Talented singer-songwriter Ronit Vohra recently released his Punjabi song Jaane Na Tu, which is a soulful number he hopes everyone will relate to. Having been connected to music from a very young age, the multi-instrumentalist has diverse influences and selected the 10 songs he loves.
Mai Tenu Samjhawan Ki by Arijit Singh: Beautifully sung with amazing lyrics, it has a romantic feel to it. I love this tune. I would sing this song in all my shows.
Abhi Mujhe Mein Kahin by Sonu Nigam: Outstandingly sung by Sonu sir. What a great arrangement. It is a complete combination of meaningful lyrics, beautiful composition and amazing singing. This song really touches my heart. I love how Sonu sir has added so many expressions to the song.
Lag Jaa Gale by Lata Mangeshkar: A perfect song for any occasion. The lyrics are evergreen. Lataji is unmatchable. The variations in my go-to song are very soulful. A one of its kind perfectly-arranged romantic song by Madan Mohanji.
Channa Mereya by Arijit Singh: Hats off to Arijit sir for singing it so well. The vibe of the song is very catchy and soothing to the ears. I would hear it a million times and not get bored of it. Kudos to Pritam sir for making such a beautiful composition.
Tu Hi Re by Hariharan: AR Rahman sir at his best. The music arrangement is of pure excellence. The way Hari sir has added emotions to the song is really heart touching. I get goosebumps every time I listen to this song. Loved how Rahman sir has played with the musical notes. Bravo!
Mann Bharrya by B Praak: This masterpiece is very catchy and fresh. The guitar strumming is super crisp and the chord progression is just so beautiful. The best part about the song is the heartwarming lyrics.
Phir Le Aya Dil by Arijit Singh: This is one of my most favourite songs of all time. Everything is great about the song, including the lyrics, music arrangement and marvellous singing. I love how Pritam sir has played with the ragas in the song.
Chala Jata Hoon by Kishore Kumar: I think this is one of the happiest songs that I have heard or sung till date. Kishore da was truly a powerhouse of music. The power with which Kishore da had sung this song is just out of the world. The best part of the really crisp and upbeat song is the yodelling by Kishore da.
Laal Ishq by Arijit Singh: Another soulful song by Arijit sir. The expressions in this song are mind-blowing. This song literally brings tears to my eyes when I listen to it. What a composition by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Arijit sir has made this song his own with his beautiful expressions and voice modulations. One of the best classical songs in Bollywood.
Teri Deewani by Kailash Kher: This is my most favourite Sufi song. Kailash sir’s style of singing in this song just connects me to god. The lyrics are very engaging and amazing. Love the chord progressions in the song and Kailash sir’s voice throw. Definitely a song I would sing anywhere and everywhere.
Ever walked into a cinema, popcorn in hand, all hyped for a big new Hindi release – only to realise, halfway through, that you have seen the exact same story before, just in another language? That weird sense of déjà vu has become all too familiar for Bollywood audiences in recent years, with one remake after another. Many are based on South Indian hits.
From Vikram Vedha to Shehzada, Bholaa to Selfiee, Bollywood seems to be treating South Indian blockbusters like a catalogue to borrow from. But here is the problem – most of them did not work. Not just with critics, but at the box office too. Which raises the obvious question: if the originals were such big hits, why can’t the Hindi versions strike gold?
The numbers do not lie Let us look at the figures.
The Tamil film Vikram Vedha (2017) was made on a budget of £103,695 (₹11 million) and earned £5.66 million (₹600 million). It had strong writing, originality, and standout performances. The 2022 Hindi remake starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, despite slick production, was a costly misfire.
Bholaa, a remake of Kaithi, leaned too heavily on visual effects and forgot the raw, gritty storytelling that made the original shine. Made for £8.8 million (₹1 billion), it only grossed £9.7 million (₹1.1 billion) worldwide. Compare that with Kaithi, made for £2.2 million (₹250 million), which earned over £9.3 million (₹1.05 billion) – without big stars or CGI. This pattern keeps repeating itself.
Selfiee, based on Malayalam hit Driving Licence, flopped. Shehzada tried to replicate the success of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and failed miserably. Sarfira, based on Soorarai Pottru, came and went without impact. Even Baby John (a version of Theri) and Deva (inspired by Mumbai Police) could not turn strong originals into Hindi box office hits.
Ajay Devgn in Bholaa
Star power is not enough These numbers paint a clear picture: the remakes are not connecting. But what about star power? Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan – surely such big names should guarantee success? Unfortunately, it is not that simple anymore.
Audiences are smarter now. Thanks to streaming platforms, dubbed versions and social media buzz, many have already seen the originals – or at least know the storyline. So when the Hindi version arrives, it often feels stale.
Hrithik Roshan in Vikram Vedha
What is missing from the remakes? Successful films rely on many elements – chemistry between the leads, emotional tone, pacing – things you cannot script or transplant.
Take Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. The chemistry between Silambarasan TR and Trisha felt electric, rooted in the film’s deeply emotional story of unrequited love. The Hindi remake Ekk Deewana Tha, with Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson, lacked that connection.
