All posts tagged: film industry

Kangana Ranaut defends Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work shift demand: ‘She is the top-most actress, she has earned it’

Kangana Ranaut defends Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work shift demand: ‘She is the top-most actress, she has earned it’

A year after Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work shift demand sparked a debate across the film industry, actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut has become the latest from the fraternity to back her. In a new podcast, Kangana said Deepika has ‘earned’ the right to demand that as the top-most actress and a mother. Kangana Ranaut has lent her support to Deepika Padukone. Kangana backs Deepika Last year, Deepika made a shock exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Prabhas-starrer Spirit, reportedly over her demand to work only 8 hours in a day as a new mother. The actor later also left the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Deepika’s demand was met with mixed reactions, with many calling it logical, while others argued it was impractical in the film industry. On the ANI podcast, Kangana said that work-life balance evolves over time and with experience. On the work hours debate, the National Award-winning actor said, “I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she (Deepika Padukone) is coming from, she has earned …

Rashmika Mandanna turns 30: Father gifts ‘Serenity’ bungalow , husband Vijay Deverakonda’s presence adds to celebrations

Rashmika Mandanna turns 30: Father gifts ‘Serenity’ bungalow , husband Vijay Deverakonda’s presence adds to celebrations

Actor Rashmika Mandanna celebrated her 30th birthday on April 5, marking the milestone with a family gathering that included a surprise gift from her father. According to information reported by the portal Nakkheeran, she turned 30 this year and commemorated the occasion shortly after her recent wedding in Coorg, her hometown. Rashmika Mandanna celebrated her 30th birthday in her hometown with her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, and family. Rashmika celebrates her birthday in her hometown with family Rashmika turned 30 with a quiet celebration in Coorg (Kodagu), spending the day with her husband, Vijay Deverakonda, and close family members. The couple visited the Padi Sri Igguthappa Temple, blending tradition with an intimate celebration. Pictures from the temple visit quickly circulated on social media, capturing Rashmika in a serene and joyful moment with her loved ones. Fans have flooded online platforms with birthday wishes, celebrating both her milestone age and the heartfelt way she chose to spend the day. Rashmika married actor Vijay Deverakonda in a private ceremony held in Udaipur on February 26, attended by close …

Mohit Suri on eight-hour shift in film industry debate: ‘Emraan Hashmi shot 24 hours with me’

Mohit Suri on eight-hour shift in film industry debate: ‘Emraan Hashmi shot 24 hours with me’

Last year, actor Deepika Padukone ignited a debate around eight-hour work shifts for actors after reportedly stepping away from Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, triggering widespread discussion. Now, director Mohit Suri has weighed in on the issue, recalling a time when Emraan Hashmi shot for 24 hours at a stretch. Mohit Suri has given his take on the demand for 8-hour shifts on set that was suggested by Deepika Padukone. Mohit Suri on eight-hour shift debate In an interview with Variety India, Mohit opened up about the ongoing debate about an eight-hour workday in the film industry to support work-life balance. The director noted that he has had actors work 24 hours at a stretch in the past. Mohit said, “I have had actors work 24 hours when needed. When we were shooting for Awarapan and we had a really expensive location in the presidential suite of the Intercontinental Hotel on the terrace, we had it only for 24 hours. I remember Emraan Hashmi shot 24 hours with me… We are making …

Shabana Azmi says some of the lyrics in item numbers make her ‘extremely uncomfortable’: ‘She is objectifying herself’

Shabana Azmi says some of the lyrics in item numbers make her ‘extremely uncomfortable’: ‘She is objectifying herself’

Actor Shabana Azmi has been vocal about the many issues that plague the film industry. Over the years, she has spoken on issues such as women’s rights and the rights of marginalised communities. The award-winning actor was a speaker at the We the Women event held in Mumbai, where she shared her thoughts on the impact of item numbers in films. Item numbers generally feature female actors dancing on energetic beats and often contain sensual imagery. (Also read: Ayesha Khan says it became a ‘national joke’ after she shared that she shot Dhurandhar song Shararat during her period) Shabana Azmi said she has a ‘very big problem’ with item numbers in films. (PTI Photo)(PTI03_03_2026_000024B) (PTI) What Shabana said Talking about item numbers, Shabana said, “Cinema is defined by the image. So when you have disconnected images, like for example, a heaving bosom, or shaking navel, you cut them into fragments and how the camera moves around the body is what decides what the intention of the director is. I feel in an item number, a …

Saif Ali Khan feels gender has nothing to do with pay gap in Bollywood: ‘It’s a balanced economic system’

Saif Ali Khan feels gender has nothing to do with pay gap in Bollywood: ‘It’s a balanced economic system’

Pay disparity has been a long-standing talking point in the Indian film industry, with actors and filmmakers frequently debating the gap between the earnings of male and female stars. Now, Saif Ali Khan has weighed in on the issue, mentioning that he believes that stars who can pull crowds to theatres deserve to be paid more for their box-office draw. Saif Ali Khan is the son of veteran actor Sharmila Tagore. Saif on pay parity Recently, Saif appeared alongside his sister Soha Ali Khan on a podcast episode on her YouTube channel, with Kunal Kemmu also joining the conversation. Talking about the debate around pay disparity in the film industry, Saif and Kunal mentioned that the pay cheque is largely driven by box office economics and audience demand rather than gender. During the interaction, Saif mentioned that actors who hold a similar stature deserve to be paid equally. However, he acknowledged that the industry’s pay structure is largely influenced by a star’s ability to pull audiences to theatres. Saif said, “If the actors are of …

