Amitabh@80: Still a delight, keeps getting better, say directors old and new
“For me, to have Mr Bachchan walk in my film is a big deal. He is the father of Indian cinema. He is the most respected person in the film industry,� Ayan Mukerji said.
He’s 80 and going stronger than ever, spooling in celluloid ‘miles’ with the roles rolling in and directors still lining up to sign him on. Amitabh Bachchan, they say, was and is still an exciting actor, perhaps the best there ever has been.
From Ramesh Sippy who directed him in the 1975 cult film Sholay to Ayan Mukerji who helmed his latest Brahmastra 47 years later, Bachchan is the man for all seasons and all kinds of films.
"What a wonderful innings it has been and he just keeps getting better. He has played so many varied roles in comedy, drama, romance, dancing and songs. He can do anything and everything perfectly. Has there been anybody bigger or better? I doubt it,” Sippy said as the Bollywood icon celebrates his 80th birthday today.
“For me, to have Mr Bachchan walk in my film is a big deal. He is the father of Indian cinema. He is the most respected person in the film industry,” Mukerji said.
Making his debut with the relatively low profile Saat Hindustani in 1969, remembered all these years primarily for serving as his launchpad, Bachchan exploded on the silver screen with Zanjeer in 1973.
There was no looking back after that, and storytellers across five decades are still trying to decode the success of the man who keeps on reinventing himself - the ‘angry young man’ of Zanjeer, Don and Deewaar; the amiable, fun professor of Chupke Chupke; and the conflicted singing star of Abhimaan in the 1970s.
Then came the 1980s with films such as Shakti and Silsila. The 1990s saw a slump in Bachchan’s career and many of films, including Mrityudata and Lal Baadshah, tanked at the box office.
Bachchan was back in the reckoning the following decade as a television host in Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. Twenty-two years later, the show is still running. This is also the time Bachchan transitioned into age-appropriate characters in films. It started with Mohabbatein and continues with varied roles, be it Pink, Cheeni Kum or Jhund.
Sippy recalled the casting for Sholay, which saw Bachchan and Dharmendra as two friends “thick as thieves”.
“I had seen two of his earlier films — Anand in which he played a serious role, it was a difficult role and he stood out, and Bombay to Goa, where he played a lighter and a more boisterous role, which had impressed me a lot. We signed him. A few months later Zanjeer and Deewaar released. By the time Sholay came, he was a rising star,” the veteran filmmaker said.
Sippy, who also worked with Bachchan in Shakti, Shaan and Akayla, said it was exciting to see the megastar recreate magic on screen, both the big and small, even after all these years. “There have been a lot of fine actors and there is absolute respect for all but he definitely stands above everyone.”
They may be in awe of him, but all of Bachchan’s directors have experimented with the roles they offered him.
R. Balki, who first worked with Bachchan on an advertisement campaign, gave him Cheeni Kum, where Bachchan is a 60-something arrogant chef romancing a much younger Tabu, and Paa that sees the star playing a 12-year-old boy afflicted with progeria.
“Every filmmaker thinks of Mr Bachchan first; everybody would love to get a chance to work with him. We all came to the cinema being his fans. I was luckier than some people. I write my films for him. I have been searching for my next film for some years now,” said Balki.
“There is one word to describe Amit ji and it is Amitabh Bachchan. There are no other words. It has become like a character itself. It has so much meaning — you can say persona, dignity, grace, powerful, voice, performance, everything being put together. There is a character called Amitabh Bachchan. That character is a rare phenomenon,” he added.
For new-age directors like Ayan Mukerji and Ribhu Dasgupta, the opportunity to direct Bachchan is nothing short of a dream.
While Mukerji cast Bachchan as a guru in his astraverse, sci-fi film, Dasgupta directed Bachchan in the TV series Yudh (2014) and 2016 mystery-thriller Te3n.
Dasgupta has tried hard to keep his fan boy self out of the picture. “I come from Kolkata and we worship him there. There is an Amitabh Bachchan temple in Kolkata. But when I directed him, I had to keep the fan boy out. Also, sir knows everything — where the camera should be, what and where the light should be, etc. He sees what the person in front is doing,” he said.
