Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away earlier this year on April 12 at the age of 92. Today happens to be her 93rd birth anniversary. She left behind a legacy which will be celebrated for eternity. But apart from singing thousands of songs in various languages, Bhosle also acted in the Hindi film Mai, where she played the titular role.

Interestingly, the movie starred Bhosle’s niece and veteran actor Padmini Kolhapure as her daughter. Kolhapure spoke about Bhosle and her experience of acting with her in an exclusive interview she gave Bollywood Hungama at the end of May this year.

Kolhapure shared why Mai means a lot to her. “Thanks to Asha aatya that I got my first film Ishq Ishq Ishq as a kid,” she said. “I came a full circle when I did Mai with her. We worked together. She said that she will only work in that film if Padmini is a part of it. We interacted so much. She was very close to my father. So, she would tell me all those wonderful stories of their young and masti days. So, whether it was her or Lata (Mangeshkar) ji, they would just keep telling me all those wonderful stories.”

She added, “It was great working with her. If you see the film, she has done such a brilliant job.”

Kolhapure said that Bhosle and Mangeshkar are always going to be immortal. “When I think of Asha aatya, so many things come to my mind. There’s not just, 1, 2, 20 or 50 things. When we say she is not with us, it just doesn’t seem real. The persona and work of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, who have been my aunts, has been so great that it’s just going to be there for eternity. For me, they are like living legends only because we still hear their songs every single day.”

Sharing an example, she said, “I met Ashutosh Gowariker recently and he said my mornings begin with Asha ji’s and night ends with Lata ji’s songs. He said that is there and that’s never going to change.”

Shortly after the passing away of Asha Bhosle, Bollywood Hungama spoke with Mahesh Kodiyal, the director of Mai, on his experience of directing the singing legend in her first and only film. After narrating how he cast Bhosle, he said, “At times, Asha tai used to feel how she would enact such an emotional scene. At that time, I used to ask Padmini to make her comfortable. She used to give a fantastic take. But still she didn’t used to be happy with it. She used to say, ‘Nahin re, maine barabar nahin kiya’. I used to say just that she did is a big thing.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Kodiyal on approaching Asha Bhosle to act in Mai, “She looked sternly and asked, ‘Gana gaane bulaya tha na?’”; director also shares why it wasn’t challenging for the late legend to act

After impressing audiences in Tu Yaa Main (2026), Shanaya Kapoor will next be seen in Student Of The Year 3. Bollywood Hungama has now learned some interesting details about the upcoming venture, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “To begin with, while Student Of The Year (2012) and Student Of The Year 2 (2019) were films, the third installment of Student Of The Year will be a web series. Secondly, the first two parts were candyfloss and light-hearted entertainers. Student Of The Year 3, meanwhile, is in an altogether different space.”

The source explained, “Student Of The Year 3 is darker, edgier and far more intense than the previous two instalments. Tonally, it is being envisioned as a Class-meets-Euphoria kind of show — blending the privileged, high-pressure world of young students, complicated friendships and relationships seen in Netflix’s Indian series Class with the bold, provocative and emotionally turbulent treatment associated with the globally popular Euphoria. Viewers will be pleasantly surprised by the conflicts, relationships and overall genre of the third part. Moreover, this kind of youth-driven, edgy content has an audience across markets, which could further widen its appeal and viewership.”

The source also stated, “Student Of The Year 3 is expected to release this year, on JioHotstar.” There were also reports that Student Of The Year 3 will be called Student Of The Year 3 – After The Dark but the source said that it may or may not be the final title. The official announcement will give a clearer idea about the same.

Student Of The Year 3 is directed by Reema Maya. As per reports, Shanaya Kapoor will be seen in a double role. The first part marked the debut of Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, and was directed by Karan Johar. Student Of The Year 2, on the other hand, starred Tiger Shroff and launched Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria. It was helmed by Punit Malhotra. Alia appeared in a song in the second part.

Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor to make Telugu debut with Zombie Reddy 2 opposite Teja Sajja; Suparn Varma directs franchise sequel: Report

Boxing champion Mary Kom has entered the Bigg Boss 20 house, and she received a special message from Priyanka Chopra ahead of her new reality show journey. Priyanka, who portrayed the boxing legend in the 2014 biographical film Mary Kom, wished her luck while also giving the other contestants a playful warning.

In a video message, Priyanka spoke about Mary’s discipline and competitive spirit before addressing the contestants. “Inka knock out na bhot bhari padta hai,” she said, reminding them that the boxing champion is not someone to be taken lightly.

Priyanka then addressed Mary directly and encouraged her to stay true to herself during her time on the show. “Mary bas aap jaisi hain waisi rahiye, khule dil se kheliye. I am so looking forward to your journey.”

The actress also sent Mary lots of love and said she was looking forward to seeing how her journey unfolds inside the Bigg Boss house. Priyanka Chopra and Mary Kom’s connection Priyanka and Mary share a connection that dates back to the making of Mary Kom. Directed by Omung Kumar, the 2014 film was based on the life of the six-time world champion boxer, with Priyanka taking on the lead role.

While preparing for the part, Priyanka met Mary and spent time with her family in Manipur. She also underwent extensive boxing training and worked on understanding Mary’s mannerisms and personality. Mary’s involvement in helping Priyanka understand her life added a personal dimension to their association.

More than a decade after the film's release, Priyanka’s message for Mary marks another public moment between the actor and the sportsperson, this time as Mary begins a very different kind of challenge on Indian television.

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Mary Kom joins Bigg Boss 20 Mary is among the contestants participating in the ongoing season of Bigg Boss 20. The season features a mix of actors, television personalities, digital creators and other public figures.

The current line-up includes Mahhi Vij, Kanika Mann, Amrapali Dubey, Aasif Khan, Qazi Touqeer, Kushal Tanwar, Arishfa Khan, Isha Rikhi, Rhiti Tiwari, Yung Dsa (Yeda Yung), Aman Gandhi, Uditi Singh, Rohed Khan and Love Gill.

Bigg Boss 20 airs on Jio Hotstar at 9 pm, while the television broadcast is available on Colors TV at 10.30 pm.

Also Read: Bigg Boss to premiere across six languages on the SAME NIGHT as franchise marks 20 years

Masaba Gupta has praised Bipasha Basu after the actress featured as Elle India’s Digital Cover Star, calling her one of the last original stars of her generation. However, a portion of Masaba’s post has caught the attention of social media users, with several interpreting her comments about Bipasha’s muscular physique as an indirect response to remarks previously made by Mrunal Thakur.

Re-sharing a post featuring Bipasha, Masaba wrote, “I am very happy to see Bipasha on a cover. You see, she is the last of the OGs.” She went on to praise the actress for standing apart from what she described as increasingly similar beauty and fashion standards.

“There won't be another Bipasha because everything is a cookie cutter template today,” Masaba wrote. She also compared Bipasha with actresses from the current generation, describing some of them as “boring and dull” and saying that the present generation “does not inspire one bit of confidence.” Masaba Gupta’s comment about Bipasha’s physique goes viral Masaba’s remarks about Bipasha’s fitness, however, became the most discussed part of her post. Praising the actress for her athletic build, she wrote, “And @bipashabasu- I love your athletic build. I love the muscle- and I want more thanks to the standard of fitness you set.”

She added, “Too bad if someone doesn't see that as feminine.”

While Masaba did not mention Mrunal Thakur by name in the post, her reference to Bipasha’s muscular physique led some social media users to connect the remarks with an old interview featuring Mrunal. Why are netizens linking Masaba’s post to Mrunal Thakur? The conversation stems from a throwback interview from Mrunal’s television days, when she appeared alongside her Kumkum Bhagya co-star Arjit Taneja. During a discussion about fitness and the kind of physique one might prefer in a partner, Mrunal referred to Bipasha and said, “Do you want to marry a girl who is manly with muscles? Go marry Bipasha. Listen, I am far better than Bipasha, ok.”

The clip resurfaced online in 2025 and drew criticism, with several social media users accusing Mrunal of body-shaming Bipasha. Later, Mrunal issued an apology for body-shaming Bipasha.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur issues heartfelt apology over resurfaced Bipasha Basu comment: “I truly wish I had chosen my words differently”

There is something entirely royal about hand chains, those that are making a strong comeback now. Whether in western or traditional outfits, hand chains are becoming a staple accessory, adding a statement touch to both basic outfits or elevated ones. And Bollywood is defining this comeback trend once again! Take a look:

Diana Penty: Diana Penty elevates a ribbed saree with contemporary, minimal jewellery, where the dainty golden hand chain with minimal charms places itself as a scene-stealer.

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Sonam Kapoor: Sonam Kapoor brings a royal touch to her ensemble by donning an embellished, encrusted hand chain with multi-coloured gems and floral patterns, leaning heavily to the ethnic side.

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Shanaya Kapoor: Shanaya Kapoor makes her ethnic ensemble even more dazzling by donning a silver hand chain with beaded patterns that make it a standout.

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Rashmika Mandanna: Rashmika Mandanna brings golden power to her ensemble by donning a golden hand chain with stacked beaded patterns, bringing contrasting styles to the accessory and her ensemble.

