Music maestro AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their decision to separate after 29 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1995 through an arranged marriage, shared their decision via a statement released by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah. Later, Rahman took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to confirm the news and express his emotions during this challenging time.

In his heartfelt post, Rahman wrote, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for… — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024

Ameen and Raheema Speak Out Following the announcement, Rahman’s children, Ameen and Raheema, also addressed the news, urging everyone to respect the family’s privacy. Ameen, Rahman’s son, reshared his father’s post and added, “We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”

Raheema, Rahman’s elder daughter, echoed the sentiment, writing, “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and respect. Thank you for your consideration.” Their younger sibling, Khatija, also joined in requesting privacy for the family as they navigate this difficult period.

Also Read: AR Rahman and wife Saira announce separation after 29 years of marriage: “Pieces may not find their place again”

Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have added another chapter to their real estate portfolio. The duo has leased a lavish apartment in Mumbai’s upscale Beau Monde Towers Co-operative Housing Society Ltd, located in the prime locality of Prabhadevi. The apartment comes with a hefty monthly rent of Rs 7 lakhs.

A Glimpse of the New Apartment As per a report by Square Yards, the leased property boasts a built-up area of 3,245 sq. ft. and a carpet area of 2,319.50 sq. ft., offering ample space for their growing family. With three dedicated car parking spaces, the apartment is part of a premium residential project by the Ashwin Sheth Group.

The lease agreement, registered in November 2024, spans 36 months. The rent is structured to increase from Rs 7 lakhs for the first 18 months to Rs 7.35 lakhs for the remaining period. The couple also deposited Rs 21 lakhs as an initial security amount. A Neighborhood of Convenience and Prestige Prabhadevi, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after locales, offers seamless connectivity to major city hubs via the Western Express Highway and the Worli-Bandra Sea Link. The area is home to the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple and is close to popular landmarks such as Dadar Beach and High Street Phoenix.

Deepika Padukone is no stranger to Beau Monde Towers; she already owns property in the same complex. The couple’s latest addition aligns with Deepika’s recent real estate investments, including a luxurious Bandra apartment and a sprawling bungalow in Alibaug.

Speaking of the professional front, both were recently seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. While Deepika is on maternity break, Ranveer resumed working a while ago. 

Also Read: Ranveer Singh launches SuperYou, teams up with Nikunj Biyani; Deepika Padukone cheers for her husband

Legendary composer and singer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira, have announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. The couple tied the knot in Chennai on March 12, 1995, and share three children—Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.

Official Statement from Saira’s Lawyers In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 19, Saira's lawyers confirmed the decision, citing emotional strain as a key factor. "After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband, Mr. AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time," the statement read.

The statement further added, "Mrs. Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. She requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life." AR Rahman’s Response AR Rahman, who has won global accolades, including an Academy Award, shared his thoughts on the separation. He expressed hope that the couple would have reached a milestone of 30 years together but acknowledged that their relationship “seems to carry an unseen end.” Rahman also thanked everyone for respecting their privacy during this sensitive time.

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for… — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bryan Adams discusses long-lasting career, AR Rahman, upcoming India tour: “Humbling knowing my songs have touched so many lives”

Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe and a former judge on Shark Tank India, recently appeared as a guest on the Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 18. During the episode, host Salman Khan confronted Grover over past comments made about the actor. While Grover apologised to Khan during the show, he later addressed the incident in a lengthy post on social media.

Ashneer’s Response: “All My Statements Are True” Taking to social media, Grover shared a photo with Salman Khan and wrote, “I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar! I had good fun. And I am sure the particular episode got great TRP/viewership. BTW all of my statements below are TRUE.”

Grover further clarified that he never made any demeaning remarks about Salman and has always admired his sense of self and business acumen. “The invite for coming as guest on Bigg Boss was not ‘unnamed’—just like the cheque for the same ;) And finally I’ve a pic with him—which I didn’t earlier,” he added.

I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar ! I had good fun. And I am sure the particular episode got great TRP / viewership. BTW all of statements below are TRUE: - Salman is a great host & actor - Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss - I’ve always praised Salman for his… pic.twitter.com/HH0iOzzZY3

— Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) November 18, 2024

The Backstory: BharatPe’s Association with Salman Khan Salman Khan was previously hired as a brand ambassador for BharatPe when Grover was associated with the fintech company. Grover had shared anecdotes about working with Salman, including one where he negotiated Khan’s fee for an advertisement.

“Salman’s team initially demanded Rs. 7.5 crore, which I couldn’t afford. After negotiations, the fee was reduced to Rs. 4.5 crore,” Grover had revealed during a session at Lovely Professional University in 2022.

Another incident, which Grover mentioned on the Vagehra Vagehra podcast, involved Salman refusing to take a photo with him. Grover humorously recalled, “I sat with him for three hours, and then his manager said Salman doesn’t like clicking photos. I said, fine, I won’t insist.”

However, the recent appearance on Bigg Boss 18 gave Grover the chance to click a long-awaited photo with the Bollywood superstar.

While Salman Khan criticised Grover during the episode, it appears the two have resolved their differences, with Grover appreciating Khan’s contribution to BharatPe’s campaigns.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 18 Promo: Salman Khan slams Digvijay Rathee, Avinash Mishra, and entrepreneur Ashneer Grover; questions latter about his ‘Dogalapan’

Dilip Joshi, known for his iconic portrayal of Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has addressed the viral rumours about an alleged fight with the show’s producer, Asit Modi. The actor denied these reports, calling them baseless and hurtful.

"False Stories Hurt Us and Our Fans" Responding to claims that he had a heated argument with Asit Modi, even holding the producer by his collar, Joshi issued a heartfelt statement. He expressed frustration over the spread of false information, saying: "There have been some stories in the media about me and Asit Bhai that are completely false, and it really saddens me to see such things being said. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a show that means so much to me and millions of fans, and when people spread baseless rumors, it hurts not only us but also our loyal viewers." "Negativity Around the Show Is Disheartening" Joshi emphasised the impact of such rumours on the cast, crew, and fans of the beloved sitcom. He stated: "It’s disheartening to see negativity being spread about something that has brought so much joy to so many for so many years. Every time such rumours pop up, it feels like we’re constantly explaining that they are completely untrue. It’s tiring, and it’s frustrating."

The actor further speculated that jealousy over the show’s continued success might be a factor behind these recurring controversies. "No Plans to Quit TMKOC" Putting an end to rumours about his departure from the show, Joshi confirmed his commitment to TMKOC. He said: "Earlier, there were even rumours about me leaving the show, which is completely false. We all stand together in our commitment to make this show the best it can be. Let’s focus on the positivity and joy that this show brings to so many." Previous Controversies on TMKOC Sets This isn’t the first time the show has made headlines. Several former cast members, including Shailesh Lodha, Jennifer Mistry, and Palak Sindhwani, have alleged harassment, abuse, and non-payment of dues by Modi and the co-producers. Jennifer Mistry also accused Modi of sexual harassment. Joshi, however, has dismissed the current allegations surrounding his relationship with Modi as unfounded.

Also Read: Dilip Joshi grabs Asit Modi’s collar during intense argument on TMKOC sets: Report

Madhuri Dixit shocked many by stepping away from acting at the height of her career to get married. In 1999, she tied the knot with Dr. Shriram Nene and relocated to Colorado, where they lived a quiet life away from the spotlight for several years. In 2011, the family, including their two sons, Arin and Ryan, returned to India. Recently, Madhuri, who appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, shared her thoughts on moving abroad after marriage, saying she didn’t miss anything about her earlier life.

In an interview with Galatta India, Madhuri Dixit shared, “I was very happy because for me, the paraphernalia was not very important to me. I loved what I do. I love acting, dancing and everything to do with my profession. Anything else is just bonus like people considering you as a star. But I haven’t ever felt that way about me. So for me, it was never like, ‘Oh my god, I am going away from the public eye. I am getting married at the peak of my career.’ I never thought of it that way.”

She further explained, “I just thought I have met the right person for me. This is the man I want to marry and I am going to get married to this guy because everybody dreams for themselves. For me, it was like having a house, a husband, having family, and kids. I love kids. So, having kids was big part of that dream.”

The Saajan star shared, “When people say, ‘Oh, you were away, and didn’t you miss?’, I be like, ‘No, I didn’t miss because I was living my dream.”

Dr. Shriram Nene, speaking to Ranveer Allahbadia about his marriage to Madhuri Dixit, said, “I don’t know her like that (superstar). She is my wife and partner, and my encouragement to people is be what you always wanted to be and support the people with you. We are partners in a marriage where we look out for each other forever. If you develop that kind of relationship, it doesn’t matter what they did. I never knew her past history and she never knew mine. We came from very different worlds yet similar. Like sub-region Maharashtra, same kind of language and background. Neither of us thought that this would happen. I would say this is the most amazing thing in my life.”

On the work front, Madhuri Dixit appeared in films such as Pukar, Gaja Gamini, Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Lajja, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Devdas, and Aaja Nachle. She made a notable comeback with a special song in Ranbir Kapoor's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and went on to star in various Hindi and Marathi films. Additionally, she served as a judge on several reality TV shows, including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Madhuri Dixit recalls Dil and Ghayal releasing on same day as talks about box office clashes; says, “Industry is not just about one film, its bigger”

The 2024 Indian Racing League (IRL) ended thrillingly as John Abraham’s Goa Aces secured the championship with a stellar performance at the Kari Motor Speedway. Raoul Hyman and Gabriela Jilkova delivered a 1-2 finish on the final day, sealing the title for their team dramatically. Adding to their triumph, Goa Aces also claimed the car championship, achieving a remarkable double.

Final Race Drama Heading into the final race, Goa Aces led the Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers by just two points. However, the Tigers' hopes were dashed within moments of the race starting. A dramatic crash involving Ruhaan Alva (Royal Bengal Tigers) and Akash Gowda (Speed Demons Delhi) saw both drivers retire early, allowing Goa Aces to dominate.

Hyman and Jilkova maintained their composure, cruising to a decisive victory. Hyman crossed the finish line 28 seconds ahead of his teammate, while Mohd Ryan (Chennai Turbo Riders) secured third place. “We’re thrilled with the 1-2 finish and the championship win. It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication,” said Hyman. Formula 4: Aqil Alibhai Crowned Champion In the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, Hyderabad Blackbird’s Aqil Alibhai clinched the title despite a strong late charge from Bengaluru’s Ruhaan Alva. Alva won both of Sunday’s races with aggressive drives but fell short in the overall standings, finishing second behind Alibhai.

Alibhai, who dominated much of the season with six wins, played strategically in the final races. His P2 and P3 finishes were enough to secure the championship with a comfortable 29-point lead. “I wanted to end with a win, but I’m thrilled to take the championship title. This season has been a tremendous learning experience,” said the 18-year-old South African. A Milestone for Indian Motorsport The 2024 IRL and F4 Indian Championship showcased an exhilarating level of competition, providing a platform for Indian drivers to compete at higher levels. The season’s affordable and competitive setup has set the stage for nurturing future motorsport talents in India.

Also Read: Milap Zaveri reveals John Abraham did not speak to him for 2-3 months after Satyameva Jayate 2 failure; Nikkhil Advani dropped him: “I was 100% made to feel I had delivered a disaster”

Sajid Nadiadwala’s action franchise Baaghi 4, starring Tiger Shroff, is set to hit theaters on 5th September 2025. The release date and the filming were announced with a powerful new poster showcasing Tiger in an intense, never-before-seen avatar.

Directed by A. Harsha, known for films like Bajrangi and Veda, Baaghi 4 is set to deliver intense man-to-man action.

With this fourth installment, Tiger Shroff continues his role in one of Bollywood's prominent action franchises, marking his presence across four films. Baaghi 4 is expected to push the boundaries of the action genre, bringing more intense and thrilling sequences to the screen. The success of the previous films sets high expectations for the latest installment, promising fans an even more exciting cinematic experience.

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Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, in the coming year celebrates 75 years of delivering top-notch entertainment. The year ahead looks even more exciting with major releases like Sikandar starring Salman Khan, Housefull 5, Vishal Bhardwaj’s film with Shahid Kapoor and Tripti Dimri, and Baaghi 4. The legacy continues with a promising slate of blockbusters.

A Sajid Nadiadwala production, Baaghi 4 is directed by A. Harsha and stars Tiger Shroff. The film is set for release on 5th September 2025.

Also Read : Tiger Shroff opens up on his Singham Again success; says, “Really enjoying all the love and appreciation coming my way”

Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor’s Gunday (2014) remains a beloved action-entertainer in Bollywood. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film is remembered for its captivating storytelling, music, and performances. Recently, Priyanka shared a series of unseen behind-the-scenes (BTS) pictures from the film’s sets, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the fun and camaraderie during its making.

Priyanka Chopra shared a multi-picture series on social media, featuring behind-the-scenes moments from Gunday. The images included her in sultry outfits from the film, along with playful shots of her with Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, and the crew. Adding to the nostalgia, Priyanka used the iconic song Asalaam-e-Ishqum as the background score for her post.

Sharing her memories, Priyanka Chopra wrote, “I was going through my phone and these pictures popped up in my memories. Anyone remember this?? One of the most fun jobs ever! Incredible locations, the most fun cast and crew and the lovely @aliabbaszafar who brought us together. Good memories are made by good people. Circa 2013 @ranveersingh @arjunkapoor @yrf.”

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  A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra)

The post sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. Comments flooded in, with one user writing, “How can anyone forget uffff Diva Goddess Nandita is my favorite,” while another fan commented, “She … Is born to slay.” Many fans expressed their desire for Priyanka’s Bollywood comeback, with one asking, “Bollywood comeback when?" Another fan reminisced, “Good old days… Gunday one of my fav movies,” and someone else urged, “We missss u come back to Bollywood.”

Reflecting on his experience in Gunday, Arjun Kapoor recently shared in an interview with Pinkvilla how Priyanka Chopra, despite being a "big star" and seemingly out of their league, graciously agreed to join the film. He also expressed his admiration for working alongside the legendary Irrfan Khan and credited Aditya Chopra for creating a film that resonated with the masses.

Set in the 1970s-80s, Gunday told the gripping story of two best friends, Bala and Bikram, who started as coal thieves and rose to become notorious gangsters in Kolkata. The film’s iconic soundtrack, featuring tracks like Asalaam-e-Ishqum and Jashn-e-Ishqa, continues to be remembered fondly, contributing to its lasting legacy.

Also Read : 20 years of Aitraaz: Priyanka Chopra in a throwback interview, “When I heard the role, I was worried”

Aamir Khan is working to repair his relationship with his daughter, Ira Khan. The actor shared that they are attending joint therapy to address and resolve their issues. In a Netflix India video, Aamir joined Ira and Dr. Vivek Murthy to discuss mental health.

During the chat Aamir said, “Therapy is so helpful. I think she (Ira) pushed me down that path. I would strongly recommend therapy to anyone who feels the need for it? It has been helpful for me. In fact, Ira and I also have started joint therapy. The two of us go to a therapist for our own relationship. To work on how to make that better and issues which have been there for over years.”

In a candid conversation on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast “Chapter 2,” Aamir Khan expressed regret over his absence from his children’s lives, which he believes contributed to his decision to leave the film industry.

Aamir Khan, a prominent figure in Indian cinema for over three decades, acknowledged that the pandemic gave him a harsh wake-up call about his priorities. He admitted that his intense career focus had led him to miss key moments in the lives of his three children — Ira, Junaid, and Azad.

Aamir Khan recalled the struggles his children faced during his absence and expressed deep regret. He reflected, “Ira was struggling with depression at the time, she is much better now. But then she needed me. Junaid is starting his career. He has lived his life without me. And now, perhaps he is taking the last big step in his life, towards his career. If I am not with him at this time, then what’s the point? Azad is 9 years now. In another 3 years, he will be a teenager. His childhood won’t come back.”

Ira is Aamir's daughter from his first marriage to Reena Dutta, with whom he also has a son, Junaid. The couple divorced in 2002. Ira made her directorial debut in 2019 with the play Euripides' Medea, starring Hazel Keech. Aamir also has a son, Azad Rao Khan, with his second wife, Kiran Rao, from whom he announced their separation in July.

Aamir Khan is working to repair his relationship with his daughter, Ira Khan. The actor shared that they are attending joint therapy to address and resolve their issues. In a Netflix India video, Aamir joined Ira and Dr. Vivek Murthy to discuss mental health.

Also Read : Aamir Khan reveals he took on six projects simultaneously, believing his last 10 active years are limited: “You can’t trust life; we might die tomorrow”

The 2024 edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit concluded with a thought-provoking conversation featuring Bollywood icons Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. The stars shared insights on the changing dynamics of the movie industry, including the influence of OTT platforms, the way stars determine their fees, and the growing public fixation on box office numbers.

Ajay Devgn Speaks On Audience Obsession with Box Office Numbers During the session, the actors were asked why audiences today seem increasingly preoccupied with metrics like opening-day collections and lifetime earnings rather than simply judging a film's quality.

Ajay Devgn dismissed the idea that the general audience is behind this obsession, saying, “I don’t think the movie-going audience is the one obsessing over this. It’s something created by the film industry or maybe some people outside of it. The general audience either likes the film or doesn’t. They don’t care about collections or numbers.”

Devgn pointed out that much of the hype is driven by social media. “When a trailer is released, and you see hundreds of thousands of comments. Who is actually writing them? Most real audiences don’t have time for that. They watch the movie, talk about it briefly—whether they liked it or not—and move on with their lives,” he added, questioning the origins of such intense scrutiny. Akshay Kumar Suggests a Bold Fix Adding to Devgn’s observations, Akshay Kumar proposed a humorous yet thought-provoking solution to curb this obsession. “I was just telling Ajay—imagine a rule where you’re charged five rupees to comment on social media. I think everything will come back to normalcy,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar confirms losing Phool Aur Kaante to Ajay Devgn; here’s why it was a “win-win situation” for both!

Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy surrounding the Telangana government’s ban on some of his songs during his electrifying Hyderabad concert on Saturday night. Despite the restrictions, the singer entertained a packed stadium, taking a humorous yet pointed approach to the censorship.

