50 things we learned about Bollywood in 2023

BOLLYWOOD celebrities unveiled various details about themselves this year, ranging from unique personal anecdotes to past experiences.

Keeping our ears to the ground, we learned more about the lives of well-known stars than just their on-screen personas.

Eastern Eye looks back on the events of the last 12 months to present 50 things we discovered about Bollywood and its stars this year.

In terms of work, Sunil Shetty is inspired by watching fellow actors. He said: “It keeps you going, keeps you active and also helps people along the way.”

Abhishek Bachchan moulded the look of his character in Ghoomer on the film’s director, R Balki.

Sunil Shetty

Newcomer Alaya F confessed that she has to work hard at dancing. She said: “I was a miserable dancer. It was a lot of work. I still can’t dance at parties or freestyle. I can only choreograph dance.”

Ranbir Kapoor confessed to being extremely romantic in real life.

Alaya F

Anil Kapoor thinks this is the most exciting phase of his career because he is able to play a wide variety of roles. He gives credit to good technicians, directors, writers and actors.

Acclaimed actor Vinay Pathak is most inspired by his two daughters. He said: “Ever since I’ve become a father, everything I do and everywhere I go, at the back of my mind, I feel like I have to do it right and with love because I must set an example for my daughters.”

Shraddha Kapoor thinks the secret to creating great romantic chemistry onscreen lies with the professionals working behind the scenes. “There are beautiful songs, beautiful writing and deft direction happening. So, all of that contributes to it.”

Anil Kapoor

Sonakshi Sinha likes to work out four or five times a week and tries to do at least 10,000 steps a day.

 Jimmy Sheirgill loves Birmingham and enjoyed shooting his Punjabi film Tu Hovein Main Hovan there. “I recommend everybody go and shoot in Birmingham because it is such a beautiful place.”

Shraddha Kapoor

Nikkhil Advani revealed that Shah Rukh Khan wanted to quit his 2003 directorial debut, Kal Ho Naa Ho, after four days because of a back injury and suggested they cast Salman Khan instead. But they waited six months for him to resume shooting.

Esha Deol would never work in a remake of her mother Hema Malini’s movies or ones starring any other Hindi cinema icon. She said: “These are legends from our industry. The films that they have done - I don’t think anyone should touch them. Because they have got that magic about them.”

Varun Dhawan is drawn towards films with an engaging narrative and multi-dimensional characters, which allow him to experience personal and professional growth.

Sanya Malhotra enjoys watching light-hearted serials like The White Lotus.

Newcomer Babil Khan’s favourite five films of his late father, Irrfan Khan, are Paan Singh Tomar, Lunchbox, Madari, Piku and Maqbool. He also admitted he would never want to act in a remake of any of his father’s movies

Esha Deol

Priyanka Chopra-Jonas revealed that she had left India to pursue a career in America because of dark forces in Bollywood. She said certain individuals had stopped casting her because she wasn’t willing to “schmooze” in certain clubs and cliques.

Doting dad Jackie Shroff cooks dal chawal (lentils and rice) at home for his actor-son Tiger Shroff because it’s his favourite dish.

Sunny Leone was most inspired by a powerful lady boss she worked for as a teenager. “This woman walked in, and everyone was scared of her. She had so much power within her entire being. I really looked up to her as a woman.”

Hema Malini, 74, is willing to do a kissing scene like her husband Dharmendra, 87, did in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani if required and is essential to the storyline.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Pooja Hegde would love to portray Gayatri Devi (the third maharani consort of Jaipur from 1940 to 1949). “I have always found her very graceful and dignified.”

Yami Gautam doesn’t think there is anything such as a self-made actor. She explained:

“There are always people behind you and rooting for you. Be it your family, fans, that one producer, or a director who is willing to take that punt on you.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan is not tempted to work in Hollywood and prioritises her children. “I am a mother of two, so I need to give my children time. They are at a very young age and need me as much as possible.”

Sunny Leone

Bollywood hardman Gulshan Grover has a soft side. He wept while watching the emotional drama Dear Jassi at its Toronto International Film Festival world premiere. He said: “I am normally very disciplined when it comes to watching films, but I couldn’t stop crying.”

