News Analysis India

Tag: Pathaan

  • #AskSrk session: Shah Rukh Khan makes witty answers to questions raised by Twitter users

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: He may be one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, but Shah Rukh Khan says he draws inspiration from regular people because it’s “special to be ordinary”.

    The 57-year-old superstar, who is awaiting the release of his much-awaited spy action film “Pathaan”, was interacting with his fans in his maiden #AskSrk session of 2023 on Twitter, which he wanted to be “fun”.

    “Have said this before I am inspired by regular people not achievers. It’s special to be ordinary (sic)” Shah Rukh wrote in response to a fan question about his inspiration.

    Directed by Siddharth Aanand, “Pathaan” is set to be released in theatres on January 25. It also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

    Shah Rukh’s good friend and colleague Salman Khan has a special appearance in the film.

    When one of the former’s Twitter followers quizzed him about the same, the actor said in a witty response: “use the QR code on the ticket and he will come in the film.”

    For the Yash Raj Films project, which marks SRK’s first big screen release since 2018’s “Zero”, the actor has worked hard on his physique.

    On comparison with Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh said his “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” co-star is more of an “inspiration” than competition.

    “Arre Duggu is my inspiration for the body,” he wrote, addressing Hrithik by his nickname.

    Praising his frequent co-star Deepika, Shah Rukh said she is “so nice it’s unbelievable”.

    “Pathaan” marks their fourth collaboration after “Om Shanti Om”, “Chennai Express” and “Happy New Year”.

    Ahead of its worldwide release, “Pathaan” has been battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song Besharam Rang on December 12.

    A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to protests across India for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

    Last month, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers to implement changes in the movie, including its songs, in accordance with board guidelines.

    When one of the users suggested that Shah Rukh should retire as “Pathaan” already appears to be a “disaster”, the Bollywood star had a cheeky response: “Beta badhon se aise baat nahi karte!! (You don’t talk to elders like this).

    Among fans who are waiting for “Pathaan” to hit the screens, there is also his “Dear Zindagi” co-star Alia Bhatt, who fondly calls Shah Rukh ‘SR’.

    A user was also curious about this nickname.

    “Why Alia calls you just SR? #AskSRK,” read a tweet.

    To which the star replied it could mean “sweet& romantic or maybe senior & respected or maybe just shah rukh (sic)”.

    Alia was quick to reveal that SR means “sweet and respected”.

    Shah Rukh, who calls Alia “lil one”, said now that she is married and a new mother he would call her “lil Amma Bhatt Kapoor”.

    Apart from “Pathaan”, Shah Rukh will also be seen in “Dunki” and “Jawan”.

    MUMBAI: He may be one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, but Shah Rukh Khan says he draws inspiration from regular people because it’s “special to be ordinary”.

    The 57-year-old superstar, who is awaiting the release of his much-awaited spy action film “Pathaan”, was interacting with his fans in his maiden #AskSrk session of 2023 on Twitter, which he wanted to be “fun”.

    “Have said this before I am inspired by regular people not achievers. It’s special to be ordinary (sic)” Shah Rukh wrote in response to a fan question about his inspiration.

    Directed by Siddharth Aanand, “Pathaan” is set to be released in theatres on January 25. It also features Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

    Shah Rukh’s good friend and colleague Salman Khan has a special appearance in the film.

    When one of the former’s Twitter followers quizzed him about the same, the actor said in a witty response: “use the QR code on the ticket and he will come in the film.”

    For the Yash Raj Films project, which marks SRK’s first big screen release since 2018’s “Zero”, the actor has worked hard on his physique.

    On comparison with Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh said his “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” co-star is more of an “inspiration” than competition.

    “Arre Duggu is my inspiration for the body,” he wrote, addressing Hrithik by his nickname.

    Praising his frequent co-star Deepika, Shah Rukh said she is “so nice it’s unbelievable”.

    “Pathaan” marks their fourth collaboration after “Om Shanti Om”, “Chennai Express” and “Happy New Year”.

    Ahead of its worldwide release, “Pathaan” has been battling controversy and calls for a ban after the release of its song Besharam Rang on December 12.

    A sequence in the song showing Deepika in a saffron bikini led to protests across India for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments.

    Last month, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers to implement changes in the movie, including its songs, in accordance with board guidelines.

