Recently, the rumour mill went into overdrive with suggestions that Fox Star Studios had backed out of Karan Johar’s much-talked-about project Takht. Several media outlets reported that the team at Fox Star Studios had taken the tough decision after the hat-trick of flops in Chhapaak, Panga and Baaghi 3 in the very first quarter of 2020. Since Takht is a period drama to be mounted on a massive scale, the studio pulled out of the project due to scheduling and budget issues.
However, if the latest reports are to be believed, Karan Johar has found a new producing partner in T-Series Films’ Bhushan Kumar. Yes, you heard it absolutely right. Buzz has it that Dharma Productions and T-Series Films have come together for the first time to co-produce Takht.
“Karan has been trying to get a studio partner onboard since it is a big budget film and requires constant inflow of money. He is planning it on a massive scale, and making the film without a studio was never a feasible option. He had multiple conversations with LYCA Productions from South too, but the two could not reach a common ground and the deal was called off,” a source close to the development informs an entertainment portal.
After getting no response from LYCA Productions, Karan Johar got in touch with Bhushan Kumar, who reportedly loved the script of the film and the vision of the filmmaker and readily agreed to come onboard.
“It is a huge deal, and a first collaboration between Dharma and T-Series. This could probably be the beginning of a new partnership between the two esteemed producers of Bollywood,” the source goes on to add.
Takht boasts of a huge ensemble cast which includes the likes of Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Anil Kapoor. The film is expected to go on floors as soon as the Coronavirus pandemic is curbed.
The celebrated comedian and character actor passed away due to age-related ailments.
Asrani’s career spanned over five decades across Hindi and regional cinema.
He was best known for his collaborations with Kader Khan and director Priyadarshan.
A prolific career in Indian cinema
Veteran actor Asrani, who brought laughter and warmth to Indian screens for more than five decades, has passed away at the age of 84 due to age-related ailments. Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles, Asrani was among the most recognisable faces in Hindi cinema from the 1970s through the 1990s.
He became a household name with his performance as the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975), and also left a mark with acclaimed roles in Abhimaan, Bawarchi, and Chupke Chupke. Over the years, his versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy, character parts and cameos.
Successful collaborations with Kader Khan
Asrani shared a long and successful professional relationship with actor-writer Kader Khan. The duo appeared together in several hit films including Swarg Se Sundar, Charnon Ki Saugandh, Patal Bhairvi, Himmatwala, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni, Dulhe Raja, and Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare. Their chemistry and comic exchanges became a staple of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
Comic brilliance under Priyadarshan’s direction
In the 2000s, Asrani reached a new generation of filmgoers through his collaborations with filmmaker Priyadarshan. He featured in some of the director’s most popular comedies including Hera Pheri, Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, Billu, and De Dana Dan.
A legacy of laughter
With more than 350 films to his credit, Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense. His distinctive expressions, dialogue delivery, and ability to find humour in everyday situations made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic actors.
He is remembered not only for his performances but also for shaping the tone of comedy in Hindi films across generations.
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