Bollywood
Milind Soman becomes the Ambassador of the 2023 Sydney Marathon
Milind Soman, the renowned marathon sensation, has added another glorious chapter to his already illustrious career by assuming the prestigious role of ambassador for the Sydney Marathon 2023. This event, known worldwide for its breathtaking course, weaves through Sydney's iconic and historic landmarks, taking runners on a mesmerizing journey past the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House.
On September 17, 2023, Milind Soman, accompanied by his wife, Ankita Konwar, embarked on the challenging 42-kilometer run, showcasing not only his exceptional athleticism but also his deep cultural pride. As he crossed the finish line, Milind's trademark gesture of waving the Triganga became a symbol of personal triumph and a poignant moment of pride for the Indian community. Milind Soman's association with the 2023 Sydney Marathon not only highlights his enduring dedication to the sport but also underscores the event's significance on the global marathon calendar and as a Candidate Race for the prestigious AbbottWMM.
Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3.
During his time in Sydney, Milind and his wife Ankita, took in the sights of Sydney’s harbourside city. This included overnight stays at one of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo. As part of their stay at the Wildife Retreat at Taronga, an elegant Australian eco-retreat overlooking magnificent Sydney Harbour, Milind and Ankita enjoyed dinner at the on-site restaurant, Me-Gal, which is home to a uniquely Australian menu with a strong focus on fresh local produce and native ingredients. The couple also participated in various tours of the Zoo and Sanctuary, including getting up close and personal to Australian locals, the kangaroo and koala, and learning about what Taronga is doing to protect endangered animal species.
Also Read: One Friday Night Trailer: Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman starrer to premiere on JioCinema on July 28
read moreKolkata court issues arrest warrant against Zareen Khan regarding a 2018 cheating case
Zareen Khan, who was embroiled in a cheating case in 2018, seems to have landed in legal trouble after the Kolkata court decided to take strict action against the actress. After organizers of a Durga Pooja pandal in Kolkata filed a complaint against her for cheating, five years ago, the actress failed to appear at the court summons, due to which, they have decided to take legal action against the Veer actress and reports suggest that they have issued an arrest warrant.
However, in these reports, Zareen Khan has asserted that she was unaware of the court order and that her lawyer is currently handling the matter. The actress refrained from making any more comments on the case. Talking about the matter, Zareen Khan told India Today, "I’m sure there is no truth to this. I’m surprised too and am checking with my lawyer. Only then will I be able to give you some clarity. In the meantime, you can speak to my PR.”
We hear that Zareen Khan was invited by the organizers of a Durga Pooja event in Kolkata during Navratri 2018 and the actress had assured her presence at the pandal. However, on the day of the ceremony, Khan did not attend the event, followed by which, one of the organizers approached the Kolkata police and registered a complaint against the case for fraud and cheating. Post that, the police conducted investigation, after which they filed a chargesheet against the actress and her manager.
On the other hand, Zareen Khan had appeared for the police questioning during the case in 2018 wherein she had claimed that the organizers had made false claims of some prominent personalities from the Kolkata politics expected to attend the event but later, it was revealed to her and her team that it was a small-time event in North Kolkata. Furthermore, it is being said that the actress also accused the organizers of mismanagement in her statement wherein she claimed that she had to face travel and accommodation challenges.
Also Read: Zareen Khan gets clicked by paps post workout
read moreVarun Dhawan and David Dhawan all set for their fourth collaboration: Report
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is all set to team up with his father, director David Dhawan again. They had earlier collaborated for the comedy films Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, and Coolie No. 1. Now, it appears that the dynamic duo is preparing for their fourth collaboration.
Sources close to the project have disclosed to Pinkvilla that David Dhawan is gearing up for his next venture that is scheduled to go into production in 2024. “All through the pandemic, David Dhawan has been speaking to his team of writers on several subjects and has finally locked something that has excited him to take the director’s chair for the 46th time. It’s a big-budget comedy entertainer and will go on floors in 2024. Varun is also very excited to get back to the comic space with the king of comedies,” said the source.
This upcoming comedy is expected to be a grand affair, featuring elements of romance and music, all hallmarks of David Dhawan's distinctive style. The source further added, “It’s a typical David Dhawan comedy, with the protagonist against the backdrop of romance. It’s an area of expertise of David Dhawan, and he has got young writers on board to keep up with today’s sensibilities while retaining his own flavour of comedy. The film will be a big festive release and an official announcement will be made shortly.”
As for Varun Dhawan, he was last seen in Bawaal opposite Janhvi Kapoor. He will be next be seen in #VD18 which is written by the screenwriter Kalees. The film is produced by Murad Khetani and Priya Atlee and presented by Atlee. #VD18 is slated to release worldwide on May 31, 2024. The film is produced under the banners of Cine1 Studios and A for Apple Productions.
Also Read: Varun Dhawan faces on-set challenge: Injures leg amid Atlee’s VD18 production
read moreJunaid Khan and Sai Pallavi starrer to be set in Sapporo, Japan
Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid, made his acting debut with theatre in August 2017, having worked for over 6 years in the field and while he has made a mark there with lots of impressive work over the years, he is all set to make his screen debut very soon with Yash Raj Films’ Maharaj, which was announced during the press conference of Netflix. Meanwhile, readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama recently broke the news of him having one other film in the lineup where he will star opposite Sai Pallavi.
A source close to the film reveals, “Junaid accompanied the team of his next film, an untitled love story in which he will star with Sai Pallavi under the direction of Sunil Pandey, to the city of Sapporo in Japan. The team had gone to do a recce for the film in the works as the preps for the same have begun. It is a love story set in the scenic beauty of this city, Sapporo which has never before been shown in Indian cinema, so there’s going to be something really different in that aspect, in the film.”
Donning casual attire at the airport, the young lad was clicked arriving back in Mumbai from Japan as he shyly posed for the paparazzi photographers.
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Following his passion for acting, Junaid Khan made his debut with theatre in August 2017 with director Quasar Thakore Padamsee’s adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’, a biting satire on the absurdity of war. Since then the actor has been has been following his passion and honing his craft with years of dedicated and impressive work in theatre and is now finally set for his screen debut with YRF’s Maharaj, followed by this untitled love story with Sai Pallavi.
Also Read: SCOOP: Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan secretly starts work on next film with Sai Pallavi; film to be a love story directed by Sunil Pandey
read moreParineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha wedding festivities begin with ardaas, say reports
Although Parineeti Chopra has maintained silence about her wedding and wedding date, for the past few weeks, several reports of her impending marriage with fiancé Raghav Chadha have been doing the rounds. After detailed reports of her wedding plans were unveiled, and later her wedding invite too found its way on social media, recent reports suggest that the festivities have already began in Delhi. To add to that, the couple were recently spotted in the Mumbai airport as they were taking off to the capital.
According to current reports, the wedding festivities have already begun with ‘ardaas’ and ‘shabad kirtan’, both of which hold extreme importance in Punjabi culture and traditions. Followed by this, we hear that the couple has planned a few intimate functions which will only be attended by family and close ones, before taking off to Rajasthan to kick start the major wedding functions, which may include Sangeet, Mehendi, Haldi, and the wedding, along with a reception gala in the evening for the guests.
For the unversed, the couple is expected to tie the knot in the picturesque The Leela Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan. In fact, we hear that the bookings for the hotels for the friends and family close to the couple have already been taken for. Going by the invites that went viral last week, we hear that the Baaraatis along with Raghav might be staying at Taj Palace and the Baarat is expected to proceed to The Leela Palace for the wedding ceremony. For the guestlist, reports have it that the couple’s wedding will be attended by Priyanka Chopra Jonas along with husband Nick Jonas along with a lot of prominent political personalities who are close to Raghav Chadha.
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha got engaged in a beautiful ivory-themed roka ceremony in Delhi in May 2023 and are now expected to have a week-long celebration for their wedding.
Also Read: Poster of ‘Jalsa 2.0’ from Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra starrer Mission Raniganj out today!
read moreAankh Micholi starring Mrunal Thakur, Abhimanyu Dassani, Paresh Rawal to release on October 27
Director of OMG and 102 Not Out Umesh Shukla's family entertainer, Aankh Micholi is all set to release on October 27, this year. Staged around an Indian wedding, the film showcases the madness of two mismatched families and their crazy shenanigans which will take you on a joyous journey of laughter, drama, and emotions. Today, the makers have announced a release date for the film.
Speaking about it, director Umesh Shukla said, “We’ve given our heart and soul to this film and the fact that we see it coming to theatres is the biggest blessing and joy any filmmaker can have. It’s a fun film that families can enjoy and watch together and we hope it gets the desired love from them. I would love to see everyone smiling.”
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The film stars Mrunal Thakur, Abhimanyu, Paresh Rawal, Sharman Joshi, Divya Dutta, Abhishek Banerjee, Darshan Jariwala, Grusha Kapoor and Vijay Raaz and the music of the film is composed by the extremely talented duo Sachin-Jigar.
Helmed by Umesh Shukla, written by Jitendra Parmar and produced by Sony Pictures International Productions, Umesh Shukla and Ashish Wagh’s Merry Go Round Studios, Aankh Micholi is all set to release in theatres across India on October 27. ALSO READ: Jr NTR and Mrunal Thakur express gratitude as they win SIIMA this year
read moreVarun Gupta of Max Marketing announces production house Max Studios
Marketing strategist Varun Gupta, who has worked on over 100 film marketing campaigns in the last 10 years, announced his production house on 16 September 2023. Celebrities across languages like Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Adivi Sesh, Amruta Khanvilkar and many more congratulated Varun on his new venture !!
Varun Gupta's Marketing company has been responsible for creating campaigns for films like Padman, Parmanu, Kabir Singh, Saaho, Section 375, Street Dancer, RRR, Bhool Bhulaiya2, Rocketry, Drishyam 2, Satyaprem ki Katha and Dream Girl 2.
With Varun enjoying strong goodwill and connections in the industry, it will be interesting to see what films take place under Max Studios. In a statement, he said, "Stories are what we all are made of. All the Memories , Incidents and how each living and non-living things made us feel is etched in our minds as a story. It's the STORY we want to put before anything else in the process of filmmaking. The aim is to create an eco-system where we can empower stories with the best (and MAX) possible resources, passion and position to present before the world. Through Max Studios we aim to contribute in our own way to the world of storytelling especially by voices and minds who are waiting to be explored and explode!! Any and everyone with an idea is welcome here. Hoping to have a good time entertaining and co-creating something that we all can be proud of."
read moreMakers of Kalki 2898 AD register case after Prabhas’ photo gets leaked from the set
Telugu cinema is blooming even as it is plagued by techno-challenges such as piracy and illegal streaming. The Telugu industry has decided to take stern action these crime perpetrators.
We recently had the producers of Ram Charan starrer Game Changer taking stern legal action against unknown criminals for leaking out a rough cut of a 30-second song-and-dance sequence. Now in a radical move, the makers of the Prabhas starrer Kalki 2898 AD have registered a case for a leaked photograph of Prabhas from the set.
