The acclaimed director and producer talks about bringing powerful stories like Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway to life
By Mohnish SinghMay 19, 2023
Emmay Entertainment has established itself with hard-hitting films like D-Day, Airlift, Satyamev Jayate, and Batla House, along with notable streaming shows such as Mumbai Diaries 26/11, Rocket Boys, and The Empire.
The latest offering from the leading production house, which was founded by Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani in 2011 is Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, which sees Rani Mukerji portray a real-life mother who took on an entire nation after her children were taken away by authorities.
Eastern Eye caught up with producer/director Nikkhil Advani to discuss the film, how the story reached him, and his way of convincing Rani Mukerji to come on board. He also shared some interesting trivia about his 2003 directorial debut Kal Ho Na Ho, which clocks two decades this year.
Nikkhil Advani with Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani
Emmay Entertainment has added another successful movie to its filmography with Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. How does it feel?
Just a lot of happiness, satisfaction, and gratification. But, at the same time, there is a lot of pressure also because we know that whatever is going to
come next from us, whether it is our paranormal horror show for Prime Video, or lovely films we have on the way, we must work harder. We need to ensure that the final product is going to come close to the benchmarks that have been set with our works like Rocket Boys, Mumbai Diaries, and now Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.
How did the Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway story reach you?
During the first wave of lockdown. One Sunday, it was sent to me, and I started reading it and sent it to Monisha (Advani). I said, ‘Drop everything, please read this’. I think the story of Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway resonated with me on many levels. I was like, ‘We have to do this story’.
Did you also shoot it during the lockdown period?
During the first wave of lockdown, we had just started working on it but then it got delayed. The film had a very chequered kind of destiny, I would say. There were times when we thought, ‘is this going to work?’ But when I saw the final
product, I knew that our director Ashima Chibber had done a good
job. I knew Rani Mukerji was as usual going to deliver a performance to remember. The fact that Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway has become some kind of a cultural wave makes all of us at Emmay Entertainment happy.
How did you know that Rani Mukerji would fit the bill?
To be honest, I didn’t know anything, because Rani had not worked outside Yash Raj Films for so many years. So being practical, one would think, ‘No, she is not going to entertain us and read the script’. Ashima, however, was of the
thought that she would be perfect for the role of Debika Chatterjee. She went to Monisha and Monisha came to me. I said, ‘I will just make a phone call’.
Rani Mukerji in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
What happened next?
There was nothing to lose, so I made that phone call. I have heard ‘no’ from so many people for various roles, for the tough films we make. For me, I thought I will make a phone call and go back to doing whatever I do. I think it’s the timing. Everything just fell into place. She was looking for a film that she could sink her teeth into. The credit for getting her onboard for the success of the film should actually be given to Ashima Chibber.
A lot of stories that come from the house of Emmay Entertainment are inspired by true events. Is it a conscious decision?
I want to qualify this question about Emmay Entertainment being able to do such stories, this realistic kind of genre or cinema inspired by real events. We
are also doing a paranormal horror show after this.
You have a horror show and two movies on the way. Are we also getting The Empire 2?
I think that is a question you need to ask Gaurav Banerjee at Hotstar. They took the rights from me for the first book.
Your first film Kal Ho Naa Ho is completing two decades this year. Is there some interesting trivia about it that nobody is aware of… Shah Rukh Khan did not want to do the film after shooting for the first four days. He called me and Karan Johar (producer of the film) and said, ‘I cannot do this film’. The reason was that he had a serious back issue and was going to Germany to get his surgery done. He said, ‘I can only resume after six months’. He said, ‘Call Salman (Khan). Let him do it’. We said we will wait for six months.
D-Day is also completing a decade this year. You changed as a filmmaker after that film, I believe. Do you agree?
Yeah, Irrfan Khan totally changed me as a filmmaker. Before making my first film, I worked as an associate director for so many years. Seven years of my life I was an assistant director. My approach to a day on the set was very methodical. As an assistant director, you have to be methodical and concentrated on the execution. You must be able to finish 50-60 shots or two scenes in a day, or whatever your schedule is for the day.
On the first day of shooting on the sets of D-Day, I was asking Irrfan Khan, ‘What are you doing?’ He said, ‘I am a good actor, you have written a good script, and Tushar (Kanti Ray) is a good cinematographer. Sit on the monitor and enjoy yourself.’
You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.
Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.
Then somewhere between the late-night raves, the 2 AM ska-techno-klezmer, and the silent sobbing during Lewis Capaldi’s return, it hits you: Glastonbury isn’t just about who’s playing. It’s about who you become when you’re here.
Festival goers at Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
1. The Pyramid Stage Whisper: Is Jarvis REALLY Back?!
That prime-time slot at 6:15 PM listed as "Patchwork"? Nobody’sbuying it. Everyone thinks it’s a secret Pulp reunion. The rumour mill is wild,and SecretGlasto is dropping heavy hints.Ester from Norwich has been waiting at the front since earlymorning. She said, “If it’s not Pulp, I’m starting a riot. Or just crying intomy warm cider.”Could it really be Pulp, after 30 years? Backup guesses areHAIM or Chappell Roan, but the Pulp energy is strong. So, don’t miss it!
