Bollywood
Parineeti Chopra may tie the knot with Raghav Chadha in Rajasthan just like cousin Priyanka Chopra Jonas?
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha, who have been the talk of the town recently, seem to be busy trying to lock the venue for their impending wedding. The couple, who got engaged earlier this month, is expected to be tying the knot in Rajasthan as per current reports. From what we hear, Parineeti is currently in the state where she was seen spending time with her relatives. Further adding to the speculations, it is being said that Raghav will be joining the actress soon.
As per IANS reports, Parineeti Chopra arrived in Udaipur on Saturday and was staying at Udaipur Palace, along with her family members too staying at Udayvilas. Later, she was reportedly seen having lunch with her relatives. Furthermore, adding fuel to the fire, Parineeti Chopra is also expected to have had a meeting with Shikha Saxena of the Tourism Department, wherein she was seen asking about the touristy places and hotels in Udaipur. If that was not all, Raghav Chadha is expected to have visited Jaipur to scout for wedding venues, followed by Parineeti Chopra joining him on Sunday, May 28.
If these reports are to be believed, it seems that Parineeti Chopra wants to follow the footsteps of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who too tied the knot in Rajasthan way back in 2018. However, the couple are yet to choose between Udaipur and Jaipur.
News about Parineeti Chopra getting engaged to Raghav Chadha started doing the rounds last month. Later, reports had it that the couple had hosted an intimate ‘roka’ ceremony before exchanging rings at Kapurthala House in New Delhi. As for their wedding plans, the couple haven’t interacted with the media regarding the same. However, during the engagement, reports had it that the couple will be tying the knot in October or by the end of 2023.
Also Read: Parineeti Chopra’s brothers, Shivang and Sahaj, strike a pose with Raghav Chadha; actress praises them as the “Best boys in the world”
read moreAthiya Shetty breaks silence on controversial club video with KL Rahul; says, “Check your facts before reporting,”
Earlier this year, Bollywood and cricket intertwined once again as Indian cricketer and current captain of Lucknow Super Giants, KL Rahul, tied the knot with Athiya Shetty, daughter of renowned actor Sunil Shetty. The couple, who had been dating for several years, exchanged vows on January 23, 2023, in a joyous ceremony attended by their loved ones. Although KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty are yet to celebrate their six-month anniversary, a video capturing the cricketer's presence at a club is currently making waves on social media. The video, which had gone viral, showcased KL Rahul enjoying his time at the club.
KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty are now in London. They were seen at what seeming looked like an adult entertainment zone. Netizens have commented that it is a strip club. The cricketer is on a break as he revives from the surgery. While people made varied comments, others said that he has done nothing illegal. Even Athiya Shetty was seen with him at the club. The video surfaced all over internet in no time.
#KLRahul Spotted In Strip Club In UK During His Recovery???? pic.twitter.com/l2MpFB5WKp — VK18???????? (@InChnadrakant) May 27, 2023
However, Athiya Shetty now decided to raise her voice on the matter. On Saturday evening, Athiya took to her Instagram Story and wrote, “I usually choose to be silent and not react, but sometimes it’s important to stand up for yourself.”
She further added, “Rahul, I and our friends went out to a regular place, as one does.” “Stop taking things out of context, and check your facts before reporting,” stated Athiya.
“Peace and love,” she concluded.
Suniel Shetty’s daughter Athiya Shetty and Indian cricketer KL Rahul tied knot in a small ceremony at Suniel Shetty's farmhouse in Khandala.
Also Read: Athiya Shetty on KL Rahul, “He is responsible for changing my mindset”
read moreMirzapur meets Dahaad: Prime Video presents a jaw-dropping showdown between Munna Tripathi and Anand Swarnkar; watch
Prime Video streaming service has unveiled a captivating video that brings together two of the most notorious criminal masterminds from their universe. On one side stands the infamous Munna Bhaiya (played by Divyenndu), the future kingpin of Mirzapur, while on the other side lurks the eerie and sinister antagonist, Anand Swarnkar (portrayed by Vijay Varma), known for his menacing presence in Dahaad.
The video presented a gripping face-off between these two formidable villains, as Munna attempts to get under Anand's skin, accusing him of orchestrating the disappearance of 28 women. Munna relentlessly interrogates and probes Anand, determined to expose him as the mastermind behind these sinister acts. In contrast, Anand maintains his trademark composed demeanor throughout the confrontation, keeping his cool.
However, as the video reaches its conclusion, an unexpected twist takes place. Anand changes his demeanor and like a chameleon showcases the other color of his personality. This surprising revelation leaves fans perplexed, raising questions about the true nature and depths of darkness possessed by these two intriguing characters.
Prince of Mirzapur meets Prince Charming! ⚡#DahaadOnPrime, watch now@divyenndu @MrVijayVarma pic.twitter.com/x2giifBP0C — prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) May 27, 2023
The epic showdown between Munna Bhaiya and Anand Swarnkar promises an intense clash of forces within the Prime Video universe. Viewers are left wondering who truly reigns as the bigger villain, as the boundaries blur between their malevolence and the depths of their wickedness. This electrifying encounter sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that will keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events and the ultimate clash between these captivating characters.
Directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, Dahaad is produced by Excel Media & Entertainment and Tiger Baby with Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Reema Kagti as executive producers. The 8-episode series is streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
Also Read: Mirzapur actor Shahnawaz Pradhan dies of a heart attack after receiving an award at an awards function
read moreDeepika Padukone stuns in her first-ever campaign for Cartier as a global brand ambassador
Deepika Padukone was the first Indian to be signed by a leading International fashion house, Louis Vuitton. She was later signed on by Cartier as well and the actress has become the biggest global ambassador from India. The actress recently shot for the jewellery brand in multiple ensembles, flaunting their latest collection of diamond pieces.
A source close to the actress gushed about her recent achievements adding, “Deepika Padukone has opened doors for other Indian actors to be signed on by global luxury brands. With her phenomenal global appeal and popularity, she is the first Indian face that brand biggies are betting on.” From making her big Hollywood debut to attending the MET Gala to being a Cannes Film Festival jury member, Deepika has been a part of some of the events internationally including the unveiling of FIFA trophy as well as featuring on the cover of TIME Magazine.
On the work front, Deepika Padukone was last seen in the biggest Bollywood blockbuster Pathaan in which she essayed the role of a spy alongside Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham. The actress will next be seen in Fighter alongside Hrithik Roshan. This is the first time where she will be paired alongside the superstar and the film is expected to revolve around pilots. The aerial action entertainer, directed by Siddharth Anand, will also star Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, among others in pivotal roles.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif to join Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan starrer Pathaan Vs Tiger; shoot to commence in January 2024
read moreSCOOP: No cameo for Allu Arjun in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan
Over the past couple of months, there have been a number of reports based on the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan. Directed by Atlee, the film, which also features Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, has been making headlines for its shoot to various other aspects. One such reason the film has been grabbing eyeballs is the reports of Pushpa star Allu Arjun making a cameo in Jawan. However, contrary to reports, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the actor will not be seen making a cameo.
“Jawan is already a rage, ever since its announcement thanks to its casting the film has been a major discussion topic. Shah Rukh Khan fans too are eagerly awaiting its release, and have been hanging on to every reports that comes out. But when it comes to Allu Arjun featuring in Jawan the rumours are totally untrue,” reveals a well-placed industry insider to Bollywood Hungama. Continuing further the source adds, “It was all just a rumour that Allu will be seen in Jawan, in reality he was never even approached for a cameo. As of now the only cameo in Jawan will be that of Sanjay Dutt.”
Despite the reality of Allu Arjun not featuring in Jawan, we are still excited to see Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen in a new avatar after Pathaan. As for the movie itself, Jawan is directed by Atlee Kumar starring Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. Initially, expected to release in June this year, the makers of the Red Chillies production postponed the film to September 7 as they needed more time to work on the VFX of the film.
Also Read: Yash Raj Films to distribute Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan in overseas
read moreAkshay Kumar's Oh My God 2 to arrive in cinemas; release date unveiling soon
OMG Oh My God, which was released in 2012, was a courtroom drama which starred Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. It was the story of Kanji (Paresh Rawal), an atheist, whose shop got destroyed in an earthquake. When the insurance company refused to reimburse him citing ‘act of God’, Kanji filed a case against God. Akshay Kumar played Lord Krishna and how He became a part of Kanji’s struggle formed the crux of the film. Now, after 11 years since the triumph of Oh My God, Akshay Kumar is set to delight audiences once again with the sequel, Oh My God 2, a social comedy that promises to entertain and engage viewers.
As per Pinkvilla, a source close to the development said, “Akshay Kumar along with his partners, Ashwin Varde, Viacom 18, and Jio Studios have decided on a theatrical release for Oh My God 2. Several discussions happen throughout the course of making, but, Oh My God 2 was always announced as a theatrical venture. The officials never commented on the OTT release, and even today, the film is being readied as a theatrical venture. The final edit is being locked and worked upon at this point of time. The theatrical release date of Oh My God 2 will be announced soon.”
Last year on December, Akshay had made his presence felt at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he shared an interesting detail about his upcoming film. He had revealed while having a conversation with moderator Kaleem Aftab that one of his forthcoming films talks about the importance of sex education. Akshay had stated, "It’s a very important subject. In a lot of places, (sex education) is not there. We have all kinds of subjects we learn in school and sex education is one topic I would like all the schools in the world to have. (This film is) going to take time to release, it’s going to be April [or] May.”
Also Read: Akshay Kumar engages in spiritual journey; offers prayer at Kedarnath temple
read moreSalman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma receives legal notice for alleged plagiarism in Ruslaan dialogues & story
Following a petition against their upcoming film Ruslaan, a Delhi court has recently served a notice to Aayush Sharma, who is Bollywood actor Salman Khan's brother-in-law, as well as producer K. K. Radhamohan and South Indian actor Jagpathi Babu. Satyabrata Panda, an Additional District Judge at the Patiala House Court, presided over the hearing and directed all the defendants to submit their responses within a week.
The case has been scheduled for another hearing on June 9. Social activist Jagdish Sharma and actor Raajveer Sharma, represented by their lawyer Rudra Vikram Singh, filed an injunction suit seeking to halt the release of the film c. The movie is being produced by Radhamohan, with Aayush Sharma in the lead role. The plaintiffs claim that Ruslaan is a replica of the original 2009 film Ruslaan, produced by Jagdish Sharma, where Raajveer Sharma portrayed the main character.
According to the petition, the defendants were accused of copying the dialogues and storyline from the original film titled Ruslaan. The trailer for Aayush Sharma's forthcoming movie, which also features Telugu superstar Jagapathi Babu and Sushri Mishra, was unveiled on April 21. The 2009 film Ruslaan starred Megha Chatterjee, who happens to be the daughter of renowned actress Moushumi Chatterjee, in the lead role.
