]]>Salman Khan became a household name after Maine Pyaar Kiya but his entry into films happened a year earlier with the 1988 release Biwi Ho Toh Aisi. The film marked the directorial debut of J K Bihari who unknowingly launched a future superstar purely on instinct and belief.
A Scene from the movie Biwi Ho To Aisi
Bihari, who had earlier assisted legendary filmmaker K Asif on Love And God and later worked closely with producer K C Bokadia, says Salman’s innocence and natural way of speaking stood out instantly. According to him, Sooraj Barjatya only needed to see that sincerity to take a leap of faith which eventually reshaped Hindi cinema.
Biwi Ho Toh Aisi starred Rekha in the lead role, a casting that many believed was impossible for a first time director. Bihari recalls approaching Rekha directly with the subject and explaining that it was the title role. Despite her usual reluctance to work with debut directors, Rekha agreed after learning about his association with K Asif. The film was completed and released within six months, defying industry doubts.
Farooque Shaikh and J K Bihari on the sets of Biwi Ho To Aisi.
Salman Khan was cast without an audition. Bihari remembers seeing a young man walking near his office with a file in hand and deciding instantly that he was right for the role of Rekha’s brother in law. At that time, he did not even know that Salman was Salim Khan’s son. There were no auditions or vanity vans in those days, and even senior actors worked with minimal comforts.
During the shoot, Salman was inexperienced but eager to learn. Rekha and Farooque Shaikh supported him on set, helping him grow into the role. While working on the film, Salman signed a three film contract with Bihari. When he was later offered Maine Pyaar Kiya, the makers asked him to obtain a no objection certificate. Recognising the opportunity, Bihari tore up the contract himself, encouraging Salman to move ahead.
Biwi Ho Toh Aisi went on to become a hit, performing especially well in smaller centres and enjoying long runs in several regions. Even today, audiences continue to enjoy the film on television.
Years later, Bihari met Salman again at Mehboob Studio where Salman was shooting with Aamir Khan. On seeing his first director, Salman immediately walked up to him, hugged him warmly and introduced him to Aamir Khan as the man who launched his career. The two spent hours reminiscing and discussing future possibilities.
Bihari later faced professional setbacks and health challenges which slowed his filmmaking journey. However, he remains hopeful of collaborating again, possibly to support his son’s directorial ambitions, bringing the story full circle.
From working in a studio canteen to assisting K Asif and eventually launching one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, J K Bihari’s journey reflects the unpredictable yet magical nature of the film industry, where instinct, timing and generosity can change lives forever.
]]>https://theedgemedia.in/jk-bihari-salman-khan-first-film-biwi-ho-toh-aisi/feed0Akshay Kumar cheers niece Simar Bhatia at special screening of war biopic Ikkis in Mumbai
https://theedgemedia.in/akshay-kumar-amitabh-bachchan-ikkis-special-screening-mumbai
https://theedgemedia.in/akshay-kumar-amitabh-bachchan-ikkis-special-screening-mumbai#respondTue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:05 +0000https://theedgemedia.in/?p=28109The screening was also attended by the Bachchan family, led by Amitabh Bachchan.
]]>Ahead of its theatrical release, the makers of the Arun Khetarpal biopic Ikkis hosted a special screening in Mumbai for the cast and their family members. The private event saw several well known faces from the Hindi film industry gathering to support the film and its debut actors.
Actor Akshay Kumar arrived at the screening with his sister Alka Bhatia to show his support for his niece Simar Bhatia, who is making her debut with the film. Akshay appeared relaxed and cheerful as he posed for photographers, while the brother sister duo shared warm moments that reflected their close bond. Simar, Alka’s daughter, later joined them, marking a proud family moment.
Akshay also shared an emotional message for his niece, recalling watching her grow from a shy child into a confident young woman ready to face the camera. He wrote that life had come full circle for him and expressed pride in her determination, honesty and family values, encouraging her to shine as she begins her journey in films.
The screening was also attended by the Bachchan family, led by Amitabh Bachchan. After watching the film, Amitabh Bachchan penned a deeply personal note on his blog, describing the emotional experience of seeing his grandson on screen.
He reflected on memories from the time of his grandson’s birth to watching him grow up and eventually choose acting as a profession. Amitabh praised the performance for its maturity, honesty and restraint, noting that the portrayal of soldier Arun Khetarpal was powerful without being excessive. He also lauded the film’s writing, direction and overall presentation, calling the experience overwhelming and deeply moving.
Abhishek Bachchan and Navya Naveli Nanda were also present at the screening, lending their support to the family member and the film.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, for his bravery during the 1971 India Pakistan war. The film features an ensemble cast including the late Dharmendra, Suhasini Mulay, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikander Kher and Rahul Dev.
Originally scheduled for a December 25 release, the film will now hit theatres on January 1.
]]>https://theedgemedia.in/akshay-kumar-amitabh-bachchan-ikkis-special-screening-mumbai/feed0Waheeda Rehman Reflects on Working with Dharmendra
https://theedgemedia.in/waheeda-rehman-on-working-with-dharmendra
https://theedgemedia.in/waheeda-rehman-on-working-with-dharmendra#respondTue, 25 Nov 2025 05:04:30 +0000https://theedgemedia.in/?p=27233Waheeda Rehman remembers Dharmendra, as an uncomplicated and grounded person, even after finding fame. She describes him as the young man from rural Punjab, who arrived in Mumbai with dreams of becoming an actor. Although they worked together on only a handful of films, she recalls that their collaborations were not major projects in her […]
]]>Waheeda Rehman remembers Dharmendra, as an uncomplicated and grounded person, even after finding fame. She describes him as the young man from rural Punjab, who arrived in Mumbai with dreams of becoming an actor. Although they worked together on only a handful of films, she recalls that their collaborations were not major projects in her career.
