BOLLYWOOD BEACON
Indian actor Rani Mukerji addressed the Australian Parliament House, highlighting potential cultural exchanges through film between India and Australia. The event, a prelude to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024, also marked the 50th anniversary of Yash Raj Films.
Mukerji unveiled a commemorative stamp honoring legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and parliament members, celebrated Chopra’s cinematic legacy and his role in globalizing Hindi-language cinema.
During her speech, Mukerji underscored the importance of the co-production treaty between the two countries and expressed hope for increased collaboration in cinema. She also noted the impact of Australian talent on Indian audiences, stating: “We absolutely love Baz Luhrman and his cinema and his musicals. You have Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman who we adore in India. They have stolen our hearts with their performances and their brilliance in musicals.” She added: “I am really manifesting a romance between Nicole Kidman and Shah Rukh Khan and of course a Hugh Jackman and Rani Mukerji musical.”
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The actress also discussed the unifying power of Indian cinema globally. “Indian films can transport you to a magical place when the lights dim in the theatres,” Mukerji said. “Indian cinema is right now at the forefront of shaping pop culture, our talent, our films, our stories are truly making a mark globally.”
IFFM director Mitu Bhowmik Lange explained the significance of the stamp launch, noting Yash Chopra’s role as the festival’s first patron. The event also featured a keynote speech by filmmaker Karan Johar, underscoring the cultural significance of Indian cinema on the global stage.
ROYALS ROMANCE
Netflix and Pritish Nandy Communications are teaming up for their first collaboration, “The Royals,” a modern-day Indian royalty rom-com series. The show stars Bhumi Pednekar (“Bhakshak”) in her series debut opposite Ishaan Khatter (“A Suitable Boy”). Produced by Pritish Nandy and created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, the series explores the clash between old royalty and startup culture. The creators described it as a blend of “coming-of-age-India, Gen Z storytelling and feisty fun.”
Directed by Priyanka Ghose (“The Night Manager”) and Nupur Asthana (“Modern Love Mumbai”), “The Royals” features an ensemble cast including Bollywood veteran Zeenat Aman in her Netflix debut, along with Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman and Chunky Panday.
Tanya Bami, series head at Netflix India, called the show “a modern-day regal romance with a spectacular setting and a dazzling cast.”
