Vulgarity wins
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has voiced his disappointment that films reflecting society’s reality face hurdles from India’s regulatory bodies, while those dripping with vulgarity sail through with ease. Speaking at an event on Friday, the screenwriter remarked that it’s a bad audience that makes a bad film successful. “In this country, the fact is that vulgarity will still be passed by the film regulatory bodies; they do not know that these are wrong values — a male chauvinistic view that humiliates women and is insensitive. What will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society,” he said at the inaugural session of the Anantrang Mental Health Cultural Festival.
The draw to films
(L-R) Mahesh Bhatt and Sachin Lalwani. Pics/AFP, Instagram
Actor Sachin Lalwani, who began his journey as a child artiste in Ektaa R Kapoor’s Karam Apna Apna, says his passion for acting was born when he saw television’s hold over his family. “I saw the power it had over my family, and I thought if I go on TV, they’ll watch me too,” he recalls. Looking back on his film journey, Sachin shared, “My first film was Faraaz with Hansal [Mehta] sir, and now a film created by Mahesh Bhatt.” He adds, “Hansal sir taught me the importance of sticking to the script, while Bhatt sir reinforced that filmmaking is a collaborative process — every actor must support one another to create something meaningful together.” Sachin will next be seen in Tu Meri Poori Kahaani.
Mantra for work-life balance
Konkona Sensharma
Konkona Sensharma believes achieving work-life balance in the film industry is tricky but possible “through conversations, a bit of protest ,and adjusting.” The actor, who stars as a working mother in the upcoming series Search: The Naina Murder Case, said she has been fortunate to have supportive filmmakers. “The kind of projects I do are small or medium budget, so I have to plan my life accordingly. One does need a bit of a community or a village,” said Konkona, who co-parents her son Haroon with Ranvir Shorey. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, she added, “Many things were much worse, and many things have become better.”
Fun unlimited
Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh
Bollywood star Ajay Devgn on Saturday announced that the sequel to his hit film De De Pyaar De (2019) will arrive in cinemas on November 14. Ajay shared the motion poster of the second part, which also marks the return of Rakul Preet Singh as the female lead. Directed by Anshul Sharma, the upcoming film promises double the fun and family drama. “Pyaar ka sequel hai crucial! Kya Ashish ko milega Ayesha ke parents ka approval? Pyaar Vs Parivaar De De Pyaar De 2 in cinemas November 14, 2025 (sic),” the actor posted on Instagram.
Grateful for the win
Rishab Shetty in ‘Kantara the Legend: Chapter 1’
Kantara franchise has firmly cemented Rishab Shetty’s place as a household name, with Kantara (2022) and Kantara The Legend: Chapter 1 collectively crossing Rs 700 crore. Rooted in Karnataka’s rural mythology, the films explore traditions like the ‘Guliga’ and ‘Panchuruli’. Reflecting on his rise, Rishab said, “From struggling to get one evening show in 2016 to 5,000+ housefull shows in 2025. Forever grateful to every single person who made this possible.” Balancing family life with filmmaking, the actor and director moved his wife Pragati and children to his coastal hometown of Kundapura during the three-year shoot. “I knew that things would not work out with me here, separated from my family. My kids were born in that village, now they go to school here,” he shared. Rishab added, “It’s been five years. We are all living in the world of Kantara in my village.”