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Manushi Chhillar: Manushi Chhillar taps into golden aesthetics by donning a dramatic hand chain that aligns with the mood of her overall jewellery.

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Handchains are making a comeback, and these actresses are leading the trend.

Also Read: Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025: Nearly half of the Top 25 are actresses; no South male star in rankings

Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment, has established itself as one of India’s leading entertainment production houses, consistently delivering blockbuster scripted and non-scripted content across television and digital platforms. Further strengthening its legacy in the reality entertainment space, the production house is all set to bring back one of India’s biggest and most iconic reality franchises, Bigg Boss, this time with a historic twist that promises to redefine the show yet again. The show will be launched simultaneously in six different languages across India, making it the first-of-its-kind reality show to do so.

As Bigg Boss completes 20 glorious years, Endemol Shine India has achieved something truly extraordinary and historic. The production house has made it possible to launch the audience’s favourite reality show across six different languages on the same night. Bigg Boss is already a renowned reality show with editions in multiple languages, each enjoying a massive and loyal fan base.

For the first time, India will watch Bigg Boss together in their own languages, with their favourite hosts appearing on screens simultaneously. Never before in the history of reality television has a single format been launched across multiple languages on the same evening. Moreover, for the first time, all the hosts from the different language editions will appear on screen alongside the Bigg Boss of their respective languages at the same time, creating a truly unprecedented television moment.

While Bigg Boss Hindi is hosted by Salman Khan, Bigg Boss Bangla is hosted by Sourav Ganguly, Bigg Boss Kannada is hosted by Kichcha Sudeep, Bigg Boss Telugu is hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni, Bigg Boss Tamil is hosted by Vijay Sethupathi and Bigg Boss Malayalam is hosted by Mohanlal.

As Bigg Boss enters its milestone 20th season, Salman Khan returns not only as the host but also as the mentor who will once again take charge during the much-awaited Weekend Ka Vaar episodes. The new season promises fresh contestants, intense rivalries, and entertainment on an even grander scale.

Produced by Endemol Shine India, Bigg Boss Season 20 premieres on September 6, 2026, airing every day at 9:00 PM on JioHotstar and at 10:30 PM on Colors TV, promising viewers a season packed with drama, strategy, emotion, and blockbuster entertainment.

Also Read: Endemol Shine India’s Khatron Ke Khiladi: Darr Ka Naya Daur becomes no. 1 non-fiction launch of 2026

Kartik Aaryan has begun shooting for Shimit Amin’s Captain India in London. The actor recently shared a glimpse of his journey on social media, giving fans an update on the upcoming film.

Kartik posted a travel picture in which he was seen holding the shooting draft of Captain India. The cover also features the name of director Shimit Amin. Alongside the picture, the actor wrote, “VABB to EGLL ✈️ #CaptainIndia 🇮🇳”, seemingly referring to his journey from Mumbai to London as he starts work on the film.

The post also offered a glimpse of Kartik’s injured foot. The actor had recently undergone knee surgery after sustaining an injury while performing an action sequence for his upcoming sports drama with director Kabir Khan. He was subsequently advised to take time to recover.

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With Captain India, Kartik will be seen playing a pilot in a story inspired by a historic evacuation mission. The film marks his collaboration with Shimit Amin, known for films such as Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.

Captain India is being produced by T-Series, Baweja Studios and Dopamine Studios. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 13, 2027.

Also Read: Captain India: Bhushan Kumar film starring Kartik Aaryan to go on floors in London on September 1

Making Operation Safed Sagar was not simply a matter of recreating the 1999 Kargil War on a large scale. For director Oni Sen, the challenge was to make the audience believe what they are watching might have actually happened. And that meant pushing the production far beyond conventional filmmaking.

So how did they achieve it? By simply keeping it real, says Sen. “We wanted the audience to feel the grit, the danger, and the raw physics of combat. Every visual choice had to be rooted in ground truth,” the director says to Bollywood Hungama. “So, when it came to conceptualizing and executing our sequence architecture, whether complex aerial action scenes or high-stakes ground engagements, my discussion with our cinematographer, Setu (Satyajit Pande) and the entire VFX team was simple: 'Let's keep it real.’”

That philosophy shaped everything from the way aircraft were filmed to the texture of a cockpit and even the movement of sunlight at 30,000 feet. “Setu and our visual effects team executed it with extraordinary craft. They seamlessly blended practical footage with visual effects, creating a unified visual language where, while we stayed 'real,' we managed to make our viewers 'feel,'" Sen adds.

The ‘make it real’ rule was approached even to bring the aerial action to the screen, which is inherently difficult to dramatize because much of it happens at enormous distances and incredible speeds. Every ground scene involving jets, including actual taxiing, takeoffs, and landings, featured real aircraft on real airfields. For the high-octane flying sequences, the makers developed exhaustive animated previsualisation scenes that were reviewed and approved by aviation experts.

“To capture the raw physical intensity inside the cockpit, our production design team built a photorealistic MiG-21 cockpit,” reveals the director. “We mounted this cockpit onto a high-grade motion base, custom-programmed to mimic the exact motion of the aircraft based on our previous sequences. We synchronized this with programmable lighting rigs that dynamically simulated shifting sunlight as the jet maneuvered through the sky.”

Actors also underwent rigorous training under the guidance of active fighter pilots. They learned the physical strain of flying, breathing techniques, and operational controls to make their performance convincing. Preparing the cast was an extensive journey in itself. Several of them had the profound privilege of meeting directly with the actual individuals or their families, while for characters based on political figures or Pakistani leadership, where direct access wasn't possible, the makers established an exhaustive archive of archival video footage, news broadcasts, and historical records.

“Historical research was only the foundation. I worked closely with each actor to map out their character’s emotional graph across the entire series, carefully calibrating their psychological trajectory from scene to scene,” adds the filmmaker.

Operation Safed Sagar was an exceptionally ambitious production from its inception. Long before Oni Sen came on board as a director, its showrunner Abhijeet Singh Parmar and his dedicated research and writing team had spent a few years laying a rock-solid foundation. They didn't just study the details of the IAF’s role in the Kargil war; they absorbed the lived reality of IAF pilots — their interpersonal dynamics, their subtle behavioural traits, their daily routines, and the intricate science of combat flying. Every page of the script was meticulously examined by Air Force consultants, including decorated veterans who had personally flown missions during the actual operation.

Every single day on set meant coordinating with actual fighter jets, transport aircrafts, attack helicopters, ordnance, and complex radar systems. To ensure absolute precision, the makers worked hand-in-hand with IAF technical experts and consultants who guided every move on the tarmac.

“From day one, our team carried a deep sense of responsibility to respect the history we were bringing to life. We were exceptionally fortunate that the Indian Air Force placed their trust in us, graciously opening their doors and granting us unprecedented permission to film within real and active Air Force installations,” Sen signs off.

Created by Abhijit Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, and starring Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Varma, Dia Mirza, Mihir Ahuja, Adil Hussain and Prajakta Koli, Operation Safed Sagar is streaming on Netflix India.

Also Read: The Making of Operation Safed Sagar: How director Oni Sen turned a war epic into an intimate human story

A new star kid is ready to enter the Bollywood fold. Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora’s son Arhaan Khan is set to make his big-screen debut with an action love story, and Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Salman Khan also features in a cameo role in this film.

Details of the plot are kept closely guarded, but sources reveal that Salman will play a small but crucial role in the narrative, supporting his nephew’s first film to get more visibility with his star power. Salman is expected to shoot for 10 days for his extended cameo appearance.

The yet-untitled film will be directed by Anirudh Iyer, who previously helmed Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat-starrer An Action Hero (2022). Ashwin Varde, whose previous producing credits include Kabir Singh, OMG 2, Khel Khel Mein and The Diplomat, will produce this project.

Arhaan has been preparing for his film debut for several years now. He studied filmmaking in the United States and later worked with Vikram Phadnis and also assisted Karan Johar on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani. He currently hosts a podcast on his YouTube channel, Dumb Biryani. “Arhaan has been preparing himself for cinema for a while. When Ashwin Varde approached Arbaaz with this project to launch Arhaan on the big screen, it felt like the right film at the right time. Arhaan is happy to have found the kind of debut he was looking for and is excited to face the camera as a leading man,” a source close to the development told us.

The makers are currently casting for the female lead and are said to be looking for a fresh face to complement Arhaan and bring a sense of freshness to the young romantic drama. Shooting is being planned for early next year, though the exact shooting timelines will be locked only after the remaining logistical details are sorted.

The project will mark Anirudh Iyer’s second directorial project following An Action Hero. Although he was also supposed to helm Lakshya and Rasha Thadani in an action romance last year, the film was shelved for reasons unknown. He has since been developing multiple projects and is finally set to return to the director’s chair with this new-age love story. As for Ashwin Varde, his next production is an untitled Johnny Lever film directed by Farhad Samji.

