After the success of Mirzapur The Movie, Rasika Dugal turns her attention to children’s cinema and the need for stories that speak to young audiences.

In conversations about inclusive cinema, the focus is often on representation, diverse stories and reaching wider audiences. But one audience that rarely gets enough attention is children. Actor Rasika Dugal believes that children deserve films made specifically for them, stories that entertain them while giving them the freedom to question, imagine and understand the world around them.

Directed by Kaushal Oza, the film tells the story of Thomas, a curious young boy whose questions about where babies come from and his wish for a sibling become central to the narrative. Playing Jessie Miranda, Rasika is part of a story that looks at the world through a child’s eyes and the often-unexpected conversations that emerge from childhood curiosity.

Talking about the need for more children’s films, Rasika Dugal says, “Cinema is a wonderful way to expand your world and fuel your imagination. Many of the thoughts and ideas we have as adults can be traced back to the films we watched growing up. We therefore need films that children can relate to — films that embrace their curiosity rather than dismiss it. Children’s cinema can be entertaining without being frivolous and meaningful without becoming preachy. I would love to see more filmmakers explore stories that children can enjoy and that open up new possibilities for their imagination.”

Little Thomas brings this perspective to the screen through a familiar family situation that grows out of a child’s innocent insistence on finding answers. Rather than treating his questions as trivial, the film makes them an integral part of its storytelling, opening up conversations about childhood, family and how adults communicate with children.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Rasika Dugal Advocates for Children’s Cinema, Emphasizing That Stories Must Speak to Young Audiences Ahead of ‘Little Thomas’ Release! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Rasika Dugal is gearing up for her theatrical return in Little Thomas, offering audiences a refreshing look at her versatility that stands in stark contrast to her famous role as #BeenaTripathi. While her performance in Mirzapur earned widespread acclaim for its sharp intensity and fierce presence, her new character, Jessie Miranda, brings a completely different warmth and emotional depth to the screen.

Set in 1990s Goa, Little Thomas follows the story of a young boy and his parents, with Rasika playing Jessie Miranda, a mother whose life revolves around her family, her bakery and her love for music. The contrast between Jessie and Beena is not merely cosmetic, but she also had consciously worked towards creating a completely different screen identity for the character.

Speaking about the experience, Rasika said, “Surprisingly, I enjoyed juggling a crime action thriller and a dramedy. I guess one was a relief from the other,” as she was shooting both Mirzapur and Little Thomas simultaneously. Rasika takes on the challenge of dual accents in Mirzapur and Little Thomas; says, “The switch in accents was the confusing bit but also an interesting challenge”. While Beena’s world demanded a strong North Indian Hindi accent, Jessie required Rasika to adopt a Goan accent. The actress even worked with a dialect coach to ensure that the new voice did not carry traces of her Mirzapur character. The conscious separation is perhaps what makes Jessie Miranda particularly interesting. Rasika wasn’t simply changing her accent or appearance; she was stepping away from the behavioural vocabulary of Beena Tripathi altogether. Where Beena was driven by survival, power and revenge, Jessie is defined by her quie relationship with her family and her passion for music.

In fact, Rasika went a step further for Jessie. She underwent months of piano training for the role, learning complex pieces by composers including Mozart, Schumann and Chopin. Talking about the preparation, the actress said, “Jessie’s love for playing the piano became more a part of my prep work than Kaushal and I intended it to be. But it unexpectedly gave me an entry into a world that I felt I didn’t know so well.” Rasika learned the piano for four months for Little Thomas, said “I happily played away between filming scenes of a horror show”. For Rasika, the piano became more than just a skill she needed to acquire for the film. It became a way of understanding Jessie and connecting with an aspect of her personality that was completely removed from the character audiences had grown accustomed to seeing her play. It is also what makes the transition from Beena to Jessie stand out as she was not attempting to replicate the intensity that made Beena Tripathi such a memorable character. Instead, she has allowed Jessie to have her own rhythm, vulnerabilities, warmth and passions.

Jessie Miranda is a reminder that Rasika Dugal refuses to let one successful character become her comfort zone. Beena Tripathi may have left a lasting impression on audiences, but Little Thomas sees the actress consciously stepping away from that familiar intensity and embracing a character that is softer, quieter and deeply rooted in everyday emotions. From the unapologetic Beena to the gentle and music-loving Jessie, Rasika Dugal is proving that her greatest strength may lie in making every character feel like it belongs to a completely different world.