Directed by Katyayan Shivpuri, the film Ruslaan unveiled its official trailer on April 21. Alongside Aayush Sharma, the movie also features the debutant actress Sushrii Mishraa in the lead role. The release of the trailer generated an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, who were captivated by the unique character portrayed by Aayush Sharma. In Ruslaan, the actor is seen stepping into a distinct role that sets him apart from his previous two films, showcasing his versatility and ability to embrace diverse characters. The trailer's success has further heightened the anticipation surrounding the movie's release. Fans and movie enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to witnessing Aayush Sharma and Sushrii Mishraa's performances in this cinematic venture.
Also Read: Aayush Sharma begins the last schedule of his action entertainer Ruslaan
read moreAlaya F to share screen space with grandfather Kabir Bedi and mother Pooja Bedi for the first time
Alaya F, who kicked off her career with Jawani Jaaneman alongside Saif Ali Khan and Tabu, has been effortlessly proving herself to the audience by experimenting with her roles. Not only has her work garnered ample fans but she is also slowly becoming a star on social media with the variety of reels and posts she shares. In a recent post, the actress announced her first onscreen appearance on television with her ‘filmy’ family, actress-mother Pooja Bedi and grandfather-actor Kabir Bedi.
Amid her many social media posts, one which has garnered a lot of attention is the perfect family pictures of Alaya with actress-mother Pooja Bedi and actor-grandfather Kabir Bedi. Taking to social media, Alaya F shared this picture along with the announcement that she will coming together with them for the first time on the ongoing The Kapil Sharma Show on Sony Entertainment. Captioning the photo, she wrote, “3 generations coming together for the first time on the @kapilsharma show this Sunday at 9.30pm on @sonytvofficial With my dearest Nana @ikabirbedi and my dearest mother @poojabediofficial”.
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Alaya F, who started her career in 2019, recently garnered a lot of love for her performance in the film Freddy. Later, she also appeared as the leading lady in the Anurag Kashyap love drama Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat. She will be next seen in Sri opposite Rajkummar Rao. Talking about her family, Pooja Bedi is known for her performance in films like Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander and Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi. On the other hand, Kabir Bedi is known for many films including Khoon Bari Maang, Main Hoon Na, Dilwale, etc.
Also Read: Alaya F sets the style statement for summer in a black strappy dress for U-turn promotions
read moreGadar: Ek Prem Katha to re-release in remastered 4K edition ahead of sequel; deets inside
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, the iconic romantic-action film that captivated audiences when it was released in 2001, is all set to make a comeback in theatres. The makers have announced the re-release of the film ahead of the highly anticipated sequel, Gadar 2, slated for release later this year. Fans of the film can rejoice as they will have the opportunity to relive the magic on the big screen once again, starting June 9.
Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, the lead actors of Gadar, took to Instagram on Thursday to share this exciting news with their fans and followers. They revealed that the re-released version of the film has been remastered in 4K, promising an enhanced visual experience. Additionally, the film will be presented in Dolby Atmos sound, further amplifying the immersive cinematic experience.
To build anticipation, the makers also unveiled the trailer of the remastered version on Friday. Directed by Anil Sharma, Gadar is a poignant love story set against the backdrop of the Partition of India. Sunny Deol portrays the character of Tara Singh, a Sikh truck driver from Amritsar, who falls in love with Ameesha Patel's character, Sakina, a Muslim girl, whose family had to migrate to Lahore, Pakistan during the Partition. The film also features the late Amrish Puri in a pivotal role.
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The decision to re-release Gadar comes at an opportune time, as the team is gearing up for the much-awaited sequel, Gadar 2. However, the sequel will face stiff competition at the box office, as it is scheduled to clash with Ranbir Kapoor's Animal on August 11, 2023.
Also Read: 1 Year of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 EXCLUSIVE: Murad Khetani reveals that several people thanked the team of Kartik Aaryan-starrer for reviving the industry; reveals that Tara Sutaria’s Apurva will release directly on Disney+ Hotstar; BREAKS silence on Animal-Gadar 2 clash
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Tripling season 4 likely to go on floors early next year, reveals Sumeet Vyas
The emergence of OTT has brought fame to a lot of names. Sumeet Vyas is one actor who has benefitted a lot from the web medium. One show that has helped him gain popularity is TVF Tripling. The show has had three successful seasons and the fans are awaiting the fourth one.
Vyas himself has shared the status of TVF Tripling season 4 in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. He said, “We will start the writing for season 4 in June. Hopefully the script should be locked by the end of the year and then we should start.” When asked if it will go on floors early next year, he said, “Yes, most likely.”
Sumeet recently made his directorial debut with the online series Tankesh Diaries, also for TVF. Speaking about the experience he said, “Thankfully, this was very familiar. We had taken characters from Permanent Roommates (his other popular show) and we were making this campaign for Ikea.”
Initially, he was only going to act in the show. “Baaton baaton mein it was mentioned if I would like to direct it,” he said. “I jumped at the idea. I am glad it turned out well. I had a good time and a great team to work with. We had a fantastic editor. So, it was a very good experience.”
Speaking about his forthcoming projects, Vyas said, “We are doing a series called Blinded. Ken Ghosh is directing it and Goldie Behl and Applause Entertainment are producing it. It’s a corporate drama. The story is based on corporate life. It’s interesting; it’s well-written.”
Vyas was last seen in the movie Afwah where he played the role of a politician. The film also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Pednekar in pivotal roles.
Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan was supposed to be paired opposite Pakistani actor Danish Taimoor instead of Sumeet Vyas in Veere Di Weddingtripl
read moreRaashii Khanna joins AcneStar as the new face of the brand
AcneStar, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Gel & face wash from the house of Mankind Pharma has onboarded the multilingual and multi-talented Raashii Khanna, as the new face of the brand for driving better engagement with the audience. Owing to the popularity of Raashii Khanna across the spectrum through her films and shows panning over different languages, mediums and genres, the brand aims to intensify its reach PAN India with a TVC featuring the multi-talented beauty.
From impressive work across the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada markets, Raashii Khanna has created a nationwide craze with her OTT shows Rudra: The Edge of Darkness and Farzi, and is currently the new Dharma heroine for Yodha.
Through the collaboration, the brand strives to penetrate deeper into the market by reaching out to the large audience base of Raashii’s fandom across the country. To ensure better reception amongst the audience, the brand will be rolling out a TVC as an extension of the 'Search Nahi Research Ki Suno' campaign, encouraging the masses to choose a product wisely that is backed by proper science and research.
Commenting on the collaboration, Raashii Khanna said, “Acne and skin concerns are universally susceptible problems and as youngsters, we are always looking at easier and safer ways to obtain clear acne-free skin. AcneStar employs scientific brilliance to present a product that offers a dependable solution to skincare, I am glad to be associated with a brand that is also vested in the public’s interest and better quality of living.”
Speaking on the occasion, Joy Chatterjee, Associate Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mankind Pharma said, “We are very excited to onboard Raashii Khanna as the face of AcneStar. In order to expand our visibility and strengthen our foothold in the market, we were in search of a figure who was well-recognized by the audience. And considering that the actress is quite popular and at the same time resonates with the proposition of the brand, we collaborated with her to drive visibility amongst the target audience. It will further help us in augmenting the recall value of the brand amongst the masses. Furthermore, the audience having faith in the actress will aid in driving the authenticity of the brand at the same time.”
Also Read: Ahead of Yodha’s July release, female lead Raashii Khanna dubs for her character
read moreIIFA ROCKS: Salman Khan and Nora Fatehi to turn showstopper pair onstage for Manish Malhotra
Salman Khan, who is the brand ambassador for IIFA 2023, may not be a part of hosting this year but the actor is all set to turn model. The actor will turn showstopper alongside the popular dancer-actress Nora Fatehi for the celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra at the forthcoming event IIFA Rocks. Readers would be aware that this year the awards ceremony is being in the prestigious Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.
Earlier this week, we saw many celebrities take off to Dubai for the much-awaited IIFA evening. The two-day event will kick off with IIFA Rocks where celebrities will be donning their glamorous avatars for the green carpet and the evening is expected to be filled with performances, fashion shows, and other events. While IIFA Rocks will be held on May 26, the award ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 27. Coming to the fashion show, Manish Malhotra will be showcasing some of his most prestigious on the IIFA stage with Salman Khan and Nora Fatehi.
IIFA Rocks is expected to be hosted by Rajkummar Rao and Farah Khan. The evening is expected to have an award ceremony honouring the technicians as well as a musical evening with performances from popular artists like Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya, Sukhbir, and Amit Trivedi.
On the other hand, the award ceremony on May 27 will be hosted by Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan. The evening will be laced with performances from superstars like Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Nora Fatehi, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Rakul Preet Singh.
Talking about their projects, Salman Khan was last seen in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and will next be seen in Tiger 3 that is slated to release in November this year. Whereas Nora Fatehi was last seen in the film An Action Hero in the song ‘Jehda Nasha’. The actress also appeared in the music video of B Praak song ‘Acha Sila Diya’ which featured her alongside Vicky Kaushal.
Also Read: IIFA 2023: About 25000 people and 120 celebrities to attend this year’s edition at Abu Dhabi
read moreSatyaprem Ki Katha: Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani starrer first song 'Naseeb Se' to release on May 27; watch teaser
After the release of the enthralling teaser of Sajid Nadiadwala and Namah Pictures' Satyaprem Ki Katha, the demand for the release of its soulful songs has taken the entire social media by storm. Keeping the audience's wish in mind, the makers decided to release the song of this upcoming romantic musical saga before the trailer launch and now they are here with the teaser of the first song from the film, ‘Naseeb Se’.
The teaser of ‘Naseeb Se’ has indeed come as a treat for the audience who were eagerly waiting to hear the soulful melody of the film after they heard a little of it in the teaser. As the blockbuster jodi of Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani is coming back on the screen after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the teaser of ‘Naseeb Se’ song has boosted the excitement for the release of the song.
Having seen Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani in the teaser of ‘Naseeb Se’ song indeed ensures a musical romance of the year. The song is composed by Payal Dev, and beautifully sung by Payal Dev and Vishal Mishra. The lyrics of the song are given by A.M. Turaz. The song will be released tomorrow.
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Satyaprem Ki Katha also marks a massive collaboration between NGE and Namah Pictures. Interestingly, Sajid Nadiadwala and Shareen Mantri Kedia with Kishor Arora and director Sameer Vidwans won a National Award for their respective feature films. 'Satyaprem Ki Katha' will be released in theatres on June 29, 2023.
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan wraps Satyaprem Ki Katha: “It will always be my most favourite, strongest and bravest character”
read moreAshwiny Iyer Tiwari to direct a magnum opus on the life of Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai
After films like Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari is now all set to direct a magnum opus of epic proportions. Based on the life of Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai, the film has been in discussions for some time and will go on floors in the near future.
Devika Rani, extremely beautiful and talented was titled the ‘First Lady of Indian cinema’ by her fans; Himanshu Rai, on the other hand, was one of the pioneers of Indian cinema, an actor par excellence, a star and an astute businessman. In 1934, the duo went on to set up Bombay Talkies, India’s first professional film studio that dominated cinema in India for a decade.
Born with an innate passion for storytelling, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari embarked on her journey as a filmmaker, armed with a determination to create meaningful and authentic cinema. Her distinctive style is a seamless blend of nuanced storytelling, relatable characters, and a keen eye for detail, making her films a testament to her extraordinary craft.