While the producers choose to keep mum over the issue, a source proximate to the project said, “It is true. Legal action has been taken against those responsible for the leaked photograph in Kalki 2898 AD. Prabhas’s look in the film is an especially guarded secret. Such an irresponsible act of vandalism is extremely damaging to the project. It is someone from within the Kalki team who has done this. That person will soon be arrested.”
Leaked visuals from closed-door shootings is a common practice in Indian cinema. When one of Vijay Devarakonda’ s Telugu releases Taxiwala was leaked online, he had told this writer, “Piracy is the biggest curse of our film industry. We have to take stern measures to tackle this menace or all will be lost.”
Looks like the time for action against streaming illicit footage is now.
Also Read: SCOOP: Prabhas has complicated scenes with Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan in Kalki 2898 AD
read moreImran Khan reveals he was “never supposed to be Matru” in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola; says, “The film was launched with Ajay Devgn attached as Matru”
Actor Imran Khan, who recently stirred a social media storm with his hints about a Bollywood comeback, shared a throwback picture from the movie Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. Khan captivated fans with a heartfelt caption that shed light on his memories and experiences during the making of the film.
Sharing his picture from the film, Imran captioned, “I was never supposed to be Matru. The film was launched with Ajay Devgn attached as Matru, but he chose to withdraw before filming could commence. I was riding high off the back-to-back successes of Delhi Belly and MBKD, and close to wrapping the shoot of EMAET when I got the call; Vishal Bhardwaj wanted to meet me! I was thrilled. He told me about his passion project, a story he had been carrying close to his heart.”
Talking about the film, Imran wrote, “It was a film about greed, the economic exploitation of farmers, and the menace of unregulated development. It struck a chord with me, but I was hesitant; I would have to learn Haryanvi, and be ready to roll in less than three months! How on earth was I to pull this off?”
He further added, “To accomplish this, I moved to Delhi and started intensive workshops with the legendary NK Sharma and some of his students. Panditji, as we affectionately called him, was the first person to point out the negative Voice in my head. "You only listen to the voice that tells you you are worthless", he told me, "why do you disrespect the thousands of voices that say they love you?". I listened to his words, but I didn't really hear them. I was anxious and terrified through the shoot of the film. I couldn't shake the feeling that Vishal had never really wanted me for this part, that my casting was based more on the budget that my presence could afford than the director's belief in me. And so it came to be that once we wrapped the shoot, I turned tail and ran, never looking back. I didn't even watch the final cut of the film when it was done. Having a surreal, absurdist tone, the film was pretty well skewered upon release... but what can I say, I'm proud as hell of this movie. It was a bold experiment, a story that absolutely needed to see the light of day, and I consider it my privilege to have been a part of the team that made it happen.”
Imran concluded by saying, “PS. I couldn't ride a motorcycle when I signed on, so I had to take lessons. I learned to ride Matru's Bullet in between shots while filming the 'Auntyji' song from EMAET!”
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For the unversed, Imran Khan is Aamir Khan's nephew. He made his debut in the 2008 movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na which also starred Genelia D'Souza. He also went on to star in Break Ke Baad opposite Deepika Padukone, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan opposite Katrina Kaif, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola opposite Anushka Sharma, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! opposite Sonakshi Sinha, Katti Batti opposite Kangana Ranaut and Delhi Belly.
Also Read: Imran Khan shares BTS pictures with Sonam Kapoor from I Hate Luv Storys in nostalgic Instagram post; says, “It wasn’t much of a challenge to spend those months staring admiringly at her”
read moreRanbir Kapoor starrer Animal to get its first teaser reveal on September 28; see new poster
The much-anticipated teaser of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's directorial Animal drops on the 28th of September on Ranbir Kapoor's birthday! The makers just unveiled a new tantalizing poster of the film starring Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir's character promises to be a tour de force, and the teaser is going to be a testament to the intensity and intrigue that this film promises to deliver.
Animal is a classic saga that brings together two giants of the Indian film industry: the versatile actor Ranbir Kapoor and the visionary writer-director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Behind this grand venture is the prolific producer Bhushan Kumar, a name synonymous with cinema today. This film boasts talents including Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandana, Bobby Deol, and Tripti Dimri, ensuring a visual and emotional treat for all movie enthusiasts.
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Animal is produced by Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar's T-Series, Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios, and Pranay Reddy Vanga's Bhadrakali Pictures. The film will be released worldwide on 1st December 2023 in 5 languages - Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam. ALSO READ: Teaser of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal to release on his birthday: Report
read moreKaran Johar reveals the reason for quitting twitter; says, “I’m not going back on this platform for anything”
Filmmaker Karan Johar has opened up about his decision to depart from the social media platform Twitter, now referred to as X. Johar, who left Twitter in October of the previous year, initially cited his desire to make room for more positive energies as the reason for his departure. However, in a recent interview, he candidly shared the true motivation behind his exit: the hurtful and abusive messages targeting his children, Yash and Roohi.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Karan Johar acknowledged that he was willing to overlook abusive comments directed at himself and even derogatory remarks concerning his mother. Yet, he drew the line when it came to his children being dragged into online vitriol. When he made the decision to leave Twitter, his twins, Yash and Roohi, were just five years old. Johar explained, “That (quitting Twitter) was an instinctive decision I made when I started reading abuse to my children. When that happened… this is the lowest you could get. Abuse me, say what you want. They also abused my mother. My mother is still an older person. My children were five at that time, when I took the decision. Now, I’m not going back on this platform for anything. Of course, my company is on it. I realise the importance of Twitter. But I don’t want to be on this platform. I don’t want to read anything about my children. That breaks my heart not only as a parent, but also as a human being.”
Karan Johar clarified that his exit from Twitter was unrelated to allegations of nepotism, which have been a topic of discussion in the industry. He emphasized that he has not stopped working with individuals from the industry and that he continues to collaborate with talents like Alia Bhatt. The decision, according to him, solely revolved around protecting his children from online harassment. “It’s not that I’ve stopped casting people from the industry. Or I’ve isolated myself from the sheer wonderful-ness of Alia Bhatt. I have not listened to anyone. I’ve just left a platform. That had nothing to do with the things I was saying. It was about my kids. I couldn’t read that. Whoever is a parent would know that is something you wouldn’t take. You’d take anything, but anything against your child, you can’t take. And I don’t know who to fight, right? They’re nameless, faceless people. I’d rather just exit,” Karan Johar asserted.
Speaking of his work commitments, Karan Johar recently returned to direction after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The film is declared as a box office success with it also garnering immense love for its portrayal of some unconventional subjects. Furthermore, it also features veteran stars like Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi in lead roles, along with other actors like Kshitee Jog, Anjal Anand, Aamir Bashir, Churni Ganguly, Tota Roy Chowdhury, among others in pivotal roles. The film released on July 28.
Also Read: Karan Johar reveals that Alia Bhatt’s saree-clad character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was derived from real-life journalist Poonam Saxena
read morePrajakta Koli gets engaged to Vrishank Khanal
Prajakta Koli, who kicked off her career as a YouTuber and went on to star in movies like Jugjugg Jeeyo and Neeyat, recently opened up about her relationship with lawyer Vrishank Khanal. While the influencer turned actress has always been open about her dating life and her relationship with Khanal, the couple is now all set to take it to the next level as she announced her engagement with him.
Prajakta Koli took to social media to share this good news in a quirky way wherein she captioned, " @vrishankkhanal is now my ex boyfriend”, and along with that, the digital star also shared a photo where she is seen flaunting her engagement ring. Followed by her post, many of her friends from the industry as well as followers shared their best wishes. Among them were her Jugjugg Jeeyo co-stars. While Varun Dhawan dropped heart emojis, Anil Kapoor added, “<3 Congratulations!! Always Jugjugg Jeeyo (hug emoji)”. Gauahar Khan, Athiya Shetty, Bharti Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranvijay Singha, Kusha Kapila, among others shared their congratulatory messages, whereas singer Neha Kakkar showered love on the post. Maniesh Paul said as he tagged her saying, “Now return his passport to him” and added several laughing emojis.
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Prajakta Koli, in an interaction with Humans of Bombay, had opened up about her first meeting with Vrishank saying, ““I was 18 and Vrishank was 22. We started talking on Blackberry Messenger,” Prajakta said, adding that soon their friendship evolved into love and she agreed to be his girlfriend even without meeting him. Soon they met and their relationship blossomed into a beautiful love story.”
We at Bollywood Hungama wish the couple a hearty congratulations.
Also Read: Prajakta Koli reveals that she agreed to do Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti because of Akarsh Khurana; says, “I always wanted to work with him outside of the Netflix universe”
read moreLehar Khan shares what she learnt from Shah Rukh Khan during Jawan; says, “He rehearses his part till the time he perfects it”
Lehar Khan, the budding actress who recently shared the screen with Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, in Jawan opened up about her experience and the valuable lessons she gleaned while working alongside the King of Bollywood. In a candid conversation with IndiaToday.in, she shed light on her journey, revealing that while Shah Rukh Khan didn't offer conventional acting tips, his presence and work ethic left an indelible mark on her budding career.
When asked if Shah Rukh Khan had shared any acting tips with her, Lehar Khan responded, “I think he's a big believer in the fact that every actor should find their own way. He didn't give any straightforward tips but I learnt a lot by just observing him. One thing is that he rehearses a lot. He rehearses his part till the time he perfects it. And then he gave his takes. He doesn't waste many takes. You can see that he is very experienced. He still has that passion in him. The second thing I learnt was to have that liveliness in me as an actor, just like him. I just want to work hard and make my character look different. Something about it should stand out.”
Talking about the film, Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment production directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film made its grand release on September 7, 2023, captivating audiences in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jawan actress Lehar Khan fondly recollects her experience working alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Brahmastra; says, “Out of nowhere, he would come and say, ‘Mohatarma, aapki muskaan toh matlab…”
read moreKaran Johar reveals that Alia Bhatt's saree-clad character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was derived from real-life journalist Poonam Saxena
Karan Johar returned as a director after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The romantic drama became a talking point for many reasons, one of which was Rani’s (Alia Bhatt) glamorous sarees. Almost everyone was floored by Rani’s fashion sense but many asked whether any journalist wears such fancy sarees to work.
Karan Johar was asked about it by Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day recently. Karan justified it by pointing to three women, present in the interviewing area, who were journalists and who were wearing sarees. He then also revealed that Rani’s character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was inspired by a journalist named Poonam Saxena. Not just Rani in his latest release, but Rani Mukerji’s character in Karan Johar’s short in Bombay Talkies (2013), was also a female journalist, who used to be saree-clad.
Karan Johar said, “This Rani (Alia Bhatt in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) and that Rani (Rani Mukerji in Bombay Talkies) are both derived from a member of the media called Poonam Saxena. She’s always in a saree, and I found that wonderful. I love the saree, per se.”
Poonam Saxena, besides being a journalist, is also an author. She co-wrote ‘An Unsuitable Boy’, the autobiography of Karan Johar.
At another point in the interview, Karan Johar also praised Alia Bhatt’s co-star in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Ranveer Singh, and Alia’s husband Ranbir Kapoor, with whom KJo worked in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Karan stated, “Ranbir is a producer’s delight. He can be on the set for 16 years straight. He feeds off the director. Ranveer feeds off the world. For Rocky, he spent days in Delhi, interacting with local influencers, including hanging out at a West Delhi party.”