Okkadu had raw energy, with Mahesh Babu anchoring the emotional weight. Ghilli, its Tamil counterpart, had similar intensity with Vijay’s charismatic presence and high-octane action. But the Hindi version Tevar lacked the same punch and raw emotion.
Similarly, Theri worked because of Vijay’s stardom, Atlee’s direction, and its emotionally driven story. Baby John has not captured that same feeling.
Mahesh Babu in Okkadu
Audiences want originality Here is the real kicker – audiences are not rejecting South Indian cinema. In fact, they are embracing it. Baahubali 2, the Pushpa and KGF franchises, RRR, Kantara – all became massive pan-India hits. The appetite for regional content is real.
What people are rejecting is lazy filmmaking – the idea that simply changing the language, inflating the budget, and casting a big Bollywood name is enough.
What works today is originality. Films like 12th Fail and Article 15 resonated because they told new stories. Even blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan succeeded by playing to their own strengths – not copying someone else’s.
RRR
A call for change So what should Bollywood do? The answer is simple: focus on originality.
Stop leaning on South Indian remakes. Start backing fresh, innovative stories that speak to today’s diverse audience. The success of South Indian films lies in their ability to connect emotionally, to create real characters and tell untold stories. Bollywood needs to find that magic again.
In the end, remakes may seem like a safe bet – but they are not always the solution. Why settle for déjà vu when you can create something unforgettable?
The audience has evolved. Maybe now, it is time the industry asked itself: has it?X: @GeorgeViews
Ananya Panday is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s also tired of being stuck under a microscope. In a recent chat with Lilly Singh on her podcast Shame Less, the actor spoke honestly about the constant criticism of her body and the double standards women face in the film industry.
Ananya recalled the early days of her career when, at 18, she was mocked for being too thin. Terms like “chicken legs” and “matchstick” were thrown at her regularly. “They said I had no boobs, no butt, like a flat-screen,” she shared. Fast forward a few years, and as her body naturally changed, new rumours popped up, but this time accusing her of undergoing cosmetic surgery. “Now they say I’ve had my butt done. You can never win,” she said.
What hits harder for Ananya is that this scrutiny often comes from other women. “The harshest comments I get are from women. I rarely see this happening to male actors,” she said, pointing out the gender gap in how public figures are judged.
But Ananya doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility either. She admitted that Bollywood films, including some of her own, have pushed unrealistic beauty ideals. “We’ve shown women waking up with perfect hair and makeup. That’s not real life. I’ve been part of that narrative, and I’m trying to be more aware of it now,” she said. Off camera, she tries to keep things real, reminding her followers that what they see on screen isn’t always the truth.
This honesty is, in fact, a shift in Ananya’s journey, from someone who once felt pressured to fit in, to an actor willing to question the norms she’s grown up with. Her recent work also reflects that change. From light-hearted romances to more grounded roles like her turn as a lawyer in Kesari: Chapter 2, Ananya is clearly making deliberate choices.
Women in the public eye are constantly judged, but it’s time to break that cycle. “If I talk about it, maybe one other girl will feel less alone,” she said. That, perhaps, is the quiet power behind her loudest statement yet.
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Angelina Jolie stuns in a strapless nude gown on the Cannes 2025 red carpet
After a long break from the Cannes spotlight, Angelina Jolie stepped back onto the red carpet, quietly commanding attention without theatrics. It’s been nearly 14 years since she last appeared at the French film festival, but her recent appearance shows she never really left the scene, she just chose when to re-enter it.
At the premiere of Ari Aster’s Eddington during the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Jolie arrived in a strapless white and silver gown designed by Brunello Cucinelli, a label she often turns to for its classy, minimalist elegance. The look was elevated with diamond accessories from Chopard, adding just enough sparkle without overwhelming her understated style.
Jolie keeps it classic in Brunello Cucinelli with Chopard diamonds for Eddington premiereGetty Images
The nude-toned dress was detailed with subtle embroidery and featured a structured A-line silhouette. Its fitted bustier, square neckline, and flowing hem were all about clean lines and classic femininity: nothing flashy, just well-crafted. Her choice of accessories followed the same theme: a pear-shaped diamond pendant, teardrop earrings, and a striking ring.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, parted to the side, and her makeup was balanced with wine-toned nails, muted smoky eyes, a soft pink lip, and feathered brows that framed her face.
The actress makes a graceful return to Cannes after 14 years awayGetty Images
Jolie took on the role of Trophée Chopard godmother this year, an honour that involves presenting an award to two emerging talents in cinema: Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett. The award celebrates the future of film, and Jolie’s presence felt fitting. Over the years, stars like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Charlize Theron have taken on this role, and Jolie now joins that distinguished list.
For the Trophée Chopard dinner, Jolie wore a simple one-sleeved gown with a slit, paired with ankle-strap heels and silver earrings. She kept her makeup light and her hair down, opting for ease over excess.
Angelina Jolie interacting with fans Getty Images
Though she’s been away from the Cannes red carpet, Jolie hasn’t been out of sight. Her recent film Maria, based on opera legend Maria Callas, kept her on the awards circuit earlier this year. She also made headlines as a producer of the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which went on to win big at the 2024 Tony Awards.