She now brings this expertise to the magnum opus, which is touted to be the most challenging project she has taken on this far. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari has joined hands with a prominent Indian film studio for the project being planned on an elaborate scale. It is currently in the scripting stage. It will be interesting to watch the real-life story of those who are responsible for gifting huge and legendary creative artists to Indian cinema like Raj Kapoor, Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar etc.
Also Read: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on establishing one-door vanity for women on film sets: “This is mandatory on all my shoots”
read moreFilmmaker Sudipto Sen falls ill, halts promotions of The Kerala Story
Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has been directing movies since over 20 years, including documentaries. But he has achieved fame in recent times with the release of his Bollywood movie The Kerala Story, which stars Adah Sharma in the lead.
Sen, unfortunately, has fallen ill recently after traveling a lot to promote the film. With the filmmaker being hospitalized, he won’t be able to take part in the city-to-city promotions of The Kerala Story.
Sharing more about his condition, a source said, “Sudipto Sen along with the team has been continuously traveling promoting The Kerala Story and due to excess travel, he has fallen sick. Which is why, the promotional plan and city visits are at hold. The Kerala Story is already a blockbuster success and will have a long run at the box office in the next month. The filmmaker has requested the audience to keep showering love on the film and has appealed to people to watch it with family. The filmmaker will soon be back to continue the promotion and will touch 10 cities.”
Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story released in theatres on May 5.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Taran Adarsh analyses the factors behind the success of The Kerala Story; says, “In terms of economics, it’s a lottery”
read moreSaif Ali Khan’s action-adventure series for Netflix to be directed by Robbie Grewal
Saif Ali Khan and Siddharth Anand (of Pathaan fame) go back a long way. They have been close friends ever since Siddharth directed Saif in Ta Ra Rum Pum and Salaam Namaste. After these two films, Siddharth directed two movies with his erstwhile best friend Ranbir Kapoor (Bachna Ae Haseeno and Anjana Anjani), then two other films with Hrithik Roshan (Bang Bang and War).
Now after Pathaan, Siddharth Aanand and Saif are likely to team up again, though Siddharth is not directing this time. His assistant Robbie Grewal is. Grewal is known for his slick directorial skills in the cop thriller Samay: When Time Strikes starring Sushmita Sen and his espionage drama Romeo Akbar Walter, which starred John Abraham, along with Jackie Shroff, Mouni Roy and Sikandar Kher. Grewal then came up with the romantic film MP3: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar.
Grewal has apparently come up with an exciting script for Saif that Siddharth Anand will produce.
This will be Saif’s second project with Netflix after the much talked about web series Sacred Games, which also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The Race actor is currently gearing up for his next release Adipurush. He will be playing the character of Raavan in the mythological drama directed by Om Raut, which also star Prabhas and Kriti Sanon.
Also Read: Saif Ali Khan joins hands with Siddharth Anand after 16 years for an action film for Netflix
read moreKareena Kapoor Khan to attend F1 Grand Pix in Monaco
Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has been busy with the shoot for The Crew, is taking a break from work to focus on her other work commitments. The actress will be representing India and attending the F1 Monaco Grand Prix on May 28. As per the source, Kareena Kapoor Khan will watch the practice race on May 27 in Monaco and interact with some of the GP drivers too. In the past, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Christiano Ronaldo have attended the event.
As per the official website of Formula 1, “The opening day of practice in the principality will take place on May 26, followed by a qualifying day on May 27 and, finally, the Grand Prix itself on May 28, with another exciting weekend of F1 action in store.”
Coming to her forthcoming projects, Kareena has The Crew with Tabu and Kriti Sanon. She will also be seen in Sujoy Ghosh’s web adaptation of the bestselling novel The Devotion of Suspect X. The film stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma. It will mark her digital debut on Netflix. She also has Hansal Mehta’s next. She turns co-producer with Ekta Kapoor. ALSO READ: Kareena Kapoor Khan delights fans with “Goa Night” selfie featuring red lip look
read moreIIFA 2023: Rakul Preet Singh to give tribute to black and white era of Hindi cinema: “All the songs are going to be from the 50s and 60s”
Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh is one of the performers at the IIFA 2023 ceremony and is pumped to be part of the line-up. Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal are set to host the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2023. The press conference on Thursday was attended by Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao along with performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan and Iulia Vantur.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Rakul Preet Singh revealed that her performance is a tribute to the ‘black and white’ era of Hindi cinema. “I am really excited. It is also something I have never done,” the actress said, adding, “So all the songs are going to be from the 50s and 60s, and I am excited about it.”
Abu Dhabi is hosting IIFA for the second time in a row. “I think the city is so beautiful," Rakul said. She visited the Warner Bros. lot on Thursday morning and said, “It was stunning, and I am just looking forward to having the most wonderful weekend.”
The grand finale of the IIFA Awards will take place on May 27 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with electrifying performances by Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh. ALSO READ: Rakul Preet Singh indulges in mouth-watering Gujarati thali in Ahmedabad; watch video
read moreSalman Khan confirms he has wrapped Tiger 3: 'It was a very hectic shoot'
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday for IIFA 2023. The actor was seen sporting a new look which seems like is for his next project. At the press conference, the actor confirmed that he has wrapped the shoot for Tiger 3.
In an interaction with the media in Abu Dhabi, Salman said, “Last night, I was shooting for Tiger (Tiger 3) and I have completed Tiger 3. Now you will get to see Tiger on Diwali, inshallah.” The actor added, “It was a very hectic shoot, it was good though.”
A few days ago, Salman Khan shared a photo of himself showing his injured back. Along with the photo, he wrote, “When u think u r carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, he says duniya ko chodo paanch kilo ka dumbbell utha ke dikhao (leave aside the world, pick up a 5kg dumbbell).Tiger Zakhmi Hai (tiger is injured). #Tiger3.”
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Meanwhile, Salman Khan had his Eid 2023 release Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan on Friday, April 21. A Salman Khan Film production, the film was directed by Farhad Samji and it starred Salman Khan, Venkatesh Daggubati, Pooja Hegde, Jagapathi Babu, Bhumika Chawla, Vijender Singh, Abhimanyu Singh, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam, Jassie Gill, Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari and Vinali Bhatnagar.
Apart from this, Salman has Tiger 3 releasing during Diwali 2023. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Yash Raj Films, it also stars Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi. He then returns to YRF with Pathaan Vs Tiger with Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina and Deepika Padukone. ALSO READ: Salman Khan hugs a young boy amid tight security at Mumbai airport as he heads to Dubai for IIFA 2023
read moreAshish Vidyarthi ties the knot for the 2nd time in intimate Kolkata wedding; marries Rupali Barua
Veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi, known for his remarkable performances in films and web series, has tied the knot for the second time. The 60-year-old actor exchanged vows with Rupali Barua in an intimate registry marriage ceremony held at a Kolkata club on Thursday. The news of their wedding has created a buzz, and now, pictures from their special day have emerged online.
In the wedding photographs, Ashish Vidyarthi can be seen adorned in a traditional Mundu, a garment commonly worn in Kerala, symbolising his connection to the region. His bride, Rupali, opted for an elegant white and golden Mekhela Chador, a traditional Assamese attire, which she beautifully accessorised with golden jewellery inspired by South Indian temple art. The couple looked radiant and filled with joy as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives together.
According to reports, the wedding ceremony was a private affair, attended only by close family members and friends. The couple opted for an intimate gathering to celebrate their union, emphasising the significance of their bond and the importance of their loved ones being present to witness their special day.
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For the unversed, prior to his second marriage, the National Award-winning actor was previously wedded to Rajoshi Barua, the daughter of actor Shakuntala Barua. The former couple also shares a son named Arth Vidyarthi.
Speaking of the professional front, Ashish was last seen in Kuttey, starring Arjun Kapoor and Tabu. Besides the film, he also grabbed attention for his performance in Abhay Deol’s web show Trial By Fire, which started streaming on Netflix earlier this year.
Also Read: 20 Years of Ek Aur Ek Gyarah EXCLUSIVE: “We used to provide different type of performance then,” recalls Ashish Vidyarthi
read moreIIFA 2023 kicks off with press conference by Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan among others
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards got underway today with a press conference attended by hosts Abhishek Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Farah Khan and Rajkummar Rao along with performers Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Nora Fatehi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amit Trivedi, Badshah, Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan and Iulia Vantur.
Joining them were PNC Menon, Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, Hans Fraikin - Film and Television Commissioner and Sandeep Walia, among other dignitaries for the highly anticipated event that promises to be a mélange of glitz and glamour. Sobha Realty would be presenting the star-studded IIFA Weekend as Title Sponsor of the SOBHA IIFA Weekend, SOBHA IIFA Rocks 2023 and Co-Presenter of the NEXA IIFA Awards. The celebrations are co-powered by KUBER Group.
Host of Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks 2023, Farah Khan said, “IIFA is a real example of a worldwide phenomenon that not only recognises and honours the excellence of Indian cinema on a global scale but also offers the entire film industry a terrific opportunity. Personally, I am overjoyed to host IIFA Rocks once again.”
Co-host Rajkummar Rao said, “I think that I am IIFA's biggest fan. Together with Farah Khan, I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to co-host IIFA Rocks. The prospect of having fun and making memories excites me. It's going to be a blast.”
The grand finale of Nexa IIFA Awards will take place on May 27 and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal along with electrifying performances by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, co-host of Nexa IIFA Awards, Abhishek Bachchan said, “I am thrilled to return to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It will be an absolute pleasure and honour to entertain and meet fans from all over the world. Looking forward to hosting the IIFA Awards.”
Vicky Kaushal shared, “My journey with IIFA has been tremendously exciting over the years and I can't wait to be on stage and co-host IIFA Awards 2023 with my buddy Abhishek Bachchan!”
One of the highlights of the Sobha IIFA weekend is a set of masterclasses designed for film buffs, aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. The masterclass series features, ‘Director’s Cut’ with Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar along with a session by celebrity hair and makeup artist Nabila.
This year’s edition will be graced by as many as 120 celebrities while the audience count is around 25,000.
Also Read: Salman Khan hugs a young boy amid tight security at Mumbai airport as he heads to Dubai for IIFA 2023
read moreRaaj Shaandilyaa's Thinkink Picturez unveils lineup of 7 movies across genres; deets inside
Raaj Shaandilyaa along with his partner Vimal Lahoti thrives to give great cinema and these movies will be across genres of comedy, romance, drama, emotion, talent and music with various actors and production scale along with explicit writing making sure to entertain the audience. Thinkink Picturez is a whole solely content-driven studio where They believe in working and making their script unique and entertaining. They are always burgeoning for great content and thrive to deliver a storyline that is always right off the bat.
The slate of the 7 films is as follows-
Ramlali - Directed by the National Award-winner Omung Kumar. He has given us hits in the past like Mary Kom and Sarabjit.
Googly - Directed by Sanjay Gadhavi. He is the director of the blockbuster franchise of Dhoom 1 and Dhoom 2.