    When one of the users suggested that Shah Rukh should retire as “Pathaan” already appears to be a “disaster”, the Bollywood star had a cheeky response: “Beta badhon se aise baat nahi karte!! (You don’t talk to elders like this).

    Among fans who are waiting for “Pathaan” to hit the screens, there is also his “Dear Zindagi” co-star Alia Bhatt, who fondly calls Shah Rukh ‘SR’.

    A user was also curious about this nickname.

    “Why Alia calls you just SR? #AskSRK,” read a tweet.

    To which the star replied it could mean “sweet& romantic or maybe senior & respected or maybe just shah rukh (sic)”.

    Alia was quick to reveal that SR means “sweet and respected”.

    Shah Rukh, who calls Alia “lil one”, said now that she is married and a new mother he would call her “lil Amma Bhatt Kapoor”.

    Apart from “Pathaan”, Shah Rukh will also be seen in “Dunki” and “Jawan”.

  • ‘Detrimental impact on children’: Panel asks UP to remove Pathaan song from social media

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW:  The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has asked the UP director general of police to get the clips of the Besharam rang song removed from social media as it may have “detrimental impact on the psyche of adolescents”. The song from the Hindi film, Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, has been mired in controversy over its lyrics and a skimpy saffron outfit worn by the heroine.

    Taking suo motu cognizance of the song going viral on social media amid the ongoing controversy over its lyrics, the CWC Bahraich (bench of magistrate), using the powers under Section 30 (xii) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, wrote a letter to UP DGP on Saturday saying that the Uttar Pradesh government had provided smart phones to teenagers for their all-round development, but they cannot be stopped from watching anything that is easily available on the internet. 

    “In such a situation, it is necessary in the best interest of the children that obscene content should be removed from social media,” the letter said. The letter has been signed by CWC Bahraich bench chief Satish Kumar Srivastava and three-member bench comprising Deepmala Pradhan, Archana Pandey and Navneet Mishra.

    ‘Besharam Rang is mired in controversy’The song from the Hindi film, Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, has been mired in controversy over its lyrics and a skimpy saffron outfit worn by the heroine.   

    LUCKNOW:  The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has asked the UP director general of police to get the clips of the Besharam rang song removed from social media as it may have “detrimental impact on the psyche of adolescents”. The song from the Hindi film, Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, has been mired in controversy over its lyrics and a skimpy saffron outfit worn by the heroine.

    Taking suo motu cognizance of the song going viral on social media amid the ongoing controversy over its lyrics, the CWC Bahraich (bench of magistrate), using the powers under Section 30 (xii) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, wrote a letter to UP DGP on Saturday saying that the Uttar Pradesh government had provided smart phones to teenagers for their all-round development, but they cannot be stopped from watching anything that is easily available on the internet. 

    “In such a situation, it is necessary in the best interest of the children that obscene content should be removed from social media,” the letter said. The letter has been signed by CWC Bahraich bench chief Satish Kumar Srivastava and three-member bench comprising Deepmala Pradhan, Archana Pandey and Navneet Mishra.

    ‘Besharam Rang is mired in controversy’
    The song from the Hindi film, Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, has been mired in controversy over its lyrics and a skimpy saffron outfit worn by the heroine.   

  • MP minister Narottam Mishra ‘defends Indian culture’ with attacks on films, rivals

    By PTI

    BHOPAL: When Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra objected to actor Deepika Padukone’s attire in a song in Hindi film “Pathaan”, it came as no surprise as he has now acquired the image of a politician at the forefront of defending Indian culture and traditions against any perceived insult and making acerbic attacks on rivals.

    Mishra (62), a 6-term MLA of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Datia district who is also the state government’s spokesperson, often hits headlines for his controversial comments – whether they are related to films or leaders of other political parties.

    A powerful minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet, Mishra’s remarks last week on the colours of attires used in a song (‘Besharam Rang’) featuring Padukone and superstar Shah Rukh Khan triggered a wave of protests and led to calls for a ban on the upcoming Bollywood film “Pathaan” for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of a community.

    He had said the “green” and “saffron” colours of the attires of the actor (Khan) and the actress (Padukone) need to be “rectified” along with the lyrics of the song and also the title of the film, which will hit the screens next month.