By Keerti Kadam

The post From Beena Tripathi to Jessie Miranda: Rasika Dugal on Embracing Contrasting Roles and Taking on a Whole New Avatar in Little Thomas! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Acting schools are the ultimate training grounds for performers, refining raw talent into captivating screen presence. Bollywood boasts several powerhouses who dedicated years to formal training before stepping into the spotlight. Here is a look at actresses who invested heavily in honing their craft:

Vidhatri Bandi: Shiddat actress Vidhatri Bandi graduated from UCLA – TFT (Theater, Film and Television) in 2016 and pursued a professional program in acting for camera and a career development course. The actress also participated in a one-month basic improvisation course at The Groundlings.

Kalki Koechlin: #KalkiKoechlin was attracted to theater from a young age. The actress has studied drama at Goldsmiths, University of London. Even while she studied at Hebron School, a boarding school in Ooty, she was also involved in acting and writing.

Rasika Dugal: Mirzapur actress #RasikaDugal studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and earned a postgraduate degree. For the unversed, the actress was taught by the veteran Naseeruddin Shah while she was studying at FTII.

Tillotama Shome: #TillotamaShome, known for pulling off layered roles, has completed a master’s program in Educational Theatre from New York University. In New York, the actress also taught theatre to murder convicts at a high-security US prison.

Athiya Shetty: #AthiyaShetty chose to take up acting at a very young age. The Hero actress enrolled herself at New York Film Academy to study acting and pursue a graduation degree in Filmmaking & Liberal Arts.

When it comes to knowing the craft and skills from the inside out, these actresses have honed it!

By Keerti Kadam

The post Crafting Excellence: How Actresses Like Rasika Dugal, Kalki Koechlin, and Vidhatri Bandi Sharpened Their Skills at Top Film Schools! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The wait for Mirzapur fans is almost over, as Excel Entertainment has officially kicked off the final countdown for Mirzapur: The Movie, sharing an intense new poster to mark just 10 days remaining until its theatrical release. The freshly dropped poster brings back the beloved and fiercely popular cast, including Pankaj Tripathi as the formidable Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit, Divyenndu as Munna Bhaiya, and Jitendra Kumar, among other key characters, promising a larger-than-life cinematic experience packed with high-stakes action and drama.

Taking to social media to share the countdown poster, Excel Entertainment captioned, “भौकाल का नया ठिकाना: थिएटर। बड़े पर्दे पर ‘मिर्ज़ापुर द मूवी’ आने में बस 10 दिन बाकी! #MirzapurTheMovie, 4 सितंबर को सिर्फ़ हिंदी और तेलुगु में थिएटर में रिलीज़ हो रही है।” After impressing millions across multiple seasons on OTT, Mirzapur: The Movie marks a major milestone as the franchise expands from streaming screens to theaters.

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With the 10-day countdown officially underway, fan anticipation has reached an all-time high as audiences eagerly await the iconic bhaukaal of Mirzapur on the big screen.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Mirzapur: The Movie Count Down Begins as Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios Share ‘10 Days To Go’ Poster first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Rasika Dugal is in a celebratory mood as she adds yet another milestone to her remarkable journey with Delhi Crime. The acclaimed actor recently bagged the Best Actor (Series) – Female honor at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for her standout performance as Neeti Singh in Delhi Crime Season 3. The victory holds deep personal significance for Rasika, marking eight memorable years of bringing the beloved character to life.

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Reflecting on the recognition and her journey with the series, Rasika took to social media to share a heartfelt post. Expressing her gratitude to IFFM and the entire Delhi Crime team, she wrote, “Won Best Actor (series) for #DelhiCrimeSeason3. Thank you @iffmmelbourne for the honour and for a very memorable night ”

She further expressed her affection for the team behind the series, adding, “To our lovely Delhi crime team Thank you for making the moments on screen memorable with your incredible talent and making everything off screen lighter with the completely crazy, funny, wonderful people you are ”

For Rasika, the award is more than just another accolade. It celebrates a character and a journey that have become an integral part of her career. Eight years, three seasons and countless memories later, Neeti Singh continues to hold a special place in her heart. Summing up her emotional connection to the role, Rasika wrote, “Eight years, three seasons, and so many memories. I love being Neeti Singh ”

Rasika’s portrayal of Neeti Singh has evolved across the seasons, allowing her to explore the character’s professional and personal growth while bringing an understated intensity and authenticity to the role. Her performance has consistently resonated with audiences, and the latest IFFM recognition further celebrates the depth and nuance she has brought to one of her most defining performances.

Interestingly, this phase in Rasika Dugal’s career is marked by another exciting transition. While she celebrates her victory as Neeti Singh, she is simultaneously gearing up to return as another iconic character who has become synonymous with her name, Beena Tripathi. With Mirzapur: The Movie drawing closer to its theatrical release, Rasika is set to once again step into the shoes of the fiercely unpredictable and powerful Beena Tripathi, a character that has earned her immense love and a dedicated fan following.