Also Read: Before Karna with Salman Khan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra to direct Vikrant Massey in a Love Story

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to take on a presenter role at this year’s LVMH Prize ceremony in Paris. The actor will present the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the event, joining Hollywood actor Jennifer Lawrence and Thai actor Urassaya ‘Yaya’ Sperbund in the presenter line-up.

The ceremony will take place at the Fondation Louis Vuitton and will recognise emerging talent in the fashion industry. Nine designers have been shortlisted for three prizes at this year’s event. Priyanka Chopra Jonas to present Karl Lagerfeld Prize Priyanka will present the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, which includes a €200,000 grant along with a year of mentorship. The programme covers areas including sustainability, communication, marketing, manufacturing and financial management.

Jennifer Lawrence will present the €400,000 Grand Prize, while Yaya Sperbund will present the Savoir Faire Prize.

Priyanka's role at the ceremony comes as she continues her association with the international fashion and luxury industry. The actor has represented Dior as an ambassador and has regularly appeared at major fashion events in Paris and other global fashion capitals.

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Nine designers compete for LVMH Prize honours The finalists for this year's LVMH Prize include Julie Kegels, Petra Fagerström, De Pino, Ponte, The Vxlley, Institution, Lii, Colleen Allen and Yoshita 1967.

The winners will be selected by a jury comprising prominent figures from the international fashion industry. The jury includes Celine’s Michael Rider, Loewe’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Pucci’s Camille Miceli, and Pietro Beccari, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton and LVMH Fashion Group.

With Priyanka, Jennifer and Yaya presenting the three awards, the ceremony will bring together established names from entertainment and fashion while putting the focus on the next generation of designers.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas sends Rakhi from LA to Parineeti Chopra for the latter’s son Neer on behalf of daughter Malti

Jeevan Ya Bheema Con, featuring Arshad Warsi in a double role, releases in cinemas today, that is, September 4. Interestingly, the film was earlier titled Jeevan Bheema Yojana. The name was changed just three days before the film was released. It has now come to light that the film had to undergo a title change due to a directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The CBFC passed Jeevan Ya Bheema Con with a U/A 16+ certificate. However, the film had to undergo certain changes. To begin with, 'inappropriate' references were suitably modified in four places. An 'obscene' hand gesture and visual were asked to be replaced in two places. One more 'obscene' visual was asked to be suitably modified in the second half. Similarly, an 'obscene dialogue' was suitably modified, again in the film's post-interval portion.

Lastly, the CBFC's Examining Committee instructed the makers to replace the film's title from Jeevan Bheema Yojana to Jeevan Ya Bheema Con.

According to trade sources and an article in News9Live, the makers were asked to alter the title to eliminate its phonetic similarity to the government-backed life insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.

Once the changes were made, the CBFC passed Jeevan Ya Bheema Con on September 1. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 119.56 minutes. In other words, the quirky comic caper is 1 hours, 59 minutes and 56 minutes long. Besides Arshad Warsi, Jeevan Ya Bheema Con stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Pooja Chopra, Madhu Anand Chandhock, Atul Parchure, Jaywant Wadkar and Dimple Srivastava. It is directed by Abhishek Dogra of Dolly Ki Doli (2015) fame.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi’s Jeevan Bheema Yojana gets a twist as its official title is revealed as Jeevan Ya Bheema Con?

Actor and filmmaker Sayani Gupta has filed a Rs 9 crores defamation suit before the Mumbai City Civil Court against filmmaker Vinita Negi over allegations surrounding her directorial debut, the short fiction film Aasmani. The case, titled Sayani Gupta v. Vinita Negi & Ors., has also named Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited as defendants.

An application seeking an urgent hearing and interim relief was likely to be listed before additional sessions judge Shudhirkumar Murlidharrao Bukke on September 3.

The dispute began after Negi, an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), accused Gupta of copyright infringement and breach of trust. Negi had alleged that Aasmani drew substantially from her unfinished documentary Prabha, with both projects featuring an elderly woman and a vintage car.

Gupta has now denied the allegations and claimed in her suit that they were false, misleading, unsubstantiated and defamatory. Her plea argued that copyright law protects original expression rather than broad or abstract ideas.

“The mere presence of an elderly woman, a car, a driver or any other generic element in a creative work does not confer upon Negi a monopoly over such ideas or concepts,” the suit stated.

According to Gupta’s plea, Negi approached the Screenwriters Association (SWA) with a complaint in April 2026. While the proceedings were pending, Negi allegedly circulated a “Statement of Support” on WhatsApp and social media seeking backing from members of the film fraternity. The suit claimed that the campaign received more than 250 signatures.

Gupta further alleged that the controversy resulted in professional damage, including the withdrawal of Aasmani from the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ).

She has sought Rs 9 crores in damages, along with directions to Meta, Reddit and Deccan Chronicle to remove allegedly defamatory content. She has also sought an unconditional apology and public retraction from Negi.

Also Read : Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani pulled from Indian Film Festival of New Zealand amid copyright dispute

The Hindi film industry is known for its interconnected film families, with several prominent surnames sharing both professional and personal ties. From the Kapoors and Bachchans to the Salim Khan, Allu, Konidela, Akkineni and Daggubati families, relationships between members of different film clans have often brought them closer. A similar connection between Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan came to light during a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar appeared together on the popular quiz show to promote their upcoming crime thriller Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan. During the episode, host Amitabh Bachchan revealed a family connection between himself and Saif, leaving both actors surprised.

Amitabh Bachchan explains his connection with Saif Ali Khan

While speaking to Saif, Amitabh Bachchan said, “Many people don’t know this, but he is related to me.” Saif appeared surprised and responded, “Me?” Akshay Kumar was also taken aback by the revelation.

Explaining the connection, Amitabh said, “Raj Kapoor’s daughter Ritu Kapoor’s son, Nikhil Nanda, is married to my daughter, Shweta Bachchan.”

The connection stems from Saif’s marriage to Kareena Kapoor Khan. Kareena is the daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and Randhir is Raj Kapoor’s son. This makes Kareena and Nikhil Nanda first cousins, linking Saif’s family with the Kapoor family through marriage and, consequently, creating a connection with the Bachchan family.

Amitabh then added a humorous question, saying, “So, now I want to know, how should I address Kareena? What will Kareena call me?” Saif responded with a witty remark: “Thank god that’s not a question (on KBC screen),” leaving Amitabh and Akshay laughing.

Amitabh and Kareena have previously worked together in films including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Dev (2004) and Satyagraha (2013). He has also shared the screen with Saif in Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007) and Aarakshan (2011).

About Haiwaan

Directed by Priyadarshan, Haiwaan also stars Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary and Manoj Joshi in key roles. The film is a remake of Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam film Oppam, which starred Mohanlal in the lead role.

The upcoming crime thriller features music by Pritam, cinematography by Divakar Mani, production design by Sabu Cyril and editing by Aiyappan Nair MS. Haiwaan is scheduled to release worldwide on Friday, September 11.

Also Read : Adnan Sami shares WILD Amitabh Bachchan studio story: “We got bedsheets, kept the speakers on and recorded him live…this was NEVER done before”

Sonu Sood has travelled to Nepal to extend support to people affected by the devastating floods that hit several parts of the country last week. His Sood Charity Foundation has brought essential relief supplies from India and is coordinating assistance for communities impacted by the disaster.

Speaking to ANI, Sood said his team’s immediate focus was to reach out to flood victims, understand their requirements and provide them with necessary support. He emphasised that the relief initiative is not limited to the immediate aftermath of the floods and that his foundation plans to continue helping affected communities in the months ahead.

“We are here to meet the victims of the flood. We got lots of stuff from India. We just want to be with the people who are in need and will try to bring their lives back (on track),” he said.

The relief material being distributed includes blankets and food supplies. According to Sood, his team is also speaking with people on the ground to understand what additional resources are required. Based on those needs, the foundation plans to arrange and send further assistance from India.

#WATCH | Bollywood actor Sonu Sood arrives in Kathmandu to distribute relief to Nepali flood victims

He says, "We are here to meet flood victims and to distribute relief material to them. We will try to build their lives again. We have brought a lot of blankets and food… pic.twitter.com/6rONSZfxjD — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2026

He added, “I think it's everyone's duty to do their part. We got a lot of blankets and food material. We are still asking them what they need, we try to send it from India. Sending from India to Nepal is always a little challenge because we need a lot of people.”

Sood also stressed that the foundation intends to maintain its relief efforts even after the immediate crisis subsides. Sonu said, “But we will make sure that not only this month but also in coming months, the relief keeps coming.”

The floods have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption in Nepal. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 939 people have died, while 3,925 remain missing, including 592 foreign nationals.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut vs EVERYONE: Why does Bollywood’s ‘moral referee’ have an opinion on Kriti, Taapsee, Sonu Sood and almost everybody else?

Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja has expressed concern over the devastating floods in Nepal and urged members of the Bollywood fraternity to come forward and support those affected by the disaster. Although Sunita was born in India, she shares a close connection with Nepal through her family, as her mother and grandmother are from Kathmandu.