    Though Madhya Pradesh recently bagged the award for being the ‘Most Film Friendly State” for the second time in the last five years, the BJP leader, always seen with red tilak on his forehead, leaves no opportunity to take on film stars and producers whenever he feels some scenes in their movies are against the tenets of Hindu culture.

    However, the Opposition Congress has alleged Mishra has failed to properly handle his ministries (besides home, he also looks after jail, parliamentary affairs, law departments) and often makes controversial statements to remain in the limelight.

    But the BJP defended the minister’s statements on the ground he is holding important portfolios and all his comments are in accordance with party line.

    Before finding “faults” in the song ‘Besharm Rang’ and calling for their rectification, Mishra in October had warned the makers of another Bollywood film, “Adipurush”, based on the epic Ramayana, of legal action if scenes showing Hindu religious figures in a “wrong” way were not removed.

    In July, he had directed authorities to file an FIR (First Information Report) over a controversial poster of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai’s documentary ‘Kaali’ after an outrage.

    READ HERE | ‘No matter what the world does, all positive people are alive’: SRK amid ‘Pathaan’ song row

    Mishra, however, on Sunday asserted Madhya Pradesh will remain the most film-friendly state in the country.

    “No protest will be allowed at any film set. All are welcome here. Madhya Pradesh was, is and will remain the most film-friendly state,” he said.

    The home minister made these comments when asked by reporters about a protest by right-wing outfits at Bhedaghat, the site of marble rocks, and the picturesque Dhuadhar waterfall in Jabalpur after news spread that another Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film, ‘Dunki’, was being shot there.

    Not just films, non-BJP politicians, too, are often in firing line of the saffron leader.

    Mishra had termed the Rahul Gandhi-led “Bharat Jodo Yatra” as the “Congress Chodo Yatra (Quit Congress Yatra)” while taking a jibe at defections from the country’s oldest political party after the launch of the foot march at Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 7.

    Earlier, he had compared the Congress MP from Wayanad in Kerala with former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    On Sunday, the BJP leader drew a parallel between Gandhi and Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, whose recent controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in strong criticism from the Indian government and also triggered protests in several parts of the country.

    “The statement of Bilawalji and Rahul Gandhi is similar. One of them is questioning the Army (over border issue with China), while the other is raising questions on the Prime Minister (Modi) of the country. Therefore, I would like to ask Kamal Nathji (Madhya Pradesh Congress president) whether he agrees or disagrees with the words used by Gandhi,” Mishra said.

    Gandhi faced flak for his remark that Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

    OPINION by Nadav Lapid: ‘The Kashmir Files’ is disguised as a film

    The BJP leader had also criticized Gandhi on the issue of Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker and Congress leader and former JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar participating in the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and termed them as members of the ‘tukde-tukde’ gang (elements seeking India’s dismemberment).

    “Participation of persons with an anti-national mindset like Swara Bhasker and Kanhaiya Kumar in the Bharat Jodo Yatra has proved this yatra is being taken in support of those who want to break up the country,” the MP minister had said.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress media department chairman KK Mishra said, “He (Narottam Mishra) keeps giving controversial statements to remain in the limelight as he has been unsuccessful as the state home minister.”

    However, the BJP has come out in strong defence of its minister.

    State BJP spokesman Pankaj Tiwari said, ‘Mishra is a very senior leader of the party and handles important portfolios, including home, law and legislative affairs. He regularly interacts with the media on issues of law and order, social, political and harmony in society. All his statements are in accordance with party line.”

    BHOPAL: When Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra objected to actor Deepika Padukone’s attire in a song in Hindi film “Pathaan”, it came as no surprise as he has now acquired the image of a politician at the forefront of defending Indian culture and traditions against any perceived insult and making acerbic attacks on rivals.

    Mishra (62), a 6-term MLA of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Datia district who is also the state government’s spokesperson, often hits headlines for his controversial comments – whether they are related to films or leaders of other political parties.

    A powerful minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet, Mishra’s remarks last week on the colours of attires used in a song (‘Besharam Rang’) featuring Padukone and superstar Shah Rukh Khan triggered a wave of protests and led to calls for a ban on the upcoming Bollywood film “Pathaan” for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of a community.

