Amjad Khan’s dhobi was the inspiration behind his famous dialogue “Arre O Sambha” from Sholay

July 27 marked the 32^nd death anniversary of Amjad Khan, one of the most iconic actors from India cinema. Although he was known for his villainous roles, he also excelled while playing different roles. But he is known the most for his legendary act as the dacoit Gabbar Singh in Ramesh Sippy’s classic Sholay (1975).

Khan’s role as Gabbar Singh is not only still remembered but it also sends a chill down your spine. A major highlight about his performance in Sholay was that he made some of the mundane lines memorable. For example, “Kitne aadmi the?”, “Arre O Sambha”, “Holi kab hai, kab hai Holi?”, etc.

It would come as a complete surprise to many that out of these dialogues, Khan’s inspiration behind the line “Arre O Sambha” was his dhobi (laundry guy). This interesting trivia is disclosed by journalist turned author Roshmila Bhattacharya in her book ‘Bad Men: Bollywood’s Iconic Villains’. The book has numerous chapters based on some of the most iconic onscreen bad men from Hindi cinema. It is published by Rupa Publications.

Amjad Khan’s wife Shehla Khan told the author that her husband used to excel in mimicry of famous people. But Amjad’s father, the late actor Jayant, once told him that he should try and mimic ordinary people.

An excerpt from the book read, “Shehla remembers her father-in-law, actor Jayant, telling his son, ‘Tum khaas ki nakal karoge to pehchane jaaoge, agar nakal hi karni hai to aam ki karo (If you try to imitate a known person, you will be caught. If you have to imitate someone, let it be a common man).’ The words resonated with him, and Amjad Khan found his muses in the people around him, including their domestic worker and the dhobi (laundry man). ‘We had a dhobi who would call out to his wife, “Arrey O Shanti”, and from that was born “Arrey O Sambha”,’ reveals Shehla.”

This chapter from ‘Bad Men’ also looks at the period when Amjad Khan and his wife met with an accident when they were traveling from Mumbai to Goa in their car. Khan had to reach over there to shoot The Great Gambler after he missed his flight as he was shooting for the film Watan (which was later shelved). The veteran actor dozed off as their driver drove the vehicle. Later, when they were about to resume the journey after taking a break for tea at a stall, Khan asked their driver to rest, and he decided to take the wheel.

While he was trying to flip a cassette in the deck while driving, the car lost balance and banged into a tree. Khan broke his leg and 13 ribs while Shehla was also badly injured. Their son, driver and maid were unhurt. Khan and Shehla were rushed to the Panjim Medical Hospital.

An excerpt from the book read, “Amjad was wheeled in for an emergency surgery. ‘Since my right hand was broken, Amit-ji (Amitabh Bachchan), who had rushed over on getting the news, signed the consent forms for the tracheostomy. He must have been so nervous because Amjad’s condition was not good, but both Jaya and Amit-ji were by my side all day, consulting the doctors and making all the arrangements,’ Shehla relives the horror.”

The except continued, “Throughout his stay at the Panjim Medical Hospital, Amjad Khan’s The Great Gambler co-star and good friend, Amitabh Bachchan, would visit the hospital every day, urging him to get well soon. Later, when the actor himself was in hospital for months after being injured on the sets of Coolie (1983), Amjad sat by his bedside and boosted his spirits. Their yaarana (friendship) was real!”

Also Read: Ramesh Sippy recalls choosing Sholay over completed script of Majboor: “My father said don’t waste time”

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Veda: Trailer of John Abraham starrer to release on August 1; film to hit theaters on August 15 alongside Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein and Mr. Bachchan

The trailer of John Abraham’s highly anticipated film, Veda, is set to release on August 1, generating immense excitement among fans. The film, which also stars Sharvari Wagh, Tammannah Bhatia, and Abhishek Banerjee, is scheduled to hit theaters on August 15, Independence Day.

As the trailer drops, audiences can expect a glimpse into the action-packed world of Veda, which promises to be an electrifying ride. With John Abraham at the helm, known for his high-octane performances, expectations are running high. However, Veda’s release date also marks a crowded period at the box office, with several other notable films vying for attention. Khel Khel Mein, Stree 2, and Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba on Netflix will also be released around the same time, making for a competitive Independence Day weekend.

