RAJINIKANTH AND CHIRANJEEVI: CONFESSIONS OF COPYING A BOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR
Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi, the megastars of Tamil and Telugu cinema, have often expressed their immense admiration for Amitabh Bachchan, the megastar of the millennium. However, it might surprise many to learn that another Hindi film legend, Shatrughan Sinha, played a significant role in inspiring these two South Indian icons to pursue acting. In the biography “Anything But Khamosh...
Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi, the megastars of Tamil and Telugu cinema, have often expressed their immense admiration for Amitabh Bachchan, the megastar of the millennium. However, it might surprise many to learn that another Hindi film legend, Shatrughan Sinha, played a significant role in inspiring these two South Indian icons to pursue acting.
In the biography “Anything But Khamosh – The Shatrughan Sinha Biography,” Chiranjeevi shared, “I became an actor because of Shatrughan Sinha.” He recounted how he used to watch Hindi films solely for the “Kaalicharan” star, stating, “Whenever a new Shatrughan Sinha film released, regardless of the role he played, I watched it with complete admiration. I went to see Hindi films only for Shatrughan; he was the main attraction for me.”
Chiranjeevi reminisced about a film called “Sabak” in 1973, which many deemed a disaster, yet he still watched it because Shatrughan Sinha starred in it. Even though he was disappointed, not due to the film’s subject or Sinha’s character, but because of the star’s changed hairstyle.
“People would tell me that my eyes and facial features looked like his,” Chiranjeevi recalled. “I think it was that constant comment which triggered the idea that I too could become an actor.”
Mesmerized by Sinha’s command over language, confidence, dominating body language, and expressive eyes, Chiranjeevi found himself drawn to the idea of acting. He noted Sinha’s influence on many actors, including himself, citing the legendary actor’s mass appeal and mannerisms as significant inspirations.
Rajinikanth also acknowledged being a “great Shatrughan Sinha fan right from films like ‘Do Yaar’ in the seventies.” The iconic actor, famous for his swagger and style, revealed, “When I started out as an actor, I concentrated on being a stylised villain. The only stylised villain those days was Shatrughan Sinha, and I drew inspiration from his performances.”
Rajinikanth recalled being fascinated by Sinha’s mannerisms in films like “Do Yaar” and “Raampur Ka Lakshman,” particularly noting how Sinha would casually flick a cigarette or nonchalantly look at his watch after hitting someone. “From that day onwards,” Rajinikanth shared, “Shatrughan Sinha was my inspiration.”
Their admiration for Sinha’s style of acting was evident. Rajinikanth admitted to completely following Sinha’s mannerisms and acting style in his early days, earning him the title of the “Shatrughan Sinha of the South” in the seventies.
Although Chiranjeevi never had the opportunity to work with his inspiration, Rajinikanth eventually shared the screen with Shatrughan Sinha in the 1986 hit “Asli Naqli.” The influence of the legendary Shatrughan Sinha on these iconic South Indian actors remains a testament to his lasting impact on Indian cinema.
IT WAS NOT EASY TO DANCE WITH 30-40kg COSTUME IN PERIOD FILMS
Bollywood is celebrated for bigger than life motion pictures over the world, so also our motion pictures are known for huge time enthusiastic, family values, music, colours & ofcourse it’s ensembles. Indian film ensembles are world famous. Every on-screen characters looks flawless with overwhelming ensembles but at the same time it’s not simple to carry such overwhelming stacked stuff. There...
Bollywood is celebrated for bigger than life motion pictures over the world, so also our motion pictures are known for huge time enthusiastic, family values, music, colours & ofcourse it’s ensembles. Indian film ensembles are world famous.
Every on-screen characters looks flawless with overwhelming ensembles but at the same time it’s not simple to carry such overwhelming stacked stuff. There are few stories behind these costume’s.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore a add up to of 40 kg gems amid the complete motion picture (Jodha Akbar).
Madhuri Dixit wore a 30-kg lehenga for Kaahe Chhed Mohe in Devdas. Her equip was planned by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. Too, most of Madhuri and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's ensembles in this film taken a toll the creators around Rs 10-15 lakhs.
Deepika Padukone in Bajirao Mastani wore a 20 kg shield suit for a battle scene.
The performing artist wore a 30 kg ghagra in Goliyon ki Raasleela: Slam Leela. Her equip was outlined by Anju Modi and was 50 meters long. Too, the one ensemble that gathered the foremost consideration was the one she worn within the Ghoomar tune from the film Padmaavat.
According to reports, the equip weighed around 30kgs and the adornments for the tune was lovely. It had taken over 200 craftsmen, 600 days and 400 kg of gold to induce the pieces right for the tune.
Reason Behind Satish Kaushik Rejecting Aamir Khan for ‘Mr. India’
Picture this: a young Aamir Khan, bursting with Bollywood dreams, boldly steps into the world of Shekhar Kapur’s Mr India. Little did he know, he was about to face a twist in his journey! In an epic interview saga, Aamir spilled the beans on the time he tried impressing Satish Kaushik, who was not just the chief assistant director but...
Picture this: a young Aamir Khan, bursting with Bollywood dreams, boldly steps into the world of Shekhar Kapur’s Mr India. Little did he know, he was about to face a twist in his journey!
