Entertainment

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani re-release revives nostalgia for Bollywood’s romcom era

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2025

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani turns 10: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kalki Koechlin reunite

The re-release of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD) has sparked a wave of nostalgia for Bollywood’s golden era of romcoms, drawing attention away from the ongoing dominance of massy, pan-India films. The 2013 blockbuster, which starred Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, continues to capture hearts, even as the film industry shifts towards larger-than-life, multi-lingual films aimed at a pan-Indian audience.

Despite both Kapoor and Padukone boasting impressive filmographies, it’s YJHD that remains a standout—both for its heartwarming reunion of the on-screen ex-couple and its ability to resonate with multiple generations, especially Gen Z. The film’s re-release, which launched in select theaters, has already sold over 26,000 tickets, according to trade reports. This impressive number rivals or surpasses the ticket sales of some recent massy action films, despite YJHD also being available for streaming on OTT platforms.

What’s remarkable is that this success highlights the ongoing appeal of Bollywood’s romcom era, when films were built around relatable characters and emotional narratives, as opposed to the grand spectacle of pan-India blockbusters. Fans have taken to social media, recalling their experiences of eagerly waiting in line for YJHD’s original release. One fan commented, “I remember waiting in a long line to buy tickets for this film when it released, and there were people behind me who had to leave because the show became housefull…it was crazy!”

Others have expressed their desire for the return of this genre, which, according to many, offered good music and simple yet meaningful writing. “We need to bring romcoms back! Come on, bring back good music, decent writing—no one is expecting too much,” wrote one user. This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that while pan-India films are ambitiously scaled up in terms of production value, they often fail to evoke the same emotional connection or offer the same comfort as a classic romcom.

Some comments have pointed out that despite the cinematic excellence of pan-India films—featuring star-studded casts, acclaimed directors, and high-budget productions—they don’t always deliver on their lofty promises. “Just a feel-good, comforting film. I’m sick of the larger-than-life, pan-India films. They have all the big actors, directors with good track records, top-class music directors; yet they don’t quite hit the note,” one fan wrote, highlighting the disconnect some audiences feel.

While Bollywood’s exploration of diverse genres is undoubtedly exciting, fans seem to be yearning for comfort films that offer a break from the overwhelming spectacle of action-packed, multi-language blockbusters. For example, the upcoming horror-comedy films in Maddock’s universe, which boasts an impressive lineup of stars like Shraddha Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Alia Bhatt, have generated excitement. However, some fans have also expressed concerns about over-saturation of the genre, with one commenting, “Aren’t they over-saturating and milking this horror genre too much now?”

Additionally, the first looks of Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s Param Sundari have reminded fans of the early 2010s, a time when Bollywood was in its romcom heyday. The similarities to films from that period have only fueled further nostalgia.

In essence, while Bollywood continues to evolve and experiment, the Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani re-release has reminded fans of a simpler, more heartfelt era of filmmaking—one that they’re eager to revisit. As the film industry pushes boundaries with large-scale, multi-lingual projects, there is a clear call for the return of feel-good, relatable stories that once defined the industry. The success of this re-release might just signal the beginning of a resurgence in romantic comedies for modern audiences.

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Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

7 days ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.