There is something timeless about seasoned Bollywood star Anil Kapoor. While several actors who started out their careers in early ‘80s have hung up their boots long ago, Kapoor continues to work with the same vim and vigour even after spending more than four decades in showbiz. The star of such iconic films as Mr. India (1987), Tezaab (1988) and Parinda (1989), never forgets to thank the Almighty for keeping him occupied with work for such an incredibly long stretch of time.
Last seen in Pagalpanti (2019), Anil Kapoor is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Malang, co-starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani and Kunal Khemu. Ahead of the release of the romantic action thriller, Eastern Eye caught up with the seasoned actor at Luv Films’ office in Mumbai and talked to him about what led him to sign Malang, his working experience with new-age actors, the failure of Pagalpanti, and much more.
You have played a diverse range of characters in your storied career which spans across four decades. What new are you going to bring to the table in Malang?
This is a dark role, a very, very dark role. There is a lot of anger in my character. He is angry with people in his department, he is angry with the whole system. He is angry with himself, also, to some extent. Earlier, he used to be a different kind of person, but now he has completely changed and become somebody else. Goa has gone through some drastic changes from when he started to till now. He is angry with that change too. He is not happy with his department. So, all these aspects are there, which are very dark. He has reached a state where drinking and smoking do not give him that high anymore. He wants to forget himself, so he tries to get solace in intoxication.
How did you prepare for the role?
Before I started shooting for the film, I did my bit of research just to understand as to why do certain people do such things (substance abuse). I talked to a couple of people and watched some films as well.
I have not played such a dark character ever before in any of my films. This is a commercial film, but I have tried to portray my character in a way that it looks believable. It’s true that I have played a cop many a times before, but this type of cop I am playing for the very first time in my career.
Why did you take up this character?
Because I thought I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. But when people around me say that I can do a certain role, I start thinking that how can I do it? When I get that feeling that I can do it, I like to do that character. Then I get into the skin of that character slowly and slowly.
Having said that, while preparing for Anjaney Agashe in Malang, I was constantly thinking that how would I be able to play such a dark, crazy character. Would people love me in that character? I wanted that when the audience watches it on screen, it should look real. It should emerge as an entertaining character that people love it. They should not cringe while watching him. What happens, at times, is that people do not like certain dark characters because actors overdo it. I wanted to stay away from that. Writing plays an important role here. Aseem Arora has written a wonderful script. Besides that, Mohit Suri has made these kinds of films, like Ek Villain (2014), etc. He presents these characters pretty well. The fact that I had a strong team around me boosted my confidence. People working on this project were young, so I thought it would bring freshness to the film as well. These things helped me and boosted my confidence, so I decided let’s do the film.
Historical films are doing wonders at the box-office. You are also set to feature in a one called Takht.
Yes, I am doing Takht. It is a historical film. I am looking forward to it. Since Karan Johar is making it, it will be mounted on a huge scale. It is a big film.
What, according to you, went wrong with your last release Pagalpanti? You seemed very involved in that project as it reunites you with director Anees Bazmee.
I am very involved in every project that I do. I love working with Anees Bazmee, and I thoroughly loved working with him on Pagalpanti also. I am waiting for him to come to me with yet another script. I really enjoy working with him.
People loved my character in that film, and critics also praised my performance. I read a couple of reviews. What else an artist wants? Appreciation, right? At times it happens so that certain films do not release at the right time. Just before Pagalpanti, a couple of films in the same space had already arrived. So, there was some kind of fatigue, you know. Then destiny also plays a vital role.
After working in Bollywood for over four decades, how do you define success and failure?
It all depends on your journey. If your journey was good and you were happy with it, it is success. And if your films did not do well and you did not enjoy your journey, then it is of no use. I enjoyed working all these years. I have had a wonderful journey. Whatever I did, I did wholeheartedly, to the best of my abilities. The audience did not like some films of mine, and we cannot do anything about that. You have to accept it and move on to the next (project). I have been doing this for forty years now (smiles).
