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Thursday, December 4, 2025
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Reel Take

Roti Kapda Aur Makaan: A film as relevant in Indira Gandhi’s time as it is in Modi era

As BJP and Congress promise election freebies and jobs, Manoj Kumar’s Roti Kapda Aur Makaan still rings uncannily true.

In Kati Patang, director Shakti Samanta created magic with Rajesh Khanna & R.D. Burman’s music

The film gave us evergreen hits like Yeh Shaam Mastani and Pyar Diwana Hota Hai featuring superstar Rajesh Khanna.

Shashi Kapoor’s New Delhi Times gives a true picture of journalism, warts and all

New Delhi Times conveys the fundamental duality that plagues all journalists — the thrill of chasing a ‘good story’ that is also a human tragedy.

Sahir’s poetry in ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ and our forever connection with them

Yash Chopra’s ode to complicated relationships was made immortal by the man behind its poetry – Sahir Ludhianvi.

‘Roti’ and Rajesh Khanna: When a Bollywood film took melodrama to new heights

Hindi films have an unceasing connection to mythological tales. But in the hands of someone like Manmohan Desai, they turn into great entertainment.

‘Namak Haraam’, the film in which Amitabh Bachchan trumped then superstar Rajesh Khanna

In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film Namak Haraam, 'supporting' actor Amitabh Bachchan stole the show, and perhaps the crown as well.

Every Bollywood reincarnation story must tip its hat to Bimal Roy’s ‘Madhumati’

Of the many things that Bimal Roy’s Madhumati got right, Pran’s antagonistic turn was one.

Teesri Kasam: When Raj Kapoor played perfect foil to Waheeda Rehman’s heartbreaking grace

A commercial failure, Teesri Kasam won National Award for best film but its heartbroken and financially broke producer Shailendra had passed away by then

No jobs then, no jobs now: Gulzar’s 1971 film ‘Mere Apne’ still rings an unfortunate bell

In Mere Apne, Gulzar, still finding his feet as a maker after a long apprenticeship with Bimal Roy and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, weaves in poetry and angst.

In Vijay Anand’s ‘Tere Mere Sapne’, the idealism is old hat, but intimacy is modern

Vijay Anand was more than just a director of noir thrillers, and Tere Mere Sapne shows that.

On Camera

Why Bihar migrates has a 500-year old answer — from Mughal taxpayers to peasant warriors

Migration in North India isn’t just due to lack of development today. It was shaped by the evolution of labour markets under Sher Shah, Mughals, and the East India Company.

India’s Russian oil imports are showing up in cryptic new places. The crude map stands redrawn

December oil imports from Russia may drop nearly 50%, but Indian buyers already shifting to non-designated Russian entities and opaque trading channels to keep Russian oil flowing.

From nuclear cooperation to defence, trade to oil, what is expected from Putin’s two-day India visit

New Delhi is interested in firming up bilateral agreements for increased trade, mobility, upgrade of Su-30 MKI fighters and the increased range of BrahMos supersonic missiles.

Gaali cricket: Bavuma stands tall, India’s Test ego cut to size

The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word.