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Pyaasa to Parinda: 10 classic Hindi films you must watch

After two years of pandemic-induced lull, <keyword id="1484" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="feroz-abbas" source="Orion">Feroz Abbas</keyword> <keyword id="6355601" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="khan" source="Orion">Khan</keyword>'s Broadway-style opus 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' opened to packed houses in Mumbai on October 21 this year. The musical has already amassed unanimous critical and popular acclaim around the world but this is the first time in the post-pandemic era that the 18th season of the show has been staged. Director Feroz Abbas says, "As a team, during the course of the last two years, we truly missed entertaining the audience and now it feels so reassuring that the fans of the show have missed it too! The response since the first show on October 21, has been unbelievable and more shows have had to be added to accommodate the overwhelming demand for tickets." Mumbai has embraced the musical extravaganza once again and says Khan, "The core appeal of the musical remains the same though as always we have worked hard to improve technical and production aspects. The audiences however come back again and for the music, the monumental scale, the costumes, the energy of a live performance and the nostalgia that this classic love story evokes. And very soon, hopefully, we will be on the road once again to travel with the play and regale audiences in different parts of the country and the world." Deepesh Salgia of Shapoorji Pallonji Producers of the musical says, "Mumbai has embraced the musical extravaganza once again. The core appeal of the musical remains the same though as always we have worked hard to improve technical and production aspects." 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' has won seven trophies, including the Best Indian Play, at the Broadway World India Awards 2017. Feroz <keyword id="209157" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="abbas-khan" source="Orion">Abbas Khan</keyword> won the Best Director <keyword id="24" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="award" source="Orion">Award</keyword>, and celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra won the trophy for Best Original Costume Design. Mayuri Upadhya scored in the Best Original Choreography category, Neil Patel received recognition in the Best Original Set Design segment and David Lander won the Best Original Lighting Design award. The play also bagged the Best Ensemble Cast award. IANSlife speaks to director Feroz Abbas to get his views on the show: When was the first time that you saw 'Mughal-E-Azam' and what impact did the film have on you? Feroz: I saw 'Mughal-E-Azam' as a child on Eid with my family and it had an enormous emotional impact on me and I remember crying profusely because I thought a great injustice had been done to Anarkali! Decades later when I saw the coloured version with Farooque Sheikh and Shabana Azmi Azmi in Hyderabad, the film wove the same magic that I had experienced all those years ago and then the idea to adapt it to the stage came to me because I realised that the film had a very theatrical structure. Do you think a film like this can be made today? Feroz: I think films which are much bigger in scale and even in detailing and budget are being made today, especially in South India, but 'Mughal-E-Azam' was very unique at that particular period and time where epics were few and far between and these one, in particular, had cost the producers more than any previous Indian film. It took nearly 10 years to reach cinemas and that would be unthinkable today. Can you share with us a few things that are different about this season of 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical'? Feroz: It's the same play, with the same cast and the same scale. Practically everything is the same except that after COVID hit us, the intensity and the passion of the performers reached a new high. The years in which the play wasn't performed, have had a huge impact on them and it is almost as if their passion had been bottled up and now it is going to be unleashed on the stage. As I was watching the rehearsals, I saw things that the actors had never done before, so, there's a great intensity and a great purpose to deliver an outstanding performance for the audience. All these years that made them wait now will culminate in a magnificent outpouring of intensity, beauty and power on stage. What have been some of the most memorable responses to the musical from the audience? Feroz: There have been so many that it would be tough to encapsulate them all. All I can say is they are diverse and heartwarming and each generation has connected differently to the play. For some, it is a nostalgic experience to revisit this story. For others, it is a discovery. Every single time we perform, we are suffused with waves of energy and appreciation and that is what keeps us inspired and motivated to do better and better each time. How did you translate war scenes and the immersive opulence of the film for its stage version? Feroz: War scenes are very difficult to do on stage because we don't have the facilities that cinema has, to realistically recreate battlefields. So it boils down to presenting them in a more suggestive and symbolic way and we have been able to create, if not the scale and opulence of the original film but surely the impact of war on stage and in the minds of the audience. It's very difficult for me to describe that in words because it is something that you've got to be in the auditorium to experience. What was your brief to the actors who were going to play roles that have been immortalised by stalwarts like Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala and Dilip Kumar? Feroz: The brief was to not mimic or become caricatures of the stalwarts but to understand and interpret the characters in question. It is very easy to be intimidated by the legacy of these iconic actors but once you begin to connect organically with the characters, you start relating with them and slowly you become a part of them and they of you. You have often mentioned the role that progressive writers played in creating a very egalitarian perspective of love in the film. Do you think film writing today has the same passion to at least suggest if not create positive change? Feroz: Every writer responds to the time he/she lives in. They absorb all that's happening around them, and finally, they put that on paper. As far as the egalitarian aspect is concerned, which means basically asking for a more well-adjusted, just, equitable and compassionate society for the weak and the marginalised, I think regional cinema is doing a very good job. They seem to be much more in tune with what's happening around them. However, our Hindi cinema at this point in time is struggling to find a voice that speaks for the marginalised and the weak. They are struggling to understand what exactly the audience expects, wants and needs and what issues they identify with. Whatever is going on in the name of entertainment has an element of confusion. Makers are trying various things but we aren't finding any strong voices that speak up for social equity. Though there have been voices for gender equality, which is good, the egalitarian aspect has been absent from Indian cinema for quite some time. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/how-power-corrupts-lessons-from-king-lear-and-three-more-shakespearen-plays/articleshow/95113874.cms">How power corrupts - lessons from King Lear and three more Shakespearen plays</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/katrina-kaifs-yet-to-be-released-phone-bhoot-makes-it-to-chacha-chaudhary-comic-book/articleshow/95117757.cms">Katrina Kaif's yet-to-be-released Phone Bhoot makes it to Chacha Chaudhary comic book</a>