Arabi Kalyanam - Directed by Shree Narayan Singh. He has directed movies in the past like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
Chemical India - Directed by Jai Basantu Singh. He was nominated for the Filmfare in the category of best debut director for his first movie Janhit Mein Jaari which was critically acclaimed and produced by Thinkink Picturez.
Kanya Kumar - Directed by Rajeev Dhingra. He has got the Punjab Filmfare award for best debut director for the movie Love Punjab.
Ladkiwale Ladkewale - Directed By Rohit Nayyar, who is making his debut as a director.
Quack Shambhu - Directed by Anindya Bikash Datta who is also a debutant director.
On asking the Producers about such a humongous slate release they said “We are so escalated to announce this slate, Our team of writers and creatives have been working to turn this around. We will try our best to keep the audience entertained with loads of emotions and even loads of laughter and Definitely we are trying to say something meaningful by the end of our films that’s at least what we thrive for. We want the families to go/sit together and watch our films”.
Also Read: Raaj Shaandilyaa confirms being approached to direct Hera Pheri 3; says, “things will roll after we sign the contract”
read moreShah Rukh Khan announced as new brand ambassador for realme to take forward the 'Dare to Leap' philosophy
realme today announced superstar Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador for realme smartphones. The announcement comes at a time as realme prepares to launch its highly anticipated flagship smartphone series, the realme 11 Pro Series 5G in India. This collaboration further reinforces the brand's commitment to inspiring the millennial generation and setting new benchmarks in the smartphone industry.
Shah Rukh's incredible contribution to the film industry and society has won him love and admiration from people across the world. By joining forces with an iconic personality and an inspiration to millions, realme is showcasing its focus on delivering powerful, stylish, and youth-oriented smartphones that resonate with the aspirations and ambitions of today's youth. The first product Shah Rukh Khan will endorse for realme is the realme 11 Pro Series 5G, a testament to the brand's dedication to providing cutting-edge technology to its customers. With this collaboration, realme is poised to continue thriving and growing in the future, while staying true to its 'Dare to Leap' philosophy.
realme's smartphone category has consistently embodied the perfect harmony of fashion, aesthetics, performance, leap-forward design, and technology. As the brand's ambassador for the smartphone category, Shah Rukh Khan truly embodies the spirit of realme with his remarkable journey and charismatic persona, he represents realme's commitment to providing users with a leap-forward experience.
Shah Rukh Khan shared, reflecting on the collaboration, “realme’s 'Dare to Leap' philosophy truly resonated with me. The brand's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with my own pursuit of excellence. Together, we aim to ignite innovation and fuel the growth of realme globally. I am looking forward to joining the realme family as their brand ambassador and hope to inspire others to embrace challenges, take bold steps, and achieve greatness.”
Commenting on the association, Tao, Chief Marketing Officer at realme India, stated, "We are extremely excited to have Shah Rukh Khan on board as the brand ambassador for the realme smartphone category. His dare-to-leap spirit perfectly resonates with our brand's philosophy. With this collaboration, we aim to reach new heights of innovation and redefine the smartphone experience for our users."
realme’s steadfast commitment to continuous innovation, differentiating products, and bringing the best to users has led to the establishment of several industry benchmarks and the consolidation of realme’s position as the leader in the market. As realme prepares to launch the highly anticipated realme 11 Pro series, users can look forward to a perfect blend of style, performance, and innovation that will set new industry benchmarks and reinforce realme's position as a leader in the market. ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif to join Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan starrer Pathaan Vs Tiger; shoot to commence in January 2024
read moreShahid Kapoor joins hands with Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews for action-thriller in collaboration with Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films
Shahid Kapoor, the talented Bollywood actor, is all set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming project. Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films have joined hands to produce an adrenaline-pumping action-thriller that will showcase Kapoor in the lead role. The film, which is yet to be titled, will be helmed by renowned Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews, known for his impressive work in movies like Salute and Kayamkulam Kochunni.
The gripping plot is said to revolve around a brilliant and rebellious police officer who finds himself entangled in a high-profile case. With suspense and intrigue at its core, the movie promises to take viewers on a thrilling roller coaster ride as the protagonist unravels the mysteries surrounding the investigation.
Shahid Kapoor says, "It's rare to find a subject that has action, thrill, drama and suspense all packed into one script and I am really looking forward to this. It's a privilege to be collaborating with Zee Studios and with Siddharth Roy Kapur, with whom I have worked on Haider and Kaminey earlier. We have also been neighbours for a long time, haha! Rosshan Andrrews is a veteran filmmaker whose Malayalam filmography is spectacular. We have spent many months together now and it will be a pleasure to work with such a fantastic cinematic mind. I can't wait to bring this exhilarating, entertaining and thrilling story to the masses."
Director Rosshan Andrrews says, "I am thrilled to make my Bollywood debut with this gripping story and work with such an incredible team of professionals. The combination of Shahid's exceptional acting, Siddharth Roy Kapur's expertise as a producer, and Zee Studios' commitment to delivering ground-breaking content is truly inspiring. Their passion and dedication to the project have been instrumental in bringing the story to life. As a director, I aim to create an immersive cinematic experience that leaves audiences awed. I believe that this project has all the necessary elements to achieve that goal."
Shariq Patel, CBO, Zee Studios, shares, "I have held several discussions separately with Siddharth and Shahid over the years on different projects. Somehow those didn't materialise and it took this film for it to come together and it's the first time Zee Studios is collaborating with both. It promises to be a thrilling ride with such incredible directing, producing and acting talent behind it."
Siddharth Roy Kapur, founder of Roy Kapur Films and producer of the upcoming project, is confident that it has all the elements that make for an incredible film. "With two incredibly gifted artists like Shahid and Rosshan coming together to bring to life a truly unique screenplay, I'm confident that we will deliver a film that will leave audiences mesmerized. Together with our partners Zee Studios, we eagerly look forward to presenting a spellbinding cinematic experience."
The film is scheduled to commence production in the second half of 2023, raising anticipation among cinema enthusiasts. With Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films collaborating for the first time, this project holds immense promise and is likely to be a treat for action lovers.
Also Read: Bloody Daddy trailer launch: Shahid Kapoor reveals the action-packed film was shot in 36 days; says, “I don’t know how Ali has managed to mount this film on such a scale”
read moreIIFA 2023: About 25000 people and 120 celebrities to attend this year’s edition at Abu Dhabi
The 23rd edition of the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) Awards is all set to take place from tomorrow – May 26 and 27 at Yas Islands in Abu Dhabi. The fact that this is one of the grandest film events of the globe is seen by the number of tickets that have been sold so far.
About 11,000 people are expected to attend the Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks on May 26 and 14,000 are expected to attend the NEXA IIFA Awards on May 27. Hence, the total number of people expected to attend this year’s edition goes up to an impressive 25,000.
About 120 celebrities from across the globe are expected to grace the event, along with 240 plus media delegation. From the Bollywood actors who would be attending the include, Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Varun Dhawan, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal and Fardeen Khan. The actresses who have confirmed their participation include Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakul Preet Singh, Dia Mirza, Nora Fatehi, Mrunal Thakur, Mouni Roy and Genelia D’Souza who will be accompanying husband Riteish Deshmukh.
This year’s edition will see performances from Salman Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi, Rakul Preet Singh and Iulia Vantur. After this year’s performance, Nora will become the only Bollywood personality to perform twice at the IIFA in all these years.
Sharing her excitement about her performance this year, Iulia said, “I am super super super excited. I just finished the rehearsals, and I am filled with a lot of energy. The music on which we are performing is so dynamic and full of energy. I will perform with artiste which I really like.” Giving a hint of who she will be performing with, she sang a line from Sukhbir’s iconic song, ‘Ishq Tera Tadpawe.’
IIFA 2023, however, is not just about the performances. Filmmaker Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar will be hosting masterclasses and workshops on filmmaking. Sharing his excitement at his session, Khan recently said in a statement, “I’m really looking forward to the interaction as it will give me a chance to retrospect and introspect on my choices too. This kind of knowledge exchange not only makes for a stimulating conversation, (but) it also works to the benefit of cinema. I will not only be celebrating box-office wins and awards, but also reflecting on the failures of projects one was passionate about and negative press which can dent your confidence as a filmmaker momentarily but can never keep you down.”
Also Read: IIFA 2023: Kamal Haasan, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh and Manish Malhotra to be honoured
read moreDeepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif to join Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan starrer Pathaan Vs Tiger; shoot to commence in January 2024
In January this year, we saw Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan share screen space in the film Pathaan. Reprising their roles of Pathaan and Tiger the two were an instant rage with the audience seeming to want more. This demand for the two-mega stars to feature in a full-fledged film together led to the announcement of the venture Pathaan Vs Tiger. While we are eagerly awaiting the release of this film, Bollywood Hungama has continued to bring you the latest updates. Well, now we hear that the makers of the film are looking to commence work on the project in January 2024.
Revealing details of what to expect from Pathaan Vs Tiger a well-placed industry source exclusively tells Bollywood Hungama, “Everything is locked for Pathaan Vs Tiger. In fact, the makers are looking to commence work in January next year, with Siddharth Anand directing the venture.” Further detailing the cast, he adds, “Joining Shah Rukh Khan and Salman will be their co-stars from Pathaan and Tiger, viz. Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. The two will be playing the same characters from the previous films.”
While the cast is certainly intriguing, the title of the film Pathaan Vs Tiger has raised a number of questions, one among them being whether the venture will see SRK and Salman going head-to-head. However, the source puts such rumours to rest saying, “Though the title is Pathaan Vs Tiger the film will not be based on a rivalry between the two spies. Instead, the film will feature one common villain that the two actors will be pitted against. In fact, Siddharth plans on getting an equally big star name to play the arch-villain to them.”
Currently, with the film shoot expected to commence in January, huge action set pieces are being designed and conceptualized. Apparently prep work for the same has already started. In the interim, Salman Khan on the work front will wrap Shershaah director Vishnu Vardhan’s next film with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, while Shah Rukh Khan will finish work on Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan blaze the screen in YRF’s Pathaan x Tiger theme video, watch
read moreAjay Devgn starrer Bholaa heads to Prime Video for digital premiere
Prime Video today announced the global streaming premiere of the Hindi action-adventure film, Bholaa. Directed by Ajay Devgn, and jointly produced by Ajay Devgn FFilms, Reliance Entertainment, T-Series, and Dream Warrior Pictures, the film features Devgn in the titular role, alongside Tabu and Amala Paul in pivotal roles.
Bholaa, a former convict, is released after 10 years of imprisonment and wants to reunite with his daughter, whom he hasn't seen for years. However, this is abruptly halted when he becomes unwittingly involved in a well-coordinated drug-bust. As events unfold, Bholaa is forced to confront his past and make difficult decisions while pushing through obstacles lurking at every corner.