Telangana Govt’s Ban on Diljit’s Songs The Telangana government had earlier issued an order prohibiting Diljit from performing songs referencing alcohol, drugs, and violence during his Hyderabad concert. While performing, Diljit subtly criticized the decision without naming anyone directly.

“When artists come to India from other countries, they are allowed to do whatever they like, sing whatever they want, koi tension nahin… But when an artist from your own country is singing, people have so many problems,” he remarked. Diljit Dosanjh's reply to Telengana government who asked him to censor lyrics related to violence or alcohol. byu/sheilakijawani_gone inBollyBlindsNGossip

"Some People Can't Digest My Success" Diljit further commented on the challenges he faces as a homegrown artist. “Some people cannot digest the fact that such big shows are happening, that tickets are getting sold out in 2 minutes,” he said. “Bro, I've been working for many, many years now. I have not become famous in a day.” A Creative Response to Censorship The censorship did not dampen Diljit’s spirit. Instead, he adapted by altering certain lyrics in his songs that referenced alcohol or violence, much to the delight of his fans. This creative workaround showcased his ability to entertain despite the restrictions. Diljit on Black Marketing of Tickets During the concert, Diljit also spoke about the global issue of ticket black marketing. “Government ispe kaam kar rahi hai,” he said, acknowledging the steps being taken to address the problem while highlighting its prevalence worldwide. Dil-luminati Tour in Full Swing Diljit’s Hyderabad concert was part of his ongoing Dil-luminati Tour, which kicked off in Delhi on October 26. The singer is set to perform in cities like Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, and Mumbai before concluding the tour in Guwahati on December 29.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh receives notice from Telangana government ahead of Hyderabad concert over content and child safety

Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was rushed to a Mumbai hospital on Saturday after experiencing health issues during a roadshow in Jalgaon as part of his campaign for the MahaYuti alliance. According to a report by IANS, the incident occurred while the actor was addressing voters in Pachora, one of the stops in his campaign across Muktainagar, Bodwad, Pachora, and Chopda.

Health Concerns During Campaign Initially, Govinda reported mild physical discomfort but soon began experiencing severe chest pain and leg discomfort. Following doctors' advice, he was urgently airlifted to a Mumbai hospital for immediate medical attention. His family accompanied him during the emergency transfer, and he received initial treatment upon arrival.

As of now, Govinda has not issued a statement about his condition, leaving fans and supporters concerned. Campaign for MahaYuti in Jalgaon Govinda has been an active supporter of the MahaYuti alliance, campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). During the roadshow, he encouraged citizens to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi by voting for the ruling coalition. Unfortunately, the actor had to cut short his event in Pachora due to his deteriorating health. Recent Health Scare: Gunshot Incident This recent health emergency comes just weeks after Govinda accidentally injured himself with a gunshot wound. On October 1, while cleaning his revolver at home, the weapon discharged, causing a bullet to hit his leg. The incident occurred early in the morning when Govinda was preparing to leave for an event in Kolkata. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Andheri for treatment.

Also Read: “Govinda was shy around girls, Akshay Kumar had multiple girlfriends,” reveals their co-star Guddi Maruti

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has officially renounced his Canadian citizenship and embraced his Indian roots. The actor, known for his patriotic roles, made this decision last year and recently discussed it at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024.

A Heartfelt Connection to India When asked about the timing of his decision, Akshay humorously responded, “Not any baba, it was the blessings of my parents. Main chup chaap nikal gaya (I left without making a noise)." He further explained that he had applied for Indian citizenship during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the unversed, Akshay got his Indian passport just a couple of days before the India-Canada conflict. A Look Back at the Past The actor also shed light on the reasons behind acquiring Canadian citizenship in the first place. He stated, "My films were not working at the time. And all people should work, I was getting some work there with a friend on mine in cargo. But then two of my movies were up for release and they became hits. Then I got a bunch of more hits and forgot about it (Canadian citizenship).” A Strong Sense of Indian Identity Akshay emphasized his deep-rooted connection to India, saying, “I am an Indian from my mind, from my heart and from my soul. That will always be. So I never cared about that. But about 3-4 years back, I had said on this stage that I will give it up. It took some time and last year, exactly on 14th or 15th August, I got my passport.”

Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind! ???????? pic.twitter.com/DLH0DtbGxk — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 15, 2023

Speaking of the professional front, Akshay was last seen in Khel Khel Mein, followed by a brief cameo in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. He has a packed schedule with Housefull 5, Jolly LLB 3, Sky Force, and Bhooth Bangla in the pipeline. In addition to this, he will also headline Ajay Devgn’s upcoming directorial. 

Also Read: Akshay Kumar confirms losing Phool Aur Kaante to Ajay Devgn; here’s why it was a “win-win situation” for both!

Bigg Boss 18, which has been focusing on way too many fights and arguments in the house, has left Salman Khan quite disappointed. The host, who has returned for the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, was seen questioning the attitude and anger issues of majorly two contestants – Digvijay Rathee and Avinash Mishra after their major showdown. In a recent promo, the actor is seen slamming them for the same and he is also seen questioning the attitude of a special guest Ashneer Grover who will join Bigg Boss for this episode.

In a recently released promo on social media, Salman Khan is seen giving an experiment to Digvijay Rathee and Avinash Mishra where the two are asked to tear a pair of denims. But when neither of them were able to achieve it, he questioned them about their alleged ‘rivalry’ within the house and the superstar host even went on to accuse them of maintaining this ‘enmity’ in order to stay in the limelight. Furthermore, the promo also introduced the arrival of Shark Tank judge and entrepreneur Ashneer Grover for a special episode with Salman Khan.

#WeekendKaVaar Promo - Salman bash Digvijay and Avinash. Ashneer Grover ko kuch yaad dilaya bhai nepic.twitter.com/YOukqCDaTZ — #BiggBoss_Tak???? (@BiggBoss_Tak) November 15, 2024

The superstar-host, who was in his elements, also took a jibe at Grover addressing an old podcast where the latter flaunted about signing Khan as an ambassador for one of the brands. “Mere baare me kehte huye suna hai that you have signed me. Sab figures bhi aapne galat bataye. Toh phir yeh dogalapan kya hai? (I heard you talking about signing me. You have also given all wrong figures. What kind of double standard is this?)”, Khan asked when Grover made his entry. The latter, however maintained his calmness and replied, “Aapko jo brand ambassador kia (Having signed you as the brand ambassador), I think that was one of the smartest moves”.

Salman Khan, however, continued to address his attitude, as he said, “Yeh jo attitude ab hai, tab wahan nahi dikha tha (This attitude that you are showing right here, it wasn’t the same back then)”. Khan referred to an interview where Ashneer Grover had recalled an incident where he told Khan’s manager to go to hell after the latter informed him that Salman had refused to take a photo with him.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 18: Former Bigg Boss contestants Rajiv Adatia and Devoleena Bhattacharjee take a jibe at Sara Arfeen Khan after the latter reacts violently on the show

The beautiful Soundarya Sharma got national attention thanks to her stint in Bigg Boss 16 and also her appearance in the Vimal ad with Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. Right now, she’s on cloud nine as she has bagged the multi-starrer comedy, Housefull 5, co-starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan and others. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Soundarya spoke about it and a lot more.

How has been the year for you? It’s been very overwhelming and very thrilling. It’s exciting to be a part of such a mega-franchise and to be featured alongside Akshay sir, Riteish sir and Abhishek sir. It has a humongous cast. As kids, we used to dance to the songs of multi-starrers and today, I am a part of one such film (smiles).

How did you bag the film? Did the Vimal ad help in any way? Yes, but I would say that everything is connected and helps you in some way. The ad played a major role in it. People have Godfathers in the industry. I have a God sister - Warda Nadiadwala (smiles). We were always good friends and they had seen me in Bigg Boss. Then the ad came out and it became the most controversial one. Also, Warda happened to see one of my showreels. One fine day, she called me up and asked to come over for tea. That’s when she told me that I am a part of Housefull 5. It was a surprise for me and I was overwhelmed.

It was a controversial ad but it grabbed eyeballs among the people and also the industry… Absolutely. There couldn’t have been a better opportunity for a newcomer like me who was trying for a foothold in the industry. Who would say ‘No’ to an ad like that? Also, not every big ad necessarily translates into bigger work. So many people are also doing such big ads. But this was an unprecedented one. I don’t remember anything of this sort happening to any actress or any newcomer. But translating into bigger work is always commendable.

Housefull 5 went on floors in mid-September. Hence, did you have a working birthday, on September 20? (Smiles) Oh yes, I did. I celebrated on the cruise and I had a great time. It was the kind of birthday I was always looking forward to in my life (laughs).

How was it to be on a cruise and shooting for this film? It was fantastic and more like a picnic. Everyone was so good. Akshay sir is so goofy. Riteish sir, too, is goofy and also very cute. I was treated like a superstar. I don’t remember anyone making me feel like a junior, except when they wanted to troll me and play pranks on me (laughs)!