'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' gets extended on public demand

Legendary actor <keyword id="1687" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dilip-Kumar">Dilip Kumar</keyword> says he is under complete isolation and quarantine due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Dilip Kumar took to Twitter on Tuesday to give an update about himself to his fans and followers. He also shared that his wife and former veteran actress Saira Banu is taking good care of the 97-year-old icon. "I am under complete isolation and quarantine due to the #CoronavirusOutbreak. Saira has left nothing to chance, ensuring I do not catch any infection," he tweeted. Last seen on the big screen in "Qila" in 1998, the actor was honoured with the <keyword id="54010" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dadasaheb-Phalke-award">Dadasaheb Phalke Award</keyword> in 1994 and the <keyword id="15575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Padma-Vibhushan">Padma Vibhushan</keyword> in 2015. Known for films like "Devdas", "<keyword id="25822" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mughal-e-azam">Mughal-E-Azam</keyword>" and "Karma", Dilip Kumar got married to Saira -- over 20 years younger to him -- in 1966.

Dilip Kumar under self-quarantine due to coronavirus

<keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>, the land of glamour, is also the land of money. While there are movies that earn hundreds of crores of rupees at the ticket counters, there also are movies that take crores to be made. Not only that, there have been instances of particular sequences or songs that are made in Bollywood that cost quite a lot to the producers, but the sheer passion of filmmaking allows them to flow their money like water. 
 
Take the example of the recently released song <keyword id="3045139" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Deewani-Mastani">Deewani Mastani</keyword> from the upcoming movie <keyword id="6391813" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bajirao-Mastani">Bajirao Mastani</keyword>. The set that represents the place of performing arts in the palace of Peshwa Bajirao, played by <keyword id="106133" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ranveer-Singh">Ranveer Singh</keyword>, is too huge to be ignored, even as <keyword id="598" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Deepika-Padukone">Deepika Padukone</keyword>, who plays Bajirao’s lover Mastani, looks ethereal while performing the song with a mandolin in her hands. 
 The mirror work looks exquisitely defined in the movie; the scene where Bajirao’s wife Kashibai, played by <keyword id="1655" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Priyanka-Chopra">Priyanka Chopra</keyword>, sits surrounded by the reflections of Mastani as she dances for her newfound love makes you wonder how much effort must have gone by in taking the particular shot. 
 
Here is the song, have a look. 
 
 
 
Inspired by the magnificence of this song, we have a look at 10 of Bollywood’s most expensive songs ever.

7 of Bollywood’s most expensive songs ever

When love is in the air, it only makes sense to take cues from <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> and make this Valentine’s Day all the more special. After all, Bollywood boasts some of the most passionate love stories that not only deserve a toast this season but can also teach you a thing or two when romance prevails over all. So plan a Valentine’s Day @ home this year, snuggle in a blanket with your beloved and embark upon a movie marathon featuring these celebrated love stories. 
 
1. <keyword id="37927" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dilwale-Dulhaniya-Le-Jayenge">Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge</keyword> 
This is not a fairy tale romance but a story that is plausible. A rich, spoilt brat falls in love with a reserved, morally strong girl. <keyword id="3858" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="DDLJ">DDLJ</keyword>, as we love to call it, is one of the classic love stories churned out by Brand Bollywood. And how we love it! It established <keyword id="6359862" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SRK">SRK</keyword> as the king of romance and his chemistry with <keyword id="6354713" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="kajol">Kajol</keyword> became a benchmark. Don’t you say… palat (look back, if you love) every time you watch this movie? That’s the magic of love! 
 
2. <keyword id="25822" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mughal-e-azam">Mughal-e-Azam</keyword> 
Talk about those classic love stories that still grip us and this epic saga will top the list. K Asif’s magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam, which relates the passionate tale of romance between a prince and a courtesan, is the kind of stuff dreams are made of. What more? Watch out for the regal <keyword id="1687" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dilip-Kumar">Dilip Kumar</keyword> and the stunning <keyword id="27717" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Madhubala">Madhubala</keyword> taking passion to new heights with something as simple as the touch of a feather. 
 
