Sonal Pandya
Contributor
Articles by
Article Hindi
Down memory lane: Ashalata Biswas
Here's a quick primer on Ashalata Biswas, a popular heroine of the 1940s and 1950s on her 99th birth anniversary today (17 October).
Article
Deepti Naval: In memory of Smita Patil
On the actress’s 61st birth anniversary today (17 October), friend and fellow actress Deepti Naval shares a poem written especially for her.
Article
Vijay Bhatt and his ambitious Ram Rajya remake
For the filmmaker’s 23rd death anniversary today (17 October), we turn the clock back on one of his lavish remakes of his own 1943 hit, Ram Rajya.
Listicle
9 things you didn't know about Hema Malini — Birthday special
Nine facts about Hindi cinema's 'Dream Girl' on her 68th birthday today (16 October).
Article Hindi
How Prithvi Theatre became music composer Shankar's lucky mascot
A quick look at how this beloved venue became the backdrop of music composer Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi's biggest break on his 94th birth anniversary today (15 October).
Article
WM Khan: The singer behind India’s first hit number
On the actor-singer’s 42nd death anniversary today (14 October), a look back at the hit song from India’s first talkie, Alam Ara (1931).
Article Hindi
How Ashok Kumar helped many find their footing in Hindi cinema
As an actor and pioneer of early Hindi cinema, Ashok Kumar inspired and mentored many personalities along the way. On his 105th birth anniversary today (13 October), a look at a few lives and careers that he changed.
Article
5 lesser-known roles played by Nirupa Roy
Long before she played mother to heroes like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, actress Nirupa Roy was the heroine of several popular films. On the 12th anniversary of her death today (13 October), we unearth some forgotten roles.
Listicle
15 iconic dialogues of Amitabh Bachchan
For his 74th birthday, we take a look at Amitabh Bachchan's most seminal dialogues. (Images: Bhupen Chavan / Sonal Pandya)
Article
Whatever happened to Chandrachur Singh?
Chandrachur Singh started his career with a Filmfare Award for Best Male debut in 1996. On his 48th birthday today (11 October), we take a look at where Singh is now.
Article
Meet Amitabh Bachchan’s biggest Israeli fan
The one-time superstar has had many devout admirers around the world. On Amitabh Bachchan’s 74th birthday, we talked to Moses Sapir, who calls himself his biggest fan from Israel.
Article
Gems from biography: 18 things you didn't know about Rekha — birthday special
On the actress’ 62nd birthday today (10 October), we’ve rounded out a list of information revealed in author Yasser Usman’s new book on the ageless star.
Article
How RK Narayan gave Dev Anand a hit
Fifty-one years after its release, Guide is remembered more for Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman than the book is was based upon. On the famed author’s 106th birth anniversary, we take a look at how the film journeyed from the book to the screen.
Article
The birth of Dharma Productions with Dostana
The 1980 Amitabh-Shatrughan starrer, Dostana, launched Yash Johar’s Dharma Productions on this day (8 October) 36 years ago.
Listicle
Stars in the skies: 9 films headlining the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was founded in 1932 forming the first all Indian military unit that inducted only Indians as its officers. Since then, the establishment of the force and its pilots is celebrated on 8 October every year. Here are nine Hindi films that tell the story of fighter pilots in their narrative.
Article
Criminal or hero? Revisiting Mahesh Manjrekar's Vaastav
Looking back in time at Mahesh Manjrekar's entry into Hindi films with Vaastav on this day (7 October) 17 years ago.
Article Hindi
Ghazal singer Begum Akhtar could act too — Birth anniversary special
A look at the ghazal star's acting detour in Mehboob Khan's social drama Roti on her 102nd birth anniversary today (7 October).
Article
New York, Delhi, Kampala: Three cities that shaped Mira Nair's films
From New Delhi to New York and now Kampala, Mira Nair’s films reflect the stories of the cities she has inhabited. Her latest film, Queen of Katwe, starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga is a feel-good saga of an unlikely African champion.
Article
Vinod Khanna: The hero who was once a villain
On his 70th birthday today (6 October), we examine how Vinod Khanna changed the narrative of his early film career.
Listicle Hindi UK
Bond Fever: 9 Famous Agents in Hindi Cinema
The world's most famous spy, James Bond, was first introduced on 5 October 1962 in director Terrence Young's Dr No starring Sean Connery in the role he would forever be associated with. It launched the longest running franchise in film history enduring over 50 years. Spectre (2015) became the 24th film to release in the saga of James Bond. Naturally, Hindi cinema too has tried to replicate the secret agent formula in its own films. Here are nine of the most memorable agents that have tried to step into 007's shoes.