Squid Game actor Park Hae Soo and wife welcome second child, a baby boy The Squid Game star first shared the news of his wife's pregnancy in a touching moment at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards on July 31. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:09:57 IST Written by Monica Yadav Prefer HTon Google Share
Teaser of Emraan Hashmi's next film to drop tomorrow as Awarapan 2 continues to work at the box-office Gunmaster G9 is readying for a release as its leading man Emraan Hashmi is enjoying a second lease of life, box office wise. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
Kriti Sanon Rakshabandhan ad : Kriti Sanon is facing massive backlash online after appearing in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement wearing a fusion outfit featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape and a draped skirt. While some users called the look inappropriate for a festive campaign
Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan ad sparks backlash; fans say, 'people cheering for her bikini scenes are now policing her' Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan jewellery ad sparks debate over her outfit and traditional attire expectations. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
Ajay Devgn announces Drishyam 3 title Drishyam The Conclusion, returns as Vijay Salgaonkar for final chapter The film, also stars Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor and Prakash Raj. It is set to arrive in theatres on October 2, 2026. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
Vivaan Shah interview: On Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ and sculpting a performance
Vivaan Shah interview: On Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ and sculpting a performance
Actor Vivaan Shah is at his optimum zest as we speak to him more than a week after the release of Sriram Raghavan's anti-war drama, Ikkis. There is a chirpy excitement in Vivaan's voice as he recalls how he got associated with the film. “It was a stroke of luck,” he says. Vivaan has not starred in a war film before. According to him, he is rarely considered for such roles because he lacks “officer-like qualities.” However, surprises abound in a Sriram Raghavan film. While the plot didn't involve much mystery this time, the casting of Vivaan involved a curious case of mistaken identity.
“It was a freak occurrence. There was some other Vivaan, who was messaging Sriram sir for a while, and he thought that it was me. Sriram sir spoke to him for 2-3 years,” reveals Vivaan. The confusion, however, wasn't going to stay for long. “When he found out that it's not me, Sriram sir told his team to call the ‘real' Vivaan. After that, I had to prove myself to get the part. It was purely a coincidence otherwise I wouldn't have landed the part,” Vivaan says.
The actor doesn't hold back his admiration for the playful, twisted films of Sriram Raghavan, with his favourite being Merry Christmas, Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif's slow-burn thriller with a heartbeat. “It has a dear place in my heart as it features the part of Mumbai where I grew up. Especially the Goan Catholic culture shown in the film with all the architecture, colours and lights. That part of Mumbai is slowly getting eroded due to redevelopment, construction, builders and the powers that be. The aesthetic of the city is changing,” says Vivaan.
In that way, Ikkis occupies an entirely different visual space, shot with lesser dependence on any city as a character. It's the distance (both physical and emotional) between two neighbouring countries that it worryingly looks at. For Vivaan, the film is not a departure from Sriram's earlier films, Andhadhun, Badlapur, Johnny Gaddar and Ek Hasina Thi, which were essentially stylistic entertainers. Vivaan has a theory that goes back to old Hollywood genre film directors who influenced Sriram, including, Don Siegel, Robert Aldrich, Samuel Fuller and Anthony Mann.
“They made gangster films, noir films, westerns, and they also made war films. It is interesting that all of these filmmakers, who are favourites of Sriram sir, also have a war movie in their filmography. So in a way, Sriram sir is a descendant of them, carrying the tradition ahead. It is like a logical expansion of his filmography,” Vivaan adds.
Vivaan Shah as Captain Vijendra Malhotrain ‘Ikkis' | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Apart from his intellectual understanding of the filmmaker's artistic merit, Vivaan also appreciates the human side of Sriram. “He is an inclusive director, a sweet and kind man. He is not an authoritarian director. There are some filmmakers who have a certain weight when they come on set, and there's nothing wrong with it. But in contrast, Sriram sir is quite chill. He would encourage us to share ideas with him, making us feel an integral part of the creative process,” says Vivaan.
Perhaps that's where a sense of authenticity blends into the performances. Vivaan embodies the grit and rigour of being an army man quite effectively in the film, relying more on the sturdiness of his body language than on weighty dialogue delivery. Vivaan says that he took inspiration for playing the character from his father, Naseeruddin Shah's older brother, General Zameeruddin Shah.
Vivaan's still from the film | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“I like working with the external side as an actor. I begin from the outside and then work my way in. In a way, I work on my performances like sculpting, letting an expression stay on my face for a long time before the camera rolls. I let my expression soak in the sun so that it comes across as lived-in. I call it the sculptural method,” explains the actor, who is also a novelist, having written three books, The Forsaken Wilderness (2023), Midnight Freeway (2021) and Living Hell (2019).
