In a landmark move that will surely excite fans around the globe, the highly-anticipated sequel Mufasa: The Lion King will witness Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) return to the iconic role of Mufasa. This time, however, he will be joined by his two sons, Aryan and AbRam, making it a family affair that promises to offer a new dynamic to the beloved franchise.
This is not Shah Rukh’s first venture into the world of Disney. The actor first lent his voice for the Hindi version of Hollywood’s The Incredibles back in 2004. Five years ago, the star, alongside his son Aryan Khan, took on the roles of Mufasa and Simba, respectively, in The Lion King (2019). Now, the legacy continues with Mufasa: The Lion King, where SRK once again takes on the mantle of the grown-up Mufasa, Aryan returns as Simba, and young AbRam makes his auspicious debut as the young Mufasa.
“The character of Mufasa holds such a powerful legacy, being the ultimate king of the jungle who imparts wisdom to his son, Simba. As a father, I deeply resonate with this role. There’s a special bond I share with my sons, and revisiting this character with Aryan and introducing AbRam into this universe is a deeply meaningful experience for me,” said Shah Rukh Khan.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King aims to explore the untold story of Mufasa’s early years, tracing his path from a young cub to his ascension as a revered king. Scheduled for release on December 20, the film promises a profound narrative that goes beyond the usual adventure, adding more depth to the well-loved characters.
Simultaneously, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is gearing up for its 15th edition starting August 15. Ahead of this, Bollywood luminaries Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar are expected to make a significant impact by addressing a keynote session at the Australian Parliament House. Rani Mukerji expressed her excitement by saying, “Indian cinema is shaping global pop culture in a meaningful way. Our films bring joy and vibrancy into people’s lives, and the emotions they evoke are universally relatable.”
Adding to her sentiments, director Karan Johar emphasized the global reach of Indian storytelling. “It’s incredible to observe how far our narratives travel, impacting audiences worldwide.
. This acknowledgment by the Australian Parliament is a testament to the cultural power of Indian cinema. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to represent our rich cinematic legacy.” Their presence in the Australian Parliament underscores the growing influence and reach of Indian cinema on the international stage.
In other news, the team behind the much-anticipated film Devara Part 1, starring NTR Junior and Janhvi Kapoor, has kicked off a new phase of promotions. The film’s crew has begun shooting a new song titled “Aayudha Pooja,” a rousing anthem composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, this massive sequence will feature over 400 dancers and is being filmed in Hyderabad over the next five days. Directed by Koratala Siva and featuring Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist, Devara Part 1 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 11.
Meanwhile, the legendary actress Madhuri Dixit-Nene, currently touring the United States to commemorate her 40-year career in the film industry, took a moment to remember her late mentor, choreographer Saroj Khan. During an emotional fan meet, Madhuri reflected on their unique guru-shishya bond. “Saroj-ji’s art was exceptional. The way she visualized songs and created iconic dance steps was unparalleled. We had vowed to create many songs together, each one unique. Her presence and guidance on set were invaluable, and I miss her dearly,” Madhuri tearfully recollected.
Saroj Khan’s legacy as the first female choreographer to break into and excel in a male-dominated industry remains influential. Madhuri added, “Saroj-ji would always reassure me, saying, ‘You are like my daughter on the set,’ which meant a lot. Her strength as a pioneering woman in the industry gained her my utmost respect.”
The upcoming months promise to be riveting as we witness a blend of nostalgic revisits and exciting new releases that are set to captivate audiences around the world.
