Tag: Yash Chopra

  • Netflix rolls the YRF reel worldwide

    Netflix rolls the YRF reel worldwide

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, nostalgia! Netflix and Yash Raj Films (YRF) hit play on a golden reel of Hindi cinema memories, bringing five decades of cinematic gems to screens around the world. The streaming giant sealed a landmark partnership with India’s iconic studio, opening its vault of classics, blockbusters and heart-throbs for global audiences to binge on.  

    The celebration began with a star-studded line-up. Shah Rukh Khan fans were treated to nine of his biggest hits, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara and Chak De! India, which dropped on November 1, marking the superstar’s birthday weekend. Salman Khan’s action-packed trio Ek Tha Tiger, Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai will roar onto Netflix on December 27, his birthday.

    Romance buffs can look forward to November 14, when timeless Yash Chopra classics like Chandni, Lamhe and Silsila begin streaming. Ranveer Singh’s infectious energy arrives on December 5 with Band Baaja Baaraat and Gunday. The festive season gets even brighter with 34 YRF crowd-pleasers, including Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and Mujhse Dosti Karoge, set to stream two at a time between December 12 and 28.

    The reel keeps rolling into 2026, with the Dhoom trilogy revving up from November 28 and the Mardaani series joining on January 22. Valentine’s week will see eight heart-fluttering romances like Saathiya and Bachna Ae Haseeno streaming from February 7.

    “For over 50 years, Yash Raj Films has shaped the heart of Indian cinema,” said YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani. “Bringing this legacy to Netflix lets the world experience the colour, the music and the magic of India.”

    Netflix India vice president of content Monika Shergill added, “This partnership celebrates Indian cinema in all its glory, allowing fans to relive the magic while new audiences discover its timeless charm.”

    Whether you’re chasing Dhoom-style thrills or humming Tujhe Dekha To in your living room, Netflix’s latest drop has turned every night into a Hindi cinema blockbuster.

     

  • Kevin Vaz urges lighter regulation as India’s media story hits new high

    Kevin Vaz urges lighter regulation as India’s media story hits new high

    MUMBAI: When the lights came up at Ficci Frames’ silver jubilee edition, JioStar Entertainment CEO and president of the Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation Kevin Vaz, took the stage with a rallying cry: “Rise Together.” The theme Reimagine, Innovate, Strengthen, Empower set the tone for a morning that was equal parts reflection and call to action.

    Marking 25 years of one of India’s most influential media and entertainment (M&E) gatherings, Vaz reminded the audience how far the industry has travelled since 2001, when Ficci Frames coincided with the government formally granting industry status to M&E. “It opened the doors to institutional finance, enabling capital flows, investments, and risk-taking in content and technology,” he noted, a turning point that defined India’s creative economy.

    Vaz saluted industry stalwarts like Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, and Uday Shankar for steering FRAMES through the years, while welcoming dignitaries including Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs minister Ashish Shelar, MIB Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and actor Ayushmann Khurrana. “A quarter century of dialogue, discovery, and doing,” he said, “and yet the best is still ahead.”

    From satellite TV to OTT, from animation and VFX to gaming, the sector has evolved at lightning speed. India’s “AND” market, Vaz said, stands out globally for how television and digital coexist each expanding the other. “Unlike Western markets, India’s consumers haven’t chosen between TV and digital. They’ve embraced both,” he quipped, adding that the combined strength of PayTV, FreeTV, and Connected TV continues to grow the overall M&E pie.

    Sports, too, has emerged as India’s cultural engine. “Cricket may rule, but football, kabaddi and esports are fast catching up,” Vaz observed, calling for ease-of-doing-business reforms to boost live broadcasting from India.

    On cinema, he celebrated how regional and independent voices have made global waves from RRR and The Elephant Whisperers at the Oscars to Indian films shining at Cannes and Berlin. “Our stories aren’t just travelling,” Vaz declared, “they’re leading.”

    He spotlighted the rise of the AVGC sector, now moving from outsourcing to creating original IP, with 500 plus million gamers and the National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai giving India global creative heft. With MeitY’s support, gaming startups are scaling worldwide proof that technology and storytelling are increasingly entwined.