This year, Bachchan has already had three theatrical releases — Nagraj Manjule-directed Jhund, Ajay Devgn’s Runway 34 and Ayan Mukherji’s Brahmastra.
His latest film Goodbye, directed by Vikas Bahl, opened on Friday. He is now awaiting the release of Uunchai, directed by Sooraj Barjatya.
The buzz around Vishnu Manchu’s epic film Kannappa is steadily building, and now, fans finally have a date to mark. The official trailer of the much-awaited mythological action drama is set to release on 13 June, just two weeks before its global theatrical premiere on 27 June.
Star-studded ensemble brings myth to life
Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, Kannappa promises to bring a larger-than-life story rooted in devotion, action, and spiritual legend. The film is based on the life of the legendary Shiva devotee Kannappa, and the cast lineup is packed with big names. Alongside Vishnu Manchu in the lead, the film features major stars like Akshay Kumar, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Kajal Aggarwal, and Arpit Ranka, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
The trailer, set to release on 13 June, is expected to offer a first look into the film’s scale, its visual storytelling, and the unique treatment of its devotional themes. Though the production team is keeping footage under wraps, industry insiders say viewers can expect a complete cinematic world built with grand visuals and intense performances, with some surprise cameos that are still being kept tightly under wraps.
Produced by Vasaraa Entertainment Worldwide, Kannappa has been in the works for several years and is positioned as one of the most ambitious mythological films in recent times. Bringing together action, emotion, and spiritual themes, the film seeks to bridge traditional lore with mainstream appeal. From high-end VFX to elaborate sets and costumes, the makers have invested heavily in creating a spectacle for the big screen.
The trailer launch on 13 June is expected to kickstart the final phase of promotions ahead of the film’s worldwide release on 27 June. With a stellar cast and an emotionally rich narrative at its core, Kannappa is being touted as a potential game-changer for the mythological genre in Indian cinema.
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A bee flew into his mouth and stung him while he was on the field
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent industrialist and polo patron, passed away at the age of 53 in the United Kingdom after reportedly suffering a heart attack during a polo match. Kapur was also known for being the former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor.
Tragic incident on the polo field
The incident occurred during a polo match where Kapur was representing his team, Aureus. According to reports, a bee flew into his mouth and stung him while he was on the field, triggering a fatal heart attack. Despite the rapid arrival of medical assistance, he could not be revived.
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Kapur, who had a deep love for the sport, was playing against team Sujan, led by hotelier Jaisal Singh, at the time of the incident.
Business legacy
Sunjay Kapur was the son of the late Surinder Kapur, founder of the Sona Group, an influential player in India’s automotive components industry. After joining the family business in 2003, Sanjay played a key role in its expansion and global outreach. He served as chairman of Sona Comstar, a company known for its focus on electric vehicle parts manufacturing.
Educational background
Born into a prominent business family, Kapur was educated at The Doon School in Dehradun and later attended the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Corporate Strategy and Human Resources, in London.
Personal life and marriages
Kapur's personal life often attracted public attention. He was married three times. His first marriage was to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, which ended in 2000.
He married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple had two children—Samaira and Kiaan—before separating in 2016. They remained committed to co-parenting their children.
Following his divorce, Kapur married Priya Sachdev, a model-turned-entrepreneur. The couple welcomed a son, Azarius, in 2018. Priya also has a daughter, Safira Chatwal, from a previous marriage.
Passion for polo
Beyond business, Kapur was deeply involved in polo, both as a player and patron. His team, Aureus, was part of various domestic and international tournaments, showcasing his commitment to the sport.
Sunjay Kapur is remembered for his contributions to Indian industry and his passion for polo. His sudden death has left the business and sports communities in shock.
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Dua Lipa confirms engagement to Callum Turner after months of speculation
After months of speculation, Dua Lipa has officially confirmed her engagement to British actor Callum Turner. The pop star shared the news in a recent interview, calling it an emotional and meaningful step in their relationship.
The couple, who have been together for over a year, first met in London and reconnected a year later under unexpected circumstances. Dua described their journey as one filled with “sliding doors moments,” including discovering they were reading the same book the night they re-met.
