New Delhi, Sep 26 (Ians) One of Hindi films’ most talented and versatile actresses – and still going strong, the exquisite and enchanting Waheeda Rehman, who caps a remarkable stint with the prestigious Dadasahab Phalke Award, carved out a niche with confident renditions of unconventional roles, including some very bold for the era – and could have spelled doom to her career.
Starting with Telugu and Tamil films in 1955 before switching over to Hindi cinema the following year, she did the usual roles expected of Hindi film actresses but also went on to play a prostitute, a gangster’s moll, a nautanki actress, a woman who walks out of a marriage without regrets, et al – but with such innate grace that she has always been a byword for refined sensibility.
Born in fairly comfortable circumstances – her father was a Deputy Commissioner – on February 3, 1939 in what was Chingalpet town of the Madras Presidency, Waheeda...
Starting with Telugu and Tamil films in 1955 before switching over to Hindi cinema the following year, she did the usual roles expected of Hindi film actresses but also went on to play a prostitute, a gangster’s moll, a nautanki actress, a woman who walks out of a marriage without regrets, et al – but with such innate grace that she has always been a byword for refined sensibility.
Born in fairly comfortable circumstances – her father was a Deputy Commissioner – on February 3, 1939 in what was Chingalpet town of the Madras Presidency, Waheeda...
- 9/26/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Revered Indian actor Waheeda Rehman has been accorded the Dadasaheb Phalke award, India’s highest film honor.
The award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema and is named after Phalke, director of “Raja Harischandra” (1913), India’s first full-length feature, who is considered the father of Indian cinema.
Rehman, the 85-year-old grande dame of Indian cinema has worked with most of the legendary filmmakers of her country during her career and the roles she chose were in films that are considered classics in the annals of Indian cinema. She worked with Guru Dutt in “Pyaasa” (1957) and “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959), Satyajit Ray in “Abhijaan” (1962), Basu Bhattacharya in “Teesri Kasam” (1966) and Yash Chopra in “Kabhie Kabhie” (1976), among many other memorable roles.
But it is her role as Rosie in Vijay Anand’s “Guide” (1965) that Rehman remembers with the greatest fondness. “When I signed ‘Guide’ more than 50 years ago, my friends told...
The award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema and is named after Phalke, director of “Raja Harischandra” (1913), India’s first full-length feature, who is considered the father of Indian cinema.
Rehman, the 85-year-old grande dame of Indian cinema has worked with most of the legendary filmmakers of her country during her career and the roles she chose were in films that are considered classics in the annals of Indian cinema. She worked with Guru Dutt in “Pyaasa” (1957) and “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959), Satyajit Ray in “Abhijaan” (1962), Basu Bhattacharya in “Teesri Kasam” (1966) and Yash Chopra in “Kabhie Kabhie” (1976), among many other memorable roles.
But it is her role as Rosie in Vijay Anand’s “Guide” (1965) that Rehman remembers with the greatest fondness. “When I signed ‘Guide’ more than 50 years ago, my friends told...
- 9/26/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The same weekend that director Manjari Makijany had wrapped up postproduction on a coming-of-age sports film, “Skater Girl,” she read the script for the upcoming Disney Channel original movie “Spin.” Soon after, she signed on as director of the project, the first in the channel’s history with an Indian American lead.
“Spin” follows Rhea (Avantika Vandanapu), an Indian American teen with a passion for music and DJing. When she meets a fellow aspiring DJ, Max (Michael Bishop), she delves deeper into her love for music — which she has long pushed aside, torn between it and the responsibilities she has to her tight-knit family and their Indian restaurant.
“The story was turning all the stereotypes on their heads, which is great,” Makijany said, “and it was also an opportunity to introduce Indian culture to mainstream audiences.”
The characters aren’t one-dimensional — Rhea isn’t just a smart Indian girl under...
“Spin” follows Rhea (Avantika Vandanapu), an Indian American teen with a passion for music and DJing. When she meets a fellow aspiring DJ, Max (Michael Bishop), she delves deeper into her love for music — which she has long pushed aside, torn between it and the responsibilities she has to her tight-knit family and their Indian restaurant.
“The story was turning all the stereotypes on their heads, which is great,” Makijany said, “and it was also an opportunity to introduce Indian culture to mainstream audiences.”
