In 2025, a Hyderabad-based man approached the Consumer Court after claiming that he was made to watch 22 minutes of advertisements at a PVR INOX theatre when he went to see the Dhanush-Nagarjuna starrer Kubera. Last month, in September 2026, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Hyderabad, held PVR INOX liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices and ordered the multiplex chain to pay Rs. 20,000 as compensation to the complainant and Rs. 5,000 towards litigation costs.

This was the second such case in which the multiplex chain was asked to compensate an aggrieved moviegoer over advertisements. Last year, a Bengaluru patron, upset over being made to watch nearly 25 minutes of commercials and trailers during a screening of Sam Bahadur, approached the Consumer Court. PVR INOX was subsequently ordered to pay Rs. 1 lakh in compensation and legal costs.

Advertisements in cinemas, before a film begins or during the interval, have been a common practice for decades, and moviegoers have largely accepted them. Certain brands have even relied heavily on the big screen for promotions. For instance, viewers in Mumbai would fondly remember the Gangar Opticians advertisement that was regularly shown in cinemas in the early 2000s. Its memorable presentation ensured that the brand enjoyed strong recall value among moviegoers. In recent times, the Lyra Leggings commercial featuring Janhvi Kapoor, along with its catchy theme song, has become firmly etched in the minds of moviegoers, thanks to its repeated screenings in theatres. Interestingly, the ad is rarely, if ever, seen on television, and audiences have largely come across it in cinemas. Those frequenting PVR INOX cinemas would also be familiar with an audiovisual presentation in which prominent brand owners and company officials explain how cinema advertising can have a significant impact on footfalls and sales.

However, while patrons may not mind watching advertisements, having become accustomed to them over the years, the problem arises when the commercials go on and on, testing their patience. Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, about the healthy box office performance in September and the first week of October. Towards the end of our interaction, we asked him about the recent ruling concerning cinema advertisements and whether a middle ground could be reached, allowing advertisements to continue but within reasonable limits.

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We are always looking at that. We haven’t received that many complaints. We have also reduced our ad time from 15-18 minutes to 10 minutes, which we thought was a sweet spot and which we thought wasn’t compromising on the viewing experience. But of course, you can’t please everyone and this happened. But we are obviously keeping a close eye on it.”

He continued, “We haven’t come out with anything which is a carte blanche policy. But we are keeping a keen eye on it to see how we can reduce it. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the moviegoing experience does not get compromised by anything. As of now, we have reached a sweet spot as far as ad time is concerned. Hopefully, that’ll be palatable and acceptable to everyone.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: PVR INOX’s Sanjeev Kumar Bijli celebrates Drishyam The Conclusion’s box office success: “Our weekend admissions stood at 30 lakhs, among the HIGHEST ever”; predicts BLOCKBUSTER run for Ramayana: “It has all the ingredients”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated at his Pune farmhouse on Thursday, October 8, following his sudden demise earlier that morning. The actor was accorded full state honours, as announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his social welfare initiatives. Fadnavis, along with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was also seen paying his respects to the late actor at Pune airport.

Although Nana Patekar passed away in Goa, his mortal remains were brought to Pune in accordance with his wishes. According to reports, the actor had expressed his desire to be cremated at his Donje farmhouse in Pune. His son, Malhar Patekar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre in the presence of family members, friends and colleagues from the film industry.

Several prominent personalities attended the funeral to pay their final respects to the veteran actor. Among those present were Jackie Shroff, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and filmmaker Anil Sharma, along with other members of the entertainment fraternity. The gathering reflected the impact Patekar had made through his work over a career spanning several decades.

The Maharashtra government's decision to accord him a state funeral recognised not only his cinematic legacy but also his contributions to society through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to support drought-affected farmers and rural communities.

Nana Patekar's demise: What happened?

Nana Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient known for his acclaimed performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to reports, the actor suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unresponsive early in the morning and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical personnel reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for approximately 45 minutes. However, he could not be revived and was declared dead at around 5:20 AM IST. His son, Malhar Patekar, subsequently confirmed the news.

Known for his intense screen presence and memorable performances, Patekar leaves behind a significant body of work spanning multiple genres and languages. His passing has prompted tributes from colleagues, admirers and members of the film fraternity, as the industry remembers an actor whose contributions extended beyond the screen.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn mourns the death of Nana Patekar with a heartfelt note: “His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. The news of his demise has prompted tributes from across the film industry and beyond, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressing his condolences and remembering the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema.

Taking to X, PM Modi recalled Patekar’s distinctive screen presence and versatility as a performer. He highlighted the actor’s work across both Hindi and Marathi cinema, while also remembering his outspoken personality.

PM Modi wrote, “Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations.”

In his tribute, the Prime Minister also acknowledged Patekar’s reputation for expressing his views candidly. He wrote, “He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in.”

Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in. Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2026

“His passing leaves a deep void” PM Modi further highlighted Patekar’s contribution to both Hindi and Marathi cinema and offered condolences to his family, friends and admirers.

“Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

Patekar's death marks the loss of a veteran of Indian cinema, whose career spanned decades and included acclaimed work as an actor and filmmaker.

Also Read: Nana Patekar passes away at 75: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Prakash Raj and others mourn Welcome actor

Actor Shakti Kapoor and his daughter, actor Shraddha Kapoor, have leased a residential apartment in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area to Akshat Khetan for a monthly rent of Rs 2.5 lakhs. The details are based on the registered leave and licence agreement accessed by CRE Matrix. The 1,050 sq ft apartment is located on the third floor of Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower. The agreement was registered on June 26, 2026, with the 36-month lease commencing on July 1, 2026. It will remain valid until June 30, 2029.

According to the agreement, the monthly rent has been fixed at Rs 2.5 lakhs for the first year of the lease. The rent will increase by 5% annually, taking it to Rs 2.625 lakhs per month during the second year. For the final 12 months, the monthly rent will rise further to approximately Rs 2.756 lakhs.

Across the entire three-year lease period, the total rental payment is estimated at around Rs 94.58 lakhs. Khetan has also paid an interest-free refundable security deposit of Rs 7.5 lakhs.

The agreement includes a 12-month lock-in period, during which neither the landlord nor the tenant can terminate the lease without facing the consequences outlined in the contract. The leased apartment measures 1,050 sq ft and is situated in Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower, located on G B Sakpal Marg and San Guruji Marg in Mahalaxmi East, Mumbai.

The latest transaction is notable as it comes a little over a year after Shraddha Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor jointly purchased another apartment in the same tower. Shraddha Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor’s earlier purchase In January 2025, the father-daughter duo jointly purchased a 1,042.73 sq ft apartment in Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower for Rs 6.24 crores.

The earlier property transaction was registered on January 13, 2025. The latest lease agreement involving another apartment in the same residential development adds to the family’s property activity in the Mahalaxmi area.

The new three-year lease will remain in effect until June 2029, with the rent increasing by 5% in each subsequent year as specified in the agreement.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor cracks up fans with her hilarious response on Stree 2 fan theory: “Kyunki mein Shakti Kapoor ki beti hoon”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was declared dead at 5:30 AM. Doctors reportedly attempted to revive him through continuous CPR for around 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.

Following the news of his death, several members of the film industry took to social media to remember the acclaimed actor and filmmaker. From Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh to Prakash Raj, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Adil Hussain and Mukesh Chhabra, several artistes shared personal memories and paid tribute to Patekar. Akshay Kumar remembers Nana Patekar Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar in Welcome and more recently in Housefull 5, expressed his grief over the actor's passing. Remembering his distinctive screen presence, Akshay wrote, “Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing.”

He added, “Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say. 🙏 — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026

Riteish Deshmukh calls it “the end of an era” Riteish Deshmukh shared an emotional tribute for Patekar, recalling both his performances and the personal moments they shared. The two actors worked together in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5. Riteish wrote, “Today, words have failed me; it's as if lightning has struck my heart. Nana is gone... This single sentence has left my mind numb, speechless.”

Remembering Patekar's versatility as an actor, Riteish added, “Sometimes the radiant hero on screen, sometimes the villain who sent shivers down the spine, or the mischievous humor behind a serious face, every shade came alive in your acting.”

Calling their association a source of personal fortune, he wrote, “Sharing the screen with you in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5 was my fortune.” Riteish concluded his note by describing Patekar's death as “the end of an era” and extended his condolences to the actor's family, loved ones and fans.

