Jobaaj Stories
The year 2024 has been one for the history books. From headline-grabbing controversies to remarkable achievements across different fields, the year has been a whirlwind of emotions, discussions, and milestones.
A To Z of 2024
Here’s a detailed journey through the year, from A to Z, capturing the essence of events that defined it.
A - Abhishek & Aishwarya
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s relationship grabbed national attention as rumors of their separation circulated for months. Speculations reached their peak when Aishwarya attended an Ambani wedding with her daughter Aaradhya but without the rest of the Bachchan family. However, the couple later appeared together at a family wedding and Aaradhya’s school annual function, quashing the rumors and putting an end to public chatter.
B - Baldoni vs Lively
Hollywood was shaken by a public fallout between actor-director Justin Baldoni and lead actor Blake Lively while promoting It Ends With Us. Matters escalated when Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment case against Justin Baldoni, sparking debates on professionalism and workplace boundaries in the film industry.
C - Credit War for Stree 2
The blockbuster success of Stree 2 turned into a public relations nightmare as fans and insiders debated who deserved the credit for the film’s success. While some applauded Shraddha Kapoor’s role, others backed Rajkummar Rao’s performance. The film’s other actors, like Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana, also joined the discussion, fueling online debates.
D - Diljit Dosanjh’s Global Rise
Diljit Dosanjh made India proud by appearing on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, cementing his place as a global entertainer. However, his Dilluminati Tour in India faced roadblocks when authorities in cities like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad filed petitions to ban his performances over controversial lyrics about alcohol and drugs.
E - Entourage Costs
In a surprising turn, film producers spoke out about skyrocketing production budgets due to actors bringing oversized entourages to sets. Karan Johar led the chorus, questioning how such demands were affecting small and medium-budget films. The conversation shed light on the financial burdens of modern filmmaking.
F - Facing Death Threats
Salman Khan endured a tumultuous year after receiving death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, which escalated when shots were fired outside his Mumbai home in April. Security concerns also extended to Shah Rukh Khan after similar threats, highlighting the growing risks faced by public figures.
G - Gukesh D’s Chess Victory
India celebrated a historic moment when Gukesh D became the youngest World Chess Champion, dethroning China’s Ding Liren. At just 18, Gukesh’s achievement catapulted him to national hero status, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts.
H - Honey Singh vs Badshah
The feud between rappers Honey Singh and Badshah resurfaced, with Honey Singh criticizing Badshah’s lyrics and accusing him of mocking his illness. The tension spilled into public interviews, reigniting their long-standing rivalry and dividing fans.
I - India’s Got Latent
Comedian Samay Raina’s parody talent show, India’s Got Latent, took the internet by storm. With its quirky format and unique scoring system, the show gained millions of views and became a launchpad for several new talents in the comedy space.
J - Jigra Controversy
The much-hyped release of Alia Bhatt’s Jigra was overshadowed by accusations from actor Divya Khosla Kumar, who claimed the movie’s box office numbers were fake. Divya also accused filmmaker Karan Johar of plagiarizing her film’s concept, resulting in a social media war that kept audiences glued.
K - Kusha Kapila Roast Drama
Kusha Kapila found herself at the center of a heated controversy during comedian Ashish Solanki’s show when severe jokes by Samay Raina were removed from the final cut. Feeling targeted, Kusha later spoke out about her discomfort, sparking discussions about boundaries in comedy.
L - Luigi Mangione’s Trial
The murder trial of Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, dominated global headlines. Despite his not guilty plea, Luigi gained public sympathy due to his charm, earning comparisons to infamous serial killer Ted Bundy.
M - Malayalam Industry’s Dark Truth
A landmark report by the Justice Hema Committee exposed systemic issues in the Malayalam film industry, including unsafe working conditions for women. Prominent actors shared personal experiences, prompting the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists to dissolve its executive committee.
N - Nayanthara vs Dhanush
A legal battle ensued between Nayanthara and Dhanush over behind-the-scenes footage from their 2015 film. The spat turned personal when Nayanthara issued an open letter on social media accusing Dhanush of unfair practices. The lawsuit remains unresolved.
O - Oscar Disappointment
India’s Oscar journey hit a snag when All We Imagine as Light, despite its accolades, was overlooked in favor of Laapataa Ladies as the country’s official entry. The decision drew criticism, especially after Laapataa Ladies failed to make it to the final shortlist.
P - Pushpa 2: The Rule
Breaking all box office records, Pushpa 2: The Rule became the first Hindi-language film to cross ₹700 crore. However, the success was marred by a tragic stampede at the premiere, raising questions about safety at public events.
Q - Queue Troubles
Concert ticketing faced backlash as events like Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh’s tours saw unprecedented demand. Ticket scalping became rampant, with tickets being resold at exorbitant prices, sparking conversations about better event management practices.
R - Rahman-Banu Divorce Rumors
Musician A.R. Rahman’s separation from wife Saira Banu became a topic of gossip, especially after his bassist Mohini Dey also announced her split on the same day. Both women publicly dismissed allegations of a relationship between Mohini and Rahman, putting rumors to rest.
S - Success of Re-releases
Films like Laila Majnu and Tumbbad returned to theaters and outperformed their original runs. These re-releases highlighted changing audience preferences and proved that good storytelling has timeless appeal.
T - T20 World Cup Victory
India reclaimed the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in the final. The victory marked the end of an era, as cricketing legends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirements from international T20 cricket.
U - Unity in the South
Southern cinema showed solidarity when politician Konda Surekha’s remarks about Samantha and Naga Chaitanya’s divorce faced widespread criticism. Leading actors condemned the statement, emphasizing the need for respecting personal boundaries.
V - Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Heartbreak
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to a minor weight issue left the nation disheartened. Her appeal for a joint silver medal was rejected, adding to the emotional blow.
W - Wedding of the Year
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s grand wedding became the year’s most talked-about event. Spanning three stages—from Gujarat to a cruise, and finally in Mumbai—the wedding hosted global icons, including Kim Kardashian and FIFA’s president.
X - X-Men in the MCU
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine made a spectacular return alongside Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool as the X-Men officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans rejoiced as the MCU set the stage for a more connected storyline.
Y - Year of Collaborations
Indian music saw groundbreaking collaborations, from Diljit Dosanjh joining Ed Sheeran on stage to Honey Singh performing with Jazzy B. These moments showcased the evolving landscape of Indian music and its global appeal.
Z - Zakir Hussain’s Farewell
The world bid adieu to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away due to a lung disease. A celebrated icon of Indian classical music, he left behind a legacy adorned with three Grammy wins this year alone.
As 2024 comes to an end, it leaves us with stories of triumphs and trials that will echo for years. This A-to-Z encapsulation reminds us that even in chaos, moments of brilliance and unity shine through.