From the world of Delhi Crime to the gritty universe of Mirzapur, Rasika has consistently demonstrated her ability to disappear into vastly different characters. Her IFFM win for Delhi Crime Season 3 arrives at a time when she is celebrating the legacy of one iconic role while preparing to reignite the screen with another. With Neeti Singh earning her international recognition and Beena Tripathi waiting to return to the big screen, Rasika Dugal is undoubtedly enjoying a particularly impressive phase in her career.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Rasika Dugal Takes Home Best Actor Award at IFFM for Delhi Crime Season 3, Cherishing Eight Years as Neeti Singh! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios’ Mirzapur: The Movie has emerged as one of the most awaited theatrical releases, marking the big-screen debut of India’s biggest OTT franchise. Following the massive response to the film’s explosive teaser and trailer, anticipation among fans has reached new heights.

Amid ongoing promotional activities, Rasika Dugal treated fans to a behind-the-scenes moment on social media. She shared pictures posing with her reel-life husband Pankaj Tripathi (Kaleen Bhaiya) alongside his real-life wife, Mridula Tripathi. The photos capture a lighthearted crossover of reel and real life, with Pankaj Tripathi striking Kaleen Bhaiya’s signature pose.

Sharing the post, Rasika wrote: “Mirzapur in Melbourne… Real-life और Reel-life… और Kaleen Bhaiya ka signature swag”

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Ahead of the film’s release, the makers are gearing up to unveil ‘Vaaroon Forever’, a reimagined version of the fan-favorite Mirzapur track. Original singer Romy returns alongside Shreya Ghoshal, with composer Anand Bhaskar and lyricist Ginny Diwan reuniting to give the soulful song a fresh musical avatar.

Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh, written by Puneet Krishna, and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani co-producing. Mirzapur: The Movie arrives in cinemas on September 4, 2026.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Kaleen Bhaiya’s Signature Swag On Display! Rasika Dugal Poses with Pankaj Tripathi and His Real-Life Wife Mridula Ahead of Mirzapur: The Movie! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Redefining Female Agency Beyond Strength

Ahead of the release of Mirzapur: The Movie, Rasika reflects on the difference between portraying complex women and merely playing “strong” women. Returning as the enigmatic Beena Tripathi, one of the franchise’s most compelling and unpredictable characters, the actor believes that true progress lies in allowing female characters the same emotional and moral complexity that has long been reserved for men.

“For the longest time, we celebrated the arrival of the ‘strong female character’ because it was a necessary correction to decades of women being written as passive or ornamental. But strength, by itself, cannot be the only defining trait of a woman. Real women are contradictory. They can be vulnerable one moment and strategic the next. They can be nurturing and fiercely ambitious, or deeply compassionate and capable of making morally questionable choices, all at the same time. I think it’s interesting when women are allowed to exist in all their complexity.”

The Unpredictable World of Beena Tripathi

Speaking on what makes Beena stand out in the violent, patriarchal world of Mirzapur, Rasika highlights her refusal to be pigeonholed:

“What drew me to Beena is that she refuses to fit into a neat box. She’s neither entirely a victim nor a conventional hero. She constantly adapts, negotiates power, makes difficult decisions, and often surprises both the audience and herself. She is trying to survive, to reclaim agency in whatever way she can. That makes her far more interesting to play than someone who is written to appear ‘strong’ in every scene.”

“As an actor, I’m far more excited by characters who have contradictions, silences, insecurities, and uncomfortable truths. I hope we’re moving towards a time where women on screen are no longer expected to carry the burden of representing an ideal and are simply allowed to be human.”

Bringing Beena to the Big Screen

“Revisiting Beena in Mirzapur: The Movie has been incredibly rewarding because I feel the writing gives audiences the opportunity to see her beyond binaries. That’s the kind of evolution actors wait for.”

With Mirzapur: The Movie bringing one of India’s most celebrated fictional worlds to the big screen, audiences can look forward to witnessing Beena Tripathi once again — a character whose enduring appeal lies not in fitting the mould of a “strong woman,” but in embodying the messy, layered realities of power, resilience, survival, and ambition.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Rasika Dugal on Moving Beyond the “Strong Female Character” Trope: “Women Are Allowed to Be Complicated and Contradictory” first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

At a time when audiences increasingly gravitate towards authenticity over idealism, Rasika believes that morally layered characters have become far more compelling than traditionally aspirational ones. Rather than portraying women who exist to inspire through perfection, her characters reflect the complexities, contradictions, vulnerabilities and difficult choices that define real life.