    But amid the applause, Vaz urged urgency. “The pace of change is accelerating,” he warned, “and this calls for stronger collaboration between business and policy-makers.” His sharpest message was reserved for regulators: “The heavy-handed regulation of linear broadcasting has stifled innovation. We need forbearance, a light-touch regime that allows creativity and competition to flourish.”

    Broadcasting, contributing nearly 40 per cent of the Indian M&E industry, he emphasised, remains central to the prime minister’s vision of making India the world’s content hub. “We’re in a golden era,” he said, “but to truly lead, quality must match ambition and innovation must be inclusive.”

    As Frames 25 concluded its opening key notes Vaz’s address resonated as both celebration and manifesto, a reminder that India’s creative economy, employing millions and inspiring billions, is ready for its next act.

    “Together,” he said, “we will Rise reimagining the next 25 years of storytelling, policy, and purpose.”

  • Ayushmann Khurrana named brand ambassador for 25 Ficci Frames

    Ayushmann Khurrana named brand ambassador for 25 Ficci Frames

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, celebration! As Ficci Frames gears up for its 25 anniversary, Indian cinema superstar Ayushmann Khurrana has been announced as the brand ambassador for the event, becoming the face of India’s media & entertainment industry. This silver jubilee edition promises to combine star power, disruptive innovation, and global relevance, making it a landmark occasion for India’s thriving creative landscape.

    This year’s theme, “RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” reflects Ficci Frames’ transformative role in shaping the narratives, creativity, and evolution of India’s media and entertainment industry. Over 25 years, the event has emerged as the premier platform for industry collaboration, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and creative talents to discuss the future of entertainment.

    Expressing his excitement, Ficci Media chair & entertainment committee and Jiostar CEO- entertainment, Kevin Vaz said, “The silver jubilee edition of Ficci Frames is a celebration of 25 years of excellence and a tribute to the legacy we have built in shaping India’s Media & Entertainment industry. Ayushmann Khurrana, with his incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and connection with audiences, represents the very ethos of Ficci Frames. His association will elevate this milestone event and inspire future generations of storytellers and creators.”

    Sharing his thoughts on being the first brand ambassador for Ficci Frames, Khurrana said, “It is a huge honour for me to be announced as the first Brand Ambassador for Ficci Frames in its silver jubilee year! As someone who arrived in Mumbai from Chandigarh with nothing but dreams in my eyes, I could never have imagined this incredible journey, one where my work has not only touched lives but also become a part of India’s rich pop culture tapestry. In my new role, I am committed to working closely with the exceptional Ficci team to champion disruption, celebrate innovation, and highlight the excellence our industry consistently delivers.”

    Ficci Frames has long been a beacon of leadership in India’s creative ecosystem. Previously chaired by Yash Chopra and co-chaired by Karan Johar, the event is now led by Kevin Vaz, alongside co-chairs Meta India VP & MD Sandhya Devanathan, and Warner Bros. Discovery GM, south Asia Arjun Nohwar.

    Notable global icons, such as Hugh Jackman, James Murdoch, and Mukesh Ambani, have graced the Ficci Frames stage in the past. Indian cinema legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Amitabh Bachchan have also contributed to its star-studded history.

    Held annually in Mumbai, the silver jubilee event promises to dive into cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, digital content creation, and the metaverse, while continuing to highlight traditional media. The programme will feature keynote addresses, B2B meetings, masterclasses, policy roundtables, and the Best Animated Frames Awards (BAF).

    With Khurrana leading the charge, this year’s Ficci Frames is set to redefine the boundaries of media and entertainment innovation, paving the way for the next 25 years of creative excellence.

  • YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    MUMBAI: It’s the coming together of a successful legacy studio and a new age creative production banner. Yash Raj Films (YRF)  today announced that it is partnering with series producer Posham Pa Pictures to jointly develop and produce theatrical films beginning 2025.  