Did you get to see the punctual side of Akshay Kumar and did that add any pressure? I am also punctual. Sometimes, I come and start the generator on the sets! Hence, for me, it was not a problem. And yes, he’s very punctual and there are so many things from him to learn from. There’s a reason why he's been a superstar for so many years.

Did your stay in the USA help you develop a sense of punctuality? No. It’s in my genes. I come from a family of teachers and IAS. I, myself, am a doctor. Toh humko time pe pahuchna hi hota hai. Hence, I am the first one in my team to reach anywhere. At times, I have even been told, ‘Aap thoda late aa jao’!

You were shortlisted for Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Any plans to try for a role in a Hollywood project? Regarding Wonder Woman, I guess let bygones be bygones. But definitely, something is on the cards. I am flying to Los Angeles and France in January.

You said in an interview that you were also one of the shortlisted actors for a film that went to the Oscars. Was it Laapataa Ladies or All We Imagine As Light? I don’t want to name the film as it won’t be right on the part of the actor who got the role. I had actually thought that I’d be out of the Bigg Boss house in 4 weeks. But I never ever thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be there until the finale. So, God had His plans. Nevertheless, I went through a tough time as things were sorted for me then. But now I feel Housefull 5 is the best thing that has happened to me.

Can we expect a madcap entertainer from Housefull 5? Definitely. We are having a lot of fun while shooting. And I am the surprise package of Housefull 5 (smiles).

Is the shoot complete? No. We are still shooting.

What next apart from the project that you will begin shooting for in January 2025? I may have something in December. I may have signed a three-film deal; you never know! When things happen, people will get to know. Warna nazar bhi lag sakti hai. I am a little superstitious about it. Hence, when I start shooting, I talk about it.

Any final thoughts on your journey? I have worked hard. Difficult is an understatement coming this far. But my journey has just begun. You need that one person who holds your hand and gives you the platform. I am so grateful to Warda for doing that, especially in an industry where there are so many talented people.

Also Read: Soundarya Sharma speaks on featuring in Vimal ad featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar; calls it “unprecedented” 

Disha Patani and her family have come in news after her father Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jagdish Patani has filed a complaint against four individuals for fraud and duping him of a whopping Rs. 25 lakhs in the name of providing a high position in a government commission. The names of the accused that have come to light include Shivendra Pratap Singh, Diwakar Garg, Acharya Jayaprakash, Preeti Garg, among others. The police investigation is currently underway and an FIR has been lodged regarding the same at Kotwali police station in Bareilly.

Confirming the details, the in-charge of Kotwali police station DK Sharma was quoted saying to NDTV, “A case has been registered against Shivendra Pratap Singh, Diwakar Garg, Acharya Jayaprakash from Juna Akhara, Preeti Garg, and one unidentified person for cheating, criminal intimidation, and extortion. Efforts are underway to arrest the accused and take strict action”. Meanwhile, as per reports, Jagdish Patani had invested a certain trust in Shivendra Pratap Singh whom he knew personally. The latter then introduced Patani to Jayaprakash and Diwakar when the conversation about getting him a high position started.

Furthermore, the accused assured Patani of having high-profile political contacts that will help him benefit and secure the offered position in the government commission easily. In order to gain his trust and reassure him regarding their credibility, reports suggested that the trio of Singh, Garg, and Acharya introduced a man named Himanshu as the ‘officer on special duty’ to Patani.

If that wasn’t all, the trio also took a lumpsum worth Rs. 25 lakhs wherein Rs. 5 lakhs were asked to be given in cash and Rs. 20 lakhs reportedly were transferred between three different accounts. However, when Jagdish Patani confronted them about returning the amount after seeing no progress in the matter for over three months, threats were issued to him, and it is being said that they also behaved aggressively. Owing to the matter getting out of hand, Patani decided to take legal and police action against the four individuals.

Also Read: Disha Patani praises Kanguva director Siva at music launch in Chennai: “He will always be my Teddy”

While rumours about Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan dating Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak Tiwari has been doing the rounds for over a year now, the duo were seen enjoying a beautiful vacation in Maldives. While the Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan actress has been sharing photos and videos from the beachy paradise for the past two days, Ibrahim too shared a series of adorable pics on Friday, which has left many surprised. Amid fans who couldn’t stop gushing over cuteness, many believed that the couple just confirmed their relationship.

Ibrahim Ali Khan took to Instagram to share photos of him enjoying the sunset, spending quality time in the pool and some aesthetic photos of the food and location. Whereas, Palak Tiwari shared a video which included montages of her Maldivian shenanigans. The two of them also were seen enjoying a romantic candlelight setup which was posted by both in their respective posts. While Ibrahim dropped only emojis in his caption, Palak wrote, “A vacation girl”.

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  A post shared by Ibrahim Ali Khan (@iakpataudi)

Excited fans believed that the two are not hiding their relationship anymore considering that they shared these pictures as they pointed out way too many similarities about their vacations.  “THIS JUST CONFIRMED PALAK IS WITH HIM”, “Ibrahim and Palak are confirming their relationship with photos”, “he and palak aren’t even trying to hide it lmao”, “Palak clicking his pictures wow”, “Palak and him celebrating their dating anniversary oo hoo” were some of the comments that were added on Ibrahim’s post.

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  A post shared by Palak Tiwari (@palaktiwarii)

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  A post shared by Palak Tiwari (@palaktiwarii)

For the unversed, Palak Tiwari gained fame for featuring alongside a host of stars including Salman Khan in the actioner Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Ali Khan, who worked as an AD with Dharma Productions, will be making his debut soon and has films like Sarzameen with Kajol and another untitled film allegedly named Naadaniyaan with Khushi Kapoor in the pipeline.

Also Read: Ibrahim Ali Khan waves at paps in his cool casual as he steps out in the city

Jacqueline Fernandez has not only made a mark in the industry as a successful performer but is also known for her amazing fashion at the display. The stunning beauty doesn’t shy away from trying out different combinations and styles, modern or traditional, for every occasion. As Thanksgiving approaches, here are eight looks of the actress that will give you major fashion goals for the wonderful day.

Beauty in Brown Sporting a beautiful brown body-hugging bustier dress, Jacqueline looks sharp and elegant. The actress elevated her outfit by wearing black heels and diamond jewels.

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  A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)

Embrace the 90s fashion Jacqueline Fernandez pulled off a 90s look in a sequinned top and complemented the sultry outfit with minimal jewelry and light makeup.

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  A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)

White magic Jacqueline looked ethereal in a chic and immaculate all-white ensemble. The dress is accentuated with a puff sleeve on one side and a striking off-shoulder neck line.

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Boss Babe Jacqueline nailed this bossy look by wearing a black corset top over a white full-sleeves shirt with flared formal black pants. To compliment her look, she wore sunglasses and left her hair open.

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  A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)

Barbie look Jacqueline looked absolutely stunning in a hot bubblegum pink-colored latex jumpsuit. She made sure to match her lip shade with her outfit and went for a dramatic haircut.

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Elegant Bodycon Outfit Jacqueline opted for a skin-fit skirt having bunching details and a side cut-out designed full-sleeved crop top. She accessorized the look with a shaped metallic handbag and round hoops.

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  A post shared by Jacqueliene Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez)

Black Mesh Dress The actress slayed in a daring black mesh dress with a net hemline, which was very shimmery at the end. To finish off her look, she wore a pink lip color with a high ponytail.

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Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez reacts to ED charges: Claims she was unaware of illicit source of gifts from Sukesh Chandrasekhar 

The Fable, directed by writer-director Raam Reddy, has made history as the first Indian film to win the prestigious Best Film award in the main international competition (Constellation Features Competition) at the Leeds International Film Festival 2024. This marks a milestone achievement for Indian cinema, as no Indian film has previously received this honor at the festival since its inception in 1987. The award follows The Fable's recent success, including its world premiere at the Berlinale Film Festival 2024, and the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

Director Raam Reddy said, “Leeds is an incredible festival, not just because of its amazing heartfelt curation but also because it is an Academy Award qualifying festival that screened nearly 250 amazing films this year! I got a chance to present The Fable in person in Leeds for the UK premiere and the audience reaction to the film was so engaging, it was amazing. This recognition of Best Film in such an important international platform makes me feel thankful and fulfilled as a filmmaker. I want to dedicate this award to my amazing team, whose sustained passion and effort over the years have brought The Fable to life!”

Actor Manoj Bajpayee said, “I am incredibly honored to be a part of The Fable and to see it resonate with audiences globally. Working with director Raam Reddy, whose thoughtful storytelling and unique blend of magical realism added such depth to this project, alongside Pratap Reddy, Juhi Agarwal, and later, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, has been a profound experience. My co-stars Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, and Tillotama Shome brought extraordinary talent to this journey. Winning the Best Film award at Leeds is not just a triumph for our film but a proud moment for Indian cinema. I hope The Fable continues to inspire and touch people around the world.”

Executive Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor said, “I’m beyond thrilled that The Fable has won Best Film at the Leeds International Film Festival, a first for Indian cinema. This win is a testament to Raam Reddy’s vision and Manoj Bajpayee’s remarkable performance. We’re honoured to see our story resonate with global audiences on such a grand stage. The magic of ‘magic realism’ has just begun!”

