Articles by Isha Sharma

5 articles found

'Largest impact of my life': Rana Daggubati revisits 'Baahubali'
Entertainment

'Largest impact of my life': Rana Daggubati revisits 'Baahubali'

Actor-producer Rana Daggubati recently expressed his admiration for the re-edited and remastered version of SS Rajamouli's magnum opus, Baahubali: The Epic. Speaking to Galatta Plus, he said it was fun to revisit the iconic film nearly a decade after its original release. It was just so amazing to revisit that...and that we got to see it a decade later and it still has aged beautifully on the big screen, he said. Daggubati also spoke about the cultural significance of Rajamouli's vision. In India, you grow up with stories of mythology, wars, gods, and kings... That this is how the warriors of Mahabharat could have been. The fact that it came on screen with a vision like Mr. Rajamouli's, who pushed each boundary, meant that the whole team went all out to make that film. That's something that will always be the largest impact of my life. Produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under Arka Media Works, Baahubali: The Epic is a compilation of Rajamouli's blockbusters Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). It stars Prabhas, Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Nassar, and Sathyaraj in pivotal roles. Baahubali: The Epic narrates the story of Shivudu (Prabhas), a young man raised far from Mahishmati's kingdom. He learns his true identity as Mahendra Baahubali, son of the beloved warrior-king Amarendra Baahubali. However, he soon realizes that Bhallaladeva (Daggubati) had usurped the throne and imprisoned Queen Devasena (Shetty). Mahendra later comes to Mahishmati with his loyal commander Katappa to end Bhallaladeva's tyranny.

'Panchayat' star Jitendra collaborates with Pooja Bhatt for new drama
Entertainment

'Panchayat' star Jitendra collaborates with Pooja Bhatt for new drama

Panchayat actor Jitendra Kumar (35) will lead a new film with Pooja Bhatt, exploring India's traditional pigeon-flying culture. The project marks a reunion between Kumar and co-producer Hitesh Kewalya, who earlier worked together on Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. Bhatt (53) will play Kumar's on-screen mother in this venture, which is set to begin principal photography next year. The film will delve into a traditional practice of training homing pigeons and flying them from rooftops. This custom is still prevalent in certain Indian neighborhoods and among pigeon-racing communities worldwide. Bhatt's role marks her return to the dramatic territory she has previously explored in movies like Zakhm, Tamanna, and Daddy. The untitled film is produced by Khyati Madaan under her Not Out Entertainment banner, with Kewalya as co-producer. The project will be helmed by debutant feature director Bilal Hasan, who also wrote the script. Hasan is a Filmfare award nominee for his acclaimed short Chupchaap. Not Out Entertainment is known for developing culturally-rooted projects and is currently producing Ritwik Bhowmik's Abhootpurva, a romantic-horror-comedy set in 1990s Agra. Kumar is known for his performances in the streaming series Panchayat and Kota Factory, as well as films like Jaadugar and Bhagwat: Chapter One - Raakshas. Meanwhile, Bhatt's recent projects include Bigg Boss OTT 2, Big Girls Don't Cry, and Chup: Revenge of The Artist.

Tamil actor Abhinay (44) dies after battle with liver disease
Entertainment

Tamil actor Abhinay (44) dies after battle with liver disease

Tamil actor Abhinay, best known for his role in the 2002 film Thulluvadho Ilamai, passed away on Monday at the age of 44. He had been battling a liver-related disease for several years. His mortal remains are currently at his residence in Chennai. Members of the South Indian Artistes' Association have been requested to conduct his last rites as he has no family, per reports. Abhinay's struggle with liver disease came to light in recent years when he appealed for financial help to continue his treatment. In a widely circulated video, he had said, I do not know if I will be around for longer, revealing that doctors had given him a prognosis of just another year and a half to live. Comedian KPY Bala was one of the first to respond by offering monetary help of ₹1L, while Dhanush donated ₹5L. Abhinay started his acting journey with a pivotal role in Thulluvadho Ilamai, which also marked the debut of Dhanush. Throughout his career, he amassed over 15 credits in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films. His work included movies, advertisements, and voice dubbing projects. Notably, he dubbed for Vidyut Jammwal's character in the 2012 Tamil movie, Thuppakki, directed by AR Murugadoss and starring Vijay. May he rest in peace.

Randeep Hooda joins Shraddha in Laxman Utekar's drama?
Entertainment

Randeep Hooda joins Shraddha in Laxman Utekar's drama?

After the success of Chhaava, director Laxman Utekar is ready for his next project, a biopic on the life of legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Titled Eetha, the film is headlined by Shraddha Kapoor (38). Now, Pinkvilla has revealed that Randeep Hooda (49) will star opposite Kapoor in this ambitious project. The makers haven't officially announced Hooda's casting yet. The film is currently on floors. A source close to the development told Pinkvilla, Randeep plays the romantic lead opposite Shraddha. The makers are extremely confident about the casting, as both Randeep and Shraddha bring depth and versatility that fit perfectly with Utekar's vision. Narayangaonkar, a revered folk artist from Maharashtra, was known for her powerful stage presence and soulful performances in Lavani and Tamasha. The film aims to honor her contribution to Indian folk culture, which earned her two President's Awards. Eetha will chronicle Narayangaonkar's life from the 1950s to the 1980s, narrating how she joined her family troupe at a young age and worked hard to restore her family's lost glory.

Sunidhi Chauhan to perform at Women's World Cup final
Technology

Sunidhi Chauhan to perform at Women's World Cup final

Singing sensation Sunidhi Chauhan will be performing at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Final. The final match will take place between India and South Africa at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Chauhan will sing the Indian national anthem before the match and perform a medley of her biggest hits during the mid-innings break. Chauhan's performance at the Women's World Cup final will be a grand affair. She will be accompanied by 60 dancers, and there will also be a special-effect fireworks display, per ICC. The show will also include a laser show, 350 mass cast performers, and a drone display during the mid-innings break. Renowned choreographer Sanjay Shetty has conceptualized the special effects for this performance. Chauhan said she was looking forward to her performance at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Final. It's an honor to be performing at the Women's World Cup, and I am really looking forward to the big day. With India in the final and the stands packed with enthusiastic fans, I'm sure the atmosphere will be electric, and it will be a day all of us will remember for long. Chauhan, who started her career at just 13 with the hit Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi from the film Mast, has sold over 50 million records worldwide. She has also judged shows like The Voice India and Indian Idol. In 2015, she made history by opening for Coldplay in New York. Her international concert tour, I AM HOME, kicked off in 2023 with a sold-out show at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai. Her recent Bollywood songs include Hookstep Hookah Bar and Tamancha.