In a candid family discussion captured on a podcast, The Archies actor Agastya Nanda reflected thoughtfully on the nuances of male-female interactions in the context of courtesy versus toxic masculinity. He engaged in this introspective dialogue with his mother Shweta Nanda, grandmother Jaya Bachchan, and sister Navya Naveli Nanda, each known for their own standing in the Indian entertainment sphere.
“Actions like opening a door for someone or offering to settle a bill are universally acknowledged gestures of courtesy. Yet, they often become tainted by the intent behind them,” Agastya pointed out. He further expounded that when such acts are performed simply to be polite, without a patriarchal assertion of ‘I am the man, hence I am doing this,’ they are perfectly agreeable. He emphasized the importance of the intention, to help rather than to demonstrate superiority or provision.
Exploring whether to keep personal life under public scrutiny, actor Karan Singh Grover deliberated on the decision he and wife Bipasha Basu made to shield their infant daughter from the media. Respecting their child’s autonomy, Grover humorously shared that their daughter hasn’t granted them the permission for media exposure. He remarked on her social disposition and how they need to gently restrain her from the paparazzi, who obligingly refrain from photographing her.
Celebrations and tributes formed a significant portion of recent industry buzz. Maharashtra’s film fraternity honoured two of its veterans, with JP Dutta receiving the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Raj Kapoor Award for his impactful work in Indian cinema, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra being distinguished with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. Dutta, known for his patriotic war films, was felicitated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at a ceremony in Mumbai, underscoring the lasting imprints these filmmakers have etched on Indian cinema.
From the realm of performing arts, Bharatanatyam exponent Bala Devi Chandrashekar achieved a landmark moment, exemplifying India’s rich cultural heritage at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. With the launch of her film “Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless”, the world bore witness to the splendid history and legacy of the Brihadeeswara Temple, captured from the perspective of a traditional temple dancer. Ambassador Vishal V Sharma praised the film, proclaiming the thousand-year-old temple as an enduring symbol of India’s architectural and philosophical mastery.
An exciting sneak peek into Bollywood’s forthcoming attractions included the poster release of ‘Crew’, a film starring heavyweights Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, who appear poised to take flight as air hostesses in their respective character posters, artfully hinting at their roles with captions like ‘Steal it’, ‘Risk it’, and ‘Fake it’. The film, directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, is setting the stage for release on March 29.
Actress Nikita Dutta, spotted amidst promotional activities, disclosed her experiences filming ‘Dange’, describing every on-set moment as electrifying. She alluded to unexpected twists, promising a thrilling cinematic offering. The film also features actors Harshvardhan Rane and Ehan Bhat.
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee celebrated a significant career milestone, marking three decades in the film industry. At an event organized by the Indian Embassy’s Tagore Centre in Berlin, Bajpayee, present for the screening of his recent outing ‘The Fable’, shared his compelling journey from humble beginnings in Bihar to becoming a stalwart of Indian cinema.
Personal respects were also offered by Aamir Khan, who visited the family of late ‘Dangal’ actor Suhani Bhatnagar, expressing his condolences. Bhatnagar, who portrayed Khan’s daughter in the film, sadly passed away after a battle with dermatomyositis.
Through a blend of personal insights, tributes, and celebrations, the entertainment industry continues to offer a rich tapestry of events that evoke reflection about the broader sociocultural landscape and bring forethought to audiences, artists, and observers alike.