Speaking to Bombay Times, Sunita opened up about her emotional ties to the neighbouring country and the impact of the recent flash floods in the Nepal-Tibet region. She also recalled her family’s annual tradition of visiting Nepal during the New Year and seeking blessings at the Pashupatinath Temple.

She said, “It is heartbreaking to see such devastating floods hit Nepal. I wasn’t born there, but my mother and grandmother are from Kathmandu. I visit Nepal every year with my daughter for the New Year. On January 1, we make it a point to visit the Pashupatinath temple and begin the year with his blessings.”

Sunita further revealed that she is trying to find a reliable channel through which her financial contribution can reach people directly affected by the floods. She said, “I am trying to connect with someone who can ensure that my donation reaches the right people. I would like to donate as much as I can because they are very close to me, and Nepal is my matrabhoomi. I request everyone in the industry to come forward and contribute towards helping the people of Nepal.”

Sunita also spoke about actor Manisha Koirala, whom she considers a sister. She expressed confidence that Koirala is also doing her part to help people affected by the devastation.

Meanwhile, Manisha Koirala recently addressed Sadhguru’s ‘In Solidarity with Nepal’ event in Kathmandu. She appealed to the international community to support Nepal by visiting the country and helping revive tourism, which she described as essential for local livelihoods.

According to reports, Nepal’s death toll had risen to at least 904, while more than 4,000 people were still reported missing.

Also Read : Sunita Ahuja withdraws divorce case against Govinda, visits Mumbai family court with son Yashvardhan

Amazon MGM Studios and Drongo Films are preparing to release the trailer of Kunal Kemmu’s upcoming spy comedy Vibe. The trailer is expected to reveal more about the unusual mission involving two reluctant spies, played by Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava. The trailer arrives a few weeks after the film’s teaser generated interest around its quirky premise.

A special detail that viewers can look forward to is the appearance of Sharmila Tagore, who will reportedly make a cameo in the film. The appearance is particularly notable as Sharmila is Kunal Kemmu’s mother-in-law. Her cameo in Vibe will mark her first Hindi film appearance in three years, following her performance in Rahul V Chittella’s family drama Gulmohar, which premiered directly on JioHotstar.

Sharmila was last seen in Suman Ghosh’s Bengali psychological film Puratawn. With Vibe scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18, the film will also mark her first big-screen appearance in a Hindi film in 16 years. Her previous Hindi theatrical release was Danish Aslam’s 2010 romantic comedy Break Ke Baad, in which she played the mother of Deepika Padukone’s character.

The project also marks Sharmila’s first collaboration with son-in-law Kunal Kemmu. Interestingly, she has shared the screen with her daughter Soha Ali Khan only once, in the 2009 English-language family drama Life Goes On. She also appeared alongside son Saif Ali Khan in Eklavya in 2007.

For Kunal, Vibe is another major step behind the camera following the success of his 2024 directorial debut Madgaon Express. Unlike that film, where he only appeared in a cameo, Vibe features him in the lead while also crediting him as its writer and director. The film additionally marks his debut as a producer alongside Chirag Nihalani under their banner Drongo Films.

The teaser introduced Preity Zinta as a government official who kidnaps two clueless friends and recruits them for a mission to save the nation. Kunal’s character, however, is reluctant to become a spy and even takes a humorous dig at Preity’s 1998 action thriller Soldier, starring Bobby Deol.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut hits back at Sharmila Tagore over ‘Vande Mataram’ remarks: “How can you reduce such a great piece of art to mere religious practice”

Vodafone Idea has announced Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador as the telecom company unveiled a revamped brand identity, including a new logo that changes from “V!” to “Vi”. The company also launched a new campaign titled Vi badal raha hai... tayaar rahiye.

Khan, popularly known as SRK, will endorse the telecom service provider for the duration of the campaign, although the company has not specified how long the association will continue. The announcement comes as Vodafone Idea, backed by the Aditya Birla Group, works to strengthen its position in the competitive telecom market while seeking funding for its planned Rs 45,000 crores capital expenditure over the next three years.

Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore said, “This is not simply a logo refresh, it is the first expression of the evolution we are bringing to the Vi Brand. It reflects our ambition for Vi and commitment to shaping what telecom can be – an experience that makes life more rewarding, and full of possibilities for our customers.”

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Kishore further outlined the company's plans for the coming weeks, saying, “Over the coming weeks, this evolution will come alive with strategic launches, new campaigns and a range of experiences that will shape how we engage with our customers. The new identity captures optimism—an optimism for everything that is possible today, more importantly for what we can bring to both; our retail customers and enterprises in the future as a tech co.”

The development comes amid Vodafone Idea's efforts to raise funds for network expansion. Business Standard had reported that the telecom operator was close to securing financing from State Bank of India, with its promoters backing guarantees for the proposed loans. The company raised Rs 6,400 crores through bank-funded and non-funded facilities in the quarter ended June, marking the first tranche of its planned ₹35,000 crore fundraising.

The funds are expected to support its 4G expansion and 5G rollout plans. Vodafone Idea also added 240,114 customers in July, its highest monthly addition in two years. This marked its fourth consecutive quarter of net customer additions since the beginning of FY27 and its sixth consecutive month of gains since February.

Customer additions form one of the three key pillars of Vodafone Idea's Vi 2.0 strategy, alongside double-digit revenue growth and a target to triple cash Ebitda over the next three years.

Aditya Birla Group chairman and Vodafone Idea non-executive chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla has said the company had moved beyond its “most challenging years” with improved financial clarity, continued promoter support and renewed investment capacity following the resolution of the long-pending adjusted gross revenue (AGR) issue.

“FY26 was a year of resolution. FY27 begins a period of execution,” Birla said in his address to shareholders in the annual report for FY26.

“The priorities ahead are clear: Execute the network investment programme, strengthen market competitiveness and translate a stronger balance sheet into sustained growth in customers and earnings," he had specified.

Also Read : King100: Teaser of Nagarjuna starrer unveiled on his birthday; film to clash with Shah Rukh Khan starrer King

Before she became an overnight sensation with Mohit Suri’s romantic blockbuster Saiyaara (2025), actor Aneet Padda had already quietly wrapped another project—the socio-thriller Hunkkaar. Long delayed behind studio doors, the series is now finally gearing up for a high-profile digital release, with its official teaser slated to drop today.

Industry sources reveal that Hunkkaar was shot and completed well before Saiyaara vaulted Padda into mainstream stardom. However, the decision to hold the project was purely strategic. Studios waited until the actor’s box-office clout and market appeal surged, transforming a shelved project into a commercially viable, headline-worthy event release.

Contrary to the perception that Hunkkaar was offered to Padda following her breakout, the project was actually born out of her long-standing professional proximity to directors Nitya Mehra and Karan Kapadia. It was Padda’s deep-rooted creative trust with the duo—combined with her post-Saiyaara box-office heat—that ultimately catalyzed the show’s revival and distribution path.

With the teaser landing today, Hunkkaar represents an intriguing career milestone for Aneet Padda. Besides Aneet, the show will also star Fatima Sana Shaikh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Arjun Mathur in the lead.

The socio-thriller brings together a formidable lineup of backing studios: it is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, in association with Purple Pebble Pictures, while Mangata Films serves as the primary production house. The highly anticipated series is set to premiere globally on JioHotstar.

Also Read: Aneet Padda approached for crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated Raksha Bandhan with her family this year, and an unseen picture from the festivities has now surfaced online. The photo was shared by her sister-in-law Shrima Rai and offers a glimpse into the private family celebrations.

In the picture, Aishwarya is seen posing with her brother Aditya Rai, sister-in-law Shrima and their children. Aishwarya's mother, Vrinda Rai, is also part of the family photograph. Her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan can be seen alongside her grandmother and cousins. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrates Raksha Bandhan with family The photograph features Aditya and Shrima's sons, Vihaan and Shivansh, as they pose with the family. Aaradhya is seen sharing a moment with her grandmother and cousins, adding to the family-focused glimpse from the celebrations.

Shrima had also shared a few other pictures from the Raksha Bandhan festivities two days earlier, giving followers a closer look at the family's celebrations.

Aishwarya has maintained a close relationship with her brother Aditya over the years. While the actor generally keeps her personal life away from the spotlight, she has occasionally been seen spending time with her brother and his family. Who is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s brother Aditya Rai? Aditya Rai has reportedly worked as an engineer in the Merchant Navy and has also been associated with the film industry as a producer.

He co-produced the 2003 romantic drama Dil Ka Rishta, which featured Aishwarya in the lead role alongside Arjun Rampal and Priyanshu Chatterjee. The film was directed by Naresh Malhotra and its story was co-written by Aishwarya and Aditya's mother, Brinda Rai.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles in pearl-encrusted Tony Ward Couture masterpiece; unseen Cannes 2026 look reveals 600 hours of craftsmanship

After keeping audiences hooked with its mystery, folklore and larger-than-life fantasy world, The Vvaan gears up to reveal the side of its story that fans have been waiting to see — romance. The excitement is rife for the film’s first upcoming song, ‘Samjho Na’, which is set to bring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia’s fresh pairing into the spotlight, with a special launch that brings together Tamannaah Bhatia and Jubin Nautiyal ahead of the song’s release.