Newcomer Aaliyah Qureishi loved working on the blockbuster hit Jawan because she has always been a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan. Her dream role is to play a psychopath or serial killer. “I am obsessed with criminal psychology and think it would be a really fun and powerful experience.”

Beauty queen turned Bollywood actress Manushi Chhillar would love to work in Hollywood if the opportunity arises. In terms of dream roles, the former Miss World revealed she wants to do a fun rom-com or a feel-good movie.

Pooja Hegde

Bobby Deol said Salman Khan helped him get work during a low phase in his career and revealed that they call one another ‘mamu’.

Legendary singer Kumar Sanu revealed that the song closest to his heart out of the many hits is Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye from the 1990 film, Jurm. “I feel that the lyrics of this song fit in everywhere, in every situation. You can sing it for your lover, parents, kids, and even God. This is the most special song of my life.”

Anil Sharma revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kajol were the first choices to play Ameesha Patel’s role in Gadar. He had also approached other known names, but finally settled on the then newcomer.

Shah Rukh Khan personally writes replies to fans on social media when he does question-and-answer sessions. He explained: “Personal things that I write on social media are written absolutely by me.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Deepika Padukone admitted to seeing other men when she started her relationship with Ranveer Singh and stopped when they got engaged.

Amitabh Bachchan said that his younger brother, Ajitabh Bachchan, was the first one to encourage him to pursue an acting career. He also revealed that his wife, Jaya, is his worst critic and has even walked out of his films multiple times.

Manushi Chhillar

Akshay Kumar has no immediate plans to join politics, but hasn’t ruled it out in the future.

Tara Sutaria confessed to not showering for a week or brushing her hair to get into the skin of the character in her gritty thriller, Apurva.

Accomplished singer Ayushmann Khurrana tried to participate in Indian Idol 2 during his days of struggle, but was rejected.

Although Manoj Bajpayee is open to working in cinema around the world, his primary focus will always be India. “I see myself doing great roles in beautiful projects in India.”

Ranveer Singh with Deepika Padukone

Vicky Kaushal explained that his actress wife, Katrina Kaif, is in charge of all the household expenses and holds regular budget meetings with their staff.

The key advice Shilpa Shetty would give couples is to never fight in front of their children, and it’s something she learned from her own parents.

Amitabh Bachchan

Pankaj Tripathi eats only khichdi during a shoot and usually prepares it himself without any oil or spices, instead of ordering a takeaway.

Kajol thinks that women should not tolerate physical abuse and violence in a relationship.

Single star Kriti Sanon said she is a die-hard romantic and wants to be in love. The qualities she looks for in a partner include someone who has a lot of love, honesty, ambition, drive and is inspiring.

Saif Ali Khan named his son Taimur after his first childhood friend.

In a candid admission, Aamir Khan said that both him and his daughter, Ira, have been going to therapy sessions. He said seeking help from a professional is nothing to be ashamed of.

Manoj Bajpayee

Sunny Deol said he asked Akshay Kumar not to release his film OMG 2 on the same day as his Gadar 2. But Akshay said it wasn’t up to him, and both the movies were released simultaneously.

Kriti Sanon

Ranveer Singh inspired US model Ashley Graham and others to do the ‘just looking like a wow’ online trend.

In her spare time, Jacqueline Fernandez likes to read, write and listen to soothing music like jazz or classical. The actress also likes being around her cats and taking time for self-care.

If Rakul Preet Singh had failed to make it as an actress, her plan B was to do an MBA in fashion and pursue that as a career. She also revealed that her relationship deal-breaker was lying.

When Richa Chadha’s mother found out her daughter was dating actor Ali Fazal, she mistook him for married Pakistani actor Ali Zafar.

Sunny Deol

Sanjay Dutt said he had used his time in jail to learn cooking and read the scriptures. He also worked out and emerged with a better physique.

Rani Mukerji revealed that she had a miscarriage when she was pregnant for the second time in 2020 and lost her baby five months into her pregnancy.

Salman Khan said he was unlucky in love but admitted that his relationships failed because of him.

Shahid Kapoor wasn’t paid any money for his multi-award-winning 2014 film Haider. He said: “I’m the only one who did it for free.