आज शब्द थिजले आहेत, काळजावर जणू वीज कोसळली आहे.
नाना गेले... या एका वाक्याने मन सुन्न, निःशब्द झाले आहे. तुम्ही अभिनयाचे आकाश होतात, ज्याला तुलनेची सीमा नव्हती.
तुमच्या अनोख्या शैलीने रसिकांच्या हृदयात तुम्ही अढळ घर केले. कधी पडद्यावरचा तेजस्वी नायक, कधी अंगावर शहारे आणणारा खलनायक, तर कधी गंभीर चेहऱ्यामागचा खट्याळ विनोद,
प्रत्येक रंग तुमच्या अभिनयात खुलून आला. पडद्यावर तुम्ही हीरो होतात, पण पडद्यामागे त्याहूनही मोठे.
तुमच्या संस्थेतून वाहत राहिली माणुसकीची निरंतर धारा. 'ब्लफमास्टर' आणि 'हाउसफुल ५' मध्ये तुमच्यासोबत पडदा वाटून घेतला, हे माझे भाग्य.
पण एका मराठी चित्रपटात तुमच्यासोबत काम करणे,
ही अपूर्ण ओढ आयुष्यभर उरी राहील. तुमचे बोल, तुमच्या गप्पा, पाठीवरची ती कौतुकाची थाप,
सोबत केलेले ते खळखळते हसू, ही माझी करी कमाई.

कुटुंबीयांना, आप्तेष्टांना आणि लाखो चाहत्यांना
माझी मनःपूर्वक सांत्वना. खरच आज एका युगाचा अस्त झाला आहे.

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. 🙏

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 8, 2026

Prakash Raj remembers personal moments With Nana Prakash Raj also paid tribute to Patekar, recalling the conversations and time they spent together away from the camera. Sharing a photograph with the late actor, Prakash wrote, “miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared.”

He further thanked Patekar for being part of his journey, writing, “thank you for coming into my life’s journey.”

💔💔💔 miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 RIP #NanaPatekar https://t.co/ijbPzxZk6s — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 8, 2026

Neil Nitin Mukesh calls him a “true legend” Neil Nitin Mukesh mourned the loss of Patekar and remembered his contribution to Indian cinema. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Nana Patekar Ji. An actor par excellence who carved a niche entirely his own.” Neil also highlighted Patekar's influence beyond his performances, saying that his legacy included inspiring aspiring actors to develop their own identity.

“A true legend of Indian cinema. Your legacy will live on sir. Om shanti,” he added.

Deeply saddened by the loss of Nana Patekar Ji. An actor par excellence who carved a niche entirely his own. His power-packed performances will be remembered forever, but so will the way he inspired and gave wings to countless aspiring actors to find their own identity.

A true legend of Indian cinema. Your legacy will live on sir. Om shanti 🙏🕊️

— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) October 8, 2026

Adil Hussain says he is “speechless” Actor Adil Hussain expressed disbelief after learning about Patekar's death. “I cannot believe that Nana Patekar jee has passed!.. Woke up by a phone call giving me this News... Speechless,” he wrote.

Remembering the veteran actor as an inspiration, Adil added, “Your work has inspired many people including me. God bless your soul... rest in peace.”

I cannot believe that Nana Patekar jee has passed!.. Woke up by a phone call giving me this News... Speechless. Dearest Nana jee I will remember you with great fondness... Your work has inspired many people including me. God bless your soul... rest in peace. — Adil hussain (@_AdilHussain) October 8, 2026

Mukesh Chhabra reacts to Nana Patekar’s death Casting director Mukesh Chhabra also reacted to the news, describing it as difficult to believe. “I am just shocked. This is unbelievable. Rest in peace, Nana Bhai,” Chhabra wrote.

I am just shocked. This is unbelievable. Rest in peace, Nana Bhai. 💔 https://t.co/tqZ7JPD2M7 — Mukesh Chhabra CSA (@CastingChhabra) October 8, 2026

More reactions from members of the film industry are expected as tributes continue to pour in following Nana Patekar's death.

Also Read: Nana Patekar passes away at 75 after severe cardiac arrest at Goa residence

Veteran actor Nana Patekar has passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was declared dead at 5:20 AM on Thursday, October 8. Doctors attempted to revive the actor through continuous CPR for around 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.

Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed the news and said that a medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death are expected following the post-mortem examination.

“Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at 5:20 AM today after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence. Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. A medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered, and a post-mortem will be conducted,” Dr. Shekhar Salkar said. Nana Patekar’s journey in cinema Nana Patekar began his film career with the 1978 film Gaman. While his early years in cinema were gradual, he went on to establish himself as one of the most distinctive actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

His performances in films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda brought him wider recognition. Salaam Bombay!, directed by Mira Nair, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In Parinda, Patekar played a gangster, a performance that earned him the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The making of Parinda was also physically demanding for the actor. He suffered serious burns while filming a real-fire sequence and spent months recovering in hospital. Earlier, he had also been stabbed during the shooting of Salaam Bombay!.

Patekar later moved behind the camera with Prahaar: The Final Attack, which he directed and starred in. For the 1991 film, he underwent training with the Territorial Army.

Patekar remained active on screen in the years leading up to his death. His most recent released film was Subedaar, the Amazon Prime Video action drama starring Anil Kapoor. The film premiered on March 5, 2026, with Patekar making a special appearance as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare.

Before that, he had a substantial theatrical role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, which released on February 13, 2026. He played Ismail Khan, the chief of the Mumbai Intelligence Bureau, in the film starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Nana Patekar’s The Confession Of Mary set for Toronto International Film Festival Premiere

Karan Wahi has finally given fans what they have been asking for, a glimpse into his life beyond the screen. Fresh off his third stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi, the actor recently took fans along on a new adventure, making his first-ever visit to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and documenting the experience in a new vlog.

During his interaction with the paparazzi, Karan was jokingly asked why he was at the airport when he could be flying out in a helicopter, a cheeky reference to his recent Khatron Ke Khiladi stint. Karan quipped, “Move on Khatron, I have moved on,” before getting on with his different kind of adventure.

He took his fans through the entire airport experience, showing them what happens post celebrities get papped. From exploring the airport’s architecture and installations to discovering its food, retail and leisure offerings, Karan found enough reasons to keep him occupied before the flight.

Welcomed by the Pranaam team on arrival, Karan explored the airport, including the Experience Centre, where the striking art, scale and design caught his attention. He also checked out the range of restaurants and outlets, and mentioned that some of the options were hard to find elsewhere in the city.

But the highlight of the visit was when he headed to the airport lounge and discovered something rather unexpected — mini-golf, a first-of-its-kind offering at an Indian airport. After testing out his golfing skills and unwinding at the lounge, Karan made his way to the boarding gate.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Karan Wahi (@karanwahi)

What began as Karan’s first visit to NMIA turned into a full-fledged experience of exploring, eating, and shopping, giving his fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the actor’s travel routine and delivering the vlog they had been waiting for.

Also Read: Orry gives a peek inside Avinash Mishra’s Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 victory party with Shagun Sharma, Karan Wahi and others!

The Delhi High Court has sought a response from Salman Khan in connection with an application filed by filmmaker Amit Jani, who has sought a stay on proceedings in the actor’s civil suit concerning the proposed film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The matter was heard before Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, with Jani’s counsel arguing that the reliefs sought by Khan in the present proceedings substantially overlap with those in an earlier suit that is already pending adjudication before the High Court.

During the hearing, Jani’s legal team contended that Khan has effectively initiated parallel litigation concerning the same subject matter. On that basis, counsel argued that proceedings in the subsequent suit should remain stayed until the earlier matter is finally decided. Representing Salman Khan, Senior Advocate Ravi Prakash undertook to place the actor’s formal counter-affidavit on record in response to the application. The court also sought clarity on the precise basis of the relief being pursued by Khan. Explaining the background, Prakash submitted that the actor had initially approached the court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights. The proceedings resulted in interim protection being granted to Khan in December 2025. According to Khan’s counsel, following the interim order, the filmmakers released promotional material and gave interviews to the media that allegedly drew direct parallels between the film and aspects of the actor’s life, including the widely known 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Rajasthan. Khan’s legal team argued that the alleged depiction was sufficiently identifiable with the actor’s persona and could cause significant reputational harm. The actor subsequently sought the court’s intervention to prevent the circulation of promotional and publicity material connected to the film and to restrain its proposed release. The dispute escalated further in July 2026, when the Delhi High Court directed the removal of the film’s initial digital teaser and certain promotional posts from social media. The court also directed the filmmakers not to use Salman Khan’s name, likeness or identifiable characteristics without his consent. The proceedings later turned towards the question of the film’s proposed distribution and release. During those hearings, Jani’s side submitted that Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy was neither complete nor submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for theatrical certification at that stage. The filmmaker’s side also maintained that an official trailer for the film had not yet been released or circulated. The possibility of a direct-to-digital release also came into consideration during the proceedings. While the film’s theatrical status and certification position were raised before the court, the bench also considered Khan’s apprehensions regarding the possibility of the film or related promotional material being disseminated directly through digital platforms, including an OTT release. Amit Jani’s side has continued to oppose the reliefs sought by Salman Khan, maintaining its position against the actor’s requests for injunctions. The latest hearing, therefore, focused on the procedural objection raised by the filmmaker regarding the overlap between the present proceedings and the earlier matter pending before the High Court. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani has now directed Salman Khan’s counsel to place the actor’s detailed response on record. The matter has been listed for a further comprehensive hearing on December 16, 2026. The proceedings concern the competing legal claims surrounding Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, with the court yet to adjudicate the substantive issues raised in the latest application. Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan urges censorship on social media, raises concern over AI deepfakes; says, “I am going to take this up very seriously”

Kriti Sanon has revisited the controversy surrounding her GIVA jewellery advertisement, recalling how the campaign’s fashion choices became the subject of intense television debates. During her appearance on Season 6 of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s What Women Want, the actress reflected on the scrutiny female celebrities often face over their clothing and admitted that she was surprised by the scale of the discussion around her outfit.