If the teaser had audiences wondering what lies inside The Vvaan, ‘Samjho Na’ promises to give them something emotional and romantic to latch on to. The first song will open the door to the film’s romantic world, giving audiences their first full glimpse of Sidharth and Tamannaah sharing screen space and bringing their never-seen-before chemistry to the centre of the story.

The lead pair are sharing screen space for the first time, making ‘Samjho Na’ the first showcase of a pairing audiences have never seen together before. Given the teaser's reveal of what happens to the couple in the film, the first upcoming song is the much-needed emotional grounding of the story.

The upcoming launch itself is being positioned as a lively event for fans, with Tamannaah and Jubin Nautiyal set to make an appearance at a mall on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:30 pm. With the singer performing and Tamannaah joining him, the evening is expected to bring the song's romantic energy straight to the audience.

Musically, ‘Samjho Na’ brings together a strong team, with Tanishk Bagchi as composer and music producer, Jubin Nautiyal and Suvarna Tiwari on vocals and Manoj Muntashir on lyrics. Krishna Kishor has handled additional live production, while Eric Pillai has mixed and mastered the track, with Michael Edwin Pillai as assistant mix engineer.

For The Vvaan, this is an important shift from “What is happening inside that forest?” to “What is happening between these two?” And with Sidharth and Tamannaah coming together on screen for the first time, ‘Samjho Na’ is set to bring all the ingredients of a launch that the audience will be watching with bated breath.

Backed by some of the country's most distinctive storytellers, The Vvaan brings together TVF’s Arunabh Kumar, director Deepak Mishra and Ektaa Kapoor for a commercial film that attempts to take Indian folklore into a new cinematic space. While its world is rooted in folklore and fantasy, the film brings together adventure, mystery and humour to shape itself as a complete family entertainer. The ambition extends beyond the film, with The Legend Of Vvaan comic book already introducing audiences to the larger folklore surrounding its universe.

Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with TVF and 11.11 Production, The Vvaan stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Written by Arunabh Kumar and directed by Deepak Mishra, with Manu Anand as DOP and Visual Director, the film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari.

The Vvaan arrives in cinemas on September 25, 2026, promising a big-screen fantasy folklore experience where the visuals, music, mystery and scale come together to create a world audiences will want to step into.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra says physical preparation for The Vvaan went beyond fitness: “Training has to support all of that”

Rapper-singer Badshah and Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi have confirmed that they are parting ways. The couple made the announcement on Monday evening, August 31, months after their marriage became public and weeks after speculation about trouble in their relationship gained momentum. Badshah shared a joint statement on his Instagram Story, saying that the decision was mutual and made with respect. He also requested fans and the media to give them privacy as they move forward separately.

“I and Isha Rikhi have mutually decided to part ways and move forward on our separate paths. This decision has been made with mutual respect, and we request everyone to kindly respect our privacy during this time,” Badshah wrote.

The couple further made it clear that they do not wish to discuss the matter publicly. “This will be our only statement on the matter. We sincerely request that there be no further speculation or assumptions regarding our relationship,” the statement read.

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Isha Rikhi’s emotional post had sparked speculation The announcement comes weeks after Isha shared an emotional note on social media that led to questions about the status of her marriage. In the post shared in July, the actress spoke about staying silent because of fear and said she felt overwhelmed by what she described as her husband’s “influence, power, and resources.”

“There are battles that leave no visible scars. For a long time, I remained silent because I was afraid. I felt overwhelmed by the influence, power, and resources I believed my husband had, and I convinced myself that staying quiet was the safest thing to do,” she wrote.

Isha further said that her silence should not be seen as acceptance. “Silence was never acceptance. It was survival. Today, I'm choosing courage over fear. I may not be ready to tell the whole story, but I'm finally ready to stop pretending that everything was okay,” she added.

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Badshah’s second marriage The separation marks the end of Badshah’s second marriage. He was previously married to Jasmine Masih. The two reportedly met on Facebook and got married in 2012. Badshah and Jasmine welcomed their daughter, Jessemy Grace Masih Singh, in 2017. The couple later separated and finalised their divorce in 2020. Badshah has continued to co-parent their daughter following their separation.

Also Read: Isha Rikhi breaks silence on separation rumours with Badshah with cryptic post: “Silence was never acceptance”

The month of August turned out to be a miraculous one thanks to Hanuman Ansh. Released on August 7, the film collected just Rs. 1.07 crore in its first week. The collections slipped to just Rs. 50 lakhs in its second week. After collecting a mere Rs. 5 lakhs on Thursday, August 20, Hanuman Ansh surprisingly collected Rs. 15 lakhs the next day, on August 21. While it earned Rs. 95 lakhs on August 22, the earnings zoomed to Rs. 2.58 crores on Sunday, August 23.

Since then, there has been no looking back for the film. Its third-week collections were Rs. 11.09 crores, while in its fourth weekend it earned Rs. 30 crores, shocking the trade and industry. Hanuman Ansh has earned approx. Rs. 42 crores to date and it seems like it now has a shot at crossing the Rs. 100 crore mark if it holds in the weekdays and the coming week. For a film made in a few crores and made in just Rs. 10 lakhs, this is a historic feat and it has been possible due to positive word of mouth and marketing.

Interestingly, audiences who ventured out to watch Hanuman Ansh have realized that the film ends with the promise of a sequel. A slate at the end mentions that the story of Neeb Karori Baba is yet to be completed. Over the weekend, the team of the film visited a multiplex in Agra, where they interacted with the viewers. Later, speaking to the media, writer-director Vishal Chaturvedi revealed that work has begun on the sequel.

Vishal also revealed that the second part will focus on Neeb Karori Baba’s life in his birthplace, Firozabad, and will then explore his life in Agra, Mathura, etc. Interestingly, Neeb Karori Baba’s family was based in Agra. Lead actor Shobhinaw Satyaa was also present alongside Vishal Chaturvedi at the interaction in the Agra theatre.

Hanuman Ansh was officially announced on February 20 this year, and the makers had revealed at the time that it would be a trilogy. The spiritual trilogy is inspired by the book ‘Divine Detour’, which is incidentally written by Vishal Chaturvedi.

On Saturday, August 29, Bollywood Hungama was among the first to inform readers that Mirzapur The Movie has been passed with an ‘A’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). We further revealed that the run time of the film exceeds 3 hours. We now exclusively bring you the cuts given to the gangster-drama.

The CBFC asked for several cuts before handing over the censor certificate to the makers. To begin with, cuss words were muted at 4 places, while at 6 places, the abuses were replaced with ‘appropriate’ words. The dialogue ‘Galey se lag gar’ was also modified.

In the first half of the film, a word was replaced with 'kamar'. Meanwhile, in the post-interval part, the word 'lanth', which means idiot, was asked to be modified. A caste reference was also asked to be modified.

As for the visual cuts, the makers were asked to reduce intimate scenes by 50% through suitable modifications in visuals and sound. This was done in two scenes, one in first half and one in the second half. As a result, 35 seconds of intimate scenes were deleted.

Interestingly, not a single violent and gory scene was censored by the CBFC. Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was given to the makers of Mirzapur The Movie. The length of the film, as mentioned on the certificate, is 197.19 minutes. In other words, it is 3 hours, 17 minutes and 19 seconds long.

The censor certificate also mentions that Mirzapur The Movie was passed by the Revising Committee of the CBFC. Usually, the Examining Committee is the first to view the film, and when it asks for several modifications, the makers can approach the RC. The Revising Committee then reviews the film and makes the final call on the certification and suggested modifications.

Mirzapur The Movie releases on September 4 and stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Mohitt Malik, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Shweta Tripathi, Sonal S Chauhan, Anangsha Biswas, Shaji Choudhary, Sushant Singh and above all, Ravi Kishan.

Also Read: Mirzapur: The Movie teaser out – Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi return ahead of September 4 release

Actor Chandrachur Singh has approached the police over a long-running family inheritance dispute, alleging that his grandfather’s will was forged to prevent his late father from receiving his rightful share of the family property. According to PTI, Singh has named his aunt Gaytri Devi, two cousins and four other family members in the FIR.

The complaint was registered at Rorawar police station in Aligarh on Friday. Singh has alleged that the signature of his grandfather, Thakur Harender Pal Singh, was forged on a will in 1997, at a time when his grandfather was seriously unwell and, according to the actor, was not in a condition to sign legal documents.

Singh has accused his uncle Ganga Singh and other relatives of being involved in the alleged forgery. He claimed that the disputed document resulted in his father, Captain Baldev Singh, being deprived of his share of the family inheritance.

The actor further alleged that his father was not present in Aligarh when the will was purportedly prepared. He also claimed that another uncle, Puniya Pratap Singh, had passed away before Harender Pal Singh.

According to the complaint, several valuable properties mentioned in the disputed will were subsequently sold over the years. Singh said on Friday evening that he had collected sufficient evidence to back his allegations. He also confirmed that he recorded his statement before the police following the registration of the FIR.