Additionally, the south film Mr. Bachchan, starring Ravi Teja, will also be hitting theaters, further adding to the box office clutter. Despite this, the makers of Veda are confident that their film’s unique blend of action, drama, and suspense will help it stand out from the crowd.

With the trailer’s release just around the corner, fans are eagerly waiting to get a glimpse of John Abraham’s latest avatar. Will Veda emerge victorious at the box office, or will it face stiff competition from its contemporaries? Only time will tell.

Also Read: Vedaa trailer to drop this week as the John Abraham starrer gets censor certificate, reveal reports

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20 years of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi EXCLUSIVE: “Duggal sahab was inspired from a real person,” reveals writer Rumy Jafry

David Dhawan’s Mujhse Shaadi Karogi turned out to be yet another success for him in the comedy genre. The film completes 20 years today (July 30). Starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, the movie is still being enjoyed by the audience. It told the story of Sameer (Salman) who has had anger issues since childhood. After growing up, he relocates to Goa where he falls in love with Rani (Priyanka). However, luck keeps ditching him and on top of that, he has to deal with his new flat mate, the naughty Sunny (Akshay).

Duggal Sahab inspired from THIS real person

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is known for the performance and start power of Salman, Akshay and Priyanka. However, the late Kader Khan in the role of Duggal sahab also gained equal importance for his strange illness. In fact, one can find numerous memes and posts on Duggal sahab on social media today. For the unversed, the character suffered through a rare condition in which becomes blind one day, deaf the other day and so on. Funnily, the film also showed him becoming child-like on day.

Not many would know that the character of Duggal sahab was inspired from a real person. In other words, there was actually a person who had such an illness. This trivia was shared with Bollywood Hungama by the film’s dialogue writer Rumy Jafry in an exclusive interview.

He told us that he always ensures that there is something unusual or funny about the characters he creates. He was wondering what different can he do with Kader Khan’s character of a landlord. “I was a bit restless thinking what type of character should he be,” said Jafry. “Rahul Rawail’s father HS Rawail’s best friend was known as Ridku uncle, who was like his uncle and stayed at their house. He was a dwarf and used to appear in a lot of HS Rawail’s films and the industry knew him.”

He continued, “When I was writing Anjaam, Rahul ji told me that his uncle had an unusual illness. Sometimes after waking up, he wouldn’t be able to hear. Sometimes, he wouldn’t be able to see. So, I thought this can be a good fit for the character (of Duggal sahab). But Rahul ji said the audience won’t believe it. I said even if they don’t, I will. So, I gave this characterization to Duggal sahab.”

But Rumy Jafry had to face an unusually scary situation right before the shoot. “My brother Aman (Jaffery) was working with Rahul ji. He told me that Rahul ji has also used this character in his film Jo Bole So Nihaal, which was to go on floors. I was shocked! I called Rahul ji and he accepted that he was written this character for his film. I said I have also written, and the film is about to start shoot. He asked whether in my film the character is helping the story and screenplay, or it is just added for comedy. I said it is helping my story and screenplay. So, he said he will remove that character from his film. It was such a big gesture that he did on the phone itself,” said Jafry.

Rajpal Yadav signed the film without knowing his character

Rajpal Yadav had become a star in those days through a series of funny and memorable performances. For this reason, producer Sajid Nadiadwala badly wanted him on board. “But there was no character decided for him,” said Jafry. “Days later, Rajpal called me and said that he has just signed the film and Sajid bhai told him that after Akshay and Salman, his role is the most prominent. He asked when he should come for a narration. I got scared as I had no role for him. I said I am busy for a week, and I straightaway called Sajid.”

Jafry continued, “I asked Sajid, ‘What role did you tell him?’ He said, ‘I made him agree for the film. Now it’s up to you.’ On the other hand, Rajpal kept calling me and saying that he is very eager to listen to his role and when should he come. Gradually, the date of the shoot neared. Rajpal said, ‘Bhaiya ab toh sunao!’ He also asked how he should work on the character and what costumes he would need to wear. I realized I can’t avoid him anymore, so I asked him to meet the next morning.”