The conversation touched upon moral policing and the disproportionate attention often directed towards women in the public eye. Recalling the aftermath of the GIVA campaign, Sanon said, “I couldn’t believe… when my choli had become like a six-person panel discussion on prime-time news.” Kareena immediately acknowledged her sentiment, responding, “I know.”

The controversy dates back to GIVA’s Raksha Bandhan campaign featuring Sanon. The actress was seen in a contemporary Indo-western ensemble comprising a white bralette-style choli, a sheer cape and an embroidered skirt. The campaign featured festive celebrations, including Sanon tying a rakhi on a pet dog, but the styling became a talking point on social media.

The advertisement faced criticism from sections of social media, with the outfit being questioned in the context of a festive family setting. The controversy subsequently found its way into television discussions, with the debate extending beyond the advertisement to questions around clothing, culture and representation.

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut also reacted to the campaign at the time, criticising Sanon’s outfit and comparing the top to a “bikini”. Following the backlash, GIVA issued a public apology and withdrew the campaign from its television and digital platforms.

Sanon had responded to the criticism at the time, questioning the focus on women’s clothing and arguing that fashion and cultural identity should not be reduced to what a woman wears. She wrote, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

The actress’ latest comments on What Women Want bring the episode back into focus, particularly the extent to which a fashion choice can become a larger public debate when a celebrity is at the centre of it. Her recollection also underlines the scrutiny that female actors can face over their appearance, even when the conversation begins with a commercial campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon says, “I also want to play a superwoman”; reveals she wants to explore female superhero roles

JioHotstar has expanded its international presence with its entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The move follows its launch in the UK, Canada and Singapore, adding another key market with a large South Asian audience to the platform’s growing global footprint. Through an exclusive partnership with STARZPLAY, JioHotstar will be available as a dedicated streaming destination on the STARZPLAY app and website.

The partnership combines JioHotstar’s content library with STARZPLAY’s regional reach and understanding of audiences in the MENA market. Viewers will have access to new JioHotstar Originals alongside their India releases, with content available with audio tracks in up to 10 languages. The offering will also include television content from JioStar TV channels, films and reality franchises.

Among the content available to audiences will be the upcoming season of Koffee with Karan and the ongoing season of Bigg Boss across six languages. The library will feature content in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other languages, along with a substantial Malayalam catalogue aimed at serving the region’s Malayali audience.

The JioHotstar offering will be available through STARZPLAY’s PLUS plan at AED 34.99 per month. The MAX plan, priced at AED 49.99 per month, will combine the complete JioHotstar entertainment offering with STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio, including major sporting events and cricket.

Commenting on JioHotstar’s expansion into the Middle East, Amit Malhotra, Head – International Business, JioStar, said, “The strong early response to JioHotstar across the UK, Canada and Singapore has reinforced our belief in the global opportunity for Indian entertainment. As we build JioHotstar into a truly global streaming platform, MENA is a crucial next market, with one of the world’s largest South Asian diaspora communities and a deep appetite for entertainment across languages. Our partnership with STARZPLAY allows us to enter the region with scale and bring audiences the breadth of JioHotstar, from new originals and daily television to blockbuster films and iconic reality franchises. This is an important step in taking Indian stories, talent and cultural moments to audiences around the world.”

Speaking about the partnership, Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY, said, “The next phase of streaming growth in MENA will be shaped by platforms that bring the right brands together and make the viewing experience more valuable. Audiences should not have to navigate an increasingly fragmented market to find the entertainment that matters to them. Bringing JioHotstar to STARZPLAY is a strategic investment in that future, combining the strength of India’s storytelling with our understanding of this region and the audiences we serve.”

“Cricket has given STARZPLAY a strong and lasting relationship with South Asian audiences across the region. JioHotstar allows us to extend that relationship beyond the match and into the entertainment households return to every day. Our ambition is to make STARZPLAY the destination where every member of the family finds something they value,” Maaz added.

To mark the MENA launch, the Burj Khalifa was illuminated as part of a launch celebration. JioHotstar’s Big Bang was projected onto the world’s tallest building in a display of colour and light, bringing together JioHotstar and STARZPLAY to mark the platform’s arrival in the region.

JioHotstar continues to explore features such as AI-powered personalisation, conversational discovery, interactive entertainment and in-app commerce. With its expansion into MENA, the platform now has an international presence spanning Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, with its approach tailored to the audiences in each market.

Also Read : Bigg Boss 20 teaser out: Salman Khan drops cryptic Karan Arjun hint ahead of September 6 premiere

Producer Prakash Mahobiya has opened up about the theatrical performance of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, alleging that the mythological drama faced negative marketing and online campaigns that affected its reach. In an interview with India Today, Mahobiya claimed that the film did not get an adequate opportunity to reach audiences and suggested that an upcoming big-budget film based on the same epic may have influenced the online narrative. However, he stopped short of naming any project or filmmaker and said he could not confirm the information.

Speaking about the film’s reception, Mahobiya said, “It was negative marketing throughout. We never got a chance to reach our audience. The ones who watched our film really enjoyed it. But if they never got to see it, how will they even have an opinion?”

The producer further claimed that he had been told about efforts involving digital creators to discourage audiences from watching the film. He said, “From what we have been told, there are other movies on the same subject coming in, the big-budget film. As far as we know, a lot of negative marketing opportunities have been given to YouTubers, influencers and other people. They are spreading wrong information and asking people not to watch our film,” before adding, “I don’t know for sure, but that’s what we are being told.”

His comments come amid considerable attention around Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, the upcoming two-part adaptation produced by Namit Malhotra. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Raavan and is among the most closely watched upcoming Indian film projects. Mahobiya’s remarks, however, do not establish any connection between Ramayana and the alleged online campaigns against his film.

Mahobiya also admitted that marketing a film was a learning experience for him as a first-time producer. He said, “I have made a film for the first time, and I am new to this industry. I have no idea how to market a film after making it. We are not afraid of the loss, but we are disappointed that not many people managed to watch it. And hence, we want to release the film again.”

Maintaining that Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha offers a distinct interpretation, he added, “There is a lot of difference between your film and the other film that will arrive soon. But we are confident that, given a chance, people would have liked our film too.”

Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha released in cinemas on September 25, 2026. The film stars Dev Sharma as Lord Ram, Anjali Arora as Goddess Sita, Sheel Verma as Laxman and Rajniesh Duggall in a pivotal role.

Following its theatrical run, the makers are now exploring the possibility of re-releasing the film in cinemas to give it another opportunity to reach audiences.

Also Read: Anjali Arora gives her take on the ongoing Ranbir Kapoor – prasad controversy; says, “Prasad is God’s blessing, it doesn’t increase weight”

By the end of July, international films had amassed Rs. 1,424 crores at the Indian box office, putting 2026 within striking distance of the all-time annual record of Rs. 1,595 crores set in 2019. Leading the charge was Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which emerged as the highest-grossing international film ever in India. The strong momentum continued through August, with international cinema commanding a 15% share of the Indian box office, up from 10% in 2025. The overall Indian box office, too, has been witnessing consistent growth. The cumulative gross box office of all films released in India stood at Rs. 11,833 crores in 2024 and rose to Rs. 13,395 crores in 2025. With 2026 delivering strong results across languages, genres and budgets, Ashish Misra, Head of Commercialisation, Cinepolis India, believes it would not be a surprise if the cumulative box office crosses the Rs. 15,000 crore mark for the first time.

