Tag: Subhash Ghai

  • Isha Koppikar’s Rocketship soars to new heights

    Isha Koppikar’s Rocketship soars to new heights

    MUMBAI: Looks like Isha Koppikar’s latest project is truly sky-bound. Her new film Rocketship has taken off in style, bagging official selections at not one but two international film festivals, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival 2026 and the Mokkho International Film Festival 2025.

    For Koppikar, the recognition feels deeply personal. Having built her career without a godfather, she chose to collaborate on this film with students from Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods International, offering young talent a chance to shine. The partnership reflects her belief that grit and opportunity, not privilege, should power one’s journey in cinema.

    Expressing her excitement, Isha Koppikar said, “This is such an honour, not just for me but for the entire team behind Rocketship. I’m especially proud of the students who worked tirelessly and are now getting the recognition they deserve. Dreams really do take flight.”

    The film’s trailer, which dropped recently, drew wide praise for its emotional tone and strong performances. Rocketship, directed and written by Arjun Menon and produced by Harmanraai Singh Sehgal, tells a moving story about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter, a tale of strength, sacrifice and dreams that refuse to burn out.

    Starring Isha Koppikar alongside young talent Amayira Sharma, the film promises to tug at heartstrings while celebrating the spirit of perseverance. With Rocketship earning critical attention on the festival circuit, it seems Koppikar’s latest venture is not just a cinematic journey, it’s a story of hope taking flight.

     

  • Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Mumbai: Subhash Ghai, renowned as Indian cinema’s ultimate showman, invites readers to experience his cinematic brilliance with the release of “Karma’s Child: The Story of Indian Cinema’s Ultimate Showman,” co-authored with Suveen Sinha and published by HarperCollins. The memoir captures the iconic director’s remarkable journey, from shaping Bollywood’s landscape with his blockbuster films to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers through his institute, Whistling Woods International.  

    Ghai’s career is marked by his mastery in crafting films that blend grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable music, transforming Bollywood from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Out of the fifteen films he directed during this era, eleven—including iconic hits like Kalicharan, Vidhaata, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khal Nayak, and Taal—became massive blockbusters, solidifying his legacy in Hindi cinema.  

    The memoir also chronicles Ghai’s pioneering spirit, from revitalising theatres during the peak of video piracy to launching film music on audio CDs, and expanding the reach of Hindi films to global markets. His ability to direct multi-starrer films and introduce new talent who rose to stardom reflects his visionary eye for innovation in cinema.  

    Now, as the founder of Whistling Woods International, Ghai’s influence extends beyond filmmaking. His institute stands as a beacon of film and creative arts education, shaping storytellers and visionaries for the future.  

    Reflecting on his memoir, Ghai shares, “Countless stars are born in our film industry and just as many fade away. What you hold in your hands is the story of how a young man came from nowhere, faced the challenges before him, and carved his own path. This book is the story of the Hindi film industry as it unfolded before my eyes from the 1960s till today.”  

     

  • Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts inks deal for 37 films with Zee

    Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts inks deal for 37 films with Zee

    MUMBAI: The Shubash Ghai-promoted Mukta Arts today informed the Bombay stock exchange that is has entered into an assignment agreement and executed a term sheet with Zee Entertainment Enterprises for 37 of its films.  The deal assigns the  satellite and media rights of the films to Zee for six years, commencing 25 August 2027.

    Mukta Arts announced that the duo agreed to a 25 per cent higher fee for the rights as compared to the previous agreement. The two did not disclose what the final deal amount is.  Amongst the big films that Ghai has helmed include: Karz, Khalnayak, Hero, Ram Lakhan, Karma, Pardes, Saudagar, Taal, Yaadein, Bombay To Bangkok, Good Boy Bad Boy, Khanna & Iyer, Sham Ghanshyam.

    Mukta Arts has had a long history of working with Zee with its films being licensed to the broadcaster repeatedly. The duo signed a deal wherein the veteran film maker would make three films for Zee Studios in 2021.The first of these was 36 Farmhouse which was released in January 2022.

    Recently, Mukta Arts, Mukta A2 cinema, Zee Cinema and PVR announced that the Anil Kapoor-starrer Taal would be re-released in theatres from 27 September in the twenty-fifth year of its first release. 
     