The story behind the ring that has everyone talking
Lipa’s engagement ring, now a regular feature on her social media, has sparked plenty of buzz. But behind the sparkle was an extremely thoughtful gesture. Turner collaborated with Dua’s sister, Rina, and her closest friends to design the piece. Set on a bold gold cigar band, the centre diamond, likely an old European cut, is estimated to be worth between £160,000 and £216,000 (₹1.6 crore to ₹2.2 crore).
“I’m obsessed with it,” Dua admitted. “It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you that well.” She praised Turner for creating something deeply personal instead of following traditional trends.
Dua Lipa opens up about her future with Callum Turner in a recent interviewGetty Images
Fans first suspected something was up during Christmas 2024, when Dua posted a photo wearing the ring. But it wasn’t until the interview that she finally confirmed the news, saying, “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting.”
No wedding plans yet, but the excitement is real
Dua is currently on her Radical Optimism world tour, while Turner is filming the sci-fi series Neuromancer for Apple TV. Despite the excitement, they haven’t set a date yet.
“I’ve never really thought about what kind of bride I’d be,” Dua shared. “But now, all of a sudden, I’m wondering, what would I wear?”
Callum Turner and Dua Lipa at the Met Gala Getty Images
The couple is in no rush, choosing instead to enjoy this new chapter quietly. “It’s the decision to grow old together,” she said, “and that feels really special.”
Whether taking long breaks or making unpredictable choices, Chitrangda Singh has always followed her own rhythm in a notoriously fast-paced film industry.
The ever-graceful actress adds fresh chapters to her cinematic journey with two dramatically different projects. Just a week ago, she made a splash on the big screen in the mega-budget comedy multistarrer Housefull 5, part of a popular franchise. Next, she will shift gears for Raat Akeli Hai 2 – the dark, layered Netflix sequel to the gripping whodunnit that captivated audiences during lockdown.
Her unconventional path continues with this dual release, which reflects her commitment to varied work. That approach has defined her since making a winning debut with the acclaimed 2005 film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. The top talent remains driven by audience appreciation.
In a wide-ranging interview with Eastern Eye, she discussed her journey, passions beyond acting, dream role, fashion, approach to performance, and advice for young women.
Chitrangda Singh
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
I think it has been a very gratifying and exciting journey. I have taken quite a few breaks in between but feel audiences did not forget me or my work. Even when I did less, they still gave a lot of love and respect for what I had done, which for me is such a huge encouragement to keep going. It has been a very interesting life, especially because this was not something I had planned or expected to do.
Tell us about that.
It was this amazing coincidence – how (writer/director) Sudhir (Mishra) found me and I got Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. It felt like someone was introducing me to myself, telling me I had a talent I should explore. I am very thankful that audiences have not forgotten me. I am still here, doing exciting work.
What makes you so selective about the projects you take on?
The root cause is simply that when you do not get the kind of work you are looking for, you wait. So, it is not that I have been deliberately choosy. I just tried to pick the best from whatever came my way. Actors are offered all kinds of work. When it was not good enough, I preferred to wait rather than come under pressure to take it. All I can say is, I did not quite get the kind of work I was hoping for.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently?
If I could change something, it would probably be the long breaks I took. Those happened because of certain family commitments, which meant I had to keep going back to another city.
I was not in Mumbai all the time. Staying away – especially that seven-year break early on – meant people did forget me a little, and I had to keep making comebacks. That probably affected my career. I also wish I had stayed more focused and worked harder at times.
You have played a variety of interesting roles. Which is closest to your heart?
The film that is closest to my heart is Inkaar with Arjun Rampal. I feel my character, Maya Luthra, was a special woman. She could be strong and ambitious, and make a place for herself in a man’s world – fight for it. At the same time, she was vulnerable, emotional, and in love. Those are the contrasts we live with. I feel Maya was a beautifully written character and the one I relate to the most.
Which film project challenged you the most?
It is the one I have just completed – Raat Akeli Hai 2 for Netflix with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It was a tough role, and Honey Trehan is a very demanding director. I had a great time and learnt a lot on set after a long while. Sometimes you get these characters that force you to change your approach. I must thank Honey for that. It was challenging, but I really enjoyed it.
What is the secret to surviving in such a competitive industry?