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Ashish Misra spoke about Hollywood’s impressive resurgence, expectations from Ramayana, the packed final quarter of 2026 and why the year could turn out to be a historic one for the Indian film industry.

How do you view Hollywood's performance so far this year? Not just biggies but even smaller films like Obsession worked big time… Hollywood has bounced back after facing a few barriers. The strikes in 2023 delayed the production and release of several films, and that had a trickle-down effect on box office performance as well. But this year, we have witnessed renewed interest, with films across multiple genres performing well.

Historically, horror has been a promising genre for Hollywood films in India. We have seen that with The Conjuring universe, the Evil Dead series, etc. Hence, Obsession performing well was not a surprise, especially because the film had incredibly positive word of mouth not just in India but globally. Today, in a connected world, when people start praising a movie, we see that sentiment translating into the Indian box office as well. That’s what happened with Obsession.

Meanwhile, Michael also did well. Project Hail Mary caught the imagination of Indian audiences because of its visuals and subject. And now, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the biggest Hollywood film ever in India. It is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which tends to perform very well in the country. Its performance has further increased our expectations from Avengers: Doomsday.

Hence, December looks very promising from an exhibitor’s point of view. Besides Avengers: Doomsday, we also have Dune: Part Three and Jumanji: Open World. Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a very strong year for the industry.

Besides Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three and Jumanji: Open World, Shah Rukh Khan’s King also releases around the same time. Will it be a challenge to divide shows among these four anticipated films? When it comes to programming, it’s ultimately about demand. The idea is to allot more shows to the films that audiences want to watch. To give you an example, Toxic and Hanuman Ansh were playing in cinemas at the same time. Toxic was expected to be a huge grosser, while Hanuman Ansh, despite having released three weeks earlier, was gradually gaining momentum around the same time. Our programming accordingly evolved based on what the audiences were demanding.

What are your hopes from Ramayana? All of us Indians have grown up being mesmerized by the story of the Ramayana. Its theme of good versus evil resonates with audiences across the country. Hence, our expectations from Ramayana are very high.

It is mounted on such a massive scale that we believe it has the potential to become the biggest film the Indian film industry has ever seen. And it’s not just about India. The film also has the ability to take Indian culture and heritage to audiences across the world.

Any final thoughts? 2026 looks set to be the best-ever year for the Indian film industry. It will probably be the first time that the box office in India crosses the Rs. 15,000 crores mark. What is particularly encouraging is that the contribution is not coming from just a handful of blockbusters; a lot of small and medium-budget films are also doing very well. That’s one trend that has given us a lot of confidence.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama: Ramayana makers unveil BTS glimpse on actor’s birthday

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the deepfake controversy involving Janhvi Kapoor and the song ‘Chuttamalle’, and the celebrity reaction that followed. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he shared his views on how the matter has been handled.

Varma wrote, "The only thing all the celebrities succeeded in, is to publicise and thereby make crores and crores of people see the objectionable link.. The smart thing would have been to concentrate on catching the perpetrator and publicise that.. Instead what they did is to tweet and bring enormous attention to the victim's identity and the offensive content which is also a crime."

The only thing all the celebrities succeeded in , is to publicise and thereby make crores and crores of people see the objectionable link ..The smart thing would have been to concentrate on catching the perpetrator and publicise that ..Instead what they did is to tweet and bring enormous attention to the victim’s identity and the offensive content which is also a crime — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 4, 2026

In another tweet, he added, "When you can't WIN , you should JOIN …. . If you fight A I , it will ERASE you out of EXISTENCE." In essence, Varma's view is that a call for action against those spreading the AI-generated version would have been a better approach than a wave of public condemnation.

When you can’t WIN , you should JOIN …. . If you fight A I , it will ERASE you out of EXISTENCE 😔 — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 5, 2026

For the past few days, Janhvi has been at the centre of a social media storm after a deepfake AI video depicting the actress in an inappropriate manner, made from the ‘Chuttamalle’ song, began circulating on the platform. The actress penned a long note on Monday, 5 October, condemning the act and expressing her disappointment over such cybercrimes.

Janhvi has received strong support from her fans and followers. Her Devara co-star Jr NTR, with whom she featured in the ‘Chuttamalle’ song, also took to the platform to post a scathing message. He was followed by several big names from the South industry, including megastar Chiranjeevi.

The episode has brought two approaches into focus. One, reflected in the reaction of Janhvi and her supporters, is to publicly condemn deepfake abuse and stand with the victim. The other, voiced by Varma, is to prioritise tracking down and acting against the perpetrator while avoiding further spread of the content. Both positions come from the shared concern that AI misuse is a serious problem, though they differ on how best to respond.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor condemns morphed AI video from Devara Part 1 song ‘Chuttamalle’: “Consent, choice and respect for a woman’s body should be basic”

The leading heroine in Ayushmann Khurrana’s Mupapa has been revealed. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that Shreyaa Chaudhry, who has steadily established herself as one of the most promising actors of her generation through acclaimed performances in Prime Video’s Bandish Bandits and The Mehta Boys, is paired opposite Khurrana in Yash Raj Films and Posham Pa Pictures’ upcoming genre-bending thriller.

Known for her natural performances and ability to bring depth and emotion to her characters, Shreyaa has built a strong connection with audiences through a diverse body of work. Her performances across both seasons of Bandish Bandits were appreciated for their natural and relatable portrayal, while The Mehta Boys further showcased her versatility and ability to take on layered characters. With Mupapa, Shreyaa takes another significant step forward in her career.

Directed by Kaala Paani fame Sameer Saxena, Mupapa is produced by Akshaye Widhani (CEO, Yash Raj Films) and Posham Pa Pictures, the banner Sameer co-founded with Biswapati Sarkar, Saurabh Khanna and Amit Golani. The film marks the first theatrical collaboration between the studio and the production house. Although the plot details of the project are strictly kept under wraps, it's expected to deliver an incredibly new visual experience for people in theaters, while promising to keep the audience at the edge of their seats from the word go. The film is presently in the post-production stage and is slated for a release in cinemas on February 19, 2027.

In another significant career development, Shreyaa Chaudhry has also been signed for exclusive management by YRF Talent, marking a new chapter in her professional journey. She now joins the talent management arm of Yash Raj Films, which represents an impressive roster of established stars and some of the most promising names from the new generation, including Rani Mukerji, Ayushmann Khurrana, Sonam Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, Sharvari, Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, among others.

Also Read: Yash Raj Films and Posham Pa Pictures’ first theatrical collaboration starring Ayushmann Khurrana is titled Mupapa, set to release on Feb 19, 2027

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna recently opened up about love, marriage and relationships during a candid conversation with Prakhar Gupta on his podcast. While discussing how relationships evolve over time, the couple shared their thoughts on making conscious efforts for loved ones and the importance of expressing affection, even when partners may feel they already understand each other.

Rashmika explained that while a relationship should not feel like something one person has to constantly “drive”, partners must continue making small efforts for each other. She said, “But also, you know, can I just give you two bits into it? I completely agree with you that you can't be the driver. It has to just be an automobile where it's just, like, going by itself. But also, we human beings always need to keep making efforts for those people who we love, because very often, we make a lot of effort for everyone else other than the people at our own house.”

She further pointed out how some of the simplest expressions of affection can gradually disappear in a long-term relationship. Rashmika said, “I keep thinking that, you know, very soon after you get married, some very basic things you stop telling each other, like 'good morning', or 'are you doing well?' or 'how is your day?' It goes into, 'Huh, my partner already knows now, what's the point of saying it?' And then it could go into, like, 'Why haven't I heard this in such a long time?' And then things in life would be, you know, driving us into different aspects in life generally.”

Rashmika added that these small gestures remain important regardless of how long two people have been together. “So, I feel like efforts, no matter how into the relationship you are, or into the marriage you are, or even if you have kids together, I still feel like those little efforts should be made for each other. And that is love. It's not like... it should be effortless, but also you need to do these things because you want to do these things. And that's something that I believe in love.”

Vijay then revealed how Rashmika herself makes it a point to express her feelings frequently. He said, “No, no, no. She is very clear about it. Yeh toh humare... hum sabse mature hai relationships ke bare mein (She is the most mature one about a relationship compared to all of us). Look at how she is talking. She makes sure she tells me 'I love you' at least 10-15 times a day. And she tells me that it's important that I express. I constantly feel it, but I shouldn't feel like, 'Okay, he knows, and I don't need to say it.'”