In an epic interview saga, Aamir spilled the beans on the time he tried impressing Satish Kaushik, who was not just the chief assistant director but also the gatekeeper to Aamir’s assistant director dreams. Cue the dramatic music!
Our hero, armed with impressive paperwork (apparently a rare feat in the industry back then), showcased his skills. “I had gone and met Shekhar Kapur because he was one of my favourite directors. So I told him that I want to work with you as an assistant. At that time, Satish Kaushik was his chief assistant director,” Aamir narrates, setting the scene.
Now, here comes the plot twist! Satish Kaushik, ever the discerning boss, was left in awe of Aamir’s paperwork magic. But, oh boy, Aamir’s charm didn’t quite clinch the assistant director role. Why? Well, it turns out Satish, the captain of the ship, had his eyes set on something unexpected – a car! Yep, you read it right.
In the grand reveal, Aamir learned, “Later Satish told me that when you had come for a meeting with me, you came in a car, and I didn’t have a car. So, I felt that the junior who I will hire has a car.” Talk about a plot twist worthy of a Bollywood blockbuster!
Ever the quick-witted hero, Aamir tried to reason that the car wasn’t actually his. But, alas, destiny had other plans, and Aamir missed out on being the assistant director of Mr India.
So, there you have it – the tale of Aamir Khan’s ‘car-mical’ audition for Mr India. Who knew a four-wheeled companion could decide the fate of a Bollywood dream? As Satish Kaushik soared to fame, Aamir Khan’s adventure in the film industry took a different route, leaving us with a story that’s as entertaining as any Bollywood flick. Cue the applause!
Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-e-Azam – The First Bollywood Film Shot in Three Languages
Dilip Kumar’s “Mughal-e-Azam”, released in 1960, holds a special place in the history of Indian cinema as the first Bollywood film shot in three languages. Directed by K. Asif, the magnum opus, featuring Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, and Dilip Kumar, began its ambitious journey in 1944 and faced numerous challenges before making it to the big screen 16 years later. This...
Dilip Kumar’s “Mughal-e-Azam”, released in 1960, holds a special place in the history of Indian cinema as the first Bollywood film shot in three languages. Directed by K. Asif, the magnum opus, featuring Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, and Dilip Kumar, began its ambitious journey in 1944 and faced numerous challenges before making it to the big screen 16 years later.
This cinematic masterpiece, initially released in black-and-white, achieved iconic status and, in 2009, underwent a re-release in colour print. The film’s timeless narrative, coupled with its opulent production, resonates with audiences even today, making it a cult classic in the period drama genre.
What sets Mughal-e-Azam apart is the lesser-known fact that it was a trilingual film, shot in Hindi, Tamil, and English. While the Hindi version soared to great heights, the Tamil version met with an unexpected setback at the box office, leading to its commercial failure. Surprised by this turn of events, the makers decided not to release the English version, abandoning the idea altogether.
The film’s journey, marked by hurdles and triumphs, reflects the dedication and vision of its creators. Despite facing challenges, Mughal-e-Azam remains an enduring masterpiece, with every aspect of the epic, from its dialogues to its songs, holding a special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts. This trilingual experiment, although not without its setbacks, adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Mughal-e-Azam’s cinematic legacy.
THIS WAS THE REASON WHY SHASHI KAPOOR CHASED SHATRUGHAN SINHA WITH A BELT IN HAND
Lights, Camera, Action! Let’s dive into some spicy Bollywood trivia that’s juicier than your favorite gossip magazine! Did you know that once upon a time, the legendary Shashi Kapoor went on a chase through the sets with a belt in hand? And who was the target of his playful fury? None other than the ever-charming Shatrughan Sinha! Seems like our...
Lights, Camera, Action! Let’s dive into some spicy Bollywood trivia that’s juicier than your favorite gossip magazine!
Did you know that once upon a time, the legendary Shashi Kapoor went on a chase through the sets with a belt in hand? And who was the target of his playful fury? None other than the ever-charming Shatrughan Sinha!
Seems like our dear Shatrughan had a bit of a punctuality problem. He had a knack for strolling onto set fashionably late. But oh boy, did it get him into trouble when Kapoor decided enough was enough!
Picture this: Kapoor, belt in hand, hot on Sinha’s heels, all in good fun, of course! Sinha, always the quick wit, turned the whole debacle into a joke, teasing Kapoor about their casting choices.
But behind the scenes drama aside, Sinha had a valid excuse for his tardiness. He was a dedicated yogi, starting his day with a zen-inducing hour of yoga. Can’t blame a guy for wanting to find his inner peace, right?
Despite his fashionably late entrances, Sinha was a director’s dream. With his sharp memory and talent, he breezed through scenes in one take. No wonder directors couldn’t get enough of him!
But wait, there’s more! Sinha spilled some tea about his regrets too. He wished he could have buried the hatchet with the late Rajesh Khanna over their political disagreements. Ah, politics, always stirring the pot!
And that, my friends, is the tale of the Bollywood belt chase! Full of humour, camaraderie, and a dash of regret. Who needs scripted drama when you have Bollywood, the real showstopper!