Also Read: Karan Johar reveals his heart sank when he saw 300 women leaving Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the interval; he later realized they went to the loo since they were crying and their mascara had come off
read moreMadhuri Dixit in discussion with Hansal Mehta for role in Saroj Khan biopic: Report
On the first anniversary of the legendary choreographer Saroj Khan's passing on July 3, 2020, Bhushan Kumar announced a biopic detailing her remarkable life. This forthcoming biographical film will be produced by T-Series. Saroj Khan, who had dedicated nearly four decades to the art of dance and choreography, passed away due to a heart attack. While specific narrative details of the biopic remain in the early stages of development, there have been reports suggesting that Madhuri Dixit is under consideration to portray the iconic Saroj Khan.
Regarding the biopic, an insider told Hindustan Times, “Writing is still at a very nascent stage and hence nothing concrete has come out. However, the makers are trying to have a series of actors to play Saroj ji in different phases of her life. For example, one girl will play Saroj ji in her younger days, while the other one will play her older version. And Madhuri is being considered for one of these roles.”
The source also highlighted the extensive scope of the biopic, saying, “There are many things to show through the biopic as Khan’s life was full of highs and lows. And that’s why the writers are still deciding which angle to choose to show the story.”
According to reports, “6 months ago, there were talks about Madhuri Dixit being the central character. She was also approached for the same. And she is an ideal choice because Madhuri ka career define karne me Saroj Khan ka bahut bada haath raha hai. Most of her popular songs - from Dhakk Dhakk to Ek Do Teen - were all hits courtesy Saroj Khan. Even Madhuri always ensured that Saroj Khan choreographs her. Moreover, both of them shared a very close bond and understanding. It was easier for her to communicate with Madhuri.”
Upon reaching out to Khan's daughter Sukaina, she conveyed to HT that they have not yet settled on a definitive name. “They haven’t decided anything. The team has told me that as soon as they will shortlist the actors, they will come and have a word with the family. And it’s going to be a tough task to cast the right actors. I don’t think they have set their mind on one person,” she shared.
Sukaina added, “You cannot show one person playing her on screen and showing all that she has gone through. We are talking about a 10-year-old who joined the industry, a 17 year old who started working as an assistant choreographer and a legend who was at the peak of her career at a young age of 35-40. We need at least three people who play three different roles and show mom's journey. I would like Madhuri ma’am to be part of it, but she can probably show the latter stages of mom’s life. For other two characters, we would need other actors. That’s how I want her biopic to be.”
Sukaina also said, “I have been very clear that I do not want to get into the casting process because it’s their job. I am just happy that they have decided to put out the story of a legend like her, who has done exceptionally well not just as a professional but also as a mother, a daughter and a grandmother,” she shares.
As the script of the Saroj Khan biopic continues to evolve, fans and cinephiles eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this cinematic tribute to the dance maestro. The film is expected to capture the essence of Saroj Khan's remarkable journey and her profound influence on the world of dance and Bollywood.
Also Read: Madhuri Dixit shines at Beyonce’s Renaissance tour in California with husband Shriram Nene; see post
read moreStar Parivaar 2023: Gaurav Khanna aka Anuj recreates a new avatar of Anupama aka ‘Funupama’ on stage
Ever since Star Plus announced that the Star Parivaar Awards would resume after a five-year hiatus, fans have been unable to contain their excitement. The recently held red carpet for the awards night was an extravagant and glittery event that saw the presence of Rupali Ganguly, Pranali Rathod, Sayali Salunkhe, Vijayendra Kumeria, Avinash Mishra, Neha Solanki, and many more artists, who are associated with some of the most popular shows on the channel which includes Anupama, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain, Titli, among others.
Star Parivaar Awards night also saw varied performances and acts done by the artists of these Star Plus shows. The main highlight of the event was ‘Funupama’. Gaurav Khanna aka Anuj Kapadia, clad in an attire similar to that of Anupama, created some hilarious moments that would surely tickle the funny bones of the audience. The most awaited moment for the audience was when ‘Funupama’ kissed Vanraj; as the bromance between Vanraj and Anuj (Funupama) only received more love from audience when they saw the onscreen rivals turn lovers for the awards evening.
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While Gaurav Khanna aka Anuj Kapadia from the Star Plus show Anupama mimicked Anupama, the Kapadia family and Shah family cheered for their favourite Anuj. This was the very first time that Anuj had donned Anupama's attire and we are sure audiences are going to love their Anuj in this new avatar of Funupama. The evening is also expected to feature a host of performances from MaAn, AbhiRa, and some more onscreen couples who will be setting the stage on fire.
Fans of MaAn will be surely awaiting to see the Funupama magic on their television screens. Star Parivaar Awards is expected to air on Star Plus on October 1 at 7pm. As for Anupama, the show airs on the channel from Monday to Sunday at 10 pm.
Also Read: Anupama, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si cast to come together for a musical mehfil night; deets inside
read moreKaran Johar BREAKS silence on his fall-out with Nikkhil Advani; says “I was quite clueless during Kuch Kuch Hota. I just knew mid-shot, wide-shot and close-up. He mentored my technique”
Karan Johar emerged as a director to reckon with, with the monstrous blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). He then followed it up with another huge grosser, the big-budget multi-starrer family entertainer, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). 2 years later, he came up with Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), his first film as a producer, and it was also a very big hit. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, the romantic drama marked the directorial debut of Nikkhil Advani, a successful director-producer today. Karan had written its script.
After Kal Ho Naa Ho, however, Nikkhil Advani left Dharma Productions. In a recent interview, he revealed that due to his public fall out with Karan Johar, he didn’t get work for three years.
Karan Johar was asked to comment on this statement while talking to Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day. Karan gave a detailed answer and also credited Nikkhil for holding his hands while he was directing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji.
Karan Johar said, “I didn’t know if it was a gap of three years that he got no work. The fallout is too far gone, firstly. I attribute my knowledge of cinema and camera grammar to him. I was quite clueless on my first film. I just knew mid-shot, wide-shot and close-up. He mentored my technique. I will be forever grateful to him for that. But we are wonderful now when we meet—exchanging shared nostalgia and memories. We had a creative fallout. It was a time when he was hurting. I was hurting. It was at an unfortunate time because my father was very critical (during the making of Kal Ho Naa Ho).”
Karan Johar’s father, the much-loved and respected Yash Johar, passed away on June 26, 2004, after suffering from cancer. He was 74.
Also Read: Karan Johar takes on stereotypes about Dharma Productions at TIFF; says, “If my name was Karan Kashyap, I would do so much better with a certain section of people”
read moreBREAKING: Milap Zaveri joins hands with Rohit Shetty for the first time for a feature film with Singham Again
On September 16, it came to light that one of the most awaited films of 2024, Singham Again, went on floors. Director Rohit Shetty and actors Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh were seen at the mahurat of the film, which was held at Mumbai’s YRF Studios on Saturday. As expected, the pictures of the mahurat went viral. Akshay Kumar, who’s also a part of the film, could not make it but gave his good wishes.
Meanwhile, one more piece of information also came to the fore. Milap Zaveri, known for writing massy dialogues and directing commercial entertainers, has come on board for Singham Again. He has penned the dialogues and is also one of the writers besides Yunus Sajawal and Shantanu Srivastava.
Milap Zaveri himself broke the news as he posted the mahurat picture on his social media handles. He wrote, "It’s my honour to write the dialogues for #SinghamAgain and be part of the writing team with @sajawalyunus @ishantanus and all! Thanks to @itsrohitshetty sir for believing in me!!!"
A few hours later, he posted a picture where he can be seen posing with Rohit Shetty. The caption with this pic was, "AALI RE AALI AATA MAAZI BAARI AALI to write dialogues for the LIONHEARTED @itsrohitshetty…It’s been a dream come true to work with a maestro of Mass like him! The appreciation, faith and encouragement he gives a person instills full confidence into everyone! Love you and thank you for #SinghamAgain"
Milap Zaveri had earlier written screenplay and dialogues for Rohit Shetty’s Ranveer Ching Returns, a video made as part of the promotions of the Chings brand. It starred Ranveer Singh and Tamannaah Bhatia. Singham Returns, however, marks the first film where Milap and Rohit have collaborated.
An industry insider commented, “Rohit Shetty and Milap Zaveri both believe in mass cinema. Rohit’s films require dramatic and clapworthy dialogues that can uplift a scene. Milap Zaveri is apt for it as he has proved his worth in such films multiple times.”
Besides Singham Returns, Milap Zaveri has also penned Sharman Joshi’s next with his Style (2002) co-star Sahil Khan. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in August 2022, Milap Zaveri said, “I’ve written the dialogue for Sanjay Gupta’s The Miranda Brothers, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Meezaan Jafri. It’s my seventh film with Sanjay Gupta’s company after Kaante (2002), Plan (2004), Musafir (2004), Woodstock Villa (2008), Shootout At Wadala (2013) and Alibaug. I am writing dialogues for his next film too. I am also writing the story, screenplay and dialogues for Mohit Suri’s next and the story, screenplay and dialogues for Kookie Gulati’s next. I am also penning the screenplay and dialogues for Remo D’Souza’s next film as well as writing his web series.” In the same interview, he also assured that he’ll soon announce his next, which is an action drama.
Singham Returns, meanwhile, is the fifth part of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe after Singham (2011), Singham Returns (2014), Simmba (2018) and Sooryavanshi (2021). As per reports, Arjun Kapoor plays the antagonist in Singham Again.
Also Read: Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, and Rohit Shetty launch Singham Again; see pics
read moreBombay HC allows Rhea Chakraborty's brother Showik to travel abroad!
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that it required one day to seek instructions regarding a plea filed by actor Rhea Chakraborty's brother, Showik. Showik, who, like his sister, is an accused in the Narcotic Control Bureau's (NCB) case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's drug use, needed to travel to Australia for work purposes. Both siblings had been arrested in 2021 but were subsequently granted bail. As a condition of their bail, the court had directed them to surrender their passports to the NCB and obtain court permission for international travel.
On September 6, a special court under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act granted Showik permission to travel abroad. During this process, the court noted that the NCB had retained his passport without adhering to legal provisions. According to the Passport Authorities Act, only the passport authority can impound a passport.
Showik's petition in the High Court, filed by advocate Ayaz Khan, highlighted that in the previous year, Rhea had been granted court permission to travel for the IIFA awards. However, she couldn't do so because of a standing Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them by the CBI.
In July 2020, an FIR was filed in Patna by Sushant Singh Rajput's father, alleging that Rhea Chakraborty took money from Sushant and incited him to commit suicide. The case was subsequently transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court. While investigating the case, the CBI issued lookout notices against both Rhea Chakraborty and her brother. Due to these notices, they cannot travel abroad even with court permission.
During court proceedings, Ayaz Khan emphasized the urgency of Showik's travel to Australia between September 17 and 24, thus requesting the suspension of the LOC for this period.
The bench comprising Justice Ajay Gadkari and Sharmila Deshmukh will resume hearing Showik's petition on Friday, with Advocate Kuldeep Patil representing the CBI to present their arguments before the court.
