SCREEN Launch Highlights: Shraddha Kapoor unveils SCREEN, confirms Stree 3; Rajkumar Hirani hints at Munna Bhai 3

Stree 2 star Shraddha Kapoor introduced to the world the brand new SCREEN during a grand event held at Four Seasons Hotel at Worli, Mumbai, on Friday. A cherished source of entertainment news and in-depth cinema analysis since 1951, many believe that the relaunch of SCREEN will also mark "the return of good film journalism". During the event, Shraddha also unveiled the first-ever digital cover of SCREEN. Here are some snippets from the event ?

 

 

 

 

 

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The SCREEN launch event in Mumbai on Friday saw actor Vijay Varma getting candid about his cinema journey. During a chat with Shubhra Gupta, film critic and senior columnist with The Indian Express, Vijay shared with us a piece of advice actor Pankaj Tripathi gave him, which left a lasting impact on the IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack actor, "Mai charchit nahi banna chahta, mai yaadgaar banna chahta hu (I don’t want to be famous, I want to be remembered)." Prior to IC 814, Vijay was seen in Murder Mubarak. 

During our signature 'Creator X Creator' session, actor Vijay Varma spoke about the effects of portraying grey-shaded characters on screen, while mentioning that it "bothered" him in real life because people began to conflate these roles with his true personality. He also stated that “pretty girls and their mothers have told me they are scared of me." "It did bother me. The introduction of extremely diabolical men that I played started with Pink. It was a minor part, but I remember it vividly because it was an all-women screening. All the actresses were present, and I recall seeing people I had only watched on screen before."

"Before the screening, everyone was happy, but by the end, some were crying and some didn’t want to leave. I tried to console Sunidhi Chauhan, but she told me, ‘Don’t come near me. I’m very scared of you.’ I was like, ‘Oh my god, what just happened?’ Then the director pulled me aside and told me I did a good job," he added.

At the SCREEN launch event in Mumbai on Friday, Stree 2 star Shraddha Kapoor opened up about her successful career and the role her family has played in her life. "I still live with my parents and my pets… and for me, it’s a blast. My entire journey has been a great time in the film industry. I feel like I have been very blessed. My parents have seen me go through the ups and downs, but I do believe that failure is supremely essential towards success. Failure is a very big teacher. I am blessed to have a fabulous support system. I am grateful for where I am, because several people are waiting to live the celluloid life," she told Jyoti Sharma Bawa, Indian Express Online Entertainment Editor.

Dubbing social media as a fabulous medium to connect with her fans, Shraddha Kapoor said at the SCREEN launch, "Over the years, we have formed a bond." On Artificial intelligence, Shraddha Kapoor stated that, if used in a positive way, AI can enhance the cinematic experience. "If you are making something equivalent to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button now and creatively use AI, it becomes a character in itself."

During the rapid-fire segment, hosted by Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group and Head of New Media at The Indian Express, Shraddha Kapoor was asked what she thought had improved in cinema since the time she made her debut. In response, she stated that now, one has the space to experiment more. 

After unveiling SCREEN's first-ever digital cover at a special event held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli, Mumbai, Shraddha Kapoor sat down for a conversation with Jyoti Sharma Bawa, the Indian Express Online Entertainment Editor. When asked whether growing up in the spotlight as the daughter of actors Shakti Kapoor and Shivangi Kolhapure felt unusual, Shraddha shared that she had been accustomed to it since her school days. "In school, everyone would say, 'She's Shakti Kapoor's daughter. He's a big villain, you know... be careful around her.' I used to walk around with a chip on my shoulder, thinking, 'You don't know who my brother is!' He was three years older and had a lot of tashan (style) at school. Despite being part of a film family, it never felt overwhelming because I always had friends who weren't from the industry."

Rajkumar Hirani spoke about making a third film in the Munna Bhai franchise and said that Sanjay Dutt is looking forward to returning to the character. He added, "I have five half-finished scripts for Munna Bhai." READ MORE

At the grand launch of SCREEN, Vijay Varma opened up about playing negative characters and how women were often scared of him because of these roles. He shared, "Sunidhi Chauhan said don’t come near me." READ MORE.

"Working with Shah Rukh is absolutely worth it. He is the most charming human being who brings a lot of positivity on the set. He just walks in and there is a lot of happiness. I always thought that he is a very impromptu actor, but he used to come and prep for his roles so much, which is always good for a director. He is so hard-working," shared Rajkumar Hirani at the SCREEN launch.

At SCREEN launch, Rajkumar Hirani refrained from commenting if the box office figures are real or not. The director, "It is a sad way of judging cinema. It is a collaborative work where we work many years to make something and if it is judged by money, it is a sad thing." He added, "It does affect us."

