Entertainment

Where is the time for marriage? Taapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu who gained notice for her performances in the Hindi spy film Baby (2015) and the courtroom drama Pink (2016), both of which were critical and commercial successes is happy in both her professional and personal sphere. Her latest film Shabaash Mithu, directed by Srijit Mukherjee is a biopic of woman cricketer, Mithali Raj who struggled to get recognition for women cricketers and inspiring women everywhere. With other projects lined up, Taapsee will be heading out of the country to shoot Dunki, directed by Raju Hirani, starring Shahrukh Khan. In conversation with Lipika Varma, she talks about her films, the industry and more…

Professional Trade/films-

How does it feel to have your film Shabaash Mithu, releasing in theatres, any pressure?

We waited for a theatre release for so long and every actor has that pressure about his/her film releasing in theatres. One who has the interest of shouldering the release on his/her self that individual will have to deal with this responsibility. It depends on the pressure. It’s like a gamble. Nobody knows how many people will enter the theatres? If anyone assures you about the number of people entering the cinema halls then those calculations and formulas prove wrong.

When playing the role of a female underdog cricketer’s struggle, what similarities did you find in your journey?

Cricket and films in our country are considered as religions, those are the similarities! People are mad for films and cricket, but people would rather watch men’s cricket, or films with famous male leads, and say they are cricket lovers or movie lovers. I feel people should not differentiate by looking at who is holding the bat or who is taking the film on their shoulders. When a female-led film is released, people wait for the review, but, advance book tickets when a male-led film is released. These gender biases should not come in.

Cricket and films in our country are considered as religions, those are the similarities!

Do you feel your struggle has now come to an end?

My struggle still continues! My pictures should now have a good budget, because female-driven budgets are never large. And even if it is successful, the film will struggle to find a large number of screens. Women driven films also don’t get good shows.

How was it working with director Srijit Mukherje?

I felt relaxed and confident working with him because he was a cricket lover. I knew this biopic is in the right hands and he would do it well.

What is your take on all Bollywood films have been sinking at the box office, in recent times?

When were all of the Bollywood films successful? A few were successful in each period. How do you know films are not recovering? Big films used to fail earlier too! We earn revenue in other ways, it makes no difference if a film releases on OTT after having been released in theatres a month later. It’s about your business, you decide and earn on your product. It all depends on where you feel you will find your audiences the most and you are confident where the show will run, be it OTT or theatres, and I make the deal accordingly. There are no two films that will have the same deal, I learned trade business before starting productions.

When a female-led film is released, people wait for the review, but, advance book tickets when a male-led film is released.

Personal life-

When are you planning to get married?
I have three films that are ready for release and I have signed 5 to 6 films which have to be shot and released. Where is the time for marriage?

What do you have to say about long distance relationships?
I have been in a long distance relationship for the past 10 years and nobody knew about it, but now my value seems to have risen so people want to know about my long distance relationship!

Is it because you’re in love that your face is glowing and we can see the blossom on your face? (Laughs) No blossom because of anyone, please, the credit and hard work to look fresh is mine… let me take that credit!

What are your beauty and fitness mantras?
I’m just like wine, getting better with age!

July 31, 2022

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy