Majority of society in a time warp: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Mumbai, Jan 19 (IANS) Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who stars as Saadat Haasan Manto in "Manto" -- an Indian film that is not getting released in Pakistan -- says society continues to remain stubborn in its reluctance to accept the bitter truth.  

A propaganda film will work if the story works: Filmmaker Prakash Jha

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) "The Accidental Prime Minister" and "Uri - The Surgical Strike", which have begun Bollywood's 2019 calendar, have been branded "propaganda films" by a cross-section of people. Filmmaker Prakash Jha, who has dabbled in politics himself, says propaganda films can work only if the story strikes a chord with the audience.  

Would like to see change in showbiz fee structure: Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Zoya Akhtar's movies go deep into real life issues of urban lifestyle. That's because she feels it's important to be aware of what you want the world to be like and put it across through your films. She also says the fee structure in the entertainment industry needs to change as technicians dont get paid enough.  

Still love to listen to folk, classical music: DJ Nucleya (IANS Interview)

Pune, Dec 31 (IANS) Udyan Sagar - better known by his stage name Nucleya - turned the Bollywood music obsessed industry upside down with back-to-back hits like "Koocha Monster", "Bass Rani" and "Raja Baja "but at the back of his mind, classic ghazals by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Ustad Ghulam Ali play on a constant loop.  

Even big budget films need a good script now: Tigmanshu Dhulia (IANS Interview)

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) His directorial career includes National Award winning film "Paan Singh Tomar" and "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster" and his acting prowess was captured brilliantly in projects like "Manjhi - The Mountain Man" and "Gangs of Wasseypur".  

Rejections shattered, strengthened and streamlined my writing: Sahitya Akademi winner Anees Salim

New Delhi, Dec 18 : Still recovering from the surprise of being named as the winner of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award (English) for his novel "The Blind Lady's Descendants" -- a long suicide note of a 26-year-old -- author Anees Salim has said that the initial rejections he faced from mainstream publishers were shattering; but they also went a long way in strengthening and streamlining his writing.  

Say no when required: Malaika Arora on focus on her personal life

New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) She is one of the fittest celebrities in Bollywood and is currently in the news more for her personal relationship, but Malaika Arora says that it comes with the territory. She feels one needs to strike the right balance and say "no" when required.