    YRF is known for several iconic films like Chandni, Kaala Patthar, Lamhe,  Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Chak De! India, Dhoom and others. Posham Pa Pictures has been behind streaming series such as Netflix’s Kaala Paani, Mamla Legal Hai and Jaadugar and Disney+ Hotstar’s Home Shanti.

    The partnership marks Posham Pa’s foray into theatrical films releases. YRF will provide it with the studio infrastructure and its strong distribution capabilities, which is the vision of Aditya Chopra – the son of YRF founder, the late Yash Chopra. The transformation of YRF from being just a producer to a studio is being led by the firm’s CEO Akshaye Widhani. 

    Said Widhani: “It is truly the coming together of similar creative minds that are constantly striving for excellence by pushing the content envelope. Posham Pa Pictures have shown that they know the pulse of the audience by giving us unique and incredibly fresh stories that have won them unanimous acclaim. Our partnership will now aim to create ground-breaking theatrical experiences for today’s audiences who are seeking out new and novel storytelling to engage, endorse & celebrate.”

    Posham Pa was founded by partners Sameer Saxena, Amit Golani, Biswapati Sarkar and Saurabh Khanna. 

    “The coming together of YRF and Posham Pa Pictures throws open a world of exciting, unchartered creative possibilities,” said Saxena. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to jointly create theatrical experiences like never before with YRF and entertain the audience with unique, fresh stories.”

    (Picture courtesy: Biswapati Sarkar’s  X account)

  • Tata Play Binge celebrates six ways the ‘King of Romance’

    Tata Play Binge celebrates six ways the ‘King of Romance’

    Mumbai: Yash Chopra, the name that defined an era of romance in Bollywood, left an enduring legacy through Yash Raj Films. Also known as the ‘King of Romance’, he altered the landscape of Indian cinema as his production house, Yash Raj Films, became synonymous with heart touching romantic films. He held the unparalleled ability to weave emotions that resonate across generations, gracing Bollywood with an everlasting heritage of love and enchantment. Yash Chopra, with his unparalleled vision, brought love, passion, and timeless storytelling to the silver screen, creating a rich tapestry of films that continue to touch our souls. Tata Play Binge humbly pays tribute to the maestro on his death anniversary by curating his biggest hits on the platform. Here’s a look at iconic elements from the legend’s films that helped him deliver countless imperishable love stories and forever transformed romance as a genre.

    Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Amazon Prime Video

    Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, often lovingly abbreviated as DDLJ, stands as a timeless masterpiece in the world of Indian cinema, bearing the indelible mark of its maestro, Yash Chopra. This epic tale of two star-crossed lovers, played by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, not only etched itself into the hearts of millions but also found its place in the annals of history by winning numerous awards. From Filmfare Awards to National Film Awards, DDLJ was showered with accolades, and even more importantly, it was showered with love. Yash Chopra’s directorial brilliance, paired with the iconic performances and the timeless music, has rendered this film a beacon of romance that continues to run in Indian theaters till date.

    Deewar – ZEE5

    Deewar, a cult classic that epitomizes the ‘angry young man’ persona of Amitabh Bachchan and established him as the superstar of Bollywood. Directed by Yash Chopra, this film is a gripping tale of two brothers on opposite sides of the law. Yash Chopra’s masterful direction, coupled with Amitabh Bachchan’s powerful performance and the unforgettable ‘Mere Paas Maa Hai’ line, made ‘Deewar’ an enduring symbol of the ‘angry young man’ era. The film’s gripping narrative, complex characters, and its exploration of socio-economic divides continue to resonate with audiences, reaffirming its status as an unparalleled cinematic gem in Indian cinema’s crown.

    Waqt – Disney+ Hotstar

    Yash Chopra’s Waqt is a family drama that explores the importance of time and relationships. Starring an ensemble cast including Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan, the film is a true classic. Watch Waqt to witness a heartwarming family saga that stands as a testament to Yash Chopra’s artistry and innovation, solidifying its place as one of the most cherished and endearing classics in Indian cinema history.

