Eastern Eye marks Mehra's death anniversary by presenting his top 10 films, listed in chronological order.
By Asjad NazirMay 10, 2024
LEGENDARY filmmaker Prakash Mehra made a mark in Bollywood with his own brand of entertaining cinema and delivered hit films that entertained audiences, including one that changed the industry forever.
The maverick producer and director did things his own way during an action-packed career filled with magical movie moments. Born July 13, 1939 he passed away on May 17, 2009, aged 69.
Eastern Eye decided to mark Mehra’s death anniversary this week by presenting his top 10 films, listed in chronological order.
Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968): Mehra announced himself as a filmmaking force with this comedy headlined by Shashi Kapoor in a double role. He starred opposite Babita in a unique love triangle revolving around a woman caught between two men who look alike. The mix of comedy, music, drama and twists would lay the foundation for his future masala entertainers. Like many of Mehra’s subsequent movies, his hit directorial debut had great songs.
Mela (1971): Mehra moved into the action space with his second directorial outing. The dramatic village-set story saw real-life brothers Sanjay Khan and Feroz Khan play two separated siblings, unaware they are related, on a deadly collision course. It was another film that combined different elements including family, drama, action, romance and music in an effective way. That formula would earn him another hit movie.
Samadhi
Samadhi(1972): Dharmendra played a double role in this action drama. He portrays a dacoit who gives up his life of crime after falling in love, and then being forced to make the difficult decision of giving up his young son, who later grows up to look like him. Asha Parekh and Jaya Bhaduri were the love interests of the respective characters played by the actor in a movie about love, redemption and trying to do the right thing.
Zanjeer (1973): Mehra produced and directed the game-changing action film that turned Amitabh Bachchan into an overnight sensation. He cast the newcomer as a vigilante cop after numerous bigger names had turned down the role, and introduced a new kind of hero into Hindi cinema. Bachchan would carry that angry young man persona into subsequent movies and become the undisputed king of Bollywood.
Hera-Pheri
Hera Pheri (1976): The clever combination of comedy and action saw Mehra cast superstar actors Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna in the lead roles. The story of two small-time crooks being unexpectedly torn apart had an interesting twist and was filled with great moments from start to finish. The producer/director brought out the best in two talents, who were at the top of their game and earned himself another blockbuster.
KhoonPasina (1977): Mehra was on producing duties for this film, which reunited Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. They played two childhood friends who are separated and collide as adults, before teaming up to take on the bad guys. The under-rated film had many memorable moments, including a scene where Bachchan fights a tiger. It was one of the rare films Mehra didn’t direct himself.
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978): By far the biggest Bollywood success of that year is regarded as one of the finest Indian films ever made. Mehra had cleverly taken the idea of classic story Devdas and turned it into something altogether more powerful. Amitabh Bachchan played the heartbroken man, who finds himself in the arms of a courtesan. Rakhee Gulzar, Vinod Khanna and Rekha made up the lead cast in a film that had action, romance, emotion and magnificent music.
Laawaris (1981): Mehra continued his dream partnership with Amitabh Bachchan in this cult classic about an orphan, with a painful past forced to battle the challenges of life. Zeenat Aman played his fiery love interest in a movie that had superb songs, powerful dialogues and plenty of action. A standout moment included the iconic Mere Angne Mein track, which saw Bachchan sing the song himself and perform it in drag.
Laawaris
Namak Halaal (1982): The super hit film best remembered for classic songs like Pag Ghungroo Bandh, Thodi Si Jo Pee Li Hai, Jawaani Jaan-E-Man and Raat Baaki was another multi-layered entertainer from Mehra. Amitabh Bachchan played a worker in a five-star hotel who finds out some unexpected truths, including about the wealthy owner. The strong star cast included Shashi Kapoor, Smita Patil, Parveen Babi and Waheeda Rehman.
Sharaabi (1984): The last great movie from Mehra saw Amitabh Bachchan play the neglected son of a wealthy industrialist, who becomes an alcoholic, before finally finding redemption. Although the super successful film had much-loved songs like De De Pyar De,Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki and Jahan Chaar Yaar Mil Jaye, it was very much defined by the central performance from Bachchan, which earned rave reviews.
John Malkovich has spoken about his affair with Michelle Pfeiffer during Dangerous Liaisons.
The 71-year-old said the relationship cost him both his marriage and a valued colleague.
His marriage to Glenne Headly ended in 1988 after the affair.
Pfeiffer divorced Peter Horton two years later and later married David E. Kelley.