Jolie keeps her style effortless for Cannes 2025Getty Images
Angelina Jolie’s Cannes appearance was a glorious comeback. But more than that, it was a quiet reminder of who she is: a woman of style, substance, and selective presence.
The buzz around King, Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action-thriller, just got bigger. Rani Mukerji is officially part of the film, stepping in for a role that’s brief but deeply important. Shooting begins on 20 May in Mumbai, with an international schedule to follow.
King is being helmed by Siddharth Anand, the director behind Pathaan and War. This film will not only mark SRK’s return to a high-action role, where he plays an assassin, but also introduces his daughter, Suhana Khan, to the big screen. The cast includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma, making it one of the biggest star-studded projects in recent memory.
The iconic duo returns to the screen after more than a decadeGetty Images
Rani Mukerji joins the cast in a special cameo as Suhana Khan’s mother. While she’s expected to shoot for just five days, her role is far from minor. Insiders say her character is central to the story’s emotional arc and serves as a turning point in the larger action narrative.
This is also Rani and Shah Rukh’s reunion after more than a decade. The two have a long list of hits together, from the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and their on-screen chemistry is considered the gold standard. Their scenes in King are expected to tap into that nostalgia while adding a fresh layer to the story.
Sources say it didn’t take long for Rani to say yes. The part, though short, left a strong impression on her. “She heard the story and agreed instantly. It’s a powerful role that holds the emotional thread of the film,” one source shared.
Rani Mukerji will join Shah Rukh Khan for the much-awaited KingGetty Images
Interestingly, earlier buzz suggested that Deepika Padukone might play Suhana’s mother in the film, but the final decision went to Rani. This change seems to have added an extra edge to the film’s casting.
Currently in pre-production, King is aiming for a release sometime between October and December 2026. With a cast this strong and a fresh mix of family, action, and suspense, the film is shaping up to be a major event not just for Shah Rukh fans, but for Bollywood itself.
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Vijay Deverakonda prepares for a powerful transformation in Kingdom
With Kingdom set to release on 4 July, anticipation is soaring as fans gear up to witness Vijay Deverakonda in a never-seen-before action avatar. Gone are the days of brooding romance, this time the young heartthrob steps into the shoes of a fierce warrior navigating a war-torn world, blending raw emotion with brute strength. The audience is bracing for high-intensity combat, epic battle sequences, and a performance that redefines Vijay as a full-blown action star. Kingdom isn’t just a film, it’s a bold new chapter in his cinematic journey. Ahead of the release of the much-anticipated film, here are five reasons why Vijay Deverakonda is the ultimate action hero we’ve been waiting for.
Vijay Deverakonda steps away from romance and into full throttle action
1. From romantic rebel to battle-hardened hero
Fan-favourite performances in Arjun Reddy (2017) and Dear Comrade (2019) showcased Vijay’s raw vulnerability and brooding intensity. However, over the past few years, he’s been quietly honing stunt skills and fight choreography, preparing for a seismic shift into high-octane storytelling.
2. Sculpted physique & rigorous training
Under the guidance of top trainers, Vijay has added lean muscle and explosive agility, perfect for hand-to-hand combat sequences. Reports confirm he’s performed many of his own stunts, training in mixed martial arts, parkour, and weapon handling to bring authenticity to every punch and leap.
The actor showcases raw intensity in a war torn cinematic world
3. Kingdom: the 4 July game-changer
Set in a fictional kingdom besieged by rival factions, the film follows Vijay’s character, a battle-scarred warrior fighting for survival and justice. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gowtam Tinnanuri, Kingdom promises jaw-dropping set pieces, large-scale warscapes, and a hero who bleeds for his cause. This isn’t just another star vehicle, it’s Vijay’s statement that he’s ready to headline blockbuster action franchises.
4. A line-up of high-voltage projects
Deverakonda’s tentatively titled SVC59 is rumoured to blend espionage thrills with high-speed chases, with Vijay playing an undercover agent tasked with stopping a global cyber-threat. On the other hand, his VD14 is tipped as a gritty, street-level thriller; this film explores the underbelly of organised crime in South India, Vijay as a lone wolf vigilante.
Fans await Vijay Deverakonda’s next chapter as an action hero
Industry insiders say Vijay is mapping out a five-film arc that transitions him fully into action-hero territory, complete with recurring characters and interconnected storylines.
5. Beyond the screen: the man behind the muscles
Born 9 May 1989, in Hyderabad, Vijay made his feature debut in the rom-com Nuvvila (2011) before rising to pan-Indian fame. Apart from being a successful actor, he is also a philanthropist who launched The Deverakonda Foundation, a non-profit organisation, in April 2019.
Vijay Deverakonda is ready to take 2025 by storm with bold new roles
He has multiple Filmfare South Awards, including Best Actor for Arjun Reddy, plus Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list inclusion in 2023, where he was estimated to have earned around £740,000 (₹7.75 crore).
Whether you first fell for him as the tortured lover or admired his off-screen generosity, 2025 is the year Vijay Deverakonda cements himself as the action superstar we’ve all been waiting for. Buckle up because the ride’s about to get explosive!