All stories by Aseem Chhabra
'Ray is a hit and miss job'
Rediff.com25 Jun 2021If Netflix and the film's producers thought they would bring younger audiences to the master's works, many who might have aversion to decades-old black and white films, they have failed with the experiment, says Aseem Chhabra.
When Satyajit Ray got UPSET
Rediff.com2 May 2021There is a world that Satyajit Ray created in his films that I wanted to be a part of -- as Durga bathed in the rain to Ravi Shankar's music; when Charulata sat on the swing regretting she never had a child; and Aarti stood up in defence of her colleague. Aseem Chhabra shares interesting memoris of Satyajit Ray on the latter's birth centenary on May 2.
Thank you for the memories, Irrfan!
Rediff.com29 Apr 2021We are all blessed that Irrfan Khan has left us a treasure trove of his remarkable films. The characters he played were real, believable. We recognised them and they have stayed with us. And so a fan I like to believe Irrfan Khan did not die, says Aseem Chhabra, the actor's biographer on Irrfan's first death anniversary.
What made the Oscars so DIFFERENT
Rediff.com26 Apr 2021Despite the smaller scale of the event, the mood at the ceremony was cheerful, notes Aseem Chhabra.
15 BEAUTIFUL stories, told on screen
Rediff.com12 Mar 2021Aseem Chhabra introduces us to the best of Berlinale.
Golden Globes: Black Lives Matter!
Rediff.com1 Mar 2021'Stories can change people.' 'But there's a story we have been afraid to see and hear about ourselves in this industry.' 'A story about which voices we respect and elevate, and which we tune out.' 'Story about who's offered a seat at the table and who is kept out of the rooms where the decisions are made.'
Vihir is like a book on life lessons
Rediff.com24 Feb 2021Vihir is a balm for our troubled souls, says Aseem Chhabra. It is a like a book on life lessons -- joy, laughter and tragedy are all part of our existence.
'Women have no way to express their pain and sorrows'
Rediff.com11 Feb 2021'When a woman gets married, she leaves her village, her friends and family.' 'In her new home, she will make friends, but they can never replace those she left behind.'
Can you watch 425 films in a year?
Rediff.com13 Jan 2021Aseem Chhabra watched some great films and some huge disappointments in 2020.
2020's BEST Non-Hindi Films
Rediff.com30 Dec 2020Aseem Chhabra lists the best non-Hindi language films he watched in 2020, with the hope that they will have a wider reach in the new year.
The 10 BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS of 2020
Rediff.com24 Dec 2020Here is a look at some of Aseem Chhabra's favourite memories of 2020 in Hindi cinema, performances by well-known and new actors, special moments in films and shows.
Is Jallikattu the right choice for the Oscars?
Rediff.com26 Nov 2020'I believe FFI has made a mistake,' notes Aseem Chhabra.
'Soumitra Chatterjee is bigger than a Ray actor'
Rediff.com17 Nov 2020'He never went to the Bombay industry.'
Discovering the charming Soumitra Chatterjee
Rediff.com15 Nov 2020Soumitra Chatterjee -- one of the finest Indian actors of our time -- meant so much to Aseem Chhabra.
Biden doesn't have a magic wand
Rediff.com10 Nov 2020But his nature, temperament, his skill to listen to others, and empathise with their pain and hardships will make him a far better president, a leader America has been longing for four years, notes Aseem Chhabra.
Seen these FANTASTIC films?
Rediff.com22 Oct 2020The New York Film Festival served an amazing plate of films. Aseem Chhabra picks the best ones.
Which of these films will win Oscars?
Rediff.com25 Sep 2020Aseem Chhabra lists the films that won his heart at the recent Toronto International Film Festival.
Why Mira Nair's Films Speak To Me
Rediff.com21 Sep 2020Mira's films are alive, rocking and so true to the reality I know. They are gifts that I keep revisiting, and I cannot wait for what more she will share with us, notes Aseem Chhabra.
Lovers Rock review
Rediff.com18 Sep 2020Lovers Rock is sexy, romantic, charming and hugely entertaining -- a perfect gift for movie lovers in these tough times, feels Aseem Chhabra.
Will the Oscar go to this actress?
Rediff.com15 Sep 2020Vanessa Kirby is sure to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar award, and Frances McDormand of Nomadland will give her a healthy competition, feels Aseem Chhabra.