber seeking vengeance for an unimaginable horror. The well-paced film captivates audiences with its intricate blend of suspense, psychological drama, and thought-provoking subtext. Its layered narrative, emotional depth, and ambiguity are masterfully revealed through a series of flashbacks and intriguing twists, making it a compelling cinematic experience.
Maharaja
All We Imagine As Light: Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, All We Imagine As Light earned universal acclaim and captivated audiences on the international festival circuit before its cinema release. Writer/director Payal Kapadia presents a slow-burning drama about three nurses at different stages of their lives, grappling with survival in an overcrowded city while navigating the pressures of demanding jobs. A transformative trip unexpectedly offers them a moment of respite. With artistic cinematography, strong performances, and a rich emotional palette, the film is a masterful exploration of resilience and human connection.
All We Imagine As Light
The Glassworker: In a year when Pakistani cinema saw an unexpected dip, The Glassworker emerged as a standout achievement. As the country’s first hand-drawn animated feature, crafted in a striking anime style, this anti-war romantic drama tells the story of a pacifist glassworker who falls in love with an army colonel’s daughter. Set in a unique backdrop, the film delivers a relatable narrative filled with human emotions and a powerful anti-war message. This crowd-funded audience favourite was deservedly selected as Pakistan’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
The Glassworker
Village Rockstars 2:The 2017 Assamese coming-ofage film Village Rockstars garnered multiple awards and was selected as India’s official entry for the 91st Academy Awards. Its acclaimed sequel, set years later, had its world premiere at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival, where it deservedly won best film. Writer, producer, and director Rima Das delivers another heartfelt drama, exploring the journey of a young individual caught between the pursuit of a musical dream and the harsh realities of rural life.
Kalki 2898 AD:Despite receiving mixed reviews, Kalki 2898 AD achieved massive box office success while offering Indian audiences a fresh cinematic experience. Starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani, this epic science fiction adventure is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Blending ancient events with an imagined future, the film delivers engaging characters, impressive special effects, and an intriguing cliffhanger that paves the way for a sequel. With the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster and the essence of Indian culture, it stands out as a unique addition to the sci-fi genre.
Kalki 2898 AD
Jhamkudi:Gujarati cinema continued its impressive momentum with Jhamkudi, a hit horror comedy that became the year’s most successful Gujarati film. The movie blends spooky scenes with laughout-loud moments and suspense. It follows a hapless group confronting an evil witch terrorising their village, delivering great comedy, unexpected twists, and a captivating setting. Marvellous performances from cast members, including Manasi Parekh and Viraj Ghelani, add to its charm. Despite minor plot holes, the film’s strong entertainment value ensures it remains a crowd-pleaser.
Jhamkudi
Unicorns: This critically acclaimed British romantic drama introduces one of the year’s most unique protagonists. The story follows a mechanic, recently separated from his female partner, who unexpectedly falls for a Muslim drag queen. Jason Patel delivers one of the standout performances of the year, portraying a character leading a double life as a glamorous female performer while hiding his truth from a conservative family. The cross-cultural romance between two individuals navigating their identities in a judgmental world resonated deeply with audiences.
Unicorns
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Vikramaditya Motwane on 'Black Warrant': ‘There’s an intrigue about what happens in a prison’
Jan 08, 2025
FILMMAKER Vikramaditya Motwane, whose new Netflix series tells the story of a former superintendent of one of India’s most prominent jails, said it was a chance for him to explore a “tough and complicated” world.
Black Warrant has been adapted from the book Black Warrant: Confessions Of A Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta, a former superintendent of Tihar, and journalist Sunetra Choudhury
Based on true events, the prison drama revolves around Gupta who, with his two trusted fellow jailers, confront notorious inmates in Delhi’s Tihar jail and the deep-rooted politics in the 1980s.
The series will debut on Netflix on Friday (10).
“I’m a student and lover of contemporary history and I like to shine a light on it in an interesting, entertaining and engaging way. That’s my approach to everything. I love filmmaking and I’m up for a challenge every time to try something (new),” said Motwane.
Zahan Kapoor, the grandson of late cinema legend Shashi Kapoor, makes his series debut with the show.
Motwane said Black Warrant offered him an opportunity to explore a hidden world that is “tough, complicated, and full of contradictions”.
He previously helmed Sacred Games on Netflix and Jubilee on Prime Video.For the new show, Motwane visited Tihar jail and also talked to Gupta to understand the day-to-day operations in prison, including how inmates pay for water and gangs operate inside the premises.
“I told my crew constantly, ‘you are a fly on the wall’, or you are peeping into somebody’s room and feel like you are taking vicarious pleasure out of what is happening on screen. That’s been the operative mantra throughout,” he said in an interview.