The same evening, Jafry was wondering what character he should narrate to him. Just then, he found two roles for him – one was the member of the Eagle gang, and the other was the priest Shastri ji, who helps Salman’s character find a house. “At 10:30 or 11 pm, I suddenly thought why not make this into a double role? We can show them as twins – one became a ruffian and the other an astrologer and priest. It would be complete contrast. So, I called Sajid at around 11:30 or 12 and told him the idea. He got impressed and instantly asked me to go ahead with it,” he said.

Jafry wanted Mujhse Shaadi Karogi to appear different than one of his earlier films  

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi showed two guys (Salman and Akshay) falling for the same girl (Priyanka). Rumy Jafry had already written a film on these lines. Hence, his only concern was that MSK shouldn’t look similar to that film. “The main subject was by K Bhagyaraj. When I sat down to write, the biggest challenge was that I already had done a film on similar lines, which was Deewana Mastana. It becomes very difficult for a writer. After 10, 20 and 30 scenes there comes the interval. But what after that?”

Revealing his strategy to tackle this, he revealed, “I intentionally kept the level of entertainment very high and added freshness to the scenes. I added a prologue about the protagonist having a lot of anger, which was bottled up. And then in the climax it is revealed that this wasn’t a love triangle and Akshay was his childhood friend, who had come to calm down his anger and get him united to Priyanka. Hence, it turned out to be very different from Deewana Mastana.” He also added that David Dhawan gave a fresh and colourful look to the film and its sets were a talking point in the industry back then.

Amrish Puri’s hesitant casting

Jafry suggested Amrish Puri’s name to play colonel sahab and Priyanka’s father. His character keeps getting hit unintentionally by Salman’s character. “I had worked with him before, so I knew his thought-process and the kind of international actor he was,” he said. “He was also conscious about his image. But Sajid and David had thought about another actor. I suggested Amrish ji’s name. But they said he is a very big actor. I said that exactly will become the highlight. People will think ‘Football padi kisko? Chaataa pada kisko? Amrish ji ko!’”

Jafry added, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge did well also because of Amrish ji. People would worriedly think, ‘Kajol’s father is Amrish ji, oh shit he won’t give her permission for the trip’ and ‘What would happen if he recognized Shah Rukh (Khan)? Baap re’. So, I said his image will help our movie. They said he wouldn’t agree. I said he would. And Amrish ji did agree. Kya imandaari se unhone kaam kiya tha!”

Also Read: SCOOP: Karan Johar hits PAUSE on his war films with Salman Khan and Kartik Aaryan – Here’s Why!

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Sanjay Dutt gifts himself a stylish black Range Rover for his birthday, watch

Sanjay Dutt turned 65 on July 29, and he gave himself a wonderful gift. He emerged from his home to greet admirers and paparazzi, who also grabbed a look of his new Range Rover. The actor enjoyed his special day with his family.

Sanjay gave himself a black Range Rover SUV for his birthday. Fans were seen taking pictures and videos of him as he waved at them in a video captured by the photographers present. The actor, dressed in a colourful shirt and jeans with a chain, folded his hands before heading to his new ride. He was escorted by family members and his squad as he made his way to the car.

 

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On Sanjay’s birthday, Maanyata posted a love-filled message. Her post contains multiple romantic images set to Kishore Kumar’s Ruk Jana Nahi. She wrote, “Happy….happiest birthday to my bestest half… @duttsanjay my strongest and full of life support system…. Your inner light overshadows all obstacles, overcomes any difficulties and challenges…. You have the ability to love selflessly and unconditionally! keep it that way, invincible!!!”

She further added, “You are precious and special not only to me but, to many more….who love and adore you with all their heart….My star…keep shining bright…always and ever!! Much love #birthday #love #grace #positivity #dutts #beautifullife #thankyougod.”

Trishala Dutt also wished her father writing, “I love you pops Happy Birthday.” She also shared a video of Sanjay turning DJ and having a ball behind the console.