For the unversed, actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2021. His family contested that it was not a suicide, leading to the registration of an FIR. Despite extensive interrogations of Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty, the CBI has not yet concluded its investigation or filed any chargesheet in the case. The court is set to hear the CBI's arguments regarding Showik Chakraborty's lookout circular in the upcoming proceedings.
Also Read: Rhea Chakraborty shares heartwarming birthday wishes for BFF Shibani Akhtar; says, “I aspire to be like you”
read moreRubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla announce their pregnancy
Known fondly #Rubinav by their fans, telly couple Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla are currently on cloud nine as they are all set to enter the new phase of their life. The two actors, who have been setting married couple goals, will soon be setting parent goals as they took to social media to talk about entering the parenthood phase. In a heartfelt post, as the couple announced this news, many of their fans as well as industry insiders like Shivangi Joshi, Jannat Zubair, and Nia Sharma dropped their congratulatory messages to the couple.
Rubina Dilaik was recently prepping for her Punjabi debut, post which, the actress was seen spending time with Abhinav Shukla in USA. Sharing a photo of the two of them enjoying their time on a yacht, Rubina is seen happily flaunting her baby bump as she said, “We promised we will TOGETHER explore the world since we started dating , got married and now will do ??AS A FAMILY ???? welcoming the LITTLE Traveller soon!” Her post was also filled with heart and evil eye emojis.
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For the unversed, her past few social media posts, since last month, has been garnering attention among fans who have been asking the actress about hiding the baby bump. But now it seems that the cat is out of the bag since the couple have made an official announcement on social media. Followed by these rumours, Rubina Dilaik had reacted to it asserting that it doesn’t affect her. “As a public figure, I am aware that rumours and speculations keep happening. I know that I can’t do much about it so I don’t bother myself with these things,” she had told Hindustan Times in an interaction.
Rubina Dilaik, who gained fame as Choti Bahu, went on to do Colors’ show Shakti, in which she essayed the role of a transgender and received several rave reviews. The actress also appeared on Bigg Boss 14 with husband Abhinav Shukla and later went on to do reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Jhalak Dikhh Laa Ja.
Also Read: Rubina Dilaik opens up about frequent pregnancy rumours; says, “It doesn’t affect my personal or work life”
read moreSonnalli Seygall signs a 3-film deal with Jio Studios; says, “One is a comedy, the other is a romantic comedy”
A couple months ago, actress Sonnalli Seygall took a big step in her personal life as she got married to her long time beau Ashesh Sajnani. While usually it is said that the bride brings in good luck for the groom, the other way around has seemed to have happened in Sonnalli's case. The actress has taken a huge stride in her professional career as she has reportedly signed 3 films deal with a leading studio.
Sonnalli is popularly known for her roles in the Pyaar Ka Punchnama films and Jai Mummy Di amongst others. A source close to the development revealed that the actress has now signed a 3 films deal with Jio Studios and these are all very varied and interesting projects.
The source shared, “Apart from the big celebration in her personal life, Sonnalli has a big reason to celebrate in her professional life too. She has signed a 3-film deal with Jio Studios. The first film in those 3 was the romantic horror film Aseq that released in June. Interestingly, it was Sonnalli's first release after the wedding. Now, she has 2 more interesting projects in the pipeline which will be officially announced soon. All these 3 films are very diverse and show her acting prowess.”
Sonnalli shared exclusively, “I am pretty excited about my 3-film deal with Jio Studios. They have been making some great content and I am very excited to be associated with them. All the three films that I am doing with them... out of which one film Aseq which was a thriller-horror genre, has already been released. And the other two films are also very different genres. While one is a comedy, the other is a romantic comedy. It is a very interesting line-up and I am looking forward to their releases this year “
Sonnalli was last seen in Aseq opposite Vardhan Puri. The actress has postponed her honeymoon to complete the film's promotions first. Professionally, she has many projects in different stages of production. Apart from these films with Jio Studios, she also has Noorani Chehra with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nupur Sanon, as well as Boondi Raita.
Also Read: Sonnalli Seygall visits bestie Laxmi Raai on the sets of DNA in Kerala, see pics
read moreDeepika Padukone turns investor in Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Deepika Padukone, who has been receiving rave reviews for her extended cameo in Jawan, recently has also been making massive strides in the business arena. In recent news, it is being reported that the popular Bollywood star invested an disclosed amount in the homegrown brand Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, which is spread majorly across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
It seems that the actress invested in the Series B funding round and has now become one of the joint investors of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, which includes names likes A91, Anicut Capital, 8i Ventures, among others as investors. In a press statement released by the actress’ entity KA Enterprises, it said, “We have followed the brand’s growth very closely over the past decade and observed their vision and commitment to quality and innovation and are therefore thrilled to partner with them on their journey of making Indian specialty coffee accessible, delivering unparalleled coffee experiences, and putting it on the global map,”
Earlier this week, Deepika Padukone had opened up about her new investments in an interview with The Week magazine, wherein she had revealed about her keen interest in promoting small and medium sized industries of our country, which are more local in nature. “I wanted to invest in companies whose values align with mine, and I wanted to help small businesses grow. I think it was important for me to add value, with my time and my money, to help Indian businesses,” she had said in the interview.
On the work front, Deepika Padukone, who has been riding high on the success of Pathaan and Jawaan, will be returning to the big screen next year with two massive projects. She will be seen alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and an ensemble cast in the ambitious Pan India sci-fi drama Kalki 2928 AD and later, as an Air Force pilot in the aerial action-drama Fighter, co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor.
Also Read: Jawan success press conference: “Deepika Padukone was shooting for ‘Besharam Rang’. I looked at Pooja Dadlani and asked her, ‘Yeh maa ka role karegi?’” – Shah Rukh Khan
read moreSunny Leone to recreate Madhuri Dixit’s iconic dance number; report
Sunny Leone is all set to pay homage to Madhuri Dixit Nene by recreating the iconic dance number from an upcoming project. While details are kept under wraps, a source has opened up about his track. Although it will be a remake, we hear that Sunny Leone will be adding her unique style and charm to this iconic Madhuri Dixit number. This news has definitely stirred excitement among fans, who are eagerly waiting to witness the actress's yet another sizzling dance performance.
Speaking about this upcoming dance number, sources close to the production team revealed, "Sunny Leone is set to take centre-stage in a special song that pays a heartfelt tribute to Madhuri Dixit's iconic dance number. She's been practising the song for a few days, and we can see her putting in a lot of effort to perfect every aspect of it. Although the specifics of the song cannot be disclosed yet, the song is definitely a standout feature of an upcoming project."
The source added, “The makers are deeply committed to creating a tribute that does justice to Madhuri Dixit's classic and highlights Sunny Leone's dancing talent, generating significant excitement among both the industry and fans as further information unfolds.”
On the work front, Sunny Leone recently garnered a lot of global acclaim, love, and accolades for her role as Charlie in Anurag Kashyap's neo-noir thriller Kennedy co-starring Rahul Bhat. While the film is yet to release in India, it has received a heartwarming response at film festivals internationally.
Apart from that, speaking of her upcoming projects, Sunny Leone is all set to return to the world of South Cinema as she is gearing up to feature in the upcoming Tamil film Quotation Gang, in which she will be seen in the lead role alongside actors like Jackie Shroff, Priyamani, among others. Directed by Vivek, the film features her in the role of a contract killer.
Also Read: Sunny Leone’s beauty line Starstruck launches on Myntra: “It’s a dream come true to see my brand flourish”
read more“Salman Khan cheated on Sangeeta Bijlani with me”, reveals Somy Ali
Somy Ali, who has shared screen space with some of the biggest 90s stars, from Sanjay Dutt to Saif Ali Khan, has always been vocal about her affair with Salman Khan and how the actor has mistreated her and other women in the past. While she has opened up about the abuse she faced during her relationship with him, in a recent interview, the former actress and now a social activist revealed that Salman Khan had cheated on Sangeeta Bijlani, a few weeks before their wedding and that she was the ‘other woman’ in his life.
Furthermore, Somy Ali also revealed that Karma had a way of getting back and that Salman Khan cheated on her too during their relationship. In an interview with Aaj Tak, Somy Ali said, “The wedding cards were printed, but Sangeeta caught Salman red-handed in my apartment. What Salman did to Sangeeta, the same happened to me. This is called karma, when I grew up a little, I understood about it.” For the unversed, Salman Khan was supposed to tie the knot with Sangeeta Bijlani in the 90s and was already engaged to the actress.
In her social media posts, Somy Ali has often spoken about the relationship as well as about how she had entered Bollywood as a Salman fan and was always in awe of him. The actress had also revealed that Salman was not keen on making their relationship public and that even though, in the public eye, their relationship looked like a brief romance, Ali insisted that they were together for eight years. Furthermore, the actress also opened up about several instances including one where he poured a cold drink on the hair during an event, and how he would demean, insult her in public.
Also Read: Salman Khan’s ex Somy Ali writes enigmatic note on alleged abuser; says, “He can make or break…”
read moreShah Rukh Khan shares insights on Atlee's feedback on his “cool shots” in Jawan
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is basking in the glory of his action-packed thriller film, Jawan, which hit theatres on September 7, 2023, and has been garnering accolades. The film's success has been a cause for celebration, and the makers hosted a post-release event in Mumbai on September 15, attended by the film's stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sunil Grover, Atlee, and Sanya Malhotra, among others. At the event, Shah Rukh Khan disclosed how Atlee responded to the shots he considered “cool.”
During the post-release gathering of Jawan held at the YRF Studios in Mumbai today, Shah Rukh Khan discussed his collaboration with Atlee, humorously stating, “he is mass and I am class.” He went on to reveal that Atlee often distinguished between “mass” and “class,” offering the critique that certain shots he believed to be “cool” were, in Atlee's eyes, more “mass” than “class.” SRK said, “Every time I thought I have done a cool shot, Atlee sir would be like, ‘No, this is mass and not class’.”
Shah Rukh Khan continued, expressing his gratitude for the film's team and his desire to please the director. He acknowledged the natural shyness actors can feel while performing certain scenes and emphasized the importance of making the director happy, as the director's perspective shapes how audiences perceive the actors. He said, “Whatever I’ve done in the film is because of the love of the team. I get shy, actors get shy to do things, and we feel awkward. I just wanted to make him happy and please him. It is the duty of every actor, whatever film you do, you have to make your director happy because, through his eyes, everybody is going to perceive you and see you. I’m happy I could make him (Atlee) happy.”
Jawan, directed by the acclaimed Atlee Kumar and produced by Gauri Khan under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment, boasts an ensemble cast featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Sunil Grover, Eijaz Khan, and a special appearance by Deepika Padukone.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan wins hearts at Jawan’s success press meet: “Agar aurat ki izzat ho, toh sabse zyada prem jhalakta hai”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh to come together for Singham 3 mahurat shot tomorrow at YRF
For the unversed, just a day ago we had reported that Arjun Kapoor will be a part of this highly anticipated Singham 3. The actor will be seen as the antagonist and he will be seen fighting against Ajay Devgn, Sooryavanshi aka Akshay Kumar, Simmba aka Ranveer Singh, and Lady Singham aka Deepika Padukone. And now the latest update on the franchise is that the makers will be launching the film this month and the mahurat shot is expected to be held on September 15.
