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Shah Rukh Khan is the King of Romance. But films like Swades, Chak De India, and My Name Is Khan changed the trajectory of his career, proving why SRK goes beyond love stories.
Shah Rukh Khan broke the image of ‘King of Romance’
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan had just delivered hits like Veer-Zaara, Chalte Chalte and for that matter, even Devdas, all of which released within a span of a year or two, each one presenting a different emotion of love. In short, SRK was at his peak of being Bollywood’s King of Romance. Then in 2004, he chose to appear in plain shirt-pant, oiled hair, trying to find his roots and learning much from his Kaveri Amma. This was the year of Swades that probably altered the trajectory of Khan’s filmography. Ashutosh Gowariker had managed to present SRK not as Raj or Rahul, but Mohan Bhargav in a film that was everything but romance. And the movie redefined the course of his career. This was Shah Rukh Khan beyond romance! Shah Rukh Khan – King of Romance
What Aditya Chopra had succeeded in achieving with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Karan Johar cemented that with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) – of putting SRK into the mould of an absolute epitome of love stories. No fan complained, as we found a dimpled face that could light a thousand candles with his shy smile, spread arms and a sheer look with the depths of those eyes. Shah Rukh Khan was ruling Bollywood, as more romantic blockbusters followed – Dil To Pagal Hai, Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho and many more. However, for the critics, Khan had gotten into a mould.
Swades broke the mould
Swades initially failed to strike a chord. Many deemed it experimental, others were not ready to see SRK in a non-glam avatar, who preaches the real lesson of Ramayan, sets up a hydroelectric power generation facility, reconnects with his village roots, woos a local teacher, and refuses to return to NASA. It took Swades several years to find its audience and become a classic cinema.
Hitting the ball beyond love stories
Shah Rukh Khan yearned for more, to challenge his own typecast image of a romantic. He then did a film in 2007 that had a dozen women, but again, no romance track. Chak De India! SRK played a middle-aged man, a mentor, a hockey coach, who was back in an unshaved, non-manicured look, trying to push an impossible team towards World Cup victory. This one hit the bull’s eye, as the audience started believing in his conviction towards breaking the clutter.
Different shades of Khan
By the time 2010 came, even his close friend Karan Johar started believing in SRK’s craft. The two made My Name Is Khan, where KJo got both his favourites, Khan and Kajol, doing something very different from what we’d expect from a Dharma film. This was a new dawn for even Johar that opened doors for Dharma 2.0 storytelling.
SRK’s Rizwan Khan was an autistic Muslim who embarks on a journey across the United States to meet the President after his Hindu wife, suffers from Islamophobic discrimination in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. “My name is Khan, and I’m not a terrorist” was not just Rizwan’s entire fix, but a huge statement in terms of the socio-political scenario the world was facing following the dreadful incident. For any other actor, it would’ve been a risk to sign such a subject. But SRK used his brand and position with utmost caution and sincerity to win the hearts, and even awards.
Former inmates have revealed why Diddy’s life just got a whole lot easier
The Bad Boys Records founder’s life is now a far cry from his years of glamour and luxury
THIS is the first picture of Sean “Diddy” Combs in prison – and the once glitzy golden boy of hip-hop is barely recognisable.
Diddy, 55, was moved to a new prison – Fort Dix Federal in New Jersey – to see out the remainder of his four-year sentence for prostitution-related charges
The Bad Boy Records founder cuts a forlorn shape as he stands all alone in the prison yard at recreation time.
He is wrapped up in an orange beanie and thick blue coat, staring solemnly into the distance.
He also sports a scrubby grey beard, making him appear much older.
This is the first proper view of Diddy since his arrest in September 2024 – as we relied on only court sketches during the trial.
In July, he was acquitted on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, but found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution.
Throughout the blockbuster trial, he was held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn – where he stayed until recently.
The disgraced mogul has already got a job behind bars on laundry duty, according to TMZ.
Fort Dix is a low-security male prison, and Diddy‘s lawyers begged a judge earlier this month to recommend he be moved there.
Bill Boyle, who spent 14 months as an inmate at Fort Dix, said if Combs survived the MDC for over a year, the New Jersey lockup is “going to be a breeze for him”.
He told the US Sun: “You have 12 men in a cell and it’s not a true cell. It’s basically a dorm.
“You have three sets of bunk beds on one side of the wall, three sets on the other. The door to your cell they don’t lock, so you’re not necessarily really locked in because there’s no bathroom in those cells.
“So, you have to have access to a bathroom. None of the doors lock. The front door locks and they lock you in but that’s the front door to get in and out of there.”
Despite the relaxed cell regulations, Boyle, the founder of Federal Prison Consultants, said the facility’s facilities be just as unpleasant as MDC.
He said: “At Fort Dix, there’s three levels, three floors to these units, and you’re in the shower and you’re getting the discarded shower water from the shower above the third floor running down hitting you.
“That’s disgusting. Then, some days the shower water would come out scolding hot or it would just literally burn your skin.
“Some days it was cold, ice cold like a Mountain Creek. You had a bath but it was very, very hard.
“Some days the water would come out and hit you like a fire hose.
“You couldn’t even stand under it, it was so fast, and other times come out like a trickle like someone was pouring a tiny glass of water on you.”
“So, the daily living conditions are brutal. The food once again horrific. They don’t feed you enough.”
Diddy was sentenced to 50 months behind bars, and the earliest day he could potentially walk free is May 8, 2018.
After being acquitted of the more serious charges, Combs’ defense team offered a sprawling $50 million bond package to the judge, in which he would pledge to stay at his home in Miami and restrict his travel to Florida and New York.
Despite their effort, Judge Subramanian declined to release Combs on bond ahead of his October 3 sentencing.
At his sentencing, Combs addressed the court for the first time since his legal ordeal, begging the judge for mercy in his 12-minute speech.
Katrina Kaif Pregnancy Photos: In September this year, Bollywood’s favourite couple, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, officially announced that they are expecting their first child.
According to reports, Katrina Kaif is now in her third trimester.
Katrina Kaif Pregnancy Photos: Katrina Kaif’s fans were left shocked on Friday morning after a media portal shared pictures of the mom-to-be actress with her baby bump. Wondering what’s wrong with the pictures? They were clicked as Katrina stepped out on the balcony of her Mumbai apartment. The private pictures left netizens shocked, who then slammed the invasion of privacy and rushed to the comments section of the post, demanding police action.
“Camera se pehle manners on karo,” one of Katrina’s fans wrote. “Where’s the privacy??? It’s her home, why click her at her balcony?” asked another. “There is a word breach of privacy. We shouldn’t disturb them. 👏,” a third comment read.
One of the users even demanded police action against the media house and the paparazzo and wrote, “This is a crime! Police should take action on this person who was taking pic and invading someone’s privacy.” While some others asked the publication to delete the photos, one user also requested that they issue a public apology.
When Alia Bhatt’s Baby Bump Photos Also Shocked Fans
In 2022, while pregnant with her daughter, Raha, Alia Bhatt also slammed a media portal for invading her privacy after they took pictures of her from her Mumbai home balcony without her consent. Furious over the intrusion, Alia took to Instagram and wrote, “Are you kidding me? I was at my house having a perfectly normal afternoon sitting in my living room when I felt something watching me… only to realize two men on the terrace of my neighbouring building had a camera right at me! In what world is this okay and allowed?” Alia even tagged the concerned publication along with the Mumbai Police, demanding action.
Katrina Kaif And Vicky Kaushal’s Pregnancy
In September this year, Bollywood’s favourite couple, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, officially announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple shared a black and white polaroid picture of themselves grinning from ear to ear. The actress was seen cradling her baby bump while Vicky lovingly caressed her belly. “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude,” the caption read.
S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali: The Epic’ merges both parts into one reimagined saga, offering a nostalgic return to Mahishmati — but at a pace with barely a moment to breathe.
Baahubali: The Epic Review: A choppy yet timeless SS Rajamouli spectacle.
If you walk into an auditorium to watch a film that you and nearly everyone around you have already seen multiple times, yet feel the same excitement, perhaps even more, than you would for a festival release, you know you’re about to witness something epic. And this time, it’s not just a feeling. It’s literally titled ‘Baahubali: The Epic’.
There are films, and then there are experiences that transcend cinema to become part of our collective memory. ‘Baahubali’ belongs to the latter. Nearly a decade since it redefined Telugu cinema and expanded the boundaries of Indian filmmaking, SS Rajamouli returns to Mahishmati—merging ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ (2015) and ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ (2017) into a single, remastered saga. Running just under four hours, ‘Baahubali: The Epic’ isn’t merely a re-release—it’s a resurrection crafted for a post-RRR world, tailored for global audiences rediscovering India’s cinematic grandeur.
The first half bursts with renewed momentum. Rajamouli’s voiceover now bridges narrative gaps, while subplots like Avantika’s arc and the Kuntala sequence are trimmed for pace. The storytelling moves briskly—efficient, yes, but slightly at the cost of the emotional pauses that once deepened its texture. Moments like Mamathala Thalli and smaller character interludes are missed, giving the first hour a restless rhythm. Yet, even in this condensed form, Baahubali retains the sense of scale and purpose that made it monumental in the first place.
It’s in the second half that ‘Baahubali: The Epic’ truly finds its pulse again. From Amarendra Baahubali’s coronation to the blazing climax, the film unfolds like a symphony—each emotion, action, and conflict precisely measured. The ceremonial march of Baahubali, where even the elephants, armour, and the glint of glass evoke awe and rage, stands as one of the most breathtaking sequences ever captured. In that moment, you realise you’re not just watching a scene, you’re witnessing history in motion. .
What makes Baahubali so enduring isn’t just its visual scale but its rootedness in detail. Watch closely, and you’ll notice how Telugu grammar, idiom, and rhythm of an ancient dialect are woven into the dialogue. The words like ghat and pratighat used in war sequences breathe authenticity that transcends translation. Every detail, from the chandeliers to Bhallaladeva’s telescope, feels authentic and thoughtfully designed, making Mahishmati come alive with conviction rather than convenience. Rajamouli’s imagination gives it a world that feels lived-in, not created for effect.
Though around 90 minutes of footage have been sacrificed in this version, the essence remains largely untouched, while M M Keeravani’s monumental score continues to transcend mere background music. His compositions elevate action into opera and emotion into poetry, reaffirming why his collaboration with Rajamouli remains among the finest in Indian cinema.
At the heart of the film stands Prabhas, whose portrayal of Amarendra Baahubali remains a defining chapter in modern Indian cinema. This re-release reignites memories of the charismatic star who once balanced tenderness with might—a spark that has dimmed in his recent work. Anushka Shetty’s Devasena is both regal and fierce, while Rana Daggubati’s Bhallaladeva once again towers as one of Indian cinema’s most compelling antagonists, his controlled intensity making the menace feel real. Yet, beyond these leads, the soul of the film lies in Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, and Nassar, each bringing timeless depth and authority to their characters. They are so distinct, it’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing those roles.
K. K. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography deserves every bit of praise it has received over the years. Every frame carries something immortal—a look, a gesture, a silhouette that could live forever as a still. It’s the kind of visual storytelling that transcends time and language. That’s the hallmark of true cinematic greatness: its ability to remain unforgettable, no matter how many times it’s revisited. Rajamouli’s direction, as ever, balances emotional clarity with sheer spectacle.
As the re-release opens up the world of Baahubali to international audiences and first-time viewers, this nearly four-hour epic can feel overwhelming in action and pace. The first half, especially, moves at a relentless pace—so much happens so quickly that certain emotional beats lose their weight. The early portions feel rushed and occasionally uneven, as though the narrative is racing through history rather than allowing us to live within it.
With both parts now fused into one continuous narrative, the abundance of action can also feel heavy. Without the natural pause that once separated the films, battle sequences arrive back-to-back, leaving little room for breath or reflection. For newcomers, this intensity might blur the emotional arcs, even if the spectacle remains intact. And for long-time fans, the absence of a few songs and sequences, though not drastically affecting the experience, creates a faint sense of longing, a small ache for moments that once lingered.
The controversy erupted after Dosanjh appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and sought Bachchan’s blessings by bowing and touching his feet.
Diljit Dosanjh with Amitabh Bachchan at Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Central agencies are fearing an attempt on Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, sources told CNN-News18, after his recent interaction with Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati sparked a wave of threats from Khalistani outfits.
Some threats to Bachchan are under assessment by central agencies, who say that they are in connection with his recent meeting with Dosanjh, according to these sources.
Dosanjh reportedly received a threat from the Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) after he was seen touching Bachchan’s feet. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun warned that the group would attempt to shut down Dosanjh’s concert scheduled in Australia on November 1.
Dosanjh’s respectful gesture act drew sharp criticism from the separatist organisation, which accused the actor-singer of dishonouring the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The SFJ alleged that Bachchan had played a role in inciting violence during the 1984 riots following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
The outfit claimed that Bachchan had allegedly used the slogan “Khoon Ka Badla Khoon (Blood for Blood)” during the riots, which they said “unleashed violence in which over 30,000 Sikh men, women, and children were killed across India.”
Threat To Diljit Dosanjh’s Melbourne Show
CNN-News18 had earlier reported that Melbourne police and intelligence agencies on Wednesday raised concerns over threat to Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura 2025 concert scheduled for November 1. Intelligence reports suggested that the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is seeking to target the high-profile event.
Australian police sources told CNN-News18 that the recent calls for shutdown rallies and a direct video message from SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have elevated the Melbourne threat to Level 2, defined as moderate to high.
The Delhi High Court declined to expedite a petition to halt the release of Paresh Rawal’s film “Taj Story,” citing concerns over its provocative content.
Paresh rawal stars in ‘Taj Story’ (HT)
The Delhi high court on Wednesday refused to urgently list a petition seeking to stay the release of Paresh Rawal’s Taj Story.
The movie produced by CA Suresh Jha, is scheduled to be released on Friday and has created a controversy ever since the makers dropped the film poster showing Lord Shiva’s statue of Lord Shiva emerging from the Taj Mahal’s dome
This was after the petitioner— advocate Shakeel Abbas urged a bench of chief justice DK Upadhyay and justice Tushar Rao Gedela to list the petition today, asserting that the movie presents fabricated and provocative content regarding the Taj Mahal’s origins and is scheduled to be released on Friday.
Rejecting his request, the court said, “Why today? When was the certification issued? It will be auto listed. Sorry,”
In his petition, Abbas besides seeking to stay the movie’s release in the current form, has requested the court to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the certificate granted to the film or impose necessary cuts to safeguard communal harmony. He has further sought a direction for the movie to carry a disclaimer stating that it portrays a contested narrative.
The movie, the petition stated is based on fabricated facts and has been made with a particular propaganda for spreading a manipulated history by showing the misinformation about the 7th Wonder of the World. It went on to add that the movie’s release without cuts has the likelihood of eroding faith in historical scholarship, provoking communal unrest, and damaging the international reputation of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SS Rajamouli revealed what surprise the makers have planned for the fans with the re-release of Baahubali: The Epic.
SS Rajamouli announces Rs 120 crore animated Baahubali film, Prabhas takes a dig: ‘That was our 1st part…’ (Credits: RRR’s X handle, Pinkvilla)
Ever since Baahubali producer Shobu Yarlagadda revealed that there would be a surprise announcement with the theatrical print of Baahubali: The Epic, fans have been wondering what it could be. Now, as SS Rajamouli sat with Prabhas and Rana Daggubati for a promotional interview, he dropped the biggest surprise for all the Baahubali fans.
SS Rajamouli, who is currently busy with the production of SSMB29 starring Mahesh Babu, has confirmed a 3D animation film based on Baahubali. The maverick filmmaker revealed that the teaser of the upcoming animated film will be shown during the interval of Baahubali: The Epic. He also went on to reveal its title, Baahubali: The Eternal War. He said, “We are releasing Baahubali: The Eternal War teaser. It’s not Baahubali 3, but it’s a continuation of the world of Baahubali. It’s basically an animated film. This is a very, very high 3D animation.”
The renowned filmmaker revealed that Shobu Garu (Shobu Yarlagadda) has worked on this project for over two and a half years and mentioned that the budget of Baahubali: The Eternal War is Rs. 120 crore. He said, “Now we’re coming up with a film which will cost like Rs. 120 crores.” Prabhas was stunned by the production cost. He jokingly said, “120 crores? That was our first part of Baahubali’s planning budget.”
SSR highlighted that the animation studio that worked on popular anime, Arcane, has developed this film.
SIT chief Munna Prasad Gupta, addressing a tense media huddle on Wednesday, revealed the team has grilled over 90 witnesses—family, friends, Bihu organisers, and festival insiders—piecing together the final hours of the beloved singer’s life.
As Assam reels from the loss of its musical heartbeat, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Zubeen Garg’s mysterious drowning in Singapore on September 19 signalled the end is in sight.
Zubeen Garg | File Pic
SIT chief Munna Prasad Gupta, addressing a tense media huddle on Wednesday, revealed the team has grilled over 90 witnesses—family, friends, Bihu organisers, and festival insiders—piecing together the final hours of the beloved singer’s life.
Garg, 52, was set to light up the North East India Festival when tragedy struck during a yacht party off Singapore’s shores. What began as a suspected accident has spiralled into a web of allegations: poisoning claims, delayed aid, and shadowy ties. The viscera report from New Delhi’s CFSL, handed to Guwahati Medical College experts, now probes a potential toxin angle, fueling murder charges against key figures like manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta—both arrested alongside five others.
“We’ve moved methodically,” Gupta said, his tone a mix of resolve and restraint. “Over 90 statements down, including fresh ones from four Bihu committees today. Singapore Police are on board—CCTV from Zubeen’s hotel and witness accounts should land soon via Mutual Legal Assistance.”
He nodded to the team’s recent Singapore trip, where they traced the singer’s steps amid the city’s neon blur.
On Wajed Ahmed, the Singaporean national whose name echoes in whispers, Gupta was firm: “International law guides us. Singapore handles their end; we’re synced up.” A linked case, No. 19/25, simmers too, with stragglers yet to testify.
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh shared a video on YouTube that featured behind-the-scenes footage of his AURA tour in Australia. He also opened up on the racism he faced ahead of his Sydney concert.
Diljit Dosanjh opened up on facing racism in Australia. (Credit: Instagram/diljitdosanjh)
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is busy with his worldwide tour for the album AURA. Ahead of his Sydney concert, he filmed and shared some behind-the-scenes footage, offering a glimpse into his shows. Unexpectedly, the video also served as a platform for Diljit to expose the racism he faced in Australia, including being insultingly referred to as a ‘cab driver’.
Diljit in his YouTube channel, shared that when he landed in Australia, the paparazzi clicked pictures of him arriving. However, when they shared the pictures, the comments were filled with racist remarks. He said, “Some agencies reported when I landed in Australia. Someone sent me the comments people were making. People said things like, the new Uber driver is here, or the new 7-11 employee has landed. I’ve seen a lot of these racist comments, but I think the world should be one and there should be no borders.”
“I don’t mind being compared to a cab or truck driver. If truck drivers cease to exist, you won’t get bread for your home. I’m not angry, and my love goes out to everyone, even the ones who say things like that about me,” the Punjabi singer added.
Deepika Padukone’s name has been allegedly removed from Kalki 2898 AD’s end credits list on OTT platforms. Netizens pointed it out and here’s how they reacted.
Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD.
Deepika Padukone’s fans have expressed disappointment and anger over her name being allegedly removed from Kalki 2898 AD’s end credits list. It all happened after a fan noticed that the actress’ name was missing from Kalki 2898 AD’s end credits list on OTT platforms. After the fan shared a video, others reacted to it strongly on X (formerly Twitter). While a netizen mentioned out that the actress’ name was already missing, others pointed out that it was removed again.
Deepika Padukone’s name removed from Kalki 2898 AD end credits?
A fan account shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “credits aren’t just names at the end of a movie. They’re acknowledgment, accountability, and respect for the work put in. When someone like Deepika Padukone, who’s played a pivotal role in shaping the emotional core of Kalki, isn’t credited even after months of OTT release.”
Another user slammed Kalki 2898 AD production house Vyjayanthi Films by writing, “@VyjayanthiFilms removed Deepika Padukone from end credits in Kalki PART 1 from the OTT platforms… Maybe the worst production house to exist…you guys deserve to rot in hell lmao.. Removing name from end credits will remove her impact from the film? Seriously?”
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to confer the Padma Shri posthumously on late actor Satish Shah. The association praised his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and television, calling him one of the industry’s most beloved and versatile artists.
FWICE Urges PM Modi To Confer Padma Shri Posthumously On Satish Shah For ‘Outstanding Contribution’ To Cinema
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour late actor Satish Shah with the Padma Shri award posthumously. In a letter, the film body praised the veteran star for his immense contribution to Indian cinema and television. They described him as a gifted artist who brought joy and laughter to millions through his iconic roles. FWICE Urges PM Modi To Confer Padma Shri Posthumously On Satish Shah
An excerpt of the letter read, “Late Shri Satish Shah was a rare and gifted artist whose work brought joy, laughter, and emotion to millions across our nation. Through his unforgettable performances in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Main Hoon Na, and numerous other landmark films and television shows, he became a household name and a symbol of excellence in the performing arts. His versatility, humour, and human warmth made him one of the most respected and admired figures in Indian entertainment.”
They added: “Beyond his immense talent, Shri Satish Shah was also a kind and compassionate soul — always encouraging fellow artists, technicians, and the entire fraternity. He was deeply respected by the working community and supported several welfare initiatives of FWICE with generosity and grace. His loss has left an emotional void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the creative world he helped shape.”
FWICE said the award would be a fitting tribute to his legacy and decades of service to entertainment. “It would recognize not just an actor, but a man who made India smile for over four decades and inspired countless others to follow their passion,” said the federation.
Ektaa Kapoor Supports Salman Khan: Raises Concern Over Abhinav Kashyap’s Bullying Behaviour In The Industry
fter Bollywood photographer Varinder Chawla voiced his disapproval of filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap’s recent allegations against actor Salman Khan, television and film producer Ektaa Kapoor has now come forward to support the superstar. The controversy began after Kashyap made certain statements about Salman Khan, which Chawla described as attention-seeking and baseless.
In a strong social media post, Varinder Chawla criticized Kashyap for allegedly using Salman Khan’s name to create controversy. Expressing his disappointment, Chawla wrote, “Recently, I came across a podcast where Abhinav was bashing Salman, seemingly just to grab attention and create controversy. As someone who’s been a part of the industry for so long, I found this completely disgusting. If there were genuine issues, why wait so long to speak up? This kind of behavior feels opportunistic and completely unfair, using someone else’s reputation for personal gain.”