The characters aren’t one-dimensional — Rhea isn’t just a smart Indian girl under...
- 8/12/2021
- by Aarohi Sheth
- The Wrap
Disney’s newest Original Movie Spin premieres on August 13th. Directed by Manjari Makijany (Skater Girl), the fabulous, fantastic film (more on that in a few lines) stars multitalented actress Avantika as Rhea. She is joined by an amazing cast that includes Bollywood renowned actor Abhay Deol (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) as Arvind, UK comedienne/actress Meera Syal (Yesterday) as Asha, Aryan Simhadri (Adventures in Wonder Park) as Rohan, Michael Bishop (Grace Beside Me) as DJ Max, Anna Cathcart (Descendants franchise) as Molly, Jahbril Cook (A Week Away) as Watson and Kerri Medders (Alexa & Katie) as Ginger.
Spin tells the story of Rhea, a relatable Indian American teen. Rhea’s busy life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, her coding club, working at her family’s Indian restaurant and her tight-knit family. On a journey of self-discovery, she finds a true passion for creating and producing beat-driven music infused...
Spin tells the story of Rhea, a relatable Indian American teen. Rhea’s busy life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, her coding club, working at her family’s Indian restaurant and her tight-knit family. On a journey of self-discovery, she finds a true passion for creating and producing beat-driven music infused...
- 8/12/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The exciting Disney Channel Original Movie Spin is getting ready to premiere on August 13th. Directed by Manjari Makijany (Skater Girl), the film features Avantika (Diary of a Future President) in the lead role of Rhea. Spin also features an international cast of talented veteran and burgeoning young actors, including Bollywood renowned actor Abhay Deol (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), UK comedienne/actress Meera Syal (Yesterday), Aryan Simhadri (Adventures in Wonder Park), Michael Bishop (Grace Beside Me), Anna Cathcart (Descendants franchise), Jahbril Cook (A Week Away) and Kerri Medders (Alexa & Katie).
Spin follows Rhea, an Indian American teen who discovers her passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the rich textures of her South Asian culture and the beats of the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson, and Ginger, her family’s Indian restaurant, and her tight-knit, multi-generational family, including her father Arvind,...
Spin follows Rhea, an Indian American teen who discovers her passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the rich textures of her South Asian culture and the beats of the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson, and Ginger, her family’s Indian restaurant, and her tight-knit, multi-generational family, including her father Arvind,...
- 8/10/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Charles Randolph-Wright, Debra Martin Chase and Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano have teamed to produce the Netflix family movie “Take the Ice,” set in the world of synchronized ice skating.
Written by Deborah Swisher, “Take the Ice” follows a rebellious 15-year-old named Tisha Moore, who has dreamed of becoming an ice skater her entire life. According to the film’s logline, however, the closest the Black girl from Brooklyn has come is dazzling people with her roller skating routines while busking in the park. When Tisha gets the opportunity to join a local synchronized ice skating team, she is forced to come to terms with the root of her rebellious ways and must learn to trust others to achieve her dream of shining on the ice.
Randolph-Wright — whose career in TV, film and theater includes executive producing and directing the OWN series “Delilah,” “Greenleaf” and the hit show “Motown: The...
Written by Deborah Swisher, “Take the Ice” follows a rebellious 15-year-old named Tisha Moore, who has dreamed of becoming an ice skater her entire life. According to the film’s logline, however, the closest the Black girl from Brooklyn has come is dazzling people with her roller skating routines while busking in the park. When Tisha gets the opportunity to join a local synchronized ice skating team, she is forced to come to terms with the root of her rebellious ways and must learn to trust others to achieve her dream of shining on the ice.
Randolph-Wright — whose career in TV, film and theater includes executive producing and directing the OWN series “Delilah,” “Greenleaf” and the hit show “Motown: The...
- 8/3/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Skater Girl(Netflix)
Starring Rachel Sanchita Gupta ,Shafin Patel, Amrit Maghera, Jonathan Readwin and Waheeda Rehman
Directed by Manjari Makijany
10 minutes into the film, and I was convinced this was Slumdog Millionaire on a skating board in Rajasthan. Then 45 minutes later something magical happened. She is called Waheeda Rehman. I don’t know how or where this enchantress, now in the winter of her life, showed up as a doppelganger of Gayatri Devi, telling us why she would fund a skatepark in Rajasthan. We appreciate.
