Sonal Pandya
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Article Hindi
Mark Bennington: An actor’s life is full of waiting
Living the Dream: The Life of the Bollywood Actor, a coffee-table book by actor-photographer Mark Bennington, features a refreshing look at some of the biggest stars of Hindi cinema. Bennington speaks about the people who helped make his project a reality and what he discovered about the inner lives of the stars.
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Bheja Fry brought in the laughs 10 years ago
The surprise hit of 2007, directed by Sagar Ballary, was also the most profitable film of the year.
Article Hindi
Balraj Sahni, in the director's chair
A look at Lal Batti (1957), the only directorial venture of the accomplished actor, on his 44th death anniversary.
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When Kidar Sharma went to Hollywood
On his 107th birth anniversary (12 April), we revisit Kidar Sharma's journey as part of the first delegation from India to Hollywood and England in 1945 to learn from legends like Walt Disney and Cecil B DeMille.
Article Hindi
Are actresses in title roles a trend that’s here to stay?
This year has seen a welcome change in the number of women-orientated films being released in theatres.
Article Hindi
Gope, the cherubic comedian
The 1930s and 1940s funnyman became an integral part of a film’s cast with his on-screen antics. On his 104th birth anniversary, we look back at Gope's delightful career.
Article
Lipstick Under My Burkha can now compete for a Golden Globe Award
The film, directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, has been denied certification to screen in India. However, since it has been screened several times in film festivals in the US, it is now eligible to compete for a Golden Globe award.
Article Hindi
Meet Mehtab, the original Jhansi ki rani of Hindi cinema
On her 20th death anniversary today (10 April), we examine how actor-filmmaker Sohrab Modi brought to life the story of the legendary Laxmibai in 1953 with leading lady Mehtab.
Article Hindi
How filmmaker Shakti Samanta shifted gears from thrillers to romance to social dramas
On his eighth death anniversary, a second look at the revered director's filmography and how it changed over the years.
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Aatish Kapadia: I took very few days to adapt Aankhen
The 2002 film directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah was based on the Gujarati play Andhalo Pato and released on this day (5 April) 15 years ago. Writer Aatish Kapadia spoke to Cinestaan.com about his experience of adapting his play to the big screen.
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Salman Khan writes they don’t make them like Asha Parekh anymore
The Sultan actor has written the foreword of the upcoming book on Asha Parekh written by journalist Khalid Mohammed.
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Remembering Baburao Patel, Filmindia’s fearless creator and editor
The witty writer, who was born this day (4 April) 113 years ago, enthralled thousands with his popular film magazine for nearly three decades. Journalist Sidharth Bhatia, who wrote the book The Patels of Filmindia, speaks to Cinestaan.com about what made Patel unique.
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How Ajay Devgn evolved his dramatic side — birthday special
The Shivaay actor turns 48 today (2 April). We take a look how the action star emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s sensitive but intense actors, ready to tackle any role or genre.
Review Hindi
Poorna review: Heart-warming tale that aims high and captures hearts with its spirit
This biopic on the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest is the feel-good family film of the year.
Article
15 all-time chartbusters from the Anand Bakshi playlist
The lyricist, fondly known as the people’s poet, has had a hand in most of the top songs of the last five decades. On his 15th death anniversary, we go back in time to highlight some of his hit songs over the years.
Article
When Devika Rani christened Dilip Kumar – Birth anniversary special
The first lady of Indian cinema, pioneering actress and producer was instrumental in shaping the Naya Daur actor’s early career. On her 109th birth anniversary, we look at how Devika Rani made a quick decision to launch Dilip Kumar through Bombay Talkies.
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The many talents of SN Tripathi
The multifaceted artist, who died on 28 March 1988, wore many hats during his five-decade-long career as music composer, actor, writer and director.
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Angoor to Haider: From the stage to the big screen
To commemorate World Theatre Day today (27 March), we shine the spotlight on 13 plays that were turned into films.
Article
Why Mira Nair’s The Namesake is still significant
Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s landmark novel, the film played an important role in the careers of the major players involved with it. Ten years since its release in India (23 March 2007), we look at how The Namesake came at a pivotal time for those who made the film.
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The real Poorna speaks of her epic journey to Mount Everest
The subject of the upcoming film directed by Rahul Bose, Malavath Poorna recounted her historic climb at a conclave on women empowerment in Mumbai.