“There is something voyeuristic about looking at a jail. There’s an intrigue about what happens inside – what are the people like? Are they all criminals? Are there any silver linings?”
Zahan Kapoor in a scene from Black Warrant
When Motwane read the book, he said the relationship between Gupta and serial killer Charles Sobhraj was so compelling that he decided to guide the audience into the prison through Gupta’s perspective.
“The lens was always about Sunil’s story. If he is the centre of the wheel, then what are the spokes that are going to go around – so him with his colleagues, family and relationship with prisoners. That’s always been the focus of it,” Motwane said.
“Sunil’s journey through Tihar Jail provided a unique perspective like no other to capture that complexity. The trailer (which dropped last week) is just a glimpse of how the series will peel back the layers of a world that is as brutal as it is complex as it is fun... I can’t wait for viewers to uncover the humanity and grit within this powerful narrative,” he added.
American filmmaker David Fincher’s series Mindhunter also served as a “minor inspiration”, Motwane said.
Gupta said he wanted to shed a light on life in prison through his book. “People should know what is happening inside the jail... For prison managers, it is important they know what the conditions were back in the 1980s, and to take curative steps to resolve things. Much was to be done,” he said.
“Certain incidents mentioned in it are very emotional. There were certain things that I wanted to tell the public – like drugs were very prevalent from 1981 to 1984; there were exhortation rackets; inhuman treatment of the prisoners. I was aware of some incidents, which we incorporated in this book,” he added.
Choudhury said it was magical to see her words come to life on screen. “When you write a book... you always imagine what this world is like and it is up to the readers, they think about it. So for me to watch it, it was like, ‘Oh my god, we wrote something, now it is flesh and blood’.”
Black Warrant also stars Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, Anurag Thakur and Sidhant Gupta. It features special appearances from actors Rajshri Deshpande, Tota Roy Chaudhary and Rajendra Gupta.
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'The Brutalist' and 'Emilia Perez' lead Golden Globe wins
Jan 06, 2025
AT THE 82nd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, The Brutalist, the story of a Holocaust survivor chasing the American dream, and Emilia Perez, a musical thriller about a Mexican drug lord transitioning to a woman, won the top awards of the evening.
The Brutalist took home the Golden Globe for Best Drama Film, with Adrien Brody earning Best Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of an architect trying to build a life in the United States. The film also claimed the Best Director award for Brady Corbet.
Brody, reflecting on the film's themes, said: "To the many people who have struggled emigrating to this country, I hope this work stands to lift you up a bit and give you a voice."
In the musical or comedy category, Emilia Perez, directed by Spanish filmmaker María José Cuevas, triumphed as the Best Musical or Comedy Film. The Netflix film won a total of four Golden Globes, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana.
Karla Sofía Gascón, the trans actor who plays the lead role, expressed her gratitude by saying: "The light always wins over the darkness. You can never take away our soul, or existence or identity."
The evening also saw the Wicked movie adaptation win the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Director Jon M. Chu spoke on stage about the power of optimism, saying: "When pessimism and cynicism sort of rule the planet right now, we can still make art, and still make art that is an act of optimism, that is empowerment and that is joy."
In a surprise, Demi Moore won Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Film for her role in The Substance, a film about a fading actress seeking a fountain of youth. Moore, who has been in the industry for over 45 years, remarked: "I'm just in shock right now. I've been doing this a long time, over 45 years. This is the first time I've ever won anything as an actor."
Other notable winners included Fernanda Torres, who claimed Best Actress in a Drama for her role in the Brazilian film I'm Still Here, and Sebastian Stan, who won Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for A Different Man.
Stan, reflecting on his film's themes about disability, said: "Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now. We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves to it and our children."
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, a drama about cousins exploring their family roots in Poland.
Nikki Glaser, hosting the ceremony for the first time, opened the show with a playful comment about Hollywood’s political influence, joking: "You could do anything, except tell the country who to vote for."
Ahead of the event, celebrities showcased a range of fashion choices, including Wicked star Ariana Grande, who wore a yellow Givenchy gown, a tribute to the yellow brick road in the popular Broadway musical.
The Golden Globes, selected by 334 entertainment journalists from 85 countries, serve as an early indicator of which films and TV shows could garner further recognition at the upcoming Academy Awards. The awards season continues with the Oscars in March.
In the television categories, Shōgun won Best TV Drama, Hacks claimed Best Musical or Comedy Series, and Baby Reindeer was awarded Best Limited Series.
