In cricket, we have something that we can share with our families, neighbours and indeed, the whole country. It is colour-blind, language-neutral, truly secular and transcends all regions, from Kashmir to Kerala and Mizoram to Maharashtra, explains Shreekant Sambrani.

'I would have become a big star 11 years ago if things had worked as per my plans.'

From the 'khiladi' brand of movies rocking his boat to a love for starring in biopics and scripts inspired by true stories to headlining endless remakes of South Indian hits, there's a pattern to the man and his methods.

It looks like Stree 2 has been granted a bigger budget for VFX and sound, bringing with it a promise of more chills, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Tokyo -- the songs Japan, Love In Tokyo and Sayonara from the 1966 Hindi film automatically pop up in the mind -- is buzzing and crowded like any other metropolis, discovers Deepa Gahlot. The modern apartment blocks are built cheek by jowl, so close together that one can open the window and borrow sugar from the neighbour in the next building. One of the fears of the Indian traveller is the unavailability of vegetarian food. Every city and town in Japan has an array of Indian restaurants that serve every variety of cuisine, right from Gujarati to Punjabi to Andhra and Kerala meals.

On her 50th birthday on June 25, Sukanya Verma celebrates some of her most significant works.

Maharaj's mediocre social drama lacks the spine and spunk to recreate the relevance of revolutionary decisions in the face of religious fanaticism, observes Sukanya Verma.

'Love in today's time is very fast-paced, whereas I seek calmness in love.'

'I am old school and want what my parents have. They have been together for 35 years and still go on dates.'

Sarfira seems to be scene-to-scene copy of the original, which begs the question: Why re-do a film if there's nothing new to add, asks Mayur Sanap.

The Kalki Universe might just take off, but it will still owe its gee-whizery to Hollywood movies, observes Deepa Gahlot.

'Putting yourself out there can be scary and fearful.'

'Not many films have a reference to a creature who talks, emotes, acts in a film. And Munjya is doing all of it.

There aren't many original Web series or movies announced for June, but quite a few Bollywood films will have their digital premieres.

'That's how big this taboo is.' 'It would be difficult for them to understand what I am trying to show with Jaggi.'

'Success is in the hands of the audience. I learn from what they like or dislike, and take the next step further.'

Manjummel Boys traces the story of one such bunch of inebriated tourists from Kochi, fans of the film Gunaa.

Like Mr And Mrs Mahi, which captures the triumph of spirit of a husband and wife, there are quite a few instances of directors opting for a Mr and Mrs brand of title to describe the essence of their story.

'The censor board asked me for some strange cuts.' 'Otherwise, they would have given me an 'A' certificate.' 'One cut was where Girish Karnad was explaining artificial insemination in cattle.' 'These cuts never made any sense to me.'

'While I was performing it, I had a weird feeling that people would love it because it's so bizarre.'

If Pitroda's blunder cost him his office, what should the BJP's unrepentant attitude cost it?, asks Shyam G Menon.

Tabu's character is described as 'strong, intelligent and alluring'.

Pirojsha Godrej, 43, patriarch Adi Godrej's son, is set to take over as chairman of the Godrej Industries Group from 2026 whol Nyrika Holkar, Smita Godrej Crishna's 42-year-old daughter, has emerged as the face of the Godrej Enterprises Group.

'You don't have to be screaming and making faces to be evil.'

'When Rahman reached the studio, he heard Sukhwinder fooling around on the mike. Rahman liked what he heard and incorporated it into Jai Ho.'

'People had a perception that I may be angry as a person.' 'Or I'm older than I really am.' 'Or I can't speak in English because of the characters I've done at the beginning of my career.'

Heeramandi, a passion project that took off after years in development and planning, mirrors Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film-making's finest and frustrating features, observes Sukanya Verma.

May offers a mix of original Web series and digital movie premieres on OTT.

'What happened to Raj and Simran after running away on the train at the end of DDLJ 20 years later? Have they become flatmates instead of lovers? What happens when the initial chemistry has worn off and love becomes a habit? This has always fascinated me.'

Dazzling, dancing and decked to the hilt, courtesans in Hindi films are a breathtaking mix of shiny fantasy and flirtatious poetry to behold.

'Ekta has evolved to the extent that she understands the fight to keep the cinemas alive, to keep collective viewing alive.'

'My tool is the way I look. This is the only thing that distinguishes me.' 'Most of us dress similarly. What sets you apart is your face. If you change that also, you're like anybody else.'

Pratik Gandhi's emotional range makes him a treat to watch while Vidya is as wild as she's wise, observes Sukanya Verma.

Indications are that the DMK combine will win more seats than the AIADMK and BJP, but is facing a tough fight in about half a dozen from the rest, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy of the electoral contest in Tamil Nadu.

'Rahman was a guiding star. He was a co-film-maker rather than just a music director.'

Film folk brought in the New Year -- known through so many names like Vishu, Puthanadu, Pohela Boishakh, Bihu and Cheiraoba -- and shared pictures on social media.

Diljit Dosanjh's switch in singing style as he smoothly assumes Chamkila's vocal persona highlights the brilliance of his artistry, observes Sukanya Verma.

The reasons are too private to be discussed at a round table, listed out during a seminar, or uncovered in an academic course. A proud but insomniac connoisseur murmuring in his sleep may do a better job of explaining the phenomenon than an expert on a podium. Sreehari Nair airs his thoughts.

'India has the largest slate of local original content outside the US.'

Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout will release on April 16 on ZEE5.