She mentions Asit Sen’s Khamoshi and Rajinder Singh Bedi’s Phagun. In both films, Dharmendra had small roles. In Khamoshi, his face never appeared on screen as he performed with his back to the camera, yet still managed to leave an impact.
Waheeda Rehman also looks back at their spy thriller Baazi with some discomfort. During that time, she was experimenting with glamorous roles in an effort to move away from her image of playing homely characters. She shares that it was actually Rajendra Kumar who encouraged her to try a glamorous look.
Reflecting on that phase, she says that artists sometimes make choices they later question exchanging meaningful roles for less fitting ones. She wishes she had the opportunity to work on stronger films with Dharmendra.
]]>https://theedgemedia.in/waheeda-rehman-on-working-with-dharmendra/feed0Zarine Khan, Wife of Actor Sanjay Khan, Passes Away at 81
https://theedgemedia.in/zarine-khan-wife-of-sanjay-khan-passes-away-at-81
https://theedgemedia.in/zarine-khan-wife-of-sanjay-khan-passes-away-at-81#respondFri, 07 Nov 2025 07:30:04 +0000https://theedgemedia.in/?p=26716Zarine Khan, wife of veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan, passed away on November 7 at the age of 81 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that she was at her residence when she breathed her last. Zarine is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan and their four children, daughters Farah Ali Khan, […]
]]>Zarine Khan, wife of veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan, passed away on November 7 at the age of 81 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that she was at her residence when she breathed her last.
Zarine is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan and their four children, daughters Farah Ali Khan, Simone Arora, Sussanne Khan, and son Zayed Khan.
Before her marriage, Zarine worked as a model during the 1960s and appeared in popular Hindi films such as Tere Ghar Ke Saamne released in 1963 and Ek Phool Do Mali in 1969. She married Sanjay Khan in 1966 and remained an integral part of the film fraternity and Mumbai’s social circles throughout her life.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the Khan family, who have long been connected to the Hindi film industry.
]]>https://theedgemedia.in/zarine-khan-wife-of-sanjay-khan-passes-away-at-81/feed0Kartik Aaryan to Star in First-Ever Double Role Film Directed by Anees Bazmee
https://theedgemedia.in/kartik-aaryan-double-role-film-ram-aur-shyam-anees-bazmee
https://theedgemedia.in/kartik-aaryan-double-role-film-ram-aur-shyam-anees-bazmee#respondSat, 01 Nov 2025 14:26:21 +0000https://theedgemedia.in/?p=26479Mumbai | Kartik Aaryan’s film career continues to soar as he adds another exciting project to his lineup. The actor, currently finishing Anurag Basu’s romantic drama Tu Meri Zindagi Hai, is also preparing for the release of his upcoming romantic comedy with Ananya Panday titled Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, produced by […]
]]>Mumbai | Kartik Aaryan’s film career continues to soar as he adds another exciting project to his lineup. The actor, currently finishing Anurag Basu’s romantic drama Tu Meri Zindagi Hai, is also preparing for the release of his upcoming romantic comedy with Ananya Panday titled Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, produced by Karan Johar and scheduled to release on the last day of this year.Following these projects, Kartik has reportedly signed Ram Aur Shyam, which will mark his first film featuring a double role. The movie will be directed by filmmaker Anees Bazmee, with whom Kartik previously collaborated on the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
A Fresh Take on the Classic Double Role
Though neither the actor nor the director has officially commented on the film, sources close to the production have revealed that both share a strong working relationship and mutual respect built during their previous collaboration. Kartik had long been interested in exploring a double role, and Anees Bazmee was considered the ideal choice to write and direct the project.
The upcoming Ram Aur Shyam will reportedly be a comedy but will offer a unique approach to the genre, differing from earlier double-role classics such as Dilip Kumar’s Ram Aur Shyam, Rajesh Khanna’s Sachcha Jhootha, Shah Rukh Khan’s Duplicate, and Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
Not a Remake of the 1967 Classic
Despite sharing its title with Dilip Kumar’s 1967 hit, the new Ram Aur Shyam is not a remake and will present an entirely original storyline. The film is expected to showcase Kartik’s versatility as an actor while giving audiences a fresh flavor of comedy under Anees Bazmee’s direction.
With a packed schedule and a series of diverse roles ahead, Kartik Aaryan continues to establish himself as one of Bollywood’s most dynamic and bankable stars.
Waheeda Rehman also looks back at their spy thriller Baazi with some discomfort. During that time, she was experimenting with glamorous roles in an effort to move away from her image of playing homely characters. She shares that it was actually Rajendra Kumar who encouraged her to try a glamorous look.
Following these projects, Kartik has reportedly signed Ram Aur Shyam, which will mark his first film featuring a double role. The movie will be directed by filmmaker Anees Bazmee, with whom Kartik previously collaborated on the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