Hollywood actor John Malkovich has reflected on his past and admitted regret over his affair with Michelle Pfeiffer. The 71-year-old star, known for films such as Burn After Reading and Con Air, revealed on the Fashion Neurosis podcast that the romance not only ended his marriage but also damaged a professional friendship with his Dangerous Liaisons co-star. Speaking candidly, he explained that what began as a close bond on set became a turning point that changed both his personal and professional life.
John Malkovich admits Michelle Pfeiffer affair destroyed his marriage and cost him a colleague he could never replace Getty Images
What did John Malkovich say about his affair with Michelle Pfeiffer?
Malkovich explained that actors often develop intense emotional connections during filming, but in this case, the relationship extended beyond work. He admitted that while Pfeiffer was “fun, moving, and incredibly fair” with him, he was not, and that imbalance left lasting consequences.
He said: “I think I’ve learned over the course of my life that a great colleague is rarer than anything. When that relationship becomes more than collegial or more than a friendship, even a profound friendship, you lose a great colleague.”
John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Liaisons where their on-screen chemistry mirrored real lifeGetty Images
How did the Michelle Pfeiffer affair affect John Malkovich’s marriage?
At the time, Malkovich was married to actress Glenne Headly. Their six-year marriage ended in 1988, the same year Dangerous Liaisons was released. Pfeiffer was married to actor Peter Horton, and their relationship also unravelled soon after.
Headly went on to marry musician Byron McCulloch, with whom she remained until her death in 2017 from complications of a pulmonary embolism. Pfeiffer divorced Horton in 1990 and later married TV producer David E. Kelley in 1993, with whom she has two children.
Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley attends The 33rd Annual Environmental Media Association Awards Gala Getty Images
Has John Malkovich spoken about the affair before?
Until now, Malkovich has rarely addressed the subject. In the past, he deflected questions with remarks such as, “It’s hard to believe Michelle Pfeiffer ever said hello to me.” His latest comments mark the first time he has spoken openly about the personal and professional toll of the affair.
He contrasted the situation with his decades-long working relationship with Lithuanian actress Ingeborga Dapkunaite. Malkovich noted they had been friends and collaborators for more than 30 years because they maintained professional boundaries.
After the breakdown of his first marriage, Malkovich went on to build a long-term partnership with Italian production designer Nicoletta Peyran, with whom he shares two children. He continues to work actively in film and theatre, while Pfeiffer remains a leading actress in Hollywood.
John Malkovich attends the 'John Malkovich: The Infernal Comedy' press conference Getty Images
The affair, however, remains a defining episode from the late 1980s, one that Malkovich now describes with regret, emphasising that the price of crossing professional lines was losing a trusted colleague as well as a marriage.
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Kenyan leaders hail SS Rajamouli as SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra wraps historic shoot
SS Rajamouli wraps up Kenya schedule of upcoming film SSMB 29
Director pens heartfelt note thanking government and locals for support
Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra join international cast in action-packed shoot
Film expected to release in more than 120 countries, reaching a billion viewers
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially wrapped the Kenya schedule of his highly anticipated movie SSMB 29, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, and expressed his gratitude to the country’s authorities. The director shared a heartfelt note on X, describing Kenya as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” while thanking the government and local communities for their “tremendous support and hospitality.” The schedule strengthens Kenya’s role as a major international filming hub, bringing Indian cinema’s global ambitions into sharper focus.
Kenyan leaders hail SS Rajamouli as SSMB 29 with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra wraps historic shoot X/MusaliaMudavadi
Why did SS Rajamouli thank Kenyan authorities?
Rajamouli, known worldwide for RRR and Baahubali, praised Kenya’s vast landscapes and wildlife diversity. He called the experience “one of the most memorable moments” of his career.
Filming took place across Masai Mara, Naivasha, Samburu, and Amboseli, locations that have now become part of what is expected to be Asia’s largest film production. By acknowledging the country’s role, Rajamouli has, in fact, spotlighted Kenya as a key partner in Indian cinema’s expanding global footprint.
SS Rajamouli shares a thank you note after completing the Kenya schedule of SSMB 29X Screengrab/@ssrajamouli
What did Kenyan leaders say about the shoot?
Kenyan politician Musalia W Mudavadi shared photos with Rajamouli and his team, including moments of the director signing a guest book. Praising Rajamouli’s vision, Mudavadi wrote that Kenya had become “the stage for one of the world’s greatest filmmakers.”
He added that Kenya’s sweeping plains and rugged terrains were now immortalised in the film. Highlighting the project’s scale, Mudavadi said the film is scheduled for release in more than 120 countries and is expected to reach a billion viewers, which in itself is an unprecedented figure for an Indian production.
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What is SSMB 29 about?