Pyramid Stage crowd swells ahead of the mystery Patchwork act rumoured to be Pulp Instagram/glastofest
2. Kneecap & the firestorm: Music, politics & “everyone is welcome”
Irish rap trio Kneecap hit the West Holts stage at 4 PM and stirred up big controversy. One of the members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is out on bail for serious charges linked to Hezbollah.
PM Keir Starmer criticised their booking, and a leaked letter from music execs added pressure.
But Glastonbury stood firm. Emily Eavis said, “Everyone is welcome here.” Over 100 artists, including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., and even the rumoured Pulp, signed a counter-letter in support.
The BBC will still air the set live (though it might delay it on iPlayer). Expect pro-Palestine chants, strong emotions, and a packed crowd. Arrive early!
Kneecap welcome as political tension surrounds their setGetty Images
3. Survival mode: Glasto in the heat
It’s 26°C today, with 30°C expected tomorrow. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat alert. Stay safe:
• Drink water often. There are over 800 taps, so use them.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Keep reapplying.
• Find shade, like on Dragon’s Tail hill or other quiet zones.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, fainting.
Saturday night is packed, and you’ll need to choose carefully:
• Neil Young & Chrome Hearts (Pyramid, 10 PM): Classic songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man.” He’s unpredictable but a true Glastonbury icon.
• Charli XCX (Other Stage, 10:30 PM): Wild Brat energy, chaos, and late-night dancing. The Other Stage is bigger this year but getting there will be tough, so take a side route.
• Doechii (West Holts, 10:45 PM): Experimental and innovative. If you want something new and exciting, she’s the one to catch.
No easy choices here. Just decide what kind of night you want.
• Fat Dog (2 AM set): A wild mix of ska, techno, and klezmer. Already being called “show of the weekend.”
• Lorde : Did a surprise morning set at Woodsies, performing tracks from her upcoming album Virgin.
• The Binnies : 17,000 hand-painted bins around the site. Artist Sarah Lawrence painted one “for someone who never got to Glastonbury.” Powerful stuff, right?
• Lewis Capaldi : Came back to the Pyramid stage Friday. He pushed through and finished songs he’d struggled with before. Said, “I’m f---ing back, baby.” Huge moment.
• South East Corner (Afternoon): Busy with day raves. Expect big crowds.
•Kneecap (4 PM, West Holts): It’ll be packed. Have a backup plan: Bob Vylan is on at 2:30 PM.
• Kate Nash (9 PM, Left Field) and Scissor Sisters (10:30 PM, Woodsies): Very likely to be one-in, one-out entry. Get there early.
• Charli XCX : Main routes will be packed. Use alternate paths to avoid the jam.
Crowds of festival-goers fill the pathways during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
7. A look at what’s coming: Sunday & beyond
• Sunday Showdown: Olivia Rodrigo (Pyramid, 9:45 PM) vs. The Prodigy (Other Stage, 9:45 PM). Two different generations, one final choice.
• 2026 Fallow Year: No Glastonbury next year. The land and the cows are taking a break. Emily Eavis said they packed “two years into one” for 2025. So make this one count!
The heart of it all (a different kind of sign-off)
Glastonbury 2025 isn't just a festival. Right now, in the dusty, sun-baked field, it feels like the whole messy, beautiful, infuriating, glorious world squeezed into one place.
Jarvis Cocker might step into the light after decades. A band plays under a political storm cloud, testing what "welcome" really means. An old man sings about gold hearts while a pop futurist throws a Brat party across the way. Kids paint bins for loved ones gone.
We’re all sweating buckets, navigating human rivers, and maybe crying during Capaldi.
It’s contradictions crashing together. It’s the sheer, exhausting effort of being here, present, in the heat and the noise and the magic. It’s imperfect. It’s overwhelming. It’s political. It’s personal. It’s a hundred thousand stories colliding under a relentless sun.
That’s the Glastonbury paradox. It asks everything of you: your stamina, your choices, maybe even your convictions.
And in return? It gives you this: the pure, unfiltered, slightly chaotic pulse of right now. Hold onto it. Because in this field, today, everything feels possible.
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Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007
Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.
The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.
As Amazon gears up to relaunch the James Bond franchise, Variety reports that actors Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are front-runners to play the iconic spy. The studio is reportedly focused on casting someone under 30, a significant shift from previous 007s, signalling a new direction for the long-running series.
Daniel Craig poses as James BondGetty Images
Denis Villeneuve to direct Bond reboot under Amazon MGM
With Dune and Arrival filmmaker Denis Villeneuve confirmed as director, the 26th James Bond film is set to begin a new chapter under the Amazon MGM banner. Villeneuve’s appointment is a major creative change, especially since producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently handed over creative control to Amazon following a £1 billion (₹10,400 crore) deal.
While no actor has signed on, Variety notes that the new Bond is unlikely to appear in cinemas before 2028. Villeneuve is still working on Dune: Messiah, which is expected in 2026, pushing the Bond production further down the line.
