All posts tagged: Chaubey

Valanka Alemao alleges harassment by Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF denies claims

Valanka Alemao alleges harassment by Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF denies claims

Published by Webster

A fresh controversy has emerged within the All India Football Federation, with Women’s Committee head Valanka Alemao accusing AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of harassment during an Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi. In a formal communication addressed to committee members, Alemao alleged that she was “heckled and harassed” during the meeting held on March 29 at the Football House. The complaint has brought renewed attention to internal functioning and governance standards within Indian football. Detailing the incident, Alemao wrote, “I wish to place on record the entirely disgusting behaviour of the AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President Mr N. A. Haris and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan. I feel deeply prejudiced and I found that several attempts were made by the President to suppress my voice.” She further stated, “The President made remarks against me which were unnecessary and disrespectful. He along with the DSG raised his tone time and again beyond an acceptable decibel with the intention to intimidate me. Throughout the course of the meeting, I was consistently targeted.” Federation rejects claims, …

‘Nobody will give Rs 10 to make Sonchiriya today’: Abhishek Chaubey says no actor will work in a film like Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer | Bollywood News

‘Nobody will give Rs 10 to make Sonchiriya today’: Abhishek Chaubey says no actor will work in a film like Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

Abhishek Chaubey’s Sonchiriya remains a defining western of our times, a film that explores themes of salvation and righteousness, while subverting expectations. Yet, Chaubey now believes the film could not be made in today’s cinematic landscape. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, he explained how, in the current climate, “nobody will even give 10 rupees to make it” and, if it were made, it likely wouldn’t pass the censors. “Today, you would not get money for it at all. Even before the censors and all that, nobody would give you even Rs 10 to make it. It just wouldn’t happen.” Asked if a streaming platform might back a film like Sonchiriya, Chaubey was blunt: “No, streaming would be worse. It would not be funded at all. No way.” Co-writer Sudip Sharma, known for creating shows like Paatal Lok and Kohrra, added, “And even if it somehow got funded and made, it wouldn’t clear the censor boards. And nobody would come to see it in theatres.” Abhishek Chaubey argues that even streaming platforms will not back …

Abhishek Chaubey explains why Sushant Singh Rajput was the perfect fit for Sonchiriya over ‘Bandra boys’

Abhishek Chaubey explains why Sushant Singh Rajput was the perfect fit for Sonchiriya over ‘Bandra boys’

Published by Parlour News

Abhishek Chaubey’s 2019 film Sonchiriya, set in the desolate ravines of Chambal, remains one of Sushant Singh Rajput’s most underrated and powerful performances. The gritty drama, which explores the lives of dacoits entangled in violence, morality, and survival, often goes unnoticed despite its critical acclaim. In a recent interview with SCREEN, Abhishek shed light on why Sushant was the perfect choice for the role, especially in comparison to more conventional Bollywood stars. Despite initial box office struggles, Sonchiriya gained a cult following, highlighting Sushant Singh Rajput’s dedication and suitability for the role due to his ‘desi’ background, which contrasted with that of conventional Bollywood stars. Abhishek explains why Sushant was better than ‘Bandra boys’ Abhishek explained that the decision to cast Sushant was based on his “desi” qualities, which resonated with the film’s rugged, rural setting. “We discussed his name among us, and came to an agreement that there was something inherently desi about Sushant. With other stars, these Bandra boys, not that they couldn’t do it, but it would be a longer journey for …

Abhishek Chaubey opens up about choosing Sushant Singh Rajput over star kids: ‘With these Bandra boys…’

Abhishek Chaubey opens up about choosing Sushant Singh Rajput over star kids: ‘With these Bandra boys…’

Published by Parlour News

Even years after his untimely departure, Sushant Singh Rajput’s legacy continues to resonate through his body of work. While he delivered several standout performances, Sonchiriya (2019) remains a definitive masterpiece for his most devoted followers. Sushant Singh Rajput in Sonchiriya Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the 2019 film was set in the harsh ravines of Chambal and traced the lives of dacoits navigating violence, guilt and survival. Years after its release, the filmmaker has spoken about why Sushant was his first choice for the role and why he felt the actor brought something many star kids could not. A film ahead of its time When Sonchiriya released, it was praised for its realism. While it was positioned as a period action drama, the film offered a deeper meditation on faith, redemption and inner conflict. Sushant played Lakhna Singh, a troubled outlaw torn between brutality and conscience, delivering what many consider one of his most subtle performances. Despite strong reviews, the film struggled commercially and was labelled a box office failure. In the years following Sushant’s death …

‘Sushant Singh Rajput was a better choice than Bandra Boys’: Abhishek Chaubey says the late actor had ‘something desi about him’ | Bollywood News

‘Sushant Singh Rajput was a better choice than Bandra Boys’: Abhishek Chaubey says the late actor had ‘something desi about him’ | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

In 2019, director Abhishek Chaubey presented an existential take on the bandits of Chambal with what many consider his career-best film, Sonchiriya. On the surface, it was a period actioner, but on closer look, it could be read as a reflective exploration of dharma and salvation. In the film, Sushant Singh Rajput essayed the role of Lakhna Singh, a conflicted bandit, arguably giving his most understated performance . However, despite its critical merits, the film failed at the box office and was deemed a commercial disaster. Over time, though, it has achieved cult status, particularly after Sushant’s untimely passing, as audiences have rediscovered it as a hidden gem. Recently, in an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Chaubey spoke about why he decided to cast Sushant in the film. He explained that the late actor possessed a ‘desi’ vibe that many star kids from Bandra and his contemporaries lacked. “The reason was very simple. We discussed his name among us and came to an agreement that there was something desi about Sushant. You know, with the other …