I was half-way converted, though acutely embarrassed by the turgid benign-gora-log-inspiring-and-enlightening-brownfaced-kids subtext of the drama. There is a village in Rajashthan called Khempur where the scruffy kids in torn shorts and fading school uniforms get a chance to dream , when a pretty half-British-half-Indian full-on Mother Teresa reincarnation shows up, all muddy and weather beaten but full of beans.
Jessica(Amy/Amrita Maghera) shows up like a dimestore Florid Florence Nightingale.
Starring Rachel Sanchita Gupta ,Shafin Patel, Amrit Maghera, Jonathan Readwin and Waheeda Rehman
Directed by Manjari Makijany
10 minutes into the film, and I was convinced this was Slumdog Millionaire on a skating board in Rajasthan. Then 45 minutes later something magical happened. She is called Waheeda Rehman. I don’t know how or where this enchantress, now in the winter of her life, showed up as a doppelganger of Gayatri Devi, telling us why she would fund a skatepark in Rajasthan. We appreciate.
I was half-way converted, though acutely embarrassed by the turgid benign-gora-log-inspiring-and-enlightening-brownfaced-kids subtext of the drama. There is a village in Rajashthan called Khempur where the scruffy kids in torn shorts and fading school uniforms get a chance to dream , when a pretty half-British-half-Indian full-on Mother Teresa reincarnation shows up, all muddy and weather beaten but full of beans.
Jessica(Amy/Amrita Maghera) shows up like a dimestore Florid Florence Nightingale.
- 7/19/2021
- by Subhash K Jha
- Bollyspice
Spin (Disney/John Medland)
Avantika Vandanapu
We have a very special look into the cool Disney Channel Original Movie Spin about an Indian American teen who discovers her artistic side through the unique world of DJ culture that is set to air on August 13th. The film stars Avantika Vandanapu as the lead character Rhea. She is joined by Abhay Deol(Dev D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) as her father, as well as UK comedian/actor Meera Syal (Yesterday) playing her grandmother Asha.
Spin follows Rhea (Vandanapu), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson (Jahbril Cook)n and Ginger( Kerri Medders), her after-school coding club, her family’s Indian restaurant and her tight-knit, multigenerational family, which has only grown...
Avantika Vandanapu
We have a very special look into the cool Disney Channel Original Movie Spin about an Indian American teen who discovers her artistic side through the unique world of DJ culture that is set to air on August 13th. The film stars Avantika Vandanapu as the lead character Rhea. She is joined by Abhay Deol(Dev D, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) as her father, as well as UK comedian/actor Meera Syal (Yesterday) playing her grandmother Asha.
Spin follows Rhea (Vandanapu), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson (Jahbril Cook)n and Ginger( Kerri Medders), her after-school coding club, her family’s Indian restaurant and her tight-knit, multigenerational family, which has only grown...
- 6/28/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Photo: ‘Skater Girl’/Netflix The term “skater girl” has a very specific image attached to it: Avril Lavigne inspired colorful highlights, baggy clothes, beanies, and the inevitable checkered Vans. Of course, Manjari Makijany was fully aware of this skater girl look, and knew full well she was blatantly subverting expectations when she was naming her heartfelt story about an Indian village girl who comes alive and finds purpose through the sport. Related article: A Tribute to Cannes Film Festival: A Celebration of Cinema, Glamour, and Humanity | Statement From Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase Related article: The Masters of Cinema Awards: Hollywood Insider Pays Tribute to ‘Dil Se’, Exclusive Interview with Director Mani Ratnam 'Skater Girl' ‘Skater Girl’ stars Rachel Saanchita Gupta as Prerna (who looks no more than sixteen) a girl from a village in Rajasthan, India. The uber-traditional mindset of her parents and most of the...
- 6/16/2021
- by Jacqueline Postajian
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
On the surface, it might appear that little changed with home viewing this weekend. At least as far as can be told with “In the Heights” (Warner Bros.) on HBO Max. Even with theaters of great interest, unlike its disappointing gross, results at home remain a mystery.
But a second glance reveals a few nuggets of note. A handful of new releases arrived, including “Queen Bees” (Gravitas Ventures) on Premium VOD, which also placed in the theatrical box-office top 10.
Meanwhile, some positions suggest how different pricing strategies may have an impact on results, including possible consumer resistance to prices higher than normal. That might be the case with “Mortal Kombat” (Warner Bros.).