    He had said the “green” and “saffron” colours of the attires of the actor (Khan) and the actress (Padukone) need to be “rectified” along with the lyrics of the song and also the title of the film, which will hit the screens next month.

    Though Madhya Pradesh recently bagged the award for being the ‘Most Film Friendly State” for the second time in the last five years, the BJP leader, always seen with red tilak on his forehead, leaves no opportunity to take on film stars and producers whenever he feels some scenes in their movies are against the tenets of Hindu culture.

    However, the Opposition Congress has alleged Mishra has failed to properly handle his ministries (besides home, he also looks after jail, parliamentary affairs, law departments) and often makes controversial statements to remain in the limelight.

    But the BJP defended the minister’s statements on the ground he is holding important portfolios and all his comments are in accordance with party line.

    Before finding “faults” in the song ‘Besharm Rang’ and calling for their rectification, Mishra in October had warned the makers of another Bollywood film, “Adipurush”, based on the epic Ramayana, of legal action if scenes showing Hindu religious figures in a “wrong” way were not removed.

    In July, he had directed authorities to file an FIR (First Information Report) over a controversial poster of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai’s documentary ‘Kaali’ after an outrage.

    READ HERE | ‘No matter what the world does, all positive people are alive’: SRK amid ‘Pathaan’ song row

    Mishra, however, on Sunday asserted Madhya Pradesh will remain the most film-friendly state in the country.

    “No protest will be allowed at any film set. All are welcome here. Madhya Pradesh was, is and will remain the most film-friendly state,” he said.

    The home minister made these comments when asked by reporters about a protest by right-wing outfits at Bhedaghat, the site of marble rocks, and the picturesque Dhuadhar waterfall in Jabalpur after news spread that another Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film, ‘Dunki’, was being shot there.

    Not just films, non-BJP politicians, too, are often in firing line of the saffron leader.

    Mishra had termed the Rahul Gandhi-led “Bharat Jodo Yatra” as the “Congress Chodo Yatra (Quit Congress Yatra)” while taking a jibe at defections from the country’s oldest political party after the launch of the foot march at Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 7.

    Earlier, he had compared the Congress MP from Wayanad in Kerala with former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    On Sunday, the BJP leader drew a parallel between Gandhi and Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, whose recent controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in strong criticism from the Indian government and also triggered protests in several parts of the country.

    “The statement of Bilawalji and Rahul Gandhi is similar. One of them is questioning the Army (over border issue with China), while the other is raising questions on the Prime Minister (Modi) of the country. Therefore, I would like to ask Kamal Nathji (Madhya Pradesh Congress president) whether he agrees or disagrees with the words used by Gandhi,” Mishra said.

    Gandhi faced flak for his remark that Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

    OPINION by Nadav Lapid: ‘The Kashmir Files’ is disguised as a film

    The BJP leader had also criticized Gandhi on the issue of Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker and Congress leader and former JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar participating in the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and termed them as members of the ‘tukde-tukde’ gang (elements seeking India’s dismemberment).

    “Participation of persons with an anti-national mindset like Swara Bhasker and Kanhaiya Kumar in the Bharat Jodo Yatra has proved this yatra is being taken in support of those who want to break up the country,” the MP minister had said.

    Madhya Pradesh Congress media department chairman KK Mishra said, “He (Narottam Mishra) keeps giving controversial statements to remain in the limelight as he has been unsuccessful as the state home minister.”

    However, the BJP has come out in strong defence of its minister.

    State BJP spokesman Pankaj Tiwari said, ‘Mishra is a very senior leader of the party and handles important portfolios, including home, law and legislative affairs. He regularly interacts with the media on issues of law and order, social, political and harmony in society. All his statements are in accordance with party line.”

  • MP minister sees red at Deepika wearing saffron bikini in movie with SRK

    By Express News Service

    BHOPAL:  More than a month before its release, the Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer much awaited Bollywood film, ‘Pathaan,’ has landed into trouble in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, due to the saffron coloured costume worn by the film’s lead lady in the song, Besharam Rang.’

    Peeved over Deepika Padukone wearing a saffron coloured bikini towards the end of the song (first track of the 2023 movie) whose video was released recently, the MP’s Home, Jail and Law Minister Narottam Mishra said on Wednesday, “The costume used in the song is highly objectionable. The filming of the song in such a manner reveals a polluted mindset.”