  • A. R. Rahman, Alan Meyerson & Subhash Ghai announces as speakers for All About Music 2024

    A. R. Rahman, Alan Meyerson & Subhash Ghai announces as speakers for All About Music 2024

    Mumbai: All About Music, a B2B conference in the music industry, has released the initial lineup of speakers for the 8th edition, promising an exciting and diverse range of global music industry professionals, taking place on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

    Some of the speaker names include the renowned composer and playback singer, A. R. Rahman, Subhash Ghai, Lisa Mishra, Andreea Gleeson (CEO, TuneCore). Grammy-winning sound engineer and mixer Alan Meyerson, Vivek Raina (Managing Director, Believe India), Marielle Jakobson (chief product officer, Embody) and artists – Sanju Rathod and Chaar Diwari amongst others.

    The official theme for All About Music 2024 is ‘Synthesis.’ Embracing change, fostering collaboration, networking and envisioning a sustainable future for the music industry! The 8th edition marks the beginning of a new life cycle for AAM. A chance to think long-term for the industry as a whole, and the role we hope to play in getting us there.

    Tickets for All About Music 2024 are now available on the Paytm Insider platform.

    Buy tickets here – https://bit.ly/3REFDsN  

  • Role of skilling, education in media and entertainment sector critical in realizing vision of Viksit Bharat: Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, GoI

    Role of skilling, education in media and entertainment sector critical in realizing vision of Viksit Bharat: Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, GoI

    MUMBAI: Govt of India, secretary, ministry of skill development & Entrepreneurship Atul Kumar Tiwari said that the Indian media and entertainment sector is growing rapidly and there is immense potential for skilling in this sector. This sector has been growing with a CAGR of over 13 per cent in the last few years and employes 30 lakh people directly and 55 lakh indirectly. Skilling combined with education and scaling can help India achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, there by supporting the GDP as well as establishing the prowess in India’s soft power, he added.

    Addressing the session on ‘LEAPing into the Future’, at FICCI FRAMES 2024, Tiwari said that in order for India to prosper, there is a need for creating a mass awareness about skilling. The New Education Policy (NEP) along with all government policies focuses on skilling. All sectors of the economy are recognizing that skilling is going to be a game-changer for India. With our country’s demographic advantage, having the youngest and the world’s largest number of working-age individuals, skilling will lead to a significant enhancement in productivity and employment. We have the youngest population in the world, largest number of working population and skilling them will lead to a great deal of enhancement in productivity and employment along with competitiveness, he noted.

    Tiwari also emphasized spreading awareness on ‘LEAP – Leveraging Education to Accelerate Progress’, which is the need of the hour. That nothing is more creative than making a film. The government, he said, is working to identify and bridge the skilling gap through policy initiatives along with industry and academia collaboration. “There is a need for us to identify the opportunities and create awareness among people, especially in tier 2,3 cities to attract more talent,” he emphasized.

    He further stated that the M&E sector has experienced a remarkable transformation with the advent of the internet, revolutionizing entertainment consumption. The dynamics of content creation have shifted, leading to a buzzing M&E landscape that not only entertains but also promotes and preserves cultural heritage, added Tiwari.

    He also stated that the Indian media and entertainment sector not only provides support to nation’s GDP but also promotes tourism, increase in cultural exchanges and strengthens India’s soft power.

    Whistling Woods International (WWI) filmmaker & founder and chairman Subhash Ghai highlighted the role of education and skilling in media and entertainment sector. He added that we are currently relying on memory-based education rather than skill-based education. It is crucial to develop skill-based education in the country, noted Ghai.

    FICCI, secretary general SK Pathak said, “In the 25 edition of FICCI FRAMES in 2025, we will identify the transformational changes required in the media and entertainment industry, focusing on the initiatives needed for India in 2030.”

    Ashish Kulkarni, chair, FICCI AVGC-XR Forum and Founder, Punnaryug delivered the vote of thanks.

    Hande Ercel, Turkish actress was also present during the inaugural session.