Audiences across the world can now watch Bholaa on Prime Video, starting today. Bholaa is the Hindi remake of the Tamil blockbuster Kaithi. The film released in 2019 which was an action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film was headlined by Karthi alongside Narain and Dheena. It is produced by S. R. Prakashbabu and S. R. Prabhu under the banner Dream Warrior Pictures and co-produced by Tiruppur Vivek under the banner Vivekananda Pictures. ALSO READ: Ajay Devgn’s NY Cinemas to launch its first-ever cinema in Guwahati
read moreNo intimate scenes between Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan in Citadel
And we thought we were in the 21st century! The brouhaha over the supposed intimate scenes between Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dawan in Raj-DK’s Citadel, seems to be a case of much ado about nothing.
A source close to the project wonders what the fuss is about. “Where are these reports of onscreen intimacy between Sam and Varun coming from? Just because Priyanka Chopra and her co-star had lovemaking scenes in the international Citadel? But the Indian Citadel is completely different from its international counterpart! It is a completely different project. Sam is definitely not playing PeeCee’s character. Why would Sam mimic Priyanka’s behaviour?”
Having cleared the air on that rumour let us for a moment ask a larger question. Why is so much fuss made about physical intimacy on screen in the entertainment media? While world cinema has moved ahead to embrace sex and nudity as an integral part of storytelling, sections of Indian media are still counting the number of kisses exchanged between the lead pair and bikini shots of the heroine.
Also Read: BREAKING: Karan Johar to direct Tiger Shroff and Varun Dhawan in an action driven project
read moreOnir's Pine Cone to open South Asia's largest queer Film Festival, Kashish Film Festival
Kashish Film Festival, the largest queer film festival in South Asia, will witness the world premiere of Pine Cone, directed by the filmmaker Onir, which will be the opening film for this year's festival. Pine Cone is a celebration of love within the LGBTQ community and is a story that is a powerful advocate for their true representation in cinema.
Directed by Onir, an openly gay filmmaker who has consistently pushed boundaries and strived for authentic portrayal of queer experiences, Pine Cone promises to be a heartfelt exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Onir has a proven track record of creating iconic films that shed light on the LGBTQ community's challenges and triumphs, making him an invaluable voice in the industry.
Pine Cone showcases three stories told from the lens of the life of the lead character Sid Mehra, as he navigates relationships in his quest for love. What sets this film apart is its unique narrative structure, with the stories unfolding in reverse chronological order, spanning the years 2019, 2009, and 1999.
Speaking of it, Onir said, "Pine Cone ... is a very special film to me as the process started when the Ministry of Defence did not approve one of my scripts that was inspired by a real story. So we started working on this story in 2021 so that we continue telling our stories and overcome resistance to our identity. Pine Cone comes from memories of love, loss, deceit and forgiveness. Forgiving the world, that special person and oneself and celebrating the beauty of our journey... the rainbow journey”.
The screening of Pine Cone at the Kashish Film Festival will take place on the opening day of the festival on 7th June 2023. ALSO READ: Onir wraps up My Melbourne project with his film based on the subject of sexuality
read moreAdipurush: Prabhas starrer second song 'Ram Siya Ram' to release on May 29 in 5 languages
The team of Adipurush Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and others along with the media fraternity is set to orchestrate a launch of the second song from the film, titled "Ram Siya Ram," across a myriad of platforms on 29th May 2023 in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
The song is sung and composed by the musical duo Sachet-Parampara, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir. From movie channels, and music channels, to general entertainment channels (GECs), radio station spanning over 70+ markets across India, national news channels, outdoor billboards, music streaming platforms, ticketing partners, movie theatres, video streaming platforms and all major social media platforms, to screen the song real-time at 12 noon on May 29 reverberating far and wide.
Adipurush, directed by Om Raut, is produced by T- Series, Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair from Retrophiles. The film will be released globally on 16th June 2023. ALSO READ: Team Adipurush launches full version of the track ‘Jai Shri Ram’; watch
read moreExclusive: Ankit Tiwari reveals he wanted KK to sing ‘Sun Raha Hai’; shares how “luck” worked in bagging Aashiqui 2, watch
Bollywood singer and composer Ankit Tiwari recently sat down for an interview with Bollywood Hungama, where he shared insights about his musical journey and the profound impact of the hit film Aashiqui 2 on his life and career. During the interview, Tiwari reminisced about the early days and revealed an interesting anecdote. He mentioned that he had initially wanted popular singer KK to lend his voice to the song ‘Sun Raha Hai’’.
But his suggestion was met with a surprising reaction from Mahesh Bhatt, the renowned filmmaker associated with Aashiqui 2. He recalled that after a lot of effort, he got a chance to meet Mahesh Bhatt. Tiwari went on to say that Mr Bhatt asked him to meet director Mohit Suri, who was working on Aashiqui 2 at that time. Though Mohit liked the song ‘Sun Raha Hai’, he informed him that the film’s album is done. However, the director asked the composer-singer to keep him informed in case he lent his work to someone.
He asserted, “After some seven months, Mohit has this habit of having all the songs that have been pitched to him, on his phone. So, he, Aditya and Shraddha were together during a drive and they heard my song. That’s where your luck works. Then I got a call that the team is using my song in the film.”
As the conversation progressed further, he went on to add that during the discussion with Mahesh Bhatt, Mohit Suri and other team members, Bhatt asked Tiwari to suggest which singer should give a voice for ‘Sun Raha Hai.’ He recalled, “Bhatt sahab boley, Mohit dekho iss gaane se na agar iski (Ankit Tiwari) awaz hata doge toh gaana ho jaega bekaar. Ye gaana isne banaya hai iskey liye hai isko aise hi rehne do. Iski awaz mat hatao. Phit mujhse kehte hai ki mai respect karta hu tumhari ke tum itna acha gaa rahe ho iskey bavjud chahtey ho ke KK gaaye.”
He concluded by saying that he “actually” wanted KK to sing Sun Raha Hai Na Tu, but after Mahesh Bhatt’s suggestion, Mohit Suri asked Ankit to complete the song and record it.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ankit Tiwari opens up about dealing with rejection; says, “This is your personal matter”
read moreSanjay Leela Bhansali unhappy with certain portions of Heeramandi; to reshoot those scenes personally
The much talked about Sanjay Leela Bhansali project Heeramandi is well underway, the project that made headlines a while back commenced filming and has been progressing well. However, if the grapevine is true, Bhansali who is only directing one episode of the series is unhappy with certain portions that have been shot by his associates. Apparently, SLB who is known for his keen attention to detail has found certain portions of the series unappealing and has decided to reshoot the same.
Revealing details of what actually transpired a well-placed source tells Bollywood Hungama exclusively, “The sets of Heeramandi are on fire these days, although not physically and more metaphorically. Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is overseeing the entire project, recently watched a few rushes of what was shot, and the filmmaker came back unhappy with certain portions”. Reasoning why the source continues, “Massive sets sprawling 1,60,000 sq. ft were developed for the shoot by Bhansali’s associates. However, they did not meet the keen filmmaker’s eye for detail. Known for his opulent style of filmmaking, SLB felt that certain portions shot by his associates did not meet his expectations, and has therefore decided to reshoot some”.
With SLB ordering a reshoot of certain portions, the cast of Heeramandi will have to redo the entire schedule again. Interestingly, this time around Bhansali will personally shoot the said sequences again. However, with this reshoot, the entire cast of Heeramandi is in turmoil with dates going haywire.
As of now, it remains to be seen how the cast and crew of Heeramandi will manage the new dates. As for Heeramandi, the limited series features an ensemble cast of Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, among others. The show will be streamed on Netflix this year. The story is based in the pre-partition era.
Also Read: Set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi spread across a humongous area of 1,60,000 sq ft
read moreJacqueline Fernandez granted permission by Delhi court to travel overseas for IIFA awards and film shoot amid Sukesh Chandrasekhar's extortion case
As per IANS, on Tuesday, Delhi court granted permission to Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who is implicated in a money laundering case alongside alleged conmam Sukesh Chandrasekar, to travel overseas from May 25 to June 12. Special Judge Shailendra Malik approved Fernandez's request, stating that she needed to travel to Abu Dhabi from May 25 to May 27 in order to attend the IIFA Awards. Additionally, the judge permitted her to travel to Milan, Italy from May 28 to June 12 after the actress asserted that she had to participate in a film shoot.
Special Judge Shailendra Malik from the Patiala House Courts has given approval for Jacqueline to travel overseas. Previously, on November 15, the court had granted her pre-arrest bail. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently filed an additional charge sheet where Jacqueline was named as an accused. On September 26, the court had also provided temporary protection from arrest for her.
Both Jacqueline Fernandez and Nora Fatehi, prominent figures in Bollywood, have provided their testimonies as witnesses in the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) previously seized assets and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 7.2 crore that belonged to Jacqueline. The ED classified these gifts and properties as “proceeds” of crime received by the actress.
In February, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted an additional charge sheet against Pinky Irani, who is claimed to be an associate of Chandrashekhar and responsible for introducing him to Bollywood actors. The charge sheet alleged that Pinky would select lavish gifts for Jacqueline and deliver them to her residence after Chandrashekhar made the payments. The probe agency had previously filed the initial charge sheet in December 2021 regarding this case.
Sukesh Chandrasekhar is one of the main suspects in the Rs. 200 crore money laundering case that the Enforcement Directorate is looking into. He is also charged in numerous other cases that the Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police, and ED are looking into.
In an earlier statement given to the media, Sukesh Chandrashekhar not only admitted being in a relationship with Jacqueline Fernandez but also alleged that they were quite serious about each other. Furthermore, he had also hurled allegations at Nora Fatehi, calling her ‘jealous’ and maintaining firmly that she was trying to contact him but he always ignored her because of his relationship with the Murder 2 actress.
Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez gives a sneak peek into her rehearsal for Filmfare 2023 performance; see pic
read moreAditya Singh Rajput's mother denounces unverified drug overdose allegations; says, “Maligning the name of my son”
Aditya Singh Rajput, who was an actor and model, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his Mumbai residence on Monday. Soon after his death, various media reports speculated that the cause of his death was drug overdoses. While the post-mortem reports of Aditya are still in reserve, his mother has broken the silence and slammed the reports.
Usha Rajput, who came to Mumbai from Delhi late on Monday night, told Hindustan Times that she had been getting calls and messages from people asking her about the authenticity of the drug overuse as the cause of death. She asserted, “By putting such unverified claims, they are maligning the name of my son and my family. This is a cruel thing to do.”
She further added, “On Monday afternoon, I noticed that my entire chat history with my son had been deleted. Not being so technologically savvy, I called him around 2.15 pm to ask what might have happened. He told me there was some problem with WhatsApp and he would text me again. However, he didn’t say anything about being unwell.”
She recounted receiving a phone call from a close friend of Aditya on Monday evening, who informed her about his untimely passing. She said, “I panicked and was shaking; I had to call a neighbour to pack my bags and help me book a ticket to Mumbai.”
The Mumbai police is currently investigating the matter and recorded the statements of three people - his domestic help, private doctor and watchman.