3. <keyword id="37972" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pyaasa">Pyaasa</keyword> A delicate bond between a disheartened poet and a sympathetic prostitute flourishing in a hostile society lies at the core of this masterpiece by the legendary <keyword id="20722" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Guru-Dutt">Guru Dutt</keyword>. Starring <keyword id="6442163" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Waheeda-Rehman">Waheeda Rehman</keyword>, this tale of love’s triumph inspires every lover. 
 
4. <keyword id="404112" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kabhie-Kabhie">Kabhie Kabhie</keyword> Late film-maker <keyword id="2238" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yash-Chopra">Yash Chopra</keyword> wasn’t called the ‘Pasha of Romance’ for nothing. How deeply he did understand the ramblings of the <keyword id="24479" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart">heart</keyword> became evident from the way he handled this delicate story of love that transcended generations. Be it Amitabh-Rakhi’s failed love or Shahi-Rakhi’s lovely marriage, Amitabh-Waheeda’s compromised love or Rishi-Neetu’s young romance – Yash Chopra presented each relationship with perfect finesse, making it one of the most popular romantic movies of Bollywood. 
 
5. <keyword id="3596" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bobby">Bobby</keyword> 
This love story between the bubby Dimple and young Rishi proves that love knows no barrier. Pyaar mein sauda nahi… there’s nothing worldly or selfish in love… declares this rebellious teenage love story that was a rage in its time and launched two of the most successful superstars of Bollywood. 
 
6. <keyword id="167989" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aandhi">Aandhi</keyword> 
Who says romance is only for the young? Watch Aandhi, Gulzar’s take on love between an estranged couple who rediscovered their feelings after parting ways years ago. <keyword id="55364" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sanjeev-Kumar">Sanjeev Kumar</keyword> and <keyword id="112471" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Suchitra-Sen">Suchitra Sen</keyword> were remarkable in lead roles – balanced, breathtaking and serene. 
 
7. <keyword id="38574" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lamhe">Lamhe</keyword> 
This love story made by Yash Chopra was far ahead of its time. One of the finest romantic movies ever made in Bollywood, Lamhe dared to challenge the traditional perception of love. A man falling for both the mother and the daughter was enough to raise many eyebrows. But Chopra’s sensitivity and <keyword id="6354700" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anil-Kapoor">Anil Kapoor</keyword> and <keyword id="6354580" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sridevi">Sridevi</keyword>’s top-notch performance made it look perfect. 
 
8. <keyword id="6391814" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuch-Kuch-Hota-Hai">Kuch Kuch Hota Hai</keyword> 
This modern-day flick is a tribute to all who have found true love in best friends. Pyar dosti hai… is the simple message even as director <keyword id="3778" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karan-Johar">Karan Johar</keyword> skilfully weaves a complex tale of love, passion and friendship. 
 
9. <keyword id="310845" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Silsila">Silsila</keyword> This is one of the most fiery love triangles of Bollywood and Yash Chopra managed to pull off the most memorable casting coup of the time. Add to it a plot that depicted the real life tale of this trio and the film had every bit of drama and magic to make it a classic. <keyword id="6357912" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="amitabh-bachchan">Amitabh Bachchan</keyword> and <keyword id="182" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rekha">Rekha</keyword> weaved this complex tale of infidelity with utmost sincerity (pun intended) while <keyword id="777" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaya">Jaya</keyword> was perfect in her role. 
 
10. <keyword id="37793" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hum-Dil-De-Chuke-Sanam">Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam</keyword> Sensuality, intensity, passion – every adjective linked to a high-octane love story defined the one between Nandini (<keyword id="6366471" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aishwarya-Rai">Aishwarya Rai</keyword>) and Sameer (<keyword id="6354583" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Salman-Khan">Salman Khan</keyword>). Her willingness to walk out of her marriage to unite with the love of her life in a foreign land to announcing it to her mother that ‘usne meri aatma ko chua hai’ (he has touched my soul) was a deluge of love.

