Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Birthday special: Life and times of Bollywood great Jackie Shroff

Jackie Shroff celebrates his 63rd birthday on Saturday (1) and will no doubt receive good wishes from around the world.

The talented actor has had a remarkable rise from rags to becoming a globally renowned film star with many big screen successes to his name. He is also father to hot right now movie star Tiger Shroff and known for his many big-hearted gestures.


To celebrate the popular actor turning a year older, Eastern Eye decided to present some fun facts about him.

Jackie was born Jai Kishan Kakubhai Shroff and grew up in a slum area of Mumbai. He was working at a travel agency when by chance he was spotted at a bus stop and offered work as a model, which he agreed to do for the money.

He met Suneil Anand at acting class and asked to meet his legendary movie star father Dev Anand. The Bollywood great was suitably impressed with Jackie and gave him his acting debut with 1982 film Swami Dada.

The 1983 film Hero was initially written for Sanjay Dutt, but he couldn’t do the film due to his then drug problems. Director Subhash Ghai took a chance on newcomer Jackie and turned him into an overnight star with the blockbuster hit.

His film Karma was the highest grossing film of 1986. Allah Rakha, which released the same year had been written for Amitabh Bachchan, but he couldn’t do it because of joining politics and Jackie stepped in, including into already designed costumes.

Jackie won his first major Best Actor award for Parinda (1989), but the movie was made on such a low budget that he allowed the producers to use his own car and clothes to help them save money. The award-winning film was India’s official entry for the 1990 Academy Awards.

Jackie revealed that he once rejected a role because the producer wanted him to get waxed and wear a bikini.

Govinda was reportedly offered the role of Chunni Lal in smash hit Devdas (2002), but turned it down. Jackie then stepped in and won himself a Best Supporting Actor Filmfare Award.

Other films Jackie has won a Filmfare Best Supporting Actor award for are 1942: A Love Story (1994) and Rangeela (1995). He was nominated for the same award for Khalnayak (1993), Agni Sakshi (1996) and Yaadein (2001).

Jackie has starred in more than 220 films in 13 different languages, including Hindi, Konkani, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, English and Gujarati.

Jackie owned a stake in Sony TV when it launched and later sold it for a massive amount.

He was the first Indian movie star to get involved with TV in such a major way.

The Bollywood great remains in demand with seven films due for release this year, and long may he continue.

More For You

AP Dhillon

From dropping beats to dropping jaws—AP Dhillon steals the show at Chanel in Paris

AP Dhillon owns the spotlight: From Brown Munde to Chanel’s front row in Paris

From selling out arenas to sitting front row at Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show, the Punjabi rap superstar is moving in spaces once reserved for fashion’s elite. And he’s doing it with the same effortless swagger that made him a household name across South Asia and now, Europe.

AP Dhillon brings his signature style to Chanel’s front row

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS Greenlights New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Relief

This new pill can be taken at home

iStock

NHS approves new daily pill for endometriosis treatment in the UK

A new daily pill, relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, designed to treat endometriosis, has been approved for use across England’s NHS. This medication provides a convenient and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering relief for women suffering from this painful condition.

A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Care

Keep ReadingShow less
budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less
slushies

Slushy drinks attract young children with their bright colours and taste

istock

Doctors urge children under 8 to avoid slushies due to glycerol risks

Children’s love for brightly coloured, sweet beverages, such as slushy ice drinks, may come with hidden dangers, according to new research that highlights the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in these products. Doctors are now urging that children under eight should completely avoid slushy drinks that contain glycerol, as they may cause serious health issues, including loss of consciousness and shock.

The call for revised health advice comes in response to a recent study conducted by paediatricians in the UK and Ireland. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, examined 21 cases of children aged between two and seven who required emergency treatment shortly after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. These cases, all from 2018 to 2024, involved children who became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Naomi Watts Cheers as Daughter Kai Makes Debut at Paris Fashion Week

Kai made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week

Instagram/ naomiwatts

Naomi Watts celebrates as daughter Kai makes stunning runway debut at Paris Fashion Week

Naomi Watts, the acclaimed British-Australian actress, has long been a fixture in Hollywood, known for her captivating performances in films like The Impossible and Mulholland Drive. But this week, it was her 16-year-old daughter, Kai Schreiber, who stole the spotlight. Kai made her runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking for the prestigious fashion house Valentino, and Naomi couldn’t have been prouder.

A star-studded debut

Kai’s debut on the Valentino catwalk was nothing short of spectacular. Dressed in a knit snakeskin mini dress with a dramatic feathered collar, the young model exuded confidence and elegance. The ensemble was completed with a beige headband, Havana sunglasses featuring blue lenses, white lace stockings, and matching sandals adorned with a rose strap. The look was bold, sophisticated, and perfectly suited to the high-fashion atmosphere of Paris Fashion Week.

Keep ReadingShow less