Also Read: Aditya Singh Rajput’s Death: Police break silence amid allegations of drug overdose
read moreBloody Daddy Trailer is Out! Shahid Kapoor starrer is an intense dark thriller that promises a heart pounding action ride
Shahid Kapoor and Ali Abbas Zafar are joining hands for the intense dark thriller Bloody Daddy which is all set to premiere exclusively on JioCinema, on June 9. The stylized action-packed ride will also feature an ensemble cast of Diana Penty, Sanjay Kapoor, Ronit Roy, and Rajeev Khandelwal in pivotal roles. Its trailer was unveiled on Wednesday, May 24 at a grand event in Mumbai, in the presence of its lead actor Shahid and its director Ali Abbas Zafar.
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Sunir Kheterpal, Gaurav Bose, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar, Bloody Daddy marks JioCinema's first direct-to-OTT film and is considered to be one of Bollywood's biggest films to embrace a digital release.
The film unravels the story of Sumair (played by Shahid Kapoor) as he faces off against Gurugram's white-collar drug lords, deceitful friends, a ruthless crime boss, murderous narcs, and both corrupt and honest cops - all during one fateful night. In the midst of a post-COVID party apocalypse, this embattled man embraces a precarious new normal and will stop at nothing to save the one relationship that truly matters to him.
Speaking about his unconventional role, Shahid Kapoor said, "Doing an out-an-out action film was something I have been wanting to do but I was waiting for the right one to come my way. When Ali came to me with this project, I knew this was it! It's high octane, its action packed, it's thrilling, it's intense, created especially for a digital first audience. Ali is a true master when it comes to this style of films, and it's been very enriching for me to partner with him on this. We really love what we have created together and are bloody excited to see the audience reaction now."
Ali Abbas Zafar shared his journey of making the film adding, "We see a lot of dark crime thrillers in the west, but hardly any in India that are made at that level and intensity. Bloody Daddy breaks all stereotypes right from Shahid's transformation into a 'killing machine' to being one of the first direct to OTT films to be created at this grand scale! Bloody Daddy is a hard-hitting out and out dark action thriller that promises raw and real action."
The action-packed extravaganza is a Jio Studios, AAZ Films & Offside Entertainment production in association with Vermilion World and written by Ali Abbas Zafar and Aditya Basu. It will start streaming on Jio Cinemas from June 9 onwards for free.
Also Read: Shahid Kapoor, Anees Bazmee and Rashmika Mandanna’s next with Dil Raju to start from August 1
read moreNitesh Pandey passes away: Anupamaa co-star Rupali Ganguly is devastated; says, "We had made plans"
Bollywood and TV actor Nitesh Pandey has passed away at the age of 51 following a cardiac arrest. The actor, who starred as Dheeraj Kumar in the TV show Anupamaa, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in Igatpuri on May 24 at 2 am. Anupama actress Rupali Ganguly mourns the death of her close friend and colleague Nitesh Pandey.
Sharing fond memories about her bond with Nitesh, Rupali says, "He was the only industry friend who stayed constantly in touch with me apart from Delnaaz and Sarabhais, during my sabbatical. He had even come to meet me after Rudransh was born. I can’t believe this! His son Aarav is just a few months older than Rudransh. He had messaged me just last week about a painting he had made and we had made plans to make our sons meet. "
"We would bond over dogs. His wife Arpita is an animal caregiver, a feeder too like me. I am devastated! He was so so so fiercely protective of me.”
Even when he came to Anupamaa, it felt as if you have your bestie next to you at your workplace. Just this month beginning, I had gone very late for a get-together and saw his car leaving, so I called him and said I saw you and he said - tu ruk main aata hoon gaadi ghumake, and I said - no no ghar jaa agale hafte milte hai. Teen hafte ho gaye uss baat ko and now I will never meet him. I can't believe this,” shares Rupali.
For the unversed, Nitesh Pandey was a regular on Television and movies. He had starred in Dabangg, Khosla Ka Ghosla among others. He worked in TV serials like Manzilein Apani Apani, Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani, Saaya, Justajoo and Durgesh Nandini.
Also Read: Om Shanti Om and Anupamaa actor Nitesh Pandey dies of cardiac arrest at 51
read moreDisney+ Hotstar presents School of Lies trailer out: True events inspire gripping drama featuring Nimrat Kaur; watch
The walls of this boarding school echo lies and conspiracies - Disney+ Hotstar drops the trailer of their upcoming mystery drama, School of Lies. Wrapped in the intense mystery of a missing child, this gritty thriller is headlined by Nimrat Kaur, Aamir Bashir, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, Sonali Kulkarni and Jitendra Joshi. Inspired by true events and produced by BBC Studios, School of Lies is created by Ishani Banerjee and Avinash Arun Dhaware, directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and will begin streaming on Disney+ Hotstar starting June 2, 2023.
At RISE - the boarding school, when a 12-year-old Shakti goes missing, things start to spiral out of control, revealing the hidden skeletons in the closet of the boarding school. Will they unravel the mystery? Will they be able to find Shakti? School of Lies also stars Varin Roopani, Divyansh Dwivedi, Aryan Singh Ahlawat, Hemant Kher, Parthiv Shetty, Adrija Sinha and Aalekh Kapoor in pivotal roles. Tune in to Disney+ Hotstar to know more.
Sameer Gogate, General Manager, Production, BBC Studios India, said, “The School of Lies is an enthralling mystery inspired by a set of true events. The Show is set in a boarding school that is plagued by the disappearance of a young boy and exposes the systemic failures and the plight to unravel the truth while showcasing the myriad of emotions and situations children face every day as they brace life. It brings to light the intricate lives of young students as they grow up, their families and the boarding school ecosystem. We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Disney+ Hotstar and super excited about this association with Avinash & Nimrat and the cast and crew who have been pivotal to this show.”
Nimrat Kaur, playing the character of Nandita Mehra, the school counsellor in Disney+ Hotstar's School of Lies said, “With the shoot of School of Lies, I learnt about the layered complexities of children and how they can reveal a new side to them every step of the way. This unique series, inspired by real-life events, brings forth mind-bogglingly unpredictable occurrences behind the closed gates of a fictional boarding school. Playing the highly complex role of a guidance counsellor in this establishment with the dilemma of having to choose between the right and the necessary path of action in unprecedented life situations was not only tremendously rewarding but an experience that’ll forever be close to my heart.”
Creator and Director Avinash Arun Bhaware, “School of Lies is the story of a child's loneliness, disconnect and repression. Also the story of a child's freedom, magic and more. Every child, in a boarding school or otherwise, will go through these phases at some point or the other. In today's world, children are much more sensitive and exposed. School of Lies is a story of the times we live in, and an attempt to look with empathy at all the forces within us that may liberate or destroy us.”
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School of Lies is a drama thriller set in the fictional Dalton Town, surrounded by hills where a young 12-year-old boy goes missing from a private boarding school RISE, and the subsequent domino effect it causes as the truth is only as complex, as simple. A tale of shame, anger and grief, the narrative explores various stakeholders as the mystery unfolds- young boys on the cusp of adulthood, an ageing teacher with a terrible secret, a distant counsellor with a moral conflict and a panicking mother in denial. School of Lies is also the story of two young explorers as they discover life and magic. It all collides over 8 episodes to reveal a stunning secret.
Also Read: Nimrat Kaur to star next in Amitabh Bachchan’s Section 84!
read moreBarun Sobti, Suvinder Vicky come together for Netflix series Kohrra
Netflix's new series, Kohrra, explores dysfunctional family dynamics and the dark facets of love and relationship through the overlay of a crime investigation. It boasts an exceptional cast of talented actors including Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti, Varun Badola, Harleen Sethi, Rachel Shelly, and Manish Chaudhary, playing pivotal roles.
In partnership with renowned screenwriter Sudip Sharma, filmmaker Randeep Jha, and Clean Slate Filmz Productions to produce an engaging investigative drama that kicks off with the discovery of a murdered NRI just before his wedding in the countryside of Punjab. As the investigation unfolds a world of deceit, secrets and the dramas of dysfunctional families is revealed. The series is a mix of Hindi and Punjabi language, making it authentic to its world. Kohrra boasts to be a realistic drama filled with complex characters and nuanced look into human emotions.
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Sudip Sharma, the mastermind behind the series said, "When Gunjit Chopra and Diggi Sisodia came to me with the idea of Kohrra, I was drawn to the possibilities of a fresh and distinct cop investigative story underlined with the complexities of human emotions. Together, we've tried to create a show that not only engages you and keeps you hooked throughout but also stays with you after. The collaboration with Netflix, Clean Slate Filmz, and an extraordinary cast has allowed us to create a show that hopefully will be loved by the audience."
Karnesh SSharma, founder of the production company behind the series Clean Slate Filmz added, "We've had a long - standing relationship with Netflix and are really happy to collaborate with them once again on Kohrra. This is a crime investigative drama set in the heartland of Punjab that stems off the personal lives of the two cops working on the investigation and everyone else involved. Sudip, Randeep and the powerful cast have resulted in a really authentic story that we are eager to take to the audience".
Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India continued, "With breakout success of titles such as Delhi Crime, Khakee and Rana Naidu we know audiences love a compelling crime story. Our next, Kohrra is a really differentiated take on this much-loved genre. It is a crime noir set in Punjab that explores the dynamics of family, relationships and love. Sudip Sharma's inimitable nuance and depth in storytelling, delves into crime vis a vis society through the eyes of this buddy cop drama. We are excited about our association with Clean Slate Filmz for yet another title with a deeply engaging story that will delight audiences."
Also Read: Saif Ali Khan joins hands with Siddharth Anand after 16 years for an action film for Netflix
read moreYRF Talent appoints Akanksha Malhotra as AVP - Talent
YRF Talent, the boutique talent management firm that currently represents celebrities like Rani Mukerji, Anushka Sharma, Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Arjun Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, and Sharvari Wagh to name a few, has appointed Akanksha Malhotra as AVP - Talent. In this new role, Akanksha will be spearheading the films division within YRF Talent, as well as lead strategic relationships between artists and studios, producers and platforms to package projects for its actors.
Prior to YRF Talent, Akanksha has over 13 years of experience in the movie industry. She has worked with Cine1 Studios on the smash-hit film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. She was also Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor’s agent from 2010-2019, scouting & servicing projects like Padmaavat, Kabir Singh, and Udta Punjab for him.
Prithwish Ganguly, Vice President, Talent & Communications Strategy, said, “We are delighted to have someone like Akanksha Malhotra joining our agency. In the competitive landscape of movie-business today, Akanksha’s experience will bolster us to navigate through the rapidly evolving times of content production & monetisation. Her expertise will be crucial for us to advice our homegrown talents to take informed and strategic career decisions.”
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone starrer Pathaan crosses the 100-day mark in cinemas
read moreOm Shanti Om and Anupamaa actor Nitesh Pandey dies of cardiac arrest at 51
Bollywood and TV actor Nitesh Pandey, who played the role of Shah Rukh Khan’s character Om Kapoor’s assistant in Om Shanti Om, has passed away at the age of 51 following a cardiac arrest. The actor, who starred as Dheeraj Kumar in the TV show Anupamaa, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in Igatpuri on May 24 at 2 am. He was reportedly there for a shoot.
As per a report in Times of India, Pandey was shooting in Igatpuri when his health deteriorated. He reportedly died almost immediately after the heart attack.