A well-placed industry source exclusively revealed to Bollywood Hungama, “Rohit Shetty is keen on starting work on Singham 3. The film is going to be mounted on a large scale and the makers have locked in the date for mahurat on September 16. It will be held in YRF Studios in suburban Mumbai and will be attended by the star cast”. While Arjun Kapoor and Akshay Kumar may not be able to make it, the source asserted that along with Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh will be attending the event.
Speaking of Singham Again, the film will also have Arjun Kapoor being associated with the franchise for the first time. Moreover, the actor opting an out-and-out antagonist is also a rather unexplored territory for the Ek Villain Returns star. Speaking of his role, a source had earlier told Bollywood Hungama, "Yes, Arjun Kapoor is joining Rohit Shetty cop universe, and this is the biggest surprise which Rohit and his team have kept under wraps. However, the twist in tale is the fact that Arjun is playing the part of a villain and not the hero. Arjun will be the villain against the 4 supercops - Singham, Simmba, Sooryavanshi and Lady Singham."
Singham Again is the third film from Singham franchise after Singham and Singham Returns, and the fifth film of Rohit Shetty's Universe after Singham, Singham Returns, Simmba and Sooryavanshi. While Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, and Akshay Kumar have already been introduced in their cop avatars, Deepika Padukone is yet to make an appearance as Lady Singham.
Also Read: Arjun Kapoor to play the villain in Ajay Devgn & Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again
read moreShah Rukh Khan confirms Dunki release for Christmas 2023 at Jawan event
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is basking in the glory of his action-packed thriller film, Jawan, which hit theatres on September 7, 2023, and has been garnering accolades. The film's success has been a cause for celebration, and the makers hosted a post-release event in Mumbai on September 15, attended by the film's stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sunil Grover, Atlee, and Sanya Malhotra, among others.
During the Jawan event, while discussing his upcoming project, Shah Rukh Khan made an exciting announcement. He confirmed that his next film, titled Dunki, is scheduled for release later this year, specifically on December 22. The actor expressed his gratitude, saying, “God’s been very kind, we’ve had Pathaan. God has been even kinder with Jawan. I always tell ki 26 January se humne shuruat ki, Republic Day, it’s a good auspicious day. Janmashtami, Krishna ji ke janamdin pe humne ye film release ki. Abhi naya saal aane wala hai, Christmas hai, usme hum Dunki lekar aayenge. Aur national integration rakhta hun, waise bhi jab meri film release hoti hai us din Eid to hoti hi hai. (We began on an auspicious day, Republic Day. Then on Lord Krishna’s birthday, Janmashtami, we had Jawan. Now, on Christmas and New Year, we will bring Dunki. And as I always keep national integration in mind, it’s always Eid when my films release).”
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Shah Rukh Khan's cinematic offerings in 2023 have been nothing short of extraordinary. Pathaan made history by becoming the first Hindi film to cross the Rs 500 crore mark at the box office. Following that, Jawan shattered records and emerged as a box office sensation, surpassing even the remarkable success of Pathaan. With the announcement of Dunki releasing in December, fans of the superstar are eagerly anticipating another cinematic treat to close out the year.
Also Read: NO SPOILER! Aaliyah Qureshi opens up about the ‘chilling climax’ sequence of Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Sethupathi in Jawan: EXCLUSIVE
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Shujaat Saudagar reacts to reports about Bambai Meri Jaan being inspired by Dawood Ibrahim; calls it ‘an ode to Bombay’
Amazon Prime Video series Bambai Meri Jaan has been garnering ample attention owing to it exploring yet again the gritty world of Mumbai’s infamous underworld. Starring Kay Kay Menon, his wife Nivedita Bhattacharya, Avinash Tiwary, Kritika Kamra in lead roles, there have been rumours that the film is inspired by the famous gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Reacting to these, Shujaat Saudagar revealed to Bollywood Hungama that the show was written by the famous writer Hussain Zaidi and that it is based on his extensive reporting over decades.
In this exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Shujaat Saudagar revealed that because of the kind of genre explored by Hussain Zaidi, people are drawing parallels to the infamous gangsters of the city, including Dawood Ibrahim. Asserting that Bambai Meri Jaan has an original and fictional story, Shujaat said, “The seed of this, of course, came from Hussain Zaidi Saab. It is his story. He came with the story to us. And it was based on his extensive reporting over the last three decades, right. Of course, I think a large bunch of people are drawing parallels because of the books that he has written and that is bound to happen. After all, he's got such a massive repertoire. But the story is original and it's also a fictional story.”
He even went on to assert that the show goes beyond the book too it is inspired from. He explained, “The one (book) it is inferred on, it goes way beyond that, because his career has spanned for so long. And all that is in the past. This is a new story. The world is, of course, the same. The crime world is the same, and you will find commonalities in certain areas, because the grasp of it has been the same. If you're talking about say Indian politics, or Indian sport or cricket, it's very difficult to eliminate certain characters or moments in history, because that is what the universe and the world is made up of. But having said that, this is a complete fiction story which is brought to life by the entire writing team, Rensil (D’Silva) and writers and then of course translation from paper to film eventually. I think what people can expect is a really powerful epic saga of a city and it's a love story. It's an ode to Bombay.”
Bambai Meri Jaan revolves around the story of an honest police officer and his clashing ideologies with his power-hungry son. With Kay Kay Menon as the father, Avinash Tiwary plays his son Dara and Kritika Kamra plays his daughter Habiba. The first episode premiered on Amazon Prime Video on September 14.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Avinash Tiwary says Bambai Meri Jaan is exciting: “The real joy is to really get to the intricacies of each relationship, mindsets”
read moreMaitree bids adieu; Shrenu Parikh and Bhaweeka Chaudhary express gratitude to fans
Zee TV’s ongoing fiction show Maitree, which follows the journey of two soul sisters - Maitree (Shrenu Parikh) and Nandini (Bhaweeka Chaudhary), is all set to bid adieu to its ardent fans. The show revolved around the concept of two best friends sharing an inseparable bond since childhood, as they thread together in this journey called life with various ups and downs in their relationship. After being launched earlier this year in February, the show is now expected to go off air on September 17.
During the period, the show welcomed many plot twists and turns with many actors like Namish Taneja, Zaan Khan, Kunal Karan Kapoor, Aadesh Chaudhary, Samarth Jurel, Vishal Kotian, Manish Khanna and Ishita Ganguly being introduced, who lent ample support to the lead cast in this journey. The show ends with Maitree finally returning the Swarna Mani to Jhumki (Ishita Ganguly), who after taking it meets with an accident and loses her life. Whereas, Maitree continues to live with her family after overcoming her troubles.
Delighted with the response she received for her character, Shrenu Parikh who played the role of Maitree said, “According to me, it has been an overwhelming journey and we have faced every challenge that came our way, with a smile on our face. This wouldn’t have been possible, if the channel, producers, and the audience didn’t have faith in us. I have learnt a lot in this show, and I am nothing but grateful in these times where shows don’t last more than a couple of months. We have hit 200+ episodes. It can be said it wasn’t an easy journey, but I’m going to bid goodbye to this show with a lot of content as I have given more than my 100% to Maitree. We as a team have given our best, and that’s what makes me happy. Maitree taught us all to never give up.”
Voicing out similar thoughts was Bhaweeka Chaudhary aka Nandini, as she continued, "Maitree's journey has been an incredible and unforgettable experience for me. The bond I share with Shrenu, Namish, Zaan, Harsh, and the entire cast is something I'll treasure forever. Nandini's character was a roller coaster ride, and even the challenging moments, like playing a coma patient, taught me a lot as an actor. I'm grateful to our producers for this opportunity, though it's sad to see the show go off-air – everything has its course. I'll miss the fun we had during breaks, but we've all become great friends and will stay connected. Thanks to our amazing audience for being our pillars of support and strength. Love you all."
Maitree will be going off air this week with the last episode being aired on September 17, Friday at 6:30 pm.
Also Read: Ishita Ganguly opens up about playing ‘Icchadhari Naagin’ in Shrenu Parikh starrer Maitree; says, “She is unique, and the role is a bit hatke”
read moreNO SPOILER! Aaliyah Qureshi opens up about the ‘chilling climax’ sequence of Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Sethupathi in Jawan: EXCLUSIVE
Jawan, which is expected to revolve around Shah Rukh Khan, featured a girl gang, comprising of popular actors like Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Girija Oak, along with Lehar Khan, Aaliyah Qureshi, and Sanjeeta Bhattacharya in pivotal roles. Among them was Aaliyah, who kicked off her career as a musician and has now gained immense popularity with her recent stint in Jawan. While she opened up about how she got the casting call in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, she also discussed her camaraderie with the actors on the sets of the film including Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. During the same, she recalled shooting for the climax sequence featuring Shah Rukh and Vijay.
In the interview, Aaliyah Qureshi told Bollywood Hungama, that the entire jail climax sequence was shot in one go unlike any other scene in the film and how the beauty of it left everyone on the sets in awe of the actors, Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Sethupathi. She said, “I remember this one specific instance in the jail where it was Shah Rukh Sir and Vijay Sir’s scene. We did a wide take, which was just for five minutes without cutting. Normally, we did a lot of cuts because Atlee Sir’s style is very fast. So, we don't usually do a scene beginning to end, but that scene between Shah Rukh Sir and Vijay Sir was shot like that. And I promise after four minutes of just the scene going on, there was a pin drop silence on a set of like 500 girls and about 500 crew members. And after that, everyone just burst into applause.”
She continued, “This doesn't happen generally because you are professional on the sets. Normally, even if Shah Rukh Sir does a great scene, you probably just be like, ‘wow, nice scene’ and move on. But in this case, there was this energy, and we were just shocked. We were like this chemistry between the two of them is ‘chilling’. I mean on one hand, we have Shah Rukh Sir with his charisma and his style and on the other hand, we have Vijay Sir who is into improvisation and just says something funny in a moment when it was not even meant to be there. So, when we had them together on the screen, it was giving us chills to watch two geniuses working together.”
Jawan also marked the Bollywood debut of Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. The film released on September 7 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jawan actress Aaliyah Qureishi admits she couldn’t get tickets for Shah Rukh Khan-starrer; says, “I had to request the production team”
read more“The character of Ansari challenged me to break away” - Aashim Gulati on his Netflix debut Choona with Monika Panwar
Last seen in the Prime Video coming-of-age drama Jee Karda, Aashim Gulati is all set to return to web series space with Choona, co-starring Monika Panwar. This series is said to be an edge-of-your-seat, binge-worthy affair with a thrilling mix of drama, comedy, and action which is expected to leave you begging for more. At the heart of it is Aashim Gulati, in the role of Ansari who is a goofy yet lovable character - a gully ka gunda and it’s a character that the actor he has never played before.
Aashim Gulati revealed that adapting this character from the heartland was an exciting challenge for him and that, he underwent extensive training and workshops to fully immerse himself in Ansari's world. He also learnt to embrace the nuances and mannerisms of a person from a different cultural background. Aashim wanted to dedicate himself to this craft to ensure a promising and authentic portrayal.