The secret is doing good work. I have taken long breaks, but people remember you if the work has been strong. They recall your performances and potential. I think that is the only way to survive and build a long shelf life. It is not about visibility, PR, or award shows – those help, but they do not last. Only the work does.
Chitrangda Singh
You always have great screen presence, but what is the secret to a great performance?
My understanding is that acting is not about performing, but reacting – emotionally, physically, and truthfully to a situation. That stops you from repeating yourself. In real life, you do not get angry the same way every time because the context is always different. Of course, it depends on the writing too. But if you react with honesty, without overplanning, that is the key to a great performance.
Which genre do you prefer?
I haven’t done much of it, but I love romance and good drama.
Do you have a dream role?
I have said this many times – it would be Umrao Jaan, the character Rekha played in Muzaffar Ali’s film. I find women and dancing girls from that era fascinating. They lived hard lives but were ahead of their time in many ways. They were uninhibited about their sexuality, yet deeply cultured – reading, writing poetry, and of course, dancing.
What are your biggest passions outside work?
I do not get too much time, but I love painting and charcoal sketching. I also enjoy golf and like playing it. I love trekking – I have done a lot of that in Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir, just walking along rivers and fishing. I wish I had more time for it.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
I love romance. I also enjoy thrillers and drama. I especially like courtroom dramas – they are fascinating and very difficult to write well.
You are seen as a symbol of girl power. What advice would you give to women and girls?
Keep working on yourself. Make sure you are financially independent, because that leads to mental and emotional independence. If you cannot support yourself financially and rely on someone else, it becomes the worst kind of dependence – even your thoughts and opinions start relying on them. So, work on yourself, become financially stable, and be your own person.
Any other advice?
This idea of feminism where women try to be men – I do not agree with that. I think women should remain women but work hard for opportunities. Do not look for shortcuts or expect special treatment because you are a woman. Pay your dues and work as hard as any man. That is how you earn it.
Your fashion sense always stands out. What inspires your style?
My style has always been classic and casual chic. I cannot pull off over-the-top looks or heavy bling. I prefer understated and structured outfits. But honestly, I am most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt. I always go for clean, timeless silhouettes.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
Horse riding. I have been on a horse and can manage a little, but I am not very good. A woman on a horse is so graceful. I would love to learn dressage – it is the most beautiful thing. The other thing is fishing – if I could get better at it, I would enjoy those long treks even more.
Why do you love being an actress?
The most exciting part is getting to play different characters. I love human psychology – I am curious about people and their behaviour. Working on that, picking up nuances, building new characters and becoming someone else is thrilling. And it changes every day. I feel blessed to do such varied work with so many creative people. It is an energy I thrive on.
After a last-minute cancelled theatrical release and a court order forcing a limited cinema screening weeks later, the Bollywood comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf is now finally available on streaming platform Amazon Prime.
The film follows a man desperate to marry the love of his life. In order to win over her father, he goes to great lengths to impress him. Everything goes according to plan – until the haldi ceremony, which takes place the day before the wedding. He suddenly finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving that exact same day over and over again. No one believes him, and tensions begin to mount.
What could have been a wildly entertaining blend of comedy, emotion, introspection, and unexpected twists quickly runs out of steam. Time-loop comedies have worked well in global cinema, largely due to strong writing that brings new dimensions to a familiar concept. Unfortunately, writer-director Karan Sharma is unable to build on the promising premise, and the novelty wears off early. Instead of using the loop to explore characters or drive inventive storytelling, the film falls into a repetitive cycle – in soul, structure and spirit.
A talented cast, led by Rajkummar Rao, tries to breathe life into the film with spirited performances, but they soon devolve into irritating caricatures. Rising star Wamiqa Gabbi is as watchable as ever, but is ultimately underused. Even the music disappoints, with forgettable tracks that lack emotional weight or energy. The only mildly engaging song, Chor Bazari Phir Se, turns out to be a weaker cover version of a past hit.
Like its title, which means ‘forgive my mistakes’, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a cinematic error that is best forgotten. Instead of fulfilling its potential, this time-loop romantic comedy ends up going in circles – without landing anywhere meaningful or entertaining.