Chawla’s statement quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many users echoing his sentiments about unnecessary negativity in the industry. His post questioned the intent behind Kashyap’s remarks and highlighted how such allegations could damage the image of established actors like Salman Khan without proper proof.
In a gesture of solidarity, Ektaa Kapoor shared Varinder Chawla’s post on her Instagram stories, extending her support to Salman Khan. By reposting the statement, Kapoor made her stance clear, joining those who believe that unwarranted public criticism can be harmful and counterproductive. Her move not only reinforced Chawla’s viewpoint but also reflected her belief in maintaining respect and fairness within the entertainment industry.
Satish Shah passed away on Saturday afternoon after collapsing at his Mumbai residence during lunch. He was 74. His funeral was held in Mumbai on Sunday.
Satish Shah’s prayer meet was held in Mumbai on Monday.
On Monday, friends and family gathered to pay their last respects to the late actor Satish Shah at a prayer meet. The somber occasion saw many emotional moments, including a touching moment where singer Sonu Nigam sang Satish’s favourite song Tere Mere Sapne with his widow Madhu as a tribute to the actor.
Sonu Nigam makes Satish Shah’s wife Madhu sing
The prayer meet took place in Juhu on Monday. Satish Shah’s wife, Madhu, who is said to be battling Alzheimer’s disease, was also seen attending the prayer meet.
Several of Satish’s close friends, including Sarabhai vs Sarabhai creator JD Majethia and actor Aanjjan Srivastav, took to Instagram to share the touching moment from the event, where Sonu got Madhu to sing one of Satish’s favourite songs with him.
At the prayer meet, Sonu paid a heartfelt tribute to Satish Shah by performing some of the late actor’s favourite songs. His rendition of Mohammed Rafi’s Tere Mere Sapne from Guide left everyone emotional. In one touching moment captured on video, Sonu is seen kneeling before Madhu, encouraging her to hum a few lines of the song along with him. The video then captures Madhu singing the song with him.
Sharing the video, Aanjjan wrote, “This beautiful gesture by @sonunigamofficial made Satish’s memorial so beautiful. Truly this was a celeb of his life. But this moment stays in my heart forever. Singing to Madhu Bhabhi – Satish’s most favourite song. Also reminding that music binds and can heal. And do so much. And likewise remembering what a melody master Satish himself was.”
JD Majethia shared that the song had a very personal meaning to the friends of Satish Shah, writing, “This song was also to convey what Madhu bhabi‘s last words of the songs are, WATCH IT TILL THE END to know what we all wish to promise #satish shah. Hum sang hai (we are together).”
Internet reacts
Social media users were deeply moved by the emotional tribute paid to Satish Shah. Many shared that watching Sonu Nigam sing Tere Mere Sapne while Madhu joined in brought tears to their eyes.
One wrote, “What an actor, lived the characters and loved by all”, with another sharing, “The last line by Madhu ji Hum sang rahe ge .. Sach Mai aakh bhar aai (It got tears in my eyes).. Stay strong Madhuji.. Satish sir is watching over you.”
“She is so beautiful. May Satish sir’s soul rest in immense peace,” one wrote. One comment read, “Thanks Sonuji for connecting her mind with your singing.”
“So good to see the way we celebrate life.. after death also it’s the same way.. wat a life satish ji must have lived,” one shared. Another wrote, “This is toooo painful to watch. God please take care of her.”
“A beautiful tribute filled with love and respect,” one commented, with another sharing, “She is a patient of Alzheimer’s and sonu ji hats off the way u r making her remember things… music has a charm @sonunigamofficial.”
One social media user praise Sonu Nigam for the gesture, with another sharing, “This is the way to remember a good happy soul and give his wife support.”
“The best farewell ever… if u have such friends in life , u have won in life,” one shared.
Satish Shah dies at 74
Satish Shah passed away on Saturday afternoon after collapsing at his Mumbai residence during lunch. He was immediately taken to Hinduja Hospital, where doctors could not revive him. He underwent a kidney transplant 2-3 months back, and was struggling with his health for the past few months. His funeral was held in Mumbai on Sunday.
Shashi Tharoor said that while ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ may take some time to grow on the viewer, it ensures that they are eventually “irresistibly hooked”.
Tharoor concluded his review with a special father-to-father message for Aryan Khan’s father Shah Rukh Khan.
It was a relaxing weekend for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who took a break from work and turned to Netflix while recovering from a bout of cold and cough. On his sister Smita Tharoor’s recommendation, he gave the popular “Ba***ds of Bollywood” a chance, and now only has good things to say about the series.
Directed by Aryan Khan and produced by his father Shah Rukh’s Red Chillies, the Netflix series has been the centre of attention lately. From its engaging storyline to a slew of surprise guest appearances, the show is a fun satire on Bollywood.
“I’s one of the best things I have ever treated myself to: absolute #OTT GOLD!,” a part of Tharoor’s post on X read, right before he gave a detailed review of the series.
The Congress leader said that while the series may take some time to grow on the viewer, it ensures that they are eventually “irresistibly hooked”.
“The writing is sharp, the direction is fearless, and the sheer audacity of this satire is just what Bollywood needed. A genius, often hilarious, sometimes moving, and always unflinching look beyond the glamour, sending up every cinematic cliche with razor-like wit — and a series of insider jokes that let the audience into the act & behind the scenes,” Tharoor further wrote.
As a special mention to Aryan Khan, Tharoor wrote: “Take a bow, Aryan Khan—you’ve delivered a masterpiece: “TheBa***dsOfBollywood” is brilliant!”. He concluded his review with a special father-to-father message for Shah Rukh Khan. “Let me say: you must be so proud!!”.
Released on Netflix last month, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ came with a star-studded cast, including Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Aanya Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi, among others. It was also filled with countless cameos from Bollywood superstars, and was seen as a hilarious depiction of what goes on behind the screens.
Ibrahim Ali Khan has talked about learnings from the lukewarm reaction to his debut film Nadaaniyan in a new interview.
Ibrahim Ali Khan has opened up about his acting career so far.
Actor Ibrahim Ali Khan has had a sobering first year in the film industry. After making his acting debut in Nadaaniyan in March, he starred in Sarzameen in July. Both films—direct-to-OTT releases—were critically panned. Ibrahim was criticised by reviewers for appearing ‘raw and unprepared’. Now, the actor has admitted that he rushed into his debut.
‘Could have been more mindful’
In an interview with Esquire India, Ibrahim clarified that while he did not take his acting career for granted, he did come into films thinking that he would make it. “I am not saying I took my chance for granted, but I stepped into the industry like, ‘Ho jaayega’. Of course, I was working very hard—like I’m still working hard on my speech issue. But in a way, I feel I must have rushed into that movie. I was 21 when I began shooting for it—others around me are doing it at 26, 27, 28—and I now think I could have been more mindful of the scale of what was going to happen,” he said.
Ibrahim debuted with Nadaaniyan, which released on Netflix in March. Directed by debutant Shauna Gautam, the film also featured Mahima Chaudhry, Suniel Shetty, Dia Mirza, and Jugal Hansraj. Having earned largely negative reviews, Nadaaniyan has a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of just 12%. Four months later, Ibrahim starred in Sarzameen alongside Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Kayoze Irani film was also panned by critics.
The son of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh and the grandson of Sharmila Tagore, Ibrahim has a large filmy pedigree. The actor said that he looks at that lineage for inspiration when he is crippled by self-doubt. He said, “I usually always have self-doubt. Whenever I feel unsure, all this (lineage) is a reminder of who’s at home. ‘You’re Saif Ali Khan’s kid. Bebo’s (stepmom Kareena Kapoor) in your family. You should be able to do it. You should be smashing it, man.’”
Yuzvendra Chahal’s cryptic Instagram story referencing an alimony verdict has sparked buzz, with fans convinced it was aimed at his ex-wife Dhanashree Verma.
Yuzvendra Chahal takes a jibe at ex-wife Dhanashree Verma.
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has once again found himself at the center of a social media storm — and this time, it’s not about cricket. The Indian leg-spinner’s recent Instagram story has triggered widespread speculation that he took a veiled dig at his ex-wife, Dhanashree Verma, while seemingly referencing a Delhi High Court ruling.
Chahal shared a screenshot of a court verdict that read, “Financially independent wives cannot demand alimony from their husbands.” Alongside it, he wrote, “Maa Kasam Khao Nahi Paltoge iss Decision Seh,” which translates to, “Swear on your mother you won’t go back on this decision.” The post, though deleted shortly after, went viral instantly, with fans debating whether it was aimed at Dhanashree or simply his way of endorsing the court’s stance.
The Post Comes Months After Divorce
Chahal’s post comes months after his much-talked-about separation from choreographer and influencer Dhanashree Verma. The two, who tied the knot in December 2020, were one of cricket’s most-followed couples before their split in March this year following proceedings at the Bombay High Court. Reports at the time suggested a settlement of around Rs 4 crore, though neither party officially confirmed the figure.
Fans were quick to connect the dots between the timing of Chahal’s story and the alleged alimony discussions, reigniting chatter around their high-profile breakup. Many social media users shared memes and reactions, calling the post a “savage move” while others urged the cricketer to “move on gracefully.”
Interestingly, the post surfaced around the same time Chahal appeared in a lighthearted reel with former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. The duo’s Instagram collaboration, featuring influencer Sophie Shine, showed Dhawan jokingly telling Chahal, “Teri bhi shaadi karva denge beta,” leaving the spinner visibly embarrassed.
A critical industry gap stifles diverse storytelling: why do women actors rarely become directors? The female gaze offers vital, nuanced counter-narratives to clichés, but patriarchal biases and commercial pressures restrict it. On Cinematic Saturday, we reflect on how to unleash this transformative force in Indian cinema.
Why are women actors-turned-directors necessary in Indian cinema? (Credit: India Today/ayushisrivastava)
Women directors have often brought a nuanced perspective to storytelling on screen. The gaze becomes even more interesting if the female filmmaker in question is an actor. From ‘Lady Bird’ (2017) to ’36 Chowringhee Lane’ (1981) and from ‘A Death in the Gunj’ (2016) to ‘Manto’ (2018), there are many films that would testify the fact. If the common element in these movies is the cinematic lens of a female actor-director, these stories, cutting across genres and socio-cultural diversity, have also defined the artistic sensibilities of their storytellers.
In spite of remarkable work by women directors, there’s been a dearth of women actor-turned directors in Indian cinema, in comparison to their male counterparts. Actors like Sunny Deol, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, R Madhavan, and Prithviraj Sukumaran have attempted direction, and many others routinely continue to do so. However, their female contemporaries, even if they are known for their versatility, are not seen much behind the camera. While women actors have played a crucial role in shaping cinema by backing projects as producers, their involvement in creative fields such as writing, direction and other aspects of filmmaking remains scarce.
Therefore, the larger question still remains: Why are female actors necessary as directors in the realm of Indian cinema? Why is the female gaze significant in movies, and how can women directors provide the same? Why don’t we see enough of our female actors take up direction in the Indian film industry even in 2025? With female actors-turned-directors taking the lead on a set, can it truly dismantle conventional toxic masculinity? Will it just remain a festival darling, instead of a box office force? How can women actor-directors use their on-screen insights and experience to challenge stereotypes? IndiaToday.in delves into the possibilities for female actors pursing direction in present times.
In contrast to the male gaze, which typically renders women as objects of desire in mainstream cinema, secondary love interests, or figures dictated solely by a patriarchal backdrop, the female gaze foregrounds women’s subjectivity, interiority, and agency, capturing their experiences in ways denied by societal and patriarchal narratives.
When asked what difference female actors-turned-directors can make in filmmaking in terms of challenging conventional tropes, actor-director Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, known for directing films such as ‘Aarohanam’ (2012), ‘Ammani’ (2016) and ‘House Owner’ (2019) says, “When it comes to representation in cinema, it is more about how men will like to see women. In Bollywood and Tamil cinema, there is still a long way to go, although men are also capable of depicting nuanced women characters. While the boundaries are breaking, it is just in pockets. You need to get to the masses. People who see films at OTT festivals are already sensitised. But catering to the masses, you need to sensitise. Women’s rights are basic and non-negotiable; husbands treating women equally is a basic quality.”
Actor Tisca Chopra, who has directed the short film ‘Rubaru’ (2020) and is looking forward to the release of her first feature film, ‘Saali Mohabbat’, featuring Radhika, Divyendu, Anurag Kashyap and Anshuman Pushkar, also reflects on women actors turning directors while going against the stereotypes. She adds, “Female parts tend to be clichs for the most part, the wife, the muse, the victim, the ‘strong woman’ who still needs saving in the last act. When you’ve played enough of those, you start wanting more from your work, a chance to perhaps rewrite them. The difference is that I’ve seen the tropes from the inside and now would like to retire them, preferably without a farewell party.”
The gaze of a female actor as a director focusses on the portrayal of women less as sex objects and trophies for another character to win, and rather as fully expressed and complex individuals. When it comes to movies directed by women – particularly those who have faced the camera – the characters tend to have hobbies, passions, backstories, monologues, opinions, beyond being mere love interests or traditional roles.
As critic and Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone states in her book, ‘The Female Gaze: Essential Movies Made by Women’, the female gaze essentially begs the question: “What happens when we look at the world from a female point of view? How do women see themselves? How do women see other women? What makes a movie essentially feminine? What can audiences, of any gender identification, gain by looking at film through a female lens?”
Ramakrishnan, when questioned about the necessity of female gaze in cinema, especially in the virtual age of challenges comprising AI and deepfakes, emphasises, says: “It is very easy to follow the mob and stereotypes. When it comes to women’s point of view, someone who has gone through the experience can make a difference. Men are so used to the privilege and patriarchal mindset that they need to be reminded.”
She adds, “Even at social gatherings, questions that are asked to women and those asked to men are different. You need progressive no-nonsense women to make a difference. What has not changed is the mindset, gender, inequality, caste, colour, ethnicity. All this needs to change.”
Tisca Chopra further adds, “More than ever. When technology can fake a woman’s face, the least we can do is let real women frame it. The female gaze isn’t merely a political slogan, it’s a gentle reminder that empathy has the highest resolution, the most aspirational of all attributes for any artiste – actor, writer, director.”
The visual language of male directors often differs from those of women. The contrast can be seen in the male gaze portraying women as just props for love, sex, and heartbreak in the mainstream narrative. Women actors who have lived the experiences through their diverse body of work probably have an insight into the problematic depiction of female characters on-screen.
When quizzed, why and how can women directors provide a nuanced perspective to the female gaze through the visual language of storytelling, Chopra highlights, “Because we’ve lived in bodies that have been endlessly observed, now we get to decide how they’re seen.”
“The female gaze isn’t about soft focus and candles; it’s about the truth in varied textures. It’s the difference between looking at a woman and seeing from her point of view. We need both perspectives. In fact, even a queer and trans one, after all, a story will change, depending on who tells it,” the actor-director adds.
While Konkona Sen Sharma, Nandita Das, Aparna Sen, Ramakrishna and Chopra have broken the conventional norms by recreating characters beyond their acting prowess, not many mainstream women actors have attempted direction in Indian cinema. Although mainstream female actors have been a force to be reckoned with as producers, they haven’t been seen in the directorial domain. In Bollywood, random recall would bring to mind Hema Malini (‘Dil Aashna Hai’) or Kangana Ranaut (‘Manikarnika’, ‘Emergency’). One is, however, yet to see a commercial female actor who has made a film that left an overwhelming impact.
While Kate Winslet, Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson have made their directorial debuts with their films being screened at international festivals, we are yet to witness our mainstream women actors-turned-directors taking the big leap. Ramakrishnan reflects, “My films are critically acclaimed for their performances. Being a woman, the major household responsibility rests on us, not outside but inside. The priority is family, especially out of choice. Nobody puts pressure on me. Women choose to prioritise family.”
She adds, “One more aspect from outside is commercial success. If you see the content, masculinity and male heroism are what the masses want to see, women probably choose to do films that are socially relevant. Unless they have a higher purpose and social relevance, women don’t indulge, but when they do, their success rate is minimal. Because you can make a film, to market it is a tedious task.”
Chopra also shares, “Hard to say, one rarely has a global perspective on one’s own life. I am just juggling shoots, school runs and a home that doesn’t take half-days. But it’s changing. The hunger to tell our own stories is louder than the excuses not to.
You’ll see more of us soon, I am sure and hopefully.”
Actor Parvarthy Thiruvothu, who has been associated with Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), when asked about the systemic barrier preventing more female actors from transitioning into directorial or key technical roles in the Indian film industry, says, “The single most systemic barrier is openness to employing women in technical fields beyond, perhaps, cinematography and editing, once they finish film school.”
“I see a lot of women working in various departments of filmmaking in the Hindi film industry, but it’s not a common sight in other languages. This employment gap keeps women who are trained from being able to exercise and practice in their area of expertise, which eventually causes them to quit and look for other work,” she goes on.
“What would help women in this field persevere is to also ensure there is systemic regulation and such bodies to help them stay on the job,” the actor adds.
The scarcity of female actors-turned-directors in Indian cinema highlights a systemic gap that stifles diverse storytelling. Figures like Konkona Sen Sharma and Lakshmy Ramakrishnan champion the female gaze, a vital lens that foregrounds women’s subjectivity and complexity, challenging conventional patriarchal tropes that reduce them to objects. Their directorial insights, honed by years navigating stereotypical roles, offer authentic narratives essential for the industry.
Sonakshi Sinha Pregnant: Actress Quashes Rumours With Sarcastic Post After Viral Diwali Video With Husband Zaheer Iqbal Sparks Speculation
A recent video of Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal attending a Diwali party sparked pregnancy rumours on social media. In the clip, Zaheer was seen placing his hand over Sonakshi’s stomach as they posed for pictures, leading fans to speculate that the actress might be expecting her first child. However, Sonakshi has now reacted to these ongoing rumours in her trademark witty style.
Taking to Instagram, the actress posted a series of pictures from her Diwali celebrations, dressed elegantly in traditional attire. Alongside the photos, she wrote a sarcastic caption that read, “World record holder for longest pregnancy in human history (16 months and counting according to our lovely and hyper intelligent media) simply for posing with hand around midsection. Scroll to last slide for our reaction… and then continue to dazzle this Diwali.” Her post was a clear and humorous response to the media frenzy surrounding her supposed pregnancy.
Sonakshi and Zaheer tied the knot in June 2024 after years of dating. Since their wedding, the couple has frequently been in the news for rumours about expecting a baby. At the recent Diwali event, Sonakshi was seen laughing as Zaheer jokingly put his hand on her stomach. She quickly exclaimed, “Zaheer!” while he clarified to the paparazzi, “Mazaak kar rahe hai,” indicating it was just a light-hearted moment.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh unveiled their daughter Dua Padukone Singh’s face on social media. The trio was seen dressed in traditional attire amid Diwali festivities.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh unveiled Dua Padukone in a joint Instagram post. (Credit/Instagram/deepikapadukone/ranveersingh)
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh revealed their daughter Dua Padukone Singh in a joint Instagram post. The family wore traditional attire on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
While sharing the wholesome picture on social media, Deepika and Ranveer captioned, “Dipawali ki hardik shubhkamnayein (Heartiest wishes of Diwali)…(sic).” In the photos, Ranveer wore a cream kurta with rich floral embroidery, paired with cream-colored waistcoat (bandhgala). Deepika opted for a deep red or maroon saree with heavy gold jewelry and bangles. Dua is seen wearing a matching red frock/kurta.
Here’s the post:
While reacting to the post, actor Bipasha Basu wrote, “Wow Dua like mini mamma…God bless Dua…Durga Durga…(sic).” Actor Rajkummar Rao captioned, “So Cute. God Bless you guys…(sic).” Rakul Preet Singh commented, “(heart emojis) god bless…(sic).” Singer Mika Singh wrote, “God bless you…(sic).”
Ananya Panday showered love with heart-shaped-eye emojis and captioned, “Oh my god…(sic).” Gauahar Khan also wished the trio with heart emojis and wrote, “Awwww blesssss…may the almighty keep ur family in love , light , safety and prosperity…(sic).”
Deepika and Ranveer announced the birth of their daughter on September 8, 2024. The couple, in a joint post, wrote, “Welcome baby girl. 8-9-2024. Deepika & Ranveer.”
Balochistan remains volatile with ongoing insurgency targeting Pakistani forces and foreign projects, including those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Salman Khan was talking about the growing global appeal of Indian cinema
Actor Salman Khan recently stirred quite a buzz on social media by mentioning Balochistan and Pakistan separately while referring to expatriate communities working in the Middle East. The actor made the remarks while speaking at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which he attended alongside other Bollywood superstars, including Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.
Balochistan’s history is marred with insurgency attempts that the Pakistani government has attempted to portray as the discontent involving a few tribal chieftains in the province.
In the now viral clip, Khan was heard talking about the growing global appeal of Indian cinema among South Asian communities in the Middle East.
He said, “Right now, if you make a Hindi film and release it here (in Saudi Arabia), it will be a superhit. If you make a Tamil, Telugu, or Malayali film, it will do hundreds of crores in business because so many people from other countries have come here. There are people from Balochistan, there are people from Afghanistan, there are people from Pakistan… everyone is working here.”
Finally @BeingSalmanKhan acknowledged Balochistan is not Part of Pakistan ✌️❤️🙏
The clip soon drew the Internet’s attention, with social media users debating whether Khan’s phrasing was intentional or a slip of the tongue.
Talking to X, journalist Smita Prakash shared the clip and wrote, “I don’t know if it was slip of tongue, but this is amazing! Salman Khan separates “people of Balochistan” from “people of Pakistan”.”
Another X user wrote, “Slip of tongue from Salman Khan or lack of knowledge or deliberate hint that Balochistan is ‘independent’? That too with Aamir Khan & SRK on dias?”
Despite the frenzy, several social media users defended the actor, saying the comment showed Khan’s awareness about regional identities.
“When @BeingSalmanKhan said ‘Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan…’ – it speaks volumes. Balochistan is not a Pakistani province – it’s a nation. Baloch is our identity and our state,” wrote X user Jasmin Ahmed.
“Even Salman Khan admitted that Balochistan is a separate country,” another X user, Jabir Baloch, wrote.
Some users also defended the actor’s remark, saying it was likely unintentional and should not be over-analysed.
One X user wrote, “We really shouldn’t expect geopolitical precision from Bollywood.”
Neither Salman Khan nor his team has issued any clarification on the issue yet.
Asrani is known for his numerous roles in Bollywood, including his notable performances in Sholay, Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke, and more.