James Bond casting shortlist revealed with Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson in leadGetty Images
Tom Holland, Elordi and Dickinson emerge as possible 007s
Tom Holland, known for playing Spider-Man, had earlier pitched a “young Bond” origin story to Sony, though it never materialised. Harris Dickinson, praised for Triangle of Sadness and his Cannes-featured directorial debut Urchin, has expressed interest, calling it a role “you’d be a fool to not entertain.”
Meanwhile, Jacob Elordi, the only non-British contender, has seen a meteoric rise with Euphoria and Priscilla. Despite his Australian roots, producers are reportedly open to casting him, following precedent set by George Lazenby.
Is this the youngest James Bond yet as Tom Holland Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi lead casting rumoursGetty Images
All three actors have packed schedules, and no official talks have taken place. Still, the buzz suggests that Amazon is keen to reinvent 007 for a younger generation, with Villeneuve at the helm and a fresh face in the tux.
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Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest in Mumbai hospital
Actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital after a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The Kaanta Laga star was married to actor Parag Tyagi, who was seen grieving outside the hospital.
Mumbai Police and forensic teams are investigating, with an official cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died following a sudden cardiac arrest. The 42-year-old was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai late on Friday night, 28 June. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the hospital around midnight with the help of close friends.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors could not revive her. A hospital source confirmed she was “dead on arrival” at 11:27 pm. Her death has left friends, fans, and colleagues in shock, as many described her as healthy, cheerful, and actively working.
Shefali Jariwala dies at 42 after cardiac arrest, industry mourns Kaanta Laga starInstagram/shefalijariwala
Tributes pour in for Shefali Jariwala from friends and co-stars
Condolences have flooded social media since the news broke. Actors Dipshikkha Nagpal, Karishma Tanna, and Arjun Bijlani remembered Shefali as a “beautiful soul” and a “vibrant, kind person”. Television personalities including Aarti Singh, Munmun Dutta, and Kushal Tandon expressed disbelief, while fellow Bigg Boss contestants like Madhurima Tuli and Monalisa shared emotional messages.
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Comedian Sunil Pal and actor Ashish Vidyarthi also recalled fond memories of working with her. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) issued a public tribute, acknowledging her impact on Indian entertainment. Her husband Parag Tyagi was seen outside the hospital and later at their residence, visibly heartbroken and carrying a framed photo of Shefali.
From IT graduate to household name: a brief look at her journey
Born in Mumbai in 1982, Shefali Jariwala held a degree in Information Technology before stepping into showbiz at 20. Her appearance in Kaanta Laga made her a pop culture phenomenon. She later appeared in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Kannada hit Hudugaru, and several music videos.
Shefali Jariwala was married to actor Parag Tyagi,Instagram/shefalijariwala
In 2019, she re-entered the limelight with Bigg Boss 13, earning praise for her calm yet assertive presence. Off-screen, she was candid about her health struggles, including epilepsy and anxiety, and had once spoken about her wish to adopt a daughter.
The police are awaiting autopsy results as investigations continue.
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Kamal Haasan Ayushmann Khurrana and Payal Kapadia invited to Oscars Academy in global list of 534 members
Kamal Haasan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Payal Kapadia among Indian invitees to the Academy’s 2025 voting class
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extends membership to 534 new global members
Other Indian honourees include Maxima Basu, Ranabir Das, and Smriti Mundhra
Hollywood invitees include Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jason Momoa, and Jodie Comer
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, critically acclaimed star Ayushmann Khurrana, and All We Imagine as Light director Payal Kapadia have been invited to join the Oscars Academy’s 2025 voting body. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended invitations to 534 new members from across the globe, recognising diverse contributions to cinema across disciplines.
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Indian artists gain spotlight in new Academy class
This year’s invite list is a significant moment for Indian cinema, with six industry professionals selected for their work across acting, direction, design, and technical fields. Kamal Haasan, known for groundbreaking films like Nayakan and Vikram, and Ayushmann Khurrana, celebrated for Article 15 and Andhadhun, were chosen in the acting category.
Ayushmann Khurrana attends an event at the FICCI Frames 2024 Getty Images
Payal Kapadia’s inclusion is especially noteworthy following her historic Cannes win for All We Imagine as Light, which made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix. Two of her key collaborators on the film were also invited: cinematographer Ranabir Das and costume designer Maxima Basu.
Kamal Haasan waves as he attends a press conference for 'Thug Life'Getty Images
Also joining the list are documentary filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, known for St. Louis Superman and Warden, and visual effects artist Abishek Nair, credited on Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Fate of the Furious.
Payal Kapadia smiles during the Jury photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film FestivalGetty Images
Global mix includes Conan O’Brien and Ariana Grande
Alongside the Indian names, the Academy's 2025 class features a host of international stars and creators. Hollywood figures like Ariana Grande, Conan O’Brien, Jodie Comer, Jeremy Strong, and Jason Momoa were among those invited.
According to the Academy, this year’s class includes representatives from 60 countries, with 45% of the invitees belonging to underrepresented communities. Only those who accept the invitation will be added to the voting body, which currently includes over 10,000 eligible members.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place on 15 March, with nominations set to be revealed on 22 January. Veteran host Conan O’Brien will host the event.
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Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.