Full List of Winners at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards:
Film
Best Drama: The Brutalist
Best Comedy or Musical: Emilia Pérez
Best Actor in a Drama: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Actress in a Drama: Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical: Sebastian Stan, A Different Man
Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical: Demi Moore, The Substance
Best Male Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Best Female Supporting Actor: Zoe Saldana, Emilia Pérez
Best Director: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
Best Animated Film: Flow
Best Non-English Language Film: Emilia Pérez
Best Screenplay: Peter Straughan, Conclave
Best Original Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Challengers
Best Original Song: "El Mal," Emilia Pérez
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: Wicked
Television
Best Drama Series: Shōgun
Best Comedy/Musical Series: Hacks
Best Actor in a Drama: Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun
Best Actress in a Drama: Anna Sawai, Shōgun
Best Male Supporting Actor: Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun
Best Female Supporting Actor: Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical: Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television: Baby Reindeer
Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series: Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series: Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country
Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television: Ali Wong, Single Lady
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Neil Young confirms Glastonbury performance after initial withdrawal
Jan 03, 2025
FOLK musician Neil Young has reversed his earlier decision to pull out of the Glastonbury music festival and will now headline the event, he announced alongside festival organisers on Friday.
Young had initially withdrawn from the festival, citing concerns over its "corporate control" through its association with the BBC. However, he later clarified that the decision was based on "an error in the information I received."
In a statement posted on his website, Young wrote, "Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing! Hope to see you there!"
Festival organisers confirmed the news, stating that Young and his band, The Chrome Hearts, will headline the Pyramid stage during the June event.
Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury, expressed excitement over the development on Instagram. "What a start to the year! Neil Young is an artist who's very close to our hearts at Glastonbury," she said. "He does things his own way and that's why we love him. We can't wait to welcome him back here to headline the Pyramid in June."
The 79-year-old musician, a former member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, had previously criticised the festival, saying the BBC "wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in." He described the event as "a corporate turn-off, and not for me like it used to be."
Young last performed at Glastonbury in 2009. While the full line-up for this year's festival has not yet been revealed, British rock musician Rod Stewart has been confirmed for the Legends slot.
Tickets for the 2024 festival sold out within 35 minutes in November, with standard tickets priced at £373.50. Glastonbury attracts over 210,000 fans annually and features thousands of performances across 80 stages. Many of these are broadcast by the BBC, which has been a partner of the festival since 1997.
The festival, popularly known as Glasto, was inspired by Britain’s 1960s counterculture and began as the Pilton Festival in 1970. Its first headliner was T. Rex, and it has since hosted renowned artists, including David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Stormzy, and Elton John, who performed his final UK concert there in 2023.
(With inputs from AFP)
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25 years of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai: A to Z of the Bollywood blockbuster
Jan 03, 2025
WHEN Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was released on January 14, 2000, it became a surprise hit and the first Bollywood blockbuster of the new millennium. As the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, it catapulted Hrithik Roshan to overnight superstardom. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, this romantic drama achieved numerous milestones, including breaking records for awards, redefining the Hindi film hero, and influencing popular culture.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic film, Eastern Eye presents an A to Z guide covering its unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and lasting legacy.
A is for awards: Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai won so many awards that it entered the Guinness Book of World Records, bagging top honours across Bollywood ceremonies, including best film, best director, best actor, and best music.
B is for box office: This unexpected blockbuster became the year’s second-highest-grossing Bollywood film, drawing audiences worldwide.
C is for casting: Shah Rukh Khan was initially approached for the lead role but turned it down, leading to the director’s son, Hrithik Roshan, stepping in and making a historic debut. Kareena Kapoor was originally cast opposite him but left the project after a disagreement, paving the way for debutante Ameesha Patel to take on the role.
D is for different double: Hrithik Roshan redefined the portrayal of double roles in Bollywood by breaking traditional stereotypes. He explained, “For the cool dude Raj in the second half, I made him wear glasses and kept him clean-shaven. I gave Rohit, the simpleton, stubble. Traditionally, stubble was reserved for the hero and glasses for the nerd. I reversed that, and it worked like magic.”
E is for Ek Pal Ka Jeena: While the soundtrack (see M) featured multiple hit songs, Ek Pal Ka Jeena became a standout due to its remarkable picturisation. The song showcased Hrithik Roshan's extraordinary dance skills, including his globally celebrated signature move, and earned Farah Khan top honours at all major choreography awards.
F is for frenzy: Hrithik Roshan’s debut sparked an unprecedented level of overnight superstardom, creating a massive fan frenzy that was dubbed ‘Hrithik-mania.’
G is for glasses: Hrithik Roshan reused the glasses he wore as the suave Raj in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai for his portrayal of the mentally disabled Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya, another hit film produced and directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan.