Vivaan finds a similarity in the two disciplines, saying that acting and writing complement each other quite well. “Both are about the art of communication. While writing, one does it through a design and arrangement of words. And during acting, you communicate using gestures, body language and the vocal apparatus. I find it liberating to write because it is the only art form where you only need a pen and a piece of paper,” Vivaan says.
Interestingly, in a pivotal scene in Ikkis, Captain Vijendra Malhotra, played by Vivaan, advises Arun Khetarpal (Agastya Nanda) to take up the pen and paper and write a long-pending letter to his girlfriend. In another, small but striking moment, Malhotra stops another soldier from shooting at a bunch of surrendered Pakistani troops. The film carries the message of peace even on the battlefield. For Vivaan, the worldview of Ikkis stood out. He says that it is important for him to align with the politics of a film that he is part of.
“I could never do a film where I am not in agreement with its outlook and ideology. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself as a human being for doing a film I disagree with,” he says, while also addressing his privileged position. “I am fortunate that I get to have a choice. If I were not a privileged person, then it is possible that I had to do some work due to economic constraints,” Vivaan says.
At the same time, he respects people with opposing views. “I have friends whose politics I am not in agreement with. I don't want that to affect my friendship with them. It is important to have an open mind in terms of not letting politics colour your judgement of anybody else,” the actor concludes.
Published - January 12, 2026 03:58 pm IST
Indian cinema / Hindi cinema / entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: vivaan shah,vivaan shah father,ikkis,ikkis review,sriram raghavan
Actor and model Rohullah Mehdi, who appeared in Shahid Kapoor-starrer Deva, has landed in legal trouble after being arrested in Mumbai in an alleged narcotics case. Mehdi was reportedly picked up by the Kashimira Police Crime Branch from outside a studio in Malad, where he was shooting
11 hours ago
Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, reveal their adorable names Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal are now parents to twin baby girls, who were born on August 23, 2026. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:32:11 IST By Monica Yadav Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Student of the
15 hours ago
‘Subhash Chandra Bose didn't die in 1945’: Chandrachur Ghose on how microdrama The Bose Network deals with Bose's death The Bose Network is a microdrama exploring Bose's wartime journey. The series uses AI and features a narrative regarding Bose's potential survival post-1945
15 hours ago
Taapsee Pannu hits back at Kangana Ranaut's ‘sasti copy’ remark with a cryptic post: ‘Hence, proved’ Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu’s feud flared again after Kangana accused Taapsee of ridiculing her upbringing. Taapsee responded. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Yash declares ‘girls will have a blast’ watching Toxic amid criticism over film's portrayal of women During the pre-release event of Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups, Yash defended it amid criticism and said that the film is being misunderstood. Published on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Figure skating-Japan champions Miura, Kihara, who won hearts with grit and tears, to wed FIGURESKATING-JAPAN/MIURA-KIHARA (PIX):Figure skating-Japan champions Miura, Kihara, who won hearts with grit and tears, to wed Published on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Govinda has issued a public notice warning media outlets, social media accounts and content creators against publishing or sharing false, defamatory or unverified material about him and his family. The notice also targets AI-generated and manipulated content
1 days ago
Kannada actor Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is one of the most anticipated films of the year, and with the release of the movie approaching, the makers hosted a grand pre-release event on August 22. However, an unfortunate incident happened, leading Yash to halt the event midway
1 days ago
Saiyami Kher on 'disheartening' failure of Ghoomer, says ₹1000 crore blockbuster doesn't gaurantee respect for actor In an exclusive conversation with HT, Saiyami Kher shared insights on the relationship between box office performance and an actor’s credibility. Published on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
Kangana Ranaut shares rare throwback pic inspired by Karisma Kapoor's 90s fashion, calls her ‘original fashionista’ Kangana Ranaut expressed admiration for Karisma Kapoor by posting a nostalgic photo, calling her the ‘original fashionista’. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