V-Day Movie Fest: Watch
These 10 Iconic Love Stories Of Bollywood

Mumbai, The Kartik Aaryan-starrer '<keyword id="20138" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="freddy" source="Orion">Freddy</keyword>' is taking the direct-to-digital route. The film, which also stars <keyword id="8493788" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="alaya-f" source="Orion">Alaya F</keyword>, is an edge-of-the-seat thriller and will show Kartik in a never before seen avatar. The film will soon drop on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar. Kartik said: "I feel fortunate to be a part of Freddy, the story of the film is something that I haven't explored before. It has allowed me to experiment with my craft and explore new territory." The film has been produced by Balaji Telefilms and Northern Lights Films, and directed by Shashanka Ghosh. Gaurav Banerjee, Head, <keyword id="45859" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="content" source="Orion">Content</keyword>, Disney+ Hotstar &amp; HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, said: "It is now time to welcome the hottest new <keyword id="143" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bollywood" source="Orion">Bollywood</keyword> superstar, <keyword id="2104801" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kartik-aaryan" source="Orion">Kartik Aaryan</keyword> to Disney+ Hotstar!! Post Kartik's last blockbuster, Freddy, his next release is a thriller, which comes directly on Disney+ Hotstar." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/katrina-kaifs-yet-to-be-released-phone-bhoot-makes-it-to-chacha-chaudhary-comic-book/articleshow/95117757.cms">Katrina Kaif's yet-to-be-released Phone Bhoot makes it to Chacha Chaudhary comic book</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/mughal-e-azam-the-musical-gets-extended-on-public-demand/articleshow/95119473.cms">'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' gets extended on public demand</a>

Kartik Aaryan's 'Freddy' to release directly on OTT

<keyword id="844256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pallonji-shapoorji-mistry" source="Orion">Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry</keyword>, the billionaire realtor and industrialist, and Chairman Emeritus of the venerable Shapoorji Pallonji Group, passed away at his home here late last night, official sources said here on Tuesday. He was 93 and is survived by his sons Shapoorji and Cyrus P. Mistry -- latter who was in the limelight for the huge corporate tussle with the Tata Group a few years ago, and two daughters, Laila and Aloo -- the latter wedded to Noel Tata, half-brother of Ratan Tata. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group is renowned in the realty and engineering sectors and constructed several landmark buildings like the RBI headquarters, SBI, HSBC, Grindlay Bank, Hongkong &amp; Shanghai Bank and others in south Mumbai, besides other major infrastructure projects. The Group had also produced the iconic Hindi film, K. Asif's 'Mughal-E-Azam' (1960), then the most expensive one and till date it reigns among the top popular movies of Bollywood. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/google-invests-in-indian-fintech-startup-progap-which-provides-credit-to-smes/articleshow/92509038.cms">Google invests in Indian fintech startup Progap which provides credit to SMEs</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/lays-kurkure-and-bingo-are-taking-over-indian-snacks-like-aloo-bhujia/articleshow/92508625.cms">Lay’s, Kurkure and Bingo are taking over Indian snacks like Aloo Bhujia, Murukku</a>

Cyrus Mistry's father, Pallonji Mistry passes away at 93

<ul><li>Pallonji was once believed to be India’s richest Parsi and probably one of the richest Irishmen too. </li><li>He was nicknamed The Phantom of <keyword id="275791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bombay-house" source="Orion">Bombay House</keyword> as he wielded a lot of power at the <keyword id="6355725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-group" source="Orion">Tata Group</keyword>’s headquarters at one point in time. </li><li>When Pallonji’s father Shapoorji was bankrolling Mughal-E-Azam, the younger Mistry was nervous about the ballooning budget, and advised his father against it.</li></ul>Very little is known about <keyword id="6689214" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pallonji-mistry" source="Orion">Pallonji Mistry</keyword> who was the chairman emeritus of the <keyword id="261354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shapoorji-pallonji-group" source="Orion">Shapoorji Pallonji group</keyword> – but has been crowned one of the Moghuls of real estate. And why not? The unlisted company had built every iconic building of South Mumbai – be it the Taj Colaba or the Oberoi Hotel. Abroad, the company built the places of Oman’s king and the President of Ghana. In fact, their ability to build seems to be how they ended up as one of the biggest shareholders of the Tata Group. They had started accumulating shares during Pallonji Mistry’s father’s time when Shapoorji Pallonjigroup was building factories for Tata Steel and Tata Motors – and were paid for, in shares. The <keyword id="14307253" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="richest-irishman" source="Orion">richest Irishman</keyword>, the richest Parsi These shares in the rapidly expanding group are what made Pallonji a billionaire who is now worth around $28.9 billion according to<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/pallonji-mistry/#xj4y7vzkg"> the Bloomberg Billionaires index</a>, which makes him the 41st richest Indian. Most of his wealth comes from their 18.4% stake in Tata Sons – which they have decided to offload following a feud. While his own construction company has interests in India and the Middle East, he also owns the consumer goods company, Eureka Forbes — a name that most of India’s households heard when water purifiers became a thing. At one point in time, however, Pallonji was believed to be India’s richest Parsi and also counted among the richest Irishmen too. Pallonji had given up his Indian citizenship in 2003 as he was married to an Irish woman, Patsy Perin Dubash. He however continued to reside at his sea-facing bungalow in the uptown Walkeshwar area of Mumbai. The Phantom of Bombay House The reticent billionaire was also nicknamed The Phantom of Bombay House due to the power he had wielded over the Tata Group’s headquarters at one point in time – though he was not ever present. However, all his friends – be it Adi Godrej, the chairman of the Godrej Group, Deepak Parekh, the chairman of HDFC and others know him as a warm and caring person and a good host. But only a select few people have the privilege of knowing him. Coomi Kapoor’s book ‘<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/how-shapoorji-pallonji-jr-built-his-construction-empire-and-why-khojeste-mistree-is-a-religious-pop-star-among-the-parsis-7431872/">The Tatas, Freddie Mercury &amp; Other Bawas</a>' however has an interesting tidbit about him. When Pallonji’s father Shapoorji was bankrolling India’s biggest movie production, Mughal-E-Azam, the younger Mistry was nervous about the ballooning budget of the movie and the fact that it was being reshot. He tried to talk his father out of the ‘dead investments’, but the senior did not listen. However, the movie crashed all box office records of time – paying off his father’s penchant for perfection. Pallonji’s son Cyrus Mistry seems to have taken a leaf from it. After he became the chairman of the Tata Group – a similar discord over funding expensive businesses is what led to the famous Cyrus Mistry-Ratan Tata feud – which became one of India’s long-drawn corporate battles — leading to their decision to sell off their interest in Tata Sons, that’s been held for decades. With Pallonji’s death,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/cyrus-mistrys-father-pallonji-mistry-passes-away-at-93/articleshow/92509875.cms"> the phantom of Bombay House ha</a>s now literally exited the building and the business. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/cyrus-mistrys-father-pallonji-mistry-passes-away-at-93/articleshow/92509875.cms" style="">Cyrus Mistry's father, Pallonji Mistry passes away at 93</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/four-of-every-10-fiis-are-from-the-us-most-others-are-from-tax-havens/slidelist/92510427.cms" style="">Four of every 10 FIIs are from the US; most others are from tax havens</a>