Revealing that the director was the one who chose him for the role of Ansari, Aashim revealed that he felt both thrilled and challenged while taking this up. Speaking about his enthusiasm for this project, he added, "Choona was a prolific and wholesome journey as I haven't played a character like this before,". Aashim went on to mention that while he often got calls for boy-next-door roles, Netflix’s Choona presented him with a fresh opportunity to break out of that mould and explore newer dimensions as an actor.
He continued, “I am ecstatic to be a part of 'Choona' and to bring Ansari's character to life . Ansari's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending drama, comedy, and action in a truly unique way. Roles like this allow me to experiment and test my craft, encouraging me to mould myself into doing more versatile characters. Working on this series has been an incredible opportunity for growth, and I am excited for audiences to see me in this never-seen-before avatar.”
Aashim was also all praises for writer-director Pushpendra Nath Misra as he shared, “His vision of how Choona should materialise on screen was so precise that there was hardly any room for improvisation. Such meticulousness ensures that every aspect of the show is purposeful and adds depth to the characters and the plot.”
Grab your popcorn to settle in for a wild ride with the heist comedy-drama, Choona which is slated to premiere on Netflix on September 29.
Also Read: The Railway Men and Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan’s debut film Maharaj set to be first two projects in Netflix and YRF’s multi-year creative partnership
read moreTanaav season 2 to arrive on SonyLIV through yes Studios and Applause Entertainment
Applause Entertainment and yes Studios last year came up with the SonyLIV show Tanaav, which was an official adaptation of the Israeli show Fauda. The two banners are now back with the second season of Tanaav. The show is set against the backdrop of Kashmir, and it deals with the efforts of the Special Task Group in tackling terrorism in the region. Season one of Tanaav featured Manav Vij, Sumit Kaul, Rajat Kapoor and Shashank Arora and was directed by Sudhir Mishra and co-directed by Sachin Mamta Krishn.
Sameer Nair, managing director, Applause Entertainment said, “We're honoured to extend our partnership with yes Studios after the resounding success of Tanaav Season One. The teams at Applause and Sony LIV are pumped as we set out to craft an even more gripping tale for our audience with a season two. Stay tuned for an extraordinary tale of courage, conflict, and camaraderie as we embark on this exciting new adventure.”
Sharon Levi, managing director of yes Studios added, “We are thrilled that our relationship with Applause Entertainment will continue and are excited that this extension to the format deal will ensure a return for Tanaav. Fauda was our first big global hit and Tanaav its first local adaptation. It was very important for us to work with the right partner, one that could deftly cover differing perspectives in a highly complex situation and create interesting and relevant characters anchored in its own unique local setting and circumstances. The Applause Entertainment team did all this brilliantly, and we can’t wait to see what they have planned for season two.”
The details about Tanaav in terms of its basic plot will be shared later.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Gagan Dev Riar on comparisons with Pratik Gandhi’s act in Scam 1992, “Harshad Mehta was way different than Abdul Karim Telgi”
read moreSCOOP: Aditya Chopra to host a joint narration of Tiger Vs Pathaan for Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan at YRF
Aditya Chopra is the Stan Lee of the Indian Cinematic Universe as he has managed to do what no one could in the last 25 years. As a sub-set of the Indian Cinematic Universe, Aditya Chopra has started his own YRF Spy Universe, which represents Indian Cinema at the global level. He is now all set to take things a notch higher. According to our highly placed sources at YRF, Aditya Chopra is all set to give a joint narration of Tiger vs. Pathaan to Salman Khan, the Iron Man of Spy Universe, and Shah Rukh Khan, the Captain America of Spy Universe.
The joint narration will take place soon at Yash Raj Studios. "Aditya Chopra is clear from the start to keep the entire film transparent. He wants both Salman and SRK to show faith in his vision of making India's biggest action film. To avoid any sort of conflict or ego-issues, the first narration of Tiger Vs Pathaan will take place at YRF Studios and not at Galaxy Apartment or Mannat," a trade source informed Bollywood Hungama.
Adi has taken this decision to avoid any sort of bias. "Present at the narration will be Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan with Aditya Chopra and director Siddharth Anand. No managers or assistants will be allowed to be a part of this narration. It's only the showrunners of Indian Cinema who will be permitted to enter the YRF office on this day, which will have all the security to avoid leakages from the system," the source told Bollywood Hungama further.
Tiger vs Pathaan is touted to be the biggest action film of Indian Cinema seeing a face-off between two of the biggest superstars ever seen - Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The film will hit the big screen in 2025 and go on floors by February 2024.
Also Read: SCOOP: Siddharth Anand gets Rs. 40 crores for Tiger vs Pathaan; becomes the highest-paid director at YRF
read moreMilan Luthria makes his OTT debut with Sultan Of Delhi starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and others
Based on the book, Sultan of Delhi: Ascension by Arnab Ray, the series is an explosive saga of ambition, greed, love and passion. Produced by Reliance Entertainment and Directed by Milan Luthria and Co-Directed and Co-written by Suparn Verma, Sultan Of Delhi recreates the old-world charm of 60s India and is expected to be a visual spectacle on-screen. Milan Luthria marks his OTT directorial debut with this larger-than-life mass entertainer, that is all set to premiere next month on Disney+ Hotstar. It features an ensemble cast of Tahir Raj Bhasin, Anjum Sharma, veteran actor Vinay Pathak alongside Nishant Dahiya along with the ladies Anupriya Goenka, Mouni Roy, Harleen Sethi and Mehreen Pirzada in pivotal roles.
From a fight for power to heartwarming friendship, Disney+ Hostar’s upcoming power-packed series, Sultan Of Delhi is expected to have it all. Speaking about this entertainer, Gaurav Banerjee, Head - Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star said, “We are very excited to associate with ace director Milan Luthria as we aim to bring this larger-than-life cinematic experience to our platform with a series like Sultan of Delhi. The brilliance of Milan Luthria, his magic in bringing the 60’s era live on screens has been incredible and we are hoping to bring this up, up close and personal for Disney+ Hotstar audiences through this show.
Director Milan Luthria added, “Sultan of Delhi is my first web series. Set in the sexy 60’s, it has a timeless, pacy approach filled with elements of glamor, action, music, punchy one liners and entertainment. This multi-starrer traces the journey of Arjun Bhatia, (Tahir Raj Bhasin) and explores a tale of greed, betrayal, courage and the ultimate fight for power. I always strive to give audiences an entertaining experience through my stories and Sultan of Delhi is one such beautiful journey and I'm so delighted to partner with Disney+ Hotstar to bring this to life”
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Namit Sharma, producer of the series, stated, "We're thrilled to bring to life this book to screen adaptation of Sultan of Delhi. Working with a maestro like Milan Luthria has been an honor and pleasure. He has crafted a unique series which is colorful, exhilarating and full of larger-than-life characters. His ability to transport viewers to the exciting 60’s is simply astounding, and we can't wait for them to witness the visual extravaganza that is Sultan of Delhi on the prestigious Disney+ Hotstar platform.
Produced by Reliance Entertainment, Sultan of Delhi will stream from October 13 onwards on Disney+ Hotstar.
Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia starrer crime drama Aakhri Sach may be inspired by the Burari death case
read moreHuma Qureshi turns novelist with ‘Zeba – An Accidental Superhero’
Huma Qureshi, who has explored mediums and genres in films, is all set to explore something new. She is all set to turn author with her debut fantasy novel, ‘Zeba: An Accidental Superhero.’ Qureshi is expected to have weaved a tale which combines magic, wonder, and intense passion.
Taking inspiration from her own journey as an outsider making a mark in the glamorous world of Indian cinema, her journey from Delhi to the film industry, Qureshi wanted to create a novel that inspires many. Sharing details of her journey in her recent post on social media, Huma Qureshi launched her debut book saying, “Finally the cat is out of the bag !! Super excited to share the announcement of my debut novel : ‘Zeba - An Accidental Superhero’ with @harpercollinsin .. and a massive shoutout to my agency @asuitableagency … Been working on this for the past 2 years and everyone around me knows how much this means to me <3 Book out in Dec 2023 . Comments below will be seen as a vote of interest to buy the book ;-)”
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Speaking about her debut book, she said, "I've learned that accepting who you are, with all your quirks and uniqueness, is the most empowering journey one can embark on. We live in a world that needs diversity, and every individual's story is a piece of that beautiful mosaic. Stories of fierce women are not just the need of the hour; they are the timeless tales that inspire generations, reminding us that strength and resilience know no boundaries. We need these stories to remind ourselves that we, too, can be the heroes of our own lives. This novel is deeply personal and it puts out there the rawest, most unfiltered version of me."
From what we hear, Huma Qureshi’s ‘Zeba - An Accident Superhero’ is expected to be a story of heroism, transformation, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
Also Read: Huma Qureshi opens up about her fear of witnessing her parents age; says, “I have no control over it”
read moreSonam Kapoor becomes the only Indian to be invited by luxury brand Burberry for their London show
Sonam Kapoor is a bonafide global fashion icon. She is the definitive voice in fashion in India and she is the only Indian to have been invited by British luxury fashion house, Burberry, for their exclusive Ready To Wear (RTW) show in London on September 18.
Sonam’s influence on fashion is so huge that international luxury brands in this segment have always looked to associate with her. Her exclusivity in being extremely premium and choosy makes her a cut above the rest of her contemporaries.
Sonam will be attending to see Burberry’s new Chief Creative Officer, Daniel Lee’s RTW collection in London. Daniel was the creative director of the Italian luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta from 2018 to 2021 and subsequently was appointed as Riccardo Tisci's replacement at the helm of Burberry.
On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will be seen in two tentpole projects starting next year, details of which have been kept under wraps. ALSO READ: Sonam Kapoor turns up the heat with a dash of glamour in a red skirt, white bodysuit, and fierce black boots
read moreShah Rukh Khan reveals his bald look in Jawan was driven by “laziness”; says, “I hope girls like bald men. I like bald girls”
Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood's beloved superstar, made headlines when he took the bold step of going bald for his film Jawan. This risk proved to be a game-changer as the film shattered box office records with each passing day. Now, in a candid interview with IMDB, Shah Rukh Khan has shared insights into his decision to play a bald character, shedding light on various aspects of his role in the film.
During the interview, Shah Rukh Khan disclosed that his choice to sport a bald look in Jawan was primarily motivated by “laziness.” He candidly admitted, “It was never part of the script. It was a part of the get-up that was a part of the script. I just chose the bald look out of laziness. I said, ‘yeah, then I don’t have to wear 2 hours of this makeup, can I just go bald?' So I think it came out of that. I had reservations because I showed the promo to some friends and they were like, ‘Arey yaar! It looks very scary, girls won’t like you.' So I hope girls like me. I hope girls like bald men. I like bald girls.”
The actor also shared his perspective on playing anti-heroes versus traditional heroic roles. Shah Rukh Khan confessed, “I never wanted to play the hero. I find heroes very boring. I find them doing all the good things, just the nice things. To be able to do this good, I need to quickly transfer to do bad to understand that part, so that I can come and do the good guy with a lot of gusto again because just playing the good guy again and again and again, being nice, puppy eyed, doe-eyed is boring after some time. Personally, I love playing the bad guy. I love bad guys.”
