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In this episode of Extra Shot of Chai, we’re turning the spotlight on the men who walked so Bollywood’s gym heroes could run, the original models-turned-actors. From John Abraham’s brooding biker charm to Arjun Rampal’s smoldering intensity, Dino Morea’s pretty-boy era, and Milind Soman’s forever “Made in India” glow-up, we’re talking about the golden age of the male supermodel who tried to take over the silver screen.

We’re breaking down who made it big, who faded too soon, and why some of these faces defined an entire aesthetic of early 2000s cool, leather jackets, slow walks, and all. Some found real staying power; others got lost in the spotlight they helped create.

Was it talent, timing, or just great lighting? Grab your chai as we revisit the ramp, the reels, and the men who redefined what it meant to look like a Bollywood hero.

VOWs: 

ESOC Poll Pick: Gehrua Hua from Dhurandhar

Kavi: Sitare from Ikkis

Munni: Raata Lambiyan by AP Dhillon and Shinda Khalon

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Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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In this episode of Extra Shot of Chai, we’re diving into the universe of Bollywood’s ultimate mass hero, the one-man entertainment industry himself. From romantic Prem to rebellious Pandey, we’re ranking our favorite Salman Khan films and unpacking the chaos, charm, and shirtless swagger that made him a legend.

We’re talking crowd-pleasers, wild plotlines, and the larger-than-life moments that only Salman could pull off. Some of our picks will make perfect sense, others might start a friendly argument, but either way, it’s pure entertainment.

Love him or troll him, there’s no denying it. Salman’s films have defined eras, sparked memes, and somehow always found their way into every family gathering playlist.

Grab your chai, because this one’s full of nostalgia, debate, and a healthy dose of Being Bhaijaan.

VOWs: 

ESOC Poll: Ke Ghar Kab Aaoge from Border 2

Munni: Tu Sajaave by Pyro OTB and Meher Kaur

Kavi: Gira Gira Gingiragirey from Champion

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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This week on Extra Shot of Chai, we’re playing judge, jury, and chai-drinking critic as we hand out our totally unofficial Bollywood Awards. From the movies that surprised us to the ones that should’ve stayed in the drafts, the songs that owned the year, to the gossip that broke the internet...nothing is safe.

We’re ranking everything: the best and worst films, OTT hits and misses, debut stars, couples we rooted for, and names that made us roll our eyes. Some get crowns, others get flops, and a few might just need a rebrand before 2026.

Grab your chai and cast your votes in spirit!

VOWS: 

Poll Vote: Ishaq Jalakar from Dhurandhar

Kavitha: Kalyani by ARJN, KDS, Divine, Kalyani

Munni: Duniya Jhal by Saabat Batin Ft Rackstar

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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In this episode of Extra Shot of Chai, we’re talking about one of Bollywood’s most glamorous promises, the beauty crown. Miss World. Miss Universe. Instant fame, flashing cameras, and a fast track into films. Or so it seemed.

We’re breaking down what really happened after the tiaras came off. The careers that soared, the ones that stalled, and the many that quietly disappeared. From iconic superstardom to missed potential, we unpack why starting at the same finish line led to wildly different journeys on screen.

Was it talent, timing, choices, or pure luck that decided who stayed and who faded? Grab your chai as we dive into crowns, careers, and the truth behind Bollywood’s most glamorous entry point. 

VOW: 

ESOC Poll Pick: Shararat from Dhurandhar 

Munni's Pick: Sahana Sahana from Rajasab (Telugu) 

Kavi's Pick: Sahiba by Aditya Rikhari

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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This week, we’re diving into Bollywood’s most famous contract, the three-film deal. You’ve seen the stars it created, like Ranveer, Alia, and Anushka, and the ones it left hanging between scripts and studio promises.

We’re unpacking how Yash Raj Films turned signings into stardom, how Dharma polished its own classroom of stars, and why some actors thrived while others got lost waiting for their third film.

From career launches to creative lockdowns, we’re asking the real questions. Did these deals actually make Bollywood better? Who got the best bargain? And is the studio system finally losing its shine in the OTT era?

Pour yourself a strong cup, this episode’s serving contracts, control, and plenty of chai.

VOWS: 

ESOC Poll: Tu Meri Main Tera Tera Tu Mera from TMMTMTTM

Kavitha's Pick: FA9LA from Dhurandhar

Munni's Pick: HTLY by Anik Khan and Ali Sethi

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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It’s the train that never stopped — and this week, we’re finally hopping on.