    He further attacked Padukone, saying, “It’s well-known that Deepika Padukone has been a supporter of Tukde-Tukde Gang in the JNU episode in the past. I appeal to the makers of the upcoming movie to rectify or remove the objectionable scene and costume from the song, failing which the film may not be allowed to be screened in MP.”

    The multi-starrer thriller movie, which will see Shah Rukh Khan essaying an undercover RAW agent’s role, is set to be released across the country on January 25, 2023. But it was not only the MP home minister who took strong exception to the use of saffron costume in the song, as even the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state and senior Congress MLA Dr Govind Singh objected to it.

    “Since the song is titled ‘Besharam Rang,’ does that mean that saffron colour is shameless? The objectionable scenes in the concerned song should be banned or deleted at the earliest.” The MP Congress’s media wing vice-president Bhupendra Gupta mocked the MP home minister on the issue.

    “We appeal to the MP CM to propose the state’s home minister’s name for being included in the Censor Board, to ensure that he can keep a watchful eye on script, scenes and costumes in movies, before their release.”

    BHOPAL:  More than a month before its release, the Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer much awaited Bollywood film, ‘Pathaan,’ has landed into trouble in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, due to the saffron coloured costume worn by the film’s lead lady in the song, Besharam Rang.’

    Peeved over Deepika Padukone wearing a saffron coloured bikini towards the end of the song (first track of the 2023 movie) whose video was released recently, the MP’s Home, Jail and Law Minister Narottam Mishra said on Wednesday, “The costume used in the song is highly objectionable. The filming of the song in such a manner reveals a polluted mindset.”

    He further attacked Padukone, saying, “It’s well-known that Deepika Padukone has been a supporter of Tukde-Tukde Gang in the JNU episode in the past. I appeal to the makers of the upcoming movie to rectify or remove the objectionable scene and costume from the song, failing which the film may not be allowed to be screened in MP.”

    The multi-starrer thriller movie, which will see Shah Rukh Khan essaying an undercover RAW agent’s role, is set to be released across the country on January 25, 2023. But it was not only the MP home minister who took strong exception to the use of saffron costume in the song, as even the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state and senior Congress MLA Dr Govind Singh objected to it.

    “Since the song is titled ‘Besharam Rang,’ does that mean that saffron colour is shameless? The objectionable scenes in the concerned song should be banned or deleted at the earliest.” The MP Congress’s media wing vice-president Bhupendra Gupta mocked the MP home minister on the issue.

    “We appeal to the MP CM to propose the state’s home minister’s name for being included in the Censor Board, to ensure that he can keep a watchful eye on script, scenes and costumes in movies, before their release.”

  • ‘I must be doing something right’, says Deepika about her Cannes sojourn

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Deepika Padukone, who is serving on the jury of the 75th Cannes Film Festival, said in an exclusive interview to ‘Variety’ that it “gives me goosebumps every single time I walk into the Palais and we leave it gives me goosebumps because every single person on that seat is there to celebrate cinema”.Deepika was familiar with the work of some of her fellow jurors, including Asghar Farhadi and Rebecca Hall, but not all.”I wasn’t entirely familiar with all of them, as is the case with all of the jurors,” Deepika told IANS. “I think what all of us did was to actually read up on our fellow jury members and watch some of their work. So, even when you deliberate, you understand where they’re coming from, or what kind of cinema speaks to them.”The actor sees being on the Cannes jury as a natural progression of her journey, but at the same time being invited came as a surprise to her. “They (the festival management) seem so convinced about why they made that decision. And it makes me sit back and think sometimes maybe I’ve not given myself enough credit,” she said, adding: “If I’ve landed here today, without even realising it, I must be doing something right.”The actor has just wrapped Siddharth Anand’s “Pathaan”, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham, and is working on “Project K” by Nag Ashwin. Next up is the Indian remake of “The Intern”, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, which she is also producing via her KA Productions along with Warner Bros. and Sunir Kheterpal for Athena.

    Cannes, meanwhile, is going to become a regular mid-year holiday destination for Deepika and her husband, Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, reports ‘Variety’. Her jury service allows them access to the jury box in future years.”We just come here for two weeks, nobody needs to know,” Deepika said. “Watch movies, sneak in, sneak out. We’ll be like kids in a candy store.”