Executive Producer Achin Jain said, “It’s a moment of immense pride for The Fable to become the first Indian film to win at the Leeds International Film Festival. It's a testament to the story that no one left a 45-minute Q&A session after a midnight screening. This honour reaffirms the power of Indian storytelling to resonate globally. Congratulations to Raam Reddy and the entire team of the film for this incredible achievement!”

The Fable competed alongside acclaimed international films like Simon of the Mountain (Best Film at Cannes Critics Week from Argentina), Toxic (Best Film in Locarno Festival from Lithuania), and Lovable (Karlovy Vary Award Winner from Norway). The film’s recognition at Leeds comes on the heels of enthusiastic reception from Spanish audiences at the Seminci Festival, Brazilian audiences in Mostra Sao Paolo, and Irish audiences in the World Cinema section at the 69th Cork International Film Festival. Generating excitement as The Fable continues its global journey, with upcoming screenings in Nantes in France and a headlining Special Presentation at the Singapore International Film Festival that will be attended by Manoj Bajpayee and Raam Reddy.

Reddy’s second feature blends magical realism with a powerful political allegory. Set in the Indian Himalayas, The Fable tells the story of a family living on an orchard estate whose peaceful life is upended by mysterious events. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Dev, with notable performances by Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, Tillotama Shome, and Hiral Sidhu.

The Fable is an India-US co-production between Prspctvs Productions and Maxmedia and has Academy Award-winning producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment serving as Executive Producers.

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee delighted as The Fable wins Special Jury Prize at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024: “It reflects the film’s power and the dedication of everyone who made it possible”

Vijaylaxmi Singh, who portrayed Triptii Dimri's mother in the romantic comedy Bad Newz, is also recognized for her roles in Delhi Crime and Breathe: Into the Shadows. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, she discusses women-centered themes, her experience working with Vicky Kaushal, inspirations from Charlie Chaplin, and more.

When asked what unique aspect in Bad Newz's script drew her to the project, Vijaylaxmi shared, “As an artist, I was looking forward to working with my director Anand Tiwari. He is a very talented director and actor. It offered me a great learning opportunity. It's a story about a girl who has ambitions. Family and love are important to her, but her dreams are equally important. So, how would a mother react to a girl who is ambitious yet raised in a homely atmosphere? This would be a great opportunity.”

Reflecting on her acting journey, she said, “I've worked on multiple commercial projects, including Breathe: Into the Shadows and Delhi Crime. Each project had a different storyline and focus. Delhi Crime was beautifully captured, while Bad Newz has been made appealing to audiences through its music, dance, and themes. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work on various types of films and series.”

When asked about her motivation to pursue acting, Vijaylaxmi said, “My inspiration for pursuing acting came during my college days studying English literature. I developed a strong interest in acting while studying poetry and drama. Initially, I didn't pursue acting seriously as I was unsure about it. Instead, I started a career in banking, which is quite different. I have admired Charlie Chaplin's ability to express and portray characters exceptionally well throughout my journey.”

Asked whether her background in English literature and theater deepened her understanding of acting, Vijaylaxmi explained, “Studying poetry and drama made me realise that every word used carries meaning. Vocabulary, punctuation, and even the smallest details must be carefully considered as they influence how emotions are conveyed or a line is delivered. Before pursuing theatre, I worked in retail banking. This experience gave me the confidence to speak in front of people, as you must let go of your inhibitions when on set. It helped me develop professionalism, essential in acting and every aspect of life.”

When asked about Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri facing online trolling over the song Jaanam from Bad Newz and whether actors are unfairly targeted for their artistic choices, she observes, “Actors are often judged incorrectly because many are involved in a film project. Actors are often under intense scrutiny because of the nature of their work and the many people who follow them. Even simple things, such as someone being a vegan, become topics of discussion.”

Vijaylaxmi further comments, “When it comes to this song, there have been bolder film and media projects, but I like the song and think the actors have done a great job. I don't find anything problematic about it; it's a lovely song. People may do whatever they want, but don't spare anyone else. I appreciate that the film emphasises essential themes such as women's ambition, independence, following your dreams, and fatherhood. The world will be better if we all take ownership of a situation. In this film, Amy Virk and Vicky wanted to take ownership of their situation rather than run away. They did not treat it as a taboo, and that's a perfect message.”

If you are planning to watch Kanguva in theatres this weekend, make sure you put cotton in your ears before entering the auditorium. Or carry over-the-counter medication for headache. This is because the film is too loud, with many calling it the loudest film that they have seen in their lives.

As per reports gathered by Bollywood Hungama, moviegoers across the country and also the world have complained of the high volume and it has affected the overall experience for the film. A manager at a multiplex spoke to us on condition of anonymity, “During the intermission of every show of Kanguva on its release day, irate moviegoers requested our staff to do something about the volume. Some of them even blasted our team, assuming that it’s us who have kept the volume high. But it’s not our fault. And I spoke to my counterparts and it's happening in other theatres as well.”

Many moviegoers have taken to social media to speak about their unpleasant experiences. An industry member, currently abroad, told us, “When I watched Kanguva, I felt like someone pierced my ears with a sharp knife. 70% of the film is ruined because of an irritating sound design that forces you to feel emotions for characters whereas you end up feeling forced to go and punch the soundbox in the auditorium.”

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Yesterday, Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty took to Instagram to talk about this aspect. He wrote, “High time our fraternity to put your foot down and say things loud and clear. No film will have a repeat value if the audience walk out with headache (sic).”

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report of a similar instance which happened with KGF - Chapter 2 (2022). A few days after its release, makers rectified the issue and sent revised prints.

The exhibitors across the country are hoping that Kanguva makers also follow suit. An exhibitor from North India rued, “Some people suffer from high blood pressure or migraine. What if something happens to them when they are watching the film in my cinema hall? Hence, we hope the makers of the film listen to our plea.”

Kanguva stars Suriya and Bobby Deol and is directed by Siva.

Also Read: Suriya embraces “calm before the storm” approach ahead on Kanguva release; producer reveals director Siva “didn’t sleep for the last 90 days”

After his Bollywood debut in Maharaj this June, Junaid Khan is gearing up for a potential double release around Valentine’s Day 2025. Trade insiders report that both of his upcoming films—one co-starring Sai Pallavi and produced by his father, Aamir Khan, and another romantic drama with Khushi Kapoor—are eyeing February release dates.

Aamir Khan's Production Targets Valentine's Day Junaid’s untitled film with Sai Pallavi, produced by Aamir Khan, is tentatively set for a February 14 release. “Aamir has been eyeing February 14 for months,” a source told Mid-Day. “They have planned promotions and distribution channels around this date. So, changing it now is difficult.”

Meanwhile, Junaid’s romantic drama with Khushi Kapoor, produced by Boney Kapoor and Phantom Studios, has already been slated for release a week earlier on February 7. Directed by Advait Chandan, the film is an official Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Love Today (2022). “In September, the makers had announced the release date,” says a source close to Boney Kapoor’s production team. “Keeping the film’s theme of young romance in mind, they want to stick to the February window.” Producers Consider Options to Avoid Box-Office Clash With both films catering to a young audience and capitalizing on Valentine’s Day, a back-to-back release could impact each film’s box-office performance. However, the release dates may still change as both production teams look to avoid direct competition. According to a source, “Aamir is currently promoting Laapataa Ladies in the U.S. for the Oscars but plans to meet with the producers of the Love Today remake later this month. An announcement of new dates is expected by December.”

If no adjustments are made, Junaid Khan could see two of his films releasing just a week apart. 

Also Read: Aamir Khan speaks on almost quitting acting after Laal Singh Chaddha debacle, reveals son Junaid Khan changed his mind: “I was going from one extreme to another”

Milap Zaveri aka Mass Zaveri celebrates his birthday today, that is, November 14. It’s a triple celebration for him this year. Singham Again, in which he wrote the additional dialogues, has been quite liked. And thirdly, the mahurat of his upcoming directorial venture Tera Yaar Hoon Main was a much-talked-about event. It launches Indra Kumar’s son Aman along with Akanksha Sharma. The superstars Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan graced the event and it caught attention big time.

A day before his birthday, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Milap Zaveri about having a rocking November. The writer-filmmaker humbly said, “Touchwood, it’s been a lovely month. I was happy to be one of the additional dialogue writers in Singham Again. I got a lot of appreciation for it, thanks to Rohit Shetty and all the other writers. Then Tera Yaar Hoon Main’s mahurat took place; with this film, we are launching Aman Indra Kumar and Akanksha Sharma. It also features a legend like Paresh Rawal sir. It’s a great responsibility as Indu ji is trusting his son with me. In fact, I said at the mahurat that Indu ji trusts me with 3 of his B’s – his brand Masti 4, his beta Aman and his wife Beena ji. So, now, I have to give a B for Blockbuster!” Milap is also all set to direct the fourth instalment of the sex comedy, Masti.B

Milap Zaveri continued, “So, it’s a happy birthday. I am looking forward to the coming year since I have these directorial ventures. The only wish I have is that I keep working like this on my birthday every year. I hope I keep having work and I keep having films to make so that I can entertain the audience.”