Producer Siddharth Nagar, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Pandey, confirmed the news to the publication and said, “Yes, you have heard it right. My brother-in-law is no more, my sister Arpita Pandey is in a state of shock. Nitesh's father has left for Igatpuri to get his mortal remains. They should be here by the afternoon. We have gone absolutely numb, I have not been able to even talk to Arpita after the tragedy. I am headed to Igatpuri as well, I am in the train right now. I was coming back from Delhi when I heard about this. Nitesh was much younger than me. He was a very lively person and I don't think he had a history of any heart ailment.”
Nitesh Pandey was a regular on Television and movies. He had starred in Dabangg, Khosla Ka Ghosla among others. He worked in TV serials like Manzilein Apani Apani, Astitva...Ek Prem Kahani, Saaya, Justajoo and Durgesh Nandini.
read moreKaran Johar to unveil first look of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani on May 25 to mark 25 years in industry: 'Love in all its beauty and grandeur'
Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform that the first look poster of Karan Johar’s next will be launched on his birthday on May 25. Following months of anticipation around Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, which marks Karan Johar’s return to director’s chair after seven years, the filmmaker is set to unveil the first look of the movie on May 25. Marking his 25th year in the film industry and starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles, the film is an ode to love in all its grandeur and beauty.
Karan Johar on Wednesday took to social media to share a video that had moments of love from movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Student Of The Year, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He wrote, “Nothing but gratitude for the magical 25 years I have spent in the director’s chair. I learnt, I grew, I wept, I laughed - I lived. And tomorrow, another piece of my heart will be yours to see and I could not be more ecstatic as I celebrate my birthday with you all. With a kahaani that has prem written all over it. See you tomorrow. #RockyAurRaniKiPremKahaani first look out tomorrow! In cinemas 28th July.”
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Dharma Productions shared, “It's the dawning of a new era of love! After bringing to you stories of pyaar & dosti that still hold a special place in the hearts across the seven seas - it's now time to hit play on a new season, with a 'prem kahaani' that's been directed by the captain himself, #KaranJohar as he completes 25 years as a filmmaker.”
“A while back Dharma Productions had released the logo of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, now the film is ready and the makers will be officially releasing the first look poster later in May. Making the launch special, especially since it will mark Karan’s return to the directorial seat, plans are being set to reveal the poster on May 25, which will coincide with the filmmaker’s birthday”, reveals the well-placed source to Bollywood Hungama recently.
Detailing further, the source added, “The entire promotion campaign for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani will start after the poster launch on May 25. So expect a grand unveiling ceremony that will also mark Karan’s 51st birthday.”
The movie stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. It will release on July 28 in theatres. ALSO READ: First poster of Ranveer Singh – Alia Bhatt starrer Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani to be launched on Karan Johar’s birthday
read moreSarabhai Vs Sarabhai actress Vaibhavi Upadhyaya dies in a car accident in Himachal Pradesh; Rupali Ganguly, Deven Bhojani, JD Majethia mourn her untimely passing
Television actor Vaibhavi Upadhyay, who played Roshesh Sarabhai’s love interest in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai season 2, has died in a tragic car accident. She met with an accident in Himachal Pradesh while she was with her fiance.
The news of her death was shared by Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai creator and producer, JD Majethia. He took to Twitter to inform, “Life is so unpredictable. A very fine actress, dear friend Vaibhavi Upadhyay popularly known as Jasmine of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away. She met with an accident in north. Family will bring her to Mumbai tomorrow morning around 11 am for last rites . RIP vaibhavi.”
Life is so unpredictable. A very fine actress ,dear friend Vaibhavi upadhyay popularly known as“ jasmine “of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away.She met with an accident in north. Family will bring her to mumbai tomorrow morning around 11 am for last rites . RIP vaibhavi ???? — JDMajethia (@JDMajethia) May 23, 2023
According to a report in Times of India, Vaibhavi was travelling with her fiance in Himachal Pradesh when the accident occurred. Their car lost control at the steep turn. Her brother rushed to Himachal Pradesh after hearing about the accident.
Actor-director Deven Bhojani shared her photo on social media and wrote, “Shocking! A very fine actress and a dear friend Vaibhavi Upadhyay, popularly known as “ Jasmine “ of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai passed away. She met with an accident in north a few hours back. Rest in peace Vaibhavi #SarabhaiVsSarabhai #Hatsoff @sats45 @TheRupali.”
This is not fair ….. gone too soon ….. https://t.co/8pzdSOT3Lp — Rupali Ganguly (@TheRupali) May 23, 2023
Responding to Bhojani’s tweet, Rupali Ganguly wrote, “This is not fair ….. gone too soon ……” Taking to her Instagram, she said, “Can’t believe this.”
On the work front, Vaibhavi Upadhyaya was seen in Deepika Padukone starrer Chhapaak. She also worked on a TV show Kya Qasoor Hai Amla Ka among others. ALSO READ: Anupama aka Rupali Ganguly talks about fan-love; says, “I feel blessed to hear fans say, ‘Hum Rahe Yaa Naa Rahe, Anupama Chalta Rahe’”
read moreBREAKING: Karan Johar to direct Tiger Shroff and Varun Dhawan in an action driven project
Earlier today evening Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions shared a rather cryptic message on their official twitter handle, talking about an impending announcement. As per the post on Twitter, a mega announcement is about Karan returning to the director’s seat in a new avatar, essentially beginning a new era. Well, Bollywood Hungama is the first to inform you that the film in question is a two-hero action venture that will see Karan at the helm. If what we hear is true, the yet untitled venture will feature Tiger Shroff and Varun Dhawan in lead roles.
Sharing details, a well-placed source exclusively tells Bollywood Hungama, “On May 25, Karan will be turning a year old, and with that he intends on embarking on a new journey of filmmaking. So far Karan’s forte in filmmaking has been family dramas and romantic stories. However, he is eager to try his hand with the action genre.” Ask for why the sudden shift and the source continues, “For 25 years now Karan has been doing a certain kind of cinema, and he is looking to experiment and change. Change is always good, and given his experience in filmmaking, it will most certainly be a cake walk for him. But yes, action is the new genre that Karan is looking at right now.”
Further talking about the casting, the source continues, “Tiger Shroff has already established himself as an action star with films like Heropanti, Baaghi, and War. He has excelled in entertaining the audience with his high-octane stunts and perfect execution. So, it comes as no surprise that Karan has roped him to feature as one of the two leads in the new project. As for Varun Dhawan, he too has had his share of action film, though they were action dramas or comedies, he has proved that he has what it takes to become an action hero.”
Though currently only Tiger and Varun have been locked as the male leads of the film, Karan is busy working to lock the female leads as well. Interestingly, the source reveals, that Karan has been toying with the idea of tyring something new for a while now, “Karan has been looking for a shift in genres, and with action films doing well, and being well received by the audience he feels that this is the perfect genre for his to start.”
Also Read: Taran Adarsh says he has high expectations from Varun Dhawan’s Bawaal; says, ‘The director Nitesh Tiwari is very capable”
read moreIIFA: Iulia Vantur to be a performer at this year’s edition of the prestigious awards show
The 23rd edition of the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) Awards is all set to take place on May 26 and 27 at Yas Islands in Abu Dhabi. IIFA Rocks will be taking place on May 26 while the main awards will happen on the next day. Like every year, the best of Bollywood will be celebrated at the grand event. Also like every other edition, some of the biggest celebrities from Bollywood will not only be seen attending the event but also bringing the house down with their performances.
Iulia Vantur will be one of the performers during this year’s edition. Sharing the excitement at the development, a statement from the organizers said, “Iulia Vantur is all set to steal the spotlight at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with her performance for the prestigious Sobha Realty IIFA Rocks this year! Watch her set the stage on fire with her dynamic performance.”
In this year’s edition, Kamal Haasan will be felicitated with ‘Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’ while Riteish and Genelia will be presented with ‘Outstanding Achievement in Regional Cinema.’ Manish Malhotra will be bestowed upon with ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion and Cinema.’
Apart from Iulia, the other performers for this year’s ceremony include, Salman Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi and Rakul Preet Singh.
A long list of Bollywood celebrities will be gracing the occasion with their presence. These include Hrithik Roshan, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Kamal Haasan, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhushan Kumar, Boney Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana, Sohail Khan, Boman Irani, Mouni Roy, Ramesh Taurani, R Madhavan, Anees Bazmee, Jayantilal Gada among others.
Also Read: IIFA 2023: Kabir Khan and Omung Kumar to host masterclasses on different aspects of filmmaking
read moreSaif Ali Khan joins hands with Siddharth Anand after 16 years for an action film for Netflix
Siddharth Anand has been the man of the moment this year with the stupendous success of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan. The film went onto become the biggest Bollywood blockbuster. But the filmmaker started his journey with light-hearted dramas like Salaam Namaste and Ta Ra Rum Pum. Both the films starred Saif Ali Khan in the lead. The two are now all set to collaborate after 16 years for an action film for Netflix, as per a report by Peeping Moon.
The report also said that this time, however, Siddharth will be producing the film under his banner Marflix Productions and the film will be directed by one of his assistant directors. The project is said to be a high-scale actioner that is planned to be converted into a franchise. Although the story of the yet-untitled film is currently kept under wraps, sources have told the publication that it will centre around a rescue operation that will be led by Saif’s character.
This project will see Saif returning to Netflix after the successful and much talked-about web show Sacred Games. The show, produced by Phantom Films and Reliance Entertainment, ran for two seasons.
Apart from the aforementioned project, Siddharth also has Fighter with Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone and the massive project Tiger vs Pathaan, which stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Also Read: Not Siddharth Anand, Ayan Mukerji to direct Hrithik Roshan starrer War 2
read moreAditya Singh Rajput's Death: Police break silence amid allegations of drug overdose
Many actors from the Indian TV industry were shocked as actor-model Aditya Singh Rajput was found dead in his Andheri apartment on May 22. The news of his untimely demise has left his fans and colleagues grieving the loss of a talented artist. Aditya Singh Rajput gained prominence through his appearance in reality show Splitsvilla 9 and amassed a significant fan following. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised concerns, as initial reports suggest a possible drug overdose. However, the Oshiwara police have stepped in to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Setting the records straight, the Mumbai police has said that it is currently probing the matter. When asked about the reports of an alleged drug overdose, DCP Krishna Kant Upadhyay said, “We are investigating exactly what has happened. So we will update once we get the necessary details." Reportedly, his mortal remains have been taken to Siddharth Hospital and the postmortem report is yet to come. So far, the police had recorded the statement of Aditya’s domestic help, private doctor and watchman.
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Aditya Singh Rajput's sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of the actor. Known for his charming persona and captivating screen presence, he had carved a niche for himself in the world of television and modelling. His role in "Splitsvilla 9" garnered immense praise, earning him a loyal fanbase that admired his talent and charisma.