“Wrath of Man” (United Artists/$19.99) edged out “Nobody” (Universal/$19.99) as the top performer. Both had two #1 placements across the charts. But “Wrath” did slightly better, taking two #2 positions, while “Nobody” was #3 on two charts. (See the rankings below.
But a second glance reveals a few nuggets of note. A handful of new releases arrived, including “Queen Bees” (Gravitas Ventures) on Premium VOD, which also placed in the theatrical box-office top 10.
Meanwhile, some positions suggest how different pricing strategies may have an impact on results, including possible consumer resistance to prices higher than normal. That might be the case with “Mortal Kombat” (Warner Bros.).
“Wrath of Man” (United Artists/$19.99) edged out “Nobody” (Universal/$19.99) as the top performer. Both had two #1 placements across the charts. But “Wrath” did slightly better, taking two #2 positions, while “Nobody” was #3 on two charts. (See the rankings below.
- 6/14/2021
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“Skater Girl” director Manjari Makijany intentionally built a set that would live after she called cut: the first skatepark in Rajasthan, India, where rural children can find freedom and confidence on four wheels, and even mingle beyond their caste. Her gentle drama is a promotional piece for the project from need to execution to totally tubular climactic skateboarding championship, timed, of course, to coincide with the day her teenage heroine Prerna (Rachel Saanchita Gupta) is to be married.
There will be no kick-flipping of clichés in Makijany’s script, co-written with her sister Vinati Makijany. What’s novel are simply her images of Prerna — whose name means “inspiration” — zipping through her village’s curved alleyways and dusty marketplace, and, in one scene, accidentally launching her board off an old temple and into a river. , which to Makijany could be the happy ending she wants.
Prerna, modeled after several youngsters the Makijanys befriended in pre-production,...
There will be no kick-flipping of clichés in Makijany’s script, co-written with her sister Vinati Makijany. What’s novel are simply her images of Prerna — whose name means “inspiration” — zipping through her village’s curved alleyways and dusty marketplace, and, in one scene, accidentally launching her board off an old temple and into a river. , which to Makijany could be the happy ending she wants.
Prerna, modeled after several youngsters the Makijanys befriended in pre-production,...
- 6/10/2021
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
You know what everyone could use in the sweltering summer months? A nice, cold glass of…anime. At least that’s the particular theme that comes up in Netflix’s list of new releases for June 2021.
Netflix has been quietly expanding their anime offerings for awhile now but June is a particularly anime-heavy month. The absolutely metal sounding Record of Ragnarok arrives this month. So too do parts 1 and 2 of the newest Sailor Moon film on June 3 and Godzilla Singular Point on June 24.
Read more TV Yasuke Review: Netflix Anime Reclaims The Story of a Black Samurai By Caroline Cao TV Anime For Beginners: Best Genres and Series to Watch By Daniel Kurland
But for those who aren’t ready to dip their toe in the anime pool yet, Netflix has some other originals of note in June. Sweet Tooth, the ambitious comic adaptation starring Will Forte premieres on June 4. Then,...
Netflix has been quietly expanding their anime offerings for awhile now but June is a particularly anime-heavy month. The absolutely metal sounding Record of Ragnarok arrives this month. So too do parts 1 and 2 of the newest Sailor Moon film on June 3 and Godzilla Singular Point on June 24.
Read more TV Yasuke Review: Netflix Anime Reclaims The Story of a Black Samurai By Caroline Cao TV Anime For Beginners: Best Genres and Series to Watch By Daniel Kurland
But for those who aren’t ready to dip their toe in the anime pool yet, Netflix has some other originals of note in June. Sweet Tooth, the ambitious comic adaptation starring Will Forte premieres on June 4. Then,...
- 5/31/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Netflix has locked down the cast to its upcoming feature adaptation of Broadway’s 13: The Musical.
The musical, which ran from October 2008 to January 2009 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre follows Evan Goldman (12) who following a move from NYC to small-town Indiana, grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.
The Broadway version featured the first and only all-teenage cast and band and served as professional debuts of Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. The musical has since been a popular production of high school theater groups.
Of the 14 starring in 13: The Musical include Eli Golden (The Wizard of Lies), Gabriella Uhl, Jd McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell (The Change-Up), Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed (Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It...