Rashmika's point actually made a lot of sense to me. A relationship doesn't stay strong just because two people love each other. It survives because both people keep putting in the small efforts every single day.

And the way Vijay said Rashmika reminds him to say "I love you" and never stop doing the little things... that's probably why their bond feels so genuine. Sometimes it's really the small things that keep a relationship alive.

— Himanshu Yadav (@HimashuYadav07) October 4, 2026

The actor also credited Rashmika for reminding him to communicate those seemingly small but meaningful feelings. “And she tells me, which makes me aware that because we are so caught up in life, sometimes you can forget these smaller, simpler but important things. So, she is the one who actually made me... mujhe toh 4-5 saal kya hai gaadi auto mein ja sakte hai, pata chala main chala gaya (I could have gone on autopilot for four-five years, and before I knew it, I would have gone too far).”

Meanwhile, Ranabaali also stars Arnold Vosloo and several Indian and international actors. The period drama marks Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna’s third film together after Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade. It also marks their first onscreen appearance following their marriage in February 2026.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda praises Rashmika Mandanna’s Mysaa teaser: “Just no more injuries please”

Janhvi Kapoor has spoken out against the circulation of a morphed AI-generated video featuring her from the Devara Part 1 song ‘Chuttumalle’. The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media, with the actress once again becoming a victim of digital manipulation. Janhvi, who has previously spoken about being targeted by deepfake technology, took to Instagram to condemn the misuse of technology and the violation of women’s consent.

In a detailed note, Janhvi highlighted how the objectification of women through manipulated digital content has become an increasingly serious concern. She wrote, “The criminal misuse of technology to objectify women and circulate fictionalised content without consent is deeply violating, bordering on sexual assault. Almost every woman in my industry has faced some version of this, and women everywhere are increasingly being subjected to it,” her note read and continued, “Consent, choice and respect for a woman's body should be among the most basic notions of humanity. Yet somehow, they continue to be treated as complicated. They are not.”

Janhvi further explained that consent cannot be assumed or taken for granted under any circumstances. Drawing an analogy, she wrote, “It is surprising that it still seems too nuanced for some people to understand that even if a woman says yes five days in a row and no on the sixth, that no must be respected. If she happens to wear a miniskirt, it does not give anyone permission to put a camera up her skirt, capture violating angles or visually exploit her body. What a woman is comfortable with, where she draws the line and what she chooses to do with her body are decisions that belong exclusively to her. This is basic.”

The actress also placed the incident within the larger conversation around women’s safety, saying that the threat of violation has now extended into the digital space. “This goes far beyond the ai videos I have dealt with over the last few days, or anything I have personally experienced throughout my career. It is about the larger reality of being a woman, the gaze, the judgement, the constant negotiation for safety, and the feeling that our boundaries somehow remain open to interpretation. That threat has now expanded into the digital sphere, when we have not even adequately addressed the very real, physical fear that continues to disrupt the lives of women every day,” she said.

Janhvi also stressed that the responsibility cannot solely be placed on women to protect themselves - “The answer cannot simply be to "protect your daughter." we also need to undo the conditioning that makes people believe they are entitled to violate somebody else's boundaries in the first place. And part of that change will come from exemplary men with the moral compass and the spine to say clearly what is right and what is wrong.”

The actress thanked her Devara co-star NTR Jr., along with Chiranjeevi, Vijay Deverakonda and Khushbu Sundar, for speaking up against the incident and supporting her. She expressed, “I am deeply touched by NTR sir for taking such a strong stand and condemning this violation. Thank you, sir. When someone whom millions look up to speaks up about something that may not directly concern him, it makes a difference to every woman who has experienced some degree of this behaviour.” “Thank you also to Chiranjeevi sir, Vijay and Khushbu ma'am for amplifying that sentiment and calling for action against this mentality and these immoral practices,” she added.

She concluded by urging people to reconsider the attitude towards women’s boundaries and choice, “I hope everything unfolding around us right now forces those who participate in any form of harassment to introspect. Is it really too much for a woman to ask to simply be treated and seen as a human being? Her body. Her image. Her boundaries. Her choice.”

Also Read: All about this effortless beauty avatar of Janhvi Kapoor: Actress keeps it understated with concealer, pink blush and nude lips

On September 23, the nominations for the 54th International Emmy Awards were announced and, in a significant achievement for India, the SonyLIV series Real Kashmir Football Club bagged a nomination in the Best Drama Series category. The recognition came as a pleasant surprise for the team, who are understandably on cloud nine. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Simaab Hashmi, the lead writer and an executive producer of Real Kashmir Football Club, spoke about the making of the show, its portrayal of Kashmir, the unexpected Emmy honour, the possibility of Season 2 and a lot more.

Congratulations on the Emmy nomination. This is huge… Thank you so much. We are still in disbelief. Everytime someone calls me and congratulates me, it takes me a second to process that yes, our show has indeed made it to the Emmys! It’s not something you imagine will happen. Someone said that it is TV ka Oscars (laughs).

How did you get associated with the show as a writer and executive producer? I came across a newspaper article about the football club. I was amazed to learn there’s a football team in Kashmir. What further added to my surprise was that a Kashmiri Pandit and a Kashmiri Muslim came together to start this team. It sounded too good to be true. I asked myself, ‘How did this happen and how come nobody knows about it?’. I met a writer friend and told him that we should do something about this story. Meanwhile, I also met a common friend, who eventually become a producer on the show – Vishakha Singh. She also essayed the role of Manav Kaul’s wife. She was completely sold by the idea. We didn’t know whether it would be made into a film or a series, but we definitely wanted to work on it. She asked me to call the owners and get the rights.

I called them, but by then, bahut logon ka call chala gaya tha unko. As you know, Bollywood is always looking for the next great story, right? So, they told me, ‘This person called me, that person called me’. They also said, ‘We are busy. Come and talk to us’. I told Vishakha that we should head to Srinagar. The next day, we were there. We told the owners that we had landed and they couldn’t believe it. I told them, ‘Aapne hi bola tha ki aa jaao’! This was the person whose character was eventually played by Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub bhai. We met him and got a first-hand experience of Kashmiri hospitality. He also introduced me to the Pandit owner, the late Sandeep Chattoo, who is no longer with us.

Then, we kept going back and spent months there. We have heard so many stories about Kashmir that are told from an outsider’s perspective. We were clear that until we understood what the people were really like, we shouldn’t make this series. We would stay in people’s homes because they were so warm and inviting.

Later, we met Kilian Kerwin, the seasoned producer of Delhi Crime. He loved the subject and immediately said, ‘We are making the show’. We met a lot of platforms, but since this was a very different story, we would often be told, ‘Kashmir ki story toh yeh nahin lag rahi hai’. My response was, ‘Exactly! That’s why it should be made. It’s not a regular tale of Kashmir’. It’s a story of hope, contrary to the dark tales that we have usually seen set in the Valley. Thankfully, Kilian believed in the idea and decided to put money into it. So, we made the show without having a platform on board.

Kilian brought in Mahesh Mathai, the legendary ad filmmaker, as the director. He became the captain of the ship and guided us throughout. Once the show was completed, SonyLIV came on board. They were great partners; Danish Khan, Saugata Mukherjee and the whole team were very excited about the show. The rest is history, especially after what has happened with the Emmy nomination.

Were Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul the original choices for the roles of Sohail Meer and Shirish Kemmu? They were the only two choices. Nowadays, we hear that ‘Yeh banda famous hai. Iske kaafi Instagram followers hain. Isko cast kar lo’. But that’s not how we functioned. Manav Kaul is a Kashmiri himself. When we met him, we instantly realized that he would be apt. The same applied to Zeeshan. Both actors are great; it was surprising that they had never worked together.

They were very collaborative. We would make up scenes on the set. Mahesh sir was so nice and liberal that he would tell us, ‘You boys just figure it out’! Me, Manav bhai and Zeeshan would then sit in the van and be like ‘Iss scene ko aise karte hai’. So, we did tweak some of the scenes.

Can you give us an example of a scene which was improvised on the set? After the wedding takes place on the football ground, there’s a confrontation scene between Manav bhai and Zeeshan about the future of the club. That scene was very different initially. We had doubts about whether it was working or not. While the production team was setting up the scene, Zeeshan, Manav bhai, Kilian and I sat together and created a new version of it. Then, Mahesh sir came in and added his magic sprinkle on top of it.

How did the people of Kashmir react to the show? I can’t tell you the number of people who have reached out. Even while we were making the show and doing our research, everyone was so happy that we were telling a story about the football club. After the show was released, several local personalities, including RJs, reached out to me on Instagram or somehow got my number and messaged me, ‘Thank you, Simaab, for showing us how we actually are’! Some even remarked, ‘The normal day-to-day life that we have has never been represented on celluloid’.