The project, tentatively titled GlobeTrotter, marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Mahesh Babu. A teaser was released on Mahesh Babu’s birthday last month, though the official title has yet to be confirmed.
Earlier, videos from Odisha’s Koraput region showed Mahesh Babu in intense action sequences, while actor Prithviraj Sukumaran was also spotted shooting alongside him. Priyanka Chopra recently joined the team in Kenya, adding further global star power to the production.
With international locations, large-scale action, and a worldwide release plan, SSMB 29 is being positioned as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious ventures.
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When will the film release?
While the makers have not announced a final release date, industry reports suggest a 2026 rollout. The film will be distributed in over 120 countries, making it one of the widest releases for an Indian film to date. Given Rajamouli’s track record with RRR which grossed more than £125 million (₹1,300 crore) worldwide, expectations for SSMB 29 are extremely high.
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Geeta Basra returns with Meher after a decade away from films
British-born actress Geeta Basra makes a powerful return to the screen with the Punjabi film Meher after a decade away.
She reveals the industry once dropped her for getting married but now celebrates women balancing career and family.
Basra plays a relatable matriarch and describes the project as a “dream role” that mirrors her own life.
Meher is a large-scale cinematic experience shot in unique locations like Manikaran, designed for the big screen.
After a decade away building a family and a life outside cinema, British-born actress Geeta Basra is back with the Punjabi drama Meher, and this time, she’s rewriting the rules for married women on screen. For the mother-of-two, this isn’t just about returning to acting, it’s about challenging how the industry views married women and mothers while spotlighting the women who have inspired her own journey.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, Geeta opens up about her comeback, her inspirations, the shift in opportunities for women, and why this family drama feels so personal.
Geeta Basra returns with Meher after a decade away from films Instagram/geetabasra
A dream role that feels personal
Basra chose Meher with care, calling it her “dream role.” The film is a richly woven family drama rooted in rural Punjab. She plays Simmi, the "epicentre" of her family, a relatable figure who binds everyone together through love, betrayal, and emotional upheaval. The film explores hardships not only between husband and wife but also through multiple family dynamics, including a surprising “bromance” between male characters.
“As mothers, our instincts are so similar,” Basra explains. Just as important, it was a film she could proudly share with her children. “I picked this role very carefully, for something my family can watch,” she admits. For her, stepping into Meher feels like one of the defining moments of her career.
If Basra’s character draws from her instincts as a mother, her real-life inspiration comes from the women around her. “My mother is my first and foremost inspiration in life,” she says warmly. “Seeing how she balanced her businesses while raising three children makes me want to do better every day. Different people inspire me at different points, but my mother has always been my guiding light.”
She also points to the resilience of ordinary women as her motivation. “Seeing women multitask, balancing life, work, children, and family is incredibly motivational. Before, women were often written off after marriage and motherhood, but today, we have the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Seeing my daughter proud of me for following my passion inspires me to do even better.”
Meher marks Geeta Basra’s powerful comeback to Punjabi cinemaInstagram/geetabasra
Proudly Punjabi
For a British-born actress, questions of authenticity in playing a rural Punjabi woman were inevitable. But Basra is quick to dismiss them. “We are so rooted to our roots,” she says. “I’m now Punjab ki bahu. It’s my second home. I am Punjabi, and I’m a very proud Punjabi.” She didn’t need to study the role, she’s lived it.
Basra insists that the presence of women in production roles is just as crucial as those in front of the camera. Meher is produced by Kamal Kaur, one of the few women at the helm of large-scale Punjabi projects. “When women greenlight projects, they greenlight stories that reflect reality, stories where women aren’t sidelined after marriage but are centred,” Basra says. For her, that representation is both rare and revolutionary.
Geeta Basra says motherhood is her strength, not a setback in filmsInstagram/geetabasra
Redefining the rules for married actresses
The industry she left was far less forgiving. Basra recalls being dropped from four major films simply because she was linked to her now-husband, cricketer Harbhajan Singh. “It was either this or that. Never this and that,” she remembers. For women, the choice used to be family or fame. Today, she is headlining a major project while raising two children, something that once seemed impossible. “It’s commendable and remarkable,” she says of the change, though she emphasises much more work remains.
British-born Geeta Basra opens up on comeback film MeherInstagram/geetabasra
What’s next for Geeta Basra
With the “seal broken” on her comeback, Basra is determined to push further. She wants content-driven films that showcase her versatility, recalling how her career has already spanned everything from a bold debut to playing a villain. “I don’t want to bind myself to one kind of role,” she insists. Her only filter now is simple: would her family be proud to watch it? With several projects already lined up, she intends to make sure the answer is yes.