At the launch of SCREEN, Vijay Varma shared, "I had a theatrical release before the pandemic. I have 2-4 releases a year, but it is all on streamers. But I have found great audience on the streaming platforms and yes I will love to see myself on the big screen."

During SCREEN's Creator x Creator session, Rajkumar Hirani shared, "The scale of the film is not what really works, but the film has to be good to pull the audience."

Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group and Head of New Media at The Indian Express, in conversation with actress Shraddha Kapoor at the launch of SCREEN.

"I remember watching the SCREEN Awards diligently. It looked like merit-oriented awards. They were actually giving awards to people who actually deserve stuff," says Vijay Varma.

During SCREEN's Creator x Creator session, director Rajkumar Hirani shared that he has many half-written scripts of Munna Bhai 3.

During Creator x Creator session, Rajkumar Hirani shared his family never used to discuss a film magazine, but SCREEN was allowed as it came in a newspaper format.

Ace director Rajkumar Hirani and versatile actor Vijay Varma take the stage now for the Creator x Creator session. This segment will be hosted by Shubhra Gupta, film critic and senior columnist with the Indian Express.

At the launch of SCREEN, Shraddha Kapoor shared, "As I shared I have not signed any film officially. I also do not know from where these rumours come from."

"I believe that there is a lot out there that we don’t know," says Shraddha Kapoor.

"At times, I realise I have followed someone by mistake, and then I do unfollow them," says Shraddha Kapoor.

When asked how social media has helped her personally, Shraddha Kapoor replied, "Social media has led to a fabulous connect with my fans. My experience has only been positive."

When asked about the one thing that has changed in cinema for the best in the last 14 years of her career, Shraddha Kapoor replied, "More opportunities."

At the launch of SCREEN, Shraddha Kapoor says, "There is pay parity. I get paid better than before."

Shraddha Kapoor says, "I want to be a part of films where I feel really fulfilled as an actor and I can push myself."

"I want a fairytale romance. I don’t want to be a half-girlfriend," says Shraddha Kapoor.

Talking about her Instagram interactions with fans, Shraddha Kapoor shares, "I love to engage with my fans on social media. I love the comments and I really have a good time. I handle my own social media and I have a lot of fun."

"I still live with my parents, my brother and my dogs. I feel like I have been very blessed. But I really do believe that failure is supremely essential for success," says Shraddha Kapoor.

 

 

 

 

 

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Shraddha Kapoor has unveiled the brand new SCREEN and also became the face of its first-ever digital cover. She is currently taking part in ‘SCREEN Live,’ engaging in a conversation with Jyoti Sharma Bawa, Indian Express Online Entertainment Editor, discussing her life, career and stardom, especially after the success of Stree 2, the horror-comedy that made history at the box office recently. Watch the event live here

In a selfie video, Bollywood's Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan extended his best wishes to SCREEN on the occasion of its relaunch. "My association with SCREEN is quite long. When I joined the film industry in the late '60s, the SCREEN was a very prominent... I don't know whether to call it a newspaper or a magazine because its size was very large unlike any other film magazines. What was most attractive for me were the advertisements directors put out for their movies prior to their release. They looked very commanding and attracting. SCREEN avoided any kind of sensationalism and the editors ensured that kind of maturity. There were no gossips or banters; there were only good writings about the film industry," he said.

During the launch of SCREEN, Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group and Head of New Media at The Indian Express, said: "SCREEN was good film journalism. I think the time has come for us to reflect on what good film journalism is and isn't. Good film journalism is respectful, not servile. Good film journalism understands privacy and celebrates public following. It questions without accusing, critiques, but with an open mind, challenges status-quo while appreciating the journey to achieve success. Good film journalism is always happy to accept a mistake. Good film journalism doesn't want to become friends with the stars. It wants to unpack the star's process, the director's vision, the producer's ambition and the technician's craftsmanship. And most importantly, good film journalism has the integrity to serve the public first. SCREEN will be a renewed attempt at that."

