In what appears to be an immersive method acting approach, Adah Sharma has dramatically transformed herself for her latest cinematic venture. Stepping into a demanding role for the film “Bastar: The Naxal Story,” the actress embarked on a remarkable journey of gaining 10 kilos, aided by a unique diet consisting of bananas and homemade flax seed laddoos. Daily, she consumed 15 bananas and a generous share of laddoos to meet the physicality required by her character.
“Bastar: The Naxal Story” dives into the intense narrative set amidst the Maoist insurgency in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. Sharma’s dedication to authenticity did not simply stop at weight gain. The actress had to ensure she remained agile and fit enough to perform challenging scenes that involved climbing mountains and handling rifles. Discussing her process, she revealed, “We were shooting in the jungles, so my mother gave me a whole box of laddoos. I used to eat four a day.” Helmed by Sudipto Sen, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Indira Tiwari, Vijay Krishna, Shilpa Shukla, Yashpal Sharma, Subrat Dutta, and Raima Sen, all set to bring this riveting story to the big screen.
Shifting focus to another strong female narrative on Women’s Day, Sumbul Touqeer Khan of “Kavya: Ek Jazbaa Ek Junoon” fame, reflected on her journey, hallmarking the significance of her father’s support after her parents’ separation at the age of six. She credits her father, who was a dance choreographer, with instilling in her the true essence of empowerment and a nuanced understanding of womanhood, which transcended traditional gender roles.
In the realm of cinematic incentives, the Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has declared the film “Article 370” tax-free in the state. The move comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the film’s relevance and educational potential regarding the historic abolition of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Yami Gautam stars in this politically charged film that explores the backdrop and implications of the controversial decision.
Cultural festivity mingled with cinematic excitement when Tamannaah Bhatia, on Maha Shivratri, unveiled her character look from “Odela 2,” the upcoming sequel to the chilling tale of a serial killer in “Odela Railway Station.” Adorned in orange and wielding a damru, her portrayal as a devotee of Lord Shiva in Varanasi sparked intrigue among fans.
In an ode to the disco era, Bappi Lahiri’s son Bappa and Kumar Sanu’s daughter Shannon K collaborated to recreate “Jimmy Jimmy,” a classic hit from Lahiri’s treasure trove, as a heartfelt tribute. This musical homage resonated with fans, evoking the charisma of the late composer.
Cinema continued to be a medium of reverence when Jaideep Ahlawat attended the “Shaitaan” screening sporting a t-shirt imprinted with the image of the late actor Irrfan Khan, an artist he deeply admired. This gesture underscored the impact Khan left on actors and audiences alike. “Shaitaan,” a supernatural thriller featuring Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, and Jyotika, taps into the allure of black magic.
Lastly, the spiritual fervor of Maha Shivratri was also the choicetime for the announcement of “Luv You Shankar,” starring Shreyas Talpade and Tanishaa Mukerji, set to release on April 19. The film, directed by Rajiv S Ruia, celebrates love and spirituality. The actors and filmmakers hope to captivate audiences with a narrative that holds high emotional and moral values at its core.
Adah Sharma’s unyielding commitment to her role in “Bastar: The Naxal Story” signifies an era where actors go to great lengths to capture the essence of their characters. Coupled with celebratory occasions amplifying the industry’s rhythm and heartfelt tributes that keep legacies alive, the film industry continues to be an intricate tapestry of personal triumphs, cultural events, and political narratives.