    Veer Zaara – Apple TV+

    Veer-Zaara, another gem in Yash Chopra’s crown, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta. It’s a cross-border love story that beautifully portrays the power of love that knows no boundaries. Known for its celebrated music by iconic Lata Mangeshwar, the film was one of the biggest romantic blockbusters of its time. You can stream Veer-Zaara on Apple TV+ and experience the magic of Yash Chopra’s storytelling.

    Wondering how to get the subscription of these OTT apps? We have Tata Play Binge for you. Viewers can avail the entire package of 22+ apps (Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV+, ZEE5, SonyLIV, Hallmark Movies Now, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, Koode, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, Voot Kids, 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!!

  • Zee Classic to air ‘Deewaar’

    Zee Classic to air ‘Deewaar’

    MUMBAI: Zee Classic that believes in ‘Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana’ is all set to quench the audiences thirst for classic cinema. The channel brings the ultimate family drama ‘Deewaar’ starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh and Nirupa Roy this Sunday, 7 June at 2 pm.

     

    Written by Salim- Javed and directed by veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra’s ‘Deewaar’ received unprecedented success. The film in totality ran for over 100 weeks and was one of the only 13 films that grossed over Rs one crore mark in every territory across India between 1970s-1980s. Considered among the top 10 money-spinners of the industry, ‘Deewaar’ was a trend setter in true sense. Starting from iconic dialogues such as ‘Mere Paaas Maa Hai’ to ‘Main aaj bhi phenke huye paise nahi uthatha’ the film turned out to be the plinth for Amitabh Bachchan’s thriving stardom.

     

    Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) are two brothers who were raised in poor conditions by their formidable mother (Nirupa Roy).  However dire social circumstances lead both brothers to follow different life choices and career paths. Where, Vijay turns out to be a shrewd criminal, Ravi chooses to be a police inspector assigned to locate lawbreakers. Vijay burnt with anger for the social injustice caused by the society on his family especially his mother wants to provide her with all the luxuries of life. And thus begins a fundamental battle of the righteous ideologies.

     

    Who will win? Will Ravi bring Vijay to justice?

  • Amitabh Bachchan receives the 2nd Yash Chopra National Memorial award

    Amitabh Bachchan receives the 2nd Yash Chopra National Memorial award

    MUMBAI: The second Yash Chopra National Memorial award was held at JW Mariott in suburban Mumbai on 25 December 2014.

     

    The award has been instituted by the renowned statesman and MP, T Subbarami Reddy in the memory of late illustrious director, Yash Chopra. The second Yash Chopra National Memorial award went to the living legend Amitabh Bachchan for his phenomenal contribution to the Indian film industry.

     

    The ceremony was held in association with ITA president and GR8! TV magazine editor, Anu Ranjan and ITA and GR8! producer, director and the sheet-anchor, Shashi Ranjan. In association with the Ranjans, Reddy, who has been a close associate and a very dear friend of Yash Chopra, wanted to perpetuate his memory and commemorate Chopra’s outstanding contribution to the world of art and Indian cinema.

     

    The jury constituted of notable names such as Simi Garewal, Hema Malini, Anil Kapoor and Reddy himself and they unanimously decided that the prestigious honour should go to Amitabh Bachchan.

     

    Last year, the award was conferred upon Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar for her monumental contribution to the sphere of music in the country.

     

     The ceremony was conducted in a very dignified way and included the presence of distinguished personalities as Governor of Maharashtra, Vidyasagar Rao, honourable former Union Minister, Susheel Kumar Shinde, honourable Union Minister, Prakash Javadekar along with Videocon Industries Chairman & Managing Director, V N Dhoot and a host of celebrities from TV & Films.

     

     Celebrities who attended the event included Pam Chopra, Jaya Pradha, Simi Garewal, Bhagayhree and her husband Himalaya, Madhoo, cricketer Mohammed  Azharuddin, Arjan Bajwa,  Ellie Aviram,  Ramesh Sippy and Kiran Juneja, Poonam Dhillon, Ramesh Taurani, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Raj Kumar Barjatya, Satish Kaushik, Mukesh Rishi, Manish Paul, Mazher Syed and Mouli Ganguly, Shashank Vyas, Tina Dutta, Karan V. Grover,  Munisha Khatwani, Karan Sharma and Digangana Suryavanshi. 