Anubhav Sinha doesn’t see why Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand is controversial: ‘If you’re not okay with it…’

Anubhav Sinha doesn’t see why Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand is controversial: ‘If you’re not okay with it…’

The debate around fixed working hours in Bollywood has resurfaced after filmmaker Anubhav Sinha addressed last year’s controversy involving Deepika Padukone and her reported request for shorter shifts following motherhood. Calling the uproar “overblown,” Anubhav said such matters should be resolved privately between actors and filmmakers rather than turning into public disputes. Anubhav Sinha weighs in on the debate over Bollywood’s fixed working hours, advocating private resolution of disputes rather than public controversies. Anubhav on recent debate on 8-hour work shift In a recent conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Anubhav shared his straightforward view on actors setting boundaries. “If an actor wants to work six hours a day and you’re not okay with it, then don’t work with that actor. It’s as simple as that,” he said, adding that collaboration in the film industry must be based on mutual agreement. Recalling his experience working with the late Rishi Kapoor on the 2018 film Mulk, Anubhav explained how flexibility and dialogue helped avoid conflict. Rishi had informed him after reading the script that he preferred not to …

Suniel Shetty says there is a narrative set against Bollywood that it involves drugs and #MeToo: ‘Aisa nahi he’

Suniel Shetty says there is a narrative set against Bollywood that it involves drugs and #MeToo: ‘Aisa nahi he’

Actor Suniel Shetty wants viewers to understand that Bollywood is also home to good people who care about quality work. It is not filled with negativity, as is so often perceived to be. Speaking at the ABP News’ Ideas of India 2026 summit, the actor shared that the Hindi film industry has a lot to offer, but since the people associated with it are in the limelight, several negative things are circulated. (Also read: ₹500 crore at the box office”>Suniel Shetty refuses to watch son Ahan Shetty’s Border 2 until it earns ₹500 crore at the box office) Suniel Shetty shared his thoughts on the negativity that is associated with Bollywood. What Suniel said During the chat, Suniel was asked about the film industry, and he said, “Kyuki actor, singer, sportsman, entertainer ho… woh hamesha public ke aankho mein rehta he aur bohot saare comments uske upar hote he, negative as well as positive, islliye woh mushkil hota he. Achche log he… I don’t think ki Bollywood mein achche log nahi he. The thing is …

Imran Khan reveals mental health scare gave him a wake-up call, forced changes: ‘I said none of this is right’

Imran Khan reveals mental health scare gave him a wake-up call, forced changes: ‘I said none of this is right’

Actor Imran Khan famously walked away from the film industry over a decade ago after not getting the kind of roles he had hoped for. In his time away, the actor braved a divorce and a mental health battle. In a new interview, Imran opened up on how a mental health ‘scare’ forced him to make changes in his life. Imran Khan has opened up about his mental health battle. Imran Khan opens up on his mental health scare Speaking with the Times of India, Imran recalled how he realised nothing in his life was right during that phase, calling it a ‘wake-up call’. He said, “I had a mental health scare. You know, people have health scares. They’re like, suddenly, something goes wrong, I’m going to change my diet. I’m going to change my lifestyle. Oh, it’s all boiled vegetables. And I had a mental health scare. I looked, and I said none of this is right. I have to address this consciously. The way that you would start caring for your body if …

Exclusive | Hema Malini reacts to Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan honour: He deserved it much earlier

Exclusive | Hema Malini reacts to Dharmendra’s Padma Vibhushan honour: He deserved it much earlier

The legendary Dharmendra’s loss continues to be felt by the film industry and cinephiles- but his contribution to the arts has now been recognised by the Government of India. In an announcement today, it’s been revealed that he has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan honour, posthumously. Hema Malini, Dharmendra When HT City reaches out to his wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, she can’t contain her joy, “I got the news in the morning. This makes me feel so proud of him. He has done a lot of contribution to the film industry. As an actor, and as a human being too, he has been such a wonderful person. He would always help people, and that was extraordinary. He deserves this.” But she doesn’t miss adding in the same breath that the honour could have arrived a bit earlier, “He deserved it much earlier as well. Anyway, that they have given now is itself a matter of great honour.” Dharmendra, who died in 2025, was working since 1960 as an actor, and starring in meaty roles till …

Amitabh Bachchan’s co-star recalls how Big B refused entry to his house past 8 pm: ‘Would not allow anyone…’

Amitabh Bachchan’s co-star recalls how Big B refused entry to his house past 8 pm: ‘Would not allow anyone…’

Amitabh Bachchan has long been known for his meticulous approach to work. He’s always been an actor who arrives prepared, focused, and ready to deliver. Now, one of his former co-stars has shared an anecdote that perfectly captures the megastar’s discipline. Actor Raja Bundela, who worked with Amitabh in the 1989 thriller Main Azaad Hoon, opened up about his experience with the veteran star during a podcast with Dear Generation. “It has been a pleasure working with Amitabh Bachchan. I did a film with him, and he remembered all the dialogue so well,” Raja recalled. Amitabh Bachchan The story of the lost shoes Sharing a story from their Goa shoot, Raja said, “Once we were shooting in Goa, Amitji found out that his continuity shoes were left behind in Mumbai. Flights were not so frequent in those days; there was lots of commotion. The scene was where Amitabh was walking on the road, and suddenly he saw an apple. His character has been hungry for two days, so he picks it up, looks here and …