We, along with our guest host Mitul, take a chai-fueled trip back to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the movie that made mustard fields iconic, turned train stations into love stories, and crowned SRK and Kajol the forever king and queen of Bollywood romance.

 From Raj’s effortless charisma to Simran’s quiet rebellion, we’re breaking down what made DDLJ a cultural phenomenon and asking the real questions. Would Raj’s antics still work in 2025? Did Bauji actually have a point? And why does this film still feel like comfort food?

It’s nostalgia, debate, and laughter in one ticket — and yes, there’s a special guest on board for this ride.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

VOWs

Kavitha: Jhol (Acoustic) by Maanu and Annural Khalid

Munni: Maastani by Sahir Ali Bagga and Afshan Fawad

Mitul: Tera Chehra from Sanaam Tere Kasam

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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This week, we’re stepping away from the soundstage and going off the Bollywood beat. 🎬 We dive into the worlds of Mira Nair, Gurinder Chadha, and Deepa Mehta — three filmmakers who built their own cinematic language far from Mumbai’s spotlight. From Monsoon Wedding to Bend It Like Beckham to Fire, these women carried Indian stories across continents, proving that you don’t need Bollywood to tell stories that move the world.

Expect deep dives, film nostalgia, and a little chai-fueled chaos as we unpack what makes each of them iconic — their vision, their impact, and their legacy beyond borders.

VOWs: 

ESOC Poll: Kamaal Hai - King

Munni - Roi Na by MItraaz

Kavitha - Winning Speech by Karan Aujla

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

Follow & Like us at:
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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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Thanksgiving weekend pause, but still serving chai.
In this short and spicy minisode of Extra Shot of Chai, we take a quick break from the full episode grind and check in with all of you while we spend time with our families. Our full episode will arrive next week, but we still have plenty to sip on today. From the trending Bollywood moments everyone is buzzing about to the blind items that had us side-eyeing our screens to our Vibe of the Week picks for your holiday playlist, this little sip is full of flavor. Cozy up with your chai and enjoy this easy holiday minisode. 

VOWs: 

ESOC poll: Kamaal Hai by King & Aditiya Dev

Kavi: Kaantha (Malayalam) 

Munni: Jogiya 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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In this episode of Extra Shot of Chai, we’re tuning into one of Bollywood’s biggest obsessions...Remakes. From reimagined chartbusters to iconic originals that didn’t need a second take, we’re asking the question: when does nostalgia hit right, and when does it hit wrong?

Joining us this week is Filmy Sonia, our guest host from England, whose love for Bollywood music runs deep. Together, we break down the best (and worst) remakes, the songs that deserved a revival, and the ones that should’ve stayed untouched.

Grab your headphones and your chai, this one’s got rhythm, nostalgia, and a few debates that just might remix your opinions.

VOWs: 

Kavi: Chal Tere Ishq Mein from Gadar 2

Munni: Adat By Yo Yo Honey and Karan Ajula

Sonia: Chikri Chikri (Hindi) from Peddi

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.

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In this episode of Extra Shot of Chai, we’re talking Bollywood’s favorite kind of drama, the off-screen kind. From secret romances whispered about in the 70s to modern-day rumors that break the internet, we’re diving into the most scandalous love affairs that had everyone sipping and speculating.

We’re breaking down the stories that blurred the line between reel and real, the headlines that refused to fade, and the stars who found themselves at the center of it all.

Grab your chai, because this one’s filled with passion, gossip, and a reminder that in Bollywood, the real drama doesn’t always happen on screen.

VOWs:

ESOC Poll: 3 Shauk from De De Pyar De 2

Munni: Majboor by Sheheryar Rehan x Zoha Waseem

Kavi: Saza by Sheheryar Rehan 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389396

Follow & Like us at:
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Follow our VOWs Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Jha2oVTveTNfSIUjX1qYy?si=974b57045cb94ad1

Disclaimer: Don’t come for us, Bollywood — The views in this episode are our personal opinions — not facts, not endorsements, just our CineMasala spin. We do our homework using public info and research from the web, but hey, the internet isn’t always perfect. So listen, laugh, and enjoy responsibly! Listeners should verify independently before acting on anything mentioned here.