Pallonji Mistry, the elusive but powerful phantom of Bombay House

"I have just started learning." That's Hariprasad <keyword id="1637534" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="chaurasia" source="Orion">Chaurasia</keyword>, flute maestro, one of India's most well-known classical musicians and the man who could well have been a wrestler instead. With a humble shake of his head as if trying to get rid of the idea of success, the 84-year-old rushes in with words when asked about seven decades of playing the flute. His journey, he says, has just started and all hopes of perfecting the craft can only be fulfilled in the next birth. "Now I can only hope that something happens in the next birth. But I am happy so many people across the world give me so much love," Chaurasia told PTI in an interview. Chaurasia, who has comfortably straddled the twin worlds of classical and popular music and has composed melodies for films such as "<keyword id="310845" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="silsila" source="Orion">Silsila</keyword>" with santoor maestro <keyword id="6432164" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shivkumar-sharma" source="Orion">Shivkumar Sharma</keyword>, is grateful for the adulation he receives from the audience. "Today they come to see me, no matter how well or how badly I play the flute. It is their love for me that brings them here," he said, referring to his advanced age and his battle with Parkinson's disease. "I am very fortunate that I receive so much love, I don't know if anyone else has been loved so much or not. I know of Krishna, but he was only loved by the girls," the Mumbai-based artiste said playfully. Had he continued on the path set by his wrestler father, it wouldn't have been possible to reach where he is today, Chaurasia said. "My father used to tell me that I would beg for food if I continue on this line. But look where I am today and how much love I receive from people. Could this have been possible if I had continued in the field of wrestling?" he asked. Chaurasia was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 1938. His father had decided his son would follow his footsteps into the wrestling mat. However, Chaurasia, uninterested and perennially tired after the training his father was putting him through, had other things on his mind. According to the veteran musician's biography, "Breath of Gold", by journalist Sathya Saran, he secretly started learning at the age of 15 from a classical vocalist called Raja Ram in the neighbourhood. He soon drifted towards the more instrumental dimension of it through the bamboo flute that has become synonymous with the maestro. It was only when he was to leave for a job with the All India Radio as a performer in Cuttack, Odisha, in 1957 that his father came to know about his son's passion for the flute. "Wrestlers tend to fight every day, whether it is with other wrestlers or with vegetable vendors in a market. But flute requires devotion, service of people, service of the guru, you need to keep the master happy because he is akin to god, it is a line that only very fortunate ones get to carry forward," Chaurasia said. The music composer and director received national and international recognition through several awards and accolades such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the title of 'Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau' from the Government of the Netherlands. Chaurasia was also appointed Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters by France. In his long years associated with the flute, Chaurasia has worked with leading names in the world of music, including singer-songwriter George Harrison of The Beatles, English guitarist John McLaughlin, legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar and tabla player <keyword id="8925" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="zakir-hussain" source="Orion">Zakir Hussain</keyword>. After moving to Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1962, Chaurasia gradually went up the popularity ladder by working in films, including "Jahan Ara" (1964), "<keyword id="30732" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="umrao-jaan" source="Orion">Umrao Jaan</keyword>" (1981), and "Hero" (1983), playing an interlude here and there. The iconic tune played by actor Bharat Bhushan and then Jackie Shroff playing his son in Subhash Ghai's "Hero" overnight became Chaurasia's calling card and is still remembered. Even though Chaurasia and Sharma worked in several films together, it was only with Yash Chopra's romance drama "Silsila" (1981) that both artistes came to be known as Shiv-Hari, a music director duo that delivered blockbuster music film after film. Talking about the films of the era, Chaurasia said after reaching Bombay, he saw many talented people and thought of trying his luck in the film industry. "We worked a lot in films and the driving force was always this that if these talented people can make music, then why not us. And by god's grace, it all went well." The Shiv-Hari duo was behind the still remembered music of "Chandni" (1989), "Lamhe" (1991), and "Darr" (1993) among several other films. "Forgive me for saying this but today's films and music do not touch people. Can they make 'Mughal-e-Azam' today, or 'Anarkali', or 'Baiju Bawra'? Nobody has it in them to make such cinema. Today, they discuss it for two hours and make a film in a day," Chaurasia said disapprovingly. The octogenarian artiste still has hope for the younger generation, who he said are more interested in learning than his own generation was back in the day. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/indian-films-that-grossed-1000-crore-worldwide/slidelist/98144028.cms">Beyond Pathaan: Indian films that grossed ₹1,000 crore worldwide</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/zomato-launches-home-style-cooked-meal-delivery-service-starts-89/articleshow/98146727.cms">Zomato launches home-style cooked meal delivery service, starts ₹89</a>