  • PVR INOX to re-release Subhash Ghai’s directorial ‘Karma’

    PVR INOX to re-release Subhash Ghai’s directorial ‘Karma’

    Mumbai: PVR INOX Ltd, India’s premier multiplex chain, is re-relasing the iconic Subhash Ghai’s directorial film ‘Karma’ from 2 to 8 February 2024. The movie will be screening in 43 cinemas in 19 cities across the country. Ticket prices for this cult movie begin at ₹112, and bookings can be made through the PVR INOX app or website and BMS and PayTM platforms. The film, known for its iconic dialogues and mesmerising songs, features a stellar cast of Bollywood icons such as Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Dilip Kumar, Sridevi, and Naseeruddin Shah, among others.

    Expressing his excitement on the re-release of Karma at PVR INOX, director, Subhash Ghai said, “Let me start by expressing my heartfelt appreciation for PVR INOX, as they have decided to re-release an iconic movie like ‘Karma’ from my filmography. I would love to invite our new audiences to connect and watch this movie on the big screens for a larger-than-life cinematic experience, showcasing the beautiful depiction of characters in this action-drama genre, along with the use of the iconic song ‘Aye Watan Tere Liye,’ which touched millions of hearts. It was specially designed for big screens in the 80s when audiences turned their faces away from small video screens. We have received a lot of unconditional love and support in a big way from north to south in bringing back the larger-than-life movie experience. Please do enjoy Karma, a motion picture from my heart as a filmmaker. A heartfelt thank you to PVR INOX once again. See you at the cinemas!”

  • DroneAcharya and Whistling Woods launch drone centric courses for filmmaking

    DroneAcharya and Whistling Woods launch drone centric courses for filmmaking

    Mumbai: The stage was set aglow with stars and drones as DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited, India’s first Listed  Drone Startup and a DGCA certified drone training organization, collaborated with the esteemed Whistling Woods  International to unveil a dazzling array of drone-centric courses in Mumbai. The event,graced by luminaries such as Whistling Woods International founder & chief mentor Subhash Ghai, and Indian cinema stalwarts  Karan Johar and Shashank Khaitan, Meghna Puri Ghai and Rahul Puri, celebrated the convergence of film-making and cutting-edge drone technology.

    This collaboration introduces a groundbreaking suite of Drone – centric courses that are set to revolutionize the world of  film making and cinematography. This exciting collaboration promises to provide aspiring filmmakers and drone  enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills they need to soar to new heights in the industry.

    The launch of these courses is a significant milestone in the ever – evolving landscape of drone technology, marking a transformation in the way drones are integrated into various sectors. The courses are designed to cater to the diverse interests of students, including Aerial Cinematography, DGCA certified drone pilot training, Geographic Information  System (GIS) for Drones, and even Drone Building. This comprehensive range of offerings ensures that students  gain hands-on experience in the field of filmmaking, creating virtual environments through drone surveys for animation and VFX and are well – prepared for a future in the drone industry.

    DroneAcharya, known for its pioneering role in drone training and innovation, has rapidly become a driving force in the Indian drone ecosystem. They are the first Private DGCA certified drone training organization to achieve over 550 drone pilot training. The collaboration with Whistling Woods International, led by Ghai, is a testament to their dedication to fostering innovation in filmmaking and education.

    “We’ve had drones as a part of our curriculum for a long time. However, earlier this year, the Central Government announced the liberalized Drone policy for the nation, and in lieu of that, we’ve decided to partner with an  organization known as DroneAcharya, which is a publicly listed company, to set up programs specifically meant for  drone courses,” added Whistling Woods International VP, business head & emerging media head Chaitanya Chinchlikar.

    DroneAcharya founder & managing editor Prateek Srivastava commented, “This partnership with Whistling  Woods International is a giant leap forward in our mission to democratize drone education in India. We believe  that our courses will not only equip students with the necessary skills but also inspire them to push the boundaries of creative expression through drones.”

    “This is a revolutionary convergence of art, technology and applications. The collaborative effort between DroneAcharya  and Whistling Woods International is set to make Mumbai a hub for drone education and innovation in the film  industry. The courses will be taught by industry experts and professionals who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom,” added DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations CTO Amit Takte.