So, can one assume that Milap Zaveri will be having a working birthday? He replied, “Yes. Tera Yaar Hoon Main shoot begins in November itself. It’s a working birthday and it’s the best way (to celebrate the big day). I’ll obviously also spend time with my son Mehaan and my wife Gouri.”

He smiled and added, “I think it’ll be the best birthday in a long time as I am surrounded by so many good people and good projects.”

At the event of Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Milap Zaveri was introduced in a massy style. Looking back at it and sharing the stage with Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn, Milap Zaveri stated, “It was great to be with them. They came due to Indu Ji's goodwill. I must give credit to him. As sone pe suhaga, we also got their blessings. Aamir sir and Ajay sir wished me on stage. That felt great. It was also so good for newcomers like Aman and Akanksha to get blessings of such legends.”

Milap Zaveri wrote an interesting post on Instagram where he mentioned all the landmark films of Indra Kumar while praising him. The post read, “With his ‘Dil’ he gave me his ‘Beta’ to make a story about ‘Ishq’. Now there is only one responsibility I have, to make ‘Tera Yaar Hoon Main’ a film full of ‘Dhamaal’ and ‘Masti’!”

The master of mass dialogues that he is, we asked him to end our chat with a power-packed one-liner. Milap Zaveri immediately came up with one such one-liner, “Iss janamdin, ek naye star Aman ka janam ho raha hai aur as a director mera bhi janam ho raha hai. This janamdin is like a punar janam for me. And it works beautifully because the classic film on punar janam, Karan Arjun, is also re-releasing soon!”

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Also Read: Tera Yaar Hoon Main Muhurat: Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and others wish Aman Kumar all the best for his debut with Milap Zaveri directorial: “You have it in you to make a mark”

Rohit Shetty discussed bringing together two iconic characters, Chulbul Pandey and Bajirao Singham, explaining that they come from different worlds. In an interview with India Today Digital, he noted that their collaboration would create a distinct film, separate from his existing cop universe.

Rohit Shetty said, “We were creating our own characters, and they were coming into each other’s stories. That’s how we created a universe. But these are two IPs (intellectual properties) that have never met. If all goes well, and the audience likes what we make...This has never been done before, and it’s something new for everyone. Also, Chulbul is not in the universe, nor is Singham going there. It will be two IPs and two universes meeting for one individual film.”

Rohit Shetty also mentioned that it would take time for the film to go on floors. He added, “This will be a standalone film, not where everyone comes together. It will definitely take a lot of time to make.”

Salman Khan made a brief appearance in the post-credits scene of Singham Again, delivering his iconic line, “Swagat nahi karoge humara?” The scene then teased the upcoming film Mission Chulbul Singham, leaving many fans disappointed by the blink-and-miss cameo.

Explaining the creative decision behind Salman Khan's cameo, Rohit Shetty said, “We followed the international format where, at the end, you see a photo or a phone call. The story had already concluded, and adding Salman just because we have him... We couldn't waste him like that. It's better to have him in a small appearance rather than a full-fledged sequence, where people think, ‘Why him, zarurat nahi thi (it wasn’t needed)?’ That would have gone majorly wrong.”

Shetty also revealed that he had been toying with the idea for many years and, when he reached out to Salman Khan, the actor immediately agreed to be a part of the film.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Singham Again writer Kshitij Patwardhan on Singham being less angry this time, “His anger is subdued because…”

Kartik Aaryan recently shared a heartfelt post dedicated to Sonu Nigam, crediting him for the powerful climax sequence of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Kartik praised Sonu’s soulful singing in the film. In response, Sonu described Kartik as a "secured soul" and praised his versatility as an actor.

Kartik Aaryan shared a photo of himself embracing Sonu Nigam and expressed his admiration for the singer, who performed ‘Mere Dholna 3.0.’ In his caption, Kartik wrote, “The Entire Climax that everyone has been raving about was a combination of many forces coming together.. out of which a Big Big credit goes to @sonunigamofficial sir and his heart wrenching voice…I may have performed in front of the camera but it was his voice that CREATED THE HEART TOUCHING MAGIC…(heart emojis)…#BhoolBhulaiyaa3 In Theatres…(Call me and heart emojis).”

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  A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

Sonu Nigam responded to Kartik's post, commenting, “It takes a very very secured and loving soul to share credits.. Only goes on to show how gracious you are my dear Kartik.. Love you.. So happy to see so much love being showered upon you. What you have done in Bhool Bhullaiyya 3 is a mark of a very intelligent and deep actor. From comedy to tragedy in one film.... Marvellous. Thank you so much for your love..(smiling emojis).”

Reacting to Kartik’s post, singer Harshdeep Kaur commented, “Thank you for crediting the Artist! shows how much you respect their work!” One fan wrote, “This duo made me cry in the climax.” Another fan shared, “The climax was beautiful, but @sonunigamofficial sir’s voice took it to the next level!” A user also commented, “The climax was enough to make even grown-ups cry.”

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee, stars Triptii Dimri, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, and others in key roles. The horror-comedy hit theaters on November 1.

Also Read : Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Box Office: Kartik Aaryan starrer continues its good run on weekdays

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao are going all out with their campaign for the Oscars 2025 for their film Laapataa Ladies, which was released earlier this year and is India’s official submission. Ahead of the campaign, they have decided to change the film's title, likely to enhance its recall value internationally.

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, through Aamir’s production house’s Instagram account, revealed that they have changed the title of Laapataa Ladies to Lost Ladies to boost the film’s global appeal. The announcement came with a new poster, accompanied by the caption, “The wait is over! Presenting the official poster for Lost Ladies—a glimpse into the wild, heartfelt journey of Phool and Jaya! Huge shoutout to @jahansinghbakshi and @apertureanecdotes for bringing our story to life with this stunning design. Get ready to be swept away!”

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A special screening of Lost Ladies (formerly Laapataa Ladies) was hosted by chef Vikas Khanna in New York. On Tuesday, he shared the news on social media, offering a glimpse of the event. He wrote, “Jab dil se Dua atti hai, ‘Jeet lo duniya’. This is exactly what I felt yesterday when we were hosting Oscar Campaigning event of Lost Ladies (Laapataa Ladies) at Bungalow. Kiran you are a true artist to create such an iconic film.”

He continued, “Aamir Sir, you are the KINDEST. The way you engaged & loved & respected Mysha was everything to me. Jyoti your genuineness & everygy to support South Asian Arts is inspiring. Your journey defines an Indian value system of ‘always there for you like a family’. Prabal you are an inspiration to millions. You lift so many of us as you rise. Shine forever.”

Also Read : Aamir Khan calls Sitaare Zameen Par a ‘spiritual successor’ to Taare Zameen Par; says, “It’s a humorous film”

Mumbai Police on Tuesday arrested an aspiring songwriter for allegedly sending threatening messages to Bollywood actor Salman Khan and demanding Rs. 5 crores in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, an official reported.

Police claimed that Sohail Pasha, arrested in Raichur, Karnataka, intended to make a song he wrote and resorted to this scheme for publicity. On November 7, the Mumbai traffic police’s WhatsApp helpline received several messages claiming that the sender was part of the Bishnoi gang, threatening to kill Salman Khan if he didn’t pay Rs. 5 crores. The sender also warned that the writer of the song ‘Main Sikandar Hoon’ would be killed.

The Mumbai Police crime branch traced the mobile number used to send the threatening messages to Raichur. A team was dispatched to Karnataka, where they interrogated Vyankatesh Narayan, the owner of the number. However, Narayan's phone did not have internet access. Police later discovered that his phone had received a WhatsApp installation OTP, leading to further investigation.

Narayan told the police that on November 3, a stranger approached him in a marketplace, asking to borrow his phone to make a call. Investigations revealed that the man had used Narayan's phone number to install WhatsApp on his own phone by obtaining an OTP. The crime branch then traced the suspect to Pasha in Manavi village near Raichur.

Pasha, the writer of the song ‘Main Sikandar Hoon’ mentioned in the threat, admitted to using the scheme to gain fame for his song by including it in a threat directed at Salman Khan. Pasha was brought to Mumbai and handed over to Worli police for further investigation. The traffic police helpline had previously received at least four threatening messages targeting Salman Khan in recent months.

Also Read : Salman Khan resumes Sikandar shoot in Hyderabad; Security beefed up to 4-layers including 70 personnel, NSG Commandos, and private guards on duty amid death threats: Report

In 2007, Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, featuring a remarkable performance by Darsheel Safary in the lead, created a buzz by reshaping storytelling in Hindi cinema. Now, years later, Aamir describes its spiritual successor, Sitaare Zameen Par, as being “far ahead” of the original, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.

While discussing the film, Aamir described it as "a beautiful story." He explained, “Well, it’s a beautiful story. Actually, the easiest way I can describe it is that, Taare Zameen Par is a very emotional film which makes you cry. Sitaare Zameen Par makes you laugh, it’s a humorous film. The theme is similar, of people with different abilities, different intelligence, or with different challenges. But it’s humour as opposed to emotions.”