I have just started learning says flute maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia

Legendary actor <keyword id="1687" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dilip-Kumar">Dilip Kumar</keyword> died on Wednesday morning after prolonged illness, his family and doctors treating him said. He was 98. <keyword id="6358442" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="kumar">Kumar</keyword>, known to generations of film-goers as 'tragedy king', had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the <keyword id="104165" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hinduja-Hospital">Hinduja Hospital</keyword>, a non-COVID-19 facility, since Tuesday. "He passed away due to prolonged illness at 7.30 am," Dr <keyword id="1155501" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jalil-Parkar">Jalil Parkar</keyword>, who had been treating Kumar, told . "With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return," family friend Faisal Farooqui posted from the actor's <keyword id="6354616" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Twitter">Twitter</keyword> handle. The "Mughal-e-Azam" actor had been in and out of hospitals in the last one month and the family was hoping he would get better. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/indian-businesses-have-raised-about-4-1-billion-of-capital-in-the-month-of-june-2021-across-121-deals/slidelist/84174428.cms">Fogg, Byju’s and PharmEasy grabbed the biggest investments of June 2021— here’s more</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tata-motors-shares-drop-as-company-forecasts-poor-sales-of-jaguar-land-rover/articleshow/84171588.cms">Tata Motors shares drop almost 13% as company forecasts poor sales of Jaguar Land Rover in September quarter</a>

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar dies at 98 due to prolonged illness

Mughal-E-Azam is one of the most iconic films of <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>, and the most famous song that people still remember from this 1960 movie is Jab Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. However, when it comes to applying this song in portraying fearless homosexual relationships in Bollywood, Bollywood has sadly remained afraid to ‘come out of the closet’. 
 
We have a look at how Bollywood has portrayed homosexuals in the past 20 years, be it a brilliant portrayal or a mockery of such sensitive issue.

Sita in Fire to Rahul in Kapoor & Sons: How Bollywood has portrayed homosexuals in 20 years