  • Fall in love 1000 times over with DDLJ on Max2

    Fall in love 1000 times over with DDLJ on Max2

     MUMBAI:  Max 2, India’s iconic Hindi movie channel brings back Indian cinema’s most iconic love story ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ on Friday, 12th December at 8pm with a simulcast on Max. The blockbuster hit of the 90’s is synonymous to channel’s positioning of ‘Kuch filmon ka jaadu kabhi kam nahin hota’. Whilst taking its viewers on a nostalgic trip it also is giving the viewers a chance to relive the moments of the movie by initiating a contest where lucky winners can stand to win memorabilia signed by the stars of the film.

    The trans-continental romance which helped popularize locales like Switzerland was declared an all-time blockbuster and remains the longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema, completing 1000 weeks at the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai. Produced by Yash Chopra and written and directed by his son Aditya, the film stars Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles.

    Commenting on the movie Max & Max 2 Sr. EVP & business head Neeraj Vyas says, “It is a timeless classic which has charmed Indian audiences through the decades and is the reason why it is longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema. We would like to bring this magic alive for our viewers and what better way to do this than have a simulcast of this iconic film on both our channels.”

    Participate in the 1000 weeks celebrations by tuning-in to ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ on 12 December, Friday at 8pm on Max 2 and Max.

     

  • Javed Akhtar to host ‘Classic Legends Season 3’

    Javed Akhtar to host ‘Classic Legends Season 3’

    MUMBAI: Zee Classic, the one-stop destination for classic and blockbuster movies of yesteryears, returns with the third season of its popular series, Classic Legends. Reviving the nostalgic memories of these Bollywood legends, host Javed Akhtar will take the audiences through this journey of 13 weeks starting 2 November at 8 pm. India’s only classic Hindi movie channel,  Zee Classics has  the largest library of classic films with over 500 exclusive titles from the 1940’s to the 1970’s.

    ‘Classic Legend Season 3’ will be featuring biographies of 13 Bollywood Legends to familiarize cine-lovers with their lives and careers in the industry. Some of the legends being featured in this season include Sanjeev Kumar, the blockbuster film maker Yash Chopra, the evergreen comedian Mehmood, a heart-throb for millions Dharmendra, the nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar, the stunningly beautiful Nutan, Manoj Kumar, well-renowned director O.P.Nayyar and many other luminaries. These industry stalwarts have left an indelible footprint in the world of Indian films and the series will give viewers an opportunity to know these film luminaries up close and personal.

    Commenting the third season of the show, Javed Akhtar said, “It gives me immense pleasure in hosting the show in its third season. The response from viewers for ‘Classic Legends’ over the last two seasons has been overwhelming. To bring the journey of each of these legends gets more and more interesting as it brings them closer to today’s generation. Having worked with most of them in Bollywood, I enjoy taking the audiences through this journey on these stalwarts as they have immense learning for all the true lovers of cinema.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Premiering on November 2, at 8 pm, Zee Classic’s ‘Classic Legend Season 3’ will kick off with Javed Akhtar taking the viewers into the life of the Yash Chopra. The renowned director, producer has many blockbuster films to his credit and has had a very inspiring journey. Tune in as Zee Classic gives its viewers a closer look into what went behind the making of these ‘Classic Legends’.

    Zee Classic presents ‘Classic Legends – Season 3’ premiering on Zee Classic at 8 pm starting November 2, 2014

     

  • ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ and ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ to release in Romania

    ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ and ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ to release in Romania

    MUMBAI: Yash Chopra’s last gesture of love is all set to release in Romania. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, Jab Tak Hai Jaan will release in Romania with subtitles on 18 October. The blockbuster film had a worldwide release on 13 November 2012.

     

    This benchmark release will be followed by another treat for Romanian audiences – the release of one more YRF historic blockbuster – Ek Tha Tiger. Starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, the film has been directed by Kabir Khan.

     

    Yash Raj Films continues to make waves all over the world with its films reaching newer heights with each passing day.