All posts tagged: artiste

Former child artiste Ravi Valecha recalls facing abuse in film industry at 8: ‘There was nobody I could talk to’

Former child artiste Ravi Valecha recalls facing abuse in film industry at 8: ‘There was nobody I could talk to’

Actor Ravi Valecha, who became a known face on the big screen as a child artist in the 1970s and 1980s, has opened up about a deeply troubling chapter of his life. Despite achieving a remarkable feat of working in around 300 films across multiple languages, Valecha has revealed that his journey in the film industry was also marked by incidents of sexual exploitation. Ravi Valecha starred in 300 films. Former child artiste recalls facing abuse Valecha often played younger versions of Amitabh Bachchan’s characters in many films and featured in several popular films, including Coolie, Amar Akbar Anthony, Mr Natwarlal, Fakira, Tumhare Bina, Khuddar, Nastik, Parichay, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Karz, Seeta Aur Geeta and Desh Premee, among others. While speaking to The Indian Express, Ravi revealed that he was around eight years old when the abuse began and that he faced such incidents three times. The first incident took place at a dubbing studio, where an older man from the industry asked him to sit on his lap. Ravi also recalled that the most …

Mahesh Bhatt confirms he’ll never direct again, says film content is pre-decided: ‘Then what is the role of an artiste’

Mahesh Bhatt confirms he’ll never direct again, says film content is pre-decided: ‘Then what is the role of an artiste’

In a long and storied career, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has directed a staggering 47 films. But all of them, barring one, came in the 20th century. His most prolific period was the 90s, when he directed 30 films in 10 years, including cult classics like Zakhm and Sir, as well as hits such as Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Sadak. But 1999 was when he retired, taking a back seat to focus on producing films. When he returned with Sadak 2 in 2020, many had hoped the veteran was primed for a comeback. But in a candid chat with HT, the 77-year-old rules out any possibility of a return to the director’s chair. Mahesh Bhatt has only directed one film in the last 27 years. ‘I would beg for money for my films’ Mahesh Bhatt began his career as a director with Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain in 1974, but it wasn’t until the 80s that he broke through with critically acclaimed films like Arth and Saaraansh. “I would give money to make those films, …

Eetha teaser: Shraddha Kapoor is ‘toofan’ as she plays legendary lavani artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Watch

Eetha teaser: Shraddha Kapoor is ‘toofan’ as she plays legendary lavani artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Watch

The much-awaited teaser of Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Eetha was released on Monday. The actor portrays legendary tamasha and lavani artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar in the film. It is directed by Laxman Utekar, who previously helmed the Vicky Kaushal-starrer blockbuster Chhaava. Shraddha Kapoor in a still from Eetha. Eetha teaser The teaser begins with lavani artistes giving a performance. However, they are soon stopped by an angry crowd, who demand Eetha to come on stage. Meanwhile, visuals show Eetha backstage getting ready for her performance while being nine months pregnant. She soon goes into labour and is seen in agony as she goes through painful labour cramps. A voiceover asks Eetha to skip the performance as she may die, but she insists because she wants to set a precedent, and is seen returning to the stage right after giving birth to her child. The following visuals show Eetha’s influence in the industry and her power over the audience. She is seen walking among a crowd who cheers her on. The teaser ends with the voiceover calling …

Sunil Grover sleeps at Rishikesh Ganga ghat with other devotees, wins hearts; fans call him ‘most down-to-earth artiste’

Sunil Grover sleeps at Rishikesh Ganga ghat with other devotees, wins hearts; fans call him ‘most down-to-earth artiste’

Actor and comedian Sunil Grover is often lauded for his spot-on celebrity impressions and impeccable comic timing. This time, however, the actor is winning hearts for a completely different reason, his simplicity. Sunil recently shared a video of himself taking a nap on the banks of the Ganga, and the candid moment has struck a chord with fans, who cannot stop praising him for remaining grounded despite his fame. Sunil Grover sleeps on a river bank. Sunil Grover sleeps at Ganga Ghat with devotees On Friday, Sunil took to Instagram and shared a video that showed him sleeping at a Ganga ghat under the open sky alongside other devotees. He was seen resting on a simple bedsheet, seemingly unaware that he was being recorded. Sharing the clip, he captioned it, “Taare Zameen Par.” The video featured the devotional track Jai Kaal Mahakal in the background. While the exact location was not confirmed by the actor, many fans in the comments section identified it as Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. The video has gone viral, garnering 4.7 …

‘Ranveer Singh revived the film industry’: Cine artiste body’s Upasana Singh supports actor | Bollywood News

‘Ranveer Singh revived the film industry’: Cine artiste body’s Upasana Singh supports actor | Bollywood News

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced on Wednesday that it was withdrawing its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh, which stemmed from his departure from Don 3. Addressing a press conference, the film body maintained that the decision was not influenced by the legal notice sent by the actor on Tuesday. Instead, it said the move was made following requests from other industry bodies and in the larger interest of the film industry. Among those present at the press conference was CINTAA General Secretary and actor Upasana Singh, who voiced her support for Ranveer and praised the success of his recent two-part spy actioner Dhurandhar. ‘Ranveer Singh has revived the film industry’ Upasana said, “Ranveer Singh is one of the actors who has helped revive the industry. At a time when several films have struggled at the box office and the industry has been going through a difficult phase, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2 have achieved remarkable business and created history. We need more actors whose films audiences genuinely enjoy watching.” Sharing a …

Aditya Dhar reveals how 400 stuntmen, ‘ridiculous’ ideas fuelled Dhurandhar’s insane action: ‘We used every action artiste in Mumbai’ | Bollywood News

Aditya Dhar reveals how 400 stuntmen, ‘ridiculous’ ideas fuelled Dhurandhar’s insane action: ‘We used every action artiste in Mumbai’ | Bollywood News

Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar has shared a heartfelt and deeply personal note dedicated to the action team behind Dhurandhar, offering fans a rare glimpse into the sheer scale, creativity, and challenges that went into crafting the film’s high-octane sequences. Aditya Dhar, continuing his series of acknowledging the team behind the film’s success, shared a special post dedicated to the action crew—Aejaz Gulab, Sea Young Oh, Yannick Ben, Ramazan Bulut, and Vishal Tyagi—for their contribution in making the film a blockbuster. Addressing key members of his action crew, Aditya Dhar reflected on the madness, precision, and passion that defined the making of the film’s action sequences. He spoke candidly about pitching seemingly “ridiculous” ideas — from extreme stunts to large-scale action setups — and how his team embraced every challenge without hesitation, always responding with a simple, “Let’s figure it out.” That spirit, he said, defined the entire crew. One of the most striking revelations from his note was the sheer scale of the production, with over 400 stunt performers involved. Dhar recalled a moment when …

I am film industry’s last Mughal’: How Asha Bhosle defied norms to cap off her 80-year journey as an artiste | Bollywood News

I am film industry’s last Mughal’: How Asha Bhosle defied norms to cap off her 80-year journey as an artiste | Bollywood News

4 min readMumbaiUpdated: Apr 12, 2026 10:56 PM IST When music icon Asha Bhosle turned 90, she had a grand celebration, with a Broadway-style live show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena where she not only performed her popular songs but also shook a leg. “I like doing extraordinary things. Music has been my life. It has given me so much. I decided to do a spectacular concert on my 90th birthday. I doubt if anyone in the world has achieved this feat,” said the legend, who remained defiant of age and expectation, in an exclusive interview to The Indian Express in 2023. While announcing this special show at a press meet, the incomparable singer had said: “Main iss film industry ki aakhri Mughal hoon (I am the last Mughal of the film industry)” – a reference to both her longevity and her creative association with generations of musicians and filmmakers. “I was around 10 when I started my singing career in 1943. Over the decades, I have worked with the industry’s best and come to know …

Vijay’s Jana Nayagan leaked online: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya condemn act, say ‘Piracy is an attack on the art and artiste itself’ | Tamil News

Vijay’s Jana Nayagan leaked online: Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Suriya condemn act, say ‘Piracy is an attack on the art and artiste itself’ | Tamil News

Actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Mohan Babu, Suriya, Sivakarthikeyan, Karthi, Jiiva, and Khushbu Sundar, among others, strongly reacted on Friday to the online leak of Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan. Taking to X, ‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth demanded strict action against those responsible for leaking Jana Nayagan. He wrote: “The release of the Jananayakan film on the internet by someone has caused shock and pain. Film associations must raise their voice against this, and the government must identify those responsible and impose severe punishment. Such crimes must not be allowed to continue in the future.” Kamal Haasan took to Facebook and wrote, “The leak of #Jananayagan is not an accident – it is the result of systemic failure. Had due process been timely, we would not be here. Inordinate delays in certification created fertile ground for piracy. When legal access is stalled, illegitimate channels take over. Piracy is beyond politics; it is an attack on the art and artiste itself. It endangers the work of hundreds of artistes and technicians, and the investments of honest tax paying …

Who is Sara Arjun? Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar co-star was seen in VIRAL commercials; is daughter of…; once richest child artiste; worked with Salman Khan in..

Who is Sara Arjun? Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar co-star was seen in VIRAL commercials; is daughter of…; once richest child artiste; worked with Salman Khan in..

Sara Arjun was once the richest child actress, acting in commercials for brands such as Maggi, LIC and more. The actress became a familiar face for Indian households long before she forayed into movies Sara Arjun is an Indian actress who mainly appears in Tamil and Hindi films and commercials, she has been in multiple commercials for big brands as well Maggi, McDonalds, LIC and more. She’s daughter of actor Raj Arjun and appeared in a series of commercials and a short Hindi film before the age of six. In 2010, she was signed on to portray a lead role in A. L. Vijay’s Tamil drama film Deiva Thirumagal, portraying the role of a six-year-old whose father was a mentally challenged adult. She has since worked in many Indian films, mainly in Tamil and Hindi as well as Telugu and Malayalam, winning positive reviews for her portrayals, particularly for her role in Vijay’s Saivam (2014). Now, Dhurandhar movie’s first look has got everyone talking not only because of Ranveer Singh’s intense energy, but also …

Amitabh Bachchan recalls his family’s bond with Kamini Kaushal: ‘A most pleasant, warm, affectionate and talented artiste’ | Bollywood News

Amitabh Bachchan recalls his family’s bond with Kamini Kaushal: ‘A most pleasant, warm, affectionate and talented artiste’ | Bollywood News

Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal passed away on Friday at the age of 98. On Saturday, megastar Amitabh Bachchan penned an emotional note on his blog, recalling his family’s bond with Kamini and describing her a “pleasant, warm, affectionate and talented artiste”. Mourning her death, Amitabh wrote in his blog, “And another loss, a dear family friend of the days of yore, when there was no partition. Kamini Kaushal ji, legendary artist, an icon, who contributed immensely to our Industry and who remained with us till the very last. Her family and Maa ji’s families were very dear friends in erstwhile pre-partition Punjab.” Also Read: Kamini Kaushal dies at 98: Veteran actor’s career spanned from Neecha Nagar to Laal Singh Chaddha “Kaminiji’s elder sister was a very close friend of Maaji. They were classmates, and a most joyous bunch of like-minded friends. The elder sister passed away regretfully in an accident, and as per the tradition of the times, in such an unfortunate situation, the sister of the deceased was married to the bereaved husband, her …