From the start, my idea was that mujhe Kashmiri ke kitchen ki kahaani jaanni hai. Their lives are just like ours, and the same goes for their joys and troubles. Of course, they have larger problems as well, but I wanted to depict the human experience of a Kashmiri. The best way I can put it is that Kashmiris felt represented.

I met so many women there who are working, running businesses and leading their families. We have rarely seen that represented in popular culture. Even though our show is about a men’s football team, each and every female character was very important. Some of them were even leading certain tracks in the show.

For the first time in my life, I heard Kashmiri abuses, thanks to your show… (Laughs) We used to hang out with a lot of Kashmiri boys. We noticed that while talking among themselves, they would use choicy words! I would ask them what they meant. They would say, ‘Yeh so-and-so Hindi gaali ka Kashmiri equivalent hain’! I would note everything down. Adhir Bhat, who is also a Kashmiri, wrote the dialogues and helped us figure out the correct words to use.

How many days did it take to shoot Real Kashmir Football Club? I know it feels like a very long show, but we finished the shoot in record time – just 55 days! And this was despite all the football sequences, which involved so many different angles, setups and cameras. One thing I learnt was that shooting football is like shooting action!

Will there be a Season 2? After all, the show ends by informing viewers that Real Kashmir Football Club had another round of success two years after the events shown in the first season, in 2018… There are a lot of stories about the club that remain untold. Our show came out last December and suddenly, people are now texting and calling me to say, ‘This is such a good show’. So, I am hoping that the Emmy honour may lead us to a second season. We have plenty of stories left to tell.

I remember once I randomly told Sandeep Chattoo, ‘Sir, this is such a fairy tale story’. He replied, ‘Let me correct you that this is not a fairy tale story. Fairy tales come to an end, while Real Kashmir is forever’. So, we hope to tell more stories from Kashmir.

Mona Singh has begun shooting for her next film in the UK, continuing a busy year that has seen the actor take on multiple roles across different projects. After appearing in six distinct roles in 2026, Singh has now started work on another feature film.

The actor took to social media to share a glimpse from the film’s picturesque shooting location in the Cotswolds. Along with the post, Mona expressed her excitement about being part of the project and hinted at its unconventional approach to filmmaking. She captioned the post: "This project/movie feels special and unprecedented , its because we have thrown out the old rule book. #actorslife #cotswold #makingmovies #instamood #oct2026".

Her note suggests that the upcoming film will take a different approach to storytelling, moving away from conventional narrative formats. While details about the project are currently under wraps, her post offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the film.

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  A post shared by Mona Singh (@monajsingh)

As per reports, the film is directed by Vikas Bahl and features an ensemble cast of Indian and international actors, musicians and performers. The story is reportedly set in Britain in the early 1990s and explores the period when the UK Punjabi music movement was beginning to take shape.

The film is set against a time when a generation growing up between cultures was finding its voice through music and performance. The narrative reportedly traces this period through garages, backrooms, pirate radio stations and underground gigs, reflecting the emergence of a cultural movement that would go on to shape the experiences of a generation.

With production now underway in the Cotswolds, further details about the cast, storyline and release plans are awaited.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahl’s next stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh, Alizeh Agnihotri; based on the explosive rise of Punjabi music in 90s UK

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta about their journey and experience of working on the music of some important films in their career. Ramesh Taurani also spoke of an embarrassing experience involving Suniel Shetty ad the beginning their journey.

Ramesh Taurani revealed, “I bought music rights of two films from Firoz Nadiadwala – Ram Shastra (1995) and one more film starring Anil Kapoor. Anil’s film was never made and we adjusted the money in Ram Shastra. After I paid him for the music rights of his two films, he announced three more films the next day. One film starred Suniel Shetty and he had just arrived in the industry. Firoz Nadiadwala asked me to acquire the music rights of those three films as well. I told him, ‘I don’t want’. When he asked the reason, I replied, ‘Kyunki aapki picture mein hero toh Suniel Shetty hai’. This happened in 1990 or 1991. We were new; we didn’t know that we couldn’t talk in this way.”

Ramesh raised laughs as he said, “One hour later, I got a call from Jatin Rajguru, the secretary of Suniel Shetty. He said, ‘Suniel wants to meet you’. I asked them to come to our office. He came in an hour and told me, ‘Sir, aap aisa mat bolo ki Suniel Shetty ki picture nahin lenge’. I confessed that I did say that but also assured him that I would buy the rights of his next two films. Those two films were Raghuveer (1995) and Takkar (1995). We were also involved in the music sittings. Takkar’s song ‘Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum’ is popular even today.”

Ramesh Taurani remarked, “It was a lesson that taught us ki industry mein kya nahin bolna chahiye!”

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani reveals how his Rs. 5 lakh cheque helped Salman Khan get paid and kickstarted Patthar Ke Phool – a film that was NEVER supposed to be made

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta about their journey and experience of working on the music of some important films in their career. At the beginning, Ramesh Taurani said, “The first film whose music rights we acquired was Gunahon Ka Devta (1990). We paid Rs. 2.25 lakhs for it. We both didn’t sleep for 2 nights as we had paid Rs. 25,000 to the makers. Then we wondered, ‘Inko Rs. 2 lakhs chukayenge kaise?’ (laughs)! We also bought the music rights of Elaan-E-Jung (1989), which, again was an action film. We wanted to prove ourselves. So, we installed 6 hoardings for this film in Mumbai, in places like Bandra, Juhu, etc. Imagine a music company putting up posters, that too of an action film. But it worked as it sparked a discussion among filmmakers. They felt ki ‘Yeh toh acchi music company hai’!”

Ramesh continued, “Then, we bagged the rights of Patthar Ke Phool (1991). Bhagyashree took the full credit for Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). 3 months after its release, Salman Khan didn’t have any film in its pipeline. That’s when Salim saab asked G P Sippy saab to announce that he was producing Salman’s next film. He told Sippy saab, ‘Bhale aap picture mat banao lekin aapke announcement se ek boost milega’.”

Ramesh Taurani revealed, “It was in Film Information magazine where I read that G P Sippy has signed Salman Khan. The news got published on Saturday and on Monday, I was in G P Sippy saab’s office. I expressed the desire to acquire the music rights. I asked him, ‘Have you signed any music director?’. He replied, ‘No’. I then asked if he had got a lyricist on board. He told me, ‘We haven’t done that either’. I requested him to get the Maine Pyar Kiya team again – music director Raamlaxman, lyricist Dev Kohli, and singers S P Balasubrahmanyam and Lata Mangeshkar! I told him, ‘Yeh combination hi aap lena. Aap bataiye aapka price kya hai?’.”

Ramesh added, “G P Sippy saab confessed that he hadn’t given much thought to the music and asked me to meet him after 2 days. Meanwhile, he was in touch with Viveck Vaswani, who wished to make an Rs. 80 lakh project called Patthar Ke Phool. Viveck wanted to sign Salman Khan and Ravi Tandon’s daughter, Raveena Tandon. Sippy saab initially declined, saying that it was a small project while they were used to making big-budget films. But after he met me, he felt, ‘Music ka aadmi aa gaya kheeli ek announcement pe. Toh iss project ko active karte hain’ (smiles).”

Ramesh Taurani stated, “Hence, he called Viveck Vaswani and the next day, he met Raamlaxman and discussed his fees. He asked for Rs. 12 lakhs. A day later, G P Sippy saab met me and told me, ‘Woh bahut mehenga hai. Rs. 12 lakh maanga’. Those days, Anand-Milind’s music rights used to be sold for Rs. 2-3 lakhs, while Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music rights were sold in the range of Rs. 3-5 lakhs. I was in a spot as I was the one who had suggested Raamlaxman’s name! Finally, we negotiated and bought the rights for Rs. 10 lakhs.”

Ramesh then said, “We gave G P Sippy saab the first cheque amounting to Rs. 5 lakhs. From that amount, payments were made to Salman, Raveena and Salim saab, who was also the film’s writer. That’s how the film went on floors!”

Also Read: Lyricist Mehboob reacts to ‘Humma Humma’ remake in OK Jaanu: “NOT very happy with the idea of remixes…we have great creative minds, so why not make something new?”

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta about their journey and experience of working on the music of some important films in their career. Ramesh Taurani also spoke of an embarrassing experience involving Suniel Shetty ad the beginning their journey.