What do you see in a project when someone approaches you to be a part of it?
I think the director, the producer, the star cast and the studio backing it. I have to be confident of the fact that whether or not the studio has resources to make a good film, complete it and then release it properly. Then comes my remuneration. So, these are the things I always keep in mind.
Do you ever look back at your journey and analyse your work and think that maybe you could have done certain roles differently?
No, I never get the time. I finish one film and move on to the next. By the grace of God, I always have work in my hand. Instead I look forward and feel that when will I get to play that new character.
How has Bollywood evolved over the years, according to you?
People are working very hard today and good films are being made. Films are doing good business also. People are making different kinds of movies. I feel there should be more theatres though. There are new platforms available. People are doing such good work on digital platforms. Digital films are being made. So, these are the new changes. I do not miss anything from the past. I am enjoying working today.
As an actor, you have contributed immensely to the industry. Do you want to contribute as a director also?
No, I never feel like (directing). I am happy being an actor. I am happy with acting and production. This is enough for me.
Your film Ram Lakhan (1981) completes 31 years today. Would you like to share some memories from the sets of the film?
Not just Ram Lakhan, I enjoyed working with Subhash Ghai saab on each and every film that we did together. I loved working with him on Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan, Meri Jung (1985) and Taal (1999). I still love the songs of Ram Lakhan. Jackie (Shroff) and I had a lot of fun doing that film. We had great fun. There are some things which I cannot share with you (laughs). Biwi ghar se nikal degi (My wife will throw me out of the house).
Malang has a lot of young actors. How is it different working with young actors than your contemporaries?
It is much more fun working with newcomers. When you work with newcomers, you learn new things from them. You adapt to some of their things. I am not saying that I do not enjoy working with the actors from my age bracket, but working with these new actors is something different. These new actors and directors have new energy. Youth power is youth power, you know.
It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.
1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak
Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.
Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in a still from Bhansali’s unforgettable love storyInstagram/bhansaliproductions
2. Tadap Tadap still strikes a nerve with heartbroken souls
Even decades later, Tadap Tadap remains a go-to song for anyone nursing heartbreak. Its haunting melody and painful lyrics have earned it a permanent place on every “breakup playlist.” It’s not just a song, it’s a punch to the gut, and Gen X especially holds it close, often revisiting it during nostalgic or emotional moments.
Aishwarya Rai’s performance brought grace and heartbreak in equal measureInstagram/bhansaliproductions
3. It was only Bhansali’s second film
Most directors take a while to find their signature style. Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was only his second directorial project, but it cemented his place as a filmmaker known for blending grand visuals with emotional depth. The film’s cultural textures, sweeping sets, and deep emotions became a Bhansali trademark.
Salman Khan’s raw vulnerability added soul to Bhansali’s tale of longing and lossInstagram/bhansaliproductions
4. It echoed the storytelling of Indian film legends
Many critics at the time drew parallels between Bhansali and classic directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and K. Asif. Like them, Bhansali crafted scenes with intense emotional weight, often using music, silence, and visual flair to convey what words couldn’t.
Ajay Devgn delivered quiet intensity in Bhansali’s emotionally charged love triangleInstagram/bhansaliproductions
5. The music album was a blockbuster on its own
Beyond Tadap Tadap, the film’s soundtrack was packed with gems. From the playful Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan to the devotional Albela Sajan, the album was a complete package. Ismail Darbar’s score, paired with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals, played a major role in the film’s emotional impact.
Bhansali’s next film is already making waves
Two and a half decades later, Bhansali remains a force in Indian cinema. His upcoming film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is already one of the most anticipated releases. And while Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a fan favourite, expectations are sky-high for his next chapter.
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SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29
SS Rajamouli isn’t holding back with SSMB29, his latest big-screen spectacle starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker, known for his visual scale and attention to detail, has recreated the holy city of Varanasi in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City instead of shooting on location. The reason? The chaotic logistics of filming in the spiritual capital of India.