Veteran Bollywood actor Asrani passes away at 84 after suffering from prolonged illness (PC: Asrani, IG)
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death.
Veteran Bollywood actor Asrani passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84. According to a report by India Today, the actor’s demise was confirmed by his nephew, Ashok, leaving a deep void in the realm of Indian cinema.
Reportedly, the actor had been suffering from a prolonged illness related to old age for quite some time.
Bollywood actor Asrani passes away at 84
The popular Hindi film actor Asrani hailed from Jaipur, Rajasthan. His final rites were performed at the Santacruz Crematorium.
According to reports, the artist’s personal assistant revealed that he had been admitted to a hospital in Juhu four days prior to his demise due to an accumulation of fluid in his lungs.
Reportedly, the Bhool Bhulaiyaa star wished to have a peaceful and private funeral, rather than turning it into a public event. Respecting his wishes, the family conducted the funeral privately and announced his passing afterward. While the family has yet to issue an official statement, a prayer meet is expected to be organized soon.
Who is Asrani?
Asrani was a veteran Bollywood actor, widely known for his vast range of versatile roles. Born in Jaipur on January 1, 1941, during the British Raj, he had an illustrious career in Indian cinema that spanned over five decades and included numerous iconic films.
Over the years, Asrani appeared in more than 350 films, performing lead roles, character roles, comedic parts, and supporting roles. He began learning acting under Sahitya Kalabhai Thakkar between 1960 and 1962.
In 1962, he moved to Mumbai to pursue opportunities in acting. A year later, in 1963, after a chance meeting with Kishore Sahu and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, he was advised to study acting professionally.
He then joined the Film Institute in Pune, completed his course, and landed his debut role in 1967’s Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan. After gaining popularity with his performances in Satyakam and Mere Apne, Asrani was increasingly offered comedic roles.
Over the decades, he featured in a long list of notable films, including Koshish, Rajesh Khanna’s Bawarchi, Parichay, Abhimaan, Mehbooba, Do Ladke Dono Kadke, and many more.
As Diwali festival 2025 has begun and everyone is flooding to buy their favourite firecrackers, one of the close-friends of actress Poonam Pandey spotted something unusual yet recognizable, when he gave it a closer look, he found out that its actually Poonam Pandey making her debut on the Patakha posters. He rushed to FaceTime the actress, and her reaction to it is a treat to watch.
‘Brand Ambassador Of Fire!’ Poonam Pandey Reacts To Diwali Patakhas Named After Her At Mumbai’s Local Vendor | WATCH | Instagram @poonampandeyreal
As Diwali festival 2025 has begun and everyone is flooding to buy their favourite firecrackers, one of the close-friends of actress Poonam Pandey spotted something unusual yet recognizable, when he gave it a closer look, he found out that its actually Poonam Pandey making her debut on the Patakha posters. He rushed to FaceTime the actress, and her reaction to it is a treat to watch.
Poonam Pandey, known for her social media presence, took to her Instagram handle to post the screen-recording of the FaceTime in which her friend is showing her visuals from a firecracker stall filled with boxes and products named by her. From ‘Poonam Patakha, to Poonam Fuljhadi’ the actress can be seen taking all over the place with her magic. A common picture of Poonam Pandey in a stunning red, off-shoulder dress can be seen on almost all the products named by her, while there are other products as well with different pictures and names of hers.
As Poonam got to know about these firecrackers, she was left stunned. On the video call, she can be heard saying that she wants to buy these patakhas in loving memory and was asking for the location of the stall to her friend. “Really? Are you serious? Look at this picture… I can’t wait to buy these,” Pandey said on the video call.
She posted a whole collage of the stall on Instagram and wrote, “Okay, but who decided to make me the brand ambassador of ‘literal fire’?”
A meeting of our dreams took place all the way in Saudi Arabia as Lee Jung Jae and Shah Rukh Khan hung out together.
Lee Jung Jae, Shah Rukh Khan: courtesy of Lee Jung Jae’s Instagram
Our two worlds have collided! On October 18, South Korean actor Lee Jung Jae shared an update that has the potential to break the internet! He uploaded a new selfie, and while that alone may not be something out of the ordinary, the person beside him shocked everyone. None other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan sat beside him, smiling at the camera.
Two legends, one frame. Lee Jung Jae shared the photo with his 7.4 million followers on Instagram. He captioned the photo, “Honored to be with a respected icon Mr. @iamsrk”, tagging the Indian actor’s Instagram account. We wonder if King Khan will follow him next or reshare the image with his own 48.6 million followers.
This meeting between the two widely beloved actors likely happened during their visit to Saudi Arabia recently. The special event was graced with the presence of the three Khans of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, who engaged in a clear show of camaraderie on the stage. Other attendees of the event include popular YouTuber Mr. Beast, Shaquille O’Neal, iShowSpeed, Novak Djokovic, Gary Vaynerchuk, and more.
The only other Korean celebrities at the venue included actor Lee Byung Hun and director Yoon Je Kyoon. Conducted on October 16 and 17 in Riyadh, the event saw them engage in meaningful as well as entertaining conversations about building each of their careers and exchanging ideas.
Sonakshi Sinha Pregnant: Actress Quashes Rumours With Sarcastic Post After Viral Diwali Video With Husband Zaheer Iqbal Sparks Speculation
A recent video of Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal attending a Diwali party sparked pregnancy rumours on social media. In the clip, Zaheer was seen placing his hand over Sonakshi’s stomach as they posed for pictures, leading fans to speculate that the actress might be expecting her first child. However, Sonakshi has now reacted to these ongoing rumours in her trademark witty style.
Taking to Instagram, the actress posted a series of pictures from her Diwali celebrations, dressed elegantly in traditional attire. Alongside the photos, she wrote a sarcastic caption that read, “World record holder for longest pregnancy in human history (16 months and counting according to our lovely and hyper intelligent media) simply for posing with hand around midsection. Scroll to last slide for our reaction… and then continue to dazzle this Diwali.” Her post was a clear and humorous response to the media frenzy surrounding her supposed pregnancy.
Sonakshi and Zaheer tied the knot in June 2024 after years of dating. Since their wedding, the couple has frequently been in the news for rumours about expecting a baby. At the recent Diwali event, Sonakshi was seen laughing as Zaheer jokingly put his hand on her stomach. She quickly exclaimed, “Zaheer!” while he clarified to the paparazzi, “Mazaak kar rahe hai,” indicating it was just a light-hearted moment.
Salman Khan heaped praises on Shah Rukh Khan for not being from a film family and still becoming a star, but the latter’s response won hearts.
Shah Rukh Khan calls Salman Khan and Aamir Khan his family,(ANI)
The three Khans of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, are rarely seen together. The trio recently attended the Joy Forum in Riyadh, where they spoke about their careers and the Hindi film industry. During the conversation, Salman praised Shah Rukh for being an outsider who made it big. But Shah Rukh’s witty response brought a smile to both Salman’s and Aamir’s faces.
Shah Rukh Khan says he comes from film family too
A video from the event in Riyadh has surfaced online, showing the three Khans seated together on stage in conversation with an interviewer. Salman can be heard saying, “Aamir comes from a film background, and so do I, but this man here (Shah Rukh Khan) didn’t. He came from Delhi and struggled.” Before Salman could finish praising him, Shah Rukh interrupted.
Shah Rukh said, “May I interrupt, Salman, sorry. I also come from a film family. Salman’s family is my family, and Aamir’s family is my family. That’s why I’m a star.” Aamir added, “So now you know how Shah Rukh is a star.” The three of them shared a big smile, and the audience couldn’t stop cheering. While Salman exuded swag in a blue coat paired with a black shirt and matching trousers, Shah Rukh and Aamir twinned in black ensembles for the event.
Salman has worked with Shah Rukh in Karan Arjun and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and with Aamir in Andaz Apna Apna. Shah Rukh and Aamir have never shared screen space. However, Aamir recently revealed that the three are ready to work together in a film and are simply waiting for the right script. They were also seen making cameo appearances in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood.
FIR Lodged Against Bigg Boss 19’s Tanya Mittal After Fraud Allegations By Influencer Faizan Ansari
Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal now finds herself in legal trouble after influencer Faizan Ansari filed a complaint against her in Gwalior, accusing her of making false and exaggerated claims about her luxurious lifestyle that allegedly damage the city’s reputation.
According to the complaint lodged with the Divisional Commissioner’s office, Ansari contends that Tanya’s statements are misleading, fabricated to attract sympathy and media attention. He further states that she named influencer Balraj as her boyfriend and falsely implicated him in legal cases that resulted in his imprisonment. In his petition, Ansari demands that an FIR be registered against Tanya and that the police take prompt action, including her possible arrest.
In his petition, Ansari demands that an FIR be registered against Tanya and that the police take prompt action, including her possible arrest.
For context, Faizan Ansari has previously filed legal notices against various public figures, including Poonam Pandey, Rakhi Sawant, Urfi Javed, Bigg Boss winner Elvish Yadav, and Asif Miraj.
Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, Canada, was targeted in a third shooting, claimed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s associates. No injuries were reported, but repeated attacks have raised serious security concerns for the comedian and his café.
Kapil Sharma’s popular cafe in Surrey, Canada, Kap’s Cafe, has come under attack for the third time, with a gunman opening fire in a brazen act captured on video on Thursday. The latest incident has been claimed by associates of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, with Kulveer Sidhu and Goldy Dhillon taking responsibility in a social media post.
DETAILS OF THE SHOOTING
The video circulating online shows multiple rounds being fired at the cafe, which had only recently reopened after damage sustained during previous attacks. The shooters were reportedly unmasked and aggressive, adding to concerns over public safety.
In a post on social media, the perpetrators wrote, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Today’s firing at Caps Cafe, Surrey, was carried out by me, Kulveer Sidhu, and Goldy Dhillon. We hold no grudge against the general public. Those who owe us or cheat us will be warned. Bollywood individuals who speak against our religion should also be prepared, bullets can come from anywhere.”
Authorities are investigating the motives cited in the post, which references disputes over unpaid dues and perceived slights against their religious sentiments.
HISTORY OF THREATS
This is the third time Kap’s Cafe has been targeted:
First shooting: 10 July 2025
Second shooting: 7 August 2025
Third shooting: Current incident in October 2025
On both previous occasions, the cafe’s windows were shattered, but fortunately, no one was injured. The repeated attacks forced the cafe to close for several days each time, impacting business and raising safety concerns for Sharma and his staff.
The Kannada film Kantara Chapter 1 has emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. It stars Rishab Shetty, who also wrote and directed it.
Rishab Shetty will appear as a guest on Amitabh Bachchan’s KBC 17.
Rishab Shetty and Chaluve Gowda, the makers of Kantara Chapter 1, will be present in the upcoming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. In a new promo shared by the makers, Amitabh was seen praising Kantara Chapter 1, noting the immense hard work by the makers.
Amitabh hails Kantara Chapter 1
Amitabh welcomed Rishab to the hot seat, and also acknowledged Chaluve, who sat among the audience members. Amitabh said, “Ye koi choti baat nahi hain, Manyavar. Iss tarah ki film banana aur usko itna safal banana… ye bada kathin kaam hota hai. Badi tab nahi banti hai jab ye log sochte hain. Ye log banate hai aur badi ho jaati hain (This is no mean feat, everyone. To mount a film like this and make it so successful… this is a difficult task. It is not big when they create it. It becomes big after they make it).”
What Rishab Shetty said
Meanwhile, Rishab shared that he wanted to create a film with the help of his friends and they all used real locations during the shoot. Even their families would accompany, and their children would study in schools nearby. So in a way the making of these films in the last 5 years have also contributed to the economy.
Govinda addresses rumours about his lateness on film sets, expressing hurt over being defamed. He said delays can be due to various factors outside his control.
Govinda explained that delays can be due to various factors outside his control.
Bollywood star Govinda has once again addressed rumours and negative publicity surrounding his timeliness on film sets. In a recent episode of Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle, the actor expressed hurt over being “defamed” in the industry for allegedly coming late to shoots.
Govinda clarifies coming late to sets
Responding to long-standing rumours about his habit of arriving late on film sets, which reportedly strained a few professional relationships, Govinda offered a candid explanation. He said, “Mai defame huwa hu ki mai time pe nahi aata hu. Maine kaha ‘kiske baap ke andar taaqat hai ki woh 5 shift kare aur time pe aaye. Possible hi nahi hai, ho hi nahi sakta. Itni zyada shooting kaise karega aadmi? Yaha toh ek picture ke andar thak jate hai log (I’ve been defamed for not arriving on time. Who has the strength to do five shifts and still come on time? It’s just not possible. How can someone do so much shooting? Here, people get exhausted doing even one film).”
Govinda said gossip circles and media outlets have repeatedly exaggerated the issue, turning minor delays into headline news. He emphasised that sometimes delays are outside his control, such as due to traffic, scheduling constraints, or waiting on other departments. He felt that the criticism didn’t take into account the professional challenges actors often face. He also urged people to reflect before spreading rumours, stressing that respect should be mutual among coworkers in the film fraternity.
Salman Khan is reportedly shooting for a grand patriotic song for the Battle of Galwan. The Apoorva Lakhia film is based on India and China’s military clash in Galwan Valley.
Salman Khan.
Salman Khan has been actively shooting for Battle of Galwan since September 2025. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film’s shoot commenced in Ladakh. And at present, the team of Salman-starrer is reportedly working on the Mumbai leg of the film. According to a media report, the new leg commenced on October 10. Interestingly, Salman is said to be shooting for one of the most important song sequences for the Battle of Galwan. Read on… Salman Khan films patriotic song for Battle of Galwan?
A production insider told Mid-Day that Salman’s song in Battle of Galwan is a ‘rousing military anthem with a deep emotional core’. Having said that, the track is reportedly patriotic, not a ‘celebratory number’.
“The mood is patriotic and the song reflects the pride, sacrifice, and pain of the soldiers. Salman and the director were clear that it should feel organic to the story,” the insider mentioned.
The report further suggests that the song features over 60 background artistes. That said, the track will focus more on the actor’s character emotions than dance. “Filming will continue through the week,” the source added. Based on India and China’s 2020 military clash in Galwan Valley, the film also stars Chitrangda Singh in a key role.
Salman Khan wore a traditional black sherwani with floral embroidery as he walked the ramp for designer Vikram Phadnis.
Salman Khan’s aura is unmatchable in black sherwani as he turns showstopper for designer Vikram Phadnis (Credits: Pinkvilla)
As popular fashion designer and film director Vikram Phadnis completed a glorious 35 years in the industry, Salman Khan walked the ramp for him as the showstopper. The actor made the event truly special with his natural swag and royal walk, which, of course, everyone is a fan of!
Salman Khan donned a traditional sherwani, screaming regality with every detail. The black-colored outfit stood out with intricate golden and red floral embroidery. The actor paired it with a matching black kurta and pajama, flaunting a royal look.
Vikram Phadnis holds immense respect for the Sikandar actor. In one of his 2016 interviews with OnManorama.com, the designer credited his success to Salman Khan. He also revealed how Bhaijaan changed his life in 10 minutes. Vikram said, “I’m what I am today because of Salman Khan. You don’t know how interesting your life can turn one fine day. And my story began right there, on that night when Salman Khan called me up late at night and said, ‘Come to Lonavala in 10 minutes’. I had no option but to run, and he awaited me with a simple reply – ‘You are my designer from today’.”
Several Bollywood celebs graced the event in their best outfits, adding glam to the fashion show. Celebs who attended the event are- Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Bipasha Bashu, Divya Dutta, Karishma Tanna, Ronit Roy, Shalini Passi, Taapsee Pannu, Atul Agnigotri, Alvira Agnihotra, Alizeh Agnihotri, Esha Deol, Suniel Shetty, Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal, Nushratt Bharuccha, Malaika Arora, Chunky Panday, Kabir Khan, Sikandar Kher, Sussanne Khan, and others.
Annu Kapoor faces backlash for calling Tamannaah Bhatia “dudhiya badan” during an interview. Netizens slammed the actor, labelling his remarks as sexist and vulgar.
Annu Kapoor faces backlash for “dudhiya badan” comment on Tamannaah Bhatia .
Annu Kapoor has found himself in hot water after his comment on actress Tamannaah Bhatia went viral. In a recent chat, while reacting to the actress’ claims that children sleep while listening to her song Aaj Ki Raat, Annu praised her by calling her body “dudhiya badan,” which has netizens calling him vulgar.
Annu Kapoor joined Subhankar Mishra in a recent interview where the actor spoke about watching Tamannaah in her song Aaj Ki Raat. When he was questioned if he liked the actress, Annu excitedly said, “Mashallah, kya dudhiya badan hai (Oh my God, what a milky body she has).”
After this comment, when the host questioned the actor about Tamannaah’s claims that children fall asleep to her song, Annu added, “Kitne umar ke bacche so jaate hain… 70 saal ke umar ka bhi baccha ho sakta hai na. Main hota toh poochta ke kitne umar ke so jaate hain. Angrezi mein bolte hain that he is 70 years old, woh 70 saal purana baccha hai… And he is 11-year-old budha (Kids of which age sleep? A 70-year-old can also be a kid. I would have asked this question to her).”
“Behen, apne gaane se, apne shareer se, apne dudhiya chehre se humare bacchon ko sula rahi hain… Bahut achi baat hai. Desh ke upar kripa hogi agar humare desh ke bacche achhi aur swasth neend soyein. Agar aur bhi kuch ichchhain hain toh Bhagwan unko samarth kare ke unki ichchhain poori hon (Our sister is making kids sleep with her song, with her milky face and body. If she is making our children sleep sweetly, it’s very good, man. It will be a great blessing for this country that our children get a good and healthy night’s sleep. If she has any other wishes, may God give her the capability to fulfil them. That’s my blessing for her),” Annu added.
This remark by the actor didn’t sit well with social media users, who are now calling him out. One said, “Wth! This man gives tharki vibes.” “Please be respectful. Don’t you have a daughter or grandchildren?” another user shared. Another wrote, “I know Annu ji personally, but such remarks are sexist and I oppose them openly.” Another shared, “Ashleel hai ye (he is vulgar).” One comment read, “What kind of language is that?”
Filmfare Awards 2025: Abhishek Bachchan Wins His First Best Actor Trophy For Shoojit Sircar’s ‘I Want To Talk’
In a moment that felt both long overdue and profoundly emotional, Abhishek Bachchan lifted his first-ever Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, marking a milestone 25 years into his cinematic journey. His win for Shoojit Sircar’s ‘I Want To Talk’, where he plays Arjun Sen, a USA-based NRI facing a life-altering surgery, was met with a standing ovation, and more poignantly, with tears from the actor himself.
Visibly overwhelmed on stage, Abhishek reflected on his journey. “This year marks 25 years in the film industry, and I cannot remember how many times I’ve practised a speech for this award,” he said. “It’s been a dream, and I’m just so touched and humbled. Receiving it in front of my family makes it even more special.”
He went on to express gratitude to his colleagues and mentors: “To all the directors and producers who have worked with me, believed in me, and given me opportunities over the past 25 years, it’s not been easy, but it has definitely been worth it.”
Abhishek dedicated the award to his wife & daughter, saying, “To Aishwarya and Aaradhya, thank you for allowing me to go out and follow my dreams. I hope that by winning this award, they see that their sacrifices have been one of the main reasons I stand here today. I want to dedicate this award to two very special people, my hero, my father, and my other hero, my daughter.”
During Bigg Boss 19’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman Khan spoke about Sikandar & poked fun at AR Murugadoss for comments on his late arrival on the film’s set.
AR Murugadoss with Salman Khan on the sets of Sikandar.
Superstar Salman Khan’s Sikandar may not have performed well at the box office and was even labelled his “weakest” film by many critics. However, Salman has no regrets about doing the film. In fact, he has slammed film’s director AR Murugadoss for accusing him of showing up on set late at night.
Salman hits back at AR Murugadoss
During Bigg Boss 19’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman spoke about his last release Sikandar, and poked fun at AR Murugadoss for his comments on Salman’s late arrival on the film’s set.
Comedian Ravi Gupta attended the show, and asked Salman to name the movies that he regrets doing. Looking back at his career, Salman took the names of Suryavanshi (1992) and Nishchay (1992).
When Ravi wondered if there were any in recent times, Salman mentioned, “Nayi mein se koi nahi hai… log kehte hain Sikandar par main nahi manta, uska plot bahut acha tha (I don’t regret doing any film in the recent times. People do say it can be Sikandar, but I don’t believe that. The plot of the film was good).”
Following this, Salman slammed AR Murugadoss for his comments after Sikandar’s failure at the box office.
Salman said in a sarcastic tone, “Lekin kya hai na mein main set pe raat ke 9 baje pahuchta tha, toh usme gadbad ho gayi. Meri pasaliyan tooti thi, isne jo hamare director (AR Murugadoss) sahab hain unhone ye kaha. Lekin unki picture (Madharaasi) abhi ek release hui hai jisme actor 6 baje pahuchta tha (I used to arrive on sets by 9 PM and that created issues. This is what the director said but my rib was broken. Recently, another picture of his was released, and the actor of the film used to reach the set by 6).”
Salman also spoke about producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Murugadoss trying to escape the criticism for the film.
“Toh pahle toh ye picture thi Murugadoss aur Sajid Nadiadwala ki. Uske baad Sajid pahle kalti, Murugadoss wapas se hat gaya wahan se seedha South mein picture ki (Initially the film belonged to Murugadoss and Sajid Nadiadwala but later Sajid escaped. Then, Murugadoss also left and made a film in South),” added Salman.
The Tiger 3 actor went on to take an indirect jibe at Madharaasi’s box office failure, saying,“Madharaasi karke picture unhone direct ki hai jo ki release hui, bahut badi film hai aur utni hi badi….(smiles), Sikandar se badi blockbuster (He has directed a film called Madharaasi. It is a very big and a bigger blockbuster than Sikandar).”
#Latest: On the #BiggBoss19 set, Megastar #SalmanKhan finally opened up about what went wrong with Sikandar and took a strong stand against director A.R. Murugadoss – the same man who gave interviews blaming Bhai for the film’s failure. 🔥 Bhai giving a reality check was much… pic.twitter.com/mPtxQQ0zKm
In an interview with Valaipechu Voice after the release of Sikandar, Murugadoss spoke about the reasons why the film failed to work at the box office.
“It’s not easy to shoot with a star. Even day scenes, we have to shoot at night because he turns up on set only by 8 PM. We are used to shooting right from early mornings, but that’s not how things work there,” he said, adding that it also affected the other actors on set, adding, “If there were four kids in a scene, we would have to shoot with them at 2 AM, even if it’s the shot of them returning from school! They would become tired by that time and usually dozed off.”