Ramesh Taurani revealed, “I bought music rights of two films from Firoz Nadiadwala – Ram Shastra (1995) and one more film starring Anil Kapoor. Anil’s film was never made and we adjusted the money in Ram Shastra. After I paid him for the music rights of his two films, he announced three more films the next day. One film starred Suniel Shetty and he had just arrived in the industry. Firoz Nadiadwala asked me to acquire the music rights of those three films as well. I told him, ‘I don’t want’. When he asked the reason, I replied, ‘Kyunki aapki picture mein hero toh Suniel Shetty hai’. This happened in 1990 or 1991. We were new; we didn’t know that we couldn’t talk in this way.”

Ramesh raised laughs as he said, “One hour later, I got a call from Jatin Rajguru, the secretary of Suniel Shetty. He said, ‘Suniel wants to meet you’. I asked them to come to our office. He came in an hour and told me, ‘Sir, aap aisa mat bolo ki Suniel Shetty ki picture nahin lenge’. I confessed that I did say that but also assured him that I would buy the rights of his next two films. Those two films were Raghuveer (1995) and Takkar (1995). We were also involved in the music sittings. Takkar’s song ‘Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum’ is popular even today.”

Ramesh Taurani remarked, “It was a lesson that taught us ki industry mein kya nahin bolna chahiye!”

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani reveals how his Rs. 5 lakh cheque helped Salman Khan get paid and kickstarted Patthar Ke Phool – a film that was NEVER supposed to be made

Actor Ranveer Singh has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during a mid-air emergency involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.

The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when it was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a violent confrontation in the cockpit. Captain Smit Machchhar sustained injuries during the incident but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and help bring the situation under control.

The aircraft, which was carrying over 170 people, was subsequently brought under control and landed safely. The incident drew attention to the captain’s actions during the emergency.

Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram Stories to share a picture of Captain Machchhar and acknowledge his bravery. The actor wrote, “CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS”, accompanied by a salute emoji and the Indian flag emoji.

Through his social media post, Ranveer expressed his appreciation for the captain’s actions during the incident.

The Flydubai incident has since drawn attention to the events aboard the flight and the actions taken by the cockpit crew and passengers before the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: CBFC orders 45-50 cuts for Dhurandhar The Revenge’s TV Premiere; U/A 16+ version is 10 minutes shorter

Emraan Hashmi has added another luxury SUV to his enviable car collection. The actor recently took delivery of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, reportedly worth Rs. 4.3 crore, and pictures of him posing with his new set of wheels outside his residence have been doing the rounds on social media.

The purchase comes at an interesting time for the actor, who has had a significant box office outing with Awarapan 2. The film's entry into the Rs. 100 crore club marks an important milestone in Emraan's career, which spans over two decades. With his upcoming film Gunmaaster G9 also generating interest, the new SUV is being seen as a celebratory addition to his garage.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 is among the most sought-after luxury SUVs in India. Mercedes-Benz India introduced the imported AMG version in 2024 at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 3.60 crore, with reports suggesting that its first batch was sold out even before the vehicles arrived in the country. Under the hood, the SUV packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 240 kmph.

Emraan's latest acquisition further expands a garage that already boasts some impressive names. Earlier this year, the actor added a Range Rover Autobiography to his collection. His previous automobiles have also included a Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, a Lamborghini Huracan and a Maybach S560.

Known for his fondness for automobiles, Emraan's latest purchase is yet another glimpse into his passion for luxury cars, with the Mercedes-AMG G63 now joining his impressive collection.

Also Read: SCOOP: Jannat 2 duo Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda likely to reunite for an action thriller by Sajid Nadiadwala

In November 2022, Drishyam 2 was among the first major films of the post-pandemic era to witness post-midnight and early morning shows, as theatres responded to the tremendous demand for the Ajay Devgn-led thriller. Four years later, history is repeating itself with Drishyam The Conclusion. The much-awaited third instalment of the franchise is all set for a historic opening today, October 2, and the unprecedented demand is already visible in the way exhibitors have opened up post-midnight shows even before release day.

Unlike Drishyam 2, where several post-midnight shows were added only in the second half of the opening day, exhibitors have acted much earlier this time. Realizing that the advances for Day 1 are exceptionally strong and anticipating historic collections, several theatres began opening bookings for post-midnight shows as early as October 1, a day before the film's release.

In Mumbai and the surrounding areas, post-midnight shows have been opened at PVR Lower Parel, Cinepolis Seawoods, Metro Inox, Inox R City Ghatkopar, Maxus Borivali, Inox Malad, PVR Oberoi Mall Goregaon, PVR Phoenix Market City Kurla, PVR Juhu, PVR Citi Mall Andheri, Inox Sky City Mall Borivali, PVR Chakala, PVR Orion Panvel, PVR Palava, Cinepolis Bhandup, Funcity Big Cinema Ulhasnagar, Inox Raghuleela Kandivali, Cinepolis Andheri, PVR Infiniti Andheri, PVR Infiniti Malad and Miraj Dombivali.

Interestingly, Maxus Bhayander has gone a step further and is showing Drishyam The Conclusion practically round the clock. The cinema has scheduled shows at 12:35 am, 1:05 am, 2:05 am, 3:05 am, 4:05 am and 5:05 am, making it a 24/7 affair for the film.

The trend isn't restricted to Mumbai. In Pune, post-midnight shows have been opened at Inox Megaplex Wakad, PVR Phoenix Market City, Cinepolis Seasons Mall, Inox Chinchwad, PVR Icon The Pavilion, PVR Hinjawadi, PVR Kumar Pacific, Inox Jai Ganesh Akurdi, Inox Royal Heritage Mall, Inox Royal Heritage Mall and Inox Bund Garden Road. In Ahmedabad, the film has also begun getting post-midnight shows at Connplex Prahladnagar, Classic Cinema Gandhinagar, PVR Motera, Connplex SBR, The Cinestar Miniplex SP Ring Road and CLEXA.

More cinemas across different cities are also expected to add post-midnight shows as the day progresses, especially given the strong advance booking response. The unprecedented demand for Drishyam The Conclusion has clearly prompted exhibitors to start adding shows much earlier than they did for Drishyam 2, setting the stage for a potentially historic opening for the franchise.

The other interesting aspect is the high-ticket pricing. Despite the steep rates, there is tremendous demand among audiences to watch Drishyam The Conclusion as soon as possible. As per exhibition sources, theatres have been asked to price tickets for the film on par with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Dhurandhar The Revenge.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC clears Drishyam The Conclusion WITHOUT a single cut; is 8 minutes longer than Drishyam 2

Indian cinema’s premier leading ladies are continually redefining international style standards, bringing high-octane glamour, sharp tailoring, and rich sartorial heritage to prestigious global stages. From the historic fashion capitals of Paris and London to star-studded international red carpets in Cannes, Milan, and Riyadh, these powerhouse actors have established themselves as undeniable global fashion icons. This list highlights five leading Indian actresses who truly aced international fashion events, perfectly combining high-fashion couture with confident individuality.

Deepika Padukone: ⁠Making a striking impression at Paris Fashion Week for the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2025 presentation (#LVFW25), global House Ambassador Deepika Padukone exuded timeless, old-world Parisian sophistication in a sharply tailored light-grey trench coat featuring an oversized white lapel collar, styled effortlessly with dark leather gloves, sheer black tights, classic pumps, and a statement wide-brimmed white hat.

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Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Stepping out for an exclusive, star-studded evening with Bvlgari in Milan, Italy, Priyanka Chopra Jonas commanded the room in a dramatic, body-sculpting black mermaid gown designed with a plunging sweetheart neckline and an avant-garde folded shoulder accent, beautifully offset by a sparkling high-jewelry diamond necklace and a sleek pulled-back updo.

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Kriti Sanon: Taking front-row center stage at London Fashion Week for the Burberry show, Kriti Sanon defined autumn-winter chic in a structured dark mocha-brown textured trench coat thoughtfully styled with an eye-catching geometric teal scarf tucked along the neckline, an updoupdoop-knotd a sleek luxury shoulder bag.

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Alia Bhatt: Gracing the opening night of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on behalf of global beauty giant L'Oréal Paris, Alia Bhatt delivered pure fairytale romance on the French Riviera in a soft blush-pink strapless gown with a deep plunge neckline, seamlessly anchored by a light, flowing sheer train draped elegantly around her arm.

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Shraddha Kapoor: Representing Indian cinema at the prestigious Joy Awards during Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, Shraddha Kapoor fused regal Indian tradition with modern Middle Eastern couture in a mesmerizing black saree-style gown lavishly detailed with intricate gold metallic hand-embroidery across the bodice, sheer sleeves, and trailing pallu.

