Predominantly writes on desi mass/pop-culture. Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @mayankw14
Twenty-five years after an avertable Indian aviation tragedy, a Netflix series that plays it safe, lands in trouble still!... [Read More]
04 September,2024 06:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharAs The Rings of Power sequel drops on Prime Video, Mid-day hangs with cast, creator of world’s costliest series, reportedly pegged at R80,000 cr; reimagining Tolkien’s LOTR universe plus politics... [Read More]
30 August,2024 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharHung out in the ‘Matunga’ of Singapore to figure out how the desis here are different from desis everywhere... [Read More]
28 August,2024 06:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharWhat’s it about the split between Bollywood’s highest paid screenwriting pair that nobody could duplicate that success?... [Read More]
21 August,2024 06:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharOn Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist, Imtiaz Ali goes back in time to share anecdotes from his first film Socha Na Tha, right up to the latest, Amar Singh Chamkila... [Read More]
17 August,2024 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharA nationwide strike, known as `Bharat Bandh`, has erupted in response to the Supreme Court`s recent ruling on SC/ST reservations. Organised by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, the bandh has led to widespread protests across the country. Pics/ PTI... [Read More]
21 August,2024 05:46 PM ISTLatest OTT releases to watch this week: It`s that time of the week again when we bring you the freshest updates from the world of over-the-top (OTT) entertainment. The next seven days are packed with a delightful mix of movies and TV shows that promise to satisfy all your binge-watching cravings. So, grab your popcorn, and let`s dive into the exciting lineup.... [Read More]
14 August,2024 04:39 PM ISTThe Maharashtra MLAs were on Tuesday seen reaching the assembly on Tuesday as the government tabled supplementary demands of Rs 94,889.46 crore in the state legislative assembly. Pics/Sameer Abedi... [Read More]
09 July,2024 08:34 PM ISTActor Shekhar Suman and former Congress leader Radhika Khera joined the BJP in Delhi on Tuesday amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024. Pics/PTI and X... [Read More]
07 May,2024 05:16 PM ISTAs Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ gears up for its release on Netflix, here’s a look at all its characters and their relationships. ... [Read More]
30 April,2024 04:08 PM ISTSanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ has made a wide and massive buzz across the country and the world as the show is all set to stream on Netflix next month. This series will see the comeback of many actors, including Fardeen Khan. It was just yesterday when the magnificent trailer of Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ was launched during a grand event in the city and the entire cast came in traditional outfits to attend the event... [Read More]
10 April,2024 10:13 AM ISTA massive fire that ripped through a seven-storey shopping mall in Bangladesh`s capital Dhaka that also housed several illegal eateries killed at least 46 people and injured 22 others, the government said on Friday, in one of the worst infernos to hit the country in recent years. Pics/AFP... [Read More]
01 March,2024 10:56 PM ISTAs many as 46 people have been killed in forest fires raging in Chile, President Gabriel Boric said on Saturday. He added that the number of victims is likely to rise, NBC News reported (Pics/AFP)... [Read More]
04 February,2024 03:04 PM ISTYash Johar birth anniversary: In a heartfelt conversation as part of Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist series, filmmaker Karan Johar remembered his father`s remarkable journey - from leaving his family`s mithai business in Delhi to struggling in Mumbai as a photographer and eventually making connections in Hollywood!Discover the dreams, struggles, and lessons that paved the way for the birth of Dharma Productions, one of India`s leading film production companies. Join us as Karan shares personal anecdotes and reveals the deep bond he shared with his father.... [Read More]
06 September,2024 06:10 PM ISTIn an episode of Sit with Hitlist with Mayank Shekhar, Imtiaz Ali, the director behind the iconic film `Rockstar`, opens up about the wild journey of creating this cinematic gem, sharing a hilarious anecdote about how he lost the original script. But that’s not all! He dives into the quirky personality of Ranbir Kapoor, who played the lead role, revealing how his inquisitive nature often led to some unexpected and funny moments. Ali opens up about his exhilarating collaboration with the legendary A.R. Rahman, the magic of his compositions, and how the soulful music captured the essence of his vision.... [Read More]
31 August,2024 08:35 PM ISTThe 2014 film ‘Highway’ was a sign of the marvellous work that was to come from Alia Bhatt. But she wasn’t Imtiaz Ali’s original choice. Join the director on Mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist series as he reveals that he initially wanted a mature woman to lead the drama, but changed his mind after meeting Alia. Imtiaz had envisioned an older actress for the part such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan without makeup, but he eventually convinced his team to cast Alia after having a conversation with her at a screening. Watch the video for more... [Read More]
27 August,2024 05:05 PM ISTOn Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist series, Imtiaz Ali delves into what led to the downfall of his second attempt at ‘Love Aaj Kal,’ starring Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan. He responds to Sara’s comment on a previous episode of Sit With Hitlist, in which she admitted to hating herself in the film and explained that he doesn’t blame her. Imtiaz also explains why the film didn’t resonate with the audience resulting in it being nothing like its predecessor which starred Sara’s father Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Watch the video for more. #imtiazali #saraalikhan #loveaajkal #sitwithhitlist #mayankshekhar #entertainment #interview ... [Read More]