<ul><li>The Indian government will honour melody queen <keyword id="31278" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lata-Mangeshkar">Lata Mangeshkar</keyword> with ‘Daughter Of The Nation’ award on her birthday on 28 September. </li><li>Her song ‘aye mere watan ke logon’ dedicated to the martyrs of the Sino-Indian war moved the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to tears. </li><li>She was awarded with the status of most recorded artist in the history of Indian music in Guinness Record in 1974. </li><li>Lata Mangeshkar was also honoured with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in 2001.</li></ul>The Indian government is celebrating melody queen Lata Mangeshkar’s 90th birthday by bestowing a special honour — ‘Daughter Of The Nation’. Her birthday celebration will include the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/lata-mangeshkars-birthday-to-be-celebrated-with-a-special-event/articleshow/71275034.cms">launch</a> of the book ‘Lata’ and a day-long session of 91 Hindi-Marathi songs. She also sang the patriotic song ‘Ae mere watan ke logon’ in 1963 during the Indo-China war, which moved India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to tears. Miracle of God The Indore-born singer hails from a family of musicians and artists, has no plans of slowing down. She has been singing for the last seven decades and famously claimed to sing until her last breath. Popularly known as didi or sister, Mangeshkar kicked off her music career with a Marathi song ‘NaachuYaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari’ at the age of 13, five years before independence. Soon, her mellifluous voice mixed with talent brought her immense popularity also for being the singer who is “never off-key”. Famous actor Dilip Kumar once said that Latha’s voice is as spectacular as a God’s miracle. Her work spans across historic films like Mughal-E-Azam to popular hits like Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jaayenge, singing playback for actors from Madhubala to Kajal. She has been awarded with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in 2001. Her other achievements include <keyword id="100507" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Padma-Bhushan">Padma Bhushan</keyword>, <keyword id="15575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Padma-Vibhushan">Padma Vibhushan</keyword>, and <keyword id="54010" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dadasaheb-Phalke-award">Dadasaheb Phalke Award</keyword>. Social media controversy The singer who resides at Peddar Road in Mumbai, has also been a part of her share of controversies. She was heavily trolled for her comments on the video of Ranu Mondal — a poor lady who sang on a railway platform to earn her living, saying she should be “original.” Lata who was known as a good luck for many decades in the industry, also shares a turbulent relationship with her equally famous sister, <keyword id="6441118" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asha-Bhosle">Asha Bhosle</keyword>, who is also a prolific singer. For one, Bhosle broker Lata’s Guinness record as most recorded artist in the history of Indian music, which she held since 1974. In 2011, Bhosle took over the mantle. The rift first started when Asha married Ganpatrao Bhosle, a man 15 years older to her. Lata once claimed that Bhosle stopped the two sisters from meeting. However, the marriage ended in a divorce but Lata and Asha’s relationship remained strained. During Asha’s struggling times in the industry, Lata also disapproved of Asha’s relationship with music director O P Nayyar. So much so that Lata stopped singing for Nayyar altogether. Movie producer Singing is her first love, but Lata has many other talents too. She had composed music for Marathi movies but was too conscious of giving her name to it, and chose to keep it under wraps, under a pseudonym. But the secret came out when the movies she composed for won an award for Best Music, requiring her to receive the recognition on stage. She told the story in a book called ‘Lata in her own voice’, adding that she was too busy recording that she could not focus on composing. She had also produced three Hindi films and a Marathi film. Lata who has never married, likes to read Hindi writer Maithili Sharan Gupt in her free time. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lata-mangeshkar-to-be-honoured-with-daughter-of-the-nation-title-as-she-turns-90-this-month/articleshow/71006645.cms">Lata Mangeshkar to be honoured with 'Daughter of the Nation' title as she turns 90 this month</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/here-are-the-5-richest-families-in-india-who-together-hold-a-fortune-of-922600-crore/articleshow/71323921.cms">Here are the 5 richest families in India — who together hold a fortune of ₹9,22,600 crore</a>

‘Daughter of the nation’ Lata Mangeshkar turns 90 and here’s taking a look at her career of 77 years

For the past four months, <keyword id="157271" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="PVR-Ltd">PVR Ltd</keyword>'s Group President, Pramod Arora, has been clocking up air miles as he travelled the world looking for inspiration. In fact Arora travelled so far and wide that he could be soon be dubbed Ryan Bingham - the character played by <keyword id="11804" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="George-Clooney">George Clooney</keyword> in the film Up in the Air. 
 
Multiplexes are generally not known to be citadels of innovation but in a country where cricket and movies are a religion it is important to keep pioneering to stay relevant. At the heart of this exercise is one of PVR's one of the most ambitious and largest projects till date - the 15 screen 'Superplex' in Noida. 
 
"As plans for the Superplex were drawn, I visited every cinema hall in every part of the world to experience the best practices that we can pick up. At the end I realized cinema industry may not be the correct industry to look at. By looking at the cinema industry we realized that either we were ahead of what others were doing or at par with what they were doing," says Arora. 
 Arora turned elsewhere for insights. "In terms of benchmark we decided to compare ourselves to the hospitality industry and also looked at companies like <keyword id="6354427" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Apple">Apple</keyword>. People say there are no similarities between Apple and the cinema industry but there are immense commonalities. 
 
Arora says the trick lies in making sure the consumer is deriving satisfaction from the product you are selling in the minimum possible time and how a company is able to retain the consumer, once he is serviced, for the maximum possible time. "In this minimum and maximum lies your ability to monetize and this is what we are trying to master. For us it was picking up the thread from various industries across the globe," says Arora. 
 
PVR now plans to invest Rs. 250 crore to add 100 new screens this fiscal. It currently has 444 screens in 101 properties spread across 43 cities and targets to touch 1,000 screens by 2017-18. The Superplex is expected to be operational by end of March 2015 and the 15 screen complex would cost the company about Rs. 50 crore to develop. 
 
Inception: 
 According to a <keyword id="50041" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="KPMG">KPMG</keyword> report Multiplexes, as of today, account for approximately 25 percent of the total number of screens in the country with a low screen density of 8 screens per million in comparison with 117 per million in the US. "Given the low screen penetration, India has the potential to significantly increase the number of existing multiplex screens in the country over the next decade without causing an oversupply of screens," says the KPMG report. 
 
In 2013, the industry added approximately 150-200 screens, with major growth coming from expansion of multiplexes in tier II and III cities. Occupancy levels for major multiplexes players have risen from approximately 23-27 percent in 2011 to more than 30 per cent in 2013. 
 