H is for hidden: Hrithik Roshan’s extra thumb, a well-known physical feature, was carefully concealed and never shown in his debut film, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
I is for impact:Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai left a lasting impression on popular culture with its fashion, dance moves, music, and stunning locations. Most significantly, Hrithik Roshan redefined the Hindi film hero by combining a muscular physique with exceptional dancing skills. The film inspired countless aspiring actors, including future stars, to pursue a career in Bollywood.
J is for Jasveer: Before rising to fame as a popular TV actress, Jasveer Kaur worked as a background dancer, including in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. The film also marked the acting debut of TV personality Tannaz Irani.
K is for Khao Phing Kan: The title track of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was filmed at Khao Phing Kan in Thailand, famously known as James Bond Island. The picturesque location has since become a favourite spot for Bollywood fans, many of whom recreate the iconic song there.
L is for Lucky Ali: The soundtrack of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai stands as singer Lucky Ali’s biggest Bollywood success, featuring the chart-topping songs Ek Pal Ka Jeena and Na Tum Jano Na Hum. These tracks remain fan favourites, and he continues to perform them live to this day.
M is for music: Rajesh Roshan’s award-winning soundtrack for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai featured iconic hits such as Ek Pal Ka Jeena, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Chand Sitaare, and the unforgettable title track. As one of the decade’s best-selling albums, it swept all the major Bollywood music awards.
N is for no: Rakesh Roshan initially declined to launch Hrithik as a hero, encouraging him to succeed on his own. When he eventually decided to cast his son in the lead roles, prominent figures in the film industry tried to dissuade him. However, after completing the script, Rakesh became convinced that Hrithik was the perfect choice for the double role.
O is for Otago:Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai became the first Bollywood film to be shot in New Zealand, featuring stunning locations like Queenstown, Christchurch, and Otago. Its success paved the way for other Indian films to be filmed in the country and contributed to a significant boom in Indian tourism to New Zealand.
P is for publicity: Unlike most newcomers, Hrithik Roshan did no promotional activities before the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. He explained to Eastern Eye: “People said as a new guy you have to do magazine covers and press interviews. You have to put yourself out there, but I did absolutely nothing. The first time people saw me was on the big screen. They only knew me through the promos and trailers of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Nobody had really done that until then.”
Q is for quick: Although Kareena Kapoor exited the film, there is a blink-and-you-miss-it shot of her in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai from a distance – a detail that came to light many years later.
R is for Rakesh Roshan: Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was written, directed, and produced by actor-turned-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. He dedicated over two years to the project, including guiding his son Hrithik through a physical transformation for the roles. The film became the biggest success of his career and marked the beginning of a dream collaboration with Hrithik, leading to subsequent blockbusters like Koi Mil Gaya and the Krrish series.
S is for superstition: Rakesh Roshan has consistently begun the titles of his films with the letter "K," believing it to bring good luck. He continued this tradition with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and followed it in all subsequent films, including Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, and Kites.
T is for twist: The plot of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai includes a twist where the heroine encounters a lookalike of her deceased lover in the second half. This mirrors a similar plot element in the 1986 Kannada film Ratha Sapthami, although it has never been confirmed if Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was inspired by it.
U is for underwater: The dramatic underwater scene where Rohit meets his tragic end required Hrithik Roshan to dive 30 feet below the surface and stay submerged for nearly 45 minutes. Trained divers were on hand to guide him through the sequence. Reflecting on the moment, producer-director Rakesh Roshan said, “I felt proud of Hrithik. Remaining underwater for so long required a great deal of guts, more than anything else, as anything could have gone wrong at any time.”
V is for victory: Hrithik Roshan made history as the first actor in Bollywood to win both the Filmfare award for best debut and best actor in the same year. He replicated this success at other major award ceremonies, including IIFA, Screen, and Zee Awards, solidifying his place as a breakout star.
W is for weight-training: Hrithik Roshan’s chiseled physique in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai set a new standard for the Hindi film hero. His intensive weight-training regimen not only gave him a well-defined body but also earned him the nickname “Greek God.”
X is for X-Factor: While Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai boasted a strong storyline, memorable music, and stunning locations, its undeniable X-Factor was Hrithik Roshan. His performance marked the most impactful male debut in Bollywood history, redefining the Hindi cinema leading man and setting a new benchmark for future actors.
Y is for yacht: The romantic song Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein was filmed aboard the luxurious Star Clipper yacht.
Z is for ZEE5: When Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai premiered on television, it garnered exceptionally high ratings. Today, the film remains accessible on the streaming platform ZEE5, with unofficial copies also available on YouTube.
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