Talking about the film, Jawan also stars Sunil Grover, Ridhi Dogra, Mukesh Chhabra, Girija Oak Godbole, Aaliyah Qureishi, Ashlesha Thakur, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, and Lehar Khan. Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film was released on September 7, 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.
Also Read: Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan praises Anirudh Ravichander for his acoustic ‘Chaleya’ cover: “I have to dance on this while you sing it beta”
read moreThe Railway Men and Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan’s debut film Maharaj set to be first two projects in Netflix and YRF’s multi-year creative partnership
Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Netflix are coming together to form a new multi-year creative partnership. The two entertainers will collaborate to create films and series to bring defining stories to audiences in India and across the world. The first project to come out of this partnership is the character-driver thriller, The Railway Men, a four-part series starring R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma and Babil Khan, which is directed by debutant director Shiv Rawail. The second, Maharaj, is a film marking the debut of actor Junaid Khan and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari & Shalini Pandey. The film has been directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, whose last film Hichki was a global hit.
Monika Shergill, VP, Content, Netflix India, said, “We are passionate about serving our broad audiences with series and films that they connect with and love, and we want to do more of this. Yash Raj Films have defined the essence of Indian film-making. They are one of the most respected storytellers in the industry. From Kabhi Kabhie to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, War to Pathaan, their signature stories have been part of our lives and continue to fuel the zeitgeist. Together, we are confident that we can entertain the world with quality films and series like never before.”
Netflix and Yash Raj Films join forces to bring a new era of blockbusters! Coming soon! @NetflixIndia pic.twitter.com/i2TeJutOxK — Yash Raj Films (@yrf) September 15, 2023
Akshaye Widhani, CEO, Yash Raj Films said, “YRF’s mission is to create entertaining, inspiring and extraordinary stories from India for the world. Netflix is the biggest streamer in the world and offers us an opportunity to tell our stories in over 190 countries. Their belief in the ‘content-first’ approach, is noteworthy and synergistic with our ethos. This partnership will certainly push YRF as a storyteller to new audiences and allow them to consume Indian stories in their own languages too. India is a young and aspirational country. We have 1.4 billion stories to tell the world. We want to showcase our content, as well as provide a platform for our brilliant homegrown talent to a global audience.”
Inspired by true stories, The Railway Men is a show based on the deadly gas leak in the central Indian city of Bhopal. A cloud of toxic gas escaped from a pesticide plant, on the night of 2nd December 1984, in the city of Bhopal that injured and claimed thousands of lives. This is the untold story of the unsung heroes, who rose to the occasion that night to save the city and its people. This is the story of their courage, their sense of duty and their humanity.
Also inspired by true events, Maharaj, is an incredible David vs. Goliath story set in the 1800s, about how a regular man, journalist by profession, takes on a powerful role-model of society, hailed by many as a messiah for the masses. The fearless reporter uncovers a series of incidents that shake the very foundation of society. ALSO READ: Farah Khan shares Aamir Khan’s hilarious reason for not joining ‘Deewangi Deewangi’ in Om Shanti Om; says, “He kept me hanging and…”
read moreRio Kapadia, Chak De India and Dil Chahta Hai actor, dies at age 66
Veteran actor Rio Kapadia, known for his performances in Chak De India and Dil Chahta Hai, has died at the age of 66. The actor died on September 14 and the news was confirmed by his friend Faisal Malik. The cause of his death is yet to be revealed. His last rites will be carried out today at Shiv Dham Shamshan Bhumi in Goregaon.
Rio Kapadia was seen in both movies and TV shows. He worked on projects like The Big Bull, Khuda Hafiz, Agent Vinod, Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Mardaani among others. On web shows, he was seen in City Of Dream, Bombay Begums, The Verdict: State Vs Nanavati, The Test Case etc. Even on TV shows, he was seen in shows like Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Kutumb, Judwa Raja, and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Rio Kapadia was last seen in the Prime Video series Made In Heaven season 2.
Rio Kapadia is survived by his wife Maria Farah, and kids Aman and Veer.
read moreKanika Mann to star as the leading lady in Chand Jalne Laga
From web to television, Kanika Mann has never shied away from exploring new mediums. The actress, who has won hearts with fiction and reality shows, is all set to weave her magic once again as the leading lady opposite actor Vishal Aditya Singh in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s latest venture, Chand Jalne Laga, produced under the banner of Swastik Productions for Colors. This show promises to be a unique love tale that will undoubtedly leave viewers spellbound.
Kanika Mann recently made waves with her role in ‘Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega’, where she portrayed the character of Guddan, a young bride who defies societal norms to emerge as a strong-willed woman. Her character struck a chord with audiences across the nation, earning her a dedicated fan following.
However, Kanika has gone beyond the small screen. She ventured into the digital realm with the web series Roohaniyat, where she shared the screen with Arjun Bijlani. A source close to the actress said, “Kanika's ability to emote and connect with her audience is unparalleled, making her the perfect choice for the role. As anticipation builds for this exciting new show, Kanika's fans can hardly contain their excitement to see her shine once again.
Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Chand Jalne Laga is expected to feature a unique love story but further details are currently being kept under wraps.
Also Read: Kanika Mann sends motivation through her intense workout video
read moreKhatron Ke Khiladi 13: Ex-finalist Faisal Shaikh aka Mr. Faisu enters as a challenger
Colors’ reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, hosted by Rohit Shetty, has been entertaining viewers with several nerve-wracking tasks and unexpected twists. The upcoming weekend is set to provide an epic showdown between fear and contestants since adding to the excitement, will be the former finalist of the show's previous season, Faisal Shaikh aka Mr. Faisu as he will be seen joining the daredevils as a challenger.
Faisal Shaikh, who gained fame from his participation in the show’s previous season, is thrilled about his comeback to its 13th edition. The challenger remarks that his return to the show brought back the memories of his journey as a daredevil in its 12th season. Talking about his return to ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, Faisal Shaikh said, "The upcoming week on Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 promises an exhilarating challengers' week. I am going to bring an exciting twist to the game by challenging all the contestants to rise above the benchmark I set.”
He further added, “My journey in its 12th season of the show changed my life. Returning to the show filled me with nostalgia; all the wonderful memories came rushing back, and I was thrilled to have a chance to relive that experience as a challenger. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the action legend himself, Rohit Shetty, for his mentorship, and to COLORS for offering me this incredible opportunity. I hope the audience will embrace my comeback and shower their love on me as they always have."
He will be seen setting this benchmark by asking them to complete these jaw-dropping stunts against the clock, as they attempt to beat Faisal's performances. Along with the adrenaline rush, Faisal is set to bring a huge dose of entertainment into the mix.
Coming to Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, the show airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm on Colors.
Also Read: Khatron Ke Khiladi 13: ‘Chota Bhaijaan’ Abdu Rozik joins the adventure as wild card contestant
read moreSanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi and Raju Hirani hint at reuniting for Munnabhai 3 in this video; watch
If there is one Sanjay Dutt movie that is everyone’s favourite, then it is undoubtedly the Munna Bhai franchise. Whether it was the 2003 movie Munna Bhai MBBS or Lage Raho Munna Bhai in 2006, the two movies enjoyed a massive fan following. However, the speculations about a third part being on the cards have been doing the rounds for quite some time now. While there hasn’t been a confirmation on the same, a viral video has just surfaced hinting at a possible sequel!
A video clip featuring Sanjay Dutt in his Munnabhai avatar, sporting the famous bright orange shirt has gone viral. It also features the actor walking with director Rajkumar Hirani on a film set, with the Munnabhai title track in the background with the filmmaker can also be heard saying, “Ahh, Munna is back!" Just moments after Sanjay Dutt’s entry, Arshad Warsi enters in his ‘Circuit’ avatar and is seen greeting Sanjay Dutt with a hug. Followed by this, Rajkumar Hirani is seen saying ‘And we are back’.
After two hit films, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, there were several speculations that a third film is in the making. However, in an interview earlier this year, Arshad had said, “We have a director who wants to make it, a producer who wants to produce it, an audience who wants to see it, actors who want to act in it and still it is not happening.”
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When asked if film director Rajkumar Hirani is yet to narrow down on the perfect script, he added, “The thing is, Raju [Hirani] is insanely perfectionist. He has 3 scripts which are brilliant but there are some glitches. So, till the time he is not 100-200 per cent sure of the script, he won’t start it. When you ask him, he will always say yes, never says no. He will say ‘main kar raha ho.. ek baar script fix ho jaaye na, mujhe yeh pasand nahi woh pasand nahi’. Once he crosses that stage, he will start.”
While we wait for an official announcement about Munnabhai 3, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi will be seen sharing screen in the upcoming Welcome franchise titled Welcome Back To The Jungle.
Also Read: 30 Years of Khalnayak premiere: Sanjay Dutt opens up on wearing ghagra choli for the male version of ‘Choli Ke Peeche’; also says, “Unlike the present day, we used not question our directors. Tab director ki bahut izzat hoti thi”
read moreParineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Wedding: Invite of various functions goes viral
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha have been in news ever since they got engaged earlier this year in Delhi. The couple were expected to tie the knot once Parineeti completes her work commitments and now, we hear that the actress has wrapped up major schedules of her upcoming ventures. As per current reports, the couple will be tying the knot on September 24 in a lavish traditional ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
While earlier reports of their venue and other details went viral, now what has been doing the rounds on social media are the wedding invites. In fact, going by the photos of these invitation cards, the couple seems to have specially customized invites for each of their wedding functions. In the set of viral invitations that are doing the rounds on social media, the ceremonies kick off from September 23 onwards with Parineeti Chopra’s Choora ceremony (the one where the girl adorns the ceremonial bridal bangles). Along with that, the guests will also be given a Fresco Dining experience for their afternoon lunch.
Followed by that, the next day is expected to kick off with Raghav Chadha’s Sehrabandi (tying the turban) ceremony in the afternoon, followed by the Baarat (groom’s procession) which will kick off at the Taj Palace. It will be proceeding to The Leela Palace for the wedding ceremony where the Jaimala (garland exchange) will be held at 3:30 pm, followed by the pheras and then the ceremony will be concluding with the vidai. After the ceremony, guests will be seen celebrating the special day with the bride and groom at a special gala dinner which has been organized at The Leela Palace’s grand Courtyard.
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In an earlier report, it was being said that the couple will also be hosting a special Sangeet as well as Mehendi night before kicking off the wedding celebrations. After the grand wedding in Rajasthan, the couple will be arriving in Gurugram where they will be having a small reception bash for their friends and relatives.
Also Read: Photos: Mission Raniganj stars Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra snapped at Pooja Entertainment office in Juhu
read moreCONFIRMED: Arjun Kapoor to play the villain in Ajay Devgn & Rohit Shetty's Singham Again
Rohit Shetty's Singham Again is among the most awaited films of Indian Cinema, with one of the biggest ensemble cast of all time. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in lead roles with Tiger Shroff as the baddie carrying the story of Sooryavanshi forward. Bollywood Hungama has confirmed news that the newest member of Rohit Shetty cop universe is Arjun Kapoor.