"In India movie watching theoretically begins from the age of 5. If we look at cinema halls we will see that we do not provide anything for five year olds except sit on their mother's lap and cry or disturb others around them. We have realized that the categories of ages 5-9 need to be addressed," says Arora. 
 Arora says PVR Superplex will have a special auditorium designed called the 'PVR Playhouse'- an exclusive fun and <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> destination for children. PVR Playhouse will witness a space exclusively for kids to be at their natural best. The auditorium will have half dim light - brighter lighting than other formats, cartoon characters both on and off screen and special seating facilities like bean bags to create a comfortable environment. "For younger kids, PVR will provide visual attractions like play seats, playful interiors and the middle alley will resemble a slope just like a slide for kids to enjoy. Keeping in mind the safety of kids, the flooring will have a rubberized surface for an easy topple," says Arora. 
 
PVR will also operate on the opposite end of the age spectrum as the new multiplex would also have a different screen for senior citizens. 
 
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Avatar: 
 
PVR is well aware that technology changes fast and multiplexes in days to come may not be the preferred medium for cinema as home theater screens are becoming better and bigger. "For example HD has become table stake today and we have understood that if we do not make our medium more immersive, it is not really going to deliver the bang for the buck for the consumer," says Arora. 
 For an immersive movie viewing PVR is addressing the sound and the elctroacoustics in a much more superior way. "<keyword id="16674" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="George-Lucas">George Lucas</keyword> has done this in the US for time immemorial but why people have not taken it up is because it is expensive," says Arora. 
 
He adds that PVR took two years to re-engineer the technology at a fraction of a cost. "For example if it rains in the movie, you currently hear it from the surround system or from the speakers behind the screen. For you to be able to feel rain the sound must come from the top and when it falls to the ground, the sound must come from the bottom. From an engineering perspective, it is a very big problem but we have worked on it and managed to reduce the cost associated with it," says Rao. 
 
With respect to screens the ones in cinemas today is flat. PVRs new screen would be curved or concave, which would provide a more immersive and greater viewing area. PVR says there is a perceptible difference in viewing. "These Silver screens are more expensive to the tune of about 200 percent but since it lasts for about 20 years so it's worth it," says Arora. 
 
Five formats and a playhouse: 
 
This will be the first time PVR brings all its brands under one roof. PVR currently runs five brands ranging from IMAX, ECX (enhanced cinema experience), PVR Premier, Directors Cut, PVR 4DX in India and with the addition of PVR Playhouse will operate six formats, all under one roof. "PVR stands as a strong mother brand and we were looking to introduce the other brands of cinemas. IMax is one of them and then we go on incorporating multiple other brand that PVR straddles under one roof. This way failure of one brand will never be able to define or shape the final outcome of the mother brand," says Arora. 
 According to Emkay Global Financial Services research report, PVR enjoys a <keyword id="34527" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="market-share">market share</keyword> of 20-22 percent and 30-35 percent of <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> and Hollywood box-office film revenues, respectively. This provides better negotiating power for content sharing with distributors/producers. Its right location strategy and aggressive expansion plans would continue to drive footfalls and revenues, going forward. Emkay also sees robust growth in F&amp;B and advertisement, which would help drive revenue/EBITDA at a <keyword id="107168" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="CAGR">CAGR</keyword> of 17 percent/23 percent over FY14-16 (estimate), resulting in healthy cash generation. 
 
Chocolat: 
 
As discretionary spends on eating out is on a rise, if cinemas go on serving the consumer with Soda and popcorn, it is not going to take them far. "The consumer is ready to pay money but they need quality and service. In a cinema environment it is challenging to provide gourmet chef driven menu but we have decided to push ahead. We have decided to come up with a menu that change with the season and that is being mastered now and by the time the complex is open, he would be ready to cater to all," says Arora. 
 
A multiplex has limited retail space to display food items so PVR will push information on food on cinema goers' mobile phones and through specialized tablets. "We will have a large base kitchen in the multiplex and once you order your food through the PVR app or through the tablets we will have in the multiplex, fresh food will be delivered to your seats. Different strokes for different folks as senior citizens will get large plasma screens to make their food choice," says Arora. KPMG says currently, an exhibitor's revenue comprises of 70 percent of ticket sales, 20 percent of food and beverages and 10 percent of cinema advertising. 
 
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A. I. Artificial Intelligence: 
 
Major corporate houses have multiple Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems running but when it comes to engagement most companies in India have been going wrong. "Forget about going into predictive intelligence, many have not even been able to identify the sex of the individual whose mobile number they have in their database," says Arora. 
 
The mobile app of PVR, developed in-house, now uses predictive intelligence where it knows what you have been watching, what you like, what you did not and a plethora of data around an individual's movie watching habits. "We envisage a situation where you are a part of a community that wants to watch a movie like Mughal-e-Azam, which is not running in the cinemas; you should be able to book a cinema for that movie if say 60 such individuals decide to watch it on a particular date and time," says Arora.

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