“The story was emotional, but I couldn’t execute it well,” he added.
Abhishek Bachchan won his first-ever Best Actor award for I Want To Talk at Filmfare 2025. While getting emotional during his speech he thanked his wife Aishwarya Rai and Aaradhya.
Abhishek Bachchan won his first-ever Best Actor award for I Want To Talk at Filmfare 2025.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has delivered some of the most amazing films in his career spanning 25 years, but has still never won a Best Actor award. This year, he received his first-ever Best Actor Award in a Leading Role (Male) for his 2024 film I Want To Talk at the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025, and this was quite an emotional moment for him.
Visibly overwhelmed with the win, Abhishek Bachchan, with tears in his eyes, delivered a heartbreaking and emotional speech. “This year marks 25 years in the film industry, and I cannot remember how many times I’ve practised a speech for this award. This has been a dream, and I’m just so touched and humbled. Receiving it in front of my family makes it even more special. There’s a host of people I need to thank, so please… Kartik (Aaryan), ther jao tum abhi, tum sambhal jao tab tak. Kartik has gotten very emotional and made me speak, thinking I wouldn’t get emotional,” Abhishek said.
The actor then continued and added, “To all the directors and producers who have worked with me, believed in me, and given me opportunities over the past 25 years, it’s not been easy, but it has definitely been worth it.”
Abhishek, while being emotional, mentioned his wife Aishwarya and daughter Aaradhya and said, “To Aishwarya and Aaradhya, thank you for allowing me to go out and follow my dreams. I hope that by winning this award, they see that their sacrifices have been one of the main reasons I stand here today. I want to dedicate this award to two very special people. This film is about a father and a daughter, and I want to dedicate it to my hero, my father, and to my other hero, my daughter. Thank you so much, I cannot express what this means to me.”
About I Want To Talk
I Want To Talk features Abhishek as a terminally ill father who wants to reconnect with his daughter. It marks the actor’s first collaboration with director Shoojit Sircar, who is known for making films such as Vicky Donor, Sardar Uddham, October, Piku, and others. The film is inspired by a true story and also features Jayant Kriplani and Ahilya Bamroo in key roles.
Suniel Shetty Moves Bombay High Court Against Misuse Of His Photos By Websites, Seeks Protection From Unauthorized Online Usage
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking judicial protection over alleged misuse of his images by various websites and social media pages. In an interim petition filed before the court, he urged that these platforms be ordered to immediately remove any pictures of him and be permanently enjoined from using them in the future.
According to the plea, several websites have used his photos—some even manipulated to include his grandchild—in promotional content without his permission. His counsel, Birendra Saraf, told a bench led by Justice Arif Doctor that such misuse breaches Shetty’s rights over his personality and images. The bench heard arguments briefly on Friday and reserved its decision.
The petition specifies that a real estate firm’s website and a gambling site, neither of which has any association with Shetty, displayed his photographs to bolster their own businesses. Shetty claims these unauthorized uses harm his reputation, as they imply endorsements that do not exist. He contends he retains exclusive control over the commercial use of his likeness and that passing off his images for unrelated ventures amounts to reputational injury.
Amid chatter around remuneration disparity among actors and actresses in Bollywood, Aamir Khan once explained how the market demands a person’s salary.
Throwback: When Aamir Khan reacted on pay parity in Bollywood (PC: Pinkvilla)
Bollywood has long been part of the discourse surrounding pay disparity between actors and actresses. While there has always been a debate about how much a person should be paid, a past interview of Aamir Khan has resurfaced, in which the superstar clearly explained how remuneration works in the film industry.
When Aamir Khan clarified about pay parity in Bollywood
Speaking with NDTV during the promotions of Talaash, Aamir Khan discussed how actors or actresses are paid based on their market value, not the amount of hard work they put in.
The actor said, “In films, the fact of the matter is – yes, heroines work very hard, but so do cameramen, so do light boys on the set; all of us should be paid equally. All of us are working hard; I am working hard, and so is a light boy. Why is he paid differently from me? It is not because he’s a man or a woman.”
“The reason you are paid differently in cinema is that the market forces understand that your ability to bring money back into a film. See, if I am paid Rs 10, it is because I can bring back that money and more. If I am paid Rs 5, and if Rani can fill more seats than I can, 101% she should be paid more than me. The market forces make sure that she gets paid more than I do,” Khan added.
Aamir Khan concluded by emphasizing that a person’s remuneration in the film industry is not determined by their gender, but rather by their ability to attract audiences to the theaters.
Aryan Khan admits Ba***ds Of Bollywood draws from real-life experiences but insists the Netflix show isn’t meant to offend or disrespect anyone.
Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit against Aryan Khan’s Ba***ds of Bollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, has finally broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his directorial debut Ba***ds Of Bollywood. In a recent interview with Variety, Aryan revealed that while his Netflix series is fictional, it does include moments inspired by real experiences though never meant to disrespect anyone.
His clarification comes amid growing attention on the show following a defamation lawsuit filed by former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede against Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix. Wankhede claims that a character in the series is a defamatory portrayal of him, harming his reputation and undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
‘We Were Self-Deprecating, Not Disrespectful,’ Says Aryan
Discussing the creative process, Aryan said that his team was careful about how far to push humour while depicting Bollywood’s eccentricities.
“We wanted to be self-deprecating, but not disrespectful anywhere,” he said. “So I think we maintained that line correctly, and the guardrails were self-imposed, mostly because, making something about the industry and being a part of the industry, there has to be — there is a lot of respect. People being able to take jokes on themselves, I feel, is the first and most important thing about comedy. Take a joke on yourself and then spread the love.”
Aryan added that people in the industry were “extremely sporting,” and his team consciously avoided crossing lines of sensitivity while writing the show.
Aryan Defends Creative Choices Amid Criticism
Acknowledging that some scenes faced internal debate, Aryan admitted, “We did get some notes on certain scenes where they were like, ‘Oh, this is too this, or this is too that,’ but then I took a stand. If you don’t like it, I mean, the show is not meant for you… your 18-year-old kid might like it, or your uncle might like it who enjoys certain kinds of humour.”
He emphasised that Ba***ds Of Bollywood blends satire and exaggeration. “We were pushing it for screen, obviously, but obviously there’ll be things that are inspired. There’ll be scenes that are inspired on certain realities, and there’ll be exaggerations. It’s not obviously a documentary,” Aryan said.
The Delhi High Court has issued summons to Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, X Corp, Google, Meta, and others in connection with Wankhede’s defamation case. The next hearing is set for October 30.
The series features an ensemble cast including Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, and Sahher Bambba, with cameos by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Disha Patani, and SS Rajamouli.
October 8, 2025, is going to be a landmark day for the residents of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will be inaugurating two highly awaited infrastructure projects, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the phase 3 of the underground Mumbai Metro 3. He’ll also grace the Global Fintech Fest in Bandra Kurla (Complex), where’ll be joined by the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. And now it has come to light that Keir Starmer will also travel to Andheri for a film-related reason.
BREAKING: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer to visit Yash Raj Films Studios on October 8
Keir Starmer will pay a visit to Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios, and this was confirmed by Sanjay Jaju, secretary, Ministry of I&B today, October 7, at the silver jubilee edition of FICCI Frames 2025 in Mumbai. While the exact reason for his visit is not clear, a source told Bollywood Hungama, “Since Stramer will be in the capital of Bollywood, he wanted to have a look at a Hindi film studio. The authorities suggested YRF Studios since it is one of the biggest and one of most prominent in the country.”
Sanjay Jaju at FICCI Frames 2025 said, “International collaborations and co-productions are very important. The Prime Minister of the UK is coming to Mumbai tomorrow. He’s also visiting Yash Raj Studios.”
Sanjay Jaju further said, “We have co-production treaties with close to 17 countries. We have incentives being offered. It’s important that filmmakers look at these treaties and incentives and create content that can cater to the audience on both sides. That’s what is important here. We might think that we have a great story in hand. But that great story should have the potential to travel international borders.”
YRF Studios – the one stop for film-obsessed world leaders
Keir Starmer is not the first world leader to visit YRF Studios. Exactly a year ago, in October 2024, the President of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, met the CEO of YRF, Akshaye Widhani, in the studio premises, and the two spoke about the 50 year legacy of YRF and the forecast for the Indian film industry in the next 5 years.
What makes the Delhi High Court the preferred forum to assert personality rights?
Amitabh Bachchan, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff
Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. One might think this is the star cast of a blockbuster film, but in recent months, all these celebrities have appeared before the Delhi High Court to protect their personality rights.
And it’s not just actors. A film director (Karan Johar), two spiritual gurus (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Jaggi Vasudev) and a journalist (Rajat Sharma) have also approached the Court to safeguard their personality rights. In response, various benches have passed a series of significant orders, including directions to block deepfakes, AI-generated content and pornographic material misusing these celebrities’ identities.
What’s striking is that most of these public figures are not based in the national capital. Yet, they continue to choose the Delhi High Court to assert their rights
So why are these cases ending up in Delhi and what makes the Delhi High Court the preferred forum to assert personality rights?
The IP ecosystem
For decades, the Delhi High Court has been the hub for Intellectual Property (IP) lawsuits.
Pravin Anand, Managing Partner at Anand & Anand, says that soon after its founding, the Delhi High Court developed a reputation for being good at protecting IP rights. Therefore, irrespective of which part of the country a person or a firm developed their IP, they wanted it protected by the High Court.
“You want it protected by what you consider to be the most efficient system, and the Delhi High Court has acquired that reputation,” he said.
Anand explains that Delhi has developed an entire ecosystem of practitioners, law firms, books and seminars focused on IP. The fact that Delhi is the seat of the Central government helps enforce the court orders, he said.
“So, the whole infrastructure which was required to give special recognition to IP developed here. It’s a proper ecosystem which could not develop so well in other parts of the country. And I think that’s the reason why almost 70% of all IP cases are from Delhi.”
An early start
In India, like most of the world, there is no statutory recognition of personality rights. The law around it has developed through judicial pronouncements. And the Delhi High Court had an early start in recognising and protecting these rights.
Shwetasree Majumder, Managing Partner of Fidus Law Chambers, writing in Bar & Bench last month, stated that the 2010 decision of the Delhi High Court in DM Entertainment Pvt Ltd v. Baby Gift House & Ors is the first authoritative Indian decision on personality rights.
In this case, Justice Ravindra Bhat held that singer Daler Mehndi’s persona constituted a quasi-property right of commercial value.
Ameet Naik, Founder and Managing Partner at Naik Naik & Company, credits the 2012 decision in Titan Industries Ltd. vs M/S Ramkumar Jewellers for laying the foundation for enforceable personality rights. Here, Justice Manmohan paved the way for a celebrity to control the commercial use of their identity.
“That was an order emanating from the Delhi High Court, and that became the basis for other cases. Whether it’s Mr [Amitabh] Bachchan, Mr [Anil] Kapoor, or Mr Jackie Shroff, etc. It is because there was a jurisprudence developed there at the Delhi High Court and typically you go to the High Court which has passed the most recent order,” Naik said.
Additionally, eagle-eyed fans spotted what appeared to be a photo of Kelce on a vanity mirror.
She’s not on the bleachers this time.
Taylor Swift paid homage to her Travis Kelce in her music video for “The Fate of Ophelia” by following in her NFL-playing fiancé’s footsteps.
The pop star adorably caught a football as she raced down a hallway in Sunday’s video while singing, “Pledge allegiance to your hands, your team, your vibes.”
The Grammy winner, who released the video on Kelce’s 36th birthday, also entered a hotel room subtly featuring her partner’s jersey number, 87, on the door.
Additionally, the singer included a black-and-white photo of the athlete on a vanity mirror, as spotted by eagle-eyed fans.
Before “The Fate of Ophelia” even premiered via YouTube over the weekend — two days after its movie theater release — social media users called out the picture.
“Omg a photo of Travis in the back lmao,” a fan tweeted on Friday.
One Swiftie replied, “I saw this the second time they played the video and squealed! I knew there was more of him somewhere.”
Others speculated about where the shot came from, with guesses ranging from the tight end’s 2016 “Catching Kelce” reality show to his “Grotesquerie” role last year.
Many claimed it was a still from Kelce’s “Kiss, Marry, Kill” interview, during which he chose to smooch his now-fiancée.
Sandhya Shantaram is credited to films like Navrang, Do Ankhen Barah Haath, Sehra and Pinjara
X/Mahesh Patil and Subhash Shirdhonkar
Veteran actress Sandhya Shantaram, wife of late filmmaker V Shantaram, died today, October 4. She was 94. The award-winning star contributed immensely to the world of Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Maharashtra Minister of Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, shared a tribute to Sandhya Shantaram on Instagram.
He wrote, “Bhavpurn Shradhanjali! ‘Pinjara’ film ki prasiddh abhinetri Sandhya Shantaram ji ke nidhan ki khabar atyant dukhad hai. Marathi aur Hindi film industry mein unhone apni advitiya abhinay kshamata aur nritya kaushal se darshakon ke dilon par ek alag chhaap chhodi. (Heartfelt tribute! The news of the passing of the renowned actress Sandhya Shantaram from the film Pinjara is deeply saddening. In Marathi and Hindi cinema, she left a unique mark on the hearts of audiences with her exceptional acting talent and dancing skills.)”
Ashish Shelar added, “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje’, ‘Do Aankhen Barah Haath’ aur vishesh roop se ‘Pinjara’ film mein unki amar bhoomika darshakon ke mann mein hamesha yaadgar rahegi. Ishwar unki aatma ko chirshanti de. (Her unforgettable performances in Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, and especially in Pinjara will always remain memorable in the hearts of viewers. May God grant eternal peace to her soul.)”
Taylor Swift wears two crystal-covered chainmail dresses by Kelsey Randall in her album artwork for “The Life of a Showgirl.” Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
When Kelsey Randall launched her namesake fashion brand in 2015, dressing Taylor Swift was at the very top of her wish list.
Now, a decade later, her dream’s come true, with the designer’s crystal-covered creations featured throughout Swift’s new “The Life of a Showgirl” album artwork and in the music video for the record’s lead single, “The Fate of Ophelia.”
“I design for people who are looking to be center stage — whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a pop star,” Randall tells Page Six Style.
“Most of the work I do is custom, which is really fun and exciting because you get the opportunity to tailor it to the person and what kind of message they’re trying to convey.”
“I design for people who are looking to be center stage — whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a pop star,” Randall tells Page Six Style. Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
Even more challenging? The particular look Swift’s team wanted wasn’t available.
“It was a dress that had been stolen on a photo shoot,” Randall recalls, adding that she was “disappointed” but “had this weird faith that something was going to work out.”
Guess it was kismet; a few weeks later, Randall learned Swift’s team had stumbled across one of her custom, never-before-worn pieces in a costume archive.
“It was a very, very similar style to what they had originally wanted,” she says. “I had no idea what they were working on, but I was convinced we were getting the ‘Reputation’ vault tracks, because the dress is gold and has green stones on it and almost has this snakeskin effect.”
Studded with peridot stones and clear rhinestones and trimmed with “real chandelier crystals” at the hem, the mesmerizing mini wound up in one of the most striking (and sensual) snaps from Swift’s “Showgirl” album shoot, lensed by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
But that wasn’t all; several months later, Swift’s stylist asked the designer if she’d be able to make a second dress.
“I knew I wanted there to be a through line between the two dresses. We both got really excited about this chainmail fringe — they way it moves and sparkles,” she says.
“And we obsessed over the colorways; there was a lot of sending each other rhinestones overnight. We looked at dozens of different options in very similar tones to make the perfect combo.”
Fittingly, the winning color palette was inspired by the most memorable outfit from Swift’s Eras Tour.
“It’s all iridescent — primarily in shades of pink and purple but with undertones of peach, white and gold,” Randall says. “I loved that colorway right off the bat; it’s so dreamy. Having heard the album now, I’d say it’s very ‘Opalite!’ But it specifically reminded me of the Versace bodysuit from the Eras Tour, which is so symbolic and iconic.”
Sources said that Keith Urban did not like Nicole Kidman’s movie, “Babygirl,” which she premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024 with co-stars Antonio Banderas (left) and Harris Dickinson. WireImage
Keith Urban was unsupportive of Nicole Kidman as she promoted her sexually explicit movie, “Babygirl” last year, multiple sources told Page Six.
Kidman filed for divorce earlier this week, while Urban had already taken off his wedding ring when he performed on stage in Hershey, PA, Thursday night.
In 2024, the country crooner failed to join his wife at the Venice Film Festival as she debuted the film in August and again when it opened at the Toronto Film Festival that September.
In the movie, Kidman, 58, is a high-powered CEO who launches into an affair with her handsome intern, played by Harris Dickinson, 29, while dissatisfied with her sex life with her husband, played by Antonio Banderas, 65.
“Keith didn’t like the film and he didn’t even like Nicole promoting the movie,” said a Hollywood insider.
Another source alleged that the 57-year-old Urban feared that he would be mocked because of the film’s subject.
Indeed, on July 1, the singer appeared to end an interview on Australia’s Mix 102.3 “Hayley & Max in the Morning” when he was quizzed about his wife’s starring roles with young men.
“What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron having these beautiful love scenes on TV and radio?” host Max Burford asked.”I think his team hung up on us because they didn’t want us to ask that question,” the producer added. “He’s gone, see you Keith.”
His co-host Hayley Pearson said she believed they “upset” Urban because he “doesn’t like the personal stuff.”
A source, however, later told People that Urban didn’t leave the call.
Urban has never appeared to have any issues with his wife’s projects before this.
Kidman has indeed made a career of playing women who challenge the norms, with movies such as 1999’s “Eyes Wide Shut” with her first husband Tom Cruise.
And she’s shone a light on issues women face — from domestic violence in “Big Little Lies” to sexual frustration in ‘Babygirl’.
In 2017, Kidman made a vow to work with a female director every 18 months.
Over the last eight years, the Oscar winner has teamed up with a female director, either as a producer or as an actor, 19 times. “Babygirl” was directed by Halina Reijna.
Kidman has several more female-directed projects already in the pipeline.
Blake Lively supported Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” release with a subtle nod.
The “It Ends With Us” actress “liked” the hitmaker’s Thursday Instagram post marking the release of her highly anticipated twelfth studio album.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to share this with you, an album that just feels so right,” Swift, 35, captioned a glitzy gallery of showgirl-inspired photos on Thursday evening.
“A forever thank you goes out to my mentors and friends Max and Shellback for helping me paint this self portrait. If you thought the big show was wild, perhaps you should come and take a look behind the curtain…The Life of a Showgirl is out now.”
Swift’s album dropped on Friday. AP
Reps for Lively and Swift did not immediately return Page Six’s requests for comment.
Lively’s surprising gesture of support comes amid speculation that Swift’s track “Ruin the Friendship” is about the apparent fallout of her friendship with the actress.
However, after listening to the lyrics — which center around a high school romance — Page Six confirmed the song is likely not about Swift’s friendship with the “Gossip Girl” alum.
The former friendship — which saw Lively and Swift frequently stepping out for high-fashion evenings on the town — fizzled following Lively’s sexual harassment case against her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.
Documents obtained by Page Six in September claimed the “Blank Space” hitmaker — who had previously been subpoenaed by Baldoni’s legal team in May, only for the summons to be dropped that month — “agreed” to be deposed in the matter, as the judge extended the deadline for her testimony.
According to documents, Baldoni’s lawyer Ellyn S. Garofalo claimed the testimony would need to be given “during the week of October 20-25 due to Ms. Swift’s preexisting professional obligations.”
Baldoni’s team alleged she would be “unable to do so” before that time, ostensibly due to today’s landmark album release.
The songstress’s attorneys denied she had agreed to testify in a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman in September.
“My client did not agree to a deposition,” the statement read. “But if she is forced into a deposition, we advised (after first hearing about the deposition just three days ago) that her schedule would accommodate the time required during the week of October 20.”
Attorneys for Lively also seemingly pushed back on the idea that Swift had “agreed” to a deposition in their own filing.
“In this latest effort, the Wayfarer Defendants assert — though, notably, without evidence — that
Ms. Swift has supposedly ‘agreed’ to sit for a deposition sometime between October 20-25 (some three
weeks after the close of fact discovery in this matter),” docs filed by Lively’s lawyers read.
“Yet, even if one were to take the Wayfarer Defendants’ representation at face value, they have not come close to establishing good cause for their requested relief.”
Swift first became involved in the legal battle when Baldoni, 41, included the singer his January counter-lawsuit against Lively, accusing her of extortion and defamation — a response to her lawsuit against him for alleged sexual harassment, breach of contract and retaliation, among other allegations.
Two Miss World Winners, One Unforgettable Evening: Global Icon Priyanka Chopra And Manushi Chhillar Exchange Pleasantries!
When two Miss World winners grace the same stage, it’s not just a coincidence. It’s a celebration of excellence, grace, and the enduring power of representing India on the global stage. A reputed gala on Wednesday evening in Mumbai, that saw the whos who of the film and glamour world in attendance, also witnessed a rare and remarkable moment as Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Miss World 2000) and Manushi Chhillar (Miss World 2017) came together, creating a visual spectacle that went beyond fashion and jewelry.
The two beauty queens-turned-actresses, united by their pageantry history and same crown, exchanged warm pleasantries and embodied what it means to carry India’s legacy forward on international platforms. Priyanka Chopra, now a global icon who transformed her Miss World win into an extraordinary cross-continental career, and Manushi Chhillar, who brought the coveted crown back to India after 17 years and is steadily carving her path in cinema, represented two different eras of Indian beauty, ambition, and achievement.
Shah Rukh Khan tops the Hurun India Rich List 2025 as the world’s richest actor with a net worth of 1.4 billion dollars.
Shah Rukh Khan is world’s wealthiest actor now.
Shah Rukh Khan has officially joined the billionaire club, becoming the world’s wealthiest actor with a net worth of $1.4 billion (Rs 12,490 crore). The Hurun India Rich List 2025, released on October 1, confirms the Bollywood superstar’s remarkable financial milestone after 33 years in the film industry.
The latest Hurun report highlights Shah Rukh’s impressive rise on the international stage. It states, “Bollywood’s Badshah, Shah Rukh Khan (59), joins the billionaire club for the first time with a wealth of INR 12,490 Crore.”
The actor’s fortune now exceeds that of several international celebrities, including Taylor Swift ($1.3 billion), Arnold Schwarzenegger ($1.2 billion), Jerry Seinfeld ($1.2 billion), and Selena Gomez ($720 million).