HBO Max greenlights ‘The People v. Gorilla Grodd’ with Skyler Gisondo HBO Max greenlights ‘The People v. Gorilla Grodd’ with Skyler Gisondo Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 14:20:33 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Los Angeles, American streamer HBO Max has ordered "The People v
2 days ago
7 Dogs review: Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt compete for 'Most Pointless Cameo' in unexciting Hollywood-ish action drama 7 Dogs review: Filled with pointless cameos, lazy acting, and a tired plot, this action drama ends up becoming a parody of itself. Published on: Aug 22, 2026
2 days ago
‘Sowcar’ Janaki, who passed away today at a private hospital in Chennai, was well known for the lunches and dinners she would host at her palatial home in Chennai. Her culinary skills were legendary; in fact, in the mid-1990s, Janaki hosted a cookery show called Ruchi-Abhiruchi
2 days ago
Actor ‘Sowcar’ Janaki acted and worked with three Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu—M.G. Ramachandran, M. Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa—and, in Telugu, with N.T. Rama Rao. She was one of the favourite actors of director K. Balachander. Her career spanned over seven decades and she appeared in
2 days ago
A fire broke out at a gym franchise associated with Salman Khan in Delhi’s Greater Kailash-I on August 20, Thursday. As per reports, the incident prompted a swift response from the Delhi Police and fire brigade, and it was later confirmed that no casualties were reported
2 days ago
Govinda’s manager denies actor plans to marry Komal Rani Swarnkar, shades Sunita Ahuja: ‘Must be something in her mind’ Sunita Ahuja claimed that Govinda was planning second marriage to Komal Rani Swarnkar, but the actor's manager asserted there's no truth to this. Updated on: Aug 22, 2026
2 days ago
Sajid Khan is set to make his comeback with Hero Ki Horrorine, a film starring Govinda’s son Yashvardhan Ahujaa alongside Nitanshi Goel. This will mark Sajid Khan’s first directorial venture in 12 years. He last directed Humshakals in 2014 and had to step down from Housefull 4 in 2019 after
2 days ago
IAF officers warned Operation Safed Sagar makers not to show them as heroes walking in slow-mo: 'We hate it' | Exclusive Operation Safed Sagar is based on the Indian Air Force's operation during the Kargil War. Starring Jimmy Shergill and Siddharth, it streams on Netflix. Published on: Aug 22, 2026
2 days ago
Meghan Markle may return to acting full-time after 9 years with Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen season 3 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to the UK this month after living in the US for years. New reports say Meghan is set to resume her acting career. Published on: Aug 22, 2026
2 days ago
Secunderabad girl, Chennai Love Story actor Sri Gouri Priya is thrilled to be in Tollywood: ‘Stars aligned for me’ In an interview with Hindustan Times, actor Sri Gouri Priya talks about her recent release, Chennai Love Story, its OTT release, and her work in Tollywood. Published on: Aug 21
3 days ago
Awarapan 2 box office collection day 7: Emraan Hashmi film ends week 1 at ₹113 crore, is Bhatts' highest-grosser ever Awarapan 2 box office collection day 7: Emraan Hashmi's sequel has earned ₹113 crore in India in its first week at the ticket window. Published on: Aug 21, 2026
3 days ago
Akanksha Chamola is milking Gaurav Khanna's good name for views, claims Orry: ‘This girl is a real snake’ Akanksha Chamola recently revealed that she and Gaurav Khanna are separated and will soon divorce. Published on: Aug 20, 2026, 18:45:18 IST By Santanu Das Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
4 days ago
Pakistani musician Mustafa Zahid moved by Awarapan 2 honouring his legacy: ‘Received what I wanted, dignity and love’ Mustafa Zahid's songs from the 2007 film Awarapan, Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta, have long been part of the film's legacy. Published on: Aug 20, 2026
4 days ago
Govinda and Sunita Ahuja’s marriage has been under scrutiny for months, and the latest development has brought the couple’s divorce proceedings back into focus. After reports emerged that Sunita had withdrawn her divorce plea, Govinda’s manager Shashi Sinha said he was relieved by the
4 days ago
The KamaSutra condom campaign was one of the most talked-about advertising campaigns in India during the 1990s. The campaign earned Pooja Bedi the tag of ‘sex symbol of India’. While the condom campaign featured her with model Marc Robinson, in a recent interview
4 days ago
Srinivasa Mangapuram OTT release: Mahesh Babu's nephew Jaya Krishna's debut with Rasha Thadani streams in 21 days Srinivasa Mangapuram OTT release: Ajay Bhupathi's Jai Krishna and Rasha Thadani-starrer released in theatres 3 weeks ago. Updated on: Aug 20, 2026
4 days ago
Anurag Kashyap and Shubhra Shetty have no plans to get married, despite being together for years. In a recent conversation with Janice Sequeira, Shubhra opened up about why marriage is not something she believes in, while also recalling how her parents reacted when they met the filmmaker
4 days ago