Gaytri Devi Had Earlier Rejected Allegations

The family dispute had come into the public domain last year when Gaytri Devi denied the allegations against her. She had accused Chandrachur Singh of attempting to falsely implicate her and maintained that the will was genuine.

Singh’s father, Captain Baldev Singh, was a former Congress MLA from Aligarh city and died a few years ago.

The police have now registered a case and begun investigating the allegations. The claims made by Chandrachur Singh in the FIR are allegations at this stage and have not yet been established.

Chandrachur Singh’s Film Career

Chandrachur Singh has worked in Hindi cinema for several years and is known for films such as Maachis, Kya Kehna and Josh. He starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai in Josh. His filmography also includes Cuttputlli and several other projects.

Also Read : Chandrachur Singh interacts with officials during Gurugram demolition drive outside his residence

Akshay Oberoi’s big-budget film, Toxic, finally released in cinemas on August 26. At the film’s trailer launch, held in Bengaluru on August 8, the actor was seen sporting long hair. However, of late, he has gone back to a short haircut. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Akshay revealed the reason behind the change in look and spoke about his upcoming projects and a lot more.

Akshay Oberoi said, “I had signed up for a lovely period film. It’s set in a village during the pre-Partition era. I really loved the script. The character required me to have hair like that; he belongs to a tribe whose members have had long hair for generations. I loved the script so much that I immediately started growing my hair. I was clear that I didn’t want to wear a wig. But for some reason, the film’s funding fell through. It was heartbreaking for all of us. But maybe it’ll happen one day. Meanwhile, season 4 of Aashram is coming. Hence, I cut my hair and I’m off to shoot for it.”

When does the much-watched web series’ fourth season go on floors? Akshay replied, “I believe Aashram went on floors just a few days back and I am joining very soon, early next week.”

After Toxic, Akshay Oberoi is now looking forward to another biggie, King, co-starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan. It releases on December 24. Interestingly, King would be his third Christmas release, the other two being his debut film Isi Life Mein (2010) and Kisko Tha Pata (2024).

When pointed out, Akshay was pleasantly surprised. He said, “Oh yes. My debut film came on Christmas. I had forgotten that Kisko Tha Pata also released on December 24. And now King is also coming on the same day!”

Aamir Khan has had the most Christmas releases, and Akshay Oberoi seems to be following in his footsteps. The actor laughed out loud and remarked, “Oh, I love it. This is too good! What a comparison, man. I’ll take it!”

He then stated, “Thanks for pointing it out. It’s so interesting. I would have definitely not made that connection because these are two different times in my career, as in when I did the first film vis-à-vis where I am right now. It’s funny and interesting to see the whole journey full circle like that. Moreover, King is a film with Siddharth Anand. It’s my second film with him (after Fighter; 2024) and my third project with him (the web series Flesh was written by Siddharth Anand). He’s the one who put me on a map for the mainstream audience. In life, so many coincidences take place that you have to believe in a higher power and accept that we are not in control.”

When asked about King, Akshay Oberoi said, “All I can say is that Siddharth Anand and Mamta Anand are like family to me. I got to reunite with my family, that too on their biggest film. Until my last breath, I’ll repay in whatever way possible for what they have given me. I love them as human beings. I have done a small part, in whatever way I could, to be a part of this humongous, highly anticipated film that my brother and mentor, Lord Siddharth Anand, has made. And he’s indeed a Lord!”

He added, “I badly wanted to be in this film because I wanted to be a part of this big thing that someone I love was making.”

In between Toxic and King, Akshay Oberoi’s film, Love Lottery, will release in cinemas on September 18. The teaser features his emotional voiceover and leaves an impact.

Akshay Oberoi revealed, “It’s a part of a monologue which goes on for 6 ½ minutes. It’s a small film; there was not much of a budget. So, I had to nail that monologue fast. You saw a glimpse of that in the teaser; you’ll hear more of it in the trailer, which comes out soon.”

Love Lottery seems to be very topical and relevant. Akshay agreed, “Indeed. When I read the script, I told myself, ‘I don’t know what the fate of the film would be. However, I want to be a part of it because it deals with a burning topic’. I am all for women empowerment. Men have done a lot of s**t. But now we are in a place where men also need a voice. There should be someone who speaks about men’s rights. I guess that’s why these masculine films are also doing well. Hence, this is an attempt to do something different. The character that I play is a very vulnerable hero. As the tagline says in the poster, he’s a man framed by love. The caption is so apt.”

Also Read: Akshay Oberoi credits Geetu Mohandas’ 13-year-old daughter for his Toxic casting: “Geetu saw Fighter at daughter’s insistence, liked my performance…”; reveals he was asked to perform The Godfather dialogue for audition

Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is not your typical commercial entertainer. The gangster drama unfolds through a distinctive narrative style, combining action, romance, family dynamics, and layered character arcs to create a world that demands your attention.

From its powerhouse performances to its ambitious visual scale, here are five reasons why Toxic deserves to be experienced on the big screen.

1. A gutsy film that dares to tell its story differently Toxic doesn’t take the familiar route. It is bold in its storytelling and builds its narrative in a way that gradually reveals the many layers of its world and characters. The film moves beyond the conventional gangster drama, bringing together action, emotion, love, and family against a larger-than-life backdrop.

2. It’s a film you may want to watch twice There is plenty happening beneath the surface in Toxic. The storytelling is layered and deliberately complex, with details, character motivations and narrative threads that may reveal themselves differently on a second viewing. It is the kind of film that invites you to revisit its world and piece together the larger picture.

3. A performance-heavy film led by Yash and an impressive ensemble At its centre is Yash, and Toxic is very much a showcase of the actor. But the film also gives its ensemble plenty to work with. Nayanthara brings a fearless intensity to her part, Kiara Advani leaves a striking impression, and Huma Qureshi delivers a performance that is haunting and powerful. Meanwhile, Rukmini Vasanth emerges as one of the film’s biggest surprises.

4. A different and softer side of Yash While Toxic is packed with intensity and action, its romantic moments bring a different dimension to the film. Yash’s scenes with Kiara reveal a softer and more vulnerable side of his character, adding emotional depth to the larger narrative. The romance is handled with restraint, allowing the chemistry and emotion between the characters to speak for themselves.

5. International-scale action and striking cinematography The action in Toxic is mounted on an ambitious scale, complemented by cinematography that gives the film a distinct visual identity. From its expansive world-building to its action set pieces, the film aims for a cinematic experience that feels grand, immersive, and unlike the usual.

Also Read: Toxic – A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups BTS: JJ Perry reveals how Yash pulled off the vicious fight action sequence

Komal Nahta had a conversation with Adnan Sami, during which the latter spoke strongly against the growing trend of remixed songs. Adnan Sami began by saying, “It is always lovely to revive an old song. In my opinion, the ratio should be 80-20, with 20 being the remixed songs. That’s how it was before. But now, it’s 20-80 (laughs)!”

Adnan then stated, “One word that would define this is khauff. The corporates are scared to experiment. It is happening even in cinemas. Remakes are attempted, sequels are made; even prequels are planned! Off-shoots bhi chal rahe hain. First, they made Batman. When they exhausted that character, they decided ‘Joker banate hai’! You see, these are all very safe subjects. The Odyssey recently released; pehli dafa toh yeh nahin ban rahi hai na?”

He added, “Even in our cinema, franchises are made as they are safe. Earlier, such things were very rare. Star Wars and The Godfather had sequels. But this was not a regular thing. The same is happening in music. They come across a super-hit song from the 70s, 80s or 90s. They know it’s a sure-shot success. So, they decide ‘Mukhda wohi rakh dena, antara change kar dena’!”

Adnan Sami continued, “When you ask record labels that ‘aap yeh (remix) kyun kar rahe hain’, they reply, ‘Because public chahti hai’ (smiles). However, the thing is that if a man is hungry and you present him with sookhe chawal, toh woh uspe toot padega. And if you ask someone ‘why you are feeding him sookhe chawal’, he’d reply ‘Yehi toh woh chahta hai. Dekho kitne maze se woh kha raha hai’! But he’s savouring it as you didn’t serve him khichdi or biryani.”

Adnan Sami opined, “What saddens me is that every generation call certain songs their own. My father used to say ‘Dheere Se Aaja Ri Ankhiyan Mein’ mere waqt ka gaana hai. I would feel the same for ‘Chura Liya Hai’. The ones who grew up in the 90s would feel a sense of belonging for the songs of say, Aashiqui (1990). But which song would this generation consider their own? After all, you have mostly presented recreated versions to them.”

He also said, “We often blame music composers for remixes. But the reality is that those poor music directors are asked to come up with recreated versions. Kya woh dil se bana rahe hain? I can give you in writing that no music director ever dreamed as a child that he would grow up and work on remixes. So, don’t blame them; blame those who zabardasti make them do it."

Also Read: “Felt very bad making fun of Subodh,” says Saif Ali Khan at Dil Chahta Hai Reunion; Sonali Kulkarni recalls the actor’s obsession with punctuality even on set

The Dil Chahta Hai Reunion happened on August 28 at a suburban hotel in Mumbai. It was organized by Amazon Music and We Are Yuva. The event saw almost the entire team of the film – Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Dimpla Kapadia, Sonali Kulkarni, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa – get nostalgic on its 25 iconic years.