For Basra, Meher is also a reflection of where Punjabi cinema is heading: bigger in scale, richer in music, and designed for the cinematic experience. But she wants that ambition matched with better stories for women, especially mothers. “Women can also have a career. Women can also work after marriage,” she stresses.
Geeta Basra’s message is clear: experience is not a liability. It’s her strength. With Meher, she’s redefining what it means for women to lead on screen. And for Geeta Basra, this is only the beginning.
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Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain
Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.
Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra
Is Jee Le Zaraa cancelled?
During an interview, Akhtar addressed whether the film had been dropped altogether. He said:
“I would hate to say that it’s shelved. What I will say is that it’s put on a back burner. It is a film that will happen. I don’t know when it will be. But it’s too delicious a script.”
He added that extensive pre-production work, including location scouting and music recording, had already been completed, confirming that the creative groundwork for the film is in place.
When asked about the previously announced cast, Akhtar admitted that he could no longer comment. “I can’t comment on the cast on that anymore,” he said, hinting that the lineup featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt may not be final. The uncertainty around casting has been one of the biggest reasons behind the prolonged delay.
Industry reports previously suggested that the global work commitments of Chopra and the packed schedules of Kaif and Bhatt created significant challenges in aligning dates for the shoot.
The delay has been attributed primarily to calendar clashes. In an earlier interview, Akhtar explained that conflicting schedules were the main hurdle, especially after the Hollywood actors’ strike disrupted Chopra’s availability. “We just have issues with dates,” he said, adding that the film seems to have “a destiny of its own.”
Since then, speculation has grown over whether the trio of stars originally attached will still be part of the project, but Akhtar’s recent remarks confirm that while the cast may be uncertain, the film itself remains in motion.
Fans await clarity on whether Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif will reunite on screen in Jee Le ZaraaGetty Images
What is Jee Le Zaraa about?
Jee Le Zaraa was announced in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of Akhtar’s debut film Dil Chahta Hai. It was promoted as a female-led road trip drama, echoing the friendship themes of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The script has been co-written by Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, with production under Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films.
When it was first revealed, Chopra described the film as “a celebration of sisterhood and friendship,” sharing that the idea emerged from her desire to create a Hindi film headlined by three women. The initial announcement, featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt together, created huge excitement among fans.
While Jee Le Zaraa remains on hold, Akhtar is currently focusing on Don 3, which will star Ranveer Singh. The film is expected to begin production once Singh completes his current projects.
Akhtar is also preparing for the release of 120 Bahadur, a war drama in which he plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led Indian troops at the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The film is slated for release on 21 November.
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Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia
US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images
What happened at the Fifth Harmony reunion performance?
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui appeared at the Jonas Brothers’ Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown tour stop at Dos Equis Pavilion in Texas. Dressed in coordinated black outfits, they performed two of their best-known singles, Worth It and Work From Home.
The reunion marked the first time the group has performed together since their 2018 “indefinite hiatus.” The Jonas Brothers hugged the members on stage, and the official Fifth Harmony account later thanked them on X, writing: “Felt amazing to be back.”
Camila Cabello, who left the band in December 2016, did not take part in the reunion. On the same night as the Dallas concert, she was performing her own solo show in Sydney. Since her departure, Cabello has enjoyed major solo success with hits such as Havana and Señorita.
Her absence has not dampened the excitement among fans, but it suggests that the current reunion is focused on the four remaining members rather than a full five-piece comeback.
The Fifth Harmony reunion generated immediate buzz online. Earlier in the day, the group’s long-inactive X account posted “#FifthHarmonyFollowSpree,” its first update in over seven years. Their website was refreshed with new branding and merchandise featuring a redesigned logo, further fuelling speculation.
Fans expressed their excitement on social media, with one writing: “I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES FIFTH HARMONY IS BACK.” Others noted that the new activity hinted at more announcements, possibly a documentary or reunion tour, as reported by industry outlets earlier this year.
Although no official reunion tour or album has been announced, the Dallas performance, merchandise drop and social media updates strongly suggest future plans. Industry sources previously indicated that the four members were “in talks” for a documentary and possible live dates.
Since their X Factor USA debut in 2012, Fifth Harmony have sold millions of records worldwide and achieved international chart success with songs such as Worth It and Work From Home. Their 2015 debut album Reflection and 2016 follow-up *7/27* cemented them as one of the most successful girl groups of the 2010s.
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The Dallas concert has renewed that legacy, with particular growth in their back catalogue and spikes in streaming numbers reported after the show. For now, fans will be watching the group’s online updates closely to see if this one-off reunion grows into a long-term comeback.