Connect with us
https://ebuiz.com/website1999/

Bollywood

‘I am Muslim…’: AR Rahman explains why he worked on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, responds to trolls

Published

on

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has addressed questions surrounding faith and identity after announcing his involvement in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana. Responding to criticism and online trolling, Rahman emphasised that art, knowledge, and storytelling transcend religious boundaries, and should be approached with openness rather than prejudice.

Rahman, who is collaborating with two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer on the ambitious project, said that his connection with Indian epics dates back to his childhood and is rooted in cultural familiarity rather than religious labels.

“Art cannot be confined by religion”

Speaking in a recent conversation on the BBC Asian YouTube channel, Rahman reflected on his early exposure to Indian mythology and literature.

“I studied in a Brahmin school, and every year we had Ramayana and Mahabharata, so I know the story,” he said.

The composer highlighted that the core of the Ramayana lies in its moral values and universal ideals, not in religious exclusivity.

“The story is about how virtuous and high-principled a person is. People can debate, but I value all the good things—any good thing that you can learn,” Rahman added.

He also referenced teachings across religions that encourage seeking knowledge regardless of its source, reinforcing his belief that wisdom is universal.

‘I am Muslim, Ramayana is Hindu—but art unites us’

Addressing the controversy more directly, Rahman urged society to rise above narrow-minded thinking.

“I think we need to rise above narrow-mindedness and selfishness. When we rise above, we shine—and that is very important,” he said.
“Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and Ramayana is Hindu. It is coming from India to the whole world with love.”

His statement has been widely praised for underlining India’s pluralistic cultural tradition, where artists from diverse backgrounds have long contributed to stories rooted in different faiths.

AR Rahman’s background and early life

Rahman was born in Chennai (then Madras) into a Hindu family and was originally named Dileep Kumar Rajagopala. He converted to Islam in 1989 and adopted the name AR Rahman. Despite the change in religious identity, the composer has often spoken about how Indian classical traditions, spiritual philosophies, and diverse cultural influences shaped his musical journey.

Over the decades, Rahman has composed music for films across languages, cultures, and belief systems—often blending spiritual themes with contemporary soundscapes.

About Ramayana: cast, scale, and release

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious Indian film projects ever undertaken.

  • Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
  • Sai Pallavi as Sita
  • Yash as Ravana
  • Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
  • Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana
  • Arun Govil as King Dasharatha
  • Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha

The film is planned as a two-part cinematic epic, with:

  • Part 1 releasing on Diwali 2026
  • Part 2 releasing on Diwali 2027

Reportedly made on a staggering budget of over ₹4,000 crore, the project aims to present the ancient epic with cutting-edge visual effects and a globally appealing musical score.

Why Rahman’s involvement matters

Rahman’s collaboration with Hans Zimmer marks a rare East–West musical partnership for an Indian mythological film, positioning Ramayana as a project with international reach. His comments have reignited conversations about artistic freedom, inclusivity, and the dangers of reducing creativity to religious identity.

By choosing to participate in Ramayana, Rahman reiterates a long-held belief:
stories belong to humanity, not to any single faith.

Avni Trivedi

Avni brings sparkle and depth to entertainment and lifestyle writing. Her stories span Bollywood, celebrity culture, fashion trends, and festive flair. She blends aesthetic sensibilities with real-world insights to create engaging and relatable content for modern readers.

Bollywood

Are Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar Heading for Divorce? Instagram Activity Sparks Speculation

Published

on

Rumours surrounding the marriage of Mouni Roy and businessman Suraj Nambiar have intensified after fans noticed unusual activity on the couple’s social media accounts.

Speculation about a possible separation began circulating online after users observed that both Mouni and Suraj appear to have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

What Sparked the Divorce Rumours?

Social media users recently noticed several changes involving the couple’s Instagram profiles, including:

  • Mouni Roy allegedly unfollowing Suraj Nambiar
  • Suraj also reportedly not following Mouni anymore
  • wedding photographs seemingly removed from Instagram
  • and the absence of recent posts featuring each other.

The online activity quickly triggered discussions among fans and entertainment gossip pages, with many wondering whether the couple is facing problems in their marriage.

Fans React to the Social Media Changes

The developments immediately became a major talking point online.

Many fans expressed concern and urged the couple to stay together.

Some social media users commented:

  • asking whether the couple is separating
  • questioning why wedding pictures were deleted
  • and hoping the rumours turn out to be false.