The set, rumoured to cost £4.8 million (₹50 crore), is a massive replica built specifically for a key sequence in the film. Leaked photos from the set have already gone viral online, giving fans a glimpse of the scale Rajamouli is aiming for. Mahesh Babu will be filming an action sequence here, with VFX work enhancing the visuals. In true Rajamouli style, international graphics studios, some of the best from Hollywood, have been roped in to bring the visuals to life.
SS Rajamouli builds Varanasi set in Hyderabad for SSMB29 shootGetty Images
Kenya schedule to kick off in July with action-packed jungle scenes
After wrapping up earlier schedules in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the SSMB29 team is now gearing up for its first international leg in Kenya. Originally planned for March, the schedule was delayed due to extreme heat in the region. Now rescheduled for July, the shoot will take place in some of East Africa’s most scenic locations, including Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli national parks.
This phase will see Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dive into adrenaline-heavy sequences set deep in the African wilderness. The story reportedly involves Mahesh’s character searching for a rare herbal remedy, adding a mythical twist to the film.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29Getty Images
For Priyanka, this film will mark her major comeback to Indian cinema after a six-year gap since The Sky Is Pink (2019). Her return in a Rajamouli project has fans across continents eager to see her back on the big screen.
A global vision with roots in mythology
While the team hasn’t confirmed the plot officially, reports suggest that the film is inspired by Ramayana-esque themes, with Mahesh Babu’s character on a spiritual and physical quest. The combination of Indian mythology, jungle survival, and stunning visual effects makes SSMB29 one of the most awaited Indian films currently in production.
Jason Isaacs has revealed that every cast member of The White Lotus Season 3, regardless of experience or fame, earned the same salary: £32,000 (₹33,60,000) per episode. That totals around £256,000 (₹2,68,80,000) for the full eight-episode run. While that figure might seem significant, Isaacs called it “a very low price” for a hit HBO show, but said he had no complaints.
“We would’ve paid to be in it,” Isaacs said in an interview, adding, “We probably would’ve given a body part.”
Jason Isaacs opens up about financial regrets and career lowsGetty Images
Equal pay, no ego
The show’s ensemble approach meant that veterans like Isaacs and Parker Posey received the same as newer faces such as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola. Asked if it bothered him to be paid the same as his younger co-stars, Isaacs shrugged it off: “I never work for money. I’ve done alright. People assume I have piles of cash, but I’ve basically matched my spending to my income and spent everything over the years.”
The pay structure, introduced from Season 1, was meant to ensure fairness and avoid ego clashes. “Everyone is treated the same,” said producer David Bernad in an earlier interview, explaining how the alphabetical billing and equal salaries were key to creating a drama-free, committed cast.
The White Lotus cast shares the screen and the paycheck equallyGetty Images
Isaacs admitted that while the rate was lower than typical network or streaming pay outs, the prestige of working on The White Lotus and with creator Mike White made it worthwhile.
Cautionary tales and career lows
Isaacs also took the opportunity to share hard-earned lessons with his younger co-stars, urging them not to get emotionally attached to the final product. “You don’t control how it’s received. That’s Mike’s job,” he said. Reflecting on his own past, he pointed to Peter Pan (2003), where he played Captain Hook, a big-budget project that tanked commercially and nearly derailed his career.
“It was the lowest I’ve ever felt professionally. I thought I’d never work again,” he confessed. Isaacs said it was his partner Emma Hewitt who helped him through that dark phase, crediting her support over their decades-long relationship.
Jason Isaacs says Emma Hewitt helped him through his dark phase in lifeGetty Images
The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max, and while the actors may not have earned big bucks, the series continues to score big on screen, with critics and fans alike.
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Scarlett Johansson kisses Jonathan Bailey and dazzles in couture at Jurassic World Rebirth premiere
Scarlett Johansson returned to the spotlight in a dazzling pink gown at the world premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the film’s release but also a major red carpet moment for the 39-year-old actress, who has been out of the public eye in recent months.
Wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood corset gown with sequins, Johansson lit up the green carpet with elegance and glamour. Her blush-toned dress featured a sculpted silhouette and soft draping that recalled golden-age Hollywood style, minus the fuss. The styling, handled by her long-time collaborator Kate Young, kept things minimal yet classy, letting the dress do all the talking.
Scarlett Johansson stuns in Vivienne Westwood gown at Jurassic World Rebirth London premiereGetty Images
All eyes on Scarlett, not the dinosaurs
Johansson’s outfit was a standout, softly shimmering, vintage-inspired, and unmistakably hers. The gown’s romantic structure paired beautifully with her classic Hollywood waves, styled by Renato Campora, and glowy makeup by Hung Vanngo, featuring soft pink tones and bold brows.
The green carpet itself mirrored the film’s jungle setting, with faux foliage and warning signs nodding to the franchise’s roots. Yet despite the dramatic décor and loud dinosaur displays, all attention shifted to Johansson’s presence and her surprise red carpet moment with co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Scarlett and Jonathan Bailey share a friendly kiss that gets fans buzzing on social mediaGetty Images
Fans went into a frenzy after the actress greeted Bailey with a quick, friendly kiss on the lips, sparking a flood of reactions online. The moment, caught on video, added a spark to an already buzzworthy evening. Bailey, dressed in a relaxed 1990s-inspired look with a cap and sunglasses, looked just as thrilled to reunite with his co-star.
A major comeback with a mega-franchise
Jurassic World Rebirth is Johansson’s first big-budget outing since stepping away from Marvel. She plays Zora Bennett, a covert operative sent on a high-stakes mission involving dinosaur DNA. She stars alongside Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend in this next chapter of the billion-pound (₹10,000 crore) franchise, directed by Gareth Edwards.
With the film expected to open strong, tracking at around £95 million (₹1,000 crore) globally, it’s a big summer bet for Universal. And for Scarlett Johansson, star power has never been in question, no theme costume required. Just a killer dress, a bold kiss, and a dash of old-school charm.
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James Cameron’s The Abyss pulled from Disney Plus UK after decades-old controversy resurfaces
Nearly four decades after its release, James Cameron’s 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss has sparked controversy again, this time on streaming. Disney+ quietly pulled the newly uploaded 4K remaster of the film from its UK platform after complaints resurfaced about a banned scene involving live animal testing.
The specific scene, showing a rat being submerged in oxygenated liquid, has long been a point of contention in the UK. Though the rat reportedly survived the experiment during filming, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had previously ruled it in breach of the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937. As a result, the sequence was cut from all UK theatrical, television, DVD, and Blu-ray releases. Yet, when Disney+ added the remastered version in April, the uncut version slipped through, triggering backlash from animal welfare groups.
RSPCA flags “loophole” as Disney+ removes unedited version
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which had campaigned for the scene’s removal since the 1980s, raised fresh concerns when the unedited version began streaming. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the charity, stressed this wasn’t about censorship but consistency.
“We're not calling for the film to be banned,” Bowles clarified. “We’d fully support Disney+ reinstating it, just without the disturbing rat scene. This is about closing a loophole that lets animal abuse scenes bypass the same restrictions applied to TV, DVD, and cinema.”
While UK content is regulated under BBFC guidelines, streaming platforms often fall outside traditional classifications. This regulatory gap allowed the uncut version of The Abyss to appear online, unnoticed until viewers flagged it. The scene reportedly used five rats, all of whom survived, but their visible distress on-screen led to public discomfort and long-standing restrictions.
Future availability unclear, but alternative platforms exist
Disney+ has yet to confirm whether an edited version of The Abyss will return to its UK library. For now, viewers can still find the film on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, albeit without the controversial scene. The cinematic version was also available briefly on ITVX but has since been taken down.
The Abyss pulled from UK streaming after animal welfare complaints reach DisneyIMDB
Starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn, The Abyss remains a cult favourite for its iconic underwater visuals and suspense-driven plot. But its legacy now includes a sharp reminder that even classics must face new scrutiny in the age of streaming.