Too Dark" for Film? Jantee Hazarika Now Plays a Queen
Jantee Hazarika was told her skin was too dark to be a leading lady in Indian cinema. Now she's starring as Krishna's wife in a major film, proving talent outweighs outdated beauty standards.
Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
14 results for "indian cinema"
Jantee Hazarika was told her skin was too dark to be a leading lady in Indian cinema. Now she's starring as Krishna's wife in a major film, proving talent outweighs outdated beauty standards.
A self-taught engineer from South India became one of the most beloved playback singers in film history, recording tens of thousands of songs that still resonate with millions. His 80th birthday this week sparks celebrations of a legacy built on talent, humility, and pure heart.

A Swedish couple who started making Bollywood dance videos as a joke now has over a million Instagram followers and is in talks with directors for their first Indian film role. What began at a Thai boxing class turned into an unexpected journey into Indian cinema.

Acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair is completing production on "Amri," a biographical film about groundbreaking Indian artist Amrita Sher-Gil, whose bold vision reshaped how the world saw India. The star-studded cast includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Emily Watson, and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Sai Pallavi turned down voice dubbing and spent six months mastering a Telugu dialect she'd never spoken to play her breakthrough role. Her dedication to authenticity earned her one of the most celebrated debuts in Indian cinema.

Ravi Baswani had no formal acting training and worked in business when a handwritten note changed his life forever. The Delhi theatre enthusiast became the "comic cement" of India's greatest satire film.

In 2006, a college reunion film with zero A-list stars almost overtook box office records held by Malayalam cinema's biggest legends, earning seven times its budget and sparking a wave of real-life reunions across Kerala.
Told he didn't fit the "hero" mould, Siddharth Jadhav turned rejection into resilience and built a thriving career on his own terms. From a Mumbai chawl to starring in Matka King, his journey proves that standing out beats fitting in.

Indian actor Manoj Bajpayee turned 57, celebrating a career that proved vulnerability and authenticity can triumph over six-pack abs and manufactured stardom. From struggling actor rejected from drama school four times to becoming a multi-generational icon, he's changing what it means to be a hero.

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who made history winning Cannes' Grand Prix in 2024, returns to the festival as jury president for Critics' Week. She'll champion first-time filmmakers at the world's most prestigious film festival this May.
Danish Pandor spent 15 years auditioning for acting roles before finally landing his breakthrough as Uzair Baloch in "Dhurandhar." His story proves that persistence and quiet dedication can turn dreams into reality.
Ahida Sarmai refused to let a diagnosis define her future. Through dance, theater, and fierce determination, she landed a role in the film Dhurandhar, proving that talent knows no limits.

Indian film legend Mammootty just received one of India's highest civilian honors for doing what most superstars won't: choosing risky, unconventional roles over safe blockbusters. At 74, he's proving that artistic courage matters more than protecting your image.

During a dangerous scene at India's infamous Suicide Point, Malayalam cinema star Mohanlal grabbed actress Karthika's hand just in time, preventing what could have been a deadly accident. Screenwriter Kaloor Dennis witnessed the heart-stopping moment that no one else seemed to notice.