Are you ready for the ultimate SCREEN experience? The grand SCREEN launch event will begin at Four Seasons Hotel at Worli, Mumbai, any moment now, as our special guest Shraddha Kapoor has arrived at the venue. Catch the event live here

By the way, did you think that Manoj Bajpayee is the only one excited about SCREEN relaunch? Well, could you be more wrong?! From Bollywood's Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan and legends like Karisma Kapoor to new-era sensations like Taapsee Pannu and Sonakshi Sinha, everyone is buzzing with excitement for our grand comeback. Watch video here

SCREEN has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of film enthusiasts who engage with and analyse movies in a thoughtful manner, thanks to its innovative and in-depth exploration of various aspects of cinema. Don’t believe us? Perhaps you'll be convinced by apna "Sardar Khan" Manoj Bajpayee: "When I was growing up, we used to buy SCREEN magazine, which was shaped like a newspaper then. I still have memories of SCREEN from that time. I eagerly anticipated each issue to see the posters of new and upcoming films, and it also featured some rare interviews too. I am so happy SCREEN is back," he said during a recent interview.

We’re just moments away from the grand launch of SCREEN and we can feel the excitement radiating from you just as strongly as we feel it in ourselves. Following the unveiling of the brand-new SCREEN by actor Shraddha Kapoor, who will also grace its first-ever digital cover, we are thrilled to present our unique ‘Creator x Creator’ session, which will take place in front of a live audience for the very first time. In this segment, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, renowned for directing blockbuster films like Munnabhai MBBS, 3 Idiots and the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki, will engage in a conversation with Vijay Varma, who recently appeared in Netflix’s IC 814.

Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan have each won the Screen Award for Best Actor four times, while Vidya Balan holds the record for Best Actress with five wins. She secured the award consecutively from 2010 to 2013 and again in 2018. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is the only director to have won the Screen Award for Best Director three times, a record in the ceremony’s history. Ashutosh Gowariker has directed three films that were honoured as Best Films. Notably, Dangal and Gully Boy hold the record for the most awards won, with a total of twelve each.

Did you know that the prestigious SCREEN Awards were established by SCREEN magazine? If you weren’t aware, you might be a bit too young, so it’s worth asking your elders about our award ceremonies that celebrated excellence in Indian cinema — they were truly the highlight of the entertainment calendar. We presented awards each year in various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Villain and Best Comedian. While the first-ever SCREEN Awards in 1995 saw Nana Patekar take home the Best Actor award, Madhuri Dixit was named the Best Actress for her role in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (HAHK). That year, HAHK was also recognised as Best Film and Sooraj Barjatya received the Best Director award.

The magazine will be officially reintroduced to its readers at a gala event taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli, Mumbai, on Friday. Stree 2 star Shraddha Kapoor will unveil the SCREEN 2.0 and serve as the face of its first-ever digital cover. The event will also feature our signature ‘Creator x Creator’ session, conducted in front of a live audience for the first time. During this session, renowned director Rajkumar Hirani, known for helming blockbusters like Munnabhai MBBS, 3 Idiots and Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki, will engage in a conversation with Vijay Varma, who recently appeared in Netflix’s IC 814, discussing their art, philosophy, process, and careers.

As we inch closer to today’s event, which marks the relaunch of SCREEN, the excitement is only growing. This occasion not only ushers in a new era of panoptic entertainment experience, but also brings back the memories of those days when we eagerly awaited the arrival of SCREEN magazine each week. Remember standing by our doors, waiting for the latest issue of SCREEN?

"If only we could relive those days," was a thought that lingered in our minds for quite some time. Eventually, we decided to stop merely dreaming and start acting, allowing us to once again deliver the SCREEN experience to our readers and ourselves, while also embracing modern techniques. So, it's not that we are taking you back to the good old days; but we are bringing those days back here and now, and for the future. Cheers to a new beginning, dear friends!

Established in 1951, SCREEN was once India's most beloved film magazine, serving as a window into the world of entertainment for the people. With innovative and honest coverage of various aspects of cinema, SCREEN played a key role in nurturing a new generation of film enthusiasts who approached and analysed movies in depth. The magazine also fostered a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to cinema viewing, going beyond the glitz and glamour.

Letting go of our brand in 2015 was a difficult decision, particularly because it saddened many of our loyal readers.  Believe us when we say it was even harder for us to come to terms with the fact that we could no longer provide you with the SCREEN experience. Anyway, the past is behind us. And now, nine years later, life has come full circle for SCREEN, as the launch event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli, Mumbai, on Friday marks its homecoming.

Hello everyone and welcome back to The Indian Express! Hold on... Let’s try that again. Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Indian Express SCREEN! That’s right — your favourite weekly film magazine from The Indian Express group is back and that too in an exciting new avatar.

A cherished source of entertainment news and in-depth cinema analysis since 1951, SCREEN is poised for its grand comeback, embracing modern trends without sacrificing its signature flair and glamour. As we gear up for the launch event today evening, we have only one piece of advice: brace yourselves, because we are determined to take you on a jaw-dropping ride through the world of entertainment like never before. Resta Sintonizzato!