Diljit Dosanjh starrer Punjab '95 faces demands from CBFC for 120 cuts, title change and renaming of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra: Report

The biopic Punjab '95, on the human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been embroiled in a contentious battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, has faced multiple rounds of censorship, with the latest round of demands raising significant concerns about freedom of expression and the portrayal of historical events. Originally, the CBFC had demanded 85 cuts from the film. However, after a review by the Revising Committee, the number of required changes has increased to nearly 120.

As per a new report in Mid-day, one of the most controversial demands is the renaming of the protagonist, who is currently portrayed as Jaswant Singh Khalra. The CBFC has suggested that the character's name be changed to Sutlej, a reference to the river that unites Punjab.  The makers of the film have strongly objected to this change, arguing that Khalra is a revered figure in the Sikh community and that renaming him would be disrespectful to his legacy. They have emphasized that the film's authenticity and impact lie in its portrayal of Khalra's role in investigating the disappearances and killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency.

In addition to the name change, the CBFC has also requested that the film be retitled to remove the reference to Punjab '95, the year of Khalra's disappearance. The board has expressed concerns that the title might evoke strong emotions and sway public sentiment.

Furthermore, the CBFC has demanded the removal of a scene featuring Gurbani, a sacred text in Sikhism. They have also instructed the filmmakers to eliminate any mentions of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran. References to Canada and the UK have been deemed inappropriate and must be removed.

The makers of Punjab '95 have been engaged in a series of meetings with the CBFC to address these demands. They have argued that the film is based on real-life events and testimonies and that the censorship requests are excessive and undermine the film's integrity.  The film's producers, Ronnie Screwvala and Honey Trehan, have expressed frustration with the ongoing censorship process. They have emphasized the importance of telling the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the human rights abuses that occurred during the Punjab insurgency.

Set in the turbulent 1990s Amritsar, Punjab '95 revolves around Jaswant Singh Khalra, a seemingly ordinary bank employee and human rights activist, who leads a middle-class life with his librarian wife and two young children. His desire for a peaceful existence is shattered when he learns about the disappearance of his friend's mother, Bibi Gurpej. As Khalra delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dangerous web of secrets, putting himself and his family at risk.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in association with MacGuffin Pictures, Punjab '95 also features Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in pivotal roles. ALSO READ: CBFCs Red Tape: After Vedaa clearance, Dev Patels Monkey Man and Diljit Dosanjhs Punjab 95 release still in limbo

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Urmila Matondkar files for divorce with Mohsin Akhtar Mir after 8 years of marriage? Here’s what we know

Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar has reportedly decided to end her eight-year marriage with businessman-model Mohsin Akhtar Mir. According to legal sources, the 50-year-old actress has initiated divorce proceedings in a Mumbai court. While the specific reasons behind the separation remain undisclosed, it is understood that the decision was not mutual.

As per a report in Hindustan Times, a source said, “After careful consideration, Urmila has decided to call it quits on her marriage with Mohsin. She has already filed for divorce in court. While the reason behind the separation is still not known, the divorce isn’t happening on mutual terms.”

Urmila Matondkar and Mohsin Akhtar Mir tied the knot in a private ceremony at her Mumbai residence in 2016. Their union, marked by a 10-year age difference, garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry. The couple's wedding was a low-key affair, attended by a select group of close friends and family, including fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

In 2019, she ventured into politics, joining the Indian National Congress. Subsequently, in 2020, she shifted her allegiance to the Shiv Sena. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2018 film Blackmail, where she featured in the song ‘Bewafa Beauty’. She also took on the role of a judge on a children's dance reality show. ALSO READ: Shabana Azmi turns 74: Urmila Matondkar calls her “The Maa that CineMa gave me” in heartfelt post

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Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Kabir Khan and more to attend IFP Season 14

The ultimate playground for passionate creators is back with another exciting season! IFP (formerly India Film Project) has been your one-stop destination for over a decade. As the world’s leading festival for all things creative and cultural, IFP is at the forefront of nurturing and inspiring talent across diverse disciplines, including Films & OTT, Music, Literature & Writing, Storytelling, Photography, Design & Art, and Comedy, among others.

Taking its glorious legacy of thirteen successful seasons forward, the 14th edition of this two-day festival is taking place on October 12th and 13th in Mumbai. The festival serves as a dynamic space for artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Featuring an eclectic array of sessions, workshops, masterclasses, live performances, and challenges, IFP Season 14 promises to inspire, educate, and empower participants to push the boundaries of creativity.