One of the funniest aspects about Dil Chahta Hai was the character Subodh and his obsession with time tables and punctuality. However, in recent times on social media, fans have started expressing their admiration for Subodh with some also referring to him as a ‘Green Flag’. The character was the boyfriend of Sonali Kulkarni’s Pooja. Interestingly, Subodh was played by Farhan Akhtar’s friend Asad Dadarkar, who is like the same person in real life.

When Subodh’s topic was introduced during the conversation at the reunion, Sonali Kularni said, “I think Subodh added a fantastic flavour to the whole relationship. Having said that, Subodh, is Farhan’s dear friend. He didn’t actually act. I remember he was like that (in real life too). He came on the set and he said, ‘It’s 9 O’clock, I will start shooting’.” The last sentence sent a wave of laughter among the crowd.

To this, Farhan joked saying, “Actually, we had invited him to come for this event. He was here at 6 (pm) but then he left as it didn’t start (on time).”

Dil Chahta Hai eventually saw Saif Ali Khan’s character Sameer falling for Pooja and the two becoming a couple. The host asked Saif what he thought of Subodh. The actor said, “Oh, he is a great guy,” much to the laughter of the crowd. He added, “I felt very bad making fun of him. But that’s the job.”

Directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced under the banner of Excel Entertainment, Dil Chahta Hai also featured Preity Zinta and Akshaye Khanna. The two actors couldn’t attend the reunion.

Also Read: Aamir Khan slept 8 hours at Farhan Akhtar’s place after hearing 1st half of Dil Chahta Hai; filmmaker recalls, “He said, ‘I just need 15-minute power nap’”

Akshay Oberoi impressed the audience with his short but impactful performance in Yash-starrer Toxic. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the talented and dashing actor spoke about his experience of working on the film a lot more.

Toxic is your biggest film to date. What are your thoughts now that it has finally released in cinemas? You said it yourself. It’s the biggest film I have done. It has opened me up to an audience that didn’t know me. There’s a chunk of cinemagoing audience in the South that are probably discovering my work for the first time. Across the country, the film probably must be playing in around 12,000-13,000 screens. Also, the box office number on the day of release has been astronomical. Some films do such numbers in their lifetime and they are called successful. Hence, it’s been very cool to be a part of that experience. It was also lovely to be on the promotional tour. I am grateful to Boss (Yash) and Geetu Mohandas that they even invited me to come, celebrate and promote the film across the country. It was super-fun (smiles).

Before Toxic, Geetu Mohandas had made small-budget films like Liar's Dice (2013) and Moothon (2019). Did you ever imagine that Toxic was going to be a big-scale production when it was offered to you? Well, we are all plugged into the business. Hence, I knew that Geetu Mohandas was doing a film with Boss. Once I found out that the film being offered to me is directed by her, I knew what the film was. Udti-udti khabarein suni thi maine ki aisi koi film ban rahi hai. As a result, I knew the scale of the film a day before she was going to call to offer me the film. In my mind, it was already a yes. It was not like main baat karunga aur fir main sochunga. I was sure I’ll give my nod for the project.

At the Toxic trailer launch in Bengaluru, you revealed that you were told to mouth a dialogue from The Godfather (1972) as part of your audition… Yes. She saw my film Fighter (2024), after which she got in touch with me. It's all thanks to her 13-year-old daughter, by the way! Geetu’s meeting had got cancelled and she was free. Her daughter insisted that she wanted to see Fighter. She agreed. She saw me in Fighter, liked my performance and sourced my number.

She told casting director Yash Nagarkoti that ‘I know how he acts in Hindi, but I want to see how he acts in English’. Hence, I was asked to send an audio of me speaking an English dialogue. I agreed and asked Yash Nagarkoti which scene I should perform. He told me to mouth a dialogue of Moe Greene’s character from The Godfather.

However, instead of simply sending an audio clip, I wore a suit, did my hair, performed the entire scene on camera and sent it to her. She told me she hadn’t expected that. I replied, ‘I was getting a chance to act in front of you. I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity. Audio bhej ke kya karta main? If I had a chance to make you watch me act, I thought I should put it on tape and do it in the best way possible.’

That’s how I bagged the part. It’s the film where I probably learned the most, including about the business of cinema. There were so many big stars and hence, it was a complete learning graph.

Was your death scene the most difficult one? Yes. Having said that, I don’t ever view acting like a difficult thing. It’s a joy. Getting a scene like that was so much fun. Of course, I am crying and screaming in that sequence. But I never find acting a burden and I am not like, ‘Oh, I have to do such a scene aur isliye main 4 ghante soch raha hoon’. I go with the flow and be in the moment. I work a lot on the character, like who the guy is, what he is after, where he has come from etc. I also make sure that I know my lines very, very well. Then, you surrender to the moment. You have fun.

Similarly, after completing that day’s shoot, I didn’t go home thinking, ‘Oh, what a difficult day. Thank God, it’s over.’ Instead, I was sad because the best scene I had in the film, the one where I got to do the most acting, was over!

Were you shocked reading the twist in the climax of Toxic when the film was offered to you? No, as we were only narrated until where we were in the film. Nobody knew the rest of the script! As time went on and because I got close to Geetu and Boss, I was able to roughly figure things out.

You addressed Yash as ‘Boss’. Since when are you doing that and how did it start? It’s a title given to him by his ardent fans who know him since the beginning of his career. Later on, he got the tag of ‘Rocking Star Yash’. However, the ‘Boss’ title predates the ‘Rocking Star Yash’ tag. And the title is apt because he is a boss. Everyone on the set and the people working for his production house, Monster Mind Creations, also call him Boss as he’s such a leader. Toh woh dil se cheez nikalti hai. I just can’t call him ‘Yash sir’, it has to be ‘Boss’.

Seeing him exposed me to so many things about my own career. I realized I am running behind big producers and directors. I guess doing so is important as well. But this man has believed in himself and invested in himself. Of course, he’s an actor par excellence, but he has learned every department of filmmaking – from lighting and editing to screenplay, distribution, production design and practically every other aspect of the craft. He’s curating his own content and carving his own path. He’s not waiting for anybody. The problem of an actor is that we wait for that one phone call that would change our lives.

Hence, when I saw him, I realized that there’s a whole different way of achieving your dream. This is the reason people like Yash are called path-breakers. When I saw that, it made me realize that mere andar yeh cheez nahin thi. But now I have imbibed the quality from him and you’ll see me implementing it big time in the next few years. I don’t know exactly when, but I know how. For that reason, I have to call him ‘Boss’. I have given him that place in my mind and heart as he’s that for me.

Also Read: Akshay Oberoi says he feels “fortunate” to join Geetu Mohandas’ female-led cast in Toxic

Aamir Khan is reportedly set to join hands with Sidharth Malhotra and Tiger Shroff for the much-awaited Race Reboot. The upcoming project is said to be a fresh take on the popular action thriller franchise, which originally featured Saif Ali Khan in the first two instalments before Salman Khan took the lead in the third film.

The Race franchise has developed a cult following over the years, with the first two films starring Saif Ali Khan becoming popular for their high-octane action, twists and turns, and ensemble cast. Race 3, which arrived later with Salman Khan in the lead, took the series in a different direction.

Now, the reboot is reportedly being planned with an entirely new star cast. While Sidharth Malhotra’s name has been associated with the project for some time, Tiger Shroff has also recently been linked to the film. According to current reports, Aamir Khan is the latest major name to be added to the much-anticipated project. A source was quoted telling Pinkvilla, “Aamir has liked the script and is very involved in the writing process. He is working closely with the writers to develop the material further. He feels that the reboot can bring a completely new flavour to the Race franchise”

The source further revealed that the upcoming film is being envisioned as a thriller unlike anything previously attempted in India, with the makers looking to introduce a fresh perspective to the franchise. “It’s a thriller unlike anything done before in India. The idea is to take the franchise into a new space and create something that feels fresh for the audience. A strong ensemble will come on board the film, and the casting will be announced at the right time,” the source added.

Aamir Khan is reportedly taking an active interest in the development of the project and is said to be ensuring that the script reaches the desired level before making a final commitment. In a concluding statement, the source reportedly stated, “Aamir is very excited to embark on this journey of Race. He is taking his time to make sure the script reaches the level he wants before he commits fully. The idea is to make Race Reboot a big-screen thriller with a strong ensemble and a completely fresh flavour.”

Race Reboot is said to be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has previously collaborated with Aamir Khan on two action thrillers — Dhoom 3 and Thugs of Hindostan. If Aamir comes on board, the project will mark their third collaboration in the action-thriller space.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Taurani of Tips Films has reportedly already begun pre-production on the film. With Sidharth Malhotra, Tiger Shroff and potentially Aamir Khan forming part of the ensemble, Race Reboot is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated projects in the action thriller space.