The actor also stated that the sequel takes the subject even further than Taare Zameen Par did. He explained, “In many ways, I feel it’s way ahead of Taare Zameen Par. In Taare Zameen Par, the person who was with the challenge in the film, Ishaan, was helped by my character. In Sitaare Zameen Par, it’s the ten people with challenges, they help me, the supposedly normal person. So I feel it goes much further. I hope it turns out well.”

Written by Amole Gupte, Taare Zameen Par told the story of Ishaan, an 8-year-old with artistic talent who struggles academically. His teacher, Nikumbh (played by Aamir Khan), helps him manage his dyslexia. Upon its release, the film was widely praised for raising awareness about the learning disorder. Taare Zameen Par received critical acclaim, was a box office success, and won three National Film Awards.

Sitaare Zameen Par, was announced in October 2023. Starring Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, and Genelia Deshmukh in lead roles, the film is directed by RS Prasanna and is based on the 2018 Spanish film Champions. Also Read : Aamir Khan speaks on almost quitting acting after Laal Singh Chaddha debacle, reveals son Junaid Khan changed his mind: “I was going from one extreme to another”

Filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan’s Aitraaz, a bold drama that was ahead of its time, completes 20 years today. The film was about a man Raj (Akshay Kumar) being falsely accused of sexual harassment and attempted rape by his boss and former girlfriend Sonia (Priyanka Chopra). After some twists in the tale, Raj’s wife Priya (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a lawyer by profession, fights his case and ensures that he is free of all charges.

The film ends with Sonia ending her life by suicide. The incident is shown as a news update on a news channel. On the occasion of the film’s 20th anniversary, its screenplay writer Shiraz Ahmed revealed in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama that they had actually shot the scene of Sonia’s suicide, but it was later edited out from the final print.

Shiraz Ahmed said, “We showed that Priyanka goes to the terrace of her corporate office and jumps from there. We didn’t show a green screen. We shot it with a crane and by hanging her through harness. A very good dialogue was played during the scene, which goes like, ‘Jab aadmi zindagi mein bohat tezi se oopar jata hai toh woh sochta hai ki use alag kisam ki kaamyabi milegi lekin usko tab pata chalta hai ki uske aas paas ke uske jitne log hain woh us se kitne door ho gaye.’ And then she jumps.”

He added, “It was a beautifully shot scene. We had also edited that scene. But then it was appearing gruesome since we wanted the family audience to see the film. So, we played those lines while showing the news about her suicide on TV in a showroom.”

The subject of Aitraaz about a man being falsely accused of a sexual crime by a cunning woman was quite out-of-the-box and bold. “If you try and find out, you will realize that such incidents had happened even then,” said Shiraz. “The credit should go to Abbas-Mustan. They were the people who showed guts to make this subject and made it so well and that too back then. Right from the start they did Baazigar, where they showed an anti-hero. Then in Ajnabee, they showed the wife-swapping angle.”

He said that the challenge was to present such a subject while keeping the Indian audience of that era in mind. “It had a controversial angle,” he said. “So, it was very important to consider Indian sentiments and values. Despite the subject, it had family values. It is a thin line when you are portraying a woman this way. But the whole point was that be it a man or a woman, mistakes can happen from anyone. It was a tricky situation, but we pulled it off.”

Speaking about the depth of the characters, Shiraz said, “As you know, Akshay Kumar is the protagonist with whom this incident happens. But the actual protagonist is Kareena Kapoor, through her bonding with her husband. At one point even she feels that maybe her husband is wrong. But she overcomes it and puts faith in him and says that she will fight his case. These values represent India’s culture and family values. This complimented the controversial part of the story.”

Aitraaz had some moments that were considered bold two decades ago. But Shiraz maintains that they didn’t get carried away with the theme. “It’s all about your intentions,” he said. “One intention can be that because of the theme, you might add scenes that titillate the audience. But that was not the case here. Even if you see it today, everything shown in the film was the requirement of the story. Hence, the film is such that it can be seen with a family.”

The makers received complete support from the film’s producer Subhash Ghai. In fact, Shiraz said that he didn’t keep a watch at the making of the film. “Subhash Ghai was very confident about the subject,” he said. “He heard it for the first time and said, ‘Go ahead’. In fact, he was so confident that he didn’t visit the sets even once. He just saw a copy. It was a very smooth shoot actually. There wasn’t a single scene or dialogue which an actor objected to, and we had to change.”

Aitraaz had released alongside a biggie like Veer-Zaara, Ram Gopal Varma’s Naach and the coloured version of the classic Mughal-e-Azam. Shiraz recalled that despite the situation, Ghai never felt like backing out. “The credit should go to Subhash Ghai ji,” he said. “When he saw the copy, he was very confident. We had a good theme, and the music was good too.”

But Shiraz claimed that Aitraaz had to face a lot of negativity from the industry itself. “People from the industry had declared it as a flop,” he said. “They said the film did well in initial days because of Diwali and from Monday, it will go down. But it sustained so well and that too in front of such big films.”

We are currently living in the era where two big films clashing at the box office leads to fights over getting maximum screens. But Ahmed said that this wasn’t the case 20 years ago. “It was a lot peaceful back then,” he said. “People are fearful in today’s times because you get the pirated copies of films on the second or third day itself. So, a section of the audiences watches the film for free. There was piracy back then too, but it wasn’t at this level as there was not much penetration of the internet. At that time, people used to get pirated films on CDs. So, the process used to take time.”

He added, “Hence, these days the makers want as many eyeballs as possible on the first day if there are two or more films releasing on the same day. Also in those days, films used to run for weeks and, at times, pick up later. But now the whole idea of a film picking up later doesn’t exist. Films are also more expensive today, so the makers wish to make as much money as possible in the first weekend, even if the numbers drop later.”

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra shares adorable snapshot of daughter Malti Marie starting Ballet classes

Kartik Aaryan, riding high on the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, is reportedly keen on reviving the Aashiqui franchise. The actor, initially set to star in Aashiqui 3 under Anurag Basu's direction, aims to bring the film back under the iconic franchise banner. Originally titled Aashiqui 3, the project underwent a name change to Tu Aashiqui Hai earlier this year due to a dispute between the film's producers, T-Series and Vishesh Films. However, the recent success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has prompted Aaryan to reconsider the strategic value of a franchise.

As per a report in Mid-day, a source revealed, “The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and 3 has confirmed Kartik’s belief in the power of franchises. He has suggested to Bhushan that he initiate talks with Mukesh Bhatt to acquire the title. Kartik is certain that building the love story under the Aashiqui franchise will give it a push.”

The Aashiqui franchise has a rich history. The original 1990 film launched the careers of Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal. The 2013 sequel, Aashiqui 2, starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, was also a massive commercial and critical success.

However, the road to Aashiqui 3 is not without its challenges. The ongoing dispute between T-Series and Vishesh Films over the franchise rights could complicate matters. Additionally, Anurag Basu's busy schedule, including the reshoots of Metro… In Dino, may delay the project's commencement. Despite these hurdles, Aaryan remains determined to bring the franchise back to life. He is committed to ensuring the film is made with utmost care and attention to detail. The actor is also keen on exploring other franchise opportunities, with a potential sequel to his 2018 hit Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety on the cards. “Anurag is anyway busy with the re-shoot of Metro… In Dino. With this new development, the project will only roll sometime next year. Kartik wants clarity on all aspects before he faces the camera,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan will soon start the shoot for Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 with Mudassar Aziz. ALSO READ: Bhushan Kumar reacts to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 success; says, “It celebrates the journey of Kartik Aaryan from a star to now a superstar”

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn recently spoke about the trolling and memes surrounding his viral Vimal Elaichi advertisement. Known for the tagline "Bolo Zubaan Kesari," Ajay’s ad has often been the subject of jokes and memes across social media. Devgn, who has endorsed the brand for years, spoke candidly about the humorous attention the ad receives, explaining that the online jokes don’t bother him.

Ajay Devgn Addresses Meme Culture Around His Vimal Elaichi Ad In a conversation with interviewer Ranveer Allahbadia, Ajay Devgn was asked about how he feels when people humorously mimic his iconic tagline from the Vimal Elaichi ad. Ajay responded with a calm attitude, admitting that the memes and online jabs don’t affect him personally. When Allahbadia asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, in this meme culture, if someone is saying, ‘Zubaan Kesari,’ how does your brain process it?” Ajay replied simply, “It’s okay. It doesn’t matter."

Rohit Shetty, who was present during the interview, added his own take on the meme culture surrounding Ajay’s ad campaigns, saying, “I think it is done being offensive. Everyone enjoys memes now. It’s now about ‘Arre, did you see this meme?’”

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Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and the Enduring Popularity of the Vimal Elaichi Ads Ajay Devgn’s association with Vimal Elaichi has placed him firmly in the spotlight of meme culture. Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and, previously, Akshay Kumar, have also been brand ambassadors for Vimal Elaichi. However, Akshay Kumar opted to end his contract with the brand last year following online backlash for endorsing a product connected to the tobacco industry. Shah Rukh Khan joined the campaign shortly after, and more recently, Tiger Shroff has become part of the star-studded endorsement line-up. Ajay Devgn's Box Office Success with Singham Again Apart from the ongoing attention paid to his Vimal Elaichi ads, Ajay Devgn has been celebrating the success of Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. The film, which was released around Diwali, features an ensemble cast, including Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Shweta Tiwari. Singham Again has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark at the box office in less than two weeks. 