Over the years, whether it has been Beena Tripathi, who evolves from being perceived as powerless to becoming one of the sharpest strategists in Mirzapur; Neeti Singh, whose quiet empathy becomes her greatest strength in Delhi Crime; Safia in Manto, Savita in Hamid, Dolly in Out of Love or Mallika in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, Rasika has consistently gravitated towards women who challenge audiences instead of seeking their immediate approval. Her portrayal of Neeti Singh, in particular, has been praised for bringing emotional depth and quiet authority to the character.

Reflecting on this shift in storytelling, Rasika Dugal said, “I’ve never consciously gone looking for characters who are morally ambiguous. I’ve always searched for characters that reflect the complexity of real people. Human beings are contradictory, inconsistent and constantly evolving. That’s what fascinates me as an actor. If I can understand why a character makes a certain choice even if I personally disagree with it then I know there’s something worth exploring.”

Rasika further adds, “For a long time, female characters were expected to be symbols of virtue, sacrifice or perfection. Today, writers are allowing women to be flawed, selfish, ambitious, vulnerable, manipulative, compassionate and courageous sometimes all at once. I think that’s a far more honest reflection of life. We don’t have to agree with every decision a character makes to empathise with her journey.”

She continues, “Beena Tripathi is a great example of that. People often ask me if she’s a hero or a villain. I think she is a woman trying to survive in a deeply patriarchal and violent world using the tools available to her. Her choices are uncomfortable, sometimes shocking, but they emerge from her circumstances. That’s what makes her interesting to me.”

She concludes, “Neeti Singh, on the other hand, operates from an entirely different emotional space. She is measured, compassionate and quietly resilient. She isn’t loud or performative, yet she possesses immense strength. What I love is that neither woman can be reduced to a single adjective. As actors, we’re often told to make characters ‘likeable’, but I think being interesting is far more important than being likeable. People we meet in real life are rarely perfect; they surprise us, disappoint us, inspire us and sometimes frustrate us all at the same time. I believe audiences today are incredibly intelligent. They don’t want idealised women anymore; they want real women. They want to see people who make mistakes, carry regrets, fight their circumstances and continue moving forward despite their imperfections.”

“If the stories I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of contribute, even in a small way, to expanding how women are represented on screen, then I consider that a privilege. I hope we continue moving towards stories where women aren’t expected to symbolize perfection – they’re simply allowed to be fully human.”

With Mirzapur: The Movie set to bring Beena Tripathi to the big screen, Rasika’s growing body of work continues to reinforce her reputation as one of India’s finest actors – one who consistently chooses complexity over convention and humanity over perfection.

By Keerti Kadam

The post “The Most Interesting Women on Screen Today Aren’t Perfect, They’re Simply Human”: Rasika Dugal on Embracing Morally Ambiguous Roles! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Rasika Dugal
#RasikaDugal has consistently chosen layered, unconventional characters. In Delhi Crime, she portrayed IPS officer Neeti Singh with quiet determination and intelligence as she worked alongside the investigation team. In Mirzapur, Beena Tripathi evolved into one of the show’s most formidable characters, navigating a patriarchal household with resilience, strategy and courage. Even in Lootcase, Rasika brought warmth and strength to an everyday woman balancing family responsibilities with unwavering support for her husband.

Tillotama Shome
#TillotamaShome has earned acclaim for portraying women who display extraordinary strength through quiet resilience. In Sir, she played Ratna, a domestic worker determined to pursue her dreams despite social and economic barriers. Her understated yet powerful performance resonated with audiences worldwide. In Delhi Crime, she once again delivered a compelling performance, embodying professionalism and empathy in a high-pressure environment.

Richa Chadha
#RichaChadha has built a reputation for playing fearless women who command attention. As Bholi Punjaban in Fukrey, she created one of the franchise’s most memorable characters with her confidence and authority. In Inside Edge, she portrayed a determined businesswoman navigating the male-dominated world of sports management, while in Heeramandi, she brought emotional depth and resilience to a character fighting for dignity and survival.

Radhika Apte
Known for choosing bold and unconventional roles, #RadhikaApte has repeatedly portrayed women who challenge societal expectations. In Parched, she played a woman seeking freedom from oppressive traditions, while in Sacred Games, her character brought intelligence and emotional complexity to the narrative. In Mrs Undercover, she balanced humour and action as an undercover agent rediscovering her confidence and purpose.