On the work front, Sanjay is working on the action comedy Son Of Sardar 2 with Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, and Kubbra Sait. In addition, a formal announcement for Aditya Dhar’s film, which stars him with Ranveer Singh, Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, was released. He’ll also appear in the Telugu film Double iSmart and the Kannada film KD.

Also Read : Saira Banu recalls Sanjay Dutt asking her for marriage in childhood; pens a heartfelt birthday wish for him

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Photos: Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina walk the ramp for Gaurav Gupta at India Couture Week 2024

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Lalita Dsilva addresses rumours about Rs. 2.5 lakh salary as Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan’s nanny: “May your words come true”

Lalita Dsilva, the nanny to Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s sons, Taimur and Jehangir (Jeh), has addressed rumors regarding her alleged salary of Rs. 2.5 lakh. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Lalita expressed surprise at the speculation, stating, “Rs. 2.5 lakh? I wish. May your words come true. These are all just rumors.” She recounted Kareena’s lighthearted response to the gossip, saying that Kareena assured her, “These are all jokes, sister. Don’t take it all seriously.”

Praise for Kareena and Saif

In her recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Lalita praised Kareena and Saif for their parenting skills. “Kareena is an amazing mother; she is so disciplined, and her kids are also similar. Saif is very much hands-on with his kids,” she said. Lalita’s admiration for the couple’s parenting approach highlights the nurturing environment they provide for their children despite their busy careers.

Media frenzy and public pressure

Lalita also shared her experience of dealing with the intense media attention during Taimur’s early public appearances. “There was pressure from the public and media. I would have to tell people, ‘Yeh baccha hai (he is a kid), don’t chase him, why are you behaving like this?’” she recalled. Lalita had to often remind onlookers to focus on their own children, emphasizing, “I was very concerned for Taimur’s safety, that he should be kept secure from all this.”

Family life and upcoming projects

Kareena and Saif, who tied the knot on October 16, 2012, are parents to two sons, Taimur, born in 2016, and Jeh, born in 2021. Despite their hectic schedules, the couple remains devoted to their children. Kareena is set to star in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again alongside Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Tiger Shroff. She will also appear in Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders, which releases on September 13.

Saif’s upcoming roles

Saif Ali Khan, known for his versatile acting, will be seen in Jewel Thief with Nikita Dutta and Kunal Kapoor. Reports suggest that the film will also feature Jaideep Ahlawat and will be released on an OTT platform. Additionally, Saif will star in the action thriller Devara: Part One, alongside Janhvi Kapoor and Jr NTR, set to release on October 10. The couple’s ongoing projects reflect their continued prominence in the film industry.

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor shares stunning photos from Uk trip with sister Kareena Kapoor Khan

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Rajeev Khandelwal speaks out against restriction on Pakistani actors; says, “It is all politics”

Rajeev Khandelwal is known for playing a variety of characters in films, television, and online series. The actor, who recently participated in the Emraan Hashmi-starring film Showtime, replied to the restriction on Pakistani artists. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Rajeev stated that politicians advocating a ban on Pakistani actors is wrong.

Rajeev, remarking about the restriction on Pakistani artists, stated, “No, it is all politics. This is very wrong. Who are these politicians to ban artists? Our politics dictates a certain narrative. Where there is love blossoming between two nations, you don’t even allow that for whatever reasons. So, I don’t understand this. I also feel that it’s wrong on my part to comment on this as I don’t understand it. We often speak about harmony and peace. So, where there is genuine peace and harmony, there too political parties give it a Hindu-Muslim angle. That is not right. It’s not that the Pakistani government is sending the artists as agents. I have only seen a lot of love coming.”

Rajeev is well-known for his work on prominent Hindi television shows such as Kahiin To Hoga and Sacch Ka Saamna. He made his Bollywood debut with the film Aamir 2008. He later appeared in films like Shiatan and Table No 21. Rajeev’s Disney+ Hotstar show Showtime was just renewed for a second season.

Also Read : Rajeev Khandelwal recalls being ghosted by Sanjay Leela Bhansali after signing Chenab Gandhi: “I did feel time waste ho raha hai mera…”

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