Shah Rukh has maintained his position as India’s richest actor for years. According to the Hurun list, the gap between him and his peers is widening. Actress and entrepreneur Juhi Chawla, along with her family, ranks next with a reported net worth of Rs 7,790 crore, while Hrithik Roshan holds third place at Rs 2,160 crore.
Last year, Shah Rukh topped the actors’ list with a net worth of $870 million. The jump to $1.4 billion underscores the growth of his business ventures alongside his cinematic career.
Over nearly three decades, Shah Rukh Khan has built a diversified portfolio that extends beyond acting. His investments include the Red Chillies Entertainment production house, a VFX studio, multiple cricket teams, and substantial real estate holdings in the Middle East.
On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting for his most anticipated film with Deepika Padukone and Suhana Khan titled King. Recently, a new picture of SRK surfaced online in which he was seen standing on a dock near a ship with a gun in his hand.
Shah Rukh was seen wearing a stylish black suit, and his daddy look with a striking pose made the picture look like a tense action sequence. This leaked photo got social media buzzing with excitement as they wait with bated breath for his upcoming action thriller.
Earlier, another picture of Shah Rukh Khan with his daughter Suhana from the sets of King had leaked. The picture showed the father-daughter duo during outdoor shoots. SRK sports a salt-and-pepper look, wearing a white t-shirt with an overshirt and a hat, complemented by a grey beard that many fans have noted gave him “Jawan vibes.” King features a lineup of accomplished actors, including Abhay Verma, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, and Saurabh Shukla, among others.
Nicole Kidman has been spotted for the first time since her shocking split from Keith Urban. She and her younger sister, Antonia, were seen going on a hike in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday in pictures obtained by the Daily Mail.
Nicole wore dark leggings, a form-fitting athletic jacket and white sneakers during the casual outing. She also sported a baseball hat and black sunglasses, perhaps wanting to go incognito. Antonia walked beside her in a pink T-shirt, drawstring khaki pants and blue sneakers.
Nicole appeared deep in conversation with Antonia, and she cracked a smile in one photo.
Nicole Kidman was spotted Wednesday for the first time since her shocking split from Keith Urban. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Nicole reportedly laughed with her sister as they hiked for four miles on a trail not far from the “Big Little Lies” star’s mansion.
“At times, she gesticulated expressively,” the outlet reported. “At others, she linked arms with her sister and placed her hands on her heart.”
Antonia, 55, has been Nicole’s main source of support during this difficult time, People reported.
“Nicole’s sister [Antonia] has been a rock, and the entire Kidman family has come together to support one another,” a source told the outlet.
Wednesday’s outing comes two days after Page Six confirmed Nicole and Urban, her husband of 19 years, had separated.
A source told Page Six about the A-listers’ surprising split, “sometimes relationships just run their course.”
But according to the source, Kidman, 58, “did not want the separation and was trying to save things.”
On Tuesday, Nicole officially filed for divorce from the country singer, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. The date of separation is listed as the “date of filing,” meaning Sept. 30.
On Rise And Fall, Dhanashree Verma made a shocking allegation, claiming that she caught her ex-husband Yuzvendra Chahal cheating just two months into their marriage.
Dhanashree Verma Makes Shocking Cheating Allegation Against Yuzvendra Chahal
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal’s ex-wife, choreographer Dhanashree Verma is currently seen on the reality show ‘Rise And Fall’ hosted by Ashneer Grover. On the show, she recently made a shocking allegation against her ex-husband Yuzvendra, claiming that she caught him cheating on her just two months into their marriage. Dhanashree and Yuzvendra, who tied the knot in 2020, officially got divorced in March this year.
On Rise And Fall, Kubbra Sait asked Dhanashree when she first realized that her marriage with Yuzvendra won’t work. “When did you realise in your relationship that, ‘Bhai, yeh nahi chal sakta, yeh mistake ho gaya hai abhi?’ (When did you realize in your relationship that, this can’t go on, and that it was a mistake?),” asked Kubbra. Dhanashree replied, “First year. Caught him in the second month,” leaving Kubbra shocked. Check out the video below!
Dhanashree Reacts To Alimony Claims
Earlier on the show, Dhanashree revisited her split with Yuzvendra Chahal, revealing that rumours about alimony were untrue. She told Aditya Narayan, “Officially, it has been almost a year. It happened quickly because it was mutual, that’s why when people say alimony, it’s wrong. Just because I am not saying anything, you will go on saying anything? My parents have taught me to only justify to people whom I care about. Why waste time explaining those who don’t even know you?”
When asked about the length of their marriage, Dhanashree shared, “We were married for four years, we dated 6-7 months before that.” On dealing with accusations around alimony, she added, “Eventually, you get hurt when you see that happening. It was not needed. None of it is true. I felt worse wondering why did he do it? It’s okay, I will always keep his respect, that is what I believe in. Now, I don’t think I can date anybody.”
Sunita Ahuja And Govinda Relationship: Sunita Ahuja also clarified that Govinda’s affair rumours do not impact her because she is ‘strong’ and loves her husband dearly.
Sunita Ahuja and Govinda have lived separately for 15 years.
Sunita Ahuja And Govinda Relationship: Sunita Ahuja has confirmed that she does not live with Govinda. In one of her recent YouTube vlogs, the actor’s wife revealed that she and ‘Chi Chi’ live in separate houses, opposite to each other. Sunita was addressing her husband’s affair rumours when she revealed that while she stays with her children – Yashvardan and Tina, Govinda stays alone.
“Problem yeh ki iski family main log hai jo mujhe aur Govinda ko saath nahi dekhna chahte. Vo sochte hain inki family itni khush kyun hai kyunki unke khudh ke biwi bacche marr gaye hain. Govinda acche logon ke saath uthta bethta nahi hai. Toh kya hai naa jaise main bolti hun, agar tum gande logon ke saath raoge toh vaise bann jaaoge. Aaj mera friend circle nahi hai, mere bacche mere dost hain (The problem is that there are people in his family who don’t want to see Govinda and me together. They wonder why our family is so happy, especially since their own wives and children have passed away. Govinda doesn’t mix with good people. Like I always say, if you stay with bad people, you’ll become like them. Today, I don’t have a friend circle – my children are my friends),” she said.
Sunita further clarified that Govinda’s affair rumours do not impact her because she is ‘strong’ and loves her husband dearly.
“Main aur Chi chi rehte aamne samne hai 15 saal se lekin aana jaana karte rehte hain voh ghar par. Jo achi aurat ko dukh dega voh kabhi sukhi nahi rahega, bechain rahega. Maine bachpan se leke aapni puri zindagi de di usko, aaj bhi itna pyaar karti hun. Narazgi 100% hai kyunki main bhi toh sun hi rahi hun naa. Lekin, main bhut strong hun kyunki mere pass mere bacche hain (Chi Chi [Govinda] and I have been living in different home for 15 years, but he keeps coming and going at home. The man who hurts a good woman will never be happy; he will always remain restless. I gave him my entire life from childhood, and even today, I love him so much. Yes, I’m 100% upset because I hear the rumours too. But I’m very strong because I have my children),” she added.
This comes weeks after Sunita Ahuja and Govinda also dismissed their divorce rumours and were seen celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi together.
Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Best Actress National Award for her performance in the movie, Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Rani Mukerji wore a pendant with her daughter’s name at the National Awards ceremony.
Rani Mukerji won her first-ever National Award earlier this week. She was honoured with the Best Actress National Award for her performance in the movie, Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. At the ceremony, which was held in New Delhi, Rani sported a pendant with her daughter Adira’s name engraved on it. While Rani’s necklace had grabbed everyone’s attention, the actress has now revealed that she wore it because her daughter could not attend the ceremony.
In a recent interview with India Today, Rani revealed that her daughter wanted to attend the National Awards ceremony. However, they were told that children under the age of 14 were not allowed. When Adira could not accompany her mother at the ceremony, Rani decided to sport a pendant with her name.
“She was howling because she wanted to be part of the National Award function. We were told that children under 14 were not allowed. I had to tell her that you cannot be with me. She said it was ‘unfair’ that she couldn’t be with me on my special day. I asked her not to worry and told her that I will have you with me on my special day” Rani recalled.
“She’s my lucky charm. I wanted her with me, and this was the closest I could do,” she added.
“I want to thank everyone who made those reels and snippets on Instagram, writing that ‘Rani carried her daughter along.’ I showed them to Adira, and it calmed her down,” the actress shared.
Rani also spoke about winning the National Award for her 2023 movie and said, “So about Mrs Chatterjee, what input I had on the character, I actually modelled that on my mother. It is the closest that I could be to Bengali women who are Calcutta (Kolkata) born and brought up there. Because I have lived my life and grown up in Mumbai.”
Kangana Ranaut said that she could not understand why her name continues to be brought up in unrelated political discussions and questioned whether such public character attacks were the reason she had never received an audience with the Prime Minister.
Kangana Ranaut said the Prime Minister has every right to visit any state and carry out national duties, as he is a three-time elected leader.
Actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut issued a strong response to Congress spokesperson Sonali Sahu, who made a remark involving her name while questioning the purpose behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jharsuguda, Odisha.
In a video interview with PTI, Sonali Sahu commented on the PM Modi’s trip by asking why he had come to Odisha and who had invited him. Referring to past events, she said, “Last time it was Lord Jagannath’s invitation, after that he left Trump to come here, now who did he leave Kangana Ranaut?”
Reacting to Sahu’s statement, Kangana Ranaut took to social media to express her disapproval and questioned the use of her name in political commentary, asking, “Why am I the untouchable? Why is my name always used in creepy undertones and gossipy connotations? What have I done?”
Ranaut further said that she could not understand why her name continues to be brought up in unrelated political discussions and questioned whether such public character attacks were the reason she had never received an audience with the Prime Minister.
In the video, Sahu also criticised the flagging off of a train from Odisha to Surat, suggesting it was intended to benefit other states by using the youth of Odisha for labour elsewhere.
Ranaut hit back at the Congress spokesperson over her remarks on PM Modi and said that the Prime Minister, who has been elected by the people three times, has the constitutional authority and responsibility to visit any part of the country and carry out work related to national development.
She added that if the Prime Minister were to cancel a meeting with her to attend another event, she failed to understand why that should be treated as newsworthy or controversial.
Farah Khan, in her latest YouTube vlog, took a dig at Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour working shift demand. This comes days after her exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
Pic credit: Pinkvilla
Deepika Padukone recently made headlines after Kalki 2898 AD makers announced her exit from the sequel. This is not the first time her parting ways with a project has grabbed all the eyeballs. Before this, she had broken the internet after exiting Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit over demands of an eight-hour workday and higher pay. Now, in Farah Khan’s latest vlog, she seems to have taken a dig at the actress for such demands.
Farah Khan comments on Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift clause
In her latest vlog, Farah Khan and her cook Dilip have visited Rohit Saraf’s house. In the video, the Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari star revealed that this was the first time his mother appeared in front of the camera and that she had made them wait for a year to shoot. The filmmaker jokingly replied, “Haan itna time toh Deepika Padukone ne nahi lagaya mujhe haan bolne mein.”
It was then that Dilip asked Farah when they would visit the Om Shanti Om star’s house. To this, the filmmaker replied that she only shoots for 8 hours now and doesn’t have time to come on their vlog.
Farah Khan not in support of 8-hour work shift?
This is not the first time Farah Khan commented on Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand. In an earlier vlog, while visiting Radhikka Madan’s house, they discussed about her first audition for Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi. The topic of shift hours came up, and recalling her experience, the Sarfira actress revealed that the moment the camera switched on, she felt very safe. After giving the audition, she was sure that they wouldn’t cast her. But, to her surprise, she was shooting for her next show within 2 days.
Saif Ali Khan, in a recent interview, opened up about a bizarre incident he had to go through to earn Rs 1000 from a producer.
Pic credit: Pinkvilla
Saif Ali Khan might be driving luxury cars, own an entire Pataudi Palace, and even take lavish trips along with his family now, but there was a time when he was even struggling to earn Rs 1000. During a recent interview with Esquire India, the actor revealed the time when a producer put a bizarre condition in front of him before paying him Rs 1000. Keep scrolling to find out.
Saif Ali Khan’s encounter with a producer who paid him Rs 1000 a week
Talking about his entry days in the films, Saif Ali Khan revealed that it was not smooth at all. Although he came from a privileged family with a cricketer dad, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress mom Sharmila Tagore, his reality was full of second roles and forgettable films. “I’d done second lead, third lead… There were a couple of films that were decent, that kept one afloat. But then there came a time when, you know, one after another, they were very bad,” Saif said. Further, he called his 1990s era his net practice era.
The Salaam Namaste actor recalled an incident when he was paid one thousand rupees a week by a producer. She demanded that Saif kiss her cheeks 10 times, every time she handed him the money.
Saif Ali Khan’s work front
Saif Ali Khan was last seen in Jewel Thief alongside Jaideep Ahlawat. The film was released on Netflix and was directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. It was a heist film that saw him in a new avatar. The actor collaborated with Ahlawat for the first time in this film. Apart from this, he has Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, which marks his reunion with Akshay Kumar.
Shilpa Shetty’s businessman-turned-actor husband, Raj Kundra, is in legal trouble as the Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against him for possessing 285 Bitcoins, currently valued at Rs 150.47 crore.
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra
Shilpa Shetty’s husband Raj Kundra is in trouble once again. Amid the Rs 60 crore lookout notice matter, the Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against him in a bitcoin ‘scam’ saying he was a beneficial owner and not just a ‘mediator’ in the transactions as claimed by him. As per the ED, Kundra owns 285 Bitcoins, currently valued at Rs 150.47 crore, that were received from late crypto-scam mastermind Amit Bhardwaj.
Raj Kundra in trouble
The chargesheet was recently filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court. As per PTI’s report, Raj ‘deliberately’ concealed crucial evidence, including the Bitcoin wallet addresses, etc and failed to surrender the Bitcoins received from Bhardwaj, said the chargesheet.
Reportedly, the probe agency contended that Kundra continued to be in possession and enjoyment of the said proceeds of crime (Bitcoins). The ED said he did a ‘genuine transaction’ with Shilpa at ‘far below market rate’ to disguise the origin of such funds obtained by commission of criminal activities. The agency further claimed in the chargesheet that Raj tried to frustrate the proceedings under PMLA by layering the proceeds of crime and projected the same as untainted.
Bitcoin ‘scam’
The money-laundering case against Raj stemmed from FIRs lodged by Maharashtra police and Delhi police against a company named Variable Tech Private Limited, late Amit Bhardwaj, Ajay Bhardwaj, Vivek Bhardwaj, Simpy Bhardwaj and Mahender Bhardwaj. As per the ED, Bitcoins were supposed to be utilised for mining and investors were supposed to get huge returns in crypto assets, but the promoters “cheated” them and have been concealing the ‘ill-gotten’ Bitcoins in obscure online wallets.
The agency alleged that Raj received 285 Bitcoins from the ‘mastermind’ and promoter of Gain Bitcoin Ponzi ‘scam’ Amit Bhardwaj, for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine. While the deal did not materialise, the businessman-turned-actor is still in possession of 285 Bitcoins, presently valued at more than Rs 150 crore. The chargesheet stated that Raj claimed to have acted as a mediator in the said transaction, but didn’t provide ‘any underlying documentary evidence to prove the same’.
On the contrary, the agreement titled ‘Term Sheet’ was signed between him and Mahendra Bhardwaj, the chargesheet revealed. “Thus, it can be safely concluded that the agreement was actually between Raj Kundra and Amit Bhardwaj (his father Mahender Bhardwaj) and the argument given by Kundra that he acted as a mere mediator is not tenable,” the chargesheet said.
It further stated that Raj remembers the exact number of Bitcoins received in five specific tranches for more than seven years since the transactions took place, and that ‘solidifies the fact that he was indeed the recipient of Bitcoins as a beneficial owner and not acted merely as a mediator’. The complaint said that despite multiple opportunities since 2018, Kundra has consistently failed to provide the wallet addresses where the 285 Bitcoins were transferred.
Wankhede filed a defamation suit against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, citing a defamatory portrayal of himself in Aryan Khan’s Netflix show, The Ba***ds of Bollywood.
Ex-NCB officer Sameer Wankhede had filed a defamation suit against Aryan Khan’s Netflix debut The Ba***ds Of Bollywood.
Former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede, who recently filed an FIR against Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds Of Bollywood for an alleged defamatory portrayal of himself, asserted that the truth should prevail, while refusing to comment further on the matter.
His response came after the Delhi High Court dismissed his defamation plea against Aryan Khan’s debut show on Netflix. “I won’t comment on all this. I’ll just say one thing: Satyamev Jayate (Truth alone triumphs),” he said when asked about his FIR against Aryan Khan’s directorial debut.
He refused to add further details on the matter, instead talking about the importance of creating awareness against drug consumption. “In our Mumbai area, the issues of drug consumption, and especially in Northern Mumbai or Eastern Mumbai, we need to create awareness among the public about what types of drugs exist,” he said, adding that he spoke to citizens in a camp organised for drug awareness.
Delhi HC Rejects Wankhede’s Plea
Wankhede filed a defamation suit against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the production house owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri Khan, at the Delhi High Court, citing a character on the series who seems to be parodying him in The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. He has demanded damages of Rs 2 crore, which he said would be donated to cancer patients.
Wankhede’s defamation suit came in response to a character from the show – an officer who takes a hardline stance against drug users, but targets only those belonging to Bollywood. The IRS officer said the Netflix series contains false, malicious, and defamatory content aimed at damaging his reputation.
However, the Delhi High Court raised questions over the maintainability of a defamation suit filed by Wankhede, asking why the suit was filed in Delhi instead of Mumbai. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed Wankhede to amend his plea to address the maintainability issues.
Ashneer Grover Reveals Bigg Boss Wants Him As ‘Wildcard Entry’: ‘Haha, Pooch Lo Salman Bhai Se!’
Ashneer Grover—currently serving as host of Rise and Fall—recently revealed that the makers of Bigg Boss 19 extended an offer for him to enter the show as a wildcard contestant. He shared a screenshot of the email he reportedly received from the show’s team. Although its authenticity has not been independently confirmed, the message was addressed to him and allegedly sent by the Senior Casting Coordinator for Bigg Boss 19.
Taking a playful dig at Salman Khan, the show’s host, Ashneer commented, “Haha! Salman bhai se pooch le!! Mai to free ho jaaunga tab tak.” He also quipped, “Yeh ‘mail merge’ kisi ki to naukri khayega,” referencing the email-merge technique used to send personalized mails. On his official X account, Ashneer captioned the screenshot with: “Itni bhauklahat – kuchh zyaada hi competition de diya Rise & Fall ne lagta hai! Is bechaare casting director ki to khair nahi aaj.” He later deleted the post.
The email itself complimented Ashneer’s “dynamic personality, engaging social media presence, and unique appeal,” describing him as “a strong candidate” for the show.
This isn’t the first instance of public tension between Ashneer and Salman. Their clash originates from an earlier instance when Ashneer claimed he was denied a photograph opportunity with Salman during a brand shoot—allegedly because Salman’s management refused. Ashneer had also appeared on a Bigg Boss 18 episode during Weekend Ka Vaar, when Salman reprimanded him over comments about the show and its host pay. In turn, Ashneer later posted a note that said:
“I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar ! … – Salman is a great host & actor – Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss – I’ve always praised Salman for his…”
‘I Have Immense Faith In My Country,It’s High Time We Showed The World How Capable We Are!’ Abhishek Bachchan On India’s Global Strength
As India shines in the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, Abhishek Bachchan has emerged as a strong voice celebrating the country’s sporting and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond cinema, he has built a reputation as a passionate sports enthusiast and a firm believer in the Make in India philosophy.
“I have immense faith in my country and our abilities and our capabilities. And I think it’s more than high time that we showed the world how capable we are,” Abhishek shared in a recent conversation, stressing how sport and business together can project India’s identity globally.
His ownership of the Jaipur Pink Panthers, one of the most celebrated teams in the Pro Kabaddi League, reflects this belief. When asked to name his most gratifying move outside of cinema, Bachchan points to the venture that perfectly encapsulates his entire philosophy: his Pro Kabaddi League team. The Panthers, who continue to inspire a growing fanbase, are a symbol of how indigenous sports like kabaddi can find a global platform.
But his vision stretches beyond kabaddi. With investments in homegrown brands like Vahdam Teas and Nagin Sauce, Abhishek continues to champion enterprises rooted in Indian excellence. “Be it Kabaddi, or be it Vahdam Teas, or be it Nagin Sauce, or whatever that me and the family office are involved in, a large part of that is the Make in India thought. And it’s something that I believe in,” he noted.
At the same time, Abhishek continues to push creative boundaries on screen. From acclaimed gems like Guru and Bluffmaster to recent standouts such as Dasvi, Ludo, Bob Biswas, Kalidhar Lapatta, and Ghoomer, his filmography reflects a rare duality—balancing mainstream popularity with powerful performances that win critical acclaim. With such a diverse body of work, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year in his cinematic journey.
In the plea, Sameer Wankhede called Aryan Khan’s directorial debut ‘false, malicious, and defamatory’.
Aryan Khan’s Netflix debut The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is already trending, with netizens convinced he took a dig at ex-NCB officer Sameer Wankhede.
IRS Officer Sameer Wankhede has moved the Delhi High Court, accusing Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan of defaming him via their recently released Red Chillies Entertainment series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. In the plea, which also named the OTT giant Netflix among others, Wankhede called Aryan Khan’s directorial debut ‘false, malicious, and defamatory’. He claimed that the series “disseminates a misleading and negative portrayal of anti-drug enforcement agencies, thereby eroding public confidence in law enforcement institutions.”
In his plea, Wankhede claimed that the series has been “deliberately conceptualised and executed with the intent to malign Sameer Wankhede’s reputation in a colourable and prejudicial manner.”
“Furthermore, the series, inter alia, depicts a character making an obscene gesture—specifically, showing a middle finger after the character recites the slogan “Satyamev Jayate” which is the part of the National Emblem. This act constitutes a grave and sensitive violation of the provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which attracts penal consequences under law,” a statement from Wankhede read.
Wankhede has therefore demanded damages of Rs 2 crore, which he claimed will be donated to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of Cancer patients.
The Delhi High Court will now hear Wankhede’s plea on Friday, September 26. The matter will be heard by a single-judge bench of Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav.
What Did Aryan Khan Show In The Ba***ds of Bollywood?
There was a scene in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut which left netizens convinced that the superstar’s son has slyly taken a dig at ex-Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede — the man who famously arrested him during the 2021 drug case investigation.