A source well-placed industry source informed Bollywood Hungama saying, "Yes, Arjun Kapoor is joining Rohit Shetty cop universe and this is the biggest surprise which Rohit and his team have kept under wraps. However, the twist in tale is the fact that Arjun is playing the part of a villain and not the hero. Arjun will be the villain against the 4 supercops - Singham, Simmba, Sooryavanshi and Lady Singham."
The source further added that Arjun has already started prep work for Singham Again with Rohit and team. "Rohit is very particular about his casting and is going all out to make this the biggest film of Indian Cinema. He brought the biggest stars of Indian Cinema on board and is all ready to blast the box office with this action packed thriller," the source told further.
Singham Again is the third film from Singham franchise after Singham and Singham Returns, and the fifth film of Rohit Shetty's Universe after Singham, Singham Returns, Simmba and Sooryavanshi. The film is set to go on floors soon and hit the big screen in 2024. With Singham Again, Rohit will yet again prove why he is the most bankable director of Indian Cinema.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone to play Ajay Devgn’s sister in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again
read moreGovinda to be questioned by EOW in Rs. 1,000 crore online ponzi scam probe: Report
The Odisha Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has announced its intention to interrogate Bollywood actor Govinda as part of an investigation into a massive Rs. 1,000 crore pan-India Online Ponzi Scam. The probe revolves around the activities of Solar Techno Alliance (STA-Token), an entity with a significant online presence across several countries, accused of operating an illegal pyramid scheme masquerading as a cryptocurrency investment venture.
While Govinda's name has come up in connection with the Online Ponzi Scam, authorities have clarified that he is neither a suspect nor an accused in the case. His exact role will be determined during the course of the investigation. Govinda had reportedly endorsed the company's operations in promotional videos and attended an event in Goa in July, organized by STA-Token.
EOW Inspector General J N Pankaj stated, “We will soon send a team to Mumbai to question film star Govinda who had attended STA's grand function in Goa in July and promoted the company in some videos.”
General Pankaj further explained that if their investigation finds Govinda's involvement was limited to endorsing the STAToken brand as part of a business agreement, he may be considered a witness rather than a party to the scam. He said, “If we find that his role was limited to only endorsement of the product (STAToken brand) as per their business agreement, then we will make him a witness in our case.”
The fraudulent scheme managed to collect a staggering Rs. 30 crore from around 10,000 individuals across multiple regions of Odisha, including Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Bhubaneswar. Additionally, reports indicate that the scam reached investors in states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, and others.
The EOW has already made several arrests in connection with the case, including the company's country head, Gurtej Singh Sidhu, and its Odisha head, Nirod Das, on August 7. Bhubaneswar-based investment adviser Ratnakar Palai was arrested on August 16 due to his link with Sidhu. A lookout circular has been issued for the company's chief, David Gez, a Hungarian national.
Also Read: Govinda says he has “suffered enough professionally”; speaks about now-deleted tweet on Haryana violence
read moreVishal Bhardwaj's Khufiya starring Tabu, Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi to release on October 5 on Netflix
Reuniting the iconic duo of Vishal Bhardwaj and Tabu, Khufiya premieres on October 5, exclusively on Netflix. This spy-thriller is inspired by real-life events and is based on a book, "Escape to Nowhere", written by the former Chief of the Counter Espionage Unit of R&AW, Amar Bhushan. The film takes viewers on a gripping journey into the mysterious world of love, betrayal and all things Khufiya.
Featuring a stellar and versatile cast including Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Ashish Vidyarthi and Azmeri Haque Badhon, Khufiya follows an R&AW operative, Krishna Mehra, who is assigned a crucial mission which leaves her juggling between her dual identity as a spy and a lover.
Kuch raaz, raaz hi rahe to behtar hai. But not this one ???? Bringing you the most #Khufiya mission on October 5, only on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/86NDcLldfj — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) September 14, 2023
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film is written by Vishal Bhardwaj and Rohan Narula and is produced by Vishal Bhardwaj Films. The film also stars Ashish Vidyarthi. ALSO READ: Fresh from the success of Jubilee, Wamiqa Gabbi buys her first car; says, “This vehicle represents a symbol of my perseverance”
read moreBhuvan Bam to provide commentary for the new season of the game show Takeshi’s Castle
Prime Video today announced the Indian reboot of the popular '80s Japanese game show, Takeshi’s Castle, with actor and content creator Bhuvan Bam taking on a new role of a commentator. The eight-episode series will stream exclusively for viewers on Prime Video India. The brand-new season will retain the eccentricities that people saw in the original version - swashbuckling adventures, fun set-ups, and challenging games coupled with hilarious commentary. As contestants travel from one terrifying escapade to another, Bhuvan Bam will be providing a uniquely Indian perspective and add elements of fun and laughter as one of his most-loved characters – ‘Titu Mama’ from BB Ki Vines.
Recapturing the essence of the original series, viewers will get to watch over 100 contestants—the “attacking army”—attempt to storm the impenetrable castle, fighting off all kinds of guards, devils, and giant foam mushrooms along the way. Only the bravest and luckiest will make it through to take on Takeshi himself, and potentially bank 1 million yen.
“Takeshi’s Castle is certainly one of the most iconic shows in India’s television history. Not just in India, but across the globe, Takeshi’s Castle has a huge fan following,” said Manish Menghani, director - content licensing, Prime Video, India. “As a global streaming service, our mission is to curate diverse content from all corners of the globe, while preserving its relevance and resonance with our local audiences. We are thrilled to announce Bhuvan Bam as the voice of the brand-new season of Takeshi’s Castle. We are sure that his uproarious and off-beat commentary of this iconic Japanese game-show will have the viewers in splits. This show promises to rekindle nostalgia and offer an entirely fresh and exhilarating experience to younger audiences.”
it's happening, the most awaited comeback of all times ???? Takeshi’s Castle ft. #BhuvanOnPrime, coming soon! ???? pic.twitter.com/StZC5RrO9G
— prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) September 14, 2023
Commenting on the involvement in the iconic show, actor and creator Bhuvan Bam said, “Since the original version of Takeshi’s Castle was on television, I have been an ardent fan of the concept, execution and the hilarity of the game show. It’s highly nostalgic for me to have grown up seeing the show and now voicing it, is genuinely a full circle moment. I don’t think there is anyone in my generation who hasn’t loved and enjoyed this madcap comedy. Being a part of this incredible game show is a privilege and an honour. As an entertainer, my viewers have always appreciated the unique yet relatable characters that I’ve portrayed, and I'm happy to bring a bit of my creative self as ‘Titu Mama’. I am hopeful that the younger generation will get to love this show as much as we did.” ALSO READ: Bhuvan Bam is all set to lend his voice for an international animated series
read moreSunny Leone's beauty line Starstruck launches on Myntra: "It's a dream come true to see my brand flourish"
Sunny Leone has once more garnered attention through a partnership with Myntra, India's foremost online destination for fashion and lifestyle, to make her well-known cosmetics brand, Starstruck With Sunny Leone, more accessible to Indian consumers. This brand features a diverse array of products, including lipsticks, lip liners, eyeliners, mascaras, highlighters, and nail polishes, all proudly adhering to vegan and cruelty-free principles.
Launched in 2018, Starstruck by Sunny Leone has garnered a dedicated following among the actress's fans and beauty enthusiasts alike. The brand's reach has extended to international markets, including Dubai, where Sunny Leone inaugurated a major sales event. The actress was quoted saying, "I am absolutely thrilled about our collaboration with Myntra! This partnership is a significant step in making Starstruck With Sunny Leone even more accessible to my incredible fans and beauty enthusiasts across India. It's a dream come true to see my brand flourish on Myntra's platform, and I can't wait to share the glamour and quality of our products with millions of customers."
Sunny Leone personally crafted the brand from the ground up, ensuring high-quality, long-lasting products suitable for all skin types and tones. She was intricately involved in every aspect, from shade selection to packaging design. ALSO READ: Pooja Bhatt reveals Sunny Leone was first choice for Jism before Bipasha Basu; recalls, “My office contacted her manager”
read moreAnil Sharma reacts after Naseeruddin Shah said that success of films like Gadar 2 is ‘disturbing’: “I have never had any political propaganda in this”
A recent statement by Naseeruddin Shah made headlines when he called the success of films like Gadar 2 ‘disturbing’. The veteran actor said that the objective of filmmaking is now driven by jingoism. Now, Gadar 2 director Anil Sharma has responded to Naseeruddin Shah’s statement.
In an interview with Aaj Tak, Anil Sharma said, “I read that quote by Naseer Sahab. I was surprised after reading it. Naseer Sahab knows me well and he also knows which ideology I belong to. I am surprised that he is saying such things about Gadar 2.”
He further added, “I would like to say that Gadar 2 is not against any community. Neither is it against any country. Gadar in itself is a film which is full of patriotism. It is part of a sequel. It is a proper masala film. Which people have been watching for years. So I would like to tell Naseer Sahab that once he watches Gadar 2, he will definitely change his statement. I still feel that he cannot say such things. I have been a fan of his acting. If he has said so, then I would request him to watch the film once. I have always made cinema with the aim of masala. I have never had any political propaganda in this. Naseer Sahab himself is aware of this.”
In an interview with Free Press Journal, Naseeruddin Shah said that the popularity of films now is driven due to jingoism. He said, “Now the more jingoist you are, the more popular you become, because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country, but beat drums about it and you have to create imaginary enemies. What these people don’t realise is that what they are doing is very harmful. In fact, films like The Kerala Story and Gadar 2, I haven’t seen them but I know what they are about.”
Gadar 2 stars Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma. The film was released in theatres on August 11, 2023. ALSO READ: Vivek Agnihotri REACTS to Naseeruddin Shah for his remark on The Kashmir Files’ popularity: “He likes to support terrorists”
read moreJawan piracy: Red Chillies hires anti-piracy agencies to track down pirates; file police complaint
The rising popularity of Jawan has created a huge rise in pirated content with clips and the film being leaked across various platforms. To tackle this issue Red Chillies Entertainment has taken strict disciplinary action against Individuals sharing the clips or uploading it across platforms like WhatsApp and others.
Multiple anti-piracy agencies have been hired by the production house to track down individuals and groups aggressively, who are then reported to the police to take criminal action for spreading piracy. The production house today has filed a police complaint with police inspector, Mr. Amar Patil, from Santacruz West, Police Station against people who are in indulging in piracy.
According to a source close to the production house*, "We have already tracked down pirated accounts run by individuals across various platforms, criminal and civil action is being initiated against them for releasing pirated content of the film Jawan. Piracy is a huge issue faced by the film industry at large and undermines the hard work of thousands of people associated with the film. Such acts of illegally recording and leaking, amounts to cheating, theft, and infringement/violation of intellectual property”.
The production house has found that the nature of the pirated content infringement clearly indicates that it was unlawfully accessed and stolen by persons who are distributing the same illegally for monetary gains. Further, such an act would not have been possible without entering into a criminal conspiracy by the accused. Hence criminal action will be taken against individuals and groups.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan creates waves in the overseas markets with 25.31 mil. USD [Rs. 210 cr.]; likely to rake in 45 mil. USD in the final tally
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