The first month of 2024 began with a mix of celebrations, controversies, and notable losses in the entertainment world. Here are the highlights:
Personal Milestones and Announcements
On January 1, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko got engaged to model Tanuja. Shine, known for his roles in Telugu films like Dasara and Devara, was previously married to Babita, with whom he shares an eight-year-old son. Actress Amala Paul revealed her pregnancy on January 3, months after marrying Jagat Desai on November 5, 2023. Additionally, Telugu actor Suhas welcomed a baby boy on January 22, marking a joyous milestone.
Losses in the Industry
The industry mourned the loss of several prominent figures. On January 8, Jaydev, son of senior journalist KNT Shastri and a noted filmmaker, passed away due to a heart attack. Renowned singer Padmabhushan Ustad Rashid Khan (55), known for his work in films like My Name Is Khan and Jab We Met, passed away on January 9 in Kolkata. On January 25, Bhavatharini (47), daughter of maestro Ilayaraja, succumbed to cancer in Sri Lanka. Bhavatharini was a noted singer and music director with contributions to Telugu and other South Indian languages.
Controversies and Legal Battles
January witnessed significant controversies. Nayanthara’s Annapoorni sparked debates when Hindu organizations demanded the removal of certain scenes. Zee Entertainment halted the film’s streaming on Netflix on January 11, promising revisions before re-release. On January 13, Mythri Movie Distributors’ Niranjan Reddy lodged a complaint with the Producers’ Council regarding exhibitors failing to allocate agreed theaters for Hanu-Man in Nizam. The High Court ordered a re-evaluation of the censor certificate for the film Vyuham on January 22, causing a setback for the production. Finally, on January 29, director Koratala Siva was found guilty in the Srimanthudu copyright case.
Awards and Recognitions
The Filmfare Awards were held in Gujarat on January 28, celebrating 2023’s cinematic achievements. Ranbir Kapoor (Animal) and Alia Bhatt (Rakhi Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani) bagged Best Actor and Actress awards, respectively. Vidhu Vinod Chopra won Best Director for Twelfth Fail, which was also awarded Best Film. Earlier, on January 25, the Central Government announced Padma Vibhushan nominations for Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, while Mithun Chakraborty, Vijayakanth, and Usha Uthup were among the Padma Bhushan honorees.
Health Updates
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan underwent elbow surgery on January 23 due to an injury sustained during the shooting of Devara.