Others pointed out that celebrity couples often archive or remove posts for personal or privacy reasons, warning against jumping to conclusions without official confirmation.

No Official Statement Yet

As of now:

  • neither Mouni Roy nor Suraj Nambiar has publicly addressed the rumours
  • no official statement regarding separation or divorce has been released
  • and the speculation remains unconfirmed.

Celebrity relationship rumours based solely on social media activity are common, and many such reports have later proven inaccurate.

Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar’s Relationship Timeline

The couple first met in:

  • Dubai in 2019 during New Year celebrations.

After dating for nearly three years, they got married in:
Goa in January 2022.

Their wedding ceremonies included:

  • Bengali traditions
  • Malayali rituals
  • and multiple celebrations attended by close friends and family.

The wedding took place at:
Hilton Goa Resort.

Mouni Roy’s Career Journey

Mouni Roy began her career in Indian television before transitioning successfully into Bollywood films.

She has appeared in projects including:

  • Gold
  • Romeo Akbar Walter
  • Made in China
  • Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva.

Upcoming Film Project

Mouni is next expected to appear alongside:

  • Varun Dhawan
  • Mrunal Thakur
  • and Pooja Hegde

in:
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

The film is directed by:
David Dhawan
and is reportedly scheduled for theatrical release on June 5.

Why Celebrity Social Media Activity Often Fuels Rumours

Experts note that celebrity relationships frequently become the subject of speculation because:

  • fans closely monitor social media behaviour
  • follows and unfollows are interpreted as relationship signals
  • and deleted photographs often trigger breakup rumours.

However, celebrities sometimes:

  • archive posts temporarily
  • take digital breaks
  • or choose to keep personal relationships private.
Avni Trivedi

Avni brings sparkle and depth to entertainment and lifestyle writing. Her stories span Bollywood, celebrity culture, fashion trends, and festive flair. She blends aesthetic sensibilities with real-world insights to create engaging and relatable content for modern readers.

Continue Reading

Bollywood

Chand Mera Dil Trailer Out: Ananya Panday and Lakshya’s Romantic Drama Feels Familiar

Published

on

The trailer of Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, was released on Sunday, offering audiences a glimpse into an emotional romantic drama packed with love, heartbreak, and intense confrontations.

Backed by Dharma Productions and produced by Karan Johar, the film appears to follow a conventional Bollywood romance template, with the trailer hinting at a predictable storyline.

What the Trailer Shows

The nearly three-minute trailer opens with romantic moments between the lead pair before quickly shifting into emotional conflicts and arguments.

From the visuals, the film seems to revolve around:

  • a passionate love story
  • emotional misunderstandings
  • separation and heartbreak
  • reconciliation and redemption

While the chemistry between the leads is evident, the trailer largely sticks to familiar storytelling beats often seen in mainstream romantic dramas.

Ananya Panday’s Role Feels Familiar

Ananya Panday appears in a role similar to her recent romantic-drama characters. Her performance in the trailer leans heavily on emotional scenes and relationship conflicts, though it does not showcase a major departure from her previous screen personas.

The trailer also suggests her character may prioritize self-respect and independence amid relationship turmoil — a common emotional arc in modern Bollywood romances.

Lakshya Takes Centre Stage as Romantic Lead

For Lakshya, Chand Mera Dil marks one of his first major outings as a full-fledged romantic hero.

While he looks convincing in softer romantic moments, some emotionally intense scenes involving anger and confrontation appear less impactful in the trailer.

The film hints that his character may struggle with emotional instability or anger issues, potentially becoming a central conflict in the narrative.

Supporting Cast Missing From Trailer

One notable aspect of the trailer is the absence of supporting characters. The promo focuses almost entirely on Ananya and Lakshya, giving very little insight into the film’s wider cast or subplots.

This suggests the makers are positioning the movie primarily as a lead-pair-driven romantic drama.

Music Already Generating Buzz

The film’s title track has already gained traction online. The song has been sung by Faheem Abdullah, known for the popular track Saiyaara.

The emotional soundtrack appears to be a major element of the film’s appeal and marketing campaign.

Release Date

Directed by Vivek Soni, Chand Mera Dil is scheduled to release in theatres on May 22, 2026.

Final Verdict on the Trailer

The trailer delivers:

  • romance
  • heartbreak
  • emotional drama
  • visually polished moments

However, it does not introduce a particularly fresh concept or unexpected twist. While fans of classic Bollywood love stories may enjoy the emotional tone and music, the trailer gives the impression of a fairly familiar narrative structure.