The musical, which ran from October 2008 to January 2009 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre follows Evan Goldman (12) who following a move from NYC to small-town Indiana, grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.
The Broadway version featured the first and only all-teenage cast and band and served as professional debuts of Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. The musical has since been a popular production of high school theater groups.
Of the 14 starring in 13: The Musical include Eli Golden (The Wizard of Lies), Gabriella Uhl, Jd McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell (The Change-Up), Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed (Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It...
- 4/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
With romantic comedies, action-packed thrillers and buzzy documentaries, Netflix’s upcoming summer film slate has a little something for every movie lover.
The streaming service on Tuesday released a preview of its 2021 popcorn season offerings, a list that includes the final chapter in the “The Kissing Booth” trilogy, Kevin Hart’s touching drama “Fatherhood,” “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” and Zack Snyder’s zombie heist adventure “Army of the Dead.”
The schedule kicks off with “Things Heard and Seen,” a horror movie starring Amanda Seyfried, on April 29, followed by “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” an animated comedy from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, on April 30.
May will see the debut of the Amy Adams-led “The Woman in the Window,” a highly anticipated adaptation about an agoraphobe that has renewed relevance after a year-long pandemic, as well as “Monster,” an intimate drama starring John David Washington...
The streaming service on Tuesday released a preview of its 2021 popcorn season offerings, a list that includes the final chapter in the “The Kissing Booth” trilogy, Kevin Hart’s touching drama “Fatherhood,” “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” and Zack Snyder’s zombie heist adventure “Army of the Dead.”
The schedule kicks off with “Things Heard and Seen,” a horror movie starring Amanda Seyfried, on April 29, followed by “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” an animated comedy from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, on April 30.
May will see the debut of the Amy Adams-led “The Woman in the Window,” a highly anticipated adaptation about an agoraphobe that has renewed relevance after a year-long pandemic, as well as “Monster,” an intimate drama starring John David Washington...
- 4/27/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix released a preview of its summer slate Tuesday, including finalized release dates, footage, photos, and other announcements from a range of films. Among the highlights: details from the animated revisionist history “America: the Motion Picture” from the “Archer” team and first-look photos from Paul Weitz’ Kevin Hart-starrer “Fatherhood” and the Melissa McCarthy-produced documentary “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed.”
Below find Netflix’s summer movie preview sizzle, featuring some of the highlights from the nearly three-dozen films the streamer is set to release between April and the end of August. Included in the video are clips from Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead,” “Fatherhood,” the Jason Momoa-starring “Sweet Girl,” the Amy Adams agoraphobia thriller “The Woman in the Window,” and more.
Netflix set a release date, announced the full cast, and revealed a first-look photo from “America: the Motion Picture,” a project that has been quiet...
Below find Netflix’s summer movie preview sizzle, featuring some of the highlights from the nearly three-dozen films the streamer is set to release between April and the end of August. Included in the video are clips from Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead,” “Fatherhood,” the Jason Momoa-starring “Sweet Girl,” the Amy Adams agoraphobia thriller “The Woman in the Window,” and more.
Netflix set a release date, announced the full cast, and revealed a first-look photo from “America: the Motion Picture,” a project that has been quiet...
- 4/27/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The Disney Channel has greenlit the original movie Spin which will star Avantika Vandanapu and be directed by Manjari Makijany (Desert Dolphin). The movie is set to begin production in Toronto this fall and is slated to premiere on the Disney Channel in 2021.
Written by Carley Steiner (Play Date) and Josh Cagan (The Duff), Spin follows effervescent 15-year-old Rhea Kumar (Vandanapu), who lives with her tight-knit multigenerational family. After her mother’s death, she has been her father’s emotional rock, and her life revolves around her family’s restaurant, her eclectic group of friends, and her after-school coding club. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long lost passion for music is reignited. Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music that blends her Indian heritage, but must find the...
Written by Carley Steiner (Play Date) and Josh Cagan (The Duff), Spin follows effervescent 15-year-old Rhea Kumar (Vandanapu), who lives with her tight-knit multigenerational family. After her mother’s death, she has been her father’s emotional rock, and her life revolves around her family’s restaurant, her eclectic group of friends, and her after-school coding club. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long lost passion for music is reignited. Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music that blends her Indian heritage, but must find the...
- 8/20/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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