Also Read: Splitsvilla 9 fame Aditya Singh Rajput found dead in Mumbai apartment; suspected drug overdose
read moreAditi Rao Hydari and British actress Paige Sandhu to headline India – UK production Lioness
Actress Aditi Rao Hydari has signed her next following the hit series Jubilee. A film titled Lioness, it is an official Indo-U.K. co-production being made under the 2008 bilateral treaty. The actress will star alongside British star Paige Sandhu, known for her role in Emmerdale. The project was announced at the Cannes India pavilion on Tuesday.
The film is written and will be helmed by Kajri Babbar. As per the report in Variety, “The film is inspired by the research of Peter Bance, the historian who wrote about Princess Sophia Duleep, one of the key leaders of the suffragette movement in the U.K., the Princess of Punjab, granddaughter of Maharajah Ranjit Singh and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. The film will tell the story of two British Punjabi women living in the U.K., a century apart. While Sophia’s story is rooted in history, the second story is a fictional tale of Mehak Kaur an educated, married immigrant woman living in 1990’s Southall.”
Peter Bance is one of the executive producers of Lioness alongside Ajit Pal Singh. The producers include Vivek Rangachari, Vaishalli Paatil, Faraz Ahsan and Clare Cahill. The filmmakers revealed that the film has been certified by the National Film Development Corporation and the British Film Institute. ALSO READ: ZEE5 unveils over 100 titles including Huma Qureshi’s Tarla, Aditi Rao Hydari-led Taj: Reign of Revenge season 2, Manoj Bajpayee-led Silence 2 and others
read moreShah Rukh Khan video calls a cancer patient for half hour, promises to provide financial help: ‘My last wish is to meet him’
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently chatted with a cancer patient and even promised to provide financial help. A patient named Shivani Chakraborty made a last wish that she wanted to speak to Shah Rukh Khan and her daughter penned a note on Twitter in order to make her mother's last wish come true.
In a chat with Aaj Tak, Shivani had said that she wanted the Pathaan star to “bless my daughter” and even promised to visit Kolkata and attend her daughter's wedding. She had earlier said, “I will cook for him something that we eat at our home every day. He loves Bengal so he might enjoy the homely meal I hope to cook for him.”Shah Rukh Khan made a 30-minute call and each time he said bye, he continued the conversation.
#ShahRukhKhan had a good warm 40 min chat with His FAN, Shivani Chakraborty, also Told He'll help her financially & will attend Her Daughter's Marriage & also He'll Visit her & have a Fish Meal in her Home Kolkata. Undoubtedly, Biggest Yet Most Humble Star ever was, is & will ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3poiIwYLlN
— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) May 23, 2023
On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in Pathaan. The film’s collections crossed over Rs. 1000 crore at the worldwide box office. It was released in theatres on January 25, 2023. The film also starred Deepika Padukone and John Abraham while it was directed by Siddharth Anand.
He will also be seen in Atlee's Jawan on September 7, 2023. The film also stars Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. Deepika is making a cameo in the film. He also has Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki. The film is backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. It will release on the big screen on December 22, 2023. The film also stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role along with Satish Shah and Boman Irani. ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan drops adorable birthday post for daughter Suhana Khan; says, “Today is the day to…”
read moreEXPLOSIVE: Anubhav Sinha THUNDERS: “The censor experience of Bheed and Afwaah hasn’t been great. It was almost UNFAIR. The only option to seek justice is to go to the courts. But that is an expensive and time-consuming process”
In the first five months of 2023, Anubhav Sinha managed to release as many as three films in cinemas. Faraaz, directed by Hansal Mehta, was the first release. This was followed by his directorial venture, Bheed, based on the sufferings of the migrants in the lockdown. Afwaah, directed by Sudhir Mishra, was recently released. These films didn’t click at the box office but got massive acclaim from most moviegoers and critics. Anubhav Sinha was in a relaxed mood as he spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about these films, being one of the few brave voices in the industry and a lot more.
Your film, Afwaah, directed by Sudhir Mishra, was released on May 5. Interestingly, I have not come across a single person who has not liked the film. It got a unanimous positive response… It’s beautiful to know. I wish more people had gone to the theatres to see it. But people are not going to the cinemas. What to do?
Do you feel Afwaah’s release in cinemas was too limited? Yes, it was less than what should have ideally been. But then releasing a film has become so expensive, which is a discussion for another day. So yes, it wasn’t as many shows and as many screens as I would have liked. I guess, every film has its economics.
Also, it’s not like the shows were running packed on the first day of release. If there was an encouraging response from people on the release day, then increasing the number of shows would have been a phone call away. Unlike the good old days when we had to send physical prints, now it’s easier. Sadly, the theatrical response, whether it is for Afwaah or Bheed, wasn’t as encouraging that shows could be increased from Saturday onwards.
I guess it takes time for word to spread… That’s not practical. If a film is running with three shows on a Friday and if those films are not doing well, the exhibitor doesn’t even ask you. He’ll simply reduce the show count. It’s beyond my control.
Faraaz also didn’t do well in cinemas but got a new lease of life on Netflix. Do you think that the same would happen with Bheed and Afwaah? I hope so, with my fingers crossed. There was so much conversation around Bheed. It received fantastic reviews and response from those who saw it. So, I am hoping it gets viewership (on OTT).
Post-pandemic, do you feel the box-office scenario has changed? Thappad (2020) was released just before the lockdown and it collected Rs. 30 crores, despite the conventional subject. Do you feel Bheed and Afwaah would have fared better at the box office before 2020? I don’t know. I keep asking other people these days, ‘If we release Article 15 (2019) now, will it work the way it did in 2019?’ Nobody has the answer. No one knows what’s going on!
2 years ago, you said in an interview that the Censor Board has been kind to you… Not lately though!
I went through the cut list of both Afwaah and Bheed. Afwaah suffered innumerable cuts. As for Bheed, its list of cuts was shocking. Words like ‘Tablighi Jamaat’, ‘Corona Jihad’ etc. were deleted though they were important to the film’s narrative. Your thoughts? The censor experience of Bheed and Afwaah hasn’t been great. It was almost unfair.
And now you cannot even go to the FCAT (Film Certification Appellate Tribunal) aka the tribunal… …Because there’s no tribunal. The biggest tragedy behind removing the tribunal is that now the only option to seek justice is to go to the courts. But going to court is so expensive and time-consuming. You have no control over when the hearing will be done or when the decision will be given. Even Faraaz went through its own journey of court cases. We never used it to publicize our film. And it was awfully expensive.
Was Afwaah delayed because of the Censor process? It was supposed to be released in March… Yes. Afwaah and Bheed were almost together at the CBFC. We had to finish one battle first and then proceed to the other.
Do these experiences stress you out? Going forward, will you still make the film you want to make? Oh yes. I’ve been like this for 9 years!
It is said that there’s a lot of emphasis on the box office. If a film doesn’t work, it doesn’t get the respect… I don’t agree. On the contrary, a little later in time, it absolutely ceases to matter ki film ne box office pe kitna kiya tha. Uske baad film ki izzat zinda rehti hai. Do you know how much my first film Tum Bin (2001) collected? It ran in cinemas only for a week.
Maybe that was a different time. I am talking about the present-day scenario… No. During those days, films would run for 15-20 weeks. There were no theatres for us. Also, Sholay (1975) did not do well in the first week. But those were the days when the exhibitors would hold on to the film. They would wait for the audience to get a whiff of what the film is. Nowadays, it’s very instant. If the 6 o’clock show doesn’t work, the theatre might cancel the 9 o’clock show. So, the exhibition sector has to reinvent itself. We have said enough about the kinds of films being made. But we haven’t talked about the exhibition, the cost of releasing a film, the method of the exhibition and some sort of monopoly in the exhibition sector.
Recently, there were reports of challenges in the exhibition sector and PVR and Inox shutting down around 50 cinemas… Yes. The exhibition sector will have to work with the production sector. We cannot not hold hands. We will have to hold hands.
Do you know Mulk (2018) didn’t go great at the box office? It did just about fine. But in the life of a film, the box office is the most minuscule factor that people remember. People would remember a film for its dialogue more than the box office. I have seen people say, ‘Yaar, who film mein kya dialogue tha’ or ‘Woh film mein kya gaana tha’ and not ‘Woh film ka kya box office tha’! So a little later in the life of a film, the weekend is immaterial. What’s important is how long the people will continue to relate to that film. That timelessness of an art is what matters.
What next? I don’t know. I am working on some stories. I have been so busy. I just released Afwaah and now I will sit out and figure out
You have an anthology coming up. Will it be out in cinemas or on OTT? Yes. It’s called Be Positive. It’ll be out on digital. It was never meant to be a theatrical release.
When will it be released? We are figuring it out.
Do you think that in the days to come, it’ll be more difficult for filmmakers like you to have your own voice? We’ll see. We’ll take it as it comes. Every time we move from one film to another, these talks come up. But then you can’t pre-empt a tragedy. You can only keep guessing and cross the bridge when we get there. Will I change my route to avoid the bridge? No. I would cross that bridge and then we’ll see.
Also Read: Anubhav Sinha weighs in on Theatre vs OTT debate; says audience “need to explore newer kinds of films”
read moreAryan Khan case: NCB’s SIT reacts SHARPLY to Sameer Wankhede-Shah Rukh Khan’s chats: “Wankhede never informed us about the chats. Indulging in such conversations with the family of the accused is a serious VIOLATION of the rules”
The Aryan Khan case is back in the spotlight after the CBI filed a case of corruption against Indian Revenue Service officer Sameer Wankhede and four others for allegedly collecting Rs 50 lakh from Aryan’s father, superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In a major development, the chats between Sameer Wankhede and Shah Rukh Khan got leaked to the press last week. It showed SRK pleading to the then-former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to release Aryan from prison. The chats were submitted by Sameer Wankhede to the Bombay High Court to prove his innocence and to make it clear that he never demanded a bribe from the star.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which probed the drug case, has reacted sharply to the fact that Wankhede communicated with Shah Rukh while Aryan was in custody. A senior officer, on condition of anonymity, spoke to Mid-Day and said, “We were not aware of the chats Wankhede had with SRK and he never informed the department. Indulging in such conversations with the family of the accused is a serious violation of the rules.” It was also reported in the article that an enquiry will be sought against Wankhede for this act.
The SIT also remarked that the charges against Aryan Khan were unjustified as no drugs were found in his possession. Further, SOPs were not followed and no blood test was done of Aryan.
Meanwhile, yesterday, that is, Monday, May 22, the Bombay High Court, too, spoke about the chats. The court accused Sameer Wankhede of leaking the chats while the matter is still subjudice. It also instructed him to not leak any further chats that can hinder the ongoing investigation.
Senior advocate Aabad Ponda, who represented Wankhede, however, made it clear that the officer had not leaked the chats and that the press accessed it from the petition he filed before the court. He also added that the chats were included in the affidavit to counter the corruption charges levelled at Wankhede. Ponda argued that why would the father of an accused address the officer as upright if the latter had asked for a bribe.
After hearing arguments of both sides, the Bombay High Court granted an extension of the interim protection to Sameer Wankhede until June 8. Yesterday, Wankhede also requested Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar for protection for himself and his family after they received threats on social media.
Also Read: NCB officer involved in Aryan Khan drug case gets dismissed
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