The film’s success may ultimately depend on:

  • the chemistry between the lead actors
  • emotional depth in the screenplay
  • and the strength of its music album.
Avni Trivedi

Avni brings sparkle and depth to entertainment and lifestyle writing. Her stories span Bollywood, celebrity culture, fashion trends, and festive flair. She blends aesthetic sensibilities with real-world insights to create engaging and relatable content for modern readers.

Continue Reading

Bollywood

Box Office Report [May 10, 2026]: Raja Shivaji Dominates Weekend as Krishnavataram Part 1: Hridayam and Daadi Ki Shaadi Show Growth

Published

on

Sunday turned out to be a strong day at the Indian box office, with both newly released films and older theatrical releases witnessing a healthy jump in collections. Interestingly, established titles continued to outperform several fresh releases, proving that strong word-of-mouth and audience retention remain key factors in sustaining theatrical momentum.

From mythological dramas to family entertainers and horror comedies, theatres across the country saw increased footfalls over the weekend.

Krishnavataram Part 1: Hridayam Gains Momentum Over Weekend

The mythological drama Krishnavataram Part 1: Hridayam, released on May 7, showed steady growth after a slow opening.

Day-wise Collection:

  • Opening Day: Rs 42 lakh
  • Friday: Rs 1.15 crore
  • Saturday: Rs 2.25 crore
  • Sunday: Rs 3.50 crore

Total Collection:

Rs 7.32 crore

The film appears to be benefiting from positive audience response, especially in regional circuits where devotional and mythology-based cinema continues to perform strongly.

Daadi Ki Shaadi Shows Weekend Recovery

Featuring Kapil Sharma and Neetu Kapoor, Daadi Ki Shaadi witnessed improved collections after a weak start.

Box Office Breakdown:

  • Friday: Rs 60 lakh
  • Saturday: Rs 1.15 crore
  • Sunday: Rs 1.70 crore

Total Collection:

Rs 3.45 crore

The family entertainer has shown signs of weekend growth, though weekday collections will determine its long-term theatrical performance.

Raja Shivaji Continues Strong Box Office Run

Historical epic Raja Shivaji remained the biggest performer among the films currently running in theatres.

Based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film has maintained strong momentum since its release on May 1.

Weekend Collections:

  • Friday: Rs 3.20 crore
  • Saturday: Rs 5.60 crore
  • Sunday: Rs 6.80 crore

Total Collection:

Rs 68.25 crore

The film’s star-studded cast includes:

  • Genelia D’Souza
  • Abhishek Bachchan
  • Sanjay Dutt
  • Salman Khan
  • Vidya Balan

Strong audience interest in historical dramas and patriotic themes appears to be driving the film’s continued success.

Ek Din Struggles at the Box Office

Despite featuring acclaimed performers Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, Ek Din has struggled to attract audiences.

Recent Collections:

  • Saturday: Rs 9 lakh
  • Sunday: Rs 10 lakh

Total Collection (10 Days):

Rs 4.24 crore

The film’s low occupancy suggests it may soon exit theatres unless collections improve significantly.

Bhooth Bangla Maintains Excellent Run

The horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, continued its successful theatrical run.

Weekend Performance:

  • Saturday: Rs 3 crore
  • Sunday: Rs 4.10 crore

Total Collection:

Rs 158.85 crore

The film remains one of the strongest commercial performers currently in theatres.

Dhurandhar 2 Crosses Massive Milestone

Action entertainer Dhurandhar 2 also witnessed a weekend boost.

Sunday Collection:

Rs 1.10 crore

Total Domestic Collection:

Rs 1,143.09 crore

The film continues to hold a strong position despite facing competition from newer releases, further cementing its blockbuster status.

Weekend Trend at the Box Office

The May 10 box office trend highlighted a familiar pattern in Indian cinema:

  • Strong word-of-mouth continues to benefit older releases
  • Family entertainers and historical dramas are drawing audiences
  • Content-driven films are performing better over weekends

Avni Trivedi

Avni brings sparkle and depth to entertainment and lifestyle writing. Her stories span Bollywood, celebrity culture, fashion trends, and festive flair. She blends aesthetic sensibilities with real-world insights to create engaging and relatable content for modern readers.

Continue Reading

Trending