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani clarifies Akshaye Khanna won’t return for Race 4: “The work on the script is on”

Ajay Devgn is set to return as one of his most memorable characters, Vijay Salgaonkar, with the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. The third instalment of the Hindi crime thriller franchise is scheduled to release theatrically on October 2, 2026, promising to take forward the gripping story of Vijay and his family.

The makers recently dropped a poster confirming the release date with a powerful statement that captures Vijay’s central motivation: “Sahi ya galat, jo bhi ho... main apni family ke liye kisi bhi hadh tak ja sakta hoon (Whether it is right or wrong, whatever it is…. I can go to any extent for my family).” The announcement once again puts the spotlight on Vijay Salgaonkar, a man willing to cross every line to protect his loved ones.

Presented by Star Studio18, Drishyam The Conclusion is a Panorama Studios production directed by Abhishek Pathak. The screenplay and writing credits include Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak.

The Drishyam franchise has established a strong following among audiences with its combination of crime, suspense, family drama and psychological tension. The Hindi films, starring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, are adaptations of the Malayalam franchise led by Mohanlal. Over the years, the Hindi series has developed a cult following, particularly for its layered storytelling and Vijay’s elaborate attempts to protect his family.

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Set against the backdrop of Goa, Drishyam The Conclusion will once again revolve around Vijay Salgaonkar but this time it will be focusing more on the emotional aftermath of the events surrounding a murder. Having spent years attempting to stay ahead of the police and protect his family, Vijay now faces another chapter in a story that has continued to haunt him.

With Ajay Devgn reprising the role, the third chapter is expected to further explore Vijay’s battle between protecting his family and confronting the emotional consequences of his actions. The title Drishyam The Conclusion also signals that the upcoming film could bring the long-running story of the Salgaonkar family to its decisive chapter.

Drishyam The Conclusion is slated to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion director Abhishek Pathak says story continues from where Drishyam 2 ended

Taapsee Pannu, Kanika Dhillon and Guneet Monga Kapoor attended a session organized by WIF India and Kathha Pictures on women driving Indian cinema and the rise of female-led collaborations. Taapsee stunned the audience as she spoke about her experience on a film early in her career.

Taapsee Pannu said, “We actresses are always called a few hours earlier, not just to the location, but even on set. So, the actress reaches first. Once the assistant sees that the heroine has arrived, that’s when the hero is called. Of course, we never get the same hotel rooms or cars either, courtesy our gender.”

She then revealed, “I shot an introduction sequence for a film and I really liked it. In fact, one of the reasons I said yes to the film was that entry scene because, at that point, that’s what I knew – aise teen-chaar scene hone chahiye, bahut hai aapke liye as a heroine! Suddenly, they changed the sequence. The hero was given equal footing and a more substantial part in it. It was a very expensive and fancy sequence, and he felt that he also wanted to be a part of it.”

Taapsee continued, “The hero filmed it and then I went to the director and said, ‘This is not supposed to be like this, right? At least you could have told me that you had changed it, forget asking me.’ He replied, ‘I did not know that I had to tell you!’ It was a harsh reality check.”

Taapsee Pannu shared another shocking incident film, “In one scene, there was a tight close-up of mine in which I tell the hero, ‘Go to hell’. But the director told me in the dubbing theatre that I should not say, ‘Go to hell’! He advised me to change it to ‘whatever’ or something on those lines. I explained to him, ‘It’s a tight close-up. It’s going to show’. But he kept giving me very lame reasons. I asked him what the problem was. I was not using a cuss word, after all. I kept arguing and he also probably got tired. Finally, he told me that the hero had told me to not say, ‘Go to hell’!”

Taapsee added, “But I made it clear and said, ‘I will not change the dialogue. You can mute it. I’ll prefer that. But I’ll not dub it wrongly’.” At this point, there was applause at the venue.

However, the actress asked the attendees to hold on as the story was far from over, prompting laughter at the venue. Taapsee Pannu further said, “Let me tell you what happened after that! The film came out and I specifically went to see it for that scene to see what they had done. They hired a dubbing artist and made sure that they dubbed what the hero told them to dub! The remaining film is in my voice. But that one dialogue was dubbed.”

The host asked if this happened recently on some film. Taapsee Pannu smiled and replied, “It was way back. Recently aisa mere saath karke toh dikhao!”

Also Read: Netflix unveils Gandhari Trailer starring Taapsee Pannu as a mother on a mission

Uorfi  has sparked concern among her fans after sharing a series of pictures from a hospital bed on social media. The actor and social media personality referred to the hospital visit as her “yearly admission in the hospital”, although she did not clarify whether the remark was serious, sarcastic or related to a routine annual health check-up.

In one of the pictures, Uorfi could be seen posing from the hospital bed while the song ‘Itni Shakti Hame De Na Data’ played in the background. She subsequently shared a photograph showing an IV cannula attached to her hand and captioned it, “Worst part!”

Uorfi later posted another picture from the hospital and appeared to comment on the effects of anaesthesia. She wrote, “Anesthesia k alag maze hai bhai.” However, neither Uorfi nor her team has so far shared details about the reason for her hospitalisation or revealed what medical procedure, if any, she underwent.

The recent post has also brought attention to Uorfi’s previous health-related disclosures. In January 2026, she opened up about a difficult phase in her life when her weight had dropped to 38 kg. At the time, she said she was "so sick and depressed." Uorfi revealed that she had been eating only one meal a day and avoiding carbohydrates. According to her, the restrictive routine affected her mood, leaving her feeling extremely moody, angry and irritated. She also recalled experiencing facial swelling despite being significantly underweight and later said weight training helped her feel better.

In June 2026, Uorfi also spoke about severe facial swelling that she had experienced around a year and a half earlier. Addressing speculation that the swelling was caused by fillers, she clarified that it was instead linked to allergies, stress and increased cortisol levels. She further revealed that she is allergic to cats despite having three pet cats at home.

Uorfi’s previous publicly reported hospitalisation was in January 2024, when she shared a photograph of herself wearing an oxygen mask from a hospital bed. At the time, she captioned the post, “Starting 2024 with a bang.” She later deleted the post and did not reveal the reason behind that hospital visit.

As of now, further details about Uorfi’s latest hospitalisation remain awaited.

Also Read : Sonu Sood, Preity Zinta, Soha Ali Khan among celebs extending support to students after ‘Chalo Sansad’ clashes

Kareena Kapoor is set to explore a different side of her with Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming film Daayra. Ahead of the trailer release on August 31, Meghna has spoken about Kareena’s performance, describing it as an “entirely unseen facet” of the actor.

Daayra brings Kareena together with Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The two portray police officers who have contrasting approaches to their profession, justice and the situations they encounter. Their opposing personalities form a key part of the film’s narrative.

Sharing her thoughts on Kareena’s role, Meghna wrote in an Instagram note, “Daayra unveils an entirely unseen facet of the actor that is Kareena Kapoor. Kareena as Ajooni, is stoic, unreadable. She cracks open situations and people with a smile.”

Meghna also described how Prithviraj’s character Raman complements Ajooni. She wrote, “Prithviraj Sukumaran as Raman, is the hinge to Kareena's Ajooni. Seething with a caged rage. And almost never smiles. The two are the Ying and Yang of Daayra. And that's just one of the many dualities that Daayra navigates.”

The filmmaker said bringing together Kareena, who represents Hindi cinema, and Prithviraj, known for his work in Malayalam cinema, was a significant casting opportunity for her. “As a casting opportunity, it was a dream come true for me. To get two prolific actors from the Hindi and Malayalam film industry to face each other off,” she wrote.

Meghna Gulzar Explores the Grey Areas in Daayra

Inspired by several true events from different parts of India, Daayra does not focus on a single location. Instead, the film explores circumstances that can unfold across the country.

Meghna has previously explored morally complex situations in films such as Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur. She said her interest in such stories comes from her understanding that life cannot always be divided into simple categories.

“As a student of Sociology, I learned that our life and our society is not binary. It's not just black and white. There is a spectrum of grey that we exist in. In my journey as a filmmaker — through Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur, I have cherished exploring that very grey - within characters and within the world they, and we live in.”

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She added that Daayra takes this exploration a step further. “Daayra for me, not only explores that grey... It invades it... it attempts to dismantle it.”

At the heart of the story are Ajooni and Raman, two law enforcement officers who often find themselves on opposite sides of challenging situations. Meghna described Ajooni as “fiercely righteous” and Raman as “righteously fierce”.

“In it, the main protagonists — Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are both officers of law enforcement; and yet, they often find themselves on opposite sides of a delicate line. Kareena's Ajooni is fiercely righteous. Prithviraj as Raman is righteously fierce.”

Daayra trailer is scheduled to release on August 31, giving audiences their first detailed glimpse at the central conflict and the performances. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film is co-written by her along with Yash Keswani and Sima Agarwal.

Backed by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada’s Pen Studios, Daayra will be distributed by Pen Marudhar. The film is slated to arrive in theatres on September 18.

 Also Read : Meghna Gulzar cast nearly 90 theatre actors for Daayra; even one-scene roles underwent rigorous auditions