The stage of IFP Season 14 will be graced by a stellar lineup of speakers, including prominent figures like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kabir Khan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Saurabh Shukla, Sonam Wangchuk, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vivek Gomber, Rajesh Krishnan, Kunal Kemmu, Ram Madhvani, Chhaya Kadam, Kavita Seth, Geetanjali Shree (International Booker Prize Winner, Author of Tomb of Sand), Vikas Swarup, William Dalrymple, Trinetra, and Avanti Nagral. Creators can look forward to great industry insights from these cultural icons. Boasting creative growth, collaboration opportunities, and insider viewpoints, this edition strives to take participants’ artistic journey to the next level.

Staying true to its innovative roots, IFP brings back its signature series of 50-hour challenges in filmmaking, music, design, performing arts, writing, and photography this season, with over 54,000 creative minds participating globally. These challenges will be evaluated by a powerhouse jury, featuring a diverse panel of experts such as Kabir Khan, Rob, Amit Sharma, Lilette Dubey, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Sandeep Modi, Sooni Taraporewala, Sushin Shyam, Chaaya Prabhat, Sabari Venu, Manoj Shah, and Sasha Jairam.

Sharing his excitement about IFP Season 14, Ritam Bhatnagar, Founder, IFP, said, “We are ecstatic to launch yet another exciting season of IFP, a nexus for everything creative and culture. We are delighted to see participation coming in from 44 countries this year. Our goal is to create a truly global festival that fosters a community of creative individuals and provides a place to collaborate with like-minded individuals, allowing them to break new ground with their craft. With a fantastic mix of challenges and speakers, we hope to inspire and empower artists of all ages and backgrounds through this festival in coming years”

Kabir Khan said, "Filmmaking is a journey of connection. It's about telling stories that resonate, that move, that inspire. IFP has consistently been at the forefront, providing aspiring filmmakers with a unique platform to showcase their creativity. As a jury member at the festival, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the brilliance and passion of these young artists. These entries often surpass expectations, challenging the very definition of storytelling. While it’s always a bittersweet experience to select winners, it’s a reminder of the incredible potential that exists."

Lijo Jose Pellissery added, “It’s an absolute thrill to be a part of IFP this year. Over the past couple of years, IFP has become a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity. The energy and passion at the festival are infectious, pushing creators to challenge themselves in ways they never imagined. It’s a community that celebrates storytelling in all its forms, and I’m excited to see the magic that emerges this season."

IFP Season 14 has something unique for everyone – from thought-provoking discussions to immersive experiences. So, mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th to celebrate the power of creativity and empower the next generation of artists! ALSO READ: Pankaj Kapur REJECTS the idea of promotions, Naseeruddin Shah adds, “Audience smells out what they want to watch”

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Karan Johar discusses Shah Rukh Khan's stardom and Aamir Khan's transformative impact on Bollywood: "The name Shah Rukh Khan carries certain expectations that limit..."

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan Johar opened up about the pressures actors like Shah Rukh Khan face due to their superstar status. He noted that these pressures often limit the ability of established stars to take on unconventional roles. While acknowledging Shah Rukh's efforts to step outside his typical image with films like Paheli and Asoka, Karan emphasized that the monumental success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge shaped Shah Rukh’s career path, leading him to become synonymous with mainstream romantic leads.

Shah Rukh Khan's desire for diversity

Karan highlighted that Shah Rukh Khan never aimed to fit the mold of the quintessential mainstream hero. Instead, he aspired to be a unique actor capable of revolutionizing cinema. However, the immense expectations tied to his name have often restricted his choices, leaving him with limited opportunities to explore varied roles. Karan expressed hope that Shah Rukh might take on more diverse characters in the future, despite acknowledging the current limitations imposed by his star power. He noted, “The name Shah Rukh Khan carries certain expectations that limit his ability to take on different roles,” and emphasized that “at his core, Shah Rukh is an actor first and a star second,” adding, “He began his journey in theatre.”

Aamir Khan: The 'Real Game Changer'

Karan Johar praised Aamir Khan as a 'game changer' in the film industry for his commitment to choosing diverse roles. He noted the significant impact of Lagaan, a film that not only achieved critical acclaim but also earned an Academy Award nomination. Karan recalled the pivotal year when Lagaan was released, alongside successful films like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, marking a transformative moment for Bollywood.

Karan pointed out that, despite the commercial success of Gadar, Lagaan stood out for its artistic achievement. He commended Aamir for continuing to push boundaries with films like Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti, which helped reshape the industry’s landscape. He stated, “Aamir consistently chose a variety of roles in films,” and added, “I think he is a real game changer.”