Also Read: Aamir Khan recalls getting attacked by a chimpanzee on Ishq set; Ajay Devgn says: “He was spraying water on it and then ran around, shouting ‘bachao bachao’ like a girl”

Parineeti Chopra and her husband, politician Raghav Chadha, visited Varanasi on Sunday to seek blessings. The couple attended the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, embracing the sacred atmosphere.

Raghav’s mother and other family members joined them on the visit. The aarti ceremony is said to have provided a moment of peace for the couple. For the spiritual occasion, Parineeti chose a green ethnic outfit, while Raghav wore a white kurta pyjama.

Ganga Seva Nidhi President Sushant Mishra shared that Parineeti and Raghav, along with their family, offered prayers to Maa Ganga. Besides performing the aarti, they stayed to watch it as well. “They were left mesmerised. A large number of fans also gathered at the ghat. Both of them said that they will come again, calling it a wonderful moment of our life, ” the statement read.

They were welcomed with an Angavastram, prasad, and a memento, presented to them by Ganga Seva Nidhi President Sushant Mishra, Founder Member Indu Shekhar Sharma, Treasurer Ashish Tiwari, and Secretary Hanuman Yadav.

Last month, Parineeti and Raghav shared pictures and videos on Instagram of Swami Shankaracharya Shri Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati visiting their home. Parineeti expressed feeling "blessed" by the visit.

Parineeti and Raghav were married on September 24, 2023, at the Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an intimate ceremony with close friends and family. The event saw the presence of prominent figures from the entertainment industry and politics. Parineeti celebrated her first wedding anniversary with Raghav in the Maldives, where they enjoyed activities like cycling on the beach and strolling hand-in-hand, looking content and at ease.

On the work front, Parineeti was last seen in Amar Singh Chamkila, where she starred alongside Diljit Dosanjh. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film premiered on Netflix in March this year.

Also Read : Parineeti Chopra drops a hint about her next film and fans can’t keep calm!

Ajay Devgn, known as one of Bollywood's biggest pranksters, recently shared details about some of his notorious practical jokes during a conversation with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia. Ajay admitted to pulling off extreme pranks in the past, some of which were so intense they “caused divorces”

In a behind-the-scenes clip from the interview, Ajay was seen pranking a cameraman on a film set. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who joined the conversation, responded to the video with a laugh, stated, “This is a small prank. We once sent a woman and kids to the house of a production team member, claiming she was his first wife. We have gone to that level too.”

Ajay acknowledged the intensity of his pranks and admitted, “These days, pranksters worry about someone getting offended. We didn’t think about that back then. Hamare wajah se ek-do divorce bhi ho chuke hai.”

In a recent interview, actor-costume designer Dolly Ahluwalia recalled working on Omkara with Ajay Devgn and shared one of his pranks that left some people on set unconscious. She revealed, “Ajay Devgn was the biggest prankster on the sets of Omkara. Once a few guys fell unconscious on the set due to their prank. They had brought a ladoo made of bhaang and whoever ate it for the first time, just fell unconscious and they (Ajay and Vivek Oberoi) used to be like, ‘Don’t worry, they will be fine.’ Vishal Bharadwaj used to be a little upset, but he knew them so there was never a serious situation on set. We need such fun moments on set to work, to be honest.”

Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty are currently celebrating the success of Singham Again, with the film nearing Rs 200 crore at the Indian box office. In her review of the movie, SCREEN’s Shubhra Gupta wrote, “It’s all so same-old in Ajay Devgn-Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again that even the new locations don’t help. Neither does all the blatant-referencing-and-copy-pasting of Ramayan.”

Also Read : Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan spark excitement by teasing a sequel to 1997 film Ishq; recall fun moments on the set: “Warmth and love”

Following the success of Kalki 2898 AD, director Nag Ashwin is reportedly working on a major female-led project. The filmmaker is said to be in talks with actress Alia Bhatt for the role. According to a report in Mid-Day, Alia is a perfect fit for the part and is preparing to take on another large-scale pan-India film after SS Rajamouli's RRR.

Although there has been no official confirmation, a report suggests that Nag Ashwin is in talks with Alia Bhatt for a major female-led project. A source close to the production shared that both Ashwin and Alia are excited about the collaboration. While the details of the story remain under wraps, the source mentioned that the role is tailor-made for Alia, known for portraying strong female characters. The script, focused on a powerful female lead, is said to require emotional depth and intensity, tackling themes of resilience and empowerment in a contemporary setting.

The source said, “Ashwin has crafted a script focused on a powerful female lead—a character that demands emotional intensity and depth which is tailor-made for Alia. While the storyline remains a closely guarded secret, the narrative would tackle themes of personal resilience and empowerment in a unique, contemporary setting.”

The untitled project is being produced by the Hyderabad-based production house, Vyjayanthi Films, and is expected to begin production in the second half of 2025.

Alia is currently filming Alpha with Sharvai Wagh, which marks YRF's first female-led film in its expansive spy universe, which includes titles like Pathaan, War, and Ek Tha Tiger. Her collaboration with Nag Ashwin, known for his meticulous attention to detail and creative vision, is a significant step forward in her career.

The film is expected to be another grand production, following Kalki 2898 AD, with Vyjayanthi Films reportedly sparing no expense to ensure top-notch production values.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt hosts Jungle-themed bash as Raha turns 2

Vidya Balan is basking in the success of her latest film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee. Reprising her iconic role as Manjulika after 17 years, Vidya reflects on her experience. She shares her initial apprehension about performing a dance number alongside Madhuri Dixit, the significance of the film's success for her, and her hope to see “female-led films” become mainstream.

When asked about her feelings after the film’s success, Vidya said, “Better than I could have imagined and honestly I had not imagined this. I never imagined that after 17 years I would do a Bhool Bhulaiyaa again and bring back to life Manjulika. I had not imagined that I would get so much love for it. I am very happy, I am so happy that the film is doing so well.”

The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 signals a remarkable comeback for Vidya Balan, following a series of box office challenges in recent years. Though she consistently earned acclaim for her acting, her post-pandemic releases either skipped theaters or failed to make a lasting impact. The sustained popularity of BB3 marks a positive shift, and Vidya is clearly enjoying the spotlight after this much-anticipated victory.

Speaking about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, she shared, “The film is doing incredibly well, and I'm absolutely thrilled. This is my biggest success yet. Can it get any better?”

Vidya has even more reason to celebrate—not only did she get to revisit her iconic role as Manjulika, but she also had the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to dance alongside the legendary Madhuri Dixit, an icon in both dance and acting.

She explained, “I don’t really see myself as a dancer. But as an actor, if the role requires me to dance, I’ll put in the effort. And when you’re sharing the stage with Madhuri Dixit, you push yourself even more, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just think about it—those who’ve danced with her before, like Aishwarya Rai and Karisma Kapoor, are all dancers. So, when I got this chance, I knew I had to work twice as hard. I thought, ‘Let’s just enjoy it and have fun,’ because there’s no point in stressing about matching up to her. I simply did my best.”

Vidya is approaching a major milestone as she prepares to celebrate 30 years in the entertainment industry next year. Her career began in 1995 with Ekta Kapoor's hit sitcom Hum Paanch, where she left a memorable mark as Radhika Mathur. Reflecting on her accomplished journey, Vidya speaks about the nostalgia and emotions that come with looking back on her remarkable path.

Reminiscing, she said, “I feel incredibly blessed. My only dream was to become an actor, and I’m living that dream. Plus, I’m earning (she laughs joyfully), receiving so much love, fame, glory—so much love... I absolutely love it, I thrive on it.”

Vidya Balan has played a pivotal role in reshaping the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema, thanks to her impactful performances in female-driven films like The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, Kahaani 2, and Sherni. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, she steps back into mainstream, mass-appealing cinema—a shift from her recent film choices. When asked if this indicates a change in her future projects, Vidya responded, " “Oh absolutely! But I hope that the so called female- led films also become mainstream commercial films…” But why is that not happening? She says, “It will happen, it will slowly happen. Right now hume humari filmein mil rahi hai… But I think it’s time for us to take ourselves less seriously in the female-led space and to have more fun.”

She added, “There is a need for reinvention in that space at the moment. But I am very glad to have done Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and I think I want to do all kinds of films.”

Vidya recently ventured out to witness audience reactions to her film firsthand, an experience that left her thrilled. She’s still relishing the excitement of hearing viewers applaud as she appeared on screen and the collective gasp that echoed through the theater during Kartik Aaryan’s shocking finale.

When asked what makes the horror-comedy genre so successful, Vidya explained, “I think it’s the thrill and at the same time you break out into a nervous laughter. I think that’s what people are enjoying. People just want to watch light stuff because there is enough dukh dard (grief and agony) in the world, paise de kar aur tension nahi lena hai, aur stress nahi lena hai (people don’t want to pay to get tension or stressed). I am just saying that at the moment the world needs laughter.”

Also Read : Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Box Office: Horror-comedy becomes Vidya Balan’s highest opener