Lalit Pandit on the decline of the music composer, his favourite Jatin-Lalit song, and the split

‘Of course, there is great regret… We might be the only duo who quit at the peak.’

Akshay Manwani

· Oct 02, 2017 · 01:30 pm

All these years later, nobody exudes flamboyance like Shammi Kapoor

On the Hindi film star’s death anniversary, a reminder of his irresistible exuberance.

Akshay Manwani

· Aug 14, 2017 · 12:00 pm

The unspoken passion of Sahir Ludhianvi and Amrita Pritam

Silence defined the association between the celebrated writers, like it had ‘occupied the adjacent chair and then gone away’.

Akshay Manwani

· Oct 25, 2016 · 01:30 pm

How Nasir Husain saw the nightclub as a fun spot rather than a vice den

The filmmaker was ‘a champion of modernity’, which is evident in his productions ‘Dil Deke Dekho’, ‘Caravan’ and ‘Teesri Manzil’, says his biographer.

Akshay Manwani

· Oct 18, 2016 · 05:00 pm

On Mohammed Rafi’s 36th death anniversary, the question lingers: How did he sing so effortlessly?

We are still waiting for the definitive study of the timeless songs he sang.

Akshay Manwani

· Jul 31, 2016 · 10:00 am

Varun Grover interview: ‘The lack of respect for writers stays with you, but also fuels you’

The lyricist, screenwriter and comedian talks about negotiating the ways of the Hindi film industry and the importance of poetry and protest to his craft.

Akshay Manwani

· Jul 24, 2016 · 11:00 am

Kausar Munir: ‘I don’t like to be bracketed, in life or in anything else’

The acclaimed lyricist, poet and screenplay writer speaks about moving between forms.

Akshay Manwani

· Apr 12, 2016 · 10:00 am

'I have lit fires with songs of rebellion': Memories of Sahir Ludhianvi's college years

On the poet's 95th birth anniversary, an account of his seditious youth.

Akshay Manwani

· Mar 08, 2016 · 05:41 pm

‘Bollywood is a complete travesty of cinema because it is so dialogue-based’: Rajat Kapoor

In the second and concluding part of an interview, the filmmaker attacks popular Hindi film culture and laments the lack of interest in his scripts.

Akshay Manwani

· Mar 08, 2016 · 03:00 pm

‘As a filmmaker and an artist, you can’t live with inadequacy’: the Rajat Kapoor interview

In part one of an extensive conversation, the actor, writer and filmmaker reveals his influences, his love for theatre, and his initial years of struggle.

Akshay Manwani

· Mar 07, 2016 · 01:00 pm

Films that are 50: ‘Do Badan’ is an overlooked Raj Khosla tragedy

Best known for crime and suspense films, the director worked well across genres, as is evident from the Asha Parekh-Manoj Kumar starrer.

Akshay Manwani

· Feb 06, 2016 · 01:00 pm

Films that are 50: ‘Teesri Kasam’ is a rich monochrome about love and loss

Directed by Basu Bhattacharya and produced by lyricist Shailendra, the black-and-white gem is filled with strong performances and fabulous songs.

Akshay Manwani

· Jan 21, 2016 · 02:00 pm