Rani Mukerji
#RaniMukerji has become synonymous with strong female-led cinema. In Mardaani and Mardaani 2, she portrayed the fearless Shivani Shivaji Roy, a police officer relentlessly fighting crime and human trafficking. In Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, she delivered a deeply mMardaanirformance as a mother who battles an entire system to reunite with her children, highlighting courage, determination and unconditional love.

Bhumi Pednekar
#BhumiPednekar has consistently championed stories centred around women and social change. In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, she portrayed Jaya, a woman who refuses to compromise on her dignity and takes a stand for sanitation and women’s rights. In Saand Ki Aankh, she played one of India’s oldest sharpshooters, breaking age and gender stereotypes. In Durgamati, she portrayed a fearless government officer, while in Bhakshak, she played an investigative journalist determined to expose abuse and fight for justice despite overwhelming odds.

Vidya Balan
#VidyaBalan has long been a pioneer of female-led narratives. In Kahaani, she played Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband with intelligence and grit, delivering one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic performances. In Sherni, she portrayed an honest forest officer navigating bureaucracy while protecting wildlife, proving that leadership often lies in quiet conviction. In Tumhari Sulu, she celebrated the aspirations of an ordinary homemaker determined to create her own identity.

#TaapseePannu
Taapsee Pannu has carved a niche for herself by leading films driven by strong female protagonists. In Thappad, she delivered a powerful performance as Amrita, a woman who questions societal norms and self-worth after experiencing domestic violence, sparking an important conversation on dignity and respect. In Haseen Dillruba, she portrayed Rani Kashyap, a complex, unapologetic woman who challenged conventional notions of femininity through a layered and emotionally charged performance.

Huma Qureshi
#HumaQureshis portrayal of Rani Bharti in Maharani stands as one of the most celebrated performances in recent years. Transforming from a homemaker into a decisive political leader, her character’s journey showcased intelligence, resilience and remarkable growth. In Monica, O My Darling, she played a confident and enigmatic woman who held her own in a gripping thriller. In Bayaan, Huma steps into another powerful role, portraying a determined police officer navigating a complex investigation, reinforcing her image as an actor drawn to strong, layered female characters.

These actors have redefined what it means to portray empowered women on screen. Their characters remind audiences that strength is not confined to physical courage, it can be found in resilience, compassion, determination, integrity and the willingness to challenge the status quo. Through their memorable performances, they have contributed to a more inclusive and authentic representation of women in Indian cinema, inspiring viewers while paving the way for even more compelling female-led stories.

BY Keerti Kadam 

The post Forces of Indian Cinema: 9 Actresses Who Command the Screen in Powerful Roles first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Few actors understand this better than Rasika Dugal, whose portrayal of Beena Tripathi in the Mirzapur franchise has become one of the most talked-about female characters in Indian entertainment. As anticipation builds for Mirzapur: The Movie, which brings the beloved franchise to the big screen, Rasika reflects on what it means to create a character that has taken on a life of its own. Beena Tripathi’s journey from a seemingly powerless woman to one of the most intelligent and unpredictable power players in the Mirzapur universe has made her a defining character of contemporary Indian storytelling.

While Beena Tripathi has become synonymous with Rasika’s name, the actor has simultaneously built one of the industry’s most diverse filmographies through projects such as Delhi Crime, Manto, Hamid, Out of Love, and Lord Curzon Ki Haveli. Even so, she acknowledges that there is something extraordinary about the emotional connection audiences have formed with Beena over the years.

Speaking about becoming identified with such an iconic role, Rasika Dugal said, “One of the most beautiful things about being an actor is that sometimes a character begins to belong to people more than it belongs to you. For most other projects people stop me to say , ‘I loved your performance.’ For Mirzapur,more often than not, they simply say, ‘Beena!’ They talk to me as though they know her personally. That, to me, is the biggest compliment because it means the character has found a place in people’s imagination.”

“It’s fascinating how audiences remember characters more than actors today. Years later, people may not remember where they first saw you, but they’ll remember how a particular character made them feel. That’s the real power of storytelling. We don’t remember performances in isolation we remember the lives those characters seemed to live. If a character stays with people long after they’ve finished watching, then you’ve done something right.”

“What makes Beena so special is that she has evolved. She wasn’t written as someone who remained the same season after season. She adapted, survived, learned and changed. I think audiences connected with that evolution because they could never completely predict her. She is not trying to be heroic or villainous; she is simply trying to navigate the world she is trapped in. That’s what made her feel real.”

By Keerti Kadam

The post Rasika Dugal on the Eternal Impact of Beena Tripathi: “When the Audience Forgets the Actor and Remembers the Character, You’ve Truly Succeeded” first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.