In the scene, an officer barges into a glitzy party and notices a man smoking a joint. However, upon learning that the man is not from Bollywood, the officer loses interest and lets him go. Moments later, he finds another man — not consuming drugs, just sipping a drink — but since the man belongs to Bollywood, he is promptly arrested.
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Karan Johar won big at the 71st National Film Awards. A viral pic of the trio from the Rashtrapati Bhavan dinner went viral.
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar
Last evening (September 24) was a grand one for movie lovers as Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Karan Johar received honours at the 71st National Film Awards. Shah Rukh won his first National Award for Best Actor for Jawan, while Rani Mukerji bagged Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Karan Johar was honoured for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
You wouldn’t want to miss THIS pic of Rani Mukerji, SRK and KJo
A picture of the trio after the prestigious event has now gone viral on social media, widely shared by fan clubs. They were seen having dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Take a look at the photo here:
— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) September 23, 2025
Following his win, Karan shared an emotional note on Instagram, “So humbled and honoured to win the most POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT at the NATIONAL AWARDS @mib_india #71stnationalfilmawards .. Apoorva @apoorva1972 and I are deeply grateful to our entire family @dharmamovies for being our soul and spine…. So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai @iamsrk (missed taking a photo with him) … thank you all for all the love to our film #rockyaurranikipremkahani and @ranveersingh and @aliaabhatt I just have to say … Karan Johar this side and I am fragile today… thanks to the love and recognition.”
He also shared a few pictures, one of which featured him with Rani. Check out the heartwarming post here:
On Tuesday evening, Shah Rukh Khan was presented with the Rajat Kamal award by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. After the ceremony, his children Suhana and Aryan Khan shared a heartfelt note congratulating their “papa” along with a celebratory selfie. The post read, “You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold, but this Silver is Gold… Our hearts are so happy seeing you receive the prestigious National Award. Congratulations, papa. We love you.”
Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood is being praised for its hilarious and clever direction.
Ranbir Kapoor: courtesy Netflix
The Ba***ds of Bollywood is allegedly under fire for a scene involving Ranbir Kapoor. According to a report from ANI, the National Human Rights Commission has decided to file a complaint to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The scene in question shows the Animal actor holding an e-cigarette on screen. And while the display of such materials is not banned, the committee has raised an issue with the lack of a warning or disclaimer along with it.
As per the coverage, the complaint demands ‘to take appropriate action to prohibit such content, which may influence youth.’ Moreover, the NHRC letter has been addressed to the Mumbai Police Commissioner. It asks for the police to register an FIR against Ranbir Kapoor and the producers of the film, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, the production company and OTT platform Netflix for violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019.
More details about the contents of the complaint have been kept hidden as of now. The Ba***ds of Bollywood is Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan’s debut direction and was released on the global streaming platform Netflix on September 28, 2025. It stars Bobby Deol, Lakshya Lalwani, Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Rajat Bedi, Meherzan Mazda, Divik Sharma, Mona Singh, Gautami Kapoor, Vijayant Kohli, Neville Bharucha, Rohit Gill and Armaan Khera.
However, more than its ensemble cast, the cameos have been the talk of the town with impressive names like King Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, SS Rajamouli, Emraan Hashmi, Arjun Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sara Ali Khan, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Disha Patani, and more.
Roy scripted history as the first Indian director to win the Orizzonti Award
When Anuparna Roy accepted the Orizzonti Award for her debut film Songs of Forgotten Trees in Venice earlier this month, she’d forged a victory that’s rare for most women of her background.
Trembling with joy and unable to hold back tears, Roy’s visceral display of emotion on stage demonstrated how big the moment was – scripting history as the first Indian director to win in a category specially devoted to new voices in independent world cinema.
That itself is a towering achievement, but Roy’s grassroots origins in a nondescript tribal village in West Bengal state’s Purulia district – thousands of miles from Venice’s glamorous palazzos – makes her triumph even more meaningful.
From Ritwik Ghatak to Satyajit Ray to Mrinal Sen, Bengal has produced many globally celebrated auteurs. But unlike them, Roy, 31, grew up far away from the elite cultural influences of Kolkata, and took a path more well-worn by small-town Indians – a college degree followed by a call-centre job.
It was an escape route from the pressures of marrying and “a means to economic stability”, Roy told me over a Zoom chat. But it ended up becoming much more.
While peddling IT software in Delhi, a chance meeting with film students triggered a love affair with cinema and Roy saved every penny earned over the next six years to self-fund her debut short Run to the River.
After moving to Mumbai a few years later, she tracked down Ranjan Singh, the lead producer of Songs of Forgotten Trees, at a party and asked him bluntly: “Sir, would you like to produce a third-world film?”
Taken aback by her boldness, Singh asked Roy to meet him the following day and narrate the idea in less than 10 minutes. The meeting lasted well over a few hours, and within days he had agreed to fund the project.
A hardcore fan of director Anurag Kashyap’s operatic crime-drama Gangs of Wasseypur, Roy persuaded Singh to show the film to Kashyap, who ended up backing it.
Set in the pulsating heart of Mumbai, Songs of Forgotten Trees tells the story of two women from entirely different worlds – Thooya, an aspiring actress who moonlights as an escort, and Swetha, a fellow migrant with a call centre job. They live together in the upscale apartment of Thooya’s sugar daddy.
What begins as a living arrangement quickly transforms into an intimate relationship between the two women as they navigate same-sex desire and shared experiences of marginality and survival in an urban sprawl.
The Hollywood Reporter called the film “an anguished portrait of what it takes for women to survive”, and a “clear-eyed, restrained, moving story” of two young women finding solace in each other.
Another review said Roy explores urban alienation with “remarkable subtlety”, praising her deliberately slow, observational style of filming which allows the “emotional terrain” of the characters to emerge with clarity.
Formally untrained in the craft, Roy said it was a conscious decision to not follow the traditional rules of filmmaking with “long, mid and close shots” and instead capture the rhythms of her characters’ daily routine more authentically with continuous takes.
She shot the film entirely in her own apartment and even got the two lead actresses to move in during the period.
Elvis’ widow was ‘appalled’ by the marriage, she says in new memoir
PRISCILLA Presley has finally opened up about her late daughter Lisa Marie’s bizarre, brief marriage to Michael Jackson.
In her memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, Elvis’ widow Priscilla, 80, slammed the King of Pop as a “manipulative man” who used Lisa Marie for her family name.
Priscilla claimed she was immediately “appalled” when Lisa Marie called to let her mother know she was marrying Michael in 1994.
“I was appalled by the marriage,” she wrote. “I knew in my bones that
Michael wasn’t marrying Lisa Marie; he was marrying the Presley dynasty.”
She said he needed “good publicity” after he was hit with child molestation accusations, claims he vehemently denied at the time. (Priscilla claimed Lisa Marie believed in his innocence.)
Priscilla claimed Michael began reaching out to Lisa Marie during his child abuse scandal.
“Michael was a manipulative man, and I think he had his sights set on her long before she realized it,” she wrote. “The childlike innocence he projected was part of his public mask.”
Priscilla said her relationship with Michael was “bizarre,” claiming he actively avoided his new mother-in-law at all costs, and preferred to hang out with children rather than adults while at family gatherings.
Lisa Marie told her Michael wanted to have a baby, but Priscilla begged her to wait to get to know him better.
‘SIGH WITH RELIEF’ OVER DIVORCE
The concerned mother also asked her daughter uncomfortable questions.
“I asked her if they had a physical relationship. Like so many
people, I wasn’t sure,” Priscilla wrote. “She said yeah.”
When Lisa Marie filed for divorce less than two years after their whirlwind wedding, Priscilla said: “I could practically hear Elvis sigh with relief.”
After Michael’s split from Lisa Marie, he had two children with second wife Debbie Rowe: Prince, 28, and Paris, 27.
He also had Blanket, now known as Bigi, 23, with a surrogate.
Lisa Marie had daughter Riley, 36, and son Ben with her first husband, Danny Keough.
Ben died by suicide at age 27 in 2020.
With fourth husband Michael Lockwood, she also had twin daughters Harper and Finley, who are now 16.
Tragically, Lisa Marie died from a bowel obstruction at just 54 in 2023.
He has demanded Rs 25 crore from the streaming giant for the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.
Producer seeks damages from Netflix for ‘unauthorised’ use of Hera Pheri character Baburao Apte Credit: X/@MangGangtae
Mumbai: Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala has issued a legal notice to Netflix, accusing it of unauthorised use of the character of ‘Baburao Ganpatrao Apte’ from the 2000 film “Hera Pheri” in “The Great Indian Kapil Show”.
He has demanded Rs 25 crore from the streaming giant for the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.
In the upcoming episode of comedian Kapil Sharma’s show, actor Kiku Sharda will be seen enacting the famous character.
Advocate Sana Raees Khan on Thursday sent a notice to Netflix on Nadiadwala’s behalf.
The fictional character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte or Babu Bhaiya is “exclusively conceived, developed and produced under the creative and commercial authority” of Nadiadwala, the notice said.
With his distinctive persona, dialogues, appearances and mannerisms, this character has become iconic and enjoys cult recognition, it added.
The name `Baburao Ganpatrao Apte’ is also a registered trademark, it said.
If Netflix failed to deal with the issue within two days, he will pursue both civil and criminal action against the platform, the notice warned.
Netflix’s representatives were unavailable for comment.
The reality star was seen crying hysterically in a teaser for the film
KIM Kardashian has been having a difficult time grappling with her portrayal in her ex-husband Kanye West’s new documentary, The U.S. Sun can exclusively report.
As In Whose Name? hits select theaters on September 19, Kim is dreading the public seeing her at such a low point in her life.
Kim isn’t pleased with the way she’s portrayed in her ex-husband Kanye West’s new documentary, a source exclusively revealed to The U.S. SunCredit: AFP
A source exclusively told The U.S. Sun that the reality star is terrified about how she’ll be viewed in the documentary and that it will ruin the “perfect image” she has tried so hard to maintain.
“Kim’s biggest nightmare is having something that is deeply personal, like video footage, out there in the world that she has no control over,” the insider shared.
Although the Hulu star is no stranger to being in front of the camera, given that she has starred in two successful reality series, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians, she then called the shots on what was shown as an executive producer.
However, this project is different, as it’s under her ex’s strings and the director Nico Ballesteros, who was 18 at the start of the six-year-long filming process.
“[Kim’s] entire career has been about her very carefully building this perfect image,” the source explained.
“She is notorious for not even allowing pap pics she does not authorize or approve of being circulated, so obsessed is she with maintaining this perfect image.”
This time, Kim, who runs numerous multi-million-dollar brands, including her Skims shapewear and SKKN by Kim skincare lines, had to relinquish any creative control on the project, which has been an uncomfortable position for the businesswoman.
“Kanye’s documentary has her in a spiral,” the insider continued. “Her team were ordered to get an advance copy.
“At the time when the film director was doing all the footage, following Kanye around, it was a really dark time in her life.
“In the distraction of everything that followed, it’s like she had forgotten the ‘teenager’ who had the camera stuck to him 24/7 – and she had always assumed that there was no way Kanye would just let it get this far.”
Kim, 44, and Kanye, 48, haven’t seen eye-to-eye since they split in 2021, following seven years of marriage and the birth of four children: North, 12; Saint, 9; Chicago, 7; and Psalm, 5.
They finalized their divorce in 2022, but struggled to maintain a smooth co-parenting relationship, which Kanye repeatedly reminded fans of in his numerous social media rants.
Fans got a glimpse into their relationship issues in the final season of KUWTK, which showed the family dealing with Kanye’s erratic behavior, and Kim admitting she was unhappy in their marriage.
Cameras were rolling during this particularly low moment for the pair, and the source said that Kim “hates” how she comes across.
Deepika Padukone seems to have clapped back at Kalki makers a day after she was outsed from Kalki 2. The actress dropped a BTS pic with Shah Rukh Khan from the sets of King and shared an important lesson SRK taught her.
Did Deepika Padukone Clap Back At Kalki 2898 AD Makers? King Actress Shares Lesson Taught By Shah Rukh Khan
Actress Deepika Padukone recently made headlines for her ousting from Kalki 2. A recent report suggested the makers of Kalki 2 decided to drop Deepika from the project after she demanded a 25% increase in her fees, along with a reduced 7-hour work shift. Sources suggest that the filmmakers attempted to negotiate these terms with the actress, but she remained firm in her stance. Now, the actress seems to have clapped back at the makers of Kalki 22898 AD by sharing a post with an important lesson taught by The King – Shah Rukh Khan.
Deepika Padukone shares a lesson taught by Shah Rukh Khan
In a post shared by the actress in the wee hours of Saturday, the actress dropped an adorable pic – holding hands with her King co-star Shah Rukh Khan. Along with the post, she wrote, “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success.”
She added, “I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since.And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together?”
Ranveer Singh and others react
Soon after the post was shared on social media, actress’ husband Ranveer Singh chimed into the comments section to call SRK and Deepika, “Bestest Besties!” Meanwhile a fan remarked, “Take it to double digits, you two are the best duo.” A third fan commented, “I’m so proud of you! Stand for yourself and never stop believing what u deserve! I love you.”
Deepika Padukone’s alleged demands from makers
According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, the makers of Kalki 2 reportedly decided to part ways with Deepika Padukone after she insisted on a 25% increase in her fees, along with a demand for only 7-hour workdays. Despite the producers’ efforts to negotiate and address these requests, Deepika remained inflexible.
According to a source close to the production, “Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 per cent increment on the acting fees she was paid for the first part of the film. That’s not all, she put her foot down on shooting for just 7 hours a day. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX heavy film, such short shoots was likely to shoot up the budget by a reasonable amount. The producers were willing to provide a luxury vanity to Deepika for rest, in return of longer shoot hours, but she refused. They also tried to negotiate finances, given that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. She and her team refused to adjust on either.”
Singer Zubeen Garg died while he was swimming in the sea without a life jacket in Singapore, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday.
The Assamese singer, who shot to nationwide fame with the song Ya Ali from Gangster, was set to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore on September 20 and 21.
Zubeen Garg is reported to have gone on a yacht ride with a group of local Assamese people.
According to news agency PTI, Sarma said, “Zubeen died while swimming without a life jacket”, adding that the Singapore authorities will question people who had accompanied Zubeen Garg for swimming.
Autopsy will be conducted tomorrow, added the Assam Chief Minister.
At a presser, Sarma said there is a video in which Zubeen Garg is seen jumping into the sea from a yacht, wearing a life jacket.
The Assam Chief Minister said after the 1.26 second-mark in the video, Zubeen Garg can be seen returning to the yacht. According to reports, he jumped into the sea for the second time but after taking off the life jacket, saying it was uncomfortable swimming with the life jacket on.
After a few seconds, Zubeen Garg was found floating in the sea with no movement and his body stiff. Rescue teams moved him to the Singapore General Hospital but doctors pronounced him dead after some time. He died around 2.30 pm India time.
The “View” hosts were unusually quiet on the topic of their network yanking “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the airwaves. But we’re told they weren’t ordered to steer clear of the stunning news.
Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sarah Haines, Joy Behar, and Alyssa Farrah Griffin said nothing about the biggest TV story of week during their live Thursday broadcast.
The ladies of “The View” weren’t told to stay silent about Jimmy Kimmel. ABC
But while both are ABC shows, an insider told us the ladies “were not silenced.”
“They were not told not to discuss it,” the source said.
The insider suggested that the ladies may have been waiting for Kimmel to speak out, as they did when CBS pulled the plug on Stephen Colbert and the “Late Show” franchise in July. “It’s an ongoing story and hot topics are discussed daily,” they said.
Friday’s episode of “The View” was filmed on Thursday afternoon, but it’s unclear if they tackled the topic of Kimmel.
Meanwhile, ABC insiders are incensed that the network didn’t protect Kimmel by editing his monologue, in which he said of Charlie Kirk’s alleged murderer, Tyler Robinson, “The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Kimmel has been a searing critiic of the president, and the remark was used to pressure Disney, which owns ABC, to shelve his show.
“ABC is stupid,” one network source fumed to the New York Post. “They should have edited Kimmel. They know [President Donald] Trump is after him. Their standards department should have flagged it. They should have known better.”
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Malaika Arora gets candid about facing judgements all her life, and people calling her ‘too bold, too outspoken’.
Malaika Arora’s last public relationship was with actor Arjun Kapoor.
Too bold, too outspoken, too everything – these labels have followed Malaika Arora throughout her career in Bollywood. For a long time, she fought them, even justifying herself. However, she’s now embracing these tags as her crown. She shares the day she stopped explaining herself was the day she felt truly free.
On taking control of her own narrative
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Malaika opened up about being judged throughout her life, often labeled as ‘too bold’ or ‘too outspoken’.
Looking back at how tough it was to take control of her own narrative, Malaika reveals that the criticism and judgments stopped when she stopped justifying herself. That being said, she doesn’t feel the need to explain herself anymore.
“It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be. I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships – you name it. But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself,” Malaika said.
Malaika, who was previously married to actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, with whom she shares a son, admits that people called her “too loud, too much, too bold” all the time.
“I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now. If I’m “too much” for someone, they’re probably not enough for me,” shares the star, whose last public relationship was with actor Arjun Kapoor.
On her work reflecting her life
There are times when Malaika stumbles upon projects and collaborations that mirror her journey. She grabs it with pride and joy. Her latest association with cosmetics brand HYUE as the face of its new campaign titled Own It.
“Whether in fashion, fitness, or just the choices I’ve made, I’ve never followed a formula. I’ve always believed that real confidence comes when you stop performing for the world and start living for yourself,” says the mother of one.
“It (the association) felt like they were telling my story through beauty. I’ve had to fight labels, opinions, and expectations all my life. So Own It isn’t just a tagline to me – it’s my lived reality,” she added.
On struggle with self-doubt
Like many, Malaika isn’t immune to self-doubt, and there are days when uncertainty creeps in, leaving her questioning herself. However, she has learnt to embrace those moments with kindness.
Varun Dhawan at the trailer launch of his upcoming movie Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari revealed the real story behind his ‘non filmy’ proposal to Natasha Dalal.
Picture Courtesy: Varun Dhawan Instagram
Varun Dhawan’s fans are quite aware of his love story with wife Natasha Dalal. It is not a hidden fact that he dated her for a long time before getting married. But what most are not aware of is the story behind how he proposed to his now-wife and then-girlfriend.
Varun Dhawan’s proposal story
At the trailer launch of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Varun was put in a spot when one of the reporters asked him to describe how he proposed to his wife, Natasha Dalal. This left the actor speechless for a couple of seconds, to which Rohit Saraf laughed and said, “Out of syllabus aa gaya bhai”. The Bawaal star then said that he can now reveal everything as they have been married for a while now, and have a child too.
Varun said, “When I first fell in love with Natasha, I played the song by Mark Anthony called You Sang To Me. So I played that song, and she was wondering ki itna purana gaana suddenly why did you play. And I was trying to be in the pool. We were in a pool and main neeche jaake upar aake use dena chahta tha.”
He further added that he tried for 2-3 times, and when he went for his final take, by the time he came out, she had stepped out of the pool. “So it was not filmy as it seems. So I went on one knee and she said yes.”
Soha Ali Khan recalled a horrifying incident from her Italy trip, revealing she was flashed in broad daylight, leaving her shaken.
Soha Ali Khan was last seen in Chhorii 2. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan recently, in a conversation, shared a horrifying incident when she was flashed in public in broad daylight. Soha Ali Khan, while explaining the incident, revealed that she understands how she is privileged and that normal people who travel by local transport have to face such things every day.
In conversation with Hauterrfly, the actress was asked if she had ever been flashed in public. While replying to it, the actress said, “In Italy, yes. Apparently, that happens often. But in broad daylight? Yeah… What is their motive? I don’t understand that. We don’t want to get into their heads to understand.”
Further, she spoke about the casting couch in Bollywood and stated, “Somewhere, this privilege, where you belong to an industry family, maybe because of that, I was spared. Everybody felt that there’s Saif, there’s Sharmila ji. Maybe because of that. But I really haven’t had any experiences like that. Thank God for that.”
Soha Ali Khan on Work Front
Soha Ali Khan most recently appeared in Chhorii 2, alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha, Gashmeer Mahajani, and Jitendra Kumar. Vishal Furia directed the horror thriller, which is available on Amazon Prime Video. It is the sequel to Chhorii, which was adapted from Furia’s 2017 Marathi film Lapachhapi. Chhorii marked Soha’s return to acting after a seven-year absence. She previously appeared in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3, which was released in 2018.
Soha Ali Khan on Motherhood
Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu got married on January 25, 2015. They have been married for 10 years now and had dated for seven years before marriage.
Disha Patani was seen in New York for the first time after shots were fired outside her UP home, an incident linked to her sister Khushboo’s remarks.
Disha Patani was clicked for the first time since the firing incident. (Photo: Instagram)
Actor Disha Patani was spotted for the first time since shots were fired outside her house in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly. The incident was later connected to Disha’s elder sister Khushboo Patani’s remark on Aniruddhacharya Maharaj, which was wrongly connected to spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj. For her latest appearance, the Radhe actor was clicked at an event in New York City.
Disha Patani, who is the brand ambassador of Calvin Klein, flaunted her curves in a backless bodycon black gown with a plunging neckline. With her hair left open and minimal makeup, Disha’s look from New York surely wowed her fans. Her new pictures comes in days after shots were fired outside her house in Bareilly. Take a look:
What was the firing incident outside Disha Patani’s house?
Authorities said several rounds were fired; two rounds of aerial firing were reported at about 4:30 am outside Disha Patani’s house in Bareilly earlier this week. No one was injured in the incident. The Dhelana brothers, Virendra and Mahendra, have claimed responsibility for the attack. In a purported social media post, the two men issued a warning to the film industry.
“I, Virendra Charan, Mahendra Saran (Delana), brothers, today the firing that happened at Khushboo Patani/Disha Patani’s (Bollywood actress) house (Villa No. 40, Civil Lines, Bareilly, UP), we got it done. She insulted our revered saints (Premanand Ji Maharaj and Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj). She tried to demean our Sanatan Dharma. The insult of our deities will not be tolerated. This was just a trailer. Next time, if she or anyone else shows disrespect towards our religion, then no one in their house will be left alive,” the message read.
What led to the firing incident outside Disha Patani’s house?