24 August,2024 06:40 PM ISTOn Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist series, Imtiaz Ali delves into his firsthand experience of collaborating with the King of Romance on the set of `When Harry Met Sejal`, providing a detailed analysis of Shah Rukh Khan`s performance and working methodology. He explores the reasons behind the movie`s underperformance at the box office and articulates what could have been handled differently. Further, Ali examines the influence of Shah Rukh Khan`s stardom on the film`s reception. Watch the full video to learn more!... [Read More]
23 August,2024 06:45 PM IST | MumbaiOn the latest episode of Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist, Imtiaz Ali, the director of "Jab We Met," reminisces about the making of the film. He discusses the process of casting Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor together for the movie and the aftermath of its box office performance. Ali also mentions how Shahid Kapoor became his `financial advisor` after the film`s success, and addresses the popular question of whether he would ever make a sequel to "Jab We Met." Additionally, he shares his perspective on love and much more in this exclusive video interview. #imtiazali #jabwemet #shahidkapoor #kareenakapoor#sitwithhitlist #exclusiveinterview #interview #bollywood... [Read More]
22 August,2024 08:11 PM ISTHighway was a sign of the marvellous work that was to come from Alia Bhatt. But she wasn’t Imtiaz Ali’s original choice. Join the director as he reveals that he initially wanted a mature woman to lead the drama, but changed his mind after meeting Alia. In the latest episode of Mid-day`s Sit With Hitlist, the filmmaker goes back in time to share anecdotes from his first film Socha Na Tha, right up to the latest, Amar Singh Chamkila. Watch the full interview for a deeper insight into the genius of Imtiaz Ali.... [Read More]
17 August,2024 12:00 AM ISTCheck out a compilation of the funniest moments from Saif Ali Khan`s Sit With Hitlist interview. From partying the night away in Delhi to hanging out with directors Abbas-Mustan while filming `Race`, the actor shares some of the most amusing stories from his life. The `Omkara` actor also talks about how he prepared for the Haryanvi dialect in the film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Saif also reveals why he did Homi Adajania’s film `Cocktail` with Deepika Padukone. Watch the video to enjoy these entertaining anecdotes... [Read More]
16 August,2024 01:25 PM ISTWhen Sooraj Barjatya first came to offer her 'Maine Pyar Kiya', Bhagyashree genuinely presumed he was a prospective groom coming with a marriage proposal! Fast forward 37 years later, when Riteish Deshmukh approached her for 'Raja Shivaji', she said yes without even waiting for a narration. In this exclusive episode of Mid-Day Entertainment presents The Bombay Film Story, Bollywood's OG national crush charts her incredible 37-year journey in cinema. From her iconic debut alongside Salman Khan to playing royalty on screen and off it, Bhagyashree opens up about life, fame, and her upcoming historical epic.... [Read More]
01 June,2026 06:18 PM IST | MumbaiFrom the heartbreak of Laila Majnu to the gritty madness of Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, Avinash Tiwary has seen it all. In Episode 23 of Bombay Film Story, he sits down with Mayank Shekhar to map out his incredible journey. Avinash reveals the "Kashmir Café" story—the grassroots movement that turned a 2018 box-office struggle into a 2024/25 cult phenomenon. He also gives us a masterclass on playing a villain, explaining how his character Jalal in O’Romeo draws inspiration from legendary icons like Mogambo and Langda Tyagi.... [Read More]
08 April,2026 07:45 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that Neha Dhupia was almost named Nirvana, until her parents decided to name her after Deepti Naval’s character in Chashme Buddoor? Or that she made her acting debut in a Japanese film way before she forayed into Bollywood? Plug in as Dhupia – no filter, no bullsh*t, and all fun – talks about hustling her way from Miss India winner to an actor to a podcaster, and acing every role.... [Read More]
21 January,2026 07:13 PM IST | MumbaiWhy did Shilpa Rao change her name from Apeksha at 15? How did a scratch recording of Tose Naina turn into a timeless Hindi film song? From growing up in Jamshedpur to meeting Hariharan at 13, plug in as the Grammy-nominated singer traces her journey to becoming one of Bollywood’s most distinctive voices—and explains why music, for her, is connected to maths too!... [Read More]
26 December,2025 03:31 PM IST | MumbaiIt’s impossible to imagine anyone other than Abhishek Banerjee as Janaa of Stree. But what if we told you the actor was initially rejected for the role? Or that his goofy act in the comedy made Sudip Sharma cast him as the violent Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok? Plug in as Banerjee talks about taking the long route to success, from an aspiring actor to casting director to an unconventional hero in Stolen.... [Read More]
12 September,2025 06:14 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that Ali Fazal wore his own shirt in the 3 Idiots song and asked the film`s team to "raffu" it? Or that he lost out on Homeland to do a forgettable Hindi film? In a freewheeling chat, the actor takes us from Mirzapur to Hollywood, from being launched by Shah Rukh Khan to working with Gerard Butler and his buddy Judi Dench... [Read More]
25 July,2025 06:14 PM IST | MumbaiWhy did Ishaan Khatter make a short film of sorts as an audition for filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds? Why did his half-brother Shahid Kapoor refuse to rope him in as an intern for Udta Punjab? Plug in as Khatter breaks down how he went from being A Suitable Boy to a thirst trap in The Royals, and hustled from Hindi cinema to Hollywood, all in seven years!... [Read More]
04 July,2025 07:55 PM IST | MumbaiDid you know that Gajraj Rao initially worked as a journalist, interviewing Yash Chopra and Mehmood? Or that the actor, who became Internet’s favourite father thanks to TVF’s Tech Conversations with Dad, wanted to abandon the shoot midway? Plug in as Rao charts his journey, from being a little-known actor who would be mistaken for Loy of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy fame to becoming hero, post Badhaai Ho.... [Read More]
30 May,2025 06:30 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