NSG Act transition could see Kalyan Chaubey remain AIFF president despite ISL disruption

NSG Act transition could see Kalyan Chaubey remain AIFF president despite ISL disruption

Published by Webster

The Union Sports Ministry has decided to relax election timelines for national sports federations (NSFs), allowing those scheduled to go to polls in the coming months to defer their elections until December 31, 2026.  The move is intended to give federations adequate time to implement structural and constitutional changes mandated under the National Sports Governance (NSG) Act, which is set for full implementation from January 2026. The decision was communicated through a formal letter to all NSFs and the Indian Olympic Association, citing the “foundational” nature of reforms required under the new law. These include restructuring general bodies, aligning voting members with the Act’s provisions, and amending constitutions and bye-laws to meet compliance standards. The relaxation is significant for bodies such as the All India Football Federation, which is due to hold elections next year, as well as the IOA. During the extended period, existing executive committees will continue in office through a one-time tenure extension, subject to approval by their respective general bodies. The ministry clarified that this exemption will not apply where court …

‘Why Me?’: Shahid Kapoor Reveals First Question He Asked Abhishek Chaubey After Being Offered Udta Punjab | Bollywood News

‘Why Me?’: Shahid Kapoor Reveals First Question He Asked Abhishek Chaubey After Being Offered Udta Punjab | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

Last Updated:November 30, 2025, 20:17 IST Shahid Kapoor reveals he initially asked “Why me?” when Abhishek Chaubey offered him Udta Punjab, admitting he was unsure about taking on such an intense, unconventional role. Shahid Kapoor says he asked “Why me?” when Abhishek Chaubey offered him Udta Punjab. Shahid Kapoor is one of the most loved actors in the industry. While for the longest time Shahid was known for his chocolate-boy image, he broke the stereotype by playing the lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Kabir Singh and Abhishek Chaubey’s Udta Punjab. When Shahid Kapoor played Tommy in Udta Punjab, fans were taken aback by his new look. Now, speaking at IFP 15, the actor spoke about doing the character. Shahid Kapoor on doing Udta Punjab Talking in a session at IFP, Shahid shared, “My first question to Chaubey (Abhishek Chaubey) was why are you coming to me? I don’t drink. I’ve never been high; I don’t know how to do this. So this is as far away from my reality as it can get, and he …

‘Game-changer’ OCI for Indian football policy in works: Kalyan Chaubey

‘Game-changer’ OCI for Indian football policy in works: Kalyan Chaubey

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All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey on Thursday said they are actively working on policies to integrate Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players into the national team setup, acknowledging the ongoing struggle to find a top-quality striker. He also described the move could be a potential “game-changer” for Indian football. 🚨 #news | ‘Game-changer’ Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) move for Indian football?🚨 👉All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey on Thursday said they are actively working on policies to integrate Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players into the national team… pic.twitter.com/XP5RcsO4EA — The Bridge (@the_bridge_in) March 20, 2025 One of the biggest challenges for Indian football remains the lack of a reliable striker, with the national team still dependent on 40-year-old forward Sunil Chhetri. “We are making efforts to create a policy framework that allows us to utilise the talent of overseas Indian-origin (OCA) players,” Chaubey told PTI on the sidelines of the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in New Delhi. He stated that several countries have already done this. “Until we establish …

No confidence motion looms over AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

No confidence motion looms over AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

Published by Webster

Over 20 state football associations are reportedly planning to move a no-confidence motion against All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey next month as per Hindustan Times. The dissatisfaction stems from poor performance, management issues, and administrative controversies during his tenure. The associations are citing Article 23(4) of the AIFF constitution, which mandates an extraordinary general meeting within 60 days if one-third of the federation’s members call for it. Observers from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will also participate in the meeting, per protocol. Chaubey, a former goalkeeper who became AIFF president in September 2022, has faced mounting criticism over his management. His tenure has been marred by multiple controversies, including the sacking of AIFF secretary-general Shaji Prabhakaran in November 2023. Prabhakaran later lodged complaints with the ethics committees of AIFF, AFC, and FIFA, alleging “potential violations” of ethics codes under Chaubey’s leadership. AIFF has also been criticized for operational inefficiencies. The dissatisfaction extends to India’s underwhelming football performance under Chaubey. The men’s national team failed to win a match in 2024, …

Did You know Shahid Kapoor ‘hardly ate anything’ to play a drug addict in Udta Punjab? Director Abhishek Chaubey calls him ‘Sant Aadmi’

Did You know Shahid Kapoor ‘hardly ate anything’ to play a drug addict in Udta Punjab? Director Abhishek Chaubey calls him ‘Sant Aadmi’

Published by Parlour News

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction. Udta Punjab was one of the few films that gave an authentic insight into the world of drug addiction. In the film, Shahid Kapoor’s role as Tommy Singh remains memorable, and recently, the film’s director, Abhishek Chaubey, shared that the actor made several efforts to portray it. He revealed that Shahid is a vegetarian and doesn’t consume alcohol, so he had to instead drink a lot of coffee. At the same time, he ate less to lose weight and look more authentic. In a new interview with Mashable India, Abhishek Chaubey opened up about how Shahid Kapoor worked hard to play the role of Tommy Singh in the film. He revealed that Kapoor doesn’t smoke, drink or consume meat. Consequently, he made the actor drink a lot of black coffee to replicate the energy required to play a cocaine addict. He said, “Shahid had to put in a lot of energy because he doesn’t drink, doesn’t do drugs, he is a vegetarian, ekdum sant …