Sonal Pandya
Contributor
Articles by
Listicle
10 things you didn’t know about Tanuja — Birthday special
The Jewel Thief and Haathi Mere Saathi actress turns 73 today (23 September) and her next release will be the English film, A Death in the Gunj. We take a look at how the second-generation actress rose through the ranks of the Hindi film industry.
Review Hindi
Umrika review: Stirring journey to reach land of opportunity
Director Prashant Nair’s second film, starring Suraj Sharma, is an engaging coming-of-age tale.
Article
The role that defined Ranjeeta — Birthday special
In celebration of Ranjeeta’s 60th birthday (September 22), we take a look back at her splendid performance in the 1978 Rajshri film, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se.
Article
Documentary India in a Day captures realistic slice of Indian life
India’s first crowdsourced film, directed by Richie Mehta, was shown at a special screening by the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.
Article
Films that made Kareena Kapoor Khan a star — Birthday special
As the actress turns 36 today (21 September), we examine the films that changed her career.
Article
Tahir Husain: Living under his brother Nasir's shadow
Reflecting on the career of the younger Husain brother on what would have been his 78th birthday (19 September).
Article
Star portraits: When Stardust brought Shabana, Deepti and Smita together
An old photograph of the three actresses shared by fans on social media sparked a search for its origins. Here is what we found.
Article
It’s a bit easier to work in Hindi cinema: Shivaji Lotan Patil
The National Award-winning director brings to life the events after the assassination of India’s first female prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
Article
31st October has the right message: Soha Ali Khan
The Rang De Basanti actress will be seen next in the film based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, with Vir Das.
Article
Who is Munawar Sultana?
Remembering the yesteryear actress on her 9th death anniversary (15 September).
Article
Dev Patel’s Lion gains Oscar buzz after Toronto screenings
The Indo-Australian film received a standing ovation at Canada’s premier film festival.
Listicle
Sridevi’s 5 iconic looks from Chandni
The romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra, which released 27 years ago today, displayed its lead actress in several stunning looks.
Article
Jaikishan — the youthful music man
On music composer Jaikishan's 45th death anniversary today (12 September), we examine his award-winning legacy with musical partner, Shankar.
Article
Rekha wanted a normal family life: Yasser Usman in new book
A new biography on Rekha has brought the now evasive actress back in the limelight. Cinestaan.com spoke to author Yasser Usman on Rekha’s incredible journey as an actor and her transformation as a woman from the start of her career.
Listicle Hindi
The alluring poster art of Mehboob Khan
On the renowned filmmaker’s 109th birth anniversary (9 September), a look at some of the most interesting posters from the films he directed.
Article
Rekha’s new biography reveals her hidden loneliness
A new book by author Yasser Usman on the actress details her early life and the many controversies in her personal and professional life.
Article Hindi
5 notable duets of GM Durrani
The multifaceted singer, who died on 8 September 1988, sang duets with all of the top artistes of his time. We take a look at five of his memorable hits.
Article
S Mohinder, composer who excelled at doomed love and intense devotion
The yesteryear composer of Hindi and Punjabi cinema turns 90 today.
Article Hindi
Revisiting the lost lyrics of Pyarelal Santoshi
Pyarelal Santoshi, who excelled as a screenwriter and dialogue writer, was the father of filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi and the director of such films as Barsat Ki Rat (1960) and Dil Hi To Hai (1963). He passed away on 7 September 1978, but his legacy as lyricist is largely unknown. We take a look at some of Santoshi’s most memorable songs.
Article
Rakesh Roshan and the Indian superhero
On the director’s 67th birthday (6 September), we take a look at his everlasting achievement, successfully spearheading a superhero franchise in Hindi cinema.