    DroneAcharya director – HR & culture Nikita Srivastava also commented, “Adding to the theme ofCelebrate  Cinema 2023, the future of storytelling is definitely going to be the adoption of advanced technologies like Drone  and Artificial Intelligence. Apart from this, we look up to the highly influential and nationally – recognized network of individuals to spread awareness about the legalization of drones. This will contribute, in a big way, to the vision of our  Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of making India a Global Drone Hub by 2030.” 
    Enrollments for the drone-centric courses are now open, and interested individuals can visit the official websites of DroneAcharya and Whistling Woods International for more information and registration details.

  • Tata Play Binge celebrates King Khan’s birthday in grand style

    Tata Play Binge celebrates King Khan’s birthday in grand style

    Mumbai: He’s the ‘Badshah of Bollywood,’ the undisputed ‘King of Romance’, and a name that needs no introduction. Shah Rukh Khan, the living legend of Indian cinema, has enthralled us with his magnetic charm, incredible talent, and charismatic persona for decades. As we approach the grand occasion of his birthday on the 2nd of November, there couldn’t be a more fitting time to celebrate his cinematic brilliance. On this special day, Tata Play Binge proudly presents a curated list of his best movies – that’s right, the best of SRK classics that you won’t want to miss.

    Dear Zindagi – Netflix

    Dear Zindagi is a gem that stands out as one of Shah Rukh Khan’s latest finest performances. Directed by Gauri Shinde, this heartwarming and insightful film sheds light on the importance of mental health and explores complexities of life and relationships through the journey of Kaira, played by the talented Alia Bhatt, who seeks guidance from a charming life coach, Dr. Jehangir Khan, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan. The film’s beautifully nuanced storytelling and ‘woke’ narrative, relatable characters, and SRK and Alia Bhatt’s on-screen camaraderie make it a must-watch for all ages.

    Pathaan – Amazon Prime Video

    Latest Bollywood blockbuster to make ₹1CR+ at the box office globally, becoming SRK’s ultimate come-back post pandemic. The film is an exhilarating addition to the YRF Spy Universe, featuring the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role as an Indian secret agent brought out of retirement to combat an international terror organization. The film combines thrilling action sequences with witty dialogue, showcasing the actor at his best, exuding charm and humor. Director Siddharth Anand orchestrates a high-octane spy thriller that’s well worth watching for fans of the genre and SRK enthusiasts alike.

    Pardes – ZEE5

    Pardes, directed by Subhash Ghai, is a ‘classic SRK film’ that offers a compelling narrative enriched with Shah Rukh Khan’s outstanding performance. Khan plays the role of Arjun, an NRI who visits India and becomes entangled in a complex web of cultural clashes, love, and family dynamics. His portrayal is a true testament to his versatility as an actor, bringing depth and charm to the character. The film also went on to be nominated for ‘Best Film‘ in the Filmfare Award in 1998.

    Yes Boss – SonyLIV

    Yes Boss is a delightful Bollywood romantic comedy that’s definitely worth watching, especially for Shah Rukh Khan’s charismatic and charming performance. Directed by Aziz Mirza, the film features SRK playing Rahul, an ambitious employee caught between his demanding boss and a job opportunity presented by a wealthy but quirky businesswoman. SRK’s impeccable comic timing and on-screen chemistry with Juhi Chawla make this movie a heartwarming and entertaining experience, as it explores the themes of ambition, love, and ethical dilemmas against the backdrop of a lighthearted and engaging storyline.

    Deewana – Disney+ Hotstar

    Deewana, a 1992 film directed by Raj Kanwar, is Shah Rukh Khan’s first film that also won him his first Filmfare Award as Best Debut (Male). SRK’s electrifying performance as Raja Sahai in his maiden film immediately solidified his status as a rising star. The movie also features Divya Bharti, who brought her own magic to the screen, and Rishi Kapoor in a pivotal role. With its blend of romance, drama, and music, Deewana is a must-watch for any SRK enthusiast, offering a delightful introduction to the world of Indian cinema and the remarkable talent that is Shah Rukh Khan.

    Veer-Zaara – Apple TV+

    Directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, this epic romantic drama weaves a captivating tale of love and sacrifice that transcends borders. Shah Rukh Khan, in one of his most brilliant performances, brings to life the character of Veer, a humble Indian Air Force officer who falls in love with a Pakistani woman named Zaara, played by the enchanting Preity Zinta. SRK’s portrayal of Veer is nothing short of extraordinary, the film not only touched the hearts of millions but also garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing its status as a classic in romantic Bollywood cinema, with recognition at prestigious events like the Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, and many more.