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With these standout international appearances, these actors continue to elevate Indian talent on the global fashion stage, proving that whether on the red carpet or front row at fashion week, their sartorial choices remain undeniably world-class.

Also Read: From Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone to Bhumi Pednekar: Bollywood actresses who turned heads at global fashion events

Bigg Boss 20 Week 4 has had its share of fights, nominations, task drama and shifting equations, but the overall energy inside the house has remained relatively subdued. With Friday set for the Weekend Ka Vaar shoot, there are several issues from the week that deserve to be put under the spotlight. From Love Gill’s increasingly complicated group dynamics to Gullu’s captaincy and Qazi Touqeer’s growing disconnect with his own allies, here are four things Salman Khan should address.

1. Love Gill needs to STOP playing peacemaker at her own expense Love Gill’s biggest problem right now may not be her game, but her tendency to constantly keep the peace within her group.

Across the past few weeks, Love has repeatedly found herself apologising to her friends and group members after confrontations. One of the earliest examples came after Yung DSA lost his life, with the group suspecting that Gullu had played a role in the decision. At the same time, Gullu’s equation with Love, including their flirting, appeared to create discomfort among some members of the group.

Aamrapali Dubey subsequently confronted Love over the situation. While Love initially stood her ground, she eventually apologised to Aamrapali.

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A similar pattern emerged when Aasif Khan expressed his frustration over Love seemingly prioritising Scout OP and Yung DSA and relying more heavily on their opinions.

The latest incident involving Yung was even more telling. After Love danced on Gullu’s bed, Yung made a comment that she found inappropriate. Love confronted him, but the situation escalated, with Aamrapali also getting involved. Love eventually apologised to Yung.

The most interesting part is that Love herself has admitted to Aasif that she does not feel she can completely be herself within the group.

That is precisely where Salman could ask her to take a step back and assess her game. Being diplomatic is one thing, but constantly trying to keep everyone happy can prevent a contestant from establishing an individual identity. Love has shown that she can stand her ground. The question is whether she will continue doing so when it comes at the cost of keeping her group happy. 2. Gullu needs to move beyond the safety net of captaincy Kushal Tanwar, aka Gullu, entered the Bigg Boss house with expectations attached to him. As a winner of MTV Roadies XX: Double Cross, he already had a reality-show history built around tasks, strategy and confrontations.

Yet, three weeks into Bigg Boss 20, his contribution to the central drama has often felt quieter than expected.

His biggest advantage has been his position as captain. Gullu has managed to keep himself safe for two consecutive weeks, but that also means his game has not been tested in the same way as several other contestants.

Salman had already questioned Gullu during the previous Weekend Ka Vaar after he failed to take a strong stand while serving as sanchalak during the diss battle. Bigg Boss also took a dig at him over his relatively passive approach.

This week, Gullu became captaincy contender again, but even his leadership came under scrutiny. During the housemates' rose-based assessment of his captaincy, several contestants criticised him for being careless, people-pleasing and insufficiently strict. The messy-house footage shown by Bigg Boss further added to the criticism.

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Salman does not necessarily need to question Gullu simply because he has not been involved in every fight. Instead, the bigger question is whether he is using his position to actively shape the game.

If Gullu wants to establish himself beyond the captain's badge, this could be the week to ask him to take more decisions, drive tasks and take clear positions instead of relying on safety. 3. The entire house needs a wake-up call If there is one larger issue Salman should address, it is the overall energy of the house.

Week 4 has had individual incidents, but very few moments have managed to sustain momentum. The ration and captaincy task created some conflict, the Love-Yung argument added another layer to the group dynamics and Qazi's remarks sparked a confrontation with Kanika. Beyond these moments, however, the house has often felt quieter than it should at this stage of the season.

That is where a larger Weekend Ka Vaar intervention could help.

Kanika Mann, in particular, is an interesting case. She has had strong opinions on several issues and has not shied away from calling out behaviour she disagrees with. Her objection to Qazi's use of the word “lollipop” during their interaction was one example. However, she has also frequently chosen to discuss her frustrations with the cameras rather than directly with the person involved.

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The latest confrontation with Qazi showed that Kanika is capable of taking the issue directly to the person concerned. That side of her game could potentially be more impactful than repeatedly discussing the same concerns privately.

The same applies to the rest of the house. At this point, the contestants need to realise that simply reacting to one another is not enough. They need to actively play the game. 4. Qazi Touqeer needs to realise what is happening within his own group Qazi Touqeer has been involved in several conversations and confrontations this week, but there is another aspect of his game that could make for an interesting Weekend Ka Vaar discussion.

While Qazi appears to be comfortable with his group, some of the people around him have also been critical of him behind his back.

His recent clash with Kanika over the “lollipop” remark is already one issue Salman could revisit. Kanika had objected to the word earlier, and the matter eventually became a direct confrontation. But beyond that incident, Qazi could benefit from being made aware of how some of his own group members perceive him when he is not around.

The purpose would not simply be to create another fight. Instead, it could force Qazi to reassess his equations and understand whether the people he considers allies view the relationship in the same way.

That could also test how Qazi handles uncomfortable information when it comes directly from Salman rather than through another contestant. This Weekend Ka Vaar needs to shake things up Week 4 has not been completely devoid of drama. There have been nominations, ration cuts, captaincy politics, personal clashes and questions around individual gameplay. However, the bigger issue is that very few contestants have managed to consistently drive the narrative.

That makes this Weekend Ka Vaar particularly important. Love needs to examine whether keeping her group happy is coming at the cost of her individual game. Gullu needs to prove that his captaincy is more than a route to safety. Kanika needs to take her opinions directly to the people involved, while Qazi may need to look more closely at the equations within his own group.

If Salman addresses these issues, the focus can move beyond simply revisiting isolated fights and towards the larger question of how each contestant intends to play Bigg Boss 20 from here.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Rhiti Tiwari evicted in surprise mid-week exit after captaincy task? Here’s what we know!

After impressing audience with Queen (2014), Goodbye (2022) and Shaitaan (2024), Vikas Bahl is all set with his next directorial. The untitled film stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh and Alizeh Agnihotri in lead roles. The coming-of-age drama is set against a defining cultural moment, where a generation of immigrants found belonging, rebellion and a voice through music.

Set in Britain in the early 1990s, the film unfolds against the rise of the UK Punjabi music movement, a turbulent and exhilarating time when a generation growing up between cultures began turning up the volume from garages, backrooms, pirate radio stations and underground gigs.

It was a time when Punjabi dhol collided with basslines and when young Brown artists, with their unique sound, fought their way to music charts, making their whole community visible. Set against this cultural explosion, the film is a coming-of-age story about music, identity, family, friendship and belonging.

The film brings together an ensemble of Indian and international actors, musicians and performers to recreate a moment when an entire generation began to discover that perhaps belonging wasn't something they needed to ask permission for.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana says influencers and YouTubers have changed the definition of stardom: “It used to be exclusive club earlier but not anymore”

Mumbai is gearing up for a glittering global night, and Alia Bhatt will be right at the heart of it. The actor, producer and entrepreneur will be among the leading names from the worlds of film, music, sport and entertainment at The Earthshot Prize 2026 Awards Night, where she will present one of the five Earthshot Prize awards.

The ceremony will bring together 5,000 guests to celebrate people and organisations working on solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Alia will share the stage with Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and British actress and musician Simone Ashley, among other presenters and special guests. The evening will be hosted by Karan Johar, with more names expected to join the celebrations.

For Alia, the night is a chance to applaud the people behind the ideas and solutions driving environmental action around the world. Speaking about the occasion, she said: "The Earthshot Prize is really about hope… but hope that comes with ideas, action and people who are finding new ways forward. That's what makes it so inspiring to be a part of. There are people across the world doing incredible work to protect and repair our planet, often in ways we may never have imagined. And to have Mumbai bring all these people together feels very special. I'm proud that India gets to be part of this moment, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the people behind these solutions and the work they're doing for all of us."

The 2026 Awards Night will also mark the first time the event is streamed globally on Prime Video, with audiences in more than 240 countries and territories able to watch the celebration in more than 40 languages.

On the work front, Alia is preparing for the release of the highly anticipated Love & War, in which she stars alongside real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film will hit cinemas in January 2027. The actress also has Tumbbad 2 in the pipeline, where she will play a key role.

Speaking about The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, it is the world's most prestigious environmental award, created to identify, back and celebrate groundbreaking environmental leadership. Built around five challenges, it aims to discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet.

Also Read: Daughter’s Day 2026: Alia Bhatt quips daughter Raha “bosses everybody around,” as she talks about women’s empowerment at the Mijwan fundraiser