Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Need of religion much less in today's world: Anurag Kashyap

According to Kashyap, the genesis of every religion comes from the “need of trying to bring people together to protect them in old times” when scientific knowledge was not available.

Need of religion much less in today's world: Anurag Kashyap

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap says the world today needs more education and less religion as faith has become merely a tool in the hands of the powerful to peddle their agenda.

Kashyap, who has produced Shazia Iqbal's acclaimed short Bebaak, starring Sarah Hashmi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, said he decided to support the young director's voice as her script became a window into the world he had not seen.


Based on true events, the 20-minute movie is a peek into the life of an aspiring architecture student Fatin Khalidi (Hashmi), who is reprimanded by a religious leader (Siddiqui) for not wearing a hijab (headscarf) during a scholarship interview.

According to Kashyap, the genesis of every religion comes from the "need of trying to bring people together to protect them in old times" when scientific knowledge was not available.

"People, over a period of time, have discovered so much more with science. I feel in today's world, the need for religion is much less. The need for education is much more but religion has now become a tool in the hands of the powerful and politicians to propagate their own agendas," the 51-year-old director told PTI in an interview.

Also starring Sheeba Chadha and Vipin Sharma, the award-winning short Bebaak is streaming on JioCinema as part of a film festival.

Kashyap, who calls education a privilege afforded by a few, said films like Iqbal's introduce him to different worlds.

"The impact of Shazia's writing was so strong on me because there is a perspective that I learned from her script. I haven't seen that world. In my world, I know what we have to do to get a scholarship.

"There are many worlds that I haven't seen. You get to know a person more through their work, writing, or filmmaking. Shazia can't help but be honest, it is her problem she cannot lie. So I thought this film needed to be made," he added.

More For You

Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn: Are ageing stars hurting Bollywood’s future?

Akshay Kumar (L) and Ajay Devgn

Getty Images

Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn: Are ageing stars hurting Bollywood’s future?

THE string of disastrous Bollywood films headlined by Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn in recent years has become a running joke.

With Hindi cinema going through arguably its worst phase in history, the two ageing actors prioritising quantity over quality has only added to the industry’s troubles. Both have continued their woeful run of failures by starting 2025 with flops Azaad and Sky Force.

Keep ReadingShow less
Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

A glimpse into Bridgerton Season 4: Romance, drama, and intrigue await in the highly anticipated new chapter

Instagram/bridgertonnetflix

Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

Netflix has given fans a tantalising glimpse into the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The sneak peek, shared on February 14, gives us behind-the-scenes moments and fresh footage from the new episodes, which are currently in production. The season will centre on Benedict Bridgerton played by Luke Thompson, the free-spirited second son of the Bridgerton family, as he navigates love and societal expectations. His story takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the enigmatic “Lady in Silver,” Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, at a lavish masquerade ball hosted by his mother.

The teaser also introduces three new characters: Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters, Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei), who are set to stir up the marriage market. Familiar faces will also return, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. Fans of Penelope and Colin will be pleased to see them back, with a still image hinting at their growing family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Best love triangles in Bollywood
Silsila

Best love triangles in Bollywood

BUILT on a foundation of romance, Bollywood has explored all kinds of love stories over the decades.

The most compelling, dramatic, and popular genre has been the love triangle, which has entertained millions since the black-and-white era.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranbir Kapoor launches his lifestyle brand 'Arks' in Mumbai

Ranbir Kapoor launches ARKS- Premium sneaker collection, blending style, comfort, and his personal fashion journey.

Instagram/ARKS

Ranbir Kapoor launches his lifestyle brand 'Arks' in Mumbai


Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has stepped into the fashion industry with his lifestyle brand, Arks. The brand’s flagship store, located at 201 Waterfield Road in Bandra, Mumbai, officially opened on February 15. A decade in the making, Arks focuses on premium footwear and wardrobe essentials, including tailored shirts, classic white T-shirts, and well-fitted trousers. Reflecting Kapoor’s signature style, the brand blends sophistication with a relaxed, everyday aesthetic inspired by his cinematic journey and personal fashion evolution.

Kapoor credits Mumbai, his hometown, as a key influence in shaping Arks . “I’ve travelled to many cities, but nothing matches Mumbai’s energy. This city teaches you to rise after every fall. It’s a part of my soul,” he said. The brand embodies this resilient and dynamic spirit, aiming to offer stylish yet comfortable pieces that resonate with urban lifestyles.

Keep ReadingShow less