    Wondering how to get a subscription of these OTT apps? We have Tata Play Binge for you. Viewers can avail the entire package of 22+ apps (Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, SonyLIV, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Apple TV+, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, Hallmark Movies Now, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, and ShortsTV) and Games under one subscription, in one app, without having to subscribe or remember the password of every app. Sounds amazing? It is amazing!!

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    Download the Tata Play Binge app to enjoy the best of entertainment across over 22 OTT platforms.

    Join Tata Play Binge as we celebrate the birthday of the King of Romance, Shah Rukh Khan, with a cinematic extravaganza fit for Bollywood royalty!

  • Jagran Film Festival 2023 recognises renowned figures of Indian Cinema

    Jagran Film Festival 2023 recognises renowned figures of Indian Cinema

    Mumbai: Jagran Film Festival 2023 awards brought together the crème de la crème of the Indian film industry in Mumbai, delivering a spectacular event that exceeded all expectations.

    Showman Subhash Ghai, an esteemed filmmaker celebrated for his iconic contributions to Indian cinema, was honoured with the Icon of Indian Cinema Award. The Best Director Award was presented to Manish Mudra for the movie “Siya,” while the Best Actor accolade was shared by Rani Mukherjee for “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway” and Jayaraj Kozhikod for “Jananam: 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnnu.” Manoj Bajpayee secured the OTT Best Actor Male title. Anupam Kher was declared the Actor of the Festival 2023 by popular choice, and Adil Hussain and Nathalia were lauded with the Audience Choice award for “International Foot Prints on Water.”

    The movie “Siya” received the Best Feature Film award in the Indian category, while “Travels Inside Foreign Heads” was honoured as the Best Feature Film in the International category. Additionally, “Tikdam,” “Lavaste,” and “Chidiyakhana” were acknowledged with special mentions for their outstanding contributions at the event.

    Jagran Prakashan Ltd senior vice president of strategy brand & business development Basant Rathore emphasised the immense popularity of the Jagran Film Festival, which strives to delight cinema enthusiasts each year by presenting a diverse array of unique and popular movies. He expressed gratitude to the exceptional jury tasked with selecting standout films and highlighted the festival’s vital role in providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase insightful and thought-provoking films. Rathore also acknowledged the festival’s significant milestone with its 11th edition, marking a decade of taking ‘Cinematic Culture’ to both metro and smaller cities across India, promoting an appreciation of cinematic art at the grassroots level.

    The Jagran Film Festival kick-started in Delhi on 03 August and travelled through Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Dehradun, Hisar, Ludhiana, Patna, Ranchi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Raipur, Indore. The festival culminated with the Jagran Film Festival 2023 Awards on 15 October in Mumbai. 

  • ‘Lightness of being’, a coffee table book to be launched on Jagjit Singh’s 77th birthday paying him an unforgettable tribute

    ‘Lightness of being’, a coffee table book to be launched on Jagjit Singh’s 77th birthday paying him an unforgettable tribute

    8th February will mark 77th birth anniversary of the man who made Ghazals synonyms with romance in India. On this special occasion, a seven cities musical concert has been planned to pay tribute to the Maestro starting with Mumbai on 8th.

    A special pack of a beautiful coffee table book, a DVD of never seen before footage from his Paris concert and a documentary called Kaagaz Ki Kashti based on Jagjit Singh’s life, made by Brahmanand Singh will be launched that day for the fans of Jagjit Singh.

    The documentary also  has people like Gulzar Sahab, Subhash Ghai and Jagjit Singh’s wife chitra sharing anecdotes about the maestro’s life.

    “While Jagjit was a man of depth and gravitas, he never took himself seriously. This is a small effort to pay a humble tribute to him. The book celebrates his life, music, success, failure, the pain and personal tragedies in all its glory, told through photographs and unheard of anecdotes .”Said Bharmanand Singh who is behind this effort to organize the 7 cities musical concert. 

    The evening is  aimed to recreate and reinterpret the maestro’s immortal, soulful and rare ghazals celebrating and bringing out the very essence of the magic created by Jagjit Singh.