Also Read: Karan Johar pens cryptic message to “privilege” amid Coldplay India 2025 ticket sellout: “You can’t get everything you want”

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EXCLUSIVE: Coldplay January 2025 Mumbai concert tickets up for grabs; Binny And Family's unique contest offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance

On Sunday, the internet literally broke as lakhs of Indians tried to book tickets for the upcoming Coldplay concert, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on January 18, 2025. The ticket app BookMyShow crashed and due to the insane demand, the organizers added one more show on Tuesday, January 20. Yet, the tickets got sold out in no time, leaving the fans of the popular band disappointed. But there’s a small ray of hope for all those who are still hoping to watch the band live at D Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. And it’s Binny and her family that have come to their rescue.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the makers of the upcoming film Binny And Family are all set to have a unique contest. A source told us, “As part of the contest, netizens will be encouraged to book tickets of Binny And Family on a mobile ticket booking app. A lucky winner will get six free tickets to the Coldplay concert for him/her and his/her whole family.”

The source continued, “Binny And Family is a rare clean family entertainer from Bollywood in recent times. Hence, the makers are of the idea that the whole family should enjoy not just their film but also the Coldplay concert.”

A trade expert commented, “It’s a great marketing move as many people will now book tickets to the film with the hope that they’ll win the concert tickets. It’ll lead to a better opening for the film. The more people will see it, the easier it'll be for the makers to spread the word of mouth, leading to a healthy trend.”

Yesterday, the makers of Binny And Family had another offer wherein they announced that they’ll give 4 tickets to the Coldplay concert. In order to win these tickets, the users had to like and share the post, tag 3 people whom they’d like to attend the concert with, tag the producers (Mahaveer Jain Films and Balaji Motion Pictures) and share the post as an Instagram story with the song ‘Zindagi’ from the film. Hence, in all, the makers of the film will be giving out 10 tickets for free to the lucky winners of the Coldplay show.

Binny And Family marks the debut of Varun Dhawan’s niece, Anjini Dhawan. It also stars Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Naman Tripaathy and Charu Shankar and is written and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy. It is produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Wavebrand Productions and presented by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Binny And Family releases in cinemas on September 27.

Also Read: Karan Johar pens cryptic message to “privilege” amid Coldplay India 2025 ticket sellout: “You can’t get everything you want”

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Fabulous Lives v/s Bollywood Wives season 3 set to premiere on October 18 on Netflix; Kalyani Saha Chawla, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Shalini Passi join the show

On October 18, get ready for the much-anticipated return of your favourite ensemble to Netflix, bringing along a fresh twist! The series featuring Bhavana Panday, Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari Soni, and Seema Kiran Sajdeh is set to launch its latest chapter, titled Fabulous Lives v/s Bollywood Wives. This season promises an exciting mix with new faces joining the established crew.

Joining the ranks are notable personalities Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, a figure of Bollywood lineage, alongside fashionista and philanthropist Shalini Passi, and Kalyani Saha Chawla. Together, they are poised to shake things up in this dazzling showdown. The dynamics are sure to change as these three women from the capital take the spotlight, adding a new layer of excitement and competition.

 

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Viewers can expect a thrilling exploration of contrasting lifestyles and personalities as the seasoned Bollywood wives face off against their newcomers. The ongoing rivalry between Mumbai and Delhi serves as an engaging backdrop for this series. As the original ladies of Bollywood come face to face with their counterparts from the north, the age-old debate of which city reigns supreme takes center stage. Audiences will witness not just a battle of glamour, but also a clash of ideals, experiences, and perspectives.

The new season promises to be anything but dull, featuring lively exchanges, unexpected alliances, and, of course, plenty of stylish outfits that reflect each woman's unique personality. ALSO READ: Maheep Kapoor opens up about Sanjay Kapoor’s extra-marital affairs; says, “I think he has dated so many women”

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"The Maharashtra protests against the release of Maula Jat are absurd," says actor Imran Zahid

Uddhav Thackeray has tweeted that he won’t “allow” Fawad Khan’s Pakistani blockbuster The Legend Of Maula Jat to release in Maharashtra. The threat makes no sense, as Maharashtra is not on the release map in India at all for this handsomely mounted hugely entertaining costume drama.

Delhi-based theatre and film actor Imran Zahid who has been battling to renew cultural ties between India and Pakistan, is baffled by the threats against the film’s release. “The film’s distributors in India (Zee Studios) have made it clear that the film is being released in Punjab only then what is this, ‘Mooh tod denge, sheesha phod denge.’ Arrey bhai, The Legend Of Maula Jat is not releasing in Maharashtra. Then what are these threats? It is like, you are not invited to my home and you are not coming. Lekin aa kar toh dekho.”

Imran feels peace should be given a chance. “All these threats and bullying tactics are driving us away from peace. Art and culture should always be above politics. By depriving our country of a fine film like Maula Jat, what signal are you sending to the rest of the world?”

Also Read: Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt faces opposition in India from MNS ahead of release

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