Former army officer Khushboo Patani recently criticised religious orator Aniruddhacharya Maharaj over his remarks on live-in relationships. However, many social media users mistakenly believed she was referring to Premanand Ji Maharaj, who had commented on youngsters having multiple relationships. Following a wave of trolling triggered by the confusion, Khushboo issued an official clarification, making it clear her remarks were directed only at Aniruddhacharya Maharaj. She also warned that she would pursue legal action if the online harassment continued.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle’s domestic box office numbers for first 2 days have been revealed.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle: courtesy of Crunchyroll
Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Box Office Collection for Day 1 and Day 2 of its global release has been anything but routine— well, then again, it is the norm for Ufotable and the well-known animation series, Demon Slayer. The film, officially titled Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns, premiered on September 12 and has already pocketed a promising 27 crore Rupees.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle runs strong on the first 2 days in India
The animation film, a continuation of the manga-based story of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge’s Infinity Castle arc, has achieved unprecedented success domestically and internationally. Indian fans have been singing praises of the dark fantasy action film, which follows the Demon Slayer Corps as they get trapped inside the Infinity Castle. With shows starting from as early as 5 am— another impressive feat for the anime fans in the country— the theatres have been booked and busy, selling record numbers in a limited time.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Box Office Collection Day 1 recorded a total of Rs 13 crore, while by the second day it had shown even larger interest thanks to the weekend. The Saturday’s numbers depict Rs 14 crore, performing even better. It is slowly becoming one of the most surprising runs for a film in 2025, continuing the year full of success for movies at the box office.
Urvashi Rautela Takes Dubai By Storm: Her Hilarious Phone-Snatching Selfie Moment At SIIMA 2025 Breaks The Internet!
Global superstar Urvashi Rautela has once again proved why she is the queen of viral moments. At the prestigious SIIMA Awards 2025 in Dubai, where glitz and glamour collided on the red carpet, Urvashi stole the spotlight in a way that was equal parts dazzling and hilarious.
The actress, who is known for her jaw-dropping style and magnetic presence, was swarmed by fans the moment she stepped out of her car. But what happened next left everyone gasping and then laughing. In the middle of the chaos, a super-excited fan accidentally snatched her phone while trying to click a selfie with her. Instead of being upset, Urvashi burst into laughter, playfully joining the moment, which instantly turned into one of the night’s most unforgettable highlights.
Clips of the incident are now circulating across social media, with fans dubbing it “the most Dubai moment ever.” From “Only Urvashi can make phone-snatching look iconic” to “She’s unbothered and gorgeous as always,” the internet can’t seem to get enough. Within hours, the video trended worldwide, proving that Urvashi knows how to turn even the most unexpected mishap into a showstopper moment.
Dressed in a breathtaking couture gown, Urvashi didn’t just own the red carpet she owned the entire night, reminding fans why she remains one of the most loved and followed Indian stars globally. As one fan commented, “She’s not just a diva, she’s a vibe.”
What makes Urvashi’s journey even more remarkable is that she is the only actress to have worked with three of Telugu cinema’s biggest superstars Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevi, and Balakrishna. This rare achievement has further cemented her reputation as a true pan-Indian star who continues to break boundaries and win hearts across industries.
On Friday, The Bengal Files director Vivek Agnihotri shared a picture of a theatre that is houseful. He tweeted, ‘One picture says it all,’ hinting that people are keen to watch his movie. While Agnihotri has not mentioned The Bengal Files in the caption, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee slammed the filmmaker for showing his ‘A-rated’ movie to kids.
Instagram: Dhruv Rathee / Vivek Agnihotri
On Friday, The Bengal Files director Vivek Agnihotri shared a picture of a theatre that is houseful. He tweeted, ‘One picture says it all,’ hinting that people are keen to watch his movie. While Agnihotri has not mentioned The Bengal Files in the caption, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee slammed the filmmaker because in the picture there are kids in the theatre, and The Bengal Files is an ‘A-rated’ movie.
Rathee replied to Vivek’s tweet and wrote, “Are you seriously making children watch an Adult rated film? This should be a crime. You are traumatising their childhood by showing them so much blood, gore and violence (sic).”
Many other netizens have reacted to the picture of kids watching The Bengal Files. A netizen tweeted, “”The Bengal Files” has received an A (18+ adults only) certificate from the CBFC. The attached photo by director Vivek Agnishotri clearly shows numerous children and teenagers, evidently under 18, inside the theatre. What penalties apply for screening adult-rated films to minors? Law penalizes cinemas or the event organizers? (sic)”
Another X user wrote, “Which theatre is this?? How are children allowed to watch an A-rated movie? @MIB_India @prasoonjoshi_ @AshwiniVaishnaw what a joke CBFC certification is ??? (sic).” Check out the tweets below…
Gunshots were fired outside actress Disha Patani’s residence in Bareilly, according to a recent report. According to police, the shooting occurred around 4:30 am, with at least two rounds of aerial firing reported.
Gunshots Fired Outside Disha Patani’s House In Bareilly; No Injuries Reported
In what turns out to be a shocking turn of events, unidentified individuals opened fire outside actress Disha Patani’s family home in Civil Lines, Bareilly, on Friday evening. According to recent reports, Police confirmed that the shooting occurred around 4:30 am, with at least two rounds of aerial firing reported. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Gunshots fired outside Disha Patani’s Bareilly home
According to a report in India Today, authorities are actively investigating the incident and have launched a manhunt to identify those responsible. A threatening social media post, written in Hindi, has since surfaced claiming responsibility for the attack. The message, which has alarmed both the public and officials, named two individuals, Virendra Charan and Mahendra Saran (Delana), and accused Disha Patani of disrespecting Hindu religious figures and Sanatan Dharma.
Godly Brar, Rohit Godara claim responsibility
The post issued a direct warning to the film industry, calling the firing “just a trailer” and threatening further violence against those perceived to insult religious sentiments. The message read in part, “The insult of our deities will not be tolerated. This was just a trailer. Next time, if she or anyone else shows disrespect towards our religion, then no one in their house will be left alive… This message is not just for her, but also for all the artists of the film industry.”
Police have confirmed that the authenticity of the post is being verified, and a cyber investigation is underway to trace its origin. They also stated that security has been tightened around the Patani residence and in the area.
Songs of Forgotten Trees director Anuparna Roy said that if she “supports Palestine, if I am standing against injustice, it doesn’t make me less Indian.”
Anuparna Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees was the only Indian title in Venice’s Orizzonti section.(AP)
Debutant filmmaker Anuparna Roy scripted history by winning the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her film, Songs of Forgotten Trees.
While a visibly moved Anuparna delivered a heartwarming speech on the stage, dedicating her win to all the women across the world, it was her striking commentary on Palestine that stirred a controversy. Her remarks drew strong reactions in the country.
Speaking to ANI, Anuparna Roy voiced her strong stance against “injustice” in the world. “I meant whatever I said at the festival. It was said with the intention of pointing out the injustice around the world. If I support Palestine, if I am standing against injustice, it doesn’t make me less Indian. People are thinking that I have spoken about it for the first time, but it’s not that. I mentioned Palestine while receiving an award in Russia. This doesn’t mean that I will not talk about the genocides or the violence in Nepal,” she shared.
“I request everyone to celebrate the achievement and not ‘politicise’ it in such a manner. I don’t represent anything,” she added.
Anuparna Roy went on to reveal how she was advised by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap to avoid Palestine-related comments at the event.
“People are claiming that I made the comments under the influence of Anurag Kashyap, but I was strictly advised by my producers, my mentor, and Anurag Kashyap himself that I don’t need to talk about it. I went beyond their advice and said it all. Now I understand why they asked me to avoid it. Things have been going completely against me. People are even calling me a traitor. But I am not angry at all. I made one film and I will make another one,” Anuparna said.
“I will continue to speak against injustice. I believe such things should come into discussion, whether it is Kashmir, Murshidabad, or Gujarat,” the filmmaker asserted.
While accepting her Best Director Award at the Venice Film Festival, Anuparna Roy stood up for Palestine. “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestinians are no exception… It’s a responsibility at the moment to stand by Palestine…. “I might upset my country, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore,” she said, as quoted by Deadline.
Manoj Bajpayee talks about independent cinema and box office, ahead of the release of his new film, Jugnuma.
Manoj Bajpayee talks about independent cinema and box office.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee is not a fan of film producers and studios throwing around box office numbers to promote their titles. The actor, who balances commercial and independent cinema, says this obsession with box office is a monster that will ‘eat up’ its own creators.
The actor is gearing up for the release of Jugnuma, directed by Raam Reddy. The film has earned acclaim worldwide as The Fable and is finally getting a release in Indian theatres this month. Ahead of the release, the National Award winner sits down with Hindustan Times to talk about the state of independent films in the country and the newfound obsession with the box office.
On the box office monster
Over the last few years, box office numbers have turned into promotional tools to leverage buzz for films. Talking about the phenomenon, Manoj says, “It’s a monster that is created by the producers themselves, the commercial producers, for their own game. Very soon, this monster is going to eat you up. You have created Bhasmasura. Just wait for the day you are going to put your hand on your own head, and you will be ruined. This has been created by our own successful people, and one day it will eat them up.”
OTT’s change of stance
Equating box office success with quality has particularly hurt smaller, independent films, as their low collections are now considered a sign of bad quality. Manoj argues, “The small, independent films always experience struggle. Then came a very brief time when OTT had just entered the country, and they were welcoming. But very soon, they changed their stance, and all of them started focusing on mainstream subjects and faces. One feels sad, because I am of the opinion that if you finish independent movement, your cinema will become just a product and nothing more. If the art is taken out, it has no value.”
He gives the example of Amitabh Bachchan, a rare superstar who also did smaller films during the peak of his stardom. “Mr Bachchan has also done a few fabulous (small) films like Abhimaan and Mili. He has done many more. Only Don, after a point, will be boring. He is Mr Bachchan also because of the kind of films he has done earlier in his career,” says the actor.
A new picture of Salman Khan from the ‘Battle of Galwan’ shoot in Ladakh has emerged, showcasing his physical transformation for the role of Colonel B Santosh Babu. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia.
Salman Khan posed with fans in Ladakh during ‘Battle of Galwan’ shooting.
Salman Khan’s latest picture from the ‘Battle of Galwan’ shoot in Ladakh has surfaced on social media, capturing the actor’s transformation for his role as Colonel B Santosh Babu. The photo, taken during the film’s schedule in Ladakh, shows Khan in a fit form, posing with fans. His dedication to embodying the character has earned appreciation.
The image, gaining traction online, features Salman Khan highlighting his toned physique. This glimpse has been well-received, with fans praising his efforts to portray the late Colonel B Santosh Babu, a key figure in the real-life conflict depicted in the film.
In ‘Battle of Galwan’, Salman Khan takes on the role of Colonel B Santosh Babu, who played a significant part in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. This confrontation is central to the film’s narrative, paying homage to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
The Ladakh schedule has been notable for its challenging landscape and significance to the film’s setting. Khan has been seen engaging with locals and fans.
Currently, Salman Khan is shooting the climax portions in the ongoing Ladakh schedule, which is expected to go on for 2-3 weeks. “Galwan’s climax is among the most important parts of the film, both visually and emotionally. Given Leh and Ladakh’s unpredictable weather, the makers want to ensure the quality of these sequences is not compromised. That is why they are planning to complete as much as possible during this schedule itself,” a source informed.
‘Battle of Galwan’ aims to depict the events of the 2020 clash, focusing on the courage and strategic acumen of the Indian Army. The film is expected to provide a dramatic retelling of the encounter, highlighting the leadership of figures like Colonel Babu. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and will feature Chitrangda Singh, Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia and several others alongside Salman Khan.
Karisma Kapoor’s kids have moved Delhi HC in Sunjay Kapur’s property row. Here’s a look at her net worth and past settlement with the late industrialist.
Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur parted ways in 2016 after a tumultuous 13-year-long marriage.
Karisma Kapoor’s personal life has once again come into the spotlight due to a legal battle involving her children and the massive Rs 30,000 crore estate of her ex-husband, late industrialist Sunjay Kapur.
Kiaan and Samaira, Karisma’s children with Kapur, have now approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that their stepmother Priya Sachdev Kapur manipulated the will of the late businessman to take complete control of his assets.
Sunjay Kapur, who passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a polo match, was the chairman of auto component giant Sona Comstar. His sudden death left behind not just a huge industrial legacy but also a family feud that has since turned legal.
The Divorce Settlement Between Karisma and Sunjay Kapur
Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur tied the knot in 2003 in a traditional Sikh ceremony in Mumbai, a high-profile affair that made headlines across the city. But their marriage was troubled right from the start. By 2014, they had officially separated, and in 2016, the couple finalized their divorce after a long and bitter court battle.
During the proceedings, Karisma made several allegations of domestic violence and dowry harassment against Kapur and his family. As part of the settlement, media reports suggest that Sunjay Kapur paid Karisma around Rs 70 crore. Additionally, he provided bonds worth Rs 14 crore in the names of their two children, which also carry an interest payment of Rs 10 lakh.
The actress also reportedly received possession of a lavish Mumbai bungalow from Sunjay’s father, along with the return of her jewellery from the marriage. This financial settlement, combined with her career earnings, has contributed to Karisma’s current net worth, which is estimated at around Rs 120 crore, according to Hindustan Times.
Karisma Kapoor’s Net Worth and Sunjay Kapur’s Legacy
Even after the divorce, Karisma continued to maintain her star power, with multiple brand endorsements, investments, and acting assignments adding to her wealth. Today, her fortune stands at approximately Rs 120 crore, making her one of the most financially secure actresses of her generation.
In an old interview, Sanjay Dutt revealed how he reacted after learning about his lung cancer diagnosis and how Hrithik Roshan’s father Rakesh Roshan helped him.
Sanjay Dutt recalls emotional turmoil after lung cancer diagnosis (Pic Credit: Sanjay Dutt Instagram)
Sanjay Dutt is a well-known actor in the Indian entertainment industry, and both his personal and professional lives have been quite public. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Dutt was diagnosed with lung cancer, but after a long period, he announced that he was cancer-free. He has shared insights about his challenging experience in interviews, mentioning how Rakesh Roshan helped him find a good doctor.
Sanjay Dutt recalls discovering his lung cancer diagnosis
In an old conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, Sanjay Dutt recalled how he learnt about his cancer diagnosis and shared, “It was a normal day in the lockdown. When I walked up the stairs, I was totally out of breath. I had a bath, I couldn’t breathe, I didn’t know what was happening, so I called up my doctor. In the X-ray, more than half of my lungs were covered in water. They had to tap the water out. They all were hoping it was TB (tuberculosis), but it turned out to be cancer.”
Dutt shared that it was a big challenge for his family to inform him about the diagnosis, and his sister was the one who broke the news. He mentioned that they started planning on how to address the situation together.
Sanjay Dutt added, “I did cry for over 2-3 hours because I was thinking of my kids, life, my wife, everything. These flashes come. I said I should stop getting weak.”
He underwent treatment in Dubai since he was unable to obtain a visa. Rakesh Roshan, a cancer survivor himself, helped Dutt in finding a doctor. Sanjay revealed how he gathered the courage to fight the disease.
He added, “They told me that I’d lose hair and other things would happen, I’d vomit, so I told the doctor ‘mereko kuch nahi hoga’, I’ll not lose hair, I’ll not vomit, I won’t lie on the bed, and she kind of smiled. I did my chemotherapy, and I came back and I sat on that bike for one hour and I cycled, I did that day after day, every day.”
But which artists came out on top during the live broadcast from New York’s UBS Arena on September 7?
Ricky Martin accepts the Latin Icon award during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Rapper Busta Rhymes and singer Ricky Martin had already been declared winners ahead of the show, being this year’s artists to claim the first-ever MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award and the inaugural MTV Latin Icon Award, respectively, for breaking boundaries in their music genres.
Mariah Carey earned the highest accolade of the night — the Vanguard Award, marking her first Moonman in her 35-year career.
Lady Gaga led the VMA 2025 nominations with a whopping 12, including major categories like Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Album. The show started with her accepting the Artist of the Year award ahead of her Madison Square Garden performance. Bruno Mars, who collaborated with Lady Gaga on their hit “Die With a Smile,” which won best collaboration, trailed right behind her with 11 nods.
Other front-running nominees were Kendrick Lamar with 10 noms, Sabrina Carpenter and BLACKPINK member Rosé with eight, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven, and Billie Eilish with six. Charli xcx had five nominations stemming from her brat summer, while Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus, and Tate McRae received four each.
LL Cool J served as host for the VMAs 2025, which aired on CBS and MTV and streamed on Paramount+.
Scroll to see the VMA winners!
Video of the Year
Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile”
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
WINNER: Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
Song of the Year
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Billie Eilish – “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
Doechii – “Anxiety”
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Gracie Abrams – “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
Lorde – “What Was That”
Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
WINNER: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
WINNER: Lady Gaga
Best New Artist
Ella Langley
Gigi Perez
Lola Young
sombr
The Marías
WINNER: Alex Warren
MTV Push Performance of the Year
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Mark Ambor – “Belong Together”
Lay Bankz – “Graveyard”
Dasha – “Bye Bye Bye”
Jordan Adetunji – “KEHLANI”
Leon Thomas – “YES IT IS”
Livingston – “Shadow”
Damiano David – “Next Summer”
Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
ROLE MODEL – “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”
WINNER: KATSEYE – “Touch”
Best Collaboration
Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs – “Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)”
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “luther”
Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton – “Pour Me a Drink”
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco – “Sunset Blvd”
WINNER: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile”
Best Pop
Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die with a Smile”
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “APT.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
WINNER: Ariana Grande – “brighter days ahead”
Best R&B
Chris Brown – “Residuals”
Leon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs – “MUTT (REMIX)”
PARTYNEXTDOOR – “N o C h i l l”
Summer Walker – “Heart of a Woman”
SZA – “Drive”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
WINNER: Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous”
Best Alternative
Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
Imagine Dragons – “Wake Up”
Lola Young – “Messy”
mgk & Jelly Roll – “Lonely Road”
The Marías – “Back to Me”
WINNER: sombr – “back to friends”
Best K-Pop
aespa – “Whiplash”
JENNIE – “like JENNIE”
Jimin – “Who”
JISOO – “earthquake”
Stray Kids – “Chk Chk Boom”
ROSÉ – “toxic till the end”
WINNER:LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – “Born Again”
Best Afrobeats
Asake & Travis Scott – “Active”
Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott – “TaTaTa”
MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max (FLY) (Remix)”
Rema – “Baby (Is It a Crime)”
Tems ft. Asake – “Get It Right”
Wizkid ft. Brent Faiyaz – “Piece of My Heart”
WINNER: Tyla – “PUSH 2 START”
Best Country
Chris Stapleton – “Think I’m in Love with You”
Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood – “I’m Gonna Love You”
It was never just a film, it’s a feeling: Urmila Matondkar on 30 years of ‘Rangeela’
It was never just a film, it’s a feeling: Urmila Matondkar on 30 years of ‘Rangeela’
Bollywood star Urmila Matondkar penned a heartfelt note on social media on Monday as she celebrated 30 years of her film “Rangeela”.
Matondkar shared a video of herself on Instagram, which featured her dancing on the track “Rangeela Re” from the film.
Released on September 8, 1995, the film was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and also starred Aamir Khan alongside Matondkar.
The 51-year-old actor said “Rangeela” isn’t just a film but a “grand celebration of life” for her.
“It was never just a film. It was, and still is, a feeling…Woven with intense joy, hope, dreams, ambition, beauty, zest, affection, admiration, love and desire, struggle and triumph, sacrifice, and above all, a grand celebration of life,” her post began.
“Every scene brings back an instant, childlike smile, carrying us into a world of innocence and wonder. Each song is not merely music, but a celebration of the Navrasa -the nine emotions of Indian literature and poetry…An innocent girl walks onto the silver screen and, with her charm and purity, captures hearts taking the audience on a timeless journey of beauty, poetry, life, and love,” she added.
She concluded, “Thirty years ago today, ‘Rangeela’ became each one of yours.l! And I am sure, even today, it has the power to transport you back to that very first moment-when you laughed, cheered, and fell in love with its magic. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives, for embracing me with so much love, and for putting me in a place that only a few can even dare to dream of.. yet fewer are ever blessed to Your appreciation, your accolades!! Your love have been the greatest blessings of my journey. thank you.”
Amitabh Bachchan greeted a sea of fans outside Jalsa in Mumbai and social media is in love. Big B, stepped out of his house and waved to all his lovely fans from his gate.
Amitabh Bachchan Greets Sea Of Fans Outside Jalsa, Shares Heartwarming Video Signing Autographs – WATCH
Amitabh Bachchan, the man who has been ruling the industry for decades. He was last seen in Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD and fans went gaga over his performance. The veteran actor is married to actress Jaya Bachchan and has two kids, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan. The actor shared a video from outside his house where a sea of fans gather just for a glimpse of the veteran actor and it has taken over the internet.
Amitabh Bachchan Greets Sea Of Fans Outside Jalsa
Sharing the video on Instagram, the star wrote, “nothing else to say ..” as he feels overwhelmed with the immense love he has been receiving from his fans. Netizens have flooded the comment section with heart-eye and love emojis. One commented “Never before , never after The best actor in the world And wonderful human being.” “Legend Vijay Dinanth chavan and Don none other than Mr Amitabh Bacchan …love u legend,” added another one. “You are not an ordinary person sir infact you are the INDIAN CINEMA THEME IN YOU, LOVE’ YOU SIR, you are the real hero for every youngsters,” a third one penned.
Amitabh Bachchan Turns Cheerleader For Son Abhishek Bachchan
Earlier, after Abhishek bagged the Best Actor Award (Male) for his powerful performance at IFFM 2025 for I Want to Talk, Big B penned a heartfelt note after, calling the honour his grandmother’s blessings.
Sonakshi Sinha, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, took to Instagram to slam brands online that are using her pictures without usage rights or permission. The actress wrote on her Instagram story, “When an artist wears your outfits or jewelry, a post is made giving your brand due credit, but featuring those same images on your official website? That’s stretching it a bit too far (sic).”
Instagram: Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, took to Instagram to slam brands online that are using her picture without usage rights or permission. The actress wrote on her Instagram story, “As someone who shops online often, I couldn’t help but ti my images popping up on several brand websites-without usage rights or even a courtesy request for permission. How is that acceptable? When an artist wears your outfits or jewelry, a post is made giving your brand due credit, but featuring those same images on your official website? That’s stretching it a bit too far. (sic).”
She further wrote, “Let’s keep things ethical, shall we Basically what i’m saying is pull down my images before i start calling you out, or let me know where i can send my invoice… your call (sic).” Check out the post below…
Tabu Agrees With Sonakshi Sinha
Tabu reshared Sonakshi’s story on her Instagram story and wrote, “Same same thoughts. Thank you @aslisona.” The Dabangg actress shared Tabu’s story and wrote, “I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt this.” Check out the post below…
Sonakshi Sinha Movies
On the work front, Sonakshi was last seen in Nikita Roy, which was released in July this year. The film had hit the big screens without any pre-release buzz, and it was a disaster at the box office.
Kriti Sanon called out the gender bias in Bollywood and recalled how even the ADs tend to call the female actors early and wait for the male actors on set.
Kriti Sanon is among the most successful Bollywood ‘outsiders’ of her generation.
Bollywood has long faced scrutiny for its gender disparities, and actress Kriti Sanon recently shed light on the subtle yet significant biases that women continue to face in the industry. In a candid conversation with NDTV, the Mimi star spoke about how small but telling instances exposed her to the inequalities faced by female actors.
Kriti Sanon calls out the gender bias in Bollywood
Kriti reflected on her upbringing, sharing that her parents, both working professionals, always divided responsibilities equally at home. As a result, she and her sister Nupur never felt restricted because of their gender. She revealed that while her mother was only able to fight for her right to study—sacrificing her hobbies in the process—she always encouraged Kriti to dream freely and pursue whatever she wanted.
Kriti admitted that she has, at times, experienced treatment that left her feeling undermined compared to her male co-stars. “It hasn’t happened too many times, but little things like the male actor getting a better car or a better room… It’s not about the car, but about not making me feel smaller because I’m a woman. Just make it equal,” she said.
According to Kriti, the deeper issue lies in ingrained attitudes that often go unquestioned. She added, “Sometimes even ADs have a habit of calling the female actor first and waiting for the male actor later. I’ve had to tell them not to do that. The mindset needs to change.”
Actress Prarthana Behere was seen getting emotional at the funeral of her Pavitra Rishta co-star Priya Marathe, on Sunday, who passed away at 38 at her Mira Road residence after battling cancer for a year. Priya, also active in the Marathi industry, was mourned by several colleagues. Behere was seen folding her hands in grief, mourning the loss of her close friend.
In a shocking turn of events, Pavitra Rishta actress Priya Marathe, known for her role as Varsha, passed away at the age of 38 at her residence in Mira Road, Mumbai. She had been battling cancer for the past year and was also active in the Marathi entertainment industry. Her last rites took place today, attended by several industry colleagues, including Prarthana Behere.
Prarthana Behere Breaks Down At Priya Marathe Funeral
Prarthana Behere, who played Vaishali in Pavitra Rishta, shared a close bond with Priya and was seen breaking down in tears. She was spotted folding her hands in grief as she mourned the loss of her colleague.
Actors Shalmali Toyle, Abhijeet Khandekar, Astad Kale, and Om Prakash Shinde were also present at the funeral, visibly emotional as they paid their respects.
Priya is survived by husband Shantanu Moghe, also a Marathi actor best known for playing Chhatrapati Shivaji in the TV show Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji.
Priya Marathe was known for her roles in popular shows like Kasamh Se, Bade Acche Lagte Hain, Tu Tithe Me, Bhaage Re Mann, Jayastute, and Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, among others.
27-year-old Ahaan Panday made a memorable debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The film has grossed over ₹500 crore at the box office.
Ahaan Panday made a memorable acting debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara.
Even as he eventually got his dream debut with Saiyaara, the road wasn’t paved smoothly for Ahaan Panday. The 27-year-old actor was supposed to be launched years before this. But somehow, things never lined up for him, as projects kept getting shelved and opportunities were lost. In a new interview, Ahaan says that he felt wronged by people, but never got bitter.
Ahaan Panday on delayed debut
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ahaan said, “Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, though, but as an actor, that’s where you take [inspiration] from. I would take a small moment and enlarge that for the character. I just kept putting myself into different things. There was that blind optimism, the first four-five years, where I was entirely delusional, and I think people around me could sense it.”
‘Never got bitter’
Saiyaara happened for Ahaan after Yash Raj Films’ boss Aditya Chopra reached out to his parents, Chikki and Deanne Panday, with an offer to launch the youngster. That promise resulted in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. “Eventually, I got this opportunity. I would always remind myself: to assist on a set is a dream for millions. To be able to pursue art is a luxury; most people didn’t get to do that, I did. That kept me going. I got to be on a film set, I got to learn from other actors. I didn’t ever think it would be this [big]. I was happy doing this; I was never sour or bitter that things weren’t going my way, because I got to be on a set,” added Ahaan.
Amaal Malik has joined Bigg Boss 19 to reclaim his identity after a decade in the music industry, addressing misconceptions about himself and his family.
Music composer Amaal Malik enters Bigg Boss house, seeking to connect with fans and reveal his true self beyond his music.
Music composer Amaal Mallik, known for chartbusters like Sooraj Dooba Hai, Kar Gayi Chull, and Kaun Tujhe, entered Bigg Boss 19 house, marking a surprising move. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Amaal opened up about his decision, misconceptions about his identity, and what he’s leaving behind to take on the 24/7 reality show.
“I didn’t say yes, I said YES’
Talking about what made him join Bigg Boss, Amaal said, “I didn’t just say yes. I said YES.” After nearly a decade in the music industry, he felt there was a disconnect between his music and his public identity. “People know my music. They know my heart. But they don’t know me — not my habits, my vibe, what I think.”
He revealed that fans often mistake him for his younger brother Armaan Malik or actors like Aditya Roy Kapur, Vicky Kaushal, or Ranveer Singh, depending on his hairstyle or beard. “I want people to know this is Amaal Mallik, not Armaan Malik,” he added.
On misconceptions, losing work, and staying true
Known for his outspoken nature, Amaal acknowledged that his honesty hasn’t always worked in his favour. “I’ve lost out on films, producers have thrown me out of projects. But I don’t regret it. I take a break and go to the Maldives instead.” For him, being truthful and walking away from things that don’t align with his vibe is more important than chasing fame.
Ready for the Bigg Boss challenge?
When asked if he was prepared for the constant cameras, pressure, and dynamics inside the house, Amaal seemed calm. “Relationships, I’m good at. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be able to make such emotional music.” While he admits his sleep schedule may be a problem, “When everyone sleeps, I wake up”, he’s ready to face the challenge. “There will be a war. As you play that war, the world will see who’s the king and who’s the queen.”
What he’ll miss most
As he prepares to live under surveillance with strangers, Amaal gets emotional thinking about what he’s leaving behind. “I’ll miss my time with my father. We meet every day, make music together. I’ll miss my mother, and I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Armaan — he’s in London doing shows.” He also mentioned his childhood friends, whom he calls his “Five Pandavas”, saying, “They’re crazy about Bigg Boss. They’re happy I’m going in. I’m sad because I’ll be in there and they’ll be watching me from out here.”
KPop Demon Hunters has set a historic record by becoming the most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, amassing 236 million views. The animated film, blending K-pop culture with fantasy, has taken global audiences by storm. Its storyline and characters have captivated fans worldwide, marking a new milestone for Netflix. Those who have watched the film called it “well deserved”
KPop Demon Hunters has set a historic record by becoming the most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, amassing 236 million views. The animated film, blending K-pop culture with fantasy, has taken global audiences by storm. Its storyline and characters have captivated fans worldwide, marking a new milestone for Netflix.
On Wednesday (August 27), the streaming giant announced that KPop Demon Hunters is the most popular film of all time on their platform.
Sharing a poster of the film on social media, they wrote, “THEIR #1 ERA. With 236 million views, KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is OFFICIALLY the most popular Netflix film OF ALL TIME.”
Netizens couldn’t agree more. Those who have watched the film flooded the comments section with praises and called it “well deserved.”
THEIR #1 ERA
With 236 million views, KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is OFFICIALLY the most popular Netflix film OF ALL TIME. pic.twitter.com/A6yEiXzbHd
Reacting to it, an X user commented, “It’s a takedown and it ain’t gonna stop! 🔥” Another comment read, “They reach classic level very fast. Wonderful to see what creativity and good idea can accomplish.”
“Wow, that is huge! Incredible achievement, wishing the team even more success with future projects,” read another comment.
“Well deserved…every track in this film is a banger,” wrote another user.
KPop Demon Hunters story
KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), members of the popular group Huntr/x who secretly live double lives as demon hunters. Their toughest challenge arrives when a powerful demonic foe (Lee Byung-hun) forms a rival K-pop boy band to capture fans’ souls, forcing the trio to defend both their fandom and their bond.
Meanwhile, a sing-along version of the film also hit US theatres, debuting at No. 1 at the box office.
An FIR has been filed against Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in a fraud case involving a vehicle with alleged manufacturing defects. The complaint has been filed by Kirti Singh, a resident of Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Read on to know more…
Instagram: Shah Rukh Khan / Deepika Padukone
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have made it to the headlines for the wrong reason. An FIR has been filed against SRK, Deepika, and six other people from Hyundai in a fraud case involving a vehicle with alleged manufacturing defects. The complaint has been filed by Kirti Singh, a resident of Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
According to Bhaskar English, Singh, in his complaint, has stated that he purchased the Hyundai company’s Alcazar car in June 2022 for Rs 23 lakh 97 thousand 353, and soon, there were technical issues in it. He had bought the car from Malwa Auto Sales Private Limited, Kundli, Sonipat (Haryana).
He said, “After driving the car for 6-7 months, technical faults started appearing. It would make noise and vibrate when driven at high speeds. The car shows malfunction signs on the engine management system.” When Singh contacted the agency about the issue, he was told that this is a manufacturing defect of this car model and cannot be fixed.
Singh first took the matter to the CJM Court No. 2 in Bharatpur as a private complaint. But, the court directed Mathura Gate police station to register an FIR under Section 420 (cheating) and other relevant sections.
Mathura Gate police station has started an investigation.
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, which kicks off August 27, is packed with must-see, Oscar-friendly films set to feature in the upcoming awards season.
George Clooney (left) and Adam Sandler star in ‘Jay Kelly,’ one of numerous star-powered films screening at VeniceImage: Peter Mountain/Everett Collection/picture alliance
In the main competition of the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, 21 international films will compete from August 27 for what is arguably the most prestigious film prizes in European cinema: the Golden Lion.
A-list stalwarts from Julia Roberts to George Clooney and Cate Blanchett will feature on Venice screens, while politically charged features and documentaries will also mark this year’s film gala.
Roberts makes her first-ever stroll down the Lido for Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” a #MeToo-inspired thriller. The Hollywood icon plays a Yale philosophy professor who’s put in a difficult position when her Ph.D. candidate and protegee (“The Bear’s” Ayo Edebiri) accuses Alma’s colleague and friend (Andrew Garfield) of sexual assault.
Another Venice newbie is professional wrestler turned action superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, appearing in a serious film (for once). He plays former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter, Mark Kerr, in “The Smashing Machine” from indie darling Benny Safdie. Emily Blunt is Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
Hollywood hits Venice red carpet
Among the red carpet regulars this year is George Clooney, who is the lead in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” the story of a famous actor traveling across Europe with his long-time manager (played by Adam Sandler) as they reflect on their legacies and life choices.
Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver, frequent Venice attendees, return this year with “Father Mother Sister Brother,” the hotly anticipated new film from independent film pioneer Jim Jarmusch.
A trio of contemporary character studies set in the US, Dublin and Paris, it follows the relationships between adult children (including Blanchett and Driver) and their somewhat distant parents, played by Tom Waits and Charlotte Rampling.
Cate Blanchett (center) and Vicky Krieps (left) star in Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’Image: Mubi/AP Photo/picture alliance
Korean film fans will get their fill with “No Other Choice”, the new crime thriller from master director Park Chan-wook (“Old Boy,” “The Handmaiden”). It stars Lee Byung-hun as a man laid off from his longtime position who ruthlessly attempts to get his job back.
Meanwhile, Emma Stone reunites with her “Poor Things” director Yorgos Lanthimos for “Bugonia,” the English-language remake of the anarchic, off-beat 2003 South Korean sci-fi film, “Save the Green Planet.”
And Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi is also in town, boating in for Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited Frankenstein adaptation — which also features Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz.
After sitting out last year, Netflix is back on the Lido with a vengeance. Alongside Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” the streamer is rolling out the Venice red carpet for “House of Dynamite,” the first feature from female action director Kathryn Bigelow (“The Hurt Locker”) in eight years.
The thriller is set among a group of White House officials — played by, among others, Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Greta Lee and Jared Harris — who are scrambling to deal with an incoming nuclear missile attack on the US. Apparently, Bigelow will tell the story in real time.
“the place where they got engaged looks just like the garden where taylor had the lover photoshoot,” another chimed in. Taylor Swift / Instagram
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s enchanted garden proposal might be a nod to the pop star’s 2019 studio album, “Lover.”
The A-list couple announced that they had taken their relationship to the next level via romantic Instagram snaps on Tuesday.
The photos showed the athlete popping the question in the middle of a garden filled with white and pink-toned flowers.
Several fans took to X to compare the picture-perfect scene to Swift’s “Lover” photo shoot, which saw her posing in a similar garden with nearly identical flowers.
“Taylor and Travis getting engaged in the Lover like garden,” one person wrote.
“taylor & travis’ engagement photoshoot looking similar to the lover photos is crazy,” another chimed in, as a third agreed, “the place where they got engaged looks just like the garden where taylor had the lover photoshoot.”
“the lover era prophecy fulfilled,” a fourth gushed.
Reps for Swift weren’t immediately available to Page Six for comment.
The sweet photos of the “Love Story” singer and Kelce, both 35, in the garden showed the latter on one knee with his hands around the Grammy winner’s waist, as she held his face.
Another showed them smiling and embracing shortly after she said, “Yes.”
Swift proudly flaunted the emerald-cut diamond with a gold setting.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨,” she captioned the photos, which she paired with her 2024 hit “So High School,” assumed to be about the NFL star.
The A-list couple announced their engagement after the “Cruel Summer” songstress appeared on Kelce’s “New Heights” show on Aug. 13 to reveal her forthcoming 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set for release on Oct. 3.
Deepika Padukone snaps at fan filming her daughter Dua.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are at the centre of a heated online storm after a video showing their daughter Dua’s face was leaked on social media without consent. The clip, filmed at Mumbai International Airport, clearly captured the one-year-old sitting on Deepika’s lap inside a buggy, sparking outrage among fans who called it a “shameful invasion of privacy.”
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s Daughter Dua Photo
In the viral video, Deepika is seen sternly asking the person recording to stop. Until now, paparazzi had respected the couple’s request to keep Dua away from cameras. Netizens quickly called out the incident, urging the video to be removed.
Fans React To Deepika-Ranveer’s Daughter Dua’s Leaked Video
Many fans were upset over the clip, with one urging, “Please take this video down. The couple have always made it clear they don’t want Dua’s pictures shared.” Another pointed out, “Posting this isn’t right if the parents have not given permission. It’s a clear invasion of their privacy.” A third user expressed anger, saying, “Deepika has openly asked people not to show her baby’s face, yet someone still went ahead and filmed it. Completely disrespectful.”
This isn’t the first time celebrity parents have raised privacy concerns. Earlier, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor had requested photographers not to click their daughter Raha after initially revealing her at a Christmas family gathering. The couple later decided to shield her from the media once again, citing safety and privacy reasons.
Deepika and Ranveer, who tied the knot in 2018, welcomed Dua on September 8 last year. They had formally introduced her name during Diwali, writing, “Dua: meaning a prayer. Because she is the answer to our prayers.” Though the couple once invited paparazzi home to meet their daughter, they have held back from releasing her pictures, choosing instead to do it on their own terms.
John Abraham Thanks Supreme Court For Modifying Stray Dogs Verdict, Welcomes SC Order On Delhi-NCR Community Dogs
Actor John Abraham has expressed his gratitude towards the Supreme Court after it modified its earlier verdict on stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. The initial ruling directed that all stray dogs be shifted to shelter homes. However, in its latest order on Friday (August 22), the apex court clarified that only aggressive or rabid dogs would be moved to shelters. This decision has drawn positive responses from animal lovers and celebrities alike, with PETA India also sharing a note penned by John.
In his heartfelt message, John thanked the Supreme Court for safeguarding the rights of community dogs. He wrote, “On behalf of dogs, I am thankful to the Supreme Court for ruling, in essence, that there must be peaceful coexistence and that dogs must not be removed from roads. However, the role of feeders in creating friendly dogs who are easy to handle for sterilisations and vaccinations must also be recognised and respected, and municipalities must ensure sufficient feeding stations in every lane for an effective animal birth control program.”
Earlier, when the SC had passed the order to relocate all stray dogs to shelters, John Abraham had personally reached out to Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, urging him to reconsider. In his letter, he emphasized that these animals are not mere strays but part of the community. He wrote, “I hope you will agree that these are not ‘strays’ but community dogs — respected and loved by many, and very much Delhiites in their own right, having lived in the region as neighbours to humans for generations.”
John, who is an ardent dog lover and a pet parent himself, has consistently spoken up for animal welfare. Alongside him, celebrities such as Rupali Ganguly and Raveena Tandon have also welcomed the court’s revised verdict.
Actor Raza Murad has filed a formal complaint at Mumbai’s Amboli Police Station after a misleading social media post falsely declared him dead. The fabricated message, which mentioned his date of birth along with a fake “date of death,” deeply unsettled the actor and forced him to repeatedly clarify that the news was untrue
Veteran actor Raza Murad has lodged an official complaint at Mumbai’s Amboli Police Station after a false social media post claimed that he had passed away. The fabricated post, which even carried his date of birth and a fake “date of death,” left the actor shaken and compelled him to issue multiple clarifications.
Speaking to ANI, Murad expressed his distress over the matter. “There are some people who, for reasons I don’t understand, seem bothered by my existence. They posted about my death and even offered condolences. They wrote that I had worked for many years, but now no one is there to remember me. They even mentioned my birthday and a fake date of death in that post. This is a very serious matter,” he said
The veteran actor revealed that the incident drained him emotionally as he had to repeatedly assure friends, colleagues, and fans that he is alive. “My throat, tongue, and lips have dried up from telling people that I am alive. This false news has spread everywhere. I am getting calls and messages from across the world. People are even sending me copies of the post,” he added.
ACtor condemns mindset of culprit
Calling the hoax both “hurtful” and “shameful,” Murad condemned the mindset of the person behind it. “Whoever has done this must have a very bad mentality. He appears to be a very small person, someone who has never accomplished anything significant in his life. That is why he enjoys doing such cheap things,” the actor remarked.
Murad confirmed that the police have taken his complaint seriously and assured him of strict action. “They have accepted my complaint and are filing an FIR. They assured me that they will get to the bottom of this and catch the person responsible. Legal action will be taken against him,” he said.
The actor also urged authorities to set a precedent so such malicious rumours don’t continue to plague public figures. “This should stop now. It is not only about me. Celebrities are often declared dead while they are still alive. This is wrong, and whoever does this should be punished,” he added.
Raza Murad’s Bollywood journey
Raza Murad, known for his commanding screen presence and deep baritone voice, has had a remarkable career spanning over five decades in Hindi cinema. Beginning in the early 1970s, he carved a niche for himself by portraying memorable villains, character roles, and authoritative figures in films across genres.
From classics like Prem Rog and Ram Teri Ganga Maili to popular blockbusters such as Khudgarz, Tridev, Mohra, and Padmaavat, his versatility has made him one of Bollywood’s most recognisable faces.
A civil court in Pune has issued summons to actors Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi and director Subhash Kapoor in connection with their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3.
Jolly LLB 3 stars Arshad Warsi and Akshay Kumar.
Actors Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, along with director Subhash Kapoor, have been issued summons by a civil court in Pune for allegedly disrespecting the judiciary in their upcoming film, Jolly LLB. The summons were issued following a petition filed by lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan. The court has directed the three to appear in person on October 28 at 11 am.
What is the complaint against the film
According to advocate Wajed Rahim Khan, the action follows a petition filed by him, alleging that the film mocks the legal system and disrespects court proceedings. In the plea, he objected to the portrayal of the legal profession in a negative light and raised concerns over a scene where judges are referred to as “mama,” a slang term.
Speaking to ANI, he said, ” There should be respect for the lawyers. That is why I filed a petition in the court, that whatever they have shown about the advocates and the judges is wrong… I filed a petition in the Pune court. And the court has asked Akshay Kumar, Arshad Walsi and the director to be present.”
The complaint was originally filed in 2024 after the release of the film’s first teaser. The film’s teaser was released last week, giving the first glimpse at the clash of the two Jollys, played by Akshay and Arshad.
About Jolly LLB 3
Jolly LLB 3 is the third instalment in the legal comedy franchise. The first part, led by Arshad, was a sleeper hit at the box office in 2013, earning close to ₹50 crore on a ₹10 crore budget. The sequel, starring Akshay Kumar in the lead, became a superhit, earning over ₹200 crore worldwide.
Achyut Potdar Passes Away At 91: The Cause Of ‘3 Idiots’ Actor’s Death Not Disclosed Yet
Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his memorable roles in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away on August 18 at the age of 91. The actor breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, where he was admitted following health complications. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed. His final rites will be performed in Thane on August 19.
Potdar’s demise has left the Hindi and Marathi entertainment industries deeply saddened. Fans and colleagues from the film fraternity expressed their grief and extended condolences to his family. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling how Potdar impressed him as Jaggu Dada’s father in Angaar and later worked with him in his directorial debut, Jayate. Mehta described him as an actor with impeccable timing and a sharp sense of humour.
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, to a Marathi Brahmin family, Achyut Potdar’s journey was as inspiring as it was unconventional. After completing his graduation in Economics in 1961, he joined the Indian Army through an emergency commission during the India-China war and served until 1967, retiring as a Captain. Post his military service, he worked with the Indian Oil Corporation for 25 years, retiring in 1992. Alongside his professional career, Potdar actively participated in theatre and cultural activities, which eventually led him to the world of films.
He made his acting debut in 1980 with Govind Nihalani’s Aakrosh, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Smita Patil. Over the next four decades, he appeared in more than 125 films, leaving an indelible mark with supporting yet impactful roles. Among his most cherished performances was his role as a professor in the blockbuster 3 Idiots. He also featured in acclaimed films such as Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Rangeela, Parineeta, Vaastav, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.
“If I Win Big On KBC, I’ll Buy A Car For Kiara Advani,” Says Contestant In Heartwarming Wish
Kiara Advani’s charm has a way of inspiring some truly heartwarming fan moments. A recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati was no exception. When Amitabh Bachchan asked a contestant what he would do if he won big, the die-hard Kiara fan had an answer ready—buy a luxurious car and have Kiara as his passenger in it for life! He even sweetly added that he wouldn’t mind being her lifetime driver.
The audience broke into smiles, and even Big B was amused by the adorable confession. Moments like these are proof of how Kiara’s mix of beauty, talent, and grounded nature has made her one of the most adored stars in the country.
